TC Weekly News June 22 - 28, 2024

In a decisive move following public outcry and parliamentary debate, the House of Assembly in the Turks and Caicos Islands unanimously passed a bill to amend the controversial Firearms Ordinance, which now grants the Supreme Court greater discretion in sentencing firearms offenses, particularly in cases involving “exceptional circumstances”.

Rubie Forbes not guilty of ammo possession

BY DELANA ISLES

A Grand Turk jury has found Rubie Forbes not guilty of possession of one round of ammunition.

The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, June 19, before Justice Chris Selochan in the Grand Turk Supreme Court to much jubilation.

Forbes was arrested on July 26, 2023, while a passenger travelling from Providenciales to the nation’s

capital. The round was discovered in her luggage while going through the security scan.

She has been awaiting trial since last year. This month (June) the trial finally convened with a six member jury of her peers.

Forbes was represented by attorney Kimone Tennant, assisted by King’s Counsel Oliver Smith, while Public Prosecutor Alima Alexis is appearing for the Crown.

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Premier accused of being British “foot soldier” as political clash erupts

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In a statement – posted to Facebook - following her sentencing, Forbes thanked friends and family for their support.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your support, the many phone calls, and messages of encouragement. Thank you for standing by my side throughout the entire process.

“Additionally, to my family and friends who showed up at the courthouse every other day, I thank and appreciate each and every one of you.”

Forbes is the first islander to have been found not guilty of possession of small amounts of ammunition.

Her verdict came just days after the House of Assembly once again amended the Firearms Ordinance, following much protest after American tourists were arrested with stray bullets, gun, and sizeable amounts of ammunition in their luggage.

It took the jury two hours to return a verdict of not guilty.

Although Forbes’ lawyer did not argue that exceptional circumstances exist in her case, the jury was not swayed that there was an intent for criminal mischief in her case.

The exceptional circumstances provision inherent in the principal Ordinance has been presented in cases of the American tourists

In a fiery parliamentary debate, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Edwin Astwood, launched a scathing attack against Premier, Hon Washington Misick, accusing him of being a “foot soldier” for the British government.

On Thursday, June 13, the Turks and Caicos Islands’ political landscape became a battleground as Astwood, and Misick clashed over proposed constitutional reforms, particularly the contentious issue of replacing appointed members of the House of Assembly with elected members.

While both parties support an all-elected House, the dispute centres on how the four new seats should be distributed.

Astwood passionately argued that this decision should rest solely with the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The accusations flew thick and fast, with Astwood painting a picture of a Premier who is out of touch with the needs of his constituents and beholden to external influences.

He questioned why the British government was so strongly in favour of the Premier’s proposal and against his own, suggesting that there were hidden motives at play.

He said: “ They have a foot soldier to support Mr Speaker… the British government isn’t supporting my point of view, the British government is supporting the premier’s point of view.

“And you have to ask yourself why? Why they’re supporting the premier’s point of view so strong?”

“Who are they supporting?

Who is in line with the British government? Who are they backing in this war?”

He accused the Premier of aligning himself with the British government’s agenda, prioritising their interests over those of the territory’s residents.

Astwood didn’t mince words, painting a picture of a Premier who is disconnected from the needs of the people and beholden to external influences.

The Attorney General, Hon Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, attempted to defuse the situation by rising on a point of order. She refuted Astwood’s allegations, emphasising her role as a neutral legal advisor and expressing concern over the politicisation of her office.

However, her pleas for a more accurate representation of the discussions fell on deaf ears as the Opposition Leader persisted in his critique.

Astwood further accused the Premier of deflecting attention from crucial governance issues, particularly regarding the concentration of power in cabinet decisions.

He argued that appointed members were not an obstacle to progress, but rather a scapegoat used to divert attention from the real issues.

He said: “No government is hamstrung by appointed members.”

The heated exchange exposed deep divisions within the Turks and Caicos Islands Parliament with accusations of external influence and a lack of trust in the decision-

Rubie Forbes freed on ammo possession charge

Leader of the Opposition Hon Edwin Astwood

Supreme Court granted more discretion in firearm sentencing

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In a decisive move following public outcry and parliamentary debate, the House of Assembly in the Turks and Caicos Islands unanimously passed a bill on June 14, 2024, to amend the controversial Firearms Ordinance.

The amendment grants the Supreme Court greater discretion in sentencing firearms offenses, particularly in cases involving “exceptional circumstances”.

This legislative action comes on the heels of several high-profile arrests of US citizens for firearm possession while vacationing in the country.

These cases ignited public concern and sparked discussions in the House of Assembly regarding the nation’s stringent firearm laws and the perceived lack of judicial

flexibility.

The amendment aims to provide greater clarity on judicial discretion in sentencing for firearms offenses where exceptional circumstances exist.

Section 3(3) of the Firearms Ordinance mandates the Supreme Court to impose a minimum sentence and a fine for specific firearms offenses.

However, Section 30 allows for judicial discretion in imposing a lesser sentence than the minimum mandatory 12 years sentence, if exceptional circumstances are found.

Prior to this amendment, the court was obligated to impose both imprisonment and a fine, proportionate to the exceptional circumstances.

The Firearms (Amendment) Bill 2024 expands the Supreme

Premier accused of being British “foot soldier” as ...

Astwood’s impassioned defence of the people’s right to self-determination resonated with some residents who voiced their opinions on social media, while others questioned his motives and accused him of political manoeuvring.

Court’s discretion, empowering it to impose a fine, a custodial sentence, or both, in a manner consistent with the exceptional circumstances of the case. While the court must uphold Parliament’s primary goal of deterrence, it now has more flexibility in determining appropriate penalties.

Attorney General, the Hon Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles OBE KC, introduced the bill, highlighting that it resulted from a comprehensive review of regional legislation and consultations with legal stakeholders. The amendment addresses marginal cases of exceptional circumstances for both residents and visitors, where the court is best positioned to determine suitable penalties.

The Attorney General also referenced a Court of Appeal decision from earlier this year, which traced the evolution of the law since the introduction of mandatory

minimum sentences in 2010.

The legislation has undergone several amendments, including in 2022 when the mandatory minimum for possession and use of firearms was raised to deter such crimes.

She stressed that the Court of Appeal’s decision in February clarified that in cases with exceptional circumstances, the court lacked jurisdiction to impose non-custodial sentences.

This finding prompted a further review, leading to the amendment that broadens judicial discretion in such cases.

The recent arrests of several US citizens and subsequent rulings in the Turks and Caicos Islands for firearm possession sparked concerns among the public and Members of Parliament, prompting discussions in the House of Assembly regarding the nation’s strict firearm laws and the application of exceptional

circumstances in these cases.

During a recent House of Assembly sitting, Hon Alvin Garland, Opposition Appointed Member, voiced his concerns about the law, highlighting the arrest of five American citizens for firearm possession over the past six months.

Garland criticised a Court of Appeal ruling that mandated custodial sentences even in exceptional circumstances, thereby limiting judicial discretion.

He argued that the original intent of the 2022 amendment to the Firearms Ordinance was to allow for non-custodial sentences when exceptional circumstances were present.

The Opposition Appointed Member urged the House to clarify this intent and ensure fairness, especially for Turks and Caicos Islanders who might inadvertently find themselves in possession of ammunition.

The Premier, meanwhile, stood firm in his support for the proposed reforms, asserting that they would enhance democracy and empower the people.

However, the British government’s backing of his stance has also raised suspicions among some, who fear that the reforms may be a Trojan horse for increased UK control over the territory.

arrested in possession of ammunition and gun.

impose sentencing upon a guilty party in keeping with the intent of the legislation – deterrence.

The political showdown between Astwood and Misick has brought to the forefront fundamental questions about the territory’s relationship with the UK and the role of elected officials in safeguarding the interests of their constituent.

Last Thursday, Attorney General, the Hon Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles presented the House of Assembly with even more amendments - as requested by many and in consultation with the judiciary and the Bar – to the Firearms Ordinance.

She told House Members that the court now has the widest possible breadth of discretion to

She said the Firearm (Amendment) Bill 2024 was the result of a considered review of regional legislation, especially in other Overseas Territories, as well as consultation with the Judiciary, the Bar Council, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and senior criminal defence counsel who all agreed that the clarification should be made.

She further indicated that the amendment would address marginal cases of exceptional circumstances for both residents and visitors alike, where the Supreme Court was best placed to determine the appropriate penalty.

Meanwhile, still awaiting sentencing in similar cases of possession of ammunition are Ryan Watson, Michael Evans and Sharitta Grier.

Watson will be sentenced on Friday and the others next week. making process.

Attorney General, the Hon Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles OBE KC

Members of the House of Assembly during a sitting

AMENDMENT TO FIREARMS ORDINANCE

In a unanimous decision on Friday, June 14, 2024, the House of Assembly approved a bill to amend Section 30 of the Firearms Ordinance. The amendment aims to provide clarity on judicial discretion in sentencing for firearms offenses where exceptional circumstances exist.

Section 3(3) of the Firearms Ordinance mandates the Supreme Court to impose a minimum sentence and a fine for specific firearms offenses. However, Section 30 allows for judicial discretion in imposing a lesser sentence if exceptional circumstances are found. Prior to this amendment, the court was obligated to impose both imprisonment and a fine, proportionate to the exceptional circumstances.

What are your thoughts on this?

How the law should work

Exactly the way the law should work. There has to be discretion as someone forgetting some shells in their luggage is not the same as a criminal bringing in guns and ammo with the intent to harm others.

Time will tell

If the judge is honest, fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory then justice will be done and the right discretion will be applied; if not - then injustice will still arise.

More info needed

This still is not clear enough. Supposed one bullet found in your car or home and you honestly know nothing about it? There has to be a straightforward guide on the level of the offence and what may be the relevant charges.

Re-inventing the wheel

“Exceptional circumstances”

The recent experiences all beg the question as to what is ‘exceptional circumstances’. If the recent matters all warranted consideration under the undefined ‘exceptional circumstances’ clause, then it stands to reason that it is a miscarriage of justice if all local offenders previously sentenced under this ordinance are not, as a matter of due process and fairness, afforded the benefit of similar consideration and or have their sentences commuted and in some cases granted pardon.

Justice must be fair and impartial in its application and perception!

Our legislators and their legal advisors have proven themselves to be inept in the drafting of laws, if at the slightest challenge, they are scrambling to reverse themselves.

What is the benefit of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Governor’s office in their role as overseers of good governance? Britain itself must have some legislation on the possession of firearms and ammunition and sentencing guidelines on the illegal possession of same. Does the TCI legislation mirror that of Britain? If not, why not? Has the similar legislation in Britain withstood the challenge of judicial review? Has it withstood an extrajudicial challenge?

This re-working of legislation helps to explain why the office of our Attorney General so frequently fails in its attempts at defending the interest of the people of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Our judiciary, its systems, processes and resources require a system-wide reconstructive overhaul! Such an overhaul includes the Office of the Attorney General and the entire judicial bench!

A peculiar turn of events

This kind of unity and speaking with one voice by the two major parties may help in some way to deal with a problem that the governing PNP government created in 2022 by imposing mandatory sentencing regimes for certain gun-related offences.

childish tantrums when they can’t get their way. In all of this, the system caved, deals were made, the Americans were coached to plead guilty which gave the court the ability to consider exceptional circumstances and “let them all off with that usual slap on the wrist”.

All of this could have been avoided had they heeded the advice of the Hon Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Edwin Astwood from the PDM side of the House of Parliament who ‘importuned the PNP Government relentlessly against legislating for the mandatory sentencing regime in 2022 for gun-related offences.

This is “Super-Government” in action, where there is a 14+1 majority in the House, the government free every and anything but elect to enact a law fraught with danger and legal difficulty. Now after all of this, the undue exposure, the attacks on the TCI, the relentless badgering of the TCI in the reckless and irresponsible US media, the TCI Government had to ‘cave’ on all levels.

They met with US Officials to hold talks, one cannot divine what messages were sent to the Courts and the only assumption is that the lawyers worked out a way to give light to the operation of exceptional circumstances at a time when the Court of Appeal ruled that persons found with ammunition must do a little bit of time. Passing that 2022 Mandatory sentencing regime to the Firearms Law was a fatal misstep.

Policymaking issues

I still think this is all very weird. Changing the law is a good idea, but we still need to know more.

Why are we re-inventing the ‘wheel’??? The judges in TCI have all demonstrated grave judicial misconduct in the rendering of sentences in the matter of the recent cases brought under the current firearms sentencing guidelines!!! All of the sentences were ultra vires to the existing sentencing guidelines.

Most recently, we got to see as a nation how the Americans work and it is no small conspiracy theory. As soon as those US tourists came into TCI airports with small pockets of ammunition the entire US government came to bear down on us. This is a Caribbean reality from the Bahamas to Guyana where the US can ignore your laws and tell you how to run your country even though they are not following their own laws.

Senators, congressmen, governors and spokespersons from the US State Department came down on the TCI like a ton of bricks. Then, there were bomb threats from all and sundry, typical American

It cannot go without notice that since 2012 and the return of the TCI Constitutional Order, albeit in a still-born mode of effective governance, elected Ministers have the opportunity to sit on a newly created National Security Council (“NSC”) where they now contribute to criminal and defense policy for the TCI. Under the Order, the Premier and Minister of Finance now form part of the NSC with the Attorney General and other brilliant policymakers. Now owing to the cashiering of the Hon EJ Saunders as Minister of Finance, falling on his magnificent sword, it begs the question as to who now comprise the NSC, as the Premier is the one left behind. It would appear that the entire mode of policy-making in the TCI captures this hapless model of governance. Should not the NSC be so equipped with answers and proper advices so that the 2022 proposal

Public consultation for District Administration Bill 2024 starts on Monday

The Turks and Caicos Islands government has announced a series of public consultations to gather community feedback on the proposed District Administration Bill 2024.

The bill aims to replace the Caicos District Boards Ordinance and establish new District Boards responsible for managing public welfare matters in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Consultations will be held across the islands, allowing residents to voice their opinions, ask questions, and contribute to shaping the bill. The schedule includes sessions in Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales and Middle Caicos.

The District Administration Bill 2024 outlines the establishment, composition, and functions of the District Boards.

It covers topics such as member qualifications, vacancies, meeting procedures, decisionmaking, financial provisions, and reporting requirements. The bill also emphasises the importance of transparency and accountability, with provisions for disclosure of interests, confidentiality, and declarations to the Integrity Commission.

Residents are encouraged to actively participate in these consultations to ensure the bill reflects the needs and aspirations of the community.

Residents can play a crucial role in creating a robust framework

Continued

to outlaw ‘any and everything’ ie guns, criminalising law-abiding business persons, tourists, etc, that they could have advised against enacting so draconian a law?

Where the NSC may have given such guidance, the public remains oblivious, and the government plowed ahead, illadvised on none at all, to create a law that has come back to wreak havoc on the Country as an economic and social construct.

An “I told you so moment”

It is in situations like these, when governments “get it wrong” and are disconnected from the people, that opposition parties and leaders tend to emerge amidst the collapsing political order. Some leaders are gifted with the art of leadership and can take their “Machiavelli’ to untold heights if they are careful with it.

It is interesting that the Leader of the Opposition, PDM leader, Hon Edwin Astwood fits the Plato mold. Referencing Plato generally, it was stated that: who is reluctant to lead is most fit to do so. It is this kind of reluctance that’s good for democracy because from it comes caution, calm and due consideration of the issues that beset a nation.

The imposition of the 12-year

for effective governance and community development in the territory by attending the sessions and providing input.

THE CONSULTATION SCHEDULE IS AS FOLLOWS:

● Monday, 24th June at 11:00 am – Salt Cay (Salt Shed)

● Monday, 24th June at 6:00 pm

– Grand Turk (Dillon Hall)

● Wednesday, 26th June at 6:00 pm – South Caicos (Community Centre)

● Thursday, 4th July at 6:00 pm – North Caicos (Horse Stable Beach)

● Friday, 5th July at 6:00 pm –Middle Caicos (Conch Bar Community Centre) Consultation schedule infographic (TCIG)

sentencing regime for gun offences was opposed by the Leader of the Opposition for the havoc that it would wreak on the islands and the persons caught in so wide a web of criminal liability. In voting for the Firearms Amendment law and consenting for it to go through in one session meant in his words a “significant clarification” regarding judicial discretion in sentencing for firearmsrelated offenses.”

It would have been a political moment for him to rub the 2022 mistake of a law in the government’s faces but he decided to stand aside and allow the mistake to be corrected, allowing the Bill to be passed through all readings of the House and in one day. This is good for democracy and a statesman’s like approach to law-making. A lesser mortal would have grandstanded and held the Bill up in a major “I told you so moment” and blocked the bill. Maybe this is a new moment of political maturity in the TCI, where the leader of the Opposition decides to take the High-Road to reaching a solution for a self-inflicted wound on the part of the government. Really and truly that law should never have been enacted. This would have been the easier thing to do and to score political points. So, in essence, the leader of the Opposition, the Hon Edwin Astwood may be congratulated for this most responsible and unifying stance by supporting the Bill and allowing a major mistake to be corrected.

Weakness

Knowing that there is only one Elected Opposition MP and One Opposition Member to the House of Assembly, Government MPS and Backbenchers are imposed with a duty to fill the gap and to fill a vital constitutional and political void in the TCI.

It is their duty, even if there were greater Opposition MPs for the members of the Government benches to exercise greater control and oversight over the elected government.

One remembers over 50 years ago when Richard Nixon was under threat of impeachment in the US for Watergate crimes by his own Republican colleagues.

In the late 1990s in the TCI, history records well, the stances taken by the Hon Cheryl Tull and the Hon Ashwood Forbes, in calling their own PDM government to account in the House of Parliament, this is how democracy ought to work and the Hons Forbes and Tull are remembered well for setting high standards of legislative achievement. Today, some 25 years later, we have a different political climate where elected MPs, who are not ministers, instead of calling the government to account, function as cheerleaders and vote for anything that the government brings to the floor of Parliament. In 2022, when this current government brought the Firearms Bill to Parliament, with the mandatory sentencing regime, the

backbenchers on the PNP should have called their own government out, blasted and attacked the Bill. This law was reckless and they had a duty as “so-called representatives of the people” to oppose the government on measures like that. The crazy firearms law created huge problems for the country, attacks on the tourism base and product, and unearthed untold embarrassment for the government. Had the government backbench MPS voted the 2022 Firearms law down, it would have hurt their government politically but the fallout from dealing with irresponsible passengers at the airport with ammunition could have been avoided Parliamentary oversight in the TCI is weak and as a result, governments do what they like to the detriment of the people. The Firearms Law 2022 was one of those things.

Fixing a mistake

In 2022, when criminals were running amok, the law was a plausible way out. Could it have been better? Of course it could, but just maybe this draconian, Sharia-like measures kept some of our sons off the street and away from crime. I’m a glass full kind of TCIslander and I’ll give kudos to the government for owning up to their mistake and the opposition props for not making a fuss about it.

TCI won–let the political maturity continue.

Castillo is TCI’s National Spelling Bee champ

BY OLIVIA ROSE

Marbelli Castillo, a sixth-grade student at Provo Christian Academy, emerged victorious in a fierce battle of words at the National Spelling Bee competition held on June 4, 2024.

Sixteen primary school students from across the Turks and Caicos Islands participated in the event, which F Chambers and Islands Printing sponsored in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport, and Culture.

Jaden James of Precious Treasures International School and Lola Jimenez of the International School of the Turks & Caicos were the first and second runners-up, respectively.

The top three winners received prizes sponsored by F Chambers, Island Printing, and TCI Paint, including a MacBook Air for the champion, Apple iPad Minis for the runners-up, and Asus Memo Tablets for the top seven finalists. All participants received $50 gift certificates and complimentary trophies.

The event was made possible by the dedication of volunteers, including Chairperson Ms. Jacqueline Henry, Scorers Ms Evadne Williams and Mr. David Bowen, Judges Mrs Claudette Dean, Pastor Pedro S Williams and Mrs Latoya Skippings, Pronouncers Ms Shelaine Been and Ms Kawanza Morley, and Timekeeper Mr Jermaine Fulford.

The Ministry of Education also extended special thanks to Ms Tanya Swann and her team at Beaches Turks and Caicos for hosting the event and providing complimentary snacks.

Commenting on the event, Mark Fulford, Managing Partner of F

Chambers, expressed his delight at the growing participation in the Spelling Bee and reaffirmed the sponsors’ commitment to raising the event’s calibre.

He said: “It’s good to see a growing participation in the TCI National Spelling Bee. This year we saw 16 schools compete and the energy and healthy spirit of competition grew as well.

“As sponsors, we will continue to work with the Ministry of Education to raise the calibre of this prestigious event. It is always a pleasure to give back and we salute our corporate friends at TCI Paint who joined hands with us again to make all the donations a reality.

“Congratulations to the 2024 winner......and all the participants on a job well done. It is evident that a lot of work was put in and simply

making it to the National Spelling Bee deserves recognition.”

Minister of Education, Hon Rachel Taylor, congratulated all participants and commended the winners for their exceptional performance.

She said: “They are all winners and have represented their schools well! Special commendation to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners whose efforts have aided in their victory.

“Through this event, our young spellers experience the joy of learning new words, understanding their pronunciation and meanings, enhancing their spelling skills, and enriching their vocabulary. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the brave young ladies and gentlemen chosen to represent their schools.”

Mrs Sarah Kennedy, the Ministry

and Department of Education event coordinator, praised the students’ spelling prowess and composure under pressure and thanked the coaches and parents for their unwavering support.

The 16 participants drawn from across the islands to vie for the coveted title were; Adelaide Oemler Primary: Amber Gonzales and Coach Stafford Salmon; Alpha Christian Academy: Elaynie Regis and Coach Heather Robertson; B.E.S.T. Institute: Sydney Kay Brisbane and Coach Tanisha Rigby; C Hubert James Primary: Tivon Wright and Coach Uldean HarrisWright; Community Christian Academy: Khamora Coalbrooke and Coach Glenda Jones; Eliza Simons Primary: Kevaun Lamoy Lewis and Coach Althia Rocke; Enid Capron Primary: Herifer Fermin and Coach

Elizabeth Vandenburg; Ianthe Pratt Primary: Karessa Wynter and Coach Daniela Carroll.

The other participants were; Iris Stubbs Primary: Hernadgeka Pierre and Coach Debrica DavidsBeckford; International School of the TCI: Lola Jimenez and Coach Iman Rudi-Bonotti; Ona Glinton Primary: Malachi Warlock and Coach Jacqueline Henry; Oseta Jolly Primary: Edley Charles and Coach Tevyon Lewis; Precious Treasures International School: Jaden James and Coach Monique Fletcher; Provo Christian Academy: Marbelli Castillo and Coach Terry-Ann Roberts; Richmond Hill Preparatory: Dabria Thomas and Coach Veranick Burrick-Sinclair and Shining Stars Preparatory: Danae Leslie and Coach Aldith Campbell.

Ms Marbelli Castillo from Provo Christian School

Sponsors from F Chambers and Islands Printing presenting a trophy to Ms Marbelli Castillo

Students from several schools participated in the competition

TCI hurricane preparedness: Shelters ready, are residents ready?

BY OLIVIA ROSE

As peak hurricane season approaches, concerns are mounting about the Turks and Caicos Islands’ preparedness for potential storms.

Speaking at a recent press conference, the Director of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies Mrs Allison Gordon assured the public that shelter readiness is a top priority.

She said: “As early as January, February, we started that so all our shelters are in optimum readiness, and those that have not been ready, there are things that we have identified, and we will ensure that they are addressed.”

She stressed that regular inspections, shelter management training, and upgrades have been ongoing since the start of the year, and strategies are in place to address any shortcomings, particularly in light of COVID-19 considerations.

However, Gordon emphasises the importance of personal responsibility.

Residents must locate their nearest shelter and prepare a three-day supply kit, including medications and essential items for children. “We’re not checking into a hotel,” she warns, underscoring the need for self-sufficiency in emergency situations.

As it relates to shelter management training, several training courses were conducted earlier this year, allowing participants to gain knowledge in areas such as Shelters and Shelter Management, Hazard and Risk

Management, the TCI Disaster Management Framework, Shelter Administration, and ProblemSolving in the Shelter.

Coupled with this, financial commitment to disaster preparedness is evident in the government’s allocation of $745,000 specifically for shelter maintenance, a historic first according to the Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development with Responsibility for Disaster Management, Hon Jamell Robinson.

Also speaking at the press conference which marked the beginning of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Robinson highlighted that this investment,

along with an additional $1.7m for general building maintenance.

With most shelters housed in schools, ongoing maintenance is crucial, he stressed.

Robinson also noted significant strides in generator readiness. Regular maintenance schedules are in place, and recent funding has enabled the installation of new generators and housing. “We’re not just talking it,” he asserts, “We’re actually putting our money where our mouth is.”

While officials express confidence in the territory’s preparedness efforts, the true test lies ahead. As the hurricane season unfolds, residents are urged to remain vigilant, informed, and prepared.

Police seek public’s help to identify dead man

Officers of the Serious Crimes Unit of the Royal TCI Police Force are calling on members of the public to assist them in identifying a deceased male, whose body was recovered in the Five Cays area.

Police said that on Saturday, June 15, officers were alerted to a shooting incident in the Downtown Providenciales area.

Upon arrival at a location along Five Cays and South Dock Road, officers observed the body of a

man with what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

The victim is described as approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, wearing red shorts, blue underpants, a pair of black and white slippers and was shirtless.

The individual had a dreadlocks hairstyle.

Police said there were a number of tattoos on both of the deceased arms and a cross under both of his eyes.

They have estimated his age to

be between 25 to 40 years old.

“We are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying this individual,” Police said in a statement on Sunday.

Anyone with information that may help in the police investigation is urged to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, at Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or the CrimeStoppers P3 app to provide any information on this murder anonymously.

Mad Max gets life sentence for Joshua Swann’s

Kendall Dean, also known as ‘Mad Max’ received a life imprisonment sentence from Judge Davidson Baptiste for the brutal 2021 slaying of 24-year-old Joshua Swann.

Dean was found guilty of murder by a nine-member jury on April 22, in the Grand Turk Supreme Court and was sentenced on Monday, June 10.

He will serve a minimum of 30 years before he is eligible for patrol.

Swann, a former resident of Dock Yard, Providenciales,

murder

was shot multiple times about the body at about 3:57 pm on August 8, 2021, in the vicinity of North West Point in Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The young man was transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where he succumbed to his injuries. Following an intensive investigation and several interviews, Detectives of the Serious Crimes Unit (SCU) arrested and subsequently charged Dean, also known as ‘Dre’.

Director of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies, Mrs Allison Gordon

Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development with Responsibility for Disaster Management, Hon Jamell Robinson.

Kendall Dean aka Mad Max

From lies to liberation: part two

A few weeks ago, I wrote an article on achieving personal freedom from sinful strongholds. In it, I said that “a stronghold is a defensive structure, often hard to access and strategically placed in an elevated position to provide refuge for those in danger.” Just as individuals can be oppressed by mental and spiritual strongholds, entire nations can be held captive by cultural strongholds that shape and influence collective behaviour. The Bible provides a pathway to freedom, not just for individuals but for nations as well.

NATIONAL STRONGHOLDS AND THEIR IMPACT

A national stronghold is a deeply ingrained cultural belief or practice that opposes God’s truth and hinders a society from experiencing His blessings. Examples include systemic corruption, widespread idolatry, racial prejudice, and institutional injustice. These strongholds are like entrenched fortresses, difficult to penetrate and uproot. They shape national policies, cultural norms, and even the collective conscience of a people.

In the Bible, we see how nations can fall prey to strongholds. Israel,

KENYATTA E. LEWIS

for example, often struggled with idolatry, turning away from God to worship false gods. Judges 2:1112 says, “And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals. And they abandoned the Lord, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt.” This cultural stronghold led to cycles of oppression and suffering. In the book of Obadiah, Edom’s cultural strongholds of pride, arrogance, and violence are put on display.

Verse 3 says, “The pride of your heart has deceived you,… who say in your heart, “who will bring me down to the ground” and again in verse 10, “Because of the violence done to your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you,”

BREAKING FREE: A BIBLICAL BLUEPRINT

To break free from national

cut of the Lord of the Rings trilogy multiple times.

strongholds, a nation must recognize its need for repentance and transformation. The first step is acknowledging the presence of these strongholds. Nehemiah provides a powerful example of national repentance. Upon hearing about the desolation of Jerusalem, he prayed, confessed the sins of Israel, and sought God’s guidance (Nehemiah 1:4-7). This act of humility and repentance set the stage for national restoration.

The second step is turning away from the lies and embracing God’s truth. This involves a collective turning towards righteousness and justice. Isaiah 58:6-7 says, “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the

homeless poor into your house?”

Practical steps towards this include enacting just laws, promoting equality, and fostering a culture of compassion.

THE ROLE OF LEADERSHIP

Leaders play a crucial role in guiding a nation toward liberation from strongholds. Godly leaders like Josiah, who led Israel in national repentance and reform (2 Kings 23), show us the impact of righteous leadership. They must teach and uphold God’s principles, ensuring that national policies reflect His truth and justice.

THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Just as individuals need the Holy Spirit to overcome personal strongholds, nations need divine intervention to break free from

cultural strongholds. Zechariah 4:6 reminds us, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” Prayer and spiritual warfare are essential in this battle. Believers must intercede for their nation, asking God to tear down strongholds and usher in His kingdom.

A VISION OF FREEDOM

A nation freed from cultural strongholds will exhibit justice, peace, and prosperity. It will be a place where truth prevails and God’s principles are honoured. Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” A liberated nation will care for the marginalized, uphold justice, and reflect God’s love and righteousness. As individuals can be freed from personal strongholds through the power of God’s truth, so can nations be liberated from cultural strongholds. This requires recognition, repentance, and a collective turning towards God’s truth, guided by godly leadership and empowered by the Holy Spirit. By doing so, a nation can experience the fullness of God’s blessings and live in true freedom.

Turks and Caicos Islands business outlook

A business outlook conference was recently held under the theme “Opportunities for Growth and Inclusion for all TCI Stakeholders”.

Hon Charles Misick revealed that the dollar value for the successful completion of several high-end projects for Turks and Caicos is about $1bn. He also revealed a summary of approved and ongoing projects for each island with an additional 87 rooms for South Caicos valued at $30m. 630 rooms for Grand Turk valued at $1.2bn. North Caicos with more than 103 rooms valued at 30.4m. Middle Caicos

$170m. Salt Cay $125m and Providenciales $1.3bn and Pine Cay $11m.

The Premier also shared with the audience that a feasibility

BY DREXWELL SEYMOUR

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

study will be done to connect the Caicos Islands. He also stressed again that his government does not want anyone to be left behind, so the social services budget increased from $3m to $10m.

Mrs Angela Musgrove, the CEO of Invest TCI, talked about how Invest TCI is focusing not only on international investors but also local investors. Mr Paul

Pirie, the CEO of the newly created TCI Finance, recognises the challenges of the Financial Industry but is confident we can increase our share of the GDP by more than 30%

Mrs Kerryl Henry, the Country Manager and Area Vice President talked about access to capital. Mr Terrance Gibson, the Country Head announced that the Banking

Association has started the process of establishing a clearing house which will help all the banks to engage in electronic transfer and customers will be able to transfer funds among the banks creating a game changer. One of the exciting things he announced was that CIBC got the approval to install an ATM on the island of South Caicos and a second ATM on the island of Grand Turk.

The Minister reiterated that tourism is the mainstay of our economy, and they want to ensure that everyone benefits from this industry. She also announced that with Experience Turks and Caicos, there will be a grant of $5,000 for Turks and Caicos Islanders in the tourism industry. She also talked about the tourism

capacity data model that will be used to guide development and make decisions.

Mrs Stacy Cox, the CEO of the Turks and Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association talked about the different possibilities of diversifying the tourism industry and having a niche tourism market.

Mr Alvin Hegner, Chair of Experience TCI said that the TCI has one of the highest ADR in the country.

He said that at least eight properties have Virtuous Travel agency brand and no other Caribbean Island can say that. He also expanded on the data that Experience TCI is gathering that allows them to predict the pattern

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

The impacts of political inertia

Political inertia has become a dreaded pandemic and is spreading like wildfires around the globe, infecting all political systems from democracy to authoritarianism, totalitarianism, monarchy and hybrid.

Cries of condemnation and bickering are customary across the political spectrum and often, at the end of the term there’s little or no progress.

The aftermath of such actions is the birthmark of partisanship and while political inertia cannot directly annihilate people’s convictions; extreme ideologies emanating from divergence have undermined peace and security, and sustainable development.

These miscarriages are mostly evident in the Americas, some parts of Europe, Africa and widespread among Caribbean nations.

However, and unique, the US Congress, once the beacon of hope and model of political stability, has become a cadre of constant, prolonged gridlock between the two political parties. Today, this has left an indelible impression on constituents – cementing a sense of political identity.

Shaping the nation’s future with youth empowerment in TCI – why policymakers should prohibit this infectious practice

Empowering the youth of Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is essential to shaping a prosperous future. While experience is valuable, the inclusion of fresh perspectives from younger generations is crucial for addressing current challenges. As the country experiences rapid development and economic growth, it is imperative that we move beyond self-interest and competition to foster a collaborative and inclusive society.

Historically, our leaders have delved into the past to guide us through present issues. However, the future demands progressive leadership that can envision the bigger picture and integrate innovative solutions.

The economic boom has in many ways, shifted our focus from

BY D MARKIE SPRING

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

Among the prominent, visible scar emitting from political inertia, especial in the Caribbean, is the disappearance of politicians under the radar for the entire term and in an election year they re-emerge with idle talks, the patching of roads, and financing of small insignificant projects to lure their constituents.

So, I ask, do you think that these political miscarriages, we’re witnessing globally, would parade within the TCI political arena? If it does manifest itself, how would you respond? And what would you say to these politicians?

There is a reason for such questions! Since TCI’s last elections, a dearth of paved roads have existed and to this date, they’ve remained unfixed – still

they are deteriorating by the minute.

Now, take a moment to calculate how much money you’ve spent on auto parts with exorbitant prices in the last two years from driving into those unavoidable mini pond size potholes, which are everywhere!

While you are at it, do the same for energy – both at the pump and in your homes and businesses, which is bound to hit $10 per gallon if lawmakers do nothing.

Not withholding the inflated food prices in the grocery stores, which are accelerating faster than we can eat.

And while policymakers can’t be blamed for these surging prices in the international market, certainly, there are policies, which lawmakers can adopt to mitigate the impacts

they posit in the citizenry’s wallets. Even so, these realities prompted me to ask more questions – do you think that we’ll have smooth surface or new roads soon? Are you optimistic about reduced costs for food and fuel in the near term? And if these targets are met or not, how would it affect you as a voter?

BY ED FORBES A concerned citizen of Grand Turk

community to individual gain, resulting in a society that is slowly losing its cohesion.

Amidst this reality, our youth often feel ignored and underrepresented. They possess a wide array of perspectives that differ from previous generations. This makes them a vital demographic in the political landscape.

It is essential for politicians to recognise and engage with this group, respecting their views regardless of their families’ political affiliations.

The current status quo requires

a transformation, fuelled by new energy and fresh ideas.

Young people yearn for economic freedom, but with our passive culture, often times they hesitate to discuss the issues openly. They must realize the immense power they hold in shaping the future. Therefore, creating platforms where their voices are heard and valued is crucial.

To bridge the generational divide, political parties must engage in grassroots campaigns to reach this voting block which will

At this juncture, I implore both voters and policymakers to assess the status quo in countries around us and if you’re not sure, where to look, analyse the socio-political and economic degradation that is ravaging St Vincent and the Grenadines right now.

The government must be careful not to adapt such practices, because in democratic states political inertia bears grave political ramifications.

Our only hope is to wait and see if any progress will be made. If changes emerge it would be a relief; however, the damage is already done, as we have spent thousands of dollars on auto repairs, fuels and foods.

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

Please note that all submissions are subject to editing in keeping with defamation laws and newspaper style. Letters should be accompanied by the author’s full name, location and phone number. Names will be withheld if requested. Send letters to tcweeklynews@gmail.com

resonate with the youth.

The construction of hotels, resorts, and villas must be balanced with the creation of social spaces such as movie theatres, skating rinks, computer rooms, etc. These spaces can divert more attention away from social media and foster greater community engagement.

As we approach the upcoming election cycle, there will be a significant influx of young eligible voters. The party that can successfully mobilise this untapped voter base will likely secure victory.

In conversations with young voters, there is a clear sense of disillusionment with the current political discourse. This disengagement highlights a broader societal failure to instil the

importance of civic duty. The decline in youth engagement and the erosion of our social fabric is a collective failure involving legal, faith, and community institutions. Accountability must begin within these spheres to rebuild trust and engagement. This generation has the potential to be the movers and shakers of our communities, driving change and making a real difference. Henceforth, we must find a way to amplify their voices that might otherwise go unheard.

Ultimately, the next election’s outcome must ensure that young and talented individuals have a seat at the decision-making table. Embracing their contributions will not only empower them but also enrich our nation’s future.

TCI joins with OTs and Commonwealth in celebrating The King’s Official Birthday

BY DELANA ISLES

On Saturday, June 15, the Turks and Caicos Islands held its annual parade in honour of the official birthday of His Majesty King Charles III with much pomp and ceremony.

HE the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and the Hon Premier, Charles Washington Misick joined members of Cabinet, the House of Assembly, the Judiciary, dignitaries, senior officials, residents and visitors to commemorate the good health and long reign of His Majesty The King.

The King’s Birthday Parade included various uniformed organisations, such as the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), HM Prison

Service, Turks and Caicos Island Regiment, Border Force, the ExServicemen Legion, the Cadet Corps, Sea Cadets, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Rainbows and school children.

As part of the celebrations, Coronation Medals and Long Service Awards were presented to qualifying members of the uniformed services.

In her remarks to commemorate the occasion, which was also livestreamed, the Governor stated that the occasion is not just a day marked on calendars, but a celebration of enduring duty and unwavering dedication to public service.

“His Majesty The King serves as a symbol of unity and strength.

“He is a strong advocate of the Overseas Territories and has

championed numerous causes, fostering a sense of community and collective responsibility amongst us all.”

She listed from environmental conservation efforts to initiatives that support the arts, education and healthcare, stating that The King’s vision for a better society has inspired countless individuals to contribute to the common good.

“His dedication to these causes reminds us that true leadership is not about authority but about service and the impact of such leadership across generations.”

She called for all to affirm their own commitment to the principles of duty, service and compassion, in honour of The King’s Birthday.

Acknowledging the presence of the TCI’s youth cadets, scouts, guides, brownies and school

children, the Governor stated that The King has long been a strong advocate for quality education and for young people to realise their unique talents.

“Through education and community engagement, we can make a difference in providing pathways that support our youth to maximise their potential, nurture their confidence and open them to opportunities that build a bright future,” she urged.

She also noted that during her tenure as Governor, to date, she has met several inspirational people within the TCI who are working with dedication to support the potential of young people, strengthening their confidence for the benefit of local communities.

“Our Cadet and Sea Cadet Corps is a real demonstration of that

vision. We can all be rightly proud of their commitment, discipline and ambition.

“Today, in celebration of His Majesty’s Birthday Parade, we express our profound thanks and compliments to our uniformed services on parade today.

“I thank you wholeheartedly for your service to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Stand proud, we commend you. Each of you serves as an example of dedicated duty and dignified public service.

Your fidelity and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. May you continue to serve with distinction.”

Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam commented: “Our sentinel Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force symbolises constancy and resolute commitment to

With pomp and fanfare, the Turks and Caicos Islands celebrated His Majesty King Charles III in an official Birthday Parade. Present at the auspicious event were the Governor, HE Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, the Deputy Governor, HE Anya Williams, the Premier, Hon C. Washington Misick, Senior Officials and members of the public (TCIG photos)

safeguarding our well-being and security in the face of any challenge.

“Our TCI Regiment is a standard-bearer of national pride and duty in the development of our defence posture.

She said the TCI has much to be proud of, but that it must not fall victim to complacency nor hubris.

“Our strong foundation of

“Our Border Force is an illustration of enduring vigilance and our Islands’ growing institutional maturity. His Majesty’s Prison is a stoic example of determination of purpose, public safety and rehabilitation.”

community identity, of strength and resilience has carried our islands through many a challenge. Tackling the present challenge, of ensuring the safety of these precious islands, requires that strength of community to come forth.

“Now more than ever, a

strong relationship between the police, partner agencies and our communities that they serve is of critical importance.”

She is urging all to look forward with hope and determination, as the challenges the territory faces may seem complex but there is also opportunity.

As we come together in celebration, let us also look forward with hope and determination. In brief remarks, the Premier urged all to join him in extending sincere wishes to His Royal Highness, for good health and God’s blessings for a long and successful reign.

Need for regulatory reform in energy and utilities sector highlighted

The Turks and Caicos Islands is at a crossroads, grappling with the urgent need to modernise its energy and utilities sector to keep pace with its rapidly growing population and evolving needs.

This critical issue was recently highlighted at the inaugural Business Outlook Conference held at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa on Friday, June 7. The conference, themed “Opportunities for Growth and Inclusion for all TCI Stakeholders,” brought together leaders from various sectors to discuss the pressing challenges and potential solutions for the islands’ future.

Speaking at the conference, Commissioner of Energy and Utilities Delano Arthur delivered a hard-hitting message, emphasising the dire consequences of inaction and the urgent need for regulatory reform.

He

that are ill-equipped to handle the demands of the 21st century.

He said: “It’s

important to note that within these islands, regulatory

is not based on 21st-century industry practices—let’s get that out there first and foremost.

“In some instances, the regulations and the regulatory governance for the Turks and Caicos Islands are based on agreements that have been signed in 1986. So essentially, you’re using archaic rules and governance to be able to govern an industry within the 21st century.”

The Commissioner of Energy and Utilities, underscored the necessity of transformation in the sector to support sustainable growth.

Arthur emphasised the need for policy-based decisions that prioritize the best interests of all stakeholders, rather than just one single entity.

He said: “My job here is to ensure that no one entity feels that they have a monopolistic power to be able to utilise or monopolise God’s given sun or God’s given wind.”

He further acknowledged the challenges posed by population growth and climate change,

stressing the importance of sustainable and reliable energy and utilities buttressed by comprehensive policies.

“So in that regard, when we look at some of the policies that the Turks and Caicos Islands has, how do we ensure that energy, water fuel, and telecommunications are not only sustainable, and reliable but also affordable?

He continued: “We have to understand what goes into all of this… we’ve seen that the Turks and Caicos is growing by leaps and bounds and to be able to manage and keep up with the flow, you have to understand that there is climate change.”

He added: “And we all want our utilities cheap, we want them to be affordable, while at the same time being sustainable and reliable, all in one, and that’s what regulation helps to do.

“So when we look at the fundamental principles of where the industry is and where the industry is going, whether it be on

Turks and Caicos Islands ...

of tourists.

Mr Dennis Deveaux, the CFO of Doctors Hospital, talked about how the hospital has evolved and is a worldclass medical facility. He also stressed the need for collaboration with other countries in the Caribbean such as Turks and Caicos.

Dr Braithwaite-Tennant talked about the TCI Hospitals and the need to ensure safety, to provide solutions and to be sustainable.

Hon Robinson talked about the significant housing demand that TCI currently faces. To address this crisis, the government has developed housing initiatives and incentives to encourage individuals to build and restore housing.

Mr Devon Cox, the VP of Operations, talked about the need to find the right balance of affordability, sustainability and reliability.

Ms Vernay Mills from the diaspora office in Nassau spoke about the importance of this office and the engagement that takes place with Turks and Caicos Islanders.

The TCI Business Outlook conference has provided a lot of hope for the stakeholders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. I know there are a lot of challenges but as the Premier stated that the opportunities outweigh the challenges.

Mr Arthur of the Energy and Utilities Commission talked about using archaic rules and agreements to govern an industry in the 21st industry. Therefore, the government plans to regulate the industry to ensure that it is bright, sustainable, reliable and affordable.

Commissioner of Energy and Utilities at the Business Outlook Conference, Delano Arthur

painted a stark picture of the current state of the sector, pointing out the archaic regulations based on outdated agreements from 1986

Opposition supports balanced and sensible sentencing – as HOA approves further amendments to Firearm Ordinance

BY DELANA ISLES

Leader of the Opposition, Hon Edwin Astwood is satisfied with the amendments made to the Firearms Ordinance, stating that the law should be balanced and sensible.

Last Thursday, June 13, the House of Assembly unanimously passed the Firearms (Amendment) Bill 2024, going through all three readings in one sitting.

Seen as a pivotal moment, the Bill introduced significant clarification regarding judicial discretion in sentencing guilty parties for firearm-related offences.

As stated in the Attorney General, the Hon Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles’ presentation of the Bill before the House, the courts now have breadth of discretion in exceptional circumstances to impose either a custodial sentence, a fine, or both, rather than the mandatory 12 years custodial sentence even in cases where the circumstances are found to be exceptional.

Speaking on the Bill, following its passage, Hon Astwood stated that the amendment was introduced to address concerns about the

rigidity of the previous sentencing framework, which mandated both imprisonment and financial penalties for all firearms offenses, regardless of the specific context or severity.

He said: “This often resulted in disproportionately harsh sentences that did not always fit the nature of the crime or the circumstances of the offender.”

He outlined three key points of the amendment: “Judicial Discretion: Judges can now

consider the unique aspects of each case and determine the most appropriate sentence, whether it be a custodial sentence, a fine, or a combination of both.

“Exceptional Circumstances: This discretion is particularly aimed at cases where exceptional circumstances warrant a departure from the standard sentencing requirements.

“Balanced Justice: The amendment ensures a more balanced approach to justice,

allowing for fairer and more individualised sentencing that better reflects the nuances of each case.”

He said the new amendment is quite important in that it ensures that justice is equitable.

“I want to emphasise the importance of this amendment in ensuring that the judiciary can administer justice more equitably.

“This legislative change is a critical step in ensuring our legal system is both just and flexible.

“It acknowledges that not all cases are alike and that our judges must have the ability to consider all factors and impose sentences that are truly just and appropriate.”

Last month, when several cases involving American tourists arrested in possession of ammunition and a gun was thrust into the public view, the opposition had expressed their opinions about the intent of the legislation and the need for a review.

Astwood had stated: “We the PDM believe it is necessary to immediately review, and potentially amend the existing firearms laws, gaining public consultation and thereby creating

a more nuanced and flexible legal framework.

“While we must uphold the rule of law, we believe that our legal system must be flexible enough to consider extenuating circumstances and to differentiate between individuals who pose a genuine threat and those who may have no criminal intent and unknowingly violate the law.”

He said as leader of the official opposition, he fully agreed to have the Amendment Bill going through all three readings and on to passage in last Thursday’s sitting.

“The Opposition Appointed Member and I believe it will lead to fairer outcomes and better serve the principles of justice,” the party leader said.

Last week’s amendment to the law follows on the heels of the controversial decision by the Court of Appeal that all defendants found guilty of firearm-related offences are to serve a custodial sentence and be fined.

The Attorney General stated that the Appellate Court’s finding led to a further review and has resulted in the new amendment to broaden judicial discretion on a finding of exceptional circumstances.

From perception to reality

Sometimes, in life, you have to make major changes. Those who have known me for a long time now know of the major change in my political thinking. I am no longer a supporter of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM). Why would I turn completely away from the political party that was partly founded by my father in our family home? There were many reasons, but in short, perception clashed with reality. When it happened, I felt totally lost and couldn’t believe it. It was like being stuck in a confusing maze. Each time I thought I found the right way, it was a dead end. This wasn’t just about figuring out my mistakes. This also helped me understand why I saw things the way I did in the first place.

This discord between perception and reality took on a colossal form in politics and my personal life. Back then, I often held onto beliefs about my political party and figures with an iron grip, thinking my allegiance

BY AUDLEY ASTWOOD

to a party was the beacon of truth.

But was I alone in this thinking?

Was I so wrapped up in my perceptions that I lost sight of what was genuinely important?

Everyone wants the truth, but everyone can’t handle it. Sometimes, what we staunchly believe to be reality is not even a second cousin of the truth.

Our beliefs, values, and the very foundation of our understanding might be built on shaky ground. And here lies the problem: when

perception becomes reality, the actual reality fades into the background.

It was easy for me to say that my past political party aligned with all of my beliefs and values. It was comforting, even. But the truth? No political party is the end-all and be-all. They’re made of humans, flawed and striving, just like us. Elevating them above all else is a risky game. It blinds us to their mistakes, to the moments when they diverge from our values, and, most importantly, it stifles dialogue.

The crux of the matter is not which political party we support. It’s about understanding that our perception of them is not reality. We must recognise that reality is complex and rarely ever black and white. And in this recognition, there’s a call to action. It’s a call to question, to learn, and to understand beyond our immediate perceptions.

Imagine a world where we prioritise truth over allegiance, where dialogue trumps division.

It’s not an easy world to create. However, it’s a necessary one. Our belief in a political party should not overshadow the collective goal of societal progress and understanding. Such was the case that led me to choose reality over perception. It is the main reason why I decided to make some major changes in my life and politics.

When perception conflicts with reality, it’s not just a personal crossroads. It’s a societal one. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and choose a path that leads us closer to truth, understanding, and each other.

Let’s not allow our perceptions to cloud the immense potential for growth and unity. After all, the strength of our society lies not in unwavering loyalty to a party but in our shared commitment to navigating the complex journey towards truth together.

I’ve studied objectively not just the politician who leads our country but also the man himself.

I find him to be a genuine

and caring man who loves his country. This understanding has led me to step away from blind allegiance and embrace a more informed and critical perspective. I realise now that a leader’s qualities should reflect not only personal integrity but also a genuine commitment to the collective good. And it is this realisation that guides my political choices today. Moving forward, I am committed to supporting leaders and parties that prioritise the well-being of all of our people. The current premier demonstrates not just rhetoric but real actions that align with the leadership that will ascend TCI to higher heights. This shift from perception to reality has not only redefined my political outlook but has also instilled a deeper sense of responsibility to participate actively in our democracy. TCI is a blessed country, and I can rest well knowing that the current leadership is in good hands.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon Edwin Astwood

Govt committed to infrastructure development

– Deputy Premier

BY OLIVIA ROSE

Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning & Infrastructure Development Jamell Robinson recently presented a comprehensive report on the achievements of his Ministry, emphasising the government’s dedication to infrastructural progress as a cornerstone of national development.

The update highlighted the Ministry’s multifaceted approach to enhancing the quality of life in the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a focus on infrastructure, housing, community revitalisation, and disaster preparedness.

Reporting on several departments under his ministry’s purview during a sitting of the House of Assembly last week, Robinson informed that the Department of Planning’s initiatives to streamline development approvals

have yielded a 20% reduction in processing time, fostering investment while maintaining rigorous standards.

He also disclosed that updated zoning regulations aim to guide future development, ensuring a balance between growth, environmental preservation, and cultural heritage protection.

The Department of Estates has also completed comprehensive audits of government properties and instituted a proactive maintenance programme to optimise the management and utilisation of government assets.

Turning his attention to Community Engagement, Robinson said: “Regular town hall meetings are planned to gather input from residents and stakeholders, fostering a collaborative approach to planning.

Addressing housing needs, the Department of Housing

Suspects flee from police after exchange of gunfire – one in custody

Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying three male suspects who were passengers in an unlicensed red Suzuki Swift vehicle on Wednesday evening, June 19, when a shootout ensued.

A police bulletin on Thursday, related that while officers were on patrol along Norway Road in Kew Town Wednesday night, they spotted a red Suzuki Swift vehicle with no license plate speeding past them.

Officers reportedly pursued the vehicle and attempted to intercept it but were fired upon. In turn, the officers discharged their firearms, prompting the vehicle to stop. However, while one occupant of the car surrendered, three others ran off.

“It is not believed that any member of the public was

injured, and the police officers involved did not suffer any injury,” Police reported.

They said the circumstances surrounding the incident and the discharge of the officers’ firearms are, as a matter of routine, under review.

Reports are that on Thursday, police were at the home of the suspect in custody conducting a search for firearms and or ammunition while continuing their search for the other suspects who escaped.

They are calling on members of the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or on the Crime Stoppers P3 app to anonymously provide any information on the men’s identities that ran off.

and Community Renewal outlined ongoing affordable housing projects and community revitalisation efforts.

He said: “Several affordable housing projects are underway, aimed at providing quality housing options for low- and middleincome families.”

In a notable move, the government will initiate home improvement repairs for 39 applicants, demonstrating its commitment to improving living conditions.

Robinson said: “Next week this same time we will engage our contractors in an orientation, as we commence repairs to the first batch of citizens for home improvement. It’s not Christmas Mr Speaker, but a total of 39 applicants will have the smell of fresh paint around their homes among other approved works.”

The PPID Minister also reported that partnerships with private developers and non-profit organisations are also being strengthened to expand housing options.

Coupled with this, he noted that the Department of Public Works’ swift response to recent flood damage, backed by a $1.5m allocation for repairs, underscores the government’s dedication to maintaining critical infrastructure.

Touching on other areas of interest, Robinson stressed that

upgrades to public schools and a proactive maintenance approach for public assets further exemplify this commitment.

The installation of solar street lighting, a $2m investment, and the modernisation of the government fleet highlight the government’s focus on sustainability and efficiency.

Transparency and oversight in procurement processes remain a priority for the contracts management team, with upcoming workshops planned for contractors and vendors.

As it relates to the Disaster Preparedness measure, Robinson said the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies, continues to ensure preparedness and resilience through updated emergency plans and community training programmes, underscoring

the government’s proactive approach to disaster response.

“Comprehensive emergency response plans have been updated and tested to ensure readiness for various disaster scenarios.

“Disaster preparedness training programmes have been conducted across communities, equipping residents and volunteer stakeholders with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively.

“Strategic partnerships with regional and international organisations have been strengthened to enhance resource mobilisation and support during emergencies.”

Robinson expressed gratitude for the PPID team’s dedication and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a prosperous and sustainable future for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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

Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning & Infrastructure Development, Hon Jamell Robinson

Premier defends controversial decision to expand All-Island Constituency

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In a heated session of the House of Assembly on Thursday, June 13, 2024, Premier Washington Misick staunchly defended his decision to expand the All-Island constituency by four elected members, a move that has sparked fierce debate in the territory over the last few weeks.

The Premier’s motion moved in the House of Assembly last week, titled “Turks and Caicos Islands Constitutional Audit 2011Composition of a new Parliament,” aims to break a deadlock over the timeline for transitioning to a fully elected House of Assembly.

The motion was passed following a spirited debate, which saw several members of the House of Assembly including Appointed Members supporting the motion.

This key reform was agreed upon in principle during bipartisan talks with the UK government last October.

Premier Misick argued passionately for the expansion, citing time constraints and the ultimate goal of achieving a fully independent parliament.

“This widens electors’ options potentially electing persons with differing opinions from those of party elected representatives,” Premier Misick declared.

The Leader of the Opposition, while supporting the concept of an all-elected House of Assembly, vehemently opposed the Premier’s approach.

He accused the Premier of aligning with the British government and demanded that the people decide how the four seats would be distributed.

In a fiery rebuttal, Premier Misick accused the opposition leader of obstructing progress and failing to embrace change. He emphasised the importance of a fully elected House of Assembly to represent the needs and aspirations of the community and accused the opposition of seeking to delay this crucial development, potentially for another five years.

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything…we cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community,” Premier Misick proclaimed.

He further accused the Leader of the Opposition of attempting to “reverse course on agreed positions” and clinging to a “colonial notion that political power cannot be fully entrusted to natives”.

Misick passionately advocated

for progress and change, emphasizing the importance of a fully elected House of Assembly to represent the aspirations and needs of the community.

He asserted that expanding the All-Island constituency puts political parties on equal footing, regardless of their current parliamentary strength or support among the electorate, and also offers equal opportunities for independent candidates.

“This widens electors’ options potentially electing persons with differing opinions from those of party elected representatives,”

Premier Misick declared. He further criticised the Leader of the Opposition for obstructing progress and failing to embrace change.

The Premier also highlighted the significance of a fully elected

House of Assembly.

He said: “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything… we cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community.”

He characterised the opposition’s stance as regressive and urged the Leader of the Opposition to align with the majority and support a progressive vision for the future.

He said: “His is not a progressive position. His excuse is trite and illogical. He should not be making excuses for regressive thinking, I invite him to side with the majority and progressive view on this issue.”

Premier Misick addressed concerns about the Boundary Commission’s work, emphasising that any changes to electoral districts would require a proposal

for constitutional change to be submitted to the UK.

He outlined the timeline for voter registration and the publication of the Electors Register, assuring that electors would have the opportunity to submit claims or objections regarding the approved recommendations.

The Premier reiterated that the Governor has the authority to dissolve the House of Assembly and emphasised the constitutional requirement for dissolution by March 4, 2025.

He stressed the importance of honouring the wishes of the majority who support the transition from appointed members to elected members for the upcoming elections.

He said: “Any proposals that would be made in respect of the number of electoral districts would

have to be put to the UK as a proposal for constitutional change.

“It must be noted and taken into consideration that the cutoff date for accepting voter registration applications for the March 31, 2025 Electors Register will be November 30, 2024, and if a Commission is appointed and makes recommendations to change the boundaries of various electoral districts, and if it is approved, persons will have to be moved on the Register to the correct electoral district in accordance with the approved recommendations.”

“The changes and movement of persons to the correct electoral district will be instituted and published by 31st January 2025, and electors must be given the opportunity to submit claims or objections in respect of the published Register.

“The Electors Register indicating changes in accordance with the approved recommendations of the Boundary Commission will be published March 31, 2025.”

Premier Misick concluded by asserting that the proposed changes to the TCI constitution are forward-thinking and represent a departure from a backwardlooking approach.

He acknowledged the challenges and complexities of the path to progress, emphasizing the need to adapt and navigate conflicting forces.

The debate in the House of Assembly underscored the deep divisions and high stakes surrounding the issue of electoral reform in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The clash between the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition reflects the ongoing struggle to balance the aspirations of the people with the complexities of constitutional change.

CONTRIBUTORS NEEDED

Hon Premier Washington Misick during a sitting of the House last week

The truth about Heaving Down Rock, the National Trust Vs Lew1 Shipping

BY HON RALPH HIGGS

As humans, it is very easy to forget what the past looked like when we struggle with today’s challenges. Lately, I’ve been reminiscing about the time that I served as the Member of Parliament for North and Middle Caicos from 2016 to 2021. Alongside my dedicated PDM colleagues, we poured our hearts into making life better for the constituents of ED4 and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Among the many projects we championed, the transformation of Heaving Down Rock in Leeward, Providenciales, stands out vividly in my memory.

Heaving Down Rock has always been more than just a loading point for mariners; it is a symbol of our rich heritage and the spirit of our people. However, before the improvements, the PNP government was comfortable with Heaving Down Rock being nothing but a quarry loading dock, devoid of basic facilities. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the PNP government gave this public property to a party supporter prioritizing personal connections over the public good. Thankfully, that supporter donated it to the National Trust after the public got wind of it.

Today, as a result of the work

under my Ministry and the PDM Administration, the Heaving Down Rock facility is comfortably used and enjoyed by the commuters of Pine and Parrot Cay, aquatic operators, and cargo and ferry services. The facility is even casually used by individuals and groups for relaxation or fishing.

As we navigate the present and look toward the future, it is crucial to remember these lessons. Our progress from 2016 to 2021 shows what can be achieved with dedication and a genuine commitment to the people’s welfare.

As a proud Turks and Caicos Islander, who has always held the country’s best interest at heart, I can assure you that I will continue to build on our progress.

The impasse that currently exists between the National Trust and Lew1 Shipping is nothing short of a national crisis which has serious and direct implications for the people and businesses on North and Middle Caicos and all the cays in between.

This PNP government should not have allowed it to come to this point. They must intervene forthwith to rectify this situation. It is impractical, if not impossible for Lew1 shipping to operate from South Dock. It will increase

the already high freight between Providenciales, Pine and Parrot Cay, North and Middle Caicos by at least three (3) fold. And as most of the journey now would be on the high seas; the ocean, there could be many days when the sea is too rough for Lew1 to travel from South Dock to North Caicos and the islands in between. Thereby making a bad situation even worse.

When I was in office, on many occasions, the National Trust had proposed increasing the cost to Lew1 Shipping out of Heaving Down Rock. Me and my government resisted as we could not support any higher freight on the backs of the people and businesses of our islands. There were also several occasions when the National Trust sought to close down Lew1 Shipping operations for non-payment. But again, me and my government intervened. We made sure negotiations continued between Lew1 Shipping and National Trust to prevent any disruption in the important service that Lew1 Shipping provides to the family islands.

Successive governments have provided subsidies to local airlines that operate between our islands. They have also provided subsidies for the ferry to run between Salt Cay and Grand Turk. Most recently, the government wrote off almost $2m worth of debt owed to TCIG by these airlines. The time has perhaps comes for the government to look at the situation that currently exists between Lew1 Shipping and the National Trust. Surely, it could insist that the two parties negotiate a settlement to this matter while it considers a path to settle the debt owing to the National Trust by Lew1 Shipping.

The National Trust is a quasigovernment entity and it raises funds through fees levied on users of our national parks and facilities such as Heaving Down Rock etc. Historically, the National Trust has been poorly subvented and it has been responsible for raising up to 60% of its budget. In fact, to the best of my knowledge, the last meaningful increase that the National Trust received in its subvention came under the former PDM administration. This PNP government has not not seen it fit to increase the National Trust subvention in any direct meaningful way. I am reliably informed that the staff of the National Trust did not even benefit from the increase in salaries that this government implemented a few months ago.

I am certain that the current situation between the National Trust and Lew1 Shipping didn’t

Need for regulatory reform in energy and utilities ...

wind or solar or energy or battery storage, with the utilities that are under our remit, we have to agree on the principle, fundamentally.

The Commissioner also highlighted the global shift towards new business models driven by technology, with falling costs of renewable energy options and the emergence of electric vehicle charging stations.

He argued that these changes necessitate a regulatory framework that can adapt to the evolving landscape.

Despite the economic growth and prosperity of the islands, residents continue to bemoan the high cost of utilities and the poor and often unreliable service they are receiving from some utility providers in the islands.

Against this backdrop, the government has recognised the need for regulatory reform and has presented a call to action.

A multisector utility regulatory policy paper is currently being developed to provide rules, regulations, and industry best practices for the sector.

If it comes to fruition, the policy will aim to establish a

unified regulatory body to oversee telecommunications, electricity, water, sewerage, and related services, to promote innovation, environmental sustainability, and the delivery of affordable highquality utility services in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The conference served as a platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions about the

happen in a vacuum, neither did it happen overnight. The fact that this government could allow the lifeline of North and Middle Caicos and the resort islands of Parrot Cay and Pine Cay to be cut demonstrates the lack of appreciation for the value that Lew1 shipping brings to these islands and they simply do not care of about the struggles at the people and businesses face on daily basis. I am sincerely and respectfully urging the government to order the National Trust to allow Lew1 Shipping to resume operations forthwith and to commence the necessary arrangements to write off this small debt of approximately of $100,000 which represents about four years’ worth of fees that is owed to the National Trust by Lew1 Shipping and to find an amicable way to address the other concerns raised by the National Trust.

future economic landscape of TCI, with a focus on sustainable growth and inclusion.

The call for regulatory reform in the energy and utilities sector was a key takeaway, highlighting the need for urgent action to meet the demands of the growing population and ensure a sustainable future for the islands.

Hon Ralph Higgs

Labour Tribunal hosts annual training seminar

The Labour Tribunal, under the leadership of President and Attorney at Law Mrs Mary D. Quelch Missick, hosted its annual training seminar at the Labour Tribunal Court Room on Friday, June 7th, 2024.

Attendees included Labour Tribunal staff, Labour Commissioner Mr. Alpheus Smith, Deputy Labour Commissioner Mr Kenrick Gardiner, and Labour Inspectors.

The seminar aimed to foster greater cooperation between departments, review aspects of the Employment Ordinance, clarify legal interpretations, expectations, and performance standards, and ensure adherence to policies and procedures for seamless case transitions.

HE Governor Dileeni DanielSelvaratnam and Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Hon Arlington Musgrove were in attendance and brought remarks to the attendees. The Governor pledged her continued support and stated that she values the work carried out by the Labour Tribunal and the labour inspectors. She spoke of the important roles of both departments in bringing about relief and a remedy for those persons seeking a right of redress for their employment complaints.

The Minister expressed his appreciation for the exercise and spoke of the importance of the work being carried out, ensuring that the employee’s and employers’ rights were being upheld. He encouraged the attendees to continue in their diligence in carrying out their duties to the public and pledged his continued support and for the provision of the resources needed for the invaluable work. He recognised that the employment market has changed dramatically and as the country continue to develop he anticipate there will be a higher number of complaints from the employees with undoubtedly would have an effect on both departments in carrying out their responsibilities in their quest for fairness and justice.

Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr Pascal Bacchus was also in attendance and extended greetings to the staff, Members and Labour Inspectors. He spoke about the importance of conciliation, an exercise that must be facilitated by both parties with a view of settling the case before it reaches the Labour Tribunal for adjudication.

The Labour Commissioner, Mr Alpheus Smith made presentation on the importance of synergy between the departments as the

Employment Ordinance acts as the guide for both departments. In his presentation, he reminded the participants of the importance of working together and pondered on a quotation “can two walk together except they agree?”, he spoke on the importance of open communication and mutual respect in carrying out the mandate of both departments.

Inspectors Dexter Moore and Pernell Dean made a very informative power point presentation on the Role of the Inspectors and expanded on the

duties and responsibilities of the Labour Inspectors. Senior Member of the Labour Tribunal Mrs Arnelle Taylor-Hall, Attorney at Law spoke on the legal aspects and pointed out the importance of following the established guidelines in completing the applicable forms required for a referral to the Labour Tribunal and the importance of adhering to the six months’ time frame. The role of the members was explained by Senior Member, Mr Edward Hall. He encouraged new members to accept their appointments and to be

committed to the task ahead. President of the Tribunal, Mrs Doreen Missick gave a very informative presentation on all aspects of the Employment Ordinance 2002 (2018) to include Rules and Procedures as it relates to the Labour Tribunal carrying out its responsibilities pursuant to Section 93. The establishment and the powers given by the Ordinance to include that Orders, decisions and awards of the Labour Tribunal shall be enforceable in the Supreme Court as though they were orders or judgements of that court.

HE Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam; Minister of Immigration & Border Services, Hon Arlington Musgrove; Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr Pascal Bacchus; Tribunal President, Mrs M. Doreen Missick; Labour Commissioner, Mr Alpheus Smith, Tribunal staff and members and Labour Inspectors (TCIG photos)

Tribunal President, Mrs M. Doreen Missick presentation to the training attendees

Regional News

Shutdown possible warn gas retailers

Gas retailers are considering a shutdown after being disappointed that there was no margin increase included in the 2024/25 Budget.

Vasco Bastian, vice president of the Petroleum Retailers Association, said members are growing impatient after 30 months of negotiations over a margin increase with the Davis administration and are ready to close their business for a “day or two” to demonstrate their irritation.

Speaking to Tribune Business this week, Mr Bastian said gas retailers are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and find it “extremely difficult” to continue operating under the current rate structure.

He said: “The members were ready to shut down and shut down this country for a day or two and I’m the only one completely opposed to shutting down. It would inconvenience the Bahamian public who are supporting us in this effort and our employees who depend on us. Fifty nine out of sixty members are ready to shut down, for the last 30 months we’ve

A

been to convince them to not strike and shut down, as far as yesterday.

“We are trying to be patient and professional in our negotiations, but at this point, the members are calling for my head, they believe I am being too nice to the government. But we’re at a point now that I’m even frustrated.

I’m disappointed because I feel that I’ve been hoodwinked. It’s extremely difficult, we’re still trying to recover from COVID.”

Gas retailers have not received a margin increase since the then Ingraham administration granted one 13 years ago. Unlike virtually all other

A top executive at the United Nations’ migration agency this week warned of catastrophic humanitarian consequences for the spiralling numbers of Haitians forced to flee their homes due to violence fuelled by a conflict with armed gangs.

“The figures we see today are a direct consequence of years of spiralling violence,” said Philippe Branchat, who heads the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Haiti arm, “and its catastrophic humanitarian impact.”

Almost 580,000 people in Haiti are internally displaced –

around 5% of Caribbean country’s entire population – according to the IOM’s latest country-wide assessment, a 60% increase on 360,000 just three months earlier.

This has contributed to close to 5 million – nearly half the population – facing acute hunger.

Gang violence in Haiti surged in late February as former Prime Minister Ariel Henry left the country to seek to speed up a promised Kenyan-led deployment of security forces to help national police fight gangs.

As armed men attacked the national palace and broke thousands from prison, Henry was

industries, which are able to increase prices to cover rising operating expenses, the Bahamian petroleum industry operates on price-controlled fixed margins that require government approval before they can be changed.

Dealers say that, especially following the post-COVID cost of living crisis, ever-rising expenses have effectively wiped out the 54-cent and 34-cent margins per gallon of gasoline and diesel sold, driving them into losses and placing some in a position where they are threatening to close their operations. The government, though, has been reluctant to raise the margins for fear it will increase fuel bills for motorists.

Mr Bastian revealed that retailers have reduced their request for a 30-cent increase in petroleum to 25 cents and have “paused” the request for a diesel increase as it would affect boaters, heavy equipment operators and jitney

drivers.

He said he is “heartbroken” that negotiations have dragged out so long preventing retailers from making a profit and is ‘saddened’ by the way the Davis administration has responded.

He said: “I’m extremely disappointed with the way we are being handled. I’m totally in support of Bahamian businesses, I’m totally in support of trying to ensure that small, medium sized business like the gas station operators in The Bahamas and other small business in The Bahamas survive, but I’m heartbroken at the way we’ve been handled in the last 30 months.

“Really heartbroken that we as Bahamians with families and bills have not been given an opportunity to make a profit or continue to operate in The Bahamas, in this economy, in this environment. It’s just extremely discouraging and we’re saddened by the way we’ve been treated.” (Tribune242)

Ingraham ‘recovering well’ after brain surgery to remove blood clot

unable to return and pressured to resign. Three months later, a new government has just been installed but the Kenyan-led deployment has yet to land.

Henry first requested the deployment in 2022.

Meanwhile, the violence has cut off supply routes in a country highly dependent on imports of both food and fuel, pushing up prices for basic staples and medical supplies, while businesses have shuttered and alliances of armed gangs have attacked neighbourhoods, bringing indiscriminate killings, sexual violence, ransom kidnappings, lootings and arson.

Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham is recovering well and in excellent spirits after undergoing a two-hour brain surgery to remove a blood clot this afternoon.

According to his medical team, the condition is called Subacute Chronic Subdural Hematoma, and was described as a minimal risk at a press conference held today.

His consultant surgeon Dr Duane Sands advised that no visits will be permitted as Mr Ingraham recovers at Doctors Hospital, adding the former prime minister was “most appreciative of the expressions of concern”.

Dr Sands explained that the “clot” and blood caused increasing

symptoms that impacted Mr Ingraham’s dexterity and movement as well as headaches.

The former prime minister underwent a CT scan yesterday ahead of the neurosurgical procedure to drain the collection and decompress the brain.

In a statement, Dr Sands said: “He is recovering well, in excellent spirits and we anticipate discharge home in one or two days. His team of clinicians is led by Dr Magnus Ekedede, Adrian Cargill, and Duane Sands.”

Mr Ingraham is expected to be released from hospital tomorrow with a full recovery anticipated within two weeks. (BBC)

Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham as he enters the voting hall during the 2024 FNM Convention held at Baha Mar on June 1, 2024

driver filling up at a New Providence gas station

Armed gang members walk through the streets near the presidential palace, in Port-au-Prince

Regional News

Caribbean, Africa urged to trade in their own currencies

Barbados Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment, Chad Blackman, says the Caribbean and Africa should start looking at trading among themselves in their respective currencies, adding that the United States and European currencies might be less dominant a decade from now.

Blackman speaking Wednesday at the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) 31st Annual Meeting (AAM2024) taking place here, said that his comments are “potentially controversial” but noted that some countries are already trading in their own currencies.

Blackman told a session titled “Managing Macroeconomic Crises: Some Lessons from Africa and the Caribbean” that in addition to appreciating over time, trading in a currency lends credibility to those markets where the currencies are in use.

“And when you look at the current geopolitical shifts taking place in the world, I’m no prophet, but I believe within the next 10 to 15 years, a number of the currencies that we’re now looking to, may not be in the same position that they are today,” said Blackman, a former diplomat.

“So the question is, ‘How do we prepare ourselves for that eventuality and that shift, which will take place?’” he said, noting that a lot of currencies are pegged to the US dollar.

“So, conversations must now be had not just at the domestic level, but also between the Caribbean and Africa, looking at perhaps a basket of currencies that we should actually start to look at that can anchor or monetary policies.”

He, however, noted that most Caribbean economies are tourismbased, adding, “and therefore, when you look at the strength of the

dollar, given that we import most of our goods to service, for example, or tourism-based economies, it has a major implication.

“Now, that aside again, I want to go back to the whole issue of south-south, for a long time, we’ve held the view that in order for us to trade, we must trade only in the US dollar on the euro or in the pound.”

Blackman addressed a number of other issues, including reform of the global financial sector and tax revenue as a portion of gross domestic product.

He said that as it pertains to accessing financing, countries such as Barbados are oftentimes caught in “the vortex of being either classified as middle-income or high-income”.

This, he explained, limits a country’s policy options as regards addressing their developing challenges, noting that Barbados, through the Bridgetown initiative, has called at the international level

for a rethinking of using GDP per capita to determine a country’s access to developmental financing.

Blackman said that while some countries might have a high groass domestic product (GDP) per-capita ratio they also have “inherent inequalities”, adding that sometimes, in addressing these issues, a country cannot approach it as single nation state.

“You have to look at the entire multilateral development system.

And therefore, Prime Minister (Mia) Motley … conceived and led the initiative,” he said, noting that the Barbados proposal calls for a reform of the international financial architecture.

“So when you look at both the domestic reality coupled with the global reality, we, therefore, now have to ensure that we can have that policy space to be able to treat to a number of these things.

“Because if you’re indebted and then … an external shock

Antigua: Woman fined for smuggling drugs hidden in her private parts

A 30-year-old woman has been fined $25,000 after authorities discovered cocaine and cannabis concealed on her person at VC Bird International Airport in Antigua.

Taji Tricia Bright of St George Street was charged with possession of cannabis and cocaine, possession of both with intent to transfer, drug trafficking, and being

concerned in the supply of the two controlled drugs.

Narcotics officers were on duty at the airport, when they encountered Bright inside the departure lounge on May 30.

She was searched and found to have 1.25 pounds of cannabis under her breasts and 42.5 grams of cocaine inside of her vagina.

The cocaine is estimated to be worth almost EC $1500 while

manifests, whether that be a climate shock, when you see the tensions around the world, causing an increase in energy prices, countries like Barbados, or the Bahamas or Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, are often therefore faced with a very difficult task of being able to treat with the external shock whilst paying down the debt that was there before,” Blackman said.

The former diplomat said that in such a situation, a country that goes to the international market for financing ideally needs long-term financing options.

“Why? The high interest rates are going to choke your ability to do so. So the country and the region, CARICOM, has been calling for that reformation around the world and the restructuring.”

The Economic Affairs and Investment Minister made the point as he noted that the Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, Dr Kevin Greenidge had told an earlier panel that there is a still a lot of work to be done in this regard.

Meanwhile, the panel also heard that no country has made it to advanced economy status without raising about 30 per cent of the GDP in taxes even as in Africa, tax contribution is about 15 or 16 per cent of GDP.

Blackman said the situation in the Caribbean is similar to Africa, adding that this goes back to the constraints in the policy space in trying to raise revenue.

“Because of course you either do it through taxes or growth. But to be able to do that, in circumstances where you’re constrained by high levels of debt is going to make it very difficult and that has been a major challenge.”

On Wednesday, Greenidge, called for reform of the global financial architecture, saying credit rating agencies have a “natural bias” against smaller economies such as those in Africa and the Caribbean

Blackman said the time has long passed for the global south to have

“credit rating agencies that can stand the test of time.

“Why? And not to knock them, but the credit rating agencies that we all look to in the world as we speak were not created by us or in our image,” he said adding that he was glad to hear that credit rating agencies are coming out of Africa.

“There has to be agencies that can be created around the global south that can stand the test of time, we have the credibility, but that the world also will respect.”

He said that the current global credit rating agencies “have moved away from the original intent and the implications are massive to our economies”.

Blackman said the global south must also leverage South-South cooperation and liquidity.

“Because there’s a lot of finance going on in our part of the world. But if we don’t harmonise our approaches, and try to unlock it, where it is, a lot of the mobilisation that we’re needing is not going to be unlocked, but it is there. The question is what mechanism and instruments do we have to be able to unlock them? Right.”

He said that Africa and the Caribbean continue to push the reform agenda, adding that the Bridgetown Initiative is “a very good and real example of that.

“But we have to also not just look at the financial architecture and reform,” adding that Africa and the Caribbean have to use the multilateral system around the world, for example, at the UN, “to ensure that when they’re at the table, they constantly bring these issues that are faced by the Global South…

“… most of our countries did not exist when the current architecture that we now operate under was created and therefore with new challenges, new realities, deep inequalities, we have to now ensure that that financial architecture is reformed if we are going to treat to these challenges,” Blackman said. (Loop News)

the cannabis is valued at $3,500. She appeared in the All Saints Magistrate’s Court on Monday where she admitting to possession of the drugs and being concerned in the supply of the drug.

She was reprimanded to the lesser charge of possession and then fined $10,000 for the weed and $15,000 for the cocaine. (Loop News)

Barbados Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment, Chad Blackman

Regional News

Cause of gastro outbreak in Grenada identified

The Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has identified the cause of the gastroenteritis outbreak in Grenada.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shawn Charles stated: “We have confirmed sapovirus, salmonella and E. Coli as the causes of the gastroenteritis outbreak we are currently experiencing,” Dr Charles said.

The Ministry of Health in its weekly report for the period ending June 9 said that there had been 155 cases of gastroenteritis recorded in both the public and private health sector, a 27 per cent increase over the previous week.

Gastroenteritis is described as acute (sudden) onset of diarrhoea, with or without fever. A person with the gastro will experience three or more loose or watery stools in a 24 hours period, with or without dehydration, vomiting and/or visible blood.

Dr Charles said that the sapovirus and the other bacteria are all spread through unhealthy hygienic practices such as not washing hands after using the toilet or changing the diapers of babies

Gastroenteritis is described as acute (sudden) onset of diarrhoea, with or without fever

and the elderlies.

“There is no specific treatment or vaccine for sapovirus. The illness subsides on its own within a week,” he added.

The primary mode of transmission of the sapovirus is through the faecal-oral route. Sapovirus can be transmitted by food or water contaminated with the virus, by contact with the vomit

or faeces from infected persons or by contact with contaminated objects.

E.Coli and salmonella are both bacteria that can cause food poisoning. E-coli is spread through infected animals or people whereas salmonella occurs in raw poultry, eggs, beef, and occasionally unwashed fruits and vegetables.

(Loop News)

Tropical Storm Alberto forms in Gulf of Mexico

early Thursday morning.

Named Alberto, the storm formed on Wednesday morning, a day earlier than the average date for the first named storm.

On Wednesday, Alberto affected parts of Mexico and southern Texas.

Tropical Storm Alberto was moving westward at 9 mph.

Alberto was predicted to reach the northeastern coast of Mexico

As of the latest update, Tropical Storm Alberto had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. Some slight strengthening is possible on Wednesday or Wednesday night before the storm reaches land.

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Texas coast from San Luis Pass southward to the mouth of the Rio Grande and the northeastern coast of Mexico south of the mouth of the Rio Grande to Tecolutla. (Loop News)

USVI Governor pledges support for federal corruption investigations

US Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan said recent corruption probes involving government employees and members of his administration have the potential to ruin public trust cultivated over the last seven years.

Bryan made the comment this week as he confirmed the resignation of Jenifer O’Neal as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the US Virgin Islands.

“I campaigned on a simple platform that outlined my approach to governance. That began with restoring trust. Trust in the government and the institutions of government to deliver services to our public effectively and with integrity. Trust with you too to make sure that you knew that our administration was always working its hardest to make sure that we’re true to transparency in doing the work of the people of the Virgin Islands,” he said.

“The public allegations over the last few days have really threatened to erode a lot of that trust. We have worked so hard to build up that trust, and with one fell swoop, it can be eroded and diminished to

nothing.”

Bryan requested the resignations of O’Neal and Police Commissioner Ray Martinez due to an ongoing federal investigation that suggests corrupt practices were involved in contracts awarded to cybersecurity and surveillance company Mon Ethos Pro Support, which is owned by convicted felon David Whitaker.

The Virgin Islands Police Department paid US$3.31 million

to Mon Ethos Pro Support for CCTV services.

O’Neal and Martinez have had their cellphones seized as part of the investigation.

Attorney General Gordon Rhea told reporters yesterday that O’Neal and Martinez have not been officially charged in connection with the investigation.

Rhea expressed his commitment to the investigation, stating: “We are in full cooperation with federal

authorities to ensure compliance and integrity. Once we have clarified the situation, I assure you that changes will be implemented vigorously if needed.”

The Governor also announced that his administration is taking proactive steps to strengthen ethical governance.

“This past Monday, we began developing an ethics and conflict of interest training program, which is now more crucial than ever. It is being piloted within the Division of Personnel and will soon extend to all government agencies,” Bryan said.

To further support law enforcement efforts, Bryan has committed an additional one-time allotment of US$1 million to aid the development of the white-collar crime unit within the Department of Justice.

“We maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards public corruption and will continue to educate our employees on proper conduct in positions of trust,” the Governor said.

Of the investigations followed last week’s announcement that Department of Education Director of Maintenance, Davidson

Charlemagne, 50, and his wife Sasha Charlemagne, 44, were arrested after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging the pair with government program fraud, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.

Former Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA) Chief Operating Officer Darin Richardson, 56, was also charged, with criminal conflict of interest and making materially false statements.

The charges were laid after a two-year investigation.

Smith said the trio allegedly exploited hurricane recovery efforts in order to develop and carry out a US$4 million scheme to defraud taxpayers.

According to court documents, VIHFA issued a contract for storage and management of wood that was shipped to the territory to be used for the reconstruction of commercial and residential buildings following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

The Charlemagnes are accused of inflating prices charged for their services as well as failing to report conflicts of interest. (Loop News)

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has seen its first named storm develop over the western Gulf of Mexico.

Alberto is the first named storm of the season

US Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan (left) and Attorney General Gordon Rhea at a media conference on June 17, 2024

Louisiana orders every classroom to display Ten Commandments

Louisiana has become the first US state to order that every public school classroom up to university level must display a poster of the Ten Commandments.

The Republican-backed measure signed into law by Governor Jeff Landry on Wednesday describes the commandments as “the foundational documents of our state and national government”.

The law is expected to be challenged by civil rights groups, which argue that it contravenes the separation between church and state enshrined in the first amendment to the US Constitution, the so-called Establishment Clause.

It says: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

The state law requires that a poster include the sacred text in “large, easily readable font” on a poster that is 11 inches by 14 inches (28cm by 35.5cm) and that

the commandments are “the central focus” of the display.

It will also be shown alongside a four-paragraph “context statement” which will describe how the commandments “were a prominent part of American public education for almost three centuries”.

The posters must be on display in all classrooms receiving state funding by 2025 - but no state funding is being offered to pay for the posters themselves.

Similar laws have recently been proposed by other Republican-led states, including Texas, Oklahoma and Utah.

There have been numerous legal battles over the display of the Ten Commandments in public buildings, including schools, courthouses and police stations.

In 1980, the US Supreme Court struck down a similar Kentucky law requiring that the document be displayed in elementary and high schools.

Russian warships leave Cuba after five days

A fleet of Russian warships has left the port of Havana after a five-day visit to Cuba, following planned military drills.

The vessels, which included a nuclear-powered submarine and a frigate, had been anchored at Havana Bay - some 90 miles (145km) from the US state of Florida.

The US said it did not see the visit as a threat but added that it was monitoring the vessels closely.

Following the fleet’s arrival, the US docked a submarine, the USS Helena, at its Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba on Thursday.

Locals waved Russian flags as the Russian vessels left on Monday.

Cuban President Miguel DíazCanel visited the frigate - part of the fleet - on Saturday and interacted with the sailors, according to a post

Putin and Kim pledge mutual help against ‘aggression’

Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have signed an agreement pledging that Russia and North Korea will help each other in the event of “aggression” against either country.

The Russian president made the announcement following talks with Mr Kim during a lavish visit to Pyongyang, his first since 2000.

Mr Kim said it took their relationship to “a new, high level of alliance”.

The pact cements a rapidly blossoming partnership that has worried the West. It could also have significant ramifications for the world, say observers.

Any kind of mutual defence treaty could possibly see Moscow assisting Pyongyang in a future conflict on the Korean peninsula, while North Korea could openly help Russia in its war on Ukraine.

Mr Kim is already accused of supplying Russia with weapons, while Mr Putin is thought to be giving the North Koreans space technology that could aid their missile programme. The two last met in Russia in September.

On Wednesday they signed a “comprehensive partnership agreement” that included a clause where they agreed to provide “mutual assistance in the event of aggression” against either country, said Mr Putin. He did not spell out what would constitute aggression.

Mr Putin has in recent months faced difficulties on the battlefield

in Ukraine, particularly with depleting weapons. During their last face-to-face meeting in September, when Mr Kim visited Russia, the two had discussed military cooperation and were suspected of striking an arms deal. Since then there has been growing evidence that Russia has been deploying North Korean missiles in Ukraine.

In the last few weeks however, the US and other Nato countries have given permission to Ukraine to use Western weapons on Russian soil, in a significant move that Kyiv hopes would turn the tide to its favour.

Mr Putin warned of consequences and earlier this month said he was considering arming adversaries of

the West with long-range weapons - something that North Korea has been developing.

He criticised the West’s decision again on Wednesday, saying it was “a gross violation” of restrictions under international obligations. He also took issue with Western sanctions on Russia and North Korea, saying that they both “do not tolerate the language of blackmail and diktat” and would continue to counter the West’s use of “sanctions strangling” to maintain “hegemony”.

Mr Kim meanwhile praised their treaty as marking a significant and historic moment in their relation. He also expressed “full support and solidarity” for Russia in its war on Ukraine. (BBC)

by the president on X.

Cuba’s foreign ministry said none of the vessels had nuclear arms on board, and the visit did not pose a threat to the region.

But Russia’s defence ministry said the Admiral Gorshkov frigate and the Kazan submarine were both carriers of advanced weapons, including hypersonic missiles Zircon. They earlier conducted missile drills in the Atlantic.

The visit is an important symbol of support to the communistrun government in Cuba and its socialist ally, Venezuela, where the warships may sail to next after they finish in Havana.

Russia has sent warships to Cuba in the past and the two nations are long-standing alliesbut the timing of these particular

The two leaders were all smiles at the welcoming ceremony on Wednesday

Jeff Landry, Louisiana’s Republican governor, signed the law on Wednesday

SNP manifesto: Majority of seats would trigger independence talks

John Swinney has said the Scottish government will be “empowered” to begin negotiations for a second independence referendum if the SNP wins a majority of Scottish seats at the general election.

Launching the SNP’s manifesto on Wednesday, the party leader said the election gave voters a chance to “intensify the pressure” to secure Scottish independence.

Mr Swinney also introduced plans for a legal guarantee to keep the NHS in public hands and an extra £1.6bn for the NHS each year to Scotland.

The manifesto also called for the two-child benefit cap and the House of Lords to be scrapped.

Speaking at the manifesto launch in Edinburgh, Mr Swinney - who is also Scotland’s first minister, said: “If the SNP wins a majority of seats in this election in Scotland, the Scottish government will embark on negotiations with the UK government to run the democratic wishes of people in Scotland into a reality.

“The best way to secure independence is through a democratic referendum, the obstacle to that is the intransigence of the United Kingdom government.

“So what this election gives

John Swinney

people the chance to do is to intensify the pressure to secure Scottish independence and to bring that about by voting SNP in order for us to achieve a majority of Westminster seats at this election.”

An independent Scotland would re-join the EU, Mr Swinney said, adding that independence would help build a “fair and prosperous economy”, but “success is not guaranteed”.

PROTECTING SCOTLAND’S

Boeing crash families demand record $25bn fine

The families of victims in two Boeing 737 Max plane crashes have asked for prosecutions and a fine of $24.8bn for “the deadliest corporate crime in US history”.

The families’ lawyer Paul Cassell said the amount was “justified and clearly appropriate” given “enormous human costs of Boeing’s crimes”.

In a 32-page letter seen by the BBC, Mr Cassell said that the US government should prosecute those leading the company when 346 people were killed in two crashes in 2018 and 2019.

The letter cited the apology by Boeing’s chief executive Dave Calhoun on Tuesday while he gave evidence to Congress.

“I apologise for the grief that we have caused,” he said, as he was heckled by family members of victims of the crashes.

Two 737 Max aircraft were lost

in separate but almost identical accidents that killed 346 people.

In October 2018, all 189 on a Lion Air flight died after the aircraft crashed into the Java Sea 13 minutes after take-off from Jakarta, Indonesia.

In March 2019, an Ethiopian Airlines flight crashed six minutes after take-off from the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa. All 157 onboard were killed.

Both crashes were linked to faulty flight control systems.

Mr Calhoun acknowledged in his Congressional appearance that the company had made mistakes and said it had “learned” from the past.

He also acknowledged that Boeing had retaliated against whistleblowers but said he had “listened” to those employees.

The Justice Department is considering whether to revive a criminal charge of fraud against

NHS

The party manifesto sets out four demands to protect the NHS in Scotland - which is devolved, with the Scottish government having responsibility for it rather than Westminster.

The SNP said it would urge the UK government to invest at least another £6bn in the NHS to match Scotland’s most recent pay deals for healthcare staff.

The manifesto said that the extra investment would deliver about £600m for the Scottish government

through the Barnett formula, which he said would then be spent on NHS staff numbers, pay and conditions.

The SNP also wants the UK government to boost NHS spending by a minimum of £10bn extra each year to “address rampant inflationary pressures and improve performance”.

Mr Swinney said taken together, these two policies would achieve a total additional investment of £1.6bn for the health service in Scotland.

He said SNP MPs would

introduce a bill in Westminster aimed at creating a legal guarantee to keep the NHS operating as a “publicly-owned, publiclyoperated” service.

“The SNP message on the health service is clear, it is simple and it will never change. The NHS is not for sale,” he said.

NHS Scotland spent £116m on external providers (0.7% of what it calls the frontline health budget) in 2022/23, compared to a bill of £11.5bn for the UK Department of Health (6.5%), according to the Scottish government.

But currently Scotland has a much higher proportion of patients facing very long waits for planned NHS treatment than Englandwith around 8,000 waits over two years for hospital procedures or specialist appointments.

Healthcare is a devolved issue in Scotland, meaning the Scottish government runs its own NHS.

However, the overall budget is affected by spending by the UK government and the SNP has previously blamed this for limitations in the Scottish NHS.

The party also wants a reversal on a Conservative policy which stops care workers from overseas bringing their families with them to work in the UK. (BBC)

Boeing laid in 2021, that was linked to the two crashes.

The charge has laid dormant since the company acknowledged in a settlement that it had mislead air-safety regulators about aspects if the 737 Max, and promised to create a new compliance system to detect and prevent further fraud.

Last month, prosecutors

determined that the settlement was violated when a door panel flew off a 737 Max plane during an Alaska Airlines flight in January, leaving a gaping hole in the fuselage midflight.

The Justice Department has until 7 July decide whether to revive the case. In the letter, Mr Cassell said

his clients recommended that the department order a portion of any future fine to be used to create an independent monitor of the company’s safety and compliance measures.

Families of those killed in the crashes attended Tuesday’s hearing in Congress and held up photographs of loved ones. (BBC)

Boeing chief executive Dave Calhoun before Congress this week

Pig farmer, Robert Pickton, was convicted in 2007 of six counts of second-degree murder following the deaths of Indigenous women and sex workers

Canadian serial killer Robert Pickton dies aged 74 after prison assault

Canadian serial killer Robert Pickton - who was convicted of killing six women and confessed to killing dozens more - died after being attacked earlier this month by another inmate, prison authorities said.

Pickton is one of the most notorious serial killers in Canadian history, bringing his victims to his pig farm and feeding their remains to his animals.

The 74-year-old had been serving a life sentence at PortCartier Institution in Canada’s Quebec province after being convicted for six counts of second-

degree murder in 2007.

He sustained injuries from an assault involving another inmate on May 19 and died in hospital Friday, Correctional Service Canada (CSC) said.

Pickton’s next of kin has been notified and registered victims have also been contacted, CSC added, who said an investigation was underway.

At least 65 women disappeared from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighborhood in British Colombia province between 1978 and 2001 before Pickton was arrested.

Second Tory candidate looked into over election betting

A second Conservative candidate is being looked into by the Gambling Commission over a bet relating to the timing of the general election, the BBC can reveal.

Laura Saunders is the party’s candidate in Bristol North West and has worked for the party since 2015.

It is understood she worked most recently in the party’s International Division – a department of Conservative Campaign Headquarters which liaises with other centre-right parties around the world.

It is not known when the bet was placed or for how much money.

A Conservative Party spokesman told the BBC: “We have been contacted by the Gambling Commission about a small number of individuals. As the Gambling Commission is an independent body, it wouldn’t be proper to comment further, until any process is concluded.”

Ms Saunders has been approached for comment and has not offered a response.

Ms Saunders is the second prospective parliamentary candidate being looked into by the gambling regulator.

Last week Craig Williams, who had been a parliamentary aide

to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, apologised and said he had made a “huge error of judgement” over betting on the date of the general election.

Mr Williams, the Conservative candidate for Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr, allegedly placed a £100 bet on a July election three days before Mr Sunak announced it would happen on 4 July.

The confidential use of information in order to gain an unfair advantage when betting “may constitute an offence of cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act, which is a criminal offence”, according to a Gambling

Commission spokesperson.

Separately, on Wednesday the BBC revealed a police officer from the prime minister’s close protection team had been arrested for allegedly betting on the timing of the general election.

The officer has been suspended and is under investigation for potential misconduct in public office.

The Met was contacted by the Gambling Commision on 14 June, which informed the force that it was investigating alleged bets made by a police constable from the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Command.

Canada lists Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist group

Canada has listed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, after years of pressure from opposition legislators and some members of the Iranian diaspora.

Announcing the decision on Wednesday, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc called it a “significant tool in fighting global terrorism”.

The move will mean that thousands of senior Iranian government officials, including top IRGC officials, will be barred from entering Canada.

The IRGC is a major military, political and economic force in Iran, with close ties to the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

It is estimated to have more than 190,000 active personnel with its own ground forces, navy and air force that oversee Iran’s strategic weapons.

The IRGC exerts influence elsewhere in the Middle East by providing money, weapons, technology, training and advice to allied governments and armed groups through its shadowy overseas operations arm, the Quds

(Jerusalem) Force, according to the government.

The Quds Force was already listed as a terrorist group by Canada, but Wednesday’s announcement extends the designation to the entire IRGC.

Speaking to reporters, Mr LeBlanc said the action “sends a strong message that Canada will use all of the tools at its disposal to combat the terrorist entity of the IRGC”.

“The Iranian regime has

consistently displayed disregard for human rights, both inside and outside of Iran as well as a willingness to destabilise the international rules-based order,” he said.

After this designation, current and former senior Iranian government officials already in Canada may also now be investigated and removed.

Canada’s foreign affairs minister, Melanie Joly, warned that Canadians in Iran could be at risk

of arbitrary detention following the announcement.

“My message is clear: for those who are in Iran right now, it’s time to come back home,” she said.

“And for those who are planning to go to Iran, don’t go.”

The Canadian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously declined to extend the terrorism designation to the IRGC, despite pressure from some diaspora members - including the

families of those who died after Flight PS752 was shot down by the IRGC in January 2020 in Tehran.

All 175 passengers onboard the plane were killed, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents of Canada. Tehran had claimed that the missile strike on the plane was done by mistake.

Mr Trudeau had previously said in 2022 that he feared a terrorism designation would unfairly target Iranians in Canada who opposed the regime and fled, but had to serve in the IRGC in the past.

Asked why now by reporters, Mr LeBlanc said the decision to designate a group as a terrorist entity is a “deliberative process” made on advice of security services and with foreign policy considerations.

“It is a threshold that must be met under the criminal code of Canada,” he said.

The move makes Canada the second country in North America after the US to label the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, which did so in 2019.

The IRGC is a major military, political and economic force in Iran

Laura Saunders

Trinidadian writer takes Walter Scott fiction prize

Trinidadian writer Kevin Jared Hosein has won the 2024 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction.

His novel Hungry Ghosts - which tells the story of marginalised Hindu communities in Trinidad during the 1940s - was announced as the winner at the Borders Book Festival in Melrose.

Judges described it as a “richly imaginative, urgent and compelling” work.

He received the £25,000 first prize from Mathew Maxwell Scott, a direct descendant of Sir Walter.

The author - who lives in Trinidad and Tobago - said it was “truly a privilege” to see his country represented when his book was shortlisted for the prize.

“I feel like I am accomplishing the dreams of my ancestors when they first crossed those dark seas from India almost two centuries ago,” he said.

He saw off competition from Tom Crewe, Joseph O’Connor, Kai Thomas, Rose Tremain and Tan Twan Eng to take the honour.

The Walter Scott Prize is one of

the UK’s biggest literary awards with previous winners including Sebastian Barry, Robert Harris, Andrea Levy and Hilary Mantel.

Mr Maxwell Scott said the goal of the award was to encourage both readers and writers.

“Inspired by the founding father of historical fiction, and coming from Abbotsford, Scott’s ‘palace of the imagination’, our aim is to inspire people of all ages to discover the joy and value of historical fiction, and to support authors in their writing careers,”

Kevin Jared Hosein’s novel was described by judges as a “compelling” work

he said.

Founded in 2009, the prize is open to novels published in the previous year in the UK, Ireland or the Commonwealth, and set at least 60 years ago.

RECENT WINNERS

2023 - These Days by Lucy

Caldwell

2022 - News of the Dead by James Robertson

2021 - The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel

2019 - The Long Take by Robin Robertson

2018 - The Gallows Pole by Benjamin Myers (BBC)

Surprise! Nelly and Ashanti already married

Nelly and Ashanti have been secretly married — for six months!

PEOPLE obtained documents on Wednesday, June 19, showing that Ashanti, 43, and Nelly, 49, tied the knot back on December 27, 2023. The couple previously announced their engagement and pregnancy with their first child, but not their wedding. TMZ was first to report their wedding news.

Earlier this week, Ashanti told Entertainment Tonight about the proposal and her dream wedding ideas.

Describing the moment the rapper popped the question, Ashanti said it was a “beautiful, intimate moment” at home. She joked that her outfit proved she was not expecting it at all.

“I definitely had one of his T-shirts and his boxers,” she said.

In May, Ashanti celebrated her first Mother’s Day as an expecting mother, sharing the festivities on Instagram. In the photos, she posed with Nelly and other family

members cradling her bump and smiling.

“This Mother’s Day was so special,” Ashanti captioned the post. “Having our families together as we are about to embark on such an incredible journey was amazing. Wishing all of the amazing Moms and Moms to be a beautiful Mother’s Day...!!!! ???????????????? #grateful ??????”

She added: “Yeah yeah I know I’m late… it was so much food I got distracted ???? Ps… I only had 1 plate tho ??????”.

The couple first began dating in the early 2000s before breaking up in 2013. They rekindled their relationship after another 10 years in 2023, announcing their engagement and pregnancy nearly one year later.

“I think it surprised both of us,” the “Hot in Herre” hitmaker said on the Boss Moves with Rasheeda show streaming on Philo in September.

Ashanti, 43, and Nelly, 49, tied the knot back on December 27, 2023

Govt workers gave back to the community for Civil Servants Week 2024

BY DELANA ISLES

Dedicated civil servants are the lifeblood of any democracy, it simply does not function without them.

It is with this in mind that the Turks and Caicos Islands Government is celebrating the contributions of its public workers this week, providing them with a relaxed atmosphere, a space to serve their community in other meaningful ways, and providing opportunities for social engagements and acknowledgments.

June 17 to 22 is being observed as Civil Service Week this year, and Deputy Governor, HE Anya Williams, who also heads the civil service kicked off the week of activities on Sunday, with several ecumenical services across the islands of Grand Turk, Providenciales, Salt Cay, South Caicos as well as North and Middle Caicos.

This year’s observances are celebrated under the theme ‘Transforming Together - Civil Servants Driving Change’, allowing public servants across the

Turks and Caicos Islands a chance to come together to engage in a series of events aimed at embracing innovation while also honouring the invaluable contributions of public workers.

As part of the Week of Activities, public workers across the TCI engaged in a number of community projects on Monday which was declared Civil Service Community Projects Day.

Williams said: “From soup kitchens to clean-up campaigns, painting and other giveaways, civil servants rose to the call of action to work to drive change by lending a

helping hand in our communities.

“Let us work to continue this remarkable initiative beyond Civil Service Week as we work to deliver the changes that our communities want to see.”

Public servants from each department spent Monday, a public holiday, taking forward community initiatives across the islands.

These included visits to the elderly, environmental projects, and renovations to the library at His Majesty’s Prison, a project that both the Governor and Deputy Governor lent their skills.

This initiative was aimed at

providing inmates with a space that encourages personal growth and rehabilitation.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services refurbished the West Road Community Park, formerly known as Columbus Park, in Grand Turk. They also distributed Father’s Day wellness baskets across the islands to elderly men and past civil servants, expressing gratitude for their contributions to the Turks and Caicos Islands community.

For their community outreach project, the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services presented

As a part of the 2024 Civil Service Week of Activities civil servants across the Turks and Caicos Islands engaged in a number of community projects on Monday, June 17, which was declared Civil Service Community Projects Day. (TCIG photos)

hurricane and emergency supplies to the Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency (DDME) for the islands of North and Middle Caicos.

The presentation included tabletop stoves, medium and small ice coolers, tarpaulins, flashlights and batteries, mosquito repellent, bug spray, battery-powered fans, large garbage bags and sandbags.

As part of their own community outreach initiatives, DDME partnered with the Department of Social Development, who identified four persons in North and Middle Caicos who were each presented with a complete emergency kit from the goods that were provided.

Staff of the Attorney General’s Chambers provided care packages to the young ladies at the Mahala Wynns Empowerment Center

as their Civil Service Week Community Project, while the National Land Secretariat, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, took on the enhancement of the outdoor surroundings of the Special Needs Association of Providenciales (SNAP) Centre as their community project.

The latter initiative focused on the beautification of the centre and included the creation of a wellness garden.

The garden will not only serve as a tranquil space for the students and teachers to relax and rejuvenate but also aims to promote mental and physical well-being.

Also on Monday, the Government hosted an Awards Gala in Grand Turk to celebrate and recognise the invaluable contributions of its long-service staff on that island.

CLUB MED TURKOISE

OPEN JOB POSITION

DATE OPEN: June 24th, 2024.

LABOURERS

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Maintains a clean kitchen, properly washes, and sorts soiled dishes. Keeps dish area free of clutter and organized.

• Sets up dish stations, including dish machines and sinks.

• Maintains clean/dry floors throughout the shift.

• Properly washes, stacks, and stores china, glassware, silverware, cookware, and storage containers.

• Changes water of machines and sinks every two hours, or more often as required by business levels, and properly uses chemical dilutions set by Ecolab.

• Maintains trash cans throughout shift and removes full trashcans and boxes at the end of each shift.

• Maintains the dry storage area and the organization of storage shelves.

• Follows the posted daily dish cleaning duties. This position is currently held by an expatriate worker.

Qualified Islanders can email their resume to turcrehu02@clubmed.com: however, candidates must submit a copy of their resume to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2 Salary Range: $8.00 per hour.

DATE OPEN: June 24th, 2024.

DOMESTIC WORKERS

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Making sure all rooms are clean and in top condition for new arrivals and existing guests.

• Ensure lobbies, lounges, common areas, restrooms, corridors, stairways, locker rooms, and other work areas so that health standards are met.

• Disinfect equipment and supplies, using germicides or steam-operated sterilizers.

• Work quickly and efficiently so guests aren’t left hanging around.

• Liaise with the head housekeeper and supervisor when rooms are ready for guests.

• Ensure the equipment’s use, such as shampooers, polishers, and trolleys, is in good working condition.

• Being able to use the equipment safely and efficiently.

• Ability to bent, lift, and walk upstairs.

• Report on any shortages, damages, or security issues.

• Handle reasonable guest’s complaints/requests and inform head of department.

This position is currently held by an expatriate worker.

Qualified Islanders can email their resume to turcrehu02@clubmed. com; however, candidates must submit a copy of their resume to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2

Salary Range: $8.00 per hour.

DATE OPEN: June 24th, 2024.

DOMESTIC WORKERS

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Clean and tidy all areas to the standard cleanliness within time limits.

• Frequent bending, pushing, pulling, and kneeling.

• Re-set dinner rooms tables and terraces.

• Clean dining rooms tables and terraces.

• Clean windows, sweep floors, mop floors and polish furniture fixtures in and outside restaurant.

• Remove dinner wares, pushcart, and lift trays from dining rooms.

• Work cohesively with restaurant waiters, waitresses and supervisors.

• Work with minimum supervision and remain motivated. This position is currently held by an expatriate worker.

Qualified Islanders can email their resume to turcrehu02@clubmed.com; however, candidates must submit a copy of their resume to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2

Salary Range: $8.00 per hour.

DATE OPEN: June 24th, 2024.

KITCHEN HELPER

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Perform combination of duties to maintain kitchen work areas, restaurant equipment, utensils clean and in an orderly condition.

• Wash worktables, walls, refrigerators, mop, sweep floors, and meat blocks.

• Prepare ingredients to use in cooking (chopping, peeling vegetables and cutting meat etc.)

• Ensure all food and other items are stored properly.

• Proven experience as kitchen helper.

• Experience in using cutting tools, cookware and bake ware.

• Knowledge of various cooking procedures and methods (grilling, baking, boiling etc.)

• Very good communication skills.

• Work cohesively with head chef and sous chefs. This position is currently held by an expatriate worker.

Qualified Islanders can email their resume to turcrehu02@clubmed.com; however, candidates must submit a copy of their resume to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2

Salary Range: $8.00 per hour.

DATE OPEN: June 24th, 2024.

DOMESTIC WORKER & LABOURER

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift 20lbs pounds on a consistent basis.

• Load all laundry into washer and add specified cleaning agents.

• Operated liner feeder, and table’s linen ironing machines.

• Monitored and operated computer driven washers and dryers according to recommended capacity and manufacture guidelines.

• Take wet, clean items and dry as directed.

• Sort and fold or hang clean dried items.

• Prepared and distributed towels, linens, and rags to different departments.

• Arranged and maintained a sanitary hallway and area outside of the laundry and rooms.

• This position is currently held by an expatriate worker.

Qualified Islanders can email their resume to turcrehu02@clubmed.com; however, candidates must submit a copy of their resume to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2

Salary Range: $8.00 per hour.

DATE OPEN: June 24th, 2024.

LABOURERS

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Operator buggy and perform daily beach clean-up.

• Clean building floors by sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming them.

• Gather and empty trash, service, clean, and supply restrooms.

• Working within the constraints of Health and Safety and adhere to any

•

ELEMENTARY TRAINED TEACHERS JANITOR / CLEANER

DOMESTIC WORKER

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

OPEN JOB POSITION

Health and Safety policies.

• Perform nightly deep cleaning of common areas of resort; work overnight and split shifts.

• Collect towels from around beach and pool.

• Ability to bent, stand for long hours and knowledge of cleaning equipment’s and machines.

• Ability to walk up and down stairs, bent, physical strength, stamina, and lifts 50lbs.

• Ability to comprehend and communicate in fluent English.

• Excellent communication skills through effectively communicating with guests and management. This position is currently held by an expatriate worker.

Qualified Islanders can email their resume to turcrehu02@clubmed.com; however, candidates must submit a copy of their resume to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2 Salary Range: $8.00 per hour

JOB VACANCY

Andaz Turks and Caicos Residences at Grace Bay is a luxury boutique hotel nestled along the shore of the world’s number one beach Grace Bay. We are seeking determined and energetic professionals who provide discreet yet personalized and attentive service that well defines the Andaz Turks and Caicos experience.

COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION QUANTITY SURVEYOR MANAGER

You will be responsible for overseeing construction costing, risk assessments, pricing structure, preparing budget & cost value reports and precuring construction projects at the best interest of Andaz Turks and Caicos Residences’.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises management of construction projects; monitors and coordinates work performed by architectural, engineering and construction firms.

• Inspects, approves, and accepts or rejects completed projects for the company, ensuring correction of deficiencies and that work is performed to conformance of established standards.

• Leads project delivery resources/team (typically larger more experienced team) providing project guidance and direction to achieve project goals.

• Responsible for inventory management and for enhancing operational efficiency.

• Track changes in design & specifications and ensuring compliance with project standards.

• Prepares, reviews & negotiates contracts, purchase orders and REQUIREMENTS

• A minimum of bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Commerce, Quantity Surveyor or related field required.

• Certifications in Commercial Management, Quantity Surveyor or any field

• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience

• Proof of completed projects in relation to hotels/resort in the past 10 years

• Work experience with a 5 star branded hotel, minimum of 2 completed project.

• Must be proficient in the use of “take off software” such as Plan-swift & Bluebeam, & Microsoft Project.

• In depth knowledge of international forms of contract including FIDIC & AIA suites

PUBLIC NOTICE

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS APPLICATION

( SECTION 4(3) OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS ORDINANCE)

Take notice that I, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands in exercise of the powers conferred in me by Section 6(4) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Turks and Caicos Islander Status to Edryne HyppoliteSeymour by virtue of marriage to a Turks and Caicos Islander.

KITCHEN HELPER

- $8.50 Hourly

Preparing the workstation. Keeping the kitchen clean.

DISHWASHER

- $8.50 Hourly Washing dishes.

LABOURER

- $8.50 Hourly Cleaning.

COOK

- $8.50 Hourly

Setting up workstations with all needed ingredients and cooking equipment. Cooking food in various utensils or grillers.

WAITRESS

- $8.50 Hourly

Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.

BEACH ATTENDANT

- $8.50 Hourly

Set up beach chairs and umbrellas for cruise ship passengers, to offer and sell drinks to customers.

CAICOS COLLECTIVE LTD.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To work at varying times and venues as a photographer in diverse locations and settings including formal indoor settings, outdoor settings, and the marine environment (above and below sea level) and other challenging locations capturing sporting and action scenes.

• Must be capable of on-figure and still life, with commercially relevant high standard imagery.

• Applying standard post capture image adjustments such as rotation, cropping, neutralizing color, and inverting and enhancing negatives.

• Performing complex post-capture image adjustments and processing, including file stitching and digital restoration.

• Digitize materials safely while maintaining the highest standards of quality.

• Printing high-quality reproductions of digitally captured files.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of experience

• Must have own cameras capable of shooting in 6k and underwater housing equipment

• Drone experience

• Davinci Resolve experience

• After Effects experience

• Social media marketing experience

• Completed at least 10+ weddings

Salary will be commission based.

BAKER

- $8.50 Hourly

Measure and mix raw ingredients, bake and decorate items, and ensure that all raw and finished goods adhere to quality and food safety standards.

PAINTER

- $8.50 hourly

Apply paints, stains, and coatings to various structural surfaces.

CARPENTER

- $8.50 hourly

Follow blueprints and building plans. Install structures and fixtures.

BARTENDER

- $8.50 hourly

• Uphold customer service

• Maintain Bar

• Mix and serve drinks

MECHANIC

- $8.50 hourly

Inspecting and testing vehicles, engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire changes, wheel balancing, and replacing filters.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in the general insurance industry and experience in placements with international and London markets

• Insurance diploma or similar certification

• Extensive knowledge of The Agency Manager or similar software

▪ Must be able to supervise, market and administer the Property & Casualty portfolio, to maintain and increase client base and recommend improvements for service

▪ To meet with new prospects, provide quotes, process additions/terminations, contact clients for renewal of personal and commercial policies and ensure proper file management

▪ To ensure that all premiums are collected on a timely manner and relevant reports submitted to Insurers accordingly

▪ To obtain from Underwriters all policy materials required, follow up on applications and ensure safe receipt and delivery to clients of all policy documents and certificates

▪ To assist with the preparation of presentations, promotional events, advertising and general marketing materials

▪ To assist with claims processing, settlements and follow up with clients for requested information

Remuneration based on experience, commencing at $3,000-$4,000.00

BABYSITTER

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.

LABOURER

MAINTENANCE MANAGER

JOB PURPOSE:

The Maintenance Manager is responsible for managing the resort’s maintenance operation and performing highly diversified maintenance duties in support of the organization’s business goals and objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Plans, organizes, and manages the resort’s maintenance operations, which includes, but is not limited to: troubleshooting, installing, repairing and maintaining and monitoring the resort’s physical plant, utilities, health and safety systems and facilities (buildings – internal/external, restaurant, recreational, laundry, waste water treatment plant, lift stations and pumps, and filtration systems, pools), parking lots and pathways, grounds, vehicles (company vehicles, golf carts, bicycles), and related equipment

2. Works closely with the resort’s leadership to plan, develop and execute the organization’s short and long-term maintenance strategies. Provides leadership and vision to the maintenance department; coaches and supports the team; liaises with other department heads to ensure maintenance needs are met

3. Assigns, leads, directs, and performs maintenance tasks

4. Determines work procedures, prepares work schedules and expedites workflow

5. Monitors and manages the maintenance of the resort’s electrical, water, propane, pool, and waste water treatment plant in collaboration with the relevant providers, owners and management

6. Regularly reviews processes and procedures and amends as necessary to increase productivity and improve efficiencies

7. Collaborates with subcontractors on maintenance projects initiated by OCR and condo owners; inspects contractor work and ensures resort’s quality standards are maintained

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

9. Manages, mentors and trains staff; establishes performance guidelines; evaluates departmental/ staff performance; executes disciplinary actions as necessary in consultation and collaboration with the Project Manager and Human Resources Manager

10. Ensures maintenance policies and procedures are kept current and applicable

11. Audits and submits time, expense and work order reports to the accounting department as required

12. Responds to inquiries relative to maintenance issues, concerns, requests, procedures and projects in a timely manner

13. Assists in the assessment of vendors/contractors for resort/project consideration, then manages and monitors their standards of performance and work

14. Ensures maintenance team and other departments have cohesive working relationships

15. Ensures departmental compliance with the policies, procedures and guidelines of Ocean Club Resorts and TCIG health and safety regulations

16. Performs other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or any other person authorized to give instructions or assignments

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

1. To perform this job successfully, individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily

2. High School Diploma, appropriate resort or building industry trade certification, plus relevant education and 3-5 years supervisory experience, preferably in a resort environment

3. Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate others

4. Thorough

Whitby, North Caicos

LABOURER

DOMESTIC

CLEANER

LABOURER

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

EMAIL: HR@CXEAIR.COM

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

INSTRUCTOR

PHILOMENE C. FRANCIS

SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION TEACHER

The candidate will be responsible for instructing a multi-categorical group of students with mild to moderate disabilities.

Primary tasks will involve adapting the curriculum in core subjects such as Mathematics and Language Arts to suit the individual learning needs of our students and planning lessons that are differentiated yet engaging to both groups and individual students. In addition, you will collaborate with parents and support staff to address any barriers that may hinder students’ progress.

RESPONSIBILITIES

● Assess students’ abilities and plan individualized learning opportunities.

● Create and/or adapt learning materials to students’ needs.

● Log students’ progress and maintain, update IEPs.

● Monitor children’s behavioral patterns and arrange appropriate interventions if needed.

● Research and implement engaging activities to teach critical thinking and life skills.

● Manage classroom crises and resolve conflicts.

● Inform parents about their children’s performance and identify strategies that may be helpful in the home environment.

● Collaborate with the administrators and key stakeholders on ways to create and/or maintain a holistic learning environment.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS

● Minimum of a diploma in a Special Needs Education field; Bachelors in Special Needs Education preferred.

● Proven experience as a Special Education Teacher or related role.

● Good knowledge of current special education topics and methodologies.

● Experience working with students from a wide range of exceptionalities.

● Ability to create IEPs and use them effectively.

● A patient, resourceful, and resilient personality.

● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

SALARY:

from $24,000 yearly commensurate on qualification and experience

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by a Cover Letter and a letter of reference from a former employer. As well as copies of educational certificates and a copy of the Passport photo page, National Turks & Caicos Islander Status Card (where applicable). Shortlisted candidates must submit a Police Certificate.

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE PRINCIPAL, EXTRAORDINARY MINDS: ASHLEY LEARNING CENTER, #6 GEORGE ALLEY, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS. APPLICATIONS CAN BE HAND DELIVERED, OR SENT BY EMAIL TO: PRINCIPAL@ASHLEYSLEARNINGCENTER.ORG

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only persons selected for an interview will be contacted. APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 28, 2024

GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

JOB

REQUIREMENTS:

• International certifications in various group fitness styles (Yoga, Les Mills, Barre, Pilates, etc)

• Hold an international Personal Trainer Certification

• At least fifteen years of proven experience in the fitness industry, teaching various

group fitness classes

• Valid First Aid Certification is mandatory

• Computer proficiency is also a must

The remuneration is commensurate with certifications and experience, starting at $30 per hour.

DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Working as a Dive Instructor between 3 boats as well as guiding small group diving and teaching beginners to dive.

• Boat maintenance, maintaining Dive equipment and stocking of boats.

• Will be expected to work flexible long hours and on holidays.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• 4 years’ experience in tourism industry

• Valid STCW

• First aid and CPR certification

• Padi or SSI dive instructor

• Minimum of 4 years teaching diving

• Exemplary employment/work record with organizational skills/experience.

• A valid driver’s license and own vehicle.

• Fluent in English, spoken and written, and excellent communication and customer service skills.

• Preference will be given to an individual with a current captain’s license

SALARY/HOURLY COMPENSATION:

$38,000 per annum or $20/hour.

Preference will be given to Turks Islanders meeting the foregoing qualifications. Applicants are invited to copy the TCI Labour Board with applications. This is a new position.

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LABOURER(S)

• Organise, cleaning, restocking and perform sales transactions.

• Required 2 years retail experience, ability to stand for long periods and lift 50lbs

• Must have exemplary employment history and excellent interpersonal skills. Hours based on ship schedule including weekends and holidays.

CHIEF FLIGHT ATTENDANT

CHIEF FLIGHT ATTENDANT

passengers with special needs. Reassuring passengers during aircraft turbulence. Administering first aid and medical care if required in the case of an emergency, providing instruction, including emergency evacuation procedures, to passengers.

Demonstrating the use of emergency and safety equipment. Serving beverages, meals and snacks. Providing additional assistance to passengers with special needs. Reassuring passengers during aircraft turbulence. Administering first aid and medical care if required in the case of an emergency providing instruction, including emergency evacuation procedures, to passengers.

Southern Shores Plaza, Leeward Highway, TCI, Looking for

CAICOS EXPRESS AIRWAYS

Southern Shores Plaza, Leeward Highway, TCI, Looking for

LABOURER

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CASHIER

1 KITCHEN HELPER 1 COOK

LABOURER

CONTACT:

REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST

REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES

• Provide Massage Therapy for injured patients

• 6 years minimum working at a Wellness Centre or similar environment

• Post-Secondary degree or equivalent

• Knowledge of current trends in a Wellness Centre and the ability to provide preventative care

• Be proficient in Therapeutic Massage and be able to assess range of

• Experience in developing and implementing preventative maintenance programmes

• Extensive knowledge of different styles of massage and treatment Monthly salary $3000.00 to $4000.00 depending on experience. Belongers only need to apply.

The position is currently held by a work permit holder.

COOK:

5 years’ experience in a luxury resort kitchen as breakfast, lunch and dinner cook. Prepare and plate dishes to the hotel standards, ensure that the dishes served meets to requirements of portion control and quality in a timely manner. Must be able to follow recipes, understand basic temperature, food safety and proper food handling. Must be able to take directions, pay attention to detail and be a team player. Must be able to prepare food based on guests and staff dietary restrictions and food allergy. Must have a Degree in Culinary arts and desire to learn more about the food and beverage industry. This position is required to live on Pine Cay during scheduled shifts. Salary is $18,000 per annum.

SOUS CHEF:

DAIRY STOCKERS

• Maintaining proper

• Keeping the backroom organized and assisting with tasks like retrieving carts and performing

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Maximum of 5 years’ experience in a formal luxury resort kitchen. Help in preparing the menus and producing high quality dishes both in design and taste. Order supplies and ingredients to stock inventory properly. Effectively manage the kitchen staff, motivate them and assign duties. Manage and train kitchen staff, assist in establishing working schedules and assess staff’s performance. Must possess exceptional culinary skills and have a passion for food creation. Must be detailed orientation, well organized with advanced verbal and written communication skills, adapt quickly, multitask and work under pressure. Up to date knowledge about food preparation, food handling, health and safety standards and nutrition. Proficient in restaurant management software. Salary $30,000 per annum.

SENIOR PROPERTY ATTORNEY

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advising on sale and purchase of commercial and residential property to include running own caseload from inception to conclusion

• Advising developers of residential and commercial real estate to include negotiation of development agreements and funding agreements

• Advising on the real estate aspects of corporate and commercial transactions

• Drafting and advising upon real estate finance documentation

• Preparing detailed reports on title and transaction documents

• Building a team and mentoring and training junior attorneys and trainees

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 8 years’ post qualification experience ‘PQE’ (or 5 years’ PQE if preceded by a pupillage or training contract with a specialist real estate practice) in a Commonwealth jurisdiction.

• Experience of substantial commercial property sales, purchases and development schemes

• Experience of acting on behalf of both lenders and borrowers on acquisition finance, refinancing and development financing

• Demonstrable experience of acting for high net worth and institutional clients

• Demonstrable business development skills and a hunger to grow a credible high value practice

• Demonstrated ability to manage a large workload including completing multiple tasks to deadlines

• Must be pro-active and able to work on complex high value real estate transactions both independently and with a professional team

• Experience of mentoring and training junior attorneys and trainees is essential

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Candidates should have a law degree from a leading University

• Must have relevant professional qualifications, be admitted to practice in the Turks and Caicos Islands (or eligible for immediate admission) or admitted in a common law jurisdiction

• The applicant must have a minimum of 8 years’ (or 5 years’ if preceded by a pupillage or training contract with a specialist real estate practice) relevant PQE experience in practice

• Computer proficiency with office software including MS Office

• Professional references and also appropriate references Terms of Employment

Griffiths & Partners offer competitive remuneration for this role. We will also offer support to help professional development and a friendly and collegiate work environment. Salary range between $90,000 to $120,000 per annum depending on experience.

Closing date for application is 1st July, 2024.

LABOURER

CLAYTON

CONTACT:

Momentous Ltd. is seeking a qualified individual for the following position. Only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and requirements will be considered. All candidates must be willing to work unusual hours including weekends and public holidays. All candidates must be non-smokers, must have a valid passport, and ability to travel globally. Applicants will be required to pass a written skills and fluency (English) test.

GENERAL MANAGER, HOSPITALITY

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

● Manage and oversee the entire restaurant and bar operations

● Plan and develop overall restaurant and bar marketing strategy and promotions

● Implement innovative strategies to improve sales and profitability

● Menu development

● Oversight of customer service, and technical operations

● Hiring, training, and management of all staff

● Create and manage budgets

● Supplier management

● Facility management

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

● 10+ years managing restaurants, bars, and event facilities.

● 10+ years hiring, managing and training staff

● 5+ years creating and managing operating budgets and fiscal reporting to shareholders

● Experience in negotiating vendor contracts

● Meticulous attention to food and beverage costs/budgets

● Strong interpersonal and communications skills are required

● Must have a college degree in hospitality business management

● Must have ability to travel globally

● Must be fluent (Written & Oral) in English

● Second language a strong asset

Sports International

Sprinter Knighton cleared for Games after failed test

United States sprinter Erriyon Knighton has been cleared to compete at the Paris Olympics after avoiding a ban for a failed drug test.

The 20-year-old was provisionally suspended in April after testing positive for a metabolite of trenbolone in March.

But an independent arbitrator ruled that it was more likely than not Knighton digested the

banned substance when he ate some contaminated meat.

Usada (United States Anti-Doping Agency) said, despite testing positive, there was no fault or negligence on the athlete’s part.

Travis Tygart, the Usada chief executive, said “justice was served”.

Trenbolone is a known livestock growth promoter that is used legally in beef cattle produced in, and

exported to, the United States.

The decision comes before the US track and field Olympic trials begin on 21 June in Oregon.

Knighton became the youngest male since Jim Ryun in 1964 to make the US Olympic team when he qualified for the Tokyo Games in 2021 - going on to finish fourth in the 200m final at the age of 17. (BBC)

DOMESTIC WORKER

( SECTION 4(3) OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS ORDINANCE)

Take notice that I, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands in exercise of the powers conferred in me by Section 6(4) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Turks and Caicos Islander Status to Michelle Sophia Smith by virtue of marriage to a Turks and Caicos Islander.

PUBLIC NOTICE

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS APPLICATION

( SECTION 4(3) OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS ORDINANCE)

Take notice that I, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands in exercise of the powers conferred in me by Section 6(4) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Turks and Caicos Islander Status to Racquel Rosemarie Roxanne Richards-Seymour by virtue of marriage to a Turks and Caicos Islander.

Erriyon Knighton was provisionally suspended in April

Science & Technology

This weightlifting workout in your 60s can preserve strength for years

It’s never too late to start lifting weights — and now there are more signs it can provide enduring health benefits for older people.

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark found that regularly lifting weights for a year in your mid-60s can preserve the strength of your leg muscles for years to come. Here are the key findings:

Retirement-age people who underwent a 12-month weight lifting training regimen had noticeably stronger leg muscles three years after finishing the programme than those who did more moderate strengthening exercises or none at all, the study found.

The weight lifting training group visited a commercial gym three times a week for a year and repeatedly lifted what was considered a heavy load: 70 to 85 percent of the maximum weight a person can physically lift at one time.

Although the supervised program lasted only a year, scientists followed up three years later. Individuals in the “heavy” weight lifting cohort were the only participants to have maintained, on average, the leg strength they had before they began the training program. Notably, leg strength is a critical indicator of wider health and mobility among older people. The findings add to a growing

body of evidence suggesting that weightlifting can help older people stave off frailty and stay healthy as they age.

“Leg strength is really important,” Mads Bloch-Ibenfeldt, a medical researcher at the University of Copenhagen who co-wrote the study, said in a phone interview Wednesday. “We use the legs in a lot of everyday tasks, like getting up and down from a chair. So it’s important for reducing the risk of falls, and for a lot of everyday tasks we do.”

THE WEIGHT LIFTING WORKOUT

As part of the study, scientists at a university hospital in Copenhagen

divided 451 people at retirement age into three randomised groups, each tasked with completing a different one-year exercise regimen

The “heavy” weight lifting training group visited a commercial gym three times a week for a supervised program of full-body strength training. Participants determined the most weight they could lift at one time using typical weight machines found in gyms. Then they calculated 70 to 85 percent of their one-rep maximum and used that weight in their training. So if the most they could lift at one time was 100 pounds, they used 70- to 85-pound weights in their training.

They trained 3 times a week, doing three sets of every exercise. Each set included 6 to 12 repetitions.

The routine included a mixture of nine upper and lower body exercises: leg press, knee extension, leg curl, ankle plantar flexion exercises, hip abduction, low rowing, chest press, abdominal crunches and lower back exercises.

Although the scientists described the regimen as “heavy” weight lifting compared to two other groups in the study, the weight training program was similar to most standard weight training.

Heavy weight training vs. moderate resistance

The second group underwent a year-long moderate intensity training regimen using body weight and resistance bands three times a week. The resistance bands were less challenging than the heavy group’s weights — about 50 to 60 percent of the maximum weight a person can lift at one time.

The third cohort was a control group who did less than one hour of strenuous exercise a week.

Over four years, scientists observed participants’ physical strength, including leg strength, handgrip strength and lean leg mass. Researchers measured participants’ strength at the beginning of the supervised 12-month training regimen, then

again after it ended. They followed up again one year after it finished, and three years after it ended.

After three years, researchers noted that a small minority of exercise participants had continued with the same program of their own accord, yet the benefits of the heavy training workout were maintained.

“We found that if you did one year of resistance training with heavy weights, you were able to maintain the strength in your legs that you had when you began the study,” Bloch-Ibenfeldt said.

The other groups were found to have lost strength from their baselines. Four years after the start of the study, leg strength performance decreased on average among those in the moderate intensity training cohort and the non-exercising control group — although more significantly among the latter. Those who did the moderate program initially benefited from increased leg strength at the end of the one-year regimen, but those benefits did not endure: After four years, their strength was less than it had been at baseline.

The scientists observed that all three groups, including those lifting the heaviest weights, exhibited diminished handgrip strength and a lower lean leg mass after four years. (Washington Post)

Parkinson’s blood test gives early-diagnosis hope

A simple blood test using artificial intelligence to predict Parkinson’s disease years before symptoms begin has been developed by researchers.

They hope it can lead to a cheap, finger-prick test providing early diagnoses - and help find treatments to slow down the disease.

Charity Parkinson’s UK said it was “a major step forward” in the search for a non-invasive patientfriendly test.

But larger trials are needed to prove its accuracy.

Parkinson’s affects nearly 10 million people worldwide and more than 150,000 in the UK.

Many are diagnosed having already developed symptoms, such as tremors, movement and memory problems - caused by nerve cells dying in the part of the brain that controls movement.

There is no cure, and no treatment to slow or stop the disease, although therapies exist to help manage symptoms.

CORRECTLY PREDICTED

The researchers, led by scientists at University College London and University Medical Center Goettingen, in Germany, took blood samples from a group of people with Parkinson’s and another without.

They identified eight major proteins most likely to predict who would develop the condition.

These markers were directly linked to inflammation and degradation of proteins and could be used to develop new drug treatments for Parkinson’s, the researchers said.

The team then tested blood from 72 patients at risk of brain disorders such as Parkinson’s for those eight protein markers - and followed them up over 10 years.

Using the AI tool, they correctly predicted 16 would develop Parkinson’s - in some cases, up to seven years before symptoms began.

Parkinson’s affects nearly 10 million people worldwide and more than 150,000 in the UK

In total, the test predicted 79% would develop the disease - and the researchers are still following up other patients to confirm its accuracy.

‘STABLE DOOR’

“At present we are shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted,” senior author Prof Kevin Mills, from UCL’s Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, said.

“We need to start experimental

treatments before patients develop symptoms.”

Co-author Dr Jenny Hällqvist, from UCL, said: “People are diagnosed when neurons are already lost.

“We need to protect those neurons, not wait till they are gone.”

Parkinson’s symptoms are usually mild at first and develop gradually.

THE MAIN SYMPTOMS

THEN AFFECT MOVEMENT AND INCLUDE:

· shaking, which usually starts in the hand or arm slow movement, such as walking with very small steps stiffness and tension in the muscles, which can make it difficult to move around or make facial expressions

In the brain, nerve cells lose the ability to produce an important chemical called dopamine, linked to movement, because of the build-up of a protein called alphasynuclein.

The researchers now plan to create a simpler test, where a drop of blood on a card can be posted to the lab, to see if it can predict Parkinson’s even earlier.

Prof David Dexter, research director at Parkinson’s UK, which helped fund the study, said: “The findings add to an exciting flurry of recent activity towards finding

Weight lifting is important for older persons

Science & Technology

America’s diet quality moved from an F to a D

There’s a crack of light shining through the dark clouds of America’s battle with poor nutrition and subsequent health issues, according to a new study that analyzed two decades of nutritional data.

“There is good news. Americans are starting to hear the message about nutrition, and some companies and restaurants are starting to make healthier products. It’s a little bit of an improvement,” said senior study author and cardiologist Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University in Boston.

However, he added, the majority of the improvement occurred between 1999 and 2010, with no advances in nutrition after that.

“We have stalled as a nation — and that does not bode well for our health,” Mozaffarian said. “If I was grading America on its diet, I’d give it a D—just up from an F.”

AN UPWARD TREND, BUT MORE IS NEEDED

The number of adults in the United States who ate a poor diet decreased from about 49% to just over 37% between 1999 and 2020 — a drop of 11.4%, while those who ate somewhat better nutritionally rose by 10.5%, the study found.

A poor diet was defined as one with too many refined grains, processed meat and sugary

beverages, including fruit juice, as well as ultraprocessed foods full of added sugar, salt and fat. Healthy choices such as fruits and vegetables are extremely low in this eating style.

“Intake of fruits and vegetables didn’t increase at all over this 20-year period, which is pretty striking,” Mozaffarian said.

An ideal diet included at least the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, as well as more beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Dietary guidelines such as those from the American Heart Association suggest eating 4 to 5 cups a day of canned, fresh or frozen fruits and the same amount for vegetables.

The nutritionally ideal diet also contained few sugary beverages, processed meats, refined grains and ultraprocessed food, which is often high in added sugars, fat and salt, the study said.

Unfortunately, the number of people who ate an ideal diet –— which included those 9 cups of fruits and vegetables — rose less than 1%, the study found.

“People often ask me, ‘Well, if the diet’s slowly improving, why is obesity and diabetes still going up?’ It’s still going up because only 1.58% of Americans have an ideal diet. We still have a long way to go,” Mozaffarian said.

More than a million Americans die each year from diet-related

Parkinson’s blood test gives early-diagnosis ...

was ethical given there was no cure.

diseases such as obesity, cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, according to the US Food and Drug Administration, while unhealthy diets and food insecurity cost the United States an estimated $1.1 trillion in healthcare expenditures and lost productivity annually.

“I think it is correct to emphasise that diet quality remains dismal in the US. There is no secret why Americans are experiencing epidemics of obesity and diabetes and declining life expectancy,” said Dr Walter Willett, a professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, in an email. He was not involved in the study.

FOOD INSECURITY IS A MAJOR ISSUE

The study, published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine, analysed dietary information on nearly 52,000 US adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, or NHANES.

Nutritional advances were highest among women, younger adults, Hispanic adults, and people with more education and higher incomes who had access to private health care insurance. Fewer gains were seen in men, Black or older adults and people with less income, lower educational levels, non-private health insurance, and food insecurity issues.

in our schools and feed them unhealthy diets.

“Our health care system is missing in action almost completely, we allow advertising to seduce children into junk foods and beverages that kill them prematurely, and we indirectly subsidize unhealthy foods in many ways that make healthier options relatively more expensive and less available to low-income Americans,” he said.

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR NUTRITION

There are easy steps you can take to boost the nutritional quality of your diet, experts say.

Cook at home as often as possible: “My top suggestion is to shop at the grocery store as much as you can, rather than getting your food at a coffee shop, sandwich shop or quick-serve restaurant,” Mozaffarian said.

Even eating at a full-service restaurant should be limited, he added. Prior research by Mozaffarian and his team found about 80% of all food consumed by Americans from restaurants was of poor diet quality.

“Shockingly, even when we compared fast food versus sitdown restaurants, there wasn’t a dramatic difference in quality,” he said.

Don’t drink your sugar.”

However, once sugary beverages are removed from the equation, only “6% of calories in the country come from added sugar in foods,” Mozaffarian said. “In contrast, about 35% of calories in the country come from refined grains and starches.”

Limit refined grains. Overall, the biggest contributor to the poor quality diet of Americans is refined grains, at 5.2 servings per day — “almost two servings a meal of refined grains such as refined bread, refined rice, crackers, chips, and other ultraprocessed foods,” Mozaffarian said.

Whole grains still contain the bran and germ, which is a nutritional powerhouse full of healthy fats, antioxidants, minerals and E and B vitamins. Whole grains take longer to digest, don’t raise blood sugar as quickly as refined grains and contain more fiber, which can reduce the risk of chronic disease, promote weight loss, and improve digestion.

“Some examples of whole grains include barley, bulgur, farro, millet, quinoa, black rice, brown rice, red rice, wild rice, oatmeal and popcorn,” according to My Plate, the US Department of Agriculture website.

a simple way to test for and measure Parkinson’s.”

The test may be able to tell the difference between Parkinson’s and other similar conditions, he added.

Prof Ray Chaudhuri, professor of movement disorders and neurology, at King’s College Hospital and King’s College London, said blood tests for Parkinson’s diagnosis and prediction were “a massive unmet need” - but questioned whether the move

Prof Michele Vendruscolo, professor of biophysics, at the University of Cambridge, said the test could be performed with equipment already in major hospitals and help recruit people at risk of the disease for clinical trials.

“They could be used to monitor the efficacy of experimental therapeutics,” he said.

The research is published in Nature Communications. (BBC)

“Disparities in the population by education and income and race and ethnicity are the same or sometimes getting worse,” Mozaffarian said.

The study found that people with lower income saw a 5% improvement in nutritional quality, while those with higher incomes improved their nutritional score by 16%.

“We do need to avoid just blaming the victims of the dysfunctional US food system for the terrible diets documented in the survey,” Willett said. “We fail to educate students about nutrition

Instead, try to choose minimallyprocessed foods to cook at home and avoid the ready-to-heat-andeat convenience foods so prevalent at the grocery store. Bring your lunch and snacks to work.

Don’t drink your sugar. Americans are beginning to get the idea that sugary sodas are unhealthy, but they have not yet made the connection that energy, sports and caffeinated drinks can be equally sugar laden, Mozaffarian said.

“Energy drinks, pre-sweetened iced teas, and specialty coffee drinks can have more sugar than soda,” he said. “I see people walking out of the coffee shop with drinks with whipped cream on top.

Refined grains such as white flour, corn grits, white bread and white rice have been milled, removing the bran and germ, to give them a finer texture and longer shelf life. Milling also removes nutrients like dietary fiber, iron and vitamins. Refined grains are found in nearly all ultraprocessed foods, including breakfast cereals, desserts, pastries, bread and crackers.

Replace refined grains. Instead, nourish your gut microbiome with fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds and minimally-processed whole grains,” Mozaffarian said. Fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi can also help the microbiome, he added. (CNN)

There are easy ways to change your diet from a D to an A, experts say

Science & Technology

Newly discovered species found in Ecuador lives up to its name, A. miraculum

On the western slopes of the Andes in Ecuador, John L. Clark, a research botanist at Florida’s Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, happened upon what he calls a miracle.

In an area of formerly lush cloud forest known as Centinela devastated by clearing, Clark spotted a tiny, 2-inch-high (5-centimeter) plant with delicate white petals and spiky, iridescent leaves in 2022.

That he could see it at all, nestled there on a moss-covered rock in a remnant patch of untouched land, was impressive. That it was a never-before-documented species was even better. But the best part of all was the hope it gave Clark.

“That area was sort of written off as just agricultural wasteland,” he said. The diminutive flower told another story.

“A lot of the things that we thought were gone, they’re still there. And then on top of what we thought was gone, we found this,” said Clark, lead author of a paper describing the finding, published Tuesday in the journal PhytoKeys.

Back in the lab, Clark and his team confirmed that the little plant

was a species new to science, and he and his team named it Amalophyllon miraculum.

“To find extant and undescribed species, in a degraded area that others may overlook, makes the research especially exciting,” said Laurence Skog, curator emeritus in botany at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. He was not involved in the research. “What other areas of the world are we overlooking and need to visit for new discoveries?”

In the decades after World War II, western Ecuador lost more than 95% of its forests below 3,280 feet (1,000 meters), according to Martin Schaefer, head of the Jocotoco Conservation Foundation, which collaborated on the new study.

First came the loggers, then growing cities and clearing for cattle, palm oil and banana plantations. By the 1980s, deforestation reached Centinela, perched on an Andean ridge.

“The situation was already dire with very few forest fragments still surviving,” Schaefer said. “Each of these forest fragments protects highly threatened species and

species found nowhere else.”

The devastation was documented in a 1991 study called “Biological Extinction in Western Ecuador.” A biodiversity hot spot seemingly had been extinguished. The renowned late naturalist E.O. Wilson coined the term “Centinelan extinction” to refer to the loss of entire species before they are even known and scientifically described due to wholesale habit loss.

But in the bits and pieces of forest that remain — mostly thanks to landowners who have chosen to preserve wild habitat on their properties — life, as it turns out, persists.

The nonprofit Jocotoco works with landowners to help them get government funding for preserving forests on their properties. Recent botanical research such as Clark’s impelled the foundation to expand into Centinela.

“By now, some of our reserves have become the largest contiguous forests in their provinces,” said Schaefer, who has worked in Ecuador since 2002. “They are like Noah’s ark, ensuring the survival of thousands of species. This is what we will do for Centinela as

well.”

Clark said he is excited for the support. The foundation typically touts the preservation of habitat for birds and other charismatic species, but in Centinela it’s

promoting conservation of the forest for the benefit of plants — such as Amalophyllon miraculum.

Perhaps more miracles are in store. “Nature heals itself — if we allow it,” Schaefer said. (CNN)

Walking brings huge benefits for low back pain, study finds

Adults with a history of low back pain went nearly twice as long without a recurrence of their back pain if they walked regularly, a new study has found. The work appears in The Lancet.

About four million Australians and 800 million people worldwide have low back pain, and it is a leading cause of disability and reduced quality of life. Repeated episodes of low back pain are also very common, with seven in 10 people who recover from an episode going on to have a recurrence within a year.

Current best practice for back pain management and prevention suggests the combination of exercise and education. However, some forms of exercise are not accessible or affordable to many people due to their high cost, complexity, and need for supervision.

A clinical trial by Macquarie University’s Spinal Pain Research Group has looked at whether walking could be an effective, cost-effective and accessible

Current best practice for back pain management and prevention suggests the combination of exercise and education

says the findings could have a profound impact on how low back pain is managed.

“The intervention group had fewer occurrences of activity limiting pain compared to the control group, and a longer average period before they had a recurrence, with a median of 208 days compared to 112 days,” Professor Hancock says. “Walking is a low-cost, widely accessible and simple exercise that almost anyone can engage in, regardless of geographic location, age or socioeconomic status.

says in addition to providing participants with longer pain-free periods, the programme was very cost-effective.

“It not only improved people’s quality of life, but it reduced their need both to seek health care support and the amount of time taken off work by approximately half,” she says.

intervention. The trial followed 701 adults who had recently recovered from an episode of low back pain, randomly allocating participants to either an individualised walking programme and six physiotherapist-guided education sessions over six months, or to a control group. Researchers followed the participants for between one and three years, depending on when they joined.

The paper’s senior author, Macquarie University Professor of Physiotherapy, Mark Hancock,

“We don’t know exactly why walking is so good for preventing back pain, but it is likely to include the combination of the gentle oscillatory movements, loading and strengthening the spinal structures and muscles, relaxation and stress relief, and release of ‘feel-good’ endorphins. And of course, we also know that walking comes with many other health benefits, including cardiovascular health, bone density, healthy weight, and improved mental health.”

Lead author Dr Natasha Pocovi

“The exercise-based interventions to prevent back pain that have been explored previously are typically group-based and need close clinical supervision and expensive equipment, so they are much less accessible to the majority of patients. Our study has shown that this effective and accessible means of exercise has the potential to be successfully implemented at a much larger scale than other forms of exercise.”

To build on these findings, the team now hopes to explore how they can integrate the preventive approach into the routine care of patients who experience recurrent low back pain. (MedicalExpress. com)

Research botanist John L. Clark of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and his team named the plant species Amalophyllon miraculum. The tiny plant inhabits the western slopes of the Andes in Ecuador

Woods gets PGA Tour lifetime achievement exemption

Tiger Woods has been awarded a lifetime exemption by the PGA Tour to enter all of its designated ‘signature’ events.

Woods has won 82 PGA Tour titles including 15 majors, but the 48-year-old has struggled with injuries over recent years.

On Tuesday, the PGA’s policy board voted to grant Woods a special exemption to play the eight lucrative tournaments, which do not include majors.

“An additional sponsor exemption will be created to recognise Tiger Woods in his own category as a player who has reached an exceptional lifetime achievement threshold of 80-plus career wins,” a PGA Tour memo said.

The American is tied with Sam

Snead for the most overall victories on the tour, while his 15 wins in majors is second on the all-time list to Jack Nicklaus (18).

Woods has featured in just nine tournaments since a car crash in February 2021, which left him requiring surgery after suffering serious leg injuries.

In his four appearances in PGA Tour competitions this year, Woods has only made the cut once - finishing 60th at the Masters.

He withdrew in the middle of the Genesis Invitational due to illness and missed the cut at the PGA Championship and last week’s US Open.

Woods is expected to play at the Open Championship in Scotland in July. (BBC)

Celtics beat Dallas to win record 18th NBA title

The Boston Celtics secured a record 18th championship as they beat the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 to complete a 4-1 series victory in the NBA Finals.

Dallas had kept alive their title hopes with a 122-84 win on Friday to deny the Celtics a clean sweep in the best-of-seven championship series.

But in front of their home fans in Boston, the top seeds were inspired to victory by Jayson Tatum’s 31-point performance.

The championship win was the Celtics’ first in 16 years and moves them one clear of the Los Angeles Lakers, who have won 17, in the record books.

It was miserable night for Dallas’ Kyrie Irving, who left the Celtics in 2019, as he was heckled

by the crowd and scored only 15 points.

The Celtics were strong from the start and led 67-46 lead at halfway, with Irving and Doncic restricted to just 14 points between them in the first quarter.

Dallas rallied slightly in the latter stages of the third quarter but still could not find a way past the Celtics, who took a 19-point advantage into the final quarter.

JAYLEN BROWN NAMED

NBA FINALS MVP

In front of the jubilant crowd at the TD Garden in Boston, Jaylen Brown was handed the MVP trophy, which is named after Celtics’ legendary centre Bill Russell.

He put in a strong defensive

display against Dallas’ Luka Doncic - the regular-season top scorer.

Brown, 27, averaged 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists in five Finals games.

“It was a full team effort,” said Brown, who signed a five-year contract extension with the Celtics worth $286m (£225m) last year.

“I share this with my brothers and my partner in crime Jayson Tatum - he was with me the whole way, so we share this together.” Brown, who has not been selected for the US Olympic basketball team for the Paris Games this summer, said he remained positive Celtics could overcome their previous Finals disappointments.

“I never hung my head,” he added. (BBC)

Aston Villa agree deal with Chelsea to sign Maatsen

Aston Villa have agreed a fee with Chelsea for a deal to sign Dutch defender Ian Maatsen.

The 22-year-old will cost between £35m and £40m, depending on potential add-ons, and the move is subject to a medical as the left-back is expected to sign a six-year deal at Villa Park.

Maatsen opted for Villa due to the promise of Champions League football next season, having reached the final of the competition while on loan at Borussia Dortmund during the second half of last season.

The Blues had discussed signing Villa striker Jhon Duran as part of a swap deal but have opted to sell Maatsen in isolation.

Dortmund attempted to sign Maatsen earlier this month after a successful loan spell but were unwilling to pay the full £35m

asking price.

Maatsen signed a 12-month contract extension in January but it included a release clause, which was likely to lead to his departure this summer.

He is currently with the Netherlands national team in Germany at Euro 2024, where they face France on Friday in Leipzig, so has yet to put pen to paper on a contract or complete a medical in the Midlands.

Chelsea signed Maatsen from PSV Eindhoven in 2019 and he excelled on a series of loans at Charlton, Coventry, Burnley and at Dortmund but struggled to make the grade under Mauricio Pochettino last season.

He leaves Stamford Bridge having played 16 games for the club. (BBC)

Ian Maatsen spent the second half of last season on loan with Borussia Dortmund, playing in their Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid

Tiger Woods’ last major triumph came in 2019 at the Masters

Boston Celtics last won the NBA title in 2008

Sports International

Impressive England beat West Indies to start Super 8s

England produced their best performance of the T20 World Cup so far to begin the Super 8s stage with a composed eight-wicket win against West Indies.

Having cannily restricted the previously unbeaten co-hosts to 180-4 on a good pitch, the defending champions completed the chase with 15 balls to spare.

Phil Salt batted through for a fine 87 not out while Jonny Bairstow made an unbeaten 48 to add impetus after the loss of Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali.

With 70 needed from seven overs, Bairstow struck a six and a four before hitting 15 of the 16 runs in the next over bowled by spinner Akeal Hosein.

Salt then crashed an over from seamer Romario Shepherd for 30 runs as England won at a canter and, perhaps significantly, boosted their net run-rate.

They play South Africa in less than 48 hours, knowing a win would probably seal their progression to the semi-finals.

After that they still have a meeting with the tournament’s

surprise package, the United States, with the top two sides in the group progressing.

ENGLAND BACK TO THEIR BEST

England’s group stage was a mixed bag, with a washout, defeat by Australia and two rain-affected wins against Namibia and Oman, which meant they only edged through courtesy of their net runrate.

This performance, against one of the tournament favourites, was Buttler’s side back to something approaching their very best.

West Indies were unbeaten in eight T20s but their powerful batting line-up was kept in check and then the score knocked off with relative ease.

The only wobble came when Buttler fell lbw to Roston Chase for 25, having put on a measured opening stand of 67 with Salt, and Moeen picked out deep mid-wicket off Andre Russell, having been promoted to attack West Indies’ spinners.

But Bairstow took charge as

England were clinical with the bat

Salt’s scoring slowed, pulling Alzarri Joseph for six and then ramping him over the keeper.

That swung the momentum and Salt reignited with a brutal assault of Shepherd, including two big straight sixes.

After all of the doubts, England suddenly looked like contenders again.

WEST INDIES SUBDUED BY ENGLAND BOWLERS

West Indies scored 92 runs in the powerplay against Afghanistan on the same ground on Monday but England kept them in check by

conceding only 52 with just one six clearing the ropes.

The hosts lost opener Brandon King, who had to retire hurt with an injured side on 28, and afterwards Nicholas Pooran was far more circumspect than when making 98 two nights ago.

England never looked like running through the batting order, instead helped by West Indies’ ploy of milking England’s spinners Adil Rashid and Moeen rather than the all-out attack many had expected.

After opener Johnson Charles struggled to 38 from 34 balls, captain Powell attempted to add

some impetus by hitting a six off Moeen and three straight off Liam Livingstone but he was caught off the all-rounder for 36 from 17.

From there England closed out the innings well with Jofra Archer nicking off Pooran for 38 in a 16th over that cost only four and Rashid removing Andre Russell while conceding half that in his final over.

Archer, Rashid, Livingstone and Moeen all finished with a wicket apiece while Sam Curran, kept in the side at the expense of Chris Jordan and Will Jacks, bowled three tidy overs for 25. (BBC)

China picks swimmers caught in doping scandal for Paris

China has selected eleven swimmers that are embroiled in a major doping scandal for next month’s Paris Olympics.

Earlier this year it emerged that 23 of the country’s swimming team were cleared to compete at the Tokyo Games in 2021, despite testing positive for a banned substance months earlier.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) said it was “not in a position to disprove” an assertion from the China Anti-Doping Agency (Chinada) that they had unintentionally ingested heart medication trimetazidine (TMZ), which can enhance performance.

That sparked an outcry from Western anti-doping agencies and athletes, with United States AntiDoping Agency (Usada) chief executive Travis Tygart suggesting a cover up, a claim Wada rejected as “completely false and defamatory”.

A third of the 31-strong team that China has now named for the Olympics are swimmers that were reported at the time to have failed drugs tests, threatening to cast a

23 of China’s swimming team of 2021 tested positive for a banned substance

shadow over the Paris Games.

“This is the train-wreck we were worried about and it’s exactly why we called for a real, independent prosecution of these previously hidden positive tests, especially given that the statute of limitations hasn’t run out”, Tygart told BBC Sport.

“All athletes deserve to know that it’s a fair and just outcome for these Chinese athletes to be at the Paris Games competing against other athletes who have been held to the strictest standards.”

Wada launched an independent review of the case in April, with the findings expected to be delivered

this summer. However, two key bodies which represent US athletes wrote to the country’s drug tsar calling for a “truly independent investigation”.

Last month US Olympic champion Katie Ledecky said faith in the anti-doping system was at an “all-time low” in the wake of the

scandal, adding, “it’s hard going into Paris knowing that we’re going to be racing some of these athletes.”

In May World Aquatics appointed a five-person antidoping audit review committee “to take away any learnings from this experience”.

It said it hoped that the results of the investigation “will help erase any circulating doubt about the anti-doping movement and place the minds of our athletes at ease heading into the Paris Olympic Games”.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach has said he has “full confidence” in Wada.

China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Wednesday that the country has “consistently adhered to the firm stance of zero tolerance for doping”, and it “safeguarded fair competition in sports competitions, and has made positive contributions to the unified global fight against doping”.

Sports

Thompson-Herah will not defend 200m title in Paris

Jamaica’s five-time Olympic champion Elaine ThompsonHerah will not defend her 200m title at this summer’s Games in Paris.

The 31-year-old has opted not to race over the distance at the upcoming Jamaican trials but will still compete in the 100m. Thompson-Herah appeared to sustain an injury during the 100m at the NYC Grand Prix earlier this month.

She is the second-fastest woman

in history over 100m and became the first woman to win back-toback Olympic sprint doubles when she retained her 100m and 200m titles at Tokyo 2020.

In November ThompsonHerah split with coach Shanikie Osbourne and appointed Reynaldo Walcott, who also coaches her Jamaica team-mate Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

The athletics events at the Paris Olympics take place from 1-11 August. (BBC)

to defend Tour de France title

Two-time defending champion Jonas Vingegaard will compete in this year’s Tour de France after overcoming serious injuries sustained earlier this season.

The 27-year-old Dane has not raced since suffering a broken collarbone and ribs and a collapsed lung in the Tour of the Basque Country at the start of April.

“The last few months have not always been easy, but I thank my family and Team Visma-Lease a Bike for their unwavering support,” Vingegaard, said.

The Tour de France begins in the Italian city of Florence, on 29 June.

Vingegaard will be supported by nine-time stage winner and former green jersey holder Wout

van Aert, who was originally scheduled to ride the Giro d’Italia and then spend July preparing for the Olympic Games in Paris.

However, a high-speed crash of his own, in a one-day race in Belgium, altered those plans.

Under normal circumstances Vingegaard would be considered a strong favourite to maintain his hold on the yellow jersey, which he won in 2022 and 2023.

Yet given the block of training and preparation that he has missed, doubts will remain over his form and readiness to compete over three weeks in cycling’s greatest race, particularly given the presence of his great rival Tadej Pogacar, who convincingly won the Giro in May.

“He is coming back from a serious injury. In the last few weeks, he has shown what a champion he is, both mentally and physically,” said Vingegaard’s Team Visma sporting director Merijn Zeeman.

“Of course, we don’t know how far he can go yet. We are being cautious because he has not been able to race, and his preparation has been less than ideal, to say the least. But he will be there, healthy and motivated.”

American riders Matteo Jorgenson and Sepp Kuss are also part of a strong eight-man VismaLease a Bike line-up for the Tour along with Christophe Laporte, Tiesj Benoot, Wilco Kelderman and Jan Tratnik. (BBC)

Albania scores stoppage-time equaliser against Croatia

Albania scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to deny Croatia a victory that severely dents the 2018 World Cup finalists’ hopes of reaching the knockout stage of Euro 2024.

In what was a chaotic but entertaining end to the game, the Albanians rescued a point when Klaus Gjasula side-footed home in the 95th minute to send their supporters wild.

It had looked like the game would finish in heartbreak for Albania, having let slip another early lead.

Qazim Laci struck in the 11th minute and his side then defended superbly for over an hour as they looked on the verge of producing a major upset.

But Croatia turned around an incredible game at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion when former Leicester forward Andrej Kramaric drove in an equaliser, before Luka Sucic’s shot deflected off Gjasula

Albania face a tough test in their next game against Spain, but this is a performance and result that will live long in the memory of their fans.

This is their second appearance at a Euros after qualifying in 2016, and their fans have certainly made the most of their return.

In Hamburg before kick-off supporters packed out walkways on the harbourfront, and when in the stadium they produced incredible noise throughout the game. That energy was clearly transferred to the players, whose fast-paced counter-attacking football had Croatia rattled, and their 1-0 lead at half-time was fully deserved.

When Croatia scored twice to turn things around, it will have sparked a sense of deja vu among the Albania fans, having seen Italy fight back to beat them in their first game.

But this time they did not wilt and instead pushed hard for the equaliser in the closing stages, before Gjasula got the reward his side’s battling display deserved. (BBC) and into the Albania net. But Gjasula had the final say with his late strike, which means Croatia will now need to beat defending champions Italy in their final Group B game to have a chance of progressing.

There have been some hugely entertaining games at this European Championship and this stands among the best of them. That is in a large part down to Albania and the determination their side has put in so far in Germany to show they are not here to make up the numbers.

Albania face a tough test in their next game against Spain

Elaine Thompson-Herah won 100m, 200m and 4x100m gold at Tokyo 2020 after winning 100m and 200m gold at Rio 2016

Jonas Vingegaard will attempt to win the Tour de France for the third consecutive time

Vingegaard

Sports National

GK Foods whip Beaches in cricket clash

GK Foods cricket team registered an emphatic 85-run victory against Beaches when action in the Turks and Caicos Islands Cricket Association continued on Sunday last at the Downtown Ballpark.

GK Foods won the toss and opted to bat. Although none of their batsmen got big scores, there were several of them who had starts. In total, five of them reached double figures, which resulted in several partnerships and frustration for the Beaches bowling attack.

For the first wicket, Dhilip Kumar (9) and Sathya Shanugaray (25) raced to 42 in 3.2 overs. The latter proved extremely aggressive as he belted four fours and a six from 11 balls.

After they were dismissed, Ganesan Kuthalingam stabilised the innings with another 25 (4x4s), while contributions also came from his brothers Ariharan (17) and Nagarajan (19).

Beaches were able to wrest some amount of control during this period with Sidue Hunter taking wickets at regular intervals. This resulted in a decrease in run-flow, but number 11 batsman Parveen Kumar swung the pendulum again, with 20 unbeaten runs.

Kumar was watchful at the start until he unleashed four boundaries,

over after having scored a run-aball 11 (2x4s).

the last seven wickets falling for 48 runs.

Hunter finished as the pick of the bowlers with 4-26, while Jerome Daley picked up two wickets.

Needing 8.65 runs for victory, Beaches suffered an early setback as Anthony McKnight was stumped for two runs from 11 balls off the bowling of Ganesan.

Daley followed the very next

PAL launches registration for summer 2024

The Police Action League (PAL), a basketball and softball championship, has launched its registration for boys and girls 10-16 years old.

The league, which is a partnership between the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, TCI Sports Commission, TCI Basketball Federation and the TCI Softball Association, is more than just a tournament. It is a mentorship programme that elevates athletes.

PAL allows any boy or girl from all islands to play, build friendships, improve teamwork, earn communication skills and develop their prowess in their respective sport.

Draft day for basketball and softball is July 6, 2024, at the Downtown Ballpark and

Complex.

This year, the boys’ basketball age categories are 10-13 yearolds and 14-16 year-olds, with games played on Saturdays. This is a change from the three age groups (13U, 15U and 17U) from last year. The league will run for nine weeks.

For girls’ softball, there is one age category: girls 10-16 years old.

Last year, the Avengers came out on top beating out the defending champions Badgers 22-20. This year, the league will last eight weeks.

According to information from the Sports Commission, “PAL games are always energetic, and an opportunity for everyone to play while being mentored by their coaches”.

Hunter, who batted at three, took control of the game and looked set to build a beautiful innings to victory, but the Kuthalingam brothers and Rajakumar Kasi made constant inroads, which resulted in

Hunter, who became a victim of Ariharan, scored a game-high 35 runs from 33 balls (4x4s, 1x6), while none of the middle-order or lower-order batsmen reached 10 as the side folded for 87 in 18.4 overs.

Ariharan finished with 3-19 from four overs, while Ganesan took 2-19 and Nagarajan 2-21 from four overs.

Opening bowler Kasi was almost unplayable as he took two wickets in 3.4 overs. His overs went for just six runs.

Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports

GK Foods have won four of their five games this season

which lifted the side to 172-9 off their 20 overs.

Former IRB Player of the Year for Rugby Dinner

The 2024 Turks and Caicos Islands Rugby Football Union (TCIRFU) Annual Rugby Dinner will have the presence of former International Rugby Board (IRB), 2007 Player of the Year Bryan Habana.

The former South African winger is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He was part of the South African team that won the 2007 Rugby World Cup and was one of the stars of the tournament. His eight tries equalled the

record for a single tournament set by Jonah Lomu in 1999.

During the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Habana equalled Lomu’s career record of 15 tries in World Cups. He is in second place among all-time test try scorers, with 67 tries.

The dinner, silent auction, raffle and awards are set for June 22 at Beachfront, Wymara Hotel.

For further information, please contact Simon Taylor (231-6065/Staylor@BCQS. com)

PPL and WPL awards set for Saturday

Salt Rakers leave for Bahamas National Swimming Championships

Complex, located at Sports Centre Drive, Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre, Oakes Field in Nassau.

success as they represent Salt Rakers Aquatic Club with pride and determination.”

The Provo Premier League (PPL) and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) second annual Presentation Awards Ceremony is billed for this Saturday in Provo.

The Salt Rakers Aquatic Club left Provo this week to compete in the Bahamas National Swimming Championships, which is carded to take place from June 20-23 in Nassau, Bahamas.

The event will take place at Cielo in Grace Bay from 7pm.

Sixteen talented swimmers from the club will compete in the championships carded for the Betty Kelly Kenning National Swim

According to information from the club, “These young athletes have trained diligently and are ready to showcase their skills on this significant stage. Let us all extend our best wishes to these swimmers and cheer them on to

The team, coached by Head Coach Bennett Williams, Assistant Head Coach Damion Martin, and managed by Team Manager Ella Martin, will compete in various age groups ranging from 8 and under, 9-10, to 15-17.

The Salt Rakers swimming team contains a number of talented swimmers

Bryan Habana is considered one of the greatest rugby players of all time