TC Weekly News October 19 - 25, 2024

Appellate court reserves decision in Hall and Greene Appeal

– quashes abuse of process submissions

BY DELANA ISLES AND SHANICE LIGHTBOURNE

Floyd Hall and Clayton Greene’s claim that their eight-year-long corruption trials are tantamount to an abuse of process – one which the Chief Justice manifestly disregarded - has been quashed by the Court of Appeal on the grounds that it has no merit.

The Court of Appeal sat from October 8 to 17, hearing lengthy submissions by the attorneys for the two appellants. Abuse of process was one of five grounds put forward in the appeal, and the only ground for which a decision has been given at this time.

King’s Counsel Jerome Lynch and Kayode Smith appeared on behalf of former Deputy Premier Floyd Hall, and attorneys Richard Bendall and Kishanta Hall for Clayton Greene. Greene, a lawyer, also served as Speaker of the House of Assembly during former Premier Michael Misick’s second administration.

Four other grounds of appeal are still to be decided by the Appellate Court, and according to King’s Counsel Andrew Mitchell, this decision will likely be delivered early in the new year.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the President of the Court of Appeal, Madame Justice Alice Yorke-Soo Hon indicated that Floyd Hall

the court is reserving its decision and upon issuance will do so in a written judgement.

Joining President Yorke-Soo Hon in presiding over the appeal

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were Hon Justice Bernard Turner, Hon Justice Michael Hylton and Hon Madam Justice Jacqueline Cornelius-Thorne.

Appearing for the Crown as the respondent in the matter were Mitchell and attorney Quinn Hawkins.

In presenting the abuse of process point of the appeal, Attorney Bendall who filed this point, asked: “Which is worse, to have to wait a long time for a trial to begin or sit through a five-year trial, most of it which has nothing to do with you… and then being told actually we’re starting again.”

The lawyer claimed that the second trial bears no resemblance to the first trial in that it was speedy.

While he stated that any defendant would prefer a speedy trial, his main grouse was the conduct of the first trial where the majority of the delays took place.

He brought this point up to illustrate that in her decision on his client’s six-month term of imprisonment, Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang had stated that the delays in the five-year process presided over by the now deceased Justice Paul Harrison had factored in her decision.

Harrison’s death had occasioned

an end to the first trial, prompting the Chief Justice to split the remaining defendants to appear in two separate trials with more streamlined charges.

Bendall posited that none of the delays in that first trial were caused by his client, who was always present, prompt and prepared to have his day in court.

The attorney added that even the second trial took longer than had initially been set for, culminating in a more than two-year trial, rather than the six-month trial the Chief Justice had set out.

He stated that this is illustrative of an abuse of process.

In his submissions, Lynch stated that no precedent is being set if the panel agrees that the length of the trials and the countless delays amount to an abuse of process.

He contended that everyone involved in the case has observed several significant milestones in their personal lives over the course of the trial.

“If the Chief Justice had been told that the retrial of these two defendants would consume two and a half years, would she have allowed the trial to proceed,” Lynch questioned, urging the panel to scrutinise the Chief Justice’s

sentencing remarks in which she laid out her frustrations with the length of the first trial among other things.

On this point, the panel questioned Lynch if upon realising that the trial was going beyond the stipulated time, were it not open to the Chief Justice and counsel on both sides to make an application to this effect.

The lawyer responded that it was, and it was thrown out.

He explained that at the end of the Crown’s evidence, the defendants had filed applications with the court to revisit the abuse of process issue, however, the Chief Justice rejected them, stating that it was not the prosecution’s fault.

“In our submissions, it doesn’t really matter what the delay is, and even if some of the delays were generated by the defendants in the trial, it was the task of a trial judge especially someone as experienced as a Chief Justice to say no stop, we’re not doing this.”

He said what she did, erroneously was to start the clock again, “she discounted the fact that there had been a trial that had lasted five and a half years and then

Clayton Greene

New era of governance with sweeping constitutional amendments

In a landmark decision that will transform the political landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the House of Assembly on Thursday voted to approve a series of draft constitutional amendments, marking a significant step towards greater autonomy and modernised governance.

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick, who tabled the motion, hailed the collaborative spirit that led to this historic moment. “I think it’s appropriate for me to express gratitude on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition and myself, on the work that the Attorney General has done,” he remarked, acknowledging the extensive consultations and public engagement that paved the way for the amendments.

The amendments, encapsulated in the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitutional Amendment Order 2024, introduced a raft of changes aimed at enhancing the islands’ self-governance while maintaining its relationship with the United Kingdom.

Key among these changes is the renaming of the House of Assembly to Parliament, a symbolic shift that signifies a more mature and empowered legislative body.

Furthermore, the amendments extend the parliamentary term from four to five years, a move that aims to provide greater stability and continuity in governance.

The controversial issue of appointed members has also been addressed, with the amendments abolishing these positions in favour of a fully-elected Parliament.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon Edwin Astwood, while endorsing the overall package, expressed

reservations about certain aspects, particularly the appointment of the Cabinet Secretary.

He argued for a system where the cabinet secretary is appointed by the Premier, ensuring alignment with the elected government’s agenda.

“This is the person who is following up on your agenda,” Astwood emphasised. “This hard core, functions of your cabinet. And for instance, Mr Speaker, imagine if you were the Premier and you come into office and you realise that the cabinet secretary was your ex-girlfriend, somebody who really hates you, hates your guts, and only wants to see you fail.”

He cautioned against potential conflicts if the cabinet secretary were appointed by the Governor, drawing on historical examples of differing approaches between governors and elected officials.

The Deputy Premier, in a passionate address, championed the amendments as a “pivotal moment in governance,” emphasising their role in strengthening democratic foundations and aligning with the evolving identity of the islands.

He dismissed concerns about the necessity of the amendments, stating, “Just how we adjust our wardrobes to suit modern tastes and styles, so too must we adapt

our constitution to reflect the values and realities of today”.

The amendments also received strong support from Member of Parliament for Leeward and Long Bay, Hon Akierra Misick, who highlighted the establishment of a Constitutional Commission which allows for a referendum to take place.

“We have a process,” she stated, emphasising the importance of a structured mechanism for future constitutional reviews, ensuring the islands’ governance framework remains adaptable and responsive to the needs of its citizens.

The passage of these amendments is the culmination of

years of cross-party consultations, community engagements, and negotiations with the United Kingdom.

It reflects a broad consensus on the need to modernise the islands’ governance framework and strengthen its democratic institutions.

As the Turks and Caicos Islands embarks on this new chapter, the impact of these amendments on its political landscape and future development remains to be seen. However, the resounding support from across the political spectrum suggests a shared optimism for a more autonomous, accountable, and prosperous future.

Appellate court reserves decision in Hall ...

– was the provision of a short and sharp trial.

a further six months awaiting the start of a new trial”.

The lawyer stated that this is tantamount to an abuse of process.

The President questioned what made the decision to continue the trial unfit.

Lynch explained that the remedy the Chief Justice was seeking to provide – which was in light of the breach of the defendants’ constitutional rights

However, he said this was never realised, and the failure to realise this was in the hands of the Chief Justice to further remedy.

In his response to the appellants’ submissions, King’s Counsel Mitchell pointed out that this is not a case where there was an unfair trial – and no one has ever suggested this – neither was it a trial involving prosecutorial misconduct.

“So, there was a trial, there was no complaint raised as to difficulties with evidence, putting forward their cases or being able to make their submissions, and the decision of the Chief Justice was in exercise of her discretion.”

Mitchell presented that for the appellants to suggest an abuse of process, they would have to submit that the Chief Justice acted in a way that no reasonable judge would have acted, and so far – at none of the three abuse of process applications – have they

made that assertion.

He urged the panel not to be guided by the emotional submissions of the appellants and called on them to look at the facts.

He also pointed out that Justice Harrison had bent over backward to accommodate both sides of the bench as it relates to breaks and time extensions – decisions that the defence counsels had agreed to.

Some of the reasons for the lengthy trial were Christmas

breaks, hurricane breaks, Easter breaks, summer breaks, illnesses afflicting some attorneys, COVID among others.

While Lynch and Bendall’s arguments were forceful and credible, it failed to convince the panel that the trial of Hall and Greene amounted to an abuse of process.

The President said the panel will deliver written submissions in the near future, outlining their reasons why they were not swayed by the appellants’ submissions.

Leader of the Opposition Hon Edwin Astwood; Attorney General Hon Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles and Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick at a recent consultation meeting with residents (Photo: TCI Communications Directorate)

THE ANTI-GANG AMENDMENT BILL

The Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly has passed the Anti-Gang Amendment Bill 2024 to combat organised crime by targeting the assets and finances of criminal gangs.

The bill allows for the prosecution of both individuals and the corporate entities they use to conceal their assets and operations. It also offers the possibility of mitigated punishment for those who cooperate with law enforcement. The passage of this bill is deemed to be a significant step in the fight against organised crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

What are your thoughts?

New societal norms

The Turks & Caicos Islands alas, is a country that has “let itself go”. There were days, in the past when these islands were a “Sleepy Hollow” in a positive way where ‘we knew each other’, there were close ties, affinities, relationships and deep connections. Those who came to live in the TCI from other countries of the Caribbean became family and in essence, “brothers and sisters”. The same with persons who came from the UK, the US, and Canada, there was the usual bickering, debate and somehow a ‘tightbonding’.

Now today there is a new generation, new ‘influxes’ of people and these “kids”, ‘we just don’t know them’. A ‘new family of sorts’ has emerged in our midst. Young men are reared by the streets, gatherings, “posses” gangs and a “new age religion” where people have elevated themselves to “ demi-god-like status” and ‘no one’ can judge me. A new culture of lack of care for each other and the removal of the “milk of human kindness”. So replacing the tight sense of community is a culture where these young men club together as a family and the result is economic and social activity of an entirely negative nature. Life does not mean anything. So gang laws are needed to “capture the Horse after it has left the stable”.

Get the Brits to advise us

Yes, I agree. It is a significant step. Solving the gang problem is crucial for the future of the islands. The Brits have succeeded in doing this in the UK more than once. Their

law would even consider the economic and social dynamics of how a generation would fall into these trends. Did the government work with the PDM opposition and the public in public meetings to see what “the people were thinking” when crafting this proposed law?

This PNP Government had a chance to review the pay scale at the lower end of the Civil service structure but omitted to do. They should have increased persons making less than $2,000 monthly, and foregone the huge increases for ministers, Members of Parliament and the top Ranks of the Civil Service.

As the leader of the Opposition Hon Edwin Astwood stated, ‘We don’t need it, it is too much’. They should have heeded the words of the Leader of the Opposition and redeployed those million-dollar increases to those who needed it the most.

This would have enabled hard-working men and women to stay home, take care of their families and maintain stable family structures. Stable family structures must be the antidote to crime amongst youth and the formation of gangs. This law as proposed, is misdirected after the fact and is a “little too little, too late.”

this is controlled by gang leaders, who are “ahead of the police and law enforcement” and using ordinary “law-abiding citizens” oblivious to the real intent, to get the work done. When crafting a law of this nature the Government ought to have worked with the Opposition, FSC, the public and serious stakeholders to craft a far-reaching policy that would come closer to capturing known and unknown activities.

Did we get it right?

As with the ill-thought-out measures to jail persons for lengthy periods found with a single bullet, which gave our islands too much negative press, this bill seems to be crafted by similar persons.

We have a police force that might just be the worst in the region. Little Providenciales, crime runs amok, and the force acts like headless chickens, unable to serve crime. Enters these harsh bills with serious implications. What stops grudges from creating false arrests?

advice and help are vital.

Overthinking things

The authorities are not telling us everything. Who are these people who are laundering money? Are they robbing banks? How much money are we talking about? Are we saying that the gang battle is drug-related and millions are being made in our small population? There are a lot more questions than answers here. As far as I’m concerned, this bill might restrict one or two persons, but the ego of our youths and the need to prove themselves will continue unabated with more gun battles.

Lack of family structure

There is a huge gap in what a government and private sector are prepared to do properly with good pay and salary remuneration. When single parents, the new norm, how did we get here, are paid less than $2,000 per month by the government, then you know the country is in and has been heading for trouble for a long time now.

Then you have the boys without fathers, even the offspring of some of our MPs, bad examples but the society votes them into office, election after election. Mothers cannot pay bills, school fees, lunch, clothing, etc and maintain a stable family. There would be “no time to look after her boys”. So the youth “head to the streets and look for the comfort of the alternative family”.

How we got here is the issue and it would be critical if the policy behind this

We got a problem

We got a problem, Mr Speaker, Mr Premier and Her Excellency the Governor- the socalled stakeholders with proper oversight of our affairs. We are dealing with a lost generation of young men and they have become really innovative in hiding their affairs and “staying under the banking radar”. These half steps at ‘mitigated punishment, cooperation’ etc, cannot really and truly deal with the issue.

These are ill-thought-out half-measures. Anyone cooperating and or speaking with law enforcement under the guise of this Law will not be safe. Words always get back to “them” and their lives will be at risk. Persons operating with the mindset and thinking of “persons on the street” will not find confidence nor take any form of comfort in this anti-gang Law. The law does not even consider that persons in the gang world are not themselves an integral part of the legitimate banking and financial systems. Gang members and leaders, use “Smurfs”. What then is a Smurf-begs the question?

A commonly used illegal financial method. Smurfing involves the employment of multiple individuals and with multiple transactions for making cash deposits, sending money around and out of the islands, buying financial instruments such as bank drafts in amounts so small that the practice is not caught by normal compliance control systems.

These “Smurfs” are employed to move money around and to buy bank drafts etc. In popular cultural parlance, they were named after the little blue characters that moved around their village doing a lot of mindless work. But it’s not “mindless” because

What protects actual genuine businesses? If the criminals can kill wantonly, how can we honestly find their funds? We don’t have the tax systems in place to find out. I think it will be the proverbial Peter pays for Paul and Paul pays for all scenario.

Personal freedoms

For every ounce of freedom and safety we seek, the price we pay is a further loss of rights and freedoms. Have they considered this in rushing this law through the House of Assembly?

This law is aimed at the assets and finances of the “known gang leaders” but remember, native or resident, we are all related and there may be a day when the police take out a warrant and will be kicking down our doors to come after a son or other relative. Have they thought about this? What about protections for purely innocent people after all of the “damage has been done”?

As a legislative step this measure is welcome but we must think of the “wider implications or enacting a draconian law of this nature”—it could be the employment of a “sledgehammer to kill a mosquito”. There is time sufficient to work with community leaders of all islands to get this law and the policy right.

TCI ushers in new era of local governance with passage of landmark bill

In a move hailed as a turning point in the governance of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the House of Assembly has resoundingly passed the District Administration Bill 2024.

This landmark legislation, years in the making, aims to decentralise power, empower local communities, and bring decisionmaking closer to the residents of the archipelago’s diverse islands.

The bill, presented with palpable pride by Minister of Home Affairs, Hon Otis C. Morris, received enthusiastic support from across the political spectrum, with legislators emphasising the urgent need to address the long-standing disconnect between the central government and the unique needs of individual islands.

“This bill is more than just a piece of legislation. It represents a turning point,” declared Minister Morris, his voice echoing with conviction in the House chamber. “It is about empowerment, inclusivity, and restoring trust in the system that serves our people.”

For years, residents of islands like South Caicos, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and Salt Cay have expressed a sense of disenfranchisement, feeling that their concerns and aspirations were often overlooked by the centralised bureaucracy.

The District Administration Bill seeks to rectify this by establishing district boards on each of these key islands, with plans to expand to Grand Turk and Providenciales in subsequent phases.

“Far too long, many of our citizens have felt distant from the

Minister of Home Affairs, Hon Otis C. Morris

decisions that affect their daily lives,” Morris acknowledged. “But no more. With this bill, we declare unequivocally, their voices will be heard.”

The establishment of these district boards marks a significant shift towards local autonomy. Residents will now have a larger input in matters that directly impact their communities, working alongside locally appointed board members who intimately understand their unique challenges and aspirations.

A BIG DEAL

Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon Jamell Robinson, hailed the bill as “a historic day” and “a big deal,” emphasizing that it had been “long overdue”.

He underscored the importance

of local governance in addressing the specific needs of each island, stating, “Local government in any nation is important because some of the things that are asked of members of parliament or ministers are something that in most countries, local representatives deal with because they’re the ones that are closest on the ground and best positioned to respond quickly.”

Robinson also highlighted the extensive public consultations that shaped the bill, demonstrating the government’s commitment to inclusivity and responsiveness to the needs of the people.

Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon Kyle Knowles, echoed this sentiment, lending his full support to the bill.

He emphasised the importance of efficient and effective governance, stating, “We talk about so many stuff, and we talk about effective, efficient processes. And I think this local, this district administration bill will bring about that process through the phased approach.”

Return to faith and structure

Schools from grades 1-12 need a lesson plan that would teach proper citizenship. Social issues such as crime, the environment and accountability should be taught at an early age so there is an in-built mindset in the next generation of youth to resist gang activity and the criminal culture of today’s entertainment.

A Gang Bill or law will not be effective if these trends are allowed to continue for the next 25 years. You won’t have a country by then. There must be a return to discipline in the home and corporal punishment, not capital but corporal.

Something must be done because it is the law that cannot change us. See Romans 3 verse 20 “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

What this community needs is a return to faith, like the old days, and setting the kind of economic and family structures that will save the family and the community as a whole.

Knowles also highlighted the potential benefits of the bill for Grand Turk and Providenciales, the two most populous islands, stating that the current system places an undue burden on their representatives.

“With the growing population, there are so many things that are happening that need to happen simultaneously, and one representative without the support and having the right team in place can’t do it all alone,” he said.

Minister of Education and Youth, Hon Rachel Taylor, expressed her strong support for the bill, emphasising its potential to empower local communities and improve infrastructure.

She highlighted the bill’s provisions for the constitution of the boards, disqualification for appointments, management of budgets, and other key aspects of local governance.

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick, while lending his support to the bill, provided a broader perspective on the journey

towards local governance.

He acknowledged the complexities involved in decentralising power and the need for careful coordination with central government functions, particularly in areas like procurement and finance management.

Misick also emphasised the importance of local government as a training ground for future national leaders, stating, “Local government is a training ground, really, for people who will end up here in what is the national parliament.”

The passage of the District Administration Bill marks a significant milestone in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ journey towards a more inclusive, responsive, and effective system of governance.

While challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, the overwhelming support for the bill in the House of Assembly signals a strong commitment to empowering local communities and building a brighter future for all residents of the islands.

Gun violence claims another life in Five Cays

In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the Five Cays community, a 28-year-old man, Evanson Walkin, affectionately known as “Archie,” was fatally shot last Friday.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible for this heinous crime.

The quiet of the night was shattered around 9:00 pm. on October 10th, when a volley of gunshots echoed through the Club Med area of Five Cays.

The chilling sound prompted a

flurry of calls to the police control room, sending officers racing to the scene.

Upon arrival, detectives from the Serious Crime Unit were confronted with a grim sight: a man lying motionless on the ground, riddled with gunshot wounds, a statement from RTCIPF said.

The victim was later identified as Evanson Walkin, a young man whose life was tragically cut short.

As the community grapples with this senseless act of violence, the police are leaving no stone unturned in their investigation.

They are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident

or has any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward.

Anyone with information can contact the nearest police station, call 911, or reach the Serious Crime Unit directly at 231-1842.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or through the Crime Stoppers P3 app, which allows for the discreet sharing of video footage and other information.

The RTCIPF said it is committed to bringing closure to this case and ensuring the safety of the community.

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick

National Heritage month celebrates TCI’s cultural icons

BY DELANA ISLES

The second Monday every October, the Turks and Caicos Islands celebrates National Heritage Day, a day the nation reflects on and celebrates its heritage and culture.

The holiday is the focal point of month-long festivities that honour and celebrate the islands’ rich cultural heritage. This year’s theme is ‘Honoring the Influences that Shape Our Identity’.

On October 14, the Department of Culture and Heritage hosted the annual James E. Simmons Model Sailboat Races in Grand Turk, highlighting the remarkable craftsmanship of miniature sailboats.

The event was well-supported by the community of Grand Turk and Ports Authority staff members, who came out to witness the remarkable show put on by the Ports Authority Build-A-Model Sailboat campers as they skillfully guided their handcrafted sailboats in several exciting races.

Emerging winners in the friendly competition were Linnardo Miller and Makhai Wilson claiming first place in their respective races, with D’Mari Clifford and Zavien Gardiner finishing second. Special awards were given to Keith Jennings Jr. for most enthusiastic participant and Jordanny Sanchez for most artistic creation.

The winners will accompany the Ports Authority staff to the Valentine’s Day Model Sailboat races in Bambarra, Middle Caicos in February 2025.

In addition to Monday’s event, a slew of activities has already been underway around the islands with more still to come.

On October 1, the month of activities was officially launched by the Minister of Culture, Hon Rachel Taylor, who announced a new and exciting initiative, the Cultural Archival Project, aimed at preserving the essence of the islands’ history.

“We are not just preserving artifacts, but rather, we are safeguarding the essence of our rich history,” she told attendees at the opening ceremony.

The project, designed to document and preserve the cultural heritage of TCI, will rely on the community’s participation and

promises to become a cornerstone of the nation’s cultural preservation efforts.

“This initiative will serve as a keystone in our collective narrative, ensuring that the voices of our ancestors echo through time,” Taylor noted.

Meanwhile, the ministry intends to take the weekly Island Fish Fry to Salt Cay and Grand Turk this year, with an Island Parade in North Caicos.

On Thursday, the Department of Culture and Heritage hosted the annual Culture Awards, highlighting the people and traditions that have moulded the TCI’s vibrant heritage.

The honourees this year are Bill Clare, Lovey Forbes, The Gospel Blitz, Dennis ‘Foots’ Penn, and Lindsay ‘Zeus’ Butterfield. The event was held at The Shore Club.

Another signature event will be the annual Gospel Concert, aimed at fusing cultural and spiritual unity in the celebrations.

Later in the month, there will be first ever two day Cultural Symposium (October 28 & 29) which promises to be a fulfilling experience filled with panel discussions, workshops, and engaging conversations centered around preserving the TCI’s national cultural heritage, celebrating diversity, and exploring innovation in cultural entrepreneurship.

In recognition of Heritage Day, and the month-long celebrations that have been ongoing, Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam celebrated with the nation the enduring cultural heritage that defines a collective identity across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Governor: “We honour the individuals whose diverse contributions have left a lasting cultural legacy, look with pride at our natural and cultural environment, and continue to embrace the traditions that define us.

“We celebrate the cultural diversity of our collective identity and recognise the importance of the arts, culture and heritage in nation-building.”

She said stories, such as recollections of the salt industry, boat building, fishing, ripsaw songs and bush remedies, should remind everyone not just of the

National

past, but of the value of every story, every tradition and every voice in shaping their daily lives and shared future.

“We pay tribute to the musicians, writers and historians of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their invaluable efforts ensure the knowledge and lessons of history are accessible to future generations, allowing us to learn from the past and keep our cultural heritage alive.”

Governor Selvaratnam noted that by preserving the Islands’ heritage, the future is safeguarded, encouraging everyone to take time to learn about the TCI’s heritage.

On

Heritage Day, the Department of Culture and Heritage hosted the annual James E. Simmons Model Sailboat Races with participants from the Ports Authority Build-A-Model Sailboat camp proudly showcasing their handcrafted sailboats, taking part in the races, thoroughly enjoying the experience (Photos courtesy PATCI)

Bill to define Chief Justice’s role passed

In a significant move to solidify the legal framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the House of Assembly approved the Chief Justice Responsibilities Amendment Bill 2024 on Friday, October 11th, 2024.

This landmark legislation aims to formally establish the Chief Justice’s position as the head of the judiciary and the third head of state, a role previously undefined in the constitution.

However, the bill’s passage was not without its share of contention, with concerns raised over the broad powers it grants to the Chief Justice.

Attorney General, the Hon Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, who presented the bill, emphasized its necessity in clarifying the Chief Justice’s responsibilities. “It’s a very simple bill,” she stated. “It amends the Chief Justice’s responsibilities... to fill a gap in our constitution with respect to identifying the role and responsibilities of the Chief Justice.”

The Attorney General further

explained that the bill seeks to streamline the process of rulemaking for the courts, which currently requires individual amendments to each ordinance.

The heart of the controversy lies in Clause 4 of the bill, which grants the Chief Justice the authority to make rules for the courts in consultation with the Chief Magistrate and with the approval of the President of the Court of Appeal. This clause sparked a debate on the balance of power within the different levels of the courts.

Member of Parliament for Leeward and Long Bay and Senior Litigation Attorney, Akierra Missick, voiced her concerns: “I do have concerns about how this bill is drafted. I don’t have an issue with the actual purpose of the bill... but where I have to raise my concern is with clause four. I believe that we should have equal footing for all three levels of the courts in these islands— magistrate, supreme, and court of appeal—when it comes to the rules that need to be developed by

FortisTCI takes centre stage in Renewable Energy Bill consultations

In a move that could reshape the energy landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands, FortisTCI, the nation’s primary electricity provider, has initiated a formal consultation process with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and the Energy and Utilities Department regarding the draft 2023 Renewable Energy and Resource Planning Bill.

This high-stakes dialogue, which began on October 8th, 2024, following a preliminary meeting on September 18th, delves into the intricacies of the proposed legislation and its potential impact on the future of renewable energy in the archipelago.

The draft bill, currently under scrutiny, outlines a comprehensive framework for the integration of renewable energy sources into the islands’ power grid.

those courts.”

Missick argued for a more explicit role for the Chief Magistrate in rule-making for the magistrate courts, highlighting the distinct nature and procedures of these courts compared to the Supreme Court. She proposed amendments to the bill that would require either the advice or approval of the Chief Magistrate for rules pertaining to the magistrate courts.

In response, the Attorney General acknowledged the unique role of the magistrate courts and their demanding workload.

However, she defended the

Chief Justice’s overarching authority, emphasising the need for a unified judiciary with a clear hierarchy.

The Attorney General further elaborated on the Chief Justice’s role as the primary interface between the judiciary and the executive branch of government, stating, “The Chief Justice is who interfaces with the government... to advocate for the court. The Chief Justice is who interfaces with the Judicial Service Commission on behalf of the judges and the magistrate.”

Despite the concerns raised, the

bill ultimately passed, marking a significant step in defining the role of the Chief Justice in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The debate surrounding the bill highlighted the importance of striking a balance between a centralised judicial authority and the autonomy of individual courts within a complex legal system.

The impact of this legislation on the administration of justice in the islands remains to be seen, but it is undoubtedly a development that will shape the future of the judiciary in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Key provisions include licensing requirements for renewable energy producers, guidelines for grid connection, an energy levy for solar power generators, and licensing stipulations for renewable energy installers.

It also introduces a net billing mechanism, allowing solar energy producers to sell surplus electricity back to the grid, and lays the groundwork for the development of an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to strategically forecast and meet the nation’s future energy demands.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 11, 2024, FortisTCI, while expressing strong support for renewable energy and its potential to lower electricity costs, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to the nation’s longterm sustainability, raised several

concerns regarding the draft bill.

The company has articulated its vision for a balanced, equitable, and effective approach to renewable energy integration, emphasising the importance of grid integrity, safety, and cost-effectiveness. It also called for an Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) process to guide investment decisions and resource allocation, and stressed the need to avoid crosssubsidization, where customers without renewable energy systems bear the costs for those who do.

The company’s active participation in the consultation process underscores its commitment to shaping a renewable energy future that benefits all stakeholders.

Attorney General, the Hon Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles

Member of Parliament for Leeward and Long Bay and Senior Litigation Attorney, Akierra Missick

Fortis TCI Headquarters, Providenciales

OPINIONS

Why are there so many political blunders?

Is the opposition party offering something better?

Informed observers connected to events in the world of politics – me included – have keenly discovered many instances of political miscarriages inside the TCI –not dismissing the government’s successes – however, the blunders are far-reaching.

Throughout the last political term, the TCI has achieved developmental milestones in the tourism sector; having surged in all quarters analogous to the previous year from 2023 onward – mirroring sustained growth.

The reflection of these recordbreaking visitors’ arrivals is manifested in the direct foreign investment, inaugurating several luxe resorts and residential development.

According to Sotheby International Realty, this uptick in tourism has also augmented the TCI real estate industry, soaring annual sales to $751m in 2021.

And, following economic contractions in 2020, TCI’s

BY D MARKIE SPRING

economy recovered strongly, scoring GDP per capita figures of $33,177 in 2023. The recent rebased GDP data series signals a growing GDP of $34,500 in 2024, thrusting nominal GDP well over the $1bn mark.

Other notable landmark achievements in national projects are expected to reinforce the tourism sector and overall economic growth over the next few years.

Henceforth, the incumbent is expected to present these nascent economic successes in their bid to secure power in the upcoming

2025 general elections.

However, despite these headwinds, the government has a list of striking inadequacies to address. While there is a myriad of political miscarriages, three of these phenomena stand out.

First, the uncontrollable crime situation concerns many citizens, which propels them to believe that there are inadequate strategies and funding to fight ongoing crimes, and after a generation of efforts, gang violence still eludes detection.

Going forward, policymakers must seriously consider the latitude of alternative standards to limit

the most unpalatable impacts of lawlessness on the destruction of society when maintaining order.

Then, there are poor quality roads, and the impacts have reached the highest point in years and since then, it has become one of the major concerns for motorists.

Furthermore, inadequate road networks have exacerbated traffic jams, and Provo’s single dual carriageway. coupled with this, the lack of connecting roads have transformed driving into a daily nightmare, especially during rush hours.

These conditions have, over time, propelled drivers’ behaviours; causing them to change speed abruptly and make sharp turns to avoid potholes; still, some motorists avoid certain roads altogether.

But, what is driving most auto owners crazy is the failure to pave the so-called private roads leading to their homes and now, many of them are dispassionate about voting again.

Over time, these roads have become a ‘menace to our society’ causing auto owners a ton of money to maintain their vehicles. Meanwhile, property owners are forced to reduce their rental prices owing to road conditions.

Hence, a determining factor in modern democracy’s legitimisation is the degree to which policies for the nation’s future are proposed for public approval during electoral campaigns and recast into real-life results.

And now, the voting public is asking, “If tourism has surged and GDP heightened, why are so many important assignments left undone at this juncture – so close to another general election?”

“And would the opposition party bridge this gap?” Still, they are asking, “How much longer should we wait?”

Political inertia does not go unnoticed and it is expected to have a devastating impact in the next general elections.

A tribute to an HLB colleague, Philip Galanis

A man who got things done

INTRODUCTION

I am still in a state of shock that Philip Galanis left us so suddenly. However, it would be remiss of me if I didn’t write anything about Mr Galanis.

I met Philip through our mutual friend, Hon Galmo Williams, a former politician and Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands. In 2013, when I left my position as the CEO of Cable & Wireless, Hon Galmo contacted me, and I told him that I was establishing an accounting firm. He asked me to contact Philip Galanis. I reached out to Philip and within a few days I went to the Bahamas, and I met Philip, the management partner of HLB Galanis. At that time, I was introduced to the HLB International family and as a result, HLB TCI was formed.

HE WAS A PROFESSIONAL

Philip Galanis was a Chartered Accountant, a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Valuation Analyst. He founded HLB Galanis

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.

(now called HLB Bahamas) in 1998. Prior to that, he was the managing partner of Ernest & Young. He also worked in the USA before returning to the Bahamas. He served in many different capacities in the accounting industry such as President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean and President of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants.

HE WAS A SENATOR AND A PARLIAMENTARIAN

Philip was not only an accountant, but he also served as a senator twice and parliamentarian in the

Bahamas.

HE WAS A WRITER

Philip was a writer, writing weekly thought-provoking articles in the Nassau Guardian under the title “Consider this”. He also wrote a book called “All Things Considered”.

Because of Phil’s writings in the Bahamas, I was inspired to do the same thing in the Turks and Caicos by writing weekly articles in the newspapers.

HE WAS A GREAT DAD TO HIS DAUGHTER

I have one daughter and four sons.

All children are special but there is something even more special between a father and his daughter. Phil loved his daughter Zoe so much. I remember him visiting the Turks and Caicos for a few days with his daughter because she wanted to do scuba diving in the Turks and Caicos. I admired the relationship he had with his daughter. We need more fathers like Phil.

HE WAS IMPACTFUL

Phil was very impactful. Whatever he said or did, he always made a lasting impact and impression on others. I supposed it was because he was very knowledgeable and intelligent.

HE WAS A GREAT MENTOR

Phil was a mentor. He trained so many Bahamians in the accounting industry even making two young ladies, Shoneva Abraham and Rae Turnquest partners in HLB Bahamas. He was also one of my mentors. In addition, he was also

involved in the community of the Bahamas.

HE WAS A STRAIGHT SHOOTER

Despite his affiliation with his party, the PLP, he was not afraid to criticise them constructively and I believe more of us need to be like Phil especially when it comes to politics. Don’t stay quiet because you do not want to hurt your party.

HE WAS A PROUD BAHAMIAN

Phil was proud to be a Bahamian and he made that no secret. More of us need to be patriotic to our country the way Phil was to the Bahamas.

CONCLUSION

Phil has left a great legacy. I wish there were more people around like Phil. Trust me, the world would be a better place if there were more people like Mr Galanis. Rest in Peace, Mr Galanis. You will be missed. I think about you every day. I just cannot believe you are gone.

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.

The type of church needed in the Turks and Caicos

Based on Revelation 2:12 – 17

As we continue in our series, looking at the type of church needed in Turks and Caicos from Revelation chapters two and three, we come to the third church in the list of seven. While this ‘series’ of sorts has been limited to the TCI, the reality is that these chapters reveal the type of church needed in Jamaica, Holland, Bahrain, and the United States, in other words, Jesus told John what kind of churches are needed around the world. The idea is that every church leader will read these words and be convicted, convinced, and courageous enough to so lead and organize the church they are leading to be the kind of church that glorifies God and brings good to the community it serves. Today, we will be looking at the church in a city called Pergamum. Look at what Jesus says about this church.

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp twoedged sword.13 “‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith[b] even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who

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.

hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’

One of the noteworthy things about these letters from Jesus to the churches is the relationship between how he describes himself and the specific features of the city. That’s because the culture in which a church exists often exerts a fair amount of influence on it. The word Pergamum means ‘citadel’, since it was built on a hill

overlooking a valley, eventually the city itself became a citadel. Historians commented on the majesty and beauty of the place, going so far as to call it the most distinguished city in all of Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey. The Turkish city of Bergama is not located too far from the ruins of Pergamum. But the thing that distinguished Pergamum was its library.

One of the earlier kings of Pergamum wanted to make the city a centre of learning, so he created a library, one so magnificent that it would rival the great library of Alexandria in Egypt, North Africa. Every civilization or country that wants to raise the quality of life of its people creates learning opportunities. Guyana, in South America, though it has had a university for several decades, has, in light of its recent oil-fuelled wealth, made university education free for all of its people. It is still shocking that the entire Caribbean region has not made steps to make

tertiary education free for its citizens to help its people compete in the international marketplace of ideas. This lack of vision contributes to the constant brain drain the region suffers from. If this continues, the region will become a playground for the wealthy and its people trained to serve them.

It was said that when the ruler of Egypt heard of the library’s creation, he imprisoned the librarian of Alexandria and banned the export of papyrus to Pergamum. Not to be daunted Pergamum rediscovered the process of making paper from animal skin or parchment, and the work on the library continued. At its zenith, the library in Pergamum contained 200,000 scrolls. When Anthony wanted to impress his African queen (by birth), Cleopatra, he gifted her the library at Pergamum, and she promptly moved all of its scrolls to Egypt.

Against this backdrop, when Jesus spoke to the church in

Pergamum he described himself as him who has the sharp twoedged sword. What does this mean? These believers would have been familiar with the book of Hebrews, especially chapter four, verse twelve which says - For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. To the cultured and educated church in Pergamum, Jesus highlights the prominence of reading, studying, and speaking the Words of God. This leads me to this statement - TCI Needs Churches that emphasise the Reading, Studying, and Application of the Word of God. Sadly, biblical illiteracy among professing Christians is at an all-time high. As a result, believers struggle to recall basic stories, characters, and teachings from the Bible. This lack of foundational knowledge makes it challenging for Christians to engage deeply with the Bible and apply biblical principles in daily life. Ultimately stunting their spiritual growth in Christ. Addressing this issue requires a renewed focus on personal Bible study and sound biblical teaching within churches. We will cover this next week, God willing.

PDM celebrates tragedy

The recent uptick in murders has shaken our islands to their core. But what’s even more disturbing is the heartless reaction from certain members and supporters of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM). The joy with which they respond to rising crime—specifically murders—is not just appalling. It’s inhumane. We’ve hit a moral low, and the implications for the future of Turks and Caicos are troubling. This is more than a political misstep; it’s a breach of human decency. Even some prominent PDM supporters taunted PNP supporters on social media by writing, “A record number of murders since this

Government came to power, talk that!” If that wasn’t insensitive enough, another supporter chimed in with a laughing emoji. These unscrupulous responses to a murder are clear examples of insensitivity. One of the latest victims was the son of a dear childhood friend. I don’t know which party he supported, and I don’t care. The loss of life transcends politics. Each murder represents a shattered family and a gaping hole in our social fabric. Celebrating murders would be unthinkable! Yet, we find ourselves in a bizarre moment where certain PDM candidates appear gleeful about this wave of violence. Pharrell’s song “Happy”

BY AUDLEY ASTWOOD

These are real lives, real families in pain. It shouldn’t matter which party the victims or their families supported. The fact that some people can exploit death to score political points is a sign that we’ve lost our way. A political win should never come at the expense of basic humanity. This behaviour crosses a line that no politician or party should ever dare cross. An apology to grieving families is not just warranted but necessary.

The PDM needs to implement strict protocols for managing political discourse in moments of tragedy. Silence would have been better than this gross display of

insensitivity. Leaders must lead, especially in the darkest of times. Yet, the PDM’s silence in the face of such callous behaviour from their supporters is deafening. If they cannot manage their party’s tone in a crisis, how can we trust them to lead this country effectively?

The PNP has repeatedly raised the alarm about the PDM’s lack of a crime strategy. In the last election, the PDM touted a 12-point crime plan that never saw the light of day. Despite the promises, we have watched crime surge while they flounder without solutions. This

KENYATTA E. LEWIS

PART THREE

blares in the home of a former Five Cays politician as if murders are victories to be celebrated.

‘Soft on crime, while blood flows in the streets’

– Opposition condemns Govt

BY DELANA ISLES

Hon. Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition has condemned what he terms the government’s “soft stance” on crime in the wake of the territory’s 39th murder for the year.

That incident claimed the life of 33-year-old Dorlens Zamor, who was gunned down near a Primary School in the Five Cays community, during school hours (9:30am) on Tuesday, October 15.

Astwood said the incident was a horrifying act of violence committed in disturbingly close proximity to school children.

“This incident occurred during school hours, when our children should feel safe and secure. Instead, they were met with the chilling sound of gunfire and the

sight of blood on their streets.”

The party leader pointed out that this is not an isolated incident, rather it is a glaring indicator of a systemic failure in the government’s approach to crime and public safety.

“It gives me no pleasure today to condemn the government’s soft stance on crime, and this is not me being political, this is the reality that we see, and their failure to

Gibson appointed as communications officer

Kayanna Gibson has been appointed as the new Communications Officer within the Office of the Premier and Public Policy, the Deputy Governor’s Office recently announced.

Ms Gibson holds a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media & Communication and a Master of Science in Project Management from Manchester Metropolitan University.

In her previous role as an Account Executive at Havas Lynx Global Health Care Communications Agency in Manchester, UK, Ms Gibson managed client accounts within the HIV/AIDS therapy sector. Her responsibilities included reporting, spreadsheet manipulation, and project portfolio and stakeholder management.

As a participant in the Rise Programme at Agent Academy, she engaged in strategic analyses such as marketing mix, personas, and PESTEL/SWOT analysis. She also contributed to content creation and designed empathy maps to inform UX/UI design through design thinking methodologies.

Additionally, she completed a marketing and production placement at Sharp Futures Inc., where she gained experience in marketing finance logistics, social media marketing, and web development. She was responsible for creating and pitching marketing presentations.

Ms Gibson is a co-author of the journal article “Digital Storytelling: A Relational Pedagogic Approach to Rebuilding Hybrid Places for

Creativity, Equity, and Community Building in a Crisis.” She volunteers with the Rotaract Club Providenciales and is a member of the Association of Project Management.

She served as Junior Minister of Tourism from 2015 to 2016 under the Ministry of Tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She was the CTO Youth Congress representative in 2016 in Georgetown, Barbados.

Ms Gibson shared her enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am determined to excel in my role as Communications Officer as I make a meaningful contribution to the Communications Directorate, and by extension, to the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am deeply grateful to God for this opportunity and am honoured to join the Public Service and take with me the words from 2

Timothy 1:7: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. I extend my heartfelt thanks to my family and

country for their unwavering belief in me. It is through their support that I have remained motivated to achieve this long-term goal.”

On the appointment, the Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, remarked, “We are happy to welcome Ms Kayanna Gibson to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service as a Communications Officer. Her unique blend of skills and experience will be invaluable in enhancing our communication strategies as her background in digital media and marketing aligns perfectly with the communication goals of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. We are confident in her ability to significantly impact this role, and we look forward to the innovative ideas she will bring.

Congratulations, Ms Gibson, on your new role and welcome to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service.”

He said the images of bloodstained streets, the terrified faces of children, and the cries of a grieving mother ought to be a wake-up call to all.

“We see today that the criminals are very bold with their actions, whether day or night, whether isolated or in public their mission is carried out without care or concern.”

He said the people must demand more from their government, calling for an increased police presence in neighborhoods, comprehensive crime prevention strategies, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of violence.

prioritise the safety and security of our communities is unacceptable.”

He stressed that the blatant disregard for safety could have been mitigated with a more proactive stance on crime prevention, which his PDM party believes is sorely lacking under the current administration.

“Innocent lives are being lost while the premier and his government remain soft on crime, they appear to be more focused on rhetoric than on action.

“The blood of our citizens is literally on the streets, and yet we see no decisive action from our government to ensure the safety and security of our communities.

“We cannot allow our streets to become battlegrounds. We cannot allow our children to grow up in fear,” Astwood asserted.

“It is past time for the leaders of the country to take a stand, not just in words, but in tangible actions that protect our families and restore our faith in the safety of our communities.”

The party leader is calling on the whole of the Turks and Caicos Islands to join him in demanding accountability from those who have the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of the country.

Urging: “Together, we can push for a safer future for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Let us honour the memory of all those thirty-nine lost individuals by advocating for change, by ensuring that no other family has to endure the heartache of losing a loved one to senseless violence.”

He stressed that the PDM stands ready to work with all stakeholders to develop effective solutions that will safeguard the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

PDM celebrates ...

people we want to lead us.

failure to implement a crime strategy is not just a political misstep; it’s a serious concern about the party’s competence.

Meanwhile, the PNP’s focus on holding the PDM accountable for these failures has always been rooted in policy—not cheap political stunts.

We need leadership that takes the lives of our citizens seriously, acts with empathy, and treats the rising murder rate as the crisis it is.

Leadership that values life over political gain is not just a preference; it’s an urgent necessity. We don’t need politicians trivialising the pain of grieving families. The next election isn’t just about choosing between parties. It’s about choosing the kind of

This disgraceful conduct from PDM candidates reveals a dangerous mindset: that the pursuit of power matters more than compassion, decency, and humanity. That cannot be the future of this nation. If the PDM cannot coursecorrect—if they cannot even acknowledge the wrongness of celebrating death—then they do not deserve the privilege of leadership.

This lack of decency can be a teachable moment to demand better. We need leadership that values life, shows empathy, and commits to real solutions over political games. We owe the grieving families, ourselves, and the future of Turks and Caicos the need for real solutions, not just political rhetoric. It’s time for change.

Opposition Leader, Hon Edwin Astwood

Kayanna Gibson

Govt vows to tackle housing crisis and infrastructure gaps, but challenges loom

In a wide-ranging press conference on Wednesday, Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon Jamell Robinson, unveiled a series of ambitious plans to address the Turks and Caicos Islands’ pressing housing needs and infrastructure deficits.

However, Minister Robinson also acknowledged significant hurdles, particularly concerning contractor shortages and project delays casting a shadow over the government’s promises.

Minister Robinson underscored that his ministry and by extension the government has been working tirelessly to lay the groundwork for transformative change across the Turks and Caicos, from overhauling the existing estate management strategy to fasttracking affordable housing projects and revamping our road networks.

A key highlight of the press conference was the recent amendment to the Crown Land Ordinance, which Minister Robinson hailed as a “gamechanger” for affordable housing.

The amendment allows the government to offer Crown land

at a 50% discount to developers committed to building affordable, social, or emergency housing.

“This is a major step forward in our mission to make housing

more accessible to all,” Minister Robinson explained. “By incentivising developers to build affordable units, we can ensure that the benefits of our growing

economy are shared more equitably.”

The Minister also provided updates on several major infrastructure projects, including the long-awaited expansion of the Leeward Highway and the Millennium Highway.

“We understand the frustrations of motorists who have to navigate these congested roads every day,” Minister Robinson acknowledged. “That’s why we’re investing heavily in expanding and improving our road networks to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety.”

However, the Minister also sounded a note of caution, acknowledging challenges in securing contractors for certain projects, particularly on some of the smaller islands.

“While we have a framework agreement with 16 contractors across the islands, we have not yet received from some islands, this poses a challenge for delivering our commitment to these areas.

“Additionally, some contractors have informed that they have other projects ongoing so they cannot participate at this time, this situation has also affected other

areas where there is a shortage of available contractors to carry out the required home improvement works.”

He stressed that this is a challenge his ministry is actively working to address, but it’s important to be transparent about the potential for delays.

“…We are actively exploring solutions to ensure that projects in these islands can proceed without on due date”, Minister Robinson admitted.

Despite these challenges, Minister Robinson remained optimistic about the government’s ability to deliver on its promises.

“We have a dedicated team of professionals who are working tirelessly to move these projects forward,” he stated. “We’re also committed to working closely with our stakeholders, including developers, contractors, and community members, to ensure that these projects are successful.”

The press conference underscored the government’s ambitious agenda for tackling the Turks and Caicos Islands’ most pressing challenges. However, it also highlighted the significant obstacles that lie ahead.

Governor and Education Minister condemn shooting near school

BY DELANA ISLES

In the wake of a deadly shooting near the Enid Capron Primary School which claimed the life of a man, the Governor and Minister of Education have assured the community that the government is taking every action to ensure the safety of children and teachers.

“I am extremely concerned at the tragic and senseless act of violence that took place near the Enid Capron Primary School. My thoughts are with all those affected by this incident. The safety and well-being of our children are of utmost importance.

“I want to assure parents, teachers and the community that we are taking firm steps to ensure their safety,” H.E. Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam said this week.

She said the Royal TCI Police Force and the Ministry of Education are working in close collaboration to enhance security measures around the school, ensure school safety protocols for critical incidents, and provide wider support to the community of Five Cays.

She also relayed that counselling services have been made available

to students and staff.

The shooting occurred at about 9:30am on Tuesday, October 15.

Police were alerted via 911 calls to several gunshots being heard in the Five Cays community. When they arrived, a bloody and gruesome scene near the school greeted them – that of a young man lying in the streets, shot multiple times about his body and head, as his blood spilled into the streets.

It was a scene that left students

and faculty shocked and terrified. Governor: “Together, we must stand united against violence and ensure our schools remain safe spaces for learning and growth.”

She has appealed to the community to share any information, however small, with the police as it could be pivotal in aiding efforts to bring those perpetuating this cycle of violence to justice.

Also, this week, the Governor

and the Premier held their regular bilateral meeting with the acting Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams, Deputy Commissioner Fitz Bailey and the Minister of Immigration Hon. Arlington Musgrove.

Discussions focused on the effectiveness of Operation Might and the ongoing investigative efforts to combat serious crime.

They also discussed work to strengthen intelligence capabilities

and ensure a proactive approach to address criminal activity.

Meanwhile, in response to the shooting, the Ministry of Education sought to implement a number of measures to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Among those were increased security presence on and around the school grounds, crisis counseling and safety drills and training.

The ministry said police officers and security officers will be present throughout the week to provide reassurance and support.

To the worried parents and guardians, Education Minister Rachel Taylor stated: “We are committed to keeping our community informed. We have sent out a message to all parents and guardians outlining the event, our response, and resources available for support. Our communication lines remain open to any questions or concerns.

“We are heartbroken by today’s events and extend our thoughts to those affected by the incident. Our focus remains on providing a safe environment for our students and staff, and we will continue to work closely with local authorities to ensure this.”

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

HE Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam

Education Minister Rachel Taylor

Grant

returns home as first runnerup,

wins Miss Photogenic title

The

The Turks and Caicos Islands 23-year-old beauty Selena Grant finished as the first runner-up and was named Miss Photogenic when the curtains came down on the 20th annual Miss Global International pageant on Sunday evening at the Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman ballroom, in the Cayman Islands. The pageant was won by

Guyanese Arian Dahlia Richmond, but included finalists from around the world including Argentina, Poland, Latvia, Cuba, Chile, Jamaica, Hungary, India, Peru, Luxembourg, South Africa, San Andres, Trinidad and Tobago, the US and the UK.

diverse group of contestants, who were between the ages of 17 and 40 and included single,

The top five finishers at the pageant

Selena Grant finished as the first runner-up and was named Miss Photogenic in the Miss Global International pageant which was held on Sunday in the Cayman Islands. She returned home on Thursday

married and divorced women as well as mothers, competed in several segments including

swimsuit and evening, talent and national costume. Ms Grant is also the reigning

Miss One Nation and Miss Global International Turks and Caicos Islands.

MISS GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL:

Health Ministry launches new mosquito control project

The Ministry of Health has launched a ground-breaking mosquito control initiative in the Turks and Caicos Islands in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the pilot project will assess the feasibility of environmentally sustainable methods for managing mosquito populations, with the long-term goal of improving public health across the islands.

The nine-month project will identify mosquito species in the TCI and explore eco-friendly methods for controlling their populations.

By focusing on local ecological dynamics, the project seeks to inform a larger mosquito control strategy that balances public health with environmental protection.

In a statement this week, the ministry said the first phase will assess the threat of mosquito-borne diseases and evaluate breeding sites in North Caicos and Middle Caicos. A pilot survey of these

sites is planned for November 2024 to guide future mosquito management efforts.

The project is also led by distinguished experts, including Professor Jo Lines of LSHTM, Zatanya Handfield, Vector Control Coordinator TCI Environmental Health Department, and Dr Jolyon Medlock of the UKHSA. The core team is supported by Roz Taylor from LSHTM, Alexander Vaux from UKHSA, and Bryan Manco, Assistant Director of Research and Development at the TCI Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR).

From October 7 to 10, the project team engaged with key stakeholders on the islands of Providenciales and North Caicos, facilitating important consultations with the research team.

These discussions focused on the potential impact of the project, allowing for critical input from local communities and ensuring that the Turks and Caicos Islands’ unique environmental and public health priorities are fully integrated at every stage of project development.

Following these consultations, the team conducted field visits to significant mosquito breeding sites, including wetlands, ponds, swamps, and residential premises on North Caicos and Middle Caicos.

The visits, guided by local experts such as Bryan Manco from the DECR, Junel Blaise, DECR Nursery and Field Officer, and Christopher May, Environmental Officer from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management, provided valuable insights into the ecological factors.

Vector Control Supervisor, Hilton Robinson and Vector Control Officer, Dwight Hall were also present, contributing to the exploration of these ecologically important areas and providing valuable insights into human activities that promote mosquito breeding. These visits will provide

vital data for the pilot survey, shaping future mosquito control efforts.

Mosquito-borne diseases pose a health challenge for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this initiative represents a significant step toward combating these risks through innovative, ecologically sensitive methods.

Dr. Nadia Astwood, Chief Medical Officer within the Ministry of Health and Human Services, expressed her support for the initiative, stating: “This collaboration marks a significant step in safeguarding the health of our people. Mosquito-borne diseases have long been a concern for us, and this research will not only identify the current threats but also explore innovative, environmentally friendly ways to control mosquito populations. We are deeply grateful to our partners

at LSHTM and UKHSA for their expertise and commitment to this cause. By embedding local knowledge and priorities, we are ensuring that the solutions developed are sustainable and tailored to the unique challenges of our islands.”

Minister of Health, Hon. Shaun Malcolm also highlighted the initiative’s importance for the nation’s public health strategy, stating: “We are thrilled to collaborate with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the UK Health Security Agency on this groundbreaking initiative. By investing in this research now, we are taking proactive steps to protect the health of future generations. I look forward to seeing the results of this pilot project and the longterm impact it will have on our community.”

TCI delegation attends Caribbean Agriculture and Fisheries Forum

A delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands, led by Minister Hon Josephine Connolly, made a significant impact at the recent 18th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) and the 14th Special Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Connolly, the territory’s Minister of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Agriculture, Religious Affairs & Gaming who currently chairs the CRFM Ministerial Council, spearheaded discussions on critical issues such as improving fisheries data,

integrating biodiversity into policy, and implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Global Diversity Framework.

“This meeting was crucial to address pressing challenges in our fisheries sector,” Minister Connolly stated.

“The decisions we made will help protect marine ecosystems while supporting those who rely on them.”

The delegation also actively participated in the CWA, exploring innovations in agriculture and sustainable practices.

Director of Agriculture, Wilhelmina Kissoonsingh highlighted the value of

connecting with regional leaders and innovators, emphasising the potential benefits for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Acting Director of Fisheries Kathy Lochkhart echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of collaboration in tackling shared challenges.

Minister Connolly praised the overall success of the events, stating, “This week has been an inspiring showcase of regional cooperation. The advancements in agriculture and fisheries presented here will have a lasting impact, not only on our individual nations but on the Caribbean as a whole.”

The Turks and Caicos Islands’ strong presence at these events

demonstrates the nation’s commitment to sustainable resource management and regional cooperation in building a more resilient and food-secure future for the Caribbean.

The Research Team and key support members (TCIG photo)

Int’l Day of the Girl encourages TCI girls to shine brightly, never give up

BY DELANA ISLES

October 11 is celebrated as International Day of the Girl here in the TCI and around the world; a key moment to celebrate girls

everywhere, amplifying their voices, actions and leadership. It is a day that belongs to everyone who cares about girls and their rights, and in the TCI, the Department of Gender Affairs

spearheaded several activities with school-age girls around the family islands.

This year’s celebrations were held under the theme ‘Elevating Girls Voices for Sustainable

Development’. Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Otis Chuck Morris, under whose purview the Department falls, shared a poignant message in recognition of the day.

“This year’s theme reminds us that sustainable progress in our communities and nations cannot be achieved without listening to,

The Department of Gender Affairs and several of its partners, joined schools around the TCI to celebrate the incredible potential of our girls on International Day of the Girl Child, October 11 (TCIG photos)

Boutique: Rumeurs

People who come on vacation to Turks and Caicos come mainly to relax on the most beautiful beaches in the world and bathe in the warm, turquoise water of Turks and Caicos.

We all like to keep photo memories of this paradisiacal setting, and we all like to bring back a little souvenir from the islands.

The souvenir shops are mainly in the small shopping centers in Gracebay or in the shops of the hotels.

Among all its shops, one stands out among all: Rumeurs. The Rumeurs boutique was founded by Daphnée in 2005 and is located in the first shopping center of Gracebay, the Caicos Plaza which was built in 1994.

In this same plaza is also the Resto Caicos café, the Caicos bakery, Maxime le salon (hair salon), Atelys Bijoux (locally made jewelry), Nails by Gloria, Wildflower skincare lab (product made on site), M and M mini market, Mercy massages, Tats & Things (tattoo shop) and the Real Estate Corwell Banker.

In the mall, you will know right away when you have arrived at Rumeurs because the shop is overflowing with its treasures outside the store and two magnificent large Balinese statues are at the top of the steps.

When you enter the store, it is first the scent of incense from Bali that attracts you, then you discover Alibaba’s cave. There

COLUMN DENIS BELANGER

Denis Belanger is a landscaper, he trained in Canada in landscape architecture and studied the Art of Garden in Italy. He arrived in the TCI in 2008, where he first worked for a local company before opening his landscaping company. He then had a personal experience with Property Management, and his love and passion for his new experience gave him the drive to open his company Turks & Caicos Villas and Gardens

is everything: clothes, jewelry, furniture, decorations, candles, paintings, mirrors, lamps, shells, statues, etc. And each piece seems unique.

Justine is Daphnée’s daughter, and she is the one who mainly runs the shop today, although Justine was born in Paris like her mother, she grew up in Provo and had all the radiance of an islander.

The first room of the shop with its glass jewelry cabinets and jewelry tables. First, it is the ideal place for gifts to bring back to friends and family.

A huge selection of fine handmade bracelets, which start at very affordable prices. Rings made from conch, folkloric key rings, or other very elegant

ones that can also be used as decoration for a furniture handle for example.

In this large selection of jewelry, I had two favourites, the jewelry made from sterling silver by Laurent Léger, a French jeweler based in Bali, jewelry that is both contemporary in style and others with a ‘very chic’ art deco look. There is also a collection of jewelry by the Ruebelle brand made by artisans at Atelier Aloha in Hawaii, ‘Our place of creation is native plants, sparkling sunshine, and light rain. Each RueBelle piece is dipped in these beautiful and tropical moments’.

Each year, purchases for furniture and decorations are made in Bali in person, every piece is

picked by Daphnee. Traditional looks meet modern comfort, the boho-chic style, boho for bohemian and chic for elegance, is the very essence of the store. At Rumeurs, you will mainly find the colors of natural wood and white, then a few touches of black and cushions and poufs in abundance.

The furniture is mainly made of teak, world-famous for its beauty and hardiness, but also rattan and bamboo.

A large selection of dining tables that are unique in every way, and some coffee tables. My favourite is the large hand-carved wood daybed that is located at the back of the store, an absolutely magnificent and dangerously inviting piece for ‘Dolce fa niente’.

There is also a tree trunk bar, another unique piece with a lot of character.

The purchases of clothes, hats and handbags are made in France or directly at the annual Swim shows in the USA. The particularity of living on an island in a small community is for the ladies not to see her girlfriend in the same dress, no can do, so Daphnée and Justine make it a point to only take one or two identical pieces from the same collection.

The clothes are also in the bohochic style, mainly cotton or linen in neutral colours.

There is also a very beautiful collection of statues, from small to large, lots of Buddha, some are even superb ancient pieces, once

again, I have not seen two statues alike.

There are also very beautiful shells, of all styles and all prices. There are beautiful shell collages, crosses, small chests and even eggshaped lamps, absolutely romantic lighting.

There is a beautiful collection of contemporary Asian-style artwork with figures. Justine also told me she bought straw decorative arts wall and curved wood mirror which should arrive for the new collection next November.

Beautiful dining accessories, glasses, placemats, serving spoons, bowls, solid wood cheese and charcuterie serving board (my favourite).

The thing I like most about Rumeurs is that every time I go, there are discoveries to be made, there are so many things to see that the eyes cannot take in at one time, and of course there is a rotation in the merchandise and there are always new things.

If you have any questions about property management, or if you are looking for a company to take care of your property, do not hesitate to contact us, Turks and Caicos Villas and Gardens at denisbgarden@ gmail.com you can also visit us at www.turks-and-caicos-villas.com and also on our Facebook page Turks & Caicos villas.

If you are a restaurateur, craftsman, sports company or anything else related to tourism and would like us to write about you, do not hesitate to contact me.

Int’l Day of the Girl encourages TCI girls ...

investing in, and empowering the voices of our girls.

“Girls are not just the future leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers, they are today’s agents of change. When we elevate their voices, we ensure that their unique perspectives, creativity, and solutions are part of the collective journey towards development and progress.”

Pointing to the theme, Morris noted that elevating girls’ voices, means recognising their innate potential, nurturing their dreams, and providing them with equal opportunities in education, leadership and all areas of society. “It means breaking down barriers such as gender discrimination, inequality, and violence that

stifle their growth and keep their voices silenced.

“We must support our girls in standing up for their rights, making their voices heard in decision-making spaces, and providing platforms where they can thrive.

“Sustainable development depends on how well we invest in our girls, ensuring they have access to quality education, healthcare, and a safe environment where they can grow and flourish.”

The minister issued a call to action, encouraging leaders, educators, parents, and community members, to create an environment where girls feel valued, heard, and empowered.

He said: “By doing so, we are contributing to a sustainable future that benefits everyone.

Let us, therefore, be advocates for our girls, ensuring that their voices are elevated, that they are protected from harm, and that they are empowered to lead in the pursuit of a brighter, more equitable future.”

In responding to the minister’s call to action, the Department of Gender Affairs joined up with partners such as the Beloved Daughters Foundation, the Anglican Church Women (ACW), the Soroptimist Club of Grand Turk and South Caicos, the Rotaract Club of Providenciales, The Sisterhood, and the Providence Baptist Women’s Mission to share with girls around the Islands several empowering presentations and special tokens for each.

“Your unwavering support

and commitment empower girls to dream big, break barriers, and thrive in every way. Together, we are making a lasting impact,” the Department said in thanks to its partners this year.

Visits were made to several North and Middle Caicos schools - the Adelaide Oemler Primary School, the Hubert James Primary School, the Lighthouse Christian Academy, the Doris Robinson Primary School of Middle Caicos, and the Raymond Gardiner High School.

In Grand Turk, they joined the students for their morning devotions at Eliza Simons Primary School, also sponsoring and providing tokens for each girl, reminding them of their strength, value, and limitless possibilities.

Similar activities were carried out at Ianthe Pratt Primary School in Providenciales, the Iris Stubbs Primary School in South Caicos, Faith Preparatory School in Grand Turk, Thelma Lightbourne Primary School in Providenciales, the Oseta Jolly Primary School, Enid Capron Primary School, and the Ona Glinton Primary School.

In recognition of the day. Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam encouraged the nation to pool their efforts to ensure every girl has the chance to learn, thrive and realise their dreams.

On the day of, the Governor and H.E. Deputy Governor Anya Williams joined the Shining Stars Prep in Providenciales for their empowering assembly.

Regional News

$275m Four Seasons condo set to employ over 200 Bahamians

The Davis administration have signed a Heads of Agreement to construct what officials say will be the “largest” Four Seasons condo hotel in the Caribbean.

Ground will be broken at the hotel by the end of the year.

The development, featuring a luxury 75-unit condo hotel, will be built on a 6.15-acre site on Paradise Island’s Casino Drive, as detailed in the project’s newly released Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

It is expected to employ 440 Bahamians during construction and over 200 once operational.

It will involve a capital investment of $275m.

Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis called the signing a milestone in the nation’s journey of growth and progress.

“It reflects the success of the

Davis: Engine deal in Bahamas to bring reliable power

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has announced that a power purchase agreement between Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Energy Bahamas Holding Limited had been finalised, a “significant step” toward ensuring reliable energy for the country.

“This agreement ensures that we can immediately enhance our energy capacity while paving the way for the transition to cleaner fuels, including electrified natural gas,” he said. “By June 2025 these dual fuel turbines will run fully on LNG, reducing emissions, reducing emissions and lowering costs while providing reliable power to behave in families and businesses.”

Mr Davis later told reporters he believed the government signed an agreement on Monday with Pike Corporation, establishing a 25-year partnership to upgrade and manage BPL’s transmission and distribution network. Under this deal, the government will hold 40 percent of shares in a special purpose vehicle, Bahamas Grid Company, while Pike’s management company, Island Grid Solutions, will own the remaining 60 percent.

Mr Davis spoke during and after the commissioning ceremony for two 31-megawatt GE dualfuel turbine engines supplied by Bahamas Utilities Holdings, which

operate on both diesel and natural gas at Clifton Pier.

Dexter Adderley, FOCOL president and CEO, said the new gas turbines are 35 percent more efficient and emit 30 percent fewer emissions than most of the older generators currently operating.

Energy Minister JoBeth ColebyDavis said the commissioning results from a public-private partnership between BPL and Bahamas Utilities Holdings Limited, guided by a power purchase agreement (PPA).

Currently, the available electricity capacity in New Providence is 256 megawatts. The new engines would add 62 megawatts of electricity to the grid at full capacity.

Mr Davis said: “We are addressing the immediate need for reliable power, but this is just the beginning. Our vision for energy reform is not limited to new engines or upgrades. It’s about breaking free from an energy system that has for too long been inefficient, outdated and reliant on costly fuels.”

“We’re adding 62 megawatts of power to the grid today, which will provide immediate relief, but we are also laying the groundwork for the transition to cleaner, more cost-effective fuels like LNG. This means lower emissions, as I said, better air quality, and, most

and paves the way for sustainable growth,” he said.

“Secured through funding by Bank of America, this project is not only a vote of confidence but a commitment to our nation’s future.”

He added that the project will provide a significant economic boost, with officials expecting an infusion of at least $170 million during construction.

“In addition to the economic benefits, this project adds to the narrative of The Bahamas as a world-class destination for luxury and high-end experiences,” he said. “This is a crucial element of our strategy to maintain and grow our position as a leader in the tourism industry.”

He said Four Seasons visitors will enjoy the natural beauty of the islands and experience the best of

Bahamian hospitality.

For his part, Tourism Minister Chester Cooper expressed confidence that the Four Seasons property would “fit well into our overall product offering.”

He also emphasised that permanent beach access was non-negotiable, adding: “We are delighted to report that continued beach access for the public will be maintained.”

Access Industries, the existing Ocean Club’s owner, has partnered with Florida-based real estate developer Two Roads Development for the multi-million dollar project.

“This project will set new standards to luxury and we’re here to make that happen for you guys,” said Taylor Collins, managing partner at Two Roads development. (Tribune242)

importantly, lower energy costs overhand, we are here to build a new energy system that works for everyone.”

Mr Davis said 75 solar installation beds have already been awarded to three providers. He indicated that contracts for these installations should be finalised within the next month. He expressed optimism that by the end of 2025, the transition to solar energy would be well underway, leading to a significant transformation in the country’s electricity landscape that the Bahamian people would recognise.

On the sideline of the event, he told reporters that all documents related to energy reform would be laid out in Parliament.

“They’re all under negotiation right now,” he said. “We don’t want to have a piece laying of these documents because it’s a big picture. We don’t want pieces left out. So when you have all of them signed, they’ll all be laid, and you’ll see them at that time.”

“The government is not divesting anything. What the government is really doing is finding capital to put in this infrastructure and working on arranging for that capital provider

in an arrangement where they can recoup their investment through a partnership arrangement.”

Meanwhile, Mrs Coleby-Davis said the partnership with Bahamas Utilities Holdings will allow BPL to increase its generation capacity, directly benefiting New Providence households and businesses through improved reliability and electricity service.

“The engines allow for dual fuel technology, which will enhance operational flexibility,” she said. “However, by June 2025, the engines will run fully on LNG; the LNG fuel will be provided by Shell North America.” (Tribune242)

Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis said that ground will be broken at the hotel by the end of the year

Davis administration’s efforts to create an environment that attracts world-class developments, stimulates investor confidence

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis shakes hands with FOCOL Chairman Sir Franklyn Wilson during the Commissioning Ceremony of two Dual-Fuel GE Turbine Generators

Regional News

Tropical depression possible near Leeward and Virgin Islands this week

The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) is continuing to monitor a weather disturbance in the Central Tropical Atlantic which now has a 40 per cent chance of formation in seven days.

The NHC in its 8 am update says a tropical depression could form as the system moves near the Leeward and Virgin Islands late this week.

It notes that the broad area of low pressure located over the central tropical Atlantic is producing disorganised showers and thunderstorms.

Forecasters state this system is forecast to move generally westward to west-northwestward, and environmental conditions appear marginally conducive for gradual development during the latter part of this week.

The disturbance has a 30 per cent (low) formation chance through 48 hours and a 40 per cent (medium) formation chance through seven days.

Regionally, the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service says it is also monitoring the progress of Tropical disturbance AL94.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, it said the system could develop into a tropical cyclone and pass over or near the area Friday.

The Antigua Met Office said tropical disturbance AL94 will possibly become a tropical cyclone in the next seven days. However, most models surveyed forecast the centre to pass north of the islands.

Based on the latest information, the risk to life and property, in the

Bermuda: Former AG proposes electoral system transformation

A political scientist and former attorney-general has called for a change to Bermuda’s political framework, claiming that the firstpast-the-post system is not working in the island’s best interests.

Phil Perinchief, who served as the island’s top lawyer between 2006 and 2007 under a Progressive Labour Party government, spoke out in the wake of the Sandys North by-election, which saw PLP candidate the Reverend Emily Gail Dill take the seat with only 35.5 per cent of the vote.

Mr Perinchief said that the island should phase in a two-tier system of proportional representation, which would more accurately reflect the wishes of voters.

He described the existing Westminster “winner takes all” system as “a farce, a subterfuge and a pernicious, feckless game of smoke and mirrors that we, and particularly our future generations, can ill afford”.

Mr Perinchief, who ran as an independent candidate in the 1998 and 2012 general elections, said: “If one’s goal is to implement a coalition parliament, then Bermuda must transform its electoral system into a hybrid, two-tiered, mixed or additional member electoral

Leeward Islands and the British Virgin Islands, from this system is low. However, it said the region

should be aware and be prepared for the rest of the hurricane season.

The Met Office noted that there are no tropical cyclone alerts,

Phil Perinchief

system.”

Calling for electoral reform to bring Bermuda into “the modern era”, Mr Perinchief also recommended a reduction in the number of MPs from 36 to 21, and a cutback of constituencies to 12, which he claimed would better serve the electorate.

Questioning the PLP’s 1998 election reform promise of “one person, one vote of equal value”, Mr Perinchief said: “It isn’t the Westminster parliamentary system that will deliver the diversification we need in our Parliament.

“The targeted change will have to take place in our first-past-thepost system.”

watches or warnings in effect for the area; thus, there are no hazards projected from this system, at this time

Haitian gangs press fresh attacks as families mourn massacre

Armed men launched fresh attacks on the Haitian town of Arcahaie, local media reported on Wednesday, as families mourned the growing list of victims of a massacre days earlier in an agricultural town some 60 km (37 miles) to the north.

Residents in Arcahaie, known as the birthplace of the Haitian flag, have been calling for security reinforcements in face of attacks by members of Jeff Larose’s Canaan gang, several Haitian outlets reported.

Police did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.

Larose’s gang controls the surrounding areas around the highway that connects the capital with Haiti’s north. Last year, his men opened fire on dozens of Protestant parishioners protesting against the violence. They later circulated footage of them beating and torturing kidnapped members of the protest.

The Caribbean nation is battling a worsening gang conflict that is exacerbating catastrophic shortages in food and medical supplies. Over 700,000 people have fled their homes and over 5 million are going hungry – nearly half the population.

The United Nations a year ago approved the deployment of a

Despite enhanced security presence, gangs are still running amok in Haiti

security force to help police restore order, but so far a small fraction of the thousands of troops promised have been deployed and just $85 million has been paid into a dedicated fund.

Meanwhile, gangs have continued to gain territory.

Members of the Gran Grif gang in Haiti’s farming region last week attacked the town of PontSonde overnight. A local mayor told reporters at least 115 people were killed in the attack, during which armed men went door to door shooting residents and met no police resistance.

Guerby Simeus, a Pont-Sonde official, told Le Nouvelliste newspaper on Wednesday that

police stationed nearby arrived hours later. Another local representative said local police had stayed away possibly fearing they could not resist the gang.

The police have since replaced their regional chief.

Simeus blasted Prime Minister Garry Conille’s “cosmetic visit that brought nothing to the community of Pont-Sonde.” Conille has since traveled abroad to seek more security support.

A woman who just gave her name as Silfise, told Reuters this week she had she had fled to nearby Saint-Marc after losing much of her family in the attack: “They were buried without a funeral. They dug holes and put them inside.”

TCI is also monitoring the depression

EU leaders to discuss stricter measures to curb arrivals of asylum seekers

European Union leaders are to discuss stricter laws to curb migration following a recent surge in support for the extreme right.

While the conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon and Ukraine are on the agenda at the summit on Thursday in Brussels, a key topic will be how to deal with irregular migrants arriving in the 27-nation bloc by land from the east and by sea from the south.

This is seen by most EU governments as a political and security risk that is driving the rise of populist and far-right parties and influencing elections.

EU Council President Charles Michel, in an invitation letter to EU leaders, wrote, “We will … focus on concrete measures to prevent irregular migration including strengthened control of our external borders, enhanced partnerships and reinforced return policies.”

Irregular migrants and refugees arriving in Europe last year numbered less than a third of the one million seen during the migration crisis in 2015. In the first nine months of this year, the number fell even more to 166,000, data from the EU’s Frontex border agency showed.

But the number of people arriving at the EU’s border with Belarus surged 192 percent year on year in January-September to 13,195 and the number of arrivals in the Spanish Canary Islands off the western coast of Africa doubled to 30,616, Frontex said.

Poland, which has presidential elections due in May, wants to temporarily suspend asylum rights for people crossing over from Russian ally Belarus, in a move many see as a violation of the EU’s charter of fundamental rights.

It said it draws its inspiration from Finland, which, faced with migrants pushed across the border from Russia, suspended such asylum rights in July.

‘INNOVATIVE’ PROJECTS

The EU agreed in May on a new set of rules and processes for handling migration, called the Migration Pact, but its full implementation is not due until mid-2026, leaving the bloc in a complicated transition period.

Further complicating matters, the Migration Pact has no instruments to deal with the “weaponisation” of migration by countries like Russia, nor does it solve the thorny issue of sending

Irregular migrants continue to arrive in the 27-nation bloc by land from the east and by sea from the south

back migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected.

The European Commission said this week it would propose that migrants who have no right to stay in the EU be sent to “return hubs” in countries outside the EU, with which the bloc will strike deals.

In an unusually detailed presummit letter to the leaders, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen insisted there was “no room for complacency” and called for parts of the pact to be in place much sooner.

She also extended it to setting up “innovative” projects, like Italy’s outsourcing of asylum applications to Albania.

On Wednesday, the first refugees and migrants were taken by an Italian navy ship to the

Shengjin port under a controversial deal between the two countries that sends asylum seekers outside the EU while their claims are processed.

“We will also be able to draw lessons from this experience in practice,” von der Leyen wrote. “These are innovative solutions that should in principle interest our colleagues here.”

The Netherlands’ conservative government said late on Wednesday it was also weighing a plan to send rejected African asylum seekers to Uganda.

Reinette Klever, the country’s trade and development minister, unveiled the idea during a visit to the East African country, but it was not immediately clear whether such a plan would be legal or

feasible, or whether Uganda would be amenable to it.

“We are open to any discussions,” Ugandan Foreign Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo said in an interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS.

Germany is also wary of a public opinion backlash against irregular migration ahead of elections next September, especially after a knife attack claimed by ISIL (ISIS) as thousands gathered to mark the 650th anniversary of the city of Solingen in August.

Berlin introduced border controls with all its neighbours, suspending the freedom of the passport-free Schengen zone. France, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Italy and Slovenia have also introduced border checks. (Al Jazeera)

Australian territory resumes jailing 10-year-olds

Children as young as 10 will soon be able to be jailed once again in Australia’s Northern Territory (NT), after the government there lowered the age of criminal responsibility.

Australian states and territories have been under pressure to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14, in line with other developed countries and UN advice.

Last year the NT became the first jurisdiction to lift it to 12, but the new Country Liberal Party government elected in August has said a reversal is necessary to reduce youth crime rates.

It has argued that returning the age to 10 will ultimately protect children - despite doctors, human rights organisations and Indigenous groups disputing that logic.

They say the research indicates the laws will not reduce crime

Australian states and territories have been under pressure to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14, in line with other developed countries and UN advice

and will disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

The NT already jails children at a rate 11 times higher than any other jurisdiction in the country, and almost all of them are Aboriginal.

The territory’s new government

says it has a mandate after an overwhelming election victory following a campaign that promised being tough on crime.

It argues being able to criminalise children younger will help divert them away from future crime.

Many places across Australia have declared they are in the grips of a youth crime crisis, and a string of violent incidents this year have prompted a series of youth curfews in the NT city of Alice Springs.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said her government had been given a mandate by voters to act and that the change would allow courts to “intervene” in the lives of young offenders and put them through programmes designed to address the root causes of their crimes.

“We took to the election a very clear plan around lowering the age of criminal responsibility so that we can capture these young people early, work out what’s going on, and turn their life around,” she said on Monday.

The NT government will also tighten bail rules.

“We make no apologies

for delivering on our election commitment to make the territory safe.”

However, research both globally and in Australia has shown that incarcerating children makes them more likely to reoffend and often has dire impacts on their health, education, and employment.

Earlier this year a report by the Australian Human Rights Commission - an independent federal agency - found policy was being driven “by populist ‘tough on crime’ rhetoric” and that governments should instead reinvest the money spent on jailing children into support services.

As the NT parliament debated the bill on Wednesday, around 100 people gathered outside to protest, some carrying placards. One read, “10-year-olds still have baby teeth”. Another said, “What if it was your child?”.

Tory MP criticised for Badenoch children comment

A Conservative MP has been criticised for saying he would not be voting for Kemi Badenoch as party leader because she is “preoccupied with her own children”.

Sir Christopher Chope told ITV that “you can’t spend all your time with your family” while being leader of the opposition.

He said he would be voting for Robert Jenrick - Badenoch’s opponent in the Tory leadership race - arguing that Jenrick’s three children are “a bit older”.

Responding to his comments, Conservative MP Victoria Atkins said: “This is the 2020s, not the 1950s - all working mums and dads juggle family, career and general life.”

She added: “That one of our final two impressive candidates also happens to be a mum reflects the modern Conservative Party and modern life. Here’s to all working mums.”

Speaking to GB News, Jenrick said Chope was “definitely wrong”.

“Kemi and I both have three children. She’s a great mum, I’d like to think I’m a good dad. We will both be able to balance this, whoever leads our party forward.”

Badenoch’s campaign team is not commenting on the remarks.

Speaking to ITV Meridian’s The Last Word programme, Sir Christopher said Jenrick had “brought more energy and commitment to the campaign, and being leader of the opposition is a really demanding job.

“And, much as I like Kemi, I think she’s preoccupied with her own children, quite understandably.

“But I think Robert’s children are a bit older, and I think that it’s important that whoever leads the opposition has got an immense

Secret Service has ‘deep flaws’ and must overhaul leadership, report says

The US Secret Service has “deep flaws” that need to be resolved urgently or more assassination attempts like the one at Donald Trump’s rally will happen again, a damning report says.

An independent panel tasked with investigating the 13 July shooting released its findings on Thursday, and said the organisation had become “bureaucratic, complacent and static”.

It called for an overhaul of its leadership in the 52-page report, and said a “number of specific failures and breakdowns” enabled the attack against the Republican presidential candidate.

The Secret Service has already acknowledged failures on its part, and its director resigned weeks after the shooting.

In a statement on Thursday, its acting director Ronald Rowe said the agency would carefully examine the new report.

“We have already significantly improved our readiness,

operational and organisational communications and implemented enhanced protective operations for the former president,” he said.

In the report, which was drafted by state and national law enforcement officials, the panel praised the agents who risk their lives to protect many of the country’s highest-ranking officials but noted several leadership and cultural failures.

These included a “troubling lack of critical thinking” among staff and a reluctance to “speak up”.

The agency’s issues, the report said, were “systemic or cultural” and it called for “fundamental reform” including removing some of its top leadership “as soon as possible”.

“Without that reform... another Butler can and will happen again,” the panel wrote to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who oversees the organisation.

President Joe Biden ordered a

Labour MP Helena Dollimore, who was appearing on the same programme, said: “Many women will be shocked by those comments.

“I think there should be no barrier to women standing in public life.”

Conservative Party members are currently picking who they want as leader and the result will be announced on 2 November.

Badenoch and Jenrick are the final two candidates, after James Cleverly was knocked out in a ballot of Tory MPs earlier this month.

It is not the first time a candidate’s parental status has been raised in a Tory leadership contest.

amount of time and energy.

“I understand from talking to colleagues that Kemi spends a lot of time with her family, which I don’t resent at all.

“But the consequence of it is that you can’t spend all your time with your family as at the same time being leader of the opposition.

“You could argue that Margaret Thatcher’s family suffered as a result of the commitment and dedication which she gave to leading our country.”

In the 2016 contest, Andrea Leadsom apologised to Theresa May after suggesting being a mother made her a better candidate.

‘TORY BOYS’

Meanwhile, former cabinet minister and new editor of The Spectator magazine Michael Gove has given his thoughts on the two candidates to the BBC’s Today Podcast

Jenrick’s strengths, he said, were his “diligence, rigour, hunger”.

“He is someone who has focused

in on some of the big questions that have been the Conservative Party’s internal conversation. And he has answers; you may not like them, but he has precise and specific solutions.

“I think one of his weaknesses is that he looks like a typical Tory politician.”

Gove admitted he shared the same appearance: “It’s a stain that I bear. And given the strength of feeling against Tory boys expressed at the last general election, that’s a challenge.”

When asked his thoughts on Jenrick’s opponent, he said he was “fond” of Kemi Badenoch.

“At a critical moment when I was running for the leadership in 2019 she was conspicuously brave in my defence, when she didn’t need to be. And courage is Kemi’s hallmark.”

“One of the criticisms directed at her is that she’s too willing to get involved in a scrap; I think it’s a virtue.”

But the veteran Tory politician would not say he was backing either candidate, joking that an endorsement from him might even be counter-productive given his unpopularity with some in the party. (BBC)

The independent panel was tasked with investigating the 13 July shooting at Donald Trump’s rally

bipartisan review of the protective agency after a gunman attempted to assassinate Trump at his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, by firing from a nearby rooftop.

The gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired eight shots at the rally, killing one man and leaving Trump with a bloody ear. The

Secret Service shot and killed Crooks.

On Thursday, the panel called for “a mandate that all outdoor events are observed by overhead technology.”

Another gunman was spotted near the former president outside of the Trump International Golf

Course in Palm Beach, Florida in September.

Police arrested him after noticing the tip of a rifle poking through shrubbery a few hundred yards away from Trump who was inside the golf course. (BBC)

Kemi Badenoch

Jamie Foxx returns to the stage and finds ‘pure love’

Jamie Foxx hadn’t been on stage for 18 years, but he returned recently for a very special reason.

On Sunday he posted photos on social media from his performances in Atlanta showing him on stage including performing on the piano.

The Oscar-winning actor and singer wrote, “God is good….”

“As I post these pictures, my heart and my soul is filled with nothing but pure joy…on October 3 fourth and fifth I had an opportunity to tell my side of the story and there was no better place than Atlanta Georgia,” he wrote in the caption. “I have to thank you Atlanta you showed up and you showed out, I haven’t been on stage in 18 years but I needed the stage and I needed an audience that was made up of nothing but pure love and that’s what you were.”

“When people ask me is this a stand up comedy show I say no it’s an artistic explanation,” he added. “Of some thing that went terribly wrong, but thanks to the great people in Atlanta especially piedmont hospital you enabled me to come back and be on stage and do what I love to do the most… “

In April 2023, Foxx experienced an undisclosed medical complication, according to his daughter, Corinne Foxx. The star

was in Atlanta filming at the time.

Foxx later sought treatment at a physical rehabilitation facility in Chicago, CNN reported at the time.

In a video posted to TikTok in July 2024, Foxx told a group of people that he had a “bad headache” on April 11, 2023. He recalled asking his friend for an Advil and then “I was gone for 20 days.”

“I don’t remember anything,” he said in the video, recorded on June 29 in Phoenix.

Foxx went on to explain in the footage that he was told his sister

and his daughter took him to a doctor, who gave him a cortisone shot. Another doctor told him something was “going on up there,” Foxx said, pointing to his head.

“I won’t say it on camera,” he said in the footage.

Foxx is known to be guarded about his private life, and he sought privacy as he recovered his health. In July 2023, the “Ray” star explained he chose not to disclose more information because he didn’t want the public “to see me like that.” (CNN)

Taylor Swift

Swift donates $5m toward relief efforts in wake of Hurricanes Milton and Helene

Taylor Swift has made a significant donation toward helping those affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene.

On Wednesday, Feeding

America CEO Claire BabineauxFontenot said in a statement posted to the organization’s Instagram page that they’re “incredibly grateful” for the superstar singer’s $5 million donation toward hurricane relief efforts.

“This contribution will help communities rebuild and recover, providing essential food, clean water, and supplies to people affected by these devastating storms,” the statement read.

“Together, we can make a real impact in supporting families as they navigate the challenges ahead.”

Babineaux-Fontenot went on to thank Swift for “standing with us in the movement to end hunger and for helping communities in need.”?

The donation comes as Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida’s Gulf Coast, which is expected to make landfall Wednesday evening as what many meteorologists predict could be one of the most destructive storms on record in that area.

Just two weeks ago, Helene made landfall in Florida as a deadly Category 4 hurricane. The storm carved a 500-mile path of destruction across six states, causing catastrophic flooding and leaving more than 230 people dead in its wake.

Krypto – Superman’s super-pet, named for the Man of Steel’s home planet Krypton – will be a part of next summer’s big-budget “Superman” movie

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Superman’s dog!

In movie news that is sure to have comic book fans barking with excitement, James Gunn has announced that Krypto –Superman’s super-pet, named for the Man of Steel’s home planet Krypton – will be a part of next summer’s big-budget “Superman” movie, formerly titled “Superman: Legacy.”

(The film is being produced by DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures,

which like CNN are owned by Warner Bros. Discovery.)

The director shared a series of visuals to X on Tuesday in which Superman is seen next to a dog, along with a photo of Gunn with his own pet canine.

Gunn went on to share that the film’s furry four-legged character is inspired by his dog Ozu, who he said he adopted shortly after he began writing the “Superman” script.

Jamie Foxx wrote “God is good….”

One Direction star Liam Payne dies after balcony fall

Liam Payne, the former One Direction star, has died aged 31 in Argentina after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, police say.

In a statement, police said they discovered Payne’s body after an emergency crew responded to an call in the upscale neighbourhood of Palermo on Wednesday.

On Thursday, police in Buenos Aires said a preliminary autopsy suggests Liam Payne died from external and internal bleeding injuries.

They police inspected the area where Payne fell, and found items including alcohol and a phone. Medication was found in his room.

Payne had risen to global fame as part of the muchloved boyband created on the X Factor TV show in 2010, along with Harry Styles,

According to police in Buenos Aires, officers at the scene were initially responding to reports “of an

aggressive man who may have been under the effects of drugs and alcohol”.

When they arrived at the hotel, officials were told a loud sound had been heard

in an interior courtyard.

Soon after, they discovered the body there. A police investigation was then launched.

Emergency medical

services director Alberto Crescenti told local media that Payne had suffered “serious injuries” and that an autopsy will be carried out.

Mr Crescenti declined to answer questions about the circumstances of Payne’s fall from the balcony.

The star’s body has been transferred to a morgue in the city.

Police in Buenos Aires confirmed on Thursday that an inspection of the scene where Payne fell has been carried out on the hotel’s ground floor.

They said that a bottle of whiskey, a lighter, and a mobile phone were found.

In the hotel room where Payne was staying, staff found “total disorder” including “various items broken.”

They said this included several packets of medication, including Clonazepam, as well as overthe-counter medications.

A notebook and passport were also found at the scene.

Evidence and finger prints have been collected and the room’s balcony has also been inspected to establish access to it.

Payne posted on Snapchat just hours before the incident, saying: “It’s a lovely day here in Argentina” but the video was from earlier in the week where he had spent time with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy.

The UK Foreign Office confirmed it was in touch with authorities in Argentina “regarding reports of the death of a British man”. No further details were given.

Once news of his death broke, fans began gathering outside the Buenos Aires hotel where the death took place, prompting police to

cordon off the entrance. Some lit candles in his memory.

“I was in my living room and my sister told me Liam died,” a young fan named Violeta Antier told Reuters news agency. “We couldn’t believe it. We came here directly to confirm it was true.”

Ms Antier said she saw Payne at the Niall Horan concert just two weeks ago.

Another woman cried as she explained why she had come to the hotel, telling Reuters in Spanish: “This is the only way I have to say goodbye to him”.

One Direction had global success with hits such as What Makes You Beautiful and Story of My Life, while Payne also enjoyed some solo success after the band announced in 2015 that they were going on hiatus the following year.

In August this year, Payne was announced as a judge on a new Netflix talent show alongside former Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland and The Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Scherzinger. Payne, who was born in Wolverhampton in the UK, first tried for stardom when he auditioned for ITV talent show The X Factor in 2008 –but judge Simon Cowell told him to “come back in two years”.

He did, impressing the judges more in 2010, and was put together with four other solo hopefuls at the boot camp stage and One Direction were born.

The group had four UK number one albums and four number one singles as well as topping charts around the world, before Zayn Malik left in 2015, prompting the band’s hiatus.

•

•

• Must be able to read, write and understand

Liam Payne died from external and internal bleeding injuries

Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik.

and

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

Whereas, SAMUEL REO SWANN JR., as personal representative of the estate of SAMUEL REO SWANN SNR., has declared that the Land Certificate for the above-mentioned title number registered in the name of SAMUEL REO SWANN SNR.was inadvertently has been irretrievably lost.

Take that I, Lasana Murray, Registrar of Lands, shall issue a new Land Certificate for the said title six weeks of the date of the first publication of this Notice in a Local Newspaper and the Gazette.

Dated this 20th day of September, 2024 Publicized by Order

DOMESTIC WORKER

TRAINEE OPERATOR

CONSTRUCTION LABOURER

THE TUSCANY RESORT

BOOKKEEPER

GROUP REPRESENTATIVE & RELATIONSHIP MANAGER

We are seeking a seasoned, personable, and dependable Guest Relations and Service Trainer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a proven background in guest service, social marketing and measurable performance metrics. With an increasing number of South American and European clients, fluency in English, Portuguese, French, Italian and Spanish is essential. The successful candidate will overseas all guest relations, providing training for concierges, assist with staff scheduling, and deliver guest-facing service training for house staff to meet or exceed expectations. Additionally, they will lead customer marketing initiatives and provide support to the reservations team. Experience in high-end hospitability, particularly in luxury hotels, is preferred, as this role is to critical to creating memorable guest experiences from initial inquiry through departure.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY

• Design, improve, and implement a comprehensive training program for guest relations, emphasizing emotional hospitality.

• Develop, manage and track revenue opportunities within the concierge department.

• Create and monitor guest satisfaction metrics.

• Plan and excuse events for high-profile guests.

• Engage with customers through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to enhance customer and in-person interactions.

• Problem-solving in high-pressure situations with creativity and agility.

• Craft luxurious, tailored itineraries and experiences for discerning guests.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Degree in Hospitality, Business Management

• Additional certifications such as tourism marketing, event planning, travel planning, and customer service, training programs and CPR / Red Cross certification are required.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in luxury hospitality, preferably in five-star hotels or high-end accommodations.

• Proven experience organizing high-end events and social marketing campaigns to attract and retain guests.

• Proficiency in developing guest-focused social marketing campaigns.

• Demonstrated expertise in guest service training and staff development.

• Fluency in English, Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese is strongly preferred.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple task, and maintain composure under pressure.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

The Turks and Caicos Islands oldest

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.

OCEAN CLUB RESORTS

IS LOOKING FOR APPLICANTS FOR THE FOLLOWING VACANT POSITIONS:

FRONT DESK AGENT PROPERTY SERVICE ATTENDANT ROOM ATTENDANT HOUSEMEN GARDENER

Candidates will focus on providing exceptional guest service, maintaining the property, and ensuring a smooth, welcoming experience for our guests. Fluency in English is required, and preference will be given to those with previous resort experience.

All applicants must be able to present a clean Police Record if offered a position. Wage commensurate with experience. Individuals must be willing to work holidays and weekends on a flexible schedule dictated by business demands.

RAMP SUPERVISOR

Responsibilities shall be, but not limited coordinate all functions required for the safe, secure, and on-time departure of flights, which includes among other things preparing, and/or gathering, and/or disseminating documentation; coordinating refueling and catering); perform prima facie inspections of ground support equipment at the staging area and during the operation of turning around flights, training and scheduling of team members.

Salary: $36,000.00 per annum based on qualification and experience

REGISTERED NURSE

REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

• Current registration with the Health Professions Authority in TCI

• Minimum of 5 years work experience in a fast-paced Urgent Care practice and hotel setting

• Practical skills to include but not limited to IV therapy, venipuncture, injections, vitals, dressings, ECG, sterilization

protocol and how to operate the machine.

• setting up for, assisting doctors with procedures and examination

• able to work with little or no supervision to ensure proper flow of patients

• Computer knowledge, action patients result, update and maintain patients EMR file

Monthly

to $4000.00 depending on experience.

LABOURER

CLEANER

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

• Supervisory Experience

• Mathematics skills to handle money

• Ability to be proactive and results driven leader

• Ability to handle multiple demands with high attention to detail and accuracy.

• Calm under pressure.

• Excellent relation skills &

positive attitude.

• Communication skills: good listening and clear instruction skills.

• Full availability- Flexible time.

• Excellent written and verbal analytical skills.

• Knowledge in POS operation.

STORE ASSISTANT MANAGER

• Supervise and Monitor overall floor operations

• Organize daily display designs match brand

• Manage store inventories by monitoring weekly sales reports; selection and procurement of store merchandise

• Marketing of store merchandise, including organization of social media campaigns, store events, promotions and holidays

• Monitor overall store quality, including stock levels, merchandising, sales growth

• Supervise and manage staff, including scheduling, training, and coaching

• Prepare daily and monthly sales reports for CHMS’s Directors QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least five years (5) managerial experience in retail and sales

• Must be skilled inventory management

• Must be proficient in computer systems including accounting and data management software for at least 5 years.

• Qualifications in Marketing, Tourism or Hospitality will be an asset

• Assistant to the Maintenance Supervisor.

• Work to diagnose, repair and maintain all electronic & mechanical

• commercial laundry, dry-cleaning and affiliated equipment such

• as boilers, compressors, hydraulic pumps etc.

• Min 6 years experience in mechanical and electrical

maintenance.

• Min 5 years welding experience required.

• Work flexible shifts including nights and on-call.

• Must be fluent in English.

• Must have exceptional computer and diagnostic skills.

• Must be self-motivated, hardworking and reliable.

• Starting pay rate: $9.00/hour.

1 ASSISTANT MANAGER

• Working hours include holidays, late nights, and week ends

• Bachelor degree or equivalent

• Previous 5 years restaurant kitchen bar supervisor experience required

• Secondary language a plus

• Salary commensurate to experience

LABOURERS

Duties are:

• Preparing site for work

• Digging/filling trenches

• Mixing concrete/laying blocks

• Assemble/ break down scaffolding

• Clean up job site

• Load/unload tools/operate some hand tools

• Salary: $10.00 per hour working from Monday to Friday

SALES CLERK

Whereas, POTTER PALMER as the registered proprietor of the properties above has declared that the Land Certificates for the abovementioned title numbers registered in the name of POTTER PALMER were inadvertently lost.

Take that I, Lasana Murray, Registrar of Lands, shall issue a new Land Certificates for the said title six weeks of the date of the first publication of this Notice in a Local Newspaper and the Gazette.

Dated this 12th September, 2024

Publicized by Order

Registrar of Lands.

DOMESTIC WORKER

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 Monique Michelle Ewing by

• Maintaining proper inventory of linen and amenities

• Performing a variety of cleaning details such as vacuuming, mopping, surface cleaning, dusting, changing and laundering linen.

• Ensure that rooms in villa is cared for and inspected according to company standards

• Notify Villa Manager of any damages

• Deal with any request and or complaints in a professional manner and patience.

• Must be committed to working as a part of the team

• Must have the initiative to work with minimal supervision

• Must be willing to perform any other duty assigned by Supervisor

• Must follow directions both written and verbally

• Must be honest and confidential

• Must be a good communicator

• Attention to detail and some customer assistance and service are required.

remain

CLEANER

FRONT SHOP SUPERVISOR

•

SERVICE TECHNICIAN

& EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 10 Years working in IT Supervisory role. Specifically with IP networks, servers and desktops

• Strong Microsoft client and server OS skills including Active directory, DNS & DHCP

• Experience in Hotel Property management and Electronic systems

• Installation of conduit and cabling for various projects

• Able to multitask

• Attend to client needs 24/7 on call

• Installation of TV’s, CCTV, Speakers & Wifi

• Able to use a ladder up to 15 feet

• Physically fit and able to lift minimum 50 lbs

QUALIFICATIONS:

• MCSE

• A+

• N+

• CCNA

• Salary: $3000

• First-time work permit

AUTO DETAILER HELPER

• Clean vehicles according to company standards or client specifications, performing detail inspections, thoroughly washing,

•

•

Experienced chef to provide culinary direction to all areas of Hummingbird Management hospitality, including (but not limited to): luxury villa private chef and event catering services. The successful candidate must be able to create expertly designed menus with elevated flavours and presentation for in-house villa guests at a luxury villa estate while overseeing service and staff and upholding quality and safety standards. The candidate will have experience and knowledge in safe food preparation and handling, sanitation, presentation, sourcing and purchasing. Experience in events catering is a must. A proven ability to train and lead a team as well as a formal degree from an accredited culinary institution with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in an executive chef role is essential.

KEY FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

• Develop fine dining menus that meet the needs of villa guests and catering clients

• Knowledge of diverse cuisines and cooking styles as well as vegan, vegetarian, religious cuisines and guests with dietary needs

• Train sous chefs/cooks/helpers and other kitchen staff in culinary techniques, cooking procedures, sanitation and safety

• Work with housekeeping and grounds staff to enhance the guest experience

• Work with purchasing agents and vendors to ensure quality

• Administer and follow regulatory agency and food safety standards

• Assist in monitoring and caring for the cooking equipment and inventory

• 5-10 years’ experience in an Executive Chef role

We are seeking a seasoned, personable, and dependable Guest Relations and Service Trainer to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a proven background in guest service, social marketing and measurable performance metrics. With an increasing number of South American and European clients, fluency in English, Portuguese, French, Italian and Spanish is essential.

The successful candidate will overseas all guest relations, providing training for concierges, assist with staff scheduling, and deliver guest-facing service training for house staff to meet or exceed expectations. Additionally, they will lead customer marketing initiatives and provide support to the reservations team. Experience in high-end hospitability, particularly in luxury hotels, is preferred, as this role is to critical to creating memorable guest experiences from initial inquiry through departure.

• Design, improve, and implement a comprehensive training program for guest relations, emphasizing emotional hospitality.

• Develop, manage and track revenue opportunities within the concierge department.

• Create and monitor guest satisfaction metrics.

• Plan and excuse events for high-profile guests.

• Engage with customers through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to enhance customer and in-person interactions.

• Problem-solving in high-pressure situations with creativity and agility.

• Craft luxurious, tailored itineraries and experiences for discerning guests.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Degree in Hospitality, Business Management

• Additional certifications such as tourism marketing, event planning, travel planning, and customer service, training programs and CPR / Red Cross certification are required.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in luxury hospitality, preferably in five-star hotels or high-end accommodations.

• Proven experience organizing high-end events and social marketing campaigns to attract and retain guests.

• Proficiency in developing guest-focused social marketing campaigns.

• Demonstrated expertise in guest service training and staff development.

• Fluency in English, Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese is strongly preferred.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced

VACANCIES

MICHELIN JULIEN

344-0719 / Kew Town CARETAKER

Caring for my children, bath them, feed them, monitor them, wash, cook and iron

CHAMBERS 1A CLEANING SERVICES

244-3319 / Blue Hills

CLEANER

$8.00

Cleaning the offices, desk, windows, bathroom and maintain cleanness of the property

FRITZ GERALD TRAVERSIERE

Long Bay / 246-1667

DOMESTIC WORKER

$8.00

Cleaning the house, wash dishes, wash clothing, iron, cook

and care for my family.

M & N JUMBO VARIETY & WHOLESALE

Five Cays / 342-0227

HELPER

Unload containers, help customers with heavy lifting and help transport goods.

WILCOX TELUSMA

Kew Town / 345-0691

DOMESTIC WORKER

$8.00

Cleaning the house, wash dishes, wash clothing, iron, cook and care for my family.

JOSEPH BEJAMIN CAMBELL

Five Cays / 348-2224

DOMESTIC WORKER

$8.00

Cleaning the house, wash, cook and iron

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

CAICOS DREAM TOURS

Excursion tour company offering a range of excursions, including snorkeling, group boat tours or private charters.

BOAT CAPTAIN

• Valid Turks and Caicos Captain License

• Experience in a tour excursion company

• Safely operate and navigate boats for various tours

• Excellent communication skills and exceptional customer service

MATE (CREW)

• Experience in a tour excursion company

• Assist the Boat Captain in safely operating and navigating during tours.

• Excellent communication skills and exceptional customer service

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

TECHNICIAN and AGENT

• Both technician and agent will be responsible for customer inquiries, phone calls, bookings, email and reservations.

• Greeting customers warmly and assisting with check-in procedures

• Previous experience in customer service in hospitality or tourism field and excellent communication skills

CONCIERGE

• Provide personalized recommendations and assistance with bookings tours and reservations.

• Experience as a concierge and customer service in hospitality or tourism

• Strong sales and problem-solving abilities

LABOURER

CAICOS ENTERPRISE LTD.

DUTIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Interpreting blueprints and drawing up plans to determine materials required and a plan of action.

• Measuring, cutting, shaping, and smoothing lumber and other construction materials.

• Constructing building frameworks including walls, floors, and doorframes.

• Ensuring structures are level, square, and securely assembled.

• Installing features such as doors, cabinets, stairs, and paneling.

• Inspecting and replacing damaged frameworks or other structures and fixtures.

• Managing construction materials, tools, and equipment.

• Maintaining a safe and clean work environment by adhering to safety and health regulations.

• Operating tools and machinery such as saws, drills, and

sanders.

• Using leveling devices to ensure accurate installation of structures.

• Collaborating with other construction professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and architects to ensure specifications are met.

• Providing advice and feedback to clients about the best materials and structures for their needs.

• Performing minor calculations to assess load requirements and material dimensions.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• A high school diploma or equivalent.

• Completion of a carpentry apprenticeship program or vocational training in carpentry or a related field.

• Eight years of experience working under seasoned carpenters.

$12.00 PER HOUR

TRUCK DRIVER DOMESTIC WORKER

COSMETOLOGIST

DISHWASHER LABOURER

DOMESTIC WORKER

BABYSITTER

LABOURER

LABOURER

2 HAIRDRESSER

Install, troubleshoot, repair and maintain production and facility equipment

LABOURER

LABOURER

GARISA MARIE CHARLES

Sports International

Retiring Shakib will not return to Bangladesh over security concern

announced his retirement from international cricket last month but was named in the Tigers squad to face South Africa in two Tests, the first of which starts on 21 October.

However, Shakib is also a former member of parliament and an exlawmaker in the government that was ousted by protesters in August, and he has been discouraged from returning to the country because of public anger.

“I was to return home... but now I don’t think I can,” Shakib told broadcaster bdnews24.com.

“It is over a security issue, a matter of my own security.”

Shakib is considered one of his country’s greatest sportsmen, with 4,609 runs

1 ASSISTANT MANAGER

in 71 Test matches.

As a spin bowler, he holds the record for most Test wickets in Bangladesh’s history with 246.

In January, he became an MP for the then-ruling Awami League party, whose former leader Sheikh Hasina

fled the country in August.

Shakib is among dozens from Hasina’s party facing murder investigations following a deadly police crackdown on protesters during the uprising.

DOG GROOMER

external parasites from tick infected animals.

•

have written evidence of animal behavioral background

• Must have experience with QuickBooks

• Heavy lifting and daily cleaning routines required which include feces pick

• Must have own transportation and willing to transport animals in vehicle.

• Must be available to work 6 days per week

• Starting Wage is $8.50 per hour based on experience.

Shakib apologised in a Facebook post earlier this month for remaining silent during the revolution.

• Allocate work duties to Team Members and supervise contractors.

• Perform routine inspections of all check-out rooms and spot checks of all occupied rooms.

• Schedule and supervise deep cleaning and any other projects.

• Manage and train Room Attendants, Housemen, Laundry Attendant, Public Area Attendants and Linen Room

However, Asif Mahmud, who heads the sports ministry, said that “recent protests suggest it wasn’t enough” and that to avoid “unwanted incidents” he had advised Shakib not to return.

and has a successful track record of managing a team.

• Strong organizational, analytic skills and has an effective communications skill.

• Proficiency, preferred with computer programs, including Microsoft Office – Word, Excel and Outlook

Shakib Al Hasan holds the record for most Test wickets in Bangladesh’s history with 246

Science & Technology

Should we be worried about vegan ultra-processed foods?

Vegan diets can contain more UPFs on average – but this might not be a problem.

For most people living in industrialised societies, it’s difficult to avoid ultra-processed foods altogether. My cereal is ultraprocessed. So is the whiskey in my cabinet, the hot sauce in my fridge and the crisps in my backpack.

The term “ultra-processed” is poorly understood and inconsistently used, even sometimes by scientists. While in some circles it has become a catch-all term for foods with little nutritional benefit, a wide variety of foods fall under this umbrella.

Ultra-processed foods are popular with consumers for their convenience (frozen pizza), taste (wrapped cookies), and durability (sandwich bread). These elements, plus the relatively low cost of ingredients, make them profitable for manufacturers.

But recently another motivation for ultra-processed foods has emerged: to replace meat or dairy among those attempting to eat a more plant-based diet. With this new category has come anxiety about the health effects of these products, leading to headlines such as “The unhealthiest fake meats you can buy (and why it’s better to go to McDonald’s)”. These concerns were exacerbated by recent research, which found that those who consume 10% more ultra-processed foods derived from plants have a 12% higher risk of death related to diet. However, things are not quite as they seem. Are plant-based diets really so rich in ultra-processed foods, and are they any worse for you?

IDENTIFYING ULTRAPROCESSED FOODS

An established method for categorising the levels of processing in food is Nova. Fernanda Rauber, a nutritional epidemiologist at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, explains, “Nova distinguishes between different levels of processing, acknowledging that not all processed foods are harmful. In fact, many types of processing, such as pasteurisation or fermentation, are important for food safety and nutrition.” It’s the more intense processing that concerns Rauber. “One type of industrial processing is harmful to health – the kind that produces ultra-processed foods.”

In the Nova system, a food product is considered ultraprocessed if at least one of its ingredients is a substance that home cooks generally don’t use (such as high-fructose corn syrup or hydrolysed protein), or is an additive designed to increase

A variety of vegan food are now ultra-processed

the product’s appeal (such as a thickener or emulsifier).

WHY ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS CAN BE HARMFUL

Some experts have criticised the four-category Nova system as simplistic and imprecise, arguing that foods aren’t automatically unhealthy simply because they’re ultra-processed. For instance, ultra-processed cereals and breads can have beneficial fibre, although diets high in UPFs tend to be limited in fibre and other nutrients in general.

Nor are foods good for you just because they’re less processed. Red meat has been linked with higher mortality from cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease and stroke, yet is classified as unprocessed or minimally processed by Nova.

In practice many UPFs are also high in salt, sugar or fat. The food industry uses a great deal of sugar not only to sweeten foods, but also to enhance their texture, colour, preservation, or even bulk.

Notwithstanding the occasional exception, overall, the health effects of ultra-processed foods are negative. A 2023 UK study found that a 10% increase in UPFs within diets was associated with a 2% higher rate of cancer overall, and a 19% higher rate of ovarian cancer.

This is partly linked to obesity. It’s easy to overeat ultra-processed foods, which tend to be less filling, and possibly even addictive, often while requiring less chewing. Unsurprisingly, then, they’re linked with higher calorie consumption and weight gain. The proportion of the diet made up by ultra-processed foods varies widely across the globe; UPFs make up 16% of mean caloric intake in Colombia, 20% in

Taiwan, and 22% in Brazil. On the other hand, they make up 48% in Canada, 57% in the UK and 58% in the US. In some North American groups it can be as high as 80%.

There is also emerging evidence that certain food additives and packaging contaminants are carcinogenic, and cause inflammation and other bodily changes.

PATTERNS OF EATING PLANT-BASED ULTRAPROCESSED FOODS

Among plant-based foods, ultraprocessed ones are linked to higher risk of cardiovascular disease. A 2024 UK study that garnered much attention found that a 10% increase in caloric intake of plantsourced ultra-processed food was associated with a 5% higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and a 12% greater risk of dying from this. On the other hand, there was a slightly greater reduction in cardiovascular disease risk from consuming more plant-sourced foods that were not ultra-processed. The ultraprocessed foods included a number of foods considered “vegan by default”, such as bread, crisps and condiments. Meat alternatives were the smallest contributor to calories among the participants overall, at 0.2%.

This research didn’t assess specific foods like plant-based ones in isolation, stresses Rauber, one of the study’s coauthors. “From an epidemiological perspective, what truly matters is the overall dietary pattern, rather than focusing on individual foods,” Rauber says. Thus, “it’s not just the origin of the food – whether animal or plant –but the degree of processing that has significant implications for health”.

links between mortality and ultraprocessed foods showed up in ready-to-eat products based around meat, poultry or seafood.

Lewis Bollard, who directs the farm animal welfare programme at the foundation Open Philanthropy, says that in the plant-based space, criticisms have tended to focus on alternative proteins. According to Bollard, critics include meatindustry companies concerned about their profit model, as well as people following whole-food plant-based diets themselves.

A 2021 French study found that ultra-processed foods made up more of the overall calorie intake of non-meat-eaters. UPFs accounted for 37% and 39.5% of energy intake for vegetarians and vegans, respectively, mainly due to meat and dairy substitutes. This was significantly higher than the 33% figure for meat eaters. But while the vegan participants consumed more UPFs, they also consumed more unprocessed foods (accounting for 31.2% of energy intake for vegans and 29% for meat eaters), and fewer fatty and sweet foods.

Study participants who had recently made the switch to vegetarian and vegan consumed more UPFs than longtime meat avoiders. In general, it’s common for people experimenting with reducing animal products to lean on substitutes and packaged foods initially.

COMPARING APPLES TO ORANGES?

While nutritional research abounds, so does confusion. This is partly due to differences in what is being analysed, such as whether these are meat alternatives or other foods that happen to not contain animal products, such as bread. In other words, are researchers looking at vegan burgers, the buns they’re sandwiched between, or the crisps on the side? It depends.

Studies of multiple European countries have found notable associations between multiple diseases, including type 2 diabetes, and ultra-processed products in general – yet those same studies found lesser risk for plant-based alternatives compared to animalbased products. And a 2024 US study concluded that the strongest

“It’s important to look at what’s actually in the ultra-processed foods,” notes Paul Behrens, a food systems expert at the University of Oxford. “Of course, we should aim for delicious, whole-food, plant-based meals as the core of our diet, but ultra-processed plantbased foods generally have much better nutrition scores than ultraprocessed meat foods,” he says. “One study found that, on average, vegan sausages had a nutrition impact score over twice as good as pork sausages.”

So one key question is what is being replaced. A bean stew might be more nourishing than a pea protein sausage. But a pea protein sausage is likely more nourishing than a mixed-meat sausage – not to mention the differences in environmental and animal-welfare impacts.

A 2024 review comparing animal and plant-based meat found that the meat alternatives were lower overall in saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, cholesterol and calories, while being higher in fibre, carbohydrate and polyunsaturated fat. Not all fats are created equal. Polyunsaturated fat, found at higher levels in meat alternatives, has an important place in diets. And a 2018 study of US healthcare professionals found lower heart disease risk among people who ate more plant-based monounsaturated fat (such as vegetable oils), though not animalbased monounsaturated fat (such as red meat).

However, Rauber cautions, “While saturated fats are often linked to animal-based foods, it’s important to note that many ultraprocessed plant-based products can also be high in saturated fats due to the use of modified oils and fats during processing”.

Meat alternatives have captured so much public discussion for several reasons, says Tamsin Blaxter, a writer and researcher at Table, a network of universities researching food systems. One is their novelty factor. Another is the preoccupation in certain

Science & Technology

New skin research could help slow signs of ageing

Researchers have made a scientific discovery that in time could be used to slow the signs of ageing.

A team has discovered how the human body creates skin from a stem cell, and even reproduced small amounts of skin in a lab.

The research is part of a study to understand how every part of the human body is created, one cell at a time.

As well as combatting ageing, the findings could also be used to produce artificial skin for transplantation and prevent scarring.

The Human Cell Atlas project is one of the most ambitious research programmes in biology. It is international but centred at the Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge.

One of the project’s leaders, Prof Muzlifah Haniffa, said it would help scientists treat diseases more effectively, but also find new ways of keeping us healthier for longer, and perhaps even keep us younger-looking.

“If we can manipulate the skin

and prevent ageing we will have fewer wrinkles,” said Prof Haniffa of the Wellcome Sanger Institute.

“If we can understand how cells change from their initial development to ageing in adulthood you can then try and say, ‘How do I rejuvenate organs, make the heart younger, how do I make the skin younger?’”

That vision is some way off but researchers are making progress, most recently in their understanding of how skin cells develop in the foetus during the early development stage of human life.

When an egg is first fertilised human cells are all the same. But after three weeks, specific genes inside these so-called “stem cells” switch on, passing along instructions on how to specialise and clump together to form the various bits of the body.

Researchers have identified which genes are turned on at what times and in which locations to form the body’s largest organ, skin.

Under the microscope and

signs of aging

treated with chemicals they look like tiny fairy lights.

Genes that turn orange form the skin’s surface. Others in yellow determine its colour and there are many others which form the other structures that grow hair, enable us to sweat and protect us from the outside world.

The researchers have essentially obtained the instruction set to create human skin and published

them in the journal Nature. Being able to read these instructions opens up exciting possibilities.

Scientists already know, for example, that foetal skin heals with no scarring.

The new instruction set contains details of how this happens, and one research area could be to see if this could be replicated in adult skin, possibly for use in surgical procedures.

In one major development, scientists discovered that immune cells played a critical role in the formation of blood vessels in the skin, and then were able to mimic the relevant instructions in a lab.

They used chemicals to turn genes on and off at the right time and in the right places to grow skin artificially from stem cells.

So far, they have grown tiny blobs of skin, out of which have sprouted little hairs.

According to Prof Haniffa, the eventual aim is to perfect the technique.

“If you know how to build human skin, we can use that for burns patients and that can be a way of transplanting tissue,” she said.

“Another example is that if you can build hair follicles, we can actually create hair growth for bald people.”

The skin in the dish can also be used to understand how inherited skin diseases develop and test out potential new treatments. (BBC)

Human sense of smell is faster than previously thought, new study suggests

In a single sniff, the human sense of smell can distinguish odors within a fraction of a second, working at a level of sensitivity that is “on par” with how our brains perceive colour, “refuting the widely held belief that olfaction is our slow sense,” a new study finds.

Humans also can discern between various sequences of odors – distinguishing a sequence of “A” before “B” from sequence “B” before “A” – when the interval between odorant A and odorant B is merely 60 milliseconds, according to the study, published Monday in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.

“We were astonished to observe that participants could distinguish between two odorants presented in one order and the reverse when the latency between the odorants was as short as 60 milliseconds,” Dr. Wen Zhou, lead author of the study and a principal investigator at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, said in an email. Latency refers to the time between when each scent is delivered.

“For comparison, the duration of an eye blink is about 180 milliseconds,” Zhou added.

“Our apparatus could be used for therapeutic purposes, such

Your nose may be more powerful than you think

as olfactory training for patients with olfactory loss,” Zhou said.

“More broadly, our findings could guide the design and development of electronic noses and olfactory virtual reality systems, which could have significant clinical benefits.”

The researchers, from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Ohio State University, developed a snifftriggered apparatus that included check valves – devices that allow odor to flow in one direction – and Teflon tubes, capable of delivering odors to the human nose with a precision of 18 milliseconds. The researchers asked 229 adults in

China to wear this device and smell different odor mixtures: two odors presented in quick succession within a single sniff.

The odors included apple-like scents, sweet floral scents, lemonlike scents and onion-like scents. The latency between the two odors was carefully manipulated.

The researchers analysed whether participants could distinguish between two odors presented in one order and the reverse at different latencies.

They found that, overall, two odors presented in one order and the reverse became “perceptually discriminable” when the two odors

were only 60 milliseconds apart within a single sniff, Zhou said.

The researchers noted that they used only four odorants and that it would be beneficial to test a wider variety to determine whether the human sense of smell is more sensitive to certain odor dynamics or compounds.

“This could provide a deeper understanding of the computational principles underlying our olfactory experience,” Zhou said.

The new findings challenge previous research in which the timing it took to discriminate between odor sequences was around 1,200 milliseconds, Dr. Dmitry Rinberg, a professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Physiology at NYU Langone Health in New York, wrote in an editorial accompanying the study in Nature Human Behaviour.

“The timing of individual notes in music is essential for conveying meaning and beauty in a melody, and the human ear is very sensitive to this. However, temporal sensitivity is not limited to hearing: our sense of smell can also perceive small temporal changes in odour presentations,” he wrote. “Similar to how timing affects the perception of notes in

a melody, the timing of individual components in a complex odour mixture that reaches the nose may be crucial for our perception of the olfactory world.”

The ability to tell apart odors within a single sniff might be an important way in which animals detect both what a smell is and where it might be in space, said Dr. Sandeep Robert Datta, a professor in the Department of Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School, who was not involved in the new study.

“The demonstration that humans can tell apart smells as they change within a sniff is a powerful demonstration that timing is important for smell across species, and therefore is a general principle underlying olfactory function. In addition, this study sheds important light on the mysterious mechanisms that support human odor perception,” Datta wrote in an email.

“The study of human olfaction has historically lagged that of vision and hearing, because as humans we think of ourselves as visual creatures that largely use speech to communicate,” he said, adding that the new study helps “fill a critical gap in our understanding of how we as humans smell.” (CNN)

By understanding how skin develops researchers hope to slow the

Science & Technology

Thousands of cleaning supplies may contain substances linked to health problems

When you go through the chore of cleaning your home, you hope the end result is a safer, healthier environment for you and your loved ones. But some of the products you are using might put your health at risk.

“Many people assume that when you’re buying something on the shelf or if it’s for sale in a store, that there’s no risk to it or they know exactly what they’re getting,” said Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization that researches and advocates for safer products. “That just isn’t the case.”

On the American market, the EWG has found that more than 2,000 cleaning supplies may contain substances linked to health problems including asthma, chemical burns and cancer risks.

It can be hard to tell exactly what is safe and what is not when shopping at the store. This is especially true with the prevalence of “greenwashing,” or when companies utilize tactics in their product labeling or marketing to appear more natural and environmentally safe, said Jennie Romer, the deputy assistant administrator for pollution prevention at the US Environmental Protection Agency.

“People are becoming more aware of how these things can have

Some home cleaning products can contain irritants, chemicals that can’t mix with others, and volatile organic compounds, experts said

an effect on our health,” Stoiber said. “In the United States, there is really poor transparency.”

Cleaning your home well is important for disease prevention, said Brian Sansoni, senior vice president of communications, outreach and membership at the American Cleaning Institute.

“The proper use of cleaning products contributes to public health and quality of life in homes, offices, schools, health care facilities, restaurants and throughout our communities every single day,” he added. “Everyone who has dealt with the coronavirus pandemic or cold and flu season can certainly recognize this fact.”

Here is what experts want you to know about cleaning products and

how to make safer choices.

THE CHEMICALS IN YOUR CLEANERS

Cleaning products may contain volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which include hundreds of different chemicals, said Dr Natalie Johnson, associate professor of environmental and occupational health at Texas A&M University School of Public Health.

Volatile organic compounds are gases that can be emitted from solid or liquid products, according to the EPA. These chemicals can cause problems such as eye, nose and throat irritation and damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system, the federal agency said.

Should we be worried about vegan ultra-processed ...

affluent countries with protein, and thus with alternatives to it. Throughout history, there have been waves of thinking, without necessarily being grounded in evidence, that a diet high in animal protein is more natural for humans, and that natural is better. Bollard also points out that it’s common for people in industrialised societies to have misconceptions about how animal protein is actually produced and how “natural” it is.

HOW COMPANIES AND

Concerns over ultraprocessed foods are affecting public health policy. For instance, Nova has influenced dietary guidelines in Brazil, whose government is also considering imposing taxes on ultra-processed foods and regulating them more strictly in schools. Carlos Monteiro, the University of São Paulo epidemiologist who coined the term “ultra-processed” in 2009, now believes that ultraprocessed foods should be regulated similarly to tobacco, with advertising restrictions and heavy taxation.

Yet Eileen Gibney, a nutrition professor at University College Dublin, has argued that the

world will need to embrace food processing in the transition toward more plant-based diets, if consumers want plant-based versions of the foods they’re already accustomed to. Companies making foods without animal products have to navigate between perceptions that vegan food is too healthy and boring, and conversely that it is overly processed and unhealthy. Anke van Eijk, the R&D manager for Dutch plant-based business Schouten, says that many consumers, especially flexitarians, “still want a seamless transition to plant-based eating, and highly processed products deliver on that expectation”. (BBC)

The impact of these chemicals depends on how often you are exposed to them and to what degree; and the concentration of VOCs are often much higher indoors, the EPA said.

One big problem is that the list of potentially harmful chemicals is long, and sometimes it can be hard to tell from an ingredients list exactly what you will be exposed to if you use a product, Romer said.

Fortunately, there are resources to help quickly reference the best choices on the shelves when you are shopping, Johnson said.

The EPA has a Safer Choice label, and products that qualify for the designation do not contain chemicals linked to cancer, fertility problems and other risks to health, Romer said.

Romer’s husband was just at the store to restock on laundry detergent but forgot which kind they like to buy. After a quick search on the Safer Choice database, he was able to find which of the products on that store’s shelves met the EPA’s criteria, she said.

Volatile organic compounds are a broad category of chemicals –– some of which are naturally occurring, some helpful in dissolving dirt, grease and stains, Sansoni said. And manufacturers have taken steps to manage their emissions, he added.

“Regulators have placed limitations on the VOCs in most consumer products over the past three decades and industry has been working with governments and regulators to minimize VOC concentrations to keep them well below levels that would be considered harmful,” Sansoni said.

IT’S NOT JUST WHAT YOU USE. IT’S HOW YOU USE IT

It’s not just what you are using, but how you are using your cleaning products that could be of concern, experts say.

Some of the risks from using cleaners in your home come from using them improperly, such as mixing bleach with products that contain ammonia –– which can be found in tile or multipurpose cleaners, for example, Romer said.

Mixing disinfectants can also cause dangerous fumes, she added.

“That’s why it’s always important to read and follow the instructions or the directions on a product label,” Romer said.

Frequency of use can also increase the risk that concerning chemicals pose, Johnson said.

“Our oldest adage in toxicology is that it’s the dose that makes the poison,” she said.

It’s also essential to be mindful of exposures for people who are especially susceptible, including pregnant people, those with asthma and children, Johnson added.

“Children aren’t just little adults,” she said. “They’re still developing. … A lot of my research looks at how exposure to air pollutants during pregnancy or early infancy may predispose children for long-term disease risk, such as allergy development, especially asthma.”

CLEANSER CHANGES CAN START SMALL

Going home and clearing out your cleaning supply cabinet isn’t going to completely fix the problem, Stoiber said.

“It’s impossible to avoid all exposures just through shopping alone … but paying attention to these things can make a difference,” she added.

Small changes can make a big difference, and it’s good to take one step at a time to keep from being overwhelmed when limiting exposures to concerning chemicals, Stoiber said.

Throwing out all the cleansers you have and starting over isn’t good from an environmental perspective, so instead start by taking inventory, Romer said.

You may find that some of those products are recommended by the EPA or EWG, she added.

For the rest of them, once you use up a cleanser, try replacing it with a recommended option, Johnson said.

A lot of cleaning can also be done with things you already have in your kitchen like vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice, Stoiber said.

Another way to reduce exposure to potentially risky chemicals has nothing to do with the cleansers you are using but does involve more cleaning.

“Keep up on vacuuming and dusting,” Stoiber said. “A lot of these chemicals … they don’t stay in products. And when they are deposited into dust, and then we either stir up that dust, inhale that dust, or it’s on our hands and we forget to wash our hands and eat, then we’re exposed to those chemicals through dust.”

Make sure you are vacuuming regularly and dusting surfaces with a damp cloth to reduce the traces of those products you are breathing in, she added. (BBC)

Sports International

Premier League VAR errors down 80% - referees’ chief

Referees’ chief Howard Webb says there has been an 80% reduction in the number of video assistant referee (VAR) errors this season.

It has now been five years since VAR was introduced in the Premier League, but the system and the way it is used continues to attract plenty of debate.

According to the independent Key Match Incidents panel (KMI), there were 31 incorrect uses of VAR during the 2023-24 season.

In June Premier League clubs voted 19-1 in favour of keeping VAR after Wolverhampton Wanderers triggered a vote to scrap it.

An independent survey commissioned by the Premier League suggested that four out of five fans want to keep VAR in the league.

The Premier League has started explaining VAR decisions using a dedicated social media channel, but the introduction of semiautomated offside technology (SAOT) - originally scheduled for after either the October or November international break - has been delayed until 2025.

Webb - chief refereeing officer at Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) - has claimed

that mistakes are down 80% this season.

“I don’t think we managed expectations well in terms of VAR,” the former Premier League referee told the Stick to Football podcast, external.

“We knew it was always going to be a situation where it was going to do well on those clear situations, the ones where you think, ‘that’s clearly wrong on first view’. We’re good at spotting those most of the time.

“We have this independent panel which has got ex-players on it, and they judge each decision each week, and according to the panel - which is independent from us [PGMOL] - there has only been two VAR errors this season compared to 10 at the same time last year.”

Webb added that greater emphasis has been placed on reducing the time taken to reach decisions.

“We’ve been better at hitting the mark but that can change and we’re not going to get complacent, but it’s been better,” said Webb.

“For me, the biggest thing of all is that it’s been quicker. The average delay last season through VAR was 70 seconds per game and

this year it’s 25 seconds. It’s way better.

“I said to the guys, ‘don’t ponder for too long, if you see a situation that jumps off the screen at you then get involved, but if you’re having to think about it too much and analyse it too many times then just say check complete because we’ll leave it with the referee on the field’. That’s why the term, ‘referee’s call’ is useful.”

‘I WAS FRUSTRATED’WEBB ON FERNANDES RED CARD

Though overall errors are down, Webb admitted that VAR failed to intervene when Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off against Tottenham Hotspur last month.

Referee Chris Kavanagh showed Fernandes a straight red card in the 42nd minute for a late challenge on Tottenham’s James Maddison.

The Portuguese midfielder appeared to catch Maddison with a high studs-up challenge, but replays showed that Fernandes actually caught him with the side of his boot.

VAR Peter Bankes and assistant VAR Simon Long did not overturn the decision because

they mistakenly thought it did not meet the threshold for an on-field review.

“We released the audio, you can hear the assistant referee - who’s got a good view of it - just saying ‘that looks awful, 100% red [card] for me’,” said Webb.

“From his angle it looked it, because it looks like the studs have gone in. But then there’s another angle shown on the replay on Sky Sports. Straight away I’ve gone ‘that’ll be an overturn’, but it wasn’t.

“I was frustrated that we didn’t step in to rectify it because it was clearly wrong in my opinion. He slipped, he tried to trip him but it was the side of the foot and he didn’t drive the studs in. If he had then it would have been a red card.”

United went on to lose the match 3-0 and Fernandes’ red card was overturned on appeal two days later. He was sent off during United’s next match, a 3-3 draw with Porto in the Europa League. (BBC)

Mbappé shocked by Swedish rape inquiry - lawyer

France football captain Kylian Mbappé is “astonished” to see his name linked in media reports to a rape inquiry in Sweden, but his lawyer says the player is calm because he has nothing to be sorry about.

Swedish authorities have confirmed that a senior prosecutor is investigating a report of a suspected rape in Stockholm, without naming anyone in connection with the case.

However, Swedish media report that the French footballer is being linked to the allegations which involve an incident at a hotel in central Stockholm last Thursday.

Kylian Mbappé has also reacted, summing up the reports as “FAKE NEWS”, to his 14 million followers on X.

Swedish media said the footballer had stayed in Stockholm for two days last week, visiting a restaurant on Thursday evening before moving on to a nightclub. He was pictured walking in the centre of the capital with three other people. Swedish prosecutors clarified

on Monday that according to a “criminal report” submitted to police, the incident under investigation took place on 10 October at a hotel.

Police were seen visiting the Bank hotel he had stayed at on Monday, with officers later leaving with bags. One report said they had taken clothing from the hotel in evidence.

“The investigation is being

led by senior prosecutor Marina Chirakova, who is unable to provide more information at this time,” the Swedish prosecution authority said.

Mbappé was not called up for France’s Uefa Nations League matches over the past week and has returned to training with his team Real Madrid.

Lawyer Petra Eklund, who is acting for the complainant in the

case, has said she cannot comment on the case at the moment because of legal constraints.

However, Sweden’s SVT and other media outlets reported the allegation involved reasonable suspicion of rape, considered a lower level of suspicion under Swedish law.

Kylian Mbappé’s lawyers have condemned the media reports as defamatory, and on Tuesday night

lawyer Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard appeared on the main evening news programme on TF1, saying nothing was known of the complaint or even if it had been made against her client, who she said was “stunned” by the media frenzy.

“[Kylian Mbappé] is never alone. He is never put in a position where he ends up in a situation that would lead to him taking a risk,” she insisted.

“As a result that totally rules out any possibility of reprehensible actions on his part. I can tell you that with absolutely certainty.” She said a complaint proved nothing and that she was preparing to hit back with a claim for defamation.

Meanwhile, in his social media post on Monday night, the footballer appeared to connect the reports emerging from Sweden to a case with his previous French club Paris Saint-Germain over €55m (£46m) that he alleges was unpaid in wages and bonuses.

“It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance,” he said.

Bruno Fernandes’ red card against Tottenham Hotspur was overturned on appeal

Kylian Mbappé was pictured out in Stockholm last Friday

Sports International

ECB to ban transgender women at elite level from 2025

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will ban transgender women from playing at the elite level of women’s domestic cricket from 2025.

Any player who has gone through male puberty will not be eligible to feature in the top two tiers of the women’s game.

The new regulations will also apply to The Hundred’s women’s competition, but transgender women will be eligible to play in tier three of the domestic structure, which comprises traditionally lower-level counties, and in recreational cricket.

It follows the decision from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in November 2023 to ban transgender women who have gone through male puberty from playing international women’s matches.

The ECB said it had carried out an “extensive consultation” and considered the interaction between “fairness, safety and inclusion” before reaching a conclusion.

“Having considered wideranging views gathered during the consultation, as well as in consultations conducted during 2023, and the relevant science and medical evidence, the ECB has decided that from 2025 it will adopt the same approach as the ICC for women’s professional domestic cricket,” the ECB said.

“This provides consistency, given that a primary purpose of the top end of the domestic structure is

to produce international players.”

The ICC said it would review its rule within two years. The ECB has not specified whether it will also carry out a review once its own regulations come into effect.

“The detailed policy will now be developed over the coming months, in consultation with stakeholders, and is due to be formally in place in time for the 2025 domestic season,” the ECB said.

It added: “Considerable time has been taken to reach this policy position.

“The ECB recognises that transgender participation is a complex area, with many strongly held views, and it is impossible to balance all the considerations.

“We want everyone to feel

Red Bull change car after discussions with FIA

Red Bull have confirmed that they have made changes to their car as a result of discussions with governing body the FIA.

Rivals had alerted the FIA to a device in the Red Bull cockpit that they believed could be used to adjust the height of the front of the car’s floor.

The concern of rival teams was that this could be used to make changes to the car’s set-up between qualifying and races, when they are not allowed.

A Red Bull spokesperson told BBC Sport: “Yes, [the device] exists, although it is inaccessible once the car is fully assembled and ready to run.

“In the numerous correspondence we have with the FIA, this part came up and we have agreed a plan going forward.”

F1 teams are forbidden from making changes to their car’s setup, apart from to the front wing angle, from the start of qualifying, under what are known as parc ferme regulations.

The part in question that could be adjusted was the so-called ‘bib’ or ‘tea-tray’, which is the front of the floor in the middle of the car.

An FIA statement said: “Any adjustment to the front bib clearance during parc ferme conditions is strictly prohibited by the regulations.

“While we have not received any indication of any team employing such a system, the FIA remains vigilant in our ongoing efforts to enhance the policing of the sport.

“As part of this, we have implemented procedural adjustments to ensure that front

Paqueta wants ‘misleading’ leaks investigated by the FA

wants the Football Association to investigate “misleading” leaks about his betting case.

included and welcome in our sport, and believe the position reached strikes an appropriate balance by ensuring fairness in the elite game while ensuring inclusivity at a recreational level, with specific safeguards in place to manage disparities and ensure safety.”

The ECB previously required all transgender women looking to take part in elite level female-only competitions to apply for written clearance. Evidence was then reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The ICC’s decision to ban transgender women from international cricket last year came two months after Canada’s Danielle McGahey became the first transgender cricketer to play an official international game. (BBC)

The FA charged Paqueta in May for allegedly getting booked deliberately “for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market”.

Paqueta, 27, has denied all four charges brought against him and believes “misleading and inaccurate” reporting is putting his chances of a fair disciplinary hearing at risk.

“I am frustrated and upset to to have read recent misleading and inaccurate press articles, published in both England and Brazil, claiming to disclose information about my case,” Paqueta wrote on X, external.

“Some of that information is entirely false and appears designed to undermine my position.

“I am also concerned that, although they are false and misleading, these articles are

clearly sourced from an individual close to the case.”

The four charges relate to Premier League fixtures against Leicester, Aston Villa, Leeds and Bournemouth between November 2022 and August 2023.

Paqueta has remained eligible to play for West Ham since learning of the charges but could be facing a lengthy ban if a breach is proven.

“The FA proceedings are supposed to be confidential and they are extremely serious for me and my family,” Paqueta added.

“The continued leaking and publication of inaccurate information in the press is now putting at risk my chance of receiving a fair hearing.

“I have, therefore, instructed my lawyers to write to the FA to request that they conduct a thorough investigation into how information about the case, even if inaccurate, is finding its way into the public domain.”

bib clearance cannot be easily modified.

“In some cases, this may involve the application of a seal to provide further assurance of compliance.”

McLaren’s Lando Norris, who is challenging Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for the drivers’ championship, said: “It’s one thing having it on your car and another how much you exploit and use it, which we have no idea on.

“If they have been using it in the way people think they have,

maybe it will shift things, but they have not got several poles and wins just for such a device. I don’t think it will change anything. But when you see poles decided by thousandths, you might say maybe it will change something.”

West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta

Lucas Paqueta

The International Cricket Council banned transgender women from playing in international women’s matches in November 2023

Drivers’ championship leader Max Verstappen has not won a grand prix since June

Sports International

Australia shocked in World Cup semis by South Africa

Australia suffered a shock semifinal exit from the T20 World Cup as South Africa raced to an emphatic eight-wicket win in Dubai.

The defending champions missed out on an eighth final appearance as the Proteas reached their target of 135 with 16 balls to spare.

Anneke Bosch struck a sensational unbeaten 74 from 48 balls while captain Laura Wolvaardt added a classy 42 in a second-wicket partnership of 96 that left Australia reeling.

Wolvaardt later described her team’s victory as “one of our biggest wins ever”.

The brilliantly executed run chase came after South Africa’s bowlers had smartly restricted Australia to 134-5 in a curiously underwhelming innings.

Grace Harris and Georgia Wareham fell early in the powerplay before opener Beth Mooney dropped anchor with 44 from 42 balls.

Australia paid the price for stuttering in the middle overs, with the run-rate rarely creeping over a run a ball as captain Tahlia McGrath trudged to 27 from 33.

Ellyse Perry’s 31 from 23 and Phoebe Litchfield’s nine-ball 16 added a late burst but the total still felt below par on a pitch that favoured chasing, as West Indies proved against England on Wednesday.

South Africa started the chase confidently with a powerplay of 43-1, comfortably ahead of

South Africa were able to chase down the target

Australia’s 35-2 at the same stage, before Tazmin Brits’ departure for 15 opened the door for the phenomenal match-winning partnership.

Bosch, whose previous high score in the tournament was 25, crunched eight fours and a six in her match-winning effort.

It rewarded the faith of the South Africa selectors who kept her at number three, and meant they reached their second successive final after the 2023 edition on home soil.

The second semi-final takes place between New Zealand and West Indies at Sharjah on Friday,

GB win women’s team pursuit gold at World Championships

Katie Archibald won gold on her return to racing as she, Megan Barker, Josie Knight and Anna Morris were crowned team pursuit world champions.

The quartet set the tone from the outset in the final, building a formidable lead and reeling in their German rivals in Ballerup, Denmark.

Archibald was back on the bike after missing the 2024 Paris Olympics because of a broken leg sustained in a freak accident.

“It feels good. It’s funny I guess you don’t look your finest when you’re on your knees after a victory but that’s the way you want to feel,” Archibald told BBC Sport.

“Last week there was no

pressure, even yesterday there was very little pressure but then about half an hour before everything settled in and I was like ‘I really want this’ and we all really wanted this and it was a fantastic race.

“It’s not words [being back], it’s a deep breath. It’s feeling where you are meant to be and a team you are meant to be part of and what a treat to be part of this squad. It is very special.”

Britain’s Ethan Hayter, Josh Charlton, Charlie Tanfield and Ollie Wood had to settle for silver in the men’s team pursuit, with hosts Denmark pipping them to gold.

Great Britain started positively and held the lead at the 1000m

meaning Sunday’s final will be the first in either white-ball format without Australia or England involved.

Reacting to the win, South African cricket writer Firdose Moonda told BBC Radio 5 Live: “We have had an incredible 18 months of sport in South Africa.

“We are a country with very little financial resource, compared to others like Australia for example, and we are a country punching so far above its weight, while being one of the most diverse teams and unifying South Africa.

“Many people survive on hope alone in our country and these

women have brought so much hope.”

BRILLIANT BOSCH STUNS

THE WORLD’S BEST

After being put in to bat, Australia did not carry the usual swagger and confidence expected from the six-time winners of this tournament.

In fact, they were timid, only hitting 11 boundaries in total. That is despite the enviable batting depth that they possess which often results in them playing with much more freedom than other teams who tend to be protecting fragile, inexperienced middle orders.

Harris and Wareham’s early departures did not feel overly worrying, with the likes of Perry, Litchfield, McGrath and Ash Gardner to come - but with each over that passed by without an acceleration, there was a sense that such a kickstart would never appear.

In the end, being five wickets down felt like a big waste with the destructive Gardner and Annabel Sutherland left waiting in the dugout.

And they were punished for such caution as South Africa’s innings was a complete contradiction.

Wolvaardt timed the ball beautifully from the outset with her trademark exquisite cover drives but Bosch’s knock was a spectacle.

Against England in the group stage, the 31-year-old stuttered to 18 from 26 balls and did not look the part at three, but against the world’s most formidable force she struck the ball with such clarity and power in a manner that we had yet to see in this tournament. It is the highest individual score so far, and for that to be delivered under the most pressure and against such a high-quality opponent was astonishing - and the ease of South Africa’s victory was such that Marizanne Kapp was not required to bat.

Australia did not do too much wrong with the ball as Bosch did not even offer a chance, but they will rue their lack of ambition with the bat as they allowed South Africa to take one step closer to their first global title. (BBC)

mark but Denmark, who lost the bronze-medal final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, came back fighting with a home crowd firmly behind them.

Danish quartet Tobias Aagaard Hansen, Carl-Frederik Bevort, Niklas Larsen and Frederik Rodenberg Madsen edged in front just as both teams dropped to three riders and went on to retain their

advantage until the line.

“It was a wall of noise out there,” Charlton said.

“We didn’t have the home crowd, it does make a bit of a difference but we fancied our chances.

“We were doing good things on the rounds and we pushed them close on their home track. We made them nervous for a bit by keeping it close throughout.”

Meanwhile, Great Britain’s Harry Ledingham-Horn finished fourth in the men’s keirin, with Japan’s Kento Yamasaki taking gold.

There was further success for Japan in the men’s scratch race as Kazushige Kuboki won gold, with Noah Hobbs of Great Britain in sixth.

Great Britain have won World Championship gold in the women’s team pursuit on eight occasions

Minister Taylor hosts sport delegates from CANOC and Commonwealth Sports National

Minister responsible for sport, Hon Rachel Taylor, hosted a delegation of high-level sporting officials from around the world at a cocktail evening on Tuesday, October 15th.

Turks and Caicos Islands was selected as the host country for the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) XI Workshop and XXII General

Assembly, and Commonwealth Sport 2024 Americas & Caribbean Regional Meeting. These meetings have drawn in over 33 delegates to discuss important topics and inform decisions in sport.

The cocktail event which took place at South Bank Marina, was a special evening under the stars. In addition to Commonwealth Sport and CANOC

delegates, local and international sport representatives were present. Graceway Communities and South Bank Marina supported the event.

At this event, Minister Taylor said that it was “a great honour to host such a distinguished gathering of leaders in sport, development, and global athletic excellence. We welcome CANOC’s President

Keith Joseph and Commonwealth Games Association President, Chris Jenkins to our beautiful by nature shores. This is a testament to the shared values that bind us— commitment to excellence, unity, and the transformative power of sport. A huge thank you to the TCI Commonwealth Games Association under the leadership of President

Godfrey Been and his amazing team for spearheading these events and ensuring that our guests are well taken care of and our country is well represented. As a country, we will leverage our natural beauty and strategic location for the further development of sport tourism. We view this as a growing sector within the region.”

‘He could be the next great’ - meet the 14-yearold TCI international keeper Sammy Harvey

The thoughts of most 14-year-olds will be on getting their homework done, or playing video games with friends.

But for Sammy Harvey, that was the age he was making his international debut.

The teenage goalkeeper started for the Turks and Caicos Islands last month in their Concacaf Nations League match against Anguilla - whose starting goalkeeper in contrast was 41.

Unfortunately for Harvey that game ended in a 2-0 defeat, but his team-mates have the chance to gain revenge when the two sides meet again on Sunday (03:00 BST).

“After the first game, I did cry, knowing that my first game was a loss,” Harvey told BBC World Service Sport.

“[My coach] called me that same night to help me get my head back in it and get my head back up, and I was ready.

“I let it sink in knowing that, yes, I did play international level at 14 with a great experience. Let’s get ready for the next one to go

Sammy

Harvey

again and prove to them that I can play at this level.”

Harvey says his footballing hero is his national team coach, Aaron Lawrence, who played in goal for Jamaica at the 1998 World Cup.

“I’ve watched a lot of his highlights from the World Cup days,” adds Harvey, who says he also admires Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and Manchester City’s Ederson.

The teenager says it was his sister who first got him into football at the age of five, but initially he did not play as a goalkeeper.

“I started off as a left and rightback,” he said. “But when coach Aaron joined the programme I was on, his first days there, he put me in a goal and worked on me, my first ever goalkeeper coach.”

Harvey following in footsteps of other youngsters Incredibly, Harvey’s achievement for the Turks and Caicos Islands is not unique.

He is the third 14 year-old to play for them after Christopher Louisy and Watson Jean-Louis, who are both now 19.

“Christopher knew I was going to play for the team because he was actually in that line-up,” Harvey added.

“We also played under-20s together, and we trained together a lot. So he had confidence in me. He knew I was ready. He just told me, don’t let it get to my head.

“And Watson, he wished me good luck. [It’s nice to know] that I have people to back me up, and to follow in their footsteps.”

Why are so many young players making their debuts?

For Turks and Caicos Islands coach Lawrence, the creation of the Concacaf Nations League six years ago provided the opportunity to give younger players the chance of senior football.

Lawrence says the competition provides more regular international games in which players coming through can be tested competitively, aiding their development.

He said: “[Turks and Caicos is] really a small island, and some of the older ones that were in college couldn’t get a chance to come to

perform - and have stopped playing and started to work - because they haven’t seen the way forward with football.

“We’re trying in the development stage, and this is what we’re doing for these kids to help them to grow and hope that these young ones can maintain [their interest] and stay in football for a long period.

“These players will have something to look forward to and to play for, and something to really go out there and achieve.”

WHAT COULD FUTURE HOLD FOR HARVEY?

While Harvey’s debut did not go to plan with two goals conceded, he has plenty of time to develop.

A big Liverpool fan, his dream is to one day play for the Reds, and Lawrence sees no reason why he cannot ultimately go all the way.

Asked about his best qualities, he said: “His catching ability, quick reflexes and leaving the line.

“I think he has most of the qualities that a great goalkeeper has for the Premier League.” (BBC)

L-R: Director of Windward Development Company Ltd, Kyle Smith; Edith Cox Commonwealth Games Association TCI, Minister with responsibility for sports, Hon Rachel Taylor and General Manager South Bank Resort, Atilla Cimsit

Delegates from Commonwealth Sport and CANOC enjoying the evening

Sports National

ALGTHS and CHHS flawless into TCISS Inter-High football semis

Defending male champions, A. Louise Garland Thomas High School (ALGTHS) and the Clement Howell High School female team marched into the semi-final of the TCISS Inter-High School Football competition with flawless records.

ALGTHS stomped their authority on the competition with four consecutive wins, including a 4-0 victory against MBHS, which pushed them to 12 points. Wildony Charles and Herwens Guerrier

combined for all the goals in that clash. Guerrier scored in the 31st and 40th minutes and assisted Charles’s first goal in the 13th minute. Charles sealed the win in the 50th minute with a solo goal.

Elite High School are second place in Group B on nine points, while HJ Robinson are third on six points and Raymond Gardiner High fourth on three points. The top two teams have advanced.

In Group A, Maranatha Academy and CHHS Boys are tied on nine

points each, but the former has a superior goal difference. TCIPS and Wesley Methodist are third and fourth with six points each.

In the semi-final this weekend, ALGTHS will clash with CHHS, while Maranatha will meet Elite.

FEMALE BATTLE

CHHS won all three of their games to finish on nine points. In a battle for the top of Group A and the division, they defeated ALGTHS Girls 2-1.

In that game, Kryssan Williams

opened the scoring in the 11th minute via a Yuliandri Duran assist, before Wandelis Medina drew the game even in the 17th minute of play via a Winzaria Lerfrance’s assist. Thamara Louis however carried the side ahead in the 22nd minute, shortly after Williams was red-carded.

ALGTHS are second on nine points with Wesley Methodist High School third on three points.

In Group B, the British West Indies Collegiate are ahead with seven

points with HJ Robinson in second place on five points and defending female champions Marjorie Basden High in third on fourth points.

HJ registered the biggest win of the week with a 10-1 win over Elite. Edna Jeanty scored five goals, including the first two and made three assists. Azaria Brooks supported with three goals and Asia Williams with a pair.

In the female semis, CHHS will meet HJ Robinson with BWIC and ALGTHS battling in the other clash.

Clement Howell High School won all three of their games in the preliminary round

HJ Robinson girls have momentum on their side going into the semis

ALGTHS are favourites for this year’s title

Football action in the latest week of play