Turks and Caicos Weekly News

Weekly News Volume 26 | No. 50 | December 15 – 21, 2012

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RBC security officer foils bank robbery 5

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Timeline for Mike Misick extradition still unknown

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UK will keep an eye on TCI, Simmonds

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ON THE WEB tcweeklynews.com

DELAY VAT OR FACE REPEAL – Premier PLEDGES

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, committed to repealing Value Added Tax (VAT), if the United Kingdom continues to refuse to delay its implementation.

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No protest this time over gay cruise THE Carnival Glory cruise was in Grand Turk last week, as part of its ‘Drag Stars At Sea: Caribbean Adventure - Revenge of the Wench’ tour.

However, unlike last time, the arrival of a gay cruise in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) did not spark any protest.

Persons on board the cruise enjoyed their day Grand Turk beach.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 15 – 21, 2012

December 15 – 21, 2012

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 15 – 21, 2012

December 15 – 21, 2012

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NEWS

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Premier commits repeal VAT if UK does not budge on delay request

BY VANESSA NARINE PREMIER, Dr. Rufus Ewing, committed to repealing Value Added Tax (VAT), if the United Kingdom continues to refuse to delay its implementation.

A request for delay was made initially for a year, however, at a press conference on Wednesday, Ewing explained that his government reduced the request from one year to six months.

“We will be officially writing to the Under-Secretary of State, Minister Mark Simmonds, to request that VAT be delayed until October 2013,” he said.

The Premier explained that six months would be better than no delay at all and pointed out that the UK may be more inclined to grant a delay of six months, rather than a year.

According to him, the UK estimates that VAT will bring in an additional $10m in revenue, but he noted that these assumptions are just that, assumptions that are not well modelled or tested.

Ewing noted that his government is looking at models that will be able to meet the six-month revenue collection target of an additional $5m, which VAT would have brought in.

The Premier said if the UK declines the request for a delay in the implementation of the new tax regime, his government will put legislation before the House of Assembly to repeal VAT, before April 1.

He added that the Governor has veto powers and can overturn a House vote in favour of repealing VAT. However, Ewing made it clear that such an action will not be received well by the international community, as it relates to the UK’s administration of its Overseas Territories – a fact he has communicated to Simmonds.

He said if the UK goes against the will of the House of Assembly, backed by the people, regional partners, including the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), are ready to stand with the TCI in support.

“We will take this to higher levels,” Ewing posited.

A CHANCE He stressed that an elected government deserves a chance to be able to prove that other alternatives for revenue collection can work, instead of implementing an overwhelmingly opposed tax regime.

Ewing said the TCI’s Fiscal and Strategy Policy Statement 2013/2014 to 2017/2018 is up for continued discussion at the next Cabinet meeting in January.

The Policy Statement outlines priorities for revenues and expenditure and includes revenues projected to be collected with VAT.

From left, Deputy Premier, Akierra Misick, Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, and Minster of Border Control and Labour, Ricardo Don Hue Gardiner

According to the Premier, discussions will continue given that the government intends to press for a delay in VAT’s implementation, which would mean that the Policy Statement would have to reflect revenue collection via other means.

He said alternatives have been put forward by the Ministry of Finance and are being currently being modelled to convince the UK that other means of revenue collection can work to meet the revenue targets they set.

Ewing said the alternatives are focusing on: Strengthening compliance and collection; Identifying areas of revenue loss; Utilising VAT compliance staff to assist in compliance under another tax regime; Broadening the accommodation tax base; and Centralising the TCI’s revenue control system; He added that the alternatives even use some components of VAT to improve revenue collection.

“We are confident. We just have to convince the UK that revenue will not fall below their targets without VAT,” the Premier said.

The effective rate of VAT to be charged in the Turks and Caicos Islands is 11 per cent - the second lowest rate in the Caribbean region, after Haiti, and is the same level as Accommodation Tax currently charged in the TCI. WHAT VAT MEANS The VAT registration threshold for businesses not already registered for Accommodation Tax will be set at a turnover of $200,000 in annual gross sales, which is the highest threshold in the Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda are the next highest at $110,000).

This figure was determined on the planned number of registrants, values of imports, business licence information and employee earnings data.

The VAT registration threshold for businesses already registered

for Accommodation Tax will be set at a lower threshold of $50,000 to mitigate against any loss of tax revenue from businesses with turnovers between $50,000 and $200,000.

Hotels and restaurants with turnovers below $50,000 will no longer be required to include taxes in their charges to their customers; however they will pay VAT on their imports and other inputs, which registered businesses can offset against their output VAT. There will be a deliberately large

range of VAT exempt supplies, which are those goods and services that will not be directly subject to VAT. These have been chosen to protect consumers against price increases on essential goods and services.

VAT exempt goods will include basic food items including rice, flour, sugar, milk and eggs, chicken, fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables.

In addition, infant supplies, personal hygiene products, hurricanes shutters, cement, steel, fuel, property leases and rents; property sales where stamp duty

is applied, medical services, transportation, religious services and printed materials.

There will also be a range of zero rated supplies, which are goods and services that will be taxable, but at a VAT rate of zero per cent, allowing a VAT registrant to claim input tax credit on inputs used in making the zero rated supplies, including the supply of water, electricity and exports.

All accommodation units in resorts/condominiums will be required to join the resorts/ condominiums rental pools and only rentals through the rental pool arrangements will be permitted.

Only the rental pool business will be required to register for VAT, not the individual accommodation units.

Strata fees allocated to owners of resorts/condominiums accommodation units will not be subject to VAT, as these represent a sharing of costs that are already subject to VAT, within a Strata company arrangement formed on behalf of the owners for cost sharing purposes.

It is anticipated that there will be 400 VAT registered businesses in the TCI at the $200,000 registration level, when VAT begins next year.

The VAT Ordinance that was signed into law in July this year and the publication of the regulations, in September, marked the end of consultations on its introduction.

Employees leaving the cordoned off area

RBC security officer foils bank robbery A SECURITY officer, at 10:31am on Wednesday, making checks around the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) noticed persons wearing all black clothing and masks hiding in nearby bushes, foiling what would have been the fourth robbery there this year.

The find resulted an exchange of gunfire between the security officer and the suspects, but no one was reported injured.

A RBC official contacted 911 and reported about the shooting incident occurring outside the bank in Cheshire Hall, Providenciales.

The suspects fled the area and no one was injured.

Police officers from multiple units responded to the call and arrived on the scene within minutes. A perimeter was established and a thorough search of the area was conducted however the suspects were not located.

A Caribbean Security Services (CSS) helicopter was seen hovering over the area and flying around the nearby areas.

At around noon, employees were allowed to leave the premises.

The investigation into this matter is being led by the officers of the Criminal Investigation Division assisted by officers from other specialized units.

The Bank issued a statement later

stating that they are cooperating fully with the local police on their investigation and is doing everything we can to make sure those involved are apprehended as quickly as possible.

In their statement, the organisation assured clients that their records and files are safe and were not compromised during the incident.

“Our first concern is always for the safety of our clients, staff and other visitors to our premises. We take the security of our operations very seriously and regularly review the security strategy at all of our locations with a view to continuously enhance safety,” the statement said.

(VANESSA NARINE)

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December 15 – 21, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Timeline for Mike Misick extradition still unknown

BY VANESSA NARINE

THE most recent update in the arrest of the former Premier, embattled Mike Misick, is that the timeline for his extradition to the Turks and Caicos Islands is still unknown.

According to the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) his extradition is up to the Brazilian authorities.

The former Premier has been a fugitive since 2009, accused of corruption and embezzlement.

Brazilian paper, Jornal do Brazil,

SIPT makes latest arrest

The Special Investigations and Prosecution Team (SIPT) confirmed this week that they arrested a 31-year-old man.

He has not been charged and has been released on bail until January 2013.

Up to press time, SIPT could not confirm the identity of the 31-year-old.

reported that the Federal Police arrested Misick last Friday morning at the Santos Dumont Airport, Rio. The paper said that after being located by Interpol, he was arrested while trying to leave for Sao Paulo.

SURPRISED In a press conference given at the Federal Police headquarters on the morning of the arrest, Rio’s federal deputy head of Interpol, Orlando Moreira Nunes, said that at the time of arrest by Interpol agents, Misick was alone, put up no resistance and looked surprised.

Nunes said, “Information is that he arrived in Rio in October 2011, and resided in the Zona Sul, Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon.

“He had a Brazilian association with [unidentified], and moreover, a work permit of our country.

“The information is that he was en route to Sao Paulo seeking advisers and lawyers to stay legally in the country.”

According to the delegate, Michael Misick made a request for political refuge, which was denied.

Misick said, through his lawyers, that he was not a fugitive, but admitted that he sought political

Haywood McIntosh arrested by police HAYWOOD McIntosh, aka Woody, was arrested by Police on Wednesday.

He was wanted by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force on a number of firearm related offences including burglary and handling stolen goods.

Police issued a wanted notice for him last week, advising that he was considered armed and dangerous.

McIntosh was found at a home on Long Bay, Providenciales.

asylum in the country.

Nunes made it clear that until Misick’s extradition he will be imprisoned, to debunk the notion that “big criminals can come to Rio and live peacefully”.

He said that the prisoner will be interrogated, and then go to the Ary Franco prison.

Local supporters of Misick have expressed concern over the conditions of Brazil’s prisons.

Major news agencies, including the BBC, have previously exposed holes in the Brazilain justice system.

BRITISH ASSISTANCE As Misick was born in a British Overseas Territory he is receiving British consular assistance.

At home, he faces a number of serious charges relating to corruption and maladministration during his time as Premier of the TCI. His arrest was sought, earlier this year, in relation to an ongoing investigation by the SIPT into issues arising from Sir Robin Auld’s 2008/2009 Commission of Inquiry.

Interpol issued a Red Notice for his arrest on March 19.

The United Kingdom authorities, commenting on his arrest, said they were grateful to their Brazilian

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

counterparts for their cooperation.

In March 2009, the scandalplagued leader resigned as Premier of the TCI and took on the role of Finance Minister after making changes to his Cabinet.

At the time, Misick said the shake-up was in the interest of the “continuity of responsible and representative governance”.

According to the former Premier, “mistakes were made,” but the

intention was the empowerment of Turks and Caicos Islanders.

Later in 2009, with the Commission of Inquiry underway, Misick lashed out calling the inquiry “far reaching and intrusive and beyond the normal parameters of any inquiry”.

Misick was Chief Minister of the TCI in 2003, before being elected as Premier in the Islands’ 2007 elections.

Investment policy to be ready in January

BY VANESSA NARINE

Haywood McIntosh

Brazilian Federal Police arrest TCI’s embattled former Premier, Mike Misick

AN INVESTMENT policy for the Turks and Caicos Islands will be ready in January, according to Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing.

At a press conference on Thursday, he explained that the new policy should be ready for discussion at the next Cabinet meeting.

Ewing said the January timeline is being focused on to ensure that new investors in the New Year are exposed to one standard policy.

Importantly too, he pointed out that the policy has to be ready ahead of the planned investment conference, which is expected to happen before April.

“We are on track [for the investment conference],” Ewing said.

He maintained that the development of the investment policy will allow the TCI to have its development priorities and plans outlined, prior to inviting new investors.

According to him, this is important to allow the government to be able to say, “These are our priorities and plans, these are our rules and we are inviting you, as an investor, to take advantage of the opportunities for a partnership.”

INITIAL POLICY The investment policy currently being developed builds on an initial

policy introduced in September by Governor Ric Todd.

He noted that the TCIG’s Investment Policy 2012 was designed to underpin this growth and keep TCI on a sustainable path into the future.

At the time, Todd said, “Our policy on attracting investment both to the TCI and in TCI is working...this sets out a clear focus on incentives rather than concessions.

“It is about encouraging sustainable local as well as attracting foreign investment. It recognises the needs of the family islands and responds to them.

“Future investment proposals will only receive concessions at the construction and start-up phases of developments, and not for extended periods beyond this.

“The policy also makes clear that the key to the long term economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands is attracting investment and building the economy with clear rules, honest government, transparent processes and easy paths through the system.

“TCI is open for business. It has a great deal to offer. TCIG is determined to do all in its power to secure investment that develops the economy and provides sustainable prosperity for the people of these islands.”

Todd made it clear that the new Investment Policy sets out the framework to encourage and

entertain investors.

PREVIOUS POLICY According to the Governor, TCIG’s previous investment policy had not served the country well and was not thought through sufficiently to give the country long-term benefits and sustainable economic development.

An assessment found that with the previous policy, investment concessions were often untransparent, benefiting individuals rather than the TCI; too generous; too complex; and too difficult to administer and monitor.

Additionally, with the policy concessions were not focused on the initial investment, but on continued life-long operations.

This led to developments that were foreign owned, foreign managed and staffed and not taxed for a number of years, offering few net benefits to TCI. The shortcomings of the previous policy, according to the statement, led to the development of a new policy, which addressed the interests of the long-term development of the country; a sustainable policy that provides real and demonstrable benefits to the economy.

The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 4.1 per cent in 2011, a result of the improved fiscal position and the success the TCI had in attracting investment both internal and external in the past year.

December 15 – 21, 2012

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

Court talk debate

THE first two election petitions, brought to the Supreme Court by the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), were heard last week, but no rulings have been made.

The party, which lost its bid at the polls in a close race, challenged the results in three electoral districts: Grand Turk North, Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills and North and Middle Caicos.

The petition for Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills, was also heard last Tuesday and saw Queen’s Counsel (QC) Ariel Misick, representing Minister Amanda Misick and Jamaican QC, Allan Wood, representing the PDM’s Oral Selver.

The arguments by both lawyers were largely based on legalese.

What are your thoughts?

Democratic rights

Those votes cannot be thrown away on someone not qualified and the winner cannot stand with 58 votes gone to a man who made a mistake.

The election officials failed to do their work and that is not Mr. Selver’s responsibility.

The AG said there must be a by-election if Smith still had dual allegiance, which is the law.

The law is the law

Mistakes and questions

The PNP set a precedent in 2003 when they challenged the PDM through the courts and had seats overturned in their favour which made them the government over the PDM. Having established that, I feel like if a candidate feels that he or she has a matter to contest then they have every right to do so.

There is an old rule for lawyers. If the law is on your side argue the law, otherwise argue a story.

According to the PNP the story is, “no precedent”.

However how do precedents get established until a judge makes a decision based on hard cold facts?

In this case Smith allegedly illegally attracted 58 votes, almost twice the difference that won the election.

Certainly the election officials knew that a well-known attorney was not a resident of North Caicos yet he was on the district’s electors list along with other non-residents.

However other legal resident voters were left off or arbitrarily posted in other districts.

One long term Middle Caicos resident was posted in Grand Turk possibly because he was a known PDM.

Cayman Islands premier McKeeva Bush arrested THE Premier of the Cayman Islands has been arrested as part of a corruption investigation, local police say.

The charges against McKeeva Bush, 57, include suspicion of theft in connection with financial irregularities relating to the alleged misuse of a Government credit card, and breach of trust, Abuse of office and Conflict of interest, contrary to three sections of the Anti-Corruption Law 2008, in connection with the alleged importation of explosive substances without valid permits on or before February 2012.

Bush has been in power since his United Democratic Party (UDP) won general elections in 2009.

The British overseas territory is one of the world’s largest financial centres and a wellknown tax haven.

On its website, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Force said: “The Premier of the Cayman

McKeeva Bush

Islands, McKeeva Bush (57), has been arrested and is currently detained in police custody in connection with a number of ongoing police investigations.”

According to the police, officers from their Financial Crime Unit arrested the 57-year-old at around 7.00 am Tuesday morning at his home in West Bay. Bush previously held the post of leader of the islands’ government between November 2001 and May 2005.

A member of the legislative assembly representing West Bay, he also holds the post of minister of finance, tourism and development.

Then there were missing ballots.

Missing keys for the voting places and a pre-election buy out in Kew. In the end North-Middle was decided on only 11 votes. The winner showed he was not proud of his victory.

Was he pressured into running?

Grand Turk had similar situations and North won by only a 17 vote margin.

The party winning the popular vote lost the government and now the whole thing is delayed.

More delays

Delays again!

It is this because the illusion of having a fair consideration takes weeks.

In the end there has to be by-elections because both sides knew there was wrong doing by the civil servants who ran the elections.

As we all saw there were pay offs for votes.

One of my relatives and his friends sold their votes.

The delays, like the four years of prosecution delays, are like Chinese water torture for both sides – drip, drip, drip.

The Governor’s plan?

How difficult could this ruling be for the magistrate?

Unless of course, it upsets the Governor’s plan!

Change the law

The whole concept of not being allowed to run for office if you are the holder of two passports should be repealed.

Many people hold more than one passport by virtue of their parental or birthplace circumstances, it does not mean that their loyalties lie with another state.

Once this is done then the result for Cheshire Hall at least will be unaffected.

Not looking good for the PNP

It is rather surprising that the Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, has yet to call elections.

Given the probabilities and the margin, eight to seven, the PDM official Opposition only has to win one seat and it will form the government.

In 2003 after the Supreme Court vacated the results in Five Cays and South Caicos North, then Governor Poston used that development to deny Hon Derek Taylor’s request for general elections.

The PDM’s majority was reduced from seven to five in the legislative council.

It is now very possible that the PDM will pick up one seat in these bi-elections and the party leader will be able to advise the Governor that he or she commands the majority count in this House of Assembly.

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Political leaders call for justice process to be respected in Mike Misick case THE two leaders on the different sides of the House, this week, called for the justice process to be respected, as it related to the arrest the embattled former Premier, Mike Misick.

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, at a press conference on Thursday, addressed the issue and made it clear that the hope is that the justice system is allowed to prevail and that Misick be granted a fair trial on his return to the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).

He said this is not a time to rejoice, but one in which the justice system should be allowed to play out.

Ewing pointed out too that his Government was not briefed before the arrest, as the Executive, as well as the Legislative arms of government are separate from the Judiciary.

According to him, the Judiciary has been and must remain independent of the other two arms of government in the interest of justice.

The Premier maintained that his Government has no intentions to interfere with the Judiciary or its

Former Premier Mike Misick

processes.

Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson told the Weekly News that Misick’s arrest has to be put in perspective, stressing that this is not a time for celebration.

She said, “He is a former Premier

of this country and he is a Turks and Caicos Islander.

“No one should be celebrating and no one should get on the defensive, because at the end of the day it is a national issue that is playing out internationally.

“Turks and Caicos Islanders must handle this issue with dignity.”

Cartwright-Robinson added that as a former Premier of the TCI, the expectation is that he will be treated by authorities with dignity.

“I am disappointed that to date there has been no update to the people of this country on his condition and how he is being treated overseas. I think this is something all of us have an interest in because he is one of us,” she said.

The Leader of the Opposition, called for Islanders to allow the process to unfold and behave as nationals.

She said, “We have to behave as nationals, this is not a PNP or PDM issue, this is a national issue.”

(VANESSA NARINE)

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 15 – 21, 2012

UK will keep an eye on TCI, Simmonds

BY VANESSA NARINE BRITISH government officials made it clear this week that the United Kingdom will continue to keep its eye on the TCI. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth (FCO) Affairs, Mark Simmonds, on Monday, updated the Minister of State for International Development, Alan Duncan, and the UK House about developments in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Simmonds said, “The TCI Government benefits from a $260m UK loan guarantee.

“We will keep vigilant to help ensure it meets its fiscal objectives and can finance its borrowing independently and on an affordable and sustainable basis from the end of 2015/16 without a UK guarantee.

“A robust framework for the management of public finances has been put in place.”

SAFEGAURDS On that note he pointed to the constitutional provisions in place to “formulate and conduct” macroeconomic and fiscal policy for the sustained long term prosperity of the

people of the islands, as well as to manage public funds according to established principles of value for money, affordability and regularity and in the interests of long term financial stability.

Simmonds said, “The Constitution provides the Governor with reserve powers to ensure compliance with the principles of good governance.

“It establishes a number of institutions to protect good governance including an Auditor General and a National Audit Office.”

The Under-Secretary of State pointed also to the Framework Document that was put in place, setting out the key principles of good financial management as well as the debt targets agreed by the Secretary of State.

He said, “Key requirements are that net debt is less than 110 per cent of revenue by end of 2015/16 and less than 80 per cent of revenue by the end of 2018/19, and that debt service is less than 10 per cent of annual operating revenue and liquid assets at least 25 per cent of annual operating revenue.

“The incoming government will need to meet the provisions of the

Mark Simmonds

Framework Document including agreeing with the Secretary of State a Fiscal and Strategic Policy Statement (FSPS) which is a medium term plan that includes revenue and expenditure forecasts for at least the next three financial years.

“The Turks and Caicos Island Government must seek agreement to the FSPS before proposing a budget.”

WORK NOT OVER Simmonds maintained that the hard work is far from over.

According to him a solid foundation has been built for the return to elected government.

He said, “Over the last three years an interim administration, supported by the UK government, has implemented a wide ranging reform programme to meet the milestones,

Say no to corruption, Otuonye DIRECTOR of the Integrity Commission, Eugene Otuonye, this week, called for all stakeholders in Turks and Caicos Islands community to say no to corruption.

He said, “It is incumbent upon all of us, politicians, government officials, civil servants, business leaders, civil society and all the citizens and residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands to say no to corruption.

“In 2013, we will continue our relentless pursuit of a corruption free Turks and Caicos Islands and trust your continued support to realise this vision.”

His comment came after the United Nations International AntiCorruption Awareness Day, which was observed on Sunday.

According to the director, this is a chance for Turks and Caicos Islanders to consider the destructive

impact corruption has on society.

Otuonye maintains that corruption undermines democratic institutions and is a key barrier to effective economic development, exacerbating poverty, inequality and social instability.

Reiterating, the UN SecretaryGeneral, Ban Ki-moon, in his message for 2012, the Integrity Commission’s Director said, “Corruption is not inevitable. It flows from greed and the triumph of the undemocratic few over the expectations of the many.”

Since its inception as an anticorruption agency in 2010, the commission has made significant progress in discharging its primary responsibility to promote integrity, honesty and good faith in public life within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

It has expanded the category of Persons in Public Life who are now

subject to the Integrity Commission Ordinance and the recently published Code of Conduct.

The commission has also introduced ‘whistle blowing’ provisions into the Integrity Commission Ordinance to protect those who report suspected inappropriate or corrupt activity within the public sector.

The commission’s enforcement powers have also been enhanced.

Furthermore, the Political Activities Ordinance (2012) which came into force in August 2012 has allowed the commission to regulate the financial activity of political parties and candidates engaging in the democratic process in the TCI. The commission is currently actively investigating allegations of corruption and conducting a number of good governance reviews.

(VANESSA NARINE)

Health Ministry investigating possible salmonella outbreak THE Ministry of Health and Human Services (MOHHS) has received a number of queries about a possible salmonella outbreak and currently investigating the possibility.

According to a statement from the Ministry, an outbreak has not been confirmed, but investigations are continuing into the reasons for an increase in the number of cases of diarrhea and vomiting over the last several weeks.

A public health response team has already begun investigating these reports under guidelines established by the Caribbean Epidemiology Center (CAREC) and Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and is doing all in our power to ensure that we deal with the matter effectively

and timely.

The Ministry has urged health practitioners to be on top of their reporting obligations/activities; to report any unusual or increased health activity to the Ministry of Health as soon as possible and to remind patients about proper food safety and hygiene practices.

The MOHHS has also assured members of the public that all precautions are being taken to ensure the health of Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) residents and visitors.

The Environmental Health Department continues to carry out ongoing assessments and monitoring of all food establishments throughout the TCI to ensure that all premises are operating according to Public and

Environmental Health requirements.

Additionally, the MOHHS is working closely with the InterHealth Canada Hospitals and the TCI health care community at large.

The Ministry is advising residents and visitors to continue with safe universal hygiene practices such as, covering your cough, frequent hand washing particularly after using the toilet and before preparing and/or eating food.

The Ministry also stressed the importance for all persons affiliated with the hotel industry (hoteliers, taxi drivers, etc) and persons at our air and seaports to be proactive and take extra precautions especially in the areas of food safety and personal hygiene practices.

including putting the public finances on the road to recovery, establishing a robust framework for good governance, and strengthening the public service.”

Simmonds lauded the work of the interim administration, pointing to the modernisation of the management and delivery of public services, the attraction of “substantial inward investment” and restored economic growth.

“This programme of reforms has been a significant achievement,” he posited.

However, he made clear the importance of maintaining a credible and sustainable fiscal policy, including reducing its net debt levels, so that the TCI can refinance itself independently by the time the debt guaranteed by the UK government is due to be repaid in March 2016.

Simmonds said, “UK approval to the budget and fiscal plans will be contingent on TCIG formulating credible policies to meet these key objectives.

DFID are providing a Chief Financial Officer whose authority and responsibilities are set out in TCI law and who is expected to ensure that fiscal plans are delivered.

“We are confident that they [the controls] will ensure sufficient financial controls over the public finances are maintained, including with the objective that a UK loan

guarantee is no longer required after March 2016.

“Achievement of this objective will depend on many factors including the conduct of the government of TCI and the performance of the TCI economy.

“Lenders will expect a record of sound fiscal policy as a necessary pre-requisite for the TCI Government to refinance independently.”

According to him, in line with the Overseas Territories White Paper published in June 2012, the UK government looks forward to working with the newly elected TCI government to promote good governance in order to help them attract new investment, maintain economic growth and so deliver sustained long term prosperity for the people of the islands.

“The UK will continue to support TCI to develop its democracy and in its efforts to build on recent reforms, particularly prudent financial management, economic growth and sustainable prosperity,” the UnderSecretary of State said.

In giving an overview of TCI, Simmonds also outlined the progress the country has made against the interim administration’s eight milestones, which were the benchmark for a return to elected government, following the suspension of the 2006 Constitution in 2009.

Supplementary appropriations to be tabled at next House sitting

BY VANESSA NARINE A SUPPLEMENTARY appropriations ordinance on a revised capital programme by the Turks and Caicos Government (TCIG) was among matters discussed at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, which will be tabled at the House of Assembly next sitting.

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, explained that additional funds are needed to complete works on the Ona Glinton Primary School and HJ Robinson High School, among other capital works, as well as to acquire new vehicles for the police.

He noted that the funds have already been budgeted for the 2013/2014 financial year, however, the supplementary appropriations ordinance will allow additional sums to be brought forward to the current financial year to a total of $5m for capital works.

In the 2012/2013 Budget, under the heading Uncommitted Prioritised Projects, $453,788 was budgeted for the HJRHS New Administrative Bloc and another $1,270,000 budgeted for 2013/2014; while $900,000 was budgeted in 2012/2013 for Ona Glinton Primary School

and $100,000 for the same in 2013/2014.

According to the Budget 2012 to 2015, released at the start of the 2012/2013 financial year, some $11,945,051 was allocated for Uncommitted Prioritised Projects in the 2012/2013 financial year, while $4,696,796 was budgeted for the same in 2013/2014.

The works under this heading in the Budget featured mostly capital works on schools, government buildings and work on the causeway, among others.

The Premier noted that an amendment to the proceeds of crime ordinance, to establish a regulatory regime for Non-Profit Organisations in order to prevent their use in money laundering, is another issue that will be laid before the House at the next sitting.

Additionally, as required by the 2011 Constitution, a Statement of Governance Principles is expected to be considered by the House of Assembly.

Ewing noted too that there will be a consultation on the draft ordinance on the registration of companies, which will go before the House in the New Year.

Governor Ric Todd, chair of Cabinet, commenting on the last meeting for the year, noted that several significant issued were addressed.

December 15 – 21, 2012

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

FacetoFace

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

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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.

Not just Misick paying the piper IN THE old tale, ‘The Pied Piper’, the piper was called in to rid rats from the town, which he did by playing his pipes and luring them to their death by drowning.

When he returned to the town for payment, he was not paid, and he took it out on the towns people by again playing his pipes, this time luring all of the children out of the town.

Hence, the term ‘pay the piper’, which means to face the inevitable consequences of one’s actions – inevitable being the key word here.

While there are still many loyal to Misick in the Islands, there are as many who believe that he should stand with his colleagues to face the charges made by the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT).

Once home, the former Premier faces a number of serious charges relating to corruption and maladministration during his time as Premier of the TCI. In 2009, with the Commission of Inquiry underway, Misick lashed out calling the inquiry “far reaching and intrusive and beyond the normal parameters of any inquiry”.

Robin Auld’s Commission of Inquiry indicted not only Misick, but several of his ministers, as well as developers for acts of corruption.

That said, it should be noted that the negative impacts of corruption are not merely financial, but are also economic, moral, and social.

Empirical analysis corruption has a way of becoming the way of ‘getting things done’, eventually eroding the rule of law.

In 2009 and earlier this year, the former Premier maintained that his intention was the empowerment of Turks and Caicos Islanders.

However, here the old adage comes to mind, ‘give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime’.

During the campaigns leading up to the November 9 polls, the mindset of many young people revolved around the fact that if the former Premier’s party, the Progressive National Party (PNP), is elected ‘they will be set’.

One young woman, who dropped out of the local Community College, insisted that once the PNP is re-

Former Premier Mike Misick

Premier Rufus Ewing

Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson

elected, a relative of hers will be in office and she will be given a scholarship – a reward she sought after not through merit, but because she knew someone – a precedent set by corrupt acts.

The more persistent corruption is and the more entrenched the stakes are, the stronger the distributional consequences of corruption are.

Cartwright-Robinson, noted that these consequences are the inevitable consequences of corruption – particularly among youths who feel that they should be given things because they know someone or know someone who knows someone.

These youths are in for a rude awakening.

She explained that the script was flipped – an effort to retake the country from the eroding grip of corruption.

However, she acknowledged that the feeling of ‘entitlement’ will be a years-long process when it comes to reversal and ensuring that young people, in particular, get the message that hard work is what success requires.

But that is it as it relates to the moral and social consequences of corruption.

On the note of the economic consequences, on a macro level, corruption has implications for a country’s ability to attract investmentment, for the effectiveness of its institutions, for

income generation through taxation and hence in the end for economic growth and poverty alleviation.

This is something that we have seen.

New laws have been enforced and the newly elected Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, maintains that his government is committed to ensuring that the TCI is placed again on the road to prosperity – prosperity that is sustainable and reflective of transparent governance.

Undoubtedly, it is an uphill battle from here to restore the TCI, a country still reeling morally, socially and economically from years of corrupt practices and maladministration of the former government.

When Misick was arrested, Brazilian police said he was surprised to have been apprehended.

The former Premier’s time to ‘pay the piper’ has come.

However, what is clear is that Misick is not the only one paying the piper, or not even his ministers and other cronies alone, but all the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

FLIPPING THE SCRIPT Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene

Premier and Leader of Norfolk County Council discuss partnership arrangement PREMIER, Dr. Rufus Ewing, met with the Leader of Norfolk County Council to discuss the partnership arrangement between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) and Norfolk County Council, last Wednesday.

Following their meeting, Premier Ewing and Leader of the Council, Derrick Murphy, agreed to work towards the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which would formalise the arrangement and broaden future cooperation.

The MOU is expected to be approved by Cabinet before it, along with a work plan, is finalised.

During his visit to the United Kingdom (UK) in July, Premier Ewing visited Norfolk to meet with members of the Council and to explore the possibility of future cooperation.

A number of Permanent and Deputy Permanent Secretaries from the Turks and Caicos Islands Government have visited Norfolk County Council between June and October for meetings with their counterparts there, and to share knowledge, experience, and good governance and policymaking best practice.

The Turks and Caicos Director of

REPORTER TRAINEE

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, with the Leader of Norfolk County Council, Derrick Murphy.

Education also spent two weeks with local schools in Norfolk as part of his recent visit to the UK. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) signed a partnership agreement

with Hertfordshire County Council in November last year and other Overseas Territories have other less formal agreements with Councils in the UK.

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.

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December 15 – 21, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

Gang violence is not a must Addressing TCI’s

Dear Editor, The Clement Howell High School is my old alma mater and a place where I have very fond memories.

We enjoyed our time spent there with teachers and classmates.

We were very close and loved each other very much.

As a matter of fact, there was seldom a fight at fight and in my five years; police were only called once to deal with a matter.

We had no need for a metal detector at the gate, so there was none.

Having experienced that great intuition and constantly hearing stories that seem to arise almost weekly, I can’t help but to wonder, what has gone wrong?

Is this the increase in population?

The mixture of cultures? Western influence in terms of gang violence?

Lack of positive conflict resolution?

Lack of discipline? All of the above?

Or perhaps none of the above?

I don’t know. I just sincerely wish it never happened.

A gun, like a knife is a useful tool, but in the wrong hands it is destructive and deadly.

I sometimes wonder if the persons behind the gun realises the consequences of their actions.

Do they realise that they could spend a lifetime in jail away from their families?

Do they realise that they won’t have ‘beef’ with that person forever?

That our hearts often change as we grow older.

Do they realise how much their mothers, sisters, brothers and fathers love them and care about what happens to them?

I don’t know where the voice of reason is when a person plans

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

Send letters to tcweeklynews@gmail.com

to attack and hurt or possibly kill another person.

Have these young people throughout the country who have formed so called gangs realised that they are putting themselves, innocent bystanders and others in harm’s way?

Do they realise that the end result, perhaps the loss of life, is a loss to us all? A loss to our country? To their futures and an end to what they could have become?

Do they ever ponder the economic impact that gang violence has on the country and how it might affect our tourist arrivals?

Why don’t they care about themselves and each other? What has gone wrong? What do we need to do to fix this problem before it gets out of hand?

I don’t know the exact circumstances of what happened at the school, but I always tell Americans I prefer to raise my children here because we don’t have shootings in our schools.

I want the TCI to remain a safe place to raise our children.

I won’t comment on the incident because it’s in the hands of the law, but if anyone involved in gang violence is reading this letter; please, I beg you, stop for a moment and realise that the road you are travelling doesn’t have a happy ending, but you have to power to walk a different road and change your life.

I pray that you choose the right path.

Yours, Euwonka Selver

unemployment Dear Editor, In reviewing job announcements in the local papers I could not help but noticed a repeat and pronounced need for select positions.

I am almost sure that local TCIs sure can easily fill these positions with very little or minimal training.

So, without casting doubt, I am inviting the ‘powers that be’ to chime in and put the general public’s views and beliefs at rest, as some of these issues are not in compliance or comport to immigration or labour best practices.

The following work permit processes, questions, discussions, notices, and or rights to know are now tabled or posed for discussion, explanation or due diligence: -Advertisement for permit applications: Please clarify the process for advertisement to obtain a work permit.

Please clarify, why the advertisement process and policy are not adhered to by all employers and enforced by the authorities.

-Refusals/final permit/granted for one year only/hire and train a Belonger: Please clarify the monitoring process for all.

Please clarify final disposition of a

COMMENTARY

Courts and Christmas THE decision on the by-election court cases has been put off.

What was expected to be simple has turned complicated as the two Queens Councils battling out legalese.

It is now unknown if the real cases will ever be heard. The real evidence is that the legal profession is self sustaining. In the end all court issues enrich first the attorneys.

The PDM cannot lose because, at the very least, they show up the mess allowed by our election officials; a mess possibly created by the winners. Once more it is being demonstrated that having a simple honest election with less than 7,000 voters seems impossible in the TCI.

By David Tapfer How can the party with an overwhelming number of votes lose the government?

Is this systemic weakness?

Why is one party so intent on winning that they will do, try or print anything?

The other party is always expecting

SPACE IS LIMITED!

to inherit the mess left by the first.

We were given the answer at house meeting, day two; $ 10,750 bucks per month is not enough for a PNP winner.

Now Mike Misick has been picked up at the Rio airport. He tried to persuade authorities that he is a political refugee. The only one from the TCI! They believed he is a fugitive from justice. Remember Mike was removed by his own party after three blind mice tried to move a no confidence motion by Speaker Greene.

Mike is to be brought back to the TCI, but perhaps the USA will also want to question him.

Prosecutions and political events will not spoil Christmas. The incredible shrinking Middle Caicos is hosting three Christmas events in Conch Bar this year.

We now reflect on Christmas past in simpler times. The current US news says that in Rhode Island a Christmas tree is now called a holiday tree. The governor does not want to insult the atheists.

Democracy it seems is dead as this small minority now moves to eliminate Christmas and God. When I was a boy living in our double house in Ohio there were two Christmas trees. Upstairs my Grandparents had their own tree complete with a classic nativity scene and oranges. The oranges reminded Grandma the eldest of 11 children that all she received as a child at Christmas, was an orange. Our tree also had a nativity scene and special ornaments hung with care each year. On Christmas

permit once it has been refused after an appeal.

Please clarify the disposition and monitoring process for a final permitted employee once an appeal has been refused.

Please clarify the final disposition and monitoring process of a permit which was granted for one year only.

Please clarify the final and monitoring process when a permit stipulates “hire and train a Belonger”.

-Exit stamps: Please clarify the purpose of an exit stamp.

What is in place to prohibit employers and permit applicants from under the tabling dealings or using the back door escape, avoiding the policy?

What verification system is in place to ensure that an applicant has complied or is not in the country during the permit application process, especially when an applicant is changing employers?

So what do we want?

And finally, I now ask, is there now in place an action plan or plan of action to demonstrate a “positive way forward” in state of the addressing the dire unemployment in the Turks and Caicos Islands?

Regards, Edward E. Smith

Eve the whole family complete with both sets of Grandparents joined together to exchange gifts.

The grandads received ties and shaving cream. One year my gift was a do it yourself radio kit.

Looking back we were poor but did not know it.

However when I graduated high school job opportunities were everywhere.

Soon New Years will be here; egg nog and auld lang syne.

We pray for family, friends and our neighbors.

Will the country have a good year as we move forward?

We are pleased all our children in the USA and Canada are doing well and are well employed. Now we hope our Grandchildren can find employment. This is a time when the US, Canadian and TCI youngsters have less to look forward to than their grandparents.

What can we all do to change that situation?

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

December 15 – 21, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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December 15 – 21, 2012

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December 15 – 21, 2012

December 15 – 21, 2012

continued

Open letter to the Governor Dear Governor Todd, I once again received a response directed by you, and on your behalf, from Mr. Philip Rushbrook, in addressing my petition on voting in Turks and Caicos.

Mr. Rushbrook is, if nothing, grasping at straws when he states, “I have explained at length in previous responses the background of the election issues you have raised.”

Your top ‘Director of Strategy’ jumped from one justification to another, exposing his woefully inadequate grasp of the situation.

How can it be otherwise? He knows very little of the TCI, and what has gone on before.

In one instance he threw up a suspect postal system.

Next it was Ms. Sullivan’s canvassing of nameless and faceless citizens who expressed their wishes against overseas citizens voting (apparently he, and your interim government, never heard of what’s called a ‘referendum’).

Next he cited Ms. Sullivan’s own unilateral opinion. Then he finally attempted to clinch his ‘over the map’ reasons with the claim that there was a solid thrashing out of the matter at the constitutional talks in London.

When I told Mr. Rushbrook that I would await a transcript of these talks from him he dodged and said that he did not have such information.

Quite astounding that a TCI team engaged in crucial constitutional talks with a British FCO team in London but the transcripts are not

publicly available.

One has easy access to transcripts of parliamentary debates and hearings. I can find my own submitted material in your parliamentary record but Mr. Rushbrook has no access to documents of this event.

And this constitutes transparency and forthrightness?

Mr. Rushbrook finally ends with your, and his, position being that neither of you think it necessary to comment on my ‘political opinions.’

Once again a hopscotch jumping around. It is not a political opinion I am expressing but instead a human rights matter that I am petitioning as a citizen of Turks and Caicos.

It is most definitely not a political opinion when I query how your interim government decreed an Equality Bill accommodating gay rights but chose silence and inaccessibility on the matter of TCI voter rights.

Did TCI citizens push for this? In fact whose ‘strategy’ was this?

This action might really turn out to be a problem for the government you oversee.

You and your interim government have decided that my petition is not worth addressing and you, in your capacity as Governor and overseer of Turks and Caicos Islands, have decided that it is not worth your personal attention.

Thank you very much.

Yours truly, Benjamin Roberts, Grand Turk

Passion for the future Dear Editor, What I saw on Thursday from the Opposition Leader is a person obsessed with a passion and desire to eradicate what she see as unwarranted misery, poverty and suffering among our people, in a country wealthy with human resource.

I saw a leader with a burning desire to provide a style of leadership that brings smiles to every Turks and Caicos Islanders’ face and happiness to their heart through transformation of lives.

So our people who voted and supported her can feel a sense of rejuvenation.

I believe the Opposition Leader was simply saying, “I care for and I worry about the present and future of our people and ournation,” and, that she believe in bold and firm elected leadership.

Turks and Caicos the Opposition Leader made it clear, she’s not afraid of change but, she’s afraid of things staying the same.

Mrs. Cartwright-Robinson made it firm where she stands, together with

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

her brothers and sisters on the other side of the house, that they are here to FIX, CHANGE and REFORM Turks and Caicos for the betterment of our people and our country.

The Opposition Leader is not afraid, nor should any House of Assembly Members be for that matter.

I thought she was clear on where she and the other members of the Opposition stood on issues.

She wants to see this country latch onto a path of transformation that opens up the doors to the full development potential of our nation.

I am convinced that Mrs. Cartwright-Robinson believes in changes which serve as a spring board for unprecedented and unlimited opportunities for our people so they can realise their full potentials and talents as partners in the development of Turks and Caicos Islands.

Yours, Benneth Williams, Providenciales

EU releases $6.5 to rebuild and rehabilitate TCI homes

BY VANESSA NARINE

THE return to elected government and some sense of economic credibility and stability has resulted in the release of $6.5m from the European Union (EU), for the reconstruction or rehabilitation of properties that remained damaged

by Hurricane Ike in 2008.

The European Development Fund (EDF) has provided 4.3 million Euro with a contribution from the TCI Government of 740,000 Euro; giving a total project budget of five million Euro.

Project manager, Susan Breetzke, in an interview with the Weekly News noted that the 10th EDF Turks and Caicos Reconstruction and Rehabilitation project will focus efforts in South Caicos, Grand Turk and Salt Cay; the three islands identified by the United Nations (UN) task force as being in most need of reconstruction after Ike. It is anticipated that the cash will be used to rehabilitate up to 150 properties and build up to 25 new homes.

Breetzke said the United Kingdom (UK) supported the TCI after the hurricane with some five million pounds.

“This was used largely to restore critical infrastructure,” she said.

The project manager explained that the application for support was made to the EU, but the EU froze support funds until the country had addressed its issues, as pointed out in the Robin Auld report.

“Fiscal responsibility being restored was essential,” she said.

Breetzke added that the grant contract was signed by Governor Ric Todd in January this year and the EU followed up with her recruitment as project manager.

“The project will be managed through the Governor’s office,” she said.

“I have briefed Ministers and Permanent Secretaries and the support and buy-in for the work has been great.

“I will be based within the Government Support Services and will be working closely with the government.”

According to her, currently advertisements are being put in place to invite contractors to bid on the works.

Breetzke said works are expected to begin in June/July 2013.

NEW CODE However, before that is done there needs to be a review of the TCI Building Code.

Breetzke said following the devastating impacts of natural disasters, over the last six years new sustainable building practices have been developed, with a focus on going green.

As part of going green, the project manager said stakeholders were in discussions with FortisTCI over the

EDF Project manager Susan Breetzke

use of solar energy for the purposes of air-conditioning units, among other innovations to promote green energy.

She explained that advertisements are being placed for a consultant to address the review of the current Building Code.

“Once the review is done it will have to go before the House to be approved. We hope this happens in March/April to allow work to proceed,” Breetzke said.

The project manager noted that the new homes, as well as the rehabilitation work, will be “model buildings” that reflect the provisions of the new building code.

She maintained that the new code will ensure greater resilience of all new developments in the event of future extreme weather and to incorporate requirements for environmentally sustainable approaches in future developments.

PRIORITY GROUPS Breetzke said with the new code in place, applications will be processed according to priority groups, the first being the elderly, persons with disabilities or persons caring for persons with disabilities and single mothers.

The second group, she said, will be low income earners.

“After the assessment of what needs to be done is finished, work will start. It is a process,” she said.

Breetzke made it clear that while the EU is not working in the interest of “building mansions” for people,

but rather the homes will be standard three-bedroom homes.

“If a family that used to have a five-bedroom home tells us that then the homes will be built to allow for future extension by the home owner,” she said.

Home owners whose properties are still in need of repair following Ike and are situated on South Caicos, Grand Turk or Salt Cay are asked to go to the District Commissioner’s Office on South Caicos and Salt Cay and the One-Stop-Shop on Grand Turk, to complete an application form.

The One Stop Shop is located at the Immigration Department building, Church Folly (opposite former TCI Invest offices), in Grand Turk.

For those residents whose properties are on these three islands but who are currently away from home, forms can also be completed at the Planning Department offices, Downtown Center Mall, Providenciales and the District Commissioners Offices on North and Middle Caicos.

Person who have previously filled in forms are asked to re-apply.

Applications will be accepted between Friday, December 14, 2012 and Friday, January 25, 2013.

SUSTAINED IMPACT The project manger noted that the long term impact of the EU’s support is centered on sustainability.

She said, “I spoke to a woman in South Caicos and she told me that she had a vegetable garden and had chickens, but after the hurricane, she said she didn’t have the heart to do it anymore.

“This is the kind of healing our support is looking at, something sustainable.”

Breetzke pointed out that the establishment of vegetable gardens will be encouraged with the new homes, as well at the sites for rehabilitation.

“With these projects we look for the wider impact,” she posited.

The project is for five years, but essentially majority of the work will be in done in the first two, the implementation period, and the third used to wind down operations.

Cheshire Hall shooting being investigated The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are investigating a shooting incident that occurred in the Cheshire Hall area.

The incident was reported to 911 on Sunday at 6:56PM. A caller reported that a male was shot and that the person was being transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

Police officers from various units were dispatched and upon meeting with the victim learned that he was shot while sitting on

his porch.

According to the victim the shooter is a dark male, approximately 5’ 6” and was wearing a mask. The victim is presently recovering in hospital from non-life threatening injuries.

The crime scene where the incident took place was processed by scenes of crime officers and further investigations are being carried out by the Royal Turks and Caicos Police, Criminal Investigation Division.

Lifestyle...

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December 15 – 21, 2012

Drugs used in Dental Care (Part Three)

IN THIS final article looking on drugs used during dental procedures I want to look at the area of antianxiety medication and sedation.

These drugs are not used routinely due to their serious nature, the potential risks and/ or side effects, and the potential for interaction with other prescribed medication. They should also only be used for long or complex dental surgery, not for simple cleanings or fillings.

The vast majority of my patients are happily treated with the use of a

How to make natural Noni juice

local anesthetic which is effective for even complex and lengthy surgery and if required can be ‘topped-up’ during the course of the procedure.

However, some patients suffer with genuine anxiety and request help in order to be able to have treatment.

This is where anti-anxiety drugs or a mild- moderate sedation might be helpful.

It is important to underline that these drugs should be used with caution and only when strict safety protocols are followed by fully trained staff. The patient’s full medical history should be taken to ensure that any potential for negative drug interactions or allergic reactions is minimized. As with any drug, the benefit should be proven to outweigh the risk. In most cases experience has taught me that a calm and relaxed atmosphere, time to listen to the patient and a clear explanation of the procedures and what to expect, are enough to help the patient manage their anxieties.

Oral Sedation/ AntiAnxiety Medication An example of this would be diazepam (‘Valium’). This tablet would be prescribed by the dentist to be taken the evening before treatment and then a second around 30mins

before treatment commences.

The amount prescribed should be sufficient to induce a relaxed state in the patient whilst remaining fully conscious and alert enough to respond to verbal instructions. These drugs can cause some amnesia and the patient may not remember clearly what is said around the time of taking the medication. It is important that the patient is accompanied even for the lowest level of sedation and should not drive themselves.

Whilst taking 1 or 2 benzodiazapine tablets would not lead to addiction problems, these drugs are known to be highly addictive.

Inhalation Sedation As an alternative to oral sedation a dentist might use a gas called nitrous oxide. This is administered via a nose mask whilst in the chair and the treatment is carried out. The dosage

should be only enough to cause a relaxed state in the patient whilst still being able to respond to verbal instructions. It is essential that the equipment supplying the gas is fitted properly to ensure that the waste gas is vented safely to the outside of the building otherwise there is a risk that the treating dentist and nurse will be inhaling the gas. This is generally considered a rather old-fashioned method of sedation and some patients do not like the feel of the mask on their face. However, it is considered safe as long as the dentist and staff involved in its administration are qualified in its use and the mandatory emergency treatment equipment is available.

Intravenous Sedation Intravenous sedation is used to achieve ‘moderate sedation’ in dental care. Moderate sedation can

be achieved using the same type of drugs as the oral sedation but in a form that is injected into the blood stream. This is the most ‘serious’ form of sedation and requires stringent measures to be taken to ensure it is performed correctly and safely. This should be carried out with one dentist performing the work and a second person, a qualified anesthetist or doctor, present solely to be responsible for the administration and monitoring of the anesthetic. Even with intravenous sedation in the office environment the patient should still be able to communicate and respond verbally.

As with the inhalation sedation, emergency treatment equipment, such as oxygen gas, adrenalin, a defibrillator and the antidote to the drug used, should be immediately available.

and grows up to 10 to 20 feet high.

It gives fruit the whole year round, and the flower is white.

The pulp is brown and dense.

Health Benefits of Noni - Immune booster: Noni is considered as one of the most nutritious fruits.

Many of its nutrients are known to stimulate the immune system; - Digestive Stimulant: Noni juice has traditionally been used as a laxative;

- Anti-oxidants: Research has shown that noni juice exhibits better antioxidant activity than grape seed extract and pycnogenol; - Analgesic: The noni tree is also known as the ‘painkiller and the headache tree’. Noni has been found to be 75 per cent as effective as morphine sulphate in relieving pain without the toxic side effects; - Antibacterial, antifungal and anti-parasitic: with the presence of active compounds like anthraquinones, scopoletin and terpenes, noni is effective against bacteria and fungus.

- Anti-inflammatory: Noni juice has shown similar results to the newer over-the-counter antiinflammatory drugs, called nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - Anti-tumor/anti-cancerous: Noni Juice contains noni-ppt, which has shown anti-tumor activity

health Tip  1. Pick fully ripened Noni to prepare the juice.

2. Wash the fruit. (Be careful not to blemish the skin when you wash.)

3. Put the fruit inside a large sterile airtight container so it can age.

4. Put the container outside for several weeks, ideally from 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, the fruit will ferment and the juice will separate and accumulate on the bottom of the container.

5. When the fruit has finished fermenting, strain the juice in order to remove most of the pulp.

6. Store in the refrigerator in a glass container.

You should drink 1 to 2 ounces of the Noni juice in the morning. If you think noni juice has a strong taste, you can add fruit juice or honey to sweeten it.

Noni the wonder fruit It is indeed an honour, and a priviledge to give thanks to Almighty God for his loving kindness towards my wife and I, likewise to you readers. Thank you so much for your attention to all of the columns that you’ve read so far, and readers allow me also from my wife, and I to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and we trust that you have a BRIGHT, and PROSPEROUS New Year.

For a brief moment, allow me to lay a bit of foundation for where I am going to take you from research.

About more than a week ago, I visited a cousin of mine’s yard, and just in front of the porch of the house, this evergreen tree laden with some interesting looking fruits, so I did ask permission to pick some of the fruits, Permission was granted,

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.

and I picked. After leaving the yard I thought about doing some research on the fruit, and that fruit is the ‘Noni fruit’.

So, it is on this basis I write to you from research. The noni plant blossoms in virgin lands generally near the sea. It transforms into a tree

December 15 – 21, 2012

Lifestyle...

GARDENING 

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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.

Knock Out Rose THE Knock Out rose is a shrub that produces vibrant roses in three primary colors: pink, red and yellow. Due to its low maintenance requirements and overall hardiness, the Knock Out rose allows even the most inexperienced gardener to add roses to their landscape.

The original Knock Out® Rose was created by Wisconsin rose breeder William Radler to reduce the rose gardener’s to do list with a plant that was cold hardy, disease resistant and incredibly floriferous. Knock O throughout the U.S., reliably resistant to disease and produces a bevy of blooms every 5 to 6 weeks.

The natural inclination of The Knock Out Family of Roses is to grow to about 3’ wide x 4’ tall, but they are easily maintained at a smaller size through pruning. They are ideal for growing in mixed borders, in containers or as a hedge.

Just like other roses, The Knock Out Family of Roses perform best when planted in full sun. The soil should be well drained and fertile.

Plant the roses four feet apart to allow for room to grow and good air circulation.

To keep the flowers coming feed your roses with a fertilizer blended especially for roses. This should be done after each bloom cycle. There is no need to remove faded flowers because these roses are self-cleaning – another task you can remove from your to do list!

Every two or three years remove about one third of the old branches to stimulate new, fresh growth. If

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

you are trying to keep the roses at a certain height, you can cut them back hard with hedge shears.

No need to worry about usual rose pruning rule of cutting back to an outward facing leaf bud – just lop them down to the desired size.

Roses everywhere require five to seven gallons of water per week.

Inspect the rose periodically for common fungal diseases in the

tropics. These include black spot, which is identified by dark patches on the leaves, followed by yellowing and, finally, the leaf falling off. Apply a fungicide labeled for the control of black spot at the rate suggested on the package.

Knock Out roses will probably become a commonplace addition to our landscapes, and it makes a great Christmas gift.

My holiday survival tips DURING this time of the year, especially when there are so many opportunities for us to gain weight, I try to write my articles from the heart.

I can easily give you some textbook tips on how you can fight the holiday bulge, but what good would that do? I think it is much more beneficial to give you practical tips that I have tried and continue to practice.

So many times, we find persons giving advice that either makes no sense or they have not even tried so they have no idea of the challenges involved.

In situations like this, you are obviously setting yourself up for failure and damage to your ego, psychological and emotional well-being.

As many of you know, being a Dietitian was not always my career of choice; however, it came about because of my love for the medical field and my own personal struggles in controlling my weight.

Therefore, I have first-hand knowledge of tips that have worked for me: 1. I exercise—during the holidays, I “beef” up my workouts. I increase either the intensity or the number of times per week that I exercise. This helps to prevent any weight gain and I am able to maintain my weight throughout the holidays. I used to dream of getting to a point where I could honestly say “I love exercising.” I am at that point--not only because it controls my weight but because of so many other benefits.

2. I make healthy food choices—one of the best tips I can give you is to continue making sensible food choices during the holidays. Don’t get into the mindset of ‘It’s the holidays, so I can splurge.” Continue to eat as you normally would—breakfast, lunch and dinner and small snacks. I continue to measure my portions and record what I eat—yes I do this too!!

3. I practice moderation not deprivation and starvation. I enjoying eating good tasting food; problem is the good tasting food is not always the best kind of food for you. Therefore, it is important to find ways to enjoy foods that you like. I eat those ‘not so good for you’ foods in small amounts and on special occasions. Try to avoid depriving yourself of something you like because if you were to ever try it, the chances of you over indulging are very high.

I do hope you will appreciate my openness, honesty and vulnerability in this article because this is real life nutrition.

Happy holidays from my heart to yours.

Be safe, happy and healthy.

ACCUMedical Medical Nutrition Nutrition isisbased ACCU based GracewayIGA IGA Plaza, Plaza, Providenciales. in in Graceway Providenciales.

Call946 9468308, 8308, 242 242 3978 Call 3978or or442 4423978.

3978.

18 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 15 – 21, 2012

Repatriation costs for 128 illegal Haitians over $20,000, Anthony Swann

BY VANESSA NARINE DEPUTY Director of Immigration, Anthony Swann, at a press conference on Monday, said the repatriation cost for the 128 illegal Haitians seeking entry into the Turks and Caicos Islands will be over $20,000.

He said one charter to Haiti for 27 people costs $5,716 – a cost that is the responsibility of the TCI Government.

Reports are the sloop, carrying 105 males and 23 females, was intercepted by the Marine Branch at 2.27am.

They were escorted to South

Base, Providenciales, where they were met on arrival by the Immigration Department Task Force Team, members of the police force, representatives from the Red Cross, Ministry of Health, Customs, the Human Rights Commissioner and other stakeholder departments and agencies.

The illegal Haitians were taken to the Detention Centre at South Dock.

Up to press time over 42 of the illegals migrants were sent back to Haiti and the repatriation process is expected to continue over the next days.

According to Swann, the cost of detaining the illegal migrants is not

this week

Friday, December 14 to Saturday, December 15 Friday, DECEMber 14

Saturday, December 15  12th Annual Blue Hills Christmas Extravaganza Come and enjoy dancing in the street, may pole, storytelling, island music, native food and much more, TCI culture on display!!.

 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.  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

 11th Annual TCFAF Christmas Performance A Christmas celebration with Santa, the TCI Youth Chorale, the Youth Centre and all of our TCFAF friends  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.

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!

Call Shara Bowen on 244-1103 for more details.

Got an event you wish to advertise?

Call us on 946 4664 or email tcweeklynews@gmail.com for a free listing.

From left, Rodman Johnson, Rodney Adams, Anthony Swann and Simon Excell

yet available.

He noted that they are currently being processed, a system which involves identifying the individuals and taking their fingerprints.

The deputy director could not commit to a date for repatriation.

OPEN MINDED Assistant Commissioner of Police, Rodney Adams, said investigations are still on-going and investigators are keeping an open mind, particularly when it comes to identifying whether or not there are locals linked to the vessel’s arrival.

He noted the intercepting of the sloop was an operation that lasted from 2am up till 8am on Sunday morning.

The Assistant Commissioner also opened up about cooperation with

Haitian officials.

According to him, there is “some degree” of partnership with Haiti and maintained that efforts are continuing to improve this partnership.

“This is a problem we have been dealing with for over 10 years,” Adams said.

Supervisor of the Radar Station, Rodman Johnson, also on hand at the press conference, noted that this is the third sloop intercepted since the station opened in late September.

He explained that the latest vessel was tracked as it was 12 nautical miles off the South of the TCI. CONTINGENCY PLAN The Ministry of Border Control, together with the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force (RTCPF), have

recently received their contingency plan to deal with illegal migrants to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Change Manager with the Ministry, Simon Excell, maintained that the plan worked well in dealing with the 128 illegal Haitian migrants on a sloop that was intercepted on Sunday by the RTCPF’s Marine Branch.

Excell said the plan was put into effect, resulting in a well-controlled operation.

“What the plan does is set out roles and responsibilities for all parties involved, the responsibilities of each department and things like what alerts go out…it is a living document, continuously reviewed,” he said.

According to him, the plan has been in place for the last two years.

autism awareness

By Nicole Cox, a mother living with autism

Do you hear what I hear?

YOUR Auditory Learner thinks primarily in words, has auditory strengths, relates well to time, is a step-by-step learner, learns by trial and error, progresses sequentially from easy to difficult material, learns complex concepts easily, is an analytical thinker, attends well to details, follows oral directions well, does well at arithmetic, learns phonics easily, can sound out spelling words, can write quickly and neatly, is well organized, can show steps of work easily, excels at rote memorization.

They have good auditory shortterm memory, may need some repetition to reinforce learning, learns well from instructions, learns in spite of emotional reactions, is comfortable with one right answer, develops fairly evenly.

Auditory learners usually maintain high grades, enjoy algebra and chemistry, master other languages in classes are academically talented and are also early bloomers.

Need further convincing?

They like to tell stories and jokes, often talks to himself as he is tackling a new task, has difficulty following written directions, has trouble with writing, does not read body language or facial expressions well, studies best in groups with other students, is very social, asks lots of questions, hums

quite a bit, is noisier or louder than most children, likes to narrate his own actions: now does this kid sound familiar?

Now, don’t freak out because you have some marked from this checklist and some marked from last week’s Visual Learner checklist!

EVERYONE is a combination of many styles of learning and the brain is an expert at finding ways to compensate in weak areas to ensure necessary information is processed! It’s just that usually one area will be stronger than the others.

For the Auditory Learner, adding music to study time or rhythms to specific information can CERTAINLY make it all stick!

Try to choose instrumental music, such as pieces from Bach, Mozart or Handel. Pay attention to instrumentation! Is the music fast or slow? Is it alerting or calming?

Remember that your Auditory Learner will process everything that goes into those ears! Also, respect the power of silence.

It may be that the complete quiet that every parent CRAVES actually drives your child bonkers! Subtle noises such as a ticking clock or humming fan may be very soothing to your child.

Obviously, toys that make sounds or sing will be favorites.

Maybe even a new CD player or an iPod filled with music for different purposes. The environment you can give for Christmas may look like this: When your child is little, read aloud to her. When she’s able to read alone, encourage her to read aloud – either to another person or quietly to herself. Encourage her to follow the text with her index finger while she is reading.

Your child may need to hear directions to process and learn them. Clearly explain new concepts and tasks to your child. Help your child form a study group with kids from her class. Hearing her peers’ ideas bouncing around will allow her to come up with her own.

Purchase a small handheld tape or digital recorder for your child to record test questions. Having a parent or friend read questions aloud will also help.

As always, there will be preferred activities or items and they should be introduced strategically. Also, choose one or two items from other learning styles so that those areas can be strengthened. Balance is key.

Next week, we catch your Kinesthetic Learner who has been running around the room and playing dive bomber off of your couch while your Auditory Learner was listening to this article as your Visual Learner read it to them!

December 15 – 21, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

There will be no gangs in the TCI, Rodney Adams ASSISTANT Police Commissioner, Rodney Adams, maintained that there will be no gangs in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) and individuals aspiring for such infamy will be “dealt with” accordingly.

Adams was speaking at a press conference on Monday, where he addressed last week’s incident at the Clement Howell High School (CHHS).

According to him, no one has been charged yet and investigations are still ongoing.

The Assistant Commissioner explained that groups intending to stir up trouble will be challenged by the police.

He noted that while there are no established gangs in the TCI, there are a few groups with no established leader or structure.

“They are not developed to the stage of gangs,” Adams said.

He also warned against the dangers of misinformation, noting that contrary to reports, there were no guns or knives on the scene.

Days after the incident, Police issued a statement urging the

public, from all walks of life, to refrain from attending or becoming involved at the scenes of emergency incidents; but allow Police and other First Response agencies to perform their duties without having members of the public unintentionally become involved or interfere with the performance of their duties.

Police warned of the risks associated with emergency scenes and when members of the public rush to a scene to get involved or get too close to a scene, the risks are multiplied.

Their statement said, “Congestion both vehicular and by persons can hamper the response time of attending Emergency Personnel and can also take officers away from the task at hand. Precious time and or manpower is lost when officers are required to deal with crowd control and or assist other Emergency Agencies who are attending the incident.”

The Assistant Commissioner declined to comment further until the investigations were complete.

(VANESSA NARINE)

Police Detention Centre in Five Cays

28 Haitian nationals escape detention centre POLICE reported on Wednesday that 28 Haitian nationals escaped the Detention Centre in Five Cays.

According to the police, a 911 call was received stating that Security at the Detention Centre in Five Cays required assistance as an undetermined number of detainees were attempting to escape at 5:51pm on Tuesday.

Reports are that at the time of the call, security officers were in the process of detaining persons still trying to escape and also securing the Detention Center.

Indications are that they overpowered the security officers to gain their freedom.

Officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Tactical Unit and Street Crime Unit responded immediately and assisted in securing the facility. Officers from other police

units as well as officers from the Immigration Department established a perimeter and numerous check points in the area to attempt to apprehend these escapees.

To date no one has been located and Joint Agency searches and operations are continuing.

Security at the facility is handled by a private company.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) has launched a full scale investigation into this incident and measures are being put in place by law enforcement officials to prevent further escapes from the detention center.

Another 100 Haitian nationals and other detainees detained at the center did not escape and will be repatriated to Haiti as soon as possible, as well as other nationals currently waiting to be processed.

NEWS 19

Deputy Premier taken to task on ‘brownie points’ comments Cartwright-Robinson says comments were ‘divisive and petty’

BY VANESSA NARINE LEADER of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, this week, took Deputy Premier, Akierra Misick, to task over comments she made after the incident at Clement Howell High School (CHHS), last Thursday.

Misick, while assuring of her government’s support and commitment to ensuring the safety of students and teachers at the school, said, “We are not here to score brownie points. We are not here to create chaos.”

Cartwright-Robinson, in an interview with the Weekly News, said the comments were made in bad taste, as no-one was there to “score brownie points” or “create chaos,” but assist where they could.

“We [the People’s Democratic Movement team] arrived after the police had finished their work to see in what ways we could assist.

“As a mother, I can understand the concern of many parents who did turn up.

“What the minister should have done was thank the residents and parents who were on hand to comfort the students, many of whom were very shaken up.”

OFFENSIVE According to her, Misick’s statements were offensive.

Cartwright-Robinson pointed out that PDM members, Goldray Ewing and Delroy Williams, are elected representatives of Blue Hills and Wheeland – the areas where those involved in the incident were from.

“The Deputy Premier’s comments were divisive and petty…she will learn quickly that this issue is bigger than just the incident at the Clement Howell High School and she cannot do it alone. She will have to call on

Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson

Akierra Misick

others for support.

“Moving forward we need to work together as partners in addressing this major problem.

“She either has to get on with the job or get used to it because this issue is much bigger than she thinks.”

The Leader of the Opposition made it clear that all elected representatives have a duty to their constituencies.

“This is an unfortunate situation and we are committed to assisting wherever we can and to ensure that this type incident does not occur again,” she said.

Cartwright-Robinson told the Weekly News that her party has since made representations to the Deputy Governor, the Premier and police for increased police presence at the school, as well other measures that have to be taken to secure the property, the staff and students.

The Opposition leader has also called on the government to address the issue of security as a matter of urgency which will include the reduction of

numbers on that compound, screening devices, proper enclosure of the perimeter, a zero tolerance policy for anti-social behaviour that leads to incidences of this sort, programmes for at risk youths, recreational facilities and activities for the young generally and support for parents.

“We are committed to working with the government on these matters,” Cartwright-Robinson said.

Since the incident, which took place during end of term examinations, the principal, Gerald Rampersaud, said the school’s operations are back to normal.

He apologised to parents for the incidents and assured that measures are being taken to prevent a repeat of such incidents.

“We are also trying to assist students, parents and teachers in what ways we can,” Rampersaud said.

Last Thursday’s incident put the spotlight on the need for better security at schools, as well as stressed the need for greater outreach to youths through social programmes.

TCIAA to manage Providenciales airport taxi operations IN FULL collaboration with all of the representatives of the various Taxi Associations (Turks and Caicos Associated Taxi, Sunshine Taxi, and Provo Taxi Company) and after a series of meetings with the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, the Tourist Board, in addition to the Road Safety and Transportation Department, the TCIAA has agreed to manage Taxi operation at Providenciales International Airport.

TCIAA has been given the responsibility as delegated to them by the Director of Road Safety and Transportation, which is not dissimilar to other jurisdictions within the Caribbean and beyond in the interest of the traveling public to

ensure seamless coordination and operations.

Terminal and Marketing Manager with the TCIAA, Lavern Skippings, in a release, noted that this coordination is now in effect for better Taxi management.

She said, “Whilst we assume the responsibility of the facility being currently occupied, users are expected to make a contribution of $0.65 per day for unlimited and unfettered access to the facility.

“This contribution by no means covers the cost that is incurred to facilitate them and the representatives of their associations agreed that it would be ideal for the TCIAA to manage all aspect of collections. The cost is insignificant in comparison

to the past cost of circa $125 per month levied before the TCIAA took management.

“All additional costs associated with maintenance, the bathrooms and other facilities to improve their livelihood are a cost born by TCIAA at no additional cost to the Taxis.

“The TCIAA, the Tourist Board and the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association recognizes that it is human nature that change is rebuffed, however this is not seen as a change but the need to assist in the enforcement of regulation in a cooperative and collaborative manner all in the interest of the traveling public, the tourism industry and the economy of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

20 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 15 – 21, 2012

Buy a ticket, help a school in need, win great prizes PURCHASE a $10 raffle ticket this Christmas and help schools improve and create better learning environments plus get a chance to win one of ten great prizes.

This is all part of a creative new initiative- I Believe- launched to assist schools by unifying the community to help the schools help themselves through a friendly raffle competition.

I Believe founder Heath Francis explained details of the enterprise at LIME’s conference center on Monday along with representatives from the three participating schools who discussed their needs and urged public support.

Francis said, “We can no longer

wait for others to do what needs to be done for our youth” and was driven by “the possibility of making a difference for kids and the community… to help the future generation of Turks and Caicos.”

All with different needs, Enid Capron Primary School, Alpha Christian Academy and Clement Howell High School eagerly got onboard, hoping to improve the quality of their environment by acquiring amenities like blackboards, appliances, playground equipment and even proper bathroom facilities.

Committee member Tameka Francis related, “When we went to the schools to assess their needs and see where the money would go to we

Scotiabank Named ‘Global Bank of the Year’ – Banker Magazine SCOTIABANK recently received recognition as Global Bank of the Year from The Banker magazine, a Financial Times publication.

The Bank was also recognized in seven other categories, including Bank of the Year for the Americas. Scotiabank is the first Canadian bank to be recognized as Global Bank of the Year and Bank of the Year in the Americas

by The Banker magazine Financial institutions are judged

by The Banker on their ability to deliver shareholder returns and gain strategic advantage.

CEO of Scotiabank, Rick Waugh, said, “We are honoured to be the first Canadian bank to be recognized as Global Bank of the Year.

“At Scotiabank we pride ourselves on our ability to earn a strong return on capital while staying true to the risk management culture that has been a driving force of our success for more than 180 years.

“Scotiabank has a strong track record of delivering superior results and at the heart of that success is our culture, which is rooted in our values and good business judgement.”

Scotiabank was also recognized by the magazine as Bank of the Year in Canada, Antigua, Barbados, Belize, Turks and Caicos and the British Virgin Islands.

Speaking about Scotiabank’s prestigious recognition in TCI, Cecil Arnold, Managing Director said he was very pleased with the news and credited his highly skilled staff for their hard work in placing Scotiabank firmly in the number one spot.

He said, “Our successes this

year are due to disciplined risk management principles which we have embraced and executed throughout the Bank. We stayed focused on what is most important, our customers. Serving/helping customers are at the heart of our business, the entire Scotiabank Team works hard to build stronger and deeper relationships with customers to meet their needs.”

Speaking of the opportunities that are on the horizon, Mr. Arnold said the Soctiabank will be “continuing to improve internal operational effectiveness which impact customers on the front end.

We will then be able to position ourselves for sustainable future growth, by enabling our customer facing staff to invest more in building relationships.”

The Banker’s Bank of the Year Award is in its 12th year. The magazine is the world’s longest running international banking magazine, recognized as a leading source of information on finance and investment around the globe.

The magazine is a key source of data and analysis for the banking industry and is read in more than 180 countries.

Scotiabank is one of North America’s premier financial institutions and Canada’s most international bank. With more than 81,000 employees, Scotiabank and its affiliates serve some 19 million customers in more than 55 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a broad range of products and services including personal, commercial, and corporate and investment banking. With assets of $670 billion (as at July 31, 2012), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS).

From left, Representatives of Enid Capron Primary School, Clement Howell High School, Alpha Christian Academy and organizers of the I Believe initiative.

realized they have bigger needs than we thought they did.”

Reminding us that we all can make a difference, organizers and representatives encouraged businesses to donate supplies where possible and individuals to support through ticket purchases.

Ten percent of earnings from ticket sales by participating businesses will be donated to the public library to help improve facilities for the benefit of the entire community.

The team pointed out that many persons don’t even know where the library is and are working to change

that as it will make a big difference in the lives of children, not only by helping them academically but to keep them occupied and out of trouble.

The school that sells the most raffle booklets will win first place and be awarded $5,000 towards the needs of the school, second place will win $3,000 in supplies, third place will receive $1,000 in supplies, and additionally, the child that sells the most tickets will win $1,000 cash.

Individuals who purchase a ticket will also get a chance to win fabulous prizes including an auto paint job

Man charged for discharging firearm outside bar in Five Cays

A 27-year-old male of Leeward Palms was arrested for discharging firearm in a public place.

The circumstances surrounding a firearm being discharged outside bar in Five Cays was being investigated by officers early this week.

The report was made to 911 on Monday at 12:04AM.

Officers met and spoke to a witness who stated he was in the bar when he heard what sounded like several gun shots being fired.

Numerous expended shells were discovered along the road. There were no reports of injury and at this time there is no indication of any buildings or vehicles being struck.

Vehicle stolen in Bight

A vehicle was stolen in the Bight on Monday at 10:01pm and later discovered at a gas station in Blue Hills.

It was reported that a man parked his car near a Church for a few minutes and when he returned there was no sign of his vehicle.

Indications are that the owner had

left the key in the ignition.

The vehicle was processed by Scenes of Crime officers and the Criminal investigations Department is currently investigating this incident.

The Police Department is urging drivers within the Turks and Caicos Islands not to leave their keys in their car.

Man charged for assaulting police officer ON Tuesday, a 30-year-old male was formally charged and cautioned by the Police for Assault on a Police Officer.

On the same date around 7:45PM officers from the Tactical Unit stopped the 30-year-old to conduct a search.

The man began to behave in an aggressive manner and begin threatening the officers that he will use their gun to shoot them. He then attacked one of the officers which resulted in a scuffle.

During the scuffle the male was searching the waistline of the officer and patting for his firearm.

According to Police Spokesperson Audley Astwood, “This is another reminder of the everyday dangers faced by Police Officers who bravely serve and protect their country.

“This simple stop and search could have escalated into a worst scenerio but thanks to the professionalism of the officers involved, the situation was quickly brought under control.”

from Caicos Auto World; a round trip ticket to New York, a flat screen television, a gift card from Double Helix Production; a blackberry cell phone from Digicel; a tablet from Islandcom; one year movie passes to Digicel TCI cinemas; six months free internet service form LIM; a travel voucher from Marco travel and a full day spa package.

Winners will be announced in a family friendly event on December 22 at the Five Cays Community Centre, with Beaches Sesame Street characters, Sponge Bob and Dora joining in the fun.

For more information or to donate and support the initiative, call 344 0613. (KH)

Man injured falling off truck

A MAN fell from the back of a truck and was subsequently run over by the same truck on Sunday at 7:22pm in Grace Bay. The victim was rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for treatment The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are also investigating this serious accident and further investigations are being carried out by Traffic department.

Man arrested and charged over public fight

A MAN involved in a public fight in Grand Turk was arrested and charged for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and fighting in a public place.

It was reported that on Saturday, December 1, while at the La Breeza Night Club, a 21-year-old male got into a fight with another male which resulted in the 21-year-old receiving injuries to his right hand.

Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact them at 911 or 946-4259, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, through a web tip on www.crimestoppers. tc or Turks and Caicos Crime Stoppers on Facebook.

December 15 – 21, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 21

Sexual practices and beliefs data made available PLAYING their part in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, the National Aids Programme (NAP) shared the findings of a study carried out to assess the attitudes and knowledge of HIV transmission, discrimination, testing and managing the disease.

The Knowledge Attitude Practices and Beliefs (KAPB) survey, conducted in 2010, sought to assess the knowledge and practices of residences of the Turks and Caicos Islands between the ages of 15 to 49 and to gauge the understanding of their sexual behaviours that could put them at risk of HIV transmission.

Similar meetings were held on Grand Turk and on Providenciales on Wednesday, December 5, involving stakeholder groups and members of the public to discuss the findings.

Coordinator of the National Aids Programme Aldora Robinson said, “We wanted to know so that we will be able to plan better and address HIV in a way that we can reduce our numbers and change behaviour.”

“The study also sought to generate baseline information on indicators necessary to report on, the results also provide strategic information and identification of gaps to assist in planning and programming.”

Dr. Dawn Perry, sharing remarks on behalf of the Premier Dr. Ewing, said that he wanted to relay that he was pleased with the information provided by the study as “it will go a long way towards new policies and implementation of guidelines for care, treatment and prevention in the islands”.

SURVEY AND RESULTS The survey sample, which was drawn from Grand Turk and Providenciales,

systematically selected 837 persons, using the stratified multi-stage cluster design.

Data collected represented both genders, different nationalities, education levels and single persons as well as married or in a living arrangement.

Consultant biostatistician and epidemiologist Yvette Holder said that matters of concern in the findings include discrimination, low age of sexual activity and multiple partners.

She said the knowledge of HIV among the population was satisfying, the majority of people knew basic facts and myths about the disease but there are some that do not understand completely.

Higher level knowledge was found in older people and those who got their information from television and radio, proving those mediums most effective in dispersing information.

Also a matter of concern she said, is that nearly 45 of the respondents would not tell their partners if they were infected.

Another startling finding she said was that both males and females were victims of forced sex.

The findings and the 42 page report revealed by consultant biostatistician and epidemiologist Yvette Holder will be available at the library and in schools throughout the islands.

Minister of Health and Human Services Amanda Misick said that the activities are an important reminder to people that HIV has not gone away.

According to UN estimates there are now 34 million people worldwide living with the disease.

STATISTICS

Free internet access for schools HIGH schools across the country will soon benefit from free highspeed internet thanks to Digicel.

The telecoms company has launched an initiative called the ‘4G Campus Project’ that seeks to modernise TCI classrooms.

Not only will it provide schools with high-speed broadband internet access for free but also discounted tablet PCs. Digicel TCI’s first partner in this project is Maranatha High School, which recently launched ‘The Maranatha Tablet Computing Initiative’.

The school plans to bring tablets PCs to all their classrooms; first with the teachers so that they become knowledgeable and comfortable with the devices and then later on to the students.

Maranatha High School’s long term goal is to completely move away from traditional text books and the printing of paper and to adopt an e-learning platform.

As a member of Digicel TCI’s 4G Campus project, Digicel

provided Maranatha High School with the tablet PC’s at a highly discounted price.

E. Jay Saunders, Digicel TCI’s CEO, said, “Our 4G Campus project was started to ensure that every student in the country, regardless of age or island home, has access to the internet at broadband speeds free of charge by the beginning of the September 2013 school year.

“As part of this project, we will also be making it possible for any student across the country to purchase a 4G tablet PC and 4G mobile data services from us at a specially discounted monthly fee.

“We at Digicel are excited about these initiatives as we feel that through them we have a good shot at eliminating the digital divide in the TCI and to do so fast.”

To date 13 schools representing over 80 per cent of the entire student population across the country have expressed interest in becoming a part of the Digicel TCI 4G Campus Project.

From left, consultant biostatistician Yvette Holder, National Aids Programme coordinator Aldora Robinson, Minister of Health and Human Services Amanda Misick and Dr. Dawn Perry

She pointed out that AIDS was first seen in the Turks and Caicos in 1985 and today it is estimated that over 300 people are infected with HIV/ AIDS in the country.

“The good news is that the annual incident of HIV has been decreasing steadily since 2008 when there were

109 new reported cases compared to 2011 when there had been 22 new cases reported.”

“The age of the new cases range from persons in their 20s to persons over 50 and all new cases were sexually transmitted.

“This is why it is so important

for all sexually active individuals to discuss their sexual health with their partners and why residents need to know their status.”

Early treatment of infected individuals can greatly reduce the risk of transmission.

One of the success stories, she pointed out, is that there has not been any mother to child transmission in over a decade due to effected screening and treatment.

The minister reminded everyone that AIDS is not a death sentence, but is a treatable, manageable disease.

The AIDS department encourages persons to know their status since it can greatly reduce the risk of spreading it to non-infected partners.

Getting tested is free and confidential and can be done Mondays through Fridays at any government clinic or NAP office.

NAP observed Word Aids Day on December 1, under the global theme ‘Getting to zero discrimination together, we are our brother’s keeper,’ with various activities throughout the islands to combat AIDS through support and awareness campaigns.

(KH)

From Surgery to Sailing LOCAL businessman, Martee Doverspike, captured second place in the National Pico Sailing Championship, less than a year of having his knees replaced.

Doverspike placed second in the Adult Class. Under strong winds and swells he persisted through and captured second place.

He said, “I had my knees replaced so that I could continue with the activities I love, especially sailing.”

His knees were replaced in 2012 here in the Turks and Caicos. The knee surgery was completed at Cheshire Hall Medical Center in a program coordinated between InterHealth Canada, NHIP and Global MedChoices.

Global MedChoices is an American Medical Tourism Broker providing orthopaedic services. As part of establishing a tourism package to the Islands, they have been providing pro bono knee replacements to NHIP beneficiaries.

Knee replacement is provided

Martee Doverspike, pictured in front, on the Water

for people with significant osteoarthritis to the joint that prevents them from enjoying normal activities of life.

Local Medical Director for Global MedChoices, said “Martee exemplifies our goals with knee replacements. By

developing a Center of Excellence for joint replacements, we are able to greatly improve peoples quality of life, both for daily activities that require good knee function and for active adults to return to enjoying there sports and pastimes.”

Burglars hit Leeward Palms homes in two separate incidents THE Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are also investigating a burglary that was reported on Monday December at 2:55AM. A resident of Leeward Palms, Providenciales, contacted 911 and reported that he secured his home at 2:20AM and upon returning at 2:55AM, discovered his home broken into.

The Leeward Palms resident told police that he left his home to take a friend home and when he returned

he discovered his home burglarized.

Missing are numerous electronic items.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are also investigating another burglary, reported Monday, in the same area.

A female resident of Leeward Palms, Providenciales, contacted 911 and reported that she secured her home at 7:45AM and upon returning at 5:15PM, discovered that her home

had been broken into.

The Leeward Palms resident told police that she left her home to work and when she returned she discovered her home burglarized.

Missing are numerous electronic items and Scenes of Crime officers searched the scene for clues into this incident.

The investigations into the incidents are continuing by the Criminal Investigations Department.

22 NEWS

December 15 – 21, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Young gymnasts display budding talent THE Gymnastics Club of Graceway Sports Centre displayed some delightful talent at their Christmas

demonstration on December 11- flipping, rolling and stirring smiles on the faces of all in attendance.

Proud of the dedicated bunch, gymnastics coach Shara Bowen presented them with certificates, encouraging and acknowledging

their individual strengths and progress in the sport.

Building self-esteem, strength, flexibility and concentration are only a few benefits gained from the

activity which is also a lot of fun for kids.

Children can be enrolled as early as three-years-old and are placed into different groups based on their skill level.

The elite group will be performing at the annual Turks and Caicos Friends of the Arts Foundation Christmas Concert at Brayton Hall on Saturday, December 15. (KH)

Graceway Sports Centre gymnastics group

Wrightfully Fit will be opening a second location in Grace Bay at the Salt Mills Plaza! (Formerly the Athletic club) Join during our pre-sale Grand opening and become a diamond member with rates GUARANTEED to never increase. This also will give you benefit to use both locations (Turtle Cove and Grace Bay) with Aerobic classes included and use our crystal pool. That’s “Wright” TWO gyms for the price of one!!! This will sell for limited time only! Don’t miss out!

Registration start Dec. 10th 2012 at the gym in Turtle Cove Membership active Monday Feb. 5th 2013 Just in time for the New Year and the new you!

Annual $900.00 (save $300.00) Six months $450.00 (save $150.00) This great deal is also available to current members. (excluded spinning and boot camp)

Great employment opportunities for qualify fitness instructor

For more info

Call 941-3311 Website: www.wrightfullyfit.com

Great Christmas

gift!

Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year from Wrightfully Fit

December 15 – 21, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Customer receives a gift bag from Fortis representative at the their annual customer appreciation day

FortisTCI thanks customers FORTIS TCI hosted its annual customer appreciation day at the offices in Providenciales and South Caicos on December 7 and on Grand Turk and North Caicos on December 6.

Corporate communications officer, Talisha Simons, said, “365 days a year we try to make sure we are providing excellent customer service but today is just an extra special thank you, bringing in the holidays with some nice food and little gift bag giveaways.”

Having extended their territory to Grand Turk and Salt Cay, Fortis

celebrated customers on Grand Turk for the first time.

Simons said that throughout the year the company tries to give back to the community through their involvement with various charitable organisations, contributions to the TCSPCA and participation in the TCI Shine event.

Fortis also sponsors the Department of Education science fair, this year donating $10,000 to ensure students from every high school have the opportunity to come to Providenciales and participate in the event. (KH)

Happy Holidays from Fortis

wishes

Happy Birthday Jhari We love you loads you know we do And we are so very proud of you So on this day, your 5th birthday, We’re sending birthday wishes and lots of lots love your way.

Hugs and kisses are coming from your Mom and Dad, Dilly and Edward, your sisters: Krizia, Kridijah, Krishanah, you big brother Addly, your grandparents Clevinson and Annie Lightbourne, Endilee Williams, your aunts, uncles, cousins. Greetings also coming from Mrs. Turner and your classmates in K2 at Mills Institute Enjoy your day Tajhari.

We love you!

Send your special occasion to: Weekly News, Cheshire House, Leeward Highway, PO Box 52, Providenciales or email to tcweeklynews@gmail.com. Free of Charge!

Please limit your messages to 150 words.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Kiwanis spreads Christmas cheer DOWNTOWN Providenciales got a little brighter on Sunday, December 9, with the lighting of the Kiwanis Club Christmas tree and a spectacular display of fireworks.

Hundreds gathered at the Town Centre Mall parking lot for the ceremony which included impressive performances and a visit from Santa Claus, who came loaded with enough presents for the excited children.

Performances included a melodious Christmas song from students of Ianthe Pratt Primary School, energetic steel pan rhythms from Enid Capron Primary School and a creative Christmas Story presentation from Oseta Jolly Primary School.

A duo from Clement Howell High School astounded the audience with their amazing voices while Carl Lewis’ soulful musical rendition added more Christmas spirit to the festive evening.

Other entertainers setting the tone for the evening included TCI’s Marching Band and TCI’s Brass Band.

The Kiwanis is a charitable organisation that focuses on helping children in need and the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is the largest event for children, aimed at spreading some Christmas cheer.

The public can help put a smile on a child’s face this Christmas by

December 15 – 21, 2012

Melodious Christmas songs and energetic steel pan rhythms entertain the crowd

Santa Claus arrives to loud cheers

donating new or gently used clothing and educational toys to benefit the SNAP Centre, a local school for disabled children.

Contact Kiwanis members Stephanie Rest on 231-7047 or Lorraine Guthrie on 241-2190 for pickup or drop off. (KH)

Kiwanis Club Christmas tree lights up with a display of fireworks

December 15 – 21, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 15 – 21, 2012

December 15 – 21, 2012

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Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Deadly Caribbean tsunami risk is overlooked, geologists say DEADLY tsunamis threaten Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the rest of the Caribbean and are an overlooked hazard in the region, geologists reported at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union here last week.

The Caribbean’s beautiful tropical islands and coral reefs are strung along the junction of several major and minor tectonic plates.

Many sit above a subduction zone, where two plates meet and one slides protestingly under the other, down into Earth’s mantle. Other islands, like Haiti, straddle strikeslip faults, where plates slide side by side. The last decade’s devastating earthquakes in Haiti and Sumatra have brought increased attention to the Caribbean, and scientists at the meeting compared the setting to that of Sumatra, Indonesia, both for its complexity and the risk of tsunamis and giant earthquakes.

Two studies presented at the AGU meeting unearthed historical reports that show the eastern Caribbean’s 1843 Lesser Antilles earthquake was as intense as Sumatra’s 2005 Nias earthquake, a magnitude 8.7, which killed 1,300 people in Indonesia.

“There really is a preponderance of evidence for a very large magnitude earthquake,” said Susan Hough of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

“The simplest explanation is that it was a Nias, Sumatra-style megathrust rupture.”

Tsunami source locations in the Caribbean Sea. The symbols indicate the cause of the tsunami: Brown Square is a landslide, Red Triangle is a volcanic eruption, Question Mark is an unknown cause, and White Circle is an earthquake and the size of the circle is graduated to indicate the earthquake magnitude.

TSUNAMI HAZARDS More than 40 nations and territories, both islands and along the coast, could suffer damage from a tsunami from the region’s subduction zones.

Landslides from volcanoes falling into the sea are another hazard — giant masses of falling rock acts like a paddle on the water, sending a great wave into nearby islands.

Haitian-style strike-slip earthquakes can trigger submarine landslides, and the 7.0-magnitude earthquake in 2010 did cause a

local tsunami on the island’s south shore, according to a 2010 study by geologists at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Earthquakes in Europe are also a documented source of tsunamis in the Caribbean, including ones from as far away as Portugal. A 1755 earthquake in Portugal sent a tsunami westward across the Pacific, washing over Anegada Island in the British Virgin Islands, geologist Brian Atwater of the USGS reported at the meeting. (MSN.com)

More of Cargill personal NIB information leaked on the internet ALGERNON Cargill, the suspended Director of the National Insurance Board (NIB), has instructed his attorney Alfred Sears to make a formal complaint on his behalf with the Data Commissioner after more of his personal NIB information was leaked on the internet over the weekend.

According to Mr Cargill’s attorney, the Data Commissioner, George Rodgers will then instruct the police to carry out a forensic investigation to determine the source of the leak; as such breeches of the Data Protection Act could carry a fine of up to $100,000.

Minister of Labour Shane Gibson this week announced that his ministry has commenced an internal probe into how confidential documents, including financial records detailing Mr Cargill’s salary and the benefits received by him and seven other executives were made public.

“We are doing an investigation in trying to determine how the information was leaked, why, because I think it’s wrong,” Mr

Algernon Cargill was suspended as Director of the Bahamas’ National Insurance Board.

Gibson said.

“A person’s personal information should be their personal information.

“We (the government) are doing an investigation in trying to determine how the information was leaked, why, because I think it’s wrong,” Mr Gibson said.

“A person’s personal information should be their personal information.

Bonuses awarded to eight NIB

senior executives and a contracted worker over a three-year period were made public last week. According to the information, which was also posted on a tabloid website, executives were awarded a total sum of $723,333 in six payments. The information has incited speculation over the legitimacy of bonuses awarded to Mr Cargill, who was alleged to have received just under $200,000 in bonuses during that period.

The corporation has been embroiled in controversy, after allegations made by chairman Greg Moss concerning Mr Cargill’s performance at NIB were leaked last month. In response to the leak, Mr Cargill filed a writ with the Supreme Court against the Board and Mr Moss, claiming that the allegations were untrue and defamatory.

Following this, Prime Minister Perry Christie ordered a forensic audit be conducted at the $1.6 billion corporation to determine whether or not any action should be taken in the debacle.

December 15 – 21, 2012

Human rights defenders targeted, attacked in the Caribbean – report A NEW report by the London-based international human rights group, Amnesty International, says human rights defenders across the Americas, including the Caribbean, are facing “escalating levels of intimidation, harassment and attacks” at the hands of state security forces, paramilitary groups and organised crime.

Amnesty International said 2012 has been a “good and a bad year for human rights”.

In an overview of human rights trends and events around the world, during the past 12 months, it noted that, on January 30, Haiti dropped the case against former leader, JeanClaude Duvalier, who was accused of torture, disappearances and extrajudicial executions between 1971 and 1986.

On March 8, Amnesty International said 21 people were killed in Jamaica in what it described as “a wave of police shootings over six days, bringing the total to 45 since the beginning of the year”.

The human rights group also noted that on March 27, the Cuban government’s “crackdown against dissidents” increased during the Pope’s visit.

From December 7-16, the human rights group said hundreds of thousands of people will be writing letters, sending messages and taking action online as part of an “Amnesty International Day of Action” to mark International Human Rights Day. In a report titled “Transforming Pain into Hope: Human Rights Defenders in the Americas”, Amnesty International said it is based on around 300 cases of intimidation, harassment, attacks and killings of human rights defenders in more than a dozen countries primarily between January 2010 and September 2012.

“Human rights defenders are systematically harassed, attacked and subjected to unfounded criminal charges in almost every country in the Americas to prevent them from speaking out for the rights

of the most marginalised,” said Nancy Tapias-Torrado, the group’s Americas researcher.

She said, throughout the Americas, human rights defenders have been publicly condemned as “illegal, illegitimate, unscrupulous or even immoral”.

Tapias-Torrado said they have been accused of being criminals, corrupt, liars, troublemakers or subversives, defending criminals and of supporting guerrilla groups, noting that such public criticisms have been voiced by government officials, as well as non-state actors.

“Men and women who work to protect human rights are also targeted, as they are seen by powerful political and economic interests as an obstacle to major development projects,” Tapias-Torrado said.

She said those particularly targeted include people working on issues related to land and natural resources; the rights of women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people, abuses against migrants, as well as those working to ensure justice for human rights abuses, plus journalists, bloggers and trade unionists.

Tapias-Torrado said of the almost 300 cases analysed by Amnesty International, those directly responsible were convicted in only four cases.

She said almost half of the cases documented by Amnesty International took place in the context of disputes over land, and that several were related to largescale development projects led by private companies.

Amnesty International said in countries, including Cuba and Mexico, human rights defenders have “suffered judicial harassment, have been detained on the basis of flawed evidence or have had spurious charges hanging over them for years because arrest warrants are issued then not acted on”. (CMC)

T&T baby bitten by man doing well, say doctors DOCTORS at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EWMSC) reported on Tuesday that week-old baby Jinayah was well on her way to recovery after being bitten by her father on Sunday at their East Dry River, Port of Spain home.

The suspect was expected to appear before a Port of Spain Magistrate on Wednesday.

On Sunday morning the baby was picked up by the suspect and bitten on her cheek and leg during

a fit of rage.

He attacked the baby after an argument with her mother Tineka Henry.

Jinayah’s great-aunt, Marcia Guy said she immediately rushed the baby to the pediatric ward of the EWMSC where emergency treatment to stabilise her condition was administered.

Besson Street CID officers are continuing investigations.

(Trinidad Express)

December 15 – 21, 2012

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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Bermuda caught “flat- Cayman premier released on bail footed” in crime surge amid calls for his resignation -National Security Minister BERMUDA’s National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief has admitted government was caught “flat-footed” over a surge in crime since the last general election five years ago.

Asked to assess how the crime situation has changed since 2007, Perinchief was characteristically blunt, saying “it’s the escalation of gang violence and use of guns, which became topical in 2009.

“In 2010 when I took over here it was on the boil. We were getting one murder a month and a couple of shootings in between,” he told a news conference.

The ruling Progressive Labour Party (PLP) government has come under fire in the lead-up to next week’s general election from the main opposition One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) arguing that more could have been done to stem the tide of violence.

“We have been caught flatfooted. I would not even try to say that we anticipated anything like this. They are all looking in the rear view mirror now but with all due respect to people’s opinion, we have never been faced with anything like this,” Perinchief told reporters.

Since 2009 there have been more than 300 shootings, which left more than 70 people injured and 20 men dead. Eleven of the cases remain unsolved, including that of Trinidadian Marcus Gibbings.

Gibbings, a popular 32-year-old communications firm worker, was stabbed to death in his apartment in

Devonshire parish on October 26, 2006.

Perinchief defended the way he and the government responded to the gang and gun violence crisis.

“My strategy was to get the right legislative framework in place so that the police could take advantage of the resources that they had. They were a bit hamstrung to a certain degree by legislation that wasn’t quite adequate to face the gang problem.”

He said that controversial new stop-and-search powers under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, which allow officers to stop vehicles and people entering a particular area if it is viewed as a hot spot, were “a godsend as far as policing was concerned” and have prevented criminals carrying weapons around the island.

He also hit back at criticisms that steps have not been implemented fast enough to introduce a US-style Operation Ceasefire, implemented in Boston in 1996, which uses a “carrot-and-stick” approach through law enforcement and community work to combat gangs.

He pointed out that government representatives visited Boston and New York to research the culture and causes of gangs.

He also had talks with opposition MPs Michael Dunkley and Kim Swan after they first suggested Operation Ceasefire and told them he was prepared to look at it.

“We can’t allow politics to be a barrier to us dealing with the issue,” he said. (CMC)

Mistrial in The Bahamas’ sexual assault on 12-year-old boy A MISTRIAL was declared earlier this week in a high-profile case in which a man is accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy.

On discovery that one of the nine jurors is related to the complainant, in the interest of fairness, presiding judge Senior Justice Jon Isaacs discharged the jury and ordered that 38-year-old Kohfe Goodman be retried.

It means that Goodman of Yorkshire Drive will have to return to the Supreme Court on May 12, 2014 to stand trial again on charges of kidnapping and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

Prosecutors alleged that the accused, on August 17, 2011, abducted a 12-year-old boy from Augusta Street and had sex with him.

Goodman, who is defended by lawyer Geoffrey Farquharson,

denied the allegations.

During the brief trial, only two witnesses gave evidence.

On Monday, Sgt Esther Miller told the court that she photographed the apartment of a Cable Beach townhouse building on Yorkshire Drive and collected three towels found inside the apartment, before submitting the packaged evidence to the Police Forensic Laboratory.

The 12-year-old boy, who cried as he was brought to court by a prosecutor and “watching brief” lawyer Glendon Rolle, also gave evidence on Monday, telling the court that he was sexually assaulted by a man who forced him into a car in the street, drove him past Cable Beach and sexually assaulted him on a bare mattress in the apartment bedroom.

PREMIER Mckeeva Bush was released on overnight police bail on Tuesday night more than 12 hours after he was arrested at his home on suspicion of theft, in connection with financial irregularities relating to the alleged misuse of a government credit card.

Police said that Bush 57, who came to power in 2009, will return to the police station for further questioning on Wednesday.

The authorities said that a second person had been detained in connection with the ongoing investigation which involves Premier Bush. The name or identity of the person had not been released.

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) said Bush, who had recently returned from London where he had been attending the Joint Ministerial Council meeting between the British Overseas Territories and the United Kingdom government, had also been detained on breach of trust, abuse of office and conflict of interest, contrary to S13, S17 and S19 of the Anti-Corruption Law 2008 respectively.

He is also detained in connection with the alleged importation of explosive substances without valid permits on or before February 2012.

Deputy Premier Juliana O’Connor Connolly said the government ministers met in caucus where Bush’s arrest had been discussed.

“The matter is the subject of police investigation and no comments relating to the particulars of this matter can be made at this time. We the Government fully understand the gravity of this matter. We confirm that caucus is presently convened, and further statements will be issued in due course.

“May the guidance of All Mighty

The Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush was detained at his home by members of the Financial Crime Unit of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.

God and the prayers of the righteous of this land be with the country as we enter these unchartered waters,” she added.

Governor Duncan Taylor in a statement said that the “conduct of criminal investigations in the Cayman Islands is a matter for the Police Commissioner.

“If evidence is brought to his attention which leads him to suspect that an offence or offences may have been committed, I expect him to carry out a robust, fair and comprehensive investigation, regardless of the individual concerned. I am confident that the Police Commissioner will ensure that this applies to the ongoing investigations involving the Premier.

“I would like to reassure the people of the Cayman Islands of my commitment and that of the whole of the Cayman Islands Government to ensure the continued effective functioning of the government and

the continued efficient delivery of services to the public,” Taylor said in a statement.

But opposition legislators and parties have called on Bush, the leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) who is serving his seventh term in the Legislative Assembly, to resign.

Independent MLA legislators Arden McLean and Ezzard Miller who held a news conference on Tuesday, said that Bush should step down.

The Coalition for Cayman said while it is not pre-judging the matter and is allowing the judicial system to run its course, it wanted Bush to step down with immediate effect.

“While today is a sad day for the country with the announcement of the arrest of the Premier, it is also a day that sends a strong message that the Cayman Islands will take the appropriate action to ensure it remains an attractive place to do business and create economic opportunity for all.

“We must always be careful not to prejudge anyone and allow the due process of the judicial system to run its course. However, as a nation we must be clear that we will not tolerate corruption in any form, and we feel it is in the best interest of our Country that Premier Bush step down from office immediately as the judicial process runs its course,” added Coalition for Cayman.

“It is a time for the people of the Cayman Islands to come together.

We have an opportunity to set aside partisan politics and work together to create a better future for the Cayman Islands that includes independent leaders with integrity and competence who will always put Country First,” the Coalition for Cayman said. (CMC/Caribbean 360)

CARICOM still upset over US rum subsidy CARIBBEAN Community (CARICOM) countries say they continue to have “serious concerns” regarding the competitiveness of Caribbean rum in the United States and have renewed calls for talks with Washington on the issue.

A statement issued at the end of the CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) noted that rum production and export were critical to the socioeconomic well-being of the region.

“In addition to being the largest agriculture-based export industry in CARICOM, the rum industry is a substantial employer and a major contributor to foreign exchange earnings and government revenues,” the statement said at the end of the two-day meeting on Tuesday.

It said as a result, CARICOM continues to have serious concerns about the threat to the competitiveness

of Caribbean rum in the United States market resulting from the massive subsidies provided by the governments of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and Puerto Rico to multinational rum producers in those territories.

“The nature and scale of these subsidies are such that they threaten to distort rum markets not only in the US but elsewhere,” CARICOM warned, adding that “time is not on the side of the Caribbean rum industry.

“Given the likely deleterious effect of these subsidies on the long-term viability of an industry which is of such critical importance to the economic fabric of so many countries in the region, the COTED supports strongly the deep commitment of CARICOM countries to pursuing all avenues available to secure a resolution of this matter that restores the competitive balance in the marketplace.”

COTED said that it was calling

on the United States to “engage early with Caribbean rum-producing countries with a view to achieving an outcome that will support the continued competitive access for Caribbean rum to the US market”.

Following their annual summit in July, CARICOM leaders said they would approach Washington for discussions on the issue.

CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque said that the rum issue, involving Diageo, the global rum producer, continues to “threaten Caribbean rum into the US market, and the leaders agreed that strong and urgent political intervention was needed to address that issue.

“There is a concern with regards to some subsidy that is being provided for Diageo, the multilateral and one of the largest rum producers which is currently located in St Croix in the US Virgin Islands,” said LaRocque.

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World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 15 – 21, 2012

UN condemns North Korea on rocket launch THE UN Security Council has condemned North Korea for launching a missile in defiance of UN resolutions.

The Council president, Moroccan ambassador Mohammed Loulichk, described the launch as “a clear violation of Security Council resolutions”.

The US says Pyongyang will face “consequences” for the launch, calling it a “highly provocative act that threatens regional security”.

The US and its allies view the launch as a disguised ballistic missile test.

White House spokesman Jay Carney would not specify what “consequences” Washington was considering, saying it would first assess what action was taken by the Security Council.

Western diplomats would like the UN statement of condemnation to be followed by a resolution in the coming days, says the BBC’s Barbara Plett at the UN. Whether a UN resolution would strengthen existing sanctions depends on China, a permanent member of the Security Council and North Korea’s closest ally, our correspondent adds.

So far Beijing has expressed “regret” at North Korea’s action, but also urged restraint on any counter measures.

The Unha-3 rocket, launched at 09:49 local time (00:49 GMT), appears to have followed its planned trajectory, with stages falling in expected areas.

North Korea says a satellite has been placed in orbit; the US confirmed an object had been put into space.

US National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said the launch was “another example of North Korea’s pattern of irresponsible behaviour”.

White Britons make up 45% of London for the first time in history.

White Britons no longer a majority in London

Flashback: In this April 5, 2009 image, a rocket is lifted off from its launch pad in Musudan-ri, North Korea.

The launch comes a week ahead of the South Korean presidential election and roughly a year after the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, on 17 December 2011.

‘EXTREMELY REGRETTABLE’ The three-stage rocket blasted off from a site on North Korea’s west coast.

“The launch of the second version of our Kwangmyongsong-3 [Unha-3] satellite from the Sohae Space Centre... on December 12 was successful,” state news agency KCNA said. “The satellite has entered the orbit as planned.”

The rocket had been scheduled to pass between the Korean peninsula and China, with a second stage coming down off the Philippines.

The Japanese government, which put its armed forces on alert ahead of the launch, said the rocket had passed over parts of Okinawa prefecture,

south of the Japanese mainland.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, meanwhile, called an emergency meeting of his top advisers. His foreign minister said the government strongly condemned the launch.

Britain has summoned the North Korean ambassador for urgent talks.

Foreign Office Minister Sayeeda Warsi told parliament the ballistic missile test was unacceptable.

North Korea, which had said the launch could be delayed due to a technical problem, is believed to be working on the development of a longrange missile capable of reaching the west coast of the US mainland.

It has not previously successfully launched a three-stage rocket. Its most recent test, in April 2012, ended in failure, when the rocket flew for only a few minutes before exploding and crashing into the sea west of the Korean peninsula.

Pat Finucane murder: ‘Shocking state collusion’, says Cameron THE level of state collusion uncovered by a report into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane is “shocking”, Prime Minister David Cameron has said.

However, it concluded that there was “no overarching state conspiracy”.

Sir Desmond de Silva’s review confirmed that agents of the state were involved in the 1989 killing and that it should have been prevented.

Mr Finucane’s widow, Geraldine, has dismissed the report

as a “sham” and a “whitewash”.

Mr Finucane was shot dead by loyalists in front of his wife and children at his north Belfast home.

The review, published on Wednesday, found RUC officers proposed Mr Finucane, 39, be killed, said they passed information to his killers and failed to stop the attack and then obstructed the murder investigation.

It also found that an Army intelligence unit, the FRU, “bears a degree” of responsibility because one of their agents, Brian Nelson,

was involved in selecting targets.

The chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Matt Baggott, said the police fully accepted the findings of the report.

He offered a “complete, absolute and unconditional” apology to the Finucane family, saying they had been “abjectly failed”.

He said that in the coming days the PSNI would discuss the report with the Police Ombudsman and the Public Prosecution Service.

(BBC)

WHITE Britons no longer make up the majority of people in London for the first time, according to the latest census data which pointed to a cosmopolitan capital increasingly divergent from the national economy around it.

The 2011 data also revealed a population of England and Wales that is generally better educated but less religious than it was a decade ago -- and less likely to live in a home that they own.

The total population rose by 3.7m to 56.1m, an increase of 7 per cent from the previous census in 2001.

Migration was responsible for 60 per cent of that growth -- 2.1m people.

Of the 13 per cent of the population who were born outside the UK -- 7.5m residents -- just more than half arrived within the past 10 years. This compares with the 2001 census, when 9 per cent of the population was born outside the UK. The surge of immigration has been especially striking in London, where more than one in three people -- 37 per cent -- were born outside the UK. Only 45 per cent of London’s population were white people of English, Scottish or Welsh heritage, according to the latest data, down from almost 60 per cent in 2001.

This makes London the first UK region where white ethnic Britons have become a minority.

The top source of new migrants to England and Wales overall for the decade was India -- supplanting Ireland in the decade to 2001 -while the second-biggest source was Poland. In the 2001 census, Poland did not make the top 10.

In another major deomographic shift, home ownership has fallen over the past 10 years, according to this latest data, marking the first decade-on-decade decline since detailed records began 60 years ago.

The figures show how growing numbers of Britons are being locked out of the property market by high prices and a shortage of credit. The proportion of residents who either owned their home outright or owned with a mortgage fell to 64 per cent in 2011, from 68 per cent in 2001, said the Office for National Statistics.

However, a bigger proportion, 31 per cent, owned their homes outright than they did a decade ago, highlighting a growing divergence between homeowners and those unable to get on the housing ladder.

“These figures confirm that home ownership is slipping further and further out of reach, no matter how hard people work or save,” said Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter, the housing charity. “Young people are living at home well into their 30s ... but unable to afford a place of their own.”

Man says law in US standing between him and sex acts with donkey is unconstitutional LAWYERS representing the frisky farmhand thrown in jail for allegedly masturbating with a donkey are now fighting to have Florida’s statute banning sex with animals declared unconstitutional.

“By making sexual conduct with an animal a crime, the statute demeans individuals like Defendant by making his private sexual conduct a crime,” attorneys for 32-year-old Carlos R. Romero wrote in a motion filed last week, the Ocala-Star Banner reported.

Romero was cuffed at an Ocala farm back in September after farm proprietor Gerald James told police he saw Romero with his pants down as he was seemingly having sex with a donkey named Doodle

in an equipment room on Aug. 15, according to police report obtained by thesmokinggun.com.

Romero later pleaded not guilty to a first-degree misdemeanor charge of sexual activities involving animals.

He announced last week that he wanted his case to go to trial.

His attorneys argue that Florida’s statute violates the farmhand’s rights by stripping him of his “personal liberty and autonomy when it comes to private intimate activities.”

They say the statute is unconstitutional because it doesn’t require the state to provide any proof of the animal’s suffering “or any proof of the sexual activity being non-consensual.”

December 15 – 21, 2012

World News

31

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Chavez faces a “complex and difficult” recovery from cancer – Vice president Pope Benedict said he is pleased to use Twitter.

Pope Benedict sends first personal tweet

THE wait is over for Pope Benedict XVI’s many Twitter followers, and they have been quick to respond to the much anticipated first tweet from his personal account Wednesday morning.

Using the handle @Pontifex -meaning “bridge builder” in Latin -- he posted: “Dear friends, I am pleased to get in touch with you through Twitter. Thank you for your generous response. I bless all of you from my heart.”

A flood of tweets expressing joy, admiration, antagonism and skepticism followed from the Twitterverse, not to mention a fair few jokes.

“Wow! Is this true?! Pope Benedict XVI has started tweeting!

Welcome Your Holliness! I’m grateful for your blessing! Follow

him!” tweeted @Joyful_Minoz.

“Our Pope Benedict XVI has a twitter account! Coolest Pope in history!” wrote @alexaSaclao. “@pontifex welcome on twitter.

Glad you are now reachable to openly discuss gay marriage, birth control and gender equality!” said ?@wimremes.

Some are more skeptical about the pontiff’s personal involvement.

“For the first time in history, a man can communicate directly with some low-level press officer in Vatican,” tweeted @EsaMakinen.

A Vatican official told CNN last week that the pope would compose the tweets for the new account himself.

But while the pontiff pressed the button to send his very first tweet, others are expected to send future tweets on his behalf. (CNN)

Man kills girlfriend and lives with her corpse for 6 months

A CALIFORNIA man bludgeoned and stabbed his girlfriend to death and then left her rotting corpse in his bathroom for more than six months, prosecutors said.

Crime scene photos from the alleged murder of 35-year-old Veronica Jones were shown to a jury on the first day of trial on Friday, according to local reports.

Her live-in boyfriend, Devon Epps, 36, is accused of the slaying.

The local coroner said Jones was beaten with a metal table pedestal, raped and then stabbed 32 times.

Her decomposing body was found in the bathtub of the apartment the two shared in Stockton, east of Oakland, on Dec. 5, 2011, six months after Epps allegedly killed her.

At the trial, family members testified that they reported Jones missing in July, a month after she vanished, local Fox News reported.

Police told the family they visited the apartment, but never went inside, her brother, Issac Zunica, said on the stand.

Epps during a December 2011 court appearance. After his arrest, his apartment building manager said he was violent and disturbed.

“The only thing they told me is that it’s not a crime to be missing, that they have a right not to talk to family or friends, and she was

Devon Epps was arrested last December and charged with murdering live-in girlfriend Veronica Jones. Authorities say he killed her at their apartment and then left her body in the bathroom for six months.

basically not missing,” Zuniga said, according to the station.

Epps was eventually evicted from the apartment, and an apartment manager discovered Jones body.

Epps was arrested and charged with murder two days later.

(NYdailynews.com) Saved as: Carlos Caption: Carlos R. Romero of Ocala, Fla., is accused of having sex with his miniature donkey, Doodle.

VENEZUELAN President Hugo Chavez faces a “complex and difficult” recovery from cancer, his vice-president has said.

Nicolas Maduro, Mr Chavez’s preferred successor, said the president’s latest surgery in Cuba had been “complex, difficult, delicate”.

Mr Maduro was speaking in Caracas following Mr Chavez’s fourth cancer-related surgery on Tuesday.

He urged Venezuelans to pray for the 58-year-old president, and to face the “hard days” ahead calmly.

Mr Maduro was speaking alongside National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello and Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez, who had both joined Mr Chavez on his trip to Cuba. The president’s children and grandchildren were also with him in Havana.

A solemn Mr Maduro, his voice cracking, said: “It was a complex, difficult, delicate operation,” which meant that “the post-operative process is also going to be a complex and hard process”.

Before Mr Maduro spoke, state television showed footage of Venezuelans praying for the president at a Mass.

Mr Chavez remains in Cuba and there has been no indication when he will return.

Ecuadoran President Rafael

Venezuelans turned out to show their support for Hugo Chavez in Caracas.

Correa, who had also flown to Havana to be with Mr Chavez, said it had been a “very delicate operation”, adding: “He gives us all strength.”

‘COMPLETE REVOLUTIONARY’ Mr Maduro, 50, had earlier described the surgery to remove cancerous tissue, which lasted more than six hours, as a “complete success”.

Mr Chavez had returned from cancer-related treatment in Cuba last Friday but left again for surgery early on Monday.

The illness was first detected during an initial surgery for a pelvic abscess in June 2011.

During the weekend, Mr Chavez himself acknowledged the

seriousness of the situation.

“There are risks. Who can deny it?” he said in a televised speech.

Mr Chavez added that if his health failed and new elections had to be held, people should vote for Mr Maduro, a former bus driver and one of the president’s closest advisers.

“He is a complete revolutionary, a man of great experience despite his youth, with great dedication and capacity for work,” Mr Chavez said.

Mr Chavez, who was re-elected in October for a fourth term as president, is due to begin his new six-year term in office on 10 January.

The constitution states that should the president leave office in the first four years of his term, an election must be held within 30 days. (BBC)

Royal radio prank nurse might have been dead for a while AS investigators piece together the final moments of Jacintha Saldanha, the British nurse who died in a suspected suicide after a radio prank on her employer made headlines, new reports indicate she hanged herself — and may have been dead for a while.

Saldanha, 46, was found in her apartment Friday morning, in quarters where other nurses from King Edward VII’s Hospital in central London also reside, the London Evening Standard reported Wednesday.

Her husband, Ben Barboza, who lives with their children in the city of Bristol, was reportedly unable to get in contact with his wife for two days.

He had a friend call her apartment last Thursday — the night before she was found dead — but hadn’t heard back, according to the Daily Mirror.

London authorities have yet to officially confirm how she died or tie her death to the royal family-related prank. The results of an autopsy are expected Thursday.

“The family should be given the full facts,” Keith Vaz, a member of the House of Parliament, said

An undated family photograph of Jacintha Saldanha.

Tuesday. “That’s what they need at this time.”

According to reports, Saldanha penned a suicide note, which might be the only scrap of evidence explaining why she would have killed herself. Her family, including her husband and two teenage children, reportedly didn’t know she was involved in the radio stunt.

Saldanha was the senior nurse on

duty when a pair of Australian shock jocks called the hospital at 5:30 a.m.

Dec. 4 posing as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles. She patched the call to an unidentified colleague, who ended up telling the deejays about the health condition of momto-be Kate Middleton.

The Duchess of Cambridge had been admitted earlier for severe morning sickness. She was released the following Thursday, a day before Saldanha’s lifeless body was discovered.

By then, the prank had stirred up intense controversy, and outrage developed over invasion of privacy concerns for Kate and husband Prince William.

Saldanha’s heartbroken husband and two children visited the hospital and met with Parliament officials Monday to demand answers about her death.

Her family and friends in India told CNN that she was a devout Catholic who moved to England a decade ago to carve out a better life. She had been working at King Edward VII’s Hospital for four years. (NYdailynews.com)

32

Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Brama Kumaris

December 15 – 21, 2012

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

TERRACE LTD. Is looking for 2

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

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

Contact: 232-1025

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

December 15 – 21, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

THE TUSCANY RESORT

SUN BEACH PACIFIC LTD. Is looking for a

Is looking 2

Housekeepers contact 941-4667

Babysitter To work 6 days per week

contact: 241-6581

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

7122

To work 5 days, $5.50 per hour.

Interested person, please.

CLASSIFIEDS 33

VACANCIES • Systems Engineer • IT Engineer • Medical Coder • Porter • Pharmacist Technician • Registered Nurse • Registered Nurse

(Midwife) • Senior Medical Technologist • Patient Administration Supervisor • General Practitioner • Pediatrician

Only appropriate qualified persons should apply.

Preference will be given to qualified BOTC -Turks and Caicos Islands and persons with Belonger Status.

Please forward your CV to recruitment@interhealthcanada.tc

QUICK SALE House and ½ Acre land Richmond Hill

1 Bedroom 1 Bath Fully furnished

Call: 231-3788

34 CLASSIFIEDS North Caicos Is looking for a 5

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

Contact: 246-4769 7529

The Turtle Cove Inn Hotel Is looking for a

7558

contact: 244-3183

to keep the hotel grounds clean. Must be able to work weekends and holidays. Salary $5.00 per hour. Only Belonger need apply Contact: Sandra MacLeod at 946-4203

7560

per week salary $5.00 per hour.

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

Contact: 345-5305

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

contact: 941-5823

7537

Is looking for a

Construction Manager Must have experience in running a construction company. Must work 6 days per week. Salary based on experience

Send resumes to P.O. Box 627

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

Hairdresser To work 6 days per week. Salary $200 per week.

INTERNATIONAL BANKING GROUP (TCI) Ltd.

Cashier

SOLID CONSTRUCTION

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

MISSICK SKIN CARE & BEAUTY AID

Contact: 242-9472

QUALITY SUPERMARKET Is looking for a

is looking for a

Gardener

Cook To work 6 days

is looking for a

7553

RESTAURANT & DELI Is looking for a

ALTAGRACIA BAR & RESTAURANT

7527

AGNES SWANN

HEALTHY TREATS

December 15 – 21, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

VACANCIES Is seeking a suitably qualified Belonger to fill the position outlined below. The ideal candidate must possess condo accounting experience in a luxury resort environment, as well as a professional, outgoing and friendly demeanor with a strong command of the English language (oral and written). Salary is based on education, experience and qualifications.

Director of Finance

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Responsible for overall management of accounting, purchasing, HR, IT and security functions, including, but not limited to safeguarding the resorts financial, intellectual and tangible assets, strategic planning and budgeting, and development of internal controls and procedures. The Finance Director provides functional guidance to the Executive Committee and Department Heads, interacts with the resort’s legal counsel, insurance providers and auditors to effectively manage the assets of the business and provide business support.

Notice is given that the Annual General Meeting of International Banking Group (TCI) Ltd. (the “Company”) (which will be held in the Cayman Islands) may be accessed via telephone conference call from the Registered Office of the Company, at M&S Trust Company Ltd., Butterfield Square,

• Suitable candidates must have Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or related discipline, plus a recognized accounting qualification, ACA/CPA • 15 years post-qualification experience, audit experience mandatory • Minimum 10 years at the Director level • Strong understanding of IT & HR, with previous oversight of both areas • Extensive knowledge of POS systems, Visual 1 software experience preferred

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, on Friday, the 28th day of December, 2012, at 10.00 am.

Houseman

Date: 30 November 2012

By Order of the Board.

Chairman

Requirements:

• Suitable candidates must have a minimum of 2 years experience working at a 5 Star Resort in a similar role • Must have a strong attention to details and exceptional ability to maintain the highest standards of quality required • Assist in all Housekeeping responsibilities, cleaning of guest rooms, stocking amenities and linens • Must have the ability to lift at least 50lbs Perform any other tasks or projects as directed by Housekeeping Manager Closing Date: January 5th, 2012

Suitably qualified candidates should apply in writing or by phone to the following:

Note: Any member of the Company entitled to attend and vote at the meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy. Proxies have been dispatched to all members via mail and email.

Bridgette Thomas BNC Consulting Group, Ltd email: bthomas@bnccgroup.com phone: 649-332-2565

December 15 – 21, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS 35

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS BSL CONSTRUCTION

CAICOS FARMING Is looking for 5

CLEVINSON LIGHTBOURNE Is looking for a

Turks and Caicos Islands

We require an Attorney with general civil litigation experience.

Experience of commercial and employment litigation would be an asset. The successful attorney will have a minimum of 5 years PQE. The primary area of work would be commercial litigation, but would include general civil and employment law litigation at tribunal, first instance, and high court levels.

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience but are highly competitive.

First round of interviews will be in December.

Apply with full CV please to recruitment@misickstanbrook.tc Misick and Stanbrook is an equal opportunity employer.

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

EXECUTIVE TOURS LTD.

VACANCIES

EXECUTIVE TOURS LTD. is seeking to fill the following positions:

LABOURER

• To work in and around a body shop • Duties include: • Greasing of equipment, changing tires, springs, cleaning of shop and compound Starting salary $6.00 per hour (44) hours per week

AUTO MECHANICAL SHOP SUPERVISION

• Preferably ASE Certified, ability to speak a second language will be an advantage • Duties include: • Trouble shooting & repairs to all electrical & computerized systems • Trouble shooting and repair of transmission, manual and automatic • Repair suspension and carry out wheel alignment • Maintain daily activity log and liaise with customers Starting salary is $2,400.00 per month (44) hour per week

per week salary $10.00 per hour.

contact: 242-1402

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

Contact: 242-8228

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour

contact: 245-2480

JOB OPPORTUNITY FOOD AND BEVERAGE OUTLET/BANQUET MANAGER

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.

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.

Preferably ASE Certified • Duties include: • Trouble shooting & repairs to all buses and coasters • Trouble shooting & repairs to all electrical & computerized systems • Trouble shooting & repair of transmissions, manual and automatic Salary starting at $2,200.00 per month (44) hours per week

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

2 EXPERIENCED AUTO BODY REPAIR & PAINT MAN

Competitive compensation package

HEAVY DUTY DIESEL MECHANIC

• Certified also in chassis repair’ • Must have 10 years experience • Must work 6 days per week Starting salary $1,200.00 per month 44 hours per week

Email: jt_exectours@msn.com or 231-2358/946-4524

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.

7123

Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Carpenter to work 6 days

7536

We are presently looking to fill the following position:

7526

JOB VACANCY

Is looking for a

Is looking for an

Air Condition

Electrician To work 6 days per week $7.00 per hour.

Contact: 941-3063 or 946-4793 7542

TROPICAL BAR is looking for a

ADVERTISE

IN THIS SPACE!

Bartender To work 6 days per week salary $7.00 per hour.

Contact: 241-0426

ONLY

$33

PER WEEK CALL 946-4664

7545

POSITIONS AVAILABLE A busy fine dining restaurant in one of Providenciales resort is inviting applications for the following positions:

Maitre D’

Working a split shift, all public holidays and weekends you will be responsible for ensuring the table setting and general condition of the restaurant is up to standards, scheduling, organizing and training of wait staff to ensure effortless and seamless service each night, implementing ongoing programs to upgrade FOH skills and knowledge in bar, wine and fine dining service. The ideal candidate will ensure and personally supervise the highest level of hygiene standards are maintained at the Bar and in the Dining Room.

As the liaison between the kitchen and FOH, you will ensure the wait staff is properly briefed of daily specials and be able to sell more menu items, possessing an exceedingly pleasant and unflabbable personality, readily able to assist with all guest complaints to a positive resolution for each incident. The candidate will assist the Assistant Manager in managing established labor and beverage cost, cocktail mixology and wine knowledge is required to work closely with the chef for interesting and “avant garde” pairing for food to beverage titillating the senses our patrons have come to expect. When called upon, interfacing with management for feedback with regards guests comments on all food menus, wine list, cocktail list and meeting service expectations. Good “soft sell” techniques are essential. Computer literacy in MS Word and Excel is mandatory Base salary $500 per week

WAITER

Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour. Qualified Belongers Only Please submit resume to P.O. Box 459

Turks and Caicos Islands

JOB VACANCY We are presently looking to fill the following position:

Commercial Barrister/Solicitor The successful Commercial attorney will have a minimum of 5 years PQE primarily in corporate and commercial law and commercial property. Experience of joint ventures and of resort and tourism development work would be an asset.

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience but are highly competitive.

First round of interviews will be in December.

Apply with full CV please to recruitment@misickstanbrook.tc Misick and Stanbrook is an equal opportunity employer.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE A busy fine dining restaurant in one of Providenciales resort is inviting applications for the following position

SOUS CHEF

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, self motivated, energetic and creative with good people and organization skills. Must be willing to work all public holidays and weekends. Knowledge in the following areas in a necessity, mother sauces, basic vegetable cuts, garde manager and mis en place, cutting and dressing of meat cuts, fish and shellfish, kitchen management, food costing, safety and sanitation.

Computer literacy in MS Excel, absolutely essential. Qualified applicant must have classical training with exposure to Modern Caribbean Fusion and a broad range of European cookery styles, French, Mediterranean as Asian with at least 6 years experience in a similar capacity. With at least 6 years experience in a similar capacity.

Qualification: city and guilds or diploma from an internationally recognized Institution salary commensurate with experience

Qualified Belongers only please submit resumes to P.O. Box 459, Providenciales

PRITON DEVELOPMENT LTD. (4) Electrician (4) Plumber (4) Mason

7544

MAINTENENACE CREW

December 15 – 21, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

SEEKS

(4) Laborer (4) Carpenter

Applicants are needed to work on large construction site. Must have at least 3 years experience and be able to work with little supervision. Salary start at $6.00 an hour and is based on experience. Must be able to work weekends and holidays if deemed necessary.

Deadlines for applications are December 17th 2012.

Interested persons should be dependable and send applications via fax at (649) 941-4034. C/o Alliance Realty Ltd.

FOR RENT 1 BEDROOM 1 BATH RICHMOND HILLS FULLY FURNISHED WASHER & DRYER $750.00 PER MONTH

3 BEDROOM 2 BATHROOM FULLY FURNISHED WASHER DRYER 1,200.00 PER MONTH SECURITY SYSTEM FOR SALE OR FOR RENT

1 BEDROOM 1 BATHROOM HOUSE CUSTOM DESIGN KITCHEN $800.00 PER MONTH

AGNES SWANN Is looking for a

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

Contact: 246-4769

7549

36 CLASSIFIEDS

Gold Finger Is looking for a

Jewellery Repairer

2 BEDROOM 1 BATH NEWLY RENOVATED $900.00 PER MONTH

To work Monday Saturday. Must be honest and hard working.

CONTACT: 231-7388

Contact 242-2604

December 15 – 21, 2012

LaboUrer

Duties: • General cleaning of office compound • Carry out handyman duties such as to assist auto body repairman when necessary • Hours are Monday – Friday 8am-5pm, Saturday 8am-12pm • Salary $6.50 per hour.

7536

Contact: 231-0098

COLASCO is looking for a

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

LESLIE BLACKBURN Is looking for a

Domestic

Worker Labourer To work 5 days To work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour must be able to do household chores.

per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 332-1444

contact: 241-9730

ECO CONSTRUCTION

MIA’S RESTAURANT

7556

is looking for a

7559

is looking for a

Chef Green Tile Layer Keeper To work 6 days contact: 231-1489

7528

To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

contact: 247-0347

GREEN ACRES FARM Is seeking 6

Farm Labourers

Contact: 241-5403 or 241-6206

or email: toussaintcapron@yahoo.com

7538

per week salary $6.00 per hour

• Must be able to prepare native breakfast and lunch menus • Must be willing to work 6 days per week • Salary negotiable.

MIRACLE HAIR SALON is looking for a

To work in North Caicos

Duties include: • Preparing land for planting • Sowing vegetable seeds/ plants • Maintaining crops – weeds and irrigation of plants • Harvesting crops • Care of live stock (pigs) • Slaughter – live stock and prepare meat for market Salary $200.00 per week (44) hours per week BELONGER ONLY NEED APPLY Interested person should contact:

946-4524 or 231-3898 between the hour of 8:00am5:00pm Monday-Friday

7508

PART-TIME COOK/ HOUSEKEEPER

Hairdresser/ Cosmetologist Must have at least 5 years experience. Must be able to work 6 days per week.

Salary $6.50 per hour.

Contact: 242-3983 7535

JBS SALON Is looking for a

• Twenty hours per week • Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays • Must have own transportation salary $10.00 per hour

• Needed to work 35 hours per week Salary $7.00 per hour

Contact: 331-1809 Closing date for application is December 15th, 2012. Belonger on need apply

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

contact: 341-9177

7124

CLEANER

CLASSIFIEDS 37

38 CLASSIFIEDS

December 15 – 21, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

Take Notice that I, RIC TODD, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to POOSHA CAMELITA MCBEAN-VALDEZ a national of Guyana by virtue of marriage to a Belonger.

RIC TODD

Take Notice that I, RIC TODD, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to ANTONISE JN BAPTISTE-FORBES a national of Haiti by virtue of marriage to a Belonger.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

Take Notice that I, RIC TODD, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to VERGINA PAISLEY-DEAN a national of Jamaica by virtue of marriage to a Belonger.

RIC TODD

Take Notice that I, RIC TODD, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to EUNIS AGUSTAS GRANT a national of St. Vincent by virtue of marriage to a Belonger.

RIC TODD

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

Take Notice that I, RIC TODD, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to VONNE MARIA BETHEL-HAMILTON a national of USA by virtue of marriage to a Belonger.

RIC TODD

Take Notice that I, RIC TODD, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to RAQUEL DE LOS SANTOS ROSARIO-FRANCIS a national of Dominican Republic by virtue of marriage to a Belonger.

RIC TODD

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

RIC TODD

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

December 15 – 21, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 39

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

Take Notice that I, RIC TODD, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to REBECCA LYNN CAIN-VIRGIL a national of Canada by virtue of marriage to a Belonger.

RIC TODD

Take Notice that I, RIC TODD, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to MARIE LEONNE NEREUS-FORBES a national of Haiti by virtue of marriage to a Belonger.

RIC TODD

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

Take Notice that I, RIC TODD, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to AVIS DONETTE DOUGLAS-LOGAN a national of Jamaica by virtue of marriage to a Belonger.

RIC TODD

Take Notice that I, RIC TODD, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to DAMAIN ANTHONY TAP a national of Jamaica by virtue of marriage to a Belonger.

RIC TODD

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

PUBLIC NOTICE BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION (Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

Take Notice that I, RIC TODD, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to GEORGES-MACK LUNEAS a national of Haiti by virtue of marriage to a Belonger.

RIC TODD

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

POSITION AVAILABLE

We are currently redeveloping a boutique hotel in the Turks & Caicos Islands, with new F&B operations planned for mid 2013. To make it happen, we’re looking for candidates for the position of

GENERAL MANAGER The applicant must possess the following: ;; Preferably 5 years experience as an international Hotel General Manager ;; Experience managing hotels, resorts or marina operations for different target groups ;; Extensive F&B operations ;; Extensive business development experience ;; Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management or equivalent required MBA degree desired ;; Fluency in four languages Belongers need only apply.

Please Submit Detailed Application to: P.O. Box 270 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

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40 CLASSIFIEDS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 15 – 21, 2012

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STABLE HAND WANTED

MARINA VIEW BEAUTY SALON Is looking for a

• Must be able to guide and supervise inexperienced riders on trail rides • Must have a valid driver’s license • Must have own transportation and telephone • Must weigh less than 160 pounds • Must speak English fluently, second language an asset • Applicant must have own knowledge in basic accounting, QuickBooks, Excel • Further computer experience is an asset will work weekends and holidays

Contact: 946-5252

PADI DIVE INSTRUCTOR WANTED

• 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

VACANCIES Provo Electric

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Applicant must have a minimum of 10 years experience in all aspects of stable maintenance this includes: • Riding and horse handling (grooming, tacking up, cleaning tack, cleaning stalls, and lunging) • Equine nutrition • Teaching adults and children (mainly tourist) basic riding skills • Trimming hooves and basic equine veterinary care including IV/IM shots • Experience in breaking and training young horses

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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Resumes can be faxed to 941-3425 and the Labour Department, Providenciales as soon as possible.

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December 15 – 21, 2012

VACANCY

Meridian Trust has the following job opportunity:

Business Development Officer

Duties: • Provide assistance in preparing financial plans/statements for MTCL and/ or MMFL clients.

• Develop insurance tax planning business for high net worth clients.

• Liaison with clients to assist in the management of their companies and or trusts.

• Develop new business through contacts in the local and international community • Plan, build and grow new business lines organically Skills/Qualifications Required: • Master’s degree in Commerce/Accounting/Finance/Business • 3-5 years professional experience with a Big Four accounting firm/ consulting firm/private equity/investment bank • Previous business development experience working with high net worth individuals in an international environment • Strong technical knowledge of the revenue generation process • Previous experience working in the leisure/tourism/sport industry • Possess very strong communication skills • Excellent PC skills Please send covering letter and resume by December 30th, 2012 to: Human Resource Manager Attn: Barbara Virgil Meridian House, Caribbean Place Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

7555

42

Entertainment

December 15 – 21, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Disco diva Donna Summer to join Rock and Roll Hall of Fame DISCO diva Donna Summer is to enter the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with seven other inductees in April 2013.

The late singer left her indelible imprint on the pop landscape in the 1970s and 1980s with world smash hits like I Feel Love.

It was the sixth time that Summer, who died this year aged 63, had been shortlisted for the honour.

She is joined by hip hop pioneers Public Enemy, blues legend Albert King and Canadian rock band Rush.

Oscar-winning singersongwriter Randy Newman and veteran female rockers Heart will also enter the Cleveland-based music pantheon.

Producers Quincy Jones and Lou Adlers will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award, handed out to non-performers.

In total the shortlist featured 15 nominees. To be eligible,

acts had to have released their first single or album no later than 1987.

But in the end Summer’s breathy voice prevailed, beating electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk, rappers N.W.A and rock band Deep Purple.

The disco queen rose to fame in 1976 with the smash hit Love to Love you Baby.

Three years later, her singles Hot Stuff, Bad Girls and No More Tears, a duet with Barbara Streisand, all shot to number one in the charts.

Public Enemy - formed in 1982 by rappers Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Professor Griff and DJ Lord - is widely considered to have given a social conscience to early hip hop, with politically charged tracks such as Fight the Power.

“This year’s class of inductees again represents the broad, compelling and

Of Jimmy Savile’s victims 82 percent of them 80% were children or young people.

Donna Summer shot to fame in 1976 with her breakthrough disco hit Love to Love you Baby.

significant definition of rock and roll,” said Joel Peresman, the president of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation.

For the first time fans were invited to participate in the vote, traditionally reserved for ex-inductees.

Members of the public were asked to cast their ballots online. The votes for the top

five artists were then tallied to those cast by some 500 music industry personnel.

All eight winners will officially join the Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Los Angeles on 18 April next year.

To date, the Hall counts 279 inductees, including Elvis Presley, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and U2. (BBC)

Former DJ Savile sex abuse victims reach 450 POLICE have confirmed that the number of alleged sex abuse victims of the late Jimmy Savile has reached 450.

The Operation Yewtree team said 589 alleged victims have come forward during their investigation of offences committed by Savile and others.

Of the alleged victims, 82% were female and 80% were children or young people.

Meanwhile, police have set up Operation Fairbank to investigate allegations by Labour MP Tom Watson of a paedophile ring in high places.

Mr Watson said in October that police should investigate claims of a “powerful paedophile ring” linked to a previous prime minister’s “senior adviser” and Parliament.

December 15 – 21, 2012

Sports International

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Magic Messi extends record streak

Manny Pacquiao will not give up boxing, despite pleas from family MANNY Pacquiao is ignoring pleas from his mother and wife to stop boxing following his defeat by Mexican rival Juan Manuel Marquez.

The former eight-division world champion was knocked out by Marquez in the sixth round of their non-title fight in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Pacquiao, 33, listened to his wife Jinkee and mother Dionisia make tearful appeals for the Filipino to quit.

But he said: “I’m looking forward to a rest and then I’ll be back to fight.”

The defiant stance is at odds with the wishes of his wife Jinkee.

In a television interview she said: “When you see your husband get hurt, you cannot even sleep.”

And when asked if she wanted her husband to retire from boxing, she said: “You know the answer to that. He knows what I am asking him.”

Pacquiao’s mother Dionisia made a separate appeal to her son, asking him to give up boxing and concentrate on his other interests - including

his work as a congressman, hosting a television game show and Bible preaching.

“I have long asked you son, it is time to retire because you started boxing at such a young age. I always pray that he will stop. I asked God to tell my son to stop,” she said.

Pacquiao, who started fighting professionally at the age of 16, insists his defeat was not a sign of a decline in his ability.

He added: “I am OK. I just got over-confident in this fight. That is part of the game - sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.”

The knockout was Pacquiao’s second successive defeat after a controversial loss to Timothy Bradley in June. That was his first defeat in seven years and came despite the Filipino fighter landing 94 more punches.

Mexican Marquez, 39, floored Pacquiao to record his first win over the Filipino in their four-match rivalry.

Pacquiao had won the previous two encounters, with one drawn. (BBC)

Indiana high school female basketball players beat opponent 107-2 AN Indiana high school girls’ basketball team routed an opponent 107-2 this week, prompting an official with the state prep sports association to say he never wants to see anything so one-sided again.

Bloomington South coach Larry Winters told the Indianapolis Star there was no effort to embarrass Arlington or run up the score during Tuesday’s game. He says he played all nine of his players

and didn’t stop shooting because “that would have been more embarrassing” to Arlington, whose only points came on a free throw in the second quarter and another in the third.

First-year Arlington coach Ebony Jackson was disappointed with how Bloomington South (81) handled the game. Her team is 0-6 this year and has lost 23 straight games.

(NYdailynews.com)

Madrid.

Only last week, Messi surpassed Gerd Muller’s record of 85 goals in a calendar year, which was set back in 1972 by the former Germany and Bayern Munich striker.

Messi, 25, has two games remaining this year to set the bar even higher with La Liga fixtures against Atletico Madrid and Valladolid to come before the end of 2012.

Already his club’s leading goalscorer after moving past the 232 mark set by Cesar Rodriguez in the 1950s, the Argentine continues to defy belief.

His two goals against Cordoba means he has now scored 32 times in all competitions for club and country this season.

Messi has also scored 15 goals in his past eight starts for Barca to ensure his team remains unbeaten in domestic competition.

Leo Messi took his tally to 88 for 2012 after netting twice in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey victory at Cordoba.

Playing against a Cordoba team, which is ranked below Barcelona’s B team in the second division, Messi could have had three or four goals.

After tapping home from close-range on 11 minutes, the striker was denied on three occasions by Cordoba goalkeeper Mikel Saizar.

Messi eventually added his

second of the evening with 16 minutes remaining.

He will now go up against Atletico Madrid hot-shot Radamel Falcao on Sunday with both men in fine form.

Falcao scored five in his side’s 6-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna last weekend and has netted 16 times in La Liga so far this season.

Cook ‘can match Sachin Tendulkar’ – Says Graham Gooch ENGLAND captain Alastair Cook has the potential to match Sachin Tendulkar’s run-scoring feats, according to batting coach Graham Gooch.

Cook, 27, became the youngest player to reach 7,000 Test runs and England’s most prolific centurion with his 23rd as England beat India in Kolkata.

India’s Tendulkar, 39, has a record 15,643 Test runs and 51 hundreds.

“Potentially [Cook] could go onto that sort of level,” Gooch told BBC Sport. “I

don’t think he’s reached his peak.”

Cook scored superb hundreds in Mumbai and Kolkata to help England take a 2-1 lead over India with one match to play, simultaneously extending his record of having recorded a century in each of his first five Tests as captain.

He now has 7,103 Test runs and is closing in on Gooch, who holds the England record of 8,900.

Gooch, who challenged England to finish the job with victory in the final Test in

Nadal to make longawaited tennis return FORMER world number one Rafael Nadal will end a sixmonth absence from tennis when he competes in an Abu Dhabi exhibition tournament later this month, the Spaniard has revealed.

Nadal has been sidelined by knee problems following June’s shock second-round exit at Wimbledon to 100thranked Czech Lukas Rosol.

“Can’t wait to get back on court in Abu Dhabi at the end of the month,” he wrote on his Twitter and Facebook pages.

“I won the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in 2010 and 2011 -- would love to get

my hands on the trophy again this year.”

After his Wimbledon exit, the 11-time grand slam champion was diagnosed with Hoffa’s syndrome, an inflammation of the fatty tissue in his left knee that has sidelined him on numerous occasions over the years.

The injury meant Nadal was unable to defend his Olympic title at London 2012, with the 26-year-old dropping to fourth in the rankings after also missing out on the U.S. Open and Spain’s Davis Cup final defeat to the Czech Republic in November.

Alastair Cook became the youngest player to reach 7,000 runs and batting coach Graham Gooch feels he can do a lot more.

Nagpur, says several factors will determine whether Cook gets close to the run tallies of Tendulkar or Australia’s Ricky Ponting, who retired from international cricket last week after scoring 13,378 Test runs.

“Fitness, drive and motivation will all come into it,” said Gooch. “But he’s got a good game at the moment and the application of that game has been exceptional in the last two matches.

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7541

Manny Pacquiao was knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez in the sixth round of their non-title bout.

LIONEL Messi continued his record goal-scoring streak by taking his tally to 88 for the year.

The Barcelona striker scored both goals in his side’s 2-0 win at Cordoba in the Copa del Rey as Tito Vilanova’s team continued its stunning start to the season.

The Catalan side, which lifted the trophy in Pep Guardiola’s final game in charge last season, has won the competition on 26 occasions and looks in good shape to defend its title.

Barca has won 14 and drawn one of its league games so far this season and has only suffered one defeat, which came in the European Champions League at Celtic.

But with Messi firing on all cylinders, it is difficult to imagine which team can prevent Barca from regaining the league title from Real

44

Sports National

December 15 – 21, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Police win three straight Our Sporting Mecca in PABA Night League Josh for Sports

SANDRO Germain led Police to three consecutive victories last week when action in the Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) Night League continued at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex.

The Lawmen defeated the North Caicos Spartans 60-56 on Thursday night, Customs 46-41 on the following night and the Steelers 59-52 on Saturday night. Germain played his part in all three victories.

Against the Spartans he scored 19 points and 10 rebounds, while D. Smith added 17 points and five assists. The Spartans were led by A. Forbes with 12 points and E. Williams with nine points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and five steals.

Germain made a double-double on Friday night in the Lawmen’s win over Customs. He finished with 22 points and 11 boards. Customs

were led by D. Hanna with 15 points and five rebounds while M. Forbes finished with 19 rebounds.

On Saturday night Germain again dominated with 20 points and nine rebounds in his team’s 59-52 point victory over the Steelers. K Doughty added 18 points and eight boards for the winners. C. Henry led the Steelers with 17 points.

Steelers were not without a victory given that they had defeated Top Shottas 66-47 on Thursday night. E. Missick scored 17 points and Henry added 14. C. Dean had 17 for Shottas.

GT Stallions also claimed victory on Thursday night when they eased past the Predators 79-47. Ira Taylor had 15 points and 11 boards for the winners while K. Handfield finished with 16 points for the Predators.

Predators bounced back to defeat

the Cobras on Friday night. Troy Saunders led the attack with 13 points and seven boards.

The highly ranked Flyers ended the night’s proceedings with a 91-56 point victory over the Knights. Steve Brass (five assists) and E. Seymour (five rebounds) led the attack for the winners with 16 points. Tori Dean was the Knights’ leading scorer with 14 points.

The Knights bounced back on Saturday night to beat Top Shottas 63-49. Dean scored 19 points and A. Gardiner had a double-double with 15 points and 17 boards to go with six assists. C. Dean led Shottas with 14 points and nine boards.

South Caicos Harbour Boys recorded a 54-50 point win over Customs with Johathan Paul scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds and A. Parker 11 points and five boards. Hanna finished with 16 points for Customs.

AS you know, Mecca is the centre of the Islamic world. So, when I use the term Sporting Mecca I am visualising that the TCI can indeed become a world centre for regional sports, that is—dominate the West Indies.

PERFECT TOPOGRAPHY We are blessed with having some of the best weather possible, yearround. Our winters are not cold, but sunny and warm. Our summers are not unbearable. Our citizens are some of the friendliest in the world.

And, we have become a melting pot for diverse nationalities from all over the globe.

THE WAY FORWARD For us to realise the ambitious vision of mine, it is necessary for us to modernise our thinking nationalistically. We need to create a sporting institution and legacy. Gone are the days when a donothing Sports Commission gives the appearance of functioning and service.

NEED FOR THE CREATION OF A NATIONAL SPORTS COUNCIL For all intent and purposes it is beneficial for us to create a National Sports Council. This proposed council would be bi-partisan and not be dominated by political persuasion.

This council would be made up of persons with real vision of the realistic requirements to create a national allencompassing Sports Programme, embracing all of the sports played in the TCI and the regional at large.

Javiera Bovell scored six goals and an assist for the Lightning in their victory over the Hurricanes.

Provo Hockey League:

Lobsters defeat Owls and Gators THE Sailrock Lobsters claimed victories against the Gracebay Car Rentals and Sales Owls and the Gansevoort Gators when action in the Mini-Division of the Provo Hockey League continued last Saturday at the Graceway Sports Centre.

The Owls lost 4-6 with Carson Greatrex leading their charge with three goals. The mini player of the week was however Joshua Saunders who along with Spencer Weldon scored three goals each against the Owls, before he (Saunders) scored five of the Lobsters’ goals in their 8-5 win over the Gators. Tristan Grandsire added three goals and Alejandro Snead three assists. For

the Gators Zachary Scholar scored all five goals with Ayo Williams chalking up two assists.

with two goals each while Valcin had scored three goals and had made an assist.

BANTAM DIVISION Javiera Bovell scored six goals and made an assist to lead the Coco Bistro Lightning to an 8-6 win over the J&W Construction Hurricanes in a Bantam Division clash. Cole Nickson supported Bovell with two goals and two assists. The Hurricanes were led by Ricaldo Valcin with five successful strikes.

The Hurricanes had tied their earlier clash at 6-all with the Scotiabank Sharks. Sky Ewing and Liam Delancy led the Sharks’ attack

MIDGET DIVISION In the Midget Division the Pirates made light work of the Carib Gaming Panthers 9-4. Gabriel Diotte-Joly and Christian Robinson led the Pirates’ attack with three goals each, while Justin Hagan had one goal and three assists. Alyssa Laing scored a pair for the Panthers.

The Panthers also lost to the Saunders and Co. Flames. Rajhan Munnings scored all of the Flames’ goals in their 6-5 win. Laing had four goals for the Panthers.

INTERNATIONAL APPEAL This council will seek to promote and attract world-class, international competitions in all sports. The council will solicit corporations (international giants) to sponsor these events.

Companies such as American Airlines, British Airways, Shell, Esso, Texaco, Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank, American Express, Digicel and Lime, just to name a few.

COUNCIL MAKE-UP A few names that come to mind include: Trevor Cooke, Goldrey Ewing, Patrick Musgrove, Pingle Dean, Judith Robinson, Stan Hartling, Dan Malcolm Sr. one or two others and myself. Make sure

By Joshua Gardiner we are paid.

NATIONAL LOTTERY I have advocated in the past that we need to take a more pro-active, aggressive role in the way we finance national sporting events.

A Sports National Lottery can be realistically organised and can realise millions of dollars for the development of the TCI brand sports.

SPORTS TOURISM The time is long overdue for us to capitalise on sports tourism. We can attract multiple sports celebrities from all over the world to come to our shores and host world class events.

We can invite teams and athletes to come here to train during their offseason.

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS I foresee the benefits of us hosting world class sailing, powerboat racing, wind surfing, golf, football, boxing, table-tennis, open water swimming, weight-lifting, bodybuilding, just to name a few.

TRACK AND FIELD I see that the council could promote an invitational Provo One mile dash; for example in Gracebay or on the Leeward Highway. Make this an annual event: perhaps early January or on Valentine’s Day. THE NEED TO SEPARATE Finally there is a need to separate the Ministry of Education from the Ministry of Sports. I can see youth and sports mixed or sports existing on its own. The benefits are astronomical. But maybe, I am just dreaming. But without vision the people perish.

Good luck.

TCICA T-20 Competition:

TCIRFU Ladies to hold fundraiser for junior programme THE Turks and Caicos Islands Rugby Football Union (TCIRFU) female players will have a bagging day at IGA this Saturday.

Funds raised will go towards the junior programme.

In addition to the bagging day there will be lots of TCI Rugby club merchandise on sale.

These include: Polo shirts/ t-shirts (men’s, ladies’ and children’s) along with caps etc.

December 15 – 21, 2012

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

45

Bodhinayake hits TCI’s highest T20 score NATIONAL wicket-keeping batsman Nuwan Bodhinayake displayed a batting performance unlike any other when he carved out the highest official Twenty20 score in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Playing for the Jaguars in the TCICA T20 cricket competition Bodhinayake spanked 150 unbeaten runs to surpass the previous record of 147, which he had also scored.

Garvin Bruno’s 121 now moves to third on the list.

Even at the highest level of the sport, runs of this magnitude are a rarity. The current T20 record is 123 by New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum. The 31-year-old is one of only seven batsmen who have passed the three digits mark in the shortest form of the game. West Indies Chris Gayle and South African Richard Levi are tied for second place with 117 runs. Levi, however, preformed his feat without losing his wicket.

Bodhinayake was extremely aggressive as he scored 100 runs in boundaries. He hit eight huge sixes and spanked 13 fours in his reply to an impressive KB Homes total.

KB Homes won the toss and had batted themselves to a competitive 189-9 with the dependable Gareth Butler top scoring with 85 runs.

Butler was also in a destructive mood. He scored 15 fours and a six, while support came from fellow rugby player Paul McKenzie who scored 32 runs.

Mark Henry was the pick of the bowlers with 3-12 from 3.1 overs while Winick Caleb also took three wickets, but for 55 runs from four overs.

Competent batsmen Christopher McFarlane and George Niles were spectators at the other end with scores of 34 and 18 respectively when Bodhinayake was in all-out attack mode.

Nuwan Bodhinayake scored a whopping 150 runs.

BCQS Bears take Junior Rugby bragging rights into Christmas break THE BCQS Bears whipped the Vix Warriors 30-0 to go into the Christmas break with bragging rights.

The winners took full advantage of their edge in experience over the Warriors who were missing a couple of key personnel in the final junior rugby match of 2012.

After an opening period which saw some almighty contact and big commitment from both teams, the Warriors found themselves defending at a ruck just out from their own line and weren’t quick enough to stop Andrew Seymour burrowing over from close range for the first try of the match. Seymour was in again shortly after, this time the result of some real finesse from his team mates as slick passing and skilful offloading created the space for the national under-19 scrumhalf to get outside the defence.

The Vix Warriors were showing no signs of giving up and battled valiantly with the ball in hand an in defence. However they just could not generate the go forward against the strong BCQS Bears’ defence to get out of their own half. Instead it was Joshua Swann, one of the most improved performers of the current season, who came up with an unstoppable surge, running hard and straight at the narrowest of gaps in the green wall and blasting through

it to give the Bears a 15 – 0 halftime lead.

The Bears’ captain Franco Mompremier had been at the heart of most of his team’s efforts in the first half and he was in the thick of the action again soon after the break, snuffing out a promising Warriors attack with an excellent turnover.

Mompremier then broke the line before producing a quality offload with three opponents hanging off him to lay on a superb counter attacking try for Scott Glinton.

Glinton had the taste for the try line now and Mompremier was again the creator, providing irresistible go forward to get in behind the defence of The Vix Warriors. The Bears moved the ball quickly from the ensuing ruck and Glinton was on hand to finish it off. The Warriors’ tired defence was battling hard, but the weight of possession told and a dummy from Lincoln Outten saw him stride through untouched to underline a well-deserved victory and make the final score 30 – 0 to the BCQS Bears. They were more than worthy winners and put on an excellent team performance.

The Vix Warriors were unlucky not to have scored and showed no shortage of courage, as they featured hard working players all over the park. Frankie Forbes and Edwardson

The Bears’ skipper Franco Mompremier (right) was unstoppable.

Jean made several good runs and tackles between them and Michael Williams was close to the best player on the field. Unfortunately his team was a little light on experience and size, but brave youngsters Irvin Glinton and Tyrese Thomas, both making their debuts after coming up

from the under 15s, will benefit from this match.

The TCIRFU would like to thank all the participants and volunteer coaches for their efforts in 2012 and they look forward to resuming early in 2013. There will be a Rugby Holiday Camp on Monday 17th,

Wednesday 19th and Friday 21st of December at the Meridian Field.

Under 11s (boys and girls) are from 10am – 12pm and over 11s (boys and girls) are from 1pm – 3pm. Interested parties can contact TCIRFU Rugby Development Officer Jamie Tait at rdo@rugby.tc

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 15 – 21, 2012

December 15 – 21, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

47

LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos

.46 acres overlooking the creek, spanning King Road and Windsor Road

QUICK SALE

CALL 232-3508, AFTER HOURS 332-6398

48

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

December 15 – 21, 2012