TC Weekly News March 4 - 10, 2023

CLEMENT HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL EQUIPPED TO PREPARE FUTURE PLAYERS IN HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, February 23, 2023— Students at Clement Howell High School enrolled in the two-year hospitality training programme—Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) in Commercial Food Preparation—are now better equipped to conduct their practical sessions following the donation of key appliances and resources valued at over US$9000 by the Sandals Foundation.

The Food & Nutrition lab which serves as a space for practical lessons for some 300 students in the Home Economics Department was outfitted with premium cookware, baking utensils, glasses, serving utensils, cutting-edge deep fryers, toaster ovens, digital microwaves, ice cream makers, full complements of bar stools and dining furniture, cooking utensils, linens, and a much-needed printer with scanner and copier.

Karen Zacca, Operations Director at the Sandals Foundation said it was important for the philanthropic arm of Sandals and Beaches to respond to the school’s call for assistance and support hospitality training and certification through the programme.

“One of the Sandals Foundation’s key areas of focus is to empower young people by providing them with the tools and resources they need to receive training to expand their skill sets so they can achieve their professional goals and have more livelihood opportunities,” Zacca said. “With this donation, we are doing just that and enabling the next generation of service leaders to receive the necessary training and

certification, opening up a world of opportunity for them in the region’s largest economic industry,” she continued.

Dhrupattie Khan, Head of the Home Economics Department at Clement Howell High School, explained how beneficial the donation will be for the students during the recent handover.

“We have a two-year CVQ training programme for students in the Home Economics Department who want to specialize in commercial food preparation. This amazing donation from the Sandals Foundation will now allow these students to gain practical hands-on experience as they build their portfolios and receive the requisite Caribbean-wide academic certification upon completion which will definitely make them more employable.”

The project forms part of 40 sustainable programmes of the Sandals Foundation to mark the 40th anniversary of Sandals Resorts International, and builds on the charitable arm’s as well as Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort’s longstanding support of Clement Howell High School. In previous years, the Foundation outfitted both computer rooms with computers and a digital Wi-Fi tower to support students’ digital literacy educational development. The learning institution has also benefitted from the donation of dozens of books to support its library that was constructed by Sandals Foundation, as well as musical instruments to support their ongoing music programme, teacher training, and the refurbishment of the canteen.

‘Two years of cronyism, while everyone else struggles’ – Opposition rebuts Premier’s mid-term address

BY DELANA ISLES

Two years ago, the PNP party swept into office with a historic win, but that is where their accomplishments ended, Leader of the Opposition, Hon Edwin Astwood said following the government’s mid-term address.

In a rebuttal to the Premier’s ‘State of the State’ address on Monday, February 27, the PDM leader shared how unimpressed he was by the government’s vaunted accomplishments, many of which he said were work and initiatives started by his party.

The main thrust of Astwood’s rebuttal was the government’s seeming ignorance to the plight of the ordinary man and woman in the Turks and Caicos Islands, while their cronies bask in the luxurious lifestyle the Islands offer to a selected few.

“We are being governed by soldiers of fortune who feel no longterm obligation to the people that had elected them,” the opposition leader said, adding: “Tonight, the Premier said it himself, he said “I know my time is limited”

“Yes, Premier your time is limited.”

Referring to the Premier and his Cabinet as “temporary workers, backup drivers, day traders, substitute teachers, and guest workers”, Astwood said they are just passing through.

“They have no skin in this game, and it shows. They can’t solve our problems. They don’t even bother to talk with our people in order to understand our problems,” he said, while accusing PNP leaders of a lack of effort.

Further accusing: “They

hand out jobs and contracts and opportunities based purely on how close you are associated with them.

“Yes, the country is booming, but it is only booming for the Premier and his closest friends. Their little group did increase their economic advantage. But for everyone else, we are still fighting for the crumbs from the table.”

He is of the opinion that the actions of the government is pulling the people further apart, questioning whether that is the PNP administration’s plan all along.

“This is what’s happening in our country, probably by this PNP Administration’s grand design. Divided countries are easier to rule and exploit and nothing divides us like the perception that some select people are getting super special treatment, while all others get nothing and are being left behind.

“The general public should oppose this with everything they have.”

NEGATIVE EFFECTS

Every major thing that this PNP Administration had put in place is having a negative effect on our people, the PDM leader stated.

He listed the Beach Vendors’ Bill which he said is killing local small businesses and making it harder for the surviving businesses to operate.

Another, the closing down of the Tourist Board and opening of the Destination Management Organisation, which is putting 17 Islanders out of work.

“The Premier said in his

speech tonight that ‘that change is uncomfortable, but it is necessary’ so he is viewing the staff as causalities of war.

“You should not have to wake up every morning and worry about the next thing this government is going to do to you or your children, or do to your business, or your way of life.”

Astwood believes that the government has no idea how to reverse the economic and cultural trends that he says are destroying the territory.

“They cannot improve anyone’s life, only they can enhance their own.”

He questioned what the future looks like for the TCI and its people, when the present already presents hardships for ordinary people.

“Every TCI [resident] is probably paying 30% more for monthly expenses than they did four years ago, the cost of living is at an all-time high, for many the chance of owning a home is far out of reach. They just can’t afford the extremely high prices.

“Many persons have left the country, and many more are planning to leave. We have not seen an exodus like this since the late “60s, and early 70s”.

He said under the current PNP administration, far too many families are living paycheck to paycheck; wages are struggling to keep pace with the actual cost of living; parents’ paychecks buy them less and less; and working people are having to choose which essential items to take home and

which ones to leave behind.

“So, you have not delivered,” he said in response to the Premier’s claims that he has.

“The Hon Premier said tonight that his government had created a healthcare system that is accessible and delivers high-quality care, however, under this current PNP administration, we are seeing healthcare outcomes the worse it has ever been in modern times.

“In this nation where the Premier says that the economy is roaring, we are hearing of Turks and Caicos Islanders who are skipping blood pressure pills and insulin injections, forced to choose between buying medicine or buying food.”

He said regardless of cited GDP, tourists or cruise ship numbers, or even job vacancies or decreases in whatever taxes and fees, “the fact is that for the average TCI, those cited numbers don’t translate into a better life or better opportunities”.

Astwood stated that in the last two years, he has put his trust in the people, and they have not let him down, encouraging the Premier and his government to do the same.

“You know that the soul of the TCI is not about who is the elected government, it’s men and women like you in every Island and corner of our nation, who are willing to step up and take responsibility for your communities, for your Island, for your country, and ultimately for yourselves.

“The majority of the country knows that the PDM can do better, we must do better, and we are better.”

T&T national confirmed as Supreme Court Registrar

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The Judicial Services Commission last month recommended the confirmation of Narendra Lalbeharry to the post of Registrar of the Supreme Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Lalbeharry, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, has been acting in the position since December 4, 2022. He will serve a three-year term, which commenced on March 1.

An attorney at law, Lalbeharry was admitted to the Bar of his native Trinidad and Tobago in 2004. He then joined the TCI Judiciary as Senior Deputy Registrar on June 1, 2022.

He is certified in Project Management and Policy Development.

Governor Nigel Dakin has approved Mr Lalbeharry’s appointment.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon Edwin Astwood

“The best is yet to come”

BY OLIVIA ROSE

Premier Washington Misick has promised a renewed drive by his government, and stronger policies with greater implementation for the benefit of Turks and Caicos Islanders.

He 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) on Saturday, February 19, 2021.

The territory’s leader acknowledged that his Government came to office in the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic, and has successfully steered the TCI back on the path of prosperity.

Reflecting on his Government’s accomplishments and the challenges encountered during its incumbency, he said: “On February 19, 2021, our country was in the midst of a pandemic that had crippled the world.

“Our people faced fear, as Covid-19 brought death and destruction to our island.

“So many had lost their jobs, could not see their families could not pay their rent, and sadly, some are even living in their vehicles.

“It was a desperate time, there was uncertainty about the future. You call upon the progressive National Party to lead these islands out of the pandemic, reconstruct the economy and restore hope.

“You elected the PNP in a landslide victory and charge us with a mandate to rescue the economy, create better-paying jobs, develop high quality and lasting infrastructure, create a healthcare system that is accessible and delivers quality care and create an immigration policy that will support the development of our islands.

“We listened and we took

your concern seriously, our commitments to you are outlined in a carefully crafted document, the People’s Contract.”

The Government’s manifesto styled as the “People’s Contract”, covered plans, programmes, and initiatives relating to the economy and jobs, food security, health care, safety, security and justice, education, crown lands, housing, infrastructure, environment, youth, elderly and the disabled, immigration, digital government, poverty alleviation, and accountability.

He said: “Over the past two years, we have had much progress, and although we have seen delays in some areas, we are persistent.

“We have also added new priorities as global and local changes demand.”

He stressed that his government promised the populace transparency, honesty, and accountability at every step of its journey, and will continue to deliver on that promise.

“I have kept that promise, I have spoken to you on many occasions about the challenges we face, our efforts to reorganise the government for better service delivery, modernise the economy, and confront global issues that are significantly affecting our country.

“We still have so much more to do to improve our lives and the prospects of future generations.”

the territory’s economy and create more jobs for citizens, Misick said his administration has focused much of its attention on modernising the drivers of the economy, and the policies and programmes implemented are “showing good results”.

He said: “Under this PNP administration, the economy is roaring back, and all the significant economic indicators are trending in the right direction.

“New investments in the tourism industry are at an all-time high and importantly investors are showing interest in all islands.

“The cruise sector is at 70 per cent of pre-pandemic levels with over 700,000 landings in 2022.”

Along with this, the government has expanded the MSME programme and increased cash grants for the qualifying sectors, and removed tax holidays from new development agreements to improve future revenue for investment in social development.

“We have established TCI Finance – a sister entity to Invest TCI, the focus is to attract global financial services converting the Turks and Caicos Islands to a preferred FINTECH destination.”

He noted that a National Delivery Unit has been established to ensure the efficient delivery of priority projects.

“Every project, every piece of legislation and every dollar spent must be guided by sound policy, delivered on time, within budget and of maximum benefit to our people, this unit will help drive that

insurance, the minimum wage is $9 an hour. It’s been a while coming but the new rates will take effect on April one this year, employers cannot pay less than the minimum wage.”

Coupled with this, he opined that his Government has made “sweeping improvements” for public servants.

He said: “The new 6% pension and gratuity programme for persons employed after 1982 reinstated 25% gratuity for persons employed before 1982.

“Made a deposit of $8.4m into the public service pension fund and an additional 2 million will be invested this year

“We gave a 4% across-theboard salary increase to public servants, police salaries have been increased by 10%, and increase the immigration Task Force allowance by 100%.”

process”, the Premier added.

ALLEVIATING HARDSHIP

Despite the global economic fallouts triggered by the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the lingering effects of these shocks on the world at large, the TCI is emerging stronger with a more robust economy stimulated by unprecedented tourist arrivals, the Premier pointed out.

“When we took office, we move quickly to help ease your burdens, fix the economy and restore hope.

“Building on the efforts of the previous administration, we devised and implemented a travel policy that facilitated a rapid increase in visitor arrivals, this has paid off.

“But we know that even with our strong economy, the long-term effects from the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and problems with the global supply chain are causing severe hardships for many, many of you.

“That is why we have provided status holders and British Overseas Territory citizens up to $2,500 in stimulus payments.

“Forgiven over $15 million of legacy debt and penalties for small business owners; given stimulus and grants to operators within the food sector.

“And recently, we have approved a 28 per cent increase in the national minimum wage from $6.25 to $8 per hour.

“For workers in security, manufacturing, construction, banking, financial services and

In an effort to ease the burden of inflation which has led to higher fuel and food prices, the Government has reduced the customs processing fees from 7.5% to 5% and removed all customs processing fees from breadbasket items and essential home products.

Coupled with this, Misick reminded that the fuel tax was also reduced from 85 cents to 64 cents per gallon, and residential electricity bills for September to December of 2022 were subsidized.

As part of the government’s poverty alleviation measures, social assistance which was $500 monthly for up to three children per household was increased to $1,000 per household.

He added: “We moved foster care assistants from $120 to $300 weekly per child for up to three children per household and changed the rules so that persons between 60 and 65 years old can work full time and receive their pension.”

INVESTING IN HUMAN CAPITAL

Premier Misick who underscored the importance of the territory’s human capital in creating a more robust workforce and inclusive society, stressed that investments have been made to ensure more access to quality education and skills training for citizens.

He said: “We believe that the long-term success of the Turks and Caicos will only happen if we invest heavily in human capital development.

“You see, that begins with a good education and improved

Premier, Hon C. Washington Misick said: “We have had much progress, and although we have seen delays in some areas, we are persistent”.

– Premier says PNP government has kept its promises over the last two years

VIEWS ON THE ROYAL VISIT

Their Royal Highnesses, the Earl and Countess of Wessex were greeted to a typically warm Turks and Caicos Islands welcome on Wednesday last, after landing at the JAGS McCartney International Airport in Grand Turk.

Prince Edward, the youngest son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and his wife Sophie, were welcomed to the Islands by His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin. During his brief visit, His Royal Highness met with TCI’s leaders, unsung heroes, who have contributed to the development of the islands, including through the administration of sport and youth development.

What are your thoughts on the Royal Visit?

Huge waste of time

Honestly, people could find better things to do with their time, the Royal Visit was a huge waste of time, what did it achieve? Why are we so eager to roll out the red carpet for people who don’t care if we live or die?

The visit mattered

It matters, we don’t want the UK to throw us away. The pandemic and the Haitian crisis both tell us we need a carer who will preserve our local independence.

Waste of taxpayers’ funds

Tax payer’s monies paying for a wealthy family to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands when the said taxpayers’ electricity is off; can’t afford food let alone healthy foods; have to rely on NHIP for healthcare which is disastrous at best; are losing their homes in foreclosures; etc. etc. My thoughts? It was a waste of taxpayers’ monies!!!

A missed opportunity

This “Royal Visit” was filled with more symbolism than substance which is redolent to all Royal Visits. It is interesting that TCI is getting the attention of the Crown.

Usually, when a territory is coming to the attention of the power brokers in London, they send out a Royal to spread the message of ‘good faith’. Being “non-political” entities; Royals are used to convey messages of policy, direction and the overall feeling of goodwill from the Crown. This Royal, one of the “well behaved ones”, however, removed from the line of succession to the throne brings a pleasant greeting. It was an opportunity for Government and Opposition to send a united message as to where they want this country to go.

The TCI is at a crossroads in its direction and ties to London are an issue and on the table is the matter of eventual selfdetermination. Meeting with “TCI’s leaders and unsung heroes, who have contributed to the development of the islands, from sport governing bodies; major donors to sport development and those who have accomplished greatness in sport, such as TCI’s first Olympian Mr Delano Williams, who represented Great Britain in 2016; TCI’s 2022 Commonwealth Games athletes; TCI’s pro boxer; a collegiate ice hockey player and a competitor in NCAA division one basketball in the United States” sends a good message.

By and large, the visit went well. The government, however, missed a vital opportunity to convey to the UK government about where they want to see these islands go. It was one of those rare moments where they could have taken the official opposition into goodwill talks and sent the message. Despite being “apolitical” the British Royal Family retains a lot of quiet power and influence over things political.

A real royal welcome

With Prince Edward staying away from scandal, extra–marital affairs and the things that make modern-day royals “exciting”, it was good that they sent him and not one of the others. Taking a cynical note, it should be arranged that a Royal is sent in monthly.

In that way, there would be a constant rush to clean the Leeward Highway, maintain the roads, get rid of the trash and derelict vehicles etc. It is a sad indictment on a community to see that the only time cleanliness is taken seriously into account is when a Royal comes in. The money was there in the budget all of the time to clean up the Leeward Highway on Provo and the streets of Grand Turk.

What about developing an in-built sense of national pride so that the Islands would be kept clean and well-maintained at all times? The tourism product needs more attention than these “eye-servant” gestures when “Massa” comes. The Islands should not be cleaned only when the Royals come down. They should be maintained and cleaned at all times. This is simply not good enough with the government projecting a revenue projection in excess of $400m at the next budget.

Symbols of unity and hope

Seeing the Prince pass through the JAGS McCartney International Airport should be taken as a unifying moment. This is a time when TCI needs to look within and find symbols of unity to rally behind. McCartney’s legacy and memory are both a unifying and “gathering” symbol. Looking within, TCI needs to find a way to reconnect

in a deeper way with its Christian heritage and the practice of Christianity itself. The culture, history, folklore and music of all of the Islands (the “Real TCI”) need to be fully embraced in times like these. More TCI arts, music, food and history should have been on display. This is the image that should have been given to the Prince and one to endure for the development of the tourism product. It was good that sprinters like Delano Williams and former government officials were seen at some of the events. This is a start and should be continued. It sends that much-needed message of unity: that TCI leaders can debate, argue, resolve policy issues and personal relationships.

As “Royal” as it was, this visit was more about the TCI and its future than the incident of a visit from London. Old soldiers like Mr Bobby Fulford and others were seen greeting the Prince. This is good stuff. In the aftermath of this visit, the TCI and its people should look inward, look to unite, come together and seek to build the nation. That time has come. It would have been good to have the Prince tour North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos and Salt Cay. These islands can use more international exposure as they too are critical components in the building blocks of the TCI. They too are an important part of the TCI’s heart and soul. Apart from these considerations, the visit by and large was a success.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex arrived in Grand Turk in the late afternoon hours of Wednesday, February 22

National Housing Policy puts homeownership on the front burner – Cabinet gives the green light

BY OLIVIA ROSE

The long-awaited National Housing Policy aimed at fostering homeownership and addressing the need for quality and affordable housing in the TCI has been approved by Cabinet.

The demand for housing has exploded in recent years, leading to a severe housing shortage in the territory.

To this end, the new Housing Policy is aimed at addressing these challenges in a more strategic manner, according to the Director of Housing Mr Dominique Durham.

During a media brunch hosted by the Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development (PPID) Hon Jamell Robinson which was attended by heads of various departments within the Ministry on Wednesday, March 1, Durham told reporters that the policy will dictate how the housing department executes its mandate.

He said: “I’m happy to say today that we finally got that approved after 18 months of working on it, so for that to be approved by Cabinet

is a big step towards providing equitable and affordable homes for the Turks and Caicos Islanders.

He explained that in order to craft a policy that reflects the unique needs of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Housing Department conducted extensive research and held consultations with various stakeholders external to the government.

He said: “These include the financiers, owners of large parcels, developers, as well as our lawyers and real estate agents.

“We would have met with internal stakeholders and had engagement forums across the government, we would have carried out our National Housing Survey so that we understand the needs for housing within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“We would have done a lot of desktop research and fieldwork by exploring what has been done in other Caribbean countries and more recently the Bahamas, with all of that we have developed a comprehensive housing policy that is unique to the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Durham informed the media that three new staff members have been employed to ensure the department is fully functional.

He said: “We’ve just recently sent out our interview request to upgrade an administrative staff, and we’ve now most recently secured office space, so we’re open for business.”

Over the coming weeks, the department will be working on a strategic implementation plan to roll the short-term goals of the housing policy, Durham stressed.

“ So our first three will be our immediate short-term housing initiatives, which aim to provide affordable, equitable homes and improve the living conditions of existing homeowners and as well as urbanisation and renewal of our

communities.

“You will see a lot coming from us in the coming weeks in terms of an official launch of the policy, the initiatives and how you can contact us and what we have on the table as it relates to housing.”

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick during his State of the State address on Monday, February 27, said that the new policy will support housing developments that will result in savings to homeowners.

He said: “Turks and Caicos Islanders and legal residents need quality and affordable housing, we are answering that need through the new housing policy.

“The policy has a mixture of solutions in addition to the existing support to Turks and

Caicos Islanders who are first-time homeowners.”

He further informed that the policy will also introduce a home improvement programme to increase the number and quality of liveable housing in the TCI and help community renewal and the construction of houses on vacant lots while increasing the housing stock in rundown communities so residents will return.

“Our priority is to embark on a massive affordable housing programme to help more persons get back on the housing ladder”, he added.

Misick revealed that an initial $ 3m will be set aside for housing support in the supplementary appropriation to kick-start the programme.

“The best is yet to come” – Premier

skills training.

“Turks and Caicos Islanders must be able to improve their knowledge and skills at all stages of their life.”

To this end, he noted that the government has achieved all commitments made in the People’s Contract, in the area of education, which includes free tuition at the Turks and Caicos Community College for all citizens.

He said that the government is providing more scholarships for students at all levels and aligning scholarships with labour market needs.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Creating a safe and just society, remains a top priority of the government, in this regard, Misick explained that millions have been spent to upgrade the human, physical, technical, and investigative capacity of the Royal

TCI Police Force (RTCIPF).

He said: “We will not allow criminals whether local or foreign to put our people and economy at risk.

“We are making significant financial investments in border protection, internal security, and our justice system.

“We have enacted a suite of new legislation, are building new national security structures, and professionalising and expanding our local security forces.”

He added: “More officers have been placed on frontline duties, especially in communities that are challenged by drugs and gang violence.

“Members of the TCI Regiment have been deployed to assist with patrols and other duties.

“New CCTV camera systems are being installed across the islands, starting with the most vulnerable communities.

“A new Gangs, Drugs and Guns Unit has been established, supported by specialist detectives from the UK, they will work within our own force to help with the current challenges and build our local capacity and capability.

“Officers from the Royal Bahamas Police Force seconded to the TCI, continue to make a big difference.

“We have enacted anti-gang and gun laws with harsher punishments for those who continue to spill the blood of innocent people.”

The new laws give the police the authority to investigate, stop and search, detain and break up gang activities.

FOOD SECURITY AND HEALTH CARE

Several initiatives have been rolled out over the last two years to support the Government’s plans to foster food security across the

islands.

Premier Misick said: “My government takes the matter of food security very seriously.

“The pandemic and recent supply chain issues are a wake-up call, but the government has taken steps to encourage and improve food production across our islands.

“We provided farmers with grants to upgrade their farms and provided hurricane relief grants to farmers and remove all import duties on farm vehicles.

“Opened the first farmers market in the Turks and Caicos and established 16 school gardens.

On the healthcare front, Premier Misick stressed that efforts to ensure citizens have access to quality healthcare have been “relentless”.

He said: “The Ministry of Health continues to lead the fight, we ramped up vaccination to around 80% of the population and ensure

that the country remains open.

“We improve the quality of diagnostic services with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art MRI machine and a CT scanner. “Dental care clinics have been upgraded, new dental equipment installed and additional dental surgeons hired.”

Coupled with this, the government has also opened the territory’s first mental health facility in Grand Turk.

He emphasised that this landmark achievement makes the Turks and Caicos more equipped to deal with mental health issues.

The territory’s leader assured residents that his government will continue to work diligently to create a society “where every child can thrive, achieve and believe in the TCI dream.”

“The Turks and Caicos story is still being written and the best is yet to come”, he added.

(Left to Right) Media operatives, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development (PPID) Hon Jamell Robinson and heads of departments

Campaign launched to dismantle stigma surrounding mental health in TCI

Shifting perceptions and changing the narrative surrounding mental health in the TCI has been given new life with the launch of a proactive campaign dubbed ‘Dismantling Stigma’.

The anti-stigma campaign was launched on Monday, February 27, by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence, and seeks to de-stigmatise conversations surrounding mental disorders.

As part of the launch, which took place at the Providenciales International Airport, the Department unveiled billboards depicting mental health stories of five outstanding individuals who have braved some of life’s most difficult challenges and have willingly shared how they were able to deal with the emotional and mental health aspect of those challenges.

Their stories are inspiring and give hope to all, that you can overcome or learn to manage any mental or emotional difficulties you may face. The campaign is expected to run throughout the year and there are high expectations that its goal of dismantling mental health stigma will be achieved.

Commenting on the launch, the Director of the Department, Dr Alicia Malcolm said: “Our goal with the ‘Dismantling Stigma’ campaign is to shift perceptions and change the narrative regarding mental health conditions in the TCI. No one should ever feel ashamed or be discriminated against because they have a particular condition and seeking help should be as normal as seeking help for a physical ailment or any other issue”.

Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon Shaun Malcolm commenting on the anti-stigma campaign said fear, misunderstanding, inaccurate or misleading information all contribute to stigma and discrimination towards those living with mental health illnesses.

The Minister added: “We hold the power to reverse stigma through education, awareness and reframing our notions of what it means to be different.”

Also in attendance was Stacy Cox, CEO of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, which is sponsoring the campaign.

Cox noted that “the fragility of mental health and the daily struggles we can all face came

Prisoners part of TVET examination in food preparation at His Majesty’s Prison

His Majesty’s Prison kitchen came alive with a buzz of activities and anticipation last Friday as inmates and prison officers prepped for their food preparation exam.

Last Friday, February 24, was the final practical TVET examination in Food Preparation offered through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, HM Prison, and the HJ Robinson High School.

The participants - which included four prison officers, two inmates and a member of the community - were given the opportunity to use the prison

to the forefront for our industry during the pandemic, and many are still reeling in silence”.

She said the TCHTA is excited to partner in educating citizens that there is no shame in needing help, and that help is available and accessible in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Mental Health Stigma is one of the biggest barriers to mental health care. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), mental health stigma or mental illness stigma refers to the shame attached to mental health conditions and the discrimination that can happen to people who have experienced them.

Mental health is often stigmatised because of a lack of understanding about what mental health conditions are and what it is like to live with a mental health condition.

kitchen to be tested. They were adorned in their appropriate chef attire for what was a culmination of six months of dedication and hard work.

The kitchen was transformed into a state-of-the-art facility to accommodate students, tutors, and offsite invigilators. As the students went through their paces; the food preparations and presentation were of the highest quality, a statement from the prison boasted. Onlookers which included prison staff and inmates were impressed with the talent on display.

and

Several billboards are posted at the Providenciales International Airport sharing mental stories of outstanding TCI persons (TCIG photo)

Superintendent Michael Woodbine, Deputy Superintendent

Prison staff, inmates and a resident impress onlookers during their Food Prep exam offered through the college and the HJ Robinson High School (TCIG photos)

Raymond Grant and acting Permanent Secretary Fredrico Johnson had a chance to visit the examination area where they got a first-hand view of the proceedings

and the array of dishes on display. They were all impressed

again extended their gratitude to the TCI Community College and HJ Robinson High School under

the auspices of Kevin Baxter; for coming on board and delivering the inaugural Food Preparation course to inmates and staff of His Majesty’s Prison.

‘Operation Daylight’ targets popular nightclub

BY DELANA ISLES

Police were out in force last Friday night at an event held at the Versace Bar and Lounge as part of a series of operations to tackle national security issues.

While the promoter of the show was frustrated that his event was chosen for the operation, many residents have commended the police for the proactive move.

The nightclub is known for hosting international stars, the likes of the Kardashians to international rapper Drake, among others; however, it is also a known hotspot for criminal activities among disruptive patrons during special events.

The policing operation which was carried out between the hours of 12:45am and 2:50am at the Leeward Highway nightspot in Providenciales, is the first of many aimed at preventing and disrupting incidents of violent crimes and those who may be involved.

Residents commended the work of the police under their social media post of the operation, calling it an “excellent job” and others encouraged such operations at major checkpoints on the island.

“Lovely! Lovely! Lovely! This was very much needed. Keep up the good work officers,” one commenter wrote.

– first operation under amended policing legislation

However, others were against the move, referring to it as harassment of young men who are out enjoying themselves, laying the blame for the operation at the feet of the seconded cops.

“This is just insane ridiculous and not call for...at a night club where people go to enjoy themselves to relieve stress after a long week yinna Bahamian police gone in there harassing people...that is pure nonsense leave people alone and stop harassing people because those young men aint doing nothing wrong those Bahamian officers do the same thing when its time to have fun…”

The promoter of the event, DJ Shakes, was not pleased either, writing on social media: “Imagine having an awesome night out and the law enforcement bull rush the club to search for drugs and firearm like we in Iraq or something, this was the upmost (sic) unprofessional operation I’ve ever seen in my life living in Turks and Caicos.”

As police converged at the location, patrons could be seen exiting the building as officers entered the establishment to carry out searches.

Woman drowns at Grand Turk beach

Police reported this week of the accidental drowning of a senior who was out for a day of swimming.

The incident occurred at about 11:00am on Tuesday, February 28, at a beach in the vicinity of Close Haul Road in Grand Turk.

Based on preliminary reports, a 63-year-old woman went

swimming at the beach and got into difficulties. Shortly after her body was pulled from the sea at about 11:53am, she was pronounced dead by a medical doctor.

Police are continuing their investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death.

As part of the operation, the Commissioner of Police gave authority to the officers to search persons and vehicles at the location. At the end of those searches, a quantity of marijuana was confiscated.

That authority is legally mandated under section 36 A (1) (a) of the Police Force (Amended) Ordinance 2022. The legislation was passed in late 2022 as part of the new Ordinances to tackle national security issues.

This was the first occasion that the amended legislation was applied.

Heading the operation was Superintendent Dean Holden, Head of Crime, Safeguarding and Public Protection, who later spoke

on it.

He said the operation was aimed at disrupting serious and organised crime and was undertaken as a result of intelligence received “suggesting individuals involved in criminality were attending the event.

“Additionally, events of this nature have in the past resulted in incidents of serious violent crime.”

One such occasion resulted in the shooting to death of Andrieka Stubbs, an innocent bystander mistakenly shot on March 23, 2018, by Malik Cox as he attempted to shoot someone with whom he had a grievance.

Cox is currently serving a 30year life sentence for Stubb’s

murder, after his appeal to the Privy Council in December 2022 was dismissed.

Superintendent Holden said the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force will continue to be proactive in undertaking such operations to reduce crime and fear of crime.

“I want to thank the public for their assistance by alerting the RTCIPF to incidents of crime and the suspected perpetrators.”

Meanwhile, police continue to encourage the public to share whatever information they may have regarding any illegal activity in the territory with their nearest police station, or by calling Crime Stoppers anonymously. All Crime Stoppers calls are answered in Miami and in Houston by Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers which is a non-profit and not a police agency.

Police investigating aggravated robberies

Crime detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating two separate incidents of aggravated burglaries which occurred over the weekend on Providenciales.

According to a preliminary report from the Police, on Sunday, February 26, around 11.20 pm a call was placed to the Police Control Room informing officers of a robbery in Woodland Street, Blue Hills, Providenciales.

When the RTCIPF officers arrived, they ascertained that two persons were robbed between 10 pm and 10:30 pm

by two armed men who were wearing dark clothing and masks covering their faces.

“The gunmen stole a black 2010 Nissan March and other valuables before escaping”, the Police said.

A separate robbery that occurred at a villa in Grace Bay on Friday, February 24 around 10:45 pm is also under investigation, the Police stated.

“Having arrived at the scene, the RTCIPF officers interviewed a husband and wife.

“The officers were told, the couple, along with their two children, retired to bed around 9 pm, but were awakened by

two armed, masked men who proceeded to rob them.

“The men then escaped with several valuables.”

The public is being advised to notify the closest police station or to contact Crime Stoppers and give any information regarding these robberies or any illegal activity anonymously.

Crime Stoppers calls are answered in Miami and in Houston by Miami-Dade. Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organisation and not a police agency.

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

Police raided popular local nightclub

Highly visible police operation’ sought to weed out drugs and other illegal activities

Let’s clean our hearts and minds for the real King

Despite the streets and medians being dirty for months, they were cleaned just because Prince Edward and his wife visited the Turks and Caicos Islands. I assumed all of this was done to impress the Royal Couple as we don’t want to give a bad impression of our surroundings. The Royal Couple may be a part of a monarchy, but they are not more important than you and I that live here, and they are not more important than the tourists that spend thousands of dollars to visit our places.

Why don’t we then impress the thousands of tourists that visit our shores by making sure that the streets are always kept clean? Why don’t we impose fines on those individuals that are littering the streets?

However, the real question I

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.

want to ask you is, why don’t we keep our hearts and minds clean for the return of King Jesus?

We knew the schedule of the Royal Couple, but we do not know the arrival time of Jesus Christ. Because we do not know, we need to be prepared. The first thing we need to do is to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour and then live a life that is pleasing

and acceptable to him. Too many of us are living dirty lives. Some of our minds are dirty and some of our hearts are full of dirt. There is so much hatred towards one another especially if you are not of the same nation or race. Nowadays you do not have to be of the same nation, there is hatred within your own family. However, if we claim to be born

again, then why don’t we clean our minds and hearts by loving one another and stop thinking the worst about others? Remember they are your brothers and sisters.

I know it is a challenge to keep our minds and hearts clean but you can do it. You can do so by meditating on the word of God. Furthermore, you need to be conscious of the fact that Jesus Christ can come back anytime, and you do not want him to meet you in that state of mind. Be careful of the company you keep. If you are someone that is easily persuaded and you are with the wrong crowd, your mind and heart can become filthy. Be careful what you watch and think about. If you watch and think about something that is unclean, then your heart and mind may become unclean.

Finally, watch what comes out of your mouth. The Bible states in Matthew 15:11 that it is not what goes in your mouth that defiles you but rather what comes out of your mouth. Therefore, be careful what you say.

Finally, I encourage you to emancipate yourself from mental slavery so stop focusing, worshipping and “kissing up” to the monarchy. After all, you are royalty too. In conclusion, given that it is not easy to maintain a clean heart and mind, please meditate daily on Psalms 51:10-12 daily which states “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.”

A four-day work week is a resounding success

the TCI should embrace it

COVID-19 ruptured the world. It stimulated virtual learning among students at all levels, forced its inhabitants to work from home and inspired the “Great Resignation,” the voluntary mass employees’ resignations from the workforce, during the recent pandemic.

One of the lessons derived from the COVID-19 pandemic is, after extended periods of working from home with no commuting, many people have determined that a work-life balance should be priority.

As is, employees within TCI’s public sector have a five-day work week, while most workers inside the private sector have a six-day

BY D MARKIE SPRING

work schedule. Historically, the five-day work week was adopted by an American mill in 1908 and became standard during the Great Depression.

The six-day work schedule; however, was embraced by most private sector companies in Great Britain in the late 19th century,

when factory owners gave their workers a half day on Saturday before their rest day on Sunday.

Fast forward, it is the end of 2022 and headlines began erupting across news media, heralding the dawn of a new work policy – a four-day work week – in countries worldwide.

Researchers tested a large-scale, independent pilot programme, which follows the “100-80-100” model: 100 per cent pay for 80 per cent of the time, in return for their commitment to retain 100 per cent productivity.

Since then, the Washington Post is reporting that advocacy group, “4 Day Week Global,” in collaboration with the research group, “Anatomy,” and researchers at Boston College

and the University of Cambridge conducted the world’s largest fourday workweek trials.

Dozens of companies and over 3000 employees in Britain participated. The results were favourable and the participating companies have decided to keep the arrangement. More so, 15 per cent of the employee involved touted, no amount of money would convince them to go back to the old schedule!

Henceforth, the TCI is encouraged to embrace such a phenomenon. Government and private sector companies must espouse different methods to ‘meaningfully’ lessen the work week, from the two and one rests days, respectively, to a 32-hour per week schedule – while ensuring 100 per cent of their pay.

The experiment purports, if countries like the TCI adopt this arrangement, employers and employees alike are bound to gain enormously. It would allow workers’ monophasic sleep patterns, and dramatic improvements in the level of stress, private lives and mental health of individuals.

Broadly, companies’ revenues are expected to remain the same; however, participating companies showed a 35 per cent increase in their revenues on average and resignations reduced remarkably – covering a similar period in previous years.

Reflecting on the trial, 56 of the participating companies are implementing the new policy –18 of which have already made it permanent; howbeit, two companies extended the trial, while three decided to scrap the four-day work schedule.

If this trend holds, it would likely spotlight a shorter work week among companies worldwide and the TCI should embrace such a policy, as a possible solution to the extreme level of employee burnout – calling on corporations to withdraw the five-day work week to a more flexible working schedule instead.

The TCI must accelerate with the world or be left behind. However, this is not an impulsive call to implement a four-day work week but to test the idea and weigh the benefits.

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.

TCI’s health care professionals and modern public health

Apart from the threats of infectious diseases like the Covid-19 pandemic, there are a number of other lingering illnesses that are threatening the lives of our people in the TCI and have so for many years. What are we doing as a country to strengthen our resolve in these areas?

Having a state of the art hospital is futile, if and when we fail to provide the needed and best healthcare professionals. Granted, in comparison to other developing countries, I believe we have come a long way and there is no comparison in terms of the reasonable copay cost for treatment.

In retrospect, I would also be remiss if I fail to give kudos to our healthcare professionals for their extraordinary coordination of efforts and stellar response to the Covid-19 pandemic, especially given the scarcity of valuable resources.

Nevertheless, we should continue to seek ways and means to transform our healthcare system and ask what else can be done to improve the health and wellbeing of our population.

For example, with the growing

BY ED FORBES

concerned citizen of Grand Turk

threats of gun violence, we should be exploring the option of setting up an ICU or a trauma unit in Providenciales to help deal with the situation. Many more lives can be saved if victims have access to high level immediate medical care rather than succumbing to their injuries or having to be flown abroad.

To better improve the quality and length of life of our people, our leaders and medical professionals should always strive to avoid significant impact of diseases and trauma related illnesses by taking proactive steps. At the end of the day, it boils down to interventions.

Obesity, diabetes, prostrate and colorectal cancer all appears to be prevalent among many of our residents. The question some of our citizens are grappling with, is whether or not the country is operating at a level of preparedness and strategising how to prevent or mitigate current and future illnesses?

Infectious diseases such as the Covid-19 pandemic, could be one of many diseases lurking around the world. With that being a real possibility, are we doing everything within our financial means to be well positioned to bolster our resilience to these uncertainties?

At the same time, we should be ramping up support and treatment for existing diseases.

I was recently informed by an unnamed doctor that colonoscopy are now being reserved for emergency patients only. To say the least, this was very disheartening to hear. In my opinion, preventative care should be a primary focus.

As a matter of fact, we should be expanding prevention programmes, providing more patient and family support to more people in need, and further accelerate collective data to better treat patients.

Through early screening, we can ensure people are receiving the

best treatments which will enable them to live longer and healthier lives together.

Of course one should take ownership of their health, but our medical team should also do their part to include monitoring the fitness level of patients. In a culture where often times we are hesitant to do annual wellness check, perhaps, going as far as setting up mobile clinics in disenfranchise neighbourhoods to reach those in underserved communities could help with early diagnosis.

Many of these residents may not be as health conscious or lack access to proper transportation services. Although it may not be as apparent, Post Covid-19 impact on the population’s mental and physical health and welfare is also a concern for many residents.

As a country, are we aligning the medical departments operations with the trends identified and boosting our resilience to these threats and concerns? The government should also focus on demanding from the hospitals more specialised care to deal with acute diseases, more highly trained service providers to include additional psychiatrist,

clinical psychologist, optometrist, eye doctor, cardiologist, social workers and experienced nurse practitioners.

What we need is a common pursuit with purpose, like having these specialists readily available and not just on special occasions or certain days of the month which could shorten the wait time. We have to do better for the next generation and everyone affected by these various types of illnesses.

Hospitals and clinics should be a driver and catalyst for a whole new generation of more efficient services. They should be operating within a framework that encourages a culture to promote healthy living.

Through early screening, we can ensure people live longer and healthier lives together. With TCI having a public-private partnership agreement to manage our healthcare system, there should be more accountability and oversight to better serve the growing population.

It’s the right time to act and the need has never been more apparent to discuss and provide innovative solutions to solve some of our country’s healthcare challenges.

DMV staff undergo training as department moves towards digitisation

A series of training sessions are underway for staff of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), as the department moves towards the digitisation of services and upgrading its access to the general public.

The training sessions which began at the beginning of February are ongoing with the aim of having all staff trained and acquainted with the new system to offer a more efficient customer experience when conducting business with the DMV.

In a statement issued on Monday, February 27, 2023, the Department said it understands that this transition may cause intermittent disruptions to office access during regular working hours.

“As a result, the public will be notified when there is a need to

limit access to services offered. “The DMV will make every effort to minimise any inconvenience and ensure that any necessary disruptions are as brief as possible.

“The DMV appreciates the public’s patience and understanding during this transition as it works to improve its services”, the DMV stated.

The Department stressed that it is committed to providing the public with easier access to its services in a timely manner.

The digitisation initiative will allow the DMV to offer a more streamlined service to the public, reducing wait times and making it easier to access services offered by the department.

The training sessions are expected to continue for several weeks.

A

Staff during a recent training session

Fortis’ Science and Technology Fair returns with rousing debate

After a two-year pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this week the FortisTCI National Science and Technology Fair returned, under the theme ‘empowering minds, inspiring innovation, and advancing science for a brighter future’.

The event returned on Thursday, March 2, with two other activities planned for March 8 and 9.

The staple event spanned ten successful years before the hiatus, and this year’s instalment will be featuring four competitions under the science fair umbrella.

These competitions are the FortisTCI National High School Science Debate, National Primary School Science Quiz, National

Science Poster Competition, and National Science Project Competition.

Commenting on the return of the long-running event, FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes stated: “The National Science and Technology Fair is one of our largest and longstanding community events. We are proud to steer the return of this grand occasion during Education Week.”

She said the fair and its associated championships provide a space where ideas are birthed, and innovation can blossom.

“Even during the event’s two-year hiatus, alternative programmes were introduced by FortisTCI to ensure these crucial

FortisTCI’s science and tech fair returns with science debate preliminaries

areas in education remain at the forefront.

“We take pride in our role as good corporate citizens and our ongoing work in youth development and the wider community,” the CEO said.

The National High School Science Debate Preliminaries started the events’ line-up at Fortis headquarters on Thursday.

Seven high schools participated in this debate on a range of topics, such as the reversal of biodiversity

loss, national recycling mandates, greenhouse gas emission targets, human genetic testing, and pharmaceuticals versus “farmerceuticals”, among others.

The debate preliminaries will be followed by the science quiz, debate semi-finals, finals, poster, and project competitions on Wednesday, March 8, and Thursday, March 9, 2023, at Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex during Education Week.

The National Science Project Competition comprises 18 entries from high and primary schools, while the science quiz has 14 primary schools registered to compete. The science poster competition has up to 16 primary and high schools registered. A closing awards ceremony and announcement of winners across all competitions will be held at the sports complex on Thursday, March 9, at 5pm.

South Dock modernisation will be a “game changer” for TCI — opines Premier Misick

Premier Hon Washington Misick said the redevelopment of the South Dock port in Providenciales will be a “game changer” for the Turks and Caicos Islands’ economy.

It is widely acknowledged that South Dock is currently operating beyond its capacity and in need of improvements to keep pace with economic developments taking place in the TCI.

In this regard, Misick said his

government is spending millions to rebuild, rehabilitate, and expand ports across the territory, and the South Dock port which is the territory’s main international port through which more than 90 per cent of imports and exports take place, is high on the government’s list of priorities.

“Our ports are critical to domestic and international trade and growth of the TCI economy, their modernisation and expansion

are a critical component of VISION2040 plans”, Misick said during his State of the State address on Monday, February 27, 2023.

To this end, he revealed that a contract for the construction of Phases One and Two of the South Dock Port Redevelopment has been signed with a local company.

“Vessels with larger loads will be able to berth, this will reduce the shipping costs, the cost of doing

business and the cost of goods”, he added.

The massive expansion project is expected to boost the port’s efficiency by upgrading its cargo handling capacity and equipping it with modern, reliable, and state-ofthe-art infrastructure.

The project is touted to be a climate-resilient and efficient economic asset for the territory.

Misick further disclosed that Phase Two of the modernisation

will include the construction of a new general cargo terminal with two berths, to accommodate two vessels at the same time.

The scope of work to be carried out through five phases will also include the construction of a massive container yard for general cargo and bulk materials, the construction of internal roads and installation of a new scale, and the construction of a safe-water drainage system.

South Dock Port

BTC CONTINUES TO SHARE WITH COMMUNITIES IN TCI

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Recently, the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa launched its annual food drive that was dubbed “Share your Christmas” as part of its efforts to give back to the surrounding communities in Providenciales. The outreach programme, spearheaded by the resort’s Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Department, was created to raise canned and nonperishable food items to support the Department of Social Development of Turks and Caicos, which assists in providing supplemental care and domestic services to vulnerable individuals in the Turks and Caicos Islands, such as single mothers, children, the disabled, and the elderly.

Over the two-month period of the food drive, Beaches team members are invited to donate non-perishable food items including canned food, toiletries, rice, soap, oil, flour, and sugar.

General Manager James McAnally shared that, “As a resort we value the essence of team work as we continue to empower our team to be make a positive impact in the communities in which we operate. With the help of the Environment Health and Safety team, the resort staff and management, we were able to partner with the government entities to provide well-needed supplies for members of the communities who were most in need.”

Shuntal Gibson, EHS Manager, also stated that the Beaches team members have a family spirit and are always willing to help the community in any way they can.

“Beaches Turks and Caicos staff members operate as a family when

it comes on to being helpful. Any opportunity that we get to share and give back to those in need is gladly accepted as we partner in the collection and distribution of food and household items. The items that we received from the team members allowed us to put together packages for distribution which we are anticipating will be well appreciated.”

Gibson also urged other corporations to join in assisting citizens who lost their jobs during the pandemic or are still struggling to recover due to poor health or other unforeseen circumstances.

“As a corporate leader in our local communities we are also sending a charge to other corporate citizens in the community to mobilize and assist in this effort. Those who could once provide productive hours for work are now unable to do so and require corporate assistance. Let us join our hands and hearts to assist those in greatest need.”

“Small acts of kindness can come in the form of donations,” said Devi-Ann Parkins, Red Lane Spa Manager, one of the initiative’s major drivers.

“Because these people are in need, any size donation is welcome, and any contribution will be greatly appreciated. These donations make people in need feel cared for, giving them hope and happiness knowing that they are not alone. Most importantly, it makes them feel loved.”

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Village and Spa is happy that its employees can make a difference in the lives of others by sharing what they have to make TCI and the world a better place.

Beaches Shuntal Gibson and group

Honouring TCI’s trailblazers on International Women’s Day

On this International Women’s Day (March 8, 2023) The Soroptimist Clubs in the Turks and Caicos Islands, honours and shines the spotlight on Soroptimist women who have been and still are actively engaged in politics.

We salute our Sister Soroptimist Hon Emily Saunders, Hon Lillian Boyce, Hon Ruth Blackman, Hon Karen Malcolm, Hon Josephine Connolly and Hon Rachel Taylor. And our country’s first Chief Secretary Hon Cynthia Astwood.

We are grateful for the strength and vigour with which you managed

and carried out your political career in our country; successfully balancing your professional work, travel and family life.

Oh the strength of a woman!

You unselfishly gave of yourself to impact the lives of the citizens of this country without reservations, without apologies. Your services have been impeccable and intentional. We believe that the entire nation joins us in praising you today for your sterling service to country.

Your work and worth have not gone unnoticed. Many will long

remember the kindness of your hands and influence. Many will continue to say that their lives are better because of your efforts in building human capacity. Truthfully, you made our lives better and we thank God for all of you.

You have broken many glass ceilings ladies and have given many young girls and ladies motivation and inspiration to advance beyond the norm. You have given our girls the audacity to hope.

We are always grateful for your dedication and love.

Contributors needed

Do you have a subject of interest that you’d like to share with our readers?

Perhaps you’re a great cook and have created lots of delicious recipes that use local ingredients.

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Or are you an entrepreneur who would like to share tips on setting up a new business?

We need regular contributors

of 400 word articles on a variety of topics for our Lifestyle pages. Get in touch with us at the Turks and Caicos Weekly News and pitch your idea for a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly column. You will have your name in print along with your business contact details if requested.

It’s a great way to share your knowledge and promote your business or start-up. Contact us now at tcweeklynews@gmail.com

TCI looking to join Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation

The Turks and Caicos Islands is looking to become an affiliate member of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation.

Affiliate Members of the CTO are self-governing states linked to a Member State of the Commonwealth of Nations including overseas territories that have joined the membership of the CTO in order to benefit from the Organisation’s programmes.

In addition, they have observer status at the CTO Council and benefit from advisory services in national ICT policy development and implementation for universal broadband access, cybersecurity, regulatory environments and international policy and regulatory benchmarking.

This was recently revealed by Hon Otis Morris, Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation, Broadcasting, Energy and Utilities, and the Telecommunications Commission, who led a delegation to the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) Digital Week from February 20-24, 2023, in London, United Kingdom.

After a four-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the CTO hosted a ‘Digital Week’ under the theme ‘Action for Impact’ which brought together countries from around the world to work together in partnership in the digital transformation journey.

The Turks and Caicos Islands’ delegation included James Astwood –Permanent Secretary; Kenva Williams –Director General,

Hon

Telecommunications Commission; Clayton Been – Chair of the Telecommunications Commission Board of Directors; and Christal Landy, Administrative and HR Officer, Telecommunications Commission.

Ms Bernadette Lewis, Secretary General, CTO, and Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary General, International Telecommunication Union brought remarks to open Digital Week.

The week-long conference featured three important ICT events of the CTO; The CTO Forum

The Inaugural Ministerial Alliance for Digital Nations; and the 60th CTO Council Meeting.

During the Inaugural Ministerial Alliance for Digital Nations, Hon Morris

took part in the ‘Ministerial Caucus Four’ discussion along with other Ministers from Montserrat, the Republic of Guyana, the Independent State of Samoa, and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, according to a statement.

Commenting on the conference Hon. Morris stated: “Digital Week provided a unique opportunity for the CTO member and non-member states to reconnect and to engage with key stakeholders in the ICT sector, and to understand the plans CTO has to move towards digital transformation globally.”

“The Turks and Caicos Islands is looking to become an affiliate member in the near future”, he added.

The CTO is the oldest and largest Commonwealth information and

communication technologies (ICT) organisation.

It was established as the Pacific Cable Board in 1899 to complete a global

telegraph network. In its latest manifestation, the CTO is an international treaty organisation, dedicated to facilitating effective adoption,

ICT and accelerating digital transformation and sustainable development in the Commonwealth and beyond.

Hon Otis Morris with Mr Kenva Williams of the TCI Telecommunications Commission

Members of the TCI Delegation led by Minister Hon Otis Morris.

Otis Morris during his presentation to the delegates at the Conference

PPID remains the ‘engine’ of government – Minister unveils big plans for community development

BY DELANA ISLES

The ministry of physical planning, infrastructure, and development (PPID) may be small, but it is - as emphasised by the minister - an integral part of the government and the territory.

Chatting with media operatives this week, Minister of PPID, Hon Jamell Robinson shared some of the upcoming works within his ministry and what it has accomplished since being in office over the past two years.

“My job is to fight for the resources so we could get more staff to deliver more for the public, but my job also is to help us strategically plan and make sure we streamline our processes so we could do more with what we have already.

“Essentially, this ministry, as small as we are, we are the engine that drives government, we don’t work, government don’t work, and if government don’t work, people like me don’t get re-elected,” Robinson shared during the brunch held at Crackpot Kitchen Restaurant in Providenciales.

As the newly appointed minister, Hon Robinson has promised to fight for the resources to get the necessary work done.

In attendance at that meeting, were heads of department within the PPID ministry, who also shared their departmental accomplishments and plans with the media.

ROAD DEVELOPMENTS

Ian Constantine, Coordinator of Civil Engineer, and Capital Projects, sat in for Director of Public Works, Garvin Thomas. That department consists of three divisions: project management, maintenance, and the mechanical division.

Constantine shared that the public works department is currently involved in several infrastructural works around the territory, with major upcoming road development programmes for Providenciales and Grand Turk.

“A lot of people have been asking when will the roads happen…soon you will see the tenders being released. In these releases, you will see a number of roads for the entire

Providenciales and Grand Turk, but it is not limited to just these two locations.

“As we go, the same things will be done on the sister Islands… but at the moment the release (tenders) are going out for the two locations.”

Constantine shared that regarding the maintenance of roadways, such as signs and signage being replaced, all of this will be done in the road development plans that are set to be rolled out.

“Major studies have been done along the entire Leeward Highway to the ferry port. We intend to rebuild, reinstate and improve several sections; the works will not be done all at once… at various points, people will see that there are minor disturbances but at the moment we are focused on the most critical infrastructure.”

Expanding a bit on the road works for Providenciales and Grand Turk, Minister Robinson said this is estimated at just under $5m, with a new supplementary budget to be introduced for an additional $5m for roads in

South Caicos and Salt Cay with a component for electrification.

He said the annual quota from Fortis for lights, is 250 and they are looking to invest about $1m in solar lights which will ensure another 500.

“So hopefully, over the next year, we will be able to put in another 750 lights across this country, so we want to light up the place.”

This, he noted, is all part of the ministry’s community enhancement programme that will build sidewalks, speed bumps and anything else that communities around the Islands need.

He said since taking over the ministry he has reached out to all members of parliament, explaining:

“The idea is that they would have the pulse… for their constituency even greater than an all-island MP as well as a minister to make sure that we aren’t just delivering things, but are delivering things that people actually want and appreciate.”

He said each constituency will

have its portion of the overall budget and will have a say in how works are delivered.

“I have already notified the Premier and my colleagues we want to ‘bust’ our budget relatively early so when they do a cycle of supplementary we will get more money.”

He has his eyes set on at least half a million dollars for community projects in each constituency over the next budget period.

“I think it is important for us to deliver these tangible things because, as you can see it took about two years to deliver a housing policy, almost a year and a half to deliver the physical national development plan, but the ministry has to deliver things in the interim.

“So while we chase our big goals and deliver those big things, the community enhancement programme can help us deliver smaller things in the meantime so the community can feel like we are working.”

Walkin Marine store destroyed by fire

A ferocious blaze that broke out during the wee hours of Thursday morning has destroyed the S. Walkin and Sons’ marine supply store in Providenciales.

Cell phone videos captured by passersby showed the inferno raging through the store situated just at the entrance of Blue Hills on Millennium Highway shortly after 2 am, March 2, 2023.

Despite the efforts of firefighters who battled to extinguish the blaze, the family-operated retail store which has served the fishing community with boating and marine gear for decades, was engulfed and could not be saved.

However, the efforts of firefighters who responded to the scene are being lauded for preventing an even more catastrophic event as the store is located in the same compound as the Rubis gas station.

According to the Police, an investigation has been launched. They added that while no injuries were reported, the investigating police officers are awaiting a report from the fire department to determine the exact cause of the fire.

Walkin Marine established in the early1990s, was a locally owned and operated family-run business.

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

Crime Stoppers calls are answered in Miami and in Houston by Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers which is a non-profit and not a police agency.

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

Minister of PPID, Hon Jamell Robinson

TCI Community College launches ‘College Month’

The TCI Community College (TCICC) aims to foster a stronger connection with stakeholders in various communities, collaborate with industry personnel, and spotlight the contribution of its alumni association for college month this March.

Unveiling this year’s theme for College Month - ‘Community, Connection, Collaboration’ – was Minister of Education, Hon Rachel Taylor, who joined the leadership team at the college on Wednesday, March 1.

Commenting on the host of activities outlined, Hon Taylor said: “It is our government’s mandate to build the human capacity of our people. The TCICC will play a pivotal role in helping us achieve this through the strengthening of current course offerings and the introduction of new programmes in partnership with our regional and international partners.”

She said it is important that they

bridge the skills gap within the territory, as such it is imperative that opportunities are afforded to upskill and retool TCI youth, as well as lifelong learners as they take advantage of the free access to TCICC.

“To strengthen our TCICC, we had to address our manpower needs that are intentional and strategic, focusing on student support services, communication, human resource, quality assurance and the financial management of the institution.

“I am excited about the future of our TCICC and that our collective efforts will yield the desired results.”

In highlighting the importance of the college to the community, the minister gave an overview of the ministry’s commitment, to which the President of the TCICC, Dr Candice Williams responded:

CONTINUED

Take my advice_ I am not using it

Keep your advice to yourself, because most likely, no-one wants to hear it.

I don’t have a lot of rules that can be applied across-theboard, but “Keep your advice to yourself”, unless directly asked for it, may be one of them. Why? Because my situation is never the same as yours, it is best to avoid generalizing your past with someone else’s present.

I have come to know, throughout my short time here and through the many different people I have known over the years, that we are all unique in so many respects – our inherited temperaments, our learning styles, our histories and our individual limits are never similar. If one thing is true, giving someone else advice may always be completely out of line, or inaccurate one way or the other.

So, with just a few exceptions,

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

stop playing Oprah Winfrey, it is ok to just listen. Here are 8 alternative ways to avoid sharing unsolicited wisdom with everyone you come across.

LISTEN

Just be present and really hear the person out. Listening doesn’t just involve not saying anything. It requires actively listening. If we’re in our own head waiting to say something, we’re not listening. If we have internal dialogue going on, we’re not

listening.

ASK QUESTIONS

Fully try to understand the situation and place yourself in that person’s position. You don’t know everything. You can’t read their mind either. Ask them how they feel about it, why they feel or think that way, what they want to happen, what they’re going to do, etc. Obviously, context matters in exactly what questions to ask.

SHOW EMPATHY

If it came down to just one thing to do instead of giving advice, it would be this. Even for those who wish to give advice. Empathy is essential. I can’t stress the importance of empathy enough.

BE EMOTIONAL SUPPORTIVE

This type of support can also include physical support like a hug or pat on back.

Consider other options and viewpoints than the one you have in mind.

Know that there is not one thing we know 100% of. We all have blind spots. There might be things that you’re overlooking or haven’t considered or thought of.

LEARN TO ACCEPT SOMEONE AS THEY ARE

If you genuinely loved them and were a friend to them, you would let them be and live their life. Let

them make mistakes. Let them figure things out on their own. That’s not being a bad friend. It’s being a good friend. Sometimes they have to see and learn for themselves what we see now.

BE HONEST ABOUT WHAT YOU KNOW

If someone asks a question and you’re not entirely sure, be honest and do the research, then get back to the person. Don’t be afraid of not knowing.

BE AN EXAMPLE

This is helpful if the advice we want to give does not pertain to our friend’s, family member’s or partner’s situations. It’s more effective to influence someone by being a living example of the change or belief we want to encourage. This is called modeling which is a part of observational learning.

TCICC launches College Month under the theme ‘Community, Connection, Collaboration’ (TCICC photo)

– Islanders encouraged to come out and take advantage of ‘free tuition’

O’Brien set to lose control of Digicel after new debt deal

Businessman Denis O’Brien is on course to lose control of Caribbean-based mobile phone business, Digicel, following an overnight deal with bondholders to reduce the group’s debt pile.

The agreement in principle will see holders of around 50% of the entire capital of the business agree to a reduction in the company’s total debt of $1.8 billion through a debt for equity swap.

The result of the transaction, assuming it completes as planned, will be that Mr O’Brien will become a minority shareholder in the business, sources close to the deal have confirmed.

However, Mr O’Brien will remain one of Digicel’s largest single shareholders and an actively involved director of the business.

He has endorsed the proposal as a positive outcome for the recapitalised business, the company said in a statement.

Digicel, which was founded by Mr O’Brien in 2001, has been facing challenges with its substantial debt burden over recent years and has been actively trying to reduce it.

In 2020 it brokered a deal with debtholders for a plan to reduce the burden through a write-down of $1.7 billion of the firm’s then $7 billion debt.

While last July it completed the sale of its Pacific unit for $1.6 billion, using some of the proceeds of that to pay down debt.

Since then the company has been in active engagement with its key creditors over the debt issue.

Digicel, which was founded by Mr O’Brien in 2001, has been facing challenges with its substantial debt burden over recent years

The initial focus was on bonds worth $925m that were to fall due for repayment today, with a further chunk of debt falling due over the next 18 months.

However, in the last year the company’s largest market Haiti has been hit with unrest over the rising cost of living and this has impacted Digicel’s operations and reduced its earnings, leading to a profit warning late last year.

This led the parties to shift focus onto a wider deal that would place the company on a more sustainable debt footing.

Resulting from these talks, agreement in principle has now been reached with a group of bond holders that hold around 50% of the company’s debt.

In a statement, Digicel said it would “comprehensively addresses the company’s debt and ensures business continuity and uninterrupted service to customers.”

The plan remains subject to definitive documentation and other requirements.

As well as reducing the company’s outstanding $4.6 billion debt pile by $1.8 billion, the deal would also reduce annual cash interest by around $110m.

Last week, ratings agency Fitch downgraded Digicel’s credit rating and described the company’s borrowing levels as unsustainable with its operating performance affected by the macroeconomic weakness in Haiti. (rte.ie)

St Lucia in key step towards CCJ accession

Demonstrators for and against a referendum on Saint Lucia’s accession to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) gathered outside parliament in Castries this week.

“We just called on ordinary citizens to come out today,” opposition leader Allen Chastanet told reporters as he arrived for the parliamentary session.

“We need to take a much stronger interest in the governance of our country,” said Chastanet, whose United Workers Party (UWP) wants a referendum on the CCJ accession.

He accused the government of being arrogant, turning a deaf ear, and being drunk on its own selfimportance.

“They are taking over our country and ruining our country

and it’s time for us to stand up,” the former Prime Minister declared, adding that the people should have a voice on critical issues like the CCJ.

However, Prime Minis-ter Philip J. Pierre told reporters on the sidelines of parliament that the court has ruled there was no need for a CCJ referendum.

He described the day as historic.

“Today, we’re going to be removing one of the last barriers of colonialism. We are going to show confidence in our people, confidence in our judges, confidence in our system. I am very proud that Saint Lucia has accepted it,” Pierre stated.

“Today will go down in history as one of the very important days for our children to know that t we had the confidence and trust in our

people to make the CCJ our final court of appeal,” the Castries East MP explained.

Concerned citizen and Community Activist Aaron Alexander supported Saint Lucia’s accession to the CCJ.

The placard-bearing activist declared that Saint Lucia has been under colonialism’s yoke with the Privy Council for too long.

“The CCJ is ours,” he told reporters.

Alexander observed that there was no referendum for Saint Lucia to be part of the Privy Council.

“So why should there be a referendum for us to join the CCJ? That’s nonsense,” he said “Let us have faith and confidence in our own people,” Alexander asserted. (St Lucia Times)

Health Minister Marlon Penn said he believes a means test should be done to determine whether expatriate residents qualify for Belongership or residency status in the BVI.

Penn said there should be a clearer process for Belongership status in the territory and argued that it shouldn’t simply be based on the number of years someone spends in the territory.

“There needs to be other determining factors that determines what makes one a citizen of the Virgin Islands,” Penn said on the Talking Points show yesterday, February 27.

“If you’re going to be a citizen in a country… it has to be a basis. There has to be a means test and a basis in terms of how you become a citizen, just like you go to the US and there’s a process…” Penn stated.

He further commented that there is already a process in place to become a Belonger for persons married to locals.

“Once you are married to a BVIslander, after five years and you could prove that it wasn’t a marriage of convenience or any of those types of things, [then] you get your status,” he added.

The government came under scrutiny during the Commission of Inquiry (COI) for skirting the established law on granting Belongership status after it was found that a government policy demanded that persons only apply after 20 years of residency, instead of 10 years as the law states.

Speaking to the furore over the issue, Penn remarked that the United Kingdom (UK) simply wants the government to uphold what the law says. Penn said it is one of the most critical reforms being undertaken by the government in relation to the COI report’s findings.

Governor John Rankin recently expressed disappointment at the pace of COI reforms and noted that a reviewer (Kedrick Malone) has since been identified to lead a review of the existing policy and processes for granting residency and Belongership status.

That review is also expected to examine the open discretion of Cabinet to grant such statuses and the length of residence required for Belongership, among other things.

Penn said the next steps for that review include research, public consultations and public meetings. (BVINews)

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre

BVI should have a ‘means test’ in place for Belongership — Penn

Regional News

CARICOM trip to Haiti hailed a success by PM Davis

THE CARICOM delegation’s trip to Haiti on Monday was a success, said Prime Minister and CARICOM chairman Philip Davis, adding that it marks the beginning of a journey that will help pave the way towards the holding of free and fair elections in Haiti.

The high-level delegation, led by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, consisted of representatives from The Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago, left for Haiti on Monday to meet with politicians and other officials there to discuss security issues facing the country.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe and Immigration Minister Keith Bell were among the delegation.

But the group did not stay overnight, with some of the delegation members returning to The Bahamas later that day.

Mr Davis described the mission as a “success” and a step in the right direction during a press conference held Monday night after he welcomed the group from their trip.

Earlier in the day, Mr Davis told reporters that the purpose of the mission was to help prepare them for an upcoming meeting that will be held in Jamaica surrounding

issues in Haiti.

“From the briefing given to me, it was a successful trip,” he said.

“I think they had identified the common denominators I think may lead to response to the challenges that are present in Haiti at the moment, particularly the issue relating to security which all of the stakeholders whom they have met — I think they were over 70 — have chimed in on.

“The base line here is ensuring that (the) security of Haiti is secured, and we hope to continue

those conversations and at the very least dialogue has begun.”

Mr Davis also thanked each member of the delegation that travelled to Haiti to start what he described as “a journey towards creating the space for a free and fair transparent election in Haiti”.

He could not say how long it could take for an election to be held but acknowledged that it could take a while, noting that people there need to feel safe in order to vote.

“We don’t think it’s an overnight

fix, but we think that we’re on the right track,” the prime minister also said.

The group’s travel to Haiti comes amid a reported rise of kidnappings and gang violence in the country’s capital.

Mr Munroe was asked about what they saw on the ground in Haiti.

“The Haitian National Police ensured that our (travel) from the airport to the Hotel Montana, which is where we met, was without incident. There was a show on the streets. We saw the environs of people going about their business,” the minister said.

“I could say, and Minister Bell says, they’re a lot more respectful of the police passing and pulling on the side than we are here in New Providence and so we were conducted quite safely and, of course, everyone travelled with their protection officers, so we encountered no difficulties.”

When contacted by The Tribune yesterday, Haitian Chargé d’Affaires Louis Harold Joseph said based on information he received, he also thought the meetings went well.

Mr Joseph also noted that he remains confident that a solution will be found to the crisis in

Haiti following the return of the CARICOM delegation.

“We received a very large delegation from CARICOM,” he said. “We had members from The Bahamas, a large delegation from The Bahamas, Jamaica and CARICOM and during that visit, they paid a courtesy call to the Prime Minister and after that, they went to have a meeting with all the stakeholders in Port au Prince, particularly political parties and members from the civil society and also members from the private sector.

“I think the meeting went well and I know the Prime Minister of Jamaica made some comments. I don’t have them yet, but I can tell you that Haiti received that large delegation from CARICOM, and everything went well.”

Last month, The Bahamas hosted the 44th CARICOM Heads of Government meeting where regional leaders gathered to discuss the crisis in Haiti.

At the end of the three-day high-level talks, member states of CARICOM agreed to provide direct support to the Haitian National Police to help bolster security in the troubled country instead of putting extra boots on the ground there. (Tribune242)

Bermuda: Government drops five-year waiting period for EIC holders

THE Government has dropped a requirement that economic investors in Bermuda have to wait five years after making their initial investment to get a Residential Certificate.

Announcing the change, which will take place at the end of March, Jason Hayward, the economy and labour minister, said the move was being made to reverse the trend to an ageing population.

He said under the existing policy, applicants are granted an Economic Investment Certificate after investing at least $2.5 million in Bermuda through a variety of means including investing in Bermuda companies or buying Bermuda real estate.

The EIC gives them the right to live in Bermuda for five years at which time they are eligible to apply for a Residential Certificate.

Mr Hayward said EIC applicants will now be eligible for the Residential Certificate when they make their initial investment.

He also revealed that the EIC holders will now be able to buy condominiums owned by Bermudians, who have been restricted from selling them to non-

Bermudians.

Speaking in the House, Mr Hayward said since the policy was introduced in 2019, EIC holders had invested $371.6 million in Bermuda, of which $113.4 million was in real estate.

This represents a slight increase since December when he said 27 applications were approved representing 71 people and a total investment of $369 million.

Mr Hayward did not provide a more detailed breakdown, but said generally people invest much more than the minimum.

On the policy change, Mr Hayward said: “It has been determined that Bermuda’s ageing population will have significant implications on the Island’s economic growth if steps are not taken to reverse this demographic trend.

“For this reason, the 2021 Economic Investment Certificate and Residential Certificate Policy has been revised, to allow the Minister to grant a Residential Certificate, pursuant to subsection 32(5) of the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act, without the

need to wait five years after an Economic Investment Certificate has been granted.

“The primary intention of this policy change is to increase and sustain economic activity and to create jobs in Bermuda.”

He said the rights and restrictions under this policy would not apply

to people who hold Residential Certificates under the 2015 or 2003 Residential Certificate policies.

More information on the policy can be found on the Bermuda Business Development Agency website: https://www.bda.bm/ economicinvestment-certificate/

Asked by Opposition MP Scott

Pearman why the rights were not being granted to those who came in under the 2003 and 2015 policies, Mr Hayward said the earlier recipients did not have to demonstrate investment in the community whereas the 2021 investors had put in at least $2.5 million. (RoyalGazette)

The high-level delegation was led by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness

Easing requirements for Economic Investment Certificate-holders may encourage more investments in Bermuda real estate and businesses.

UK PM Sunak visits Northern Ireland after sealing ‘historic’ EU deal

BRITAIN’S Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited Northern Ireland on Tuesday after the UK and European Union sealed a deal a day earlier to resolve their post-Brexit dispute over trade in the region.

Speaking on the BBC on Tuesday morning, Sunak said he believed “hand on heart” that “this agreement is going to make a huge difference” to businesses and people in Northern Ireland.

“That’s what I’m going to talk to people about today, listening to them and explaining how this deal is going to be positive.”

Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the ‘Windsor Framework’ on Monday after agreeing to the final details in Windsor, near London.

It aims to allow for smoother trade between the rest of the UK and Northern Ireland, which was complicated by the old Northern Ireland protocol negotiated in 2020 under then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

“I’m over the moon that yesterday we managed to have a decisive breakthrough with our negotiations with the EU,” Sunak said.

“The new Windsor framework that I think is an extraordinarily positive step for Northern Ireland and it represents […] a historic moment for us to move forward and resolve some of the difficulties of the past.”

The agreement, which will allow goods to flow freely to Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK, could end a dispute that has soured its relations with the bloc.

Now Sunak is waiting for the judgment of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party, which is boycotting the region’s powersharing government until the trade arrangements are changed to its satisfaction.

The DUP collapsed Northern Ireland’s government a year ago, and it has asked authorities to lift customs controls on most products arriving in Northern Ireland from other parts of the United Kingdom.

Sunak said the new rules “removed any sense of a border in the Irish Sea” by eliminating checks and paperwork for the vast majority of goods entering Northern Ireland.

Only those destined to travel onward to EU member Ireland will be checked.

The revised text also gives Northern Ireland’s devolved assembly the power to stop any forthcoming EU legislation that it considers to be inimical to regional interests.

“Today’s agreement delivers smooth-flowing trade within the whole United Kingdom, protects Northern Ireland’s place in our union and safeguards sovereignty for the people of Northern Ireland,” Sunak said.

Von der Leyen stressed that the EU’s borderless single market would be protected by safeguards including “IT access, labels and enforcement procedures” and said the European Court of Justice would remain “the sole and

ultimate arbiter of EU law.”

The role of the European court in resolving any disputes that arise over the rules has been the thorniest issue in the talks.

The UK and the EU agreed in their Brexit divorce deal to give the European court that authority. But the DUP and Conservative Party Eurosceptics insist the court must have no jurisdiction in UK matters.

POTENTIAL BUSINESS BOOST

Under the old Northern Ireland Protocol, many businesses in Great Britain stopped supplying products in Northern Ireland, as the administrative costs were too burdensome.

Some products, such as chilled meats and sausages, were due to be banned entirely due to regulatory differences.

“We’re very, very optimistic about what this new offer is,” says Alan Mercer, manager at Hillmount Garden Centres in Northern Ireland. “Nobody knows the fine details yet, But it seems like a big relief. And we honestly think it could be a game changer that all of a sudden we can actually source plants from England again, and it could speed up the deliveries coming from the mainland.” Concerns however do remain, especially how smaller businesses will be able to navigate the new system. (Euronews)

Putin accuses Ukraine of border ‘terrorist act’ in Russian village

Russian President Vladimir Putin says a Ukrainian sabotage group entered a Russian border region on Thursday and opened fire on civilians in a “terrorist act”.

Earlier the governor of Bryansk region said “saboteurs from Ukraine” had fired at a civilian car in Lyubechane, a border village, killing one person and injuring a child.

Kyiv strongly denied the Russian claim.

The alleged incident has not been independently verified.

Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, tweeted that it was “a classic deliberate provocation”. “RF [Russia] wants to scare its people to justify the attack on another country,” he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russia has previously reported some Ukrainian missile and drone strikes on Russian border areas, including Bryansk region. But

there have been no confirmed reports of Ukrainian ground forces infiltrating Russia.

Mr Putin’s spokesman Dmitry

Peskov said “steps to destroy these terrorists are being taken”. Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) said FSB forces and regular troops were battling “Ukrainian nationalists” who had crossed into Russia.

Speaking on Russian state TV, President Putin said “today they committed another terrorist act, another crime, penetrated the border area and opened fire on civilians”.

“They saw that it was a civilian car, that civilians and children were sitting there, and opened fire. It is exactly such people who set themselves the task of depriving us of historical memory. They will achieve nothing, we will put the squeeze on them,” he said.

A video has appeared online

claiming to show members of the Ukraine-based Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC) outside a local clinic. One armed man in the video, posted on Telegram, says they crossed into Russia.

The investigative journalism group Bellingcat Monitoring describes the RVC as “a unit officially formed last year made up primarily of anti-Putin, antiKremlin Russian far-right figures active in Ukraine”.

Commenting on the RVC claim, a Ukrainian military intelligence official, Andriy Yusov, said “these are people who are fighting with arms against the Putin regime and those who support him... Perhaps Russians are beginning to wake up, realise something and take some concrete steps”. (BBC)

Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

World News

Man arrested after explosive found in luggage at US airport

FBI agents have arrested a man who allegedly brought an explosive device to a Pennsylvania airport on Monday.

Mark Muffley, 40, is accused of putting the device in his checked bag for a flight to Orlando, Florida.

He fled the airport after his name was called over the loud speaker, agents say, and was arrested at home later that evening.

Blinken and Lavrov meet for first time since invasion

US Secretary of State Antony

Blinken has told his Russian counterpart the US will support Ukraine “for as long as it takes”.

Mr Blinken met briefly with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the G20 summit in India.

It is the first time the two have spoken face to face since the start of the Ukraine war one year ago.

A senior State Department official said the discussion in Delhi lasted less than 10 minutes.

Mr Blinken also told Mr Lavrov

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials say they spotted the device during a routine screening.

that Russia should release Paul Whelan, an imprisoned American citizen, and that Russia should rejoin the New START nuclear arms control treaty that it recently withdrew from.

A State Department official told reporters that Mr Blinken had “disabused” Mr Lavrov of any idea that US support for Ukraine is wavering.

The official did not say how Mr Lavrov responded, but said that there was no indication that Russia will change course in the near term.

Officials say Mr Muffley checked in for Allegiant Air Flight 201 at Lehigh Valley International Airport, 65 miles (105km) north of Philadelphia, on Monday morning.

About an hour later, TSA screeners discovered the suspicious item and called FBI specialists, including a bomb technician, to examine the device.

In charging documents, FBI bomb technician Jared Witmier said a 3 inch (7.5cm) device hidden in the lining of the suspect’s rolling suitcase was found to contain fuses and explosive powder.

There was a quick fuse, which appeared to be a part of the original manufacture of the

The suspect was seen on airport cameras leaving the airport

compound, and a hobby fuse, which seemed to have been added post-manufacture, according to the criminal complaint.

The “powder is suspected to be a mixture of flash powder and the dark granulars that are used in commercial grade fireworks”, the FBI court document says.

“The black powder and flash powder are susceptible to ignite from heat and friction and posed a significant risk to the aircraft and passengers.”

The bag also contained “a can of butane, a lighter, a pipe with white powder residue, a wireless drill

with cordless batteries” and two circuit breakers that were taped together.

Five minutes after he was paged over the airport loud speaker, Mr Muffley was seen by security cameras leaving the airport, the court papers say. He was traced to his home in Lansford, Pennsylvania, later on Monday. He is charged with possession of an explosive in an airport and possessing or attempting to place an explosive or incendiary device on an aircraft.

He is due in court on Thursday. (BBC)

Japan just found 7,000 islands it didn’t know it had

Japan has recounted its islands –and discovered it has 7,000 more than it previously thought.

Digital mapping by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI) recently found there to be 14,125 islands in Japanese territory, more than double the figure of 6,852 that has been in official use since a 1987 report by Japan’s Coast Guard.

However, the GSI this week stressed that the new figure reflected advances in surveying technology and the detail of the maps used for the count – it did not change the overall area of land in Japan’s possession.

It said that while there is no international agreement on how

to count islands, it had used the same size criterion as the previous survey 35 years ago.

That entailed counting all naturally occurring land areas with a circumference of at least 100 meters (330 feet).

The new number does not include any artificially reclaimed land.

The islands surrounding Japan have been at the heart of several territorial disputes.

Japan lays claim to the Russianheld southern Kuril islands, which Tokyo calls the Northern Territories, a dispute that dates to the end of World War II, when Soviet troops seized them from Japan.

Seven in hospital from US plane turbulence

Seven people were in hospital after a Lufthansa flight made an emergency landing on Wednesday night in Virginia.

Lufthansa Flight 469 was flying from Austin, Texas, to Frankfurt, Germany, when it experienced “severe turbulence” over Tennessee.

It was then forced to land at Dulles International Airport outside Washington DC.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it is

investigating the incident.

The plane, an Airbus A330, was at an altitude of about 37,000 feet when the turbulence occurred, the FAA told BBC News’ US partner CBS.

Dulles Airport confirmed that seven people on the plane were transported to local hospitals.

Another aviation incident was reported earlier on Wednesday, involving a Spirit Airlines flight bound for Orlando, Florida, that was forced to make an emergency

landing in Jacksonville due to a battery fire in an overhead bin, the FAA said.

One person was reportedly taken to hospital for minor injuries.

In December, severe turbulence on a Hawaii Airlines flight bound for Honolulu injured 36 people, 11 of them seriously.

A total of 20 were taken to local hospitals at the time. Officials said that one person was knocked unconscious and about 10 experienced nausea and vomiting.

Japanese islands, viewed from Mt. Shiude in Mitoyo, Kagawa prefecture

Sergei Lavrov (left) and Antony Blinken (right) last met in Geneva in January 2022

A Lufthansa Airbus A330-343

OPEN JOB POSITION

DATE OPEN: February 27th, 2023

PAINTER

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Applies various finishes to buildings, rooms, or other structures, including primers or sealers.

• Prepares, cleans, and tapes all jobsites.

• Removes old paint coating, if necessary.

• Mixes colors or oils to obtain desired color or consistency.

• Moves necessary materials around jobsite as assigned.

• Cleans up worksite debris.

• Using fillers such as putty and plaster to repair cracks. This position is currently held by an expatriate worker.

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

Salary Range: $7.25 per hour.

DATE OPEN: February 27th, 2023

LABOURERS

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

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

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

• Maintains clean/dry floors throughout the shift.

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

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

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

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

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

Qualified Islanders can email their resume to turcrehu02@clubmed. com: however candidates must submit a copy of their resume to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2 Salary Range: $7.25 per hour.

DATE OPEN: February 27th, 2023

DOMESTIC WORKERS

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Being able to use the equipment safely and efficiently.

• Ability to bent, lift, and walk upstairs.

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

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

This position is currently held by an expatriate worker.

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

Salary Range: $7.25 per hour.

DATE OPEN: February 27th, 2023

DOMESTIC WORKERS

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

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

• Frequent bending, pushing, pulling, and kneeling.

• Re-set dinner rooms tables and terraces.

• Clean dining rooms tables and terraces.

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

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

• Work cohesively with restaurant waiters, waitresses and supervisors.

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

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

Salary Range: $7.25 per hour.

DATE OPEN: February 27th, 2023

KITCHEN HELPER

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

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

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

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

• Ensure all food and other items are stored properly.

• Proven experience as kitchen helper.

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

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

• Very good communication skills.

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

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

Salary Range: $7.25 per hour.

DATE OPEN: February 27th, 2023

LABOURERS

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

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

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

POSITION AVAILABLE: MECHANIC

Must be a certified level 2 Jaguar & Land Rover Auto Mechanic with minimum 5 years of experience, with expertise to work on our other Brands

Must be able to perform vehicle diagnostics and updates using SDD, IDS, Chrysler wiTECH, Starscan, DRB III, Tech 2, NGS, and Fiat Examiner

Diagnostic equipment

Maintains vehicle functional condition by listening to customers / operator complaints; conduct inspections; repair engine failures; repair mechanical and electrical systems malfunctions; and replace parts and components according to manufacturer standards

Keeps shop equipment operating by following operating instructions; troubleshooting breakdowns; maintaining supplies; performing preventive maintenance; calling for repairs.

Must hold a valid driver license with a clean, insurable, driving record; must be able to drive manual and automatic transmissions

This Ad is for work permit renewal. However, this position is open to all qualified Turks & Caicos Islanders.

Remuneration: Basic Wage (Retainer) - $7.40 per hour plus commission.

Drop your resume off at Mac Motors Ltd. 1089 Leeward Highway, Providenciales TCI or contact us on 649-339-3841 or email at jodell@claymore.tc

JOB FAIR

RESPONSIBLE. RELIABLE.

PROFESSIONAL PRESIDENTIAL SECURITY LTD.

THE PREMIER SECURITY COMPANY.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 25, 2023

10:00AM – 2:00PM

(JUST PAST DO IT CENTER)

Our Growing and Professional company is seeking the employment of individuals that are looking for an exciting and rewarding career in the Security Industry.

Positions Available: Security Officers, Security Supervisors, Human Resources

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrate written and verbal communication in the English language (must)*

• Integrity, Honesty and Reliability

• Authoritative, Observant, Punctual and strong

• Ability to flexible shifts and long hours

• To perform patrol checks and security service to client’s properties Salary - as of April 2023 will be $ 9.00 per Hour

**BELONGERS ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

35078

CLUB MED TURKOISE OPEN JOB POSITION

CONTINUED U

• Maintain Controlling stocks for daily use in the department (cleaning products, mop heads, etc.).

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

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

• Participate in dishwashing, garbage removal, silver polishing, pot washing or any other areas as necessary in accordance with department needs.

• Ensure water temperature, and chemical level/proper uses of chemicals are appropriate for cleaning. Ability to work overnight shifts and splits.

• Collect towels from around beach and pool.

• Ability to multitask, responsible, organize, basic repairs and basic culinary skills.

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

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

• Ability to comprehend and communicate in fluent English.

• Excellent communication skills through effectively communicating with guests and management.

This position is currently held by an expatriate worker.

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

Salary Range: $7.25 per hour

Candidates must have the ability to be on time and present for all scheduled shifts, split shifts, overnight shifts and including weekends and Holidays.

To assist in cleaning and sanitizing the kitchen stations.

To assist in washing dishes, utensils, mopping and sweeping kitchen floors. Basic Salary: $7.50 Hourly

CONTACT:

TC DEFENDERS

Is seeking a Qualified

MANAGING AUTO

MECHANIC / TECHNICIAN

The successful candidate should have a minimum of ten years’ experience and have formal training and qualifications within the trade. The candidate needs be fully conversant with a wide variety of computer diagnostic tools, software and scanners such as Autel 906BT, Launch X431 and Easimap. Well-rounded experience is a must with strong administrative skills plus the ability to motivate PLEASE

and train junior mechanics.

The successful Candidate will be responsible for managing every aspect of the auto shop, providing diagnostics, supervising all work and administration and ensuring the workshop operates efficiently

It is expected that the role will require on the tools participation initially.

BLUE WATER DAY SPA

Is seeking a full-time

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Duties are:

• Assessing clients and their needs

• Perform full body massage

• Assess soft tissues and joint of body for treatment

• Promote individual health and wellness

Salary: $400.00 weekly

Contact:

BLUE WATER DAY SPA

10 Ketch Court, Turtle Creek, Providenciales

TEL: 649-231-4429

Email: michelle.l.h.swann@ gmail.com

BELONGERS SHOULD SUBMIT A COPY OF RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD

STORE CLERK

Receive, price and display Stock

Must be able to move 40lbs boxes

Salary: $6.50 an hour

Position will be required to work nights, long hours, weekends and holidays.

Ability to speak English, French, Spanish and other languages will be a necessary

Is seeking to employ a

SECURITY OFFICERS

Responsibilities: To maintain a safe and secure environment for customers/clients. Patrolling, deterrence, monitoring and securing properties and business establishments. Surveillance Skills, Deals with Threats, exercising excellent Judgment, Objectivity, Dependability, Conflict Management, Integrity, Safety Management, Professionalism, Reporting Skills, CCTV and Security Alarm knowledge are desirable.

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

WOODWORK ELECTRICAL PLUMBING DRYWALL

Must have certification in the corresponding position.

Salary $9.00 per hour

Must be willing to work six days a week, including weekends and public holidays.

CONTACT: 649-946-7366

EMAIL: MANAGER@PINNACLEONGRACEBAY.COM

DRIVER POSITION AVAILABLE

General Duties:

• Ability to drive and operate containerized Hammar Lift Trucks to transport cargo to/ from the Port to Warehouse/ Customers

• Cleaning & daily maintenance of all motorized equipment

Requirements:

the past five years

• Basic knowledge of trouble shooting regular mechanical issues

• Excellent communication skills in English with the ability to write legibly and compute simple mathematics

Salary $7:00 per hour plus benefits TURKS AND CAICOS

• Valid TCI driver’s license and proof of safe driving record over

CONTACT-333-6577

WARD’S CONSULTANCY

SOUTHWIND MILLWORK

P.O Box 176, Provo Tel: 649-946-5700

Salary: $12.00 p/h

Do all forms of millwork in the shop

FIBER WORKS

Cooper Jack, Provo Tel: 649-333-0980

Salary: $3000.00 monthly

Resolve, repair and install fiber optics systems and ensure that they work properly

A & L TRUCKING South Dock Road, Provo

Salary: $8.00 p/h

Load and unload cargo Tel: 649-246-5644

ATTENDANT

CAMCO ENTERPRISES

Crescent Street, Grace Bay, Provo Tel: 941-8821

Salary: $7.50 p/h

Folding laundry & Keep an updated inventory of laundry BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD. THESE POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY WORK PERMIT HOLDER

JEWELRY

Salary: Starts at $10 per hour for 44-hour workweek.

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

Salary: $7.00 hourly

CONTACT: 231-0278

Performing

Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc. Salary: $7.00 hourly

CONTACT: 348-5133

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

DRYWALL FINISHER

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

CONTACT: 331-0635

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

CONTACT: 243-3645

DOMESTIC WORKER

LIVE-IN MAID

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

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

CONTACT: 344-6949

MECHANIC

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

CONTACT: 232-5501

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 344-2390

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Installs pipes and fixtures, such as sinks and toilets, for water, gas, steam, air, or other liquids. Installs supports for pipes, equipment, etc.

Salary: $10.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 343-1087

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

CONTACT:

Cleaning outside the property, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 341-8483

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

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 347-8694

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

JOB VACANCIES

DATE OPEN: February 9th, 2023

START DATE: ASAP

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

PROPERTY: Point Grace Resort

Job Requirements:

Ultimately to monitor the work activities, ensuring everything meets industry standards which is a critical factor in maintaining and strengthening our structural reputation. Engineering course, undergraduate or vocational school graduate with good verbal and written communication skills. Must have at least seven (3-5) years work experience in engineering/facilities equipment operations and maintenance gained in hospitality or other industries.

Responsibilities:

• Working knowledge of electrical, mechanical equipment and plumbing trouble shooting

• Working knowledge of swimming pool operation and water chemistry

• Working knowledge of sewage treatment plant operation and maintenance

• Knowledge of computers and its peripherals

• Planning and executing preventative maintenance of suite and equipment within

• Knowledge of Operational Health and Safety Standards

• Knowledge of basic kitchen equipment maintenance and trouble shooting

• Knowledge of industry storekeeping procedures

• Must be computer literate and technology savvy, particularly for ordering and follow up processes

• Must be familiar with electrical and mechanical parts Shift varies. Full time. Weekend and holiday work may be required.

This position is currently held by an expatriate worker. Qualified Islanders need only to apply copying applications to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2.

Salary Range: $3,000.00 - $,500.00 per month

DATE OPEN: February 9th, 2023

START DATE: ASAP

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

PROPERTY: Point Grace Resort

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Engineering course, undergraduate or vocational school graduate with good verbal and written communication skills. Must have at least seven (35) years work experience in engineering/facilities equipment operations and maintenance gained in hospitality or other industries.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Working knowledge of electrical, mechanical equipment and plumbing trouble shooting

• Working knowledge of swimming pool operation and water chemistry

• Working knowledge of sewage treatment plant operation and maintenance

• Knowledge of computers and its peripherals

• Planning and executing preventative maintenance of suite and equipment within

• Knowledge of Operational Health and Safety Standards

• Knowledge of basic kitchen equipment maintenance and trouble shooting

• Knowledge of industry storekeeping procedures

• Must be computer literate and technology savvy, particularly for ordering and follow up processes

• Must be familiar with electrical and mechanical parts Shift varies. Full time. Weekend and holiday work may be required.

This position is currently held by an expatriate worker. Qualified Islanders need only to apply copying applications to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2.

Salary Range: $9.00 – $11.00 per hour

DATE OPEN: February 9th, 2023

START DATE: ASAP

EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER

PROPERTY: Point Grace Resort

JOB OVERVIEW:

We are looking for an Executive Housekeeper to lead our Housekeeping team and ensure we provide excellent customer satisfaction. Ultimately to monitor the work activities of cleaning personnel to ensure that they are providing a clean, orderly, and attractive environment for guests and everything meets industry standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee staff on a Daily basis

• Train housekeepers on cleaning and maintenance tasks

• Check rooms and common areas, including stairways and lounge areas, for cleanliness

• Schedule shifts and arrange for replacements in cases of absence

• Establish and educate staff on cleanliness, tidiness and hygiene standards

• Motivate team members and resolve any issues that occur on the job

• Respond to customer complaints and special requests

• Monitor and replenish cleaning products stock including floor cleaner, bleach and rubber gloves

• Participate in large cleaning projects as required

• Ensure compliance with safety and sanitation policies in all areas

Shift varies. Full time. Weekend and Holiday work may be required. Qualified Islanders need only to apply copying applications to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2.

Salary Range: $4,500.00 – $5,000.00. Negotiable depending on qualifications and experience.

DATE OPEN: February 9th, 2023

START DATE: ASAP

ROOM ATTENDANT (2)

PROPERTY: Point Grace Resort

JOB OVERVIEW:

We are looking for a professional Housekeeper able of attending to our facilities with integrity and attention to detail. The goal is to create a clean and orderly environment for our guests that will become a critical factor in maintaining and strengthening our reputation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform a variety of cleaning activities such as sweeping, mopping, dusting and polishing

• Ensure all rooms are cared for and inspected according to standards

• Protect equipment and make sure there are no inadequacies

• Notify superiors on any damages, deficits and disturbances

• Deal with reasonable complaints / requests with professionalism and patience

• Check stocking levels of all consumables and replace when appropriate

• Adhere strictly to rules regarding health and safety and be aware of any company-related practices

This position is currently held by an expatriate worker. Qualified Islanders need only to apply copying applications to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2.

Salary Range: $8.00 – $8.50 per hour

DATE OPEN: February 9th, 2023

START DATE: ASAP

ASSISTANT SERVER

PROPERTY: Point Grace Resort

Job Overview:

We are looking for a professional Assistant Server able to perform within our facilities with integrity and attention to customer detail. The goal is to provide customer service and take orders from our guests that will become a critical factor in maintaining and strengthening our reputation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform a variety of activities such as taking orders, answering questions about the menu, it’s food and drinks

• Responsible includes taking payment, communicating orders with the kitchen staff, seating customers

• Provides guests with customer service and assists with minor cleaning when necessary

• Ensure all food service areas are presentable, cared for and inspected according to standards

• Protect utensils and service equipment, making sure there are no inadequacies

• Notify superiors on any damages, deficits and disturbances, or guest issues

• Adhere strictly to rules regarding health and safety and be aware of any company-related practices

• Ability to work flexible shifts and stand for long periods of time Shift varies. Full time. Weekend and holiday work may be required.

This position is currently held by an expatriate worker. Qualified Islanders need only to apply copying applications to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2. Salary Range: $8.00 – $8.50 per hour

DATE OPEN: February 9th, 2023

START DATE: ASAP

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF

PROPERTY: Point Grace Resort

JOB OVERVIEW:

Responsible for Kitchen and Stewarding Staff and Quality of Hotel Food. Working under limited supervision, the primary function of this position is to assist the Executive Chef in all areas of kitchen production and maintain cost effectiveness in accordance with the hotel

standards. The scope of this position may also include assisting with the responsibility for stewarding tasks in accordance with established standards and practices. Thus supporting a strong work environment for Kitchen and Stewarding Staff which is a critical factor in maintaining and strengthening our quality and reputation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise and participate in the preparation of food for restaurants, banquets and room service according to established policies and procedures.

• Assure adherence to The Hotels standards of food quality, preparation, recipes and presentation;

• Assist in the overseeing of all kitchen operational areas;

• Supervise the proper setting up of each item on menus and ensures their readiness;

• Store unused food properly to minimize waste and maximize quality;

• Follow proper staffing guidelines and adequate supplies for all stations;

• Plan and requisition food as needed; discusses requisitions with Executive Chef.

• Ensure proper safety, hygiene and sanitation rules, practices and procedures are followed.

• Assure a smooth kitchen operation by coordinating with related Food & Beverage Departments.

• Check stocking levels of all consumables and replace

• Prepare list of perishable items on a daily basis at each outlet to ensure proper rotation and utilization.

• Confer closely with the Executive Chef at all times and takes every opportunity to become familiar with all aspects of the position in order to fill in whenever required.

• Meet and exceeds customer and team member expectations by providing service and department teamwork;

• Communicates effectively with customers, coworkers and management;

• Prepare reports, as requested, for improved management decision making and critical evaluation of work activities;

• Controls food costs properly by maintaining accurate records of all food ingredients used for banquets;

• Ability to work flexible shifts and stand for long periods of time

• Adhere to hotel policies and procedures;

• Perform other duties from time to time as requested by the Executive Chef or as Business Needs dictate.

Shift varies. Full time. Weekend and holiday work may be required.

This position is currently held by an expatriate worker. Qualified Islanders need only to apply copying applications to the Commissioner of Labour & Work Permit Board Zone 2.

Range: $4,000.00 - $4,500.00 per month

‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ dominates SAG Awards

“EVERYTHING Everywhere

All

at Once” continued its out-of-thisworld awards season at Sunday’s Screen Actors Guild Awards, winning four honors including the top prize of outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture.

Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian performer to win female film lead for her performance in the multiverse-jumping dramacomedy, while Ke Huy Quan became the first Asian person to win best male supporting actor.

“This is not just for me. This is for every little girl that looks like me,” Yeoh, 60, said in an emotional acceptance speech at the

Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian performer to win a female film lead

Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City, Calif.

“Thank you for giving me a seat at the table, because so many of us need this. We want to be seen. We want to be heard, and tonight you have showed us it is possible.”

TCI Community College ...

CONTINUED FROM  28

“This month is just a snapshot of what is happening at the college, and we look forward to the support of students and the general public”.

Williams said the expansion of the college underscores that significant changes are ahead as the broadening of offers will continue, and the robust TVET programme will aid in building human capital in TCI.

Dr Barbara Ambrister, chair of the Board of Governors, also spoke of the Board’s support of College Month.

Dr Ambrister pledged the Board of Governors’ full support in helping TCICC achieve its vision of becoming the institution of first choice for education and training in the Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond.

“We are collaborating with industry personnel and forming lasting connections with various communities while increasing access to quality education and training programmes, placing this vision within reach,” she noted.

MONTH OF ACTIVITIES

Quan, who debuted as a child actor in 1984’s “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” went nearly two decades between roles during the 2000s. He also won Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice honors this year.

She said the Board recognises that the success of the college depends on the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Education, the Board of Governors, the Executive leadership team, and the staff of the TCI Community College.

An important part of the month of activities is increasing the positive visibility of the college to becoming the institution of first choice for education and training in the TCI.

To this end, the college will be increasing access to tertiary education for residents in the sister islands as it opens its first of two satellite campus sites. The first site will open in South Caicos, with a second site in North Caicos in the coming months.

The TCI Community College will host a Maritime Stakeholder Engagement session to build human capital in the Blue Economy. This is scheduled for March 21, at the Blue Haven Conference Room from 6 to 8pm.

Tour and excursion operators, hoteliers, boat captains, shipping companies, and others within the Maritime industry are advised to register to attend to learn about the various training opportunities (STCW, Boat Captain Licenses among others).

An open house event will be held at the Grand Turk and Providenciales campuses that will showcase the various programme offerings of each faculty. TCICC will then take the road with its first campus tour, which will be held on each island.

The public is encouraged to attend these events to learn about the various training and programme offerings, how they qualify for free tuition and pre-apply for the upcoming academic year.

During this month, the faculty of education and training will host its trash to treasure competition which will give teachers, parents, and students the opportunity to be innovative in using recyclable materials and re-imagining them to design a creative space for learning for students.

While this competition is for the primary grades, high school students can participate in the open day and campus tour events to learn about the sustainability projects that will be undertaken by TCICC.

Several other events are planned for the month, details of which can be found on the college’s website: www.tcicc.edutc or via social media, Facebook – OfficialTCICC and Instagram and Twitter @tcicc_ official.

Industry Stars shine bright at the TCHTA Star Awards

BY S.OMEGA SIMMONS TCHTA Communications Manager

The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) proudly presented its 14th instalment of the Star Awards last weekend.

This heavily anticipated event heralds the roles played by the top performers in the hospitality

industry in the Turks and Caicos.

Reputed as a night of glitz and glamour, more than 300 individuals were treated to a felicitous time of pomp and circumstance poolside at Beaches Resort’s French Village.

Housekeepers of the Year, Ambassadors, TCHTA Shining Stars, Employees of the Year, Supervisors and Managers of the Year, Taxi Driver and Entertainer

of the Year, Hotel, Restaurant, and Hotelier of the Year, and those considered the Heart of Hospitality, were all celebrated in fine fashion on this occasion, aptly held outdoors under the stars.

The awardees, flanked by their executive teams, were applauded for their hard work and commitment and thanked for being the reason Turks and Caicos is

number one.

This is what makes Star Awards unique: the housekeeper or maintenance worker, typically donning a uniform daily while toiling away sight unseen, can dress in their red-carpet-worthy attire and enjoy a night of merriment in the company of their supervisors and managers, there to honour them.

The keynote speaker was Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick; Minister of Tourism, Hon Josephine Connolly; TCHTA President, Trevor Musgrove, and TCHTA’s CEO, Stacy Cox, who brought the night’s vote of thanks.

“As an organisation, this event is one of the highlights of the year for us. It allows us to come face-toface with you and thank you openly

for the hard work and sacrifices you deliver to this industry,” Musgrove said.

“Make no mistake; tonight is all about you. We are here to celebrate your achievements and acknowledge you as the faces of excellence in our country’s number one industry.”

The Premier and Minister of Tourism’s remarks echoed those of Musgrove, each lauding thanks and accolades to the deserving awardees who work diligently to maintain the standard of excellence for the destination.

The celebrants enjoyed a

luxurious evening of fine dining and entertainment, dazzled by saxophonist Dexter “DaxX” Landy, whose opening number was a beautiful instrumental serenade, and the Beaches Resort Entertainment Team, delivering two show-stopping numbers that evoked roaring applause.

The excitement in the air was palpable, and the evening’s emcee, Bianca “Queen Bee” Harvey, and disc jockey Drexler Smith of Prime DJs ensured that every moment of the night was upbeat and engaging.

The TCHTA used a jaw-

dropping video rendition of the Turks and Caicos National Song, produced by Andre Kerr of Spotlight Communications. The piece is a captivating representation of Turks and Caicos’ landscapes and its people. This was a standout moment of national pride during the event.

Reflecting on the spectacular night, CEO Cox said: “It was a fitting celebration to honour our 2022 top performers, and we are grateful to everyone who supported so vigorously.”

The CEO held high praise for

the delivery by the Beaches Team, hosts of the night’s event. “The way they transformed the space for this event is nothing short of amazing. The décor was captivating, and the team delivered without missing a beat. It was perfection.”

The evening’s co-sponsors, Rubis, Fortis TCI, and CSC Insurance Brokers Ltd. all played a part in the presentation of awards throughout the evening. The TCHTA extends thanks to these sponsors and to its members for their support.

Hotel of the Year was won by Point Grace Resort, with James

McAnally of Beaches Turks and Caicos, winning the title of Hotelier of the Year. These categories were awarded by vote, open to all members of the TCHTA. Award winners in the other categories will be displayed on the TCHTA’s official Facebook page @officialtchta.

The organisation shares its thanks with the wider community for acknowledging these bright stars and encourages all to stay tuned for the 15th annual Star Awards event which will be one of epic proportions.

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.

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

CONTACT: 649-247-4090

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

MIRACLE SOUPS & PASTRIES

Salary: $7.00 Hourly

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

CONTACT: 241-5138

REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE NOTICE OF LOST LAND CERTIFICATE

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

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

Dated this 21st day of October 2022

Signed

Toni-Ann-Foster

Acting Land Registrar

TURQUOISE LANDSCAPING

#8 LEEWARD DRIVE, LONG BAY, PROVIDENCIALES Is seeking to employ

2 IRRIGATION TECHNICIANS

• Pay-$7.00/hr depending on experience

• Must be familiar with commercial and residential irrigation systems.

• Must be able to assist to maintain, install, troubleshoot and fix irrigation systems.

• Must have a detailed working knowledge of the entire system

from water source to pump to drippers.

• Must be willing to work in close proximity to “grey water” which can be smelly.

• Must possess basic plumbing skills.

• Must be able to assist with the design of irrigation

CONTACT: 649-332-4280 OR EMAIL: TURQUOISELANDSCAPING@TCIWAY.TC TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD. THIS POSITIONS IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL AND A NEW POSITION

Bark & Bliss Ltd. is seeking a qualified individual for the following position. Only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and requirements will be considered. All candidates must be willing to work unusual hours including weekends and public holidays. All candidates must be nonsmokers. Applicants will be required to have a valid passport, the ability to travel globally, and pass a written skills test.

This position is not occupied by a Work Permit holder. Qualified Turks Islander applicants are invited to apply or forward resumes to the Labour Board.

ASSISTANT OFFICE MANAGER

Salary - $40,000

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

● Supports company operations by maintaining office systems

● Maintain current documents and manage all filings

● Maintains office efficiency by organizing office operations and procedures, controlling correspondence, designing filing systems, reviewing and approving supply requisitions and assigning and monitoring clerical functions

● Liaise with suppliers for general office functions and maintain inventory

● Completes operational requirements by scheduling and assigning appointments

● Provides historical reference by defining procedures for retention, protection, retreival and disposal of records

● Keeps management informed by reviewing and analyzing special reports; summarizing information; identifying trends

● Contributes to team efforts by accomplishing related results as needed

Experience & Qualifications:

● 5+ years of working in an operations role within an office environment

● 5+ years experience with business analytics and reporting

● 5+ years of advanced experience with Adobe Pro and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Evet).

● 5+ years creating and implementing systems and procedures

● 5+ years creating and maintaining training and policy manuals

● 5+ years of inventory tracking and supply orders

● 5+ years experience with marketing, social media, Canva, Photoshop, photo editing, and photography

● 5+ years managing, supervising, and maintaining physical premises

● 5+ years working directly with the owner/s and/or director/s

● 5+ years building relationships with suppliers

● 5+ years of creating and managing budgets and projects

● Must have the ability to travel globally easily without a visa.

ANJ CATERING

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 244-1801/ 244-1809

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

Salary: $350.00 Weekly

CONTACT: 245-4898

JOIN OUR TEAM!

CLAIMS ADJUSTER

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Investigate claims in a timely manner, understand, analyze and apply policy components to evaluate coverage, maintain appropriate claim file documentation, Communicate claim activity regularly to the manager as required, perform other duties as requested and assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

General Automotive Knowledge, experienced in auto damage appraisals and inspections. Having Prior claims experience and insurance background is a plus. Detail oriented and have excellent customer service - written and verbal communication skills, Able to prioritize and balance multiple projects simultaneously, Have a great attitude and a team player. Be computer literate. Multi-lingual (Creole/Spanish) is a plus!

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES FOR SKILLED MARINE OPERATORS

1. Operation and Management of Heavy Equipment on and offshore for Marine

2. A minimum of five years’ experience to include:

o Vinyl and Steel Sheet Pile Installation

o DIP, Augered and CFA Pile Installation

o Timber pile installation and Dock Construction

o Suction and mechanical dredging and dewatering.

o Excavation, Grading and Backfilling

o Breakwater boulder placement and shaping

3. Equipment Maintenance to Include, Fuelling, Oil and filter changes, greasing,

site plans.

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

CONTACT: 348-3812

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Cares for garden on a daily basis.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 649-232-3265

TONY’S PLACE

KITCHEN HELPER

Preparing the workstation for the cook. Keeping the kitchen area clean and tidy at all times.

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 345-8613

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR

HAIRDRESSER

Duties:

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

Woodwork Electrical Plumbing Drywall

Must have certification in the corresponding position. Salary $9.00 per hour

Must be willing to work six days a week, including weekends and public holidays.

CONTACT: 649-946-7366

EMAIL: MANAGER@PINNACLEONGRACEBAY.COM

REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE, CAP 9.01 NOTICE OF LOST LAND CERTIFICATE

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

CONTACT: 649-342-9434

CONTACT: 649-344-2733

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

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

Mr. Anthony S. Kikivarakis Sr.

Official Liquidator

TCI Bank Limited (in Liquidation)

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

Date this 22 day of November, 2022.

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

Nicholas Arculus Registrar of Lands

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

IMMEDIATE OPENING

ROOM DIVISION SUPERVISOR

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Orient employees to the department and resort and provides on-the-job training on job responsibilities.

• Prioritize and assigns work.

• Provide feedback to the employee and department manager on the employee’s performance of job responsibilities.

• Greet guest and process resort registration.

• Keep current on and promotes resort accommodations, services and area attractions.

• Respond to guest inquiries for information.

• Arrange for services requested by the guest by working with other departments as appropriate.

• Stay current with developments in the resort by reviewing and updating the communication log.

• Offer guest updated rooms and promotes resort amenities, food and beverage outlets and services.

• Make reservations in accordance with resort’s yield management practices.

• Process customer credit at check-in in accordance with resort policy.

• Identify and record special billing instructions and notify Accounting.

• Obtain appropriate approvals and signatures.

• Follow resort policy on cash banks.

• Monitor lobby traffic and adjust accordingly.

• Any other ad hoc duties or tasks as assigned or directed by management.

KEY SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Skilled in the use of techniques and strategies required to deliver training material in group and one-on-one settings.

• Understand the reservations process including the role of the WRS, distribution channels and reservations flow.

• Demonstrate ability to proactively prioritize needs, put first things first, and effectively manage resources and time.

• Demonstrate ability to relate to, communicate with, and motivate employees to sustain high performance and quality levels.

• Position requires walking and giving direction most of the working day. Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 5 hours in length. Length of time of these tasks may vary from day to day and task to task.

• Must be able to exert well-paced ability to reach other departments of the hotel on a timely basis.

• Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally.

• Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity.

• Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, supervisors and subordinates.

• Vision occurs continuously with the most common visual functions being those of near vision and depth perception.

• Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment.

• Must have finger dexterity to be able to operate office equipment such as computers, printers, 10-key adding machine, multi-line touch tone phone, filing cabinets, FAX machines, photocopiers, dolly and other office equipment as needed.

Starting salary $12.0o to $14.00 per hour not including service charge.

PROCUREMENT & LOGISTICS ADMINISTRATOR *

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Prepare regular inventory and cost reports.

• Plan, direct, and manage the central procurement activities of the company.

• Evaluate overall revisions, price and past performance of each purchase order and approve price increases.

• Research and evaluate commodity areas and make recommendations for standardization.

• Supervise and participate in the preparation of written financial and administrative reports.

• Create responses to special correspondence and handle special assignments and problems.

• Establish priorities, assign workloads and review the more difficult and complex assignments.

• Interpret contract provisions and review purchase orders terms and conditions for accuracy and changes prior to bid and renewal.

• Provide liaison between vendors, contractors, and company department

• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide targeted service levels.

KEY SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have construction and/or engineering work experience (preferably within the Caribbean), including project administration, procurement and management of logistics.

• Must be able to stand and work outdoors for an extended period of time

• Weekend and flexible shifts are a must

• Must have excellent written and oral communication.

• Must be reliable and professional

• Must be proficient with computers, including Excel and Word

• Must be able to multitask and follow directions.

• Must be detailed oriented.

• Required knowledge and skills:-

o International procurement.

o Shipment consolidation.

o Shipping/tracking.

o Inventory and stock monitoring.

o Material take-offs, quantities and job costing.

o Labour allocation and manpower distribution reports.

o Involvement in general project administration.

o Strong negotiation skills

Salary for this position ranges from $3,000.00 to $4,200.00 and is based on previous experience and qualifications.

DEMI CHEF DE PARTIE*

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Must be able to "prep" food products, using standardized food preparation techniques and learn menus, recipes, preparation and presentation

• Acceptable knife skills

• Prepare all orders turned in by wait-staff using Resort’s standard recipes with focus on consistency while ensuring all orders are cooked quickly and according to order

• Maintain the work area, including all counter tops, utensils, equipment, and refrigeration in a clean and sanitary condition.

• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned that is not listed in your job description.

KEY SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able and willing to work extended days and shifts

• Must have previously worked in this capacity for a minimum of 2 year or more in a luxury resort.

• Must be able to stand for long periods at a time based on demands of the

IMMEDIATE OPENING

business

Starting salary $7.25 per hour not including service charge.

LABOURER*

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• General laborer duties as assigned by the supervisor or manager.

• Willingness to work varying schedules, split shifts, nights, weekends and holidays.

Starting rate is $6.50 per hour not including service charge.

HANDYMAN

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Perform basic tasks including painting and filling crevices, clean facilities and managing maintenance repairs.

• Perform repairs on company machinery, equipment or appliances.

• Detect and report the need for major maintenance repairs.

• Regularly check community spaces to identify issues with litter, mechanical failure or breakdowns.

• Respond to clients’ maintenance requests in a timely and professional manner.

• Repair plumbing, electrical and safety systems.

• Maintain the cleanliness of outside spaces such as parking lots and sidewalks.

• Conduct performance assessments of company appliances, such as refrigerators, microwaves, stoves, ovens and coffee makers.

KEY SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• A minimum of 2 years’ working experience in a similar role.

• Solid experience with plumbing and electrical systems.

• Ability to work with hardware tools and power equipment.

• Extremely organized with good communication skills.

• Detail-orientated with an aptitude for problemsolving

Starting rate is $8.00 per hour not including service charge.

Our Hartling Core Values for Success include but are not limited to:

• Accountability: Being responsible for every action by acknowledging and understanding expectations.

• Leadership: Showing initiative and being empowered to motivate, guide, and develop others by using expertise to execute actions while fostering mutual trust and a positive work-life balance.

• Integrity: Being honest, dependable, and doing what is right even when no one is watching.

• Safety: Maintaining an environment where risks to health and safety are minimized for employees and guests.

• Team: Valuing all team members by helping selflessly towards achieving ultimate efficiency and guest satisfaction.

• Efficiency: Accomplishing a task competently with a minimum expenditure of time effort and resources.

• Respect: Showing consideration for self, guests, and each other while embracing diverse cultures, communities, and points of view.

OUR KEY HEART BEAT PRINCIPLES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Warm Interactions

We provide Warm Interactions through Acknowledgement, Courteous Engagement, and our standards of Personal Appearances.

Magical Moments

We create Magical Moments by Creating the Wow, Building Connections, and through our Service Recovery.

Seamless Processes

We ensure Seamless processes are created by managing a Sense of Urgency, providing Accurate Information, and superb Telephone Etiquette.

Impeccable Facilities

We ensure our Facilities are Impeccable by Cleaning as We Go, Reporting Deficiencies, and adhering to the Mona Lisa Rule, which ensures everything is as it should be.

POSITIONS MARKED WITH (*) ARE CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER.

Interested applicants should apply to The Shore Club, Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume Attention to Avi Adams, Human Resources Manager at careers@theshoreclubtc.com no later than end of day Friday, March 10th,2023.

All resumes are subject to screening. Accepted candidates will receive a call or email confirmation with a scheduled time for meeting and required documents for the actual interview. Resumes can also be submitted to the Labor Department directly. The Shore Club HR Office can be contacted at (1649) 339-8000.

ENGINEERING SURVEYOR NEW WORK PERMIT

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in Surveying and Geographics with experience in marine bathymetric surveys would be an asset.

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D and ArcGIS.

• Leading the survey crew in the field performing a variety of surveys in land and at sea

• Capturing and preparing as built survey drawings with detail sections.

• Positioning and holding the vertical rods, or targets, that surveying equipment operators use for sighting to measure angles, distances, and elevations.

• Using GPS, RTK System and Total station in setting out positions of

SANDBROOK

structures.

• Prepare reports and keep accurate record and research records; maintain surveying files.

• Assist in supervising site team and trades.

• Carry out surveying on multiple projects.

• Assist in the development of methods and procedures for conducting field surveys.

• Use equipment and tools to accurately measure land features. (Longitudes, latitudes)

• Build maps, sketches, and charts.

• Daily reporting and attendance of meeting with the Director of Operations & Project Manager. Salary is based on experience

THE SOURCE LTD

203W Venture House, Grace Bay, Providenciales

LIVE IN SOMMELIER REQUIRED

The successful candidate will work closely with the private villa chef, he/she is expected to assist the chef with other duties and possess the following experience, qualities, and qualifications:

• Experience in Five Star F&B is essential.

• Expansive wine knowledge in order to assist private chef with wine parings for dining.

• ServSafe Certified

• Serving and bar tending experience is also essential since the sommelier will be expected to serve dinner and drinks.

• Butler experience and or training would be an advantage

• Assist private chef in maintaining the cleanliness and proper sanitation of the kitchen

• He/she must be willing to work flexible and long hours (week-ends, & especially holidays) when the family and friends are in residence.

• He/she must be able to work within a team and be willing to perform other duties to assist other staff as required.

• He/she must be extremely well presented and have a good command of English.

• A clean driver’s license is also required as the Sommelier would be expected to assist the private chef with shopping.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS POSITION IS HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER. STARTING SALARY FOR THIS POSITION IS $1800.00 PER MONTH. SUITABLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES SHOULD APPLY TO HR@THESOURCE.TC AND SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE EMPLOYMENT/LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

InterHealth Canada Construction & Services is currently recruiting for Key positions within TCI Hospitals. Successful candidates will be offered excellent packages depending on qualification and experience.

TOTAL FACILITIES MANAGER

Facilities Management (Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales & Cockburn Town Medical Centre, Grand Turk)

Candidate must be qualified to Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent, hold qualifications in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering along with relevant experience of management of soft services within a healthcare setting.

Responsible for a team of 30 and managing all Facilities Services within the Turks & Caicos Island Hospital including Engineering, Grounds, Catering, Housekeeping, Laundry, Reception, Security and Contracted Services.

Role include full responsibility for budgetary management and control, due diligence, legislative and contractual compliance and personnel management for respective staff within respective teams. Roles also include requirement to travel to sister sites to complete work tasks and project work as required by the organisation and 'on-call responsibilities' for FM services, and in the event of Disaster and Emergency situations.

Salary: $85k full package including benefits

ASSISTANT ENGINEER MANAGER

(Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales)

Candidate must be qualified to Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent, hold qualifications in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.

Departmental head responsible for effective daily running of Engineering Department at Providenciales. Responsible for team of 5 engineers, grounds maintainance persons and handymen. Ensuring timely completion of work orders, PPM's, reactive tasks and daily operational activity.

Supervises and supports team working on a wide range of engineering plant and equipment (both electrical and mechanical systems).

Ensures that all necessary Health and Safety, finance and planning elements are managed and maintained to ensure operational efficiency and contractual compliance.

Works with Engineering lead at sister site as required, with potential to work across CHMC and CTMC as business requires.

Appointments will be made based on successful interview, positive reference check and a clear Police check. *Previous experience is required for all posts.

FOR FULL JOB SPECIFICATION, QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS, AND PACKAGE DETAILS, PLEASE CONTACT MS. VIELKA FULFORD FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND QUERIES ON TEL: 941-2800 EXT 71803.

Salary: $65k full package including benefits. Qualified Belongers will be given first consideration. Apply in writing together with an up to date curriculum vitae to: vfulford@ interhealthcanada.tc. 35186

SMITH WARNER (TURKS & CAICOS) LTD

LAW, THIRD FLOOR GRACE WAY HOUSE GRACE WAY PLAZA, PROVIDENCIALES SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO ACCOUNTS@COASTALMDB.COM

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

CONTACT: 341-1683

DOMESTIC WORKER

TIRE REPAIR

VACANCY

HEMINGWAY’S (941-8408)

The Sands, Grace Bay

$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.

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

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

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

Salary: $6.25 Hourly

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

LUCNISE ISREAL

LABOURER CARPENTER

CLEANER

To clean residences and office building, including dusting, mopping, sweeping, vacuuming and picking up trash bags.

Salary: $7.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 243-2256

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

MAJORIE’S FASHION TCI

DOMESTIC WORKER

Applicant must be honest, reliable, and willing to work. General housework, washing, ironing and cleaning, etc.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 347-7813

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

35156

MARCELUS FILS MILOT

STORE CLERK

Selling products and providing customer service. Greet customers and guide them in finding products. $10.00 Hourly

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

$8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-342-8479 / 649-347-1894

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY / RENEWAL

35074

MARIE LOURDES WALTER

LIVE-IN CAREGIVER

BELONGERS

CONTACT: 341-6698 35155

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

$7.00 Hourly

DOMESTIC WORKER LABOURER

Cleaning property, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. $7.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 246-9224

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

35067

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

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

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning

CONTACT: 242-2405

#41A Discovery Bay, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a

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

Salary: $1,200.00 Monthly

CONTACT: 342-0255

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY

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.

grooming and care giving by brushing and care taking of animal coat, applying medication and protective gars.

CONTACT: 649-232-3264

GRACE BAY HORSE & CARRIAGE LTD.

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.

2 WAITRESSES

Take orders and serve food and beverages.

$7.00 Hourly

Secures premises and personnel by patrolling property; monitoring surveillance equipment; inspecting buildings, equipment, and access points; permitting entry.

$7.50 Hourly BELONGERS

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

CLEANER

Salary:

CONTACT: 231-1867

Follow blueprints and building plans. Install structures and fixtures. Measure, cut, or shape wood, plastic, and other materials. $7.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-232-3465

CONTACT: 649-232-4329

CONTACT: 331-7513

MAINTENANCE WORKER

CLEANER

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

Salary: $10.00

Must have 2 years of experience working in a fastpaced takeout restaurant.

CONTACT: 232-6620

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.

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

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

Salary: $9.50

CONTACT: 649-242-7457

BELONGERS

Diving for fish.

Salary: $6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 344-9209

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 231-9717 OR PRESIDENTIALTCI@GMAIL.COM

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

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

CONTINUED U

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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

• Using Information Technology

• Organisational Awareness

• Client Focus

• Continuous Learning

• Strategic Thinking

• Project Management

SALARY: USD 48,536.00 per annum

Candidates must have at least five (5) years’ experience working full-time for daily newspapers and/or news/features magazines, reporting on hard news, features and parliamentary/court proceedings. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

FOR MAGAZINES AND OTHER PERIODICALS GRAPHICS PRODUCTION DESIGNER/ PAGINATOR

This position requires someone with at least five (5) years’ experience working with Macintosh or PC computers. Must be skilled in the make-up of advertising and pagination. Proficiency using InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop software for print is essential. Some technical, networking and web design knowledge an asset. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

COURT REPORTER

College or high school graduate with at least five (5) years’ experience in community reporting. Ability to drive and use a camera a desirable asset. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

ADVERTISING SPACE SALES PERSON

Candidates must have had actual hands-on experience selling advertising space for newspapers and magazines. Ability to assist clients with the writing of copy for ads and gathering of collateral an asset. Salary is commission based.

DOMESTIC WORKER

CONTACT: 342-1471

CONTACT: 344-7751

2

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

PASTOR

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

SECURITY OFFICER

DOMESTIC WORKER

laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.

Salary: $650.00

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

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

$7.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 241-1529 35264

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY. RENEWAL

DOMESTIC WORKER

Sweeping

CONTACT:

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

CONTACT: 333-0209

BELONGERS

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 345-6150

ARE

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

Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds

A SUGAR replacement called erythritol – used to add bulk or sweeten stevia, monkfruit and keto reduced-sugar products – has been linked to blood clotting, stroke, heart attack and death, according to a new study.

“The degree of risk was not modest,” said lead study author Dr. Stanley Hazen, director of the Center for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute.

People with existing risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, were twice as likely to experience a heart attack or stroke if they had the highest levels of erythritol in their blood, according to the study, published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine.

“If your blood level of erythritol was in the top 25% compared to the bottom 25%, there was about a two-fold higher risk for heart attack and stroke. It’s on par with the strongest of cardiac risk factors, like diabetes,” Hazen said.

Additional lab and animal research presented in the paper revealed that erythritol appeared to be causing blood platelets to clot more readily. Clots can break off and travel to the heart, triggering a heart attack, or to the brain, triggering a stroke.

“This certainly sounds an alarm,” said Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health, a hospital in Denver, who was not involved in the research.

“There appears to be a clotting risk from using erythritol,” Freeman said. “Obviously, more research is needed, but in an abundance of caution, it might make sense to limit erythritol in your diet for now.”

In response to the study, the Calorie Control Council, an industry association, told CNN that “the results of this study are contrary to decades of scientific research showing reduced-calorie sweeteners like erythritol are safe, as evidenced by global regulatory permissions for their use in foods and beverages,” said Robert Rankin, the council’s executive director, in an email.

The results “should not be extrapolated to the general population, as the participants in the intervention were already at increased risk for cardiovascular events,” Rankin said.

The European Association of Polyol Producers declined to comment, saying it had not

People with existing risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, were twice as likely to experience a heart attack or stroke

reviewed the study.

WHAT IS ERYTHRITOL?

Like sorbitol and xylitol, erythritol is a sugar alcohol, a carb found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. It has about 70% of the sweetness of sugar and is considered zero-calorie, according to experts.

Artificially manufactured in massive quantities, erythritol has no lingering aftertaste, doesn’t spike blood sugar and has less of a laxative effect than some other sugar alcohols.

“Erythritol looks like sugar, it tastes like sugar, and you can bake with it,” said Hazen, who also directs the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Microbiome and Human Health.

“It’s become the sweetheart of the food industry, an extremely popular additive to keto and other

looking for it.”

Hazen’s research had a simple goal: find unknown chemicals or compounds in a person’s blood that might predict their risk for a heart attack, stroke or death in the next three years. To do so, the team began analyzing 1,157 blood samples in people at risk for heart disease collected between 2004 and 2011.

“We found this substance that seemed to play a big role, but we didn’t know what it was,” Hazen said. “Then we discovered it was erythritol, a sweetener.”

The human body naturally creates erythritol but in very low amounts that would not account for the levels they measured, he said.

To confirm the findings, Hazen’s team tested another batch of blood samples from over 2,100 people in the United States and an additional 833 samples gathered by colleagues in Europe through 2018. About three-quarters of the participants in all three populations had coronary disease or high blood pressure, and about a fifth had diabetes, Hazen said. Over half were male and in their 60s and 70s.

In all three populations, researchers found that higher levels of erythritol were connected to a greater risk of heart attack, stroke or death within three years.

But why? To find out, researchers did further animal and lab tests and discovered that erythritol was “provoking enhanced thrombosis,” or clotting in the blood, Hazen said.

Clotting is necessary in the human body, or we would bleed to death from cuts and injuries. The same process is constantly happening internally, as well.

chemistry at RMIT University in Victoria, Australia, noted that the study had revealed only a correlation, not causation.

“As the authors themselves note, they found an association between erythritol and clotting risk, not definitive proof such a link exists,” Jones, who was not involved in the research, said in a statement.

“Any possible (and, as yet unproven) risks of excess erythritol would also need to be balanced against the very real health risks of excess glucose consumption,” Jones said.

HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS

In a final part of the study, eight healthy volunteers drank a beverage that contained 30 grams of erythritol, the amount many people in the US consume, Hazen said, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which examines American nutrition each year.

Blood tests over the next three days tracked erythritol levels and clotting risk.

“Thirty grams was enough to make blood levels of erythritol go up a thousandfold,” Hazen said. “It remained elevated above the threshold necessary to trigger and heighten clotting risk for the following two to three days.”

Just how much is 30 grams of erythritol? The equivalent of eating a pint of keto ice cream, Hazen said.

low-carb products and foods marketed to people with diabetes,” he added. “Some of the diabeteslabeled foods we looked at had more erythritol than any other item by weight.”

Erythritol is also the largest ingredient by weight in many “natural” stevia and monkfruit products, Hazen said. Because stevia and monkfruit are about 200 to 400 times sweeter than sugar, just a small amount is needed in any product. The bulk of the product is erythritol, which adds the sugarlike crystalline appearance and texture consumers expect.

AN UNEXPECTED DISCOVERY

The discovery of the connection between erythritol and cardiovascular issues was purely accidental, Hazen said: “We never expected this. We weren’t even

“Our blood vessels are always under pressure, and we spring leaks, and blood platelets are constantly plugging these holes all the time,” Hazen said.

However, the size of the clot made by platelets depends on the size of the trigger that stimulates the cells, he explained. For example, if the trigger is only 10%, then you only get 10% of a clot.

“But what we’re seeing with erythritol is the platelets become super responsive: A mere 10% stimulant produces 90% to 100% of a clot formation,” Hazen said.

“For people who are at risk for clotting, heart attack and stroke –like people with existing cardiac disease or people with diabetes – I think that there’s sufficient data here to say stay away from erythritol until more studies are done,” Hazen said.

Oliver Jones, a professor of

“If you look at nutrition labels on many keto ice creams, you’ll see ‘reducing sugar’ or ‘sugar alcohol,’ which are terms for erythritol. You’ll find a typical pint has somewhere between 26 and 45 grams in it,” he said.

“My co-author and I have been going to grocery stores and looking at labels,” Hazen said. “He found a ‘confectionery’ marketed to people with diabetes that had about 75 grams of erythritol.”

There is no firm “accepted daily intake,” or ADI, set by the European Food Safety Authority or the US Food and Drug Administration, which considers erythritol generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

“Science needs to take a deeper dive into erythritol and in a hurry, because this substance is widely available right now. If it’s harmful, we should know about it,” National Jewish Health’s Freeman said.

Hazen agreed: “I normally don’t get up on a pedestal and sound the alarm,” he said. “But this is something that I think we need to be looking at carefully.” (BBC)

Science & Technology

Daily walk prevents one in 10 early deaths - study

You don’t have to be a runner or play sport to feel the benefits of exercise - fitting a brisk walk into your day is good enough, UK analysis suggests.

It found if everyone did as little as 11 minutes of daily activity, one in 10 premature deaths could be prevented.

Most people don’t manage to do the minimum recommended 150 minutes of exercise a week, however.

But doing some exercise is better than doing nothing, the

researchers from the University of Cambridge say.

The NHS recommends everyone does 150-300 minutes of physical activity that raises the heart rate every week or 75-150 minutes of vigorous activity per week, which makes you breathe hard.

The research team looked at hundreds of previous studies on the benefits of physical activity and concluded that even doing half the recommended amount could prevent one in 20 cases of cardiovascular disease and nearly

one in 30 cases of cancer.

That equates to 75 minutes per week - or 11 minutes per dayriding a bike, walking fast, hiking, dancing or playing tennis.

“You should feel yourself moving, your heart will beat faster but you won’t necessarily feel out of breath,” says Dr Soren Brage, who led the research.

Doing that amount is enough to reduce the risk of developing heart disease and stroke by 17% and cancer by 7%, the findings suggest. Regular exercise reduces body fat and blood pressure while also improving fitness, sleep and heart health in the long run.

The benefits of exercise were even greater for some specific cancers, such as head and neck, gastric, leukaemia and blood cancers, but lower for lung, liver, endometrial, colon and breast cancers.

Not everyone finds it easy to do the exercise recommended by the NHS - two out of three people say they do less than 150 mins (2.5 hours) of moderate exercise and fewer than one in 10 manage more than 300 mins (five hours) per week.

Drug-resistant stomach bug Shigella on the rise, CDC warns

US health officials are warning of a rise in a strain of a drug-resistant stomach bug that infects thousands of Americans each year.

Shigella bacteria causes fever, diarrhoea and stomach pain. Since 2015, officials have noted a rise in cases linked to the drug-resistant strain.

The inability to treat infections with medication led health officials to call it a “serious public health threat”.

Without effective treatment, it could cause severe illness or even death.

In a statement on Friday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that while none of the infections recorded in 2015 were tied to the Shigella XDR strain, 5% of cases were linked to it in 2022.

In 2019, 1% of all US cases were linked to the strain, which is resistant to the five antibiotics that are most commonly used to treat it.

Shigella spreads “easily” through direct and surface contact with an infected person’s faeces,

the CDC says. It can lead to a form of dysentery named shigellosis, which is considered one of the leading causes of death linked to diarrhoea around the world.

Many cases can be managed through proper hydration and rest. Officials say it can be prevented by frequent hand washing. Currently, it causes less than five deaths in the US per year.

The increase in the XDR strain has most commonly been seen in homeless people, international travellers, men who have sex with men, and immunocompromised people, the CDC said.

“Given these potentially serious public health concerns, CDC asks healthcare professionals to be vigilant about suspecting and reporting cases of XDR Shigella infection to their local or state health department and educating patients and communities at increased risk about prevention and transmission,” the agency said.

Officials in the UK also warned last year of a “unusually high number of cases” linked to the XDR strain. (BBC)

If everyone did as little as 11 minutes of daily activity, one in 10 premature deaths could be prevented

“If you are someone who finds the idea of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week a bit daunting, then our findings should be good news,” says Dr Brage.

“If you find that 75 minutes a week is manageable, then you could try stepping it up gradually to the full recommended amount.”

The analysis, in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, looked at previous published research on the benefits of exercise in nearly 100 large studies and nearly 200 peer-reviewed articles to get an overview of the evidence.

They calculated that if everyone in the studies had done at least 150 minutes of exercise a week - the

full amount - then around one in six early deaths would be prevented. The researchers say replacing some habits is all that is needed.

For example, they advise trying to walk or cycle to work or to the shops instead of using a car, or being active when playing with your children or grandchildren. Getting enjoyable activities into your weekly routine is the best way to increase the amount of physical activity you do, they say.

The NHS recommends adults also do activities that strengthen muscles twice a week.

Yoga, pilates, lifting weights, heavy gardening and carrying heavy shopping bags all count. (BBC)

Covid 19: FBI chief Christopher Wray says China lab leak most likely

FBI Director Christopher Wray has said that the bureau believes Covid-19 most likely originated in a Chinese government-controlled lab.

“The FBI has for quite some time now assessed that the origins of the pandemic are most likely a potential lab incident,” he told Fox News.

It is the first public confirmation of the FBI’s classified judgement of how the pandemic virus emerged.

Many scientists point out there is no evidence that it leaked from a lab.

And other US government agencies have drawn differing conclusions to the FBI’s.

Some of them have said - but with a low level of certainty - that the virus did not start in a lab but instead jumped from animals to humans.

The White House has said there

is no consensus across the US government on the origins.

A joint China-World Health Organization (WHO) investigation in 2021 called the lab leak theory “extremely unlikely”.

However, the WHO investigation was deeply criticised and its director-general has since called for a new inquiry, saying: “All hypotheses remain open and require further study.”

The Shigella bacteria is spread through contact with faeces

A joint China-World Health Organization (WHO) investigation in 2021 called the lab leak theory “extremely unlikely”

Science & Technology

Report shows ‘troubling’ rise in colorectal cancer among US adults younger than 55

Adults across the United States are being diagnosed with colon and rectal cancers at younger ages, and now 1 in 5 new cases are among those in their early 50s or younger, according to the American Cancer Society’s latest colorectal cancer report.

The report says that the proportion of colorectal cancer cases among adults younger than 55 increased from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019. There also appears to be an overall shift to more diagnoses of advanced stages of cancer. In 2019, 60% of all new colorectal cases among all ages were advanced

“Anecdotally, it’s not rare for us now to hear about a young person with advanced colorectal cancer,” said Dr William Dahut, chief scientific officer for the American Cancer Society. For example, Broadway actor Quentin Oliver Lee died last year at 34 after being diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer, and in 2020, “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman died at 43 of colon cancer.

“It used to be something we never heard or saw this, but it is a high percentage now of colorectal cancers under the age of 55,” Dahut said.

Although it’s difficult to pinpoint a cause for the rise in colorectal cancers among younger adults, he said, some factors might be related to changes in the environment or people’s diets.

“We’re not trying to blame anybody for their cancer diagnosis,” Dahut said. “But when you see something occurring in a short period of time, it’s more likely something external to the patient that’s driving that, and it’s hard not to at least think – when you have something like colorectal cancer – that something dietrelated is not impossible.”

The new report also says that more people are surviving colorectal cancer, with the relative survival rate at least five years after diagnosis rising from 50% in the mid-1970s to 65% from 2012 through 2018, partly due to advancements in treatment.

That’s good news, said Dr Paul Oberstein, a medical oncologist at NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center, who was not involved in the new report. The overall trends suggest that colorectal cancer incidence and death rates have been slowly declining.

“If you look at the overall trends, the incidence of colon cancer in this report has decreased

Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as a diet of high fat, red meat, and low fiber can increase your risks.

from 66 per 100,000 in 1985 to 35 per 100,000 in 2019 – so almost half,” Oberstein said.

“Changes in the mortality rate are even more impressive,” he said. “In 1970, which was a long time ago, the rate of colorectal cancer death was 29.2 per 100,000 people, and in 2020, it was 12.6 per 100,000. So a dramatic, over 55% decline in deaths per 100,000 people.”

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States, and it is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men younger than 50.

Dahut said the best way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to follow screening guidelines and get a stool-based test or a visual exam such as a colonoscopy when it’s recommended. Any suspicious polyps can be removed during a visual exam, reducing your risk of cancer.

“At the ACS, we recommend if you’re at average risk, you start screening at age 45,” Dahut said. “Usually, then your subsequent screening is based on the results of that screening test.”

AN ‘ALARMING’ SHIFT TO YOUNGER AGES

For the new report, researchers at the American Cancer Society analyzed data from the National Cancer Institute and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on cancer screenings, cases and deaths.

The researchers found that from 2011 through 2019, colorectal cancer rates increased 1.9% each year in people younger than 55.

And while overall colorectal cancer death rates fell 57% between 1970 and 2020, among people younger than 50, death rates continued to climb 1% annually since 2004.

“We know rates are increasing in young people, but it’s alarming to see how rapidly the whole patient population is shifting younger, despite shrinking numbers in the overall population,” Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director of surveillance research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the report, said in a news release. “The trend toward more advanced disease in people of all ages is also surprising and should motivate everyone 45 and older to get screened.”

Some regions of the United States appeared to have higher rates of colorectal cancers and deaths than others. These rates were lowest in the West and highest in Appalachia and parts of the South and the Midwest, the data showed. The incidence of colorectal cancer ranged from 27 cases per 100,000 people in Utah to 46.5 per 100,000 in Mississippi. Colorectal cancer death rates ranged from about 10 per 100,000 people in Connecticut to 17.6 per 100,000 in Mississippi.

There were some significant racial disparities, as well. The researchers found that colorectal cancer cases and deaths were highest in the American Indian/ Alaska Native and Black communities. Among men specifically, the data showed that colorectal cancer death rates were 46% higher in American Indian/

detection, which saves lives.”

SCREENING RECOMMENDED AT 45 AND OLDER

The report’s findings, including the rise in colorectal cancer in younger adults, are “troubling,” Dr. Joel Gabre, an expert in gastrointestinal cancers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, said in an email.

“It reflects other recent published findings demonstrating a rising incidence of colorectal cancer in young people. Most concerning to me, however, is a lack of clear cause and patients being diagnosed late. I think this is an area where more funding for research is needed to understand this really concerning rise,” wrote Gabre, who was not involved in the report.

Alaska Native men and 44% higher in Black men compared with White men.

The report also says that more left-sided tumors have been diagnosed, meaning an increasing percentage of tumors are happening closer to the rectum. The proportion of colorectal cancers in that location has steadily climbed from 27% in 1995 to 31% in 2019.

“Historically, we’ve been worried more about the tumors on what we call the right side,” said NYU Langone’s Oberstein.

“But the incidence increasing, especially among young people, seems to be happening not only in those worse tumors but the ones that we think are not as bad,” he said, referring to left-sided tumors. “It’s raising questions about whether something is changing about the risks and the future people who are going to get colon cancer.”

Looking forward, the researchers estimate that there will be 153,020 colorectal cancer cases diagnosed in the US this year and an estimated 52,550 colorectal cancer deaths, with 3,750 of them – or 7% – among people younger than 50.

“These highly concerning data illustrate the urgent need to invest in targeted cancer research studies dedicated to understanding and preventing early-onset colorectal cancer,” Dr. Karen Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society, said in the news release. “The shift to diagnosis of more advanced disease also underscores the importance of screening and early

Gabre says he knows what it’s like to look into his young patients’ eyes and tell them they have colorectal cancer, and “it’s devastating.”

“They have young families and so much of their life ahead of them. That’s why I encourage my patients who are age 45 years and older to get screened,” Gabre said. “I also encourage people to let their doctor know if they have a family history of colon cancer. There is genetic testing we can do to identify some at-risk patients early before they develop cancer.”

The findings highlight the importance of colorectal cancer screening, Dr. Robin Mendelsohn, gastroenterologist and co-director of the Center for Young Onset Colorectal and Gastrointestinal Cancers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, said in an email.

“The age to start screening was recently decreased to 45, which will help in an effort to screen more people, but we still need to understand more why we are seeing this increase which is something we are actively looking into,” wrote Mendelsohn, was not involved in the new report.

Mendelsohn says she has seen an increase in advanced colorectal cancers and diagnoses among her younger patients, and she says to watch for symptoms such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.

“Until we understand more, it is important that patients and providers recognize these symptoms so they can be evaluated promptly,” she said. “And, if you are at an age to get screened, please get screened.” (CNN)

Novak Djokovic breaks Steffi Graf’s record for most weeks as world number one

NOVAK Djokovic has surpassed Steffi Graf’s record for the most weeks as world number one after entering a 378th week at the top of the men’s rankings.

Serbia’s 22-time major winner has held the record for the most weeks as men’s world number one since March 2021.

“I’m flattered, proud and happy,” said Djokovic, 35, who added that Graf was “one of the greatest, most legendary tennis players that ever played”.

Germany’s Graf won 22 Grand Slam singles titles between 1987 and 1999.

Graf first rose to the top of the women’s rankings in 1987 and initially remained there for 186 consecutive weeks - a women’s

World Cup 2026: Fifa set to make decision on four-team group format this month

record that was later tied by Serena Williams in 2016.

Graf was also ranked as the world’s No. 1 player for a staggering 377 weeks.

Djokovic, who returned to world number one for the first time in six months by winning the Australian Open in January, first topped the rankings in July 2011.

He has managed a best run of 122 consecutive weeks at the top, between July 2014 and November 2016.

For that record, he trails Roger Federer (237 weeks), Jimmy Connors (160) and Ivan Lendl (157).

In 2021 he ended the year as world number one for a record seventh time. (BBC)

A decision to switch the 2026 World Cup format back to fourteam groups could be confirmed later this month.

The expanded 48-team competition in the United States, Mexico and Canada was due to feature 16 groups of three.

But the excitement generated by last year’s tournament in Qatar, when some groups went down to tense final games, has caused Fifa to rethink.

Confirmation of the move could come at the governing body’s council meeting in Rwanda on 16 March.

BBC Sport understands there is agreement among all parties that the four-team format should be retained, providing it does not extend the ‘footprint’ of the competition - which includes preparation time as well as the

tournament itself.

“Groups of three sounded great but there are some issues,”

Concacaf president Victor Montagliani told the FT Business of Football Summit.

“Is it right that you qualify for a World Cup and a third of teams go home after two games?

“We do have to be responsible. There was a footprint of days for 2014 and 2018 and we can’t go over that. We can’t have a threemonth World Cup.”

Moving to groups of four would expand the competition from its projected 80 matches to a possible 104.

While the tournament would have to take place over a longer period, it is felt cutting preparation for teams - from nearly three weeks before Russia 2018, although not

quite as drastically as the week they had before Qatar 2022 - would mean players were not on duty for a greater length of time.

The move is also bound to raise environmental concerns given more teams will have to travel and Montagliani says that issue is being taken seriously.

“The match schedule is very important,” he said. “You can’t have teams travelling from New York to Los Angeles.

“Teams will play in pods. There will be a group playing out of Boston, Philadelphia and New York. Another one in Vancouver and Seattle and another in LA and San Francisco.

“There are other strategies that have to be applied as well so we adhere to what is put in the bid.” (BBC)

Lionel Messi: Argentina forward wins Best Fifa men’s player of the year award

Argentina and Paris St-Germain forward Lionel Messi has been named men’s player of the year at the 2022 Best Fifa Awards.

The 35-year-old beat French forwards Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema to the prize.

Messi captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, and scored 27 goals in 49 games for club and country in 2021-22.

Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas was named women’s player of the year.

Messi, who won the award for a second time, said: “It’s amazing. It’s been a tremendous year and it’s an honour for me to be here and win this award. Without my teammates I wouldn’t be here.

“I achieved the dream I had been hoping for for so long. Very few people can achieve that and I have been lucky to do so.”

At the ceremony in Paris, Lionel Scaloni,who led Argentina to their third World Cup title, was named men’s coach of the year.

Scaloni beat Pep Guardiolawho guided Manchester City to

a sixth Premier League title - and Real Madrid’s Champions Leaguewinning boss Carlo Ancelotti to the honour.

England manager Sarina Wiegman was named women’s

coach of the year after leading the Lionesses to European Championship glory on home soil last year, the team’s first major trophy.

Aston Villa and Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez was recognised as the best men’s goalkeeper, while England’s Mary Earps won the women’s award.

Martinez, 30, helped his country win the World Cup, saving four penalties along the way including in the shootout victory against France in the final.

Collecting his award, Martinez said: “They always ask me who my idols are or who I watched when I was a kid… watching my mum clean buildings for eight or nine hours and watching my dad work. They are my idols.”

Earps, who plays for Manchester

United in the Women’s Super League, started all six of England’s games at Euro 2022 as they won the competition.

She said: “For anyone who has been in a dark place, just know there is light at the end of the tunnel, so keep going. You can achieve anything that you set your mind to.”

Amputee footballer Marcin Oleksy, of Polish side Warta Poznan, won the Fifa Puskas award for the best goal of the year. He sent a stunning overhead volley against Stal Rzeszow flying into the back of the net with the help of his crutches.

Recipient of the fair play award was Luka Lochoshvili, who held the tongue of his opponent, Georg Teigl, to save his life after the midfielder had fallen unconscious.

Novak Djokovic won a record-extending 10th Australian Open in January

The 2026 World Cup will take place in Canada, Mexico and the USA

Lionel Messi was presented the award by Fifa’s president Gianni Infantino

Bahrain Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton says Mercedes facing challenging start to the F1 season

Lewis Hamilton is resigned to a difficult start to the Formula 1 season with his Mercedes team lagging behind champions Red Bull.

The seven-time champion admitted in Bahrain that Mercedes are “not where we wanted to start the season”.

“I knew from the moment I drove the car where we were and the challenges we are facing,” Hamilton said.

Team-mate George Russell added: “It is going to be a challenging weekend if we want to fight for victory.”

The widespread opinion in the paddock before this weekend’s opening race and after last week’s pre-season testing is that Red Bull, and particularly lead driver and two-time champion Max Verstappen, are the class of the field by some margin.

Ferrari, Mercedes and the muchimproved Aston Martin team are believed to be next in line.

Russell added: “Red Bull are in a bit of a league of their own in Bahrain this weekend but there will be a nice fight for second place probably with Ferrari and Aston Martin.”

But Hamilton and Russell expressed confidence that Mercedes could replicate their strong development through last season, which saw them recover from a weak start to take a one-two at the penultimate race.

“There is no reason why we can’t fight as the season hots up,” Russell said.

Both Russell and Hamilton said Mercedes had made progress since the end of pre-season testing last week, and the team have a new rear wing which they hope will reduce the size of the gap to Red Bull.

“I am not going to sit here and say we are going to find that laptime deficit to Red Bull,” Russell said, “but we are definitely in a more comfortable place than on Friday night.”

And Mercedes believe they have rid the car of its biggest problem last year, a high-speed bouncing caused by an aerodynamic flaw. Hamilton said: “On a positive

note, not having bouncing is a huge plus and trying to understand what the problems were while having bouncing made it difficult to work out what those are. We don’t have that now and we can focus on pure performance.

“This still is a multichampionship-winning team and group of people.”

Hamilton added: “Hopefully those behind will continue to apply pressure [to Red Bull]. Ferrari have a decent package, Aston have a decent package and we are hunting too.

“I don’t think Max will slip

up. He is a world champion and I wouldn’t question his determination and focus.”

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Verstappen’s closest challenger last year, said: “Red Bull and max seem to be very strong. It is only testing so it is difficult to quantify by how much but it seems they are a bit in front compared to us so we have some work to do.

“It is very difficult to know where we are but global picture tells me we are a bit behind.”

And Verstappen said that the new Red Bull was better “everywhere” than the car with

which he dominated last year’s championship and broke the record for wins in a season.

Hamilton said that Mercedes’ competitive position would have no bearing on his desire to stay with the team beyond the end of his current contract this season.

“Whether or not we have a difficult year this year, I’ll still be here,” he said. “I am a fighter and we fight as a team. I love the challenge of finding solutions and still believe I am able to put the car in places perhaps others are not able to.

“Of course I wish we were starting the season with a great car but it is the journey. There is no hold-up with my contract. I am very relaxed, it will get done when we’re ready.”

HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES

Hamilton has questioned whether F1 is having the effect it hopes in countries accused of human rights violations.

F1 insisted it believed it can be a force for change in countries it visits after UK MPs urged the sport’s bosses this week to set up an independent inquiry into the links between grands prix and humans rights abuses.

Hamilton said: “I couldn’t say I know whether it’s got worse. I’m not sure it’s got better after we’ve been coming here all these years, only the latter part of the years have I started to understand more and more of the challenges of the people here. Saudi I have read about some of the troubles there.

Armand Duplantis: Olympic champion sets pole vault world record for sixth time

Armand Duplantis set a new pole vault world record for the sixth time at the All Star Perche, a World Athletics Indoor Tour Silver meeting in Clermont-Ferrand, France.

The 23-year-old Swede cleared 6.22m to add one centimetre to his own world record.

The Olympic and world champion achieved the historic mark on his third attempt.

He bettered the record set when clearing 6.21m at last year’s World Athletics Championships in Oregon.

Duplantis broke Renaud Lavillenie’s world record of 6.16m, set in 2014, when jumping 6.17m

in February 2020.

He then improved to 6.18m in Glasgow the following week. Duplantis then cleared 6.19m at the Belgrade Indoor Meeting in March 2022, and 13 days later improved again to 6.20m in the same venue, when winning gold at the World Athletics Indoor Championships.

He has now achieved 60 clearances of six metres or more in his career.

Ukrainian great Sergey Bubka was the first man to break the sixmetre mark, in 1985. He went on to break his own record 12 times before Lavillenie posted 6.16m in 2014. (BBC)

Lewis Hamilton ended 2022 in the sixth place in the drivers’ championship following a difficult season for Mercedes

The 23-year-old Swede cleared 6.22m to add one centimetre to his own world record.

Sports International

PGA Tour: Revamp backed by Rory McIlroy, but mocked by LIV Golf

A shake-up of the PGA Tour will see eight of its leading events outside of the majors have smaller, limited fields and no longer feature 36-hole cuts.

Known as designated events, these have bigger purses as the PGA Tour aims to stop players defecting to LIV Golf.

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan says the revamp will “deliver substantial, can’t-miss tournaments for the fans”.

Rory McIlroy said he “loves” the move, but it has drawn derision from the breakaway LIV series and its players.

Financially backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to tune of $2bn (£1.65bn), the LIV series features 48-player fields split into 12 teams and has no cuts.

“Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Congratulations PGA Tour. Welcome to the future,” LIV tweeted.

The four majors - the Masters, the US Open, the Open Championship and the PGA Championship - and the Players Championship will remain with a full field of up to 156 players and have cuts at the halfway stage after two rounds.

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES?

The PGA Tour had already introduced 12 designated events for the 2023 season, worth an average of $20m (£16.5m) and aimed to keep their biggest stars happy.

But more radical changes - to

be implemented from 2024 - were announced on Wednesday.

While the full details of the designated events has yet to be worked through - and which eight will fall into this category - the PGA Tour confirmed they will have between 70 and 78 players.

The field will include the top 50 players from the previous year’s FedEx Cup standings and the top 10 players from the latest points list.

Five players will also be able to qualify through non-designated events.

The top players will not have to compete in a mandatory number of

tournaments, with the PGA Tour aiming to provide more flexibility.

“The focus will be on purse size, elimination of a cut, and FedEx Cup points distribution sufficiently incentivising top performers to participate,” said the PGA Tour.

HOW HAVE PLAYERS REACTED?

Northern Ireland’s McIlroy, ranked third in the world, says the changes will make the PGA Tour “more competitive”.

“I’m all about rewarding good play,” said the four-time major champion.

“It’s trying to get the top guys versus the hot guys, right? I think that creates a really compelling product.”

American world number two Scottie Scheffler recently won the Phoenix Open - one of this year’s designated events - and insists the new format will not lead to a closed shop.

“You got to earn your way still out here on tour,” added reigning Masters champion Scheffler.

“There’s plenty of avenues for guys to earn their way into those tournaments, whether it’s this year or next year.”

The arrival of the LIV series has changed the landscape of professional golf and led to what many have described as a ‘civil war’ in the sport.

Last year, the PGA Tour banned its members who played in a LIV competition with the DP World Tour - formerly known as the European Tour - following suit.

Thirteen LIV players appealed against the punishments imposed by the DP World Tour in a weeklong hearing at the start of last month, with English Ryder Cup veterans Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood among them.

Poulter said the changes in the PGA Tour’s shake-up sounded “very similar to another product that’s been spoken so badly about by media and commentators”.

Westwood believes the new plans contradict many of the concerns which the PGA Tour has outlined since LIV’s emergence.

“I’ve spent the last year reading how good full fields and cuts are!” tweeted the former world number one.

The decision to remove the cut from more events is “one of the worst things to happen to the game in the last 12 months”, said English player Eddie Pepperell, 32.

“Missing cuts is essential for growth as a professional golfer,” he wrote on Twitter.

“You’d be surprised how much it means to make a cut when your back’s up against the wall and you’re struggling. It’s a mini win and it breeds great things.” (BBC)

Fifa’s appointment of supermodel as fan ambassador in Women’s World Cup year criticised

Fifa’s appointment of supermodel Adriana Lima as its first global fan ambassador five months before the Women’s World Cup is “tone deaf”, says former Fifa council member Moya Dodd.

Brazilian Lima will “develop, promote and participate in global initiatives” before the World Cup, which starts on 20 July in Australia and New Zealand.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said Lima “lives and breathes ‘futebol’”.

“When a girl plays football, the world sees her differently,” Dodd said.

“Instead of being complimented on her nice looks or her pretty dress, she is valued for her gamesaving tackles and brilliant goalscoring.

“She’s admired for what she can do, rather than how she looks, putting her on a more equal footing with her brothers in a way that can alter the whole trajectory of her

life’s ambitions.

“In a Fifa World Cup year, that’s the message that should be ringing loud and true around the world. Where a supermodel fits into this is truly baffling.”

Dodd, a former Australia international who served on the committee for Australia and New Zealand’s successful bid to cohost the World Cup, said Lima’s public image was an “odd fit for an organisation that says it wants to empower girls and women”.

“I asked whether the Fifa ambassador will be delivering messages on body image, wellbeing and healthy eating,” Dodd added in a post on LinkedIn on Wednesday.

“What will this ambassador represent to the large and growing population of aspirational #womensfootball players and fans who love the game because (it) shows us what empowerment and equality can

look like?”

Dodd, a member of the Fifa Council from 2013 to 2016, also referred to comments Lima made in a 2006 interview with GQ magazine in which she said abortion was “a crime”.

Lima’s publicist Laurent Boye said the model’s stance had changed: “We can proudly say that Ms Lima has been promoting a healthy lifestyle for several years and like many people, her position on many LGBTQIA+ and women issues has evolved and she is considered an ally.”

In the statement announcing Lima’s appointment, Infantino said: “When you get to meet Adriana, you feel right away her warmth, kindness, and how approachable and passionate she is about our game.

“She lives and breathes ‘futebol’ and that is also why she can be an excellent link between Fifa and fans worldwide.” (BBC)

European Ryder Cup players (L-R) Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Henrik Stenson are among the LIV recruits, along with American trio Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka, plus Open champion Cameron Smith

Sports International

Fulford re-elected unopposed to CONCACAF Council for third term

TCIFA’s President Sonia Fulford was re-elected unopposed to the CONCACAF Council for a third time, when the Regional football body held its 38th Ordinary Congress at the National Museum of Art in Antigua, Guatemala, with representation from 40 of its 41 member associations.

Fulford, who reigned victorious in her re-election bid to the CONCACAF Council as its Female Member with voting rights, was first appointed to the FIFA and CONCACAF Councils in a co-opted position in 2013.

Following this, at the 30th ordinary Congress in 2015, she was elected as the first female to hold an elected position on the CONCACAF Council. Since then, she has remained an active member of the council, with responsibility for developing the game in all

areas, but more importantly, maintaining her platform to bring parity for women in sport, particularly football.

In an invited comment, the local FA head said that “It is always a productive experience at the CONCACAF Congress.

“We get to be reminded of the work of the Confederation, and this inclusive process allows for equal participation from each member association. Firstly, I’d like to express my profound gratitude to all the member associations’ presidents and my colleagues for their vote of confidence in me, allowing me the opportunity to serve for another term. It gives me an opportunity to continue what I feel is my progressive agenda and work with the Council to continue building on the great work of our Confederation. Many thanks to my

husband, who continues to provide unconditional support to me in my extremely demanding role. I’m forever grateful for your patience, support, and understanding. I would also like to thank my TCIFA Executive Committee, stakeholders and staff for their unwavering support and encouragement.”

In addition, Victor Montagliani was re-elected to the President’s office, Nick Bontis to the VicePresident - North America, Randolph Harris to the VicePresident – Caribbean, Jorge Salomon to Vice President - Central America, and Rodolfo Villalobos to Concacaf’s FIFA Council memberCentral America. As a result of two vacant positions remaining, The Concacaf Council appointed Cindy Parlow Cone to Member –North America and Sergio Chuc –Member Central America.

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).

Renumeration: $6.25 hourly plus commission and gratuities. Please email your resume to: relax@spatropique.com

Sonia Fulford (middle) was re-elected to the Council

Sports National

Big win for Panthers as PHL playoffs start

The Temple Financial Panthers stormed to a 6-3 win against the Kvanar Oilers on the opening weekend of the Provo Hockey League playoffs at the Graceway Sports Centre.

In the Bantam Division clash, Felix Jensen carried the Oilers ahead in the fourth minute of play, before Connor Bromley equalised. Bromley would go on to score two other goals in the first period to carry the Panthers 3-2 up at the half.

Although Owen Barkworth Knight found the back of the net again in the second period, the Oilers could not keep up with the pace of the Panthers, who fired in goals off the sticks of Heath Francis, Aiden Bromley and Liana Bonrud.

In the other Bantam Division clash, the Tibors Sharks led by Adrien Penn and Ryan King were able to get past the LHeureux Co Canadiens 3-2.

Penn scored the first and last goals, while King finished with a goal and an assist.

For the Canadiens, Tyler Malcolm and Lucas Emery found the back of the net.

In the Junior Division, the Saunders and Co Greyhounds edged past the Projetech Pirates 5-4.

Dylan King led the attack for the Greyhounds with three goals and an assist, while Liam Redstone added two goals and an assist.

The Pirates were led by Wyatt Pollon, who scored a hat trick. Reggie Monuma added the other.

In the Novice Division, the GBCR Islanders and the Scooter

Canucks battled to a 4-4

The

Tickets went on sale this week for the Turks and Caicos Islands’ home clash against the US Virgin Islands in the CONCACAF Nations League battle.

The clash, which is set for Saturday, March 25, will take place at the TCIFA National Academy in Providenciales.

Ticket prices vary from $50 per person to $20 for general admission and $15 for youngsters.

Tickets can be purchased from the TCIFA on Venetian Road, Danny Buoys (Grace Bay), Caicos Mart (South Dock Road) and Graceway Sports Centre.

Tickets will not be sold at the venue on the day of the event.

The last time the two teams met was in Saint Croix, USVI, in June 2022 also in the Nations League. That game ended 3-2 in favour of the home side.

Bobs

draw.

Nicholas Comert led the Islanders with three goals, while Damian Rutherford added the other and an assist.

Canucks were led by Bryce

Andrews who scored a hat trick. Yash Ochani scored the other goal. In the other Novice clash, a lone strike by Maya Delancy spurred the Design Studio Jets to a 1-0 victory against the TMW Lightning.

The 2022-2023 PHL playoffs have started

Maya Delancy scored the lone goal for the Design Studio Jets

Connor Bromley led the Panthers with a hat trick

Liana Bonrud scored for the Panthers

Bryce Andrews scored a hat-trick for the Canucks