TCWN February 11 - 17, 2023

‘Finishing touches’ on South Caicos airport for March opening

Hopes are high for the completion of the South Caicos Airport by the end of the first quarter (March 31), a decades-old project rife with setbacks that was recommissioned in 2021 by the former PDM government.

This week members of the Cabinet toured the underconstruction airport terminal facility, meeting with the project manager and other workers.

The walk-through of the facility allowed the government officials to see first-hand the work which has been completed and the

finishing touches that are currently underway.

In January 2021, former Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson commissioned a new and structurally sound airport terminal for South Caicos, saying at the time: “This is a day that should bring excitement; however, I can certainly understand any apprehension that residents may feel having had the experiences in relation to a new terminal in South Caicos”.

The project, which has been in the planning stages for over a decade, has encountered many

challenges over the years.

Among the hindrances were the termination of the procurement process by former governor John Freeman in early 2018, and a devastating fire that demolished the temporary terminal facility in March 2020, among other logistical matters.

But despite the setbacks, a new procurement process was completed, a contract was signed, and execution of the project finally got underway in 2021.

During a visit to the facility in May 2022, the current minister of immigration, Hon Arlington Musgrove, and a team examined the ongoing construction works – which in addition to a terminal, includes a new fire hall and maintenance site.

Former Tourism Minister, Ralph Higgs says the government’s plan to dismantle the Tourist Board and establish a Destination Management Organisation (DMO) which will be a public-private partnership (PPP), will further marginalise Turks and Caicos Islanders.

Higgs, who was also a former Director at Turks and Caicos Tourist Board expressed these sentiments after learning that the staff of the Tourist Board received separation letters on Friday, February 3, ending their employment.

“How does the minister expect the staff to feel and perform over the next four months?

“Why not give the staff their monetary package now so they can invest it or use it to prepare themselves for their transition into their own business or new employment? That is thoughtful and the humane thing to do at this time, Madam Minister.

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During that visit, the minister immediately commissioned the erection of a new temporary terminal, stating at the time: “I am not pleased with the progression of this multimillion-dollar project and as such, we need to take the necessary steps to ensure that we obtain value for money.”

The new airport is expected to allow larger aircraft to land, resulting in an increase in passenger numbers, a better, modernised facility for the travelling public of South Caicos, and better facilities for firefighters and firefighting equipment.

Upon completion, the airport will then be able to have the removal of the flight operation restrictions and the accommodation of scheduled international flights. (DELANA ISLES)

The termination letters were handed to some 17 employees of the Tourist Board as the government moves full steam ahead with its plan to transition the board to a DMO aimed at taking marketing and management of TCI’s tourism industry to the next level.

Commenting on the issue which has since sparked outrage on local social media platforms, the former Tourism Minister in a Facebook post chided the incumbent administration for dissolving what he described as “a successful agency” that has been instrumental to the territory’s recognition and success over the years.

He said: “The Hon Minister for Tourism is intentionally misleading TC Islanders about her government’s plans for our country’s leading industry/tourism and about the treatment of the Tourist Board’s staff.

“The only thing the staff of the Tourist Board has received so far from the organisation, along with their separation letters, is complete demoralisation.

“The Hon Minister’s assertion that the new DMO, which will be a Public Private Partnership (PPP), is the answer and not the further marginalisation of our people, is a pipe dream.

“At best her assertion is theoretical and not based in TCI's reality.”

Higgs stressed that public-private partnerships arrangements have not augured well for the territory in the past and is adamant that the government should rethink the management structure of the DMO.

He said: “We have had a number of PPPs here in the TCI and no one can point to a single case where our people haven’t been screwed by them - so much so, that our country cannot enter into a PPP arrangement without the expressed communicated approval of the British Government (HMG).

“This position taken by the British with respect to PPPs in the TCI, I suspect, was not taken because PPPs are bad things (they have their place and purpose).

“However, in our country’s case, this is a requirement by the UK perhaps, because we have been

Government officials tour the South Caicos Airport terminal, expected to be completed soon (TCIG photos)

Former Minister of Tourism, Ralph Higgs

Higgs calls government’s plan for tourism “a pipe dream”

– Says the creation of a DMO will marginalise TCIslanders

Govt aims to make TCI the best visitorcentric destination in the world — Premier

Measures are being put into place to brand TCI as the best visitor-centric destination in the world, according to Premier Hon Washington Misick.

He said that the idea is to ensure that as a tourism destination, TCI is exquisite, inclusive and can sustainably deliver “the highest customer satisfaction”.

The territory’s leader made this comment during the feature address at the American Society Travel Advisors (ASTA) Chapter

Presidents and Board of Directors' annual meeting at Beaches Turks and Caicos on Sunday last.

ASTA is the world's leading association of travel professionals and a global advocate for travel agencies, the travel industry and the travelling public.

At the meeting, the Premier emphasised the value and impact of tourism to the Turks and Caicos Islands and highlighted his government’s commitment to destination management going

forward.

While addressing some of the existing challenges, he stressed that his government is committed to the rapid improvement of user arrival and departure experience at the Howard Hamilton International Airport in Ontario, Canada.

Coupled with this, he also pointed to the strides being made to improve overall visitors' experience at the Providenciales International Airport.

He said: “I am pleased to say that

JSC appoints Dominican to TCI’s Supreme Court

His Lordship, the Hon Justice Davidson Kelvin Baptiste has been appointed by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) as acting Judge of the Supreme Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands for three months.

His Lordship is expected to be sworn in during the week of February 13 and will serve on the bench from February 1 to April 30, 2023.

Born in the Commonwealth of Dominica, Justice Baptiste was admitted to practice in his home nation in 1984 after being called to the Bar in the same year, and then in the British Virgin Islands in 1993.

His Lordship is a graduate of

the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, where he obtained his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Wales. He later obtained his Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago.

Prior to joining the bench, Justice Baptiste served as the State Attorney of Dominica from 1984 to 1986. From 1986 to 1993 he served in the British Virgin Islands as Crown Counsel, Senior Crown Counsel, Additional Magistrate, acting Registrar of the High Court and acting Attorney General.

Upon returning to Dominica, Justice Baptiste practiced privately

before returning to public service in 1995 until 1998 where he served in various capacities including Director of Public Prosecutions and Solicitor General.

From 1997 to 1998 he joined the Bench of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court as an acting High Court Judge assigned to the island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

After serving the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court for a year, he returned to private practice from 1999 to 2001.

In May 2010, His Lordship was appointed as judge of the Court of Appeal of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court after acting in the post from April 2009 to April 2010.

we are making progress towards investing 300 plus million dollars in the construction of a new air terminal here in Providenciales.”

He explained that the three-year construction plan is scheduled to begin at the end of 2023.

Meanwhile, the Minister with responsibility for Tourism, Hon Josephine Connolly expressed to the ASTA the reasons why their travel professionals should encourage travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“The Turks and Caicos Islands is a multi-island destination with each one offering its own unique charm and character, making the TCI, as a whole, a destination that caters to a wide range of travellers.”

Joining the Premier was his wife, First Lady Delthia Misick. The President and CEO of ASTA, Mr Zane Kirby also attended the event along with travel representatives from all 50 states in the USA.

Dominican judge appointed to TCI’s Supreme Court

(From Left: Hon Josephine Connolly, Mr Gary Sadler Exec. VP Sales and Industry Relations for Unique Vacations, First Lady Delthia Misick, Premier Hon C. Washington Misick and Mr Zane Kirby, President & CEO ASTA.

Premier Hon C Washington Misick delivering the keynote address

COMPLIANCE AND REGULATORY ENFORCEMENT

OVER 85 businesses in the TCI will be monitored by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Fair Competition for evidence of price gouging next month. This comes as the Department of Trade gears up to launch its Compliance and Regulatory Enforcement (C.A.R.E) drive in February 2023. The overall objective of the C.A.R.E. campaign is to actively educate providers whilst enforcing the main provisions to protect consumers under the Consumer Protection Ordinance, the Department said in a recent statement on Friday, January 27. The Department of Trade, which is responsible for the promotion and enforcement of the TCI Consumer Protection Ordinance, said it anticipates that the drive will lead to a more predictable and efficient trading environment for both consumers and providers alike. What are your thoughts?

Long overdue

There is a hardware supplier who every time the hurricane was coming would double the price for the much-needed wood to board up the houses on island.

Everyone knows. It is long overdue.

Free market necessary

TCIG’s blundering is suddenly rising. This government has been an excellent improvement, so far! There is an irony as well. You ask this question in the same week that the NYT has two articles about the risk and damage of economic regulation. Older decision-makers will remember the huge debate about regulation in the 70s and 80s. It is hard to regulate without degrading productivity and wealth. Free markets work very well. Health and road safety are examples of sectors in which people ill understand the risk of death and injury. Grocery shopping is an example of a sector in which suppliers and customers are much better informed than regulators and are always more up-to-date.

I guess these regulators will go home and ask their partners about the grocery market. Getting data of the quality required is impossible. That is the case for all markets. But wait! TCIG has already destroyed

our labour and capital markets. Why not finish off consumer markets now? After all the privileged elite will hardly notice until the underclass boils over. Then they can leave for Florida.

A shot in the dark

It would be useful and imperative if the newly created Department of Trade would see as part of its mandate, the ability to deal with competition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is that concept of competition that is hurting native-born Turks and Caicos Islanders. There was a time in the history of the TCI when natives were dominant and the only players in certain business activities. Retail and wholesale trade, with very few exceptions, throughout the islands were under TCIslander's control.

The idea of price gouging is not so much a major issue. Governments come and they go, reduce tariffs on certain items, e.g., building materials during a hurricane and the local stores still increase prices, governments virtually standby and do “nothing”. There is no political pushback for such negligence and callous neglect of the people on the part of the TCI government and the politicians.

TCIslanders value their governments, ministers, MPs and political parties, it seems, more than they value themselves and their own welfare. There is a need, however, for some wider protections in various industries

to be afforded to Turks and Caicos Islanders. Fair Competition rules need to be introduced to protect the native-born in areas such as electrical, plumbing, mechanical etc, the (MEP), trades where millions of dollars change hands.

Business licensing rules now need to eliminate any license in these areas granted to the newly created term by the expat community, the (non-native). What is needed if the Minister responsible for consumer protection, wants to do something tangible, is for him to publish a code of conduct so that the consumer and the merchant may have guidelines to follow. There is no published consumer price index known to the TCI and reliance is made on the overly inflationary US Consumer Price Index, which bears little or no comparison to the TCI. What are they working with? Do they know what they are working with? Is this a shot in the DARK?

Reduce tariffs and taxes first

The TCI consumer, like most in the Caribbean region and the underdeveloped world, is the most disrespected and neglected demographic ever. Food chains target the low-income areas to dump shoddy goods, inclusive of goods nearing the expiry date and past due date and of course prices have skyrocketed. Against what baseline of pricing the CARE Unit would be operating on?

In terms of alleged price gouging, what are they dealing with?

To date there is no indication that the Government has reduced tariffs, taxes or anything else unlike the previous PDM Government- 2016-2021. So what is the point of this exercise? It is not however too late.

This Government, having projected $400m in revenues, a revised and upward estimate based on world demand for TCI tourism, no real marketing effort on the

Government’s part, can reduce taxes in most areas. Here is a start, reduce customs duties on all breadbasket items, remove them altogether, remove stamp duty on land purchases by native TCIs, reduce the telecommunications tax, etc. This government is expecting an unexpected windfall because the COVID bonus continues, and visitors are flocking to the English-speaking region in droves. Resorts are full, monies are coming in and they have enough fiscal space, again not owing to any planning or budgeting on their part, to seriously cut taxes in favour of the TCI consumer. “No-One” is telling them not to police price gouging but this seems like a political ruse to pretend to the public like they are ‘doing something’. Yet ‘nothing’ tangible such as cutting taxes, imports, and customs on breadbasket items, ever went into effect. So how and where they will deal with price gouging?

Consumers need help

A quick read of the Attorney General’s Chambers’ website on the Consumer Protection Ordinance, would show that the minister responsible for consumer protection, presumably the Minister of Finance, carries some powers to do something here. Under s. 16(1) (d.), of that law, the minister or minister in cabinet, carries the actual and overarching power to “regulate the prices at which goods,

Terminated Tourist Board staff received a “fair and generous remuneration package”

—Tourism Minister opines

BY OLIVIA ROSE

Minister of Tourism, Hon Josephine Connolly said employees of the TCI Tourist Board were “given a fair and generous remuneration package” and will have the opportunity to apply for a position at the Destination Management Organisation (DMO).

On Friday, February 3, some 17 employees of the TCI Tourist Board received severance letters ending their employment, as the Government’s plan to dissolve the TCI Tourist Board and transition to a DMO kicks into high gear.

The termination of staff sparked outrage on social media as residents criticised the Government for reneging on its promise that staff would not be made redundant once the DMO is operational.

Many recalled the assurances given by Premier Hon Washington Misick during a meeting last year with staff members, where he promised that no staff would be displaced nor made redundant, as the transition would instead allow for the redefining of roles and responsibilities.

In a statement to the media on Monday, February 6, the Tourism Minister attempted to clarify the matter and dispel some of the inaccuracies contained in a letter publicly circulated regarding the closure of the Tourist Board.

She said: “I wish to assure every resident of Turks and Caicos that this Government will always act in the best interest of every Belonger.

“Our tourism destination has

weathered many storms and our industry’s success can be attributed to the efforts of our professionals at the Tourist Board and the Ministry of Tourism, and to a wide crosssection of residents, stakeholders, and industry partners, supporters, and influencers, here and overseas.”

The Tourism Minister explained that in keeping with the economic development strategy of the government, a decision was made to restructure and modernise the entity responsible for the management and marketing of the tourism sector.

To this end, the Government is in the process of creating a new tourism Destination Management Organisation (DMO) which will replace the current Tourist Board.

She said: “This plan has been in progress for several months and we have taken the time to discuss it with every member of staff of the Tourist Board, to seek their input and to explain the opportunities that would be available to anyone who wished to continue working in the public service.

“With the help of one of our local human resource experts, we have interviewed each of the 17 employees of the Tourist Board, to ensure that no stone is left unturned.

“We know which staff members opted to take positions in the private sector, and which ones expressed an interest in continuing to work in the public service.”

She said: “Each member of staff was “given a fair and generous remuneration package.

“In addition, each member of staff was then given the opportunity to apply for a position in the new DMO, once the final structure of the DMO has been decided and approved.”

PUBLIC/ PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

In an effort to take the territory’s bread and butter industry to new heights, the Tourism Minister disclosed that the DMO will be a public/private partnership aimed at distributing the benefits of the tourism sector across the entire destination.

She said: “It will be what’s known in the industry as a smart DMO; it will utilise state-of-the-art data-management techniques and the latest technology, to identify our best possible target customers.”

The Tourism Minister stressed that copious research reinforces the fact that most successful enterprises are public/private

partnerships.

She said: “Throughout the tourism industry, it is widely known that destinations in the Caribbean and around the world have restructured their tourism entities to reflect the efficiency and innovativeness demanded by today’s highly competitive realities.

“The fact is, Turks and Caicos is well-positioned to build on its successes and well-advised not to simply rely upon them.

Connolly underscored that the territory has a “grand opportunity” to use the success achieved thus far to further catapult to the next level.

She said: “We cannot afford to rest on our laurels, as fortune favours the brave, those who recognise an opportunity and seize the moment.

“The future success of this country and our ability to maintain our position in the world as a highly sought-after destination is dependent on how well we seize this moment to restructure and reposition ourselves not only to meet the needs of today but the tourism demands of tomorrow.

“The robust manner in which tourism destinations have emerged from the doldrums of the pandemic will serve as a reminder to all of us that deliberate, well-targeted and properly resourced tourism entities are the ones most likely to succeed in the future.

“The birth of this powerful new TCI DMO will serve as an example of what a small, developing tourism destination can truly achieve when we work together.

According to the Minister, as

part of its functions, the DMO will conduct many of the tasks currently assigned to the Tourist Board along with a number of essential responsibilities.

She said: “It will be a collaborative effort between the government and the private sector and will be properly funded to meet its objectives.

“It will be a model of effective management and employee efficiency while ensuring financial accountability and transparency.

“It will create a fulfilling and rewarding work environment and will strive to earn public confidence in its ability to meet the growing demands of this highly competitive industry”.

In preparation for the highly anticipated transition, Connolly disclosed that the Government has enlisted the input of industry stakeholders as a critical component of the process of creating the new DMO.

She said: “Stakeholder meetings have been held with a range of public and private stakeholder groups, across all islands; very detailed presentations have been made; reports have been circulated; and a DMO Advisory Committee comprising every sector of the tourism industry has met on eight separate occasions to make inputs into the transition from Tourist Board to DMO and to debate the structure and funding of the DMO”.

The KPMG Tourism Strategy report of 2015 recommended a change in the structure of management of the tourism industry.

Higgs calls government’s plan ...

taken to the cleaners every time we have entered into PPP agreements with the private sector.

CONTINUED 

or any class or description of goods, may be sold whether by wholesale or retail”. Now to show some “seriousness” and political will, they need to recruit and train consumer protection officers from the TCI. Has any of this been done?

To police prices, the Minister needs to have the right team, create a benchmark of pricing on consumer goods, so that these newly recruited and trained inspectors would be

operating within a framework of law and not acting arbitrarily. It would be a good idea as well for the government to give each Turks & Caicos Islander, earning less than $32,000 per annum to be given a monthly stimulus check for at least $1500 so that they could live, breathe and afford higher prices.

Even food vouchers so that they could really shop. Give the people a break.

“Has TCIG secured the blessing of HMG for this proposed PPP and did it sign off on the funding mechanism for the PPP? Is this not using public funds to promote in part private interest?”

Higgs further called on the incumbent Minister to reveal the proposed makeup and structure of the DMO’s Public Private Partnership to the general public.

He said: “Show us how our people will maintain control or retain the final say in how tourism develops in our beautiful country.

“No country dissolves a successful public agency, especially one with an acceptable track record, to privatise it. Such action is viewed with cynicism and is quite often associated with

political cronyism.

“Hon Minister it is true that some destinations in the region have restructured the way tourism is marketed and managed in their country.

“However, I am not aware of a single country in the Caribbean, or in the world for that matter, which has seen the growth that TCI has realised on the small budget the board has had to work with, then demolish the said organisation like you and your government are proposing.”

Higgs stressed that he is not opposed to the government working closely with the private sector when there are areas of “common interest and mutual benefit”.

He continued: “But we must remember that the vast majority of the private sector is all about the bottom line and beholden

only to its shareholders, even at the expense of our people and the destruction of our environment.

“Hon Minister, I am sure that you are aware that there is very little left in the Turks and Caicos Islands which is ours, or that we control.

“Almost all of our prime land, for tourism development, is out of our hands; our economy is largely owned and driven by others, every day we are becoming more irrelevant in our own country.

“Please remember or be aware that he who owns the land, owns the country.

“He who owns the economy controls the country and he who owns the land and controls the economy at the same time—is king.

“We are lacking in all of these areas and one day it will manifest itself undeniably so, be warned”.

Minister of Tourism, Hon Josephine Connolly

Tourist board staff termination is a betrayal of trust

Opposition says

BY DELANA ISLES

The recent termination of several employees at the Tourist Board is being seen as a betrayal of the people’s trust by the PNP government, a move that has historical origins.

Hon Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition has once again strongly voiced his disapproval with the dismantling of the TCI Tourist Board to make way for the government’s much touted Destination Management Organisation (DMO).

Astwood is once again speaking out against the move after 17 tourist board employees were made redundant on February 3, as the government forges ahead with the transition into a DMO.

Although the government had assured employment of the tourist board staff in DMO – provided they reapply for their positions –the opposition leader believes this assurance is nothing but an empty promise. One he said was made when Interhealth Canada came to TCI and a similar transition was undertaken with TCI Hospital.

“This current PNP government,

led by Premier Misick and his Cabinet ministers, has demonstrated an apathetic and uncaring attitude towards our people, the workers of the Tourist Board as it relates to their current and future employment status.

“Additionally, they are saying that the staff was given the chance to apply to the DMO for employment, but we know how that always plays out; we have seen this play out many times before, where persons are asked to apply only to say that Turks and Caicos Islanders were interviewed, and with no intention of hiring them.”

“As the government did with the airport fireman, all the existing staff should simply be reassigned to the DMO,” he encouraged.

This week, the opposition leader said his fears were manifested: “We are now seeing the discharge of the current Tourist Board; the staff is being laid off…which they, the current PNP Government, said last year, during the 2022 Government Budget Debates and on other forums, was not going to happen.

The Hon Premier and his team claim that this is a ‘restructure’ of the tourist board, but we all know

‘demolition’ when we see it.”

He said it is alarming that an elected government could be so “uncaring, and unsympathetic” to their own people who put them in office, and that they can be so “disrespectful and insensitive” to such a cornerstone organisation as the Tourist Board, which has been in existence since the early 70s.

Astwood said he is in full agreement with those who see this dismantling and shutdown of the Tourist Board as a wrong move for TCI, its tourism industry, local people and employees of the board.

He has aligned himself with the comments and commentary of the former Minister of Tourism, Hon Ralph Higgs, and former management staff member Pauline Saunders.

Both have spoken out strongly against the Board being dismantled.

The opposition leader has once again proposed strengthening and enhancing the current staff and the capabilities of the existing Tourist Board, stating that even at this stage, it can still be done.

“Honourable Premier, Madam Minister of Tourism, Cabinet Ministers, it is not too late to

readjust your course and head in the right direction.

“Listen to the people who elected you 14-1. It must be heartbreaking for these employees to bear witness to the occurrence that a government overwhelmingly elected by the people is intentionally destroying their livelihoods in this manner, and it is heartbreaking for the country to see our awardswinning, superstar Tourist Board and staff being treated in such an uncaring and dismissive manner.”

Tourism minister, Hon Josephine Connolly has spoken out amid the chorus of protest stating that the terminated staff have been fairly

remunerated, emphasising again that they were given a chance to reapply for their positions with the DMO.

“A PDM government would not be dismantling the Tourist Board, but rather we would offer advanced and specialised training opportunities to existing staff, enhance performance, greater boost capabilities, strengthen and expand partnerships, and diversify the functioning and structure of the existing Tourist Board and its staff complement, in order for the Board to be fully capable of leading our tourism sector into the future,” Astwood said in response to the minister’s assurances.

Violent rapist Steeve Santana’s appeal dismissed

BY DELANA ISLES

Prosecuting Counsel’s closing speech in a rape trial did not undermine its fairness, appellate court finds in Steeve Santana’s appeal of rape conviction and sentence.

Santana appeared before Hon Justice K. Neville Adderley acting President of the court of appeal, Justice Stanley John and Justice Sir Ian Winder in January to appeal an eight-year sentence and conviction for the violent rape of a woman in 2021.

On July 23, 2021, he was found guilty of rape after a jury trial and was sentenced by Justice LobbanJackson on October 18 the same year.

Santana appealed to the court for his conviction to be quashed on three grounds.

Firstly, Santana’s attorney, Lara Maroof-Misick contended that in the closing speech for the Crown, prosecuting counsel made comments in relation to the medical evidence which were factually misleading and overly emotive thus undermining the fairness of the trial.

On the second ground, MaroofMisick claimed that the trial judge failed to assist the jury with the relevance of the medical evidence in the case, in particular the vaginal injuries during her summing up. Further, that the judge failed to address the misleading statement made by the Prosecution Counsel

in her closing speech.

The third ground of appeal was that prosecuting counsel made inappropriate, overly emotive, and misleading comments in relation to the appellant’s case in her closing speech which undermined the fairness of the trial.

In responding to the appellant’s claim, the Director of Public Prosecution, Eugene Otuonye KC stated that the comments by prosecuting counsel did not serve to distract the attention of the jury from the crucial issue it had to decide, namely: whether or not there was consent.

DISMISSED

In dismissing the appellant’s appeal, the Justices noted that

the crucial issue was whether the remarks of prosecuting counsel were so emotive and exciting to result in the appellant not having a fair trial.

They explained that in examining comments made by prosecuting counsel, similar documented cases have established that the comments must be of such a nature that they overstepped the permissible bounds, causing unfairness in the trial process.

On the other hand, even where comments are overly emotive where the evidence against an appellant is very strong, the court may nevertheless dismiss an appeal.

“In the instant case and upon examination of the comments

complained of, the Court was of the view that prosecuting counsel’s closing speech did not undermine the fairness of the trial nor were the comments emotive or exciting,” the judgement reads.

THE CRIME

The appellant and the female complainant knew each other, as her brother was married to his cousin. The woman lived in the home with her brother and his wife, where Santana was a regular visitor, and had meals there on occasion.

On the day of the incident, March 4, 2021, the appellant visited the shared home between

Leader of the Opposition Hon Edwin Astwood

Former Bishop Clarence Williams’ sexual assault conviction quashed

– new trial ordered

BY DELANA ISLES

The court of appeal has quashed a sexual assault conviction against exBishop Clarence Williams, ordering a new hearing as the fairness of his trial was compromised by improper questions.

The judgement was delivered on Wednesday, February 8, having been heard before the three appellate judges on January 23.

Representing Williams at his appeal were King’s Counsel Jerome Lynch and attorney Mark Fulford, while appearing for the Crown were King’s Counsel Oliver Smith and attorney Tamika Grant.

The complainant in the case is a mentally challenged adult male suffering from paranoid schizophrenia.

The alleged incident occurred sometime between September and November 2017, when the complainant was riding his bicycle in Five Cays.

According to court documents, he stopped for a rest near the entrance that leads to the Church of God of Prophecy, where he met the appellant (Williams) who was a Bishop of the church.

Williams was sitting in his car and a conversation ensued during which he invited the complainant to his office to collect $6 for lunch. The

man accepted and later in the day he rode his bicycle to Williams' office.

There, Williams is alleged to have told him he was sweaty, smelt badly, and invited him to use the bathroom facility at the office.

“The appellant led (the complainant) to his sink and took a cloth/flannel from the shower nearby and proceeded to wash (the complainant’s) body eventually making his way to his genitalia,

Violent rapist Steeve Santana’s appeal ...

9am and 10am when the woman was home alone with her brother’s infant. She fed the appellant some food, after which he retired to a bedroom in the house to sleep. At about 12noon the woman went to wake him, telling him it was time for him to leave, as he had indicated earlier that he had a 12 o’clock appointment.

According to the court document, he replied, “well you ain’t send me yet” and proceeded to attack the woman,

holding onto her hands, and shaking her. A fight ensued and the attacker held the woman around her neck and began to beat her. Wrestling her to the nearby bed, he then proceeded to rape her.

The complainant reportedly told the court that after the heinous act, Santana told her that he took what he wanted.

A report was made to police, a medical examination conducted and the violent rapist was arrested.

77-year-old church leader was found guilty of indecent assault and given an 18-month suspended sentence for two years and made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Williams’ attorneys – who also represented him at trial – appealed the conviction submitting that two questions which were put to the appellant during cross-examination by prosecuting counsel were improper.

They argued that the trial judge erred in failing to safeguard William's right to a fair trial by refusing to sanction the Crown counsel’s use of material that was undisclosed and should not have been put in cross-examination, by not discharging the jury or at the very least telling the jury to disregard the questions as they should not have been suggested and as there was no evidence to support them.

They also submitted that Justice Lobban-Jackson also failed to warn the jury about the questions in her summing-up.

under the pretext that he was teaching (him) personal hygiene.”

Court documents state that Williams admitted that the encounter occurred but alleged that the bathroom incident was a total fabrication.

The appellate court said the only other relevant matter (aside from improper questions) was that the complainant was a Paranoid Schizophrenic.

IMPROPER QUESTIONS

Following a seven-member jury trial, on February 24, 2022, the

The first question, prosecuting counsel put to the appellant was that he and his wife had been estranged for 20 years. Williams’ lawyer submitted that was untrue and not predicated on any disclosure relating to antecedents.

The second question prosecuting counsel asked was: "Weren't you thrown out of your house by your wife for allegations of sexual abuse of other male -- men?

Williams answered: “Definitely not.”

An objection to the line of questioning was raised by his attorney, with him calling for the jury to be discharged.

Instead, the judge directed the jury to disregard the question as it did not logically follow the Crown’s case.

Another improper question was directed at defence witness Pastor Carol Skippings.

The appellate court states that the issue of whether improper questions can undermine the fairness of a trial was central to the appeal.

CONVICTION QUASHED

Williams’ appeal was allowed, his conviction quashed, sentence discharged, and a retrial was ordered by the Court of Appeal.

The justices said they were satisfied that the questions were improper and sufficient to warrant the discharge of the jury, especially as in Williams’ trial a lot turned on his credibility.

They said the directions and summation of the trial judge did not cure the prejudice Williams suffered and in all the circumstances he did not have a fair trial.

Williams’s counsel had also strongly urged the court that having regard to his age, 77, his resignation from all duties within the church, and his possible ill health, that there should be no retrial.

However, the appellate justices stated that the interest of justice is best served by the order for a retrial.

“It was borne in mind that at trial, counsel for the appellant admitted that the jury should be discharged, and a new trial ordered. The appellant’s ability to present his defence ought not to be impacted by the passage of time,” they stated.

Appeal

Ex-Bishop Clarence Williams gets a new trial for allegation of sexual assault against a mentally challenged man

You are in your current position and place for a reason

God is preparing you for something

Everybody has free will to move and go places wherever they want to go but God has allowed some of you to be in some places for a reason. Some of you may be suffering right now and do not understand why you are in this place or position, but I know if it is God who put you there, then he is preparing you for something. He may even be saving you from destruction if you were in the other place.

Do you remember the story about Joseph? Joseph’s brothers sold him, and he ended up in Egypt. He probably was lonely because he was away from his entire family. He was also in prison for something he did not do. However, the truth is that God had this plan set up already whereby Joseph would be in a prominent position in Egypt to save the Israelites from famine.

BY DREXWELL SEYMOUR

Drexwell Seymour is a certified public accountant and is the managing partner for HLB TCI. His favourite hobby, however, is writing. He has a personal website, www.drexwellseymour. com, where all of his writings are posted. He also has a YouTube channel where you can find inspirational videos. Drexwell has a BA in Accounting and an MBA in Finance.

Jeremiah 29:11 states 'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future’. God is preparing some of you for prosperity. If you had stayed in that other place, you may have been able to prosper. Prosperity does not necessarily mean financial but spiritual as well. Some of you are in some jobs and God is allowing you to connect

and network with other people so that when the time is right, you can establish your own business and become successful through these networks.

Some of you are in some foreign countries but God is equipping you with a lot of experience and knowledge so that some of you can return to your birth land and hold a key position thus becoming prosperous. Some of you may not return home but wherever you are,

you are in a better position to help your brothers and sisters in your homeland.

Some of us need to be in a place of humility. We are full of ourselves and sometimes God allows us to be in a place to humble us.

Some of us have drifted away from God and some of us do not believe in God. Therefore, I believe that God is putting us in a position so that we can depend and rely on him. You may have a health issue and maybe this will drive you closer to God. You may have lost your job and maybe this may bring you closer to God. You may be feeling lonely and perhaps this state of loneliness will bring you closer to God.

Some of you are in a place for a good opportunity, an opportunity that you may not have received anywhere else. You may be

complaining about where you are now but thank God for the opportunity. The opportunity may not necessarily be for you, it can be for your children. Some of you may have to compete with so many others in your homeland but the place you move to may have less competition and so a better opportunity exists for you and your family.

God allow some of you to move because if you had stayed in that place, you may have been unsafe. You may have been in more trouble. However, this place that you are in now, is a place for your protection.

I know many of you may not be happy in the position or place you are in but if it is God that allowed you to be in that state, don’t complain. Endure the ups and downs because God is preparing you for something great.

AI’s development and TCI’s future

The future is now and millions of people around the world are concerned about the dangers of new and innovative technologies – from robotic process automation to virtual and augmented reality and now, the controversial new “ChatGPT” artificial intelligence (AI), already spreading like wildfires across national borders and the business sector.

Despite its far-reaching unfamiliarity, AI has evinced endless possibilities in technological innovations; shaping the world we live in, manifested through a wide array of tools, which enable governments,

BY D MARKIE

corporations, institutions and individuals to rethink how they fused information, analyse data and apply outcomes to decisionmaking.

ChatGPT – Chat Generative

Pre-trained Transformer, is a Chabot developed by “OpenAI,”

an AI research and Development Company, whose mission is to make sure, artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity.

Since its inauguration, many experts, business leaders, and policymakers have used and assessed the new technology, and presented their findings – some of which are favourable, while other pundits conclude, the platform is a dangerous tool in its current state.

It gained instant popularity among CEOs for its ability to craft emails and among academia for being able to research papers and answer almost any question instantly. In fact, the machine learning tool was able to pass three exams from the Wharton School of Business.

Similarly, Jack Po, CEO at

Ansible Health, successfully used ChatGPT to pass three versions of the US medical licensing test. More so, Po and a team of 30 doctors are using the platform to help with pulmonary treatments for patients with COPD. This technology is useful – they say – as it suddenly recommends lifesaving undertakings, which doctors couldn’t otherwise envisage.

However, it was Jake Heller – lawyer and founder of Case Text – who said he uses the AI technology to help clients comb through documents. He also employ the tool to read police reports, ascertain whether or not witnesses have contradictory testimony and find information pertinent to guilt or innocence.

Despite being a powerful new tech with extraordinary potential OpenAI warned, ChatGPT is still in its research stage and it is liable to produce inaccurate information or harmful instructions, especially inside the political arena and the education system.

Consequently, policymakers have summoned an oversight of the model. Meanwhile, New York

City public schools have banned the platform from school network devices, because of concerns about plagiarism and the negative impact on students’ learning, and regarding the safety and accuracy of the content.

Although many stakeholders are sounding the alarm about the risk of misuse, Microsoft credits the technology – even with its potential risks – and decided to invest $10bn in ChatGPT parent company – OpenAI— to improve the technology.

Recognising this information, the TCI Government – before attempting to implement such technology on a broad scale –should conduct an assessment of this model and develop a policy framework to govern its usage.

More so, colleges and other learning institutions must test the platform to ensure its impact on students’ learning and parents must help monitor their children and how they use this technology.

Although it is revolutionary, as the internet, if it is not applied suitably, ChatGPT can potentially hurt people in the TCI and across the globe.

We welcome letters from all members of the public on a variety of topics

SPRING

D Markie Spring, a TCI resident of 15 years, is an expert in law enforcement. He worked as a detective in the Royal TCI Police Force and was director of security at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

Liar, liar, pants on fire

YOU ARE A LIAR! If you happen to be on the receiving end of this, it's easy to be offended. However, the embarrassment seems to fade when you realise many persons, at one time or another, wear the 'badge' of being a liar. For some, it's more than a badge, it has become a three-piece suit.

Why is lying so rampant among us? It can be argued that it's in our genes. We see in Genesis the third chapter from verses one to six where our fore parents listened to the father of lies, believed his lies and ultimately became practitioners of the art of lying.

When we believe lies, we tell lies. And when we see lying become the norm at work, in relationships, and throughout life, we decide that we have to lie to keep up, and if we’re very good at it, it just might help us to get ahead.

Here is the other thing about lying, it has a compounding effect. Tell one lie, you often have to tell another one to cover that

OCTOPEN

KENYATTA E. LEWIS

Kenyatta Lewis is the pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel, a growing church committed to taking followers of Jesus deeper and going further in their faith. Besides loving, serving, and helping people he has watched the extended Director’s cut of the Lord of the Rings trilogy multiple times.

lie, especially if you have a bad memory. Do it often enough, and sure enough, you will reap the negative effects of it.

Over time, our belief system becomes shaped by the lies we tell and the ones we believe. How does this affect our relationship with God?

We do not see God for who he is, and we do not believe what his word says about us. Consistently believe the wrong thing about God, and you are more inclined to have a disconnected perception of yourself.

Believe a lie about who you are and you will struggle to see

success, failure, friendship, work, and a host of other things, in the right way. Here is an example. If you believe the lie that you have to be perfect, it would lead to overworking at your job, feeling unfulfilled, unforgiveness in your relationships, and unhealthy pride in your accomplishments. Believe in the lie that no one loves you, and you will become a people pleaser or a people hater. Believe you are not good enough and you become a perfectionist and discontented. This is a short list, there are many other lies out there that need exposing and uprooting.

The only way to deal with our proclivity to lie is to counteract it with truth, God’s truth. That means when you hear or repeat to yourself the lie that you are unlovable, counteract with the truth that God loves you, so much that Jesus died

in your place so you do not have to deal with the repercussions of your faulty decisions.

When the lie that you have to be perfect comes knocking, answer it with the truth that God is the source of your strength, and without him, you can do nothing. God’s truth destroys the lies we believe. Listen to the truth, speak it, believe it, and be free.

Now that we have taken the first steps in resetting our lives, and destroying the lies, we are excited to see what lies ahead!

But remember this, YOU ARE LOVED.

Borderline hypochondriac

Last week, I woke up in the middle of the night to a single sharp achy-pain and I thought it was going to be the death of me. That's it_ it’s cancer!

As human beings, we are afraid of death and prone to health-related hysteria. We often exaggerate single minor situations into things that aren’t remotely true. I am guilty. Totally and utterly guilty. I am a total scary-cat and borderline hypochondriac.

Every time there is a slight outbreak on the news, we go bonkers! We have a tendency to overreact and conclude the worst is near. The Americans started to pack their bags and fled to the wilderness after one American contracted Ebola. With the Coronavirus outbreak, we lined up at gas stations for hours to buy petrol, panic-bought toilet rolls and purchased every canned and dry food we could lay our hands on.

We panic way too much and when our own life is questioned: it is multiplied. I stopped searching for my illnesses on

BY DAVIDSON LOUIS

Rachel Wolchin once said: “If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have had roots instead of feet.” On this quest to self-discovery, TC Islander Davidson Louis vowed to travel, write, paint, laugh and forgive. Subsequently, he hopes to find himself and or, leave behind a few pieces of himself. Contact him at hello. octopen@tcinews.tc

Google because when I do, I tend to self-diagnose with the worst conditions and sometimes with just days to live. If you are like me, know that you are not alone. Severe or mild, we all want to cling on to our health: our utmost prerogative. But to what extent? When does self-care turn into a series of unhealthy scars? Probably when you think your stomach pain was cancerous, when in fact, I just rolled on my jeans with the metal zipper pointing up.

I took it upon myself to find some real-life situations on Twitter to prove that we could be too pedantic when it comes to our health.

MARK S

I went to the ER because “my legs have turned blue and The Web MD says I have deep vein Thrombosis.” Was this it? The big one? No! I have the “idiotic who doesn’t wash his new jeans before wearing them” disease and I would like to be executed immediately.

STEPHANIE H

I went through a phase where I was seriously concerned I had a brain tumor or something because everything I ateincluding things like pasta with marinara sauce- tasted like peppermint. Finally, I realised a bottle of peppermint extract had spilled all over my pots and pans.

KIM F

I had a complete panic on the new-born maternity ward in the hospital, frantically pressing the emergency button to summon nurses, because my baby had turned blue. Turned out it was just my blue dressing gown reflecting on her face. She has survived my appalling mothering and is now 26.

ADJE S

I once went to an Urgent Care for what I swore was Strep Throat, because it looked like my tonsils were covered in white mucus. After swabbing my tonsils, the doctor told me it was bread. Bread from a sandwich I ate earlier that day!

IZZYK

Suddenly I started seeing double when outside the house talking to my wife. Quite disoriented I came inside to check the internet for a diagnosis. I was closely followed by my wife who was holding a lens from one side of my glasses which she picked up where I had been standing.

KATE

I went to Mexico and floated around a lazy river for a week enjoying some margaritas. When I got home I had large brown spots on my abdomen. That was it. I overdid it. I had skin cancer. Turns out lemons, sun and water, stain your skin. My doctor called it ‘margaritavitis’.

JOEM

I thought I had diabetes one time. Every time I peed it would smell sweet. Excess sugar in the urine! Turns out my wife put an air freshener in our toilet…

KARAN

When I was in middle school I sat my parents down to tell them I have cancer because I had mysterious bruises all over my body. When they finally stopped laughing at me they explained that I sleepwalk into a table every night.

And you, what is your funny story? Where do you sit on the hypochondriac scale? Make me laugh, I am dying to hear them. Share at louisedens@gmail.com

TCI’s Education Minister delivers keynote speech to Cayman youths

The Hon Rachel M. Taylor recently delivered the keynote address at a Youth Development Conference held on Saturday, January 28, 2023, in the Cayman Islands.

Hon Taylor who received an invitation from the Cayman Islands Youth Development Consortium travelled to the island with the Director of Education, Mr Edgar Howell, a statement from the Ministry said.

The Cayman Islands Youth Development Consortium is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation, founded specifically to implement Asset-Building Programmes for Cayman youth.

The Consortium aims to ensure that young people have an awareness of their assets and a desire to succeed in all areas of life.

It believes that the proactive youth development approach

of assisting all young people to develop their strengths and talents is the most effective way to prevent their involvement in risky behaviour.

The Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services was amongst other dignitaries including the Governor of Cayman, His Excellency Mr Martyn Roper OBE, the Premier of the Cayman Islands, the Hon Wayne Panton, Minister of Sustainability and Climate Resilience and the Acting Minister of Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage the Hon Isaac Rankine.

In order to stimulate and engage the minds of everyone in attendance at the conference, she delivered an emotionally charged address, intended to inspire the youth through life experience, stories, thoughts and ideas.

She challenged them to see

clearly the opportunities around them and move forward into the future with confidence and action.

Taylor who shared her personal struggles with the youth said: “I want to share a small portion of my personal story as an entry point to addressing the theme for this conference.

“I grew up in a small community on an island with a population of not more than approximately 1000 people.

“At the time, I did not have access to an abundance of financial and other material resources, but I had a desire to be successful and this is where I focused my energies.

“Without any knowledge of the phrase “asset-based strategies”, there were people in my community who recognised the potential within me.

“As I think about it now, I must admit, the elders in my community did not focus their attention on what I did not have.

“Instead, they concentrated their resources and time, on providing me with opportunities to bring out of me, the possibilities they saw in me.”

She emphasised that it takes a village to raise a child.

The conference covered thematic areas including;

Defining Youth Success, Mapping Community Assets that support Youth Development, Measuring Youth Success, Planning the Project for youth success.

Hon Taylor thanked the Cayman Islands Premier, Hon Panton for the appreciation dinner which provided an opportunity to discuss similar challenges and highlighted some of the success stories from both countries. She also took the opportunity to visit a number of schools and sporting facilities as part of a partnership intended to strengthen education best practices between both countries.

Minister of Education Hon Rachel M. Taylor (second from right) delivered a keynote speech at the Cayman Islands Youth Development Consortium

Affordable and quality housing dominate TCI’s talks in the Bahamas

The Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development (PPID) Hon Jamell R. Robinson and Minister of Transport and Housing in the Bahamas, Hon JoBeth Coleby-Davis recently discussed matters pertaining to affordable and quality homes in the TCI.

This comes as Hon Robinson led a delegation to Nassau, Bahamas on Sunday, January 29, 2023, for two days of meetings with the Ministry of Housing and Transport.

During the official visit, the delegation which included: Hon Randy Howell; Permanent Secretary Desmond Wilson; Director of Housing and Community Renewal, Mr Dominique Durham; Assistant Development Control Engineer, with the Physical Planning Department Mr Adrian Howell and Executive Assistant to the Minister Ms Vershina Forbes also visited Abaco, which is still recovering in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.

Commenting on the visit, Hon Robinson said: “Our team was thankful for the invitation to meet with Hon Jobeth Coleby-Davis, Minister of Transport and Housing, Bahamas and her team.

“The Ministry of Infrastructure’s Housing Department is focused on providing our citizens with a sense of independence, through home ownership.

“This visit allowed us to gain insight from a multi-island archipelago similar to ours that is also faced with comparable challenges.”

Robinson said the team received valuable information and ideas; some of which will be considered

as the ministry shapes and implements the National Housing Policy to benefit Turks and Caicos Islanders. He said: “We remain humbled to have been entrusted with this task and we look to move with haste to bring our Housing plans from a

Man slapped with manslaughter charges for deaths of children on Christmas Eve

A 48-year-old man is facing two counts of manslaughter for the deaths of two young children who lost their lives on Christmas Eve (December 24, 2022) after being exposed to lethal levels of carbon monoxide.

According to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Mius Andre, a 48 year-old mason who resides in Blue Hills has been charged with the offenses, following advice received through the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Andre appeared before a Magistrate on January 30th, 2023.

Following his court appearance, the matter was committed for a sufficiency hearing on April 06,

2023.

The man was charged in connection with the tragic incident which occurred on December 24, in Five Cays, Providenciales where two female minors – ages six and seven – died as a result of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning due to a generator being used at the home.

The tragedy plunged the Five Cays community into sadness and grief a day before Christmas as the devastating news was widely circulated.

According to a police statement, initial reports were received at around 5.39 pm via a call placed to the Police Control Room.

Officers were promptly

dispatched to an area known as Club Med Housing within the Five Cays Community where they discovered the six and seven-yearold girls unresponsive, while a third female-aged 12-was rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

The third child has since recovered from the serious condition.

The general public is being reminded that it is extremely dangerous to operate generators in enclosed spaces.

Most generator-related injuries and deaths involve CO poisoning from generators used indoors or in partly enclosed spaces.

CO is an odourless, colourless gas that kills without warning.

policy; to actual homes throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

During the visit, the Minister and team were exposed to the new operating structure of the Housing Department in the Bahamas. Discussions were also held with Arawak Homes Limited, the

developer of the Pinecrest Housing Project.

Meanwhile, the team was treated to a cocktail reception, sponsored by Arawak Homes Limited. The delegation returned to the TCI on Wednesday, February 1, 2023.

Minister of Physical Planning, and Infrastructure Development (PPID) Hon Jamell R. Robinson and Minister of Transport and Housing in the Bahamas, Hon JoBeth Coleby-Davis and Hon Randy Howell

Mius Andre- RTCIPF PHOTO

School leavers thronged to inaugural Youth Career Symposium

A significant public private partnership saw the first Youth Career Symposium being hosted on Thursday, geared towards equipping school leavers for the workforce and higher education.

The event was hosted at The Palms on February 9, and is a collaboration between the ministry of education and The Hartling Group (sponsorship).

The first Career Symposium, held under the theme Creating Innovators - Developing Our Youth Who Will Change the World’, saw scores of teens from the around the territory attending, as they absorbed the knowledge and advice shared by government and industry officials and other influential youth leaders in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Premier, Honourable Charles Washington Misick was in attendance, encouraging the

students – primarily made up of fifth formers - to pursue a higher education and to take advantage of the opportunities the government has provided including free tuition at the TCI Community College.

Eight professional speakers from various industries were lined up for the day’s event, touching on critical areas from the TCI Building Human Capacity Program such as communication, teamwork, the importance of mental health and wellness, etiquette, and grooming.

The guest speaker was Ashley Brooks, who made history last year becoming the first Turks and Caicos Islander to sign a professional American Football contract with the Timisoara 89ers in Romania.

At the end of the sessions the highschoolers were invited to engage with companies that were represented.

First Youth Career Symposium sponsored by The Hartling Group was a big hit (TCIG photos)

Paul Stephenson Higgs Sr. – TCI’s unsung hero

The Hon Paul Stephenson Higgs was born in Bottle Creek, North Caicos on February 2, 1889. He was married to Brenetta E. Williams of Bottle Creek.

EARLY LIFE

Hon Paul Higgs attended the Bottle Creek Primary School (now Adelaide Oemler Primary). As a young man, he engaged in many of the activities preferred by his age group. These included fishing, boat building and eventually construction. He was an incredible sailor and fisherman. He enjoyed fishing so much that he spent long hours in the boat. Many times, his family would worry about him because of the length of time he spent at sea. He would return home sometimes long after ten in the evening with a huge catch, some of which had already begun to rot. He lost most of his catch because of this but he did not worry about that. He was enjoying something he loved.

Hon Higgs was one of the first political representatives for North Caicos. During his tenure, the island experienced many benefits.

He was instrumental in securing scholarships for several persons to pursue studies in teacher education, nursing and agriculture in Jamaica. He had a passion for education. He believed that if the people of North Caicos were to assume responsible positions within their country, education must play a pivotal role. Some of the persons who received scholarships at the time in North Caicos include Claudius and Carlton Williams, Cecelia Gray and Raymond Gardiner. These individuals went on to become prominent citizens in the TCI due to efforts that were made by Hon Higgs to ensure overseas training for them.

The commencement of the popular road works programme, which involved ensuring that the roads and roadsides were properly maintained, was started under Hon Higgs’ watch. This programme provided employment opportunities for several persons

BY CARLTON MILLS

on the island who, under ordinary circumstances, would not have been able to support themselves and their families. Ironically, despite the progress we claim to have made today, some political figures are still seeing this initiative as the way to stimulate the economy in the Caicos Islands.

Hon Higgs was a hard-working, trustworthy, dedicated and determined man. He was very bold and outspoken and would give you a piece of his mind in a heartbeat. He once told a renowned politician at a public meeting in North Caicos to shut up because he would not know ‘A’ if it was as big as the rafters in the building where the meeting was being held. He was alluding to the fact that uneducated persons should not be in the forefront of politics. He also reprimanded the new Leader of the PDM party, Hon JAGS McCartney at the same meeting referring to them as the “Black Power Boys” and that there was no need for that kind of movement in North Caicos.

Additionally, he was also a very religious man. He was not only a Senior Deacon in the local Baptist Church, but he was the person in charge of the church. One had to ‘tow the line’ under his leadership. He did not tolerate marital indiscretions and laziness. He frowned on persons who could

not work due to minor illness such as the flu. He would often be heard reminding workers that only lazy people had time to be sick. He was never sick; not even on the day of his sudden death.

Hon Higgs was a confidante and the local people who lovingly referred to him as “Con Paul” (Cousin Paul) relied on him regularly for advice. He also served the very sought after and important role as Justice of the Peace and Marriage Officer on the island of North Caicos.

Hon Higgs played a pivotal role in the day-to-day life of his people. In addition to his religious role, he also represented the poor and downtrodden in the courts. He sought justice, pro bono, for those who could not defend themselves despite not having any formal legal training. This was a clear testament of his interest and concern for his people.

A MAN WITH VISION

Hon Higgs was a man with a vision. He envisioned the demise of the salt and the sisal industries and argued that although salt brought some prosperity to the TCI, he believed that it was the main factor that contributed to the division of the TCI – Turks against Caicos. At the time, salt was only being produced in the Turks Islands (Grand Turk, Salt Cay and South Caicos) and most of the commercial activity took place in Grand Turk. This made the salt island residents, particularly those on Grand Turk, feel that they were superior to people in the Caicos Islands. “Caucus people” (as they were called by Salt Islanders} had to travel many days in sloops to Grand Turk to trade their ground provisions and sisal products. Although their farm produce was badly needed in Grand Turk, these hard-working and ambitious

people were, in many cases, mistreated and scorned during their visits. At that time, there was a buoy placed in the waters to clearly demarcate the separation between the Turks Islands and the Caicos Islands. This was responsible for the phrase ‘West of the Buoy”. “Caucus people come from West of the Buoy,” was a popular but not endearing term during those years.

Hon Higgs wanted to end this segregation and replace it with a unified TCI. For this reason, he lobbied in the State Council for the economy to be diversified. He felt that the islands should move towards being a tourist destination. He obviously saw where this initiative would have more farranging financial benefits to the lives of the people of the TCI than what was being realised through the salt industry.

POLITICAL CHALLENGES

One of Hon. Paul Higgs’ major tests came in the late 1950s and early 1960s when the Federation Movement was the political headline in the English-Speaking Caribbean. The TCI was no exception since the islands were being administered by Jamaica at the time and Jamaica was deeply involved in the Federation and the self-determination movement. Although the TCI was ruled by Jamaica, it had not achieved the same status of internal selfgovernment as many countries involved in the Federation movement.

The Federation issue was challenging to the TCI for several reasons. Firstly, the TCI was at the time regarded geographically as part of the Bahamas and had

close ties with the country as many of its people had migrated there seeking employment. Furthermore, TCI’s agricultural abilities were hampered by the poor quality of its soil which did not permit for mass production of crops. Because of this, the TCI relied heavily on imports from neighbouring countries. Another serious challenge faced by the TCI was its distance away from the other Caribbean countries involved in the Federation movement making travel and communication between these countries almost impossible. The TCI itself, because of its geographically scattered nature created administrative concerns. These challenges led to the TCI’s inability to elect a representative to the BWI Federation parliament. Turks and Caicos, therefore, had no choice but to seek a special position within the Federation which limited its ability to become a full member of the Federation as Jamaica was.

Under the administration of Jamaica, the TCI suffered major political and economic injustices. Politically, the islands did not receive adequate representation. The governor of Jamaica, who was also responsible for the TCI, was seated in Jamaica and made decisions about the TCI without consulting the TCI representatives who, on occasions, had to travel by sloops to Jamaica and missed many sittings of the Jamaican House of Assembly. Also, because of the limited numbers of TCI representatives, even if they had arrived on time to attend House meetings, they could not affect

The Hon Paul Stephenson Higgs

TCI’s protection plans for cholera among discussions at NSC

His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, and the Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick were among those briefed by the Ministry of Health on the cholera situation in Haiti and mitigations to prevent its spread in TCI.

The senior political figures cochaired a meeting of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Security Council (NSC) on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at the Premier’s Office in Providenciales.

The Ministry, it was noted, has preparations in place such as a supply of personal protective equipment, a mobile hospital, and can activate testing protocols.

The Ministry of Health was asked to develop a smart screening programme for cholera and the

sourcing of vaccines, to be called on if required.

Also, in attendance were, HE Deputy Governor; the Hon Deputy Premier; the Hon Minister of Immigration and Border Force; the Hon Attorney General; the National Security Secretariat (NSS) Permanent Secretary; NSS Deputy Permanent Secretary and the National Security Threats Lead, and the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) who represented the Commissioner who was out of the jurisdiction at the time.

Members also received an update from the Attorney General on the progress of the multiagency Informal Settlement Unit, which has been established to address the challenges posed within and by

such settlements.

• They were also updated by the Attorney General on The Memorandum of Understanding between the National Security Services Association and the NSS. The final agreement is to be signed.

• Members witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Lieutenant Colonel Grant of the TCI Regiment and the RTCIPF, which agreed to joint protocols for working on land and sea.

• They were provided with a Border Security update from the Ministry of Immigration on: joint activities to intercept migrant vessel landings (Immigration, TCI Regiment and the Maritime

Police arrested 690 migrants at sea over December 2022 –January 2023); cooperation with the US; charges against an Officer for harbouring; disposal of seized goods; and clearance systems.

• They also received an update from the Deputy Commissioner of the RTCIPF on the state of crime across the islands. The RTCIPF will receive further assistance from the Royal Bahamas Police Force in 2023.

• The members were also briefed by the NSS on the following:

• Completion of recent research on informal settlements and root causes of crime in TCI; this will inform future policy planning;

• Progress discussing maritime delineation with the Government

Paul Stephenson Higgs Sr ...

any real change for the TCI as they were outnumbered. Jamaica in essence, was seeking its own interest with little concern for the TCI.

Economically, Jamaica was benefitting from the TCI’s salt industry by charging a tax on all exports of salt from the TCI. The income from this tax went directly to support Jamaica’s economy rather than being reinvested into the TCI. This was a repeat of what was experienced in the 1700s and early 1800s while TCI was being administered by the Bahamas. This practice by Jamaica seriously contributed to the further underdevelopment of the TCI. It is important to note, that all the commercial activity was mainly between Jamaica and Grand Turk making the Caicos Islands dependent on Grand Turk for its day-to-day needs further resulting in the superiority complex of the residents of Grand Turk as aforementioned.

Based on those critical circumstances, it was decision time for the British Crown Colony (The TCI). The decision was whether the islands should remain with Jamaica or return as a full-fledged British Colony. Many heated debates ensued resulting in visits made by delegations from the TCI to Jamaica and to England. Hon Paul Higgs was one of those persons who travelled to Jamaica and finally to England to present the case on behalf of the TCI withdrawing from Jamaica. Knowing how candid and forceful he was, it is strongly believed that he influenced several of his colleagues to take the same position as he did. In fact, he was the spokesman for the Caicos group and was reported as saying to the British Parliament, “Anchor us off in the Atlantic Ocean. We refuse to suffer one more day under Jamaica!”

When it came to the crucial vote in the TCI’s local Legislative Council, which was made up of one member from Salt Cay, one from South Caicos, two from Grand Turk, one from Middle Caicos, three from North Caicos and one from Blue Hills, the Yes’s won by one vote (5

– 4) in favour of the TCI moving away from Jamaica and becoming a full-fledged British Colony. This was symbolic of Hon Paul Higgs’ strong stance against the harmful separation between the Turks and the Caicos Islands. All the representatives from the Turks Islands voted in favour of remaining with Jamaica while all the representatives, led by Mr Higgs, in the Caicos Islands voted for separation. If it were not for his strong position and leadership, supported by that of his colleagues, Gus Lightbourne, Emanuel Hall, James Walkin and Harry Musgrove, the TCI might still be a colony of Jamaica to this day. One can only assume that with the current economic and political challenges that Jamaica is facing, the TCI might not be enjoying the high level of economic growth and prosperity currently being experienced. These five brave men had finally affected the change longed for by the Caicos Islands. Following this vote, representatives in the Turks Islands realised that the balance of power resided in the Caicos Islands. They felt that in order to avoid further defeats, a seat had to be taken away. As a result, the seats in Bottle Creek were reduced from two to one. This seat was placed in Grand Turk. The majority of seats were therefore in the Turks Islands as a result of this change.

Post Jamaica Years

Hon Higgs was a part of TCI’s pre-ministerial era. He realised that the single-member constituency that currently existed, could not reap the necessary rewards for the TCI. Hence, he encouraged voters to support the then Labour Party which was spearheaded by Clarence Jolly and others who had just returned home from the Bahamas with experience in political organisations. Hon Higgs spoke out openly in favour of the Labour Party as he felt that collectively, local representatives would be a greater force to reckon with. He noted that every developed country had a labour system of government. In his view, the same should

apply for the TCI. He drew reference in his many political speeches to countries such as Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and to their respective labour leadersErrol Barrow, Alexander Bustamante and Dr Eric Williams. He was self-educated and kept abreast of what was happening politically in the Caribbean region and the role that Caribbean leaders were playing in the lives of their people. Hon Higgs admonished the TCI to follow the example around them. He argued that the world was changing and that the TCI should also change in order to remain competitive.

Hon Higgs was passionate about the standard of living of his people. He argued that the TCI should make a serious effort to attract foreign investment. He believed that this would be one of the ways to reduce unemployment and raise the standard of living of the people of the TCI. This, he believed, would make the TCI a better place. This was his dream.

Hon Paul Higgs saw the need for selfimprovement and cooperation to prevail in the TCI. This is what he promoted over the years, particularly at the opening of the House of Assembly. He believed that Turks and Caicos Islanders should be the architects of their growth and development. To this end, he pushed continuously for Turks and Caicos Islanders to undertake advanced training. Hence, he advocated for TCI people to go abroad and earn degrees in areas such as medicine, agriculture and education. These persons, he opined, would be instrumental in charting a new course for the TCI. He first coined the phrase “Turks and Caicos Islanders” first.

Hon Higgs was a warrior. He was a champion for people’s rights, justice and equality. He felt the pain that the people in the Caicos Islands were experiencing. He experienced their struggle first-hand. He knew about the rejection Caicos people encountered. He experienced it first-hand. He knew of their unfair treatment and degradation. He experienced it first-hand.

of the Bahamas;

• Activities that stemmed from the visit to the Bahamas by the Governor and the Premier, which included support from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force for training and improvement of radar capability to assist with interception of migrant vessels;

• Planning for TCI Government attendance to the upcoming North Caribbean Security Summit (in Miami) with representatives of the US, UK and the Bahamas to continue collaboration against the trafficking of people, drugs and weapons;

• The transfer of the Department for Disaster Management and Emergency to the NSS; now completed.

Despite being unpopular in certain circles, Hon Higgs was a man of passion, a man of substance, a man who cared. He placed country above self, a concept that is desperately lacking among some politicians in the TCI today. This is what is required of leaders. Hon Higgs led by example.

The TCI has since seen the closure of the salt and sisal industries and the growth and expansion of tourism with flights from North America, the Caribbean and Europe. This is undoubtedly Hon Higgs’s vision being realised. What has made his vision so significant is that tourism is now the focus of the Caicos Islands – the islands that Hon Higgs knew needed to grow and develop in that direction. Some of his family members including two of his sons and one of his grandsons have been actively involved in the tourist industry in the TCI and the Bahamas.

Interestingly, Hon Paul Higgs himself was not a supporter of the Black Power Boys’ new party, the PDM. However, during the 15th December 2016 general elections, one of his grandsons, Hon Ralph Higgs, who resigned his post as the Director of Tourism to contest a seat, on a PDM ticket in North and Middle Caicos, won convincingly and was appointed as the new Minister of Tourism. Hon Paul Higgs’ dream for TCI seems to have come full circle.

At the age of 92, Hon Paul Stephenson Higgs died suddenly (without any illness) on May 12, 1981, in Nassau, Bahamas while visiting his children. He was buried in Old Trail Cemetery in Nassau, Bahamas. He is survived by two sons and one daughter. His political career in the TCI seems to span from 1955 -1962.

The 2016 TCI election day would obviously have been a proud, joyous and exceptional one for Hon Paul Higgs if he were alive to see his bloodline following in his political footsteps and spearheading the tourist industry which he envisioned so long ago as being the lifeline of the TCI

Earthquakes death toll passes 17,500 as “critical” window for rescues closes

RESCUERS pulled more survivors from beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings Thursday but hopes were starting to fade of finding many more people alive more than three days after catastrophic earthquakes and a series of aftershocks hit Turkey and Syria, killing more than 17,000.

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey confirmed Thursday that at least three Americans were among the dead in that nation.

Emergency crews working through the night in the city of Antakya, Turkey were able to pull a young girl from the ruins of a building and rescue her father alive two hours later, news agency IHA reported.

As they prepared the man to be loaded into an ambulance, rescue crews told him that his daughter was alive and they were taking him to the same field hospital for treatment.

“I love you all,” he faintly whispered to the rescue team

In Diyarbakir, east of Antakya, rescuers freed an injured woman from a collapsed building in the early morning hours but found the three people next to her in the rubble dead, the DHA news agency reported.

But experts said the survival window for those trapped under the rubble or otherwise unable to obtain basic necessities was closing rapidly. At the same time, they said it was too soon to abandon hope.

“The first 72 hours are considered to be critical,” said Steven Godby, a natural hazards expert at Nottingham Trent University in England. “The survival ratio on average within 24 hours is 74%, after 72 hours it is 22% and by the fifth day it is 6%.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday 14,014 people were killed in his nation and more than 67,000 injured. On the Syrian side of the border, 3,577 have been reported dead and more than 6,300 injured, bringing the death toll in the two countries to 17,591.

Risklayer, which describes itself as a “transparent and independent collaborative catastrophe risk firm in Germany and Australia,” tweeted Wednesday that it projects the number of dead could wind up topping 45,000.

Tens of thousands are thought to have lost their homes. In Antakya, former residents of a collapsed building huddled around an outdoor fire overnight

The earthquake is one of the deadliness natural disasters in modern times

into Thursday, wrapping blankets tightly around themselves to try and stay warm.

Serap Arslan said many people remained under the rubble of the nearby building, including her mother and brother. She said machinery only started to move some of the heavy concrete on Wednesday.

“We tried to clear it by our own means, but unfortunately we are very inadequately” prepared for the job, the 45-year-old said.

Selen Ekimen wiped tears from her face with gloved hands as she explained that both her parents and brother were still buried.

There’s been “no sound from them for days,” she said. “None.”

Erdogan was scheduled to travel Thursday to the quake-hit provinces of Gaziantep, Osmaniye and Kilis amid ongoing criticism that the government’s response has been too slow.

According to the disaster management agency, more than 110,000 rescue personnel were now taking part in the effort and more than 5,500 vehicles, including tractors, cranes, bulldozers and excavators had been shipped.

The task is monumental, however, with thousands of buildings toppled by the earthquake.

Erdogan, who faces a tough battle for reelection in May,

acknowledged problems with the emergency response to Monday’s 7.8-magnitude quake, but said the winter weather had been a factor. The earthquake also destroyed the runway at Hatay’s airport, further disrupting the response.

“It is not possible to be prepared for such a disaster,” Erdogan said. “We will not leave any of our citizens uncared for.” He also hit back at critics, saying “dishonorable people” were spreading “lies and slander” about the government’s actions.

Turkish authorities also said they were targeting disinformation, and the internet monitoring group NetBlocks said Wednesday that access to Twitter in Turkey had been restricted, despite it being used by survivors to alert rescuers. However, Twitter CEO Elon Musk tweeted Wednesday night that “Twitter has been informed by the Turkish government that access will be reenabled shortly.”

And NetBlocks tweeted Thursday that “access to Twitter is being restored in #Turkey following hours of filtering. The restoration comes after authorities held a meeting with Twitter to “remind Twitter of its obligations” on content takedowns and disinformation.”

The disaster comes at a sensitive time for Erdogan, who faces an economic downturn and high

inflation. Perceptions that his government mismanaged the crisis could hurt his standing. He said the government would distribute 10,000 Turkish lira ($532) to affected families.

Teams from more than two dozen countries have joined the local emergency personnel in the effort. But the scale of destruction from the quake and its powerful aftershocks was so immense and spread over such a wide area that many people were still awaiting help.

The Reuters news agency and Agence France-Presse reported that the first convoy carrying humanitarian aid into Syria since the quakes struck crossed the border from Turkey Thursday. But the Syrian Observatory later said “Turkish-backed factions” had blocked the convoy. The observatory is a U.K.-based war monitor that’s been reporting on the Syrian civil war since it started in March 2011.

Syrians living in al-Teloul village in rural Idlib, a rebelcontrolled area, had to evacuate their homes overnight after a makeshift dam the villagers built years ago collapsed and water overflowed from the al-Aasi river into their village, reports on social media said.

In Kabul, hundreds of Afghans, including women and children, dashed toward the airport after a

false rumor spread that flights were leaving for Turkey to help rescue earthquake victims. U.N. special envoy Geir Pedersen had said earlier that people in the Syrian portion of the quake zone needed “more of absolutely everything.”

Kabul resident Abdul Ghafar, 26, said he “heard that Turkey is taking out people, so I thought I can go and help people in need,” adding, “Also this can be an opportunity for me to find a way out of the country.”

Ghafar waited for three hours in the cold weather near the airport, heading back home after Taliban forces said there were no such flights to Turkey.

The Turkey-Dyria border region was already beset by the civil war in Syria. Millions have been displaced within Syria itself, and millions more have sought refuge in Turkey.

In Syria, aid efforts have been hampered by the ongoing war and the isolation of the rebel-held region along the border, which is surrounded by Russia-backed government forces. Syria itself is an international pariah under Western sanctions linked to the war.

The earthquake’s toll has already outstripped that of a 7.8-magnitude quake in Nepal in 2015, when 8,800 died. A 2011 earthquake in Japan triggered a tsunami, killing nearly 20,000 people. (cbsnews)

World News

Chinese balloon part of worldwide fleet, US officials say

The US believes a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon that was shot down over its territory is part of a wider fleet that has spanned five continents.

“The United States was not the only target of this broader programme,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

He added that the US had shared information gathered from the balloon debris with dozens of other countries.

China has denied the balloon was being used for spying purposes, and says it was a weather device blown astray.

US officials have described the balloon as being about 200 ft (60m) tall, with the payload portion comparable in size to regional airliners and weighing hundreds - or potentially thousands - of pounds.

Its presence in US airspace

set off a diplomatic crisis and prompted Secretary Blinken to immediately call off a trip to China - the first such high level US-China meeting there in years. It was later shot down by a US fighter jet off the eastern coast.

Citing unnamed officials, the Washington Post reported that the US believes the suspected surveillance balloon project was being operated from China’s coastal Hainan province and targeted countries including Japan, India, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines.

At a Wednesday news conference, Defence Department spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder confirmed that the US believed similar balloons had operated over North and South America, South East Asia, East Asia and Europe.

“We’ve learned a lot about these

US ships and divers are still searching for debris from the balloon off the South Carolina coast

balloons and how to track them,”

Gen Ryder said, adding that the US was now confident it had the ability to be “on the look-out for these kinds of capabilities”.

He said while the objects were all used for surveillance missions, there were “variations” in terms of their size and capabilities.

The US believes that balloons

have operated over US territory on at least four occasions, but Gen Ryder did not give further detail on these instances.

Washington briefed 40 allied countries about the alleged espionage programme earlier this week, a senior Biden administration official confirmed to CBS News, the BBC’s US partner.

Naval and Coast Guard ships and divers are still searching for debris from the balloon. It is unclear what intelligence the US has so far gleaned from the remnants, although experts say that the debris could help officials better understand what the balloon was capable of and how it transmitted information.

Lee Anderson: New Tory deputy chairman would support return of death penalty

The new deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, Lee Anderson, has said he would support the return of the death penalty.

In an interview with the Spectator before he was appointed to the role, he argued “nobody has ever committed a crime after being executed”.

The PM said neither he nor the government shared Mr Anderson’s stance.

But Labour accused Rishi Sunak of not being strong enough to stand up to what it called Mr Anderson’s “nonsense”.

In the interview, conducted a few days before he was made deputy chairman on Tuesday, Mr Anderson was asked whether he would support the return of the death penalty.

In response, he said: “Yes. Nobody has ever committed a crime after being executed.”

“100% success rate,” he added.

The MP for Ashfield suggested heinous crimes - such as the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby by Islamist extremists in 2013where the perpetrators are clearly

Mr Anderson said that “Nobody has ever committed a crime after being executed”

identifiable, should be punishable by the death penalty.

He told the magazine: “You’ll get the certain groups saying: ‘You can never prove it.’

“Well, you can prove it if they have videoed it and are on camera

- like the Lee Rigby killers. I mean: they should have gone, same week. I don’t want to pay for these people.”

The death penalty for murder in the UK was permanently abolished in 1965, while it ended for all crimes in 1998.

The UK is signed up to the European Convention on Human Rights, which forbids the restoration of the death penalty.

A recent YouGov survey suggested 30% of people believe the death penalty should be reintroduced in all cases of murder, with the figure rising to 52% in cases of multiple murder.

Prof Tim Bale, from Queen Mary University of London, said Mr Anderson was “almost certainly speaking for the majority of Conservative members”.

A survey of 1,191 members, carried out as part of his work on Tory Party membership after the 2019 general election, found 53% agreed that “for some crimes, the death penalty is the most appropriate sentence”.

Asked about Mr Anderson’s support for bringing back the death penalty, Mr Sunak said: “That’s not my view, that’s not the government’s view.

“But we are united in the Conservative Party in wanting to be absolutely relentless in bearing down on crime.”

Children’s Minister Claire Coutinho also said she did not agree with Mr Anderson on the death penalty but was a “big fan” of the new deputy chairman.

“What I think people respond to when it comes to Lee is he does speak his mind. And I think it’s really important that we have people who have lots of different opinions,” she told LBC Radio.

“And that’s one of the things I like about the Conservative Party frankly, because we are very good at living alongside each other even when we disagree.”

In his role, Mr Anderson will be responsible for preparing for May’s local elections in England, alongside party chairman Greg Hands.

The outspoken MP has attracted controversy in the past for his views on a range of issues.

Last year he made headlines for saying people needed to learn how to cook and budget, rather than use food banks.

He has also criticised the England football team for taking the knee in protest at racism. (BBC)

AROUND seven in 10 people in Haiti back the proposed creation of an international force to help the national police fight violence from armed gangs who have expanded their territory since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, according to a survey carried out in January.

Some 69% of nearly 1,330 people across Haiti said they supported an “international force” – which has been requested by the Haitian government – according to a survey from local business risk management group Agerca and consulting firm DDG.

Nearly 80%, however, said they believed Haiti’s PNH national police needed international support to resolve the problem of armed gangs, most saying it should be

deployed immediately.

In October, the United Nations suggested a “rapid action force” be sent to Haiti to combat escalating violence from armed gangs whose turf battles have left hundreds dead and thousands displaced.

But many have expressed skepticism, citing abuses from past missions and questioning a force backing the administration of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, which has been without democratically elected representatives since early January.

Most countries have been wary of sending troops, though nearby Jamaica on Tuesday said it would be willing to participate and El Salvador has offered “technical assistance”.

UN envoy to Haiti Helen La Lime last week said she had heard

UK and BVI fail to reach agreement on removing order in council

caution from the United States and Canada, but “not a definite no.”

“Nobody wants to repeat the mistakes of the past,” she said, adding the force would work in partnership with the PNH.

More than a third of those surveyed said since 2021 they knew someone in their neighbourhood, family, or workplace who had been killed. Over 70% said their movements in the capital had been limited by gang presence and 83% said they lost income.

Some 36% said they or someone they knew had since 2021 been victim of a kidnapping, while 28% said this was the case for physical assault, and 9% for sexual assault. A quarter said they had stopped social activities and a fifth said they had left their homes. (Reuters)

A meeting between British Virgin Islands officials and Minister of State for Overseas Territories Lord, Zac Goldsmith, did not result in the United Kingdom Government agreeing to dispose of a court order that would allow it to impose direct rule of the territory.

The meeting between Goldsmith and Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley and other officials took place on Thursday.

The UK sought an Order in Council from the Privy Council last year to ensure that governance concerns, which were raised in a Commission of Inquiry report, are addressed.

If the order is enforced, the BVI’s House of Assembly would be dissolved and sections of the constitution would be suspended for a period of two years. Governor John Rankin and a team would take

over governance of the territory until the reforms are completed. Removing the order will fall in the hands of the Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly who is Goldsmith’s boss.

In a statement following the meeting, Goldsmith said: “The Premier made clear his strength of feeling about the Order in Council and we too want see these reforms seen through, such that the Order can be lifted.”

“I assure you I will continue to support the British Virgin Islands both in the next few months and after the general election in taking these reforms forward, so that we can realise the Premier’s vision of the BVI as a beacon of democracy.”

Goldsmith has departed the BVI after wrapping up a three-day visit to the territory. (Loopnews)

Wealthy UK family to apologise in Grenada over slave-owning

A UK family will publicly apologise to the people of the Caribbean island of Grenada, where its ancestors had more than 1,000 slaves in the 19th Century.

The aristocratic Trevelyan family, who owned six sugar plantations in Grenada, will also pay reparations.

BBC reporter Laura Trevelyan, a family member, visited Grenada in 2022.

She was shocked that her

past

ancestors had been compensated by the UK government when slavery was abolished in 1833 - but freed African slaves got nothing.

Speaking to the BBC in a personal capacity on Saturday, Ms Trevelyan recalled her visit to the island for a documentary.

“It was really horrific... I saw for myself the plantations where slaves were punished, when I saw the instruments of torture that were used to restrain them.”

Minister of State for Overseas Territories Lord, Zac Goldsmith

Gangs are controlling most of Haiti

Around 70% of Haitians back international force to fight gangs, survey says

Laura Trevelyan (left) explores a former slave plantation on Grenada during her visit in 2022

Regional News

Tourism Minister calls Minnis’ Bahamasair comments ‘irresponsible’

TOURISM, Aviation and Investments Minister Chester Cooper said former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis was “irresponsible” when he told parliamentarians on Monday that millions of dollars were missing from Bahamasair.

Dr Minnis, during his contribution to debate on the 2022 Fiscal Strategy Report, alleged in Parliament Monday night that “millions of dollars” had disappeared from Bahamasair’s branch in Haiti, which he blamed on travel agents and baggage handlers there.

“Millions of dollars have disappeared from Bahamasair by travel agents in Haiti... and they have remained quiet,” Dr Minnis said. “Where has the money gone?

“Maybe, that is why you see Bahamasair suspend flights to Haiti. That’s a part of it.”

The leader of government business, Obie Wilchcombe, asked Dr Minnis to substantiate the claim or withdraw it. However, the Killarney MP declined to withdraw his comments.

On Tuesday, Mr Cooper called the remarks irresponsible and said there was no missing money.

He said some $500,000 was sitting in a bank account in Haiti and that officials were hoping to soon recover it.

“I am advised that the former Prime Minister Minnis made some

assertions that there was money missing in Haiti. This comment was most irresponsible. There is no missing money. There is an ongoing reconciliation matter,” Mr Cooper said before going to a Cabinet meeting.

“The amount is in the range of $500,000. The former prime minister indicated that it was millions of dollars missing. If he knows where the millions are, we would be happy to recover it. Bahamasair has indicated that the amount in question was in the region of $500,000.”

“It was a reconciliation matter. The matter is sitting on an account in Haiti and they expect it will be fully recovered by the end of this week so perhaps the (former) Prime Minister was looking for headlines on this point, but it’s a matter that’s being handled by the board and management of Bahamasair.”

In a statement issued last night, Bahamasair said Dr Minnis’ claim of millions of dollars being missing in Haiti was “not true”.

The statement said: “During the pandemic, Bahamasair suspended services into both Port-au- Prince and Cape Haitien, Haiti. During this period, certain administrative and reconciliation issues occurred within the company that provided handling and representation services for Bahamasair in Haiti. As a result, funds related to sales within Haiti were deposited into

Canada deploys military aircraft over Haiti to disrupt gangs

The Canadian government said this week it deployed a military aircraft over Haiti to address what it called a “dire security situation” and to support efforts to disrupt the activities of Haitian gangs.

Canada said in a statement that it supports the Haitian National Police and deployed a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CP140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft in response to Haiti’s request for support as violence continues to escalate in the country.

Haitian gangs have expanded their territory since the 2021 assassination of then-President Jovenel Moise. The resulting violence has left much of

Minister of Tourism, Aviation and Investment Chester Cooper called Dr Hubert Minnis’ comments on missing money from Bahamasair “irresponsible”.

the bank in Haiti once service resumed.”

Bahamasair said a total of around $530,000 in deposits were made by the company’s handling agent from ticket sales, which had been reconciled with no dispute, and that those funds would be received shortly in the course of business.

There is also a reconciliation taking place, said Bahamasair, of a difference of “some $38,000 in bags and other fees, which the airline expects to have completed in short order”.

The company said: “The above constitute the complete reconciliation process for the airline’s affairs in Haiti relating to our handlers and we reiterate that this is purely an administrative matter.”

Cooper also addressed the suspension of Bahamasair’s weekly flights to Port-au-Prince, saying the move was made for security reasons.

“You may recall that recently, the Foreign Affairs Ministry withdrew our personnel from Haiti,” Mr Cooper added.

“It stemmed from similar concerns and that is the sole reason why Bahamasair has suspended its flight to Haiti. You may or may not know that this a profitable route for Bahamasair but Bahamasair is determined by its personnel and its equipment is of great value and, therefore, they have determined that until things are settled, they will return.”

On Sunday, Tracy Cooper, Bahamasair’s chief executive officer, confirmed to Tribune Business that the national flag carrier had suspended its flights to Haiti’s capital since January 28.

He said the deteriorating security situation in Port-au-Prince had upended the national flag carrier’s Haiti business model to the extent that flights to the northern coastal city of Cape Haitian instead are departing with 98 percent average load factors (passenger capacity).

The demand has forced Bahamasair to deploy one of its 138-seater jets to the route, marking a reversal from when Port-au-Prince would have been the prime destination and merited such capacity.

The airline suspended services to the Haitian capital after it was reported that five Bahamians from Bahamasair were unable to leave Port-au-Prince’s airport due to protests by police force members over gang-related killings of their comrades. (Tribune242)

the country off-limits to the government and led to routine gun battles with police. Haiti is expected to be on the agenda when U.S. President Joe Biden visits Canada next month.

The Canadian patrol aircraft will provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability to bolster efforts to establish and maintain peace and will remain in the region “for a number of days,” the Canadian government said.

In October, the United Nations suggested a “rapid action force” be sent to Haiti to combat escalating violence from armed gangs whose turf battles have left hundreds dead and thousands displaced.

But many have expressed skepticism, citing abuses from past missions and questioning a force backing the administration of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, which has been without democratically elected

representatives since early January.

Most countries have been wary of sending troops, though nearby Jamaica has said it would be willing to participate and El Salvador has offered “technical assistance”.

Around seven in 10 people in Haiti back proposed creation of an international force to help the national police fight violence from armed gangs, according to a survey carried out in January. (Reuters)

The Canadian patrol aircraft will provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability

GEORGE

DOMESTIC WORKER

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

CONTACT: 345-2560

BELONGERS ARE

DOMESTIC WORKER

LABOURER

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 244-7865

BELONGERS ARE

CONTACT: (649) 341-7518

LABOURER

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door frames.

To work 5 day a week.

Salary: $6.50 hourly

CONTACT: 243-6890

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY

LABOURER

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 345-7087

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. Salary: $6.25 Hourly

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 344-0684

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

MAINTENANCE

• Conducting routine inspections of premises and equipment.

• Performing preventive maintenance.

• Handling basic repairs and maintenance.

• Overseeing contractors when professional repairs are necessary.

• Diagnosing mechanical issues and correcting them.

• Repairing machine, equipment, or structures as necessary.

Salary: $10.00 per hour

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR

KISHMA

LABOURER

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

CONTACT: 341-7120

Salary: $6.50 Hourly LUXENE

LABOURER

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 241-3561

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

CONTACT: 342-0022

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

BABYSITTER

Ensuring a safe environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing children, administering medicine, doing housework, and etc.

Salary: $7.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 241-0062

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

APPLY TO

CONTACT: 649-344-8116

Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. Salary: $6.25 hourly

RENEWAL

CONTACT: 346-8480

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Salary:

34748

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. Salary: $6.25 Hourly VARIOUS JOBS CONTACT: 1-649-244-7137 EMAIL: BASSETT-27@HOTMAIL.COM 34752 BELONGER APPLY TO LABOUR DEPARTMENT MARIE J.I. SKIPPINGS Blue Hills, Providenciales DOMESTIC WORKER Cook and clean. (New) Salary: $10.00 hr. MERCENE JEAN Blue Hills, Providenciales DOMESTIC WORKER Cook and clean. (New) Salary: $10.00 hr. KAYSHELL MAINTENANCE & CLEANING Aviation Road, Providenciales UPHOLSTERER Remodeling used furniture cleaning. (Renewal) Salary: $10.00 hr.

CHRISTOPHER FORBES

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 341-6997

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

MERVIN

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

Salary: $6.25

CONTACT: 341-7475

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

DOMESTIC WORKER

Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-241-3881

Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters.

Salary: $500.00

CONTACT: 232-3007

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

Salary: $6.50

CONTACT: 346-2537

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

HELPER

Clean the store, dusting, sweeping, mopping, clean ceiling vents, restroom cleaning, stock shelves, pick, pack, receive and restock products inside the store

Salary: $6.25 hourly

CONTACT: 342-4067

DOMESTIC WORKER

LABOURER

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 333-3312 OR

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

Salary: $6.25

CONTACT: 346-9461

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

CONTACT: 231-0327

CONTACT: 232-8509

CONTACT: 341-3168

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 342-2245

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

JEWELRY REPAIRER

and detail.

• To work 9 to 5, 6 days a week. Salary: $7 hourly

LABOURER

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 345-7087 34727

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

TCREA welcomes 14 more mentees to mentorship programme

Fourteen bright and eager budding real estate agents have been officially selected for round two of TCREA’s exciting teen mentorship programme.

After the success of the programme’s initial phase, the committee, spearheaded by TCREA Ambassador Trevor Musgrove, dived straight ahead with plans to open the opportunity to more students.

“It was a no-brainer,” Musgrove said, “The programme felt like it was over in just a blink, and we thoroughly enjoyed sharing this profession we love so much with the mentees. Once the final certificates were presented to the first group, we immediately began planning for this year.”

The mentorship programme was launched in 2022, with 10 teens selected for the inaugural group, to be led through the sessions by six mentors.

The 10 were comprised of students from secondary schools in Providenciales and North Caicos. When applications opened for the 2023 session, Musgrove said they were pleased to also receive submissions from Grand Turk and South Caicos this time around.

“When the ministry first met with Mr Musgrove and his team, two of our non-negotiables for endorsing the programme was that it would be open to teens in all islands and that community college students would also be considered,” Hon Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education shared this week.

“We reinforced our commitment to ensuring that we would support any young person interested in exploring the programme. As such, we are delighted to facilitate the travel of the sister island participants so that they can take full advantage of the exciting live sessions this programme offers.”

With that continued support, the TCREA team was empowered to select four additional students for January 2023, resulting in a diverse group of young men and women.

The mentees are: Emmanuel Morancy and Adriauna Williams of Clement Howell High School; J-Neyo Agenor and Caleea Robinson of Raymond Gardiner High School; Phanaica Alcina of Marjorie Basden High School; Jessica Dormeus and Celeste Tape of Maranatha Academy; Tyler Hall and Ja’Mya James of British West Indies Collegiate; Kevin Fleurimont of Louise Garland Thomas High; Samarth Parvani and Jajuan Harvey of H J Robinson High School and Jenny Mesilien of Elijah Simmons of Wesley Methodist High School.

The 14 successful mentees experienced their first live session on Saturday, February 4, where they met their mentors, and were led through the programme’s orientation and an introduction to the Real Estate ethics and principles.

Along with Director Trevor Musgrove, the programme’s mentorship committee includes Blair MacPherson of REMAX; Vernica Delancy and Dedra Gray

The 14 successful mentees experienced their first live session on Saturday, February 4, where they met their mentors, and were led through the programme’s orientation and an introduction to the Real Estate ethics and principles

of Keller Williams; Sean O’Neill of The Agency; Nina Siegenthaler, Manfred Smith, and newest mentor addition, Lisa Lopes of Sotheby’s. For the next five months, the teens will enjoy interactive learning sessions, open house exercises, education in sales and marketing

techniques, and site visits while building their knowledge of one of the country’s largest and most lucrative industries.

The TCREA Board of Directors is delighted to continue this initiative in hopes that it will pique even more interest from Turks and

Caicos school leavers who may not have explored the idea of delving into this lucrative and highly respected industry.

The community is encouraged to follow the programme’s Facebook page @tcreamentors and support the participants along their journey.

Fourteen new mentees join the TCREA real estate mentorship program for 2023 (TCREA photos)

Jean Pierre, Pools and Water park manager at BTC surfs with the tide

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: One of the most exciting locations at the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort for families is the waterpark. Managing the waterpark and the pools can be a daunting task for any leader, but for Jean Pierre, a 24-year veteran with the resort, this opportunity to lead some of the most dedicated team members, is an inspiring task.

Pierre, who started his career with the company in April 1999 has become a master of his craft. Having prior swimming experiences, this boat captain and father of two, credits his growth in the industry to his leaders through the years and the dynamic structure of the company which allows for personal and professional development.

“All that I have learned in this department can be credited to the guidance of Michael Clarke, Sandals Resorts International’s corporate director of watersports. He has been the leader who saw my potential and has helped in guiding my progress in this field,” said Pierre. He continued, “Whoever enters this company and shows the right attitude to learn and grow, will become successful. In any area of the industry, an important part of your success is the team around you.”

“I started as a line staff and with training and the requisite certifications, I was promoted to supervisor before being named manager of one of the most dynamic departments. I lead an equally dynamic set of team members who consistently strive to give their best and ensure our visitors enjoy their vacations with us,” Pierre added.

Waterpark supervisor and senior team member in the department, Jacquelin Pierre, lauded his manager for his leadership, “As a team, we can always depend on Jean to find a creative way to address any issue. His knowledge of guest-relations is commendable.”

General Manager, James McAnally noted, “Jean is the consummate leader who understands how to provide the most comfortable work environment. He has an eye for detail in seeing to his department’s operation and his open-door leadership style is one that makes him approachable to his team. Jean’s growth has also shown the perfect combination of experience and training. With each new training course available for leaders, Jean is usually one of the first to get registered which allows him to be empowered and in turn, he readily empowers his team.”

In reflecting on his growth and development within the hospitality industry, Pierre shared that he believes a leader should be firm and fair in their interactions with team members. “For the young professionals who have an interest in exploring hospitality as a means to further their own talents, I am confident Beaches Turks and Caicos is the most ideal place to start. My advice is to have the right attitude and to be open-minded and prepared to learn something new each day. Have short, medium and long term plans as you grow, and ensure that you value and appreciate each member of the team,” Pierre noted.

“My life at Beaches is like that of a surfboard. Wherever a challenge has presented itself, I have been able to navigate them successfully, as I rely on the training and support that I have received. I remain committed to this resort because the opportunities for growth are there for each team member at every level of the organisation,” Pierre concluded.

Jean Pierre, who is also a certified Lifeguard Instructor is encouraging prospective employees who have a passion for swimming, to take up the offer and jump-start their career through employment at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

Jean Pierre fixes one of the floaters at the Water Park

Jean Pierre (right), Water Park and Pools Manager at Beaches Turks and Caicos makes a point to his trusted supervisor Jacquelin Pierre at the resort’s Water Park

Jean Pierre is always willing to lead from the from with getting the job done at the resort

Disney says Toy Story and Frozen sequels on the way as streaming numbers fall

DISNEY chief executive Bob Iger has announced sequels for Toy Story, Frozen and Zootopia as he detailed plans to turn around its streaming business.

Mr Iger said that Disney’s animation studio has sequels “in the works”.

Meanwhile, the firm revealed its first fall in subscriber numbers since its Disney+ streaming service launched in 2019.

And Mr Iger said he would cut 7,000 jobs in a major shake-up of the entertainment giant.

In a call to investors, Mr Iger spoke about his plans to monetise some of its biggest franchises.

“I’m so pleased to announce that we have sequels in the works from our animation studios to some of our most popular franchises: Toy Story, Frozen and Zootopia,” he said.

“We’ll have more to share about this production soon, but this is a great example of how we’re leaning into our unrivalled brands and franchises.”

The latest instalments would be the third in the Frozen franchise and a second Zootopia. There have already been four Toy Story

films as well as last year’s spin-off Lightyear.

The announced job cuts amount to around 3.6% of Disney’s workforce around the world and are part of a plan to save $5.5bn (£4.5bn) and make its Disney+ streaming service profitable. Mr Iger said he did “not make this decision lightly”.

The changes came alongside its latest quarterly figures, his first since he returned to Disney in November.

Mr Iger said the changes would “better position us to weather

future disruption and global economic challenges”.

Disney reported an 8% rise in sales to $23.5bn between October and December last year. Profit also rose by 11% to $1.3bn.

However, Disney+ reported a $1.5bn loss and its subscribers fell by around 2.4 million to 161.8 million.

The plan will see the company restructure into three segmentsentertainment which will include film, TV and streaming; sportsfocused ESPN and Disney parks, experiences and products.

Harry and Meghan could be questioned in Samantha Markle defamation case

THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex could be questioned as part of a US defamation case brought by Meghan’s half-sister.

Samantha Markle is suing Meghan for “defamation and injurious falsehoods”, including claims, in an Oprah Winfrey TV interview, of being an “only child”.

She is seeking $75,000 (£62,000) damages in a case lodged in March 2022.

On Tuesday, a judge rejected a bid to stop Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, from having to give evidence in a legal deposition.

A deposition is a formal testimony from a witness or someone involved in a case, given outside of court but under oath.

And the ruling, by judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell, in a district court in Florida, means if the case goes further ahead, Meghan and Prince Harry could have to face such questioning.

But the judge added that a “preliminary peek” suggested some of the claims “may be ripe for dismissal”.

Court papers in the civil case show that Samantha alleges Meghan: exposed her to “humiliation, shame and hatred on a worldwide scale” misrepresented their relationship

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

when they were growing up, giving the impression they were “virtual strangers” and she had “no relationship whatsoever with her sister Meghan”

“falsely and maliciously stated” she was “an only child”, when interviewed with Prince Harry by Oprah Winfrey, in 2021 pursued a “false rags-to-royalty narrative”, claiming childhood hardship, which destroyed her half-sister and father’s “reputation and credibility”

Court documents show that Samantha claimed she had a much closer relationship with her halfsister, with “frequent and regular contact” throughout her childhood.

And she recalls how their father paid for Meghan’s “expensive” private education and helped

launch her acting career.

The claims are accompanied by 38 “requests for admission”, which seek to put statements and questions to Meghan.

This includes the statement: “Your sister Samantha Markle has driven you to school on a regular basis at a certain period of your life.”

According to court documents, the response from Meghan’s legal team is that this is a “vague and ambiguous” request and “not relevant to any party’s claim or defence”.

In response to “You are not an only child,” the reply from Meghan’s lawyers is that “a statement that she grew up or did not grow up as an ‘only child’ cannot be defamatory as a matter of law”.

PINK Floyd co-founder Roger Waters addressed the United Nations Security Council Wednesday, where he called for an end to the war in Ukraine without seeming to take a side.

According to Rolling Stone, Waters said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly a year ago wasn’t legal, but it was “not unprovoked.”

“So I also condemn the provocateurs in the strongest possible terms,” he said. “There, that’s out of the way.”

The 79-year-old musician’s remarks, which came at the behest of Russian officials, reportedly condemned military profiteers. He claimed to speak for “many who do not share in the profits of the war industry.”

The “Shine on You Crazy

Diamond” singer called reports of Russian war crimes “Western propaganda” in an October interview with Rolling Stone.

Waters also claimed his name is on a “kill list” supported by the Ukrainian government, calling the Eastern European nation’s conflict with Russia an “unnecessary” war for which NATO shares responsibility. “Russia should not have been encouraged to invade the Ukraine after they tried for 20 years to avoid it by suggesting diplomatic measures to Western governments,” he claimed.

The outspoken four-time Grammy nominee’s politics came under fire Monday when former Pink Floyd bandmate David Gilmour and his wife Polly Samson savaged Waters on Twitter.

CHRISTINA Applegate is planning to take her final bow at this month’s Screen Actor’s Guild Awards.

The “Dead to Me” star was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the summer of 2021, while filming the third and final season of the Netflix series.

She’s nominated by the Screen Actors Guild for that role in the category of outstanding

performance by a female actor in a comedy series. Due to her health, Applegate acknowledges this may be her last acting nod.

“It’s my last awards show as an actor probably, so it’s kind of a big deal,” Applegate told The Los Angeles Times in an interview on Tuesday. “Right now, I couldn’t imagine getting up at 5 a.m. and spending 12 to 14 hours on a set; I don’t have that in me at this moment.”

Toy Story was released in 1995. Its last official sequel, Toy Story 4, came out in 2019

Roger Waters is an outspoken four-time Grammy nominee

Roger Waters says Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine was ‘not unprovoked’

The “Dead to Me” star was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the summer of 2021, while filming the third and final season of the Netflix series.

Applegate says SAG Awards likely her ‘last awards show’ due to ongoing battle with MS

Tourism Board exhibits TCI at UK’s biggest travel trade show

The Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board exhibited TCI’s natural beauty at the UK’s biggest and longest-running travel trade event, Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, last week.

The event, which took place at Olympia, London from February 2-5, was packed with hundreds of leading and independent tour operators, over 70 tourist boards from across the globe, cultural entertainment, world flavours and travel celebrities.

TCI was represented by Courtney Robinson, UK & EU Representative for the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board, who disclosed that Destinations London proved a great opportunity for the Tourist Board to not only exhibit, but also to further educate and inform travel professionals, media houses and travellers on the destination, while also creating new connections and business opportunities.

"The Turks and Caicos is the envy of the Caribbean and one of the world's leading destinations. Therefore, it is imperative that we attend the best trade events, whereby positioning ourselves to better promote Brand Turks and Caicos and our niche product offerings."

Over the four-day show, the Tourist Board stand saw tremendous footfall, whereby many travellers (new and former holidaymakers to the destination), were informed and updated on all things Turks and Caicos.

Robinson noted that during the course of the show he met with various tour operators, travel agents, concierge representatives, media producers and content creators. He stated that the demand for Turks and Caicos is overwhelming and the announcement of Virgin Airlines' additional airlift, it gives travellers more ways to get to the Islands.

Each day at the stand, eventgoers were able to take part in a Turks and Caicos-based fivequestion quiz, with someone winning a luxury gift bag courtesy of the Tourist Board. The contents of the luxury goody bag were a hat and T-shirts combo (T’s Tees N Things), a mug or water bottle (The Wellington Williams Collection), Bambarra Rum Cake and Caicos Roasters Coffee (FOTTAC), a TCI Doll, along with a copy of Times of the Island Magazine, the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association Destinations Magazine 2023 along with Tourist Board branded marketing collateral

and promotional items. The UK & EU Marketing Representative went on to say: "The world over, the Turks and

Caicos Islands is known as a high-end luxury destination. With eight destination islands, niche product offerings, the islands are a premier dive and water sports destination, one that is excellent for eco and adventure travel, gastronomy, perfect for weddings

and honeymoons, along with a vibrant cruise sector on the nation's capital. The destination is so fantastic, we welcome all travellers to our shores, year-round, affording all, a bespoke holiday, catering to their needs, in a serene and safe environment."

Visitors to the travel trade show took part in a fivequestion quiz about the Turks and Caicos Islands

Many potential travellers were informed and updated on all things Turks and Caicos

Courtney Robinson, UK & EU Representative for the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board, presents the day one quiz winner with her prizes

DOMESTIC HELPER

Duties will be regular household chores, as per work permit.

Salary: $7.50 hourly.

CONTACT: 244-0998

ARE

CONTACT: 333-1784

DOMESTIC WORKER

Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

Salary: $6.25 hourly

CONTACT: 343-1420

BELONGERS

2 CLEANERS

Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc.

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 242-4551/ 344-1386

DOMESTIC WORKER AND LABOURER

Physical labour and cleaning at work site

Rate: $8.00 per hour

CONTACT:

649-243-2280

DOMESTIC WORKER

LABOURER

MAINTENANCE

outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

CONTACT: 345-0174

CONTACT: 242-4324

LABOURER

Cleaning property, pick up yard waste, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

$6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-431-2527

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair, trimming beards, or giving shaves.

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

Cleaning property, pick up yard waste, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

$6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-245-0278

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE

DOMESTIC WORKER

CONTACT: 343-8070

Perform live music to audiences, Rehearse music and parts to prepare for performances, setting up of musical equipment. Salary: $9.00/daily

CONTACT: 649-231-4429

Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc. Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 348-0030

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

AUTO SALES REAL ESTATE

TILE LAYER

DOMESTIC WORKER

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

Salary: $6.25

HANDYMAN

Millennium Highway, Providenciales

Contact: 244-3939 | $6.25 hourly

Maintaining of yard cleaning, small painting, fixing of small furniture etc.

PLUMBER HELPER

TEN & SANCHEZ LTD.

12 Bronze Lane, Long Bay

Contact: 341-4752 | $600.00 Bi-Weekly

Installs pipes and fixtures, installs supports for pipes, equipment, etc.

HAIR BRAIDER

ABIGAELLE BARBER & SALON

CONTACT: 649-342-1979

Five Cays, Providenciales

Contact: 331-2701 | $7.00 hourly

Braiding and grooming of hair.

Acting on behalf of

MASON

HARD ROCK CONSTRUCTION

#128 Millennium Highway, Blue Hills

Contact: 244-3939 | $7.00 hourly

Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters.

LIVE-IN HANDYMAN

CLOVER PARKER

Millennium Highway, Blue Hills

Contact: 231-7222 | $7.50 hourly

Plumbing work, painting, flooring repair and upkeep, electrical repairs.

KECHIE 34787

DESIGN

Village, GraceBay, Provo, Is looking for VARIOUS

Regent

Contact: 941-4750

June Hills, Blue Hills

Up equipment, run lines for power tools, erect scaffolding, layout tools, pouring of concrete foundation.

$300.00 weekly

LABOURER LABOURER

TILE MAN

D & B TILE

Contact: 232-6435

South Dock Road

Laying tile.

$15.00 hourly

VOYNEL A. GRAY

Five Cays, Contact: 247-6382

Attending to my apartments need such as paint, cleaning and assisting with ongoing construction. Salary: $300.00

DRYWALL MASON

Responsible for installing wallboards to ceilings or to interior walls of buildings and applying plaster.

$9.00 Hourly

STEEL

Build and install iron or steel girders, columns, and other construction materials.

$9.00 Hourly

Build and install iron or steel girders, columns, and other construction materials to form buildings, bridges, and other structures. Cut, position, and bolt down steel bars.

$9.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 247-4924

IS URGENTLY LOOKING FOR A FLORIST

Applicant must have experience as a Floral Assistant or Florist. Must have extensive knowledge of tropical flowers, foliage and potted plants, including their names, seasonal availability and lifespan. Candidates must have experience using current styles in floral design while at the same time understanding the traditional use of certain flowers for weddings, funerals etc. salary commensurate with experience.

CONTACT: 231-3788

Sourcing the materials, measuring and cutting materials to specifications

Welding materials using the correct materials to join the metals together. Checking finished work to make sure that it falls within the tolerances marked on the blueprints.

$10-15/Hr., Mon-Fri, 7:00AM-5PM.

CELL: 231-6858 / 432-3447

Whereas, PAUL SLATTERY of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands has declared that the Land Certificate for the above mentioned title number(s) registered in the name of BARZAN LIMITED was inadvertently mislaid and cannot be found.

Take notice that I, Toni-Ann Foster, Acting Land Registrar, shall issue a new Land Certificates for the said title six weeks of the date of the first publication of this Notice in a Local Newspaper and the Gazette.

Dated this 21st day of October 2022

OCEAN CLUB MANAGEMENT

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER

The Human Resource Manager will lead and direct the routine functions of the Human Resources (HR) department at Ocean Club Resorts (OCR) including hiring and interviewing staff, training, administering pay, benefits, and leave, and enforcing company policies and practices.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Partner with the leadership team to understand Ocean Club Management’s (OCM) human resource current and future talent needs, recruiting, retention and succession planning.

2. Manage the recruitment and hiring process, including identifying talent needs, job description development, advertising, sourcing talent, interviewing, and hiring of qualified applicants, including contract negotiations.

3. Analyze TCI industry standards in compensation and benefits to ensure OCM Wage and Salary Guidelines are competitive and consistent; research and propose any increases to base and incentive pay programs to ensure OCM attracts and retains top talent.

4. Ensure that annual Performance Appraisals of all staff are conducted in a timely manner and that any recommended increases are in line with OCM Wage and Salary Guidelines.

5. Manage employee benefits (Paid Sick Days, Vacation, etc.).

6. Maintain compliance with TCI Labor laws and regulations, updating OCM Employee Manual to reflect any changes.

7. Provide support and guidance to management with regard to the disciplinary and/or termination processes to ensure that procedures comply with TCI Labor Laws; may be required to execute delicate issues requiring diplomacy and impartiality, such as investigations of allegations of wrongdoings.

8. Co-ordinate and maintain the Business Staffing Plan and liaise with Labor Department and Labor Tribunal on employee relations issues as required.

9. Facilitate the processing of work permits when required.

10. Manage National Insurance and National Health Insurance Board contributions for all employees.

11. Verify payroll information is correct with regard to the allocation of payment for vacation, sickness, retro-pay, any deductions, etc.

12. Oversee the distribution of monthly Service Charge payments to all employees, ensuring compliance with the TCI Service Charge legislation.

13. Facilitate new employee orientation for all new hires.

14. Create learning and development programs and initiatives that provide internal development opportunities for employees.

15. Coordinate resources for on-going management training and development opportunities.

16. Maintain knowledge of trends, best practices, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and TCI employment law.

17. Perform other duties as required by OCM.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Human Resource and Training experience in a resort environment.

2. A management style conducive to providing consultative advice to management and employees.

3. Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate them when appropriate.

4. Strong conflict resolution skills with a consistent ability to remain objective.

5. Solid work ethic combined with an enthusiastic outlook.

6. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

7. Excellent leadership, organizational, multi-tasking, and presentation skills.

8. Self-motivated and disciplined, with commitment, drive, determination, and the ability to work well with little or no supervision.

9. Proven ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

10. Strong PC skills; proficiency with various work processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.

SALARY: Commensurate with experience.

Preference will be given to qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders. All interested persons are asked to send a cover letter and CV to: hr@oceanclubresorts.com

PROJECT MANAGER

The Project Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of projects and maintenance operations at Ocean Club Resorts (OCR) in support of the organization’s business goals and objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Work closely with Ocean Club Management’s (OCM) leadership to plan, develop and execute the organization’s short and long-term operational strategies.

2. Manage the OCR Maintenance Department: lead, coach and support the team; liaise with other department heads to ensure maintenance needs are met.

3. Develop one SOP for the OCR Maintenance Department to implement at each property.

4. Monitor the processing of Work Orders by all maintenance staff to ensure productivity and profitability.

5. Regularly review processes and procedures and amend as necessary to increase productivity and improve efficiencies and insure that they are kept current & applicable.

6. Assist in the assessment of vendors/contractors for resort/project consideration, then manage and monitor their standards of performance and work.

7. Assess, develop, and maintain preventative maintenance programs for OCM, the Strata corporations and homeowners.

8. Collaborate and coordinate with subcontractors on projects initiated by OCM, the Strata corporations, and home owner renovation projects.

9. Liaise with and inspect contractor work to ensure work quality & home owner suite standard requirements are maintained.

10. Act as lead contact for all OCM projects.

11. Respond to inquiries relative to project and maintenance issues, concerns, requests, procedures in a timely manner.

12. Assist with providing estimates and project quotes when required.

13. Plan and implement multi-skills training for maintenance staff to improve work efficiency and quality.

14. Carry out effective control on the purchase of maintenance stock to minimize waste and maximize cost savings and ensure required parts are available.

15. Monitor energy usage, and propose additional energy saving measures.

16. Maintain efficient communications with other departments, Strata executive committees, home owners, and subcontractors.

17. Perform other duties as required by OCM.

Working collaboratively with the OCR Maintenance Managers:

1. Communicate with owners, guests, management and co-workers in a timely manner regarding maintenance; which may include assessing needs, obtaining/providing service, labor or parts/equipment quotes, taking photographs of damages, conducting inventory of units as necessary.

2. Hire, manage, mentor and train staff; establish performance guidelines; evaluate departmental/staff performance; execute disciplinary actions as necessary in consultation and collaboration with the General Manager and Human Resources Manager.

3. Arrange work intensity effectively to ensure maximum productivity and well-balanced labour.

4. Audit and submit time, expense and work order reports to the accounting department as required.

5. Ensure the maintenance team and other departments have cohesive

Is looking for qualified persons to fill the following vacant management positions:

To: the Creditors of TCI Bank Limited (In Liquidation) (“the Bank”)

All persons who at April 9th 2010 held credit deposits in chequing or savings accounts or on certificates of deposit and who have not yet been contacted by the Bank are asked to urgently contact the Bank so that they might receive their dividend distribution. So far, the Bank has distributed to deposit holders a total of 55 cents on the dollar. The contact details for the Bank are telephone number (649) 941- 7500 or email address info@tciblimitedliquidation.com.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Desire to make Aviation your Career? Want to work in an industry where no day is the same? Want to work with a company that believes that our Human Resources are our most important asset? A company that trains, develops and promotes from within? TCA Handling Flight Services Ltd with over 30th years serving American Airlines and JetBlue is the organization for you, we are currently seeking passionate, committed individuals with a great personality to fill the positons of:

AIRLINE ATTENDANTS

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Provides friendly service to travelers

• Communicates with travelers by furnishing information regarding fares, schedules, routings, flights and availability of space.

• Answers travelers’ inquiries regarding flight arrivals, delays, cancellations, flight irregularities, facilities, and other general information.

• Works in a highly organized, restrictive environment requiring extended periods of time at a fixed work position

• Utilizes computerized system.

• Attends initial and ongoing training (classroom and/or on -the-job), and keeps current and proficient on knowledge, information, and equipment that is pertinent to the job.

• May perform other job duties as directed by Management.

BAGGAGE HANDLERS

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Loading and unloading aircrafts in accordance with the instructions of the crew chief.

OCEAN CLUB MANAGEMENT

Is looking for qualified persons to fill the following vacant management positions:

• To ensure that all bags are accounted for by the triple A system or any other system that the company may be using.

• The unloading and clean-up of any kind of waste from the aircraft.

• Help in the lifting of travelers that is immobilize, up and down the aircraft ensuring a safe path at all times.

CONTINUED U

working relationships.

6. Ensure departmental compliance with the policies, procedures and guidelines of Ocean Club Resorts and TCIG health and safety regulations, and building code requirements.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

1. 10+ years’ experience in a similar senior Project Management position or General Contracting and with at least 3 years in a Chief Engineer position, preferably in a resort environment, with thorough knowledge of hotel project management and maintenance procedures.

2. Have relevant resort and building industry trade certifications with specialized knowledge of waste water treatment, hydraulics, mechanics, H.V.A.C., TV, lighting, pumps, etc.

3. Capable of planning maintenance service for all hotel building services including air-conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration, electrical installation, lighting, plumbing, kitchen, lift, fire protection, digital network wiring, TV systems, etc.

4. Able to read blue prints and have AutoCAD experience or training.

5. Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate others.

6. Self-motivated and dependable with a strong work ethic and excellent problem solving skills.

7. Professional appearance and demeanor.

8. Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to speak, read and write fluently in the English language.

9. Computer literate with proficiency in MSWord, Outlook, and Excel.

SALARY: Commensurate with experience. Preference will be given to qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders.

All interested persons are asked to send a cover letter and CV to: hr@oceanclubresorts.com

• Able to fluently read, write, speak and understand English

• Able to work in stressful situation and tight time constraints.

• Responsible for accurate and careful handling of customer baggage

• Set up ramp and storage of equipment and baggage.

• Service aircraft as needed (e.g. aircraft lavatories, potable water and any commissary items).

• May perform other job duties as directed by Management.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Highly trainable and a quick learner

• Must be able to work long hours, weekends, Public Holidays and varying schedule

• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50lbs repeatedly

• Ability to work with a diverse team

• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Must have a valid passport and a clean Police Record

• Must have a valid Turks & Caicos Driver’s license (applicable to Baggage Handlers)

• Must be able to travel regional and internationally

Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be addressed to:

Ms. Denise Westcarr

The Human Resources Manager

TCA Handling Flight Services Ltd.

Butterfield Square, Providenciales

Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI

And should reach no later than February 21, 2023, for further information/interview you can contact us at Tele:649-941-5969 or email denise@tcahandling.com or hr@tcahandling.com..

Mr. Anthony S. Kikivarakis Sr.

STORE CLERK

DOMESTIC WORKER

DOMESTIC WORKER

Duties: Prepare menus for Daily meals, and cooking Meals.

STORE SUPERVISOR

LABOURER

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

$6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-244-6885

TEACHER HANDYMAN

BELONGERS

CONTACT: 247-4924

DOMESTIC WORKER

CONTACT: 649-347-1345

HOUSEKEEPING

Performing a variety of cleaning activities such as sweeping, mopping, dusting and polishing. Ensuring all rooms inspected according to standards.

CONTACT: 649-345-1479

CONTACT: 247-5610

Greets customers, receive payment by cash, checks and credit cards, Issue receipts, and change due to customers.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 347-5225

CONTACT: 346-7306

RECEIVING

Must be proficient in logistics, keep records and help with inventory control, assist with sales in store.

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 345-3914

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Applicant must be honest, reliable and hard working. Washing, ironing, cooking and cleaning.

Salary: $6.50

CONTACT: 649-431-2688

Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc.

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 231-3788

SHA CONSTRUCTION, MAID TO CLEAN, NEWTECH CONSTRUCTION,

CARPENTERS, WELDERS, MASONS, PLUMBERS, TILELAYERS, LABOURERS, FABRIC, PAINTERS, TRADESMAN, STEELMAN, CARPETLAYER, CLEANERS, COOK, MAINTENANCE WORKER

Must be able to read and understand building drawings; layout and erect brick wall, concrete columns, beams, support concrete staircases; concrete floor rending, layout and build driveways, deck floors, swimming pool, cistern, competent with masonry tool and working knowledge of imperial and metric measurement. Perform maintenance and minors repairs (replacing broken switches, fixing doors handles, minor leaks, cut and polish rocks, install, measure, cut and shape.

Salaries started @$8-$13 per hr. Work 5-6 days a week.

CELL: 231-6858

EXPLORER VENTURES (TCI) LTD.

DIVE INSTRUCTOR OR DIVE MASTER EXPERIENCED ENGLISH-SPEAKING

Specialties including EANx and a strong customer service background. Candidates must have current STCW basic safety certification including security awareness. Previous liveaboard experience, the ability to speak multiple languages, competence

WITH ACTIVE PADI/SDI TEACHING STATUS with Office 365 programs, or additional skills preferred. Starting salary: $1600/month.

Interested persons are asked to email applications, including resumes, to jobs@ explorerventures.com.

2 CELLPHONE REPAIRMEN

DOMESTIC WORKER

DOMESTIC CLEANING AND MOPPING FLOORS AND OTHER SURFACE. DUSTING AND POLISHING FURNITURE. CLEANING BATHROOMS, KITCHEN, LIVING ROOM AND BEDROOMS.

SHEETS, TOWELS, PERSONAL CLOTHING AND IRONING.

$6:50 PER HOUR

CONTACT:

AIRCRAFT MECHANIC

Scheduling and overseeing routine maintenance checks. Implementing and adhering to strict safety guidelines. Creating and maintaining repair logs and records. Using hand tools, diagnostic tests, and gauges to identify hydraulic and mechanical malfunctions. Collaborating with

engineers and system mechanics to ensure that all aircraft systems are running correctly. Preparing diagnostics reports and suggesting repair solutions based on thorough evaluations. Ensuring that all aircraft parts are accurately labeled, organized, and restored. Salary will start $3000 monthly.

TEL: 941-5730 EMAIL RESUME TO INFO@CAICOSEXPRESSAIRWAYS.COM.

• Work directly with customers to discuss what needs to be fixed.

• Prepare damage reports and cost estimates.

• Replace damaged body parts, including bumpers, fenders, hoods and trim.

• Realign car frames and repair structural damage.

• Pound out or patch dents and other minor body damage.

• Fit, attach and weld replacement parts into place.

• May also prep and paint vehicle surfaces.

• Follow safety regulations.

Salary based on skills

DRIVE

GOLF CART ATTENDANT

Meet and Greet all Customers. Responsible for cleaning and maintaining all carts. Assisted in making sure that all carts are secured at the end of each day.

SALARY: $300.00 PER WEEK

CONTACT: 243-0313

DOMESTIC

FOLINE DOR

Five Cays Tel: 241-4107

Cleaning/keeping the house neat and organized.

Salary: $8.00p/h

WARD’S CONSULTANCY

CARIBBEAN MANAGEMENT SERVICES LIMITED

Is

CORPORATE ADMINISTRATOR

Caribbean Management Services

Limited is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Corporate Administrator. Key responsibilities include:

• Liaising with clients

• Incorporation of corporate entities

• Post-incorporation activities

• Implementing KYC requirements

• Implementing Economic Substance requirements

• Effectively communicating with the Financial Services Commission

The successful candidate will have at a minimum a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a business-related field and have at least five years corporate management experience with a corporate management firm. An additional professional qualification (such as STEP) would be an asset. The candidate must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and QuickBooks accounting software and have strong analytical and organizational skills as well as strong written and verbal communication skills. Salary will be dependent upon skills and experience.

APPLICANTS SHOULD SEND THEIR DETAILS AND RÉSUMÉS TO THE MANAGING DIRECTOR AT INFO@CMSTCI.COM.

CLOSING DATE: 17TH FEBRUARY 2023

34907

Whereas BENGT AKE GÖRAN OLSSON, of Sweden, has declared that the Land Certificate for the abovementioned title number registered in his name has been irretrievably lost.

Take Notice that I, Nicholas Arculus, Registrar of Lands shall cancel the land certificate for the said title within six weeks of the date of the first publication of this notice in a local newspaper and the Gazette.

Date this 22 day of November, 2022.

Signed: ..............................................................................................

Arculus

of Lands

TONY’S

Salary: $8.00p/h

BARTENDER COSMETOLOGIST

PJ’S BABER

BABYSITTER LABOURER

TECH

CAPABILITIES & EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 10 Years working in IT

• Supervisory role. Specifically with IP

• networks, servers and desktops

• Strong Microsoft client and server OS

• skills including Active directory, DNS

• & DHCP

• Experience in Hotel Property

• management and Electronic systems

• Installation of conduit and cabling for

• various projects

• Able to multitask

THIS POSITION IS FOR A WORK PERMIT RENEWAL BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOR

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE:

• Weddings

• Portraits

• Real estate

• Underwater

• Video production

• Office work and editing

• Client Sales

REQUIREMENTS AS FOLLOWS:

• College Degree

•

• 5 years experience in wedding and underwater photography in the Turks and Caicos

•

and lighting

• Dive master certified

• Work Long hours and weekends

• Own Pro Level Camera and Various lenses

• Own Car Salary plus commission

CONTACT: 232-2447 PLEASE SEND YOUR CV TO INFO@KAIERI.COM

THIS POSITION IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL HOWEVER BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOR DEPARTMENT

SERVICE TECHNICIAN

• Minimum 10 Years working in IT Supervisory role. Specifically with IP networks, servers and desktops

• Strong Microsoft client and server OS skills including Active directory, DNS & DHCP

• Experience in Hotel Property management and Electronic systems

• Installation of conduit and cabling for various projects

• Able to multitask

• Attend to client needs 24/7 on call

• Installation of TV’s, CCTV, Speakers & Wifi

• Able to use a ladder up to 15 feet

• Physically fit and able to lift minimum 50 lbs

QUALIFICATIONS:

• MCSE

• A+

• N+

• CCNA

SALARY: $3500

PHONE NUMBER: 649-331-7020

THIS POSITION IS FOR A WORK PERMIT RENEWAL BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOR DEPARTMENT

REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE 1967 NOTICE OF LOST LAND CERTIFICATE

NUMBER SECTION ISLAND 51203/47 BOTI'LE CREEK NORTH CENTRAL CAICOS

Whereas, Vemon Alco Williams, Personal Representative of the Estate of Gladston Williams, has declared that the Land Certificate for the abovementioned title number issued in the name of GLADSTON WILLIAMS cannot be found.

Take notice that I, TONI-ANN FOSTER, DEPUTY REGISTRAR OF LANDS, shall cancel the lost Land Certificate for the title four weeks of the date of the first publication of this Notice in a local newspaper and the Gazette.

Dated this16th day of January, 2023

TONI-ANN FOSTER DEPUTY REGISTRAR OF LANDS

CAICOS EXPRESS AIRWAYS LTD

CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Customer Service Agent is responsible for all customer travel reservations.

• Greet and assist all customers in a prompt, friendly, and courteous manner

• Provide information over the phone, and electronically regarding routes, schedules, and fares

• Process passenger flight reservations and compute fares

• Keep accurate customer records

• Provide answers to general customer inquires

• Keep up to date with knowledge of phone systems.

• Handle all Customer special requests professionally.

• Activate the manual system in the event of system downtime.

• Resolving customer complaints and other duties as delegated

• Maintain thorough knowledge and handling of unaccompanied minors,

• Communicating clearly and accurately with customers as well as the Station Customer Service Representatives.

• Performing other tasks as assigned by the Supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• A high school diploma 5 CXC or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Related experience in clerical, sales, or other public contact positions,

• the ability to speak two or more languages is beneficial as good knowledge of geography,

• Previous airline experience is beneficial

• Good Command

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Must possess knowledge of computer programs i.e. Microsoft Suite etc.

• Ability to lift to 70lbs

INTERESTED PERSONS MUST SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 24, 2023

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER CAICOS EXPRESS AIRWAYS PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS

EMAIL: HR@CXEAIR.COM

H2O Life.Style.Resort is looking for a dynamic and energic person to fulfill the position of

GUEST EXPERIENCE ATTENDANT

Consistently offering professional and friendly services for resort guests and be able to handle guest concerns and react quickly and professionally in any situation. The candidate must have good communication skills and be excellent at writing.

As a Guest experience attendant your job will include the following:

• Check-in, check-out, meet and greet, and daily administrative tasks.

• Be proactive in anticipating guest needs before they ask.

• Coordinating third-party services such as tours, taxis, airport transfers and rental cars.

• Be effective at communicating with all department.

• Ensuring that the reception experience is organized and professional.

• Be willing to learn new skills, grow and take responsibility at the resort.

All qualified candidates should send resume and cover letter by email to julie@h2oresorttci.com

CLOVERLEAF AGENCY ON BEHALF OF OUR CLIENTS

TELEPHONE: 246-7382

CLOVERLEAF EMPLOYMENT

AGENCY

Middle Caicos

2 WAITRESS / BARMAIDS

Rate: $8 per hour

Welcoming guest, taking orders, serving and mixing drinks

CLOVERLEAF EMPLOYMENT AGENCY

3 LIVE IN BUTLER (RENEWAL)

Rate: $1,500.00

Description: Attending to guest, preparing meals

CLOVERLEAF EMPLOYMENT AGENCY

Whitby, North Caicos

2 LIVE IN HOUSEKEEPERS (NEW)

2 LIVE IN HOUSEKEEPERS (RENEWAL)

Rate: $1,200.00 monthly

Description: Attending to guest, making beds, Cleaning

DORRADO DEAN

Leeward Palm, Providenciales EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (RENEWAL)

Rate: $8.00 hr

Description: Drive and control equipment and vehicles. eg: Bulldozers

NOVIA HIGGS

Middle Caicos

CARETAKER (RENEWAL)

Rate: $6:50hr

Description: Assist with bathing, medication and transport

ESTRID COX

Bottle Creek North Caicos DOMESTIC WORKER (NEW)

Rate: 6.50 hr

Description: Cleaning house, washing clothes

RICHARD HARVEY

Kew North Caicos

DOMESTIC WORKER (NEW)

Rate: 6.50 hr

Description: Cleaning house, washing clothes

TROPIC MANAGEMENT

Whitby, North Caicos

MAINTENANCE WORKER (RENEWAL)

2 Laboures (Renewal)

Rate: $7.50 hr

Fix and maintain building, and machines

SHARRINGTON FORBES

Whitby, North Caicos

HELPER (RENEWAL)

Rate: $6.50 hr

Description: Cleaning yard, moving trash, washing windows.

GRACE GLASGOW

Kew North Caicos

DOMESTIC WORKER (RENEWAL)

Rate: 6.50 hr

Description: Cleaning house, washing clothes

NV LIMITED

Grace Bay, Providenciales, Is seeking 4 GARDENERS (NEW)

Duties:

• Planting of trees and plants

• Watering of plants and adding fertilizer when needed

• Trimming, Pruning, Raking and Weeding

• Ensuring plant growth

Rate: 8:00 Per Hour

Please contact: 339-8401

Turks Islanders are encouraged to apply

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

CONTACT: 332-9284

Ensuring a safe environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing children, administering medicine, doing housework, and etc.

CONTACT: 348-9122

To clean and maintain premises especially Gardening by removing all trash and debris inside and outside of premises. Must be willing to work 6 days per week

Uses equipment like nets, fishing rods, and traps, to catch fish and other marine life that will be consumed by humans or used as animal feed or bait. Salary: $10.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 345-7959

BUTLER BABYSITTER

CONTACT: 649-344-9863

CONTACT: (649) 232-0631

LUXURY VILLA

CONTACT: 247-4924

SECURITY OFFICER

We are looking for a qualified Security Officer to join our team. The successful candidate will identify and report any incidents at the assigned villa and will be responsible for the security and safety of our guest, staff and property. Other duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Detect, deter, observe and report

• Be observant of signs of a crime or disorder and investigate

• Act lawfully in direct defense of life or property

• Report in detail any suspicious incidents

• Patrol randomly or regularly the villa and its perimeter

• Monitor and control access to building entrances and vehicle gates

• Watch alarm systems or video cameras and operate detecting/ emergency equipment

• Inspect villa before guest arrival and following departure

• Perform First Aid and or CPR

• Maintain a “Sunny disposition” and positive attitude.

• Must be properly attired in uniform.

• To carry out maintenance and checks of all security systems.

• To carry out other duties as directed by the Villa Manager or The Management Company.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS POSITION IS HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER. STARTING SALARY FOR THIS POSITION IS $1500.00 PER MONTH. INTERESTED PERSON ARE ASKED

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

CONTACT: 241-3561

Cleaning office buildings, apartments and villas by mopping, dusting, organizing and upkeep tasks.

Salary: $6.50

CONTACT: 649-347-3710

To wash, scrub and polish the interiors and exteriors of car suv’s and buses. Task; vacuum, clean and maintain vehicles. $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 241-4464 / 443-4000

WATERSPORTS ATTENDANT

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up

CONTACT: 241-3561

JOSEPH

Hourly

SEPARATION OF LIABILITIES

I JOSEPH A. SKIPPINGS hereby acknowledge and inform the general public that I am no longer in relationship with Ms. Natacha Alce Soto Skippings and a formal separation will follow. As a result I will not be responsible for any bills or expenses that she will incur after 31st January 2023. This serves as a notice that Ms Alce Soto will be responsible for all liabilities that she will incur after the above stated date.

RAMP AGENT

Assisting with towing and pushback Ensuring the safety and security of the area around a parked airplane. Guiding airplanes to and from their gates.

Loading, Unloading and sorting baggage’s. Operating Cargo handling equipment. Salary $1400-$2000 Holidays, long hours, weekend

TEL: 941-5730

Cleaning up of job sites, removal of debris, maintaining a clean and safe environment for workers, and other related chores as needed.

Salary: $7.00 per hour

CONTACT: 231-3456

AGGRESSOR II/ CAICOS LIVEABOARD DIVING LTD

• Aggressor II is a Scuba Liveaboard Company operating from Providenciales. The company requires an experienced Captain with a current 200 Ton (ITC) US Coast Guard License with previous experience on vessels greater than 120Ft. Must also have a Certified Scuba Instructor

Certification and Full STCW-95210.

• Must be fluent in english and have a strong background in customer service. Drug test screening is mandatory.

• The captain must live on board the vessel with a rotation of 8 weeks on and 3 weeks off.

Starting Salary: $700.00 / Week.

CONTACT: 000-0000

DENISE PREMISE SMITH

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 341-6997

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

DOROTHEA

General household chores: cleaning, mopping, washing, dusting, sweeping and any other related chores as needed.

Salary: $7.00 per hour

CONTACT: 247-1554

DUTIES INCLUDES:

• Assist with offloading of containers

• Assist with transporting inventory from containers to main warehouse

• Stocking shelves with inventory and making sure they are clean at all times

• Assist customers in and out of store with merchandise

• Ensure a clean and orderly workplace

• Any other duties assign by Management.

Salary: $6.75 per hour

CONTACT: 946-4536 OR EMAIL INFO@WINECELLAR.TC

• Repaint and restore heavy equipment including handling, sand blasting equipment, cleaning and any prep work involve in restoration projects

• Must be willing to work 6 days per week

Salary: $12.00 per hour

DIEUFORT DIEUDONNE PIERRE

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 345-7087

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

34709

DRADLEY MERVEILLE

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 344-8551

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

• Must be willing to work 6 days per week

• Diagnostic Mechanical Repairs maintenance

• Electrical troubleshooting

Salary: $12.00 per hour

CONTACT: 649-941-4015 EMAIL: ALSHAULING@YAHOO.COM

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD

EDRISS JOSEPH

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

Salary: $7.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 246-7466

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 345-7087

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

at tables in dining establishment. Check with customers to ensure that they are enjoying their meals and take action to correct any problems.

Salary: $6.25 hourly

CONTACT: 331-9854

TCI EDUCATION FOUNDATION

AN INCORPORATED CHARITABLE ORGANISATION REGISTERED IN TURKS AND CAICOS

Registered Office: c/o Stanbrooks Law, Graceway House, Graceway Plaza, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, TKCA 1ZZ

Email: carlsimmons@tropical.com Telephone: +1 649 231-6500

PRINCIPAL

Clean kitchen areas, wash dishes, and help workers who prepare or serve food and beverages.

Renewal 6.25 Hourly

KITCHEN HELPER SERVER BAKER Airport Road, Providenciales, Is seeking to employ

Mixing, preparing and baking bread and pastries.

$7.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 343-3568

10. Developing, implementing, and supervising professional development activities for faculty.

Taking orders, answer question about the menu and take payments. $6.25 Hourly

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD

RESTAURANT AND PIZZERIA 34779

VACANCIES

• Master’s Degree in Education or other related areas

• Principal ’s Certification or other equivalent/ relevant accreditation

• Teacher’s Certificate, Licence or Accreditation

• Minimum of five years experience as Principal, Vice-Principal, or other relevant leadership experience.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The candidate must have experience or be willing to acquire knowledge of the Cambridge Assessment International Education Curriculum as well as the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).

The candidate will demonstrate knowledge and experience in the following areas:

1. Planning & and meeting educational and other goals for school improvement

2. Improving the instructional program to include developing and implementing plans for continuous evaluation of curriculum and programs.

3. Managing change.

4. Developing and overseeing departmental budgets and demonstrating accountability by meeting financial and budget limits as determined by the TCI Education Foundation

5. Preparing & submitting regular reports for the TCI Education Foundation

6. Team development & building strong work relationships.

7. Ensuring safety protocols for staff and students and implementation of a school code of conduct

8. Supervising secretarial, para-professional, custodial, and teaching staff.

9. Provide veritable information to requests from TCI Education Foundation, stakeholders, faculty, parents, national governing bodies, and the community by developing strong communication pathways.

11. Managing the staff orientation process.

12. Providing leadership in the student orientation process.

13. Liaising with the Department and Ministry of Education of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

14. Interpreting guidelines (policies) and developing procedures related to all aspects of the school.

15. Supervision of athletic events, school meetings and functions, community related events and field trips.

16. Conduct meetings with parent council and provide support to PTA.

17. Planning, conducting, and attending meetings and events related to the public relation needs of the school.

18. Marketing the school and growing the student population.

19. Recruiting and hiring high quality staff as well as conducting regular performance appraisals.

20. Managing time tabling to ensure efficient & optimal use of resources, staff, and facilities.

SALARY

Salary will be commensurate with qualification & experience.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates must send the following information by email to Mr. Carl Simmons, President of the TCI Education Foundation at carlsimmons@tropical.com or deliver by hand to the registered office - Stanbrooks Law, Graceway House, Graceway Plaza, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos TKCA 1ZZ:

1. Letter of application addressed to Mr. Carl Simmons, President of the TCI Education Foundation

2. Detailed CV with the names of the two most recent or current supervisors

3. Copy of all diplomas, certificates, licenses, and relevant accreditations

Please note that only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.

The British West Indies Collegiate is seeking a dynamic, qualified, and experienced candidate to assume the position of Principal. The contract for this position is initially for two-years, beginning in August 2023 with the possibility of renewal based on the mutual approval of the TCI Education Foundation and the Principal. Individuals who meet the qualifications and requirements below and who have a minimum of five years experience as a Principal or Vice-Principal are invited to apply. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS IS FEBRUARY 10TH, 2023.

TILE LAYER

Install materials on floors, walls, ceilings, etc.

$9.00 - $12.00 Hourly

3 MASONS

Plaster, put blocks, etc.

CONSTRUCTION LABOURER

Assist Mason, Carpenter, Lift heavy things. $7.00-$9.00 Hourly

$10.00 - $12.00 Hourly, ERB CONSTRUCTION 4B Blue Hills Provo | Contact: 649-331-1067 L.A.F. CONSTRUCTION Bible Street Blue Hills | Contact: 649-343-6168 LABOURER - $7.00 - $9.00 Hourly. Keep job site clean, carry materials to workers, etc. ONLY BELONGER APPLY/ RENEWALS Acting on behalf

BEAUTY SECRET

Basic manicures, artificial nails, gel nails, hand massages, nail repair, and nail polishing. $7.50 Hourly

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide treatment for medical conditions or wellness maintenance.

Renewal $8.00 Hourly

34782

Shampooing and styling hair, provide hair treatments, permanents, coloring, and weaving. $7.50 Hourly

HAIRSTYLIST SALON CLEANER

Stocking and supplying facility areas, dusting, sweeping, mopping, restroom cleaning etc. $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 247-1957/231-0640

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWALS

34778

PUBLIC NOTICE

Any one presenting copies of my documents to be notarized without presenting the original documents should be considered as fraud and will attract legal actions.

34620

Regulation 8 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 2018

Schedule 2 Regulation 8 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 2018

An Application, REGISTERED PR16415, by The Hotel Corporation & Urban Development Ltd. for the development of a Hotel Development. The proposed hotel development contemplates a Full Service Resort including One Hundred and Eight (108) Bedrooms Condo Hotel (Comprising Fifty-Four (54) Condo Units in Two Buildings of varying heights 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 Stories, Plus Basement). Two (2) Pools, Beach Club, Poolside “Beach Bar”, Reception, Two (2) Restaurants, Coffee Shop, Ice Cream Parlour, Commissary, Café, Convenience Store, Playroom, Music Room, Creche, Clothes Shop, Spa, Gym, Two (2) Tennis Courts, Kids Center, Synagogue. Eleven (11) Beachfront Villas.

This application has been submitted to the Department of Planning on 22nd December 2022 for consideration of Outline Development Permission on Block & Parcels 60000/150,151,152,153 North West Point on Providenciales.

Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Emily House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, within twenty-eight (28) days of publication of this Notice. You may also make representation(s) via video conferencing at the sitting of the Physical Planning Board when this application would be considered. If you are desirous so to do via video conferencing, contact the Secretary of Physical Planning Board.

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

STONE FABRICATOR

In search of a skilled person to work in stone fabrication. Starting Salary: $10.00 per hour.

DUTIES:

• Must have 5 years experience and show proficiency with cutting and polishing natural and man made stone according to specifications and schedule

• Must be able to assist the foreman in charge at warehouse and on job sites

• Must be able to read blueprints, lay out job plans, operate all tools associated with stone • fabrication, rally other coworkers and follow directions from supervisors. Please email resumes to accounts@ tcimarbleandgranite.com or inquire in person.

We are willing to train if you are motivated to learn the trade!

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

The Turks and Caicos Islands oldest and leading publishing house is in need of additional staff to fill the following posts:

CONCIERGE /GUEST RELATIONS

Duties include inspecting rooms prior to arrivals, greeting guests and coordinating welcome drinks,luggage management,assisting with weekly Managers Social and booking guest tours and dinner reservations

Min 1 yr Front Desk or similar service position exp req’d

Salary based on Qualifications /Experience $10.-$12. per hr plus Service Charges & Commissions

Estimated Yearly Income 40k – 44k

Resumes can be submitted at hotel or emailed to: abarnett@portsofcallresort.com or tlewin@portsofcallresort.com

BCQS LIMITED

SEEKS A

CHARTERED QUANTITY SURVEYOR

The successful applicant must possess

• BSc in Quantity Surveying or RICSrecognised qualification.

• Full Membership of RICS (MRICS)

• Ten years post qualification work experience.

• Computer literate with experience in Word, Excel, MS Project & Vector BQ system

Duties will include and candidates should have experience in:

• Pre and post contract Quantity Surveying duties

• Market appraisals

• Feasibility studies

An annual salary of $42,000.00 plus performance

Related commission is offered for this position.

The suitable candidate should be able to work under his own initiative and be able to see through projects from concept to completion.

This position is available immediately and closing date for application is 2nd February, 2023

Qualified Turks & Caicos Islander Preferred.

WRITERS/ PHOTO JOURNALIST

Candidates must have at least five (5) years’ experience working full-time for daily newspapers and/or news/features magazines, reporting on hard news, features and parliamentary/court proceedings. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

FOR MAGAZINES AND OTHER PERIODICALS GRAPHICS PRODUCTION DESIGNER/ PAGINATOR

This position requires someone with at least five (5) years’ experience working with Macintosh or PC computers. Must be skilled in the make-up of advertising and pagination. Proficiency using InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop software for print is essential. Some technical, networking and web design knowledge an asset. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

COURT REPORTER

College or high school graduate with at least five (5) years’ experience in community reporting. Ability to drive and use a camera a desirable asset. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

ADVERTISING SPACE SALES PERSON

Candidates must have had actual hands-on experience selling advertising space for newspapers and magazines. Ability to assist clients with the writing of copy for ads and gathering of collateral an asset. Salary is commission based.

SOUTH BANK MARINA LTD

is seeking suitably qualified candidates to fill the following position at its location in Long Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

CUSTOMER SERVICE / RECEPTIONIST

This is a junior front of house position, the successful applicant will oversee customer enquiries, reception duties as well as assist with data input and general office duties.

REQUIRED SPECIFICATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have typing skills

• Computer literate with understanding of windows applications, excel, word etc.

• Basic understanding of accounts practices, quick books knowledge would be an advantage.

• Customer service experience and polite mannerism is a must.

• Reports to Senior office administration and the CFO.

• First aid training would be an advantage.

• Knowledge of the maritime industry and boats not essential but would be a benefit.

Salary for this position will be in the range of $9 to $11 an hour.

This is an open position for the successful candidate to start as soon as possible. Please forward all enquiries to contact@southbank.tc.

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING LTD

P.O. Box 158, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI. Tel: (649) 941 4437 Fax: (649) 946 4670 E-mail: cse@tciway.tc CSE LIMITED

SENIOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT MUST POSSESS:

• University Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering (B.SC or MEng)

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the Institution of Civil Engineer or the Institution of Structural Engineers.

• Minimum of 10 years post qualification work experience

• Computer literate with experience in Word, Excel, Autocad, Revit and Structural Analysis Software.

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE AND CANDIDATES SHOULD HAVE EXPERIENCE IN:

• Structural & Civil design calculations and drawing work

• Structural surveys and Reports.

• Site Inspections.

Salary will be $63,000.00 per annum.

The suitable candidate will be able to work under their own initiative, Manage the Work of other Engineers and be able to see through Design Projects from conceptional design to final drawing works.

This position is available immediately and closing date for application is 10th February 2023. Qualified Turks & Caicos Islander Preferred.

APPLY IN WRITING TO CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING LTD. LIMITED, P. O. BOX 158, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS. CONTACT: INFO@CSECARIBBEAN.COM

ON 946-7184.

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER

The assistant general manager (AGM) must possess a broad range of skills and be multifaceted. The ideal candidate will execute a variety of daily duties including but not limited to placing orders, receiving deliveries, accounting, maintaining inventory, and executing the Café’s wine program. The AGM will handle daily cash sales and receipts.

They will work to promote specials created by the kitchen and work closely with bar staff to market specialty cocktails and drinks. The AGM will have expert knowledge/ sommelier training in oenology as it pertains to the Café, ie., service, pairings and training of staff.

He/she will be attentive to resolve customer complaints about food or service. They will monitor and govern customer behavior to ensure conduct is becoming of the Café’s high standard. The AGM will support the General Manager by participating in the disciplining and training of staff, hiring, and creating schedules to properly service the establishment.

The candidate will possess certification in Quick Book accounting, Microsoft Office programs and have extensive knowledge of Micros POS systems and will be required to utilize these skills on a daily basis. The AGM will be able to effectively read, and decipher profit and loss statements, and demonstrate strong accounting skills through daily analysis of trade.

Candidate will possess problem-solving abilities and be quick to respond in a fast paced-high pressure environment. Candidate must be able to climb stairs and be prepared to lift heavy boxes that are inherent in the local and type of business.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with management to estimate beverage consumption, place orders with suppliers and schedule delivery of beverage and non-food related items.

• Resolve customer complaints regarding service or food.

• Direct cleaning of dining areas to maintain sanitation standards and keep appropriate records.

• Monitor actions of staff and guests

• Proficiently operate computer software to assist with the implementation of inventories, track staffing, and record keeping tasks as they are instructed by the General Manager or Ownership

• Maintain stock of supplies such as table ware, paper goods and cleaning supplies as deemed applicable

• Assist with the weekly and monthly maintenance and repair of equipment and other services

• Ensure total receipts and balance against sales at end of day and be able to lock facility

• Recruit, hire, and oversee staff and on going training

• Schedule work hours for servers and bar staff

• Opening and/ or closing of the establishment ensuring all is ready for daily trade or secure for closing

OTHER DUTIES:

• Maintain relationships with guests and staff

• Update and use job related knowledge

• Schedule staff work hours and activities

• Evaluate health and safety practices against standards

• Organize, plan, and prioritize

• Make decisions and solve problems quickly and efficiently concerning staff and guests

• Process and analyze information when scheduling and budgeting

• Record information about inventory and health practices

• Implement creative promotional ideas working with vendors and staff

• Guide, direct, and train staff

• Coordinate the work and activities of staff

• Communicate with customers, sales reps, and suppliers

RESORT, PENNS ROAD, PROVIDENCIALES TCI 649 941 8260

$50-$60K

BEACON

Apply paints, stains, and coatings to interior and exterior walls, new buildings, homes, offices and other structural surfaces.

CONTACT: 649-242-8751

CONTACT: 331-6639

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

Salary: $7.50 hourly

CONTACT: 246-2555

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 331-9167

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc.

Salary:

CONTACT: 246-4430

CONTACT: 649-946-5885

CULINARIATCI@GMAIL.COM

DOMESTIC WORKER

CONTACT: 231-0658

Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-346-4935

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc. Salary: $6.50 hourly

CONTACT: 649-244-5191

Salary: $300.00

CONTACT: 345-5615

Responsible

STORE CLERK

Greets customers, receive payment by cash, checks and credit cards, Issue receipts, and change due to customers.

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

Salary:

CONTACT: 242-0952

Cleaning outside the property, pick up yard waste, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Cares for garden on a daily basis

Salary: $7.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 245-1721

BELONGERS ARE TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD WORK PERMIT RENEWAL

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

Salary: $1097.66

Bi-Weekly

To wash, scrub and polish the interiors and exteriors of car suv’s and buses. Task; vacuum, clean and maintain vehicles. $7.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 246-6464

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE

Science & Technology

Researchers want to launch dust from the moon to help cool Earth

Imagine a world where global warming on Earth has meaningfully diminished. Fossil fuels are on the back burner. Affordable renewable energy sources run most of our activities. Oh, and there’s a cannon on the moon shooting lunar dust into space to help partially shield sunlight to Earth.

That’s one eyebrow-raising approach for cooling our planet proposed by a group of astrophysicists in a study published Wednesday in PLOS Climate. The team used computer simulations to model various scenarios where massive quantities of dust (and we mean a lot of dust) in space can reduce the amount of Earthbound sunlight by 1 to 2 percent, or up to about six days of an obscured sun in a year. Their cheapest and most efficient idea is to launch dust from the moon, which would land into orbit between the sun and Earth and create a sunshade.

Yes, the idea sounds like science fiction. Yes, it would require (a lot of) new engineering. Yes, there are more feasible climate mitigation tactics that can be employed now and in the near future. But the researchers view this rigorous physics experiment as a backup option that could aid — not replace — existing strategies to help humankind live on a more comfortable Earth.

“We cannot as humanity let go of our primary goal of reducing

greenhouse gas emissions here on our planet. That’s got to be the first job,” said Ben Bromley, the study’s lead author and an astrophysicist at University of Utah. “Our idea is one — and it’s a very, very intensive one — to contribute to climate change mitigation, if we need more time here at home.”

Some climate scientists, however, see such projects as distractions from more permanent climate solutions, such as reducing fossil fuel consumption.

THIS ISN’T THE FIRST IDEA FOR A SPACE-BASED SOLUTION

The astrophysicists came up with a space dust shield by borrowing concepts from their usual research focused on how planets form around distant stars. Bromley explained that planets form through a messy process involving a lot of collisions, which kick up dust that can intercept a large amount of starlight. So why not explore strategically using such lightblocking dust for Earth’s benefit?

The team is not the first to propose using a physical object in space to block sunlight to Earth, which some categorize as solar-based geoengineering. Ideas showed up as early as 1989 when James Early at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory proposed placing a thin, 2,000 km-wide glass shield between the

A view of the Earth from the moon

sun and Earth (that’s nearly 1,250 miles). In 2006, astronomer Roger Angel explored the idea of sending trillions of small spacecraft with umbrella-like shields to block the sun. In 2012, Scottish researchers investigated blasting off a dust cloud from an asteroid placed between the sun and Earth. Last year, a group of MIT researchers proposed deploying a raft of bubbles that could pop without leaving space debris.

Yet those ideas have run into myriad issues: Too much material is needed. It would require construction in space. It’s dangerous. Irreversible.

“The literature around spacebased geoengineering now spans more than three decades and is filled with creative, often outlandish ideas,” Chad M. Baum, a behavioural scientist at Aarhus University who was not involved in the new study, said in an email. “Some have claimed that seeing these kinds of climate solutions being discussed might bring home

the urgency of the situation we are in.”

Still, he said such space-based projects to reduce incoming sunlight are “currently among the very least feasible,” given the cost and numerous technical, political, social and legal obstacles.

SHOOTING FROM THE MOON

In the new study, the authors concede their idea isn’t perfect but say it addresses some problems with previous concepts.

For instance, the amount of material needed to actually shade the sun exceeds 10 billion kilograms (22 billion pounds), which is about 100 times more mass than humans have ever sent into space. Bromley says dust is very efficient at scattering sunlight relative to its size. The team considered different types of dust, scattering properties and size. The team found that aggregates of fluffy and highly porous particles scattered light the best, but they

opted for a particle perhaps more easily accessible in space: moon dust.

“We really do focus on lunar dust, just plain old, as-it-is lunar dust, without any indication of changing its shape,” said Bromley, who said future moon mining could excavate the dust needed. Perhaps the greatest challenge is getting the right material exactly where you need it, Bromley said.

In one computer simulation, the team shot lunar dust from the moon’s surface toward the sun. Bromley said the device to launch the lunar dust into space could be something similar to an electromagnetic gun, cannon or rocket — picture a T-shirt cannon sending dust into orbit. In the simulation, the dust scattered along various routes until the team found suitable trajectories, which allowed the dust to concentrate temporarily and act as a sun shield. Bromley said the dust would periodically disperse away from Earth and throughout the solar system.

Millions face threat of flooding from glacial lakes

Up to 15 million people face risk of catastrophic flooding from glacial lakes which could burst their natural dams at any moment, a new study finds.

The study led by Newcastle University is the first global attempt to map potential hotspots for such floods.

As the climate warms, glaciers

retreat and meltwater collects, forming lakes.

The impact of global warming on glacial lake floods is yet to be defined, but it has increased both the volume and number of glacial lakes worldwide.

The study published in the

Science & Technology

Quantum breakthrough could revolutionise computing

SCIENTISTS have come a step closer to making multi-tasking ‘quantum’ computers, far more powerful than even today’s most advanced supercomputers.

Quantum computers make use of the weird qualities of sub-atomic particles.

So-called quantum particles can be in two places at the same time and also strangely connected even though they are millions of miles apart.

A Sussex University team transferred quantum information between computer chips at record speeds and accuracy.

Computer scientists have been trying to make an effective quantum computer for more than 20 years. Firms such as Google, IBM and Microsoft have developed simple machines. But, according to Prof Winfried Hensinger, who led the research at Sussex University, the new development paves the way for systems that can solve complex real world problems that the best computers we have today are incapable of.

“Right now we have quantum computers with very simple microchips,” he said. “What we have achieved here is the ability to realise extremely powerful quantum computers capable of solving some of the most important problems for industries and society.”

Currently, computers solve problems in a simple linear way, one calculation at a time.

In the quantum realm, particles can be in two places at the same time and researchers want to harness this property to develop computers that can do multiple calculations all at the same time.

Quantum particles can also be millions of miles apart and be strangely connected, mirroring each other’s actions instantaneously. Again, that could also be used to develop much more powerful computers.

One stumbling block has been the need to transfer quantum information between chips quickly and reliably: the information

degrades, and errors are introduced.

But Prof Hensinger’s team has made a breakthrough, published in the journal Nature Communications, which may have overcome that obstacle.

The team developed a system able to transport information from one chip to another with a reliability of 99.999993% at record speeds. That, say the researchers, shows that in principle chips could be slotted together to make a more powerful quantum computer.

Prof Michael Cuthbert, who is the director of the newly established National Quantum Computing

Centre in Didcot, Oxfordshire and is independent of the Sussex research group described the development as a “really important enabling step”. But he said that more work was needed to develop practical systems.

“To build the type of quantum computer you need in the future, you start off by connecting chips that are the size of your thumbnail until you get something the size of a dinner plate. The Sussex group has shown you can have the stability and speed for that step.

“But then you need a mechanism

Millions face threat of flooding from glacial ...

journal Nature Communications assessed the conditions of lakes and the number of people living downstream from them, which has also increased significantly.

‘There are a large number of people globally exposed to the impacts of these floods,” said Rachel Carr, a glaciologist at Newcastle University and an author on the paper.

“It could happen at any point - that’s what makes them particularly dangerous, because it’s hard to predict exactly when they will happen.”

The authors say those facing the greatest threat live in mountainous countries in Asia and South America.

People living in India, Pakistan, Peru and China account for over half of those at risk. In Asia, around one million people

live within just 10km of a glacial lake.

“It’s how close people are to those lakes, and their capacity to respond to the disaster that’s important,” said Dr Carr.

“People have done a lot of inventory studies [of the lakes] ... but our study has flipped that around.

“What’s downstream matters just as much, if not more. I think it’s an important reframing in the way we think about it.”

Lakes formed by melting glaciers have natural dams of loose rocks and ice that can fail suddenly and unpredictably.

The floods that follow come thick and fast, in many cases being powerful enough to destroy vital infrastructure.

Dam failures are complex, but are often triggered when a lump

of rock or ice falls into the lake from the surrounding mountains.

That causes a wave to travel across the lake like a tsunami, destabilising the dam as it reaches it.

Other factors include a gradual build-up of meltwater, increasing pressure against the dam and melting any ice cores holding it together.

Rather than try to predict which dams were most likely to fail, the study’s authors looked at which lakes would pose the most danger if they burst out.

They also stress the importance of early warning systems such as time-lapse cameras.

“It’s an important paper,” said Stephan Harrison, a leading expert on the impact of climate change on glacial lakes at the University of Exeter, who was

to connect these dinner plates together to scale up a machine, potentially as large as a football pitch, in order to carry out realistic and useful computations, and the technology for communications for that scale is not yet available.”

PhD student Sahra Kulmiya, who carried out the Sussex experiment, says that the team are ready for the challenge to take the technology to the next level.

“It is not just solely a physics problem anymore,” she told BBC News.

“It is an engineering problem, a computer science problem and also a mathematical problem.

“It is really difficult to say how close we are to the realisation of quantum computing, but I’m optimistic in how it can become relevant to us in our everyday lives.”

One of the UK’s leading engineering firms, Rolls Royce, is also optimistic about the technology. It is working with the Sussex researchers to develop machines that could help them design even better jet engines. Powerful supercomputers are used to model the flow of air in simulations to test out new designs of aircraft engines.

TRANSFORMING ENGINEERING

A quantum computer could in principle track the airflow with even greater accuracy, and do so really quickly, according to Prof Leigh Lapworth, who is leading the development of quantum computing for Rolls-Royce.

not involved in the research. “It alerts policymakers to the likely impact of future climate change.”

Dr Harrison added that the research was only a first step towards better understanding of the impact of climate change on what are known as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

That relationship is complex and made harder to prove by what scientists suspect to be a long time lag between cause and effect.

Research shows that an increase in floods which began in the early 20th Century and peaked in the 1970s could be a lagged response to climatic changes in the past.

While scientists expect that glacial floods will increase as a result of human-induced climate change, there has as yet been no such increase. (BBC)

“Quantum computers would be able to do calculations that we can’t currently do and others that would take many months or years. The potential of doing those in days would just transform our design systems and lead to even better engines.”

The technology could potentially also be used to design drugs more quickly by accurately simulating their chemical reactions, a calculation too difficult for current supercomputers. They could also provide even more accurate systems to forecast weather and project the impact of climate change.

Prof Hensinger said he first had the idea of developing a quantum computer more than 20 years ago.

“People rolled their eyes and said: ‘it’s impossible’.”

“And when people tell me something can’t be done, I just love to try. So I have spent the past 20 years removing the barriers one by one to a point where one can now really build a practical quantum computer.” (BBC)

Quantum computers harness two weird properties of particles at the very small scale

Science & Technology

Queen Elizabeth Prize: Solar team wins prestigious engineering award

FOUR pioneers behind the electricity-generating silicon solar cell have won this year’s Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering.

Martin Green, Andrew Blakers, Jianhua Zhao and Aihua Wang developed so-called Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell, or Perc, technology.

This transformed the efficiency of solar panels and is now built into 90% of all installations worldwide.

The team is to be honoured at a special ceremony later in the year.

The quartet will share a £500,000 award and a trophy, to be presented by the Princess Royal.

“Our winners did something wonderful, which was to increase the efficiency with which a solar cell converts light into electricity, and it was a really quite dramatic change,” explained Lord Browne of Madingley, chairman of the QE Prize for Engineering Foundation.

“With their breakthrough we went from around 16-18% efficiency to something like 25%. That’s a big jump,” he told BBC News.

Today, solar uptake is rocketing as the world tries to move away from fossil fuels. Some estimates suggest that by the 2030s, solar will have more installed capacity than coal, oil, gas, nuclear and hydro put together.

When Australian Martin Green started investigating solar energy following the oil crisis of the 1970s, solar cells were used largely just on satellites in space.

If you’d wanted to put that

technology on your roof, it would have cost much more than your house.

But Prof Green’s persistence kicked off a revolution. And with Prof Blakers and Drs Zhao and Wang in his University of New South Wales laboratory, the team not only managed to drive up efficiency but do it in a way that became relatively straightforward to manufacture.

In a solar cell, photons - or particles of light - strike silicon atoms to free electrons and set up a current. Perc technology boosted performance by remodelling the rear of the cell to reduce the ability of electrons to recombine with

atoms. It also kept many more photons in play.

Prof Blakers recalled:

“Traditionally, the rear surface just had a layer of metal aluminium printed directly into it, and so that wasn’t a very good reflector of light. And it also gobbled up any electron that went anywhere near the back surface.

“Replacing that crude back metal contact with a more sophisticated contact served both purposes and led to quite significant increases in cell efficiency.”

The right properties for the rear surface were found in materials such as silicon dioxide, aluminium oxide and silicon nitride. Industry

started to pick up the Perc approach in 2012, and by 2018 it had become utterly dominant, with China positioning itself as the home of global production. Extraordinarily, one out of every seven panels produced worldwide is now manufactured by a single Chinese facility, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The country’s supremacy can be laid directly at the feet of Drs Zhao and Wang and other Chinese students who studied in Prof Green’s lab and then returned home to initiate manufacturing.

“We were among the first to start Perc production,” said Dr Zhao.

“There are two provinces that do most of the manufacturing today. China dominates because of cost; it’s so much cheaper to produce solar panels there,” added Dr Wang.

Commercial cells typically have efficiencies - the amount of electrical energy that can be extracted from the input of sunlight - of 22-23%. The theoretical upperlimit is about 29%.

Prof Green is experimenting with “cell modules” in which materials are stacked on top of silicon and customised to collect the photons in the sunlight spectrum that might ordinarily be lost in a standard set-up.

“We hold the world record for efficiency in a cell module of 40.6%,” he told BBC News. “But it’s hard to see how this approach can be made cheap enough for commercial production. There’s a lot of interest right now in a material called perovskite - a common mineral - but the cells use heavy elements, like lead. The cells also aren’t as stable as silicon.”

The IEA is expecting global solar capacity to almost triple over the 2022-2027 period. Currently, solar is providing about half of new-build electricity generation capacity worldwide.

Even given this rapid uptake, Prof Alan Finkel, a former chief scientific advisor to the Australian government, believes “transforming our energy system will be the hardest economic challenge in human history”.

James becomes NBA’s all-time scoring leader

LEBRON

has broken the

record, surpassing Kareem AbdulJabbar’s 38,387 points.

James broke Abdul-Jabbar’s 39-year record with 10.9 seconds remaining in the third quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 133130 loss on Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena. James scored the record-breaking basket near the left elbow on a fadeaway while being guarded by Kenrich Williams.

“Solar is a wonderful source of clean energy that’s significant across the planet, not just in advanced countries but also in less well developed countries. It’s easier to put in a solar-powered micro-grid than it is to bring a transmission line from a coal-fired generator. Solar is cheap, reliable and durable, and it will do the heavy-lifting to get us away from fossil fuels,” he said.

Prof Green has previously won the Global Energy Prize, the Japan Prize and the Millennium Technology Prize. He has now supervised over 120 PhD students, including Andrew Blakers, Jianhua Zhao and Aihua Wang. (BBC)

James accelerated his quest to break the record over the past few weeks, averaging 34 points per game in January. James entered the game 36 points away from breaking the record and he appeared determined to do so in this game rather than wait for Thursday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

James reached Abdul-Jabbar in his 20th season, which was also the total number of seasons the big man played in the NBA. (RealGM)

James

NBA’s career scoring

Lebron James accelerated his quest to break the record over the past few weeks, averaging 34 points per game in January

Blakers, Green, Zhao and Wang (left to right) worked together at the University of New South Wales

World Cup 2030: Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay submit joint bid

Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay have officially submitted their joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup - 100 years after the inaugural tournament was held in Montevideo.

The four South American nations have called for the World Cup to return to “where football was born”.

They will compete with a joint bid from Spain and Portugal, and possible bids from Morocco and Saudi Arabia.

The United States, Canada and Mexico will co-host the 2026 World Cup.

“The 2030 World Cup is not just another World Cup, it deserves a celebration with recognition for 100 years,” said Alejandro Dominguez, South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) president.

“We are convinced that Fifa has an obligation to honour the memory of those who came before us and believed in greatness and made the first World Cup,” he added.

Two-time winners Uruguay won the first World Cup as hosts when it was held in the country’s capital Montevideo in 1930.

Argentina, the 1978 hosts, were

The Argentine Football Association hosted a ceremony on Tuesday to formally announce the South American World Cup bid

crowned world champions for a third time at Qatar in 2022. Chile also previously hosted in 1962. Argentine Football Association (Afa) president Claudio Tapia said:

“As world champions, we carry out this launch, which is the dream of all South Americans - not only on the centenary of the first edition, but because of the passion with

which we live football.”

Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez also said on Twitter that neighbouring Bolivia will be asked to join “this dream”. (BBC)

European Super League: New proposal would be open competition, say organisers

A new-look European Super League would be a competition with no permanent members and based on sporting performance, says A22 chief executive Bernd Reichart.

A22 Sports Management is a company promoting a revamped European league.

The company backed a 12-club ESL proposal in 2021 that failed to materialise after protests against it.

“The foundations of European football are in danger of collapsing,” Reichart told German newspaper Die Welt.

“It’s time for a change. It is the clubs that bear the entrepreneurial risk in football.

“But when important decisions are at stake, they are too often forced to sit idly by on the sidelines as the sporting and financial foundations crumble around them.”

The original plans for the ESL in 2021 contained 20 teams - 12 founding members and three unnamed clubs they expected to join later, plus five clubs who would have qualified annually based on their domestic achievements.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham backed out of the project within 48 hours following widespread condemnation.

Real Madrid, Barcelona and

Plans for a European Super League led to protests outside Premier League stadiums

Juventus, however, are still pushing for an ESL.

Reichart says the new ESL would contain 60 to 80 teams, each guaranteed a minimum of 14 matches per season and continue to play in their domestic leagues. A22 did not provide more specifics on the format.

In December, Uefa and Fifa received significant backing in their bid to block the creation of a European Super League.

In a report released by the European Court of Justice, its advocate general said the rules of football’s European and world governing bodies were “compatible with EU competition law”.

It had been claimed Uefa and Fifa were breaking competition law by threatening to sanction clubs and players who joined a breakaway league.

A final ruling will be made by a 15-member Grand Chamber in spring.

SUPER LEAGUE IS THE WOLF - TEBAS

Despite the ruling, A22 has been engaged in “comprehensive dialogue with stakeholders across Europe on the future of club football”.

It has also developed 10 principles, including broad-based and meritocratic competitions

and development and finance for women’s football, which would be the foundation for the new ESL.

“Our talks have also made it clear that clubs often find it impossible to speak out publicly against a system that uses the threat of sanctions to thwart opposition,” Reichart added.

“Our dialogue was open, honest, constructive and resulted in clear ideas about what changes are needed and how they could be implemented.

“There is a lot to do and we will continue our dialogue.”

La Liga president Javier Tebas has been a critic of the ESL and denounced the new proposals.

“The Super League is the wolf, who today disguises himself as a granny to try to fool European football,” he wrote on social media.

“But his nose and his teeth are very big, four divisions in Europe? Of course the first for them, as in the 2019 reform. Governed by the clubs? Of course only the big ones.”

The Football Supporters’ Association chief executive Kevin Miles was also critical of the new ESL proposals, saying the idea of an open competition was already taking place in the Champions League.

“The walking corpse that is the European Super League twitches again with all the self-awareness one associates with a zombie,” said Miles.

“They say ‘dialogue with fans and independent fan groups is essential’, yet the European Zombie League marches onwilfully ignorant to the contempt supporters across the continent have for it.”

Last year, Uefa approved changes to the Champions League meaning the number of teams in the group stage will rise from 32 to 36 in the 2024-25 competition.

The new format will see the initial phase contain one league table including all teams.

Sports International

Aaron Finch: Australia T20 captain retires from international cricket

FORMER Australia white-ball captain Aaron Finch has announced his retirement from international cricket.

Opening batter Finch, 36, was Australia’s T20 captain, having retired from one-day internationals in September.

He represented Australia in five Tests, 146 one-day internationals and 103 T20s, leading them to their first T20 World Cup title in 2021.

Finch said it had been “incredible honour” to play for Australia.

He is set to continue playing in domestic T20 competitions, including in the Big Bash League (BBL) for Melbourne Renegades.

“Realising that I won’t be playing on until the next T20 World Cup in 2024, now is the right moment step down and give the team time to plan and build towards that event,” he said.

Finch is Australia’s highest runscorer in men’s T20s, with 3,120, which puts him sixth in the all-time rankings. He hit two

centuries in T20 internationals, finishing with an average of 34.28 and a strike rate of 142.53.

He scored 5,401 runs in ODIs at an average of 39.13, including 17 centuries, and was part of the Australia squad who won the 2015 50-over World Cup.

“Team success is what you play the game for and the maiden T20 World Cup win in 2021 and lifting the ODI World Cup on home soil in 2015 will be the two memories I cherish the most,” he added.

“To be able to represent Australia for 12 years and play with and against some of the greatest players of all time has been an incredible honour.”

Finch has the highest individual score in men’s T20 internationals172 off 76 balls against Zimbabwe in 2018 - beating his own record at the time of 156 against England in 2013.

Only India’s Rohit Sharma (182) and New Zealand’s Martin Guptill (173) have hit more than Finch’s

125 sixes in T20 internationals.

Finch made his international debut in a T20 against England in 2011 before playing his first ODI against Sri Lanka two years later. He played all five of his Tests in 2018, scoring two half-centuries at an average of 27.80.

After initially being made T20 captain in 2014, Finch was stripped of the role two years later when Steve Smith became Australia skipper in all three formats.

Finch then took over the whiteball captaincy from Smith in 2018 following the ball-tampering scandal during Australia’s Test series against South Africa.

He led them to the semi-finals of the 2019 50-over World Cup and an eight-wicket win over New

Zealand in the 2021 T20 World Cup final in Dubai.

After he was replaced by fast bowler Pat Cummins as ODI captain, Finch continued to lead Australia in the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup on home soil but the defending champions failed to reach the knockout stages.

He captained Australia in 55 ODIs and 76 T20s.

Finch struggled for form in internationals in 2022, averaging just 12.42 in ODIs and 28.44 in T20s.

However, he starred in this year’s BBL, scoring 428 runs to help Melbourne Renegades reach the knockout match, where they lost to Brisbane Heat.

Finch has been one of the

most prominent T20 cricketers around the world, having played for nine different franchises in the Indian Premier League and has represented Melbourne Renegades in the BBL since the competition began in 2011.

Cricket Australia chair Dr Lachlan Henderson congratulated Finch on an “exceptional” international career and said he is one of Australia’s “finest whiteball players”.

He added: “In full flight, there were few batters more powerful than Aaron. As one of only four men’s players to captain Australia to a World Cup victory, Aaron will always have a special place in Australian cricket’s history.” (BBC)

Suns acquire Kevin Durant in blockbuster deal with Nets

After three-plus tumultuous years and a second trade request in eight months, All-NBA forward Kevin Durant was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns for a package that includes dynamic forward Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder and four unprotected future first-round picks, sources told ESPN on Wednesday night.

In a deal that landed in the latenight hours ahead of Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET trade deadline, Durant and T.J. Warren were shuttled to the Suns for a massive haul of first-round draft picks (2023, 2025, 2027 and 2029) and a 2028 pick swap, sources said.

Talks had progressed and stalled, and the Suns appeared to be pivoting toward a three-way deal that might’ve landed them Atlanta’s John Collins sometime Thursday morning, sources said.

On the direction of his new owner, Mat Ishbia, general manager James Jones texted Nets GM Sean Marks sometime after 11 p.m. ET -- and it wouldn’t be long until Ishbia and

Nets owner Joe Tsai had cobbled together the final elements of the blockbuster trade, sources said.

The deal delivers Durant to the desert to partner with Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton -- and ends the great superstar experiment in Brooklyn.

Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden all arrived to conquer the NBA together, and they all left on

the muscle of trade requests. They played a total of 16 games together. After shouldering a massive role in the dysfunction that ultimately deconstructed the roster, Irving was traded to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, and that started the final days and hours of Durant as a Net.

The two-time Finals MVP has been sidelined by an MCL sprain in his right knee, but sources said there is

optimism he will be ready to return after the All-Star break.

Durant and his business manager, Rich Kleiman, told Tsai and Marks that their preference was a deal to Phoenix, sources said. Ishbia knew of Durant’s desire to join his franchise and set out to acquire the superstar in his first official week overseeing the organization. Few franchises ever get a chance to trade for a star like Durant -something this organization hadn’t experienced since making a deal for Charles Barkley in 1992.

Ishbia’s initial hope was to keep Bridges out of the trade, but that was a nonstarter for the Nets. The Suns’ offers weren’t close to the Nets’ asking price on Monday and Tuesday, and Marks kept working on possible trades to bolster the roster around Durant. The Nets pursued OG Anunoby in Toronto, and they discussed possible deals for Collins and Cleveland’s Caris LeVert, but Durant’s mood was unsettled and Brooklyn knew it had to push Phoenix to make the kind of offer it couldn’t refuse.

The Suns had been talking with Detroit about the possibility of acquiring Collins in a threeway deal with Atlanta, but Ishbia wouldn’t call it a night without making one more run at Durant.

Once the Suns were willing to move Dario Saric’s contract out of the deal -- and spare themselves surrendering second-round picks to account for his salary -- the teams were on the cusp of an agreement, sources said.

Brooklyn believes it has a chance to move Crowder to a contender before Thursday’s deadline, and with that there existed the shape of a deal that made sense to the Nets.

The Suns paid a steep price for Durant, 34, but this is a franchise that has never won a championship and decided to take its shot with Durant, who is under contract for three more years. Ishbia, once a walk-on under Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo at Michigan State, promised to give Suns coach Monty Williams the talent to chase a championship, and he did it with the Durant deal.

Aaron Finch hit 63 in his final international innings against Ireland at the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup

Kevin Durant will be key in the Suns push to championship honours

Cheshire Hall FC win WPL Apertura round

Football Association announces revamp of ‘elite pathway’ for girls’ football

The Football Association has announced plans to ensure every girl with talent has access to high quality training.

England won the Euros on home soil last summer, leading to a wave of interest in women’s football.

But amid concerns about access to girls’ football, the FA is planning to reorganise how the game is run.

Funding from the Premier League will go to recruiting coaches, and the FA has set a lofty target to almost treble the number of girls on the “elite pathway”.

The FA has conducted a full player pathway review over the past three years, looking at the existing structure to try to provide a wide and diverse pool of players ready for senior football.

FA women’s technical director Kay Cossington said that the proposals were part of plans to try and ensure players would not have to go abroad to fulfil their potential.

She cited the example of Alessia Russo, a key player in England’s

Euro 2022 triumph who moved to the United States between 2017 and 2019 to play college football, before returning to sign for Manchester United.

Speaking to the BBC at Wembley on Monday, Cossington said: “Pre2011 and the Women’s Super League, we had many players in America. When we established the WSL, many of those players came back.

“What we try to offer here is for the likes of Alessia Russo to have an education, alongside their playing, offering scholarships to players in clubs is a massive part of that. Otherwise there is always that alternative to go to [the US].”

‘WE HAVEN’T EVEN SCRATCHED THE SURFACE’

The changes will include the creation of Emerging Talent Centres (ETC), previously announced in collaboration with the Premier League in July 2022.

Up to 70 centres will be established to cater for eight to 16-year-olds who show footballing potential.

Since July last year, 56 ETCs have launched with another 11 now confirmed in the coming months, which will replace the existing Regional Talent Centres and Advanced Coaching Centres.

The FA wants the number of young female players in its talent programmes to rise from the current 1,722 to more than 4,200 by the end of next season, and for 90% of ETC players to have a facility within one hour of where they live.

A lack of diversity and opportunity have been longterm issues in English women’s football. The number of black, Asian and minority ethnic players in the England team for a major tournament decreased from six in 2007 to two mixed-heritage players at the 2019 World Cup.

There were three mixed-heritage players - Jess Carter, Nikita Parris

The FA wants to ensure players such as Alessia Russo do not have to seek education abroad

and Demi Stokes - in the Euro 2022 squad, but none were part of the starting 11 which went unchanged through the tournament.

It is estimated that the proportion of players in the Women’s Super League is lower - between 10-15% - compared with about 33% of male players in the Premier League.

Arsenal women’s academy manager James Honeyman, who runs one of the existing ETCs, said: “We haven’t even scratched the surface with 1,500 girls, there are that many talented girls.

“The game has always been located in places where you have to come to it, what the FA are doing is putting the game in place for the players. That will unearth talent and find kids in different areas. Then we will see how much talent there really is.”

Also established are Pro Game Academies (PGAs), co-funded by the FA and elite clubs, which will replace current Women’s Super League academies for developing players between ages 14 and 20. (BBC)

CHESHIRE Hall FC surged to the Women’s Premier League Apertura title after defeating Academy Eagles women’s team 3-1 in their latest football clash. Four teams are competing in the WPL, including the SWA Sharks FC and Teachers FC.

Sports National

Pirates win thrillers in Provo Hockey League

THE Projetech Pirates won two thrilling encounters in the Junior Division of the Provo Hockey League (PHL) on Saturday last at the Graceway Sports Centre.

Against the Waratah Flyers, the game had initially looked like an easy win for the Pirates with Reggie Monuma and Wyatt Pollon teaming up to score the first four goals, but then the Flyers, led by Aiden Doherty, found their range and clawed their way back within a goal, 4-5 late in the opener.

Pollon however took control of the game as Doherty, who scored

the first five goals for the Flyers, simmered down.

When Pollon netted his fifth goal at 14:30 in the second period, the Pirates were ahead 8-5, but Jacob Been brought some excitement very late in the second half. He scored two goals in 30 seconds, time however ran out.

Monuma finished with a pair and Isaac Turner with a goal for the winners.

Prior to that clash, the Pirates had defeated the Saunders and Co Greyhounds 5-4.

The Pirates again rushed to an early lead. With Pollon (twice) and

Joswin Jose scoring in the opening period for an early 3-0 lead.

In the second period, however, the Greyhounds’ Dylan King took over the game with three consecutive goals. During that time, Pollon had scored his third, but with time running down (14:48) Liam Redstone from a King’s assist drew the game even at 4-4.

The Pirates were not settling for a draw and Monuma via a Turner’s assist made the last successful play for the 5-4 win.

The Bantam Division had two low-scoring clashes with the

LHeureux Co Canadiens defeating the Kvanar Oilers 4-2.

Rishith Gururaja scored all four goals for the Canadiens, while the Oilers, who scored a goal in each period, were led by Jack Henry and Owen Barkworth Knight.

In the other Bantam Clash, the Tibors Sharks bounced back from a goal down to defeat the Temple Financial Panthers 3-2.

The Sharks were led by Alexie Gula, Emeric Gula and Adrien Penn, while the Panthers’ goals came from the sticks of Heath Francis and Aiden Bromley.

Both Novice Division clashes were drawn encounters. The Design Studio Jets and the Scooter Bobs Canucks finished 0-0, while the GBCR Islanders and the TMW Lightning finished 3-3.

The Lightning scored the opener via Shemar Francis before Oisin Ryan scored the other two goals to carry them 3-2 up late in the clash, Dylan Garland, who scored the opener for the Islanders, was however able to score his second at 14:58 in the second period to tie the game at 3-3.

The Islanders’ other goal came off the stick of Damian Rutherford.

Wyatt Pollon scored eight goals in total in the two wins for the Pirates

Alexie Gula scored for the Tibors Sharks

Rishith Gururaja scored all four goals for the Canadiens

Reggie Monuma scored in both Pirates’ victories

Dylan Garland scored twice for the GBCR Islanders

Oisin Ryan scored twice for the TMW Lightning

CHHS Eagles dominate Inter-High School Basketball final

THE Clement Howell High School (CHHS) Eagles used their shooting prowess, rebounding capability and overall basketball IQ to dominate the final of the TCISS Inter-High School Basketball Championship with an emphatic 92-56 point victory over the A. Louise Garland Thomas High School.

The game was relatively even in the first quarter and although the eventual winners proved that they were efficient at scoring, Louise Garland were able to push the ball and draw the foul, however, the rebounding and second-chance opportunities were significant for CHHS.

Saturday’s championship clash at the Gus Lighbourne Sports Complex court saw CHHS making 39 total fouls but they had multiple people attacking the rim.

Isais Sejour and Jhon Cesar teamed up for 48 points. Sejour used his height and power to score 25 points, mostly in the paint. He also grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds, made three blocks, four assists and five steals.

Cesar, who was elegant in his delivery, used his quick hands to make nine steals to go with his 22 points, six assists and five rebounds.

Doudly Sintana and Kevin Talbot also supported with 15 and 14 points each. Sintana finished with four assists and three rebounds and Talbot with seven rebounds,

four blocks and five steals. This was the first time that Louise Garland, formerly known as Long Bay High School, made it to the final of the championships and if they had gotten more support, the scoreline could have been different.

Only Dylan Morris and Deny Soymera reached double figures.

Morris finished with 15 points and five rebounds, while Soymera scored 14 points, eight of which

were scored from the line.

Overall, Sejour finished as the Championship’s MVP, while Cesar finished with the most points in the tournament and Talbot the most blocks and most rebounds.

Alpha Christian Academy’s (ACA) Malachi Missick also finished with double honours: the most steals and the most assists.

In the third-place clash, the 2021 champion, HJ Robinson High School got past ACA 56-46.

CHHS Eagles are the new school basketball champions

Isais Sejour finished as the Championship’s MVP

Jhon Cesar finished with the most points in the tournament

Kevin Talbot, pictured with Director of Sport Jarrett Forbes, finished with the most blocks and most rebounds in the tournament

Malachi Missick also finished with double honours, the most steals and the most assists