TC Weekly News May 18 - 24, 2024

An artist’s impression of Kimpton Turks and Caicos

Rooftop solar system in South Caicos set for 2025 launch

FortisTCI has signed a contract with Salterra Resort and Spa to install the company’s first and largest rooftop solar system in South Caicos.

Recently Michael Tibbetts, Chief Executive Officer of JEM Worldwide, the developer and operator of Salterra Resort & Spa met with Fortis’ executive team to ink the agreement to lease its roof space for the installation of a 422kW dc, grid-tied solar energy system.

The agreement marks the company’s first solar energy project in South Caicos and the largest rooftop system under its Utility-owned Renewable Energy (UORE) programme.

Formerly the East Cay Resort, Salterra will open its doors in early 2025 with sustainability and environmental stewardship as core tenets of its operation.

FortisTCI will own and install the solar energy system across four buildings at the property. Once commissioned, the system will produce approximately 677 MWh of renewable energy annually for the island’s electricity grid and avoid approximately 484.3 metric tons of carbon emissions yearly.

Commenting on the newly signed argument, Tibbets stated: “Our vision for Salterra has

expanded since we first acquired East Bay Resort three years ago. It will have 100 guest rooms with a majority of suites, six food and beverage outlets and a full-service luxury spa.”

He said construction is on track, and they are already taking reservations on marriott.com.

“One of our highest priorities at Salterra is environmental stewardship. Our goal is to not only sustain, but also improve the environment of South Caicos,” the JEMS CEO noted, acknowledging that FortisTCI is a key sustainability partner for their efforts.

“I must say that when we first evaluated investing in South Caicos, we looked at the power infrastructure on the island. Reliable power is, of course, important for the successful operation of our resort. It was very attractive to us knowing that FortisTCI was the energy provider,” he added.

Meanwhile, FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes said the company welcomes the partnership with Salterra as its 19th UORE partner.

“We have worked over the years to prepare for the changing energy landscape and be integral to this change,” Forbes said.

She stated that the company’s

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investments in rooftop solar installations – these include a soon-to-be-commissioned 1.2 MW solar plus battery microgrid on North Caicos to meet 30% of the twin island’s energy demand, and an upcoming 190 kW dc microgrid to power 91% of Salt Cay’s energy needs - are part of their efforts to integrate more sustainable energy.

“The company is pleased to work with the Salterra team, and we look forward to even greater

collaboration as the project gets underway.”

As the TCI’s largest investor in renewable energy, in 2015 FortisTCI launched its Utilityowned Renewable Energy Program and Customer-owned Renewable Energy Program, paving the way for customers to participate in the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

Since then, 2.6 megawatts of solar energy have been installed

across partner properties.

“The latest sustainability projects underscore the company’s mission to diversify the energy mix in accordance with the Resilient National Energy Transition Strategy (R-NETS), which targets 33% renewable energy integration by the year 2040,” the company said in a statement.

This strategy was developed and agreed with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government in 2019.

(L-R) Chief Executive Officer of JEM Worldwide and Salterra Resort and Spa, Michael Tibbetts, along with FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes, and Vice President of Finance, Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, Aisha Laporte, during the contract signing

FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes (centre), Chief Executive Officer of JEM Worldwide and Salterra Resort and Spa, Michael Tibbetts (left centre), alongside other FortisTCI executives, members of its operations and renewable energy department, and Salterra team members.

FortisTCI received a tour of the transformative redevelopment currently underway at the property, formerly called East Bay Resort, on South Caicos

Three IHG-branded hotels for TCI

– as government inks landmark development deal with Molo Hotel Group

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In a significant stride towards bolstering the economic landscape, the government sealed a monumental development agreement with Molo Hotel Group on Monday, May 13th, 2024.

The signing ceremony, at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales, marked the culmination of a concerted effort to enhance the island’s tourism infrastructure and hotel offerings.

The agreement, approved by Cabinet, paves the way for the construction of three distinct IInterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos, and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos.

Slated for completion by 2027, these hotels promise to redefine luxury and laid-back sophistication along the picturesque Grace Bay Beach.

Molo Hotel Group, a globally recognised family-owned enterprise with a portfolio of toptier hotels, is spearheading this ambitious development initiative.

Each resort under the agreement boasts a unique design and an array of upscale amenities, promising an unparalleled experience for visitors.

The Kimpton Turks and Caicos will feature 192 guest rooms

including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa, a fitness centre, and seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.

Adjacent to the Kimpton, the InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views and an array of dining options and upscale facilities.

A stone’s throw away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.

Beyond its implications for the tourism sector, the agreement underscores the government’s dedication to fostering economic growth and expanding employment opportunities, according to a statement from InvestTCI.

In a strategic move to nurture local talent, Molo has partnered with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to champion hospitality as a viable career path.

The collaboration will encompass training programmes, career fairs, seminars, and workshops aimed at raising

(Seated) President and CEO, TCICC, Dr Candice Williams; CEO of InvestTCI Mrs Angela Musgrove; Managing Director of Molo, Mr Ross Morrow; Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick; Proprietor of Molo, Mr Łukasz Slominski, and Chair of Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr Barbara Ambrister (Photo: TCIG Communications Directorate)

An artist’s impress of Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos

An artist’s impression of the InterContinental Turks and Caicos

BOMB THREATS

The Turks and Caicos Islands is facing an unprecedented amount of bomb threats, which have disrupted the JAGS McCartney International Airport, the Howard Hamilton International Airport as well as schools. These threats are allegedly coming from individuals who are demanding the release of several US visitors awaiting sentencing for firearms and ammunition charges. In an address to the nation on Monday, May 6, 2024, Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick called on the people of the islands to remain calm and vigilant. He assured that the government is doing everything it can to protect the safety and security of its citizens.

The Premier also reiterated the government’s commitment to working with international partners and experts to bring the perpetrators of these threats to justice. What are your thoughts?

Full support behind the government

I support Premier Missick and his comments.

Security “threats” or silly Americans

It seems that the bomb threats are tied in some way to the arrest of certain silly Americans travelling “without checking their luggage”. TCI is beginning to look like North Korea, where badly drafted laws devoid of realistic policy context are being foisted on the public and the world. In all of this, one cannot escape the decided racist undertone that the Turks & Caicos “justice system” has taken on.

One American man was arrested and the word was that the penalty was 12 years, without any choice and or discretion on the part of the judge to lessen the sentence or simply impose a hefty fine and just let them go. The Court of Appeal has also ruled that the justice had no jurisdiction to award a non-custodial sentence. Now all of a sudden there is word that the Court can indeed consider exceptional circumstances. Is this sudden realisation a product of who the accused persons are?

Are they finally admitting that TCI really has two systems of “justice”, one for them and one for us? We have seen where former chief justices would unmercifully impose

or care that we have laws that must be followed and obeyed. These threats will cause instability. The government has been found “not ready”, “flat-footed” and “on their heels” in the wake of these bomb threats. The response by the Premier and the national security body was late, and not good enough. The response, if any, came after the Leader of the Opposition came out and demanded that they respond to the situation. It was reported in the Leader of the Opposition’s release, that “This lack of acknowledgment by the government has prompted the opposition to once again call them out for their “continued silence” on serious issues. “If something serious is happening to our country and our people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, by now we all know who will be silent and who will be hiding from their responsibilities.” He then called for a “wide range of additional security measures, including access control systems, additional surveillance cameras, security patrols, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies to be implemented at the airports.” It seems that if the government had prepared, spending over $500m annually, proper budgeting and planning would have avoided what is happening at the airport.

It’s a shame

harsh and terrible sentences on Turks & Caicos Islander businessmen, travelling through the airport, unaware they had weapons on them and they were sentence to long years.

It has been determined that there are no sentencing guidelines so the judges have always been free to do what is right in the circumstances. These bomb threats and these arrests have the potential of ‘undoing the TCI tourism trade.

There is no structure, no coherency and no serious policy position on these matters. Government must go back to the people, and parliament and provide leadership.

Change the law and make it, “make sense”, because as currently held, it does not make one ounce of sense.

The hapless airport situation

The situation at the Providenciales (Howard Hamilton International Airport) is embarrassing. Maybe the family of the late Howard Hamilton, a TCI trailblazer, should petition the government to remove his name from the airport until it can be upgraded. It is an aesthetic and security joke. With weak security systems at the airport, anything can get in and out of the TCI. This is against a backdrop of a badly written law that’s trapping people in the TCI after their luggage shows the “right to bear arms in the TCI” is not so prevalent.

There are regional bomb threats from American idiots who do not understand

Now instead of a Caucasian American on trial, it is an African American group that is on trial. The Courts are placing these ladies in jail until trial, this can only happen in Apartheid South Africa or the US Jim Crow South. TCI citizens and residents should be ashamed of this. These issues will never end. Bottom line is the law must change because it makes no sense. It would be interesting to see if the new finding of “exceptional circumstances” will change because of the ‘hue” of the persons being charged. There is something really unfair about all of this. They are just not ready for any of this.

The government has yet to respond to this challenge by way of a comprehensive policy response. The Opposition’s one elected Member of Parliament is leading them. He called for “advancements in technology, such as biometric identification systems and artificial intelligence-based security solutions, to be leveraged to enhance security capabilities and improve threat detection.”

Not so comforting

The release by the Premier is not really comforting, it comes “after the fact”, i.e. after the leader of the Opposition called the Premier out and demanded a response to the security situation and the bomb threats. The response came days later, after the Oppositions Press statement and it seemed canned and taken “off the shelf” and not specifically designed to address the situation. The Premier called

A Weekly News column that puts you on the spot for your opinions on the issues of the day

for “calm” and vigilance. This is standard. He assured that the government is doing everything it can to protect the safety and security of its citizens. Yet he did not say what those things were that the government was doing. “As our nation faces a new security threat, we must respond with a united front, drawing on our collective strength and resilience.” Yet, the Premier did not reach out to the opposition or the public, nor called for a public summit where all views could be expressed and registered in the ‘quest for unity’. Misick said “Each of you (must) play a crucial role in this response, and together, we will overcome this challenge and emerge stronger”. This is more of the same and seems written by a public relations consultant.

Blame game

It’s easy to say that the opposition had to nudge the premier to do something. But the opposition does not have a country to run and making these statements are fine and dandy, but it’s just talk.

Action is with the premier of the country and his every move is scrutinised. So cut him some slack.

We are so quick to blame our own for something that we did not do.

How irresponsible were the Americans to not check their bags for weapons, it’s almost a high and mighty stand point. We are Americans and we don’t care about any other country rule or laws.

Now all their media agencies are painting pictures of TCI as third-world, North Korealike, but they show no respect to our rules and laws. Examples need to be set and it should start now.

Not much of a response

The Premier stated that they were working with international partners and experts to bring the perpetrators of these threats to justice. “We are aware that other overseas territories have experienced similar cases in the last 24 hours,” he said. “We are working with our partners to expose the perpetrators of this unwarranted threat to our little country.”

The Premier is challenged to respond to

Floridian arrested at TCI airport for ammo possession

– US governors plead for leniency, TSA investigates

BY DELANA ISLES

Another routine search of passenger luggage at the Howard Hamilton International Airport in Providenciales has led to the arrest of another American citizen.

Sharitta Shinise Grier, 45, of Orlando, Florida, appeared before a Magistrate on Thursday, May 16, charged with illegal possession of a bullet.

Details are that Grier and her daughter were ending their Mother’s Day vacation in the Turks and Caicos Islands and were going through a routine airport security check on Monday, May 13, when the ammunition was discovered in her luggage.

She was immediately arrested, charged on Tuesday, and appeared in court this past Thursday.

Grier was remanded to prison, pending a possible bail application, and is set to appear in the Supreme Court on July 5 for a sufficiency hearing.

Like the other American tourists who have recently been charged with possession of ammunition, Grier faces the mandatory minimum sentence – under the Firearms Ordinance – of 12 years in prison.

Under the exceptional circumstances provision within that law – should a judge decide it exists – Grier and her fellow Americans will likely receive a severely reduced sentence of

Sharitta Shinise Grier

imprisonment and a fine.

The first such ruling – since the law has been made clear to all involved that a custodial sentence is required in all firearm and ammunition-related convictions –will be delivered by Justice Tanya Lobban-Jackson on May 29.

US GOVERNORS PLEAD FOR LENIENCY

CBS News reported on Thursday, that three US Governors have pleaded with TCI Authorities to

show mercy to Americans arrested on ammunition possession in recent weeks.

The governors of Pennsylvania, Virginia and Oklahoma sent a joint letter Tuesday addressed to the

Governor of Turks and Caicos, asking her to reconsider charges against three Americans from their states - Bryan Hagerich, Tyler Wenrich and Ryan Watson.

The governors reportedly wrote: “Like thousands of Americans each year, these individuals traveled to your beautiful territory for leisure.

“We humbly ask that your government - in its wisdomtemper justice with mercy and recognize that these men made mistakes but had no apparent malicious intents.”

The National Rifle Association is reported to have urged the US State Department on Thursday to “use every means necessary to return US citizens home to America”.

The State Department has once again warned Americans traveling to the TCI to “carefully check your luggage for stray ammunition or forgotten weapons before departing from the United States”.

They cautioned that “declaring a weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring the weapon into the Turks and Caicos Islands and will result in your arrest”.

TSA ADMITS OVERSIGHT, LAUNCHES INTERNAL INVESTIGATION

According to the CBS News report, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said that its officers missed the four rounds of hunting ammo in Watson’s carryon when he and his wife departed from Oklahoma City in April.

“A spokesperson for the agency told CBS News the TSA is addressing the oversight internally,” the report reads.

TSA Administrator David Pekoske also reportedly told CBS News that US screeners occasionally overlook Americans with ammunition in their carry-on luggage because screeners look at many hundreds of images during their shift rotations.

“To me, the solution here is to put more technology assists available to them,” Pekosek is quoted in the article, pointing to software that would be able to identify rounds of ammunition, pieces of firearms and various knives.

He too is urging US travellers to carefully check and recheck their luggage before heading to the airport.

Cops on patrol fired upon by unknown assailants

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) are actively investigating a brazen incident that unfolded when officers responded to a shooting report.

the array of policy measures laid out by the Opposition. These include a review of current security systems and readiness capabilities: biometric systems, Artificial intelligence and other security solutions all set out by the Opposition. This Government decided to get rid of its “electronic genius”, the Hon EJ Saunders, who could have led on these issues if he wanted to. Their hands seem voluntarily tied behind their backs. Just words and more of the same while the image of the islands in the global community declines.

Terrorist activities

The Americans are the first to highlight everything as terrorism, yet we are living through these threats that are affecting work, and school and dissuading persons from travelling to the TCI.

How is this fair in the grand scheme of things? As TCIslanders we need to stick together and rally behind our government. This is not time to be playing politics, but to speak with one voice.

Superintendent Dean Holden, who heads the Crime, Safeguarding, Public Protection and Intelligence Unit reported that at about 10:30pm on May 10, police were conducting patrols along Reece Street in Five Cays, Providenciales, when unknown persons began shooting at them.

As a result of this attack, additional officers responded to the location and began to search for the shooters but were unsuccessful in capturing them.

Holden said when officers were departing the scene they heard the sound of several gunshots coming from the direction where the assailants had fled on foot.

“Officers gave a second chase but were unable to apprehend

the shooters. About five minutes after departing the scene, officers received a report that a male with gunshot wounds was in an area called The Wells in Five Cays.

“Upon arriving at this location, officers saw a male lying on the ground. As officers attempted to transport the victim, gunshots were heard again, resulting in a police vehicle sustaining damage.

Thankfully, none of our officers or bystanders were injured,” Holden stated.

The 24-year-old victim was transported to a medical facility for treatment.

Additionally, police have since arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with the shootings.

“Despite the risk and challenges, our officers remained vigilant. They pursued the shooters, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to apprehend those who threaten the

safety of our citizens,” Holden observed.

He said the incident highlights the grave danger police officers face daily in their efforts to maintain law and order while condemning the brazen attacks on officers and the community at large.

He added: “We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the safety and security of our islands. Together, with the support of our community, we will overcome these challenges and build a safer future for all.”

The RTCIPF asks the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, and anonymously give any information on this incident and illegal activity. Additionally, people are encouraged to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app and share information.

Arrivals for January to April 2024 (TCIG photos of preliminary numbers)

Air and cruise arrivals continue to rise – high figures expected for summer

Turks and Caicos Islands continues to record significant growth in arrivals at its main ports of entry, with the first four months of the year reflecting this increase.

A report from the Ministry of Tourism this week informed that from January to April, the Islands saw 271,326 air arrivals, an increase of 10.46 percent over 2023 which saw 245,637 arrivals in the corresponding period.

While noting that the figures are preliminary, Minister of Tourism, Hon Josephine Connolly said she is proud that the TCI continues to be a destination of choice for holiday seekers.

She also noted that the data shows that the country’s air arrival numbers are projected to remain high through August which indicates that the tourism sector will remain buoyant all year.

“This is great news for the

people of Turks and Caicos as we are working assiduously, through Experience Turks and Caicos to ensure that everyone benefits from the tourism industry,” she said.

The majority of air arrivals were from the United States which saw 215, 247 air passengers, with 26, 275 passengers from Canada, and 5,031 passengers from the United Kingdom and Europe.

The cruise sector also saw a

Belizean native appointed Resident Magistrate for Grand Turk

Patricia Arana, former registrar of the magistrate’s court of the TCI, has assumed the new post of Resident Magistrate in the nation’s capital.

Arana was sworn in on Monday, May 13 and has since taken up her post. She first joined the Judiciary of the Turks and Caicos Islands as Registrar of the Magistrate’s Court in April 2022.

Prior to taking up that position, she was the Deputy Registrar General at the Supreme Court of her native Belize in Belize City.

Since her appointment in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Arana has served in various capacities: ADR Administrator and lately

a member of the Mediation Committee, a member of the Breach Process Rules Committee, Justice of the Peace Vetting Panel, Justice of the Peace Disciplinary Panel, and Election Adjudicator. She started her judicial career as a Magistrate in 2010 and was promoted to the position of Senior Magistrate in 2015. As Senior Magistrate, she worked in several districts in Belize and acted as Chief Magistrate on several occasions. Also, within that period, she was seconded for two years as Legal Counsel to the Financial Intelligence Unit of Belize.

Arana is a graduate of the University of the West Indies where

she obtained a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) Degree, and a graduate of the Norman Manley Law School, Jamaica, where she obtained her Legal Education Certificate. There she distinguished herself when she received the H.H. Dunn Memorial Prize for Legal Drafting and Interpretation.

Regionally, Arana currently serves as an Executive Member of the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO) on behalf of the Judiciary of the Turks and Caicos Islands. She is also an active member of the Caribbean Association of Women Judges (CAWJ), and the National Garifuna Council (NGC) Orange Walk Branch.

slight increase in passengers in the first four months of 2024 with 371,857 passengers recorded in comparison to 2023 figures of 371, 392 for the same period.

April saw 29 calls to port, the highest number for the year so far, boosted in part by four Royal Caribbean sailings to the Grand Turk Cruise following their suspension of the Haiti route due to unrest there.

The Ministry stated that

Experience Turks and Caicos, through its Community Connect Meetings, has been rolling out its plans to diversify the destination’s offerings, enhance the visitor experience and partner with stakeholders to ensure the success of the tourism sectors is enjoyed by everyone across all the islands. To date, meetings have taken place in North and Middle Caicos, with more meetings planned for the other family islands.

Air

Cruise numbers from January to April 2024

Resident Magistrate for Grand Turk, Patricia Arana

PDM calls on Govt to come clean about “secret dealings” with Carnival

BY DELANA ISLES

Leader of the Opposition, Hon Edwin Astwood has accused the PNP Government of colluding with Carnival Corporation while leaving those whose livelihood depends on tourism in Grand Turk in the dark.

The accusation comes on the heels of a recent town hall meeting the government hosted in the nation’s capital (May 9) to address matters pertaining to the Grand Turk Cruise Centre Operations.

It was promised that accurate and relevant information to facilitate an open dialogue would have been shared at that meeting.

However, according to the PDM leader, those in attendance came away with nothing substantive as to the rumoured closure of the cruise centre if Carnival’s demands are not met by the government.

On May 1, the Governor, Premier, senior government members including the Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police met with Carnival Corporation executives at the Hon. NJS Francis Building, in Grand Turk to discuss “pertinent matters of mutual interest”.

It was on the heels of this meeting that tourism operators and private commercial businesses in Grand Turk were expecting to hear more of what was discussed as it relates to the continued operations of the cruise centre.

Astwood believes the two are

having secret dealings, and in a scathing statement on the matter this week he said as much, while expressing “shock and dismay” at the outcome of the town hall meeting.

He said: “The fact that over 200 concerned individuals, comprising tour operators, store managers/workers, beach vendors, taxi drivers, restaurant and retail workers, and others, attended the meeting seeking clarity on the proposed shutdown of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, only to be left without substantive information by the government, including the Premier and Government Cabinet ministers, is utterly unacceptable.”

He pointed out that it has been weeks since the meeting with Carnival executives, and all that has been offered is what the Premier described as a mere “holding letter” sent to Carnival.

“This lack of decisive action and transparency is deeply troubling,” Astwood claimed.

He further questioned the motives behind the townhall meeting: “Simply convening meetings to listen to the concerns of impacted businesses and citizens is not sufficient.

“What is urgently needed is a comprehensive plan that not only addresses the implications of Carnival’s proposal but also ensures the protection of livelihoods in Grand Turk.”

The party leader has accused the government of once again making

“bad contractual deals with outside companies” that he claims have been shown to have ultimately disadvantaged the people of the country, and in this case, directly disadvantaged the residents of Grand Turk.

“The relationship between governments and corporations, particularly in the cruise industry, demands transparency, accountability, and a steadfast

Three IHG-branded hotels ...

CONTINUED FROM  5

awareness about the myriad opportunities within the hospitality industry.

The signing event was attended by key dignitaries, including Premier Hon Charles Washington Missick, who hailed the agreement as a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He emphasised the project’s potential to create jobs, enrich the economy, and elevate the islands’ tourism offerings.

He said: “The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing of IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality

in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.

“Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy”, he added.

CEO of InvestTCI, Mrs Angela Musgrove, highlighted the transformative nature of the project and its role in positioning the Turks and Caicos Islands as

a premier travel and investment destination.

She said: “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country.

“We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our community college and small business community.”

As TCI continues to charter a course towards a prosperous future, this landmark deal stands as a beacon of progress and promise.

commitment to serving the best interests of the populace,” he insisted.

“Unfortunately, all too often, we witness instances where the PNP governments enter into agreements that prioritise profits over people, which is now leading to dire consequences for our people, our communities, and our collective well-being.”

He said at the heart of the issue lies the fundamental responsibility of an elected government to function as stewards of the public good, safeguarding the interests and welfare of its citizens above all else.

“I told them in 2021, and on the debating of the Beach and Coastal Vending Bill that the contractual agreements in the new Carnival Agreement were not in the best interest of our people, and that it was clearly tilted in favour of Carnival interest, and possibly their interests, at the expense of the people interest, and that they not only betray this sacred duty but also jeopardize the very fabric of the Grand Turk community.”

He said by engaging in these “covert dealings,” the Premier and his government have demonstrated a shocking lack of integrity and a blatant disregard for the concerns and needs of the people they were elected to serve.

“Now the chickens have come home to roost, and we are seeing the real desire being put forward by Carnival, as was stated to the government, which was read aloud to the audience in attendance at the

town hall meeting by the Premier.

“It also brings to my mind another saying, ‘he who pays the piper, calls the tune,’ and now we see Carnival Corporation not just calling, but demanding all the tunes they want the government to play.

“Hence, for the residents of Grand Turk, this cannot be living our best life.”

Astwood said the lack of transparency in these matters raises serious doubts about the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic development and supporting the well-being of citizens.

“As concerned citizens, it is incumbent upon us to speak out against such injustices and demand greater accountability from our elected officials in their dealings with these powerful corporate entities,” he insisted.

Adding: “Moreover, it is alarming that the government stated that out of 14 projects earmarked for the infrastructure fund, only two or three have come to fruition, despite over $9 million allocated.”

He said the country has not seen or felt the impact of the infrastructure fund, and that there is nothing standing in the way of getting the earmarked projects underway.

“As the Minister of Home Affairs rightly pointed out in the town hall meeting, the cruise industry is a vital lifeline for Grand Turk.

“However, the government’s failure to deliver on promised infrastructure projects compounds the challenges facing the community of Grand Turk with the Cruise line cutting back on ship calls to the island, how will our people live their best life?”

He is insisting that the government comes clean “about their secret agreements with the cruise ship company,” provide concrete plans to address the concerns raised at the town hall meeting and take immediate action to expedite the implementation of infrastructure projects promised to Grand Turk.

The PDM leader stated that it is imperative that the government heed the calls for transparency and accountability and show the people the renewal of the contract deal in 2021, which he said should have never been renewed, or put forth a new contractual agreement. He is calling on the government to take immediate action to rectify the “betrayal of trust” that has occurred in their “secret dealings” with the cruise ship company.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon Edwin Astwood

Ambitious plan to transform healthcare unveiled

BY OLIVIA ROSE

The Turks and Caicos Islands government has launched a bold new plan to revolutionise the territory’s healthcare system.

The National Health Sector Strategic Plan 2024-2027, unveiled at a ceremony held at the Shore Club Beach Resort on Tuesday, May 14th, lays out a comprehensive roadmap for tackling the nation’s most pressing health challenges.

The event was attended by several local and international dignitaries, government officials including cabinet ministers, and many health care professionals.

The plan comes at a crucial time, as the TCI faces a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, a growing and aging population, and the ongoing burden of noncommunicable diseases. The Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted the need for a resilient and adaptable healthcare system.

HE Governor Dileeni DanielSelvaratnam, who delivered remarks at the launch event, emphasised the importance of data-driven decisionmaking, prevention and early intervention, and a commitment to equity and inclusivity.

She said: “Most importantly, the plan recognises that healthcare is not just a matter of policy - it is a reflection of our values as a society.

“It is a statement of our commitment to justice, equality and human dignity. It is a recognition of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to care for one another.”

She acknowledged the dedication of healthcare workers, especially in the face of the pandemic’s challenges.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Nadia Astwood highlighted the plan’s alignment with the World Health Organization’s health systems framework and stressed the need for a collaborative approach involving stakeholders from across various sectors.

She said that the plan was developed through extensive consultation with health sector experts, civic groups, and regional partners.

“The document is wide-ranging and this is intended to be an active working document which will be incorporated into our day-to-day work to ensure steady progress is made towards achieving mastery of health vision, which is a healthier people throughout the lifecycle… our mission, which is to provide high-quality health care services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Minister of Health and Human

Services, Hon Shaun D. Malcolm, described the plan as a “blueprint for building a resilient and sustainable healthcare system for every generation”.

Malcolm said: “We are embarking on a journey that will shape the future of healthcare and our nation.

“The theme, brick by brick symbolises the deliberate and steady progress we aim to meet in building a healthcare system that is not only strong and resilient but also sustainable for future generations.”

He underscored the importance of collaboration, community engagement, and sustainable practices in achieving the plan’s objectives.

Echoing similar sentiments Premier Misick emphasised that this plan will enhance various institutional capacities within the Turks and Caicos Islands’ health sector, ensuring its robustness, efficiency, and sustainability in delivering quality healthcare services to the public.

The launch event also featured a keynote speech by Premier and Minister of Finance and Health of Anguilla Hon Dr Ellis L. Webster, who shared insights on the challenges and complexities of building a strong and resilient healthcare system.

He said: “Implementing and maintaining a strong, resilient and sustainable health care system as an equitable to all and that meets and serves the needs of the population is no easy feat, it is a never-ending mission fraught with complex considerations and endless balancing act, regardless of the jurisdiction”.

He highlighted the importance of strategic planning, creative solutions, and maximising resources, particularly in small island nations.

The National Health Sector Strategic Plan 2024-2027 represents a significant milestone in TCI’s efforts to improve the health and well-being of its population.

With its focus on equity, sustainability, resilience, and datadriven decision-making, the plan sets an ambitious agenda for the future of healthcare in the territory.

The TCI government’s ambitious plan has the potential to transform the territory’s healthcare system and improve the lives of countless individuals.

However, the plan’s success will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, community organisations, and regional partners.

CONTRIBUTORS NEEDED

Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon Shaun D. Malcolm; Premier and Minister of Finance and Health of Anguilla, Hon Dr Ellis L. Webster; HE Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam; Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick and HE Deputy Governor Anya Williams (Photos TCIG Communications Directorate)

The event was attended by several local and international dignitaries, government officials including cabinet ministers, and health care professionals

Governor takes hard line amidst bomb threats

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In recent weeks, the Turks and Caicos Islands have been seemingly under siege by a series of bomb threats targeting airports and schools, allegedly demanding the release of US nationals currently held on firearms charges.

In light of these threats to TCI’s safety and security, HE Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam, during an interview on ‘First Edition’ with hosts Cheryl Forman and Zhavago Jolly on Thursday, May 16, 2024, declared an unequivocal

zero-tolerance policy against these threats, deeming them “utterly unacceptable”.

Similar threats later targeted airports in other Overseas Territories, including Anguilla, Bermuda, and the British Virgin Islands.

She said: “It is unacceptable to put any country in a position where they are receiving that level of threats. It’s utterly unacceptable”.

The gravity of the situation has prompted the Governor to engage in high-level discussions with the US and Western allies,

Another alleged gang member arrested, slapped with multiple offences

Twenty-year-old James Simon, a resident of Dock Yard, Providenciales, appeared in court on Monday, May 13 charged with a series of firearm-related and gang offences.

Simon is charged with one count of robbery; one count of gang membership; one count of possession of a firearm for the benefit of a gang; and one count of possession of ammunition for the benefit of a gang.

Police said the charges followed investigations into a robbery that took place at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.

Simon was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 5.

Additionally, Simon is charged with other offences stemming from an arrest on May 2, along South Dock Road. He will also answer charges of possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition and unlawful entry.

Officers also charged a 17-yearold who was in the company of Simon on May 2 with unlawful entry.

The teenager, a resident of Kew Town, Providenciales, has since pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20.

HE Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam during

emphasising the need for a united front against such brazen acts of intimidation.

In a resolute move to counter these threats, the Governor outlined a multi-agency approach involving law enforcement, the judiciary, and disaster management teams.

She underscored that the islands are bolstering its security posture, conducting threat assessment workshops, and enhancing cybersecurity measures.

The Governor stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the immediate threats but also potential vulnerabilities across various sectors, including public health and critical infrastructure.

While acknowledging the potential impact of these threats on the tourism-dependent economy, the Governor expressed confidence

in the resilience of the islands’ tourism industry.

She said: “I think it could, particularly from a travel perspective have an impact. That’s why it’s really important to find context, but also why we have to protect our islands…We cannot afford any more guns on our streets. We cannot afford this.

“So we have to have a very clear and strong environment to protect ourselves but it’s about the communication of why and how, so that it doesn’t impact tourism.”

She emphasised the need for effective communication and to provide context to prevent undue alarm, ensuring the continued flow of tourists to the pristine beaches and attractions of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Governor made it clear that the Turks and Caicos Islands

will not succumb to fear, and that the authorities are taking decisive action to protect their citizens, visitors, and economic interests.

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick also condemned the recent bomb threats made against the Turks and Caicos Islands and other Overseas Territories.

In an address to the nation on Monday, May 6, 2024, Premier Misick called on the people of the islands to remain calm and vigilant and assured that the government is doing everything it can to protect the safety and security of its citizens.

Misick also reiterated the government’s commitment to working with international partners and experts to bring the perpetrators of these threats to justice.

Police fatally shoot thief, as others escaped – investigation underway

Police are on the hunt for three men involved in a robbery in the Snake Hill area this week, after they opened fire on police before fleeing the scene.

Reports are that sometime around 9:02pm on Tuesday, May 14, the Police Control Room received a call about an armed robbery at a location in Blue Hills, Providenciales.

While at this location, police received further information at 9:10pm of another robbery involving armed males who had robbed a victim of a vehicle and other valuables.

An all-points bulletin was issued

after reports that both incidents involved a gunman.

Officers responded to the second report and spotted the stolen vehicle being driven in the Snake Hill district. The marked police unit attempted to bring the stolen car to a stop, but the suspects confronted the police, resulting in the discharge of police firearms.

An earlier report from police stated that the armed suspects shot at the officers first and they returned fire.

One of the suspects was struck and succumbed to his injuries.

Police said at least three others are believed to have fled the scene.

The deceased male has yet to be identified.

“The incident is under active investigation to assess the full implications and proportionality of police actions, and the public will be updated,” a police statement on the matter reads.

The public is being asked to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, and anonymously give any information on illegal activity.

Additionally, residents are encouraged to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app and share information anonymously.

an interview on ‘First Edition’ with hosts Cheryl Forman and Zhavago Jolly

James Simon

Reaching the Streets phase two completed

BY OLIVIA ROSE

The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, Culture, and Library Services has wrapped up the second phase of its “Reaching the Streets” (RTS) initiative, a comprehensive programme aimed at curbing youth involvement in crime, particularly gun and gang violence.

Developed by Dr David Burrows and partners from the Bahamas, RTS represents a significant investment in the future of the nation’s youth.

The programme offers preventative measures, intervention strategies, and rehabilitation efforts to guide young people away from a life of crime.

The first phase involved nationwide consultations with key stakeholders, while the

second phase, recently completed, focused on national training and development sessions led by Dr Burrows and his team.

The upcoming third phase will centre on implementation and impact monitoring, with facilitators providing a strategic plan to guide the next steps.

Stakeholders across the Turks & Caicos Islands will be organized into “Zones of Impact,” designed to streamline programs and enhance access to funding, technical support, and program monitoring.

Minister for Education, Youth, Sports, Culture, and Library Services, Hon Rachel Taylor, emphasised the government’s dedication to addressing the root causes of criminal behaviour and providing at-risk youth with the necessary tools to build fulfilling

lives.

She said: “We understand that the path away from criminality is not an easy one, but with the right support and resources, it is absolutely achievable.

“Through strategies such as the RTS initiative, we are committed to providing a holistic, personalised approach that addresses the root causes of criminal behaviour and equips participants with the tools they need to build meaningful and fulfilling lives.”

The success of RTS relies on the active participation and support of mentors, financial backers, and advocates who are committed to breaking the cycle of violence and fostering a safer, more equitable society, Minister Taylor stressed. She added “It requires us to come together, not occasionally, but consistently, to provide sustainable solutions and support systems to our youth. This is our collective responsibility and our most potent response mechanism against the cycle of violence that threatens to consume our community.”

Adams-Forbes appointed as director of social development

The Office of the Deputy Governor recently announced the appointment of Mrs Ashley Adams-Forbes to the post of Director of Social Development. Mrs Adams-Forbes holds a Master of Social Work Degree from Columbia University in New York City and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of London. She is well-equipped to lead the Department of Social Development in its mission to support and empower individuals and communities in need, having previously served as the former Deputy Director of the Department of Social Development for nearly eight years from November 2015 to March 2023, before taking up an appointment as Deputy Patient Administration Manager at the TCI Hospitals from April 2023 to March 2024.

During the period of her previous appointment as Deputy Director of Social Development she shared the core responsibility of specialising the core social work services and building staff capacity; specifically spearheading the establishment of the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub and the Probation and Parole Department, now known as the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services.

Commenting on her appointment, Mrs Adams-Forbes stated:

“I am honoured to serve my fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders in the capacity of Director of Social Development. I am a champion for children and am passionate about powering our nation, positively impacting the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

When I think about my appointment, I am reminded of the Bible verse, Luke 12:48, “To whom much is given, much will be required, and to whom much was handed over, they will ask more.”

As long as I am in this capacity, I intend always to do the greatest good

for the greatest number of people in my community. My unwavering passion for serving and advocating for the vulnerable members of our community has been a driving force behind my work.

“In this new role, I intend to oversee the strategic direction of the Department of Social Development, working to address continued societal ills, strengthen existing programmes and implement innovative initiatives that promote social welfare and enhance the quality of life of all members of our community. My extensive field experience and academic background in social work and public policy have equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex social issues and to implement effective solutions, which I look forward to utilising in this new role.”

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, HE Anya Williams in extending congratulatory remarks to Mrs Ashley Adams-Forbes on her appointment stated:

“It gives me great pleasure to officially congratulate Mrs Ashley Adams-Forbes on her appointment to the post of the Director of Social Development in the Ministry of Home Affairs and to welcome her back to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service.

“With a specialised educational background in social work, coupled with her previous work experience, we are certain that Mrs Adams-Forbes will perform exceptionally well in this new role having previously demonstrated a deep commitment and unwavering passion for social justice, advocacy, and service to those most vulnerable in our society during her previous appointment and wish her well on her new appointment.

“Congratulations and welcome back to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service Mrs AdamsForbes!”

Mrs Ashley Adams-Forbes

Tourism officials meet with insurance companies to discuss Jet Ski operators’ coverage

In a bid to bolster the safety and reliability of water sport tourism, the Department of Tourism Regulations (DTR) convened a crucial meeting with four major insurance companies on April 30, 2024.

The meeting, which focused on developing tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of Jet Ski operators within the local tourism landscape, aimed to tackle the pressing issue of limited insurance options for Jet Ski operators in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This was highlighted as a challenge that has implications for both operators and regulators.

According to the DTR, insurance options for Jet Ski owners in the Turks and Caicos Islands are limited, which poses challenges for operators and regulators.

Representatives from NW Hamilton, JS Johnson, CSC Insurance, and GK Insurance engaged in discussions with DTR and DECR officials, including Director Avi Adams and Deputy Director Talia Thomas.

The dialogue centred on liability risks, expanding coverage options, and fortifying safety measures through comprehensive insurance provisions, a statement from the department said.

Director Adams emphasised the DTR’s commitment to fostering a robust and sustainable tourism product, acknowledging the struggles faced by local businesses in securing adequate insurance.

“The Department of Tourism regulations is in charge of ensuring that the tourism product of the Turks and Caicos Islands is robust and sustainable.

“Upon setting regulations, we realise that some companies, local companies struggle with obtaining insurance.

“Our department, along with the DECR and the TCIG at large, is on a mission to bridge that gap to ensure that local vendors can obtain the insurance that is needed to offer a tourism product that can be safe and reliable, while also helping to mitigate some of the risks that insurance companies may have challenges with,” he added.

The collaborative effort with insurance providers seeks to streamline insurance processes and promote compliance with enhanced safety standards across

the industry.

Queen Been of J.S. Johnson Insurance lauded the DTR’s initiative and recognised the importance of enacting laws for best practices in water sport and tourism businesses.

She said: “This will be of interest to all stakeholders, and the safety of our guests. Thank you for the opportunity to attend and lend my voice to encourage responsible management of our tourism product by all.”

Government officials present from DTR included: Director Adams; Deputy Director Thomas; Regulation Development Specialist Sasha Arthur; Quality Assurance Officer Donessia Gardiner; Communication Officer Alique Harvey; DECR’s Deputy Director Jatavia Howell; as well as the Strategic Development Manager of Experience Turks and Caicos Courtney Robinson.

The meeting’s outcomes will inform the DTR’s ongoing regulatory efforts, striking a balance between safety and the growth of vital recreational activities within the local tourism sector.

The DTR said it remains steadfast in its dedication to fulfilling its promises and fostering a climate of trust, transparency, and accountability within the industry, ensuring the Turks and Caicos Islands continue to be a premier destination for safe and enjoyable water sport experiences.

(By Olivia Rose)

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

Officials from the Department of Tourism Regulations; the Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources and representatives from insurance companies

Is it worth it?

Do not put politics over family, friends, business and God

Somehow, we have ingrained in our culture and minds that the answer to our issues is to get into politics. In my opinion, the political parties have become like cults. We are not mature when it comes to politics and as a result some families are split over politics. Some friendships are destroyed over politics. Businesses are impacted by politics. Some of the churches are in trouble because of politics.

Some people really need to understand what it is they are getting into. There is nothing wrong with voting for a particular party or person, but it does not have to be public knowledge. Furthermore, it should not reach to a level in your life where it has destroyed your friendship, your family, your business and more

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.

importantly compromised your relationship with God. Therefore, is it worth getting into politics?

One of the greatest foundations in any society is the foundation of a family. When that foundation is broken, our society is broken because of division, hostility, enviousness and jealousy. One way the family is broken is through politics. Family members running

against each other. Husband and wife fighting over politics. Other family members fight and argue over politics. This is not worth it. I would rather not go into politics than to cause a division among my family. I rather be quiet about my political affiliation than to be divided over families. My family is more important to me than politics. A sincere friendship is not easy

to find and when you do find it, try to maintain it. There are some friends who will never let you down. Do not let politics destroy your friendship.

Due to our obsession with politics and the lack of our maturity level, be very careful when it comes to politics. At the end of the day, you have your family to take care of and you have employees to pay. When it comes to your business, be neutral. Every customer is important, and you don’t want to lose any customer because of politics. Therefore, ask yourself, “is it worth it”? Honestly, some of you will progress more in your business than if you go into politics. The church is more important than politics. If the church does its part in reaching the lost souls, we will have a better society. The

church has members and followers who are split over their political affiliation. Is it worth getting into politics knowing that this will create division in the church? Can you serve in the church and politics at the same time? Is it worth it?

I believe that most people that want to go into politics may have good intentions. They want to make a difference in the lives of individuals. However, I am convinced that many people do not understand how politics works and many people do not care even if it means destroying families, friends, businesses, and their relationship with God. Is it worth it? Your family, friends, business, and God cannot be replaced with politics. There are so many things you can do to improve the lives of others without going into politics.

Paved ‘private’ roads a ‘luxury good’ in TCI

The road is one of the most notable infrastructures of the transportation system in the TCI; however, for most people, especially in Providenciales, paved ‘private’ roads have now become a ‘luxury good’.

And, while these poorly maintained surfaces have caused disquiet among TCI’s communities, it appears that there is no specific plan to address this unfortunate plight anytime soon.

This grim reality also exhibited conditions on the highway and on other public roads, which has impelled some displeased citizens to fill potholes with concrete and those who can’t afford concrete are using dirt.

BY D MARKIE SPRING

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

However, beyond the pothole epidemic throughout Providenciales, it is the hoard of gnarled, unpaved, ‘private’ roads spanning the landscape that have people talking.

Like public pavements these disregarded privately owned lanes are essential for supporting the

development of key economic activities, social life, and productivity within TCI’s tourist and government sectors.

Moreover, policymakers should know, that the abysmal state of these roads is also costing homeowners; they devalue private homes and rentals and discourage potential buyers, and renters of properties alike.

In a similar fashion developers are dissuaded to invest their money on properties, which are unpaved roads or without proper access.

Likewise, auto owners are also feeling the pinch, as maneuvering on these roads is exacting damages to their vehicles; hence, incurring high maintenance costs.

Considering the high

maintenance costs, homeowners’ inability to upkeep these driveways, and the lack of government intervention, – like an epidemic –we must live with this setback.

And so, affected residents should continuously engage policymakers to adopt these ‘private’ roads, to maintain them and ease the impact on the value of properties and automobiles.

The current road condition exhibits a sense of neglect and far too long, too many politicians have shied away from making pertinent long-term determinations to soothe the road pains of hardworking families and individuals.

Although these roads are privately owned, if lawmakers didn’t know, other people are using them.

Residents from neighbouring communities are walking on these roads and both public and private sector vehicles –including emergency, utility and communication network vehicles – utilise them.

Imagine an ambulance transporting a patient on these rough surfaces. Think about the likely detriments!

To bolster this argument, dust is a huge concern and we know what a gust of wind can do. While it leaves a pile of dirt in our houses and vehicles, it is harmful for humans to inhale.

Similarly, excessive dust kills plants and vegetation by preventing them from absorbing sunlight. And at times, while driving in Providenciales swirling dust often obscures visibility and the likely result is an accident.

Notably, Providenciales is emerging as a famous, luxurious brand among regional tourist destinations; therefore, politicians’ neglect regarding the maintenance of ‘private’ roads can erode that outlook.

Once more, imagine Providenciales – an island nation perceived as an opulent destination, but once one leaves Grace Bay, on the other side, there is an entirely different world with an austere dust covering stony, unpaved roads. This grotesque dereliction of duties is appalling and if policymakers do not change course, progress could become a ‘thing’ of the past!

Is it true?

Someone forwarded me a picture recently. Because it apparently came from a reliable source, I forwarded it onwards. A day later, I asked myself if the picture was true.

A day after that, I resolved that the picture was, if not an outright lie, an effort to manipulate a discussion towards a particular end. We have to ask the question, “Is It True?”

When we see something on Facebook, YouTube, or other media, we must ask the question.

I know that the media plays a pivotal role in our world. It shapes public opinion, educates, inspires, influences the discussion, and provides important information.

Sadly, sometimes, it withholds critical information to promote a particular narrative. It is a tool through which we access information about our world; it affects our understanding of history and current events and issues. However, the media is not neutral. Some specific ideologies and agendas drive what events are covered, how they are reported,

KENYATTA E. LEWIS

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

and what conclusions listeners are forced to make.

Sometimes, these ideologies are immoral and ungodly. As such, those who follow Jesus must engage the media with discernment and wisdom.

DISCERNMENT AND CRITICAL THINKING:

The Bible encourages discernment and critical thinking. Proverbs 14:15 (NIV) advises, “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” This wisdom is particularly relevant in the age of information overload.

As Christians, we should approach news with a discerning eye, seeking the truth while

carefully evaluating the sources of information. Proverbs 18:17 (NIV) reminds us, “In a lawsuit, the first to speak seems right until someone comes forward and crossexamines.” Listening to several diverse perspectives to refine our understanding of complex issues is a good practice. By way of example, if you listen to CNN, listen also to Fox News. If you follow Al Jazeera for information about the war between Hamas and Israel, listen to what the Times of Israel has to say.

CHALLENGES OF MISINFORMATION AND DISINFORMATION:

Misinformation, the spread

of inaccurate or misleading information, and disinformation, the deliberate spread of false information, are pervasive in the media landscape. Proverbs 19:5 (NIV) cautions, “A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.”

As men and women shaped by the Gospel of Jesus, it is our responsibility to discern and counteract the dissemination of false information. Truth is a central theme in the Bible. John 8:32 (NIV) reminds us, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” As Christians, we are called to seek the truth and to uphold it in our lives. We must pursue accurate,

well-sourced information and avoid the perpetuation of falsehoods.

PRAYER AND REFLECTION:

In the digital age, where information flows rapidly, it is essential to pause and reflect. Proverbs 15:28 (NIV) advises, “The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.” We can approach the news with humility and wisdom through prayer and reflection, recognising that our words and responses carry weight. With the advent of the internet, we have more information than we need. However, Christians can lead the way in this regard. Regarding the media, believers in Jesus should approach the media with grace and integrity. Our call to action is clear: engage with discernment, seek the truth, and promote responsible media consumption and sharing. In doing so, we will embody the values of the Gospel that shape us. Love demands we take the time to do this well, for ourselves and others. YOU ARE LOVED.

Italians: always well-dressed and impeccably groomed

Italians are known for three things, food, passion, and fashion. That is why around the world “made in Italy” is considered to be a brand in itself. So it isn’t a coincidence but is instead due to the work of great designers, who allow these men to embody whatever they want with their unique and flawless stylings. All people consider Italian fashion to be the absolute pinnacle of high-end style, so I have turned to them for guidance.

Fashion is something that everyone wants to be good at, but it’s also one of the hardest things to get right. But this is not as easy as it looks. Not only do you need to know what clothes look good on your body type and fit well, but you also have to understand how fashion trends work so that you can stay up-todate with the latest styles. It’s a lot of work!

Note, you don’t need to be rich or famous to dress like a

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

stylish Italian man - all you need is a little help from Italy’s best fashion designers! I have spent just a few days in Turin and in Rome so I know what I am talking about. I can show you how to dress like an Italian man in just eight easy steps!

WEAR YOUR CLOTHES CORRECTLY

You should never wear your shirt untucked or too long on purpose.

If you still look like Nelly in the early 2000s, then you are stuck in the wrong era. You can do the opposite of what you do now.

Everything should be fitted_ unless it is linen.

DO NOT WEAR SOCKS

If you have to wear socks, then please do not show them. You are not doing PE, get those ankle socks out of sight. Ewww!

DON’T FORGET ABOUT ACCESSORIES

Accessories are one of the most important parts of Italian fashion. The proof is often in the small details. A tie can make all the difference when dressing up. A watch is a statement. A

bracelet is elegant and God, yes_ you do need a belt.

GET A HAIRCUT EVERY SIX WEEKS AT LEAST

Your hair should always be neat and tidy. No excuses.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY ACCORDING TO THE OCCASION

You don’t need formalwear for everything! Just know what type of event it is and pick out something appropriate from your closet.

MIND THE COLOURS

Summer is a time when Italians are seen wearing light-coloured clothing, such as white. So pick a light palette. You cannot go wrong with them in the Turks and Caicos. Pastels are your new best friend.

LOAFERS

Not Nike, Puma, or High-top Supras! Leave the Converse in the closet… if you are above 25 years old, then act like it. Or at least, wear items that reflect your age. Loafers are class and they elevate any outfit effortlessly. Too bad they do not work in the same fashion for unattractive personalities. For that, you need more than material things. Tough!

THE ENSEMBLE

If you can’t afford high-end Italian wear, here are cheap alternative: Activewear, Lulu Lemon, Zara, and Uniqlo are here to save the day!

ARE YOU STRUGGLING?

Feel free to stop me when you see me next for a quick makeover.

SHARE IF YOU CARE AT LOUISEDENS@GMAIL.COM OR @DAVIID.L2

Hurricane-damaged South Caicos airport fence resumes construction

The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) this week announced the resumption of significant infrastructure upgrades at Norman B Saunders International Airport in South Caicos.

On Tuesday, May 14, construction resumed on the installation of perimeter fencing, marking a pivotal milestone in the ongoing capital projects aimed at enhancing the passenger experience and bolstering security measures across the islands, a statement from the TCIAA this week read.

The destruction of the airport’s perimeter fencing was due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Though long in coming, the project is finally off the ground with a proposed completion date of August 14, with what the TCIAA promises to be minimal disruption to airport operations.

Godfrey Smith, Chief Executive Officer of TCIAA stated: “This infrastructure upgrade represents

a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance security measures and ensure the safety of all airport stakeholders.

By fortifying our perimeter, we reaffirm our dedication to providing a secure and seamless travel experience for passengers while maintaining regulatory compliance.”

TCIAA has also extended its gratitude to passengers, airlines, and stakeholders for their cooperation and understanding during this crucial phase of infrastructure development.

Will the Govt stand up to Carnival Cruise Lines’ bullying tactics

As we sail through another bustling cruise season, Turks and Caicos, celebrated for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, faces yet another challenge from a corporate giant. The new CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines has issued an ultimatum: address security concerns or risk a halt in port calls.

This demand raises a critical question: Are the reported security issues at our ports truly more severe than those at other destinations, or is this a strategic maneuver by Carnival to exert undue influence?

It’s misleading and damaging to claim that our local government has neglected its duty to curb crime within that vicinity. The statement, “We gave Carnival an inch, and now they are demanding a mile,” encapsulates the prevailing local sentiment.

The Beach and Coastal Vending Bill that came into effect during the latter part of 2021, though beneficial in some respect creating designated vendor zones

BY ED FORBES A concerned citizen of Grand Turk

and promoting order, seems to disproportionately favour large corporations—a sentiment echoed across our “Beautiful by Nature” islands.

The heart of the issue remains the support—or lack thereof—for local vendors, crucial to balancing the economic benefits of tourism.

The objective should be to encourage guests to explore beyond the confines of Carnival’s domain and genuinely interact with our local businesses and culture.

In order to do that, we have to create an experience be it at the local village or within the town area to draw visitors there. What’s currently being done is not enough.

Current strategies, such as restrictive zoning that limits vendors’ access to tourists, disproportionately impact those

without corporate affiliations.

These restrictions often leave local vendors at a disadvantage, complicating their interactions with potential customers and stifling their businesses.

Our beaches are not just picturesque landscapes; they are vital for economic opportunities, particularly in Grand Turk and Providenciales, where it’s the primary source of income for unemployed youths and reformed individuals seeking honest employment.

The recent establishment of the Beach Enforcement Patrol Unit was a step in the right direction, but more can be done. Perhaps introducing additional training and more support from local law enforcement could enhance its effectiveness. Although, policing

in such a tightly-knit community and strong family ties like Grand Turk, comes with its own set of challenges.

With that being said, what other options could we consider?

Perhaps, we should consider mobilising police officers from Providenciales to assist. The team should include officers with limited family connections in Grand Turk. Investing in refurbishing the police barracks on old airport road to serve as housing for this task force could be a worthwhile expenditure, allowing for rotation as required.

Moreover, it might be beneficial to reframe our view of beach vendors. Often labeled as hustlers or nuisances. The truth is, you will always have a few bad actors, but in reality many of them are entrepreneurs, beach salesmen, providing valuable services to tourists.

Introducing a regulated permit system for these vendors could legitimise their operations, contribute to public funds, and

reduce their dependency on social services later in life.

Carnival’s tactics suggest a singular focus on their agenda.

It is always risky to presume cause-and-effect when it comes to negotiations, but it’s crucial for our government to engage with skilled negotiators who prioritise our community’s interests.

It may also be prudent to explore partnerships with other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean as a contingency plan, ensuring our economy remains robust regardless of the outcome with Carnival.

In the spirit of the Premier’s recent remarks, while we must be cautious not to “throw out the baby with the bath water,” it is imperative that any governmental actions primarily benefit our citizens rather than capitulate to external pressures.

This is more than a dispute over port security; it’s a battle for the soul of Grand Turk, where the stakes are as high as the tides that shape our shores.

Significant progress is being made in the infrastructure upgrades at Norman B Saunders International Airport in South Caicos, with the installation of perimeter fencing. (TCIAA photos)

TCICC tourism students get $54k boost for tour

Students in the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management (FTHM) are getting a $54,000 boost for their 2024 educational tour, thanks to the generosity of Grace Bay Resorts and Wine Cellar.

This marks another significant milestone in the faculty’s longstanding partnership with Grace Bay Resorts and Wine Cellar, which began in 2014.

The money will allow students to explore even more of the captivating landscapes of Chile and Argentina, enhancing their academic experiences, according to the Community College.

The educational tour has also received support from other sponsors, including the Ministry of Education, Graceway IGA and Projetech.

The presentation occurred during a recently held press conference at the TCICC East Campus. Attendees included the Executive Group Director at Grace Bay Resorts (GBR), Mr Christopher Meredith; Operations Manager at The Wine Cellar (TWC), Mr Anthony Garland; Vice President of Academic, Vocational, and Student Affairs at TCICC, Dr Deloris Stapleton-Harris; Chair of Faculty for Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ms Michelle Hosten, along with faculty and staff from GBR, TWC, and TCICC.

Through collaborative efforts, the FHTM has organised engaging

events such as brunches, dinners, and silent auctions with Grace Bay Resort and Wine Cellar. Previous tours have provided students with invaluable insights into gastronomy and cultural immersion. In addition to Grace Bay Resorts and Wine Cellar, the educational tour has also received support from the Ministry of Education, Graceway IGA and Projetech.

Mr Meredith commended the partnership, adding, “The collaboration between TCICC, Wine Cellar, and GBR is an amazing opportunity to help young people interested in the industry gain exposure and training externally, with the hope that all that they have learnt is shared to inspire and encourage more young individuals to pursue careers

and thus sustain TCI’s tourism industry.”

Echoing these sentiments, Mr Garland noted his enthusiasm, stating, “The privilege of offering this to another TCI youngster is truly a blessing and something our TWC organisation will commit to for a very long time. Kudos to the organisers and the kids earning this invaluable experience.”

Dr Stapleton-Harris commended the sponsorship, emphasising that the significant $54,000 investment reflects a commendable dedication to TCICC. She remarked, “The donation highlights the sponsors’ steadfast commitment to advancing education and cultivating future leaders within the hospitality and

CONTINUED  18

Police investigations lead to arrest of three men

The Operational Response Unit of the Royal TCI Police Force have charged three men following a series of investigations into reports made and information received.

On May 10, Fernel Pierre was charged with dangerous driving, assault on police officer, remaining on the islands beyond the permitted time and resisting arrest.

Magistrate at an undisclosed date.

The charges against Pierre stemmed from an incident on April 19, in Blue Hills, Providenciales. He is scheduled to appear before a

The second man, Demarco A. Forbes has been charged with unlawful possession of controlled drugs, also on May 10.

Following investigations, Forbes was charged with additional offences on Sunday, May 12, namely going equipped to steal, two counts of using an offensive weapon to cause fear and trespassing.

All charges were laid due to an incident on May 9.

On Saturday, May 11, Antony Salazar was charged with driving a motor vehicle with alcohol concentration above the prescribed limit. He has since been bailed and is expected to appear before a Magistrate soon. Salazar’s charge resulted from investigations undertaken on April 26, following a vehicular incident.

Antony Salazar

Fernel Pierre

Demarco A. Forbes

The presentation was held at the TCICC East Campus. Attendees included the Executive Group Director at Grace Bay Resorts (GBR), Mr Christopher Meredith; Operations Manager at The Wine Cellar (TWC), Mr Anthony Garland; Vice President of Academic, Vocational, and Student Affairs at TCICC, Dr Deloris Stapleton Harris; Chair of Faculty for Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ms Michelle Hosten, along with faculty and staff from GBR, TWC, and TCICC.

TCI pioneers Caribbean tourism carrying capacity study

In a groundbreaking move for the Caribbean, the Turks and Caicos Islands government will soon release the findings of its first-ever tourism carrying capacity study.

Premier Hon Washington Misick recently met with key stakeholders from the Ministry of Tourism, Experience TCI, and the study’s lead consultant to discuss the final results.

This landmark study aims to shape sustainable tourism policies, ensuring a balance between economic growth and the wellbeing of the environment, society, and culture.

The comprehensive study, conducted in partnership with

Target Euro, delves into the environmental, economic, social, and cultural impacts of the booming tourism industry.

It will not only identify current and future challenges but also pinpoint opportunities for sustainable growth.

By establishing development thresholds and recommending suitable tourism models, TCI aims to define an acceptable level of development that safeguards the quality of life for both residents and visitors.

With tourism exceeding prepandemic levels, the need to manage this influx and maintain industry standards has become

paramount.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the study’s findings will be instrumental in achieving this balance, preventing a decline in the quality of life that could result from exceeding the islands’ carrying capacity.

A team of experts specialising in tourism economics, sustainable development, climate change, environmental issues, and anthropology have contributed to this pioneering study.

The TCI government’s proactive approach aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), setting a new benchmark for responsible tourism

TCICC tourism students get $54k boost ...

tourism sectors.”

The community college’s vice president also expressed confidence that the upcoming tour will provide students with invaluable first-hand experiences, insights into industry best practices, networking opportunities with revered professionals, and the chance to savour the culinary richness of the host countries.

Ms Hosten highlighted the impact of educational tours, stating, “The educational tours are the stepping stones to opening the floodgate of

new experiences, cultures, opportunities, and a wealth of knowledge that will equip our students with the much-needed skills to make a mark in TCI’s tourism industry.”

First-year student in the Associate Programme within the Faculty, Mr Evanson Petitfrere, thanked the sponsors on behalf of his peers, acknowledging the profound impact of the donations. “As a student, this will provide me with exposure outside of the Turks and Caicos Islands, especially in relation to various foods. Currently, I am undergoing level two sommelier training, and I am excited to

impart whatever experience I’ve gained on this trip to that course. I am happy that TCI Community College provides these tours as it broadens our horizons.”

The educational tours at TCICC exemplify the institution’s commitment to holistic student development and experiential learning. While currently offered by the Faculties of Tourism and Hospitality Management and Business Administration, the college is dedicated to expanding such enriching opportunities to other faculties, ensuring that all students have access to transformative educational experiences. (Olivia Rose)

management in the region.

The Ministry of Tourism will release further details regarding the study’s findings in the coming

weeks, shedding light on this critical step towards sustainable tourism in the islands. (Olivia Rose)

Magistrate on Monday, May 13, and was granted bail of $7500 with one surety. The matter was adjourned to July 5 for a sufficiency hearing in the Supreme Court.

Danvante Brisco, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, has been charged with stealing a vehicle, robbery and using an offensive weapon to cause fear. Brisco appeared before a

From Left to right: Deputy Permanent Secretaries for the Ministry of Tourism, Mr Ronlee James and Mr Arthur Been; Experience TCI’s Tourism Statistics Officer, Ms Oshin Whyte; Premier Hon Washington Misick; lead consultant for Target Euro, Mr Vincenzo Zappino; Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism, Mr Wesley Clerveaux; Experience TCI’s Senior Product Development Expert, Mr Alverson Lewis; and the Ministry of Tourism’s Policy Planning, Evaluation and Monitoring Manager, Mr Brian Been (TCIG Communications Directorate)

Danvante Brisco

Abinader leads DR polls ahead of the May 19 first-round vote

Dominican President Luis Abinader looks like he’s on solid footing to win a second term. He is one of the region’s most popular leaders, with an approval rating of roughly 70 per cent. His anti-corruption message has resonated with citizens and, under his leadership, the Dominican

Republic has boasted one the highest GDP growth rates in Latin America.

So it may come as little surprise that the incumbent leads polls ahead of the country’s May 19 presidential vote. The 56-yearold, who represents the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), will

be joined on the ballot by former President Leonel Fernández (1996–2000; 2004–2012) of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) and Mayor Abel Martínez of the People’s Force (FP). Several other candidates will compete but all are polling well below 1 per cent. If no candidate receives over 50 per cent

of the vote, a runoff between the top two will take place on June 30. Voting isn’t compulsory in the Dominican Republic. Turnout for presidential contests in the country hovers around 70 per cent, with the figure from the pandemic-era 2020 election an aberration at 55 per cent. (AS/COA)

Luis Abinader looks likely to win a second term as President of DR

US military flies supplies to Haiti in preparation for foreign security force

The US air force has begun flying in civilian contractors and equipment to the Haitian capital in hopes that a long-delayed international police force can be deployed to restore order to a country in the grip of violent gangs.

Several American military aircraft have arrived at Port-auPrince airport in recent days, according to the US Southern Command, the Miami-based Pentagon headquarters for American forces in Latin America. They were delivering contractors to “set up the temporary living area” for the UN-authorised multinational security force, led by 1,000 Kenyan police officers, Southern Command said in a statement.

It added: “This mission is made possible due to the continued coordination and support with the Haitian stakeholders who are working to keep the airport open and operations continuing.” The long-stalled Kenya-led mission is expected to bolster Haiti’s outmatched police with about 2,500 additional officers. Caribbean and African nations, including the Bahamas, Jamaica and Chad, as well as Bangladesh, have formally agreed to provide personnel.

The US has pledged to support the mission with about $300mn in funding, though it has ruled out putting boots of its own on the ground. “We continue to work with international partners to expedite the MSS mission deployment to support the Haitian National

Police in restoring security so that Haitians have the ability to go about their daily lives,” a US state department official said.

“Base preparation is under way and the MSS mission is expected to deploy soon.” Officials have been tight-lipped about the timing of the mission, though Kenyan security officials have met with their counterparts in Washington this week ahead of a meeting between Kenyan president William Ruto and US president Joe Biden on May 23. “Our security men are upbeat, I have talked to them,” Ruto told the Financial Times in a recent interview. “They are ready, they are willing, they are available and as soon as the issues are sorted out, we will deploy.”

Meanwhile, violent street gangs, which in February were estimated

to control 80 per cent of the capital, are expanding territory across neighbourhoods, looting homes and raping women, according to witnesses.

“The situation is getting worse and worse as the gangs are constantly increasing and spreading terror,” said Wendy Elicien, a teacher who lives near the national palace where fierce battles between police officers and gangs have been taking place. “People are in a state of shock when they hear the sound of bullets.” Elicien supports the international mission, though she said that previous missions in Haiti did little to arrest the country’s plight.

Following the 2010 earthquake that devastated the capital, a delegation of UN peacekeepers was accused of introducing cholera

to the country. “It is not the first time that forces have intervened in Haiti,” Elicien said. “We never have lasting peace.” The airport near downtown Port-au-Prince, essential to any international mission, had until recently been closed since late February, after an alliance of gangs launched a series of co-ordinated attacks against state infrastructure. Commercial flights have been suspended since March 3.

In the weeks that followed, the capital was practically locked down, with the airport, seaport and key roads falling under gang control. The US embassy evacuated staff and civilians from the city via helicopter, while bringing in security personnel to reinforce the compound. Amid the chaos, the interim government of prime minister Ariel Henry —

who assumed power following the assassination of president Jovenel Moïse in July 2021 — collapsed. Henry resigned on April 25, and was replaced by a transitional presidential council. That ninemember council, made up of politicians and civil society leaders, has the backing of the US and Caribbean countries and is expected to convene Haiti’s first elections since 2016, though its members have already bickered publicly over the appointment of an interim cabinet.

The main hospital, located in the middle of a conflict zone is closed with Médecins Sans Frontières, a medical charity and healthcare provider, warning that the country’s health system is “struggling to remain functional”. More than 2,500 people have been killed, injured or kidnapped this year, according to the UN, up 50 per cent on the same period last year, while over 90,000 people in the capital have fled their homes.

Officials have said that 1.4mn Haitians are at risk of famine, while nearly half of the population of 11.6mn already misses meals. Haiti’s police force, which has been the last line of defence against gangs despite the country’s institutional collapse, has won critical battles ahead of the mission’s arrival, including securing the airport and the area surrounding the national palace. The force numbers 9,000 officers, though analysts say that only 3,000 are operationally available.

FNM’s upset as constituency elections are postponed

AS the Free National Movement’s convention nears, more concerns have been raised about the fairness of the process, this time from members of the party’s Fox Hill constituency association.

Renathia Lockhart, a chairman candidate, wrote to FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands, expressing concern that the acting chairman of the association is continuing with the election process after being instructed that constituency association elections will not be held until after the FNM’s June 1 convention.

She complained that previous executive members acted in executive capacities even though the association’s

committee had been dissolved.

Ms Lockhart proposed that the two candidates running for the chairman position select an even number of delegates, five from each candidate, to attend the national convention.

Dr Sands said the matter is an internal issue. He questioned why the letter was made public.

The FNM recently paused constituency association elections, but Dr Sands said some elections were allowed to continue due to “instances where things were wellestablished”.

Burton Miller, former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’s campaign chairman, called last week to immediately suspend

constituency association elections. He accused the party’s leadership of rushing those elections to favour Michael Pintard at the upcoming convention.

The Fox Hill matter is seen within the party as the latest proxy war between Michael Pintard and former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.

One of the FNM’s vicechairmen, Richard Johnson, sued the party for banning him from executive meetings.

Last week, a Supreme Court judge dismissed an application for an injunction to stop the FNM’s Women’s Association election after concerns were raised about the process. (Tribune242)

executive

FNM Chair Dr Dwayne Sands

Several American military aircraft have arrived at Port-au-Prince airport in recent days

Regional News

Christie: Roker was a ‘law and order’ person

Former Bahamas Prime Minister

Perry Christie remembered the late Loftus Roker as a “law and order person” known for his commitment to “protecting and preserving” The Bahamas.

Mr Christie recalled getting to know Mr Roker, who died on Monday at the age of 88, in his youth and admiring his capabilities.

Mr Roker was known for his strict approach to immigration enforcement. Mr Christie said the former minister had strong opinions which likely influenced Sir Lynden Pindling’s decision to appoint him minister of national security at the height of the drug era and a time of escalating illegal immigration from Haiti.

Mr Christie said Mr Roker “had a view that there was too much

slackness on immigration matters and that there should be a stern approach, a rigorous approach, a very disciplined approach to the regulation of illegal migrants”.

He added: “His reputation preceded him in terms of his commitment to protecting and preserving The Bahamas as he saw it and as he would speak to that issue.”

Mr Roker affected The Bahamas in other ways too.

Mr Christie said he was a “great friend” of Ted Arison, the owner of Carnival Cruise Lines, and that the friendship led Mr Arison to build the Crystal Palace Hotel and Casino.

“Again, someone who was a stern figure, a strong figure, dynamic figure in Bahamian

BVI: New immigration policy mandates community involvement

Community involvement has become a mandatory criterion for eligibility under the Virgin Islands’ revised immigration policy.

Applicants for Permanent Residence and Belonger status must demonstrate active participation in community initiatives such as volunteering and civic engagement.

A section of the recent policy document adopted by the government states: “Applicants for Permanent Residence and Belonger Status must show a commitment to the cultural values and social fabric of the Virgin Islands, including participation in community initiatives and an understanding of our history and traditions”. Guidelines included in the policy document state that applicants should demonstrate a history of active and positive participation in

their current communities.

The document further noted that this can include volunteering, involvement in community projects, or other forms of civic engagement that reflect a commitment to communal wellbeing and solidarity. Applicants may demonstrate volunteerism through significantly sustained contributions to registered NonProfit Organisations, Civic Societies, Community-Based Organisations, and Religious Organisations.

This requirement aims to foster a sense of solidarity and belonging, encouraging newcomers to contribute positively to the territory’s social fabric. The policy highlights the importance of civic responsibility and community integration in the immigration process.

nationalistic politics and policies, Loftus Roker understood that The Bahamas could not exist without direct foreign investment and amongst some of the people who he knew was such investors who he befriended and became friends with,” Mr Christie said.

Recalling Mr Roker’s tenure as minister of national security and immigration, Mr Christie said: “Any minister in government has to present a policy to his colleagues, and his colleagues have to agree and share what was taking place. Roker was an enforcer of the policy, and he was known to, insofar as ministers are able to dictate enforcement, he was one of those persons who clearly was a law and order person.”

“Whatever the law provided for, Loftus Roker believed that is what he should be able to do, but I don’t want to separate Roker from his government because in all things, he never ever wanted to be identified with someone who was saying I did and this is what I did.

He was never that kind of person.”

University of the Bahamas professor Dr Christopher Curry noted yesterday that a second wave of Haitian immigration impacted Mr Roker’s tenure as immigration minister. “It’s really during this period that Baby Doc, who is Jean-Claude Duvalier, who was the dictator in Haiti, that you see massive amounts of Haitians fleeing to The Bahamas,” the historian noted. “That is the period when Loftus Roker is in charge.”

“I have to say it like that because the influx was both people seeking

somewhat of political relief, not quite political asylum, but relief from the dictatorship, despotic rule of Jean-Claude Duvalier and his father before him, François Duvalier.

“So that is where you have this massive influx of Haitians coming into The Bahamas, and so he’s trying to police our borders. Mind you, he is in a space where The Bahamas itself is a new sovereign nation; we’ve only been independent since 1971, and he’s leading an area that demands quite a lot of his attention.” (Tribune242) Based on preliminary data, the island recorded 1,016,185 stopover arrivals and over 700,000 cruise passengers, as early as May 5 and 7 respectively, earning

records 1.7 million visitors so far this year

Jamaica has recorded an impressive 1.7 million visitors within the first five months of the year.

Based on preliminary data, the island recorded 1,016,185 stopover arrivals and over 700,000 cruise passengers, as early as May 5 and 7 respectively, earning roughly US$1.8 billion in revenue.

According to an official

statement issued by the Jamaica Tourist Board, this represents a 4.6 per cent increase for stopover arrivals and 23 per cent increase for cruise passengers, moving from 581,822 to 713,983 over 2023.

“We are grateful to see continued growth in our arrivals and earnings which speaks to

the confidence our tourism partners and visitors have in the destination. To have hit the one point seven million arrivals mark is an outstanding feat and speaks to the commitment and hard work of our tourism team led by the heart of our industry—our workers,” said Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett. (Trinidad Guardian)

The BVI government is focused on new residents contributing to local development

A Loftus Roker was known for his strict approach to immigration enforcement

Regional News

Bahamas: ‘Historic’ medical marijuana bills tabled in parliament

Health and Wellness minister Dr Michael Darville said the country was poised on the brink of a transformative movement in the history of health care as he tabled a compendium of bills to establish a medical marijuana industry in the House of Assembly today.

The Cannabis Bill 2023 establishes The Bahamas Cannabis Authority, a body that will oversee all aspects of cannabis regulation. The compendium also includes the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill; Health Professions (Amendment) Bill; Hospitals and Health Care Facilities (General) (Amendment) Regulations; and the Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill.

During his contribution, Dr Darville stressed the legislative package represented a thoughtful and balanced approach and was driven by a “duty to act” as he referenced the number of Bahamians who are battling cancer and in need of alternative treatments for pain management and other related issues.

Dr Darville noted the set of bills

considers potential benefits and safeguards to protect communities, including rules for handling, storage, and medical dispensaries as well as ongoing monitoring and evaluation. He said the government will also adopt future developments in medical research and care as it seeks to provide access to new treatment options for those in need, and position the

country to become a leader in the region for healthcare innovation.

“It is our duty to act,” he told parliamentarians.

“The compendium bills for medical cannabis is more than legislation, it is a beacon of hope for countless Bahamians whose voices often go unheard...many of us have to go abroad to access the proven effects of medical cannabis.”

Dr Darville said the new authority’s mandate is to ensure that cannabis production is safe and controlled. He furthered that licensing is

structured to prioritise Bahamian ownership, fostering local entrepreneurship and benefits for Bahamians across the country.

He said the introduction of a medical cannabis industry will be marked with rigorous control and “free of political colours”.

Dr Darville added: “We are here to make a difference, to enact change, remove years of stigma and transform lives by offering alternative treatments by way of medical cannabis. The legislation before us offers a careful, considerate approach ensuring that we prioritize the wellbeing and safety of our citizens. Let us move with compassion.

“This is our commitment in our administration, this is our responsibility, this is our promise to every citizen relying on us to provide solutions that respect their dignity.” (Tribune242)

Grenada observes increase in gastro cases

The Ministry of Health in Grenada has observed a significant increase in the number of gastroenteritis cases over the past month, with people aged 5 years and over most affected.

Gastroenteritis, commonly known as “gastro”, is caused by infection and inflammation of the digestive tract. Gastro is caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

Viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus are the most common causes.

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pains, and nausea.

The ministry notes gastroenteritis is highly contagious and primarily spreads via the fecaloral route. In other words, particles from infected individuals’ feces are transferred to food and water sources.

Additionally, coming into contact with vomit from an infected person can spread the virus.

The virus may be ingested through contaminated food or water, or by touching a contaminated surface and touching the mouth.

Children in childcare centres are particularly vulnerable due to their close physical interactions and limited understanding of proper hygiene practices.

THE MINISTRY HAS SHARED THE FOLLOWING PREVENTIVE MEASURES:

Regular handwashing with soap and water is crucial. Encourage everyone to wash their hands thoroughly, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after handling potentially contaminated surfaces.

Regularly disinfect surfaces, especially in high-risk areas like childcare centers, schools, and communal spaces. Pay attention to doorknobs, toys, and other frequently touched surfaces.

Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. While gastro usually goes away on its own within a few days, staying hydrated is essential to prevent complications. Ensure your drinking water is safe for consumption.

Boil water when in doubt. Ensure proper cooking, preparation and storage of food to prevent contamination. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.

If your symptoms persist beyond 48 hours, if there’s blood or mucous in your stool, if vomiting persists, or if you feel significantly unwell, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly.

If you’re uncertain or have any concerns, do not hesitate to consult your doctor for advice.

Individuals with suspected or confirmed cases of gastroenteritis should refrain from visiting shared areas like dining spaces, gyms, or social areas. (Loop News)

Health and Wellness minister Dr Michael Darville

US brothers arrested for stealing $25m in crypto in just 12 seconds

Two brothers who studied at one of the most prestigious universities in the US have been charged with stealing $25m (£20m) in cryptocurrency in 12 seconds.

Anton Peraire-Bueno, 24, and James Peraire-Bueno, 28, are accused of wire fraud and money laundering.

The US Department of Justice said the alleged heist is the first of its kind.

Prosecutors also say the pair, reportedly educated at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), carried it out in April 2023.

“The Peraire-Bueno brothers stole $25 million in Ethereum cryptocurrency through a technologically sophisticated, cutting-edge scheme they plotted for months and executed in seconds,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco.

She added that agents from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) played a key role in unravelling the “first-of-its kind wire fraud and money laundering scheme”.

Prosecutors allege the two used highly specialised skills that they learned at “one of the most prestigious universities in the world” to

exploit Ethereum’s process for validating transactions.

The brothers studied mathematics and computer science, according to the indictments, and both attended MIT, according to news reports.

“The defendants’ scheme calls the very integrity of the blockchain into question,” US Attorney Damian Williams said in a statement on Wednesday, referring to the public ledger that records crypto payments.

The brothers allegedly stole from Ethereum traders by fraudulently gaining access to pending private transactions and then altering the transactions to obtain their victims’ cryptocurrency.

The process, which investigators say they referred to as “the Exploit”, took only a matter of seconds to execute.

When confronted by a representative for Ethereum, officials say the brothers declined to return the funds and took steps to launder and hide their stolen gains.

Prosecutors note that this is the first time that such a “novel” form of fraud has ever been subject to criminal charges.

They each face over 20 years in prison if found guilty. (BBC)

Florida driver in deadly bus crash

used

marijuana oil night before, arrest report says

A driver involved in the fatal Florida bus crash has told police he smoked cannabis oil the night before the collision, according to an arrest report.

Police say Bryan Maclean Howard, 41, sideswiped a bus carrying dozens of farm workers with his vehicle.

The Tuesday morning accident killed at least eight people and injured dozens.

Mr Howard also told police he had been in another accident three days prior to the fatal bus crash.

Police arrested Mr Howard after the crash. He faces eight counts of manslaughter while driving under

the influence.

Mr Howard told police he was with a friend who had a medical cannabis card the night before the accident, according to a Florida Highway Patrol arrest report.

He said he smoked the cannabis oil with this friend and later took prescription medication before going to bed.

He told police that he was driving carefully on Tuesday morning because he crashed his mother’s car three days earlier when attempting to dodge an animal that ran in front of him.

His speech was slurred and his

eyes bloodshot and watery during the interrogation, according to the arrest report.

Mr Howard said he left his parents’ house around 06:30 EST (11:30 BST) on Tuesday morning to drive to a methadone clinic where he was receiving treatment for a chipped vertebrae.

Around 53 farm workers were on the bus when Mr Howard’s 2001 Ford Ranger, travelling in the opposite direction, collided.

Forty people were taken to hospital after the collision, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety.

Worshippers locked in Nigeria mosque and set on fire

At least 11 worshippers have been killed and dozens others injured after a man attacked a mosque in Nigeria’s northern Kano state, police say.

A man allegedly sprayed the mosque with petrol and locked its doors before setting it on fire, trapping about 40 worshippers, they said.

The attack was triggered by a family dispute over the sharing of inheritance.

Police say they have arrested a 38-year-old suspect.

The incident happened when people were attending morning prayers on Wednesday in Gezawa area of Kano state.

Residents said flames engulfed the mosque after the attack with worshippers heard wailing as they struggled to open the locked doors.

After hearing the explosion,

neighbours rushed to help those trapped inside, local media reported.

Rescue teams including bomb experts from the city of Kano were immediately deployed in response to the attack, a police statement said.

Police later confirmed that a bomb was not used in the attack.

The Fire Service in Kano said they were not called immediately after the fire started, adding that they could have brought the situation under control much faster.

Kano Fire Service spokesman Saminu Yusuf told the BBC that they were only informed after locals had already put out the fire.

“In a situation like this, people are supposed to call us but we didn’t get any call from the location until after normalcy had returned,” Mr Yusuf added.

The Tuesday morning accident killed at least eight people and injured dozens

A man allegedly sprayed the mosque with petrol and locked its doors before setting it on fire, trapping about 40 worshippers

Keir Starmer sets out what Labour would do first if it wins election

Sir Keir Starmer has set out what Labour would do first if it wins this year’s general election.

The Labour leader unveiled a pledge card with six key policies, including delivering “economic stability” and providing 40,000 more hospital appointments each week.

Some of the pledges are more modest in scale than the five “national missions” Sir Keir announced last year.

But he said they were the “first steps” towards Labour’s bigger plans.

Sir Keir’s five missions include making the UK the fastest-growing major economy by the end of a first Labour term in government and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Speaking at an event in Essex, he rejected claims the party had scaled back its ambitions as an election approached, saying the party had a “big, bold plan” but “we need first steps”.

He also rejected being a Tony Blair “copycat” - despite handing out pledge cards, as Sir Tony did

fastest-growing major economy by the end of a first Labour term in government

before his 1997 landslide election victory, and posing for pictures in a white shirt with rolled up sleeves.

But he welcomed comparisons between himself and past Labour leaders who had led the party to general election victories.

“Well the first thing I’d say about Tony Blair, other than he

took his tie off at big events, is that he won three elections in a row,” Sir Keir added.

But he insisted the circumstances in 2024 were much different to those experienced by Labour when Sir Tony took power, describing it as a “very different moment to 1997”.

Suspect

Slovakian police have charged a man, described as a politically motivated “lone wolf,” with the attempted murder of Prime Minister Robert Fico, who is critically ill in hospital after an assassination attempt that shocked the eastern European nation.

Fico is in a stable but serious condition after being shot five times from a close range and undergoing surgery, his deputy said Thursday.

The assassination attempt rocked the central European country and sparked global condemnation. Slovakia’s Interior Minister Matúš

Šutaj Eštok said the suspect told law enforcement officers that his action was motivated by his disagreement with the government and its reforms.

The 59-year-old populist leader, who returned to power last year and whose controversial policy changes have sparked protests in recent weeks, was attacked on Wednesday after an off-site government meeting in the town of Handlova.

Šutaj Eštok said the police was pursuing only one investigative theory – that the attack was

SIR KEIR’S SIX “FIRST STEPS” ARE:

Sticking to tough spending rules in order to deliver economic stability

Cutting NHS waiting lists by providing 40,000 more appointments each weekfunded by tackling tax avoidance and non-dom loopholes.

Launching a border security command to stop the gangs arranging small boat crossings

Setting up Great British Energy, a publicly owned clean power energy company

Providing more neighbourhood police officers to reduce antisocial behaviour and introduced new penalties for offenders

Recruiting 6,500 teachers, paid for through ending tax breaks for private schools.

Pledges on healthcare, policing and teaching only apply to England as powers over these matters are devolved in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Labour will make separate policy pledges for Scotland and Wales.

Sir Keir said the steps were about looking “the public in the eye” with a “down payment” on what the party would offer the country.

Asked when these steps would be achieved, he said he was “not going to put a number on it” but that Labour would deliver it “as quickly and swiftly as we can” once in government.

Labour has said the six steps are “not the sum total” of the party’s election offer and insisted the party also stood by its other policy commitments, such as housing and workers’ rights.

Conservative chairman Richard Holden said the British public would not be “conned” by Sir Keir, saying the Labour leader had “dumped every pledge that he made during the Labour leadership campaign” and when he was “trying to get Jeremy Corbyn in to be our prime minister”.

“I think people need to take with an enormous pinch of salt anything that he is putting forward,” added Mr Holden.

“It’s quite clear Labour don’t have a cohesive plan.” (BBC)

politically motivated.

He said that the suspect told law enforcement officers that he disagreed with Fico’s policies and that he decided to act after the recent presidential election, which saw a Fico ally Peter Pellegrini emerge as the winner.

“The reasons (the suspect gave) were the decision to abolish the special prosecutor’s office, the decision to stop supplying military assistance to Ukraine, the reform of public service broadcaster and the dismissal of the judicial council head,” Šutaj Eštok said.

Israel’s military says five soldiers have been killed by Israeli tank fire in northern Gaza, in one of the deadliest incidents of its kind since the war against Hamas began in October.

An initial probe found that two tanks fired at a building in Jabalia refugee camp where the troops had gathered.

Troops went back into the area this week after previously pulling out, saying Hamas had regrouped there.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians have fled the fighting and bombardment.

Both the Israeli military and Hamas’s military wing said on Wednesday that battles in Jabalia

camp and the surrounding town of Jabalia were intensifying.

Battles also raged around the southern city of Rafah, from where nearly 600,000 people have fled since the start of an Israeli operation 10 days ago. More than a million displaced people had been taking refuge there.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said five soldiers serving in the 202nd Battalion of the Paratroopers Brigade were killed in Jabalia camp on Wednesday evening “as a result of fire by our forces”.

Two tanks in the area fired two shells at a building being used by the battalion’s deputy commander, according to a statement.

Sir Keir’s five missions include making the UK the

Security officers move Slovak PM Robert Fico in a car after a shooting incident

assassination

Israeli forces have gone back in Jabalia months after pulling out

Biden and Trump agree to June and September debates as RFK vies to qualify

Joe Biden and Donald Trump have agreed to hold two presidential TV debates in June and September, setting the stage for primetime political duels that could shake up the White House race.

CNN will host the first forum on 27 June in the key swing state of Georgia.

ABC will host the second one on 10 September.

The announcement came after President Biden, a Democrat, laid out his terms for debating his Republican predecessor ahead of November’s election.

CNN said there would be no audience at June’s debate in Atlanta, which will be moderated by hosts Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. It is scheduled unusually early for an election year.

ABC said its presenters, David Muir and Linsey Davis, would moderate the second debate, but the network has not specified a location.

Robert F Kennedy Jr, who is running as an independent,

Donald Trump and Joe Biden

accused the two major candidates of colluding to exclude him.

But later on Wednesday he said on X, formerly Twitter, that he would meet the requirements to qualify for the CNN debate.

Mr Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social that he had also accepted an invitation from Fox News for a third bout on

2 October. However, Mr Biden’s campaign chairwoman, Jen O’Malley Dillon, said the president had “made his terms clear for two one-on-one debates, and Donald Trump accepted those terms”.

Mr Biden proposed two televised debates in June and September. His rival quickly accepted, before suggesting they

debate every month.

“We believe there should be more than just two opportunities for the American people to hear more from the candidates themselves,” the Trump campaign said.

Both candidates have traded barbs on social media, with Mr Trump stating: “Just tell me when. Let’s get ready to rumble!!!”

Mr Biden said Mr Trump was “free on Wednesdays” - a reference to his criminal trial in New York, while Mr Trump claimed his rival was the “worst debater” who “can’t put two sentences together”.

HOW THESE DEBATES BREAK WITH TRADITION

Mr Biden’s proposal of two debates breaks several established traditions.

It bypasses the presidential debate commission, which since 1988 has scheduled timings and had already set dates and locations for debates in the autumn. There are typically three such TV clashes.

Mr Biden’s team wants the two debates to be conducted with no live audience - another break with tradition.

Candidates would take turns answering questions from an agreed-upon moderator from a major news network, and the nonspeaking candidate’s microphone would be deactivated.

Ms Dillon said raucous partisan crowds were not “conducive to good debates”.

But Mr Trump called for large audiences, saying “it’s just more exciting” with a crowd.

Speaking to conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, he also said the debates should last two hours, and the two rivals should be required to stand for the duration.

The first 2020 forum between the two candidates was marred by frequent interruptions and crosstalk. The second was cancelled when Mr Trump caught Covid and refused to take part by video link. (BBC)

Man told he is not British after 42 years in UK

A retired 74-year-old Ghanaian man who has lived in the UK for nearly 50 years must wait a decade before the Home Office will let him stay permanently.

Nelson Shardey, from Wallasey in Wirral, had for many years assumed he was officially seen as British.

He only discovered otherwise in 2019 and, despite paying taxes all his adult life, now faces paying thousands of pounds to stay and use the NHS.

The Home Office declined to comment on the ongoing legal case.

‘NEVER QUERIED’

Retired newsagent Mr Shardey first came to the UK in 1977 to study accountancy, on a student visa that also allowed him to work.

After a coup in his native Ghana his family could no longer send him money for the fees.

He took on a series of jobs, making Mother’s Pride bread and Kipling’s Cakes near Southampton, and Bendick’s Chocolate in Winchester, and said no-one ever queried his right to live or work in the UK.

He married a British woman and moved to Wallasey to run his own business, a newsagent called Nelson’s News.

When that marriage ended, he married another British woman and they had two sons Jacob and Aaron.

“I tried my utmost to educate them the best way I could, so that neither of them would depend on social or anything,” Mr Shardey said.

He told his sons to “learn hard, get a good job, and work for themselves”, and both went on to university and then careers as a research scientist and a public relations executive.

Mr Shardey said he had never left the UK, as he saw no need to and regarded it as his home.

“Nobody questioned me. I bought all my things on credit, even the house.

“I got a mortgage. And nobody questioned me about anything,” he said.

Mr Shardey has performed jury service, and in 2007 was given a police award for bravery after tackling a robber who was attacking a delivery man with a baseball bat.

But in 2019, when he applied for a passport so he could go back to Ghana following the death of his mother, he was told he was not British.

The Home Office said he had no right to be in the UK.

‘I CAN’T AFFORD TO PAY’ Officials told him to apply for the 10-year route to settlement.

Over the 10 years it costs about £7,000, with a further £10,500 over the same period to access the NHS.

“I cannot afford to pay any part of the money they are asking,” said Mr Shardey, who is recovering from prostate cancer.

“Telling me to go through that route is a punishment, and it’s not fair in any way.”

“I don’t understand why this

fuss at all, because I put my life, my whole self into this country.”

When he tried to extend his right to stay in the UK online two years ago, he filled out the wrong form.

That meant the 10-year process had to begin again in 2023.

As a result, Mr Shardey will not be allowed to stay in the UK permanently until he is 84.

“I just thought it was a joke. It’s just ridiculous,” said his son Jacob, who does research in cardiovascular physiology.

“Why would he need to go and

start this 10-year route when he’s been here since 1977?

“He’s been here longer than the people who are working in the Home Office on his case have been alive.”

‘EXCEPTIONAL FACTS’

With the help of Nicola Burgess, a lawyer at Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU), Mr Shardey is now taking the Home Office to court. His case - which his sons are trying to pay for through crowdfunding - is that the Home Office should have treated him as an exception because of the length of time he has been in the UK, and because of his bravery award and service to the community.

“We know that at least one caseworker has looked at his file and suggested that he should be granted indefinite leave to remain because there are exceptional facts,” Ms Burgess said.

“And when you look at it on a personal level, if Nelson was your friend or your neighbour, you would absolutely agree that he should be given the immediate right to settle.”

A Home Office spokesman said: “It would be inappropriate to comment on active legal proceedings.” (BBC)

Nelson Shardey outside his old shop, Nelson’s News

LABOURER

FINISH CARPENTER

2 DOMESTIC WORKERS

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•

•

•

•

•

•

FOODS BLUE HILLS

Musgrove

GRADUATE TEACHERS TO TEACH CHEMISTRY AND ENGLISH

Suitable candidates must have a Bachelor's Degree and teaching qualifications, a minimum of five (5) years experience teaching the British National Curriculum and Cambridge International Examination syllabi. Salary starts at $3,500 and is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

MECHANIC TRUCK DRIVER

VACANCIES

QUALIFIED EXPERIENCED YOGA TEACHER INSTRUCTOR

•

•

Duties include but not limited to:

• Build walls, fences, walkways and other structures using brick, stone, concrete blocks or marble;

• Carves out and build structures and surfaces with

• Places brick or concrete blocks on morter bed;

• Cuts or saws bricks to fit around windows and doors and similar openings;

• Measures distance to lay out work;

• Mixing mortar for application over blocks, slabs, surfaces;

• Other duties as assigned.

• Salary $9.00 per hour

C& A CONSTRUCTION Five Cays / 343-1723

DOMESTIC WORKER $ 8.00 Cleaning offices, cleaning toilet and caring for my home

YRAMENE DOSSOUS WILLIAMS 341-3168 / South Dock DOMESTIC WORKER $ 8.00 Caring for my household and family

FRANTZDY MATHIEU 345-3397 / Five Cays DOMESTIC WORKER $ 8.00 Caring for my household and family

CHERY WATER SERVICES Five Cays / 341-8587 LABOURER $8.00 Assist with delivering water and construction materials.

DECIUS OXCE Five Cays / 241-3467

LABOURER $ 8.00

Cleaning the property, pick up waste and dispose waste and assist with ongoing construction.

PASSION BEAUTY SALON 333-1236 / Alice & Alice

SALON HELPER $ 8.00

Assisting hairdresser with braiding, mixing braids, trimming braids & hot

King Charles: First official portrait since coronation unveiled

The first official painted portrait of King Charles III since his coronation has been unveiled at Buckingham Palace.

The vast oil on canvas shows a larger-than-life King Charles in the uniform of the Welsh Guards.

The vivid red work, measuring about 8ft 6in by 6ft 6in, is by Jonathan Yeo, who has also painted Tony Blair, Sir David Attenborough and Malala Yousafzai.

Queen Camilla is said to have looked at the painting and told Yeo: “Yes, you’ve got him.”

In the new portrait, the King is depicted, sword in hand, with a butterfly landing on his shoulder.

Unveilings are always a little nerve-wracking, both for the sitter and the artist, but particularly when one of them is a King.

Yeo jokes: “If this was seen as treasonous, I could literally pay for it with my head, which would be an appropriate way for a portrait painter to die - to have their head removed!”

In reality, Yeo isn’t going to lose his head of course - no executions for a badly received portrait of a monarch, in modern times anyway. Fortunately, he has also already had a nod of approval from a key royal figure.

The Queen dropped in during the final sitting and said the artist had captured the King well. Yeo says the best judge of a portrait is someone who knows your sitter really well because they have instant recognition of whether it feels familiar.

The King also got a glimpse of it, says Yeo, in its “half-done state… He was initially mildly surprised by the strong colour but

otherwise he seemed to be smiling approvingly”.

It is a vibrant painting.

The King was made Regimental Colonel in the Welsh Guards in 1975. In the picture, the red of the uniform fades into the red background, bringing the King’s face into even more prominence.

Yeo says he wanted the painting to be distinctive and a break with the past. He was aiming for something personal.

“My interest is really in figuring out who someone is and trying to get that on a canvas.”

Yeo decided to use some of the traditions of royal portraiture - the military outfit, the sword - but aimed to achieve something more modern, particularly with the deep colour and the butterfly.

He says he’s referencing the tradition of official royal portraits but suggesting that’s something “from the past and what’s interesting about them is something a bit different from that”.

“In history of art, the butterfly symbolises metamorphosis and rebirth,” he explains, fitting for a portrait being painted of a monarch who has recently ascended to the throne.

The butterfly is also a reference to the King’s long held interest in the environment, causes “he has championed most of his life and certainly long before they became a mainstream conversation”.

Yeo says it was Charles’ idea after they talked about the opportunity they had to tell a story with the portrait.

“I said, when schoolchildren are looking at this in 200 years and they’re looking at the who’s who

of the monarchs, what clues can you give them?

“He said ‘what about a butterfly landing on my shoulder?’”.

Yeo began the portrait when Charles was still Prince of Wales, with the first sitting at Highgrove in June 2021.

The King sat four times in all, for about an hour at a time, with the final sitting at Clarence House in November 2023. Did the artist notice any obvious change in the man after he became King?

Yeo says he’s spotted “a physical change” in politicians he’s painted in the past. “They physically look and feel different when they’re in high office or out of it.”

Yeo adds the King “had already been gaining presence and stature by the time I started it, and it went up a level again when he became King, as you’d expect”.

The sittings ended before the King’s cancer was diagnosed. He had a lot going on, says Yeo, with an upcoming speech at the COP Summit, but “didn’t seem like someone who was physically exhausted”.

He was “in good spirits”, the painter adds.

King Charles posed in his full Welsh Guards uniform and had to stand leaning on his sword for around 40 minutes each time.

“He stood impressively still, and didn’t get distracted like some sitters do.”

Yeo won’t reveal much of what they talked about during sittings, although he says Charles III has “a great sense of humour” and is a “very engaging person”.

His interest in art meant Charles wanted to discuss the process of

Yeo says the butterfly by the King’s shoulder symbolises “the beauty of nature and highlights the [King’s] environmental causes”

creating the work and the brushes being used. They also talked about “how he’d learned to paint and about some of the pictures on the walls”.

But Yeo says “there’s a sanctity to the portrait process”. Your sitters “need to believe what goes on is between the two of you because that way I think they feel more comfortable about opening up”.

Royal portraits in the past have had an important role to play in signifying power and projecting an image. They were part of the tools used to ensure the survival of the monarch. Some of the most memorable include Henry VIII by Hans Holbein the Younger. The Tudor king employed Holbein as court artist, although only two portraits survive. (BBC)

Diddy shares cryptic message about ‘truth’ amid sex trafficking investigation

Sean “Diddy” Combs is reflecting on “truth” in the wake of his sex trafficking investigation. The 54-year-old rapper shared a cryptic message to his Instagram weeks after his Los Angeles and Miami homes were raided by federal law enforcement. According to his Tuesday, May 14, post, Diddy shared an image of a note that read, “Time tells truth.”

As for the post’s caption, Diddy simply wrote, “LOVE.”

In March, Diddy’s two properties were raided by Homeland Security. Per NBC News, “Three women and a man have been interviewed by federal officials in Manhattan in relation to allegations of sex trafficking, sexual assault, and the solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms, the source said. Interviews with three

search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences,” Diddy’s lawyer, Aaron Dyer, said in a statement to multiple outlets. “There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated.”

Dyer continued by calling the raids an “unprecedented ambush—paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence,” and alleged that it “leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits.”

“There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations,” Dyer added in the statement. “Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight

every single day to clear his name.”

Law enforcement’s investigation came four months after Diddy was accused by his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura of sexual assault. The exes were in an on-and-off relationship for several years. After denying her claims, Ventura dropped the lawsuit, and she and Combs settled the case. However, several other women came forward with sexual assault allegations against the music producer.

In response, Diddy denied the accusations in an Instagram post, which he shared in December 2023.

“Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged,” he wrote in the caption. “I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.” (Hollywoodlife)

Sean “Diddy” Combs

Witherspoon

‘so excited’

for Legally Blonde prequel

Actress Reese Witherspoon has said she is “so excited” about a new Legally Blonde prequel series, which will premiere next year.

Amazon Prime Video confirmed the series, titled Elle, was in development earlier this week.

It will follow Witherspoon’s character Elle Woods before the events of Legally Blonde.

The star will executive produce the show, but it has not yet been announced who will play the teenage Elle Woods.

In a video shared on Instagram, Witherspoon could be seen getting dressed and applying pink lipstick before brandishing a “top secret” scented script ahead of an Amazon Prime Video presentation to advertisers.

She wrote: “Before she became the most famous Gemini vegetarian to graduate from Harvard Law, she was just a regular ‘90s high school girl.

“And all of you are going to get to know her, next year on Prime Video. I’M SO EXCITED!”

The original Legally Blonde saw Woods admitted to Harvard Law School in pursuit of a boyfriend who had broken up with her.

While studying there, Woods discovers she has much more to offer than her looks and proves to have the makings of a highly capable lawyer.

The cult film, which also starred Jennifer Coolidge and Luke Wilson, became a huge hit upon its release in 2001.

Its success prompted a sequel two years later, as well as a stage musical which opened in 2007.

Appearing at an Amazon event announcing the new series, Witherspoon was seen recreating the famous “bend and snap” dance move from the film.

Elle Woods and her even more iconic dog in the original 2001 film

David Copperfield: Magician accused of sexual misconduct

Magician David Copperfield has been accused of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour by 16 women.

Some of the alleged offences took place when the women were under 18, the Guardian newspaper has reported.

The allegations date from the late 1980s to 2014.

A representative for Copperfield told BBC News the allegations were “false and scurrilous” and “the exact opposite of who David is”.

According to the Guardian, three

of the women claim the magician drugged them before having sex with them. They said they did not feel able to consent.

In four instances, women alleged the magician groped them or made them touch him in a sexual manner during live performances on stage.

One woman said she met Copperfield in 1991 when she was 15 and he kept in contact with her through phone calls.

When she was 18, she says they had consensual sex, but the woman told the Guardian she believes she was groomed.

Copperfield’s lawyers acknowledged the relationship to the newspaper but denied any grooming took place.

In a separate statement to the

BBC, his lawyers said: “Everyone that knows David Copperfield will tell you that these recent allegations from one newspaper are the exact opposite of who David is.

“In fact, David has a record of risking his career to help protect women from powerful predators.

“Most of these historic accusations have been made before, and all of them are as false now as they were then. David requested the ‘evidence’ upon which these false allegations claim to rely and this has not been provided.

“By contrast, whenever US law enforcement has looked into such matters, they have been investigated thoroughly and it has been found that there is simply no case to answer.

Clarkson

Clarkson is on weight loss medication, but it’s not Ozempic

Kelly Clarkson has shared she’s using weight loss medication, but it’s not the one people think.

In an interview with Whoopi

Goldberg on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” Monday, the topic of weight management came up after Clarkson remarked on how young “The View” co-host is looking these days.

“You’re like Benjamin Button,” Clarkson told Goldberg. “It’s like crazy every time you walk in!”

Goldberg credited it to weight loss efforts and said she’s “lost almost two people.”

“I am doing that wonderful shot that works for folks who need some help,” she said. “And it’s been really good for me.”

Clarkson said she has also lost a great deal of weight with support of medication, adding, “Mine is a different one than people assume, but I ended up having to do that too because my bloodwork got so bad.”

“My doctor chased me for two years, and I was like, ‘No, I’m afraid of it,’” Clarkson said. “I

already have thyroid problems. Everybody thinks it’s Ozempic, but it’s not. It’s something else.” Ozempic, which the US Food and Drug Administration initially approved for treatment of those with type 2 diabetes, and other similar drugs have been a growing topic of conversation in the entertainment industry as Oprah Winfrey and other celebrities have discussed their experiences with the medications.

Clarkson said the prescription she is on helps her body better process sugar. In an interview in January, the singer and talk show host attributed her improved health to walking more after a move to New York and other lifestyle changes.

“I eat a healthy mix. I dropped weight because I’ve been listening to my doctor — a couple years I didn’t,” she said. “And 90 percent of the time I’m really good at it because a protein diet is good for me anyway. I’m a Texas girl, so I like meat — sorry, vegetarians in the world!” (CNN)

The magician’s representatives described the claims as ‘the exact opposite of who David is’

said she has also lost a great deal of weight with support of medication and a healthy lifestyle

DOMESTIC WORKER

PUBLIC NOTICE

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS APPLICATION

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

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

ONE SALES CLERK & ONE LABOURER

WORKER/ ONE LABOURER

BABYSITTER

LABOURER

JOB ADVERTISEMENT

Wymara Resort + Villas is a contemporary luxury full-service boutique resort on Grace Bay Beach. We are looking for driven and energetic professionals with minimum Four to Five-Stars Forbes experience and who are committed to achieving excellence by ensuring five-star standards and services are continuously delivered.

*Executive Housekeeper

Reporting directly to the Assistant Rooms Division Manager and Director of Rooms, the Executive Housekeeper is responsible for the leadership and management of all functions of the Housekeeping & Laundry Department. Direct, implement and maintain a service and management philosophy which serves as a guide to respective staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Prepare weekly guest room supplies inventory and consumption reports and monthly linen, terry, and supply inventory.

• Complete guest room/suite inspections daily, as well as all VIP’s, guest hallways, pantries, and service areas.

• Follow-up on any outstanding maintenance issues in guest rooms.

• Implement general cleaning program and special projects, inspect, monitor, and document accordingly.

• Assist Executive Team with preparation of annual budgets and monthly forecasts.

• Select and train housekeeping team in proper work procedures and techniques.

• Ensure proper usage of chemicals and cleaning supplies by monitoring usage, providing complete training for team members, and ensuring proper labeling of hazardous supplies in accordance with the hotel’s standards.

• Control and analyze departmental costs on an ongoing basis to ensure performance against budget.

• Operate and officiate an administration system, which includes training schedules, handover books, operating manuals.

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily:

• Must have a Hospitality Management degree or between 5 to 10 years of proven Housekeeping Leadership experience in Luxury Hotels or Resorts, with a passion for guest and team members satisfaction alike.

• Advanced knowledge of Forbes, Leading Hotels of The World and Leading Quality Assurance service standards.

• Demonstrated success at delivering results through establishment of standard procedures, disciplined coaching, and management.

• Proven track record of ability to establish continuous training programs and followthrough in the Housekeeping Department.

• Self-motivated and dependable with an exceptional work ethic and strong problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency with general office PC applications (i.e. Microsoft Office software and Opera, Alice, Salto).

• String

• Excellent communication, coaching and leadership skills.

• Must have the stamina to work 50 to 60 hours per week.

• Experience in managing a large multinational staff.

• Excellent organizational skills for dealing with diverse duties and staff.

• Must be able to work on weekends, holidays, and some overnight shifts.

Compensation: $35K - 45K per annum

Mail cover letter outlining your interest and supporting experience in a particular position along with your Resume or C.V. to hr@wymara.com

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

• Applicants should possess a first degree in education and or Teacher’s diploma with 3 or more years of experience.

• Applicants must be energetic and creative and a good team player.

• Applicants with experience in (CPEA) Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment would be an asset.

• All applicants should be a born-again

•

Christian preferably of the

• Capable of teaching students with a multi-cultured background.

• Have adequate knowledge and experience of working with

POSITION IS AVAILABLE TO TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDERS AND/OR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL HOLDERS. APPLICATIONS CAN BE DROPPED OFF AT B.E.S.T.

shelves.

TRUCK DRIVER - $8.00 hourly Transport materials and goods. Inspecting vehicles for mechanical issues.

DISHWASHING ATTENDANT$8.00 hourly

The successful candidate should have proven experience in the field and preferably have formal training and qualifications within the trade, although not mandatory. It would be an advantage if the candidate was fully conversant with a wide variety of computer diagnostic tools and software.

The successful Candidate would be working with a close and small

BABYSITTER AND HOME HELPER

Required for a private home in Providenciales. Looking for someone to look after a baby and maintain house, this includes cleaning and organizing. Job is 5 days a week, Monday to Friday.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• 5 years previous experience

• First aid and Emergency First Response certification

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

• Valid driver’s license and own vehicle.

• Fluent in English and Spanish, spoken and written, and excellent communication skills.

• Salary/Hourly $12/hour.

• Preference will be given to Turks Islanders meeting the foregoing qualifications. Applicants are invited to copy the TCI Labour Board, Providenciales with applications. This is a new position.

VACANCIES

BOTTOM-UP RESTAURANT AND BAR

South Caicos / Tel: 649-241-5612

SERVER $8.00 p/h

Serve food and drink orders.

JAMES ALEXANDRE

Blue Hills / Tel: 246-5058

DOMESTIC WORKER $8.00 p/h

Cleaning, sweeping, mopping.

VILLA DEL MAR

Bonaventure Cres, Grace Bay Tel: 649-941-5160

MAINTENANCE $10.00 p/h

Performs a variety of work in the maintenance and repair of facilities.

AMAZING INTERNATIONAL STORE

Five Cays / Tel: 649- 348-5921

CLEANER $8.00 p/h

Clean, stock and supply designated facility areas.

NATASHA ROSE DORVAL

Blue Hills / Tel: 649-242-2557

BABYSITTER $ 8.00 p/h

Provides care to children

RICARDO FORTUNATE

Blue Hills / Tel: 348-2641

LABOURER $8.00 p/h

Providing general maintenance.

ACCOUNTING SOLUTIONS

Long Bay Hills / Tel: 649-346-9825

CLEANER $8.00 P/H

Carry out deep cleaning and detailed cleaning tasks.

GUERSON JULIEN

Blue Hill / Tel: 347-4645

LABOUER $8.00 p/h

Cleaning outside the property.

MAXWELL DEAN

Five Cays / Tel: 346-5511

LABOURER $8.00p/h

Performing setup and cleanup task on site.

CHAVETTE MCPHEE

Long Bay / Tel: 241-6206

CARETAKER $8.00 p/h Daily task assisting

CAPTAIN

Seeking an experienced captain with minimum 10 years’ experience operating marine vessels 40ft and over, Captain’s license and an in depth knowledge of TCI Waters. Excellent written and verbal skills with the ability to deliver a high level of customer service to guests, provide advice and assistance to guests prior to and following charter and

resolve any issues that arise. Must have experience in maintenance and repairs for charter fleet, ensure vessels are clean and operational. Organizational skills are required for scheduling and maintaining records of all maintenance and service requirements for charter fleet. Salary up to $36,000 per annum, based on experience and qualifications.

RECEIVING CLERK

• Will prepare orders for shipment complete all paperwork, obtain the best rate quotes, and ensure accuracy of the order to ship.

• Adequate knowledge of computer systems and comfortable using them.

• Duties include but are not limited to, receiving in, storing, and distributing all deliveries, as well as stocking and restocking items in their proper locations as needed.

• Employees will pick customer orders per pick ticket and ensure the accuracy of selected items and quantities.

• Safety, organizational, and housekeeping

responsibilities are encompassed in the position.

REQUIREMENTS:

• College Graduate with a degree in any 4-year Course.

• Minimum 5 years of work experience.

• In an 8-hour workday: being active for 6-8 hours.

• Flexible schedule including working nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

• A positive attitude with punctuality.

• Being flexible on what days and hours you can work.

• The willingness to do any job that is needed even if it’s not “technically” part of your job description.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

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

WRITERS/ PHOTO JOURNALIST

Candidates must have at least five (5) years’ experience working full-time for daily newspapers and/or news/features magazines, reporting on hard news, features and parliamentary/court proceedings. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

FOR MAGAZINES AND OTHER PERIODICALS GRAPHICS PRODUCTION DESIGNER/ PAGINATOR

This position requires someone with at least five (5) years’ experience working with Macintosh or PC computers. Must be skilled in the make-up of advertising and pagination. Proficiency using InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop software for print is essential. Some technical, networking and web design knowledge an asset. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

COURT REPORTER

College or high school graduate with at least five (5) years’ experience in community reporting. Ability to drive and use a camera a desirable asset. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

ADVERTISING SPACE SALES PERSON

Candidates must have had actual hands-on experience selling advertising space for newspapers and magazines. Ability to assist clients with the writing of copy for ads and gathering of collateral an asset. Salary is commission based.

A CERTIFIED 100 TON CAPTAIN (W/A SAIL ENDORSEMENT)

The applicant must be versed on the operation and maintenance of a 65’ sailing vessel. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Overall charter operations and management of a 65’ sailing vessel.

• Familiarity and maintenance of all systems on a 65’sailing vessel.

• Hosting of short- and long-term charter guests. Qualifications should include:

• 100-ton Captains license from a reputable certifying body.

• Dive Master certification.

• Knowledge of diesel mechanics, rigging and marine electrical systems. Salary commensurate with experience.

In search of a skilled person to work in stone fabrication

• Searching for a person skilled at a wide range of repairs including trade skills, repair work, maintenance work, both interior and exterior.

• Must be a team player who communicates well in English and can follow directions.

• Must have 5 years’ experience in

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performing repair assessments. Must be able to lay out job plans operate a variety of tools and problem solve.

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MYSTIQUE CAR RENTAL & TOURS LTD.

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HELP WANTED TIBOR’S MACHINE SHOP LTD.

22 Cooper Jack Bay Rd, Industrial Park, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands BWI Is looking to fill the following positions:

LABOURERS

- Clean metal works

- Miscellaneous painting

- Clean and maintain a clean shop, machines, equipment, and any incoming jobs.

- Operate specific equipment in a safe and efficient way per supervisor’s instruction.

- Able to operate power and hand tools.

- Provide manual labor assistance on various tasks and assignments.

Wage starts at $8.00 per hr.

MECHANIC

- Must be able to diagnose mechanic related problems.

- Must have theoretical knowledge and practical experience of complete brakes, gasoline and diesel engines, automatic and manual transmissions, steering and suspension components, exhaust and basic electrical.

- Maintain company vehicles, equipment, various machinery & make necessary repairs.

- Have experience in welding and performing welding tasks.

- Must have a valid trade specific certification with at least 5 years’ working experience.

Wage: $10.00 per hr.

INDUSTRIAL PAINTER

- Work with various hazardous coatings including epoxies, urethanes, solvents

- Safely apply hazardous coatings and storage

- Utilize/assemble, maintain, and clean a variety of painting materials, tools, and equipment including compressors, sprayers, sanders, and cleaning equipment

- Experienced with CARC coating and HVLP guns

- Estimate time, materials, and equipment required for jobs assigned

- Understand painting climates

Wage: $10.00 per hr.

PAINTER HELPER

- Assist Lead Painter in performing painting and sand blasting tasks.

- Cleans work pieces to remove impurities, such as slag, rust and grease using hand tools such as wire brush, portable grinder, hand scraper or chemical solutions to ensure smooth surface.

- Maintain good knowledge of painting techniques and processes.

Wage starts at: $8.00 per hr.

MECHANIC HELPER

- Assist Lead Mechanic in performing repairs on vehicles, equipment & other repairs.

- Must have theoretical knowledge and practical experience of complete brakes, gasoline and diesel engines, automatic and manual transmissions, steering and suspension components, exhaust and basic electrical.

- Maintain company vehicles, equipment, various machinery & make necessary repairs.

- Have experience in welding and performing welding tasks.

Wage starts at: $8.00 per hr.

MANUFACTURING COST

SPECAILIST

▪ Works with operations, front office, and back office to achieve success by increasing productivity, reducing costs, and improving processes. Focuses on identifying and removing process inefficiencies using key continuous improvement tools and a defined methodology for solving problems down

to root cause.

▪ Conducts, facilitates, and manages ongoing facility gap assessments and process improvement using lean six sigma projects through the diffusion of a mindset geared towards continuous improvement efforts

▪ Assists in preparing job costing plans, records, analysis, and reporting

▪ Improves inventory workflows and assists in setting advanced inventory management system

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

▪ Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in manufacturing engineering, business, or a related field

▪ Lean Six Sigma certification

▪ Previously worked in senior positions in machine shop, manufacturing, or fabrication industry

▪ Strong oral and written communication, Microsoft Office, interpersonal, presentation and organization skills

- Wage $500 per week

MOULD MAKERS/ MACHINISTS

- Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments.

- Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments.

- Fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, shop mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

- Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, and engineering information to determine methods and sequences of operations needed to fabricate products and determine product dimensions and tolerances.

- Remain in a standing position for extended periods of time.

- Must have a valid trade specific certification with at least 5 years’ working experience.

Wage: $10 per hr.

WELDER HELPERS

- Assist lead welders in performing welding, brazing, thermal, and arc cutting operations.

- Oversee the scheduled maintenance of welding and fitting equipment to ensure they are operational.

- Cleans work pieces to remove impurities, such as slag, rust and grease using hand tools such as wire brush, portable grinder, hand scraper or chemical solutions to ensure smooth surface.

- Connect hand torches to fuel gas cylinders or electric power source.

- Maintain good knowledge of welding techniques and processes

- Read and interpret blueprints for a welding project.

- Experienced in SMAW / GMAW / GTAW & oxy-fuel welding / cutting

- Must have a valid trade specific certification

Wage starts at: $8.00 per hr.

CERTIFIED WELDERS

- Lay out, fit, and fabricate metal components to assemble structural forms using knowledge of welding techniques, metallurgy, and engineering components.

- Operates drill presses, power saws, grinders, metal lathes and a variety of welding equipment and hand tools.

- Analyze sample parts, blueprints, engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations.

- Remain in a standing position for extended periods of time.

- Experienced in SMAW / GMAW / GTAW & oxy-fuel welding / cutting.

- Must have a valid trade specific certification with at least 5 years working experience.

Wage starts at: $9.00 per hr.

LABOURER

FLIGHT OPERATIONS INSPECTOR

LOCATION: PROVIDENCIALES, TCI

JOB SUMMARY:

This is a professional position which has nationwide responsibility for the regulation of air carriers operating within Turks and Caicos Islands. The incumbent must ensure that said air carriers are meeting local and international flight operational standards. To accomplish this incumbent is required to make regular inspections, assess air carriers’ record, practices and policies and review the training and testing of air carrier crew and staff. When standards are met the incumbent will advise the Director regarding the issuing of licenses where appropriate.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Regulating flight operations within Turks and Caicos Islands

• Reviewing the organization, equipment and staffing of air carriers applying for Air Operators Certification

• Evaluating air carriers, their staff and crew for the granting of appropriate licenses as delegated by Senior Flight Ops Inspector

• Carrying out of regular inspections to ensure compliance with local and international standards

• Carrying out regular inspections and submitting reports to Senior Flight Ops

• Reviewing and responding to Mandatory Occurrence Reports (MORs) as appropriate, and initiate action as necessary

• Ensuring air carriers meet local and international flight operations standards

• Regulating Instrument Flight Procedure (IFP) design and approval

• General Safety Oversight Inspections including audit, ramp, and flight checks, review of MOR’s and SAFA Reports

• Training Manual and programme review operations Manual review, including FTL evaluation and approval

• Testing air carriers’ records, practices and policies as delegated by Senior Flight Operations

• Recommend issuing other personal licenses e.g. Pilots as delegated by Senior Flight Ops

• Regulation of Dangerous Goods, moving in and out of Turks and Caicos Islands

• Carrying out random ramp checks on aircraft

• Reviewing the training of air carrier staff regarding air emergencies

• Recommend issuing airline crew training licenses

• Authority to ground aircraft and making recommendations to the

• Managing Director regarding granting and revocation of licenses

• Participate in the investigation of aircraft accident/ incidents (as it pertains to flight operations policy standards) and formulation of prevention policy

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE:

This position requires a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Science or its equivalent in the

relevant field.

• Valid Air Transport Pilots License with current medical and instrument rating. Flight Operations Certification (UKCAA or equivalent)

• Dangerous Goods Certification

• Accident Investigation Training

• Systems management skills

The position requires four (4) years on the job experience to acquire the necessary competencies to respond effectively to the challenges of the functions. Also incumbent must have at least 4000 pilot hours in command of air transport aircraft.

THE EXPERIENCE SHOULD INCLUDE:

• Management in Airline Industry

• Handling of hazardous materials (Dangerous Goods)

• Knowledge of meteorology and climatology

• Air carrier auditing procedure

• Working knowledge of aviation law and enforcement

• Accident investigation procedure

• Training, supervisory and management experience

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE CAN BE DRAWN FROM:

• The Airline Industry

• Management positions

• Civil Aviation Organizations e.g. ICAO, UKCAA, FAA, Transport Canada

• Working knowledge of flight operations procedures

• Good computer skills

PERSONAL QUALITIES:

• Willingness to take personal responsibility

• Ability to Reason

• Positive attitude

• Professionalism, Tactfulness, firmness and impartiality

• The personality to win the professional respect and confidence of others

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Fluent in English

• Willingness to travel locally and internationally

SALARY RANGE:

$65,820.00 to $72,420.00 per annum

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: May 31st, 2024

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to Office Administrator, HR & Training Manager, TCI Civil Aviation Authority, Courtyard Plaza Unit 1B, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, or via email Address ptaylor@ tcicaa.tc to reach no later than May 31st, 2024.

The Supreme Court is a superior court of record. Its original jurisdiction in both civil and criminal matters is similar to that exercised by all divisions of Her Majesty’s High Court of Justice in England and the Crown Court. The Judiciary seeks a judge to conduct the trial of a single criminal case which may have duration of two (2) years.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Candidates for this position must be:

(a) a barrister or solicitor of the United Kingdom, of any other part of the Commonwealth, or of Ireland;

(b) a member of the Faculty of Advocates or a Writer to the Signet of Scotland; or

(c) an attorney of the Supreme Court admitted under the TCI Legal Profession Ordinance or under any law for the time being in force in the Islands making like provision, and of at least ten (10) years’ standing as such.

It is desirable that applicants have a common law background and, ideally, knowledge and experience of Chancery Practice.

Candidates with judicial experience in the higher judiciary will be more favourably considered.

DURATION AND SCOPE OF WORK

A two (2) year contract which may be extended as necessary in exigent circumstances.

The successful candidate will be required to reside on the island of Providenciales, and will conduct the trial of a single criminal case.

RENUMERATION PACKAGE

SALARY: $147, 398.40

GRATUITY ON COMPLETION OF CONTRACT 6%

PHONE ALLOWANCE: $1800

HOUSING ALLOWANCE: $36,000 OR ACCOMMODATION IN LIEU OF HOUSING ALLOWANCE

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applicants must submit:

1. A completed application form.

2. A resume with current contact information.

3. An accompanying Cover Letter.

4. two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer).

5. Copies of educational certificates.

6. A copy of the Passport photo page.

Shortlisted candidates must submit a Police Certificate.

Note that the referees may be contacted as necessary.

To receive an application form please email request to: VIClerveaux.gov.tc. Or if by courier to: DR.

VACANCIES

HELPER

DERAT JOSEPH

Blue Hills, Providenciales General cleaning around private home.

New (Salary): $8.00 hourly Contact: 342-9076

ISLAND BARGAINS Leeward Highway, Providenciales origination, distribution of packages.

New (Salary): $12.00 hourly Contact: 946-2274

NEKO RIGHBY Phase 2, Providenciales General chores.

Renewal (Salary): $8.00 hourly Contact: 242-8964

LABOURER

LABOURER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 346-6622

A BRILLIANT CARIBBEAN CHEF

We are looking to bring on board someone who is passionate about growth and enthusiastic about customer service AND has experience in Caribbean cuisine.

The successful candidate will have the unique opportunity to work for a growing business in which they can make a difference.

REQUIREMENTS

• Highly responsible and reliable

• Accuracy and attention to detail

• Past experience with face to face customer roles is mandatory

• Must possess outstanding guest service and communication skills

• Past experience in food and beverage is preferred

• Bar and event experience is preferred

• Basic Excel spreadsheet and/or basic experience with Quickbooks: Invoice/billing or similar

• People management skills is preferred

• Able to work weekends

• Able to multitask

• Experience handling social media accounts

• Ability is speak Spanish and/or Creole would be a positive point

• Approachable/fun personality

PERKS

• 50% staff discount

• 2 weeks paid vacation after the probation period

• Performance-based bonus

• 2 DAYS off

The successful applicant will be required to produce a clean police record along with a letter of reference from the most recent employer.

Salary scale $1,200 to $1,500 a month commensurate with experience. Tips when on shift.

NOW HIRING ALIVE AND WELL RESORTS

WAITSTAFF

Applicant must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a hospitality/food and beverage environment in a luxury resort with private club experience; experience serving food & beverages to guests, clears and re-sets tables quickly & efficiently; is well groomed & very personable with excellent communication skills to converse with guests; maintains full knowledge of menu items; has experience working with POS & inventory systems; must be able to walk & stand for lengthy periods; willing to work long hours, weekends & holidays. Salary: $8.00/hr. Position held by work permit holder.

BARTENDER

Applicant must be a well-groomed energetic, personable, pleasant, & a professional team player; must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a luxury resort; has excellent communication skills; good working knowledge of mixed beverages, and specialty liquors; has experience with POS and inventory systems, willing to work long hours, weekends & holidays. Salary: $9/hr. New Position

HOUSEKEEPER

Applicant must ensure the cleanliness and orderliness of the assigned rooms, work areas and equipment. Willing to work outside of normal hours, weekends & holidays; has experience using sanitation equipment such as extractors & floor polishers. Has experience maintaining necessary inventory system. Must be able to stand for long periods of time, climb stairs, and carry up to 20lbs. Minimum 5 years’ experience working in a luxury 5-star hotel/resort. Must be fluent in English with the ability to read and write. Salary: $8.00/hr. Position currently held by work permit holder & New Position

MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE MAN

Applicant must hold a Diploma in Industrial Technology. Has a minimum of 5 years’ experience performing preventive maintenance & installation of generator systems, HVAC/AC systems, CCTV and AV systems, solar systems installation, and maintenance, working with various dimming & LED systems, water heaters, pool systems, water pumps. Applicant must be a strong communicator in the English language, be computer literate and must be able to read AutoCAD drawings. Applicant will be required to attend to guest repair requests 24/7 with maintenance activities in the guest room like plunging toilets, unclogging drains, repairing all types of hardware, mechanical, electrical, internet, key card access systems, & room safes. Applicant must be willing to work long hours, weekends, and holidays. Salary range: $20,000 - $24,000. Position held by work permit holder.

HANDYMAN/LABOURER

Applicant will be required to assist in maintaining the grounds of the resort. Set up equipment power wash resort balconies and pathways, remove all debris, assist in minor repairs inside guest rooms or on property. Must be proficient in the English language, and follow detailed instructions. Willing to work outside of normal working hours. Salary: $8/hour. Position held by Work permit holder & New position.

SIMON WOOD ASSOCIATES LTD. (DBA SWA ARCHITECTS)

U NIT 301 NEPTUNE COURT, GRACE BAY, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS IS SEEKING TO EMPLOY A

(WORK PERMIT RENEWAL)

Applicant must be fully qualified RIBA part 3 or equal with a minimum of 10 years post-qualification experience; with the ability to travel freely throughout the Caribbean and South America

• Suitable candidate must be able to work under their own initiative and has the ability to see projects from concept to completion.

• Researches literature and maintain knowledge of current building materials, structural, mechanical and electrical system codes and methods of application.

• Reviews subcontractor’s shop drawings to ensure compliance with specifications and contract agreements by checking them for technical accuracy according to accepted guideline.

• Work with customers and clients to gather facts, define design and space planning problems, conceptualize possible solutions and secure approvals of proposals.

• Review product literature, analyze materials and determine appropriateness for application to projects.

• Provide advice and develop design documents to initiate and modify architectural, interior design and space planning solutions.

• Perform design drafting including preliminary drawings for architectural working drawings and full detail drawings for architectural, structural and mechanical works associated with building construction or improvement projects.

• Have advanced AutoCAD and SketchUp skills and intermediate Revit skills. Also, proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and Adobe Photoshop.

• Have post graduate Project Management qualification and experience in Contract Administration and Site Inspection procedures.

• Excellent written and spoken English and Spanish languages.

QUALIFIED TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND A

PURCHASER

JOSEPH DITE SAINT JEAN MANO

COSMETOLOGIST

BIG BLUE COLLECTIVE

BAR MANAGER

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

IN THE SCUBA DIVING/WATERSPORTS INDUSTRY

#2 Marina Street, Leeward Marina, Providenciales 946-5034

Big Blue is looking for outgoing personalities and physical coordination to join a team of knowledgeable and experienced guides to conduct educational and environmentally conscious eco-tours and boat charters throughout the Caicos Islands.

1. Scuba Diving Instructors

Seeking qualified PADI Dive Instructors to conduct dive courses and tours. Applicants must have a minimum 2 years teaching experience and experience with high end vessels and clientele a must. Preference will be given to Turks Islanders and those with professional boating experience or hold a TCI Captain’s license. Other duties include conducting snorkel tours, paddle eco tours and dive equipment maintenance. The work schedule is varied and provides up to 6-days work per week, must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

Current positions held by work permit holders and new positions available. Salary range: $110 to $200 per day plus gratuities and service charge. Applicants should apply to the email address below.

2. Sales Representative

Big Blue Collective is seeking a motived, energetic sales person to work with our team in a busy environment.

DUTIES FOR THIS POSITION WILL INCLUDE:

- Service and retail sales with the goal of growth to the overall business

- Answering phones/emails, making sales and reservations with solid knowledge of all products and services.

- Greeting and signing in guests in a professional, friendly manner with direction and information to keep the arrival flow seamless.

- Ensuring payments are collected, entering and balancing of daily income

- Working with the retail manager on designing custom items for sale.

- Must be willing to work long hours, weekends, holidays while remaining flexible

- Inventory and stock control with Quickbooks POS

- Possibility to fill in as an eco guide including snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding. Training provided.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

- Mature, self motivated, outgoing, honest and energetic that has a passion for working with the public.

- Must be able to work weekdays, weekends and holidays.

- Must speak English, any other languages and asset

- Attention to detail is key

- Minimum high school graduate with strength in math and marketing

- 3 years sales and sales related marketing experience

- 3 years front desk/reception experience/retail sales management

- Education and experience in retail textile design,

- Experience with Quickbooks POS

- Experience in ordering, maintaining, designing and stocking retail

- Experience in promoting and marketing service and retail sales an asset

- Good understanding of the tourism industry and a passion for protecting the environment

Candidates should apply via email to careers@ bigbluecollective.com before the 26th of May 2024, include a resume and a cover letter with a brief description of why they believe they are a suitable candidate to work in the ecotourism / watersports industry. Applicants should send a copy to the Commissioner of Labour.

TRAINING

AND EDUCATION:

• At least 5 years of industry experience working in a high volume environment

• Full bar training with complete understanding of all facets of bar environment.

• Complete knowledge of all drink recipes with proven training certificate in Mixology.

• Deep knowledge of wine, spirits and beers and ServSafe certified.

• Fully trained in wine service with ability to properly open bottles table side and recognize appropriate glassware.

• Must be fluent in English both written and oral.

• Complete detailed knowledge of Micros POS system and demonstrated full knowledge of Microsoft Office.

• Understanding of inventory control

SKILL REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Very strong interpersonal skills with an engaging personality.

• Ability to multi task in a fast pace, high pressure environment.

• Strong math skills associated with counting of inventory and balancing cash.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate others and lead by example.

• Must be able to work extended hours on his/her feet including nights, weekends and holidays.

• Must be able to comfortably lift at least 25 lbs.

• Strong conversational skills and willingness to stay apprised of current events.

• Maintain a clean and well-groomed appearance in the presence of both other employees and clients.

• Ability to consistently be punctual for work.

• Maintain a clean workstation throughout shift

• Must be willing to participate in cleaning duties assigned by superiors.

• Must be polite and cordial to co-workers and clients at all times.

• Must be capable of carrying at least 3 dishes with food for delivery to tables.

• Must be able to carry a drink tray full with drinks without spilling.

• Must have complete knowledge of food and beverage as it relates to company menus including ingredients and preparation.

• Must have complete knowledge of the menu (both food and drinks) as well as specials being offered.

• Must be able to operate a blender for the purposes of making specific drinks.

• Must be able to perform opening and closing duties

• Ensuring each day that all aspects of the bar are kept clean and maintained

• Supervising the twice weekly scheduled “Deep Cleaning” of both the upper and lower bars

• Maintain proper organization of the room and house charges box

• Ensure that new bar staff are properly trained as per company guidelines

• Assist upper management in the enforcement of company policy and procedures

• Keep a positive attitude and an open line of communication with fellow employees thus ensuring effective conflict resolution

• Must ensure all other bar employees complete pre and post shift duties.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter that takes both initiative and direction, this individual will have the ability to anticipate problems, then identify and implement solutions.

Belongers Given Preference, Apply in Person with CV to be considered. This ad is for a permit application.

Science & Technology

Boxing announcer quits after backlash to calling the wrong winner

A ring announcer who mistakenly called the wrong winner in a women’s World Boxing Association (WBA) title fight has quit after receiving abuse on social media, adding that he will no longer be “the world’s punching bag.”

Dan Hennessey wrongly announced England’s Nina Hughes as the winner of her WBA bantamweight fight against New ZealandAustralian Cherneka Johnson, which took place in Perth, Australia on Sunday on the undercard of Vasiliy Lomachenko’s fight against George Kambosos Jr.

Hughes celebrated her believed win, before Hennessey checked the

score cards and brought both fighters back to the center of the ring by their hands. He then declared Johnson the winner, with video footage showing a confused Hughes shaking her head.

Hennessey took to Facebook after the fight to apologise and accept “full responsibility” for the mistake, writing on Sunday: “I own it. It’s all on me.”

He added: “I have apologised to all involved and now I apologize to you. I am sorry for what happened. Again I own it and can only try and do better next time. Not my best day in the office.”

But come Tuesday, the announcer said he would be

doing one more show before retiring from his job following “worldwide backlash.”

He wrote: “I love all the support from everyone. Thank you all for the kind words. Unfortunately the worldwide backlash is absolutely incredible and it’s effecting (sic) my mental health to a degree where I

PART-TIME YOUTH OFFICER

about making a positive impact on the lives of young people.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience in office administration,

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly in working with young people.

position with option to become Full-time, Flexible schedule SALARY: $12ph

NURSING ASSISTANT

•

•

•

•

•

depending on experience. Belongers only need to apply. Position currently held by work permit holder.

will have 1 more show ever.. I am doing this show because I am still a man of my word.”

Hennessey added: “I love and will keep in touch with all my friends from around the world. Thank you.. No longer the world’s punching bag. I’m out.” (CNN)

WORKER (RENEWAL)

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, assumes responsibility for promoting the business activities, customer interaction, maintain inventory, stock control, communicate between management and clients on shortages and order fulfillment, coordinate deliveries and shipments, receive and unload shipments, ability to multitask and work under pressure within a fast-

ethic. Must have a

valid drivers’ license, forklift experience and willing to work holidays and weekends. 5+ years’ experience. Strong POS, organizational and analytical skills.

Cherneka Johnson (left) and Nina Hughes (right) in action during their WBA Bantamweight title fight in Perth, Australia

Science & Technology

Certain vegetarian diets significantly reduce risk of cancer, heart disease and death, study says

Eating a vegan, vegetarian or lacto-ovo vegetarian diet significantly reduces the overall risk of developing cancer, heart disease and dying early from cardiovascular disease, according to a new “umbrella” analysis of more than 20 years of research.

An umbrella review looks at existing metanalyses of large numbers of studies, providing a high-level view of existing research on a topic.

In addition to lowering cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol, the umbrella analysis found a “protective effect” for specific cancers, including “liver, colon, pancreas, lung, prostate, bladder, melanoma, kidney and nonHodgkin lymphoma,” said lead author Dr Angelo Capodici, a graduate student in health science, technology and management at Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in Pisa, Italy.

Vegetarians don’t eat any animal flesh, while the lacto-ovo version of vegetarianism allows dairy products and eggs while excluding all meat, poultry and fish. Veganism, the stricter form of vegetarianism, bans any food products made from meat, poultry and seafood as well as any animal by-products such as gelatin.

However, the protective nature of the diets could be sabotaged if poor dietary choices were made, the study authors said via email.

“Diets that emphasize consumption of unhealthy plant foods, such as fruit juices, refined grains, potato chips, and even sodas” might counter the positives of a plant-based diet for health,

Researchers found that the diet lowered cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol and protected against specific cancers

said study coauthor Dr. Federica Guaraldi, medical director of the pituitary unit at the IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna in Italy.

Fruit juices, which are “full of sugars or sweetener,” Guaraldi said, “(were) recently demonstrated to have detrimental impact on metabolism as much as or even more than white sugar.”

RESULTS MAY BE AFFECTED BY OTHER LIFESTYLE FACTORS

Researchers have long known that people who follow plant-based diets often live healthier lives full of exercise and an avoidance of sugar-sweetened foods and beverages, refined grains, snacks, alcohol and tobacco, the study said.

“What is attributed to diet here may be in part due to other lifestyle practices,” said Dr. David Katz, a specialist in preventive and lifestyle medicine who founded the nonprofit True Health Initiative, a global coalition of experts

dedicated to evidence-based lifestyle medicine. He was not involved in the study.

“That is a minor concern, however,” Katz said in an email. “The net effect of plantpredominant dietary patterns is clearly favorable to crucial health outcomes even if some of the observed benefit is attributable to other lifestyle practices.”

In fact, adopting a plant-based diet, even without additional exercise, could still yield health benefits, according to a November study on twins by Christopher Gardner, one of the coauthors of the umbrella analysis published Wednesday in the journal PLOS One.

In the 2023 study, healthy twins who ate a vegan diet for eight weeks had lower “bad” low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol, better blood sugar levels and greater weight loss than siblings who ate a diet of meat and vegetables, according to Gardner, a research professor of medicine at the Stanford Prevention Research

Center in Palo Alto, California.

“There was a 10% to 15% drop in LDL cholesterol, a 25% drop in insulin, and a 3% drop in body weight in just eight weeks, all by eating real food without animal products,” Gardner told CNN at the time.

One reason for that may be the nutritional boost that plants provide, including high levels of vitamins, minerals and other substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, while also reducing the inflammatory impact of meat and processed food, the authors said.

“Plants have more fiber (animal foods have zero), less saturated fat and zero cholesterol (all animal foods have cholesterol),” Gardner said in an email. “An entirely separate category is phytochemicals (literally, ‘plant chemicals’) such as antioxidants. By definition there are no phytochemicals in animal foods.”

NO MEAT, POULTRY OR SEAFOOD, BUT DAIRY AND EGGS ARE OK

The new review analyzed 48 metanalyses that had investigated the impact of eating a vegetarian or vegan diet on the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease and early death.

“We analyzed reviews considering vegan and vegetarian diets that completely exclude(ed) meat, poultry and seafood,” said study coauthor Dr. Davide Gori, an associate professor of biomedical and neuromotor sciences at the University of Bologna in Italy.

“To be more precise regarding vegetarian diets, lacto-vegetarian

(allowing certain dairy products such as yogurt, cheese and milk), ovovegetarian (allowing whole eggs, egg whites and egg-containing foods such as mayonnaise, egg noodles and certain baked goods), (and) lactoovo-vegetarian diets were included,” Gori said in an email.

However, vegetarian diets limiting but not completely excluding certain types of meat and fish, such as pesco- or pollo-vegetarian diets, were excluded, he said.

The review found eating these plant-based diets reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and inflammation by affecting risk factors such as body mass index, fasting glucose and other measures of blood sugar control, and the systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) measurements of blood pressure.

The diets also significantly lowered total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and “C-reactive protein — an index of inflammation that is typically higher in cardiovascular and metabolic disease,” Gori said. Metabolic disease is a constellation of symptoms such as obesity, high blood pressure and poor control of cholesterol and blood sugars that can all lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

However, there was no benefit in eating plants for pregnant women, an “intriguing finding” that needs further research, said Guaraldi of the IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences. It’s also possible that the hormones of pregnancy might affect findings, and “we cannot rule out that participants have taken supplements during the study period that could have altered the impact of diet on the considered parameters.” (CNN)

Millions more middle-aged are obese, study suggests

Millions of middle-aged people have been mistakenly led to believe they are not obese, according to an Italian study that looked at body fat instead of weight related to height.

Using a new, lower cut-off for obesity would give a truer picture of who is affected, the researchers say.

With age, muscle declines and fat builds up around organs in the waist region, often with no change in weight.

The challenge is to find a tool that easily screens for obesity.

The standard way of categorising people’s weight is by calculating

their body mass index, or BMI, which means dividing an adult’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres.

18.5-25 is said to suggest a healthy weight

· 25-29 that they are overweight

· 30 or above that they are obese

It is a quick and easy method, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), and pretty accurate in most people most of the time - but cannot differentiate between fat, muscle and bone.

A study of 4,800 adults aged

Science & Technology

Google and Harvard unveil most detailed ever map of human brain

Ten years ago, Dr Jeff Lichtman — a professor of molecular and cellular biology at Harvard University — received a small brain sample in his lab.

Although tiny, the 1 cubic millimeter of tissue was big enough to contain 57,000 cells, 230 millimeters of blood vessels and 150 million synapses.

“It was less than a grain of rice, but we began to cut it and look at it, and it was really beautiful,” he said. “But as we were accumulating the data, I realized that we just had way, way more than we could handle.”

Eventually, Lichtman and his team ended up with 1,400 terabytes of data from the sample — roughly the content of over 1 billion books. Now, after the lab team’s decade of close collaboration with scientists at Google, that data has turned into the most detailed map of a human brain sample ever created.

300

MILLION IMAGES

The brain sample came from a patient with severe epilepsy. It’s standard procedure, Lichtman said, to remove a small portion of the brain to stop the seizures, and then look at the tissue to make sure it’s normal. “But it was anonymized, so I knew next to nothing about the patient, other than their age and gender,” he said.

To analyze the sample, Lichtman and his team first cut it into thin sections using a knife with a blade edge made of diamond. The sections were then embedded into a hard resin and sliced again, very thinly. “About 30 nanometers, or roughly 1,000th of the thickness

This image displays a single human neuron (white) and all of the axons from other neurons that connect to it

of a human hair. They were virtually invisible, if it weren’t for the fact that we had stained them with heavy metals, which made them visible when doing electron imaging,” he said.

The team ended up with several thousand slices, which were picked up with a custom-made tape, creating a sort of film strip: “If you take a picture of each of those sections and align those pictures, you get a three-dimensional piece of brain at the microscopic level.”

That’s when the researchers realised they needed help with the data, because the resulting images would take up a significant amount of storage.

Lichtman knew that Google was working on a digital map of a fruit fly’s brain, released in 2019, and had the right computer hardware for the job. He got in touch with

Viren Jain, a senior staff research scientist at Google who was working on the fruit fly project.

“There were 300 million separate images (in Harvard’s data),” Jain said. “What makes it so much data is that you’re imaging at a very high resolution, the level of an individual synapse. And just in that small sample of brain tissue there were 150 million synapses.”

To make sense of the images, scientists at Google used AIbased processing and analysis, identifying what type of cells were in each picture and how they were connected. The result is an interactive 3D model of the brain tissue, and the largest dataset ever made at this resolution of a human brain structure. Google made it available online as “Neuroglancer,” and a study was published in the journal Science at the same time,

with Lichtman and Jain among the coauthors.

UNDERSTANDING THE BRAIN

The collaboration between the Harvard and Google teams resulted in colorized images that make the individual components more visible, but they are otherwise a truthful representation of the tissue.

“The colors are completely arbitrary,” Jain explained, “but beyond that, there’s not much artistic license here. The whole point of this is that we’re not making it up — these are the real neurons, the real wires that exist in this brain, and we’re really just making it convenient and accessible for biologists to view and study.”

The data contained some surprises. For example, rather than forming a single connection, pairs of neurons instead have more than 50. “This is kind of like if two houses on a block had 50 separate phone lines connecting them. What’s going on there? Why are they so strongly connected? We don’t know what the function or significance of this phenomenon is yet, we’re going to have to study it further,” he said.

Eventually, observing the brain at this level of detail could help researchers make sense of unresolved medical conditions, according to Lichtman.

“What does it mean to understand our brain? The best we may be able to do is describe it, and hope that from these descriptions will come a realization, for example, about how normal brains are different

Millions more middle-aged are obese, study ...

40-80 years old, led by the University of Tor Vergata in Rome, and presented at the European Congress on Obesity, looked at an alternativemeasuring body fat percentage.

Just 38% of the men and 41% of the women had a BMI above 30 - but when their body fat percentage was calculated using scans, 71% and 64% were found to be obese.

“If we continue to use the WHO standard for obesity screening, we will miss many middle-aged and older adults who are at risk for obesityrelated diseases including type

2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers,” co-author, Prof Antonino De Lorenzo said.

A BMI of 27 should be used to define obesity in future, the researchers said.

“Establishing this new BMI cut-off point in clinical settings and obesity guidelines will be beneficial to the potential health of millions of older adults,” Prof De Lorenzo said.

‘SIMPLE TOOL’

The study is one of many which have suggested different cut-off points for BMI over the years.

Yet it’s unlikely BMI will be ditched anytime soon - it’s certainly much cheaper than

scanning people to quantify their body fat accurately.

The researchers admit larger studies in other countries are needed to confirm the results. This study only looked at adults in one region of Italy and didn’t look at the distribution of fat in people’s bodies - only the percentage of the body made up of fat.

It also didn’t ask people about their diets or exercise habits to work how why some people might be more at risk from obesity than others.

On its own, it’s not clear whether body fat analysis would be a definitive measurement either.

from brains that are disordered, in adult psychiatric diseases or developmental disorders like the autism spectrum — that kind of comparison will be very valuable,” he said. “Eventually, it will give us some insight into what’s wrong, which, in most cases, we’re still in the dark about.”

Lichtman also believes that the dataset may be filled with other amazing details that, because of its size, haven’t been discovered yet: “And that’s why we’re sharing it online, so anyone can look at it and find things,” he added.

Next up, the team behind the project aims to create a full map of the brain of a mouse, which would require between 500 and 1,000 times the amount of data of the human brain sample.

“That would mean 1 exabyte, which is 1,000 petabytes,” Lichtman said. “A lot of people are thinking hard about how we’re going to do this, and we’re in the first year of a five-year proof of principle. I think that would be a watershed moment for neuroscience, to have a complete mammalian brain’s wiring diagram; it would answer many, many questions. And of course, it would reveal many more problems, things we hadn’t expected.”

What about mapping an entire human brain? That would be another 1,000 times bigger, Lichtman explained, which means the data would amount to 1 zettabyte. In 2016, that was the size of the entire internet traffic for the year, according to Cisco. At the moment, Lichtman said, it would not only be difficult to even store that much data, but there would be no ethically acceptable way of sourcing a pristine, well-preserved human brain.

BREAKING NEW GROUND

“We need a simple tool to screen for obesity that can be available for anyone,” said coauthor Prof Marwan El Ghoch, from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.

Prof Naveed Sattar, from the University of Glasgow, said: “Rather than cutting the obesity thresholds to 27, which would mean around half the adults in UK are living with obesity, other definitions of obesity that include also looking at waist circumference, combined with specific signs and symptoms of excess weight, are likely to be more informative.”

The search for the right tool continues. (BBC)

Researchers in the same field who were not involved with the work expressed their enthusiasm when approached by CNN for comment.

“This study is wonderful, and there is so much to learn from data like this,” said Michael Bienkowski, an assistant professor of physiology and neuroscience at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine.

“Much of what we think we understand about the human brain is extrapolated from animals, but research like this is critical for revealing what truly makes us human. Visualizing neurons and other brain cells is really challenging due to their sheer density and complexity, and the current dataset does not capture the longer-range connections,” Bienkowski said.

Science & Technology

An imbalance of two healthy fats affects your early death risk, study finds

Eating enough healthy fats is great for brain and heart health, but new research has possibly provided even more evidence for adding them — particularly omega-3s — to your diet.

“We found that a higher omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is associated with a greater risk of dying,” said Yuchen Zhang, lead author of the April study published in the journal eLife, in a news release. Zhang is a doctoral student in the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Georgia’s College of Public Health.

Omega-3 fatty acids are naturally found in foods including fish — especially fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines — as well as flaxseed, walnuts, chia seeds and in dietary supplements such as fish oil.

The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA; eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA; and docosahexaenoic acid, known as DHA, according to the National Institutes of Health. The body must obtain all three from foods, and omega-3s contribute to the health of the heart, blood vessels, lungs, immune system and endocrine system.

Foods high in omega-6 fatty acids, on the other hand, include nuts, seeds, corn and soy — and the oils and preservatives produced from these foods, the authors said. Linoleic acid is the most common

omega-6 fatty acid.

“There is some evidence to suggest that the high omega-6 to omega-3 fats ratio typical of Western diets — 20:1 or even higher, compared to an estimated 1:1 during most of human evolution — contributes to many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and autoimmune disorders,” Zhang said.

But the results of past studies have been mixed, she added, and few have investigated the role of an imbalance in mortality. Also, accurately measuring fatty acid intake is difficult, partly due to reliance on participants’ own recollections of their dietary intake.

Zhang and the other researchers looked into the associations between the omega-3/omega-6 ratio in blood plasma — a more objective measure — and death from any cause and specifically from cancer or cardiovascular disease, the top two leading causes of death worldwide.

They used data from 85,425 people who had participated in the UK Biobank study, which has followed the health outcomes of more than half a million people between ages 40 and 69 in the United Kingdom for at least a decade.

Participants, whose plasma samples were collected between 2007 and 2010, had answered questionnaires about their diet,

including whether they took fish oil supplements.

After nearly 13 years of followup, the authors found participants with the highest ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 were 26% more likely to die early from any cause, 14% more likely to die from cancer and 31% more likely to die from heart disease than those with the lowest ratios. Considered individually, both high levels of omega-6 and omega-3 were linked with a lower risk of premature death. But the protective effects of omega-3 were greater, likely explaining “why having a high ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s was linked to harm,” the authors said.

Despite the findings, the study is “only one ‘snapshot’ in time of biomarkers and dietary intake of omega 3s and 6s. This is correlation, not causation,” said Dr. Lauren R. Sastre, director of the Farm to Clinic Program and assistant professor in the department of nutrition science at East Carolina University, via email. Sastre wasn’t involved in the study.

“And even that relationship cannot be strongly supported due to methodological flaws in not considering other dietary components to the overall health/ clinical outcomes,” Sastre added. “There are many anti-inflammatory food components (nutrients, phytochemicals, etc.) that are

associated with reducing allcause, cancer and (cardiovascular disease) mortality, and to only evaluate omega 3s and 6s — strong confounders may be present that would bias the results.”

MANAGING HEALTHY FAT INTAKE

If the omega-6/omega-3 balance actually does have more to do with premature death risk than the study has the capacity to prove, it could be due to the possible function of arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, said Kristin Kirkpatrick, a registered dietitian nutritionist at the Cleveland Clinic and author of “Regenerative Health: Discover Your Metabolic Type and Renew Your Liver for Life.”

Arachidonic acid is what the body converts from linoleic acid. It’s a “building block for molecules that can promote inflammation, blood clotting, and the constriction of blood vessels,” according to Harvard Health. But this fatty acid can also be converted into molecules that fight inflammation and blood clots.

Omega-6s aren’t inherently bad, but having too many may offset the anti-inflammatory factors associated with omega-3, Kirkpatrick said, so “a more balanced approach … may be favorable.”

“The source of the omega 6s may also be a factor in offsetting

the balance as well,” she added via email. “Processed seed oils may also contain high amounts of omega 6s for example.”

Focusing on this balance and increasing your intake of foods rich in omega-3s can be more important than simply limiting those high in omega-6s, Kirkpatrick said.

“I would also look at the quality of the omega 6 foods in the diet,” she added, “aiming for whole foods … rather than more processed products that may contain large amounts via the addition of seed oils.”

If you’re curious what your blood plasma ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is, ask your physician about testing for it. In Kirkpatrick’s practice, she often works with her patients’ doctors for this purpose. Some patients request it with the goal of improving their mental health, heart health or risk of dementia, she said.

Overall, “it’s important to note that an unbalanced ratio is only one chapter in our story of better or worse health span,” Kirkpatrick said.

“Getting a variety of fiberrich foods (beneficial to the microbiome) and other nutrientdense foods, as well as adequate, good-quality sleep, stress management and physical activity play a large role in how long we will enjoy good health within our lifetime.”

Richard Scolyer: Top doctor remains brain cancer-free after a year

A year after undergoing a worldfirst treatment for glioblastoma, Australian doctor Richard Scolyer remains cancer-free.

The esteemed pathologist’s experimental therapy is based on his own pioneering research on melanoma.

Prof Scolyer’s subtype of glioblastoma is so aggressive most patients survive less than a year.

But on Tuesday the 57-year-old announced his latest MRI scan had again showed no recurrence of the tumour.

“To be honest, I was more nervous than I have been for any previous scan,” he told the BBC. “I’m just thrilled and delighted... couldn’t be happier.”

Prof Scolyer is one of the country’s most respected medical minds, and was this year named Australian of the Year alongside

his colleague and friend Georgina Long, in recognition of their lifechanging work on melanoma.

As co-directors of the Melanoma Institute Australia, over the past decade the pair’s research on immunotherapy, which uses the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells, has dramatically improved outcomes for advanced melanoma patients globally. Half are now essentially cured, up from less than 10%.

It’s that research that Prof Long, alongside a team of doctors, is using to treat Prof Scolyer - in the hope of finding a cure for his cancer too.

In melanoma, Prof Long - herself a renowned medical oncologist - and her team discovered that immunotherapy works better when a combination of drugs is used, and when they are administered

before any surgery to remove a tumour. And so, Prof Scolyer last year became the first brain cancer patient to ever have combination, pre-surgery immunotherapy.

yonks,” he said, adding that he’s back to exercising every daywhich for him often means a casual 15km (9.3 mile) jog.

“It certainly doesn’t mean that my brain cancer is cured... but it’s just nice to know that it hasn’t come back yet, so I’ve still got some more time to enjoy my life with my wife Katie and my three wonderful kids.”

The results so far have generated huge excitement that the duo may be on the cusp of a discovery which could one day help the roughly 300,000 people diagnosed with brain cancer globally each year.

After a tough couple of months of treatment at the start of the yearspent dealing with epileptic seizures, liver issues and pneumonia - Prof Scolyer says he is feeling healthier. “I’m the best I have felt for

He is also the first to be administered a vaccine personalised to his tumour’s characteristics, which boosts the cancer-detecting powers of the drugs.

Prof Scolyer and Prof Long have previously said the odds of a cure are “minuscule”, but they hope the experimental treatment will prolong Prof Scolyer’s life and will soon translate into clinical trials for glioblastoma patients.

Professor Georgina Long and Professor Richard Scolyer are the joint 2024 Australians of the year

Alaphilippe wins Giro stage 12 after huge breakaway

France’s Julian Alaphilippe held off the chasing pack after a huge breakaway to claim his first win of the Giro d’Italia with victory in stage 12.

The 193km route from Martinsicuro to Fano featured enough climbs to deny the sprinters the chance to catch Alaphilippe, who broke away from a large leading group with more than 100km to go.

The Soudal-Quick Step rider, 31, who came close to winning stage six but was beaten on the line by Pelayo Sanchez, joined the initial break of 40 riders before powering away from the pack alongside Italian Mirco Maestri.

The Polti-Kometa rider ran out of steam with 15km remaining as

Alaphilippe moved to the front alone.

Quinten Hermans and Jhonatan Narvaez began closing in but the Frenchman had enough resolve to cross the line first, with Narvaez finishing in front of Hermans to take second.

Tadej Pogacar, meanwhile, finished in the peloton to retain the overall leader’s pink jersey.

“I always believed I could win but until the last kilometres I had to push full gas. The chasers were close behind me,” Alaphilippe said.

“It was my dream to win a stage at the Giro d’Italia. It makes me really happy. It’s an important win for me after difficult times,” Alaphilippe said. (BBC)

Fifa proposes five-pillar plan to combat racism

Fifa has proposed a five-pillar plan to tackle racist abuse in football.

The sport’s world governing body said it had undergone an “extensive consultation process” with current and former players who “are passionate about making change”.

One of the plan’s proposals would see the introduction of a standard crossed-hands gesture for players to communicate racist incidents during matches.

The ‘Global Stand Against Racism’ proposal was expected to be presented to Fifa’s 211 members at its annual congress in Bangkok on Thursday.

The first pillar of the proposal intends to make racism a specific offence which is included in all

Premier League clubs to vote on scrapping VAR from next season

Premier League clubs will vote on whether to scrap the video assistant referee (VAR) from the start of next season following a proposal put forward by Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The vote is set to be held at the annual general meeting between all 20 clubs on June 6, with Wolves requiring 14 clubs to vote in favor of the resolution for it to pass. Any of the league’s 20 clubs can put forward a proposal to be voted on.

Wolves have been irked by a number of refereeing decisions this season, leading chairman Jeff Shi to question whether VAR – which was introduced to the Premier League at the start of the 2019-20 season – is “really what football

wants or needs” after the team had a goal controversially ruled out against West Ham last month.

“The decision to table the resolution has come after careful consideration and with the utmost respect for the Premier League, PGMOL and our fellow competitors,” Wolves said in a statement sent to CNN.

“There is no blame to be placed – we are all just looking for the best possible outcome for football – and all stakeholders have been working hard to try and make the introduction of additional technology a success.

“However, after five seasons of VAR in the Premier League it is time for a constructive and critical

debate on its future. Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game, and as a result we should remove it from the 2024/25 season onwards.”

Additionally, Wolves listed a number of issues with VAR which it says are “damaging the relationship between fans and football” and “undermining the value of the Premier League brand.”

These include VAR’s impact on fans celebrating goals, “frustration and confusion” in stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks, continued errors by officials despite the replay system and the “erosion of authority” for on-field referees.

member associations’ disciplinary codes and has its own “specific and severe sanctions, including match forfeits”.

Fifa said it will “pause, suspend and abandon games in cases of racism”.

The crossed-hands gesture will be used by referees to signal an ingame procedure in which matches are paused twice and warnings are given, with the game to then be abandoned in the event of further racism.

In pillar three - ‘criminal charges’ - Fifa called for racism to be recognised as a criminal offence in every country, and said it would push for severe sanctions in the countries where it is already an offence.

Fifa also said it would promote education initiatives with schools

Fifa said it will “pause, suspend and abandon games in cases of racism”

and governments to “provide a future free of racism”, while an anti-racism panel made up of former players will be set up to review the progress of the proposal.

Earlier this year, Brazil and Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr said he felt “less and less” like playing football because he had suffered repeated racist abuse.

Last year, a Fifa report found almost 20,000 abusive social media posts were aimed at players, coaches and officials during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Victory for Julian Alaphilippe means he now has a full set of Grand Tour wins after previously claiming six stages at the Tour de France and one stage of the Vuelta a Espana

The vote is set to be held at the annual general meeting between all 20 clubs on June

Sports International

Manchester City takes huge step toward fourth consecutive English Premier League title

The celebrations during Manchester City’s 2-0 win against Tottenham on Tuesday were testament to the importance of the high-stakes match as the reigning champion took a huge step towards a fourth straight English Premier League title.

City now jumps two points ahead of Arsenal at the top of the table, meaning a win in its final game of the season against West Ham would secure the unprecedented feat.

It was Erling Haaland who once again made the difference, with the striker scoring two second-half goals during a cagey game in north London.

Despite the emotional celebrations from both the players and fans after each of the goals, City manager Pep Guardiola said his team knows the job isn’t done yet.

“I like that they were so happy in the locker room but they know it’s not done,” he told reporters. “I didn’t see an extra celebration. They know perfectly it will be tough.

“All we have to do is win that game. To have the chance to live that possibility we are so fortunate.”

There was a strange context surrounding the game before kickoff. Tottenham knew a good result against City would hand fierce rival Arsenal an advantage in the title race, with some fans suggesting the team should try to lose the match.

But Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou seemed irked by such claims and his team showed no signs of letting up on Tuesday night, coming close to snatching a draw.

UNLIKELY HERO

While Haaland will take the plaudits for scoring twice – his first a simple tap-in after 51 minutes –City’s goalkeeper Stefan Ortega was the unlikely hero.

The 31-year-old replaced firstchoice keeper Ederson in the second half after the Brazilian suffered a nasty blow to the face and it was a 21-minute cameo to remember.

Ortega first produced a strong

front-post save from Dejan Kulusevski after the midfielder had bundled his way through on goal, but then came the potentially titlewinning moment.

A rare mistake from Manuel Akanji saw Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min run clean through on goal in the 86th minute. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium held

Celtics advance to sixth Eastern Conference Finals in eight years

The top-seeded Boston Celtics continued their charge towards the NBA Finals on Wednesday, defeating the shorthanded Cleveland Cavaliers 113-98 in Game 5.

Superstar forward Jayson Tatum came close to a triple-double, scoring 25 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out nine assists as Boston moved onto the Eastern Conference Finals for the sixth time in the last eight seasons and for the third year in a row.

Celtics center Al Horford –starting in place of the injured Kristaps Porzingis – drained a career-high-tying six threepointers, with his final triple coming inside the last minute of the game to send the home fans at TD Garden into raptures.

“Tonight was a special night for our group because we had this chance to close it out here at home,” said Horford, who finished with 22 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. “And for me, the biggest thing was bringing energy.

“It’s special when you’re here at the Garden. This is something I just don’t take for granted, the energy

of the fans. Our fans, they love the Celtics. They want us to play hard. They want us to play the right way and I just felt very connected with them tonight.”

Per the Celtics, Horford became just the third player in NBA playoff history to record a 20-15-5 game at age 37 or older along with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James.

Every Boston starter scored in double figures on the way to a comfortable victory. The

series against the Cavaliers drew parallels with the Celtics’ firstround matchup against the Miami Heat – the Cavs suffered an upset defeat in Game 2 in both rounds to tie the series at 1-1 before winning three straight to advance.

Boston now awaits the winner of the series between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers, which is currently 3-2 in New York’s favor. Game 6 will be played on Friday in Indiana.

his players celebrated with the goalkeeper.

Moments later, Jérémy Doku was fouled in the box and Haaland smashed home the resulting penalty in the 91st minute to rubber-stamp a vital win for City.

“He [Ortega] defined how the team is a team … The margins are so, so tight,” Guardiola said. “Do you know how many times Son punished us in the last seven or eight years?

“I said: ‘No, not again.’ But Stefan made an incredible save. He has this talent. In one-on-ones, he is one of the best keepers I’ve ever seen in my life.”

its breath, expecting the back of the net to bulge given that the South Korean is usually so clinical.

But, just as it looked as though City’s title hopes were about to be handed a major blow, Ortega stuck out a strong right leg to block the striker’s shot.

City manager Guardiola fell to the floor out of sheer relief, while

City will play West Ham at home on Sunday, knowing that a win will ensure the title once again stays at the Etihad Stadium.

However, if Arsenal drops points at home against Everton in its last game, City will win the league regardless of its result.

No Premier League team has ever won four consecutive league titles, and the achievement would come after City’s treble-winning feat last season. (CNN)

Juventus beat Atalanta to win Coppa Italia

Juventus won their first major trophy in three years as they beat Atalanta 1-0 to lift a recordextending 15th Coppa Italia.

Dusan Vlahovic scored the only goal in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico after just four minutes when he received Andrea Cambiaso’s pass before finishing from 12 yards out.

The Serbia striker later had a goal disallowed for offside.

woodwork late on.

Under-pressure Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri, who has won a record five Coppas Italia, was sent off towards the end of the game for dissent.

Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman and

hit the

Atalanta’s wait to win a first trophy since the 1963 Coppa Italia goes on - but they have another chance to end that drought next week with the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin. (BBC)

Juve’s Fabio Miretti

Erling Haaland scored two goals as Manchester City beat Tottenham in a vital game

Juventus players celebrate winning the Coppa Italia

Jayson Tatum and the Celtics took over in Game 5

Sports

Clark’s debut draws largest WNBA audience in two decades

The Caitlin Clark era in the WNBA kicked off in a big way Tuesday night.

The season opener between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun drew an average of 2.1 million viewers on ESPN2, ESPN+ and Disney+, making it the most watched WNBA game in more than two decades. The matchup also marked the first time Disney+ has streamed a live sports game, peaking with an average of 2.3 million viewers, ESPN said.

The game, which saw the Sun outshine the Fever in a 92-71 victory, drew the largest WNBA audience since the Los Angeles Sparks and Houston Comets faced off in 2001, according to Sports Illustrated.

Clark’s debut outdrew the competing NHL men’s Stanley Cup playoff game between the

Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers that aired during the same period Tuesday evening on the flagship ESPN. The NHL game drew an average of 2 million viewers and peaked with 3.2 million viewers, the network said.

Clark has been breaking records since her meteoric rise in the NCAA.

Last month, the NCAA women’s basketball National Championship matchup between Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes and the South Carolina Gamecocks drew 18.9 million viewers, smashing television ratings records.

The game was not only the most watched women’s college basketball game in history, but it also surpassed the viewership of any basketball game, including both men’s and professional, since 2019, according to Nielsen.

Astros pitcher receives 10game suspension after ‘sticky stuff’ found on gloves

Houston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco has received a 10-game suspension from the MLB after a sticky substance was found in his glove during a game against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday.

The right-hander was ejected prior to the fourth inning after umpires found the “foreign substance” during a routine check.

Michael Hill, MLB’s Senior Vice President of On-Field Operations, announced the suspension on Wednesday. Blanco was also fined an undisclosed fee.

“Unless appealed, the suspension

The April game - between Montreal and Toronto - marked the crowning achievement of the six-team Professional Women’s Hockey League’s (PWHL) inaugural season

PWHL: Women’s ice hockey finds a winning formula with new pro league

At the end of the play-offs, one team will walk away being the first to have won the inaugural Walter Cup championship trophy - but for the Professional Women’s Hockey League, their inaugural season was already a victory.

By the time the buzzer rang at Montreal’s Bell Centre, sports history had been made: a record 21,105 people had attended a professional women’s ice hockey game.

The April game - between Montreal and Toronto - marked the crowning achievement of the six-team Professional Women’s Hockey League’s (PWHL) inaugural season.

The initial success of the league, which spans both the US

and Canada, comes as interest in women’s sports soars - and after previous attempts to establish a professional women’s league sputtered and ultimately failed, due to low attendance and financial woes.

In total, nearly 393,000 fans attended the league’s regular season games at venues in Boston, New York, Minnesota, Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa.

“This season has been a series of firsts, with a number of records broken,” Jayna Hefford, the league’s senior VP of hockey operations, told the BBC. “We continue to be excited and surprised.”

Ms Hefford, a Hall of Fame

former professional player and five-time Olympian, credited the league’s initial success, in part, to a dedicated and diverse fanbase that in many cases were often not previously exposed to women’s hockey.

“It’s a welcoming environment,” she said. “We’re also finding an older generation of women that never had this opportunity to do something like this and are now becoming big fans of the league.”

Among those who say they have discovered a new-found love of hockey through the PWHL is Treena Grevatt, a native of Gloucestershire in England who emigrated to Canada in 2000. (BBC)

of Blanco will become effective tonight, when the Astros are to continue their series vs. Oakland. If Blanco elects to appeal, then the discipline will be held in abeyance until that process is complete,” an MLB statement said.

According to MLB.com, Blanco said he had put rosin on his left arm and it made its way into the glove because he was sweating.

Players are permitted to use sweat and rosin, which helps to grip the ball, on their hands, but too much of either substance is illegal in the MLB and could lead to an

Astros general manager Dana Brown told reporters that Blanco had initially wanted to appeal the decision but has since decided not to.

“This is an umpire’s judgement. He felt that he felt some sticky

stuff so they didn’t get into what it actually was but they said he was suspended because of that,” Brown said, adding that he supported Blanco’s decision not to appeal.

“Ronel Blanco is a good human being, he’s a good dude and he’s worked his butt off to get into the starting rotation.

“I think he sees it as, ‘Look, I don’t want to be out. I don’t want to extend this any longer. I want to get back to the business of pitching.’”

CNN has contacted the Astros for further comment.

Caitlin Clarke scored 20 points in the losing clash

Ronel Blanco speaks with umpires after being ejected prior to the fourth inning

ejection.

Sports National

Williams, Hunter lead Beaches to cricket win

An effective spell of bowling by Claude Williams and resolute batting by Sidue Hunter propelled Beaches to a two-wicket victory over the Jaguars when action in the TCI Cricket Association, T20 competition continued on Sunday last at the Downtown Ball Park.

Jaguars won the toss and opted to take first strike and they looked relatively solid early with several

of their top-order batsmen getting starts.

None of them, however, managed to go on to score a big innings as Anthony McKnight early and Williams in the middle order pulled things back.

McKnight got the wickets of the openers, Randy Laulys (12, 1x4) and Sam Butler (20, 3x4s).

Kirtley Charley, batting at three,

islands’ schools

Coaches from the Turks and Caicos Rugby Football Union (TCIRFU) have been visiting schools on the twin islands for the past few weeks as part of an eight-week programme to help develop the sport in North and Middle Caicos.

The schools visited were Adelaide Oemler Primary School (North Caicos), Charles Hubert James Primary School (North Caicos), Doris Robinson Primary School (Middle Caicos) and Raymond Gardiner High School (North Caicos).

According to information from the TCIRFU, the students met the coaches with enthusiasm and have made an impression with their ability to learn quickly and adapt skills they already possessed from

other sport.

Coach Wesly Chery said “The students in North & Middle Caicos have been great to work with. They are excited to be learning a new sport and we can’t wait to see them compete at our tournaments in Provo on Friday 31st May and Friday 7th June.”

The TCIRFU would like to thank the principals, PE teachers, Mr Roshano Cox and the students for their warm welcome and support.

If your school would like to get involved or if any businesses would like to financially support the programme please email the Rugby Development Officer rugbydevelopmenttci@gmail.com for more information.

ran the singles well, but Williams was cleaning up at the other end.

He nabbed four consecutive wickets, including Mark Austin for 16 (caught and bowled) and the inform Daniel Bourne for a duck.

Charley finished with a top score of 26 not out (2x4s) and the Jaguars 124-9 in 17 overs after number eight batsman, Vaurice Jervis retired hurt on two.

Williams was the pick of the bowlers with 4-29, while McKnight and Jerome Daley picked up two wickets each.

Needing to score at just over six runs per over, Bourne got dangerman McKnight for a first ball (first of the innings) duck.

His very next over, he bowled McKnight’s opening partner, Daley for four. But Hunter stabilised the

innings by batting himself in. Although there was a lower middle order collapse with Ravi Kumar and Charley taking two wickets each, a ninth-wicket unbeaten partnership between Williams and Hunter sealed the win in 15 overs.

Williams finished with 14 (2x4s, 1x6) not out and Hunter with a match-high 42 (6x4s, 1x6).

Beaches registered a two-wicket win

Man-of-the-match Claude Williams took four wickets and made 14 crucial runs

Sharks beat Eagles on penalties in PPL Knockout final

It took penalties to propel the SWA Sharks to the Gilley’s Enterprises Provo Premier League (PPL) Knockout title when they battled against the Academy Eagles FC in the championship clash at the TCIFA National Academy on Saturday evening.

At half-time, neither team had managed to score. In the 52 minute of play, Joseph Friend Lerr carried the Sharks forward, but the lead was short-lived since Mike Legeme equalised 11 minutes later.

The game went into extra-time

with the scores still tied. It was not until the penalty shootout that a winner was determined with the Sharks winning 4-3.

In the third-place clash, earlier in the evening, Teachers FC defeated Cheshire Hall FC 2-1. Kerwins Bruno led the attack

with a double for Teachers. He scored in the 63 and 66 minutes, while Alandy Joseph managed to pull one back in the 82.

TCIFA delegation at FIFA Congress

The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) is being represented at the 74th FIFA Congress, which was carded for May 17 in Bangkok, Thailand. President of the FA and FIFA

Council Member Sonia Fulford, TCIFA Second Vice President Lisa Garland and Council Member Ira Patrick Baptiste are at the event. This is the first time that Thailand is hosting a FIFA Congress, as

211 Member Associations come together to vote on a number of key issues - including confirmation of the host nation or nations of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. Earlier this week, Fulford took

part in a panel discussion. She spoke along with FIFA Vice President and Chair of The Football Association, Debbie Hewitt MBE, and Portuguese Football Association General Secretary, Teresa Romão on

football development for women. FIFA’s President Gianni Infantino underlined the governing body’s dedication to women’s football and acknowledged its growth in recent years.

(L-R) TCIFA Council Member Ira Patrick Baptiste, CONCACAF President and Vice-President Victor Montagliani, TCIFA 2nd Vice President Lisa Garland FIFA Council Member and TCIFA President Sonia Fulford

The SWA Sharks are the 2024 knockout champions

The Academy Eagles finished second in the competition

Kerwins Bruno scored twice for Teachers in their third-place win