TCWN September 2 - 8, 2023

“Wicked government after wicked government” – Bishop Lightbourne foretells PNP’s downfall

BY DELANA ISLES

The Progressive National Party (PNP) has once again been accused of being ‘corrupt, wicked and ungodly’ by a member of the local clergy.

The accusations resurfaced this week, when statements, seemingly coming from Bishop Edwin J. Lightbourne of the House of Prayer Ministries were posted to Facebook.

Those statements surround the Bishop’s refusal of an invitation to attend the second annual National Prayer Breakfast on September 9, at 8am.

In the post, it is alleged that Lightbourne was responding to the Tourism Minister’s invitation when he allegedly wrote: “Thanks for the invitation to the Government's 2nd Annual Prayer Breakfast.

“However, I will not be attending this year. This Prayer Breakfast has become a formality and the government has no intention of repenting and serving the Lord, no intention of changing their ways, they also have no intention of helping our people, so in order not to embarrass them in this event I will not be attending.

“I will continue to pray for my Country's repentance, Deliverence and healing. I will not be a part of allowing the government to conveniently use the 'Church' as a political ploy and not be willing to adhere to its spiritual advice in their decision making.”

Shortly after the post caused a stir on social media, the Bishop responded to queries, posting to his personal Facebook profile that

he did not make the inflammatory post. However, he did not deny that he did not write the missive.

He wrote: “There is a lot of talk around town and on Facebook about my response to the government about me not attending the 2nd Annual National Prayer Breakfast.

“First of all, I did not post anything on Facebook, my email was returned to the sender at the Ministry of Tourism. I also sent a copy to the Pastors on the Christian Council’s WhatsApp chat on my iPhone. So, who put it on Facebook? I don’t know.

“I don’t do or say things for likes, I say what Yahweh put on

my heart and I stand by every word I said and make no apologies. I will further address this and why Yahweh would have me not to attend on my program on Wednesday at midday 12pm.”

During that live-streamed show, titled ‘Yahweh’s judgement on wicked governments, and he rejects them’, the Bishop doubled down on his position that the current administration is ‘wicked’.

He told his followers: “I am not attending that prayer breakfast, yes, because it’s a formality. This wicked government has no intention of changing their wicked ways.”

Lightbourne contends that the government has no intention of repenting or helping the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“This country has been lied to so many times, wicked government after wicked government, I have spoken before that Yahweh has

rejected the government, nobody didn’t believe me.

“They cuss me out stink, this was way back in 2007… called me all the no good this, all the no good that.

“I said God had rejected the Michael Misick government, it’s been weighed in the balance and found wanting. It shall be taken from him and given to another… and two years later he was kicked out of power… he rejected Yahweh and Yahweh rejected him and his government.”

Bishop Lightbourne added: “I told a portion of this speech to the now government, honourable Washington Misick on their thanksgiving service after they won the election 14 – 1.

“I stood on Bishop Coleta Williams pulpit, and I spoke to the Premier and I said don’t forget God, put him first, don’t forget the poor, don’t forget the elderly, don’t

forget the young people, help your people.”

Lightbourne recalled that he gave the government a history of the past five Premiers, and they rejected it all.

He listed from former Premiers Michael Misick all the way down to Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, stating that everyone of them was “kicked out of office”.

The Bishop’s main contention is that successive governments have put the church on the back burner, cutting it off, in what they proudly tout to be a ‘God-fearing country’.

He said two years into their administration, the people have a ‘bad taste’ in their mouth, even their own supporters.

“When the wicked are in authority, the people mourn, and that’s what’s happening, the people are mourning.”

The Bishop continued: “So the Lord told me, don’t go to that Prayer Breakfast because he ain’t gon be there.”

He said last year he attended the prayer breakfast and he prayed.

“But between then and now the most wickedness and corruption have gone forth from this government. If there is something they can do against the people, yeah this government will do it,” the clergyman accused.

He cited, without going into details, corrupt deals passed in Cabinet that have been detrimental to the people, which they are calling “missteps”.

The Bishop spent two hours speaking on the many ways the governments of the TCI have allowed foreign investors to rape and pillage the country, standing firm on his belief that it is the locally elected representatives who are chiefly to blame.

He said he would not allow the government to use the church as a ‘prop’.

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Body of female found at Blue Hills

A lifeless body of a female was found by police on Wednesday, August 30, in the vicinity of “Daco Yard” in Blue Hills, Providenciales.

According to a report from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), an anonymous caller tipped off the police via a call to the Police Control Room at 8:27 pm on Wednesday evening.

RTCIPF officials visited the scene and found the female, who was later pronounced dead by a medical doctor.

According to information from the RTCIPF, an investigation has been launched by the Serious Crime Unit, who is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the deceased female.

Initial inquiries suggested that the female arrived in the

Turks and Caicos Islands on an illegal migrant vessel on Tuesday 29th August 2023.

Up to press time, the cause of death was unexplained but police did indicate that “there are so far no suspicious circumstances”.

Anyone with information in connection to this investigation is encouraged to contact 911 or the RTCIPF Serious Crime Unit on 232-8752.

Bishop Edwin Lightbourne

A local for Top Cop, but must be ‘results driven’ pick

leader

BY DELANA ISLES

TOP COP: It’s a tough job, but someone has got to do it, and residents are hoping that the next someone will be a Turks and Caicos Islander.

Being Commissioner of Police of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force in current times is especially tough as the territory continues to grapple with unprecedented levels of crime, escalating occurrences of illegal migration and the lawless flouting of the laws of the country, just to name a few.

Trevor Botting served two terms as police commissioner, thanks chiefly to the confidence reposed in him by the former governor and the government. A job that saw him being raked across the coals by some for alleged inadequate performance.

However, last week’s announcement of the end of his tenure, come November 2023, drew little reaction from his critics.

Among those critics, is the opposition PDM, which has repeatedly called for his resignation for lack of results.

This week, the party came out in solidarity with residents, stating that they intend to back all local candidates for the police

commissioner role.

In a brief statement, the PDM said: “As the Commissioner of Police prepares to depart from our Turks and Caicos, the People’s Democratic Movement stands united with the people in endorsing all local candidates being considered for this vital position.

“We advocate for leaders rooted in our communities, possessing an innate understanding of our unique challenges. Home-grown candidates bring a commitment to our islands' safety and a nuanced approach to policing.

“By choosing a local Commissioner, we empower our people and our police force, instil

Royal Canadian Mounted Police assisting TCI with border security efforts

Officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are currently in the Turks and Caicos Islands assisting the territory with crucial border security efforts.

HE Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam met with members of the visiting police force on Friday, August 25, 2023, and thanked them for

their support.

According to a brief statement posted to the governor’s official Facebook page, the RCMP is working in collaborative partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands to support border security, immigration enforcement, and policing efforts.

national pride, and demonstrate trust in our abilities. We can put a person in the office who knows the streets of our country better than any expatriate. As we bid farewell to Commissioner Botting, the PDM rallies behind local leadership, ensuring a safer and stronger future for our nation.”

The governor’s office has announced that the application process will be opened soon.

Weekly News reached out to the PDM Leader, Honourable Edwin Astwood on Thursday for his take on the commissioner’s tenure, and his local pick to take up the Top Cop Spot.

“The PDM has been on record

for a number of months as it relates to the Commissioner of Police’s performance in this job, nothing personal, but related to the performance and his position.

“As with all positions, if the staff under you isn’t performing sometimes you have to look at the management, as it is with politics, if a government isn’t governing the country properly the people vote them out… sometimes changes have to be made…sometimes at the top or through policies and procedures.”

He said that despite resources and manpower for the police, the performance of the leadership of the force continued to be a problem.

Now that the leadership will be changing, the party leader said “yes, we support locals, but the locals have to be able to perform at that position. We don’t want someone to get the position because they are a local, they have to be a local and be able to perform and produce results”.

He said the PDM’s position is that it takes more than just the police to curb crime, the government has a role to play in terms of addressing societal issues that eventually lead to crime, and they have failed to do so.

Astwood said the buck stops with the government, but they are hiding from the work.

members

HE Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam with

of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Outgoing Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting

PDM Leader Edwin Astwood

BOTTING'S CONTRACT ENDS

Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting will end his term in November 2023, which will open up the need for a new head of the police force.

Botting was appointed as the Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force in July 2019, having previously served as the Deputy Commissioner from May 2017. The Governor, HE Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam in a statement on Thursday, August 24, said Botting has served the Turks and Caicos Islands with "dedicated care for the past six years".

She said: "As Commissioner of Police, he has led the force with professionalism, dealing with a changing policing landscape that has become ever more challenging and complex".

During his tenure, Commissioner Botting has also worked with partners across the criminal justice system, to implement wider safeguards for victims of crime.

What are your thoughts on his performance?

Refund needed

Turks and Caicos needs a refund of all monies paid to Trevor Botting!!! And definitely he should not receive a gratuity payment from our Turks & Caicos Treasury!!! His tenure in Turks & Caicos has been an abysmal FAILURE!!! Trevor Botting has not earned the accolades showered upon him by the new Governor, HE Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam.

HE Dileeni has not demonstrated sound judgement in the generosity of her accolades. We must now be concerned about the capacity of the governor to address the increasing criminal and ever-increasing border control infractions occurring in Turks and Caicos.

How many murders did Trevor Botting's police team solve? How many illegal sloops did his team interdict?

Why is it that Trevor Botting police force is without appropriate hazard duty insurance?

Why is it that Trevor Botting police force stays away from KNOWN trouble spots and only makes lukewarm and tepid traffic stops on the EXTREME periphery of the geography of known crime scenes?

Why is it that illegal drivers are permitted to make passenger pickups all along every roadway in Providenciales? The illegal passenger pickups is a public safety hazard as the drivers abruptly swerve into and out of traffic in highly unsuitable locations.

Why are there so many vehicles in Providenciales without the appropriate front and rear license plates affixed to them?

WHY? WHY? WHY?

Under the circumstance, the governor would have better served the public with a simple statement of: 'Trevor Botting will end his term with the Turks & Caicos Police Force in November of this year. We wish him well in his future endeavours.' Nothing more!!!

The Governor's ill-advised utterance has shaken public perception of the quality of her judgement even before her term has really begun.

Bring back Super-Lisa

Superintendent Lisa Mitcheson solved five murders in as many weeks when she arrived on the island.

Her success and efficiency caused her to be actively discriminated against and prevented from carrying out her work.

The will of the people

This untimely removal of the outgoing commissioner of police, is a triumph of the will of the people. It is a test of the will of the people to demand results and the refusal of the government to take note of the wishes of the people.

Mr Trevor Botting’s departure is close to

the new governor’s taking office and public outcries for His removal. In the face of rising crime, murders a spate of robberies, little was being solved under His watch.

There was a public outcry for His removal which was joined by the voice of the Official PDM Opposition and its leader, Edwin Astwood.

It was the people seeking to take control of their internal security situation and the need to have some say in the way their country is secured. As a constitutional issue, the Police is directly under the control of the Office of the Governor, which remained intransigent in the face of the calls for the Commissioner’s removal or resignation.

The Premier, C Washington Misick, publicly stated that he did not have any say or voice in the decision to remove the Commissioner despite the fact that this Premier occupied many roles of public influence. As Premier he had a duty to listen to the voice of the people and to carry their wishes to the governor, to Parliament and to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. With his Minister of Finance, he sits on the National Security Council which is vested with the function and responsibility of formulating defence and national security police, crime, and issues forming part of that body’s oversight.

The Premier could have and ought to have joined the people in this fight to improve the law-and-order situation in the TCI but he refused. This was a complete and deliberate abdication of responsibility on his part and his 14 MPs. Botting’s removal is a casualty of a greater issue and that being the lack of vision on the part of the elected government to form and shape an effective crime-fighting strategy. Her Excellency, the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, will enjoy an extended honeymoon in the TCI because it is clear that she smelt the “tea leaves” and acceded to the wishes of the people in having this commissioner removed. It is

time people have a say in how their country is run even if it is an area that falls under a governor and not a minister.

THE EXPERIMENT DID NOT WORK

During the interim Government regime of 2009-12, the Grace Bay Community is alleged to have exacted a compromise with UK Government that Ministers elected or otherwise would not return to full ministerial mode as existed between 1976 and 2009.

The further compromise was that they would get their own Commissioner of Police. Botting, His tenure and fall was just a symptom of a much wider issue. The compromise came in the form of persons from the UK and Canada. The idea was to weed out some “bad native apples” from the police force.

So instead of recruiting from the Bahamas or the Wider Caribbean, they went back to the Old Colonial way of doing business and found persons that the Grace Bay boys were most comfortable with.

This aberrant trend seemed lost on the Premier and His 14 MPs. While there have been some reforms to the way the police

Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting

force has been doing business, this old regressive way of running a colony’s security order did not work and crime continued unabated.

With ministers advising the National Security Council; the Commissioner by extension, we have seen little results. The process to weed out the locals continued but the crime and murders increased and are still going up.

Grace Bay benefited from the exercise because greater Police Personnel were then moved to those areas along with greater security resources. Yet it is and was the local TCI police who knew where the crime was and could “point out” with “pinpoint accuracy” where to find the culprits out there.

It took a contingent of 50 Bahamian Police Officers to have the bravery and gall to get into Dock yard Providenciales to go after where they were. The option on the return of the constitution in 2012 was to recruit locally, promote locally and to weed out the bad apples.

On the other hand, hiring UK and Canadian Police Commissioners would never have worked because they never knew the “lay of the land”.

The Premier and His ministers, knowing that in full, should have reminded the governor’s office of that fact but chose to defend an indefensible situation. They had so many opportunities over the last two years and a half to say something.

Enhance administrative efficiency

I have little exposure to the police. Officers on duty have been excellent. Administrative efficiency needs attention.

Representation was needed

There was a need for the elected Government, ie all 14 elected MPs to take a stand in the face of rising crime in the TCI. They needed to break ranks with the status quo and demand answers from the commissioner of police and previous governors. They refused to call for his removal when "little or nothing” was being done to arrest the crime situation in the TCI.

It will not do much to concentrate on Botting’s departure but more to focus on what went wrong and is still going wrong. With elected ministers controlling the budget they could have allocated more for law enforcement, weapons, personnel and yes for the areas of the TCI which were more crime ridden.

While at it they could have demanded answers. MPs had a duty to publicly debate and demand that sufficient funds for cameras and training which were critically needed. They should have liaised with CARICOM, the Bahamas in greater measure for tactics, hit squads and equipment. The same exercise that took place in Dock yard with 50 Bahamian Police Personnel was needed over the years and now into the future. A national Security crime fighting strategy was needed by the Ministers but of course they presented none and relied on the former commissioner to provide one.

It was the blind leading the blind. Ministers should have either presented a business case proposal on needed resources, they could have done so, as they controlled the purse strings of Government and or demanded a sensible business strategy for fighting crime. "Nothing" was done despite the many campaign promises about community Policy, restorative justice and the list of promises that were made in the election campaign but never really implemented. Botting’s departure is welcome and finding a replacement is the task ahead.

A dark period

It is easy to list Botting’s failures, there were many, but I’m sure that he did well and TCI would have benefitted from that.

Truth be told, the period of intense crime proved difficult for law enforcement officers, the criminals were playing by a different set of rules.

Although more could have been done, a lot was done and TCI is surviving because of it.

So, thank you Commissioner!

Illegal migrants on the loose – sloop docks at North West Point – Wheeland MP urges residents to be vigilant

BY OLIVIA ROSE

Almost 200 illegal migrants are believed to be on the run in Providenciales after the sloop they were traveling in sailed into shallow water evading marine forces’ efforts to capture it.

Maritime Operations personnel on board one of its maritime vessels contacted the 911 Police Control room around 10:10 pm on Tuesday, 29th August 2023, and reported that they were in pursuit of what appeared to be a large wooden illegal vessel (sloop) carrying an estimated 200 people, according to a statement from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

The vessel making its way to the general area of North West Point, Providenciales failed to comply with instructions given by the police and continued onward to shallow waters.

“The police vessel was unable to get any closer in such shallow water. The migrant vessel ran aground, and its passengers began jumping into the water and ran to the shore.

“It is believed the migrants landed somewhere between the Chrystal Bay and Malcolm Bay areas.

“Officers from the Maritime Operations immediately commenced rescue efforts in the surrounding waters, and one male and a small child were safely removed from the vessel, it is believed all the remaining migrants made it to land”, the police statement explained.

Although the time of the incident prohibited the responding agencies from conducting further searches, coordinated search efforts led by the RTCIPF and supported by other agencies, resumed on Wednesday, 30th August with various resources deployed at strategic areas in an effort to locate and detain as many irregular migrants as possible.

The Police said: “This remains an ongoing multi-agency operation, thus far, a number of illegal migrants, including children have been located and detained.”

The appearance of the boat has sparked concern among residents in the Wheeland community.

Commenting on the incident, Wheeland Member of Parliament Hon Kyle Knowles called on residents to not only be vigilant but to also report any unusual activities in the area.

“Over the past two days, I've

received a number of calls from concerned residents about the sloop landing in the Northwest Point area. I am working along with the government agencies, who are working day and night to intercept the sloops or apprehend those who make it on land.

“As your representative of Wheeland Constituency, please know that these are also my concerns.

“We should not have to live with the thought that we could be approached by people coming out of the woods on our way out of the community or while we are returning to the comforts of our home.”

He stressed that tackling illegal migration is “all of our concern as we work together for a safe community and country”.

“I will continue to get updates from the police and other authorities as they monitor the situation.

“I do request from you the residents, that if you see something or strange people in the neighbourhood please by all means contact 911 right away. Please feel free to give me a heads up after you have reached out to the authorities and I will follow up with the same”, he added.

Images of the illegal sloop were captured from a cellphone video

Private Sector chided for lack of support to financial services sector

BY OLIVIA ROSE

The Private Sector in the TCI has been lambasted by the Minister of Finance, Industry, and Trade Hon Erwin Jay Saunders for taking a lacklustre approach to collaborating with the government to help grow the financial service sector.

There is a burning desire within Turks and Caicos Islands to grow the nation’s financial services sector, the territory’s second-largest industry after tourism which has been touted as a potential “game changer” for the territory.

The TCI with its uber-low tax rates, pristine beaches, good weather, and tourism destination accolades are just a few of the reasons why the government is pushing for the territory to become the financial services hub of the Caribbean. It is also calling on businesses in the financial sector to invest in promoting the territory as there is significant untapped potential for further development.

Addressing an audience made up of members of the government, the private sector, business students, and members of civil society at the Financial Services Commission Annual Industry meeting, on Friday, August 25, 2023 at the Shore Club, Minister Saunders explained that the government has established TCI Finance Limited, a quasi-government agency to market and manage the industry

alongside the private sector.

However, Saunders revealed that the private sector has yet to hold up its end of the bargain as it relates to funding the agency.

He said: “So we've got a new agency around we have a board and that's been set up for a while, we have our CEO of corporate operate here today… they kept on coming back to me and saying that they needed more money.

“I would always go to Cabinet and try to extract this money from Cabinet and every time I go to Cabinet I would say the private sector is going to contribute a bit and so we got to the point where I felt that the ratio of 75% to 25% where the government contributes 75% of the budget and the private sector contributing 25% of the budget was fair, probably less than fair, but we were taking the brunt of it.

“I asked them to speak with the private sector, about it and it came back that the private sector took the approach that the usual private sector will take when the government comes and asks them for things, they didn't throw up in their wallets they wanted to take a wait-and-see approach.”

He stressed that the wait-andsee approach is not auguring well as it relates to marketing the sector which he described as having “enormous potential” to catapult the territory’s economy to new heights.

“So while I've got the private sector in the room I want David Stewart, to go back to them with a little bit more urgency and forcefulness and tell them that we're expecting for them to contribute the 25% because we were putting a lot of money behind the industry, marking the industry.

“I'm very disappointed that the private sector has taken the position that they want to stay on the sidelines and take a wait-andsee approach’, he added.

Saunders who is also the territory’s Deputy Premier emphasised that his government will be “pushing” the private sector to come off the sidelines and become an active player alongside the government, as it works to transform the Financial Services Industry.

He further explained that David Stewart, President of the Financial Services Working Group in the TCI, is acting as a liaison between TCI Finance Limited and the private sector.

He continued: “But I want you to know that when David comes he will start exaggerating the point that we expect the private sector to help out the industry and the government.

“I think this is maybe the only jurisdiction where the private sector particularly the financial services sector, prefers to take a wait-and-see approach while the government leads from the front.

“So I don't expect the private sector to lead from behind, I expect for us to be partners in this journey towards growing the financial services sector”, he added.

ENORMOUS POTENTIAL

In keeping with the government’s plans to diversify the Turks and Caicos Islands economy, officials are working to position the Financial Services Sector as a targeted growth industry, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the territory's vulnerabilities and overreliance on tourism.

Saunders said: “The TCI is world-renowned for its beauty, culture, and the warmth of our people.”

Against this backdrop, he said the government is aiming for the TCI to be world-renowned as a best-in-class, highly respected jurisdiction in the financial services sector.

“Now, I have been accused of being an eternal optimist, actually on more than one occasion, and while this may be true, I am confident that it is not optimism, but the fact that our financial services sector holds immense potential.”

However, to realise this potential, he pointed out that it must be recognised, that digitisation, international regulations, transparency, and the demand for sustainable finance solutions have

altered the Financial Services Industry landscape.

“As the government, as the policymakers, we have to ask ourselves the question…how can we enable a modern, robust and respected financial sector and not one that is static, but one that's dynamic, with the agility, the discipline, and the commitment to not just become best in class, but to stay best in class.

“We have first to adopt modern legislation and regulations, and our government is committed to regularly updating our regulatory framework to align with international best practices, and by doing so, we will ensure that our financial services sector is reliable, transparent and able to withstand global shocks.

“Second, we’re committed to building a robust digital infrastructure, and in an era of digital currencies, they talk about digital currencies, the most popular one being Bitcoin online banking and AI-driven financial solutions.” He argued that a modern financial services sector is unimaginable without robust digital infrastructure.

“The government is investing in world-class technologies, we're committed and we've already started, this is not just a vision we've already started the work to build a state-of-the-art domestic fibre optic cable linking Provo to North and Middle Caicos.”

Minister of Finance, Industry and Trade Hon Erwin Jay Saunders

Saunders addressed an audience made up of members of the government, the private sector, business students, and members of civil society at the Financial Services Commission Annual Industry meeting, on Friday, August 25, 2023, held at the Shore Club

TCI insurance companies urged to diversify reinsurers to spread risk

BY OLIVIA ROSE

As climate change continues to pose material risks to society and economies around the world, insurance companies in the TCI are being urged to diversify their reinsurers to spread the risk.

This call was made by chair of the Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission (FSC) Dr David Oakden at the FSC’s Annual Industry meeting held at the Shore Club Hotel on Providenciales, on the 25th of August 2023.

The well-attended seminar brought together a panel of international experts, members of the private sector, and government officials to engage in discussions on positioning the TCI to respond adequately and appropriately to and leverage the dynamic changes taking place in the financial services sector locally and internationally.

The event was held under the theme “Navigating Change”.

As the consequences of climate change are becoming more and more apparent, particularly in physical risk exposures in terms of increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, or wildfires, the insurability and pricing of climate-related risks are becoming increasingly critical concerns for insurers, regulators and policymakers.

Against the backdrop of climate change, FinTech, cryptocurrency, and other challenges facing the financial sector in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the rest of the world, Dr Oakden stressed that it is prudent for insurance companies in the TCI to take these challenges into greater consideration.

He said: “Climate change is much more than higher temperatures, it means that we will have more severe hurricanes than we used to have.

“It means we'll have more flooding, it means we'll have more

wildfires and I could go on, many more extreme events.

“And what these events have in common is that funding for these extreme events ends up in the hands of global international reinsurers through reinsurance of the domestic insurance companies.”

In this vein, he pointed out that the Turks and Caicos having a high dependence on these international reinsurers will undoubtedly feel the shocks of these global events.

He said: “If you live in Turks and Caicos and own property, and you have property insurance, most of the premium you're paying is not going to the local insurance company, although some of it is, but most of it is going off to the large global reinsurers.”

Dr Oakden stressed that as a result of climate change, large global reinsurers will face higher losses, and more volatility which will undoubtedly impact countries

like the TCI.

He said: “These higher losses are going to result in higher premiums and I hate to say it, but forest fires in Greece could well result in higher premiums for property in Turks and Caicos.

“But it gets a little worse than that and I think from a regulatory perspective, when insurance companies are facing higher costs for reinsurance, they tend to reduce the amount of reinsurance that

they're buying.

“Sort of exposing them to increased risks, which makes the job of the regulator much more difficult.

“But also the increased volatility of these losses, and some of them can be huge, I think would put additional risk on the large international reinsurers.

“So in addition to reinsuring the risks, I think the local companies must take greater care

in diversifying the number of reinsurers that they use so that the risk is spread around and not be as dependent.

“As regulators, I think we will have to encourage this process, should also add that if worst comes to worst and some of these claims cannot be paid.”

He stressed that the impact goes far beyond just the insurance sector, as banks holding mortgages will also be impacted.

Also echoing similar sentiments, Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick during his remarks at the seminar explained that; “It is very difficult, and almost near impossible to get insurance on the property in some parts of these Turks and Caicos Islands, either because it's just not available, or because it's just too prohibitive.

He stressed that due to this, “the risk of government having to foot the bill after disasters is increasing rapidly as a result of climate change”.

Reinsurance occurs when multiple insurance companies share risk by purchasing insurance policies from other insurers to limit their own total loss in case of disaster.

By spreading risk, an insurance company takes on clients whose coverage would be too great of a burden for the single insurance company to handle alone.

Premiums paid by the insured are typically shared by all of the insurance companies involved.

Department of Motor Vehicles moves to Town Centre Mall

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Providenciales Office has moved to a more accessible and convenient location.

That new location is the Town Centre Mall, located in Downtown Providenciales.

As a consequence of the move, all DMV operations at the Government Complex on Airport Road ceased on Friday, September 1, during the transition.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this necessary move may cause. However, we firmly believe that this relocation

will ultimately enhance our services and better cater to the needs of our valued customers,” a government statement read.

All DMV operations at the new location in Town Centre Mall, Downtown Providenciales, will commence on Monday, September 4.

The government said this relocation is a step towards providing a more efficient and customer-centric experience for all visitors.

“We understand the importance of a smooth transition and are committed to ensuring that this process is as

seamless as possible. Our team will be available to assist you with any inquiries or concerns during this transition. Please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated customer service representatives on (649) 338 502.

“We appreciate your understanding and patience during this relocation. We look forward to welcoming you to our new location and serving you with the same level of professionalism and dedication that you have come to expect from the DMV,” the statement concluded.

Chair of the TCI FSC Dr David Oakden

Premier Hon Washington Misick

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

Seek financial advice no matter your financial condition

Private irony: Politics, sexuality and the struggle for public decency

Some of us have a lot of money, some of us have very little money and some of us do not have any money at all. However, despite your status, I encourage you to get financial advice.

You can have a lot of money today and sooner or later you can be without money because you did not manage it properly. You can have very little money, but you can still be better off than some that have money. Some of you may not have any money or any other assets but you can still move to a position of having money and other assets.

The thing is too many of us do not get advice and due to that we end up with very little. However, you can do better if you get financial advice from the right people.

There are a lot of rich quick schemes, and it can be very tempting for you to be persuaded to invest in these schemes. Be very careful when something sounds too good to be true. Seek advice from a professional financial planner.

When you speak to a professional, the first thing you will need to do is to determine your

BY DREXWELL SEYMOUR

financial condition. An asset is what you own such as a car, land or house. A liability is what you owe such as a mortgage or credit card. Based on your condition, you can develop a plan with your professional advisor on how you want to move forward.

When you document your assets, you may be very surprised at how much you have. The same applies to your liabilities. If your liabilities exceed your assets, you are in a bankrupt position. However, you do not have to panic as you can perhaps sell some of your assets. Alternatively, you can increase your income either by getting a second job or starting a business.

Any residual income can be used to pay off some of your liabilities. You can get all the advice in the world, but if you do not follow the advice, it will not improve your condition. This requires a lot of discipline and control. To control yourself, you need to focus on your needs and not your wants. Each time you are about to do something, ask yourself, do you really need it? Can you do without it? Another way to control and discipline yourself is to have a budget and stick to it. Also, do not compare yourself to others otherwise you will lose control and get things just to be like others. Finally, put your money aside on what you budget

and once it is done, it is done and don’t spend what you do not have.

As you prepare a financial plan, consider investing in real estate and then develop it into an investment property whether short-term or long-term. Consider establishing a business, especially in tourism. One thing some tourists complain about is the lack of nightlife and entertainment.

Also, consider an aggressive savings plan. Don’t say you cannot save. Try and you will see you can. Open a separate bank account and

put funds there and do not get the card or have access to that bank account.

It is important for all of us to know our financial condition and where we want to be. Too many of us are not thinking about the long term. Too many of us are focusing on brands and status and some of us are spending most of our funds on clothes and shoes that we wear once. Be very careful about how you manage your funds. There are people who can guide you and assist you so seek financial advice.

Is the TCI prepared for the social and economic implications of heat waves?

Heat waves are ripping through Europe, the US and Asia, and potentially sparking deadly intense wildfires, which are threatening livelihoods and ecosystems. And though we do not cohere to official temperatures in the Caribbean, we too are certainly at risk and are feeling the daily footprint.

The meteorological office, UK defined ‘heat wave’ as incessant, exceptionally high temperatures, with a threshold exceeding three consecutive days – embellishing longer and more frequent torrid heat, which can vary across geography.

This year, wildfires have displaced humans, ravaged ecological communities and incapacitated tourists’ activities on Corfu and Rhodes – two Greek islands, and most recently, on Maui Island in Hawaii, leaving devastations worth millions of dollars.

While investigators are yet to ascertain the root of these fires in Greece and Maui, it is important

BY D MARKIE

to note that intense heat is a cogent agent for wildfires.

So, what is causing these extreme temperatures? A phenomenon called “El Nino” –of an oscillation and anomalous warming in the Pacific Ocean surrounding the equator – is driving extreme conditions and depositing a considerable amount of heat in the atmosphere.

According to climate reports, this atypical warming of the ocean interchanged with a cold phase every two to seven years. The cold phase, or “La Nina,” generates opposite effects to “El Nino” and

this year this climate pattern has reappeared for the first time in four years, with intense heat wave, powerful storms and prolonged hot seasons.

Subsequently, July this year recorded the highest days ever, with soaring temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration which is keenly monitoring global temperatures, discovered that even Antarctica, in winter, recorded unusually high temperatures.

So, how is the TCI impacted? Extremely high temperatures can

ignite dry woods and dead leaves. Not only can these fires displace humans and other living organisms from their habitats, but destroy food production including crops and marine lives.

More so, rising water temperatures can result in “coral bleaching” – stressing coral polyps and causing them to lose algae, which gives the coral their colour and; henceforth, could paralyse TCI’s tourism sector.

Not withholding, severe temperatures sparking wildfires can destroy historical landmarks, like the recent burning of Athens's ancient acropolis.

And we cannot escape the economic impact! Sweltering temperatures will spawn a surge in energy demands and precipitate a dramatic increase in energy bills, as more people – both households and companies – now depend more on air conditioning units to cool their environments.

Those who cannot afford

higher energy bills are at risk of succumbing to heat strokes, especially, the elderly and considering TCI’s negligible water availability it presents a grave health risk to outdoor workers.

But how do we mitigate these devastating effects? While the TCI cannot afford large air tankers to extinguish fires from the air, policymakers can invest in a domestic fire department to fully service the public, along with strategically locating water hydrants to deal with extreme temperatures.

As the planet continues to warm, unbearable heat waves, like the ones bearing down recently across the globe, will occur more frequently, with severe effects, and we should expect more red alerts in the future.

However, it is only by recognising the innate risks of this phenomenon and confronting its complexities that we can pursue serious actions to mitigate the effects.

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.

SPRING

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

Finding prosperity and purpose: lessons from Psalm 1

Every so often a magazine does a list of the “Top 30 Billionaires

Under 40” “The 100 Most Influential Persons in America” or “50 People You Would Not Over for Dinner”. Ok, I made up the last one. But I sometimes wonder what a list of the wisest persons would look like. Imagine it with me, “Top 100 Wisest Persons Alive Today”. Here is the thing though, that would be a hard list to populate, and the other thing is you can be on that list.

Everywhere you turn people are looking for prosperity and purpose. In Psalm 1 there are timeless insights for guiding us on a path toward fulfilment and success. Let's explore the main themes of Psalm 1 and discover how its lessons can enrich our lives.

THE WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE PERIL OF THE WICKED:

The opening lines of Psalm 1 immediately set the stage by presenting a stark contrast between the two ways of life. Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight

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.

is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. The psalmist paints a vivid picture of the righteous individual who avoids the counsel of the wicked, the path of sinners, and the company of scoffers. Instead, they find their delight in the law of the Lord, meditating upon it day and night. This distinction underscores the importance of the company we keep and the values we embrace.

NURTURED LIKE A TREE BY STREAMS OF WATER:

This part of the Psalm - He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. beautifully compares the righteous person to a tree planted by streams of water - vividly portrays

stability, nourishment, and fruitful abundance. In a world filled with uncertainties and distractions, the righteous individual stands firm, continually drawing from the lifegiving source of God's wisdom. They bear fruit in due season, demonstrating that a life rooted in spiritual nourishment brings forth genuine prosperity.

THE FLEETING NATURE OF WICKEDNESS:

Conversely, the psalmist describes the wicked as being like chaff that the wind drives away when it says - The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Chaff is the undesirable husk separated from grain during threshing, representing emptiness and transience. This image conveys the idea that a life devoid

of righteousness lacks substance and purpose. It reminds us that the pursuit of wickedness, driven by fleeting desires, ultimately leads to a hollow existence. Do these things.

Choose Your Company

Wisely: Psalm 1 underscores the significance of our social circles and influences. Surrounding ourselves with positive, godly counsel helps us navigate life's complexities. Make a conscious effort to engage with individuals who inspire and

encourage righteousness.

Prioritize Spiritual Nourishment: Just as a tree requires water to thrive, our souls need spiritual nourishment. Delight in God's Word and meditate upon it regularly. Whether through prayer, reading, or reflection, make time for spiritual growth. It is this deep connection with divine wisdom that will sustain you through life's challenges.

Embrace the Path of Righteousness: The psalmist assures us that those who choose the path of righteousness will prosper. True prosperity extends beyond material wealth and encompasses a life of purpose, fulfilment, and lasting impact. As you journey through life, make choices aligned with righteousness, seeking to be a source of nourishment and inspiration to others. You Are Loved.

Your life in number

Before you throw out another vaguely “tomorrow”, as if it is a certainty, just remember that there are only so many “tomorrows” in one's life. With an average life expectancy of 79 years old, you have only 28,835 days alive. This is sad but very true.

In the midst of a chat, the topic of average life expectancy surfaced, and shortly after, we couldn’t help trying to break down what exactly you get out of 79 years. Between sleep, work, sex, and social media, how much of these 79 years, do you truly enjoy?

This is how you spend it.

IN BED:

Throughout our lives, we spend an enormous 26 years sleeping. Surprisingly, we also spent 7 years trying to sleep. That is 33 years or

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

12,045 days spent in bed.

AT WORK:

Whether it is your daily grind or that dream career, our jobs take up a lot of our time: to be exact, 13 years and 2 months on average or 4,821 days

SCREEN: After all that hard work, we ought to catch up on social media and settle down to our favourite

shows: What does this add up to? 11 years and four months or 4,127 days in total. TV equates to eight years and four months and social media a shocking three years total.

EATING:

Arguably one of life’s greatest pleasures. We love eating so much that we spend almost four and a half years doing it. What are some other life’s greatest pleasures? This may well be the

topic for next week.

HOLIDAYS:

Three years, one month and three weeks

It’s time to pack up and jet off to your favourite holiday destination. Whilst some of these numbers need to go down, this definitely needs to go up. 1146 days of vacation is just not cutting it.

ROMANCE:

One year and 30 days

Romance is not dead, it's just slow, 395 days is shockingly low? Anyone else think this?

SCHOOL:

We often remember school as a huge part of our upbringing but we spend around only 334 days total in primary and secondary. Do the math.

THE REST:

After all the essentials, like working, eating and being entertained, we are left with all of the rest.

HERE ARE THESE EXTRAS:

• 235 days queuing

• 115 days laughing

• 136 days getting ready (women)

• 46 days getting ready (men)

• 2,997 days for commuting, cleaning, telling stories, running races, reading and everything in between.

Sleep well and live well. These findings are from Tony, published in the Daily Infographic on the 23rd of Jan 2023.

What are your thoughts? Do share on lousedens@gmail.com?

Brilliance on display at FortisTCI’s annual youth energy roundtable

‘Youth as Change Agents’ was the theme of FortisTCI recently concluded third annual energy roundtable, showcasing the brilliance and critical thinking skills of seven college and university students from the TCI.

The panellists, who are enrolled in the utility company's Student Summer Employment Program (SSEP), presented well-researched findings, eloquently articulating on topics related to the energy transition.

Hosted on August 17 at the utility’s headquarters, the event marked another milestone in FortisTCI's commitment to empowering the youth to participate in discussions about the future of energy and championing innovative thinking within the energy sector.

In the first segment of the programme, student panellists Evadne Gardiner, Abi-Gaye Miller, Giovanni Astwood, and Jonathan Robinson led the conversation on 'The Energy Workforce of the Future,' with insightful support from FortisTCI energy experts.

The company's Senior Vice President of Operations, Devon Cox; Director of People and Culture, Environment, Health, and Safety, Marcus Francis; Vice President of Finance, Corporate Services and CFO, Aisha Laporte; and Manager of Learning and Development, Robyn Forbes served on the panel discussions.

The topics focused on 'Futureproof skills for the Energy Sector' and also highlighted the importance of generational diversity within the industry.

The second segment featured panellists Danyielle Worgs, Avri Forbes, and Saphina Blaise, whose contributions delved into

sustainable solutions to modernise the grid,' with a particular focus on 'Battery Energy Storage Technology,' and 'The Role of Youth in a Just Energy Transition'.

The students shared the stage with FortisTCI Vice President of Innovation, Technology, and Strategic Planning, Rachell Roullet; Manager of Engineering and Substation Operations Maintenance, Hortnel Johnson; Director of Legal Services, Compliance and Assistant Company Secretary, Alexandria Missick and Director of Energy Production, Alvejes Desir.

Her Excellency, Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Deputy Premier Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders, and Minister of Public Utilities Hon. Otis Morris attended the event.

Commenting on the students' performance at the event, Hon. Morris stated: "The future of

FortisTCI Vice President of Finance & CFO Aisha Laporte; SSEP panellists Jonathan Robinson, Giovanni Astwood and FortisTCI Manager of Learning and Development Robyn Forbes.

FortisTCI Director of People, Marcus Francis; SSEP panellists Abi-Gaye Miller, Evadne Gardiner; FortisTCI Senior Vice President of Operations, Devon Cox and People and Culture Coordinator, Levenia Bishop.

MP Hon Randy Howell; FortisTCI CEO Ruth Forbes and husband Keno Forbes; Minister Hon Otis Morris; Deputy Premier Hon E. Jay Saunders, and HE, Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam

FortisTCI Director of Energy Production Alvejes Desir; SSEP panellist Saphina Blaise; FortisTCI Director of Legal Services Alexandria Missick and FortisTCI Senior Human Resource Officer Wisland Toussaint

Turks and Caicos is surely bright. It is refreshing to see so many young students showcasing their talent and capability to be part of the energy conversation. These students are indeed change agents, and we look forward to the change they will bring about for the sustainable energy future of the TCI for generations to come."

The minister also commended FortisTCI for investing in the country's youth and providing them with opportunities through the FortisTCI SSEP program and the roundtable event.

FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes reinforced the purpose of the event, which was developed in 2021 as a capstone project to enhance the company's summer employment program and get students involved in discussions about the future of energy in the TCI.

During her remarks, she stated: "We believe in the value these young people bring to the table. We know they are keen to make meaningful contributions, with the right opportunities. We believe in their capacity to challenge the status quo, speak up, and stand out when it matters. We believe in their power to effect change. We believe that the time is always right to do right by our youth and give them the opportunities to shine. That is what the roundtable is about."

The third annual Youth Energy Roundtable builds upon the success of previous years and reaffirms FortisTCI's reputation as a leader in nurturing innovation, empowerment, and collaboration with the youth.

Follow biblical advice for TCI’s census

Dear Editor,

The Holy Bible in Psalm 23 states, ‘The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.’ If one takes the time to read through this noted book one will see that the Lord clearly states that He is a shepherd to His people, and this concept is found in both Old and New Testament. John 10v11 says ‘I am the good shepherd, the Good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep; and John 10v14 says, ‘I know my sheep and my sheep know me.’ These words would lead me to believe that presently here on Earth there is a group of people who believe that the Lord is their shepherd, and they belong to the Lord, who has laid down His life for them. For the record, I have heard this very concept preached when attending churches in the Turks and Caicos Islands, so I believe I am correct in

this area.

Now in the Old Testament, the scriptures clearly state that the Lord is Israel’s shepherd. Psalm 80v1 states, ‘Hear us Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock’; and again in Jeremiah 31v10, ‘He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him as a Shepherd doth his flock.’ It would appear to me that God views His sheep as His; both Israel and those who believe in Him; furthermore in my studies of scripture He does say He is a jealous God; in the first of the 10 Commandments it is written, ‘for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God.'

Now suppose you, my reader, had a flock of sheep that you were a shepherd to, and you noticed that a group of people snuck into your sheep pen, and they were counting your sheep and numbering them

and taking all type details on them without your permission or even acknowledging they were your sheep, would you get concerned and take action, or not?

In Exodus 30v12 the Holy Scriptures read, ‘when you take a census of the Israelites to count them, each one must pay the Lord a ransom for his life at the time he is counted. Then no plague will come on them when you number them.’ It would seem to me that if a group of people are going to count and number God’s sheep, they need to acknowledge that these sheep belong to God and to do so a ransom must be paid to Him so as to not arouse His jealousy, failure to follow this advice could result in God allowing a plague to break loose.

Now back in May of 2018, we know President Trump moved

the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, the city of the Great King. Then in January 2019 President Trump opened 200 census offices across his nation to set up to count the people in his nation for 2020. I am not sure if President Trump heeded this biblical advice given by Moses and made sure to pay a 1/5 oz of silver to God for each of God’s people who he counted. I wrote President Trump and his noted pastor Paula White on this but they never got back to me, but it appears to me that maybe President Trump and his advisors forgot to pay God the ransom for counting His people as it would seem to me that a plague broke out in early 2020 that according to Wikipedia killed over 1,000,000 souls in Mr Trumps nation the USA; this plague caused all sort of excitement, even affecting us in the

TCI, am I not correct?

The reason I write your fine paper is that it appears that our nation the TCI is currently conducting a census, as I was visited at my house about this very matter. I did ask the census official if we in the Turks and Caicos are heeding this biblical advice and taking any action to pay God for the right to count His people who reside in these beautiful Islands. She said that she was not sure if this biblical advice was being followed with the TCI census, so I have brought it to the attention of our nation's many pastors and would hope that they would comment on this matter.

May Almighty God bless the Turks and

Islands and not allow any plague to break loose down here.

John D Wildish

Caicos

FortisTCI Vice President of Innovation, Rachell Roullet; FortisTCI Vice President of Finance & CFO, Aisha Laporte; SSEP panellists Jonathan Robinson, Giovanni Astwood, Evadne Gardiner, Saphina Blaise; FortisTCI President and CEO, Ruth Forbes; Minister Hon. Otis Morris, SSEP panellists Abi-Gaye Miller, Avri Forbes, Danyielle Worgs, and FortisTCI Senior Vice President of Operations, Devon Cox (FortisTCI photos)

FortisTCI Vice President of Innovation Rachell Roullet; SSEP panellists Danyielle Worgs, Avri Forbes; FortisTCI Manager of Engineering & Operations Hortnel Johnson, and Moderator Romello Williams

Murder investigation underway – Man shot in Kew Town succumbs to injuries

A murder investigation is underway following a recent shooting incident in Kew Town which resulted in the death of 43-year-old Jevanio Williams.

On Wednesday 23, August 2023, Jevanio Williams and his wife, 46-year-old Ayesha Clarke received multiple gunshot wounds during a shooting in the vicinity of Sam Wilson’s yard, off Walter Cox Drive Kew Town around 8:10 pm.

Police Units and other first responders were immediately dispatched to the scene and at the Cheshire Hall

Medical Centre to, conduct preliminary investigations.

Both victims were taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where they received emergency medical care.

Subsequently, the couple was later airlifted overseas for specialised medical treatment according to the Police

“Despite all efforts, one of the victims, 43-year-old Jevanio Williams succumbed to his injuries on Friday 25th August whilst receiving medical treatment overseas.

“His wife, 46-yearold Ayesha Clarke, is still receiving medical treatment

but is in stable condition.

“This is an active murder investigation and detectives of the Serious Crime Unit are pursuing all leads and gathering evidence to identify and apprehend those responsible for this senseless act of violence”, the police stated.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is also appealing to anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information that could assist this investigation to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and submit information anonymously.

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Murder investigation underway

(RTCIPF file photo)

Avid interest in contesting for PDM at 2025 election – Astwood says he is happy with the response

BY DELANA ISLES

Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Hon Edwin Astwood has stated his intention to contest the 2025 general election as leader of the party, should the voters approve his candidacy.

Speaking with the Weekly News this week, Astwood said he is pleased with the enthusiasm being shown by residents desirous of contesting under the PDM’s umbrella.

Recently the party welcomed applications from residents who

wish to throw their hat in the ring to represent the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As of Thursday, August 31, when this publication spoke with him, the party leader said many people have applied, and while he does not yet have a total number of prospective candidates, he is happy with the response.

“The PDM, we are happy at the interest being shown in our candidacy application process and we welcome applications from all kinds of people,” Astwood said.

Last week, veteran politician and former PDM Deputy Premier,

Hon. Sean Astwood had publicly thrown his hat back in the ring, this time as an All Island Candidate.

Two years ago, Astwood retreated from frontline politics, but as he stated last week he is ready to roll up his sleeves and get back to work on the frontlines.

“I am excited and eager to face the challenges ahead and help revolutionise the way our country is managed. I am prepared to roll up my sleeves and get to work with the next PDM administration, under the Leadership of Hon. Edwin Astwood. I would be honoured to have the opportunity to serve you once again,” the former Deputy Premier said.

Asked how he felt about Astwood’s return, the party leader said: “We are happy to see that a person of such knowledge and wealth of political experience is showing interest in the process.”

He said when it is all said and done, the people of the party will decide who they want as their candidates, as such prospective candidates should focus on “winning the people” after this process is complete.

“We look forward to all persons, past, present and future to apply, but the people will inform us who they want to run.

“Personally, Hon Sean Astwood has ran for a number of years in politics, the country knows him, the country knows what his ability is, and the people will decide if they want those abilities to take forward as part of the next government, which I strongly believe the PDM will make.”

Meanwhile, the party leader said applications for candidacy are coming in from all around the country, from all communities showing great interests.

Asked if he intends to contest as leader of the party, Astwood stated: “Yes, I intend to run as Leader of the PDM in the next general election, however, all positions are open and persons are able to contest for all positions including Leader, Deputy Leader, National Chairman, etcetera.”

Astwood said that to date there has not been any direct challenges to the position of Leader of the PDM.

Hon Edwin Astwood photo

Premier talks common interests with Bahama’s Deputy Prime Minister

Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick on Wednesday met with the Bahamas’ Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Isaac Chester Cooper during his visit to the territory to attend the annual ASTA Caribbean Showcase.

Hon. Cooper, who is also the Bahamas’s Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation, was joined in that meeting by his Parliamentary

Secretary for Tourism, Investments, and Aviation, Hon. John H.W. Pinder III.

The office of the Premier reported that the two delegations spoke on areas of common interest between the two countries, including the economy, tourism, security, and climate.

After their meeting, Deputy

Haitian community learns of ISU’s plans to mitigate informal settlements

The Informal Settlement Unit is making every effort to educate residents in the TCI on its plans to mitigate the proliferation of informal settlement activity in the Islands.

To this end, Justice Carlos Simons, the Strategic Lead of the Turks and Caicos Islands Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), along with Dominique Durham, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development recently appeared on Example of Christ, Radio Creole 95.1 FM, with host Pastor Salomon Morency, on August 22nd, to explain the

principal aim of the ISU to the creole-speaking community.

Through a translator, Justice Simons and Mr Durham discussed the organisation's plans to mitigate the creation of informal settlements and the organisation's goal to build safer, more sustainable communities in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“The ISU team is excited to continue its collaboration with host Pastor Salomon Morency to keep everyone informed of the organisation’s progress.

“The team is scheduled to return to Radio Creole to host a Q&A session for the Creole community,

Prime Minister Cooper presented the Premier and Tourism Minister Hon. Josephine Connolly with unique commemorative books that marked the momentous 50th Independence of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

Deputy Premier, the Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders, and Hon. Connolly, joined the Premier.

The Bahamian officials were

on Island attending the second annual Caribbean Showcase of the American Society for Travel Advisors (ASTA).

That event hosted more than 250 advisors at Beaches Turks & Caicos this past week.

Tourism ministers from seven different countries – TCI, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada,

Curacao, the Bahamas and St. Lucia – attended the trade event, and Jamaica’s tourism minister gave remarks via a pre-recorded video. Each leader spoke to a full conference room about their home destination and why both travel advisors and Sandals play such a large role in their tourism-driven economies.

Tourism Minister Hon Josephine Connolly; Bahamian Deputy Prime Minister Hon I. Chester Cooper; Premier Hon C. Washington Misick; Bahamas Parliamentary Representative Hon John H.W. Pinder and Deputy Premier Hon E. Jay Saunders (TCIG photo)

Justice Carlos Simons, the Strategic Lead of the Turks and Caicos Islands Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), along with Dominique Durham, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development

where listeners will have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers from the members of the unit”, the agency said in a brief

statement. The ISU is a government organisation tasked with finding solutions to the growing challenges

arising from informal settlements or shanty towns which are mostly populated by members of the Haitian community living in the TCI.

Kiajè Williams is the new Junior Minister of Tourism

Kiajé Williams of Clement Howell High School has been conferred with the title of Junior Minister of Tourism.

On Monday, August 28, Hon Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism bestowed the honour during a ceremony at the Ministry of Tourism in Providenciales.

Williams's selection was based on his team winning the National Tourism Debate Competition, a national inter-school debate.

His team placed second in the Regional Tourism Debate Competition finals in July. That competition acted as a qualifier for participation in the upcoming

Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Youth Congress in October.

Hon Connolly said: "We honour an exceptional youth and thank his support team. It was a pleasure to have conferred the title of Junior Minister of Tourism for the 2023/2024 year upon Mr. Kiajé Williams. The Tourism Youth Congress truly is a platform for bright minds. We wish him well as he represents the Turks and Caicos Islands."

The local Junior Minister of Tourism competition is coordinated by the Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, alongside key partners such as the

Inmates graduate from anger management programme

Nine inmates at Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk last week graduated from an anger management programme offered by the Department of Behavioural Health Services.

A simple graduation ceremony was hosted for the graduates on August 17, at 11 am at the prison.

The anger management programme, which began in 2007, has seen over 150 inmates graduating from the programme to date. Each year, two cycles are conducted to train inmates in how to resolve conflicts and control their anger.

The programme is facilitated by Stanley Been, Substance Abuse Counsellor within the Department of Behavioural Health Services.

Remarks were received from Assistant Prison Superintendent Meshelle Jennings, who congratulated the young men and encouraged them to utilise the tools they learned when dealing with situations that may provoke their anger.

Also bringing remarks was Dr. Alicia Malcolm, Director of the Department of Behavioural Health Services who commended the participants for their consistency and determination in completing the course.

The programme continues to represent the collaborative work that is being done to aid in the rehabilitation of prisoners within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Turks and Caicos Islands Hotel and Tourism Association, the Ministry of Education, the Department of Youth, and the local branch of Toastmasters International.

Minister Connolly thanked the past Junior Minister of Tourism, Chelsea Been of Helena Jones Robinson High School for her tenure.

Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, endorsed the sentiments of Hon Connolly and reiterated support for such collaboration that seeks capacity building. She also thanked the principal and staff of Clement Howell for their commitment.

The Regional Tourism Youth Congress was first launched in 2002 and has moulded many young people, with some later becoming hotel managers and parliamentarians, among others.

Junior Tourism Minister Williams will represent the Turks and Caicos Islands at the upcoming CTO Youth Congress, set to take place in Providenciales on October 13, during the Caribbean Tourism Organization's State of the Industry Conference.

Stacy Cox, CEO of the TCHTA congratulated the young man on his well-deserved confirmation.

She said: “This appointment

reflects a significant step towards developing our youth's passion for the industry. We believe that Kiajé will bring fresh perspectives to this role, shaping and expanding the narrative of growth and sustainability. We are excited about the journey ahead for him and stand ready to support him as he represents the Turks and Caicos Islands with vigour and pride."

As Junior Minister of Tourism, Williams will represent the TCI’s youth and contribute his fresh perspectives and visionary ideas to the regional and global tourism stage discourse.

Newly named Junior Tourism Minister Kiajè Williams, tourism minister, her staff and education minister during Monday’s ceremony to officially confer the title on the student (TCIG photos)

Kiajè Williams and Minister of Tourism, Hon. Josephine Connolly

Nine successful graduates of the anger management programme, their facilitators and prison staff (TCIG photo)

St Thomas Parish Church celebrates 200 years of worship

HISTORIC: – bi-centennial celebrations commence

BY DELANA ISLES

Two hundred years, fourteen Bishops, scores of Rectors and Priests, disendowment, major building alterations after significant hurricanes, at least four rededications, several organs and one known bell later, St Thomas Parish Church in Grand Turk continues to faithfully serve the communities.

At 11am on Sunday, August 31, 1823, the very first service was held at the St Thomas Parish Church.

The Royal Gazette (Bermuda) records: “On Sunday morning, August 31, 1823, the Parish Church of St Thomas the Apostle, in this colony was opened for the first time, and consecrated in due form for the purpose of divine worship, according to the Ritual of the Church of England, by law established.

“The Order for the Consecration Service, drawn up by the said church was read verbatim, in the name of the Bishop of London, Diocesan of His Majesty’s colonies, by the Reverend William Strachan, A.M., Rector of the Parish.”

Two hundred years later, this past Thursday, August 31, 2023, the Bi-Centennial Celebrations Committee commemorated the remarkable occasion with the start of a series of events this week.

Located on the edge of the salinas, Cockburn Town, in 1820, the construction of the church commenced just outside a quarry pit overlooking the township, reportedly by Bermudian settlers. It was the first church built in Grand Turk.

The church was built with care, attention, and expensive imported

materials - limestone imported from Bermuda.

“It is generally believed that the site was determined by the contractor who owned the property and benefitted as the property was near his quarry. Now deceased, loyalist, Mr Wade Stubbs contributed £100 towards the construction of the edifice.”

Rector of the Parish, Canon Mark Kendall, said the architect is not known, however, the building was described by its first Rector Dr. William Strachan as ‘neat and commodious, with an unusual design - instead of its length being east and west, it’s north and south’.

“In the centre of the long east wall a very tiny altar with a semicircular rail around it, flanked by an enormous pulpit on one side and a reading desk on the other,” was how the church was described at its beginning in 1823.

Except for the desk, all else remains, Kendall stated.

To celebrate the bicentennial, the committee will be appearing on a radio talk show ‘Expressions’ sharing information on the activities planned, as well as historical details of the community before the establishment of St Thomas Parish Church and thereafter.

The Rector said the milestone event is focused on fostering a deeper understanding of St Thomas’ and the Anglican Church’s heritage and the religious roots that helped the growth of the Islands.

“History runs deep here in these Islands, and it’s being created every day. Celebrating our beginnings and roots help us understand where we’ve come from and can

The beautiful British-Bermudian architecture of St Thomas Parish Church, Grand Turk. (Photos: Island Trams)

St Thomas's Church on Grand Turk in 1870. (Photo: Visittci)

World News

Clarence Thomas: US Supreme Court judge acknowledges paid-for trips

US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has acknowledged he took three trips aboard a Republican megadonor’s private plane last year, as an ethics row grips the nation’s top court.

The conservative judge said failing to previously report receiving such hospitality had been “inadvertent”.

Supreme Court judges are required to file annual financial disclosure forms.

Justice Thomas was among the last to do so, but he is not the only one facing potential conflicts of interest.

Critics are pushing to adopt a

new ethics code for the nine justices who receive lifetime appointments to the nation’s highest court.

It follows a series of US media reports that revealed Justice Thomas, 75, had failed to disclose several expensive gifts from Harlan Crow, a wealthy real estate developer and conservative benefactor.

ProPublica, an investigative journalism non-profit, reported Mr Crow paid for private school tuition for a child raised by the judge, purchased the Georgia home where the judge’s mother resides, and has lavished him with luxury trips for more than two decades.

Under the rules for sitting members of the US federal judiciary, a Supreme Court justice should list the “personal hospitality of any individual” as a gift.

But, prior to the disclosure report released on Thursday, Justice Thomas had never reported such gifts, raising questions whether Mr Crow may have leveraged their friendship to influence business before the court.

The justice has defended his actions in the past, stressing that the Crows count “among our dearest friends” and had never appeared before him in court. His attorney alleged in a

statement that the ethics complaints stem from “left wing “watchdog” groups” who are “motivated by hatred for his judicial philosophy”.

“After reviewing Justice Thomas’s records, I am confident there has been no wilful ethics transgression, and any prior

reporting errors were strictly inadvertent,” Elliot S Berke said.

“The attacks on Justice Thomas are nothing less than ridiculous and dangerous, and they set a terrible precedent for political blood sport through federal ethics filings.” (BBC)

Proud Boys leader Joe Biggs sentenced to 17 years in January 6 case

A leader of the Proud Boys who led the far-right organization’s infamous march to the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison – among the longest sentences handed down yet for a convicted rioter.

Joe Biggs was convicted by a Washington, DC jury of several charges including seditious conspiracy for attempting to

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forcibly prevent the peaceful transfer of power from thenPresident Donald Trump to Joe Biden after the 2020 election.

“Our Constitution and laws give you so many important rights that Americans have fought and died for and that you yourself put on a uniform to defend,” District Judge Timothy Kelly said in handing down the sentence. “People around

the world would give anything for these rights.”

But January 6, 2021, Kelly said, “broke our tradition of the peaceful transferring of power” in the United States.

“The nature of the constitutional moment we were in that day is something that is so sensitive that it deserves a significant sentence,” he said.

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The conservative judge said failing to previously report receiving such hospitality had been “inadvertent”

Joseph Biggs walks toward the Capitol in Washington, DC, in support of President Donald Trump on Jan. 6, 2021

St Thomas Parish Church celebrates 200 ...

significantly affect where we’re going,” he said.

The committee has expressed thanks for the works of Reverend Henry Jenkins (October 16, 17971803), Rev. T Danziel (1804 –1809) and Rev Audim who all undertook ministry in the Caicos and Turks Islands even before a physical building or formalised church was in place.

These men of God reportedly

performed priestly duties and sacraments inclusive of baptisms, marriages and burials, in sometimes difficult circumstances.

The Rector said the church and the committee are excited for the bicentennial celebrations and the public is encouraged to attend.

Memorabilia will be available.

The highlight will be a Pontifical High Mass celebrated by Diocesan Bishop Laish Boyd III

on December 21, 2023, St Thomas Day.

Another significant event planned in recognition of the 200year celebration is a Bicentennial Memorial Exhibition.

Kendall said the objective of the event is to allow family members to honour their loved ones who are buried in St. Thomas’ Churchyard. Families will be required to identify the tombs of their loved

ones prior to the date of the event, carry out the necessary repair works and have the tombs properly outfitted with marked tombstones.

On the date of the event, all families are encouraged to exercise their creativity in exhibiting the life, contribution, and legacy of their deceased loved ones.

“We are proud to be among the founding churches in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the wider

Diocese of the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands, and we welcome our neighbours and friends to join us as we begin a look back at our collective past.

“The growth from that time forward has of course been beyond anything anyone might have imagined. Over the past two centuries, many of the faithful started their work for the Lord at St. Thomas,” the rector said.

Bahamas: Most people contracting more severe form of dengue fever

Seventy-Six per cent of people diagnosed with dengue fever have type three of the virus, a more severe form of the disease, according to Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville.

He said people who previously had the virus are at high risk for severe illness if they get re-infected.

“That is a concern for us, and we’re working very closely with environmental health so that our fogging programme can be activated and also that we have the ability for education to notify the residents of what needs to be done to eliminate and reduce the spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito,” he said before yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.

Dengue fever, the viral illness, is spread through contact with the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The mosquito is most active after dawn and before dusk. It lives and breeds in standing water.

There are four types of the dengue virus, all capable of inducing severe illness.

The country last experienced a significant virus outbreak in 2011, with 205 confirmed and 7,200 suspected cases. There are 21 confirmed cases in the country, five of whom are in hospital.

None of them is hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit.

“What is concerning the Ministry of Health is 16 of those came back stereotype positive for type three dengue,” Dr Darville said.

“In 2011, we had a situation where we had dengue, and mainly it was stereotypes one and two. For that, we are concerned because if you had dengue in the past and if you have dengue with stereotype three, there’s a strong possibility that you would have a more severe reaction and possibly result in hospitalisation.

“That’s why the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Department of Environment have been working so diligently to ensure that we educate the general population on precautionary

measures and to ensure that we stop the breeding in those areas where cases have been identified.”

Asked yesterday whether officials intend to increase fogging exercises, he said fogging is only one preventive measure.

“Fogging basically addresses the mosquito that is airborne, but if we still have breeding, if we fog today and we do not address the breeding sites, we end up having the same situation the following day, and so it’s important for residents to walk around the home and look for areas of potential breeding grounds,” he said.

“Tie over those empty containers. Make sure that you have insect repellent and try to protect yourself, long sleeve as well as long pants.”

Dengue fever causes severe flu-like illness and sometimes a potentially lethal complication called dengue haemorrhagic fever.

Other symptoms include headache, muscle and joint pains and rash.

Dominica to get first female and indigenous President

Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced that Sylvanie Burton is the government’s nominee to become Dominica’s next President.

At a media conference today, Skerrit said he spoke with Opposition Leader Jesma Paul regarding Burton’s nomination so that a joint nominee can be sent to parliament for approval.

The constitution requires the prime minister and opposition leader to agree on a nominee and submit their selection to the Speaker of Parliament. However, if a consensus is not reached, any member of parliament can submit a nominee.

The government has the majority needed to approve her nomination. Once her appointment is approved by the National Assembly, Burton will be Dominica’s first woman and indigenous head of state.

Burton is the current Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environmental, Rural Modernisation and Kalinago Upliftment.

She replaces Charles Savarin, who is demitting office after serving two five year terms. Savarin term expires on October 1.

The 58-year-old will be Dominica’s ninth president. (Loop News)

A gang in Haiti has shot and killed at least seven people who were marching in a big protest organised by a church leader.

Hundreds of parishioners, some armed with machetes, marched through a suburb of the capital, Port-au-Prince, in a bid to rid the area of gang members.

The gang is said to have opened fire on them with machine guns.

Soaring gang violence in Haiti has left more than 2,400 people dead in 2023 alone.

There are fears the death toll from Saturday’s shooting could

increase, with several people wounded and others kidnapped.

Reuters news agency says unverified videos on social media showed people being shot at in the street, bodies lying on the ground and people who appeared to be hostages saying they thought the march was peaceful and had no idea it was about taking on the gang.

The protest happened in the suburb of Canaan, which was founded by survivors of the devastating 2010 earthquake.

Canaan is controlled by a gang

led by a man identified only as “Jeff”, who is believed to be allied with the 5 Segonn “5 Seconds” gang.

Gédéon Jean, director of Haiti’s Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights, told the Associated Press news agency that he watched the event unfold online and planned to ask the Ministry of Justice to investigate.

He accused the pastor who organised the march of being irresponsible because he “engaged a group of people and put them in a situation like this”.

“Police should have stopped them from going,” Mr Jean said.

“It’s extremely horrible for the state to let something like this happen.”

Decades of instability, disasters and economic woes have left Haiti one of the poorest and most violent

countries in the world.

Gang violence has soared since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021, which led to much of the Caribbean country’s territory falling out of government control, so now around 80% of the capital is controlled by gangs.

Dengue fever, the viral illness, is spread through contact with the Aedes aegypti mosquito

Presidential nominee Sylvanie Burton

A police officer stands guard in Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince

Haiti gang opens fire on protesters in capital, killing seven

Regional News

‘Four hurricanes’ cost Grand Bahama resort 20% of its revenues

A Grand Bahama resort generated “about 20 percent more revenue” prior to the “four hurricanes” that have struck the island since 2016, its senior executive has revealed.

Magnus Alnebeck, Pelican Bay’s general manager, told Tribune Business that the quartet of events - Hurricane Matthew, the Grand Bahama Shipyard’s loss of its major dry dock, Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19 - all were likely to have inflicted “equal damage” on the island’s already-ailing economy with each occurring when businesses were “already on our knees”.

Noting that the summer months have been “normal for Grand Bahama post-Dorian and postCOVID, with very little activity”, he added: “If you go back to years like 2015, it’s a drastic downturn. Then we did about 20 percent more in revenue than we do now at least.”

Pelican Bay typically attracts much corporate and group business,

including from Grand Bahama Shipyard with temporary and transient workers, plus executives, flying in, and Mr Alnebeck told this newspaper: “I say Grand Bahama has had four hurricanes since 2015.

Sint Maarten announces Election 2024 date

The Government of Sint Maarten in close collaboration with the Central Voting Bureau has finalised dates for the upcoming 2024 elections.

The key dates for the 2024 election process are as follows:

Deadline for Registration of New Political Parties: October 11, 2023

Nomination Day: November 22, 2023

Election Day: January 11, 2024

Installation of Parliament: February 10, 2024

These dates will allow political parties and citizens ample time to prepare for a successful democratic exercise.

Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs emphasized the importance of a meticulous and coordinated approach in setting the election dates. “Our commitment to

transparency, accountability, and a fair electoral process has guided every step of this endeavour. We understand the significance of providing ample time for political campaigns, informed decisionmaking by our citizens, and a smooth transition of power if the need arises.”

Meanwhile, Nathalie Tackling, Chairperson of the Central Voting Bureau, acknowledged the collaborative efforts between the government and the Voting Bureau. “Choosing election dates isn’t just about logistics; it’s about safeguarding the transparent, fair, and inclusive democratic process we cherish in Sint Maarten. After thorough analysis, we’re confident that these dates reflect the best balance between legal requirements and the practical realities of our community.”

Turning to recent months, Mr Alnebeck added: “Pelican Bay is doing OK. We had a good July. August was a bit weak, but that’s normal, and now we’re just hoping to get through the storm season without any problems. There’s a lot less travel in August and September, and by the time we get to October we start to see more things happening.

“July, we finished north of and above 50 percent occupancy, which is good for Pelican Bay. In August, we’re just going to make 40 percent with a bit of luck but, if not, we will be in the high 30 percents.”

As for the Grand Lucayan, the Pelican Bay chief added: “The Government is realising it’s not the easiest place to sell.

the typical September drop-off “not as pronounced and not as deep” compared to pre-COVID years.

Resort occupancies for September are around 10 percent ahead of prior year comparatives, with the industry “seeing less dips and valleys” in the tourism calendar. Usually the slowest month of the year, due to a combination of factors such as children returning to school and coinciding with the peak of hurricane season, Mr Sands added that while September’s advance bookings could “wash down” to a 7.5 percent year-over-year jump the data still showed the industry continues to improve.

“First we had Hurricane Matthew, then we had the big dry dock in the Shipyard that split. That was the second hurricane. Then we had Hurricane Dorian, which was catastrophic, especially for the loss of life, and then we had Hurricane COVID. I wouldn’t be surprised if those four events had equal damage for Grand Bahama’s economy.

“The problem is all of them happened when we were already on our knees still trying to get up again. The people who are left here are pretty thick skinned. Young people may have given up and gone on to brighter and better things in Nassau, Exuma and Eleuthera, where there are more opportunities, but the people still here are survivors.”

“Selling a hotel that has not been fully open since 2016, and a destination that has gone through what we’ve gone through, they’re not the easiest things to sell. The focus needs to be on getting someone in who has the financial muscle and know how to make it successful and drive demand. That should be the focus as opposed to the selling price. As a country, just look at what we have lost in economic activity since 2016 by having the Grand Lucayan closed. It’s enormous.”

Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president, told Tribune Business earlier this week that the traditional seasonality in New Providence’s year-round tourism cycle is starting to “level out” with

Predicting that the hotel and tourism industry will “reach a point of stabilisation” in 2024, with stopover visitor numbers matching pre-pandemic levels, Mr Sands told this newspaper that achieving significant growth will become harder from next year onwards with The Bahamas having to rely more on efficiency gains and increased room supply as stillclosed resorts come back online.

While the British Colonial’s anticipated re-opening before year-end 2023 will help with the latter objective, he added that The Bahamas must “continue to remain relevant in terms of value for money” that it provides overseas visitors by tackling the cost and ease of doing business, including the reliability and price of Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) electricity supply.

Dominica: Former speaker found dead at home

The former speaker of the Dominica parliament, Alix Boyd Knights, was found dead at her home in Trafalgar on Tuesday.

Boyd-Knights, an attorney, served as speaker from 2000 to 2020.

Upon her election to a third term on February 4, 2010, she became the longest-serving Speaker in Dominica’s history.

Boyd-Knights, a graduate of the University of the West Indies, was designated Speaker Emeritus in February 2020.

“It is so nice to be appreciated and I am very grateful to the honourable prime minister and the members of the government side and all those persons who have met me and told me I will always be Madam Speaker,” she said when the title was conferred on her.

She served also as the chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarian and

the author of several papers and articles in the area of legislation and the formation of society, family laws and land laws, women’s rights, rights of children,

domestic violence. She is also the author of the publication “Women in Parliament Dominica, Past and Present”. (Loop News)

Pelican Bay typically attracts much corporate and group business

Alix Boyd-Knight

Tropical Storm Idalia drenches Carolinas as Florida counts cost

Tropical Storm Idalia is drenching the Carolinas and may bring dangerous surf to the region over the coming Labor Day weekend, say forecasters.

The National Weather Service (NWS) warned up to 9in (23cm) of rain and “life-threatening flash flooding” may hit parts of eastern North Carolina.

Idalia brought mass flooding when it made landfall as a category three hurricane in Florida on Wednesday.

The eye of the storm is set to spin off the North Carolina coast on Thursday.

More than 200,000 homes and businesses were still without power, from Florida and Georgia to South and North Carolina.

US President Joe Biden called

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday to let him know he had signed a major disaster declaration, ordering all available federal resources to help with the response to Idalia.

Mr DeSantis told reporters at a press conference that Idalia was far less destructive than feared.

Even so, insured property losses in Florida were projected to hit $9.36bn (£7.4bn), investment bank UBS said.

In North Carolina, maximum sustained wind speeds in parts of the state were predicted to reach 60mph (96km/h) on Thursday. Tropical storm-force winds extended outwards up to 185 miles.

Storm surges in coastal low-lying areas could cause “life-threatening inundation, from rising water

Trump pleads not guilty in Georgia election fraud case

moving inland”, the NWS said. As the storm churns out into the Atlantic Ocean, potential lifethreatening surf and rip current were expected to affect the US south-east coast into the Labor Day weekend, when many Americans head to the beach, said the NWS.

On Wednesday, Idalia hit Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

In Florida, two deaths were reported by car crashes attributed to rainy conditions. A man died in Georgia after he was hit by a falling tree.

Several Florida communities were inundated with rain and seawater thrown ashore by fierce winds, knocking down power lines, toppling trees, engulfing homes and submerging streets.

Nadine Dorries’ Boris Johnson book in legal delay

Nadine Dorries’ book about Boris Johnson’s downfall will be delayed, publisher HarperCollins has said.

Ms Dorries formally resigned as MP for the constituency of Mid Bedfordshire on Saturday.

Her book - The Plot: The Political Assassination Of Boris Johnson - was due to come out on 28 September but it is now expected on 9 November.

The “small delay” is due to “the required legal process needed to share her story,” HarperCollins said.

It added the delayed publishing date was to “allow for the huge volume of material the author has consulted” and “the number of high-level sources spoken to”.

After announcing she would step down as MP in June, Ms Dorries finally resigned formally in August - launching a blistering attack on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

She accused Mr Sunak of

abandoning “the fundamental principles of Conservatism” and said the country was now run by a “zombie Parliament”.

Her book, for which she received £20,500 as a partial advance, appears to be following a similar line, attacking Downing Street and the Conservative Party.

Ms Dorries said: “What began as an investigation into how Boris Johnson was removed from office

Former US President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty in his Georgia election fraud case, waiving the right to appear in court next week.

Mr Trump is among 19 people charged with a conspiracy to overturn the US state’s 2020 vote results.

He turned himself in at Fulton County Jail in Atlanta last week, where he had his mugshot taken.

Mr Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, describing the case as politically motivated.

In total, Mr Trump faces 13 felony counts - including racketeering - for allegedly pressuring Georgia officials to reverse the results of the 2020 presidential election in that state.

In a court document filed on Thursday, Mr Trump said he “fully understands” the nature of the allegations and his right to appear in court.

“Understanding my rights, I do hereby freely and voluntarily waive my right to be present at my arraignment on the indictment and my right to have it read to me in open court,” the signed document says.

Mr Trump, the current frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has appeared at each of his three previous arraignments.

criminal cases.

Brian Tevis, an Atlanta attorney who represents one of Mr Trump’s co-accused, Rudy Giuliani, told CBS, the BBC’s US partner, that “99% of the time” defendants who are given the option choose to waive their arraignment.

Earlier this week, three other co-defendants in the case entered not guilty pleas, including former Trump attorneys Ray Stallings Smith and Sidney Powell, as well as former celebrity publicist Trevian Kutti.

Mr Trump was originally due to be arraigned on 6 September, followed by the other defendants in 15-minute intervals.

All 19 defendants in the case - including Mr Trump - are charged with violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act, commonly known as the Rico act.

Across the US and at the federal level, Rico laws are used to help prosecutors connect underlings who broke the law with those who gave orders or organised the crime.

Fulton County’s District Attorney, Fani Willis, a Democrat, has increasingly come under fire from some Republicans and Trump allies for her decision to indict Mr Trump in the case.

ultimately revealed a corruption of democracy deep at the heart of the Conservative Party and in Downing Street.”

“Secrecy, fear and the cloak of anonymity have protected those who wield power in the shadows, until now.”

A Conservative Party spokesman said: “We wish her well”.

Downing Street was contacted for comment.

He was required to do so for the cases he is facing in New York and Florida, and opted not to request a virtual appearance for a separate case in Washington DC.

In all three cases, there was tight security as Trump supporters and counter-protesters gathered near the courthouses.

Georgia’s Fulton County is the only jurisdiction in which he is facing charges where defendants can choose not to appear in court when they are formally charged in

Earlier in August, State Senator Colton Moore sent a letter to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, a fellow Republican, calling for a special session to impeach Ms Willis.

At a Thursday news conference, Mr Kemp said he had yet to see evidence that such a move would be justified.

“As long as I am governor, we’re going to follow the law and the Constitution, regardless of who it helps or harms politically,” the governor said. (BBC)

Mr Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, describing the case as politically motivated.

A man in Crystal River, Florida, sweeps flood water from a local store

Former culture secretary Nadine Dorries was a staunch ally of Boris Johnson

Labour suspends entire Leicester East constituency branch

The Labour Party has suspended its entire Leicester East branch.

The national executive (NEC) is investigating the troubled constituency Labour Party (CLP) over concerns around its operation, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

Branch and constituency meetings will be stopped “until further notice” and all officers have been “relieved of their positions and duties”, according to an email seen by the LDRS.

The CLP has been contacted for comment.

It has not been confirmed specifically what prompted the suspension.

A Labour Party source said in reaction: “The NEC has a duty to safeguard the integrity of CLPs, to ensure that they are properly run in line with the party’s rules and procedures and can operate fully, inclusively and democratically.”

It comes after what has already been a turbulent year for Labour in Leicester following mass deselections ahead of the 2023 Local Elections in May.

The national committee purged 19 of its councillors ahead of the elections - a decision slammed as “undemocratic” at the time.

A majority of those deselected belonged to ethnic minorities, which also led to criticism.

Labour sources stressed that the newly-selected candidates were representative of all communities. But the party lost a significant number of seats in Leicester East wards following the shake-up, managing only 31 seats in the 2023 Local Elections compared to 53 in 2019.

Rushey Mead, Belgrave, North Evington and Evington were previously Labour strongholds within the constituency. The areas

China tells India to ‘stay calm’ in border map row

China has told India to “stay calm” over a new Chinese map that Delhi says lays claim to its territory.

India protested after Beijing released the map showing northeastern Arunachal Pradesh state and the disputed Aksai Chin plateau as China’s territory.

Beijing responded by saying its neighbours should refrain from “over-interpreting” the issue.

Meanwhile, media reports say Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to skip next week’s G20 leaders talks in Delhi.

Unconfirmed reports suggest Premier Li Quang will attend instead. Mr Xi had earlier confirmed he would travel to Delhi for the meeting from 9-10 September - but China’s foreign ministry would not confirm his attendance when asked to do so at a regular press briefing on Thursday.

Unidentified sources told Reuters news agency that he cancelled his plan over the map controversy. The BBC could not

independently verify the claim.

India is not the only country to object to the map - on Thursday, the Philippines and Malaysia issued protests against China’s claim of ownership over most of the South China Sea in the map. Taiwanwhich China says is a breakaway province that will eventually be under Beijing’s control - also objected to its inclusion in the map.

A politician from Nepal also cancelled a visit to China, saying the new map did not take into account the country’s revised map, which has already sparked tensions with India.

The escalation over the 2023 edition of China’s standard national map comes just days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr Xi spoke on the sidelines of the Brics summit in South Africa.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar called China’s claim “absurd”. An Indian official said afterwards that the two countries had agreed to “intensify efforts at expeditious

had all-Labour councillors after the 2019 elections but lost all seats to Conservative candidates this year.

At Parliamentary level, current Leicester East MP Claudia Webbe was elected under Labour but was expelled from the party in 2021 after her conviction for harassing Michelle Merritt, a friend of her boyfriend Lester Thomas, for more than 18 months.

Previous Labour MP for the constituency Keith Vaz, who

served as an MP for 32 years, retired from Parliament after being caught with male prostitutes and offering to get drugs for them.

This week a new political party, One Leicester, was founded by former Labour councillor Rita Patel.

On Thursday, another Labour councillor in Leicester East quit the party after the CLP was suspended.

Diane Cank, who has represented the Troon ward since

2015, criticised the party’s regional office for “trampling” on the rights of its members, and called on its regional director Richard Oliver to resign.

Labour declined to comment on her resignation from the party.

City mayor, Labour’s Sir Peter Soulsby, told the LDRS the suspension of the CLP had “been a long time coming”.

He said: “It has been very evident that in this constituency party there were a number of concerns about the way in which it was operating and these were, of course, exacerbated during the run-up to the last city council election.

“It was clear the intervention the national party conducted more generally in Leicester was very much influenced by their concern about this particular constituency and its operation.

“Councillors, both Labour and in other parties, will continue to operate as effective representatives of the electorates during this time.

“I would be very surprised if anybody in the Labour party in Leicester will be in the slightest bit surprised at the news and the general feeling is the operation and the control of that party has been problematic for a number of years. I think it is a very healthy move.” (BBC)

Indian soldiers (shown here in Ladakh in 2021) come face to face with Chinese troops at many points along the poorly demarcated border

disengagement and de-escalation” along the disputed border.

On Thursday China indicated it wasn’t budging on the map - the disputed border is an issue which has bedevilled relations for years.

“It is a routine practice in China’s exercise of sovereignty in accordance with the law,” foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said.

“We hope relevant sides can stay objective and calm, and refrain

from over-interpreting the issue.”

India has often reacted angrily to China’s attempts to stake claim to its territory.

The source of the tension between the neighbours is a disputed 3,440km (2,100 mile)-long de facto border along the Himalayas - called the Line of Actual Control, or LAC - which is poorly demarcated and soldiers on either side come face to face at many points.

China says it considers the

whole of Arunachal Pradesh its territory, calling it “South Tibet”a claim India firmly rejects. India claims the Aksai Chin plateau in the Himalayas, which is controlled by China.

Relations between India and China have worsened since 2020, when their troops were involved in a deadly clash at the Galwan valley in Ladakh - it was the first fatal confrontation between the two sides since 1975. (BBC)

Current Leicester East MP Claudia Webbe was found guilty last year of harassment and expelled from the party

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE COMPLIANCE*

This position supports the Executive team in all decisions relating to strategic, organizational and operational people matters for luxury hotel property. This role helps to drive organizational performance on the objectives of quality control and compliance (through compliant and efficient company operation, policies and procedure).

KEY SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant University degree, business administration, (must have)

• A masters degree and/or a relevant professional accreditation preferred.

• At least 8 years’ experience in management roles in luxury hospitality industry, with at least 4 years of leadership in policy implementation and monitoring within organization of a similar size (must have)

• Computer literacy (Excel/Power Point/Word), ideally including experience with HR information systems (Oracle, Success factors)

• Effective communication and listening as well as counseling skills.

• Must be able to provide; clean police record, medical, negative PCR test and written reference.

Salary range $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per annum not including service charge.

SPA THERAPIST*

As a Spa Therapist for The Shore Club Resort, you will be responsible for providing guest satisfaction in the Spa that meets all The Shore Club standards.

KEY SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Proper licensure and/or training certification in all modalities.

• Detail-orientation and ability to multi-task.

• Ability to be efficient and productive in a fast-paced environment.

• Must have enthusiasm and possess excellent customer service skills.

• Must possess basic math.

• Enjoy working with people and possess a friendly and outgoing personality.

• Excellent communication, listening and computer skills.

• Must be a team player.

• Must be able and available to work evenings and weekends.

• Must be flexible with working hours.

• Demonstrate understanding of the technical service skills for assigned area (i.e. Spa).

• Demonstrate ability to proactively prioritize needs, put first things first, and effectively manage resources and time.

Salary range $8.00 per hour not including service charge

STEWARD*

As a Steward for The Shore Club Resort, you will be responsible for the operation of the dishwasher machine designated to clean glassware, china and silverware. Properly maintain all equipment and supplies. Ensure all surfaces in the Kitchens, including the floor areas and counters are clean.

KEY SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 1 years’ experience in a hotel restaurant preferably in a luxury hotel.

• Accuracy and attention to detail.

• Able to communicate in English both written and spoken.

• Must have knowledge in HACCP standards and sanitation. Salary range $8.00 per hour not including service charge.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE DIRECTOR*

As a Food and Beverage Director, you are responsible for managing operations of all Food and Beverage outlets to deliver an excellent Guest and Member experience. A Food and Beverage Director will also be required to manage, train and develop employees and work within all budgeted guidelines.

KEY SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Degree level and/or relevant professional qualification and/or relevant proven experience.

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

• Must be able to exhibit confidence in producing efficient work.

• Proficient in using Microsoft Office, Excel knowledge is essential.

• Demonstrable communication skills both verbally and written.

• Excellent numerical skills.

• Good technical skills and experience using systems.

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

• Demonstrable evidence of leading innovation, change and continuous improvement.

Salary range $80,000-100,000 per annum not including service charge.

OWNER ACCOUNTANT/INCOME AUDITOR*

As a Owner Accountant/Income Auditor for The Shore Club Resort, you will be responsible for administering financial aspects for owner relations within the company.

KEY SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Degree level and/or relevant professional qualification and/or relevant proven experience.

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

• Must be able to exhibit confidence in producing efficient work.

• Proficient in using Microsoft Office, Excel knowledge is essential.

• Demonstrable communication skills both verbally and written.

• Excellent numerical skills.

• Good technical skills and experience using systems.

• Thinks ahead and anticipates future challenges to ensure the organization’s requirements are met.

• Demonstrable evidence of leading innovation, change and continuous improvement.

• Team player who can also work on own initiative.

• Strong attention to detail and commercial awareness.

• Act with a high degree of integrity while upholding the values of group.

• Self-motivated individual.

Salary range $38,000-$40,000 per annum not including service charge.

OUR HARTLING CORE VALUES FOR SUCCESS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Accountability: Being responsible for every action by acknowledging and understanding expectations.

BEST FAMILY HOLDINGS LTD.

(In

Voluntary Liquidation)

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATOR

Companies Ordinance 2017 Section 237

Notice is hereby given that William Steven Ross of M&S Trust Company Limited, Regent House West, Regent Village, Grace Bay, Providenciales, TCI was appointed as the voluntary liquidator of BEST FAMILY HOLDINGS LTD (solvent liquidation) on the 17th day of August, 2023.

All enquiries should be directed to the voluntary liquidator’s attorney Miller Simons O’Sullivan, Regent House West, Regent Village, Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands for the attention of Jonathan Katan, KC via JK@MSlaw. TC by 4:00 p.m. on the 25 th day of September, 2023.

CERAMIC ARTS STUDIO OFFERED FOR SALE IN THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS

A well-established Ceramic Arts Studio is available for sale on the thriving island of Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

The Studio is well-connected to local galleries, resorts and retailers, and the current owner, who wishes to semi-retire, will gladly stay on to oversee the transition. She is also interested in maintaining some of her own production in an arrangement attractive to the new owner, and in continuing to teach ceramics classes on a commission basis.

The Studio currently leases 1,500 square feet on two floors, and there is also an owned 40-foot storage container adjacent to the Studio. The current lease runs through November, 2023, and includes the option to renew for a further two years at a rent to be negotiated.

Studio equipment includes three computer-controlled kilns, two throwing wheels, a custom electric slab roller, a pug mill for the recycling of used clay, a clay extruder with assorted dies and a full range of molds and dies to facilitate high-volume production. Inventory comprises raw clay, paints and glazes and a wide selection of plaster molds, as well as glaze-combination samples and a complete selection of general and specialized tools.

• Leadership: Showing initiative and being empowered to motivate, guide, and develop others by using expertise to execute actions while fostering mutual trust and a positive work-life balance.

• Integrity: Being honest, dependable, and doing what is right even when no one is watching.

• Safety: Maintaining an environment where risks to health and safety are minimized for employees and guests.

• Team: Valuing all team members by helping selflessly towards achieving ultimate efficiency and guest satisfaction.

• Efficiency: Accomplishing a task competently with a minimum expenditure of time effort and resources.

• Respect: Showing consideration for self, guests, and each other while embracing diverse cultures, communities, and points of view.

OUR KEY HEART BEAT PRINCIPLES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

Warm Interactions

We provide Warm Interactions through Acknowledgement, Courteous Engagement, and our standards of Personal Appearances.

Magical Moments

We create Magical Moments by Creating the Wow, Building Connections, and through our Service Recovery.

Seamless Processes

We ensure Seamless processes are created by managing a Sense of Urgency, providing Accurate Information, and superb Telephone Etiquette.

Impeccable Facilities

We ensure our Facilities are Impeccable by Cleaning as We Go, Reporting Deficiencies, and adhering to the Mona Lisa Rule, which ensures everything is as it should be.

ALL POSITIONS MARKED WITH (*) IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER.

Interested applicants should apply to The Shore Club, Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume Attention to Joanna Martinez, Assistant Human Resources Manager at careers@theshoreclubtc.com , no later than end of day Friday, September 9th, 2022. All resumes are subject to screening. Accepted candidates will receive a call or email confirmation with a scheduled time for meeting and required documents for the actual interview. Resumes can also be submitted to the Labor Department directly. The Shore Club HR Office can be contacted at (1649) 339-8000.

Full details of the Company’s assets and operating results from the year 2020 onward are available to prospective purchasers upon the signing of a Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Brokers will be protected.

Offered at $USD 250,000.

Interested parties are invited to reply by e-mail to lorne@mgmtsupport.tc.

Blue Horizons Real Estate dba Coldwell

Banker Real Estate Turks & Caicos

REAL ESTATE MANAGER

wanted to assume responsibility for its day-to-day management and growth. The successful candidate will be required to have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in managing a real estate company with a successful track record.

Leadership, communication, organizational, business planning, real estate coaching and computer skills are essential. Duties include, but not limited to: Real Estate Sales Training, Global Luxury level coaching, AML and Compliance training and reporting, AML MLCO duties, accounting, HR responsibilities, business planning, preparing financial reports for the owners, strong networking, marketing, advertising & database management experience is a must.

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated individual prepared to work long days and evenings, have flexible hours including holidays and weekends. Annual Salary range: $60,000 - $100,000 depending on experience and proven past performance results.

Ad is for work permit renewal; this position is open to all qualified Turks and Caicos Nationals. Applications accepted until September 4, 2023.

Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders must also submit copies of their application to the Labour Board.

Apply to Mr. Stanley Williams, Owner/Director at Blue Horizons Real Estate/Coldwell Banker Real Estate Turks & Caicos, P.O. Box 775, #1 Caicos Café Plaza, Provo, TCI, email: sw_mystique@tciway.tc, or call 649-431-0501.

Travis Scott announces his first tour since the 2021 Astroworld tragedy

Travis Scott is gearing up to again take the stage nearly two years after the Astroworld tragedy, his ill-fated Houston concert that left 10 dead and hundreds injured in 2021.

On Wednesday, the rapper announced that his “Utopia –Circus Maximus” tour will kick off on October 11 in Charlotte, North Carolina and culminate in Toronto, Canada in December after playing in a total of 28 North American cities, according to a news release.

The tour follows Scott’s live performance at the Circus Maximus in Rome, Italy earlier this month, which sold out 60,000

tickets in two days and sparked fears of an earthquake.

The announcement marks Scott’s first official tour since the deadly Astroworld Festival, a concert the rapper both organized and headlined.

That concert quickly turned into chaos as concertgoers present during Scott’s performance were crushed, with many struggling to breathe as people crowded near the stage. The turmoil later prompted officials to declare the concert a “mass casualty event.”

In late June of this year, Scott was cleared of criminal charges

by the Houston District Attorney’s office, District Attorney Kim Ogg said during a press conference at the time. However he has faced a series of civil lawsuits brought forth by many of the victims’ families

In a statement released after the deadly event, Scott said he was “distraught by the situation and desperately wishes to share his condolences and provide aid to (the victims) as soon as possible.”

Scott released his fourth studio album “Utopia” last month, a rap album that has since held steady in the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 200 Albums chart for four weeks.

ABBA legend

Agnetha Fältskog releases new single

Agnetha Fältskog of legendary Swedish pop group ABBA has relaunched her solo career with a new single.

“So… where do we go from here? – World Premiere of ‘Where Do We Go From Here?’ on @ bbcradio2 with @zoetheball –Tune in on Thursday 31st August from 8:30am (BST),” wrote the singer in a post on a newly-created Instagram page.

Speaking with BBC Radio 2 host Zoe Ball before the track was played on Thursday, Fältskog said the single was made with “a good feeling.”

The single is from a reimagined version of her 2013 album “A.”

Talking about how the idea to launch the new album “A+” came about, Fältskog said: “It came as an idea suddenly.”

Fältskog, 73, said she talked with songwriter and producer Jörgen Elofsson, who also appeared on the BBC Radio 2 show, adding they wanted to make the 2013 album sound “totally new.” The “Where Do We Go From Here?” single is a new addition to the album.

“I love music. Music is in my heart and in my brain all the time. I live and I sleep with music,” Fältskog said.

Asked how it felt to hear the single on the radio, Fältskog said: “It feels good. You never get tired of it, to hear yourself on the radio. That’s really something. It’s always a tense feeling, you can say, about what are people going to think about this. But as long as you have your heart in it and you have done the best you can, because I’m not so young anymore and I’m very grateful that I still have my voice and a good composer beside me (Elofsson).”

Five

Next year will mark 50 years since ABBA won the Eurovision song contest, and the upcoming edition will be held in the band’s home country Sweden.

Ball asked Fältskog whether the group were planning to do anything to mark the occasion, to which she responded: “You never know anything about ABBA … I don’t say anything about that.”

ABBA shot to fame with hits like “Mamma Mia,” “Dancing Queen” and “Take A Chance On Me,” but the quartet – Fältskog, Anni-Frid “Frida” Lyngstad, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus – went their separate ways in 1982.

Then in 2021 the band reunited for the “ABBA: Voyage” album, which featured 10 tracks and garnered mixed reviews from critics. (CNN)

Agnetha Fältskog (center) in May 2022 in London

Travis Scott performing in Miami in July

Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson launch Maui recovery fund

Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have launched a recovery fund for the people who lost housing in the Maui wildfires, the pair announced in a video shared on Instagram Thursday.

The two stars together donated $10 million to get the campaign started and are inviting the public to help in the effort.

“We have created the People’s Fund of Maui that will put money directly in the hands of the people who need it right now,” Winfrey said, explaining that adults who lost their primary homes in the Lahaina and Kula fires are eligible to receive $1200 a month. This includes both homeowners and renters.

Winfrey said the idea for the fund was sparked by an article she read about Dolly Parton helping her community.

“It is a clean direct from you directly to their hands and right away with some real immediacy,” Johnson added.

The funds will be distributed “each month for as long as members of our community are still in need and as long as the funds last,” according to the fund’s website where people can both donate and apply for assistance. “Residents of Maui should decide what recovery looks like for themselves, their families, and their community,” the site states.

“People being able to have their own agency, being able to make decisions for themselves about what they need and what their family needs – that’s our goal, is to get that to the people now,” Winfrey said in their video message. (CNN)

Ana de Armas: Judge throws out legal action over Yesterday film trailer

A US judge has dismissed legal action brought by fans of Ana de Armas after the actress was edited out of a film despite appearing in the trailer.

The Knives Out star featured in the trailer for 2019’s Yesterday, a film Conor Woulfe and Peter Michael Rosza said they paid $3.99 (£3.16) to rent.

But when they found de Armas did not feature, they accused Universal Pictures of false advertising.

A judge rejected their case, calling their actions “selfinflicted”.

Danny Boyle’s Beatles-themed film starred Himesh Patel, Lily James and Ed Sheeran, and took $155m (£122m) at the global box office.

A trailer put out months

before the film’s release featured scenes showing Patel’s character appearing to flirt with de Armas’s character on a talk show.

Screenwriter Richard Curtis explained that the actress was cut because test audiences did not like the idea of Patel’s character straying from his primary love interest, played by James.

In 2019, he said it had been a “very traumatic cut” because de Armas was “brilliant” in the role.

But her absence led Mr Woulfe and Mr Rosza to claim they were “deceived” by Universal Pictures, saying they would not have rented the movie had they known de Armas would not appear.

The pair sought at least $5m (£3.9m) from Universal in the case, which was filed as a class action on behalf of other disappointed fans.

Dwayne Johnson and Oprah Winfrey in 2020

Ana de Armas featured in the trailer for Yesterday, but was cut from the final film

LIVE IN BUTLER (RENEWAL)

HELPER (NEW)

3 LABOURERS (RENEWAL)

CONTACT: 246-7382

PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER

With a minimum of ten years’ teaching experience and a teacher's certificate from an accredited institution. Teacher should be able to teach all subjects to any grade level, complete unit and lesson plans, serve on various committees, and complete annual reports. Salary is $1500-2000 per month.

PLEASE APPLY IN WRITING TO RICHHILLPREP@YAHOO.COM

OR CALL: 946-4957 38447

EVARA BEAUTY SALON

2 HAIR DRESSERS

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

PELICAN

2 NAIL TECHNICIANS

Basic manicures, artificial nails, gel nails, hand massages, nail fills, nail repair, and nail polishing.

$8.00 hourly

DOMESTIC WORKER

• Domestic Worker consists of cleaning, Laundry and organizing rooms

• Able to work with little or no supervision, be physically fit, dependable and hardworking.

2 PEDICURISTS

$8.00 hourly Professional pedicures and polishing toes.

$8.00 hourly

1 RECEPTIONIST

Answers telephone calls, assist Guests office person, and emails.

$8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 346-2088/344-0445

Grace Gay, Providenciales, Is Looking for

CARPENTERS

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Take measurements and calculate the size and amount of material needed. Cut, shape and smooth lumber and other material (e.g. fiberglass) according to measurements. Build window frames, doors, staircases and frame buildings by using raw materials or pre-constructed items. Carve and assemble furniture, cabinets, shelves and other items and install them where designated. $9-15 hourly. Mon- Sat. Holidays etc.….

BELONGER CAN APPLY TO INVOICES@TDMGLTD.COM

PHONE: 941-3445 38431

EXECUTIVE CLEANING SERVICES

Back Road, Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a

MAINTENANCE WORKER

• Must be self-motivated and able to understand, write and speak English fluently.

Salary: $300.00 per week

TDMG

Is Looking for

MECHANICS

• Conduct regular maintenance on machinery, systems, and automotive vehicles.

• Assemble mechanical components according to specifications.

• Examine machines and oversee diagnostic tests to determine functionality problems.

• Maintain work logs, repairs, and maintenance records.

• Work hours: 7am to 5pm. Monday to Saturday $9-17 per hr.

QUALIFIED BELONGER CANDIDATES SHOULD SEND THEIR APPLICATIONS TO: INFO@TDMGLTD.COM AND LABOUR DEPARTMENT

DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2023

VACANCIES

38430

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

- $8.00 Hourly Fix and maintain mechanical equipment, buildings, and machines. Tasks include plumbing work, painting, flooring repair and upkeep, electrical repairs, heating, and air conditioning system.

CONTACT: 331-2032

Belongers are to apply to the Labour Board. Renewal 38464

DOMESTIC WORKER

LOVING HANDS

HOMECARE (244-2128)

Phase 2, Blue Hills

Providenciales

General cleaning, laundry, etc.

$8 hourly

DOMESTIC WORKER BABYSITTER

VENEL VILFRANCHE (345-5872)

Five Cays Residence

ABIGAIL DELANCY (347-8145)

Blue Hills, Providenciales

General cleaning, laundry, etc. $8 hourly

DOMESTIC WORKER

ER CONSTRUCTION LTD (333-1199)

11 Mark Close, Cooper Jack Providenciales

Formwork, roofing, installing doors, trims etc. $9-12 hourly POSITIONS FOR RENEWALS & FIRST TIME WORK PERMITS.

Care for child etc. $8.00 hourly

BELONGERS MAY APPLY WITH LABOUR EMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT

38449

BEACH HOTEL

RICHMOND HILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL

TDMG CONCORDIA

BETHANY’S EDUCATIONAL & SOCIAL TRAINING (B.E.S.T.) INSTITUTE, INC.

DOMESTIC WORKERS

The individual should meet the following requirements:

• Possess a valid food handler’s permit

• A born again Christian preferably of the Baptist Faith

• The ability to read and write English

• Must be able to assist in

the preparation of healthy meals on a daily basis for over 150 students.

• Be able to manage the stock and prepare orders. Handle cash effectively to ensure all checks and balances

• Salary starts at $8.00 per hour.

• Positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders

APPLICATIONS CAN BE DROPPED OFF AT B.E.S.T INSTITUTE OFFICE,

COPY ALL ENQUIRES TO THE LABOUR BOARD, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS.

TEL: 649-941-4802 | CELL: 649-231-4802

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

VACANCY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO)

Type: Permanent Location: Digicel TCI, Graceway House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Must be qualified ACCA or CPA

• Qualified CMA is considered advantageous

• Minimum 3- 5 years’ experience in the position of CFO or a similar position

• Telecommunications experience is highly desirable.

• Emerging markets experience is desirable

REQUIRED SKILLS AND SPECIALIZED TECHNIQUES:

• Staff management experience is essential, as is a strong grasp of modern reporting systems.

• You must be willing and eager to contribute, as part of a senior management team, to the development of the markets in line with corporate objectives.

• The challenge will be to impose tight financial controls while ensuring the rapid growth of the company and work to tight timelines.

• Drive for results, sense of urgency, confidence, and passion for success are all attributes of the ideal candidate for this challenging and rewarding opportunity.

DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE COMPLIANCE*

This position supports the Executive team in all decisions relating to strategic, organizational and operational people matters for luxury hotel property. This role helps to drive organizational performance on the objectives of quality control and compliance (through compliant and efficient company operation, policies and procedure).

KEY SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant University degree, business administration, (must have)

• A masters degree and/or a relevant professional accreditation preferred.

• At least 8 years’ experience in management roles in luxury hospitality industry, with at least 4 years of leadership in policy implementation and monitoring within organization of a similar size (must have)

• Computer literacy (Excel/Power Point/Word), ideally including experience with HR information systems (Oracle, Success factors)

• Effective communication and listening as well as counseling skills.

• Must be able to provide; clean police record, medical, negative PCR test and written reference.

Salary range $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per annum not including service charge.

THIS POSITION MARKED WITH (*) IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER.

Interested applicants should apply to The Shore Club, Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume Attention to Joanna Martinez, Assistant Human Resources Manager at careers@theshoreclubtc.com , no later than end of day Friday, September 8th, 2022.

All resumes are subject to screening. Accepted candidates will receive a call or email confirmation with a scheduled time for meeting and required documents for the actual interview.Resumes can also be submitted to the Labor Department directly. The Shore Club HR Office can be contacted at (1649) 339-8000.

• Ability to make excellent presentations of the financial results to the senior management team, Board of Directors, and Shareholders.

• Previous/ Current international experience will be an advantage.

POSITIONS ARE OPEN TO ALL QUALIFIED TURKS AND CAICOS NATIONALS. SALARY RANGES FROM $110,000.00 -130,000.00 PER ANNUM. INTERESTED APPLICANTS CAN FORWARD THEIR RESUMES TO HRTCI@DIGICELGROUP.COM AND THE IMMIGRATION BOARD. THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 8TH, 2023 38429

NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION

Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Ltd. Of Cherokee Rd, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

PARCEL 61112/116 LONG BAY, PROVIDENCIALES

– Three-bedroom, three-bathroom house approximately 2,074 sq. ft located in Long Bay Hills, Providenciales

Registered Proprietor: LIDRA N BARRANCO

The auction will be held at the office of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, 88 Cherokee Road, Providenciales at 10 o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 11th day of September 2023.

A reserved price will be fixed on all parcels and a deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids. Conditions of Sale available upon request or at the Auction.

250 BAY ROAD, BLUE HILLS, PROVIDENCIALES. OR EMAIL@: BESTINSTITUTE@TCIWAY.TC,

CERAMIC ARTS STUDIO OFFERED FOR SALE IN THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS

A well-established Ceramic Arts Studio is available for sale on the thriving island of Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

The Studio is well-connected to local galleries, resorts and retailers, and the current owner, who wishes to semi-retire, will gladly stay on to oversee the transition. She is also interested in maintaining some of her own production in an arrangement attractive to the new owner, and in continuing to teach ceramics classes on a commission basis.

The Studio currently leases 1,500 square feet on two floors, and there is also an owned 40-foot storage container adjacent to the Studio. The current lease runs through November, 2023, and includes the option to renew for a further two years at a rent to be negotiated.

Studio equipment includes three computer-controlled kilns, two throwing wheels, a custom electric slab roller, a pug mill for the recycling of used clay, a clay extruder with assorted dies and a full range of molds and dies to facilitate high-volume production. Inventory comprises raw clay, paints and glazes and a wide selection of plaster molds, as well as glaze-combination samples and a complete selection of general and specialized tools.

Full details of the Company’s assets and operating results from the year 2020 onward are available to prospective purchasers upon the signing of a Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Brokers will be protected.

Offered at $USD 250,000

Interested parties are invited to reply by e-mail to lorne@mgmtsupport.tc.

Blue Horizons Real Estate dba Coldwell Banker Real Estate Turks & Caicos

REAL ESTATE MANAGER

Wanted to assume responsibility for its day-to-day management and growth. The successful candidate will be required to have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in managing a real estate company with a successful track record.

Leadership, communication, organizational, business planning, real estate coaching and computer skills are essential. Duties include, but not limited to: Real Estate Sales Training, Global Luxury level coaching, AML and Compliance training and reporting, AML MLCO duties, accounting, HR responsibilities, business planning, preparing financial reports for the owners, strong networking, marketing, advertising & database management experience is a must.

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated individual prepared to work long days and evenings, have flexible hours including holidays and weekends.

Annual Salary range: $60,000 - $100,000 depending on experience and proven past performance results.

Ad is for work permit renewal; this position is open to all qualified Turks and Caicos Nationals.

Applications accepted until September 10, 2023.

Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders must also submit copies of their application to the Labour Board. Apply to Mr. Stanley Williams, Owner/Director at Blue Horizons Real Estate/Coldwell Banker Real Estate Turks & Caicos, P.O. Box 775, #1 Caicos Café Plaza, Provo, TCI, email: sw_mystique@tciway.tc, or call 649-431-0501.

TABOO BAR & GRILL PROVIDENCIALES

KITCHEN HELPER

TASK AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist in basic food preparation • Clean kitchen equipment • Load and unload dishwasher • Scrub pots and pans • Clean food preparation and storage areas • Receive and store goods.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• The ability to safely use kitchen equipment and appliances • Sound knowledge of food safety standards and procedures • Strong communication skills

EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma/GED and or Proven experience helping in kitchen settings. SALARY: $8.50 Hourly, Monday-Friday, 40 hours weekly.

INTERESTED AND QUALIFIED PERSONS SHOULD SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO RUSSELL AND ASSOCIATES (2004) LTD., 229 PRESTIGE PLACE, GRACE BAY ROAD, PROVIDENCIALES OR CONTACT US VIA EMAIL:DELTHIA@ RUSSELLANDASSOCAITESLTD.COM ; TELEPHONE: 649-244-3572.

TELEPHONE: (649) 441-3680

APPLICANTS ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR APPLICATION TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BEFORE SEPTEMBER 6, 2023.

EMBERS RESTAURANT

is looking for the following new positions:

We are a new restaurant located in Grace Bay looking for extraordinary staff. Please submit applications no later than September 16th, 2023

RESTAURANT MANAGER

• Must have a minimum 10 years experience as a mid level supervisory or management position

• Supervise day to day operations of the restaurant

• Must have knowledge of modern cocktail mixology techniques and procedures

• Managing staff scheduling

• Knowledge of word, excel and QuickBooks for accounting purposes and payroll

• Opening and closing procedures

• Deliver superior food and beverage service and maximizing customer satisfaction

• Salary is dependent on work experience but starts at $5000 per month plus service charge

RESTAURANT CHEF/SOUS CHEF

• Must have a minimum 5 years experience in an upscale dining establishment in a supervisory roll

• Knowledge of modern cooking techniques and procedures

• Experience with cooking on natural wood fire and smoking techniques

• Adhere to health and safety standards

• Train kitchen staff on dish preparation to ensure consistency and quality

• Provide unforgettable dining experience while responding to guest feedback, accommodating special requests and ensuring total client satisfaction

• Salary is dependent on work experience but starts at $4500 per month plus service charge

LINE LEVEL POSITIONS

• Line Cooks

• Dishwasher

• Bartender

• Server

• Hostess

• Salaray range for these positions is $8-$16 an hour based on previous work experience

INTERESTED PERSONS ARE ASKED TO SUBMIT THEIR RESUME TO JAMES@EMBERS.TC. TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDERS ARE ASKED TO SUBMIT THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

38332

Repairs, maintains and alters buildings, retaining walls and other brick.

Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/ or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters. Salary: $9.00 hourly

CONTACT: 649-241-8344

Setting up workstations with all needed ingredients and cooking equipment. Preparing ingredients to use in cooking chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc. Cooking food in various utensils or grillers.

Salary: $10.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-232-7177

employ a Repairs, maintains and alters buildings, retaining walls and other brick.

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

CONTACT: 649-331-3293

PLUMBER

JUNIOR

GENERAL HELPER

Applicant must be honest, reliable and willing to work.

Masonry work on all the com-any jobs.

Salary: $10.00

CONTACT: 241-9020

CONTACT: 345-4527

CONTACT: 649-346-1319

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 332-8463

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

surfaces.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

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

Salary: $8.00

CONTACT: 331-5872

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

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

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

CONTACT: 245-2849

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE

LABOURER Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

#1030 The Bight, Leeward Hwy. Is seeking to employ a

DOMESTIC WORKER

Sweeping the house, mopping, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering linen, personal clothing and other housework. $8.00 hourly Stocking and supplying designated areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc. $8.00 hourly

CLEANER

MARIE PROSPERE CONTACT: 345-7087 38314 BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

ONLY DOMESTIC WORKER

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

HANDYMAN The Bight Is seeking to employ a

Fix and maintain mechanical equipment, buildings, and machines. Plumbing work, painting, flooring repair and upkeep, electrical repairs, etc. Salary: $1500.00 Monthly

APPLY/RENEWAL 05 Clover Rd. Five Cays Is seeking to employ a CONTACT: 649-343-2020

CONTACT: 241-9907 BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

NTABCONSTCI@HOTMAIL.COM

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Setting up workstations. Preparing ingredients, chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc. Cooking food in various utensils or grillers. Salary: $10.00 Hourly MARC PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICES CONTACT: 346-8047 38272

NTAB CONTACT: 331-8346/ 38316

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

$8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 332-5064

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR

DRYWALL FINISHER

Responsible for installing wallboards to ceilings or to interior walls of buildings and applying plaster.

Salary: $9.00 hourly

CONTACT: 649-344-2093

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

ROBINSON CONSTRUCTION

LABOURER

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 348-4662

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

SHERMIN MICINNIS

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 231-0327

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

BARTENDER

CONTACT:

DOMESTIC WORKER

Greet

Ensuring a safe environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing children, administering medicine, doing housework, and etc. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 1-649-245-9273

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $8.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 232-8078

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

GENERAL WORKER

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 231-6318

Acting

E&V CONSTRUCTION

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 331-8154

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 347-6850

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

BELONGERS

Drive, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a

Keeps equipment available for use by inspecting and testing vehicles; completing preventive maintenance such as, engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire changes, wheel balancing, and replacing filters.

Hourly 2 DIESEL MECHANICS Industrial

38231 BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

Duties:

38352 BELONGERS ARE ASKED TO SEND A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOUR BOARD. THIS POSITION IS FILLED BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER.

JOB OPENINGS

GUEST SERVICES ATTENDANT

Location: OCW

Department: Guest Services

Starting Date: October 1st, 2023

Reporting Supervisor: Guest Services Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB PURPOSE:

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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

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

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

3. Bucket check.

4. Post Charges from Merchants on Property

5. Prepare Arrival / Departure Summary for following day

6. Promote other activities and facilities within the resort

7. Monitor daily departure information

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

9. Maintain accountability for any keys needing to be secured

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

11. Present an accurate statement of account to each guest upon check out

12. Maintain assigned level of cash in float

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

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

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

3. Thorough knowledge of hotel procedures and operations

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

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

6. Professional appearance and cooperative demeanor

7. Use of multiple types of electronic equipment

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

POOL & BEACH SUPERVISOR

Location: OC or OCW

Department: PROPERTY SERVICES

Starting Date: October 1, 2023

Reporting Supervisor: Resort Manager

Position Type: FULL TIME

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB PURPOSE:

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

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

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

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

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

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

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

6. Professional appearance and demeanor with solid customer service background

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

8. Strong swimmer.

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

Location: OCW

Department: Maintenance

Reporting Supervisor: Maintenance Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB PURPOSE: Under the supervision of the Maintenance Manager, the Maintenance Supervisor

2 GARDENERS & 1 LABOURER

• Must have previous gardening experience.

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

CONTACT: 649-332-4280

PARISH PRIEST

• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays

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

• Pay - $8.00/hr depending on experience

OR EMAIL: TURQUOISELANDSCAPING@TCIWAY.TC TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW

JOB OPENINGS

is responsible for performing diversified duties to troubleshoot, install, repair, and maintain all resort facilities, parking lots, vehicles, equipment, and water works.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Assist the Maintenance Manager to manage the resort’s maintenance operations, which includes, but is not limited to: troubleshooting, installing, repairing and maintaining and monitoring the resort’s physical plant, utilities, health and safety systems and facilities (buildings –internal/external, restaurants, tennis courts, pools, laundry, waste water treatment plant, lift stations and pumps, and filtration systems), parking lots and pathways, grounds, vehicles (company vehicles, golf carts, bicycles), and related equipment.

2. Perform daily maintenance tasks as assigned by the Maintenance Manager or other authorized individuals, manage time responsibly and actively pursue new tasks as appropriate.

3. Assist the Maintenance Manager with identifying and assigning, leading, directing, and performing maintenance tasks, delegating as needed.

4. Respond to maintenance inquiries, issues, concerns, requests, procedures, and projects and take immediate action to resolve/provide solutions.

5. Work closely with the Maintenance Leadership Team to develop and execute short and long-term maintenance strategies.

6. Insure the completion of all assigned Checklists and Work Orders in a timely manner and submit to Maintenance Manager for approval.

7. Perform special projects as assigned by the Maintenance Manager or other authorized individuals.

8. Report inventory shortages prior to depletion; submit purchase order requests to the Purchasing Manager; maintain inventory control procedures and participate in physical inventory as required.

9. Keep maintenance work areas, workshop, and storerooms neat, tidy, organized and in compliance with TCIG health and safety regulations.

10. Maintain a proper set of work tools; keep company tools in good working order; keep tools/equipment secure and in proper storage areas.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High School Diploma, appropriate resort or building industry trade certification, plus relevant education, and 3-5 years supervisory experience, preferably in a resort environment.

2. Experience in general trades: plumbing, electrical, AC, carpentry, appliance repair, painting, masonry, drywall.

3. Thorough knowledge of hotel maintenance procedures, operations, and equipment, including pool and wastewater treatment plant testing.

4. Self-motivated and dependable with a strong work ethic and exceptional trouble-shooting skills.

5. Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate others.

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

7. Professional appearance and demeanor

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

The Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands is seeking a suitable person to fill the post of Rector of the Parish of St. Monica, Providenciales, with St. George, South Caicos.

The salary is $18,000 per annum.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A priest in good standing in this Diocese or in some other Diocese in the Anglican Communion.

• Bachelor’s degree in theology from

an accredited seminary.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Parish ministry.

• Letters commendatory from the Bishop of the Diocese in which he/she last served.

• A self-motivated, organized person who is committed to ministry.

To apply, send resume and cover letter to:

THE CHURCH OF ST. MONICA #1307 LEEWARD HIGHWAY MONICAPARISHTCI@GMAIL.COM

AL’S HAULING & EQUIPMENT LTD.

AUTO BODY REPAIRMAN (RENEWAL) MECHANIC (NEW)

• Repaint and restore heavy equipment including handling, sand blasting equipment, cleaning and any prep work involve in restoration projects

• Must be willing to work 6 days per week

Salary: $12.00 per hour

CONTACT: 649-941-4015

• Must be willing to work 6 days per week

• Diagnostic Mechanical Repairs maintenance

• Electrical troubleshooting

Salary: $12.00 per hour

EMAIL: ALSHAULING@YAHOO.COM

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 16th, 2023.

APPLICANTS FOR THE POSITION ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Basic computer skills for use of company software.

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

Renumeration: $6.25 hourly plus commission and gratuities.

Please email your resume to: relax@spatropique.com

Applicants may also forward resumes to the government employee services offices. This position is currently held by a work permit holder.

38432

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

Cleaning property, pick up yard waste, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

GEORGE SOLON

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

DOMESTIC WORKER

Cleaning the house, laundering sheets, towels and personal

To Performs general, routine custodial duties, to include dusting, mopping, vacuuming, cleaning restrooms, and restocking paper and soap supplies. Performs routine

CONTACT: 347-3696 38406

CONTACT: 346-7352

CONTACT: 344-9209

CONTACT: 344-1597

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

JACQUELIN REMY

LABOURER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 347-3388

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Construct and install rafters, metal, glazed ceramic/Spanish tile roof. Meet with architects and engineers to discuss drawing or changes.

Salary: $12.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 344-7241

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

JOSEPH DORCELY

CLEANER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 341-9826 38425

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

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

CONTACT: 243-3693

DOMESTIC WORKER

DOMESTIC WORKER

3 KITCHEN HELPERS

Must have 2 years of experience working in a fast-paced takeout

CONTACT: 232-6620

CARPENTER

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes. Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 245-3160

CONTACT:

Performing a variety of cleaning activities such as sweeping, mopping, dusting and polishing. Ensuring all rooms inspected according to standards. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-241-3403

CONTACT:

BELONGERS ARE TO APPLY TO THE

LANDSCAPE WORKER

Trimming and maintaining landscape around villas and on common areas. Work hours are 8 hour per day, Monday to Friday. Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 649-232-6880 38401

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

SANTRAL MANAGEMENT

Come and join Santral Management winning team

With great benefits such as Life Insurance, Highest paid service charge, Great Employee incentives and Training & Development The following positions are currently available

CHEF DE PARTIE

The Chef de Partie is responsible for running a specific section of the kitchen. The chef manages a small team of cooks, which are responsible for keeping organized so that meals go out on time and the work area remains clean and orderly.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 3 to 5 years’ culinary experience in a five-star hotel/resort

• Knowledgeable in international cuisine such as Japanese and other Asian dishes

• HACCP knowledge, self-motivated and passion for hospitality and cooking

• Excellent palate and attention to detail

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To work and lead the kitchen team

• Execute cooking to the expected high standard quickly and efficiently

• To maintain the required level of hygiene standards/HACCP as laid down both legally and by the standards manual

• To be responsible for the day to day training of the team

Salary range: USD20,000 to USD30,000 per annum based on experience and qualification plus shared tips, service charge, additional allowances and benefits. Position currently held by a work permit holder

HOUSEKEEPING/ TURNDOWN ATTENDANT / HOUSEMAN/ ATTENDANTS

Clean, stock, and provide turndown service for guest rooms to ensure cleanliness and guest satisfaction while caring enough to do it well by adhering to the Resort Commitments.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide turndown service by partially removing and storing bedspread, replenishing amenities, linens, and supplies and filling ice bucket as requested by guest

• Sign for room keys and restock cart

• Visually inspect room for cleanliness and appearance of room

• Strip and make beds, change linens and dust all furniture thoroughly

• Replenish amenities, linens, and supplies in guest room

• Vacuum entire room and empty trash

• All lost and found articles must be turned in to supervisor or the Director of Housekeeping

• Clocking in and out accurately is required as per company policies

• Respond in a timely manner to guest requests for items and/or other information

JOB KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Ability to work conscientiously, meets deadlines, follows instruction and directions, with minimal supervision and detailed oriented

• Ability to stand, sit, kneel constantly to handle specific details or demands of quality and speedy guest services

• Ability to work with cleaning agents by extending arms over head, bending and stooping

• Ability and desire to handle the heat as the layout of the resort’s rooms dictate

• Ability to push, lift and/or pull equipment up to or more than 100 lbs

• Ability to scrub and scour surfaces, extend arms over head to perform cleaning tasks, and work in confined spaces

• Additional language abilities preferred

Salary range: USD16,000 to USD17,000 per annum, plus service charge.

LINE COOK

We are looking for a professional line cook to prepare food to the chef’s exact specifications and to set up menu stations. The successful candidate will play a key role in contributing to our customer satisfaction and acquisition goals.

HVAC TECHNICIAN

We are looking to hire a detail-oriented HVAC technician to install, maintain and repair HVAC systems. The HVAC technician will be skilled in cleaning, adjusting, diagnosing and repairing systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Installing, maintaining and repairing ventilation and air conditioning systems and equipment

• Identifying maintenance risks on equipment

• Diagnosing electrical and mechanical faults for HVAC systems

• Cleaning, adjusting and repairing systems, and performing warranty services.

• Performing emergency repairs promptly and efficiently

• Providing technical direction and on-the-job training

• Keeping daily logs and records of all maintenance functions

• Ensuring compliance with appliance standards and with Occupational Health and Safety Act

• Complying with service standards, work instructions and customers’ requirements

• Assisting with customers’ queries

REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma

• 1+ year experience as an HVAC technician, and willingness to continue education in HVAC field

• Understanding of advanced principles of air conditioning, refrigeration and heating.

• Working knowledge of boiler systems /proficient in balancing air and water treatment systems in line with HVAC protocols

• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills

• Proficient in reading schematics and work plans

• Ability to work after hours, over weekends and on public holidays with short or no notice.

• Ability to work in confined spaces

Salary range: USD36,000 to USD40,000 per annum based on experience and qualification plus shared service charge, additional allowances and benefits. Position currently held by a work permit holder

OTHER POSITIONS

• Houseman

• F&B Server

• Runner

• Turndown Attendant

• Painter

Wages range from $8.00 to $10.00 per hour and based on experience and qualification. Benefits includes Life insurance, cash prize ambassador awards and service charge.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven cooking experience in a five start resort restaurant

• Excellent understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment and procedures

• Accuracy and speed in executing assigned tasks

Coriats Trust Company is looking for a

COMPLIANCE ASSISTANT

CORIATS TRUST COMPANY LIMITED TO SUPPORT THEIR COMPLIANCE TEAM

Coriats is the largest and oldest (45 years in business) trust company in the Turks and Caicos Islands, with $1 Billion of assets under administration .

This role is crucial for the business, and is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to make a career in compliance and regulatory work.

CANDIDATES SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES:

1. Experience in compliance work, preferably with a relevant certificate or diploma

2. At least three years proven work experience in a high quality financial services business (bank, law firm or accountancy firm)

3. An understanding of international financial services products, or a willingness to learn

4. Willing and able to undertake further education and training (paid for by the company)

5. Strong written and verbal communication skills

6. Sound use of Microsoft Office is a plus

7. Must be able to work with little supervision

8. Must be able to deliver projects in a time efficient manner

9. Methodical, reliable and hard working

10. A commitment to excellence in everything they do

In return Coriats offers a competitive annual salary of $43,800.00 and (after a qualifying period) entry into a bonus scheme that can pay as much as 20% of your annual salary .

Please send applications with a full c.v. and a covering letter explaining why you are qualified for this role to David Stewart ds@coriats.com with a copy to Soreka Brown Soreka@coriats.com

The closing date for applications is Friday September 1st.

THIS IS NOT A WORK PERMIT ADVERTISEMENT.

ONLY THOSE WITH THE UNRESTRCTED RIGHT TO WORK IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS SHOULD APPLY.

SANTRAL MANAGEMENT

Come and join Santral Management winning team

CONTINUED

• Familiar with industry’s best practices

• Culinary school diploma

Salary: USD21,600 per annum plus shared tips and service charge.

ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING ABOVE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED.

Candidates should apply to Santral Management, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales by scanning the QR code above for consideration or leave a copy of their CV’s and a valid police clearance at the security building for the attention of The Human Resources Department. Prospective applicants who are Turks & Caicos Islanders kindly send copies of your application to the board or the Employment Services Department.

MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR

In search of an experienced instructor to teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense classes for children and adults.

Salary $15 per hour.

• Must be graded Black Belt and Certified Instructor in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from an accredited school.

• Must have at least 5 years experience working with children

• Must have CPR certification

• Must have a valid driver's licence

• Must be willing to work evening and weekend classes

• Must speak English

Please email resumes to lisegula37@gmail.com

POSITION BEING ADVERTISED FOR WORK PERMIT HOLDER. APPLICATIONS FOR QUALIFIED TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE COMPLIANCE*

This position supports the Executive team in all decisions relating to strategic, organizational and operational people matters for luxury hotel property. This role helps to drive organizational performance on the objectives of quality control and compliance (through compliant and efficient company operation, policies and procedure).

KEY SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant University degree, business administration, (must have)

• A masters degree and/or a relevant professional accreditation preferred.

• At least 8 years’ experience in management roles in luxury hospitality industry, with at least 4 years of leadership in policy implementation and monitoring within organization of a similar size (must have)

• Computer literacy (Excel/Power Point/Word), ideally including experience with HR information systems (Oracle, Success factors)

• Effective communication and listening as well as counseling skills.

• Must be able to provide; clean police record, medical, negative PCR test and written reference.

Salary range $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per annum not including service charge.

THIS POSITION MARKED WITH (*) IS CURRENTLY HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER.

Interested applicants should apply to The Shore Club, Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume Attention to Joanna Martinez, Assistant Human Resources Manager at careers@ theshoreclubtc.com , no later than end of day Friday, September 8th, 2022. All resumes are subject to screening. Accepted candidates will receive a call or email confirmation with a scheduled time for meeting and required documents for the actual interview.Resumes can also be submitted to the Labor Department directly. The Shore Club HR Office can be contacted at (1649) 339-8000.

MANAGERIAL & SUPERVISORY POSITIONS

F & B MANAGER

• Minimum of 5-10 years’ experience in Food & Beverage Management.

• Strict control measures to ensure consistency and uphold safety standards.

• Must be able to development menu that will cater to our diverse guest.

• Manage Food & beverage budget.

• Collaborate with the events planning team to ensure functions are well executed and exceeds guest expectations.

• Train, lead and motivate the Food & Beverage team.

• Engage with guest in various restaurants to get feedback in order to continuously improve their dining experience.

• Stay up to date on current trends and incorporate new ideas in our Food & Beverage offerings.

ASSISTANT F & B MANAGER

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in supervisory/management role.

• Assist the F&B manager to maintain strict control measures to ensure consistency and uphold safety standards.

• Assist in menu creation and food & beverage budget management.

• Train, lead and motivate the Food & Beverage team.

• Stay up to date on current trends and incorporate new ideas in our Food & Beverage offerings.

• Assign Work Tasks

• Assistant food and beverage managers assign work tasks to restaurant and kitchen staff.

• Assistant food and beverage managers ensure that staff members follow server standards and restaurant protocols.

• Assistant food and beverage managers check food and beverage orders to verify they are prepared and served within company standards.

• Assistant food and beverage managers greet customers and check that they are enjoying their experience. Also manage customer complaints and rectify customer problems.

EXCUTIVE CHEF

• Candidate must demonstrate a proven track record of successfully leading/managing in an upscale Food & Beverage environment, with strong culinary experience and training.

• Responsible for the execution of all company policies and procedures, ensuring that all services provided achieve the established standards within the agreed budgetary controls.

• Advise the Corporate Executive Chef on all matters relating to the kitchen area and ensure a high standard of cleanliness and hygienic practice throughout the kitchen.

• To assist the Corporate Executive Chef in budgeting i.e., food cost/payroll/ etc.

• Ensure guest satisfaction with the smooth and effective running of the day-to-day operation.

• Assist in training and development of culinary staff members.

• To maintain control of the standards for purchasing and receiving items.

• To test and evaluate products for quality, paying particular attention to yield/holding qualities/market price/wastage usage of leftovers.

• Constantly inspect all food service sections during service time to ensure that the correct standards are maintained.

• Responsible for control of equipment and scheduling maintenance.

• Supervises and coordinates activities of cooks, stewards and workers engaged in food preparation.

• Leads shifts while personally preparing food items and executing requests

based on required specifications.

• Utilizes interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others; advocates sound financial/business decision making; demonstrates honesty/integrity; leads by example.

• Encourages and builds mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

• Serves as a role model to demonstrate appropriate behaviors.

• Maintains the productivity level of employees.

• Ensures employees understand expectations and parameters.

• Establishes and maintains open, collaborative relationships with employees and ensures employees do the same within the team.

• Ensures property policies are administered fairly and consistently.

• Communicates performance expectations in accordance with job descriptions for each position.

BAR MANAGER

• Minimum 2-3 years’ experience in bar management. Mixology experience would be a plus.

• Maintains inventory.

• Creates drink menus and selects and purchases liquor and other supplies.

• Oversees and determines employees’ schedules and ensures bar is wellstocked and clean.

• Tracks customer behavior and sales.

• Maintains budget and monitors costs.

• Oversees planning for special events.

• Appropriately delegates tasks to staff.

• Hires, trains, promotes, and, when necessary, disciplines staff.

• Initiates and maintains vendor relationships.

• Uses point-of-sale tracking technology and bar and restaurant management platforms.

CHIEF ENGINEER

• Maintenance and repair of boats and engines both inboard and outboard.

• Maintenance and repair to fleet of golf carts electric and gasoline.

• Perform thorough maintenance on machinery, equipment, and systems.

• Ability to trouble shoot & repair Hydrostatic & Hydraulics

• Ability to repair both aspects of power generators: mechanical and electrical.

• Perform routine maintenance of power generators.

• Trouble shoot & repair diesel fuel injection system.

• Chassis repair, including springs, shock & drive shaft.

• Assigning work orders as necessary and managing team.

• Troubleshoot reported problems and resolved them in a timely manner.

• Ensure preventative maintenance checks are completed and maintain records.

• Must keep a clean working environment; keep shop equipment operational by calibrating electrical test equipment; following operating instructions; troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining supplies, performing preventive maintenance and follow-ups.

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience as a Mechanic

MARINE MECHANIC

• 10 years’ experience as a Marine mechanic.

• Maintain proper operation of equipment, machinery, or mechanical devices, including engines, pumps, mechanical equipment, or electromechanical devices.

• Investigate malfunctioning equipment, machinery, or mechanical devices to determine the source of failure.

• Replace or repair parts, using hand tools and power tools, including

hoists, jacks, wrenches, and screwdrivers.

• Diagnose mechanical problems with electrical and electronic components, using electrical test equipment.

• Arrange for maintenance and repair of equipment, machinery, or mechanical devices.

• Develop operating and maintenance procedures for equipment, machinery, or mechanical devices.

• Design, test, and supervise installation of mechanical or electro-mechanical devices.

• Develop specifications or procedures to aid and improve operations.

• Develop specifications for equipment, machinery, or mechanical devices.

• Work with marine professionals to repair and maintain sterndrives, inboard and outboard motors, jet drives, I/O drives, stern gear, seals and hoses, and propellers.

• Install, repair, modify, or maintain diesel & gasoline engines, fuel systems, hydraulic systems, electrical and electronics systems, and marine powertrains.

• Perform routine preventative maintenance.

• Train workers and others in the use of tools, equipment, and safety procedures

• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors.

• Attend and participate in networking events and seminars.

• Assist with product demonstration presentations and demonstrations.

PASTRY SOUS CHEF

• 5 years’ experience in the field.

• Training other kitchen staff on proper food handling procedures and safety practices

• Following recipes and procedures for making pastries, including making dough from scratch or using commercial mixes

• Managing the daily operations of the pastry department, including overseeing staff performance, ordering supplies, and planning menus

• Preparing dessert or pastry recipes for special events such as weddings and other celebrations

• Determining which ingredients are needed for each recipe and ordering supplies as needed

• Make daily rounds of the kitchen to check on food preparation progress, identify problems, and help correct them.

• Preparing the pastry kitchen for service by setting up workstations and equipment, including refrigerators, ovens, mixers, and sinks

SOUS CHEF

• 2-3 years previous experience as a sous chef

• Assists in conducting periodic food inventories.

• Assists the Executive Chef with departmental human resource functions.

• Initiates and oversees ordering of food and kitchen supplies.

• Supervises and coordinates the production of food according to menu specifications.

• Assists the Chefs and Cooks in preparation of specific cuisine.

• Inspects quality of food products used to prepare cuisine. Informs Executive Chef when quality is not acceptable.

• Ensures all cuisine served to guests follows established guidelines for quantity, quality, appearance, and palatability.

• Checks physical cleanliness of operations. Ensures all staff practice “clean as you go” techniques.

• Ensure that staff follow all safe serve and health inspection standards.

• Maintains proper working order of all equipment. Inspects ovens, burners, water faucets, and refrigerators. Reports deficiencies to Engineering Department.

BAR SUPERVISOR

• Must have previously worked as a bar supervisor in similar operation.

• Supervise the day-to-day operations of the bar.

• Keeping the bar area clean and orderly, as well as adhering to food safety and sanitary regulations.

• Planning and executing bar services for special events and promotions in collaboration with the events team.

• Supervising and motivating the bar team, which includes bartenders and cocktail servers, to provide great service while adhering to the highest quality standards.

• Developing and maintaining a wide and imaginative beverage menu that includes both classic favorites and one-of-a-kind, handcrafted cocktails.

• Ensure regular training sessions are held to improve the mixology skills of the bar crew and ensure uniformity in cocktail preparation.

BOAT CAPTAIN

• Must have previous experience operating a boat and have a boat license.

• Operating the boat safely and efficiently, according to all navigation laws, and retaining complete control in a variety of weather conditions.

• Putting emergency procedures in place as necessary.

• Supervising routine maintenance and inspections to ensure the boat is in good functioning order.

• Giving passengers outstanding customer service, addressing questions, and improving their overall experience.

• Ensure that all maritime laws, regulations, and safety requirements are followed.

• Using ethical boating techniques to reduce environmental damage and conserve marine life.

• To guarantee smooth operations, keep open communication with port authorities, other vessels, and crew members.

GUEST SERVICES SUPERVISOR

• Previous experience in guest service or front desk operations, as well as some supervisory experience.

• Supervise daily shift operations, ensure enough personnel coverage, and coordinate breaks and schedules.

• Handling reservations, cancellations, and hotel assignments, as well as maximizing occupancy rates and inventory management.

• Responding to visitor concerns and resolving issues as soon as possible to ensure a great experience and guest satisfaction.

• Train guest service staff in how to improve their customer service abilities and knowledge of hotel offerings.

• Upselling hotel amenities and services to improve the guest experience and earn revenue.

• Ensure guests get the best check-in and check-out experience.

LANDSCAPE SUPERVISOR

• Overseeing the daily functions of all Grounds and Pool & Beach staff to ensure that all required maintenance and up-keep of property is carried out.

• Ensure that guests’ needs are met in a high quality and efficient manner.

• Accountability for all Grounds/Pool & Beach inventories i.e. equipment and supplies inventories;

• Be responsible for hiring and training of Grounds/Pool & Beach staff.

• Promoting an atmosphere of teamwork and professionalism within the department.

• Planning, scheduling, assignment, and supervision of all landscaping, seeding, weeding, cultivating and general care of grounds.

CONTINUED

• Co-ordination of the planting, of flowers, transplanting, pruning, of trees and shrubbery.

• Coordination of activities with other trade areas and outside contractors.

SPA SUPERVISOR

• Minimum 2 years supervisory experience in luxury hotel or spa operations.

• Provide a warm welcome and personalized service to all guests visiting the spa.

• Oversee daily operations to ensure areas are well maintained and service is delivered seamlessly in accordance with spa standards.

• Assist with professional and retail orders.

• Handle guest complaints professionally and provide appropriate service recovery.

• Seek opportunities for team development and facilitate training for front of house team members to elevate service and improve guest interactions.

• Monitor team performance and provide constructive feedback for improvement.

• Perform check in and check out of all spa guests. Handle payment transactions of guests’ treatment and retail products.

• Provide guest escorts to changing rooms, relaxation area and swimming pool.

• Ensure the spa reception area and retail display is kept clean and tidy.

• Ensure all payment transactions are accurate at the end of each shift, assisting the team in rectifying any discrepancies.

• Scheduling spa reservations and upsell treatments to maximize room and therapist utilization.

• Follow all company policies and procedures and perform other duties as assigned by Management.

• HVAC

• Chef de Partie

• Cook

• Electrical Technician

• Entertainment Coordinator

• First Mate

• Front Office Agent

• Fun pal

• General Maintenance Labor

• Giftshop Attendant

• Guest Service Agent

• Hostess

• Housekeeper

• Houseman

• Kids Counselor

• Landscaper

• Line Cook

• Market Attendant

• Mixologist

• P.B.X. Agent

• Photographer

• Server

• Shuttle Driver

• Steward

• Towel Hut Attendant

• Waiter

• Watersports Attendant

INTERESTED PERSONS ARE ASKED TO SUBMIT THEIR RESUME WITH QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE TO: HR@WIHL.COM

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

Is

seeking suitable candidates for the following positions:

PRIMARY

SCHOOL TEACHERS

• Applicants with first degree beside their Teacher’s diploma/certificate will have an advantage

• Applicant must be energetic and creative and a good team player. All applicants should be born again Christian preferably of the Baptist Faith

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

• Have adequate knowledge and experience of working with the Primary School Curriculum of the TCI Education system.

• Salary $20,400.00 to $24,000.00 per annum

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

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.

THE PUBLISHER DUNCANSON PUBLICATIONS LTD. EMAIL: TCNEWS@TCIWAY.TC NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE Preferences will be given to Belonger and Legal Residents FORWARD APPLICATIONS TO: BETHANY’S EDUCATIONAL & SOCIAL TRAINING (B.E.S.T.) INSTITUTE, INC.

38358

WHILE WE WELCOME ALL APPLICATIONS ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED CLOSING DATE SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2023

• Bartender

ANDREW

MAINTENANCE WORKER

Fix and maintain mechanical equipment, buildings, and machines.

Tasks include plumbing work, painting, flooring repair and upkeep, electrical repairs, heating, and air conditioning system.

CONTACT: 331-2032

BEVERLLY

BABYSITTER

Ensuring a safe environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing children, administering medicine, doing housework, and disciplining children when necessary. Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 348-9472

BELONGERS

Setting up workstations. Preparing ingredients, chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc.

Cooking food in various utensils or grillers.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 244-5638

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

2 NAIL

Basic manicures, pedicures and the application of acrylic toenails.

$8.00 hourly

3 HAIR DRESSER

Shampooing, cutting, and styling hair.

$8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 344-4801

CONSTRUCTION LABOURER

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

CONTACT: 649-345-7484

BARTENDER

Uphold customer service.

Maintain Bar. Mix and serve drinks.

Salary: $8.00 per hour

CONTACT: 442-6220

LIVE-IN CAREGIVER

• Live-In Caregiver will work within client’s home to organize the household and personal care routine of an elderly patient.

• The Caregiver is expected to provide a flexible service over a 24-hour period with one day off each week.

Salary: $1,500.00 Monthly

Set up equipment, run lines for power tools, erect scaffolding, lay out tools, mixing concrete, hand tools to workers, and cleaning work site. Salary: $8.00

CONTACT: 345-1522

Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes, and lift heavy items. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 243-5406

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 649-331-2217

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 241-3362

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY

CONTACT: 649-333-1818 38376

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

38373

Selling

CONTACT: 241-7446

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

CONTACT: 346-9826 38435

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

CONTACT: 341-1377

CONTACT: 345-3546

CONTACT: 246-4929

DEVON J. ADAMS

VARIOUS JOB OPENINGS

KITCHEN HELPER

• Assist Chef and Cooks with all prep work

• Ensure highest quality sanitation, cleanliness are employed

• Proper Food handling and preparation

• Ensure kitchen and food prep cleanliness standards are met

• Able to lift and carry heavy machinery and work in a hot environment while standing for extended periods of time

CONTACT: 345-2540, EMAIL:

• Must be available to work early morning, afternoon and late evenings when required

Salary: $8.00 per hour. Minimum 1 year related or similar labour experience. Strong work ethic. Ability to communicate well with back and front of house staff. Must be willing to work up to 6 days per week, including weekends and/or holidays. Must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19.

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

NATURAL

INVENTORY CONTROLLER

REQUIREMENTS:

• 5 year’s experience in Inventory Optimization and Retail

• Experience in Logistics and Supply Chain Management 2.0

• Online QuickBooks and Inventory management system experience

• Fluent (written and oral) in English and Spanish

• Valid TCI driver’s license, own vehicle and a clean record

• Flexibility with working hours, weekends and public holidays

• Attention to detail, Customer service and interpersonal skills

• Organization and time management skills

DUTIES:

• Receiving and cross-checking orders with stock records

• Coordinating stock counts to maintain accuracy

• Monitoring supplier performance and resolving discrepancies

• Liaising with transport companies, suppliers and clients

• Planning and forecasting inventory items

• Compiling daily reports and addressing inventory discrepancies

• Maintaining records of pricing, purchases and other relevant information

• Monthly salary: $2500

CANDIDATES CAN APPLY VIA EMAIL TO NATURALTRADECARIBBEAN@GMAIL.COM

BEFORE AUG. 31ST, 2023 AND INCLUDE A RESUME, COVER LETTER, REFERENCES AT NATURAL TRADE: 38 OCEAN ROAD, PROVIDENCIALES.

DUTIES: To assist skilled workers, Maintain all work areas.

SALARY: $8.00 per hour

CONTACT: 231-6432

38331

CARIBBEAN BEER & SPIRITS IS LOOKING FOR:

WINES SALES REPRESENTATIVE

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

• Promote all the products carried at our wholesale and retail operation.

• Assist customers make selections by building customer confident and offering suggestions.

• Maintain a complete sales history and purchase pattern of our customers.

• Establish customer sales objectives by forecasting and developing annual sales quotas.

• Coordinate, Assist and implement various sales and marketing strategies

• Daily Receiving, Processing and Delivery of orders to our customers.

• Maintain customer sales volumes, product mix, and selling price by keeping current with

• supply and demand changing trends, economic indicators and competitors.

• WSET Level 3 certified

• Food & Beverage operation experience is a plus

• A minimum of 10 year’s experience in Wine & Beverage Industry. Salary commensurate with experience.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO: INFO@CBS.TC (OR) CONTACT: 649-431-1689

Greets customers, receive payment by cash, checks and credit cards, Issue receipts, and change due to customers.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 346-0002

BELONGERS

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 331-9854

EMPLOYER: AGNES SWANN

Rate: $8.00 per hour

Description: Installs pipes and fixtures, such as sinks and toilets.

PLUMBER DOMESTIC WORKER

1 FARMER

EMPLOYER: ELIZABETH SWANN Whitby, North Caicos

Rate: $8.00 per hour

Weeding yard, moving trash, mowing lawn.

EMPLOYER: DARLINGTON HIGGS Whitby North Caicos

Rate: $8.00 per hour

Description: Cleaning house, washing and cooking.

RENEWALS

A TASTE OF ITALY

38305

MAINTENANCE MAN

• Six days per week plus “on call” duties may include holidays, evenings, and weekends.

• Bachelor degree in Engineering or equivalent.

• Previous 5 years maintenance experience required.

• Secondary language a plus.

Salary: $2,200 per month

CONTACT: (649) 941-7331

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

LEW 1 SHIPPING

ONE (1) DECKHAND

To load /off load barge

Work days : Monday -Saturday

Salary: Basic

(POSITION CURRENTLY HELD BY WORK PERMIT HOLDER)

Should be able to operate any heavy equipment.

Work days Monday - Saturday

Starting Salary: $2,000.00

CONTACT: 941-5707

TRANQUILITY CLEANING SERVICES

DATE OPEN: AUGUST 28TH, 2023 Is

LABOURERS

JOB REQUIREMENTS: Perform routine landscaping, painting, undertake light repairs, maintain trash and recycling receptacle. Re-arranging furnitures, lifting heavy loads, stone floors cleaning windows and treating pool.

38287

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge of which cleaning products are appropriate for different uses. Understanding of cleaning appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and vacuums. Ability to clean villas and office spaces and well organized. Ability to take initiative and good listening skills.

QUALIFIED ISLANDERS CAN EMAIL THEIR RESUME TO TRANQUILITYCLEANING.TC@GMAIL.COM OR CONTACT: 649-242-8434 HOWEVER; CANDIDATES MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO

COMMISSIONER OF LABOUR &

SALARY RANGE: $8.00

38299

serving customers. Taking beverage orders from customers or wait staff and serving drinks as requested, paying extreme attention to detail. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 343-7357

Repairs, maintains and alters buildings, retaining walls and other brick.

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

Salary: $10.00 hourly

CONTACT: 232-5501

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

D&M CONSTRUCTION

TWO LABOURERS ONE CARPENTER

DUTIES:

• Cleaning and preparing construction sites.

• Loading and unloading materials and equipment.

• Digging trenches, compacting earth, and backfilling holes.

• Operating and tending machinery and heavy equipment.

Salary: $8.per hourly

CONTACT: 343-6410

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

CONTACT: 347-2093

MARIE SUZE JEAN

TWO DOMESTIC WORKERS

• To be in charge of vessel's cargo operations.

• Responsible for the safety and security of the ship, as well as the welfare of the crew on board.

Salary: $8.50 hourly

CONTACT: 241-4153

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

38289

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

Salary: $8.per hourly

CONTACT: 1(649) 333-1674

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

Setting up workstations with all need ingredients and cooking equipment. Preparing ingredients to use in cooking chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc... Cooking food in various utensils and grillers. Salary $10hr.

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 346-5368

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

38321

Preparing the workstation for the cook. Keeping the kitchen area clean and tidy at all times.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 649-347-1607

38290

Science & Technology

Study: How cardio fitness and rigorous exercise counteract cognitive decline

New research from The University of Texas at Dallas’ Center for Vital Longevity (CVL) supports the idea that the brains of older adults who maintain physical fitness by engaging in regular strenuous exercise more closely resemble those of younger adults.

Dr. Chandramallika Basak, associate professor of psychology in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, is the corresponding author of a study published online April 27 and in the June print edition of Neuroscience that describes how strenuous physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness help the brains of older adults compensate for age-related changes by improving their ability to perform complex cognitive tasks.

The results demonstrate the importance of maintaining physical fitness and regular strenuous exercise to prolong neurological health.

“Age is just one marker for cognitive health, and fitness can be a significant modifying factor,” said Basak, who directs the Lifespan Neuroscience and Cognition Lab in the CVL. “The brain activation patterns of high-fit older adults in our study resemble those of the young adults during a complex cognitive task that requires switching attention focus and updating memory rapidly. This suggests that physical fitness can significantly modify age-related changes in the brain.”

The researchers used functional MRI to measure fluctuations in blood oxygen level-dependent signals as the 52 study participants

The results demonstrate the importance of maintaining physical fitness and regular strenuous exercise to prolong neurological health

performed tasks involving several varieties of cognitive control. Limited research exists on contributions of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness to cognitive functions like those tested in the study, including switching, updating and event anticipation, Basak said.

“Our findings suggest that a lifestyle involving moderate to strenuous physical activity may help maintain cognitive processing in the prefrontal cortex of older adults that matches that of younger adults, while cardiorespiratory fitness may preserve neurovascular health of posterior brain regions,” Basak said. “What we mean by strenuous physical activity is a level of physical activity that actually gets your heart rate up and increases your lung capacity.”

The study not only compared high-fit and low-fit older adults— median age 73—who were matched on many aspects, including blood

pressure and general cognition, but also included younger participants with an average age of 26 “If you don’t have younger adults in your sample, you don’t know whether physical fitness is helping the brain activation patterns of high-fit older adults resemble that of younger adults, or whether these activations are engagement of additional brain regions that help compensate for the detrimental effects of brain aging,” Basak said.

The older participants were separated into high-fit or low-fit categories based on their selfreported frequency of engaging in strenuous physical activities such as jogging, swimming, cycling, singles tennis, aerobic dancing or skiing.

All participants performed complex cognitive control tasks that involved remembering two sets of numbers presented against two different colored backgrounds. Participants had to decide if the

Brain fog after Covid linked to blood clots – study

Blood clots in the brain or the lungs might explain some common symptoms of “long Covid”, including brain fog and fatigue, a UK study suggests.

In the study, of 1,837 people admitted to hospital because of Covid, researchers say two blood proteins point to clots being one cause.

It is thought 16% of such patients have trouble thinking, concentrating or remembering for at least six months.

Long Covid can also develop after milder infections.

But the research team, from the universities of Oxford and

Leicester, stress:

Their findings are relevant only to patients admitted to hospital

They are “the first piece of the jigsaw” but further research is needed before they can propose or test any potential treatments

They tracked cognitive problems at six and 12 months only and through tests and questionnaires, which may “lack sensitivity”

Identifying predictors and possible mechanisms was “a key step” in understanding post-Covid brain fog, study author Prof Paul Harrison, from the University of Oxford, said.

number shown was the same or different from the number they had previously seen on that color. The tasks increased in difficulty depending on whether the background colors were predictable or random, whether the numbers needed to be updated in memory or not, and whether the attention focus needed to be switched or stayed on the same information.

The fMRI scans indicated that young adults primarily used the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex—a classical working memory, cognitive control center of the brain that is activated more as tasks became more demanding.

In general, the brain calls upon its resources like firefighters respond to a multi-alarm fire: If the task becomes more difficult than a single region can tackle, another station responds.

“Younger brains are more efficient. They don’t need to work hard,” Basak said. “They only need to use these extra resources when things get more difficult.”

Older brains overactivate the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex even when the task is simple.

“When a task is extremely difficult, this region’s activation typically drops in older adults whereas younger adults may still show an increase. This pattern, also known as the CRUNCH model, is a neural marker indicating that the older participants are not able to modulate this brain region anymore to support their task performance,” Basak said.

The study’s results show, however, that the CRUNCH (CompensationRelated Utilization of Neural

Circuits Hypothesis) model doesn’t apply to all aging adults.

“What we found is that these high-fit older adults overactivated the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex only at moderate levels of task difficulty, whereas low-fit older participants used this region even for the simplest version of the task,” Basak said. “Moreover, high-fit older adults compensated by activating another brain region, the superior parietal lobe.

“We found such protective effects in those subjects who regularly engaged in strenuous activity and exhibited high cardiorespiratory fitness, which compensates for the decline of cognition we normally see with age,” Basak continued. “Our results suggest that the CRUNCH model needs to be modified to take into account the protective effect of physical fitness on the aging brain.”

The differences in both task performance and brain activity between young subjects and highfit older ones were much smaller than the gaps between high-fit and low-fit older adults.

“A lot of things get worse as we get older, and some of them can have an independent impact over and beyond just aging,” Basak said. “We showed that high levels of physical activity and high cardiorespiratory fitness allow you to recruit additional brain regions that help you compensate and maintain accuracy levels. So it seems that there are independent effects of fitness that may allow us to counteract some effects of aging.” (Medicalexpress)

But there may still be many different causes of long Covid.

Leicester’s professor of respiratory medicine, Chris Brightling, said: “It’s a combination of someone’s health before, the acute event itself and what happens afterwards that lead on to physical and mental health consequences.”

University lecturer Dr Simon Retford, from Lancashire, spent two weeks in a coma after catching Covid in October 2020, with his family told to expect the worst. Now, he is 60-70% back to

Science & Technology

Scientists have finally decoded mysteries of the Y chromosome. Here’s why it matters

Scientists have fully sequenced the Y chromosome for the first time, uncovering information that could have implications for the study of male infertility and other health problems.

The first attempt to determine the building blocks of our genetic code took place 20 years ago, but there were still significant gaps left in the sequences of all 23 pairs of human chromosomes. Those blanks were largely filled in last year by an international group of 100 scientists called the Telomereto-Telomere (T2T) Consortium.

However, over half of the sequences within the Y chromosome, the smallest and most complicated of the 46 human chromosomes, remained unknown. Now, the same group of researchers has filled in the missing information, publishing a complete Y chromosome sequence Wednesday in the journal Nature.

“Just a few years ago, half of the human Y chromosome was missing (from the reference),” said Monika Cechova, co-lead author on the paper and postdoctoral scholar in biomolecular engineering at the University of California, Santa Cruz, in a statement.

“Back then we didn’t even know if it could be sequenced, it was so puzzling,” Cechova added. “This is really a huge shift in what’s possible.”

WHAT Y COULD REVEAL

Humans typically have a pair of sex chromosomes in each cell. People who are assigned male at birth have an X and a Y chromosome, while those assigned female at birth have two X chromosomes.

The more detailed information provided by the new Y reference sequence will make it easier to study conditions and disorders linked to the chromosome, such as lack of sperm production that leads to infertility.

Recent research suggests the Y chromosome is also important for health and longevity, said Kenneth Walsh, a professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, who was not involved in the new research.

“Genes have been identified on the Y chromosome that have been shown to be required for the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease,” Walsh said via email.

“The Y chromosome has represented the ‘dark matter’ of the genome,” he added. “This new analysis will allow us to better understand the regions of the Y chromosome that have regulatory functions and may encode mRNA and proteins.”

Many people begin to lose their Y chromosome in some of their cells as they age, particularly those cells that undergo rapid turnover, such as blood cells.

Scientists have never fully understood why this happens and the effect it may have on a person’s health, though the phenomenon has been linked in two recent scientific papers with an increased severity of bladder cancer and greater risk of heart disease. Having a complete

Brain fog after Covid linked ...

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where he was before but still has problems concentrating and with short-term memory loss and losing his train of thought.

“I took on a course-leader role last May and I was like a really slow computer which struggled to get going,” he says.

Dr Retford used to work for the police but would be unable to do so now.

“If I overdo it now, I feel so fatigued,” he says.

But although he may never

completely recover, Dr Retford is determined to remain positive.

“I’m still here and thousands aren’t,” he says.

The Post-hospitalisation Covid-19 study (PHosp-Covid), in Nature Medicine, blames higher levels of the protein fibrinogen and protein fragment D-dimer for brain fog.

Study author Dr Max Taquet, from Oxford, said: “Both fibrinogen and D-dimer are involved in blood clotting and so the results support the hypothesis that blood clots are a cause of post-Covid cognitive

problems.

“Fibrinogen may be directly acting on the brain and its blood vessels, whereas D-dimer often reflects blood clots in the lungs and the problems in the brain might be due to lack of oxygen.”

THOSE WITH HIGH D-DIMER LEVELS ALSO:

• complained of extreme tiredness and being short of breath

• tended to have difficulty holding down a job

A US study found similar results. (BBC)

Y chromosome genetic reference may help scientists and doctors further explore this potential link.

“These papers likely represent the tip of the iceberg in terms of understanding the role of the Y chromosome in age-associated diseases,” Walsh said, adding that the loss of the Y chromosome could partially account for men’s shorter life spans. (Men live about six years less than women in Western, industrialized nations, Walsh said.)

“However, it has been questioned whether loss of the Y chromosome is a biomarker of biological aging or whether loss of the Y chromosome has a direct effect on the health of men,” he said. “Recent research provides strong evidence to show that the effect is direct.”

Y CHROMOSOME IS UNUSUALLY REPETITIVE

The Y chromosome was a particularly hard nut to crack because it is unusually repetitive.

The four letters or building blocks of DNA — adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) and thymine (T) — form specific pairs that bind together in a double helix shape. Chromosomes are threadlike structures made up of DNA.

While all human chromosomes contain repeats, more than 30 million letters of the Y chromosome — out of 62.5 million — are repetitive sequences, sometimes called satellite DNA or junk DNA. The Y chromosome also contains palindromes — sequences of letters that are the same backward and forward, like radar.

“Not only is (the Y chromosome) the smallest, but it’s also the most complex so it has the highest amount of repetitive DNA, which are just like stretches of DNA that are repeated multiple, many, many times, sometimes in tandem and sometimes they can be interleaved with unique sequences,” Cechova said.

Repetitive DNA complicates things because assembling data from genetic sequencing is a little like trying to read a long book cut into strips, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute.

“If all the lines in the book are unique, it’s easier to determine the order the lines go in. However, if the same sentence is repeated thousands or millions of times, the original order of the strips is far less clear,” the institute, which funds the T2T Consortium, noted in a news release.

In the case of the Y chromosome, it’s as if the same few sentences were repeated for half the length of the book.

The researchers were able to achieve a complete reading of the Y chromosome, thanks to new “longread” sequencing technology and computational methods that could handle repetitive sequences and transform raw data into a usable resource.

The completed Y chromosome adds more than 30 million base pairs — the repetitive sequences — to the human reference genome.

Earlier this year, researchers compiled a “pangenome” that incorporates the DNA of dozens of people from nearly every continent — essentially updating the human genome to make it more equitable and inclusive.

In accompanying research published in the same journal on Wednesday, a collaborating team of scientists assembled Y chromosomes from 43 male individuals from 21 world populations to capture genetic variation in the Y chromosome.

“Research is emerging that shows proper Y chromosome gene function is incredibly important for the overall health of men,” said Charles Lee, a senior author on the accompanying research paper and professor and research director at the Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, in a statement.

“Our study enables the inclusion of the full Y chromosome in all future studies when sequencing male genomes to understand health and disease.” (CNN)

Humans typically have a pair of sex chromosomes in each cell

Science & Technology

Live worm found in Australian woman’s brain in world first

In a world first, scientists say an 8cm (3in) worm has been found alive in the brain of an Australian woman.

The “string-like structure” was pulled from the patient’s damaged frontal lobe during surgery in Canberra last year.

“It was definitely not what we were expecting. Everyone was shocked,” said operating surgeon

Dr Hari Priya Bandi.

The woman, 64, had for months suffered symptoms like stomach pain, a cough and night sweats, which evolved into forgetfulness and depression.

She was admitted to hospital in late January 2021, and a scan later revealed “an atypical lesion within the right frontal lobe of the brain”.

But the cause of her condition was only revealed by Dr Bandi’s knife during a biopsy in June 2022.

The red parasite could have been alive in her brain for up to two months, doctors said.

The woman, who lived near a lake area in south-eastern New South Wales state, is recovering well.

Her case is believed to be the first instance of a larvae invasion and development in the human brain, researchers said in the Emerging

Infectious Diseases journal which reported the case.

The neurosurgeon who found the worm said she had only begun to touch the brain part that had shown up strangely in the scans when she felt it.

“I thought, gosh, that feels funny, you couldn’t see anything more abnormal,” said Dr Bandi.

“And then I was able to really feel something, and I took my tweezers and I pulled it out and I thought, ‘Gosh! What is that? It’s moving!”

“Everyone was shocked. And the worm that we found was happily moving, quite vigorously, outside the brain,” she said.

She then consulted her colleague Sanjaya Senanayake, an infectious diseases expert, on what they should do.

“Everyone [in] that operating theatre got the shock of their life when [the surgeon] took some forceps to pick up an abnormality and the abnormality turned out to be a wriggling, live 8cm light red worm,” said Dr Senanayake.

“Even if you take away the yuck factor, this is a new infection never documented before in a human being.”

Researchers warn the case

A brain scan and the ‘happily moving’ worm in a specimen jar

highlights the increased danger of diseases and infections being passed from animals to people.

The Ophidascaris robertsi roundworm is common in carpet pythons - non-venomous snakes found across much of Australia.

Scientists say the woman most likely caught the roundworm after collecting a type of native grass, Warrigal greens, beside a lake near where she lived. The area is also inhabited by carpet pythons.

Writing in the journal, Australian parasitology expert Mehrab Hossain said she suspected the woman became an “accidental host” after using the foraged plants - contaminated by python faeces and parasite eggs - for cooking.

“The invasion of the brain by Ophidascaris larvae had not been reported previously,” writes Dr Hossain.

“The growth of the third-stage larva in the human host is notable, given that previous experimental studies have not demonstrated larval development in domesticated animals, such as sheep, dogs, and cats.”

Dr Senanayake - who is also an associate professor of medicine at the Australian National University (ANU) - told the BBC the case is a warning.

The ANU team reports that 30 new types of infections have appeared in the last 30 years. Threequarters are zoonotic - infectious

diseases that have jumped from animals to humans.

“It just shows as a human population burgeons, we move closer and encroach on animal habitats. This is an issue we see again and again, whether it’s Nipah virus that’s gone from wild bats to domestic pigs and then into people, whether it’s a coronavirus like Sars or Mers that has jumped from bats into possibly a secondary animal and then into humans.”

“Even though Covid is now slowly petering away, it is really important for epidemiologists… and governments to make sure they’ve got good infectious diseases surveillance around.” (BBC)

NASA moves a step closer to supersonic passenger flights

Oh for the glory days of travel, when the seats were bigger, the food was better, and you could jet across the Atlantic in less than three hours.

Since the 2003 end of Concorde, of course, flitting quickly across the Atlantic has been a thing of the past. Flights between London and New York take around eight hours, or closer to seven in the other direction. The record currently stands at just under five hours from New York to London, pushed on by a favorable jetstream.

But now, the thought of supersonic travel has been mooted again – by none other than NASA, which reckons that New YorkLondon flight could take as little as 90 minutes in the future.

The space agency has confirmed in a blog post about its “high-speed strategy” that it has recently studied whether commercial flights at up to Mach 4 – over 3,000 miles per hour – could take off in the future.

The study by NASA’s Glenn Research Center suggested that there are already “potential passenger markets… in about 50 established routes.” These routes were confined to transoceanic ones, including over the North Atlantic and the Pacific, because nations including the US ban overland supersonic flight.

However, NASA is developing “quiet” supersonic aircraft,

called X-59, as part of its Quesst mission. The agency hopes that the new aircraft could eventually prompt modification of these rules, clearing the way for aircraft flying between Mach 2 and Mach

4 (1,535 - 3,045 miles per hour).

Concorde’s maximum speed was Mach 2.04, or 1,354 miles per hour. A jet traveling at Mach 4 could potentially make a transatlantic

crossing in as little as 90 minutes.

Following the studies, NASA’s Advanced Air Vehicles Program (AAV) will now move to its next research phase for high speed travel, contracting companies to develop designs and “explore air travel possibilities, outline risks and challenges, and identify needed technologies to make Mach 2-plus travel a reality,” the agency said.

There will be two teams working on the research: one headed by Boeing, the other by Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems. Each will come up with designs for aircraft capable of sustaining highsupersonic speeds.

A FAST-MOVING FUTURE

Similar studies to the ones done now, which were carried out a decade ago, shaped the development of the X-59 aircraft, according to Lori Ozoroski, project manager for NASA’s Commercial Supersonic Technology Project. In the same way, she added, the new studies will “refresh those looks at technology roadmaps and identify additional research needs for a broader high-speed range.”

The next phase will also consider “safety, efficiency, economic and societal considerations,” said Mary Jo Long-Davis, manager of NASA’s Hypersonic Technology Project, adding that “It’s important to innovate responsibly.”

NASA’s X-59 airplane is now built, and ready for testing

Sports International

The Saudi Pro League has been dismissed as a competitive threat by Aleksander Ceferin, president of European football’s governing body Uefa.

The league has lured many highprofile players to Saudi Arabia over the last year, offering lucrative contracts and paying substantial transfer fees.

Ceferin feels the Chinese Super League made the same mistakes and said “that’s not the right way to do it”.

“It’s not a threat, we saw a similar approach in China,” he told L’Equipe.

“They bought players at the end of their careers by offering them a lot of money. Chinese football didn’t develop and didn’t qualify for the World Cup afterwards.

“That’s not the right way to do it. They should work on player and coach development, but that’s not my problem.”

Spending by Chinese Super League clubs was curbed by a transfer tax in 2017 but the Saudi Pro League has a long-term investment plan, with Michael Emenalo appointed as director of football to lead its acquisition and youth development strategy.

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola, who saw Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte leave for Saudi Arabia this summer, said the country’s financial clout has “changed the market” for transfers and elite European clubs “need to be aware of what is happening”.

However, the Premier League’s chief executive Richard Masters has said he “wouldn’t be too

Nebraska college volleyball match sets women’s sport attendance record

The record attendance for a women’s sporting event has been broken at a United States college volleyball match.

Nou Camp.

“It’s incredible,” Nebraska middle blocker Andi Jackson told ESPN.

note that said, ‘Coach, tonight the impossible will be possible’. We did it.”

concerned” about Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in football.

The country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has taken over four leading Saudi clubs including Al-Nassr, who signed Cristiano Ronaldo in December.

Karim Benzema and Neymar have been the biggest of many signings this summer while AlHilal made a world record £259m bid for Kylian Mbappe.

Benzema and Neymar are aged 35 and 31, respectively, while 24-year-old France forward Mbappe has decided to stay with Paris St-Germain.

Ceferin added: “There are players at the end of their careers and others who aren’t ambitious enough to aspire to the ‘top’ competitions.

“As far as I know, Mbappe and [Erling] Haaland don’t dream of Saudi Arabia. I don’t believe that the best players at the pinnacle of their careers would go to Saudi Arabia.

“When people talk to me about the players who went there, nobody knows where they’re playing.”

Ceferin also dismissed speculation that some Saudi clubs could join future editions of the Uefa club competitions or stage the competition finals.

“Only European clubs can participate in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League,” he said.

“Only European federations can apply [to host] a final, not even clubs. We would have to change all our rules, and we don’t want that.”

(BBC)

A crowd of 92,003 fans watched Nebraska beat Omaha at their Memorial Stadium, eclipsing the 91,648 who saw Barcelona play Wolfsburg in a 2022 Women’s Champions League match at the

“Everyone was trying to stay locked in, but we were so excited. I’m grateful to to be a part of it.”

Nebraska women’s volleyball coach John Cook told USA Today: “We’ve dreamed big here. [Junior setter] Kennedi Orr wrote me a

The previous record for a women’s sporting event in the US was the 90,185 who were at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California to watch the US beat China in the final of the 1999 Women’s World Cup. (BBC)

The Big Half 2023: Mo Farah runs in London for final time

Mo Farah will race for the final time in his home city of London at The Big Half on Sunday.

Farah, who has won four Olympic gold medals and six world titles, will retire after competing at the Great North Run on 10 September.

The Briton, 40, has won the Big Half three times, but has not competed since finishing in ninth place at the London Marathon in April.

You can watch Big Half live coverage on BBC iPlayer and online from 08:10 BST.

“I’m excited to run my last ever London race at The Big Half,” said Farah.

“It will be bittersweet, knowing it will be the last time I race competitively in my home town, but it’s always such a great day and I know the London crowds will be cheering me on, as they always do.”

There is a strong domestic field, with British athletes bidding to win places in Great Britain’s

Farah won The Big Half in 2018, 2019 and 2022

half-marathon team for the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Estonia on 1 October.

Jonny Mellor and Andy Butchart are the leading domestic entrants in the men’s race, while Samantha Harrison and Calli Thackery are the two fastest in the women’s field.

David Weir heads the men’s

wheelchair field while there is an intriguing match-up in the women’s wheelchair race where defending champion Eden Rainbow-Cooper faces former world 100m champion Samantha Kinghorn.

More than 15,000 people will join Farah on a route that starts near Tower Bridge and finishes at the historic Cutty Sark ship in Greenwich. (BBC)

The Saudi Pro League has signed some of the big names of the sport

Saudi Pro League ‘not a threat’ and ‘similar to China’, says Uefa president Ceferin

Nebraska have won the NCAA Division I title five times

Sports International

Luis Rubiales’ mother discharged from hospital after going on hunger strike

The mother of Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales has been discharged from hospital.

Angeles Bejar was admitted on Wednesday after locking herself in a church on Monday and going on hunger strike in protest at the treatment of her son.

Rubiales has been heavily criticised for kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermoso on the lips after the World Cup final.

Hermoso said the kiss during the presentation ceremony in Sydney on 20 August was not consensual.

On entering the Divina Pastora church in Motril on Spain’s southern coast, Bejar told Spanish news agency EFE the strike would continue “indefinitely, day and night”.

She added the “inhuman and bloody hunt that they are doing with my son is something he does not deserve”.

However, a local priest, who identified himself as Father Antonio, told Reuters news agency that Bejar had been taken to a hospital in Motril on Wednesdaythe town where her son was raised.

“She had not been feeling well because of the heat and everything else,” he told reporters.

“Her feet had become swollen and she was very tired. She had also become very anxious.”

EFE said that Bejar had responded satisfactorily to treatment before being discharged and was accompanied by her son when she left the hospital.

Rubiales was suspended on Saturday by world football’s governing body Fifa, a day after he had insisted he would not resign and claimed the kiss was “mutual and consensual”.

Football Federation regional leaders have called on president Rubiales to immediately step down, while Spanish prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation into whether the incident amounts to a crime of sexual assault.

Spain’s Sports Tribunal (TAD) also met on Monday to discuss the Spanish government’s request to suspend Rubiales, with a decision yet to be announced.

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin told French website

Rubiales has been heavily criticised for kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermoso on the lips after the World Cup final

L’Equipe that Rubiales’ actions were “inappropriate”.

In his first comments on the incident, Ceferin said: “I am a lawyer and one of the vicepresidents of Fifa. Any comments I might make would sound like pressure.

“I just have to say that I am sad that such an event overshadows the victory of the Spanish national team.

“We should change things.”

A video has emerged of Hermoso and her team-mates laughing and discussing the kiss on the team bus following the game.

Hermoso appears to be viewing a meme of ex-Spain men’s keeper Iker Casillas kissing his then wife Sara Carbonero during an interview following his country’s 2010 World Cup victory.

She later says “he comes over and hugs me like this” when talking about Rubiales.

In her statement denying the kiss was consensual, Hermoso said: “I feel the need to report this incident because I believe no person, in any work, sports or social setting should be a victim of these types of non-consensual behaviours. I felt vulnerable and a victim of impulsive-driven, sexist, out-ofplace act, without any consent on my part.

“Quite simply, I was not respected.”

She added she was put “under continuous pressure” to help with a “statement that could justify” Rubiales’ actions - and so were her family, friends and team-mates.

‘SPAIN IS DETERMINED TO END SEXISM’

Spain’s acting equality minister Irene Montero said Spanish society must break a “pact of silence” and stop normalising sexist behaviour, though she hopes the widespread

support for Hermoso following the incident will prove a turning point.

“Spain is a feminist society in which sexism still exists, but it is determined to end sexism,” Montero said. “We are sending the correct message to the world, that sexism is over.

“Perhaps it would have been desirable for this pact of silence to be broken with more force and forcefulness. But I think it has begun to crack and that is a very important step.”

The incident has sparked protests across Spain in support of Hermoso and against Rubiales, while fellow players - including the Lionesses - have also shown their support.

The United Nations Human Rights office has also backed Hermoso, saying everyone has a responsibility to “call out and challenge” sexual harassment and abuse.

Ryder Cup: Brooks Koepka and Justin Thomas among six US wildcard picks

Brooks Koepka and Justin Thomas have been named among United States captain Zach Johnson’s six wildcard picks for the upcoming Ryder Cup.

US PGA champion Koepka missed out on the points needed to qualify automatically after joining LIV Golf last year.

Thomas failed to qualify for the season-ending FedEx Cup playoffs.

Sam Burns, Rickie Fowler, Collin Morikawa and Jordan Spieth are also picked for the match against Europe.

They join automatic qualifiers Brian Harman, Wyndham Clark, Max Homa, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay in the 12-man team.

“A lot of time, lot of energy has gone into this process,” said Johnson.

“I’m very confident in these six [picks]. That confidence comes from simply surrounding myself with great people.

Brooks Koepka won this year’s PGA Championship to secure his fifth major

“These are six guys who make the other guys whole.”

The 44th Ryder Cup against takes place from 29 September to 1 October at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome.

Three of the four major winners in 2023 are on Johnson’s team for the tournament.

Harman won The Open, Clark won the US Open and Koepka

claimed the PGA Championship.

‘YOU DON’T LEAVE JT AT HOME’ Thomas, 30, is a Ryder Cup veteran but has struggled this year, missing cuts at the Masters, US Open and The Open and failing to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

“Justin Thomas is one of the

most talented players on the PGA Tour in my opinion,” Johnson said.

“He has been, without question, the heart and soul of US Ryder Cup teams, our emotional leader.

“Overall [he has] a fantastic Ryder Cup record. His passion for the Ryder Cup is very evident. In my mind he is born for this and you just don’t leave JT at home.”

Two-time major winner Thomas, who carded a round of 81 at the US Open in June and 82 at The Open in July, said he was “very, very fortunate” to be picked.

“You can want something too bad,” he added. “I’m sure all of us have tried to win golf tournaments too much and have tried to force the issue, and there were potentially times this season I did.

“Zach has been very vocal and made it sound great that we are all equal on this team. I feel I’m just as important as everybody else and my team-mates have voiced that the same way.”

Koepka, who is the only LIV

Golf player on the team, could only earn qualifying points towards the Ryder Cup at the major championships because the PGA of America did not count LIV Golf events for their rankings.

“A five-time major champion, he is built in my mind for the biggest of stages and there’s no bigger stage than the Ryder Cup,” said Johnson.

USA are the holders of the Ryder Cup after a record 19-9 victory in Wisconsin in 2021.

But they have not won on European soil for 30 years, their last victory on the continent coming at the Belfry in Warwickshire in 1993 with a 15-13 win.

European qualification concludes on 3 September after the European Masters at Crans-surSierre in Switzerland.

As with the US, the top six European players in the standings will qualify and captain Luke Donald has six picks. He will announce the team on 4 September.

Sports International

Lewis Hamilton says he has ‘unfinished business’ in F1 after signing new Mercedes contract

Lewis Hamilton says his decision to sign a new contract with Mercedes was motivated by the fact he and the team have “unfinished business” in Formula 1.

His remark cast minds back to the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, when Hamilton was six laps from winning an eighth world title until Formula 1’s then race director failed to apply the rules correctly and Max Verstappen prised the championship from the Briton’s grasp.

Hamilton has been stuck on seven championships since then, and been forced to watch as Verstappen and his Red Bull team have swept all before them, having grasped the potential of a new set of technical rules far better than anyone else.

On Thursday at Monza, just after the new two-year deal was announced, Hamilton said “trying to win more world championships” was the reason for staying in F1.

It’s no secret in F1 that Hamilton and Mercedes both feel that they were robbed of their dues at Yas Marina that day.

Nor that it has made the past two seasons, when they have fallen dramatically from competitiveness after failing to fully grasp how to get the best from the new set of rules, especially difficult to deal with.

Hamilton, 38, will never forget what happened in Abu Dhabi, and he explained last year how tough it had been.

But he says that his new deal is about looking forwards, not back.

“I’m not really a revenge person,” Hamilton said. “It’s not about redemption. That’s in the past. There’s nothing we can do about the past.

“But what we can do is work better moving forwards, and I truly believe with this team we can win more world championships and races together. So that’s where all my energy’s going.”

That eighth title would mean Hamilton stands alone at the top of all F1’s major record lists, even

if Verstappen is showing with his remarkable run of success that he could yet join him.

Hamilton already has more wins and pole positions than anyone else, but in terms of championships, the decisions by Michael Masi back in November 2021 to ignore the rules on how to restart a race after a safety car period and invent his own almost certainly prevented him from moving clear of the tie in which he finds himself with Michael Schumacher.

That evening under the lights in Abu Dhabi, there was not yet a sense that Mercedes would fall from the pedestal with quite such a thud.

They had dominated from 2014

to 2020, and it took a subtle tweak of the aerodynamic rules before the 2021 season to bring Red Bull on to a level playing field with them.

No one - least of all Hamilton and the team themselves - had any reason to think that the wholesale rewriting of the technical rules for 2022, and the reintroduction of ground effect, would leave them so far off the pace.

Instead, Hamilton and Mercedes have found themselves battling for respectability since the start of 2022. They had a car last year that differed dramatically in technical philosophy from Red Bull’s, and Hamilton made his feelings clear to the team at the time that he felt they had got things wrong.

So when they produced a car that looked the same again for this year, and it felt the same when Hamilton drove it back in the winter, it’s no surprise that he should have vented his frustration at the first race, when it was clear they would be uncompetitive again, and say the Mercedes engineers “didn’t listen” to him.

Despite the difficulties of the past two seasons, though, Hamilton believes Mercedes can return to the front.

“The goal is simple,” he said. “Setting the target is simple, but achieving it is not. Just making

sure you are performing every weekend.

“I still feel like I can improve every weekend. That’s what I love about this sport - you will never reach perfection but the pursuit of perfection is about one of the best things you can do.”

He added: “If it’s not next year, we will continue to work through it, but I truly believe that if it’s not next year it will be the year after.”

Hamilton’s new deal will keep him in F1 beyond 40 - an age at which he not long ago was saying he could not see himself still competing at the highest level.

As Williams driver Alex Albon put it on Thursday: “To be in F1 until you’re 40, you have to be a generational talent, realistically.”

Hamilton is most certainly one of those, and at the start of the 2025 season he will follow in the footsteps of his great rival Fernando Alonso in competing in F1 beyond his 40th birthday.

Alonso continues to amaze this season, age seeming not to have affected him in any way, despite turning 42 in July.

Hamilton says it’s “great” seeing Alonso “doing an amazing job”, adding: “It just shows that your talent never leaves you as long as you have that passion and commitment.” (BBC)

Transgender cricketer set to play in women’s T20 international for Canada

Canada’s Danielle McGahey is set to become the first transgender cricketer to play in an official international match.

McGahey has been included in Canada’s squad for a qualifying tournament on the pathway to the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

The 29-year-old opening batter has fulfilled all of the eligibility criteria the International Cricket Council (ICC) has for male-tofemale transgender players before the event in Los Angeles from 4-11 September.

McGahey’s participation comes despite other sports - including athletics, cycling, swimming and both codes of rugby - banning transgender women from taking part in elite women’s competition.

A spokeswoman for the Women’s Rights Network (WRN) - a group which says it seeks to “defend the sex-based rights of women” - said transgender women

had a “significant advantage” over athletes whose sex is recorded as female at birth, and called the ICC’s policy “unfair and unsafe”.

McGahey emigrated from Australia to Canada in February 2020, socially transitioned to a woman in November 2020 and started medically transitioning in May 2021.

McGahey told BBC Sport: “I am absolutely honoured. To be able to represent my community is something I never dreamed I would be able to do.”

ICC’S STANCE

The ICC’s player eligibility regulations released in 2018 (and amended in 2021) state trans women wishing to play women’s international cricket must demonstrate “the concentration of testosterone in her serum has been less than 5 nmol/L1 continuously for a period of at least 12 months, and that she

is ready, willing and able to continue to keep it below that level for so long as she continues to compete”.

The ICC also states a male-tofemale trans player must “provide a written and signed declaration, in a form satisfactory to the designated

medical officer, that her gender identity is female”.

McGahey said: “In order to determine [my testosterone levels], I’ve been doing blood tests every month now for over two years.

I also have to put in my player profile who I have played against

and how many runs I’ve scored.

“A lot of work with my doctor sending my medical information through to the ICC... they have a dedicated medical officer who looks over all of the information provided, and determines whether or not I have provided enough for an expert panel to make a decision.

“The need to do blood tests every month is probably the biggest challenge because when you are playing cricket you are travelling a lot.

“It’s very personal in terms of the information you are giving over - all your medical information, history of puberty, any surgeries. There’s a lot in it. But the protocols are there and it has been used as intended.”

WRN spokeswoman Jane Sullivan believes sporting categories should be kept separate on the basis of sex recorded at birth, and criticised the ICC for its eligibility criteria. (BBC)

Lewis Hamilton lost the 2021 drivers’ championship on the final lap of the season when he was passed by Max Verstappen

Transgender cricketer Danielle McGahey is set to play for Canada in a T20 international on 4 September in Los Angeles

TCI’s Saunders storms to gold in Chicago IBJJF Jiu Jitsu Championship

A dominant performance by Norman Benjamin Saunders from the Turks and Caicos Brazilian JiuJitsu Academy propelled him to secure gold in the Blue Belt Adult Middleweight division, during the Chicago Summer International Open International Brazilian JiuJitsu Federation (IBJJF) Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023.

The 23-year-old won a total of six fights, including four victories in Blue Belt division.

Saunders, who holds the 22nd rank in his division in the world, said he was “deeply honoured for the recognition and results from the Chicago Championship. The support from my friends, family, the

Turks and Caicos Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, and especially my coach, Alex Yablong has been invaluable.

“With the Jiu-Jitsu Con International 2023 in Las Vegas and the Toronto International Open IBJFF Jiu-Jitsu Championship approaching, I aim to further refine my skills and climb the ranks.”

This weekend, Saunders will be in action in the Las Vegas tournament, followed by the Toronto International Open IBJFF Jiu-Jitsu Championship on September 16th.

His September also heralds a new chapter at the Liverpool Law School, University of Liverpool. The proximity to an array of

competitions in the UK promises more opportunities for Saunders to compete and establish himself in the sport’s higher echelons.

Speaking on his ranking and aspirations, Saunders pointed out, “Several competitors ranked higher benefit from sponsors covering their costs, something I’ve managed out-of-pocket until now. This approach is quickly becoming unsustainable. I’ll be actively seeking sponsorships and brand partnerships to facilitate

more competition participation and bolster my global standing.”

With nearly four years of commitment to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Saunders has spent the past two and a half years training under Coach Alex Yablong. Outside of his own training, his enthusiasm for the sport translates into coaching kids’ jiu-jitsu classes at the academy and at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre.

Yablong, a native of Chicago, with extensive years in Brazilian

Jiu-Jitsu, founded the Turks and Caicos Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in 2022.

Commenting on Saunders’ journey, Yablong expressed, “Seeing Norm’s growth and accomplishments is truly inspiring. His dedication is not only a personal testament but a shining example of what potential lies within the Turks and Caicos Islands and the academy. We opened in 2022, and in this short span, witnessing such success speaks volumes.”

US Open 2023 results: Wozniacki beats Kvitova

Caroline Wozniacki claimed the biggest win of her fledgling comeback by beating 11th seed Petra Kvitova to reach the US Open third round.

Former world number one Wozniacki, who retired in 2020 and has since had two children, won 7-5 7-6 (7-5) in Wednesday’s night session in New York.

“It is a dream come true,” said the 33-year-old Dane.

Earlier, top seed Iga Swiatek and sixth seed Coco Gauff underlined their credentials with comfortable wins.

Defending champion Swiatek beat Australian Daria Saville 6-3 6-4, while 19-year-old American Gauff won 6-3 6-2 against Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva.

Wozniacki joined them in the third round after an impressive performance against long-time rival Kvitova, also 33, in only her third tournament back.

After Czech Kvitova saved two match points when serving at 5-4, Wozniacki showed she had lost none of her trademark grit to take a

Wozniacki won on her comeback at the Canadian Open earlier this month, but lost her next two matches in Montreal and Cincinnati

fourth opportunity in the tie-break.

After sealing victory, she became emotional in her chair as the crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium showed their appreciation.

“Being out here on Ashe in a night session couldn’t be any better and to beat the world number 11 is so special,” said two-time finalist Wozniacki, who won her sole major title at the 2018 Australian Open.

“Three years ago if you’d asked me, I didn’t think I was ever going to play on one of those courts again in the US Open.

“It just feels pretty incredible to be out there and winning a match like that.”

SWIATEK AND GAUFF

REMAIN ON TRACK

The victories for Swiatek and Gauff

keep the pair on course to potentially meet in the quarter-finals.

Poland’s Swiatek is looking to become the first woman to defend her US Open title since American Serena Williams won a hat-trick of titles from 2012.

The world number one will play Slovenia’s Kaja Juvan on Friday for a place in the last 16.

“It wasn’t easy but I’m happy I tried to play my game and play aggressively with a lot of intensity and I’m just happy to be in the third round,” Swiatek said.

Gauff, looking for her first major singles title, had to fight back to see off German qualifier Laura Siegemund in the first round, but produced an impressive display in her second-round match to progress.

Andreeva, 16, has enjoyed an incredible rise in recent months, reaching the last 16 of the Australian Open and Wimbledon to help her climb from 293 in the world in December to 62nd.

She displayed some excellent tennis of her own on Wednesday

but found Gauff in inspired form.

“I just learned to be aggressive, because if you give her something she is going to take advantage,” said Gauff, who needed three sets to beat the Russian in the French Open third round in June.

vGauff will play Belgium’s Elise Mertens for a place in the last 16.

Mertens, the 32nd seed, overcame 2022 Australian Open runner-up Danielle Collins of the United States 3-6 7-6 (9-7) 6-1.

Kazakhstan’s fourth seed Elena Rybakina advanced to the third round via a walkover after Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic withdrew with an injury.

Two-time Grand Slam winner and 18th seed Victoria Azarenka was stunned by China’s Lin Zhu, who won 6-3 6-3 to go through to the third round.

World number 44 Zhu will play Swiss 15th seed Belinda Bencic, who defeated British qualifier Lily Miyazaki 6-3 6-3.

Norman Saunders won four victories in the Blue Belt Adult Middleweight division which won him a gold medal

Sports National

Goodwill Swim team “exhibited outstanding improvement”– Coach Williams

COACH of the national team that competed in the 27th edition of the Goodwill Swimming Championships recently in Jamaica, Bennett Williams, said that the TCI swimmers continued to improve.

Coming up against the powerhouse sides, including the Bahamas, home team Jamaica, Barbados and Suriname among

others, was always going to be a difficult task competitively, however, the swimmers held their own and produced a number of personal best performances.

“The participants, including Anaiah Alleyne, Azaan Alleyne, Issac Farley, Matthew Gardiner, Leniah Hamilton, Jeffery Joseph, Ezekiel Martin, Gabrielle Martin, and Sean Walters, exhibited

TCIFA mourns the death of Coach

Gillian Vernice

THE Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) is mourning the death of Coach Gillian Vernice, who has passed away.

According to information from the FA, Coach Gillian was an important part of the TCI family.

Gillian first joined the TCIFA family as a player in the women’s development football programme, before participating in multiple volunteer positions at the FA; such as a coach, team

manager, and mentor.

“She was, without a doubt, an important part of our team. Gillian will be greatly missed by us, and all those who came to know and love her. We express sincere condolences to Gillian’s husband, children and extended family, and pray for their comfort during this difficult time,” information from the FA stated.

The Weekly News also sends condolences to the family and friends of the late Gillian Vernice.

outstanding improvement by consistently dropping their times and achieving personal bests.” Williams said that the event was not just about swimming, but highlighted the growth of the TCI swimmers, and their display of sportsmanship and determination. Among the standout accomplishments, Walters earned a point with a commendable

performance in the Boys’ 15 – 17 age division, 50 metres backstroke, heat 1, lane 3, where he clocked 32.83 seconds.

In the girls’ categories, Anaiah Alleyne achieved an impressive 9.07-second drop in the 50-metre backstroke for ages 9-10, finishing in 43.91 seconds. Gabrielle Martin also delivered a remarkable performance, lowering her time by

11.99 seconds in the girls’ 13-14, 100-metre freestyle.

The coaching team’s dedication and expertise played a pivotal role in the overall success of the event. Despite challenges, the Head Coach made strategic decisions, such as withdrawing Walters from certain events due to injuries, as well as Azaan and Matthew due to their warm-up performances.

The national swimmers that competed in the 27th edition of the Goodwill Swimming Championships

Coach Gillian Vernice was a part of the TCIFA family