TC Weekly News October 8 - 14, 2022

crime situation in the TCI is evolving and

forming networks to strengthen

TCI’s Governor Nigel

as a

crisis” and

that the police force is not only dealing with local gang rivalry but with transnational gangs, which have infiltrated TCI’s underworld.

£3m from UK for TCI’s Anti-Gang unit

– UK’s Counter-Terrorism Policing model might be replicated with all systems in place

An anti-gang unit of 24 detectives, funded by the United Kingdom to an initial tune of £3m, is being established to combat the escalating gang-related violence in the TCI.

The unit will be embedded into the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) to not only deliver immediate action but to also build local capability.

“Firearms specialists from the UK arrived on yesterday’s British Airways flight and are at work, today, with our Tactical Firearms Unit and those who help respond, they are just a start,” Governor Nigel Dakin said on Monday, October 3.

During his address in the House of Assembly, Dakin stated that additional UK resources and support will follow in the coming weeks.

“What this isn’t is just shortterm help, but the start of longterm support.

“The initial ask to the first arrivals, from our own TCI police (who know the ground, culture and environment better than their newly arrived British colleagues), is for them to focus on specialist tactics and training.

“With all of this combined, we will have all but replicated the UK’s Counter-Terrorism Policing model.”

The Governor stressed that through this model, gangs will be brought to justice, not just suppressed.

In this vein, Dakin revealed that he has engaged the UK Ministry of Justice to bring experienced

prosecutors to the island to further reinforce the DPP’s Office.

“Rapid access to UK forensic laboratories is also being arranged.

SUPPORT FROM THE BAHAMAS

He added that the Premier has used his regional contacts with great skill and the TCI High Commissioners have also been working with their contacts.

“We are not releasing a date

or more details, for operational security reasons, but very substantive support that the TCI public will see, and the criminals will feel, is inbound from the Bahamas.

“With thanks to the Premier’s recent visit to Jamaica, the Jamaican Cabinet is meeting as this message is being delivered, and we hope for support from them, as well.

“The trans-regional criminal links to their country make a strengthened intelligence exchange a priority”, he added.

Dakin further explained that through steady investment and planning much of the architecture

needed to take gangs apart has already been built.

“This isn’t good luck, but good planning, a specialist intelligence unit – trained by the UK – is now operational, providing leads the police never had.

“Its technical mirror image – allowing for judge authorised exploitation of mobile telephone – can come on stream when this House passes the legislation.”

He stressed that the territory cannot fight transnational gangs without the passage of supporting legislation.

To this end, 11 criminal justice bills designed to put a serious dent in the unprecedented and alarming

level of crime being experienced in the TCI will soon be enacted.

TCI MUST BE UNITED

As the territory grapples with an unprecedented level of violent crime, Governor Dakin underscored that a unified approach is critical to address this disturbing issue plaguing the nation.

He said: “As we were in the Pandemic, as we have been at times of hurricane, there is no question we are dealing with a national crisis.

“The transnational organised nature of this threat has completely changed the environment, and we have to change very quickly to respond to it.”

“But none of this can work if the Territory lacks a unified national security leadership where the Governor and Premier stand together, where there is a unified Cabinet looking at all areas that impact security, where we have firearms officers prepared to move towards trouble, and close with men prepared to do violence, and we have the UK prepared to defend and support her citizens.

“TCI has all of that and we must not take it for granted; we are our greatest critics and we are stronger than we often portray ourselves.”

He continued: “This is therefore a moment for the Territory, and the House, to decide whether – under extreme external pressure – it either unites or it divides. Both are possible at this moment.

“The tactical firearms officers, who were effectively returning fire last night [Sunday evening], against terroristic gangsters, would expect only one message from this House; unequivocal support and national unity until this moment has passed.”

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Public

UK detectives being recruited to form TCI’s Anti-Gang unit

TCI fighting serious transnational crime, says Governor

–

Jamaican gangs infiltrate the territory’s underworld

BY OLIVIA ROSE

The Turks and Caicos Islands is now engaged in fighting “serious transnational crime”.

This is according to Governor Nigel Dakin who has disclosed that gangs, which are responsible for the upsurge in brutal murders and the escalating crime situation in the TCI are evolving and forming networks to strengthen their organisations.

Dakin who described the crime situation as a “national crisis” said the TCI is not only dealing with local gang rivalry but also with Jamaican gangs which have infiltrated TCI’s underworld.

Speaking at the opening of the House of Assembly on Monday, October 3, Dakin said a shift has occurred in the territory’s environment during the month of September which was marred by gruesome murders and vicious gun violence carried out by organised crime gangs fighting for turfs, drugs, money, weapons and other spoils that feed the economy of the gangs.

He said: “It is, as dramatic to this Island community as similar dramatic shifts in the security situation that much larger States have to absorb, those have been linked to major attacks associated with terrorism.

“For TCI it is related to Jamaican gangs and serious transnational crime - rather than international

terrorism.

“It remains ongoing and it will not stop unless we stop it.”

Putting the current situation into perspective, the Governor explained that several months ago, two local gangs lost their leadership which left a void in the local criminal network.

Dakin said: “One extremely violent local gang leader was shot dead by police while resisting arrest.

“The other, a Haitian gang leader, who the Police had made four separate attempts to arrest in the shanty areas of ‘Romy Yard’ - was killed – by one of his own gang - before he could be arrested.”

He further explained that the vacuum and confusion this created, allowed a predominantly Jamaican gang – with a relatively small footprint in the Turks and Caicos Islands to reinforce from Jamaica.

“They had, anyway, been seeking to kill one of their local rivals – the man I have just described - following his attempt to steal from them.

“Members of this House will remember the three days of shooting in Five Cays during April as this initial feud played out.

“Using military-grade highvelocity weaponry, the vast majority of the murders in September have been targeted and linked to this enlarged and now emboldened gang trying to remove

who they believe are the local drug and arms smuggling competition, those local criminals, already established here, are fighting back.”

He continued: “Some who know that they are being targeted have left the Islands. Some of those who have been murdered, were themselves, murderers.

“Some having executed their crime, have slipped away through fast boats, when members of the media ask, how many have been prosecuted, this is the background the police are operating against.”

The Governor stressed that while many of those murdered in recent months have been linked to criminality and the spiral of reprisal killings, not everyone who was killed was involved in criminal activity.

He said: “Some will recall I attended the funeral of Justin CoxBeckles whose murder was utterly senseless, that murder is indicative of a wider issue: of the many eyewitnesses, none will give evidence.

“In this murder, CCTV was instrumental in generating an arrest.”

. OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES

Despite the odds, Governor Dakin underscored that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) led by Commissioner Trevor Botting continues to hold its own as it pushes back against

criminal elements seeking to terrorise communities.

Coupled with this, he stressed that although arrests have been made, current legislation only allows the police to hold people for 48 hours.

“With witnesses and victims not prepared to talk even those who have been shot - the policing challenge is significant.

“For those that criticise the police, here is a reality check, visiting senior UK police officers tell me that there is no county force in the UK – many of them three times the size of our own –that could start to tackle an armed and violent cross-county, let alone transnational threat, of this scale.”

Dakin emphasised that in spite of these challenges, the Tactical Unit of the RTCIPF has been actively engaged in a hunt for the perpetrators.

As a result of the heavy police presence in Five Cays, following the first double homicides, the gang relocate to Dockyard.

“Significant policing operations in that unregulated development saw the police go through the doors of over 30 properties – where they came under fire from third parties.

“Several days ago, there was an exchange of fire with one Jamaican, who dropped his weapon but escaped.

He continued: “On Saturday night a high-speed Police pursuit

resulted in three arrests and recovered weaponry.

“Last night,[Sunday, October 2nd] following an attack in Long Bay against those who were allegedly associated with local drug dealers, and where an innocent visitor from the United States was killed, a police tactical unit – on patrol and deployed with the express mission to arrest violent criminals – intercepted the assailants.

“The police vehicle sustained multiple strikes from high-velocity rounds, how an officer was not killed is remarkable.”

“Our tactical unit returned fire and while it is still to be confirmed (and I may need to revise this) we believe one of the deceased – whose body was dropped in Dockyard by his fellow gang members – had been shot in the forehead as a result of our Officers returning accurate fire under extraordinary pressure.”

Governor Dakin acknowledged the bravery of the officers in the tactical unit, and the response teams who support them during the horrific ordeal.

“They have done an exceptional job in keeping up the pressure when many police forces, of far larger size, would frankly have buckled.

The peoples of these Islands should be very proud of them, this is about their character, duty, training and leadership.”

His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin

The police vehicle sustained multiple strikes from high-velocity rounds.

THE

TO

The TCI government has requested police reinforcement from the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Barbados, to help stem the upsurge in violent crime and incessant bloodshed in the territory. The boost in manpower is only one component of the government's plan to tamp down crime which is seemingly spiralling out of control. Over the last month, the territory has seen a disturbing upward trend in gun violence, and organised crime involving gangs with international affiliations, fighting for control of drugs, money, and territory in the islands. What

Out of hand

There is no gainsaying that the crime problem is out of hand and urgently a deep and comprehensive plan of action needs to be implemented sooner than later.

Community support imperative

The murder rate here is now almost the worst in the world. We are experiencing an invasion of criminal terrorism. This can only be done with assistance from corrupt protected Belongers who benefit financially. They supply access to imports and safe property. TCIG will not defeat this without widespread support from the community.

Heads must roll

This issue has little to do with where the officers are coming from. It is a matter of properly checking them out. The recent uptick in crime seems to have a regional parallel with spates of murders in Bermuda, Bahamas and the “quiet, peaceful, serene, Royal Turks & Caicos Islands”.

The crimes seem coordinated and related to something else. The pace, velocity and rate of murder calls for the heads of the Governor and the Commissioner of Police. Sheer incompetence is emerging here.

It matters not where the police support is coming from. They should have had at least

100 extra personnel on the ground a long time ago. It seems that the Number 1, 2, 3 and 4 at the top levels of the police force need to go as well. If they are advising the Commissioner, being “local”, on what to do and this is the result, more loss of life, they need to go. Why aren’t the police locking down Five Cays, Dock Yard and the areas in Providenciales where they know the killers, criminals and gangs can be found? Why not stop what appears to be a war of attrition, which is moving to the wider community?

Is this their plan? What is their plan? Let them kill each other off?

Not a good one, because it kills tourists and immediately threatens the tourism product. The Governor, Commissioner of Police, Premier and Government all need to resign ASAP. Just ensure the officers are vetted, stop passing the buck and resign.

Every new officer must be vetted

It is remarkable that the request to take law enforcement personnel attracted negative commentary from persons in Jamaica itself. One epithet called it “like the Fox was hired to guard the Hens”.

A rather unfair aspersion, which in itself attracted the same commentary on the ground in the TCI. It is not fair to castigate an entire nation or people. All societies have criminal elements which can be found in governments, police forces, armies and all sectors. It is really a matter of vetting

the officers we take from Jamaica, Bahamas, UK, and the world to help weed out the Bad elements.

The real problem is that the Governor and His Police are being intensely bureaucratic about this.

Bring them in. Check them out. There are greater issues involved here: It is a pity that the TCI government in all of this financial windfall, huge revenues, the product of covid-19, prompting new long-term visitors, took so long to increase officers' salaries. 10% across the Board.

It should have been 20% and much sooner. When public servants, who mostly dedicated personnel, giving a life of service, are underpaid, they must resort to alternative means of livelihood. They are prone to bribes etc. This wage gap over the years may explain why there are security holes in the TCI with policemen, immigration officers and customs officials.

They become vulnerable, susceptible to bribes. As a result, guns weapons and contraband could enter the TCI, albeit through official circles. This government should look seriously at another increase.

They should also liaison with the capable office of the Deputy Governor to design courses and training in the law, constitution, good government, refreshers courses on the laws that govern their offices and what is the meaning of citizenship. The Public Service Commission (PSC) should look to train and recruit more locals.

There is a need for training in responsibility, ethics and efficiency. All of this could build good practices and produce positive results. Develop an inner capability to check and deal with new policemen. Please put in place measures to have them removed when the mission is over and do not allow mission creep.

TCI is losing it all

The need for officers from abroad shows that there was a fall down over the years in training, promoting and recruiting locally. Let them be checked out and verified.

It matters not where they are coming in from. TCI has lost a generation. It results in lost youth, crime and an immediate threat to our tourism product. It does not help that in the middle of the crime wave the islands was the place where a top level official of the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (“NAACP”) in the USA was killed.

News of this incident reached national media and news outlets in the USA. Trip Advisor and other pundit like outlets will take the Islands to pieces. Lost generation and youth form the subtext for what is happening in the TCI. Yet over billions of tax revenues are diverted to corrupt deals and behind these scams a conspiracy of silence.

These deals deprive and suffocate moneys for proper schools, training, guidance and facilities. Moneys could be allocated for vocational training in the high schools in carpentry, plumbing, computer studies, areas where millions of dollars are paid to

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Botting’s resignation would help the gangs and not TCI - Governor

BY OLIVIA ROSE

Governor Nigel Dakin said he would not accept the Commissioner of Police's resignation because “it would help the gangs and not the territory”.

He told the House of Assembly on Monday, October 3 that the Police Commissioner, Trevor Botting, has led during this period with distinction and personal courage”.

Nevertheless, as a crime wave of epic proportions, fuelled by gang rivalry and an atmosphere of fear, grips the Turks and Caicos Islands, calls for Mr Botting to resign have increased.

Governor Dakin, however, feels that Mr Botting, who was appointed as the Commissioner of Police for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force in July of 2019, “has the hardest job in the

Territory”.

“The reforms he has been delivering - behind the scenes… give us capability – so long lacking – that outside support now arriving, can quickly dock into.”

Dakin reminded that the Police Commissioner has also been instrumental in establishing “a viable Tactical Unit” which has allowed the territory to quickly start to tackle transnational crime.

He said: “We now have a foundation of both presentand quickly achievable - future intelligence structures.

“While some Honourable Members of the House have called for the Commissioner's resignation, and given the emotional pressure he is under, I am sure he considers it every day, I would not accept the Commissioner’s resignation if offered because, just now, it

would help the gangs and not the Territory.

“If those who have never been under fire, need further reassurance on this, I can assure them that any man or women – however welltrained or equipped – does not do - what our police officers do - if they are not well led and it is the Commissioner who sets that tone.”

Back in April this year, a petition which had started in 2020 that demanded the resignation or

firing of the Police Commissioner resurfaced following a spate of murders, burglaries and gangrelated violence.

Botting, who had briefly addressed the call for his dismissal during an appearance on a local talk show said: “My view is hire me or fire me, but I'm working very hard for the Turks and Caicos”.

“One of the things everyone has to realise is you can change the Commissioner as often as you

like but there might not be any immediate change.”

Botting had also stressed that during his tenure much work has been undertaken to create an executive team to steer the force, essentially moving it from a oneman show to a collective effort.

The Top Cop had also insisted that his removal would not magically solve all the problems that are being experienced in the TCI.

High-speed chase on Millennium Highway leads to crash

– Three arrested, firearm and ammunition found

Three men were arrested on Sunday, October 2, for possession of a firearm and ammunition following a high-speed police chase that led to an accident.

Continued

work permit holders, PRC holders and former expats in the TCI. TC Islanders are being fleeced, set aside and replaced in their own country. Result is an angry, lost and criminalised youth. Just make sure the new officers can be verified and properly checked out.

We need regional help, but must be careful

First off Jamaica is a no no, and Bahamas would have to be on a rotation base, don't let them get comfortable. . Perhaps from Barbados. but in any case, shouldn't the UK be responsible for sending some help. Get some serious officers who can close in on Duke (Doc) Yard and start sweep and search form there. Get rid of all shanty towns and continue to seek out illegal immigrants. We need quick and efficient help.

Spiritual warfare

The earth's the Lord's and the fullness thereof. Blessed be the name of the Lord. What is happening in this country is a spiritual warfare. We as a nation has forsaken God. We need to turn back to God, repent of our sins and, turn from our wicked ways and then and only then will God heal the land.

If there wasn't a demand for the drugs there wouldn't be a supply of it. We welcome all of the help we can get, but we must continue to pray, seek God and demand drug testing in schools, when people apply for jobs and in the hospitality sector.

We need to also blacklist, deport, revoke PRC and BOTC status of any criminal found guilty of murder, drugs and gun crimes.

The incident occurred around 1 am on Sunday 2nd October 2022, on Millennium Highway, Providenciales.

According to a statement from the police, officers patrolling along the Millennium Highway heading into Blue Hills, saw a White Crown Victoria car with three men inside and signalled for the vehicle to stop.

The driver of the vehicle failed to adhere to the instructions and as

a result, a high-speed chase ensued.

The vehicle eventually crashed into a ditch and one man emerged from the vehicle and tried to make good his escape, but was arrested shortly after, whilst two others remained trapped inside the vehicle.

The officers assisted in extracting the two trapped males and provided first aid until the arrival of an ambulance, the police said.

In the course of extracting the men from the vehicle, the officers found a firearm and ammunition.

While ensuring the men received appropriate medical attention, they

were arrested for possession of the firearm and ammunition.

Commenting on the incident, Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said: ‘This is another example of the dedication, professionalism and courage of my officers who are working through the night to keep our communities safe.

“I thank them for what they do relentlessly night after night and salute their courage and professional conduct.

“I hope the community appreciates and support the work that is constantly being undertaken by the brave men and women of the RTCIPF”, Botting stressed.

Public Appeal

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is appealing to any member of public who may have any information on any crimes. They can contact Chalk Sound Police Station on 338-5901 or make use of the confidential reporting system through Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477.

(Left) Commissioner of Police, Mr Trevor Botting was sworn-in by Governor Nigel Dakin on July 26, 2019.

Long Bay drive-by shooting leaves two dead, several injured

BY DELANA ISLES

The uneasy calm that now permeates communities in the wake of gun violence, was shattered by a barrage of gunfire in the late afternoon hours of Saturday, October 1.

In its wake: three dead bodies, bullet-riddled vehicles, several gunshot victims, and an already reeling TCI, rocked to its core.

The violence erupted in the Long Bay area, where a vehicle, with gun-toting criminals inside, descended on a van carrying visitors back to their hotel. Driving the vehicle, was a local tour guide, accompanied by other employees of the hotel.

Along the quiet stretch of road, gunmen opened fire on the unsuspecting vehicle, hitting many, fatally gunning down two, and running the vehicle off the road.

As images flooded social media platforms, police scrambled to the scene of the crime. There they encountered the emboldened criminals who turned their guns on the cops, riddling the police van with bullet holes, injuring one of the officers inside.

Videos of the aftermath showed an unmoving man on the ground, bloodied, a visibly upset woman pacing anxiously, and members of the public running to render aid to the injured.

A somber police chief spoke on the incident a day later.

Commissioner Trevor Botting revealed that in addition to the two that were killed, three other persons were injured, this includes the female tourist, who along with her deceased boyfriend was in the vehicle.

The next incident, Commissioner

Botting said, occurred when the Police Patrol Car from the Tactical Unit, attempted to intercept the vehicle carrying the criminals in Long Bay.

Cops followed the vehicle as it sped away from the scene of the crime, resulting in the gun-toting occupants opening fire on the police.

The Commissioner said the shooters were using automatic weapons.

Their bullets struck the police vehicle’s windscreen and bonnet area multiple times, also deflating two tires on the police vehicle.

“Despite being under fire from automatic weapons, two of my officers, returned fire to protect themselves and that of their colleagues. One officer received a serious injury from a gunshot wound.”

The commissioner continued: “I cannot speak highly enough of the officers who came under attack and who, when they could have retreated or taken cover, stood their ground and returned fire.

“Frankly, an astonishing display of courage under fire from highpowered weapons.”

He stated that based on the injuries sustained throughout the shooting and the condition of the police vehicle, the vehicle containing the criminals escaped and the officers immediately sought medical help for their seriously injured colleague.

While at the Cheshire Hall Hospital, a man presented to the emergency unit with a gunshot wound which is said to have been acquired during the confrontation between police and the escaped gunmen.

Another incident reported by the

commissioner relates to another dead body discovered in Dock Yard, shortly after the shootout with police.

He said whilst subject to confirmation, they believe this to be one of the armed attackers who was shot by police officers during the attack on the police vehicle.

The Commissioner added: “We know our communities are shocked and frightened by the levels of violence on the TCI

in the last few months,” the Commissioner said.

“The levels of violence would challenge a Police Force many times the size of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. However, the police officers that serve you in the Turks and Caicos Islands are not cowed by this violence or the violent criminals and we remain strong and determined to do all they can to take the fight to the violent criminals and protect

our communities.”

Commissioner Botting also commended the actions taken by his officers during this and other incidents, even when they are the target.

“I salute the courage shown last night by my officers, in the face of the highest threat.

“The officers deserve the prayers and support of all communities for what they are doing to protect the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

set up to fast-track major development projects

The TCI Government has established a delivery unit to track high-value and impactful development projects to ensure timely completion

The Premier Delivery Unit (PDU) brings together a team of skilled project management leaders and engineers who will operate under the purview of the Office of the Premier with an overarching aim of delivering services to the citizens and residents of TCI.

Dr Justin Ram, CEO of Justin Ram Advisory Services and former Director of Economics at the Caribbean Development Bank, has been contracted to lead this project.

The PDU will monitor, track, and facilitate the completion of ten specific priority projects and will be an active partner to ministries, departments, and other government bodies according to Governor Nigel Dakin.

During his throne speech in the House of Assembly on Monday, October 3, Dakin said: “The ten specific priority projects are: South Dock Port Redevelopment, Fibre Optic Cable Link, Solid Waste Management, Comprehensive Housing Development - a framework to guide the different pathways to home ownership, Agriculture and Food Security and National ID

“Digitisation of the Land

Registry, Management & Containment of Informal Settlements, Digitisation of Border Services and a New Providenciales Court Complex.

“A detailed plan with clear start and completion dates and the persons responsible for execution at various stages has been developed for each project.

“These plans are paired with key performance indicators for progress tracking.”

He explained that the results will be constantly monitored for Cabinet’s attention and intervention where required.

“The Delivery Unit will publish the first Dashboard and Scorecard this Friday, 7 October 2022 to show the progress of these ten priority projects”, he added.

US$2.4m was invested into the establishment of the unit, which is expected to last approximately 15 months.

Bullet-riddled windshield of a police vehicle after a shootout with criminals last Saturday (RTCIPF photo)

Salary increase, armoured vehicle among upgrades for lawmen

BY DELANA ISLES

An unprecedented explosion of gun violence in recent weeks was the impetus the government needed to pay officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) a livable wage and provide them with some of the tools they have long requested.

This week in the House of Assembly, Premier, Honourable Charles Washington Misick got serious about crime and security, days after the territory’s crime rate exploded into 23 murders total, 15 in just the last six weeks.

This explosion in violence, according to the Premier, the police’s top brass and the governor has “outside connections”, meaning they are related to drug and other criminal activities among rival gangs some of which emanated from Jamaica and Haiti.

“My government regrets the loss of any life and mourn with the families who have lost loved ones,” Misick intoned.

“This unprecedented streak of violence has shaken communities.

It has turned all who have had to curtail activities and restrict their movement out of fear into victims.

“As a country, we have every reason to be angry,” he continued, as grim-faced, other members of parliament looked on.

This anger, he said, must be turned into action, calling on citizens to fully cooperate with the police force; the lack of which has long been a major stumbling block in the police force’s crime-fighting efforts.

He offered some assurances as well: “My government is aware that some persons have reservations about cooperating with the police.

“Let me assure you, measures are in place to weed out unscrupulous police officers as we try to increase the trust between the police and the public.”

FINANCIAL UPTICK FOR RTCIPF

As for the money the Police Force is getting, here’s where that goes:

“My government is allocating an additional $4 million for the

RTCPF: $1.5 million will be used for equipment and additional manpower, and another $1.5 million to build a hangar for the new surveillance aircraft being donated by the United Kingdom Government,” the Premier said.

A sizeable increase in salaries is also promised: “We will give the police a 10-percent acrossthe-board increase on basic salary.”

The government will also be purchasing an armoured vehicle for RTCIPF, which is intended to arrive in the TCI by the end of October.

Meanwhile, more investment in crime fighting: “My government is also allocating two million dollars to purchase and install the latest versions of CCTVs especially in the hotbed areas,” Misick told the House.

He added that the significant investment in technology, the investigative capacity and operations of the police, communication and cyber forensic systems will help the police suppress and disrupt these

US activist among climbing death toll in Turks and Caicos Islands

The United States has issued an advisory against the Turks and Caicos Islands after one of its citizens was recently gunned down while on vacation in the territory.

Kent Carter, an Arlington real estate agent and leader of the local NAACP chapter was one of two fatalities this past Sunday, October 2, when criminals opened fire on a vehicle that he and his girlfriend were travelling in.

The other person who died in the brutal attack was the tour guide, who was driving the couple back to their accommodation after a daytime excursion.

“Exercise increased caution in the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime,” the US advisory warns, while briefly critiquing the capabilities of the Island’s emergency services, namely its medical care and criminal investigative abilities.

Turks and Caicos Islands is

now ranked at ‘Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution’ on the US Department of State website.

The incident occurred at about 6pm along the Long Bay Road in Providenciales – an area that is adjacent to the main tourist thoroughfare of Grace Bay.

Police reported that men armed with high powered guns pulled alongside the vehicle carrying the tourists and hotel employees, proceeding to shoot indiscriminately into the vehicle.

Reports are that Carter, a veteran, used his body to shield his female companion just as the shooting broke out. The couple was in the Islands to celebrate Carter’s 40th birthday.

A police officer who responded to the scene of the shooting was also injured in the attack when the fleeing gunmen opened fire on the police vehicle, shooting it countless times.

The attack on the occupants of the vehicle is part of a wider problem in the TCI, directly related to the drug trade, the Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting stated this week in an address to the territory.

Both the commissioner and the governor have broken their silence on the true nature of what has been occurring in the Islands for the past year and which spiralled out of control in September, with little abatement since the start of October.

They have linked it to the killing of a drug dealer originating from Jamaica, and subsequent attacks by his crew against persons they assume are responsible. These recent attacks are fuelled by drugs and revenge, as well as turf wars, Commissioner Botting has staunchly alleged.

Carter is hailed by his friends and colleagues as a true champion for civil rights and social justice,

criminal gangs.

TRANSNATIONAL CRIME BEING TACKLED

While much-needed money is being invested into the force, other reinforcements are on their way to help with the “trans-regional threat fuelled by drugs and driven by armed gangsters”.

The Premier noted that with the growth of unregulated settlements, many gangs have embedded themselves in TCI communities and are increasingly difficult to monitor.

He said for years the government has been able to intercept almost every overloaded sloop bringing people to TCI shores; however, the extended maritime borders make the territory vulnerable to fast boats bringing guns, drugs and criminals.

He noted that while significant investments have been made in maritime defences and the TCI Regiment, more must be done.

“We are deepening alliances with our neighbours and sharing intelligence. We are in talks with

the relevant UK ministers, and the prime ministers of our Caribbean neighbours.

“We expect support in personnel, more investigative capacity and greater intelligence capability.”

The Bahamas has already shipped out their promised direct support, with ranks arriving in TCI this week.

“Our commissioners have worked out a substantive package that will provide us with boots on the ground. Their impact should be seen by the public and felt by the gangs shortly,” Premier Misick assured.

Additionally, the TCI is looking to Jamaica for support, and UK troops are already on the ground.

Added to all these efforts, the UK last month agreed to establish and pay for a large anti-gang investigative unit, and members are already being recruited.

The Premier said that once established that Task Force will improve the TCI’s capacity to police and dismantle violent gangs.

indications of which are evident on his Instagram and other social media accounts.

The TCI Government has since extended its sympathies to Carter’s family and friends.

The murder of the US citizen during the current “crime spree”,

spells trouble for the territory’s tourism, a fact acknowledged by the administration, leading to concerted efforts to curb the crime situation through the importation of lawmen to reinforce the capacity of the local police force.

Kent Carter shot and killed while on a birthday getaway in Turks and Caicos Islands

Tackling the breakdown of our families

– A major root cause of crime

We need to address the root causes of crime, one of which is the breakdown in our family structure. We are not raising our young men and women like our parents raised us. There is no order in some of our families, there is little supervision of our children, there is the absence of one of the parents and so,some young people are doing what they want to do and even raising themselves.

When there is no law and order— it is an invitation for violence.

Our young people are no longer listening to gospel music. They spend a lot of their time listening to secular music, which can be very influential, and we as parents sometimes are unaware of this. It is time we know what our children are listening to and put needed

BY DREXWELL SEYMOUR

Drexwell Seymour is a certified public accountant and is the managing partner for HLB TCI. His favourite hobby, however, is writing. He has a personal website, www.drexwellseymour. com, where all of his writings are posted. He also has a YouTube channel where you can find inspirational videos. Drexwell has a BA in Accounting and an MBA in Finance.

restrictions in place. This simple little act may save their lives or prevent them from becoming violent.

We grew up going to church every Sunday and as a result, there was a fear of God and because there was a fear of God, we did not do some of the things that we knew were wrong. Today, many

of us are not taking our families to church and they have become fearless and are committing violent crimes.

We also grew up as a community, where our neighbours would chastise us if we did something wrong. Today, if some of our neighbours chastise our children, we get

offended. Furthermore, some of our neighbours may see our children doing things out of the way but do not tell us and so some parents are blinded by what their children do.

Of course, there are some parents who know exactly what is going on in their homes. There are red flags. They see their children with expensive items, and they are not working but they accept some of the things that are brought into their homes without asking questions. You see the love of money is one of the

reasons why these crimes are taking place in our country. We have created a greedy society, and everybody wants more money, and they will do whatever it takes to get money including the sale of drugs.

Some families are also aware of the persons committing these crimes, but they think they are saving their families by not saying anything. They need to report their families and get help for them otherwise they will continue to commit crimes maybe even on their own families.

We love to blame the police, but they are not responsible for making criminals.

They are responsible for catching them and creating law and order. Perhaps it is time for a change in leadership in the Police Force but even if there is a change, if we do not address the root causes of crime, criminal activities will continue to take place. Families need to take responsibility and rebuild the family structure that has been destroyed.

Looming food shortages can be the ‘slowmoving crisis’ to devastate the globe

An ancient prophecy is unravelling before our eyes and modern headlines are capturing all the actions. Visibly, the world is dwindling into chaos, as deteriorating weather patterns and manufactured health crises spanned the globe. Meanwhile, austere governments scattered worldwide are masquerading as supreme, driven by the delusions of a Nontheistic deity.

Uniformly, their hostile actions

BY D MARKIE SPRING

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

have conceived exorbitant gas and fertiliser prices, supply chain disruptions and the unwarranted

war against Ukraine have presented a myriad of acute birth pangs to global trade and potentially, the world order, for the rest of human existence. Yet, the US-ChinaTaiwan tensions and the race to militarise the Arctic promise to worsen the situation.

These circumstances have ushered in the looming food shortages, which promise to threaten our livelihood and inaugurate the final chapter of human history. And now, the byproduct of this plight tremors across nations, and the situation could intensify if the world’s political impasse persists.

Already, Israel was forced to bury 30,000 tons of produce, as the sanctions imposed on Russia for invading Ukraine is thwarting Israel’s ability to sell its goods to Russia.

Similarly, Ukraine is unable to export its yields and; hence,

the Middle East is coerced to ration grains, while the situation is inflaming famines in parts of Africa.

In America, a recent report cited, that avian influenza exterminated 37 million chickens and turkeys, which raise the prices of eggs and meats. Furthermore, bacteria found at a Nestle cerelac baby formula plant in Switzerland caused closure and; sequentially, spurred shortages, which prompted Germany to send supplies to America.

At a different juncture, the 26 million people in Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China have spawned expansive supply chain interruptions and upped transportation costs by 400 per cent. Similarly, lockdowns in America anchored thousands of cargo ships off the course of California leaving the state scrambling for workers to offload and truck goods across the state.

Moreover, the lack of export fertilisers from Russia triggered a 16 per cent rise in the price of the commodity worldwide, induced by soaring fuel prices. This has prevented farmers from cultivating large-scale crops, as they are unable to meet production costs.

The worst thus far are the effects

of prolonged droughts and water scarcity caused by climate change, which are destroying crops across the world. In practice, farmers are not yielding the full potential of their investments.

And despite these illuminating circumstances, there is still no established policy to intercept these coming nemeses; nonetheless, we should not worry. Rather we must trust in the Supreme Being who made and control all things. Still, we have a material duty to prepare for this emerging phenomenon.

In so doing, we must forge closer trade ties with neighbouring countries: the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Haiti for our foods. Even so, we should not depend wholly on food imports, as trade blockades, inflation, and extreme weather conditions, among other instantaneous events can delay trade.

And while everyone in the TCI cannot plant backyard farms, we must be prepared otherwise and store up foods, while they are available, and coal as a substitute for gas scarcity and unaffordable prices.

I reiterate, don’t give in to fear, assess and acknowledge the food shortage predictions and safeguard yourselves!

Fighting with truth

At the church I attend, Harvest Bible Chapel, we share out newspapers after each service. The goal is to keep informed about what is going on locally, regionally, and internationally so that we can pray about them. A few weeks ago we started a new sermon series called “A Time to Fight” from the sixth chapter of the Joshua scroll. Our hope for this series is that it would help people recognise that:

1) There is a spiritual war going on

2) They are involved in this war

3) God fights for those who follow Him and because of that

4) Followers of Jesus Christ can win the daily battles they encounter

To grasp how this war is fought we first must first know the enemy.

The Bible tells us that they are supernatural forces who are in rebellion to God. This means they are bent on spoiling what is beautiful, spoiling what is good, causing chaos where there is order, and turning pleasures into traps. Secondly, their methods of warfare are quite subtle, so much so that they often go unrecognised and undetected. The weapons

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.

these forces use are not what you would normally think. They use curiosity as bait in order to create strongholds of bondage. Truth is corrupted to the point of doubt and rebellion. Boundaries are removed from needs so that it leads to excess and indulgence. They sow lies disguised as arguments and philosophies in the pursuit of clarity, truth, and wisdom.

The result is fragmented minds, confused souls, and destroyed lives.

On the other hand, Jesus's followers have the weapon of biblical truth, wielded in prayer and teaching. This is why we need to process what is going on around us through the lens of the Bible.

Here is what I mean.

News of violent deaths of young people has become all too familiar recently. Questions are being asked of the government, business

houses, and churches. Suggestions are coming from all sectors. That’s to be expected. However, this truth remains,

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honour you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very

purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. (Romans 13:15)

We are to be law-abiding citizens and see those in authority as servants of God’s desire to bring about peace and prosperity for all, we are to submit to them, blessing and praying for them, and we are to support their efforts to bring about peace by punishing those who do wrong.

Don’t just read about the news. Don’t just listen to what is going on. Put on the lens of truth so that you can see clearly and pray wisely.

You. Are. Loved.

Please note that all submissions are subject

letters

keeping with

Too young to be going grey

At some point, left to its own devices, hair turns gray. But not at 27 years old! Right?

Now, not only do I have to think about my less-active metabolism and its effect on my mid-section, I also have to be mindful of turning into a black Santa Claus at 37 years old. If this isn’t a curse, I am not sure what is!

Last week, during my routinedmorning-rush, I noticed a series of shiny, unsolicited and utterly unruly white hairs. Down the rabbit hole of "going grey”, like most millennials, I subdued and turned to Instagram to see who else shares these common struggles.

I found so many silver-haired youngins. Once brunettes, blonde and redheads but now rather Holstein-brothers, bucking the standard of "age-appropriate" behaviour by redefining the meaning of “going-grey”. Their swagger and optimism wooed me with the promise of radically

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

honest hair. What I did not predict was that "owning" my grey and "embracing" it was not entirely up to me. That I could be setting myself up for the reactions of everyone else, and their presumptive, outmoded ideas about hair, youth and I guess, beauty as well.

It is likely that I could be overexaggerating for I have only a handful of white hairs. But in any case, before my world implodes, I ought to look for the silver lining in going silver.

Here are the most optimistic finds about going grey:

STUDY FINDS GREY-HAIRED MEN TO BE VERY DESIRABLE

According to a survey conducted by Match.com, 72 per cent of women stated that they find men with grey hair more attractive than men who did not have a salt and pepper hairline. No wonder that another study found George Clooney and Idris Alba to have the most beautiful faces.

GREY IS GOOD AS LONG AS HE DOESN'T LOOK OLD Another survey reveals that

women like men with grey hair as long as they do not look too old. Also, attractiveness depended on the pattern of greying as well. As per the participants, they find a certain level of grey hair more appealing than a full head of grey. I am left equally puzzled.

A SIGN OF SAFETY

The University of St Andrews in Scotland says it's not uncommon for a woman to feel attracted to a man who resembles her father because it gives her a sense of security and safety. This might be one feasible explanation behind women's attraction for men with grey hair.

A sign of maturity

We all know that maturity, which is one of the sought after traits in a life-partner, comes with age. Most people, if not all, get grey hair only when they reach a certain age and this is the reason why men with grey hair are likely

to be associated with a mature outlook towards life. It might be one of the reasons why women find grey men attractive.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

It does not come as a surprise that George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Hugh Jackman, Richard Gere and many other men with salt and pepper hair made it to the list of world's handsome men at some point or the other. Besides their winning personality, godlike looks and that unforgettable smile, a little credit goes to their grey hair too, right?

Hopefully, I will, one day, ditch the caps and reveal my Civil Rights' roots and channel, without reservation_my inner Denzel Washington.

If you are struggling with your appearance, know that you are not alone. And, should you wish to share your opinion on any of the topics previously featured, do so

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

South Dock to get modern port building

The Ports Authority has announced its plans to build a new and more modern port office at South Dock in Providenciales.

On Monday, October 3, the ministry of immigration and border services along with representatives of the port authority signed a contract with a local companyAE&S Construction Limited - for construction to begin soon.

The project marks the commencement of the South Dock Port Redevelopment project, which will take place over the next three to four years, with several components.

The new building will house

the Ports Authority’s office and various government departments that regularly conduct business from inside the Port. These include the immigration department, the department of agriculture, and the department of motor vehicles.

A new customs office as well as a warehouse and bonded area for storing and inspecting imported vehicles will also be constructed as part of this project, a statement from the ports authority revealed.

Additionally, several office spaces will be constructed for rental to shipping agents.

The public is hereby notified that with the completion of the new

Port Office Building, all civilian activities which currently take place inside the South Dock Port Facility will be transferred outside of the Port.

This action will enhance port security procedures and improve the public’s safety.

According to the ports authority, the construction of the new building includes resilient construction methodologies and green economy considerations.

The duration of the construction is approximately 610 calendar days, which will commence after the groundbreaking ceremony.

Meanwhile, the redevelopment

of the Port Facility in South Dock is consistent with the Turks and Caicos Islands Vision 2040 Document specifically, Necessary Condition 1.6: Adequate infrastructure, this is inclusive of transportation, roads, ports, electricity, water, and telecommunications).

That condition reads: “Our infrastructure must be world-class by 2040.”

The statement also noted that the project is consistent with several goals of the government’s ‘People’s Plan for Progress: - Transforming TCI through Inclusive Growth, Goal 9: Resilient Infrastructure, Innovation and Industry and Goal

11: Sustainable, Inclusive safe and Resilient Communities.

Moreover, the project is also consistent with Goal 3: Resilient Ports of the Port Authority Strategic Plan Financial Year 2018/19 –Financial Year 2021/2022 and it supports Goal 1: Secure Ports and Goal 2: Safe Ports.

Other aspects of the South Dock Port Redevelopment project include the construction of two new berths; new container yards and internal roadways; dredging of a new vessel turning basin; installation of mast lights lighting; provision of fire service and drainage improvements.

Thousands of residents to benefit as 1000 Smiles Dental Clinic returns

Thousands of residents in the TCI are set to benefit from this month’s return of the 1000 Smiles free dental programme of United States-based organisation, Great Shape! Inc. made possible by the philanthropic arm of the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resorts – the Sandals Foundation.

Scheduled for the Jericho Baptist in Lower Bight Providenciales from October 10 to 21, the 14-day oral health care clinic will serve children and adults from schools, communities and churches providing fillings, extractions, cleaning, root canals, dental sealants, and preventative oral care education.

Last year, more than 2,000 residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands were treated to world-class dental care from the Great Shape! Inc. team comprising volunteers from the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

The initiative, which is endorsed by the Ministry of Health is described by Joseph Wright, Founding Executive Director of Great Shape! Inc. as key to geared

at supporting the overall health and well-being of families that need it most.

“When decay is prevented on the chewing surfaces of the molars, the teeth are protected for years to come. This becomes especially important to families who are not able to make regular visits to the dentist. Preventing excess decay reduces the risk of rampant bacteria formation in the mouth thereby reducing risks of other health complications, including a stressed immune system.”

General Manager at the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Sandals Foundation Ambassador, James McAnally shared, “The mission of Beaches Turks and Caicos is always towards giving the best service available to those we serve and being able to partner with Great Shape! Inc. is one such venture that allows us the ability to serve our communities. We are happy to do our part creating a strong health foundation for our children to grow.”

For years, Sandals and Beaches Resorts have partnered with Great

Shape! Inc. to provide muchneeded health services to Caribbean communities in which it operates a resort. Starting in Jamaica in 2003, the teams have provided dental and

eye care services to over 300,000 families in the islands of St. Lucia, Barbados, Antigua, Grenada and the TCI.

To make appointments for this

clinic, residents are being asked to send a message by WhatsApp or text to 345 7631. Clinics will operate from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Mondays to Fridays.

The 14-day oral health care clinic will serve children and adults from schools, communities and churches

led by Sandals

and US volunteer group

Shape! Inc

Proposed architectural renditions of the new port office building at the south dock facility in Providenciales – Front elevation (Photos courtesy of Ports Authority)

Proposed architectural renditions of the new port office building at the south dock facility in ProvidencialesRear elevation (Photos courtesy of Ports Authority)

To leave now would be reckless and “I’m not reckless”– Governor on resigning

BY OLIVIA ROSE

Governor Nigel Dakin said the alarming level of crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands is more reason for him to “work harder” instead of giving up and resigning.

As the Turks and Caicos Islands battles a disturbing crime wave, some residents and political leaders have called on the Governor whose responsibilities include national security, to resign.

Responding to these calls during an address to the House of Assembly on Monday October 3, Dakin said: “There are too many external factors, and too many historical reasons, that are entirely out of my control, that influence levels of crime.

“So the ‘level of crime’ is not a metric that on its own, I would resign over, this metric may indeed be a reason to work ever harder, but not to give up.

“Some who have called for my resignation have no personal credibility to make that demand, and if it were just them, they would not warrant serious attention.

“But there are those who do have credibility and who I both respect and like. I include in this the Honourable Leader of the Opposition.”

Dakin who highlighted several reasons why he would resign explained that if it became clear that he could not work with the Premier as a team “because of a

fundamental disagreement around national security policy”, he would leave.

He said: “I may have constitutional responsibility, but the Premier is the representative of the people.

“It wouldn’t matter that one of us was right or wrong – I might see my view as correct – but there absolutely cannot be division at the top of Government on national

Teen boy nabbed with bullets at Stadium

During a youth sporting event last weekend, police arrested a 14-yearold boy who was in possession of ammunition for a firearm.

The arrest was made at about 11:30 am last Saturday, October 1, at the national stadium located along Venetian Road in Providenciales.

Police said the bullets were initially detected by security officers at the entrance of the stadium, and they alerted the police officers on duty at the event.

Following his arrest, the youth was granted bail on Sunday, October 2, while police continue their investigation into the matter.

Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting has commented on the arrest, saying that the entire situation is quite worrying.

“Whilst the circumstances of

the possession of the ammunition by this 14-year-old boy is being investigated, this is a very worrying situation, and the TCI communities should be alarmed and concerned.”

While not referring to this matter directly, the commissioner said the community as a unit needs to protect its young people from harm, and from getting involved in crime, drugs and firearms use and possession.

He further cautioned: “Criminals are actively seeking to target young men, more so boys, to draw them into gangs and criminality.

“I am urging parents and friends to be extra vigilant and have important conversations with their children.

“Now is the time for strong role models to ensure we guide and protect our young people.”

security. I’m fortunate that wasn’t, and it isn’t, the case.

“The second is if I thought my personal ability, through exhaustion, ill health or the debilitating effects of criticism, made my performance suboptimal. Be in no doubt this job is potentially exhausting, but those who work near me, know I draw strength from adversity, so this presently isn’t a factor.

“The third – would be my inability to secure, for TCI, the support it needs from the United Kingdom or other external sources.

“Beyond these three matters of principle I believe if I chose, for personal reasons, to abruptly leave the territory – for a quieter life, I would be gambling that a successor could build the same relationships, internally and externally, overnight during this crisis.

“To do that simply for an easier life - would be reckless, and I am not reckless.”

Dakin stressed that he has worked diligently since he assumed office to ensure the territory has ample support from the UK Government in a number of areas.

He said: “For the last three years I have, daily, been making TCI’s case, those of you in this House who work closely with me have seen this first-hand.

“Members of this House know – because they are involved – that when we talk of the police being ‘responsible for crime’ we are talking about them managing the very end of a problem that has grown, as many have watched.

“We rely on them to solve a problem that was not tackled when it was an opportunity.

Dakin pointed out that since his appointment, both he and the Premier have been working together as a team to address issues of national security.

He said: “Whatever those who held power long ago say, a TCI Premier in the early 2020s, now has a de-facto, co-equal relationship, with the Governor on issues of security [we] both know, neither can work alone.

“The Premier co-chairs – the increasingly ambitious agenda - of the National Security Council.

“The Premier draws on the new National Security structures just as easily as the Governor.

“The Commissioner of Police is in daily contact with Premier and Governor, alike.”

Dakin reminded the House of the “effort and energy” he deployed to support the Minister of Health during the Covid-19 pandemic, both professionally and personally.

He said: “The same zeal and focus is being deployed in national security space and he will, anyway, know that was the case in the Cabinet he served in.

“I said in my inauguration speech that I would be guided by four values: ‘listening, caring, serving, being clear and therefore being straight’.

He said that if he is guided by values that are not aligned with his core beliefs, he would resign, “not because others call for it, but because I believe it is the honourable course of action. I can reassure the House it is my intention to stay, and I will not be leaving you before March 2023.”

His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin

We didn’t see this one coming…

Salt Cay meets Fiona and prevails — once again

True, the path of ‘this’ didn’t look encouraging and had ‘this’ been a Category 5 Hurricane in the making, one should have been worried, very worried. But hey, ‘this’, Fiona, was only going to pass us as a tropical storm, maybe as a Category 1 Hurricane and as a veteran of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, it is easy to become somewhat desensitised to the all the excitement that comes annually with the Atlantic Hurricane Season. Were we complacent? I’d like to say no, because most people on Salt Cay are ready for hurricane season, by the time it rolls along and yet, I think most agree on that, we didn’t see this coming or rather we underestimated the strength with which ‘this’, Hurricane Fiona, swept through the Turks Islands.

“Are you boarding up?” I ask Lionel Talbot, aka ‘Uncle Line’, as meet I him on Donkey Lane, on the eve of Tropical Storm Fiona, Monday, 19 September 2022. “Boarding up?”, he replies with a tone that suggests that I have just asked him a lame-brained question. “What for?”, he counters, “this thing will just be a little wind and some rain — that’s it”. “She’s no Hurricane”. Right, ok. He should know. A lifelong fisherman,

BY TITUS DE BOER

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.

now in his 70s, a man who knows the sea better than most in these parts. And with that I wish him a good evening. Fast forward 12 hours: Lionel and I are wading through knee deep water, the wind continues to be strong, the power is off and there’s no communication to the outside world. “F*ck” says my trusty Hurricane expert, “I didn’t see that one coming!” And yet, as we continue to walk around Salt Cay’s North District, it becomes clear that, yes, this was stronger than we expected, but an Irma - or Ike for that matter, this is not. Thank God.

As the day wears on, more torrential rain fall, the remnants of this massive system, which is now moving towards Bermuda. Parts of the North District continue to be flooded, some homes are hard to reach but as day one after the

Hurricane comes to an end, to the sound of noisy generators, we also know that, once again, there’s been no loss of life on the charmed isle. Another blessing.

Another stark contrast to the previous hurricane experience on Salt Cay, certainly Irma and Maria, is that help arrives quickly. By day two, a team from the civil aviation administration flies in to inspect the airport, members of the Turks and Caicos Regiment, deployed on island before storm hit, are busy helping with the removal of debris and assisting wherever help is needed around the island. By day three, in the evening, the power is back on Salt Cay. The island was without power for two and a half days. We are one lucky little island! On Friday, 23 September, the Royal Navy pays Salt Cay a visit, as members of HMS Medway’s

crew come ashore delivering water and boosting morale through some friendly gestures, smiles, and words of encouragement. Later that day, H.E. The Governor and the Hon. Premier fly in — more friendly words, a photo shoot, but, most importantly, a delivery of food, as later that day Sam Bloch of World Central Kitchen lands on the island with the first of many deliveries of lunches and dinners over the following days, flown in from Provo.

As is often the case, a crisis can bring out the best in people. And on Salt Cay, this was all too evident once again, as residents helped one another, to get through this trying time. This is a column, not a press release and so in no particular order I will try to recognise as many individuals as I can. No doubt the list will be incomplete but here

are my personal thanks to District Commissioner, Mrs Almaida Wilson, and Deputy District Commissioner Mr Noyal Hamilton for managing relief efforts and other services in the ground. An especially big Thank You must go to Gary Lightbourne and his Fortis team for restoring the power to Salt Cay so quickly, Captain Allan Dickenson and his team for moving debris and commencing ferry services to Grand Turk as early as 24 September. And yes, Thank You to the members of the TCI Regiment who helped out wherever help was needed, Enrique Dickenson and his team for their efforts in clearing up after the storm, Ms Netty Talbot for making food for the help crews, Bernard ‘Moufy’ Parker for jumping into the Salt Cay Harbour to re-secure the Salt Cay Ferry and Lionel Talbot for never losing his ability to laugh, just before exclaiming, “God is good”.

Salt Cay is a special place. And while this is evident on those perfect days, when, without a care in the world, Saltans marvel at this beautiful place they call home, the strength and uniqueness, as I see it, stems from how this island copes with adversity.

H.E. The Governor and the Hon. Premier in conversation with Salt Cay residents. (Photo: Titus de Boer)

District Commissioner, Almaida Wilson, shares a light moment with a crew member of HMS Medway. (Photo: Titus de Boer)

District Commissioner, Almaida Wilson and Deputy Commissioner, Noyal Hamilton pose with members of the Turks and Caicos Regiment. (Photo: Titus de Boer)

Sunday was our offering, now it’s a sin spree

We are at the beginning of a new week and a new month in TCI. Here are my thoughts on the latest crime spree emerging from this weekend.

I wrote last week about how approximately 10 years ago in the TCI, crime and gun violence was a foreign issue.

The other thing that was also foreign to the TCI was the commercialisation of Sundays.

Everyone in TCI born before the late 1990s can say that they have memories of Sunday mornings and Sunday evenings filled with church worship, family communion, silence, and reverence.

Quite simply, the only doors that were open were that of the church, and the family homes that congregated similarly around food with family, followed by long uninterrupted rest.

The day before, Saturday was a day full of preparation in anticipation of a communal national-wide Sabbath that the country observed without question.

Children accompanied their parents (mothers usually) to the store to buy groceries and household needs, fathers ended their work for the week (whether finished or unfinished), and domestic duties were assigned to (almost) everyone in the household to make the home as spotless as possible.

By sundown on Saturday evening, like clockwork, everyone was off the streets, in their homes, supposedly pressing their Sunday's best, and anticipating the day-long Sabbath.

Then we had the turn of the century, the 2000s.

Over the last 30 years since the late 1990s, the Turks and Caicos Islands have been transformed into a paradisiacal utopia charming visitors and investors with its sun, sand, and sea.

Buildings went up, businesses were open, residents from the family islands migrated to

Providenciales for work, national services such as National Insurance Board were established, and TCI was being sold to the highest bidders, or the cleverest bidders (which it is we are not sure).

BEFORE THIS I believe we valued these elements of our island home from a place of familiarity –social media was not popular, so we didn’t have much to compare ourselves to, except for those of us that could afford to travel or were fortunate enough to visit other parts of the world.

BUT AFTER THIS tourism idea kicked into full swing and certain persons as we’ve heard it said, put Turks and Caicos on the map, we started making everything and everyone a commodity.

The sun became a commodity; the sand became a commodity; the sea became a commodity. The Turks and Caicos became a commodity (and unfortunately, less of a people).

Jon Tyson writes, “We live in a world (today) that views people as commodities. In our culture, people don’t offer goods and services, they become goods and services.”

This turn of events started a different kind of cultural revolution on our beautiful shores.

ONE OF THE THINGS we haven't paid much attention to in our rise to becoming a luxury destination was our departure from the sacred and sanctimonious significance of Sundays.

As far as I am aware, there was one major operator that launched in the TCI in the late 90s, when the country’s population was just about 10,000 people.

At this time, crime and gun violence were still unheard of.

This operator, and other operators as times progressed, decided that Sunday too required sales, and the more we developed, the further we grew apart.

The sense of community, the primacy on village-raised children,

By Darron Hilaire Youth Advocate & Mentor

the communal spirit of worship and reverence, the family bonding, and the simple joys of time in the sun, playing in the sand and going in the sea, eroded, and wonder if it was only a matter of time before we started feeling its effects.

With the influx of visitors to the country and the amount of monies coming through our shores, the Turks and Caicos became open for business seven days a week – we haven’t been the same since.

I think we have to at least wonder if our departure from and reverence for Sunday—the Lord’s Day—has at least some kind of implication resulting in two of the bloodiest Sundays in TCI history.

I think we also have to wonder if our decision to have bars, clubs, restaurants, stores, and the like open on Sunday, has moved us further away from being a nation marked by righteousness.

Kids born after the 2000s would only know about Sunday’s past in story form.

But for those of us that know, I wonder if these words will stir some level of conviction about decisions made to not just commercialise a day, but to commercialise the Lord’s Day.

And, as simple as this might sound, what if a start, a move toward a kind of national repentance,

might be as simple as returning to a communal restoration of the Sabbath?

It begs the question, HAVE WE SACRIFICED TOO MUCH?

Is a day too much for the Lord who promised us all three scores and ten? That isn’t just a question for “Christians” per se, it’s a question for all of us.

Since those days, cancer rates have gone up, diabetes rates have gone up, domestic violence has gone up, child abuse has gone up, poverty has gone up, and the list goes on.

SOME MAY SAY THESE ARE THE MARKS OF A DEVELOPING NATION.

I WONDER IF A TRUER STATEMENT IS THAT THESE ARE THE MARKS OF A NATION THAT HAS BECOME FILLED WITH GREED, HUNGRY FOR POWER, FULLON SELFISH GAIN, FALLEN IN LOVE WITH MONEY, BENT ON IMMORALITY, AND TIRED OF WAITING ON GOD.

I wonder if these behaviours have become present in our “Christian” lives as much as it has become apparent in our “Christian” nation?

May we judge amongst ourselves and check our own hearts, lest we point fingers and find ourselves guilty of the same mistakes.

The recent events are worth being scared of and terrified over but is it any surprise honestly?

Or, is it just hard to accept that we have become a nation that has simply lost its way?

Sigh.

While we ponder that, let’s look to the future for a moment.

THIS IS THE FIRST GENERATION THAT HAS WITNESSED THIS DEGREE OF GUN VIOLENCE AND TRAUMA THROUGH THEIR OWN EYES OR IN THE MEDIA.

THIS IS ALSO THE FIRST GENERATION THAT HAS

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EXPERIENCED THIS AMOUNT OF GRIEF BY VIRTUE OF WITNESSING THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS, AND SCHOOLMATES LITERALLY BEING GUNNED DOWN IN THE STREETS.

THERE IS A GROWING POOL OF GRIEF, ANGER, HELPLESSNESS, AND EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA THAT IS IMPACTING HUNDREDS OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.

What is worse is that not only does the country lack the amount of law enforcement support it requires to contain this tactical crisis and gang warfare, but it also lacks the amount of psychosocial and emotional support required to contain the emotional and psychological warfare erupting the hearts and minds of our young people.

IS THE NEXT PANDEMIC AN IMPENDING MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS?

IS THE NEXT WAR A PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE?

I would say so.

Are we prepared for it?

Not by a long shot.

Whether we want to admit it or not, and whether we want to believe it or not, THINGS ARE GOING TO GET MUCH WORSE BEFORE THEY GET BETTER.

There is no plan as far as we know for reform. At this stage of this “crisis”, as it’s been deemed, we are only reacting. The real concern here is that compounding trauma only deepens the wound and our young people are nowhere closer to any form of mental health literacy, psychosocial support, and guidance.

Seven years ago, there was the first murder spree similar to this that drew the country's attention to what is happening particularly with our young men.

In the last seven years, what can we say has been done in this vein to prepare us as a nation, as a people, for a war with tangible and intangible weaponry?

These are the bigger questions that need answers. These are some of the larger issues at play in the midst of a town that has been charged with anxiety through sheer terroristic attacks that brought daylight on another Sunday afternoon.

I end with this. I got a question yesterday asking if I still have hope for our

young men My answer remains, a strong YES.

This mission is still #SavingOurSons and #HealingAGeneration, one day at a time.

This is not the time to retreat.

These are times real leaders are born for.

California family kidnapped at gunpoint found dead

FOUR members of a California family - including an eight-monthold infant - who were kidnapped at gunpoint earlier this week have been found dead.

The victims were identified as Aroohi Dheri, her mother Jasleen Kaur, 27, her father Jasdeep Singh, 36, and Dheri’s uncle, Amandeep Singh, 39.

Their bodies were found by a farmhand at work in an orchard in rural Merced County, in central California.

A suspect is in custody, but no motive has yet been identified.

“A whole family wiped out, and we still don’t know why,” Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke said at a news conference on Wednesday evening.

Warnke did not say how the family was killed, but said they were likely slain before they had been reported missing.

Surveillance footage released

on Wednesday shows a man carrying what appears to be a firearm talking to the male victims outside their trucking business in the city of Merced on Monday morning.

The victims are then loaded into a pickup truck, with their hands zip-tied to their backs, and the suspect drives away. The truck returns a few minutes later, the suspect enters the property and, with gun in hand, walks Kaur and her infant to the truck as well.

On Tuesday, police took Jesus Manuel Salgado, 48, into custody after the man’s family contacted law enforcement and told them he had admitted to being involved in the kidnapping.

Sheriff Warnke said the suspect attempted suicide before he was apprehended and had to be sedated because “every time he has come near consciousness, he’s been violent”.

UK: Average five-year mortgage rate hits 12-year high

THE interest rate on a typical fiveyear fixed rate mortgage has topped 6% for the first time in 12 years.

The typical deal now has a rate of 6.02%, the financial information service Moneyfacts says, a level not seen since February 2010.

Mortgage rates have been rising for months, but saw a sharp increase following the mini-budget last month.

The latest rise in rates comes as the bosses of major UK lenders are meeting the Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng.

The meeting is understood to be part of a regular series of talks, but the impact of the recent financial market turmoil on the mortgage market is set to be discussed. Rates have jumped sharply in the past couple of weeks, and hundreds of

mortgage deals have been taken off the market.

Bosses from Barclays, NatWest and Lloyds Banking Group are expected to attend the meeting.

Earlier this week, the rate on a typical two-year fixed rate mortgage breached 6% for the first time in 14 years, and by Thursday had hit 6.11%, according to Moneyfacts.

First-time buyers and those looking to re-mortgage are affected.

An average of at least 100,000 people a month are coming to the end of their current mortgage, and face a significant rise in their monthly repayments.

Research from housing market website BuiltPlace suggests that rates of 6% mean that repayments on an average new mortgage will account for more than a quarter

of household income. That is the highest burden on households since the recession of the early 1990s.

Uncertainty over future interest rates after the mini-budget led lenders to pull more than a thousand deals from the market.

They are slowly starting to return - there were 3,961 products a fortnight ago, now there are 2,430 - but have become more expensive on average.

Earlier this week, the UK’s biggest mortgage lender, the Halifax, which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, raised its rates on a range of deals for new borrowers to well over 5%.

Mortgage brokers say lenders are “playing safe” with rates amid current economic uncertainty, but costs could eventually start to dip.

US reportedly believes elements within Ukraine’s government authorised assassination

The US intelligence community believes that the car bombing that killed Darya Dugina, the daughter of prominent Russian political figure Alexander Dugin, was authorised by elements within the Ukrainian government, sources briefed on the intelligence told CNN.

The US was not aware of the plan beforehand, according to the sources, and it is still unclear who exactly the US believes signed off on the assassination. It is also not clear whether the US intelligence community believes that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was aware of the plot or authorised it.

But the intelligence finding, first reported by the New York Times, would seem to corroborate elements of the Russian authorities’ findings that the car bombing was

“pre-planned.” Russia had accused Ukrainian nationals of being responsible for the attack, which Ukraine had strongly denied in the aftermath of the explosion.

Asked to comment, a Ukrainian defense intelligence official told CNN Wednesday evening

publication of the latest reports that their agency had no

new information on Dugina’s death. Shortly after her death, the same official had told CNN that Ukraine had nothing to do with it.

The National Security Council, CIA and State Department declined to comment.

US intelligence officials believe that Dugina was driving her father’s car on the night she was killed, and that her father was the actual target of the operation, one of the sources said. Dugin is a Russian ultranationalist and philosopher who has been a fierce proponent of Russia’s war in Ukraine. A friend of Dugina also told the Russian state owned news outlet TASS shortly after the explosion that the car she was driving was her father’s.

Just days after Dugina’s death, Russian authorities accused a Ukrainian woman of remotely

detonating explosives planted in Dugina’s Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, and then driving through the Pskov region and into Estonia to escape.

Oleksii Danylov, secretary of Ukraine’s National Security Council, immediately denied the allegation. “We have nothing to do with the murder of this lady – this is the work of the Russian special services,” he said in August. Zelensky adviser Mykhailo Podolyak also said at the time that the Russian accusation reflected the “fictional world” the Russian government is operating in.

The intelligence surrounding Ukraine’s involvement, if accurate, would signal a bold expansion of Ukraine’s covert operations to target a well-known political figure just outside of Moscow.

Darya Dugina was killed by a car bomb.

From left: Jasleen Kaur, Jasdeep Singh, Aroohi Dheri and Amandeep Singh.

Truss’s leadership campaign partly funded by donors who stood to benefit from tax cuts

ALMOST half of the money raised by British Prime Minister Liz Truss to fund her Conservative Party leadership campaign came from wealthy donors, according to official donation records published by Parliament on Wednesday.

Truss raised nearly £432,549 ($489,472) thanks to donations largely from the business community. More than £230,000 (roughly $290,000) came from owners of hedge funds and bankers – people who stood to benefit the most from a controversial budget Truss and Finance Minister Kwasi Kwarteng had proposed.

Among those who had donated large sums were Natasha Barnaba, a hedge fund founder who gave the Truss campaign £100,000 ($112,000). Investment banker Howard Shore gave £50,000 ($56,000).

The donations to Truss’s campaign raise questions about the

new government’s close relationship to niche business interests. UK media reports suggested Kwarteng had enjoyed multiple meetings with financiers – including a hedge fund boss he once worked for – before and after he unveiled his minibudget last month.

NI Protocol dispute will not be resolved by 28 October, says Coveney

IRISH Foreign Minister Simon Coveney has said he does not believe the dispute over the Northern Ireland Protocol will be solved within weeks.

The UK and EU are holding technical talks over the protocol on Thursday afternoon, in a bid to make progress.

The meeting will be via video link, with a timetable for further negotiations yet to be confirmed.

Mr Coveney is also due to meet Foreign Secretary James Cleverly on Thursday evening.

Earlier, Mr Coveney told the Dail (Irish Parliament) that his meeting with Mr Cleverly would “focus on timelines and subjects where we think it’s possible to make progress sooner rather than later”.

“I don’t believe it’s going to be possible to resolve the issues linked to the implementation of the protocol by 28 October,” he added.

“But I do think we can make significant progress on some of the issues that really matter to the people of Northern Ireland - in particular to the unionist

community and the business community.”

Under current rules, if devolution is not restored by 28 October, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris is obliged to set a date for a fresh Stormont election.

He has rejected suggestions the government would delay the deadline, if talks on the protocol have not made progress by then and said he would “push the button” on an election, if required.

A British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference is taking place in London on Friday.

It is a body set up to promote co-operation between the UK and Ireland and brings together representatives from both sides of the Irish Sea.

Mr Coveney is due to attend the latest meeting of the conference, alongside Mr Heaton-Harris and Northern Ireland Minister Steve Baker.

The tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Leo Varadkar said a “window of opportunity” exists for the UK and the EU to reach agreement on the protocol.

CNN has reached out to Downing St for comment.

Truss and Kwarteng’s proposal contained billions of dollars of tax cuts that were meant to incentivize businesses to invest and help ordinary Britons with their taxes, Truss told CNN’s Jake Tapper last

month. The budget would have also cut the top rate of tax for high earners.

The plan that was met with furor as it came in the midst of an acute cost-of-living crunch, and the government’s initial commitment to move forward with it pummeled the pound, caused pension funds to nearly collapse and sent mortgages soaring. A degree of order was only restored by an emergency intervention last Wednesday by the Bank of England, which said it would buy UK government bonds worth £65 billion ($73 billion).

Truss’s government abruptly abandoned the proposal to cut the top rate of income tax on Monday, calling it a “distraction.”

The hedge fund manager whom Kwarteng met dismissed suggestions he profited from any advance information about the budget, calling them “nonsense.” He did admit that he still made

hundreds of millions betting on sterling during its rout and the more recent rebound.

Truss addressed the chaos of the past few days in her debut party conference speech as Conservative leader in Birmingham on Wednesday.

Truss defended her rapid economic policies that led to the pound tanking by saying that she wanted to get on with her agenda of growing the economy from her first day in Downing Street.

She acknowledged her U-turn on cutting the top tax rate, but doubled down on the rest of her libertarian agenda. She told delegates that her government “will keep an iron grip on the nation’s finances,” and that she believes “in sound money and a lean state.”

“Cutting taxes helps us face this global economic crisis, putting up a sign that Britain is open for business,” Truss said. (CNN)

WHAT IS THE NORTHERN IRELAND PROTOCOL?

The protocol, part of the UK government’s Brexit deal to leave the European Union, keeps Northern Ireland aligned with the EU’s single market to ensure free trade can continue across the Irish land border.

However, unionist politicians have protested against the protocol for resulting in additional checks being placed on some goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

In June, while Liz Truss held the position of foreign secretary, she introduced legislation in

Parliament that sought to give UK ministers powers to unilaterally scrap large parts of the deal.

In July, the EU announced legal action against the UK government over the legislation just days after it cleared the House of Commons.

It said overriding parts of the deal would break international law.

The DUP has blocked the functioning of Northern Ireland’s legislative assembly and governing executive because it believes the protocol undermines Northern Ireland’s position within the UK.

The party’s Edwin Poots, Stormont’s agriculture minister, said the impasse which has been

created could lead to the “funeral of the Good Friday Agreement”.

But on Tuesday the secretary of state said he was “very confident” that a deal could be reached between the UK and EU, adding that it would “absolutely have the support of the DUP”.

Under current rules, if devolution is not restored by 28 October, Mr Heaton-Harris is obliged to set a date for a fresh Stormont election.

He has rejected suggestions the government would delay the deadline, if talks on the NI Protocol have not made progress by then and said he would “push the button” on an election, if required.

Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers her keynote speech during the Conservative Party’s annual autumn conference in Birmingham on Wednesday.

The protocol is a special arrangement that keeps Northern Ireland in the EU’s single market for goods.

World

Thailand: Many children among dead in pre-school attack

An ex-policeman has killed at least 38 people, most of them children, in a gun and knife attack at a childcare centre in north-east Thailand.

Police say he then killed himself and his family after a manhunt following the attack in Nong Bua Lamphu province.

Children and adults are among the casualties at the nurserypolice say the attacker shot and stabbed his victims before fleeing the scene.

The former officer, aged 34, was sacked in June for drug use, police said.

A teacher who survived told Thailand’s Thairath TV that the attacker used to drop off his child at the nursery and had seemed polite. A motive remains unclear.

At least 22 children were among the dead in the mass killing in the town of Utthai Sawan. Some victims aged as young as two were attacked as they slept. A dozen people who were injured have been taken to Nong Bua Lamphu district hospital.

“The shooter came in around

lunchtime and shot four or five officials at the childcare centre first,” a local official, Jidapa Boonsom, who was working nearby, told Reuters news agency. One of them was a teacher who was eight months pregnant.

“At first people thought it was fireworks,” she said, adding that the man then forced entry to a locked room where children were sleeping.

Videos shared on social media appear to show the tears and distress of parents and relatives of those killed, as they gathered at a shelter outside the centre.

Police officers arriving after the attack were confronted with horrific scenes, the bodies of adults and children, some of them very young, lying inside and outside the building.

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha described the incident as “a shocking event”.

Police named the attacker as Panya Kamrab, a local man who had been a police lieutenant colonel before he was dismissed last year for drug use. He is understood to

have appeared in court on Thursday on charges related to the use and possible sale of methamphetamine. The verdict was scheduled to be delivered on Friday.

Armed with a shotgun, a pistol and a knife, he stormed the nursery at about 12:30 local time (05:30 GMT).

The details of what followed are still emerging, but after the killing spree the attacker fled the scene in a white four-door Toyota pick-up truck with Bangkok registration

plates, according to police, who launched a search for him and warned locals to keep indoors for their own safety.

Eyewitnesses were quoted saying the attacker had driven into bystanders and opened fire at some of them, injuring several people as he made his escape.

Police say Kamrab returned home, killing his wife and son before taking his own life.

Mass shootings in Thailand are rare, although gun ownership rates

are relatively high for the region. Illegal weapons are also common in the south-east Asian country, according to the Reuters news agency.

The nursery attack comes less than a month after an army officer shot dead two of his colleagues at a base in Bangkok.

In 2020 a soldier killed 29 people and injured dozens more in the city of Nakhon Ratchasima. (BBC)

UK’s Truss joins big European club seeking ‘new order without Russia’

THE leaders of 44 European countries held talks in Prague, at a historic first meeting of a new political club of nations on Thursday.

As he arrived, France’s Emmanuel Macron spoke of building a “common strategy” in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

UK Prime Minister Liz Truss joined leaders from the EU, Turkey, Norway and the Balkans, with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky expected via video link.

She made clear the summit was “not an EU construct or an EU alternative”.

However, her decision to take part could mark a new phase in the UK’s post-Brexit relations with Europe. Writing in The Times ahead of the summit, she said that, after Brexit, the UK should be involved in discussions that affected “the entire continent and all of us here at home”.

The idea of a broader European political community beyond the EU has been championed by

Emmanuel Macron, who told reporters on Thursday it sent a “message of unity”. But there’s scepticism, even within the EU, about the new forum.

The 44 leaders were discussing energy, migration and security,

with a particular focus on the war in Ukraine.

In a blog, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said that, in the wake of Russia’s invasion, there was a need to “rethink and reform the wider European order,

beyond the work of the EU and Nato”, but he added that the summit would be no more than an initial exchange.

As well as the UK, non-EU members Switzerland, Turkey, Norway, Iceland, Georgia,

Azerbaijan and Western Balkan countries are among those that took part in the first gathering of the EPC.

WHAT IS THIS NEW COMMUNITY?

Critics see it as a vague regurgitation of old ideas and its exact role has yet to be made clear.

When he proposed the idea this year, President Macron said it would “offer a platform for political co-ordination” for countries both in the EU, and those not.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine gave new impetus for co-operation amongst nations beyond the EU’s 27 member states.

But the new EPC has no institutions or dedicated staff. That has led to questions about how any decisions would be implemented.

So it’s an unprecedented effort to bring leaders together from across the continent to discuss areas of shared interest. If it proves to be a success, it may continue to take place up to twice a year. If it’s a failure, it could fizzle out. (BBC)

The attacker shot and stabbed his victims before fleeing the scene.

The gathering of European leaders from EU and non-EU states is the brainchild of France’s Emmanuel Macron.

Regional

‘Enough is enough’: EU blacklists Bahamas again

The Bahamas was Tuesday urged to tell the European Union (EU) that “enough is enough” after this nation’s ‘blacklisting’ for allegedly being uncooperative on international tax matters was ratified.

John Delaney, the former attorney general, told Tribune Business that the 27-nation bloc’s continued use of “name and shame” tactics was more appropriate for dealing with “a rogue state” than a nation such as The Bahamas which has always been “largely compliant” and responsive to legitimate requests for regulatory improvements.

And Philip Galanis, who was an Opposition MP when blacklisting was first employed against The Bahamas some 22 years ago, blasted the EU for what he described as its “neo-colonial” approach in seemingly seeking to drive The Bahamas out of the international financial services market.

Arguing that the bloc seemed to be deliberately picking on small Caribbean territories who find it difficult to defend themselves, he argued: “It’s wholly unfair for the EU to have blacklisted us in the manner they have,” the HLB Bahamas accounting firm chief told this newspaper. “We have sought to meet virtually every request made of us.

“We have amended our laws, changed those regulations, tightened the process of compliance for Know Your Customer (KYC) and client compliance procedures, and stiffened money laundering and terror financing regimes, and yet the EU discriminates against the smaller countries of the

Caribbean.

“I find that to be extremely duplicitous. That’s why this is so unfair. At some point this is why we have to, quite frankly, tell them to go to hell. We have to find a way to politely tell them to go to hell. At some point we have to find a way to say: Enough is enough.”

The EU council’s general secretariat, in seeking to justify The Bahamas’ inclusion on its ‘blacklist’ alleged that this nation had failed to satisfy deficiencies relating to “compliance actions and exchanges of information” over its economic substance regime.

These weaknesses were purportedly identified at a meeting of the Organisation for Economic

Cholera kills at least seven in Haiti as disease returns

Haiti said at least seven people have died of cholera in a surprise return of the disease that comes as the nation is paralysed by a gang blockade that has triggered shortages of fuel and clean drinking water.

The disease killed some 10,000 people through a 2010 outbreak that has been blamed on a United Nations peacekeeping force. The Pan American Health Organization in 2020 said Haiti had gone a year with no confirmed cholera cases.

“According to the information we have, the number of deaths

is about 7 to 8,” he said, adding that officials were struggling to get information from hospitals. “There was one death during the day today.”

The Health Ministry earlier confirmed one case in the Portau-Prince area and that there were suspect cases in the town of Cite Soleil outside the capital, which was the site of vicious gang turf wars in July.

Gangs have since last month been blocking the country’s main fuel port in protest over last month’s announcement of a fuel price hike.

Co-Operation and Development’s (OECD) “forum on harmful tax practices”, whose work overlaps with that of the EU. “At the Forum on Harmful Tax Practices meeting, The Bahamas was given two recommendations with regard to the effective implementation of substance requirements,” the EU report asserted.

“Based on the information provided by the jurisdiction on whether/how they have addressed the deficiencies identified in the monitoring areas concerned (compliance actions and exchanges of information), the group considers that The Bahamas has not fulfilled its commitment and recommends to include this

jurisdiction in the EU list of noncooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes...

“The Bahamas facilitates offshore structures and arrangements aimed at attracting profits without real economic substance by failing to take all necessary actions to ensure the effective implementation of substance requirements.”

Zbynek Stanjura, the Czech minister of finance, said in an accompanying statement: “Fair taxation of businesses benefits all of us. This is why the EU and international partners share a common interest in fighting tax base erosion and profit shifting.

“I believe all 12 countries on the list will deliver on their commitments and carry out the necessary reforms in the field of taxation as soon as possible, so that they can be deleted from this list when we will next revise it in six months’ time.”

However, it was not only The Bahamas that was distinctly unimpressed by the EU’s action and listing. Oxfam, the international anti-poverty group, blasted the fact that the EU’s member states such as Luxembourg got a free pass even though they offer similar products, services and tax regimes.

“How can anyone give this list any credibility? Bermuda is one of the world’s worst tax havens with its zero corporate tax rate. Yet the EU took it off the list after it made a few woolly promises to reform,”

Chiara Putaturo, Oxfam EU’s tax expert, said. “To add insult to injury, major European tax havens like Luxembourg are not on the list because all EU countries receive an automatic free pass.”

Mr Delaney, meanwhile, told this newspaper it was “truly unfortunate” that, after 22 years, the EU and other agencies continue to employ so-called ‘blacklisting’ tactics against The Bahamas when “a more constructive and diplomatic approach” would be better at securing any legitimate financial services-related objectives they have.

“The fact is that The Bahamas has been most responsive on all that time in engaging with all the agencies, the OECD, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Financial Stability Forum in its initial incarnation, and then the EU came along,” he added. “The Bahamas has been fully engaged and responsive, and continued to be responsive as these standards evolved.

“It’s not as if they’re dealing with a rogue state. They’re dealing with a largely compliant and fully engaged member of the international community of nations. That the EU should continue these tactics of blacklisting is truly most unfortunate. To be concise, it is name and shame. It is as blatant as that unfortunately.”

Nevertheless, both Mr Delaney and Mr Galanis agreed that The Bahamas must do what is required - but within both the law and reason - to escape the EU blacklist within the shortest possible time given the reputational risk it poses to the financial services industry and wider Bahamian economy. It also threatens to subject transactions with EU individuals, entities and institutions to greater scrutiny, and thus increase the time and cost involved with such dealings.

Many hospitals have shut down or scaled back operations for lack of fuel to power generators.

Basic transit is now impossible for most citizens.

Caribbean Bottling Company, a key supplier of bottled water, said on Sunday that it could no longer continue producing and

distributing water because it had run out of diesel fuel, which is critical to its supply chain.

Cholera causes uncontrollable diarrhoea.

The disease is typically spread by water contaminated with the faeces of a sick person, meaning that clean drinking water is critical

for preventing its spread.

Troops from Nepal, where cholera is endemic, were in Haiti as part of a U.N. peacekeeping force established in 2004 after the overthrow of President JeanBertrand Aristide. The force size was increased after Haiti’s 2010 earthquake.

Former Attorney General, John Delaney.

The disease killed some 10,000 people through a 2010 outbreak.

Regional

Opposition’s no-confidence motion in Speaker rejected

IT APPEARS House Speaker McKeeva Bush has, again, escaped a vote of no-confidence against him, after the Opposition’s planned vote to oust him from the Chair was rejected on Wednesday.

Opposition Leader Roy McTaggart, in a statement Wednesday afternoon, announced that the motion was not accepted for the upcoming Parliament meeting on Friday.

“This afternoon I received a notice from the Clerk of Parliament notifying me that the Deputy Speaker of Parliament disapproved the motion on ‘Lack of Confidence in the Speaker’ filed by myself and seconded by Ms Barbara Conolly, the Parliamentary Representative for George Town South,” McTaggart said.

He said no explanation for the non-approval was provided.

“The motion complies in every material respect with the Standing Orders of the House, and it is therefore surprising and alarming that it appears to have been disapproved arbitrarily as no reason was given,” he said.

Describing the action as “unprecedented” in his experience, McTaggart said he has written to the Deputy Speaker Katherine Ebanks-Wilks requesting that she provide the “substantive reasons” for not accepting the motion.

“The Cayman Islands over the years has been a sound democracy. It should be noted that in the Westminster Parliamentary systems an official like the

McKeeva Bush

Speaker should remain in office only so long as he/she enjoys the confidence of the majority of the elected members,” he reminded.

Police investigation ‘nearing completion’

The motion follows calls for Bush to step down since allegations of inappropriate behaviour at a government cocktail reception at the Ritz-Carlton emerged last month.

Police launched an investigation into the allegations.

Late Wednesday afternoon, Commissioner of Police Derek Byrne, in a statement issued by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, confirmed that the investigation is nearly done.

The statement, which did not name Bush but referred to him instead as a “senior politician”, noted that an investigation file on

the matter “is nearing completion, and will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions”.

OPPOSITION STANDS BY MOTION

Though he did not say what the next step will be for the Opposition, McTaggart reiterated he stands by the motion.

“Despite calls for the resignation of the Speaker of House from various individuals in the Cayman Islands, including the Premier and the Governor, no reason was given for not allowing this important motion for debate. I, along with my colleagues, believe that this motion deals with a matter which is of grave concern to all those who are resident in the Cayman Islands, but also to those who do business here,” he said.

The Compass has reached out

to Ebanks-Wilks to clarify why the motion was rejected; we are awaiting a response.

CAUGHT BY SURPRISE

Parliament, which was initially scheduled to sit on 5 Oct., was pushed back two days without explanation last week moving the date of the meeting to Friday, 8 Oct.

This gave government MP Dwayne Seymour the time he needed to file a new motion – to bolster support for the government.

It seemed the Opposition team thought they had the same opportunity and were confident of their new motion’s security.

McTaggart, speaking on ‘For The Record’ on Radio Cayman earlier on Wednesday morning, said, “That two-day extension gave us a real windfall.”

“After that deadline passed for the Speaker to resign, we said we would wait and see how things unwound and how things transpired. We said we’d give it a few days and, to be honest, the deadline came upon us and we missed the opportunity, so that extension by two days really gave us the opportunity… to deal with it and … to do our best to ensure it would be heard in the next session of Parliament,” he said.

It was only after nothing was filed by the government and Bush did not tender his resignation that McTaggart filed his own motion, seconded by George Town South MP Barbara Conolly, last Friday.

It was the latest development amid a groundswell of pressure demanding Bush be removed from the prestigious role.

It followed a renewed urging from Premier Wayne Panton last week for Bush to step down after his initial call for the MP to resign by 23 Sept.

Removing the Speaker is not a simple process and a vote, in the absence of an outright resignation, would need the support of twothirds of MPs to force Bush to leave the post.

The Opposition still has its lack of confidence in the PACT government motion, which was filed on 21 Sept., to debate.

Through that motion they are seeking to remove the current administration and form a “coalition of the capable” to run the jurisdiction for the remainder of the current term.

McTaggart, who filed the motion, seconded by his deputy Joey Hew, had appealed to all Members of Parliament to support the proposal since they would need a two thirds majority for it to carry.

However, there is also a countermotion, filed by government MP Dwayne Seymour, seeking parliament’s endorsement of the sitting government.

The one-line motion, which was seconded by East End MP Isaac Rankine and Savannah MP Heather Bodden, simply states “be it resolved that Parliament does declare full confidence in the government”. (Cayman Compass)

Bermuda officially removed from EU grey list

BERMUDA was formally removed from the grey list by the Council of the European Union yesterday, as it added Anguilla, the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands to the black list.

The council said in a statement: “The commitment of Bermuda with regard to the OECD FHTP [Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Forum on Harmful Tax Practices] recommendations on the effective implementation of substance requirements was deemed fulfilled, resulting in the deletion of the reference to this jurisdiction in the state-of-play document.”

David Burt, the Premier and Minister of Finance, said: “Bermuda prides itself on being a transparent jurisdiction and always compliant with EU standards. We committed to addressing the recommendation in Annex II and

are pleased with this positive decision. As always, Bermuda remains committed to co-operating with the OECD FHTP and EU Code of Conduct Group (Business Taxation) in implementing tax governance standards.”

The FHTP has been conducting reviews of preferential regimes since its creation in 1998 in order to determine if the regimes could be harmful to the tax base of other jurisdictions.

Also off the grey list is Tunisia, while Costa Rica remains. New additions are Armenia and Eswatini. The others on the list are Turkey, Barbados, Botswana, Dominica, Seychelles, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Qatar, Uruguay, Jamaica, Jordan, North Macedonia, Russia, Belize, the British Virgin Islands, Israel, Montserrat, Thailand and Vietnam.

The three new blacklisted

The EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes is part of its external strategy on taxation to promote tax good governance worldwide.

countries join American Samoa, Fiji, Guam, Palau, Panama, Samoa, Vanuatu, the US Virgin Islands, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes is part of the EU’s external strategy

on taxation to promote tax good governance worldwide.

Jurisdictions are assessed on the basis of a set of criteria laid down by the council. These criteria cover tax transparency, fair taxation and implementation of international

standards designed to prevent tax base erosion and profit shifting.

The list is updated twice a year and the next revision is scheduled for February.

The EU’s 27 finance ministers adopted the council conclusions today which update the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions (Annex I or the black list) and the so-called state-of-play document (Annex II or the grey list).

The blacklist includes countries that either have not engaged in a constructive dialogue with the EU on tax governance or have failed to deliver on their commitments to implement the necessary reforms.

Those reforms should aim to comply with a set of objective tax good governance criteria, which include tax transparency, fair taxation and implementation of international standards designed to prevent tax base erosion and profit shifting.

ACHARRO HARVEY

DOMESTIC WORKER

- $6.50 HOURLY

Cleaning the use, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and

LABOURER

FOOTBALL COACH

The Turks & Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Football Coach. The individual must be a holder of at least a Concacaf or US Soccer “D” License, at minimum. Equivalent UEFA or other Football Confederations Licenses are also accepted.

JOB SUMMARY

The Football Coach Position will be responsible for assisting the Technical Director with organizing Football Programs, from Grassroots to the Junior and Senior Men & Women’s National Teams at the TCIFA. The Coach will assist with conducting practices, motivating, and instructing players in game techniques and tactics. The position will also be responsible for coaching all areas of the game of Football.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• To assist the Technical Director in creating a Long-Term Coaching Development Plan for the TCIFA

• Consult with the Technical Director in formulating the coaching sessions to be utilized in the Grassroots, Youth Academy and Junior and Senior National Teams (Men & Women)

• Effectively plan, deliver, and evaluate coaching sessions in line with the TCIFA’s philosophy and coaching.

• Supervise and guide the Volunteer Coaches within the various TCIFA Coaching Programs

• Attend the various schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands for the purposes of player recruitment, conducting coaching sessions, and to act as a liaison between the schools and the TCIFA

• Conduct periodic visits to the outer islands to conduct coaching sessions, assist in and evaluate the various Grassroots and Youth Development Programs

• Coach in games including local, regional, and international tournament and leagues

• To prepare written reports on matters relating

to football development as required

• To undertake any other duties that might reasonably be deemed within the status of the job and appropriate to the post

• To carry out all duties with regard to relevant legislation and the TCIFA’s policies and procedures

• Any other duties as required by the football club within the reasonable demands of the role

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION & SKILLS

• CONCACAF or US Soccer D License

• Equivalent UEFA or other Football Confederations Licenses are also accepted.

• Excellent communication and leadership skills

• Able to work in a standing position for long periods of time

• Able to work outside, in all weather conditions

• Good social and interpersonal skills

• Able to maintain high energy levels

• May be required to work on weekends and holidays

• May travel periodically - US Visa is Required

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The job is physically demanding requiring the successful candidate to work outdoors for hours in various weather conditions. As such, the successful candidates must have the ability to stand for extended periods of time, see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; hear and understand speech at normal levels.

WORKING HOURS:

40 Hours per week, most coaching sessions occur during the hours of 6:00am – 8:00am or in the afternoon’s starting at 4:00pm.

SALARY:

Remuneration will be between $3,000.00 to $3,500.00 per month, commensurate upon experience.

CONTACT:

CLEANER

LABOURER

ALEX CLEANING

3 DOMESTIC WORKERS

Cleaning

ALL THINGS WOOD

CARPENTER

BABES & TOTS

BEAUTY &

BABYSITTER

BRYAN ALPHONSO

C &

DOMESTIC WORKER

DOMESTIC

BIG BLUE COLLECTIVE

#2 MARINA ROAD, LEEWARD MARINA, PROVIDENCIALES EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE SCUBA DIVING/WATERSPORTS INDUSTRY

Big Blue is looking for Turks and Caicos Islanders with outgoing personalities and physical coordination to join a team of knowledgeable and experienced guides to conduct educational and environmentally conscious eco-tours and boat charters throughout the Caicos Islands.

SCUBA DIVING INSTRUCTORS

Seeking qualified Scuba Instructors to conduct

dive courses and tours.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Preference will be given to Turks Islanders and those with professional boating experience or Captain’s license.

• Be living (or be willing to live) on Providenciales and be punctual, reliable and able to work long days, public holidays, and weekends.

• Qualified OWSI or MSDT with 3+ years experience teaching and guiding with high end clientele.

• Experience conducting snorkel tours, guiding kayak and paddleboard tours and asset

• Experience maintaining dive equipment and asset

• Ensure in current teaching status with current First Aid qualifications.

• Marine biology background and experience in eco watersports and asset

• The work schedule is varied and provides up to 6-days work per week.

• Must have the personality for sales, public relations and education

DUTIES:

• Teach and guide diving per the PADI safety standards.

• Ensure proper maintenance and cleaning of all dive equipment

• Prep trips with needed coolers and additional items as needed

• Conduct snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding trips.

• Maintenance of dive equipment if qualified.

• Work towards gaining a local captains license.

• Salary range: $110 to $150 per day plus gratuities depending on previous experience.

Positions currently held by work permit holders. Applicants should apply to the email address below.

KITEBOARDING INSTRUCTORS

Seeking qualified IKO kite instructors to teach kite courses.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Preference will be given to Turks Islanders and those with extended teaching experience.

• Must be a qualified IKO Kite Instructor with 2+ years experience teaching.

• Other duties include assisting with sales and conducting kite tours and other watersports activities offered by the company.

• Experience in kayaking, paddleboarding, SCUBA diving and snorkeling are all assets

• Experience in boat handling or holding a captain’s license is an asset.

• The work schedule is varied and provides up to 6-days work per week.

• Must be willing to work long days in the sun.

DUTIES:

• Teach kite lessons of all levels

• Guide downwinders

• Repair kite equipment

• Ensure daily storage and cleaning of all equipment

• Ensure kite truck and trailer are clean and well maintained.

• Run jetski support

• Transport all equipment needed to teaching location

• Salary range: 20-30% of course fee (Course rate $175 per hour) plus gratuities. Average monthly income $3000.

Positions currently held by work permit holders and Turks Islanders. Applicants should apply to the email address below.

KITCHEN HELPER

Looking for a suitable candidate to help prepare food for boat charters.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Fluent in English with good speaking and reading skills.

• Willing to start at 5am, work long days, weekends and public holidays.

• Have prior experience in kitchen health and safety standards.

DUTIES:

• Prep food daily for following days trips.

• Prep coolers in time to be ready before trip start times.

• Clean coolers and clean office premises.

• Baking, prepping and cooking meals for trips

• Cooking staff lunches daily

• The work schedule is varied and provides up to 6-days work per week.

• Salary ranges from $8-$12 per hour

The position is currently held by Turks Islander and work permit holder. Preference will be given to Turks Islanders.

Candidates should apply via email to careers@bigbluecollective.com before the 30th of August 2022 and include a resume and cover letter with a brief description of why they believe they are a suitable candidate to work in the eco-tourism / watersports industry. Applicants should send a copy to the Commissioner of Labour.

CAICOS

MECHANIC

Inspecting and

CORDERRO

North Creek,

seeking

LABOURER

outside

wheel

replacing

property

collect

clean

CONTACT:

CURTIS ANTHONY

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels

personal clothing and other housework. Salary:

Hourly

are encouraged to

to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently

ESTEL DELIVERY

AUXILIARY

DRIVER

ERWIN JONES

Hospital Rd., Grand Turk

seeking to employ a

LABOURER

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $7.00

are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board.

FORBES

BEAUTICIAN

GINETTE ADRIAN

HANDYMAN

GLYNES ROBINSON

DOMESTIC WORKER

Baldwin reaches settlement over shooting on Rust set

ALEC Baldwin has reached a settlement with the family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, after she was killed on a film set when he fired a prop gun.

Filming of Rust will continue in January, with Ms Hutchins’ widower Matthew on board as the movie’s executive producer.

All parties believe Ms Hutchins’ death was an accident, her husband said.

A lawsuit filed against Mr Baldwin, producers and others, had alleged violations of industry standards.

The exact terms of the settlement, which is subject to court approval, have not been disclosed.

In a statement, Mr Hutchins said that “all the original principal players” would be involved when filming resumes, which he said would be a way to “pay tribute” to

his late wife’s final work.

“I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame,” he added.

“All of us believe Halyna’s death was a terrible accident.”

‘PAINFUL SITUATION’

Mr Baldwin posted his reaction in a statement on Instagram: “We are pleased to announce today the settlement of the civil case filed on behalf of the family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

“Throughout this difficult process, everyone has maintained the specific desire to do what is best for Halyna’s son.

“We are grateful to everyone who contributed to the resolution of this tragic and painful situation.”

Rust director Joel Souza, who was also injured in the shooting on the Bonanza Creek Ranch set

near Santa Fe in New Mexico, said in a statement on Wednesday that he would now devote himself “to honouring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud”.

“Though certainly bittersweet, I am pleased that together, we will now complete what Halyna and I started,” he said.

The incident occurred in October last year when Baldwin was practicing drawing a prop gun.

The film’s producers were fined and strongly criticised by authorities for failing to follow safety guidelines.

The makers of Rust showed “plain indifference to recognised hazards associated with use of firearms on set”, according to the New Mexico Environment Department.

The agency issued the maximum $136,793 (£105,000) fine to Rust Movie Productions.

The producers of the film later disputed the official report saying the company had “enforced all applicable safety protocols”.

Rust: Producers of Alec Baldwin film deny safety failures over shooting

The makers of the film Rust dispute an official report that said they were indifferent to gun safety.

Police also released footage from the set, including of the aftermath of the fatal shooting.

Almost a year on from the tragedy, the criminal investigation still hasn’t concluded.

Heather Brewer, spokesperson for the Office of the First Judicial District Attorney for New Mexico said in a statement: “The proposed settlement announced today in Matthew Hutchins’ wrongful death case against Rust movie producers, including Alec Baldwin, in the death of Halyna Hutchins will have no impact on District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altweis’ ongoing investigation or her ultimate decision whether to file criminal charges in the case.

“While civil suits are settled privately and often involve financial awards, criminal cases deal only in facts. If the facts and evidence warrant criminal charges under New Mexico law then charges will be brought. No one is above the law.” (BBC)

KANYE West’s controversial “White Lives Matter” shirt has been misunderstood, Sean “Diddy” Combs said Wednesday.

“Kanye, my boy is a super, super, super free thinker,” he said during an interview Wednesday on “The Breakfast Club” radio show. “And a lot of times, what he means is, like, misconstrued, you know what I’m saying?”

The controversial “Jesus Walks” rapper wore a T-shirt with an image of Pope John Paul II on the

front and the words “White Lives Matter” emblazoned on the back during his surprise Paris Fashion Week show on Monday.

The phrase is categorized by the Anti-Defamation League as a “hate slogan” used by white supremacist groups including the Ku Klux Klan and the Aryan Renaissance Society.

After his latest attentiongrabbing antics, West – who considers himself “the greatest artist that God ever created” — created a firestorm on social media.

Alec Baldwin is the star and producer of Rust

Sean “Diddy” Combs, left, Kanye West.

Diddy doesn’t want Kanye to be ‘condemned or cancelled’

Queen of Country music Loretta Lynn dies aged 90

LORETTA Lynn, whose songs of strength and independence made her a standard-bearer for women in country music, has died at the age of 90.

Known as the Queen of Country, her songs were rooted in real-life experience, most notably on the autobiographical Coal Miner’s Daughter.

Other hits included Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’, Honky Tonk Girl and the feminist anthem, The Pill.

Lynn’s family said she died on Tuesday at her home in Tennessee.

“Our precious mom, Loretta Lynn, passed away peacefully this morning, October 4th, in her sleep

at home in her beloved ranch in Hurricane Mills,” the family said in a statement.

They asked for privacy as they grieve and said a memorial would be announced later.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

The singer was born Loretta Webb in a one-room log cabin in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky in 1932. She was the second of eight children.

Just as she would later sing in Coal Miner’s Daughter, her family eked out a living during the Depression, with her father earning a “poor man’s dollar” by working all night in the coal mines, and all day in the fields “a-hoein’ corn”.

The family made its own entertainment - her mother played guitar, with her father accompanying on banjo - and she grew up on the songs of the Carter Family.

“I was singing when I was born, I think,” she told the Associated Press in 2016. “Daddy used to

come out on the porch where I would be singing and rocking the babies to sleep.

“He’d say, ‘Loretta, shut that big mouth. People all over this holler can hear you.’ And I said, ‘Daddy, what difference does it make? They are all my cousins.’”

TEENAGE MARRIAGE

At the age of 15, she attended a “pie social” - where local girls would bake a pie, and men would bid to win both the food and a meeting with the cook.

Loretta’s pie, accidentally baked

with salt instead of sugar, was won by Oliver Lynn, a 21-yearold solider, who swept her off her feet. A month later, they married and moved to Custer, Washington, where they raised four children.

Her husband, whom she called “Doo” or “Doolittle,” urged her to sing professionally and bought her a $17 (£15) Sears guitar, with which she started a band, Loretta and the Trailblazers, that also featured her brother Jay Lee Webb.

By 1960, she had signed a contract with Zero Records and released her debut single, I’m a

Honky Tonk Girl.

The song was inspired by a woman Lynn befriended in Washington, whose husband had left her for another woman. Lynn said she wrote the song while leaning up against an old toilet in her house, the words pouring out of her in a 10-minute burst of inspiration.

She and her husband promoted the song relentlessly, driving to radio stations around the country to pester DJs into playing it, and sending out hundreds of free discs. (BBC)

ALTHOUGH she has a new TV series to promote, Hillary Swank revealed she is preparing for her biggest role yet — as a mom.

The two-time Academy Award winner announced that she and husband Philip Schneider are expecting.

“I’m going to be a mom — and not just of one, but of two,” she announced on “Good Morning America” Wednesday. “I can’t believe it.”

“It’s so nice to be able to talk about it and share it,” the 48-year old actress continued, after saying it was something she’d “wanted for a long time.”

The new babies will be the first for the couple, who wed in 2018.

Loretta Lynn’s hits included Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’, Honky Tonk Girl and the feminist anthem, The Pill.

Hilary

Swank announces she is going to be a mom of two

BET Hip Hop Awards: Kendrick Lamar and Drake the big winners

KENDRICK Lamar was the big winner at the BET Hip Hop Awards, taking home six trophies.

The rapper won artist of the year, coming out on top against the likes of Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion.

He also triumphed in the album of the year, lyricist of the year, best live performer, best video and video director categories.

Drake also enjoyed success on the night, being nominated for 14 awards, and winning three.

The awards are a spin-off of the main BET Awards, with the ceremony focusing on celebrating black entertainment.

50 Cent came out on top for hustler of the year, with Cardi B, DJ Khaled, Drake, Jay-Z, Kanye West and Megan Thee Stallion also nominated for the prize.

But, despite being nominated 10 times, Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, did not receive any awards.

TRIBUTES

At Tuesday’s ceremony, artists including Wu-Tang Clan, Lil’ Kim, Fat Joe and Remy Ma performed a tribute to Loud Records.

The label - which signed WuTang Clan - is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Kodak Black also performed and during his set paid tribute to

the late PnB Rock who was shot dead last month.

“Long live PnB, man,” he said. “You touched a real gangster. Put your hands up for PnB Rock. Let’s

go.”

The musician, real name Rakim Hasheem Allen, was killed at a Los Angeles waffle house while dining with his girlfriend. (BBC)

Coolio died on Sept. 28 after being found unconscious on the bathroom floor of a friend’s house in Los Angeles

COOLIO’S friends think his “severe asthma” may have contributed to his death, according to TMZ.

Sources told the outlet on Monday that the late “Gangsta’s Paradise” rapper “struggled” with the lung condition for many years and that investigators had been informed of this.

Coolio died on Sept. 28 after being found unconscious on the bathroom floor of a friend’s house in Los Angeles. He was 59.

An official cause of death has not yet been released, but initial reports suspected he had gone into cardiac arrest.

Research published by the American Heart Association shows that people with persistent asthma could be at a higher risk of developing a heart rhythm disorder.

Despite his health condition, Coolio was seen performing several times in the days leading up to his death for sets that lasted about 30 to 40 minutes.

In video footage from his “I Love the ’90s” tour, the “West Up!” rapper appeared energetic as he moved across the stage.

Fans also previously noted that Coolio seemed “very happy to take some pics, laughing” and was ”very engaging” when they met him less than a week before he died.

Montell Jordan, who was on tour with the “Fantastic Voyage” rapper days before his passing, also told Page Six exclusively that he would have never expected that his longtime friend’s death was imminent.

“I’ve been with him for weeks and for months now and I did not know — and still don’t know — the circumstances behind his passing, but I did not see anything that would have given an indication that he was ill or that anything happened to him,” the “This Is How We Do It” singer, 53, said on Thursday.

The rapper won artist of the year

Coolio’s ‘severe asthma’ could’ve contributed to his death: friends

Classifieds

WINKEYS

DOMESTIC WORKER

TILE LAYER

FINISH

DOMESTIC WORKER

MECHANIC

use by

testing

as, engine tune-ups,

tire

LABOURER

outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste

collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean

FULL TIME LABORER AND NANNY

BABYSITTER

and

ONLY APPLY

EDWARD WATKINS

CONTACT: 941-3966

ONLY APPLY RENEWAL

ELDON

KEVIN

DOMESTIC

BABYSITTER

CARETAKER

patient

light housekeeping duties.

KENNETH MALCOLM

DOMESTIC WORKER

the house,

the floor, clean

toilets,

living room,

towels

personal clothing

CONTACT:

ONLY APPLY RENEWAL

CONTACT: 244-1868

ONLY APPLY RENEWAL

P & D EMPLOYMENT

C&D CONSTRUCTION

TILE SETTER

on

walls, ceilings,

Level the surface with a layer of mortar or plywood.

hourly

CONTACT: 243-3645

ONLY APPLY RENEWAL

CLEANER

CONTACT:

CONTACT:

P & D EMPLOYMENT

ELEMENT LTD

KITCHEN HELPER

the

for the cook. Keeping the kitchen area clean

tidy at all times.

hourly

CONTACT: 243-3645

Village, Grace Bay, Providenciales,

voluntary liquidator

Regent Village,

Simons

Caicos

PEDRO BARBER SHOP

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

hourly

4 BARBERS 2 CASHIERS

customers, receive payment, Issue receipts, and change due to customers. $7.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 344-4801

ONLY APPLY RENEWAL

JOB OPENINGS

POOL & BEACH ATTENDANT

As a Pool and Beach Attendant for The Shore Club Resort, you will be responsible for the set-up, maintaining and breakdown of Pool/ Beach chairs, umbrellas, cushions, floater’s cabana’s, non-motorized sports equipment, water, cold towels, heat and towels huts for guests, courteously and efficiently in accordance with departmental quality standards and specifications.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Check station before, during and after shift for proper set-up and cleanliness.

• Offer each guest a cold bottle of water and ensure guests are provided cold bottles of water every hour.

• Provide towels to guests and anticipate guests needs by providing towels before being asked.

• Offer guests frozen treat at designated times each day.

• Offer guests chilled towel at the designated times each day.

• Provide guests with safety rules of Pool and Beach.

• Assist guests with obtaining pods, chaise/beach chairs, cabanas when asked.

• Assist guests with non-motorized sports equipment and provide safety rules, and waiver release forms.

• Assist guests with food orders by signaling server.

• Follow all safety rules, and ensure guests follow safety rules.

• Is observant of guest needs and responds to them.

• Responsible for moving bins of dirty linen, and trash.

• Ensure P&B chairs and Pods are set and ready at designated hour of 8am – 7pm in summer season, 7am-6pm in winter season. All covers in place, with rolled towels on all chairs.

• Take personal responsibility and show initiative in work planning and problem-solving.

• Show personal attention to guests’ unique needs, interests and expectations.

• Keep informed and demonstrate job knowledge, following all job and service standards.

• Provide genuine service through actions that display self-confidence, grace and courtesy to guests and colleagues.

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

Starting salary $7.00 per hour not including service charge

BUTLER

As a Butler for The Shore Club Resort, you will be responsible for ensuring butler service provided for guests is delivered promptly, courteously and expertly in accordance with all resort and brand standards. The Butler’s primary goal is to create an ambiance of superior luxury by anticipating each individual guest’s needs. This is accomplished through moments of surprise and delight that our guest would never have experienced before. Also ensure guest familiarities to frequent guests visiting the hotel.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in food and beverage fine dining as a personal Butler

• Must possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

• Strong knowledge of a variety of cuisines and wines/beverages

• Must possess local knowledge in order to respond to all inquiries from guest, such as restaurants information

• Must possess basic computational ability and skills

• Must be able to follow through all the guest requests and communicate them to the appropriate departments and management in an efficient manner

• Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 8 hours in length

• Must be able to exert well-paced, ability to reach other departments and locations in a timely manner

• Must be able to exert well-paced ability in limited space

• Must be able to bend, stoop, squat and stretch to fulfill cleaning tasks.

• Must be able to bend and squat and lift up to 25 lbs

• Must be able to push and pull equipment weighing up to 75 lbs

• Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, walking, repetitive motions.

• Bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity.

• Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts

Starting salary at $8.00- $9.00 per hour not including service charge.

VILLA CHEF*

Areas of Responsibility:

• Ensure mis-en-place is set for all stations of outlet kitchen.

• Ability to read recipes, check food presentations and displays with precision.

• Check the quality of the product to ensure the standards for food service are maintained.

• Show precision cuts and knife use.

• Demonstrate ability to cook meat, fish and vegetables with the correct method and temperature.

• Create daily menus for villa, suite with guidance and approval from Executive Sous Chef or Executive Chef.

• Ensure the correct rotation and storage of products for quality selection.

• Ensure the Kitchen is kept clean and sanitary.

• Follow directions from the Executive Sous Chef or Executive Chef with accuracy.

• Communicate any defects in kitchen equipment to the Executive Sous Chef.

KEY SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a hotel restaurant preferably in a luxury hotel.

• Accuracy and attention to detail.

• Excellent set up skills, organized and detailed oriented.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken.

• Must have Supervisory Skills and experience

• Must have skills in mathematics.

• Able to stand for long periods of time.

• Able to carry up to 20kgs.

• Able to handle a fast-paced environment and be able to work under pressure.

Salary starting at $25,000.00 per annum not including service charge.

JOB OPENINGS

will be

PREARRIVAL CONCIERGE

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Ensure to always use owners/members/guests names when meeting, answering questions, making deliveries, greeting or assisting owners/members/guests in anyway.

• Answer telephone within three rings, using warm and courteous greeting and using guest name if known; handle response and/or transfer accurately and efficiently and in accordance with resort standards.

• Be available to assist the Concierge, Guest Service Representataive or Front Office Agent including checking emails, checking voice mails, building itineraries and following up to complete all guests requests.

• Be available to assist when other Agents are on their day off off.

• Attention to details, filing emails correctly and flagging any important information will assist with keeping owner requests organized and completed in a timely manner.

• Represent this property as the Pre-Arrival Concierge by offering professional and courteous assistance.

• Ensure all standards of The Shore Club are upheld, that day to day responsibilities outlined for this position are being met, and that the highest level of customer service is given at all times and in all roles.

KEY SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Able to use computer systems accurately and efficiently.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Ability to multitask and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

• Thinks ahead and anticipates future challenges to ensure the organisation's requirements are met.

• Team player who can also work on one’s own initiative.

• Thorough knowledge of the island and its attractions.

• Extensive knowledge of the hotel, its facilities and services

Starting salary $8.00 per hour not including service charge.

FRONT DESK AGENT

• As a Front Desk Agent for The Shore Club Resort, you

• Responsible for ensuring all guests and customers are checked-in,

• Checked-out and served promptly, courteously and knowledgeable in accordance with all resort standards; handles guest requests and queries politely, efficiently and accurately.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide guests with assistance at the front desk during the check-in and check-out processes and throughout their stay.

• Greet guest and processes resort orientation and inroom registration.

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

• Respond to guest inquiries for information.

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

• Identify and record special billing instructions and notify Accounting.

• Obtain appropriate approvals and signatures.

• Follow resort policy on posting and cash banks.

• Take personal responsibility and shows initiative in work planning and problem-solving.

• Show personal attention to guests’ unique needs, interests and expectations.

• Keep informed and demonstrates job knowledge, following all job and service standards.

• Provide genuine service through actions that display self-confidence, grace and courtesy to guests and colleagues.

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

Key skills and Requirements:

• Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.

• Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process.

• Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Must possess basic computational ability.

• Must possess basic computer skills.

Starting salary $8.00 per hour not including service charge.

LABOURER

the property with sweeper,

up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Cares for garden.

hourly

BABYSITTER

Ensuring a safe environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing

administering medicine, doing housework, and etc.

Hourly

Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels

personal clothing and other housework.

hourly

ALL POSITIONS MARKED WITH (*) ARE CURRENTLY HELD BY WORK PERMIT HOLDERS.

Interested applicants should apply to The Shore Club,

through Friday, and bring along

Manager at careers@theshoreclubtc. com , no later than end of day Friday, October 21st, 2022. All resumes are subject

or by

screening. Accepted candidates will receive a

or

with a scheduled time for meeting and required documents for the actual interview.

Resumes can also be submitted to the Labor Department directly.

Shore Club HR Office

be contacted at (1649) 339-8000.

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

$6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 244-3319

5

ANGELICA

LABOURER

property

sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect

dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

$6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 946-5901

are to apply to the Labour Board.

work permit holder currently holds this position.

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

$6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-231-7458

ONLY APPLY RENEWAL

BEAUTICIAN

be able to

nails, braiding, weaving, relaxing, grooming, maintenance, cutting, trimming, and styling

$6.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-242-3823

ENCOURAGED TO

THEIR RESUME TO

LABOUR BOARD. RENEWAL

BEAUTY SALON

HAIRDRESSER

cutting, and styling hair, though

may also provide hair treatments, including deep conditioning, permanents, hair coloring, and weaving.

work 6 days a week.

$350 weekly

CONTACT: 232-5443

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY RENEWAL

SKY

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

CONTACT: 441-4439

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

HELPER

LAVADO

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS

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

Take notice that I, Nigel Dakin, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands in exercise of the powers conferred in me by Section 6(4) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Turks and Caicos Islander Status to Myrlene Pierre by virtue of marriage to a Turks and Caicos Islander.

PLUMBER

plumbing

$7.50

hour.

CONTACT: 245-4888

LABOURER

outside the property

sweeper,

yard

collect

trash,

windows, and doorframes.

$6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 346-9743

VALUE FOR

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

$6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 348-4655

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

An Application, REGISTERED PR 16177, by DESARROLLOS HOTELCO WA LTD for the development of ST REGIS HOTEL & CONDOMINIUM DEVELOPMENT. The proposed hotel development is to be contained in one (1) twelve storey structure containing one hundred and sixty-two (162) hotel units; floors (10 & 11) is to be used for residential purposes. The condominium development is to be primarily contained in three (3) twelve (12) storey structures consisting of one hundred and forty-eight (148) condominium units. The development features a restaurant, spa, ballroom, casino and ancillary facilities and has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on Block & Parcels 60905/198 &199 which is a combined 17.16 acres of land located at Leeward Going Through (Grace Bay), 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.

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.

EASYWAY EMPLOYEMENT SERVICS

ACTING ON BEHALF OF OUR CLIENT

STARFISH MANAGEMENT

LTD

441-6731

UNIT # 6 La Vista Azul, Turtle Cove

LABOURER

$ 7. 00 hourly

Running errands and cleaning properties for the company.

FRANKLY D. FORBES

241-9209

Long Bay # 88

LABOURER

$290.00

Cleaning the property, cutting grass, pick up waste, and assist with on going construction

PICK IT UP WORKER

342-6582

HELPER

$6.50

up equipment, run lines for power tools, erect scaffolding, layout tools, set up forms for the pouring of concrete foundation.

ELVETHAN M. HANDFIELD

347-500

Snake Hills, Millennium highway

LABOURER

$6.50 hourly

To carry out and assist with continuous maintenance work, painting apartment interior & exterior

R GRAY CONTRACTING

441-0268

Juba Sound

MAINTENANCE MAN

$6.50 hourly

Maintaining cleanliness of apartment complex

G & J CONSTRUCTION

244-9287

Cooper jack Road

PAINTER

$15.00

Paint & Preparing wall to paint

AYA CONSTRUCTION

247-1314

Kew Town

TURKS

FINANCIAL

CARPENTER

$12.00

Install structures and fixtures, such as window and molding. Measure, cut, or shape wood, plastic.

ELIE JOSAPHAT

232-7124

Snake Hill Millennium Highway

DOMESTIC WORKER

$300.00

Cleaning the house, making beds, wash, cook and iron

MEP SERVICES

941-4750

June Hills Blue Hills

TRADESMAN

$12.00 hourly

Laying tile, blocks and doing carpenter work

SPARK CAR RENTALS 341-2529

Blue Hills # 46

LABOURER

$300.00 weekly

Wash & cleaning vehicles, getting vehicles ready for renting.

JACKLYN B. JONES 341-2314

Five Cays (across the office)

LABOURER

$300.00

To carry out and assist with continuous maintenance work, painting apartment interior & exterior

WENDAL JOSEPH 341-8300

158 Blue Hills

CARPENTER

$ 750.00 weekly

Install structures and fixtures, such as window and molding. Measure, cut, or shape wood, plastic.

PASSION BEAUTY SALON 333-1236

Alice & Alice, # 203 Airport Road BARBER

$7.00

Cutting men & women hair, shaping men hair, shaping women eye brow

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES!

The Financial Services Commission (FSC), the regulator of financial services business in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is seeking suitably qualified applicants to fill several vacancies.

APPLICATION DEADLINE OCTOBER 14, 2022

BANK & TRUST DIRECTOR

Department: Bank and Trust

Location: Providenciales

Annual Salary: $84,607.00 – $105,642.00

JOB SUMMARY

This is a technical position that conducts analysis, regulatory/supervisory activities, and risk assessments on a portfolio of higher risk and complex financial institutions - which may include investment licensees (investment dealers, advisors, mutual funds and wealth management funds), trust companies, banks, credit unions, and/or money transmitters - to ensure compliance with relevant ordinances, regulations, guidelines and international and regional best practice standards, and to assess the financial strength of the entity. Serve as examiner in charge for onsite examinations of assigned licensees and organize and conduct meetings with the licensees. The officer may also be responsible for reviewing and assessing regulatory applications, including license applications to establish a financial institution based on the relevant ordinances, regulation, code, guideline and/or international standards.

INSURANCE ANALYST II

Department: Domestic Insurance Unit

Location: Providenciales

Annual Salary: $45,207.00 - $55,231.00

JOB SUMMARY

The Insurance Analyst (II) is responsible for participating in the planning and conduct of off-site and on-site inspections of the financial and operational systems of insurance businesses, which involves, analyzing and verifying information to determine the entities’ financial status and level of compliance with their own internal policies and standards and relevant local and international standards, ordinances and regulations.

Details on the above vacancies can be found on the Commission’s website at https://tcifsc.tc/vacancies/ or by contacting the Commission at telephone numbers 649-946-2550 or 649-946-2791 ext. 4021 or 4048.

Applications should be emailed to administration@tcifsc.tc no later than October 14, 2022. A copy of the application should be submitted to the Employment Services Department by emailing to CHbacchus@gov.tc and MCadams@gov. tc. Applications received after the application deadline may not be considered in this recruitment phase but may be placed on file for future reference. While we appreciate your response, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

LABOURER

ISLAND PRIDE FISHERIES

GOLD

D&B AUTO LTD

AUTO MECHANIC

• At least 6 years or more experience as an Auto Mechanic

Must be able to perform all vehicle diagnostics and updates using diagnostic equipment.

• Able to maintain vehicle functional condition by listening to customers/ operator complaints, conduct inspections, repair engine failures, repair mechanical and electrical systems malfunctions and replace

parts and components according to manufacturer standards specially Japanese vehicles.

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

• Knowledge of tools and equipment required to conduct all repairs.

Basic wage

$9.00

hour

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS APPLICATION

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

Take notice that I, Nigel Dakin, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands in exercise of the powers conferred in me by Section 6(4) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Turks and Caicos Islander Status to Sugey Miosotis De La Malcolm virtue of marriage to a Turks and Caicos Islander.

LABOURER

outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste

collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

$6.25 Hourly

LABOURER

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

$6.25 Hourly

CONTACT: 244-7865

Meridian Club on Pine Cay

FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER

Minimum 5 years’ experience in luxury restaurant operation with Mediterranean exposure required. Excellent communication and organizational skills; reading, writing, and oral proficiency in the English language. Excellent human relations skills; proven experience in dealing with employee and guest situations in a positive and effective manner. Must be an exceptional performer in their current job and demonstrate the potential for management. Train, evaluate, lead, motivate, coach, and discipline all employees in the Hotel’s Service Department to ensure that established cultural and core Relais & Chateaux standards are met. Salary 36k annual

applicants for the above positions should kindly submit their resumes to:

Resources Manager at hr@pinecay.com

Cay Human Resources Department can be

at (649) 941-7011

AUTO PARTS SPECIALIST

AUTO PARTS

ASSOCIATE

DOMESTIC WORKER

BEACH ATTENDANT

JUNIOR CEIDE

DOMESTIC WORKER

the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing

CONTACT:

CONTACT: 332-8463

LABOURER

DOMESTIC WORKER

MARIE CLAUDE

DOMESTIC WORKER

MARIE

DOMESTIC WORKER

DOMESTIC WORKER

GENERAL

maintenance and service.

Knowledge of Gamewell FCI, Simplex and Fire Lite systems is a must.

Hourly rate starting at $12.00 and must be willing to work weekends and public holidays.

DOMESTIC

(TWO) COSMETOLOGIST

house.

and iron for

family. Cook.

BE

PREFERENCE.

LABOURER

SALES PERSON

TABRINA

BIG

DEDRICK A HANDFIELD

LABOURER

DUTIES:

•

DUTIES:

DUTIES:

LABOURER

outside the property with sweeper,

up yard waste

collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door

CONTACT: 342-4040

ONLY APPLY RENEWAL

HOMAGE TANISSAINT

RIGBY BUILDERS

Clean

241-9541

Tana Road, Five Cays, Providenciales

$8.00

SIMON WOOD

MILLHOUSE

347-3444

Blue Hills, Providenciales

Salary:

Cleaning

DOMESTIC WORKER

ORETA BEEN Tel: 342-0154

South Dock Road, Providenciales

Salary: $6.25

CARPENTER

ER CONSTRUCTION Tel: 333-1199

11 Macaw Close, Cooper Jack Providenciales

Salary: $7-8.00 per hour

Formwork,

doors,

EXECUTIVE

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Post-secondary degree in Culinary Arts or industry equivalent experience with at least 8

as

Executive

• Fully functional on computer with a full knowledge of Excel, MS-Word and Quickbooks

• Deep understanding of menu planning

• Full

• Fluent

permit

SENIOR ARCHITECT

a broad

with cost analysis, portioning and design.

of inventory control

a fundamental

with the

to develop

of French and

SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Extensive experience in the preparation and execution of Mexican and Tex Mex cuisine

• Plan and execute special events on or off premise for a diverse clientele.

• Precise knife skills

Applicants must be fully qualified architects with

membership (or equivalent), and have a minimum of twenty years professional experience.

ability to travel freely throughout the Caribbean, USA, South America and Europe

JOB DESCRIPTION INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Manage a team of up to eight architects and technicians.

2. Design projects and/review architectural or engineering plans, specifications and contract documents to ensure compliance with government codes, laws and regulations.

3. Prepare proposals for potential projects and liaise/negotiate with Clients.

4. Advised Subcontractors on the interpretation of plans, recommends changes when necessary.

5. Prepares and/or review preliminary designs, working drawings, specifications and cost estimates related to the project.

6. Provide technical expertise in development or review of policies and procedures in relation to architectural structures, systems and construction/safety codes.

7. Researches literature and maintain knowledge of current building materials, structural, mechanical and electrical system codes and methods of application.

8. Reviews subcontractor’s shop drawings to ensure compliance with specifications and contract agreements by checking them for technical accuracy according to accepted guideline.

Work with customers and clients to gather facts, define design and space planning problems, conceptualize possible solutions and secure approvals of proposals.

Review product literature, analyze materials and determine appropriateness for application to projects.

Provide advice and develop design documents to initiate and modify architectural, interior design and space planning solutions.

Perform design drafting including preliminary drawings for architectural working drawings and full detail drawings for architectural, structural and mechanical works associated with building construction or improvement projects.

Provide finish selections, including color palettes, floor and wall finishes, lighting and other various interior selections.

with

and Revit.

• Execute a large variety of desserts from scratch including cakes, custards, mousses, ice creams, sorbets, and gelatin stabilized desserts

• Execute naturally leavened breads and breakfast pastry from scratch

• Produce all breakfast, lunch and dinner items with expert precision.

• Cook entire menu on the line during service, including meats to temperature specifications.

• Prepare and execute a variety of specials utilizing seasonality and quality as the catalyst

• Be versed in a large variety of cooking techniques to include: braising, sautéing, frying, steaming, poaching, soup making and the Mother Sauces.

• Develop and cost recipes to accurately reflect the long term goals of Somewhere Café and Lounge

• Execute a proper sanitation procedure to insure that high quality food is served that accurately represents the Café

• Receive food orders from various vendors, checking for quality and pricing.

• Implement training of kitchen staff to encourage growth and success in a positive environment.

• Must have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to both engage staff and guests in conversation

• Must be a natural leader with the ability to lead by example, demonstrating at any moment the willingness and ability to do the job of any of those working with and/or under him/her.

• Mediatory and conflict resolution skills with the ability to recognize potential problems in advance.

• Must be able to co-ordinate schedule requirements for a large staff

• Must be able to keep detailed records of all employees up to date.

• Demonstrates the ability to multi-task under extreme pressure.

• Strong mathematical skills as it applies to accounting, budgeting, menu costing and recipe conversions

• Execute weekly and monthly inventory of items with a focus on budgeting, cost analysis and planning

• Maintain a positive environment in the kitchen to encourage growth and diversity within the workplace

• Be

•

MECHANICAL AND/ OR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER’S REQUIRED

Applicants must be able to work 40 hours per week (5 shifts allocated over 7 days and include weekend working and bank holidays).

Candidate must be qualified to Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent, hold qualifications in Mechanical and/or Electrical Engineering.

Duties include but not exclusive to: Prevented Planned Maintenance on all HVAC, VSD, pumps and motors, valves and strainers, reactive works on all plant, fault finding and correction. Fabric maintenance of the building, handyman tasks if and when required. Trade test and competency programs will be included at interview stage.

Excellent customer service skills, communications skills, good standards of spoken and written English are required for all posts.

Appointments will be made based on successful interview, positive reference check and a clear Police check. *Previous experience is required for all posts.

KUMAR

THE SCHOOL FOR FIELD STUDIES,

CENTER DIRECTOR, MARINE OPERATIONS COORDINATOR, LECTURER IN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, LECTURER IN ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

JOB SUMMARIES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Center Director - PhD required in related field, teaching and research experience, $50K annually;

Marine Operations Coordinator - SCUBA Instructor, BS degree or higher in Marine Science, coordinates all field activities, maintain boats, research and diving equipment, $20K annually.

Lecturer - PhD required in related field, teaching and research experience, $30K annually;

All positions required to live on-site, 6 day work week, minimum Divemaster Scuba Diver unless otherwise stated, prior experience living/working at a field station and boat handling is preferred. Currently held by Work Permit employees.

To Apply: Please send your CV to HHERTLER@FIELDSTUDIES.ORG

These positions are for first time applicant. TC Islanders are encouraged to submit a copy of their resume to the Labor Department.

Start Date: Immediately

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

FURTHER

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES!

REGISTRATION OFFICER I

Department: Registry (Business Names)

Location: Providenciales

Annual Salary: $21,935.00 - $24,600.00

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Assistant Registrar I, the Registration Officer I - Business Names is responsible for assisting with processing of applications and renewals, removing business names approved for striking, scanning and indexing of documents on the KRegistry database, copying and certifying documents for signature, creating, maintaining and retrieving business names files.

REGISTRATION SUPERVISOR

Department: Registry (Business Names)

Location: Providenciales

Annual Salary: $33,415.00-$37,617.50

JOB SUMMARY

Supervises and monitors Registration Officer I’s. Supervises and monitors the operations of the Business Names Unit within the Registry.

Details

Applications should be emailed to administration@tcifsc.tc no later than September 30th, 2022. A copy of the

should be submitted to the

Services Department by emailing to CHbacchus@gov.tc and MCadams@gov.tc. Applications received after the application deadline may not be considered in this recruitment phase but may be placed on file for future reference. While we appreciate your response, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

DOMESTIC

be willing to work weekends and holidays. Salary $7/ hr. Duties

include erecting signs, clearing

An Application, REGISTERED GT 5151, by the applicant, Waterloo Property Development Ltd. for the development of a Twenty-Seven (27) Bedroom Hotel, Reception Building, Meeting Room, Security Building, Laundry Building, Swimming Pool & Deck and Ancillary Facilities has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on parcels 10503/118 & 121, Southwest Suburbs, Grand Turk. 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.

GLASS CUTTER

CEO WANTED

TCI Finance Limited (TCIF) is seeking to employ a suitably qualified and experience chief executive officer. The successful candidate must have relevant academic and/ or professional qualifications, a strong track record in financial services business development, and at least 10 years’ international experience as a senior executive and leader in the marketing of financial services.

TCIF is established and funded by the Government and private sector of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) to create and promote a unique and differentiated financial services sector that is aligned with the TCI’s globally renowned tourism brand. The CEO will be responsible for i) designing and developing a compelling, attractive, and realistic vision and strategy for growing the financial services sector; ii) building a marketing and communications plan to sell the vision, concept, and products of the TCI to internal and external stakeholders; iii) creating, with Government, an attractive incentive plan for investors in the sector; and iv) acting as an ambassador for the promotion of the sector.

TCIF offers an attractive and competitive remuneration and benefits package.

Expressions of interest, accompanied by a current resumé, marked ‘TCI Finance CEO ’ should be submitted to the Chairman, TCIF, via info@tcirecruitmentgroup.com no later than October 7th 2022. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

(Note: Details on the TCI - including the absence of income tax, use of the US Dollar and close proximity to North America – can be found at Invest Turks and Caicos Islands - Invest Turks and Caicos. TCI is a British Overseas Territory with an incomparable reputation as one of the best locations in the world to live, work and vacation.)

LABOURER

ULYSSE

LABOURER

Cleaning

WORKER

KEZZIA HAMILTON

Back Salina,

KRYSTAL DOMINIQUE

Palm

DOMESTIC WORKER

- $6.50 HOURLY

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

LABOURER

Cleaning

CONTACT: 431-1275

Belongers

MICHAEL TEJEDA HENRIQUEZ

DOMESTIC WORKER

REGINAL CHARLES

Hospital Rd., Grand

CLEANER

- $6.50 HOURLY

and

LABOURER - $6.50 HOURLY Cleaning outside the

with sweeper,

waste and collect

dispose of

RODRIJUE JOSEPH

Back Salina, Grand Turk Is seeking to employ

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering

LEVELT JULIEN

BABYSITTER

Ensuring

MALISSA

DELAREASE COX

Five Cay, Providenciales

seeking

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house,

personal

CONTACT:

Belongers

ROOSEVELT OUTTEN

Kew Town, Providenciales

seeking

LIVE-IN DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets,

and personal

other

CONTACT: 343-3655

Belongers

work

SAMUEL WILSON

#12 MUSGROVE HILL, KEW TOWN

seeking to employ

LABOURER

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper,

up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose

MARIE PROSPERE

#1030 THE BIGHT, LEEWARD HIGHWAY

seeking to employ a

WORKER

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

CONTACT: 345-7087

Belongers only

SHARON BEEN

Turquoise Point Plaza, Dolphin Road, Grace Bay, Providenciales

seeking to employ

DOMESTIC WORKER

up

clean

7607/244-0711

TRULY

towels

personal clothing and other housework. Salary:

CONTACT: 345-9144

Belongers are

CONTACT: 243-5791

trash, clean windows,

doorframes. Cares for garden on a daily basis.

CONTACT: 342-2511

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

CONTACT: 343-9526 OR SHARONBUTLERBEEN@HOTMAIL.COM Belongers

TATA SHOP/HENRY

JENNINGS

2 LABOURERS

LABOURERS / DOMESTIC WORKERS

• Responsible for doing Manual work

• Loading and unloading container

• Assisting in stocking shelves

• Being able to work at heights

• Committed to work flexible hours, days, nights, weekends and holiday

• Salary starts at $6.25 per hour

• Held by work permit holder and for first time work permit.

STORE SUPERVISOR

• Candidate must have at least 6-8 years experience in the field

• Advanced knowledge and skills in computer systems, most specifically, QuickBooks Pro 2020, Microsoft Excel & Inventory control Management.

• Extensive knowledge of SMS Front & Back Office & NCR 7456 POS

• Manage retail staff, including cashiers and people working on the floor.

• Maintain inventory and ensure items are in stock.

• Maintain store's cleanliness and health and safety measures.

• Organize and distribute staff schedules.

• Manage different departments within the store.

• Handle customer questions, complaints, and issues.

• Committed to work flexible hours, days, nights, weekends and holidays.

• Salary range commensurate with experience.

• Held by the work permit holder

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

• Gathering and entering data into multiple computer programs

• Maintaining and updating record files and system data

• Processing customer cash, check and credit card payments

• Responsible for accounting contents of cash registers and safe

• Processing end of day sale deposit

• Receiving domestic and export customer orders

• Implement employee schedules

• Will perform as substitute relief for other supervisors

• Preparing & coordinating schedule in accordance to operational necessity

• 4-5 years experience in related field of work

• Must be honest, meticulous, work independently or in a team

• Must process knowledge of computer programs such as Quick Books, Microsoft Word, Excel, Power point and Outlook.

• Salary for this position will commensurate with qualification& experience

• Held by work permit holder

REFRIGERATION MECHANIC

• Fabricate & assemble structural & functional components of refrigeration system using hand tools and welding equipment

• Lift and align components into position using hoist or block

DOMESTIC WORKER

MONA PIERRE FLEURIDO

244-0109 - Moise Avenue # 29, Millennium Highway

hourly

Cleaning the house, making beds, wash, cook and iron.

STORE HELPER

FLEURIDOR MOTORS LTD

941-3131 - Five Cays #59

(Next to Sunny food)

hourly

QUINBY JIMMYLEE GREY 333-6080

North Caicos, Whitby $300.00

TILE MAN CHEF

Cleaning the stores, shelves, counter top, adding products on shelves

D&B TILE 232-3465 - South Dock $15 hourly Laying tile and grout out tile.

TINY’S RESTAURANT 345-3053 - Leeward Highway (Old Ms. Monies) $480.00 weekly Cooking and preparing food.

Caring for my children, prepare their meals, feed & bath them, monitor them, wash, iron, cook and clean the house.

MAIDLABOURER

R&L CONSTRUCTION 346-2726

June Hills, Millennium Highway $6.25 hourly

To carry out and assist with continuous maintenance work, painting apartment interior & exterior.

J.J CLEANING SERVICES Cox Drive # 84 241-4286

$350.00 WEEKLY

Cleaning the house, making beds, cleaning refrigerator, cabinet.

EXTRAORDINARY MINDS-ASHLEY’S LEARNING CENTRE

Is hiring a

TEACHER ASSISTANTS

Applicants could be retired teachers or persons with at least 5’ CXC passes; have an interest in teaching students with varying learning capabilities; and be willing to participate in on-going professional development in Special and Inclusive Education, offered by the school and international organizations.

SALARY:

Salary will be discussed at the interview

CONTACT:

Applications can be dropped off at: ASHLEY’S LEARNING CENTRE,

#6 George Alley, Aviation Drive, Downtown Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands or Emailed to extraordinaryminds2010@gmail. com. Tel # 649-232-1493

MAINTENANCE

AND SKILLS

DOMESTIC

MARIE

DOMESTIC WORKER

SAVED

SONIA

InterHealth Canada Construction & Services is currently recruiting for a Key position within TCI Hospital. Successful candidates will be offered excellent packages depending on qualification and experience.

CHEF MANAGER

Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales

Responsible for operations of daily kitchen, food production, HACCP, due diligence, Catering Budget patient and retail menu compilation and costing and stock management. Also responsible for training and development and management of catering team.

Applicants must be able to work 40 hours per week (5 shifts allocated over 7 days and include weekend working and bank holidays).

Excellent customer service skills, communications skills, good standards of spoken and written English are required.

Appointments will be made based on successful interview, positive reference check, and clear Police check. *Previous experience is required.

For full Job Specification, Qualification Requirements, Package Details and any application queries, please contact Ms. Donique Pinnock and queries on Tel: 941-2800 Ext 71802.

Qualified Belonger's will be given first consideration.

Starting Salary: 35K per annum

Hall Medical Centre,

Role will include responsibility for the Team of Receptionists, Supervision of Helpdesk Services including switchboard, Assisting Patients, Staff & Visitors, Track- it Reporting, etc.

Applicants must be able to work 40 hours per week (5 shifts allocated over 7 days and include weekend working and bank holidays).

Excellent customer service skills, communication skills, good standards of spoken and written English are required for all posts.

Appointments will be made based on successful interviews, positive reference check and a clear Police check. *Previous experience is required for post.

For full Job Specification, Qualification Requirements, Package Details and any application queries, please contact Ms. Donique Pinnock and queries on Tel: 941-2800 Ext 71802.

Qualified Belonger's will be given first consideration. Salary: Negotiable, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

KITEBOARD INSTRUCTORS

QUALIFIED

VALUE FOR

TITLE: FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Prepare financial statements and financial reports for each company in the Group and consolidated Group statements on a monthly and annual basis. | Prepare budget variance and financial performance analysis monthly and annually for each company and the Group |Develop and Monitor effective Internal Control policies, procedures and practices | Develop and update at least annually multi-year financial projections based on agreed assumptions |Develop annual budgets as part of the annual business and strategic planning process |Analyze, select, and manage financial management and reporting software and systems |Streamline accounting functions and operations |Document and oversee accounting policies and procedures | Preparate of Quarterly Regulatory Returns |Present monthly accounts along with analysis to the Board of Directors and Senior Executives |Assist in establishing and monitoring compliance controls

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE:

(a) Have 15 years or more of experience in a Senior Accounting role in the Financial Sector, (b) ability to produce and coordinate department reports into the annual reports for regulators; (c) ability to create action plan and provide recommendation to Board of Directors (d) proven knowledge in Public Finance Management Law and Operational Risk Management (e) experience in Internal and External Audits (g) experience in Payroll Service (h) Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting & Economics from a recognized tertiary institution (i) Association of Certified Chartered Accountants – and an active member of ACCA or equivalent (j) Risk Management Qualification (k) Be flexible to give support to rotated shifts between 7:00 am – 7:00pm daily including weekends and public holidays at various locations in TCI (l) Be conversant with computer application – ability to handle up to 10 different systems. (m) Advance skills in Microsoft Suite especially excel

SALARY:

Please

DOMESTIC WORKER

VALUE FOR

MONEY!!

PROPOSED BEACHES RESORT: TREASURE BEACH EXPANSION LOWER BIGHT, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS

The Environmental Impact Assessment ("EIA") for Planning Application PR.15741 for BEACHES RESORT: TREASURE BEACH EXPANSION, Lower Bight, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands which has been submitted in accordance

(1) b of the Physical Planning Ordinance and Condition #11 of the Grant of Outline Development Permission

February 2, 2022 has been finalized and is available

for public review at the Turks and Caicos Islands

SALES CLERK

LABOURER

Hard

of the EIA

Department of Planning offices in

public review.

Grand

Comments on the EIA report can be sent to the Department of Planning at planningconsultation@gov.tc

to the Department of Planning, Emily House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales

at South Base, Grand Turk by October

A public consultation meeting on the EIA

October 25, 2022 at the

Room, Providenciales

CONTACT:

CARPENTER

HELPER

be held

of

SURESH

PRESTON DANIEL PENN

• Creating innovative estimates,

attendees

and meeting clients

• Maintaining strong working relationships

• Negotiating contracts with hotels and service providers.

up to date database of providers and

• Developing and maintaining strong working relationships

overseas clients, attending industry trade shows and meetings

• Developing and confidently delivering oral

and current clients, both small and large

• Managing of operational and fiscal activities

agendas, budgets,

and post-event evaluations, review and payment of event bills, maintenance of records of event aspects and financial

• Marketing through design of websites and social media promotion

• Onsite supervision and coordination of corporate events at various locations,

SKILL REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 10 years experience in corporate event planning and program coordination essential

• Proven knowledge of event logistics, accounting and budgeting

• Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational and decision making skills

• Excellent multi-tasking and problem solving ability

• Strong local knowledge and the ability to promote Turks and Caicos as a destination to foreign markets

• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with program management staff, team members, vendors and guests

• Ability to present facts and recommendations effectively, ability to accept constructive criticism from clients, adherence to company policies

• Effective networking and identification of new sales opportunities and clients

• A strong work ethic and flexibility to adapt to a variety of business and social situations.

•

working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint,

Knowledge of Web design, blogging and marketing through social media essential. Mac system

•

understanding and ability to

within

•

•

ANNUELA

DOMESTIC

BEAUTI

Science & Technology

Study: Decreased proteins, not amyloid plaques, tied to Alzheimer’s disease

NEW research from the University of Cincinnati bolsters a hypothesis that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by a decline in levels of a specific protein, contrary to a prevailing theory that has been recently called into question.

UC researchers led by Alberto Espay, MD, and Andrea Sturchio, MD, in collaboration with the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, published the research on Oct. 4 in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

QUESTIONING THE DOMINANT HYPOTHESIS

The research is focused on a protein called amyloid-beta. The protein normally carries out its functions in the brain in a form that is soluble, meaning dissolvable in water, but it sometimes hardens into clumps, known as amyloid plaques.

The conventional wisdom in the field of Alzheimer’s research for more than 100 years stated that Alzheimer’s was caused by the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain. But Espay and his colleagues hypothesized that plaques are simply a consequence of the levels of soluble amyloid-beta in the brain decreasing. These levels decrease because the normal protein, under situations of biological, metabolic or infectious stress, transform into the abnormal amyloid plaques.

“The paradox is that so many of us accrue plaques in our brains as we age, and yet so few of us with plaques go on to develop dementia,” said Espay, professor of neurology in the UC College of Medicine, director and endowed chair of the James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute and a UC Health physician. “Yet the plaques remain the center of our attention as it relates to biomarker development and therapeutic strategies.”

Sturchio noted that many research studies and clinical trials over the years have aimed at reducing amyloid plaques in the brain, and some have lessened plaques, but until the September 27 announcement of a positive trial by Biogen and Eisai (lecanemab), none slowed the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. More importantly, in support of their hypothesis, in some clinical trials that reduced the levels of soluble amyloid-beta, patients showed worsening in clinical outcomes.

“I think this is probably the best proof that reducing the level of the soluble form of the protein

The conventional wisdom in the field of Alzheimer’s research for more than 100 years stated that Alzheimer’s was caused by the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain.

can be toxic,” said Sturchio, first author of the report and adjunct research instructor at UC’s College of Medicine. “When done, patients have gotten worse.”

RESEARCH RESULTS

Previous research from the team found that regardless of the buildup of plaques in the brain, people with high levels of soluble amyloid-beta were cognitively normal, while those with low levels of the protein were more likely to have cognitive impairment.

In the current study, the team analyzed the levels of amyloidbeta in a subset of patients with mutations that predict an overexpression of amyloid plaques in the brain, which is thought to make them more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

“One of the strongest supports to the hypothesis of amyloid toxicity was based on these mutations,” Sturchio said. “We studied that

population because it offers the most important data.”

Even in this group of patients thought to have the highest risk of Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers found similar results as the study of the general population.

“What we found was that individuals already accumulating plaques in their brains who are able to generate high levels of soluble amyloid-beta have a lower risk of evolving into dementia over a three-year span,” Espay said.

The research found that with a baseline level of soluble amyloidbeta in the brain above 270 picograms per milliliter, people can remain cognitively normal regardless of the amount of amyloid plaques in their brains.

“It’s only too logical, if you are detached from the biases that we’ve created for too long, that a neurodegenerative process is caused by something we lose, amyloid-beta, rather than something

we gain, amyloid plaques,” Espay said. “Degeneration is a process of loss, and what we lose turns out to be much more important.”

NEXT STEPS

Sturchio said the research is moving forward to study if increasing the levels of soluble amyloid-beta in the brain is a beneficial therapy for patients with Alzheimer’s.

Espay said it will be important to ensure that the elevated levels of the protein introduced into the brain do not then turn into amyloid plaques, since the soluble version of the protein is needed for normal function to make an impact in the brain.

On a larger scale, the researchers said they believe a similar hypothesis of what causes neurodegeneration can be applied to other diseases including Parkinson’s and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, with research ongoing in these areas as well.

For example, in Parkinson’s disease, a normal soluble protein in the brain called alpha-synuclein can harden into a deposit called a Lewy body. The researchers hypothesize that Parkinson’s is not caused by Lewy bodies aggregating in the brain, but rather by a decrease in levels of normal, soluble alpha-synuclein.

We’re advocating that what may be more meaningful across all degenerative diseases is the loss of normal proteins rather than the measurable fraction of abnormal proteins,” Espay said. “The net effect is a loss not a gain of proteins as the brain continues to shrink as these diseases progress.”

Espay said he envisions a future with two approaches to treating neurodegenerative diseases: rescue medicine and precision medicine.

Rescue medicine looks like the current work, studying if boosting levels of key proteins like amyloidbeta leads to better outcomes.

“Interestingly, lecanemab, the anti-amyloid drug recently reported as beneficial, does something that most other anti-amyloid treatments don’t do in addition to reducing amyloid: it increases the levels of the soluble amyloid-beta,” Espay said.

Alternatively, precision medicine entails going deeper to understand what is causing levels of soluble amyloid-beta to decrease in the first place, whether it is a virus, a toxin, a nanoparticle or a biological or genetic process. If the root cause is addressed, the levels of the protein wouldn’t need to be boosted because there would be no transformation from soluble, normal proteins to amyloid plaques.

Espay said precision medicine would take into account the fact that no two patients are alike, providing more personalized treatments. The researchers are making progress in precision medicine through the Cincinnati Cohort Biomarker Program, a project aiming to divide neurodegenerative diseases by biological subtypes in order to match therapies based on biomarkers to those most likely to benefit from them.

“The Cincinnati Cohort Biomarker Program is dedicated to working toward deploying the first success in precision medicine in this decade,” Espay said. “By recognising biological, infectious and toxic subtypes of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, we will have specific treatments that can slow the progression of those affected.” (UC.Edu)

Sports

World Cup: Ukraine joins Spain and Portugal’s bid to host 2030 tournament

Ukraine has joined Spain and Portugal’s bid to host the 2030 Fifa World Cup.

Representatives of the Spanish, Portuguese and Ukrainian football associations confirmed their plans at Uefa’s headquarters on Wednesday.

Ukraine was invaded by Russia in February and the war has continued since then with thousands of troops and civilians killed and major cities suffering significant destruction.

Spain and Portugal originally announced a joint bid in June 2021.

Ukrainian football association (UAF) president Andriy Pavelko said the bid showed European football was “united as never before”.

“I thank you on behalf of thousands of little players that were subjected to barbaric military aggression,” Pavelko said.

“These children were forced to leave their homes, their clubs and football schools, fleeing from bullets and shells.

“Many of them received your support and found shelter in various European countries. Now they can

continue to play football in European clubs and have made new friends all over Europe.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Twitter: “The joint bid is more than a symbol of faith in our joint victory. Ukraine will endure, prevail and be rebuilt thanks to the solidarity of its partners.”

The three-way partnership has “unconditional support” from Uefa, European football’s governing body, according to a statement by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).

“The example of tenacity and resilience set by the Ukrainian people is inspiring,” the FPF said.

proposal aims to contribute through the power of football to the recovery

PRIMARY

of a country undergoing reconstruction.”

FPF president Fernando Soares Gomes da Silva said: “We are convinced that by 2030 we will have peace in Europe and that Ukraine will

be able to host it in the best way possible.”

“Our bid is not an Iberian bid any more, it’s a European bid,” Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish federation (RFEF), said.

Ukraine co-hosted Euro 2012 with Poland.

Sports

Commonwealth Games: Golf, BMX and coastal rowing will make debuts in 2026

GOLF, BMX and coastal rowing will make their debuts at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Australia.

Shooting returns after it was dropped for the 2022 Games in Birmingham, but wrestling and judo have been removed from the programme.

The Games, the first to be awarded to a state or region, will be staged across several cities and feature 22 sports and 26 disciplines.

Nine fully-integrated parasports are also included.

“Victoria 2026 is also proposing to add in Parasport disciplines in golf,

coastal rowing and the road (cycling) race and will work with the Commonwealth Games Federation and relevant international sporting federations to determine if this is possible,” organisers said in a statement.

Golf has appeared at the past two Olympic Games.

“This is a great win for golf,” said Golf Australia chief James Sutherland.

“This announcement validates golf’s increasing popularity and the enormous growth that the sport has enjoyed over the last three years.”

BMX racing made it’s Olympic debut in Beijing in

2008 while coastal rowing, which involves boats competing in open water, is pushing to be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Commonwealth Games Federation president Dame Louise Martin said: “We are thrilled to confirm the sport program for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the additional sports proposed by Victoria 2026 completing an exciting and diverse line-up.”

Women’s T20 cricket has been retained after its debut in Birmingham. Hosts Australia will be the defending champions. (BBC)

Beth Mead: Forward voted England Player of the Year

ARSENAL forward Beth Mead has been voted England women’s Player of the Year for 2021-22 after an historic year for the Lionesses.

The accolade adds to the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament Mead won in England’s victorious Euros campaign.

The 27-year-old has also been shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or and holds the record for most England goals scored in a single season with 14.

Leah Williamson came second and Keira Walsh was third in the fan vote.

Mead scored six goals and provided four assists at the Euros which secured her the Golden Boot over Germany’s Alex Popp, who also scored six goals.

She scored in four of England’s six games at the home tournament, including a hat-trick against Norway

in the group stage, and is the only English player to win the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament at a senior Euros or World Cup.

The player’s success is all the more remarkable after she was left out of the Team GB squad for the Tokyo Olympics a year ago.

Following their successful Euros campaign - the first major trophy for the Lionesses - England completed a perfect record in their World Cup qualifying campaign in September with a 10-0 victory over Luxembourg.

Mead contributed 13 goals and 12 assists to ensure England finished top of Group D with 10 wins from 10 to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Mead said on Twitter she is “honoured to have been named England Player of the Year”.

Eliud Kipchoge: Kenyan world record holder can go faster ‘in near future’

MARATHON runner Eliud Kipchoge believes he can get even closer to a possible sub-two hour marathon after narrowing the gap by 30 seconds when setting his recent world record in Berlin last month.

The 37-year-old ran a time of two hours, one minute and nine seconds to beat his previous benchmark, which had stood since 2018.

“I believe that I still have time to show the world how to push limits,” the Kenyan told the BBC World Service.

“I can still run my personal best in the near future. I can still try again.”

Four years ago, Kipchoge took 78 seconds off compatriot Dennis Kimetto’s 2014 record of 2:02.57.

He then became the first man to run a marathon in under two hours

Kipchoge ran the first half of late September’s race in Berlin in 59 minutes and 51 seconds, prompting thoughts that he may become the first runner to break the two-hour mark in an official race.

He had played down his chances of a world record in the build-up, but admits lowering his time had been his stated aim in the German capital.

“My plan was not to run under two hours, my plan was to break a world record,” he said.

“I realise that we are fast enough to run under an hour in a half-marathon, which was really motivating for me.

“And it’s a good sign also that the future is clear. I’m showing the people that you can [go] as fast as you can for the half-marathon and still do something good at the end of it.”

Kipchoge turns 38 next month and now says winning the Olympic marathon at the Paris Games in 2024 is on his “bucket list”.

He was won the past two Olympic titles - becoming just the third person to defend a marathon title when he crossed the line in Tokyo - and a third successive triumph would be a first for a man or woman.

“I trust that all things will carry me well up to 2024 to present myself at the starting line,” he said.

“What I like is history. To be the first human being to run backto-back-to-back for three times and win Olympic marathon gold medal, it’s my bucket list.

“It’s there in my mind. I don’t know what will happen but still, for now, I want to concentrate on recovering my body.” (BBC)

Eliud Kipchoge is a double Olympic marathon champion, and is targeting a third straight triumph in Paris in 2024.

Justin Rose won gold

Mead scored six goals for England during the Euros.

Sports

LIV Golf: No ranking points available at Bangkok and Jeddah, says OWGR

LIV Golf players will not be able to earn world ranking points at upcoming events in Bangkok and Jeddah, Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) has said.

LIV Golf said on Wednesday that it had agreed a “strategic alliance” with the Middle East and Africa (Mena) Tour to allow its players to earn points.

But OWGR says it received insufficient notice to conduct a review before the series’ upcoming October events.

A review of the changes to the Mena Tour is now under way, OWGR confirmed.

The Saudi-backed LIV Golf will hold Invitational events in Bangkok from 7-9 October and Jeddah from 14-16 October.

An OWGR statement said the communication from the Mena Tour “detailed significant changes” to its membership structure, as well as an outline of the initial series of tournaments in the 2022-23 season.

It added: “Notice of these changes given by the Mena Tour is insufficient to allow OWGR to conduct the customary necessary review ahead of the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok and LIV Golf Invitational Jeddah.

“Only after the review is complete will a decision be made on awarding points to the Mena Tour’s new “Limited Field Tournaments”, defined by the Mena

Tour in its Regulations as ‘any Mena Tour-approved tournament, which comprises of a player field of less than 80 players’.

“Regular official Mena Tour events conducted over 54 or 72 holes with a cut after 36 holes, and its Tour Championship, typically conducted over 54 holes with no cut, remain eligible for inclusion in the OWGR.”

LIV Golf is not currently recognised by OWGR, meaning players risk falling down the rankings and missing out on entry to the majors.

All LIV Golf players have joined the Mena Tour, which has been inactive since the start of the global pandemic, as part of the agreement.

Mena Tour commissioner David Spencer said the LIV Golf alliance marked “a very exciting day” for the Tour and its players.

The 48 players who featured in LIV’s event in Chicago last month, including Open champion Cameron Smith and six-time major winner Phil Mickelson, wrote to OWGR chairman Peter Dawson last month requesting ranking points to be attributed to past and future events.

LIV Golf, which offers a $25m purse at its events and is fronted by two-time major winner and former world number one Greg Norman, was launched in June and has caused deep divisions in the sport.

England in South Africa: Rearranged ODI series confirmed for early 2023

ENGLAND will travel to South Africa for three rearranged oneday internationals in January and February next year.

The three-match series was originally due to be played in 2020 but England flew home after the Twenty20 leg following Covid-19 concerns.

The first two matches will be in Bloemfontein on 27 January and 29 January before the third in Kimberley on 1 February.

The sides drew a ODI series in England 1-1 earlier this summer.

Following next year’s repeat England travel to New Zealand for a two-Test series, which starts on 16 February.

England are also scheduled to tour Bangladesh for three ODIs and three T20s in March 2023. (BBC)

Amateur boxing world governing body lifts ban on Russian and Belarusian boxers

AMATEUR boxing’s world governing body has lifted its ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes.

Boxers from the two nations were banned from competition in March following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The International Boxing Association’s president is Russian Umar Kremlev and it counts Russian state-backed energy giant Gazprom among its chief sponsors.

In a statement, it said it “strongly believes that politics shouldn’t have any influence on sports”.

Adding it remained “politically neutral and independent”, the IBA - formerly known as the AIBA - added: “IBA calls for peace and remains a peacemaker in any conflicts. Moreover, the Russian businessman Umar Kremlev was elected as IBA president in 2020.

IBA has obligation to ensure equal treatment towards the athletes and competition officials, regardless of their nationality and residence.

“Both Russian and Belarus teams will be able to perform under their flags, and the national anthems will be played in case they win a gold medal.

“According to the decision, the technical officials of Russia and Belarus will also be back in the competitions.”

On Friday, the IBA suspended the Ukrainian boxing federation after it had written to IBA members calling for Kremlev to resign or be voted out of office.

The IBA does not recognise Kyrylo Shevchenko as the Ukrainian federation’s president,

insisting it is Volodymyr Prodyvus, an ally of Kremlev who left Ukraine after the Russian invasion.

Two days later, IBA delegates voted to reject a proposal to hold new presidential elections, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) saying it was “extremely concerned” by the result.

The IBA was stripped of involvement in last year’s Tokyo Olympics because of governance, finance, refereeing and ethical issues, while it will also not be involved in the running of qualification events or competitions at the Paris 2024 Games.

Boxing was left off the initial list of sports for the 2028 Games. (BBC)

Open champion Cameron Smith won his first LIV Golf title in Chicago in September

England are top of the ODI rankings, while South Africa are sixth.

Sports

Skyhawks register 27-point victory in PAL Basketball 12U week-five battle

SKYHAWKS U12 team registered another win when games continued in the Police Action League (PAL) over the weekend at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex.

After beating Seaquest 19-17 in week four, Skyhawks were

able to shoot their way to a 27-point victory 37-10 over the Commanders.

In the other pre-teen clashes, Avengers got the better of Seaquest 24-19, while the Guardians edged past the Badgers 28-27.

In the older age group, the 16U battle, the Avengers pounded in the buckets when they defeated Seaquest 5635, while Commanders got the better of Skyhawks 4029 and Badgers 46-37 over Guardians.

James’s quality and class reduced to footnote in England defender debate

THE quality and class of Chelsea’s Reece James has sometimes been reduced to a footnote in the fevered debate surrounding the England status of Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Alexander-Arnold is a rare talent, no-one can make any argument against this, as he proved again with his superb free-kick in Liverpool’s Champions League win against Rangers at Anfield on Tuesday.

England manager Gareth Southgate, however, clearly prefers the all-round game of 22-year-old James as first-choice right back and he delivered such a complete performance in Chelsea’s 3-0

victory over AC Milan at Stamford Bridge that it was difficult to argue with that logic.

Alexander-Arnold’s goal against Rangers added more fuel to a debate that will rage until Southgate names his squad for the World Cup in Qatar - and probably beyond if he is named in the travelling party.

The argument against Alexander-Arnold is his vulnerability as a defender, which has been seen this season. Events, including his goal against Rangers, did not tell us anything about him that we did not already know.

No matter what nuances are brought into the debate, it seems a

very simple situation.

In his opinion, Southgate believes James - and indeed Manchester City’s Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier of Newcastle Unitedoffers him more solidity and tactical flexibility than Alexander-Arnold.

This not to decry AlexanderArnold here or suggest he should not even be in the World Cup squad but equally it is very difficult to make any sort of strong case that he should displace James, as proved by his powerhouse performance as Milan were well beaten.

Alexander-Arnold’s supporters will continue to press his claims but James is the player in possession. He has been in better form in recent

SPORTS COMMISSION TO BAN PERSONS WHO ENTER FACILITIES WITH WEAPONS OR DRUGS

THE Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission will ban patrons who enter the various venues around the islands with illegal items.

According to a social media post on Thursday afternoon, “any person who attempts to enter a TCI Sports Commission facility with any weapon and/or illegal drugs, shall be subject to a ban”.

According to the post, the degree of the ban will be assessed on the nature of the violation.

Guardians brush past Skyhawks in PAL Softball competition

LED by a strong performance from Trashel Williams, the Guardians were able to brush past the Skyhawks when action continued in the Police Action League (PAL) Softball competition, which was

played at the Downtown Ball Park.

In the opener, the Guardians won 10-2, while in the second clash, Avengers were able to get past the Badgers 5-3. Ruth and Savion excelled in that clash.

months and provides a rounded range of attributes that simply cannot be ignored.

Southgate knows this one will run and run but it does appear

his mind is made up and it is not as if James represents an inferior alternative. He deserves his place in England’s team and has done nothing to lose it.

Skyhawks won 37-10.

Aged 22 years and 301 days, Reece James became the youngest Chelsea player to both score and assist a goal in the same Champions League game.

Sports

Hunter and McKnight lead Beaches to fourth consecutive win

A five-wicket haul from Sidue Hunter and a half-century from inform batsman Anthony McKnight, led Beaches to their fourth consecutive victory in the Turks and Caicos Islands Cricket Association T20 cricket competition.

Of all their wins this season, their victory against Vibes last Sunday at the Downtown Ballpark in Providenciales, was the most dominant.

On paper, Vibes was no walkover team, with the likes of the talented Odayne Ewart and Kevin Hinds as openers with some hard-hitting middle-order batsmen. It was however the opening pair of bowlers Kenneth Lewis

and Danar Lewis, who did the damage early when Beaches won the toss and opted to field.

Kenneth finished with 2-20 from three overs and Danar 1-15 from three overs.

After the initial damage, Hunter confused the middle and lower order with his spin to finish with 5-9 from 3.5 overs.

McKnight supported with 1-24 from four overs. His lone scalp was that of Ian Heath, who had a few flurries to the boundary for a top score of 16.

When the dust had settled, Vibes were bowled out for 68 in 13.5 overs.

In reply, McKnight did not

allow the Vibes bowlers to get into a rhythm. Even the dynamic Heath got a licking as 21 runs came off of the first over.

With McKnight belting shots to all corners of the ground, it took only 5.4 overs for Beaches to overhaul the score.

The opener finished the 10-wicket victory with 54 after slamming seven fours and four sixes. His opening partner Mario Smith was left not out on nine.

Meanwhile, according to information from the cricket association, the aim is to play a doubleheader on Sunday, with Jaguars against Kishco at 2 pm and Beaches against Police at 5 pm.

Tour of the Turks and Caicos peddles off on Saturday

THE much anticipated gruelling five-stage Tour of the Turks and Caicos 2022 is set to peddle off on Saturday in Providenciales with a time trial and road race.

The event will then move to North Caicos on Sunday before it returns to Providenciales on Monday for another time trial and road race.

Stage One will run for 7.1 miles on Saturday morning, while Stage Two is expected to start at 2 pm and will have cyclists battling over 59 miles.

The Elites and Masters event is expected to continue on Sunday in North Caicos with a 74.1mile road race.

At 9 am on October 10, the cyclists will again compete in a time trial in Providenciales, this time over 6.5 miles, before the race concludes with a 53.1mile battle that starts and finishes at Flow Parking Lot.

Sean Rodgers won the event in 2021 but is expected to get stiff competition from the 2022 National Champion Friedise Registre.

Sean Rodgers is the defending champion.

Beaches are unbeaten this season

Anthony McKnight finished as Man-of-the-Match