Turks and Caicos Weekly News by TC Weekly News

Weekly News VAT should Volume 26 | No. 48 | December 1 – 7, 2012

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Robert Hall elected PAGE Speaker of the 4 National Assembly PDM members call for leader’s resignation

MEMBERS of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), this week, called for the resignation of leader, Oswald Skippings. PAGE  8

STAY

– Simmonds

HOPES for a repeal of Value Added Tax (VAT) were dimmed on Tuesday after United Kingdom Minister for the Overseas Territories in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Mark Simmonds, said he would prefer to see VAT implemented. PAGE  5

House passes salaries and allowances bill PAGE  6

The people’s representatives in the House of Assembly during the opening of the 10th Session, the government, left, and the Opposition, right.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 1 – 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 1 – 7, 2012

Robert Hall elected Speaker of the National Assembly – Josephine Connolly gets unanimous support as Deputy Speaker BY VANESSA NARINE THE 10th session of the House of Assembly marked the official return of democracy to the Turks and Caicos Islands. The 15 elected members and four appointed members were sworn in as representatives of the people. The first order of business on Wednesday, at the NJS Francis Building, Grand Turk,was the election of the House Speaker and Deputy Speaker. People’s Democratic Movement’s (PDM) Josephine Connolly was unanimously voted in as Deputy Speaker. Robert Hall was nominated by Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, and was elected in a close vote, 10 to nine, in the government’s favour. The Progressive National Party’s (PNP) eight elected representatives, their appointed member, Ruth Blackman, and the Governor’s appointed member, John Phillips, voted for Hall. On the other side of the House, all seven of the PDM’s elected members and their appointed member, Clarence Selver, voted against Hall. Lillian Misick, the Governor’s second appointed member, voted with the Opposition, bringing the vote to 10 to nine. As Speaker of the House, Hall pledged to uphold the dignity of the House and called for all members to familiarise themselves with the House’s standing orders. Hall stressed to the need for the people’s representatives in the House of Assembly to ensure that Turks and Caicos Islanders never “suffer the indignities” they endured over the last years. “We will never go down that road again,” the Speaker posited. The post of Clerk of the House was taken on by Tracey Parker. The other major item of the

House’s agenda was the first reading of the Remunerations Bill, which was read and deferred for debate on Friday, November 30. SIMILAR SENTIMENTS TCI’s three top leaders, Governor Ric Todd, the Premier and leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, also addressed the House. All three expressed similar sentiments, that the nation is at the start of a new chapter in its history and the road ahead will be a challenging one. Governor Ric Todd, whose address was interrupted by a brief, but untimely blackout, said, “This is a happy day for the people of TCI. “This occasion represents the achievement of widely shared objectives. This now is an emotional moment for many of us. “Tony Blair once referred to ‘the hand of history on our shoulder’. I think we can feel that hand here today. “Mr. Speaker I know you will, as traditional, allow me a few words of congratulations and appreciation as I stand before you and make the throne speech. “First, I offer my congratulations to you Speaker. Our pleasure is tinged only with the regret that we will no longer hear you or your radio show. “My thanks and appreciation go also to all who have brought us to this happy occasion. “To the election workers for example, to those in business, in government, in civil society, whose hard work and dedication enable the objectives of elections to be met. “As the House of Assembly begins we should remember what Bishop Boyd said, ‘Now is the time to work together.’ “It is not of course easy to navigate a country’s future in these uncertain global times, but we all remember

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Robert Hall was elected Speaker in a 10 to nine vote, in the government’s favour

the first rule of navigation, which is to know where you are and how you got there. “Mr. Speaker, honourable members I know you will want to join me in thanking the public servants of TCI on this occasion. “In my 14 months here, I have had the honour and pleasure of meeting teachers and health workers, officials in ministries, the uniform services. “I would like to say thank you to them for all they have done in the months I have been here and the months before. “My appreciation and gratitude is shared by this House and by the people of TCI.” In his address, the Premier made it clear that sustainable prosperity is his administration’s focus in beginning a new chapter for the nation. He said, “The past three years have been the most difficult for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. “Even though democracy has been restored, the road ahead is paved with challenges on the road to prosperity….our responsibilities are enormous and it is important that the honourable members of this House work diligently, united around a common goal, in the best interest of the people of these Islands. “We have much to achieve as

a people and as a country…I am confident that the determination of our people, the hard work of our public servants, enactment of policies and legislations, and the commitment of the members of this honourable House we shall overcome.” The Premier, in addition to expressing his gratitude for the support of his family, party and the people, stressed that is an honour and privilege to have the opportunity to serve – one that will not be taken lightly. The Leader of the Opposition also had words of appreciation and commended the people of the TCI for their “resoluteness”. She said, “The road to this House of Assembly has not been an easy one. There were twists and turns, detours, rocky paths, prickly bush and other obstacles that marred the path.” MAINTAIN FOCUS According to her, it is quintessential that the people’s representatives maintain their focus. “I am here to stay; not only to stay as it relates to permanence, but to stay in relation to staying the course of this country as we, both PNP and PDM, continue to move forward in the right direction,” she said. Cartwright-Robinson pointed out

that the TCI has been “waffling in the throes of indecision” for far too long. She said, “Our country has not had the leadership of integrity, sincerity, honest and open dealings, totally lacking transparency, to the extent that others thought they had to ‘rescue’ us. “And you see, this is the big problem that we faced during this hard fought election. There was the constant misplacing of clear and codified objectives. “What was it we were striving for? Was it merely the dethroning of the PNP and the enthroning of the PDM? “While some might quickly respond with a yes to both, I wish to remind us that our quest was the restoration of our country; the returning of our country into the hands of its people. “For no matter how well-intended external governments are, no one can do for us what we need to do for ourselves.” The Opposition Leader extended an “olive branch” to the government and stressed the need to work together for the good of all Turks and Caicos Islanders. The next sitting of the House of Assembly was on Friday, November 30.

Cabinet agrees to delay 2013/2014 budget preparations

CABINET agreed to delay the 2013/2014 budget preparations at their second meeting, on Thursday, following the opening of the 10 Session of the House of Assembly on Wednesday. According to Governor Ric Todd, Chair of Cabinet, the delay will give ministers the time they need to prepare, given the timing between the elections and the date the budget is expected to presented. The Minister of Finance, Charles Washington Misick, agreed to make a proposal to the House of Assembly that the Budget Timetable for planning financial year 2013-14 is postponed for six or eight weeks Todd was speaking to the media after Cabinet met at the NJS Francis Building in Grand Turk. According to him, several issues

were addressed, aside from the new budget, including a review of the draft document on the Governance Principles, which are expected to be discusses at the next Cabinet meeting, before being presented to the House for debate. Todd said the draft document on the Procedures of Cabinet, in line with article 28 of the Constitution, is expected to be finalised at the next Cabinet meeting, before submission to the House of Assembly for debate. The Governor noted too that the country’s fiscal statements were also looked at. This included the report on the actual performance in the first six months of the financial year and the financial forecast figures for the reminder of the year. Cabinet also discussed the draft

Fiscal and Strategic Policy Statement and is expected to consider this further and finalise it at the next meeting. The Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, was also on hand to speak to the media after the Cabinet meeting. He stated that the discussions were fruitful and pointed out that the draft document on the Governance Principles is new and will have to be reviewed before going to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for Minister Mark Simmonds to approve it. According to him, strengthening the government’s Investment Unit and developing an investment policy were also matters on the agenda for discussion at Cabinet. The next Cabinet meeting is scheduled for December 12. (VANESSA NARINE)

December 1 – 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

VAT should stay –Simmonds

BY VANESSA NARINE HOPES for a repeal of Value Added Tax (VAT) were dimmed on Tuesday after United Kingdom Minister for the Overseas Territories in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Mark Simmonds, said he would prefer to see VAT implemented. Simmonds stated that VAT is a decision for the government, only if the repeal is made within the country’s fiscal and financial framework. At a press conference at the Regent Palm’s conference room, he said, “If VAT will not be implemented from April 1 next year, where is the revenue going to come from? “Otherwise there is a danger that the fiscal targets will not be met. “It is a decision of the government, but the decisions must be made in the fiscal and financial framework.” According to the minister, VAT has been the main topic of discussion he has had with stakeholders during his visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands. However, he stressed that the UK’s position is clear. “The public finances in TCI when the constitution was suspended were a mess and the interim government, in all its facets including its consultative groups, have turned the public finances around,” he said. “We are absolutely clear that the progress made in the financial and fiscal framework must be maintained and the targets in place to produce surpluses by certain dates must be adhered to. “Within this context and architecture the VAT, which will come into operation on April 1 next year, should stay in operation, unless the Premier and his government can find evidence for an alternative. “If an alternative can be found on a sustainable and reliable revenue stream from another source then I will look at it.” VAT IS IMPORTANT The minister made it clear that VAT is important because sound financial management and prudent fiscal disciple are a prerequisite for economic growth, economic development and job creation. He said, “Particularly with the problems that the TCI has had in the past, it is even more important that this fiscal discipline and financial prudent management be seen to be adhered to for a number of reasons. “There is no doubt the problem the interim government inherited is a major challenge…the financial management is a key part of that. “I think that VAT in itself is a tax used widely in the developed and developing world…at the end of

the day what is important is that the financial and fiscal framework, and the hurdles within that in terms of the surplus, are met.” Simmonds dismissed that the fact that not all of the TCI are opposed to the new tax regime. He said, “I do not accept that 100 per cent of people are against VAT….the thing that I have been impressed with by Premier Ewing and other politicians I have spoken to is the determination to continue the prudent financial and fiscal management of the TCI. “Within that architecture, if there is an alternative, a sustainable revenue stream, that can be demonstrated that VAT is either not necessary at all or should be at a lower rate or should be deferred then I have said that I will look at it.” REQUEST TO DEFER Premier Ewing, who was also on hand for the press conference, said his government has requested that VAT’s implementation date be deferred for another year. He said, “It is clearly outlined in our manifesto that we will come into government and look at alternatives to VAT and bring those alternatives to the public for consultation before making a decision on any of the options, “We are confident that the financial projection and the economic future of the TCI looks bright and that we can meet the revenue targets without VAT. “What we intend to do is to ask the minister to allow us to defer VAT for a year to give us time for public consultation on the alternatives to VAT and at the same time analyse and assess our performance of the traditional revenue methods in tightening revenue control mechanisms to see how we perform in reaching those targets without VAT. “If we can show that these are sound financial projectionsand are indeed acceptable to the FCO and the UK government, we would hope that they would grant the request to defer VAT while we conduct, what we call, trial of traditional methods, proven methods, and conduct public consultation.” Ewing stressed that he is confident that his government will be able to show that their projections of traditional revenue raising methods will meet or even exceed the targets set within the fiscal and financial framework Simmonds talked about. The Premier said, “What we intend to do is do financial modelling of each of the strategies…we have several strategies to improve our financial position. “We will look at the impact of those strategies in the month

reports, the quarterly projections, are not very realistic. “The projections for the fourth quarter are based on second and third quarter revenue and we know that second and third quarters are the slowest in the TCI’s economy. “We cannot take the second and third quarter and make projections for the peak periods in the economy. As it is those projections are not realistic.”

From left, Governor Ric Todd, Minister Mark Simmonds and Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing

of December…have them based on sound financial principles, current trends, realistic and reliable projections based on what investment opportunities we have on the table…it is for us to prove that we can meet those revenue targets and get the request for VAT to be deferred approved.” ACTING ON GOOD FAITH The Premier stated that his government is acting on good faith. He said, “The UK has said that it is up to us and we are going to go with faith and do our projections based on our no new taxes measures and then prove we can meet the revenue targets with the traditional revenue methods.

“We hope that once we do the modelling and show them [the UK] the financial projections we will be able inspire a high level of confidence. “We are confident we can do this before April 1, 2013, because the current financial projections on revenue for 2013/2014, without VAT, can meet the targets. “Also we have not factored in new projects that will start next year… which would raise government revenue. “We know that non-compliance is an issue…we need to strengthen the revenue collection unit, instead of using the same staff to implement VAT…I am sure that this can help. “Even the current quarterly

UNITED HOUSE Asked about the possibility of the request for a deferral being rejected, Ewing said the next go to will be to have a united House of Assembly to block VAT. He said, “I hope we have a united House…we will take this issue to the people through the House. “We can present a bill that will carry an opposition. “The government has the prerogative to oppose things. The Governor has the power to veto, but at least we as a House can stand united.” Both sides of the House have expressed clear opposition to the implementation of VAT. In the private sector, the most vocal opposition has come from the Turks and Caicos Independent Business Council (TCIBC), which earlier this month said was cautiously optimistic that Simmonds would support their cause. At the grassroots level opposition has also been widespread, no-one anticipating the introduction of a new tax regime. VAT is scheduled to be implemented on April 1, 2013.

Return to democracy a step in the right direction, Davis BAHAMIAN deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Urban Development, Phillip Davis, stressed that the Turks and Caicos Islands’ return to democracy is a step in the right direction. However, he maintained also that the road ahead will not be easy. Davis pointed out that when it comes to the level of British control in the Islands, there are some things that are disconcerting. “There has always been a disconnectbetween cultural views, and with cultural meshing,” he said. The deputy Prime Minister stated that despite this, the TCI has taken the first step in a long process and the end goal must be centred on the views and desires of the people. “There is a long way to go and not an easy one,” Davis posited. On that note, he made it clear that the TCI has the support of neighbouring Bahamas.

Bahamian deputy Prime Minister, Phillip Davis

He said, “We have will continue to support the TCI in their quest.” The deputy Prime Minister noted that in the House of Assembly, elected members have to decide on charting a path, deciding on laws, which will eventually place the Islands on the path to self-determination. According to him, as representatives

of the people, politicians have to subdue political interest and act in the best interest of the people and, by extension, the country. Asked about developing greater collaborative links with the TCI, Davis noted that these are dependent on the vision of the government of the day. He said, “We have always had open relations; economically, in terms of healthcare and in matters related to the judiciary. “We will continue to collaborate, especially since a large number of persons in the Bahamas share a TCI heritage and vice versa.” Davis added that the Bahamas is interested in deepening relations with the TCI. The deputy Prime Minister was part of a 12-member delegation that was in the TCI on Wednesday for the opening of the House of Assembly. (VANESSA NARINE)

December 1 – 7, 2012

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 financial cliff?

FINANCE Minister, Charles Washington Misick, last week, stressed that without the monies recovered from both the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT)and the Civil Recovery Programme (CRP), the TCI’s financial position would be dismal. He made it clear that unless the economy picks up pace, the country could end up with a deficit budget next year. What are your thoughts?

Targets, targets

The SIPT, its gains or costs, are not a target; Washington is himself a potential target. SIPT announced that $1.3m from Dr Pine of Beaches was sent to Prestigious Properties, which is the realty firm run by Washington. The money destined as a contribution to the Progressive National Party ended up paying some of brother Michael’s many bills. The report was that hand written notes in the files of the realty company redirected the funds to Michael. Now the realty company has fallen on hard times under this man’s management. Then as chairman of the board of the TCI Bank this same now Financial Minister wasted almost $20million in the people’s pension funds invested in the bank plus all the other

stockholders investments. How was this fellow ever elected? Nice guy, but he proved he could not manage anything when he was Chief Minister back in the early 1990s. Of course we will be in deficit because the health plan is absorbing nearly half of the country’s income and the interest on the $260 million debt run up by the former government of Washington Misick’s relatives and friends is taking what is left.

Second round maybes!

The Finance Minister who is affiliatedwith the PNP should be used to deficit budgets since

the PNP always leavesthe country with one. I would personally be afraid to give them the samecorrupt people monies that got us in this mess in the first place. Maybe it’s justme, but maybe they will be better the second time around.

Get creative guys! That is why we elected you. If we wanted zero creativity,we would keep the governor in power!

Get creative

It must be interesting for everyone to hear this coming fromMisick seeing that most if not all of the subjects of the SIPT and CRP programmes are ardent and influential supporters of his party. Nevertheless, the new Government must be very careful to immediately demonstrate a kind of fiscal responsibility and economic impetus that matches or surpasses the gains that the interim government were touting as its own achievement (whether rightly or wrongly). It must be accurately perceived that a local (elected) government can perform as well as or even better than an appointed one.

It sounds like Washy is leading us up to keeping the VAT in place! I amnot sure why the new government, which are supposed to have more capable andcreative leaders than the British socialist bureaucrats, do not look atincreasing taxes on tourists. Bed taxes in other jurisdictions run as high as 15 per cent. Auto rental taxes are equally as high. Florida has a six per cent development tax on hotel bills; other additional taxes are put on other tourist services. All are much easier to manage than this VAT and producegood revenues without putting the burden on the local population. We had nohesitation in putting a new departure tax on our airport redevelopment. Everyone pays it and I have heard very little negative fallout about it. We are looking for ‘high end’ tourists here. Another four per cent on their hotel bills or a 10 per cent auto rental tax is not going to dissuade them from comingwhen they are willing to pay $1000 a night for a hotel room!

Interesting turn

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House passes salaries and allowances bill BY VANESSA NARINE THE House of Assembly (Speaker and Other Members) Salaries and Allowances 2012 bill was passed on Friday, with several amendments being made to the document. However, not many changes in terms of the actual amounts of the salaries and allowances could be made. Prior to the Bill being taken to the House, the Integrity Commission, as mandated through the Constitution, prepared a report recommending the maximum amounts of salaries and allowances to be paid to elected officials.

The Attorney General, Huw Shepheard, during the session pointed out that according to the Constitution, “The House of Assembly shall not proceed on any bill for an Ordinance referred to in subsection (1) unless a report by the Integrity Commission recommending the appropriate levels of such remuneration and allowances has been laid before the House and has been published; and no Ordinance shall provide for levels of remuneration or allowances that exceed the levels recommended in such report.” The Bill was read for the second time and the House dissolved into Committee, chaired by deputy

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Speaker, Josephine Connolly, to consider the amendments. Both sides of the House agreed that amendments to payable amounts would be debated following amendments to the Integrity Commission’s report. When the session recommenced, the Bill was read for the third, and final, time and passed. Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, in his comments, pointed out that while the Integrity Commission’s report cited parliamentary practices from across the Caribbean region, as it relates to salaries and allowances for the Turks Caicos Islands’ (TCI) regional counterparts, the input of local officials should have been sought. “This may have been done to protect us from ourselves,” he said. However, Ewing maintained that the locally elected officials should have been allowed to have a say. Health and Human Services Minister, Amanda Misick, although interrupted by Speaker, Robert Hall, who urged her to confine her comments to the issue at hand, made her input – pointing out that TCI is unique compared to the other countries in the Caribbean region, which were referenced by the Integrity Commission. According to her, the remunerations must “adequately” reflect the responsibilities of elected

officials. She pointed out that the salaries for the government has been reduced from what it was in the last Session of the House of Assembly, while those of the Opposition and appointed House members were increased. Misick said the Premier’s salary per annum was reduced from $150,000 to $140,000; the deputy Premier’s reduced from $135,000 to $126,000; and Cabinet ministers reduced from $125,000 to $113,000. The Minister noted that the Leader of the Opposition and House Speaker’s salaries per year was increased from $48,000 to $75,000; while other elected officials’ salaries were increased from $36,000 to $70,000; and appointed members’ salaries increased from $30,000 to $70,000. She said, “If we don’t stand up for ourselves, how can we stand up for the people?” Misick maintained that there is a strong case for the salaries and allowances to be returned to what they were in the last Session of the House of Assembly. Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, reiterated similar sentiments as her colleague on the other side of the House, stressing that the TCI’s case is unique in itself. The government’s appointed

member, Ruth Blackman, was another vocal member at Friday’s sitting, whose comments were largely centered on ensuring the process was followed. Blackman was the Assembly’s Clerk in the last Session of the House. The remuneration and allowances payable to the Speaker and the other members of the House of Assembly are charged on and be paid out of the Consolidated Fund, according to the Constitution. The House of Assembly also addressed the appointments of members to two Standing Committees of the House, in addition to the Appropriations Committee and the Public Accounts Committee. The Committees, according to the Constitution, are each charged with responsibility for monitoring the conduct of business of the Government for which responsibility has been assigned to a Minister or Ministers. Additionally, the motion to appoint Reverend Julia Elizabeth Williams as it Chaplin for the 10the Session of the Assembly was deferred. The House of Assembly since 2003 has appointed the Chaplin for this Honorable House. The next sitting of the House is scheduled for next year.

December 1 – 7, 2012

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

From left, Deputy Governor Anya Williams and Governor Ric Todd during the service

TCI’s elected leaders during the ecumenical service

A cross section at the congregation at the St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Grand Turk

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing and First Lady, Dr. Dawn Perry-Ewing

Bishop Laish Boyd delivers strong words to elected leaders and the Brits

BY VANESSA NARINE

ARCHBISHOP of the Anglican Church in the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, Laish Boyd, had strong words for the nation’s elected leaders, as well as the Brits this week. He spoke during the ecumenical service, preceding the opening of the 10th Session of the House of Assembly, at the St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Grand Turk, on Wednesday. The Archbishop made it clear that the task at hand, governance and administration, is a “huge one” that comes at an important juncture in the country’s history. He commended the interim administration’s many accomplishments over the last three years. However, Boyd noted that the “heavy burden” going forward is left to the government of the day. He acknowledged that there is local suspicion over the level of control the British still wield, even with the return to democratic rule, but made it clear that the circumstances that led the British involvement in local affairs cannot be denied. “The lack of confidence is understandable…things happened that should not have happened,” Boyd posited. On that note, he made it clear that

the culpability is not only with the locals who have been charged to date, but also with the United Kingdom, whose sitting Governors, during the administration of former governments, represented the parent country. “There has been no mention of the ultimate culpability of the British,” Boyd said. He made it clear, however, that at this juncture in the nation’s history, the focus must be on where the TCI is and where the country must move to. The Archbishop called for unity among elected representatives going forward and stressed the need for “commitment to the process” to

ensure that the democratic process works for the people of the Islands. According to him, the current administration must govern the nation for its good and, more importantly, for the good of “all people” dwelling in the Islands. Singling out Dr. Rufus Ewing, Boyd stressed that the job of Premier is one that must be taken seriously. He said, “You do not do this for yourself, but for the good of the TCI.” Boyd pointed out that leaders are held to a higher standard, adding that the sum total of one’s leadership must be good. He urged that all elected

A section of the Bahamian delegation on an official visit to the TCI for the opening of the House of Assembly

representatives open themselves to taking advice, to learn, to stay informed from the people who are better placed to understand the dynamics of areas like the public service. The Archbishop called for elected officials to: be on the job, but ensure they do not neglect their families; work hard, but ensure their health and wellbeing is a priority; be forthcoming, transparent and accountable; avoid being selfservice, rather aim higher and step outside themselves in service to the people of the TCI. He also called for them to work together and be respectful of each

Leader of the Opposition, SharleneCartwright-Robinson, and husband Lorne Robinson

other and not oppose for opposition sake; stop fighting and start fixing; and most importantly not to forget God, keeping in mind the TCI’s founding principles are bases on the principles of Christianity. Boyd also called on Islanders to not only act as watchdogs to hold the leader to high standards, but also respect and love them. “The Turks and Caicos Islands has lost too much valuable time already…move forward, upward and onward together,” he stressed. The Archbishop, a respected religious leader, has been vocal in the past years offering his support and advice to the TCI.

Anglican Archbishop Laish Boyd during his address

NEWS

December 1 – 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PDM members call for leader’s resignation – Sharlene-Cartwright Robinson tipped to be new leader BY VANESSA NARINE MEMBERS of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), this week, called for the resignation of leader, Oswald Skippings. In an interview with the Weekly News, PDM chairman, Lyndon Hall, said a large number of members “enough members” - support the call for Skippings removal as leader. “While Mr. Skippings feels that he should be at the party’s helm, enough members feel that he should not be the leader,” the PDM chairman said. He explained that if Skippings fails to resign, the party’s National General Council (NGC) will convene before the end of the year to vote on

PDM chairman Lyndon Hall

the motion to have him removed as party leader. Hall added too that deputy leader and the first female leader of the Opposition, Sharlene CartwrightRobinson, is tipped to be the new leader of the PDM. He said, “At this point Mrs. Cartwright-Robinson would be the obvious choice for leader among members.” The party chairman stressed that “enough members” are challenging Skippings’ leadership to cause the NGC to back the call for his resignation. Skippings was unavailable for comment up to press time. The embattled party leader has

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing

been very vocal since he lost his bid to secure a seat in the National Assembly. Party members and voters who spoke to the Weekly News contended that Skippings’ comments were those of a “sore loser.” Others said that the point of his undoing was the party’s final rally where his final campaign bid was tinged with an attack on his own party members who he said were “selling him out,” rather than focusing on the important messages. After the election, Skippings named former party leader, Floyd Seymour, as one of the members who affected his performance at the polls.

Attorney General Huw Shepheard

PDM awaiting AG’s pronouncement on elections’ petitions BY VANESSA NARINE THE People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) is awaiting the Attorney General’s (AG) pronouncement on the three petitions challenging the election process on November 9. PDM chairman, Lyndon Hall, told the Weekly News that the AG, Huw Shepheard, is expected to make an announcement on December 4. The party took to the Supreme Court, last week, to challenge the results in Grand Turk North, North and Middle Caicos, and Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills. The challenge in Leeward was not filed, as was indicated last week, following the results of investigations into allegations of infringement of the constitution and procedural irregularities. The PDM charges that there were procedural irregularities, briberies, infringement of the Constitution

Order 2011 and breaches of the Election Ordinance 2012 on polling day. Members added thatthese acts involved several candidates from the Progressive National Party (PNP), the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) and the Supervisor of Elections. The petitions were filed after the party’s National General Council (NGC) requested that a selective group of attorneys review the results from the election. Hall said, “We are awaiting word from the AG and that will determine our next step.” In Grand Turk North, electoral district 1, the Progressive National Party’s (PNP) George Lightbourne won by 17 votes with a total of 353, while the PDM’s Derek Rolle secured 336 votes. The margin in North and Middle Caicos was the closest of the districts, a mere 11 votes with the PNP’s

Ricardo Don Hue Gardiner securing 261, while the PDM’sAshwood Forbes won 250 votes. Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills was also contested by three candidates’ with the PNP’s Amanda Misick winning with 394, the PDM’s Oral Selver second with 364 and Dr. Edward Smith from the People Progressive Party (PPP) trailing with 58 votes. Asked to comment on the filing of the petitions, Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, said, “This is a democracy and people have a right to exercise their democratic rights.” He added that if his party is thrown back into campaign mode, in the event a by-election is called, he is confident that he will be able to wear both hats of Premier and leader of the PNP. Ewing made it clear that he had no other comment to make on the matter.

PDM Leader Oswald Skippings

Last week, Seymour responded by saying that Skippings’ claimed that he lost his bid for elected office because, “I did not support him and I campaigned directly to potential voters urging them not to vote for him” were “false and untruthful”. After the final election results were announced, Skippings also told the media that there could be “no PDM government without him”.

Running At-Large, he placed seventh among 11 candidates with just 2,902 votes, a whopping 535 votes below Cartwright-Robinson who copped the top vote. Along with the PDM’s deputy leader, Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing; PDM’s Derek Taylor; PNP’s Washington Misick; and PDM’s Josephine Connolly, were the other four candidates elected to the House in the At-Large bid.

BlakOut Crew launches first Christmas single LOCAL recording group BlakOut Crew joined RTC on the group’s famous day of the year, Black Friday for the launch of their first Christmas single. The name of the single is “Christmas Wish” and features Blak Bird aka E-Swann, Trigga Api, Orane and Chrystal Charles. The single was birthed out of an idea to celebrate this best time of the year, Christmas. BlakOut Crew has been concentrating on new frontiers; so far the group has released several singles in 2012. The first was dedicated to fathers across the TCI entitled, “Chasing Pavements”, the second single “Summer Girl” was an instant hit in the Caribbean on the “Summer Bubble riddim” produced by J-Vibes, “Shake it off” was released by BlakOut Crew to encourage and remind Turks & Caicos Islanders how important this election would be and the club sensation, “Girls What’s Up”, is a slamming club banger which is blowing up the night spots already in Europe and Canada and are raking in massive

downloads on itunes. Their final single for 2012 will be their holiday track Christmas Wish written by Orane, Trigga Api and Blak Bird and produced by Orane. They have been spending a considerable amount of time working on other ideas that will create international opportunities for the group and TCI. BlakOut Crew leader, Eustace Swann (E-Swann), sat with the Connoisseur on the RTC’s ER and shared the vision for 2013. He spoke about trying new formats, and perhaps collaborating on an international track that will give the group that surge. The group did their third international collaboration, which will receive international promotion, should the record company pick this track up. No details were released about the track, the artiste or the release date based on the terms of the track set to be released. According to the group, their main focus after a rough year is to spread Christmas cheer with their new single.

December 1 – 7, 2012

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

FacetoFace

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

with VANESSA NARINE

A series that seeks to engage the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands on issues and act as a medium through which they can hear from prominent personalities on current concerns, including on politics, development and the environment, among others.

The balance of power THE first sitting of the 10th Session of the House of Assembly hinted at an encouraging sign for the Turks and Caicos Islands – a united House that will step back from partisan politics and forge ahead in the interest of the people. The balance of power currently favours the people of the Islands, given that the consensus among elected representatives is that the ‘enemy’ here is the British. The struggle now is against the British’s level of control; the kind of control that has major impact on everything from Value Added Tax (VAT) and Crown land to spending over $5,000 and budget decisions that affect public expenditure. Most importantly the struggle is against what political leaders deem a “regressive” constitution. What is clear is that as long as the Brits remain the ‘red’, common ground for the opposing parties, the House, more or less, is likely to remain bipartisan. A return to partisan politics may be far from the minds of most, but in the interest of remaining grounded in reality, it should at least remain in the back of one’s mind – particularly considering the People’s Democratic Movement’s three petitions in the Supreme Court and the possibility of by-elections. There are dozens of interesting observations to make from shifts in

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing

the balance of power over the years. However, for the time being, the people or rather the people’s elected representatives have that power. NATIONALISM As it stands, the play looks to be fast turning to one of nationalism politics, a movement that consciously aims to unify a nation, create a state, or free it from foreign or imperialistic rule. That said, Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, told the Weekly News that the balance of power is undoubtedly in favour of the Turks and Caicos

Man sentenced for fraudulent sale of crown land THE Supreme Court in Providenciales, on Wednesday, found a 56-yearold male of Middle Caicos guilty for six counts of Obtaining Property by Deception and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. Vernon Forbes was also ordered to pay restitution of $28,700 by November 28, 2013 or an serve additional two years imprisonment. During 2007 to 2008, six nonnationals fell victim to Forbes scheme. Vernon Forbes sold varying size lots of Crown land, to the unsuspecting victims. Commissioner of Crown Land, Tatum Clerveaux, said, “The Crown Land Unit and the Planning Department began working closely together in 2009 to curtail what appeared to be

a proliferation of self-helped development in the Five Cays area. “The placement of legal notice to discontinue development, from the Planning Department and the Crown Land Unit, on the illegal structures led to the victims coming forward. “It did not take long for the Departments to realise that what was happening was more than just sqatting; but also unscrupulous individuals were engaged in selling Crown land for personal gain.” The matter was brought to the attention of the Financial Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police, for further investigation. Forbes is the third individual charged with selling property by deception.

Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson

Islands. He said, “I think the balance of power, when it comes to a united House,would be what we need to hurdle to move this country forward, especially when it comes to issues like VAT, Crown land polices and the Equality Bill. “We will need a united House. “There are a lot of things we have to approach from a united front going forward. “There will be things that we disagree on, but I would think that these are not disagreements based on partisan politics, but because members of the House truly believe that one way is not the best way to go. If that is the decision of the House then that decision will be respected.” The Leader of the Opposition shared similar sentiments. SharleneCartwright-Robinson said, “I don’t see a problem going forward. “The election of the House Speaker the last bit of politicking I think. “Going forward people will understand that rather than be tied in grid locking, it is important to work together or that may become our biggest stumbling block. “I don’t foresee it [the situation with the balance of power] as a problem.” In the interest of balance, the views of a non-elected representative of the House were important. John Phillips, one of the Governor’s two appointees, said, “I am very enthusiastic about the condition of the House. “We have to rise like the phoenix from the ashes and with a tightly contested race both sides of the House are obliged to the people to cooperate and decide on what is best, we need to push for better future

development of the economy. “The interesting thing is both parties ran on almost identical platforms, jobs and education and the economy and development. I would put healthcare as the only thing aside “I hope to see great things. No one has a magic wand, we have to work hard to put the stepping stones in place to improvement. It can never be quick.” IMPACTFUL CHANGE The political landscape is always changing and history suggests that it is never long before the landscape shifts again. Nationalism is an ideology grounded in the allegiance to one’s nation and could act as a bolster to indigenous Turks and Caicos Islanders’ sense of national pride.

John Phillips

The hope is that the current play of nationalism politics, a powerful force in itself, leaves a lasting impression on the people in particular – a people who have been criticised for having short memories by their own. Studies have shown that the impact of nationalism politics can be manifested in the: • Revitalisation of national unity in cultures with clear distinctions between us and others; • Improvement of heritage; and • Primordial transformation of culture and identity and of the narratives of cultural institutions, among others. While nationalism politics run the risk of a country’s people becoming exclusive, the final impact is left to be seen. An interesting play of politics indeed!

REPORTER TRAINEE Preferably a high school graduate with extremely good writing skills. Applicant must be proficient in English and should have a keen interest in the language. Assignments will include political rallies, the courts and general community activities. Successful candidate must be neat and well presented, and should be able to drive and use a camera. He/she should also posses a working knowledge of computers. Only Belongers need apply.

Send resume to the publisher, Weekly News, tcweeklynews@yahoo.com.

December 1 – 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Jojo says no To the residents of Turks and Caicos, I am writing this letter in order to appeal to your humanity, compassion, intellect and common sense. As a painter in Provo, I spend my time painting the wonderful Grace Bay beach and talking to visitors to these beautiful islands. They ALL state - with great emphasis - that the reason they keep coming back, some of them for 10 or 20 years, the reason why they have invested or are considering investment, is because these islands are beautiful, pristine, unspoiled and un-crowded, because they are just so wonderfully different from all the ‘run of the mill’ places they had visited before. The Turks and Caicos Islands are unique in a great many ways, and all of these are connected to their natural beauty. Indeed there are economic problems and indeed there is a need for more employment opportunities, however, this country has a very special and unique market niche that, if lost, will be only regained with greatest difficulty. We must think of future generations that will be in danger of not having anything left, unless we protect it for them. In (not only) my opinion we need to concentrate on preserving the natural beauty of this place.

Supporting developments that will bring cruelty to animals, high rise buildings or dredging around reefs and mangroves will only damage the TCI. The Islands may gain a FEW jobs in the short term, but future generations will be much worse off having lost their natural assets. Please allow me to use an example from my past to explain the importance of protecting the environment: Prior to coming here, I spent 25 years travelling and moving from one continent to another. One of the places I lived in (for five years) was Dubai, a country that had the same potential TCI have: the same pristine seas, coral reefs, wildlife, beaches, the same natural beauty. Except they conducted their business with complete disregard for their most impressive assets, and are now suffering grave consequences. They wanted to make a quick buck; instead, they have lost their market share, their tourists, their reputation. People no longer consider Dubai a special destination. They killed their good relations with the world. Dubai, one of the most popular destinations for tourists is on its way down. Let us not allow the same to happen here. Let us concentrate on preserving

the natural beauty of these magnificent islands. Let us clean up the environment. Let us educate ourselves on the importance of recycling - let us have a real recycling programme (!) Let us ban the use of plastic. Let us lead the Caribbean into a new age of renewable energy. Because if we don’t, we are in danger of losing everything. Yours, Alex Skye, Providenciales

A tale of two opposing realities Dear Editor, Time has come to point out two serious and opposing realities. There is before the Supreme Court a case in Cheshire Hall, Providenciales, where PDM candidate, Oral Selver, challenged the nomination of Dr. Ed Smith because as a US citizen Dr Smith was not qualified to be nominated under the TCI constitution because he still owed an allegiance to another, flag the US. Further grounds are that Selver ‘lost’ by 30 votes and Smith garnered 58 votes materially affecting the outcome of that election.

COMMENTARY

Loyalty verses logic AFTER the election and three and a half years of direct rule, the silence is surprising - minimal celebrations. Is it because loyalty and manipulation by the core voters out-did logical thinking, and they are embarrassed? Forty per cent of voters support one party and 40 per cent the other. The remaining 20 per cent decide elections. Having an At-Large field provides the possibility of cross over votes and independents. Independents never fare well. This election proved that point. However, the few votes they received and their qualifications to stand for election had and will have a serious effect on the

By David Tapfer ultimate results. There were about 6,300 voters so the 40 per cent gave 2,500 loyal votes to each at large candidate. The 1,250 swing voters made up the difference. Sharlene Cartwright

SPACE IS LIMITED!

Robinson won most of these and earned some crossovers as well. She deserves real congratulations. She won more votes than the current new Premier did. The Bajan editorial recently said the people have spoken and the election must be put to bed as now structured. If the people have spoken why did the PDM win the popular vote and lose the government? Was it the contest between the leaders? One would expect each party leader to win more votes than the rest of the at large candidates. This being the case, the coat tails of the leaders help drag the other candidates along. Why then did PDM select the leader they did? No loyalty and no logic?

As soon as the Attorney General was served with a copy of Selver’s suit he announced that “if this is true” the courts would no doubt vacate the result and order by-elections under the Elections Ordinance. He said nothing else. It is interesting however how the local media handled the report. THE SUN: The TCI Sun which is owned by Hayden Boyce and the former Lillian Boyce, a former minister charged by the SIPT, reported that it conducted an interview with Dr. Smith and that Dr. Smith told The Sun that he had already renounced by the time of the

elections. THE TC WEEKLY NEWS: The other interview or talk with Dr. Smith was in the TC Weekly News and there is no mention of any renunciation on the part of Dr. Smith before the elections. Mind you, the TC Weekly News has no axe to grind in this election because the editor of the Weekly News has made sure he stayed out of politics. The Reality: Events unfolding show that the Weekly News carried the more accurate report. Yours truly,

Also interesting was the British observation team, classic Interim Government. They dropped in as the election went forward and failed to see the manipulations within the election districts, forewarned by the results of the 2007 election. Then PDM won 43 per cent of the popular vote, 7 per cent off a tie, but then only won 2 seats. I remember the claims and objections meeting in Bottle Creek. The North Caicos East district was stacked with people dead and long gone yet Mike and supporters refused to remove them. This is still the case, but not quite as bad. Therefore the yellow wins were by only 11, 17 and 30 plus votes in most districts. Was the election being won the day after voter registration began? So it seems. Post election we have two basic problems. One is that we have had zero real development in 10 long years. Those resorts that finished in that period were approved in the PDM

years. All the Misick approvals ended incomplete or closed in receivership. What logical person expects the same government of the same people to get anything started? In fact, they took a couple of strong illogical swipes at the visitors themselves during the interim period. Problem number two is the new health care plan. The original booklet says everyone will be covered and yet 30 to 40 per cent of the population is disqualified because they are laid off or are retired and/or never worked under NIB, and they cannot pay either. The plan is unaffordable. The instigator of that plan now has it square in his illogical lap. The Progressive Party should be congratulated for the loyalty within their ranks, however illogical, and the Peoples Democratic Movement needs to take a lesson in loyalty from them, but nothing else.

Brianca Johnson

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

December 1 – 7, 2012

NEWS 11

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Opposition leader puts Government on notice

BY VANESSA NARINE IN what was the most stirring speech made on the opening of the 10th Session of the House of Assembly, Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, put Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, and his government on notice. She said, “If any of our honourable members on the other side of this honourable House behaves less than honourable, or seeks to act contrary to the best interests of our people or seeks to frustrate the important oversight role of Her Majesty’s loyal Opposition on Committees or by stifling its voice in this Hon House, or acts in any way contrary to the rules of this House or the Code of Conduct or the laws of this land, especially ones that seek to uphold integrity in public life, my colleagues and I on this side of the House will swiftly perform another role and my friends, this we promise. “This is a promise made that will be kept.” ACCOUNTABLE Cartwright-Robinson stressed the need for accountability. She said, “I just remind the Premier and his Cabinet, that we, the Opposition and the people of this country will hold you to your manifesto and what is contained here in your Throne Speech [the Premier’s statement on his agenda for the next four years] read by His Excellency when it is good and proper to. “I was pleased to hear from your Throne Speech that you will be guided by two principles, one of which is to be guided by your Christian faith and we in the Opposition will be happy to support you and your government in repealing some of the laws passed by the interim government and the previous elected government that was an affront to our Christian beliefs. “We look forward to our

representing our people with integrity, even when those we consult with would want you to do otherwise. “And I say to you as I say to myself, let us remember the tree from which you were hewn. “When it is necessary to support the Premier with his objectives or policies, I will be the first to register that and stand with him as we seek to achieve a common goal. “When I believe that he is not heading in the right direction, I will speak with him to avert any dangers lurking around; not in a way to embarrass him or elevate my position, but in an effort to keep our country ‘moving in the right direction’. “I do believe and am convinced that our Premier, the Honourable Dr. Ewing is a good man, worthy of our constant prayers and support, when he is ‘moving forward in the right direction’ I will be his armour bearer.” UNITED EFFORT In committing to supporting the Premier, the Opposition Leader pointed out clearly that the road ahead is not easy and will require a united effort. Cartwright-Robinson said, “The journey ahead of us is nothing that we can take singularly. Mr. Premier, this is a battle that we must fight together. “It is a journey that we must walk hand-in-hand; an ultimate end that we must pursue together collectively and resolutely. “After all, the politicking is over now, the people have spoken and now our job of fairness, our job or bringing this fragmented society together, our job of ensuring that everyone in the Turks and Caicos, indigenous TC Islanders, residents, workers, PRC holders, just anyone who is here legally, joins us as we seek to create one Turks and Caicos

Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson

Islands.” She reminded the House of the vision of TCI’s first Chief Minister and only named hero, James Alexander George Smith McCartney. The Opposition Leader said, “Did he not say, and I paraphrase, while we fight among ourselves, tearing down each other, there are those right among us who enjoy that, and use that as their greatest tactic to divide and conquer?” TEST According to her, the road ahead is a test, a test of lessons learnt. She said, “The test is, ‘have we learnt our lessons?’The results of the elections clearly showed that we are still a much divided people; divided more along islands of domicile than along political ideologies. “I say to you Mr. Premier, as I have said to myself, our task is great one; it is a heavy one; and it is one that would force us to work together, if only for the survival of this country that we so desperately love.” Cartwright-Robinson maintained that moving forward, past mistakes and “deliberate unethical behaviours” cannot be forgotten or the TCI runs the risk of repeating them. She said, “While many would

Compilation of VAT referendum analysis almost complete, Forbes THE completion of the analysis of the referendum to block Value Added Tax’s (VAT) introduction in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is almost completed, according to the co-chair of the People’s Referendum Committee, Mr. O’Brien Forbes. Forbes told the Weekly News that well known economist, Gilbert Morris, is leading the team working on the final report. On September 12 through 17, the referendum was carried out across the entire country.

Responding to criticisms that the process is taking too long, Forbes made it clear that there is no need for concern. He said, “The process follows international protocols for referendums.” Forbes added that the ballot boxes that were used in the process are secured by CSS Security and the keys to those boxes are with the Commissioner of Police. The co-chair noted too that an experienced international observer observed the referendum process.

Following the completion of the referendum, the Committee took their petition to the United Nations in early October, bemoaning the “the anti-democratic spectacle” that has been seen with the implementation of the new tax regime. Forbes told the Weekly News that the take away from the meeting was that both the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) were supportive of the petition. (VANESSA NARINE)

want us to put the past in the past, we have to remember how this country has been marred by the actions of a few careless and reckless folk… there were those who felt that they were not accountable to anyone and as a result, they wreaked havoc on this country that we love. “We cannot, Mr. Speaker and honourable colleagues, regress to that state again. “We have to become more accountable, more honest, and more committed to the job of nation building – for a nation is as strong as its weakest inhabitant. “My honourable colleagues, starting today, we have a chance to right the wrong, we have a chance to clean the slate, we have a chance to get back to fiscal responsibility, we have a chance to restore the ‘scholar’ to our scholarship programmes, we have an opportunity to allow our specialist officers to do the work they are being paid to do, we have a

chance to return to the position of the ‘star of the region’. “We have the opportunity to progress this country to the next level; but that can only happen when we as members of this honourable House take our responsibilities seriously and cease from believing that we have to entertain the world.” The Opposition Leader stressed that people’s elected representatives must maintain their focus, prosperity for the people. “We must concentrate of the process of rebuilding,” she posited. Cartwright-Robinson committed herself and her party to reversing the ills of the past, refocusing the strategies for development and reengaging the entire population of the Turks and Caicos Islands in rebuilding. Cartwright-Robinson is currently deputy leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) and tipped to be the party’s next leader.

UK minister calls for reforms to continue

THE United KingdomMinister for the Overseas Territories in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Mark Simmonds, has called for reforms to continue in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He said, “I hope, working in partnership with the Premier and his government…we will see a continuation of this reform process and a further strengthening of the public sector, firstly to ensure a budget surplus and to ensure a sound record of credible and sustainable financial management, and to improve the government’s credit worthiness, to develop the economy.” Both the Governor and the newly elected government have responsibilities that they need to address, he said. According to him, some of the other reforms that need to

be addressed revolve around immigration, citizenship and diversification of the economy. Simmonds said, “The recent elections offer the most striking example of progress being made in the TCI and particularly that the turnout was over 80 per cent, which is the envy of many democracies around the world. “The closeness of the elections augurs wells for democracy and accountability and it is absolutely vital to have a vibrant opposition and a strong and decisive government.” He added too that in moving forward engagement of all stakeholders is quintessential. “It is absolutely critical that all these groups work together to face the challenges that lie ahead,” Simmonds posited. (VANESSA NARINE)

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12 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 1 – 7, 2012

Premier’s throne speech delivered by Governor Ric Todd MY government is certain that all who have been sent forward in the service of our people, share the single common goal of building a bright and prosperous future for all of our people, in this generation and generations yet to come. Mr Speaker and Honourable Members: I would now like to outline the main policy objectives of my Government as it commences its term of office. As we move forward together into the future, my government pledges to adhere to two guiding principles: First - to uphold and preserve our Christian faith and principles through the enactment of policies that are consistent with our Christian values; and secondly - to be unshakable in our commitment to integrity and the institutionalization and maintenance of good governance in all our affairs. As we begin this new chapter in the history of our Turks and Caicos Islands, our primary agenda includes the development of the economy, educating and empowering our people, creating opportunities for our workforce, moving towards self reliance in key areas, the restoration of national pride, achieving desired standards in healthcare and securing our borders. Successful strides in all of these areas will enable us to begin dialogue as we determine the pathway towards nationhood. Mr Speaker and Honourable Members: Revitalization and growth of the economy and job creation will become the principal thrust of my government. My Government is committed to placing special emphasis on tourism, construction and financial services as the principal channels through which meaningful economic growth can be achieved. My Government will within the first 180 days in office, convene a Tourism and Investment Conference supported by marketing and promotional strategies. My Government will open dialogue with practitioners in the financial services industry as well as international professional services providers to modernize our legislation and to develop and market new financial services products. My Government, since taking office, has commenced examination of the Value Added Tax initiative and has embarked upon review of alternative revenue generating strategies with the intention of presenting these alternatives to all stakeholders for public consultation. My Government will give focused attention to stalled resort projects in the Islands. We will seek to convene meetings with the developers of these projects with a view to reviving those which could be revived. My Government will review the plans for the expansion of the Providenciales International Airport Terminal to ensure that the long term growth of our tourism sector is adequately provided for in any future expansion. We intend to complete the airport and runway project on the Island of South Caicos to ready that Island for future growth in the tourism

market, as well as expansion of the local economy there. My Government will give focused attention to diversification of our economy through expansion of the fishing and agriculture industries and other secondary industries. My Government will enable the empowerment of Turks and Caicos Islanders through education, skills training, enabling entrepreneurship and expanding small business ownership in order to create a broad middle class with upward economic and social mobility. Mr Speaker and Honourable Members: My Government holds as one of its primary mandates, the intention to address deficiencies at all levels of health care by simultaneously embarking upon a number of measures. My Government will fully implement the Primary Health Care Renewal Strategy by providing access to well integrated and comprehensive primary care clinics, programs and services throughout the communities in the islands My Government will establish the Health Regulatory Authority and further develop the Medical Councils of Licensure to ensure that standards of care are adhered to in all sectors of health. My Government will ensure that with regards to the National Health Insurance Plan, children under the age of 18, the unemployed and the elderly will be granted coverage and that a pharmaceutical procurement programme is developed to provide medications at a cost effective price, to NHIP’s community based pharmacies. My Government will as a matter of high priority, fully establish and activate the Hospitals Contract Management Team, the Clinical Services Review Board and appoint a Turks and Caicos Islands Government Representative as provided for in the Hospitals Contract. We will then immediately conduct a financial and clinical audit of the hospitals and assign financial and service review penalties where necessary for failure to meet the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) provided for in the contract. My Government will seek to refinance the hospitals contract to lower the cost of provision of services and seek to increase third party revenue to Government and the hospitals as provided for in the hospitals contract. Mr Speaker and Honourable Members: For the foreseeable future, tourism and its subsidiary industries will remain the principal revenue earner in our economy. My Government will remain committed to the tourism industry of these Islands. My Government will review and revise our Tourism Strategic Plan and align it with our National Development Plan while seeking to diversify our tourism product through the promotion and strengthening of medical tourism, eco-tourism, sport tourism and culture and heritage tourism. My Government will make its utmost priority the exploration of new tourism markets in Europe, Asia and South America to reduce the

Governor Ric Todd delivering the throne speech at the 10th opening of the House of Assembly seasonality of tourist arrivals. My Government will encourage and foster initiatives and ventures focused on the development of local community based small businesses as a part of our culture and heritage tourism experience, while including the attractions in the Caicos Islands. My Government is committed to engaging in dialogue with international airlines so as to facilitate reliable and consistent passenger airlifts between the United States of America and the JAGS McCartney Airport in Grand Turk. My Government will seek to expand cruise passenger arrivals into the country by developing a sea port on the Island of South Caicos thus enabling the revitalization of the economy of that Island and the lower Caicos Islands of North and Middle Caicos. Mr Speaker and Honourable Members: My Government is committed to ensuring that the Public Service is effective and efficient in the delivery of services to the public. My Government will introduce mandatory training programs in Government and Management Studies so that civil servants are productive in the execution of their duties and will improve the efficiency of service delivery through the development of an E-Government web portal. My Government will reinstate the 10 percent salary deduction imposed on civil servants and conduct a review of salaries and allowances. My Government will be committed to ensuring recognition is given to those Public Servants with records of exemplary service through the establishment of a Public Service Incentive Awards Program My government will work with the Civil Service Association in the establishment of a Public Service Credit Union. Mr Speaker and Honourable Members: Progress of this nation in terms of expanding our economy, creating employment opportunities and empowering Turks and Caicos Islanders will impact various aspects of our environment. It is our goal to preserve the quality of our natural surroundings. My Government will, through the

Department of Planning, develop an Infrastructure Master Plan which will clearly define, establish, enforce and maintain a style and identity unique to our Islands. My Government will continue the improvement of the standard of living through the enhancement of assets required by the public in everyday life such as water supply and management, solid waste management, transportation, communication and energy. My Government recognizes that the linking of the Caicos Islands is vital to the development of our country and will seek to develop this project through a public – private partnership venture. Mr Speaker and Honourable Members: The education and empowerment of our people is critical and essential to the progressive and sustainable development of our Islands. My Government has at the forefront of its agenda, programs geared towards the improvement of the infrastructure of our institutions of learning, increasing resources available to teachers and expanding the cadre of teachers through training and scholarship programs. My Government will along with our experts in the field of education, embark upon a comprehensive review of the National Curriculum at all levels of education in an Education Stakeholder Workshop, the intended goal being to expand programs to improve skills in literacy and numeracy, developing interventional programs for those with learning disabilities as well as those gifted with special talents and introduce secondary language programs throughout the education system. My Government will ensure the development of a Bridge to College Program that is geared towards exit certification in the Visual and Performing Arts, Hospitality Studies and Technical Education Studies. This programme will ensure that there is a high uptake of students from high school into the Community College, thereby reducing unemployment while ensuring career development of our youth. My Government will develop the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College by improving the infrastructure at the Grand Turk Campus and the development of a College Park concept on Providenciales. This institution will be better equipped to provide training in technical studies, hospitality, athletics and the visual and performing arts and will strengthen links with regional and international institutions of higher learning. My Government will review the National Scholarship Program to ensure that scholarships are awarded on merit and are aligned with our National Development Goals. My Government will financially support the National Youth Policy and Programs and the development of sport programs within the education system. It is also our goal to have these Islands accepted by the International Olympic Committee in time for participation in the 2016 Games.

My Government is intent upon reintroducing the Cadet Program with an extended Community Service Program. Mr Speaker and Honourable Members: The culture and the heritage of a people define them as a nation and set them apart from any other group of individuals. Here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, with less than 40% of our population consisting of our indigenous people, the cultural melting pot that we have become, though beneficial to economic and social development, challenges the traditional ways of life as we know it in our country. My Government will, through collaboration with our Department of Culture, Ministry of Tourism and other stakeholders, develop a Culture and National Pride Program that will allow for the preservation of our heritage and the promotion of our culture. Mr Speaker and Honourable Members: My Government has as its objective, the creation of an immigration policy that ensures that the total population of Turks and Caicos at any given time is the most peaceful, productive and cohesive mixture, capable of creating and contributing to the social and economic life of these Islands, with the result of moving us up on the Human Development Index whilst cultivating a great and just society. My Government will draft for public consultation, an Immigration Policy based on the report of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Immigration Reform. This policy will be geared towards protecting the homeland, will be investor and business friendly, will provide human resources for investment and will allow the critical population growth required to drive the future economy of Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr Speaker and Honourable Members: My Government will seek equitable distribution of Crown Lands for residential use and long term leases for major development projects. We will fund a Development Plan for the entire Turks and Caicos Islands, inclusive of individual Island Plans, which will guide the future development of the Islands for the next ten (10) years. Mr Speaker and Honourable Members: My Government holds as one of its greatest charges, the responsibility of readying our Islands and our people for the move toward independence. We will convene a Commission for Independence whose mandate will be to define the process required to achieve this goal by creation of specific Developmental Targets. The achievement of these objectives will enable this eventual transition when called for by our people through a free and fair referendum on the question. Guided by God our Father and bonded together by the passion to build these our Turks and Caicos Islands, may we as a Government of the people and for the people succeed in all our ventures. May God bless us all and may God bless our Turks and Caicos Islands.

December 1 – 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, with Minister Mark Simmonds in Grand Turk

NEWS 13

Fourth from left, Minister Mark Simmonds, with the Governor and Deputy Governor and TCIG’s leadership team

Positive relationship between UK and TCI will not always mean agreement, Simmonds

BY VANESSA NARINE

A POSITIVE relationship between the United Kingdom and the Turks and the Caicos Islands will not always mean agreement, according to UK Minister for the Overseas Territories in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Mark Simmonds. At a press conference on Tuesday, he said, “Of course we will have a positive two-way relationship, but it does not mean that we will agree. “Friends will disagree, but ultimately what we have got to do is find a way in this partnership to ensure that the TCI continues to moves forward, that it continues to use the opportunity of the reinstatement of democracy as a launch pad to drive economic development, to drive job creation and to diversify the economic base of the TCI.” According to the minister, it is imperative to recognise the distance that the TCI has travelled since 2009,

as well as the “excellent job” the interim government did in successfully turning around the public finances and the economy, putting in place a framework for good governance and strengthening the public service. Simmonds said, “The interim government also put the TCI on the path to economic growth with GDP growing by four per cent in 2011. “The reforms were difficult, but some of them were long overdue.” STAYING ON TRACK He stated that it is important to stay on track. “I am keen to have a positive working relationship with the Premier and his government to maintain economic growth and keep the public’s finances on track,” Simmonds said. The minister added that the UK is keen on supporting the TCI, in line with the Overseas Territories’ White Paper, and in line with the newly elected government’s priorities.

Premier Ewing and Governor head to UK for joint ministerial conference PREMIER, Dr. Rufus Ewing and Governor Ric Todd, left the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) to attend the first Joint Ministerial conference in the United Kingdom (UK). The two-day conference, from December 4 to 5, is hosted by Overseas Territories Minister, Mark Simmonds. It brings together Governors, Commissioners, Premiers, Chief Ministers and elected representatives from across the UK’s Overseas Territories, The Governor is expected be engaged in a series of preparatory meetings at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) on

Monday, December 3. One of the main issues up for discussion at the conference is the implementation of the Overseas Territories White Paper, which seeks to further develop the joint security, sustainability and success of the UK and its Overseas Territories. This is the first such session, which replaces the annual Overseas Territories Consultative Conference. Deputy Governor Anya Williams will be sworn in as Acting Governor November 30 to December 9, when Governor Todd returns.

Simmonds said, “It is over to the people of the TCI and its newly democratically elected government. The future is in your hands. “I am keen on developing a positive and constructive two-way working relationship on security, success and sustainability with the people of the TCI and the TCI Government.” In response, Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, said his government is also looking forward to a relationship that is one of mutual respect, facilitative of economic progress and prosperity

and also one that fosters good governance. Ewing said, “We intend on fostering strategic partnerships that will enable Turks and Caicos and Turks and Caicos Islanders to move forward as a country and as a people and to improve the standard of living of our people and remove undue hardships on individuals, businesses and families.” According to him, his government looks forward to the opportunity to move this country forward to social stability, social diversification,

economic diversification, economic independence and eventual selfdetermination as determined by our people. Apart from his press conference on Tuesday, Simmons, on his three-day visit, met with the Premier and his Ministerial team and other Cabinet members, the Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson and House of Assembly members, as well as the Commissioner of Police, representatives of the TCI clergy and business leaders.

Islandcom gives away ‘Bundles of Joy’ this Christmas THIS Christmas season marks the launch of Islandcom’s first bundled service plan. The new plan, called the ‘Double Play’, includes phone service and internet service under one plan with one price. Users will be given a mifi wireless internet device with unlimited internet service. Along with the mifi device the Double Play plan also features a voice service plan that includes 400 minutes, unlimited Islandcom to Islandcom calls, unlimited text messaging, and mobile data. The plan retails at a low $99 total. Islandcom Cheif Executive Officer (CEO), Niamh Burns, said, “The Double Play is hugely discounted for Islandcom customers. We want to make sure that we are fullfilling all their communication needs. “The advantages of Islandcom over the other providers is not only our 4G network but our cost effect offerings and phone prices.” The new plan developed by Islandcom is quite similar to those that may be seen in the US from AT&T and Verizon Wireless. Also featured in the Islandcom Christmas promotion is a social media driven treasure hunt.

Marketing Specialist, Chandra Craigg, said, “The treasure hunt will be very interactive. Contestants will be asked to use their smart phones to post answers and pictures on our social media sites to answer our treasure hunt clues. “There will be plenty of opportunities for people to win. Each week between December 3rd to the 21st we will give two treasure hunt clues about a certain object. The clues will be given out on radio stations, our social media website, as well as via text messages to our customers. “Once you have figured out the clue and have the object in hand the next step will be to take a picture of yourself with the object and send it to us on the Islandcom Facebook page. You will have 1 hour to do so. The first person to send in the correct submission will be the winner. ” The prizes for the treasure hunt not only includes Islandcom devices but services fom local business as well. A number of companies have joined in the treasure hunt such as IGA Supermarket,Grace Bay Car Rental, as well as vehicle servicing courtesy of Butterfield Chevrolet. Contestants can win a number of devices such as

iPhones, iPads, the Samsung Galaxy S3, as well as Blackberries. There will also be a bonus challenge for Blackberry devices called the Blackberry I-spy. Another Marketing Specialist, Lee Ingham, said, “The Blackebrry I-Spy challenge will be a lot of fun. We will display a portion of a picture on our Facebook page. Viewers will be given a chance to guess the object in the picture. The first person to guess correctly will win a new Blackberry phone courtesy of RIM. “Facebook and Twitter is now a subculture. It has created a world within the real world. The great thing about social media is that it provides you with up to date information with whats going on in the world and allows everyone to express themselves in real time. Islandcom likes to be current with the trends and technology. At lsandcom we like to be innovative and the leaders in the use of technology and the services we provide.” Islandcom also strives to give back to their customers this Christmas as well. A lucky few will be selected for tablet giveaways across the islands. Islandcom will also once again host the Provo Children’s Home annual Christmas dinner.

Lifestyle... 14

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 1 – 7, 2012

The Dentist and you  Mark Osmond BDS (Lond) LDS RCS (Eng). Mark Osmond Dental Clinic - (649) 432 3777, drmosmond@gmail.com or Find us on Facebook

Drugs used in dental care (Part Two) In this second article looking at drugs used in dental care I will continue to look at the different drugs used both in the clinic and at home by the patient. I will discuss the mode of action, the correct usage as well as the benefits and the potential risks. Anesthetic Local anesthetic causes a reversible loss of sensation, or numbing feeling and is administered by

Tamarind chutney

Dr Mark Osmond the dentist. Anesthetics are used for several different treatments including fillings, extractions, implant placement and when teeth are being prepared for crowns or bridges. A topical anesthetic may be used first with children or sensitive patients in the form of a gel that is applied to the gum and gives a mild numbing sensation. When the site is mildly numb the dentist will inject a stronger anesthetic into the gum around the site where the work will be performed. This might take several injections but usually after the first one or two the anesthetic is already taking effect and you may not feel the further injections as much or at all. Once the anesthetic has taken full effect the dental procedure can be carried out painlessly. It is not unusual for the anesthetic to sometimes numb part of the tongue, lips and the skin around

the mouth. This is not a problem and modern anesthetics wear off fairly rapidly once the treatment has finished with no long-term effects. Anesthetics may contain adrenaline which is to keep the anesthetic in place for longer. Tell your dentist if you have any heart or blood pressure issues as this may influence which local anesthetic is used. Anti-bacterial/ Antiseptic Mouth washes I generally recommend mouthwash for one of three reasons: breath-freshness, cavity prevention/ sensitivity and gum infection. For breath-freshness it is really down to personal choice in terms of which product you prefer for taste and smell, as no specific medical content or action is required. These can be bought over-the-counter from your pharmacist or grocery store with no need for a prescription. It is also personal preference whether you rinse before or after brushing. I would recommend a hydrogen peroxide based mouthwash as the foaming action helps to lift food debris from around the teeth. One ‘watch-out’, however, is to avoid

mouthwash that is alcohol-based. These may give you the ‘burn’ that creates the feeling of cleaning the mouth but there is a recognized association between alcohol and mouth cancer. For cavity prevention/ sensitivity I recommend a fluoride based mouth mouthwash which is again available over-the counter. Regular rinsing with a daily fluoride rinse is effective at preventing early decay from progressing further. Daily rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash has replaced the use of fluoride gels in a tray as it is far more effective to use a rinse on a daily basis than a fluoride treatment every 6-12 months. For bacterial infection there is a specific mouthwash which I

prescribe called chlorhexidine. This should be used twice a day until the bottle is empty. Although this mouthwash can be purchased over-the-counter from a pharmacy I do not recommend the repeated use with patients self-prescribing. This is because chlorhexidine is very effective at killing bacteria and overuse can upset the balance of the natural, healthy organisms in the mouth. This can result in oral thrush (a yeast infection) due to the over proliferation of Candida fungus which is found naturally the mouth. Prolonged use also often results in a brown surface stain appearing on the teeth. In the next and final article in this series I will continue to look at drugs used in dental care.

come from the vegetable family, however it has been regarded as a fruit and often times used as a sweet desert like jam or syrup. It has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes. The tamarind is quite popular in Latin America, Africa, in the Caribbean Islands, and most parts of Southeast Asia. The tamarind is rich with Vitamin A, B, C and minerals such as: calcium, iron, phosphorus, carbohydrates, proteins, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin and dietary fibre. It is a storehouse of antioxidants to repel cancer, and promotes a healthy cardiovascular

and respiratory system. It is also packed with carotene and lowers cholesterol levels in the body. The tamarind has always been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat gastrointestinal problems, indigestion, and respiratory problems. It is also used to treat various bilious disorders, and not to mention the leaves which are often used as a drink as a remedy for sore throat, treating jaundice and ulcers. Including the tamarind in one’s daily cuisine could surely promote a generally healthy lifestyle.

health Tip  Ingrediants • 4 ozs tamarind (pliable block) • 34 cup hot water • 1/4 cup date sugar (packed jaggery, 4 oz; if necessary chop to measure or packed dark brown) • 1 tsp coriander seed • 1 tsp cumin seeds • 1 tsp anise seed • 1/2 tsp chile powder (hot, preferably Indian) • 1/2 tsp salt Directions Gently mash tamarind with water in a small bowl until pulp is softened. Force pulp through a sieve into a 2- to 3-quart saucepan, pressing on and then discarding seeds and thick fibers. Add sugar and cook over low heat, stirring, just until sugar is dissolved, then return mixture to cleaned bowl. Toast coriander, cumin, and anise seeds in a small skillet over moderate heat, stirring, until fragrant and a shade darker, about 2 minutes. Cool completely, then finely grind in grinder. Stir spices into tamarind mixture along with chile powder and salt

Antioxidants in tamarinds repel cancer Ok, please allow me to lay a bit of foundation for where I am going to take you this week, and talk to you about a fruit or vegetable, you would notice why I say this when you read the information from research. Many of us who are from the other islands likewise, are quite familiar with this one from back in ‘da’ days until now. It is the ‘Tamarind’. Wow, I can imagine some of you saying: ‘who me? I can stand that sour tamarind’. There were times during our lunch break from school where we had many fruit trees around the yard of which some are still present. Remember, Bobby Tamarind tree? Some of my cousins, and those who are familiar with my former community would know this tree, ‘Barber George Tamarind tree? From time to time I would talk about

By Phillip Simmons In memory of our dear friend and contributor Phillip Simmons, the Weekly News shares with you some of his past work, enjoy.

this awesome lady, ‘Mar’. Evers Elizabeth Gibson, now deceased, but ‘Par’ Cleavel Emanuel Gibson, is still moving around strong. I just have to talk more about ‘Mar no disrespect to my Par, but Mar would say to us back in the day, “As long as there is life there is hope”. According to research: The tamarinds

December 1 – 7, 2012

Lifestyle... GARDENING 

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

How does your garden grow

YOUR DIET

ASK TAMIKA

BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD

Tamika graduated from Florida International University in Miami with a Masters degree in Dietetics & Nutrition. She is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and licensed to practice medical nutrition therapy in the state of Florida. Email Tamika via tcweeklynews@gmail.com or tamikahandfield@yahoo.com with your healthy eating questions.

Although the brown recluse is dangerous, it is not an overly aggressive spider, and will not hunt humans.

The Brown Recluse spider THE exotic brown recluse spider is uncommon in the Islands. However, some people have been bitten by the brown recluse spider. The physical reaction to a brown recluse spider bite depends on the amount of venom injected and an individual’s sensitivity to it. Some people are unaffected by a bite, whereas others experience immediate or delayed effects as the venom kills the tissues (necrosis) at the site of the bite. Many brown recluse bites cause just a little red mark that heals without event. The vast majority of brown recluse bites heal without severe scarring Initially, the bite may feel like a pinprick or go unnoticed. Some may not be aware of the bite for two to eight hours. Others feel a stinging sensation followed by intense pain. The bite of the brown recluse spider can result in a painful, deep wound that takes a long time to heal. Fatalities are extremely rare, but bites are most dangerous to young children, the elderly, and those in poor physical condition. When there is a severe reaction to the bite, the site can erupt into a “volcano lesion” (a hole in the flesh due to damaged, gangrenous tissue). It is difficult for a physician to accurately diagnose a “brown recluse bite” based simply on wound characteristics. It is absolutely necessary to have the spider for a positive identification. Many people mistakenly suspect to have been bitten by the brown recluse. Media attention and public fear contribute to these misdiagnoses. The brown recluse is not a huge spider, but it is big enough to startle most people. Their body is only 3/8 of an inch long, but when you include their legs they can span up to 1 ½ inches. As their name implies, they are brown in color, and are characterized by a violin shape

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 naturesplendor@yahoo.com

on their back. Although the brown recluse is dangerous, it is not an overly aggressive spider, and will not hunt humans. Most bites occur when the spider is disturbed and bites in selfdefense If bitten, remain calm, and immediately seek medical attention (contact your physician, hospital and/or poison control center). Apply an ice pack directly to the bite area to relieve swelling and pain. Collect the spider (even a mangled specimen has diagnostic value), if possible, for positive identification by a spider expert. A plastic bag, small jar, or pill vial is useful and no preservative is necessary, but rubbing alcohol helps to preserve the spider. There are several things that you can do to avoid brown recluse bites • Shake out clothing and shoes before getting dressed. • Carefully check the outside of your home for possible entry points. Pests like spiders commonly enter through rips in screens or openings around pipes or vents. Repairing or blocking these opening can greatly

reduce the risk of pests entering your home. • Inspect bedding and towels before use. • Wear gloves when handling firewood, lumber, and rocks (be sure to inspect the gloves for spiders before putting them on). • Remove bedskirts and storage boxes from underneath beds. Move the bed away from the wall. • Exercise care when handling cardboard boxes (recluse spiders often are found in the space under folded cardboard flaps). An effective commercial antivenin is not available. The surgical removal of tissue was once standard procedure, but now this is thought to slow down wound healing. Some physicians administer high doses of cortisonetype hormones to combat hemolysis and other systemic complications. Treatment with oral dapsone (an antibiotic used mainly for leprosy) has been suggested to reduce the degree of tissue damage. An effective therapy has not yet been found in controlled studies.

Raising HIV/AIDS awareness IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas! However, before we get into the full swing of the holidays, the world pauses to recognize and raise awareness for a disease that does not discriminate—HIV/AIDS. There are many nutritionally related complications associated with HIV/AIDS, which can lead to a rapid progression of the disease. Some of the complications include unintentional weight loss, a further compromised immune system, diarrhea and malnutrition. A good quality well-balanced diet can help persons fight off opportunistic infections and live a better quality life. So what does a well-balanced diet look like? It would include foods that provide Carbohydrates, Protein, Fats (yes, Fats) Vitamins and Minerals. Persons with HIV/AIDS have increased caloric needs due to a “revved” up metabolism, so at least 50% of their total caloric intake should come from complex carbohydrate –whole wheat products and oats versus the simple carbohydrates—sweets, cookies and other treats. A very common problem in HIV/AIDS is the loss of lean body mass or muscle (mainly made up of proteins). The body starts to break down its protein stores so it is very important that persons get enough protein calories from food. Lean protein sources like poultry, fish, beans and peanut butter are the preferred sources. Other good protein sources like beef and pork should be limited because of their high saturated fat content. However, other good fat sources like nuts, avocados and olive/canola oil should be included because of their heart protective benefits. Many persons may be thinking, “I can barely afford my medicine and you’re telling me to buy expensive healthy foods!” Well, I hear you, so I have included a few tips. Eating for your health when money is an issue: • Using canned fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts and they are able to last longer. If you opt to choose the canned instead of fresh, choose vegetables that have no salt added and fruits that are packed in its natural juice or water. • Dried beans are an excellent source of protein but they go easy on the pocket. You can purchase the bag of beans and make your own batch of stew peas or bean soup. Depending on how much you make, you can freeze some and have it for a few days. Eggs are another inexpensive yet excellent source of protein that you can use to supplement your diet. • Low-fat milk is a very good protein, calcium, Vitamins A & D food, but if refrigeration is a problem, dried milk is another option. Sometimes it may be necessary for you to use a supplemental nutrition drink such as Boost. These supplements are high in calories, vitamins and minerals and give you all the nutrients you need when you do not have an appetite. ‘Like’ my page ACCU Nutrition—Nutrition in Demand for up to date nutrition information.

ACCU MedicalNutrition Nutrition isisbased ACCU Medical based in GracewayIGA IGAPlaza, Plaza, Providenciales. in Graceway Providenciales. Call 9468308, 8308,242 242 3978 3978. Call 946 3978oror442 442 3978.

16 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 1 – 7, 2012

Insights for your Innerspring this week

Friday, November 30 to Saturday, December 8 Friday, November 30

 Danny Buoy’s is Provo’s premier live music and sports destination, serving lunch and dinner daily from 11:30am.  It is the perfect place to escape from the heat and hang with friends, all in smoke free airconditioned comfort.  Happy Hour specials from 4-7pm Monday-Saturday  Get into the weekend mood with the intense and electrifying Tae-Bo class at Graceway Sports Centre from 6pm to 7pm. Free for fitness members, $12 for non-members.  Visit www.gracewaysports.com for more information or call 4426349.

 TCAAF THIRD ANNUAL WORLD AIDS DAY COCKTAIL PARTY Turks & Caicos Aids Awareness Foundation (TCAAF) will be hosting its 3rd Annual Cocktail party in honor of World Aids Day 2012. Venue to be confirmed. For more information contact 331-9602 or emailinfo@aidsawareness.tc  3nd Annual Art & Craft Expo -TCFAF To be held at Turtle Cove Marina. Showcasing all of the local artists, painters, designers & crafty people of the TCI under one tented roof. Email: artexpotci@gmail.com  If you are looking for a serene and relaxed way of starting your weekend, bring your yoga mat at Graceway Sports Centre every Saturday at 9am and let David Bowen lead you into the wonderful world of yoga! Amazing fees for an amazing class! More info at 442-6348.  Mums and Tots Dance Party classes are held every Saturday at Graceway Sports Centre for mothers and their little ones.

 Craig Archibold gets the party started at the Regent Palms from 7pm on Friday nights with the sound of classic Caribbean and Motown tunes. Call 946-8666 for details

 Mothers, bring your little ones to dance, jump, twist and shake! Children have fun learning movement basics to fun music and mums get a light exercise while spending quality time. Mums and Tots classes begin at 10am and cost just $10. Dads are welcome!

Saturday, December 1

 Call Shara Bowen on 244-1103 for more details.

Tuesday, November 4  The Secret is Out! - pass it on to your friends and family - in support of the Youth Enterprise - every Tuesday night are having ‘All U Can Eat Spaghetti Night’ at HorseEye Jacks.

Saturday, December 8  WORLD AIDS DAY CELEBRATED IN THE TCI The National AIDS committee of the TCI plans a number of activities to be held in commemoration of this day For more information contact the AIDS Coordinator Office 649946-1675  Salvation Army Furniture Sale on at Williams Storage - Unit #218, from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 noon.  The Salvation Army thanks you in advance for your help in this regard, as we seek to raise funds that will be used to help others.

 Fourth annual TCI Shine Island Wide Cleanup Campaign and with the Department of Environmental and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) for the first ever under-water cleanup.

Got an event you wish to advertise? Call us on 946 4664 or email tcweeklynews@gmail.com for a free listing.

Cure Yourself of the Failure Disease EXCUSES, excuses, excuses! Don’t you just hate them? In the last issue we discussed the power of belief and how it can launch you to success. Now we will focus on one of the biggest hindrances to attaining success – excuses. Dr. Schwartz (in Chapter 2 of ‘The Magic of Thinking BIG’) calls the failure disease ‘excusitis’. Excusitis is a mind-deadening thought disease which can be observed in people. He encourages the reader to “study people very carefully to discover, and then apply, success-rewarding principles to your life.” He further contends that every failure has this disease in its advanced form. So I ask you, what’s wrong with a little excuse? Haven’t you noticed how excuses make you feel - comfortable, justified, let off the hook? Excuses are convenient; they allow us to avoid some things; they don’t put any pressure on us; in fact, they relieve pressure. If we are honest with ourselves, excuses are a tool used to put things off. And if we are further honest we could make a long list of things that we have put

off over the months and years (present company included). The funny thing is that the more you put things off, the easier it becomes, and eventually putting things off becomes the norm and trying to get things done becomes more difficult. We can see examples of people all around us who are experts in creating excuses, and their lives reflect it. Dr. Schwartz mentions that “thoughts, positive or negative, grow stronger when fertilized with constant repetition.” Clearly, those of us who want a better existence tomorrow must cure ourselves of this dreaded disease called ‘excusitis’ today. Schwartz further stated that “the thinking that guides your intelligence is much more important than how much intelligence you have.” Our way of thinking is the key to moving forward and being consistent. In high school I had a friend who was weak in almost every subject. Instead of settling for his state at that time, he and I made a pact to come to school one hour early and I would help him

By Whitney Bain with his studies. He was a man of his word and we studied together for some time. Needless to say, after a while his results started to change. Consequently, in his senior year, he was able to meet the requirements and graduate high school. Even more impressive than that great transformation is the fact that this gentleman went on to become an independent, successful business owner. I was so proud of him! He did not allow his former condition to dictate to him, and he drew from the confidence gained in our morning sessions to gain more and more confidence as time passed by. He did not allow excuses to stop him. This is a clear example of someone who, rather than being thwarted by what appeared to be his lack of intelligence, allowed his thinking to guide his intelligence. What can you accomplish if you just put in some extra effort? How far can you rise if you cast off the wellworn and familiar excuses?

autism awareness By Nicole Cox, a mother living with autism

Do you see what I see? SANTA’S naughty or nice list for the visual learning child may look a bit like this: has a strong sense of color and is very color-oriented. The visual learning child needs to look at the person he’s talking to in order to keep focused, writes things down as a way of remembering, use his hands when he talks, overreact to sounds or be easily distracted by noise, hold images in his head. A visual learner can literally see the passage from a page in a book in his mind’s eye, often misinterpret words. Sometimes he simply may not get the joke, notices details. Visual learners are tuned in to similarities and differences. They may say things like, “She looks like Grandma, except Grandma has more white hair and doesn’t paint her nails.” Still not sure? Keep reading Santa’s list. Remembers what they see, but forgets what they hear, may be attracted to puzzles, mazes and building with blocks, LEGO, K’Nex, and even just a roll of tape! Visual learners have a wonderful sense of space, but not necessarily a very good sense of time! They have a wild imagination, are “outside-the-box thinkers” and can think of numerous solutions to a single problem. Visual learners excel in spatial tasks but may have difficulty with spelling, math facts and organizational skills. Now, your child does not have to exhibit EVERY aspect of the above

to be a visual learner. However, I am sure it should be easy to identify if your child is primarily visually stimulated by now! For Christmas, this child would benefit from two things: toys/activities that stimulate the mind through visual input and environments that allow his or her mind to process information clearly! If it lights up, spins or has color and/or movement, then most likely your visual learner will be intrigued! If it is a chart with pictures or graph with clear words then most likely your visual learner will learn the information on it quickly! What you can DO for them at home, as a present can be any or all of the following: • When you can, write things down for them, or have them write it – especially directions, use illustrations, charts, diagrams, and slides to reinforce learning. • For young children, making colorful sticker charts for chores or goals is very effective. • Engage with your child face-to-face. Try not to talk to them from the other room – they need eye contact. • Give your child colored markers and highlighters. If he or she writes letters in color, they are more likely to visualize the words and learn them. • Color code notes, toys, and other possessions. For instance, try

giving your child a big red box for all of her red toys. • Provide a quiet place for her to read and study. • Maybe a paint job for the bedroom, study or play area would be a great present. • New color coded organization bins with a visual toy inside wrapped under the tree would be fun! • A set of charts or games that the family can play together reinforcing educational concepts would be an excellent choice. Learn and Lead Educational Center owned by Yolande Robinson, M.Ed. would be a TOP choice for getting advice and ideas on where to begin in choosing activities/toys for your visual learner and how to organize their space. Learn and Lead provides a HUGE selection of exactly what you will need to stimulate their minds! Now the key is to not rely so heavily on nothing but visual stimulus that they do not “learn to learn” in other modes! Always keep the most stimulating activity (the iPad, the X-Box or whatever the favorite may be) as a limited resource! This way, it can be used to reinforce positive behavior or encourage behavior modification. Next week, we add a little sound to your visual learners’ world as well as wake up their audio learning sister who slept through this whole presentation!

December 1 – 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 17

Two honoured for valuable contribution

HE IS, among many things, a talented musician, yoga instructor and passionately pursues promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of the islands. She is a dive instructor with a soft spot for both aquatic and land animals, and encourages green living and making environmentally friendly choices. Both remarkable individuals, David Bowen and Lynn Robinson have one thing in common - they are the winners of the Community Conscious Award (CCA), the first honours given by the Star Foundation in recognition of outstanding contribution and commitment to the community. The humble winners were celebrated for their significant contributions and dedication with certificates and a cash award at the Grace Bay Club on November 27. Director of Culture, David Bowen, utilises his platform to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the islands and establish a standard of excellence in cultural arts. He is most recognised for his creation of Maskanoo, and making cultural presentations to various groups including tourists and school children. His love for music is visible in his involvement in three separate

and diverse musical bands, while his passion of the arts led him to being a founding member of the Turks and Caicos Friends of the Arts Foundation, sharing his vast musical, dance and drama knowledge with children. Dedicated to health and wellbeing, he holds yoga and meditation classes, has written numerous articles on proper nutrition, and is very active in ‘Guy Talk’ at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre. As for the future, it is no surprise that David would like to see more after school programmes that focus on cultural awareness, healthy lifestyle choices and career opportunities in the arts for islanders. Bowen, said, “It’s good to be recognised for the work that I put in for the cultural awareness of my country” and encourages others to live by the maxim “Ask not what you can do for yourself but what you can do for others.” Lynn Robinson, who immigrated from the UK in 2002, never stops promoting environmental issues, educating the public on the fragility of the ecosystem and by example, reminds individuals of their responsibility to protect and preserve the environment. A dive instructor at Big Blue, she

is a founding member of the Turks and Caicos Environmental Club and advocates a ban on single use plastic bags and drinking straws. She also encourages the use of environmentally friendly pesticides and cleaning products and initiated the annual ‘Head Shaving’ event to raise funds for the local cancer society. Apart from organised beach and underwater clean-up projects, Lynn helps to rid the beaches of litter, while walking some of the 100 plus potcakes she has fostered since coming to the island. Robinson said, “I can’t just walk pass the garbage on the beach...I’ve been known to come back from dogs walks with bags of trash in my car.” Pleased with the unexpected recognition, she said, “It’s nice to know that people are listening.” Referencing the famous quote, she encourages everyone to, “Be the change that you want to see in the world… if we all work together we can make a difference.” Star Foundation representative Roger Harvey said individuals and businesses, private and non-profit sectors, TC Islanders and ex-pats were eligible to be recipients of the CCA, which was designed to honour those who exemplify personal

Pic- Lynn Robinson and David Bowen receive Community Conscious Awards for their remarkable contribution and commitment to the community

integrity and social responsibility. He said, “In a world in which we are barraged with bad news, greed and self-interest, we believe it is vital to recognise those who demonstrate, by their actions and vision, that we can make a difference and accomplish much.”

A collaborative effort between Belongers, expatriates and visitors, the Turks and Caicos Star Foundation’s mission is to improve the lives of future generations by financially supporting local efforts in the areas of arts, health, wildlife, education and environment. (KH)

Sixteen days of gender violence awareness

THE Gender Affairs Department joins the rest of the world this week in observing 16 days of activism against gender violence to raise awareness and appeal for the elimination of all forms of violence. November 25, observed annually as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marks the beginning of the campaign and Human Rights Day on December 10, the end. The dates symbolically link violence against women and vulnerable groups with human rights, emphasising that gender based violence is a violation of human rights. Under the global theme: ‘From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Violence against Women,’ countries and organisations plan events designed to heighten awareness of the serious and complex problem. Originating in 1991 from the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute sponsored by the Centre for Women’s Global leadership, the 16day international campaign has been reformed to include both genders, focusing on eliminating all forms of gender-based violence. The campaign is dedicated to raising awareness about gender based violence as a human rights issue;

strengthening local work around violence against women; providing a forum to develop and share strategies; demonstrating solidarity of activists worldwide and calling on governments to account, respond, protect, and prevent violence against women and vulnerable groups.

SIGNIFICANT DATES November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, was chosen to honour the three Mirabal sisters who were assassinated in 1960 under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic for their political activism. Known as the ‘Unforgettable Butterflies,’ the sisters became a symbol of the crisis of violence against women, one of the most widespread human rights abuses in all countries. The date which has been significant to women’s activists since 1981, was recognised by the United Nation in 1991. Other internationally recognised days within the 16-day campaign are November 29, International Women Human Rights Defenders Day; December 1, World AIDS Day; December 2, International Day for the abolition of Slavery; December 3, International Day of disabled Persons, December 6, The Montreal

Massacre and Human Rights Day, December 10.

Activism Locally within the campaign, the Department of Gender Affairs has planned a number of initiatives aimed at “sensitising the public so they just don’t associate gender with women,” said department coordinator Carolyn Dickenson. She said, “We hope that men in the TCI join the fight because it will minimise violence, and we also hope that government realises how important it is and create more programmes and policies to help.” On Tuesday, department representatives revitalized a Genco, Gender and Company, started in 2004 by then Director Rita Gardiner, which will be aired every Tuesday at 11:30am on Radio Turks and Caicos. The programme reintroduced the department’s vision and mission, and highlighted concerns of gender based issues facing residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Also being implemented are lecture presentations at various schools and educational television advertisements aimed at stimulating thoughts of making good choices to enjoy a healthy, happy life and respecting yourself and others. A gender awareness workshop

was held in Providenciales on Monday and Grand Turk on Tuesday, seeking to break through ‘old’ ways of thinking, enlightening and sharing ideas on social issues faced today. Social Professor from the College of the Bahamas, Ian Bennett, shared stimulating concepts, trying to break the common misconception that gender is only about women. He pointed out, “When you have inequalities, society will have serious developmental problems…inequality is also a driver to violence and illness. “Women, because they are unequal to men, especially young women, find themselves in a position where they are increasing HIV positive because they feel they cannot negotiate safe sex, because they feel they are in a disempowered position to men. “In order for there to be equality, we need to sit down and address the issues and lots of policies will have to change…” Deputy Coordinator of the Gender Affairs Department, Barbara Handfield, noted that the workshop was very informative and well received. She said, “a lot of people don’t realise we are genderized, we do it from in the home… Looking at women in the TCI at a glance, she said “women seem to be doing well, but there is always a

majority that suffers in poverty, or is in an abusive relationship, or get unequal access to jobs or don’t even know their rights.” Handfield pushes for both genders to be involved, pointing out “we need men and women because if men don’t understand women issues and women don’t understand their issues the problem will never change…it’s never going to work and people will still be victimized, there will still be abuse and rape.” In observance of World Aids Day, the department partners with the National Aids Department for candlelight services to be held simultaneously in islands through the Turks and Caicos on Friday while the observance of Human Rights Day ends the campaign. A local non-governmental organization, ‘Gender, Equity, Empowerment, Motivation, Survival’ (G.E.E.M.S PROJECT), also advocates for an end to gender violence, highlighting that violence prevents women, girls, children and men to live with a sense self-worth and violates fundamental human rights. Founder Barbara Handfield said, “Violence prevents people from achieving their full potential and has economic costs, seriously social implications and hinders the development of societies”. (KH)

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 1 – 7, 2012

In the Caribbean taxes may bring in money, but scare off investors FOR a territory of just more than 56,000 people, the Cayman Islands boasts an impressive corporate roster: From some of the favourite US brands like Coca-Cola and Federal Express to the world’s richest sports franchise, English football club Manchester United. The three-island British territory tucked just south of Cuba in the Caribbean Sea has more than 92,000 registered companies, according to the government, most of which do the majority of their business elsewhere. A check around the Caribbean reveals similar stories. The islands have long been attractive because they collect little or no taxes. They’ve built economies around financial services, which has proven a more reliable source of income than tourism in recent years. And over time they’ve helped foreign companies and well-heeled individuals reduce their tax bills. Among them is the hedge fund Bain Capital, of Mitt Romney fame, which became a lightning rod for criticism during the presidential campaign. But something happened on the way to tax haven status: Caribbean governments have accumulated massive debts they are struggling to repay. Without the taxes most governments use to pay for the costs of running public works projects or

social programs, the bills have added up. With little in the way of economic expansion – The United Nations forecasts 1.6 percent growth this year for the Caribbean – governments are turning to other means. Well-known tax shelters from the Cayman Islands to the Bahamas to the British Virgin Islands are considering new fees and taxes that would directly affect foreign investors. “It is a well established fact [that] … any government has but one fundamental way to … have the resources available to fulfill its obligations to its citizens… and that is to raise taxes or fees,” D. Orlando Smith, minister of finance in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), said in a Nov. 15 budget presentation. But industry analysts and tax specialists believe new fees and taxes will bring in needed money for government coffers while doing little harm to the business community. ‘THE NEED TO RAISE REVENUE’ In the BVI, Mr. Smith proposed an increase in trade license fees, which businesses are required to purchase to operate there, and to base work permit fees on salary levels, meaning higher-paid workers, many coming from large companies with multimillion dollar payrolls,

would pay more. His counterpart in the Cayman Islands has proposed an increase in registration fees for hedge funds. And in the Bahamas, the government is considering a sales or value added tax as well as a broad-based corporate tax for the first time. “This is coming from the same pressure that is affecting other governments around the world: the need to raise revenue,” says Bruce Zagaris, a Washington-based lawyer who has advised Caribbean governments on tax matters. “Small countries, like those in the Caribbean, are more limited in the ability to raise revenue. In many, such as the Bahamas and Cayman Islands, there is no income tax.” Places like St. Kitts & Nevis and Barbados are among the world’s most indebted governments, with debt-to-gross domestic product ratios of 151 percent and 118 percent, respectively, according to International Monetary Fund (IMF) data. Much-maligned Greece’s debt is only slightly higher at 161 percent, according to the European commission. Raising taxes is never easy or popular. But taxes are generally so low or nonexistent in the Caribbean that raising them comes only in dire straits. “In the Bahamas, we’re approaching a debt ratio of 50 percent, which is not as high as some other places in the Caribbean, but it’s too high for us,” says a high-ranking member of the Bahamas Ministry of Finance whose name was withheld because he is not authorized to speak on the record. “So we have to increase the level of tax we collect to

balance it out.” The government is considering a broad-based consumption tax on goods and services, which would directly impact locals. A corporate tax, which would impact the tens of thousands of international companies registered there, is less likely, but it is “on the table,” he says. “The IMF has always indicated to us that a broad-based corporate tax would be a remedy.” But there is little fear that such a tax would chase away corporations. “These amounts are so small compared to the level of money that is being made and invested,” says Andrew Schneider, president and chief executive of Global Hedge Fund Advisors, which has helped numerous hedge funds establish in the Caribbean. Assets in the Cayman Islands total more than $1.6 trillion, while the proposed registration fees would total less than $3 million. ‘LOW TAX’ VS ‘NO TAX’ Mr. Schneider says the hedge fund industry is expanding at a pace not seen in years, with sector growth between 20 percent and 30 percent. The growth has increased demand for banks and companies that assist funds in setting up. And they are looking to established, trustworthy tax havens, such as the Caribbean. “I think this is a perfect time for the governments to increase fees,” Mr. Schneider says. What’s more, some businesses are seeking out jurisdictions with low taxes, rather than no taxes at all. “When they come under scrutiny, it is easier for them to be paying taxes somewhere rather than avoiding taxes altogether,” the Bahamas

finance ministry official says. Many tax havens also levy no tax on foreign corporations that earn their profits outside of the jurisdiction. By locating in a tax haven, a company – or an individual – can save heavily. Apple lowered its corporate tax rate to 9.8 percent last year by utilizing tax havens, including the British Virgin Islands, according to an April New York Times investigation. The report suggested Apple legally avoided paying $2.4 billion in taxes. Meanwhile, wealthy individuals were able to hide at least $21 trillion – and perhaps as much as $32 trillion – in offshore accounts as of 2010, according to a study released in July by the Tax Justice Network, an international organization that pushes for more transparency in international finance. But governments are increasingly examining companies and individuals that utilize tax havens. In the US, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), which the IRS says will help “improve tax compliance involving foreign financial assets and offshore accounts” takes effect next year. It will force US taxpayers to report their foreign assets to the IRS. In London earlier this month, Google, Amazon, and Starbucks representatives were grilled in a Parliament hearing over accounting practices. Through accounting that booked sales in low-tax countries, like Ireland, the companies paid relatively little tax in the United Kingdom. Google, for example, booked sales of more than $4 billion in Britain but reportedly paid just a $10 million tax bill.

UK government rejects calls for British version of FATCA

Haiti would need to improve its infrastructure if it hopes to eradicate the disease.

Haiti and DR need US$2.2B to eradicate cholera

THE governments of Haiti and the Dominican Republic are joining international health groups to eradicate cholera, and they say the project requires US$2.2 billion over the next 10 years, AP reports. The Pan-American Health Organisation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and UNICEF will help execute the project, an effort to be led by the governments of the two countries that share Hispaniola.

“The project would be the biggest endeavor ever to develop Haiti’s barely existent water and sanitation system,” said the report by therepublic.com. The tattered state of Haiti’s infrastructure has contributed to the spread of cholera, which surfaced in October 2010. It has killed more than 7,600 people in Haiti and more than 420 people in the Dominican Republic. (Dominica Today)

THE UNITED Kingdom government rejected calls by the International Development Committee of the House of Commons for a British version of the United States Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, which would require tax authorities to exchange information relating to UK citizens or corporations. Responding to an IDC report, “Tax in Developing Countries: Increasing Resources for Development”, the government said it does not regard the introduction of FATCA in the UK as an appropriate means of tackling tax evasion. Alternatively, the government sees transparency and information exchange in partnership with other governments as the more appropriate strategy. “FATCA is unilateral and extraterritorial in its approach and has created significant difficulties for the US, as well as affected countries in its implementation,” the response to the recommendation said. Beginning in 2014, the US Foreign

Account Tax Compliance Act will force financial institutions around the world to identify American taxpayers among their clients, customers and investors and report their account balances to the US Internal Revenue Service. Organisations that refuse to share the information will be subject to a 30 per cent withholding tax on transactions with counterparties in the United States. The government’s response, in turn, highlighted the UK’s involvement in the Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, European Union and Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development as the more appropriate way to deliver progress in international tax transparency and to substantially increase levels of information exchange. Depending on the circumstances, the UK government pursues different tax transparency strategies based on exchange on request, spontaneous exchange and automatic exchange,

the statement said, quoting the OECD Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters, as a cost effective way to access the benefits of information exchange. “The UK, as a party to the convention, has sought to ensure that the criteria for joining the convention are such that they do not act as a barrier to entry to developing countries. The aim of this overall approach is to develop a comprehensive network of tax information exchange agreements, which will enable the UK and others to gain access to relevant information held in other jurisdictions.” Financial magazine International Tax Review, meanwhile, claimed that contrary to this public rejection of FATCA, it has seen a copy of draft legislation, through which the UK government would impose the automatic exchange of tax information on Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories, including the Cayman Islands.

December 1 – 7, 2012

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Receivers take control at controversial PI high-rise A CONTROVERSIAL 12-storey Paradise Island condominium development has been placed into receivership by CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas), Tribune Business can reveal, having sold just 25 per cent of the available units. Simon Townend, a Bahamasbased KPMG partner and head of its corporate finance arm for the Caribbean, on Monday confirmed that he and colleague Nicholas Brearton had been appointed as receivers/managers for the multimillion dollar, 79-unit Ocean Place on the Harbour development. They have also taken over analmost 15 acre tract near Skyline Lakes on western New Providence, which was earmarked for development as a retail complex and residential properties. Both Ocean Place and the Skyline Lakes property are owned by Peace Holdings, which is controlled by Al Ballard. Only specific assets

have been placed into the hands of the KPMG receivers, not Peace Holdings itself. Responding to Tribune Business’s inquiries, Mr Townend told Tribune Business: “I can confirm we were appointed receivers and managers over certain assets on November 20, assets related to property. “Right now, we’re making our initial findings and can’t talk much further until we’ve had a chance to assess the situation.” Confirming that the assets included both Ocean Place, especially the 59 condominiums still unsold, and the western New Providence land, Mr Townend said KPMG were receivers and managers for the former, and just receivers for the latter. “There’s 79 units all told,” he told Tribune Business of Ocean Place. “Twenty have been sold and completed. “The structure is complete. There’s some units which aren’t completed inside.”

$50 million annually to treat HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean IT IS costing countries in the region about $50 million a year to treat those infected with HIV/ AIDS. UNAIDS Country Coordinator, for Jamaica, Belize and the Bahamas, Pierre Somse said that amount is projected to increase by 25 million per year for within the next five years. Somse pointed out that it also costs more to treat homosexuals and sex workers infected with the virus. According to Somse,

institutional streamlining is needed for Caribbean countries to enhance their HIV/AIDS response programmes. He said financial adjustments must also be made in order for countries to better manage response programmes. Somse said a study is now underway to determine how money is being spent and what options are available for increasing domestic funding to treat those living with the disease. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Man convicted of burning girlfriend’s body in the Bahamas appeals for lower sentence A CONVICT appeared in the Court of Appeal on Monday to state his intention to appeal a life sentence handed down for the murder of his 18-year-old girlfriend, whose throat was slit before her body set on fire in bushes off a highway. However, Michael Beckford indicated to Justices Anita Allen, Christopher Blackman and Abdulai Conteh that he could not afford an attorney. Justice Allen said he would be appointed an attorney at the public’s expense and that he would return to court Januray 24, 2013, for a status hearing. Beckford was convicted in April 2011 of the October 4, 2008, killing of Sheanda Newton.

Ms Newton’s body was discovered with burns and a gash in the neck in the bushes off Charles Saunders Highway. Prosecutors alleged that Beckford killed the young woman because she had given him AIDS. However, Beckford denied killing Ms Newton, knowing her, or having AIDS. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty. However, following the Privy Council’s overturning of Maxo Tido’s death penalty and setting new rules about which cases warrant capital punishment, Beckford was sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice Vera Watkins. (Tribune242. com)

Tribune Business attempted to contact Mr Ballard for comment, after Mr Townend confirmed that he was both a director and shareholder of Peace Holdings. However, the number this newspaper obtained for Mr Ballard rang permanently engaged all day. Tribune Business also left a voicemail message on the US cell phone of Ocean Place’s marketing director, Marcus Fletcher, but the call was not returned. However, e-mails sent by Mr Fletcher to Bahamian realtors two-three months ago, which have been obtained by Tribune Business, indicate the developers were having difficulty selling the condominiums - and were forced

Ocean Place condominium development. (Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff)

into discounts of up to 40 per cent. The documents also suggest many realtors felt Ocean Place’s price points, of between $750,000-$5 million, were too high given current market conditions, and that they were

dissatisfied with the commissions being offered to them. In one e-mail, Mr Fletcher wrote: “In June, we reduced the prices of eight residences down more than 40 per cent.

20 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 1 – 7, 2012

Hunt for models begins ORGANISERS of the 2013 TCI Top Model Contest and Fashion Extravaganza are on the hunt for the country’s next star. They will soon be holding a contestant and model search for next year’s themed event, Royele Couture: LUXE. At the extravaganzatherewill a multitude of prizes, surprises, fantasticguest appearances, and more fashion modelling agencies in attendance.

The most coveted prize for the 2013 TCI Top Model contest winner is becomingDigicel TCI brand ambassador for a year. Ava-DayneFulford, head of marketing at Digicel TCI said, “Digicel ispleased to be able to work with TCI Top Model to make one lucky young lady’s dream come true. “As a Digicel brand ambassador, the winner willbe provided with tremendous exposure and opportunities in the world

ofadvertising and marketing within Digicel.” The TCI Top Model winner will also be a cover model andappear in an editorial spread of the 2013 Summer Times of the Islandsmagazine and have a profile page the sister publication – Destination:Turks & Caicos 2014. Time’s advertising manager, Claire Parrish said, “The winner can be proud to know her success will be seen by a wide range of readers allover the Turks and Caicos and internationally. “She will inspire andimpress. We could not be more delighted to showcase her success.” Contest producer Courtney Robinson, said, “These prizes are truly down to the high quality event we produce and the work that goes into preparing thecontestants and models for the show; providing the necessary training, grooming and guidance. “We at TCI Top Model are indeed appreciative to Digicel TCI, Times Publishing and our numerous partners for their continued support.” The contestant, model and talent search will take place on Saturday, January 12, at the Culture and Arts Commission in Turtle Cove,Providenicales from 10am to 12 noon. Females must 16 or older, 5’6” or

WashandaRegistre, winner of the 2012 TCI Top Model contes

taller without heels, bring heels (3” to 4”) and wear minimal make-up. Males must be 17 or older,5’10” or taller, and wear fitted clothing. All are asked arrive with photos, identification (ID) and a positive attitude.

Applicants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information call 344-2502, 232-6796, email tcitopmodelcontest@gmail.com or visit www.tcitopmodel.com.

December 1 – 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 1 – 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 1 – 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 1 – 7, 2012

Managers accused of locking gate Suburban man sentenced to life for killing family during fire that killed over 100 THREE managers at a Bangladeshi clothing factory were arrested and accused of locking a main gate of the facility hampering people trying to flee a weekend inferno that killed more than 100 workers, police said. The arrest of the mid-level managers did not stop the continued protests of thousands in the capital city Dhaka Wednesday, as many mourned and called for a full investigation into what happened. The clothing factory, housed in a multistory building near Dhaka, caught fire Saturday night. More than 100 people were killed and at least 200 were injured as they rushed to escape the factory in Ashulia, police said. “How the factory caught fire, I don’t know. But when we heard ‘fire,’ we all rushed out and we were trying to get out of the factory,” said Parul Begum, a survivor. “One factory worker broke a window and one of the workers pulled me through. After the fire, we tried to run out the door, but it was locked. When the floor (became) dark with smoke, the boys came to rescue me,” she said. The blaze is part of a rash of arsons, the country’s prime minister said earlier this week. The Saturday

More than 100 people were killed and at least 200 were injured in last Saturday’s fire.

fire as well another factory blaze Monday were “planned arson,” Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Monday. Also two people were arrested Monday trying to set fire to an apparel factory on the outskirts of Dhaka, but local police said they had not yet found any links between the arrests and the other factory fires. Meanwhile, Wal-Mart Stores

Inc. put some distance between it and the clothing factory, saying the factory was no longer authorized to produce merchandise for the company. “A supplier subcontracted work to this factory without authorisation and in direct violation of our policies. Today, we have terminated the relationship with that supplier,” Wal-Mart said Monday. (CNN)

Colombia pulls out of International Court over Nicaragua COLOMBIA has announced it no longer recognises the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, in The Hague. The decision comes nine days after the ICJ redrew Colombia’s maritime border in the Caribbean in favour of Nicaragua. The court’s ruling ended a decades-long dispute over the San Andres islands. President Juan Manuel Santos said individual countries, and not courts of law, should fix their borders. The ICJ ruled that the islands and a group of islets near the Nicaraguan coast in the western Caribbean belonged to Colombia. But it set up new maritime borders in the potentially oil-rich area, extending Nicaragua’s territory by some 70,000 square km (19,000 square miles). The judgment, which is binding, was welcomed by Nicaragua but greeted with anger by President Santos. ‘PEACEFUL MEANS’ Mr Santos has now announced that Colombia is pulling out of the Bogota Treaty, signed in 1948, that recognises the court’s rulings. “The borders between nations

A suburban Chicago man was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday for killing his wife and three schoolage children in the family’s SUV as they drove to an Illinois waterpark — allegedly so he could start a new life subsisting in the Canadian wilderness. The sentencing of Christopher Vaughn, 37, came two months after jurors found him guilty of killing his 34-year-old wife Kimberly and their children on June 14, 2007. Each child was shot once in the chest and head while buckled in the back seat. The judge sentenced to Vaughn to four consecutive life sentences with no possibility of parole. Vaughn did not make a statement in court. Vaughn, who lived with his family in a spacious Oswego home, faced a mandatory life term for the killings. But the hearing in Joliet gave relatives a chance to confront him and to convey how much pain he caused. The 2007 murders started out as a death penalty case, slowing the pace to trial. But Illinois has since abolished capital punishment, making life in prison the maximum penalty. Vaughn murdered his family members, prosecutors say, because he saw them as obstacles to his dream of a new life in Canada. He posted wistful Internet messages about building a cabin and settling in the Yukon cut off from the world. According to prosecutors, Vaughn woke his family on the day of the killings promising a surprise trip to a water park. But shortly after 5 a.m., he pulled off the road, shot his wife, then killed 12-year-old Abigayle, 11-year-old Cassandra and Blake, 8. Abigayle was found holding a stuffed animal; Blake’s wounds indicated he had raised his arm — to

A judge in Joliet, Ill., sentenced Christopher Vaughn to life in prison for the June 2007 killing of his wife Kimberly Vaughn, 34, and three children.

shield himself. At trial, defense attorneys told jurors that Vaughn’s wife was to blame, saying she was suicidal over marital strife. They suggested she shot her husband in the wrist and leg, then killed the children and herself. Prosecutors balked at that theory, asking jurors whether it seems reasonable that a woman who disliked guns could have shot her husband twice, only grazing him each time, but fatally shot each of her children with a marksman’s precision. They contended that Christopher Vaughn shot himself to make it look like his wife carried out the attack, and told jurors that Vaughn showed little emotion after the shootings and was more interested in his damaged clothing than the fate of his family. (NYdailynews.com)

Afghan girl’s beheading: Two arrested in Kunduz province Juan Manuel Santos said the court’s decision was riddled with mistakes and inconsistencies.

cannot be in the hands of a court of law,” he said. “They must be drawn by agreement between the countries involved.” Mr Santos reaffirmed he would only be using “peaceful means” to solve dispute. The competing claims date from the early 19th Century, when the nations of Latin America were gaining their independence from Spain. Nicaragua and Colombia signed a treaty in 1928 to settle the border and sovereignty of islands in the

Caribbean. But in 1980, Nicaragua’s Sandinista government unilaterally annulled the agreement, arguing that it had been signed under US pressure. In 2007, the ICJ ruled that the treaty was valid and that the sovereignty of three islands, San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina, remained with Colombia. The archipelago lies some 775km (480 miles) from the Colombian coast and 230km from Nicaragua. (BBC)

AFGHAN police have arrested two men accused of beheading a teenage girl with a knife in northern Kunduz province, officials say. Prior to the attack, the girl’s father had rejected a marriage proposal for his daughter. “Our investigation shows those who killed her were people who wanted to marry her,” police told the BBC. Earlier this month, four policemen were jailed for 16 years for raping a young woman in the same province. In the latest incident, the girl, who was about 14 years old, was

carrying drinking water from a nearby well to her house in Imam Sahib district when she was attacked on Monday. “People were harassing the family and asking for her hand. When she refused, they did this to her,” a police official told the BBC. Senior Afghan officials and local tribal elders said the two suspects were close relatives of the girl. The father had not wanted his daughter to get married because she was “too small to be engaged”, he was quoted as saying by the Pajhwok news agency. (BBC)

December 1 – 7, 2012

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Scandal brings down Afghan bank

Investigators say Michael Dunn, 45, of Brevard County, shot Jordan Davis, 17, of Jacksonville on Friday after an argument over loud music at a gas station.

Florida man shoots and kills 17-year-old teen after argument over loud music at gas station A FLORIDA man asked a group of teens at a gas station to turn down the loud music blaring from their car and, after an exchange of words, opened fire on the vehicle, killing a 17-year-old boy, authorities said. Michael Dunn, 45, of Satellite Beach, has been charged with murder for the Friday slaying of Jordan Davis, 17, a black high school student from the Jacksonville area. His lawyer said Dunn, who is white, thought he saw a gun and felt threatened during the incident, indicating that he may seek protection under the state’s controversial Stand Your Ground Law, according to local reports. “Self defense applies because Mr. Dunn was threatened,” attorney Robin Lemonidis told CNN. “We can’t say what the defense will be at this stage … but Stand Your Ground is a possibility.” The alleged murder occurred on

Friday as Dunn and his girlfriend were traveling to Jacksonville for his son’s wedding, the Orlando Sentinel reported. The pair pulled into a gas station parking lot and stopped next to an SUV, which Davis was sitting in with three other teens, authorities said. While his girlfriend was inside the store, Dunn asked the teens to turn down the loud music they were playing, cops said. Davis said something back and there was a heated exchange, authorities said. Dunn then pulled a gun and fired at least eight shots, hitting Davis twice, cops told the Sentinel. Dunn and his girlfriend then left the scene. The Sentinel said the two were staying in a Jacksonville hotel on Saturday when they heard news reports about the teen’s death and drove back to his home in Satellite Beach.

A HANDFUL of individuals ran a scheme of “fraudulent lending and embezzlement” to siphon hundreds of millions of dollars of ordinary people’s savings out of Kabul Bank, a key Afghan lender that ran into trouble in 2010, an independent report says. The report, released Wednesday, catalogs the alleged wrongdoing at the bank and the apparent failure of authorities to tackle the problems before they reached a crisis point or effectively respond to and investigate the financial catastrophe that unfolded. The scandal that engulfed Kabul Bank has severely damaged the reputation of the Western approach to banking that it embodied in Afghanistan, one of the least developed countries in the world. And its cost will be borne by an Afghan government that still relies on funding from the United States and other countries. The bank was meant to provide a transparent way for Afghan government employees -- soldiers, teachers and police officers -- to receive and retain their salaries without the age-old fear of corrupt superiors confiscating the money. Instead, the crisis at the bank, which went into receivership last year, “led to a loss of confidence in an already fragile financial system,” according to the report by the Independent Joint Anti-Corruption

Monitoring and Evaluation Committee. The committee, made up of three Afghan citizens and three overseas members, states that it is “wholly independent from the Afghanistan government and the international community.” It is led by Drago Kos, a Slovenian who has headed a number of international anticorruption organisations. Although the sums of money involved are small compared with the hundreds of billions of dollars spent on the war in Afghanistan by the United States and its allies, Kos on Wednesday underlined the significance of the bank to the small, underdeveloped Afghan economy. “At the time the crisis happened, Kabul Bank had 44% of the assets of this country,” he said at a news conference presenting the committee’s report in Kabul. “More than 1 million people had deposited their money in this bank.” The alleged fraud -- which has been linked to people with ties to the government of President Hamid Karzai, including one of his brothers -- led to Kabul Bank being deprived of more than $850 million, mainly from customer deposits, according to the report. “Most of this money,” the report says, “has been redirected for the benefit of a few individuals who perpetrated and participated in a fraud with reckless disregard for the country and the people of

Animal welfare: Germany moves to ban bestiality GERMANY’S ruling coalition is calling for a ban on bestiality - or the practice of having sex with animals. The German parliament’s agriculture committee is considering making it an offence not only to hurt an animal but also to force it into unnatural sex. Offenders could face a hefty fine. A final vote will be held in the Bundestag (lower house) on 14 December. Germany legalised bestiality (zoophilia) in 1969, except when the animal suffered “significant harm”. But animal rights groups have campaigned for a change in the law and Hans-Michael Goldmann, the head of the parliamentary committee investigating the new amendment, told the Tageszeitung newspaper that the new legislation was intended to clarify the current legal position. “With this explicit ban, it will be easier to impose penalties and to improve animal protection.” A fine of up to 25,000 euros (£20,000) is proposed if someone forces an animal to commit “actions alien to the species”.

But Michael Kiok, the chairman of the pressure group Zoophile Engagement for Tolerance and Information (Zeta), said he was going to take legal action to fight the proposed changes. “It is unthinkable that any sexual act with an animal is punished without proof that the animal has come to any harm,” he said, adding that animals are capable of showing what they do, or do not, want to do. “We see animals as partners and not as a means of gratification. We don’t force them to do anything. Animals are much easier to understand than women,” Mr Kiok claimed. Bestiality is banned in many European countries, including the Netherlands, France and Switzerland. The law was changed in the UK in 2003, which reduced the maximum sentence from life imprisonment to two years. The act however, is permissible in Belgium, Denmark and Sweden, though Stockholm is considering a change in the legislation. (BBC)

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster killed 11 workers.

BP faces temporary ban from new US contracts BP has been temporarily suspended from new contracts with the US government, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said. While it is unclear how long the ban will last, it follows BP’s record fine earlier this month over the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The EPA said it was taking action due to BP’s “lack of business integrity” over its handling of the blowout. But BP said it had spent $14bn (£8.8bn) on its response to the spill. “The BP suspension will temporarily prevent the company and

the named affiliates from getting new federal government contracts, grants or other covered transactions until the company can provide sufficient evidence to EPA demonstrating that it meets federal business standards,” said the EPA in a statement. “Suspensions are a standard practice when a responsibility question is raised by action in a criminal case.” The EPA and BP both said that the temporary ban would not affect existing agreements BP has with the government. (BBC)

Afghanistan.” Many of those who have been accused of participating and even profiting from the bank’s difficulties have denied any wrongdoing. The committee report, which says it “cannot make criminal findings or assign liability,” doesn’t name people specifically, but identities can be deduced from it. A spokesman for the Afghan president wasn’t immediately available for comment on the report Wednesday. His brother who has been linked to the bank’s problems, Mahmood Karzai, said he repaid the $4.2 million he borrowed from the bank with interest.

Minimum price plan to end cheap alcohol sales in England and Wales MINISTERS are proposing a minimum price of 45p a unit for the sale of alcohol in England and Wales as part of a drive to tackle problem drinking. The Home Office has launched a 10-week consultation on the plan, arguing it will help reduce the levels of ill-health and crime related to alcohol. It is also considering banning multi-buy promotions, such as two-for-the-price-of-one. The 45p proposal is 5p higher than the figure suggested by ministers in March. It comes after pressure has been mounting on the government to follow Scotland’s lead, where 50p has been proposed. The aim of a minimum price would be to alter the cost of heavily-discounted drinks sold in shops and supermarkets. It is not expected to affect the price of drinks in many pubs. The Home Office said the consultation was targeted at “harmful drinkers and irresponsible shops”. A spokesman added: “Those who enjoy a quiet drink or two have nothing to fear from our proposals.” The 45p minimum would mean a can of strong lager could not be sold for less than £1.56 and a bottle of wine below £4.22. Research carried out by Sheffield University for the government shows a 45p minimum would reduce the consumption of alcohol by 4.3%, leading to 2,000 fewer deaths and 66,000 hospital admissions after 10 years.

Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7, 2012

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

Brama Kumaris

Raja Yoga FOR RENT

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

contact: 946-4664

Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands

Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101 www.bkwsu.com Email: bkwsu@tciway.tc

FOR SALE

CARPENTER

WANTED Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $8.00 per hour.

Contact: 345-4695

7487

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

December 1 – 7, 2012

ISLAND SPORTIQUE Is seeking a Part-time

NORTH CAICOS

Acting on behalf of our client: Villa Del Mar is looking for a

Maintenance To work 6 days

per week salary $6.00 per hour. Contact: 345-75127494

HAIR IMPRESSIONS BEAUTY SALON is looking for a

SALES AND MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE

Sales Clerk Salon

Description of position

Must have knowledge of POS System salary $5.00 per hour.

Helper

Contact: 946-5378 or 941-8233

contact: 245-1239

7485

To work 6 days per week salary $250.00 per week.

Amazing Value! Lot for Sale

In Gated/Planned Community in Long Bay. Flamingo Crossing lot comes with full set of House Plans, all underground utilities, etc.

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

PRICE SLASHED $175,000

DISCOUNT LIQUORS AND WINE CELLAR IS LOOKING FOR A:

7486

WARD’S CONSULTANCY

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

• Promote all the products carried at our wholesale and retail operation • Help customers make selections by building customer confident and offering suggestions and opinions • Maintain a complete sales history and purchase pattern of our wholesale customers • Establish customer sales objectives by forecasting and developing annual sales quotas • Coordinate and assist in devising and implementing various sales and marketing strategies through the Wine Cellar retail and wholesale divisions, along with similar programs for all other affiliated business within the group • Provide regular SWOT analysis reports to management on the progress or detriments of each account, in order to determine appropriate strategies for account success • Assist Operations Manager in setting up proper inventory purchasing cycles in an effort to maximize the use of the business cash flow • Maintain customer sales volumes, product mix, and selling price by keeping current with supply and demand changing trends, economic indicators and competitors Salary commensurate with experience Applications must be submitted to:

Discount Liquors & Wine Cellar Email: discount@tciway.tc or fax: 649-946-4871 NO telephone calls please

7488

QUICK SALE House and ½ Acre land Richmond Hill

1 Bedroom 1 Bath Fully furnished

Call: 231-3788

30 CLASSIFIEDS

December 1 – 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

ROBERT and KARLENE FERRIER Are looking for a

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

Revenue Manager

Responsibilities • To maximize revenue through rate and inventory controls (yield management) • To monitor rate transparency, integrity and availability throughout all distribution channels • To develop accurate forecasts, pace reports and revenue based budgets for the company • To ensure room rates, allotments and allocations are set up and recorded properly • To perform training for the Reservations Team and cross training with the Front Office • To analyze current and historical data to identify business trends • To create and upload specials to our website and conduct constant price comparisons of our competitive set • To monitor and update the Extranet daily • To Create Pace Reports, • To work directly with guests and staff ensuring that customer service levels are of the utmost priority • Conduct MOD shifts Bi-Monthly • Attend Sales Meetings, Trade Shows, Marketing and PR Functions as requested by the General Manager

IN THIS SPACE! ONLY

$33

Interested persons.

Please call 346-0319

7498

VACANCIES

DOMESTIC WORKER Rate $5.00 per hour.

ADVERTISE

PER WEEK CALL 946-4664

JOB OPPORTUNITY Food and Beverage Outlet/Banquet Manager

Requirements • At least 3 years of Experience in Reservations and Revenue Management • Must have at least 1 year of Condo Resort Experience • Bachelors Degree in Business Administration or Hospitality Management

Reporting to the Food & Beverage Director, the Outlet/Banquet Manager will provide hands-on oversight of a popular outdoor, beachside restaurant ensuring guest service and financial goals are met or exceeded. Flexibility to work long hours as business demands. Ability assist other restaurants or bars within the resort and assist with banqueting activities. Shift schedule with rotating off days.

POOL & BEACH ATTENDANT

Primary Duties • Hands-on management of the daily service of assigned restaurant, including responsibility for daily closing to ensure adequate supervision of outlet staff. • Oversee the implementation of service and brand standards, share recommendations and guest comments with the Chef and F&B Management team • Assist in the development and implementation of promotions calendar for F&B products and events. • Conduct competitor analysis and be aware of local market initiatives, analyze food and beverage statistics through point of sale system • Monitor performance of the restaurant through analysis of guest feedback (comment cards, trip-advisor, etc.) and financial results. • Assist in maintaining and enforcing procedures to ensure the security of monies, credit and financial instruments and transactions • Replenish supplies and inventory in a timely and efficient manner, minimizing waste and controlling costs. • Ensure that the restaurant and all restaurant equipment is in proper operational condition and is cleaned on a regular basis. • Participate in budgeting and forecasting and P&L analysis including productivity and cost management. • Directly responsible for meeting financial, service and guest satisfaction targets for assigned outlet.

Responsibilities • Greet all guests and assist with towels, umbrellas, questions, and/or water sports equipment. • Complete setting up and breaking down of all guest lounge areas as designated by management and to ensure that all pool chairs and tables are in a clean and orderly fashion. • Constant walk-through of pool area and beach area to make certain it is clean (no trash on the grounds) and tidy. Inspect entire pool area replacing any missing items and/or repairing (when possible) any items needing attention. (I.E. Umbrellas, Hobie Cat, Chairs, etc.) • Pool & Hot Tub Cleaning (I.E. vacuuming, filtering, scrubbing, sifting, chemical testing, checking skimmers, etc.) Requirements • A secondary diploma is an asset • Experience as a Pool & Beach Attendant is preferred • Must be able to work long hours in all weather conditions • Must be able to be CPR certified, First Aid certified, and AED certified • Must be a good swimmer and perform rescue when needed • Must be able to operate rescue boat • Must be experienced in sailing, kayaking, and wind-surfing and operator all equipment • Must be able to clean and chlorinate pool • Must handle pool chemicals and equipment maintenance and functions • Life Guard experience a plus • Must speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) (English) used in the workplace. • Must work weekends and holidays

Gardener Reservations/Sales Agent Front Office Agent Housekeeping Supervisor Common Area Attendant Room Attendant

Job Requirements • Hospitality Degree or equivalent combined experience and education • Minimum 5-7 years proven restaurant management and banqueting experience within a resort environment • Demonstrated ability to work with and engage multicultural/multi-ethnic teams and guests • Strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent command of the English language • Pleasant, outgoing personality with the ability to handle the pressure of a fast-paced environment • Quality oriented with focus on details and high performance standards • Flexibility to work rotating shifts • Strong knowledge of food costing and working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Infogenesis POS system Competitive compensation package

Turks Island citizens only need to apply in person to Tiersa Smith, Human Resources Manager at The Sands Resort located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales, or e-mail: Humanresource@thesandstc.com. Applications must be in by December 10th, 2012. 7472

If this sounds like your dream job, please contact us for immediate consideration. Send your CV and cover letter to Bridgette Thomas, BNC Consulting Group, bthomas@bnccgroup.com or call 649-332-2565 for more information.

7474

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Is seeking a

Clinic

WEST BAY CLUB Is looking for a

JP PLUMBING

AC TECHNICIAN

Supervisor • 3 years experience minimum • Must be fluent in English, French and some Spanish • Strong computer skills • Marketing savvy • Bookkeeping • Excellent manner & customer service • Holistic health knowledge preferable

Please forward resume to: Drgorilla@gmail.com 7490 CHURCH OF GOD NORTH CAICOS

Labourer To work 6 days

per week salary $5.50 per hour.

contact: 946-8550

• EFF/CPR Certified • Minimum of 5 years boat handling experience with boat navigational and operations knowledge • Must know the TCI waters specifically Salt Cay, Grand Turk and the outer cays • Must have at least 5 years experience in the field • Must be able to work six days per week including holidays • Must be capable of doing heavy lifting • Salary starting at $300.00 US per week • Starting date: January 2013 • Application deadline: December 7th, 2012 Please send CV/ resume to crystalseasadventures@gmail.com or call 649-243-9843 Qualified applicants will be contacted by December 8th, 2012

CAICOS CAFÉ

7479

DWAYNE SIMONS

Is looking for the following persons:

7478

Salary $800 per month

contact: 243-6890 or 341-2607 7471

NANCY HAIRSTYLIST

HAIRSTYLIST • Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour Contact: 333-1742

CULINARIA LTD.

PADI DIVE INSTRUCTOR WANTED

French Pastor

ELECTRICIAN • Suitable applicants should be able to work with little or no supervision • Must be dependable and hardworking • Applicants would be required to work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour Contact: 231-0561

THAI ORCHID

CHEF • Must work 6 days per week • Must have at least 5 years experience in the field • Must have a positive attitude Salary commensurate with experience Contact: 231-0561

7470

1 Sommelier

Is looking for a

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

BAKER CHEF PASTRY CHEF RESTAURANT CAPTAIN SOMMELIER

Is looking for a

Labourer

Must be willing to work 6 days per week. Salary start at $5.50 per hour

Contact: 946-5885 or email: culinariatci@gmail.com

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

Contact: 244-2802

7469

Is looking for

VACANCIES

SOMMELIER/ WINE SPECIALIST

• Must have a Sommelier Certification which specializes in all aspects of wine services and food coordinates all service beverage of the restaurant and work with management team and chef regarding food and beverage cost • Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays 6 days per week must have at least 8 years experience • Must be able to understand, speak and write English • Must be physically fit, dependable, and hardworking

Ocean Club Management is looking to hire enthusiastic, qualified individuals for the following seasonal positions:

GARDENER (1 position) ROOM ATTENDANTS (4 positions) PART TIME FRONT DESK ATTENDANT (1 position) POOL AND BEACH ATTENDANT (2 positions)

MAITRE D HOTEL

• Must be able to work nights and holidays • Must be willing to work 6 days per week • Must have at least 10 years experience • Must be physically fit, dependable and hardworking • Must be able to train wait staff • Must be able to organized restaurant staff and service • Must be able to prepare working schedule • Coordinated all service of the restaurant and work with head chef for menu planning • Must have a good knowledge of wine and food paring • Must have good knowledge of cocktails and drinks

Requirements: • Excellent customer service skills. • All candidates must have at least 3 year(s) of working experience in the related field. • Excellent Communication Skills in English • Be committed to continuous learning, working with others, multitasking. • Must be hardworking, honest & responsible. • Can work under pressure. • Willing to work weekends, evenings, and public holidays on a flexible schedule dictated by business demands. • Current police record. • Front Desk position requires a minimum of High School diploma and related computer experience. Starting wage varies according to position and is commensurate with experience.

PASTRY AND BAKERY CHEF

• Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays • Must be willing to work 6 days per week • Must be able to clean the kitchen after service • Must have at least 10 years experience • Must have a good knowledge of bread and bakery goods in general • Good knowledge of plated dessert and cake • Good knowledge of birthday cake • Good knowledge of homemade ice cream and sorbet • Must be able to understand and speak English • Must be physically fit, dependable and hardworking Salaries are paid based on experience and quality of work

All resumes CV’s letters of references along with a clean police record must be delivered at: Caicos Café Grace Bay, Providenciales

Please drop off resumes at the Ocean Club Front Desk to the attention of the Human Resource Manager, or via email to diane@oceanclubresorts.tc Preference will be given to experienced and qualified Belongers. 7583

Only those receiving an interview will be contacted.

7484

COURTYARD CHIROPRACTIC CENTER

CLASSIFIEDS 31

7477

December 1 – 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Building Materials Ltd

VACANCIES Building Materials Ltd wishes to hire persons for the following positions:

- Required to services all brand appliances.

• Be wiling to work flexible hours. • Be able to work with little or no supervision. Salary $6.00 per hour

TOOL REPAIR TECHNICIAN

IT COMPUTER CONSULTANT

- Required to service Makita and all brand power tools. • Applicants must have at least 5 years minimum trained and working experience in the related field. Must work on own initiative, Must be a High School Graduate and Computer Literate, Must be Punctual & Responsible able to work on your own initiative. • Have a friendly temperament and be willing to go beyond the call of duty to make customers happy. • Be able to write and speak English fluently (bi - multilingual is a plus) • Be wiling to work flexible hours.

INVENTORY CLERK – PLS & GDT

Job Requirements: The Receiving Officer holds a very key position in determining the continued success of the company. The Receiving Officer must think and work strategically at all times as complimentary and within the framework of the strategic goals set by the company through senior management. Having a tremendous grasp of the tactical measures required to successfully achieve set goals is also mandatory. The perspective must always be a healthy one that balances cost effectiveness within the scope of achieving best gross margins, inventory control and also new business opportunities that would take the form of innovative ordering and new department creation and developing. Must possess an A.A, BA Degree or equivalent in the related field. Salary $2500.00 monthly

ASSISTANT LEAD

Job Requirements: Assistant Lead directly supervises Sales Associates in a specific department/s. The Assistant Lead is responsible for the day-to-day management of the store. Duties include supervisory functions such as personnel work, inventory monitoring, budget compliance, sales promotion and financial performance. Assistant Lead is also responsible for ensuring the highest level of customer service throughout the store. He / She is a role model and leader and must solve issues, make informed decisions and manage the workforce and time efficiently and effectively in order to achieve maximum results in the financial, operational processes and people areas. Must possess a BA Degree or equivalent in the related field. Salary 2800.00 monthly

SALES CLERKS, SALES ASSOCIATES & SALES PERSONS & CASHIER

Applicants Must: • Have At least 3 years experience or prior working knowledge of the related department. • Must be a High School Graduate and Computer Literate. • Must be Punctual & Responsible able to work on your own initiative • Have a friendly temperament and be willing to go beyond the call of duty to make customers happy. • Be able to write and speak English fluently (bi - multilingual is a plus) • Be wiling to work flexible hours. Salary $6.50 per hour.

DRIVER

• Have at least 5 years experience driving and operating heavy equipment and trucks 2 tons or more • Must possess a class B – H Turks and Caicos Islands Driver’s License. • Be able to write and speak English fluently (bi - multilingual is a plus) • Be wiling to work flexible hours. • Must be Punctual & Responsible able to work on your own initiative? • Be willing to work as a team member Salary $9.00 per hour

LABOURER/CLEANER

Applicants Must: • Be able to write and speak English fluently (bi - multilingual is a plus)

Acting on behalf of our clients: Complete Construction, Brook Saffire Styles and A & D Construction

Store Manager Mason Labourer

Must be willing to work 6 days per week. Salary starting $5.00-$7.00 per hour.

Applicants Must: • Have At least 6 years experience or prior working knowledge in the related field. • Must be possess B.A. degree in IT or related field. • Must be Consistent, Punctual & Responsible able to work on your own initiative? • Be able to write and speak English fluently (bi - multilingual is a plus) • Be wiling to work flexible hours. • Be willing to work as a team member. Salary $2400.00 per month

contact: 343-7512 WILFREY & TONY’S

Barber Is looking for a

MASON

Applicants Must: • Have At least 5 years experience or prior working knowledge in the related field. • Must be Consistent, Punctual & Responsible able to work on your own initiative? • Be able to write and speak English fluently (bi - multilingual is a plus) • Be wiling to work flexible hours. • Be willing to work as a team member. • Salary $6.00 per hour Applications for all positions will be accepted from Belongers only.

To work 6 days per week salary $250 per week.

CUSTOMS BROKER ASSOCIATE – GRAND TURK

contact: 231-0882

Applicants Must: • Have At least 5 years experience or prior working knowledge in the related field. • Must be Consistent, Punctual & Responsible able to work on your own initiative? • Must be responsible and knowledgeable of all Customs related tariff codes • Be wiling to work flexible hours and meet required deadlines. • Be willing to work as a team member. Salary: $6.00 per hour

7503

ALL PRO CLEANERS Is looking to employ

10 Part-time employees

IT COMPUTER CONSULTANT

Applicants Must: • Have At least 6 years experience or prior working knowledge in the related field. • Must be possess B.A. degree or equivalent experience in IT or related field. • Must be Consistent, Punctual & Responsible able to work on your own initiative? • Be able to write and speak English fluently (bi - multilingual is a plus) • Be wiling to work flexible hours. • Be willing to work as a team member. Salary: $2400.00 per month

Duties must have: Yard cleaning, Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Masonry/ Tiling Must be: Willing to work 6 days per week. Salary $5.00 per hour.

LABOUERER/ CLEANER

Contact: 247-0347

• Must be Consistent, Punctual & Responsible able to work on your own initiative? • Be able to write and speak English fluently (bi - multilingual is a plus) • Be wiling to work flexible hours. • Be willing to work as a team member. Salary: $6.00 per hour

DOLPHIN SPORTS BAR/ CARIBBEAN CAF Is looking to fill the following positions:

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

Applicants Must: • Have At least 6 years experience in the related field • Possess a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or CPA. • Prepare detailed and necessary Financial Reports to Management • Must be Consistent, Punctual & Responsible able to work independently and able to supervise an accounting team of 5-10 persons • Be wiling to work flexible hours. • Be willing to work as a team member. • Salary $ 6800.00 per month

Submit Resumes to or collect applications at:

Building Materials Ltd. The Human Resource Department Email: hr@doitcenterprovo.com

WARD’S CONSULTANCY

7501

APPLIANCE SERVICE TECHNICIAN

December 1 – 7, 2012

7514

32 CLASSIFIEDS

7477

Bar Supervisor 3 Cocktail Waitresses Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary negotiable.

Contact: 332-6364

7479

December 1 – 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

VACANCY CIVIL / STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Engineering Design Services (EDS) is seeking an experienced qualified professional to fill the post of Civil/Structural Design Engineer. • Minimum qualification: Bachelors degree in structural or civil engineering • Minimum experience: 10 years in structural & civil design, 5 year minimum in Seismic Design and supervision with at least 3 years construction field experience • The successful candidate will be expected to run projects in seismic zones such as Haiti unsupervised • The candidate will also be expected to travel as and when required throughout the Caribbean

Please send resume to eds@tciway.tc 7499

POSITION AVAILABLE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

BNC Consulting Group is currently seeking a highly qualified, hands-on, Director of Information Technology for its resort client. The ideal candidate will play a lead role in the development, delivery and implementation of key business applications. This individual will have a keen understanding of hospitality technology and will be responsible for identifying solutions for the resort’s current and future business needs.

Minimum Requirements • Strong understanding of technology architecture, IT business models, systems development and life cycles with an ability to set the direction of the Resorts IT function • Degree in Information Technology, Engineering or other technical field OR 15 years leadership experience working with IT and telephony applications, hospitality experience highly desired • Proven Mitel experience coupled with IPTV applications experience • Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment • Working knowledge of Visual One, Micros and/or Opera Fidelio, and Infogenesis POS system • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, Outlook) • Critical thinker with complex problem-solving abilities • Strong leadership skills with the ability to “see the big picture,” evaluate technologies and identify business solutions strategies • Ability to develop and manage strong working relationships at all levels of the organization, as well as with external vendors and suppliers • Ability to communicate technical issues to non-technical internal customers and executives, and translate their needs into appropriate applications • Ability to assess technology alternatives and identify and implement applicable solutions • Ability to develop, track and adhere to budgets

Qualified candidates should contact Bridgette Thomas at 649-332-2565 for immediate consideration. Candidates must possess relevant skills, experience, and a clean police record. Salaries for the above positions are commensurate with level, experience and education. CLOSING DATE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED. ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED. 7489

CLASSIFIEDS 33

34 CLASSIFIEDS

December 1 – 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Job Vacancy Senior Corporate Manager ABOUT THE JOB: The Senior Corporate Manager will lead, manage and motivate a relationship team comprised of Credit Managers, Credit Officers and Client Service Officers with the objective of efficiently managing a portfolio of corporate clients by providing world class relationship management, top quality risk control and overseeing personal development of team members. This role will be responsible for maximizing customer profitability by driving revenue growth through generation of loans, deposits, fee income and cross-selling of all applicable bank services to existing customer base, identifying and soliciting bank services of non-customer. The Senior Corporate Manager will direct the relationship team, develop an intimate knowledge of all customers in the assigned client portfolio, coordinate all aspects of the client relationship and effectively work with the relationship team in providing high quality customer service and satisfaction. This role will have accountability of the credit quality of the assigned client portfolio, reviewing credit requests as required to ensure compliance with the bank credit quality standards and ultimately is accountable for the customer experience. ABOUT OUR OFFER • Sources, originates new clients and foster high quality business opportunities with existing clients through proactive idea generation and selling. • Recruit and manage a comprehensive portfolio of approx 75-100 corporate clients, to include borrowing and non-borrowing accounts in diversified sectors of business. • Manages and significantly grows the existing portfolio by building and broadening the scope of the client relationship and increasing ‘wallet share’ of the client’s investment and banking business services. • Monitors and controls accounts within the assigned client portfolio. • Develop and deliver targeted financing solutions for clients. • Sell customized financing and banking solutions using a diagnostic approach. • Successful candidates should expect to commit to a minimum 3 year term. • Flexible working hours are required to meet client demands. ABOUT YOU • Relationship builder with expert ability of influence and negotiate to win-win solutions. • Strong and mature team builder and player. • High degree of initiative, a self-starter and self motivated. • Graduate status with a minimum of 5 years experience in the business/financial world. • Proven origination, business development, deal closing and relationship management skills to successfully lead and drive a Corporate banking team. • In-depth understanding of the Corporate business, financing solutions, credit suite of products and the set of products available across FirstCaribbean. • Strong understanding of financial options and applicability to various business scenarios. • Ability to network externally and develop strong connections with the business community and government. SALARY RANGE: $70,043 - $90,657 Benefits include Life Insurance, Health Insurance and preferred rates on banking and services commensurate with qualifications.

JOB OPPORTUNITY Health And Safety Liaison

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES: This is a managerial post with the following duties and responsibilities: • To ensure that health and safety requirements are adhered to when transporting cruise ship passengers on selected tours. • To administer health and safety training to staff at Funtastic Tours. • To monitor and evaluate safety practices of passengers on tours. • To develop safety guidelines and ensure that the company is in compliance of all regional and international safety guidelines. • To design and implement effective safety plans and strategies for the company. SKILLS: Attention to details and high levels of accuracy; profound knowledge of health and safety practices; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; as well as versed in Quality Management. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: At least eight (8) years experience functioning at a managerial level. This experience must be linked with working in key positions which require extensive training in Health and Safety. • Certification in Supervisory and Facilities Management. • Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. • OSHA Certification. • Seaman Class IV Certification. • C.P.R and First Aid Certification.

Salary will be discussed at the interview process. Please forward CVs with e-mail and telephone contact to funtastictours@yahoo. com. Closing date for applications is: 1st December 2012.

7497

BUTTERFIELD GOLD GROUP OF COMPANIES

POSITIONS AVAILABLE One (1) Baker/Cook

To produce all bakery goods and assist with cooked meals in an efficient manner within company policy; to ensure that the shift contributes to the financial best interest of the store. Applicant must have 2-3 years experience Salary: commensurate with experience Requirements for all Applicants:

Applicants are requested to submit their resume with a cover letter

Via email by December 7th 2012 to: larry.lawrence@cibcfcib.com Tel: 649-941-1601/941-1616

FirstCaribbean International Bank Limited thanks all applicants for their interest, however only those under consideration will be contacted

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership in the turks & caicos

• Hardworking team player with excellent people skills. • Willingness to work, weekends and holidays as required. • In addition to the performance of the essential functions employees may able required to perform supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the supervisor. Only Belongers apply for these positions. Application forms available from Butterfield Gold Human Resource Department. Only applicants selected for interview will be notified. Submit applications to by December 7, 2012 to:

Butterfield Gold Ltd., Human Resource Department Town Center Mall Providenciales Tel: 649-946-4211

7491

December 1 – 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

JAY’S GARBAGE DISPOSAL Is looking for a

Domestic Worker To work 6 days

per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 231-2121

Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force

ADVERTISE

IN THIS SPACE!

Human Resource Department

Church Folly, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands

MAINTENANCE/ SECURITY VACANCY

ONLY

$33

PER WEEK CALL 946-4664

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has an immediate vacancy for a Maintenance/ Security person to work at the Police Headquarters in Providenciales (previous Community College building). The successful candidate will be sworn-in as a District Constable and employed on month to month terms. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: • Maintenance of facilities equipment and appliances • Maintenance of premises • Conduct minor repairs • Light and occasional security duties

VACANCIES Applications are invited from suitably qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following positions:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: • Must be between the age of 21 years and 60 years • Belonger status or holder of a valid work permit • Must possess a clean police record • Must be energetic and trustworthy • Must be able to lift heavy items • Must be able to work outdoors

Please have interested persons contact A/Insp. Gardiner at telephone # 2323366, email: dwight.gardiner@tcipolice.tc or Sgt. Curvalene Skippings at telephone # 232-3451, email: currvalene.skippings@tcipolice.tc

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

Airport Traffic Compliance Officer

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

The Airport Traffic Compliance Officer’s primary duty is to see that patrons and Taxi Drivers comply with necessary rules and regulations in accordance with the Road Traffic Ordinance and TCIAA standards whilst on Airport Property. Duties & Responsibilities include: • Monitor and assist Taxi Dispatch operations as conducted by Taxi Drivers and ensure seamless operations. • Monitor Taxi Parking lot for upkeep and report unauthorized parked vehicles • Direct passengers upon curbside arrival • Ensure that Taxi Vehicles and drivers are licensed and approved to operate from Providenciales International Airport

VACANCIES

HVAC Technician

The Somerset on Grace Bay is seeking Labour Clearance for the positions listed below. Suitably qualified Belongers who possess the requirements listed are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates should possess luxury resort experience, be professional in attitude and demeanor and must read and speak English fluently. All positions require a flexible schedule which includes holidays, weekends and evenings, and extended hours on occasion. Salaries are based on experience and qualifications.

The HVAC Technician provides HVAC services with specific responsibility for identifying repair and/or replacement needs; installing, repairing, maintaining and upgrading HVAC systems and equipment; assisting other skilled trades; and ensuring that tools and materials are available at job site.

Beach Attendant: Outgoing, friendly and experienced swimmer. Must be energetic and enjoy working outdoors. Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds is required. CPR/First Aid certification is required. Must have previous working experience in a 5 star resort.

Applicants must have: • Minimum 5 years HVAC Systems Maintenance.

Handyman: Skilled technician needed to perform routine maintenance tasks throughout the resort facilities. Must be knowledgeable in electrical, plumbing, cooling and/or general carpentry. Previous maintenance experience or formal certification/training is required. Must be organized and capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously.

Skills & Qualifications: • Certificate in Air Conditioning system Repairs and Maintenance from a Professional Accredited technical body. • Ability to work on electrical, plumbing and water systems.

Room Attendant & Houseman:

Possess at least 3 years of experience in five-star resorts. Strong attention to details and exceptional ability to maintain the highest standards of quality required. Must be a team player with a strong work ethic. The Resort seeks courteous individuals who possess a positive demeanor with a commitment to excellence. Housemen should have the ability to lift at least 30 lbs. and push/pull in excess of 50 lbs.

Detailed Job Descriptions are available from the Main Office of the TCIAA at the Providenciales International Airport or via email from info@tciairports.com.

Bellman:

Interest persons must submit their applications before December 7, 2012 to:-

The Human Resources, Training & Development Manager Turks & Caicos Islands Airports Authority, Providenciales International Airport Turks and Caicos Islands Telephone # 649-941-8692 Fax # 649-941-5996. Email: info@tciairports.com

CLASSIFIEDS 35

Experienced in working in a luxury resort is required. Must be professional and possess good communication skills and outgoing personality.

Laundry Attendant:

possess a minimum of 3 years previous laundry experience. Thorough understanding of all laundry machines, dry cleaning techniques and laundry chemicals usage. Must possess good communication skills both verbal and written, strong customer relations skills, be a team player and pay attention to details. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Qualified Belonger candidates can complete an application form in person at The Somerset on Grace Bay or submit a Resume by e-mail at somersethr@thesomerset.com. Te: 946-5900. Fax: 946-5839. The closing date for applications is December 1, 2012. 7475

7473

36 CLASSIFIEDS

December 1 – 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

BEATRICE CASIMIR

Ananda Ltd

Is looking for a

Has the following vacancies:

6 Sales Assistants

Must be friendly and an outgoing person able to deal with customers on a one-to-one basis Must be willing to cooperate and work as a joint team with other staff members Must be computer savvy especially be able to opearate POS systems Must be willing to learn new ideas Must be willing to work extended hours, weekends and holidays Knowledge of speaking and writing in different languages always an asset Must have 3-5 years experience in retail trade Salary $5.00 per hour

Labourer

6 Labourers

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

• Must have 3-5 years experience • Salary $5.00 per hour

contact: 441-2808

CONTACT: Ananda Ltd, P.O Box 1151, Providenciales. Tel: 339-4663 e-mail: jobs@anandaltd.comv

7504

(1) 3 BEDROOM 3 ½ BATHROOM WITH POOL $3,800.00 PER MONTH (1) 2 BEDROOM 2 BATHROOM WITH POOL $1,800.00 PER MONTH

CONTACT: 341-1471

7517

FOR MORE INFORMATION

JOHN JENNINGS Is looking for a

Labourer

Labourer – $5.00 per hour

Kitchen Helper – $5.00 per hour

YARD SALE EVERYTHING MUST GO • FORM PLYWOOD • SCAFFOLDS • STYRO FOAM • ALL TYPES OF PRESSURE TREATED WOODS AND MUCH MUCH MORE SALES WILL BE HELD ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS:

DECEMBER 7, 13 14 FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact: 941-8302 or 347-2093 7521

CONTACT: 345-9111

LATINO CONSTRUCTION

LEW & JAN CONSTRUCTION

Is looking for a

Is seeking to hire a

7518

Is looking for a

To work 6 days per week.

Labourer

Mason

Labourer

Send resume to: 946-2262

Contact: 345-5507

Contact: 347-0771

contact: 232-7317

7512

FOR RENT THOMPSON COVE

GRAND TURK LIQUORS

Painter – $6.00 per hour

CONTRACTORS

To work 6 days per week. Salary $5.00 per hour.

7500

To work 6 days per week. Salary $8.00 per hour.

7520

to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

7509

• • • • • • • •

C&J EMPLOYMENT Acting on behalf of our clients: Jerome C. Brown, Phillipe Vixamar, Barefoot Caf

SALE BY

PUBLIC AUCTION Nancy Peters of Cockburn House, Market Street, Cockburn Town, Grand Turk, hereby give notice of her intention to sell by Public Auction the following parcel pursuant to her power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

KIWANIS CLUB OF PROVIDENCIALES PRESENTS

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 4:30 PM ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2012 TOWN CENTRE MALL PARKING LOT FUN & ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL THE FAMILY INCLUDING SANTA BETWEEN AGES OF 3-10 YEARS

PARCEL 10304/139 & 140 Grand Turk Central, Grand Turk, The Island House offers eight luxurious studio and one bedroom suites each enjoying stunning views of the island and surrounding ocean, situated on a combined 0.40 acres. Registered Proprietor: Woodville Court Ltd. The auction will be held at Karam & Missick Office P.O. Box 926,Suites A201-3,Regent Village East, Grace Bay, Providenciales at 11 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 14th day of December 2012.

A reserve price will be fixed on the parcel. A deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids. Terms and Conditions of Sale by Auction are available by requests from Karam & Missick (649) 9415082 or fax number (649) 946-5094. 7515

December 1 – 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands: 1. Parcel 60902/205/K4, Leeward Going Through, Providenciales, The subject property forms a part of Leeward Landing town home development which has four units in one. The subject apartment comprises of living accommodations over two floors, providing kitchen, living & bedroom area, two bathrooms, powder room, utility and owner’s closet. There is also a communal pool. Registered Proprietors:Elizabeth Fiona Sawers and Andrew James Lorimer Sawers 2. Parcel 60900/219 Leeward Going Through, Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residential building providing three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, breakfast room, utility room and an open plan living, dining area together with a covered external front porch adding a small basement area. Registered Proprietor: Carol Ianthy Hawkins 3. Parcel 60400/286 Chalk Sound, Providenciales comprising of a detached raised single storey residential development. The subject property provides living/dining room, kitchen, bathroom with a large en-suite and closets. It also provides easy access to the water and good views of silly creek from its part wraparound deck. Registered Proprietor: Sean Delroy Penn 4. Parcel 60602/222 Norway & Five Cays, Providenciales South Apartments-Comprises of a single storey apartment building providing four (4) one bedroom apartment units together with areas of a private covered deck East Apartments-Comprises of a part-two storey apartment building providing six (6) two bedroom apartment units with areas of a communal walkway Residence-Comprises of a single storey detached development providing two bedrooms, living/dining area, bathroom and kitchen. Registered Proprietor: McLean Prince George Gardiner 5. Parcel 60802/39 The Bight and Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales comprising of 0.65 acres of undeveloped land. The Subject property is steeply sloping down towards the Lower Bight and benefits from distant ocean views from elevated southern section. Registered Proprietor: Jay Leonard Steinberg 6. Parcel 60716/288

Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill, Providenciales Comprising of a Part two storey and part single-Storey residential building. The accommodation provides Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, open plan living/dining areas, a third bedroom on the Mezzanine floor, a lower level self contained studio unit, exposed deck and some Landscaping. Registered Proprietor: Coleta Alexander Williams

7. Parcel 60702/125 Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill, Providenciales comprising of a detached two storey building providing a two bedroom private residence to the upper floor and a one bedroom apartment to the lower floor. There is also a separated bedroom/ guest room at the rear of the house accessed from the upper deck. Registered Proprietor: Opera Investments Ltd. 8. Parcel 60611/67, Norway & Five Cays, Providenciales, Comprising of 0.21 acres of Undevelop land. The subject property is a corner parcel with access along the south east/south west boundaries and is located just off the South Dock road. Registered Proprietor: Anisha Crishell Ewing 9. Parcel 60506/26 Blue Hills and Stamers Run, Providenciales, Comprising of 1.90 Acres of a well elevated undeveloped inland lot. The land is zoned as a Low Density Residential (3 units per acre) and can be located by taking the Thompson Cove road north off the Leeward Highway. Registered Proprietor: Moriba Atiba Baker 10. Parcel 60900/230 Leeward Palms, Providenciales, Comprising of 0.72 acres of land on which is constructed a two storey residential building consisting of three (3) bedrooms, 2 and a half bathrooms. Registered Proprietor: Marvin Prince Albert Stubbs 11. Parcel 10303/33, Overback, Grand Turk. Comprising of 0.20 acres of land on which is constructed a single storey residential developments providing bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living areas. Registered Proprietor: Raymond Henry Jennings

Formula 1: Ferrari consider Vettel protest – Change could hand Alonso championship by one point FERRARI want to establish whether there is enough evidence to lodge a protest that, if successful, could overturn the result of the world championship. Ferrari are “evaluating footage” that appears to show Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel making an illegal overtaking move in Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso lost the title by three points to Vettel after finishing second for Ferrari and the German sixth. Governing body the FIA refused to confirm whether it was investigating. Red Bull could not be reached. The footage, from Vettel’s on-board camera, appears to show the German passing Toro Rosso’s Jean-Eric Vergne

in a yellow ‘caution’ zone. If that is the case, and any protest was upheld, it could mean Vettel would have 20 seconds added to his total race time. That would demote him to eighth place and make Alonso world champion by one point. Alonso has posted a cryptic message on the social networking site Twitter that appears to be a reference to the situation. He wrote in Spanish: “I don’t believe in miracles. I make my miracles out of the correct rules.” Alonso is believed to be pushing Ferrari to make an official protest to the FIA. However, the governing body does not need a protest from Ferrari to investigate further. In fact, its own rules appear to oblige it to do so.

Fraser is first Caribbean footballer to win Golden Boot in Central America JAMAICA’S national midfielder, Sean Fraser, has created history by becoming the first Caribbean player to win the Golden Boot in a Central American league. Fraser, who plays for Alianza, has finished as the top scorer in the El Salvador premier league with 15 goals. Alianza, one of the most popular and successful clubs in El Salvador, finished second in the regular season and will now play CD FAS in a twoway semi-final. Fraser is no stranger to creating history, having been a member of the first Jamaica team to qualify for a FIFA Youth World Cup Finals the Under-17 edition in New

Sean Fraser scored 15 goals in the league

Zealand in 1999. Two years later, Fraser was on the second Jamaica youth team to play in a World Cup Final - the Under-20 championship in Argentina in 2001. (Jamaica Gleaner)

PROVO BEVERAGES

12. Parcel 10408/16, South Back Salina, Grand Turk. Comprising of a detached single Storey residential building providing bedrooms, bathrooms, living, kitchen and dining areas. Registered Proprietor: Domingo Jose Mora

The auction will be held at the offices of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 10 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 14th day of December 2012 A reserve price will be fixed on all parcels. A deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids.

Terms and Conditions of Sale by Auction are available by request from Scotiabank Collections Department (649) 946-4750.

CLASSIFIEDS 37

7516

Is looking for

2 Labourers Must be willing to work 6 days per week. Must be trustworthy and reliable. Salary $5.00 per hour. Hours are from 8:00am-4:00pm.

Contact: Serge Tuyssuzian at 941-3637 or Fax: 941-3637

7511

December 1 – 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

TIKI HUT

Ashley Giles appointed England one-day and T20 head coach

Is looking for a

Cook To work 6 days per

week. Salary $7 per hour. Contact: 941-5341

7519

IMMEDIATE OPENING SOUS CHEF

Requirements: • 3 to 5 years culinary experience in a 5* de luxe hotel operation, full service, fine dining establishment as Sous Chef • Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience • Must have strong knowledge of kitchen inventory and ordering process, staffing, expediting and ability to supervise the staff and kitchen operations under the direction of the Executive Chef • Excellent culinary technique and ability to work the line during all meal periods • Exceptional customer service orientation, complying with company service culture • Must be able and willing to work all days, shifts, overtime and each location where he is required for the hotel operation Duties Include: • Recruit and select qualified candidates, provide training and communication performance expectations • Coordinate the inventory, purchasing and disbursement of all supplies with the purchasing manager • Inspect and ensures the proper set up and readiness of each item on menus • Supervise daily food preparation for assigned areas. • Ensure that the level of quality, portion control, and plate presentation is adhered to consistently • Work closely with staff to exceed guest expectations • Maintain product consistency by conducting inspecting or seasonings, portion and appearance of food

Ashley Giles has been appointed England’s one-day and T20 head coach.

However, he will now take charge of the one-day side for the first time against India in January, before leading the team on the New Zealand tour in February. The former Bears director of cricket will then turn his focus to the 50-over Champions Trophy at home next summer. An England and Wales Cricket Board statement said Flower would have “accountability for the results

of England cricket” and would also continue to tour with the England Test side during both home and away series. However, the team director will no longer be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the England ODI and T20 sides. Giles will take over that duty and with Flower will also help develop playing strategies to “move England cricket forward in all formats of the game”. (BBC)

WANTED Front Desk, Reservations and Marketing Assistant

CHEF DE PARTIE

Requirements: • 3 years culinary experience in a full service, fine dining establishment as chef de partie • Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience • Must have strong knowledge of kitchen inventory and ordering process, staffing, expediting and ability to supervise the staff and kitchen operations under the direction of the Executive Chef • Excellent culinary technique and ability to work the line during all meal periods • Exceptional customer service orientation, complying with company service culture • Must be able and willing to work all days, shifts, overtime and each location where he is required for the hotel operation

For small hotel. Part time or full time depending on skills and business growth Applicants must possess: • Strong communication skills in English, both oral and written • Proven multi-tasking, marketing and customer service skill • Basic bookkeeping and computer skills, • Reservations and bookings experience • Ability to work with minimal supervision • Ability to work flexible hours including holidays, weekends and evening shift • Skills in people management and team player • Must have at least 5 years experience in related employment Pay based on qualifications. Three month probationary period

Duties Include: • Recruit and select qualified candidates, provide training and communication performance expectations • Coordinate the inventory, purchasing and disbursement of all supplies with the purchasing manager • Inspect and ensures the proper set up and readiness of each item on menus • Supervise daily food preparation for assigned areas. • Ensure that the level of quality, portion control, and plate presentation is adhered to consistently • Work closely with staff to exceed guest expectations • Maintain product consistency by conducting inspecting or seasonings, portion and appearance of food

Experienced Bartender/Server Applicants must possess: • Ability to work flexible hours including holidays, weekends,evening & split shift • Strong communication skills both oral and written • A professional upbeat attitude and the ability to anticipate the needs of guests

Starting salary $6 per hour not including service charge Interested applicants should apply to Regent Palms, Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your to marjorie.dorsett@ regenthotels.com no later than December 6, 2012.

ASHLEY Giles has left his role as Warwickshire director of cricket to take over as England one-day international and Twenty20 head coach. The former England player will report to team director Andy Flower, who will focus on the Test side. The 39-year-old, who is also an England selector, led Warwickshire to the County Championship in September. “I am delighted to be given an opportunity to coach at international level,” said Giles “I have worked closely with Andy in recent years as a selector and am looking forward to continuing to work together and to build on the progress that has been made with the ODI and T20 sides in recent years.” The former England offspinner took 143 wickets in 54 Test appearances for his country between 1998 and 2006. After leading Warwickshire to their seventh County Championship, Giles said he still had “a lot of work to do” for the club at which he spent his whole domestic playing career.

7511

Send C.V with references from Previous 2 Employers to: hotelbeach@hotmail.com

7510

38 CLASSIFIEDS

December 1 – 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 39

The Meridian Club On Pine Cay Turks & Caicos Islands British West Indies

at The Meridian Club on Pine Cay

K-9 Dog Handler/ Security Level 2 Salary: $7-8.50/hr depending upon experience, training and work record, plus lodging and necessary boat transportation to and from Pine Cay. Qualifications: Must be comfortable working with and training with Police Dogs. Certification attesting to completion of a duly accredited K-9 training program and prior experience as K-9 patrol dog handler essential because the dogs can be dangerous to the handler and others if not handled properly. Prior experience in police or military police work desirable. Must be physically fit and capable of controlling and restraining a large, powerful dog. Must provide satisfactory proof of clean police record. Fluency in English required. Must have certification in first aid or as a first responder or be willing to undergo training in those disciplines. NOTE: Must be willing to reside on Pine Cay on a full time basis and work night patrols, as required. DUTIES: Handles, feeds, exercises and trains security dogs; responds with dog to security problems; conducts periodic security patrols with dog, including night patrols, and serves as member of fire response and medical emergency response teams. STARTING DATE for position: immediately

Housekeeper Salary: $5.50+/hr depending upon training, experience, work record and capability. Room and necessary boat transportation to and from Pine Cay included. Duties: include cleaning guest rooms, public areas in Clubhouse, including restaurant, lobby, and bar and outdoor dining areas; doing laundry; cleaning private residences, and such other responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by housekeeping supervisor, resort manager or club administrator. Qualifications Required: • Must be able to communicate in English • Must be in good health and able to lift items weighing up to 40 lbs.

• Must be skilled in handling all duties specified above. • Must be willing to reside on Pine Cay at all times other than scheduled days off. • Must be willing to work holidays and weekends. • Must be neat, tidy and have attention for detail. • Must present a pleasant, professional demeanor to guests, homeowners and fellow employees. Starting Date: Immediately

Boat Captain/Marine Worker Salary: $6.50-8.50/hr depending upon experience, training and work record. Accommodation on Pine Cay and necessary boat transportation to and from Pine Cay provided. Duties: Operates all Club boats for guest, homeowner, staff and visitor transportation, freight and recreational operations; performs cleaning and minor maintenance work on all Club and homeowner boats; performs fueling operations for Club and homeowner boats; assists with marine area and dock maintenance operations; assists boat passengers with loading and unloading luggage; assists with loading and unloading freight; ensures compliance with TCI marine safety requirements; Note: this position requires boat operation at irregular hours, including early mornings and early evenings for guest and staff transportation; therefore employee must reside on island except on scheduled days off. Qualifications Required: • Minimum of 5 years experience personally operating single and twin engine motor boats up to 28 feet in length. • Must have current boat captain’s license permitting operation of passenger transport boats or have held such a license in the recent past and pass TCI Boat Captain’s license examination . • Must be capable of heavy lifting and working in all weather conditions. • Must be a capable swimmer and have training in lifesaving procedures. • Must be willing to reside on Pine Cay except on scheduled days off. • Must be familiar with basic boating safety rules. • Must have pleasant personality, clean and neat personal appearance and enjoy working with people. • Must be able to communicate in English Starting Date: immediately

How to Apply: send the following information to Beverly Plachta, Resort Manager, by fax to 649-941-7010 or email manager@meridianclub.com or leave in an envelope to the attention of The Meridian Club at Sotheby’s Real Estate Office in Salt Mills no later than December 17th with: 1) a brief statement of your work history (names of employers, dates of employment and reasons for leaving); 2) names of at least 2 references with contact information and 3) your own contact information (residence address, e-mail address, phone number) ; 4) police report; and 5) Copy of passport Additional Information: Qualifed Belonger preferred. All qualified applicants will be interviewed How to Apply: send the following information to Beverly Plachta, Resort Manager, by fax to 649-941-7010 or email manager@meridianclub.com or leave in an envelope to the attention of The Meridian Club at Sotheby’s Real Estate Office in Salt Mills no later than December 17th with: 1) a brief statement of your work history (names of employers, dates of employment and reasons for leaving); 2) names of at least 2 references with contact information and 3) your own contact information (residence address, e-mail address, phone number) ; 4) police report; and 5) Copy of passport

Ricky Hatton has called it quits from boxing.

Hatton retires after Vyacheslav Senchenko defeat FORMER two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton has announced his retirement from boxing following his loss to Vyacheslav Senchenko in Manchester. Hatton, 34, had not fought since 2009, but his return to the ring on Saturday ended with a ninth-round stoppage. “I needed one more fight to see if I had still got it - and I haven’t,” he said. “I couldn’t have done any better. “A fighter knows and I know it isn’t there any more. I have got to be a man and say it is the end of Ricky Hatton.” Hatton announced his return to the ring in September, 14 months after initially calling time on his career. His opponent Senchenko, while a year older, had only one defeat on his record and

Y A 3 D CONSULTANT Acting on behalf of clients: B’s Beauty Bar, Carla Prospere, Anny Garcia, OASYS Enterprises is looking to fill the following positions:

Hairdresser – $6.00 per hour

Domestic Worker

– $5.50 per hour Nail Technician – $5.50 per hour

Artist – $6.50 per hour

Contact: 344-4540

proved more than a match for Hatton in front of 20,000 fans at the Manchester Arena. Hatton started brightly and fought aggressively, but his defences weakened as he tired. A body shot to his ribs in the ninth ended the fight, and Hatton left the ring in tears. “I got in the best shape I possibly could but if I hadn’t been hit with that body shot I would have just scraped over the line,” he admitted. “It’s too many hard fights, I’ve burned the candle at both ends, I’ve put my body through the mire in and out of the ring.” Hatton suffered a painful knockout in his previous fight in Las Vegas in 2009 against Manny Pacquiao. He retired following that defeat, but suffered personal problems outside of the ring and Hatton said his return was a chance of redemption and an opportunity to make his friends and supporters “proud”. Despite the loss on Saturday, he insisted he had achieved his goal: “I’m a happy man tonight. I don’t feel like putting a knife to my wrists. “I have got the answers I needed. I can look at myself in the mirror and tell myself I did my best.” Former European middleweight champion Matthew Macklin was ringside for Hatton’s comeback fight and believes ‘The Hitman’ made the right decision.

7520

MICKY SHOULAK Is looking for a

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Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Lawmen defeat KB Homes in high scoring TCICA T-20 clash KB Homes made a good chase, but fell 15 runs short in a high scoring encounter with Police when the TCI Cricket Association T-20 cricket competition continued at the Downtown Ballpark on Saturday last. Police had amassed a massive score of 233-3 from 20 overs with Ira Baptiste smashing 79 runs (76 of which came by way of boundaries: 13X4s and 4X6s) and Kavin Mars adding 53 (8X4s and 1X6). In reply, KB Homes fought to 218-6 before the overs expired. The dependable Gareth Butler scored 62 runs (5x4s and 3x6s) while Vikram John contributed a similar score (9x4s and 1x6). On Sunday last at same venue, Jaguars maul the Quality Kings. Winning the toss the Kings decided to take first strike, but were dismissed for a meager 107 runs from 17.2 overs.

Ira Baptiste smashed 13 fours and four sixes in his score of 79 to win the man-of-the-match award.

Earl Henry led the attack with 32 runs while Ian Heath added 20. Bowling for the Jaguars Mark Henry, Winick Caleb and Terrence Thomas took two wickets each. In reply, Jaguars reach 108 runs

from 11.5 overs with Terrence Thomas top scoring with 38 and Nuwan Bodihinayake adding 31. Bowling for the Kings Anish Thomas claimed 2-34 runs from three overs.

PABA Night League:

Henry scores 29 as Steelers defeat Spartans CAMERON Henry scored 29 points to lift the Steelers over the North Caicos Spartans last Friday evening in the Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) Night League. In the 72-56 point victory Henry also made five assists, four rebounds and four steals. E. Williams led the Spartans with 18 points. Also on Friday night the Knights defeated the Cobras 60-45. A. Gardiner scored 19 points, seven boards and made three steals for the winners. Flyers ended the night’s

Cameron Henry led the Steelers with 29 points.

proceedings with a 79-62 point win over Customs. R. Fulford led the attack with 16 points while Anthony

Pratt added 11 for the winners. Customs were led by B. Forbes with 13 points.

Provo Hockey League:

Lightning unstoppable in latest clashes THE COCO Bistro Lightning won both their Bantam games when action continued last Saturday in the Provo Hockey League at the Graceway Sports Centre. Against the Scotiabank Sharks they won 7-5 after Javiera Bovell led the attack with five goals. Liam Delancy was the Sharks’ best scorer with two successful strikes. Victory came easier against the J and W Construction Hurricanes. Bovell was unstoppable again with six goals. The Hurricanes were led by Ricaldo Valcin with two.

Josh for Sports

My elusive dream A BIBLICAL saying exists: “Your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams” or vice-versa. However, I’m not sure where I stand therein. When I was a young man, I was filled with visions. Many were realised, but yet some remain unaccomplished. Thus, I seem to have taken lately to dreaming. The problem is that tonight sleep has eluded me. It’s about 4 am (while I am writing this article) and I have a serious case of insomnia. Why!

– Jaguars make light work of Quality Kings

MINI DIVISION The Gansevoort Gators topped the Owls 2-1 in the opening clash of the day. Oliver French and Zachary Scholar were on target for the Gators while the Owls’ goal came from the stick of Carson Greatrex. The Owls bounced back in their second clash to defeat the Sailrock Lobsters. Greatrex scored three times and made an assist while Gabriel Osmond added two and Aiden Paisley the other. For the Lobsters Tristan Grandsire did the damage with five successful shots. Spencer Weldon and

Alejandro Snead supported with three and two assists respectively. MIDGET DIVISION The Saunders and Co Flames drew both of their clashes in the Midget Division. They tied with the Carib Gaming Panthers 3-3 and with the TCBC Pirates at 6-6. Against the Panthers Jeffery Williams led the attack with two goals for the Flames while in the Pirates’ clash he scored three and made an assist. Christian Robinson led the Pirates’ attack with four goals and one assist.

December 1 – 7, 2012

HEARTACHE All I can think is the decrepit state of our national sports programmes in general. It leaves much to be desired, for without vision, the people perish. The persons responsible for national sports are visionless as far as a productive, progressive and proactive programme is concerned. Actually they are scope-less because their appointments were politically motivated as favours promised by certain politicians, but I say that national sports is above and beyond partisan party politics. If anything it should be national politics to appoint the best candidate for the good of the nation/country. A typical example is the US, GB, Jamaica, the Bahamas and Cuba etc. These countries pump hundreds of millions into sports. The Olympics, the ultimate international showpiece in the world, has serious implications on the image, national pride and on international respect for citizens of a country that performs best— that’s a foregone conclusion. Thus to be the best you need to bring the best to bring out and produce the best. GET RID OF THE DEAD WEIGHT In actuality and factuality what has the Sport Commission done since it has been created? It has done absolutely nothing. So what has it been good for? To me all it has accomplished is internal bickering. One begs to ask, who has the Sports Commission been accountable to? There have been and still is no transparency. They do as they like and act as they please. It is my knowledge that they hire without advertising and fire at will to inflate their individual egos. When they should act in the national interest of the country’s sporting programmes, they flinch and let friendship get in the way of national obligation.

By Joshua Gardiner Many contracts are entered into without public notice for tendering through the media houses. I can numerate innumerable instances of unfairness, conflicts of interests and non-transparency. But what good does that do? Why flog a dead horse? DEAD END STREET Exactly what is the mandate of the Sports Commission? What are their expressed functions? Is there a sports commission ordinance? Right now they act like runaway children: aimless, visionless, with a lack of parental support or guidance that leaves them accountable to no one. ONLY DREAMING Yet realistically, I am only dreaming. DREAMS GALORE I dream that our potential CARIFTA and other 2013 International Games athletes have been preparing themselves since September of 2012. I think best in the quiet of the night, where I can hear the deafening sound of silence, because all around me are asleep. The inaction of the sporting authorities on the unsolicited advice and constructive analysis through this column for the past seven years absolutely astounds me. At any rate that’s my allusive dream. Continue next week I must make mention of a past team-mate, mentor and friend, Tommy Robinson: A Bahamian athletic, giant of a legend who passed away last week. The recently build National Stadium was named after him (while he was alive!) In my past columns I wrote that the last time he represented the Bahamas in international competition was at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland. He was in his 40s. I was 19 years old and a member of the Bahamian national team. I shall in the future do a special column on Mr. Robinson. So long and may God bless you all.

December 1 – 7, 2012

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sailrock Boys’ U-11 League:

Sharks needle Devils to take title THE Blue Sharks edged out the Red Devils 1-0 in what turned out to be a championship clash to take this season’s Sailrock Boys’ U-11 League title. The league had been competitive throughout the season and it was fitting that both the top teams played each other in the final game. In the earlier games the Yellow All Stars lost to the Red Devils 1-0 courtesy of a goal by Javaughn Jackson, however the All Stars bounced back with a 2-0 win against the Green Dragons as AJ Augustine and Jordan McGregor found the back of the net. The Sharks had a comfortable 3-0 win against the Dragons as CJ Mills, Joovens and Junior Joseph scored before going on to play the crucial final game against the Devils.. A win for either side would mean ultimate glory even though the Blues had the comfort of being able to draw this match. They took the game to the Reds with attack perhaps proving to be the best form of defense. With Ydson Beloni marshalling their defense, Javed Shearer, Joovens, Junior Paul and wide men Joshua McGregor and CJ Mills played some truly excellent football. Carving the Reds open in the first 10 minutes a through ball from the left was met by an on rushing Joshua on the right who should have displayed better composure. Time and again the Reds had to fend off waves of

Junior Paul won the League’s MVP and the Top Goal Scoring Award.

The Blue Sharks won the league with a 1-0 victory over the Red Devils, although a draw would have also handed them the title.

Blues attacks only to find that when they did get the ball the Blues were there to defend in numbers. Shearer, Beloni and his brother Ichner Beloni pressed and harried the Reds into submission. Reduced to long range efforts, the Reds best chance came from Jackson’s snap shot and an Orrin Campbell effort. Perhaps the lack of a fully fit Shadown Sainjour took its toll on the Reds as they struggled for leadership and

of praise for the players in the league: “The teams have played some very attractive football throughout the season and they have been fiercely competitive. Hopefully they will continue this trend in the New Year and for many years to come. Thanks to our sponsor Sailrock, all the parents, coaches and players who have made this league such a success”. After the games were completed the following awards were given out:

inspiration. The game and the league was effectively over by a piece of play worthy of any champions. Starting at the back Beloni fed the ball out to the right to McGregor, who turned inside and found Joovens. A touch between him and Shearer found Paul who expertly found Mills on the far post who forced the ball over for a 1-0 win, much to the delight of his team mates. Head Coach Phil Shearer was full

League Winners – Blue Sharks League Runners Up – Red Devils League MVP – Junior Paul Top Goalscorer – Junior Paul Player of the Season – Theo Weldon Most Improved – Stekunda Henry Team MVPs: Blue Sharks – Javed Shearer Red Devils – Shadown Sainjour Yellow All Stars – AJ Augustine Green Dragons – Jack Small

Inaugural Beach Soccer Festival:

TCI players get beach soccer pitch experience for the Bahamas and Minnesota THE Turks and Caicos Islands female beach soccer players were given a taste of the playing surface for their mid-December battle against the Bahamas’ national team and a side from Minnesota. TCI’s U-16 team and an Open side will met the two visiting sides from the 14th-16th of this month in the first ever TCIFA Beach Soccer Festival. The Minnesota players, who are likely to play in a Select team, are visiting the TCI for the first time. The teams are set to play on the newly installed Beach Soccer pitch at the TCIFA facility. Although not fully completed, the pitch has now been laid so that the local players can get in some last minute preparation before the end of year tournament.

Technical Director Matthew Green was delighted that the players have finally been given a chance to play on a full sized Beach Soccer pitch: “We have not had the best preparation for the tournament, as normally we would be training for an event like this for several months, so our players will be going into these games with very little time together. Many of the young players have exams to prepare for and the older players have work commitments, but I am confident that our girls will give it their best shot when they play next month (December).” Green also indicated that the event will be a good gauge of TCI’s competitive level on the international stage. “The Bahamas team have been playing this sport non-stop for a while now and will

be keen to perform well against their neighbours, so the games should be very exciting”. In the local friendly clash an Under-16 side defeated a Select Team 5-2. Kadine Delphin opened the scoring for the U-16 team before Sarah Cenary dribbled past the keeper to level the game after the first period. However, three goals in the second period saw the U-16s sail to a 4-1 lead. Crystal Stirling scored twice and Shinaydine Pluviose also found the back of the net. The final period was equally balanced as Marie Dorellus scored for the Select Team before Monae Gooden added one more goal for the U-16 Team. Both teams enjoyed the experience and found the playing surface ideal

TCI female beach soccer players prepare on their own pitch for the Beach Soccer Festival.

for playing Beach Soccer as the sand was not as soft as they are used to when playing their league games on Grace Bay Beach. Star forward Yarielny De la Cruz said: “The sand

is perfect for us to show off our Beach Soccer skills, but as the pitch is bigger than what we normally play on we will need to work hard on our fitness levels”.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 1 – 7, 2012

December 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 1 – 7, 2012