TC Weekly News March 11 - 17, 2023

Forty-two persons have been conferred with Turks and Caicos Islander Status, a coveted prestige for some, and one which has been the centre of controversy in recent weeks and the result of an upcoming court case.

Government allocates $7m to seed fund a National Credit Union

A Government -funded National Credit Union will empower Turks and Caicos Islanders by increasing access to affordable credit, promoting financial education, fostering community development, and promoting democratic governance.

This is according to the Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Investment and Trade Hon Erwin Jay Saunders who recently highlighted several direct as well as spinoff benefits of a National Credit Union for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

To this end, the government has allocated $7m as seed funding to establish a National Credit Union in its third Supplementary Appropriation Bill for Financial Year 2022/23.

Minister Saunders who tabled the Bill in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, explained that one of the main benefits of a governmentfunded credit union is increased access to (affordable) credit for its members, including small businesses, particularly those that are currently having a difficult time accessing credit from the three main commercial banks in the country.

He said: “The credit union will help stimulate economic growth in the country and promote financial stability for its members.

“The National Credit Union will help individuals and families better manage their finances and make more informed financial decisions.

“The National Credit Union will help foster a sense of community by providing a platform for its members to come together and support each other. The members will also be able to invest in local businesses, thereby allowing them to have a stake in the development of the islands.”

Saunders further noted that it will also foster democratic governance with members having a say in how the entity is run.

“This can promote transparency, accountability, and trust between the government, the credit union, and its members.

“Government funding for the National Credit Union will provide financial stability and ensure its long-term viability.

“This will help the National Credit Union better serve its members and contribute to the overall economic development of these islands.”

MSME BENEFITS

Access to affordable credit will also contribute to the expansion and growth of MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) businesses, across the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Finance

Minister stressed.

In this regard, he opined that affordable credit is essential for the success of MSME businesses, enabling them to expand, improve their competitiveness, manage cash flow, diversify their products and services, and improve their creditworthiness.

He said: “This can lead to increased revenue, profits, and job creation, benefiting both the business and the broader economy.

“Access to affordable credit allows MSME businesses to expand and invest in new opportunities. “This can lead to increased revenue, profits, and job creation.”

In this vein, MSMEs that have access to affordable credit will be able to invest in technology, equipment, and other resources that will help them stay competitive in their markets.

He said: “Affordable credit can help MSME businesses manage cash flow and cover operational expenses, such as payroll and inventory.”

Additionally, he emphasised that access to affordable credit will allow MSMEs to diversify their products and services, and reduce their reliance on a single revenue stream.

“Regular, on-time repayments of affordable credit can improve a business’s creditworthiness and increase its chances of receiving additional credit in the future”, he added.

HOUSEHOLD IMPACT

Saunders stressed that affordable

credit is essential for the financial stability and well-being of singleparent households. He said: “financial stability: affordable credit can help singleparent households achieve financial stability by allowing them to cover unexpected expenses and make important purchases, such as a home, car, or essential household items.

“Improved living conditions: access to affordable credit can help single-parent households improve their living conditions by allowing

them to make repairs or upgrades to their homes, purchase new appliances or furniture, or even move to a safer or more suitable home.”

Further, he posited that affordable credit can help singleparent households invest in education or training opportunities that can lead to better job prospects and increased income over time.

“Debt Consolidation: Access to affordable credit can allow

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Minister of Finance Investment and Trade Hon Erwin Jay Saunders

Governor Dakin confers status to 42 new Turks and Caicos Islanders

BY DELANA ISLES

Forty-two persons have been conferred with Turks and Caicos Islander Status, a coveted prestige for some, and one which has been the centre of controversy in recent weeks and an upcoming court case.

Last week, His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin revealed that he has accepted the TCI Status Commission’s recommendation for these persons to become Islanders.

“I accepted the Commission’s positive recommendations in their entirety. What the Ordinance does not allow me to do - correctly in my view - is second guess those the Commission do not recommend.”

And those who were not successful are almost four times that amount, according to the last reports from the Immigration ministry, which in 2021 indicated that 180 applications were backlogged from 2016 to 2020 and were to be considered in 2021 by the newly formed commission.

Last week’s announcement by the Governor is the first set of approvals since that time.

Several of those persons who were unsuccessful in pursuit of Islander status have since filed for a judicial review of the Status Commission’s recommendations, citing bias against non-natives, unprofessionalism and accusing some members of the Commission of discriminatory conduct.

The members of the Status Commission are Herbert Been, Algernon Dean, Dozzlie Delancy, Benson Harvey and Oswald Skippings.

The court application is also asking for the appointment of the Commission’s members to be quashed, along with the Turks and Caicos Islanders Status Ordinance as being inconsistent with the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution.

That matter has not been listed

in the court list for hearing yet.

In his comments on the approval of the 42, Governor Dakin noted that he appoints the Chair of the Commission, “I was clear if the Premier and Leader of the Opposition could agree, I would accept their shared recommendation. They did.”

He added: “This is because I believe that while it was essential to start this process, it was also important to ensure the Turks and Caicos Islanders felt full ownership. The growth has been discombobulating - on present projections, the population in 1980 (7,000) will grow to ten times that, in less than a lifetime.”

He said the 42 approvals were less than the number he signs in one year conferring status through TCI descent or marriage.

He noted: “There are many who were not successful and feel aggrieved. Judicial Review is pending; if the process was followed correctly by the Commission, it will withstand review - if it wasn’t, a remedy is needed.”

He said it is worth at least acknowledging there is a process to review.

“Although required, the Commission had not been established when I arrived; now it is functioning. That is progress.”

He said the Commission is needed, as the TCI’s population has been growing at four per cent per year, the fastest in the Caribbean.

“So, while the number holding Islander status remains broadly the same, in recent years over 1,000 people have become BOTC each year, yet less than 60 each year have become Islanders.”

Governor Nigel Dakin signed off on 42 new approved applications for TCI Status

This, he said, indicates that the vector between those with TCI Status, and those with British Overseas Territory status is increasing each year, and will continue due to nationality laws

that apply to all overseas territories.

“How a stable nation is built with an asymmetry between those who ‘belong’ ‘de jure’, and those who ‘belong’ ‘de facto’ is a sensitive issue.

“A respectful debate, finding the right balance is this generation’s challenge, so I’m encouraged a ‘Status and Population Commission’ has been established by the government to consider this.

Government allocates $7m to seed fund a ...

CONTINUED

rates”, he added.

As of March 9, 2023, the population of the TCI is 45,945 (per the world population review); approximately 23,000 less than the Cayman Islands, and 14,000 more than the British Overseas Territory. single-parent households to consolidate high-interest debt, reducing their monthly payments and overall debt burden.

“Improved creditworthiness: regular, on-time repayments of affordable credit can improve a household’s credit score, making it easier to access credit in the future and potentially lowering interest

In August 2016, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government passed the Credit Union Ordinance, however, the regulations for this bill were not completed until three years later in August 2019.

In January 2020, the government joined the World Council of Credit Unions

(WOCCU) as an associate member in order to begin the development of credit unions in the territory.

The WOCCU is the global trade association and development platform for credit unions around the world.

The council advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before

international organisations, and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation.

In many countries around the world, credit unions play an important community role and are known to have contributed to the development of entire communities and can help drive economic growth.

STATE OF THE STATE

Premier Washington Misick has lauded the last two years of his government as “a promise kept” in line with PNP’s manifesto, but acknowledged the difficulties in navigating external factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the supply chain issues.

During his State of the State address at Brayton Hall in Providenciales on Monday, February 27, he said that the government was still able to rescue the economy, create a climate for better-paying jobs, increase the minimum wage, develop needed infrastructure while investing heavily in human capital to support the growth and development of the TCI.

The national address was held in recognition of the Progressive National Party (PNP) government’s second year in office after winning a landslide 14 to 1 victory against the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) in 2021.

What are your thoughts?

Time for action

Talk the talk - but seeing is believing – he needs to walk the walk now.

Improvements, but not there as yet

Well, whatever, they are a lot better than the last clowns. He knows very well that not enough is being done to create a more robust economy. The risk here is still enormous.

Former Premier left her mark

The national address misses the main point by the Premier. He states that “the difficulties in navigating external factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the supply chain issues” are hindrances to development.

This is not stating the main issue about the truth of the TCI’s economy and its inherent resilience but really avoiding realities. On taking office in February of 2021, after half of the electorate stayed home, This Premier met a booming and expanding economy. Apart from not having a real mandate this PNP Government cannot claim that they did anything to save or expand this economy.

They may not have messed it up yet by having “orgies of wild parties”, or using the Government’s credit card for personal and private use even though that is part of the legacy of the PNP.

Under the Administration of Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, She pivoted tourism marketing and directed the Tourist Board to reach certain target markets. The world then became aware that there is a safe place away from COVID-19—the TCI. Premier Robinson cut stamp duties on land purchases and as a result, new monies poured into the treasury (a series of ingenious tactics”) and the TCI weathered the “Covid storm”.

She then arranged for an $80m Standby Credit Facility, just in case the economy dipped which was approved by the UK government because she could show months of reserves. Her ingenious tactics worked so well that she did not have to draw down on the funds, the economy did not ‘dip’ and Premier Washington Misick was obliged to terminate the loan as it was not being used.

Premier Robinson may have lost the election because she functioned more like a statesman and less like a politician. Her reputation was that she did not suffer fools long. Also, the Public bought into the PNP opposition narrative and its campaign financed by Grace Bay because they needed their “boys back in the house”.

The achievements of this Premier in terms of infrastructure improvements, increasing the wages for the Public Service, etc, all

mirror those of Premier Robinson and more. It is just not that her PDM party is not much into selling itself. This is nothing new and all this Premier’s address revealed was that he was “staying the course” that he met in place two years ago.

Native TCIslanders still feel like strangers in their own country, they cannot access capital, they are seemingly banned from the public service or any real promotion and it is like this government is presiding over a booming economy but for others in Grace Bay. They are getting quite a return for their dollar by financing the 2021 election campaign.

In sum, TCI is in the middle of a 10year boom and it has nothing to do with this government or Ukraine or supply chain issues. They met “smooth sailing” on taking office.

Selective development

The Turks and Caicos Islands is awash in cash. This has more to do with new monies coming in from increased visitor arrivals and the idea that the TCI is a safer place to be than the COVID-ravaged cities of the world, in addition to the TCI still being seen as a somewhat new destination.

The TCI is cash-heavy and has been since the PDM Government 2016-2021. While the Government may seek to lay claim to dealing with the effects of the Ukraine war, that is not entirely the case. In this way, they have done very little and inflation strikes without any short-term and or longterm plans by the government to deal with it. There is very little being invested in the

TCI people and their welfare. Grace Bay and pleasing her remains the main focus of this government. This is their Achilles heel.

What about the family islands?

There is a creeping reality amongst Turks and Caicos Islanders, i.e. the natives are being left behind. More attention and investments are being placed on Providenciales and the “family islands” are in the distant past. It is a tale of two regions: outside of Provo, there is North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Grand Turk and Salt Cay (the ‘family islands”).

The wheels have shifted, the shoe is on the other foot and Provo emerges dominant. It has the eye of the government and no real plans to give the family islands some critically needed investment or any real investment in their respective infrastructures. Capital spending and planning are needed for the family Islands as well.

It is like in the midst of this largesse from 2016 to now, this government is just CONTINUED 

campaigning but not facing the real issues that face the people. Increasing the minimum wage is fine but in today’s inflationary climate, very few persons, if any, could live off $8.00 per hour. Persons falling in that stream of income need assistance, aid, subsidies and real help.

Feeling of neglect

It is like the words of the Premier will come back to haunt him. He did not rescue any economy but took over an already expanding economy. He met the former Premier Robinson, effectively dealing with COVID and her Minister of Health, the Hon Edwin Astwood, a Public health expert, had COVID under control in the TCI.

Her financial measures worked and her Minister of Health implemented a viable and effective plan to stave off the evil effects of COVID. Under this administration, there is a feeling of neglect. We are all paying high indirect taxes to live in the TCI: Gas tax, fuel tax, customs duties, etc but it is in Grace Bay that the big companies and resorts get the tax relief and duty concessions.

Two separate realities and experiences. What has emerged under this administration is two countries living together under the same Turks and Caicos Islands flag. Providenciales is a “nation unto itself” and the Grace Bay Boys know it. The others outside of Provo may form another viable political and economic sub-grouping.

It is a tempting notion that these sister islands, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Grand Turk and Salt Cay, may one day seek to secede and form their own Council of Governance. reason being, these islands are sorely taxed but totally neglected.

While this may be frowned upon; the sister islands may need some way of getting the real attention of some government. Should they do that maybe real planning, commitment and budgeting could be made toward the sister islands.

They could unite, collect their own revenues, form their own government, plan and take care of the needs of their residents. Riddled with novelty they could leave Provo to itself and take care of their own business. If such a sub-grouping could emerge, the sister islands Governing themselves, shifting the priorities onto themselves would see more investment and commitment from the Government. Say goodbye to Provo.

Inflation and talks of development

Covid-19 cannot no longer be relied upon by this Premier as an issue that he had to deal with upon taking office (“two-year-old issues”). That was under control by the former Government and this Premier met money “in the Bank”, huge surpluses.

Two years later since, February of 2021, according to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Edwin Astwood, “every Turks and Caicos Islanders is probably paying 30% more for monthly expenses than they did four years ago. He said the cost of living is at an all-time high, and for many persons, the chance of owning a home is far out of reach.” It begs the question, ‘what is this government doing about it?”. Are they helping people deal with inflation?

Are they announcing a policy to deal with the absence of banks in several islands? They are seeking to bring our people home, which is good, but what are they doing to help the people get access to finance, loans, capital or low-interest financing facilities?

Nothing tangible. This Premier has announced to the Bahamas and the world that there are 400 vacancies in the Public Service but what pressure is he placing on the head of the service or the Public Service Commission to recruit and promote native TCIslanders?

Our Bahamian brothers will come home and they are welcome but will they meet this kind of ethnic and national discrimination in their own land? Why not lend to our people loans at one and two per cent to start businesses? Why not subsidize low incomes? Be real and deliver.

The Turks and Caicos Islands government is looking to spend a whopping $18m over the coming weeks on critical government projects before the current financial year ends on March 31.

The funds have been reallocated from previously approved projects and will be used to kick-start the government’s affordable housing programme, develop a national credit union, upgrade roads and electrification across the islands and other critical infrastructure.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade Hon Erwin Jay Saunders tabled the Third Supplementary Appropriation Bill for Financial Year 2022-23 in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

During his speech, Hon Saunders explained that the funds are being drawn from a reduction in allocation for the S.I.P.T ($1.5m), a reduction in the Contingency Fund ($3m), a reduction in the allocation for land acquisition ($1.5m), and a deferring of $8m in Development Fund projects, as these identified projects will not be advancing to the commitment stage before the end of the financial year.

ROADS AND ELECTRIFICATION

In an effort to improve connectivity, increase economic development and improve the quality of life for the TCI populace, the finance minister said $5m will be allocated for the upgrading of roads and electrification.

“Investing in roads and

electrification can improve connectivity between different parts of the islands, thereby making it easier and faster for people to travel.

“Improved infrastructure will attract new businesses and industries to these islands, leading to increased economic activity and job opportunities for our people.

“Investing in roads and electrification will make our islands more attractive to tourists, leading to increased tourism revenues and job opportunities in the tourism sector for our people.”

Saunders underscored that the government’s investment in better roads and access to electricity will improve the quality of life for residents by providing access to essential services and making it easier for them to access education, healthcare, and other services.

He continued: “Investing in roads and electrification will make these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands more resilient to natural disasters by improving access to emergency services and facilitating the evacuation of people in the event of a disaster.

“Overall, Mr Speaker, our government prioritising investments in roads and electrification will have a range of positive impacts on the economy, society, and environment.

HOUSING PROGRAMME

Turning his attention to the recently approved National Housing Policy, Saunders told the House of Assembly that $3m would

go towards implementing the programme which seeks to foster homeownership and address the shortage of quality and affordable housing in the territory.

Saunders underscored that the government’s housing initiatives are intended to promote social stability, economic growth, and reduce government spending.

He said: “The housing initiatives will contribute to social stability by reducing the risk of homelessness and ensuring that vulnerable people have a place to live.

“Affordable housing programmes can contribute to economic growth by creating jobs in the local economy.”

He posited that affordable housing will also improve health outcomes as having access to safe housing can reduce the risk of exposure to environmental hazards for vulnerable people.

“Providing affordable housing will reduce government spending by decreasing the need for emergency services, such as shelters and hospitals, and reducing the costs associated with inadequate housing.

“Affordable housing can improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations by providing stable housing that is safe, secure, and affordable. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall well-being.

“Overall, our government’s housing initiatives are expected to have significant benefits for both individuals and the islands as a whole.”

Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Investment & Trade Hon Erwin Jay Saunders

Government races to spend $18m on capital projects

– As current budget cycle wraps up

DMO projected to rake in $640m annually within a decade – says Premier

THE Destination Management Organisation (DMO) is forecasted to drive economic growth by an additional $640m annually, within the next ten years.

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick recently revealed these projections for the soon-to-be-established DMO, during his State of the State address on Monday, February 27, 2023, held in recognition of the Progressive National Party (PNP) government’s second year in office.

In keeping with the TCI Government’s economic development strategy, a decision was made to restructure and modernise the tourist board, the entity responsible for the management and marketing of the tourism sector for decades.

During his national address, Premier Misick told attendees gathered at the British West Indies Collegiate (Brayton Hall) and thousands of viewers who were tuned into the live-streamed event, that the transition from the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board to a DMO is well underway.

He said: “The TCI is one of the most desirable tourism destinations in the world, we are catering to the higher end of the market so more is demanded. Visitors want customized experiences and services.

“We campaigned on creating integrated marketing and management of the TCI to maximise the returns for all stakeholders, the DMO will achieve that.

“Within the next ten years, the DMO is forecasted to drive economic growth by an additional $640m annually while preserving the environment and improving the lives of our people”, he added.

As the government winds down the existing Tourist Board structure, employees were given severance packages essentially terminating their employment at the board.

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

Many recalled the assurances

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

Addressing these issues, Misick stressed that change is crucial in order for the territory to optimise its tourism industry.

He said: “I have listened to your concerns about the DMO…I understand that change is uncomfortable for those directly affected, but it is necessary for collective success.

“There will be plenty of opportunities in the DMO, the new tourism regulatory unit, and other agencies for current employees of the Tourist Board.”

Misick assured that the transition will be “as smooth as possible”.

He said: “Crucially, every employee will get a separation package in line with their current

salary and years of service.

“On behalf of a grateful TCI, I thank the hard-working men and women, past and present for all that you have done to make these beautiful islands among the most desired in the world.

“The DMO is building on the success of the Tourist Board.

“Our only goal is to keep the TCI ahead of the competition by delivering unsurpassed customer satisfaction, showcasing our culture and promoting the best of our islands and our people.”

In keeping with the government’s vision to take the territory’s bread and butter industry to new heights, Hon Minister Connolly recently explained that the DMO will be a public/private partnership aimed at distributing the benefits of the tourism sector across the entire destination.

She said: “It will be what’s known in the industry as a Smart DMO; it will utilise state-of-the-art

data-management techniques and the latest technology, to identify our best possible target customers.”

In an attempt to rationalise the government’s decision, she stressed that copious research reinforces the fact most successful enterprises are public/private partnerships.

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

“The fact is, Turks and Caicos is well-positioned to build on its successes and well-advised not to simply rely upon them”, she added. Connolly underscored that the territory has a “grand opportunity” to use the success achieved thus far to further catapult to the next level.

“We cannot afford to rest on our laurels, as fortune favours the brave.”

Government to procure a new IT platform to comply with EU tax standards

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government has earmarked $2m to procure a new Information Technology platform for the Exchange of Information (EOI) department, in a bid to comply with the European Union’s tax benchmarks.

According to the Minister of Finance Investment and Trade, Hon Erwin Saunders, the new IT platform will allow the jurisdiction to have a more robust automatic exchange of information solution, an area that has been deemed ineffectual by the European Union (EU).

The funds were allocated during the third Supplementary Bill tabled by the Minister of Finance on Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

“Last October 2022 - the European Union (EU) added our islands to its blacklist of tax havens, claiming that we are noncooperative on matters related to tax.

“While we disagree with the findings, we do recognise that we are deficient in some areas, particularly around the IT platform that facilitates the collection of the required information and the exchange of that information.”

He explained that the new IT platform will increase legitimacy by reinforcing the territory’s commitment to international tax standards.

Further, it shows that the territory is indeed a “cooperating partner” with the EU for tax purposes, which will go a long way towards improving TCI’s reputation as a responsible financial centre.

Saunders said: “Automatic exchange of information will help to improve overall compliance by registered entities, as it will make it more difficult for them to avoid meeting the reporting

requirements.

“Automatic exchange of information will increase transparency and accountability for our jurisdiction, which will help to remove the perception that we are “non-cooperating”.

“By complying with international tax standards, we will accelerate our removal from the EU “blacklist for tax purposes” and avoid us being put back on it in the future.

“By complying with international tax standards, our jurisdiction will become more competitive in the global financial market, as we will attract new

investors and clients that are looking for a stable and reliable financial centre.”

The TCI becoming fully compliant with the EU’s tax standards has several potential benefits for our jurisdiction especially as it relates to growing the territory’s presence on the global financial market, the Finance Minister stressed. Some of the significant benefits for the jurisdiction include increased economic activity, revenue, diversification, enhanced

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick during his State of the State

Babysitter gets one year for beating toddler – Residents outraged at light sentence

An undocumented Haitian national has been sentenced to one year in prison for abusing a minor and for illegally entering the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Twenty-nine-year-old Ocianie Tibeau, a resident of Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty to three charges on Monday, March 6, when she appeared in court.

The charges are one count of unlawful entry and two counts of Child in need of care and protection. She was sentenced to four months on each charge. The sentences will run consecutively, totalling one year.

In late February, the mother of the child uploaded a video clip from a CCTV footage of the abuse, committed on February 28.

In the video, the babysitter could be seen feeding a four-year-old girl from a cup, then seconds later dealing a hard blow to the right side of the toddler’s body. The crying child is seemingly mocked by the sitter, fed some more from the cup as she continued to cry, then pushed onto her side from being dealt two additional blows to the left side of her body.

According to police, the victim’s mother relayed to them that she had previously observed that her daughter would seldom cry and cling to her when left in the care of Tibeau. She further alleged that her daughter appeared to be sickly and losing weight.

The mother also told police that the CCTV footage installed within the home also showed the abusive sitter shaking the toddler.

After police were contacted, officers within the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit (SPPU)

babysitter, Ocianie Tibeau imprisoned for one year

commenced an investigation. Tibeau was subsequently arrested and charged.

Residents are outraged at the light sentence, with many questioning the classification of the crime, which they opined should have been an assault.

One commenter wrote: “She got off lightly. These laws against children are too light they need longer prison sentences. What kind of justice system we have when once again you have failed another child.”

“If I strike an adult I’d be sentenced harsher than this,” another commented.

While others questioned the emotional damage of the abuse: “Can you imagine the damage she has done to that child which can remain with her for a life time if she doesn’t get the (necessary) help in time, for such a little fine. That’s an eye opener to all parents and children who have to depend on a babysitter.”

Hiring of Haitian nannies is a common practice within the TCI, with many of them being undocumented. They typically charge a cheaper price than daycares and documented babysitters do, thus the appeal for their services. But now residents are

Government to procure a new...

reputation, and improved infrastructure.

He said: “A growing financial industry will help to increase economic activity in our islands by creating jobs, attracting investment, and increasing demand for our services.

“A growing financial industry will help to increase government revenues through taxes, fees, and other charges associated with financial activities.”

Saunders posited that the financial industry will also help to diversify the local economy, reducing its heavy reliance on tourism, construction, and stamp duties and help to enhance TCI’s

reputation as a stable and reliable financial centre, “which will attract more investors and increase confidence in our jurisdiction”.

“A growing financial industry will also help to improve overall infrastructure, including technology, and telecommunications, which will have positive spillover effects on other industries.”

On Tuesday, October 4, 2022, the European Council published its biannual list of non-cooperative jurisdictions blacklist (Annex I) and (Annex II –a so-called “grey list”) for jurisdictions that have met some but not all of the benchmarks.

The Turks and Caicos Islands was listed for the first time.

According to the EU, the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes is a tool to tackle tax fraud or evasion: illegal nonpayment or underpayment of tax, tax avoidance: use of legal means to minimise tax liability and money laundering: concealment of origins of illegally obtained money.

The council explained that the reason for the inclusion of Turks and Caicos Islands, Anguilla, and The Bahamas in the list is that there are “concerns that these three jurisdictions, which all have a zero or nominal only rate of corporate income tax, are attracting profits without real economic activity (criterion 2.2 of the EU list).

stated: “I am advising parents and other caregivers of children and other vulnerable persons, to be very careful when employing unknown individuals to care for their loved ones.

“It may be appealing to hire an inexpensive/cheap helper who is undocumented and where the necessary background checks are not conducted. This can end up being very costly, as you can expose your child or other loved one to harm, by employing undocumented persons.

“Additionally, you are also breaking employment and immigration laws.”

Adams further appealed to parents to be vigilant: “It is unacceptable that someone was entrusted to provide care to an infant resorted to using physical violence against a defenceless child. Physical violence against anyone is reprehensible, especially when the victim is a child.

questioning whether this common practice is still, or has ever been, safe, given the video evidence of abuse dealt to a child in their care.

One person wrote: “I think everyone need to have CCTV in they house, some people are just evil.”

Another revealed that Tibeau babysat her son for two years.

The laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands prohibit the hiring of undocumented persons with a $20,000 fine or a term of imprisonment of four years.

This point was reinforced by Assistant Superintendent of Police (SPPU) Grantley Williams, who

“I would like to commend the mother for immediately contacting the police and reporting the crime perpetrated against the child.”

The SPPU has strongly advised parents that if they suspect a child is being abused or there are allegations of abuse, to immediately utilise any of the following options: make a report at the nearest police station, contact the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit at 232- 6696, the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) -338-4013, Department of Social Development at 3384008 or call 911.

It is mandatory that all reports be made to the police. (DELANA ISLES)

Abusive

There are some things that we believe in and want to fight for, but they may be unfavourable with the majority of people. Therefore, you end up joining the crowd on something you know you do not believe in. While it would be great to have the crowd on your side, however, if you believe in something, you should not fall to peer pressure and agree with the crowd.

Don’t be a people pleaser. Be a leader and stand above the crowd. It takes nothing to join the crowd. However, you must be very careful about this as you may think because the crowd says so, then it must be true. Such belief can easily lead you astray.

Some of you know you should not join the crowd, but you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Some of you also do not take the

You don’t have to join the crowd

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.

time to think things clearly and so you join the crowd. Some of you want to fit in.

Before joining or saying anything, gather as much information about the subject. Too many times the crowd says something and because it sounds good, we join it. You must learn to think independently. There are some people that have an agenda to convince you to join them and

then when you join them, you feel obligated and loyal to agree with everything they say.

The only crowd I will join is a crowd of people that believes and follows the word of God because the word of God does not change. Of course, there are some people that have their own interpretation and justify some of the things they do which are clearly contrary to the Word of God. Don’t join this

crowd of people. In fact, that is why the world is in chaos today because some of us are joining the crowd who don’t stand for the true Word of God.

I don’t think anyone wants to stand alone but sometimes you must stand alone. It means standing up for what you believe in and not compromising your beliefs. In some cases, it literally means being lonely. It is okay if you feel lonely especially if you know you are standing up for the truth. Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in a prison cell because he stood up against apartheid in South Africa. I believe he was lonely being away from his family.

It takes courage and boldness to stand alone. Some people are timid and so they hide behind their timidness and join the crowd. It takes enduring criticism to

stand alone. You may face a lot of criticism because you are saying something that is contrary to the crowd. On the other hand, you may not get any criticism at all. Some people may remain quiet and don’t support you.

When you stand alone, you may get a lot of labels such as being different. It is okay if you are different.

There are so many issues that people need to take a stand on, but we are afraid. In the Turks and Caicos, many issues are politicised and so many people agree or disagree with something or someone simply because of the position of their political party. I know there are some things that are bothering you, but you are afraid to do or say something. I encourage you today to stand for something even if it means standing alone.

It is okay to stand alone The negative impacts of social media

The congenial, methodical design of social media has lured billions worldwide, from corporations and CEOs, to social groups and individuals, using the platform to interact and share information and ideas in virtual communities and networks; though, overtime, it has transformed into the hostile public square chatterbox.

Strikingly, social media has a horde of advantages, when properly used, yet researchers have found enormous evidence, which distinctly demonstrates the negative impacts of social networking in society. And so, governments, entrepreneurs, parents and educators are in a constant battle to forge a safe environment to protect

BY D MARKIE SPRING

information, assets and children from hardened criminals who are breaking the rules and reprehensibly aggrandising their private agenda.

Experts also discovered social media fosters a false sense of online ‘connection’ and superficial friendships that often lead to emotional and psychological problems. This suggests, the

intensity of the online arena requires constant engagement, which creates self-awareness, and exhibits classical symptoms of depression—“Facebook depression,” as some researchers termed it.

Noteworthy, this depression is not limited to Facebook, but referred to the impact of other social media platforms, causing anxiety, stress, among other psychological disorders.

Scholars also indicate, social media users have become addicted and in turn eroding personal and family time; coupled with, fading interpersonal skills, which are leading to anti-social behaviours.

More so, the excessive use of social media networks weakens real-life relationships. In fact, ‘catfishing’ – a deceptive social media phenomenon – where people

create fictional persona, posing as other people, have created much confusion inside relationships and have ruined the emotional well-being of many users. MTV’s ‘Catfish’ – the critically acclaimed 2010 documentary film portrays a replica of such a narrative.

The corollary is, these websites conjure negative effects on learners, curtailing learning and research capability, real human contact, and command over language use and creative writing skills. In addition to, low grades, time-wasting and health issues.

Too, misusing these public applications is taking a toll on people’s professional life. Empirical evidence shows that workers are distracted and demonstrating a lack of customer service and ignoring clients, while giving priority to social media chats.

This has, over time, diminished job performance and productivity among workers, which often leads to harmful business reviews. Social media is time-consuming and any mistakes made are difficult to resolve.

Sadly, the platform has become a nesting ground for criminals and

predators, and terrorists – especially in developed countries. Apart from the emotional challenges it presents, there is a myriad of illicit activities and considering the lack of rules and monitoring, malicious and irresponsible people are abusing the freedom of these applications – to lie, attack, hurt and scam other users through hidden identities.

While the government should not regulate social media, it must encourage transparency. However, in reducing its footprint, employers must constantly monitor their employees and implement workplace policies governing the use of social media. As employees become less productive, it takes revenues and profits down the same path.

Similarly, parents should monitor the duration their children spend on these networks, the contents they are exposed to and the kind of contacts they harbour.

Despite the upside of rapid information sharing, the misuse of social media has created havoc in the lives of people in the TCI, and globally, fashioning a sense of illusion and the ideal breathing ground for criminal activities.

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.

Prison remains squalid, as govt mulls programme to fix drainage issues

BY DELANA ISLES

“Not fit for human habitation” is the stinging – yet repetitivepronouncement by the Human Rights Commission following a recent visit to the territory’s only penitentiary.

Sabrina Greene, Director of the Commission this week said that the commission recently conducted its periodic assessments of His Majesty’s Prison (HMP).

The first visit for 2023 came on the heels of complaints by prisoners at the facility of flooding, diseases and a general unsanitary and unliveable condition.

Shortly after the complaints were published by a local news agency, the Ministry of Home Affairs responded, calling the contents of the report rumours and devoid of facts as to the true situation at the prison.

The ministry went to some lengths to explain away the situation that the prisoners complained about, citing historical drainage issues, and a brief inconvenience due to flooding in

prisoners’ cells, communal areas, and the grounds of the facility.

In addition to the complaints to the media, reports were also made to the Human Rights Commission, which on February 23 dispatched a team to investigate the alarming reports, showing up unannounced.

Greene said the visit revealed that the facility is currently overcrowded with a total of 131 inmates, which includes persons on remand.

She said one of the major issues and concerns identified by the Commission was the backup of sewage at the facility.

“The sewage network at the HMP is dated and seems to be in disrepair. The system is not suited to the capacity of individuals housed there. Pipe blockages occur frequently when foreign objects are flushed down the toilets by the inmates, often as a form of protest.

“The current issue appears to

have been caused by a rock being lodged into pipes causing the backup in one of the septic tanks which resulted in an overflow,” Greene reported of her findings.

She asserted that it is the responsibility of the authorities in the prison to properly ensure that inmates receive at least a reasonably adequate standard of living, including adequate food, drinking water, accommodation, clothing and bedding while detained.

This, she said, is not being done to an acceptable standard.

She acknowledged that the sewage issues are not new, pointing to previous reports by the commission which found the facility unfit for human habitation, breaching many of the United Nations’ Minimum Standards for the Treatment of Prisoners.

That report – which was published years ago - practically mirrors Greene’s report this week.

Greene said it is unacceptable that these core issues have still not been addressed, while commending the prison for the upgrades that have been made,

such as the addition of a new wing to properly house inmates, a farm and educational programmes.

However, she said the improvements are temporary solutions to existing problems.

“Several of the previous Superintendents in charge of the facility have stated that the only solution is to build a new facility fit for the purpose of incarceration and rehabilitation.”

There remain many problems with the facility and each one dehumanises the inmates a little bit more and acts as a barrier to effective rehabilitation, she observed.

Last month, the Home Affairs Ministry reported that they have agreed to fund a programme of work to replace and refurbish the existing drainage system, which will increase capacity and resolve the long-standing issues.

No information has been provided as to what this programme will entail, when it will be conducted, its cost, and if or when it will be included in the territory’s 2023 budget.

No-one should use the N-word: I mean “NO-ONE”

Last week, I caught myself using the N-word and was rather embarrassed shortly after, because by using it_ I am “being” the problem.

The N-word is unique in the English language. The afrocommunity uses it amongst themselves but it is forbidden to be used by anyone else who isn’t “one of us”. Impressively, we managed to turn this deeprooted racial slur into somewhat more poetic, but should we continue to use it in our daily conversations?

The N-word, on one hand, is the ultimate insult—a word that has tormented generations of African Americans. Yet over time, it has become a popular term of endearment by the descendants of the very people who once had to endure it. Among many young people today—blacks and whites—the N-word can mean

BY DAVIDSON LOUIS

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

friend.

The time has come for us to take responsibility and exterminate the usage of the N-word. We may have made some advancements towards equality but continuing to use the N-word is just another brutal memory of a past that has space in this present.

Here are five reasons why you should rethink before going there:

The meaning of the word and all of its derivations amount to a

description of something that is less than human. It was created in order to describe things that were considered chattel. It was never meant to describe people, as those who coined it did not see chattel as people. There is, in fact, no redeemable purpose for the continued use of the word, except in the case of the recounting of accurate historical terminology or in order to accurately record what a racist has said. These should be the

only perimetres of its usage.

If I want to call someone my brother, I just call him my brother. If I want to insult that person, I can use a better and more specific term than the N-word to do so.

There was no redeemable purpose, but there is an irredeemable purpose. If someone calls you the N-word, you should be ready to defend yourself. The word is actually so insulting that one should expect to be attacked for its use, and would therefore only use it in order to initiate violence. Simply put, the N-word is noted as the worst insult in the English language.

It is not cool. And that is the real issue with folks (of all ethnicities) using the N-word out of historical and rhetorical context. People want to sound cool. They want to sound like they are “hip,” “hood,”

or “street”. But again, it is not cool in the least. The reality is that it is the opposite.

To use the N-word is an act of utter conformity. It is a decision to fully embrace the violent systemic oppression, which has functioned for centuries. It is being made a fool by the twisting of your own reality in order to better fit into theirs because the absolute truth is that the only way for the N-word to truly lose its meaning is for racist oppression to truly cease to exist. Until that day, the use of the N-word is nothing more or less than degrading myself, my ancestors, my children, and all the people who have died with the N-word ringing in their ears.

What are your thoughts about the N-word? Share your thoughts at... louisedens@gmail.com

His Majesty’s Prison (HMP)

Diaspora database to be developed – Premier

The TCI government is looking to develop a diaspora database to collect and utilise accurate data as part of its efforts to help members of the TCI diaspora contribute to the development of the territory.

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick who made this disclosure during his recent State of the State address said the information collected will assist the Government in identifying and assessing the competencies, expertise and experience of members of the diaspora.

“To encourage their engagement, we are developing a diaspora database, which will include information on where they live, their skills and resources.

“With this information, we can better communicate and target talented persons of working

age who wish to return to their homeland to contribute to its growth and development.”

The territory’s leader stressed that engaging with the TCI diaspora will make it easier for the government to amend the law to further limit the grant of TCI status.

Misick stressed that the law presently allows second-generation Turks and Caicos Islanders born outside of the islands to qualify for TCI status.

As such his government has embarked on several initiatives to encourage people with ancestral ties to return to their homeland and play a meaningful role in the growth and development of the territory.

He said: “Turks and Caicos Islanders by heritage are a

minority in our homeland, this may diminish our influence in the economic and political affairs of the TCI.

“We must make the land of our heritage attractive to our diaspora, we have started this process of engagement by retaining two liaison officers to assist in establishing and maintaining

connections with the diaspora in the Bahamas.

“They will report to the Office of the Premier and Public Policy. A physical office will be opened in the Bahamas soon.”

Misick recently appealed to the largest concentration of the TCI diaspora who reside in the Bahamas to return home,

capitalise on opportunities, invest, and contribute to the territory’s booming economy at a reception on Monday, February 13th, 2023 in Nassau, Bahamas.

The Premier who was accompanied by Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams had the opportunity to meet residents with lineage and roots in the TCI.

Illegal vessel carrying 202 onboard intercepted, “discarded drugs” found

Another successful interception was made at sea by the Marine Branch, with the apprehension of 202 irregular migrants onboard an illegal vessel traversing TCI waters.

The boat was intercepted at around 2:51pm on Wednesday, March 8, after police received reports of a suspicious vessel making its way towards West Caicos.

Acting on the information received, Marine Branch officers, via the Sea Protector vessel, intercepted a blue, 44 ft migrant vessel about 3.5 miles south-west of the Bluff, Providenciales.

Three of the 202 persons onboard the migrant vessel were minors, 40 were women, and 162 were men.

They were detained and handed over to the Immigration Task Force.

Marine officers also seized

four packages containing what appeared to be cannabis, floating in close proximity to the illegal migrant vessel. The suspected drugs were handed over to officers of the Grace Bay Police Outpost.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has confirmed that this vessel is the eighth for the year.

Acting Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams congratulated the Marine Branch for yet another successful operation.

“The protection of the TCI border remains a high priority for the RTCIPF and we remain grateful for the collaborations between our regional and international partners.

“Through several agencies, including the RTCIPF Marine Branch, Maritime Operations Center and the Immigration Task Force working cohesively, this sloop was identified and

intercepted, preventing over 200 irregular migrants from entering the TCI illegally.”

He said these are challenging operations in a dangerous environment, further thanking members of the public for their continued support of the force by sharing information with them.

“We are extremely grateful and by working in partnership with your police service, together we can certainly make a difference in building a safer TCI.”

The public is being advised to notify the closest police station or to contact Crime Stoppers and give any information of illegal activities anonymously.

All crime stoppers calls are answered in Miami and in Houston by Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers, a non-profit agency.

The calls are anonymous and cannot be traced in the United States or the TCI.

Premier Hon Washington Misick and members of the TCI diaspora at a reception in Nassau, Bahamas last month

This was the eighth migrant vessel for 2023 seized in TCI waters

TCI Arts relaunched with thrilling lineup in Arts and Entertainment for 2023

BY DELANA ISLES

Arts in the TCI has been revived with the restructuring of what used to be ‘Friends of the Arts’ (TCFAF), now rebranded as the TCI Arts Foundation under the capable guidance of its Executive Director Clare Jaget.

A three-year resident of the Islands, Clare is committed to bringing the arts, entertainment and recreation back to the Turks and Caicos Islands under the recently relaunched Foundation.

Clare is picking up from, and adding to, where Barbara and Mark Pankhurst left off when they headed the TCFAF, a 17-yearold Foundation that unfortunately could not be reinstated after being struck from the register during the Covid-19 pandemic following changes to the Companies

Ordinance.

This week Clare spoke with our Weekly News freelance writer, outlining the plans she has for the foundation, as well as how and where residents can support and get involved.

Fully registered now, Clare said the foundation has already taken off with the information provided to them by the Pankhurts.

“With the same basic foundation, what we really want to do is just bring entertainment to the island, but also incorporate the wealth of talent that we already have here,” she explained.

“So, it gives locals a chance to actually perform with professionals and to get experience that way as well, and hopefully entertain people on the island. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

A fairly recent transplant from

Hereford, Herefordshire in the United Kingdom, Clare said she feels the lack of entertainment in the Islands quite keenly, prompting her to do something about it.

“I’d moved here three years ago, and after a few months, I was like okay, well, what’s there to be done?

“I was getting a little bit frustrated because obviously living in big cities with a lot of entertainment via the available cinemas, theatres, pavilions to name a few, and then coming to nothing.”

Posting to her Facebook page on November 18, 2022, she wrote: “What does one do when one is seeking a difference on a little island? Set up an Art Foundation of course! Check us out TCIArtsfoundation.com.”

The foundation was officially launched in November 2022 and

hosted its first set of events for the Christmas season last year: the 13th annual Arts and Craft Expo in Salt Mills, a Christmas fair at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre and a Christmas movie night.

She then quickly delved into her wealth of experience and connections in the art and entertainment world, looking first to the Shakespeare Institute in Nevada, which has unfortunately since been disbanded.

Not to be deterred, Clare set about looking up actors from the United States who would be willing to travel to Turks and Caicos –with accommodations and meals provided – to be involved in her inaugural ‘Shakespeare in Schools’ event.

Two answered - Matt and Heidi Morgan from Las Vegas - and this past week a series of events kicked

off at the Provo Middle School, Maranatha Academy, Precious Treasures, Wesley Methodist, Louise Garland, British West Indies Collegiate and the TCI International School.

Dubbed ‘Shakespeare Week’, the event will hopefully become an annual one, with a second installment to be hosted this October.

With assistance from the Ministry of Education, Clare said the Foundation managed to pull it off, although the going was tough at first. She hopes for a smoother and swifter flow for the October event. She mentioned Ports of Call, The Ritz Carlton, Seven Stars, Tribe and Big Al’s as providing invaluable assistance in pulling the event off this March.

“Everyone’s pulling together, and it’s great how the community,

‘Shakespeare Week’ put on by the TCI Arts Foundation this past week was a rousing success as Las Vegas actors thrilled students in a first of its kind event for the Turks and Caicos (TCAF photos)

On January 20, 2018, the Premier, Hon Sharlene CartwrightRobinson awarded Mark and Barbara Pankhurst the Patriotic Award - Cayos Medal, saying “The Pankhurst’s have uplifted the community through offering over 16 years of service in fortifying the Performing Arts within the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

the island can help support each other.”

Now with that successful event under her belt, Clare is setting her sights on an Easter programme, one for Summer and others for the Christmas season.

On April 8, the foundation will be hosting a fundraiser to benefit the Ashley Learning Centre, at Brayton Hall. The fundraiser will be a performance by musicians from the New World Symphony concert themed ‘We’re in this together’. Doors open at 6pm until 8:30pm, with tickets already available on Islehelp.

“In June, I’ve got three actors coming from England, this time to work in primary schools doing Aesop’s Fables, the stories of the Hare and the Tortoise, that sort of thing.

“They come in, and they workshop with the little kids; that’s gonna be a lot of fun as well.”

She said what she wants is to offer something different from the norm for the children in the Islands, have actors come in and entertain them, “a bit of a change from the regular”.

As for end-of-year events, Clare has a lineup for Halloween and

Christmas, with the continuation of annual events and the reintroduction of one that has fallen off in recent years.

“We’re going to have our main big fundraiser called Halloween Spooktacular, that will be in the courtyard of The Palms on October 28.

“What we see from trying, is that the hardest thing to do is find venues because there isn’t a good auditorium on the islands anymore, but I am excited about the project that’s been started, to build an auditorium in Long Bay.

In November, the Foundation is looking to organise a Murder Mystery theatre out of Las Vegas, Nevada to visit the Islands, plans that are hampered due to the lack of venues for hosting such events.

She is excited about bringing back the popular Pantomime show – previously hosted by Friends of the Arts Foundation, it was a hit show that thousands in the territory usually attend and looked forward to every year.

“The pantomime is coming at Christmas time because we really want to resurrect that…we are getting our crew together and we’re not wasting and scrambling

at the last minute.”

There are already plans for 2024, Clare said.

“We’ve got things in the pipeline for next year… with some professors of dance at the University of Las Vegas. They are ready to come out next year and the great thing is that the university pays for all their students to come out.

“So, all I have to do is now find someone to put them up.”

She insists that local artistes will not be left out of anything. “I want to make sure that people aren’t left out here in Turks and Caicos.”

Local professional entertainers are urged to contact the TCI Arts Foundation if they are interested in getting involved.

In January, a volunteer drive was hosted at Cielo Bar in Ports of Call, which saw many people signing up.

Clare said she’s excited for the year’s event and is happy things are now taking off, given the slow start.

“Now it’s just about making people aware that we’re here. I’ve already been around, I’ve physically been around to every hotel complex in the Grace

Bay side of the island, meeting with general managers and I’ve introduced myself, so they are aware of who we are now and they are going to be helpful.”

There is still a need, which she explained: “People can visit our website, where I’ve included a lot of the old photographs from the ‘Friends of the Arts’ because we haven’t done that much yet; there’s also a nice donation button on there as well, so it would be nice, if people want to donate, that’s what we need at the moment.”

The website address is www. tciartsfoundation.com.

A bit of background on the origin foundation, as taken from its website: “In 2002, Mark and Barbara Pankhurst spearheaded a Not-For-Profit organisation to promote the Arts in Turks and Caicos Islands: Turks & Caicos Friends of the Arts Foundation (TCFAF).”

During its time of operation, TCFAF produced over 60 original performances using local and international artistes and raised more than $500,000, all of which has been used to provide facilities, scholarships, instruments, educational opportunities, and

training in the Performing and Visual Arts for the children of the Islands.

Sadly, their ventures ended in 2019 but we are delighted to revive their legacy with the new TCI Arts Foundation and continue to entertain all the people of TCI, Clare said.

In the newly formed Foundation residents are encouraged to get involved to explore and expand their performance skills with professionals in live music, dance, and drama presentations.

Clare said TCI Arts will be hosting regular workshops in numerous performing arts in Providenciales, and they are committed to local charities and fund-raising events, working closely with The Edward Gartland Youth Centre and The Ministry of Education.

Other members of the newly formed TCI Arts Foundation are Michelle L’Heureux, Secretary; Cora Malcolm, Theatre; Lucie Stubbs, Visual Arts; David Bowen, Musical Director; Ben Avanant, Treasurer / Controller; Jane Webster; Team Member and Matthew Williams, Marketing / Front of House.

TCI Arts’ Executive Director, Clare Jaget

Shakespeare Week continues

IWD 2023 promotes ‘Innovation and technology for gender equality’

In the Turks and Caicos Islands, women have undoubtedly made their mark in leadership, politics, administration, the justice system as well as in the medical field.

Today, women in the islands are entering a number of different industries and are now making their mark in innovation and technology, an area that was once male-dominated.

On Wednesday, March 8, the TCI joined with the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Day 2023, under the theme ‘DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality’.

A commemorative message from Sabrina Greene, Director of the TCI Human Rights Commission highlighted several TCI women in innovation and technology who are creating a path for young girls and other women and are successfully demonstrating that women can do it all.

Giselle James-Wright is employed with Digicel as a Switch Engineer/Mobile Operations Manager. She currently works on the Mobile Switching Centre and other cellular mobile platforms, as well as provide administrative support to the operations of the Mobile Operations and Maintenance/Radio Access Network Team.

Carmaine Ariza is employed with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government as an Application Support Specialist. Ms Ariza has over a decade of experience in information technology. She specialises in administrative product training and is responsible for assisting and educating users on using progressive systems and applications as well as troubleshooting application problems.

Kebba Thomas has worked in information technology for over two decades and is the only female

in the IT Department at FortisTCI. Mrs Thomas is employed as the Senior IT Officer and has been in the post for over nine years. One of her main responsibilities is to provide support for the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) environment that helps to manage and monitor the equipment that generates, transmits and distributes energy.

Yolande Robinson is a trained kindergarten and elementary school teacher and the owner of Learn and Lead Education Centre. She uses technology to deepen the learner’s experience. She has worked in the

field of education for over 20 years and knows that for all learners to excel there needs to be multiple approaches. Technology is a tool that Yolande uses as a bridge to facilitate learners from where they are to where they need to be. At Learn and Lead, educational resources are used to aid in intervention with children. In training and coaching, Yolande uses multimedia experiences to facilitate a deeper connection to the material being learned. Her gift to educate, inspire and empower individuals has been heard over the airwaves on positive parenting and

teaching techniques, and on podcast episodes that have challenged us all to shift perspective.

When asked about the importance of technology, Yolande stated: “I don’t know what I would do without it! Technology makes my work come alive. It helps me move from the vision that I have to the products and experiences I provide.”

Cathrice James-Williams is the Director of Information Technology at the Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission and has over two decades in the field of IT. Mrs James-Williams is a certified

Cyber Risk Specialist and owns and operates her own business, Techprise Learning Solutions, where she helps companies automate their processes and provide cyber awareness training. Cathrice, won the Woman in Technology and Engineering Award in 2020 for her outstanding achievements in technology and engineering.

Barbara Ambrister is a wellseasoned Information Technology Specialist with more than three decades of service in the industry under her belt. Her extensive work in IT began in the Bahamas where she was the Director of Information Technology at the College of the Bahamas. Here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, she was the IT Manager for the National Health Insurance Board where she was responsible for the implementation, system development and design.

She was also the Vice President for Information Technology at IBG Bank where her responsibilities included but were not limited to oversight of physical infrastructure, including the installation, and management of all facets of banking software and system security. She is currently the chair for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, a Pastor and Author. Mrs Ambrister is also the owner of Innovative Consultancy Services.

Greene said the Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission recognises that significant progress has been made in terms of gender equality throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands but that there is more work to be done to achieve an equal and enabled society.

“Today we encourage women in leadership to empower each other and to provide a seat at the table where barriers to all industries are non-existent for women and girls.”

TCI celebrates its own in innovation and technology for International Women’s Day 2023 (TCHRC photo)

Louise Garland High School students honour over 40 sponsors

Over 40 local corporate and individual sponsors were honoured for their contributions to the development of the Louise Garland Thomas High School.

On Thursday, March 9, 2023, students of Louise Garland High School formerly the (Long Bay High School) held an appreciation ceremony as part of its activities to observe Education Week.

The short ceremony saw students performing dance pieces and musical renditions for a small gathering at the school.

Awardees from various sectors in the Turks and Caicos Islands

were presented with tokens of appreciation by the students.

Speaking to the Weekly News, the Vice Principal of the school, Ms Sheena Stubbs said the event was organised by the students to thank the sponsors who have contributed immensely to the development of several extracurricular programmes at the school which has impacted over 400 pupils.

She said: “We wanted to honour our partners that contribute, whether it’s your money or time out of your busy schedules, or materials from your business to help us accomplish our goals.

“For this year, we embarked on developing our playfield for our students and building a basketball court.

“So we have really tapped into our construction companies from Do It Center -Building Materials, Project Tech Construction and CBMS and they have all come through with their time and labour, I’m talking about $20,000 to $24,000 for the projects.

“So we are really grateful, on behalf of our students, the teachers, and our principal, we are grateful and thankful because their donation and their time, have helped us to

achieve our core mission, which is moulding the minds of wellrounded citizens.”

The vice principal also appealed to the wider business community and individuals to come forward and support initiatives that will impact the lives of “tomorrow’s leaders”.

She said: “We welcome you or the companies you represent, as you can see the donation is going towards the academic and social development of our students, donating as little as $500 or even your time to come in and counsel our students.”

Sponsors recognised at the ceremony included the Turks and Caicos Weekly News, Business Solutions, Outreach Turks and Caicos, Newsline TCI, Sister Sister TCI, Lapels Laundromat, Do It Center-Building Material, CBMS (Caribbean Building Materials and Services Ltd.), S.Walkin Marine and Sons, Department of Youth Affairs, TCI Regiment, Cutting Edge landscaping and design, Ocean Club Resorts, Mr Drexwell Seymour, Mr Carl Simmons, Blue Heron Aviation Ltd, Island Adventure and the Edward Gartland Youth Centre.

Several sponsors were recognized for their contributions to the Louise Garland Thomas High School

Former Bahamian PM: ‘We are on the frontlines’ of Haiti crisis

Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said this week that there must be “vigorous” and “resolute” efforts in safeguarding The Bahamas, adding illegal immigration is still a major issue that needs to be tackled.

Dr Minnis gave his remarks during a Rotary Club of West Nassau meeting where he discussed the theme “Securing Our Nationhood for a New Generation.” In order to do this, Dr Minnis said it is crucial to ensure the viability and resilience of the country’s culture and way of life.

“The challenge of illegal migration particularly from the Republic of Haiti is complex and long standing today. Haiti is in the grip of extreme economic, political and social turmoil and crisis. There is rampant gang violence, all resulting in a mass exodus from the Republic.

“By some reports, nearly 3,000 people died last year. Because of these gangs, our southern neighbour is in a state of collapse. We are on the front line of this collapse,” he said.

Dr Minnis added that although The Bahamas should be a nation of “compassion” there still must be the priority to secure the country’s borders.

Dr Minnis suggested it is time

for The Bahamas to also strengthen its intelligence cooperation with The Bahamas and Haiti, noting there needs to be collaboration with other countries as well.

“We need to help gather and to act on timely intelligence to deter human trafficking to protect our borders, and the lives of those put at risk by traffickers. The Bahamas should significantly increase our investments in surveillance and intelligence assets, both technological and human within The Bahamas and elsewhere.

“We need to collaborate with the United States, CARICOM, Canada,

France and others in the collection of intelligence, which may gather information on traffickers and help deter more migrants.”

He added: “The international community, particularly the United States, France, Canada, and other powers should with greater earnestness and intensity, discuss strategies to potentially sanction various elements of the Haitian elite in order to help stabilise Haiti.”

Dr Minnis stressed the long history of injustice Haiti has suffered, as he said Haiti deserves reparations.

CARICOM leaders plan further stakeholder engagements in Haiti

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders have reiterated their commitment to finding a lasting solution to issues affecting Haiti.

The leaders with responsibility for Haiti met this week, under the chairmanship of the Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis, to receive a report from Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who led a mission to the country on 27 February.

In a statement, the CARICOM Secretariat said the mission met with a broad range of Haitian stakeholders to hear their views on what could be done to find a lasting solution to the country’s problems.

“The Leaders agreed that there must be a follow-up meeting with the stakeholders to chart a path to consensus building in order to bring peace and stability to the country,” the statement said.

Moving forward, CARICOM

CARICOM has agreed to support the Haitian National Police in their efforts to address the security situation.

“agreed to support the Haitian National Police in their efforts to address the security situation. The focus of the Community will be the provision of training for the HNP and the provision of humanitarian assistance to HNP and the wider Haitian society, taking into account the challenging humanitarian and security situation in Haiti.

“They also agreed to work with the Governments of Canada and the United States as well as the UNDP on the ongoing issues and, at the upcoming Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, to approach both International Financial Institutions to ascertain what further assistance they could provide to Haiti.”

Jamaica has been affected by drought

The Jamaican government is encouraging citizens to conserve their use of water as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of drought conditions.

“I am appealing to all Jamaicans to be conservative in the use of water. We are not yet at the point where we would declare certain orders in terms of the usage of water, but we could get there,” said Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

“Before we get there, I would urge consumers to, for example, reduce the number of times you wash your car; reduce the amount of water you use in watering your lawns; make sure that if you are not using the tap, you turn it off; and check your homes for leaks. If you can, start to collect whatever rainwater you can,” Holness said encouraging persons to instal water-efficient plumbing fixtures in their homes.

“These are the things we need to do as Jamaicans to become more responsive,” he said, noting that behavioural change is critical in boosting resilience and responding to the effects of climate change.

The government has announced an additional J$100 million (One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents) to respond to the meteorological drought that the country is experiencing. The sum is in addition to an initial J$50 million to support the response measures by the Government.

Holness said that Jamaica is experiencing a meteorological drought, which means that the level of rainfall is very low and is affecting the supply of water.

“This is particularly the case for communities that are dependent on catchment, for example. So, rural communities are likely to be greatly affected,” Holness said, adding that the country has been recording reductions in rainfall from as early as October last year.

“In November, we had 62 per cent of our 30-year average for rainfall; in December, it declined to 47 per cent of our 30-year average for rainfall and we are at now in January… 32 per cent of the 30-year average. The figures for February are now being compiled, but the preliminary analysis is showing that we will probably be lower than 30 per cent; so, from a meteorological standpoint, from a rainfall standpoint, we are in a crisis,” he said.

Prime Minister Holness said that the Drought Management Committee is monitoring the situation with the Meteorological Office noting that 11 parishes are experiencing meteorological drought conditions.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries says it has provided an additional J$110 million in support to farmers affected by the meteorological drought.

“We have, so far, presented… $90 million in terms of trucking and other forms of support and another $110 million is now being activated to provide support to our farmers across the country,” said Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Pearnel Charles Jr.

Charles Jr. said through the National Irrigation Commission (NIC), there have been canal and pipeline rehabilitation, the rehabilitation of wells, the rotation of supply, the installation of new irrigation systems, water utilisation training for farmers, among other things.

“We are looking at 50 acres of grass to supply an estimated 100 acres of farmland with support, and that should support more than 300 farmers. In addition to that, we have provided J$15.7 million, so far, in support to our livestock farmers in terms of black tanks and irrigation equipment.” (Loopnews)

Former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.

Jamaica urges citizens to conserve on water usage

Bermuda: Work-permit applications to be processed in three weeks, says minister

THE Minister of Economy and Labour has promised that workpermit applications will be processed in under three weeks.

Jason Hayward, speaking in the House of Assembly on Monday, said that he recognised the importance of guest workers getting their work permits in a reasonable time.

He pledged to shrink the process, which has been taking two to three months while he has been minister for immigration, down to 20 days.

Mr Hayward said: “We do believe we’ll be in the 20-day time frame.

“We understand that if we want to ensure that businesses can succeed then we need to provide them with the human capital that is required within a timely fashion.”

He added: “Work-permit processing is something we have had a key interest in improving.

“We do believe that we will be within the 20-workday period – a substantial improvement in terms of work-permit processing.”

Mr Hayward said a backlog of passport applications had been cleared after people had had to wait for more than five months for renewals.

He said that the travel documents were now being processed within the space of 11 weeks.

Mr Hayward admitted that the wait time was “something that we were not proud of”.

But he added: “We have dedicated the necessary resources and reviewed the processes to ensure that passports are reviewed within the necessary time frame.”

Mr Hayward told the House of Assembly that the Department of Immigration faced “bottlenecks” in applications caused by a lack of staff.

Jamaican court convicts gangster in landmark case

JAMAICA’S Supreme Court convicted a well-known crime boss yesterday in a landmark trial, marking a win for the Caribbean island’s recently reformed antigang laws.

Andre “Blackman” Bryan was found guilty of leading the One Don faction of the Klansman gang, which persecuted a community on the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica’s capital. Bryan has also been found guilty of facilitating several murders.

The conviction is a victory for the government’s crime-fighting efforts, according to a senior police official. The ruling follows a series of judicial reforms aimed at reining in rampant gang violence.

“This is a win for law enforcement, a win for the criminal justice system and a win for Jamaica,” said Fitz Bailey, deputy police commissioner for the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

A lawyer for Bryan did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Police statistics show gang activity accounts for 70% of murders in the country of just under 3 million. Jamaica has one of the highest homicide rates in the region, and is also considered a major transit point for drug smuggling.

Dozens of other defendants are also on trial alongside Bryan, part of a 25-count indictment made up

He said that the six-month delay had ended after they hired more people to handle the influx.

Mr Hayward also chalked part of the slow work-permit process down to incomplete or late applications.

Despite the setback, he said: “No, we don’t get it right all the time – but I think in this instance we have been getting work permits processed in a timely manner.”

Mr Hayward said he hoped to digitise and automate the Department of Immigration’s paper process to make the process more efficient, a promise made in last year’s Budget.

He said that the department planned to digitise to make the processes speedier – but added that they had encountered the same human problems.

Mr Hayward explained: “You can digitise a process, but automating a process, it is another step.

“Automating the process means you reduce the level of human resources in the process and we determined that we would see the same bottlenecks if the same

human resources are required.

“Say somebody was out sick –and we’ve had staff shortages in the past – it’s the same result.

“And so we want an automated system where we can cut down on the number of human resources needed so that we can achieve the efficiencies that we desire.” (BBC)

Bahamas: Shanty town demolition to start ‘this year’

LABOUR and Immigration

Minister Keith Bell said he thinks the government will move to demolish shanty towns sometime this year.

The minister was asked during a recent interview about a timeline for when the government will move to raze the illegal structures now that a Supreme Court injunction barring such action has been lifted. This comes as tensions over the issue continue to mount, with political hopeful Lincoln Bain and several of his supporters being stopped by police a little over a week ago as they tried to demolish homes in a shanty town off Bacardi Road.

Labour and Immigration Minister Keith Bell

Andre “Blackman” Bryan was found guilty of leading the One Don faction of the Klansman gang

of charges including arson and murder.

Some of the defendants, all of whom pleaded not guilty, are still awaiting a verdict. Five others have been released due to insufficient evidence since the trial began in 2021, while another suspect was killed.

Bryan is awaiting sentencing, though the maximum jail term he faces was not immediately clear.

Recent judicial reforms allow judges to convict defendants based on a wider range of offenses, which could increase the length of prison sentences. (Reuters)

Asked about the issue, Mr Bell responded: “The main thing here is that this is a country, and I’ve repeated this before, this is a country of law and order. Everything has to be done in decency and respect and in those shanty towns, we have three categories of persons.

“While we have the undocumented migrants we also have persons who have legal status here in the country and we have Bahamians living in those shanty towns. So the idea is that when we do go and move to demolish, we identify those Bahamians, and we ensure that they have some place to go, or we provide Social Services to them.

“And that is what I think we are seeking to achieve, that when we do go we have all our ducks lined up

and there is no push back. And we ensure that once we go in there and we clear the shanty towns, that we ensure that there is no rebuilding of the shanty towns. So that is what I think we want to make sure we get it right — we only have one bite at the apple. “

Asked if he thinks demolition will happen this year, he answered: “Absolutely.”

Asked for a more specific timeline, he stated: “I can’t say when but I would think it’s imminent.”

The Davis administration has reconvened a shanty town task force following the lifting of a Supreme Court injunction that had previously banned government from demolishing shanty town homes.

Mr Bell was also among the CARICOM delegation that left for Haiti last week to meet with politicians and other officials there to discuss security issues facing the country.

He said the reality is that the situation in Haiti is deteriorating continuously.

“We do know of many incidents which warrant international intervention but, again, the main concern or the main thrust and the main concern obviously has to come from the Haitian people in terms of a solution,” he told this newspaper.

“So, while they want help or they’re seeking our help the thrust has to come from them in terms of how that help would impact them.” (Tribune242)

Bermuda is looking to enhance its time management

Ukraine war: Russia fires hypersonic missiles in new barrage

AT least of nine people have died in a new wave of strikes across Ukraine in which Russia used powerful weapons, including rare hypersonic missiles.

Russia had reportedly not fired Kinzhal hypersonic missileswhich can evade air defences - since the early months of the conflict.

The latest barrage was the most severe to hit Ukraine for weeks.

It cut the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant - Europe’s biggest - from the grid, although power was later restored.

On Thursday Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said: “Highprecision long-range air, sea and land-based weapons, including the Kinzhal hypersonic missile system, hit key elements of Ukraine’s military infrastructure.”

The Ukrainian military claimed it successfully shot down 34 cruise missiles and four Iranian-made Shahed drones. Officials said six Kinzhal hypersonic missiles were also fired.

“This was a major attack and for the first time with so many different types of missiles,” the Reuters news agency quoted a Ukrainian air force spokesperson as saying. “It was like never before.”

President Vladimir Putin has highlighted Russia’s investment in ballistic hypersonic missiles, which can travel at more than five times the speed of sound.

The attacks - which also used more conventional weapons - hit cities from Kharkiv in the north to Odesa in the south and Zhytomyr in the west, with power blackouts reported in several areas.

Mexico: More than 340 migrants found in truck trailer

Mexican officials have found more than 340 people in an abandoned truck trailer in the state of Veracruz, including 103 unaccompanied minors.

The migrants were from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Ecuador. It is one of the biggest recent discoveries of migrant children traveling through Mexico.

All appeared unharmed and the trailer had fans and ventilation ports, officials said.

The driver’s whereabouts are unknown.

Fleeing poverty and violence in Central America, many undocumented migrants end up paying huge sums of cash to people-smugglers to get them across the US border.

Last year, 53 migrants were found dead in an abandoned truck trailer in the US state of Texas.

A total of 343 people were found in the vehicle on Sunday night, Mexico’s National Migration Institute (INM) said.

They were found on a common route used to take migrants to the US border.

The migrants wore colourcoded bracelets to identify them as smugglers’ clients, officials said.

A photo distributed by INM showed plastic bottles and rubbish strewn across the floor of the trailer.

The migrants will be cared for by Mexican social services until their status is decided.

Border patrol data obtained by CBS News in October shows that

The attacks mark the biggest day of Russian missile strikes on Ukraine since the end of January, when 11 people died after dozens of buildings were struck in several regions.

Nuclear energy operator Energoatom said the strike at the Zaporizhzhia plant had cut off the link between the facility and the Ukrainian power system.

For the sixth time since it was taken over by Russia a year ago, the facility operated on diesel generators until the link was restored later on Thursday.

The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) called for a commitment to protecting the safety of the plant, saying he was “astonished by the complacency” surrounding the successive strikes since the invasion began.

Mitch McConnell: US Senate Republican leader in hospital after fall

US Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has been taken to hospital after a fall at a Washington DC hotel, a spokesman told US media.

“Leader McConnell tripped at a local hotel during a private dinner,” the spokesman said.

No further detail about his condition was shared. Mr McConnell, 81, is serving a seventh term in the Senate.

He is one of the most senior lawmakers in the Republican Party and leads the party in the upper chamber of Congress.

Mr McConnell was “at an event at the Waldorf Astoria DC when he fell”, sources told Punchbowl News.

The hotel was previously the

Trump International Hotel from 2012 to 2022, and was popular with Republican lawmakers, lobbyists and foreign emissaries during Donald Trump’s presidency. The Kentuckian previously suffered a fall at his Louisville home in early August 2019 where he fractured his shoulder.

First elected to the Senate in 1984, he has been Senate Republican leader since 2007. In a 2020 interview with Associated Press, Mr McConnell described having polio as a child which made him less mobile than other children his age. He said then he still had problems sometimes climbing stairs. (BBC)

Mitch McConnell, 81, is serving a seventh term in the Senate

The latest barrage was the most severe to hit Ukraine for weeks

The migrants were from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Ecuador

at least 853 migrants died trying to cross the US-Mexico border unlawfully in the previous 12

months. That made the fiscal year of 2022 the deadliest year for migrants

recorded by the US government, far exceeding the previous record of 546 migrant deaths in 2021.

World News

Greece train crash: Thousands of protesters call for investment in transport system

Tens of thousands of people have taken part in protests and strikes in Greece, in a show of anger over last week’s train crash which killed 57 people.

Riot police used tear gas on a group of demonstrators in Athenssome of whom threw petrol bombs.

Police also intervened in protests in the city of Thessaloniki.

The government has been accused of mismanagement after the head on collision between a passenger train and a freight train on 28 February.

“I am here to pay tribute to the dead but also to express my anger

and my frustration,” one protester in Athens told AFP on Wednesday. “This government must go.”

“You feel angry because the government did nothing for all of those kids,” another told Reuters, referring to the fact that many of the 350 people onboard the train were students.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who is facing reelection this year, has come under mounting pressure to resign over the country’s deadliest rail crash on record.

He and his government have been criticised for trying to shift the

Ukraine war: Latvia sends cars seized from drunk drivers to help Kyiv

Cars confiscated from drunk drivers in Latvia are being sent to Ukraine, under a new scheme designed to help the war effort there.

Eight seized vehicles left a car pound in the capital, Riga, on Wednesday and are to due to cross the border soon.

It is the first convoy to be sent under the plan, approved by the Latvian parliament last month.

MPs agreed to allow the transfer of state-owned cars to the Ukrainian military and hospitals.

Late last year, Latvia changed the law so that drivers found with 1.5mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood - three times the legal limit - could have their vehicles seized and sold by the government.

Latvia has among the worst rates

of drinking and driving in Europe, according to public broadcaster LSM, with an estimated 3,500 cases a year.

The change in the law led to a surge in confiscations that filled state pounds in Latvia in a matter of weeks.

As a result, authorities pledged to hand over two dozen cars a week to Twitter Convoy, a Latvian charity that sends donated vehicles to Ukraine.

“No-one expected that people are drunk-driving so many vehicles,” the NGO’s founder, Reinis Poznaks, told Reuters news agency. “They can’t sell them as fast as people are drinking. So that’s why I came with the ideasend them to Ukraine.”

blame for the crash onto the station master who has been charged with manslaughter.

Doctors, teachers, bus drivers and ferry crew members were among those to strike on Wednesday.

They joined rail workers, who have been staging rolling protests since the crash.

Train drivers have said they told the government about the long-running problems with the electronic systems that are supposed to warn of danger ahead.

“We drivers have filed complaints about these things, we have gone on strike about it... but unfortunately

no one listened to us,” the head of the Greek train drivers union, Kostas Genidounias, has said.

“They told us we were lying, we were slanderous, we had other interests, in the end it showed that the workers were right and unfortunately we experienced this tragedy.”

Greece’s new transport minister, George Gerapetritis, who was appointed after his predecessor quit following the crash, has promised the government will fix what he described as the country’s “chronically ill train transport system”. He promised no train would set off again without “safety

at the maximum possible level”. He also said that “accidents will happen” and that human error, which the government has largely blamed for the crash, will occur even with an electronic system.

In Thessaloniki, where the train had been travelling to when it crashed, police fired tear gas at some people throwing stones outside the local railway station.

“It could have been any of us,” said one student. “In this country, it seems that we live by luck these days.

Things have to change without a doubt and I feel just outraged with what has happened.” (BBC)

Residents hit by dizziness and fever as oil spill blankets coast of Philippine island

TENS of thousands of liters of oil that’s spilling from a sunken tanker off the coast of the Philippines has coated pristine beaches and diving spots in an island province, sickening dozens of residents and threatening its tourist industry and rich marine biodiversity, officials said.

The MT Princess Empress sank off Oriental Mindoro southwest of the capital Manila on February 28, discharging its cargo of industrial fuel oil into the waters around the province, where authorities have declared a state of calamity for nine towns and banned swimming and fishing as they battle one of the region’s worst ever disasters.

Jennifer Cruz, mayor of the coastal town of Pola, which has been heavily affected by the spill, told CNN affiliate CNN Philippines on Thursday that more than 50 residents had fallen ill, reporting symptoms of cough, dizziness, eye irritation and fever.

“In the span of nine days, it’s getting worse. The stench from the oil is getting stronger as the weather is also getting hotter,”

Cruz told CNN Philippines. “More people are also getting sick. I also was not able to visit one of the affected areas because I started feeling unwell due to the smell.”

Photos from Pola show black pools of oil floating in the water and drifting onto the shore against a lush backdrop of palm trees, while response teams pick up fuelstained debris by hand.

The island province of more than 900,000 people is reeling from the impact of the disaster as beach

resorts say guests have canceled bookings just weeks before the peak Holy Week holiday season.

“The oil has reached our beachfront property and it’s sticking to the sand,” said Marino Enriquez, operations manager of the Blue Star Beach Resort in Pola. “Some people also feel unwell from the strong smell of the oil that’s been washing ashore for days now.”

The scale of the environmental impact is yet to be determined, according to authorities.

The impounded cars have been transferred to a charity delivering donated vehicles to Ukraine

Thousands of people have taken to the streets again in Thessaloniki

Coast guard personnel clean up the oil slick in Pola on March 8, 2023

2

DOMESTIC WORKER

CONTACT: 342-1471

CONTACT: 344-7751

ATTENDANT

CONTACT:

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $7.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 231-0845

DOMESTIC WORKER

LUCRECIA M. BARRERA

ROBERT JACKSON

Wheeland, Providenciales Cooking and cleaning. $8.00 Hourly (New)

BAY BISTRO RESTAURANT Princess Rd., Grace Bay Preparing a variety of food items. $8.00 Hourly (Renewal)

CONTACT: 649-232-3264/ 649-246-9141

Follow blueprints and building plans to meet the needs of clients. Install structures and fixtures, such as windows and molding. Measure, cut, or shape

CONTACT: 241-1529

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY. RENEWAL

SECURITY OFFICER

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

$7.50 Hourly

35264

DOMESTIC WORKER

laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

Salary: $650.00 Bi-Weekly

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 242-7457

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

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 345-6150

BELONGERS

CONTACT: 333-0209 35226

ARE

SOUTH BANK MARINA LTD

MECHANIC

South Bank Marina Ltd, located in Long Bay Hills, Providenciales, invites applications to fill the position of MECHANIC.

MECHANIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Through understanding of marine system and competency with all major brands of outboard engine.

• Complete scheduled maintenance tasks on time and within budget in accordance with the maintenance schedule.

• Complete emergency repairs as required and follow up with appropriate customers the next working day.

• If appropriately qualified, undertake electrical repair. Assist with maintenance tasks at other marinas or homes as directed.

• Service and repair the workboat as applicable. Undertake other maintenance tasks as directed by

the General Manager.

• Continuously monitor the general level of maintenance of the workshop areas as informed.

• Ensure parts needed are coordinated with the parts department regularly and associated parts billed to customers.

• Record all hours spent on jobs to ensure an accurate amount is billed to customers.

• Monitor various maintenance task carried out by dockmasters. Provide training/instruction to other staff members when appropriate.

• Self-motivated ability to work some weekend and holidays.

• WAGE RATE: Wages are in the range of $15.00 per hour based on experience.

Application: Applications are invited from qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders and copies of the same should be submitted to the Labor Board. These positions are currently held by eligible Work Permit Holders. Applications must be submitted in writing and delivered to South Bank Marina, Long Bay Hills, Providenciales. Or send via email at contact@southbank.tc Persons may also contact us via telephone at 649 946 5600.

HUMMINGBIRD MANAGEMENT LTD.

Is seeking a Butler for luxury private villas located in Providenciales.

BUTLER

Understands concepts such as being pro-active, friendly but not too familiar, courtesy, privacy and confidentiality, invisible yet available. To assist in overseeing other villa staff as required, so must have supervisory experience at luxury hotel or villa properties.

KEY FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

• Assist with luggage upon arrival/ departure of guests

• Operation of electronic systems in villas including music, television, security, lighting, pool/spa etc.

• Oversee and/or participate in formal table setting and service, knowledge of wines and spirits and bartending, serving meals and beverages

• Keep household inventory and supplies

• Light housekeeping duties when

ASSISTANT CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reporting to the site manager or other senior project managers as required.

• Ensuring that requirements, as specified by the client and senior management, are met.

• Monitoring labor, building material, and equipment budgets and curbing unnecessary expenses.

• Supervising on-site construction work and relaying instructions from senior project managers.

• Reporting any concerns that might negatively impact projected cost and time estimates.

• Procuring materials, labor, and equipment, as well as third-party subcontractors and suppliers.

• Preparing work schedules and sequencing onsite tasks.

• Collaborating with other construction project stakeholders as required.

• Ensuring that construction industry safety regulations are followed.

ASSISTANT SITE MANAGER REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in construction

management, civil engineering, project management, or similar.

• 5 years’ experience in assisting site managers with construction projects.

• Exceptional ability to monitor construction project budgets and deadlines.

• Experience in relaying detailed instructions to onsite construction teams.

• Advanced negotiation skills to procure cost-effective subcontractors and suppliers.

• Ability to closely collaborate with other construction project stakeholders.

• Extensive experience in a deadlinedriven environment.

• Knowledge of construction industry safety regulations.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Excellent English written and Spoken

• Ability to perform different tasks without supervision

• Good IT knowledge

• Problem solving Skills

• Knowledge of minimum of French

• Ability to work long hours and weekends

Salary 500$-750$ weekly.

QUALIFIED BELONGER CANDIDATES SHOULD SEND THEIR APPLICATIONS TO: INFO@TDMGLTD.COM AND LABOUR DEPARTMENT. DEADLINE: MARCH 10TH, 2023

necessary

• Pre-empt maintenance issues and report issues to property manager

• Coordination of contractors and repairs

• Self-motivated and takes initiative

• Oversee groundskeepers in management of pool, outside areas and gardens

• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail, ability to communicate efficiently with chef and concierge team as well as directly with guests

• Must speak English fluently. Additional languages a plus.

• 5 – 10 years experience required

Starting salary $18,000 per year based on experience and references, accommodations/ utilities provided and must live on site. Positions currently held by work permit holders.

Duties include inspecting rooms prior to arrivals, greeting guests and coordinating luggage deliveries with Bellmen, assisting with weekly Managers Social and Special Events, organizing and booking guest tours and dinner reservations.

Min 1 year Front Desk or similar service position exp required

Salary based on Qualifications/Experience $10.-$12. per hr plus Service Charges & Commissions

Estimated Yearly Income 40k – 44k

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS INTEGRITY COMMISSION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT DIRECTOR

Turks and Caicos Islands Integrity Commission

The Turks and Caicos Islands Integrity Commission invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Director.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

THE APPOINTEE WILL –

a. have the overall responsibility of the day-to-day administration of the Integrity Commission’s offices;

b. manage, supervise and assist personnel in ensuring that the Commission effectively and efficiently discharges its mandate as an anti-corruption agency and an institution protecting good governance, through:

(i) the promotion of Integrity, Honesty and Good Faith in Public Life of the TCI;

(ii) the robust implementation of, and compliance with, the provisions of the Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands, The Integrity Commission Ordinance and integrated Codes of Conduct for Persons in Public Life, The Political Activities Ordinance, The Bribery Ordinance, and to the extent relevant to the Commission, such other Ordinances that the Commission may be mandated to implement and oversee.

OTHER KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The appointee will also be expected to –

• Oversee and sustain the systems and procedures of the Commission for its continuing effectiveness and efficiency, and where necessary, develop new ones;

• Oversee the policies and strategies of the Commission, and develop, as necessary, new ones aimed at strengthening the Integrity Commission’s anti-corruption efforts, and ensuring its sustainability;

• Oversee the asset declaration and compliance screening processes, ensuring due process, management and administration in accordance with the requirements of the Ordinance;

• Oversee the investigative process ensuring the proper investigation of allegations of fraud, financial crimes, corruption and misconduct within the TCI Public Service;

• Support TCI government departments and public bodies in the implementation of anti-corruption measures and best practices, and, to continually enhance the ethical work environment within the TCI’s Public Service;

• Oversee the proper management and maintenance of a fit-for-purpose computer and information communication/technology system;

• Ensure the security of the Commission’s offices and all of its assets, whether on or off the premises, including but not limited to computer and other IT equipment and infrastructure, manuals and electronic files;

• Prepare and present the Commission’s annual budget to the Ministry of Finance and the relevant Committees of the TCI House of Assembly;

• Ensure the proper management of the Commission’s finances within the framework of the TCI’s Public Finance Management and accountability ordinances.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

The successful candidate will –

• preferably hold a Master’s Degree or its equivalent, and professional certifications in either law, law enforcement, accountancy, auditing, management or public administration or similar;

• preferably have a minimum of 12 years professional experience in law, law enforcement, accountancy, auditing, general management or public administration, including at least five (5) years at a senior managerial level;

• preferably have gained overseas work experience, ideally in the British Overseas Territories, or experience in working closely in other cultural settings.

KEY COMPETENCIES AND OTHER DESIRABLE QUALITIES:

The successful candidate should –

• possess and demonstrate the highest standards of integrity, probity and understanding of fiduciary responsibilities to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands;

• have proven knowledge of public sector anti-corruption issues, policies and practices;

• have knowledge and understanding of global anti-corruption and good governance laws and regulations and ethical codes;

• have knowledge of current “best practices” in ethics and compliance programs, policies and procedures;

• have good knowledge of investigative strategies, principles and methods;

• demonstrate excellent inter-personal relationships and management skills, respect for confidentiality, discretion and tact, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to lead a specialist, multi-disciplinary team working to tight deadlines, often in the difficult and challenging circumstances of a small island environment;

• demonstrate suitability for a role that involves driving forward good governance, integrity and anti-corruption messages in the sensitive political and fragile financial milieu of a small British Overseas Territory;

• demonstrate the ability to rapidly attain a good knowledge and appreciation of TCI law as it pertains to corruption and integrity in public life, and a willingness to subscribe to and champion the vision and mission of the Commission, and to articulate its policies and values in the public fora.

TERM OF CONTRACT

This Director’s contract will be for a two-year period. There may be an option for renewal subject to satisfactory completion and to such terms as may be mutually agreed.

REMUNERATION

An annual basic salary will be paid in the range of $110,000 to $121,000, depending upon the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. An annual housing allowance of $14,400 will also be paid.

LOCATION

The Director may be based at the Commission’s Office in Grand Turk or Providenciales. Wherever based the Director will have to visit the other office with regularity.

Special Requirements under S. 39 of the Integrity Commission Ordinance

The successful candidate who is appointed to this post will be required to subscribe to an oath of secrecy. They will also be required to file with the Governor, a Declaration of Income, Assets and Liabilities, for themselves, their spouse and their dependent children, pursuant to section 39 of the Integrity Commission Ordinance.

VACCINATION

For the safety of all staff and the general public, all staff of the Integrity Commission are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

APPLICATION DEADLINE AND PROCEDURE

Applications, accompanied with a Cover Letter outlining why the Candidate believes he/she should be considered for the position of Director, should be submitted by email ONLY, to secretary@integritycommission.tc

The Deadline for the Submission of Applications is 24th March 2023

Please note that only applicants selected for an interview will be notified.

Prince Harry and Markle’s daughter Princess Lilibet christened in US

MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry celebrated the christening of their daughter Princess Lilibet Diana at their Montecito mansion in California on Friday.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex held a christening for 21-month-old princess in a small and intimate ceremony. The couple extended an invite to King Charles, Queen Consort Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton, but they did not attend the event.

Soon after after King Charles III ascended to the British throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth III in September,

Meghan and Harry’s son Archie and daughter Lilibet were afforded the titles of prince and princess under rules set out by King George V in 1917.

Omid Scobie, Harry and Meghan’s friend, broke the news on Twitter on Tuesday as he revealed:

“I can confirm that Princess Lilibet Diana was christened on Friday, March 3 by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Rev John Taylor.”

The biographer also claimed that King Charles, Queen Consort Camilla, Prince William, Princess Kate were invited but they didn’t attend the ceremony.

Twenty one month-old Lilibet was baptised by the Anglican Bishop of Los Angeles, Reverend John Taylor. Meghan’s mom Doria Ragland was also among the guests who attended the event. (Geotv)

Loaded gun seized from actor Mike Epps at Indianapolis airport

ACTOR Mike Epps had a loaded handgun inside his backpack as he tried to travel out of Indianapolis International Airport over the weekend, prompting federal agents to seize the weapon, officials said.

Epps, who was not arrested, told the Transportation Security Administration during the incident Sunday that he forgot the Smith & Wesson .38-caliber pistol was inside his bag, according to airport police.

The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will review whether to charge the 52-year-old Epps, who is from Indianapolis.

“These matters rarely result in criminal charges,” said Michael Leffler, a spokesman for the prosecutor’s office.

“I think it is important to note that the burden of proof required by statute and case law requires you to prove whether an individual knowingly or intentionally brought the firearm,” Leffler said. “Generally speaking, the most common circumstance is that firearms located by TSA or airport police are unintentionally left in bags.”

It was not immediately known where Epps was traveling Sunday or if he was alone. He has not publicly commented on the incident.

Epps currently stars as the family patriarch on the Netflix sitcom “The Upshaws” and is known for the early 2000s comedy films “Next Friday” and “Friday

Mike Epps was not arrested

After Next.” He’s also appeared in multiple “Resident Evil” and “The Hangover” movies, and was cast in the Marvel film “Madame Web,” due out next February.

The TSA confiscated 6,542 guns at U.S. airports in 2022, the most

of any year ever.

“What we see in our checkpoints really reflects what we’re seeing in society, and in society there are more people carrying firearms nowadays,” TSA administrator David Pekoske said last month.

Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, has called on paparazzi to keep their distance and stop yelling at the “Die Hard” star when they see him in public.

Heming Willis made an emotional plea in a video shared on her Instagram page over the weekend, saying “there’s still a lot of education that needs to be put forth” about people living with dementia.

Recounting a recent incident in which photographers attempted to speak to the ailing actor as he made a rare public appearance to meet friends for coffee in Santa Monica, the 44-year-old model noted how “difficult and stressful it can be to get someone out into the world and to navigate them safely.”

“This one is going out to the photographers and the video people that are trying to get those exclusives of my husband out and about: Just keep your space,” she said in the clip. “I know this is your job, but maybe just keep your

space.”

She added, “For the video people, please don’t be yelling at my husband asking him how he’s doing or whatever — the ‘woohoo’-ing and the ‘yippee kiyays’… just don’t do it. OK? Give him his space. Allow for our family or whoever’s with him that day to be able to get him from point A to point B safely.”

Heming Willis added in the caption to the video: “To other caregivers or dementia care specialist navigating this world… Any tips or advice on how to get your loved ones out in the world safely? Please share below.”

Heming Willis and Willis, 67, married in 2009 and have two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn. Her request comes weeks after Willis’ family announced that his speaking disorder, aphasia, had progressed into a form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia, or FTD.

Prince Harry and Megan Markle with their children

Heming Willis 44 and Bruce Willis, 67, married in 2009 and have two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn

Bruce Willis’ wife begs paparazzi not to yell at him in the street

Chaim Topol: Fiddler on the Roof star dies aged 87

The actor Chaim Topol, best known for his portrayal of milkman Tevye in Fiddler On The Roof, has died at the age of 87, Israel’s president has said.

His death was confirmed by President Isaac Herzog, who described Topol as “one of the giants of Israeli culture”.

Topol was Oscar nominated for his performance in the 1971 film adaptation of the musical.

His other famous film role included in Flash Gordon, Follow Me, and the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only.

Herzog described Topol, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease several years ago, as “a gifted actor who conquered many stages in Israel and overseas, filled the cinema screens with his presence and above all entered deep into our hearts”.

The actor, singer and illustrator, he added, had “represented us with great respect”.

‘CAN NEVER TOP TOPOL’

Israeli-British TV personality Uri Geller led the tributes, sharing a picture of himself with the “sweet and modest” late star, and former Israeli President Shimon Peres.

British actor and comedian Omid Djalili also paid his respects, posting: “Anyone who plays Tevye knows he can never top Topol. God rest his soul.”

Meanwhile, Frozen actor Josh Gad offered: “There is no way to overstate how much this man and this performance meant to me.

“Topol is a large reason why I became an actor. In fact, his performance of Tevye in Fiddler was the very first performance I

Topol was born in Tel Aviv in 1935, and began his acting career in an entertainment troupe during his Israeli army service.

He rose to prominence in the Israeli comedy Sallah Shabati, which depicted the hardships of a Mizrachi Jewish immigrant family in Israel of the early 1960s, won him a Golden Globe award for most promising male newcomer.

Film roles followed in both Israel and the US, including the 1975 adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s Galileo, the 1980 sci-fi adventure Flash Gordon, alongside Brian Blessed, and opposite Sir Roger Moore in the 1981 James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only.

But it was for playing Tevye, a troubled milkman in the village of Anatevka who attempts to maintain

his Jewish traditions by marrying off his five daughters, that he will be most remembered.

The role, which saw him perform songs such as If I Were a Rich Man, scored him a second Golden Globe, this time for best actor.

He was on active duty with the Israeli army when he was received his Academy Award nomination - becoming the first Israeli actor to do so - in 1972. But he was granted leave so he could attend the ceremony in Los Angeles.

Speaking to Desert Island Discs in 1983, the actor said he still believed the producers “were very brave to let me have that part”.

“Considering that I was 30 years old, considering that my English was so limited - a vocabulary of 50 words - I still don’t understand how they let me have it.”

Creed III is the most expensive “Creed” film, with a reported production budget of $75m

‘Creed III’ debuts to $58.7m to knock out ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’

“CREED III” punched above its weight at the domestic box office in its first weekend in theaters. The MGM release knocked “AntMan and the Wasp: Quantumania” out of first place and far surpassed both industry expectations and the opening weekends of the first two movies in the franchise.

Playing in 4,007 locations in North America, “Creed III” earned an estimated $58.7 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday. Going into the weekend, analysts expected the film to open in the $30 million range. The first “Creed” debuted to $29 million in 2015 and “Creed II” opened to $35 million in 2018.

Michael B. Jordan made his directorial debut with “Creed III,”

which pits his character Adonis against a childhood friend, Dame, played by Jonathan Majors. It’s the first in the Rocky/Creed films to not feature Sylvester Stallone, who chose not to return because of creative differences.

Strong reviews helped “Creed III,” which is currently sitting at an 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences gave it an ACinemaScore.

It’s also the most expensive “Creed” film, with a reported production budget of $75 million, compared with the others that cost $35 million and $50 million. Internationally, “Creed III” earned $41.8 million from 75 markets, making its global debut $100.4 million.

Eurovision 2023: Mae Muller announced as UK act for song contest

Mae Muller will represent the United Kingdom at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

The 25-year-old will perform her track I Wrote A Song at the competition in May, hoping to follow the success of Sam Ryder last year.

“To compete in such a massive music competition is simply brilliant,” she said, describing her involvement as “a dream”.

The UK is one of the last competing countries to reveal its song for 2023.

Following the same selection process as last year, the BBC has been working with a management company to pick the act.

Muller was born in 1997 - the year the UK last won Eurovisionand has previously supported Little Mix on tour as well as working with artists like Aitch and Sigala.

“I’m

Muller said.

“Sam Ryder was so amazing last year and proved the UK can

be back on the left-hand side of the leaderboard.”

She said he has given her some tips for the song contest.

After years of dismal results, Ryder turned things around for

the UK at the 2022 competition, placing second to Ukraine.

Tap management, which has worked with Dua Lipa and Ellie Goulding, selected the TikTok star and his song Space Man, and hopes for continued success with Muller this year.

“She has the most wonderfully warm and fun personality,” Tap management said. “We have always been fans of Mae for her voice, songs and star charisma, and when we heard I Wrote A Song, we were really taken by its impactful message - ‘songs as a form of therapy’ (a great message for the biggest song contest in the world!)”

Most of the 37 competing countries have confirmed the song and act they will be sending to Liverpool, with a deadline set for 13 March for the handful left to say publicly their plans.

There are typically two ways a Eurovision entry is chosen: an internal selection - an act chosen behind the scenes - or a national selection - a TV show with the winner getting to fly their country’s flag in Liverpool.

A lot of Eurovision fans follow how each country chooses its act with events like Super Saturday gripping devotees across the continent.

Normally, the country who wins hosts it the following year but organisers ruled it was too dangerous in Ukraine, following Russia’s invasion, so the BBC was asked to host it instead.

Earlier this week, tickets for May’s event sold out in 90 minutes, with fans now being warned scammers are targeting their hotel bookings with phishing cyberattacks. (BBC)

Mae Muller is the UK’s first female Eurovision entrant in five years

a huge fan of so many of the artists that have found success at Eurovision, from ABBA to Måneskin,”

The late actor and singer pictured playing the troubled milkman Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof

ever saw on a Broadway stage. RIP to a great.”

Frank Sinatra: The Musical to premiere in Birmingham

A musical based on the early life and career of the late US singer Frank Sinatra is set

B AND L CONSTRUCTION

LABOURER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-231-2134

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

HEMINGWAY’S (941-8408)

The Sands, Grace Bay KITCHEN HELPER

$6.25 -$8.00 per hour

Assist kitchen staff, store incoming supplies etc.

SENEL DORMEUS (247-5893)

Dock Yard, Kewtown, Providenciales LABOURER

$6.25 -$8.00 per hour

Clean yard, dispose of debris etc.

to open in Birmingham in September, producers have confirmed.

ONE (1) BARBER

Duties: To cut and trim hair; shave face; make styles and designs.

Hourly Rate

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 346-4078

The singer, who died in 1998, was best known for hits such as My Way, Come Fly with Me and New York, New York.

Sinatra: The Musical will receive its world premiere at the Birmingham Rep Theatre on 23 September.

It will mark the 70th anniversary of Sinatra’s visit to the city, where he performed during his 1953 UK tour.

Tina Sinatra, the singer’s daughter, believes the musical will shed fresh light on her father’s life.

“I am very proud of our new musical production and I’m especially delighted that, for the first time, we’re going to give you a perspective on my father that you’ve never

US singer and actor Frank Sinatra was one of the most popular entertainers of the 1940s, 50s and 60s

seen before,” she said in a statement.

were aiming to “create an evening of theatre that is as stylish, sophisticated and elegant as Mr Sinatra, with glorious music from the American Songbook”.

Stocking and supplying designated

areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc.

CONTACT: 232-9700

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 244-6254

TDMG CONCORDIA LTD

Greace Bay Providenciales. Cell 9413445

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Respond quickly in the event of an emergency, notify appropriate personnel and follow safety protocol

• Conduct maintenance of electrical systems

• Survey buildings and repair mechanical systems to ensure they are consistent with health and safety regulations

• Support the setup of ventilation, refrigeration and other systems and conduct repairs when necessary

• Aid in budget development and ensure it is followed

• Maintain heating and plumbing systems to ensure functionality

• Inspect alarm systems such as carbon dioxide and fire protection and quickly schedule repairs when needed

SKILLS:

• Previous working experience as a Maintenance Technician for (5) year(s)

• High school diploma/ Reference letters

• Any additional relevant certification will be considered an advantage (HVAC, CMRP etc.)

• Advanced understanding of electrical, hydraulic and other systems

• In depth knowledge of general maintenance processes and methods

• Applicable knowledge of tools, common appliances and devices

• Manual dexterity and attention to detail

• Problem solving aptitudeGood physical condition

• Language Skills Wages start $9-$13. Six days a week,holidays,weekends.

The production sees writer Joe DiPietro (known for What’s New Pussycat? and Memphis) join forces with fellow Tony-Award-winning director Kathleen Marshall (Anything Goes and The Pajama Game).

Speaking about the influence of Ol’ Blue Eyes, DiPietro, said: “Growing

up, there were two pictures hanging in my grandmother’s kitchen - the Pope and Frank Sinatra.

“So to sit down with Tina Sinatra and hear stories of her father which no one else knows, and then to be able to put those stories on stagewell I think it’ll make for an unexpected and thrilling new musical.”

Marshall added that they

Frank Sinatra: The Musical will show “how the man became the legend”, according to DiPietro. It takes up his story on New Year’s Eve, 1942; with the then-27-year-old about to step out on to the stage at New York’s Paramount Theatre to give a careerchanging performance. As his career starts to set sail, Sinatra is seen struggling to balance life with his wife Nancy, with “the demands and temptations of being the most popular singer in America”, according to press material.

After an affair with the movie star Ava Gardner, Sinatra’s records stop selling and the press turn against him; requiring the star to launch what the show’s producers describe as the “greatest comeback in showbiz history”.

SENIOR MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

THE JOB DESCRIPTION IS AS FOLLOWS:

• Responsibility for the maintenance and reliability of all equipment, utilities, and the facilities.

• Works collaboratively with other functional areas to ensure all maintenance related needs are met in a timely fashion.

• Provides support and/or develops programs related to maintenance including preventative maintenance, facility management, budgeting, engineering, and compliance requirements.

• Maintain the equipment, utilities, and facilities.

• Provide support for in house repair and maintenance projects.

• Develop and maintain proper preventative maintenance of systems and facilities.

• Ordering of supplies and consumable items related to utility and maintenance needs.

• Must be liaison between contract labor and management. Must be competent in using contractors to complete various projects.

• Provide technical feedback, analysis, complete shift reports, and assist management with daily duties and reporting responsibilities in support of the maintenance department and operations.

• Staying up to date on maintenance programs and procedures.

• Evaluate existing brewery systems and facilities against current and projected needs.

• Handling of chemicals while wearing appropriate PPE.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Previous experience in diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and electronic faults

• Welding (TIG, MIG etc.)

• Previous experience in factory machinery maintenance Pay $62,000USD per year (negotiable depending on experience)

AUTO SALES

REAL ESTATE

WINKEY’S CATERING

FOOD CHECKER/ CASHIER

Help customers find the location of products. Greets customers, receive payment by cash, checks and credit cards, Issue receipts, and change due to customers.

Salary: $10.50 Hourly

HAIR STYLIST

Shampooing, cutting, and styling hair, provide hair treatments, deep conditioning, permanents, coloring, and weaving. Renewal. $8.00 hourly

NAIL TECHNICIAN CASHIER

EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER

HILLTOP LTD. Tel: 231-0121

Performing a variety of cleaning activities such as sweeping, mopping, dusting and polishing. Ensuring all rooms inspected according to standards. Salary: $12.00 Hourly

LABOURER DOMESTIC WORKER

CONTACT: 649-232-3264 35310

Basic manicures, artificial nails, gel nails, hand massages, nail fills. Pedicures and the application of acrylic toenails. Renewal. $8.00 hourly

Greets customers, receive payment, Issue receipts, and change due to customers. Must have salon skills.

Must speak English and Spanish. $8.00 hourly

MANNER SERVICES/ BETTY DEAN

Salary: $7.00 Hourly

Cleaning the property.

MIRACLE SOUPS & PASTRIES

Salary: $7.00 Hourly

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

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

CONTACT: 649-247-4090

CONTACT: 241-5138

RIGBY FAMILY TRUCKING

Five Cays Tel: 241-2043 Salary: $7.00 hourly

Inspecting and testing vehicles, tire changes, etc.

SUNSHINE NURSERY

3 Sunshine Crescent, Grace Bay Tel: 946-5443

Clean boat, assist captain, serve passengers. $150.00 Daily

IS URGENTLY LOOKING FOR A FLORIST

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

CONTACT: 231-3788

Maintaining plants, cutting trees.

$6.50 hourly

Help elderly get dressed, eat, bathe and complete light housekeeping duties. Plan, prepare and monitor meals. $6.50 hourly

Soil cultivation, digging, and forking, pruning, seed sowing, bed preparation and planting.

$6.50 hourly

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

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

Dated this16th day of January, 2023

CONSTRUCTION LABOURER

S & G CONTRACTING

11 Macaw Close, Cooper Jack, Providenciales

Telephone: 333-1199

Salary: $9.00 hourly

Clean sites, tools, dig trenches etc

STEEL BENDER / CONSTRUCTION HELPER

4M’S CONSTRUCTION (231-6973)

Leeward Palms, Providenciales

Steel Bender - Salary: $9.00 hourly

Cutting & bending rebar, positioning rebar

Construction Helper - Salary: $9.00 – offload materials, dig trenches etc

APOLLON NOEL (347-1826)

Timbercress, Kewtown #39B, Providenciales

Salary: $8.00 hourly

General cleaning, heavy lifting, other menial task etc

FELEGE MERANTUS (232-8242)

George Street, Kew Town, Providenciales

Salary: $8.00 hourly

Assist with menial task, removal of debris etc

LABOURER HELPER CLEANER

DWAYNE WILSON (232-3350)

84 Belmont Road, South Dock, Providenciales

Salary: $8.00 hourly

Assist with menial task, clean yard, truck etc

RENEWALS & FIRST-TIME WORK PERMITS. BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY WITH LABOUR EMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT.

THE HELP DESK VARIOUS JOB OPENING 35397

HAIRSTYLIST NAIL TECHNICIAN

CONTACT: 339-9275

DOMESTIC WORKER/ HOUSEKEEPER

BIANKA

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing

CONTACT: 348-9878

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

CONTACT: 231-0337

CONTACT: 345-5737

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

DOMESTIC WORKER

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

CONTACT: 342-5170

DOMESTIC WORKER

DOMESTIC WORKER

LABOURER

MAINTENANCE WORKER

CAREGIVER

Help the patient get dressed, eat, bathe and complete light housekeeping duties, such as dishes or folding laundry. Plan, prepare and monitor meals. Run errands, remind patients of medications.

Salary: $7.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 241-5942

JJ MAGIC SERVICE

DOMESTIC WORKER

dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

Salary: $8.75 Hourly

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

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 232-5144

DOMESTIC WORKER Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. $7.00 Hourly

MECHANIC Long Bay Is seeking to employ a JOEL SANCHEZ

Salary: $12.00 Hourly BOAT

CONTACT: 331-4820

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

CONTACT: 649-345-9026

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

35329

BARMAID West Road, Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a JUSTIN MISSICK

Household surroundings clean And taking out the garbage. Salary: $6.50/Hourly DOMESTIC WORKER Leeward Highway, Providenciales, TCI Is seeking to employ a KEYSTONE CONSTRUCTION CONTACT: 344-2099 35381 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $9.00 Hourly 2 LABOURERS Grace Bay Is seeking to employ a K & T DISPOSABLE SERVICES CONTACT: 649-241-1777 35352 BELONGERS ONLY APPLY Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $500.00 Bi-Weekly LABOURER Industrial Park Rd. Is seeking to employ a KINGDOM VISION MINISTRIES INT. Millennium Highway, Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a CONTACT: 649-231-6677/241-7168 OR RFFASHION@LIVE.COM 35377 MUSICIAN Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board A work permit holder currently holds this position Perform at church every Sunday and special occasions. Salary: $6.25 hourly KLEAN AND KUTE KNAILS 35437 BELONGERS ONLY APPLY. RENEWAL Basic manicures, artificial nails, gel nails, hand massages, nail fills, nail repair, and nail polishing. Pedicures and the application of acrylic toenails. Salary: $8.00 hourly 4 NAIL TECHNICIANS Francis Plaza, Airport Road Is seeking to employ a CONTACT: 332-6772

35132

JEPHTE ETIENNE RIGBY

• Lay tiles.

• Remove old flooring.

• Measure the floor space.

• Spread mortar across floor.

• Apply grout inbetween tiles.

CONTACT: 649-346-1897

CONTACT: 241-7600

CLEANER

DOMESTIC WORKER

available for use by inspecting and testing vehicles; completing preventive maintenance such as, engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire changes, wheel balancing, and replacing filters. Salary: $7.50

Keeps

DOMESTIC WORKER

For a year to clean house, babysit and wash.

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-247-2359 OR MCDUVIBOL@GMAIL.COM

MIRACLE

MASON

Repairs, maintains and alters buildings, retaining walls and other brick or stone edifices. Install materials on floors, walls, ceilings, countertops. Level the surface with a layer of mortar or plywood.

CONTACT: 341-5121

CONTACT: 241-2749

DOMESTIC

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

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

35355

LABOURER Leeward Is seeking to employ a MORE FOR LESS #2 Hibiscus Plaza, South DockProvidenciales Is seeking to employ a CONTACT: (649) 347-2268 35434 STOCKBROKER BELONGERS ONLY/RENEWAL Stocking the store shelves. Basic Salary: $7.00 hourly NADEGE DORLUS-NELSON CONTACT: 344-5043 35430 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD Sweeping, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. Salary: $500.00 Bi-Weekly DOMESTIC WORKER Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a ONE STOP CAR WASH CONTACT: 348-8986 35351 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD Wash inside and outside of vehicles. Salary: $6.25 Hourly CLEANER Five Cays Is seeking to employ a RENOL PHILOXENE CONTACT: 241-9219 35386 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD Cleaning property, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. $7.00 Hourly LABOURER Five Cays Is seeking to employ a QUE BOLA LITTLE HAVANA CONTACT: 241-8293 35421 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD Setting up workstations. Preparing ingredients, chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc. Cooking food in various utensils or grillers. Salary: $8.00 Hourly COOK South Dock Rd. Is seeking to employ a PATRICK HARVEY Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a CONTACT: 247-0097 35433

PURCHASING

Setting up workstations. Preparing ingredients, chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc. Cooking food in various utensils or grillers.

CONTACT: 347-5225

Ensuring a safe environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing children, administering medicine, doing housework, and etc. Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 345-4007/ 243-6675

A skilled worker that can undertake any job as a helper by profession.

CONTACT: 343-2348

For monitoring and organize inventory. Marketing new products and merchandising products for sale collaborate. Balance, cash, credit card etc.

CONTACT: 231-6858

BELLEVUE

COOK NEEDED

Setting up workstations with all need ingredients and cooking equipment. Preparing ingredients to use in cooking chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc...

Cooking food in various utensils and grillers.

CONTACT: 231-6887

4 CLEANERS

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

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 242-6520

HELPER

TRUCK DRIVER

CONTACT: 344-4801

CONTACT: 649-332-0026

DOMESTIC WORKER

Duties:

CONTACT: 232-0976

CONTACT: 232-0976

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

Salary: $9.00 hourly

CONTACT: 347-4578

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

CONTACT: 649-347-9463

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

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.

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

As the Senior Project manager you will be responsible to plan, direct, manage and provide oversight of assigned design and construction projects to ensure that Andaz Turks and Caicos Residences’ goals and objectives are met within prescribed schedule and budget parameters. Effective communication with FF&E, OS&E and GMP contract management as well as the field staff and technical staff.

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.

• Plans and coordinates formulation of design alternatives and solutions for corporate and branch construction projects; provides conceptual estimates, feasibility studies and cost estimates, program development, preparation of space plans, block plans and determination of telephone, data, power, and furniture requirements.

• Collaborate with key stakeholders on process and timeline for projects

• Facilitates request for service and repair. These requests include adding or reconfiguring workstations, ordering furniture, coordinating repair of existing furniture, processing building work orders and requests for security access cards for associates and vendors.

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

• A minimum of bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field required.

• Certifications in Project Management 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

Salary: $100k to $150k per annum based on qualifications and experience.

Please apply in writing, addressed to Human Resources, Andaz Turks and Caicos Residences, Gracebay, email; hr@andaztcresidences. com. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

TDMG CONCORDIA LTD

B9 One Season Grace Bay. Telephone: 649-941-3445

Looking for

CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATORS

• Prepares and estimates budget costs for construction by studying plans and specifications.

• Evaluates offers to purchase by site requirements, additions, and costing changes.

• Resolves cost differences by analyzing and collecting info.

• Writes up and presents budgets, reports, and project plans.

• Develops bids for construction projects.

• Works closely with architects and other professionals.

• Schedules meetings with clients, site managers, and staff.

• Navigates and understands building codes.

• Processes paperwork and travels to building sites as required.

• Monitors construction processes.

• Stays up to date with safety codes and

improvements in construction.

• Knowledge of minimum of French

• Ability to work long hours and weekends

CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATOR

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Strong math skills including algebra, geometry, and basic arithmetic

• Ability to navigate specifications and plans

• Proficiency in demonstrating proposals and projects

• Ability to handle multiple assignments at once

• Knowledge of the latest building codes

• Close attention to detail

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills Salary 700$-1000$ weekly.

QUALIFIED BELONGER CANDIDATES SHOULD SEND THEIR APPLICATIONS TO: INFO@TDMGLTD.COM AND LABOUR DEPARTMENT. DEADLINE: MARCH 10TH, 2023 35403

B & S COOLING

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Survey buildings and repair refrigeration & mechanical systems to ensure they are consistent with health and safety standards

• Perform maintenance of electrical& refrigeration systems.

• Setup of ventilation, refrigeration and other systems and conduct repairs when necessary

• Maintain and repair plumbing and heating& cooling components

• Prepare, prime, and paint building interior and exterior surfaces

• Maintain and repair Hill phoenix racking and other HVAC systems.

• Perform manual repairs when necessary on refrigeration and other equipments

• Conduct general upkeep procedures and other tasks as assigned (painting, carpentry etc.)

• Compile with all policies for the safe storage, usage and disposal of hazardous materials

• Participate in ongoing technical, safety, and operational process training programs

• Maintain a clean and safe work environment

• Document work performance and materials procurement as directed

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Previous working experience as a Maintenance Technician for 10+ year(s)

• High school diploma

• Relevant certification on HVAC, CMRP etc.

• Advanced understanding of electrical, refrigeration and other systems

• In depth knowledge of general maintenance processes and methods

• Applicable knowledge of tools, common appliances and devices

• Manual dexterity and attention to detail

• Problem solving aptitude

• Good physical condition

This position is for first time work permit. Salary for this position is $12.00 per hour.

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

HELPER/

CONTACT: 348-9648

ROGER HARVEY

FISHERMAN

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

Salary: $7.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 231-1549

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

35371

CONTACT: 344-6533

CLEANER

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

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 348-5921

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

SHAWN MICHAEL PARKER

COOK

Setting up workstations.

Preparing ingredients, chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc.

Cooking food in various utensils or grillers.

Salary: $15.00 hourly

CONTACT: 343-2261

RENEL ALCEMA

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $6.25 hourly

CONTACT: 345-3108

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

HELPER LABOURER

Sweeping, mopping, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels, personal clothing, and other housework. $8.50 hourly

Cleaning the property, pick up yard waste, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. $8.50 hourly

CONTACT: 246-6464 35340

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY

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

Salary: $8.00

CONTACT: 348-6199

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

/ PIERRE LOUIS

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

MARK OSMOND

Is seeking to employ a

DOMESTIC WORKER

PLEASE SUBMIT AN APPLICATION NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023 TO: MARSHA@MISICKSTANBROOK.TC FOR A TWO (2) PERIOD, THIS POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER.

Responsibilities of this position include: To perform household chores, mopping, sweeping, dusting and laundry

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum 2 years experience as a Domestic worker with the ability to communicate effectively.

SALARY: $1,400.00 per month

Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

PLEASE SUBMIT AN APPLICATION NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023 TO: MARSHA@MISICKSTANBROOK.TC

Circle, Blue Hills, Acting on behalf of

MAINTENANCE WORKER

CHARITABLE JOACHIM

Maintain mechanical equipment, buildings, and machines. $10.00 Hourly

BABYSITTER

TYRONE ROBINSON

Ensuring a safe environment, preparing meals, bathing and dressing children and housework. $10.00 Hourly

FRANCLIN DOSSOU

Must have various skills. $10.00 Hourly

MAINTENANCE WORKER

BLUE LADDER

Maintain mechanical equipment, buildings, and machines. $10.00 Hourly

Is

seeking to employ a

• Maintain the upkeep of premises neat and clean.

• Respond to customer inquiries and resolve.

• Display merchandise in a visually appealing manner.

• Assist and support selling staff in a store.

• Receive new merchandise from vendors.

• Maintain inventory controls of new merchandise.

• Provide excellent qualitative services to guests and customers.

• Interact with management and co-workers in ensuring best services to customers and guests.

• Ensure compliance of all service regulations and laws.

LABOURER

INSTRUCTOR

WHITE VILLA RESORTS

Kiteboarding

Prepare and organize the running of kiteboarding lessons and activities for guests.

$10.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-331-2251

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY

SERVICES 35426

Grace Bay Market, 2nd floor, Grace Bay, Providenciales, Is seeking a

COOK

• Ensure quality of food is excellent and consistent

• Work with specialized cooking equipment

• Ensure kitchen and food prep cleanliness standards are met

• Follow recipes and presentation specifications

CONTACT: 345-2540, EMAIL: CHEF@PROVOLIPIZZA.COM

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

To clean outside of the property with a sweeper and picking up yard waste, disposal of trash and clean windows and door frames.

Salary: $7.00

CONTACT: (649) 343-7171

Responsible for care of minors during the absence of parents. Preparing meals and doing housework.

Basic Salary: $6.50 hourly

CONTACT: 649-241-2580

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Spa Tropique is on the hunt to find the best massage therapists on island! If you have at least three years of experience with a four-star spa and have an upbeat and positive personality, we hope you will come and meet with us! If you are experienced in facials and nails –even better!

Applicants must be able to speak and write English fluently, have a clean driver’s license and their own vehicle in excellent working condition. Please see further requirements for applicants below. We look forward to meeting you! Deadline for applications is Saturday, March 11th, 2023.

APPLICANTS FOR THE POSITION ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE:

• Obtained a diploma in Massage Therapy from an internationally

accredited school from Canada, Great Britain, United States, Australia, Jamaica, Thailand or Philippines.

• Completed a massage course of at least 1800 hours plus and 6 months of practical training.

• Certified in Reflexology, Hot Stone, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Lymphatic Drainage, Myofacial Release, Prenatal Massage & Shiatsu.

• Other Modalities Required: Esthetician Licensing, Waxing, Manicure and Pedicures.

• At least 3 years experience with a spa rated 4 stars or above.

• Their own vehicle in excellent working order and a clean license.

• Fluent spoken and written English (a written exam will be provided).

• Basic computer skills for use of company software.

• Be available to work 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM every day. Weekends and holiday are a must. (Schedules are subject to change).

• Knowledge of Neapolitan Pizza making a plus Salary: $8.00 per hour. Minimum 1 year related experience. Strong work ethic. Ability to communicate well with back and front of house staff. Must be willing to work up to 6 days per week, including weekends, days and/ or nights. Must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19.

VARIOUS JOB OPENINGS

ANNA ABDALA DORVIL

Grace Bay, Providenciales

CONTACT:

(649) 241-6435

All basic cleaning in and around the house including, mopping, sweeping, vacuuming, dusting. Washing and folding clothes.

Basic Salary: $7.00 per hour

DOMESTIC WORKER LABOURER

BABYSITTER

DIEUMAINE WALMIDALE STERLING

Kew Town, Providenciales CONTACT: (649) 342-4785

Monitor child/children while parents are away. Prepare meals and snacks for child/ children. Assist with child/ children bath-time.

Basic Salary: $7.00 per hour

SANEL MERILIEN CHARLES

New Subdivision, Five Cays Providenciales

CONTACT: (649)247-8300

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

Basic Salary: $7 per hour

DOMESTIC WORKER

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

VILLA ATTENDANT / BUTLER

Reporting to the Property Manager, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:

• Oversee assigned Villa’s services ensuring compliance with company policies,

• procedures and service standards:

Guest Services

Housekeeping

Food & Beverage Service

Pool & Beach Service

Light Maintenance

• Consistently offer professional, friendly and engaging service

• Assist guests regarding Villa services and facilities in an informative and helpful way

• Follow all health & safety policies

• Flexibility with working hours including weekends and public holidays

• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Passion for guest service

• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal skills

• Fluency in English

• Minimum of 2-year previous experience in a similar capacity

• Must have the ability to handle a multitude of tasks and Guest requests

• Ability to work independently and prioritize responsibilities

• Basic First Aid

• Ability to Swim

ANNUAL SALARY $25K

GENERAL WORKER

35402

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

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 345-1973

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

VALUE

LABOURER

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

Salary: $7.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 341-1683

AMADU TIRES

DOMESTIC WORKER

Setting up workstations. Preparing ingredients, chopping and peeling

CONTACT: 649-342-9434

CONTACT: 341-6493

APPLE OPERATING SYSTEMS, WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT, MAINTENANCE & SEO, GRAPHIC DESIGN, PHOTOGRAPHY, SOCIAL MEDIA, CRM AND REAL ESTATE AGENT SUPPORT

The ideal candidate will assist in all areas of marketing lead generation and marketing support. They will be comfortable in maintaining various marketing campaigns and have a creative skillset which enables them to brainstorm new initiatives.

A SMART-WORKING, ENERGETIC, OUT OF THE BOX INDIVIDUAL brainstorm initiatives

• Identify and propose internal/external ideas and initiatives to help promote general awareness of company brand

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2-3 years' experience in marketing/ brand management

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain websites, newsletters, emails, social media campaigns

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities

• Knowledge of all social networking platforms

• Contribute to marketing and creative CONTACT: SALES@GRACEBAYREALTY.COM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

DOMESTIC WORKER

HAIR BRAIDER 2

JERMAINE WILLIAMS OF 4W ENTERPRISE

CARPENTER

WITH 10 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Must be able to follow blueprint and building plans

• Install structures and fixtures

• Measure, cut, or shape wood, plastic and other materials

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

IF NEEDED FOR THE AD:

• Must have own transportation

• Must be willing to work independently without supervision

• Must be willing to work some weekends and holidays

• Must have a valid TCI driver’s license

• Must produce a clean police record.

• Hourly rate $12.00

PLEASE FORWARD ALL DOCUMENTS TO JERMAINE WILLIAMS, 4W ENTERPRISE, BLUE HILLS, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS.

EMAIL: JERMAINEOWILLIAMS@HOTMAIL.COM TELEPHONE: 649-332-5534

UPHOLSTERER LABOURER

QUALITY UPHOLSTERY

Old Airport Road, Providenciales

CONTACT: 649-342-4655

Cover furniture and fixtures, Selecting and sourcing upholstery materials, measuring and cutting fabrics and installing foam and batting to the furniture framework.

Salary: 8.50/Hourly

L & L TRUCKING

Leeward Highway, Providenciales, TCI CONTACT: 649-241-9330

Assist with site clean ups, unloading building materias and prepare job sites, put up warning signs on job sites, assist in digging pits, trenches & foundations in preparation for site construction.

Salary: 9.00/Hourly

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGE TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD.

ADVENTURESCAPES

COMPUTER PROGRAMMER

• Formal university training and significant experience of at least 10 years or more in wed design.

• Ability to supervise a variety of outsourced programming projects throughout the world, costing and estimating time to complete projects from implementation to delivery.

• Expert in programming languages PHP, HTML5,

JavaScript, Ajax, XML, Json and Database engineering.

• Technical expertise in Linux/ Windows server administration.

• Advanced knowledge in graphic design, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign

• Experience in online marketing and search engine optimization.

• 40 hour work week

• Basic salary of $40 - 48k

CONTACT: ADMIN@ADVENTURESCAPE.COM

WC SECURITY SERVICES

35249

SECURITY MANAGER

The Role requires a tract record of excellent leadership, risk management and personnel management skills. Must have experience in coordinating security across multiple remote sites and be flexible to work at any time around the 24-hour period. Possess a certified qualifications from a recognized security training body at managerial level or above. Must have at least ten-year experience of in private security provision and five years of Police experience.

Salary $3,500.00 per month

CONTACT: 333-6577

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

35279

CONTACT: 241-9088

MECHANIC

DOMESTIC WORKER

TECHNICIAN

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

Salary: $8.50 Hourly

231-1549

troubleshoot, repair and maintain production and facility equipment according to safety, predictive and productive maintenance systems. Salary: $10.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-242-2604

GRACE BAY HORSE & CARRIAGE LTD.

GRACE BAY HORSE & CARRIAGE LTD.

grooming and care giving by brushing and care taking of animal coat, applying medication and protective gars.

CONTACT: 649-232-3264

GROOMER/ STABLE HAND

Horse groomers are responsible for the care and welfare of horses, and maintain stables and riding equipment. Salary: $12.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-232-3264

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Ocean Club Management is looking for qualified persons to fill the following vacant management positions:

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER

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

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Facilitate the processing of work permits when required.

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

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

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

13. Facilitate new employee orientation for all new hires.

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

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

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

17. Perform other duties as required by OCM.

QUALIFICATIONS:

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

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

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

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

5. Solid work ethic combined with an enthusiastic outlook.

6. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

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

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

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

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

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

PROJECT MANAGER

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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Act as lead contact for all OCM projects.

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. Perform other duties as required by OCM.

WORKING COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE OCR MAINTENANCE MANAGERS:

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

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

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

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

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

$7.00 Hourly

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

$6.50 Hourly

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

$6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 333-1505

Take orders and serve food and beverages.

$7.00 Hourly

2 WAITRESSES SECURITY

Secures premises and personnel by patrolling property; monitoring surveillance equipment; inspecting buildings, equipment, and access points; permitting entry.

$7.50 Hourly

CASHIER

TASK AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Scan goods and ensure pricing is accurate.

• Collect payments whether in cash or credit.

• Issue receipts, refunds, change or tickets.

• Process, check, stock, and inventory shipments, making sure deliveries are correct and of good quality.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Time Management.

• Product Knowledge.

• Telephone etiquette.

• Strong customer services skills.

• Dispute resolution.

• Dependability.

• Excellent numeracy and literacy skills.

EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or GED and with Proven experience.

Salary is $1,200.00 monthly

HOURS OF WORK:

Monday-Saturday, 40 hours weekly.

TELEPHONE: 649-441-3680

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

5. Ensure the maintenance team and other departments have cohesive working relationships.

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

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Professional appearance and demeanor.

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

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

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

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

$7.00 Hourly

DOMESTIC WORKER CHEF

Preparing ingredients, chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc. Cooking food in various utensils or grillers.

$7.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-343-6102/649-342-0823

DOMESTIC WORKER

Stocking

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

2 CLEANERS

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

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 342-2986

Cleaning outside the property with

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 345-2165

BELONGERS ARE

Rate: $7.00 hr

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

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the following full-time position at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS:

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by:

(i) a Cover Letter

(ii) two reference letters (one preferably from the most recent employer)

(iii) copies of educational certificates, and

(iv) a copy of the applicant’s passport photo page and Turks and Caicos Islands Status Card (where applicable).

Shortlisted applicants will be required to provide a police record.

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO:

THE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER

TCI COMMUNITY COLLEGE

P.O. BOX 236 GRAND TURK TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

Where possible applicants should e-mail their applications. Handdelivered applications must be marked with the Job Title of the position being applied for. For emailed applications, the subject line must reference the Job Title.

Email: hr@tcicc.edu.tc

Copy: applications@tcicc.edu.tc

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only persons shortlisted for interviews will be contacted.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Phone. (649) 946-1163 (Grand Turk), (649) 941-3210 (Provo) Web. www.tcicc.edu.tc

Address. Lighthouse Rd., P.O. Box 236, Grand Turk | 3 Success Way, P.O. Box 118, Providenciales

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

REPORTS TO: ACADEMIC DEAN AND TVET DEAN LOCATION: PROVIDENCIALES

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) envisions becoming the institution of first choice within the Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond. Its mission is to provide world- class education and training through innovation and community engagement; utilising qualified professionals focusing on human capital development.

JOB SUMMARY

The Workforce Development Officer develops positive long-term relationships with business and industry representatives. He or She supports and strengthens relationships with business and industry to address workforce needs and assist with building talent. He or she will provide leadership and supervision to industry sector partnerships “clusters” and lead in creating workforce solutions for business and industry to increase human capital development.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Gathering labour market information, talent demand and skills requirements and translating data into meaningful information to create workforce development strategies.

• Meeting with local industry representatives to determine workforce and or talent needs.

• Assessing the business organisations and providing a comprehensive evaluation of employment and training needs.

• Working collaboratively with relevant programmes and faculty to develop partnerships and linkages with businesses, industry, and community in procuring internship opportunities.

• Creating a formal Internship/Job Shadow Programme and developing an

Internship Handbook for both students and employers.

• Providing coaching and counselling to students on professional skills and tools such as resume writing, interviewing techniques, and other job acquirement strategies including setting up mock interview sessions with students and business partners.

• Organize internal and external Career Fair activities

• Developing and maintaining relationships with training providers to develop necessary and responsive workforce solutions.

• Providing opportunities for business and industry to assist with developing training programmes to include apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing and work-based learning.

• Building and maintaining productive relationships with public-sector, private-sector and non- profit employers to create career pathways for future talent.

• Building and maintaining strong partnerships with economic development entities, chamber organisations and other workforce development agencies to ensure alignment and execution of collaborative workforce strategies to include: Talent Pipeline Management.

• Providing oversight and management of industry sector partnerships “clusters” and any workforce solutions and/or outputs that result from “Cluster” input.

• Gathering information for additional funding opportunities to support workforce solutions and programming.

• Developing and managing a database of employers and/or industry representatives and maintaining regular communication through appropriate channels.

• Researching the necessary skills needed for emerging job classifications, which are prominent throughout the TCCIC service area.

• Working with and establishing partnerships with regional trade associations, economic development agencies, business/industry to identify emerging skills and hiring trends.

• Performing other related responsibilities as may be assigned.

TRADE WIND INDUSTRIES LTD.

Heaving Down Rock, Leeward Settlement, Providenciales JOB OPPORTUNITY

1 LABOURER

Trade wind Industries Ltd. seeks to employ a Labourer with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the domestic cultivation of Caribbean queen conch and a familiarity with warm water fin fish. The position involves of cleaning and waste removal from conch ponds, fish tanks, sorting, counting, relocating and harvesting of conch and fish / repairs and maintenance to off-shore conch pens. 50% of this job is spent in sea water and applicants need to be expert swimmers and skilled at working underwater with a snorkel. Other related duties and necessary duties may be assigned.

Compensation at $8.00 per hour.

INTERESTED APPLICANTS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR RESUME WITH QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE TO: INFO@SAUNDERS.TC AND THE TCI EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

The Position is currently held by a work permit holder

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

CONTINUED U

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences or any other related area. (Essential)

Master’s degree in Education Leadership or any other related area. (Preferred)

EXPERIENCE

At least three (3) years of experience in academic administration or the equivalent training in project management, business and industry experience preferred or any related setting to become familiar with academic programmes, policies and regulations necessary to hold authority over the activities of an educational institution.

Successfully managed projects and programmes supporting client business objectives from concept through execution. Strong ability to analyse client needs and write proposals related to training initiatives.

COMPETENCIES

• Interactive Communication

• Teamwork

• Attention to detail

• Analytical Thinking

• Creativity and Innovation

• Visioning and alignment

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

• Using Information Technology

• Organisational Awareness

• Client Focus

• Continuous Learning

• Strategic Thinking

• Project Management

SALARY: USD 48,536.00 per annum

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.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the following full-time position at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

REPORTS TO ACADEMIC DEAN AND TVET DEAN LOCATION PROVIDENCIALES

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) envisions becoming the institution of first choice within the Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond. Its mission is to provide world-class education and training through innovation and community engagement; utilising qualified professionals focusing on human capital development.

JOB SUMMARY

The Curriculum Development Specialist (CDS) preforms programme and curriculum analysis, instructional design and project management tasks for new and existing programmes. Thoroughly embracing TCICC’s vision, mission, and values, the CDS is essential in the curriculum design and development process that includes the development of new courses and the updating of existing courses. Under the guidance of the Dean of Academic & Student Affairs and the Dean of Technical & Vocational Education & Training, the CDS ensures that a new or revised course is designed to make the physical and virtual class most beneficial to a given programme of study

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Conferring with members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Higher Education Advisory Board, the Workforce Development Officer, and the Assessment & Monitoring Officer to obtain knowledge of subject areas, and to relate curriculum materials to specific subjects, individual student needs, and occupational areas.

• Preparing and providing curricular materials needed for submissions to the Government, the Board, and the National Programme Accreditation Standards.

• Maintaining the currency and accuracy of curricular materials in a repository for the campuses to use.

• Identifying, summarizing and providing information on equipment, technology, and supplies needed to support the quality delivery of the programme curricula that have been newly developed or recently updated.

• Maintaining a master textbook/e-Book list for the programme curricula under his/her involvement.

• Working with the Workforce Development Officer and subject matter experts (SMEs) to create syllabi, design documents, content outlines, lesson presentations, audio/visual scripts and other supporting documents for courses, following standard course components document and standards.

• Developing and managing project plans that ensure on-time completion of assigned courses.

• Complying with the Higher Education Advisory Board National Accreditation Standards and standards of TCICC’s accrediting bodies.

• Participating in new curriculum design from concept development through production to ensure a threading of instruction from concept introduction to concept development to mastery of concept, occurs throughout the curriculum.

• Conducting research and consulting with faculty, staff, and business representatives in the design and development of new curriculum.

• Developing residential (traditional), Blended and Online courses, using needs assessments and skill level analyses.

• Managing the process of developing syllabi and instructional materials for each curriculum assigned to him/her, including such materials as lesson plans, supporting materials like lecture presentations, lecture notes, and project handouts, and formative and summative assessment instruments

like quizzes, tests, and exams.

• Applying instructional guidelines, policies, regulations, and official notices; to the preparation of curricular content for instructional materials.

• Developing tests, questionnaires, and procedures that measure the effectiveness of curricula, and use these tools to determine whether course and program objectives are being met.

• Applying effective use of technological applications and tools to enrich student learning experience in all courses.

• Leading the assessment of the revised curriculum for departments.

• Determining gaps within lesson plans and across units to strengthen existing curriculum.

• Creating and leading curriculum review committees to support revision efforts.

• Managing timeline for revisions and ensure deadlines are met.

• Providing training designed to support implementation of newly developed or revised curricula.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree Instructional Design/Education or Project Organizational Management. (Essential) Master’s degree Instructional Design/Education or Project Organizational Management. (Preferred)

EXPERIENCE

• Three or more years of experience in project management, instructional design and quality assurance, preferably in the career-focused education sector.

• Extensive experience in using the Canvas learning management systems.

• Advanced knowledge of curriculum design models and instructional methodologies.

• Ability to manage multiple programs and tasks simultaneously with a team and independently.

COMPETENCIES

• Interactive communication

• Teamwork

• Client focus

• Analytical thinking

• Information technology management

• Fostering learning

• Strategic thinking

SALARY: USD 58,507.00 per annum

THE APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Using information technology

• Attention to detail

• Continuous learning

• Organisational awareness

• IT support troubleshooting

• Project management

• Visioning and alignment

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by:

(i) a Cover Letter

(ii) two reference letters (one preferably from the most recent employer)

(iii) copies of educational certificates, and

(iv) a copy of the applicant’s passport photo page and Turks and Caicos Islands Status Card (where applicable).

Shortlisted applicants will be required to provide a police record.

Regulation 8 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 2018

TSI MANAGEMENT

382 Grace Bay Road

Schedule 2 Regulation 8 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 2018

An Application, REGISTERED PR16415, by The Hotel Corporation & Urban Development Ltd. for the development of a Hotel Development. The proposed hotel development contemplates a Full Service Resort including One Hundred and Eight (108) Bedrooms Condo Hotel (Comprising Fifty-Four (54) Condo Units in Two Buildings of varying heights 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 Stories, Plus Basement). Two (2) Pools, Beach Club, Poolside “Beach Bar”, Reception, Two (2) Restaurants, Coffee Shop, Ice Cream Parlour, Commissary, Café, Convenience Store, Playroom, Music Room, Creche, Clothes Shop, Spa, Gym, Two (2) Tennis Courts, Kids Center, Synagogue. Eleven (11) Beachfront Villas.

This application has been submitted to the Department of Planning on 22nd December 2022 for consideration of Outline Development Permission on Block & Parcels 60000/150,151,152,153 North West Point on Providenciales.

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

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

REQUIREMENTS:

• High School diploma or GED required.

• Certification in Safety Management or Food Safety a plus.

• At least Two years of experience in hospitality, customer service or related field.

• Must be able to maintain a positive attitude under stressful work conditions.

DUTIES:

• Answer calls to the household phone, greet guests at the door, assist in the planning of events and dinner parties, oversee table settings, and serve drinks and food.

• Communicate with housekeeping to ensure rooms are cleaned are the most convenient time for guests.

• Run errands for guests when necessary.

• Ensure guests’ room are clean and tidy up when necessary.

• Recommend and arrange amenities for guests.

• See guests off when they check out.

• Remain well-groomed at all times.

• Keep up-to-date on all hotel policies on safety and hygiene.

• Perform all duties with discretion, professionalism and a pleasant demeanor.

Salary: $10 hourly

CONTACT: 441-8515

Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is currently held by a work permit holder

Where possible applicants should e-mail their applications. Handdelivered applications must be marked with the Job Title of the position being applied for. For emailed applications, the subject line must reference the Job Title. Applications submitted without supporting documents will not be processed.

Email: hr@tcicc.edu.tc Copy: applications@tcicc.edu.tc

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only persons shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, March 10, 2023

Phone. (649) 946-1163 (Grand Turk), (649) 941-3210 (Provo)

Web. www.tcicc.edu.tc

Address. Lighthouse Rd., P.O. Box 236, Grand Turk | 3 Success Way, P.O. Box 118, Providenciales

Science & Technology

Climate change: New idea for sucking up CO2 from air shows promise

A new way of sucking carbon dioxide from the air and storing it in the sea has been outlined by scientists.

The authors say that this novel approach captures CO2 from the atmosphere up to three times more efficiently than current methods.

The warming gas can be transformed into bicarbonate of soda and stored safely and cheaply in seawater.

The new method could speed up the deployment of carbon removal technology, experts say.

While the world has struggled to limit and reduce emissions of carbon dioxide in recent decades, several companies have instead focussed on developing technology to remove CO2 from the atmosphere.

Climeworks in Switzerland is perhaps the best known. Over the past ten years it has developed machines to suck in the air from the atmosphere that filter and trap the carbon dioxide molecules.

At a plant in Iceland the captured CO2 is injected deep underground where it is permanently turned into stone.

The company has recently started selling a certified carbon removal service to large corporate clients including Microsoft, Spotify and Stripe.

However, one big problem for

most current approaches to direct air capture is cost.

CO2, although a powerful warming agent, is relatively diluted in the atmosphere at around 400 parts per million (ppm) in air.

So big machines that require large amounts of energy are needed to both absorb and discharge the CO2.

This new approach, using off-the-shelf resins and other chemicals, promises far greater efficiency and lower cost, say the scientists involved.

The research team have borrowed an approach used for applications in water, and “tweaked” existing materials to

remove CO2 from the air.

In tests, the new hybrid absorbing material was able to take in three times as much CO2 as existing substances.

“To my knowledge, there is no absorbing material which even at 100,000 ppm, shows the capacity we get it in direct air capture of 400 ppm,” said lead author Prof Arup SenGupta from Lehigh University in the US.

“This simple ability to capture CO2 at a high quantity, in a small volume of material, is a unique aspect of our work.”

The development, while in its early stages, has been welcomed by others in the field.

“I am happy to see this paper in the published literature, it is very exciting, and it stands a good chance of transforming the CO2 capture efforts,” said Prof Catherine Peters from Princeton University, an expert in geological engineering, who wasn’t involved in the research project.

“What is clever about this is that the starting point was a technology previously designed for applications in water. This advance applies this technology to the gas phase - a new idea.”

“The demonstrated performance for CO2 capture is promising.”

One of the big challenges in capturing CO2 is what to do with the trapped gas.

Storing it under the ground or sea in former oil wells is one widely used approach. But the new paper suggests that with the addition of some chemicals the captured CO2 can be transformed into bicarbonate of soda and stored simply and safely in sea water.

Dr SenGupta says he now wants to establish a spin-off company to develop the technology further.

He believes that removing CO2 in this way will not only be critical to limiting the rise in global temperatures but could also be directly empowering for developing countries.

“We have to take it to places like Bangladesh, Barbados or the Maldives, they also have a role to play, they cannot be just bystanders who keep suffering.”

Some scientists are reluctant to put too much emphasis on new and emerging technologies like direct air capture because they fear that it could dilute the carbon cutting efforts of governments and individuals.

But with the temperature thresholds of the Paris climate agreement under threat from rising emissions, many others feel that the rapid deployment of direct air capture in addition to massive cuts in carbon is the best hope of avoiding dangerous climate change.

“It has become even more important now that we are definitely in an overshoot regime, where we have to take carbon back from the environment,” said Prof Klaus Lackner, a pioneer in the field of removing CO2.

“DAC will have to get cheaper to make a useful contribution. I am optimistic that it can do this.”

Professor SenGupta shares that optimism, believing that this new approach can remove CO2 for less than $100 a tonne.

The research has been published in the journal, Science Advances. (BBC)

Oceans littered with 171 trillion plastic pieces

MORE than 171 trillion pieces of plastic are now estimated to be floating in the world’s oceans, according to scientists.

Plastic kills fish and sea animals and takes hundreds of years to break down into less harmful materials.

The concentration of plastics in the oceans has increased from 16 trillion pieces in 2005, data suggests.

It could nearly triple by 2040 if no action is taken, scientists warn.

Last week, nations signed the historic UN High Seas treaty aiming to protect 30% of the oceans.

To produce this new estimate, a group of scientists analysed records starting in 1979 and added recent data collected on expeditions that trawl the seas with nets to collect plastics.

The plastic counted in nets is then added to a mathematical model to produce a global estimate.

The 171 trillion pieces are made up of both recently discarded plastics and older pieces that have broken down, lead author Dr

Single-use plastics like bottles, packaging, fishing equipment or other items break down over time into smaller pieces due to sunlight or mechanical degradation.

Wildlife like whales, seabirds, turtles and fish mistake plastic for their prey and can die of starvation as plastic fills their stomachs.

They also make their way into our drinking water, and microplastics have been found in human lungs, veins and the placenta.

Scientists say we do not yet know enough about whether microplastics negatively affect human health.

The concentration of plastics in the oceans has significantly increased from around 16 trillion pieces in 2005 to 171 trillion in 2019.

Before 2005 the concentrations fluctuated. Dr Eriksen says scientists are not sure why this is, but it could be explained by stronger legislation being replaced by voluntary agreements, the

and sea animals and takes hundreds of years to break down into less harmful materials.

breakdown of plastics, or the fact that less data was collected.

Prof Richard Thompson at Plymouth university, who was not involved in the study, said the estimate adds to what scientists know about marine pollution.

“We are all agreed there is too much plastic in the ocean. We urgently need to move to solutionsfocused research,” he told BBC News.

The highest concentration of ocean plastic is currently in the

North Atlantic sea, with some large floating masses found elsewhere including the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

The authors also suggest that the changing levels of pollution before 2000 may be due to the effectiveness of treaties or policies that govern pollution.

In the 1980s several legallybinding international agreements mandated countries to stop discarding fishing and naval plastics in the oceans, as well as to

clean up certain amounts.

These were later followed by voluntary agreements which the authors say may have been less effective, and could explain the rise in plastics from around 2000 onwards.

The authors argue that solutions must focus on reducing the amount of plastic produced and used, rather than cleaning up oceans and recycling plastics because this is less likely to stop the flow of pollution. (BBC)

Marcus Eriksen from the 5 Gyres Institute told BBC News.

Planting trees on a large scale, like here in China, is a cheap form of carbon removal but it uses large areas of land

Plastic kills fish

Science & Technology

Mediterranean and MIND diets reduced signs of Alzheimer’s in brain tissue, study finds

People who consumed foods from the plant-based Mediterranean and brain-focused MIND diets had fewer of the hallmark signs of Alzheimer’s — sticky betaamyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain — when autopsied, a new study found.

The MIND diet is short for Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay.

In fact, people who most closely followed either of the diets had “almost 40% lower odds” of having enough plaques and tangles in brain tissue to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, according to the study.

“People who scored highest for adhering to the Mediterranean diet had average plaque and tangle amounts in their brains similar to being 18 years younger than people who scored lowest,” according to a statement on the study. “Researchers also found people who scored highest for adhering to the MIND diet had average plaque and tangle amounts similar to being 12 years younger than those who scored lowest.”

That’s not all. Adding just one food category from either diet — such as eating recommended amounts of vegetables or fruits — reduced amyloid build-up in the brain to a level similar to being about four years younger, the study said.

“Doing a simple dietary modification, such as adding more greens, berries, whole grains, olive oil and fish, can actually delay your onset of Alzheimer’s disease or reduce your risk of dementia when you’re growing old,” said study author Puja Agarwal, an assistant professor of internal medicine at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

The most benefit is from leafy greens, she said. However adding more berries, whole grains and other healthy foods recommended by the diets was also beneficial, she said.

“While this study doesn’t definitively prove that it’s possible to slow brain aging through dietary choices, the data are compelling enough for me to add green leafy vegetables to most of my meals, and to suggest the Mediterraneanstyle diet for my patients at risk,” said Alzheimer’s disease researcher Dr Richard Isaacson, a preventive neurologist at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases of Florida. He was not involved in the new study.

“Of course, the Mediterranean diet is also heart healthy … by reducing the risk for stroke and neurovascular injury that can also increase risk for Alzheimer’s disease pathology,” said Rudy Tanzi, a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, who was not involved in the study.

“What is good for the heart is good for the brain,” said Tanzi, who is also the director of the genetics and aging research unit at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

INSIDE THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET

The Mediterranean diet focuses on plant-based cooking. The majority of each meal should be fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and seeds, along with a few nuts. There is a heavy emphasis on extra-virgin olive oil. Butter and other fats are consumed rarely, if at all. Sweets and goods made from refined sugar or flour are rare.

Meat can make a rare appearance but usually only to flavor a dish. Instead, meals may include eggs, dairy and poultry, but in much smaller portions than in the traditional Western diet. However, fish, which are full of brain-boosting omega-3’s, are a staple.

The Mediterranean diet, which has earned top honours as best diet for years, has an impressive list of science behind it. Studies have found this way of eating can prevent cognitive decline, but also help the heart, reduce diabetes, prevent bone loss, encourage weight loss and more.

INSIDE THE MIND DIET

The MIND diet was developed in 2015 by Rush researchers interested in taking the Mediterranean diet to the next level by focusing it on brain health. Instead of providing a blanket statement — eat more vegetables and fruits — as the Mediterranean diet does, the MIND diet recommends specific amounts of known brain-healthy foods, Agarwal said.

For example, leafy greens, the darker the better, should be eaten every day of the week on the MIND diet. Those include arugula, collards, dandelion greens, endive, grape leaves, kale, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard and turnip greens.

Berries are also stressed over other fruits on the MIND diet. Blackberries, blueberries,

The Mediterranean Diet

raspberries or strawberries should be eaten at least five days a week. A 2017 study of nearly 6,000 healthy older Americans with an average age of 68 found those who followed the Mediterranean or MIND diet lowered their risk of dementia by one-third.

MOST BENEFIT FOUND IN LEAFY GREENS

The study, published Wednesday in the journal Neurology, examined the brains of 581 people who each donated their body as part of the Memory and Aging Project at Rush University. The project, which began in 1997, has been collecting yearly diet information on participants since 2004, Agarwal said.

The current study analysed diet data from 2014, for an average of six to seven years, and then compared that information with the number of plaques and tangles in each person’s brain at autopsy.

Looking at brain tissue to determine the specific level of dementia markers was a unique part of the study, Agarwal said: “Previous studies with dementia risk were more on the clinical

outcome — cognitive performance over time — but our study is actually looking at the specific hallmarks of disease in the brain after death.”

People who ate greater amounts of pastries, sweets, and fried and fast foods had much higher levels of plaques and tangles in their brain tissue, the study found.

Which food was the most helpful in reducing buildup? Green leafy vegetables, which are packed with bioactives, chemicals in foods that reduce inflammation and promote health. Examples of bioactive compounds include vitamins, minerals, flavonoids (antioxidants) and carotenoids (pigments in the skin of vegetables).

The brain tissue of people who ate the most leafy greens looked nearly 19 years younger in plaque buildup when compared with those who ate one or fewer servings per week, a statement on the study said.

“The combination of different nutrients and bioactives in green leafy vegetables make them unique,” Agarwal said. “They are very rich in many bioactives, flavonoids and lutein, which is

important for brain health.”

There are different hypothesis on why lutein might be helping with the overall integrity of the brain,” she added, “such as reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.”

The most impressive impact of the diets was on beta-amyloid buildup, not tangles, and “the inverse association with betaamyloid load was stronger for the Mediterranean diet than for the MIND diet,” the study said.

There was some reduction in tau tangles, the other key marker of Alzheimer’s, but it was not as robust as that for amyloid, Agarwal said. However, Agarwai and her team conducted another study that found that eating berries, a key part of the MIND diet, was helpful in reducing tangles in the brain.

“We still need to really tease apart what exactly is happening,” she said. “But overall, these diets are rich in the essential nutrients and bioactives which reduce overall inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain and probably leading up to less accumulation of amyloid plaques and tangles.” (CNN)

Science & Technology

Weight loss drug semaglutide approved for NHS use

A weight loss jab that has gained popularity in the US has been approved for use by the NHS in England.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) concluded semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy, is safe, effective and affordable.

Delivered via an injection into the skin, the drug makes people feel fuller and more satisfied, so they eat less.

Famous personalities such as Elon Musk claim to have used it - with a “craze” allegedly developing in Hollywood.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Based on evidence from clinical trials, NICE says semaglutide could help people reduce their weight by over 10%, if implemented alongside nutrition and lifestyle changes.

It will be recommended for use by people with at least one weightrelated health condition, as well as those who have a body mass index (BMI) which puts them near the top of the obese range.

BMI is calculated by dividing an adult’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres.

Those who are lower on the obese BMI range - a BMI between 30 and 34.9kg/m2 - could also

be offered the drug if they have a weight-related health condition. NICE lists these as someone who is pre-diabetic, has type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or obstructive sleep apnoea.

Once-weekly injections of Wegovy will have to be prescribed by a specialist, and an individual will only be able to take the drug for a maximum of two years.

Semaglutide is also found in the diabetes medicine Ozempic, but, unlike Ozempic - which is intended for those with type 2 diabetes - Wegovy is recommended specifically for weight loss.

The drug works as an appetite suppressant by mimicking a hormone called Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This intestinal hormone is released after eating and typically makes people feel fuller, so should help reduce overall calorie intake.

An article published last year in Variety suggested the diabetes medicine Ozempic, which contains semaglutide, is being used by some professionals in the film and entertainment industry to lose weight quickly.

It has become so popular that there are currently widespread shortages in the US and concerns for those people who rely on the

Semaglutide injections will be approved under NICE guidance

drug for medical reasons.

Insurance companies in the US are refusing to cover its use among people who are not diabetic and not taking it as a prescribed medicine.

‘OZEMPIC FACE’ Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which makes both Ozempic and Wegovy, says the products should only be used as recommended by a doctor.

Like all medication, semaglutide comes with side-effects and risksincluding nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.

In addition, rapid weight loss can also lead to the skin losing

collagen and elastin, causing what Vogue Magazine has dubbed the gaunt “Ozempic face”.

Kailey Wood, 36, has been taking Ozempic for seven months, after being prescribed the drug by her doctor in New York.

She tells the BBC that she has lost just under 30kg - going from obese to healthy in the BMI range.

“I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance, but honestly I didn’t really struggle with my weight until I hit my 30s - after I had my kids,” she says.

“I was rapidly gaining weight. I had a personal trainer and was on every diet known to man - keto, low

carbohydrate, intermittent fasting and nothing seemed to work,”.

When Kailey went for tests with her doctor, she was told she had high blood pressure and high cholesterol and, due to the risks associated with PCOS, she was at risk of developing type 2 diabetes too.

“The long-term effects [of being obese] freaked me out having two daughters,” she says.

“I just wanted to get to my best self - to show them what a healthy mum looks like; to get outside and play with them.”

Kailey, who works for a tech start-up and runs her own TikTok page, says that people who want to use semaglutide need to know the drug does have side-effects.

“When you start taking this medication, your body almost goes into shock - you get headaches, nausea, tiredness,” she explains.

“But your body starts to get used to it. You have to be mindful and listen to your body.”

Kailey says those elements of the US media who promoting the drug as a “get skinny quick product” leave “a bad taste”. She believes it sends the wrong message.

“What it’s really doing is changing people’s lives - treating the patient before they have the disease,” she says. (BBC)

Eggs made from male mice cells

A Japanese researcher has told a major genetics conference that he has created eggs from the cells of male mice.

The research, still in its early stages, involved turning male XY sex chromosomes into female XX ones.

Prof Katsuhiko Hayashi from Osaka University is working on developing fertility treatments.

The development, which he has submitted for publication in the scientific journal Nature, raises the prospect of male couples having their own children.

Prof George Daley of Harvard Medical School, who is not involved in the research, said that there was still a long way to go before society was faced with such a decision.

‘’Hayashi’s work is unpublished but fascinating. [Doing this on Humans] is harder than the mouse,” he said. We still don’t understand enough of the unique biology of human gametogenesis (the formation of reproductive cells) to reproduce Hayashi’s provocative work in mice’’.

Details were presented at the

Prof Katsuhiko Hayashi announces that he has created eggs from male mice cells

human gene-editing summit at the Crick Institute in London.

Prof Hayashi, a globally respected expert in the field, told delegates at the meeting that the work was at a very early stage. The eggs, he said were of low quality and the technique could not be used safely on humans at this stage.

But he told BBC News that he could see current problems overcome in ten years and he would like to see it available as a

fertility treatment for both male and female and same sex couples if it is proven to be safe to use.

“If people want it and if society accepts such a technology then yes, I’m for it”.

The technique involves first taking a skin cell from a male mouse and then turning it into a stem cell - a cell that can turn into other types of cell.

The cells are male and therefore have XY chromosomes. Prof

Katsuhiko’s team then delete the Y chromosome, duplicate the X chromosome and then stick the two X’s together. This adjustment allows the stem cell to be programmed to become an egg.

The technique could be used to help infertile couples where women are not able to produce their own eggs. He stressed though that it was a long way off from being available as a fertility treatment.

“Even in mice there are many problems in the quality of the egg. So before we can think of it as a fertility treatment we have to overcome these problems, which could take a long long time,” he said.

Prof Hayashi said he would not be in favour of it being used by a man to create a baby using his own sperm and artificially created eggs.

“Technically this is possible. I’m not so sure whether at this stage it is safe or acceptable for society”.

Prof Amander Clark, a stem cell scientist from the University of Californa, Los Angeles said that the LBGTQ+ community should have a say in the use of the technology for reproduction.

“The LGBTQ+ community have unique needs when it comes to having a family. It may be possible in the future for same-sex reproduction based upon current research using laboratory models to develop the technology.

“However, today this technology is not available for human use, safety and efficacy has not been proven, and it is unclear how long the technology will take to get to the clinic. There is still much to learn about the human germ line and fundamental knowledge gaps serve as a barrier to translating this research to humans.”

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

Alta Charo, professor of law at the University of Wisconsin Maddison, said different cultures would have “profoundly different views” on whether to use the technology, if it became available.

“In some societies a genetic contribution to one’s children is considered absolutely essential, and for them it’s a question of ‘is this a step to take?’ for those who are not in a heterosexual arrangement.

Sports International

Fifpro: World Cup in winter

a viable option’, says players’ union

HOLDING another winter World Cup is unacceptable without major changes to how the tournament is arranged, world players’ union Fifpro has said.

The union has published a report on how the Qatar World Cup, held in November and December, affected player workload.

Post-tournament recovery time was cut from 37 days to eight to reduce disruption to Europe’s club calendar.

A winter World Cup “should not be a viable option for anybody”, said Fifpro general secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffmann.

A future World Cup could be staged in December, as Saudi Arabia is considering a bid to be the 2030 host, while Portugal and Spain could also hold a winter tournament.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said after the finals in Qatar that the winter scheduling had led to better matches.

“Playing in November and December has had an impact,” he said. He added that “we have seen it with the quality of the games” when compared with a summer World Cup played “at the end of an exhausting season” for the players.

But Baer-Hoffmann said: “Repeating what we had this time is clearly not acceptable.”

Because the tournament was held in the middle of the European club season, preparation time for Qatar 2022 was also cut from the usual 31 days to seven.

“If you want to pursue a winter World Cup again, you need to get into conversations with the leagues to completely change their

Juventus midfielder Pogba dropped for Europa League tie for disciplinary reasons

Paul Pogba has been dropped for Juventus’ Europa League tie with Freiburg for disciplinary reasons.

It is understood the France midfielder, 29, was late for a team meeting on Wednesday and Juve coach Max Allegri opted not to name him in his squad for Thursday’s first leg in Turin.

It is the latest setback for Pogba since rejoining the Serie A club from Manchester United last summer.

He only played the first game of his second spell with Juve on 28 February.

Pogba’s previous appearance was for United in April 2022, when he suffered a calf injury in a

4-0 defeat at Liverpool which ruled him out for the remainder of last season.

The midfielder then suffered a knee injury in pre-season but initially opted not to get an operation, fearing it would rule him out of the World Cup.

But he was later deemed to need surgery anyway and, although he returned to the squad in January, he suffered another muscular problem that delayed his return to action further.

Pogba came off the bench in a 4-2 win over derby rivals Torino before making his second substitute appearance in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Roma. (BBC)

Argentina won December’s World Cup, which took place in the middle of the European club season

schedules to provide appropriate training and recovery time,” BaerHoffmann added.

“That would mean a two or two-and-a-half month break from competition. I find it unlikely they would agree to that.”

Poland defender Kamil Glik played for his club side Benevento four days after his country had been eliminated from the World Cup, while Raphael Varane started a Premier League game for Manchester United eight days after losing the final with France.

Varane, 29, has subsequently retired from international football, likening playing at the highest level to a washing machine because “you never stop”.

In their post-tournament survey, Fifpro said most players want at least 14 days preparation time and a recovery period of between 14 and 28 days.

This could be an issue at the 2026 World Cup, which is set to involve 48 teams and more games given the proposed three-team groups is in the process of being ditched.

Fifa has indicated the additional days will come out of the preparation time.

TEMPORARY CONCUSSION SUBSTITUTES THREAT

Fifpro has also been dismayed at the decision by international rulemaking body Ifab to reject calls for the immediate implementation of a temporary concussion substitutes trial.

The trial had the backing of the Premier League and Major League Soccer but Ifab decided in favour of sticking with the current situation of having permanent concussion substitutes.

Ifab is adamant it is putting the

health of players first and that its stance is backed up by medical evidence.

However, Baer-Hoffmann disagrees and has not ruled out the possibility of some leagues ignoring Ifab by bringing in their own regulations.

“I fail to comprehend the logic,” he said. “The defence of the current model, in our experience of over 10 years working on it, departs from reality.

“Of course, it would be better to take any player off if they have a suspected concussion but it just doesn’t happen in practice.

“We remain convinced temporary concussion substitutes are the safer approach and if employers and employees, in this case a league and a union, were to agree to implement those standards, that should supersede other rules.

Eilish McColgan sets new British 10,000m record, beating Radcliffe’s 2002 time

Eilish McColgan set a new British 10,000m record in California as she continued preparations for next month’s London Marathon.

The 32-year-old Scot ran 30 minutes 00.86 seconds in her first track race of the year, beating Paula Radcliffe’s time of 30:01.09 set in Munich in 2002.

McColgan has been training at altitude in Colorado and made a late decision to race at the Soundrunning Ten event.

“I’m absolutely buzzing,” said the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist.

“Two years ago I ran a big PB [personal best] here so it’s nice to be back with the crowds. I knew I was in really good shape but to have it all come together on the day doesn’t always happen.”

Paul Pogba (right) made his first appearance in more than 10 months for Juventus against Torino on 28 February

‘should not be

Eilish McColgan is hoping to build on a successful 2022, when she won Commonwealth Games gold in Birmingham

McColgan, who has been dealing with some knee problems in the build-up to her debut marathon on Sunday, 23 April, now

holds British records for 5,000m and 10,000m on the track, plus 5km, 10km and the half-marathon in road races.

Bangladesh v England: Tigers secure comfortable six-wicket win in first T20

British high jump coach Caan suspended for three years following disciplinary investigation

BRITISH high jump coach Fayaaz ‘Fuzz’ Caan has been suspended for three years following a UK Athletics (UKA) investigation into his conduct.

The ban begins from the date of Caan’s initial suspension on 30 June 2021 and will continue until 29 June 2024.

UKA raised 12 alleged charges against Caan after an investigation was launched following a complaint concerning his coaching practices.

He helped Robbie Grabarz win a silver medal at the London 2012 Olympics.

Caan was suspended shortly before the Tokyo Games, where he would have coached GB

athletes Morgan Lake and Emily Borthwick.

He has continued to work as a consultant at the Saudi Olympic Training Centre.

A UKA disciplinary panel sought to determine whether Caan’s behaviour and conduct breached the conditions of UKA’s Coach Licensing Scheme and Code of Conduct for Coaches.

Among the charges it is alleged Caan “created an atmosphere in his training group where bullying was commonplace and acceptable; and allowed bullying and harassment to occur in his training group without challenging it”.

He denied that charge but

WTA Tour: Private equity firm CVC to invest £125m in women’s tennis

The WTA Tour has announced a strategic partnership with CVC Capital Partners which will see the private equity firm invest $150 million (£125 million) into women’s tennis.

In return, CVC will take a 20% stake in a newly created company with the working title of WTA Ventures.

The WTA will retain full regulatory and sporting responsibility.

Investment in the women’s game is much needed, with prize money continuing to lag behind the men’s ATP Tour.

The WTA’s finances suffered significantly when CEO Steve Simon suspended all tournaments in China and Hong Kong at the end of 2021.

Peng Shuai’s allegations of sexual assault against former Chinese vice-premier Zhang Gaoli prompted the WTA to demand a transparent investigation before the tournaments could be reinstated.

As it celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, the WTA is hoping the new partnership will increase the profile of women’s tennis as well as commercial growth and the size

accepted that “bullying occurred between athletes in his training group”.

Caan, who admitted separate charges of using abusive language and impersonating a disabled person, does not have the right to appeal the decision.

The coach alleges that he was not offered sufficient support while employed by UKA and that “extreme pressure” was placed upon him to deliver results.

UKA said it was “disappointed” Caan felt he was not offered appropriate support and it would take steps to “ensure positive cultures are in place within the organisation”. (BBC)

Bangladesh beat world champions England comfortably by six wickets in the first T20 international in Chattogram.

Opener Najmul Hossain Shanto struck an impressive 51 from 30 balls as the Tigers reached their target of 157 with two overs to spare.

Shanto added 65 for the third wicket with debutant Towhid Hridoy, who made 24, as the hosts adapted better to a slow, sluggish pitch.

The second of three T20s takes place on Sunday in Mirpur.

It is Bangladesh’s first win over England in a T20, though it is only the second time the teams have met in the format.

England were on course for a huge total as captain Jos Buttler and Phil Salt raced to 80 after 10 overs, but Bangladesh’s seamers fought back at the end, conceding

just 21 runs from the final four overs to restrict England to 156-6.

Buttler made a dynamic 67 from 42 balls after being dropped by Shakib Al Hasan on 19, but when he and Ben Duckett fell in consecutive balls, England struggled to make the most of their aggressive start.

Seamer Hasan Mahmud led the attack with 2-26 from his four overs, including the key scalp of Buttler.

In reply, Bangladesh also made the most of the six-over powerplay to attack England’s seamers, reaching 54-2.

England’s seamers struggled to adapt to the slow pitch and Shanto capitalised, striking four consecutive boundaries from Mark Wood’s first over.

Captain Shakib then calmly used his experience to steer his side to victory and finish unbeaten on 34. (BBC)

“This partnership with CVC brings experience, a network and capital to move our sport to the next level, embracing the ambition of our founding members, urging

women’s tennis beyond its barriers and pioneering new standards for a more equitable and valuable sport,” Simon said.

CVC previously enjoyed a profitable association with

has recently

Najmul Hossain Shanto set up Bangladesh’s chase with 51 from 30 balls

Fayaaz Caan helped high jumper Robbie Grabarz achieve silver at London 2012

France’s Caroline Garcia won the 2022 season-ending WTA Finals

of broadcast deals.

Formula 1 and

invested in the Six Nations, Premier Rugby, Spain’s La Liga and the reigning Indian Premier League champions the Gujarat Titans. (BBC)

Sports International

Antonio Conte: Richarlison criticises Tottenham manager over lack of playing time

Tottenham forward Richarlison has criticised manager Antonio Conte over his lack of playing time this season.

The Brazil international, 25, joined Spurs from Everton in a £60m deal last summer but has since started just seven games in the Premier League.

Richarlison, who has spent time sidelined through injuries, came on as a 70th-minute substitute as Spurs were knocked out of the Champions League by AC Milan on Wednesday.

“I should have played,” he said.

Speaking to Brazilian TV station TNT Sports after Wednesday’s

match, he added: “I was playing well, we won against Chelsea and West Ham and suddenly I was on the bench.

“I played five minutes against Wolves, asked the reason and noone told me why. Yesterday, they asked me to take a fitness test in the gym and told me I was going to start today if I passed it.

“And today I was on the bench. There are things I can’t understand. There was no explanation again, let’s see what he [Conte] will tell us tomorrow - but I’m not silly, I’m a professional who works hard every day and I want to play.”

Spurs exited the Champions

League in the last 16 after Wednesday’s 0-0 draw saw Milan progress on aggregate.

‘WHEN I’M ON THE PITCH I GIVE MY LIFE’

Richarlison’s playing time in the Premier League this season totals 661 minutes, with his only goals for the club coming against Marseille in the Champions League in September.

“There hasn’t been enough minutes given to me. I don’t have enough minutes, was injured for a bit, but when I’m on the pitch I give my life,” he said.

“I played well in two games, especially against Chelsea, so I think I should have played tonight, but I can’t go on crying about it now.”

Spurs, who sit fourth in the

Premier League, face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

“We have 12 games to play now and the focus is that,” Richarlison said.

“I’ll try to score as many goals as I can because the club has paid a

lot of money for me and I haven’t given enough back on the pitch yet.

“Fair to say my injuries didn’t help and I haven’t had enough minutes. But now I’ll go home, rest, train tomorrow and see if he’ll put me in the first XI next game.”

SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN’S OPEN:

Chiara Noja, 16, leads

after breaking course record

GERMAN 16-year-old Chiara

Noja leads the South African Women’s Open after breaking the course record with her opening round of 62.

The teenager is 10 under, two shots clear of South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai at Steenberg Golf Club in Cape Town.

Noja’s record first round included nine birdies, an eagle and just one bogey.

“I think it was pretty consistent golf in general,” said Noja, who won her first Ladies European Tour title in Saudi Arabia in November.

She added: “Over the winter I’ve done a lot of wedge work and a lot of the shots that I’ve learned to hit over this week and the start of the season I didn’t have in the bag last year.”

Tiger Woods’ ex-girlfriend sues to challenge NDA

Noja, born in Berlin in 2006 before emigrating to England at the age of seven, turned professional aged 15, and was 16 years and 241 days old when she won at the Aramco Team Series in Jeddah last year.

Women’s Open champion Buhai is second on eight under after carding seven birdies in her first nine holes, while Sweden’s Johanna Gustavsson, France’s Nastasia Nadaud and the Netherlands’ Romy Meekers are a further two shots behind on sixunder.

England’s Lily May Humphreys, who won the Joburg Ladies Open last week, is sixth after a five-under 67, with Scotland’s Kylie Henry in a group one stroke further back.

(BBC)

A lawsuit filed by an ex-girlfriend of golf superstar Tiger Woods asks a judge in Florida to cancel a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) she signed with him.

Lawyers for Erica Herman, who began dating Mr Woods in 2017, cite a new law limiting the scope of NDAs in sexual harassment and assault cases.

Ms Herman’s lawsuit does not detail any allegation of harassment or assault.

She argues in another lawsuit she is owed around $30m (£25m) and was locked out of a home she shared with Mr Woods.

Mark Steinberg, a representative for Mr Woods, 47, did not immediately reply to a BBC News request for comment on Wednesday.

The civil lawsuit challenging the NDA was filed on Monday in Martin County, Florida, near where the couple had been living together.

It says that Ms Herman’s agreement with Mr Woods is “invalid and unenforceable” due to the passage of the Speak Out Act, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in December 2022 and limits the enforceability of NDAs in cases of sexual assault or harassment.

Ms Herman, her lawyers say, is “currently unsure what other information about her own life she may discuss or with whom”.

Her attorney Benjamin Hodas, did not immediately respond to a BBC request for comment.

The couple’s break-up has not been formally announced. They

have not been seen together in public since attending the US Open tennis tournament in New York last August.

Ms Herman, 38, had previously worked at the 15-time major champion’s Florida restaurant, The Woods Jupiter.

A separate lawsuit she filed in October against a homestead trust held by Mr Woods alleges that she was tricked into leaving the home that they had shared in order to lock her out.

“Specifically, by trickery, agents of the Defendant convinced the Plaintiff to pack a suitcase for a short vacation and, when she arrived at the airport, they told her she had been locked out of her residence,” according to the court documents seen by the BBC.

Chiara Noja beat England’s Charley Hull in a play-off to win her first LET title in Jeddah last year

Richarlison has played just 661 minutes in the Premier League this season and has yet to score

Erica Herman signed a non-disclosure agreement with Tiger Woods

Technology presents an opportunity to shrink gender bias – Fulford

THE Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) President, Sonia Fulford marvelled at the advancements in technology and the role they play in reducing inequality in all facets of life.

During her International Women’s Day speech this week, the leading official in the TCI pointed to the emergence of “new technological wonders, revolutionising communication, education, and transportation of all information”.

She said that technology is forever evolving to facilitate its many advanced features and it is impactful in our everyday life. Her speech, which transcended football, also spoke of the advantages of technology in gender equality.

“Whilst there is no magic bullet for achieving gender parity, technology presents a unique opportunity to shrink gender bias by providing a space for women to amplify their voices by

developing their marketable skills, participating in informed decisionmaking, enhancing economic opportunities, and facilitating a collective action.”

Modern technology, she added, is a powerful tool, and a “beautiful thing when it works as intended”.

“We can reshape our world into one that is more inclusive and prioritise gender equality by leveraging this power. Let’s continue to encourage our women to march ahead in their endeavours, as we pave the way for a future where everyone thrives regardless of gender, through the use of technology. Let’s continue

to bring to attention our women who are disproportionately marginalised, and call for action to remedy this gap.”

International Women’s Day 2023 was held on Wednesday, March 8, under the theme ‘DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’.

TCI register win and loss against the Bahamas Centre of Excellence

THE Turks and Caicos Islands senior

were evenly split late last week. In the opener on March 3, national captain Billy Forbes led from the front in the visitors’ 2-1

win.

adjustments to win 2-0.

Forbes scored both goals.

In the second game, a day later, the home team made the needed

The TCI footballers are preparing for the CONCACAF Nations League home clash against

male national team warmup clashes in Nassau against the Bahamas Centre of Excellence

the US Virgin Islands, scheduled for the TCIFA National Academy on March 25.

TCI Senior Men’s team won the opener

Sonia Fulford said that the world can be reshaped into one that is more inclusive

ISLANDERS AHEAD IN PHL NOVICE DIVISION PLAYOFFS

THE GBCR Islanders surged to a 5-0 victory against the Design Studio Jets to lead the Novice Division after round two in the Provo Hockey League (PHL) playoffs to decide the finalists of the 2022-2023 season.

In their latest clash at the Graceway Sports Centre, the Islanders, led by Nicholas Comert were able to dominate the Jets.

Comert scored a hat-trick, while Diana Arnth Jensen and Damian

Rutherford supported with a goal each.

In the other Novice clash, Scooter Bobs Canucks registered their second draw, when they tackled the TMW Lightning. That game ended 3-3.

Yash Ochani scored twice while Shlok Ganglani netted the other.

The Lightning were led by Shemar Francis, Marco Gallardo and Oisin Ryan.

With two rounds completed, the

Islanders are ahead on four points with the Jets in second place on 3 and the Canucks third on two.

In the Bantam Division, the LHeureux Co Canadiens bounced back after their opening playoff loss to the Tibors Sharks to defeat the Temple Financial Panthers 3-1. Rishith Gururaja led the attack with a pair, while Lucas Emery scored the other.

The Panthers’ lone goal came off the stick of Aiden Bromley.

In the other Bantam Division clash, the Sharks drew their second-week clash against the Kvanar Oilers. That game ended 3-3. Emeric Gula led the Sharks with two goals, while Ryan King added the other.

The Oilers were led by Owen Barkworth Knight, Jack Henry and Felix Jensen.

The Sharks remain unbeaten on four points, while the Canadiens and the Panthers are on three points

each with the Oilers on one.

In the lone Junior Division clash, the Waratah Flyers defeated the Saunders and Co Greyhounds 3-1. Jacob Been scored twice for the winners, while Keith Higgs added the other. The Greyhounds were led by Liam Redstone, who scored a second-period goal.

Despite the loss, the Greyhounds and the Flyers are tied on four points, while the Projetech Pirates are yet to score.

Rishith Gururaja scored a pair for the Canadiens

Diana Jensen scored for the Islanders

Nicholas Comert scored a hat-trick for the Islanders