TC Weekly News June 10 - 16, 2023

To propel the TCI into an era of clean energy, FortisTCI will invest $8m to install the country's first solar plus battery microgrids to power 30% of the electricity supply on North and Middle Caicos and 91% of the electricity supply on Salt Cay in 2024.

Three weeks to share your views on changes to Status Ordinance

BY DELANA ISLES

A short consultation period has been announced for Islanders, residents and BOTC holders to weigh in on changes to the Status Ordinance which will determine the ‘who, how and why’ a person is granted Islander status.

The changes to the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance are proposals for the treatment of dependents of persons granted Islander status; the treatment of dependents of persons with Islander status by descent; for DNA testing of all applicants and for the introduction of the evaluation criteria for Islander status through Grant.

These are the areas upon which the target audience is invited to share their views between June 5 and 23.

The government said the changes will ensure that the Ordinance is amended to capture loopholes that were realised and to make sure that there is a modern, transparent, and fair process in place that has a predefined protocol for the treatment of applications.

The Ordinance establishes a Turks and Caicos Islander Status Commission with the responsibility of reviewing applications for the grant of Islander Status, otherwise than by marriage, and for making recommendations to the Governor

for the grant of such status.

In reviewing such applications, the Commission must consider whether an applicant meets any prescribed criteria, as may be set by the Governor, as guidelines for the evaluation of the degree to which an applicant’s personal and professional attributes prove valuable to the TCI.

The government says this approach will clearly outline the needs and requirements of the Islands for persons seeking to obtain permanent status as Turks and Caicos Islander.

They also emphasised that similar point and merit-based systems are currently being used by several countries throughout the region and the wider world to regulate and coordinate the composition and growth of their populations to meet and satisfy the economic and immigration needs and goals of their nations.

Regarding the issue of dependants and their transition to becoming a Turks and Caicos Islander, government outlines that there are gaps in the Ordinance that do not speak to dependents of persons granted Islander status, and children (whether dependant or older) of persons who received their Islander Status by descent where the existing provisions in the Ordinance do not qualify their child to acquire Islander status.

Currently, the dependent child of a person granted status by marriage does not automatically get the status of his or her parent but instead must apply separately to the Commission for the same status as the parent.

There is no provision for the dependent child of a parent who was granted otherwise than by marriage. So, the intention is to find a pathway for these children that falls into any of the categories.

The government sees the benefits of the proposed amendments to the Ordinance as being able to identify and attract persons who have contributed and continue to contribute to the TCI, and a more efficient, transparent, and objective evaluation process that is aligned with the Ordinance.

The changes will also ensure better compliance with guidelines and reduce the scope for abuse.

PURPOSE OF SURVEY

According to the government, the three-week survey is for them to glean the public’s views on the qualities and values that are most beneficial to the long-term development and growth of the population, regarding those who should be granted Islander status.

The government also wants your views on whether DNA test submission should be a prerequisite for status application.

Likewise, the treatment of dependent children being granted Islander status, that is, what the process should be for them.

The proposed change to the

Ordinance also looks at the treatment of children (whether dependent or older) of persons with Islander Status by descent. Namely, how would the generational child of an Islander transition to status if he or she falls outside the threshold of what the Ordinance currently provides.

“These are children or persons who would not fall within the current provisions of persons born outside the Island, that is their parent being Turks and Caicos Islander, but having no connection to a parent or grandparent born in the Islands, or not qualifying through the settlement provision as they have been living outside the Islands beyond what it provided for the settlement provision.

“The question is if they return to the Islands what legal status, either Islander status or immigration status can be provided for these children?”

The government acknowledges that while the TCI’s borders are open for Turks and Caicos Islanders in the diaspora to return home, in the absence of legal status for their children to stay in the Islands, they need to address what can be done for these children.

“It is pointed out that some of these children may be dependents who cannot be left in the diaspora while their parent returns home,

and they are older children (18 years and over) who can also be considered.”

The proposal is that these children be given Immigration status through a resident permit of ten years, but subject to them acquiring DNA tests to prove the link to their TCI parent.

The draft Regulations will be online and accessible through the link provided https://turks-my.sharepoint. com/:b:/g/personal/jaastwood_ gov_tc/Eewde656inpCsn94I19JwkB369OEXtmvm

HJoaulh3YAXQ?e=muwyKf

The consultation paper and the draft Regulations will be printed and distributed at the District Commissioners’ offices on the Family Islands and at the Grand Turk and Providenciales Ministry of Home Affairs offices for persons without online access.

Written submissions can be sent to tcistatusconsultation@gov.tc

For those without email access, a hard copy in a sealed envelope addressed to the ‘TCI Status Consultation’ can be dropped off at the District Commissioners’ offices or to the Ministry of Home Affairs Offices on Providenciales or Grand Turk.

The survey will be strictly online.

Premier Hon Washington Misick

Hybrid power coming for Twin Islands and Salt Cay

invests $8m for TCI’s first solar microgrids

To propel the TCI into an era of clean energy, FortisTCI will invest $8m to install the country's first solar plus battery microgrids to power 30% of the electricity supply on North and Middle Caicos and 91% of the electricity supply on Salt Cay in 2024.

A new age is dawning when it comes to renewable energy growth, and the Turks and Caicos Islands is making notable strides to transition to renewable energy sources.

To this end, the territory’s sole electricity provider FortisTCI recently inked a contract with Compass Solar at a TCI Energy Forum.

The announcement was made on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at the Company’s business cocktail event called 'Energy Hour', at The Farm Restaurant, Seven Stars Resort.

FortisTCI signed the contract with Compass Solar the following day.

FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes in a statement on Tuesday, June 6 said the company is taking significant steps to transform how it produces and distributes energy in the Turks and

Caicos Islands.

She said: FortisTCI is greening the islands with our latest investments. Microgrids on North Caicos and Salt Cay will significantly decrease the overall cost of energy production in these islands.

Forbes explained that with appropriate amendments to the electricity ordinance, customers can benefit from lower energy prices over time.

She said: “We will continue to work with TCIG to achieve this outcome.

“Reducing our dependence on imported diesel fuel, expanding renewable energy integration, and lowering the cost of electricity over time are all part of the sustainable energy future we are building for the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Speaking at Fortis TCI’s recently concluded energy conference which was held under the theme: ‘Changing the Energy Landscape – People, Power, Partnerships’, Forbes said the installation of the microgrids is just one way that Fortis is

changing the territory’s energy landscape

“We are going green one island at a time with the supporting regulations”, she said.

The Bahamas-based renewable energy company emerged as the winning bidder following a tender process that included local and regional companies and will install the solar components of the project. Hitachi will provide the battery storage service.

Construction on the Twin Islands project is expected to commence this year, and the system will come on stream in 2024.

The solar plus battery microgrid on Salt Cay will also be operational in 2024.

Both microgrids will encompass a battery energy storage connected to the primary grid with the ability to disconnect and operate independently, as necessary.

According to the utility company, an independent study was used to determine the feasibility of microgrids in outer islands.

“Based on factors such as cost, each island's electricity system, including generation resources,

customer electricity use trends, fuel usage, and the amount of land available, North and Middle Caicos and Salt Cay were selected.

“The solar plus battery microgrids are among several strategic investments that FortisTCI is making to meet growing energy demand and accelerate the transition to renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and lowering energy costs over time.

“These investments are aligned with Company's integrated resource plan (IRP), which supports an optimal energy mix that includes diesel, with at least 33% renewable energy integrated by 2040.

“FortisTCI has conducted various studies to help determine the best energy mix for the country. These include gas-to-power research, which explored how the company can integrate natural gas (LNG) into the energy mix. A study to determine the feasibility of wind as an energy source is currently underway on North Caicos,” FortisTCI stated.

Since 2015, the company

has expanded its Utility Owned Renewable Energy (UORE) programme through customer partnerships.

The company has 2.6 MW of solar PV on the grid through 18 systems. These installations have produced over 4.8 GWh of green energy, avoiding 3.75k tons of CO2 emissions.

A microgrid is a small-scale version of the national grid, it includes renewable power generation, distribution and control. It is not a single home with solar panels and batteries. It is a system that includes power generation, storage, distribution to multiple properties and intelligent control for efficient energy use.

A microgrid can be used to power multiple buildings or even entire villages.

It can also be isolated from the national grid if required, allowing the microgrid to be fully selfsufficient for a time.

The microgrids represent the company's single largest green energy investment to date, according to a statement from the company.

(L-R) Fortis TCI Executives, Premier Hon Washington Misick and representatives of Compass Solar Ltd

THE STATUS BILL

undergoing

legislative modernisationsays Premier

THE Turks and Caicos Islands is currently undergoing the most aggressive modernisation of its legislative framework in recent years.

This is according to Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick who disclosed that the legislative drafting division in the Attorney General’s Chambers has delivered some 39 Ordinances covering the diverse priorities of the government ranging from the public sector to immigration.

During a recent sitting of the House of Assembly, Misick who highlighted several pieces of legislation drafted by the AG’s chambers described one of the legislative pieces, the (Public Sector Employees Pensions Fund Ordinance 2022), as groundbreaking.

The Public Sector Employees Pensions Fund Ordinance 2022 is aimed at establishing a new pension fund for public officers.

Other legislations include the Business Licensing (Fees and Penalties) (Amnesty) Ordinance 2022 which suspends penalties to encourage the settlement of outstanding license fees.

He said: “The Chief Justice (Responsibilities) Ordinance 2022, for the first time provides for the responsibilities of the Chief Justice as head of the judiciary.

“Grand Turk Enhancement and Sustainability Agency Ordinance 2022, establishes an agency which will have oversight and execute projects to construct, upgrade, preserve and rehabilitate infrastructure throughout the island of Grand Turk.”

He pointed out that the Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance 2022 will stiffen the

penalties for those who harbour illegal immigrants, including stiffer penalties for assisting illegal entry.

Coupled with this, Misick explained that 12 laws were passed in the House in November 2022 designed to bring heavier penalties for gun-related crime.

He reminded the House that towards the end of the last calendar year, the Turks and Caicos Islands saw a significant surge in deadly and violent gun crime linked to regional organised crime.

Misick said: “Mr Speaker, specific pieces of legislation designed to urgently address key issues identified by the RTCIPF were drafted.

Provisions under the modernised Criminal Justice laws were designed to stiffen penalties for gun-related crimes, strengthen police powers and provide additional tools to gather intelligence, investigate, stop and search, detain, and break up criminal activities connected with gangs and the use of firearms; and protect law enforcement and other front-line officers, witnesses and those who fight hardened criminals on the front lines.

He added: “One critical piece is the Interception of Communications Ordinance 2022- it provides a single legal framework for law enforcement and intelligence agencies to obtain communications and communications data.

“Anti-Gang Ordinance 2022 –protects the public and suppresses gang membership and activities in the Islands.

“Mr Speaker, as far as subsidiary legislation is concerned, around 96 legal notices have been published”, he said.

A new method for granting TC Islander status was recently passed in the House of Assembly, establishing a point and quota system. The Turks and Caicos Islander Status (Amendment) Bill 2023 was passed in the House on Wednesday, May 31; as such applications for this year have been delayed, facilitating familiarisation with the new criteria that must be met. Instead of applicants submitting their documentation between June 1 and September 30, they are now required to make submissions between August 1 and November 30.

The amended bill sets out that dependent children of parents who acquired status by marriage will now be granted status automatically when their parent is granted status. These children will no longer have to apply to the Status Commission. This is to revert to the position prior to 2016 which was the position in the former Immigration Ordinance, where dependent children

No discrimination

TCI would not like the US or UK discriminating against TC citizens so should not practice discriminatory or double standards against others.

Step in the right direction

This is a step in the right direction, there is still a lot left to do to make this constitutional process more sensible and erase the traces of xenophobia. The Turks and Caicos Islands is a melting pot of nationalities whether the Belongers want to accept that or not, it is the reality.

Is it good for the TCI?

Many will not see this as a good thing, but it is a good thing for the TCI, many of these laws marginalise people's dependents and that's not fair to them, expanding the franchise will certainly unite this country.

could acquire grants when their parent (s) acquired TCI Status, the Bill reads. This provision is set out explicitly in Clause 4 as a new insertion of section 4A.

Another amendment to the Ordinance outlines that where a spouse of a person granted status by virtue of residency, if they show their spouse was endorsed in a Permanent Residence certificate, Residence Permit or Work Permit, on applying for status, they also have to show that they have lived together with the spouse for a period of ten years ending with the date of the application; and have been resident in the Islands for a period of two years ending with the same date of application. The Ordinance is also amended to show that applications will go to the Status Commission and not the Governor and the Commission will then make recommendations to the Governor for approval. What are your thoughts?

Reinventing the wheel

Why was it changed from 2016 in the first place? Can the authorities say why they reverted to the laws of seven years ago?

Is now the best time for this law? It seems that as a government we should stick to our decisions and move forward.

Sad state of affairs

Turks and Caicos is not going to hide from development. With development comes population increase. It’s inevitable.

What is necessary is to respect hard-working families, those are the people we need in the TCI, not the freeloaders or those who are just looking for trouble.

We need blue-collar workers to build this beloved country. We have places to go and we need foreigners—the right foreigners— to help us develop.

People need to feel that they can bring their families and work towards a common goal.

We need more stringent laws

TCI is faced with a crisis, now is not the time to slack up on the laws that govern our nation. People are coming in drones. Leave out Haiti, from other Caribbean islands, Asia, Europe and even parts of Africa they are coming. Covid has left many countries struggling to survive and people who want better lives and can travel, will. We have to be humanitarians, but to what extent?

The thought of TCI’s proximity to Haiti and us turning into that country should not be seen as fancy stories. Just look at the border states of the US and their susceptibility to drugs and illegals, those places are bigger than the TCI and they are in the US, yet they are affected.

We need to have strict laws and stick to them. This will not only benefit Belongers, but all that call TCI home.

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick

TCI

aggressive

TCI confirms one case of Cholera –

Ministry ramps up ability to conduct in-country testing

The Ministry of Health and Human Services is rapidly developing its capacity to provide confirmatory testing for cholera within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This comes as the Ministry of Health on Sunday, June 4th 2023, through the National Public Health Laboratory, confirmed the presence of Vibrio cholera in a stool sample which was received from the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

The sample was collected from a patient who recently returned from Haiti and went to the hospital with vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration, according to the Ministry.

The individual is currently stable and is responding to treatment.

The sample was sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) headquartered in Trinidad and Tobago on June 6th, 2023, for further testing, confirmation, and characterising.

Minister of Health Hon Shaun

Malcolm in a statement on Tuesday, June 7, explained that CARPHA is the regional body with oversight for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and samples will continue to be sent for oversight to ensure that regional actions can be taken.

In an effort to safeguard the health and safety of the citizens, residents, and visitors of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Minister Malcolm said his Ministry is working assiduously to develop in-country testing capacity at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL).

This he said, will be done through the use of newly acquired equipment facilitated by the United Kingdom’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The NPHL is poised to continue to screen samples for suspected organisms of local and international concerns.

Commenting on the progress made by the National Public Health

Laboratory, Minister Malcolm said: “The development of the incountry capacity to conduct rapid detection of pathogens of concern through our local National Public Health Laboratory is essential to safeguard our local population by providing information to inform early response from the public health team to facilitate interventions aimed at preventing further disease spread.”

Only two strains of cholera are known to cause outbreaks – O1 and O139. V. cholerae O1 has been identified as the cause of all recent outbreaks including the current outbreak in Haiti. It will be important for the strain to be identified in order to determine whether it is the toxigenic strain.

The TCI had heightened its

surveillance for cholera in response to the resurgence of cholera in Haiti which was first reported in October 2022 by the Pan American Health Organization.

CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

Cholera is an acute diarrhoea infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

Most infected persons do not have any symptoms, whereas 1 in 10 people who get sick may experience a more severe form of the disease which can result in severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration. Without treatment, severe cases can result in deaths.

Mild cases tend to resolve with oral rehydration solution

treatment. The mainstay of treatment is adequate rehydration. It takes between 12 hours and 5 days for a person to show symptoms after ingesting contaminated food or water. Bacteria are present in the faeces of infected persons for 1-10 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people.

Pending confirmation of which strain is present in the sample from the infected individual, the Health Ministry has already commenced contact tracing, is heightening surveillance through its sentinel sites and reinforcing messages about proper hygienic measures. The general public is reminded to always practice proper hygiene and sanitation.

Almost 170 illegal migrants intercepted at sea

An illegal migrant vessel was found carrying 169 illegal migrants from Haiti was intercepted by TCI marine authorities on Monday, June 5, 2023.

The latest interception brings the total number of persons intercepted on sloops for the year to 2,090 as of June 5, 2023.

On Monday evening around 10:57 pm. Marine Branch Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched after receiving information that a suspicious vessel was seen making its way toward Providenciales.

According to a statement from the Police, marine officers acting on the information received via the Sea Guardian vessel, intercepted a 40ft illegal vessel, about 2.5 miles off the North West point area.

A total of 169 illegal migrants:

38 females, and 131 males, including three minors, were on board the vessel.

The illegal migrants were handed over to the Immigration Task Force. Also taking part in the operation were the RTCIPF Tactical and Response Units, Immigration, and Customs.

The RTCIPF confirmed, the following statistical data for the year (June 05th) thus far:

Number of Interceptions: 18

Number of Males: 1676

Number of Females: 414

Total number of Illegal Migrants: 2,090

Included in the 2090 figure are 13 children

The RTCIPF has advised the TCI public to notify the closest police station or call 911 and give any information on illegal activity anonymously.

The illegal vessel carrying 169 migrants was intercepted by marine officers (RTCIPF Photo)

Minister of Health Hon Shaun Malcolm

what you do next is just as important

I believe special days or milestones should be celebrated. However, what you do after the celebration of that special event is just as important.

We recently celebrated JAGS McCartney Day, our first and only named National Hero. Every year, we come together to honour the Most Excellent Right Hon. JAGS McCartney with great speeches and great songs. Many of us get excited and emotional during the event and agree with the messages but after the event is over, some of us go right back to our old ways, living our lives as if we didn’t even listen to the messages and songs. This defeats the purpose of the impact of the event. After reflecting on the life of JAGS and listening to the

BY DREXWELL SEYMOUR

messages, we should make up our minds to stay focused and try to act on what was said or heard during JAGS Day.

The celebration of JAGS McCartney Day is just an example of what I am trying to say in this article. However, we have other special days we love to celebrate. Another special day we celebrate

is the birth of a child and their birthdays thereafter. The critical thing though is to train that child properly. Don’t abandon your child. Honour your word when you christen that child.

Another very special day is your wedding day. It is a great event to celebrate. It is so great that people spend thousands

of dollars on their weddings. However, the marriage is more important than the wedding. You made a commitment to your spouse during that wedding ceremony. Honour your word. A lot of marriages fail because we do not stay focused, and we did not stick to our words.

Many people also celebrate and get excited when they graduate from college, get a job, or open a business. This is good but the success of your college education, your job or your business depends on what you do next. Keep working on becoming each day. Be excited the same way you were when you graduated or started that job or business.

Another big celebration that takes place is when someone

becomes a Christian. Becoming a Christian is an exciting and emotional time for a believer. However, you can easily lose your relationship with God if you do not remain in the word of God. Therefore, it is important what you do next after you become a Christian.

I hope by now you see the importance of what you do next after the celebration of that special event. Celebrate but let us not forget the promises you made on that day. If you keep your word, you can maintain your marriage, you can maintain your relationship with God, you will do great on your job or business and you will love and take care of your children and live in harmony among others.

Celebrate that special day Fast and reckless driving in Providenciales

Of all the anomalies in our society, none has so forcefully and in a peculiar way appeals to me as menacing, as the unwarranted overtaking culture prevalent on roads in Providenciales – so insidious that if ignored could turn into an epidemic.

While overtaking remains one of the most dangerous road manoeuvres, it is necessary at times if executed with care. However, many unruly drivers use it in circumstances unjustified and though the road markings have faded common sense and driver’s training should dictate otherwise!

Witnessing these road mayhems

Why the rush?

BY D MARKIE SPRING

daily induces me to question drivers’ rationale! So, I ask, why are you overtaking multiple vehicles in the corner at Coco Bistro?

And despite encountering incoming traffic, instead of decelerating you accelerate, you force traffic in both lanes to come to a complete halt to avoid collision. Similarly, you passed multiple vehicles at the corner at Checkers townhomes, only to hurriedly pull in front of the drivers, and then brake drastically to turn into Leeward Palms, putting the lives of the incoming drivers in peril, and those behind you.

Moreover, you overtake on speed bumps! Are you not aware that speed bumps are designed to slow the driver? And do you know that pedestrians crossed on these traffic calming mechanisms?

You also use Long Bay road as your Grand Prix. It is ludicrous to overtake multiple vehicles

travelling approximately 70km/h, slow down immediately in front and moments after turned right onto the road leading to the Shore Club.

In the town area, you senselessly passed a long line of traffic using the centre lane, which is designed for vehicles turning left or right depending on direction of travel, forcing yourself through Blue Hills roundabout, then unto the highway, putting at risk, drivers approaching the roundabout from the Patty Place and pedestrians, including children, crossing the street.

Even so, on the highway, you swerved between lanes and when you are unable to pass, you linger over the centre of the dual carriageway waiting for an opportunity to pass; hence, disrupting trailing traffic on both lanes.

Why so many of you exhibit this reprehensible, errant behaviour remains a mystery. In the broad sense; however, overtaking often correlate to fluctuations in speed and drivers’ desire to curtail travel time and elude slow-moving traffic.

My advice to you is, when you’re urged to overtake another driver ponder his/her safety. Moreover, the children are society’s future and we must protect them while they’re commuting, so regard them too!

Also, think about the safety of the elderly who needs our care. Not withholding, the doctors, nurses, teachers, visitors and others who work tirelessly to sustain our communities.

Drivers should know, overtaking is a dynamic and intricate undertaking, which requires steering and speed control. It also involves maximum concentration to monitor enclosing traffic and anticipate possibilities for timecritical decision-making and action execution.

Certainly, you do not exercise these cautions and; therefore, your actions are risking the lives of other road users. If you underwent the driving process, your actions would be otherwise.

As a reminder, your behaviour is not only lawless and uncaring, they are downright unbecoming and, while you are pointlessly driving at the speed of sound, it just pleases me to remind you that the island ends ‘right down the road!’

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.

D

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

WARRIORS AND FARMERS

Economic principles from the Book of Joshua

After spending 40 years as a landless, wandering people, the Israelites were now ready to become a nation. Through Joshua, a military leader, God led Israel into the land of Canaan and through a series of military campaigns against the people of that area. As Israel occupied these lands, God constantly reminded them to not be like the people who lived there before. As a matter of fact, it was their horrible policies of child sacrifice, oppression, death, and demon worship that prompted God to remove them from the land. Israel in turn was to be different, in all aspects, their worship, their laws, and their economic policies. Sadly, several hundred years later, Israel was removed from the land because they did the exact opposite of what God said not to do. But we are getting ahead of ourselves. In the book of Joshua, there are a number of economic principles that apply to our times. The first I would look at is land distribution.

A fair and just system of land distribution ensures that individuals and communities have access to

OCTOPEN

KENYATTA E. LEWIS

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

productive resources. It provides a foundation for economic stability, investment, and development. Secure property rights encourage individuals to invest in land, cultivate it efficiently, and use it as collateral. This prompts economic growth and enables wealth creation. Additionally, a well-defined system of land ownership promotes social stability, reduces conflicts, and empowers individuals to build long-term economic security.

When land ownership is concentrated in the hands of a few persons it promotes inequalities and exploitation. It hinders opportunities for widespread growth and social mobility. On the other hand, squatting hampers the creation of a fair and orderly

system of land distribution. Because it is unplanned the land is never adequately utilized or efficiently used. Other issues such as sanitation, clean water, and public services become a challenge. However, in the book of Joshua, God did an amazing thing.

Look at what it says in Joshua 18 - Select three men from each tribe, and I will send them out to explore the land and map it out. They will then return to me with a written report of their proposed divisions of their new homeland. 5 Let them divide the land into seven sections, excluding Judah’s territory in the south and Joseph’s territory in the north. 6 And when you record the seven divisions of

the land and bring them to me, Why seven sections and not twelve since they were twelve tribes? The answer is found in this section - 7 “The Levites, however, will not receive any allotment of land.

Their role as priests of the LORD is their allotment. And the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and the half-tribe of Manasseh won’t receive any more land, for they have already received their grant of land, which Moses, the servant of the LORD, gave them on the east side of the Jordan River.”

For more details read Joshua 1321. It can read like a surveyor’s map at times, but it clearly shows that God’s plan for the Israelites, and all of humanity, is that economic justice leads to prosperity and human flourishing.

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

Should you feel guilty?

Some things you do, you feel guilty about it, right away. Other things, however, you go on with your life like nothing has ever happened.

Last week, I woke up to urine but was greeted by some foreign creature in the bathroom. Half asleep and without thinking for a split second, I rushed back to the room, grabbed my flip-flop and smashed the sucker with a vengeance. The unlucky bastard was at the wrong place at the wrong moment, I spared no time and no chance of survival. I ensured it was dead_ properly dead.

I never liked insects and entomology never crossed my mind, so killing insects is not an unexplored hobby. If I find an insect in my path_ it will be killed and even innocent ants get a taste of the wrath.

If bug spray does not kill, I

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

would take things into my own hand. I would massacre dozens of them at a time with my finger and sometimes I go beyond the imaginable. I boiled water and poured on them. Seeing an ant moping around, after surviving three death sentences, sometimes makes me question my actions and my conscience. I’ll hesitate. Maybe getting squished between my thumbs is the last thing it needs. But I kill anyway.

Some people would never kill

an insect. They would feel too guilty to hurt a living thing.

So I want to bring your attention to a few other things that raise an eyebrow. Why? Maybe there is a small degree of wrongdoing, immorality and wickedness involved that we are comfortable in ignoring. We've all been there

WHITE LIES

Is a white lie acceptable? Should you feel guilty about telling a white lie?

No racism intended_ white lies are no different to any other lie. A lie is a lie.

PUTTING YOURSELF BEFORE OTHERS

A small dose of selfishness is accepted. Do not feel guilty about that. If you take more than you should… you shouldn't feel guilty. You need to start putting yourself first.

NOT SAYING SORRY

Do not feel guilty for not saying sorry, if you do not believe it. What is the point in saying sorry if you do not mean it?

NOT FINISHING A BOOK

Do not feel guilty about it. I think if you didn’t finish it because it wasn’t interesting enough. As far as I am concerned, it isn’t your fault but the authors.

RE-GIFTING GIFTS

Don’t like it. Give it away. No guilt necessary.

NO CALL BACK

You shouldn’t feel guilty about not returning a missed call. Sorry, the call actually went missing.

HAVING A FAVOURITE FRIEND

Should you feel guilty for having a favourite friend? Yes, maybe, but who am I to really judge?

IGNORING FACEBOOK FRIEND REQUESTS

I currently have 46 pending requests. Sorry, not sorry.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Do tell on louisedens@gmail. com.

Drive-in theatre among other high value projects approved by Cabinet

An unnamed individual has applied for and been granted approval by the government for the development of a drive-in theatre.

At the May 24 Cabinet meeting, the approval was given for the licensee to develop the entertainment facility at Parcel 10101/24.

Not much detail is known currently about the proposed facility.

Meanwhile, the mental health and substance abuse department is getting a name change to one that is more inclusive. It will now be known as the Department of Behavioural Health Services.

Caicos Express Airways has been granted a one-year airline subsidy by the government to engage in airlift services to Salt Cay and South Caicos from Grand Turk, effective May 30, 2023May 30, 2024.

Cabinet also approved various high value projects, among them; purchase of vehicle for FIA, financial crimes unit and the informal settlement unit; CCTV for Police; consultancy services for TCI public service pay and grading review; consultancy services for tourism carrying capacity study; technical support for phases 1 and 2 of the south dock port redevelopment; consultancy to design south dock fuel discharge mooring for the south dock port redevelopment; consultancy services for the preparation of design and costs for phases 3 and 4 of the south dock port redevelopment and the resubmission of three phase power of the border force improvement project.

Approval was also given for the rental of the Diaspora Office in Nassau, Bahamas by accepting the signing of a three-year lease with FINCEN LIMITED.

Notably, the Minister of

Finance has been given the go ahead to waive accommodation tax payable by guests attending the 45th Regional Conference of the Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to be hosted in the Turks and Caicos Islands July 21 to 28.

Cabinet also approved amendments to the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Taxation Ordinance subject to industry consultation; and has approved with various considerations an MOU with GT Onshore Development Ltd. for a cruise ship tendering development and tourist accommodations on Grand Turk and Salt Cay.

Approval was given for the amendments to the National Investment Policy 2016, and for a request for a Development/Order for Development Concessions for Provo Water Company Ltd (PWCo).

Members discussed environmental concerns regarding dredging in the Leeward Marina and along Grace Bay and next steps to develop a plan to mitigate any environmental concerns and damage.

They also approved a Sand Mining licence for the Strand, applications for Class A Processing and Export Licence to Caicos Seafood Ltd, Caicos Fisheries Ltd and Provo Seafood; the Immigration Regulations 12 and Schedule 7 for Permanent Residence Permit Fees for public consultation; amendments to the Airports Authority Ordinance to facilitate Modern Development Initiatives; and proposals to introduce the regulation of Haitian cargo vessels under the provisions of the Code of Safety for Caribbean Cargo Ships.

The Cabinet has noted the order of the Supreme Court for the award

of taxation of cost to a named individual and agreed next steps.

Approval was given, with various considerations, to the terms of the Hadley Investments Ltd MOU with a view to enter into a Development Agreement.

Cabinet also approved with various considerations the approach to collect the Tourism Guest Levy for the Destination Management Organisation.

They have approved the renewal of the Policy for the Caribbean Catastrophic Risk Insurance Facility for 2023/2024; an application by the proprietors of Strata Plan No 67 for a lease or licence over accredited land seaward of Parcel 60905/206; and an application by Blue Roc Properties Ltd for a licence to establish a swim deck seaward of Parcels 60612/220 and 60612/221 located at Norway and Five Cays.

Two appointments to the TCI Sport Commission Board were granted as well, namely: Shanwell Gardiner for three years as chairman and Tamara Basset for two years as a board member.

They took up their positions on June 1.

An amendment to the current Development Order/Agreement between TCI Toscana GP ltd, Vista development Ltd and the TCIG has also been approved to reflect a new completion date of October 31, 2027.

Cabinet approved with various considerations a Development Agreement with Hamilton University.

Amendments have been approved by Cabinet to the Road Traffic Ordinance for import permit and traffic signals.

The fourth quarter financial report 2022/2023 was also discussed and will be up for publication.

Ignorance or new cholera discovery?

– PDM leader says PNP government dead wrong

In reading the Minister of Health’s press release, the scientific world and the world as a whole discovered that there is now a virus that caused cholera. This PNP government has made a significant breakthrough in medical science, or maybe not.

From time immemorial, and up until this week, it has been longestablished that the causative agent for the disease of Cholera was a BACTERIA named VIBRIO CHOLERAE.

Therefore, either the PNP Government has discovered a new virus, or they just don’t know, or understand, what they are talking about. Calling a bacterium, a virus is like calling a dog a bird. They are completely two different organisms. In fact, it is widely debated whether or not a virus can be classified as a living organism in the first place.

So how could this PNP government with three Ministers of Health make such an incorrect and academically shameful statement?

In the public release the PNP government through the Minister of Health stated in paragraph 4, “Beset with vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration, the persons were tested for the viral illness.” What viral illness, Cholera is a Bacterial illness.

The PNP government through the ministers of health closed the statement by saying “The government has sent the samples off to the Caribbean Public Health Agency, CARPHA, to determine which strain of the virus is present.”

Which strain of the virus is present? I wonder what the health professionals at CARPHA are thinking right now. Are we to do as the TCI government said and look for viruses, or should we do what should be done and look for the presence of the bacteria Vibrio Cholera?

The health minister number two, Hon. Robinson, always likes to dismiss my qualifications and experience as a health professional. He has a difficult time comprehending that our country can produce persons highly qualified in the Scientific field, for which I am one of many. How is it that he and the other two PNP Health Ministers made this colossal mistake?

It is widely known that Vibrio Cholera has produced epidemic diarrheal disease in many parts of the world, and it is endemic in some parts of the world. The transmission of the disease is completely different from viruses like COVID and Influenza. It is spread from person to person through the ingestion of contaminated water and, or, food, and the common house fly is known as a common transport.

Control rests on education and improvement of sanitation, particularly proper food and water handling.

Death from the disease is mostly due to dehydration. Hence the most important part of therapy consists of water and electrolyte replacement to correct the severe hydration and salt depletion. Many Antimicrobial agents are also effective against Vibrio Cholera.

Let us pray that this PNP government does not have to face anything worse than one person being infected with this bacteria v. cholera. If they cannot identify the causative agent correctly, then how can we expect them to put in the correct measures to prevent and control Cholera or any other disease?

By Hon Edwin A. Astwood Leader PDM and Opposition

‘CHANGING THE ENERGY LANDSCAPE’:

Fortis TCI’s energy conference explores renewable energy solutions

Transitioning from non-renewable energy sources to clean renewable energy requires technological advancements, millions of dollars in investment, and a societal push towards sustainability.

The world’s energy systems are undergoing rapid transitions triggered by simultaneous shifts in technological development, regulations, consumer preferences, and investor sentiment, the Turks and Caicos Islands is exploring ways to adapt to these changes.

The multi-layered process, national measures and regulations needed to transition the territory to a sustainable energy future were the highlight of FortisTCI’s Energy forum held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel and Resort on Friday, June 2, 2023.

The energy conference featured several panel discussions on topics including; sustainable solutions, accessing funding, the labour market’s transition and the impact of post-pandemic trends, geopolitical impacts on the supply chain, and many other subjects relating to the transition to renewable energy.

TCI’s Premier Hon Charles

Washington Misick and Minister of Education Hon Rachel Taylor were among 20 influential experts with diverse perspectives and broad expertise who provided unique insights on the theme: ‘Changing the Energy Landscape – People. Power. Partnerships’.

Farayi Chipungu, an Attorney, Lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School and Government, and Change Management Expert, delivered a keynote presentation on Adaptive Leadership: Driving Fundamental Change.

Her presentation highlighted research, real-world examples, and core principles to help navigate the critical changes required.

Chipungu underscored that adaptive work demands responses outside our current way of thinking.

She said: “It also requires running small experiments, celebrating, and learning from failures. The work of leadership is not a solo sport.

“Capacity has to be built across the value chain to execute change… the people with the problem tend to be a part of it but are also the solution.”

A spotlight presentation on

how changes to energy sector regulations can create an enabling environment and the importance of maintaining an equilibrium in the electricity sector to prevent inefficient and adverse outcomes was delivered by advisor and visiting scholar at Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Energy Initiative, Dr Carlos Battle Batlle-Lopez, He stressed that a regulatory path has to be designed urgently, and the changes should be gradually introduced to avoid big shocks. Dr Batlle-Lopez noted that consumers must understand the path and what this means.

SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Minister of Tourism Hon Josephine Connolly, delivered opening remarks at the conference on behalf of the Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation, Broadcasting, Energy and Utilities and Telecommunications Commission, Hon Otis Chuck Morris.

Connolly emphasised that her government has prioritised the transition to renewable energy and is committed to implementing policies, legislation and injecting

funding to support this transition to a more sustainable future.

She said: “Our commitment to building a sustainable energy future is unwavering.

We recognise that the path to sustainability lies in reducing our carbon footprint enhancing energy efficiency and embracing renewable energy sources.

“We have made strides in this direction despite being met with many setbacks.”

She added that fostering a vibrant green economy that ensures the well-being and prosperity of our citizens for generations to come not only has to be sustainable, but just.

“It must benefit all the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the most equitable way. Ensuring that the cost…to the consumer is manageable, while balancing the needs of all parties involved.”

Connolly explained that the Turks and Caicos Islands like many other small nations, face unique challenges in the face of climate change.

She pointed out that energy security is a crucial issue for these islands, which rely heavily on

imported fossil fuels for its energy needs

“We are confronted with the undeniable reality of climate change, and the pressing need to transition towards a more sustainable energy landscape… making it imperative for us to adapt swiftly and decisively.”

She noted that the territory, just as many other countries in the region, struggles with a higherthan-normal cost of energy which is of pressing concern to the government.

“As we see how it impacts the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, in the short term, the government has shown its commitment to addressing this issue by subsidising fuel costs on electricity bills for residents in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“And we have implemented tax incentives in the form of reduced customer tariffs to encourage the uptake of renewable energy and electric vehicles.

“While these are short-term fixes, and more needs to be done, my government is looking at how

Fortis TCI’s frontline worker panellists Tavardo Smith, Durell Landy, Kerwin Arthur and Kelorian Forbes shared their experiences as long-standing employees, their motivations and aspirations with panel moderator Wisland Toussaint.

Energy forum panelists- Dr David M. Bynoe National Coordinator of the Global Environmental Facility-Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) at the UNDP, Shernelle Capron, Director of Financial Services and Supply Chain Management at FortisTCI, Alvin Hegner Board Chairman at Invest TCI, Gillian Charles-Gollop-Executive Director of Corporate Banking at CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, and moderator, Christopher Burgess, Projects Director at Rocky Mountain Institute.

Minister of Tourism Hon Josephine Connolly, delivered remarks on behalf of the Minister of Home Affairs, Energy and Utilities

Panelists: Dr Carlos Batlle-Lopez, Advisor, and Visiting Scholar at Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Energy Initiative, Keynote Speaker Farayi Chipungu, FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes, Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick, and moderator Mr Kenrick Walters, General Manager of Bordier Bank TCI Ltd.

attends Caribbean Week 2023 in New York

Minister of Tourism, Hon Josephine Connolly recently led a delegation to the annual Caribbean Week 2023 organised by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).

The high-level event, held from June 5-8, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on crucial matters impacting the Caribbean tourism sector.

The tourism minister was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Mr Wesley Clerveaux and Change Manager Ms Racquel Brown, Minister Connolly actively engaged in the Council of Ministers meeting held on June 6, a press statement from the Minister’s Office informed.

The session served as an exceptional platform to address various pertinent issues influencing

the industry’s landscape.

Key agenda topics discussed during the Council of Ministers’ meeting covered a broad spectrum of concerns crucial to the region’s tourism industry. Including but not limited to the impact of sargassum on the tourism industry, a study on increasing airlift to the region, improving working benefits for tourism industry workers and comparative performance analysis.

Minister Connolly expressed enthusiasm for the constructive discussions held at the Council of Ministers’ meeting, affirming the commitment of the Ministry of Tourism and the government to collaborate closely with regional partners, stakeholders, and industry leaders to address the challenges and opportunities facing the Caribbean tourism sector.

On June 7, the Minister was a member of a panel discussion with regional counterparts on “The Winning Formula: Success stories from the Caribbean,” where she discussed the TCI’s journey to recovery and success following

Covid-19.

Caribbean Week 2023 is a testament to the region’s dedication to tourism excellence, sustainable development, and fostering mutually beneficial relationships within the industry. The outcomes

of these deliberations will guide strategic decisions, policies, and initiatives aimed at propelling the Caribbean tourism sector to greater heights.

The TCI delegation was expected to return on June 9.

Cabinet approves three-year lease for TCI’s diaspora office in the Bahamas

The Turks and Caicos Islands government has inched one step closer to opening a diaspora office in Nassau, Bahamas by signing and approving a three-year lease with FINCEN Ltd.

Her Excellency the Governor (ag) chaired the 14th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 24 May 2023 at the Governor’s Office on Grand Turk, where the approval was granted for the rental.

The approval of the lease agreement signals the government’s commitment to strengthen relations with the largest concentration of the Turks and Caicos diaspora.

Once opened, the office is intended to provide a more structured engagement hub to advance relations and dialogue that will in turn foster national development.

It will also provide a number of services and assistance to persons wishing to connect and reconnect with their Turks and Caicos roots.

The office will also support the government’s plan to establish a diaspora database which will collect and utilise accurate data as part of its efforts to help members of the TCI diaspora contribute to the development of the territory.

The government had announced its intention to open an office in Nassau, Bahamas during a diaspora meeting in February this year.

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick at that meeting stressed the important role and the contributions that the overseas Diaspora can make towards aiding the Turks and Caicos Islands in achieving its development goals.

He said: “As part of the Turks and Caicos development goals it is important to leverage the broad

contribution that our kin and kind offer to the homeland.

“While we are reaching out to our global diaspora family it is generally believed that the largest proportion of Turks and Caicos Islanders live throughout the Bahamas: for that reason, it is only fitting that we start by establishing an office there.”

Misick explained that although

the office will not have consular status, its operations will be under the purview of the Governor’s office and it will liaise with the British High Commission in Nassau whenever necessary.

Following this announcement, the TCI Government appointed Andrea Vernay Mills and Canon Curtis Robinson as diaspora liaison

officers for the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama, Bahamas, respectively.

The initiative is geared towards restoring links to the diaspora and opening a line of communication to gauge interest in returning home, to invest and contribute to the development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Minister of Tourism Hon Josephine Connolly (centre) among other Caribbean Tourism leaders

Governor (acting) HE Anya Williams; Minister of Transport and Housing, Hon Jobeth Coleby-Davis; Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Hon Philip Davis; Premier Hon Washington Misick; First Lady Mrs Delthia Misick and Minister of Immigration, Hon Arlington Musgrove at a Diaspora reception in the Bahamas in February (Office of the Premier Photo)

Alpha Academy’s Tianna Kerr is 2023’s Champion Speller

Stiff competition between Tianna Kerr and Ruth Lormine marked the ten rounds of the national primary school spelling bee competition this year, bringing it to a tie.

But after round 11, Tianna scored 42 points, and Ruth 41. Ruth, a student of Oseta Jolly Primary was determined to return the title to her school, which won in 2019 and 2022.

The annual event was held on May 25, at Beaches Resort and Spa, with 12 talented spellers from

across the territory competing for the coveted title.

The spellers and their coaches were: Adelaide Oemler Primary –student Darius Bassett and coach Stafford Salmon; Alpha Christian Academy – student Tianna Kerr and coach Heather Robertson; BEST Institute – student Sydney

Kay Brisbane and coach Mrs.

Tanisha Rigby; Enid Capron

Primary – student George Williams and coach Ms. Sacha Deans; Ianthe

Pratt Primary – student Mark

Morrison and coach Ms. Natalia Butterfield; International School of the TCI – student Lola Jimenez and coach Ms. Iman Rudi-Bonotti.

MILLS Institute – student

Nathan Forbes and coach Mrs. Denesha Robinson; Ona Glinton

Primary – student Joneil Belzi and coach Ms. Jacqueline Henry; Oseta Jolly Primary – student Ruth Lormine and coach Ms. Tevynn Lewis; Providence International Academy – student Kian Jules and coach Ms. Karla Williams; Provo

Christian Academy – student

Marbelli Castillo and coach Ms. Crystal Glinton and the Thelma Lightbourne Primary – student David Lawrence and coach Ms. Alexa Greene.

The other two top spots went to Ruth Lorime of Oseta Jolly Primary in second place, and Joneil Benzi of Ona Glinton Primary in third.

Prizes were sponsored by F Chambers and Island Printing: the grand prize winner received a MacBook Air, second place an Apple iPad Mini and third place an Apple iPad Mini. Prizes for the top seven spellers were a Galaxy Tablet A7 Lite each, and the remaining participants received $50 gift certificates.

Champion trophies were awarded to the three top spellers and Tianna’s coach Heather Robertson, while each participating speller received a complimentary trophy.

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, Hon. Rachael Taylor has congratulated Miss Kerr, her parents, and Heather Robertson, a veteran coach who also coached the 2005 champion speller.

“I congratulate all the champion spellers of 2023 who are indeed winners and who represented their schools well at the Bee. We are proud of you. I especially want to

congratulate our winner, Tianna Kerr, and the Alpha Christian Academy Family. These events confirm that our children are indeed dedicated and committed students.” School principals, coaches, teachers, and parents were also thanked for their commitment to the event.

Volunteering their time to the event were chairperson Sophia Garland; scorers Evadne Williams and Hugh Adams; judges Jasmine Malcolm, Latoya Simpson, and Pastor Pedro S Williams; pronouncers Cherylann Foreman and Kawanza Morley and timekeeper Christopher Foster.

Others who gave of their time were Orville Morgan as the photographer; Gary Andrew, Technician; Tanya Swann, director of sales, groups, and conventions at Beaches Resort and Spa for coordinating the hosting of the event at the resort and providing complimentary snacks; Greg Been, Zoia Fessler and Chris Jarrett of RTC for live coverage on Radio Turks & Caicos.

Sponsors of this year’s event were Mark Fulford, managing partner of F Chambers; Ava Fulford, founder and managing director of Island Printing; and long-term sponsors Flow TCI and The Sandals Foundation.

Champion Speller is Tianna Kerr of Alpha Christian Academy (TCIG photo)

The winners, participants, sponsors and teachers from this year’s national primary school spelling bee (TCIG photo)

Tianna’s prizes included a MacBook Air courtesy of Island Printing and F Chambers. Here she is pictured with Ava Fulford, managing director of Island Printing (TCIG photo)

Unidentified man found dead in car in South Dock

The unidentified body of a man with a fatal gunshot wound was found in the front seat of a car on Wednesday, June 7. The discovery was made by residents, and according to police,

several 911 calls were made about the discovery, prompting officers to visit the scene.

Upon arrival at the scene – in the vicinity of a Tyre Shop along South Dock Road in Downtown

Providenciales - they determined that the man had been murdered by way of a gunshot.

Police said homicide investigations are currently underway to identify the deceased

and determine the circumstances surrounding his demise.

Head of Crime, Safeguarding, and Public Protection Superintendent, Dean Holden has appealed to members of the

public who may have witnessed the shooting to contact the nearest police station or call 911. Police said they will update the public as more information becomes available

The crime scene (photo courtesy of RTCIPF)

Investigations are underway (photo courtesy of RTCIPF)

Local prizewinning poet and her reflections

BY GEMMA HANDY

The rigours of the corporate world may have characterised the bulk of her professional life, but it’s creative writing that gives Sandra Garland her sense of accomplishment and keeps her brain razor sharp.

Garland’s love affair with the written word spans decades, all the way back to when she was a young girl growing up in Salt Cay in the 1950s.

There’s one subject that inspires her more than any other –people, and specifically those she thinks deserve a plaudit. Those to have captured her imagination

range from Gloria Lightbourne who created the Shining Stars Preparatory School in Providenciales, to Ketanji Brown Jackson who last year became the first Black woman to be seated on the US Supreme Court in its 232year history.

The latest to galvanise her into action is Weekly News publisher W. Blythe Duncanson, the protagonist of her poem ‘The Defender of the Fourth Estate’.

The 20-line ode to the veteran journalist describes Duncanson as an “excellent guardian” of industry ethics, one who “fears no friend

nor adversary”.

The words were “spontaneous”, Garland says, but the topic had been “nagging” her for some time.

“I do poems for people who have done something astounding, spectacular, and I think Mr Duncanson is one of those people. He has fascinated me with his career over the years,” she explains.

Garland recalls the first time she met Duncanson again after he returned home to the TCI after many years living and working in the Bahamas. She even remembers how Duncanson himself had been

inspired by legendary Nassau Tribune editor Etienne Dupuch who held the role from 1919 to 1973, his longevity earning him a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

In her poem, Garland describes Duncanson as “unflappable”.

“That’s how he seems to me; he

OUR MOST WORTHY GUARDIAN OF THE FOURTH ESTATE THE BROKEN DOLL

Reporting for the duty he loves the best, Consistent and capable when put to the test. Fearing no dogmas of love or hate, He’s an excellent guardian of the Fourth Estate.

Most honorable most excellent our noble Editor; He has proven his worth and his reporting to the letter, Two score and more years he has proven his merit, The laudation of his fellowmen he will inherit.

His ingenuity and his honesty are legendary, And he fears nor friend nor adversary, A journalist whose time has come, To be noted and honored in his home.

Fourth pillar of democracy wrapped in freedom and truth, He reports what is real and abhors what’s uncouth, Ingenuous, unflappable in all circumstance, Blythe Duncanson this poem is not happenstance.

You have modeled such a distinguished example, And your character is one that no one can trample, You have kept the faith and persevered, And for your diligence you will always be revered.

Sandra E. Garland April 2023

THAT WALKED

The doll is walking, she is walking again!! Not with a walker and not with a cane!! Balanced and stronger and back on her feet, She’s got places to go and people to meet. This doll is not broken!!

This road to recovery is demanding and tough, Physiotherapy on sore muscles is really rough, But this journey the doll is resolved to complete Four years in rehab is no mean feat. The doll is healing!!

Some people said she’ll never, never make it, Some still say she’s trying to fake it, But the doll is confident in faith and hope; She is determined to climb this slippery slope The doll is expectant!!

But this journey is not for the faint of heart, And the doll knew this from the very start,

has this equilibrium about him,” she continues. “He’s always fair, balanced and unbiased.

“Over the years I really enjoyed his editorials. I used to save them and reread them because I was fascinated by his writing style. CONTINUED 

She knows full well she must persevere, And pain and discomfort she must not fear. The doll is fearless.

Not broken in limb not broken in phyche, Devoting her life to health and beauty, This doll has resolved that nothing will stop her, She will ride this wave and write the next chapter.

The doll is exhilarated!!

Confinement is certainly not for this doll, She loves the freedom of being on a roll, Learning new things and enjoying life, Loving and happy and avoiding strife. This doll is truly thankful.

Sandra E. Garland

September 18, 2022

Sandra Garland was born in Salt Cay

TO

Fortis TCI’s energy conference explores ...

we can strengthen our efforts towards the green energy transition in regulating the sector.

“The government has a major role to play in implementing updated legislation that speaks to the current times and a strong regulatory framework upon which the energy transition can be executed,” she stressed.

PEOPLE, POWER, AND PARTNERSHIP

In an effort to establish a collective vision of what the Turks and

Caicos Islands' energy future looks like, President and CEO of Fortis TCI, Ruth Forbes said harnessing people power and partnership underpins the strategic steps that FortisTCI is taking to change the territory’s energy landscape.

She said: “We all know that the energy industry is changing in response to climate change, also driven by market forces, and technology.

“We live in a world where energy demand continues to grow and is expected to increase by 3% on

average over the next three years, according to the International Energy Agency, and we all know in the Turks and Caicos Islands, we are also impacted by a tremendous amount of growth that is also affecting our energy demand.

“Renewable energy is also accelerating and renewables could become the biggest source of global electricity by 2025, this is according to the International Energy Agency.”

She posited transformation cannot and will not take place

CONTINUED

without people at the centre of the utility sector.

She said: “As new technology drives energy production, employees will require new skills, new training, and greater access to technology to equip them to contribute meaningfully in a changing energy landscape.

“Our customers’ demands are also changing, requiring utilities like us to develop stronger connections with our stakeholders and to understand and meet their needs.

Local prize-winning poet and her ...

He would write about current affairs, politics – his editorials were always on point.

“His ability to use the English language and his expression is something I have always been fond of.”

In addition to penning poems and the odd hymn, Garland occasionally writes short stories too. One of them, ‘A Day in the Life of a Salt Raker Family’, was recently published in the Weekly News.

“The subject comes to mind and then I start writing it. Sometimes it happens when I am in bed. I have learned over the years to keep a notepad nearby.

HERITAGE VIBES

Its six o’clock in the morning, The kids are stretching and yawning, The adults are already about the lay Of a usually busy day.

Now I use my phone to make notes,” she says.

It’s many years since Garland first saw her work in print.

“My first published poem appeared in our local newspaper, The Conch News, entitled ‘Jamaica is Independent’,” she recalls.

Sadly her copy of that journal is long lost but the mother-ofthree and grandmother-of-10 has her sights set on one more ambition.

“I intend to write a book,” she says.

Garland discovered her appreciation for the English language while still in primary

school in Salt Cay.

“From my early school years, I have enjoyed poetry which was included in our English Language and English Literature curriculum. I then discovered that I loved composing words and would do so about almost everything,” she imparts.

Garland would go on to become a primary school teacher before leaving the tiny isle in 1965 and moving to Grand Turk, and later Providenciales. A career in banking ensued, along with a 30-year stint as a director of Claymore Corporate Services which provides professional services to domestic and offshore

company clients.

Garland was married to the late Sterlin Garland, who served in various senior roles in government. She is a founder member of the NGO Women in Development which works alongside the government’s Gender Affairs Desk, as well as the Turks and Caicos National Trust and the TCI Writers Society.

At the inauguration of the latter - at the peak of the pandemic - she read her poem ‘Get Vaccinated’.

“The country was still recovering from lockdown and there were many sceptics

The school clock strikes the hour of four, And the students politely file through the door, They are in for an afternoon of great fun, Playing hopscotch and marbles, eating candy and sweet bun.

resisting inoculation,” she says. The first public function showcased by the TCI Writers Society was a story competition. Garland entered and won first prize for ‘A Day in the Life of a Salt Raker Family’. In May last year, she claimed multiple top nods in the society’s poetry contest.

As she prepares to mark her 80th birthday next year, it is still writing that keeps Garland fulfilled.

“I am forever editing a piece,” she smiles. “I will go over and over it and once I am satisfied, I say that’s it – and I feel I have accomplished something.”

And always be lovingly supportive of you.

I promised that when you are evilly mocked, And bad men around you are viciously flocked I’ll be in your corner, I will rally for you, My love for you is everlasting and true.

There’s water to draw from the tank on the hill, And this requires the children to fill The water drums which now sit without, Considering the island has a drought.

There’s firewood to gather from Taylor’s Hill, There’s sweeping the yard, and the troughs to fill For the donkeys and chickens and the cows if they come, Lumbering and lowing, bringing mosquitos home.

The children are scampering and not wasting time, These chores must be done before the clock strikes nine.

And one of the first lessons a child must learn Is the clock – as time they must always discern.

And now at breakfast with bodies washed clean, The children are awaiting a meal that’s not mean, Grits and bread and scrambled eggs, And cocoa laced with sweet milk and mutmegs

With bellies now full they are off to school; Homework was completed last night as a rule; And now anxiously awaiting the teachers’ marks, Hopeful they won’t have to repeat these tasks.

And so has ended another day, And it’s time for a bath and checkers to play; Then it’s off to bed and everyone’s snoring, Knowing full well tomorrow won’t be boring.

Sandra E. Garland

Written for National Heritage Month October 17, 2021

Reflections of my childhood - This poem recounts a normally average day in the life of a Salt Cay family when I was a child.

THAT KISS ON YOUR FOREHEAD

My kiss on your forehead springs from my heart, And conveys my support in whole and in part; I know your worth and the call on your life, Your commitment and passion are ever rife.

I promised to be with you on good days and bad, And when you are happy and when you are sad, I vowed to uphold and defend you too,

I vowed that as on this road we travel, Our special bond will never unravel, Together this journey will make us strong, And we will renounce the opponent’s wrong. Their baneful words won’t hinder our progress Our plans and preparedness will bring us success, In spite of their venom our goals will proceed, You are imminently ready. For this job you are teed.

So my kiss on your forehead speak volumes from my heart, With floods of emotions in total and in part, It sends a clear message to those who would harm us: Their sinister objections will never alarm us.

Written by Sandra E. Garland April 8,

2022

On the occasion of Senate of the United States confirming Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first black woman to be seated on the Supreme Court in its 233 years history. This poem is inspired by “that kiss on the forehead” of Judge Jackson by her husband Dr. Patrick G. Jackson during the Senate hearings and was seen around the world.

To come down off this featherbed of civilisation

Salt Cay Farewells and Welcomes - and a Donkey named Modestine

It’s all change of late, not a word we use often on the Charmed Isle. Our long-serving District Commissioner (DC), Mrs Almaida Wilson took her retirement, following in the footsteps of the former Deputy DC, Mr Noyal Hamilton, who retired earlier this year. I would like to wish them both all the best and a happy retirement. At the same time, and with not too much fanfare, the RTCIPF have posted a police officer back on the Cay. The fact that it “only” took six years to make this a reality could be a story in itself. It is my hope that the good constable Stanley Been will be the most underworked police officer of this blessed archipelago. I suspect he will be.

Moving on, let’s explore another captivating work of literature. This piece came to my attention through a reader in France. As emails continue to come in about - you’ve guessed it – donkeys and my recent column about the history of these four-legged companions of residents in the Turks Islands and South Caicos. A reader from North America commented, “Nice article, but give me a break, a national treasure?”. Despite this, I stand firm in considering them

BY TITUS DE BOER

as such, akin to the revered panda in China, albeit less cuddly. The reader in France I mentioned asked me, “Have you heard of the Robert Louis Stevenson Trail, based on his book, ‘Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes’?” I must admit I was unaware of this trail, spanning 171 miles and attracting hikers from around the world, even boasting its own website www.cheminstevenson.org.

I had read Stevenson’s “Treasure Island” and “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” when I was young but had never acquainted myself with any of his travel literature, that is until now. Written in 1879, “Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes” recounts Stevenson's 12-day solo hiking journey through the sparsely populated and impoverished areas of the Cevennes

mountains in south-central France. The other main character in this tale is a stubborn and manipulative donkey named Modestine, who’s interaction with her human “master” is not only wildly entertaining but also deliciously amusing.

From the first page the book sets the tone and gives the reader a hint of what they’re in for, “For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move; to feel the needs and hitches of our life more nearly; to come down off this featherbed of civilisation and find the globe granite underfoot and strewn with cutting flints”.

In my view, the central story is the relationship the writer develops with his travel companion, a donkey. Without wishing to give away too much of the story, this

literary gem illustrates just how intense their fellowship becomes, “They told me when I started, and I was ready to believe it, that before a few days I should come to love Modestine like a dog. Three days had passed, we had shared some misadventures, and my heart was still as cold as a potato towards my beast of burden. She was pretty enough to look at; but then she had given proof of dead stupidity, redeemed indeed by patience, but aggravated by flashes of sorry and ill-judged light-heartedness….

What the devil was the good of a she-ass if she could not carry a sleeping bag and a few necessaries?

I saw the end of the fable rapidly approaching when I should have to carry Modestine”.

As the story draws to a close and the writer bids farewell to his

faithful donkey, you can’t help but be touched by the genuine bond Stevenson had developed for his loyal companion. “I had lost Modestine. Up to that moment, I had thought I hated her; but now she was gone, ‘And oh! The difference to me!’ For twelve days we had been fast companions; we had travelled upwards of a hundred and twenty miles, crossed several respectable ridges, and jogged along with our six legs by many a rocky and many a boggy by-road. After the first day, although sometimes I was hurt and distant in manner, I kept my patience; and as for her, poor soul! she had come to regard me as a god. She loved to eat out of my hand. She was patient, elegant in form, the colour of an ideal mouse, and inimitably small. Her faults were those of her race and sex; her virtues were her own. Farewell, and if for ever…. "

“Travels with a Donkey in Cevennes” is a tremendously enjoyable read. It is captivating, entertaining, witty and the good news is that there is a free version on https://www.gutenberg.org - just search for it by the name of the author or title. Happy reading!

Titus de Boer was born in Hamburg and spent his formative years in the West Indies. After a formal education in Germany and subsequent training as a journalist, he moved to the TCI in 1989. These days he works as a residency consultant for Titan Services. (www.titanservices.biz). Readers wishing to contact Titus with ideas and/or suggestions for columns, can to so on tdbtci@aol.com.

An inquisitive Donkey inspects a chess board on Salt Cay. Will he and his mates soon be a tourist attraction? (Photo: Titus de Boer)

“Travels with a Donkey in Cevennes” is a tremendously enjoyable read. It is captivating, entertaining, witty and the good news is that there is a free version on https:// www.gutenberg.org. (Illustration: Walter Crane)

Written in 1879, “Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes” recounts Robert Louis Stevenson’s 12-day solo hiking journey through the Cevennes mountains with his Donkey, named Modestine.

US tourist fined $3,500, pleads guilty to firearm offences in the TCI

Alex Julian Guzman of Wyoming, Michigan, has pleaded guilty to firearm offences in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The 23-year-old United States resident made headlines a few weeks ago for having a firearm and ammunition in his possession without being the holder of a firearm licence on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at the Providenciales International Airport.

Guzman pleaded guilty to the charges on June 2 and was fined a total of $3,500 when he appeared before the Supreme Court on June 05 to answer to two counts of Firearm-related Offences.

According to a statement from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Mr Guzman was ordered to pay the fine forthwith or in default face 60 days imprisonment.

The Court ordered that the firearm and ammunition seized be destroyed within 90 days and

Mr Guzman’s passport and personal items be returned.

Mr Guzman had initially appeared before the Supreme Court on May 5.

He was granted $20,000 bail with conditions including, one or two sureties or $20,000 cash; and was ordered to visit the Grace Bay Police Station every Wednesday

between 8am -5pm; Guzman was also ordered to surrender his travel documents.

In a brief statement, Head of Crime, Safeguarding, and Public Protection, Superintendent Dean Holden said: “We have clear laws regarding the possession of firearms and ammunition.

Embedded in those laws is the required permission needed when in possession of such.

The laws apply to everyone and will be enforced”.

The matter was investigated by officers of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

Alex Julian Guzman of Wyoming, Michigan- (RTCIPF photo)

Illegal beach cookout likely caused recent wildfire at Half Moon Bay – DECR

A wildfire outbreak on Half Moon Bay sandbar, adjacent to Little Water Cay last Sunday (June 4) is believed to have been caused by visitors lighting fires for beach cookouts, a violation of the National Parks Ordinance.

On Sunday, after reports of the fire outbreak, officers of the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) coordinated with the Turks and Caicos National Trust and the TCI Fire Department to contain the fire, with invaluable aid also rendered by members of the public.

And although ‘team work makes the dream work’ members of the public are once again warned that it is a violation of the National Parks Ordinance to set fires within Protected Areas without a permit from the DECR.

Principally, the DECR does not grant permits for lighting fires in Half Moon Bay or Little Water Cay, due to the high fire risk and sensitive iguana habitat of the cay.

On Wednesday, the DECR provided an update, saying that upon assessment, they estimate that the affected area to be 9396.4 square metres.

The department stated: “Little Water Cay and Half-moon Bay is a popular site for tour guides and watersports operators to make campfires near the Casuarina forest, for beach cookouts.

“This activity is believed to have been the cause of the fire on the sandbar this last weekend. It is extremely dangerous to set fires near Casuarina duff as it isn't always apparent when it's on fire and it can smoulder deeply for days before conditions allow it to generate obvious flame and smoke.”

Although great efforts were made on Sunday resulting in the smouldering embers being contained within the firebreak, thereby posing no further concern - when the DECR team of

Conservation, Beach Patrol and Environmental Officers returned to the sandbar on Monday to monitor the situation, they found that due to shifting wind directions, a few embers may have breached the break, causing the inferno that dominated the afternoon. Again, the DECR coordinated a response plan calling for assistance from volunteers, the National Trust, Public Works Department, and the TCI Fire Department. Efforts continued throughout the afternoon, into the late evening, until the situation was under control.

INVASIVE CASUARINA PINE A FIRE HAZARD

The DECR said fire has threatened the sandbar since the invasion

by Casuarina Pine, further to the recent habitat restoration efforts have resulted in dry wood on the ground which exacerbated the fire.

They said the area has not been ideal rock iguana habitat for several years, but some iguanas were living there as the control of non-native mammals has allowed numbers to increase and their occupancy to spread.

Although the fire itself was not problematic to the ecosystemalthough habitat recovery will have to involve control of Casuarina seedlings which are encouraged by fire and other disturbancesthe fire has consumed the fuel that has been a risk for years, the department said.

“When the sandy ground opens,

iguanas will be able to carry out their natural role as seed dispersers, dropping seeds of over 100 native plant species they consume, and planting them through their digging.

“Habitat and species recovery is a long-term process, and it's often challenging. As the non-native species are carefully controlled, the indigenous wildlife will recover over time, and the functional ecosystem - which hasn't been intact since the introduction of the invasive pine species, cats and rats - will return.”

The department said they along with the National Trust will continue to monitor native species recovery, and invasive species control will continue to take place.

Wheeland gets city water in million-dollar contract

In April this year, the Cabinet had re-approved a contract for the installation of city water lines in the Wheeland, Blue Hills community, and last week those lines were laid.

Elected representative for the Wheeland community, Hon Kyle Knowles reported on the project last week, saying that it “was a promise made and a promise kept to my people”.

Knowles said: “Access to basic infrastructure, such as city water at such a critical time, will definitely improve the lives of our people but most importantly it will open up Wheeland to greater housing and business development opportunities.

“Since coming into office, I have vowed to work hard on behalf of the people of my constituency. Today I'm elated to say that some 6,800 feet of city water lines are being installed on Tom Lightbourne Drive.”

The constituency leader said this is the beginning of the transformational change for the trajectory of the community, thanking the team from the Ministry of Physical Planning and

Development (PPID), the Attorney General’s Chambers and Provo Water Company, for working to help achieve this milestone.

The installation, which began last week, is projected to take weeks, and the lines will run the

entirety of Tom Lightbourne Drive. Knowles stated: “Pumping water into tanks, unless for emergency purposes, should be a thing of the past.”

Asked about the project being

undertaken by his team, Minister of PPID, Hon. Jamell Robinson said the project is projected to cover other areas that are underserved as well.

‘It is a project that was contracted last month covering

water installation in the Wheeland, Millennium Highway, and Long Bay Hills areas.

“Once completed, just under $1.1m would have been spent to give residents in those areas access to city water.” (DELANA ISLES)

Wildfire on Half Moon Bay said bar scorches 9396.4 square metres (photo courtesy DECR)

City water lines being laid in the Wheeland community (photos courtesy Hon. Kyle Knowles)

Water lines along Tom Lightbourne Drive

FortisTCI, Telecoms Commission join govt in ‘Greening Our Schools’

FortisTCI and several other companies have jumped onboard with the government to encourage schools in the Islands to inculcate sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches on campuses.

As part of the utility company’s ‘Energy Week’ hosted last week, Fortis sponsored the launch of the ‘Greening Our Schools’ initiative, a campaign that first kicked off in January.

The launch was hosted on May 30, at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex in Providenciales.

During the event, several public and private sector agencies set up educational booths for the children, with team members giving

demonstrations on how sustainable and environmentally friendly practices can be incorporated.

There was also a panel discussion, where among others, FortisTCI’s Vice President of Innovation, Technology and Strategic Planning, Rachell Roullet, shared her expertise on the topic ‘Green Thinking: Conserving today for tomorrow’.

Among those on display was the Telecommunications commission, which this week officially announced its partnership, stating:

“We are immensely excited to embark on this transformative journey, working hand in hand with schools and communities to

foster a sustainable future.

“Let us collectively make environmental responsibility a cornerstone of education and serve as an inspiration for generations to come. Join us in the 'Greening Our Schools' movement for a greener and brighter future. Together, we can create a lasting positive impact on our planet.”

Explaining their enthusiasm for the venture, the Telecoms commission said the initiative seeks to seamlessly integrate environmental awareness and action into the very essence of school life, with the hope that this sustainable mindset will permeate the surrounding communities and

endure into adulthood.

The initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Education's Curriculum Development Unit and the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources' (DECR) Outreach Unit. It will take off fully in September.

The team from the two departments has been working with primary and high schools around the islands to foster environmental awareness and action by developing resource, energy and environmentally literate citizens through service projects, leadership and activism.

Schools are encouraged

to choose from four themes - Biodiversity, Electricity Conservation, Water Conservation, and Waste Management - and creatively solve the problems faced by the school and their community under the chosen theme.

They are then guided through the initial process and a review will be done at the end of the school year, where they may qualify for 'Green Flag' status upon successful review of their project.

The coveted prize, the 'Green Ribbon', will be awarded to the school with outstanding performance - enhancing sustainability practices among all schools with Green Flag status.

Students of the Providenciales Primary and Middle School getting a demonstration during the launch from a team member of the department of agriculture (Facebook photo)

FortisTCI recently joined the government in its ‘Greening our schools’ initiative, as it launched the campaign at the start of ‘Energy Week’ (photo courtesy FortisTCI)

Telecommunications commission engage school-age children with sustainable displays at the recent ‘Energy Week’ (photo courtesy of Telecoms Commission)

Students of Ianthe Pratt Primary School with the ‘Greening Our Schools’ mascot (Facebook photo)

Regional News

Man behind guns in Haitian president’s assassination sentenced to life in prison

A dual Haitian-Chilean citizen was sentenced to life in prison this week after pleading guilty in a US court in March to three charges involving his role in the 2021 assassination of then-Haitian President Jovenel Moise, prosecutors said.

Rodolphe Jaar was one of 11 defendants in the case, which includes businessmen accused of helping obtain vehicles and firearms from Florida and former Colombian soldiers accused of killing Moise in his bedroom, according to court documents.

Moise’s murder in July 2021 left a gaping political vacuum in the Caribbean nation and emboldened powerful gangs with residents caught in the middle as large portions of the capital and much of the countryside became lawless.

Jaar signed a plea statement in March, which said he provided personnel and funds to kidnap Moise, but the initial plan later turned into a murder plot. Some of the funds were used to buy weapons and pay bribes for the president’s security detail, the statement said.

Jaar was sentenced by Southern District of Florida Judge Jose Martinez.

Jaar met with the co-conspirators the night before the assassination, according to the plea statement, at which time Haitian-American James Solages stated the aim was

to kill Moise.

The court documents added that Jaar also met other defendants, including former Haitian Senator Joseph Joel John, Haitian-American Joseph Vincent, Colombian exmilitary officer German Rivera and Antonio Intriago, the Venezuelan owner of a Miami-based private security firm.

Bahamas and Jamaica announce new tourism partnership

Jamaica and the Bahamas have announced a new partnership aimed at developing a cooperative approach to air travel and the further growth of the region’s tourism industry.

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation for the Bahamas, Chester Cooper as the two countries participate in the annual Caribbean Week celebrations organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).

“Jamaica and the Bahamas have entered into a new era of collaboration in consonance with the new tourism view of competition as the way forward, as opposed to competition,” Bartlett said.

Jamaica has been spearheading

US blocks ex-Haitian PM Lamothe from entering country, citing corruption

Jaar has also been accused of helping a group of Colombians implicated in the case to hide from Haitian authorities, according to a U.S. Department of Justice statement following his arrest last year.

Jaar was detained in the neighbouring Dominican Republic in early 2022. (Reuters)

THE United States blocked former Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe from entering the United States over what Secretary of State Antony Blinken said was his “involvement in significant corruption.”

“This action renders Lamothe generally ineligible for entry into the United States,” the State Department said.

In its statement, the State Department accused Lamothe of misappropriating “at least $60 million from the Haitian government’s

PetroCaribe investment and social welfare fund for private gain.”

Lamothe, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment, resigned in 2014 following weeks of protests calling for him and then-President Michel Martelly to step down.

Citing an unnamed US official, the Miami Herald reported that Lamothe, who has a home in Miami, left the United States late last month and that the State Department issued the travel ban once that had been confirmed.

an initiative of regional cooperation in the marketing of tourism with Kingston piloting the multi-destination strategy of promoting the Caribbean as one destination in which travellers have the option of experiencing two or more destinations on their travels.

“We’re looking at how we can collaborate in the area of air connectivity to begin with. We’re looking at how we can advance the hub and spoke principle and to bring more visitors into our space,” Bartlett said in relations to the alliance with the Bahamas.

Currently, Jamaica is engaged in multi-destination arrangements with Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Panama and there have been discussions with the Cayman Islands to put a similar agreement in place.

Bartlett said giving effect to this initiative will entail standardizing certain protocols such as having a common visa regime and clearance arrangements that will allow for visitors to the Bahamas and

the other destinations to market together and bring more airlines into the region.

The proposed collaboration with the Bahamas also takes into consideration the matter

of training and the resilience building, which, he said, “has generated a big discussion around the establishment of a satellite resilience centre in the Bahamas.”

(Caribbeannationalweekly/CMC)

Rodolphe Jaar was one of 11 defendants in the case

Laurent Lamothe was a rising star in Haitian politics in the early 2010s

The two Caribbean nations are looking to market the Caribbean as one destination

Regional News

Haiti: Earthquake kills three after deadly floods

At least three people have been killed in an earthquake in the Haitian city of Jérémie, just days after floods left at least 42 dead.

The 4.9-magnitude quake struck in the early hours of the morning, the US Geological Survey said.

It came in the wake of torrential rains that have displaced more than 13,000.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry said his government and international partners were taking “urgent measures” to deal with the flooding.

The World Food Programme, an agency of the United Nations, said that it would start providing hot meals to the displaced.

Haitian authorities said the three people who died were crushed when their home collapsed. More than a dozen people have also been injured.

Jérémie is a coastal city in the southwestern Grand’Anse department. Two years ago, the

region was also badly hit by an earthquake which killed more than 2,200 people.

Jérémie is relatively isolated from the rest of the country and transport links have been further disrupted by the rain.

The main road linking Jérémie with the capital Port-au-Prince passes through the city of Léogâne, where three rivers burst their banks in recent days.

Rescue operations are also being hampered by Haiti’s ongoing problem with criminal gangs, which control many areas.

Léogâne resident Phania Cange, whose home was swept away in the floods, told Reuters that her fiveyear-old son died in the flooding.

“I risked losing two (children), but God left the other one hanging in a tree.”

She added: “I lost everything.

It’s good people who give me clothes to wear, I have no one to

Prior to the earthquake, the deadly floods displaced more than 13,000 Haitians

rely on.”

Léogâne Mayor Ernson Henry said that residents in the city were

“desperate”.

“They have lost everything. The waters have ravaged their fields,

washed away their livestock,” he told the AFP news agency. (BBC)

Bahamas: PM reveals 2023 budget with no new taxes

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave”

Davis said the government is arresting the national debt and reducing the deficit, unveiling a budget last week that aims to improve the country’s fiscal performance through better tax collection rather than introducing new taxes.

Mr Davis announced no increase in value-added tax, customs duties, excise duties or real property taxes for the 2023/2024 fiscal year, which begins July 1.

Instead, he said the government would establish a “large taxpayer unit” to improve revenue collections from businesses owing more than $1bn in taxes and implement a special centre to identify irregularities in revenue reporting.

He said staff levels in Family Island revenue collection agencies would be increased, and there would be an updated fee schedule for pleasure craft registration to address chronic revenue underperformance in the marine sector.

Cracking down on people or businesses that fail to pay taxes has been a theme of the Davis administration in 2023.

In April, the Department of Inland Revenue (DIR) made

headlines when it raided two businesses in Harbour Island that collectively owed the government $1.3m in taxes.

“It is noteworthy that, when pressed to do so, a significant number of people readily pay off their arrears,” Mr Davis said yesterday. “This suggests that they weren’t unable to pay their taxes. They simply didn’t do so.”

Mr Davis said $2.1bn in revenue was collected during the first nine months of the 2022/23 fiscal year, a 14.5 per cent increase compared

to the previous year.

“Improved performance in respect of total revenue was supported by a period-over-period increase of $291.3m in tax revenue, which totalled $1.8bn during the period,” he said.

Stamp taxes on financial transactions, VAT on real estate transactions and departure tax collections are areas where the collected revenue surpassed budget forecasts.

Meanwhile, Mr Davis said expenditure increased by $145.3m

for $2.3bn during the first nine months of the fiscal year.

The government is projecting a GFS deficit of $131.1m in the next fiscal year and a surplus of $109.2m in the 2024/2025 fiscal year.

“Compared to the previous year, the deficit to date represents a decrease of $120.1m from the deficit of $336.3m in the same period of the prior year,” Mr Davis said. “The deficit in the previous year accounted for 2.7 per cent of nominal GDP.”

“At the end of March, the primary balance reflected a surplus equating to $175.6m, a striking improvement from the primary deficit of $2.4m in the previous year. The primary surplus experienced in the first nine months of Fiscal Year 2022/23 greatly exceeded the targeted $25m set in the draft estimates of revenue and expenditure, as well as the $4m deficit projected in the 2022 Fiscal Strategy Report.”

“The sizeable surplus signifies that primary government spending, that is public spending excluding interest payments, is less than revenue collection. A continued primary surplus is essential to the target of achieving a balanced budget by Fiscal Year 2024/25, and reducing the burden of central debt over the medium term.”

Mr Davis said at the end of March 2023, the debt stock equalled 83.5 per cent of GDP, whereas it equalled 87.3 per cent of GDP at the end of 2022.

Following his communication, Mr Davis tabled a resolution in the House of Assembly for the government to borrow $45,219,194 to offset budget shortfalls for the remainder of the fiscal year.

(Tribune242)

Prime Minister Philip Davis announced no increase in value-added tax, customs duties, excise duties or real property taxes for the 2023/2024 fiscal year

World News

Canada wildfires: Millions advised to mask up due to intense smoke

Millions of people in North America have been advised to wear N95 masks outdoors due to poor air quality levels sparked by intense wildfires in Canada.

New York will begin distributing free masks on Thursday. Canada has said that people should wear a mask if they are unable to remain indoors.

The smog is expected to spread beyond New York to other East Coast areas.

Officials warn that the dangerously smoky conditions are expected to persist into the weekend.

People in several cities across the US woke up on Thursday to hazardous air quality conditions, including in Philadelphia and other parts of Pennsylvania. Other parts of the US, including large swaths of the Midwest and the South, are also under air quality alerts.

Much of the smoke is coming from Quebec, where 150 fires are burning. It is already Quebec’s worst fire season on record.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said one million masks will be given to residents on Thursday.

“This is a temporary situation. This is not Covid,” she said at a news conference. The governor added that New York City buses and trains have high-quality air

filtration systems that make them safe forms of travel.

Nicha Suaittiyanon, a 30-yearold tourist who was visiting New York City from Thailand, told Agence France Presse the weather was making her eyes itchy and watery. “It smells like someone is doing a barbecue,” she said.

Environment Canada said that conditions were worsening in

Toronto on Thursday, as more smoke pours in.

The agency has recommended that anyone outdoors wear a mask.

“These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke,” the Environment Canada statement said.

In New York, an orange haze

blanketed the city’s skyline and shrouded landmarks including the Statue of Liberty. The air quality in the city was rated the worst out of all major metropolitan areas on Wednesday, according to Swiss air quality company IQAir.

Zoos have brought animals indoors, and in New York, carriage horse rides have been suspended.

Public health officials have

cautioned people not to exercise outside and to minimise their exposure to the smoke as much as possible, as the air poses immediate and long-term health risks.

Canadian officials say the country is shaping up for its worst wildfire season on record.

Experts have pointed to a warmer and drier spring than normal as the reason behind the trend. These conditions are projected to continue throughout the summer.

Fires across Canada have already burned more than 3.8m hectares (9.4m acres) of land - an area 12 times the 10-year average for this time of year.

More than 600 US firefighters have been sent to Canada to assist local officials. French firefighters have also been deployed.

Also on Wednesday, US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a phone call to discuss the current situation.

Climate change increases the risk of the hot, dry weather that is likely to fuel wildfires.

The world has already warmed by about 1.2C since the industrial era began, and temperatures will keep rising unless governments around the world make steep cuts to emissions. (BBC)

Donald Trump told he could face charges over classified documents

DONALD Trump has been told he is a target of a criminal investigation over the potential mishandling of classified files after he left the White House.

A move by federal prosecutors to notify the ex-president of a criminal probe suggests he could soon faces charges.

If that happened, it would be the second indictment of Mr Trump, who is campaigning once again to be president.

Prosecutors have been looking into the transfer of files to Mr Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Florida estate since last year.

The beachside property was searched last August and 11,000 documents were seized, including around 100 marked as classified. Some of these were labelled top secret.

On Wednesday, three sources familiar with the matter told the BBC’s US partner CBS News that Mr Trump had been informed he was being investigated.

Mr Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and has described the investigation as politically

motivated.

When asked by the New York Times if he had been told he is a target of a federal investigation on Wednesday, he said “you have to understand” that he was not in direct touch with prosecutors.

CNN, ABC News, and Politico all reported on Wednesday night that Mr Trump had been notified by letter that he was the subject of a criminal investigation.

All the outlets said the move signalled charges could happen soon, but that it was possible a person would not go on to be charged.

The New York Times cited two people familiar with the matter as saying the notification came from the office of Jack Smith, a former war crimes attorney turned special prosecutor who is considering evidence.

It comes after prosecutors obtained an audio recording of Mr Trump in which he acknowledges keeping a classified document after leaving the White House.

The details of documents that may have been in Mr Trump’s

Donald Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and has described the investigation as politically motivated

possession remain unclear. Classified material usually contains information that officials feel could damage national security if made public.

It is against US law for federal officials, up to and including a president, to remove or retain

classified documents at an unauthorised location.

Grand juries, set up by a prosecutor to determine whether there is enough evidence to pursue a prosecution, are believed to have met in both Miami and Washington to hear evidence.

On Wednesday, the jury in Miami heard evidence from Taylor Budowich, a former aide and spokesman to Mr Trump.

It raises the possibility that any criminal charges could be filed in Florida for procedural reasons, CBS reported.

Earlier this week, members of Mr Trump’s legal team met with investigators at the Department of Justice in Washington.

Mr Trump, who is leading in opinion polls to be the Republican Party’s 2024 candidate for president, has consistently denied wrongdoing and has criticised the justice department’s investigation as “politically motivated” and a “witch-hunt”.

Any indictment over his handling of classified documents would come after Mr Trump became the first former president to be charged with a crime, after he pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records over a hush-money payment to a porn star.

He faces a trial in that case in New York next year. (BBC)

The smoke is affecting a large portion of the US

World News

Ukraine war: Russia says ammonia pipeline blast may end grain deal

Russia has blamed Ukraine for a blast on a key ammonia pipeline and says it may have a “negative” impact on efforts to renew a landmark grain export deal.

Moscow has accused Ukrainian “sabotage” groups for the blast that damaged the Togliatti-Odesa pipeline on Monday.

And the Kremlin says it will not renew last year’s grain export deal with Kyiv unless the pipeline is operational.

But President Volodymyr Zelensky denied the allegations and said the explosion was likely caused by Russian shelling.

Before the war, the 2,500-km (1,530-mile) pipeline - which runs from the Russian city of Togliatti to three Black Sea ports in southern and western Ukraine - exported 2.5 million tonnes of ammonia annually.

But operations on the pipeline ceased after Russian’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

During talks to ensure the export of grain from Ukraine last year, Kyiv and Moscow struck a deal to ensure the safe passage of ammonia through the pipeline, which is a key ingredient in the production of fertiliser.

The landmark deal brokered by the UN and Turkey was initially agreed in June 2022 for 120 days, and has been extended three times since. The current agreement is set

to expire on 17 July.

But speaking to reporters in Moscow, Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said the blast “can only have a negative impact” on talks to renew the deal.

“You know that this topic figured as an integral part of the half of the deal that concerned us, so this is yet another complication in terms of extending the deal.”

Religious US broadcaster Pat Robertson dies at 93

Evangelical Christian leader Pat Robertson, who ran for president as a Republican, has died at the age of 93.

He was one of the driving forces of a movement to increase the influence of the religious right in US politics.

The news was first announced on the Christian Broadcasting Network.

Robertson founded the network in 1960 and helped grow it into a cable media empire.

For decades, Robertson hosted - and gained national prominence through - a talk show on the network called the 700 Club, which combined religious news and political commentary with light entertainment.

He also founded the Christian Coalition, the organisation that grew to be a pivotal player in Republican politics starting in the 1980s.

It provided endorsements and financial and organisational support to candidates who echoed their views on hotbutton social issues like abortion, religious liberty and “traditional” values.

In 1988, Robertson campaigned for the Republican presidential nomination. He finished second in the Iowa Caucuses, behind Kansas Senator Robert Dole, with the the support of the state’s large evangelical community. His campaign faltered after eventual nominee and President George HW Bush won the New Hampshire primary.

Despite the defeat, Robertson’s campaign demonstrated that evangelical Christians were a growing force in Republican politics. The evangelical leader would go on to become a kingmaker in Republican politics for decades thereafter. (BBC)

“We don’t know what kind of destruction there is, we don’t know what the Ukrainian side is going to do next,” Mr Peskov added.

On Wednesday, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said it would take between one and three months to repair the damage caused to the

pipeline, but Industry and Trade minister Denis Manturov said on Thursday that Moscow has no access to the damaged section.

Ukraine has strenuously denied being behind the blast, and insisted that Moscow conducted the attack.

President Zelensky told reporters that the attack had occurred in

a “grey zone” between territory controlled by Ukraine and Russia, and drew a distinction between the explosion and the blast at the Khakovka dam.

“It’s one story when it is the consequences of war. Yes, the Russian Federation is to blame, but those are the consequences of war,” President Zelensky said. “But [in Kakhovka], we understand that this is terrorism. They mined it in advance and did it with their own hands.”

“We see this as a completely different category,” he added.

Elsewhere, Russian prowar bloggers have suggested that a long awaited Ukrainian counteroffensive has begun in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia.

Andrey Rudenko, a correspondent for Russian state television channel Rossiya 24, claimed that Ukrainian tanks had launched attacks on Russian lines in the region and said Russian forces had repelled the attack.

And Vladimir Rogov, the Russian-installed governor of occupied Zaporzhzhia told state TV that he believed there had been an “attempt at a full-scale offensive for three days, even four” in the region

The heat index in Puerto Rico reached as high as 125 degrees Fahrenheit this week, according to the National Weather Service, which says the region will continue facing extreme heat through the weekend.

Monday and Tuesday featured record-breaking weather for the island this time of year, as temperatures officially hit 95 degrees Fahrenheit, reported NBC News. The heat index, however —

which describes how temperatures affect the body and takes into account both heat and humidity — peaked at 125 in the northern town of Donado.

Meteorologists are saying the heightened conditions are a result of a combination of weather, ocean patterns and man-made climate change.

“There’s emerging science indicating that there’s a connection to climate change here — the

heat wave in Puerto Rico right now has been made at least five times more likely to happen due to man-made global warming,” said John Morales, a meteorologist at ClimaData and a hurricane specialist for NBC Miami.

A low-pressure system from Florida and a high-pressure system near Puerto Rico has formed a kind of “heat dome” and is remaining stuck, hovering over the region, according to Morales.

The pipeline runs to the Ukrainian port of Odesa from Togliatti in Russia

Puerto Ricans are becoming more susceptible to heat exhaustion and, in worse cases, heat strokes

Puerto Rico breaks record with 125-degree heat index, causing serious health risks

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

CONTACT: 649-342-9434

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

MASON

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

247-1413

BUTLER

Prepare and service tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Provide guest services, check in and check out, and arrange activities.

CONTACT: 347-3630

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

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

BEACH HELPER

Guides customers from collection point towards the boat and back. Salary: $9 an hour, must be willing to work on weekends.

CONTACT: 231-2029

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $8.00 an hour

CONTACT: 341-1723

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

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

CONTACT: 231-3788

HEAVY DUTY TRUCK DRIVER

Basic Salary: $500 weekly

MASON BLUE HILLS CONSTRUCTION

Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones, perform repairs. $10.00 hourly

Build and install many steel construction materials and steel bars. $10.00 hourly

CONTACT: 332-6740

Blue Hills, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a

CONSTRUCTION LABOURER

Operated cleaning equipment and utilized cleaning materials. Perform post-construction site cleanup.

CONTACT: 346-0002

36801

CUTTING EDGE

LANDSCAPING AND DESIGNS

of Five Cays, Providenciales is seeking to employ a LANDSCAPER

- To operate a boom truck crane to lift, move, position or place equipment and materials

CONTACT: (649) 331-6926

Belongers only. renewal

ISLAND PAINTING TCI of 1125 Leeward Highway, Providenciales is seeking to employ a PAINTER

- To prepare walls & other surfaces before painting.

- To mix and apply paint varnishes, sealants for a lasting finish.

Basic Salary: $500 weekly

CONTACT: (649) 331-6926

Belongers only. renewal

- To build and maintain gardens and other outdoor landscapes.

-To ensure plant growth and cleanliness of outdoor facilities.

Basic Salary: $10 per hour

CONTACT: (649)247-0607

Belongers only. renewal

G&G CONSTRUCTION

of Blue Hills is seeking to employ a CARPENTER

-To structure installation and fixtures, shaping or cutting materials to a specified measurement. .

Basic Salary: $10 hourly

CONTACT: (649)241-1096

Belongers only. renewal

36598

3 KITCHEN HELPERS

CONTACT: 232-2272 EMAIL: BARBARA@NVTCI.COM

CONTACT: 347-0883

ELECTRONIC DIESEL MECHANIC

CONTACT: 341-2773

CLEANER WILSON GIBSON

CLEANER

DOMESTIC WORKER

GARDINER HELPER

Blue Hills

Contact: 232-7124

Soil cultivation, digging, forking, mulching, watering, raking, weeding, edging, pruning, seed sowing, bed preparation and planting.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

Responsibilities of this position include:

SALARY: $1,200.00 per month Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

CONTACT: 243-0137

36809 BELONGERS ARE TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD. RENEWAL

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

ETEK CONTRACTORS

Blue Hills

Contact: 243-5482

Tune-up equipment, run lines for power tools, erect scaffolding, layout tools, pouring of concrete foundation and assist with ongoing construction.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

Salary: $5,000/mo.

Acting in behalf of: EMPIRE BRANDS & COMMUNICATIONS 36742

THIS POSITION IS A RENEWAL. PLEASE EMAIL RESUMES TO WILLIAMSDONTE70@HOTMAIL.COM BELONGER’S ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

IBO Plaza 258 Leeward Highway, Providenciales Is seeking to employ an

$1200.00 Monthly

BELONGERS APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD. RENEWAL

PLEASE SUBMIT AN APPLICATION NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 2023 TO: KORNELL@MISICKSTANBROOK.TC CARETAKER Is seeking to employ a EASYWAY EMPLOYMENT SERVICES 36783

WALKIN

Hours 40-44 hrs. per week

Salary: $12.00 per hour. Must be willing to work Overtime if required. Minimum of 10 Years’ Experience. CONTACT: (649) 231-0088

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD. 1 DRIVER South Dock Road, Providenciales Is seeking to employ an WARD’S CONSULTANCY 36808 CLASS CAR WASH INTERNATIONAL Kischo Leeward Highway, Providenciales Cleaning and Stock and maintain supply rooms. $8.00p/h COYABA RESTAURANT 14 Caribbean Paradise Inn, Grace Bay Tel: 946-5186 Do various manual tasks. $8.00 p/h VILLA DEL MAR Bonaventure Cres, Grace Bay Tel: 649-941-5160 Perform minor fixes such as repairing broken locks, filling gaps on walls etc. $10.00 p/h BELONGERS CAN SEND RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD. RENEWAL CLEANER LABOURER MAINTAINER Acting on behalf of: DE PATRONES BAR AND GRILL CONTACT: 649-346-1125 36849 BELONGERS APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD. RENEWAL Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons. Ensure customers are enjoying their meals and correct any problems. Salary: $8.00 Hourly WAITRESS Behind The Ball Park, Kew Town, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a KECHIE PROVO STEVEDORE 36848 BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL Cleaning yard, dispose of trash, clean windows, etc. $12.00 hourly LABOURER Acting on behalf of South Dock Port, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a CONTACT: 941-8975

C & J CONSULTANCY

DIVERSITY IMPACT BEAUTY SALON

2 NAIL TECHNICIANS

Miracle Cl., Millennium Highway Acting on behalf of makes and repairs steps and plasters.

- $10.00 Hourly

Basic manicures, artificial nails, gel nails, hand massages, nail fills, and nail polishing.

CHARLES BARBER SHOP

BARBER - $8.00 Hourly

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

SNR CONTRACTUAL SERVICES

MASON - $10.00 Hourly

Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/or concrete sidewalks;

CONTACT: 241-5138

PAINTER - $10.00 Hourly

Apply paints, stains, and coatings to interior and exterior walls, new buildings, homes, offices and other structural surfaces.

WILLIAM CONSTRUCTION

PAINTER - $10.00 Hourly

Apply paints, stains, and coatings to interior and exterior walls, new buildings, homes, offices and other structural surfaces.

2 LABOURERS - $8.00 Hourly

Cleaning the property.

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY

THE HELP DESK VARIOUS

MODERN DAY CONSTRUCTION

(241-4108)

9 Moonstone Road, Providenciales

Salaries $9.00 hourly

DRYWALL INSTALLER - Install

drywall, taping, measure etc

PAINTER – painting, mixing paint, remove old paint etc

MASON – plastering, laying blocks etc

J & W CONSTRUCTION LTD

Unit#9 Storage Office Building

Long Bay Road, 231-4519

CONSTRUCTION LABOURERS

$9.00 hourly

Clean construction sites, tools etc

BELONGERS

ISLAND DRILLING LTD.

186 South Dock Road, Providenciales Is seeking for

(3) TRUCK DRIVERS, (2) MECHANICS, (2) CONSTRUCTION FOREMAN, (1) LABOURER

*TRUCK DRIVERS

Starting Salary-$12.00/hr

Duties include support the logistics department with the movement of tools and supplies from the yard to jobsite and materials from the port to storage space.

*MECHANIC

Starting Salary-$12.00/hr

Duties include routine maintenance of the company’s fleet of vehicles.

*CONSTRUCTION FOREMAN

Starting Salary-$15.00/hr

36721

PAINTER $9 hourly – painting, mixing paint, etc

SELVERADO BUILDERS

#9 Walker Lane, Kewtown Providenciales

CABINET MAKER $9.00 hourly

constructing cabinets, repairing furniture etc.

ANDREW GARDINER (244-5638)

Juba Sound, Providenciales

LABOURER $8.00 hourly – clean yard, vehicle etc

OJ CAICOS GLASS (231-6260)

Industrial Business Park, Providenciales

LABOURER - $8.00 hourly clean shop, Load and offload materials etc

Duties include coordinating and supervising grading and paving crews to perform the construction tasks and activities.

*ASPHALT LABOURER

Starting Salary-$12.00/hr

Duties include cleaning and preparing the job site for installation of asphalt, loading and delivering materials.

TO WORK 6 DAYS WEEKLY. SALARY BASED ON EXPERIENCE.

CONTACT: 1-649-244-4007 EMAIL: ISLANDDRILLINGLTD@GMAIL.COM

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY

VACANCIES

BLUE HILLS CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION HELPER

$8-10 hourly

Assist mason, carpenter, etc.

Wilson Cl.

Tel: 649 346 0002

DANIEL ST. FLEUR

LABOURER: $8 hourly

Clean yards, cut trees, wash car, etc.

516 North Side

Tel: 649 242 4617

REAL CLEAN CAR WASH CAR WASHER: $8.00 hourly

Wash cars inside & out, etc.

Handfield street, Blue Hills

Tel: 343 3564

WMW CONSTRUCTION

CARPENTERS: $10-12 hourly

Installing structure as frames & cabinets

354 Bay Rd, Blue Hills

Tel: 345-6297

WILBERT JEANTY

DOMESTIC WORKER

$8.00

36803

CONTACT: 946-4472

EMAIL: GILLEY’SCAFE@TCIWAY.TC

1 DISHWASHER 1 DOMESTIC WORKER

• General cleaning of restaurant before and after opening.

• Remove eatery items from tables after use.

• Keep bathrooms tidy at all times.

• Must be willing to work 6 days per week.

• All other duties assigned by Management.

Salary: $8.00 per hour.

GALMO WILLIAMS

• Keeping the kitchen tidy at all times along with Restaurant area.

• Washing cookery and storing them away in respective places.

• Dispose of garbage in kitchen after cleaning.

• Al other duties assign by management.

Salary $8.00 per hour

CONTACT: INFO@WINECELLAR.TC

• To clean and maintain premises especially gardening.

• Removing all trash and debris inside and outside of premises.

• Secure all surrounding areas during employer absence.

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

KVANAR Ltd

is seeking a

FINISH CARPENTER

For immediate employment

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE NEEDED:

Hold a minimum of 4 years’ experience in the field of finish carpentry – including, but not necessarily limited to, internal doors & frames, baseboards, lumber roof finishes and millwork in general. Some experience in rough carpentry (formwork etc.) would be an asset – but not essential.

Have a concise understanding of all finish carpentry materials and be able to fully interpret, read and understand architectural and shop drawings and have a very high level of finishes experience.

Employee must be fluent in written and oral English. Other written and oral languages would be an asset (in particular French and Spanish). Employees will also need to be computer proficient as many drawings and schedules being used on site will be computer/tablet based not in the form of hard paper drawings.

Able to work under own direction and able to manage subordinates. Employee must be willing to work outside of the normal working hours of operation (weekends and public holidays) as may be reasonably necessary to complete any particular task as may be directed by the employer from time to time.

Salary $15 per hour (subject to overtime and public holiday pay where applicable)

Please email résumé and covering letter to info@kvanar.com and deliver a copy to our main office at the following address: 390 Leeward Highway, Long Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands (Tel 649 333 2210).

Islanders applying for this position are encouraged, in addition to providing a copy of their resume and covering letter to the company, to provide the same to the TCIG Labor Board & Immigration Board for consideration.

This position is currently held by a work permit holder.

PLANT MANAGER

• 2ND in Command to GM, in conjunction with Operations Manager.

• Min 15 yrs experience in industrial & manufacture operations.

• Min 5 yrs Customer Service or Sales experience.

• University degree required.

• Responsible for management of entire facility including; production assessment, software systems & upgrades, building maintenance, repairs & expansion, equipment needs & purchases, truck maintenance, chemical inventory & orders.

• Parts inventory; implement system, manage, order & track online.

• Mechanical knowledge; understand & operate equipment.

• Technical knowledge; accurately discuss requirements with Vendors.

• Computer software proficiency; to operate all computerized equipment.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Exceptional computer skills and experience.

• Must be able to operate independently & responsibly.

• Critical thinking skills and experience required.

• Available to manage various shifts as required, to cover other Managers & Supervisors as needed.

• Must be fluent in English.

• Starting base salary US$120,000

ONLY QUALIFIED APPLICANTS PLEASE. EMAIL CV TO TANYA@PIONEERTCI.COM OR DELIVER TO PIONEER OFFICE. PLEASE FAX/DELIVER COPY TO TCI LABOUR OFFICE: 649-946-4164

COCO BISTRO

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Executive Chef Requirements:

• Proven experience as Executive Chef

• Exceptional proven ability of kitchen management

• Ability in dividing responsibilities and monitoring progress

• Outstanding communication and leadership skills

• Up-to-date with culinary trends and optimized kitchen processes

• Good understanding of useful computer programs (MS Office, restaurant management software, POS)

• Credentials in health and safety training

Salary: $60,000 per year

CONTACT: 946-5369

EMAIL: COCOBISTRO@TCIWAY.TC

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY / RENEWAL

LABOURER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 241-5138

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

ISLAND VARIETY STORE

Blue Hills, Rony residence

345-6813

LABOURER

$8.00 hourly unloading container, assist with transporting goods, assist customers in out of the store with merchandise.

VERNA PAPIN

242-2880

Blue Hills

2 TRADESMAN

$9.00

Laying tile, blocks and doing carpenter work

VENARD ALCIN HANDFIELD

Glass Shack LABOURER

$8.00

Pick up waste, clean and maintain the cleanness of the premises.

EVERGREEN LANDSCAPING

331-7188

Millennium Highway

3 GARDENERS

$8.00 hourly soil cultivation, digging, forking, mulching, watering, raking, weeding, edging, pruning, seed sowing, bed preparation and planting

W & V

CONSTRUCTION

Kew Town

342-9278

LABOURER

$8.00

Pick up waste and maintaining and assist with ongoing construction on the property

CUTTING EDGE

LANDSCAPING & NURSERY

333-2621

Five Cays

LANDSCAPER

$12.00 hourly

Soil cultivation, digging, forking, mulching, watering, raking, weeding, edging, pruning, seed sowing, bed preparation and planting

HANDYMAN

Yard cleaning, tree trimming, debris disposal, shopping assistance and maintaining yard cleanliness at all times Honest, Reliable and willing to work.

$8.00 per hour

CONTACT: 347-6689

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

NANNY

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 231-7125

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

STORE KEEPER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 341-7122

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

CARIBBEAN TECH SOLUTION

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

CONTACT: 333-5032

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 343-7470

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 348-7102

CHURCH

GOD

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

CONTACT: 242-6903

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

DOMESTIC WORKER

Dusting, sweeping, mopping, Windows,bathrooms,cleaning kitchen, living room,

CONTACT: 245-7869

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 242-0275

CONTACT: 341-0323

MINISTER/ EVANGELIST

Preparing weekly sermons preaching and conducting worship services, responsibility to interpret biblical scripture for the congregation provide care and counseling to church members.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

Kew Town, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a CLEAR VIEW WINDOW CLEANERS

Teach children and adolescents the fundamental principles of music and musicianship skills, music theory, basic notation. Salary: $8.00 Hourly.

FIRST TIME, BELONGER WILL BE GIVEN FIRST PREFERENCE.

$350 per week LABOURER

CONTACT: 231-0001

BELONGERS APPLY TO

ROBERTS

DOMESTIC WORKER

Duties: Cleaning outside the property with a sweeper, picking up yard waste and collecting leaves, disposing of trash, cleaning windows, and door frames.

Salary: $8 per hourly GRAND TURK Is seeking to employ a

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED.

Over back, GRAND TURK Is seeking to employ a

ONE LABOURER DOMESTIC WORKER

Salary: $8 per hourly

Duties: Cleaning the house, sheets,launderingtowels and personal clothing, and housework.other

Salary: $8 per hourly

CONTACT: (649) 432-2435 36853

back, GRAND TURK Is seeking to employ a COX & GABRIELLE FISHING CONTACT: 331-5915 36860 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD. RENEWAL Uses equipment like nets, fishing rods, and traps, to catch fish and other marine life. Salary: $450.00 weekly COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN 22 Contention Way, Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a CP APARTMENTS CONTACT: 1-649-346-7174 36885 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD. RENEWAL Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $8.00 Hourly LABOURER 37 Bible Street, Blue Hills, Providenciales, TCI Is seeking to employ a KAREN FAYE FORBES

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED.

$8 per hourly ONE GARDINER DOMESTIC WORKER GRAND TURK Is seeking to employ a D & H CONSTRUCTION 36813 BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters. $9.00 Hourly MASON Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a CONTACT: 341-8493 DAREN HENSON CONTACT: 232-3037 36815 BELONGERS ONLY APPLY Skilled worker that can undertake any job as a helper by profession. Renewal, $15.00 Hourly Cleaning property, pick up yard waste, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. $10.00 Hourly LABOURER TRADESMAN 1 Tower Dr., Long Bay Is seeking to employ a DAVID GEORGE CAMPBELL CONTACT: 232-2717 36877 BELONGERS ONLY APPLY Cleaning property, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. $8.00 hourly Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. $8.00 hourly DOMESTIC WORKER LABOURER Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a DEAN’S WASTE COLLECTION CONTACT: 649-342-4272 36833 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD. RENEWAL Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door frames. Salary: $8.00 hourly LABOURER Chalk Sound Is seeking to employ a DESIGN BUILDERS ASSOCIATION 36901 Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/ or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters. Salary: $9.00 Hourly MASON 204 Grace Bay Road Is seeking to employ a BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD A WORK PERMIT HOLDER CURRENTLY HOLDS THIS POSITION CONTACT: 231-7139

(649) 232-6429 36850 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED. Duties: Cleaning the house, sheets,launderingtowels and personal clothing, and housework.other

Salary:

ANGELICA LIGHTBOURNE-PIERRE

• Removes debris from around the building.

• Takes care of the garden; watering the garden, planting and transplanting of plants.

Lift heavy equipment and tools, clean working area and tools, etc.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-232-2001 36804

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD. RENEWAL

Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-232-3286

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS GAMING CONTROL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission to Conduct Survey on Gaming Habits and Responsible Gaming Practices

The Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission have announced a new survey to investigate the prevalence of gambling addictions and the effectiveness of responsible gaming practices in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This survey is part of a wider initiative to promote responsible gaming and protect individuals and families from the negative consequences associated with problem gambling.

Leonardo Lightbourne, the Responsible Gaming Coordinator from the Commission will lead the survey research. Mr. Lightbourne stated that “The Gaming industry has grown significantly over the past decades in the Turks and Caicos Islands; with proper research and policies, measures can be put in place to protect individuals and families from problem gaming.”

The survey will collect data from a representative sample of the Turks and Caicos Islands population to comprehensively analyze the gambling behavior and attitudes of the locals and tourists. The primary objective of this survey is to investigate the prevalence of gambling addiction in the Turks and Caicos Islands and to identify the effectiveness of responsible gaming practices in mitigating problem gambling.

Click on the link below to complete the survey for a chance to win a $150 Gas Voucher or a $150 IGA Gift Voucher: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/58TCBD9

or more information on the survey or the Responsible Gaming Initiative, please contact the Turks and Caicos Gaming Commission at info@ tcigamingcc.tc or call 649-338-5152.

CONTACT: 348-1931

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. $8.00 hourly

Washes dishes and keeps kitchen area clean. $8.00 hourly

Help with heavy Lifting, loading and unload vehicle/storage. Cleaning up after jobs.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 649-231-2599

BELONGERS ARE TO APPLY TO THE

CONTACT: 348-7456

Ensuring a safe environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing children, administering medicine, doing housework, and disciplining children when necessary. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-342-5118

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

LABOURER DISHWASHER

ECO

CARPENTER

Install structures and fixtures.

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

BELONGERS

BELONGERS

BELONGER

WILL BE GIVEN FIRST PREFERENCE. RENEWAL Operated cleaning equipment

36807

Salary: $350 weekly

BELONGERS ARE

Installs

Salary: $2,500.00 monthly

332B BACK ROAD, BLUE HILLS Is seeking to employ a GOOD DEAL BUILDERS 36753 BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

HARVEST HILL

#10 Woodland Ave., Providenciales Is seeking to employ a HILL VIEW APARTMENTS COMPLEX

Stammers Run, Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a IDEAL CONSTRUCTION

2 CLEANERS

Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc. $8.10 hourly

Salary:

$8.00

Cays Road,

Is seeking to

employ

36752

36759

DOMESTIC WORKER

Salary: $8.00

Hourly

CONTACT: 649-341-3323

36703

Salary: $8.00 hourly

THE

LABOUR BOARD

Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters. Salary: $2,000 monthly

CONTACT: 332-5720/343-9028

ELIZABETH SOTO MEJA

Salary: $8.00 hourly

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

MASON Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a ISLAND BROKERAGE

and

coloring,

36714 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD Shampooing,

LABOURER

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

Millennium Estates, Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a HANDFIELD CONVENIENT STORE 36787

#54 Discovery Bay Road, Glass Shack Is seeking to employ a BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD A WORK PERMIT HOLDER CURRENTLY HOLDS THIS POSITION

Acting on behalf of our clients. Is seeking to employ a ISLAND BROKERAGE

SECURITY OFFICER

OLD/NEW: BELONGERS WILL BE GIVEN FIRST PREFERENCE.

36765

SKIPPINGS

Blue Hills Road Is seeking to employ a

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD. RENEWAL

36710

on behalf of our clients. Is seeking to employ a J.M.A BARBER SHOP

To balance tires, replace tires, patches, and plugs for tires.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

RENEWAL, FIRST TIME, BELONGER WILL BE GIVEN FIRST PREFERENCE.

36763

Salary: $9.00 Hourly

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

BARBER

Cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair, trimming beards, or giving shaves. $9.00 Hourly

CLEANER The Bight Is seeking to employ a

Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc. $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 332-1776

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

HAIR STYLIST

Shampooing, cutting, and styling hair, provide hair treatments, deep conditioning, permanents, coloring, and weaving.

MAINTENANCE WORKER

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

CONTACT: 432-6611

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning

CONTACT: 341-3579

CONTACT: 231-0309

CONTACT: 242-5654

CONTACT:

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 241-3247

CONTACT: 649-245-9452

Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons. Check with customers to ensure that they are enjoying their meals and take action to correct any problems.

Salary:

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

SUNSHINE

Weekly TRUCK

ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL Transport materials and goods among manufacturing, distribution and retail centers. Inspecting vehicles for mechanical issues relating to safe operation, and basic repair work.

36834

Help with dressing, eating, bathing and complete light housekeeping duties. Plan, prepare and monitor meals. Reminds patient of medications.

$8.00 per hour

CONTACT: 242-7532/ SYRMOND_GRAY@HOTMAIL.COM

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

DOMESTIC WORKER

CAREGIVER

Duties: Cut, Trim hair and beards and Give

CONTACT: 431-7116

ONE TRAINEE ASSOCIATE

Applicants are required to have a graduate degree or other qualification that will allow them to commence professional accounting examinations, the costs of which will be borne by GT.

START DATE: SEPTEMBER 2023

Applications can be sent to contact@tc.gt.com

Turks & Caicos Islands no later than July 15, 2023

LABOURER

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 348-1832

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

ICE CREAM MAKER

To maintain their commercial property. Duties will include the following:

• Weeding/Pruning/Tidying gardens and plants/cleaning gutters as required.

• Irrigation of plants, monitor water system usage & check water leveling tanks.

• Check septic tank levels.

Normal working hours are from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm weekdays.

Rate of pay is $2400.00 per month.

DOMESTIC WORKER LABOURER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. $8.00 Hourly

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. $8.00 Hourly

CLEANER

Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc. $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 343-7291 36825

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY

HELLE COLES

FOR A PRIVATE FAMILY VILLA IN PROVIDENCIALES operated by Helle Coles. Experienced Live in Domestic Worker/Housekeeper needed for busy household.

Salary is $8.00 per hour. Required to work six days a week.

All suitably qualified TC Islanders are requested to submit resumes/

CONTACT: 346-0002 36881

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

DOMESTIC WORKER/HOUSEKEEPER REQUIRED

portfolios to PO Box 560, Regent House West,

Prospective TC Islander applicants are also free to lodge a copy of their applications to the Employment Services Department.

CONTACT: 242-8981

Performing general housework and taking care of a small child. Must work 5 days a week.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 341-5407/242-3910

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD. RENEWAL

SALES

ATTENDANT

hourly

Selling products and providing customer service. Greet customers and guide them in finding products. Maintain store outlook by cleaning and restocking shelves. Must be honest and reliable.

Salary: $8.50 hourly

and supplying facility areas, dusting, sweeping, mopping etc.

Maintain mechanical equipment, buildings, and machines. Tasks include plumbing work, painting, flooring repair, electrical repairs, and air conditioning system. $8.00

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY

Back Road, Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a

Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and

36712 BELONGERS ARE

collect

ENCOURAGED

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD. RENEWAL

LABOURER

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

LABOUR BOARD. RENEWAL

36895

cultivation, digging, and forking, mulching, watering, raking, weeding, edging, pruning, seed sowing, bed preparation and planting.

Salary:

Residence Yard, Five Cays Is seeking to employ a CONTACT:

MASON Blue Hills, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a BLUE WATER RESORT MANAGEMENT 36896 Performing a variety of cleaning activities such as sweeping, mopping, dusting and polishing. Ensuring all rooms

Aviation Drive #15, Unit 5 Is seeking to employ a LAS BRISAS RESTAURANT & BAR

SUPERVISOR

Plans, monitors, and appraises job results. Conducts training. Implements and enforces systems, policies, and procedures.

Must be able to speak English, French, Creole, and Spanish.

Salary: $8.50 Hourly

To drive disposable trucks and collect trash. To drive to a waste yard or dumpster.

$8.00 hourly

BELONGERS ARE

ENCOURAGED

36898

36991 RENEWAL, WORK PERMIT HOLDER. BELONGERS WILL BE GIVEN FIRST PREFERENCE. Clean dishes, kitchen, food preparation equipment, or utensils. Wash dishes, glassware, andflatware. SALARY: 8.00 per hour DISHWASHER Chalk Sound, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a MARIE MILL WORK CONTACT: 344-3710 36920 BELONGERS ONLY APPLY Trimming wooden structures and ornaments and complete final details. Installing windows and doors, finishing rough edges, and making adjustments. $9.00 Hourly Apply paints, stains, and coatings to interior and exterior walls, and other surfaces. $9.00 Hourly PAINTER FINISH WOOD CARPENTER South Dock, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a MR. GROUPER’S RESTAURANT 36888 BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL Setting up workstations. Preparing ingredients, chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc. Cooking food in various utensils or grillers. Salary: $8.00 Hourly CHEF Lower Bight Road, Provo Is seeking to employ a CONTACT: 649-241-5563 NORTH POLE AIR CONDITION SERVICES CONTACT: 649-232-2304 36916 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD Repair refrigerators and replace parts.Salary: $10.00 hourly REFRIGERATION TECHNICIAN Cheshire Hall, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a PIERRE PETIT-BLANC CONTACT: 649-242-7629 36921 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD. RENEWAL Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door frames. Salary: $8.00 hourly LABOURER South Dock Rd. Is seeking to employ a ROBERT’S AGENCY ARTHUR ROBINSON NICOLA ROBERTS 36893 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL $9.00 hourly Pickup and delivery. $9.00 hourly Clean yard, water plants, cut grass. DRIVER LABOURER Acting on behalf of 1149 Leeward Highway T: 941-5195 Palm Circle, Leeward Palms T: 241-2043

TRIPOINT CONSTRUCTION

Juba Sound

Contact: # 649-246-6927

Perform general labourer duties around the job sites. Assist mason with laying blocks and mixing cement.

Basic Salary: $8.00 hourly

LABOURER CLEANER

BLUE LADDER

Blue Hills

Contact: # 243-1294

Perform basic cleaning duties. Cleaning both exterior and interior surfaces.

TRIPOINT CONSTRUCTION

Juba Sound

Contact: # 649-246-6927

Perform all cleaning duties around office. Clean both interior and exterior surfaces.

DOMESTIC WORKER LABOURER

OVANDO CONSTRUCTION

Kew Town

Contact: # 331-9354

Perform general labourer duties around the job sites. Assist mason with laying blocks.

NOTICE

REGULATION 8 OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING (DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION) REGULATIONS, 2018

An Application, REGISTERED PR 16739, by Romanza on Grace Bay Ltd for A TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT. The proposed townhouse development contemplates thirty-two (32) four-bedroom standard units, swimming pools, poolside bar, restaurant, reception/ gym building, staff building, tennis and sport court, garbage enclosure, boardwalk and gate house. The townhouse units are proposed 3-4 storeys typologies, has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on Block & Parcels 60900/258 which is 4.89 acres of land located at Leeward Going Through (Grace Bay), Providenciales.

Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Emily House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, within twenty-eight (28) days of publication of this Notice. You may also make representation(s) via video conferencing at the sitting of the Physical Planning Board when this application would be considered. If you are desirous so to do via video conferencing, contact the Secretary of Physical Planning Board.

Dated June 1, 2023

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

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.

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

TWO GENERAL WORKERS, (UNSKILLED)

to carry out daily activities associated with tours provided to mainly cruise ship guests, at the beach and other locations.

ONE GENTLE ORGANIZER

to assist the Operations Manager, with the preparation and executing of customer service activities for all cruise ship guests. All candidates must be honest, hardworking, customer focused and speaks English. They will be responsible for the daily tour operations, where Safety is First! and will also be required to keep accurate records of Guests information and inventory. They must be willing to carry out any other duties deemed necessary by management.

HOURS OF OPERATION-

Primarily Cruise Ship schedule and others tasks assigned by management. General Workers - starting salary is $1,200.00 and General Organizerstarting salary is $1,500.00.

OFFICE ESSENTIALS PLUS ONE STORE CLERK

to manage and properly record all daily transactions, to prove excellent customer service to all customers. To keep record of inventory as directed by management. They must be willing to carry out any other duties deemed necessary by management. Starting salary is $1,500.00.

JULINE HIGGS

ONE DOMESTIC

WORKER

to care for basic household chores, without supervision. Payment is at $8.00 hourly.

PAPA J TOURS

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD.

BUTTERFIELD GOLD GROUP OF COMPANIES POSITIONS AVAILABLE

GOLD BROKERAGE & DHL COURIER SERVICES

Two (2) Customer Service Rep

Customer Service Representative

• Answering the phone

• Code Packages

• Opening & Closing flights

• Prepare daily deposits

• CALMS Report

• The applicant must be a team player with excellent people skills.

• Must be able to multitask in a very busy office

• In addition to performing the essential functions, employees may be required to perform different supportive functions, which the supervisor will determine.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

One (1) Invoicing Clerk

• Liaise with customers (Receive and dispense packages, answer queries, and respond to complaints)

• Generate customer invoices for inbound dutiable items

• Assist with the clearing and checking of the manifest for DHL

• Process Customs Entries

• Facilitate the proper and efficient running of the office frontend

• Answer phone calls and emails

• Process packages-inbound & outbound

• Track packages

• Input data shipments

• Closeout the daily sales transactions

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

BUTTERFIELD GOLD

One (1) Receptionist/Account Clerk

We are looking for an experienced Receptionist with abilities that is variable for the proper function of the company

THE ACCOUNTS CLERK DUTIES

• Accept and issue receipts for Received on Account [ROA] payments for ALL companies

• Post ROA payments to Customer Accounts in respective QuickBooks [QB]; apply the payment to invoices as advised by customers;

• Post and reconcile daily reports.

• Post and reconcile daily reports

• Post ROA for Daily reports

• Post DHL Daily Billing Batch

• Split and reconcile invoices/reports

• Prepare end-of-day deposits for all payments received and Daily Reports reconciled.

• Prepare Night Bag Deposit, and record for Security to sign on collection

• Prepare vendor cheques for all companies as instructed by management.

• File cheque stubs for all companies

• Prepare forms for wire transfers and international drafts.

THE RECEPTIONIST DUTIES

• The applicant will be answering incoming calls to be direct where appropriate.

• Greet, meet, and attend to customers or direct to staff where appropriate

• Manage Petty Cash; reconciliation to replenish float,

• Distribution of signed cheques for the group. Contact vendors/payees to collect or arrange to have it delivered, where appropriate

• Issue Purchase Orders & Receipt books to Inter Companies

• Arrange the printing of Purchase Orders & Invoice books locally

• Liaise with Office Manager and check night deposit bags in inventory Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

One (1) Assistant to Human Resources/Accounts Clerk

• Process Imprest fortnightly payroll

• Prepare and submit monthly NHIB & NIB reports for Imprest payroll

• Complete and submit Work Permit Applications and renewals for nonmanagerial staff

• Follow up with Immigration on work permit applications & collect approvals/ cards

• Update non-managerial employee files and records

• send out a notice for work permit renewals monthly

• Assist staff with completing forms for work permits, work permit renewal, NIB/NHIP, etc.

• Prepare employment confirmation letters for banks and other institutions as requested by non-managerial staff for the manager’s signature

• File Imprest account cheque stubs

• When processing monthly payments, reconcile Imprest Payroll for NHIP and NIB accounts.

• Reconcile Imprest General Ledger Accounts.

• Reconcile Bank Statement for Island Pride Management Imprest payroll account

• Assist with preparation of new NHIP and NIB registrations

• Assist with preparation of payroll cheques by company and deposit to the respective Payroll bank account.

• Collect cheques for ALL companies from the bank

DUTIES: ACCOUNTS CLERK

• Recheck Payments/Received on Accounts for all Received on Account payments; Reconcile and Post Bank Deposits Daily.

• Prepare monthly Fuel statement for Fortis TCI Ltd., as at 25th monthly

• Prepare monthly statements for Gold Fuel Services Ltd.; verify copies of invoices to statement.

• Prepare monthly statements for Gold Brokerage & Courier Services Ltd.

• prepare monthly statements for all active accounts for gold fuel services and gold brokerage accounts via email

• accounts receivables for gold brokerage and gold fuel

DUTIES: OTHER

• Collect mail once weekly from Company Post Box 32

• Share support for Front Desk when designated staff is not at work

• Any other duties assigned by management for the efficient functioning of the Butterfield Gold Group of Companies.

• Please note duties are subject to change

Only Belongers apply for these positions. Application forms are available from Butterfield Gold Human Resource Department. Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified.

We urgently need to fill the above positions; please submit your application to the Butterfield Gold Corporate Office and state what position you are applying for, and address your application to the following address:

MA’AUTHENTIC RESTAURANT

DOMESTIC WORKER

DOMESTIC WORKER

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

FARMER

Applicant must be honest, reliable, and willing to work.

Serving of all guest at the bar and restaurant, and keeping the tables clean.

Must speak English and Creole.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 242-1197

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

SITE

Troubleshoot

649-343-2627

MANAGER

Cleaning, tractor driving, general handiwork, tending to livestock, ploughing, planting and harvesting crops. $8.00 hourly

Cleaning, laundering sheets, towels and other housework. $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 246-7345

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE

Prince Harry is taking legal action to stop hate towards him and Meghan

THE Duke of Sussex has told a court he is suing the publisher of the Daily Mirror to stop “absolute intrusion and hate” towards him and his wife.

Prince Harry was giving evidence against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) over illegal newsgathering claims, including phone hacking.

He was choked-up as he finished giving evidence for a second day, and said it had been “a lot”.

MGN denies it used illegal methods to gather stories about the prince.

At London’s High Court, the prince explained he started discussions about possible legal action after a chance-meeting in France in 2018 with David Sherborne, now his barrister.

The prince said before then he had no concerns over any particular newspaper stories due to unlawful activity because it “was all contained in the Palace”.

When asked about his discussions with lawyers after that chance meeting with Mr Sherborne, Prince Harry said he had wanted to put a stop to the “absolute intrusion and hate that was coming towards” him and the Duchess of Sussex.

He said he also wanted to “see if there was any way to find a different course of action, rather than relying on the Institution’s way”.

But in cross-examination, Andrew Green KC, the lawyer

representing the publisher of the Mirror, Sunday Mirror and The People, suggested Harry had not found a single story that came from phone hacking.

Harry replied “there is hard evidence to suggest an incredible amount of suspiciousness” over how stories were sourced and he believed burner phones were used “extensively”, referring to phones that can be disposed of so no records are kept.

Prince Harry alleges about 140 articles published between 1996 and 2010 - from his childhood into early adulthood - contained information gathered using unlawful methods, with a sample of 33 stories written about him being considered by the civil court.

Many of the stories the prince claimed were obtained illegally concerned his relationship with his ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy.

In a 2006 Sunday People article Ms Davy was said to have been “screaming for half an hour” at him on the phone and “blew her top” over his visit to a Spearmint Rhino lap dancing club in Berkshire.

Asked where he thought the information on her screaming had come from, the prince said: “At this point, knowing that my girlfriend’s number was bizarrely in the hands of Mirror journalists, that they probably looked through her call data and saw missed calls, late calls… and managed to put

together a story based on that.”

“It was very suspicious that they had her number,” he added, and he did not believe she would have given the Mirror Group or any journalists her phone number.

The prince told the court he once found a tracking device on Ms Davy’s car at a time when the press were reporting on what was described as a “make-or-break” holiday for the couple.

He also highlighted another article in The People in 2007 which reported a “Palace source” saying the couple had been having “monumental” rows and their relationship was “in crisis after a string of bitter bust-ups”. Again he said it was “incredibly suspicious” as he had never discussed his relationship with the Palace.

Mr Green responded by saying we are in the “land of total speculation about where this information might have come from”.

The couple broke up in 2010 after a six-year on-off relationship. She attended the prince’s wedding to Meghan in Windsor in 2018.

The prince was also asked about The People publishing photographs

of the prince, a friend Mark Dyer and the late TV presenter Caroline Flack meeting up.

At the time he suspected one of his friends had leaked the details after they were confronted by photographers. In turn this led him and his brother William to stop talking to Mr Dyer for some time afterwards.

However he said: “I now believe the information came from our voicemails… Even those I trusted the most, I ended up doubting.”

Asked how he would react if the court concluded that he had never been hacked by any MGN journalist, Harry said that he had been hacked on an “industrial scale” and he would “feel some injustice” if he did not win the trial.

After Prince Harry’s evidence concluded, he stayed to see the Daily Mirror’s former royal correspondent Jane Kerr give her evidence.

She had been a royal reporter for the newspaper and later royal correspondent for a decade up to 2007 and wrote a number of the articles under scrutiny in the case.

In her written witness statement,

she denied voicemail hacking or using private investigators to carry out unlawful information gathering.

Asked about her use of private investigators, Ms Kerr told the court she had “no reason to believe” details for stories had been obtained unlawfully.

“These were people who were well known to the news desk, I did not think there was anything wrong with using them,” she said.

Three other people are also bringing claims against MGN in this case - Coronation Street actors Michael Turner, known professionally as Michael Le Vell, and Nikki Sanderson, as well as Fiona Wightman, the ex-wife of comedian Paul Whitehouse.

The claimants allege unlawful methods were used to obtain information for stories and say senior executives must have known about it and failed to stop it, which MGN denies.

The publisher has either denied or not admitted each of the claims. MGN also argues that some of the claimants have brought their legal action too late. (BBC)

Shannen Doherty reveals stage 4 cancer has spread to her brain

Shannen Doherty, star of “90210” and “Charmed,” has shared a health update regarding her yearslong battle with breast cancer — just weeks after announcing her divorce from her husband of 11 years.

The 52-year-old actress revealed on Instagram Tuesday that her stage 4 cancer has spread to her brain.

“On January 5th, my CT scan showed [metastasis] in my brain,” she captioned a video of her crying while placed under a radiation machine. “January 12, the first round of radiation took place.”

“My fear is obvious,” Doherty continued. “I am extremely claustrophobic and there was a lot going on in my life [at the time the

video was taken]. I am fortunate as I have great doctors ... But that fear…. The turmoil….. The timing of it all…. This is what cancer can look like.”

The latest post followed a video from Monday in which Doherty shared the process of getting fitted for a mask that’s worn during radiation to the brain.

The actress was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and went into remission two years later. However, Doherty disclosed in February 2020 that her breast cancer had returned.

“I’m stage 4,” Doherty revealed on “Good Morning America” at the time. “So my cancer came back, and that’s why I’m here.”

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle

announcement, Shannen Doherty reveals cancer has spread to her brain

Sia has revealed that she has autism.

The singer and songwriter shared the information in an episode of the “Rob Has a Podcast,” which featured Carolyn Wiger, a former contestant on the reality competition “Survivor.”

“I’m on the spectrum, and I’m in recovery and whatever,” Sia said. “There’s a lot of things.”

During the podcast, Sia hailed Wiger, a drug counsellor, and announced that she would be giving the former contestant $100,000 to help her and her son.

Wiger expressed her gratitude and commended Sia for being so open.

“Being in recovery and also knowing about which kind of neurologicality you might have, or might not have, well, I think one of

the greatest things is that nobody can ever know you and love you when you’re filled with secrets and … living in shame,” Sia responded.

She had previously disclosed that she had sought treatment for substance abuse.

“When we finally sit in a room full of strangers and tell them our deepest darkest most shameful secrets and everybody laughs along with us, and we don’t feel like pieces of trash for the first time, we feel seen for the first time in our lives for who we actually are and then we can start going out into the world as operators just operating as humans,” the singer continued.

Sia, 47, seemed to imply that she relatively recently became aware that she is on the spectrum

“For 45 years, I was like … ‘I’ve got to go put my human suit

on,’” she said. “And only in the last two years have I become fully, fully myself.”

Autism spectrum disorder may affect how people interact with others, behave, communicate and learn, according to the National Institutes of Health.

In 2021, Sia faced backlash for casting her longtime collaborator, dancer and actress Maddie Ziegler, who is neurotypical, as a character with autism in the movie, “Music.”

“I realised it wasn’t ableism, I mean it is ableism I guess as well, but it’s actually nepotism because I can’t do a project without her,” Sia said at the time. “I don’t want to. I wouldn’t make art if it didn’t include her.”

CNN has reached out to representatives for Sia for additional comment. (CNN)

WAYNE Brady is ready to bring some Broadway magic to “The Wiz.”

The actor-singer will star in the title role when the Tony-winning musical returns to New York City next spring, producers announced Wednesday.

The limited Broadway engagement will follow a national tour beginning this September in Baltimore with Alan Mingo Jr. in the role of The Wiz. Mingo will also play the character during stops in Chicago, San Diego, Atlanta and Washington, D.C., among others.

Brady, meanwhile, will play The Wiz in San Francisco from Jan. 16 to Feb. 11, and in Los Angeles from Feb. 13 to March 3, before the revival arrives on Broadway.

“The Wiz” opened in Baltimore in October 1974 with Stephanie Mills as Dorothy. It debuted on Broadway the following January. Led by an all-Black cast, the

musical was a revelation for how it featured modern culture through its adaptation of the decades-old “Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The original Broadway show received seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and spawned a 1978 film starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. “The Wiz” last appeared on Broadway briefly in 1984.

Directed by Schele Williams, the upcoming revival is billed as an “all-new 21st-century” production that mixes ballet, jazz and modern pop.

“I wouldn’t be on Broadway if it wasn’t for ‘The Wiz’… the music, the costumes, the choreography and Stephanie Mills!” Williams said in December when the revival was announced. “Seeing that show changed my life. It is, in every way, a celebration of Black excellence. I am honored to helm this production and I can’t think of a better time to tell this story.”

Tom Holland learned about the value of prioritising his mental health after producing and starring in his upcoming AppleTV+ miniseries “The Crowded Room.”

That’s part of what has led to the “Spider-Man” star taking a break from acting to simply be a “regular bloke from Kingston and just relax,” he told Extra in an interview published on Tuesday.

With heavy subject matter related to mental health, making “The Crowded Room” was “a tough time,” Holland said, because he was “exploring certain emotions that I have definitely never experienced before.”

Inspired by Daniel Keyes’ 1981 novel “The Minds of Billy

Milligan,” the miniseries follows a young man’s arrest for a shocking crime and the “unlikely investigator” who solves the mystery behind it, according to a synopsis.

And while Holland said he “really enjoyed” making the series, he added that ultimately “the show did break me.”

“There did come a time where I was like, I need to have a break. I disappeared, I went to Mexico for a week and had some time on a beach and laid low, and I’m now taking a year off and that is a result of how difficult this show was,” he said.

Thanks to his friends, family, castmates and an on-set psychologist, Holland said that

he felt supported throughout the entire process. He even said the experience changed him for the better, and that he feels like he’s “grown up” a lot.

Holland also told EW in May that his experience on set led to his decision to take a break from drinking.

On his break from acting, Holland told Extra this week that he’s been spending his time traveling, seeing family and friends and playing golf. He’s even invested time into “buying plants and doing my best to keep them alive.”

“The Crowded Room” will be available to stream on AppleTV+ on June 9. (CNN)

Tom Holland said that he wants to take a break from acting to simply be a “regular bloke”

Holland says he’s on a break from acting after ‘difficult’ experience filming ‘The Crowded Room’

Sia is a 47-year-old singer/songwriter

Sia reveals she is on the autism spectrum

The actor-singer will star in the title role when the Tonywinning musical returns to New York City next spring

HENRICO WILSON

LABOURER

Perform basic labour duties.

Cleaned up site Assist with setting up portable loos on sites.

Basic Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: (649) 231-2366

2 FISHERMEN

Maintain and clean fishing vessel. Catch fish using fishing equipment provided.

Salary: $8.00 per hour

CONTACT: 333-4580

CONTACT: (649) 243-2491

CLEANER SUPERVISOR

Maintain mechanical equipment, buildings, and machines. Plumbing work, painting, flooring repair, electrical repairs, etc.

CONTACT: 342-4656

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY

CONTACT: 331-9854

SECURITY OFFICER

Secures premises and personnel by patrolling property; monitoring surveillance equipment; inspecting buildings, equipment, and access points; permitting entry. Obtains help by sounding alarms.

CONTACT: 649-231-0047

EMAIL: ELITESECURITY@TCIWAY.TC

CLEANER

Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc. $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 347-7139

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

LABOURER

Ordering of cleaning material, ensuring that all cleaning operatives are effectively trained and that their workload is manageable. Salary: $10.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-347-2073

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

Salary: $8.00

CONTACT: (649) 331-1969

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 343-0643

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

LABOURER

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

CONTACT: 343-9814

BELONGERS APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door frames. Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 649-343-7291

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

KITCHEN HELPER

CONTACT: 332-6174

MARIE R. BEEN

BABYSITTER

To carry out and assist with all babysitting duties such as caring for my little daughter during my absence when I am at work; and off and on minor house chores.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

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BABYSITTER

Ensuring a safe environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing children, administering medicine, doing housework, and disciplining children when necessary. Salary: $8.00

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DOMESTIC WORKER

Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 342-4436

ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. Salary: $8.00 per hour

CONTACT: 348-1774

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

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

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

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Science & Technology

James Webb telescope: Icy moon Enceladus spews massive water plume

Astronomers have detected a huge plume of water vapour spurting out into space from Enceladus, an icy moon of Saturn.

The 504km-wide (313 miles) moon is well known for its geysers, but this is a particularly big one.

The water stream spans some 9,600km - a distance equivalent to that of flying from the UK to Japan.

Scientists are fascinated by Enceladus because its sub-surface salty ocean - the source of the water - could hold the basic conditions to support life.

Nasa’s Cassini mission (20042017) gathered tantalising evidence of the necessary chemistry by regularly flying through the geysers and sampling the water with its instruments - although it made no direct detection of biology.

The new super-plume was spied by the James Webb Space Telescope. Previous observations had tracked vapour emissions

extending for hundreds of kilometres, but this geyser is on a different scale.

The European Space Agency (Esa) calculated the rate at which the water was gushing out at about 300 litres per second. This would be sufficient to fill an Olympicsized swimming pool in just a few hours, Esa said.

Webb was able to map the plume’s properties using its extremely sensitive NearInfrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) instrument.

The instrument showed how much of the ejected vapour (about 30%) feeds a fuzzy torus of water co-located with one of Saturn’s famous rings - its so-called E-ring.

“The temperature on the surface of Enceladus is minus 200 degrees Celsius. It’s freezing cold,” commented Prof Catherine Heymans, Astronomer Royal for Scotland.

“But at the core of the moon, we

think it’s hot enough to heat up this water. And that’s what’s causing these plumes to come out.

“We know deep in our own ocean on planet Earth, in these sort of conditions, life can survive. So that’s why we’re excited to see these big plumes at Enceladus. They will help us understand a bit more about what’s going on, and how likely it is that life could exist, but it’s not going to be life like you and me - it would be deep-sea bacteria,” she told the BBC.

Scientists have proposed a Nasa mission called the Enceladus Orbilander that would try to resolve the open question about life.

As the name suggests, this mission would both orbit the moon to sample the geysers like Cassini did - but with more advanced technology - and then land to sample materials on the surface. If ever approved, the Orbilander would not fly for several decades because of other priorities.

In the meantime, Nasa and Esa have probes heading to the icecovered moons of Jupiter. These bodies also contain oceans of water at depth and could actually be better candidates in the search for extra-terrestrial life because they’re much larger in size.

It’s not known, for example,

how long little Enceladus has held water in the all important liquid state to support biology; the moon may have been frozen solid for a substantial portion of the history of the Solar System, denting its life credentials.

In contrast, Jupiter’s bulkier moons, such as Europa (3,121km in diameter) and Ganymede (5,268km) have probably had the heat energy to maintain water in the liquid state over a much greater period of time.

A detailed write-up of the Webb observations of Enceladus will appear shortly in the journal Nature Astronomy. (BBC)

Multi-cancer blood test shows real promise in NHS study

A blood test for more than 50 types of cancer has shown real promise in a major NHS trial, researchers say.

The test correctly revealed two out of every three cancers among 5,000 people who had visited their GP with suspected symptoms, in England or Wales.

In 85% of those positive cases, it also pinpointed the original site of cancer.

The Galleri test looks for distinct changes in bits of genetic code that leak from different cancers. Spotting treatable cancer early can save lives.

The test remains very much a “work in progress”, the researchers, from Oxford University, say, but could increase the number of cancers identified.

Often, patients have symptoms, such as weight loss, with a range of possible causes and require multiple tests and hospital visits.

More than 350 of those in the study - the biggest of its kind in patients with suspected cancer symptomswere subsequently diagnosed with cancer, using traditional methods such as scans and biopsies. About: 75% of those testing positive

those testing negative were found to have cancer Although not accurate enough to “rule in or rule out cancer”, the test was really useful for patients lead researcher Prof Mark Middleton told BBC News.

“The test was 85% accurate

in detecting the source of the cancer - and that can be really helpful because so many times it is not immediately obvious when you have got the patient in front of you what test is needed to see whether their symptoms are down to cancer,” he said.

“With that prediction from the test, we can decide whether to

order a scope or a scan and make sure we are giving the right test the first time.”

The findings will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference, in Chicago.

‘MORE RESEARCH’

The NHS has also been using the Galleri test, developed by

Californian company Grail, in thousands of people without symptoms, to see if it can detect hidden cancers.

Initial results are expected next year - and, if successful, the NHS in England plans to extend the rollout to a further one million people in 2024 and 2025.

The test is particularly good at finding hard-to-spot cancers such as head and neck, bowel, lung, pancreatic, and throat cancers.

Dr David Crosby, from Cancer Research UK, said: “The findings from the study suggest this test could be used to support GPs to make clinical assessments - but much more research is needed, in a larger trial, to see if it could improve GP assessment and ultimately patient outcomes.”

NHS national director for cancer

Prof Peter Johnson said: “This study is the first step in testing a new way to identify cancer as quickly as possible, being pioneered by the NHS - earlier detection of cancer is vital and this test could help us to catch more cancers at an earlier stage and help save thousands of lives.” (BBC)

The water stream spans some 9,600km - a distance equivalent to that of flying from the UK to Japan

test correctly revealed two out of every three cancers among 5,000 people

Science & Technology

Study shows nut consumption boosts memory and brain health in seniors

A recent study published in Clinical Nutrition evaluated the long-term effects of the consumption of different nuts on brain vascular function and cognitive performance.

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF NUTS

Nutritional interventions are effective approaches to reduce the burden of or prevent age-related conditions, including cognitive decline and cardiovascular disease. To this end, previous studies suggest that nut consumption is protective against cognitive impairment.

Studies that include nuts in the Mediterranean diet have also reported cognitive benefits in older adults. Likewise, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the benefits of nuts on impaired vascular function; however, there is limited evidence for the effects of nut consumption on central arteries near the brain.

ABOUT THE STUDY

In the present study, researchers evaluate the effects of long-term consumption of mixed nuts on brain vascular function in older individuals. Eligible participants were healthy males and postmenopausal females between 60 and 70 years of age, with stable body weight and body mass index (BMI) between 25 kg/m2 to 35 kg/m2. Subjects were excluded if they had nut intolerance or allergy, conditions interfering with study outcomes, or contraindications for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The current study was a single-blinded RCT with a cross-

Longer-term mixed nut consumption improves brain vascular function and memory: a randomised, controlled crossover trial in older adults

over design, including 16-week intervention and control periods and an eight-week washout period in between. During the intervention period, participants consumed 60 grams of mixed nuts, including cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, and pistachios, daily.

Participants were instructed to adhere to Dutch food-based dietary guidelines and not consume products rich in n3poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Peripheral and brain vascular function and cognitive performance were assessed at the end of each period. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was quantified using pseudo-continuous arterial spin labelling MRI.

Cognitive performance was

examined using the Cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery. Additionally, effects on retinal microvasculature, arterial stiffness, and endothelial function were investigated. Differences between intervention and control periods were assessed using linear mixed models.

STUDY FINDINGS

Twenty-eight individuals were included in the current study, with both sexes represented equally.

The average age of the participants was 64.6, with an average BMI of 27.9 kg/m2.

The mixed-nut intervention was well-tolerated, and no protocol deviations or serious adverse events were reported. The

intervention resulted in a decrease in cholesterol and carbohydrate intake and an increase in fiber intake as compared to control.

Total fat intake was higher after mixed nut intervention, with a lower intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and a higher intake of cis-monounsaturated fatty acids (cis-MUFAs), alpha-linolenic acid, linolenic acid, and cis-PUFA. SFAs were 0.9 percentage points lower after the intervention, primarily due to decreased palmitic acid.

Total PUFAs were 1.3 percentage points higher, whereas total MUFAs remained unchanged with the intervention. There were no significant differences between intervention and control periods in terms of whole-brain, cortical,

sub-cortical, or grey matter CBF. However, the cluster-wise analysis indicated a significantly higher regional CBF across three clusters.

CBF increased in cluster one by 5 ml/100 g/min. The mean probability of its location was in the right superior parietal lobe, lateral occipital cortex, and superior frontal, precentral, postcentral, and middle frontal gyri. CBF increased in clusters two and three by 5.4 ml/100 g/min and 5.6 ml/100 g/ min, respectively.

The mean probability of the location of cluster two was the left precentral, middle frontal, superior frontal, and postcentral gyri. The average probability of the location of cluster three was bilateral in the frontal medial cortex, frontal pole, and cingulate and paracingulate gyri. Carotid artery reactivity was 0.7 percentage points higher after intervention than control.

The intervention significantly reduced carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity. After the intervention, brachial artery flowmediated vasodilation, central retinal arteriolar equivalent, and arteriolar to venular ratio were higher. The central retinal venular equivalent was not different after the intervention.

Performance in a visuospatial memory task improved after the intervention, with the number of correct words in a verbal memory task increasing by 16% after the intervention. There were no differences between intervention and control periods in word recognition, psychomotor speed, executive function, stress, quality of life, sleep quality, and mood. (Medical.net)

Blink and you could miss them - but mysterious sightings of an extremely rare butterfly have set the hearts of enthusiasts fluttering.

The species, previously described as extinct in Britain for nearly 100 years, has suddenly appeared in countryside on the edge of London.

Small numbers of black-veined whites have been spotted flying in fields and hedgerows in south-east London.

To the non-expert, they could easily be mistaken for the common or garden cabbage white butterflies

seen in Britain every summer.

But there’s nothing common about the black-veined white on this side of the Channel.

First listed as a British species during the reign of King Charles II, they officially became extinct in Britain in 1925.

This month they have mysteriously appeared among their favourite habitat: hawthorn and blackthorn trees on the edge of London, where I and other naturalists watched them flitting between hedgerows.

As their name suggests, they are a medium-sized white butterfly with distinctive black vein markings on their wings.

The charity Butterfly Conservation, which monitors butterfly numbers in Britain, told the BBC the insects will have been released, but they don’t know by who or why.

They added that while it’s lovely for people to be able to see them, it probably does not signify a spontaneous recovery of an extinct species.

The black-veined white butterfly became officially extinct in Britain almost a century ago

‘Extinct’ butterfly species reappears in UK

Science & Technology

Nonsurgical cat contraception could help curb overpopulation, study says

THERE are an estimated 600 million domestic cats in the world, and 80% of them are feral or stray animals.

Spaying and neutering cats helps prevent homeless kittens and overcrowded animal shelters. Curbing feral cat populations also reduces the risk of these animals preying on wild animals, such as birds, small mammals and reptiles. Now, scientists have announced a potential new method of feline contraception that’s shown early promise: long-lasting contraceptive injections that prevent ovulation.

The impetus for the proof-ofconcept study “was really to address the cat and dog overpopulation issue and the euthanasia of a lot of these animals in shelters,” said Dr. Bill Swanson, director of animal research at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and a co-senior and corresponding author of the study published Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications. “The best way to avoid euthanasia is not to have all these animals that don’t have homes.”

The journey to the potential new feline contraceptive method began with a discovery in the laboratory of Dr. David Pépin, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and a molecular biologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He and his colleagues were studying a hormone present in

ovarian follicles, the layer of cells around a mammalian egg cell that nurtures its growth. To learn more about the hormone’s function, the research team injected female mice with the gene that produces it, essentially giving the mice an extra dose of the naturally occurring hormone.

“Much to our surprise, it essentially shut down most ovarian activity in rodents and made them completely infertile,” said Pépin, who was also a co-senior and corresponding author on the new study. “We thought, well, this is a very interesting tool, but what can we use it for?”

Pépin and his colleagues learned about the the Los Angeles-based nonprofit Michelson Found Animals Foundation, which supports the development of nonsurgical contraceptives for cats and dogs. “We had a tool that we knew worked in rodents, and potentially could work in these species. So it was just a matter of applying this to a new species,” Pépin said. “That’s what led us to start collaborating with Bill (Swanson).”

The Cincinnati Zoo, Swanson says, is home to the widest array of wild cats in North America, including lions, tigers and tiny sand cats. Behind the scenes, more familiar felines call the zoo home: a research colony of around 45 domestic cats.

“Most of them are animals that we’re using for either this study or related studies with the Michelson Found Animals Foundation,” Swanson said. “We also do a fair amount of research into cat welfare. We’re working with shelters and trying to figure out the best way to manage cats to get them to be less stressed and more healthy and more adoptable.”

For the contraception study, the scientists worked with nine female cats, which all had names inspired by former US first ladies: Michelle, Betty, Abigail, Nancy, Dolly, Barbara, Rosalyn, Jacque and Mary. Three cats were a control group, while six received injections of the gene of the hormone in question, hitched to a mild virus. The virus makes its way to the muscle cells, which are extremely long-lived.

Then, basically, the DNA will just float around,” Swanson said. And since muscle cells last so long without being replaced, the gene sticks around, too.

The cats’ genomes remained unaltered by the addition of this gene. “We’re basically introducing the blueprint to make a protein, and it’s not incorporated into the animal’s DNA,” Pépin said.

But the gene does cause the cats’ bodies to make the hormone that prevents ovarian follicle development. Without the

maturation of these cells around the egg, the cats don’t ovulate and thus can’t get pregnant.

The researchers monitored hormone levels in the cats’ urine and feces three times a week for two years, and they found elevated levels of the hormone in question more than two years after the injection. To test if those elevated hormone levels would actually prevent pregnancy, though, the scientists brought in two male cats. The three control-group cats all became pregnant, but none of the six cats in the experimental group

did.

While these early findings show promise as a new means of cat contraception, Swanson noted, cat owners will have to be patient, as it will likely take several years for the procedure to gain the necessary approvals to become available in veterinary offices, as well as for the injections to be manufactured.

“We are very optimistic that this is going to be a useful product and we’ll eventually have it approved and available, but it’s not going to happen in the next year or two,” he said. (CNN)

Crocodile found to have made herself pregnant

The first case of a crocodile who made herself pregnant has been identified at a zoo in Costa Rica. She produced a foetus that was 99.9% genetically identical to herself.

The phenomenon of so-called “virgin birth” has been found in species of birds, fish and other reptiles, but never before in crocodiles.

The scientists say the trait might

be inherited from an evolutionary ancestor, so dinosaurs might also have been capable of selfreproduction.

The research has been published in the Royal Society journal,

Biology Letters.

The egg was laid by an 18-yearold female American crocodile in Parque Reptilania in January 2018. The foetus inside was fully formed but stillborn and so did not hatch.

The crocodile who laid the egg was obtained when she was two years old and was kept apart from other crocodiles for its entire life. Because of this, the park’s scientific team contacted Belfast-born Dr Warren Booth, now working at Virginia Tech in the US. He has been studying virgin births, known scientifically as parthenogenesis, for 11 years.

Dr Booth analysed the foetus and found that it was more than 99.9 % genetically identical to its motherconfirming that it had no father.

He told BBC News that he wasn’t surprised by the discovery.

‘’We see it in in sharks, birds, snakes and lizards and it is remarkably common and widespread’’.

He speculated that the reason that parthenogenesis has not been seen in crocodiles is because people have not been looking for instances of them.

‘’There was a big increase in reports of parthenogenesis when people started keeping pet snakes. But your average reptile keeper doesn’t keep a crocodile,” he said.

One theory is that it happens in species capable of parthenogenesis when numbers dwindle, and they are on the verge of extinction. And Dr Booth told BBC news that this may have happened to some species of dinosaurs when their numbers dwindled due to environmental changes.

‘’The fact that the mechanism of parthenogenesis is the same in so many different species suggests that it is a very ancient trait that has been inherited throughout the ages. So this supports the idea that dinosaurs could also reproduce this way. (BBC)

Cats referred to as the “First Ladies,” are part of a research colony of around 45 at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and participated in the new study

The crocodile produced a foetus that was 99.9% genetically identical to herself

Sports International

West Ham win Europa Conference League

There are moments in football that make you forget the bad stuff.

They make you forget the idiots who throw things at players, make you forget the players who roll around on the floor as if they had been wounded when, in fact, they have barely been touched.

Football creates moments that make you forget.

By the side of the pitch at Fortuna Arena, with West Ham’s celebrations in full swing after beating Fiorentina 2-1 to win the Europa Conference League, manager David Moyes saw his dad.

He went straight over, gave him the firmest of hugs and placed round his neck the winners’ medal he had been given by Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin.

David snr is 87. His son is 60. They both grinned from ear to ear. The joy on their faces was something to behold. A dad with his lad, someone who has proved himself to be successful in the most unforgiving of professions, finally, after 25 years, winning something.

“He was the first one I thought I should get it [the medal] round his neck,” said Moyes. “I hope he is enjoying it.”

No-one from West Ham will ever forget 7 June 2023. The club’s first trophy in 43 years. Their first European trophy since 1965 and the days of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters.

As captain Declan Rice said in the build-up to the game, beating

Fiorentina in Prague would make them legends. That is the status they earned with Jarrod Bowen’s last-minute goal. The moment that made people forget the bad stuff.

Nevertheless, when the euphoria has subsided and the joy is replaced by satisfaction, then will come the tricky bit.

HOW DO YOU MOVE FORWARD FROM THIS?

‘WE DREAMED OF THIS’

In the first official statement released by the club after the final whistle, chairman David Sullivan referred back to that contentious decision to leave Upton Park, where Thursday’s victory parade will leave from, for London Stadium.

“When we moved to the new ground, we dreamed of moments like this,” he said.

“Our task now is to build on this triumph, and the doublewinning feats of our Under-18 Academy team, ensuring that every time our men and women start a new season in West Ham United colours, they are competing for more success.”

Fine words. Far harder to implement.

For a start, West Ham are going to lose their captain. It was typical

of how Rice has given everything for the club that he should be fully involved in the post-match celebrations.

No-one could accuse him of holding back and saving himself for a big-money move in the summer. “I love this club, I love playing for this club,” he said afterwards.

But West Ham know an exit is coming, even those thousands of fans who chanted ‘one more year, Declan Rice’ before, during and especially after the victory.

Moyes’ own future has been under intense scrutiny at times this season. On three separate occasions, he appeared to be one defeat from the sack, only to get the result he needed to make it through another week.

The Scot made it clear what he wanted in a pre-match interview when he said he had no intention of going anywhere. It would be a particularly harsh call for Sullivan to tell Moyes his services are no longer required, given what he has just delivered.

It doesn’t seem likely.

“When I think of the progress West Ham have made in the last three years, sixth, seventh, a European semi-final and now a European trophy, if I had said that would happen three years ago, you would have said ‘he’s lost his marbles’,” said Moyes.

“I am really fortunate at this club. They have been incredibly supportive, when it could have been different.” (BBC)

Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema has agreed terms on a three-year deal with Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad after leaving Real Madrid.

French striker Benzema, 35, won 25 trophies - including five Champions Leagues and four La Ligas - in 14 years with Madrid but they agreed to let him leave his contract a year early.

He scored 354 goals for Real, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo, who hit 450 Real goals, plays for another Saudi club, Al-Nassr.

“It’s a good league and there are many good players,” said Benzema. “Cristiano Ronaldo is

already there, a friend which shows Saudi Arabia is starting to further progress its level. I am here to win, like I did in Europe.

“I have been fortunate to achieve amazing things in my career and achieve everything I can in Spain and Europe. It now feels the time is right for a new challenge and project.”

Al-Ittihad are managed by former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

Benzema played 648 times for Real after his 2009 move from Lyon and scored with his last touch for the club, netting a penalty in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao before being

West Ham beat Fiorentina to win the club’s first major trophy since 1980

French striker Benzema, 35, won 25 trophies - including five Champions Leagues and four La Ligas - in 14 years with Real Madrid

Benzema agrees to join Saudi champions Al-Ittihad after Real Madrid exit replaced.

On Monday it was announced Al-Ittihad were one of four leading

Saudi Arabian clubs to be taken over by the country’s Public Investment Fund, which also owns

Newcastle United. Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are another, and so are Al-Hilal. (BBC)

Sports International

2028 Olympics: Boxing could feature as suspended governing body set to be withdrawn

The International Olympic Committee executive board has recommended withdrawing recognition of the International Boxing Association.

It means the sport could now be part of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, after being left off the initial programme.

The IOC ran boxing at Tokyo 2020 after banning the IBA in 2019 over governance issues and alleged corruption.

A report by the IOC has now found that the IBA has failed to meet a set of reforms set out in 2021.

The matter will be discussed and a final decision on whether to strip the IBA of recognition will be made at an extraordinary IOC session on 22 June.

The IOC had agreed to lift the suspension of the IBA’s recognition had the organisation fulfilled the 2021 reform conditions, which were not challenged by the IBA.

However, the IBA responded to Wednesday’s recommendation with a statement threatening “retaliatory measures” and decrying the move as “truly abhorrent and purely political”.

“We accepted the process and the rules, but in the end, we were not assessed fairly. Now, we are left with no chance but to demand a fair assessment from a competent court,” said IBA president Umar Kremlev.

In the meantime, World Boxing has been established as a breakaway international governing body, in response to the issues

Boxing was left off the initial programme for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles

surrounding the IBA.

GB Boxing has said it is set to apply for associate membership of World Boxing, following on from recent announcements by USA Boxing and the Swiss Boxing Federation.

The Dutch Boxing Federation has said “a farewell to IBA seems inevitable”, while Boxing New Zealand claimed it sees “little future in continuing the association with IBA”.

World Boxing said it welcomed the clarity provided by the IOC statement and hailed a “very significant moment” and an opportunity for the sport to move on.

Boxing is part of the Paris 2024 Olympics but, as with the Tokyo Games, the qualifications and the competition are being run by the IOC, not the IBA, whose head since 2020 has been Russian

The Ashes: Moeen Ali added to England squad after Jack Leach injury

All-rounder Moeen Ali has come out of Test retirement to join the England squad for the first two of the five Ashes Tests against Australia.

Moeen replaces spinner Jack Leach, who misses the series after suffering a stress fracture in his back.

He reversed his decision after being approached by England captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.

The 35-year-old said he found the Test format “really difficult to get into” when he retired in September 2021.

Rob Key, managing director of

England men’s cricket, said: “We reached out to Mo early this week about returning to Test cricket. Having had a couple of days to reflect, Mo is excited to join the squad and play Test cricket again. His vast experience, along with his all-round ability, will benefit our Ashes campaign.

“We wish Mo and the rest of the squad well for the Ashes campaign.”

Moeen, who will turn 36 during the first Test at Edgbaston, has played 64 Tests for England, scoring 2,914 runs and taking 195 wickets.

businessman Kremlev.

World Boxing is currently led by an interim executive board made up of representatives from boxing organisations in Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, Sweden and the USA.

The board includes GB Boxing’s chief executive Matt Holt and 2020 Olympic gold medallist Lauren Price, who is an athlete representative.

“It is vitally important to the future of the sport in the UK and across the globe that boxing remains part of the Olympic programme,” said Jason Glover, chair of the GB Boxing board.

The Olympic Federation of Ireland “welcomed” the IOC’s recommendation, saying it “could ultimately safeguard the future for boxing as an Olympic sport”. (BBC)

The 19-year-old, who joined Dortmund from Birmingham City in July 2020, was one of England’s top performers at last year’s World Cup

Jude Bellingham: Real Madrid agree 103m euro deal to sign England midfielder

Real Madrid have agreed a deal with Borussia Dortmund to sign England midfielder Jude Bellingham for 103m euros (£88.5m).

The 19-year-old, who joined Dortmund from Birmingham City in July 2020, was one of England’s top performers at last year’s World Cup.

Bellingham wants the move and will have a medical in the next few days.

The midfielder, who has been linked with some of Europe’s top sides, will sign a six-year deal.

Dortmund have confirmed in a statement that the Spanish side have agreed to pay 103m euros, with various potential add-ons on top of that.

If those add-ons are achieved,

the deal could reach 133.9m euros (£115m).

Manchester City and Liverpool were two of the sides keen on Bellingham, who is set to become the world’s third-most expensive teenager.

The Bundesliga’s player of the season will also become the second-most expensive English footballer and Real Madrid’s second-most expensive signing after Eden Hazard’s 115m euro move from Chelsea in 2019.

In April, Liverpool dropped out of the race to sign Bellingham because of the cost involved. Asked about Bellingham at the time, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp compared talk of big-money transfers to a “child wanting a Ferrari for Christmas”.

The off-spinner has a mixed record against Australia, taking 20 wickets in 11 Tests, at an average of 64.65, and scoring 476 runs, at 25.05.

Moeen may come straight into the team for Leach, and will add depth to England’s batting, with

him likely to bat at eight.

Stokes and McCullum also have the option of going with an allpace attack for Edgbaston, with the Test beginning on 16 June.

England squad for first two Ashes Tests:

Moeen replaces spinner Jack Leach, who misses the series after suffering a stress fracture in his back

Ben Stokes (captain),

Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood. (BBC)

Sports International

Lionel Messi says he’s going to MLS club Inter Miami

ARGENTINE superstar Lionel Messi said Wednesday he’s going to join the Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.

I made the decision that I am going to Miami. I still haven’t closed it one hundred percent. I’m missing some things but we decided to continue my journey there,” the seven-time world player of the year said in an interview posted by Spanish outlets SPORT and Mundo Deportivo.

The blockbuster announcement comes months after Messi was awarded the Golden Ball at the World Cup – the prize given to the best player in the tournament – and catapulted his country to World Cup glory in December. It also followed rumors of a lucrative deal in the Middle East and reports of a move back to his beloved Barcelona.

Instead, Messi has chosen the path of other superstar players who moved to the MLS.

The move to David Beckham’s

Inter Miami isn’t entirely surprising. Beckham is a wellknown fan of Messi and, in 2019, teased, “You never know what can happen in football,” when asked about signing the Argentine one day.

Earlier Wednesday, the CEO and managing owner of Inter Miami tweeted a cryptic picture of a No. 10 shirt with a last name partially revealed – showing just the last two letters, “SI.”

MLS said a deal with Messi has not been completed, but welcomed the prospect of Messi playing in the league.

“We are pleased that Lionel Messi has stated that he intends to join Inter Miami and Major League Soccer this summer,” the league said in a Wednesday statement. “Although work remains to finalise a formal agreement, we look forward to welcoming one of the greatest soccer players of all time to our League.”

CNN has reached out to Inter

Miami, Messi’s representative and David Beckham – who is part of Inter Miami’s ownership team.

There had been speculation around Messi’s next move since he announced his departure from French side Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), playing his last game for the club on Saturday.

An earlier BBC report by football reporter Guillem Balague said Messi was set to turn down an offer from Saudi Arabian side AlHilal.

essi left Barcelona in tears in 2021 after financial mismanagement at the club, exacerbated by the

Covid-19 pandemic, meant it was unable to offer its talisman a new contract.

FC Barcelona, in a statement, said the player’s father and representative, Jorge Messi, informed club president Joan Laporta on Monday of his son’s decision to join Inter Miami despite an offer from the European team.

Laporta “understood and respected Messi’s decision to want to compete in a league with fewer demands, further away from the spotlight and the pressure he has been subject to in recent years,” the statement said.

Laporta and the eldest Messi also agreed to work together to promote a “tribute from Barça fans to honour a footballer who has been, is, and always will be beloved by Barça.”

At PSG, Messi went on to win two Ligue 1 titles in his two seasons, but was unable to help the club win the Champions League for the first time in its history.

Messi’s time at the club ended acrimoniously after PSG suspended him for taking an unauthorised trip abroad to Saudi Arabia, for which he later apologised. (CNN)

McIlroy says PGA Tour, DP World Tour & PIF merger will be ‘good for golf’

The PGA Tour and DP World Tour’s shock merger with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) will ultimately be “good for golf”, says Rory McIlroy.

The world number three had been a firm defender of the PGA Tour as rivals accepted lucrative deals to join the LIV Golf series, funded by the PIF.

Speaking at the Canadian Open, the Northern Irishman said he had “mixed emotions” about the “surprise” deal.

But he added: “[In] 10 years this is going to be good for pro golf.”

The four-time major winner continued: “It unifies it and secures its financial future. But there are mixed emotions in there as well.

“It’s hard for me to not feel somewhat like a sacrificial lamb, feeling like I’ve put myself out there and this is what happens.

“Removing myself from the situation, I see how this is better for the game of golf, there’s no denying it.”

Giving his first public response to Tuesday’s announcement, McIlroy said how he:

§ Still hates LIV, but would rather

Rory McIlroy would rather have the PIF as a partner than rival

have the PIF as a partner

§ Has faith in Jay Monahan, despite the PGA Tour commissioner seeming “hypocritical”

§ Believes the players who joined LIV should be sanctioned

§ Is resigned to accepting Saudi investment and has “made his peace” with it

‘AT THE END OF THE DAY, MONEY TALKS’

Several players left the American PGA Tour and European-based DP World Tour to join the $2bn

(£1.6bn) LIV circuit when it launched last year, and McIlroy, who had been a staunch critic, could not hide his feelings on Wednesday when he said: “I hate LIV. I hope it goes away now.”

An agreement has been signed that will combine the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV’s commercial operations and rights into a new, yet to be named for-profit company, with PGA commissioner Monahan as its chief executive and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan as chairman.

“All I’ve wanted to do is protect the aspirational nature of the PGA Tour,” said McIlroy, 34. “This company sits above everything. Anyone involved with LIV now answers to Jay.

“Whether you like it or not, the PIF is going to keep spending money in golf. Now the PGA Tour is going to control how that money is spent.

“Would you rather have one of the biggest sovereign wealth funds as a partner or an enemy? At the end of the day, money talks, and you’d rather have them as a partner.”

McIlroy said he still had confidence in Monahan, who faced calls to resign at an “intense and heated” players meeting at Tuesday’s Canadian Open in Toronto, but feels there should be consequences for the LIV defectors.

For example, he believes those who have resigned their membership of the DP World Tour and are now ineligible for the Ryder Cup should not be allowed to play for Europe against the United States in Rome from 29 September to 1 October.

“I’ve dealt with Jay a lot closer than a lot of those guys have and from where we were a couple of weeks ago to where we are today, I think the future of the PGA Tour looks brighter as a whole,” said McIlroy.

“What that looks like for individual players in keeping a Tour card, bringing players back into the fold, that’s where the anger comes from.

“I understand that and there still has to be consequences to actions. The people that left the PGA Tour irreparably harmed this Tour, started litigation against it.

“We can’t just welcome them back in. That’s not going to happen. That’s what Jay was trying to get across [on Tuesday].”

Asked if those who turned down LIV deals should be reimbursed, McIlroy replied: “The simple answer is yes. The complex answer is how does that happen?”

McIlroy, Tiger Woods and Hideki Matsuyama were the highest profile players to stick with the PGA and, speaking later on Wednesday, Monahan said “their loyalty will be rewarded”.

Lionel Messi is heading to the US

Sports National

TCISC’s Sports Performance Centre passes 1000 participants

THE TCI Sports Commission (TCISC) Sports Performance Centre run by Sports Performance Coach Angelo Garland and Sports Performance Apprentice Delano Williams is making a big splash.

Recently, the centre, where athletes train their bodies to perform at optimal levels, surpassed 1000 participants.

According to information from the Commission, young athletes also work on strength and conditioning, speed and agility, flexibility and injury prevention among other areas.

After launching the centre in 2021, the concept of sports performance was new to the Turks and Caicos Islands and was proving difficult to attract participation from athletes.

oach Garland shares, “I am elated that we have reached such a prestigious milestone. It shows growth in the department and also the Commission to have trained over 1000 athletes. I believe it

aligns with the mission and vision of the Commission going forward. It was a tough journey, but I am happy to share such a feat with other members of the department, Coach Williams and Mrs Joddy Harvey. I’m looking forward to the thousands to come.”

Since the conception of the centre, a large number of male and female athletes have been trained in multiple sports disciplines, including basketball, rugby, softball, Track & field and swimming.

Multi-sport athlete and 3000m CARIFTA Bronze medallist Love Joseph is also part of the cohort who have benefited from this training.

Sharing objectives for the department Garland said, “As we progress throughout the year, our plan is not only to grow but we have a plan to educate. We have plans on educating our athletes, coaches and even family members more on the theory of sports

performance and how it works. We have a few camps coming up in the next few weeks, in addition to a clinic and the introduction of a full macrocycle of sports performance training is in the works as well.”

Olympic athlete Delano Williams having recently been introduced to the Sports Commission also has goals to invest in TCI athletes. He shares, “My plans for the Sports performance department is to develop the athletes to a point where they can reach their maximum potential. I’ll do this by developing programmes to enhance their speed, agility, and power and to work on their conditioning. While doing this, I’ll ensure to touch on a few more areas such as flexibility, core and balance composition.”

The Sports Performance department is made up of coaches certified in Performance Enhancement, Strength and Conditioning, Nutrition, and

Kinesiology by top sports bodies including the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). The centre is also stocked with equipment such as ice bath pools, Normatec (recovery boots), biometric scales and gym equipment.

Garland added, “We would like to thank the athletes that have given us a chance thus far, along with the coaches that have trusted us and our programmes to work with their athletes. We also would like to thank the public for being supportive and welcoming us with open arms. To the rest of the coaches and athletes out there, do not be afraid to try something new, we are here to help, feel free to ask any questions or concerns you may have.”

The Sports Commission will be touring the islands for the Sports Performance Summer Camps starting in July for boys and girls 13-18 years old.

The International Women’s Golf Day 2023, which was held earlier this month, was dubbed a “resounding success” by the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club.

According to information from the club’s website, some 60 enthusiastic participants “showcased the spirit of camaraderie and skill-building.

The event, which was organised by Pro Ashley Gravett, started off with engaging events such as the team putting challenge, hit the wine bottle, and a 9 x 3-hole scramble. These activities provided a fun and competitive atmosphere for all the participants, allowing them

SPORTS

PERFORMANCE CAMP SCHEDULE

Grand Turk - 9:30am - 1:00pm10-12 July

South Caicos - 9:30am - 1:00pm13-15 July

Providenciales - 9:30am - 1:00pm - 24-26 July

North Caicos - 9:30am - 1:00pm27-29 July

PROSPECTIVE CAMPERS CAN REGISTER FOR THE FREE SPORTS CAMPS IN TWO WAYS

1. Register online: https://forms. office.com/r/nLg0LKAvXN

2. Register in person at islandwide offices: Sports Commission Office, Bottle Creek Office, North Caicos Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex, Downtown Providenciales Sports Commission Office, South Caicos Parade Grounds, Grand Turk

Unearthing a new generation of jumpers

Angelo Garland (left) and Delano Williams have been doing a great job

International Women’s Golf Day 2023 at the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club was a true celebration of women’s golf

International Women’s Golf Day “a resounding success”

Sports National

Police register cricket win over Beaches

THE Police Cricket team got past their rivals Beaches in the latest round of the Senior Men’s T20 Cricket Competition, which re-started on Sunday last at the Downtown Ball Park in Providenciales after a break.

The battle between the best two teams in the league this season proved to be a low-scoring affair.

Police won the toss and batted first, they had a somewhat solid start, but Beaches were able to wrest some amount of control after.

Damian St-Ange led the attack with 30 runs. For the second wicket, he and opening batsman Garvin Bruno added 52 runs.

Bruno smashed four fours in a score of 24 before he was bowled by Kennard Lewis, while St-Ange, struck four fours and a six in his match-high innings.

Towards the end, Sabuton John was able to play a few shots, five of which reached the boundary, for an unbeaten 28 runs.

At the other end, C Williams was able to take 3-22 from four overs, which left the Lawmen at

International Women’s ...

to showcase their golfing abilities while enjoying themselves.

The team of Carol Brown, Ririn Suantari Bell and Andrea Todd finished as overall winners.

Meanwhile, Emer O’Sullivan won three of the nine closest to the pin awards, while Brown won the best score in the putting competition.

According to the club, the combination of golfing and socialising created a truly memorable experience for all involved.

“One of the key aims of Women’s Golf Day is to encourage women to explore the various options available to them in their local communities, including local facilities, lessons, leagues, and other ways to get involved in golf.

“International Women’s Golf Day 2023 at the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club was a true celebration of women’s golf. It brought together a diverse group of participants, who not only had fun but also had the chance to expand their knowledge, form connections, and embrace the world of golf. It is events like these that empower women to take charge of their golfing journey and explore the countless possibilities within the sport,” information from the club stated.

Police won against rivals Beaches

116 all out in 15 overs.

Needing to score at less than a run-a-ball for victory, Beaches lost

their talisman Anthony McKnight (0) early, LBW to Haiden Spring. Mario Smith and Sidue Hunter

fought back to push the score to 35 before Bruno entered the attack and got four wickets to restrict

The 21st Jadot Cup, held on Sunday, June 4th, at the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, was a roaring success! With a fantastic turnout of 100 golfers forming 25 teams, this scramble format event was a day to remember. Not only did it bring out the competitive spirit, but it also raised funds for the Turks and Caicos Aids Awareness foundation.

The dynamic duo of Ian & Gillian Miller and the powerhouse pair Emer & Tim O’Sullivan

swung their way to victory with an impressive score of 53.74. Adding to the excitement of the day, the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club unveiled their brandnew scoring software from Golf Genius. It was a game-changer! This cutting-edge software allowed live scores to be posted throughout the tournament, keeping the teams on their toes. This new software added a new level of energy and engagement to the tournament, creating an unforgettable

experience for everyone involved.

Funds raised will go towards the Turks and Caicos Aids Awareness Foundation.

The mission of the organisation is to raise awareness and eliminate stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS through education and community engagement. Efforts are made to create positive lifestyle changes and empower those living with HIV in the Turks & Caicos.

“This cause is steadfastly

pursued, and ongoing efforts will continue for years to come.

We extend our sincerest gratitude to all the golfers who participated in the 21st Jadot Cup alongside The Wine Cellar and main sponsors Cobrand. Your support and enthusiasm made this event a remarkable success. Together, we made a difference in raising funds for the Aids Awareness foundation and spreading awareness about this important cause.”

Beaches to 86 in 14.1 overs. Jerome Daley led the attack for Beaches with 29 (5x4s, 1x6).

The event had a good turnout

21st Jadot Cup attracts 100 golfers