TCWN April 26 - May 2, 2014 by TC Weekly News

Weekly News Volume 28 | No. 17 | April 26 - May 2, 2014

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John Kerry attends Easter services US Secretary of State John F Kerry took time out of his busy schedule to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands this week. The president’s chief foreign affairs advisor was spotted attending Easter Sunday services at Wesleyan Methodist Church in Blue Hills, Providenciales, with his family where this photo was taken. Kerry has served in the United States Senate, was chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and was Democratic party candidate in the 2004 presidential election, losing out to George W Bush.

Multimillion dollar South Caicos Airport expansion to recommence this year PAGE  4

Fraudsters target local bank accounts for alleged Grand Turk development PAGE  4

Employees honoured at Beaches’ Prestige Awards PAGE  13

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 26 - May 2, 2014

Multimillion dollar South Caicos Airport expansion to re-commence this year GOVERNMENT and Airport Authority officials made arrangements for the continued re-development of South Caicos Airport this week - a multi-million dollar project which was stalled in 2009. The Government plans to move ahead with development at the airport when expansion works on the Providenciales International Airport are completed this October. Premier Rufus Ewing, Finance Minister Washington Misick and CEO of the Airport Authority John Smith met at the Hilly Ewing building in Providenciales on Tuesday (April 22) to discuss the continuation of plans to construct an airport control tower, a passenger terminal building and a fire hall. Last March 20, during the House of Assembly, Misick said the work was initially carried out with funding from loan proceeds provided by the CIBC First Caribbean International Bank in the sum of $3.5 million, with TCIG contributing $500,000. He said the contract was awarded to Father and Son Construction for $4.8 million and works commenced in 2005. They were then stalled in 2009 after no variations proposed by the contractors were reached. Misick said that between 2005 and 2009 the expenditure was about $3,401,732.75, which exhausted most of the loan funding. The estimated cost of completion of the building is now equal to or in excess of what the entire cost was estimated at back in 2005 - now $4.2million. The minister said that in the 2014/2015 Budget about half a million dollars has been provided for temporary upgrades. “The completion of the

The airport in South Caicos

construction of the South Caicos International Airport is anticipated by all, and it will be a great boost for the economy of South Caicos,” Ewing said in a press release on Tuesday. He stated that once in operation, it will provide much needed jobs and will enable and support airlift that is critical to the success of the development projects already underway, particularly the much anticipated opening of the East Bay Resort slated for later this year. The Government, in collaboration with the Airports Authority, will provide funding for the completion of works. The Airports Authority will be steering the re-development project after completion of Providenciales terminal, which is so far on

Published by Turks & Caicos News Company Ltd. Cheshire House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales P.O. Box 52, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI W. Blythe Duncanson - Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Faizool Deo - Sports Editor (At Large) Daisy Handfield - Staff Reporter Cord Garrido-Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large) Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams - Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@yahoo.com, tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com

schedule. Other phases of the South Caicos project, Misick told the Assembly last month, were not finalised but are still on the books for a total overhaul of the

airport’s facilities. These include resurfacing of the runway apron and taxiway, provisions of ancillary items such as lighting drainage and fencing, a car park and construction of a generator

building. The cost of the entire project is estimated at more than $10million, and Government is looking for public private partnerships to get the work completed. (DI)

Fraudsters target local bank accounts for alleged Grand Turk development HIGH tech thieves purportedly operating out of Hong Kong have been targeting bank account holders in the Turks and Caicos Islands through their banks under the ruse of payment for a construction project in Grand Turk. Scotiabank account holder, Dr Steve Bourne, a general medical practitioner with Associated Medical Practices in Providenciales, was barely saved from losing almost $65,000 recently. A deceptively amiable letter with “To transfer to Hong Kong” in the subject line was sent to his bank on April 22. Someone purporting to be the doctor emailed the bank manager requesting the transfer of $64,286 from an account number the doctor no longer uses. The email read: “To pay this attached invoice for a constructional project on Grand Turks. Please send me the confirmation of this transfer as I have to forward it to the beneficiary company. Thanks.” The manager to whom the letter was addressed immediately instructed another bank staff member to verify the request with Dr Bourne, and the fraud attempt was detected. The police fraud investigations

department is currently looking into the matter. There have also been similar attempts with different amounts requested from accounts at other Providenciales banks. Speaking with the Weekly News on Thursday afternoon (April 24) Dr Bourne said if not for the swift decision of the bank to confirm the request with him, he would have been defrauded. He said two or three weeks ago, a local pharmacy was robbed of $25,000 through the same scheme, but the bank (another) eventually agreed it was a fraud and replaced the money in the business’ account. The doctor said he knows of other people who were targeted but were spared losing their money because the alarm had already been sounded. He said in his own case, he was immediately on high alert because the account number cited in the email is one he no longer uses. The invoice attached with the email message shows a construction contract with the victim’s name listed as a buyer and details of several different payments which add up to $64,286 before shipment of building materials. Below that it states: “The

construction company offer one year warranty product, we provide replacement for faulty product, man-made damage is not suit for replacement. “The packing product will be OEM according buyer designed. Price term: the prices showing in this contract is based on EXW or HK DHL Shenzhen pick up.” It gave instructions for the payments to be made to the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited with the beneficiary being Khoo Kim Guang. The Royal TCI Police Force is investigating the cases to see if there is any local connection. Dr Bourne is also warning people that a virus is being spread through email messages purportedly from contacts. The body of the message claims to have interesting files that the recipient(s) may find interesting and further instructs persons to ‘CLICK HERE’ in enlarged font. This is a virus, which apparently is not detectable through malware, he found out. He said people need to take more notice of their email messages and their bank accounts and transactions. (DI)

April 26 - May 2, 2014

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Opposition blasts Gov’t on tax ultimatum EARIER this month the Premier told the Weekly News that if the country does not implement payroll tax then it is very likely that the UK will enact value added tax (VAT); but the Opposition is not buying this claim. When the Weekly News spoke with her on Wednesday (April 23), Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson was highly skeptical of this alleged “ultimatum”. “I am not taking anything the Premier says right now. I am so honest; I am sorry to be in that place but that’s where I am.” She said the statements by Rufus Ewing appear like a ‘knee jerk’ reaction to the widespread opposition to the payroll tax. “We have called him out on it, he hasn’t said anything since. This is the problem that I have – you have to be open and honest with the people. To me, that is a knee jerk reaction to the response that he was getting.” She said it is not likely that the British government would present this ultimatum. “I hardly see that. And if that was in fact the case, even when the consultations began they (the Government) should have been open and honest with the people. They should have said.” She said when the meetings were held and the plan was presented to the people, the Government should have given the whole picture. The PDM has promised to “kill the bill” when it gets to the House of Assembly, prompting the Premier to express his misgivings at this pronouncement. He said he fears that the Governor will enact the VAT as a result, or the Chief Financial Officer, both of whom have the power to do so. The Government has been advised to institute a broad-based tax and has chosen payroll tax as a viable option to VAT. The Premier has stated that his administration is in favour of and believes in the payroll tax and their overall tax plan. The Opposition is however not in favour of either option. Cartwright Robinson said she believes that while a broad-based tax is important, the issue they have is who will feel the brunt of it. She maintains that the tax base

should be more towards visitors to the island and not on the 15,000 workforce. “No, you do not kill the tourists, but the tourists are not taking advantage of Government duties and all of that. “We have to begin to monitor what all of these agencies, bodies are charging tourists, and when this Government is coming with all of this, they have to look at price control. “This country is a highend jurisdiction not because of Government duties, or taxes, so you have to look at the whole picture.” The party leader allowed that the British should and do want to see the TCI carrying its own load, meeting its financial responsibilities and having their guarantee removed in 2016. However, she added: “I appreciate that; but you are the elected Government, you know the dynamics of this country and what it can and cannot take. “So there has to be some room for the elected Government to speak on behalf of the people they represent.” On April 3 many people turned

Premier Rufus Ewing

out to object to the payroll tax in a protest action organised by Bishop Coleta Williams and attended by PDM officials and former Government ministers. During that protest, the PDM leader was encouraging people who attended as well as passers-by to sign a petition for a referendum. She told the Weekly News this past week that since then they have received a significant amount of signatures. They will soon be presenting the Government with the numbers. Although she could not say how many signatures they have recorded

Sharlene Cartwright Robinson

so far, the party leader said the number is a lot and is still climbing. She said former PNP Government ministers have also signed on to the referendum. It is a national issue, she said, but the country would not be seeing any more staged protest by the PDM party. She referred to statements made by the Governor recently during a radio show, during which he said that the number of people out in the protest of the tax was not significant to convince anyone. The party leader said now it is time for the numbers of those who are against the payroll tax to speak

with a referendum. Meanwhile, the Weekly News also spoke with Minister of Finance, Washington Misick on the same issue over the past week. He said that Government is currently in the process of reviewing the information that was gathered during the public consultations on the tax plan. Asked if the bill will be presented at the next sitting of the house (April 28), Misick said that he may be making a ministerial statement with regard to it, and if not then, definitely before the 2014/2015 Budget is presented to the assembly. (DI)

Budget sent back to London with amendments THE 2014/2015 Budget has been sent back to the United Kingdom with some amendments, after having been returned from London over a month ago. This is according to Minister of Finance, Washington Misick. He told the Weekly News on Wednesday (April 23) that the Government is now awaiting approval from the UK ministers; but he does not know when it will be presented to the House of Assembly. The draft budget was approved by Cabinet on February 26 and was sent off to the UK. It came back sometime in March. Responding to a question from the Opposition Leader, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson at the last sitting of the house on March

20, Misick advised that the draft budget and the financial strategy and policy statement (FSPS) were approved by the UK. At the time, he told the house that the budget would have been sent to the clerk of the house to be sent on to the Appropriations Committee. He said too that Government’s expectation was to have it presented to the assembly very early in May for debate. Last year the Appropriations Committee did not receive the budget estimates until July 2. Asked if the country has to wait just as long for this year’s budget, Misick said he hopes not. “Preparing a budget and getting it right in these economic times is not an easy job, particularly as we

are trying to make it as practical as possible…” The 2013/2014 financial year ended on March 31. However, the House of Assembly passed a $66 million provisional general warrant on March 20, to cover the recurrent expenditure for the 2014/2015 financial year. The money will be withdrawn from the consolidated fund and will allow the Government to spend up until the end of July. The assembly is expected to meet on Monday, April 28, but Minister Misick is not positive the budget will be laid on the table at that time. According to the minister, some of the challenges facing the Government, and which are

being taken into consideration in the budget process included sustainability of Government revenue, meeting social obligations, paying down the country’s debt and paving the way for future growth. Another major issue for not only the Government, but also the people of the country, is that of the implementation of a broad-based tax. Earlier this month, the Premier told the Weekly News that there is mention of a broad-based tax in the budget. The Government strongly favours the payroll tax. However, public consultations over the past month have been loud in opposition to the tax. The proposed date for implementation is July 1. (DI)

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

A Weekly News column that puts you on the spot for your opinions on the issues of the day

A need for tougher domestic violence laws? LEADING women’s rights campaigners spoke to the Weekly News last week about the desperate need for tougher laws dealing with domestic violence. They explained that directions for legislative reform were drafted more than ten years ago but have yet to be enacted because they are not a Government priority. The document detailed updated laws, provided better descriptions of terms, and pushed for the establishment of a family court and central registry of domestic crime. Do you think domestic violence is a big problem in the TCI? Should changes be made soon to outdated laws? What can be done to persuade the Government that it is a pertinent issue?

Social consequences

Domestic violence including child abuse may not be substantial but one case is too many. The laws to protect spouses/partners/ children are hopelessly outdated but bringing in new legislation is not a priority for this Government nor was it a priority for the interim administration. Also urgently needed are personal bankruptcy laws and divorce laws. The Government’s priority seems to be the raising of money and that’s it. As for spending money on a new high school and a juvenile detention centre forget it, the British guaranteed debt has to be paid first without regard to the disastrous social consequences we are storing up for the future.

Setting an example

Domestic violence takes many forms and often destroys the family, children and eventually the country. We had a leader that the children, youth and

young adults looked up to. He was accused of rape and other immoral acts. Booze, gambling and false pride set poor examples. Several ministers have domestic issues, not violence but not what we consider good home based environments. If we pass laws requiring stronger punishments will influence excuse offenders? This has often been the case on other broken laws.

A deeper issue

Perhaps this question is starting out well off the mark unless it addresses the incest issue first and foremost?

Action needed now

We really have to stop the knee jerk reactions to horrible events like the one that just happened to prompt their reactions. If there were a steady campaign for the laws, maybe the Government would take

shame and bring the bills. The Opposition asked a question as to the status of the bills and were told only a few months ago that they were stuck in the AG’s Chambers. Which is it? Is it stuck at the AG’s Chambers or is it not a Government priority or it like the Human Rights Commissioner said, that it has financial implications. Until we get the truth out of someone, it will simply remain stuck. Domestic violence like child abuse is happening and we must remember that. Whether we choose to bury our heads in the sand or not it is a priority. The plight of women is totally underrepresented in the laws and only the Government can change this. We need action in this area before someone is killed.

Tackling the root cause

Rather than work on punishing those that commit this crime what are we doing about prevention? Hundreds of years of punishment have not eliminated any crime. Stronger laws may take the violators out of the home for a while but the lock up may raise their anger level. The question boils down to teaching domestic issues in high school, teaching about the benefits of a marriage that works. We need to look to our leaders. Some have solid home foundations and some do not.

of their minds and in most cases the children who witness domestic violence in their homes become batterers themselves. Domestic violence consist of controlling behaviours that harm the health, safety or well-being of persons living in domestic relationships and is extended to persons living in households to include extended family members such as parents, grandparents, the elderly relatives. It also includes dating and visiting relationships and consist of physical abuse or threats of physical abuse, sexual abuse or threats of sexual abuse, emotional, verbal or psychological abuse, repeated insults, name calling, threats to cause emotional pain and repeated exhibition of obsessive possessiveness or jealousy which is such as to constitute serious invasion of privacy, liberty, integrity and security; economic abuse, intimidation, harassment, watching or loitering outside of or near the building or place where a person resides, works or carries out business, studies; repeatedly making telephone calls or inducing another person to make telephone calls, whether or not they speak; repeatedly sending emails, texts or other packages to their home or work; stalking, damage to or destruction of property and entry into a residence without consent, where the parties do not share the same residence but otherwise was involved in a domestic relationship. We must treat domestic violence as a criminal offence and if you are engaging in or the recipient of any of these behaviours, perhaps it is time for you to take stock! Let us stop making excuses!

Protecting victims

It is time for the matter to be given some priority as it covers such a wide area and provides protection to the victim. It is not just about a domestic dispute but victims of violence carries the burdens and emotions associated with the violence for a lifetime with long lasting effects. Some victims end up with trust issues and never being able to get the bad thoughts out

 Become a contributor Want to become a contributor or have a suggestion for a Talk Back topic for us? What questions do you think we should be putting to the public? And what are your thoughts on it? Call our news team on 946 4664 or email tcweeklynews@gmail.com

WestJet bans dogs from their planes AS OF May 1, low cost Canadian carrier WestJet will no longer fly passengers who have dogs in or out of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This past week, Canadian news outlets reported on the change in policy, which the airline said is because the TCI has now declared itself rabies free. However, this is not quite accurate as the Islands have been rabies-free for a long time now. The airline’s decision has cause upset among volunteers and supporters of the stray dog rescue and adoption agency, Potcake Place. Global News out of Canada reports that the many of the strays housed at Potcake Place are adopted by Canadians on vacation and many of these people have relied on

WestJet for cheap fares for them and their canine friends. Laurie McCann, a Canadian volunteer told the Weekly News that the organisation was expecting a number of Canadian vacationers who were hoping to adopt a potcake to take them home on WestJet. She said too that a volunteer had started a petition on Facebook and they have already gotten more 1,500 signatures. The petition was taken to the airline, and they have promised to take a look at it sometime after the summer. But McCann does not hold out much hope that they will change the policy, as she believes the airline is simply trying to cut back on its paperwork which is required for

bringing in and taking out dogs from the TCI. She said the TCI has always been rabies free and this is why the airline should feel very comfortable with flying with dogs from the TCI. Global News reported WestJet spokesman, Robert Palmer as stating that the airline is concerned about the costs they would have to pay for an animal deported because of lack of adequate paperwork. However, other airlines such as Air Canada are still allowing the pooches to fly to and from the TCI. Meanwhile, local dog owners can visit the spay and neuter clinic at the Five Cays community centre between May 5 and 9 to get their pets taken care of. McCann said the exercise is

continuing to help control the TCI’s stray dog population. Pet owners can call to make an appointment at 245-9500 or email at spay@potcakeplace.com or simply

walk in with their pet before 10am. The exercise is being hosted by Pets without Vets, TCI Animal Welfare Committee and Potcake Place K-9 rescue. (DI)

April 26 - May 2, 2014

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Gov’t must put foot down on illegal squatting - Deputy PDM Leader BY DAISY HANDFIELD SQUATTING still remains a big issue in the Five Cays area and residents are complaining heavily about it. On Thursday (April 24) Five Cays resident Darren Pinder told the Weekly News that he felt that the situation was getting out of hand and something must be done. “Some of the people you don’t know what are their intents and they

keep all of the surroundings dirty and you know it’s bad for the community and it’s unhealthy,” he said. “I think things need to be in hand and everything needs to be sorted out and properly checked.” Deputy Leader for the PDM party, Sean Astwood said that it is a growing concern and he has been getting a number of complaints from residents who are clearly frustrated. “What I would hope to do is to get the Government to pay more

Conch Farm’s win against former CEO to be appealed ATTORNEY-at-law Peter McKnight will be appealing two judgements by Supreme Court Judge Margaret Ramsay-Hale which were heavily in favour of the Conch Farm. McKnight is representing the former Chief Executive Officer of the farm, Charles ‘Chuck’ Hesse. In an invited comment via email, McKnight said: “It is one of the most appealable judgements we have seen in a long time.” The lawyer was referring to the case in which his client was sued for books of account and other documents relating to the Conch Farm. Hesse lost that case when the judge found that he possesses documents related to the business.

She also found that many statements he made during the months long trial were short of truthful. The judge said the defendant had the means, the opportunity and the motive to remove company documents from the business. She rejected statements that the defendant kept copies of the company’s documents for his own uses and not for those of the company, as was claimed throughout the trial. McKnight also told the Weekly News that his client would also be appealing the order to pay the plaintiff’s cost. That judgment was given out on April 15. Hesse was ordered to pay the full cost claimed by the Conch Farm. (DI)

Man, 27, pleads guilty to burglary A BIGHT man was fined $1,200 after pleading guilty to burglary at Providenciales Magistrate’s Court this week. Haywood McIntosh, 27, faces seven months in jail if he does not pay both the fine and $1,070 in compensation within one month. The carpenter stole a laptop and a hard drive from a property on Forbes road in the Bight, Providenciales, on March 31. On Tuesday (April 22) he appeared at the court on old Airport Road before Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner to answer to the charge of burglary. McIntosh pled guilty and was fined $1,200 or seven months imprisonment and was ordered to pay $1,070 compensation to the complainant.

In a press release police press officer Audley Astwood praised officers for the swift and proficient manner in which the case was solved. “I am extremely pleased of every single police officer involved in this investigation,” he said. Special Constable Astwood also took the opportunity to send a stern caution to anyone buying or selling stolen items. “Police are working relentlessly to put an end to this unlawful trade. There are presently numerous persons charged and awaiting trial for possession of handling stolen goods,” he said. “Handling stolen goods is a serious offence and those found guilty could face serving a maximum of 14 years’ incarceration.”

attention to this issue and also understand what is going on during the time that they start a process of demolishing and when process stops; what happens is that you see an escalation in it [squatting].” Astwood said that squatters believe that if they prepare the house quickly and move into it, the Government is not likely to knock it down. “There is a real escalation on how many of these places are being constructed and developed and how quickly they are being constructed,” he said. “I think that it is time now that Government gets back into the programme of getting the Planning Department and the Crown Land Department and other people involved to make sure that when they start these programmes and they are completed, and that the people understand the purpose and the reason this has to be carried out.” The Deputy Leader said that he is beginning to get more and more concerned that if this issue is not controlled it could result in more civil unrest. He stressed that nearby residents who have obeyed the laws will lose value in their property. Astwood said that the problem also derives from illegal immigrants

PDM Deputy Leader, Sean Astwood

who come to the Islands and are unable to afford to lease a home or buy a home legally so they resort to building illegal structures. “Illegal immigrants is a big part of it because a lot of demolishing has been going on in the past and if you really go into these areas and talk to these people you would find out that none of them are legal in the country. “Those are the ones who are likely to either go and construct for themselves or they are more than likely to be renting from someone else. “Even if they are not doing it for themselves they are driving a demand for it.” He is calling on Government to take a harder stand and let people

Under the tree

understand that if someone breaks the law there are consequences. They may not only lose their home but also be prosecuted. “There hasn’t really been anyone prosecuted so people think that if they knock it down today they can just go and do it tomorrow,” Astwood said. “If the Government really show that these things have true consequences, it will be a bigger deterrent of people constructing illegally.” Astwood said that he will be pushing for changes and plans to meet with the Attorney General, Commissioner of Land and the Premier to discuss the problem. Director of Crown Land, Leroy Charles said previously that during their last ‘containment’ operation, they took steps to ensure that any place that was then in use as a home was not demolished, since it was not the desire of TCIG to make anyone homeless as a result of the actions taken. “The Government is urging those persons who continue to be in illegal occupation of Crown land to make alternative arrangements, as soon as possible, since such illegal occupation cannot continue indefinitely.”

By Benneth Williams

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 26 - May 2, 2014

Human rights programmes planned for this year THE HUMAN Rights Commission (HRC) is planning to conduct a ‘Boys at Risk’ programme targeting young men in prison as well as those who have been recently released. This is just one of the objectives for the commission this year, Human Rights Commissioner, Doreen Quelch told the Weekly News in a recent interview. “We want to focus on those boys especially who come out of Her Majesty’s Prison, who for whatever reasons it seems as if they have nowhere to go and so the recidivism (reoffending) rate continues.” She said the commission has been working with those who are imprisoned, but that these visits are not enough. She said they are now trying to work along with the Government to ensure that the children receive an education while they are locked up. This, she added, is a human right under both the Convention of the Rights of the Child and under the fundamental human rights and freedoms. The commission will also be integrating schoolchildren in that programme and will be continuing work with the female students at the Clement Howell High School. “In the past I’ve worked with the young ladies, and I want to continue that; working with Ms Seymour… we talk to the girls about self-esteem and how to become proper young ladies.”

She said this programme would recommence come September. Quelch added that the commission wants to see human rights education becoming part of the school curriculum. Focus will also be placed on the community and the role of parents, she said. “We want to work with mothers; especially the single mothers who have to work and they leave their children. “We want to help them understand the risks involved if they are not a part of that child’s life.” Quelch said the commission would also be focusing on the civil service concerning training. “I feel that Government employees are at the forefront of human rights. When we look at human rights and we are thinking about violating someone’s rights if you don’t know your rights, or you don’t know what persons’ rights ought to be, then you stand a chance of violating those rights.” She said the next session of the education campaign will be in May and will take place in Providenciales. MAKING PLANS In June, another Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) will be held; the last one was held over the past week. An anti-discrimination campaign is also part of the 2014 plan, the Human Rights Commissioner said.

Human Rights Commissioner, Doreen Quelch

Not just for persons living with HIV and AIDS though; the campaign will address several discrimination issues. “A lot of people are complaining that they are being discriminated against, so we need to educate and indoctrinate people that discrimination is not acceptable. “So we are working on all of these areas to enhance and to ensure that the furtherance of our human rights agenda is paramount for the Turks and Caicos because far too often people think that human rights are about everything.” She said education is vital as not everything people think is a human right, actually is. Meanwhile, for Human Rights Day 2014 (December 10) the local body is teaming up with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). They will be addressing people who consider themselves stateless

Weather experts predict quiet hurricane season – But residents must not become complacent THE ATLANTIC hurricane season is set to be a quiet one this year according to US weather experts. Dr William Gray and Dr Philip Klotzbach, of Colorado State University at the National Tropical Weather Conference in April predicted just nine named storms and three hurricanes. Of these only one is expected to be a major category three, four or five. Klotzbach said a predicted El Niño is one factor that led to their quiet forecast. This is a climate pattern defined by warmer-than-normal water in the tropical Pacific Ocean, which tends to suppress Atlantic hurricanes.

In light of the predictions, the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) is warning residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands not to become complacent. A press release from the DDME said that it would like to encourage residents to begin preparations now. “In spite of the predictions we still have to take every possible precaution in the event of a hurricane making landfall in the TCI,” it read. “It is important therefore that all residents and business owners begin ensuring that their insurance policies and disaster plans are in place, begin property inspection of roofs,

walls and shutters and begin all minor repairs for the upcoming hurricane season. “The DDME would like to remind everyone that it only takes one hurricane impacting the Islands to bring severe damage and disruption to normal daily routine.” It went on to say that the key to minimising any disruption is adequate preparation. Hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30. The following names will be used: Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Laura, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky, and Wilfred.

in the TCI, refugees and asylum seekers. Quelch said the TCI is working very hard with the UN on these issues because of the illegal migrant situation in the country. “What happens to the illegal children that come in on those illegal boats; we have to protect those children… and so we are looking at all of those areas and what role we play in protecting those people. “Our constitution clearly says ‘whereas all persons in the country, be they legal or illegal…’” She said all people in the TCI have to be treated in a humane manner. Meanwhile, the commissioner said she would be focusing more of her time on these issues as a chairman will soon be appointed to the commission. She currently runs the office located next to the Islandcom headquarters at Graceway IGA and functions as executive chairman of HRC. “Soon that will be separated – we will have a chairman and I will stick to the office, and then I will have a bit more time to do the things I need to focus on, because it’s a bit more difficult having to do both roles,” she said. Fundament rights and freedoms include - right to life, protection from inhuman treatment, protection from

slavery and forced labour, protection from arbitrary arrest and detention, provisions to secure protection of law, and protection of the rights of prisoners to humane treatment. Others include protection of private and family life and privacy of home and other property, right to marry and found a family, freedom of conscience and religion, right to an education, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, freedom of movement and protection from discrimination. Protection from deprivation of property, protection of the environment, and lawful administrative action and enforcement of fundamental rights through the courts are other important rights. Anyone within the TCI can make a complaint with the commission. In situations where victims of human rights violation may have disappeared, died, or are in custody – a relative, friend, legal representative or a concerned non-governmental organisation can lodge the complaint. To make a petition to the commission, the victim or their representative(s) can in writing or verbally address their complaint to any member of the commission, write to the office of the HRC or visit the office in Graceway House, Providenciales. (DI)

Agriculture officials investigate banana plant disease MEMBERS of the Government’s agriculture department are investigating whether a banana plant disease has hit the TCI. The search for moko disease (Ralstonia solanacearum) is part of a Caribbean wide initiative to monitor its movement. Moko is caused by bacteria that live in the soil and affects banana plants. The entire plant, including the fruits can show signs of the disease when affected. The Department of Agriculture within the Ministry of Environment and Home Affairs is currently conducting a survey in support of a wider Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) initiative. A press release from the department explained that it is “seeking the cooperation of everyone in the Turks and Caicos Islands including farmers, importers, and gardeners; all of whom are urged to report any symptoms”. Symptoms can include wilting of the leaves in young plants, rapid death, and breaking of the central leaves at a sharp angle while still green. In older plants, the inner leaf

first turns yellow near the stalk, the petiole (leaf stalk) breaks down, and the leaf wilts and dies, and all leaves bend down and dry out. Fruit growth is stopped once infection occurs, and young banana fingers become deformed, turn black, and shrivel up. Bananas near maturity may show no outward symptoms but the inner pulp may be discoloured and decaying. Moko disease can spread rapidly through movement of infected plants and soil. Farmers must therefore adopt good farm sanitation practices such as proper cleaning of all farm implements including cutlasses, forks and tillers after use. The Moko disease survey form and information leaflets are being distributed to farmers and growers of bananas. People who want to move plants from one island to anther must seek expert guidance from the Department of Agriculture. Also anyone who spots symptoms can contact the Plant Health Services Division with the department on 946-5801 or email agriculture@gov. tc.

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

We welcome letters from all members of the public on a variety of topics Please note that all submissions are subject to editing in keeping with defamation laws and newspaper style. Letters should be accompanied by the author’s full name, location and phone number. Names will be withheld if requested.

No reason for tax rise Dear Editor, (Continued from last week) 5. Payroll tax is being supported by the business community, opposed by most workers. Business leaders will simply take a small salary, pay little and get away with proverbial murder. The poor, hardworking, already taxed small man will be asked to pay more. It is, like value added tax (VAT), an ultra-stupid idea. No elected official, PNP, PDM, appointed member of the House of Assembly should be voting for the payroll tax. Payroll taxes, VAT, business licence fee increases should be dead on arrival at the next budget debate. This narrative is taken from the 1992 Clinton campaign where he was able to coin the childlike phrase on George Bush Senior’s neglect of the economy and it went viral: “It’s the economy stupid.” As a reaction to the system, the debate, the mind-set, no reference to any minister, Opposition or appointed member - we are forced to say: “It’s the hospital stupid!” There cannot be any reason for these tax increase proposals, so we are forced to repeat the statement: There is no legal, reasonable, sensible, and

fair reason for increasing taxes in the TCI at all! 6. We are witnessing at the moment a sudden increase in business licence fees, proposed for July 2014. Again this is not needed nor is it necessary. At a time when people are struggling to pay bills, every little bit helps. The private sector, the Opposition and all stakeholders should support a proposal to the Government to reduce all business licence fees at the highest $500 and at the lowest $100 as a means of encouraging local business development and expansion. There should not be a reason to increase business licences. 7. The cry is made to the voter to call, email, write to your member of the house, express your lack of support for these taxes and their nonsense. Express to your member that what is being proposed is wrong and unfair, that it will kill our businesses and make life harder. Business licence fees and duties should all be reduced, never increased. They will not dent the budget but cause greater deficits. 8. According to Peter Williams, of Turks and Caicos Informers: “The other way to attempt to put the

Government’s finances back on track is through increased taxes. But even then, there has to be something to tax. “When taxes are increased in a stagnant economy, more money is actually being extracted from the same already sick economy; which in our case, is already taxed to the brink. “From whence will this money come to pay these new and increased taxes? “The tax everyone and everything policy of the interim government is being confirmed and continued by our elected Government. “And yes, it is always heaviest upon the average person - if not actually in favour of the guys that can really afford to pay. “A good example of this is the new restriction on the little person’s ability to lower his/her grocery and food bill by occasionally shopping for certain food items abroad. “This favours and provides protection for the merchants, and is another blow to the struggling consumer.” 9. It is indeed the hospital stupid and the deliberate plan by the UK government to force the hospital contract on the TCI people. There was no reason for the huge contract. According to: Jerzy Kolodziej:

– Part two

“It is as well to review the contents of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) leaked memo: “‘It is not realistic for TCIG to comply with the FCO’s borrowing limits by the end of the fiscal year 2015/16 (ie. March 2016). “‘Outstanding public sector debt is currently in excess of $300 million or more than 150 per cent of revenue. “‘This includes the sum for which DFID holds a guarantee (currently $179 million) and also includes the debt of Statutory Authorities and Government Companies (SAGCs), which currently stands at around $130 million, but is expected to be around $120 million by March 2016, the most significant component of which is the hospital debt. “‘These amounts are embedded in PFI contracts and since they are obligations to pay future contracted amounts they are regarded as debt under the FCO’s standardised debt definitions across OTs (this is consistent with the UK’s own debt calculation). “‘They have not, however, featured hitherto in TCIG’s calculation of its own debt – with the whole annual payments instead passing through the operating account and so depressing the reported annual balances.’” End of

UK leaked memo. 10. Jerzy Kolodziej: “It is useful to point out that ‘the most significant component of which is the hospital debt’. “This is a debt that the UK chose to approve despite being contrary to its own ‘longstanding FCO borrowing guidelines for OTs’ and the advice of the UK’s own National Audit Office. “It was known that the hospital commitments exceeded the borrowing guidelines at the time and that the debt should not be treated as ‘off balance sheet’ but the FCO put their stamp of approval on it. This was a reckless departure from established policy.” In reaction to Jerzy’s analysis we can add that the British have been referred to as cheap, frugal and as a matter of policy loathe to incur further contingent liability. So why would the UK government, at a time when they were stamping out corruption in the TCI, consent to another deal, which would not pass UK’s borrowing limits? Indeed as soon as Hugh McGravel Groves came in, when he saw the secret hospital contract, its cooked numbers, contrived legals by the FCO, his immediate reaction was that it was an absolute scandal. The FCO soon silenced him. The hospital deal, the numbers, the figures, nothing adds up. Yet the system, the debate, the continued 

COMMENTARY

The stories of Robin Hood and Zorro THE CLASSIC stories of Robin Hood and Zorro were so popular they resulted in movies and spins offs. They are beloved by young and old, and despite taking place worlds apart, Zorro in California and Robin Hood in England, they have similar stories and villains. In both cases government bigwigs impose terrible taxes which destroy the economy oppressing ordinary citizens, lowering the standard of living to near starvation. In the Robin Hood story, Prince John and his henchmen Sir Guy of Gisborne and Nottingham’s sheriff abuse the people to a point where they are starving. The Normans and Norman churchman are however treated better than the Saxons.

The taxes are claimed to pay down the ransom for King Richard who got side tracked returning from the Crusades in the Middle East. It is obvious their plan is to squander the taxes on themselves and keep themselves in power. Zorro wears a disguise, a hood, but is Don Diego de la Vega, the son of the former good leader. Zorro attacks the corrupt Alcalde, in league with henchman Captain Ramon and Sergeant Gonzales. They too have milked the common men with taxes to a point they cannot afford milk for their children. The population retires early because they cannot afford oil to light their homes. Robin and Zorro have love interests, Marian and Lolita, woman of course! Zorro and Robin do in the

SPACE IS LIMITED!

henchmen and the corrupt plots which appeared to be self-perpetuating fall apart. Justice is served with both leaders exiled. Both books were written long before really high taxes took hold in the USA and England. In today’s world the large countries and little TCI face huge government debt despite massive taxation. Ben Franklin warned that in a democracy as soon as people find out they can vote themselves money, doom is near. The bureaucrats continue to raise taxes. Unless there is a renewal of the manufacturing ethic to provide private employment and lower taxes both the UK and the USA will tumble down as did Rome. Does any of this sound familiar? It ought to because corruption, mismanagement and high taxes are

By David Tapfer

David is a retired mobile hydraulic engineer and business executive. He has been married to Middle Caicos native Yvette Robinson Tapfer for 25 years and has lived in Conch Bar, Middle Caicos, since 2002. David formerly served as branch chairman of the PDM from 2008 to 2011

nothing new. In the end they always fail! Here in the TCI as taxes and obligations have risen, the common man’s standard of living has been compromised. The sons of the common man turn to crime. Government tampering with things proven to work will have further negative aspects. We need good minds, good politicians, good leaders who

will assign ministries and hold ministers accountable. Only then can we return to total self-management and hopefully this time Britain will do their job of oversight. Only then when prospects of temporary concessions and low taxes with firm titles to what they build will attract honest investors to provide expansion of the economy.

Please keep your letters to a maximum of 450 words or we may not be able publish it.

April 26 - May 2, 2014

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Government department greens TCI THIS month the Turks and Caicos Islands will become a greener country thanks to an initiative by the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA). The ‘Greening the Turks and Caicos’ project was launched as part of the department’s Earth Day Celebrations on Tuesday (April 22). It began with the planting of indigenous plant species and will continue until May 22, which is celebrated worldwide as the International Day for Biological Diversity. ‘Greening’ activities will continue with the hosting of a belated Earth Day Family Day on Saturday (April 26), the celebration of Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival on May 17, and the celebration of International

Biodiversity Day on May 22. On Earth Day DEMA planted several species of indigenous plants at the Bight Park in Providenciales. On Saturday (April 26) the Turks and Caicos Islands Sailing Association (TCISA) will host a Family Beach Day for Earth Day. All residents and visitors are encouraged to pack a picnic, bring the family along and get together to remember and respect the Islands’ fragile environment. DEMA representatives will be available to answer questions on protecting the environment, and a beach clean-up and free sailing demonstration are also planned. In celebration of the Caribbean Endemic

Bird Festival on Saturday, May 17, DEMA will be hosting an Eco-walk. For a donation of $5 to the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF), participants will receive a Birdlife Identification card and join experienced DEMA officers in observing common birds of Providenciales. To celebrate International Day of Biological Diversity on May 22 several school activities have been planned. This year’s theme is Island Biodiversity, providing all those who live in and visit the TCI with opportunities to celebrate the bright spots in conservation and sustainable livelihoods in the community. Awareness campaigns and activities include eco-poster and eco-essay

competitions for primary schools and high schools. The winners will have their work displayed at the National Environmental Centre. High schools may submit essay entries with the theme ‘Turks and Caicos Islands biodiversity, and what this means to you’ to DEMA. Other educational activities, including eco-film screenings, and eco-presentations are also being planned by the department. For more information on how to get involved, enter the various competitions, or on how to keep the TCI beautiful by nature contact DEMA’s environment outreach coordinator Amy Avenant on 941-5122 or email environment@gov.tc.

continued

Help at hand for business licence reform Respect for the environment Dear Editor, I am a concerned resident who wanted to share the aftermath of a beach party held on Good Friday. We have beautiful beach in Long Bay but every time someone has a party (where they sell food and drinks) the next day is a nightmare. These people have no consideration for the environment. I

took pictures the next morning before the kiteboarding community picked up all the trash they left behind. There should be a law against littering and if so it should be enforced. Concerned Beach Lover, Long Bay, Providenciales

No reason for tax rise continued from 

public all seem to coalesce around the idea that we must all pay higher taxes. For what? Where are the schools, roads, scholarships, libraries and quality Government services? The system is supporting a bad idea, a weak premise and a false debate. It is the hospital stupid and this is the response that the ministers, the Opposition and appointed

members must give the FCO when they continue to insist on higher taxes for the TCI. Our choice is not VAT, payroll taxes, increased business licence fees, it is only one choice: tax reduction across the board, removal of the hospital contract and serious tax reform to permanent tax reductions. Thomas Wilson, Providenciales

Dear Editor, While I am pleased that the Government has found the courage to address business licence issues, both categorisation and necessary increases, I am appalled at the organisation of the process. The discussion of revenue generation for Government has included changes to the business licence fees and categorisation for many months now but no concrete forum, open consultation or transparent project plan was structured to ensure a smooth transition and well-presented introduction to the incoming changes. The need to extend the normal business licence period while collecting new data for input into licence fee levels is absurd and causes every business to have concerns, while leaving investors ever more certain that the instability of the current Government does not bode well for TCI at this point. To summarise the most important factors in my view: YES, there must be new revenue for the Government which can be generated by more logical and updated business licence fees and categories. Why has it taken so long for this realistic and straightforward avenue to be explored? YES, it is quite clear that many areas of business, particularly those which will fall into the small business designation, should indeed

be reserved for Belongers only. The slow but steady development of Belonger owned and operated businesses needs to be facilitated and encouraged on all islands. YES, all business licence categories should have a small, medium and large designation to reflect the size of the enterprise, with proportionate licence fees. Why indeed are only a few business categories now subject to size designation? For example, it is clearly logical that a self-employed accountant should not pay the same business licence fee as KPMG with many employees, or a law firm with three people on staff pay the same as Misick and Stanbrook, and equally logical that a restaurant with 20 seats should not pay the same business licence fee as a restaurant with 100 seats. YES, it is eminently sensible that businesses operating on the family islands need a discounted fee structure, due to the much more restricted market in which they exist. The tenacity shown by those now operating businesses throughout the family islands should never be penalised! YES, current fees should remain stable for the small business designation in each category, and major new revenue will be created as the medium and large designation fees within each category will be proportionately

higher. This would also show the support for small businesses that the PNP Government proclaims. YES, the business licence renewal form now in circulation (while clearly not very comprehensive) should help identify new categories for the multitude of miscellaneous businesses, and also indicate the size of all businesses such that small, medium or large designation can be applied. YES, a full overall review of all the businesses currently licenced combined with all work permits currently issued would offer considerable insight into the actual makeup of the TCI economy, while knowledge of the distribution of work permits would enable focus for training initiatives, insight into which business areas need to be further protected, and opportunities for development. And all of the above can all be achieved without such fuss. I have volunteered many times to assist in any capacity to move these issues forward. Herein I again declare my willingness to assist, and my total frustration with all of our Government (majority members, minority members, Governor and staff) that nothing concrete has been accomplished to enable and encourage businesses in TCI! Sara Kaufman-Forbes, Conch Bar, Middle Caicos

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Top Model contestants shine in pre-event competitions WITH the final competition fast approaching on May 3, organisers of the TCI Top Model Contest and Fashion Extravaganza hosted a day of events which entertained the public and also put the contestants in the spotlight to test what they are made of. The events, held at The Regent Village in Grace Bay on April 19, saw the contestants compete in two separate activities that day. During the morning, there was the ‘Mainstream Media Darling Award Competition’ and in the afternoon Regent Street lit up with fashion competitions and entertainment. In the Media Darling competition, the contestants were interviewed by professionals from the broadcast and print media, along with public relations and brand managers. They were judged on the way in which they presented their personalities and conducted themselves during each interview. Brielle Swann was declared the winner and was awarded a fullpage advertisement in the Turks and Caicos Weekly News and the Sun newspapers. Later that day, ‘A Doll’s Life’ on Regent Street saw a massive turn out of residents and tourists cheering on the young models.

Lamia Brown wins the L’ete Boutique Catwalk Competition

First up was the L’ete Boutique Catwalk Competition in which contestants donned attire from the chic, all-cotton boutique. Lamia Brown’s impressive strut captured the judges’ attention and she walked away with a $250 gift certificate to the Grace Bay boutique. Another highly anticipated competition was the second annual Salvation Army TCI Fashion

Winner of the Media Darling Award, Brielle Swann (second left) along with the other Top Model contestants

April 26 - May 2, 2014

Willange Charles wins the Salvation Army Fashion Challenge

Challenge. This timed competition saw contestants get dressed in their stilettos and three articles of clothing and rock the catwalk as quickly as possible. Finishing in one minute and 38 seconds was Wilange Charles who won a basket of Bambarra products courtesy of FOTTAC and $100 to be donated in her name to the Salvation Army. The event also saw appearances from Washanda Registre, TCI Top Models 2012 and Mauqueita Carter, Miss Body Beautiful 2013. There was a fierce dance performance by the Bowen Dance Academy and fashion models taking to the street in the Denim Dolls segment. The festivities continued at Melt, where everyone whiled the afternoon away enjoying ice-cream treats and drinks. The 2014 TCI Top Model Contest finale event ‘The Dollhouse’ will be held at The Williams Auditorium on Friday, May 2. Contestants will be judged in eight categories; pre-show and event judging. The pre-show judging includes Personality, Professionalism, Models Portfolio Folder and Industry Readiness while the event judging includes Impact Appeal (initial presence on the

catwalk), Rock That Look (runway walk), Pristine Swim (physical fitness in the swimsuit segment) and Fashion Forward (how best they showcased the finale garment). There will also be performances

by Robyn Hinds, Penrhyn Brooks, Ryesha Higgs, Carl Lewis, Khambreal Garland, Mike Dizzo, Shara Bowen, The Bowen Dance Academy and Rock It Hot Dance Faculty. (KH)

The Towers of Babel “An ancient city in the land of Shinar in which the building of a tower intended to reach heaven was begun and the confusion of the language of the people took place.” Gen 11:4–9. The Towers of Babel is a collective of voices consisting of various artists prepared to display their exceptional art forms and foster the inner artist in other individuals; providing a venue for the outpouring of their undeniably unique gifts. This group brings to the stage and page productions rarely displayed on stages in the Turks and Caicos Islands melding with some of the most unique artists the country has to offer. For more information email towersofbabel101@gmail.com or visit www.towersofbabel.weebly.com

Cycle of love By Rebecca Mayham

FADED dreams and a rugged heart that only the one who hath carried the cross can mend. Time spent laws bent stepping completely outside of the box. Loss of faith, loss of trust, heavily burdened but choose to hide under a rock. A tough shell a soft core but deep within lies a murderer. Heads held high, a plastic smile, who will see the scars? Deception reigns no sign of pain or crushed dreams confusion lies within as the heart continues to search vigorously. Happiness will never be restored. The chosen one had been long gone while the time-been one abuses the moment. Something better in store? Doubts of being any more than the one who had already been chosen. The rain pours as tears fall, wounds reopen and brokenness retains its home. Vulgarity speech has risen with flames as silence creeps its way out the door. Staunchly rebelling due to the merciless hurt that is overwhelming. An endless maze to peace through dark shadows of grief as obstacles repeats accomplishments may never be seen because this is the cycle of love.

April 26 - May 2, 2014

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Vanessa Hall presents award to Michelle Parker

The Prestige Awards’ winning team

Employees honoured at Beaches’ Prestige Awards TOP performing employees at Beaches Resort and Spa were honoured in 23 different categories during the company’s 2013 to 2014 Prestige Awards on Thursday, April 10. The annual award ceremony recognises and rewards individuals whose performance has consistently made a positive impact on the quality of services offered at the resort. It also highlights those who worked diligently and have a proven record of professionalism and appreciation for Beaches and Sandals Resorts International. Hosted by executive assistant manager Rommel Forbes and the entertainment department’s Nastassia Davy, this year’s Prestige Awards brought out top musical talents such as Dexter Landy, Elroy Simmons and talented newcomer Apple Astwood.

Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Snwazana Adams as well as second runner up Vanessa Hall were also in attendance as special guests. The ultimate winners were concierge agent Paul Lewis, who took the top title of Team Member of the Year, with Raphael Sashwell from the engineering department as his runner up. Lewis said that winning this award speaks volumes of his contribution and commitment in delivering exceptional customer service to his team and valued guests. “Big thanks to management and staff recognising my commitment and dedication and presenting me with this wonderful award,” he said. Runner-up Raphael Sashwell, who has been with the company for the past eight years, said that he is ecstatic that he was chosen as runner-up team member of the year.

“I am overjoyed. I cannot believe I have won, it’s an amazing feeling to be selected as the top prestige winner among so many hard working colleagues.” Managing director, Don Dagenais also commented on the success of the 2013/2014 Prestige awards and said that he was proud to be a part of this great resort that continued to win the industry’s most prestigious awards year after year. “I applaud and congratulate all of this year’s winners,” he said. Supervisor of the Year went to the security department’s Patrick Giddens while food and beverage manager Horatiu Boaca was awarded Manager of the Year. Beaches also acknowledged the Most Nominated Team Member which was awarded to Beverley Myers of housekeeping and the Smile and Courtesy Award went to Gener

Mondelus also of housekeeping. Most Improved Team Member was captured by food and beverage’s Jahaira Taveras Trinidad, while the GM’s Award went to Dave McNish and Michelle Parker. The coveted prize of Financial Comptroller Award and the Revenue Earners which recognises the top revenue generating individuals went to Carlton Biggs and Leydi Zapata. Other awards for the evening included Department of the Year which went to the wedding department, HM’s Heart of the House Award and HM’s Heart of the House Honouree, which were won by housekeeping’s Ana Almonte and security assistant managers Mario Stubbs and Eterel Clarke, the Sandals Foundation Community Spirit of the Year Award was won by Matthew Bailey, Top Trained Team Member of the Year went to Renee

Wood while Best Team Player went to public relations manager Elanor Finfin Krzanowski. Other winners included Domingue Delva who won the Unsung Hero Award, Elliott Johnson who won the title of Rookie of the Year and the culinary concierge chef Marlene Campbell who captured the grand prize of Special Service Award for the year. In addition to engraved trophies and certificates, winners were also presented with fantastic prizes which included all-expense paid vacations, laptop computers, home theatre systems, plasma televisions, Apple iPads, iPods, iPod Touch and lavish cash prizes. Team Member of the Year Paul Lewis will go on to represent Beaches Turks and Caicos at this year’s Sandals Ultimate Team Member Award in Jamaica this summer.

Charity event raises $12,000 for youth centre THE SECOND annual Pig Roast raised more than $12,000 which will go directly to benefit the youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event was a charity beach barbecue and auction, held at Bay Bistro on Grace Bay on Friday, April 11. Funds raised from the weekend will be put towards programmes and operational costs at the Edward C Gartland Youth Centre. As with each year the event featured a variety of performances from youth centre members, TCI Youth Chorale, Rhythmic Flavours and music from DJ Dayoh. The event also included poetry readings from Towers of Babel, free style, hip hop and cultural dances and singing.

The show captivated the audience with the energy and skills that the youth presented. According to director of the centre Roxann Wake-Forbes these funds allow staff to provide young people with programmes and services in an environment that enhances their ability to make smart, healthy choices. “We were very fortunate to have had another great turnout from the local community and appreciate them coming together to support the centre,” she said. “We would like to congratulate everyone who performed and truly made the event a huge success!” Wake-Forbes said that the funds will be used to support and empower young people

by helping to teach and guide them as they transition into adulthood. “Through generous donations from community events as successful as this one, we are able to do just that. “We continue to offer a variety of programmes, workshops and opportunities to the youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands including tutoring, homework help, arts and crafts, basketball and tennis.” The director said that they also offer involvement in a range of programmes that enhance their entrepreneurial skills and encourage participation within the community they live in such as Young Enterprise, Interact and Red Cross Youths.

The Edward C Gartland Youth Centre is a non-government, non-profit facility that aspires to ‘Empower the spirit of youth’. It opened its doors in November 2008 and caters to youth between 12 and 18 years of age offering a wide range of free extra-curricular activities. The centre focuses on empowering young people with skills, information and confidence in a safe and inspiring environment. Independent parent body, the Turks and Caicos Aids Awareness Foundation (TCAAF), dedicates time to fundraising efforts as well as implementing informative and fun programmes that engage young people and help dispel myths about HIV and Aids. For more information call 331-9602.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 26 - May 2, 2014

Students witness the progress of artificial reef balls STUDENTS from the Edward C Gartland Youth Centre went snorkelling on Wednesday (April 23) to see the progress of the artificial reef balls as part of Earth Day 2014. The children were treated to an underwater adventure to inspect Beaches Resort and Spa’s successful reef ball project. The balls have already started to encourage growth of natural coral and inhabitation of marine life since the project’s deployment in 2007. In what may be described as “giving mother nature a helping hand,” reef balls are concrete structures that provide surface area for corals and other organisms to grow while offering a protective habitat for beautiful tropical fishes and other marine species. The structures were designed by the Reef Ball Foundation, a publicly supported non-profit and international environmental nongovernmental organisation working to rehabilitate marine reefs. Beaches hired a reef ball team which included TCI residents and volunteers to install the structures, then attach corals that were rescued from a reef near the entrance to Turtle Cove Marina. Beaches water sports department

has been monitoring and protecting the reef ball system, which has seen tremendous growth over the past year. Dive instructor Gustavo SimonsMartinez was on hand to help the youngsters understand the importance of the reef balls. “Our reef balls will serve as a reef relief for heavily populated snorkel areas like Coral Garden and Smith’s Reef and will eventually create a new snorkel site for our guests and while creating a habitat for marine life.” Sandals Foundation representative Elanor Finfin Krzanowski and Julianna Musgrove were also on hand to assist the Earth Day activity. Finfin Krzanowski said that the kids received first hand exposure to the beauty of the Islands’ natural resources and what is being done to preserve it. “Not only did they enjoy a great day out but they were also left with important messages about the environment and how they can play their part.” In addition, the students were given educational information on how and why the balls were made, a chart showing the types of fish found in the Caribbean seas as well as an educational quiz.

Dive instructor Gustavo Simons-Martinez and students from the youth centre

Resident walks off with $1,000 worth of groceries A LUCKY participant in a Lime promotion walked out of IGA supermarket on Saturday (April 5) with $1,007 worth of meat and other grocery items. Kadra Handfield, who was the winner of Lime’s third complimentary shopping spree, in conjunction with Graceway IGA texted the word ‘Fish Fry’ to 4946 to enter and ended up being the lucky winner. The idea of the competition was that the selected winner was given a minute to run through the supermarket and pick up as many items as they can, within that time frame. Handfield raced down the aisle and headed straight to the meat department to make up most of her shopping time. Kadra Handfield joins the list of previous winners Shemika Parker and Talesiya Missick. Her number was randomly selected from among the many who participated in the promotion. Handfield said that she would always receive the Lime text

messages and would sometimes wait to read them if she was busy when they came in. “I had a spare moment one day when I read the text to be entered for the competition and I decided that I would try and I did.” She recalls how shocked she was when she received the call that she had won and looked forward to the spree. Handfield went to IGA the evening before the shopping spree to solidify her strategy. Lime’s Delleriece Hall said that this was what Lime is about - giving value to customers and giving them an opportunity to win with Lime and IGA. Hall thanked the partners at Graceway IGA who were fully supportive during the three shopping spree sessions. General manager for IGA, Ken Burns thanked Lime for a wellorganised shopping event and the chance for IGA to host the shopping spree. He also thanked his team for preparing the store for the event.

Handfield is well stocked with meats for several months

April 26 - May 2, 2014

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Mermaid makes a splash at Grace Bay Club LAST Sunday boys and girls at Grace Bay Club got more than an Easter Egg from the Easter Bunny. Guests and residents spent a fun filled day with Mermaid Bella who splashed her way into their hearts. Delighted children took photos with Bella, striking their best mermaid pose, and the highlight of the afternoon was swimming alongside her in the pool. Morgan Luker, director of Kids Town at Grace Bay Club, was excited to offer such a unique activity for the holiday. “Each holiday season we offer activities that are focused around that holiday theme,” she said. “This year we had an Easter Egg

hunt, arts and crafts, played traditional Easter games, but everyone was simply in awe of the Bella. “We wanted to do something different and we accomplished that.” Designed specifically for Grace Bay Club’s smallest guests, Kids Town provides fun activities for children and teens. From watersports and cooking classes to crafts and eco-excursions, the on-site kids programme is well equipped to ensure children of all ages enjoy their Caribbean adventure. Residents are encouraged to enjoy these activities as well with camps available for all during school breaks.

Providenciales’ own mermaid Bella entertained the children

Handmade corn husk flowers

A beautiful locally crafted straw ornament

National Trust promotes native crafts on Earth Day LOCALLY made products that are both culturally adept and ecoconscious were the focus of the TCI National Trust this week. Tuesday (April 22) was Earth Day, an annual event during which events were held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. This year the trust spent the day encouraging the public to pay tribute to the country’s native crafts. In a press release from education programme manager Jonathan Sayao

he said: “The country’s location and rich, cultural heritage have blessed it with indigenous materials that range from straw weaves and burlaps, to natural materials such as shells. “Under the skilful hands of the local craftsmen, these materials are transformed into high-quality products that highlight their treatment to form, function, and design.” At the National Trust’s Handicraft Production Unit at Cheshire Hall

Plantation in Providenciales, arts and craft, dolls, cloth bags and decorative house ornaments are being made by recycling materials that would have otherwise gone into landfills. Among some of the native products that are available are straw hats and bags, fanner grass baskets, corn husk or corn shack flowers, straw and plush dolls, and burlap bags. “People all over the world are turning to re-usable and eco-friendly

bags for their shopping,” Sayao said. “Burlap bags are a common choice for this because the fabric is sturdy. Burlap sacks that once held rice or coffee beans can be changed into shopping bags with a needle, and threads pulled from the burlap.” With this native and recycled product line, the National Trust hopes to encourage the local communities to live more green by raising awareness about recycling, sustainability and the importance

of preserving indigenous skills and proper care of the environment. Also, purchase of these products helps the National Trust in ensuring that the traditional skills of craftmaking survive, for present and future generations to enjoy. To learn more about the National Trust’s hand-crafted merchandise and see local artisans at work, Cheshire Hall Plantation in Providenciales is open to the public from Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Lifestyle... 16

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

GARDENING 

BY DENIS Belanger - NATURE SPLENDOR For all your landscaping, installation or garden maintenance needs, please call or write for a free estimate: 332-3381 or denis@naturesplendor.net

How does your garden grow

The West Indies mahogany WEST Indies mahogany is a grand tree with a broad, dense symmetrical crown and a straight trunk often buttressed and swollen at the base. It has the potential to get 75 feet tall with a trunk diameter in excess of two feet, but such large trees are very rare and are not seen in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mahoganies in the Islands are no more than 20 to 30 feet tall with 15 to 25 feet canopy spreads. Mahogany is a native semideciduous tree which loses its old

leaves at the end of winter just as the new growth is beginning. It may be leafless for only a week or two. The leaves of mahogany are unique among North American native trees; they are even-pinnate compound, with three or four pairs of asymmetric leaflets and no leaflet at the tip. The newly unfolding leaves are reddish purple, soon turning to yellowish green. Mahogany produces small, fragrant, rather inconspicuous flowers on the year’s new growth as the leaves are

Weekly Recipe

Poppy seed chicken pitas

emerging, and both male and female flowers are produced on the same tree. The conspicuous fruits are woody five-lobed capsules, about five inches long. They persist on the branchlets until leaf fall the following spring, when they split open to release the abundant seeds. There are three species in the genus Swietenia, all native to the New World tropics. Unfortunately, large trees are scarce because the wood is very valuable. Given ideal conditions, mahogany is a fast growing tree. It is tolerant of acidic to alkaline soils. During its formative years, keep mahogany pruned to a single leader with evenly spaced branches around the trunk. Mahogany needs regular watering for best growth. Established specimens can tolerate dry spells, but they may

drop leaves. Mahogany is difficult to start from cuttings, and usually is grown from seed. Mahogany’s little winged seeds are spread by the wind and often give rise to numerous seedlings in the vicinity of mature trees. Mahogany is a popular avenue, shade and framing. It often is used in parks and commercial landscapes, and around parking lots. On streets they usually are planted about 30 feet apart. I believe it would be a great choice of tree for our nude highway planters. Mahogany casts only a light shadow and doesn’t discourage grass and other plantings beneath it. West Indies mahogany is renowned for its ability to withstand strong winds, and it is moderately tolerant of salt spray and salty soils. It’s a good large shade or specimen

tree for coastal but not fully exposed to the sea landscapes. The wood of mahogany is one of the most valuable cabinet woods of any tree. The wood of mahogany is hard and reddish in colour. Chippendale and Hepplewhite cabinets made from mahogany in the mid-1700s are worth small fortunes today.

FASHION AND BEAUTY  I am a Turks and Caicos native with a natural talent for writing and a love for all things beauty and style. You can find out more from at itseasher.com or if you have any questions, suggestions or would like to get in touch, email me at easherparker@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter or Instagram @itseasher to get fab instant updates wherever I go!

By Easher Parker

Style versus fashion: Is there a difference? INGREDIENTS • 3 skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts (about two pounds) • Salt • 1 large orange • 1/2 cup mayonnaise • 1/3 cup sour cream or low-fat Greek yogurt • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard • 1 stalk celery, chopped • 1/2 cup chopped pecans, almonds or walnuts, toasted • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives • 1 1/2 tablespoons poppy seeds • Freshly ground pepper • 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped (optional) • Torn lettuce leaves, for serving METHOD • Cover the chicken with cold water in a saucepan and add one teaspoon of salt. • Remove strips of zest from half

of the orange with a vegetable peeler; add the zest to the water. • Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the chicken is cooked through, about 18 minutes. • Remove the chicken and let it cool. • Grate the remaining orange zest into a large bowl; juice the orange into the bowl. Stir in the mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, celery, nuts, chives, poppy seeds, half a teaspoon of salt, and pepper to taste. Add the apricots, if desired. • Shred the chicken, discarding the bones and skin, and toss with the dressing. Stuff a few lettuce leaves and some of the chicken salad into each pita.

The Weekly News is looking for a restaurant, café or personal chef to contribute weekly recipes to the newspaper. For more information call 946-4664 or email tcweeklynews@gmail.com.

“FASHION is a race, style is an evolution.” Don’t you just love that? The two terms fashion and style are often used interchangeably by both women and men. With that in mind, the question on whether or not there really is a difference is understandable. There is. You may be one of those readers who is thinking: “Everyone already knows about this stuff, Easher.” No. Actually, not everyone does but that’s okay. As a matter of fact, a younger version of myself didn’t but these days I embrace the question whenever anyone asks. Knowing may be all someone needs to transition to some pretty lethal ensembles. Literally.

Fashion

Fashion is a noun synonymous to words like ‘fad,’ ‘trend’ and ‘craze’. What is considered fashion or trendy today can be something totally new tomorrow. This can change by the decade, by

the week or by the hour. Fashion is always changing - just think fad. Let’s not fail to mention that chasing the latest, while it can be fun, is wasteful. How many fab pieces do you have in your closet collecting some island dust simply because they were in at the time?

Style

Style is your personal touch. It’s when one decides to stop being a fashion victim. No more dashing for an outfit last seen on some cast member off of Basketball Wives or Kim K. Anyone can wear labels or celebrity carbon copies but what do they say about you? Many identify me with bright or loud colours and prints. It works for me because it is a genuine representation of who I am - bright, bubbly and outgoing. Personal style reflects how well people know themselves inside and out. While on the subject, let’s also bear

in mind that a person’s (or a group’s) style has the potential to became a colossal craze but it’s not your style. Always add your personal touch. Don’t be discouraged if someone may resemble or even emulate you a little sometimes. You may have something in common with that person! I know I’m not the only colourfully dressed person out there. There is nothing wrong with liking certain trends or other garments considered fashionable, so long as it’s because you do. Dress yourself, don’t let trends dress you. Unless wearing a uniform is what rocks on you, venture from your comfort zone to discover new things you like but don’t take clothes too seriously. Have fun and experiment. The evolution of your personal style is all about experimentation and seeing what works. Remember, anyone can buy fashion but style is what you do with it!

April 26 - May 2, 2014

Lifestyle... YOUR DIET

ASK TAMIKA

BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD

Tamika graduated from Florida International University with a Master's Degree in Dietetics and Nutrition. She is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and licenced to practise medical nutrition therapy in the state of Florida. Email Tamika at tamikahandfield@yahoo.com with your healthy eating questions.

Parents should skip the diet talk

A NUMBER of parents have spoken to me about putting their child on a ‘diet’ because they feel, or have been told, that the child is overweight. Although I know what they are referring to when they ask for a diet, the first thing I usually do is explained to them that a ‘diet’ is simply the foods and beverages a person eats and drinks on a regular basis. Secondly, I explained why putting a child on a diet where certain foods are restricted and off limits is not such a good idea. Restricting foods means restricting nutrients. When groups of foods are removed from a child’s diet (the foods and beverages they take in), it also means that the nutrients those foods provide are also missing. During childhood it is important that we build a strong foundation so the house, our bodies, can stand strong in the years to come. Ensuring our children eat a wide array of foods supports their optimal growth and health. It affects their self-esteem. The Centres for Disease Control (CDC) agrees that putting a growing child on a diet stigmatises them. Imagine being the child that everyone knows can’t have certain foods because my parents think I am fat enough to be on a diet. That does something incredibly negative to the child’s self-esteem. Of course, as a parent, your intention for putting the child on a diet is not because you feel he or she is grossly overweight. You may have done so because you are concerned for his or her future and want to start making changes to the way he eats. The problem is, the child doesn’t have the ability to do all this rationalising and will automatically think something is wrong with him. It can increase binge eating and other eating disorders. What happens when we, as adults, go on diets? We develop will power of steel for six weeks or however long the diet lasts and then once that time is up, we begin to inhale the foods we stopped eating prior to the diet. The same is true for children. We are not teaching them how to make healthy eating choices or why we should avoid/limit some foods. We are teaching them how to form a love/hate relationship with food; these children will grow into adults who have a love/hate relationship with food. So, instead of preaching to your kids about dieting, provide them with skills they can use now and well into the future. Want to know what you can do for your child? Be sure to read our column next week for helpful tips.

Nutrition in Demand. A non-profit organisation helping you to 'Eat healthy today...live longer, better tomorrow'. Call 242-3978 or 442-3978.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

fitness Tip  Dr. Joe LeMoine, is an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician. He has worked with many international athletes and at many sporting events on the world stage. He currently practices in Providenciales, at Prime Sports Medicine.

By Dr. Joe LeMoine

Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician

Active moms and active kids WITHOUT a doubt parents are the strongest influence on children. When it comes to exercise, a recent study showed that the mother is the most important role model. There is presently a lot of attention being paid in the increase in obesity in children. Studies have shown that active children are healthier and perform better in school. We have also known for a long time that exercise as a child leads to good bone health and better weight control as an adult. It goes beyond that. Two recent studies in prestigious journals have illustrated the benefits of exercise in children on adult health. In the journal Paediatrics a recent study of a large number of children over an extended period shows that in addition to having normal body weight that having good muscular strength as an adolescent leads to less risk of developing diabetes and heart disease as an adult. A second study in neurology looked at fitness of youths and their performance on memory and speed psychomotor tests 25 years later. The fitness test in their youth

consisted of running on a treadmill at increasing speed and slope until exhaustion. The average youth could go on for about 10 minutes. It found that for every minute more of exercise tolerance there was a measurable increase in thinking skills as an adult. Now convinced that exercise in childhood yields a lifetime benefit

we look to ways to improve fitness in kids. Many factors can influence children’s activity; access to sports facilities, parks, school programmes and supportive parents. A recent study, also published in Paediatrics, looked at the effect of a mother’s physical activity on the child. The research used activity monitors in over 500 mothers and their four-year-old children. They found that the amount of activity the mother influenced the amount of activity in the child. They also found that only about half the mothers are getting enough recommended activity, and this has an effect on the child’s activity levels. Every parent wants a healthy child and wants their child to grow into a healthy and successful adult. These recent studies show that physical activity benefits children, for both physical health and thinking skills as a child and as an adult. They also show that a mother’s activity can positively improve the child’s activity levels, increasing all the benefits of exercise.

POLICE SAFETY TIPS

How to take action after a car accident IT’S always important to wear your seatbelts and obey the speed limit. Doing this will greatly increase your survival rate. However, if an accident should ever occur then there are a number of things that you should do. A car accident can be a traumatic and scary experience, making it difficult to know what to do after it happens. It’s important to act quickly to ensure that everyone involved is safe and that all legal steps are followed. Know how to take action after a car accident so you can be prepared in case of an emergency. The most important thing to do immediately after a car accident is to assess any injuries you or the other drivers and passengers have received. Determine your own safety, then check with the other people involved and, if necessary, immediately call for an ambulance. Police will take statements from all drivers involved in the car accident and determine if a police report is necessary. This information will be important

By Audley Astwood

Police Public Relations Officer

when filing insurance claims for your automobile accident. Write down the investigating officer’s name and badge number in case your insurance agent or attorney needs to contact the officer. Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of all the other drivers involved in the traffic accident. Write down the make, model, year and licence plate number of each vehicle. Be sure to obtain all insurance information including the company, policy number and any insurance agent contact information the driver can provide. Photograph damage to your car and the other vehicles involved in the accident. This will help document the damage when you submit an accident claim to your insurance company. Obtain names and contact information for any witnesses of the

accident. Write down their account of what happened and make sure they agree to allow your attorney or insurance agent to contact them. Stay with your vehicle until the police have arrived and filed any necessary reports and all pertinent information has been exchanged. Leaving the scene could result in criminal charges or misrepresentation of the accident. Keep records of any hospital visits, tests, prescriptions or other expenses that arise as a result of your auto accident. Your insurance company and attorney will need this information. Immediately report the car accident to your insurance company. Also provide the insurance company with information on the other driver. Immediately filing a claim will speed up the process of getting your car repaired and securing a rental vehicle, if necessary. As a driver on the roads of the TCI, it is always best to have your driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance up to date. Never wait until an accident occurs to update your documents.

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Caribbean, Central American countries team up for seismic and climate catastrophe risk coverage THE World Bank says Caribbean and Central American countries are teaming up for seismic and climate catastrophe risk coverage. The Washington-based financial institution said that when the 2010 earthquake struck Haiti, the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility’s (CCRIF) was the first institution able to mobilize emergency funds within the first two weeks of the disaster to respond to the immediate needs of the government. Since its creation seven years ago, the bank said CCRIF has made eight payouts amounting to US$32 million to help countries manage budget volatility in the aftermath of recent natural hazards. “This mechanism has successfully leveraged capital and insurance market capacity to strengthen climate resilience in these countries,” it said. “As individuals, we are used to paying relatively small premiums to protect our families in case our houses were threatened by natural events,” it added, noting that small island states in the Caribbean have been applying a similar model to

In 2012 Hurricane Sandy caused billions of dollars in damages to the Caribbean.

protect themselves against “far more likely and more devastating risks caused by tropical storms and earthquakes”. The World Bank said nine countries in Central America and the Caribbean experienced a disaster, which had an economic impact above 50 per cent of their annual

Jamaica reports drop in crime JAMAICA is seeing a “downward trend” in murders and other crimes, according to the country’s Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting. The Minister, who was speaking at the Jamaica Police Academy last week, said murders were down by 12 percent in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. All serious and violent crimes fell by 13 percent in the first quarter, while accusatory crimes dropped by 15 percent, he said. “We are encouraged,” Bunting

said. “We are making a little headway on the crime control side, in terms of police operations, and we are also emphasizing the engagement of the community.” One reason for the drop in crime, he said, was increased engagement between communities and police to “prevent violence and expose criminals.” “If we can see that become a national movement, and take root, I am confident that we are going to see the continued improvement in the crime statistics,” Bunting said. (Caribjournal)

gross domestic product (GDP) since 1980. It said the impact of Haiti’s earthquake was estimated at 120 per cent of GDP. For the first time, the bank noted that for the first time finance ministers from Central America and the Caribbean met during the recently concluded World Bank Group and IMF Spring Meetings to draw lessons from the CCRIF. The World Bank said Nicaragua and Honduras were the first countries from Central America to announce they will be joining the facility. Other Central American countries, including Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and El Salvador, also have expressed strong interest in becoming members of the CCRIF, the bank said. World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean, Hasan Tuluy, who chaired the meeting, said the CCRIF was a “true example of both a regional public good, where collective action has clear financial benefits, as well as a private-public partnership that can help countries address the adverse impacts of a changing climate”.

Economic climate makes nearly half of Bermudian adults contemplate leaving - Survey finds NEARLY half the Island’s residents have thought about leaving Bermuda due to the economic climate. Adults aged 18 to 34 are the likeliest age bracket to consider leaving the Island for fairer shores: 62 percent said yes, according to a survey commissioned by The Royal Gazette. Overall, 51 percent of respondents said they wouldn’t relocate — and seven percent said they wished they could, but that it wasn’t possible. The Global Research computerassisted telephone interviewed

419 residents aged 18 and above, between March 31 and April 6 this year. Asked if they had cut back on purchases because of the Island’s sluggish economy, 47 percent said they’d reduced spending on clothes and shoes — and 44 percent said they’d cut back on holidays and travel. Grocery purchases came next, at 44 percent, followed by dining out, at 42 percent. Meanwhile, 15 percent of respondents had refrained from buying the latest cell phone — and

ten percent said they’d cut back on internet spending. Eighteen percent of residents said the Island’s slow economic recovery hadn’t reduced their spending, however. Nearly half of women said they’d reduced grocery spending, versus 38 percent of men; the figures were almost exactly reversed when it came to dining out. Eight percent of respondents identifying themselves as black said they’d cut back on education because of the economy, against three percent of whites. (Royal Gazzette)

April 26 - May 2, 2014

Jamaicans angry at new ATM tax JAMAICANS on Saturday reacted with anger to last Thursday’s announcement in Parliament by Finance and Planning Minister, Dr Peter Phillips that new taxes will be slapped on Automated Teller Machine (ATM) withdrawals, as well as on all electronic banking transactions. That anger will likely boil over later this week after more details emerge on the new taxes. Phillips, in opening the 20142015 Budget Debate, announced the new levy on the use of ATMs, also called Automated Banking Machines (ABM). The move is due to take effect June 1 and seeks to raise a portion of the overall $6.6 billion in additional taxes from a population that financial analysts have said is already over-taxed. Some citizens interviewed by the Jamaica Observer yesterday said that they have had enough and were not prepared to accept the Latest tax. Paul White, 46, a higgler in the Constant Spring Arcade, described the tax as “robbery” by the Government. “Government a tief! That is highway robbery!” an irate White blurted out to the Sunday Observer. “Mi can’t put down my money in the bank and they expect me to pay to take out my own money. That’s highway robbery. I’m very, very upset, very, very upset. Right now I don’t even know which one

of these government is the better one. Every one of them is the same thing,” he fumed. White said that if there was no change to the decision taken by the Government, he will have no choice but to limit or cease his dependence on the bank. The anger of Karlene Spencer, 40, was palpable. “Let me tell you something, you see right now, the PNP (People’s National Party) Administration is actually giving this country more than what we can bear. Honest to God, that can’t be right, that is straight robbery! When you look at what is happening — things already too expensive and you tell me that if I have $1,000 in the bank and I go to the machine that I am going to be taxed? So what poor people ought to do?” she asked. “The rich man can just write a cheque. Anyway you take it the pressure is on the poor in this country and only the fittest of the fittest shall survive when PNP done with us. I just come back from London and it tough there too yes, but I could use a pound and do many things. And anywhere you see a machine it say free cash withdrawal. It doesn’t matter which bank you have. It’s a total disgrace to humanity in this country. Who are these people? They are some monsters from hell or what?” Spencer said. (Jamaican Observer)

Guyana: Man kills wife, commits suicide in presence of children A MAN at Port Kaituma (the interior location of Guyana) early Easter Monday morning shot and killed his common-law wife in the presence of their children before turning the gun on himself. The victims have been identified as 62-year old Victor Perez and 39year old Pamela Martin. The man used an improvised shot gun to commit the incident at their home on Burma Road, Port Kaituma about 4:30 AM in the presence of their four children-ages 17, 13, 11 and five. Police said the couple “had an argument during which he shot her to the head and then shot himself to his head.” Police said an improvised shotgun and three empty cartridges were found at the scene. As word spread of the incident,

residents quickly converged outside the house. Demerara Waves Online News was told that Perez, a logger, fell ill with cancer and was taking treatment in Venezuela. His relatives assisted in maintaining them. Sources also said his wife was having an affair for a while now and had just arrived home when the incident occurred. This is the second major domestic dispute at Port Kaituma in just over one month that has turned deadly. The first was on March 14 when businessman, Lenus La Cruz, locked his wife and four of their children in their house and burnt it. He escaped the inferno and was arrested. Days later, La Cruz succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital to severe burns about his body. (Demerara Waves)

April 26 - May 2, 2014

Regional News

US girl suffers sexual attack in the Bahamas A 17-YEAR-OLD American girl was left traumatised after she was strangled to near unconsciousness and forced to perform a sexual act on a middle-aged San Salvador man. The 41-year-old of Cockburn Town, sources on the island told The Tribune, was taken into custody shortly after he assaulted the girl on Monday morning. Police sources confirmed that the girl was riding her bicycle in the dock area of Cockburn Town around 10am when the man emerged from the bushes, forcing her to perform oral sex on him. Sources added that the victim pleaded with the man not to rape her. The girl, whose parents recently purchased a vacation home on the island, was flown to New Providence for medical evaluation shortly after the ordeal. While San Salvador police were able to detain the man two hours after the assault, residents expressed outrage that a sexual offender with a mental disability was allowed to roam the island freely after being accused of a similar act some years ago. It is said that the man was

responsible for the sexual assault of a woman tourist at the Club Med resort, but was placed on bail and fitted with an ankle bracelet pending the trial. However the woman never returned to the country and the charges were dropped. Sources on the island said the man removed the ankle bracelet a short time later. “This guy had a mental problem and was a Sandilands patient,” a resident of San Salvador said, “but after the incident at the hotel and the victim never came back, there were no criminal charges brought against him. So he was allowed to freely manoeuvre and roam around. “In fact I can tell you that he came to one of the schools one time and he was asked what he was looking for. He responded that he just came to check the place out. Several times after that he was seen checking out some of the little schoolgirls but nobody took measures to put him under police watch.” Royal Bahamas Police Force officials have launched an intensive investigation into the events surrounding the incident on Monday. The man is in custody in Nassau. (Tribune242)

Barbados will not engage in ‘trade war’ with St Lucia – Inniss BARBADOS says it will use the May 6-10 Council of Trade and Economic Development (COTED) to iron out a possible trade dispute with St. Lucia, International Business Minister, Donville Inniss, has said. St. Lucia has announced the imposition of a 70 per cent tax on Barbadian goods effective May 1 and local authorities there must be open and frank discussions on the matter. But Castries has in the past pointed to a 2012 CORED decision which allows for Caribbean Community (CARICOM) lesser developed countries (LDC) to implement the duty on products from the region’s more developed countries. Barbados has not issued an official complaint on the matter but Inniss maintained that his government will not allow the situation to escalate into a trade war. “The approach we’ve taken is to engage in quiet diplomacy and dialogue with our colleagues in St. Lucia around this particular issue of their decision, to exercise their right under article 164 of the Treaty of Chaguaramus, to adjust the rates of duties on these items upwards.

St. Lucia has announced the imposition of a 70 per cent tax on Barbadian goods effective May 1.

“We have pretty much gathered what statistical information we needed to gather at my ministry’s that end and we’ve had early talks with the ministry of foreign trade around the matter. What I do not wish to see happen is any all-out trade war going between Barbados and St. Lucia or Barbados and our friends in the OECS. I firmly believe that these matters can be resolved in large measure by having frank talks

Bermuda hints at legalisation of medical marijuana

The Baha Mar resort project is the largest in the Caribbean.

The Bahamas, led by Baha Mar, Eyes tourists from China IT’S perhaps the biggest question about what is the largest resort project in the Caribbean: can the Baha Mar, financed by China’s Export-Import Bank, attract tourists from that country? Baha Mar says yes, and executives from the company recently held talks with China’s Ambassador to the Bahamas, Yuan Guisen, on the issue. In a meeting in Nassau earlier this month, the two sides discussed the development of airlift from cities in mainland China, outreach to Chinese investors and “raising awareness among travel agents and consumers of the ease of travel between the two countries.” At the end of last year, the Bahamas and China signed an

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

agreement providing for mutual 30day access to Bahamian and Chinese passport holders without the need for a visa. “Our ties with China will be key in helping to diversify The Bahamas’ global tourism base,” said Sarkis Izmirlian, the chairman and CEO of Baha Mar. “We’re grateful for the Chinese Government’s ongoing efforts to further develop relations between our countries. It’s particularly important to Baha Mar, which stands to benefit by providing a unique travel experience—an authentic Bahamian resort offering the full complement of luxury accommodations, golf, casino gaming, spa treatments and access to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.”

BERMUDA’S National Security Minister, Michael Dunkley, has announced plans by the Cabinet to address the issue of drug law reform and take a look at local policy for medicinal use. The government said it will be examining a new report as the minister has acknowledged the successful use of the drug in various treatments and in pain relief. The Cannabis Reform Collaborative (CRC), set up last year to prepare the report, has now also begun an electronic survey to canvass public opinion on the island regarding marijuana. “It’s time to take a look at the medical use of marijuana and time to take a look at our policies. I leave it at that at this point,” said in an article in the Royal Gazette. “There are a lot of different aspects involved, whether it’s the medical process of cannabis or the stop list — some people go as far as legalisation. I want to use opportunities for medical marijuana use — we all have a heart when we are looking at people suffering and how cannabis can be utilised in treatment and pain relief. “If we are going to make changes on how we handle it, we have to make sure we make these decisions to protect these people and protect their health.” Despite being a conservative society, the announcement from the fellow overseas territory and similar

Bermuda’s National Security Minister Michael Dunkley said that it was time to take a look at the medical use of marijuana and it was also time to take a look at the government’s policy on the drug.

economy reveals that Bermuda is way ahead of Cayman on the issue. Here local MLAs have even refused to comment on record at all about the issue, despite the rising significant support in the local population not just for medical use but for licensed recreational use as well. Cannabis Cayman, which was founded by Burns Connolly to begin the discussion about medical use, is widely supported by the public but is being completed ignored by legislators.

with each other across the oceans,” he added.

Guyana: Refusal of sex leads man to hit girlfriend’s private with iron bar A MAN has been charged with assaulting his girlfriend in Guyana by hitting her vagina with a piece of iron bar because she refused to have sexual intercourse with him. Thirty-five year old Shawn Peters of 183 Callendar Street, Albouystown was charged with unlawfully assaulting Ashanti Goodrich on April 13 at Charlotte Street, Georgetown. He was also charged with threatening behaviour towards Goodrich. Peters pleaded not guilty to both charges and was remanded to prison until May 20 when he would appear before Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones told the court, presided over by City Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan, that Peters went to Goodrich’s home. After she told him that she was menstruating and could not engage in sexual intercourse at that time. The prosecutor further alleged that Peters became annoyed and lashed the woman several times on her vagina with a piece of iron. Jones objected to bail because of the seriousness of the offence and the possibility of witness tampering. (Demerara Waves)

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 26 - May 2, 2014

Tony Blair: ‘West should focus on radical Islam’ TONY Blair has warned Western leaders they must put aside their differences with Russia over Ukraine to focus on the threat of Islam 0ic extremism. In a speech the former UK prime minister - now a Middle East envoy - said powerful nations must “take sides” and back “open-minded” groups. Mr Blair told the BBC ahead of the speech the West would pay a “very heavy price” for not intervening in Syria. He said the opportunity to create “an optimistic solution” had been missed. Mr Blair gave his speech at Bloomberg in London amid high tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine. Western leaders accuse Russia of using undercover military personnel to back separatists in eastern Ukraine - a claim Russia denies. Before the speech, the former PM - now envoy for the quartet of the UN, EU, US and Russia - spoke to the BBC’s security correspondent Frank Gardner. He argued the West had a “responsibility but also an interest” in making sure that “huge struggle” was “resolved in the right way”. “However much people may think we can just push it to one side and forget about it, I think that would be a mistake. “Above all, we have to commit. We have to engage.” On the issue of Syria, Mr Blair said he understood the UK’s reluctance not to take military action, but he would have pushed for the imposition of no-fly zones had he still been in office two years ago.

The two factions of the Palestinian territories have united after several years of differences.

Hamas, Fatah announce talks to form Palestinian unity government Tony Blair: “We should be on the side of those who favour religiously tolerant societies and modern economies”

“I know what the difficult consequences are of intervention, but if you look at Syria you see the consequences of non-intervention, and non-intervention there is something for which we will pay a very heavy price.” In his speech at Bloomberg, Mr Blair called on Western leaders to “elevate the issue of religious extremism to the top of the agenda”. And they must co-operate with other countries - “in particular, Russia and China” - regardless of “other differences”. He argued the threat posed by a radical view which “distorts and warps Islam’s true message” was “spreading across the world”. “It is destabilising communities and even nations. It is undermining the possibility of peaceful co-existence in an era of globalisation.

“And in the face of this threat we seem curiously reluctant to acknowledge it and powerless to counter it effectively.” He called on leaders to consider the “absurdity” of spending billions of dollars on security against an ideology which is being “advocated” in the schools and institutions of “countries with whom we have intimate security and defence relationships”. “Some of those countries of course wish to escape from the grip of this ideology, but often it is hard for them to do so within their own political constraints,” he added. “This struggle between what we may call the open-minded and the closed-minded is at the heart of whether the 21st Century turns in the direction of peaceful co-existence or conflict between people of different cultures.” (BBC)

RIVAL Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah announced Wednesday they’ve agreed to reconcile -- a development that could see the Palestinian territories under a unified leadership for the first time in years. The sides, wrapping up two days of talks in Hamas-run Gaza, announced they will begin discussions to form a unity government. An interim government could be finalized in the next five weeks, with elections possible by early 2015, Fatah spokesman Fayez Abu Eitta said. Wednesday’s announcement comes amid a deterioration of U.S.brokered peace talks between the Palestinian Authority and Israel -talks that Hamas, a militant Islamic group that hasn’t recognized Israel, opposed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin

Netanyahu reacted strongly to the announcement. Israel and several other countries consider Hamas to be a terrorist organization. “(Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas) needs to choose between peace with Israel and an agreement with Hamas,” Netanyahu said in a statement released Wednesday by his media adviser. “... Whoever chooses Hamas does not not want peace.” After the reconciliation was announced, Netanyahu’s office said Israel canceled peace negotiations that were scheduled to take place Wednesday night. Israel and the Palestinian Authority face an April 29 deadline to agree on a framework for a comprehensive peace treaty, but the sides appear far apart.

Duchess of Cornwall’s brother Mark Shand dies in fall THE Duchess of Cornwall’s brother, Mark Shand, has died as a result of a serious head injury he sustained during a fall. The 62-year-old was in New York when the incident happened on Tuesday night. “The duchess, the Prince of Wales and all her family members are utterly devastated by this sudden and tragic loss,” Clarence House said. He was described as a man of “extraordinary vitality, a tireless campaigner and conservationist”. Mr Shand was chairman of the Elephant Family, a movement which exists to save the endangered Asian elephant. In its statement, Clarence House said it was with “deep sadness” that it had to confirm Mr Shand’s death. It said his “incredible work through the Elephant Family and beyond remained his focus right up

The swan reportedly attacked Anthony Hensley, causing him to drown in the pond within the condo complex.

Illinois woman sues after husband died from swan attack

Mark Shand married Clio Goldsmith in 1990, with whom he had a daughter, Ayesha.

until his death”. The death comes as the Duchess of Cornwall and the Prince of Wales, currently understood to be in Scotland, prepare for a high-profile tour of Canada next

month. Mr Shand, the duchess’s only brother, reportedly slipped while lighting a cigarette and hit his head on the pavement outside an afterparty for a charity event. (BBC)

The wife of an Illinois man who drowned after a brutal swan attack is suing the condo complex where he tended the birds. Amy Hensley claims the vicious April 2012 assault in Des Plaines “caused or contributed to” the death of her husband Anthony. And she blames the Bay Colony Drive complex, where it occurred, Hillcrest Property Management and his bosses at Knox Swan and Dog for not realising the danger he was in. In a lawsuit filed against the trio

last week, she said: “The presence of the mute swans on the premises rendered it unreasonably dangerous.” And she claimed “(The defendants) knew or should have known that mute swans are strongly territorial with a dangerous propensity to attack.” Anthony Hensley was tending to the birds — used to keep geese away — from a kayak when one of the birds attacked. Thrown into the water, he struggled to stay afloat as the swan continued to attack.

April 26 - May 2, 2014

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

European elections: Lib Dems ‘to fight for EU cause’

Mackenzi Plass, seen with the first responders who whisked her to the hospital, is recovering one month after a near-fatal pit bull attack. Her mom, Chelsi Camp (right), bit the ear off of the attacking dog.

Mum bites off pit bull’s ear to save daughter MIKE Tyson has got nothing on this heroic mom. Chelsi Camp saved her 2-yearold daughter from a ruthless pit bull attack by biting the dog’s ear off. The Texas woman was dog-sitting her friend’s usually friendly pit bull last month. That’s when the dog approached her daughter, Mackenzi Plass, and things got ugly. “The dog came up and he was just curious,” Camp told Houston’s KHOU. “When he smelled her, that’s when you saw it flip, because I think he smelled my dog on her.”

The dog began attacking the little girl, and Camp was determined to save her daughter. Camp bit the dog’s ear off and punched it in the mouth. Somehow, she managed to call 911 during the fight. An officer responded and shot the pit bull, but didn’t kill it. The dog was later euthanised. A month later, Camp and Mackenzi are both recovering. Camp is back at work and can now use both of her arms. Mackenzi has scars on her face but gets her stitches out this week. (NYdailynews)

NICK Clegg will pledge to speak “loudly, passionately and unequivocally” against “isolationists” when he launches the Liberal Democrat campaign for the European elections. He will attack the UK Independence Party, calling its plan to leave the EU a “dangerous fantasy”. He will also criticise Labour and the Conservatives for going “missing in action” and “saying the bare minimum”. Only the Lib Dems will “fight” UKIP, the deputy prime minister will say. The European elections take place on 22 May, with the Lib Dems widely predicted to give a worse showing at the ballot box than in 2009. Mr Clegg, whose party is recognised as the most pro-European of the main three at Westminster, recently took part in two televised debates on the issue with UKIP leader Nigel Farage. Launching his party’s campaign in Colchester, Essex, he will say: “UKIP and others have been allowed to peddle their myths unchallenged for decades, claiming that all of our problems would magically disappear if the UK just left the EU. “But it’s a dangerous fantasy. It’s the surest way to jeopardise jobs, risk our fragile economic recovery, and it will leave Britain alone and diminished in the world.” Mr Clegg, who served as a member of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2004, will add: “The fight is on. The isolationists are not

Nick Clegg is hoping to revive his party’s chances by standing up for EU’s interests.

going to get a free run of this debate any more - not when there’s so much at stake. “Every gain they make on 22 May takes Britain a step closer to European exit and they need to be stopped. We need Liberal Democrats elected to the European Parliament where we can do what’s right for Britain.” He will counter UKIP’s argument that it is the anti-establishment party, saying: “At long last someone is taking on the Eurosceptic establishment - and it’s us. “If not us, who? The Labour Party? The Conservatives? Where are they? What are they doing to stop the populists and the xenophobes? Nothing. “Ed Miliband and David Cameron are now officially missing in action - saying the bare minimum in this

debate because they are too scared of losing votes to Nigel Farage, because they’re so desperate to cover up the deep divisions in their own camps. “Well the Liberal Democrats aren’t scared to speak up. We are Britain’s party of ‘in’ and we are standing up for staying in Europe - loudly, passionately and unequivocally - because that is how we keep this nation stronger, safer and richer too.” UKIP says leaving the EU will improve prosperity by cutting bureaucracy and that it will allow the UK to regain control of immigration. The Conservatives are promising an “in-out” referendum on EU membership by the end of 2017 if they win the 2015 general election. But Labour has said such an event is “unlikely” if it is in government. (BBC)

Bolivia raises minimum wage by 20% Typhoon fighter jets are based at RAF Leuchars in Scotland.

RAF fighter jets scrambled to investigate Russian planes FIGHTER jets were scrambled after two Russian military aircraft were spotted approaching UK airspace, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said. Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets took off from RAF Leuchars in St Andrews, Fife, on Wednesday. The jets were sent to investigate the Russian planes, which are believed to have turned away shortly afterwards. RAF fighter planes were scrambled to incidents such as

this eight times last year, an MOD spokesman said. The spokesman said the jets were launched to “determine the identity of unknown aircraft” that approached the north of Scotland and “could not be identified by other means”. He said: “The aircraft were subsequently identified as Russian military aircraft. The Russian military aircraft remained in international airspace at all times as they are perfectly entitled to do so.

BOLIVIA will raise the minimum wage by 20%, President Evo Morales announced on Monday. Following talks with leaders from Bolivia’s main trade union federation, President Morales also said that the basic salary would go up by 10%. The increase is well above inflation, which was 6.5% in 2013. The move has been welcomed by the trade unions but harshly criticised by the employers’ federation, who said they had been bypassed in the negotiations. The minimum salary for public and private sector workers will go up from 1,200 bolivianos ($175; £100) to 1,488 bolivianos. “There has been economic growth, and that’s why we have decided to raise the minimum salary by 20%,” President Morales said. Bolivian Central Labour Union leader Juan Carlos Trujillo said the

President Evo Morales agreed to meet the unions’ demands to raise the minimum salary by 20%.

negotiations had been “very bitter, icy and heavy” but that in the end, the two sides had reached an agreement. He said he had asked the executive to recognise “the need and the obligation to create a salary structure which is based on the country’s growth and the recognition that the

riches of Bolivia have to be shared between the haves and the have-nots in equal measure”. The Confederation of Private Entrepreneurs (CEPB) rejected the increase, saying the workers would end up paying for it through increased taxes. The director of Bolivia’s largest employers’ organisation, Daniel Sanchez, said the decision had been based on politics rather than on sound economic reasons. He suggested President Morales was trying to curry favour with the trade unions ahead of October’s presidential elections, in which he will be running for re-election. Bolivia’s gross domestic product tripled to $27bn in 2012 since Mr Morales took office in January 2006, according to World Bank figures. President Morales has set a goal of 5.2% growth in GDP for 2014. (BBC)

22 NEWS

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Funds from Battle of the Bands to be donated to charities OFFICIALS from Islandcom confirmed that funds raised from this year’s event will be donated to four chosen charities in Providenciales. Monies collected from the event will be donated to the Providenciales Children’s Home, Provo’s Amateur Basketball Association, the Trailblazers Academy, and the Provo Softball League. Head of marketing for Islandcom, Chandra Craigg, said the objective of the Battle of the Bands event is not only to celebrate the company’s anniversary, but also for everyone to come together and raise money for charities. “The focus for this year’s event will be on youth and sports,” she explained. “We get tons of requests throughout the year for sponsorship of different sporting events in the country. “We see sports as a way to keep our youth physically active and an opportunity to

learn vital social skills. “We found it very necessary to represent different sporting games that are popular around the Islands.” Craigg said that to raise funds they will be selling event t-shirts, concert paraphernalia, beverages, and there will also be a huge raffle with tons of prizes. Every June Islandcom marks the anniversary of launching their 3G network with a grand event called Battle of the Bands. Each year the event gets bigger and better with bands from all around the Turks and Caicos Islands performing for the title of Best Band in the TCI. The event has pushed the stardom of many bands such as Kew Band Links and V6 (now known as Band Boys). This year’s event will take place on Saturday, June 21, at Turtle Cove Marina. Gates will open at 6pm and the show

Every June Islandcom marks the anniversary of launching their 3G network with a grand event called Battle of the Bands.

will start 7pm sharp. Marketing team member, Lerone Ingham said that they were announcing the event early so that people who were interested in forming a band

could begin putting things together. “We want to see how many new bands we can bring this year,” he said. Islandcom has increased the prize winnings for the bands this year. The winning band will receive cash prizes and phone service. Islandcom will also raffle off prizes throughout the night to concertgoers. Tickets for the raffle will be on sale before and during the event. The event will end

with another special guest performance by local artists. The theme for this year’s event will be Casino Royale, a mix of James Bond meets high end casino gambling. Concertgoers’ eyes will be delighted with the visual theatrics of local event team Sky Juice. “We’ve worked with Islandcom at each of their Battle of the Bands events in the past,” said owner of Sky Juice, Dion Pratt Senior. “Each year we try to give

them something different and this year we have a lot of surprises for them.” This year’s hosts will be David Bowen and Deandrea Hamilton. The winning bands will be selected by a panel of three judges who will focus on criteria such as creativity, performance, and connection to the audience. Islandcom will also provide a live stream of the event on their website and Facebook page.

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 26 - May 2, 2014

Entertainment Nyong’o named People’s most beautiful person of 2014 LUPITA Nyong’o is having quite the ride. The “12 Years a Slave” actress has won an Oscar for best supporting actress, signed a deal with cosmetics giant Lancôme to become its first black ambassador, and now People magazine has bestowed one of its highest honours on her - “Most Beautiful person for 2014.” The Mexican-born Kenyan beauty joins a cast of Hollywood A-listers who have headed the list, including Julia Roberts, Cindy Crawford, Tom Cruise and Beyonce. This year she topped others on the list including “The Americans” star Keri Russell, singer Pink and Johnny Depp’s future wife, actress Amber Heard. During the 2014 awards season Nyong’o was often hailed for being one of the most fashionable on the red carpet. She made headlines in February for a moving speech she gave while accepting the best breakthrough performance award at the 7th annual Black Women in Hollywood luncheon. “I remember a time when I too felt unbeautiful,” she said. “I put on the TV and only saw pale skin. I got teased and taunted about my night-shaded

Elena Poniatowska is the fourth woman to win the prestigious prize.

Mexican writer Poniatowska receives Cervantes prize

Lupita Nyong’o was born in Mexico, but has family origins in Kenya.

skin.” The actress told “Today’s” Savannah Guthrie that she was moved by People naming her the most beautiful. “I’m flattered, but flattered sounds like such a flighty word, you know? I’m flattered with, like, gravitas

under it,” she said. This year’s most beautiful cover issue is the 25th annual for People magazine. The first honour went to actress Michelle Pfeiffer in 1990, and last year’s most beautiful person was Gwyneth Paltrow. (CNN)

MEXICAN writer and journalist Elena Poniatowska has received the most important award for literature in the Spanish language, the Cervantes prize. King Juan Carlos of Spain made the presentation at a ceremony in the town of Alcala de Henares, the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes. Ms Poniatowska, 81, is only the fourth woman to be awarded the prize in its almost four-decades-long history. Her writings often explore the social injustice of her home country. One of her most famous investigative works is Massacre in

Mexico, which chronicles the 1968 killing hundreds of student protesters in Mexico City at the hands of the army, through interviews with witnesses and victims’ relatives. In another non-fiction work, Nothing, Nobody: The Voices of the Mexico City Earthquake, she reports on the aftermath of the 1985 quake, in which more than 10,000 people died, and the lack of action by the government. Interspersing victims’ personal stories and her own reflections she created a powerful account of the ensuing disintegration of the fabric of society. (BBC)

Actress Jodie Foster marries girlfriend US ACTRESS Jodie Foster has married her girlfriend, Alexandra Hedison, the actress’s representative confirms. Ms Foster wed Ms Hedison, a photographer and actress, over the weekend, broadcaster E! first reported. The Oscar-winning actress publicly came out as gay in a speech at last year’s Golden Globe Awards. She and her previous partner Cydney Bernard, with whom she had two sons, ended their 20-year relationship in 2008. The celebrity news broadcaster reported Ms Foster and Ms Hedison had begun dating last year. Ms Hedison previously dated US comedian and chat-show host Ellen DeGeneres. There are no details about the wedding, but California - where Ms Foster lives - is among 17 US states and the District of Columbia where gay marriage is legal. Foster, 51, began her acting career in television commercials at the age of three, but found international fame

Cuba Gooding Jr.’s wife Sara Kapfer ( left) has asked for joint custody of the couple’s three children.

Cuba Gooding Jr.’s wife files for divorce after 20 years of marriage

Jodie Foster is adept at keeping her private life low-key. The actress quietly wed her girlfriend, photographer Alexandra Hedison, over the April 18 weekend.

in 1976 for her Oscar-nominated performance as teenage prostitute Iris in Taxi Driver. She has since appeared in more than 40 movies, winning best actress Oscars for her role as a rape victim in

the 1988 film The Accused and as the FBI agent Clarice Starling in 1991’s The Silence of The Lambs. The actress also branched out into directing, with projects including Little Man Tate in 1991. (BBC)

CUBA Gooding Jr. better get ready to show his wife Sara Kapfer the money. After 20 years of marriage and three children together, Kapfer filed for divorce from Gooding on Tuesday, April 22. The actor’s now-estranged wife, a school teacher, cited irreconcilable differences in the filing papers, according to documents obtained by TMZ. She asked for joint custody for the couple’s three children Spencer, 19, Mason, 17, and Piper, 8. The Boat Trip actor, 46, met Kapfer as a teenager when they were

high school sweethearts. Gooding and Kapfer were married in 1994. The Oscar winner, who appears in the upcoming films Carry Me Home and Gridlocked, has been vocal about his love and admiration for Kapfer in the past. He appeared on The View in August 2013 and spoke highly of his wife and family, saying, “ “I got a wonderful lady that knows how to run the household even when I’m not there. [And] we’re just blessed with wonderful kids.” Gooding has yet to comment on the split. (US Magazine)

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Entertainment

Brown faces another ‘Con Air’ trip after trial delay Cheo Feliciano has been hailed as one of “Puerto Rico’s most acclaimed voices”.

Puerto Rico salsa great Cheo Feliciano dies in car crash PUERTO Rican salsa legend Cheo Feliciano has died in a car crash on the island, police say. The composer and singer of salsa and bolero hits was 78. Police said Feliciano was driving his Jaguar when he hit a concrete post in a suburb of the capital, San Juan. A Latin Grammy Award winner, he was in the legendary Fania All Stars. Puerto Rico’s governor declared three days of mourning for “one of the Caribbean island’s most acclaimed voices”. Jose Luis Feliciano Vega, nicknamed Cheo by his family,

moved to New York in 1952 and settled in Spanish Harlem. After playing a variety of instruments in different bands, he landed a job as a singer with the Joe Cuba Sextet. He sang with the band for 10 years before joining the Eddie Palmieri Orchestra in 1967. Feliciano was famous for such songs as Amada Mia, Anacaona and Los Entierros. After becoming addicted to heroin he decided to return to Puerto Rico for rehabilitation. He later became an anti-drugs campaigner for the Puerto Rican government. (BBC)

v CHRIS Brown must return to California the same way he got to Washington, D.C. -- in chains on the grueling “Con Air” inmate transport system. A Los Angeles judge refused a request to free the singer from custody on Wednesday so he could make his own way back from Washington. Brown, 24, was taken to Washington by U.S. marshals this month for trial on an assault charge, but that has been put on hold until the appeal of his bodyguard’s conviction is completed. Brown has been on probation since 2009 when he pleaded guilty to a felony assault charge in the beating of his then-girlfriend Rihanna Fenty. He and bodyguard Christopher Hollosy were arrested on assault charges in Washington for allegedly beating a man who tried to take a photo of Brown last December. The arrest led to a revocation of Brown’s probation, but he was allowed to enter a rehab program instead of going to jail. He was ordered to jail last month when he was kicked out of the rehab program for rules violations. Brown is now “stuck between a rock and a hard spot,” attorney Robert Kalunian told Judge Victor Greenberg during a brief hearing in Los Angeles on Wednesday. He has been locked up for 39 days and still has not had a probation revocation hearing, Kalunian said.

Chris Brown has been on probation since 2009 when he pleaded guilty to a felony assault charge in the beating of his then-girlfriend Rihanna Fenty.

Assistant District Attorney Mary Murray said she “strenuously” opposed releasing Brown now, arguing the only change since Brown was jailed in March is that his case has “gotten worse.” The Washington judge who found his bodyguard guilty in the assault case also concluded that Brown was “the initial aggressor” in the incident, Murray said. A hearing was set for May 1 in Los Angeles to set a date for another hearing that could determine if Brown’s Washington case warranted a probation revocation. It could be several months before his trial in Washington is held. “I think it’s a little over the top

to have him in custody on this misdemeanor when everybody saw the bodyguard’s trial and which was nothing more than a bloody nose,” Brown lawyer Mark Geragos told reporters in Washington earlier Wednesday. “And you have got the bodyguard who was convicted and who readily admitted he was the one who did the punching. So all of this is much ado about nothing.” The delay in Brown’s Washington trial came after prosecutors refused to grant immunity to Hollosy so he could testify without jeopardizing his own case. On Monday, Hollosy was found guilty of assaulting a man on a Washington sidewalk before Brown’s trial was to begin in the case.

Captain America tops North America film chart for third week Many admirers waited outside the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City to pay tribute to the author.

Mexico and Colombia hold Gabriel Garcia Marquez memorials MEXICO and Colombia have held public commemorations for Nobel prize-winning author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, who died on Thursday in Mexico City aged 87. The presidents of Colombia and Mexico attended a formal ceremony in Mexico City, where Garcia Marquez lived for more than three decades. Earlier, residents in his home town of Aracataca in Colombia’s Caribbean region held a symbolic funeral.

He was considered the finest writer of the Spanish language since Cervantes. Garcia Marquez was cremated at a private family ceremony in Mexico City last week. A funeral cortege took the urn containing his ashes from his house to the historic centre of the Mexican capital, where the memorial ceremony was held. It was placed on the podium of the majestic Palace of Fine Arts, which is where Mexico pays tribute to its late artistic icons.

MARVEL’S Captain America: The Winter Soldier has claimed a third week topping North America’s film chart. Starring Chris Evans, Robert Redford and Scarlett Johansson, it made $26.2m (£15.5m), beating avian animation Rio 2 into second place. Heaven is for Real, the story of a young boy who claims to have visited heaven during a near-death experience, was number three over Easter weekend. But Johnny Depp’s new sci-fi thriller Transcendence fared poorly. Directed by Batman cinematographer Wally Pfister, the film sees Depp playing a dying computer genius, who uploads his consciousness to a supercomputer and achieves a problematic digital afterlife. After suffering poor reviews, the movie opened in fourth place, taking $11m (£6.5m), a fraction of its $100m production budget.

The Winter Soldier is the third Marvel movie to feature Captain America.

It is Depp’s third movie in a row to stumble at the box office, following last summer’s The Lone Ranger and Tim Burton’s comedy misfire Dark Shadows. “As we approach the summer movie season, box-office drawing power becomes more about the

concept of the movie rather than its star,” said Paul Dergarabedian. senior media analyst for box-office tracker Rentrak. “It may not have been so much (about) Johnny Depp, but audiences right now like brands that they know.”

Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 26 - May 2, 2014

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

FLOWER GIRL

Is looking for a Part-time

FOR RENT

delivery driver

contact: 946-4664

Contact: 231-3788

3-bedroom apartment $1100.00 per month it will be available May 1st.

With own transportation who is interested in making extra cash.

FOR SALE

FOR RENT

3-bedroom apartment $1100.00 per month it will be available May 1st.

contact: 946-4664

Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 29

PRICED FOR Amazing Value! QUICK SALE Lot for Sale In Gated/Planned Community in Long Bay. Flamingo Crossing lot comes with full set of House Plans, all underground utilities, etc.

Beautiful hillside, water front lot in Paw Paw Joe, North Caicos South

$50,000

$49,999 o.b.o. Call 231-3788

(or nearest offer) Also additional seven acres plus in Kerr Mount (inland)

STAFF VACANCY Vice President Energy Production and Project Management

contact Veronica at 1-242-327-8011 or 1-649-232-3508, (242) 676-3592

PRICE SLASHED FOR QUICK SALE

$180,000 CASH! House and ½ Acre land Richmond Hill 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Fully furnished

Call: 231-3788

This position is responsible for the efficient installation, operation, and maintenance of the production assets, electrical auxiliary equipment, management of FortisTCI’s civil capital projects, fuel procurement and supplies, management of general insurance programs and , and for providing engineering services in support of the Company’s production activities.

Main Duties

• Responsible for the generation of a safe, constant and sufficient supply of electricity • Responsible for strategic planning and installation of production facilities and infrastructure • Responsible for the timely implementation of new works and modifications to existing production systems to optimize the production plant, improve plant efficiency and reliability. • Responsible for the development and implementation of effective production and electrical maintenance programmes and practices to maximize efficiency and reliability. • Responsible for provision of engineering services, engineering feasibility studies, and construction support services for the Company. • Responsible for preparation and control of annual division budgets. • Responsible for generation, and civil works that meet best practice of safety, environmental, quality, budgetary control and reporting standards. • Responsible for planning and upgrading electrical control systems at the plant. • Responsible with high voltage command and coordination control as required. • Responsible for the Corporate Liability, Property and Machinery Breakdown Insurance programmes

Minimum Requirements:

• A Degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering and 15 years postgraduate experience in senior management positions with an electric utility. • Hold an MBA degree • At least 10 years in a senior Management position • Excellent written and oral communication skills. • Excellent team player with proven team building skills. • Ability to deliver to strict deadlines. • Self-motivated, solution oriented and positive in outlook

Deadline for submission of applications is April 14, 2014: Dr. Kellie-Ann Evans-Hall Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited, P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@ppcltd.tc or khall@fortistci.com Fax: 649-941-4304

9490

ANTWANN MISICK Is looking for a

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Building Coordinator For a private home in Providenciales

A hardworking person needed to work six days a week. Must speak English. Must be Fit and able. Required to work 6 days a week. Salary is $1,250.00 a month. Required to work six days a week. Required to live on property.

Labourer to work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

contact: 242-3763

9535

Applicants must be able to do the following: • Assist with general maintenance • Assist with general custodial needs • Assist with general maintenance emergencies as needed • Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.

• Ability to use basic hand tools • Possess valid driver’s license with clean record • Safely operate tools and machines common to the building trades • Understand and follow written and oral instructions

Salary $5.50 – $6.00 per hour

Contact: 347-6642

DA CONCH SHACK

1 Kitchen

Helper • Minimum 5 years experience • Working in a kitchen as a Line cook in a VERY high volume Restaurant. • Must have knowledge of taking inventory daily. • Pay rate is $5/hr • Must be willing to work weekends and holidays Please submit Resumes at the restaurant at 499 Bay Rd. Blue Hills, Providenciales TCI

DA CONCH SHACK

HEAD CHEF

• minimum of 5 years experience • must be willing to work 6 days per week plus holidays and weekends as well as function background • salary based on experience Please submit resumes at the restaurant 499 Bay Road

9547

DA CONCH SHACK

LABOURER

• minimum of 5 years experience • must be willing to work 6 days per week plus holidays • salary $5.00 per hour

Please submit resumes at the restaurant, 499 Bay Road

Phone: (649)-946-8877 9532

Contact: 946-8877

DA CONCH SHACK

DALE TAYLOR

DARON EWING

• minimum of 5 years experience • must be willing to work 6 days per week plus holidays and weekends • salary $5.50 per hour please submit resumes at the restaurant 499 Bay Road

Contact: 946-8877

9530

Is looking for a

9531

Is looking for a

DINELSA BOUTIQUE & SALON

Security Officer Nail Technician

To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour. contact: 344-7748 9550

Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 344-6521

9544

laboUrer Contact: 946-5759

OCEANVIEW SALON Is looking for the following persons:

1 Domestic Worker 2 Nail Technicians 2 Hairdressers Must be willing to work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

Contact: 232-5443 9544

NOTICE

CASINO LICENCE APPLICATION

CASINO ORDINANCE (Section 5(1)) An application has been filed by Circle Gaming Ltd of P. O. Box 156, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands for consideration to conduct casino operations at Third Turtle Resort & Marina, block 60713/56, 125, 188, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 357, 358, 360, and 361, Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales.

Anyone wishing to make objections must do so to the Gaming Inspectorate, Butterfield Square, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, within 14 days of the date of this notice. Any such representation must be in the form of two copies of a brief statement in writing specifying the grounds of objection.

labourer To work 5 days labourer per week salary VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! $5.50 per hour.

9552

contact: 431-6686

To work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

9527

WAITER

9533

9529

Is looking for a

Door & Window Installer/ Trainee/Glass Technician

Rate of pay starting at $15.00 per hour Please submit your resume via email: caribglasstci@aol.com

Jacklyn Beatrice Jean

Labourer

Is looking for a

Duties will include: • Assisting with installing commercial/residential doors and windows, glass cutting and fabrication, glass re-glazing, rescreening of doors & windows, measuring of repair job • Candidate must be able to read and write English also be able to read a measuring tape and understand & provide sketches for repair work • Training will be provided in all aspects of the glass industry • Normal hours of work will be 8:30am-5:30pm weekdays (number of hour worked will be discussed)

C & S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Acting on behalf of our client Church of God of Prophecy is seeking a

Williams Construction

DENISE SMITH

is seeking to employ a

Acting on behalf of our clients:

Labourer

If you fit the above qualifications please send via facsimile your resume to:- 649- 946-4433. An experienced Belonger required for this position. Deadline for Resumes is May 1, 2014

CARIB GLASS & SUPPLY LTD.

C & J CONSULTANCY

9549

30 CLASSIFIEDS

contact: 242-4240

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 31

Career Opportunities Grace Bay Club is looking for candidates that have the requirements listed along with an outgoing professional manner. They love to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization. Their management style is one that balances a commitment to people and their development with business/financial accountability and delivers an exceptional guest experience

Kitchen Helper

Requirements: • Assist with Food & beverage service • Receive and store supplies • Stock cupboards, refrigerators and salad bars • Clean food preparation and storage areas • Assist with food preparation • Work with minimal supervision Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Labourer

Job Requirements: • Operate, maintain and repair the property’s heating, ventilation air conditioning and refrigeration systems • Perform Laundry and Kitchen services • Perform preventative maintenance on the hotel’s systems • Pool cleaning, chemical testing, adding chemical as required • Maintain the proper use, cleaning, maintenance and storage of all tools. • Responsible for cleaning grease traps, lift stations, checking & treatment of sewage treatment plant Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Assistant Manager of Special Projects and Procurement

Requirements: • Knowledge of the installation and maintenance of Saflok Door Locking systems • Specific engineering experience related to water treatment plants, swimming pool equipment, irrigation, lighting systems • Must have existing relationships with product suppliers in India, China and other Asian countries with knowledge of Indian languages helpful (Hindi, etc) • Project management experience including managing construction labor, contractors, engineers and architects • Minimum of 5 years experience in procurement and managing refurbishment budgets • Understanding and Experience of Strata Management • Diploma in International Hospitality Management • Computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Opera,CAD) Responsibilities • Planning and managing all capital expenditure projects

as decided by the hotel owner, including setting out and managing budgets, procurement, purchasing and installation where necessary of furniture, equipment and other items for the hotel, negotiations with subcontractors, management of labor and equipment companies. • Negotiating with international suppliers, including existing key suppliers in India, China and other Asian countries. • Assisting the hotel Engineering department with procurement needs, and repairs when necessary to systems installed in the hotel rooms, restaurant, kitchens, swimming pools and all other areas of the property. Knowledge of the installation and maintenance of Saflok Door Locking systems Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Personal Concierge/Butler

Requirements: • Provides a very personal, detailed, seamless service to guests • Take care of guests needs in a highly professional manner. • Be seen by the guests in response to all the guest’s needs and requests. • The attention to detail required and the ability to anticipate the needs of guests needs demand that the butler is a consummate hotel professional with impeccable standards • Strive to create an atmosphere that makes a ‘wow’ impression on the guests • Will not accept anything less that the best available presentation of the suites/rooms and public areas of the floors. • Must take gentle care of all their guests from arrival until departure without imposing themselves on the guest • Fluency in a second language preferably Spanish or Italian would be an asset Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Assistant Manager of Food & Beverage

Requirements: The Assistant Manager of Food and Beverage is responsible for overseeing and directing Banquets, Restaurants, InRoom Dining, Lounges, Stewarding, and any other Food or

Beverage related areas. Duties include: • Responsible for short and long term planning and the management of the Food and Beverage operations in the front and back of the house • Develop and recommend the budget, marketing plans and objectives and manages within those approved plans • Implement and maintain F&B sales/marketing programs • Direct and oversee development of employees • Hire, train, empower, coach and counsel, performance and salary reviews • Direct the implementation of the payroll, reports, forecasts, inventory and budget for food and beverage operations • Coordinate food and beverage operations with other hotel departments to ensure efficient guest service • Resolve customer complaints as appropriate to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction and quality • Implement procedures to increase guest and associate satisfaction • Exercise quality control for both food and beverage • Maintaining standards of service and ensure their implementation • Performing daily walk-through to ensure full compliance with Department of Health regulations and Grace Bay Resorts standards • Coach and counsel employees to reflect Grace Bay Resorts service standards and procedures Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Assistant Chief Engineer

Requirements: The candidate should have years of proven experience in the field of engineering for at least eight years and having supervisory or management experience for at least two years preferably gained from hospitality industry. • Assist the Director of Engineering on the daily operation and preventive maintenance of the resort’s equipment, physical buildings, public area facilities and suites • Take the lead role of the department in the absence of the Director of Engineering • Graduate of Electrical or Mechanical Engineering course or two year vocational course • Lead a team of technicians and provide supervision whenever needed • Manage contractor/s and ensure that works are being carried-out according to Hotel Standards • Familiar with computer and its peripherals • Familiar with Health and Safety standards • Good communication skills • Proactive and always have a “can do “ attitude

Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than April 28, 2014 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1050. Email: humanresources@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies

32 CLASSIFIEDS

LEEBERT MISSICK Is looking for a

JAMES GOLOB OF NORTH CAICOS

GENESIS AUTO Seeking 2 applicants for the following positions as

mechanic

secretary to work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour

contact: 244-7649

9531

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Required needed for mechanic • Must have a valid driver license from A-H • Must be able to work holiday and weekends • Must be able to understand computer systems, programs & vehicle fabrication • Ability to speak French a plus

Applicants must call 649 241-4156

Is looking for a

Raja Yoga Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands

Carpenter Salary negotiable interested persons can.

9553

Brama Kumaris

contact: 431-2035

Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101

www.bkwsu.com Email: bkpadma@bkwsutci.com

9538

GRACEWAY SPORTS CENTRE

Northwest Point Resort

is looking to employ

is looking to fill the following positions:

MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR

Part Time Chef For an average of 10-15 hours a week

Job requirements: • Black Belt in Qwan-Ki-Do • Over 10 years of teach experience • Certified in physical coaching and training

Maintenance Person qualifications include:

painting, drywall, plumbing, electrical and who can perform light labour projects, inspections, building maintenance and procedures. Must have a car and good communication skills.

GYM MANAGER

Please contact 649-941-5133

Please email resume to reservations@northwestpointresort.com

9526

Job Requirements: • Certified as a Personal Trainer and Group Trainer

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

POSITION

Applications are invited for the Financial Controller position at a Providenciales FBO. An individual with leadership, customer relations, and results focused abilities is required to oversee all aspects of the FBO accounting operations.

• Minimum 7 years experience as a trainer and fitness instructor • Degree in Sales/ Marketing with minimum 7 years experience • Proven results in managing businesses in a successful and profitable manner • Proficient in Microsoft applications (office package), PhotoShop/ Corel Draw • Website & Facebook account maintenance Wages commensurate with experience and certifications

Please send your resume to: info@gracewaysports.com

TRADE WIND INDUSTRIES LIMITED (“the Company”)

NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 59A (4) of the Companies Ordinance 1981 (as amended) as well as pursuant to Article 27 of the Company’s Articles of Association, that an Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at the offices of Saunders & Co, Town Centre Building, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands at 6:00 pm on Wednesday , 30 April 2014 in order to consider and if deemed appropriate.

Responsibilities will include: • Production of monthly, quarterly and yearly financial reports • Developing annual operating budget • Forecasting results, analyzing variances, and providing associated commentary • Preparation of ad hoc reports and presentations for the Board • Full involvement in product pricing and maintenance of the billing system • Responsibility for a/r collections • Group consolidation • Establishment and maintenance of detailed fixed asset register • Preparation of audit information and management of the external audit

1. Appoint and remove directors and officers to the Board of Directors of the Company, and accept the resignation of directors, if appropriate. 2. Present the accounts for the Company, if applicable, or dispense with the same. 3. Appoint auditors to the company, if applicable, or dispense with the same. 4. Ratify acts undertaken by the company, if applicable. 5. Instruct the company’s secretary to file the annual returns.

Experience required for this position: • Professional membership (CA, ACCA, CPA) in good standing with 2-3 years post qualifying industry experience • Experience in producing financial reports in compliance with IFRS • Experience in audit liaison • Problem solving ability, and effective at working under pressure • Strong computer skills with proven experience using GL programs • Proven staff management experience • Experience of managing perpetual inventory a definite advantage • Experience in the aviation industry would also be advantageous

John Hartley – Chairman c/o SAUNDERS & CO. Post Office Box 257 Town Centre Building Town Centre Providenciales TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS

Remuneration package commensurate with experience

Please submit a letter of application and resume to marsha@misickstanbrook.tc before 30th April, 2014 9548

9536

April 26 - May 2, 2014

PRICE SLASHED

SALES!!!

$175,000

WILFREY & TONY Is looking following positions:

CLASSIFIEDS 33

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

WILFREY & TONY BEAUTY SALON Is looking for a

LAS BRISAS RESTAURANT Is looking for a

Due to change of season we are selling lots of items at discount prices. Towels, curtains, bathroom sets, bathroom coordinates, napkins, cups and glasses, canisters, mixing bowls, serving trays and much more for your house. DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys

Nail Technician Hairdresser

Salary $5.00 per hour

Contact: 231-0882

9537

Cashier waiter To work 6 days To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

per week salary $5.50 per hour.

contact: 941-7252

contact: 946-5306

9208

9560

PUBLIC NOTICE DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys are pleased to announce the re-opening of our Leeward Highway Office for ongoing legal services to the public. We are located in our own building across the street from the Supreme Court complex, next door to the offices of TC Weekly News and between that and the St. Monica's Anglican Church. We specialize in: • Civil Litigation (Particular competencies: Judicial Review and other claims against TCI Government/Departments, Mareva and other Injunctions, Land, Trust & Bank disputes) • Property Matters, Planning Department & Development Issues • Business Law • Immigration • Labour Disputes

The Shore Club is now accepting applications/résumé for the following positions. Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve others, need apply:

Telephone: (649) 941-4444 Telefax: (649) 941-4235 Cellphone: (649) 245-1314 email: berynd@yahoo.com

Certified WinDoor Installers

DUNCANSON & CO.

We require Short-Term: • WinDoor qualified and certified External Aluminum Door and Window Installers. • Qualified and experienced installers of WinDoor high quality glazed external aluminum door and window units. • You must be WinDoor trained and certified to install and test glazed WinDoor, aluminum doors and windows under WinDoor warranty. • You must have a minimum of 10 years qualified experience and be able to train assistant installers to WinDoor certified standards.

Barristers & Attorneys

PO Box 52, Cheshire House East 1315A Leeward Highway, Providenciales

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

Applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude as well as be willing to work holidays and weekends. Turks & Caicos Islands citizens only need to apply to the Assistant Human Resources Manager, Sheena Smith at The Sands Resort located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales or e-mail: humanresource@thesandstc.com. Deadline is May 7, 2014. 9565

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

34 CLASSIFIEDS

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEALS CABINETRY & SUBCONTRACTING Is looking for a

The Sands is now accepting applications/résumé for the following positions. Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve others, need apply:

MANAGERIAL, SUPERVISORY & SKILLED POSITIONS

HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR

Responsibilities: • Ensures maximum compliance and efficiency in the performance of Housekeeping staff in guest rooms and surrounding areas • Carries out the policies and procedures of Housekeeping Departments Standard Operating • Offers assistance to guests and owners, initiates corrective action on complaints of cleanliness and service to guest rooms • Assists in and conducts monthly Housekeeping Inventories as required • Conducts routine guest room and common area inspections. Provides inspections scores and retrains for success • Assists in and conducts staff scheduling and annual performance evaluations • Maintains inventory and stock controls • Ensure delivery of service excellence to all guests by monitoring staff performance and provides hands-on training and development • Evaluates and updates Executive Housekeeper on staff performance. Makes recommendations for appropriate action in the areas of disciplinary and commendation • Maintains quality controls and assurance • Assists in overseeing Laundry Department as required in service, quality, inventory, inspection, scheduling and overall performance Requirements: • High school diploma • Must have supervised a minimum of 15 employees • Most work tasks are performed indoors and outdoors. Temperature is moderate and controlled by hotel environmental systems • Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 3 hours in length • Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis • Must be able to push and pull carts and equipment weighing up to 200 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis • Must be able to exert well-paced ability in limited space • Must be able to bend, stoop, squat and stretch to fulfill cleaning tasks • Must have minimum of 3 years supervisory experience in the Hotel/Resort and/or Hospitality Industry • Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language (s) used in the workplace • Must be able to read and write to facilitate the

• must be able to verify skills • must be able to hang and finish drywall • must be willing to do some laborer tasks as needed Salary $7.00 per hour

Contact: 231-1928

communication process • Requires excellent communication and grammar skills, both orally and written to communicate well to guests and owners • Must possess basic math and computational ability • Must have basic computer skills in Hotel PMS, Word, Excel and Outlook • Must work weekends and holidays

9528

JOB OPENINGS

Painter FLOWER GIRL

Wanted urgently

LINE POSITIONS

FRONT OFFICE AGENT (Temporary position – 2 to 3 months) Responsibilities: • Provide friendly, prompt, efficient, professional check-in and check-out procedures • Consistent and professional operation of the switchboard • Accurately complete guest reservations as required • Accurately answer all guest inquiries • To be aware of all packages and special rates offered by the property • Have a good understanding of sister properties • Have a strong understanding of local area, sights, activities, attractions and services • Perform other tasks as assigned • Work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team • Maintain confidentiality of guest information and pertinent hotel data Requirements: • High school diploma required • Must have experience in the Hotel/Resort and/ or Hospitality Industry with a minimum of 1 to 3 years combined experience preferred • Hands-on knowledge using PMS & Visual One system • Strong grammar, reading and writing skills • Must have exceptional customer service and hospitality skills, and telephone etiquette • Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace • Must possess basic computational ability (calculator, word, excel, outlook) • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills • Highly organized and self-motivated • Works well under pressure • Must be able to work flex schedules, weekends and holidays required in the Hospitality industry

Floral Designer

Must have thorough knowledge in the floral business with 3-5 years experience.

Call: 231-3788 CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST Is looking for a

maintenance / handyman To work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour. send resumes to: Executive Board Champions for Christ International School of Excellence #5 Park Place Industrial Park Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI Email: Championsforchristtci@gmail.com Fax: 1-877-580-8743 9555

TARCIA FRANCIS Is looking for a

TROPICANA UPHOLSTRY Is looking for

HOUSEKEEPING ROOM ATTENDANT HOUSEMAN LABOURER GROUNDSMEN

domestic worker

For the above line staff positions, resort experience is an asset but not a requirement. Applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude as well as be willing to work holidays and weekends. They should also enjoy serving people and be willing to learn. Minimum experience in the areas of interest required. Turks & Caicos Islands citizens only need to apply to the Assistant Human Resources Manager, Sheena Smith at The Sands Resort located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands or e-mail: humanresource@ thesandstc.com Deadline is April 30, 2014.

9539

To work 5 days per week salary $250.00 per week.

contact: 341-1215 9498

Domestic Worker

3 Upholsters Must be willing to work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

contact: 241-4070

April 26 - May 2, 2014

A & G VARIETY Is looking for a

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION Is looking for a

CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST

maintenance / handyman

Cashier labourer To work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

contact: 241-6565

is looking for a

To work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour. contact: 231-6370

6566

To work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour send resumes to: Executive Board Champions for Christ International School of Excellence #5 Park Place Industrial Park, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI Email: Championsforchristtci@ gmail.com Fax: 1-877-580-8743

9555

CLASSIFIEDS 35 JACQUELINE SMITH

Position Available An Osteopath required

Is looking for the following positions:

Labourers – $5.00 per hour

Carpenter

Minimum experience 6 years post Graduate. Applications to be submitted in writing with references and CV or email to Ms. Narisa Thomas Inter-Island Medical Services, Neptune Court Grace Bay or via email address iimsadmin@tciway.tc.

9562

– $8.00 per hour

Hairbraider – $5.00 per hour

Domestic Worker – $5.00 per hour

Must be willing to work 6 days per week

Contact: 243-4214

9559

Positions Available Executive Chef

We are looking for a true leader to help motivate and educate our culinary team. Must have the following experience: • To participate in preparation and implementation of the strategic planning • To plan the yearly food revenue and profit targets • Operations and Product Quality experience • Analyze local-market needs and trends, and then lead the definition of the company’s overall Food & Beverage offering • Manage menu preparation and pricing in line with the stated F&B objectives of the company • Develop new menus and food items • Manage the preparation and presentation of food products to ensure quality at all times • Ensure standards of presentation and preparation of food items meet the company standards • Direct and coordinate the daily activities of the kitchen • Coach and guide new members of the team, putting in place proper orientation training and ongoing training and development for team members • Recruitment and interviewing of new staff members • Control payroll and business expenses of the department • Manage relationships and contracts with suppliers • Maintain the highest standards of Food Hygiene, and adherence with all Health and Safety standards • International especially Caribbean experience a must. • Multi Language a must, Spanish/English/French. At least 15 years as an Executive Chef, Michelin Star and 5 star Resort experience is required. Computer skills with POS systems, QuickBooks, Inventory Management, P&L’s, Payroll systems and Menu Tracking back of the house experience are required

Pastry Supervisor

A leader with strong knowledge of the French style bakery. Will be in charge of a small team with the roll that requires the knowledge of administration and financial analyst with some background in accounting, sales and marketing and doing social media. Ensure excellent customer service. Create & ensure quality and freshness. Payroll, budgeting and process invoicing, purchase journals for baking productions. Monitor loss and spoilage. Multi Language a must, Spanish/English/French.

Baker

Preparing pastries, cakes, breads, and other baked goods is the responsibility of a Baker Oversees the Pastry operational area. Also required to have at least 3 year min experience in 5 star luxury property, knowledge of 5 star cuisine. Train and supervise team members in your department. Proven track record in luxury property with multi out-let experience. Able to organize the pastry department and have leadership qualities. Diploma in pastry and International 5 star Resort and Caribbean experience a must. Michelin Star and experience in French desserts, bread making is a definite must. Multi Language a must, Spanish/English/French

Pastry Cook

Assist Baker with the day to day preparations of the bakery. Caribbean experience an asset. Knowledge of the French Artisan style bakery a must. Diploma in pastry and International 5 star Resort and Caribbean experience a must. Multi Language a must, Spanish/English/French

Qualified Belongers need only apply e-mail: resortjobstci@gmail.com

JOB ADVERTISEMENT Gansevoort Turks + Caicos is a contemporary luxury full service boutique resort on Grace Bay Beach. We are looking for driven and energetic professionals with Five Star experience and who are committed to achieving excellence by ensuring Five Star standards and services are continuously delivered.

Temporary Front Desk Manager:

Applicant must have excellent communication and problem resolution and conflict management skills, at least 4 years experience in Luxury Hotel Front Desk with at least 2 years in management and maintain a presentable image consistent with the expectations of our clientele. Technical skills include Microsoft Office suite, Opera PMS and OVOS, training and coaching skills as well exceptional customer service and organizational skills. Hospitality Management certificate or equivalent experience required. English language required with additional languages an asset. The position requires flexibility in scheduling and the ability to handle confrontation and complaints with patience and diplomacy.

Front Office Night Manager:

Performs required system night audit functions, such as Overseeing the preparation of daily summary reports for distribution to various hotel departments on the day's business activities, performs executive office projects by directing staff and monitoring progress as required. Full hotel authority in the absence of the General Manager and Front Office Manager during the night shift. The Front Office Night Manager will be responsible for addressing and resolving guest and team member questions or issues on the night shift. Applicant must have excellent communication and problem resolution and conflict management skills, at least 4 years experience in Luxury Hotel Front Desk with at least 2 years in management and maintain a presentable image consistent with the expectations of our clientele. Technical skills include Microsoft Office suite, Opera PMS and OVOS, training and coaching skills as well exceptional customer service and organizational skills. Hospitality Management certificate or equivalent experience required. English language required with additional languages an asset. Must be able to work the night shift.

Assistant Director For Food and Beverage:

Directs and supervises, under the direction of the Director of Food & Beverage, all aspects of the Food & Beverage operations for the resort, Stelle, The Beach Bar + Grill, Bar’s, In Room Dining and any private dining functions and events. Main responsibilities are to ensure proper training and supervision of team and to deliver prompt, courteous service in a manner that complies with Gansevoort and Stelle standards. Supervises Middle Management, Servers, Server Assistants, Runners, Bartenders, Barbacks, Hostess and administrative personnel. The Assistant Director of Food and Beverage will be responsible for the effective administration, supervision and execution of programs consistent with the company standards and goals of providing excellent service while generating maximum revenue.

Interested applicants can contact our Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday 9am to 6pm on (649)941-7555. E- Mail cover letter outlining your interest and supporting experience in a particular position along with your Resume or C.V. to hr@wymara.com 9564

36 CLASSIFIEDS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 26 - May 2, 2014

STAFF VACANCY STAFF VACANCY PLANT DIESEL MECHANIC Responsible for carrying out effective preventative and corrective repairs to plant mechanical equipment and other company assets in a manner consistent with equipment manufacturer’s specification and standard mechanical tradesman practices and as directed by the Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor.

SNR. HIGH VOLTAGE PLANT SUBSTATION ELECTRICIAN Description

• Responsible to lead and participate in the layout, installation, modification, maintenance and repair of the company’s high voltage electrical distribution facilities. Under the direction of the Plant Production Manager, the High Voltage Plant Electrician will maintain and install high voltage equipment and electrical control systems both in the Plant and in the Substations in a sound technical manner, to ensure the reliable operation and functionality of the equipment, as per design specifications.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSBILITIES

• Conduct competent and effective preventative and corrective maintenance on all generating prime movers units owned and operated by FortisTCI in a cost effective manner consistent with manufacturer’s operating and maintenance guidelines in a manner that ensures the highest reliability and fuel efficiency from these units. • Maintain, repair and install engines and auxiliary equipment in the diesel generating stations in a manner consistent with manufacturer’s specifications to ensure continual reliable operation. • To be highly knowledgeable of and competent in the spares parts required by the generation units and supporting mechanical systems at the power plants owned and operated by FortisTCI and to identify and recommend to the management staff of Energy Production & Project Management Division, the spares parts that are needed for maintenance. • Effectively and competently diagnose mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic problems related to the effective operations of generation plant equipment. • Display a profound knowledge of underlying theoretic and operating principle of all mechanical equipment used in diesel fired operation and to utilize this knowledge in developing the Technical competence and capacity of assigned junior maintenance personnel. • Prepare comprehensive job reports and failure analysis report. • Competently use proper tooling during equipment repair and safeguard and maintain tools and other mechanical repair equipment. • Operate shop tools as needed to fabricate, repair, weld, solder, cut, drill, etc. • Maintain records and reports as required (including inventory of necessary parts). • Make recommendations (supported by data) to management staff in Energy Production & Project Management Division of new techniques, tooling and processes to improve maintenance activities and increase overall plant efficiency. • Be available to respond to emergencies at all times outside of regular working hours, as may be required by plant contingency. • Ensure that all work undertaken falls under the Company’s established safety and environmental policies and guidelines and are adhered to consistently.

Main Duties

• Lead and participate in the layout, construction, installation, modification, maintenance and repairs to FortisTCI facilities by interpreting blueprints, plans specifications, catalogue data, written and verbal instructions. • Plan, provide materials and schedule work for subordinate employees ensuring proper assignment, tooling and techniques in performance of duties. • Mentoring of the existing work force in conjunction with training provided by outside trainers in order to assemble a knowledgeable and motivated electrical plant workforce. • Maintain and install all rotating and stationary electrical equipment with particular emphasis on control systems. All such work will be performed with safety, efficiency and functionality of the FortisTCI system as the guiding factors. • Maintain and install all breakers and associated equipment at the plant and in Company Substations. • Assist the Plant Production Manager in preparing costs estimates and materials lists for various projects as assigned. • Assist the Plant Production Manager in the preparation of capital and maintenance budgets. • Assist fellow team members in acquiring relevant experience in the testing and trouble shooting of plant apparatus. • Be familiar with all Company policies and procedures (including those established by past practice) relating to the position and to observe and enforce same. • Plan and conduct work in a manner consistent with the Company’s commitment to the environment and ensure that subordinate employees are likewise in compliance. • Be familiar with safety and operating procedures of the Company and see that all in the Electrical Plant Department follow them. • Assist in the maintenance of statistical records required by the Company. • Be calm and competent in response to plant emergencies in a manner that inspires others to do likewise. • Operate Company vehicles as required and in adherence to Company policy and the driving regulations of the TCI authorities. • Be professional in dress and demeanor as befits an employee and ensure that a good public image of FortisTCI is maintained at all times. • Perform other duties as may be assigned and/or required by system contingencies from time to time.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS • Successful completion of a 5 year high school program with focus on the Sciences and a two (2) year post-secondary program, preferably in mechanical engineering trades. • Minimum of 10 years’ experience as lead mechanic in installation and corrective and preventative maintenance of rotating machinery in a power plant operations setting including major overhaul of generating units. • Work experience as a mechanic in 3600 series and 3500 series caterpillar units up to 4.4MW range and in Wartsila 20V32 similar type generating units. • A high degree of familiarity and competence in diesel engine theory and operations, trouble shooting of mechanical and rotary equipment, and mechanical repair tooling. • Above average analytical skills in math and principles of diesel engine machines • Excellence in interpretation of engineering drawings and manuals must be demonstrated. • Professional competency in written and oral communication skills in English. • O.A.C.E.T.T. membership or its equivalent. • Must display competency in the use of computers and standard engineering and office computing software programs utilized in maintenance activities, reporting and record keeping.

Daily Duties:

• As indicated in weekly plan developed by Plant Production Manager • Submit job reports and failure analysis reports as may arise due to equipment abnormalities

Minimum Requirements

• Successful completion of a 5-year high school programme • Successful completion of 2 years in a post-secondary education programme, preferably in the power generation and distribution field. • Minimum of 10 years working experience conducting corrective and preventative maintenance to transformers, circuit breakers and relays as a senior high voltage technician in substations in a generating plant environment • Minimum of 10 years working experience as a senior technical personnel conducting corrective and preventative maintenance in a generating plant environment • Familiarity with and competency in the use of computers and standard computing software programmes. • Above average analytical skills in math and electrical theories • Excellence in interpretation of engineering drawings and manuals • Professional competency in written and oral communication skills in English • Experience in working under utility emergency response conditions • Experience in high voltage installation, maintenance and repairs. • Ability to function effectively under emergency situations and think clearly and effectively deliver within deadlines. • Self-motivated, solution-oriented and positive outlook • Team player

ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Excellent team player and team building skills • Excellent written and oral communication skills • Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure • Goal-oriented • Self- motivated • Team player

Compensation

Salary based on qualifications and ability Deadline for submission of applications is April 14, 2014

Deadline for submission of applications is April 14, 2014: Kindly submit applications stating qualifications and work experience to:

Kindly submit applications stating qualifications and work experience to:

Dr. Kellie-Ann Evans-Hall, Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited, P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or khall@fortistci.com

Dr. Kellie-Ann Evans-Hall Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited, P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@ppcltd.tc or khall@fortici.com Fax: 649-941-4304

9491

9489

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 37

Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations 1990

Notice of Application for Development Permission (Regularization) Application No. PR11817 has been submitted to the Department of Planning by Simon Anthony Slattery & Camille Ann Slattery for consideration of Development Permission for Regularization Of Existing Tourism-Related Development, being Horse Stables, Exercise Corral, Feed Storage And Ancillary Buildings, as well as Indication Of Future 2-Bedroom Staff Dwelling. The Development is located at Block 61108, Parcel 32, Long Bay Hills, Providenciales. If you wish to make any representations, you may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Town Center Mall, Butterfield Square, Providenciales. Dated this 18th March, 2014

9413

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

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TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS GOVERNMENT VACANCIES The following vacancies currently exist within the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service:

Clerical Assistant

– South Caicos (Deadline: April 21, 2014) Salary: $596.70 bi-weekly This is an administrative support position for the office. The job holder will undertake clerical and administrative tasks to support the day-to-day running of the office.

Audit Principal

– Grand Turk (Deadline: April 22, 2014) Salary: $33,500 - $39,500 per annum The Audit Principal is responsible for conducting detailed planning, fieldwork, reporting, wrap-up and close out of all financial and value for money audits to which he/she is assigned so as to achieve the annual audit objectives of the NAO.

Senior Financial Audit Manager

– Grand Turk (Deadline: April 22, 2014) Salary: $44,000 - $49,000 per annum The Senior Financial Audit Manager has responsibility for the annual auditing cycle as directed by the Auditor General. The incumbent in this position will be accountable for the execution of audits within time and budget.

Senior Press Officer

– Grand Turk (Deadline: April 30, 2014) Salary: $41,040 per annum The Senior Press Officer is responsible for overseeing the performance and service delivery standards for the Government Press Office. The incumbent in this position will develop and oversee the implementation of Communication and Public Awareness Plans and Strategies across the TCIG.

Interested persons are asked to visit www.gov.tc for job details and the application procedure.

STAFF VACANCY MECHANICAL LABOURER GENERATION Provide general labour in support of the work of general site service housekeeping and orderliness, under the general direction of the Superintendent Plant Control.

MAIN DUTIES/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for the daily cleaning of all Generation office and bathroom facilities, including floors, walls, furnishing, shelves and toilet fixtures. • Responsible for maintaining the floor and trenches around all engines, cleaned and free of dirt, oil and grease. Engine halls and trenches must be cleaned first off in the morning and on a continual basis during the course of the working day. • Responsible for tapping up jacket water systems with chemical additives as directed by the Superintendent Plant Control. It is also the responsibility of the generation labourer to place buckets and oil absorbent pads around any lube oil and/or fuel leaks so that leaks are contained until repairs can be affected by the mechanics. • Responsible for keeping the substation compound free of weeds and vegetation working under the supervision of an electrical technician. • The generation labourer is assigned to work with mechanics on completion of his daily plant cleaning routine and provides assistance in cleaning of engine parts and other non-skilled work. • The generation labourer also provides assistance to the electrical maintenance section in physical and application of chemical sprays to keep the electrical generator component cleaned of dirt and grease. • Ensure compliance to the company’s safety policy and procedures and consistent and proper use of issued personal protective equipment (PPEs) when on the plant site and during the execution of work duties. • Ensure familiarity and fully compliance with the company’s environmental commitment and policy at all times during the execution of daily work activities, with particular emphasis to fuel and lube oil spill prevention. • Report any equipment abnormalities or defects observed during the course of engine service and plant housekeeping activities to the Superintendent or to the designated maintenance team leader. • Operate company vehicles as required in a manner consistent with company policy and TCI traffic regulations. • Be properly and neatly attired in the uniform provided and ensure consistent and appropriate use of all personal protective equipment (PPEs) provided when on plant compound or in the execution of assigned duties. • Respond promptly when called by the Superintendent Plant Control in response to emergencies that may arise outside of regular working hours. • Follow Superintendent Plant Control directive and be diligent in correctly execute daily plant site and equipment clean up duties. • Perform other duties as may be assigned and/or required by Plant Operations contingencies from time to time.

ACADEMIC/WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Successful completion of a 5 year high school program would be an asset. • Be familiar with and qualified to operate plant machinery such as fork lifts. As the language of work is English, competence in verbal and written English is required.

CORE COMPETENCY SKILLS:

• This position requires heavy lifting and hard work therefore an affinity for hard work and excellent physical strength is mandatory. • This position requires that cleaning work be done in a high voltage environment, therefore the candidate must be able to work safely and follow instructions when doing so. • This position is essentially that of a cleaner in a dirty, greasy and noisy environment therefore an affinity for heavy routine work, under a high pressure and noisy industrial environment is a necessary aptitude. • The holder of this position must be highly motivated, a self-starter who needs little supervision, and solution oriented. • Excellent Team player qualities and self-discipline is mandatory. • Competency in written and oral communication skills in English • Self-motivated, solution oriented and positive in outlook

COMPENSATION

Salary based on qualifications and ability

Deadline for submission of applications is April 12, 2014. Kindly submit applications stating qualifications and work experience to: Dr. Kellie-Ann Evans-Hall, Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited, P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@ppcltd.tc or khall@fortistci.com Fax: 649-941-4304

9488

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Science & Technology

US $1 Bill is home for 3000 types of bacteria NEW York University’s Dirty Money Project team has reported 3,000 types of bacteria on $1 bills. The paper currency acts as a medium for spread of disease and microbes. The 3,000 types of bacteria comprise of both harmless and harmful microbes.

New York University biologist Jane Carlton said that their team has analyzed paper money and coins. They have not published the complete research yet. However, Carlton added that the team has yet to identify the most harmful and commonly found among the bacteria noticed on

the currency. Acne causing bacteria were among the most commonly found. The second most common bacteria was not harmful and is found on human skin. So, the next time you touch currency notes, you better wash your hands carefully.

The Meridian Club on Pine Cay The Meridian Club, one of the Turks and Caicos Islands' original and most unique resort experiences is now seeking a qualified on-site

Restaurant Host Responsibilities: • Set up and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in a fine dining setting. • Clear tables and service areas following meals. • Take meal orders. • Keep dining room and poolside dining area neat and tidy • Set “TEA” in the afternoon • Make guests feel special and welcome • Acquire information concerning items served so as to answer guest questions knowledgeably. Basic Qualifications: • Must be fluent in English (both verbal and written) and be easily understood by guests. • At least a high school diploma. • At least 6 months prior experience waiting tables • Proven experience in the Customer Service industry in a min. 4-star property • Service aptitude and able to work cooperatively with others • Must be neat and tidy and present a positive image • Must have a talent for remembering people and making them feel welcome • Must present a friendly, helpful attitude toward guests. • Must feel comfortable riding on boats in all weather conditions • Must reside on Pine Cay to be available for breakfast and dinner service and cleanup. • Must be physically fit and able to lift 50 pounds. • Must be able to carry a TRAY with food on it. • Must be willing to work days, nights, weekends and holidays. Wage: Based on qualifications and experience. From US$6.00/hour Position available: October 2014 (Full-time SEASONAL position. The Meridian Club closes annually for 3-4 months for maintenance) Belongers only need apply. Applicants should submit: Resume including work history with name(s) of supervisor(s), plus 3 references with telephone numbers and description of how you know each person. An email and telephone contact for applicant must also be on cover letter or resume; Current Health certificate; Current Police Report and proof of Belongership should accompany resume. Qualified candidates will be called within 2 weeks of receipt of application

Please send letter of interest with resume and other required items to Beverly Plachta via email: manager@meridianclub.com or fax to 649-941-7010. Information may also be dropped off in an envelope at TCR Sotheby’s Venture House building near Salt Mills in Grace Bay. Application Deadline: May 5, 2014

The researchers also noted that many people continue to lick their hands while counting money. This could lead to further health issues with those individuals. Carlton added, “Now we know that viable bacteria are on money and could serve as a mode of transmission for antibiotic-resistant genes.” Health experts warn that many objects which come in our contact every day, act as medium for microbes to transfer. Recent research

Acne causing bacteria were among the most commonly found on the notes.

found that microbes can even stay dormant on kids’ toys for 1-2 months. However, many people also suggest that too much of attention to such issues is

not required. The microbes have many ways to reach us. Simply, our immune system should be strong enough to fight with them. (Newstonight.co.za)

Research confirms asteroids hit Earth with force of nuclear blasts FINDINGS released for the first time by the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization — which operates a network of sensors that monitors Earth around the clock, listening for the infrasound signature of nuclear detonations — confirmed that between 2000 and 2013, 26 explosions on Earth’s atmosphere were detected, ranging in energy from 1,600 kilotons — all caused by asteroid impacts. To put it in perspective, the atomic bomb that destroyed Hiroshima in 1945, exploded with an energy impact of 15 kilotons. While most of these asteroids exploded too high in the atmosphere to do any serious damage on the ground, the evidence is important in estimating the frequency of a potential “citykiller-size” asteroid. The Earth is continuously colliding

Many of the small asteroids explode high in the earth’s atmosphere.

with fragments of asteroids, the largest in recent times exploding over Tunguska, Siberia in 1908 with an energy impact of 5-15 megatons. More recently, scientists witnessed the 600-kiloton

One domestic worker $5.00 per hour Must be willing to work 6 days per week.

Contact: 232-1113

impact in Chelyabinsk, Russia in 2013 and asteroid impacts greater than 20 kilotons occurred in South Sulawesi, Indonesia in 2009, in the Southern Ocean in 2004, and in the Mediterranean Sea in 2002.

NATASHA CONSULTANCY Acting on behalf of our clients:

JOSEPH SKIPPINGS

Labourer Contact: 242-9087

SHATHEN HINSON

9545

Labourer Contact: 245-1811

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Science & Technology

Females have penises in sex-reversed cave insects

The study revealed that monkeys took very little time to find the link between value of a symbol and the reward.

Doing math is monkey’s business A NEW study has found that monkeys have the ability to do mathematics. Researchers are hopeful that this study can help scientists trace back the origins of mathematical skills of human beings. Researchers at Harvard University Medical School conducted this study in which three rhesus monkeys were taught 26 distinct symbols, which included Arabic numerals and 16 letters. Each symbol was associated with a reward. The study revealed that monkeys took very little time to find the link between value of a symbol and the reward. The monkeys always chose the symbol with the greatest value and they were 90 percent accurate in choosing the symbol that would help them get the highest reward. “The monkeys want the most of whatever is out there, and this is just one of many ways to figure out the best way to get the most,” Margaret

Livingstone, a neuroscientist at Harvard University Medical School and lead author of the study, according to Livescience. The researchers also tested the addition skills of the monkeys and for this they presented them two associated symbols and a third character. To get the reward, the monkeys had to add the symbols and judge whether the value was greater than the third symbol and the researchers were surprised to find that monkeys actually add the symbols and choose the greatest values. “The data in my opinion are quite convincing, because it is really unlikely that the monkeys remembered each combination of symbols,” says Elsa Addessi at the Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies in Rome, according to New Scientist. “Maybe previous studies underestimated the addition capabilities of monkeys.”

Ideas that can save lives In medicine, innovation is life and death. Every advancement means another mother, another brother, another grandparent who could be saved. A new drug could cure cancer. The next surgical tool could prevent patients from bleeding to death on the operating table. A DNA discovery could free thousands from chronic pain. They say hope is the best medicine. That hope lies in the hands of scientists working in labs around the country. Bioengineers at the University of Michigan who are creating organs with a 3-D printer. Oncologists in Pennsylvania who are turning cancer patients’ own cells into warriors. Surgeons in Washington state and Alabama who are learning to operate without making a single cut. They hope that by doing so, they can save lives. But in order to truly heal

the future, we have to do more than treat the sick and fix the broken. We have to make wellness a priority. So architects are working to design better communities; computer programmers are developing smart devices to keep us on a healthy path; neurologists are learning how to train the brain to stave off dementia. As part of our focus on innovation, CNN is featuring 10 inventions or people that are changing the world. We’ve looked at cars, startups and visionary women. Now it’s time to honor innovations that will affect your body and your mind. These 10 ideas are revolutionizing health care -- from the operating table to the kitchen table. Even those that don’t come to fruition as imagined will have forged a path for another that will one day save a life. May we present The CNN 10: Healing the Future.

FEMALE insects with “penises” have been discovered in Brazil - the first example of an animal with sexreversed genitalia, scientists say. Neotrogla females insert the erectile organs into males’ vaginalike openings. The elaborate structure, dubbed a “gynosome”, is used to suck out sperm and nutritious seminal fluids. Copulation lasts an impressive 40-70 hours, the researchers report in Current Biology. “Although sex-role reversal has been identified in several different animals, Neotrogla is the only example in which the intromittent organ is also reversed,” said lead author Kazunori Yoshizawa from Hokkaido University in Japan. The gender-bending insects were found in a cave in eastern Brazil and represent four distinct species in the Neotrogla genus. Once inside a male, the membranous part of the female gynosome inflates. It has numerous spines which anchor the two insects

The female is always on top during copulation - which lasts up to 70 hours.

together. When the researchers attempted to pull a male and female apart, the male’s abdomen was ripped from the thorax without breaking the genital coupling. The unusual role reversal may have been driven by the resourcepoor cave environment in which the bugs live, the researchers

speculate. Copulation provides a female with food as well as sperm - so it is advantageous for her to mate at a higher rate, they note. The curious insects offer new opportunities to test ideas about sexual selection, conflict between the sexes, and the evolution of novelty. (BBC)

Facebook enters fitness tracking market with app acquisition FACEBOOK is leaping into the fitness tracking market by buying a Helsinki-based maker of a mobile app that can track users and automatically determine whether they’re walking, running, biking or riding public transportation. Facebook is announcing plans to acquire ProtoGeo Oy, maker of a mobile app called Moves. The app works in the background, quietly gathering loads of data from the phone’s accelerometer, then displaying the results in a minimalistic fashion, with each activity represented by a coloured circle. The Moves app is an “incredible tool for the millions of people who want to better understand their daily fitness activity,” Facebook said in a press release. Facebook didn’t disclose the price it is paying for the app maker, but a spokeswoman said it’s nowhere near the size of other acquisitions the company has made in recent months. Earlier this year, Facebook agreed to acquire mobile messenger WhatsApp for $US19 billion and Oculus VR for $US2 billion. Facebook said Moves, which launched last year and was called a “Surprise Hit” by Apple’s App Store, has been downloaded more than four million times by iPhone and Android users and has millions of users, Facebook said. Moves is one of a growing number of fitness apps like Strava,

Facebook’s 29-year-old billionaire creator Mark Zuckerberg speaks on the opening day of the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Source: AFP

Runkeeper, Nike + and others, but Moves stands out because of the breadth of activities it can track and detect automatically, including riding on public transit. Moves can also connect to other apps to add features. A list of apps capable of connecting with Moves includes one called “Trail, ” another called “Logger — Graph Your Life,” and one called “Log My Day.” Moves and other apps use sensors already built into most modern smart phones to mimic the capabilities of stand-alone wearable devices like Fitbit, Jawbone Up and a new product Apple is rumoured to be developing. Moves will continue to operate separately from Facebook, the spokeswoman said, but its employees, including founders

Sampo Karjalainen, Aapo Kyrola and Zsolt Szasz will leave Helsinki and join Facebook offices in London and Menlo Park, California. The acquisition is consistent with Facebook’s strategy of building or acquiring multiple stand-alone apps. Moves is expected to join a growing family of Facebook’s mobile properties, including Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and the recently launched news aggregator Paper. During the fourth quarter earnings call with analysts, Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg explained how the apps fit into the company’s long term goal of connecting the world. They’re “part of the full ecosystem of different ways that people want to share with different people,” he said.

Sports Interational

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 26 - May 2, 2014

Delano Williams: learning from the fastest man THE initial feeling was one of fear, understandable for a 19-year-old when the two people waiting for you on the track are the fastest on the planet. That apprehension has dissipated for the teenager in question, Delano Williams, the British sprinter who has since turned 20. Fear has been replaced by a fraternal feeling. He has rapidly become one of the group – Usain Bolt is like a big brother who calls him “junior” while Yohan Blake has taken Williams under his wing. Williams is the newest recruit of coach Glenn Mills’ prestigious Racers Track Club in Jamaica, a setup in which he would struggle to get on the podium. In London two years ago RTC spawned an Olympic 200 metres one-two-three with Bolt, Blake and Warren Weir, a feat that probably would have been repeated had Blake been fit for last year’s World Championships. “When I first turned up it was kind of scary,” recalls Williams. “That first day I was scared but I did a lot of running and some drills. It’s fun. Usain and Yohan know how to have fun but when it’s business, it’s business.” The new boy is steadily earning his spurs amid sprinting’s most elite group. “Usain says I’m junior now and says he’s going to make me up to a senior,” says Williams. “Also Yohan’s looking out for me too to take me through the season. I used to be the kid from Turks and Caicos but I’m now the guy from Great Britain.” Williams’ allegiance to Britain came at the height of the “Plastic Brits” furore in 2012. Born and bred in the Turks and Caicos, he was not allowed to compete at the Olympics by the International Olympic Committee as the Caribbean islands do not boast their own national governing body. So, as they are a British Overseas Territory, he was eligible to run for GB even though he had visited the country only once. His passport was rushed through to such an extent his name was spelt wrong. As it was, he missed out on a place at London 2012 – running jet-lagged on a dreary day in Birmingham at the trials Williams faltered – but competed in a GB vest at last year’s World Championships in Moscow, where he made the 200m semi-finals. Anyone questioning his allegiance did not see Williams up and tuned in at 4am Jamaican time in Kingston for the early sessions of last month’s World Indoors. He has yet to shine in the senior

Training with the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, at the Racers Track Club was at first intimidating for Delano Williams (right) but now it’s inspiring.

ranks but the expectation is huge, thanks to his success at the World Junior Championships, where he won gold in 2012, and the Jamaican Junior Championships, where last year he fractionally missed out on two prestigious championship records held by Blake and Bolt respectively in the 100m and 200m. He has yet to deliver on that huge potential but the boy-turned-man from Grand Turk does not lack for confidence. “It might not be this year or next year but my time will come,” he says. One can imagine the worldly-wise Bolt and Blake being amused when Williams, who is also studying parttime for a marketing degree, first turned up on the track. He is polite to a T, his conversation staccatoed with repeated mentions of “sir”. Following on from James Dasaolu and Adam Gemili’s performances last season and Richard Kilty’s

recent indoor world title win, despite the obvious geographical difference, Williams is part of what could become a golden era of British sprinting. For his part, he is relishing the opportunity to upset his training partners. “Great Britain sprinting has stepped up a gear,” he says. “We’ve got fast guys running fast times who should contest with Yohan and Usain at the Olympics and World Championships. Hopefully, I’m in that pool doing well.” Williams boasts a remarkable sprint range. The 200m is currently his best event but he has shone over the shorter distance and also broke his personal best for the 400m in February. As for his season’s aspirations, top is the European Championships in Zürich – he does not know whether he or the rest of his group will compete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow – but he has no

idea how he will perform on track, describing 2014 as a “transition year”. “I’m just trying to adapt as much as possible to the senior level and I’ll run in some of the Diamond Leagues on the world circuit. It’s a first for everything at the moment so I’m taking my time. First is working with coach Mills, who’s very inspirational in showing me the stuff I’m doing wrong. “I believe and trust in him. The big problem is the start, I’m not flexible enough and so I don’t drive well enough out of the blocks. He’s working a lot on that for me and my speed work. It’s the first three or four steps mainly. I’ll get there but it will take time.” Williams has lived in Jamaica for six years, having gone there as a 14-year-old on a scholarship. His mum, whom he still speaks to every day over the phone, cried her eyes out, fearful her son would be killed

in gang violence. “Now I think she has no regrets. It was a hard choice but she really believed in me,” he says. Mum could be forgiven for being apprehensive for a myriad of reasons about her son’s welfare, not least of all the temptations of doping following the stories to have emanated from Jamaica over the past year. On that issue, he says: “That doesn’t worry me at all. As I said, I trust my coach 100 per cent and the guys around me. I know they’ve worked themselves to the bone and that we’re all responsible for what goes in our bodies.” Barely six months into his time with RTC, Williams is adamant the signs for his future are good. When asked about long-term goals, he says they are “for me and my coach”. One suspects catching his illustrious training partners is high on the career to-do list. (Independent.co.uk)

April 26 - May 2, 2014

Sports Interational

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Mayweather says Pacquiao, Bradley both ‘fought like amateurs’ Gregg Popovich coached the Spurs to a 15th consecutive 50-win season. (Christopher Trotman/Getty Images)

Spurs’ Popovich named Coach of the Year

SAN Antonio’s Gregg Popovich was named NBA Coach of the Year on Tuesday. Popovich won the award for the third time after leading the Spurs to a league-best 62-20 record, including a franchise-best 30-11 on the road. San Antonio won 19 consecutive games from Feb. 26 to April 2, the longest streak in team history and tied for the fifth longest in NBA history. The Spurs dominated even as no player averaged at least 30 minutes per game — an NBA first — and used 30 different starting lineups, second most in the league. Popovich joined Pat Riley and Don Nelson as the only three-time winners. He totaled 380 points, including 59 first-place votes, from a panel of 124 sportswriters and broadcasters. Phoenix’s Jeff Hornacek (37 first-place votes, 339 points), in his first season as a head coach, finished second. Chicago’s

Tom Thibodeau (12 first-place votes, 159 points) was third, followed by Charlotte’s Steve Clifford and Toronto’s Dwane Casey. Coaches were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote. Hornacek had the most first-place votes for a runner-up since 2007. The Suns were the NBA’s most-improved team, going from 25-57 to 48-34 and unexpectedly contending for a playoff spot in the deep Western Conference until the last week of the season. The 65-year-old Popovich is the longest-tenured coach in the four major American sports leagues; he is completing his 18th season with San Antonio. The Spurs have won 50 or more games in 15 consecutive seasons and 16 of 17. The only exception was the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season, when San Antonio went 37-13 (a 60-win pace).

FLOYD Mayweather said that he watched a full Manny Pacquiao fight for the first time in nearly four years recently and the Filipino star looked amateurish and more beatable than ever. That doesn’t mean the fight is any more viable, Mayweather quickly noted, because of the promotional divide separating them. “I’m seeing something totally different in Pacquiao,” Mayweather said. “But still, that don’t make me say, ‘Oh, I’m going to go out there and fight him,’ because he’s still with Bob Arum and I’m with Mayweather Promotions.” Mayweather made the remarks on a teleconference with reporters to promote his own welterweight unification fight next week. The unbeaten Grand Rapids native fights Marcos Maidana on May 3 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Mayweather said he saw a much weaker Pacquiao April 12 in a decision win against Timothy Bradley than the one who stopped Miguel Cotto in the 12th round of a 2009 bout. Mayweather said PacquiaoBradley II was the first time he had watched his rival since that fight against Cotto, which also was Pacquiao’s last knockout victory. “I don’t see the same pop in Pacquiao’s shots -- me, myself, I don’t see the same snap in his shots,” Mayweather said before. “He’s getting tired and he wasn’t getting tired before. So, I mean, I’m seeing something totally different. Whereas

Floyd Mayweather Jr. (right) says Manny Pacquiao is not the fighter he once was.

me, I’m still sharp, I’m still smart, I’m not getting fatigued, I wasn’t getting fatigued from the beginning. “Those are the things that I see. I don’t know if you guys see it but that’s what I see.” Mayweather said Bradley looked like he had lifted too many weights in training, was fatigued early, and was making a lot of mistakes, falling off balance and fighting like an amateur.” “I think both fighters fought like amateurs,” Mayweather said. “I thought Pacquiao fought like an amateur also, and I wasn’t pleased

with his performance. He got the victory the best way he knew how but I wasn’t pleased with his performance at all.” Mayweather and Pacquiao have a long-simmering rivalry that has yet to reach fruition in the ring after initial talks broke off more than four years ago over drug-testing protocol. Since then, the promotional rivalry has been the biggest sticking point, and Mayweather has vowed never to an opponent who deals with Arum. Arum promoted Mayweather from 1996-2006. (mlive.com)

Bayern Munich’s Robben “expected more” from Real Madrid Stanislas Wawrinka (right) spent most of his career in the shadow of Roger Federer.

Wawrinka stuns friend Federer in Monte Carlo final STANISLAS Wawrinka used to refer to himself as “the Swiss tennis player who loses.” But no longer. While the 29-year-old has spent most of his career in the shadow of his friend Roger Federer, the most successful male player of the modern era, the 2014 season has brought a new world order. Not only has Wawrinka won his maiden major at January’s Australian Open -- earning him the new moniker of “Grand Slam Stan” -- but he has

now ticked off another box after claiming his first Masters title. The celebrations were muted on Sunday as he and Federer hugged over the net in Monte Carlo, but deep inside Wawrinka was buzzing after coming from behind to triumph 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 against the 17-time grand slam champion. Such is their close relationship, it had been dubbed “the friendly final” as Federer went into the match with a 13-1 advantage in their meetings.

BAYERN Munich winger Arjen Robben was surprised by Real Madrid’s cautious approach to the first leg of their Champions League semi-final in Madrid. Despite the home side winning 1-0 at the Bernabeu, defending champions Bayern enjoyed 72% possession. “I expected more from Real,” said the former Chelsea forward Robben. “I expected them to come storming out of the gates, but instead they waited and allowed us to run the game. That surprised me.” Karim Benzema scored the only goal of the game but Mario Gotze and Thomas Muller both had excellent chances to equalise late on for Pep Guardiola’s side, who lacked a cutting edge. Real were also wasteful in front of goal, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria both spurning good chances. “I’m proud of my team,” said

Arjen Robben says he is proud of his team’s fight and is expecting them to try harder in the second leg.

Bayern’s ex-Barcelona coach Guardiola. “They showed a lot of strength against one of the best teams in the world. I think that we can still crank up a gear or two in the return leg. “We wanted to have a lot of possession and have a quick

transition from defence to attack. We controlled the game, but Madrid were waiting to counter-attack and they have the players to take advantage of this.” The return leg takes place on Tuesday at the Allianz Arena, where Bayern have lost only twice this season. They were beaten 3-2 by Manchester City in the Champions League in December before Borussia Dortmund secured a 3-0 Bundesliga victory earlier this month. Guardiola added: “My optimism is still very high. It’s even higher than it was before this game.” Real coach Carlo Ancelotti, who could only call on Gareth Bale as a late substitute given the player had been suffering with flu, was satisfied with his team’s performance. “I’m happy with everything, because the match was difficult,” he said. “We played well, suffering sometimes and playing well in attack.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 26 - May 2, 2014

Sports Interational

Messi rescues Barcelona’s Spanish title hopes IT WAS far from vintage Barcelona, but it was enough to keep alive the Catalan club’s dwindling hopes of retaining the Spanish league title. With white handkerchiefs waving in the Camp Nou to indicate the fans’ frustration at what appeared to be another disappointing setback, Lionel Messi came to the rescue on Sunday to earn a 2-1 victory against Athletic Bilbao. Having been knocked out of the Champions League, then losing the Copa del Rey final to Real Madrid, Gerardo Martino’s team had been staring down the barrel of an unthinkable fourth successive defeat. With Atletico Madrid having gone seven points clear at the top of the table with Friday’s 2-0 win over Elche, it would’ve spelled disaster if Barca could not recover from Aritz Aduriz’s opener for the fourthplaced Basques. The early signs weren’t good. After Messi had a goal ruled out for offside, Aduriz hit the Barca woodwork with a spectacular overhead kick, then Alexis Sanchez smacked the Bilbao bar when it seemed easier to score. Aduriz ghosted through Barca’s frail defense to slot in a low shot five minutes after the break, and

Conrado Marrero was renowned for his love of cigars and constant wisecracks as well as his game. This foul by Athletic Bilbao’s Oscar de Marcos gave Lionel Messi the chance to fire a free-kick winner for Barcelona.

teammate Markel Susaeta had an effort ruled out for offside soon after. To the home supporters’ intense relief, Pedro provided the equalizer in the 72nd minute with his 15th league goal this season, diverting a low shot from Sanchez into the net from close range. Soon after that, Messi picked himself up after being fouled on the edge of the penalty area and fired a free-kick through the wall. It ended what, for the four-time

world player of the year, was a goal drought -- four games without scoring -- as he netted for the 26th time in La Liga, leaving him third in the Pichichi standings behind Atletico’s Diego Costa (27) and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo (28). It proved to be the winner, though Barca needed Javier Mascherano -- who squandered a great scoring chance not long beforehand -- to make a brave block to stop a goalbound Bilbao shot in time added on.

Hat-trick for Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes one-two in Shanghai BRITAIN’S Lewis Hamilton led a Mercedes one-two at the Chinese Grand Prix Sunday as his teammate Nico Rosberg clung on to his lead in the F1 world championship title race. It was the third straight victory for Hamilton after his retirement in the opening round in Australia and he led for every one of the 56 laps in Shanghai after starting from pole position. By contrast, Rosberg had to battle through the field after a wretched start and only overhauled Fernando Alonso in his Ferrari after the final round of pit stops. Rosberg, who won in Australia, has a four-point lead over Hamilton after four rounds of the 2014 season, which is being dominated by their all-conquering Mercedes team. Alonso’s third was a rare bright spot in a difficult season for Ferrari, whose team boss Stefano Domenicali quit earlier this week, but it was a frustrating afternoon for Red Bull and defending four-time champion Sebastian Vettel. The German had to give best to his rookie teammate Daniel Ricciardo in the battle for a distant fourth after initially running in second following

Oldest ex-Major League Baseball player dies in Cuba aged 102 THE oldest former player with Major League Baseball, Conrado “Connie” Marrero, has died in at home in Havana at the age of 102. Marrero first made his name in Cuba the 1930s - but went on to have a late career surge in Washington in the 50s. He was also a hero in his home country, where he returned after the 1959 revolution. Marrero’s death, confirmed by relatives, came just two days before his 103rd birthday. Marrero debuted for the Washington Senators at the relatively old age of almost 39, a signing initially dismissed as a joke, says the BBC’s Sarah Rainsford in Havana. One writer described him as a cross between a crazy windmill and a duck flying backwards, our

correspondent says. But despite his years, his short stature, and unorthodox style, Marrero soon won over fans and critics alike. Renowned for his love of cigars and constant wisecracks as well as his game, the pitcher returned to Cuba after retiring and was still working as a coach into his 90s. Baseball remains Cuba’s most popular sport. And as one of players who stayed in the country after the revolution, Marrero is viewed as a link between the old professional Cuban League and post-revolution amateur Cuban national baseball system. “He was a living legend of Major League and also for baseball in Cuba before the revolution,” baseball fan Manuel Gallego told the Associated Press. (BBC)

Suns’ Dragic honoured as NBA’s Most Improved Player

For Lewis Hamilton, it was his 25th victory (breaking a tie with Juan Manuel Fangio) of his Formula One F1 career - 57th career podium. It was also Hamilton’s third win at the Shanghai International Circuit.

a fine start. Vettel also appeared to disregard team orders after being told to let Australia’s Ricciardo past. “Tough luck” came the reply over race radio, but he did move over shortly afterwards. Hamilton was involved in an epic battle with Rosberg in Bahrain, but spent much of the latest race in splendid isolation, finishing over 18 seconds clear as he took the

checkered flag. “It’s incredible, I just can’t believe how amazing this car is,” the 2008 world champion said in his post-race podium interview. “I was just really racing myself,” he added. Two-time champion Alonso was delighted to have edged ahead of the two Red Bulls after the ructions within his team which have seen Domenicali replaced by Marco Mattiacci.

GORAN Dragic has been honoured as the NBA’s Most Improved Player after his career year helped lead the Suns to 23 more wins this season. The 6-foot-3 guard from Slovenia came into the season with a career scoring average of 9.5 points in five years. He had 20.3 points and 5.9 assists per game as Phoenix went 4834 and just missed the playoffs in the tough Western Conference. Dragic shot 50.5 percent from the field and 40.8 percent on 3-pointers. He received 408 of a possible 1,134 points, including 65 firstplace votes, from a panel of 126 sports writers and broadcasters in the United States and Canada. Indiana’s Lance Stephenson was second with 158 points and 13 first-place votes, and New Orleans’ Anthony Davis third with 155 points and 16 firstplace votes. (AP/Yahoo)

Goran Dragic has been outstanding for the Suns this season.

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sports National Josh for Sports

A short history of the first TCI track and field legend JESUS said that a prophet is not without honour except in his own home town. It is extremely tricky to be a sports columnist and have to write a historical autobiography about oneself. One has to be careful to be objective, instead of subjective. But with all due respect I know that I’m experienced enough to rise to the occasion. When one has to blow one’s own trumpet, it’s hard, but the citizens of a country need to be informed about their history. If you do not know your own history, you are ignorant as to who you are and most times it means that you have no appreciation about where you are and thus have no concept of where you want to go and what it takes to get there. I was born in Bottle Creek, North Caicos on April, 21st, 1951 to Beatrice Gardiner (nee Williams), the eldest child and sister to Daniel Williams Jr. who joined with the PDM and Jags McCartney as an independent to form the first elected government in 1976. My father was Obed Sr. of Bottle Creek. My four grandparents were Forbes, Williams,

By Joshua Gardiner

Basden and Gardiner. At age four months my mother returned to Pine Ridge Grand Bahama to rejoin my father and oldest sister. FIRST SPRINT DASH My track career began out of necessity at the age of four. I was out front of our gate sucking my thumb and staring at the men as they were on their way from work. Suddenly and unceremoniously I felt a lash across my back coupled with my father’s voice shouting: “stop suck finger”. Sucking finger to me was my pacifier because I basically had no

one to play with or talk to. I took off like “a bat out of hell,” up to this day my father never caught me. That’s how I became a sprinter— to escape physical punishment. Like Mohamed Ali said: “he who turns and runs away, lives to fight another day”. At age five at a Nassau primary school I won my first medal—a bronze in the 50-yard dash. Actually, I got caught sleeping when the gun went off. From that point on, I never lost a race in my age bracket up until I went to university. Some of my exploits were: 1963- At age 12 I won the U-16 boys’ long jump competition for eastern seniors against southern seniors and western seniors. 1964- I was the St. John’s College Junior Boy’s champ. I won six gold medals in house sports: 100M, 400M, 800M, 4X100M, long jump, and high jump. Also in that year I won three gold medals at Inter-High School sports (high jump, 800M and 4X100M relay). I also played football, basketball and softball for St. John’s College.

1967: MUNRO COLLEGE JAMAICA In 1967 I entered Munro College and in house sports I won four gold medals. At age 16, I competed as a Class 1 athlete (100M, 4X100M, long jump, high jump and triple jump). In the triple jump I unofficially broke the world’s record for my age with a jump of 49’7’’. I went on to win the Western Champs as well as the Boys’ Champs for two consecutive years, which means that from 1968-69 I was Jamaica’s National High School Boy’s champion. JUST MISSED THE 1968 OLYMPIC TEAM In the summer of 1968 I just missed the Bahamas’ Olympic team that competed in Mexico City. Timothy Barrett (now a MD) a 24-year-old student at the University of South California beat me for the spot. SIU-1970 As a freshman at SIU, age 18, I became Illinois State Champion in the triple jump within three months

(the indoor season). I jumped 51’ 3,’’ which was a record. I also became the Mid-Western Conference Champion and the Central Collegiate Champion in the event which propelled me to become the second highest rated triple jumper in all USA universities during that time. OUT DOORS I won the Illinois State Championship, the Mid-Western, the Central Collegiate Championships, Kansas Relays and many other meets during that time. COMMONWEALTH GAMES 1970 That summer at age 19, I represented the Bahamas at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland. On that team were legends like Tommy Robinson, Dr. Bernard Nottage, Leslie Miller, Jerry Wisdom and Don Miller among others. This was just the basic information on my exploits over the year—the exploits of a living TCI sporting, international legend. Know your history, Love Josh!

A year later, Boston Marathon runners ‘take back that finish line!’ THE first American man to win the Boston Marathon since 1983 crossed the finish line Monday, triumphant in a storied race that has become a national symbol of resiliency and determination. Meb Keflezighi, 38, won the men’s division with an official time of 2:08:37, according to the Boston Marathon’s Facebook page. The women’s elite group began the 26.2-mile journey around 9:30 a.m. ET, and the elite men’s group at 10. Waves of other runners started after them. For Kenya’s Rita Jeptoo, 33, it was a second consecutive victory. She again won the women’s division with an unofficial -- and course record -- time of 2:18:57, according to the event’s official Twitter account. But for most of the 36,000 runners, the race had nothing to do with competition. The 2013 race was marred by bombings near the end of the course that killed three people and wounded more than 260. At the start Monday, as

competitors stood shoulder to shoulder, the race announcer shouted to them, “Take back that finish line!” Lee Ann Yanni told CNN before the race that she planned to run wearing a necklace with a silver stingray charm that her father gave her before he died of cancer. The force of the blasts as she ran in 2013 along Boylston Street failed to tear the memento from her body. She would not be stopped then, and she wouldn’t be stopped Monday, she vowed. Unable to walk for five and a half weeks, she eventually got back to training and finished the Chicago Marathon in October in 5 hours and 44 minutes. “I’m running for those who can’t,” she told CNN. “I don’t run very pretty ... but at the finish line, everybody is going to be represented.” Krystle Campbell, 29; Lu Lingzi, 23; and grade-schooler Martin Richard, 8, were killed in the 2013 bombing. Some of the wounded lost

limbs. J.P. Norden and his brother Paul recently recounted the confusion and horror of April 15, 2013, with CNN at the Forum Restaurant on Boylston Street. “Where we are right now where we got hurt, lost ... (it) changed our lives but, I don’t know. ...” J.P. said, struggling to find the words. Each brother had his right leg amputated, and they now walk on prosthetic legs. “It was such a tough journey and stuff,” J.P. said, “but we got so much help from everyone that it’s weird, it seems like so long away and ago and quick at the same time.” Another survivor, Marc Fucarile, also lost his right leg. He’s undergone numerous surgeries, but shrapnel is still lodged in the inner wall of his heart. If it moves, he could die. Recently, the 35-year-old went to a court hearing for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev who allegedly, along with his brother Tamerlan Tsarnaev, were responsible for the bombing.

Meb Keflezighi, 38, won the men’s division with an official time of 2:08:37, according to the Boston Marathon’s Facebook page.

St Kitts & Nevis to host 2015 CARIFTA Games – TCI misses out on 2016 Games ST KITTS and Nevis have been chosen to host the 2015 CARIFTA Games, while the 2016 Games will be held in Grenada. Both islands have hosted the Games before, with St Kitts and Nevis last hosting in 2008, while Grenada last hosted in 2000. Grenada was chosen as host venue for the 2016 games, an

interest which had also been expressed by the Turks and Caicos Islands, St Lucia and The Bahamas, who submitted Letters of Intent. However, according to the Jamaica Observer, St Lucia pulled out to support Grenada, while the Bahamas backed down in support of the TCI. (bernews)

Sports National

Some of TCI’s female rugby players after a training session.

Angelo Garland wants to dominate the national 400M records.

Rugby females invited to Cayman Islands competition -Visiting US coach impressed with TCIRFU set up THE Turks and Caicos national female rugby team has been invited to participate in a Halloween’s Women’s 7’s International Invitational in the Cayman Islands in late October at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex. With the NACRA Sevens female tournament set for Mexico in early December (3rd and 4th), the Cayman Invitational would give our females the much needed practice. The Halloween Invitational is scheduled to have eight teams in total with the Swedish National team, Rugby Ecosse and Bermuda already confirmed. The TCIRFU has placed special emphasis on developing female rugby in the islands and to that end had hosted a US female coach Sarah Rutman last week in Providenciales. Rutman was high in praises for

the local body, more so because the TCIRFU has its own facility (the Meridian Field). She said that this was important to attract more visiting teams. Rutman was helpful to the female players, she had lots of useful tips on skills and formations as well as ideas on how to progress the game in the TCI. The Morris Rugby Club (New Jersey based) player who has also coached university teams in the USA has travelled quite a lot around the Caribbean. “My interest was in what Caribbean rugby was like and how it develops differently between the islands. It was fun playing sevens with the Turks & Caicos women, hope for a successful team, and work with them to get more women’s teams to come visit.” Feedback from the local girls was

very positive and it was obvious that Rutman made an impact. Information from the TCIRFU PRO Paul Collis states that Rutman is one individual that is always welcome to the Meridian Field. “We hope to continue to keep in touch with Sarah and she has promised to spread the word to her extensive network of clubs in the New York/New Jersey area that the TCI Women’s Sevens Team is open for touring sides who want to come down, play some competitive games and experience all the TCI has to offer”. Collis added that the TCIRFU is always looking to recruit new players across all ages. Women’s training takes place every Monday night at the Meridian Field at 18:30h. Persons interesting in playing the sport can contact Collis via email at pro@rugby.tc.

President’s Cup:

Defending champions Rozo FC faces top opener DEFENDING champions Rozo Football Club will face a tough battle when they play in the President’s Cup opener on May 10th at the Academy Field. In a highly anticipated clash the 2013 PC champions will play the

April 26 - May 2, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

2013 league champions Cheshire Hall. Trailblazers will meet the Teachers in the opener from 17:30h. The third President’s Cup clash will see Beaches taking on the Sharks on Tuesday May 13th, from 19:00h before league winners the

AFC Academy meet new comers the Flamingos (a Haitian team from Dockyard) on Thursday May 15th from 19:00h. The semi-finals of the Cup will be played on May 17th, with the final set for May 24th.

Garland sets new outdoor PB and school record in 400M – Eyes national record ANGELO Garland’s march to become the 400M king in the TCI might soon be realised after the national athlete opened his outdoor season with the second best time in this nation’s 400M history. Garland, who holds the junior 400M record and the senior indoor record, also set a new school record in the meet. His personal best run of 47.89s (previous best 48.14s at CARIFTA 2013) was just behind Delano Williams’ national record of 47.81s made prior to him switching allegiances to Great Britain last year. CONFIDENCE The Texas A&M University Corpus Christi freshman is optimistic about becoming the new national record holder, more so because of the difficulty of his run last weekend at the Micheal

Johnson Classic at Baylor University in Waco Texas. Garland, who has been outstanding so far this season, called his 400 metre run, his “most strategic and challenging yet”. The former Munro College student, who placed third in his heat, had to run out of lane eight because his entry time was one of the slowest by the high quality field of runners. “I feel great and confident; this was my first outdoor 400M. At the same time I ran out of lane 8 so I’m pretty sure I can reach the national record.” 4X400M VICTORY The 400M specialist also anchored his school to victory in the 4X400M race. Garland split 47.50s to ensure his team reached the finish line in 3:15.6.

PABA Night League semis begin this weekend – HB battling to reach last four THE South Caicos Harbour Boys and a defiant J&D Collectors will battle for the last spot in this season’s Provo Amateur Basketball Association’s Night League final four when they meet in a must win third game in their best-in-three quarter-final series this Friday evening. If Harbour Boys win on Friday night, in the game that tips off at 19:00h, they will progress to their fourth semi-finals, but if they are

beaten the J&D Collectors will advance to their first semi-finals. The team that wins will meet former champions the Five Cays Flyers from Saturday in the best-in-three series. Meanwhile defending champions the GT Stallions and the Police Badgers will begin their semi-finals series on Friday night. The Badgers will look for revenge since the Stallions swept them in the best-in-five series last year.

April 26 - May 2, 2014

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CARIFTA 2014:

TCI athletes fall short of medals, but produced numerous PBs THE post Delano Williams, Angelo Garland and Ifeanyi Otuonye period was never going to be an easy one for team TCI, and with no medals at the 2014 CARIFTA Games it is obvious that our junior national athletics team is going through a process of rebuilding. What the medal table would not show, however, was the high calibre of athletes that competed this year from some of the other nations. Our athletes tried their hardest, but still fell short. TCI can take a lot out of the meet and should seek to iron out its shortcomings before the 2015 Games, which should see a much more improved showing. In Martinique our athletes did ruffle a few feathers and some showed the grit and determination to medal, but just fell short, while many proved that they tried their best with better times.

PERSONAL BESTS There were several outstanding performances by the TCI athletes: Corvil Woodens made four personal bests (16.25s in the 110M hurdles, 51.27s in the 400M, 11.54s in the 100M and 41.52m in the javelin), Courtney Missick ran 22.07s in the 200M and 50.18s in the 200M. Dana Eyna Sean Sparks ran 4:24s in the 1500M and 2:05s in the 800M, Jean Wadley ran 50.84s in the 400M, Daleovaun Hardware threw a PB in the shot put (11.78m in the U-18 division), Darly Francois ran 23.03s in the 200M, and Lucien Robinson ran 2:01.15s in the U-20 Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 800M.

MULTIPLE EVENTS WINNERS There were several outstanding performances on the track, but the effort that our youngsters put into the heptathlon and the Octathlon should be acknowledged. In the Octathlon (eight events) Corvil Woodens finished seventh with 5018 points while Wadley Jean placed eighth (4950 points) out of 15 athletes. Woodens finished tied for second in the high jump and third in the 1000M. Jean finished second in the 100M, was tied for second in the long jump, and was tied for third in the 400M. The females were also spectacular in the pentathlon. Kadine Delphin finished 12th, with 2807 points and Sanadia Forbes finished 13th with 2674 points. Forbes looked good early, but faltered in the javelin.

The 2014 TCI CARIFTA team. (photo by Gertrude Saunders-Forbes)

(l-r) Kadine Delphin, Sanadia Forbes, Corvil Woodens and Wadley Jean were outstanding in the heptathlon and Octathlon events. (Photo by Gertrude Saunders-Forbes)

AFC Academy win Provo Premier League title A HERBY Magny goal in the 82nd minute of play was all that was necessary to hand the AFC Academy the WIV Provo Premier League title last Tuesday at the TCIFA Academy ground. The bottom-of-the-table Teachers held their own for most of the game until Magny planted a shot into the top corner of the goal. If the Academy had lost or drawn the game defending champions Cheshire Hall had a good chance of keeping the spoils this season. A win over Rozo FC on May 3rd would have ensured it. They had mauled the Trailblazers on Saturday

9-1 to ramp up their gold difference standing. In that game it was Rodney Etienne who led the attack for the winners with five goals. Academy finish this season with 30 points from 12 games, while Cheshire Hall can get a maximum of 28 points (if they beat Rozo, they currently have 25 points). The SWA Sharks are third with 19 points from 12 games. They moved ahead of Rozo after a 2-1 victory last Saturday. Rozo are on 16 points from nine games with Beaches, Trailblazers and Teachers follow in that order.

Herby Magnyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal led Academy to the title.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 26 - May 2, 2014

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April 26 - May 2, 2014