Turks and Caicos Weekly News September 14 - 20, 2024

Local author Sabrina Green wins prestigious Quilly Award

In a night that celebrated literary brilliance, Sabrina Green, the acclaimed author and inspirational figure in the Turks and Caicos Islands, was honoured with the prestigious Quilly Award at a starstudded event held at the iconic Beverly Hilton Ballroom in Los Angeles.

Green, renowned for her bestselling book “Raising Royalty” and her co-authorship of “Rise Up,” was recognised by the National Academy of Best-Selling Authors® for her exceptional contributions to literature and her remarkable achievement of being named to a nationally recognised Best-Seller list.

The Quilly Award, a highly coveted accolade in the literary world, is bestowed upon authors whose works have not only resonated deeply with readers but have also significantly influenced the cultural landscape.

Green’s literary contributions have touched the hearts and minds of readers worldwide. “Raising Royalty” delves into profound themes of leadership, single parenthood, family, resilience, and overcoming adversity, offering invaluable insights to its readers.

Her co-authorship of “Rise Up,” alongside world-renowned transformational speaker Lisa

Nichols and other influential professionals, further amplifies her impact, presenting powerful narratives of resilience and triumph that resonate with diverse audiences.

In her acceptance speech, Green expressed heartfelt gratitude, reflecting on her path to success.

“I’ve never imagined that a small Turks and Caicos Islands, girl from the Garden would ever receive such an honor,” Green said with gratitude. “My Mommy would be so proud. This award is not just a recognition of my work, but a tribute to the dreams and perseverance of every young girl who dares to believe in herself, no matter where she comes from.”

The National Academy of Best-

Selling Authors® established the Quilly Award to celebrate authors who achieve both commercial success and enduring influence through their narratives.

Green’s writing has proven to be transformative, solidifying her place among the literary giants of our time.

The evening also offered a glimpse into Green’s future endeavours, as she hinted at several exciting upcoming projects. These include “Migrant Tales,” “My Military Story,” and “Lost and Found,” the eagerly awaited sequels in her “Cracking the Code” trilogy. These forthcoming works promise to continue her legacy of impactful storytelling that uplifts and empowers readers.

Former Premier calls for technological push in TCI

Former Premier Dr Rufus Ewing articulated his vision for the Turks and Caicos Islands to embrace technological advancement as a means of fostering economic growth and diversification.

Ewing expressed his desire to see the TCI embrace technological advancements on a wider scale during a recent interview on the

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Progressive National Party’s (PNP) talk show “That’s What’s UP 2.0”.

Dr Ewing, a former politician and medical doctor who served as the 3rd Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands from 13 November 2012 to 20 December 2016, emphasised the need for the TCI to position itself strategically in the face of emerging technologies.

“AI and VR, and all of those other technology and language modules, etc., are the next big things of the future,” he stated.

“We need to start to look at opportunities and evaluate whether or not they are suitable, whether or not we can make a business case for them, and then go after them.”

The former Premier acknowledged the challenges of establishing data centres in the islands due to their high energy demands.

However, he proposed exploring sustainable energy solutions to overcome this hurdle. “Can we create sustainable solar, alternative supply and supply our data centres and isolated communities and protect them from gains and those things like that?” he questioned.

“Those are some questions we need to start looking at.”

Dr Ewing’s vision extends beyond data centres. He highlighted the potential of the Turks and Caicos Islands to become a hub for technological innovation, attracting

businesses and entrepreneurs in the tech sector.

“We need to be about going after businesses rather than businesses coming and saying, ‘I want to do something here,’” he asserted. “We need to say, ‘No, this is what we want.’”

The former Premier’s call for a technological push aligns with his broader vision for economic diversification and sustainable development in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Ewing underscored that by embracing emerging technologies and fostering a culture of innovation, the TCI can chart a path toward a more prosperous and resilient future.

Author Sabrina Green smiles brightly with her coveted Quilly Award

Former Premier Dr Rufus Ewing and Host Mr Ralph Patrick

Retired legislators get 20% increase

– HOA passes Order for Governor to sign

BY DELANA ISLES

The government this week took a motion to the House of Assembly for the approval of a draft Order increasing retiring allowances for past legislators by 20 percent.

The motion titled ‘Draft Retiring Allowance Legislative Service Increase Order’ was moved by Hon Premier and Minister for Finance, Investment and Trade Charles Washington Misick in the House on Thursday, September 12.

The motion is in line with the government’s decision to increase civil servants’ salaries and benefits across the board, in a pay and regrading exercise. This exercise was expanded earlier this year to

accommodate retired civil servants and past legislators.

The increase will be paid retroactive to April 1, 2024.

In his contributions to the motion, Leader of the PDM Opposition, Hon. Edwin Astwood chastised the government for bringing the draft order for approval for legislators without considering the wider public service.

He said he hopes to see something also being done for all other retired public servants, and not just for members of the House of Assembly.

“I have no disagreement with this, once this comes hand in hand with increases in the pensions for those persons who work weekly for

Govt receives longawaited report on solid waste management

In a significant development for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the government has finally received the Caribbean Development Bankfunded report on Integrated Solid Waste Management.

Solid waste management has become an increasingly critical issue in the tourism-dependent territory as rapid growth in the tourism sector, population increase and changing consumption patterns have led to a corresponding increase in solid waste generation.

Consequently, inadequate solid waste management has been identified as one of the key environmental threats facing TCI.

This report, eagerly anticipated by both officials and residents, is expected to provide a comprehensive roadmap for addressing vexing issues relating to waste disposal and management across the territory.

Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon Shaun Malcolm, expressed his satisfaction with the report’s arrival during a recent interview on “That Whats UP 2.0,” a live broadcast talk show.

He emphasised the government’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges, stating, “When we came to office in 2021, one of the biggest election issues was the state of the Environmental Health Department. There are many moving parts, but the issue of landfill garbage was a major challenge.”

Malcolm highlighted the progress made under his leadership, citing improvements in air quality monitoring and fire extinguishing programmes at the Providenciales dump.

He also acknowledged the successful procurement of a management team for the landfill, a long-awaited achievement.

The minister underscored the national scope of the government’s efforts, stating, “Everything we do in the ministry, as in other ministries, is from a national view”. He revealed that the CDB team, in collaboration with the Environmental Health Department, has already presented initial findings and solutions to the cabinet.

the government… I do believe these things have to go hand in hand. So, whatever we do for legislators it has to be that or more for civil servants,” Astwood insisted.

“As Premier, I would never bring anything to the House of Assembly to deal with legislators if I am not also fixing the gaps in the civil service simultaneously.

“Yes, I have seen efforts being made by the past administration I was a part of in this regard, but whenever we come to the House of Assembly, we have to remember the civil service as well… we have to adjust their pensions and retiring allowances also.”

The motion was ultimately passed with no objections.

In July, the House passed the Retiring Allowances, Legislative Service Amendment Bill 2024, making way for the Order to be drafted and passed by the House this week.

The legislation provides increased retirement allowances for former members, and according to the Premier is necessary due to changes in the TCI constitution, which had transitioned from a state council to a house with a legislative assembly.

The changes he said were aimed at addressing inequities in the system and provide support for those who had served long before the recent constitutional changes.

He said the former regulations

did not adequately cover all retirees of the HOA.

Under the Retiring Allowances (Legislative Service) Ordinance, a retiring allowance shall be paid to any person who has served as a legislator for two full parliamentary terms or for periods amounting in the aggregate to not less than eight years; has ceased to be a legislator. It is also paid to legislator who has either attained the age of fifty years; or not having attained the age of fifty years, has produced medical evidence to the satisfaction of the Governor that he is incapable by reason of infirmity of mind or body of discharging the duties of a legislator and that the infirmity is likely to be permanent.

Malcolm expressed confidence in the report’s potential to revolutionise waste management in the TCI, saying, “We are going through the cabinet process, and in a couple of months, we will offer the country comprehensive methods of treating our waste.” He also mentioned ongoing tenders for machinery and a recycling programme in Grand Turk.

The urgency of addressing solid waste management in the TCI cannot be overstated, as the territory has grappled with inadequate waste disposal systems, with most waste

ending up in unlined landfills which has resulted in massive toxic fires and environmental issues for surrounding communities.

The environmental and health implications of this situation are significant, and the government’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions is seen as a welcomed development by residents.

The Caribbean Development Bank’s involvement in funding this crucial report underscores the regional recognition of the importance of effective waste management. The TCI’s efforts

to improve its waste disposal practices align with broader global concerns about environmental sustainability.

As the government moves forward with implementing the recommendations of the report, residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands can anticipate a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.

The long-awaited report represents a turning point in the territory’s approach to waste management, and its impact is likely to be felt for years to come.

The landfill site in Wheeland, Providenciales

Editorial GUEST

To our American sisters and brothers

Eight scores and six years ago a rather exceptional American directed his energies to spreading a message across the nation. It was a wisdom as old as the hills. But giving voice to it was especially necessary in those desperate times:“A house divided against itself can not stand.”

That exceptional American of course was none other than one Mr Abraham Lincoln of Illinois. He had cleverly calculated to spread that message across the entire nation by promoting a series of seven debates opposite the most fearsome orator of the day, one Mr Stephen Douglas. Lincoln had challenged incumbent Douglas for his seat in the U.S. Senate. The debates were in themselves the hottest political topic of those days – and the format created a precedent to this day known as LincolnDouglas style debates. All the newspapers serialised summaries of those debates as they occurred between August and October 1858. But in a book which he personally edited and published contemporaneously of all the transcripts of the speeches from those debates, Mr Lincoln prefixed the book with that particular speech warning against ‘a House divided’, as given by him at his Republican Party convention some two months before the actual debates.

Of course Mr Lincoln did not himself invent that particular expression, most of his audience of the day would have immediately recognised that he had ‘pinched it’ from the Gospels of Christ. He was quoting the Bible. He was exceptionally clever to find and employ that quotation, a particularly beautifully simple expression, that could and did easily resound with his audiences. One might say Lincoln had deliberately crafted America’s first ‘political sound bite’. By serialising press reports of the speeches, thus gaining coverage around the nation in most all the newspapers, and then especially by placing that particular speech, headed that way, upfront in the book, Mr Lincoln had also created America’s first political ‘media events’ alongside that first major ‘sound bite’.

This week, 166 years later, another rather exceptional American brings to you a parallel set of messages.

1. ‘We have more in common than the differences thought to separate us.’

2. ‘We are all in this thing together.’

3. ‘True leadership and strength is from lifting people up, not beating people down.’

We in the islands dare not preach to you. We not only have our own problems, in our small microcosm of ways, but we too also struggle worrying about sometimes absurd government policy - we too, it seems eternally, do have absurdity on both sides of our political spectrum, just like you do! - and Government waste and ongoing corruption at various levels within the system. Politicians and civil servants the world over can never seem to help themselves. The old proverb still applies – ‘Sunlight is the best disinfectant’.

Having said all that, it does appear to us entirely appropriate to say at this time, if only for the edification of our own politics here at home, that we need to demand always that our elected officials remain ‘on the straight and narrow path’ and at least act by that singular rule that our own forebears here had always taught us, never mind which political party in your personal history, that truly when it comes especially to some fundamental

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

Gender-based violence against women and girls continues to be a troubling issue in the Turks and Caicos Islands, with rising reports of sexual assaults and extreme acts of violence against the vulnerable.

Minister of Home Affairs, Hon Otis Morris recently took a zero-tolerance stance against gender-based violence in the territory.

Morris’s position comes amid several victim reports of rape and other sexual assaults during the commission of robberies and burglaries, repeated rape of women catching public transportation, sexual assaults of minor girls, and the brutal shooting to death of a Grand Turk woman, to name a few. Minister Morris said he and his ministry are committed to supporting those in need of healing, issuing a clarion call for the community to stand unified in stamping out this scourge. However, it is clear not enough is being done to protect women in the territory. What more do you think can be done?

Share your thoughts.

Troubling issue

Gender-based violence against women and girls continues to be a troubling issue in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as evidenced by the rising reports of sexual assaults and extreme acts of violence against the vulnerable. The recent zerotolerance stance taken by Minister of Home Affairs, Hon Otis Morris, is a positive step. Clearer that more decisive action is needed to effectively protect women in our territory.

As noted in the TCI Weekly News on December 9, 2022, Premier Washington Misick expressed the government’s commitment to revoking the legal status of individuals convicted of serious offenses, including murder, in the Turks and Caicos Islands. I fully support this stance and propose that it be extended to include anyone found guilty of serious and heinous crimes such as sexual assault. Those who have obtained legal status in the Turks and Caicos Islands, whether through British Overseas Territories Citizenship (BOTC), Permanent Residency Certificates (PRC), Naturalization, or any other status, should be deprived of legal immigration status in the TCI and have their citizenship or residency revoked.

Don’t make this a policy, make it law! The revocation of legal status for these offenders would serve as a powerful deterrent, reflecting

the gravity of their crimes and the impact on the victims and their families. Additionally, restitution should be part of the sentencing, including the seizure of property and monetary compensation to victims. This approach would ensure that punishing perpetrators has serious repercussions, similar to the profound effects on the victims and their families.

Heartless

Sorry, I have no experience in a culture with so much crime. Do these guys have mothers, and sisters?

Zero-tolerance approach

It is quite astounding that in this day and age in the TCI, women are given rare spurts of serious and or rare forms of representation. The issue of assaults, rapes, sexual abuse are ongoing and really need more than a “once and for all” zero-tolerance approach to dealing with this most vital and critical issue of our times. Minister Otis Morris speaks to reports of “rape and other sexual assaults during the commission of robberies and burglaries, repeated rape of women catching public transportation, sexual assaults

of minor girls, and the brutal shooting to death of a Grand Turk woman, to name a few.” Issues of this nature are not isolated to one Island of Grand Turk and may be found nationwide but there is that “Mighty Sound of Silence” over it and there is no advocacy of any nature against these occurrences. It is as the community and political system have not yet caught up with the importance of women and how they are to us all. For without women, “we are not” and will “not exist”.

Alas, there is little or no advocacy on this issue. It would be better if the government would give more credence to the point such as greater policy undertakings on women’s affairs; greater budgetary allocations and more precise policies designed to protect women in the TCI. Laws need to be improved and greater penalties are needed for rape and other forms of abuse against women.

Improve representation

With increasing numbers of women in today’s political system, the outcry against sexual abuse and demands for greater protection are seemingly low and rare. It is perhaps a function of how politics is done in the TCI. Parties

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

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

tend to nominate “any and everybody” but without giving serious consideration to abilities and what they can do when “in office”. As a result, governments are formed every four years but the level of representation is not the best. These nomination processes are “broken systems of compromise”, allegations of cheating and the result is weak candidates, weak ministers, weak policy & law-making and persons who care little about the issues.

The end result of these comprised nomination processes is a country where there are weak laws, reduced protections for women an absence of policy in critical areas and little and no commitment to the issues that really count in the TCI today.

With allegations of ‘cheating’ to get what “we want”, “you do not get the best”. It is time the country looks for real leadership, real players who are committed to change and have the ability to give effect to positive change.

In the absence of real fighters, we are left mere cheerleaders and the political system is worst off for it. With improved nominating processes, a quest to find the right man and woman to be elected, the end result would be better Government and Governance at all levels.

Greater protections needed

Perhaps the Ministry responsible for Gender Affairs, Social Services needs to be relocated to the Office of the Premier, deputy premier or a much more experienced minister.

Push it higher up. It should now be an ongoing and important national issue where there is greater focus, planning, care and concern regarding women in the TCI. Look at broken homes, singleparent families where the only light, leadership, guidance and paternity is that of a woman.

Yet we leave her to be attacked, abused, treated badly etc. After a generation of this kind of abuse without any care or concern from the policymakers in government, you end up with a “newly minted youth”; these are given to abuse of women, violent crimes, rapes, murders and other forms of serious crime.

There is “no man in the house” to teach responsibility, care and concern for

Suspected murder near Club Med marks 30 for TCI

Bullets rang out on Thursday evening near Club Med in Grace Bay, leaving one man dead.

Reports are that the shooting took place sometime around 7pm on September 12, at the resort, or just outside.

women. The abused mother without any real assistance from the government, left to fend for herself and her children is left hopeless.

It requires real dedication to these issues so that as a number one fundamental and governing principle, issues related to women and their protections are elevated to national priorities. Single parents need attention and reckless irresponsible men and ‘‘part-time fathers’ need to be discouraged.

With a national policy focused on Turks and Caicos Issues devoid of “regional and United Nations policy speak, often divorced from reality, that would deal with how to protect women, increase fines and penalties for abuse of any nature, progress can be made.

It is not as if the Social Services Department and the “Gender desk” are not doing anything but there is a gap in their valiant efforts and the level of assistance given by the government and the impacts of low budgeting for these areas.

Policies must be implemented from Pre-school thru to senior years that would teach kids how to care for women. This lack of awareness comes from somewhere and it must be found and dealt with.

Godless society

As we move further away from God, we are no longer afraid of the atrocities. Let’s return to the Glory of God and let him shine in our lives. Let our women be the voice of hope and let our men use their masculine energy to guide and uplift women and children in the TCI.

Without God, these things are not possible.

Protect our women

Globally there is a “falling away” into issues relating to women where despite the strides and progress made by the women’s movement, there are trends that reduce and devalue the worth of women in the world. The lack of care for women plays into abuses etc.

Most recently women today are losing ground because of the impacts of the “transgender movement” where a man is free to call himself a women and “he is

Police said when they arrived at the scene, the unresponsive body of a man was recovered.

Police are actively investigating, and anyone with information that may help in this investigation are asked to contact the closest

somehow a woman”.

This is a departure from the sanctity, the integrity and special place God has placed for women in our lives.

These trends cannot be allowed to take root in the TCI but that requires real policy and representation from our national leaders.

Protecting women in the home, street, the jobs and everywhere must be a national priority of an ongoing nature and not simply an election issue every four or five years in the TCI.

New leaders must be ‘aware of where they are’ on these issues and communicate the same to the electorate.

What is a woman

This issue needs to be elevated to a serious and national level where the care and protection of women become paramount. There cannot be any nuance or debate on what is a woman as that will detract from her supreme Importance in our lives and the need to place her above anything other than God.

In Revelation 12: 5-7 Women are given care concern and protection. “5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.”

Here the Lord protected the woman. Husbands are commended in scripture to love their wives as Christ Loves the Church wherein He gave his life for the Church, so must men give their lives.

These are higher callings on Men and the country as a whole to provide and afford greater protections from abuse. A community so minded would seek to reduce the incidence of rapes, murders and robberies committed against women. This comes from a place of care and true care. Proverbs 31 gives the woman a lofty position in the Home and in the family.

There she is in charge of it all, she gives to the poor and needy. In so many ways she is critical and important to the family. It’s building blocks. In the community, she fills the gap where governments fall down and give to the poor. She makes do with very little.

police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800- 8477 to provide any information anonymously. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.

There cannot be any scope, allowances, or reason why we abuse our women or allow them to be so abused.

Election year gimmick

This last-minute ‘clarion call by Minister Morris is rare, few and far between the day this minister and his government were elected. Why now?

Weren’t these rapes, abuses, robberies and assaults on women happening in 2021 when this government took office?

One cannot second guess the notion that women are important and critical; and owing purely to this point they need protection year-round, all the time and not just at the end of this current term of this PNP government.

The minister stated that he and his “ministry are committed to supporting those in need of healing, issuing a clarion call for the community to stand unified in stamping out this scourge.”

Maybe this minister needs to find some form of escape from these platitudes and actually do something more. He can actually raise the issue in the House of Assembly and or challenge His PNP government for not doing anything. He cannot be a part-time Minister but must take on His Minister of Finance, the Premier and condemn the lack of Commitment to women’s issues in the TCI.

He needs to call out the fact that the level of budgeting for serious issues such as the protection of women competes seriously with the budgeting with the Premier’s salary package and that of this Ministers. So issues such as protections, subsidies for women in need, go without.

Fine words which, unless we are monsters, we all agree with the minister’s position because it goes without saying that women need to be protected but he had time these last three and a half years to do something about the issue in a real and meaningful way. It is time he demands greater budgeting over the issue. He could bring a series of Bills to Parliament and get them passed to triple fines and penalties for abuses against Women. Speeches are fine and throwing the proverbial “gauntlet to the floor” means nothing until action is added to those words.

TCIAA condemns InterCaribbean’s unilateral decision to suspend South Caicos flights

The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has expressed strong disapproval of InterCaribbean Airways’ (ICA) recent announcement to suspend flight services between Providenciales and South Caicos for two weeks, starting on September 14th and ending on September 30th, 2024.

The TCIAA said it was not directly informed of this decision and only learned about it through a social media post on Saturday, September 7th, 2024.

In a statement following InterCaribbean’s announcement, the TCIAA criticised ICA for its lack of direct communication and its attempt to attribute the service suspension to restrictions imposed by the Airports Authority.

“Unfortunately, ICA’s notice of this service disruption was not directly communicated to the Airports Authority. Instead, it was sent to select hoteliers, government offices in South Caicos, and various stakeholders”, the TCIAA said.

According to the TCIAA, InterCaribbean Airways reportedly suggested to stakeholders that the suspension was due to the TCIAA’s

To our American sisters and brothers

things – say, like equal protections for all under our own Constitution and our own Economy being directed to maximise benefits to all - it should be easy to see some things need doing and some need avoiding because “We are all in this boat together!”

We are therefore especially now mindful of you our American sisters and brothers and are praying daily for America once again at this particular time in the build-up to and aftermath of your upcoming elections. Dear God do continue to bless America, and bind them together, continue to protect that beautiful, bold Republic and its flag for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all!

refusal to allow the airline to use an Embraer 120 (“E120”) aircraft for South Caicos operations.

The TCIAA clarified that ICA’s Operations Manager had sent an email on August 29th, 2024, vaguely mentioning the need to temporarily replace their current aircraft (a DHC-6 Twin Otter) and inquiring about using the E120.

However, this email was not formally responded to as TCIAA officials were already engaged in discussions with the same operations manager regarding special one-off flights using the E120 and after-hour operations.

“The lack of response to this single email may have been due to a misunderstanding of the nature of the inquiry in the light of ongoing conversations,” the TCIAA statement read.

“Apart from this single email, ICA did not make any other contact with the TCIAA to procure a response from those emailed or attempt to escalate its concerns to the upper leadership of TCIAA for proactive engagement and resolution.”

The TCIAA emphasised that ICA never explicitly stated its intention to suspend services or sought the TCIAA’s assistance in finding alternative solutions.

The Airports Authority highlighted that it had previously received approval from the UK regulator, Air Safety Support International (ASSI), for one-off flights of aircraft exceeding the 10,000 kilograms weight limit into South Caicos.

However, ASSI later advised that further approvals would be

contingent on the implementation of specific security measures, including the completion of a perimeter fence and the installation of security scanning machines.

The TCIAA assured the public that the perimeter fence, which had been significantly damaged during the 2017 hurricanes, was completed on September 3rd, 2024. Security managers were scheduled to formally accept the handover of the fence on Monday, September 9th, 2024, and subsequently submit an application to ASSI to upgrade the airport’s security status.

“It is possible to request special leave from ASSI to operate the E120 for domestic commercial flights,” the TCIAA explained. “If ICA had made clear its intentions with the TCIAA, it would have

been advised of the imminent security handover of the airport’s perimeter fence line and interim options for passenger and baggage screening, which may have prevented the need for its decision and announcement made to suspend flight services into South Caicos.”

The TCIAA expressed disappointment with ICA’s handling of the situation, stating that it did not appear that all options were explored before the unilateral decision to suspend flights was made.

The Airports Authority is actively working with the Office of the Premier and the Ministry of Border Control to mitigate the adverse impacts of ICA’s decision and ensure the connectivity of South Caicos.

Govt implements new mental health initiatives to confront rising suicide rates

In a sombre recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, the Turks and Caicos Islands are grappling with a disturbing surge in suicide attempts, particularly among young women aged 18-35.

This alarming trend, revealed by recent data from the Department of Behavioural Health Services, has prompted the launch of two critical mental health initiatives aimed at stemming the tide of despair.

In a recent statement, the department stressed that this growing concern highlights the urgent need for empathy, understanding, and support.

“While certain risk factors such as gender, ages 35-60, unemployment, living alone, depression, and financial difficulties are commonly associated with suicide, it is essential to recognise that the roots of these struggles are often deeply intertwined with a complex mix of genetic, psychological, social, and cultural influences, these challenges are frequently compounded by personal experiences of trauma and loss”, the department stated.

“Suicide prevention remains a priority for the Turks and Caicos Islands,” declared the Minister for Health and Human Services, Hon Shaun D Malcolm.

“With the implementation of several new initiatives...we anticipate positive outcomes such as an increase in public education, reduction in stigma and reduction in incidence rates.”

The first initiative, Online Mental Health Check-Ups, offers

New initiatives launched to help prevent suicide (Department of Behavioural Health Services infographic)

a confidential online screener for individuals grappling with depression and emotional pain, significant risk factors for suicide. Following assessment, qualified clinicians will arrange in-person or virtual follow-up sessions, providing a crucial lifeline for those in need.

The second initiative, the “Shifting Minds” survey, confronts the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health.

Launching on September 10th as part of a nationwide AntiStigma Campaign, the survey aims to reshape public attitudes and foster a more compassionate and

supportive environment for those facing mental health challenges.

The urgency of these initiatives is underscored by the World Health Organization’s stark statistics: suicide claims over 800,000 lives annually, one every 40 seconds.

The Department of Behavioural Health Services said it is determined to change this narrative, offering hope and help to those in the shadows of despair.

“If you or someone you know is struggling with intense feelings or suicidal thoughts, please seek professional help.

“There is no shame in reaching

out; doing so can provide the support and guidance needed to navigate these challenging times. Offering compassion, understanding, and support to those in distress is crucial. Your experiences and actions can help create a more supportive community for everyone”, the department stated.

World Suicide Prevention Day observed annually on the 10th of September serves as a time to reflect on the critical issue of suicide and the extensive impact it has on individuals, families, and communities worldwide.

Lavish state-of-the-art airport for North Caicos unveiled – Aviation pioneer Clifford Gardiner honoured

BY DELANA ISLES

This week the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) completed the last two of its airport renaming exercises in the Twin Islands.

Last among them is the soon-tobe-constructed Clifford Gardiner International Airport in North Caicos. On Tuesday, September 10, a renaming ceremony was hosted in Bottle Creek honouring the talented pilot and businessman.

Airport executives also unveiled designs of the state-of-the-art, premium-class terminal that will soon be built in North.

The TCIAA has engaged Dyke Nelson Architecture based in Louisiana, USA for the design and construction management of the terminal.

The airport was last fully operational in 2011; however, a temporary control tower has since been built for domestic charter flights only, with firefighters stationed at the location.

The new airport is being funded with a $30 million subvention, with a three-year completion phase from the time of ground-breaking, which is expected soon.

Giving a brief outline of the plans for the airport was TCIAA Executive Chairman, Selvyn Hawkins.

He disclosed that included in the commercial terminal will be a VIP terminal catering to those seeking a more exclusive journey onboard their private jets.

Hawkins explained: “This is a testament to the hope we hold for the kind of commercial activity that will generate from this terminal.

“The second thing I want you to note is that the design and plans announced today fit into a larger plan for developing a strong, reliable and economically viable airport network throughout the TCI.”

He further shared that the Airports Authority is now in the final stages of producing its strategic master plan which outlines their vision for the territory’s airports spanning a 30 year period.

The plan, upon approval by Cabinet and launch, is intended to serve as a reference tool for the future development and ongoing utilisation of all airports.

Hawkins said that apart from making all of TCI’s airports economically viable, the plan is also geared towards transforming all of the airports into internationally certified green terminals.

Dyke Nelson, founder of the design and project company DNA was also on hand to bring brief

remarks.

“We assure you that we will be designing and executing a wholly wonderful project that is not only attractive but also durable and very functional… and our hope is that 20, 30 years down the line you’ll still be using this airport in a way that is useful for North Caicos.”

“A PHILOSOPHER AND INNOVATOR”

Speaking of the remarkable legacy of Mr. Gardiner, was his first cousin, Premier, Hon. C.W. Misick.

Reminiscing on their boyhood adventures in Bottle Creek, the Premier recalled the pioneering spirit of Mr. Gardiner which emerged as he aged. At the time of his death in 2020, the Bottle Creek native was loudly hailed as a superlative businessman and innovator.

Misick also spoke lovingly of his cousin’s commitment to the people of North and Middle Caicos, and the whole territory during the full life he led.

“Clifford, unfortunately, passed away in the middle of the pandemic, so we didn’t have the time to honour and send him off in the style we would have wished, but today I’m sure all of you here feel a sense of pride… particularly his family.”

An emotional Misick remembered his cousin as a thinker, a philosopher and an innovator who invested his time in learning the necessary skills to return to the Turks and Caicos Islands to invest in his people.

Born in North Caicos, Clifford Gardiner was the first Islander to fly an airplane in solo flight in 1970, having completed his flight training with the Freeport Flying Club, in the Bahamas. He then moved to South Florida in 1971 where he earned a private pilot licence.

The talented pilot would shortly earn a commercial licence before returning home full-time to help build his country.

He is well known as the Turks and Caicos Islands’ first local pilot, with an aviation career that spans well over 40 years.

During that illustrious career, he provided hundreds of medevac flights within the TCI, the Bahamas and Jamaica as he felt compelled to help those in need of specialised medical services. An entrepreneur at heart, he went on to launch one of the first locally owned and operated air charter services in 1980, Island Flyers.

In 1999, he received an award from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of the medevac

flights he conducted, many at night and in less-than-perfect conditions.

He was also honoured with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from the TCI Tourist Board for his contribution to the local aviation industry and the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, this week’s renaming exercises wrapped up months of worthy acknowledgements for pioneering Islanders, paying homage to their unfaltering commitment to the advancement of individual islands and the whole of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In July 2022, TCIAA board approved a new policy titled ‘the naming of facilities, spaces, equipment and programmes’.

The purpose of the policy is to provide a set of criteria and processes by which the TCIAA’s facilities, spaces, equipment and programmes can be named in honour of Islanders who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of aviation, improvement of quality of life for the people of the TCI and or to the general development of the territory.

In May this year, the TCIAA embarked on its exercise to rename all six of the airports as a lasting testimony to the lives of extraordinary Turks and Caicos Islanders.

Clifford Gardiner honoured in North Caicos with renaming of airport in the family island

The late pilot and businessman Clifford Gardiner

Tourism accommodation licenses mandatory for all rentals

Property owners, accommodation providers, and operators within the tourism sector are reminded that all rental accommodations need to be licensed by the Department of

Tourism Regulations (DTR).

On Thursday, the Department issued a reminder to persons that are conducting business without obtaining the appropriate license

from the DTR that they are in violation of the department’s newly implemented regulations.

Under the DTR Ordinance, offering rental accommodations to

tourists without an accommodation license from the DTR is illegal.

The Department said they have been made aware that there is some confusion regarding the licensing process, particularly among those who already hold a business license from the Revenue Department.

They clarified that having a business license does not exempt property owners and managers from acquiring an accommodation license, as the Department of Tourism Regulation’s role exceeds that of business registration.

“Our mandate is to assure that the quality, safety, and general standards mandated in our licensing guidelines are being met and maintained for all tourism rental properties in the TCI.”

It further clarified that all tourism accommodations (regardless of size) need both a tourism license and a business license to operate. Without them, you cannot legally operate a tourism accommodation rental property in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

All rental accommodations must be inspected and certified by the Department of Tourism to meet the required standards.

The Tourism Regulation and Licensing Ordinance 2023 came into effect in May 2024, however, those who are unaware of the changes mandated under this ordinance are still subject to regulation.

DTR’s Director, Avi Adams stated: “While we understand that it takes time for changes to take full effect, our stakeholders must stay informed about the evolving regulations in the tourism industry.

“We will continue to do our part and issue reminders and updates to ensure everyone remains aware of these developments. Our goal is not to issue fines or enforcement letters but to ensure compliance. We strongly encourage all operators to come in and complete their registration with us to avoid any penalties.”

The Department is also encouraging TIDES Ambassadors to collect their TIDES cards and certificates at their offices or contact them at tourismregulations@gov.tc or by phone at +1649 335 5349 for further information.

Blue Hills shooting results in another murder

The Royal TCI Police Force has reported on the territory’s 29th murder for the year, a sharp rise from last year’s overall figures.

On Sunday, September 8, officers of the Serious Crime Unit were called out to a location in Blue Hills, Providenciales, after residents alerted 911 to gunshots in the area.

Shortly after 2pm police arrived at a location along Church Avenue, where they discovered the lifeless body of

Medical personnel who also arrived at the scene pronounced the man dead.

Police have not yet released the man’s identification, stating that investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information that may help in the investigation to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 2311842, Crime Stoppers at 1-8008477 or the Crime Stoppers P3 app to provide any information anonymously.

a man.

Biblical truths godly parents should share with their children

As parents, the Bible provides us with a foundation to raise children in the wisdom and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). By teaching biblical truths, parents will equip their children with the spiritual truths they need to know to have a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Below are essential biblical truths every Christian parent should pass on to their children.

1. GOD IS THE CREATOR

In Genesis 1:1, we learn, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Teaching children that God is the Creator of everything establishes a foundation of reverence for His power and majesty.

2. GOD LOVES THEM UNCONDITIONALLY

One of the most important truths to share is God’s love. Romans 5:8 says, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God’s love is not based on what we do but on who He is.

3. THEY ARE MADE IN GOD’S IMAGE

Genesis 1:27 teaches that “God created man in his own image.” This truth encourages children to understand their inherent value and dignity, knowing they reflect God’s likeness.

4. SIN DESTROYED OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH

GOD ROMANS 2:23 SAYS, “FOR ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD.”

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.

GOD ABOVE ALL ELSE

GOD ANYTIME

5. JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO SALVATION

Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Teaching children that salvation comes through Christ alone is central to the Christian faith.

6. GOD FORGIVES OUR SINS

1 John 1:9 reassures us: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

7. THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD

2 Timothy 3:16 affirms the authority of Scripture: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”

8. THEY SHOULD LOVE

The greatest commandment, according to Jesus, is found in Matthew 22:37: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

9. THEY SHOULD LOVE THEIR NEIGHBOURS

Following the commandment to love God is the instruction to love others. Jesus said in Matthew 22:39, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

10. THEY SHOULD FORGIVE OTHERS

Jesus calls us to forgive others as God has forgiven us. In Matthew 6:14, He says, “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

11. GOD IS ALWAYS WITH THEM

Hebrews 13:5 offers comfort: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” They need to know that God is with them in every situation.

12. THEY CAN PRAY TO

1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to “pray without ceasing,” reminding children that they can talk to God anytime, anywhere.

13. THEY SHOULD TRUST GOD IN DIFFICULT TIMES

Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Trusting God brings peace, even in hard times.

14. THEY SHOULD BE HONEST

Ephesians 4:25 says, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor.” Honesty builds character and trust.

15. THEY SHOULD BE HUMBLE

Philippians 2:3 encourages humility: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

16. GOD PROVIDES FOR THEIR NEEDS

Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “Seek

first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” God will provide for our needs when we seek Him first.

17. THEY ARE CALLED TO SERVE OTHERS

Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” Teaching children to serve others reflects the heart of Christ.

18. THEY SHOULD SHARE THEIR FAITH

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” Children should know the importance of sharing the gospel.

19. THEY SHOULD AVOID TEMPTATION

1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us that God will always provide a way out of temptation: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

20. GOD HAS GIVEN THEM GIFTS TO USE FOR HIS GLORY

1 Peter 4:10 encourages children to use their God-given gifts: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

We need each other

If only we can come together

INTRODUCTION

Sometimes we act as if the issues that are taking place in Turks and Caicos only happen here. The truth is what happens here, happens everywhere. It is just that the Turks and Caicos is smaller, and most people know one another and so, our issues are more pronounced. However, not because the issues are happening everywhere means it is right. I believe we can set an example for the rest of the world to follow.

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.

One of the main issues that is happening everywhere in the world is the fighting that takes place among the residents. We must recognise that each of us has a role to play and quite frankly we need

each other either as employees, customers or even community workers.

WE NEED EACH OTHER

The Turks and Caicos Islands is a blessed place. We are growing and there are not enough Turks and Caicos Islanders to occupy the positions that are available here and so we must recruit others. Those who have come to this shore have been blessed. Quite frankly, some of the blessings they are receiving they would not have received in their birthplace because there is so much competition from where they came. Despite their blessings, some still do not appreciate the Turks and Caicos and they resort to

their own nationality. Some refuse to assimilate with the people of the Turks and Caicos. Mind you, there are some that want to and have tried to assimilate, but they have been rejected as they are not considered “indigenous” even though some of them have Turks and Caicos Islander Status. On the other we as Turks and Caicos Islanders need to also improve. I know we will continue to fight as that is part of human nature, but we can do better. We

Population decline could upend the global economy: Is the TCI ready?

The world as we know it is collapsing – one thing after another – and verifiably, one of the most visible pieces of evidence to confirm this disintegration is its declining population, which has activated a sense of defeatism across economies and businesses alike.

Recent reports indicate that China’s one billion demographic is contracting, sending shock waves across business communities. Since then, this news has impelled many business commentators to predict the implications it will have

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

on China’s economic forecast. India, the second largest populous country, had overtaken China’s declining population and currently, India too, is

experiencing a similar decline in its demographic.

Interestingly, a Yahoo Finance article suggested that all scientific evidence implies that even before peak population is attained manmade footprints on the environment can engender a large-scale societal collapse worldwide.

But besides this, why is the global population in a decline? Many etiological factors are at play! Wars and geopolitical disputes are major determinants in South East Asia, Ukraine and Russia.

Japan’s stringent immigration policy, changing lifestyle and low birth rate, which have spawned an aging population, are the impetus for the nation’s depopulation.

In China, the one-child policy has caused the dwindling of its population and in other countries, where women of childbearing

age are declining, leading to slower birth rates, among other phenomena.

Not withholding the impact of Covid-19, which martyred millions of people worldwide; in addition to other mass-killing diseases, which have contributed to the world’s growing death rate.

But what does this mean for the TCI? Noteworthy, the TCI is currently not a subject of this dilemma; however, despite its growing population, it has its own unique challenges.

The nation’s fertility rate among Belongers is extremely low; coupled with, the emigration of its citizens to the Bahamas and the US and lately, the UK.

Still, there is another problem, many TCI mothers rather give birth to their children in the US than at home and; therefore, it is certain that this will impact population growth in years to come.

And infamously, the nation is losing its youths to sporadic gang violence. This egregious act would not only shrink the populace but also impact economic activities.

So what is driving the TCI population growth? The answer lies in its foreign workers’ program. Verifiably, during Covid-19 the population plummeted

slightly after thousands of work permit holders returned to their homelands.

Still, another question lingers! What are the implications for this worldwide depopulation?

While this decline has its positive impacts, its negative effects are far-reaching, as it leads to labour shortages, regressing economic growth and reduces consumer demand, which impacts business profitability.

Socially, it can increase the burden on the employable-age population, which would require reforms in immigration policies to supplement the labour force.

Yet, another question clamours for an answer! Considering this worldwide population decline and the contracting global economies, what is the real fix?

To answer such a pertinent question, I believe that politicians and business entrepreneurs must adopt new economic models, which synchronise with the global reality and there is no one-size-fitsall strategy to these dilemmas. More so, these models must ensure that today’s economies transition from a quantity-driven growth paradigm to a financial system, which merits the quality of life and rights to basic needs.

You only need five friends (and no more!)

Having too many close friends is like juggling flaming bowling pins on a flat unicycle: It is exciting at first, but sooner than later it crumbles.

Sure, it sounds great in theory: endless brunch invites, group texts buzzing at all hours, and never eating alone. But when you have too many close friends, suddenly your weekends feel like a chaotic episode of Survivor where you’re trying to outwit, outlast, and out-socialise just to keep everyone happy. Coordinating hangouts in the middle of the week, and having to play therapists is beyond me at this age. Say bye to ever having another relaxed Sunday, someone always planned something that you have to attend to do. No thanks, I got

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

things to do. Entertaining more than five friends is a logistical nightmare. I am stressed just thinking about it.

Here are eight reasons why you should summarise your friend list to only five. You may need to call some of your spongy friends and give them the chopchop. Tell them I made you do it.

Birthday Drama Minimiser: With only five friends, you only

need one cake—and way fewer embarrassing speeches. Any more, and you’ll be cutting slices so thin and you will have none for the following day.

Group Chat Sanity: Managing one group chat with five people is like herding kittens. Six? That’s a circus. Fewer memes, more peace! Please do not add me to your Europe Trip WhatsApp group. We know it isn’t going to

materialise.

DINNER RESERVATIONS:

Tables are made for six. Five friends plus you? Perfect. Any more, and someone’s eating their entrée with elbows on the next table or worse, you have to split the check into 12 or pay for 12. No.

GIFT-GIVING PRESSURE: Christmas? Birthdays? Keep the gift list at five and save your wallet from becoming a pit of despair. Plus, you’ll remember what everyone wants.

SECRETS STAY SECRET:

The more friends you have, the faster secrets spread. With five, it’s a tight circle. At six, you’ve got a news network.

FITTING IN YOUR CAR:

Let’s face it—nobody wants to deal with carpooling logistics. Five friends fit in one car. Everyone else can take the bus! 1/5 Chance of being a Best Man: Fewer weddings, just the ones worth going to.

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY:

Let’s be real, after five people, you won’t remember anyone’s middle name, favorite snack, or childhood trauma. Stick to five— you’ll know who you’re texting at 2 am.

Remember, five is a magic number for friendship—anymore, and it’s just crowd control! What do you think? Share if you care, louisedens@gmail.com or IG: @ daviid.l2

Police Force and was director of security at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

“Untrimmed vegetation and deteriorating roadways”

– PDM calls out Govt for bushy highways

BY DELANA ISLES

Deputy Leader of PDM, Robert Been Jr this week shared his displeasure with the eyesore that is the TCI roads, sharing photos of overgrown shrubbery along highways and unkempt roundabouts in the tourism centre of the territory - Providenciales.

“As I travel across the island and listen to the concerns of our citizens, one issue that stands out is the lack of proper maintenance and upkeep of our roadways. This is not just a matter of inconvenience, but a blatant failure by the current PNP administration to carry out one of the most basic functions of government: ensuring our roads are safe, functional, and wellmaintained.”

Earlier this year, the government passed a ‘historic budget’; with a whopping $485 million for expenditure, representing an increase of $48.3 million over the last fiscal year.

In the capital projects, Providenciales alone was allocated $15.5 million for areas such as improving drainage, paving roads, parks for the communities, solar

We

streetlights and signage throughout the island, a community centre for The Bight, a Mobile Clinic for Blue Hills, and a recreational pavilion for Wheeland.

No mention in the budget, however, about maintaining ‘bushy’ (overgrown) roads – a constant problem on the island particularly given the current rainy season.

Been shared photographic evidence of the bush-lined highway, the main thoroughfare from the airport to almost any part of the tourists-packed island. Many of the roads are overgrown with trees and bush, creating both an eyesore and a hazard for motorists and pedestrians, the

need each other

must also recognise that our country is growing, and people will continue to come here. Let us be kind to one another as used to be in the past. Even if others treat us mean, kill them with kindness.

The truth is we need each other. For example, we do not have one local nurse that works in the dialysis unit and so we need to recruit nurses from abroad. Yes, they are getting paid to do their jobs, but they don’t have to be here.

Our main industry is tourism. Who are our customers? The same people we call “foreigners” are our guests. Our country is thriving because of external individuals. In addition, more than 98% of condos are owned by external individuals.

Many of us have businesses. For our businesses to prosper, we need customers. Most of the people in the country are not from Turks and Caicos and

so these non-Turks and Caicos Islanders are also helping our businesses

We have several people, locals and non-locals who are volunteering their time to help our young men and women in sport. Even in our schools, there are hardly any locals, so we must recruit outsiders to teach our children.

CONCLUSION

Let us be more emphatic towards one another. I am quite aware there are some people in this country that do not care for the locals. In fact, some of them that smile in our faces are telling the newcomers to be aware of the locals. I know there are some locals who do not care for the outsiders as well.

If only we can put aside any myths and differences about others and realise that we need each other, the Turks and Caicos can be in a better positon.

deputy leader lamented.

“The once pristine landscapes that contributed to our image as ‘Beautiful by Nature’ are now obscured by untrimmed vegetation and deteriorating road conditions. This is in stark contrast to the

beauty that we proudly display to the world as our biggest selling point in the tourism market.”

Been stated that while tourism is the lifeblood of the economy, the condition of the roads belies this fact.

“Our roads are a reflection of how we maintain the image of our islands. When tourists drive through these overgrown, unkempt highways, what message are we sending? That we do not care about the very product we are trying to sell.”

He believes that the neglect not only affects the experience of visitors but also places undue strain on residents who use the roads daily.

The deputy leader said the disregard for this basic task is representative of the government’s continued incompetence.

“If they are failing at this most basic level, how can Turks and Caicos Islanders trust them to

manage the more complex and pressing affairs of our country?”

He insisted that road maintenance is not a luxury; it is a necessity.

“It is the bare minimum that the government should be providing for its citizens. When the PNP boasts about their achievements, we must ask, what good is a recordsetting budget if they cannot even ensure the proper upkeep of our roadways?”

He promises that come 2025, with a newly elected PDM government, residents will not have to worry about such basic necessities.

“We will ensure that roads are not only repaired but also regularly maintained to prevent these kinds of issues from arising again. Our administration will focus on the fundamentals first, because we know that when the basics are managed well, everything else follows.”

Ground broken for new Harvest Bible Chapel

witnessed the

The building of a new church, was described by Pastor Kenyatta Lewis, as a light on a hill for this island and region, where disciples

are made, lives are transformed and Christ is glorified in every act of love and service”.

“As we break ground today, we each have a role to play in bringing this vision to life. First, let’s commit to praying for God’s guidance and blessing on this new journey. Second, consider

how you can be involved— whether through serving on a team, contributing your skills, or supporting this project financially. Lastly, let’s go beyond these walls by being ambassadors for Christ in our community, sharing His love, and inviting others to join this journey.”

Worshippers

ground-breaking ceremony for the Harvest Bible Chapel Turks and Caicos Ministry Centre recently in Providenciales.

PDM’s Deputy Leader, Robert Been Jr

InterCaribbean Airways maintenance disruption set to impact South Caicos residents

South Caicos residents are bracing for a significant disruption in their travel plans as InterCaribbean Airways, the sole provider of scheduled flights to the island, announced a temporary suspension of service.

The suspension, slated from September 14th to 30th, is due to planned maintenance of the airline’s DHC6 Twin Otter aircraft, the only one in their fleet currently approved to operate into South Caicos.

This suspension comes at a particularly inopportune time, coinciding with the funeral of a beloved community member, an event expected to draw a surge of travellers to and from the island.

Residents are left grappling with limited alternatives, as ferry services and local charters struggle to meet the anticipated demand.

In a statement on Sunday September 8, InterCaribbean Airways announced the changes to its flight schedule.

The company has indicated that only 58 out of 1,292 available seats were booked during the affected period, suggesting a minimal impact on passenger bookings.

However, this assessment fails to consider the broader implications for the community, especially during a time of heightened travel needs.

The airline further explained that attempts to secure alternative charter flights were unsuccessful due to prohibitive costs.

Additionally, efforts to gain approval for their EMB120 aircraft, which previously served the route, have been stalled due to airport certification issues.

While InterCaribbean Airways

InterCaribbean Airways aircraft

has expressed its commitment to serving South Caicos, the suspension underscores the vulnerability of the island’s transportation infrastructure.

Residents are left hoping for a swift resolution and the resumption of regular air service.

Below is the full statement issued by InterCaribbean AirwaysSeptember 8, 2025 - In response to the many questions we have received about a planned temporary suspension of service into South Caicos from Providenciales, we wish to share the following information:

Our DHC6 Twin Otter aircraft is being removed from service September 14th to 30th for planned schedule maintenance activities as is normally required for aircraft.

As this is the only aircraft in our fleet currently approved to operate into South Caicos, it was decided to minimize the impact by choosing what is historically the least busy period of the year, the last two weeks of September.

At the time the decision was confirmed to start the maintenance activities, only 58 passenger seats were sold out of the 1,292 available across the flight segments being

cancelled. The impact on actual passenger bookings was therefore considered minimal in light of the numbers stated and the fact that there are ongoing ferry and charter services available between South Caicos and Providenciales.

Before cancelling the schedule, we attempted to secure local charter flights (as we did in the past), but costs for providing charters to allow the continued operations of the service had increased to a level where it became commercially prohibitive. Likewise, we were not able to engage any foreign regional operator who could provide service for the period.

Whilst our EMB120 aircraft is capable of operating into the South Caicos airport (as we safely did from 2007 to 2017 when operations of this type ceased due to airport certification issues), we now require a special approval to operate the aircraft there due to the current airport certification status. Although numerous approval requests over the years since were not granted, we are in ongoing communication with TCIAA, (the operator of the airport) regarding obtaining the necessary approvals and await their response. We

remain hopeful for a positive outcome.

For over 17 years, we have steadfastly demonstrated our commitment to our people by operating this essential air service between Providenciales and South Caicos without ever receiving any government subsidy for it. We are aware that subsidies are being paid to another carrier on the Grand Turk and Salt Cay routes.

With the announcement of the funeral of a most beloved and historic member of our community, we understand there will be an increase in demand for travel to and from South Caicos and again state that we are prepared to operate our EMB 120 Brasilia aircraft in the interim if we are granted authority to do so.

We remain committed to serving the South Caicos community and are actively working on solutions to minimize disruptions. We appreciate our customers’ understanding and look forward to resuming our regular service as soon as possible.

For any questions or concerns, please contact our customer service team at CustomerService@ interCaribbean.com

Missick appointed IT and digital system administrator at Immigration and Border Services

The Turks and Caicos Islands Office of the Deputy Governor has announced the appointment of Mr Olivier Missick to the position of Information Technology (IT) and Digital System Administrator in the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services.

Mr Missick’s appointment is a significant step forward in improving the digital infrastructure that is essential to the operations of this crucial Ministry.

Mr Missick has a strong educational background in the relevant fields. He earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College in 2014, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Computer Forensics and Security from Manchester

Metropolitan University in 2020.

Following his studies, Mr Missick gained extensive experience working in various IT roles across multiple organisations in the United Kingdom. His handson experience in the field includes IT Systems Administrator and Service Desk Engineer positions. He also recently earned the Prince2 Agile Practitioner Certification, a project management certification emphasizing his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Upon his appointment, Mr Missick expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am elated to be appointed to this position. It brings me great joy to come back home and put

Mr Olivier Missick

Depression in adolescents

Teen depression is a serious mental health problem that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It affects how your teenager thinks, feels and behaves, and it can cause emotional, functional and physical problems. Although depression can occur at any time in life, symptoms may be different between teens and adults.

CAUSES

• Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that carry signals to other parts of your brain and body. When these chemicals are abnormal or impaired, the function of nerve receptors and nerve systems changes, leading to depression.

• Hormones. Changes in the body’s hormonal balance may be involved in causing or triggering depression.

• Inherited traits. Depression is more common in people with past family history of depression. Such as a parent or grandparent.

• Early childhood trauma. Traumatic events during childhood, such as physical or emotional abuse, or loss of a parent, may cause changes in the brain that increase the risk of depression.

• Learned patterns of negative thinking. Teen depression may be linked to learning to feel helpless, rather than learning to feel capable of finding solutions for life’s challenges.

SYMPTOMS

Be alert for emotional changes, such as:

• Feelings of sadness, which can include crying spells for no apparent reason.

• Frustration or feelings of anger, even over small matters.

• Feeling hopeless or empty.

• Irritable or annoyed mood.

• Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities.

• Loss of interest in, or conflict with, family and friends.

• Low self-esteem

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

• Fixation on past failures or exaggerated self-blame or selfcriticism.

• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure, and the need for excessive reassurance.

• Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things.

• Ongoing sense that life and the future are grim and bleak.

• Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide.

Watch also for changes in behaviour, such as:

• Tiredness and loss of energy

• Insomnia or sleeping too much

• Changes in appetite: decreased appetite and weight loss, or increased cravings for food and weight gain.

• Use of alcohol or drugs.

• Agitation or restlessness; for example, pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to sit still.

• Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements.

• Frequent complaints of

unexplained body aches and headaches, which may include frequent visits to the school nurse.

• Social isolation

• Poor school performance or frequent absences from school.

• Less attention to personal hygiene or appearance.

• Angry outbursts, disruptive or risky behaviour, or other actingout behaviours.

• Self-harm; such as: cutting or burning.

• Making a suicide plan or attempting suicide. Never ignore comments or concerns about suicide. Always take action to get help.

COMPLICATIONS

Untreated depression can result in emotional, behavioural and health problems that affect every area of your teenager’s life. Complications related to teen depression may include, for example:

• Alcohol and drug misuse

• Academic problems

• Family conflicts and relationship difficulties

• Suicide attempts or suicide

PREVENTION

There’s no sure way to prevent depression. However, these strategies may help. Encourage your teenager to:

• Take steps to control stress, increase resilience and boost self-esteem to help handle issues when they arise

• Practice self-care, for example by creating a healthy sleep routine and using electronics responsibly and in moderation

• Reach out for friendship and social support, especially in times of crisis

• Get treatment at the earliest sign of a problem to help prevent depression from worsening

• Maintain ongoing treatment, if recommended, even after symptoms let up, to help prevent a relapse of depression symptoms

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR?

If depression signs and symptoms continue, begin to interfere in your teen’s life. If it causes you to have concerns about suicide or your teen’s safety, talk to a doctor or a mental health professional trained to work with adolescents.

Your teen’s family doctor or paediatrician is a good place to start. Or your teen’s school may recommend someone. If you’re a teen and you think you may be depressed, or you have a friend who may be depressed don’t wait to get help. Talk to a health care provider such as your doctor or school nurse. You are welcome to visit me to talk. Share your concerns with a parent, a close friend, a spiritual leader, a teacher or someone else you trust.

CONCLUSION

Teen depression isn’t a weakness or something that can be overcome with willpower. It can have serious consequences and requires longterm treatment. For most teens, depression symptoms ease with treatment such as medication and psychological counselling. Keep eyes on your teenagers carefully to recognize early signs of depression.

By Dr Guirlene Nicolas

P: 649 946-4367

tcipediatricplace@gmail.com

the knowledge I have gained to use. I look forward to every challenge and also making a difference.”

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service. HE Anya Williams, welcomed Mr Missick to the Public Service, saying, “We are thrilled to have Mr Missick join the Public Service, especially in

the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services. His IT and digital systems expertise will bring invaluable innovations and enhancements to our services. We believe his diverse background and commitment to excellence will significantly drive the digital transformation our Public Service aims to achieve.”

CONTRIBUTORS NEEDED

Do you have a subject of interest that you’d like to share with our readers? Perhaps you’re a great cook and have created lots of delicious recipes that use local ingredients. Maybe you have ideas on how to save money when shopping and know where to find all the latest bargains. Or are you an entrepreneur who would like to share

Dr Guirlene Nicolas

‘A legacy soaring high’

The Turks and Caicos Islands paid tribute to a local legend on September 10, 2024, by renaming Middle Caicos Airport in honour of Eric Arthur, a trailblazing entrepreneur and aviation pioneer.

The renaming ceremony drew a diverse crowd, reflecting the broad impact of Arthur’s life.

Local dignitaries, including Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick and Minister of Immigration and Services, Hon Arlington Musgrove, spoke of Arthur’s vision and dedication to progress.

Community members, some of whom had witnessed Arthur’s early flights, shared stories of his generosity and the inspiration he provided to the island’s youth.

Family members, including Arthur’s daughter Christine ArthurRigby, painted a vivid portrait of a man driven by an unassuming yet relentless pursuit of his dreams.

The collective sentiment was one of deep admiration and gratitude for a man whose legacy continues to uplift the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Eric Arthur’s journey is a

The late Eric Arthur

testament to resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence,” declared Minister Musgrove, who is a Member of Parliament for North and Middle Caicos. “From humble beginnings, he learned to fly his own aircraft, purchased larger planes, and became a licensed pilot and a trailblazing

entrepreneur.”

Musgrove highlighted Arthur’s impact on the community, recalling the awe-struck schoolchildren who would rush to witness Arthur’s plane landings.

“He was a symbol of possibilities, showing our community that with hard work

and vision, we can achieve great things,” Musgrove affirmed.

The airport, a cornerstone of the TCI’s ambitious aviation development strategy, is set to undergo a $10m transformation.

This investment will include runway repaving, terminal expansion, and enhanced general aviation parking, all aimed at supporting the burgeoning tourism industry.

“The TCI is on a path to an even greater and brighter future,” asserted Godfrey Smith, CEO of the Turks and Caicos Airport Authority. “The spirit of Mr Eric Arthur embodies this growth, development, ambition, opportunity, and innovation.”

Smith emphasised the significance of the airport’s redevelopment, not just for Middle Caicos but for the entire Turks and Caicos Islands. “We believe it’s fundamental,” he stated, “It’s part of the system of growth, of organising communities, and it facilitates trade.”

The Premier echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of honouring those who have contributed significantly to

the islands’ progress. “We’re called upon to honour those people who deserve honour,” he proclaimed.

“By doing so, it takes nothing away from us, but it elevates the rest of us.”

Arthur’s daughter, Christine Arthur-Rigby, delivered a moving tribute, tracing her father’s life from his early days farming and fishing to his aviation pursuits and entrepreneurial ventures.

“He was a courageous, fearless, and persistent individual,” she shared. “His life was marked by an unassuming yet relentless drive.”

The renaming ceremony was a poignant reminder of Arthur’s enduring legacy, a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of aviators and entrepreneurs. As the Governor, HE Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam aptly stated, “What a legacy for your family...our youths need role models.”

Eric Arthur’s name will forever be etched in the annals of Turks and Caicos history, a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and the unwavering spirit of a true pioneer.

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick brought remarks at the renaming ceremony

Daughter of the late Eric Arthur, Mrs Christine Rigby painted a vivid portrait of her father’s relentless pursuit of his dreams

Government officials, Family members of the late Eric Arthur and community members at the signage ceremony

A plaque bearing the name ‘Eric Arthur’ was erected on the airport’s terminal building

FortisTCI engages in series of community conversations sessions

From July to September, FortisTCI conducted nearly a dozen Community Conversations sessions across the islands, engaging customers and stakeholders on the Company’s operations, recent investments to meet TCI’s rising energy demand, and significant developments in the energy sector. These sessions also provided an open forum for participants to ask questions about the electricity service and other energy matters.

The series began with a media breakfast and a plant tour at FortisTCI headquarters in July, followed by several customerfocused events held throughout the islands. The series culminated on September 3, 2024, with an Energy Hour Business Breakfast at The Shore Club Resort, aimed at members of the business community.

Presentations were led by FortisTCI President and CEO, Ruth Forbes, alongside Senior

Vice President of Operations Devon Cox, and Vice President of Finance, Corporate Services and CFO, Aisha Laporte. The sessions also featured insights from other executive team members and management. Attendees responded positively, expressing appreciation for the valuable information shared.

In addition to the informative conversations, the sessions featured giveaways, with over twenty participants winning

hurricane food starter baskets. All attendees of the Community Conversations sessions received complimentary LED lanterns and were automatically entered into a raffle for energy-efficient home appliances. Seven customers from across the islands emerged as winners in a random drawing.

FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes reflected on the series: “As we navigate the energy transition, open and meaningful dialogue with our customers

and stakeholders is essential. The rapid changes in the energy landscape, rising energy demand, regulatory developments, and transformation of the traditional utility model are all pertinent areas that require ongoing engagement. Our Community Conversations series was a crucial opportunity to connect with our customers and stakeholders, and we look forward to more interactions as electricity impacts every facet of society.”

Red Cross celebrates World First Aid Day

In celebration of World First Aid Day, the TCI Red Cross honours over a century of unparalleled service by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the world’s foremost first aid providers.

Red Cross volunteers have been at the forefront, offering impartial and equitable assistance during emergencies across the globe.

“On September 14, we reaffirm that first aid is a fundamental right, empowering every individual to be a beacon of hope and the initial yet crucial part of the Survival Chain.

“The expansion of first aid knowledge and skills is more than a measure of preparedness; it is a cornerstone of community resilience and a robust emergency response framework.

“At the core of our mission is the commitment to mitigate the effects of daily mishaps and calamities, safeguard lives, and bolster the capabilities of our local communities and civil society,” a statement from

“Our theme, ‘First Aid in Sports,’ underscores the indispensable role of first aid in safeguarding the health and safety of athletes and spectators alike.” It is a call to action to integrate first aid into the fabric of sporting life, ensuring that every game, match, and tournament is a celebration of life and vitality,

Community Conversations session held at All Saints Mission Church, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, on August 28, 2024

Regional News

US calls for renewing Haiti security mission mandate

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for renewing a United Nations mandate for an international security mission to help Haiti fight armed gangs that have taken over much of the country’s capital and expanded to nearby regions.

The mission’s mandate, first approved for 12 months, is set to expire at the start of October, but has seen few results with few troops on the ground and far less funding than hoped.

“At this critical moment you need more funding, you need more personnel to sustain and carry out the objectives of this mission,” Blinken told a press conference in Port-au-Prince.

He said the U.S. – the mission’s largest financial backer – planned to convene a ministerial meeting at the U.N. General Assembly this month, to encourage more financial contributions and renew

the mandate.

“The mission itself needs to be renewed, that’s what we’re working on right now. But we also want something that’s reliable, that’s sustainable and we’ll look at every option to do that; a U.N. peacekeeping mission is one option,” Blinken said.

The current UN-ratified mission is being led by Kenya, which with under a month left on the mandate remains the only country to have deployed, with around 400 police officers arriving in Port-au-Prince in June and July from an expected total of 1,000.

A handful of other countries have together pledged at least 1,900 more troops, and hundreds of millions of dollars in support. By late August, just $63 million had been paid into the UN’s dedicated trust fund.

The mission has faced setbacks such as delays in paying the

Kenyan officers and supplying key equipment such as firing towers for armored vehicles.

“Much remains to be done and we’re determined to continue,” Blinken said. “It’s starting to move.”

He also urged Haitian authorities to put the country on track for elections next year. Haiti last held elections in 2016 and its last elected president was assassinated in 2021.

Blinken met with Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille and the head of its presidential council Edgard Leblanc Fils during his visit. He also announced a further $45 million in humanitarian aid for Haiti.

Nearly 580,000 people have been internally displaced by the conflict, hundreds of thousands who fled the country have been deported back to Haiti, and close to 5 million people are facing severe hunger. (Reuters)

Jamaica to send two dozen security personnel to Haiti to bolster mission

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced this week that his government will send an initial deployment of 24 military and police personnel to Haiti to support an international security mission aimed at helping it fight powerful gangs.

Holness said the initial group was expected to be deployed to Haiti on Thursday, and help lay out the command structure to prepare for further deployments.

In March, Jamaica formally pledged 200 personnel for the UN-backed mission, but the longdelayed security force has been slow to deploy and its initial mandate will expire in under a month if it is not renewed.

The mission is being led by Kenya, which is so far the only country to have deployed to Haiti with 400 police officers, out of a total pledge of 1,000. Alongside Kenya’s support for the mission, Benin, Jamaica, the Bahamas and Belize have also promised to send at least 2,900 troops.

Several other countries have

made unspecified pledges of personnel for the security push in Haiti, a crisis-racked Caribbean island nation of more than 11 million.

Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, a senior Jamaican defence official, told reporters that the country’s deployment will serve under senior military officer Kevron Henry, who will act as deputy commander to Kenya’s Godfrey Otunge.

“This is a start to what we intend to do,” said Holness. “We want a very successful operation. The operation should have no shortcomings because there was a failure to plan.”

The deployment has faced setbacks such as delays in paying out wages and supplying key equipment.

Haiti first requested the force in 2022. Armed gangs have since taken over much of the capital and expanded to surrounding areas, fuelling a humanitarian crisis with mass displacements, sexual violence, child recruitment and widespread hunger.

CARICOM recommits to increasing ties with African continent

Chair of the Guyana based Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell, says the regional body remains committed to building stronger ties between the Caribbean Community and the African continent.

In a message to mark CARICOM-Africa Day, he said this day, observed annually on September 7, serves to “concretise our joint dedication to everincreasing cooperation and partnership. Since then, we have worked together to deepen this special relationship founded on our ancestral bonds and common

aspirations.”

“Our joint efforts have focused on cooperation on health, climate change mitigation and adaptation, financing for development, and reparatory justice for the crimes of the transatlantic slave trade that impacted our Regions. We recognise that with even greater collaboration, much more can be done to address the significant challenges that remain, including on the impact of climate change.”

He noted that the economic partnership between CARICOM and Africa continues to grow, as demonstrated by the hosting of the Thirty-First Annual

Afreximbank Meetings and the Third AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum in Nassau, The Bahamas in June 2024.

This marked the first time that the Annual Afreximbank Meetings have been held in the Caribbean, underscoring the significant growth of economic opportunities fueled by this valued partnership.

“This collaboration has begun to provide crucial financing to the Community and play a pivotal role in enhancing trade and investment between CARICOM and Africa,” he noted.

The CARICOM chairman pointed to the Health Development

Partnership for Africa and the Caribbean (HeDPAC), saying this demonstrates “the remarkable potential and is a highlight of CARICOM-Africa cooperation. As we continue to navigate the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and seek to build on the critical lessons learned, strengthened cooperation between CARICOM and HeDPAC will be instrumental in bolstering our Region’s health capacities. It will enhance primary health care and improve pharmaceutical equity through local production of medical products, thus contributing to improved health outcomes for the people of CARICOM and Africa.”

He noted that CARICOM remains committed to continued engagement and strengthened relations with Africa, including at the Ministerial level, building on the foundation laid during the 2021 CARICOM-Africa Summit.

“Our partnership is set to become a beacon of South-South cooperation, benefiting both our societies amid an increasingly complex and challenging global environment. Building on the notable progress made in recent years, let us continue to work together towards a future of even greater interregional collaboration between CARICOM and Africa.”

Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille (left) and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness

Regional News

Royal Caribbean PI IPO pushed back into 2025

The opportunity for Bahamian investors to acquire an ownership interest in Royal Caribbean’s $110m Paradise Island project has been pushed back to early 2025, it was revealed this week.

Philip Simon, the cruise line’s top Bahamian executive, said the planned initial public offering (IPO) will not now take place in 2024 and has been delayed until the first quarter next year as details are still being finalised.

Mr Simon, who is president and general manager for both the Royal Beach Club project and Royal Caribbean International Bahamas, said of the IPO: “We are not [ready] for the third quarter of this year. That has been the latest, and so we are still looking to pursue that probably in the first quarter of next year.

“But it’s all preparation. We still have some ‘i’s’ to dot and some ‘t’s’ to cross, relative to the framework, relative to the structure and the partnership that we are doing with government. We want to make sure we get everything right so that when we come out to the public there will be no obstacles in our way.”

Royal Caribbean’s website for the Royal Beach Club still shows a timeline where the IPO is due to take place between August and December 2024, describing this as the “proposed window foe Bahamian equity raise” although it acknowledges that the dates and duration of the offering have yet to be determined.

The last proposal was for the cruise line to have a majority 51 percent ownership interest in the Royal Beach Club, with the remaining 49 percent equity stake to be split between the Government and Bahamian retail

An artist’s impression of the Royal Caribbean project

and institutional investors. The size of the Government’s interest was to be based on the value of the four Crown Land acres it was contributing to the project’s total 17 acres.

Once the value of this land was appraised, the size and value of the collective equity raise from Bahamian investors was to be determined. It was thought the IPO would take a similar form to the Nassau Cruise Port offering, where investors acquired shares in an investment/mutual fund that will own the collective local interest in the Royal Beach Club.

Mr Simon, meanwhile, speaking at a Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employer’s Confederation (BCCEC) event, said the Royal Beach Club’s bidding process to select Bahamian vendors is also expected to launch either before year-end or during the 2025 first quarter.

He added that the cruise line

Aruba: Registers

Newly elected president of Parliament, Raymond Kamperveen has lost his position barely a few hours after being elected on Sunday. He now holds the record for the shortest presidency of Parliament in Aruba after the government retired shortly following his election.

Aruba’s legislature or Parliament consists of 21 members who are elected on a national level for a four-year term. The country operates a multi-party system and in the 2021 general election, the

MEP party emerged victorious and formed a coalition government with the Raiz party with their mandate extending until 2025.

Each year, members of Parliament elect a new president. This year, the senior coalition partner, MEP, sought to extend Edgard Vrolijk’s term as president, while the junior coalition partner, Raiz, opposed his reappointment. The disagreement led to a political deadlock, with both parties declaring late Monday night that

is committed to including small and micro-sized businesses in the request for proposal (RFP) process, and said: “There’s opportunity for participation with small and microsized businesses.

“We have to be creative in our approach and how we infuse them into the programming; into the RFP process. We want to do that. This is a journey none of us have done before, and so there’s some work to be done, but we’re really committed to that process as well.”

Mr Simon said the provider of ferry services, which will transport Royal Caribbean passengers across Nassau Harbour between Prince George Wharf and Paradise Island, has not been finalised yet.

“We have been speaking with different providers. We do have some company in mind, and so it’s just a matter of advancing those conversations and those talks, and hopefully we’ll be in a position to make some announcements even in

that regard,” he added.

“It’s just not the guest transportation. Obviously, our ferries will go out for staff transportation, vendor transportation. So, again, there are lots of opportunities. I encourage persons.... I mean, don’t wonder, just inquire. I’m certainly open to the conversations and questions that I can answer.”

Mr Simon said the Royal Beach Club will cater to on average about 2,500 guests per day, and denied that it will suck significant visitor numbers away from venturing into Downtown Nassau. He added that tourism and the cruise industry in The Bahamas is growing rapidly, and Bahamians should focus on providing more attractions and activities for the thousands of guests that disembark in Nassau daily.

“We will probably average around 2,500-plus guests per day,” he said. “It’s 17 acres. It’s not

going to grow in size, but what is growing in size are the number of visitors that are going to be coming to our shores. Even with our line alone, by 2027 that’s going to be an additional 20m visitors that will be coming.

“More ships are in the pipeline, an increase in guest arrivals is in the pipeline. And so I would be more concerned with how are we going to address this as The Bahamas. Are we as Bahamians positioning ourselves? And it’s not just us, by the way. It’s the entire industry that will continue to grow over the upcoming years.

“What are the tours? What are the attractions from a municipality perspective? What are the upgrades that are being done in preparation? We talk about it all the time. The issue is not 2,500 people a day over at the Royal Beach Club; it’s, how are we going to address those hundreds of thousands of new guests that will be coming to our shores.”

Mr Simon declined to give an update on how Royal Caribbean’s Freeport Harbour deal, in partnership with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC )and ITM Group, is progressing but said the cruise line is “investigating all opportunities” throughout this nation.

“We are exploring and investigating all opportunities for the company, and that includes in Grand Bahama that includes throughout the Commonwealth of the Bahamas,” said Mr Simon “We recognise the importance of The Bahamas to the company, and vice versa. And so we are hopeful that some things can get done and we’ll be in a position to make some more announcements in the future.”

(Tribune242)

Aruba military parade preparing for Parliament sitting

they were ‘ready for elections’ if a consensus could not be reached. On Monday, Parliament voted and elected Raiz faction leader, Raymond Kamperveen as the

new president. In response, Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes and her MEP ministers submitted their resignations to the Governor of Aruba.

As a result, Aruba is now governed by a caretaker government, and new elections have been scheduled for December 6, 2024. (Loop News)

Kate says she has completed chemotherapy treatment

The Princess of Wales has spoken of her relief at completing her course of chemotherapy, in a highly personal video released by Kensington Palace.

Catherine revealed in March that she was undergoing cancer treatment and has been out of sight of the public for much of this year. She will be carrying out a few engagements this year, which could include Remembrance events in November and her annual Christmas carol concert.

But in an emotional video message she says this year has been “incredibly tough” and “that life as you know it can change in an instant”.

This latest update on Catherine’s health sends a positive message about her progress, but there is a long road still to go.

Kensington Palace has indicated it is not possible at this stage to say whether she is cancer-free.

The princess describes the “stormy waters” of her experience of cancer as “complex, scary and unpredictable”.

“With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything,” says the princess, in an unusually personal video filmed last month in Norfolk.

The video, shot in autumnal colours, suggests how pleased she is to have completed this stage of her treatment.

“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” she says, seen driving and walking with her family.

The princess is expected to return for a “handful” of visits later this year, perhaps including the annual Remembrance service at the Cenotaph.

But palace sources also emphasise that there is still a long way to a full return and that the princess will make her health her main focus for the next few months.

“My path to healing and full

Catherine has made a highly personal video about her experience

recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes,” she says.

She says despite the tough times her experience has given her a “renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life”.

Catherine has been in recovery and away from public duties for much of what has been a difficult year.

Her health problems began in January when she was in hospital for an unspecified type of abdominal surgery.

Francine brings floods and power cuts to Louisiana, Mississippi

Francine has left hundreds of thousands without power and caused widespread flooding after slamming the coast of Louisiana before driving inland.

It made landfall in Morgan City as a Category 2 hurricane at 17:00 local time (23:00GMT) on Wednesday, carrying winds of 100 mph (155 km/h), the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

Francine rapidly weakened into a tropical storm before diminishing further into a depression on Thursday morning.

It was moving over central Mississippi on Thursday morning with 35 mph winds and is forecasted to head north toward Tennessee and the eastern edge of Arkansas, the NHC said.

Both Louisiana and Mississippi declared states of emergency and told residents to take shelter and brace for the major storm.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said at a press briefing on Wednesday that residents should “stay off the roads, stay home and stay put”.

By Wednesday evening, the

National Weather Service issued a flash-flood emergency warning, the most severe flood alert. Heavy rain blanketed roadways and poured into houses.

Emergency crews in Lafourche Parish rescued 26 residents trapped in flooded homes, according to the sheriff’s office, after inches of rain soaked the area.

Winds ranging from 60-80mph

(96-128km/h) downed trees in Baton Rouge. A Louisiana State Police officer helping clean debris there was hit by a tree and transported to a local hospital, local news reported.

Francine is expected to continue to “rapidly” lose strength as it travels across Mississippi, forecasters say. It is forecast to weaken to a posttropical cyclone by the evening.

of cancer

Biden wears Trump hat as 9/11 unity gesture, says White House

President Joe Biden briefly wore a red Trump campaign hat at an event commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

He was visiting firefighters in Pennsylvania near where one of the four hijacked planes crashed, and the White House said he donned the cap as a gesture of unity.

Video recording the incident shows the president having a friendly conversation with a Trump supporter before they swap headwear.

Donald Trump’s campaign was quick to see the funny side.

“Thanks for the support, Joe!” one post read with a photo of Biden in the trademark Republican hat.

Another said “Kamala did so bad in last night’s debate, Joe Biden just put on a Trump hat”.

The event in Shanksville commemorated Flight 93, which was hijacked by terrorists in 2001.

Passengers aboard the flight fought back and prevented a plan

by al-Qaeda to crash the plane into a government building in Washington, DC. All 40 aboard died.

iden greeted firefighters and paid respects at a cross made from the broken fuselage.

Footage inside the fire station posted to social media shows Biden chatting with people and interacting with a man wearing a red hat with “Trump 2024” emblazoned on the front.

Biden offers the man a hat with the presidential seal on it, saying he would autograph it.

After some joking about his age, Biden hands the man the autographed cap and offers to trade it for the Trump hat.

Several of those gathered call on him to put it on, to which he shouts: “I ain’t going that far!” before putting it on, to loud cheers.

The White House later explained it was a way to underline the unity theme of the day.

US President Joe Biden about to try on the hat

Hurricane Francine is the sixth named storm of 2024

Ohio leaders dismiss claims of migrants eating pets

Leaders in the US state of Ohio are trying to douse baseless rumours that Haitian immigrants in a town there have been eating residents’ pets as food.

The allegations have percolated up through right-wing media and were amplified by Donald Trump at his presidential debate with Kamala Harris on Tuesday.

“This is something that came up on the internet, and the internet can be quite crazy sometimes,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said.

On Tuesday, a parent in the town of Springfield accused Republicans of politically exploiting his son’s death in a crash caused by a Haitian migrant.

Authorities say some 15,000 migrants of Haitian origin have resettled over the past couple of years in Springfield, a south-western Ohio town with a population of less than 60,000 people.

Some local residents have expressed frustration over the influx, saying the new residents are straining city resources, from housing to healthcare.

But the criticisms have taken a turn in recent weeks amid unsubstantiated claims on social media that the new migrants are abducting and eating animals, from pet cats and dogs to park ducks.

Trump, his running mate JD Vance, the world’s richest man Elon Musk and other conservatives have amplified the reports.

Local officials have cast doubt on the viral stories.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue

said on Tuesday that “we have not been able to verify any credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community”.

“The news story regarding a cat being killed or consumed did not originate in Springfield,” he added. “It actually involved a Canton woman who was arrested for animal cruelty last month.”

Canton is an Ohio city northeast of Springfield.

“I think we go with what the mayor says,” Governor DeWine told CBS on Wednesday. “He

New York’s police commissioner resigns amid corruption probe

New York Police Commissioner Edward Caban has resigned a week after it came to light that federal authorities had raided his home and seized his phone, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced.

The federal government has launched multiple criminal probes into the city government that have involved officials including Mr Caban, the city’s first Latino police commissioner.

Mr Caban’s resignation left Adams to appoint a new leader of the world’s largest police force for a third time in three years.

He tapped Tom Donlon, who ran the FBI’s National Threat Center and helped lead the agency’s investigation into the

1993 bombing of the World Trade Center buildings in New York City.

During a brief news conference on Thursday afternoon, Adams praised Mr Caban’s tenure as the head of the NYPD, noting that there was “a drop in crime for 13 of the 14 months he served as commissioner”.

He then thanked Mr Donlon, a native of the Bronx, “for stepping in during this critical moment”.

He noted that Mr Donlon also helped probe the attacks on US embassies in Africa and the USS Cole in Yemen by al Qaeda.

In a statement, Mr Donlon said he was honoured and humbled to become the interim commissioner.

Along with working to combat

knows his city.”

A moderate Republican who has endorsed Trump’s re-election bid, DeWine has pledged to invest in Springfield’s healthcare and education systems to address its “unprecedented” population increase, but he also defended the newcomers.

“These Haitians came in here to work because there were jobs, and they filled a lot of jobs. And if you talk to employers, they’ve done a very, very good job and they work very, very hard,” he said.

Tensions in Springfield are rising, and on Thursday officials

closed city hall following reports of a bomb threat. It is not yet known whether the threat was connected to the immigration controversy.

“As a precautionary measure, the building has been evacuated, and authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation,” the mayor’s office said on Facebook.

Concerns over public safety rose last August after a Haitian immigrant driving without a valid US licence crashed his minivan into a school bus.

One student - Aiden Clark, 11 - died after being thrown from the

bus as it flipped, while 20 others were sent to the hospital.

The driver, Hermanio Joseph, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and felony vehicular homicide, and sentenced to nine to 13-and-a-half years in prison.

On Monday, the Trump campaign’s X account posted sideby-side photos of Clark and Joseph, and attacked Vice-President Harris’ immigration policies before the presidential debate.

“REMEMBER: 11-year-old Aiden Clark was killed on his way to school by a Haitian migrant that Kamala Harris let into the country in Springfield, Ohio,” the caption read.

At a city commission meeting the next day, Aiden’s father, Nathan, said he wished his child had been killed “by a 60-year-old white man” so “the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone”.

The Trump campaign told the BBC it was “deeply sorry to the Clark family for the loss of their son”.

“We hope the media will continue to cover the stories of the very real suffering and tragedies experienced by the people of Springfield, Ohio, due to the influx of illegal Haitian immigrants in their community,” the campaign said.

Just a few hours after Mr Clark spoke, Trump repeated the claims about Haitian immigrants eating pets in a primetime TV debate watched by more than 67 million viewers. (BBC)

Caban

crime and illegal guns, he said he would seek to “uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency, and support our dedicated officers who put their lives on the line every day”.

Mr Caban first announced his intention to resign in a letterobtained by BBC’s US partner CBS News - that was sent to members of the NYPD on Thursday morning.

“The NYPD deserves someone who can solely focus on protecting and serving New York City, which is why - for the good of this city and this department - I have made the difficult decision to resign as Police Commissioner,” he wrote.

Mr Caban had led the NYPD since 2023. He was considered a close ally of Mayor Adams.

He wrote in his letter that the raid on his home and the accompanying investigation had “created a distraction for our department”, however.

Other top New York officials appointed by the mayor - who has faced a corruption probe that appears to be unrelated to this case - also saw their homes raided last week.

The allegations were amplified by Donald Trump at his presidential debate with Kamala Harris on Tuesday

Edward

ELEMENTARY TRAINED TEACHERS JANITOR/ CLEANER

TO TEACH PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, ART, BIOLOGY AND ENGLISH AT IGCSE AND ADVANCED LEVEL

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

CV, letter of application and names of 2 referees to be sent in writing to the Principal STUART HAYNES

BRITISH WEST INDIES COLLEGIATE PO BOX 338, PROVIDENCIALES OR EMAIL: PRINCIPAL@BWIC.TC

Suitable candidates will be called for interview.

The Strand Turks and Caicos set to usher in new era of Caribbean luxury

The pristine shores of Providenciales are set to welcome a new jewel in the crown of Caribbean luxury: The Strand Turks and Caicos.

This eagerly anticipated resort, poised to redefine the concept of opulent island living, is now accepting reservations for overnight stays starting November 23, 2024.

With limited availability, discerning travellers are urged to secure their slice of paradise well in advance.

Developed in collaboration with RAD Architecture, Inc. and Modus Operandi, The Strand is a testament to architectural brilliance and a celebration of the natural splendor that surrounds it.

The resort boasts an array of accommodations, each designed to offer an unparalleled experience. From single-bedroom suites to sprawling multi-bedroom villas and private residences, every dwelling is a sanctuary of sophistication.

“At The Strand, our goal is for every guest to feel like an integral

part of the vibrant community we’ve cultivated,” the managing director of the resort, John Fair, said in a recent statement.

“The Club is designed to offer not just luxurious amenities but also immersive, thoughtfully curated experiences that resonate with both our homeowners and first-time visitors.”

Guests of The Strand are granted access to The Club, an

exclusive haven of personalised service and world-class amenities. Butlers, private chefs, and a dedicated concierge team cater to every whim, ensuring an effortless and unforgettable stay. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the resort’s exceptional dining options, including the soon-to-open DelMar Restaurant and Bar.

“The DelMar is focused on creating beautiful, simple, and

honestly prepared food for The Strand’s homeowners, guests, and Turks and Caicos locals,” says Culinary Director, Craig McNeil.

“With a casual daytime pool and bar menu and relaxed seating beneath the almond trees for an upscale evening out, our culinary program utilizes local fisherman to offer high-quality food and fresh ingredients.”

The Strand’s commitment

to sustainability sets a new benchmark for responsible tourism in the Caribbean. In partnership with Renu Energy TCI, the resort harnesses solar power to meet over 75% of its energy needs. Additionally, The Strand is the first designated “Pollinator Sanctuary” in the region, a testament to its dedication to preserving the delicate ecosystem of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Located near the Leeward Highway, The Strand offers convenient access to the island’s key attractions, including the world-famous Grace Bay Beaches. Whether you seek adventure on the water, relaxation on the beach, or a culinary journey like no other, The Strand promises an experience that transcends expectations.

With nightly rates starting at $800, The Strand invites you to embark on an extraordinary journey where luxury, nature, and personalised service converge. For reservations and more information, visit www.thestrandtci.com or follow @thestrandtci.

The Strand Turks and Caicos`

EXPERIENCE TURKS AND CAICOS D EDICATED TO DEVELOPING THE TOURISM INDUSTRY FOR ALL

As the Destination Management and Marketing Organisation of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Experience Turks and Caicos is poised to lead the Turks and Caicos Islands into a new era of tourism excellence.

By focusing on sustainable tourism development, community engagement across all of the islands, data collection, and product enhancement, the organisation is committed to building a vibrant and resilient tourism industry that benefits both visitors and residents.

Our strategic plans will ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands remain a top destination for travelers seeking unparalleled beauty, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences.

Established in June 2023, Experience Turks and Caicos, a public/private partnership, is based on three key pillars - Sustainable Development, Inclusive Growth and Competitiveness.

Through Sustainable Development, Experience Turks and Caicos will ensure the protection and enhancement of all tourism assets and benefits for residents and visitors alike. Based on this pillar, we will establish national and international partnerships that will encourage the private, public, and civil sectors work together to make the tourism industry more sustainable and beneficial to all.

As we market the Turks and Caicos Islands as a multi-island destination, Experience Turks and Caicos is seeking to ensure that all communities benefit from the tourism industry. Inclusive Growth speaks to that mission. Tourism is the main industry, the lifeblood and heartbeat of this country and as we invite visitors

to explore our islands, we are expanding, improving and diversifying our products to reap maximum spend and improve the livelihoods of all.

While the Turks and Caicos is one of the top premier luxury destinations in the Caribbean, we cannot rest on our laurels. Staying competitive requires us to collaborate and seek partnerships with stakeholders to ensure the product we offer remains at a quality one for the affluent, high-end market we target. Our competitiveness is a key pillar to the survival and continued success of our tourism industry.

To stay true to these pillars, here are just some initiatives that Experience Turks and Caicos will undergo this year.

• Local Campaign: “Rooted in Community, Growing Together” is the slogan of Experience Turks and Caicos local campaign designed to foster and develop a close relationship between the DMMO and communities around the Turks and Caicos Islands. The campaign will include school visits, revival of tourism clubs in schools, showcasing of local entrepreneurs and artisans and the celebration of national heroes.

• Community Connect Meetings: Experience Turks and Caicos launched its community meetings in North and Middle Caicos in April and will continue in the other islands as well with tourism stakeholders. The meetings aim to educate everyone about the organisation, plans and to understand the needs of the tourism stakeholders and where we can provide support.

• Exquisite Turks and Caicos: Through our Strategic Development Unit, we are seeking to develop

immersive experiences for our visitors. We will be working with businesses in the tourism sector to enhance their offerings through grants up to $5000 to assist them with the development needed.

• Product Development: From hashtag signs and the enhancement of trails to the creation of new products and the promotion of the weekly Fish Fry, we will be working closely with communities and stakeholders to ensure there are products to draw visitors around the islands.

• Collaboration with stakeholders: Forging strategic partnerships with airlines, travel agents, tour operators, and international tourism organisations will expand reach and attract more visitors. By working together with industry stakeholders, the organisation will create compelling travel packages, promote special offers, and participate in global tourism events and trade shows. These partnerships will also help stay informed about industry trends and best practices, ensuring that strategies remain relevant and effective.

• Data Collection: As a SMART DMO, Experience Turks and Caicos has invested in cutting edge data management platforms that will enable us to curate necessary and crucial data to guide the industry and inform marketing efforts.

• Event Sponsorship: To strengthen our relationship with the local community, Experience Turks and Caicos will support events across the nation. To date we have sponsored the Valentine’s Day Cup in Middle Caicos, the South Caicos Regatta, the Sunkiss Festival, Rake and Scrape Festival and Best of the Best Festival.

Swift makes MTV history while Katy Perry sparkles

Katy Perry and Chappell Roan proved their pop star credentials at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, while Taylor Swift became the most-awarded artist in the ceremony’s history. Perry picked up the Video Vanguard award - MTV’s equivalent of a lifetime achievement prize - after performing a career-

OCEAN CLUB RESORTS

spanning medley, including hits I Kissed A Girl, Dark Horse and Firework.

Roan, who was playing to audiences of 200 people this time last year, took home

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

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

best new artist, dedicating her prize to “all the drag queens who inspired me”.

And Swift picked up seven prizes, including the top two awards: artist and video of the year. She now has 30 MTV trophies, overtaking Beyoncé as the event’s biggest winner.

Beyoncé has won 27 of the Moonman trophies, including two as a member of Destiny’s Child. However, the star was absent from the podium this year, having also been shut out of this week’s CMA Awards nominations.

Swift used her acceptance speech to encourage fans to vote in the US Presidential election next month, a day after she endorsed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

She also paid tribute to her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, who joined her on set while she directed her award-winning video for Fortnight.

“Whenever I said ‘cut’, I would always just hear someone like cheering from

Taylor Swift picked up seven prizes, including the top two awards: artist and video of the year

across the studio and that one person was my boyfriend Travis,” she said.

“Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic.”

It is the third year in a row that Swift has picked up video of the year - after winning in 2023 for AntiHero and 2022 for All Too Well (10 minute version).

The trophies were distributed at New York City’s UBS Arena, 40 years after the first MTV Awards took place at the city Radio City Hall.

Cyndi Lauper, who won best female video for Girls

Just Wanna Have Fun at the inaugural ceremony, returned to introduce Sabrina Carpenter - whose song Espresso was named song of the year.

And there were performances from rock star Lenny Kravitz, singersongwriter Shawn Mendes,

K-pop artist Lisa and rap icon Eminem, amongst others.

Here are some of the stand-out moments from the three-hour show.

KATY PERRY HAS HAD A ROUGH SUMMER

The first two singles from her comeback album 143 have bombed, critically and commercially - so she really needed to pull something out of the bag for her MTV performance. In the end, her bag contained more surprises than Mary Poppins’.

Her 10-minute greatest hits set was an absolute barnstormer. She zipped through the air on high wires, danced (in heels) on a giant tilted platform and contorted into alien shapes with hip-hop artist Doechiiall while delivering flawless live vocals.

MASON PAINTER

231-0337

CONSTRUCTION LABOUR

$12.00 p/h. Operating and maintaining various machines

CAMCO ENTERPRISES

2 Crescent Street, Grace Bay 231-2363

GARDENER $8.00 p/h

Tidy overgrown shrubs and trees and clear paths.

CAMELITA JOACHIM

Five Cays Tel:346-2245

LABOURER $8.00 p/h

Performs various physical duties as assigned

SANEL CHARLES

Five Cays, Provo, 232-8096

CARPENTER $12.00 p/h

Performing finish carpentry including siding, flooring and built-ins

READY TO GO 1075A Leeward Highway: Unit 4 649-941-4575

LABOURER $11.00 p/h

Clean work areas and equipment

DOMESTIC WORKER

2 BARBER

2

MASSAGE THERAPIST

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

We look forward to meeting you! Deadline for applications is Saturday, September 7, 2024. Applicants for the position are required to have:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Basic computer skills for use of company software.

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

Renumeration: $8.50 hourly plus commission and

2 CLEANERS

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

WRITERS/ PHOTO JOURNALIST

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

FOR MAGAZINES AND OTHER PERIODICALS GRAPHICS PRODUCTION DESIGNER/ PAGINATOR

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

COURT REPORTER

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

ADVERTISING SPACE SALES PERSON

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

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS SPORTS COMMISSION

G

JOB VACANCY SPORTS PROGRAMME MANAGER

This is a senior professional position with the accountability to develop and coordinate the delivery of sports recreational and fitness programmes and events that cater to both local and international stakeholders. He/she must foster and maintain a professional working relationship with all stakeholders, sporting bodies, the business community and promote the holistic embodiment of the Company’s mission and vision.

The post holder develops and promotes programmes that captivate the interest of youths involved in sporting activities to build the capacity of athletes to perform at their peak and include sustainable physical activities for adults and the elderly. He/she must promote the inclusion of women in sports, people with special needs, and other underrepresented groups to increase participation and must work to identify potential sources of funding to strengthen programme delivery and its outcomes.

The post holder must have excellent communication, administrative, strong managerial, interpersonal, project, programme management, and event planning skills in the coordination and development of sporting events and activities on a large scale.

Five to seven years of professional experience is required in the field including managerial, project management, logistics, and event planning experience within the sporting environment. He /she must have the ability to collaborate effectively with National Sports Governing Bodies, must have advocacy, negotiation, and leadership skills, a track record in planning, programme development, implementation, evaluation, and a sound knowledge of financial and people management skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management or related field (essential).

• Certificate in Project or Events Management (desirable).

• Certification in various sporting disciplines (desirable).

EXPERIENCE:

• Seven or more years’ experience in sports work, sports development programmes, or sports management and event planning.

• At least 5 years in supervisory level.

• At least 3 years working with young people.

• Experience in budgeting and planning. All relevant combinations of qualifications and experience will be appropriately assessed.

SALARY:

$50,000 - $63,221 plus relevant allowances

Note: This post is currently filled by a work permit holder.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Candidates are required to submit resumes with current contact information including a Cover Letter, two letters of reference from most recent employers, copies of educational certificates, copy of Passport photo page, copy of NIB Card, Copy of NHIP Card, National Turks & Caicos Islander Status Card (where applicable). Shortlisted candidates must submit a Police Certificate. The Successful candidate must be in good health and will be required to submit a complete medical from a Certified medical practitioner.

Applications should be addressed to The Director, TCI Sports Commission, Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex, Down Town, Providenciales. Applications can be hand delivered, or sent by email to: tcisportsrecruitment@gov.tc

Hand delivered applications must have clear identification marked on the envelope and the Job Title of position being applied for. On emailed applications, the subject line must reference the Job Title.

Applications without supporting documents will not be processed

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

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2 GARDENERS & 2 LABOURERS

• Must have previous gardening experience.

• Must be willing to carry out work such as heavy lifting, digging, weeding, trimming and plant waste removal.

• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

• Must have a clean police record and provide employer references on request.

• Salary: $8.00 hourly (depending on experience)

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ELECTRICAL PURCHASER HELPER

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• Clean equipment and work areas.

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JOB ADVERTISEMENT

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

*VILLA PROJECT ENGINEER

Reports to the Director of Projects and is responsible for providing oversight for overall construction, maintenance and refurbishment projects, planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and control. The Villa Project Engineer will own and manage all aspects of projects to include client relationships, schedules, budgets and profitability through comprehensive project completion. The project manager will develop, refine and update project schedules to ensure all milestones are identified and tracked.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Demonstrate sound structural assessment knowledge and interpretation of design documentation.

• Supervise and monitor contractor compliance with design specification and drawings for all assigned projects.

• Project accounting functions including managing the budget, tracking expenses, and minimizing exposure and risk, in order to report to Director of Projects any budgetary savings.

• Procurement of supplies and parts as well as maintenance of inventory and requisition process, billing and reporting.

• Contract and manage the design and execution.

• Manage document control and ensure project documents are completed timely and filed properly within project management software and database.

• Responsible for establishing and maintaining relationship with Purchasing, IT hotel operations, Suppliers, Contractors; closely monitoring process and coordination of resources.

• Participate in all project and engineering meetings.

• Assist in new project design and scheduling.

• Preparation of project contractor tender packages and vetting.

• Contract administration for preventative maintenance programing.

• Implement, co-ordinate and maintain villa quality assurance programs.

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

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

• Bachelor of Engineering Civil Degree with 4-5 years managerial/ supervisory field experience. Three+ years of e

• Proficient with AutoCAD, MATALAB, HEC-RAS and Revit

• Must be able to use Microsoft Project scheduling software, or software of industry equivalent.

• Thorough understanding of all types of mechanical equipment, HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems, waste treatment, power, water and fuel consumption

• Excellent organizational skills and the ability manage multiple projects and implement effective solutions while meeting deadlines.

• Must be CPR Certified.

• Hospitality/Hotel engineering management experience is a plus.

• Must have the stamina to work long hours due to Operation’s needs.

• Ability to work flexible schedule including days/weekends/holidays.

Base Range: $35k - $45k per year

*HVAC TECHNICIAN

Must be able to troubleshoot and repair different HVAC systems and

maintaining and repairing ventilation and air conditioning systems and equipment. Identifying maintenance risks on equipment. Must be HVAC certified. Must be able to work with hand and power tools. Work on ladders and lift a minimum of 50 lbs. Must be able to work independently and have troubleshooting skills. To provide the guests and associates with a secure and comfortable environment by maintaining and ensuring that all mechanical systems are operating in accordance with the Wymara standards. Work in a safe and responsible manner to avoid accidents. Daily monitoring check operations of heat pumps, circulating pumps, check reading temperature. Repair and installation of aircon split type, ceiling type aircon and inverter type unit.

Compensation: $25k - $35k Per Annum.

*HEAD MIXOLOGIST:

Oversees daily activities of Indigo + Zest! Bars to provide guidance and leadership to all staff. Responsible to ensure consistent quality of customer service is provided to all guests in accordance with Wymara standards. The Mixologist is responsible for formulating exotic beverage options and the smooth running of the bar(s). Providing a consistent high level of guest service within the department and maximize all sales opportunities for Indigo + Zest! Bars.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Must have a passion for combining elixirs and creating extraordinary cocktails.

• Possess the principles of food and wine pairing to elevate guest dining experience.

• Supervise daily operations of the bar(s) and ensure beverages are mixed and served according to the standards.

• Manage the bar’s beverage program and make occasional changes to ensure an up to date product offering and attractive presentation.

• Ensure the bar is kept in good running order and deep cleaning and maintenance is performed when necessary.

• Manage the bar’s inventory, perform inventory checks and provide accounts with assistance monthly on inventories levels.

• Maintain bar materials and glassware and notify HOD when re-ordering is necessary.

• Maximizing sales opportunities by upselling where possible.

• Maintain service areas stocked according to par levels set by the head of department.

Ensuring Exceptional Customer Service

• Creates an atmosphere in all food and beverage areas that meets or exceeds guest expectations.

• Anticipate guests needs in order to deliver exceptional quality of service and in turn guest satisfaction.

• Promote and maintain good public relations.

• Motivate and maintain good staff relations to improve service performance.

• Reviews comment cards, guest satisfaction results and other data to identify areas of improvement.

• To participate in and assist in developing training programs for staff to elevate service standards.

• Take directions and guidance from managers and pass on information

to the team when applicable.

• Always conduct in a manner as to reflect the Wymara Standards and encourage staff to do the same. Qualifications/Experience:

• 8+ years’ experience as Head Mixologist in a 4/5-star establishment.

• Hospitality Management Certification

• West Certification

• WSQ Food Hygiene Certification

• Proficiency with general office PC applications (i.e. Microsoft Office software, Micros, open table and Opera).

• Must have good written and oral communication skills.

• Must be able to efficiently and effectively resolve guest complaints.

• Knowledgeable of daily food and beverage operations.

• Maintain a good relationship with vendors of Indigo restaurant.

• Must be able to schedule staff according to hotel occupancy.

• International experience preferred.

Compensation: $20k - $26k per annum

*SPA THERAPIST

The Spa Therapist professional massage and body treatments to our guests. They must have a thorough knowledge of numerous massage modalities, possess a general understanding of body treatments and be willing to train in our spa’s specific massage and body treatment offerings. They must possess excellent communication skills and be able to learn the product and service knowledge necessary to effectively provide wellness solutions to meet the needs of our guests. Salary Commission Based.

DIRECTOR OF ROOMS DIVISION

The Director of Rooms is responsible for the consistent delivery of exceptional performance of Rooms Division in both guest experience and financial results, and for the successful management of all internal and external relationships.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Exceptional leadership skills with a proven record of providing consistently high guest experience standards balanced with operational efficiencies.

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

• Provides input into, and executes, strategic plan for assigned department(s) consistent with the strategic vision of the divisions.

• Responsible for preparing and monitoring of fiscal budgets, CAPEX, division operations and marketing strategies to produce both short-term and long-term profitability for Wymara Resort and Villas.

• Provides input into, and executes, the development, implementation, and measurement of guest service standards within assigned department(s), consistent with the company’s established guidelines/standards.

• Participates in the research, development, evaluation and implementation of new products, services, technology and processes to ensure Wymara Resort and Villas competitive position and in anticipation of changing customer needs within the dynamic hospitality environment.

• Ability to perform a myriad of duties with extreme care and attention to detail, while working in a fast-paced and busy environment.

• Pre-opening Experience with proven ability to successfully lead, train motivate, develop staff and processes implementation is essential Specific Job Knowledge, Skill and Ability:

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

• Experienced hospitality executive with minimum 10 years five-star international management success – Caribbean experience desirable with 3-5 years management in each departmental discipline.

• Hospitality Management degree/Financial, Business and/or or equivalent experience, with a passion for customer service

• Thorough knowledge of resort front office and housekeeping procedures, operations and equipment, with the ability to execute all aspects.

• Minimum of 5 years of management experience in a major hotel/resort complex with a Forbes Five Star Rating, LQA & AAA – 5 Diamond Rating

• Proven ability to develop business plans and budgets, and effectively monitor performance to meet objectives

• Energetic, results driven leader with collaborative approach; focused on empowering people; developing skill in others through coaching, training and experiential learning.

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

• Proficiency with general office PC applications (i.e. Microsoft Office software and Opera, Alice, Opentable, Salto system) to prepare reports, employee schedules, inventories, budgets as required.

• Working knowledge of chemicals, fabric care, carpet care, floor and stone care.

• Knowledge of Laundry operations, textiles, fabric care, equipment and housekeeping techniques.

• Must be fluent in English. Additional languages desirable. Base Range: $60k - $77k per year

*ASSISTANT PASTRY COOK

responsible for setting up the work area before baking pastries. They will assist in preparing different types of pastry and dessert items using standard recipes. Responsibilities will include measuring ingredients, mixing doughs and batters, preparing fillings, and decorating finished products. The ideal candidate will have a passion for baking, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. You should be able to follow recipes accurately, work well under pressure, and be willing to learn and grow within the role. Previous experience in a bakery or pastry kitchen is required.

Compensation: $25k - $30k Per Annum

IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advising on complex commercial matters including running own caseload from inception to conclusion

• Advising lenders and borrowers on financing transactions

• Advising on securitization and providing capacity opinions

• Registration of security, vessels, and aircraft

• Drafting and advising upon finance documentation

• Building a team and mentoring and training junior attorneys and trainees and engage in business development

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 10 years’ PQE (or 8 years’ PQE if preceded by a pupillage or training contract with a specialist commercial practice) in a Commonwealth jurisdiction.

• Experience of substantial commercial matters, including financial services, securities transactions, banking, and finance.

• Experience of acting on acquisition financing, refinancing, and development financing

• Proven drafting skills on complex commercial transactions

• Demonstrable experience of acting for high net worth and institutional clients

• Demonstrable business development skills and a hunger to grow a credible high value practice

• Demonstrated ability to manage a large workload including completing multiple tasks to deadlines

• Must be pro-active and able to work on complex high value transactions both independently and with a professional team

• Experience and willingness to mentor and train junior attorneys and trainees is essential

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Candidates should have a law degree from a leading University

• Must have relevant professional qualifications, be admitted to practice in the Turks and Caicos Islands (or eligible for admission)

• The applicant must have a minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience in practice

• Computer proficiency with office software including MS Office

• Professional references

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Griffiths & Partners offer competitive remuneration for this role. We will also offer support to help professional development and a friendly and collegiate work environment. Salary range is up to $120,000 + per annum depending on experience.

Closing date for application is 4th October 2024.

• In search of a skilled person to work in stone fabrication

• Starting Salary $10.00 per hour.

• Duties:

• Must have 5 years experience and show proficiency with cutting and polishing natural and man made stone according to specifications

• Must be able to assist the foreman in charge at warehouse and on job sites

• Must be able to read blueprints, lay out job plans, operate all tools associated with stone

• fabrication, rally other coworkers and follow directions from supervisors.

CAICOS DREAM TOURS

1 Princess Drive, Providenciales

WATERSPORTS OFFICE MANAGER

Reporting to the Owners and Inbound/Outbound Manager. Responsible for running the company, ensuring the safe hire of boats and other guests.

DUTIES

• Manage programs of activities at the company

• Develop and manage all HR processes relating to your staff

• Develop training policies and ensure all staff and volunteers are appropriately trained in safeguarding

• Ensure resources are up to date and available to all instructors to deliver high quality sessions and courses

• Ensure the premises and all equipment is maintained at adequate standards and used appropriately

• Manage booking process with Admin Team including approving new bookings and ensuring session do not clash

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to speak English, Spanish, and French

• Must have 5 years experience in Human Resources and Office Management

• Must have a University Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management or related field

• Must be willing and able to work weekends and holidays

Be available to work 8:30 am -5pm five days a week. Weekends and holidays required.

Starting salary $15, hourly

WENDY

HELPER

Duties:

CONTACT:

245-7060

Belongers

2 LABOURERS

PLUMBER

CONTACT:

Belongers

THE SOURCE LTD

203 Venture House, Grace Bay, Providenciales

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

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

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

• Must list and itemize lost and found items

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

• Must be reliable and trustworthy and energetic

• Handles guest complaints and queries

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

• Possess excellent command of English

• Controls waste of any product or linen.

• Must be a non-smoker

CANDIDATE MUST ALSO

• Perform general housekeeping duties including laundry.

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

• Must be willing and to work well with the team

• Must have a clean police record

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

THE SOURCE LTD

203 Venture House, Grace Bay, Providenciales

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR FOR A PRIVATE LUXURY VILLA

The successful candidate will work closely with the Property Manager and is expected to assist with the upkeep and maintenance of the villas.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have certification in Electrical & Plumbing Installation and the ability to read MEP Plans

• Must have technical experience working on Irrigation Systems, Water pumps

• Must have experience in General Maintenance & Carpentry

• Must be able to maintain Crestron Audio Visual Systems

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Attention to detail

• Must be Pro active

TECHNICIAN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Please note this position requires the applicant to be on call 24/7.

• Must be willing to work with the team and assist in training and delegating maintenance staff.

• Applicant must have a good command of the English Language

• Computer literacy is required in order to access equipment and part replacement information and ordering.

• Must possess a clean driver’s license and police record.

This position requires someone with a sunny disposition who can remain calm during stressful situations. Applicant must have a minimum of 2 years working in a high-end resort or a Luxury Villa. Applicants may work long hours including weekends and holidays. Renumeration for this position starts at $1500.00 per month. This position is currently held by a work permit holder.

CLEANER

FINISHING CARPENTER

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Supervise and coordinate all finishing activities, including carpentry, cabinetry installation, trim work, and other related tasks.

2. Ensure that the finishing work adheres to project specifications, blueprints, and quality standards.

3. Manage and schedule the activities of the finishing team to meet project deadlines and budgetary constraints.

4. Conduct regular inspections to guarantee the quality and precision of the finishing work, addressing any issues promptly.

5. Collaborate with the project manager and other foremen to ensure smooth workflow and efficient project completion.

6. Provide on-the-job training and guidance to junior team members, encouraging their skill development and adherence to safety protocols.

7. Maintain an organized inventory of materials and tools necessary for finishing tasks and communicate any requirements to the procurement department.

8. Monitor and enforce compliance with safety regulations and company policies, ensuring a secure and hazard-free work environment.

9. Communicate effectively with clients, addressing any concerns or queries related to the finishing process, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Minimum of 15 years of experience as a finishing carpenter in residential and commercial construction projects.

2. Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to effectively manage a team and prioritize tasks.

3. Comprehensive knowledge of various finishing techniques, materials, and tools related to finish carpentry.

4. Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality workmanship within specified timelines.

5. Proficient in interpreting blueprints, drawings, and other construction documents.

6. Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with different stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and vendors.

7. Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to make sound decisions under pressure.

8. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to commute to various job sites.

Salary $800-$1500 dependent upon level of experience

Belongers are advised to send copy of resume to Labour

MAINTENANCE WORKER

Fix and maintain mechanical equipment, buildings, and machines. Plumbing work, painting, flooring repair and upkeep, electrical repairs, etc.

CLEANER

CLEANER

KITCHEN HELPER

CLEANER

2 CLEANERS 2 LABOURERS

2 BARBERS

rules.

Salary: $1,500.00 monthly

GENERAL PRACTITIONER

• General practice with some emergency room work

• Full-time 6-hour working day with varying shifts between 8a.m-8p.m

& EDITOR

• Professional Photographer Degree

• A minimum of 10 years experience in portrait and wedding photography

• A minimum of 5 years experience as studio manager

• Excellent photography softwares knowledge and expertise

• Must be available to work on weekend, holidays and at nights as required

• Salary will be based on experience.

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

CHEF

CATERING ASSISTANT

• Must have at least 5 years experience cooking Columbian and Venezuelan Cuisine

• Must have CPR and food safety certification

• Must have a valid driver's licence.

• Must be willing to clean and prepare meals as needed

• Must speak English and Spanish

• Salary $10 per hour.

•

•

•

LABOURER

COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

PRIMARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

The individual will possess these MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

• Must be a practicing Born Again Christian

• At least five (5) years Post qualification teaching experience

• At least two (2) Years’ experience in school Administration

• Bachelor Degree in Education or equivalent from an accredited institution

• Teacher Certificate / Diploma from a recognized Educational Institution.

• Must have a working knowledge of the A-Beka Curriculum

• Must be familiar with Primary Education within the Caribbean.

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER

The individual will possess these MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

Must be a practicing Born Again Christian

At least five (5) years Post qualification teaching experience

At least two (2) Years experience in School Administration Bachelor’s Degree in Education or equivalent from an accredited institution

Teacher Certificate / Diploma from a recognized Educational Institution. Must have a working knowledge of the A-Beka Curriculum

Must be familiar with Primary Education within the Caribbean.

ASSISTANT TEACHER

- Discussed at interview (First time)

• Getting the classroom ready for lessons. Helping teachers to plan learning activities and complete records.

COMPENSATION:

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

Invites suitably qualified persons for the position of THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY AT COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP CENTRE, A.O.G. LEEWARD HIGHWAY, P.O. BOX 939, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS. E-MAIL:

MINIMUM

• Minimum of M.B.B.S. or a Medical Doctor Degree from an accredited University

• Minimum of 5 years work experience in a Primary Health Care setting and a minimum of 3 years working in a Secondary Health Care institution

• Minimum of 5 years registered Medical Practitioner on a register of a recognized Medical Board.

•

examinations

• Diagnosis and treatment of illness/ ailments

• Manage acute and chronic illnesses, patient education

• Order laboratory/ diagnostic tests

• Perform minor procedures

•

•

Science & Technology

How much will AI help in the next pandemic?

It’s been dubbed “Disease X” - the next global pandemic, which some experts predict is pretty much bound to happen.

Over the next decade, according to certain forecasts, there’s a one in four chance of another outbreak on the scale of Covid-19.

It could be influenza or coronavirus - or something completely new.

Covid-19, of course, infected and killed millions of people worldwide, so it’s a frightening prospect.

SO COULD AI HELP TO ALLEVIATE IT?

Researchers in California are developing an AI-based early warning system that will examine social media posts to help predict future pandemics.

The researchers, from University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), are part of the US National Science Foundation’s Predictive Intelligence for Pandemic Prevention grant programme.

This funds research that “aims to identify, model, predict, track and mitigate the effects of future pandemics”.

The project builds on earlier work by UCI and UCLA researchers, including a searchable database of 2.3 billion US Twitter posts collected since 2015, to monitor public health trends.

Prof Chen Li is spearheading the project at UCI’s Department of Computer Science. He says they have been collecting billions of tweets on X, formerly known as Twitter, over the past few years.

The tool works by figuring out which tweets are meaningful and training the algorithm to help to detect early signs of a future pandemic, predict upcoming outbreaks, and evaluate the potential outcomes of specific public health policies, says Prof Chen.

“We have developed a machinelearning model for identifying and categorising significant events that may be indicative of an upcoming epidemic from social media streams.”

The tool, which is targeted at public health departments and hospitals, can also “evaluate the effects of treatments to the spread of viruses”, he says.

However, it’s not without problems. For example, it is reliant on X, a platform not accessible in some countries.

“The availability of data outside the US has been mixed,” admits Prof Chen.

AI is increasingly being used to follow and prepare for new variants of coronavirus

“So far our focus has been within the US. We are working to overcome the data scarcity and potential bias when we expand the coverage to other regions of the world.”

Developed by Harvard Medical School and the University of Oxford, an AI tool called EVEScape is making predictions about new variants of coronavirus.

Researchers are publishing a ranking of new variants every two weeks, and they claim that the tool has also made accurate predictions about other viruses, including HIV and influenza.

“One of the unique strengths of our approach is that it can be used early in a pandemic,” says Nikki Thadani, a former postdoctoral research fellow who was involved in the development of EVEScape.

“It could be good for... vaccine manufacturers, and also for people trying to identify therapeutics, particularly antibodies to get some insight early on into which mutations might arise even a year in the future.”

It’s a point picked up by AstraZeneca’s vice president of data science and AI R&D, Jim Wetherall.

The pharmaceutical giant uses AI to help speed up the discovery of new antibodies. Antibodies are proteins used by the body’s immune system to fight off harmful substances. They can be used to make new vaccines.

Mr Wetherall says the firm can “generate and screen a library of antibodies and bring the highest quality predictions to the lab, reducing the number of antibodies that need to be tested, and cutting the time to identify target antibody leads from three months to three days”.

This is helpful for pandemic preparedness, he says, “because as we have seen with Covid-19, the potential volatility of viruses

means that we need quicker ways to identify candidates to keep up with rapidly mutating targets.”

The Oslo-headquartered Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) - which funded EVEScape - views AI as a tool to help in its goal of preparing for and responding to epidemics and pandemics.

“We just have to be as broadly well prepared as possible,” says Dr In-Kyu Yoon, director, programmes and innovative technology at CEPI.

“And what AI does is it speeds up that that preparation process.”

However, he says AI still needs to develop and mature. “AI still depends on the information that is inputted, and I don’t think anybody would say that we actually have all the information.

“Even if the AI then can try to evaluate, analyse it and predict from that, it’s based on information that’s put in. AI is a tool and the tool can be applied to various activities that can increase the quality and speed of the preparation for the next pandemic.

“[But] it would probably be wrong to say that AI can slow down or prevent the next pandemic. It’s up to people to determine where to apply it.”

At the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Philip AbdelMalik also highlights the role people play in AI’s efficacy.

As the WHO’s unit head of intelligence, innovation and integration, he says AI has definite value. It can pick up on chatter around particular symptoms, for example, and spot potential threats before governments have officially announced them.

Also, it can pick up if people are advocating potentially dangerous treatments online so the WHO can step in.

However, while he can see its benefits, he is quick to flag up the challenges.

He says he’s always careful to say AI is not going to generate decisions for us. Plus, Dr AbdelMalik is concerned about the issues surrounding ethical use of AI and equitable representation.

“If I’m feeding it a lot

of information that I’m not reviewing, and so it contains a lot of misinformation, or it’s representative only of certain subpopulations, then what I’m going to get out is also going to be representative of just some subpopulations or contain a lot of misinformation.

“So it’s that old adage of, you know, garbage in, garbage out.”

But overall, experts believe we’re in a better position for the next pandemic, partly because of the progress made in AI.

“I think this pandemic was kind of a wake-up call to a lot of people who think about this space,” says Nikki Thadani.

“Our model [AI tool EVEScape], and a lot of other efforts to really refine how we think about epidemiology, and how we think about leveraging the sort of data that you can have before a pandemic, and then integrating it with the data that’s coming in through a pandemic, that does make me feel better about our ability to handle pandemics in the future.”

But, she says, there’s a long way to go both on more of the fundamental biology and modelling she has worked in, but in epidemiology and public health more broadly, to help make us more prepared for future pandemics.

“We’re much better off now than we were three years ago,” says Dr AbdelMalik.

“However, there’s something more important than technology to help us when the next pandemic hits, and that’s trust.

“Technology to me is not our limiting factor. I think we really have to work on relationships, on information sharing and building trust. We keep saying that, everybody’s saying that, but are we actually doing it?” (BBC)

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.

Science & Technology

Twice-a-year injection reduced risk of HIV infection by 96%, drug company says

A drug currently used to treat HIV has also been found to dramatically reduce the risk of infection, significantly more than the primary option available for pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP.

In a Phase 3 clinical trial, 99.9% of participants who took a twicea-year injection of lenacapavir for HIV prevention did not acquire an infection, according to data from drugmaker Gilead Sciences.

There were only two cases among 2,180 patients – effectively reducing the risk of HIV infection by 96% and proving 89% more effective than Truvada, a pill taken once a day. The trial was unblinded early because it met its key endpoints, allowing lenacapavir to be offered to all participants.

“The difficulty some people can experience with taking an oral pill

every day, including challenges with adherence and stigma, have hindered uptake and persistence of the standard of care for too long, thus blunting PrEP’s impact on HIV prevention,” said Onyema Ogbuagu, principal investigator for the trial and director of the Yale Antivirals and Vaccines Research Programme.

“The incredible efficacy demonstrated in the PURPOSE 2 trial, the potential benefits of a twice-yearly injection, and the diversity of trial sites and participants show the impact that lenacapavir for PrEP could have for people around the world who need new choices to reduce their chances of acquiring HIV. This breakthrough adds significantly to our arsenal of tools to move us closer to achieving an AIDS-free

a-year injection of lenacapavir for HIV prevention did not acquire an infection

generation.”

The PURPOSE 2 trial included cisgender men, transgender men, transgender women and gender nonbinary individuals aged 16 years or older who have sex with partners assigned male at birth. There were 88 trial sites in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Thailand and the United States.

Another trial found that taking the long-acting injectable lenacapavir as pre-exposure prophylaxis can provide total protection against HIV acquisition in women, demonstrating 100% efficacy among young women and adolescent girls Africa in trial data published in July. It’s a “significant breakthrough

in HIV prevention,” according to a news release from the World Health Organization in July.

Gilead said it will use these trial data to start the drug approval process in multiple countries by the end of the year. It plans to prioritise authorisation in high-incidence, low-resource countries, according to the company. (CNN)

Pesto linked to botulism cases in France

Five people are receiving emergency medical care in France for suspected botulism linked to eating pesto.

According to authorities in the Indre-et-Loire department in westcentral France, a locally made brand of wild garlic sauce may have been contaminated with a dangerous toxin that can attack the nerves.

Cases like this are rare but potentially fatal, and can happen if homemade foods have been improperly preserved.

The French government issued an immediate recall of the product and has sent samples to a lab for analysis.

Authorities were trying to locate some 600 containers with the same “O P’tits Oignons” sauce before they are eaten, say officials.

The sauce is usually sold during local festivities or fairs.

The five patients are on respirators but conscious, spokesperson Patrice Latron told reporters.

“People who bought the same sauce must throw it out, destroy

A locally made brand of wild garlic sauce may have been contaminated with a dangerous toxin that can attack the nerves

it,” Latron said.

WHAT IS BOTULISM?

toxic substances known - even tiny amounts can cause illness or death.

They attack the nervous system, and can cause paralysis. This can spread to the muscles that control breathing and can be fatal in five to 10% of cases if not treated properly.

There is an antitoxin that doctors can give.

Botulism illnesses have been linked to foods such as homemade pickles and garlic in oil.

Supermarket products undergo rigorous manufacturing processes to avoid contamination in preserved foods.

That bacteria is also used to make Botox - shots used by the cosmetic industry to manage wrinkles and frown lines.

Botox has been purified though, so the toxin is controlled.

or which are out-of-date.

People who make their own preserves should be careful. The spores can grow under low-oxygen conditions, in bottles of oil, for example.

The website for the TV cook Nigella Lawson advises: “Be very careful with homemade flavoured oils, especially those using raw garlic, as there is a risk of botulism.

“The garlic can sometimes pick up botulism from being grown in contaminated soil, and the airless environment of a bottle full of oil gives the botulism an ideal environment in which to thrive.”

Botulism is an emergency. Seek medical help immediately if you or someone you know has symptoms, which can include:

WHAT FOODS CAN CAUSE BOTULISM?

While the spores are generally harmless, they can grow into the bacteria that make the risky neurotoxins.

The neurotoxin is among the most

Botulism is a rare but lifethreatening condition caused by toxins made by clostridium botulinum bacteria. These bacteria and its spores can live in soil, and are sometimes found on the surface of fruits, vegetables and herbs.

The NHS advises people not to eat food from “bulging or damaged cans”, and to avoid eating offsmelling preserved foods, or those stored at the incorrect temperature

drooping eyelids blurred or double vision facial muscle weakness difficulty swallowing slurred speech breathing difficulties

Symptoms usually appear within 12 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food, although it can sometimes be days later. (BBC)

Clinical trial data from Gilead show that 99.9% of participants who took a twice-

Science & Technology

The hidden danger of energy drinks. A doctor explains

It is possible to drink too much caffeine, as actor Dakota Johnson recently found out after she had lots of caffeine-infused energy drinks while directing her first movie and found herself feeling jittery and having trouble sleeping.

Johnson, who was making her directorial debut in the short film “Loser Baby,” thought her energy drink was a “natural drink.” She told Variety she didn’t realise that “I was basically overdosing on caffeine.”

Many people may be confused. They may think of energy drinks as sports drinks or consider them appropriate for hydration, including for children. So, what exactly are energy drinks? Given that a major concern is the caffeine quantity in them, what is an appropriate amount of caffeine to consume? How much is too much — is it possible to overdose on caffeine? Should people use energy drinks before sports activities? Who should be especially careful of these drinks? And are there better ways to reduce fatigue and boost energy?

To guide us through these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness medical expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. She previously was

Some energy drinks can contain as much as 200 or 300 milligrams of caffeine in each bottle or can

Baltimore’s health commissioner and is the mother of two schoolage children.

Dr Leana Wen: While there is no standard definition of energy drinks, typically these are drinks marketed to increase attention, alertness and energy. They often contain large amounts of caffeine as well as sugar and legal stimulants, including taurine, guarana and L-carnitine.

CNN: Are energy drinks the same thing as sports drinks?

Wen: No, they are not, and it’s really important that people distinguish between the two.

Sports drinks are beverages that contain electrolytes. They are used by athletes and other people who are losing water and electrolytes during heavy exercise and sweating. Some contain just salts and electrolytes, and others will have added sugars.

Energy drinks may also contain some electrolytes and added sugars, but their main purpose is to

serve as a stimulant. They should not be used to replace electrolytes and fluids lost during exercise.

CNN: Can drinking a lot of energy drinks be dangerous?

Wen: Yes, especially because of excessive caffeine consumption.

A large amount of caffeine can cause rapid heartbeat. People can become jittery and anxious. They may have trouble sleeping, which paradoxically causes more fatigue over time. Those who consume energy drinks thinking that they replenish electrolytes and fluids may become dehydrated, especially as caffeine is a diuretic that promotes fluid loss.

A very large amount of caffeine consumption can lead to caffeine intoxication. This is uncommon but can be dangerous, even lifethreatening, especially when the heart rhythm is disrupted. Individuals could suffer cardiac arrest as well as other severe symptoms such as brain swelling and kidney failure.

CNN: How much caffeine does someone need to consume for it to be dangerous?

Wen: More than 400 milligrams of caffeine daily is considered excessive for most adults, according to the US Food and Drug Administration. This is the equivalent amount of four or five

cups of coffee.

Someone drinking 400 milligrams of caffeine is unlikely to have the severe effects of caffeine intoxication, but they could certainly experience jitteriness and sleep disruption.

Some energy drinks can contain as much as 200 or 300 milligrams of caffeine in each bottle or can. It’s really important to look carefully at the label before consuming.

CNN: Is this recommendation different for children?

Wen: Yes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and adolescents do not consume energy drinks. They also recommend against consumption of drinks that contain caffeine and added sugar, citing that drinking such beverages can increase the risk of anxiety, hyperactivity and even excessive weight gain, heart disease and fatty liver disease.

However, 30% to 50% of adolescents report consuming energy drinks. And energy drinks are sold sometimes in school vending machines.

Parents should be really careful to look at the label of each drink that their kids are drinking. Some drinks look similar but actually contain very different amounts of caffeine. (CNN)

‘God of Chaos’ asteroid Apophis could still hit Earth in 2029, study hints

There is a slim but overlooked risk that the “God of Chaos” asteroid Apophis could hit Earth as it makes a super close approach to our planet in 2029, a new study reveals. The odds of such a calamitous collision are more than one-in-a-billion — but we won’t be able to rule it out for at least three more years.

Apophis is a peanut-shaped space rock spanning around 1,100 feet (340 meters) across, or around the same size as the Eiffel Tower. At this size, the chunky space rock is not hefty enough to be considered a “planet killer” asteroid but is big enough to wipe out a large city and trigger planet-wide climatic effects. The “potentially hazardous” object was discovered in 2004 and was named after Apep, the Egyptian serpent god of darkness and disorder, which has earned it the nickname “God of Chaos.”

Shortly after the space rock was discovered, astronomers revealed that Apophis would have an extremely close fly-by with Earth on April 13, 2029, sparking fears that it could hit our planet. However, follow-up observations revealed that the asteroid will sail safely past Earth at a distance of

less than 20,000 miles (32,000 kilometers) — less than one-tenth the distance between Earth and the moon, according to NASA. This could still be close enough to hit some of our most distant Earthorbiting satellites.

But large asteroids like Apophis can be nudged off course by impacts from smaller asteroids, similar to how NASA’s DART mission successfully redirected the asteroid Dimorphos by smashing a spacecraft into it in 2022. Researchers have previously warned that this could be a possibility with Apophis over the next five years, potentially bumping the city-killer onto a collision course with Earth.

In the new study, published Aug. 26 in The Planetary Science Journal, astronomer Paul Wiegert — an expert in solar system dynamics at Western University in Canada — calculated the odds of such a scenario happening and found that while it was extremely unlikely, it is still possible.

In March, Weigert was part of a similar study assessing the risk of Apophis being deflected by any known asteroids and found

that there was “zero chance” of this happening. However, at the time, the researchers did warn that there was still a chance that an undiscovered asteroid could collide with Apophis.

In the new study, Weigert used computer models to simulate the likelihood of an undiscovered asteroid — that is either too small

or too close to the sun to be spotted from Earth — hitting Apophis over the next five years. The simulations revealed that the chance of an unknown asteroid hitting Apophis off its current course was less than one-in-a-million, while the odds that such an impact “could significantly displace Apophis compared to its miss distance in

2029” was less than one-in-abillion, Weigert wrote in the paper. However, even if this did happen, there is still no guarantee that a change in trajectory will push the asteroid closer to Earth instead of further away from our planet, meaning that the actual odds of a collision are even lower.

But we will have to wait until 2027 to find out if Apophis has been knocked off course because it is currently out of sight due to its close proximity to the sun. When it does reappear, astronomers will be better able to calculate the odds of potential change of course between then and 2029, Weigert wrote.

Beyond 2029, Apophis will continue to make frequent close approaches to Earth, as it did most recently in 2021. There will be particularly close shaves in 2051, 2066 and 2080, but models suggest the space rock poses no threat to Earth for at least 100 years.

We will learn more about Apophis’ future after 2029, when NASA’s OSIRIS APEX spacecraft — formerly known as OSIRIS-REx — will fly closely past the asteroid shortly after the spacecraft’s flyby of Earth. (Livescience)

Apophis is a peanut-shaped space rock spanning around 1,100 feet (340 metres) across, or around the same size as the Eiffel Tower

American Wilcox becomes fastest woman to cycle around the world

American Lael Wilcox has broken the world record for the fastest woman to cycle around the world, traversing 21 countries and 18,125 miles in three and a half months.

Arriving back in Chicago at 9 p.m. local time on Wednesday –108 days, 12 hours and 12 minutes after she set off – Wilcox beat the previous best time of 124 days and 11 hours set by Scottish cyclist Jenny Graham in 2018.

“I had so much fun — felt like I could’ve just kept riding forever,” said Wilcox on Instagram following the conclusion of her journey.

The 38-year-old Alaskan is an experienced ultra-endurance cyclist, having become the first woman and first American to win the TransAm, a 4,200-mile race across the US, in 2016.

Wilcox has also set records in the Tour Divide, an annual race along the Rocky Mountains, and even won the 350-mile Unbound XL in 2021 having already cycled 600 miles to the start of the race.

For her around-the-world record attempt, Wilcox began in Chicago before cycling to New York.

Right from the start of her journey, she was battling testing conditions. “On day 4, I was throwing up all day, it never stopped raining and I was getting multiple punctures. I still rode 139 miles, but it was a tough one,” she told her sponsor, SRAM, according to Cycling Weekly.

From New York she flew to Portugal, from which she set off for the Netherlands, eventually coming back down through Germany, the Alps, the Balkans, Turkey and Georgia.

After a flight to Perth in Australia, she cycled along the southern coast to Brisbane before flying to New Zealand, which would be her last stop before returning to North America.

From hometown Anchorage, Wilcox cycled south to Los Angeles, before finishing along Route 66 to Chicago.

According to Guinness, a cyclist must travel in the same direction, start and end in the same place, and rack up at least 18,000 miles – the total circumference of the globe –for a round-the-world attempt to be successful.

Cristiano Ronaldo said he was ‘betrayed’ and ‘pushed out’ of Manchester United during his second spell at the club

Ten Hag rejects Ronaldo criticism over ambition

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has dismissed Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest criticism and says the outside noise around the club does not bother him.

Speaking to former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand on a podcast, Ronaldo said Ten Hag had been wrong to say in a pre-season interview in the manager’s home country of the Netherlands that the club were “a long way away” from winning the Premier League for the first time since 2013.

Although Ronaldo went on to say he also thought his old club could not win the championship, he felt, as manager, Ten Hag was sending out the wrong message.

Asked about the veteran forward’s comments ahead of Saturday’s trip to Southampton, Ten Hag said Ronaldo had said the same thing.

“No, he said this, if you read the article very well,” said Ten Hag.

“He is entitled to his opinion.

It’s OK. He is far away in Saudi, far away from Manchester.”

After successive defeats by Brighton and Liverpool, United head to Southampton knowing defeat will condemn them to their worst start since 1986-87, when Ron Atkinson was sacked and replaced by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ten Hag confirmed full-back Luke Shaw, who has not featured for his club this season despite making three appearances for England during Euro 2024, is still not available.

Striker Rasmus Hojlund will also miss the game as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained during the summer tour of the United States.

New signing Manuel Ugarte is fit, although the £50.2m Uruguay midfielder only returned from international duty on Thursday.

The two-week break since the Liverpool defeat has seen Ten

Hag’s future widely discussed. Many outside observers are convinced the 54-year-old will not survive the entire season as coowner Sir Jim Ratcliffe starts to make his presence felt.

Ten Hag, who returned home to take charge of old club FC Utrecht in a charity game earlier this week, said the outside “noise” does not bother him.

“It doesn’t impact me,” he said. “I know where we are in the process and what we have to do and where we are going.

“I have said before we are still in a transition period. We have to integrate a lot of young players in the team and still have to deal with injuries and bring players back into the team.

“Before anyone thinks about excuses, no, we have to win every game. I know that. The team knows that. It doesn’t matter who is available.”

Sandilands wins Paralympic gold in world-record time

Great Britain’s Ben Sandilands set a new world record to claim T20 1500m Paralympic gold as defending champion Jonathan Broom-Edwards failed to win a medal in his high jump event.

Sandilands, 21, put in a storming last lap in the T20 race for athletes with intellectual impairments to finish in three minutes 45.40 seconds - beating the old mark held by American Mikey Brannigan by 0.10secs.

It is Britain’s fifth gold of the Para-athletics programme in Paris.

Broom-Edwards, who finished fifth in his T64 event with 1.89m, revealed after his T64 competition he had sustained a fractured ankle and torn ligaments in training six

weeks ago, which needed surgery and he had intense rehab to be able to compete.

“Just to be on the start line, to be amongst it all, to be amongst the crowd, I’m truly blessed,” he said.

“It’s been the hardest I’ve had to work in my life.”

There was a silver for wheelchair racer Marcus Perrineau-Daley in the T52 100m event on his Paralympic debut.

The 35-year-old Londoner, who was paralysed in a motorbike accident in 2014, led Belgian Maxime Carabin at the halfway mark before the world-record holder came through strongly to win.

women’s F46 javelin before the 4x100m universal relay team of

second behind China.

Sandilands was third at the bell in his race but the Scot timed his run to perfection, accelerating away over the final 300m to finish clear of Portugal’s Sandro Baessa (3:49.46) with Brannigan, the Rio gold medallist, third (3:49.91).

“It’s an amazing feeling,” he said after becoming the second consecutive British winner of the race following fellow Fife AC club-mate Owen Miller, who triumphed in Tokyo in 2021.

“I’ve put in so much hard work and I want to thank my family and friends, and my coach Steve Doig.

“I knew I had the speed in me at the end from my training.

Lael Wilcox prepares to resume riding after taking a break in the Santa Fe Plaza on September 4

Ben Sandilands timed his run to perfection to take gold

Sports International

Everton say ‘work to be done’ on Textor takeover bid

American businessman John Textor is making “progress” in his bid to buy Everton but the club say there is “some work to be done to complete the transaction”.

BBC Sport reported on 15 August that Crystal Palace coowner Textor has been granted a period of exclusivity as he aims to buy Blues owner Farhad Moshiri’s majority stake in the club. Any deal is dependent on Textor selling his 45% stake in Palace, as Premier League rules prohibit individuals from owning more than one team.

In an interview with Sky Sports, external on Thursday, Textor compared owning Everton to becoming President of the USA.

The 58-year-old also said he has received two “good bids” for his Palace stake and has a contract with Moshiri to complete a deal for Everton by a deadline of 30 November.

WHAT DID EVERTON SAY?

Everton interim CEO Colin Chong said later on Thursday: “The club is aware of the comments made by John Textor in relation to a potential purchase of the club.

“While positive conversations and progress continues to be made

with Mr Textor to formalise any deal with him, there remains some work to be done to complete the transaction.

“Accordingly, the comments made by Mr Textor merely represent his personal view on club matters.

“Everyone at the club is staying focused on providing the best support possible to [manager] Sean [Dyche] and the squad as we head into the weekend’s fixture.”

WHAT HAS TEXTOR SAID?

In an in depth interview with Sky, Textor was asked about the challenges of completing the deal, pressure from Everton supporters and the club’s new stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock.

Textor became the latest party in the frame to take over the Toffees after talks broke down with both 777 Partners and the Friedkin Group this summer.

Through his company Eagle Football Holdings, Textor already has a number of stakes in other clubs, including Lyon in France, Brazilian side Botafogo and Belgian club Molenbeek.

“Nobody wakes up and thinks, ‘I get to buy Everton’,” he said.

“But if you decide football is what you want in your life, and then somebody comes along and asks you if you want to become the owner of Everton, it’s like someone asking you if you want to be President of the United States. Of course you do.

“Let’s be frank, the failure of others has been the blessing that we get to walk in to - which means that anybody could outbid me at any time. I have a qualified period of exclusivity, but exclusives don’t matter if Farhad gets an offer tomorrow that is supremely better than mine.

“I wouldn’t force him to do a bad deal with me. The longer this takes, the greater the probability that there’s some other smart guy out there that wakes up and see this as a great deal, as it is.

“Right now, this seems to be our opportunity and we hope to close.”

WHAT DID DYCHE SAY?

Manager Dyche’s Everton lie bottom of the Premier League table without a point, having lost all three of their opening games including the last-gasp, 3-2 home defeat by Bournemouth before the international break.

They travel to Aston Villa on Saturday (kick-off 17:30 BST) as they look to kick start their season.

Asked about Textor’s comments in his pre-match news conference, Dyche said: “I don’t know about the resolution, that is for upstairs, the bigger picture and financial side of the club.

“Regarding the comments, if you are a prospective owner and you are going to comment, you are asked certain questions and that is the way it goes - finding out about what you are prospectively going to buy or getting a feel.

“I haven’t had the chance [to speak to him], I don’t think the deal is to that position. If you are a prospective owner, you probably would want to build a relationship or certainly know the manager in any situation.

“He isn’t the current owner but if he did take over then I am sure you would have that conversation but I think that is standard practice.” (BBC)

Norris wants title win ‘by fighting and beating’ Verstappen

Lando Norris says he wants to try to earn the world title on merit, despite McLaren asking his teammate Oscar Piastri to support the Briton if necessary.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella told BBC Sport the team would “bias” their operations towards Norris as they seek to win the drivers’ title as well as the constructors’ championship this season.

Norris said he was “thankful” for the team’s decision but said: “I don’t want to be given a championship.

“Yes, it would be great to have a championship, and short term you feel amazing, but I don’t think you’d be proud of that in the long run. It’s not how I want to win a championship.”

Norris heads into this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix 62 points behind championship leader Max Verstappen of Red Bull, with a maximum of 232 points available in the remaining eight races.

McLaren are just eight points behind Red Bull in the constructors’ championship, with Ferrari a further 31 adrift.

Norris added: “I want to win it by fighting against Max and beating

Max, beating my competitors and proving I’m the best on track. That’s how I want to race.”

Stella made it clear that McLaren had not decided to ask Piastri to back Norris under any circumstances.

“The overall concept is we are incredibly determined to win, but we want to win in the right way,” he said.

“We [will] bias our support to Lando but we want to do it without too much compromise on our principles.

“Our principles are that the team interest always comes first.

Sportsmanship for us is important in the overall way we go racingand then we want to be fair to both drivers.”

Piastri said: “The team have asked me to help out, and I’ve said for the last few races that if I was asked, then I would.

“Of course naturally, as a driver, it’s never an easy thing or a simple thing to agree to. But again, there’s a much bigger picture in play than just myself.”

Both Norris and Piastri played down the idea the Australian might be asked to sacrifice a win for his team-mate.

Norris said: “Probably not. In general, probably for lower positions, but if he’s fought for a win and he’s deserving of a win, then he deserves to win.

“Oscar is still fighting for his own racing, he’s still going out and doing his stuff. And it could be that there’s no time this year that he needs to help me.

“It’s more that I’ve got Oscar’s help when needs be, but he’s still going out with that intent of every session of fighting for himself.”

Piastri, 23, said: “It still needs some more discussions but the main point is it’s not just going to

be me pulling over for Lando every race because that’s how none of us, including Lando, want to race.

“Trying to go through all the scenarios is impossible. We don’t want to discuss that publicly, but the main one is if we feel one has done a much better job on a weekend, whichever way it is, we want that person to be rewarded.

And that’s where it becomes a little bit tricky still.”

Norris needs to gain an average of just under eight points a weekend over the remaining eight grands prix to beat Verstappen to the title.

He has done that over the last two races in the Netherlands and Italy, but it remains a tall order as the Dutchman remains the highest scoring driver over the last 10 races.

Verstappen struggled at the last race in Italy, qualifying seventh and finishing sixth, and has not won for six races. But he has won seven races this season and no other driver has more than two victories.

Verstappen said: “Monza wasn’t good for us. We have analysed a lot of things and it’s time to try to be better and let’s see how this weekend will go.

“We learned a lot from Monza, but it is a work in progress and it’s not like we can turn these things around from one to the other weekend. But we are working on it.

“I hope from now we can shift it in the right direction. How long that will take, I don’t know. But I believe we can do a much better job than we did in Monza and the last few races.”

The 26-year-old said after the race in Italy that both titles were “not realistic” based on Red Bull’s form there.

John Textor already holds stakes in Crystal Palace, Lyon, Botafogo and Molenbeek

Lando Norris is 62 points behind leader Max Verstappen in the drivers’ title race

Sports International

Wilson breaks WNBA single-season scoring record

Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson set the record for the most points in a WNBA season in her team’s 86-75 road win over the Indiana Fever on Wednesday.

Wilson tied the existing record of 939 set by the Seattle Storm’s Jewell Loyd last year with a free throw in the first quarter, before making history with a mid-range jumper in the closing seconds of the first half.

She finished the game with 27 points, taking her season total to 956, per the team. If she plays in all four of the Aces’ remaining regular season matchups, she would need to average 11 points per game to become the first player in league history to score 1,000 points in a single campaign. Wilson currently leads the WNBA in scoring with 27.3 points per game.

“It’s a blessing, it really is,” the two-time MVP said postgame. “It’s something that I don’t take for granted. We have some phenomenal players in this league, so for my name to be in the list, it’s truly a blessing.

“I have to credit my teammates because without them I wouldn’t get the basketball … them continuing to pour into me so I can pour into them goes a long way.”

Wilson received a wave of support from her peers after breaking the record, with six-time WNBA All-Star and current South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley among those to offer their congratulations. Staley coached Wilson for four years in college before she was drafted with the No. 1 pick in 2018.

Wilson’s teammates also expressed their admiration postgame.

“The crown is heavy, but she shows up every day and pours into those around her,” said Las Vegas forward Alysha Clark. “And I don’t think people understand how special that is for a person, for your franchise player, for your superstar, for your leader to be able to do on a consistent basis.

“Being a leader is hard in itself, but being a superstar – plus leadership – that’s insane. That’s why only a select few get that title and A’ja exemplifies every single bit of that.”

Wilson also recorded a doubledouble in her history-making performance, grabbing 12 rebounds to go along with two steals and three blocks. Per the Aces, she now has 418 boards for the year, putting her 29 behind the single-season

record set by Angel Reese earlier this year. The Chicago Sky rookie has been ruled out for the rest of the year with a wrist injury.

Three other Vegas players scored in double figures – Clark had 14 points, while Tiffany Hayes and Chelsea Gray added 12 and 11 respectively as the Aces move to 23-13, good enough for fourth in the league standings. Wilson and

Co. are looking to make history by becoming only the second WNBA team ever to win three consecutive championships.

It was a disappointing night for the Fever, who are under pressure from the Phoenix Mercury to wrap up the No. 6 seed for the

The two-time MVP is now in the record books with the highest scoring season in league history

postseason. Kelsey Mitchell led the way with 24 points while star rookie Caitlin Clark scored 16. (CNN)

Scott’s blistering half-century spurs Omar’s to cricket final

A blistering half-century from Xavier Scott propelled Omar’s to the final of the TCI Cricket Association T20 Competition.

In the second semi-final clash, Omar’s won the toss and opted to field. Despite a fighting 53 from Sidue Hunter, the eventual winners were able to wrest early control in

the clash and restrict Beaches to 129-6 off their allotted overs.

Only Hunter, with 52 unbeaten runs from 45 balls (6x4s, 1x6) took on the bowling, but he also found batting difficult at times.

A few other players had starts, but they were not able to read the bowlers as they were undone by

Scott early on and Marlon Turner after.

Scott, who got the wickets of seasoned cricketers Anthony McKnight and Kevin Hinds, finished with 2-19 from three overs, while Turner took 3-17 from his four overs.

In reply, Scott, batting at three

Nadal withdraws from Laver Cup

Rafael Nadal has pulled out of this month’s Laver Cup, saying he believes there are “other players who can help the team deliver the win” for Team Europe.

The 38-year-old Spaniard has not played since his defeat alongside compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the men’s doubles at the Paris Olympics in August.

A 22-time Grand Slam singles champion, Nadal did not confirm any specific injury or health concerns but he has previously indicated 2024 would be his last season

“I’m really disappointed to share that I won’t be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week,” Nadal said.

“This is a team competition and to really support Team Europe, I need to do what’s best for them and at this moment there are other players who can help the team deliver the win.”

The Laver Cup, contested between Team Europe and Team World, starts in Berlin on 20

September.

Having hoped to play a full schedule in 2024, Nadal only competed at one of the four majors - the French Open, where he lost in the first round to Alexander Zverev.

After missing Wimbledon to focus on the Olympics, Nadal was hampered by a thigh problem in Paris and suffered a second-round loss in the men’s singles to eventual gold medallist Novak Djokovic.

went at above 210 strike rate to carve out 61 unbeaten runs off 29 balls (5x4s, 4x6s). Overall, he struck five fours and two sixes. For the fourth wicket, he and Garrett Campbell added 62 runs, with the latter playing the supporting role. Campbell struck two fours off 26 balls for his 18.

Towards the end, Ian Health belted 14 runs (2x4s, 1x6) in five balls as Omar’s reached their target in 14.1 overs. McKnight finished with 2-28 and Jerome Daley with 2-44, both from four overs.

The final between Omar’s and GK Foods is set for Sunday at the Downtown Ball Park.

British teen Stojsavljevic wins US Open junior title

Mika Stojsavljevic became the first Briton in 15 years to win the US Open girls’ title as she beat Wakana Sonobe in New York.

The 15-year-old cruised to a 6-4 6-4 victory over Japan’s Sonobe. It is a first Grand Slam title for the junior, with her previous best run coming in 2023 when she reached the quarter-finals at

Wimbledon. She is the first British girl since Heather Watson in 2009 to win the title at Flushing Meadows.

“I’m super happy and super grateful,” Stojsavljevic said. “Thank you to my family for supporting me back home and thank you to the crowd here, you’ve been great.”

Xavier Scott was outstanding with bat and ball for the winners Omar’s are heading to the final of the competition

Mika Stojsavljevic was making her first appearance at the US Open

Nadal is the second-most successful men’s singles player of all time, behind only long-time rival Novak Djokovic

Skyhawks flawless to 13U PAL basketball title

– Avengers win 16U trophy

The Police Action League (PAL) basketball concluded over the weekend with championship honours for Skyhawks and Avengers in the 13U and 16U finals respectively.

In the younger age division, Skyhawks, who had a dominant season, were able to defeat the Commanders 27-24.

Bethenly Joseph, almost finished with a double-double for the winners (10 points, nine rebounds and two assists), while Ethan Been finished with six points, three rebounds and three assists.

For Commanders, Marc Verpre led the attack with seven points and 11 rebounds, while Tedly Destine

added six points.

Overall, for his dominance, Joseph finished with the Most Points award, while the Guardians, who finished third, had two individual awardees.

Yeniel Santana finished with the most rebounds and Romeo Higgs Jr finished as the League’s MVP.

The other two awards went to Avengers’ Carlos David Morel (Most Steals) and Seaquest’s Midjelyn Dorelus (Defensive Player).

In the older age division, Victory Gbemudu scored some crucial baskets to help Avengers win the championship clash, 35-31. Gbemuda finished with 14

points and nine rebounds, while Marvens Berthier added eight points and four rebounds.

For Skyhawks, A’Shaun Parker scored 13 points and four rebounds, while Kanye Robinson added nine points and four rebounds.

The Commanders’ Poteinsky Dumesle finished as the MVP and as the Most Defensive Player, while Leroy Hyman (Skyhawks) finished with the Most Points title and his teammate, Samuel Harvey, with the Most Rebound title.

Deshawn Lightbourne (Commanders) finished with the Most Steals.

Guardians also finished third in the 16U battle.

Skyhawks won the 13U title

Romeo Higgs finished as the 13U MVP

Poteinsky Dumesle finished as the 16U MVP and the Most Defensive Player

Bethenly Joseph finished with the Most Points award in the 13U division

Victory Gbemedu led Avengers to victory in the 16U final

Avengers won the 16U title