TC Weekly News October 7 - 13, 2023

Outgoing Commissioner Trevor Botting sets Skippings “straight”

BY DELANA ISLES

Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting has responded to accusations made by Oswald Skippings during an interview, stating that the former chief minister has his facts wrong.

Last week, Weekly News published statements made by Skippings during an interview where he was asked for his opinion on the crime situation and what measures he would suggest to restore the TCI to a truly safe destination.

On Monday, October 2, the

says he did not damage the RTCIPF

Commissioner – who Skippings accused, along with the former Governor, of deliberately destabilising the TCI – responded to the former chief minister’s claims about his performance at the helm of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

Botting took particular issue with Skippings’ claim regarding the purchase of an aircraft in 2019 that saw the TCI losing a substantial amount of money

due to it being the wrong aircraft purchased and the dismantling of the Police Airwing Unit.

In his response to Skippings, the Commissioner stated: “With respect to the RTCIPF Airwing, when I assumed the role of Commissioner, I undertook a review of the regulatory structure of the RTCIPF Airwing and found that it did not comply with local and international regulations and further funding was required to modernise the structure and bring the Unit in line with international and national requirements.

“The funding has taken time to be put in place, along with the recruitment of additional staff to meet the requirements and work is underway now, with the Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Aviation Authority regulator, to apply for the Air Operators Certificate.”

He added that while Skippings “suggests that I tried to 'frustrate and fire' staff from the RTCIPF Airwing, this is simply not the case, and the staff that were in place when I took over as the Commissioner, remain in place today”.

Commissioner sought to correct the record.

The record shows that Botting was Deputy Commissioner at the time the aircraft was purchased. Also, the former Chief Minister in the published article did not say nor infer that Botting headed the RTCIPF when the aircraft was purchased.

In his statement, Botting explained why the aircraft was sold, stating: “It is true that having undertaken a review of the requirements for air support I sought the approval of the then Premier and Governor to sell this asset that was not required for the TCI, it was simply the wrong aircraft to deal with the threats we faced. This was the prudent thing to do.”

The controversial plane was bought in mid-2019 for $2.7m, and sold in 2021 for $1.9 m, causing the TCI a loss of $800,000. However, after being bought the aircraft remained in the United States, and substantial amounts of money was spent to insure and store it.

was not in place when I took over as the Commissioner of Police and an officer has now been assigned to Salt Cay.

“The police station on Salt Cay, apparently 'dismantled' according to Mr Skippings, had been 'mothballed' many years ago and long before I took up my post.”

While Botting was the Deputy Commissioner and not the Commissioner at the time the police presence was removed from Salt Cay, the reasons given for that move by the then Police Commissioner James Smith was that of a “needs and risks” situation.

In an invited comment from our publication in 2018, Smith responded: “The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force continues to regularly review the deployment of officers around the country based on needs and risks.

“Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma, when the officer there was displaced back to Grand Turk, we took the opportunity to review that further deployment.”

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Botting said the objective was to add additional staff, which has been done, “we are now in a strong position to obtain our Air Operators Certificate”.

“Mr Skippings also suggests that it was during my and Nigel Dakin's tenure that an aircraft was purchased. Again, this is not the case as that aircraft was purchased by my predecessor,” the

These details were revealed by Botting when questioned during a meeting of the Appropriations Committee in 2021.

POLICE PRESENCE

Commissioner Botting also wants the former chief minister to know that he was not the commissioner of police when the Salt Cay police station was dismantled in 2018.

He asserted: “With regards to a police presence on Salt Cay, this

That further deployment took several years – long after Botting’s assumption of the top post - when in May 2023, the family island finally saw the return of a police officer in the person of Police Constable Stanley Been Jr.

Commissioner Botting said the force is now actively working to have a police presence on Middle Caicos, as that island also had no police presence when he assumed his post.

“We are now actively working with the Government to identify a

Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting

A photo of the kind of plane bought by the RTCIPF that is still stirring controversy (stock image)

TCI’s safety paramount to UK –

Minister for Overseas Territories

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In light of the ongoing high levels of irregular migration and the proliferation of gang violence in the TCI, UK Minister for Overseas Territories, David Rutley, MP, visited the territory to emphasise the UK’s continued commitment to providing security measures and resources to protect residents.

Minister Rutley arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands, on Sunday, October 1, 2023, for a three-day visit with a key focus on national security and to learn more about some of the acute pressures facing the Turks and Caicos Islands from irregular migration and violent crime.

In a statement from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, said: “The safety of residents in Turks and Caicos has always been of paramount importance to the UK government.

During his visit, the Minister

held meetings with the Premier and Governor to reiterate “UK’s support for reducing the ongoing gang violence”.

Minister Rutley’s visit to the Turks and Caicos Island, marked his first visit to an Overseas Territory.

As part of his efforts to better understand the unique challenges facing the various arms of national security, MP Rutley started his first full day in the TCI with a visit to the Maritime Branch.

Accompanied by Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick and Minister of Immigration Hon Arlington Musgrove, the UK Minister boarded the RTCIPF maritime vessel to the South Dock Port, where he met the marine officers who lead interception operations and received a briefing from border security leads on the process for landing migrants following interceptions.

Additionally, the MP visited the Radar and Maritime Operations

Centre, where he discussed multiagency operations to further develop marine domain awareness.

According to brief updates from the Governor’s official Facebook page, the UK Minister also received presentations from the RTCIPF and the Informal Settlements Unit on multi-agency operations and strategic plans to tackle the security challenges facing TCI during a meeting with the National Security Council.

Along with these discussions, the Governor and the Premier joined MP Rutley for constructive talks with US and Canadian partners on shared threats in the region and the consequential impact on TCI.

They discussed the strong collaboration with TCI law enforcement agencies, they thanked partners for their ongoing support and the need for continued engagement and coordinated efforts in tackling shared threats,

the brief statement explained.

Further, the UK Minister visited Five Cays and Dockyard with the RTCIPF Tactical Unit and met with officers who are on the front lines of policing operations in the territory.

MP Rutley also had the opportunity to meet and thank Bahamian police officers who are supporting our operational response.

His second day in the Turks and Caicos Islands kicked off with a bilateral meeting with the Premier on a range of issues, including security challenges, investment, opportunities for growth, and constitutional reform.

The Governor and the Minister for Home Affairs, Hon Otis Morris accompanied the MP to Grand Turk on a visit to His Majesty's Prison.

MP Rutley toured the wings to speak to prisoners and see recent

developments including the prison farm and saw for himself how it is a shining example of community outreach and an important way to upskill inmates and support rehabilitation.

In the afternoon, he met the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Edwin Astwood, followed by a tour of the National Museum to learn about TCI's rich culture and history.

He also visited the Centre of Hope, the first designated mental health facility in the Turks and Caicos Islands, to meet the dedicated team and learn about the strides they are making to develop mental health support services across TCI.

On return to Providenciales, the UK Minister met members of the TCI Regiment to learn about its development over the last two

MP Rutley, Governor, Premier and minister of Border Control visited Five Cays and Dockyard with the RTCIPF Tactical Unit

The UK Minister joined the Governor and the Premier for talks with US and Canadian partners

UK Minister and TCI leaders board the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) UH60 Blackhawk helicopter for an aerial tour across Providenciales

THE AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT CHARGE BILL

The Airport Development Charge Bill 2023 was passed in the House of Assembly last week, ensuring that when airports in the sister islands become international ports, they will be able to tax passengers the $35 departure fee that is already in place at the Providenciales International Airport.

Presenting the bill for its second reading, Minister of Border Services, Hon Arlington Musgrove explained that the bill amends the Ordinance to provide for the collection of an airport development charge in respect of every passenger, other than a child under the age of two departing from an airport under the management and control of the TCI Airport Authority for a destination outside of the TCI.

The minister has assured residents that the charge is not for domestic travel, rather it is a charge for persons travelling abroad. The effect of the bill is to allow for there to be such a charge at every airport in the TCI, for the purpose of their continued development, the minister said.

It is also to pre-empt the success of allowing international airlift into Grand Turk, South Caicos, North Caicos and every airport in the Islands.

At present, the development charge is only collected for international departure at the Providenciales International Airport and the use of the funds is restricted from developing the airports in the outer islands. The minister added that the aim is to take a pragmatic approach: We wish to treat the use of the funds for the coverage of all airports in the Turks and Caicos Islands under the control of the airport authority, and by doing so ensure there is a pool of funds dedicated without discrimination to the ongoing development.

Musgrove further explained that the departure tax (by which it is commonly known) that is already being collected at the Providenciales Airport could not have been used for the other airports, hence the bringing of the bill. He said the money that is collected for the Providenciales Airport, can now, with the passage of the bill, be used to service and maintain the other airports. What are your thoughts?

A glorified scam

This belated piece of legislation, halfway through a financial year, fumbled after the budget is passed, comes across as a glorified scam. The Minister’s promotion of the law is too heavily placed, too much lofty and “sweet talk” and indeed “too good to be true. The law he says, seeks to assure “residents that the charge is not for domestic travel, rather it is a charge for persons travelling abroad.

The effect of the bill is to allow for there to be such a charge at every airport in the TCI, for the purpose of their continued development, the minister said. It is also to pre-empt the success of allowing international airlift into Grand Turk, South Caicos, North Caicos and every airport in the Islands. At present, the development

charge is only collected for international departure at the Providenciales International Airport and the use of the funds is restricted from developing the airports in the outer islands, the minister said.

Maybe the Premier ought to have defended the Bill because coming from this junior minister, it “makes no sense”. To borrow a basketball analogy, he “fumbled the ball”. The numbers cannot and do not add up. There is not enough international air travel between the family islands of North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Grand Turk and Salt Cay to justify the measure. At best seeking to collect $35 for flights originating out of the family islands, onto “international travel” will create a highly expensive, inefficient, tax collecting exercise.

The government will pay out more to collect the $35 than anything they are

likely to collect. In sum, it is “stupidity on steroids” and will only deter tourism traffic to the family islands. These gimmicks are a joke, cannot work and they expose a failed budgetary exercise as underscored by the Leader of the PDM Opposition, Hon Edwin Astwood. Maybe if they budgeted more for the islands, placed greater infrastructure investment on the various islands, encourage local development on the islands, the newly created traffic would create the kind of revenue needed to spur airport and tourism-related developmentin the short and long- terms. After 47 years of ministerial government, the people need better than this. They seem bent on making the same mistakes again.

A government that is losing its way

They are beginning to sound like the UK’s lost, outgoing and hapless Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, whose Conservative Party, has developed a knack for making the people pay for the government’s mistakes through higher taxes. Each time this PNP Government commits a serial blunder, they come back with another measure of taxation. In like measure, the ill-conceived Destination Management Organisation (DMO) came at the expense of the Tourist Board and to fund it, another $10 was introduced to enter an already expensive TCI jurisdiction.

They clearly do not have a plan and they are making it up as they go along. None of it can be defended by any of them in government. There will soon come a time when elected ministers and MPS, who want to replace this minister, this premier, 'stay alive politically" must step up, call them out and refuse to support these utterly ridiculous measures which are coming at the expense of the people and the survival of the economy.

The people are already paying over $100m to go after two convictions. Money wasted. Now they are coming up with another measure, which should be deemed Dead on Arrival (DoA), if government MPS and ministers decide that they are not there for the salary and for the welfare of the people. This is the kind of bad policy that 14 elected MPs and one appointed one, are voting for. Why not budget for international upgrades to the runways and terminal buildings of the family islands?

Start with North Caicos and Middle Caicos as Grand Turk and South Caicos

already have something to call an airport. Repeal this tax, as it does not make any sense.

Looks good

Looks good to me. Our airports are terrible. Let's hope this helps.

Bad narrative

The minister, “said the money that is collected for the Providenciales Airport can now with the passage of the bill be used to service and maintain the other airports”.

So, what was it that was maintaining the airports before now ill-planned piece of legislation?

Weren’t all previous governments already taxing the people and using that money to take care of the airports, without ‘double taxing them again? Why not create an investment fund, Hon minister? Sell airport shares to the public, let the people own the airport system, project an annual dividend and as the economy and airports grow, the people profit.

Sell some of the shares to the Sovereign Wealth Fund and create another avenue for the people to benefit. Taxing international travel is really taxation on top of existing taxes because the airport system is already the product of taxation.

It is time you give the people a direct say in their public assets. Likewise, the DMO should have been made ‘public’ so that people of the TCI could invest in it and earn an annual profit. Taxation in any form is a bad and incompetent idea from politicians without ideas. New tax measures in the middle of a financial year, indicate that, you the government, have lost the “script” and your budgetary numbers are not adding up. Tourism in the TCI, in recent years, has been huge, the seasons are year-round, and you are projecting $400m in revenues but somehow, you are running out of steam to the finish line.

TCI’s safety paramount to UK

CONTINUED FROM  4

years and its critical participation in multi-agency operation security and disaster management operations.

On his final day in the territory, MP Rutley explored one of TCI’s hydroponic container farms, whilst meeting the Minister of Education, the Minister of Tourism and two youth environment ambassadors.

MP Rutley later met Her Excellency the Governor, the Honourable Premier and the Minister for Immigration, on board the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) UH60 Blackhawk helicopter for an aerial tour across Providenciales to learn more about the challenges of tacking threats.

Outgoing Commissioner Trevor Botting ...

police station and return a police presence to Middle Caicos after many years of there not being an officer dedicated to Island.”

He has also separated himself from another controversial police closure – this time that of the Five Cays Police Station – closed during Smith’s tenure.

However, Botting admits to the closure of the Blue Hills Police post under his tenure, because “data showed a very low number of visitors on a daily basis”.

Both Five Cays and Blue Hills are – as Skippings pointed out –high crime areas that have not had police presence within the communities for several years, despite the spiralling crime situation.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner did announce that a new Mobile Police Control Vehicle or Community Post will be delivered in early 2024.

He said: “This vehicle will allow a dedicated and highly visible presence across our communities with the police officers and the office going to our communities rather than communities having to come to a static police post.”

Botting also took issue with

Skippings' assertion that the RTCIPF Marine Branch in Grand Turk was totally dismantled.

“This is wholly inaccurate as the Marine Branch has been completely refurbished and the base will open fully once a vessel is available and the 12 new staff for the Marine Branch that are actively being recruited are in post,” Botting asserted.

However, the Commissioner said he does understand the frustration with how long this has taken.

“The demands placed upon the Marine Branch team on Providenciales through the maritime threats that affect this Island have impacted the timeframe to have the Marine Branch Team fully functioning on Grand Turk. It is coming and coming soon,” he added.

RECRUITMENT

In terms of the recruitment of police officers, Botting said during his tenure, they have recruited some 50 officers who are from the TCI or who have status on the Islands.

He said that given the relatively small size of the population, and the need to have specialist policing capability,

they have sought experienced officers from overseas, mainly from the Caribbean region.

“These experienced officers complement the excellent young people who are joining the Force from the TCI, and we should be grateful for the work they undertake to serve the people of the TCI rather than seeking to criticise those who have chosen public service as their vocation.

“The future for these young people in their chosen career is very bright indeed and I would urge Mr. Skippings to add his support and encouragement to them rather than providing commentary that is inaccurate.”

He said during his tenure, he has sought every opportunity to develop, encourage and promote local people.

“I am very proud of my force executive colleagues whom I have been privileged to work with. We have built a strong executive leadership team with all of the officers, Mr Adams, Mr Grant, and Mr Williams, being promoted under my tenure.

“Indeed, Mr Adams and Mr Grant have attended and passed the prestigious Strategic Command Course in the UK, a course that all UK Chief Police

Officers have to pass attend and pass to allow them to become a chief officer.

“These are the first senior police officers from the TCI to attend this course and we are all rightly proud of their achievement,” Botting said.

He lists the development and promotion of local officers to the ranks of superintendent, assistant superintendent, inspector, and sergeant, stating that it was easy to invest in local officers given the depth of talent that exists in the force.

“My plea is for politicians, communities, community leaders, and the media to actively support and encourage officers as they work to keep the people of the TCI safe and secure.”

The Commissioner added: “I do agree with Mr Skippings that the force needs to continue to grow to meet the shifting and ever-more complex demands of policing.

“As an aside, I would also fully support the increase in the capacity of our colleagues in immigration who work extraordinarily hard alongside police colleagues in response to the National Security threats that the TCI faces.”

CONTINUED FROM  4

NO DAMAGE DONE

Commissioner Botting further asserted that rather than “damaging” the police force as Skippings alleged, he is leaving it in good shape.

“Rather than the police force being damaged by me as their Commissioner, it is firmly my view that the force is in good shape to meet the demands placed on it and the men and women of the RTCIPF deserve everyone's full support for the excellent work they do.

“We do not of course get things right every time, no one does, but the force is growing in its capability and capacity and local people are at the heart of this growth and increased confidence.”

In a final word on the allegations made by the former chief minister, Botting has urged the whole of TCI to throw their support behind the officers of the RTCIPF.

“As I demit office, I would ask the community and all stakeholders and partners to support and encourage all police officers, including my successor, no matter where they were born but who choose a life of service to the people of the TCI.”

The UK Minister met members of the National Security Council

MP Rutley and Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam met members of the TCI Regiment

MP Rutley, Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Hon Misick visited the Radar Centre

TCI sees stark increase in domestic violence for 2023

– Gender Affairs Dept reports

October is Domestic Violence

Awareness month worldwide, and this October the Gender Affairs Department has some startling news on the state of intimate partner relationships within the territory.

A stark increase in reports of domestic disputes were received by the department this year: “To illustrate, in 2020, we received nine reports; in 2021, that number surged to 32 reports; in 2022, it decreased to 17.

“Regrettably, in 2023, our department has already received nearly 50 reports, indicating a concerning upward trend based on reported cases.”

The department noted: “While we acknowledge the impactful efforts made by the Department of Gender Affairs and our fellow stakeholders, it is evident that

and usually escalate in frequency and severity” – United Nations (stock photo)

much work remains. Each year, numerous women and men in the Turks and Caicos experience some form of domestic abuse.”

In an effort to reach every corner of TCI this month, the

Suspected gang member

Department said it will be actively disseminating content aimed at increasing awareness and educating the public about the intricate dynamics of domestic violence.

“Draco”

Charged under Anti-Gang Legislation

BY OLIVIA ROSE

As the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to grapple with disturbing and unprecedented levels of gang crime, Woody Vincent Jean Baptiste alias “DRACO” of Dock Yard, Providenciales, has made history as the first suspected gang member to be formally charged by members of the Anti-Gang and Drugs Unit.

The 24-year-old male of Dock Yard, Providenciales appeared before a Magistrate on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, charged with offences under the Anti-Gang Ordinance.

According to a statement from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), Baptiste was charged on October 1, 2023, under the anti-gang legislation implemented in November 2022 to dismantle the growing gang culture fuelling increasingly violent and deadly crimes in the Turks and

Caicos Islands.

The charges against Mr Baptiste are:

1) Gang Membership, Contrary to Section 4(1) (b) of the AntiGang Ordinance;

2) Possession of an Imitation Firearm, Contrary to Section 22 (1) of the Firearms Ordinance.

The RTCIPF in its statement said Mr Baptiste was remanded into custody until December 01st for a sufficiency hearing.

“The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on August 02nd, 2023.

“Police reports state, that at around 3.11 pm, the Police Command Centre received a call about a group of men armed with firearms shooting at a location in Dock Yard.

“Based on the information given, police officers were dispatched to the location.

“Following intensive investigations shortly after

the incident, Mr Baptiste was arrested”, the RTCIPF said.

Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting commenting on the matter said: “This is the first charge under the Anti-Gang Ordinance (2022) and it will not be the last.

This legislation was introduced through collaboration with the RTCIPF and the TCI government in response to the rise in serious crime and related gang activity along with 11 other national security-related Bills.

“We will continue to explore other legislation to allow Law Enforcement Officers to tackle serious crime and those criminals who seek to cause harm to our communities. I wish to commend my officers for their continued tireless work in making the TCI safe,” the Commissioner added.

The Anti-gang Bill 2022 laws make it a criminal offence for anyone living in the Turks and Caicos Islands to be in or become

Providenciales, please do not fret. We are bringing our educational caravan to you. Stay tuned to the media and engage with your District Commissioner to learn when our educational team will be visiting your area.”

The Department stated that in the face of persistent domestic violence within the TCI, they remain steadfast in their commitment to ensuring that all survivors have access to justice and the necessary support for their healing and well-being.

Domestic violence can inflict injuries, fear, post-traumatic stress disorder, housing instability, absenteeism from school or work, and numerous other devastating consequences.

The month will commence with a church service at Saint Monica’s Anglican Church in Providenciales.

“For our residents in the family islands who may have questions but cannot travel to

Historically marginalised groups, including persons with disabilities, immigrants, and individuals from racial and ethnic minorities, often experience some of the highest rates of domestic and sexual violence. They also face additional barriers to safety and support.

This year’s theme for the month

CONTINUED  9

a member of a gang or to harbour, conceal or recruit gang members.

This offence carries a penalty of 10 years imprisonment for a first conviction and a penalty of 20 years imprisonment for any subsequent convictions, while a

gang leader would be liable to imprisonment for 25 years.

It is also an offence to be in possession of a bullet-proof vest, to participate in or contribute to activities of a gang or to support or invite support for a gang.

Woody Vincent Jean Baptiste alias “DRACO” ( RTCIPF Photo)

“Domestic abuse can be mental, physical, economic or sexual in nature. Incidents are rarely isolated,

“Irresponsible and illegal” – DP says TOLCO’s borrowers' list will not be published

BY OLIVIA ROSE

Publicising a list of names detailing who benefitted from the Government’s $10.5m write-off for TC Invest/TOLCO loans would be a “highly irresponsible and possibly illegal” thing for the TCI Government to do.

These sentiments were recently expressed by Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Investment and Trade Hon Erwin ‘Jay’ Saunders.

Following a historic move by the TCI government to write off a staggering $10,588,637.41 in loan portfolios for the defunct TC Invest/TOLCO, to lift a massive financial burden off the shoulders of 176 families in the territory, some residents are demanding that the government publishes a list of names to be transparent and to show who benefitted from the debt forgiveness.

However, the Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade, who piloted the motion to completely erase the colossal debt, stressed that the Bill was passed “unanimously” in the House of Assembly and assured residents that there are “checks and balances” in place which ensures that mechanisms exist for preventing or penalising unethical behaviour.

Saunders told the Weekly News: “It would be highly irresponsible

and possibly illegal for us to go and take personal banking information and put it out there because there are some persons who didn't ask for the write-off to happen but they got it and all of a sudden their names are out there.

“Those who want to attack will say it is government money therefore we need to know for transparency…but let’s just say you took a loan with TC/Invest some 10 plus years ago and you were paying it off every month and because the government decided to write the loans off all of a sudden your name is out there in the streets, is that right?”

He continued: “What people want to go and say is who deserves it and who didn't deserve it...the government operates on a policy basis not on an individual basis, we make decisions across a policy”.

In addressing the call for transparency, Saunders stressed that while some might argue that releasing a list is in keeping with the tenets of Freedom of Information, it is imperative for the government to approach certain matters with sensitivity to ensure people’s rights are protected.

He said: “People talk about Freedom of Information, take for instance in the United States some documents are confidential with a clear sensitive time when information will be made available

to the public, some documents have to be declassified years later, there are times when the documents are made public and parts are redacted.”

SYSTEMATIC AID

Some residents took to social media and reached out to the Weekly News to question whether the government would be looking to offer similar financial relief in the form of write-offs for borrowers from other financial institutions.

Saunders explained that the forgiveness for the TC Invest/ TOLCO loans stemmed from years of futile attempts to collect the outstanding debt.

He underscored that the government has over the years systematically rolled out and implemented several forms of relief in the form of concessions, stimuluses, subsidies, and writeoffs to benefit the population as a whole, directly and indirectly.

He said: “There are pockets of people that will benefit from a particular thing, sometimes you may do something for the youth, and then older people wouldn't get.

“ So what we have to do is systematically target sections of the society that are vulnerable, and later on you’ll realise that you've touched 70-80% of the people, but you're not going to do it in go.

“You're going to have to say

okay, how can I help? There's a hurricane, who are the most vulnerable, the most vulnerable over here, so the people with houses that need their roofs fix right away, etc. but it doesn't mean that other people don't need help.”

In 1997, some 26 years ago, TC Invest, a statutory body, started offering loans for mortgages and student loans.

However, in October 2012, TC Invest was dissolved, and the loan portfolio, with a value of $17,511,794.65 was absolved by the government.

The loan portfolio was later divided into two groups – a performing loan portfolio, which consisted of loans that the borrowers were making regular payments on; and a non-performing loan portfolio, which consisted of loans that the borrowers were making irregular payments on.

The non-performing loan

portfolio was later sold to TOLCO for $0.00, in exchange for a 60/40% split (60% for TOLCO and 40% for the TCIG) on all monies collected.

In May 2017, the agreement between TOLCO and TCIG was dissolved, and the government of the day repurchased the nonperforming loan portfolio from TOLCO for $1.36m.

Subsequently, in March 2020 the PNP government wrote off: the unpaid interest on the combined portfolios, which totalled $8.15m; as well as $193,200 in unsecured loans, and a moratorium on interest was then put in place for the period April 2020 to September 2020.

The final write-off of the remaining $10,588,637.41 was passed in the House of Assembly on Thursday, September 14, 2023.

The controversial investment company was closed in 2012 under the interim British Administration.

TCI sees stark increase ...

is ‘Everyone Knows Someone’, a theme that seeks to shed light on the pervasive nature of domestic violence and emphasises that its manifestations go beyond physical harm.

Residents are encouraged to wear something purple to show their solidarity with survivors this month, particularly on Fridays for 'Purple Fridays'.

The colour purple symbolises solidarity with survivors and commitment to standing up and speaking out against domestic violence.

The United Nations outlines

that domestic abuse, also called "domestic violence" or "intimate partner violence", can be defined as a pattern of behaviour in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person.

This includes any behaviours that frighten, intimidate, terrorise, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone.

Domestic abuse can happen

to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together or dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.

Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, faith or class.

Victims of domestic abuse may also include a child or other relative, or any other household member.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Investment and Trade Hon Erwin ‘Jay’ Saunders

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

Don’t act impulsively: there is more than one side to a story

Every day, we hear a story about something or someone and many times we tend to believe the first person to tell the story. Proverbs 18:17 states “The one who states his case first seems right until the other comes and examines him”.

There is a particular incident that happened recently, and one side of the story was presented. However, many people responded to what was presented and believed it, but the story presented was very misleading. I knew that it was inaccurate because I knew the other side of the story.

There was another incident that was posted on social media, and I liked it and almost commented on it. However, the individual came out and gave their side of the story. I was ashamed because I believed

BY DREXWELL SEYMOUR

what was posted and I had judged that individual.

I believe most people know that there is more than one side to a story, but this article is to remind you to be conscious of your reactions and not act impulsively when you hear something.

Listening to one side of a story can be very dangerous. It can cause

you to say something that you may later regret and cannot even take back. It can also cause you to misjudge others and dislike others. It can also cause you to treat people differently. You did not hear all sides of the story but based on what you heard, your attitude and actions toward others were negative. You can even jeopardise a relationship

because of a one-sided story.

Sometimes some people are so impulsive that they spread that story to others until it appears to be true, especially if the person who the story is about remains quiet. However, when the truth comes out, your credibility is questioned. It has been established that there are at least two sides to a story. Therefore, if you are really interested in all sides of the story, find out from the relevant sources about the other sides of the story. Sometimes it is best not to get involved or be a part of the story if it does not involve you.

In the bible, there is a story about two mothers who had infant sons but one of the sons died. Now each woman claimed that the baby that lived was theirs. King Solomon

proposed that the baby be cut in half and each woman gets half. The mother whose baby died supported that proposal. However, the real mother suggested to Solomon to give the living baby to the other woman rather than killing the baby. Solomon was able to decide to whom the baby should go to. Now if he had listened to the first mother, that child would have been killed and not be alive with his biological mom.

I conclude with Proverbs 18:31 which states that “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.”

There are so many negative situations in life that can be avoided if we know all sides to the story. Of course, the best thing to do is tell the truth because eventually, the truth will come out.

Why high-rise building is the future of affordable living in the TCI

Providenciales, a city-state with limited land space, sustained economic growth and a rapidly growing population is facing a chronic shortage of reasonably priced housing and rentals.

Inside this minimal land area of 38 square miles, lawmakers must ensure they address the needs of a nation whose population grew exponentially through immigration and from net natural changes of around 50 thousand people to date.

With a soaring tourism sector and a current birth rate of 13.24 births per 1000 people, Providenciales population is expected to grow even further and the challenge

BY D MARKIE SPRING

for policymakers is how to plan for this increase while sustaining economic growth and quality of life, as the nation bolsters its development to fashion a dynamic and distinctive destination.

The answer is crafting and implementing an affordable

housing strategy – fixating on residents with minimum wage jobs, who can’t afford the exorbitant homeownership and rental prices.

Instead, of the opulent mansions and the modern British colonialstyle hotels, found throughout Leeward and Grace Bay, the government must ensure that low-level income earners and their families are provided with affordable living.

To achieve this feat, we believe that policymakers should explore the realities of high-rise accommodations – a popular vertical community that offers unique perspectives, a range of benefits and a lifestyle, which is different from traditional low-rise buildings.

A significant advantage of high-rise buildings is the efficient use of urban space, which houses many people in a relatively small

footprint.

Moreover, it presents a greater sense of community, social interaction, and camaraderie, which is owing to shared amenities, such as pools, and playgrounds.

But minimal productivity, income and savings are regarded as primary causes of underdevelopment and social researchers observed, in the developing world there is little capacity to save – resulting from the low level of real income, which mirrors low productivity and lack of capital.

Furthermore, this housing policy can mitigate the current disproportionate burden. Too, the situation will become worse as the TCI experience rapid economic growth and population spikes –pushing demand for living spaces upwards.

Additionally, housing projects could expand homeownership, which endows households with financial advantages, such as building wealth through home equity and access to lower-cost capital for start-ups.

And higher ownership is ideal for the fiscal health of communities with endless potential to reinvent savings and domestic financial mobilisation, through home-based

enterprises (HBE) – a phenomenon, which forges financial development and is prevalent among women worldwide.

Lawmakers should know, that although the construction of housing projects is not a prominent feature of the TCI national economic growth strategy – the sector has contributed tremendously to GDPs across global economies and served as a catalyst for investment in other sectors.

This suggests that the sector would create a multiplier effect, boosting employment and in the interim, would demand more skilled workers; hence, more money cycling through communities, which would allow local businesses to thrive.

Lawmakers must recognise too, the link between housing and health. Likely, the housing policy is shaped by various considerations, such as overcrowding, location and living conditions, which posit significant direct and indirect threats to the physical and mental health of individuals in society. Therefore, strong government intervention is needed, along with a comprehensive housing policy framework and large-scale investments.

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.

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.

Navigating a world where honesty seems scarce

We live in a world where honesty often appears to be in short supply. This is not new, since sin entered the world deceit and dishonesty have been the norm. Psalm 12, attributed to King David, paints a vivid picture of a society grappling with deceit, flattery, and moral decay.

THE CRY FOR HELP

Psalm 12 opens with a poignant cry to the Lord for assistance: "Help, O LORD, for the godly are fast disappearing!" We often think that it is only in the realm of politics that deceit reigns, but the truth is that it is pervasive. David begins by highlighting this fact. He is lamenting the scarcity of the faithful and the proliferation of deceit among people. When truth is elusive, this cry for help reflects the deep yearning for integrity and righteousness in all spheres of life.

KENYATTA E. LEWIS

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

DECEITFUL LIPS AND FLATTERING HEARTS

The psalmist vividly portrays a society where neighbours lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts. The words they utter are not a reflection of truth but rather a facade to serve their own interests. In this context, flattery becomes a tool for manipulation, obscuring the reality of deception. This theme is reminiscent of Shakespeare's warning in "Othello" that "men in

rage strike those that wish them best."

THE LORD'S RESPONSE TO DECEIT

Amidst the deceit and moral decay, the psalmist invokes the Lord's intervention. They beseech God to cut off the flattering lips and silence the boastful tongues of those who propagate falsehoods. In response, the Lord expresses His compassion for the helpless and the oppressed. His promises, the psalmist assures

us, are pure, like silver refined in a furnace.

Psalm 12 mirrors the challenges we encounter in a world characterized by misinformation, dishonesty, and moral ambiguity. However, this psalm also offers guidance for navigating this complex landscape.

Seek Truth and Integrity: Psalm 12 reminds us of the enduring value of truth and integrity in a world fraught with deception. In our interactions with others,

we should strive for honesty and transparency, resisting the allure of flattery and deceitful practices. Christ's followers need to remain faithful to godly principles even when faced with moral decay and criticism. Trust in God: Just as David turns to the Lord for deliverance from deceit, we too need to seek God for deliverance from dishonesty and deceit as they are practiced in the workplace or the public space.

Persevere in Hope: Despite the prevalence of deceit and the apparent dominance of the wicked, the psalmist reminds us that the Lord protects the oppressed and preserves hope. This serves as a powerful message to the followers of Jesus. Even in challenging times, they must hold fast to godly values and trust in the ultimate triumph of truth.

Why you shouldn’t wear your heart on your sleeve

The other day, someone criticised me. I must admit, it really hit me hard and left me feeling quite upset, though it was not the first time I've heard this feedback. He pointed out that I tend to keep my thoughts and feelings to myself and that, as a result, makes me emotionally unavailable (emotionally retarded) were in fact his correct words.

Naturally, I denied this accusation, though deep down, I had to consider its validity. What I do know though, is that I refused to be a softball, an emotionalfragile-soup, a pansy, a crybaby and a push-over. There is nothing more unattractive, than an emotional goofball of a man. Whilst you may find it utterly helpful to wear your heart on your sleeve, I particularly want to protect and keep mine at home, in a cool fridge, where it is least likely to be trampled upon.

Here are eight reasons why you should not wear your heart on your sleeve. These may be upsetting to some. Apologies in

BY DAVIDSON LOUIS

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

advance.

SELF-CARE

Self-care or selfish, you name it. It's essential to prioritise selfcare and focus on "your own happiness, peace of mind and contentment”. While this doesn't mean trampling over others, it does mean staying committed to your well-being.

Side effects_ you may upset some people along the way.

all the time. For God-sakes, keep them guessing. Play it hard! Play it cool! Words from you mama.

NICE GUYS FINISH LAST

LESS IS MORE

The less you reveal, the more others may be intrigued and want to know. Sometimes, less is indeed more.

TAKE TIME TO REFLECT

How many times you’ve acted on your emotions and later regretted it. Reflect on your emotions before acting on them. Don't let others dictate when and how you should feel. Address important changes or circumstances in your own time, not according to others' expectations.

There is constant drama around emotional people. Often take and seldom give, they tend to be very needy. They read between the lines and always see the darkest bits in every situation. Who really wants that? I’ve opted out a while ago.

HAPPY EMOTIONS

EMOTIONAL “AGILITY”

NOT FRAGILITY

Don’t be the one who always wants to talk about their feelings

Mr Darcy doesn’t excite_ at least not for long. Guard your feelings and protect yourself. Be a bad boy, if that is what it translates to. You’ll break a few hearts but at least be true to yourself. When you love, love. When you dislike, dislike. Say what you feel once and move on. Please stop dragging your feelings along everywhere you go and to everyone you meet, everyone has their own challenges.

IT IS EXHAUSTING

Yes, it may well affect your relationships and your job, but no one wants to be around an emotional sob. It’s exhausting and sometimes even uncomfortable to be around. You are entitled to your emotions, of course, but do we really need to endure it with you?

That is what the doctor prescribed. Give me a friend who is always happy and who looks for the rainbow in everything. Make me happy when I see you and take me out dancing. Tell me your happy stories and I will laugh. Yes, at times, there will be moments when discussing difficult matters is necessary, but let’s do it over a delightful double-chocolate milkshake with whipped cream on top. Thanks.

Thoughts?

Unrealistic?

Strongly Disagreement? Say your peace. I can take it.

Share your emotions (all of it) at louisedens@gmail.com.

TCI, a prideful nation, but is it helping or hindering?

Whilst it’s great to have self-pride and confidence, it’s easy to take it too far.

Is it time to adjust our mindset and behaviour so that we can reel in self-pride and let go of our ego?

The premise of this article is to spark some needed dialogue on how we as a nation can turn our pride into purpose and become a more balanced and understanding society.

It is my belief that this will help to move our country forward, not only for ourselves, but for others as well as the next generation.

There is a good, bad, and ugly side that comes along with selfpride. First, we have to learn that admitting you’re wrong is not a weakness—it’s simply a part of being human instead of jumping to defensiveness.

Don’t be so quick to follow your instincts, which is to defend. Try taking a few deep breaths, we can agree to disagree. Too often, we fail to take the time to learn

INTERNATIONAL

BY ED FORBES

A concerned citizen of Grand Turk

from the person we are engaging with, instead, we try to showcase ourselves.

It’s okay to be quiet sometimes and help celebrate the success of others. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to get your point across. Pride makes you self-conscious, as a result, you’re less likely to say or do anything that will upset your status.

Like many other cultures, some of us struggle with admitting our shortcomings. Oftentimes, we would compare ourselves with others and always search for ways to rationalise that we are better than others, or, are quick to tout a 'we have been there, done that mentality'.

As a prideful person,

Putin makes nuclearpowered Burevestnik missile test claim

Russia has held a “final successful test” of a nuclear-powered cruise missile, Vladimir Putin has claimed.

The president’s comments came after his spokesman rejected a New York Times report that testing of the weapon, known as the Burevestnik, was imminent.

The experimental weapon, first announced in 2018, has been hailed as having a potentially unlimited range.

But little is officially known of its capabilities and there are reports that previous tests have failed.

President Putin’s account has not been independently confirmed and there has been no word so far from the Russian defence ministry.

However, satellite images circulated last month indicated that Russia had recently built new facilities at a remote Arctic island location where Soviet nuclear tests were previously conducted.

unconsciously, you may tie your self-worth to what you have or what you’ve done. We should be mindful that the healthiest form of self-worth, is connected to who you are as a person and not reliant on appearances, achievements, or belongings.

What’s disheartening at times in our culture, is how difficult it is for us to have a sensible conversation without an argument. We have got to learn how to overcome pride by admitting that we don’t have all the answers, no matter how educated we are.

Author Stephen R Covertly said it best, “The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply”.

Sometimes, it’s okay to say “I

don’t know the answer without telling a story. Try having the courage to ask questions to expand your thinking.

From my observation, at times, we could be dying inside or need help, but because of our pride, we will refuse to seek help. This is primarily for fear of what our neighbours might think or say, because, in our minds, it’s all about outward appearances.

Pride prevents us from acknowledging our human vulnerabilities. We tend to see this behaviour more often among some with a higher level of education or in a position of authority. If it’s not their idea, it’s tossed aside. This is the sentiment expressed by many bright members on committees assigned by the government and statutory bodies.

It’s time to put pride aside in order for the country to move forward.

This shame-driven pride makes

us too uncomfortable to say, “I'm sorry, I was wrong, I made a mistake.” When pride rules, we believe we're always right. This makes it difficult to maintain and sustain relationships; nobody likes being with or working with a know-it-all, which could also be hindering us as a developing nation.

On the contrary, we seem to have lost our sense of pride and morality when it comes to standing up for the most vulnerable in our communities, our youth. It’s evident with respect to the senseless violence we are experiencing against one another. At what point are we willing to stand on our principles and fight for what we believe in?

In order for TCI to move forward and compete in this everchanging world, we cannot let selfpride affect our attitudes. We need to find ways to build back a nation that is founded on morality and the values we all share.

The images showed construction work on Novaya Zemlya, an island archipelago in the northern Barents Sea.

“We have now virtually finished work on modern types of strategic weaponry about which I have spoken and which I announced a few years ago,” Mr Putin told a meeting in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on Thursday which was broadcast live on state television.

He added: “A final successful test has been held of Burevestnik - a global-range nuclear-powered cruise missile.”

The missile, code-named Skyfall by Nato, is said to be powered by a nuclear reactor, which is supposed to activate after solid fuel rocket boosters have launched it into the air.

But the New York Times quoted an arms control campaign group, the Nuclear Threat Initiative, as saying that the previous known 13 tests of the system between 2017

President Putin first spoke of the Burevestnik missile five years ago

and 2019 were all unsuccessful.

Mr Putin also told his audience that work was almost complete on an intercontinental ballistic missile, called Sarmat.

Despite Mr Putin’s apparent disclosure, he said Russia had no plans to change its nuclear doctrine - the policy that sets out the circumstances in which its forces might use nuclear weapons.

He added that the existence of the Russian state was not under threat and “no person of sound mind and clear memory” would contemplate a nuclear strike

against it.

But he did indicate that Russia could theoretically withdraw its ratification of the 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty. He argued that as the US had signed but never ratified it, it was possible for Russia to act in the same way.

During the same meeting in Sochi, Mr Putin said the plane crash that killed Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in August was not caused by “outside interference” such as a missile attack.

He said the mercenary chief and others who died in the crash had been found to have “hand grenade fragments” in their bodies, adding: “The head of the Investigations Committee reported this to me just the other day.”

The president did not explain how a grenade could have exploded on board, but said he thought investigators should have carried out alcohol and drug tests on the bodies of the crash victims.

No official report on the cause of the crash has yet been published. (BBC)

Draft Tourism Strategy sketches significant increases in revenue and arrivals – with marked changes in the tourism products offered

BY DELANA ISLES

Over the next ten years, the government aims to significantly increase visitor arrivals to the territory, improve visitor experience and increase tourism revenue to some US$1.7bn.

These initiatives are outlined in the Draft National Tourism Strategy and Implementation Plan, which the government will soon be seeking public input through a series of stakeholder and town hall meetings (dates to be announced).

The document offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of TCI's tourism industry, pinpointing priority destinations where tourism offerings can be enhanced and developed while categorising offerings into four districts (Islands), each with its own portfolio of tourism products.

The document was released this week on the government’s website at www.gov.tc, and according to the Minister of Tourism, Hon Josephine Connolly, the tourism products outlined in the plan are designed to complement each other, foster integration between

islands and enable TCI to showcase all its destinations cohesively.

She said: “This approach aims to facilitate inclusive growth and bolster market competitiveness through the diversification of tourism products.”

Over the past 20 years, the TCI’s tourism industry has seen remarkable growth with international visitor numbers surging from 166,000 in 2001 to nearly 1.6m in 2019.

The minister said it is with this backdrop that the National Tourism Strategy and Implementation Plan was devised, with an aim to build upon existing TCI tourism policies and strategies.

“One of the pivotal aspects of this strategy is the creation and implementation of the new TCI Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO), otherwise known as ‘Experience Turks and Caicos’ which is central to our future tourism success,” Connolly said.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STRATEGY

The document outlines that tourism stakeholders should pursue

Labour defeats SNP to win Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election

Labour has defeated the SNP to win the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election.

The party’s candidate, Michael Shanks, took the Westminster seat with 17,845 votes - more than double the number polled by the SNP’s Katy Loudon.

The result was a swing of 20.4% from the SNP to Labour.

The by-election was called after former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier was ousted by her constituents for breaking Covid rules.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said it was a “seismic” night and that people in Rutherglen and Hamilton West had sent “a clear

stabilising TCI’s long-standing and excellent positioning in the international tourism markets.

The team which carried out the consultancy - Target Euro –outlined five main objectives of the TCI tourism development strategy for the next ten years based on their projections considering the DMO.

The first is an increase in the number of visitors. Total visitors in 2019 was 1.6m, of which overnight tourists accounted for 0.49m and cruise passengers 1.11m.

The Strategy’s objectives target total visitors in 2032 to be 3.15m, of which overnight tourists will account for 1.10m and cruise passengers for 2.05 million.

An increase in tourism revenue is the second initiative. The strategy outlines that total international tourism receipts for travel items in 2019 were US$825m.

The Strategy’s objectives for the total international tourism receipts for travel items in 2032 is that of US$ 1.7bn – which is around US$640 million more than the expected situation without DMO - of which hotels and restaurants account for US$1.33bn and other

tourism services for US$0.37bn.

It also outlines that the average expenditure per person in 2019 was US$1,695, with the Strategy aiming at an average expenditure per person in 2032 to be US$1,548. The document outlines that it is important to stop the progressive reduction of tourist spending, which started before the Covid-19 crisis, and to stimulate tourists to spend more on activities.

The third objective is the development of tourism infrastructure. The Strategy outlines that the total registered accommodation rooms in 2019 were 4,008, with the total registered accommodation rooms in 2020 at 4,647.

The Strategy’s objective is to have total registered accommodation rooms in 2032 at 6,143, with most of the additional 1,500 accommodation rooms expected to be developed in destinations outside of Providenciales.

The fourth objective is an improvement of the visitor experience. The document outlines that the overall sentiment score in 2022 was 9.1 out of 10, with the

sustainable travel score in 2022 at 8.3 out of 10.

The Strategy’s objective is an overall sentiment score in 2027 at 9.6 out of 10, with a sustainable travel score in 2027 at 9.5. Finally, important additional objectives of the tourism development strategy are as follows: “Improve or develop the connectivity from Providenciales to all other tourism destinations in the country.

“This is specially referred to as air connectivity. Diversify the current offer of tourism products and strengthen the existing ones to diversify the current tourism segments and markets.

“Consolidate the current major markets of origin of the tourism demand to TCI, USA, Canada and UK, and increase the share in new potential markets in Europe (Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Benelux, etc.), Latin America (Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, etc.) and the Caribbean region.

“And improve the quality of working conditions and increase the number of job opportunities for the TCI population.”

message”.

He added: “I have always said that winning back the trust of people in Scotland is essential. Tonight’s victory is the culmination of threeand-a -half years of hard work and humility on that journey.”

SNP candidate Katy Loudon received 8,399 votes in the byelection, which was the first major electoral test for the SNP since Humza Yousaf succeeded Nicola Sturgeon as leader.

The first minister described it as a “disappointing” night for his party.

Mr Yousaf said the circumstances “were always very difficult for us” and that Labour

had benefitted from a collapse in the Conservative vote.

“We lost this seat in 2017, and like 2019 we can win this seat back. However, we will reflect on what we have to do to regain the trust of the people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West,” he said.

The winning candidate, Mr Shanks, said it was “the honour of my life to be elected to serve to people of Rutherglen and Hamilton West”.

He said his campaign offered a

“fresh start”, breaking away from the divisiveness of the SNP and Conservative governments.

Turnout for the vote was 37.19%, a dramatic fall from the 66.5% recorded at the last general election.

Labour’s vote was up 24.1% from the 2019 general election.

Conservative support fell by 11% with candidate Thomas Kerr, who lost his electoral deposit, saying tactical voting had “squeezed” him out.

Sir John Curtice, professor of politics at Strathclyde University, said it was a “remarkably good result” for Labour.

“It’s well above the kinds of swings we’ve seen in the opinion polls in Scotland. The Labour vote is up to nearly 59%, that’s 24 points.

“That means the Labour vote in the constituency is almost as high as it was in 2010 before the tsunami that swept the Labour Party from virtually every constituency in Scotland.” (BBC)

Michael Shanks won the seat with 17,845 votes

FortisTCI reports significant decreases in fuel factor

– but residents see no changes in billing

FortisTCI has reported a 40% overall reduction in the fuel factor since the beginning of the year across most service territories, with September's rates reflecting another decrease of up to 9%.

The utility company reported last week that: “For September, the fuel factor rate for Providenciales, North Caicos, and Middle Caicos customers has decreased by 4.82% from the prior month's $0.1658 to $0.1578 per kilowatt hour (kWh).

“Grand Turk and Salt Cay customers' fuel factor rates reflect a 9% decrease from the prior month's $0.1722 to $0.1575 per kWh.”

September's fuel factor rate for South Caicos will become available soon. However, the company said it is worth noting that South Caicos’ fuel factor rate for August decreased by 4% from the prior month's

TCI celebrates World Teacher's Day

$0.1781 to $0.1703 per kWh.

Residents have, however, continued to complain that there has been no decrease in the billing each month, despite the announcements by Fortis of decreases in the fuel factor. Rather, the complaints continue to reflect increases in electricity bills.

“Decrease… and the guesstimated bill went up 23%,” one resident said on the Utility company’s social media page. Another resident stated: “How and my bill is higher... it said I used -29.76 less but I got the bill and it's higher than the last.”

FortisTCI has once again informed residents that energy consumption plays a major part in their billing: “Remember, your electricity bill is also influenced by how much energy you consume in kilowatt hours during the billing period.”

(DELANA ISLES)

Education Minister reaffirms commitment to reverse teacher shortage in the TCI

Minister of Education, Youth, Culture & Library Services Hon Rachel Taylor statement:

On this auspicious occasion of World Teachers Day, I, as the Minister of Education of the Turks and Caicos, extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt appreciation to all the dedicated teachers who tirelessly contribute to shaping the minds of our future generations. This year's theme, "The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to Reverse the Teacher Shortage," highlights the critical need to address the shortage of teachers and ensure an education system that meets the needs of our students.

Teachers are the pillars of our society, shaping the minds and futures of our children. They play a vital role in nurturing their potential, instilling values, and equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in an evolving world. However, we are faced with the challenge of a teacher shortage, which demands urgent attention

and proactive measures. Acknowledging the importance of this issue, the Ministry of Education is committed to reversing the teacher shortage and enhancing the quality of education in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We recognize that investing in our CONTINUED

Minister of Education, Youth, Culture & Library Services Hon.Rachel Taylor

TCI celebrates World Teacher's Day

teachers is paramount to achieving the education system we desire.

To address this challenge, the Ministry of Education has developed a comprehensive strategy aimed at recruiting, training, and retaining highly qualified teachers. We are working closely with the Office of the Deputy Governor, educational institutions, professional

organizations, and stakeholders to create a supportive environment that encourages teachers to excel in their profession.

The Ministry is implementing various initiatives to attract talented individuals to the teaching profession, including competitive recruitment campaigns, scholarships, and professional

development opportunities. We are also enhancing teacher training programs to ensure that educators receive the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality education to our students.

On this World Teachers Day, we express our deepest gratitude to all the teachers in the Turks and Caicos Islands for their

unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to our students. Your tireless efforts are shaping the future leaders of our nation, and we commend you for your valuable contributions.

As we celebrate World Teachers Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to the teachers we need for the education we want. Their role is

indispensable, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they have the resources, support, and recognition they deserve.

Once again, Happy World Teachers Day to all the remarkable teachers across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Your glow is essential to shaping the education we desire.

TCI leaders condemn senseless killing on National Youth Day

BY OLIVIA ROSE

Lukinson Leger a 21-yearold resident of West Road, Grand Turk was on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, charged with the murder of Sevano Wilson Jr.

Wilson Jr who is also 21 years old, of South School Lane, Grand Turk, was fatally wounded on the evening of September 29, 2023, during a celebratory event at Governor’s Beach, Grand Turk.

According to reports reaching this publication both the accused and the deceased were involved in a heated altercation which ended in tragedy.

A police investigation is still underway to uncover the events that led to the gruesome murder of the young man in the prime of his life.

The unfortunate tragedy sparked outrage in the local community and throughout the TCI with leaders vehemently condemning the vicious act of violence.

According to a preliminary statement issued by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), following the incident, police officers at the scene rushed Mr Wilson to the Cockburn Town Medical Centre where he died while undergoing medical treatment.

Officers of the force on Saturday, (September 30th) visited the relatives of the deceased.

In an update on Wednesday, Superintendent (Head of Crime, Safeguarding, and Public Protection) Dean Holden extended condolences to the family of Mr Sevano Wilson Jr during their time of grief.

He said: “I met the family during a visit earlier this week along with my colleague Superintendent Dwight Gardiner, I am fully aware of the impact their loved one's death is having on them.

“An individual has been charged with the murder of Mr Wilson and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the specifics of the investigation since doing so can compromise future judicial processes.

“This has been an intensive and committed investigation involving close

consultation with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“A second male who was arrested in connection with this investigation has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

“At this point, I can say that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force was robust in its response to this incident.

“Additional investigative resources from Providenciales to support local officers in the investigation were allocated.”

Holder explained that the investigation is still ongoing and called on anyone who witnessed any part of the incident to contact the nearest police station to assist officers in piecing together the events.

He further called on residents to desist from posting and sharing unverified information via social media that could compromise the investigation.

He said: “I am also aware of posts on social media that refer to the police investigation, these posts are wholly inaccurate.

“The family of the victim has an appointed, dedicated Family Liaison Officer who has been in daily contact with them and has fully updated them on the factual aspects and progress of the investigation.

“Inaccurate and speculative posts on social media are not only potentially detrimental to the investigation but are also potentially upsetting for the family and friends of the victim. I ask that people avoid posting anything of

to ensuring every action is taken towards crime abatement, supported by the necessary resources.

“We ask that all communities and groups continue to work with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force to tackle such matters, we must do all that we can to prevent needless tragedy in the future.”

The leaders stressed that addressing these matters as a community must be a priority.

this nature.

“The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force remains committed to doing everything within legal avenues to robustly investigate incidents, support victims of crime and their families, reassure local communities, and bring offenders to justice.”

In denouncing the grisly act of violence, Superintendent Gardiner said: “This is yet another senseless act of violence in Grand Turk involving our young people, which has resulted in this unspeakable tragedy.

Gardiner stressed that the RT&CIPF will continue working to solve the murder of Mr. Wilson and bring the perpetrator (s) responsible to justice.

He further underscored that every segment of the community, including the RTCIPF, religious, private, public, and civic members must work together to protect and guide young people along the right path.

“I am imploring members of our community impacted by this tragedy, to desist from taking the law into your hands by seeking retribution. Allow our investigating officers to do their jobs.”

SHOCK AND SADNESS

In a joint statement, HE Governor Dileeni DanielSelvaratnam and Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick expressed grave concern and strongly condemned the merciless killing.

The leaders said: “Reckless actions can lead to irreversible consequences.

“We remain committed

“For most of us here in the Turks and Caicos Islands the past week has been an inspiring week of events celebrating the talents and achievements of our youth.

“We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends who have unexpectedly lost a loved one.”

Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services Hon Rachel Taylor

also extended her heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and community at large.

She said: “The death of this young man has left my Ministry, members of the youth day planning committees and I am completely shaken with shock and sadness.

“The lives of many young people have been impacted; those who may have witnessed the incident and now are traumatised, those who may have participated

and now must face the consequences of their actions, and those families who are wondering with concern, in the wake of this tragic event, about the future of our young people.”

Taylor reminded Turks and Caicos Islanders to not grow weary in praying for young men and women, and called on adults to do their best to help shape a positive path for them, “giving guidance and counsel whenever and wherever we can,” she added.

Sevano Wilson - deceased

Lukinson Leger was charged with murder on October 4th, 2023

Death, dudes, and warm rolls

Cinematic musings during an unexpected Covid quarantine on Salt Cay

A sense of premonition washed over me as I witnessed a recent incident in a government office in Grand Turk. Inside, a member of the public sneezed profusely and repeatedly, clearly unwell, expelling the contents of their nasal passages without regard for those around them. It was a stark reminder of the distant yet unforgettable episode that affected us all: the Covid-19 pandemic, brought about by the microscopic menace known as SARS-CoV-2.

In 2020, this coronavirus forced large parts of the world into lockdown and has tragically taken nearly 7 million lives to date.

I am sharing these words not because I assume you, dear reader, have forgotten the events of 2020 and the global catastrophe it brought, but because I nearly did. The days of mask-wearing and social distancing have long since passed, and the 2020 shutdown now feels like a distant, surreal memory when contrasted with the everyday realities of life in 2023. Like many, I had become forgetful and complacent. So, when I began to experience symptoms such as a slight headache, dizziness, and unusual fatigue within a few days of visiting that government office, Covid-19 was the furthest thing from my mind. After all,

BY TITUS DE BOER

I wasn't coughing, didn't have a sore throat, and the belief that the pandemic was behind us had taken root. But when my morning coffee and meals lost their taste, I decided to take a Covid-19 test.

To my surprise, within seconds, the unmistakable double red lines indicating a positive result appeared on the test cassette.

Clad in their protective gear, the dependable Salt Cay nurses came to my aid. They verified and confirmed the home test result, provided me with paracetamol and disinfectant wipes, and gave clear instructions for a 5-day quarantine.

It's almost self-evident that if you must endure quarantine, Salt Cay is arguably the best place to do so.

On an island with a population of fewer than 50 people, where even on an ordinary day, you might not encounter a soul, five days of isolation would feel like a breeze.

Of all the weeks when having

a somewhat reliable internet service on Salt Cay would have been greatly appreciated, the week of a 5-day quarantine was undoubtedly the top contender. For those unfamiliar with Salt Cay and its “quality” internet service, it's worth noting that the “service” on the island oscillates between suboptimal and just okay. “Brilliant” would be a generous term, so don't even think about achieving download speeds akin to the proverbial “real world”; they're simply non-existent. Consequently, using the internet on Salt Cay often feels like a journey back to the early 2000s. With the internet essentially out of the picture and my well-worn books having been read a dozen times over, I turned to a collection of downloaded movies, primarily from the 1990s, to keep myself entertained.

Before I go into those 1990s

films, I must emphatically declare that, in my opinion, the greatest film ever made is "Casablanca" from 1942, and nothing in cinematic history has even come close to its brilliance. In today's world of computer animation and special effects, it's easy to argue that many modern-day “actors” would be little more than mediocre, overpaid stunt performers and models, struggling to captivate and mesmerise audiences solely through the “power” of their acting. Of course, there are notable exceptions to this generalisation, as every decade since the golden age of cinema has managed to produce the occasional masterpiece.

Let's shift our focus to three movies from the 1990s, all of which are part of my movie library. These films are: "As Good as It Gets" from 1997, starring Jack Nicholson; "Meet Joe Black,"

featuring Anthony Hopkins; and "The Big Lebowski," with Jeff Bridges, both from 1998. Despite the passage of time since their initial release, these films have not only endured but are now even more enjoyable to watch. There's a sense of nostalgia surrounding them, as they hail from a time when both the internet and mobile phones were still in their infancy. What makes them particularly captivating is their exceptionally well-crafted dialogue and the central messages they convey. With the benefit of hindsight, these messages now seem oddly prescient.

The most memorable dialogue from all three films, however, is one that took me twenty-five years to truly appreciate. It comes from Jack Nicholson's character, a novelist grappling with obsessivecompulsive disorder, who attempts to persuade the woman he loves to go for a walk at four in the morning. When she sceptically responds, “It's four in the morning. A walk sounds a little screwy to me” his retort is nothing short of brilliant: “Well, if you need an excuse. There's a bakery on the corner, we got a good shot it’ll be open soon. That way we're not screwy, just two people that like warm rolls”.

Titus de Boer was born in Hamburg and spent his formative years in the West Indies. After a formal education in Germany and subsequent training as a journalist, he moved to the TCI in 1989. These days he works as a residency consultant for Titan Services. (www.titanservices.biz). Readers wishing to contact Titus with ideas and/or suggestions for columns, can to so on tdbtci@aol.com.

The Big Lebowski is a 1998 crime comedy directed by the Coen Brothers and starring Jeff Bridges as Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski. If absurd, weird and hilarious are your thing, this is your film.

As Good As It Gets, starring Jack Nicholson is a 1997 romantic comedy that will make you laugh and feel good. Brilliantly written, it has easily stood the test of time.

Meet Joe Black is a 1998 fantasy mystery, starring Anthony Hopkins and Brad Pitt. While unnecessarily long, the film does deal with the subject of mortality in a unique way.

Projects to advance TCI’s socio-economic development unveiled at Expo

BY OLIVIA ROSE

Twelve major projects aimed at driving socio-economic development in the TCI were recently exhibited at an Open Day event on Providenciales.

The event, which was organised by the National Delivery Unit (NDU) was held on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex.

The approach of implementing projects through a delivery unit is a new concept ushered in as part of the government’s effort to advance Vision 2040, the national development agenda.

The well-attended expositionstyle event featured several segments, a 1 pm session which included various project booths outfitted with informative displays, and a 4:30 pm session which saw speeches delivered by government officials.

A large number of attendees heard about the finer details of these projects which were identified as crucial to accelerate socioeconomic growth in the territory, through informative displays, by engaging with the priority project leaders, and participating in interactive sessions.

The priority projects are currency in various stages of completion and have different timelines for delivery, with some moving on schedule and others delayed mainly due to manpower restraints.

In order to advance the delivery of each project in a timely fashion, the Government established the (National Delivery Unit) established in 2022, under the Office of Premier and Public Policy to manage these projects in a streamlined manner.

BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR CITIZENS

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Premier Misick said over 60 people are integrally involved in the delivery process in various capacities, alongside implementers and ministers to pioneer change that will lead to a better quality of life for citizens.

He explained that through an internal consultative process, 12 priority projects across five sectors were identified due to

their “potential to boost economic growth and deliver social benefits”.

He said: “We assessed our ability to execute, and while we have dedicated, capable professionals, there are many constraints within the management of government programmes, which made it obvious that dedicated resources need to be assigned exclusively to the projects.”

Misick said through appropriate procurement processes, a project team was contracted and thus the Premier’s Delivery Unit, later the National Delivery Unit was born.

“They are executing according to the “business-unusual approach” that my government is taking.

“We want to raise the bar on transparency, accountability, efficiency, and unique focus on results and this Open Day is part of that transparency and accountability focus.”

He noted that his government is keen on improving implementation rates for critical projects in TCI.

The 12 priority projects identified by the Government are; South Dock Redevelopment, Domestic Fibre Optic Link, Solid Waste Management, Comprehensive Housing Solutions Delivery, Strengthening the Agriculture Sector, National ID, Scanning of Land Registry Documents, Management and Containment of Informal Settlements, Digital Borders, Digital Transformation of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and National Insurance Shared Services and the Judiciary Integrated Infrastructure Programme.

Speaking to the Weekly News, the Project Lead of the National Delivery Unit (NDU) Mr Edward Hall Jr explained the importance of a number of projects within his remit, specifically the Scanning of Land Registry Documents.

He explained that this project which is aimed at preserving important documents was necessitated after hurricanes Irma and Maria.

“When hurricanes Irma and Maria happened there was significant damage to the actual physical documents that the land registry had, so the government saw it fit to make this a priority project where we digitise documents and salvage those that were damaged.”

He explained that digital backups are essential and that a thorough system must be implemented to preserve those backups.

This project aims to create a document repository system with internal workflows that allow document scanning, certification, and tagging with geospatial metadata.

Technical Director, of the NDU Ms Azlin Niza Ismail, stressed the importance of the unit in ensuring these critical projects are rolled out and brought to fruition.

“There are five steps, from

strategy direction to project performance review where the Premier will sit one-on-one with the project owner, which is the Cabinet owner, and try to understand the achievement, challenges, etc. and we will take the outcome from those discussions and implement the decisions moving forward.”

The NDU team of consultants led by Justin Ram (Dr) of JRAS, (Justin Ram Advisory Services) has played a pivotal role in advising the government in the planning, implementation, and execution of these projects with a strong

emphasis on capacity building of the local teams.

These projects, across five sectors, were identified as a priority by the Cabinet and are meant to address that which will expand the economy, stimulate growth, and improve social conditions. With the aim of breaking down barriers and obstacles that hinder the progress affecting the people, the NDU is working with the support of ministries, departments, and agencies to strengthen the ability and capabilities to implement the key projects.

Residents interacting with project implementers

Regional News

Kenya police to take on Haiti criminal gangs amid criticism of human rights record

Concerns over Kenya’s human rights record have cast a shadow over a UN decision that gave Kenya the go ahead to lead an armed multinational force to Haiti amid brutal gang violence in the Caribbean country.

For a year, the multinational force, comprising 1,000 Kenya police personnel is expected to combat criminal gangs responsible for a wave of killings, kidnappings and rape in Haiti.

But human rights groups argue that Kenya’s history of human rights abuses must be evaluated.

On Tuesday, Amnesty International Kenya urged UN member states, human rights organizations and citizens to thoroughly examine the “human rights and humanitarian implications” of deploying an armed multinational force to Haiti.

Kenya’s police have often been criticized for a violent approach towards containing demonstrations. Dozens of civilians were killed during anti-government protests in the East African country in July this year.

The UN expressed concern at the time about police brutality during the protests in Kenya, adding that up to 23 people may have been killed during the demonstrations.

UN’s comment, describing it as “inaccurate” but did not provide a figure on the death toll.

The Kenya National Civil Society Center has also opposed the deployment of the country’s police personnel to Haiti, accusing it of “extrajudicial killings.”

affiliate, Citizen Digital.

‘A COLLECTIVE MORAL DUTY’

Assembly regarding the need for a framework of a multinational support force in Haiti.

Ruto said the decision “marks an important moment in the history of global multilateralism,” and argued that it “enables the nations of the world to discharge a collective moral duty of securing justice and security for all peoples of all nations.”

“For us in Kenya, this mission is of special significance and critical urgency. We experienced the harrowing brunt of colonialism, as well as the long, difficult and frustrating struggle… In our struggle, we always had friends … true, loyal and determined friends. The people of Haiti, our dear friends, today stand in need. It is our fundamental moral obligation to be their friend indeed, by standing with them,” Ruto said.

$100 million in direct support for the multinational force in Haiti, however some in Kenya are skeptical.

Political analyst Herman Manyora told CNN that many Kenyans believe that the country’s mission to Haiti is an “unnecessary risk” and “a big gamble” that’s motivated by President Ruto’s move “to please the international community.”

“Many people believe the president of Kenya is out to please the international community. He’s out to be a darling of the west. He has been on a charm offensive to please the outside world, to appear to be an African statesman,” Manyora, who is a lecturer at the University of Nairobi and founder of The Nairobi Review, said.

Kenya’s foreign minister Alfred Mutua dismissed the Authorities posted eviction notices throughout two unregulated communities in New Providence on Monday as the Davis administration restarts its effort to eradicate shanty towns.

“The Kenya Police Service is notorious for its excessive use of force and continues to take the flak to the large number of extrajudicial killings and arbitrary execution of protestors during the recent anti-government protests,” the organization was quoted by CNN

Kenyan President William Ruto called the outcome of Monday’s vote “overdue” and “a critical instrument” that will “provide a different footprint in the history of international interventions in Haiti.”

In a media statement on Tuesday, Ruto said he was “delighted” that the UNSC had directly answered his call, citing his recent speech at the United Nations General

Kenya has in the past played a major role in supporting UN peacekeeping initiatives and African Union peace missions. A senior Biden administration official said Kenya had “demonstrated the capacity to lead international security missions of this type and to adhere to UN human rights and accountability standards.”

‘A BIG GAMBLE’

The US has pledged to provide

Manyora also expressed concern that a language barrier and the unfamiliar terrain in Haiti might pose a threat to the Kenyan security forces.

“Haiti speaks French, we don’t speak French. They have their unique history, we don’t even understand that history. There’s a lot of insecurity (in Haiti). Gangs are on the loose, guns are everywhere – heavy weaponry. What stake does Kenya have to be able to take those chances in a terrain that is foreign and dangerous? … It’s such a big gamble.” (CNN)

Bahamas: 28 days to quit shanty homes

Officials from the Department of Immigration, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, police force, and social services reportedly participated in Monday’s operation.

Affected residents have 28 days to comply with the notice. Failing this, the government would be expected to destroy their structures.

Works Minister Clay Sweeting said 60 people in the Kool Acres and All Saints Way communities were apprehended for lacking status in the country.

Mr Sweeting said the number of unregulated community structures has grown recently.

Monday’s operation is the most significant the Unregulated Communities Action Task Force has had since Chief Justice Ian Winder ordered the demolition of two shanty town structures in May, far fewer than the 260-plus the administration wanted destroyed.

Mr Sweeting said officials were targeting communities without licences to build businesses.

“It’s not any specific target or grouping of people,” he said at the Office of the Prime Minister. “So, for us, we wanted to ensure that there’s not a specific target because we do have some Bahamians that’s living in these communities as well. So that’s why we ought to ensure that we include social services and other aspects to ensure that persons that don’t have dwellings, ensure that they are assisted in whichever way needed.”

In a statement this week, the Ministry of Works said the eviction process will strive to achieve the “highest level of humanity and

Suspected unregulated structures (file)

dignity”.

“The Ministry of Health and Wellness, along with the Department of Social Services, are partners in this process and will reach out to each household within unregulated communities to determine household make-up and needs,” the ministry said.

“Given that some existing residents within these communities will need to resettle/relocate into regulated housing, the Unregulated Communities Action Task Force (UCATF) is seeking to identify potential rental units in New Providence and all islands where unregulated communities exist.”

“Should the person to whom notice is given fail to comply with this notice, the minister of works may, in accordance with Section 4(3) of the (Buildings Regulation Act), pull down and remove the illegal structures and recover from him the expenses reasonably incurred in so doing.”

Police officers patrol a Haiti neighbourhood amid gang-related violence in downtown Port-au-Prince on April 25, 2023

Holiday homeowners ‘driven off by triple tax’

Bermuda could be “shut down” if holiday rental accommodation owners decide to delist their properties in response to a new law requiring them to pay an annual fee to operate, industry representatives claim.

Mottley being touted as next UN Secretary General

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley is being touted as one of the main contenders to be the next secretary general of the United Nations, with a fellow regional leader saying she would get his vote.

A report published by the United States’ Cable News Network (CNN) stated: “In the hallways and backrooms of the United Nations headquarters in New York, Mottley is one of several names being floated as likely contenders.”

The next secretary general will take office in January 2027.

CNN said that last week, when asked if she will run for the office, Mottley “gave a thumbs up, smiled, and walked away. Unofficially, however, UN insiders say she’s a likely front-runner”.

Mottley delivered a strong message last week Friday at the 78th General Assembly of the UN where, among other things, she told rich European states which owe much of their vast wealth to the slave trade in the Caribbean, that they may soon be called on to face again a vigorous demand for slave reparations. (CNN/BW)

The Bermuda Rental Association of Vacation-Home Owners claims some of its 300 members are already taking their properties off the rental market after the implementation of the Vacation Rental (Application and Registration) Fees Act 2023 on September 1.

It is their view that the industry is being triple taxed — once through land tax, secondly through a Bermuda Tourism Authority fee and now a third fee based on the annual rental value.

A spokeswoman for the rental accommodation organisation told The Royal Gazette: “If people have bookings in October and November but we are not licensed, are they going to turn those people back to the airport?

“We have some highprofile events coming up, not

Government to lease DOMLEC 5.2 megawatt generator to assist in ongoing issue of load shedding

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has announced that his government will lease a 5.2-megawatt generator to the island’s sole electricity company, Dominica Electricity Services (DOMLEC) to assist with the ongoing issue of load-shedding, due to a shortfall in generation capacity. He made the announcement while addressing members of the press at a briefing on Tuesday.

According to him, this generator is part of the international airport project that will be supplied upon completion of construction of the airport to serve as backup generation capacity at the international airport. The government has advanced the purchase of that generator in order to lease it to DOMLEC, one of the measures used to ensure that Dominica returns to full generation capacity.

“The government has been advised by both DOMLEC and the Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC) that the purchase of additional generators by DOMLEC to address the generation shortfall would result in an increase in price to consumers,” he said. “To protect the Dominican consumer from this projected price hike, the Government of Dominica has commenced the procurement of a new 5.2MW medium speed generator for lease to DOMLEC on favorable terms. This unit is projected to remain in service for two (2) years in the first instance.”

He said the projected date for commissioning, as advised by DOMLEC, is April 2024.

Furthermore, Skerrit pointed out that a team of five Venezuelan Hydro technicians is expected to commence work at the hydro plant

in early October.

“Other technical assistance is also expected. Based on the temporary measures mentioned earlier, DOMLEC has assured us of improvement in the widespread load shedding currently being experienced across the island by mid-October 2023,” he noted. “So as of now, we are giving ourselves under two weeks to break the back of this challenge and to return adequate service to most communities, on a regular basis.”

Moreover, he mentioned that the government, which has been working collaboratively with DOMLEC, has also identified short to medium-term measures to address the issues now being experienced.

“DOMLEC will rent a 3MW generating system from Aggreko, a US-based generator rental firm.

least the [Butterfield Bermuda Championship]. If we are operating illegally, where are these people going to stay? There are no hotel beds, they are staying in our vacation rentals. If we delist them, the island will shut down — it will affect the airlines, taxi drivers, grocery stores, gas stations — everyone will suffer. Does government want this situation to bring island to its knees?

“The Minister of Tourism, Vance Campbell, is in a slight dilemma as he did not anticipate this level of pushback. The minister is concerned about losing vacation rentals with no hotel beds on the horizon and realises that many hosts can actually delist their properties.

“The bottom line is that quite a few decided they will no longer do vacation rentals. That is the general consensus across the board.”

The legislation sets an annual fee to rental property owners based on the property’s annual rental value.

Properties with an annual value below $22,800 will pay $1,500 a

year, those valued between $22,801 to $90,000 will pay $2,000, and a $2,500 yearly fee for rental value at $90,001 and above.

The spokeswoman said the legislation overlooks numerous operational costs incurred by an industry still reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Royal Gazette reported last week that the group wrote a letter to David Burt and Mr Campbell requesting that they postpone enforcement of noncompliance with the law until a workable solution can be reached.

The letter said the tax is regressive and puts a disproportionate financial burden on rental properties generating lower incomes.

The association said that industry stakeholders were not properly consulted over the legislation and gave the Government two weeks to come to the table.

Furthermore, the group said that the fee is “discriminatory“ given that hotels are not subject to the fee yet they use holiday rental sites to compete in the market.

When this Unit is commissioned on November 15, 2023, full capacity is expected to be restored and load shedding is projected to be eliminated,” Skerrit revealed. He indicated that his government is doing all it can, while still minimizing the impact of increasing expenditures on the consumer.

“Let’s sum it all up by saying that the government has found a way to help support generation and access to the supply of electricity that is needed to match current demand, without being forced, by law, to pass such increases on to you, the consumer, who we know cannot bear such at this time,” Skerrit stated. (Dominicanewsonline)

Mia Mottley is the Prime Minister of Barbados

A holiday rental apartment in Bermuda

PM Roosevelt Skerrit is hoping to end load shedding on the island

Biden approves new section of border wall as Mexico crossings rise

US President Joe Biden’s administration is to build a section of border wall in southern Texas in an effort to stop rising levels of immigration.

Around 20 miles (32km) will be built in Starr County along its border with Mexico, where officials report high numbers of crossings.

Building a border wall was a signature policy of Donald Trump as president and fiercely opposed by Democrats.

In 2020, Mr Biden promised he would not build another foot of wall if elected.

His administration passed a proclamation soon after taking office that said building a wall across the southern border “is not a serious policy solution”.

In a statement to Associated News on Wednesday night, the US Customs and Border Protection defended the latest move, saying it was using funds already allocated for a border barrier.

“Congress appropriated fiscal

year 2019 funds for the construction of border barrier in the Rio Grande Valley, and DHS is required to use those funds for their appropriated purpose,” the statement said.

The rising number of illegal border crossings has made the issue a vulnerable one for the president.

More than 245,000 crossings have been made this year in the Rio Grande Valley area alone, government data shows, and September is expected to be a record month.

Several US cities say they are feeling the strain of the influx.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams predicted the cost of housing the more than 100,000 new arrivals since last year will rise to $12bn over the next three years.

Mr Adams is travelling to Mexico, Colombia and Ecuador this week to discourage migrants from setting out. “We are at capacity,” he said on Tuesday.

President Biden’s secretary of homeland security referred to an

US Border Patrol apprehended 181,059 people along the southern border in August compared with 132,648 in July

“acute and immediate need” to build the new section of wall and prevent unlawful entries.

Dozens of federal laws have been waived in order to approve its construction, including the Clean Air Act and Safe Drinking Water Act.

The move has angered environmentalists, who say the structures will cut through the habitats of endangered plants and animals.

“It’s disheartening to see President Biden stoop to this level, casting aside our nation’s bedrock environmental laws to build ineffective wildlife-killing border walls,” said Laiken Jordahl, a conservation advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity.

According to a proposal by US Customs and Border Protection, the barriers will consist of large bollards embedded in a concrete base, as well as gates, cameras and CCTV equipment.

Homeland Security said it would use funding secured during Donald Trump’s presidency to build the new section.

It is the first time the Biden administration has used its powers to approve the construction of new walls - something that was done often during Mr Trump’s time in office, when around 50 miles of new wall was built and 400 miles of existing barriers were upgraded.

In an online post on Thursday, Mr Trump asked if the president would “apologize to me and

America for taking so long to get moving”.

“So interesting to watch Crooked Joe Biden break every environmental law in the book to prove that I was right,” he wrote. “I will await his apology.”

Mr Biden has been facing increasing criticism over his immigration policies in the wake of a recent surge of migrants crossing into the US.

US Border Patrol apprehended 181,059 people along the southern border in August compared with 132,648 in July, according to the latest data.

Mexico’s president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, said that 10,000 people arrived at the border every day last week alone. (BBC)

Nazi card proves Dutch Prince Bernhard joined Hitler’s party

The Dutch government has confirmed the authenticity of a Nazi party card held by Prince Bernhard, prince consort for decades after World War Two.

A former head of the palace archives, Flip Maarschalkerweerd, said he found the card while going through the prince’s things after his death.

Bernhard, a German aristocrat, repeatedly denied being a member of Adolf Hitler’s NSDAP political party.

However, historians gave little credence to his denials.

In 1996, a researcher at the Dutch institute for war studies (Niod) said he had found a copy of the card in a US university archive.

Gerard Aalders, who was widely criticised at the time for his revelation, said on social media that “Prince Bernhard lied to the bitter end about his Nazi past”.

Bernhard von Lippe-Biesterfeld had married Dutch Princess Juliana

in 1937 and escorted the Dutch royal family in exile when war broke out in 1940.

But he was never trusted by British security services, despite taking part in a Dutch royal broadcast via the BBC in 1943 and being put in charge of the unified Dutch resistance forces in 1944.

He was even decorated for his role as a wartime RAF pilot.

When Juliana became queen in 1948, Bernhard became prince consort.

Bernhard went to his grave swearing he had never been a paidup member of Hitler’s party. “I can declare with my hand on the bible:

I was never a Nazi,” he said in an interview published (in Dutch) after his death in 2004.

He had admitted to being a prospective member of two Nazi organisations as a student for a time after 1933 - the Sturmabteilung security service and the Schutzstaffel (SS) - but he argued in 1971 that “at the start you had to take part a little in one way or another”, because if they had found out he was opposed, it would have been tricky to pass university exams.

That was far different from being a voluntary, card-carrying member of Hitler’s political party from 1933 to 1936 and holding on to the card until his death.

As well as a copy of the card showing up in the US in the 1990s, in 2010 historian Annejet van der Zijl found the prince’s student membership card in a German archive that also noted he had been a party member since 27 April

1933.

Flip Maarschalkerweerd says he stumbled on the prince’s NSDAP membership card while carrying out an inventory of the prince’s archives when he died.

He told NRC Handelsblad newspaper that he also came across a note dating back to 1949 from a US military administrator in Germany called Lucius Clay, who wrote to the prince that he had been about to destroy the card, but then decided “you have earned the right to destroy it yourself”.

Journalist Jan Tromp, who interviewed the prince in depth over several years, said that the revelation was not a surprise, but it would come as a shock and a betrayal to those who had taken part in the Dutch resistance and had commemorated the liberation with the prince for years afterwards.

Tromp believed that the prince’s lie had eventually turned into selfdeception.

Prince Bernhard, seen here in 1970, was born into German aristocracy but spent the war in London

World News

Kenya’s Foreign Minister Alfred Mutua demoted amid Haiti row

Kenya’s Foreign Minister Alfred Mutua has been demoted as controversy rages over plans to deploy police to Haiti to fight gangs.

Main opposition leader Raila Odinga was the latest to oppose the move, saying the deployment would risk the lives of Kenyan police.

Mr Mutua’s demotion to tourism minister was part of the first major cabinet reshuffle by President William Ruto.

In August, the president criticised some of his ministers as clueless.

Mr Ruto took office in August last year with the promise to improve the economy and better the lives of lower-income earners.

But he has faced a series of opposition-led protests over the high cost of living and tax hikes.

The president said in a statement late on Wednesday that the reshuffle was meant to “optimise performance and enhance delivery as set out in the administration’s manifesto”.

On Tuesday, the president cracked down on government spending and foreign travel, ordering ministries to cut their spending by 10%.

Mr Ruto re-assigned Mr Mutua to the tourism ministry and put the foreign affairs ministry under the office of the Prime Cabinet

Alfred Mutua recently said the Kenyan police would be deployed to Haiti “within a short time”

Secretary, which falls under his close ally, Musalia Mudavadi.

The move is seen as an attempt to give Mr Ruto’s inner circle more influence over diplomatic affairs.

A senior member of the ruling party, Senator Kiprotich Arap Cherargei, said the changes were “necessitated by performance”.

“The writing is on the wall for the non-performing cabinet secretaries and those who perpetuate corruption and lethargy in their ministries,” Mr Cherargei posted on X, formerly Twitter.

As foreign minister, Mr Mutua

was a vocal supporter of a Kenyanled peacekeeping mission to Haiti.

He recently said that about 1,000 police would be deployed “within a short time”.

The UN Security Council approved the deployment of the force on Tuesday.

Mr Ruto welcomed its decision, but did not mention when the police would be sent.

Some Kenyan MPs have demanded parliamentary approval before the deployment.

The defence and security ministers, who have been quiet about the planned Haiti

deployment, were not affected by the reshuffle.

If deployed, the Kenyan police would help tackle gangs that have have taken control of large parts of Haiti, killing hundreds and disrupting public services.

Mr Odinga, in an interview with privately-owned KTN News, said the situation in Haiti was too dangerous for Kenyan police.

“When coffins start arriving here, that’s when we shall regret [it]. Haiti is dangerous and there’s a possibility our police will encounter problems there,” the opposition leader said.

In another notable change in the reshuffle, Trade Minister Moses Kuria was moved to the public service portfolio.

He has been replaced by Rebecca Miano, who was the minister in charge of relations with the East African Community (EAC).

Mr Kuria was snubbed by US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, who refused to meet him during her visit to Kenya in July.

Ms Tai apparently objected to foul language Mr Kuria had used against the Kenyan media and opposition.

Mr Kuria was also involved in controversy over the operations of a popular Chinese-owned shop near Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.

The shop was temporarily closed after Mr Kuria accused it of taking away business from local traders by selling goods too cheaply.

Other key cabinet changes include:

Water Minister Alice Wahome moves to the land and housing ministry

Aisha Jumwa from public service to gender and culture Tourism Minister Peninah Malonza moves to the Ministry of the East African Community Mr Ruto re-deployed several permanent secretaries and foreign ambassadors. He also appointed former Senator Isaac Mwaura as government spokesperson. (BBC)

A magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck south of Naples, Italy, on Tuesday, just days after the volcanic region saw its strongest earthquake in 40 years, according to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).

Italy’s fire brigade said there was slight damage to buildings in the latest earthquake, but no people were injured. The 4.2 magnitude quake on September 27 rattled the region and was felt as far away as Rome.

Campi Flegrei, also known as the Phlegraean fields, is a volcanic area that encompasses multiple ancient volcanoes that date back 39,000 years.

Seismic activity in the area, which stretches 200 kilometers (125 miles) under the Bay of Naples and the islands of Ischia and Capri, has intensified this year,

with the region experiencing many small quakes before the most recent two. Campi Flegrei experiences a seismic phenomenon known as bradyseism, defined by cycles of uplift and gradual lowering of the ground.

The last major eruption of Campi Flegrei was in 1538, which created a new mountain in the bay. So far in 2023, Campi Flegrei has logged 2,868 earthquakes — 1,118 in August alone.

Carlo Doglioni, head of the INVG, gave testimony on the potential outcomes in front of the Italian government’s Environmental Commission’s lower chamber on September 28.

“There are two possible scenarios relating to the evolution of the situation in the Campi Flegrei: the best is that the ongoing bradyseism crisis ends as

happened in 1983-84, the worst is an eruption similar to that of 1538,” he said.

“It is an evolution that we do not know and that we are monitoring.”

During the episode of bradyseism from 1983 to 1984, the ground rose 3.5 meters (11.5 feet).

The INGV has requested that the municipality of Naples carry out evacuations of some residents closest to the volcanic area to check the places most vulnerable to underlying structural damage from the rising soil. Most of the structures in question have been

built in the past 20 years.

Italy’s civil protection agency estimates that at least 800,000 people live in a designated “yellow zone” and 500,000 in the “red zone,” the highest-risk area in the vicinity of the seismic region. (BBC)

Solfatara is a shallow volcanic crater at Pozzuoli, near Naples

Second earthquake in a week hits near Naples as fears of volcanic eruption grow

SCHEDULE FORMS FORM 1

NOTICE OF DORMANT ACCOUNT

(Regulation 2)

Name of Financial Institution/TIN of Financial Institution SCOTIABANK (TCI) LTD

Address of Financial Institution

88 CHEROKEE ROAD

LEEWARD HIGHWAY PROVIDENCIALES

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

Change of name, if any, of the Financial Institution THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA

The public is hereby given notice that SCOTIABANK (TCI) LTD holds the following dormant accounts–

Savings Account JAMES M MEYER

Account EDUARDO, FRIAS

Business Current Account NATIONAL CXC COMMITTEE Savings Account MORA ANDREW/PATRICIA

Business Current Account CALEDONIAN BUSINESS Savings Account VENTURES, TEODORO JR.

Business Current Account GREENWAY HOLDINGS LTD

KARL/CATHERI

Business Current Account TCI COMMUNITY COLLEGE FUND Savings Account STANBROOK, ISABELLA

Business Current Account KAMARIO LASHONE SMITH DBA BLUE IGUANA GRILL

Business Current Account SUPER 99 LTD.

Business Current Account PANALEX CORP LTD.

Business Current Account SILENCIO LTD

Business Current Account AQUAFUTURE INVESTMENTS LTD

Business Current Account SALT CAY DAY COMMITTE

Business Current Account VRRO LTD

Savings Account VERA PUENTE, PEDRO A

Savings Account MORRIS, USRIL A 1

Savings Account REAGAN, TERRANCE RIC

Account POLLARD, FLORET G.

Account ALEXANDRE, JOSE

Account NIGRO, GAETANO

Account

GAETANO

MARC-ANTHONY

Account GRIMM, CORNELIUS L

Account SHERMAN’S TAXI SERVICE

Account NARAYSINGH, SAM; HILAR

Account BAER, JAMES/DOROTHY

International USD DRAFT 9404035846

International USD DRAFT 9404035895

International USD DRAFT 9404035906

International USD DRAFT 9404035482

International USD DRAFT 9404035477

International USD DRAFT 9404035474

International USD DRAFT 9404035495

International USD DRAFT 2426033592

International USD DRAFT 9404035973

International USD DRAFT 6882032378

International USD DRAFT 6882032375

International USD DRAFT 9404034105

International

9404034110

6882032387

AUTO MECHANIC HELPER

HAIRSTYLIST BEAUTICIAN

Shampooing, cutting, styling hair, perming, deep conditioning, coloring, weaving and providing hair treatments.

$8.00 hourly

DOMESTIC WORKER (NEW)

DOMESTIC WORKER (RENEWAL)

$8.00 hr

Description: Cleaning House, washing clothes

DOMESTIC WORKER (NEW)

EMPLOYER: BRANDFORD GARDINER

Major Hill, North Caicos

Rate: 8.00 hr

Description: Cleaning house, washing clothes

CONTACT: 246-7382 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGE TO APPLY

Shampooing, cutting, coloring, styling hair, massaging and treating scalp, makeup and sewing and installing wigs. $8.00 hourly

MANICURIST

Basic manicure, gel nails, hand massage, nail refills, nail polishing, pedicures, acrylic nails. $8.00 hourly

CUSTOMER SERVICE ATTENDANT

• Perform general and routine maintenance services.

• Maintain the upkeep of premises neat and clean.

• Respond to customer inquiries and resolve.

• Display merchandise in a visually appealing manner.

• Assist and support selling staff in a store.

• Receive new merchandise from vendors.

• Maintain inventory controls of new merchandise.

• Salary $1400-$2000 Holidays, long hours, weekend

CELL #: 231-6858

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

CONTACT: 246-8679

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

CONTACT: 649-333-4883

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

VACANCY

MY DEE'S VARIETY, North Caicos

Seeks to employ

LABOURER RECEIVING CLERK

To assist in off-loading containers, clean surroundings, stack hardware shelves and help in other activities. $8.00 hourly (Renewal)

To receive container, take inventory of stock, assist customers, cut meats and assist in other activities as needed. $9.50 hourly (Renewal)

YVETTE HANDFIELD, North Caicos Seeks to employ a

DOMESTIC WORKER

To clean the house and store, wash and iron. $8.00 hourly (Renewal)

CONTACT: 231-2344

BELONGERS APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD.

38801

THE PUBLIC IS ALSO HEREBY GIVEN NOTICE OF THE FOLLOWING–

1. Unless one or more of the following transactions are effected on a dormant account listed above on or before the 31st day of October 2023, the monies in the dormant account will be transferred to the general revenue of the Islands without further notice-

(a) Increase or decrease the amount held or owed in the Financial Institution1;

(b) Present the passbook or other record for the crediting of interest or dividends in respect to any general deposit, demand deposit, savings deposit or deposit for a fixed period, made in the Islands;

1 Interest paid, or account fees applied, by a Financial Institution on monies held or owed in the Financial Institution shall not be regarded as a transaction which increase or decreases the amount held in the Financial Institution pursuant to section 4(4) of the Dormant Accounts Ordinance.

(c) Correspond in writing with the Financial Institution concerning the monies; or

(d) Otherwise indicate an interest in the monies as evidenced in writing by the Financial Institution.

2. Subject to the Dormant Accounts Ordinance, on the transfer of the monies in the dormant account to the general revenue of the Islands, the dormant account holder will no longer have any right against the Financial Institution to the repayment of the monies transferred, but the dormant account holder will have against the Government such right to repayment of the monies transferred that the dormant account holder would have had against the Financial Institution.

3. Any interested person should contact the Financial Institution mentioned above to establish if that person is a dormant account holder.

Care for the children, wash their clothing and clean

CONTACT: 346-4667

CARETAKER

Installs pipes and fixtures, installs supports for pipes, equipment, etc. $12.00 hourly

Follow blueprints and building plans. Install structures and fixtures. Measure, cut, or shape wood, plastic, and other materials. $10.00 hourly

CONTACT: 649-346-3212

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

$8.00

CONTACT: 241-1305

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 244-7223

Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

GUEST SERVICES ATTENDANT

Location: OC or OCW

Department: Guest Services

Position Type: FULL TIME

Reporting Supervisor: Guest Services Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Purpose:

Under the supervision of the Front Desk Manager, the Front Desk Attendant is responsible for performing diversified duties to provide exceptional guest service to all guests at all times, including check-in, concierge, business communication, room requests, complaint resolution, reservations, and check-out.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Perform daily tasks as assigned by the department manager or other authorized individuals, manage time responsibly and actively pursue new tasks as appropriate

2. Maintain professional, courteous manner with guests, owners, and coworkers at all times, greeting every person who comes through the front door with a smile and welcome

3. Bucket check.

4. Post Charges from Merchants on Property

5. Prepare Arrival / Departure Summary for following day

6. Promote other activities and facilities within the resort

7. Monitor daily departure information

8. Secure any lost or found items appropriately, returning to guest if possible

9. Maintain accountability for any keys needing to be secured

10. Efficiently post and file all guest charges received before and after check out

11. Present an accurate statement of account to each guest upon check out 12. Maintain assigned level of cash in float

13. Answer the telephone in a courteous, professional, articulate manner

14. Monitor all information in log books, making additions when necessary

15. Complete a shift check list and drop all closings in the Front Desk safe

16. Inform Bellman of luggage pick ups, deliveries, or special requests

17. Monitor the fax machine periodically and distribute incoming faxes as required

18. Keep front desk and lobby areas neat, tidy, organized and in compliance with TCIG health and safety regulations

19. Keep supervisor and relevant co-workers informed/advised of progress reports on guest/owner issues

20. Take ownership/responsibility for issues that require attention and respond quickly and appropriately

21. Insure that the front desk is manned at all times.

22. Comply with OCR’s policies, procedures and Front Desk Standards of Performance

23. Report all maintenance requests to the Maintenance Manager, accompanied by a Work Order, and follow up for status

24. Perform other duties or special projects as assigned by the immediate supervisor or any other person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

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

2. High School Diploma, plus relevant education and 2-3 years experience,

preferably in a resort environment

3. Thorough knowledge of hotel procedures and operations

4. Self-motivated and dependable with a strong work ethic and good problem solving skills

5. Good communication skills; ability to speak, read and write fluently in English language

6. Professional appearance and cooperative demeanor

7. Use of multiple types of electronic equipment

8. Computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, RDP and Outlook

POOL & BEACH SUPERVISOR

Location: OC or OCW

Department: PROPERTY SERVICES

Position Type: FULL TIME

Reporting Supervisor: Resort Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Purpose:

Under the supervision of the Resort Manager, the Pool & Beach Supervisor is responsible for performing diversified duties to maintain the cleanliness and order of the beach and pool areas, while providing excellent customer service to guests and owners.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Clean the pool(s) daily, and if necessary, twice daily. Report any changes in clarity, cloudiness, etc. to the Resort Manager. THE CONDITION OF THE POOLS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

2. With the assistance of other Pool & Beach staff, ensure that the following tasks are assigned and completed daily:

• Set out appropriate numbers of beach towels. Remove any dirty towels from pool and beach area and deliver to laundry area.

• Maintain a presence at the beach and pool areas throughout shift to assist with any guest needs.

• Remove trash from receptacles at beach and pool as needed.

• Clean and maintain the areas surrounding the pool and beach, including bathrooms.

• Remove any broken beach or pool furniture from rotation and notify Supervisor.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

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

2. High School Diploma, plus 3-5 years relevant experience, preferably in a resort environment

3. Thorough knowledge of property services procedures, operations, and equipment

4. Self-motivated and dependable with a strong work ethic and good problem-solving skills.

5. Strong communication and people skills; ability to speak, read and write fluently in English language.

6. Professional appearance and demeanor with solid customer service background

7. Essential First Aid and CPR training and valid certification.

8. Strong swimmer.

TCI delegation attends a series of Health meetings in Washington D.C

Minister of

and

recently led a delegation from the TCI to

DC, USA for several health conferences. The delegation attended the

Public Health Agency (CARPHA)

27th Executive Board meeting, the 45th Council Restricted for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) Executive Committee Meeting and the 60th Directing Council, 75th Session of The Regional Committee of WHO for The Americas from the 21st- 29th September 2023.

Several priority areas to better respond to the needs of the population and improve health outcomes were discussed at the meeting including Information Systems for Health (IS4H), Health System Strengthening, Mental Health, Primary Health Renewal Strategy, Human Resources for Health, International Health Regulations and Climate Change.

Minister Malcolm was accompanied by Senior Health Officials from within the Ministry of Health, Ms. Renessa Williams, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr. Lynrod Brooks, Director, Health Policy and Planning, Nurse Alrisa Gardiner, Primary Health Care Manager and Mrs. Marah Smith, Head of Secretariat, were among officials from other British Overseas Territories who attended the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)

27th Meeting of the Executive Board, the Council Restricted for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) 45th Executive Committee Meeting and the 60th Directing Council, 75th Session of The Regional Committee of WHO.

The CARPHA’s 27th Executive Board meeting held on 21 September 2023 and the COSOHD 45th Executive Committee meeting from 22- 23 September 2023, were both attended by Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ms. Williams and Director, Mr. Lynrod Brooks with the Honourable Minister, Shaun Malcolm, joining virtually, a recent statement from the Government said.

During the COHSOD twoday meeting, stakeholders were engaged in in-depth discussions

on health system matters, regional health security and regional cooperation matters.

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, highlighted priority topics requiring joint action, including the successful implementation of evidence-based standards for Front of Package Warning Labels, agreement on communicable disease cross-border control measures and improving the collective availability of healthcare workers across the Caribbean.

The 60th Directing Council meeting, which was very well attended, welcomed top health experts including Caribbean Ministers of Health and other highlevel delegates to discuss health priorities, review progress and solutions to ongoing problems and exploring opportunities to advance universal health with equity in the Americas.

Progress updates on key programme initiatives undertaken to improve the quality of healthcare as part of PAHO member countries’ efforts to achieve “universal health for all” were also provided along with reports on progress with key technical matters.

Honourable Minister of Health, Shaun Malcolm, noted the importance of inter-sectoral action to ensure our health system is strong and resilient, stating: “To lead strategic collaborative efforts among health care providers and other partners to promote equity in health, to combat disease, and to improve the quality of, and lengthen, the lives of the peoples of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The Ministry of Health and Human Services will continue to work diligently to achieve the goals set out in its new National Health Sector Strategic Plan (20232025) in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in order to achieve our vision of a healthier nation.

Health

Human Services, Hon. Shaun Malcolm

Washington

TCI Health officials in Washington D.C

Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Shaun Malcolm (right)

Stage that once hosted William Shakespeare found, claims Norfolk theatre

A theatre in Norfolk believes it has discovered a stage on which William Shakespeare would have performed.

St George’s Guildhall in King’s Lynn is the oldest working theatre in the UK, dating back to 1445.

During recent renovations, floorboards were found under the existing auditorium, and they have been dated back to the 15th Century.

The theatre claims documents show that Shakespeare acted at the venue in 1592 or 1593.

At the time, acting companies left the capital when theatres in London were closed due to the plague. The Earl of Pembroke’s Men - thought to include Shakespeare - visited King’s Lynn.

“We have the borough account book from 1592-93, which records that the borough paid Shakespeare’s company to come and play in the venue,” explains Tim FitzHigham, the Guildhall’s creative director.

The floorboards were uncovered last month during a renovation project at the Guildhall. They had been covered up for 75 years after a replacement floor was installed in the theatre.

Dr Jonathan Clark, an expert in historical buildings, was brought

on board to research the venue.

“We wanted to open up an area just to check, just to see if there was an earlier floor surviving here. And lo and behold, we found this,” he says, pointing through a temporary trapdoor.

A couple of inches below the modern floor are what he believes to be boards trodden by the Bard, each 12in (30cm) long and 6in deep.

Dr Clark used a combination

of tree-ring dating and a survey of how the building was assembled (“really unusual as the boards locked together and were then pegged through to some massive bridging beams”) to date the floor to between 1417 and 1430, when the Guildhall was originally built.

“We know that these [floorboards] were definitely here in 1592, and in 1592 we think Shakespeare is performing in King’s Lynn, so this is likely to be

the surface that Shakespeare was walking on,” he says.

“It’s this end of the hall where performances took place.”

Dr Clark believes this is a hugely important discovery because not only is it the largest 15th Century timber floor in the country, but it would also be the sole surviving example of a stage on which Shakespeare acted.

“It’s the only upper floor, which is in something of its original state, where he could have been walking, could have been performing,” he says.

There has been much academic debate over the years about whether Shakespeare did act in King’s Lynn, but experts say the discovery is significant.

Tiffany Stern, professor of Shakespeare and early modern drama at the University of Birmingham, tells the BBC: “The evidence he was there has to be patched together but is quite strong.”

It was “very likely” that he was a member of the Earl of Pembroke’s Men because they performed his plays Henry VI and Titus Andronicus, and they did visit King’s Lynn in 1593, she says.

Michael Dobson, director of the Shakespeare Institute in Stratfordupon-Avon, says: “The uncovering

of the actual boards really trodden by Shakespeare’s troupe during their tours of East Anglia should be far more significant to archaeologists of the Elizabethan theatre than is the conjectural replica of the Globe theatre erected near the real, long-demolished Globe’s foundations in central London in the 1990s.”

UPSTART CROW

Back at the venue, FitzHigham believes a number of theories strengthen the argument that Shakespeare performed there.

Shakespeare’s comedian Robert Armin was born just one street away, he notes, while a Norfolk writer called Robert Greene famously described the Bard as an “upstart crow” in what was essentially a bad review in 1592. The debate will continue. On Thursday, the discovery will be discussed at a talk at the venue called Revealing the Secrets of the Guildhall.

Finally, FitzHigham takes me underneath the stage, making us squeeze between beams and using a torch, to allow a closer look at the huge expanse of medieval floorboards, which he explains is the size of a tennis court. “600 years old,” he says with a real sense of wonder.

British actress Julia Ormond

Emmy Award winner Julia Ormond has added herself to the long list of women who have legally accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault and is now suing the disgraced producer.

The “Walking Dead: World Beyond” star also filed suit against The Walt Disney Company, Miramax — the production company Weinstein founded — and CAA talent agency for enabling the imprisoned the 71-year-old rapist, according to Variety.

Ormond’s suit was reportedly filed in New York City on

Wednesday. It alleges the former movie mogul lured the 58-yearold British star into giving him a massage in her apartment, then masturbated and forced her to perform oral sex after a 1995 business dinner.

She alleges her agents at CAA advised against criticising Weinstein and did nothing when she told them what happened.

“The men at CAA who represented Ormond knew about Weinstein,” Ormond’s filing says. “So too did Weinstein’s employers at Miramax and Disney.”

Dr Jonathan Clark showing Colin Paterson the original floorboards

Julia Ormond’s suit was reportedly filed in New York City on Wednesday

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

CONTACT:

1 SECURITY OFFICER

DOMESTIC WORKER

Duties: Regular household chores, And Laundry.

SALARY: $8.00 per hour

GRACE BAY MEDICAL CENTER

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a post-secondary/ graduate degree or equivalent

• Minimum of 5 years work experience

• Must be on a register of a recognized Medical Board.

MAIN DUTIES

• Diagnose, treat and care for patients using natural health process

• Promote well-being by educating patients about health care management

• Management of chronic and acute medical conditions

• Carry out hands-on treatments such as osteopathy, reflexology, or acupuncture, and/or work with the client using hydrotherapy, coaching, meditation or yoga techniques

• Provide follow up care through additional one-to-one sessions to track progress and review treatments as required

• Referral of clients to other practitioners

• Recommend and give advice on diet changes, exercise regimes, lifestyle, herbal medicine and homeopathic remedies

• Create personalised health programmes or treatment plans

17 Savannah Rd, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, TCI VACANCIES

BAKER’S ASSISTANT

• Understanding of Caribbean baked items in particular Jamaican pastries, and international breads.

• Measuring and combining ingredients and using mixers, blenders, heat sources, and other equipment to make baked goods, such as cookies, bread, cakes, etc.

• Decorating and displaying finished products.

• Testing ingredients and finished goods to ensure that each item meets food safety and quality controls.

• Keeping records relating to deliveries, inventory, and production levels.

• Cleaning and restocking workstations and ensuring that all equipment is sanitized and prepared for the next shift.

• Must be willing to work long hours

Salary $24,000 + Service Charge

First time Work Permit

ASSISTANT MANAGER

• Research new wholesale food suppliers and negotiate prices

• Calculate future needs in kitchenware and equipment and place orders, as needed

• Manage and store vendors’ contracts and invoices

• Coordinate communication between front of the house and back of the house staff

• Prepare shift schedules

• Process payroll for all restaurant staff

• Supervise kitchen and wait staff and provide assistance, as needed

• Keep detailed records of daily, weekly and monthly costs and revenues

• Arrange for new employees’ proper onboarding (scheduling trainings and ordering uniforms)

• Monitor compliance with safety and hygiene regulations

Salary $36,000 + Service Charge

First time Work Permit

KITCHEN MANAGER

• Order materials, supplies, and ingredients based on demand.

• Supervise kitchen employees and organize food orders.

• Oversee the food preparation, cooking and

DOMESTIC WORKER

plating process.

• Ensuring consistency of food.

• Recruit and train kitchen employees in designated stations.

• Monitor inventory levels and perform weekly inventory assessments.

• Work with the restaurant manager to price and change menu items.

• Schedule work shifts for employees.

• Store all food products in compliance with health and safety regulations.

• Ensure the kitchen is clean and organized.

• Maintain weekly and monthly cost reports.

Salary $48,000 + Service Charge

First time Work Permit

RESTAURANT SUPERVISOR

• Assist the Restaurant Manager in Interviewing, selecting, training, supervising, counseling and disciplining staff. Oversee wait staff and bussing staff.

• Ensuring that checklists, requisitions and proper opening and closing functions are being completed each shift.

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to provide clear direction to the staff.

• Observe performance and encourage improvement where necessary.

• Ensuring that all steps of services as outlines in training materials are being followed on a daily basis.

• Maintain high-quality food standards

• Work closely with the Restaurant Manager in monthly beverage inventory and quarterly china/glass/silver/ inventory.

• Provide exceptional customer service and lead staff to do the same

• Respond to customer complaints quickly and resolve them effectively

• Develop strategies for improving our customers’ dining experience

• Maintain inventory of all needed supplies

Salary $27,600 + Service Charge

First time Work Permit

CASHIER/HOSTESS

• Must be able to work long hours and remain calm under pressure

• Clean police record

• Ability to multi-task is essential

• Must be very honest

• Enjoy providing excellent customer services

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

DOMESTIC WORKER

DOMESTIC WORKER

DUTIES: Cleaning up various areas in the home As a housekeeper, laundry, and ironing

DUTIES: Cleaning up various materials, Driving & Delivering Cleaning up water tanks Maintaining work area, and assisting in other task.

ONE (1) PAINTER TWO (2) FINISH CARPENTER

DOMESTIC WORKER

Basic manicures, artificial nails, gel nails, hand massages, nail fills, nail

CONTACT: 649-242-1635

CONTACT: 341-6990

ROBINSON

ELIZABETH SQUARE

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 242-9897

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

SHOP KEEPER

DUTIES:

Cleaning up various materials, Picking up waste, Clearing up debris. Maintaining my property, and assisting in other task. Salary: $8.per hourly

CONTACT: 1(649) 347-6885

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED, A

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 343-1741

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

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

CONTACT: 342-9649

DOMESTIC WORKER

CONTACT: 244-5516

WORKERS

CONTACT: 244-8820/231-0271

CONTACT: 343-6204

CASABLANCA CASINO

FREE TRAINING SCHOOL FOR DEALERS! EXPERIENCED DEALERS ARE ALSO WELCOME TO APPLY!

Learn how to become a Casino Table Dealer! Offering a FREE 6 WEEK COURSE for suitable applicants. Certificate of Completion and possible opportunity for future employment to candidates who successfully finish course.

Please submit your resume addressed to HR at the Casablanca Casino located at 226 Grace Bay Road, Providenciales or email your resume to info@casablanca.tc. Suitable candidates will be contacted with course dates and times.

• Suitable Candidate should have a minimum 2 years of solar PV installation Experience.

• Candidate should have handson experience of installing grid tied, grid. interactive and off-grid renewable energy systems

• Knowledgeable of the solar industry.

• Must be able to read engineering drawings.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Install renewable energy

• systems.

• Maintain renewable energy systems.

• Review and research alternative new forms of renewable energy, suitable

• for this market.

THIS WILL BE A FIRST-TIME WORK PERMIT UNDER OUR COMPANY’S NAME. LOCATION: COURTYARD PLAZA #2A CONTACT : 649-333-4242

EASYWAY EMPLOYEMENT SERVICES

exterior and assist with construction work site

CLEANER KITCHEN HELPER

The suitable candidate must have 2-5 years of experience, have strong English verbal and written communication skills. Must have valid drivers license and be over age 25. Salary starting at $8.50 per hour.

RESUMES CAN BE EMAILED TO TLEWIN@PORTSOFCALLRESORT.COM/ ABARNETT@PORTSOFCALLRESORT.COM OR DROPPED OFF IN PERSON AT 11 SANDCASTLE ROAD. TEL 946-8888 PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS WHO ARE TURKS ISLANDERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO LABOR BOARD. POSITION IS CURRENTLY HELD BY WORK PERMIT HOLDER.

38961

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NOTICE

The Turks & Caicos Islands National Insurance Board invites proposals for a MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS CONSULTANT

Further information is available upon request in electronic format only from the National Insurance Office in Grand Turk & Providenciales, via telephone at (649) 946-1048/9 or via e-mail at nib@tcinib.tc.

Proposals are to be submitted in a sealed envelope by 12:00 Noon on Friday, October 20, 2023 to:

The Chairman National Insurance Board

Tender Board Grand Turk or Providenciales

Turks and Caicos Islands

Further information is available on the NIB website at www.tcinib.tc Or contact: MISS DIANDRA MILLS, DEPUTY DIRECTOR NATIONAL INSURANCE BOARD PROVIDENCIALES

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

Email: diandramills@tcinib.tc Tel: (649) 941-5806/5906

38991

CLEANER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 341-4953

CONSTRUCTION LABOURER

Candidate will clean job sites as needed, build scaffolding, handling material, dig trenching, and know how to handle and maintain small tools.

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

QUANTITY SURVEYOR

We are seeking a skilled, reliable, efficient quantity surveyor to join our growing organization. In this position, you will estimate the costs of construction projects, working with contractors, builders, and architects.

QUANTITY SURVEYOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review architectural plans and prepare quantity needs

• Estimate the quantity and costs of materials

• Prepare contracts and documents

• Set budgets for payments, inventory needs, and materials

• Track changes in plans or constructions; update budgets

• Negotiate with contractors and subcontractors

• Act as a liaison between clients and site managers/engineers

• Identify potential financial or construction risks.

• Advise clients on improvements, strategies, and/or estimated costs

• Prepare payments for contractors and subcontractors

• Document progress, materials, and reports on project

• Utilize software to calculate, record, and track inventory and estimates, proficiency in plan swift, Procore and Blue beam is essential.

QUANTITY SURVEYOR REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying

• 5-10 years of quantity surveying experience, financial experience and construction experience

• Proficient in computer skills and Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft projects

• Able to analyze financial records and apply data to improved results

• Strong aptitude for numbers, spreadsheets, and financial reports

• Experienced at compiling and following strict budgets; strong estimating and financial analysis skills

• In-depth understanding of construction, materials, pricing, and industry

• Able to analyze problems and strategize for better solutions

Salary: $1600-1800/week

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO LABOUR BOARD

NORSTAR GROUP LTD.

UNIT 2C

COURTYARD PLAZA PROVIDENCIALES

PHONE:(649) 941-3600

EMAIL:PHANDFIELD@NORSTARGROUP.TC

Candidate will need to set out for laying concrete blocks, prepare mortar mix, plaster walls and other masonry works. Salary $9.00 hourly

DOMESTIC WORKER

General cleaning, washing, cleaning windows and floors. Flexible hours over 6 days. Salary: $9.00 hourly

TURKS AND CAICOS KITEBOARDING

ASSISTANT MANAGER KITEBOARD INSTRUCTORS

• Turks and Caicos Kiteboarding is looking to hire an Assistant Manager with the following requirements:

• Minimum 5 yrs Experience Customer Service/Hospitality Management

Minimum 5 yrs Reservations/Booking

Management Experience Kiteboarding Experience

• Wind sport Certification Training (le: Sailing, Kiteboarding)

• Must have own transport to Work.

• Outgoing Personality

• Commitment to Superior Client Experience

• Turks and Calicos Kiteboarding is looking to hire Kiteboarding Instructors with the following requirements:

• Minimum 3 years Teaching Experience IKO Certification

• Outgoing personality

• Ability to work in a Team

Environment Uncompromising focus on superior client experience

• Salary Based on Experience

38919

BREWERY PACKAGING SUPERVISOR

Need job advertisement for above:

QUALIFICATIONS:

a) Previous experience in brewery packaging

b) Previous supervisory experience

c) Must be a brewer

JOB DESCRIPTION:

a) be responsible for all operations that occur in the packaging facility.

b) coordinate with the Production Manager to determine what products are to be processed.

c) supervise and lead a permanent staff of 4 packaging assistants.

d) ensure proper cleaning, sanitation and purging of brite tanks.

e) maintain accurate records of all tank CIPs and maintenance.

f) maintain accurate records of all CIPs of packaging equipment.

g) maintain accurate records of and preform regular preventative maintenance of all packaging equipment.

f) ensure the cleanliness and organization of the packaging facility.

g) preform repairs and adjustments to packaging equipment as needed unless a mechanic is required.

h) monitor stock of all packaging supplies and ensure no shortages occur.

i) ensure the preparedness of the packaging facility for daily operation. This includes but is not limited to maintaining a supply of prepared boxes for bottling operations, maintaining a ready supply of crowns, labels, cans and can ends, ensuring the CO2 supply is always sufficient for packaging operations, ensuring all product is carbonated to specification, etc.

j) monitor all packaging operations. This includes but is not limited to analyzing can seams and making adjustments to the can seamer, analyzing dissolved oxygen in packaged product, ensuring labels and date codes are properly applied and accurate, ensuring fill levels of all packaged products are to specification, ensuring products are pasteurized (or not) to specification, etc.

SALARY: $60000-70000 per year, dependent upon experience

38912

DOMESTIC WORKER

Caring for young children, collecting children from school or nursery school, babysitting, feeding and caring for pets, light garden duties.

CONTACT: 649-947-6909

ARE

Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting,

CONTACT: 442-5131

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

CONTACT: 346-0002

BELONGERS

HELPER CLEANER

NANCY HARVEY Blue Hills, Providenciales (246-0117) Clean yard, heavy lifting etc. $8.00 hourly

G.W.H CLEANING SERVICES (347-8287)

#5 Macaw cl, Cheshire Hall, Providenciales Cleaning windows, cleaning inside & exterior of buildings etc. $8.00 hourly

URBAN CONSTRUCTION

MASON

Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/ or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters.

Salary: $10.00 hourly

CONTACT: 649-332-6772 OR FRANCISSECTRETARIALTCI@ GMAIL.COM

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

THE SOURCE LTD – 203 VENTURE HOUSE

ROOM INSPECTOR

A ROOM INSPECTOR is required to work in a luxury villa. The successful candidate must possess the following qualities & experience:

• Must have experienced as a Room Inspector/Housekeeper at a Five Star Hotel/Luxury Villa with a high level of attention to detail.

• Applicant must inspect the cleanliness of all rooms prior and post guest arrival

• Must list and itemize lost and found items

• Be willing to work flexible hours including holidays, weekends, and evenings

• Must be reliable and trustworthy and energetic

• Handles guest complaints and

MECHANIC

• Service, troubleshoot, repair boat engines;

• Work 5 days a week and emergency callout.

• Wages: $11 hourly

CONTACT: 331-3184

LIAISON OFFICER

• Acting as contact points for all agency or organizational personnel.

• Facilitating meetings and cooperation among people, agencies and organizations.

• Identifying problems in communications among these groups.

Salary: $8.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-243-0300

• Assisting with towing and pushback

• Ensuring the safety and security of the area around a parked airplane

• Guiding airplanes to and from their gates

• Loading, Unloading and sorting baggage’s

• Operating Cargo handling equipment

• Salary $1400-$2000 Holidays, long hours, weekend

TEL: 941-5730

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

518 Leeward Highway, Providenciales

We are looking for the following positions to join our team, prepare delicious meals, and provide exceptional service for our customers.

• Kitchen manager

• Cooks

• Busboy/ Busgirl

• Dish washer

• Waiters/ Waitress

• Barman

• Maintenance person

CONTACT: CELL: 649-241-0803, WHATSAPP: 819430-7325 OR JM@THEABANDONEDBAR.COM

Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board

Regulation 8 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 2021

queries

• Applicant must be willing to look after the household when owners are absent

• Possess excellent command of English

• Controls waste of any product or linen.

• Must be a non-smoker

CANDIDATE MUST ALSO

• Perform general housekeeping duties including laundry.

• In the absence of guest must be willing to assist with cleaning and general maintenance

• Must be willing and to work well with the team

• Must have a clean police record

• Starting salary for this position is $1,500.00 per month.

An Application, REGISTERED PR 17125, by THASHENA TERRELL ADDERLEY for the PROPOSED TWO STOREY MIXED USE BUILDING CONTAINING:

• GROUND FLOOR: - A MULTI-PURPOSE SPACE/ HALL WITH A RECEPTION AREA, DISPLAY AREA, AN OFFICE, RESTROOMS, KITCHEN, STORAGE SPACE, DRESSING ROOM, STAGE

• FIRST FLOOR: - SEVEN (7) ONE-BEDROOM APARTMENT UNITS ON BLOCK & PARCELS 60804/54 WHICH IS 0.34 ACRES OF LAND

This application has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on Block & Parcels 60804/54 WHICH IS 0.34 ACRES OF LAND located at The Bight & Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales.

Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Emily House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, within twenty-eight (28) days of publication of this Notice. You may also make representation(s) via video conferencing at the sitting of the Physical Planning Board when this application would be considered. If you are desirous so to do via video conferencing, contact the Secretary of Physical Planning Board.

Dated: September 25, 2023

38837

BELLE FEMME ROSE

HAIRSTYLIST BARBER

Shampooing, cutting, and styling hair, provide hair treatments, including deep conditioning, permanents, hair coloring, and weaving.

$8.00 Hourly

Cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair, trimming beards, or giving shaves.

$8.00 hourly (Renewal)

NAIL TECHNICIAN

Basic manicures, artificial nails, gel nails, hand massages, nail repair. Pedicures and the application of acrylic toenails. $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 339-9275

2 HELPERS

Washing equipment. Changing tires.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 332-0026

BELONGERS

To: The Depositors/Creditors of TCI Bank Limited (In Liquidation) (“the Company”)

As the Company’s Official Liquidator, I advised the Supreme Court on May 2, 2023 that I was going to pay a fourth interim dividend distribution of seven cents (USD$0.07) on the dollar (USD$1.00). We are currently in the process of making these distributions by contacting customers in alphabetical order.

For creditors who reside on Islands other than Providenciales and who cannot make private arrangements to have their distributions collected in Providenciales, we will be visiting the other Islands namely Grand Turk and North Caicos for the purpose of making the dividend distribution. The dates and times of these visits will be announced. For those persons who reside outside of the Turks and Caicos Islands, separate arrangements will be made. If your address has changed since the date of filing your claim for the past three distributions, please contact us at telephone 649-941-7500 or via email address info@tciblimitedliquidation.com.

• Must have at least 10 years experience in the installation, maintenance and repairs of Fire Alarm Systems, Suppression Systems and Fire Sprinklers. Must have a qualification in Fire

MASSAGE THERAPIST

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

We look forward to meeting you! Deadline for applications is Saturday, October 14th, 2023.

APPLICANTS FOR THE POSITION ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE:

• Obtained a diploma in Massage Therapy from an internationally accredited school from Canada, UK, USA, Australia, Jamaica, Thailand or Philippines.

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

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

• Other Modalities Required: Esthetician Licensing, Waxing, Manicure and Pedicures.

• At least 3 years experience with a spa rated 4 stars or above.

• Their own vehicle in excellent working order and a clean license.

• Fluent spoken and written English (a written exam will be provided).

• Basic computer skills for use of company software.

• Be available to work 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM every day. Weekends and holiday are a must. (Schedules are subject to change).

Remuneration: $8.00 hourly plus commission and gratuities.

YOUR RESUME TO: RELAX@SPATROPIQUE.COM APPLICANTS MAY ALSO FORWARD RESUMES TO THE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE SERVICES OFFICES.

Mr. Anthony S. Kikivarakis Sr. Official Liquidator TCI Bank Limited (in Liquidation)

HERODE

GOOD

&

Five Cays Is seeking to employ a BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD WORK PERMIT RENEWAL

LABOURER

Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a HOMAGE TANISSAINT

BELONGERS ARE

PIERRE

RECEIVING

Salary: $8.00

BELONGERS

&

Wages:

38908

ect.

Hourly LABOURER Back Salina, Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a JA’SAMS’ CONSTRUCTION CONTACT: (649) 341-8332 38840 BELONGERS AND RESIDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES Cleaning around the job site Salary: $8.50 per hour LABOURER Millenium Highway, Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a PHITO JOSEPH SIMON CONTACT: 231-5109 38815 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. Salary: $8.00 Hourly DOMESTIC WORKER The Bight Is seeking to employ a PREMIER BUILDING SOLUTION CONTACT:

Salary: $8.00

MASON

Repairs, maintains and alters buildings, retaining walls and other brick or stone edifices. Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters.

South Dock, #27 Malcom Road Is seeking to employ a

Bay Road, Blue Hills, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a ISLAND STEEL FABRICATORS

Tom Lightbourne drive, Wheeland, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a ISLAND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

CLEANER

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

Salary: $400 weekly

BELONGERS ONLY

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

MARINA LABOUR

3 years experience in a luxury resort environment. Responsible for keeping the club and homeowners’ boats clean and well maintained with scheduled maintenance and care. Report to the senior boat captain for directions and daily scope of work. Assist with boat passengers with loading and unloading luggage. Assist with loading and unloading freight. Keep the harbor master’s office clean. Assist with marine area and dock maintenance operations. Must have customer service skills, communication skills. Can work unsupervised and under pressure. Must do heavy Lifting. Salary $10.00 per hour

SECURITY LIAISON NURSE

10 years’ experience in a luxury resort environment. Responsible for providing appropriate clinically sensitive security advice and support. Responsible for monitoring and maintaining procedures implemented that uphold the safety and security of staffs and guests. Carry out and maintain all mandatory security checks. Must be CPR/First Aid Certified. Must Possess a Certification in Nursing. Must have communication skills both written and verbal, detail orientated, excellent sense of judgement and can stay alerted at all times. Can work unsupervised and under pressure. Must do heavy Lifting. Salary $30,000 per annum.

Interested Applicants can submit their Cover Letter and Resume to:

recruitment@pinecay.com Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All Applicants must have a valid police record when applying. Some positions may require you to live on Pine Cay.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves patients with kind and caring disposition

• Prepares medications

• Counsels and monitors patient drug therapies

• Gives pharmacological advice and information to patients and health care team via phone and in person

• Prepares medications by reviewing and interpreting physicians’ orders

• Detects and resolves therapeutic incompatibilities

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have certification from

accredited university/institution and valid professional licenses through valid and acceptable regulation authority

• Must have minimum 5 years’ experience working in a Retail Pharmacy environment

• Skilled at interacting with customers of all socioeconomic backgrounds

• Ability to operate Point-of-Sale and Kroll programs

• Possesses excellent communications and interpersonal skills

• Competent and reliable professional, committed and experienced

SALARY: 50K PER

HVAC AND RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN

- Understanding of HVAC from install to repair.

- Perform routine maintenance and install plumbing, electrical, HVAC, as warranted by building and equipment specs.

- Troubleshoot equipment, fabricate/modify parts for repairs/ improvements.

- Coordinate repairs and manage maintenance tasks that may require specialized vendors or cannot be completed independently.

- Provide prompt, efficient, and customer-oriented maintenance service.

Resumes

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

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

WRITERS/ PHOTO JOURNALIST

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

FOR MAGAZINES AND OTHER PERIODICALS GRAPHICS PRODUCTION DESIGNER/ PAGINATOR

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

COURT REPORTER

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

ADVERTISING SPACE SALES PERSON

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

- Maintain accurate records of work and work orders, materials, and costs.

- Prior maintenance experience, preferably in commercial/industrial kitchens.

- Strong knowledge of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and general maintenance.

- Proficient with tools and diagnostic equipment; familiar with standard restaurant equipment.

- Problem-solving skills, teamwork Pay: $4000 - $5000 USD per month

Expected hours min: 44 per week

ikigaitci@gmail.com

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

Coriats Trust Company Limited

Coriats Trust Company is looking for a

DEPUTY FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

Coriats is the largest and oldest (45 years in business) trust company in the Turks and Caicos Islands, with $1 Billion of assets under administration.

CANDIDATES SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING

CHARACTERISTICS:

1. Graduate of BS Accountancy or its equivalent:

2. Minimum of three years if proven accounting experience in a high quality financial services business (bank, law firm or accountancy firm).

3. Trainable and can work with minimum supervision.

4. Hard working, reliable, organized and highly motivated.

5. Multi task, can pick up quickly, detailed oriented, consistent and follow directives.

6. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

7. Sound use of Microsoft Office especially Excel is a plus.

8. Must be able to deliver projects in a timely and efficient manner.

In return Coriats offer a competitive annual salary of $45,000 and (after a qualifying period) entry into a bonus scheme that can pay as much as 20% of your annual salary.

PLEASE SEND APPLICATIONS WITH A FULL C.V. AND A COVERING LETTER EXPLAINING WHY YOU ARE QUALIFIED FOR THIS ROLE TO DAVID STEWART DS@CORIATS.COM WITH A COPY TO FERDINAND AND MASICLAT FERDINAND@CORIATS.COM.

Applications must be made on or before Friday 20th October to be considered. THIS IS NOT A WORK PERMIT ADVERTISMENT. ONLY THOSE WITH THE UNRESTRICTED RIGHT TO WORK IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS SHOULD APPLY.

InterHealth Canada Construction & Services is currently recruiting for Key positions within TCI Hospitals. Successful candidates will be offered excellent packages depending on qualifications and experience.

SENIOR ENGINEER

(Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales)

Candidate must be qualified to a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent, and hold qualifications in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Health & Safety Qualification (NEBOSH preferred) & Medical Gas Safety.

Ensure teams undertake maintenance, repairs minor improvement, and capital work across the TCI Hospitals as directed by facilities management, ensuring compliance with TCI safety standards and procedures. Performs work as required to facilitate the smooth running of the department including activities that are non-routine (i.e. response to Disaster and Emergency, Health and Safety Responsibilities, Project works, and tasks as part of the Senior FM team).

Works with Engineering lead at sister site as required, with potential to work across CHMC and CTMC as business requires.

For full Job Specifications, Qualification Requirements, and Package Details, please contact Ms. Vielka Fulford for further information and queries on Tel: 941-2800 Ext 71803.

Salary: $65k full package including benefits.

MECHANICAL AND/ OR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER’S REQUIRED (Cheshire

Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales)

Applicants must be able to work 40 hours per week (5 shifts allocated over 7 days and including weekend working and bank holidays).

Candidate must be qualified to a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent, and hold qualifications in Mechanical and/or Electrical Engineering.

Duties include but are not exclusive to: Prevented Planned Maintenance on all HVAC, VSD, pumps and motors, valves and strainers, reactive works on all plants, fault finding, and correction. Fabric maintenance of the building, and handyman tasks if and when required. Trade tests and competency programs will be included at the interview stage.

Appointments will be made based on a successful interview, a positive reference check and a clear Police check. *Previous experience is required for all posts.

For full Job Specifications, Qualification Requirements, and Package Details, please contact Ms. Vielka Fulford for further information and queries on Tel: 941-2800 Ext 71803.

Salary: $50k full package including benefits. Qualified Belongers will be given first consideration.

APPLY IN WRITING TOGETHER WITH AN UP TO DATE CURRICULUM VITAE TO: VFULFORD@INTERHEALTHCANADA.TC.

Construction Manager

Plan and supervise a wide range of construction projects from start to finish, experience in managing large scale vertical construction projects is necessary. You will organize and oversee construction the construction team procedures and ensure they are completed in a timely and efficient manner.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with, architects etc. to determine the specifications of the project.

• Negotiate contracts with external vendors to reach profitable agreements.

• Determine needed resources (manpower, equipment, and materials) from start to finish with attention to budgetary limitations.

• Plan all construction operations and schedule intermediate phases to ensure deadlines will be met.

• Acquire equipment and material and monitor stocks to timely handle inadequacies.

• Allocate staff with responsibilities

• Supervise the work of all construction team members and give guidance

when needed.

• Evaluate progress and prepare detailed progress reports.

• Ensure adherence to all health and safety standards and report issues.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as construction project manager, minimum 10 years’ experience managing projects greater then USD $30 MIL.

• In-depth understanding of construction procedures and material and site engineer principles

• Familiarity with quality and health and safety standards

• Good knowledge of MS Office, MS Projects

• Familiarity with construction/ project management software Procore and Blue Beam

• Outstanding communication and negotiation skills

• Excellent organizational and timemanagement skills

• A team player with leadership abilities

Salary: $2500-2800.00/week dependent on experience

Belongers are encouraged to send copy of their resume to Labour Board

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION SALES

Serge Tuyssuzian as Chargee pursuant to the Registered Land Ordinance hereby gives Notice that it will cause to be sold by Public Auction the following scheduled property outside the offices of Miller Simons O’Sullivan, Regent House West, Regent Village, Grace Bay, Providenciales at 10:00 a.m. on 16 October 2023.

1. TITLE NO. 61112/201, LONG BAY HILLS, PROVIDENCIALES REGISTERED PROPRIETOR: DELBERT DON MISSICK

38901

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

This property is located on Thatcher Street, in the Long Bay Heights residential subdivision in the Long Bay Hills section of Providenciales. The property supports a two- storey residential building with a total floor area of approximately 3,900 square feet and 476 square feet of covered decks. The upper level of the property comprises a three- bedroom main dwelling and two-bedroom apartment. There are three self-contained apartments with two bedrooms, bathroom, open concept kitchen/living/dining area and laundry.

Any and all potential bidders will be required to produce one (1) valid form of identification to Miller Simons O’Sullivan on the day of the Auction.

Draft Terms and Conditions of Sale and the draft Agreement for Sale are available upon demand prior to the Auction.

Any and all Successful bidders will be required to pay a ten (10%) per cent deposit upon a successful bid before close of business on the day of the Auction. Any and all successful bidders will also have to pay Auction legal fees in the sum of Seven Hundred and Fifty Dollars (US$750.00).

Operate steam press machines or hand irons to remove wrinkles from clothing or flatwork items.

$8.00

CONTACT: 347-1511

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

38858

PREMIER BUILDING SOLUTIONS

MASON

Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

PATROCINA MERCEDES MARTINEZ

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 346-9216/432-1190

PAUL GARDINER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 441-5262 38895

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

PROVO SEAFOOD LTD.

FOUR (4) PLANT WORKERS

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 231-9717

Must have some knowledge of cleaning Marine products. May be required to work after normal hours.

Salary: $9.00 hourly

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

$8.00 hourly

SUNSHINE

MECHANIC HELPER

BELONGERS

T & M CONSTRUCTION

PAINTER #34 Millennium Highway, Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a

Apply paints, stains, and coatings to interior and exterior walls, new buildings, homes, offices and other structural surfaces.

38795

RENEWAL

TURKS & CAICOS VETERINARY ASSOCIATES

is seeking to employ a

VETERINARY ASSISTANT

CONTACT: 344-2093 38848

CONTACT ERNEST RIGBY ON 649-231-0293

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 241-6071

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY

RUBIN AUGUSTE

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

STORE CLERK

Applicant must be honest, reliable and hardworking. Keeping the store shelves clean at all times, stacking of shelves and sale of goods.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

We are looking for a Veterinary Assistant to care for animals and support Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians. You’ll play an important role in bringing comfort to our furry patients and ensuring the smooth running of our facility. A Veterinary Assistant is a professional who is responsible for the cleanliness of the veterinary clinic and helps the Veterinarian with various tasks to ensure their patients receive the care and attention they need while in the veterinary clinic. One of the most important Veterinary Assistant responsibilities is to ensure all areas are clean, for animals and humans alike. We’ll also rely on you to assist the Veterinarian in examinations and operations.

Do you love animals? Then you’re halfway there. You also need the ability to care for them properly – that’s one of the most important Vet Assistant job requirements. This includes knowledge of routine tasks, like feeding or bathing animals, but also readiness to care for injured or scared animals that might occasionally lash out.

If you’re also organized, quick on your feet and have the stomach to help with medical operations and euthanasia, we’d like to meet you.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS

• Assisting Veterinarians during examinations

• Performing administrative duties

• Feeding, caring for animals and cleaning kennels

• Proven experience as a Veterinary Assistant or similar position working with animals

CONTACT: 346-4624

CONTACT: 347-9970 38793

CONTACT: 341-1406

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

• Experience in an administrative role is a plus

• Current or former pet ownership is an advantage

• Excellent communication skills

• Patient and caring personality

• Ability to follow instructions properly

• Comfortable being around animals (cats, dogs, horses, goats etc.)

• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job (e.g. lift up to 50 lbs)

• Availability to occasionally work in emergencies after hours

• High school diploma required; a certificate from a Veterinary Assistant program is a plus

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 243-5934

Responsible for protective insecticides, seeding new plants, supervising the irrigation and fertilizers and cleaning all the areas.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-331-0818

BELONGERS ARE

SALARY

• $9-$15/hourly, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 3-5 hours per day.

Interested and qualified persons should drop off their CV to Turks & Caicos Veterinary Associates at 24 Breezy Ridge or send to info@turkscaicosvets.com (649) 946-4353. Applicants are also encouraged to send a copy of their CV to the Labour Department before October 10th. This is a new position, Belongers only to apply.

(649)341-6303

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-241-6340

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 347-5020

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR

DOMESTIC WORKER

Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 345-3500

AUTO-BODY REPAIRMAN

Duties includes spraying of vehicles, body repair to vehicles, dents removal.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 333-7970

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

2 CLEANERS

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

CONTACT: 244-0113

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Shampooing, styling hair, provide hair treatments, deep conditioning, coloring, and weaving. $8.00

649-241-3403/ 649-247-5954

$9.00

Applicant must be a professional, experienced and licensed Captain with knowledge of Turks and Caicos waters in vessels up to 60ft. Knowledge of Diesel engines and basic mechanical required. Must have good communication and hospitality skills. Turks and Caicos captains license a minimum with USCG or MCA captains license preferred.

CALL: (649) 232-7447

EMAIL: GOYACHTING@GMAIL.COM

CASABLANCA CASINO BLACKJACK DEALERS/DICE DEALERS

Salary $9.00-$16.00/ hour

All candidates should have at least 2-3 years’ experience in the same field, excellent full knowledge of all casino table games and excellent knowledge of Blackjack table game and/or dice game.

JOB SUMMARY:

carry out specific tasks in the gaming operation to the highest standard efficiency and customer service in accordance with gaming policies and procedures laid down by the company and gaming laws.

LABOURER

$8 - $9/ HOUR

Must have several years kitchen helper experience, stock refill, cleaning experience of the full casino with knowledge of covid requirements and be physically fit. Also provide routine building cleaning and maintenance including painting, sanding and lifting and moving heavy equipment.

PRACTITIONER WITH INTEREST IN ER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 441-8061

Cleaning the boat, assisting with heavy lifting and other tasks assigned.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 342-8785

GRACE BAY MEDICAL CENTER

FRENCH/CREOLE PHYSICIAN

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• GP must speak and write French, Creole and English

• Must have a Medical Degree from an accredited University

• Certificate in Management of HIV/STI

• Must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience as a registered Medical Practitioner.

• Minimum of 5 years working in a Primary Health Care setting/institution

• Minimum of 5 years as a fully registered Medical Practitioner on a register of a recognized Medical Board.

MAIN DUTIES

• Patient consultations, examinations, minor surgery

• Diagnosis and treatment of illness/ailments

• Prescribing or requesting diagnostic tests

• Manage acute and chronic illnesses

• Health education

• Liaise with other healthcare professionals and hospitals

• Computer knowledge Monthly salary $6000.00-$7000.00.

GRACE BAY MEDICAL CENTER

38954

REGISTERED NURSE

REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES

• Bachelors 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 results, update and maintain patients

is accepting applications for the following positions:

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

FRONT OFFICE SUPERVISOR

Experienced Front Office Supervisor needed for overseeing daily operations at front office with a friendly personality, excellent verbal and written communication, customer service, leadership and interpersonal skills. Someone with booking keeping and knowledge with Opera PMS would be a plus.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS:

• 2 years maximum experience in a similar position, including supervisory responsibilities and 5 years’ experience in the hospitality industry

• Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficient use in Microsoft Office (Excel and Word)

• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Salary Range: $25,000 - $30,000 per annum based on experience and qualifications.

Belonger only need apply - Email: info@oceanbreezeresorttci.com

FRONT OFFICE AGENT

Front Office agent needed who is eager to be the first point of contact while providing exceptional customer service with a pleasant attitude. Greeting and check in and out guests, answering email and phones inquiries. Posting and calculating charges. Resolving problems and complaints and any other duties assigned by management.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS:

• Experience as front desk representative.

• Familiar with office machines

• Proficient in English (oral and written)

• Excellent knowledge of MS Office (especially Excel and Word)

• Strong communication and people skills

• Good organizational and multi-tasking abilities

• Knowledge and experience with Opera PMS will be a plus Salary Range: $9.00 - $10.00 per hour based on experience and qualifications.

HOSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR

Housekeeping Supervisor needed with responsibility for overseeing the dayto-day operations of the resort’s cleaning staff.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS:

• Passionate about a hygienic environment

• The ability to take the initiative and lead others.

• Knowledge of the process of sterilizing equipment

• Effective interpersonal skill

• Work experience as a housekeeping Supervisor or the appropriate certification/training.

• The ability to communicate effectively both orally and written, pay attention to details, think critically, handle difficult people appropriately and solve problems.

• Assist housekeepers ad houseman with daily duties.

• Willing to work weekends and public holidays when needed.

Salary Range: $24,000 – $28,000 per annum based on experience and qualifications.

HOUSEKEEPER

Housekeeper needed for resort’s general cleanliness and to provide tidy and

sanitary amenities to guests and visitors.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS:

• Proven experience as a Cleaner or Housekeeper

• Ability to work with little supervision and maintain a high level of performance.

• Customer-oriented and friendly

• Prioritization and time management skills

• Working quickly without compromising quality

• Proficient English language

Salary Range: $8.00 - $10.00 per hour based on experience and qualifications.

HOUSEMAN

Houseman needed for resort’s general cleanliness and to provide tidy and sanitary amenities to guests and visitors. To assist housekeepers with cleaning and maintaining rooms focusing mainly on ceiling fans, lights, transport linen, cleaning carpets, trash removal, balconies, cleaning common areas, bellmen duties, general trash removals. Any other duties assigned by management.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS:

• Experience as a Cleaner/Housekeeper

• Ability to work with little supervision and maintain a high level of performance

• Customer-oriented and friendly

• Prioritization and time management skills

• Working quickly without compromising quality

• Proficient English language

Salary Range: $8.00 - $10.00 per hour based on experience and qualifications.

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Maintenance Technician needed for general upkeep of premises and infrastructure, maintaining building operations and ensure that the facilities are always safe and functional. Repair damaged plumbing and electrical pipes and wires when needed. Maintain building HVAC equipment, pool cleanliness and water safety, furniture repairs, service desalination water plant, service standby diesel generator – 150KW. Fix safety hazards. Undertake pest control activities. Inspect alarm systems and security cameras.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS:

• Proven experience as maintenance technician

• Basic understanding of electrical, hydraulic and other systems

• Knowledge of general maintenance processes and methods

• Working knowledge of tools, common appliances and devices

• Manual dexterity and problem-solving skills

• Good physical condition and strength with a willingness to work weekends, public holidays and on call after hours.

Salary Range: $24,000 - $28,000 per annum based on experience and qualifications.

RESTAURANT SUPERVISOR

Restaurant Supervisor needed for the smooth operations of the restaurant. Responsible for overseeing restaurant staff, assisting with orders and serving, maintaining good working relationships with suppliers, screening, interviewing and training restaurant staff. Managing restaurant staff’s work schedules. Conducting regular inspection to ensure restaurant compliant with health and safety regulations. Monitoring inventory, restaurant’s cash flow and settling outstanding bills.

WHITBY, NORTH CAICOS, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS:

• Experience working as a supervisor in the hospitality industry.

• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment and stand for extended periods.

• Strong management, communication, customer service and organizational skills.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or hospitality is advantageous.

Salary Range: 25,000 - $28,000 per annum based on experience and qualifications

RESTAURANT SERVER

Restaurant server needed to greet and escort customers, take orders, deliver food and beverages, table setting, using a POS software, provide excellent customer service and assisting with dinning cleaning.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS:

• Experience as a Waiter.

• Hands-on experience with cash register and ordering information system (e.g. Revel POS or Toast POS)

• Basic math skills

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to perform well in a fast-paced environment

• Flexibility to work in shifts

Salary Range: $8 - $10 per hour based on experience and qualifications.

BATRENDER

Bartender needed to provide an excellent guest drinking experience, creating classic and innovative drinks exceeding customers’ needs and expectations. Take order, serving and prepare all beverages for bar and restaurant patrons and plan and present bar menus. Customers orientated.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS:

• Experience as a Bartender

• Knowledge in mixing, garnishing and serving drinks

• Computer literacy

• Knowledge of a second language is a plus

• Relevant training certificate

Salary Range: $9 - $10 per hour based on experience and qualifications.

HEAD CHEF

Experienced and qualified Head Chef needed to complete a variety of creative, organizational and leadership tasks to ensure a kitchen runs optimally and patrons’ meals are satisfactory.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES TO INCLUDE:

• Construct menus.

• Plan orders of equipment or ingredients according to identified shortages.

• Managing and training kitchen staff.

• Estimate staff’s workload and records of attendance.

• Participate in budget preparation and monitor expenses.

• Foster a climate of cooperation and respect between co-workers.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS:

• Experience as Head Chef

• Exceptional ability of kitchen management

• Outstanding communication and leadership skills

• Up-to-date with culinary trends and optimized kitchen processes

• Good understanding of useful computer programs (MS Office, restaurant management software, POS)

• Credentials in health and safety training

• Degree in Culinary science or related certificate will be a plus

Salary Range: $34,000 - $39,000 per annum based on experience and qualifications.

COOK

Skilled Cook needed to assist Head Chef with meals preparation and Kitchen cleanliness. Set up workstations with ingredients needed and cooking equipment. Food preparation and ensure great presentation. Proper storage of food and other items. Check quality and quantity of ingredients and replenishing stock.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS:

• Experience as cook

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

• Ability to follow all sanitation procedures

• Very good communication skills

• Excellent physical condition and stamina

• High school diploma or equivalent; Diploma from a culinary school will be an advantage

Salary Range: $9 - $11 per hour based on experience and qualifications.

SECURITY OFFICER (NIGHT)

Security Officer need to undertake the surveillance and protection of our guests, visitors and staff. Patrolling and securing all areas. Communicating any irregularities with management. Investigate, record and report all incidents.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS:

• Experience as security officer or guard

• Knowledge of legal guidelines for area security and public safety

• Familiarity with report writing

• Excellent surveillance and observation skills

• Good oral and written English and communication

• Trained in First Aid/BLS and self-defense is a plus

Salary Range: $9 - $11 per hour based on experience and qualifications.

LABOURER

Laborer needed to maintain landscape, pool area and cleanliness of the property. Ensure all common areas are kept cleaned. Daily trash disposal. Perform any other task assigned by management.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS:

• Positive attitude

• Ability to work as a team

• Hardworking and willing to work long hours when needed.

Salary: $8 per hour

QUALIFIED TURKS ISLANDERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY VIA

EMAIL: INFO@OCEANBREEZERESORTTCI.COM

WHITBY, NORTH CAICOS, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES

COOK

Setting up workstations. Preparing ingredients, chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc. Cooking food in various utensils or grillers. Salary: $8.00

CONTACT: 231-5109

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

LABOURER

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

CONTACT: 442-0116

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

CONTACT: 342-1964

Science & Technology

Installs pipes and fixtures, installs supports for pipes, equipment, etc. Salary: $8.00

CONTACT: 241-3247

Quantum dots: TV screen crystals win Chemistry Nobel Prize

The Nobel Prize for chemistry has been awarded to three scientists for their work in developing what are called quantum dots.

People may have come across these tiny crystals in their QLED TV sets where the nanoparticles create colour.

They are also used in medical imaging to guide surgeons, in better targeting of cancer drugs, and in solar panels.

LANDSCAPER

Landscaping, cutting and trimming of trees and decorating.

STORE CLERK

Winners Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov will share the 11m Swedish krona (£824,000) prize.

Their names were released accidentally in a press release from Sweden’s Royal Academy of Sciences, hours before the official announcement on Wednesday morning.

The Academy said it was trying to understand why the names were released early. “This is of course very

unfortunate. We deeply regret what happened,” the secretarygeneral of the academy said.

He insisted that the final decision on the winners was not made until the Academy met just before the official announcement.

“It’s quite an honour,” prizewinner Moungi G. Bawendi, 62, told the Academy in a phone call minutes after the names were announced.

He said he was “very surprised, sleepy, shocked and very honoured”, adding that he had not heard the news before the Academy rang him.

Quantum dots are extremely tiny - just a few millionths of a millimetre across. They are an artificially-created collection of semiconducting nanoparticles that glow blue, red or green when exposed to light.

Their exact size determines the colour of light they emit

when given energy. The smallest quantum dots emit higher energy waves and produce blue light, and biggest dots release lower energy waves creating red light, with the middle sizes creating the colours in between.

CONTACT: 243-4905

LABOURER

Stocking and supplying designated areas, dusting, sweeping, mopping, etc. $8.50 hourly

CONTACT: 347-7265

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 348-8606

CONTACT: 332-1466

Science & Technology

Type 2 diabetes at 30 may cut life expectancy by 14 years: Lancet study

Type 2 diabetes increases an individual’s risk of a range of complications including heart attack and stroke, kidney problems, and cancer.

People diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 30 could see their life expectancy fall by as much as 14 years, according to a study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. The analysis of data from 19 highincome countries found that even people who do develop the condition at the age of 50 could see their life expectancy fall by up to six years.

The findings highlight the urgent need to develop and implement interventions that prevent or delay onset of diabetes, especially as the prevalence of diabetes among younger adults is rising globally, the researchers said. Increasing levels of obesity, poor diet and increased sedentary behaviour

are driving a rapid rise in the number of cases of type 2 diabetes worldwide, they said. In 2021, 537 million adults were estimated to have diabetes worldwide, with an increasing number diagnosed at younger ages.

Type 2 diabetes increases an individual’s risk of a range of complications including heart attack and stroke, kidney problems, and cancer. Previous estimates have suggested that adults with type 2 diabetes die, on average, six years earlier than adults without diabetes. However, there is uncertainty about how this average reduction in life expectancy varies according to age at diagnosis.

A team led by scientists at the University of Cambridge and University of Glasgow, UK, examined data from two major international studies – the Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration and UK Biobank – comprising a total of 1.5

Type 2 diabetes increases an individual’s risk of a range of complications including heart attack and stroke, kidney problems, and cancer

million individuals. The earlier an individual was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the greater the reduction in their life expectancy. Overall, every decade of earlier diagnosis of diabetes was associated with about four years of reduced life expectancy.

Using data from US population it was estimated that, individuals with type 2 diabetes diagnosed at ages 30, 40, and 50 years died on average about 14, 10, and 6 years earlier, respectively, than individuals without the condition. These estimates were slightly higher in women (16, 11, and 7

years, respectively) than they were in men (14, 9, and 5 years, respectively), the researchers said.

The findings were broadly similar in analyses using EU data, with corresponding estimates being about 13, 9, or 5 years earlier death on average. “Type 2 diabetes used to be seen as a disease that affected older adults, but we’re increasingly seeing people diagnosed earlier in life. As we have shown, this means they are at risk of a much shorter life expectancy than they would otherwise have,” said Professor Emanuele Di Angelantonio from

the University of Cambridge.

“But there are also structural changes that we as a society should be pursuing, including relating to food manufacturing, changes to the built environment to encourage more physical activity, and so on,” Kaptoge said. The researchers found that the majority of the reduction in life expectancy associated with diabetes was due to vascular deaths, including heart attack, stroke and aneurysms. Other complications such as cancer also contributed to lowering life expectancy, they added. (Republic World.com)

James Webb telescope makes ‘JuMBO’ discovery of planet-like objects in Orion

Jupiter-sized “planets” freefloating in space, unconnected to any star, have been spotted by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

What’s intriguing about the discovery is that these objects appear to be moving in pairs. Astronomers are currently struggling to explain them.

The telescope observed about 40 pairs in a fabulously detailed new survey of the famous Orion Nebula.

They’ve been nicknamed Jupiter Mass Binary Objects, or “JuMBOs” for short.

One possibility is that these objects grew out of regions in the nebula where the density of material was insufficient to make fully fledged stars.

Another possibility is that they were made around stars and were then kicked out into interstellar space through various interactions.

“The ejection hypothesis is the favoured one at the moment,” said Prof Mark McCaughrean.

“Gas physics suggests you shouldn’t be able to make objects with the mass of Jupiter on their

own, and we know single planets can get kicked out from star systems. But how do you kick out

pairs of these things together? Right now, we don’t have an answer. It’s one for the theoreticians,” the

told BBC

Prof McCaughrean led the team that produced the new Orion survey.

Using JWST’s remarkable resolution and infrared sensitivity, the astronomers have added substantially to the information already mined by older telescopes, including Webb’s direct predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope.

The Orion Nebula, also known by its sky catalogue name of M42, is the nearest, large star-forming region to Earth.

Along with the quartet of bright suns at its centre called the Trapezium, this region of space is visible to the naked eye as a smudge on the sky.

If you don’t know it, it can be found low down in the constellation of Orion, which is named after a mythical Greek hunter. The nebula forms part of the hunter’s “sword”, hanging from his “belt”.

The new JWST image is actually a mosaic of 700 views acquired by Webb’s NIRCam instrument over a week of observations.

At just 1,400 light-years from Earth, the Orion Nebula, M42, is visible to the naked eye as a faint smudge

Science & Technology

Why it’s nutty not to eat nuts for good health

Toss toasted pecans into a salad instead of croutons. Add chopped walnuts to Saturday morning’s pancake mix. Swirl some peanut butter into the sauce of a vegetable stir-fry.

These simple steps to add nutty goodness elevate the flavors in a recipe and boost the nutrition in your dish.

Nuts get rave reviews from nutritionists like me primarily because of their healthy fat profile. Walnuts, almonds, pistachios and hazelnuts are rich in cholesterollowering monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and contain lower amounts of cholesterolraising saturated fats. (So do peanuts, which are technically legumes.)

And that’s not all. Nuts contain dietary fiber, plant-based protein, vitamin E and potassium, calcium and magnesium. Because they’re chock-full of these nutrients and the fats that support heart health, the US Food and Drug Administration allows packages of nuts to sport this qualified health claim: “Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.” (While the government-speak wording seems a bit wishywashy, the FDA claim is meant to encourage daily nut consumption to help prevent heart disease.)

“Nuts are nutrient-dense foods filled with healthy fats that are linked to optimal health, primarily heart health benefits,” said Sharon Palmer, a registered dietitian nutritionist and author of “The Plant-Powered Plan to Beat Diabetes.” “Eating just a handful

Rather than picking one nut to be your go-to, perhaps mixing it up is the best way to ensure you’re getting all the possible nutrients the nut world has to offer

of nuts a day lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and benefits blood pressure and inflammation, which can lead to better heart health.”

How many nuts do you need to nosh to gain heart health benefits?

One and half ounces equal about a handful. Since hand sizes vary, a more specific equivalent measurement is 1/3 cup. Just how many you count per serving depends on the nut. You’ll get more tiny pistachios than chunky walnut halves, for instance.

WHAT ABOUT OTHER NUTS?

Haven’t seen your favorite nut named yet? When the FDA originally published the qualified health claim, several varieties of nuts including pecans, macadamias and cashews were omitted because of their slightly higher concentrations of saturated fats.

But further research

determined that macadamia nuts are impressively high in monounsaturated fats so the FDA approved use of the health claim in 2017.

Pecans were added to the list, too.

What about cashews? Cashews have not been approved to use the FDA health claim — even though most of the saturated fat in cashews is from stearic acid, a fatty acid thought to have no effect on blood cholesterol, and studies have shown that eating cashews can even lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol.

MORE GOOD NEWS FOR NUTS

The evidence that nuts are a healthful choice just keeps piling up. The terrific trio of protein, fiber and healthy fats in nuts adds satiety to meals and snacks and helps you feel fuller longer.

They’re considered a tasty tool

for weight management, with studies showing that people who include nuts in their meal patterns tend to weigh less.

“There are even benefits for potential diabetes prevention, cancer protection and brain health with nut consumption,” Palmer said. “Some nuts have been linked to gut health, improved fertility and reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.”

In the health and beauty category, research shows that nutrients in almonds, such as vitamin E, selenium and zinc, support skin health by reducing facial wrinkles and improving skin tone.

HANDFUL, NOT A CANFULL

No matter how inspired you get to sprinkle more nuts into your food life, note that current advice recommends a handful, not a full can. Nuts are high in fat content, so

they’re also high in calories.

And to reap the most benefits, it’s key to make eating nuts a habit over the long haul. “Many healthy eating patterns, such as the renowned Mediterranean diet, include nuts on a regular basis in the diet,’’ Palmer said. “These have been important parts of cultural diets since the beginning of time.”

Each nut has its own nutrition story to tell.

Almonds: A good source of calcium, vitamin E and fiber content, almonds also rank high in protein content with 6 grams per ounce.

Peanuts: Technically legumes, peanuts are a good source of fiber and serve up more protein than tree nuts with 7 grams plant-based protein per ounce.

Pecans: They rank high in zinc, iron and the B vitamin niacin content. Pecans are second, just behind almonds, in vitamin E content.

Pistachios: Ranked highest among the nuts in potassium content and noted for supporting blood pressure control, they match almonds at 6 grams protein per ounce and are a good source of vitamin B6 and iron.

Walnuts: An excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts are noted for reducing inflammation and a good source of vitamin B6 and magnesium.

MIXING UP YOUR NUTS

Rather than picking one nut to be your go-to, perhaps mixing it up is the best way to ensure you’re getting all the possible nutrients the nut world has to offer. So, pick pecans one day and walnuts the next. Or just grab a package of mixed nuts. (CNN

James Webb telescope makes ‘JuMBO’ discovery of ...

To give a sense of scale, it would take a spaceship travelling at light speed a little over four years to traverse the entire scene. The nebula itself is about 1,400 light-years from Earth.

Tucked away in this vista are thousands of young stars, spanning a range of masses from 40 down to less than 0.1 times the mass of our Sun.

Many of these stars are surrounded by dense discs of gas and dust which may be forming planets, although in some cases, these discs are being destroyed by

the intense ultraviolet radiation and strong winds from the most massive stars in the region, in particular from the Trapezium.

The slider tool on this page shows the same nebula scene at shorter and at longer wavelengths. Using different filters in this way emphasises items of interest.

Look at the longer wavelength version to examine the sculpted green clouds of gas that contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. PAHs are ubiquitous compounds in space produced by stars.

Look also at the many-fingered red feature that dominates the background.

Known as the Orion Molecular Cloud 1 outflow, this is a mass of molecular hydrogen that has been shocked by the the immense energy streaming away from the site of a cataclysmic collision of two giant stars. The speed of the outflow at more than 100km/s indicates the star merger occurred just a few hundred years previously.

Notice the fingertips are tinged with green - a marker for gaseous

iron.

There is so much to peruse and probe in the full-sized survey image which is 21,000 by 14,500 pixels. But it is the JuMBOs that have caught the immediate attention of astronomers.

“My reactions ranged from: ‘Whaaat?!?’ to ‘Are you sure?” to ‘That’s just so weird!’ to ‘How could binaries be ejected together?’” recalled Dr Heidi Hammel who was not on the survey team.

She said there were no models of planetary system formation

that predicted the ejection of binary pairs of planets.

“But... maybe all star formation regions host these double-Jupiters (and maybe even double-Neptunes and double Earths!), and we just haven’t had a telescope powerful enough to see them before,” the multidisciplinary scientist on JWST told BBC News.

Esa will be posting the full image of M42 on its EsaSky portal which allows anyone to explore publicly available astronomical data. (BBC)

Science & Technology

US issues first ever fine for space junk to Dish Network

The US government has issued its first ever fine to a company for leaving space junk orbiting the Earth.

The Federal Communications Commission fined Dish Network $150,000 (£125,000) for failing to move an old satellite far enough away from others in use.

The company admitted liability over its EchoStar-7 satellite and agreed to a “compliance plan” with the FCC.

pace junk is made up bits of tech that are in orbit around the Earth but are no longer in use, and risk collisions.

Officially called space debris, it includes things like old satellites and parts of spacecraft.

The FCC said that Dish’s satellite posed a potential risk to other satellites orbiting the Earth at its current altitude.

Dish’s EchoStar-7 - which was first launched in 2002 - was in geostationary orbit, which starts at 22,000 miles (36,000km) above

the Earth’s surface.

Dish was meant to move the satellite 186 miles further from Earth, but at the end of its life in 2022 had moved it only 76 miles after it lost fuel.

“As satellite operations become more prevalent and the space economy accelerates, we must be certain that operators comply with their commitments,” said FCC enforcement bureau chief Loyaan Egal.

“This is a breakthrough settlement, making very clear the FCC has strong enforcement authority and capability to enforce its vitally important space debris rules.”

The $150,000 fine represents a tiny proportion of Dish’s overall revenue, which was $16.7bn in 2022.

However, the fine may still have an impact on other satellite operators, according to Dr Megan Argo, senior lecturer in astrophysics at the University of

Central Lancashire.

“The fact that they’ve actually used their regulatory powers for the first time is certainly likely to at least make the rest of the industry sit up and pay attention,” said Dr Argo.

“The fact that they have used it once means that they are likely to use it again.

“The more things we have in orbit, the more risk there is of collisions, causing high-speed

debris. [This could] go on and potentially hit other satellites, causing yet more debris and potentially cause a cascade reaction,” she added.

It is estimated that more than 10,000 satellites have been launched into space since the first one in 1957, with over half of them now out of use.

According to Nasa, there are more than 25,000 pieces of space debris measuring over 10cm long.

Nasa boss Bill Nelson told the BBC in July that space junk was a “major problem”, which has meant that the International Space Station has had to be moved out of the way of debris flying past.

“Even a paint chip… coming in the wrong direction at orbital speed, which is 17,500 miles an hour [could] hit an astronaut doing a spacewalk. That can be fatal,” he said. (BBC)

Pomegranate-based water drops for dogs can help prevent doggie gingivitis

A dose of pomegranate in your dog’s water bowl might just help keep their teeth and gums healthy, new research suggests. The randomised, controlled study found that dogs given an over-thecounter water additive made with pomegranate extract experienced less plaque and tartar on their teeth over a month’s time. The product could be used in combination with regular teeth brushing and dental cleanings to prevent gingivitis in dogs, the scientists say.

There’s no shortage of products on the market that claim to improve or maintain dental health in dogs, including water additives. These products often contain ingredients like pomegranate that have been found in lab experiments to limit the growth of plaque-causing bacteria or to help maintain a good mix of bacteria in the mouth. But according to the authors of this new study, very few of these products have ever been tested in controlled trials, the kind of research used to show that potential drugs and vaccines can work in humans.

The study involved 40 dogs with mild to moderate gingivitis, all of whom had recently gotten a

professional teeth cleaning. Half of the dogs were randomised to receive the product—called C.E.T. Aquadent FR3SH—every day for a month, while the rest received none. The dogs were given the

same diet, and owners were told to not brush their dogs’ teeth or to use any other dental products. After 30 days, the dogs were examined by veterinarians, who didn’t know which dogs received the product.

Overall, the Aquadent-dosed dogs had significantly less plaque and tartar buildup on average than the control group. They also experienced a substantial reduction in potential gingivitis, with none of the dogs showing any gum bleeding (a common sign of inflammation) by the study’s end. The team’s findings were published this month in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

Aquadent is produced by France-based Virbac, one of the largest veterinary pharmaceutical companies in the world. And it should be noted that this study was funded by the company (industry-funded research tends to provide rosier results than independent research). But the authors say that it’s the first time clear evidence has shown that this product really can improve dental health in dogs.

According to study author Céline Nicolas, a veterinary scientist with Virbac, Aquadent shouldn’t be seen as a treatment for gum disease. Rather, it should be one of several ways used in combination that owners try to keep their dogs’ teeth in good shape.

“Since periodontal disease starts with the accumulation of plaque on teeth under the gum, controlling its accumulation on teeth is a way to help prevent this disease. On top of regular check-ups with a veterinarian, providing oral dental care at home should be part of the daily routine,” Nicolas told Gizmodo in an email. “Daily oral hygiene can include tooth brushing (considered the best but not so easily performed), dental chews, or water additives with proven efficacy.”

It’s possible that similar products could also work with cats, though Nicolas says that this remains to be proven. And while the team has their theories, it’s still not completely clear how pomegranate and other ingredients could keep bad mouth bacteria away. More research should be done to investigate these important questions, she says.

The group is now planning to study whether Aquadent and other dental regimens can help reduce plaque and tartar and improve gum health in dogs whose teeth haven’t been cleaned of plaque beforehand. (Gizmodo)

An artist impression of how space junk is orbiting the Earth

The research was a randomised study

Sports International

2030 World Cup: Tournament to be held across six countries in three continents

The 2030 World Cup will be held across six countries in three continents, Fifa has confirmed.

Spain, Portugal and Morocco have been named as the co-hosts, with the opening three matches taking place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.

The opening matches in South America are to mark the World Cup’s centenary as it will be 100 years since the inaugural tournament in Montevideo.

The decision is set to be ratified at a Fifa congress next year.

Fifa also confirmed only bids from countries from the Asian Football Confederation and the Oceania Football Confederation will be considered for the 2034 finals.

Following that decision, Saudi Arabia announced it would be bidding to host the tournament in 2034 for the first time.

The deadline for prospective hosts to submit confirmations of interest is 31 October.

Fifa’s decision to host the 2030 tournament across multiple continents has drawn criticism, with one supporter’s body accusing football’s world governing body of engaging in a “cycle of destruction against the greatest tournament on Earth”.

“[It’s] horrendous for supporters, disregards the environment and rolls the red carpet out to a host for 2034 with an appalling human rights record. It’s the end of the World Cup as we know it,” said Football Supporters Europe.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino said: “In a divided world, Fifa and football are uniting.

Cavendish delays retirement for ‘one more year’ to race

in Tour de France

Britain’s Mark Cavendish has delayed plans to retire and will race in next year’s Tour de France.

The 38-year-old sprinter, who announced his retirement in May, has signed a new one-year contract with his Astana-Qazaqstan team.

He will have the chance to break the record of 34 Tour stage wins which he shares with legend Eddy Merckx.

“I love riding my bike,” Cavendish said. “I spoke to the kids; they said carry on.”

He added in a video on his team’s social media: “So here we are - just one more year.”

The Tour begins in Florence, Italy, on 29 June, but Cavendish will race the whole season for Astana.

He was forced out of this year’s Tour on stage eight by a crash in which he sustained a broken

collarbone.

“Obviously it wasn’t the finish I hoped for, crashing at the Tour de France, but it is what it is,” he said.

“We grew incredibly as a team at Astana - it felt like a real family. So much so, the first thing Vino (Astana general manager Alexander Vinokourov) said when I crashed was ‘Why don’t you do another year?’

“[I said] ‘No, no.’ [It was not just] coming back from a collarbone, but coming back from another injury... I was ready [to retire].

“I was at peace, but the more I’ve ridden this summer... I just love riding my bike.”

‘A true champion should not end his career that way’

Cavendish returned to form following a difficult period from 2017 to 2020 in which he suffered

“The Fifa Council, representing the entire world of football, unanimously agreed to celebrate the centenary of the Fifa World Cup, whose first edition was played in Uruguay in 1930, in the most appropriate way.

“In 2030, we will have a unique global footprint, three continentsAfrica, Europe and South America

- six countries - Argentina, Morocco, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain and Uruguay - welcoming and uniting the world while celebrating together the beautiful game, the centenary and the Fifa World Cup.”

Montevideo in Uruguay, the city which hosted the first World Cup match in 1930, is poised to stage

the opening game in 2030 with matches in Argentina and Paraguay to follow.

The rest of the 48-team tournament will then move to north Africa and Europe.

The change of hemispheres means World Cup teams could find themselves playing in two different seasons at the same tournament.

If the 2030 proposal is approved, Morocco would become only the second African nation to host a World Cup, after South Africa in 2010.

Spain has been named as jointhost weeks after former football federation chief Luis Rubiales resigned following criticism for kissing Jenni Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup.

Appearing in court, Rubiales was given a restraining order by a Spanish judge, but denied sexually assaulting Hermoso.

Spain last hosted the World Cup in 1982, with Italy winning the tournament for the third time.

Portugal has never hosted the tournament, but Euro 2004 was held there.

As in previous World Cups, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Spain, Portugal and Morocco will all qualify automatically as cohosts. (BBC)

from injury and illness.

He nearly quit the sport as he struggled with his mental health, but in 2021, at an age when many riders would have chosen to retire, he returned to the Belgian Quick Step team to win four stages at that year’s Tour.

He equalled Merckx’s record and came within a couple of feet of breaking it on the blue riband final sprint stage on the Champs Elysees in Paris.

But after being left out of the 2022 Tour and seemingly out of contract at the end of that year - after a French team he had planned to join folded - he joined Kazakhstan’s Astana at the last minute for 2023 and won

brilliantly on the final stage of this year’s Giro d’Italia in Rome.

Vinokourov said: “There is no secret that the Tour de France and a stage win there was the main goal for Mark. And on stage seven he was very close to breaking his historical record.

“I believe that a true champion should not end his career this way.

“So I asked Mark if in a few years he would regret that he didn’t try again, and, in turn, suggested to reconsider his decision, to stay for another season, and still to try to win a stage in the Tour de France.

“It won’t be easy to better the record he shares with Eddy Merckx - it would be a historic achievement - but we have a chance, and we

have to use it.”

ANALYSIS - THE FINAL, FINAL CHAPTER?

Cavendish’s career has been illustrious and he is widely regarded as the best sprinter of all time.

His explosive brand of riding in the final metres of flatter, sprint stages has seen him win more Tour stages than anyone else, other than Merckx.

The Belgian, whose victories came during the 1960s and 70s, won on all types of stages, including mountain stages, on his way to winning the overall yellow jersey a record-equalling five times.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina are the current world champions

Mark Cavendish has won 162 road races across his career

Cricket World Cup 2023: England thumped by New Zealand in tournament opener

England’s defence of their World Cup title began with a nine-wicket hammering at the hands of New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

The rematch of the final four years ago offered none of the tension of that Lord’s epic with the Black Caps cantering home in pursuit of 283.

They reached their target with 13.4 overs to spare - Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra both hitting stunning centuries.

Conway ended 152 not out and Ravindra unbeaten on 123 as the pair combined for a sensational 273-run partnership - the fourthhighest in men’s World Cup history - which rendered England’s attack toothless.

In contrast, England struggled to 282-9 in a lacklustre batting performance. Joe Root made 77 but a series of soft dismissals checked their progress.

They have to wait until Tuesday for their next match - a meeting with Bangladesh in Dharamshala. The tournament continues with Pakistan facing Netherlands in Hyderabad from 09:30 BST on Friday.

ENGLAND PUT TO THE SWORD

All is not lost for Jos Buttler’s side.

This tournament follows the same format as the last 50-over World Cup, where they lost three times in the 10-team round-robin stage before going on to lift the trophy.

But the way the defeat became increasingly ugly, plus the net runrate implications, make it a very worrying start.

At halfway their total looked 30 runs below par. Conway and Ravindra’s performance made it look more like 100.

Sam Curran had Will Young caught behind down the leg side for a duck to start the second over of the chase but that was as good as it got for England.

A missed chance to run out Conway in the third over the closest they came to another wicket.

Conway latched onto anything short or full - the highlight a glorious straight drive off Mark Wood, whose five overs cost 55.

Fellow left-hander Ravindra, previously with a high score of 61 in international cricket, batted with flamboyance, including one stunning six over Chris Woakes’ head in what became a regular flow of boundaries.

Although the crowd increased

throughout to reach roughly 30,000, the match began in front of less than 10,000 people and swaths of empty seats at the huge, 130,000-seater Narendra Modi Stadium.

England’s performance is not the only thing that must improve at this tournament.

ROOT FINDS FORM BUT OTHERS DISAPPOINT

England captain Buttler has spoken about wanting his side to “attack” rather than “defend” their title but instead their innings was punctuated by a series of timid dismissals.

Jonny Bairstow was caught lofting spinner Mitchell Santner into the hands of long-off for 33, Buttler sparkled for 43 - including

two fine straight sixes - before offering a thin edge trying to glance Matt Henry through gully and Liam Livingstone tamely flicked Boult straight to long-off on 20.

Harry Brook, playing in place of Ben Stokes, who has a hip issue, crashed 25 off 16 before being caught in the deep off an innocuous Ravindra delivery.

Root, who came into tournament in a rare slump in form after making just 39 across his last four innings, attempted to hold England together.

His first six came with one of his trademark reverse ramps and he accumulated well, hitting only four more boundaries, until his dismissal, bowled by Glenn Phillips when attempting a reverse sweep, ended England’s hope of

passing 300.

NEW ZEALAND’S BOWLERS WERE CANNY Henry found movement in a superb opening spell during which he nicked off Dawid Malan for a 24-ball 14, while Santner did not conceded a boundary in taking 2-37.

The Black Caps were without pace bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee, plus captain Kane Williamson, because of injury, but the part-time spin of Ravindra and Phillips crucially played its part. England move forward with questions to answer while New Zealand have made the perfect start as they bid avenge consecutive defeats in the final of this competition. (BBC)

Ryder Cup: Europe flourished without big LIV personalities, says McIlroy

Rory McIlroy believes the absence of LIV trio Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter benefited Europe in their Ryder Cup victory over the USA.

Garcia, Westwood and Poulter were ineligible for the event after resigning from the DP World Tour.

“It’s a new era - and it’s a pretty good one,” said McIlroy.

“Not having those big personalities in the team room let other guys have the chance to flourish and shine: Viktor (Hovland), Jon (Rahm), myself.”

McIlroy won four points - his best total in the Ryder Cup - while Hovland and Rahm also impressed as Europe beat the Americans 16½11½ in Rome.

Garcia, Westwood and Poulter resigned from the DP World Tour after joining the Saudi-backed LIV circuit.

“They’ve

made their choices, and they’ve done what they’ve done and no one can take away the impact they’ve had for the European team over the years,” added four-time major

winner McIlroy.

“There wasn’t a ton of space taken up in that room by some of the other big personalities, and I think that just let the rest of the team just sort of flourish.”

Fellow Irish player Shane Lowry agreed that Europe are entering a new era as they look forward to defending the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York in 2025.

“I think so and I am not even talking about the 12 players who are here. I am talking about Rasmus Hojgaard, Vincent Norrman and Adrian Meronk,” said Lowry, who earned 1½ points for Europe in Rome.

“Look at all the young players in Europe coming up, we have a great foundation now for the future and I think it is a great chance to look forward.” (BBC)

Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra both scored tons for New Zealand

Europe’s Shane Lowry celebrates with the Ryder Cup on Sunday alongside Rory McIlroy (right)

They were key players in the Ryder Cup with Garcia’s return of 28½ from 10 appearances making him Europe’s record points scorer while Westwood earned 24 points

and Poulter was nicknamed ‘The Postman’ as he always delivered at the event.

had unbelievable Ryder Cup careers and they’ve

Biles says winning her 20th world title feels

Bianca Williams: Met PC thought he smelled cannabis in car

A police officer thought he could smell cannabis coming from the car of two top athletes when he and his colleagues stopped and searched them, a misconduct hearing was told.

Sprinter Ricardo Dos Santos and his partner Bianca Williams were handcuffed and searched outside their home in Maida Vale, west London, in July 2020.

Nothing untoward was found in the car.

PC Allan Casey and four other Metropolitan Police officers deny gross misconduct.

Mr Dos Santos, a Portuguese sprinter, and Ms Williams, a Team GB athlete, believe they were victims of racial profiling.

They were followed by police as they drove home from training and searched on suspicion of carrying drugs or weapons.

Ms Williams previously told the hearing the couple’s then threemonth-old son cried in the back of the car as the search took place.

The incident, a video of which was circulated on social media, led to the Met Police referring itself to police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The hearing in central London was shown PC Casey’s body-worn camera footage, in which he was heard telling a colleague “there’s certainly a whiff of something”.

He told the disciplinary hearing:

“I thought I could smell cannabis and I thought it was coming from the car.”

The IOPC alleges some of the officers “lied” in saying there was a smell of cannabis when they stopped the car, the hearing was previously told.

The panel also heard that PC Casey was asked by another colleague about Mr Dos Santos’s driving and whether he thought there could be any offences prosecuted.

PC Casey said: “At the time I didn’t think we could prove any offences under the road traffic act, driving offences.

“I could see there was rapid acceleration, heavy braking, but I couldn’t tell you what speed the driver was driving at.”

Acting Sgt Rachel Simpson and PCs Casey, Jonathan Clapham, Michael Bond and Sam Franks all face allegations that they breached police standards regarding equality and diversity during the stop and search.

Acting Sgt Simpson and PCs Clapham, Bond and Franks are accused of breaching standards over use of force and respect.

PCs Casey, Clapham, Bond and Franks also face allegations over the accuracy of their account of the stop.

The six-week hearing continues.

(BBC)

Simone Biles says winning her 20th world championship gold medal feels “just as good as the first one” as the American continues to impress on her comeback to the sport.

On Wednesday, Biles played a key role in a historic victory for the US in the women’s team final at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium.

Her impressive floor routine ensured the US won its seventh consecutive world title in the women’s team discipline. Her latest world title comes exactly 10 years after Biles won her first at the same venue in 2013.

“I think each and every time you are crowned world champion, it feels a little bit different,” Biles told Heath Thorpe, via Gymnastics Now, after clinching her latest gold medal.

“I mean I’m still surprised that I’m still going. I’m 26, I’m a little bit older, so it feels just as good as the first one. Just because we broke records, we came together, we had fight. It’s different, but it’s exciting.”

‘EVERYTHING FEELS DIFFERENT’

At 26, Biles is considered a veteran of the sport and has the medals to match.

As the most decorated gymnast in US history, she has now won 26 world championship medals – 20 gold, three silver and three bronze. The American gymnast has also tied Belarusian Vitaly Scherbo with the most overall medals (33) across the Olympics and the world championships.

“I’m not like 16 anymore. I’m 26. Everything feels different. I feel like I’m thinking a little bit more about my gymnastics. It’s not so carefree,” said Biles. By competing in Antwerp this time around, Biles became the first woman to represent the US at six artistic world gymnastics championships.

Veronika Kudermetova beats Jessica Pegula in Pan Pacific Open final

Veronika Kudermetova won her second WTA Tour title by beating Jessica Pegula 7-5 6-1 in the Pan Pacific Open final in Tokyo.

American Pegula fought back from 3-0 down to level the first set at 5-5, but served two double faults in a row at 6-5 down as world number 19 Kudermetova took the first set.

The Russian raced through the second to secure victory in one hour 24 minutes.

“I’m really happy about my performance,” said the 26-yearold.

“It’s my second title and I’m proud of myself.”

Kudermetova hit 17 winners compared to world number four Pegula’s seven.

“I prepared myself for a tough match as Jessica is a great player and a great fighter,” said Kudermetova.

Kudermetova beat world number two Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals in Tokyo

Her previous title came in another WTA 500 event, in Charleston in 2021.

At the China Open, Britain’s Katie Boulter beat Magdalena Frech, of Poland, 6-4 3-6 6-2 in their first round match and she will play world number one Aryna Sabalenka, who beat American

Sofia Kenin 6-1 6-2, in the next round.

In the men’s last 16 in Beijing, Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz claimed a 6-2 6-2 win against Lorenzo Musetti to set up a quarter-final with Norway’s Casper Ruud, who earned a 1-6 7-5 7-6 (9-7) win over Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

Bianca Williams and Ricardo Dos Santos accuse the officers of racially profiling them

Biles has now won 20 world championship gold medals in her career

‘different’ but ‘exciting’

Sharks and Teachers open with wins in PPL

Defending overall champions the SWA Sharks and Teachers FC registered opening wins in the new season of the Provo Premier League (PPL), which kicked off last Saturday at the TCIFA ground.

In the Apertura opener, the Sharks were able to bounce back from a 1-0 Flamingo FC lead at the halfway mark to win 4-2. The winners were led by Angelyn Cadet who drew the game in the 46th minute after Flamingo

had taken the lead in the 21st minute of play.

Paul Wilson would carry the Flamingo back ahead (2-1) at minute 50, before Junior Paul, Junior Belzaire and Joseph FriendLerr sealed the win late in the game.

In the second clash, Teachers registered a 2-0 win against Cheshire Hall FC.

Charles Snell netted in the fourth minute of play before Ismeal Athis sealed the win in the 89th minute.

The Warriors will be the sixth NBA team to have a WNBA team

Golden State Warriors awarded WNBA franchise from 2025

NBA side the Golden State Warriors have been awarded a franchise from the WNBA starting from 2025.

The new franchise will play at the Chase Center in San Francisco, where the men’s Warriors team are based.

They will be the 13th team in the WNBA but the first new members of the league since 2008.

“We are thrilled about expanding to the Bay Area and to a region with passionate basketball fans,” said WNBA

Inter-Miami’s play-off hopes hit in Messi’s absence

commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

The team will be owned and operated by Warriors majority owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber.

“The WNBA continues to solidify itself as the preeminent women’s professional basketball league, and we look forward to supporting the best women’s basketball players in the world and our team starting in 2025,” said Lacob.

The Warriors will be the sixth NBA team to have a WNBA team. (BBC)

Inter Miami’s MLS play-off hopes suffered a setback as they were beaten 4-1 by Chicago Fire, with Lionel Messi missing the game through injury.

Former Liverpool midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri scored twice for Fire and Maren Haile-Selassie also netted a double.

A record home crowd of 62,124 attended the match at Soldier Field in Chicago hoping to see Argentine World Cup winner and new MLS star Messi.

But the 36-year-old has only played once in seven games since 3 September.

Fire had offered a financial incentive for fans attending Wednesday’s match, saying they would give $250 (£207) credit

Chicago Fire are eighth in MLS, two points inside the play-off places

towards “new memberships for the 2024 season” or $50 (£41) credit to “single-game ticket buyers”, with Messi set to miss the match.

They said fans would receive the credit “regardless of which players are able to make an appearance on the pitch”.

Teachers FC registered a 2-0 win against Cheshire Hall FC

Sharks came from behind to win their clash

Sports National

Marjorie Basden females dominate TCISS football openers

The opening week of the Turks and Caicos Islands School Sports (TCISS) Inter-High Football Championships was a continuation of last season with female winners Marjorie Basden High School (MBHS) dominating their clashes at the TCIFA ground.

After a slim 2-1 win by the British West Indies Collegiate (BWIC) over the A. Louise Garland Thomas High School on Saturday last, MBHS started their dominance.

Their opening win was a 9-0 whipping of the Raymond Gardiner High School (RGHS) before they mauled the Clement Howell High School by a score of 16-0.

In the clash against RGHS, Irener Moline proved unstoppable as she bulleted her way to six goals.

Support came from Syniah Forbes with a brace and Callie Hall.

Game four was another big win for the defending champions, with Moline penetrating the CHHS defensive line. She finished with seven goals, while Forbes scored six and Hall three.

BWIC also ended day one with two wins and their performance were only overshadowed by the dominance of MBHS.

In their second clash, BWIC eased past RGHS 5-0 with Anika Harry scoring a hat-trick.

De’aysia Seymour, who like Harry, had scored in the opener, again beat the goalie, while Rania Seymour added the other.

In the Boys’ Division, the teams were split into two groups with the defending champions, CHHS, and runners-up Elite High School both in Group A.

CHHS opened their season with a 9-0 win against Holy Family Academy.

The goals were evenly distributed with Emmanuel Martin netting a hat-trick and Ricardinho Lewin,

Sonlay Aimes and Emmanuel Lincifort with a brace each.

Almost in a mirror-like fashion, Elite also defeated Holy Family by a 9-0 margin when they met later in the day Kenlove Desronvil led the attack with six goals, while Eddy Colas added a brace and Loubenson Jalmar the other.

Prior to that clash, Elite had defeated the HJ Robinson High School 3-0 with Desronvil, Colas and Ashley Ojasma scoring.

In Group B, TCIPS defeated

BWIC 3-0 with Joseph Alandy netting twice and C Sem once.

Prior to that, RGHS were able to get past MBHS 3-1 in the group’s opening clash.

Maleek Peters, Ronaldo Registre and Juvensle Romelus scored for the eventual winners while Marco Williams netted for MBHS.

MBHS boys would lose their second clash, this time 3-1 at the hands of A Louise Garland Thomas High School (ALGTHS).

Williams again found the back of the net, but he could not counter Idelin Gardiner who scored twice and Daens St Hilaire who netted the other for ALGTHS.

Week two is scheduled for this Saturday at the same venue.

Defending female champions, Marjorie Basden High School (MBHS) girls dominated their opening clashes

Irener Moline was unstoppable on the opening day. She scored a whopping 13 goals in two games

Elite High registered back-to-back wins

Defending male champions, CHHS won their opener