TC Weekly News July 20 - 26, 2024

ASTWOOD AIMS TO LEAD TCI

After

American Airline to pioneer nonstop service from US to South Caicos

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In a ground-breaking move set to redefine travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands, American Airlines (AA) has announced the launch of the first and only nonstop service from the United States to South Caicos.

This new route, commencing on February 15, 2025, will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, connecting Miami International Airport (MIA) to South Caicos Airport (XSC).

The introduction of this service marks a significant expansion of American Airlines’ presence in the Caribbean and Atlantic region, where the airline already serves over 40 destinations.

This development is poised to enhance connectivity and convenience for travellers seeking the pristine beaches and vibrant culture of South Caicos.

“With the launch of American’s second destination in Turks and Caicos, we’re thrilled to continue strengthening our international footprint,” said José A. Freig, American’s Vice President for International Operations in a statement to the Weekly News on Monday, July 15, 2024.

“This new service, coupled with our additional winter flying, demonstrates our commitment to the region and to providing our customers with an unparalleled network.”

The flights will be operated on

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Embraer 175 aircraft, accommodating 76 passengers, including 12 in first class. This aircraft selection ensures a comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers journeying to this idyllic island destination.

“American has flown to Turks and Caicos for more than 30 years, and we are thrilled to announce the only nonstop service from the US to South Caicos starting next February,” added Jason Reisinger, American’s Managing Director of Global Network Planning.

“Customers from across North America will now have faster and more convenient access to this idyllic island and all that it offers.”

This announcement coincides with significant infrastructure

developments at South Caicos Airport. In a recent Ministerial statement, Minister of Immigration and Border Service, Hon Arlington Musgrove highlighted ongoing upgrades to meet international safety and security standards.

“We are upgrading the category of the airport to meet the requirements to accommodate the likes of American Airlines,” Musgrove stated. “We note that there was a need to procure an additional fire truck for the aerodrome, and I am happy to report that we were able to procure on an exceptional basis a brandnew fire truck for South Caicos, allowing it to be delivered before American Airlines arrives.”

Crime stoppers offer $10K reward

Crime Stoppers Turks and Caicos has put up a $10,000 cash reward for any information leading to the capture of wanted man Jouvly Inelus.

Inelus - also known as ‘Juvi’has been on the run from police for almost a year, and police said he is wanted in connection with several ongoing investigations.

According to the wanted bulletin issued by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) Inelus is believed to be armed and dangerous. As such, the public is instructed not to approach or attempt to apprehend him if spotted.

Inelus is a 32-year-old man, born in Haiti with Turks and Caicos Islander status. His last known address is given as Wheeland Providenciales.

He is described as slim built,

Further enhancements include the modernisation of the airport terminal, featuring new concession stands and a planned boutique shopping village.

These developments are expected to elevate the overall travel experience for visitors to South Caicos.

The launch of American Airlines’ nonstop service to South Caicos represents a milestone in the island’s tourism development, promising increased accessibility and economic growth.

This initiative also underscores the airline’s commitment to expanding its network and connecting travellers to captivating destinations across the globe.

Jouvly Inelus

American Airlines

‘Empowering TCI for future growth and prosperity for all’ –

PDM’s Edwin Astwood

guns for Premiership

BY DELANA ISLES

A Turks and Caicos Islands where every Islander is fully empowered, where safety and security are paramount and the government is working for the people, are just some of the reasons Hon. Edwin Astwood says he is running for Premier in 2025.

Astwood delivered an astute speech at the Peoples’ Democratic Movement’s national convention last Saturday, July 13, after being returned unchallenged as Party Leader, and the official challenger for the seat of the Premier.

“I am running so that we can keep moving towards a future where we control the economy of our Turks and Caicos Islands.

“A future where our children are the majority business and homeowners, and the millionaires in our country, where every Turks and Caicos Islander is fully empowered,” he stated.

He said he wants to ensure islanders and residents can feel safe and secure in their homes, in their communities, and in the country.

“I am running so that our country will have a government that optimally funds our police department and other law enforcement agencies with the much needed manpower and equipment that would truly allow them to tackle the violent crime crises and stop the nightly illegal entries.”

He said he wants to put in place the strongest border security measures in the history of the TCI, “I want to make the TCI safe again…that’s why I am running.”

Citing healthcare, affordable living, and better education

opportunities as key reasons for his candidacy, Astwood said he is committed to the betterment of the TCI all around.

“I want to give at least 300 more Turks and Caicos Islanders the chance to go to universities and learn the skills that our health sector, education sector, tourism sector, and our business sector are looking for right now.

“That means increasing the budgetary allocations for scholarships from the $3M it is now to $12m, a $9m increase. That is why I am running.”

He said in 2024 and beyond, getting a scholarship for higher education or retraining cannot be an exception, or just for a select few, it must now be the rule, and it must be a budgetary imperative that every Islander should have easy access in obtaining.

The party leader said he is committed to promoting learning through every stage of life.

“I want the Turks and Caicos Islands to be the top country in the world with the highest concentration of PhD and Doctoral graduates.”

A man of and for the people, are the promises Astwood is making, should he secure the premiership.

“I’m running to ensure that our people and our country will have a warrior as premier, one who will fight, not only for my children but also for your children, so that they will have a better present and a better future.

“Our country cannot afford to have another four years of such weak, sleepy, and uncaring leadership.

“That’s the choice in this election. That’s why I’m running for Premier of the Turks and Caicos

fighting for PDMs, that is what I am fighting for as leader of our great PDM party.”

other side is incapable of offering our Turks and Caicos people a real solution to these questions.

Islands.”

He said the TCI cannot afford to go backwards or re-fight the battles of the past.

“We have to do things together…we have to do things that make all of our people richer, do them because they give all of us opportunities, do them because they move all of us forward together - as one people, one nation ‘Forward Together, Forward Ever, Backward Never’.

He said the PDM offers a better option, with better vision and a new set of ideas.

“I am a strong believer that our PDM party is at its best when we harness the God given talents of every individual member, when we hear every voice, and when we come together as one movement striving for the same dream, and when we are determined to win.”

He intoned: “That’s what we’re

He urged: “With your help and our industry let us create a bold and daring Turks and Caicos, a competitive and viable Turks and Caicos, forward-looking and forward-thinking, where all of our people have a chance to make their life what they will.

“Where they have a chance for the pursuit of happiness, and a chance for the pursuit of wellness.

“I want to make us the envy of the Region.”

He said to those questioning if the PDM has a plan to fix the TCI’s problems, grow its economy, tackle crime, combat illegal migration, adjust the cost of living, develop affordable housing, provide access to capital, fix healthcare, expand school and training opportunitiesthe answer is YES.

“The other side won’t be offering our Turks and Caicos people any real answers to these questions. The

“Time and time again we have seen this current PNP hide from addressing every issue facing our people. I can’t say that they disappear when the going gets tough, because to disappear you have to first appear. And appear they never do.”

He said this is why he needs the help of the voters because the next election will be “the most important in our lifetime”.

Astwood said the upcoming election will determine either the fortunes or the misfortunes of the people for the next 100 years.

“Our people need a bold and fearless government that will fight for the things that are important to them.

“That is what the issues are in this election, and that’s truly why the country needs me as the next Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Public Appeal

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is appealing to any member of public who may have any information on any crimes. They can contact Chalk Sound Police Station on 338-5901 or make use of the confidential reporting system through Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477.

Hon. Edwin Astwood

HEALTHY COMPETITION OR PREDATORY TACTICS?

Public outrage against Red Hospitality and its alleged predatory tactics to monopolise the local water sport industry has resulted in Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick pledging to investigate the situation.

The Premier was quoted as saying that the government’s “priority is to protect our local businesses” and “promote healthy competition”.

This is in contrast to the views of some TCIslanders, who are frustrated that their interest is not a priority of the government.

They argue that locals are playing second fiddle to foreign businesses and that so-called government representation is often lip service to pacify the situation.

They say that more stringent measures are needed to support and protect local businesses before they are cast aside.

Deputy Leader of the Peoples Democratic Movement, Mr Robert Been who also weighed in on the hot-button issue, said: “We the PDM do not support any business or organization that intends to restrict or block our people from making an honest living.”

What are your thoughts?

‘Locals’ should be redefined

It is true that local business should be prioritised, but the following should be considered at this point:

The term ‘local’ needs to be redefined to properly include all persons who have been properly residing and running businesses in the islands for several years. The ‘local’ attitude that all ‘foreigners’ are here to take away their jobs is far from true and there is a great deal of local (yet foreign) asset who can help deliver a better local industry if they are allowed to do so. With the above in mind, the larger hotel brands will start to insist on more stringent regulations, including proper (internationally recognised) certification and insurance coverage. They will use the lack of such regulation to drive the change

waters around Grace Bay are increasingly dangerous on busy days (especially in the going through). It is highly likely that if this is not policed more vigorously, tourists will become more inclined to use larger more established operators for their own sense of safety.

Integrate ALL local businesses, listen to those with international experience of such entities, and then act as a team, with a consolidated, professional approach to government.

No trust in the words of the Premier

It does not do nor does it fit for the Premier and experienced Minister of Finance, knowledgeable about Business Licensing matters to state that he is “investigating” an issue where anti-TCI monopolies are ‘suddenly appearing in the market”.

Given the Premier’s usual policy stances in the market, his words cannot be believed nor ‘taken seriously’. Under his administration, 2021-2024, this Premier has been complicit in a number of Anti Turks & Caicos Islander moves. Prior to taking office in February 2021, as Leader of the Opposition he fought the PDM Government ‘tooth and nail” in opposition to the Gratuities law that would put 100% of gratuities into the pockets of the workers.

The jettisoning of the Tourist Board, a TCI statutory icon of some weight and significance, in favour of a Destination Management Organisation whose owners remain unknown to the public.

The list is long; how could anyone take confidence in the words of this Premier? His actions always seem to favour the ‘Big Businesses as opposed to TCIslanders.

It is important to note these “sell-out” scenarios because the Beach Vendors Law removed native control of the beaches is also important.

Locals cannot survive without foreigners

In TCI and any country of a developing nature, locals always feel oppressed, but many times, it’s the foreigners, with their know-how and finances, that take the game to the next level. So although it is good to protect local interests and those who have been assimilated into the culture, it is also important to balance both the foreigners’ input and that of the locals.

Upon saying this, companies that act in predatory manners hurt the synergy of the market.

Tread very carefully

If it is a monopoly, breaking it will be easy. Show us the numbers, please. Monopolies are measurable.

Breaking the economy by destroying foreign investment would destroy TCI politics and society as well. Tread very, very carefully. Local businesses depend on a strong economy, Duh!

The role of Robby Been

Leading Opposition figure Robert Been and Deputy Leader of the PDM Opposition Party is a bright light in the fight for justice and freedom in the Turks & Caicos Islands. He is noted for his resilience, persistence, and commitment to the TCI and its development.

to the larger foreign companies that have the infrastructure to cover such regulatory costs. Regulation is needed, but it should be introduced in a locally reasonable manner. It is also important to point out that somewhere in any deal with Red, there will be one or a few locals doing quite well by the deal. Yet another case of consideration of the few lucky ones over the many hard workers who have helped the industry be what it is today. Referring to point one, choose your allies carefully, they may not be who they appear to be. Ask for all partners involved in the deal, so you know who you are fighting.

Finally, and tied to point two above, the policing of TCI’s waters has improved, but there is a great deal of work to be done. If the local excursion industry wants to keep the likes of Red at bay, then they need to play by the rules. This means getting tougher on persons who bend or break them, no matter who these persons may be. The

His words that he will investigate are weak, disingenuous and cannot be believed. This is the Premier’s time to pretend there is “no issue”, triangulate and play all sides of the same issue. In essence, Turks & Caicos Islanders, or any of our Caribbean brethren, cannot look to this Premier and his Government for any form of protection when it comes to issues of this nature.

‘Locals’ still benefiting

“They argue that locals are playing second fiddle to foreign businesses and that socalled government representation is often lip service to pacify the situation.”

So, how did Mike get his 14m mansion and the person who built it is not himself scrutinised?

Answer - the corrupted fish rots from the head down.

This is one of the reasons, it is stated in local political circles that Robert Been is guaranteed to win His seat at large because from outside of the House of Assembly, these last three years, he has continued to take the fight to the government and aid, in a material way, the efforts of the Leader of the Opposition to call the government to account.

His position on the RED issue is real, can be taken seriously because of his continued commitment to ensuring Good government these past three years. The “Hon Been”

PDM leadership unchallenged during convention

The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDM) has resoundingly thrown its support behind Hon Edwin Astwood, Hon Robert Been Jr. and Ezra Taylor as the trio returned to their respective roles during last weekend’s convention.

The positions of PDM leader, Deputy Leader and National Chairman, respectively, were all unchallenged when party executives, stalwarts, candidates, and delegates from all island

branches met at the spanking new Providenciales Headquarters for the National Convention on Saturday, July 13.

In addition to the three the convention elected Ian Astwood, as the first Vice Chairman; Hon Clarence Selver, Second Vice Chairman; Djourdayne Redman, Assistant Secretary General; Drexler Smith, National Treasurer; Roshawn Been, Assistant Treasurer; Trevor Missick, Party Whip; and Hon

Dwayne Taylor, Party Chaplain. Additionally, Trustees of the Party are now Hon Llewelyn Handfield, Hon Derek Taylor and Princie Harris.

Inducted Stalwarts are Ian Astwood, Hon O’Neil Delancy, Sharlene Gardiner, Joshua Harvey, Roynal Robinson, Curtis Tony Lightbourne, Patricia SaundersMissick, Lewis Jack Parker, Hon Clarence Selver and Anthony Walkin.

states on behalf of the Official Opposition that “We the PDM do not support any business or organisation that intends to restrict or block our people from making an honest living.”.

This is a solid “whetstone” upon which to fight this issue. Where are the voices of the PNP Non-Ministerial bench in the House of Parliament? These words by Mr Been, draw a line in the sand and are important because they can serve as a valid and sensible public policy position on the issue.

Such a policy position could now inform the government of today or the PDM government in the next session of Parliament to craft Legislation to combat this RED issue and other unfair practices in the business sector. These RED Monopoly practices are unfair, a ‘trojan horse’ designed to destroy local interests in the resort sector.

A serious government and back-bench would have already taken a more serious approach to this issue but alas, they’re “asleep on the job”

Where is the PNP Backbench MP-oversight?

This is a very consequential issue but it has fallen flat in the face of a dead, useless, silent and careless government back-bench. We must ask them, “Where is your patriotism, ‘care for the people or country’? When the “books are written”, history will record that this is the worst and most ineffective back bench in the history of politics that failed to hold its government to account, simply because they do not know their role, or too selfish to embrace it.

They have sat idly by and allowed the PDM Leader of the Opposition the Hon Edwin L Astwood and his nominated member, the Hon Alvin Garland, the Last Men Standing, to carry the torch of Parliamentary Oversight in the TCI2021-2024.

It is the backbenchers on the PNP side who carry an obligation, a duty to question deals like this RED Monopoly but they are ‘silent as Lambs’. Since 2021, there have been sufficient government backbench MPS who are supposed to leave the government’s side, not join the PDM Opposition but stand up for the people.

Instead, they vote for every measure the government brings forward, ‘do not question anything’, praise and clap all decisions of the government when in ‘Parliament’. THEY REALLY AND TRULY DO NOT KNOW THEIR ROLE. While this government can try and ignore the advice of the PDM Opposition, they cannot ignore the voice of the people.

TCIslanders can blame the backbench MPs for letting this government get away with “proverbial- murder” and “selling the people out”. An ‘alive, ‘enlightened’, ‘aflame-back bench’ would scare the government into retreat over issues and publicly demand accountability. This is what goes on in advanced and enlightened democracies.

These backbenchers really make the TCI look backward and primitive because of their adopted roles to care for themselves and not the people. They should have opposed the unfair salary increases, the Premier’s $650,000 package, the destruction of the Tourist Board, and the Beach Vendor’s Bill. But they are part of “the deal”, looking to secure salaries, pensions, and gratuities after two terms in office.

They are selfish, uncaring, again, ‘do not know their roles’ and have sold the people out. If the government knew these bad measures would not pass the PNP back bench, none of them would have come forward. The reason being, however, these PNP backbench MPs ‘do not care’ about their constituents, the country, and its welfare but ‘only themselves’.

If they cared they would have “stepped out of line”, removed the party whip, a long time ago and called this government to account but instead, they rely on the PDM opposition to “do it alone.

What a lark!

The Premier is not fixed with powers to investigate under the Business Licensing Ordinance so these remarks are really a ‘lark’ and a canard, that cannot be taken seriously. This is really a matter for the Integrity Commission but if the Premier wants to do something for the people and protect local businesses, he can instruct the Permanent Secretary of Finance, if he wants to, to check the nature and quality of the RED Company.

Check the ownership. See who is really behind the company and if there is any false and misleading information filed in support of the application for the License, it can be revoked under s.11 of the Business Licensing Ordinance. S.11 of the Ordinance, provides that “the Permanent Secretary, Finance may revoke a licence if he is satisfied that the holder of a licence–– (a) has made any false or misleading statement or has furnished any false or misleading information in connection with his application for a licence..”

There is enough “teeth’ in that law for the Ministry of Finance to act if they wanted to. As Premier there can be further ‘remedial action”. The premier can table an anti-monopoly law in accordance with the TCI’s Constitution, if he wants to deal with unfair monopolies.

There is an ideal in the Constitution that there must be a diverse economy speaking to various revenue streams and not monopolies. There is public distrust that the government is anyway committed to protecting TCI Islanders.

If one looks at Provo, there so many buildings and structures going up all over the island, but they are not “our own” or connected in any way to our Englishspeaking Caribbean brothers and sisters. We see TCI businesses in a booming economy failing because of monopolies like the RED one. Even before this RED issue, reared its ugly head, the pattern against TCI businesses was a longstanding trend.

History repeats itself

There was a time in the history of the TCI when locals like the late Howard Hamilton, Evan “Storm” Misick, Bruce Lightbourne, Cyril “Hearts” Capron, and those among us, Glen Clarke, Arthur Butterfield were the “Captains of TCI’s “Industry”.

With the exception of the Hon Art Butterfield, those days are over. A practice emerged in the 2003-2009 era, where local businesses were encouraged to sellout to “new” operations like Sunny Foods etc. The rules of the Business Licensing regime became polluted and the natives are now “outside of the Garden”. They are watching others “play a game that they should be playing” and are entitled to play.

In Grace Bay the Expat businesses were in the game of doing business with Haitian builders to the exclusion of the TCI, then the Filipino came along with better prices and were more pliant to these people. TCIs were kept out. “All in all”- there was never any policy response to these trends by the government or the Ministry of Finance. There now needs to be an awareness that “we have lost our country” and must “get it back”.

Sadly, TCI leaders are not making needed policies and are really used to allowing outsiders and consultants to do this for them, even though the issues are “glaring and right in front of their faces”. They are not elected to lead or protect but are there for self-enrichment.

It would take an enlightened or caring Minister of Finance to develop a policy Regime and Legislation to enable his ministry to investigate and police the unfair practices being perpetrated by the RED monopoly.

An Anti-Competition Commission to deal with issues of this nature could also be established. With 14 seats, if they really cared, This PNP government could have done anything needed to protect the people but they would not.

Hon Edwin Astwood

InvestTCI is now in Grand Turk

– business community urged to take advantage

InvestTCI is seeking to deepen its relationship with the Grand Turk business community by opening another branch in the nation’s capital, thereby facilitating better access to the agency’s services and support.

The grand opening of the new location was held on July 5, under the theme ‘Empowering Enterprises in the Capital’.

Located at the Digicel Building on Old Airport Road in Grand Turk, the new office marks a milestone in the agency’s growth strategy.

Special remarks were delivered by the Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Misick at the opening, who congratulated the Invest TCI team on their hard.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for businesses in the Turks and

Caicos Islands.

Commenting further on the opening of the new office, Misick noted: “InvestTCI has a dedicated team diligently working to offer local entrepreneurs enhanced incentives and financial support, strengthening the small business community.

“Through improved services and support, this new office in the nation’s capital aims to strengthen its relationship with the Grand Turk business community, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive ecosystem for businesses.”

The Premier has also encouraged the community to visit the office:

“If you are an entrepreneur or a business owner, I encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities and resources that

InvestTC offers.”

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new office, Invest TCI CEO, Angela Musgrove said the agency is committed to helping businesses thrive, and in doing so, help the entire community.

“Our vision is clear and compelling: to further empower Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, the agency offers incentives and support that enable more efficient and innovative practices.”

Over the years, Invest TCI has placed special focus on the role micro, small, and medium Eenterprises play in the economic and social development of the TCI.

Through its Business Support Unit, the agency provides comprehensive support services to startups and existing entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the tools and resources to succeed.

Operation MIGHT: Four men charged with drugs, guns and ammo possession

Police have slapped several drugs and firearm-related charges on Jean Baptiste, Shaiwanzo Missick, Roodvens Sinaus and Wilder Dieuveuil following four separate raids in Grand Turk and Providenciales as part of Operation MIGHT.

Jean Baptiste, for whom police gave another name ‘Jean Ronel’, was charged on Sunday, July 14, with four counts of possession of controlled drugs and three counts of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply.

Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit arrested the 31-year-old man following a search in Kew Town on Friday.

The Blue Hills man is expected to appear before a Magistrate on July 29 to answer the charges.

Meanwhile, on June 13, Shaiwanzo Missick, of South Back Salina, Grand Turk, was charged with six counts of firearm-related offences.

supply.

The charges against Missick follow a report made on June 29, about a shooting incident in Breezy Brae.

Officers obtained a search warrant for the accused’s residence based on the information received. That search unearthed the gun, ammunition and drugs, leading to his arrest.

In another search, also executed by the Operation MIGHT task force, two other men were arrested on July 8.

Charged with several counts of firearm-related offences are Roodvens Sinaus and Wilder Dieuveuil.

Sinaus, a 37-year-old Haitian national, was charged on July 11 with three counts of possession of a firearm, three counts of possession of ammunition, and one count of unlawful entry into the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Following a reported imported case of malaria in May 2024, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has swiftly mobilized a team of experts to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This critical mission, conducted from July 8-12, 2024, aimed to fortify the islands’ defenses against the potentially deadly disease.

“CARPHA is committed to safeguarding public health in the region,” declared Dr. Horace Cox, Acting Director of Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control at CARPHA. “Our swift action

in Turks and Caicos demonstrates this commitment.”

The CARPHA team, which included senior technical officer Rajesh Ragoo and CariVecNet Coordination Officer Jenna Indarsingh, conducted a comprehensive review of the islands’ malaria surveillance and response protocols.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Health, the team also provided intensive training to local health professionals, focusing on malaria epidemiology, vector biology, and effective control

measures.

“We’ve worked closely with local authorities to identify potential breeding sites for malariacarrying mosquitoes,” explained Ragoo. “By targeting these areas, we can significantly reduce the risk of further transmission.”

The CARPHA team also assessed the quality and accessibility of malaria diagnosis and treatment services. Additionally, they assisted in developing action plans for resource mobilisation and

Missick, 30, was charged after police officers consulted with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The offences against Missick are one count of discharging a firearm, one count of discharging ammunition, one count of possession of a firearm with intent to commit a serious offence, two counts of possession of ammunition, one count of possession of a firearm, one count of possession of controlled drugs, and one count possession of controlled drugs with intent to

Dieuveuil, also known as ‘Baligaz, 25, is also a Haitian national. He is similarly charged with three counts of possession of a firearm, three counts of possession of ammunition and one count of unlawful entry.

Both accused were arrested on the morning of July 8 at a residence in Dock Yard, Providenciales.

Police are asking the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or CrimeStoppers P3 app to give any information anonymously on illegal activity.

Jean Ronel Jean Baptiste

Roodvens Sinaus

Shaiwanzo Missick Wilder Dieuveuil

The grand opening of the new location was held on July 5, under the theme ‘Empowering Enterprises in the Capital’

Been slams Red Hospitality’s exclusive deal with Grace Bay Resorts

BY OLIVIA ROSE

With scathing criticism, the People’s Democratic Movement Deputy Leader Robert Been has condemned the exclusive agreement between Red Hospitality and Grace Bay Resorts warning of potential monopolistic practices and economic harm to local businesses.

Been’s criticism echoes growing concerns within the Turks and Caicos community about the deal’s impact on fair competition and the livelihood of local operators in the water sports industry.

The controversy stems from a letter dated June 17, 2024 in which Alvin Hegner, Country Director of RED Hospitality and Leisure, informed local operators of the forthcoming changes.

He stated that Red Hospitality would be managing the hotels’ Preferred Vendor Programme, allowing guests to book local experiences through vetted and contracted third-party vendors.

This deal, which grants Red Hospitality exclusive booking rights for water sports excursions, has sparked fears of potential monopolistic practices and economic marginalisation of local operators.

“Red Hospitality, an international organisation that has been operating in the Turks and Caicos for the past four years, has now formed an exclusive agreement with Grace Bay Resorts that has raised some concerns among Turks and Caicos Islanders, particularly those in the water sports industry,” Mr Been stated.

He emphasised the PDM’s stance against any business practices that could hinder local

entrepreneurship: “To be clear, we the PDM do not support any business or organisation that intends to restrict or block our people from making an honest living.”

Mr Been articulated the primary concern among local operators, who, after years of independent operation, are now required to go through Red Hospitality for bookings and pay commission fees.

“The primary concern among our operators is why, after years of operating independently, they must now go through Red for bookings that will be called commission fees being charged,” he said.

Furthermore, he highlighted the potential for this agreement to limit direct bookings for local operators, thereby reducing their autonomy and profitability.

While acknowledging his lack of detailed information about the business relationship between Red Hospitality and Grace Bay Resorts, Mr Been urged for transparency and equitable agreements.

CARPHA bolsters malaria ...

community engagement, crucial components of a sustainable malaria control strategy.

“Malaria prevention is a shared responsibility,” emphasised Indarsingh. “By empowering communities with knowledge and resources, we can create a united front against this disease.”

Dr Nadia Astwood, Chief Medical Officer within the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health and Human Services, expressed gratitude for CARPHA’s support, stating, “This intervention has significantly bolstered our efforts to prevent and control malaria. The

expertise and resources brought in by the CARPHA team have been invaluable.”

This proactive and multifaceted approach by CARPHA exemplifies the agency’s commitment to regional health security. By working closely with local authorities and communities, CARPHA is leading the charge against malaria in the Caribbean.

Malaria is a life-threatening disease primarily found in tropical countries, caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is preventable and curable. (Olivia Rose)

emphasised the overwhelming opposition from local operators and the public to these new booking procedures.

“I understand that resorts want to ensure that guests are booking with licensed companies and that their watercraft meets safety standards... I believe the majority of water sport operators and the people of this country have spoken and don’t prescribe to these new procedures of receiving bookings,” he declared.

Premier Hon Jamell Robinson and the Permanent Secretary of Tourism Mr Wesley Clerveaux, met with a delegation from the local water sports community to hear concerns regarding Red Hospitality’s business strategy on Monday July 8, 2024.

Following the meeting, Premier Misick pledged a thorough investigation into the business practices of Red Hospitality, an international excursion booking agency.

He urge those resorts and others to reach an agreement, emphasising the potential impact on the livelihoods of local, particularly younger, operators.

The Deputy Leader also questioned the necessity of mandatory registration under Red Hospitality for operators to secure business from resort guests.

He pointed out the success of many local tour operators who have built their businesses through direct guest referrals and without the need for intermediaries.

“In this case, in my view, it should not be mandatory for Grace Bay club or any resort to require operators to register under a company to secure business from their guests,” Mr Been asserted.

“Many successful Turks and Caicos tour operators do not need assistance of other booking agents. In fact, most of these operators have been getting continued business just off guest referrals.”

While acknowledging the resorts’ desire to ensure safety and quality standards, Mr Been

In light of this widespread opposition, Mr Been called for a return to the previous booking channels, either through concierge services or directly through the operators’ websites.

“Therefore we can only conclude in the best interest of maintaining a peaceful relationship between our tour operators and resort is to revert back to the previous booking channels, whether it was done through a concierge service or through the operators’ website,” he concluded.

Mr Been’s remarks underscore the growing apprehension within the Turks and Caicos community regarding the potential implications of Red Hospitality’s exclusive agreement.

His call for government intervention and support for local operators reflects a broader concern about preserving economic opportunities and fair competition within the crucial water sports and tourism industry.

The government has responded by launching an investigation into Red Hospitality’s business practices, but the outcome remains uncertain.

In this vein, Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick, accompanied by the Deputy

Local water sports operators, who met with the Premier and other government officials, allege that Red Hospitality is using its financial clout to push out existing players at all levels of the industry.

Premier Misick expressed his firm commitment to addressing these concerns, emphasiszing the government’s dedication to fair competition, economic justice, inclusive growth, and sustainability.

“Our priority is to protect our local businesses, promote healthy competition, and ensure the sustainability of our water sports and tourism industry,” he stated.

The territory’s leader reiterated the government’s unwavering support for local entrepreneurs and its commitment to maintaining an open dialogue with all industry stakeholders, a testament to our transparency and willingness to listen and efforts are being made to find a mutually beneficial solution, according to a statement from the government.

The situation continues to draw attention and scrutiny, with many stakeholders eagerly awaiting a resolution that protects the interests of local businesses and ensures the sustainable growth of the industry.

Peoples’ Democratic Movement Deputy Leader Robert Been

Ministry of Health officials including officials from the Environmental Health Department along with CARPHA representatives

Blueprint for families

If you did your SATs a few years back, try answering this question. As submission is to Marriage … is to Family. Your options are Love, Respect, Obedience, and Rules. If you said Respect, while a good answer, you would be wrong. The correct answer, biblically, is Obedience.

In his letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul delves into the dynamics of family relationships, focusing particularly on the parentchild connection.

He emphasises the critical role of obedience from children to their parents, “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”

(Colossians 3:20-21). The Amplified Version rendering of this passage says,” Children, obey your parents [as God’s representatives] in all things, for this [attitude of respect and obedience] is well-pleasing to the Lord [and will bring you God’s promised blessings]. Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or exasperate your children [with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by favoritism or indifference; treat them tenderly with lovingkindness], so they will not lose heart and become discouraged or unmotivated [with their spirits broken].”

KENYATTA E. LEWIS

Lewis is the pastor of

It is quite clear why this is called the Amplified Version. But let’s move on.

The command “Obey your parents” is a directive for children to listen and carry out their parents’ instructions with readiness and habitual compliance. This expectation of obedience is not merely about following orders but is rooted in the very nature of the parent-child relationship ordained by God.

Paul’s instruction, directed broadly to “children,” primarily pertains to young children still under parental care, as clarified in Ephesians 6. He underscores the completeness of this obedience with the phrase “in everything,” indicating that children are to obey their parents in all aspects of life. This obedience aligns with the Ten Commandments and comes with the promise of human flourishing and longevity.

Parents, on their part, are tasked with the God-given responsibility to raise and guide their children. This obligation is not contingent

on the parents’ character but is inherent in their role. While this command primarily applies to young children, adult children are encouraged to heed the wise counsel of their parents, who possess a wealth of experience and love.

As children grow, the parent’s role evolves. In early childhood, parents set the rules and guide their children firmly. As children enter their teenage years and approach adulthood, parents shift to a coaching role, offering support from the sidelines.

Once children become adults, parents become consultants, available to offer wisdom and guidance when sought. Obedience to parents is not only pleasing to them, but, more importantly, it pleases the Lord. This divine approval should be the primary motivation for children’s obedience.

Paul also addresses parents, particularly fathers, with a caution against provoking their children to avoid discouraging them. The

term “fathers” in this context can also encompass both parents, as seen in other biblical passages. This instruction parallels Paul’s earlier admonition to husbands not to be harsh with their wives, emphasising a balanced and loving approach in all family relationships.

Parents are advised against unfairness and aggression, which can lead to discouragement in children.

Instead, they should aim to

be providers of support and examples of godly behavior. Paul’s guidance calls for parents to reflect on their interactions with their children, seeking to correct any harshness or discouragement they may have caused. This reflection and potential reconciliation can break cycles of poor parent-child relations and establish a healthier, God-honoring family dynamic. In conclusion, Paul’s instructions offer a framework for family relationships that honor God’s code. By fostering obedience in children and loving guidance from parents, families can create a harmonious and spiritually enriching environment. This balance, rooted in mutual respect and divine command, is essential for nurturing strong, godly families.

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

It is July and tourists are still coming

Be thankful and embrace the opportunities

We do not have any natural resources, but we do have some of the best beaches in the world. As a result, we can attract thousands of tourists to our islands. We are in the month of July and tourists are still coming in high numbers. In the past, we used to say the high season was from November to April. Nowadays, it looks like the high season has extended to the month of July.

Let us be thankful for the tourists who have selected the Turks and Caicos as their choice. They had many options, but they chose us. In showing thanks to our tourists, let us show kindness towards them. Even if they are not friendly towards us, still be friendly towards

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.

them. If you are in your vehicle and tourists are trying to cross the road, stop and let them go. If you are passing them, simply say good morning or good afternoon. Some of them will not respond but you did your part. Be the best customer service person you can

be. Treat them the way you want to be treated. Smile and be sincere in your smile. It broke my heart when I read some of the comments from some tourists saying how rude some of us are. Of course, there are some rude tourists too, but we don’t have to be like them.

Whether we want to admit it or not, we need the tourists more than they need us. Our only industry is tourism. The job that you and I have exists because of the tourists. Everything in our country basically comes from tourism dollars. Let us not take this industry for granted. Let us act like we know how important and fragile this industry is.

For the past year or two, we have seen an unprecedented growth in African American tourists to the islands. Some people do complain about them, but they are guests, and we should still be thankful for them too. They fill up villas, they use taxis, they rent cars, they eat at restaurants and in so doing they

help you and me. With all these tourists coming here, I encourage you to embrace the opportunities. There are many business opportunities to cater to tourists.

Because I know what it is like to hardly any tourists come to your island, I am more than grateful for the tourists that come to the Turks and Caicos Islands. We are in a strategic location. We have multiple flights coming to Providenciales. We are beautiful by nature. Each of our islands has a distinct flavour.

I know we need to diversify our economy but right now and, in the years to come, tourism will always be our number one industry.

Kenyatta

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.

Hurricane damages and insurance

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Unfortunately, my recent article/ column “a Caribbean hurricane protection matter“ that I sent you found little attention. I started as follows:

“The risk of an explosion of hurricane damage claims may quickly bury insurance companies’ profits. It has led to something of an insurance exodus in Florida in the past couple of years. Homeowners in Florida are struggling with skyrocketing home insurance premiums. Several insurers operating in Florida have cut coverage in some of the areas that are most vulnerable to natural disasters or have withdrawn from the state entirely. It is also high time in the Caribbean to think about what is or maybe happen to be or not to be protected by insurance or otherwise in the future.”

I would call your attention to the most recent media reports:

MIAMI HERALD- Insurers in the Caribbean could find themselves facing at least a halfbillion dollars in losses from Hurricane Beryl’s powerful winds

CDR BUD SLABBAERT

Commander

Bud Slabbaert from Sint Maarten is the initiator and chairman of the Caribbean Aviation Meetup conferences.

Throughout his professional activities, he was involved in international aviation promotion, development and management matters in the region and in Europe.

and rainfall, which left a trail of destruction from Trinidad and Tobago to Texas.

Karen Clark & Company, a catastrophe risk modeling company, estimates that private insurers in the eastern Caribbean and Jamaica are looking at close to a $510 million in losses as countries declare certain parishes disaster zones and hundreds of people remain in shelters and without electricity.

The estimates are the first since Beryl tore through the Caribbean last week, becoming the strongest storm on record in June, before dying after making landfall in Texas as a Category 1. The

Bud has written numerous articles and columns for international and regional magazines.

As a specialist in strategic communication, he aims to ensure that the essential information is noticed by the senses, sticks in the mind, and affects thinking, behaviour, or activities of an audience.

specialists estimate that Beryl will cost insurers $2.7 billion in the United States and $90 million in Mexico, which was also affected.

Governments in the Caribbean say assessments of Beryl’s damage are ongoing. Still, their initial reports have already indicated that the disaster will be costly.

Insurable risks across the Caribbean have increased dramatically over the past decade due to additional property development, greater car ownership and also inflation. However, the total values insured have not grown proportionally with the increase in exposure in many jurisdictions, indicating that many

property owners are underinsured or uninsured, says McGlynn.

Additionally, severe losses from storm activity may impact the physical construction of new tourism assets in the affected territories and constrain the insurance cover required to pursue additional investment in infrastructure necessary to support additional tourism.

Because of these factors and others, Caribbean insurers’ results over the near term could be pressured by Beryl.”

As Texas faces more frequent extreme weather events, insurers have been hiking prices, and the recent damage from Beryl could

mean affordable insurance is even more difficult to obtain in the Lone Star state.

Reinsurance broker GallagherRe estimated that U.S. economic losses from Beryl would be at least $1 billion. Weather forecasting firm AccuWeather issued a preliminary estimate of $28 billion to $32 billion in damage and economic loss. Now we see increased calls for action to reverse climate change. Mind that such is not a switch to flip things. It developed over decades, and the reverse will also take decades. Nature takes its time.

In 1998, when I received the assignment from UNESCO and UNEP to promote the “1998 the UN Year of the Oceans” and became CEO of the OCEAN98 Foundation, there were already warnings about future rising sea water levels that would endanger the small island archipelago nations Kiribati and Tuvalu in the Pacific.

I will write no further on the insurance matter. I don’t make it a habit to tell people what to do, I only provide food for thought.

Best regards

You’ll never be single again…. trust me

I think I’ve finally cracked the code

Stop chasing hot guys around and waiting for Prince Charming to come along. After all, the one you think is Prince Charming is probably married with four kids and twelve baby mamas, is an ex-convict, and cannot tell the difference between “you’re” and “your.” Listen closely. Here’s what you need to do: date well below your standards. Pick an ugly one. And I mean it.

I’m not just asking you to lower your standards; I’m telling you to lower your expectations too. Reconsider that list you made when you were 16. It’s not happening. Come back to reality—Chris Brown isn’t going to fall into your lap. Choose someone who doesn’t look like Idris Elba, Michael B. Jordan, Daniel Kaluuya or Morris Chestnut. You don’t need that kind of complication in your life. In fact, if you’re a solid 3.5, why aim so high? You know what I mean?

Attractive people are hard

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

work. They can be impatient, self-centred, egotistical, conniving, self-interested, selfinvested, hasty, lacking empathy, vain, hedonistic, and practically delusional. (I am not upset at all). Often, they love themselves so much that there’s no room for anyone else. Turn your attention to that normal-looking guy you’ve been ignoring for weeks. He’s the one. Why, you ask? Here’s why. Unattractive men make better long-term lovers and partners. Statistically, they compensate for their less-than-stellar looks by putting in extra effort where it

really counts—in the bedroom! If this isn’t enough for you, here are eight more reasons why you should open up your heart to the men who resemble Shrek.

Built-In Security:

You’ll never have to worry about other women trying to steal him away. No one wants him. He’ll be home at 5:15 PM every day after work.

EGO BOOST:

Standing next to him, you’ll always be the hotter one in the couple. What more could you ask

for?

GREAT PERSONALITY:

Ugly men usually have to work harder on their charm and wit, so you’re guaranteed endless laughter and good times. His funny looks will always bring a smile to your face, and laughter is the best medicine! Just make sure he’s funny. If he’s ugly and bitter, you’re in for a tough life.

LOW MAINTENANCE:

No need to worry about him spending hours in front of the mirror or stealing your skincare products. Even if he does, the results are practically unnoticed.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE:

If he’s with you, it’s probably for all the right reasons. No superficial attraction here! This is the kind of boyfriend that you can mould into what you want.

APPRECIATIVE PARTNER:

He’s likely to value and cherish

you more, knowing he’s punched above his weight. For extra assurance, remind him daily that he’s punching beyond his weight, but you wouldn’t change that for the world! He will love you more and will make sure there is always ice cream in the freezer for you.

NO INSTAGRAM WOES:

You’ll never have to deal with him obsessing over selfies and perfect lighting for Instagram posts. He has 56 followers_ half of whom are the lads from church. You’re good!

A HEART OF GOLD:

Your parents and everyone else will love him for his personality and treat him like the gem he is. Go on. Be free, and search for your very own monkfish. At least he will be all yours and won’t bring home an STI.

Share your testimonials: louisedens@gmail.com or @ daviid.l2.

Fortis TCI: Navigating the energy trilemma amidst soaring energy demand

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In the sun-drenched Turks and Caicos Islands, a quiet storm is brewing—the escalating demand for electricity.

As this British Overseas Territory experiences rapid economic growth, fuelled by tourism, real estate, and government investments, the need for reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy has never been more critical.

There are three challenges: energy security, energy sustainability and energy affordability, which have to be addressed when facing investments in energy and demand which implies a trade-off when choosing one over the other.

Fortis TCI, the sole provider of electricity in the islands, is at the heart of this challenge, grappling with the complex task of balancing these competing priorities, often referred to as the “energy trilemma”.

In a high-stakes battle over electricity rates, the utility company is currently locked in a standoff with the government over a proposed 6% rate increase, which would amount to an additional $2 to $15 per month for most residential customers if approved.

The company argues that the

increase is essential to meet the demands of a booming economy and escalating costs, while the Governor has denied the request, demanding a more transparent and competitive rate structure.

Devon Cox, Senior Vice President of Operations and Assistant Corporate Secretary at

gas as a bridge. The world is seeing natural gas as a bridge to the cleaner future,” Cox affirmed.

The spectre of hurricanes, an ever-present threat in the Caribbean, adds another layer of complexity to Fortis TCI’s operations.

Cox emphasised the importance of building resilient infrastructure to withstand these natural disasters. “Hurricanes can stop our business,” he warned. “When hurricanes hit you, it literally push your country back 10 years if you’re not able to recover.”

Fortis TCI, painted a vivid picture of the surging energy demand during a recent media session.

He said: “We are in a high growth environment” illustrating a projected 8.1% year-over-year growth in energy demand from 2021 to 2028.

This growth, driven by a booming tourism industry, ambitious government infrastructure projects, and a thriving real estate sector, has put immense pressure on the utility company to keep pace.

Cox highlighted a recent peak demand of 48.6 megawatts in Providenciales, a figure that is five years ahead of forecast.

“That is something, obviously, in order to be able to meet that, we need to now be able to make investments in order to be able to achieve that,” he explained.

This underscores the urgency for Fortis TCI to not only meet the growing energy needs but also to do so in a way that is both financially sustainable and environmentally responsible.

The company’s commitment to renewable energy is evident in its significant investments in solar power.

However, Cox cautioned that a balanced approach is essential.

“Many times when you’re in conversation with folks, they say, well, the sun is free. It should be. Shouldn’t cost anything. Well, that’s not true,” he stated.

He explained that solar power, while a key part of the solution, has limitations, particularly in meeting peak demand which often occurs after sunset.

Fortis TCI is exploring natural gas as a potential “bridge” to a more sustainable energy future.

The company has already commissioned a 9.3 megawatt generating unit capable of operating on natural gas, which offers lower carbon emissions and greater price stability than diesel.

“We most certainly see natural

Fortis TCI’s strategic approach to navigating the energy trilemma is underpinned by a commitment to data-driven decision-making and proven technologies.

The company has conducted feasibility studies, such as wind studies in North Caicos and solar land availability studies, to guide its investment choices.

During her presentation, President and CEO of FortisTCI, Ruth Gardiner Forbes, emphasised the necessity of the Company’s proposed 6% rate hike, stating that the company has absorbed costs in the past but the current situation necessitates the proposed adjustment.

She acknowledged the difficulty of requesting rate adjustments, stating, “This is one of the most difficult things that we have to do, is go to our customers and ask for an increase every year.”

Forbes highlighted that FortisTCI has absorbed costs in the past, opting to delay rate increases even when warranted.

However, she asserted that the current situation necessitates the proposed adjustment.

“This rate increase is necessary,” Forbes stated. “We have to make the application because amidst all this growth, we’ve had to make a lot of investments to keep up with the growth”, she stressed.

The CEO underscored that several factors are contributing to the need for increased rates, including cybersecurity risks, wildfire risks, supply chain challenges, and evolving regulatory requirements.

The energy landscape in Turks and Caicos is complex and dynamic.

Fortis TCI, while acknowledging the challenges, is proactively addressing them through a combination of strategic investments, technological innovation, and a commitment to sustainability.

The company’s executives underscored that these efforts are not just about keeping the lights on; they are about powering the future of Turks and Caicos.

President and CEO of FortisTCI, Ruth Gardiner Forbes

Devon Cox, Senior Vice President of Operations and Assistant Corporate Secretary at Fortis TCI (Photos: FortisTCI)

Norman B. Saunders, my role and political career

Dear Editor,

As most of the people who know me and loved me are in our cemeteries, it is my hope that by writing this, the younger generations (the gen Ys, Zs, Alphas, etc.) will get a better understanding of some of the struggles that Turks & Caicos Islanders faced, and what we had to do to get to where we are today.

I was first elected to the Legislative Assembly, later renamed the House of Assembly (HOA), in the general elections of 1967. At that time, the Constitution allowed for two members from the HOA to serve on the Executive Council. The Executive Council was the highest political body in the country at that time, and only members of that body were called honourable. The two members who were elected to serve on the Executive Council in 1967 were the Hon. Bert Basden and myself.

The function of the Executive Council was to advise the Administrator on matters of policy regarding the administration of the Turks & Caicos Islands. The Executive Council was comprised of the Administrator, who sat as Chairman; the Magistrate and the Treasurer (who were ex-officio members); and the two elected members. However, the other elected members of the HOA were not happy with this makeup, as they felt left out, and they argued for constitutional amendments that would enable them to become members of the Executive Council.

The concerns raised by the Legislative Assembly led to the British Government agreeing to holding constitutional talks, which took place in Nassau, Bahamas. The delegation selected to engage in constitutional negotiations with Lord Shepherd were the Hon. Basden and myself.

Coming out of those negotiations was a new Constitution that brought into effect the Bicameral system of government, with the Elected Members meeting on one occasion as members of the Executive Body to make policy; and on another occasion, as members of the HOA to make laws. This arrangement satisfied the Elected Members and it continued for several years. Shortly afterwards, I was appointed as a member of the Planning and Development Authority (PDA), where I served for several years. The PDA, at that time, was a relatively new body, and all buildings (private and

public) and infrastructure projects had to be approved by it. It was a challenging time for all Turks & Caicos Islanders, as persons were not used to submitting plans structures that they wanted to erect. Prior to the PDA, persons would build what they wanted, and put it where they wanted on their property, all without regard about quality of the structure, or what impact it had on their neighbours or the properties surrounding them. At the time, there were persons who were either determined not to follow the rules or who were not aware of them.

When the PDA was established, it was headed up by Scandinavians who were primarily architects and engineers, and they had little tolerance for mistakes. During the initial years of the PDA, many persons continued to build without the proper approvals. Mr. Scow and Ibu Ibsen (the spelling may be wrong), two persons working for the PDA, wanted to force compliance by seeking to get the buildings without the proper permits demolished. However, Hon. Headley Durham and I stepped in and explained to them the necessity for patience and education. Slowly, over time, we were able to get people to understand the need for proper planning and compliance. The Scandinavians even changed their attitude, with some even drawing building plans for people. After that, things went rather smoothly. By 1975, the Bicameral system of government that was in place

was not working anymore. It seemed that at every meeting there were quarrels with the Administrator, primarily regarding the way he was handling the country’s affairs. In my experience, no two Administrators dealt with the same problem in the same manner. Some were reasonable and made acceptable decisions, while others were like dictators, and made decisions that totally disregarded the interest of Turks & Caicos Islanders. I believe the HOA minutes of that period will reveal continued quarrels between the Administrators and the Elected Members, particularly around how the Administrators dealt with problems, particularly issues that involved personnel from the U.S bases, who appeared to be allowed to get away with flouting the laws of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

The deterioration in the relationship between the Administrators and the Elected Members led to a determination among the Elected Members that it was time to have the Constitution changed (again) to give Elected Members more authority in the decision-making process. There was a consensus among all of us that the time had come for us, the Elected Members, to have a greater say in the administration of our country.

The British Government agreed to engage us in negotiations towards an advanced and modern Constitution. We decided that this time around we would hire a constitutional lawyer to assist us with the negotiations with the

British Government. On the advice of Mr. Ivan Buchanan, we hired Dr Billy Herbert, a renowned constitutional lawyer to assist us. And the rest as they say is history. It is necessary, however, to point out that the decision to hire a constitutional lawyer came with a fairly high cost. Dr Herbert’s services were not free, and the expected financial support from the public did not pan out. While the public did contribute some funds, it was rather negligible. The bulk of the cost was eventually borne equally by me and Hon. Albray (Art) V. Butterfield Snr. with a substantial donation from Mr. Robin Laing.

The credit for the 1976 Constitution must be given to the Elected Members of the HOA in 1975. We spent many hours, at many sessions with Dr Billy Herbert hashing out the details, with the result being a new Constitution that ushered in Ministerial Government headed by a Chief Minister. The General Elections of 1976 brought into effect that Constitution with Hon. J.A.G.S. McCartney becoming the islands’ first Chief Minister and myself as the first Leader of the Opposition.

The 2006 Constitution, which is considered to be the most advanced Constitution in the history of the Turks & Caicos Islands, is virtually the same as the 1976 Constitution, with only minor differences, such as the name Chief Minister being replaced with Premier.

I should point out that at the time the 1976 Constitution was passed, Mr. Laing requested that his donation be anonymous. However, at the twenty-year celebration of the 1976 Constitution in 1996, I had his permission to speak to his involvement, and I did. The country owes a debt of gratitude to the elected members of the 1976 HOA for the Constitution. Other members of the HOA who played a significant role were Hon. N. J. S. Francis and Hon. Headley Durham. While we were aided by Dr Herbert, without our strenuous determination to have a meaningful Constitution giving real power to the Elected Members of the HOA, it would not have materialized.

For the record, it must be pointed out that in the 1976 general election, neither the People Democratic Movement (PDM) nor the Progressive National Party (PNP) won sufficient seats to form the government. The

Hon. Liam Maguire and the Hon. Daniel Williams, both of whom ran as independents, joined the PDM, enabling them to form the Government. In the subsequent 1980 election, the PNP won, and I became the Chief Minister. During my tenure as Chief Minister, there are several achievements that I would like to highlight, specifically:

1. THE COMPANY’S LAW.

In the early 80’s, several countries were reported to be doing well as offshore financial centres (OFC). We examined them and tried to figure out what could we do to become an OFC. Our research revealed that if we tweaked our Company’s Law, thereby making it more attractive for companies to register in these islands, the government would earn significant revenues from the fees they would pay. We amended our Company’s Law, which as predicted, increased the number of companies that registered in the islands, and by extension, overall government revenue. I would say that it had a significant positive impact on government revenues.

2. THE BUSINESS LICENSING LAW:

Once Club Med opened, and the economy started growing, the foreigners started engaging in all areas of business, which left little room for Turks & Caicos Islanders to benefit from the growth. The solution, as we saw it, was to introduce a Business Licensing law that required everyone engaging in commercial activities in the islands to have a license. A Licensing Board was subsequently set up, and the Board would not grant a license to a non-Turks & Caicos Islander to conduct business in a category that was reserved for Turks & Caicos Islanders. At that time, it proved a very effective way of ensuring that Turks & Caicos Islanders benefitted from our growing economy.

3. THE DEVELOPMENT BOARD.

With the economy growing, and a favorable business licensing law, Turks & Caicos Islanders wanted to engage in the new opportunities that were being created. However, unfortunately, business loans were near impossible to get. While

Norman B. Saunders

Five Cays residents demand action amidst escalating crime and police ineptitude

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In a recent emotionally charged town hall meeting, residents of Five Cays expressed their deep dissatisfaction with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, citing inadequate policing, lack of police presence, and a perceived insensitivity to the community’s plight.

The meeting, held at The Church of God of Prophecy on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, saw residents and surviving family members of victims of gun violence voice their fears, trauma, and frustration over the escalating crime and bloodshed in their neighbourhood.

Commissioner of Police Mr Edvin Martin was joined by Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams, acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, and Superintendent Dwight Gardiner.

One resident described Five Cays as the “murder capital” of the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the severity of the issue. Others criticised the police force’s approach, bemoaning the lack of a police liaison to support grieving families and the perceived lack of commitment to addressing the root causes of crime.

One resident opined that

members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have “no skin in the game” as he pointed out that there are hardly any police officers living in the community.

The impact of gun violence on residents’ lives and livelihoods was a recurring theme, with many describing how the escalating crime has eroded the fabric of their community.

The sense of fear and insecurity was palpable, as residents shared stories of how they are constantly looking over their shoulders, afraid to let their children play outside and attend social events in the community.

Newly appointed Commissioner of Police Mr Edvin Martin acknowledged the residents’ concerns and vowed to foster a better relationship between the police force and the community.

He outlined plans for a national coalition against crime, a neighbourhood watch programme, and mobile police stations for communities with high crime rates among other ambitious plans to curb crime in Five Cays and the Turks and Caicos Islands by extension.

Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams also acknowledged the force’s shortcomings and pledged

to address the issues raised.

However, he emphasised that crime prevention is a shared responsibility, calling on parents, church leaders, and community leaders to play their part in steering youths away from criminal activity.

In response to concerns about “no-go zones” and the fear of policing Five Cays, Adams asserted, “There are no no-go areas in the TCI,” and assured residents that the tactical unit is ready and equipped to tackle any threat.

Member of Parliament for Five Cays, Hon Rachel Taylor, echoed the residents’ concerns and called for a relationship between the police and the community built on trust and mutual respect. She also urged residents to enrol their children in after-school programmes designed to keep youths positively engaged and away from gangs.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the police force to address the critical issues raised, including the establishment of a neighbourhood watch program, increased police visibility, and improved response times to crime reports.

However, residents remain sceptical, and many are demanding immediate action to curb the escalating violence and restore a

sense of safety and security to their community.

The situation in Five Cays is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities grappling with crime and violence. It

underscores the urgent need for effective policing strategies, community engagement, and social programmes to address the root causes of crime and build a safer, more resilient society.

Forty-two-year-old Merrick Anthony Jennings, a Jamaican national, has been slapped with several charges and is expected to face a Magistrate soon.

On Sunday, July 14, Police charged Jennings with one count each of possession of firearm, ammunition and cannabis, as well as unlawful entry into the

and

The charges against Jennings followed an ongoing series of police-led operations within the TCI.

Police are asking the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or the Crime Stoppers P3 app, and anonymously give any information on illegal activity.

Turks

Caicos Islands.

Merrick Anthony Jennings

Five Cays residents urge Police to build a better relationship with their community

Superintendent Dwight Gardiner, Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams and acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton (Photos: Olivia Rose)

PDM reopens HQ offering a brighter future for TCI

BY DELANA ISLES

Last weekend, the reopening of the ‘People’s House’, the headquarters of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDM), was a momentous occasion for the party and its supporters.

On Saturday, July 13, party officials along with supporters gathered at the Downtown Providenciales location for the official ribbon cutting before the doors of the newly renovated building were thrown open to welcome all for the party’s convention.

Sporting a bright coat of white and blue paint – party colours – the opening of the newly renovated building and the convention was celebrated under the theme ‘Forward Together’.

In his remarks during the opening, Leader of the PDM, Honourable Edwin Astwood expressed his happiness that the new building has finally been completed despite the challenges during the process, thanking all involved for their hard work.

Astwood commended the executive team for their dedication and commitment to seeing the new building to completion, noting that the difficulties they experienced

during the building was ably handled by the team.

Adding his own sentiments to the momentous occasion was former PDM minister of government, Vaden Williams: “A dedicated party headquarters is crucial for fostering unity, planning strategies, and engaging with our community effectively.

“It serves as a central hub for our activities, providing a space for

collaboration and innovation.

“I am proud to see the People’s Democratic Movement continue to grow and strengthen our efforts for a brighter future.

In his remarks on the reopening, Deputy PDM Leader, Hon. Robert Been Jr. said the new branch is indicative of the party’s readiness to serve the people of the TCI.

“We decided that we are not

going to into elections the same way that we came out last time,” Been said.

He also alluded to the mocking statement made in relation to the old party building after the last general election, with a slogan ‘eight year lease’. Been said they are going to prove the naysayers wrong.

“We are going to prove them wrong on that day once the

election is called, this building is not for lease, this building is the People’s Building and it’s going to always be for future generations to come.”

He said what has been erected so far is phase one of a more expansive project that future generations can build on.

Several of the party supporters were also acknowledged with a plaque for their contributions to the renovations to the headquarters, whether in work, money or support.

Commenting on the revival of the party headquarters, Candidate for Electoral District 7, Rose Gardiner-Higgs, said the reopening of the People’s House symbolises a new beginning, “it represents our dedication to serving the people with integrity and transparency”.

Gardiner-Higgs added: “Our slate of candidates is passionate and committed to addressing the needs of our society, ensuring that every decision benefits all TCI islanders.”

She urged: “As we move forward, let’s remember the significance of this day and the promise it holds.

“The reopening of the People’s House reminds us of our collective strength and resilience.”

A spanking new PDM building brings renewed hope and energy to the party as they prep for the upcoming election. (PDM photos)

Norman B. Saunders, my role and political ...

certain loans were possible through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the approval process was cumbersome. To address this problem, we set up a Development Board with staff that assisted persons with their applications, and once approved for a loan, with the monitoring of their repayments. Several major projects were developed with financing from the Development Board, which later became TCInvest.

4. CLUB MED:

When I became Chief Minister, the negotiations with Club Med had just started. With the approval of Club Med and the British Government, I was allowed to take a leading role in the shaping of the Agreement. Negotiations with Club Med required me to visit its head office in Paris, as well as its offices in New York and Miami. Of course, the British Government had to sign off on the final agreement, as a major part of it included them financing a new airport on Providenciales. I had the privilege of being the Chief Minister that opened the doors of Club Med Turkoise on Providenciales.

Within weeks of the opening, the staff went on a strike. I flew to Provo early the next morning and met with the staff at what was a raucous gathering. As I had already spoken to a Club Med manager in Miami as well as one on Providenciales, I asked the workers to return to work immediately, and promised them that if they did, their grievances would be satisfactorily addressed. They took me at my word and returned to work. The Resident Manager at that time was immediately recalled, and no such problem occurred afterwards.

5. THE TOURIST BOARD:

During my tenure in the HOA, there was one task I disliked, and it occurred annually. It was the budget preparation. On one occasion, I recalled Mr. Bert Williams, the then Treasurer, coming to the HOA to tell us that the British Government had put a limit on the Grant-in-Aid. That left us with only two choices - cut out some important items from the budget or raise taxes to make up for the loss in revenue. They were both tough choices, but after a week or two, we managed to close the revenue gap.

In 1970, the Legislative Assembly decided that it was imperative that we find a way to solve our financial problems. We decided that we would take a serious look into the possibility of developing a tourism industry. The decision was taken to send an exploratory team to visit some of the Caribbean islands that were engaged in tourism, and to have

it report its findings to the HOA. That team consisted of Mr. John Wainwright, who at that time was the Assistant Administrator responsible for development, and myself. We visited the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Barbados, and Martinique; and we studied everything about their tourism industries. We prepared a report on our findings and submitted it to the HOA. That report recommended in the strongest possible terms that the Turks & Caicos Islands should become a tourism destination. We felt that it would not only provide increased employment opportunities for our people, but that it would generate new revenues for the government thereby allowing it to continue to develop our islands and our people. The HOA accepted that report and immediately set up a Tourist Board and named me as the Executive Chairman.

As the Executive Chairman, I was responsible to the HOA, and I regularly kept it abreast on our progress. The first Tourist Board consisted of myself as Executive Chairman, and Father Clifford Jones, Hon James Morgan, Mrs Tina Fennimore, and Mr Hubert James, as Board Members. Staff members were Mrs Daphne James and Ms Lucille DaCosta.

Once the Tourist Board was setup, the first thing we did was joined the Caribbean Tourism Association (CTA), which held quarterly meetings at different places in the Caribbean. I attended them all and that gave me an opportunity to see firsthand what worked and what did not. At CTA meetings, I was with the experts in Caribbean tourism, and I learned fast. I realized early that there were several options we could take in developing our tourism industry. Doing it wrong could prove disastrous but doing it right could put us in the upper echelons of the tourism world. At our monthly tourist board meetings, we discussed all of this. As I learned more about the tourism industry, I realized the advantages of targeting the “Up-Market Tourism” sector, and I explained this to the board. The plan was to target high-end tourists. At that time our population was much smaller, so this plan to me made sense

I came to the conclusion that we should target high-end tourists after attending a tourism trade show in Florida. Shortly after the Tourist Board was set up, and before we got brochures created, my friend George Moore, a lawyer who lived in West Palm Beach, Florida suggested that I attend a tourism trade show that was taking place there to promote the Turks & Caicos Islands. He told me to bring the Union Jack and any books with photos of the islands. Frankly, I

had nothing apart from the Union Jack, but I went anyway.

Many of the Caribbean and Latin American countries had booths there. I set up the Union Jack next to Brazil’s booth and stood next to it. To my surprise, several persons stopped and questioned me, and I was able to tell them about the Turks & Caicos Islands, including about our beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and everything else that is good about our islands. It was the next day that I saw clearly the type of tourism that these islands needed to develop. George, at whose house I spent the night, took me on a tour around Palm Beach, where I saw the airport full of private jets,

a marina with multi-million-dollar yachts with standing crews, and just beyond the marina were multimillion-dollar mansions owned by the same people that owned the yachts and jets. The homes had full-time staff to look after them year-round, and the yachts had full-time crew to keep them in readiness for when the owners felt like using them. It was then that I said to myself, “this is what we need in the Turks & Caicos.” From then onwards, I began to make it known that we were going to target the up-market tourism sector. The goal was to attract five-star accommodations that would cater to wealthy guests who could pay for those accommodations without

complaining. I felt that targeting such a premium, but niche market, would not require a substantial increase in foreign workers. I am happy to say that from that humble beginning, our tourism sector has gone from strength-to-strength. However, I am concerned that we appear to be moving away from upmarket tourism and more towards mass marketed tourism.

In closing, it is my hope that this article will help the younger generation know where we came from as a country and the role that a number of persons from my generation (including myself) played in that journey.

Hon. Norman B. Saunders Sr.

South Caicos poised for tourism boost with new AA route

BY OLIVIA ROSE

With its rich history, natural beauty, and expanding tourism infrastructure, South Caicos is poised to become a major player in the Turks and Caicos tourism landscape.

In a strategic move to diversify its tourism offerings, the Turks and Caicos Islands government has announced a major development for South Caicos.

Starting February 15th, 2025, American Airlines (AA) will launch a new non-stop service from Miami to the recently upgraded Norman B Saunders Airport in South Caicos.

This will make American Airlines the only US carrier to fly to the island, opening up significant opportunities for economic growth

and tourism expansion.

“This new service aligns perfectly with our policy vision to diversify the tourism offering and ensure that each island within the Turks and Caicos Islands benefits from the tourism industry,” said Minister of Tourism, the Hon Josephine Connolly in a statement from ‘Experience Turks and Caicos’ on Tuesday July 16, 2024.

The government’s focus on spreading tourism benefits across the islands aims to create a more sustainable and resilient industry. By reducing the dependency on a single location, the Turks and Caicos can offer visitors a wider range of experiences while also stimulating economic activity in less-visited areas.

The launch of the American Airlines flight coincides with the

CBMS crane collision causes widespread power outage in Blue Hills

A major power outage plunged residents of Blue Hills into darkness on Saturday following a collision between a CBMS crane truck and power lines along Millennium Highway.

The incident not only disrupted electricity supply but also triggered significant traffic congestion in the area.

FortisTCI, the islands’ primary electricity provider, confirmed that the outage affected customers in Blue Hills Phase 2 and Wheeland. The company dispatched crews to the scene, where a broken pole required replacement.

Photos captured depict the downed power pole amidst dense vegetation and FortisTCI personnel working to restore service.

While power was restored to most customers, work continued around the Rubis Gas Station along Millennium Highway towards the FortisTCI Blue Hills Substation.

Full restoration of service occurred around 3:00pm, according to FortisTCI.

FortisTCI later issued an apology for the inconvenience caused by the outage and expressed gratitude to customers for their patience. (OLIVIA ROSE)

opening of Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, also on South Caicos. This alignment of airlift and accommodations is expected to create a synergistic effect, attracting a new wave of visitors to the island.

Mr Alvin Hegner, Chairman of Experience Turks and Caicos, emphasised the island’s rich history and natural attractions. From the historic Salinas and Cockburn Town to the unique Boiling Hole and a variety of marine activities, South Caicos offers a diverse and compelling tourism product.

“South Caicos is our fishing capital but it is also full of history,” said Mr Hegner. “Visitors can take day tours to learn about the history or take in sights such as the Boiling Hole... There are countless marine

activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, bone-fishing and a range of activities year-round such as the highly anticipated South Caicos Regatta.”

To prepare for the anticipated influx of visitors, Experience Turks and Caicos has been working to enhance and develop the tourism infrastructure on the island. This includes the appointment of a local representative to assist in these efforts.

Minister Connolly expressed her optimism about the future of tourism in South Caicos, stating, “By enhancing accessibility to South Caicos, we are opening up new avenues for economic development and providing unique and enriching opportunities for our visitors. Together we aspire to forge a promising future, creating

a wealth of opportunities for our citizens and delivering unparalleled experiences for our visitors.”

The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority has also played a crucial role in making this new airlift a reality. Their tireless work has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition.

The new American Airlines flight, coupled with the government’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, marks a significant turning point for the island.

South Caicos is the seventhlargest island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago, with a land area of 21.2 square kilometres.

The island affectionately called “the Big South” by locals is known for excellent fishing, both deep-sea and bone fishing, and scuba diving.

Minister of Tourism, the Hon Josephine Connolly

A stretch of beach on South Caicos

FortisTCI crew on the scene of the accident (Photos: Olivia Rose)

South Base to undergo asbestos testing ahead of demolition

BY OLIVIA ROSE

A consulting firm has been contracted to conduct asbestos testing on the buildings within the decommissioned US Air Force missile tracking base on Grand Turk known as South Base.

This testing, which began on Wednesday, July 10, is a crucial step toward the demolition of the derelict structures that have long plagued the area.

The presence of asbestos, a hazardous material known to cause serious health issues, has been a concern due to the age of the buildings and the construction materials used at the time.

“It is believed that low-risk micro-fibres are present in some of the buildings, owing to the period of construction and the types of materials used during that era,” the government stated in a press release. The testing will confirm the presence and levels of asbestos, ensuring that proper safety protocols are followed during the demolition process.

As a precautionary measure, signs have been erected around the compound, warning the public to avoid entering the dilapidated structures.

“Building materials containing asbestos, if disturbed, can release tiny asbestos fibres into the air,” the government cautioned. Currently, only the consultants are authorized to access the buildings.

Residents of Grand Turk have for years been calling for action on the South Base, citing its unsightly appearance and the negative impact it has on the island’s tourism and commerce.

The compound, which covers an area containing over 21 building sites, was formerly used as a United States Government base and later as administrative offices by the Turks and Caicos Islands government.

Many of the structures have fallen into disrepair due to hurricanes and neglect.

The government’s plan to demolish the derelict buildings and revitalise the area has been met with optimism by residents.

“The South Base, which has

mostly been left as a decrepit and ghostly development of obsolete structures is finally being remedied,” the press release stated. “The area, which is a main thoroughfare for tourism and commerce when cleaned up, will provide space for numerous governmental and civilian uses.”

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick has been a vocal advocate for the redevelopment of Grand Turk, emphasising the need to preserve the island’s culture and heritage while also creating a thriving economy.

In a town hall meeting on Thursday, November 30, he outlined a $1.2 million plan to enhance Grand Turk’s historic infrastructure.

“Cabinet agreed to an envelope of $1.2m which we will be able to draw down on, not ignoring the process of course and the list of projects,” Misick said. “While they’ve agreed to the envelope of $1.2m, we’ve also agreed that some of these projects that are listed here could be swapped out for some projects of similar criteria.”

The Premier stressed his vision for a “bustling and definable downtown centre” in Grand Turk, with a focus on both daytime and nighttime economies.

He also acknowledged the importance of diversifying the island’s tourism offerings beyond its natural beauty.

“While we seem to focus on the obvious, which is the sea and the sand, the gorgeous weather, tourism is multifaceted,” Misick stated.

“And there are those people who are interested in culture, interested in the environment and interested in the ecosystem and the wildlife not everyone wants to lay on the beach, it’s a great thing to do but not everybody wants to do that.”

The asbestos testing at the South Base is a critical first step in the government’s ambitious plan to revitalise Grand Turk. As the island moves forward with this project, residents are hopeful that the result will be a more beautiful, vibrant, and prosperous community.

Aerial view of the U.S. NAVFAC 104 base during its heyday (Photo: Bobby Bristoe)

Regional News

Bahamas to resume diplomatic presence in Haiti

The Bahamas government says it will resume its diplomatic presence in Haiti after its diplomats were evacuated from the Frenchspeaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country in March as security in that country deteriorated as criminal gangs sought to overthrow the government.

Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell told reporters that Cabinet has approved the resumption of diplomatic presence. The Bahamian embassy in Haiti has 11 local staff and nine diplomatic staff members, including Chargé Commander Godfrey Rolle.

Mitchell also disclosed that the

owner of the building housing the Bahamian embassy wants to sell the structure, so officials are looking for new premises.

“Defence Force offices are part of the security detail for the diplomatic mission in Haiti, and so they go in advance to reconnoitre and decide on a place. Then the diplomats will return,” he told reporters.

Mitchell said also that the United Nations resolution allowing for the Kenyan troops that arrived in Haiti last month, has since been extended by a year.

“The Kenyans are just now on the ground. They are the ones who are in operational control and

command so, the question of what the mission is, and the specifics of it would have to be left to them and the relationship between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Kenyans and, of course, the Haitian government.

“That means we still have the legal cover for everything, but at the moment, it’s a diplomatic mission, and then we’ll know operationally what happens with the Defence Force,” he said.

The Bahamas government has committed to sending 150 Defence Force officers to joining the Kenyan led multinational team to help stabilise Haiti. (Loop News)

Citi to cease operations in Haiti after 50 years

Citigroup (CN), opens new tab will wind up its operations in Haiti due to weak demand from institutional clients and lower international banking activity, ending its presence of more than five decades in the country.

The exit is part of a strategic review and will not have a significant economic impact on Citi, the bank said, opens new tab on Monday.

Citi, one of the largest banks in the United States, has exited non-core markets since CEO Jane Fraser took the helm in 2021.

To catch up to peers whose profitability has outpaced Citi’s, the bank overhauled its operations

Bahamas: Mum’s horror at son’s

A mother of a 28-year-old man killed on Sunday after an argument outside a bar said she walked barefoot to the hospital in disbelief to see if her son was truly gone.

Monique Williams said she was home sleeping when her husband woke her up with the news that Travase Williams had been killed. He had received a call from the victim’s sister, who delivered the shocking news.

“I was trying to look for the car keys, and I came downstairs,” Mrs Williams said. “I couldn’t get the car started so I started walking to the hospital barefoot. I just was like, no, no, no. When I reached the hospital, I meet a crowd out there.”

Mrs Williams said when she tried to see her son, the security guard at the hospital told her doctors were treating him. She went home, but soon got the call that her son died. She returned to the hospital and saw her son’s head bandaged. He had been shot in the back of his skull.

Mr Williams became the country’s 64th murder victim after he was shot and killed outside a club on Nassau Street. Police said the shooting unfolded around 2.30am when a 23-year-old man got into a heated argument with the victim and another man, aged 42. After the argument, the 23-yearold suspect left the establishment, but returned with a firearm and shot both men, injuring both of

them.

Police said the suspect was also injured during the incident and had gunshot wounds in his leg and upper body. He is now in hospital under police custody.

The grieving mother, holding back tears, described Mr Williams as a gentle, unproblematic breadwinner of her family who didn’t even smoke or drink.

She said she was told her son

and sharpened focus on businesses that offer the best returns.

The bank is also exiting its consumer unit in Mexico, which is set for an initial public offering in 2025.

Citi will voluntarily surrender its banking license with the approval of Banque de la République d’Haiti — Haiti’s central bank. International banking and correspondent banking services, however, will continue for existing clients, Citi said.

It did not disclose how many employees would be dismissed as part of the move, but said it remained committed to Latin America. (Reuters)

death

tried to diffuse the situation before the shooting. She said her son knew the gunman’s friends and asked them to tell the gunman to calm down before the man got the gun.

“My daughter was standing there, and she said she didn’t even know the guy was shooting at her brother because she didn’t see any exchange, like nothing to say a fight took place,” she said.

Kevindina Miller, the girlfriend of Mr Williams, said she was at the club and didn’t see when Mr Williams got shot.

“He was on the floor unconscious. I broke my nail trying to lift him up, but I was so weak,” she said.

Ms Miller said she started screaming for someone to help her pick up his body. Eventually, she said his friends helped to get him to the hospital.

When The Tribune visited the victim’s home, his family described him as the “good” and

“decent” one out of the bunch. Their mood was sombre, and tears flowed down their faces.

Mrs Williams, who has several other children, said the victim is the first child she lost and stressed that the shooting could have been avoided.

She smiled, reminiscing about the last conversation she had with her son, which happened on Saturday. The victim had given her money to go out.

She said before her son died, he told one of his friends he had plenty of responsibilities and children to take care of.

His last job was as a mixologist at the Lyford Cay Club. He often gambled and picked up various work gigs to provide for his family financially. He was also a graduate of Bahama Host.

Mrs Williams said her son had big dreams of opening up several businesses to support his family. He had also just bought property in which he wanted to invest.

Citi, one of the largest banks in the United States, has exited non-core markets since CEO Jane Fraser took the helm in 2021

Bilateral ties between the two countries started in the 20th century

Travase Williams became the country’s 64th murder victim after he was shot and killed outside a club on Nassau Street

Regional News

Vincentian-born male pilot makes history with AA flight to SVG

First Officer Tevin Goodridge DaSilva made history today as the first Vincentian male to pilot an American Airlines flight into Argyle International Airport.

First Officer DaSilva’s achievement was celebrated today as Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and other officials gave him a warm welcome upon his arrival. He was also gifted with tokens to remember the moment.

The Vincentian pilot told media that he found out a month ago about the flight and made a bid to make the trip. He says the return

flight is even more special for him, as for the first time his mom will be flying with him as well as his little sister.

We celebrate today, First Officer Tevin Goodridge DaSilva on being the first male to fly American Airlines into Argyle International Airport.

The Argyle International Airport also issued congratulations to First Officer Tevin Maxian Goodridge DaSilva on being the first Vincentian male to fly American Airlines into Argyle International Airport. (Loopnews)

EU to co-finance project to combat inequalities in the Dominican Republic

The European Union (EU), in partnership with the Andalusian Solidarity Association for Development (ASAD) and two Dominican civil society organizations, will co-fund a project to reduce inequalities in seven Dominican provinces.

The initiative, “Weaving Networks: Cultivating Autonomy and Collective Growth,” aims to promote economic autonomy for rural women and youth. It will strengthen the National Confederation of Rural Women (Conamuca) in collaboration with the Center for Research on Women’s Action (Cipaf). The

BVI posts record tourist numbers

Premier of the Virgin Islands Dr Natalio Wheatley announces that Virgin Islands tourism sector has welcomed more arrivals than ever so far in the first half of 2024.

According to the Central Statistics Office, compared to the same period in 2023, tourist arrivals surged by a remarkable 17.2%, totalling 682,773 visitors as opposed to 582,674.

This exceptional performance can be attributed to substantial increases across all categories of tourists.

Cruise ship passengers saw a notable rise of 16.2%, overnight visitors increased by 19.3%, and day trippers rose by an impressive 37.2%. In the first quarter of 2024, total tourist arrivals soared by an impressive 30.3%, reaching 497,556 compared to 381,866 in 2023.

This increase was fuelled by a 31.6% increase in cruise ship passengers, a 25.2% rise in overnight visitors, and a significant 34.8% increase in day trippers.

Despite a historical dominance of cruise ship passengers in total arrivals, there has been a notable shift towards greater balance among visitor types in 2024.

Overnight visitors demonstrated a resilient 13.0% increase, while day trippers continued their robust growth with a 39.4% rise. This shift underscores a more balanced distribution among day trippers, overnighters, and cruise passengers in the overall visitor composition.

According to Dr. Wheatley, the Virgin Islands tourism sector’s outstanding performance in the first

According to the Central Statistics Office, compared to the same period in 2023, tourist arrivals surged by a remarkable 17.2%

half of 2024 sets a new benchmark for growth and resilience. At a time when a number of vacation destinations, especially in Europe, are actually seeking to reduce the number of tourists and questioning the value of cruise ship visitors to destinations, the reverse is the case in the BVI and other Caribbean nations such as the Dominican Republic.

Premier Wheatley said, “We are delighted to see such a historic performance in our tourism sector during the first half of 2024. These figures underscore the

Virgin Islands’ enduring appeal, and highlight our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for visitors from around the globe.”

He added, “As we continue to navigate through a dynamic global tourism landscape, these results highlight the Virgin Islands’ growing appeal and ability to attract diverse segments of travellers. We look forward to building on this momentum and welcoming even more visitors to our beautiful islands.” (thestkittsnevisobserver. com)

project will be implemented over two years with a budget of 60 million pesos (just over 1 million USD) in San Cristóbal, Elías Piña, Monte Plata, San Juan, Ocoa, La Altagracia, and Espaillat.

The project will emphasise gender equality, food sovereignty, agroecology, and clean production. Its goals include strengthening Conamuca’s institutions, implementing economic initiatives, developing markets, and promoting public policies for food sovereignty.

EU Ambassador Katja Afheldt praised Conamuca’s efforts in defending rural women’s rights and promoting equitable public

First Officer Tevin Goodridge DaSilva

Regional News

Jamaica gets 100 compressed natural gas buses

A total of 100 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses arrived in the island this week, which will significantly boost the Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC) fleet and improve service delivery to the public.

The new units, acquired at a cost of approximately US$$20 million, were transported to the Portmore Depot after being cleared at the Kingston Wharves.

They bring the total number of buses introduced into the public transportation system to 170 since 2023.

Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Daryl Vaz, who was at Kingston Wharves for the arrival of the units, said the buses will go a far way in transforming the public transportation sector.

“With these 100 buses, we are going to get the waiting time down in the Kingston Metropolitan

Transport Region to 45 minutes…

. These are 100 smart buses and we are going to use every inch of technology that they give to assist commuters and assist JUTC in the management and tracking of these buses,” he said.

Minister Vaz noted that the units are the first set of 300 new buses that are to be introduced into the public transport sector.

“You will recall that Minister [of Finance and the Public Service, Dr Nigel] Clarke, made a commitment for 300 buses, and I want to assure Jamaica that the process for the other 200 is already under way,” he said.

Meanwhile, the minister noted that as part of the JUTC’s strategic plan to improve its operations, the entity is looking to introduce an application (app) that will better enable members of the public to organise their commute.

“It will give all the details about

A total of 100 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses were acquired by the Government to strengthen the

where the buses are, how much load it has, what is the estimated time for it to get to the location, and all of the things to help them better manage their time,” he pointed out.

Bermuda: Canadian jailed on drug charges

A High Court judge has sentenced a 54-year-old Canadian national to eight and a half years in jail after he pleaded guilty of importing an estimated US$1.9 million worth of marijuana into the British Overseas Territory.

The prosecution said that Radcliff Brown, 54, from Mississauga, Ontario, had imported the controlled drug into the island on March 13 last year.

The Supreme Court heard that the 19.5 kilograms of cannabis was found hidden in the lining of his baggage.

In imposing the jail term, Justice Juan Wolffe said that action needed to be taken to stem the flow of drugs into the island.

“It seems to me that Bermuda is the jurisdiction of convenience for the importation of cannabis, particularly from Canada. A message must be sent, not just to those in Canada but other places, that Bermuda cannot be a place where they can import drugs for no other means but profit at the expense of the health and safety of Bermudians,” the judge said.

The also court heard that Brown had arrived here on March 13,

2023 with two matching black suitcases. He told Customs that he was visiting Bermuda to attend a wedding and was scheduled to remain on the island for six days.

Customs officers put one of his bags through an X-ray, which revealed a number of suspicious rectangular objects inside. A search of the bag revealed 20 vacuumsealed packages hidden within the suitcase’s lining, while even more packages were found in the second suitcase.

Brown told officers that he had packed his own bags, but he said he had no knowledge of the packages or their contents. The court heard that a further search of the suitcases did contain clothing, but no wedding attire.

The court was told that the packages contained a combined 19,556.5 grams of cannabis and had a street value of US$1.95 million.

Attorney Elizabeth Christopher told the court that her client was a businessman who had fallen into financial hardship and was extremely remorseful for his actions.

“He was in a bit of a financial situation and he was asked to do it to alleviate himself from

his financial situation. He does feel remorseful for having found himself in the situation that he found himself in,” she said.

Brown also apologised to the court, saying “I’m sorry for what part I played, my selfish actions, and I will continue to be what I truly ought to be”.

He added that he had made promises to less fortunate people whom he believed he could help and that he now hoped he could help others.

But Justice Wolffe said that the jail term suggested by the Crown was at the low end of the spectrum given the quantity of drugs, but it was not unreasonable given Brown’s early guilty plea and lack of previous offences.

But he warned against the trend of large-scale drug importation and that stronger penalties should be considered to hammer home the message abroad that such offences will not be tolerated.

“I hope that in your journey towards rehabilitation that you also help other young men at Westgate to understand that there is an alternative way,” Justice Wolffe added. (Loopnews)

Minister Clarke, who was also on hand for the arrival of the units, said the acquisition of the buses is an indicator of the country’s strong macroeconomic position.

“Our macroeconomic environment is in the best shape it has been in 50 years, notwithstanding Beryl, and it is because of the improved macroeconomic fundamentals. It is because of a stable fiscal trajectory [that] the Government of Jamaica is able to buy 100 buses in one go. These buses have

been acquired with the revenue that the Government of Jamaica has, and we did not need to turn to… any other source to get the buses. It is testament that macro improvements actually lead to improvements in public service delivery,” he emphasised.

“This is just the beginning. We are going to continue to leverage macroeconomic stability in your interest and to improve public services and thereby improve the quality of your life,” Dr Clarke added. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Haitians, Jamaican policeman arrested

in major drug bust in Jamaica

Two Haitian nationals and a policeman were arrested earlier this week in connection with the seizure of a quantity of compressed marijuana in St Elizabeth, Jamaica.

The policeman, is expected to be charged along with the Haitian men, who did not have any form of identification.

According to police reports, a robust internal narcotics investigation, conducted by the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch, led to arrests of the three men.

It’s reported that when a bus

with the policeman and the Haitians aboard was intercepted, 14 knitted bags of compressed marijuana, weighing more than 227 kilogrammes or 500 pounds were seized.

The police have warned that this arrest underscores its relentless pursuit of criminals, regardless of their uniform or position.

The police say there is no room in the force for individuals with criminal intent who display a willingness to compromise the privileged position they occupy as members of the organisation. (Loopnews)

JUTC fleet

Starmer puts UK front and centre of Europe at summit to re-establish ‘closer relationship’

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has scored his first major international success as he sought to put the UK at the centre of European cooperation and build closer ties with the continent. European leaders including the French and the Irish hailed his plan for a new era in post-Brexit relations.

The Irish prime minister described the election of a new government as a potential “gamechanger” for the bloc.

Echoing Sir Keir’s own language as he arrived for a summit of European leaders in Oxfordshire, the French president Emmanuel Macron said it was a “great opportunity for a reset”.

And Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he had the “highest expectations” of the new PM.

Sir Keir fired the starting gun on what he hopes will be Britain’s new relationship with the EU as he hosted the European Political Community event at Blenheim Palace.

Ahead of the summit, Sir Keir promised to fix Britain’s damaged relations to benefit “generations to come” as he warned “we cannot let the challenges of the recent past define our relationships of the future.”

Opening the event, he said that under his leadership Britain would

be “a friend and a partner” and, significantly, pledged to never withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights.

The move draws a line under the premiership of his predecessor Rishi Sunak, whose threat to pull out of the international agreement - if legal challenges grounded his controversial deportation flights to Rwanda - led to tensions with other European nations.

As he sought to strengthen ties across the continent, Sir Keir urged European leaders to address the illegal migration “crisis” and stand

firm in support of Ukraine.

In a significant move, it also emerged migrants rescued in the channel on Wednesday night were returned to France, the first time this is thought to have happened.

He spoke to his Albanian counterpart Edi Rama about Italy’s plan to send migrants to his country for processing, with sources indicating that was the kind of innovative approach that could be considered.

“The two leaders discussed issues of European security including migration, specifically

innovative solutions such as the Italy-Albania partnership,” a Downing Street spokeswoman said.

A No 10 source suggested the PM was always prepared to “look at what works” although the Government was confident in its own plans to deal with the problem and cut the asylum backlog.

Government sources say other European countries are more willing to discuss challenges around migration with Britain since Labour’s election victory removed the threat of Britain leaving the ECHR.

Sir Keir is set to hold face-toface talks with a number of other European leaders, including his Polish counterpart, Donald Tusk, who was president of the European Council at the height of the UK’s exit from the European Union.

Mr Tusk famously said in 2019 that there was a “special place in hell” for “those who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan of how to carry it out safely”.

He will also have dinner with President Macron, which EU diplomats believe he will use to discuss a potential returns agreement for migrants trying to reach the UK on small boats.

During the summit, he took part in a session on migration, cochaired by Italian prime minister

Giorgia Meloni.

Government sources said other European countries were more willing to discuss challenges around the issue with Britain after Labour’s election victory removed the threat of Britain leaving the ECHR.

The prime minister aims to help lead Europe-wide efforts to combat people smuggling gangs, as part of his pledge to ‘smash the boats’.

As well as giving Sir Keir useful time with his European counterparts, leaders will use the meeting to affirm support for Ukraine after the recent Nato meeting in Washington, with Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg attending for the first time.

As part of his talks with the Irish PM Sir Keir accepted an invitation to visit Dublin in September.

The Irish PM described a reset between the two countries as “real” and “meaningful”.

The UK and Irish governments have also pledged to meet annually to “deepen and re-invigorate cooperation” after the two men had dinner at Chequers on Wednesday evening.

Speaking after their meeting, the Taoiseach said: “I am really pleased to confirm that the reset I have been speaking about in terms of Anglo-Irish relations is real.

“It is under way and it is meaningful.” (Independent.co.uk)

Ursula von der Leyen secures five more years in top EU job

Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected as president of the European Commission following a secret ballot among MEPs.

She secured the backing of 401 Members of the European Parliament at a vote in Strasbourg on Thursday - 41 more than she needed.

Ms von der Leyen, of the centreright European People’s Party (EPP), was first elected in 2019.

She will now serve another five years at the helm of the EU.

“You can imagine this is a very emotional and special moment for me,” she said after the vote, hailing the result as a sign of strong confidence.

Speaking to reporters, she added that the most important thing for Europe was to defend its democracy “which is under attack from inside and from outside”.

Her remarks echoed a speech to MEPs earlier on Thursday, in which she spoke out against

what she called the “demagogues and extremists” that “destroy our European way of life” and promised to collaborate with “all the democratic forces” in the Parliament.

Ahead of the vote, Ms von der Leyen also said she would champion European defence with increased military spending, and committed to sticking to climate targets.

“The last five years have shown what we can do together. Let us do it again. Let us make the choice of strength,” she said.

Ms von der Leyen’s nomination was approved at an EU leaders’ summit last month, although not all of them backed her.

There was immediate praise for her re-election from Germany’s Olaf Scholz, who said it was a “clear sign of our ability to act in the European Union, especially in difficult times”.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick

Schoof said it was good that Europe could “count on your knowledge, experience and leadership in these times of great challenges”, while French President Emmanuel Macron hailed Ms von der Leyen’s re-election “for a more sovereign, more competitive and more democratic Europe”.

Beyond the EU, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he looked forward to “working

closely” with Ms von der Leyen.

As head of the EU’s executive branch, the president of the European Commission sets the EU’s policy agenda, political direction and priorities, leads a cabinet of commissioners and represents the EU at international meetings and summits.

The other two big EU jobs will be filled later this year by António Costa, a former Socialist prime

minister in Portugal, who will head the European Council, which represents the 27 EU governments; and by Estonia’s Kaja Kallas who has stepped down as prime minister to become the EU’s foreign policy chief.

Before Thursday’s vote Ms von der Leyen succeeded in winning the support of her own centreright European People’s Party (EPP), the Socialist & Democrats, the liberal Renew and Greens, but not all of their members backed her.

She acknowledged that the Greens had played an instrumental role in securing a majority, saying she was “very grateful” for their support.

Ms von der Leyen was opposed by 284 MEPs. Far-right groupings, including the biggest and newly formed Patriots for Europe, were vehemently against her winning a second term.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Simon Harris drink a pint of Guinness during his visit to Chequers

Ursula von der Leyen needed to win at least 361 votes in the 720-seat Parliament

Biden’s health and age under even further scrutiny amid questions over his political future

As President Joe Biden isolates at his Delaware beach home after testing positive for Covid-19, he is growing increasingly isolated from many corners of his Democratic Party as he faces deepening questions about whether he should continue his reelection campaign.

The announcement of Biden’s positive test on Wednesday came as calls from his party for him to step aside in the 2024 race are growing louder. CNN reported that former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi privately told the president that polling shows Biden cannot defeat former President Donald Trump in November and that continuing his run for the presidency could destroy Democrats’ chance to take back the House.

Following Biden’s campaignchanging performance in last month’s presidential debate, his age and health — which have long been his biggest political weakness, dating back to his third run for the presidency starting in 2019 — have been under the microscope. In the last week, multiple incidents have been held up as signs that Biden is not sharp enough to convince voters that he could defeat Trump, let alone serve another four years as commander-in-chief.

An interview with BET that taped on Tuesday and aired in full late Wednesday night is the latest moment that’s being scrutinized by nervous Democrats. In that interview, Biden said that only a “medical condition” would convince him to leave the race — a statement made just one day before he tested positive for Covid. He stumbled while referring to Black members of his administration, describing Lloyd Austin as the secretary of defense rather than saying his name.

“For example, look at the heat I’m getting because I named a, uh … the — secretary of defense, a Black man. I named Ketanji Brown, because of the people I’ve named,” Biden said, also referring to Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, whom he appointed to the high court.

The White House said Wednesday the president had “upper respiratory symptoms, to include rhinorhea (runny nose) and non-productive cough, with general malaise” as a result of his Covid infection. Video of the president leaving Las Vegas showed him slowly walking up the steps to enter Air Force One, including pausing on the second step to gather himself before

continuing into the plane.

Biden on Thursday is experiencing “mild upper respiratory symptoms” and is continuing to receive Paxlovid, according to a note from his physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor. O’Connor notes that Biden does not have a fever and his vitals remain “normal.”

Additional video shot by pool reporters who met Biden in Delaware late Wednesday also shows the president appearing to have difficulty getting situated in his SUV for the drive to his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home, where he is planning to isolate. The video shows Biden taking half a minute to get into the SUV and requiring the assistance of Secret Service agents to get situated in the car. The president was not wearing a face mask while he was interacting with the agents, despite having Covid. He eventually did put on a mask.

Earlier on Wednesday, while visiting a local restaurant, the president appeared to mistake Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford for the state’s governor. While speaking to a guest, Biden pointed to Ford and asked, “You know the gov?” Individuals nearby laughed at the statement, but it was unclear whether Biden was joking.

CNN has reached out to the Biden campaign and White House for comment on the moment in Nevada and the president’s arrival in Delaware. Biden’s deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks on Thursday said the campaign is “not working through any scenarios” where Biden is not the presidential nominee.

“The vice president is a part of the Biden-Harris ticket. Our campaign is not working through any scenarios where President Biden is not the top of the ticket. He is and will be the Democratic

nominee,” he said during a DNC news conference in Milwaukee when asked if the campaign was working on any plans should Vice President Kamala Harris take the lead.

Asked if Biden’s receptive to conversations about leaving the race, Fulks replied, “The president has said it several times, he’s staying in this race.”

“The president is in this race. He’s going to and we look forward to him accepting the delegates in Chicago and continuing with this race to talk about what’s at stake,” he added.

POLLING SHOWS A PROBLEM

As calls for Biden to reconsider his candidacy are poised to grow even louder on Thursday, some of the reasons why are coming into sharper focus: Not only is Biden falling short to Trump, but Democratic candidates are afraid voters could see their own defenses of Biden as dishonest.

“Defending Biden’s fitness for office is an untenable position for down-ballot Democrats,” according to a memo a leading Democratic research firm released Wednesday. It details that voters are “likely to see other Democrats’ defense of him as fit as dishonest” by a wide margin.

CNN obtained a polling memo from Blue Rose Research, which is distributed daily to operatives and officials across the Democratic Party. Pelosi is among those who pore over the details and findings in documents like this that are rarely shared.

The memo dated Wednesday shines a brighter light on the reasons behind the calls for Biden to step aside.

“Concerns about President Biden’s fitness for office are

pervasive,” the memo says, pointing to polling data that shows a remarkable low number of voters — even those who supported Biden in 2020 — who believe he is capable of serving a second term.

While partisan polling does not meet CNN standards, the 16-page document has value because it offers a window into the panic and alarm across the Democratic Party.

An AP-NORC poll released Wednesday found 14% of all Americans are extremely or very confident that Biden has the “mental capacity to be an effective president.” Among Democrats, that number is 27%.

The internal polling data shows an expanding battleground in the presidential race, with New Hampshire, Minnesota, New Mexico, Virginia and Maine becoming highly competitive in the race between Biden and Trump, in addition to the seven current top battleground states.

WORRYING MOMENTS FOR DEMOCRATS

The president has had several moments over the last week that have worried Democrats even more about whether he can effectively continue to campaign.

On July 11, the president had back-to-back slip-ups on the last day of the NATO summit in Washington, referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin” before correcting himself at one event and then referring to Harris as “Vice President Trump” in a press conference, a mistake he did not correct or acknowledge.

In that same press conference, Biden also appeared to back away from his previous assertion that only the “Lord Almighty” could convince him to leave the race, saying he would not leave the race

“unless they came back and said there’s no way you can win.”

Several calls with key groups of lawmakers on Friday and Saturday also did not seem to convince skeptical lawmakers that Biden was able to win. CNN reported Wednesday night that a Democratic lawmaker told CNN that Biden’s full court press in recent days following Saturday’s assassination attempt on Trump has only exacerbated the panic inside the party. “Getting worse” is how the member put it.

Another House Democrat who watched Biden’s interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt on Monday described feeling “profound sadness watching an admirable man tread water instead of leading us through it.”

While the assassination attempt on Trump eased the political pressure on Biden for a few days, that pressure has kicked up again over the last several days as CNN and others reported that some Biden allies were making a quiet push for the Democratic National Committee to speed up Biden’s virtual nomination process — with the hope of beginning the roll call vote as soon as next week.

Concerned Democrats bought themselves a little more time by convincing the DNC to not move up the timeline — voting will not begin before August 1, CNN reported. The delay stopped a draft letter circulating among House Democrats that, if made formal, would have exposed further cracks in the party. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer both pushed the DNC to delay the process, multiple sources told CNN.

Behind the scenes, the president is not as defiant as he is in public, multiple Democratic sources told CNN.

“The private conversations with the Hill are continuing,” a senior Democratic adviser told CNN, speaking on condition of anonymity to avoid alienating the campaign and the White House. “He’s being receptive. Not as defiant as he is publicly.”

“He’s gone from saying, ‘Kamala can’t win,’ to ‘Do you think Kamala can win?’“ the adviser said. “It’s still unclear where he’s going to land but seems to be listening.”

The Biden campaign, which is also facing a growing outcry from Democratic donors, dismissed the suggestion the president was rethinking his candidacy. (BBC)

A recent poll found nearly two thirds of Democrats think Biden should quit the race

Seething anger at Secret Service in town where Trump was shot at

You don’t expect to meet an antiTrump Republican at a Trump rally.

When 67-year-old US Army veteran Thomas Gleason arrived at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, he came looking for conversation.

A registered Republican who is opposed to Trump, Mr Gleason was wearing a placard proclaiming the former president a “threat to the Constitution” and challenging the former president’s supporters to a friendly debate.

“I had very civil discussions with a lot of people,” he recalled, “that was a pleasant surprise”.

Soon after, however, the jovial atmosphere of the rally turned to chaos, confusion and rage as shots rang out from a nearby rooftop.

“I immediately knew what it was. I recognised it as gunfire,” the former paratrooper told the BBC several days after the shooting. “Some people screamed, and a lot of people fell to the ground.”

The shooting grazed Trump’s ear and 50-year-old volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore was left dead. Two others were seriously injured.

In the days after the shooting, rallygoers who were in attendance say that their initial feelings of shock have given way to anger, sadness, and fears for what the future may bring.

Many of those who attended the rally have directed their anger at the US Secret Service, which they see as having been responsible for security at the event - and, by extension, their own safety.

The Secret Service has said that local police were responsible for the outer cordons of security at the rally and had officers inside the building from where he was shooting.

But that does little to soothe the concerns of witnesses such as 66-year-old Kathleen O’ Shea, who laid the blame explicitly on the Secret Service’s embattled director, Kimberly Cheatle.

Two days after the shooting, Ms O’Shea told the BBC she was “furious” that an “epic failure” left a man dead and Trump - who she says she would “take a bullet for”with a narrow escape.

“All I want to hear from her [Ms Cheatle] is that she resigns. She got a good, innocent American killed,” she added.

“She should offer her heartfelt condolences and apologies, and if she means it, she will resign.”

‘They dropped the ball’

Jean Vincent, a Butler woman who attended the rally alongside her sister Suzanne, said that - no matter who was responsible for what part of security - the Secret Service “definitely dropped the ball” on 13 July.

“I get so emotional. I’m so upset someone could have killed us.

Could have killed my children,” she said, adding that her son shielded her body during the shooting. “Someone has to be held responsible. They’ve got to learn.”

Ms Vincent said that when she heard the shooting her thoughts immediately went to the 2017 Las Vegas shooting, when dozens of people were killed by a gunman firing from the roof of a hotel.

“There could have been 200, 300 people killed,” she said. “It’s surreal. Nobody who was there can understand the security breach.”

Former Marine Teresa Wilson - an employee of a local

police department elsewhere in Pennsylvania - was at the rally with a group of family members, including her elderly mother and teenage nephew.

She said she remains “infuriated” by a security set-up that she said left them “like sitting ducks”.

“It was a huge and embarrassing failure on their part,” she said. “It took two days for me to feel normal again. I was plagued by anxiety over the what-ifs.”

“Once I heard... early on about explosives being present, I struggled to shake the feeling of insecurity even though I was home and away from danger,” she added.

“My heart goes out to the families of the victims. If I had such a difficult time, I can’t imagine what they are going through.”

A TOWN FOREVER CHANGED

Residents of Butler and its

surrounding county describe the largely rural area as friendly and neighbourly, a quiet place. The kind of town in which people know and help each other despite political differences.

Now, some residents fear that their town will forever be known for the events of 13 July.

Among them are partly retired psychiatrist Warren Goodrich and his wife Debbie.

The BBC first encountered them at the site of the rally, where they stood near Trump when he spoke.

When the shooting began, they took cover near a young girl who was pleading for her life, a sight that Mrs Goodrich said broke her heart.

“It’s been really hard on us emotionally,” Mrs Goodrich remarked a few days later. “It really hurts. It’s starting to hit us.... I’m just glad we’re alive.”

Over the course of more than 20 years in the town, the Goodrichs say they often tell people elsewhere that they are from Pittsburgh, knowing that few people will know where it is.

Looking to the future, Mr Goodrich said he is worried that Butler will have earned international notoriety and become a “shunned city”.

“It’s such a significant piece of history. But it’s irrational to blame the whole city,” he said. “It’s very, very sad.”

Echoing a sentiment heard several times by the BBC in Butler, Suzanne Vincent, Jean’s sister, said that she believes the town will

“unfortunately be on the map” at a national level, comparing it to small towns like Uvalde, Texas, which have been marked by tragedies.

“That is so unfair,” she added. “But it’s changed this community, and it’s changed America.”

‘WE ALL NEED TO TONE IT DOWN’

For now, the motive for the shooting remains unclear, and there has been so far no evidence that proves or even suggests that suspect Matthew Thomas Crooks was motivated by politics.

But some of those who witnessed the bloodshed in Butler said they feared that the attempted assassination of a presidential candidate could raise tensions and push people to extremes.

“It’s not just violence against people like Trump and Biden that I’m concerned about,” said Mr Gleason, the army veteran. “I’m also worried about violence against people who hold opposing views.”

Jean Vincent said that she believes the US has entered a “very, very scary” time in which tensions are running particularly high ahead of the November election.

“I fear that this country is sliding into chaos and is out of control. I just can’t believe everyone is acting so crazy,” she said. “There’s all this division. What happens in the upcoming election if people are not happy with the outcome?”

Others described the aftermath of the shooting with a feeling of disgust.

Germany plans to halve military aid for Ukraine

Germany is planning to nearly halve military aid for Ukraine next year, from around €8bn (£6.7bn; $8.7bn) to around €4bn, according to a draft budget approved by the government.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner said Ukraine’s financing was “secure for the foreseeable future” due to a G7 group of rich nations scheme to raise $50bn from interest on frozen Russian assets.

Germany is Ukraine’s second biggest military donor, after the US. In 2024, Berlin’s budget for Kyiv is set at nearly €7.5bn.

The planned aid cut comes amid fears in Ukraine and among its European allies that US funds could be slashed or even stopped if

Donald Trump wins the presidency in November’s election.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The draft budget was approved by the German government on Wednesday.

Although military aid to Ukraine is set to be reduced, the defence budget for 2025 will be raised by €1.3bn to €53.25bn.

This is still less than the €6bn for which Defence Minister Boris Pistorius had been pushing.

Overall, Germany is planning to meet the target of 2% GDP spending on defence as required by the Nato alliance.

The defence budget still needs to be approved by lawmakers.

A bullet grazed the ears of Donald Trump during the shooting

Germany has been providing Ukraine with advanced military weaponry, including

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Glen Powell to finish degree while making new film

Despite being Hollywood’s hottest new star, Glen Powell has said he will finish studying for his degree while shooting his next movie.

The actor – who recently starred in Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone But You and Twisters – plans to complete his Spanish and early American history degree at the University of Texas.

Powell, 35, is from Austin, Texas, and has recently moved back to his home state to be closer to his family, after living in Hollywood.

Speaking to IndieWire, Powell said he plans to attend Zoom classes while he’s working on his next film, a remake of 1987 sci-fi film The Running Man, in the UK.

“So I’m going to be in London, but I am going to be going back for proctored [supervised] exams,” he said.

“They’re letting me figure it out [with] distance learning.

“And I’m obviously going to be coming in, Zooming in for classes and whatnot, but I have to be back for the proctored exams.”

He will have to return to Texas “two or three times a semester”, and said The Running Man director Edgar Wright had been understanding.

“Edgar has been very nice about letting me finish my degree in the middle of his massive movie.”

In May, Powell was the cover star on a Hollywood Reporter issue about “the new A-list”.

He told the magazine he felt he was able to return to Texas because “getting to this point in Hollywood [means] that I can now leave

Hollywood”.

He added that he felt “like I’ve earned the ability to go back to my family”, and was given the advice to move by fellow Texan actor Matthew McConaughey.

Powell also told the publication it was an “emotional thing” to finish the degree, which he started before he reached this level of fame.

“I think it’s really important to my mom and it’s more of an emotional thing for me,” he said.

The actor is incredibly close to his parents, who regularly attend press events with him, and two sisters.

In the interview with IndieWire, Powell clarified that he has “nothing against Hollywood” – but he would be happier spending time in Austin between projects.

“I love being around people who love entertainment, and I love what [Hollywood] represents.

“Coming here for little chunks of time and doing all the stuff I need to do here, it’s great.

“And I have nothing against Hollywood.

“I just realised, in terms of filling up the pieces of me that need to be refuelled between projects and doing stuff like that, that’s all Austin for me.” (BBC)

DJ Tomcraft, known for hit Loneliness, dies at 49

German DJ and producer Thomas Brückner, better known as Tomcraft, who was behind the massive 2003 club hit Loneliness, has died at the age of 49.

Tributes have been paid in the dance-music world, with Judge Jules - who championed Loneliness on its release - writing he was a “lovely guy, who made one of the greatest records ever”.

A message from Brückner’s family posted on social media, on Tuesday, said: “With a heavy heart, we need to inform you that yesterday, 15 July 2024, our beloved father and husband has passed away.

“We will forever carry you in our hearts and love you until we’re reunited again.”

Brückner made his name in the late 1990s and early 2000s with

club hits such as The Circle, Prosac and Silence.

Loneliness gave him commercial success, reaching number eight in the UK in 2002 before going to number one the following year.

Brückner wrote the track, with studio partner Eniac, as an instrumental but decided something was missing.

So he added lyrics and a melody borrowed from Andrea Martin’s 1999 R&B single Share the Love, which he had found in a Munich charity shop, and had the words re-recorded by a British vocalist called Vivian.

“The lyrics say that happiness seems to be loneliness and loneliness killed my world,” Brückner was quoted as saying in Jon Kutner and Spencer Leigh’s book 1,000 Number One Hits.

Adele says she will take a ‘big break’ from

Adele has revealed she plans to take an extended break from music after her current run of concerts.

“My tank is quite empty at the minute,” the star told German broadcaster ZDF ahead of a 10date residency in Munich.

“I don’t have any plans for new music at all,” she said.

“I want a big break after all this and I think I want to do other creative things just for a little while.

“You know, I don’t even sing at home at all. How strange is that?”

The star’s last album came out in 2021, and she has spent the past two years playing a weekend residency in Las Vegas, recently completing her 90th show at the 4,000-capacity Caesar’s Palace.

The show is due to conclude in November, and Adele said the experience had been emotionally draining.

“Even though it’s a very

manageable size of crowd, it’s really been an emotional exchange,” she said.

“I’m sure I’ll feel even more like [that] every night after the shows in Munich. But it’s a positive thing. It’s just such an exchange of energy.”

However, not every Vegas concert has gone to plan.

‘OLD AND GRUMPY’

In June, Adele angrily cursed an audience member who allegedly yelled “Pride sucks” during one of her shows.

“Did you come to my... show and just say that Pride sucks?” she scolded. “Don’t be so... ridiculous.

“If you have nothing nice to say, shut up, all right?”

Asked about the incident, the star admitted she was easily riled up.

“Everything makes me angry,” she told ZDF. “Absolutely everything.

reach its 100th and final show in November

“I’m 36 years old. I’m old and grumpy now.”

Her Munich shows will be on entirely different scale to the Las Vegas residency, with 74,000 fans expected to watch her every night in a specially-built “pop up” stadium. The venue will also host an “Adele experience” featuring an English pub, a stage for a cover band and stalls selling specially designed cocktails. Organisers are also aiming to get

music

into the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest outdoor screen of all time, measuring 220m in length.

Adele posted pictures of the venue to her Instagram account on Sunday, calling the set-up “bloody exciting”.

And she told ZDF that the video installation would enhance the experience for fans.

“They just want to see your face and know it’s you, so the screens are enormous.”

The first show will take place on 2 August but the residency is yet to sell out, with 5% of tickets still available, according to German press agency DPA.

Promoter Marek Lieberberg said the tickets at the upper and lower ends of the price range had the most availability. The cheapest tickets cost €79 (£66) and the most expensive €430 (£360).

Brückner based Loneliness on a song he found in a charity shop

Powell will return to university in Texas from the film set “two or three times a semester”

Adele’s Las Vegas residency will

‘Shogun’ makes Emmys history

“Shogun,” the historical drama based on James Clavell’s bestselling novel, broke a record with its Emmy nominations on Wednesday.

The series became only the second non-English language program to be nominated in outstanding drama category. The hit Netflix series “Squid Game” was the first in 2022.

“Shogun” also earned nominations for several of its stars, including Hiroyuki Sanada in the outstanding lead actor in a drama series category, Anna Sawai for outstanding lead actress, and both Tadanobu Asano and Takehiro Hira competing for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series

In total, “Shogun” received 25 nominations, the most of any series

this year, which helped F/X garner 93 nominations – a high for the network.

Another one of its shows, “The Bear,” also made history.

The beloved drama, set in a Chicago sandwich shop, scored 23 nominations this year, breaking the record of 22 set by the NBC comedy “30 Rock” back in 2009.

Stormzy and Maya Jama announce split

Stormzy and Maya Jama have announced they have split up.

The rapper and Love Island presenter shared a joint statement on Instagram, saying they had been trying to make their relationship work since they got back together last year.

“We tried, and it didn’t work, and that’s okay,” they said.

The post started: “We’ve been laughing whilst drafting this because we never, ever, in a million years thought we’d be the couple announcing a breakup.

“But for the sake of clarity and, more importantly, to allow us the space and grace that’s needed for us both to be able to navigate this next bit of our lives with peace, we thought it might be best to.”

The pair said they fell “madly in love in 2014” before breaking up five years later.

“We decided to try for the final time in August 2023, and we’ve spent this past year trying our best to make it work; however, we recently decided to call it quits,” they said.

“We were 21 and 20 when we first met - both at the beginning of our careers - and spent five years growing together and then five years growing separately, so this final attempt required a whole lot of figuring out, relearning, and unlearning.”

The pair added that they would remain friends, and asked for people “not to cause a fuss” if they see them catching up if they cross paths in the future at events like the Brit Awards.

“We still think the absolute world of each other, we still care and respect each other, we are still grateful for the time we’ve had together, and we are still friends and will always be friends.”

The post ended: “We’re kindly asking for the grace to let both of us keep it moving and not be bothered about it (we highly doubt this’ll work, but we’re still kindly asking anyway).

“Love you guys and thank you for all the love you’ve showered us with, it’s been beautiful.” (BBC)

The pair said they had “spent this past year trying our best to make it work”

Hiroyuki Sanada in a scene from “Shogun”

Firefighters recognised for bravery in recent rescue mission

Among the search and rescue team which rescued two individuals from a crashed aircraft last June, were several firefighters whose acts of bravery have been recognised by the TCI Airports Authority.

“Exemplary bravery” was displayed on June 22, by the courageous individuals who formed a search party to recover two people after a small plane that took off from Florida crash-landed in the waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Paying tribute to the search team this week was the TCIAA Fire Chief Kenrick Hackett during a brief award ceremony held at the Howard Hamilton International Airport.

The firefighters who were presented with certificates were Kenrick Hackett, Fire Services Manager; Charles Tipton, Deputy Fire Services Manager; Delunnal Gardiner, Station Manager; Wilben Saintilien, Watch Manager; Brent Astwood, Crew Manager; Jed Dorvil, Firefighter and Jimmy Coleman Firefighter.

Chief Hackett also extended heartfelt gratitude to everyone else who participated in the rescue operation, including the Marine Unit, U.S. Coast Guard, pleasure craft owners, and 911 Dispatch.

The brave individuals collaborated with local authorities and the U.S. Coast Guard to search for two passengers who had crashlanded about ten miles off the coast of Providenciales.

Hackett said: “It’s a great feeling to be recognised for our role in the aircraft ditching that took place. The crew that responded to the call had just finished their tour of duty and was willing to go the extra mile to ensure a successful conclusion to the rescue operation.”

He added: “This selfless act demonstrates our commitment to saving lives in the event of any emergency.”

Detailing the search and rescue process, Chief Hackett said it involved contacting external stakeholders, including the Marine Unit, and enlisting the assistance of pleasure craft owners in the vicinity of the incident.

He said continuous communication with the search parties, including the U.S. Coast Guard, was maintained throughout the operation.

He also added that the aircraft ditching was outside the normal emergency response mechanism, however, the TCIAA’s involvement was crucial due to the search and rescue mission’s difficulty.

“It was imperative for us to assist with the rescue operation due to the difficulty of the mission, where the likelihood of locating two survivors in the deep ocean with very rough swells was slim to none,” Hackett explained.

He added: “With our presence, it allowed the rescue operation to have more eyes to conduct a sector search with the Marine Unit.

“We look forward to continued support as we strive to provide an efficient and effective emergency response service to the traveling public.”

TCIAA said the recognition reflects the authority’s ongoing commitment to safety, excellence, and community support.

“The exemplary bravery and dedication demonstrated by the search and rescue team underscores the importance of collaboration and readiness in ensuring the safety and well-being of all.”

TCIAA pays tribute to the search and rescue team involved in the June 22 rescue operation in TCI waters (TCIAA photos)

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.

HOUSEKEEPER

My name is Vitus and I’m looking for pen friends from the Turks and Caicos Islands. I’m a Rhaeto-Roman from Switzerland and am very interested in the Turks and Caicos Islands. That’s why I’m looking for pen friends from these wonderful islands.

Please write me in

S & F WHOLESALE CASH AND CARRY LTD.

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Island Contact No: 1649-9462811

IS NOW HIRING:

STORE SUPERVISOR

• Candidate must have at least 6-8 years experience in the field

• Must have through knowledge of the following:

• Advanced knowledge and skills in computer systems, most specifically,

• QuickBooks Pro 2020, Microsoft Excel, and Inventory control management.

• Extensive knowledge of SMS Front & Back Office POS System

• Extensive knowledge of NCR 7456 POS

• Manage retail staff, including cashiers and people working on the floor.

• Ensure pricing is correct. Work on store displays.

• Coach, counsel, recruit, train, and discipline employees.

• Evaluate on-the-job performance.

• Identify current and future trends that appeal to consumers.

• Maintain inventory and ensure items are in stock.

• Keep up with fluctuating supply and demand.

• Maintain store cleanliness and health and safety measures.

• Organize and distribute staff schedules.

• Manage different departments within the store.

• Handle customer questions, complaints, and issues.

• Committed to work flexible hours, days, nights, weekends and holidays.

• Able to safely lift boxes

• Salary $9.00 Per Hour.

• This Position is for work permit renewal .

LABOURER(S)

• Responsible for doing manual work

• Loading and unloading Container

• Assisting in stocking shelves

• Should be physically fit to lift products 50lb or more.

• Being able to work at heights

• Committed to work flexible hours, days, nights, weekends and holidays.

• Salary $8.00 per hour.

• This position is for renewal and for first time work permit application..

DOMESTIC WORKER(S)

• Maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the grocery store premises, including aisles, restrooms, entrance, and parking area.

• Perform routine cleaning tasks such as wiping down surfaces, disinfecting high-touch areas, and emptying trash receptacles.

• Restock and organize cleaning supplies as needed.

• Assist in maintaining inventory of store supplies, such as paper towels, toilet paper, and cleaning products.

• Committed to work flexible hours, days, nights, weekends and holidays.

• Salary $8.00 per hour.

• This position is for renewal and for first time work permit application.

PRODUCE CLERK (S)

• Responsible for doing Manuel work

• Loading and unloading Container

• Assisting in stocking shelves

• Knowledge on produce products and sanitary methods

• Should be physically fit to lift products 50lb or more.

• Committed to work flexible hours, days, nights, weekends and holidays.

• Salary $8.00 per hour.

• This position is for renewal and for first time work permit application..

PREMIUM RELATIONSHIP

OFFICER, RETAIL BANKING

JOB GRADE: 6.1

ANNUAL SALARY: $47,650 — $77,300

The Premium Relationship Officer is responsible for contributing to the branch’s overall success by meeting the financial needs of the mid-market affluent segment by selling personalized financial solutions and superior customer service. The incumbent is expected to attract, manage and deepen the Bank’s relationships with these customers by providing a differentiated customer experience that supports the Premium Banking value proposition. The mandate of the Premium Relationship Officer is to offer advice to personally meet a customer’s banking, credit and investment needs. The PRO will also solicit and action referral opportunities to grow the portfolio while identifying referring opportunities to segment partners where appropriate. The PRO is responsible for meeting negotiated goals on portfolio growth, portfolio profitability (if available), portfolio size, number of products per customer, sales, and sales productivity, along with objectives relating to customer service, cross-segment referrals, operational effectiveness, teamwork and personal development. In addition, the RO is expected to provide individual, straightforward and knowledgeable service to create a relationship of mutual trust and confidence with Premium Banking customers and colleagues.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meet or exceed weekly, monthly and annual individual sales targets across product categories by providing personalized financial solutions to meet the needs of Premium Banking customers.

• Actively manage, grow and retain product holdings of Premium Banking Customers

• Grow the Premium Banking customer base.

• Identify referral opportunities to other lines of business (e.g., Insurance, Brokerage, SPCG, Small Business, Commercial)

• Consistently deliver the desired Premium Banking customer experience during all customer interactions to achieve the Branch’s TYCE-OBP goals.

• Execute the Branch Compliance/Security responsibilities as reflected in the Branch Services and Procedures Manual.

• Maintain an ongoing commitment to personal development and fostering a positive team environment.

• Champions a customer focused culture to deepen client relationships and leverage broader Bank relationships, systems and knowledge.

• Understand how the Bank’s risk appetite and risk culture should be considered in day-to-day activities and decisions.

• Actively pursues effective and efficient operations of their respective areas, while ensuring the adequacy, adherence to and effectiveness of day-today business controls to meet obligations with respect to operational risk, regulatory compliance risk, AMUATF risk and conduct risk, including but not limited to responsibilities under the Operational Risk Management Framework, Regulatory Compliance Risk Management Framework, AMUATF Global Handbook and the Guidelines for Business Conduct.

• Champions a high performance environment and implements a people strategy that attracts, retains, develops and motivates their team by fostering an inclusive work environment; communicating vison/values/ business strategy and managing succession and development planning for the team.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Bachelors degree in Banking or Business related areas

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written)

• Excellent relationship management and negotiation skills

• Strong analytical skills

• Five (5) years work experience at supervisory level or above.

DOMESTIC WORKER

The Turks and Caicos Islands oldest and leading publishing house is in need of additional staff to fill the following posts:

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.

DOMESTIC WORKER

LABOURER

CLEANER

PO BOX 329, GRACEWAY, PROVIDENCIALES

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS, BRITISH WEST INDIES. TEL 649 333 5638 EMAIL: INFO@PROVOPRIMARY.COM | WEBSITE WWWPROVOPRIMARY.COM

SPANISH TEACHER

You will be responsible for teaching Spanish to children throughout the primary and middle schools. Applicants should hold a Teaching Degree and have previous experience teaching Spanish across primary and middle school phases.

Salary range is commensurate with experience, from $40,000 – $48,000 per annum based on 40 hours per week).

This position is currently held by a work permit holder.

SCIENCE TEACHER

You will be required to teach Physics, Biology and Chemistry up to IGCSE level Applicants must hold a Teaching Degree or similar teaching qualification. You must have five years’ experience working within a British National Curriculum School.

Salary range is commensurate with experience, from $40,000 – $48,000 per annum based on 40 hours per week).

This position is currently held by a work permit holder .

PE/ICT TEACHER

You will be required to teach Computer Science and Physical Education across primary and middle school phases. Applicants must hold a Teaching Degree or similar teaching qualification. You must have five years’ experience working within a British National Curriculum School.

Salary range is commensurate with experience, from $40,000 – $48,000 per annum based on 40 hours per week)

This position is currently held by a work permit holder.

CLASS TEACHER

Your responsibiities wi nclude caring for, plannng for and teachng a class of primary school age children. Applicants must hold a Teaching Degree n Primary Education or smilar teaching qualification. You must have at least two years’ experience working within a British National Curriculum School.

Salary range s commensurate with experience, posts of responsibility and qualifications, from $ 40,000 - $48,000 per annum based on 40 hours per week).

This position is currently held by a work permit holder.

TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Your responsibiities wi nclude supporting the classroom teacher in caring for, preparing for and teaching a class of Early Years or primary school age chidren. Applicants must have experience working in a primary school or in an Early Years environmen t and/or hold an Early Childhood Certificate. Salary range is commensurate with experience, posts of responsibility and qualifications, from $21,000 - $26,000 per annum based on 40 hours per week).

This position is currently held by a work permit holder.

We invite prospective applicants who are Turks Islanders to send copies of their applications to Providenciales Primary & Middle School and to The Immigration Board

Please send a full resume, letter of application, certificates and police check, together with the names and phone numbers of two referees, to Toby Barkworth-Knight at toby.bk@provoprimary.com

DOMESTIC WORKER

LABOURER

Seeking a caretaker to assist my husband and I at the

CONTACT:

QUALITY FOOD WORLD

Five Cays Road, Providenciales TCI Tel# 941-7937 Is now hiring:

STORE CLERKS

• Welcoming customers, showing items and making recommendations

• Attending to customer queries, requests, and complaints

• Packing shelves, arranging promotion displays.

• Handling deliveries and unpacking the new stock

• Assisting in stock takes and keeping store rooms organized and tidy

• Promoting products and informing clients about deals and specials

• Ability to stand, bend, twist, reach, push, pull and regularly lift 25 lbs., and occasionally lift 50lbs.

• Availability on work nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Wages start at $8.00 per hour.

• For first time work permit holder

JANITORS

• General cleaning of the building and keeping it maintained.

• Collect and dispose of trash.

• Complete tasks in a timely manner with minimal supervision.

• Keep cleaning supplies in stock.

• Ability to manage your time efficiently.

• Ability to lift at least 25 pounds.

• Able to work safely with a variety of cleaning supplies.

• Wages start at $8.00 per hour.

• For work permit renewal and first time work permit holder

LABOURERS

• Responsible for doing Manual work

• Loading and unloading Container

• Assisting in stocking shelves

• Should be physically fit to lift products 50lbs. or more.

• Being able to work at heights

• Committed to work flexible hours, days, nights, weekends and holidays.

• Salary starts at $8.00 per hour.

• For Work permit renewal and first time work permit holder

ESTATE MANAGER SANCTUARY LTD.

The Sanctuary, a 4-bedroom rental villa located in the private island of Parrot Cay, is looking for an Estate Manager. Employee would be required to wear “several hats” and to understand that the standard work hours and weeks do not apply to this position; Employee is expected to work on weekends and holidays as needed and to be always on call. Employee must be willing to live on site full time especially when the property is occupied (by both rental guests and owners) and during hurricane threats.

• in charge of the upkeep and day-to-day running of the property

• responsibility for management and supervision a team of maintenance, landscaping, and housekeeping

• Employee will have a diverse range of tasks which will include managing the team to keep the estate generally well run and maintained and maintaining safety and security on the estate.

• responsibility for finances and accountingmaintaining accurate records and accounts as required and reporting as agreed, responsibly use resources and control expenses to operate within budgetary controls, payroll, managing the cash, carry out tasks as human resources, purchasing and receiving agent

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum ten (10) years experience as a private estate or property manager with high end resorts, properties or other private homes

• Experience with celebrity clients

• Posses a thorough understanding of all areas of private home management and supervision of design, construction and major renovation

• Ability to monitor and manage household budget and finances

• Must be able to liaise with worldwide FBOs and jet charter and make travel arrangements.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Meticulous attention to detail

• Strong accounting and computer background preferred

• Strong communication skills and conflict resolution

• Strong problem-solving skills

• Strong ability to work well in stressful, fast-paced and high-pressure situations

• Strong knowledge on F&B and butler service

• Ability to travel with minimum to zero notice

• Team player, multitasker, proactive, out of the box thinker, service oriented

• Must be willing to sign confidentiality agreement and undergo extensive background (including drug) checks

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and administrate operations of multiple properties for employer

• Monitor and manage household budgets and bank account(s)

• Handle household bills, petty cash, payroll, and administrative duties

• Communicate information, goals/objectives, wants/needs for Principal and organization

• Arrange appointments for personal and professional needs

• Organize Principal and guests: travel, advances, calendars, hospitality and services, etc.

• Look after all guests, main point person for any requests

• Work with private chef on menu plan and estimate food cost analysis

• System and procedure developments

• Serve as a go-to person for all staff to voice concerns, needs and problems that need to be addressed

• Oversee major renovation, design and land altering projects, in addition as requested act as liaison between employer and contractors

• Oversee security requirements

• Make sure all areas of the home are clean, organized and appear in the way of the homeowner wishes

• Oversee all household personnel and scheduling

• Oversee all ordering, shipping and inventory of supplies

• Overseeing hurricane preparedness

• Helping where needed or when team member including principal’s caregiver is unavailable i.e. monitoring principal’s daily medicine intake, maintaining communications with principal’s primary doctor & personal trainer in US, assisting principal with daily living activities and personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)

Starting salary $55,000 per annum

Due to the nature of this job and owner’s preferences, female candidate is preferred

THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER.

Preference will be given to Turks & Caicos Islanders meeting the foregoing applications. Applicants are invited to copy the TCI Labour Board with applications

BABYSITTER

DOMESTIC WORKER

HOUSEKEEPER

a

Hourly

HOUSEKEEPER

DOMESTIC WORKERS

•

•

•

•

• Oversee and monitor

SUNNY FOODS BLUE HILLS

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• With 5 years experience in maintaining, repairing, and installing commercial refrigeration systems is required.

• Strong understanding of refrigeration principles and components, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, and controls.

• Ability to identify and resolve issues related to refrigeration systems in a timely and efficient manner.

• Adherence to safety protocols and practices to ensure a secure work environment.

• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members and provide exceptional customer service.

• Salary for this position is $8.00 per hour

• This position is for work permit holder.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Primary responsibilities will include inspecting, repairing, and maintaining commercial refrigeration systems. This includes diagnosing issues, replacing defective components, and conducting regular preventative maintenance tasks. You will also be required to keep accurate records, order necessary parts, and collaborate with other technicians or contractors as needed. Overall, your expertise will ensure optimal

and performance of the

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Qualification in accounting or bookkeeping essential. Experience of QuickBooks and Office Management beneficial.

• Duties in respect of services to clients:

• Preparation and maintenance of primary accounting records and key reconciliations

• Preparation of payroll records

• Compilation and provision of financial reports

Salary range: $25,000 - $40,000 per annum

PROJECT MANAGER

Ensures all projects, initiatives, and processes are in conformance with the organization's established policies and objectives. Demonstrates expertise in the planning, scheduling, budgeting, costing, quality, and production control. Excellent leadership, communication, and supervisory skills, including experience working with all levels of

an

and ability to handle customer issues. Ability to collaborate with external partners to meet deadlines as required to meet project schedule. 10+ years of construction/ project management experience. Competent in the use of Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office; AutoCAD drawings and other technical drawings. Starting Salary $65,000 per annum.

Grant Thornton Turks & Caicos Ltd (“GT”)

SITE SERVICE TECHNICIAN

SUPERVISOR

•

MEP SUPERVISOR

•

•

area for the next subcontractor;

materials

A Labourer’s responsibilities include:

• Loading and uploading of material either into storage or across the property. This will involve manual handling of heavy and/or awkward objects.

• Adapting to variety of tasks which could include cleaning our properties, organizing storage, cleaning windows and other general duties as required.

• Wash windows, walls and glass removing all dust, stains, stuck on debris;

• Clean rooms, closets, fans, drawers, removing all dust, stains, stuck on debris;

• Clean properly and thoroughly to showcase a new clean site for habitation;

• Other duties as assigned.

• At all times comply with company policies, procedures and instructions.

• Contribute to improving the business, protecting and enhancing the reputation of the

by putting forward new ideas and, when requesting to do so, implementing change.

CLEANER

CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER

Job Grade: 7.1

Annual Salary: $61,100 – $97,050

The Client Relationship Manager – Dual Role is responsible for contributing to the profitable growth and quality of the Bank’s Commercial portfolio in the Mid -Market segment focusing on the cross-sell, up-sell, and retention of existing commercial customers. This includes meeting financial objectives related to the profitable growth and retention of your individual assigned portfolio. He/she conducts sales planning and fulfills the execution of services for existing customer base. Incumbent has primary responsibility for analysis and completion of credit applications for diverse industry segments by using standardized products and processes. Contributes to the overall success of the Corporate & Commercial Department in the Turks and Caicos ensuring specific individual goals, plans, initiatives are executed / delivered in support of the team’s business strategies and objectives. Ensures all activities conducted are in compliance with governing regulations, internal policies and procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Champions a customer focused culture to deepen client relationships and leverage broader Bank relationships, systems and knowledge.

• Ensures all aspects of assigned relationships receive ongoing attention, as required to maintain, improve, grow and retain the relationship

• Contributes to the profitable development of Commercial Credit business

• Promotes the development and profitable growth of the commercial banking portfolio

• Ensures the accurate communication of the terms and conditions of an authorization and supervises implementation

• Safeguards the Bank’s assets and liabilities

• Executes the unit Compliance responsibilities

• Understand how the Bank’s risk appetite and risk culture should be considered in day-to-day activities and decisions.

• Actively pursues effective and efficient operations of their respective areas, while ensuring the adequacy, adherence to and effectiveness of day-to-day business controls to meet obligations with respect to operational risk, regulatory compliance risk, AML/ATF risk and conduct risk, including but not limited to responsibilities under the Operational Risk Management Framework, Regulatory Compliance Risk Management Framework, AML/ATF Global Handbook and the Guidelines for Business Conduct.

• Champions a high performance environment and implements a people strategy that attracts, retains, develops and motivates their team by fostering an inclusive work environment; communicating vison/ values/business strategy and managing succession and development planning for the team.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Bachelors degree in Banking or Business related areas

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written)

• Excellent relationship management and negotiation skills

• Strong analytical skills

• Five (5) years work experience at supervisory level or above.

ELECTRICIANS, LABOURERS

Applicants must have at least 10 years experience on large commercial projects. Duties will include electrical installations, repairs, maintenance and service calls to residential and commercial projects. Remuneration starts at $20.00 hourly depending on level of experience.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS APPLICATION

( SECTION 4(3) OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS ORDINANCE)

Take notice that I, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands in exercise of the powers conferred in me by Section 6(4) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Turks and Caicos Islander Status to Majorie Forbes Pierre by virtue of marriage to a Turks and Caicos Islander.

LABOURER

DOMESTIC WORKER

LABOURER

MARKETING & SALES SUPERVISOR

REGISTERED

NOTICE OF LOST LAND CERTIFICATE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Whereas, ERIK NIKLAS WIIK in his capacity as Administrator of the Estate of Nils Erik Vilhelm Wiik also known as Nils Erik Wiik, has declared that the Land Certificate for the above mentioned title number registered in the name of Nils Erik Wiik was inadvertently has been irretrievably lost.

Take that I, Lasana Murray, Registrar of Lands, shall issue a new Land Certificate 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 28th day of JUNE 2024

Publicized by Order Registrar of Lands.

VACANCIES

CONTACT: (649) 332-0007

Salary: $4,000 monthly

Duties:

• Facilitate Communication, Coordinate Collaboration, Relationship Management.

• Support:

• Information Management, Strategic Planning, Stay Updated. QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Communication, or a related field.

2. Fluent in 4 languages: English, Spanish, French and Italian

3. Proven experience

4. Proficiency in MS Office Suite

5. Strong understanding of industryspecific regulations, policies, and protocols.

6. Professional demeanor, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS APPLICATION

( SECTION 4(3) OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS ORDINANCE)

Take notice that I, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands in exercise of the powers conferred in me by Section 6(4) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Turks and Caicos Islander Status to Orane Andrew Cockett by virtue of marriage to a Turks and Caicos Islander.

QUANTITY SURVEYOR

We are seeking a skilled, reliable, efficient quantity surveyor to join our growing organization. In this position, you will estimate the costs of construction projects, working with contractors, builders, and architects.

QUANTITY SURVEYOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review architectural plans and prepare quantity needs

• Estimate the quantity and costs of materials

• Prepare contracts and documents

• Set budgets for payments, inventory needs, and materials

• Track changes in plans or constructions; update budgets

• Negotiate with contractors and subcontractors

• Act as a liaison between clients and site managers/engineers

• Identify potential financial or construction risks.

• Advise clients on improvements, strategies, and/or estimated costs

• Prepare payments for contractors and subcontractors

• Document progress, materials, and reports on project

• Utilize software to calculate, record, and track inventory and estimates, proficiency in plan swift, Procore and Blue beam is essential.

QUANTITY SURVEYOR REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying

• 5-10 years of quantity surveying experience, financial experience, and construction experience

• Proficient in computer skills and Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft projects

• Able to analyze financial records and apply data to improved results

• Strong aptitude for numbers, spreadsheets, and financial reports

• Experienced at compiling and following strict budgets; strong estimating and financial analysis skills

• In-depth understanding of construction, materials, pricing, and industry

• Able to analyze problems and strategize for better solutions

Salary: $1600/weekly

Belongers are encouraged to send copy of their resume to Labour Board. This position is currently being held by a Work Permit Holder.

Nighttime exercise breaks may extend sleep by 27 minutes

A new suggests that threeminute resistance exercise breaks every 30 minutes in the evening can extend sleep duration by an average of 27 minutes. This practice doesn’t disrupt sleep quality and could reduce cardiometabolic disease risk.

Participants engaged in simple exercises like chair squats and calf raises. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in real-life settings.

Three-minute breaks every 30 minutes over a period of 4 hours may be all that’s needed, the findings indicate.

Current recommendations discourage intense exercise before going to bed, on the grounds that it increases body temperature and heart rate, which can result in poorer sleep quality, say the researchers.

While activity breaks can improve metabolism after a meal, it’s not clear if they have any impact on sleep. Poor sleep is associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders, such as coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes, explain the researchers.

To explore this further, the researchers recruited 30 non-smokers, aged 18 to 40,

to their study. All of them reported clocking up more than 5 hours of sedentary time during the day at work and 2 hours in the evening.

To capture habitual physical activity and sleep patterns, participants wore an activity tracker worn continuously on their non-dominant wrist for 7 consecutive days. And they were asked to record the periods they didn’t wear it, the time they went to bed, and when they woke up.

They were also asked to record any physical activity when not wearing the activity tracker, such as swimming or contact sport, and to record activities known to be inaccurately identified by the tracker, such as stationary cycling or yoga.

Each participant completed two 4-hour sessions in a controlled laboratory environment on the same day of the week, starting at around 17:0017:30 hours, and separated by a minimum period of 6 days.

In one session, participants remained seated for 4 hours; in the other, they did 3 minutes of simple resistance exercise every 30 minutes over the 4-hour period. Afterwards participants

Three-minute breaks every 30 minutes over a period of 4 hours may be all that’s needed, the findings indicate

returned to their normal, real-life environment.

Each activity break included 3 rounds of 3 exercises: chair squats, calf raises, and standing knee raises with straight leg hip extensions for 20 seconds each, in time with a video recording of a person doing the same exercises.

he activity tracker data showed that before the experiment, participants spent an average of 7 hours 47 minutes asleep, 10 hours 31 minutes sitting down, and 4 hours 55 minutes engaged in vigorous physical activity a day.

Three out of four slept for the recommended 7 hours a night, while the rest slept either less than that (21%) or longer than 9 hours (4%).

The results, which are based on 28 participants, show that after the activity breaks, participants slept for an additional 27 minutes on average, compared with

prolonged sitting.

The average sleep duration was 7 hours 12 minutes, compared with 6 hours and 45 minutes after prolonged sitting. And while the time at which participants attempted to go to sleep was more or less the same, average wake times differed. Participants woke, on average, at 7:35 am after the prolonged sitting intervention and 8:06 am after regular activity breaks. What’s more, there were no significant differences in sleep efficiency— uninterrupted sleep—or the number of awakenings during the night between the 2 interventions, indicating that activity breaks didn’t disrupt subsequent sleep, say the researchers.

There were no statistically significant differences in activity patterns in the 24 hours following each intervention. But compared with prolonged sitting,

regular activity breaks resulted in 18 fewer minutes of total physical activity— less than 2% of total wake time.

The researchers acknowledge various limitations to their findings.

For example, the study involved small numbers of participants and was conducted in a laboratory setting, which may not reflect real life behaviour.

Further studies involving larger numbers of people in their normal home environment, and for a longer period, are therefore needed, emphasise the researchers.

But they nevertheless say: “These results add to a growing body of evidence that indicates evening exercise does not disrupt sleep quality, despite current sleep recommendations to the contrary.”

And they point out: “Adults accrue the longest periods of sedentary time

and consume almost half their daily energy intake during the evening, added to which insulin sensitivity is lower at this time.”

By extending sleep duration, especially in those who sleep less than the recommended nightly total, activity breaks may potentially reduce cardiometabolic disease risk over the long term, they suggest.

The resistance exercises used in their study are simple to do, don’t require any equipment, and can even be done while streaming content, potentially increasing the chances of keeping up the routine, they add.

But they highlight: “While existing research indicates that evening exercise may not adversely impact sleep, the mechanisms by which [it] influences sleep quality remain unclear.”

(Neuroscience)

Sports International

American League tops National League for 10th time in last 11 MLB All-Star Games

Major League Baseball’s Midsummer Classic returned to Arlington, Texas, for the first time since 1995 on Tuesday as the American League defeated the National League 5-3 to win the 2024 All-Star Game.

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie sensation Paul Skenes started the game for the National League, becoming the first rookie pitcher to start in an All-Star game in nearly 30 years. He pitched a scoreless first inning, allowing one batter to reach on a walk and inducing a groundout from MLB home run leader Aaron Judge of the New York

Yankees to end the inning.

Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers got the scoring started in the third inning with a three-run homer off Boston Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck to give the NL a 3-0 lead.

But the American League answered right back with a two-run double from the Yankees’ Juan Soto and an RBI single from the Cleveland Guardians’ David Fry to tie the game 3-3 after three innings.

The American League took a 5-3 lead in the fifth inning with a two-run blast

from Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran off Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene. The National League couldn’t muster an answer, and Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase closed the door in the ninth inning to earn the save.

Oakland Athletics fireballer Mason Miller picked up the win for the AL behind a perfect fifth inning that included strikeouts of Ohtani and Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner.

Duran’s game-winning big fly earned him MVP honors, putting the outfielder in stellar company with baseball legends.

Victor Campenaerts previously won one Grand Tour stage, on the

Campenaerts wins stage 18 as Pogacar maintains lead

Belgium’s Victor Campenaerts emerged from a breakaway trio to clinch victory on stage 18 of the 2024 Tour de France.

Campenaerts, Michal Kwiatkowski and Matteo Vercher remained clear heading into the closing stages of the 179.5km route from Gap to Barcelonnette.

The Lotto–Dstny rider, 32, hit the front with 100 metres to go and looked like he had something to spare as he rolled in for his first-ever Tour stage win.

The yellow jersey group came more than 13 minutes later, with the general classification rivals bunched together, so Tadej Pogacar maintained his overall race lead of three minutes 11 seconds.

Defending champion Jonas Vingegaard is second, with Remco Evenepoel five minutes nine seconds off

Pogacar in third. The race concludes with two more mountain stages and then an individual time trial on Sunday, so

Thursday’s stage was seen as the last chance for the riders and teams not in GC contention to grab a breakaway win.

K & B VARIETY STORE 347-1877

The Bight (Next to Lesly yard) HELPER

$8.00 hr

Unload containers, help customer with heavy lifting and help transport goods

PATIENCE CONSTRUCTION

Blue Hills 345-9151 LABOURER

$9.00 hr

To carry out and assist with continuous maintenance work, painting apartment interior & exterior and assist with construction work site

NATALIE THOMAS 348-3029

Millennium Highway

DOMESTIC WORKER

$8.00 hr

Cleaning my home and caring for my house hold. Wash, iron cook and clean.

MONA SAINT AUDE OUTTEN 348-2721

Five Cays

DOMESTIC WORKER

$8.00 hr.

Cleaning my home, caring for my children, prepare their meals, clean the house, wash, iron and cook

MISSICK WEAR 331-6603

203 Regent village STORE CLERK

$9.00 hr

Welcoming customers, assisting customer customers, put clothes on display and maintain the store.

KUMMULA A. PENN Blue Hills 232-7497

MAINTENANCE WORKER

$8.00 hr

Help maintenance of home and apartment rental such as paint, plumbing repair, electrical repair, keep property clean and assist with ongoing construction.

EDUARDO ENRIQUE REYES

442- 0110

DOMESTIC WORKER

$8.00 hr

Caring for my children, wash dishes, cleaning the kitchen, bathroom, makes bed, wash, cook and iron.

THOMAS ELOY

346-7799

Five cays

DOMESTIC WORKER

$8.00

Caring for my household, wash, iron, cook, and clean and take care of my daughter SEA

KITCHEN

$9.00 hr

Preparing the workstation for the cook, sorting and distributing ingredients,

Jarren Duran celebrates after being named the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player in a 5-3 victory on Tuesday

Giro d’Italia in 2021

Science & Technology

‘Supermodel granny’ drug extends life in animals

A drug has increased the lifespans of laboratory animals by nearly 25%, in a discovery scientists hope can slow human ageing too.

The treated mice were known as “supermodel grannies” in the lab because of their youthful appearance.

They were healthier, stronger and developed fewer cancers than their unmedicated peers.

The drug is already being tested in people, but whether it would have the same anti-ageing effect is unknown.

The quest for a longer life is woven through human history.

However, scientists have long known the ageing process is malleable - laboratory animals live longer if you significantly cut the amount of food they eat.

Now the field of ageing-research is booming as researchers try to uncover - and manipulate - the molecular processes of ageing.

The team at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Science, Imperial College London and Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore were investigating a protein called interleukin-11.

Levels of it increase in the human body as we get older, it contributes to higher levels of inflammation, and the researchers say it flips several biological switches that control the pace of ageing.

LONGER, HEALTHIER LIVES

The researchers performed two

Two mice, both the same age, the one on the left has aged normally, but the one on the right has been given an anti-ageing drug

experiments.

The first genetically engineered mice so they were unable to produce interleukin-11

The second waited until mice were 75 weeks old (roughly equivalent to a 55-year-old person) and then regularly gave them a drug to purge interleukin-11 from their bodies

The results, published in the journal Nature, showed lifespans were increased by 20-25%

Cave discovered on Moon could

be home for humans

Scientists have for the first time discovered a cave on the Moon.

At least 100m deep, it could be an ideal place for humans to build a permanent base, they say.

It is just one in probably hundreds of caves hidden in an “underground, undiscovered world”, according to the researchers.

Countries are racing to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon, but they will need to protect astronauts from radiation, extreme temperatures, and space weather.

Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut to travel to space, told BBC News that the newlydiscovered cave looked like a good

place for a base, and suggested humans could potentially be living in lunar pits in 20-30 years.

But, she said, this cave is so deep that astronauts might need to abseil in and use “jet packs or a lift” to get out.

Lorenzo Bruzzone and Leonardo Carrer at the University of Trento in Italy found the cave by using radar to penetrate the opening of a pit on a rocky plain called the Mare Tranquillitatis.

It is visible to the naked eye from Earth, and is also where Apollo 11 landed in 1969.

The cave has a skylight on the Moon’s surface, leading down to vertical and overhanging walls,

He told me: “I try not to get too excited, for the reasons you say, is it too good to be true?

“There’s lots of snake oil out there, so I try to stick to the data and they are the strongest out there.”

He said he “definitely” thought it was worth trialling in human ageing, arguing that the impact “would be transformative” if it worked and was prepared to take it himself.

BUT WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE?

The big unanswered questions are could the same effect be achieved in people, and whether any side effects would be tolerable.

Interleukin-11 does have a role in the human body during early development.

People are, very rarely, born unable to make it. This alters how the bones in their skull fuse together, affects their joints, which can need surgery to correct, and how their teeth emerge. It also has a role in scarring.

depending on the experiment and sex of the mice.

Old laboratory mice often die from cancer, however, the mice lacking interleukin-11 had far lower levels of the disease.

And they showed improved muscle function, were leaner, had healthier fur and scored better on many measures of frailty.

I asked one of the researchers, Prof Stuart Cook, whether the data was too good to be believed.

The researchers think that later in life, interleukin-11 is playing the bad role of driving ageing.

The drug, a manufactured antibody that attacks interleukin-11, is being trialled in patients with lung fibrosis. This is where the lungs become scarred, making it harder to breathe.

Prof Cook said the trials had not been completed, however, the data suggested the drug was safe to take.

This is just the latest approach to “treating” ageing with drugs. The type-2 diabetes drug metformin and rapamycin, which is taken to prevent an organ transplant being rejected, are both actively being researched for their anti-ageing qualities.

Prof Cook thinks a drug is likely to be easier for people than calorie restriction.

“Would you want to live from the age of 40, half-starved, have a completely unpleasant life, if you’re going to live another five years at the end? I wouldn’t,” he said.

Prof Anissa Widjaja, from Duke-NUS Medical School, said: “Although our work was done in mice, we hope that these findings will be highly relevant to human health, given that we have seen similar effects in studies of human cells and tissues.

“This research is an important step toward better understanding ageing and we have demonstrated, in mice, a therapy that could potentially extend healthy ageing.”

Ilaria Bellantuono, professor of musculoskeletal ageing at the University of Sheffield, said: “Overall, the data seems solid, this is another potential therapy targeting a mechanism of ageing, which may benefit frailty.” However, he said there were still problems, including the lack of evidence in patients and the cost of making such drugs and “it is unthinkable to treat every 50-yearold for the rest of their life”. (BBC)

Scientists had speculated that “lunar pits” like this could be cave entrances - now they have proof

in Lanzarote, Spain, Prof Carrer explains, adding that

Science & Technology

Long Covid risk has dropped over time but remains substantial, study shows

With a summer wave of Covid-19 infections sweeping the country, a timely new study has looked at the risk of getting long Covid and whether those odds have changed over time.

It found that the likelihood of developing long Covid has dropped since the start of the pandemic but remains substantial, especially for people who aren’t vaccinated against the coronavirus.

About 7% of American adults, roughly 18 million people, have ever had long Covid, according to an analysis by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality that was published in June. Harvard economist David Cutler estimated in 2022 that the total cost of long Covid to the nation was $3.7 trillion, or 17% of the country’s pre-Covid gross domestic product.

The new study, which was published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggests that the human and financial toll will only grow. The investigation leaned on computers and advanced machine learning to sift through the data in millions of medical records maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and the VA Health System set out to find people who caught Covid over different points in the pandemic – before vaccines were available, during the period when the Delta variant was

A large new study suggests that the risk of developing persistent symptoms after a Covid-19 infection has dropped over time but hasn’t gone away completely

dominating transmission and after the Omicron family of variants entered the picture – to see whether the risk of lingering symptoms related to long Covid had changed. They also considered vaccination status. People were considered vaccinated if they’d had at least their initial series of shots and unvaccinated if they had not.

The study included more than 441,000 people who caught Covid-19 between March 2020 and the end of January 2022 and who lived at least 30 days after infection. Their records were compared with those of more than 4.7 million people who didn’t catch Covid but who were seen at the VA for other reasons over the same time period.

The researchers found that in the first year, when the ancestral coronavirus strain was circulating and there was little immunity against the virus, 1 out of every 10 people who caught Covid went on to have symptoms consistent with long Covid. Symptoms were counted across 10 disease categories as part of long Covid if they were new and developed between 30 days and a year after an initial Covid infection.

Vaccines were a game-changer, cutting the risk of long Covid by half during the Delta wave, which struck in the summer of 2021.

The risk remained high during Delta for people who were not vaccinated, however. Roughly 10% continued to have symptoms that lingered after their initial infection.

Cave discovered on Moon ...

researchers visited those caves as part of their work.

“It’s really exciting. When you make these discoveries and you look at these images, you realise you’re the first person in the history of humanity to see it,” Prof Carrer said.

Once Prof Bruzzone and Prof Carrer understood how big the cave was, they realised it could be a good spot for a lunar base.

“After all, life on Earth began in caves, so it makes sense that humans could live inside them on the Moon,” says Prof Carrer.

The cave has yet to be fully explored, but the researchers hope that ground-penetrating radar, cameras or even robots could be used to map it.

Scientists first realised there were probably caves on the Moon around 50 years ago. Then

in 2010 a camera on a mission called the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter took pictures of pits that scientists thought could be cave entrances.

But researchers did not know how deep the caves might be, or if they would have collapsed.

Prof Bruzzone and Prof Carrer’s work has now answered that question, although there is much more to be done to understand the full scale of the cave.

“We have very good images of the surface - up to 25cm of resolution - we can see the Apollo landing sites - but we know nothing about what lies below the surface. There are huge opportunities for discovery,” Francesco Sauro, Coordinator of the Topical Team Planetary Caves of the European Space Agency, told BBC News.

The research may also help us explore caves on Mars in the future, he says.

That could open the door to finding evidence of life on Mars, because if it did exist, it would almost certainly have been inside caves protected from the elements on the planet’s surface.

The Moon cave might be useful to humans, but the scientists also stress that it could help answer fundamental questions about the history of the Moon, and even our solar system.

The rocks inside the cave will not be as damaged or eroded by space weather, so they can provide an extensive geological record going back billions of years.

The research is published in the scientific journal Nature Astronomy. (BBC)

During Omicron, which started after Thanksgiving in 2021, 3.5% of people who were vaccinated went on to develop long Covid after the acute phase of infection, while 7.7% of people who were unvaccinated did.

The study has some limitations. People treated at the VA are mostly White men, so the study population isn’t as diverse as the general population, and its findings may not apply to everyone.

For example, a recent study found that nearly 1 in 10 people who get Covid-19 for the first time while pregnant will go on to develop long Covid, an incidence that may be higher than in the general population.

The new study doesn’t account for possible differences in people who stopped after their primary series of Covid-19 vaccines and those who went on to get recommended boosters to keep their immunity up to date as the virus mutated over time.

It also doesn’t consider the immunity that people might develop after infection and reinfection, although that’s a question senior study author Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, who is chief of research and development at the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System, said he is looking into as a follow-up.

Al-Aly estimates that nearly three-quarters of the drop in long Covid risk since the early days of the pandemic can be attributed to vaccines.

Although the cause or causes of long Covid symptoms aren’t completely understood, there’s some evidence that people with long Covid continue to have active virus hiding out in their bodies long after their initial infections.

“Vaccines actually help your immune system to get rid of the virus,” Al-Aly said. “They help the immune system suppress the viral load and clear the virus faster.”

The importance of vaccination is a key takeaway from the study, said Dr. Hector Bonilla, who is codirector of Stanford’s Post-Acute Covid-19 Syndrome Clinic.

Bonilla said that when Covid vaccines first became available, most people were eager to get vaccinated, and doctors saw a large drop in the number of new patients coming to them with lingering symptoms.

Now, instead of a flood, they have more of a steady influx of new patients at his clinic, some of whom develop long Covid after a

second or third infection.

“Long Covid is a bad illness,” Bonilla said. And many people are caught off-guard when they experience it. But at this point, most have made their minds up about whether to stay up-to-date with their shots. He says more people need to understand that vaccination is a critical way to lower long Covid risk.

“Vaccination is still a very important piece to prevent long Covid symptoms,” Bonilla said.

After the impact of vaccination, the study says, the other 30% of the drop in risk over time is probably to due to changes in the virus itself.

“The virus is changing, is evolving, and it has, even among unvaccinated people, led to less risk of long Covid-19 over time than the original or the very early era of the pandemic,” Al-Aly said.

So according to the latest data, about 3 people out of 100 who are vaccinated with at least their primary series and catch Covid-19 now will go on to have long Covid, Al-Aly said.

That’s important progress but still amounts to a large number of people living with disability and poor health.

Experts who were not involved in the study agree that 3.5% means the risk of long Covid is still substantial and serious.

“Large numbers of new infections and reinfections are still translating into a huge number of persons with long Covid,” Dr. Daniel Griffin, an infectious disease specialist at Columbia University who treats people with long Covid, said in an email.

“While numbers have dropped from the early days of the pandemic, we are still seeing new patients with long Covid that developed after a recent infection,” he added.

Al-Aly said this study and others underscore the need for more funding for coordinated and continuing care for long Covid patients as well as the need for more urgency in the search for treatments.

“I don’t think the US is doing enough to address this problem,” Al-Aly said. “I understand the desire to move on and put it all behind us, but the fact is, there are literally millions of people who are suffering from long Covid, and then even with the decline in number, there will continue to be millions more.

“There is really no plan to tackle this issue, and that cannot be.” (CNN)

Science & Technology

Women with endometriosis face fourfold

higher risk of ovarian cancer, study suggests

The risk of developing ovarian cancer appears to jump about fourfold among women with endometriosis, compared with women who haven’t been diagnosed with the condition, a new study finds.

Scientists have known that endometriosis may be linked with an increased ovarian cancer risk, but the study details how that risk can vary by subtypes of endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a common and often painful condition that happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus itself. It’s estimated to affect more than 11% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 across the United States.

Women with severe forms — either deep infiltrating endometriosis, ovarian endometriomas or both — have an overall ovarian cancer risk that’s “markedly increased,” at about 9.7 times higher, relative to women without endometriosis, according to the study, published Wednesday in the medical journal JAMA. The form of endometriosis that is deeply infiltrating is found deep within the tissue or organ and ovarian endometriomas, sometimes called “chocolate cysts,” are cysts that form in the ovary.

And women with deep infiltrating endometriosis, ovarian endometriomas or both appear to face nearly 19 times the risk of type I ovarian cancer, which tends to grow more slowly, compared with women without endometriosis, according to the study.

But people with endometriosis should not panic about the new study findings, experts say, because ovarian cancer itself is still rare.

About 1.1% of US women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer at some point in their lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute. This year, it is estimated that there will be nearly 20,000 new cases of ovarian cancer, and about 13,000 people will die of the disease.

“It should be noted that, because of the rarity of ovarian cancer, the association with endometriosis only increased the number of cancer cases by 10 to 20 per 10,000 women,” said Karen Schliep, senior author of the new study and an associate professor in the Division of Public Health at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

“We would not recommend, at this point, any change in clinical care or policy,” she added. “The

A

best way of preventing ovarian cancer is still the recommendation of exercise, not smoking and limiting alcohol.” Other than age, having a family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer or colorectal cancer is also an important risk factor for ovarian cancer.

Overall, people with endometriosis should be aware of the warning signs of ovarian cancer, including bloating, abdominal pain and changes in bowel or bladder function, Dr. BJ Rimel, a gynecologic oncologist and medical director of the Cancer Clinical Trials Office at CedarsSinai, who was not involved in the study, wrote in an email.

“If a person has endometriosis and oral contraceptive pills have been recommended by their doctor for either treatment or for just plain old contraception, then I would definitely consider taking them,” Rimel said. “Oral contraceptive pills are associated with a 50% risk reduction of ovarian cancer which is great news.”

RESEARCHERS

FIND ‘SHOCKING’ INCREASES

For the new study, a team of researchers in the United States analyzed data on nearly 500,000 women in Utah, ages 18 to 55. The data came from the Utah Population Database at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, and the researchers took a close look at how many women were identified as having endometriosis in their electronic health records as well as how many developed ovarian cancer between 1992 and

Schliep said. “That’s the part that was shocking to me, just from an epidemiology point of view.”

The study data did not indicate which women with endometriosis were treated specifically with oral contraceptives or with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, which could slightly skew the data, as birth control pills are associated with a lower risk of ovarian cancer and it remains unclear what associations gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists may have with cancer risk. Additionally, some women indicated as not having endometriosis in the data could have been undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

to immunological factors,” he said. “The are multiple potential associations, so I don’t think we can effectively guess at one particular thing.”

Still, people who have endometriosis should not panic about the association, Burnett said.

2019, based on the Utah Cancer Registry.

The researchers found that the risk of all ovarian cancer types was 4.2-fold higher among women with endometriosis than in women without the condition. The risk of type I ovarian cancer specifically was “especially high,” according to the study, at around 7.5-fold higher among women with endometriosis, and the risk of developing type II ovarian cancer – which can be more aggressive – was about 2.7 times more likely.

“Magnitudes of these associations varied by endometriosis subtype. Individuals diagnosed with deep infiltrating endometriosis and/or ovarian endometriomas had 9.66 times the risk of ovarian cancer when compared with individuals without endometriosis,” the researchers wrote.

The researchers found that, relative to women without any type of endometriosis, women with deep infiltrating endometriosis had the highest risk of ovarian cancer overall — around 18.8 times higher — and women with deep infiltrating endometriosis along with ovarian endometriomas had the second-highest risk, about 13fold higher.

Those dramatic increases were surprising to Schliep and her colleagues.

“To see this jump tenfold, with fairly tight confidence intervals between eightfold and 12-fold, and then a 19-fold higher risk, as an epidemiologist, you don’t always see those types of relationships,”

But overall, the study adds to the body of research suggesting a link between endometriosis and ovarian cancer risk, Dr. Michael McHale of the University of California, San Diego, wrote in an editorial accompanying the new study in JAMA.

“Moreover, these data support the importance of counseling women with deep infiltrating and/or ovarian endometriosis regarding the increased risk for ovarian cancer. Although the absolute number of ovarian cancers is limited, the increased risk is significant,” he wrote. “In those women who have completed childbearing or have alternative fertility options, consideration for more definitive surgery should be discussed and considered. As always, shared decision-making is essential given these evolving data.”

‘RISK IS, OVERALL, STILL ON THE LOWER SIDE’

The new study shows the strongest association to date between endometriosis and ovarian cancer risk, said Dr. Tatnai Burnett, a minimally invasive gynecology surgery specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, who was not involved in the research but whose work focuses on endometriosis.

He added that this association could be driven by a number of factors.

“We know that an abnormal proliferation of cells — so in endometriosis, we’re seeing cells where they’re not supposed to be — and that’s a genetic phenomenon. Cells gain the ability to move or be in places, and there probably is some relationship there genetically,” Burnett said.

“But then there’s a host of other potential connections, from inflammatory connections

“The risk is, overall, still on the lower side of cancer risks,” he said. “Currently, even with the known risk levels, we haven’t recommended any universal screening for patients with endometriosis, and I don’t see that necessarily changing. We already do follow women with endometriomas or cystic endometriosis with ultrasound, to rule out the development of malignancy. So I don’t see this changing our recommendations at this point.”

Endometriosis itself is a diagnosis that’s not fully understood, which makes the association with ovarian cancer difficult to completely comprehend as well, said Dr. Deanna Gerber, a gynecologic oncologist at the Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Hospital–Long Island in New York, who was not involved in the new study.

There could be a genetic factor driving the association, or the inflammation that is often seen with endometriosis could increase ovarian cancer risk, she said, but hormonal factors could be driving the association, as well.

Patients should remember that “the risk of ovarian cancer is extremely low in the general population. It’s less than 2%, which is much, much less than a common cancer like breast cancer,” Gerber said. “So, in the study, a fourfold increased risk in ovarian cancer still keeps women at a very low risk.”

The new study demonstrates an association between endometriosis and ovarian cancer but not causation – and what exactly drives that association remains unclear, according to Rimel of Cedars-Sinai.

“There are several proposed mechanisms but none are completely proven. Some mutations in genes such as ARID1A are associated with endometriosis and endometrial cancer, which may link the two,” Rimel wrote in an email.

She added that another possible mechanism could involve the way in which endometriosis forms and how that formation may damage tissue, creating a more prone environment for cancer — but more research is needed. (CNN)

new study suggests that the risk of ovarian cancer is higher among women with endometriosis

Sports

Sullivan, 14, becomes youngest MLS player

Fourteen-year-old Philadelphia

Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan has become the youngest ever Major Soccer League player.

Sullivan, who is expected to move to Manchester City when he turns 18, was an 85th-minute substitute in the 5-1 win over New England Revolution at Subaru Park in Pennsylvania.

At 14 years and 293 days, he broke the record set by Freddy Adu, who was 14 years and 306 days when he played for DC United in 2004.

The teenager also became the youngest North American player in the top flight of a team sport.

Sullivan’s brother Quinn, 20, was one of Union’s goal-scorers on

Wednesday.

Asked about his brother’s goal, scored shortly before he came on, Sullivan said: “It was absolute chaos. Awesome goal from him, great finish.

“I think the combo of his goal and me coming in as a sub was complete anarchy. Honestly, it was one of the loudest things I have ever heard. The stadium was electric.”

Sullivan added: “This is just the start. I am really happy to have done this but it is honestly the first box checked off.

“I know it is all about where you finish, not where you start.”

Adu, now 35, said: “Big congrats to Cavan Sullivan for his record breaking debut today.

Angel City FC set to become world’s most valuable pro women’s

sports team

Angel City FC (ACFC) will become the most valuable women’s professional sports team in the world, the club announced Wednesday.

The professional soccer franchise is entering into a definitive agreement with Bob Iger and Willow Bay. The husband and wife will be the new controlling owners of the club which is said to soon be valued at $250 million.

Bay is the Dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism in Los Angeles and Iger is CEO of the Walt Disney Company.

Angel City FC plays in the

National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – the top division of women’s soccer in the US.

“As fans and friends of ACFC, we are thrilled to join this team as owners at this historic moment in sports,” Bay said in Wednesday’s statement.

“ACFC and these incredible athletes have already had a tremendous impact on the NWSL, women’s soccer, and the Los Angeles community.

“With this investment of resources and capital, we hope to accelerate the growth of the Club and the NWSL. Working with the team and Board, and the incredible

Caitlin Clark sets WNBA record for most assists in a single game

Another day, another record broken by Caitlin Clark.

The 22-year-old rookie recorded 19 assists in the Indiana Fever’s 101-93 loss to the Dallas Wings on Wednesday – a WNBA record for a single game.

The New York Liberty’s Courtney Vandersloot held the previous record of 18 assists, set in August 2020 when she was with the Chicago Sky.

Clark also added 24 points and six rebounds against the Wings, but it was ultimately in a losing cause as the Fever fell to 11-15 on the season.

“I just try to set my teammates up for success,” Clark told reporters after the game. “I think at times, I can almost over-pass and

there could have been a few times where, instead of passing that leads to turnovers … I could probably shoot the ball.”

Her teammate, Aliyah Boston, added that the record is “pretty cool,” despite knowing that Clark would say “it means nothing.”

Clark, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, has already broken several records in her short WNBA career, which includes becoming the first rookie to record a triple-double earlier this month.

Against the Wings, she scored or assisted on 66 of the Fever’s points – the most in WNBA history, according to ESPN, surpassing Diana Taurasi’s record from 2006. It was also her third game with 20-

plus points and 10-plus assists. Boston had a career-high 28 points, while NaLyssa Smith had 13 points and 12 rebounds, but the Fever were unable to close out the game, despite the scores being tied at 93-93 late in the fourth quarter. Arike Ogunbowale and Odyssey Sims led the scoring for the Wings, who went on an 8-0 run to close out the game and improve to 6-19 on the season, with 24 points each. This was the final WNBA game before a month-long break for the All-Star weekend, in which Clark will feature, and the Paris Olympics. The Fever next play the Phoenix Mercury on August 16, while the Wings will face the Connecticut Sun. (CNN)

community of ACFC fans, we are committed to advancing the Club’s mission of driving equity on and off the field.”

Angel City said the deal still needs to be approved by the league, but the transaction is “expected to close in the next 30-60 days.”

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said the record deal will help the league push boundaries.

“The new, potential control owners of Angel City FC, Willow Bay and Bob Iger, are the clear next step in helping fulfill our mission – to be the most successful and impactful league both on and off the pitch. Like any transaction of this nature, it remains subject to the approval of the NWSL Board of Governors,” Berman said.

Sullivan is expected to move to Manchester City when he turns 18

Caitlin Clark now holds the WNBA assist record for a single game

Angel City FC players huddle during the first half against NJ/NY Gotham FC at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on July 6

Sports International

‘Delayed not denied’ - Hughes aims to ‘rewrite history’

“If you don’t have main-character energy, track and field ain’t for you.”

So says American 100m and 200m world champion Noah Lyles in the trailer for Sprint, Netflix’s new behind-the-scenes athletics series.

Zharnel Hughes would prefer to let his performances do the talking in Paris.

Hughes broke a 30-year British 200m record at last year’s sellout London Diamond League before going on to become the first British man to make the 100m podium at a World Championships for 20 years with bronze in Budapest.

The 29-year-old is hoping to use London - and the buzz of a home

crowd - once again as a springboard to global success when he lines up for a tantalising 100m race on Saturday, six days before the Paris 2024 opening ceremony.

He will be joined on the start line by Lyles, winner of three golds last summer, and Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who took world silver ahead of Hughes.

“I’m looking forward to London, I feel it’s going to be special,” says Hughes, a qualified pilot who is often practising on his flight simulator when not at the track.

“Last year was extraordinary. The fact it’s the last Diamond League before the Olympic Games, it’s going to be stacked and I want to lay something down there.”

Along with Lyles, Hughes’ breakthrough 2023 was documented in Sprint, athletics’ version of F1’s Drive to Survive, released earlier this month.

Lyles, who backed up his bold statements last year and could target four Olympic golds by adding the 4x400m relay to his schedule in Paris, is unsurprisingly

NY Liberty cements position as WNBA’s best team

Sabrina Ionescu had a monster 30-point game as the New York Liberty cemented its status as the WNBA’s best team with an 8274 victory against second-placed Connecticut Sun.

The Liberty are now 21-4 on the season heading into the All-Star break, which includes winning nine of the past 11, and have enjoyed the team’s best-ever start 25 games into the season.

While four of the Sun’s five starters scored in double digits on Tuesday, it was Ionescu who stole the show with 30 points, six

rebounds, and five assists, setting a franchise record with the 13th 30-point game of her career.

She also had a season-high six threes and scored 12 points in the first quarter alone.

“This is my third year, but from year one to year two to year three, I didn’t expect her to be as good as she is right now,” Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello told reporters about Ionescu’s performance.

“She has greatness about her. She’s just consistent every single night, and that’s what greatness is, isn’t it? It’s bringing it every single night.”

Courtney Vandersloot added 10 points for the Liberty, which went on a 10-2 run to pull away in the fourth quarter, while Leonie Fiebich and Kennedy Burke both had nine points.

Despite the loss – its third against the Liberty this WNBA season –Connecticut remains second in the league standings with an 18-6 record.

The All-Star break means that the Liberty’s next game is against the Los Angeles Sparks on August 15 and the Sun next face the Dallas Wings on August 16. (CNN)

a star of the show.

It has proven an enlightening watch not only for fans, but also for the athletes themselves.

“When I saw the preview, that’s when I realised [Lyles] said a lot,” says Hughes, who was described by his rival as “another person to beat” before London last year.

“I thought ‘this guy can talk’. I knew he talked - but I didn’t know

he talked that much.

“Being a competitor, it raised all the red in me. I was like: ‘This guy man, he just needs to shut up.’ For me, I will try to use that on the track.

“It’s just the perfect timing leading up to the Olympic Games. I will see him in London and we’ll meet there - but I’ll talk with the spikes.”

Williams was the overwhelming favorite to be selected with the first pick in this year’s draft after a productive college career

No. 1 NFL draft pick Williams agrees to four-year, $39.5m deal with Bears

Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, reportedly agreed to a fully guaranteed, four-year, $39.5 million deal with the Chicago Bears on Tuesday, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

According to the reports, Williams’ contract includes a $25.5 million signing bonus.

CNN Sport has reached out to the Bears and Williams’ representatives for comment.

Williams was the overwhelming favorite to be selected with the first pick in this year’s draft after a productive college career with the

University of Southern California. In 2022, the quarterback won the Heisman Trophy, breaking Trojan records in passing touchdowns, passing yards and passing efficiency that season.

Although he endured somewhat of a down year last season, Williams possesses all the attributes required to be a high-level quarterback in the NFL.

His throwing ability in various scenarios combined with his athletic talents make him the perfect example of the modern dual-threat QB and have led to comparisons to former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray. (CNN)

Sabrina Ionescu celebrates against the Connecticut Sun at Barclays Center

Sprinter Zharnel Hughes won his first global medal at last year’s World Championships

Sports International

Team USA earns dominant win over Serbia and NBA MVP Nikola Jokic

Team USA put in a much improved team performance on Wednesday to earn a dominant 105-79 win over Serbia and reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.

After an underwhelming win over Australia on Monday, USA big man Anthony Davis lamented the team’s lack of effort, but there was plenty of hustle on display against Serbia.

The giant duo of Davis and Bam Adebayo off the bench proved key in the victory, helping limit Jokic to a paltry 6-of-19 shooting night.

“We have plenty of guys who can score,” coach Steve Kerr said, per the NBA. “That’s not a problem for us. We want defense, defense, defense.

“Bam and AD together are really something, just the switching, but

they can also protect the rim and be in a drop if we go to that coverage.

“The strength of the team is the depth, and so if we can play in four- or five-minute bursts of just playing intense defense, hitting bodies, rebounding being physical, then it makes sense to play that way.”

Steph Curry had a game-high 24 points that included 18 points in a scorching 11-minute stretch to start the game. Curry made six of his nine three-point attempts on a night the USA hit 16 shots from downtown.

An impressive Adebayo had 17 points and eight rebounds, while Anthony Edwards continues to prove a pivotal piece for the USA with 16 points and three steals.

Jokic registered a double-double

Man City sign Brazil winger Savinho until 2029

Manchester City have signed Brazil winger Savinho from French side Troyes until 2029 in a deal worth 40m euros (£30.8m).

The 20-year-old starred on loan at Girona last season as they finished third in La Liga.

Both Girona and Troyes are part of the City Football Group.

Savinho said City are currently the “best team in the world” and that he is excited to work under manager Pep Guardiola, who he called “one of the greatest coaches ever”.

On why Manchester City is the right club for him, Savinho said: “[Because of] everything I’ve seen today. I just got here this morning and I turned to my agent and stepfather and said, ‘there was

but had an inefficient 16 points –including going 0-4 from three – to go with 11 rebounds.

“We’ve still got so much room

no way I was going to turn down Manchester City’.

“I’m a Brazilian who likes to play on the front foot, to be happy, to play joyful football.

“I like playing one against one, making assists, scoring goals too, and helping the team. My main characteristic, what I like the most, is being happy and getting fans up off their seats.”

Savinho, who is also known as Savio, started his career at Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro before joining Troyes in the summer of 2022.

He never played a competitive game for the Ligue 2 side, though, as he was sent on loan to PSV Eindhoven for the 2022-23 season.

to improve,” LeBron James said, per ESPN. “But we want to continue to get better and not waste opportunities, I felt like tonight we

got better.”

The USA begins its Olympic campaign against Serbia on July 28. (CNN)

Man Utd sign Yoro from Lille in £52m deal

Manchester United have signed French defender Leny Yoro from Lille until 2029 in a deal worth 62m euros (£52.18m), with 8m euros (£6.73m) in add-ons.

The 18-year-old centre-back has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with the option for an additional 12 months.

Yoro, who made his Lille debut at the age of 16, had been linked with Real Madrid and Paris StGermain, while Liverpool were also interested in him.

He played 32 times in the league last season and scored two goals as he helped Lille finish fourth and and was named in the Ligue 1 team of the season.

“Signing for a club with the stature and ambition of Manchester United so early in my career is an incredible honour,” said Yoro.

“Since my first conversations with the club, they set out a clear plan for how I can develop in Manchester as part of this exciting project, and showed a lot of care for me and my family.

“I know about the history of young players at Manchester United and feel it can be the perfect place to reach my potential and achieve my ambitions, together with my new team-mates. I cannot wait to get started.”

Yoro made 44 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 side, who reached the quarterfinals of the Europa Conference

League before being knocked out on penalties by Aston Villa.

Yoro’s arrival follows United’s recent signing of forward Joshua Zirkzee, 23, in a £36.5m deal from Italian side Bologna and comes during a summer in which the club have been trying to bring in a central defender.

“Leny is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football; he possesses every attribute needed to develop into a top-class centre-back,” said United sporting director Dan Ashworth.

United have lodged two bids with Everton for Jarrad Branthwaite but both have been rejected, with the Merseysiders understood to value him in excess of £75m.

In addition, United have been negotiating with Bayern Munich for their Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt.

Sources say while the club remain interested in Branthwaite and De Ligt, they would not sign both and further arrivals are likely to depend on squad space and available funds.

Savio scored nine goals and made 10 assists in 37 La Liga games for Girona last season

Steph Curry had a game high 24 points for the USA

Leny Yoro played for Lille against Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League last season

“Girls Can Hoop Too” aims to push female basketball to the next level

“Girls Can Hoop Too”, the one-week Summer Camp organised by the TCI Rising Stars and the TCI Sports Commission in conjunction with Evolution Basketball Training Camp has unearthed new talent in the sport. The event, which ran from

Monday to Friday this week at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Centre had a number of youngsters going through several drills under the watchful eyes of Coach Bri Bishop from Evolution. Bri, a seasoned basketball player,

who played at the college level and internationally in Spain and Australia said that she is excited to give back to the sport and help nurture a new crop of players.

She told Infocus Turks TV during the session this week that she is hoping that her time in the TCI makes a longterm impact on the young players.

The 2024 Police Action League (PAL) basketball and softball competitions will begin this weekend with action at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports

Complex and the Downtown Ballpark. In basketball, action tips off in the 13U with Guardians against Commanders from 9am, Avengers

“I just want the girls to learn to love the game, because I feel like if you learn to love it, then you’re just going to keep wanting to play. When I leave I want them to keep

wanting to play. When I’m not here I want them to go outside and dribble the basketball.”

Bri said she is hoping to return to the TCI on an annual basis to play her part in the development of the game.

vs Seaquest at 11am and Skyhawks vs Badgers at 1pm.

In the U16 battle, Guardians will meet Commanders from 10am; Avengers are carded

to play Seaquest at 12pm and Badgers against Skyhawks at 2pm.

The softball match this Saturday sees Skyhawks and the Guardians

battling from 9:30am. Games in both sport will be played on Saturdays (entrance fee: adults $3, children $1).

“Girls Can Hoop Too” was held this week at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Centre

Young players at this season’s basketball draft

The softball draft this week PAL basketball and softball commences this weekend

Cheshire Hall FC win Women’s Futsal League

Cheshire Hall FC defeated Teachers FC in the Women’s Futsal League final recently at the TCIFA Futsal Pitch.

In the clash, Shekina Smith scored a brace (15th and 17th minutes) and Alecia French found the back of the net in the 31st minute to carry the side to a 3-0 win.

Prior to that clash, the Academy

Eagles needled the SWA Sharks 1-0 owing to a Yosmari Britos 25th-minute strike in the thirdplace clash.

Amika Jackson from the Academy Eagles FC finished as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Golden Boot winner. Overall, she led the league with 14 goals.

The Golden Glove winner was Achenie Desir.

Blue Stars FC emerged as champions of the Grand Turk Premier League. In the football

event at the Parade ground, TCIFA Academy U17 placed second with Conqueror FC third.

Janel Jacques won the MVP award with Jimmy Tussaint winning the Golden Glove and

Johnsly Molin the Golden Boot. Prior to the league battle, Conquerors FC won the Knockout

competition with HMP FC finishing second and the TCIFA Academy U17 third.

Blue Stars won the league Conquerors FC won the knockout battle

Blue Stars emerge victorious in Grand Turk Premier League

Amika Jackson (left) won the Golden Boot and MVP awards. In the photo, she collects one of her awards from Dadre Seymour Cheshire Hall FC won the league

Teachers FC finished second