TC Weekly News September 30 - October 6, 2023

‘DJ Krip’ dies in tragic boating accident

BY OLIVIA ROSE

A dark cloud of sadness and sorrow was cast over the local Turks and Caicos Islands community on Sunday, following the tragic death of Michael Taylor II, popularly known as ‘DJ Krip’.

An investigation has been launched by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force to determine the circumstances surrounding a boating incident, which led to the untimely death of DJ Kriptonite, a co-founder of Prime DJs on Sunday, September 24, 2023, on Providenciales.

Although the details of the tragedy are still being pieced together by detectives, police reports indicate that around 4.58 pm Sunday, September 24, there was a two-boat collision in the Leeward Channel.

As a result of the collision, Taylor and another male occupant

were thrown into the water on impact, the police said in a brief statement.

A cell phone video captured the boat that Taylor and the other occupant were in, veering chaotically to shore, unmanned.

Upon receiving the news of the incident, a mayday (distress signal) was sent out to boat captains in the vicinity to assist with locating the missing men at sea.

This publication understands that marine branch officers, along with several boat captains and a few jet ski operators responded to the request and commenced a search and rescue mission.

However, sadly Taylor’s lifeless body was eventually found and placed on the marine boat where all attempts to resuscitate him proved futile.

According to the police, the rescue mission which lasted close to two hours was called off when

Taylor’s body was discovered unresponsive.

The other male occupant of the boat who was found alive, was taken to the hospital for medical care.

The RTCIPF is urging members of the public to assist them with their investigation.

“Members of the public who witnessed the collision or the sequence of events leading up to it - including any footage recorded on mobile devices- are kindly asked to contact the nearest police station to assist investigators in establishing the facts.

“The RT&CIPF wishes to express condolences to the family and friends of Mr Taylor.

May God grant you comfort and strength in your time of grief”, the police stated.

Warm and friendly

As the shocking news of his death circulated quickly in the local community, tributes and condolences poured in on social media from family and friends of the deceased who was a regular entertainment figure at events

across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Taylor was described by his peers as a “warm and friendly” person with an effervescent personality.

Munro Craig wrote: “I'm in shock, one of the first DJ's I connected with in Turks, always had a smile and truly loved rocking a party… sad sad news.”

Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Hartling Group, Ms Karen Whitt wrote: “I sat last night in shock and silence, trying to come to terms with this unimaginable tragedy, a dear friend gone too soon.

“Mikey, your bold personality and bright smile always lit up the place, and your legacy will live on, my mind turns now to your darling family and brother Drex, my sincere condolences and prayers as you navigate the coming days and grieve one of the brightest souls I’ve ever known.”

Prime Djs on its Facebook page said Michael lived an “extraordinary life filled with adventure, laughter, love and great

music”.

“Our Co-Founder and loving family member died tragically yesterday, September 24th in a boating accident on Providenciales.

“We ask that you keep our Prime Time family in your prayers, praying that the Lord gives us strength and power to carry on.”

Meanwhile, Radio Turks and Caicos said Taylor’s sudden death is a tragic loss to the TCI's entertainment scene.

“The Family at Radio Turks and Caicos or RTC 89.1fm - the Nation's Station, shares in the grief with the entire country on the sudden passing of DJ Krip from Prime DJ's - Michael Taylor II.

“The Krip & Prime DJs has been family for years but closer over the last two years as he supported Jamspree aired at noon with DJ Pop!

“Krip was humble & kind, a real gentleman, we are still in shock here. The team, all our show hosts, and Management offers heartfelt condolences to Prime, the Fire Crew but especially his family,” RTC wrote on its Facebook page.

Michael Taylor II, popularly known as ‘DJ Krip’

A cell phone video captured the unmanned boat veering to shore

Guilty verdicts for two in SIPT trial

Will they face prison or pay a fine?

BY DELANA ISLES

Former Deputy Premier Floyd Hall and local attorney Clayton Greene are the first two defendants in the SIPT trial to know their fate, while three others with whom they are jointly charged are poised for their own trial in the near future.

Having been found guilty of Bribery (Hall) and Concealing the Proceeds of Criminal Conduct (Greene) on Monday, September 25, the duo now awaits their fate –a hefty fine or an extended stay at His Majesty’s Prison. That fate will be decided and delivered on October 10, by Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang. Until such a time, Hall remains on

$500,000 bail, while Greene’s bail was increased to $300,000.

Delivering the verdicts this week, the Chief Justice found that the prosecution had met its burden of proof on the two charges against the two men, while dismissing three other charges of Conspiracy to Defraud in land deals in Water Cay, North West Point and West Caicos.

Named in those three charges with Hall were Melbourne Wilson and Jeffrey Hall, who were accused of colluding with the former deputy premier and others to defraud the government and people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Both Wilson and Jeffrey Hall

Floyd

were acquitted of those charges.

Commenting on the verdict on Monday, was Director of Public Prosecutions, Eugene Otuonye, K.C., whose office now heads the prosecution.

“As always, we fully respect these verdicts. We will carefully consider them and the ensuing sentences before making further comments, if at all, bearing in mind that there is a related trial to consider,” the DPP said in a statement on the matter.

The Bribery Ordinance illustrates that a person convicted on indictment of Bribery faces a fine without a limit or to imprisonment of 10 years, or to both.

On conviction of the money laundering-related offence, a defendant faces imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years or a fine without limit or both.

CHARGES AND VERDICT

In all three of the conspiracy charges, chief defendant in this trial, Floyd Hall, is found not guilty of conspiring with former Premier Michael Misick to defraud the TCI.

In the bribery charge, Floyd Hall is alleged to have accepted inducements directly or indirectly from British businessman Richard Padgett and related and connected entities by unlawful corrupt payments or other rewards while he was a minister of government. He was found guilty.

In another count Floyd Hall, Jeffrey Hall and Melbourne Wilson allegedly conspired with Michael Misick, Lillian Boyce, Samuel Been, Quinton Hall and Earlson Robinson in a North West Point land deal. Hall, Hall and Wilson were found not guilty.

The fifth count names Clayton Greene, alleging he concealed or disguised the proceeds of criminal conduct committed by Floyd Hall. Greene was found guilty.

REACTIONS TO THE VERDICTS

As the verdicts were read in the courtroom – the first being not guilty – there were audible gasps heard from friends and family of the defendants present.

However, outside of the

courtroom, there was little reaction to the verdicts in what is undoubtedly the longest trial in the history of the Turks and Caicos Islands and possibly ranks up there with some of the longest trials in the world.

Throughout the years, as the trial dragged on, from one eventuality to the next, apathy grew in many sections of the local society, with bursts of spirited reactions in the form of protests from a select few about the money being spent to fund the lengthy process.

The general consensus being – one that remains – that the defendants are charged by the British, as such, the British should fund the process. Opinions that have been ignored by the Crown.

The trial involves corruption within the highest ranks of government, a government headed by Michael Misick, brother of the current Premier of the territory.

Misick, another member of his then Cabinet, McAllister Hanchell, and another one of his brothers, Chalmers Misick now await an announcement on their trial date.

Register of Interests 2022 for HoA Members available

Members of the public who would like to take a look at the business, political and other associated interests of members of the House of Assembly and their relatives are welcome to do so, the Integrity Commission has advised.

The Commission reported recently that the Register of Interests for the HoA members as of December 31, 2022, has been completed.

Members of the House of Assembly are required by the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution, Section 103(2), and the Integrity Commission Ordinance (the Ordinance), as amended, Section 52(1), to file

with the Commission, Statements of Registrable Interests.

The Commission said they have compiled the information contained in these Statements of Registrable Interests and has produced The Register of Interests 2022.

The Register of Interests 2022 is now available for public inspection at the following locations the House of Assembly in Grand Turk, the Office of the Premier in Grand Turk and Providenciales, and the Office of the Integrity Commission in Grand Turk and Providenciales during the hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm from Mondays to

Thursdays and 8:00am to 4:00pm on Fridays.

It can also be viewed at the Offices of the District Commissioners of Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Salt Cay and South Caicos.

The Register can be viewed at these locations during normal working hours or at a time that is convenient for the respective offices.

STATEMENTS OF REGISTRABLE INTERESTS

The Statements of Registrable Interests contain the following information relating to the

member, his or her spouse and children.

It outlines particulars of any directorship held in any company or other corporate body; particulars of any contract(s) with the government; the name of any company (s) of which he or she is an investor; and a concise description of any Trust to which he or she is a beneficiary or trustee.

It also contains any beneficial interest held in the land; particulars of any political, trade or professional association to which he or she belongs; particulars relating to sources of income; an any other substantial

interest whether of a pecuniary nature or not which may raise a material conflict of interest between his private interests and his public duty.

The Commission advised that all Members of the House of Assembly have filed their respective Statements of Registrable Interests for 2022.

The Commission said they have taken time to examine these Statements and have confirmed the accuracy of the respective entries with each member.

All House of Assembly Members are required to file their Register of Interest by March 31, each year.

Hall and Clayton Greene found guilty

THE SIPT JUDGEMENT

This week, two defendants involved in the years-long SIPT trial were found guilty of bribery and money laundering charges. They are set to be sentenced early next month. They face a lengthy prison sentence, a hefty fine, or both. Two others were found not guilty and have been acquitted. What are your thoughts?

Every rope has an end

This trial went on and on and it could have gone either way. It however should be seen as a warning for others who would abuse the offices that they hold.

Politicians work for the people, their primary focus is to enhance the lives of the people, not themselves.

Crime does not pay

Don't do the crime if you’re likely to be worried about the time.

Let's hope that despite the ludicrous time this is taking the outcome is a deterrent to future corruption.

Expensive

This trial has been going on for almost eight years; having started in December of 2015, what has that cost done to this country?

We cannot only look at those eight years in terms of the cost because the SIPT team was put together in March of 2010 so we have been paying for this from 2010, over 13 years so far and the process is not finished yet either. We have the appeal process to go through for the two defendants who were found guilty in this trial and an entire trial and appeal process for the other three defendants whose trial has not yet started.

We have no real idea of the cost of the trial today because there has not been full and open disclosure. There has been some disclosure but after a public outcry over the cost of the trial in the early years and in one instance a government refusal to continue to fund it, funds have come from other parts of the budget and it is not therefore possible to know the true cost of the trial to date. If we are paying for it we deserve to know what it is costing us and what it has cost us! You do not buy something or pay for something unless you know the cost.

We need to know the true and full cost not just the sums paid to the SIPT attorneys, but also the sums paid to outfit the court for this trial the legal aid for the defendants’ attorneys, and the costs for our legal system to pay for this trial. Only by knowing the cost can we know what kind of value we are getting for our money. I have to say it does not appear that we are getting any value for money when you look at the facts, this part of the trial started with four defendants with five counts and ended up with two findings of guilt, which is not a win in my books, especially when the one count that Hall was found guilty on relates to a guilty plea by Padgett!

Despite the financial cost to these Islands, I remain proud of us as a people when I look back at the early Helen Garlic days of SIPT and the concerns raised with the British government over the ability to pay for the trial and their refusal to assist with the cost. I am proud to say that the cost has been met and it has not crippled our economy, confirming we are a strong and resilient people but enough is enough! We are depriving a generation of Turks & Caicos Islanders, many of whom were born after the Commission of Inquiry that started this and will have finished high school by the time these trials are over with funding that could be put to better use for their future benefit, again ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

I talk about the financial cost of the trial because that can be quantified what cannot be quantified is the cost to the individuals, those found not guilty so far and those who may yet succeed on appeal, their personal losses can never be quantified.

Weak internal governance structures

These convictions cannot come at a worse time for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Not a day of "rejoicing”! This is a time when

the TCI needs to position itself globally and expand its share of global tourism and financial services. The verdicts expose how TCI is suffering from weak internal governance structures within the government and political parties. It will not be fair or right to politicise these issues but matters of policy and related issues do arise. In a country with a ministerial government since 1976, laws like the Bribery Ordinance, are only 10 years old or so and came after the allegations were made against former ministers, "after the fact". It also begs the question of whether the governing party and opposition are prepared to call MPS, Ministers, and their representatives to account. If done so in the past: none of this would have happened. The reason being, if parties became their own Commissions of Enquiry, functioned like their own SIPT, and disciplined their members when allegations of corruption and crime arose, there would not have been any suspension of the constitution or these ten-year SIPT trials. This is a sore weakness of the TCI political system. The party system needs to mature to a point where sufficient internal governance structures can be imposed from within. Persons who push reforms of that nature are really unpopular and easily removed. There is a routine ignoring of party constitutions and rules so the “majority” instead of “what’s right” tends to prevail.

These SIPT trials have set the islands back a good 50 years. The UK has imposed its own governance structures so that owing to deliberate misinterpretation of the constitution and the finance management laws, ministers must beg the governor on how to spend their own money. This cannot lead to good government and a proper policy regime. It is not even worth discussing the convictions and acquittals at this stage because the TCI people have lost so much.

Opportunities lost

It has been said that the crimes alleged against those former ministers were “victimless” so maybe the convictions are "moot". The real victims were the TCI people. Reportedly over $100m was spent over a ten-year period to reach two convictions. What about the opportunities lost?

Those monies could have been spent on upgrading the schools of the TCI, ensuring that everyone who graduated obtained a proper scholarship to a university of their choice, real small business development support and the expansion of local industry. So many chances are lost because between 2003 and today millions of dollars were handed over to outsiders instead of the TCI people.

The TCI now has a retarded constitutional order, the land is beyond the reach of natives and it is a real paradise lost. Emerging in the light of all of this is weaponisation of the “Grace Bay Mafia” which stands in the way of the economic empowerment of TCIslanders. The investors/developers were allowed to plead their way against these

charges and allegations and left standing to hold the bill were former ministers and the TCI people.

Not over

All the SIPT has to show after many years of trial and wasted resources are two convictions. To hazard a guess, most TCIslanders would not like to see one of their own sentenced in a way like this, facing time in the UK or elsewhere. One cannot figure out what they will do, whether the SIPT will insist on fines, return of assets, or custodial sentences. A lot could happen behind the scenes until sentencing day comes around. Allegations of money laundering are however pretty serious.

Prevent a recurrence

There are two convictions and two acquittals after over ten years and reportedly over $100m spent. It is too late for a blame game. Turks & Caicos Islanders were well aware of the kind of government they were getting in 2003 and owing to money, bribes and ‘largesse” flowing on the street.

All of that “free money” people didn’t ask questions on where all of “this free campaign money” came from?

Free money "isn't free". Ministers were bought and the country sold, the result, asset recovery efforts and endless SIPT trials. The lesson learned is that investors do not give money to "brilliant politicians" just because they “like them”.

In fact, they will be looking for the most dim-witted, easily controlled and gullible politician to share money with because that investor or developer’s eyes are focused on the people's land, the people's money, tax breaks and deals under the table.

This is what happened and why politicians are so "generous" at election time. All of that free money in 2003 and 2007. The result was seen in the transfer of 1000s of acres of Crown Land and the loss of ministerial control over Crown Land.

Lost with it is the control of TCI’s constitution and “ministerial initiative” in making decisions for the people. Will the wheel of politics in the TCI change for the better?

Will parties wake up to realise that “we need to govern ourselves, call the ministers and premier into account"? Letting them “Do what they want” is not good for the future and democracy.

HoA approves $35 departure tax for all airports – tax does not apply to domestic travel

BY DELANA ISLES

The Airport Development Charge

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

Presenting the bill for its second reading on Tuesday, September 26, Minister of Border Services, Honourable Arlington Musgrove explained that the bill amends the Ordinance to provide for the collection of an airport development charge in respect of every passenger, other than a child under the age of two departing from an airport under the management and control of the TCI Airport Authority for a destination outside of the TCI.

The minister has assured residents that the charge is not for

domestic travel, rather it is a charge for persons travelling abroad.

The effect of the bill is to allow for there to be such a charge at every airport in the TCI, for the purpose of their continued development, the minister said.

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

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

He added that the aim is to take a pragmatic approach: “We wish to treat the use of the funds for the coverage of all airports in the Turks and Caicos Islands under the control of the airport authority, and by doing so ensure there is a

Cocaine worth approximately $250,000 found floating off Sapodilla Bay

Eighteen packages of cocaine with an estimated street value of $250,000 were recently retrieved from the sea in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

On Sunday, September 24, around 8:25am, marine branch officers acting on information, proceeded to an area off Sapodilla Bay, South Dock, and noticed several packages floating in the sea.

In a statement later that day, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force said, upon inspection, the packages contained cocaine with an estimated street value of a quarter of a million dollars.

pool of funds dedicated without discrimination to the ongoing development.”

Musgrove further explained that the departure tax (by which it is commonly known) that is already being collected at the Providenciales Airport could not have been used for the other airports, hence the bringing of the bill.

He said the money that is collected for the Providenciales Airport can now – with the passage of the bill – be used to service and maintain the other airports.

Governor’s appointed member, Hon. Harold Charles raised some concerns with the bill and the airport development project.

He stated: “We have not yet started development, but we’ve started coming up with charges where our people now will have to pay a $35 fee for going out on an international flight.”

The minister intervened,

clarifying that the bill was brought now so that when the other airports become international, the government would not have to come to the House.

He further stated: “Right now, nobody is paying to North Caicos, Grand Turk… but once they become international airports, the same departure tax that everyone is paying in Providenciales, they will pay coming out of Grand Turk and North and South Caicos.”

Hon. Matthew Stubbs, Elected Member for The Bight also raised a question on the bill.

He wanted to know how and why they arrived at the age of two being the cut-off point for children not having to pay the departure tax.

Stating: “I think it should be raised a little bit, maybe under the age of five or six, a different number. Under the age of two is still a baby, in a crib.

“I would like to see that raised a little bit to give persons who

are travelling with kids a little bit more leeway and flexibility in the money they spend when they are doing their shopping; $35 is lot if you have to go shop for five or six children.”

Leader of the Opposition, Hon Edwin Astwood in his contribution questioned whether a development charge and a departure tax – as it is referred to both ways by the minister – is one and the same.

In his wrap-up of the bill, Minister Musgrove addressed the concern raised by Hon. Stubbs in relation to the cut-off age of two years old, stating the age outlined in the bill is what is internationally accepted. Addressing the issue of the relationship between the departure tax and development charge, he said the money collected for the departure tax is typically used to upgrade the airport itself, and that it is the same.

Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting in a brief comment, said the incident remains under active police investigation and has urged members of the public to assist the police with its investigation.

“This arrest and drug find was a result of information obtained from members of the public and great teamwork between different sections of the force on the land and at sea.

“We remain grateful for your assistance and trust in the police force as we continue our partnership to ensure the TCI remains a safe place to live, work and visit.

“I wish to again thank and encourage the public to continue working alongside us, if you see something, say something, there are options available for sharing information with us”, he added.

The public is being asked to contact 911, the closest police station, the RTCIPF Serious Crime Unit at 232-8752, or call TCI Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and give any information on illegal

activities.

Additionally, persons are encouraged to contact the MiamiDade and The Florida Keys Crime Stoppers at 1-305-471-8477 and give any information anonymously.

Packages of cocaine retrieved by marine officers- RTCIPF photo

Record-breaking failure for “record-breaking historic budget”

says Leader of the Opposition

BY DELANA ISLES

The first supplementary budget for $13.5 million laid in the House of Assembly this week has been hailed a “record-breaking failure” by Leader of the Opposition (LOO), Honourable Edwin Astwood.

According to the party leader, the minister of finance, who laid the budget in the House, indirectly confirmed that the country is declining, with the $438 million original budget now being increased to $438M, “a new alltime high”.

Astwood opines that the supplementary budget is an indication of the government’s failure to deliver, stating: “The Supplementary Appropriation (2023/2024) Bill indicates a country on a decline and one that lacks decisive leadership from those elected to serve.”

Referencing the report from the Ministry of Finance, Astwood said it outlines that “Revenue for the first quarter was 3% lower than budget and in line with the similar period in the prior year”.

The report further states: “Recurrent expenditure for first quarter totalled $72.4m. The results were 23% or $21.7m less than the estimates and $4.5m or 7% higher than the prior year.

“The underspend against the budget is mainly attributed to vacancies within the civil service and low absorption of grants and contributions due to slower-thanexpected spending on the public works programme.”

Astwood said this illustrates the lack of performance in getting projects moving, particularly in this time of no natural disasters, no pandemics, and no economic constraints.

The report states: “The supplementary proposes increasing the recurrent expenditure by $12.8m and the capital expenditure by $0.7m. Total increase - $13.5m. The revised expenditure forecast is $438.4m.

“Recurrent expenditures are $359.0m, and non-recurrent expenditures are $12.4m. The allocation for the capital expenditure is $66.6m. The most recent unaudited expenditure for April to August 2023 shows that the estimates are underperforming

by $35.7m.”

The opposition leader questioned: “Now tell me, and let us be real about it, does this sound like a government that comes for this work? Does this sound like a government that can do the work? Does this sound like a leader who is motivating his team to do the work? It certainly does not.”

He stated that the current administration is the first government to ever appoint eight ministers, and has the majority of members in the House of Assembly, yet they are unable to perform and get the work of the people done.

The party leader finds laughable the Minister of Finance’s statement that the Supplementary Bill is a testament to his government’s forward-thinking, and commitment to financial prudence.

“I laughed out loud when I heard those comments.”

He recalled when the budget was first introduced, pointing out by line item, to the government where their budget was unrealistic and destined to fail.

He said: “I indicated to them the items that were grossly underfunded, and where there was excessive overfunding, particularly in the millions being spent under consultancies.”

At that time, Astwood’s grouse with the money spent on consultants had raised the government’s hackles, with claims that the party leader was politicising the budget.

“But here we are, five months later. What has been cancelled, and what is gone?”

ALL GONE

“New Ministry of Finance Building ($100,000), Procurement of System for Exchange of Information Economic Substance Report ($1,000,000), Furniture and Equipment-CCPMD ($50,000), Special Needs School ($700,000), Construction of Ambulance Terminals Grand Turk and Providenciales ($500,000), Aquatic Centre development ($500,000).

“Renovations to Grand Turk Local Village ($500,000), Patrol Vessels for Maritime and Fisheries ($500,000), Renovations to Bambara Beach Vendors Market ($750,000), and Sapodilla Bay

Development ($800,000)

“All cancelled, all gone,” Astwood pointed out from items listed in the supplementary budget.

He added: “Ending this page of cancelled projects is the National Identification System ($2,040,000), now gone ‘til who knows when.”

He said another page in the supplementary budget, and still under the heading ‘Proposed Projects to Be Cancelled’ are several others.

“Digitisation-inland revenue ($2,000,000) you would see that $1,500,000 is being taken away, leaving $500,000.

“For the project of Housing project initiatives ($3,000,000), $1,500,000 is already being taken away before the first foundation has been dug.

“For the project of Community Roads All Islands ($4,500,000), which is comparatively very small $1,000,000 is already being taken away before the first road is pushed.

“For the project of Drainage Improvement Works ($1,100,000),

$600,000 is already being taken away before any improvement works begin.

“For the project of Renovation of Fuller and Clementina Walkin Park ($6500,000), $350,000 is already being taken away before any work starts.”

The Opposition Leader said that just five months after passing a “record-breaking historic budget”, it is appalling to see so many projects being cancelled.

“This PNP Government’s record-breaking budget has turned out to be a record-breaking failure. This is a very bad look

for government leadership, that is the Premier and his Ministers. This shows the total opposite of Progressive-Regressive.”

He said the Premier is out of touch and tired.

“Turks and Caicos Islanders if you are in any doubt as to whether this Premier is out of touch, out of tune, tired, and unmotivated to carry on, simply look at all the evidence, all the red flags, all the inactions, all the silence, all the ministers being always absent.

“We simply say Premier Misick, and his elected government need to go,” Astwood stated.

Tip-off leads police to assault rifle and ammunition –

Suspect in police custody

A tip-off to police regarding a suspicious vehicle resulted in the seizure of an assault rifle and ammunition over the weekend.

A 30-year-old male suspect remains in police custody assisting detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force with investigations following the seizure of an AR15 assault rifle and several rounds of ammunition, a Police statement said on Sunday, September 24, 2023.

According to a preliminary report, around 1.37 a.m. on Sunday, information was obtained regarding a suspicious vehicle that was later intercepted

by police officers. This led to the discovery of the assault rifle and ammunition and subsequent arrest of the suspect, who was in the vehicle when officers intercepted it in the vicinity of Rock Plaza, Millennium Highway, the police statement explained.

Commenting on the find, Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting said: “This is the second assault rifle seized within the last two weeks and these successes are the result of hard work and commitment by my officers to pushing back on criminals intent on causing harm to our communities.

“I wish to again thank and encourage the public to continue working alongside us, if you see something, say something, there are options available for sharing information with us”.

The public is being asked to contact 911, the closest police station, the RTCIPF Serious Crime Unit at 232-8752, or call TCI Crime Stoppers at 1-8008477 and give any information on illegal activities.

Additionally, persons are encouraged to contact the Miami-Dade and The Florida Keys Crime Stoppers at 1-305-471-8477 and give any information anonymously.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon Edwin Astwood

Millions allocated to South Dock redevelopment, repatriation and social welfare – $13.4m Supplementary Bill passed

The first Supplementary Appropriation Bill for financial year 2023-2024 was recently passed in the House of Assembly. The increased the expenditure envelope by $13,492,414.17 bringing the 2023/2024 budget to a grand total of $437,629,847.

The monies from the Recurrent Expenditure ($12.8m) and Capital Expenditure ($700,709) will go towards funding repatriation and detention costs, enhancing community and social welfare programmes, and funding the South Dock port redevelopment project among other priority areas.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Investment, and Trade Hon Erwin ‘Jay’ Saunders who laid the Supplementary Appropriations Bill in the House of Assembly on Monday, September 25, 2023, underscored that the bill does not only represent numbers and allocations but described it is a manifestation of the government’s values, priorities and vision for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

He said the funds will go towards fostering resilience, enhancing communities and social welfare programmes, making strategic investments, and pursuing sustainable development for the territory.

STRENGTHENING RESILIENCE

The Deputy Premier told the House of Assembly that one of the main goals of the bill is to strengthen the islands' resilience as it relates to the ongoing challenges of illegal migration from Haiti and its ongoing civil unrest.

He said: “These challenges encompass economic, social, and security aspects, with each contributing to the complexity of minimising the impact of such migration on our islands, our people, and our way of life.”

He emphasised that the crisis in Haiti is quickly becoming an existential threat to the safety of the TCI.

To this end, an additional $1m was allocated to support repatriation and detention activities.

He said: “I am sure that you will agree that the allocation of an additional $1 million to support repatriation and detention activities is a testament to our government’s commitment to take decisive steps in bolstering our national security, ensuring the safety and well-being of all our residents, maintaining social harmony and securing our

future.”

Along with this, an allocation of $851,000 was made for economic substance consultants and the development of an Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) software portal strategy to address the issues that led to the EU adding the Turks and Caicos Islands on their list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes (aka EU blacklist).

He underscored that investors and multinational corporations often avoid conducting business in jurisdictions included on the list “due to increased compliance risks and the potential for reputational harm”.

“This can lead to reduced foreign direct investment, which is crucial for the economic growth and development of small island territories like ours.

“This investment is not just a response; but it is a forward-looking initiative aimed at safeguarding our economic integrity and fostering international cooperation. It demonstrates our Government’s commitment to addressing these concerns and ensuring compliance with international tax standards”, he added.

ENHANCING COMMUNITY WELFARE

Turning his attention to the Government’s commitment to the welfare of TCI people, Saunders said revealed that $1m will be allocated to enhance social welfare programmes.

“We are not just a government; we are a collective, a community, and it is our moral duty to ensure

that every Turks and Caicos Islander has access to the support they need to live their best lives.”

Another $2m was allocated to address the essential needs arising from expired lease contracts, and private cleaning contracts for government schools in the territory, and the government is investing $4.2m in community development programmes.

“These initiatives encompass street cleaning, coastal structures, and road maintenance, thereby directly contributing to improving local infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.”

Coupled with this, the government has set aside some $1.8m for Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments related to the Ministry of Health’s ongoing Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contract with InterHealth Canada, and for a new allocation around the implementation of the Cemetery Ordinance.

He said: “Together, these initiatives signify our government’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of our residents – now and in the future.”

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

In an effort to support environmental initiatives in relation to the sustainable development of the TCI, some $500,000 was allocated for the Climate Resilience Coastal Protection consultancy, which is partially funded by the Caribbean Development Bank.

He said: “This initiative is a testament to our commitment to

preserving our beautiful islands for future generations, ensuring that they inherit a land that is as bountiful and pristine as we have been fortunate to enjoy.”

SOUTH DOCK PORT REDEVELOPMENT

A huge portion of the Supplementary budget will go towards the advancement of the South Dock Port Redevelopment Project.

A whopping $8.9m was allocated to the project which aims to improve the efficiency, and alleviate congestion at the South Dock Port, enhance trade, and boost the territory’s economy.

Saunders explained that the $8.9m in funding for the South Dock Port Redevelopment Project is required to progress phases 1 and 2 and is being brought forward from FY2024/25 to FY2023/24 –i.e. to this financial year.

“This Redevelopment project aims to produce additional berths which will alleviate congestion. One of the additional docks is scheduled to be completed within the next 18 months.”

He pointed out that the project is expected to achieve several benefits, including significant economic benefits as it is anticipated that larger vessels will be able to berth at the port, reducing shipping costs and the cost of living and doing business.

The introduction of a new port system at the dock is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce operating costs.

He added: “The redevelopment project involves the construction

of a new general cargo terminal, container yard, internal roads, and installation of a new scale. It will also include the construction of a safe-water drainage system, dredging a larger turning basin, and raising the port to improve climate resilience.

“The project aligns with the goal of modernising the port infrastructure and implementing port digitalisation and information technology.

“The South Dock port redevelopment project is consistent with the goal of resilient infrastructure, as outlined in the Turks and Caicos Islands Vision 2040 document, it supports the goal of secure and safe ports.”

In keeping with infrastructure developments, funds were also allocated for the construction of the Community Centre in Bottle Creek (at $1.7m), Consultancy Framework Projects to assist with the execution of the Capital Programme ($1.4m), and Refurbishment of the Sports Field in South Caicos ($450,000).

FUNDING

To fund these initiatives outlined in the Supplementary Bill, the government will use funds from the cash reserves.

Saunders stressed that this exemplifies the government’s commitment to fiscal prudence.

He said: “We are not only investing in our present but ensuring the stability and sustainability of our future, every dollar spent is a step towards a brighter, more secure tomorrow for all Turks and Caicos Islanders.”

The South Dock port, Providenciales

Is the justice system fair, equal and impartial to all?

When I consider the word justice, I think about fairness, impartiality, equality for all, and following the law. However, in the Turks and Caicos, it seems that the justice system does not appear to be fair and impartial. Furthermore, many in Turks and Caicos believe that the justice system is one-sided and appears to be working against most of the Turks and Caicos Islanders.

Lord Hewart, the Lord Chief Justice of England said that “Justice must not only be done, but it must also be seen to be done.”

There have been several firearm cases that appear to not be fair. In May 2023, an American tourist was charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition. He pleaded guilty and was eventually fined $3,500.

In July 2023, another American tourist was charged for possession. He was granted bail despite the opposition from the DPP’s office. He was charged with a fine of

BY DREXWELL SEYMOUR

$5,000.

In September 2023, another tourist was fined for possession of ammunition and was sentenced to eight months in prison. These three examples alone are not consistent, and they are a slap on the wrist. Further inconsistencies are when locals are fined with ammunition or guns. There was a case last year in which a local was found in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to seven years in prison. There was another case in which the police

found an unlicensed firearm in an individual’s house, and he was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Is this fair? Is this right? Isn’t this impartial? Isn’t this not following the law? I will be waiting to see the outcome of the trial involving a young lady from Grand Turk who was found in possession of ammunition. Will she be fine cash only? Will she spend the 12 years as per the law? Will she get a lower sentence like the tourists?

The Firearms Ordinance was amended in 2022 which states “A

person who contravenes subsection (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction on indictment to a mandatory term of imprisonment of not less than 12 years but not exceeding 15 years and a fine without limit.

If this is the law, then why were the tourists not imprisoned for a minimum of 12 years? Apparently, there are exceptional circumstances where the court can impose a term less than the required mandatory minimum term.

According to the Firearms (Amendment) Ordinance 2018, the ordinance states that:

“The court in considering for the purposes of subsection (2) whether a sentence of less than mandatory minimum term is just in all the circumstances, may have regard to

a. Whether the person convicted of the offence has a previous conviction for an offence under this Ordinance.

b. Whether the public interest

in preventing the unlawful possession of use, manufacture, transfer, sale, acquisition of firearms would be served by the imposition of a lesser sentence. These sentences for the tourists are very lenient and the sad thing is that the Department for Public Prosecutions is unable to appeal these cases. Shouldn’t the law be changed so that the DPP can appeal cases such as these?

I believe in following the law. However, the court must be seen as fair to everyone. No wonder why the people feel that Turks and Caicos Islanders are treated unfairly. The examples I provided with the two Turks and Caicos Islanders were sentenced to 7 and 11 years respectively were before the amendment, however, the judge still had exceptional rule. Therefore, all of our eyes are on this case with the young lady in Grand Turk. Will she have a lenient sentence like what the visitors get?

“Overtourism” and measures to mitigate its impact on TCI

Have you dreamt of a European vacation wafting through Venice on a gondola or gaping at the Doric architecture of Ancient Greece?

What about basking in the sun on the stunning Cala Granadella beach in Casa Blanca, Spain?

If so, you might be in for a surprise! Europe is overrun by unruly tourists and now, lawmakers are imposing fines and restrictions to enter major cities on the continent.

But Europe is not the only tourist destination that is negatively affected. Southeast Asia is experiencing its own side effects from “overtourism”. Bali, an Indonesian province has had to impose stringent rules and arrested several unruly tourists, who disrespected the Balinese culture and customs.

And recently Vermont town authorities in the US had to shut down a scenic road to keep out ‘poorly’ behaved influencers and

BY D MARKIE SPRING

tourists, who damaged roads, trampled gardens, and defecated on people’s private properties.

This sudden overcrowding emanates from the recent lockdowns, border movement restrictions, and grounded flights during the coronavirus pandemic.

Moreover, trends show that this travel inrush is triggered by factors far beyond the aftereffects of the pandemic. First, the tripling of the global population has activated an increase in travel; not withholding, the growing influence of the middle class of 4.2 billion people

worldwide.

Accessibility to cheap regional carriers, social media and the influx of Airbnb are also fuelling the current travel boom.

By now, one might be asking, what does this have to do with the TCI? Well! In an era, where globetrotting is as easy as ordering a meal and although the situation in the TCI does not amount to “overtourism,” yet, the effect of soaring tourists’ inflow is a recipe for disaster.

Tourism, in its current form, has afforded the TCI social and

economic sustainability and like any other phenomenon, this surge harbours its own set of intricacies.

Already, the marine ecosystem is deteriorating and the changing of local customs from inappropriate behaviours is in effect, and if we’re not careful, these improprieties could turn our quaint neighbourhoods into drunken party zones.

Sadly, the most eye-opening impact of this influx of tourists is that it fosters inequality; driving up prices on commodities and services; hence, eroding the purchasing power of the local population and fracturing communities – mostly obvious in Grace Bay and Leeward with minimal effect in Long Bay.

The International Tourism Organization estimated that more than two billion tourists would overrun the world’s tourism destinations by the end of 2030, and it is certain that the TCI and

the region could experience more undesirable effects.

And like many governments worldwide, policymakers must adopt stringent policies as a response to the impacts of rowdy tourists to preserve the environment, TCI's customs and its cultural heritage.

This would encourage responsible tourism, where travellers are forced to consider the impacts of their actions and make choices, which positively impact the social, cultural, and environmental arenas.

And while the authorities are promoting sustainable travel and taking full account of current and future economics, they must ensure that respect for local customs are prioritised over short-term monetary gains.

I hope that lawmakers will monitor the ongoing travel inrush and its effects across the globe and act accordingly, and timely.

“Justice…must also be seen to be done” – Lord Hewart

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

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

"Finding what we're looking for: the quest for fulfilment in Christ"

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon, Israel’s third King, after sampling all that life had to offer, came to the conclusion that everything is "Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!"

(Ecclesiastes 1:2, NIV). Solomon's quest led him to conclude that true fulfilment could not be found in the temporal pleasures and pursuits of this world. Solomon’s quest also serves as a warning for us, one we do well to heed. Chase after the wind and we will get nothing.

Solomon was not the only one to experience this angst. In 1987 the band U2 came out with a song aptly titled "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For". Bono, the lead singer, called the song a “gospel song with a restless spirit” and at the same time “an anthem of doubt”. The chorus, But I still haven't found What I'm looking for// But I still haven't found What I'm looking for, when combined with the conclusion Solomon arrived at thousands of years before, sums up the reality that there is more to life

KENYATTA E. LEWIS

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

than food, drink, sex, clothing, and achievement.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus declares, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, NIV). These words emphasize Christ's role as the ultimate source of healing and restoration. This invitation extends beyond physical rest; it encompasses the spiritual and emotional renewal that Christ alone offers to all who turn to Him. It signifies a release from the striving and self-reliance that so often characterise our lives, replaced by a deep sense of peace and trust in a Saviour who carries our burdens with unwavering love.

In a world marked by haste, despair, and restlessness, these words remind us of the transformative power of faith in Jesus— faith that provides rest, peace, and a profound sense of belonging. For those who put their trust in Christ, these words serve as a constant reminder that they need not carry their burdens alone, or search for meaning in muddy pools, for their Saviour is ever ready to provide rest and solace to the weary and wondering heart.

One of the verses in the song says "I believe in the Kingdom Come; when all the colours will bleed into one." These lyrics encapsulate the Christian hope

of the Kingdom of God, where unity, peace, and love will reign supreme. Jesus Himself prayed, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10, NIV). What this passage underscores is the promise of a future where all divisions will be reconciled through Christ.

Another verse in the song rings

out, "You broke the bonds, and you loosed the chains; carried the cross of my shame." This is a recognition that only Christ can free us from the burdens of sin and shame, haste, and emptiness. In John 8:36, Jesus declares, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (NIV).

As we journey through life, the Bible offers a guiding light, pointing us to the ultimate source of meaning and connection: a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The search for what we're looking for ultimately finds its answer in the transformative power of faith in Christ—a relationship that promises fulfilment, healing, and eternal hope.

YOU. ARE. LOVED.

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Five reasons why women outlive men

Women outlive men in almost every society. In more developed countries, the average life expectancy at birth is 79 years for women, and 72 years for men. In less developed countries, where high maternal mortality reduces the difference in longevity, women can expect to live an average of 66 years, compared with 63 years for men.

SO WHY DO MEN, ON AVERAGE, DIE FIRST?

There are many reasons why the ratio of men to women (which is roughly equal in young adulthood) starts to favour women over time. Among the most powerful factors? Men tend to kick the bucket before their opposite gender, here are five reasons for that.

MEN TAKE BIGGER RISKS

Some of the reasons seem to be "biological destiny." The frontal lobe of the brain — the

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

part that controls judgment and consideration of an action’s consequences — develops more slowly in boys and young men than in their female counterparts. This may contribute to the fact that far more boys and men die in accidents or due to violence than girls and women. Examples include biking, driving drunk, and homicide. This tendency toward lack of judgment and consideration of consequences may also contribute to detrimental lifestyle decisions among young men, such as smoking or drinking to much.

MEN HAVE MORE DANGEROUS JOBS

Men far outnumber women in some of the riskiest occupations, including military combat, firefighting, and working at construction sites.

MEN DIE OF HEART DISEASE MORE OFTEN AND AT A YOUNGER AGE

In fact, men are 50% more likely than women to die of heart disease. The fact that men have lower estrogen levels than

women may be part of the reason. But medical risks, such as poorly treated high blood pressure or unfavourable cholesterol levels, may contribute as well

SIZE MATTER

Across many species, larger animals tend to die younger than smaller ones. Although the magnitude of this effect is uncertain in humans, it may work against male longevity.

MEN TEND TO COMMIT SUICIDE MORE OFTEN THAN WOMEN

This is true despite the fact that depression is considered more common among women and women make more (non-fatal) suicide attempts. Some attribute this to the tendency for men to avoid seeking care for depression and the cultural norms that discourage men from seeking help for mental illness.

BE LESS SOCIALLY CONNECTED

For reasons that aren’t entirely clear, people with fewer and weaker social connections (which tend to include men more often than women) tend to have higher death rates. Don’t ask me to expand!

MEN TEND TO AVOID DOCTORS

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, men are far more likely to skip routine health screens and far less likely than women to have seen a doctor of any kind during the previous year.

So wives, do not fight with your husbands till eternity, let him have his way, for you will have at least five years on your own in total peace and quiet when he leaves. It is a long game, but you’re winning.

Thoughts? Do share at louisedens@gmail.com

Oswald Skippings calls out former Governor Nigel Dakin

BY DELANA ISLES

Former Chief Minister Oswald Skippings is holding no punches for former Governor Nigel Dakin, whom he accuses of flooding the Turks and Caicos Islands with both legal and illegal immigrants.

This week, Weekly News shares the second part of our interview with the former chief minister, in which he answers questions related to the crime situation in the territory and what he believes should be done to return the TCI to a truly safe destination for all.

He stated: “In order to return the TCI to being the ‘truly’ safe destination it has always been before the current scourge of crime, there are a number of steps to be taken.

“First of all, there needs to be an awareness of the previous governor’s vile and blatant intention to flood these islands with both legal and illegal immigrants and give them permanent status, with the blatant, invasive intent of ‘broadening or extending the franchise’.

“In other words, putting foreigners totally in charge politically as the choosers for government at the polls.

He said that in spite of being constitutionally responsible for national security and law and order, and the TCI being faced with the invasion by sea of illegal immigrants, Dakin and Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting dismantled the Police Air Wing and millions of dollars were reportedly wasted on an aircraft that is yet to materialise after a few years.

Skippings stated that: “Attempts were made by the Commissioner to frustrate and fire personnel from the Air Wing department. Therefore, the air surveillance was terminated and the ability to spot illegal vessels including poachers was drastically reduced.”

He recalled that to add insult to injury, they dismantled the police station in Salt Cay, leaving no police officer on that Island, with similar actions taken in Middle Caicos.

“Security and law and order was also deliberately reduced in Five Cays, Providenciales with the closing down of the police station in that settlement as well as in Blue Hills.

“The marine branch in the nation’s Capital of Grand Turk was totally dismantled thereby opening the invasion gates wider, both by air and sea. The police presence in Grand Turk was also drastically reduced.”

He alleged that instead of implementing measures to rid the country of illegals, the governor was facetious enough to suggest legalising the massive number of illegals in TCI.

“If one was to pay close attention to the recent recruitment of police officers by the governor, it would be clear as to his intention to even take the security base totally out of the hands of our local generational people.

“This blatant approach to destroying these Islands at the gubernatorial level leaves one to wonder if this is not actually a colonial conspiracy.”

He said that in order to bring back the level of safety and security needed to not only secure the tourist industry, but to protect citizens and residents, the TCI has to begin by reestablishing those institutions and departments that were “deliberately dismantled by the governor and commissioner of police and allowed by the elected government without a public outcry or any form of parliamentary or other opposition”.

Additionally, the Statesman believes that the police force needs to be increased with local Turks and Caicos Islanders and provided with better training and modern equipment.

Also, he added, the immigration task force needs to be fully reinstated with personnel that are also trained and equipped to deal with the clear and present danger they face in the shanty towns and off-limit settlements.

“The implementation of a digital identification (ID) that, as Minister of Immigration, I initiated in 2001 that was squashed by the incoming government in 2003, must be reintroduced.

“The shanty towns and other illegal settlements must be thoroughly penetrated, and the illegals extracted.

“The illegal jitneys have to be dealt with. More police officers are required, and more community policing has to be done.”

He has also suggested the placement of a police station in areas

such as Dock Yard Providenciales.

“The regiment has to be strengthened in great numbers and fully equipped militarily to demonstrate that we are serious about national security if we are to begin moving toward selfdetermination and saving our country from exploitation and our people from national degeneration.” The need to reach out and reach down to the unemployed, un-

Former Chief Minister, Hon Oswald Skippings

Oswald Skippings calls out former Governor ...

CONTINUED FROM  13

embraced young men throughout the local communities must be recognised, he stated.

“These young men need to be given personal attention, shown their value and offered

opportunities to fully assimilate into mainstream society. They need to be offered suitable jobs, training and counseling where necessary.

“This approach would go a long way in eliminating gangs and individuals who feel rejected and become frustrated and resort to

crime,” Skippings asserted.

He noted that until these areas are adequately equipped, pressure has to be put on His Majesty’s Government to play a greater role in national security both internal and external.

“If it fails to live up to their

constitutional responsibility and continue the colonial conspiracy to overpopulate us with illegals, then legalise them and disenfranchise us as native Turks and Caicos Islanders, then we as an elected government have to take the bull by the horns and bring in adequately

trained and equipped teams as a part of our immigration task force to clean up our country from an immigration standpoint.

“Those are but a few of the steps to be taken immediately,” the former Chief Minister told this publication.

Illegal collection of airport security fee for 13 years fixed –

HoA passes Airports Security Charge

Validation Bill 2023

BY DELANA ISLES

In an unusual twist this week, the government brought to the House a bill that sought to legalise 13 years of illegal collection of airport security tax from passengers flying out of airports in the territory.

The Bill was moved by Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Hon Arlington Musgrove on Tuesday, September 26.

The Airports Authority Securities Charge Validation Bill 2023 seeks to validate the security charge imposed, levied and collected by airlines and remitted to the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority in respect of passengers aged two years and older departing the Islands.

The Bill dates back to April 9, 2010, to the date of coming into effect of this Ordinance, as the security charge imposed during the period did not comply with the requirements under regulation three of the Airports Authority Securities Charge Regulations, the minister said.

An Airport Security Fee is the fee levied by a country for purposes of financing acquisition, operation and maintenance of airport security equipment and infrastructure, and payable by passengers using any of the country’s airports.

Pointing to the date mentioned in the bill –April 9, 2010 - the minister explained that the security charge was being collected since that time, but that there were no Regulations in place, which this bill now fixes.

The minister in his presentation, also referenced a comment made by the Governor’s appointed member, Hon Harold Charles during the debate on a related bill – the Airport Development Charge Bill 2023 - in which Charles stated that international charter flights from the sister islands have been collecting a security charge for several years when they were apparently not legally allowed to do so.

Musgrove reiterated that the Validation Bill fixes that oversight.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Edwin Astwood in his contribution to the bill thanked the minister for picking up and fixing the anomaly.

He also pointed out:

“Since 2012, since my time inside the House we weren’t aware of this, so I want to thank him for really picking this up from since in 2010 when we had the interim administration.”

Astwood added: “So, definitely nobody can point fingers at any of our governments from the Turks

and Caicos Islands. This needed to be corrected and the minister and his team see this is the best way to do it.

“I really want to thank them for picking this up; from 2010 we’re collecting a charge that we had no legal authority to, that is some 13 years of collecting money from the people going through security or using the services.

“We have to get this right, so I wholeheartedly support fixing this as best as we can.”

The Opposition Leader also highlighted that mistakes can be made by anyone, saying: “Just to point out, not because people from abroad do things means that they always do it right, sometimes we want our people to know that sometimes we do things way better than people from those developed countries.

“This is something to show that a Turks and Caicos Islands Government wouldn’t have missed this.”

Governor's Appointed Member, Hon. Willin

Public Appeal

Belliard echoed Astwood’s sentiments, thanking the team at Musgrove’s ministry for rectifying the oversight.

“I am sure it was keen legal eyes which got us here and we are thankful.

“I want to encourage other members of the various government departments to take a look at some of these legislations to make sure that we are operating within the parameters of the law, and

we don’t have to correct an error 10 or 15 years later.

“Because we could have found ourselves easily in a situation where there might have been claims against us,” Belliard said.

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

The Providenciales International Airport

Youth Week celebrated with enthusiasm, awards and accolades

BY DELANA ISLES

Youth Week kicked off in the Turks and Caicos Islands on Sunday with a church service in Grand Turk, culminating with a family fun day on each Island on Friday.

On Sunday, September 24, scores of young people adorned in their Sunday best and school uniforms gathered at the St Mary's Pro-Cathedral in Grand Turk, to commence the week of fun and educational activities that recognise and reward the youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

On Tuesday, Her Excellency, acting Governor Anya Williams attended the Youth Skills Day at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex.

During that event, young people in attendance engaged in hands-on learning experiences, interactive sessions, panel discussions on career development and entrepreneurship, and a job fair. The event highlighted the

importance of equipping young people with the skills necessary for employment, and entrepreneurship. There was representation from the private and public sector, and Williams commended all students and young adults who showed up to capitalise on the knowledge shared with them through the many discussions.

Meanwhile, the highlight of the week was the hosting of the TCI’s inaugural Youth Awards at Beaches Turks and Caicos on Wednesday evening.

The Ballroom at the resort came alive with accomplished youths as they were celebrated and honoured by heads of government, members of parliament, private sector representatives and well-wishers.

The event - organized by the Department of Youth Affairs – was hosted under the theme ‘Building TCI Through Volunteerism’.

According to a statement from the department, it is their hope that by celebrating their successes, the

department aims to inspire a sense of pride, instill a belief in their abilities, and encourage the youth of the TCI to reach even greater heights.

AWARDS

The Youth in Entrepreneurship was awarded to Huntley Forbes Jr, the Youth in Art and culture to Benson Williams Jr., the Youth In Media Award went to Andy Missick, the Youth Triumph Award to Dixie Smith, Community Service Award to Arean Louis, the Health and Wellbeing Award to Dr. Anya Malcolm, Youth in Sports Award to Tanesia Gardiner, Youth in Education Award to Chelsea Stubbs, Youth in Environment Award to Jatavia Howell, Youth in Religion Award to Kiatana Robinson.

The Youth in Performing Arts Award went to Ryesha Higgs, Youth in Tourism to Brianna Walcott, Youth in Literary Arts to Leonardo Lightbourne, the

Industrial Award to Dominique Durham, Youth Artisan Award to Oriel Selver, Young Professional in (Civil Service) Award to Emilio Seymour, the Premier Youth Award to Andy Missick, and the Youth in Agriculture Award to Stenley Valmir and Esteven Lubin for their Hydrofresh project.

Meanwhile, awards were also given out for allyship.

In South Caicos George Fulford was recognised for being a Youth Ally, in North Caicos it was given to Cynclair Musgrove, in Grand Turk to Rita Gardiner, in Providenciales to Roxann WakeForbes, in Salt Cay to Newton Bassete, and in Middle Caicos to Lois Jacobs.

The Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre was awarded for being outstanding in community impact through volunteer service.

The Rotaract Club of Providenciales and Rotaract Club of Grand Turk were awarded for being outstanding in community

projects.

St Monica’s Christian Youth Movements (CYM) was awarded for being outstanding in community spirit and building relationships, and The Pine Cay Project received the Youth Corporate Award.

A THANKFUL YOUNG MAN

Following the award ceremony, Andy Missick, who received the first annual Premier Youth Award and the Youth in Media Award, said he was honoured to do so.

He shared a brief summary of his impactful life story to his Facebook page, a story that many TCI young men (and women), can relate to, particularly in light of the recent troubled times the territory has been experiencing.

Andy shared: “My life is far from easy, especially as a male. I’ve lost a lot of friends to a life of drugs, prison and even early deaths. It’s so easy being bad and subscribing to negativity in a world filled with oppressors, and

Acting Governor Anya Williams attended the Youth Skills Day at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex on Tuesday (TCIG photos)

Andy Missick received the first annual Premier’s Award and the Youth in Media Award at Wednesday’s Awards ceremony (TCIG photo)

Wednesday evening, the Department of Youth Affairs hosted its first Youth Awards which celebrated youths in the TCI in various disciplines (TCIG photos)

distractions keeping you down. Up to today some of the ones (whose) duty is to uplift try to keep the door shut, however, our destinies are in GOD’s hand.

“There are times I want to give up on this journey being that a lot

of times I’m a healer in situations where I need healing, I’m a helper in situations where I need helping and I show love and receive nothing but hate in return. However, there’s a higher power driving me, keeping this passion alive despite living in

this cold world.

Growing up, I never wanted to take this path. My life was always survival mode. I couldn’t see myself helping others cause I needed help. It’s like the more I climbed the more I realised how

far I had left to go.

“All I wanted to do was make it out of my circumstances and do for my immediate people because I needed help more than anything else however because of divine alignment I’m here.

“To this date, I’m still faced with oppression, and I’m withheld from opportunities, but I’ll continue doing GOD’s work and making my country and world a better place step by step.”

National Youth Day 2023 kicked off this past Sunday at St Mary's Pro-Cathedral Grand Turk (Capitol News photos)

When art is joy

The making of a fine arts gallery - Grand Turk style

On a grey, cold, and rainy afternoon in January 1990, I found myself amidst the familiar landscapes of Hamburg, Germany—my birth city. Only a month prior, I had relocated to the Turks and Caicos Islands. I had found a place to live on Providenciales, paid a deposit on a retail space for my art gallery and navigated the labyrinth of bureaucracy inherent in an overseas move—establishing a bank account, applying for a work permit and business license among other things. This brief return to Germany was to tie up loose ends, a seemingly simple task. Yet, in those days, the complexities of German bureaucracy made those of TCI appear a walk in the park. Ironically, today, both have evolved into equally convoluted systems. Anyway, this was it, I was leaving Germany for good, after 11 years, heading back to the region of my childhood.

On that dreary afternoon, when the phone pierced the silence, it brought long-distance news from the Turks and Caicos Islands. "Titus," came the voice of the local real estate agent, who, in a twist of fate, is now The Hon Premier, "I regret to inform you that your business license application has been denied. But don’t worry, we'll resolve this upon your return." His words lingered as I hung up. A few weeks later, I found myself sitting in the business licensing office in Providenciales. "So, it's a retail license you were denied?" a friendly and sympathetic official questioned, "What exactly is your intended business?" After I clarified that a fine arts gallery wasn’t akin to a typical retail shop, her gaze lifted, a smile curled, and she declared, "Alright, let's categorise

BY TITUS DE BOER

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

turn this idea into reality. I forged relationships with new artists, reestablished connections with old ones, reached out to collectors and art publishers, and scouted for a location for the new gallery. Happily, Grand Turk's “TDB Fine Arts” is now just a few weeks away from its grand opening. Nestled in the heart of Grand Turk's historical Front Street, the gallery will proudly showcase the works of local painters, including the renowned Middle Caicos artist Dwight Outten, Provo's very own Ben Oduma, and the skilled Grand Turk watercolourist Katherine Hart. The gallery will also exhibit internationally recognised, collectible fine art, photography by Beatrix Neuhaus, as well as the works of visiting artists from the UK, Europe, and around the world, such as the much-celebrated Jill Tattersall from York.

this one as miscellaneous."

With my “miscellaneous” business license and work permit in hand, the Bamboo Gallery threw open its doors in April 1990, at The Market Place. The ensuing fourteen years were a symphony of bliss. The art business is my confessed love. It intertwined my days with not only intriguing, imaginative souls—the artists but also with clients, whose penchant for art made them a delight to interact with. The art shows hosted by the Bamboo Gallery in the 1990s became synonymous with 'must-attend', showcasing local and quality Haitian art, and,

as time unfurled, pieces from as far as Africa and South America were included.

Ultimately, my persistent refusal to acknowledge the inevitable shift of business activity to the Grace Bay area led to the downfall of the Bamboo Gallery. By the time I recognised this transition, numerous other galleries had emerged, dominating the art scene with their mass-produced, albeit commercially successful, “Grace Bay beachscapes” which, while lacking in inspiration, defined the new artistic landscape. A change was imperative. It marked the

moment to relinquish the Caicos and venture towards the Turks Islands.

In the spring of 2021, during a conversation with a friend in the Nation’s Capital, the idea was casually suggested: "Why not open an art gallery on Grand Turk?" We were exchanging stories about how the pandemic had impacted our businesses; for me, the 2020 shutdown had been nothing short of devastating. It was time for a fresh start, and the notion of re-entering the art business had been lingering in my mind. Between 2021 and 2023, I embarked on a journey to

To raise awareness for Grand Turk's unique animal population, particularly its donkeys, TDB Fine Arts has joined forces with the local charity "Hooves and Paws." Together, they will be organising regular art exhibitions with a focus on animal themes. The proceeds from these exhibitions will be donated to support the charity's mission.

At this juncture, I would like to extend an invitation to all local artists. Whether you are a young, aspiring talent or an experienced, professionally trained artist, I welcome your contributions. If your artwork is original and speaks to the heart, I encourage you to get in touch with me at tdbtci@aol. com and share samples of your work. Here's to a multitude of unforgettable artistic experiences in Grand Turk!

The new Grand Turk based Fine Arts Gallery will feature the very best of art from the TCI and around the world. (Painting by Dwight Outten)

Located on Grand Turk’s historical Front Street, TDB Fine Arts will be bringing a multitude of unforgettable artistic experiences to the Nation’s Capital

Artists from around the Turks and Caicos Islands are encouraged to contact the new gallery with samples of their work. (Watercolour by Katherine Hart)

Gun threat triggers heightened security alert at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre

The Cheshire Hall Medical Centre (InterHealth Canada-TCI Hospital) on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, implemented strict security measures following a serious reported threat.

According to a brief statement from the Hospital’s Public Relations Officer Ms Takara Bain, the TCI Hospital swiftly implemented a heightened security alert following a reported incident involving a patient and a suspected weapon on the premises.

She said: “ The safety and wellbeing of our staff, patients, and visitors is our utmost priority, and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure their protection.”

Although details of the incident are still sketchy, the Weekly News understands that Members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were summoned to the hospital and an investigation into the matter is underway.

As an added layer of security, Bain said additional security personnel were deployed to the scene to reinforce onsite measures.

She said: “They are welltrained and equipped to handle any potential threats swiftly and

effectively.”

In order to ensure the safety of everyone within the premises, visitation to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre was suspended for 24 hours.

The public was urged to comply with all instructions from the security personnel and cooperate fully with their efforts.

On Thursday, September 28, Ms Bain informed that visitation to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre had resumed.

“We understand the temporary suspension of visitation may have caused an inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding during this period.

“The safety and well-being of our staff, patients, and visitors remain our top priority. Accordingly, we have taken all necessary measures to ensure their protection throughout this situation.

“Our security personnel and members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force worked diligently during this investigation, and we extend our gratitude for their efforts,” she added.

Contributors needed

Do you have a subject of interest that you’d like to share with our readers?

Perhaps you’re a great cook and have created lots of delicious recipes that use local ingredients.

Maybe you have ideas on how to save money when shopping and know where to find all the latest bargains.

Or are you an entrepreneur who would like to share tips on setting up a new business?

We need regular contributors

of 400 word articles on a variety of topics for our Lifestyle pages.

Get in touch with us at the Turks and Caicos Weekly News and pitch your idea for a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly column.

You will have your name in print along with your business contact details if requested.

It’s a great way to share your knowledge and promote your business or start-up.

Contact us now at tcweeklynews@gmail.com

The Cheshire Hall Medical Centre (InterHealth Canada-TCI Hospital)

Kenya promises to end gang warfare and restore peace in Haiti

Kenya and the US signed a defence agreement Monday that will see the East African nation get resources and support for security deployments as it is poised to lead a multi-national peacekeeping mission to Haiti to combat gang violence.

Kenya’s Defence Minister Aden Duale and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signed the accord at a meeting in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. The agreement guides the countries’ defence relations for the next five years as the war in East Africa against the al-Qaeda linked alShabab extremist group intensifies.

Austin thanked Kenya for volunteering to take the leadership of the Haiti multi-national force and reiterated that the U.S government would work with Congress to secure the $100 million in funding that it pledged on the sidelines of the U.N General Assembly.

Austin said the rest of the

world ought to follow Kenya’s commitment to global security and “step up and provide more personnel, equipment, support, training and funding.”

Kenya in August pledged to send 1,000 security officers to Haiti to combat gang violence in a mission that is pending the U.N Security Council’s formal approval but has received support from the U.N. and U.S.

Duale said his country is ready to deploy to Haiti and cited Kenya’s “very long history of global peacekeeping” in Kosovo, neighbouring Somalia and Congo.

Human rights activists, meanwhile, have expressed concerns over the deployment, citing a history of human rights abuses during security operations in the country.

Some security analysts have expressed concerns that there will

be a language barrier between the deployment from Kenya, an English- and Swahili-speaking country, and the people of Haiti, where the official languages are French and Creole.

On the regional fight against al-Shabab, Austin said he had met with Somalia’s president and that both agreed that the country had made “significant progress in the last year against al-Shabab.” But

Austin also said that “progress is not always a straight line so we may see things improve significantly on one day and maybe we’ll see challenges on the next day.”

Somalia last week asked the U.N. to pause for three months the withdrawal of 3,000 troops in the second phase of drawdown to allow the country’s forces to regroup. Somalia is expected to take up its full security responsibilities by end of 2024. (Africanews.com)

Officials said the alleged incident occurred early Saturday at a detention cell at Las Américas International Airport in the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo.

DR immigration agent accused of raping Haitian woman detained at airport

An immigration agent in the Dominican Republic has been arrested after being accused of raping a Haitian woman in a detention cell at the country’s main international airport in the presence of her 4-year-old son, authorities said Tuesday.

The unidentified agent was detained over the weekend, and prosecutor Milciades Guzmán said he has requested that a judge order the suspect to remain in jail while the investigation continues.

Officials said the alleged incident occurred early Saturday at a detention cell at Las Américas International Airport in the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo.

The Associated Press does not generally identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted

Nygard sex crime court case begins – Bahamians

THE sex crimes trial of Peter Nygard - a former long-time resident of Lyford Cay - began in Canada this week, two years after prosecutors in North America began accusing him of brazen attacks in multiple countries across several decades.

The trial is among several Nygard is expected to face in the coming years.

In addition to the trial in Canada, federal prosecutors in New York charged him in 2020 with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and other crimes allegedly committed in the United States, Canada and The Bahamas.

A Canadian judge has ordered that Nygard be extradited to the US to face those charges after the conclusion of his trials in Canada.

unless they come forward publicly. Officials said the woman was en route to Nicaragua but was detained in the Dominican Republic for allegedly presenting false documents.

The head of the Dominican Ministry for Women, Mayra Jiménez, told local media that the Haitian woman said the last name of the boy’s father had sparked confusion over the documents. After being detained, the woman alleged the agent entered the cell where she was being held and ordered her to take off her clothes. She told authorities that she resisted but then feared something would happen to her son, who was sleeping in the cell with her, Guzmán said, adding that prosecutors swiftly requested an arrest warrant.

among the alleged victims

he allegedly sexually assaulted his victims.

The victims are expected to testify during the trial, though their identities will be concealed.

The UK newspaper The Guardian reported on yesterday’s court proceedings.

According to the newspaper, a Crown lawyer, Ana Serban, described a case when Nygard, in his 40s, met a woman in her 20s on a flight to The Bahamas.

“Nygard later invited her for a job interview at his Toronto office,” The Guardian reported. “When they ended up in the bedroom, she tried to leave.”

“He ‘tackles the woman onto the bed, puts his whole body into it, pins her down on her back and tries

to undress her’ against her will,” said Serban. “She’s terrified.’”

“Nygard is alleged to have given her a new blouse and skirt to replace those he tore during the attack. ‘She runs out of the building,’ Serban said. ‘This was supposed to be a job interview at an office building.’”

In 2020, the Southern District of New York filed documents alleging that Nygard raped ten women, including nine Bahamians, in a wide-ranging criminal enterprise that involved intimidating victims and offering them hush money for over a decade.

The lawsuit claimed he evaded exposure by bribing local police and Progressive Liberal Party politicians.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin, left and Kenya Cabinet Secretary for Defense Aden Duale, sign a bilateral defense cooperation agreement

The trial is among several Nygard is expected to face in the coming years

In the current case, Nygard has pleaded not guilty to five counts of sexual assault and a single count of forcible confinement involving allegations connected to five

women in the 1990s. Prosecutors provided a synopsis of their case yesterday, saying Nygard’s Toronto headquarters had a private bedroom suite where

Regional News

Dominica elects first woman head of state

Dominica on Wednesday elected its first ever female head of state overshadowed by opposition attempts to scuttle the “historic moment” and raising the possibility of the matter ending up before the courts.

By a margin of 20-5, Dominican lawmakers, – six government ministers and one opposition legislator were absent for various reasons – voted in support of 58-year-old Sylvanie Burton, the government’s nominee, who had faced a challenge from Anette Sanford.

She will be sworn in on October 2.

Both women are from the Kaliangoo Territory, where the descendants of the country’s indigenous people, the Caribs, still reside.

But the victory was overshadowed by an attempt by opposition legislator, Sean Douglas, who questioned whether Burton, had in fact met the requirements under the Dominica Constitution to be nominated, claiming that she was still employed as a senior public servant.

“The nominee has engaged in certain acts which offend the Public Service Act, in which if she is President warrant her removal from office and as such the House should not proceed on the election of the President as Sylvanie Burton

Guyana to establish

being a candidate or nominee,” he said.

But Prime MInister Roosevelt Skerrit, who lamented the fact that there had not been consensus in the nomination for the position of the island’s 12th head of state since independence in 1978, questioned the facts being presented by Douglas.

“All of what the Senator would have said in his arguments to the House to indicate that the candidate Mrs Sylvanie Burton is not qualified cannot stand,” he said, telling legislators that she had retired from the public service on September 11 this year.

“What I would say to the

US$14m

regional food hub

Guyana says it is moving ahead with plans to establish a US$14m regional food hub to become a primary food production centre for the Caribbean.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who met with the President of the Islamic Development Bank, Dr Muhammed Sulaiman Al Jasser, emphasised Guyana’s desire to become the regional food hub.

“We want Guyana to be the food hub, the primary production hub of the Caribbean so that we could supply the Caribbean. What we have, our colleagues in the Caribbean don’t have. We have arable flat land and abundant fresh water. Now with the investment coming on board, we can modernise the infrastructure, and start ramping up the productions,”

he said.

The facility has already been identified on the Soesdyke /Linden Highway in the country.

Guyana is the leading Caribbean Community country pushing ahead with plans to reduce the multibillion dollar regional food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

Mustapha said Guyana will work with the State of Roraima in Brazil to form a partnership in the development of the hub.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said the government have been in discussions with the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley about sourcing inputs from northern Brazil and transporting them through Guyana to Barbados and vice versa.

“We see the regional food hub as very much a regional initiative…

Senator and I would ask him to research the very same arguments he is making in respect to Mrs Sylvanie Burton…is to ask him whether he has also investigated the qualification or disqualification of the Leader of the Opposition’s candidate and whether he is aware…that the arguments he is using against Mrs Sylvanie Burton that his candidate is in violation of that section of the Constitution”.

Skerrit moved for a five minute adjournment of the Parliament to allow Douglas to research the answer, but when it resumed, he was unable to answer the question, with Opposition Leader Jesma

Paul Victor supporting the decision to continue with the balloting process.

However, Speaker Joseph Isaac, informed legislators that the matter could reach the Court of Appeal, saying that prior to the sitting of the Parliament today he had sought guidance on the question raised by the opposition legislator.

“I said this morning we were a little late because…we were dealing with the same qualification issue,” he said, adding “first I would say, the jurisdiction with regards to qualification has to be at the High Court, the Court of Appeal.

“So the House is not going to

deal with the issue of qualification, we are going to proceed with the voting for the President.,” Isaac said.

Skerrit said he was disappointed that the election of Burton was not an opportunity “for us to rally around one candidate and to show the world that on some things there can be unity of purpose.

“There really should not have been any reason for there not to have been one candidate. But, be as it may, that’s the democratic process and everybody has a right to determine how they do things and when they do things.”

But Prime Minister Skerrit said it has not robbed Dominica of creating history and “it has not robbed women of an opportunity to be grateful and that a woman for the first time in the history of our country, has been recognised and elevated to this high office.”

Burton has been a senior public servant since 2014 and when she retired was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinagoo Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment.

She has been a Justice of the Peace for 25 years and holds a Masters Degree in Project Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Rural Development. She is married and has two children. (Jamaica Gleaner/CMC)

as a piece of infrastructure that will contribute to a more efficient market for agricultural products, across the entire Caribbean and Northern South America,” Singh said. He said that this will also

its food import bill

give rise to the growing logistics industry in Guyana moving goods, services, and people. The project will be partly funded by the government.

Mustapha said the mission

of Guyana is clear, and that is to make the local agriculture sector more competitive while developing high-yielding varieties, pest-resistant and climate-resilient varieties. (Jamaica Observer)

Sylvanie Burton, 58, is the new head of state

The food hub will aid in the region’s reduction of

World News

House Republicans holding first Biden impeachment hearing

Republicans have launched their much-heralded impeachment inquiry into the business dealings of President Joe Biden and his son Hunter - but don’t expect fireworks at the first hearing on Thursday.

The event has been given the title “The Basis for an Impeachment Inquiry of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.” and features a line-up of academics and former Trump administration officials.

As the name suggests, the hearing will focus on setting the legal and constitutional framework for the impeachment inquiry, rather than digging more deeply into any of the specific allegations against Mr Biden.

“The House Oversight Committee will present evidence uncovered to date and hear from legal and financial experts about crimes the Bidens may have committed as they brought in millions at the expense of US interests,” James Comer, the chair of the committee holding the hearing, said in a statement.

None of the individuals on the witness list - George Washington Law Professor Jonathan Turley, forensic accountant Bruce Dubinsky, former Trump Assistant Attorney General Eileen O’Connor and North Carolina law

professor Michael Gerhardt - are directly involved in the House impeachment investigation.

Their testimony, it appears, is intended to provide some context to the Republican accusations that Mr Biden benefitted illegally from his son Hunter’s international business dealings. (Mr Gerhardt was chosen by Democrats, so he is likely to rebut the Republican accusations.)

For Republicans intent on impeaching Mr Biden, then, this hearing is only a small first step - better than nothing, but hardly progress toward their ultimate goal.

A more notable development this week could come when the committee begins issuing subpoenas for financial documents from the president’s family using the new enforcement powers that an official impeachment investigation could give them in the courts.

The president’s Republicans critics hope those requests could reveal solid evidence of a financial connection between the president and his son that substantiate the allegations of corruption and influence-peddling that they have been levelling at the White House.

For the moment, however, those allegations remain unsubstantiated

Many of the claims revolve around Hunter Biden’s business dealings abroad and his father’s involvement in them

- and vehemently denied by Mr Biden and his Democratic supporters, who accuse Republicans of conducting a fake investigation in an effort to distract from their own political troubles.

“Staging a political stunt hearing in the waning days before they may shut down the government reveals their true priorities: To them, baseless personal attacks on President Biden are more important than preventing a government shutdown and the pain it would inflict on American families,” White House spokesman Ian Sams said on Tuesday.

For this impeachment hearing and the ones that follow to amount to more than short-lived political drama, Republicans

will have to shape the current collection of allegations against the president into defined articles of impeachment that the full House of Representatives could then vote on.

And while it only takes a simple majority in the House to impeach a president and trigger a Senate trial, centrist Republicans have been sceptical that there is sufficient evidence - or political need - to do so any time soon.

“We should have some clear evidence of a high crime or misdemeanour, not just assuming there may be one,” said Nebraska Republican Congressman Don Bacon in a recent interview. “I think we need to have more concrete evidence to go down that path.”

When Mr McCarthy announced the impeachment inquiry on 12 September, he said it was a “logical next step”. Subsequent steps could include further, more detailed hearings that includes direct testimony and presented evidence of presidential wrongdoing.

Republicans may also have to put the impeachment investigation to a vote in the House, as thenSpeaker Nancy Pelosi did after announcing a Democrat-led impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump in 2019.

This first impeachment hearing, focusing on the legal and academic, is unlikely to change any minds. The challenge for Republicans will be figuring out where to go from here. (BBC)

US Senate unanimously votes to reinstate dress code

The US Senate has voted to formally impose a dress code, unanimously rejecting a plan to allow lawmakers to wear casual clothing in the chamber.

Last week Majority Leader Chuck Schumer ended enforcement of an informal and unwritten code requiring senators wear business attire on the floor.

The change, widely seen as a move to accommodate Democratic Senator John Fetterman, outraged Republicans.

Members of both parties voted for a resolution establishing a dress code.

The simple code requires lawmakers to wear “business attire” in the chamber.

The bipartisan resolution, though, only defined business attire for men, describing it as a coat, tie and long trousers. It did not address sleeve length or neckline height for women’s clothes, two sources of

controversy in recent years.

It also did not mention footwear or hats.

The resolution will also require the chamber to vote on any changes

to the code or its enforcement.

Senator Joe Manchin, the Democratic author of the resolution, said many lawmakers had not known the code was not

written down until 18 September, when Mr Schumer directed the Senate’s sergeant-at-arms to stop enforcing it.

Mr Schumer had said senators could wear what they wanted, including suits and ties, and a few lawmakers had appeared eager to give floor speeches or cast votes in sweats or shorts.

The resolution’s Republican author, Mitt Romney, said that following an official code would allow senators to show their “respect and admiration” for the institution of government.

In a speech Mr Romney noted that formalizing the dress code is not the most pressing issue for the US Congress, where fractious political fights are pushing the government toward shutting down in a few days.

“But nonetheless, it’s a good thing,” he said. “It’s another example of Republicans and

Democrats being able to work together.”

Senators have long worn more casual clothes in other parts of the Capitol, and then changed to enter the chamber.

Since returning to work in April from treatment for clinical depression, Mr Fetterman has consistently sported hoodie sweatshirts and shorts. To stay within the unwritten dress code, he voted from the side of the chamber.

When Mr Schumer relaxed the code, Republican critics attacked Mr Fetterman on social media for weakening decorum in the senate.

In response to the resolution being introduced on Wednesday, Mr Fetterman posted a photo on X, formerly Twitter, of actor Kevin James in the role of Doug Hefferman from the sitcom King of Queens. Dressed in a flannel, T-shirt and jeans, James halfway smiles and shrugs. (BBC)

Senator John Fetterman walks near the Senate floor days after dress requirements were relaxed

World News

UK: University dropout rates reach new high, figures suggest

The number of students not completing a university course in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is up to its highest recorded level, figures suggest.

The Student Loans Company (SLC) said there had been a 28% rise in students who had signed up for a loan before dropping out partway through the year.

The number went from 32,491 in 2018-19 to 41,630 in 2022-23a rise of 9,139.

By comparison, the number of students enrolling on degrees in the UK rose by almost 11% between 2018-19 and 2021-22.

These figures are from the Higher Education Statistics Agency, and include all UK universities.

It found the total number enrolling in a first degree increased by 5% from 2019-20, then by 8% in 2020-21, and decreased by 2% in 2021-22 - a total percentage change of 10.9%.

Figures show most students who are eligible take out student finance to pay for tuition fees or living costs.

The statistics do not include students from Scotland, as their finance is handled by Student

SLC said there had been a 28% rise in students who had signed up for a loan before dropping out part-way through the year

Awards Agency Scotland.

‘FINANCIAL DISTRESS’

The figures have been released on the same day as a study which showed the primary reason students select for leaving university early is their mental health.

Analysis from the Policy Institute at King’s College London and the Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education showed students are still 25% more likely to cite this

reason.

Financial distress is another reason, with 8% of students dropping out of university selecting this as their main reason in 2023, an increase from 3.5% in 2022.

Department for Education figures showed that in 2020-21, there was a 95% take-up in loans among those who were eligible.

Finance is typically made up of two elements - a loan for tuition fees, paid directly to the university, and a maintenance loan, paid into

Rosebank oil field will boost energy security – PM Sunak

A new Scottish oil field will help prevent young people from growing up “dependent on foreign dictators” for energy security, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said.

It came after Rosebank off Shetland - Britain’s largest untapped oil field - was granted consent by regulators.

Scotland’s first minister Humza Yousaf said he was “disappointed” at the decision and accused Downing Street of “climate denial”.

The prime minister told BBC Scotland News the Scottish government was wrong.

He said granting the licence to Rosebank was the right move for the country even if he got “flak” for the decision.

“Scotland’s North Sea industry is a really important part of its economy and it provides energy security for the UK,” Mr Sunak said.

“I don’t want our young children to grow up and be dependent on foreign dictators like [Russian president] Putin for our energy.

“I want more offshore wind,

I want more nuclear and, in transition, I want more gas that comes from home rather than imported from abroad at two, three times, four times the carbon emissions.”

He added: “I think my policy is the right one, not just for Scotland but for the UK. I think the SNP have got this one wrong.”

‘CLIMATE CATASTROPHE’

Located 80 miles west of Shetland, Rosebank is estimated to contain up to 300 million barrels of oil.

Majority owner Equinor confirmed the oil and gas produced from the site will be sold at world market prices.

Critics, including Humza Yousaf, have said this means the project will not cut prices for UK consumers.

He wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “In the face of a climate catastrophe, the UK government have dropped their green pledges and committed to approving 100 new oil and gas licences.

“That isn’t climate leadership. It is climate denial.”

The oil and gas regulator, North

Sea Transition Authority, said approval had been awarded “in accordance with our published guidance and taking net zero considerations into account throughout the project’s lifecycle”. However, climate campaigners have said the decision could be challenged in court, warning that the UK government could breach its legally binding net-zero targets Meanwhile, environment ministers in Scotland and Wales have called for a UK-wide climate summit following Mr Sunak’s netzero announcements last week.

In a speech from Downing Street, the prime minister pushed back the ban on new petrol and diesel cars to 2035, as well as weakening plans to phase out gas boilers and scrapping the requirement for energy efficiency upgrades for homes.

In a joint letter to Michael Gove - who serves as minister for intergovernmental relations in the UK Government - Scottish Net Zero Secretary Mairi McAllan and Welsh Climate Change Minister Julie James said there was “no prior engagement” with the devolved

from university over five academic years from 2018-19 to 2022-23.

In 2019-20, a total of 29,630 withdrew

In 2020-21, it was 31,279

In 2021-22, the figure was 39,405

A Department for Education spokeswoman said while a small number of university withdrawals were expected each year, it was taking “firm action to crack down where there are disproportionately high dropout rates across higher education”.

the student’s bank in instalments.

Most people are entitled to the tuition fee element, which is equal to the annual cost of a course up to £9,250 per year. Scottish students do not pay a tuition fee for going to university in Scotland.

Students do not need a confirmed place at university to apply and, if plans change, they can cancel or change their application before the course starts.

The SLC figures compared the number of students withdrawing

“We are asking the Office for Students to impose recruitment limits on courses that are delivering poor outcomes for students, including low earnings and poor job prospects, to prevent the growth of low-quality courses,” she said.

“This will help to curb early withdrawals, by giving students confidence that their course will equip them with the skills they need, whatever route they choose to take.

“We urge students who are worried about their course or circumstances to speak to their university.” (BBC)

PM Sunak said that granting the licence to Rosebank was the right move for the country

administrations.

“Given that delivery of the climate ambitions of the four nations of the UK are intrinsically linked, this is deeply unsatisfactory,” the letter read.

“In addition, almost a week later, it is hugely frustrating that the UK Government has not provided the level of detail required by such significant announcements.

“We would urge you to provide

this immediately to enable devolved governments to fully assess the implications.”

Mr Sunak said he “absolutely” respects the Scottish Parliament. He told BBC Scotland News that he spoke to then first minister Nicola Sturgeon “immediately” after becoming prime minister and was the first prime minister in 15 years to attend the British-Irish Council. (BBC)

Sophia Loren recovering from surgery after breaking hip in fall

Italian actress and restaurateur Sophia Loren is recovering from surgery after suffering a recent fall at her home in Geneva, a

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rep for the actress confirmed Monday.

The rep also confirmed the screen siren. 89, broke both her hip and femur after

AUTO MECHANIC HELPER

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.

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falling in her bathroom.

The operation, which took place Sunday, “went very well and now we only need to wait,” agent Andrea

DOMESTIC WORKER (NEW) DOMESTIC WORKER (RENEWAL)

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Giusti said in an email to The Associated Press.

Renowned for films such as “Two Women,” “Ready to Wear” and “Nine,” the

Italian screen legend most recently acted in the 2020 Netflix drama “The Life Ahead,” which was directed by her son Edoardo Ponti.

In 1962, Loren became the first actor to win an Academy Award for a non-Englishspeaking performance.

The Rome native

celebrated her birthday Sept. 20 and was spotted this month at the Armani fashion show held during the 80th Venice International Film Festival. Before her accident, Loren was reportedly scheduled to open the fourth location in her restaurant chain on Tuesday in Bari.

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• Maintain inventory controls of new merchandise.

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

CELL #: 231-6858

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) REPORT – FOR THE SOUTH DOCK PORT REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT (PHASES 1 AND 2), PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

The Environmental Impact Assessment Report – for the South Dock Port Redevelopment Project (Phase 1 and 2), Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands has been finalized and is available online for public review at: https://gov.tc/planning/tcig-22-2020

Hard copies of the EIA Report will also be available at the Department of Planning Offices in Providenciales and Grand Turk.

The Environmental Impact Assessment Report was submitted in accordance with Section 44 (1) b of the Physical Planning Ordinance. Comments on the EIA report can be sent to the Department of Planning at planningconsultation@gov.tc or to the Department of Planning, Emily House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, or at South Base, Grand Turk on or before October 02nd, 2023.

A Public Consultation on the EIA will be held on Tuesday, October 03rd, 2023 at 5:00p.m. – 6:30p.m. at the Department of Planning, Emily House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. All interested persons are invited to attend to air their views, have their concerns addressed and their questions answered.

VACANCY

LABOURER RECEIVING CLERK

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

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

YVETTE HANDFIELD, North Caicos

Seeks to employ a

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

CONTACT: 231-2344

BELONGERS APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD.

38839

EASYWAY EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

LABOURER

D & B TILE

232-6435, South Dock Road

To carry out and assist with continuous maintenance work, painting apartment interior & exterior and assist with construction work site. $9.00 hr.

DOMESTIC WORKER

GEORGETTE C. MISSICK

345-9583, Five Cays

Cleaning the house, make beds, cook, wash, iron and care for my children.

$8.00 hr.

LABOURER

J & N TRUCKING

242-9326, South Dock

Cleaning and wash the vehicles and light maintenance on rental vehicles.

$8.00 hr.

LABOURER

LABOURER

BREEZE CONSTRUCTION

241-0362, Front road Blue Hills

To carry out and assist with continuous maintenance work, painting apartment interior & exterior and assist with construction work site. $9.00 hr.

YARD HELPER

JEREANO MISSICK

342-7299, Blue Hills

Assisting with the ongoing construction of my home, such as assist with mason, carpenter, plumbing and tile work. $8.00 hr.

SECURITY OFFICER

SECURITY CENTER

331-7676

South Dock

Securing businesses and properties

RIGBY FAMILY CONTRACTING

208 Tona Road, South Dock 331-8099

$8.00 hr.

MY DEE'S VARIETY, North Caicos

The screen siren is now 89

REGULATION 8 OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING (DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION) REGULATIONS, 2018

An Application, REGISTERED PR 16907, by ER Development Ltd for A TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT. The proposed townhouse development contemplates ten (4) four-bedroom standard units, swimming pools, garbage enclosure. The townhouse units are proposed 3-4 storeys typologies, has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on Block & Parcel 60906/162 which is 1.32 acres of land located at Bonaventure Cres (Grace Bay), Providenciales.

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

Dated: September 15, 2023

Quantity Surveyor

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

QUANTITY

SURVEYOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review architectural plans and prepare quantity needs

• Estimate the quantity and costs of materials

• Prepare contracts and documents

• Set budgets for payments, inventory needs, and materials

• Track changes in plans or constructions; update budgets

• Negotiate with contractors and subcontractors

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

• Identify potential financial or construction risks.

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

• Prepare payments for contractors and subcontractors

• Document progress, materials, and reports on project

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

QUANTITY SURVEYOR REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying

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

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

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

• Strong aptitude for numbers, spreadsheets, and financial reports

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

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

• Able to analyze problems and strategize for better solutions

Salary: $1600/weekly

Belongers are encouraged to send copy of their resume to Labour Board. This position is currently being held by a Work Permit Holder.

Contact:

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 246-8679

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-333-4883

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

seeking

RECEIVING CLERK

Managing paperwork when container shipment arrives, unload containers, ensures that all damaged goods are reported, keep records and help with inventory control, assist with sales in store

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 649-231-1550

Belongers only apply

Renewal

8756

WELDER

NATURE OF POSITION;

• Follow welding procedure specifications when welding

• Efficiently produce quality welds

• Perform or assist with fit-up and preparation of welds

• Perform or assist with post weld cleanup, inspection, and repair

• Communicate regularly with the Field Foreman with regard to issues and concerns on the job site

• Comply with all HMT safety policies and programs

• Conduct repairs aiming for maximum reliability

• Troubleshoot reported problems and resolve them in a timely manner

• Perform thorough maintenance on machinery, equipment and systems

• Clean and apply lubricants to machinery components

• Replenish fluids and components of engines and machinery

Must possess suitable welder background (Degree preffered) as well of experience with in all aspects of automotive movil services/repaired industry.

Salary: With experience and qualifications salary range $15-$30 per hour. Must have own tools.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN

NATURE OF POSITION:

• Driving to the job site.

• Inspecting trucks, cranes, bulldozers, and other heavy equipment for proper performance.

• Diagnosing faults using computerized testing equipment.

• Adjusting equipment and replacing faulty parts.

• Repairing damaged equipment parts.

• Cleaning, lubricating, and conducting routine services on heavy-duty vehicles.

• Cleaning and servicing of machine attachments like winches, blades, and side booms.

• Performing major repair work when necessary.

• Consulting with other mechanics on smaller jobs.

• Reporting damaged or faulty equipment to management. Must possess suitable mechanic background (Degree preferred) as well of experience with in all aspects of automotive movil services/ repaired industry. Salary: With experience and qualifications salary range $15-$30 per hour. Must have own tools

Drop off resumes/cv at the office located on P.O Box 1125 South Dock Rd. or at Labour Department in Providenciales or email: express.equipment@hotmail.com

Current position is being held by a work permit holder Belongers only need apply.

SAMANTHA S. FORBES

SARAH AUGUSTA KENNEDY

Glasgow appointed Assistant Director Of Planning

Mr Leonardo Glasgow has been appointed as Assistant Director of Planning – Enforcement in the Physical Planning and Development Department within the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development.

The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands announced this appointment on Thursday, 28 September 2023.

Mr Glasgow received an Associate's Degree in Building and Design Technology from the Turks and Caicos Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Technology from Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom. Mr. Glasgow recently returned home from the United Kingdom after taking study leave for a year to pursue and complete a Master's Degree in Property Development and Planning, also from Nottingham Trent University.

Mr Glasgow joined the Turks and Caicos Islands Government in 2016 as a Planning Technician within the Physical Planning and Development Department. He was later appointed as a Land Use Planner and held that post until this most recent appointment.

Mr. Glasgow is well-versed in the operations of his department and is always eager to learn new skills, which led to him acting in various positions for short periods.

Mr. Glasgow also served as the Secretary to the Physical Planning Appeal Tribunal for two years. He played a vital role in developing the National Physical Development Plan.

MR GLASGOW, IN COMMENTING ON HIS APPOINTMENT, STATED:

"I must firstly thank God through whom all my success is attributed.

I am constantly reminded of Philippians 4:6: "Be careful for

nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

This appointment humbles me, and it is an honour to be given the opportunity to lead and develop my department as I strive to be a better leader by being the best public servant I can be."

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, HE Anya Williams, in extending congratulatory remarks to Mr Glasgow, stated:

“I am pleased to officially announce and congratulate Mr Leonardo Glasgow on his appointment as Assistant Director of Planning – Enforcement in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development.”

The Deputy Premier added that: “Mr Glasgow has given over seven years of service to the Planning Department. He has specialized skills in building

Leonardo Glasgow

and design, architecture, and property development. He has recently returned to the service following his Master's of Property Development and Panning degree in August 2023, assisted by grant

funding from the Public Service Professional Development Fund. ‘I am proud of Mr Glasgow's accomplishment and know he will do exceptionally well in this new role.”

Shakira accused of tax crimes for the second time

Colombian pop star Shakira has been charged with tax evasion for the second time by the Spanish government.

Prosecutors in Spain allege the singer defrauded the state of €6.7m ($7.1m, £5.8m) in 2018.

They say this happened when she failed to declare millions in advance payments for her El Dorado World Tour, among other payments.

Spanish prosecutors opened the second investigation in July 2023, but released the details on Tuesday.

Spanish network RTVE says

the 46-year-old singer is aware of the new charges, but news agency Reuters reports that Shakira’s legal team in Miami - where she now lives - has not yet been told about them.

Instead, they were “focused on preparing for the trial for the 201214 fiscal years, which will begin on Nov 20,” they told Reuters in a statement.

The new charges hinge on the fact that in 2018, Shakira was living in Barcelona with football star Gerard Pique and was therefore

required to tax all her international revenue there.

They argue that she instead diverted her money to “companies domiciled in countries with low taxation and high opacity”.

Shakira faces trial over six separate alleged tax crimes in Barcelona this November - charges she has denied.

In that case, she has been accused of failing to pay €14.5m ($15.3m, £12.6m) in tax between 2012 and 2014, but has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

For better or for worse, Nick Cannon — who has fathered a dozen children with six different women to date — is giving props to his most famous baby mama, his ex-wife Mariah Carey.

The TV personality opened up about how the chart-topping diva stood by his side when he was diagnosed with lupus over a decade ago.

“She was my rock,” he shared on the “Diary of a CEO” podcast. “She went hard… To be honest, I probably wouldn’t even be alive if it wasn’t for how hard she went with the doctors, with me, my stubbornness.”

Cannon and Carey wed in 2008 and are parents to 12-year-old twins, Moroccan and Monroe. The couple finalised their divorce in 2016.

The comedian, now 42, was diagnosed with lupus in 2012, after suffering blood clots in his lungs and experiencing kidney failure.

He referred to the 54-year-old “Hero” singer as the “the perfect helpmate, the perfect matriarch, the perfect mom, the perfect wife in those scenarios because, granted, she’s who she is and dealing with all the pressures of being Mariah Carey, but then being loving enough to take on all of my stuff.”

postpones remaining 2023 concerts due to

“The Boss” is taking a little more time off from work.

The remaining dates of Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band’s 2023 tour have been put on hold until next year as its frontman continues to “steadily recover” from peptic ulcer disease that halted their tour this summer.

Springsteen, who turned 74 over the weekend, broke the news Wednesday on social media, writing: “Thanks to all my friends and fans for your good wishes, encouragement and support. I’m on the mend and can’t wait to see

disease

you all next year.”

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer‘s statement said he will be undergoing treatment through the rest of the year, and that all concerts — originally set to conclude in midDecember — are being postponed “out of to an abundance of caution.”

Make-up dates will be announced next week, “all taking place at their originally scheduled venues.” Refunds will be given to anyone who can’t make the rescheduled concerts if they submit requests within 30 days of the 2024 shows being announced.

Shakira won the lifetime achievement award at the MTV Video Music Awards earlier this month

Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey were married for eight years

Cannon says he ‘wouldn’t be alive’ if it wasn’t for ex-wife Mariah Carey

Bruce Springsteen turned 74 over the weekend Springsteen

peptic ulcer

AUTO SALES

REAL ESTATE

YARDMAN

Soil cultivation, digging, and forking, mulching, watering, raking, weeding, edging, pruning, seed sowing, bed preparation and planting.

$8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 232-6815

HAIRDRESSER

WILLIAM K. MCCOLLUM

To paint tanks, repair fence, clean property, cutting and removal of bush and garbage from property and gardening

CONTACT: 339-6100

DOMESTIC WORKER

towels

RENTAL AGENT

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: 341-5020

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

STORE CLERK

MAINTENANCE

(5)

(5)

(5)

REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE, CAP 9.01 NOTICE OF LOST LAND CERTIFICATE

IS URGENTLY LOOKING FOR A FLORIST

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

CONTACT: 231-3788

TITLE NUMBER 60806/9

SECTION

ISLAND THE BIGHT & THOMAS STUBBS PROVIDENCALES

Whereas, VIOLET THOMPSON of The Bight, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands has declared thatthe Land Certificate for the abovementioned title number(s) registered in the names of VIOLET THOMPSON, Share½ and ALBERT DELANCEY, Share½ as proprietors in common was inadvertently mislaid and cannot be found.

Take Notice that I, Nicholas Arculus, Solicitor (England of Wales) The Registrar of Lands, shall cancel the Land Certificate for the said title six weeks of the date of the first publication of this Notice in a Local Newspaper and the Gazette.

Dated this 4th day of August 2023

Publicized by Order Registrar of Lands.

VACANCIES

BAKER’S ASSISTANT

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

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

• Decorating and displaying finished products.

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

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

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

• Must be willing to work long hours

Salary $24,000 + Service Charge

First time Work Permit

ASSISTANT MANAGER

• Research new wholesale food suppliers and negotiate prices

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

• Manage and store vendors’ contracts and invoices

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

• Prepare shift schedules

• Process payroll for all restaurant staff

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

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

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

• Monitor compliance with safety and hygiene regulations

Salary $36,000 + Service Charge

First time Work Permit

KITCHEN MANAGER

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

• Supervise kitchen employees and organize food orders.

• Oversee the food preparation, cooking and

DOMESTIC WORKER

plating process.

• Ensuring consistency of food.

• Recruit and train kitchen employees in designated stations.

• Monitor inventory levels and perform weekly inventory assessments.

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

• Schedule work shifts for employees.

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

• Ensure the kitchen is clean and organized.

• Maintain weekly and monthly cost reports.

Salary $48,000 + Service Charge

First time Work Permit

RESTAURANT SUPERVISOR

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

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

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

• Observe performance and encourage improvement where necessary.

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

• Maintain high-quality food standards

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

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

• Respond to customer complaints quickly and resolve them effectively

• Develop strategies for improving our customers’ dining experience

• Maintain inventory of all needed supplies

Salary $27,600 + Service Charge

First time Work Permit

CASHIER/HOSTESS

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

• Clean police record

• Ability to multi-task is essential

• Must be very honest

• Enjoy providing excellent customer services

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

DOMESTIC WORKER

TWO

DUTIES: Cleaning up various areas in the home

As a housekeeper, laundry, and ironing

Salary: $8 per hourly

DUTIES: Cleaning up various materials, Driving & Delivering Cleaning up water tanks Maintaining work area, and assisting in other task. Salary: $8.per hourly

17 Savannah Rd, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, TCI

ONE (1) PAINTER TWO (2) FINISH CARPENTER

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 341-6990

E. ROBINSON

ELIZABETH SQUARE

CONTACT: 649-242-1635

CONTACT: 242-9897

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

SHOP KEEPER

DUTIES:

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

CONTACT: 1(649) 347-6885

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED, A

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 343-1741

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

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

CONTACT: 342-9649 38810

2 MASONS

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

CONTACT: 244-5516

WORKERS

CONTACT: 244-8820/231-0271

CONTACT: 343-6204

PHOTOVOLTAIC RACKING SYSTEMS INSTALLER

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

CONTACT: 649-242-0101 P0LKA.D0TZ@YAHOO.COM

Build and install iron or steel girders, columns, and other construction materials to form structures. Cut, position, and bolt down steel bars. Salary: $9.00

CONTACT: 1-649-344-2634

CONTACT: 346-9919

FIDELITY CONSTRUCTION

STEELMAN

Build and install iron or steel girders, columns, and other construction materials to form structures. Cut, position, and bolt down steel bars. Salary: $9.00

CONTACT: 341-4142

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

CONTACT: 242-2548

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

$8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 342-0224

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 hourly

CONTACT: 245-0345 OR 231-4519

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

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

Salary: $8.00

CONTACT: 341-1977

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: 231-1803

HOUSEMAN/ CLEANER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 341-4502

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

CONTACT: 246-7259

CONTACT: 331-6926

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

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

CONTACT: 341-4128

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

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

Repairs, maintains and alters buildings, retaining walls and other brick or stone edifices. Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters.

Salary: $10 hourly

CONTACT: 342-5808 38768

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

CONTACT: 243-6006 38771

CONTACT: 649-343-6418

JEAN JOSEPH & VIRGINIE JOSEPH

CONTACT:

SUPERVISOR

LIVE-IN

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 241-1208

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

CONTACT: 243-0142

Ensuring a environment,safe preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressingmedicine,administeringchildren, doing housework, and etc.

$8.00

CONTACT: 332-9824

PRINCE

Sweeping

house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 232-5420

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

CONTACT: 345-9986

CONTACT: 344-4485

MAINTENANCE WORKER

CONTACT: 244-8820

CONTACT: 348-1654

CONTACT: 649-241-5563 38712

CONTACT: 347-5555

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR

SAIL PROVO

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

CONTACT: 649-947-6909

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

CONTACT: 346-0002

yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and doorframes.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

HELPER CLEANER

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

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

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

BELONGER APPLY WITH LABOUR EMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT. FIRST TIME WORK PERMITS.

URBAN CONSTRUCTION

MASON

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

Salary: $10.00 hourly

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

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED

THE SOURCE LTD – 203 VENTURE HOUSE

ROOM INSPECTOR

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

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

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

• Must list and itemize lost and found items

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

• Must be reliable and trustworthy and energetic

• Handles guest complaints and

MECHANIC

• Service, troubleshoot, repair boat engines;

• Work 5 days a week and emergency callout.

• Wages: $11 hourly

CONTACT: 331-3184

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND COPY OF RESUME TO LABOUR BOARD. THIS IS A WORK PERMIT RENEWAL.

LIAISON OFFICER

•

• Assisting with towing and pushback

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

• Guiding airplanes to and from their gates

• Loading, Unloading and sorting baggage’s

• Operating Cargo handling equipment

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

•

queries

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

• Possess excellent command of English

• Controls waste of any product or linen.

• Must be a non-smoker

CANDIDATE MUST ALSO

• Perform general housekeeping duties including laundry.

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

• Must be willing and to work well with the team

• Must have a clean police record

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

•

CONTACT: 649-243-0300

CAICOS EXPRESS AIRWAYS 38838

TEL: 941-5730

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

DOMESTIC WORKER

AUTO PAINTER

DUTIES:

CONTACT: 231-7462

BELONGERS

CONTACT: 331-0375

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dated: September 25, 2023

38837

MARIE BERTHA VOLCY-MORLEY

BELLE FEMME ROSE

HAIRSTYLIST BARBER

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

$8.00 Hourly

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

$8.00 hourly (Renewal)

NAIL TECHNICIAN

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

CONTACT: 339-9275

2 HELPERS

Washing equipment. Changing tires.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 332-0026

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

TAGGART 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 TAGGART LTD (solvent liquidation) on the 20th of September, 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 30th day of October, 2023.

FIRE ALARM TECHNICIAN

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

service.

• Knowledge of Gamewell FCI, Simplex and Fire Lite systems is a must.

• Hourly rate starting at $12.00 and must be willing to work weekends and public holidays.

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

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

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

MASSAGE THERAPIST

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

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

APPLICANTS FOR THE POSITION ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Basic computer skills for use of company software.

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

Remuneration: $8.00 hourly plus commission and gratuities.

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

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

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

TECHNICIAN

• 5 years’ experience and computer skills including Word, Excel.

• Performed high quality repairs and refurbishment of electronic devices including Assembling/ disassembling, testing, trouble shooting and micro soldering and circuit board repair.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 243-4048

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY

38811

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: 243-1054

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

38847

SUNNY FOODS BLUE HILLS

Follow blueprints and building plans. Install structures and fixtures. Measure, cut, or shape many materials. $9.00 hourly

Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones; makes and repairs plasters. $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 344-2557

BELONGERS APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD. RENEWAL

38841

NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION

Ascendancy TCI Ltd. As Chargee, pursuant to its charge and the Registered Land Ordinance, hereby gives notice that it will cause to be sold the property listed below by Public Auction, to be held at the office of STANBROOK PRUDHOE, Third Floor Graceway House, Graceway Plaza, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands at 10:00am on October 6th 2023.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• A warehouse supervisor is responsible for overseeing the operations and activities within a warehouse. Their job includes managing and supervising a team of warehouse workers, ensuring efficient and accurate receiving, storing, and shipping of goods, maintaining inventory and stock levels, and complying with health, safety, and security regulations. They are also responsible for monitoring and improving warehouse processes, implementing and optimizing systems and technologies, and coordinating with other departments such as procurement, production, and transportation to ensure smooth operations. Additionally, warehouse supervisors may be involved in training and evaluating warehouse staff, resolving any issues or conflicts that arise, and providing reports and updates to management.

• The ability to work in a wet and/or cold environment (Minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit or minus 23 degree Celsius)

• Able to lift 50 pounds

• Being able to work at heights

• Committed to work flexible hours, days, nights, weekends and holidays.

• Wages start at $10.00 hourly.

This Position is for first time work permit application.

INTERESTED

MARINA LABOUR

Location

TITLE BLOCK 60501, PARCEL 67, BLUE HILLS AND STAMERS RUN, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.

Description

Comprises of House – a two bedroom, one bathroom to the north corner Comprising of Apartment Building – Four, one bedroom , one bathroom apartment Units

There is also a storage building, a cistern, a covered work area and a concrete paved yard to the exterior area.

3 years experience in a luxury resort environment. Responsible for keeping the club and homeowners’ boats clean and well maintained with scheduled maintenance and care. Report to the senior boat captain for directions and daily scope of work. Assist with boat passengers with loading and unloading luggage. Assist with loading and unloading freight. Keep the harbor master’s office clean. Assist with marine area and dock maintenance operations. Must have customer service skills, communication skills. Can work unsupervised and under pressure. Must do heavy Lifting. Salary $10.00 per hour

SECURITY LIAISON NURSE

Title

Absolute

Proprietor George Alexander Seymour

House-The approximate gross floor area of this Building is 1,021 sq. ft. with an additional 147 sq. ft. of access walkway areas

Approximate Area

Apartment Building-The approximate gross floor area of the building is 1,863 sq. ft. with an additional 203 sq. ft. of front deck.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ARE AVAILABLE BY REQUEST FROM

ASCENDANCY TCI LTD

THIRD FLOOR GRACEWAY HOUSE GRACEWAY PLAZA PROVIDENCIALES TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

1-844-577-8742 EXTENSION 5100 OR 1-649-946-4300

10 years’ experience in a luxury resort environment. Responsible for providing appropriate clinically sensitive security advice and support. Responsible for monitoring and maintaining procedures implemented that uphold the safety and security of staffs and guests. Carry out and maintain all mandatory security checks. Must be CPR/First Aid Certified. Must Possess a Certification in Nursing. Must have communication skills both written and verbal, detail orientated, excellent sense of judgement and can stay alerted at all times. Can work unsupervised and under pressure. Must do heavy Lifting. Salary $30,000 per annum.

recruitment@pinecay.com

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Interested Applicants can submit their Cover Letter and Resume to: 38803

All Applicants must have a valid police record when applying. Some positions may require you to live on Pine Cay.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves patients with kind and caring disposition

• Prepares medications

• Counsels and monitors patient drug therapies

• Gives pharmacological advice and information to patients and health care team via phone and in person

• Prepares medications by reviewing and interpreting physicians’ orders

• Detects and resolves therapeutic incompatibilities

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have certification from

accredited university/institution and valid professional licenses through valid and acceptable regulation authority

• Must have minimum 5 years’ experience working in a Retail Pharmacy environment

• Skilled at interacting with customers of all socioeconomic backgrounds

• Ability to operate Point-of-Sale and Kroll programs

• Possesses excellent communications and interpersonal skills

• Competent and reliable professional, committed and experienced

SALARY: 50K PER ANNUM

HVAC AND RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN

- Understanding of HVAC from install to repair.

- Perform routine maintenance and install plumbing, electrical, HVAC, as warranted by building and equipment specs.

- Troubleshoot equipment, fabricate/modify parts for repairs/ improvements.

- Coordinate repairs and manage maintenance tasks that may require specialized vendors or cannot be completed independently.

- Provide prompt, efficient, and customer-oriented maintenance service.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

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

WRITERS/ PHOTO JOURNALIST

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

FOR MAGAZINES AND OTHER PERIODICALS GRAPHICS PRODUCTION DESIGNER/ PAGINATOR

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

COURT REPORTER

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

ADVERTISING SPACE SALES PERSON

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

- Maintain accurate records of work and work orders, materials, and costs.

- Prior maintenance experience, preferably in commercial/industrial kitchens.

- Strong knowledge of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and general maintenance.

- Proficient with tools and diagnostic equipment; familiar with standard restaurant equipment.

- Problem-solving skills, teamwork Pay: $4000 - $5000 USD per month

Expected hours min: 44 per week

Resumes can be sent to ikigaitci@gmail.com

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

THE LARGEST READERSHIP

IN

THE TURKS & CAICOS

Coriats Trust Company Limited

Coriats Trust Company is looking for a

DEPUTY FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

Coriats is the largest and oldest (45 years in business) trust company in the Turks and Caicos Islands, with $1 Billion of assets under administration.

CANDIDATES

SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS:

1. Graduate of BS Accountancy or its equivalent:

2. Minimum of three years if proven accounting experience in a high quality financial services business (bank, law firm or accountancy firm).

3. Trainable and can work with minimum supervision.

4. Hard working, reliable, organized and highly motivated.

5. Multi task, can pick up quickly, detailed oriented, consistent and follow directives.

6. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

7. Sound use of Microsoft Office especially Excel is a plus.

8. Must be able to deliver projects in a timely and efficient manner.

In return Coriats offer a competitive annual salary of $45,000 and (after a qualifying period) entry into a bonus scheme that can pay as much as 20% of your annual salary.

PLEASE SEND APPLICATIONS WITH A FULL C.V. AND A COVERING LETTER EXPLAINING WHY YOU ARE QUALIFIED FOR THIS ROLE TO DAVID STEWART DS@CORIATS.COM WITH A COPY TO FERDINAND AND MASICLAT FERDINAND@CORIATS.COM.

Applications must be made on or before Friday 20th October to be considered. THIS IS NOT A WORK PERMIT ADVERTISMENT. ONLY THOSE WITH THE UNRESTRICTED RIGHT TO WORK IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS SHOULD APPLY.

InterHealth Canada Construction & Services is currently recruiting for Key positions within TCI Hospitals. Successful candidates will be offered excellent packages depending on qualifications and experience.

SENIOR ENGINEER

(Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales)

Candidate must be qualified to a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent, and hold qualifications in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Health & Safety Qualification (NEBOSH preferred) & Medical Gas Safety.

Ensure teams undertake maintenance, repairs minor improvement, and capital work across the TCI Hospitals as directed by facilities management, ensuring compliance with TCI safety standards and procedures. Performs work as required to facilitate the smooth running of the department including activities that are non-routine (i.e. response to Disaster and Emergency, Health and Safety Responsibilities, Project works, and tasks as part of the Senior FM team).

Works with Engineering lead at sister site as required, with potential to work across CHMC and CTMC as business requires.

For full Job Specifications, Qualification Requirements, and Package Details, please contact Ms. Vielka Fulford for further information and queries on Tel: 941-2800 Ext 71803.

Salary: $65k full package including benefits.

MECHANICAL AND/ OR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER’S REQUIRED

(Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales)

Applicants must be able to work 40 hours per week (5 shifts allocated over 7 days and including weekend working and bank holidays).

Candidate must be qualified to a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent, and hold qualifications in Mechanical and/or Electrical Engineering.

Duties include but are not exclusive to: Prevented Planned Maintenance on all HVAC, VSD, pumps and motors, valves and strainers, reactive works on all plants, fault finding, and correction. Fabric maintenance of the building, and handyman tasks if and when required. Trade tests and competency programs will be included at the interview stage.

Appointments will be made based on a successful interview, a positive reference check and a clear Police check. *Previous experience is required for all posts.

For full Job Specifications, Qualification Requirements, and Package Details, please contact Ms. Vielka Fulford for further information and queries on Tel: 941-2800 Ext 71803.

Salary: $50k full package including benefits. Qualified Belongers will be given first consideration.

APPLY IN WRITING TOGETHER WITH AN UP TO DATE CURRICULUM VITAE TO: VFULFORD@INTERHEALTHCANADA.TC.

Construction Manager

Plan and supervise a wide range of construction projects from start to finish, experience in managing large scale vertical construction projects is necessary. You will organize and oversee construction the construction team procedures and ensure they are completed in a timely and efficient manner.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with, architects etc. to determine the specifications of the project.

• Negotiate contracts with external vendors to reach profitable agreements.

• Determine needed resources (manpower, equipment, and materials) from start to finish with attention to budgetary limitations.

• Plan all construction operations and schedule intermediate phases to ensure deadlines will be met.

• Acquire equipment and material and monitor stocks to timely handle inadequacies.

• Allocate staff with responsibilities

• Supervise the work of all construction team members and give guidance

when needed.

• Evaluate progress and prepare detailed progress reports.

• Ensure adherence to all health and safety standards and report issues.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as construction project manager, minimum 10 years’ experience managing projects greater then USD $30 MIL.

• In-depth understanding of construction procedures and material and site engineer principles

• Familiarity with quality and health and safety standards

• Good knowledge of MS Office, MS Projects

• Familiarity with construction/ project management software Procore and Blue Beam

• Outstanding communication and negotiation skills

• Excellent organizational and timemanagement skills

• A team player with leadership abilities

Salary: $2500-2800.00/week dependent on experience

Belongers are encouraged to send copy of their resume to Labour Board

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION SALES

Serge Tuyssuzian as Chargee pursuant to the Registered Land Ordinance hereby gives Notice that it will cause to be sold by Public Auction the following scheduled property outside the offices of Miller Simons O’Sullivan, Regent House West, Regent Village, Grace Bay, Providenciales at 10:00 a.m. on 16 October 2023.

1. TITLE NO. 61112/201, LONG BAY HILLS, PROVIDENCIALES REGISTERED PROPRIETOR: DELBERT DON MISSICK

38901

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

This property is located on Thatcher Street, in the Long Bay Heights residential subdivision in the Long Bay Hills section of Providenciales. The property supports a two- storey residential building with a total floor area of approximately 3,900 square feet and 476 square feet of covered decks. The upper level of the property comprises a three- bedroom main dwelling and two-bedroom apartment. There are three self-contained apartments with two bedrooms, bathroom, open concept kitchen/living/dining area and laundry.

Any and all potential bidders will be required to produce one (1) valid form of identification to Miller Simons O’Sullivan on the day of the Auction.

Draft Terms and Conditions of Sale and the draft Agreement for Sale are available upon demand prior to the Auction.

Any and all Successful bidders will be required to pay a ten (10%) per cent deposit upon a successful bid before close of business on the day of the Auction. Any and all successful bidders will also have to pay Auction legal fees in the sum of Seven Hundred and Fifty Dollars (US$750.00).

PATROCINA MERCEDES MARTINEZ

STENIO

SUNSHINE

Operate steam press machines or hand irons to remove wrinkles from clothing or flatwork items. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 347-1511

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

38858

PREMIER BUILDING SOLUTIONS

MASON

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 346-9216/432-1190

HELPER

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 231-9717

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 441-5262 38895

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

PROVO SEAFOOD LTD.

FOUR (4) PLANT WORKERS

Must have some knowledge of cleaning Marine products. May be required to work after normal hours.

Salary: $9.00 hourly

Ensuring a safe environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing child, administering medicine, and doing housework.

$8.00 hourly

MECHANIC HELPER

BELONGERS

38795

T & M CONSTRUCTION

PAINTER #34 Millennium Highway, Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

RENEWAL

TURKS & CAICOS VETERINARY ASSOCIATES

is seeking to employ a

VETERINARY ASSISTANT

CONTACT: 344-2093 38848

CONTACT ERNEST RIGBY ON 649-231-0293

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 241-6071

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY

MECHANIC

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

CONTACT: 346-4624

RUBIN AUGUSTE

DOMESTIC WORKER

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

STORE CLERK

Applicant must be honest, reliable and hardworking. Keeping the store shelves clean at all times, stacking of shelves and sale of goods. Salary: $8.00 Hourly

We are looking for a Veterinary Assistant to care for animals and support Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians. You’ll play an important role in bringing comfort to our furry patients and ensuring the smooth running of our facility. A Veterinary Assistant is a professional who is responsible for the cleanliness of the veterinary clinic and helps the Veterinarian with various tasks to ensure their patients receive the care and attention they need while in the veterinary clinic. One of the most important Veterinary Assistant responsibilities is to ensure all areas are clean, for animals and humans alike. We’ll also rely on you to assist the Veterinarian in examinations and operations.

Do you love animals? Then you’re halfway there. You also need the ability to care for them properly – that’s one of the most important Vet Assistant job requirements. This includes knowledge of routine tasks, like feeding or bathing animals, but also readiness to care for injured or scared animals that might occasionally lash out.

If you’re also organized, quick on your feet and have the stomach to help with medical operations and euthanasia, we’d like to meet you.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS

• Assisting Veterinarians during examinations

• Performing administrative duties

• Feeding, caring for animals and cleaning kennels

• Proven experience as a Veterinary Assistant or similar position working with animals

CONTACT: 347-9970 38793

CONTACT: 341-1406

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD RENEWAL

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

• Experience in an administrative role is a plus

• Current or former pet ownership is an advantage

• Excellent communication skills

• Patient and caring personality

• Ability to follow instructions properly

• Comfortable being around animals (cats, dogs, horses, goats etc.)

• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job (e.g. lift up to 50 lbs)

• Availability to occasionally work in emergencies after hours

• High school diploma required; a certificate from a Veterinary Assistant program is a plus

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

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 243-5934

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO

Responsible for protective insecticides, seeding new plants, supervising the irrigation and fertilizers and cleaning all the areas.

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-331-0818

BELONGERS ARE

SALARY

• $9-$15/hourly, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 3-5 hours per day.

Interested and qualified persons should drop off their CV to Turks & Caicos Veterinary Associates at 24 Breezy Ridge or send to info@turkscaicosvets.com (649) 946-4353. Applicants are also encouraged to send a copy of their CV to the Labour Department before October 10th. This is a new position, Belongers only to apply.

PAUL GARDINER

VACANCIES

GARDENERS (2)

DOMESTIC WORKER

LABOURER

DUTIES: To assist skilled workers, Maintain all work areas.

CONTACT: 345-4520

CONTACT: 241-5759

AUTO REPAIR MAN

Duties: To Fix and repair customers vehicles roadworthiness status.

$10.00 per hour

CONTACT: 242-1076

LABOURER

ACTING ON BEHALF OF DANNY BUOY’S/SKULL ROCK/CABANA BAR #353 GRACE BAY ROAD, PROVIDENCIALES

KITCHEN HELPER

$8.50 Hourly

Preparing the workstation. Keeping the kitchen clean.

DISHWASHER - $8.50 Hourly

Washing dishes.

LABOURER - $8.50 Hourly

Cleaning.

COOK - $8.50 Hourly

Setting up workstations with all needed ingredients and cooking equipment. Cooking food in various utensils or grillers.

WAITRESS - $8.50 Hourly

Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment.

BEACH ATTENDANT

$8.50 Hourly

BAKER - $8.50 Hourly

Measure and mix raw ingredients, bake and decorate items, and ensure that all raw and finished goods adhere to quality and food safety standards.

PAINTER - $8.00 hourly

Apply paints, stains, and coatings to various structural surfaces.

CARPENTER - $8.00 hourly

Follow blueprints and building plans. Install structures and fixtures.

BARTENDER - $8.00 hourly

Uphold customer service

Maintain Bar Mix and serve drinks

BELONGERS

CONTACT: 342-2884

Applicant must be honest, reliable and willing

Set up beach chairs and umbrellas for cruise ship passengers, to offer and sell drinks to customers.

VACANCIES

LABOURER LABOURER

D & B TILE

232-6435

South Dock Road

To carry out and assist with continuous maintenance work, painting apartment

interior & exterior and assist with construction work site. $9.00 hr.

BREEZE CONSTRUCTION

241-0362

Front Road, Blue Hills

To carry out and assist with continuous maintenance work, painting apartment

interior & exterior and assist with construction work site. $9.00 hr.

38785

FIDELITY CONSTRUCTION

Build and install iron or steel girders, columns, and other construction materials to form structures. Cut, position, and bolt down steel bars.

DOMESTIC WORKER

CLEANER

doorframes.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 342-1792

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 1-649-243-4466

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

KECHIE

$9.00 hourly

Follow blueprints. Install structures and fixtures. Measure, cut, or shape wood and other materials.

$2,000 monthly

STEELMAN CARPENTER PAINTER

Apply paints, stains, and coatings to interior and exterior walls, new buildings, homes, offices and other structural surfaces. $9.00 hourly

CONTACT: 341-4142

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY / RENEWAL

CONSTRUCTION HELPER

Set up equipment, run lines for power tools, erect scaffolding, lay out tools, mixing concrete, hand tools to workers, and cleaning work site.

$8.00 Hourly

38769

Ensuring

CONTACT: 246-2816

SHA CONSTRUCTION, MAID TO CLEAN, SIESTA

CARPENTERS, WELDERS, MASONS, PLUMBERS, TILE LAYERS, LABOURERS, FABRIC, PAINTERS, TRADEMAN, STEELMAN, CARPET LAYER, CLEANERS, COOK, MAINTENANCE WORKER, STONE FABRICATORS.

Must be able to read and understand building drawings; layout and erect brick wall, concrete columns, beams, support concrete staircases; concrete floor rending, layout and build driveways, deck floors, swimming pool, cistern, competent with masonry tool and working knowledge of imperial and metric measurement. Perform maintenance and minors repairs (replacing broken switches, fixing doors handles, minor leaks, cut and polish rocks, install, measure, cut and shape.

Salaries started @$8-$13 per hr. Work 5-6 days a week.

CONTACT: 247-4255 38761

HARD ROCK CONSTRUCTION

#128 Millennium Highway, Blue Hills, Tel: 244-3939

Measure, cut, or shape wood, plastic, and other materials.

$9.00 Hourly.

Renewal

PAULA ELLIOTT

Bronze Lane, Long Bay Tel: 341-4752

Ensuring a safe environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing children, administering medicine, doing housework. $8.00 hourly

CARPENTER BABYSITTER LABOURER

TEN & SANCHEZ LTD

Bronze Lane, Long Bay, Tel: 341-4752

Cleaning up construction site, removing debris etc. $8.50 hourly

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY

VACANCIES

4T CONTRACTING (232-3265)

Wheeland, Providenciales

General cleaning, cleaning after projects, other menial task. Salary: $8 hourly

FLEURIDOR MOTORS LTD (241-7341)

59 South Dock, Providenciales

Repairs & replace faulty parts, diagnostic etc. $8-9 hourly

38788

MODERN DAY CONSTRUCTION (241-4108)

9 Moonstone Road, Providenciales

Install doors, wooden floor etc. Salaries: $9-$12 hourly

QUALITY SERVICES

DELIVERY (346-0002)

Blue Hills, Providenciales

Repairs and small construction, plumbing etc. $8-9 hourly

Measure, cut, or shape wood, plastic, and other materials. Salary: $9 hourly

CONTACT: 231-6920

• Must have at least 3-5 years of being a Head Chef in a 5star establishment

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in running a team of 5-10 employees

• Experience in Developing Menus, food and labor cost,

• Must be willing to work weekends and Holidays

• Health & Hygiene Certification an asset

• Starting Salary $2,000$2,600 per month based on qualifications and experience

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 246-5189

BABYSITTER

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

CONTACT: 344-9806

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: 341-4128

JEANCÈ JEAN

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

CONTACT: 341-2927

GOOD TASTE RETAIL & WHOLESALE

CONTACT: (649) 341-8332

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: 246-5189

The Somerset Resort Management Ltd. is seeking for dependable, disciplined, self-driven, and efficient candidates for the positions listed below.

HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Allocate work duties to Team Members and supervise contractors.

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

• Schedule and supervise deep cleaning and any other projects.

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

REQUIREMENTS:

• Previous experience in a Housekeeping supervisory role and has a successful track record of managing a team.

PURCHASING CLERK

RECEIVING CLERK

For monitoring and organize inventory. Marketing new products and merchandising products for sale collaborate. Balance, cash, credit card ect.

8-10hr.

CELL: 231-6858

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

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

Base salary range: $10.00 - $13.00/ hour to commensurate with qualification & experience.

Benefits: Service gratuity, vacation & employee meals. The above position is currently held by a Work Permit Card Holder.

FRONT DESK AGENT

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure and provide flawless, upscale, professional and high-class guest service experiences.

• Carry out the smooth operation of the Front Office Department and ensure that all standards and operating procedures pertinent to Guest Services are followed.

• Anticipate and address guest issues and establish proactive processes to promote guest satisfaction.

• Be proactive in the greeting of guests in a warm and friendly manner and provide excellent guest service, including Owners & VIPs.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent vocational training

• Minimum of 3-year experience in a Front Office/general office role (Preferred)

• Hospitality industry experience preferred, and the ideal candidate will also have knowledge of Opera software.

Base salary range: $10.00 - $13.00/ hour to commensurate with qualification & experience.

Benefits: Service gratuity, vacation & employee meals. The above position is currently held by a Work Permit Card Holder.

QUALIFIED CANDIDATES CAN COMPLETE AN APPLICATION FORM IN PERSON AT THE SOMERSET ON GRACE BAY OR SUBMIT A CV BY E-MAIL TO TWILLIAMS@THESOMERSET. COM. THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS OCTOBER 7TH, 2023.

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

CONTACT: 231-5109

CONTACT: 649-344-2093

MECHANIC

Inspecting

testing

engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire changes, wheel balancing, and replacing filters.

CONTACT: 344-8753

DOMESTIC WORKER

and providing customer service. Guide customers in finding products. Maintain store’s outlook by cleaning and restocking

CONTACT: 346-3212

CLEANER

Stocking and supplying designated areas, dusting, sweeping, mopping, etc.

CONTACT: 347-7265

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: 348-8606

LABOURER

Cleaning property, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door frames.

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 332-1466

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

KITCHEN MANAGER

We are looking for a Kitchen Manager to join our team and prepare delicious meals for our customers.

Chef responsibilities include executing recipes, setting up menus and preparing high-quality dishes. You should be able to delegate tasks to kitchen staff to ensure meals are prepared in a timely manner. Also, you should be familiar with sanitation regulations.

Ultimately, you’ll prepare and deliver a complete menu that delights our guests. To ensure success in your role as kitchen manager you should be an excellent leader with great organizational skills and impeccable time management.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set up the kitchen with cooking utensils and equipment, like knives, pans and kitchen scales

• Study each recipe and gather all necessary ingredients

• Cook food in a timely manner

• Delegate tasks to kitchen staff

• Inform wait staff about daily specials

• Ensure appealing plate presentation

• Supervise Cooks and assist as needed

• Slightly modify recipes to meet customers’ needs and requests (e.g. reduce salt, remove dairy)

• Monitor food stock and place orders

• Check freshness of food and discard out-of-date items

• Do weekly orders

• Experiment with recipes and suggest new ingredients

• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations within the kitchen area

Repairs, maintains and alters buildings, retaining walls and other brick or stone edifices. Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters.

Salary: $8.50 Hourly

CONTACT: 649-241-5071 / 649-342-0275

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

38864

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: 442-0116

Build and install iron or steel girders, columns, etc. Cut, position, and bolt down steel bars

38893

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

Salary: $8.00 hourly

CONTACT: 649-242-5319

CONTACT: 242-0439 38891

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY/RENEWAL

BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO THE LABOUR BOARD

Science & Technology

New ‘supercontinent’ could wipe out humans and make Earth uninhabitable, study suggests

The formation of a new “supercontinent” could wipe out humans and all other mammals still alive in 250 million years, researchers have predicted.

Using the first-ever supercomputer climate models of the distant future, scientists from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom predicted how climate extremes would intensify after the world’s continents merge to form one supercontinent, Pangea Ultima, in around 250 million years.

They found it would be extremely hot, dry and virtually uninhabitable for humans and mammals, who are not evolved to cope with prolonged exposure to excessive heat.

Researchers simulated temperature, wind, rain and humidity trends for the supercontinent and used models of tectonic plate movement, ocean chemistry and biology to calculate carbon dioxide levels.

They found that not only would the formation of Pangea Ultima lead to more regular volcanic eruptions, spewing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and warming the planet, but the sun would also become brighter, emitting more energy and warming the Earth further, experts noted in the paper, published Monday in the journal Nature Geoscience.

“The newly-emerged supercontinent would effectively

create a triple whammy comprising the continentality effect, hotter sun and more CO2 in the atmosphere,” Alexander Farnsworth, senior research associate at the University of Bristol and lead author of the paper, said in a release Monday.

“Widespread temperatures of between 40 to 50 degrees Celsius (104 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit) and even greater daily extremes, compounded by high levels of humidity would ultimately seal our fate. Humans – along with

Scientists get closer to solving mystery of antimatter

Scientists have made a key discovery about antimatter - a mysterious substance which was plentiful when the Universe began. Antimatter is the opposite of matter, from which stars and planets are made.

Both were created in equal amounts in the Big Bang which formed our Universe. While matter is everywhere, though, its opposite is now fiendishly hard to find.

The latest study has discovered the two respond to gravity in the same way.

For years, physicists have been scrambling to discover their differences and similarities, to explain how the Universe arose.

Discovering that antimatter rose in response to gravity, instead of falling would have blown apart

what we know about physics.

They’ve now confirmed for the first time that atoms of antimatter fall downwards. But far from being a scientific dead end this opens the doors to new experiments and theories. Does it fall at the same speed, for example?

During the Big Bang, matter and antimatter should have combined and cancelled each other, leaving nothing but light. Why they didn’t is one of physics’ great mysteries and uncovering differences between the two is the key to solving it.

Somehow matter overcame antimatter in those first moments of creation. How it responds to gravity, may hold the key, according to Dr

many other species – would expire due to their inability to shed this heat through sweat, cooling their bodies,” Farnsworth added.

The increased heat, Farnsworth noted, would create an environment without food or water sources for mammals.

While there are large uncertainties when making predictions so far into the future, the scientists said that the picture appears “very bleak,” with only around 8% to 16% of land on the supercontinent habitable for

mammals.

Carbon dioxide could be double current levels, according to the report, although that calculation was made on the assumption that humans stop burning fossil fuels now, “otherwise we will see those numbers much, much sooner,” Benjamin Mills, a professor of Earth system evolution at the University of Leeds and a report co-author, said in the release.

This grim outlook is no excuse for complacency when it comes to tackling today’s climate crisis, the

report authors warned. Humancaused climate change is already resulting in millions of deaths around the world every year.

“It is vitally important not to lose sight of our current climate crisis, which is a result of human emissions of greenhouse gases,” co-author Eunice Lo, research fellow in climate change and health at the University of Bristol, said in the release.

“While we are predicting an uninhabitable planet in 250 million years, today we are already experiencing extreme heat that is detrimental to human health. This is why it is crucial to reach net-zero emissions as soon as possible,” Lo added.

Climate change is on course to transform life on Earth, with billions of people and other species due to reach points where they can no longer adapt unless global warming is dramatically slowed, according to a major UN-backed report published last year.

Scientists have warned for decades warming needs to stay below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with the window to cut our reliance on fossil fuels and avoid catastrophic changes that would transform life as we know it rapidly closing.

The last mass extinction occurred some 66 million years ago, when an asteroid slammed into Earth and killed off the dinosaurs and most life on the planet. (CNN)

The world’s continents merge to form one supercontinent, Pangea Ultima, in around 250 million years

Artwork: shortly after the Big Bang which created the Universe, matter and antimatter existed in equal amounts

Science & Technology

Ice cream, soda, chips, donuts— whatever it may be, we all have comfort foods that we indulge in from time to time. And while it’s important to treat ourselves every once in a while, it’s equally as crucial that, for the most part, we maintain a balanced diet full of nutrient-dense foods. This entails staying away from ultra-processed foods, as they have been linked to health ailments such as heart disease, diabetes, and unhealthy weight gain.

Now, unfortunately, researchers have added depression to that list, thanks to a new study finding a link between ultra-processed foods and this mental health condition. Here’s everything you need to know.

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE STUDY?

From 2003 to 2017, researchers at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital observed the eating habits and mental health changes of over 31,000 mostly white non-Hispanic women aged 42 to 62 years. Results from the study, first published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, concluded that women who ate high amounts of ultraprocessed foods, particularly foods containing artificial sweeteners, had an increased risk of depression compared to women who ate lower amounts of the variable.

At the beginning of the study, all of the women had reported that they were free of depression. Every

four years, participants were asked to take a survey in which they were asked about their diet and mental health. Researchers then examined the relationship between food and depression levels, while taking into account other factors of the mental health condition such as age, total caloric intake, body mass index, physical activity, smoking status, menopausal hormone therapy, total energy intake, alcohol, comorbidities, median family income, social network levels, marital status, sleep duration, and pain.

Researchers acknowledged that the results of this study aren’t allencompassing and that the data doesn’t necessarily mean that eating these foods is the cause of depression. Instead, they proposed many possible theories of the link between the two, including the idea that depression and ultra-processed foods feed off each other. If someone is depressed, they may turn to ultraprocessed foods for comfort, while the food may contribute to poor mood and health.

WHAT FOODS COUNT AS “ULTRA-PROCESSED?”

Processed food is any agricultural product that has been changed from its original state, like baby carrots or tofu. Ultra-processed food1 takes that principle a step further, and includes “snacks, drinks, ready meals and many other products created mostly or entirely from substances extracted from foods.” The key difference is

Researchers found a new link between ultra-processed foods and this mental health condition in women

that processed foods aren’t always unhealthy, while ultra-processed foods are.

If you look at the ingredients list of any ultra-processed foods, you’ll likely find a long list of unfamiliar words. This list may include numerous added ingredients such as sugar, salt, fat, artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives, as well as starches, added sugars, and hydrogenated fats. Examples of foods that contain these ingredients include: sodas, processed meats, white breads, candy, ice cream, donuts, sugary cereals, cookies and potato chips.

WHY IS

ULTRAPROCESSED FOOD LINKED TO DEPRESSION?

Researchers are still unsure of exactly why ultra-processed foods are linked to depression, however, they are theorising that the ultraprocessed foods cause the brain to release neurotransmitters that are also released in depression.

“Although the mechanism associating ultra-processed foods to depression is unknown, recent experimental data suggests that artificial sweeteners elicit purinergic transmission in the brain, which may be involved in the etiopathogenesis of depression,” they wrote in the study.

Scientists get closer to solving mystery of ...

Danielle Hodgkinson, a member of the research team at Cern in Switzerland, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory.

“We don’t understand how our Universe came to be matterdominated and so this is what motivates our experiments,” she told me.

Most antimatter exists only fleetingly in the Universe, for fractions of seconds. So to carry out experiments, the Cern team needed to make it in a stable and long-lasting form.

Prof Jeffrey Hangst has spent

thirty years building a facility to painstakingly construct thousands of atoms of antimatter from subatomic particles, trap them and then drop them.

“Antimatter is just the coolest, most mysterious stuff you can imagine,” he told me.

“As far as we understand, you could build a universe just like ours with you and me made of just antimatter,” Prof Hangst told me.

“That’s just inspiring to address; it’s one of the most fundamental open questions about what this stuff is and how it behaves.”

WHAT IS ANTIMATTER?

Let’s start with what matter is: Everything in our world is made from it, from tiny particles called atoms.

The simplest atom is hydrogen. It’s what the Sun is mostly made from. A hydrogen atom is made up of a positively charged proton in the middle and negatively charged electron orbiting it. With antimatter, the electric charges are the other way round. Take antihydrogen, which is the antimatter version of hydrogen,

used in the Cern experiments. It has a negatively charged proton (antiproton) in the middle and a positive version of the electron (positron) orbiting it.

These antiprotons are produced by colliding particles together in Cern’s accelerators. They arrive at the antimatter lab along pipes at speeds that are close to the speed of light. This is much too fast for them to be controlled by the researchers.

The first step is to slow them down, which the researchers do by sending them around a ring. This draws out their energy, until they

WHICH FOODS SHOULD I BE EATING?

For years, doctors have emphasised the benefits of eating a diet full of good-quality proteins, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and hearty whole grains. These include foods like:

Lean meats like chicken and turkey breast

Seafoods like salmon, tuna, and shrimp

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and arugula

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower

Whole grains like quinoa, sprouted bread, and brown rice. (Simple Living)

are moving at a more manageable pace.

The antiprotons and positrons are then sent into a giant magnet, where they mix to form thousands of atoms of antihydrogen.

The magnet creates a field, which traps the antihydrogen. If it were to touch the side of the container it would instantly be destroyed, because antimatter can’t survive contact with our world.

When the field is turned off the antihydrogen atoms are released. Sensors then detect whether they have fallen up or down. (BBC)

Women who eat ultraprocessed foods are more likely to be depressed, study finds

Science & Technology

JWST scans skies of potentially habitable exoplanet TRAPPIST-1 b

About 40 light years away, a system of seven Earth-sized planets orbit a star that is much cooler and smaller than our sun— the exoplanetary system called TRAPPIST-1. When these exoplanets were discovered in 2016, astronomers speculated that they could one day support humans. Three of those worlds are located in the star’s habitable zone, also called the “Goldilocks zone,” where the conditions for life could be “just right.” Now, astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have made important progress in understanding the atmosphere of one of its potentially habitable planets.

JWST observations ruled out the possibilities for a clear, extended atmosphere, failing to detect elements such as hydrogen. The telescope’s new detections also cut through the interference of the star at the centre of this system, avoiding what astronomers call stellar contaminations. The

findings are detailed in a study published September 22 in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

The new study specifically sheds light on the nature TRAPPIST-1 b, the exoplanet that is closest to the system’s central star. The team from institutions in the United States and Canada used the JWST’s NIRISS instrument to observe TRAPPIST-1 b during two transits, when the planet passed in front of its star.

The team used a technique called transmission spectroscopy to look deeper into the distant world. They saw the unique fingerprint left by the molecules and atoms that were found within the exoplanet’s atmosphere. “These are the very first spectroscopic observations of any TRAPPIST-1 planet obtained by the JWST, and we’ve been waiting for them for years,” study co-author and Université de Montréal doctoral student Olivia Lim said in a statement.

In the past, stars at the centre of

solar systems may have hampered our understanding of far-off atmospheres. That’s because these suns can create “ghost signals” which fool observers into thinking they are seeing a particular molecule in the exoplanet’s atmosphere. This phenomenon, stellar contamination, is the influence of a star’s own features on the measurements of an exoplanet’s atmosphere. A sun’s dark spots and bright faculae, or bright spots on its surface, can warp the chemical fingerprints that telescopes detect.

“In addition to the contamination from stellar spots and faculae, we saw a stellar flare, an unpredictable event during which the star looks brighter for several minutes or hours,” said Lim. “This flare affected our measurement of the

amount of light blocked by the planet. Such signatures of stellar activity are difficult to model but we need to account for them to ensure that we interpret the data correctly.”

The team also used the observations to explore a range of atmospheric models for TRAPPIST-1 b. They ruled out the existence of cloud-free, hydrogenrich atmospheres, which means that TRAPPIST-1 b likely does not have a clear and extended atmosphere around it. However, the data could not confidently rule out the possibility of a thinner atmosphere, perhaps made up of pure water, carbon dioxide, or methane.

According to the team, this result underscores the importance of taking stellar contamination into account

when planning future observations of all exoplanetary systems. This consideration is especially true for systems like TRAPPIST-1, because the system is centred around a red dwarf star which can be particularly active with frequent flare events and dark spots.

More observations will be needed to determine exactly what kind of atmosphere is surrounding this exoplanet and if it could support human life. “This is just a small subset of many more observations of this unique planetary system yet to come and to be analysed,” study co-author and Université de Montréal astronomer René Doyon said in a statement. “These first observations highlight the power of NIRISS and the JWST in general to probe the thin atmospheres around rocky planets.” (Popsci)

Nature crisis: One in six species at risk of extinction in Great Britain

Numbers of the UK’s most precious animals and plants are still falling, as a countrywide nature-loss crisis continues.

Loss of nature is outpacing investment and effort to tackle it, conservation organisations say.

Their State of the Nature report found 16% of 10,000 mammals, plants, insects, birds and amphibians assessed were threatened.

They include UK wildlife icons such as the turtle dove and hazel dormouse.

The government has said it is committed to “increasing the amount of habitat for nature to thrive”.

But conservation organisations say more investment and a shift to much more wildlife-friendly farming and fishing are urgently needed.

The 203-page document was produced by more than 60 organisations, including wildlife conservation groups, government agencies and academics.

Its analysis of decades of research paints a grim picture -

Pollinating insects are struggling in the UK

natural spaces and the wildlife that depends on them are in decline.

Nida al-Fulaij, from the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, told BBC News: “The main takeaways from this report are alarming.”

And she explained how thousands of studies used in the report examined the abundance or distribution of UK wildlife.

‘BLEAK OUTLOOK’

“Where we can, we count species year after year,” Ms Fulaij said.

“Another way to measure how a plant or animal is faring is to repeatedly examine a site and ask, ‘Is the species here or not?’”

Plants and animals monitored since the 1970s have declined in abundance by an average 19%.

And this trend suggests a bleak outlook for much of the country’s native wildlife, conservation scientists say.

This should make everyone “sit up and listen”, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)

chief executive Beccy Speight said.

Restoring nature would also help to tackle the climate crisis.

“We need to move far faster as a society towards nature-friendly land and sea use,” Ms Speight said.

“Otherwise, the UK’s nature and wider environment will continue to decline and degrade, with huge implications for our own way of life.”

Responding to these calls for action, the government said it was investing in its “30-by-30” pledge, to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030.

“At the start of this year, I published our comprehensive Environmental Improvement Plan,” Environment Secretary Therese Coffey said, “setting out how we will create and restore at least 500,000 hectares [2,000 sq miles] of new wildlife habitats.”

The government also highlighted investments including:

a £40m Species Survival Fund

£750m for woodland and peatland restoration

But RSPB conservation-science head Prof Richard Gregory told BBC News: “We’d need more to achieve the goal of 30 by 30.

“The task ahead of us to recover nature in the UK is large and complex - we are really talking of billions of pounds and not millions to change systems and tackle the drives of decline.

“That investment would return a huge amount for society in time and save huge future costs if we allow the environment to continue to decline and degrade.”

In England, an estimated 70% of land is farmed.

And studies suggest naturefriendly farming can boost production.

In one large-scale study in central England, turning over land from crops to wildlife habitat increased yields, probably by boosting the abundance of insects that pollinate those crops.

But the Nature Friendly Farming Network said more investment would be needed “to support all farmers in restoring nature and acting on climate change”.

An illustration shows the TRAPPIST-1 planetary system

Sports International

Lillard joins Milwaukee Bucks from Portland Trail Blazers

Seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard has joined the Milwaukee Bucks from the Portland Trail Blazers as part of a three-team trade.

The 33-year-old, who played his entire 11-year career to date with the Blazers, will join two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo at the Bucks.

The Blazers had selected point guard Lillard with the sixth pick of the 2012 NBA Draft.

He said on X, formerly Twitter: “Excited for my next chapter!”

Other deals in the trade see guard Jrue Holiday, centre Deandre Ayton, rookie forward Toumani

Liverpool: FSG agree to sell minority stake in club worth £82-164m to Dynasty Equity

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group have agreed to sell a minority stake in the club worth between £82m and £164m to global sports investment firm Dynasty Equity.

Camara joining the Trail Blazers, while the Phoenix Suns acquire centre Jusuf Nurkic, guard Grayson Allen, small forward Nassir Little and guard Keon Johnson.

The Trail Blazers will also take the Bucks’ unprotected first-round pick in 2029 and swap rights with them on first-round picks in 2028 and 2030.

Lillard, named one of the NBA’s 75 greatest players of all-time in 2021, averaged a franchise-record 32.2 points per game last seasonthe third highest in the NBA.

The NBA regular season starts on 24 October. (BBC)

County Championship: Surrey secure title for second successive year

Surrey have won the County Championship for a second successive season.

Having gone into this week’s final round of matches leading second-placed Essex by 20 points, Surrey knew they could get the job done with five points from their game with Hampshire.

They got three bowling bonus points but no batting points after being bowled out for 207, before their 21st title triumph was secured as Essex also failed to pick up any batting points from their game with Northamptonshire.

Essex were all out for 211 at Wantage Road, Tom Taylor taking the wicket of Jamie Porter that confirmed Surrey as champions shortly before lunch on day three.

Essex then collapsed to 119 all out after being asked to follow-on, to lose by an innings and 39 runs.

As to whether Surrey can add to their eight wins this season by beating Hampshire to claim a ninth, that hangs in the balance.

On a day when 16 wickets fell at Southampton, Surrey spinners Will Jacks (5-87) and Cameron Steel (440) bowled out Hampshire for 172.

Both England off-spinner Jacks and leg-spinner Steel claimed personal bests in the Championship.

That set the new champions 185 to win, but wickets continued to fall regularly for the hosts, for England slow left-armer Dawson and off-spinner Tom Prest, who claimed two scalps each.

The deal ends the search for new investment by FSG, who wanted to retain majority ownership of the Reds.

The new investment will primarily be used to pay off the club’s bank debt.

“Our long-term commitment to Liverpool remains as strong as ever,” said FSG president Mike Gordon.

“We have always said that if there is an investment partner that is right for Liverpool then we would pursue the opportunity to help ensure the club’s long-term financial resiliency and future growth.”

Liverpool lost £100m of

revenue during the Covid-19 pandemic, also spent about £50m on a new training ground in Kirkby which opened in 2020, as well as £12m re-purchasing their previous Melwood training base for use by the women’s team.

The ongoing development of the Anfield Road Stand is going to cost an estimated £80m, and follows the completion of the new £114m Main Stand which opened in 2016.

The Reds also spent about £145m on transfers in the summer, bringing in midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.

FSG are understood to be keen to reduce the bank debt the club has accrued through the financing of those recent infrastructure projects, and the new cash injection will

help cover those costs rather than be directly used on future player transfers.

“We look forward to building upon the long-standing relationship with Dynasty to further strengthen the club’s financial position and sustain our ambitions for continued success on and off the pitch,” added Gordon.

FSG, who bought Liverpool in £300m deal in 2010, said in November 2022 they “would consider new shareholders” and the new investment for a small percentage of the Anfield side brings that process to an end.

Dynasty’s chief executive officer, K. Don Cornwell, said: “Liverpool is one of the most iconic football clubs in the world with a passionate fanbase and significant global reach.

Surrey players celebrated on the pitch in Southampton as news of their title win filtered through

Surrey closed on 112-6, still needing a tricky 73 to claim that ninth win of the season, with first-innings half-centurion Sai Sudharsan on 31 and Jordan Clark on four.

First back-to back winners in eight years

Having lost just once in their

13 games to date, at home to Lancashire in June, Surrey become the first side to retain the county title since Yorkshire, who won back to back in 2014 and 2015.

Yorkshire remain the side with the most county titles (33) since the competition began in 1890, but Surrey’s 21 titles - including the

joint title victory with Lancashire in 1950 - puts them a comfortable second.

Excepting the Covid-hit seasons of 2020 and 2021, it is also effectively Surrey’s third Championship title win out of the last four, having also won it in 2018.

Damian Lillard made the All-NBA team seven times

Liverpool principal owner John Henry (second left) with manager Jurgen Klopp

Sports International

Rodin Cars bid to join Formula 1 with female driver rejected by FIA

New Zealand-based Rodin Cars says its application to enter Formula 1 has been rejected by the sport’s governing body.

The company proposed building its cars in New Zealand and planned to reserve one of its two race seats for a female driver.

Andretti Global is expected to be the only bid that will be put forward by the FIA for consideration by F1. However, F1 officials are likely to turn down the American application to become an 11th team on the grid.

Rodin is the majority shareholder in established feeder series operator Carlin, which runs teams in Formula 4, Formula 3 and Formula 2.

In a statement, Rodin’s Australian founder David Dicker said the company was “financially equipped to fully fund” its F1 ambitions and would have pursued a potential collaboration with

Ferrari.

Dicker added: “Rodin Cars participated in the recent FIA process aimed at gaining entry into the prestigious Formula 1 world championship - unfortunately, our bid was not successful.

“Recent information suggests, as anticipated from the outset of this process, that the only successful applicant will be Andretti Global.”

Britain’s Jamie Chadwick, who won the all-female W Series three times, would have been a candidate to fill the Rodin seat, had the bid been approved.

Chadwick, 25, has been racing in the IndyCar feeder series Indy NXT in the United States with Andretti Autosport, but she does not have a super-licence to enter Formula 1.

The sport has not had a female racer since 1976, but last week Britain’s Jessica Hawkins became

the first woman in almost five years to test an F1 car.

The FIA, motorsport’s Parisbased governing body, opened a formal application process in February for teams interested in joining in 2025, 2026 or 2027.

Andretti Global, run by former F1 driver Michael Andretti, son of the 1978 world champion Mario, joined forces for a bid with US car giant General Motors’ luxury Cadillac brand.

If Andretti Global got the go-

ahead to join Formula 1, the team would look to secure at least one American driver.

Other bids include British racing team Hitech, backed by Kazakh billionaire businessman Vladimir Kim. (BBC)

Russian figure skater’s doping hearing adjourned by Cas until November

Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva’s doping case was adjourned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) until November after “further documentation” was requested by the panel.

Valieva’s hearing relating to a failed drugs test, which surfaced during the 2022 Winter Olympics, began on Tuesday.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) is appealing at sport’s highest court against the findings of a Russian Anti-Doping Agency (Rusada) investigation, which found Valieva bore “no fault or negligence” for the failed test.

Wada, along with the the International Skating Union (ISU), said earlier this year it was “concerned” by the decision to clear Valieva and is appealing for a four-year-ban as well as for all her results from the date of the sample collection on 25 December 2021 to be expunged.

In a statement, Cas said: “After the presentation of evidence by the parties, the panel ordered the production of further documentation and, in order to allow the parties to consider and address such documentation, allowed two further days for the hearing of the appeal.”

Wada said on Thursday it is not permitted to comment on the adjournment as proceedings are confidential but said it will “continue to push for a resolution of these proceedings as quickly as possible”.

The hearing is set to resume on 9 and 10 November in Lausanne, Switzerland, when the panel will hear the closing submissions and

come to a decision.

Valieva tested positive for the banned heart medicine trimetazidine at the Russian national championships in 2021 but the result was only made known in 2022, the day after she helped her team win gold at the Beijing Games.

The then-15-year-old was permitted to compete in the

singles event when Cas lifted her provisional ban but left the arena in tears after a number of falls and stumbles meant she slipped from first to fourth place.

Medals are yet to be awarded for the team event, where the United States came second, with Japan finishing third and Canada placing fourth.

The ISU has also asked Cas to

determine the final result of the event.

US Figure Skating chief executive Tracy Marek said her governing body is “profoundly disheartened” by the news of the delay.

“While we recognise the inherent complexities and time requirements of legal processes, the nearly 600-day wait without a resolution is undeniably another painful setback for our dedicated athletes,” she said in a statement.

“We emphasise the importance of transparency in this matter, as it greatly impacts our athletes.”

Earlier this week, American figure skater Vincent Zhou criticised the global anti-doping system and said it is “failing athletes”.

Russian athletes were competing under the neutral name of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) in Beijing after Wada banned Russia from all international sport for four years from 2019 because of a doping scandal.

That penalty was reduced by Cas, which ruled that Russian athletes could compete at the Olympics and other international events but the team could not use the Russian name, flag, or anthem. (BBC)

Britain’s Jamie Chadwick dominated the all-female W Series and is also in the Williams driver development programme

During the team event at the Beijing 2022 Games Valieva became the first woman to land a quadruple jump at a Winter Olympics

Sports International

Barcelona: Spanish police raid referee offices as part of corruption investigation

Spanish police raided the offices of the referees’ committee as part of an investigation into Barcelona’s alleged corrupt payments to an official.

Barcelona face charges of corruption over payments made to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, a former vice-president of the committee, in return for favourable refereeing decisions.

Uefa is also investigating the matter.

Barcelona deny any wrongdoing and no arrests were made during the search in Madrid.

The Spanish Civil Guard

searched the Spanish Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) headquarters on Thursday.

BBC Sport has been told that the judge presiding over the case demanded documentation from the CTA. This was not sent, which prompted the raid.

The initial criminal investigation was brought by the Barcelona public prosecutor’s office in March, with European football’s governing body Uefa launching its own investigation shortly after.

It is alleged that Barcelona paid 8.4m euros (£7.4m) to Negreira and his Dasnil 95 company.

The payments were initially investigated as part of a tax probe into the company run by Negreira. Barcelona made payments to the company totalling a reported 1.4m euros (£1.2m) between 2016 and 2018, and paid Negreira about 7m euros (£6.2m) between 2001 and 2018, the year he left his role with

the referees’ committee.

Barcelona acknowledged they had paid Dasnil 95, which it described as “an external technical consultant”, to compile video reports on referees “with the aim of complementing the information required by the coaching staff”. They said paying for reports

was “a habitual practice among professional clubs”.

In February 18 of the 19 other La Liga clubs issued a statement expressing “deep concern”. In July Uefa provisionally cleared Barcelona to play in this season’s Champions League while its investigation is ongoing.

The 2018 National League Rookie of the Year and four-time All-Star is making a strong case to claim his first MVP award this year

Atlanta Braves slugger Acuña

Jr becomes first player in MLB history in 40-70 club

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr accomplished something no one else in Major League Baseball history has done before, becoming the first player ever to hit 40 home runs and steal 70 bases in a single season.

“I’d be lying to you if I said that I would accomplish that,” Acuña said via a translator after the game. “It was one of those numbers that wasn’t impossible but seemed impossible so, thankfully, we were able to get it done.”

Acuña, who entered Wednesday night with 68 stolen bases on the season, stole his first base of the night in the eighth inning with the Braves trailing 3-2 against the Chicago Cubs, later scoring to tie

Guyana Amazon Warriors crush TKR by nine wickets on route to historic first CPL title

the game 3-3.

His second stolen base came in the bottom of the 10th inning; after hitting a game-tying RBI single to make it 5-5, Acuña swiped second to reach the historic mark. The game was momentarily paused as the team and crowd at Truist Park in Atlanta cheered on while the 25-year-old lifted the base above his head.

Acuña’s 70th stolen base of the season proved to be timely, as he would score the game-winning run after second baseman Ozzie Albies drove him in with a single for the 6-5 walk-off victory.

Last week, Acuña became the fifth member of the exclusive 4040 club after hitting his 40th home run of the season.

It was a historic night at Providence as Guyana Amazon Warriors won the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final with a nine-wicket victory over the Trinbago Knight Riders, ensuring a maiden CPL title for the franchise.

Guyana Amazon Warriors won the toss and chose to bowl first, producing a disciplined performance to bowl the Knight Riders out for just 94. Imran Tahir and Gudakesh Motie produced valuable economical spells, while Dwaine Pretorius took four wickets.

It was a nervy chase from the Amazon Warriors in front of a home crowd as the Knight Riders tried to

restrict runs with spin. However, Saim Ayub and Shai Hope, the two leading run scorers in CPL this season, would ultimately see the team over the line, winning by nine wickets.

Despite a 24-run opening stand between Chadwick Walton and Mark Deyal, the Knight Riders lost wickets at regular intervals, with three falling to seam bowling in the Powerplay, including key batter Nicholas Pooran for just one.

Captain Kieron Pollard would fall straight after the Powerplay, as spin began to play a vital role, with Motie and Tahir causing havoc, taking a combined four wickets between them and conceding just

15 runs in total.

Keacy Carty would attempt to lead the resistance for the Knight Riders, but as he ran out of partners he found himself taking more risks, eventually falling to a brilliant Shimron Hetmyer catch. The Knight Riders would finish 94 all out.

Guyana Amazon Warriors lost the early wicket of Keemo Paul, who was opening, which added tension to their chase. Knight Riders would deploy both Akeal Hosein and Sunil Narine in the Powerplay in an attempt to prise more wickets, but the Amazon Warriors would end the Powerplay on 29-1.

The alleged payments between Barcelona and Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira were revealed in February by radio station Ser Catalunya

The Guyana Amazon Warriors won their inaugural CPL title on Sunday night

TCISS announces dates for softball, basketball and track and field events

THE Turks and Caicos Islands School Sports (TCISS) will host several inter-high school events in the last quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024.

Along with football, which begins on Saturday, basketball, softball and track and field are also carded.

TCISS boys’ basketball bounces off after football season ends, spanning from early November 2023 to January 2024.

According to information from the Sports Commission, “Home and away games are one of the highlights of this event, affording all teams a chance at a ‘home-court’ advantage throughout the season”.

As is tradition in TCISS,

schools will be randomly selected and placed into pools to compete.

Ultimately, the strongest teams will meet at the championships.

The reigning champions are the Clement Howell High School who defeated the A. Louise Garland Thomas High School 92-56.

In a double-team affair, TCISS girls’ softball will launch a few weeks after the basketball season commences. Softball season runs from November 2023 to January 2024.

“This means softball and basketball seasons will run concurrently like last year, and tickets will allow entry to both games,” the release explained.

The reigning champions are the

HJ Robinson High School who won the championships 14-6 at home in Grand Turk against the Wesley Methodist High School.

The championships will return to the nation’s capital next year, in honour of last season’s champions. Ending the TCISS season will be the track and field events. The athletics opener will be the Track and Field Development meets. Historically, this has been segmented into two meets: sprints and throws, distance and jumps.

Following will be the TCISS Inter-High Track and Field Championships also known as Nationals in March 2024 then the TCISS Inter-Primary Track and

Field Championships also in March.

Last year’s champions of InterHigh was the A. Louise Garland Thomas High School and for InterPrimary the Ona Glinton Primary School. After being implemented last season, TCISS Track and Field champions are determined by a medal count with gold holding the most weight.

TCISS 2023/24 SPORT SCHEDULE

TCISS Inter-High School Football Boys, TCISS Inter-High School Football Girls - September 30, 2023 - October 28, 2023 (Providenciales) TCISS Inter-High School

Basketball - November 2023January 2024 (All-Island)

TCISS Inter-High School Softball - November 2023January 2023 (Season Games - Providenciales. Semi-finals & Championships - Grand Turk) Track and Field Development Meets - February 2024

TCISS Inter-High School Track and Field - February - March 2024 (Providenciales)

TCISS Inter-Primary School Track and Field - March 2023 (Providenciales)

The full TCISS event schedule and further updates will be found on the TCI Sports Commission’s website www.gov.tc/sports/.

CHHS won the basketball title last season

HJ Robinson won last season’s softball title

Ten games carded for day one of TCISS Inter-High Football Championships

A new season of the Turks and Caicos Islands School Sports (TCISS) gets underway on Saturday (September 30) with 10 games in the Inter-High School Football Championships, which is scheduled for the TCIFA ground. The defending male champions, the Clement Howell High School

Waterloo Investment Holdings Limited supports

A sponsorship cheque of $8,400 was received by the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) recently from Waterloo Investment Holdings Limited. The funds will be used to provide uniforms for the FA’s primary school competition set for November.

(CHHS) will kick off the season with a clash against Holy Family Academy (HFA) from 11:45am. Three other games are carded simultaneously on a split pitch, including a clash between Raymond Gardiner High School (RGHS) and Marjorie Basden High School (MBHS) in another

male battle.

Last season’s female winners, MBHS will also be in action, when they take on RGHS, while the British West Indies Collegiate (BWIC) will battle the A. Louise Garland Thomas High School (ALGTHS) in the other female clash.

At 1pm, last season’s male

runners-up, Elite High School will battle HJ Robinson High School, while BWIC boys will meet TCIPS.

The girls’ teams return to action at 2pm with BWIC meeting RGHS and CHHS tackling MBHS, before day one of the games concludes with HFA taking on Elite High

School and ALGTHS battling against MBHS at 3pm. The tournament will run over the next two months with games being played on Fridays and Saturdays. The championship clashes are set for October 28 at the same venue. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children.

The Clement Howell High School (CHHS) won the 2022 boys’ title

Marjorie Basden won the inaugural girls’ event last season