Weekly News Volume 29 | No. 09 | February 28 - March 6, 2015
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Turks and Caicos
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Lime to take
over Islandcom
Telecoms company Lime has issued a proposal to take over the assets of seven-year-old indigenous 5 communications provider Islandcom. PAGE
Delight at Long Bay high school ground-breaking Merchandise imports up by 20% – Further evidence of country’s recovery PAGE 4
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No extradition request as yet from US for PAGE David Smith 7
PDM supports Premier’s independence referendum clause PAGE 8
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
February 28 - March 6, 2015
February 28 - March 6, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
February 28 - March 6, 2015
Merchandise imports up by 20% – Further evidence of country’s recovery MORE evidence of the country’s continued economic recovery was revealed this week with news of a 20 percent increase in merchandise imports in a year. The Strategic Policy and Planning Department released the data in the 2014 External Merchandise Trade Tables on Tuesday (February 25). The purpose of the annual report is to keep Government departments, policymakers and the wider society abreast with the most recent trade trends. “Preliminary indications are that economic fundamentals for the Turks and Caicos Islands economy remain reasonably positive and continue its growth during 2014,” the report read. It added that this is as a result of “increased tourism output and a slight increase in construction activity as well as increased activity in other sectors of the economy.” Merchandise imports were valued at $414.1 million for the 2014 calendar year and show an overall increase of 20 percent or $69 million when compared to the 2013 import value. Imports include all goods brought
into the TCI, whether for domestic consumption or transformation and imports entering customs storage or manufacturing warehouses. Most of the major categories of imports register significant percentage increases. As was the case with previous years, most of these goods (86.5 percent) were imported from the United States. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) continues to dominate imports into the Turks and Caicos Islands, accounting for $358.4 million or 86.5 percent of the total import bill. More than 95 percent of the NAFTA imports came from the USA in 2014, although the agreement also covers Canada and Mexico. The goods imported from CARICOM countries show a small increase of 0.6 percent and account for $46.8 million or 11.3 percent of the total import bill. The Bahamas continues to be the main CARICOM country that the TCI trades with and represents the second largest contributor to the TCI merchandise imports bill, accounting
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 Rebecca Bird - News Editor Delana Isles - Senior Reporter Daisy Handfield - Staff Reporter Faizool Deo - Sports Editor (At Large) Cord Garrido-Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large) Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams - Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com Follow us on: Facebook: facebook.com/tcweeklynews Twitter: twitter.com/tcweeklynews1
for 10.9 percent of total imports. Under the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC), food imports increased by 14.1 percent, crude materials - inedible except fuels - increased by 81.5 percent, imports of beverages and tobacco recorded an increase of 19.6 percent during the 2014 calendar year and manufactured goods classified chiefly by materials increased by 36.8 percent. INCOME FROM IMPORTS An analysis of revenue from imports reveal that for the fiscal year 2013/14, merchandise imports continued the role as main recurrent revenue earner for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Information from the Government Treasury reveals that for this period duties from imports increased by 8.6 percent to $52.7 million when compared with a growth rate of 1.5 percent for the 2012/13 fiscal year. According to a press release from the Strategic Policy and Planning Department: “Preliminary indications are that revenue from merchandise imports will record strong positive growth for the 2014/15 fiscal year when compared to the same period in 2013/14.” For the period January to December 2014 import duties were $58.6 million when compared to $51.6m for the same period in 2013. Customs processing fees were $28.2 million when compared to $20.8 million in 2013. This shows an increase of 13.5 percent in import duties and 35.6 percent increase in customs processing fees. The release continued: “With prospects of increased investment
in tourism and other capital related projects over the next two years on the horizon, the growth in trade is projected to increase by more than 15 percent in 2015 and by more than 20 percent in 2016, assuming that the Turks and Caicos Islands policymakers meet their commitments and new flash points in the global economy do not emerge.” This will result in further increases in the revenue collected from imports. The report also shows statistics of exports, port data and the balance of
trade. “Overall it indicates that a measured sustainable growth will be important for the long term economic prosperity of the nation,” the statement read. The data in the report has been derived from customs documents brought to account during the year under review. The report can be found in the trade section of the department website at www.sppdtci.com and will be followed by trade bulletins at the end of each quarter.
Records show slight increase in domestic exports A TOTAL of $6.5 million in goods was exported at the end of 2014 compared to $5.9 million at the end of 2013. This represents an increase of 9.7 percent or just $0.6 million in total exports over the recorded value the previous year. The Strategic Policy and Planning Department released the data in the 2014 External Merchandise Trade Tables on Tuesday (February 25). Its purpose is to keep Government departments, policymakers and the wider society abreast with the most recent trade trends. Along with details of the country’s imports during 2014 it also touched on the TCI’s trade
in exporting goods. “The range of goods exported by the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to be narrow, with the export of fisheries products being the largest category,” it read. “The main exports continue to be marine products (spiny lobster and conch).” It explained that the Government has implemented several initiatives within the last few years to help boost the performance of this traditional domestic export sector - but has yet to reap the benefits. “Stakeholders are of the opinion however that these new initiatives implemented by the continued
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February 28 - March 6, 2015
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Lime issues proposal to take over Islandcom TELECOMS company Lime has issued a proposal to take over the assets of seven-year-old indigenous communications provider Islandcom. Earlier this month it reached an agreement with the firm to buy its network, licences, spectrum and subscribers for an undisclosed amount. However Lime will not be acquiring Islandcom’s staff as part of the deal and the fate of current workers is unknown. Now the two companies have to wait until the national regulators, TCI Telecommunications Commission, give them their official seal of approval. In the meantime both are expected to continue to operate as separate entities. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Lime headquarters on Leeward Highway in Providenciales on Thursday (February 26). Lime TCI general manager James Pitt explained that the takeover will allow Lime to add superfast mobile internet to its offerings. “We believe that data connectivity is a key element for the future growth and success of our business. “The acquisition of Islandcom will allow us to upgrade our mobile offering to Superfast 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) across TCI which forms a key pillar in our strategy – mobile leadership.” He added that the companies will make every effort to ensure that the transition of Islandcom customers to the Lime network will be as seamless as possible. Once given approval there will be a short period of integration of the two networks and the introduction of a subscriber migration plan, with customers retaining their current mobile number. Mathieu Dion, CEO for the northern cluster of Lime countries, explained that Islandcom’s acquisition needs regulatory approval and until such time it is “business as usual”. “We will operate as separate companies; we are still competitors so we will continue to compete every day until regulators have made a decision.” Islandcom Wireless was first introduced to the TCI in August 2007 as a 2G network.
It changed the country’s wireless communications landscape in 2009 by introducing world-class 3G technology. And three years later in August 2012 it became the first network in the country to launch 4G Backed by an international network of telecommunications specialists the company offers a variety of voice, text and data plans, alongside TCI’s widest range of cell phones, smartphones, tablets and roaming services. A statement from Islandcom on Thursday read: “We are deeply saddened that we will no longer be able to provide wireless services in Turks and Caicos. “We believe that, despite ongoing significant investments in the business there is no room for a third competitor in the TCI market. “While we have reached an agreement to sell our network and business to Lime, regulatory approval is required. “We will be working through this process in the coming weeks and during this time the two companies will continue to operate as competitors until the acquisition agreement is approved by the
Lime’s regional CEO Mathieu Dion and Lime TCI general manager James Pitt
regulator.” The statement said that the company trusts in Lime to provide the best in service for its customers. “Our most important task is to continue serving our customers in our usual high standards in the time being to help them through this transition.” No information was forthcoming
from the company on whether staff would retain their jobs through the transition. Lime is a member of the new Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC) group, and has been the one of the leaders of Caribbean telecommunications for over 140 years. The company’s extensive on
island network is complemented by a network of 42,000 km of sub-sea cable spanning 42 countries carrying voice and data traffic for its customers and also other telecoms operators. In September last year Lime announced that it would be investing $10 million in network upgrades, sponsorships and community development.
TCI officials meet with regional banks THE TURKS and Caicos Islands dipped its toes back into the sovereign bond market during a financial roadshow in Trinidad and Tobago. On Wednesday (February 25) Caribbean bond institutions met in the twin island republic where new investment opportunities in the TCI were unveiled. Shonia Thomas-Been, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, and Refinancing Advisor Alex Musson were set to meet with ten regional banks, pension funds and insurance companies in Port of Spain, a press release from the Government’s press office advised. “We will be presenting TCI’s dramatic turnaround to some of the Caribbean’s most powerful investors,” Thomas-Been said
ahead of the visit. The roadshow will test the market ahead of the TCI’s debt refinancing at this time next year, by alerting financial institutions to the investment opportunity in the TCI. She added: “This will also give us sufficient time to address any issues that they raise, while also helping to ensure that through open competition we secure the lowest interest rate for the TCI taxpayer.” No deals will be agreed during the roadshow, the press office stated. However, the market will be better informed about the TCI ahead of formal negotiations beginning in autumn 2015 with the deal going through in February 2016. The TCI Government intends to refinance about $70 million of a
$170 million bond issued in 2011, the balance of which will be repaid from cash reserves. Its success has been built upon the country’s public financial management reform programme, and an economy that is predicted to grow in 2014 by 4.6 percent above 2013’s GDP figure of $558.9 million - its third consecutive year of growth, the press office further noted. This economic growth has contributed to a series of recurring Government surpluses in the TCI - $47.6 million in 2012 to 2013; $30.7 million in 2013 to 2014; with a projected $60 million surplus for the 2014 to 2015 financial year. International recognition of the turnaround came when Standard and Poor’s issued a BBB+ rating in 2014.
Today the TCI’s bank debt has already been fully repaid, leaving the $170 million bond to be refinanced when it matures in February 2016, which will also have the effect of removing the contingent liability from the UK taxpayer, the release read. It continued: “It is the TCI’s intention to use the reserves held in its Sinking Fund to pay off approximately $100 million of the bond, thus refinancing only the $70 million balance.” The UK continues to provide support to TCI officials through a technical assistance programme which includes providing specialist advisers to help in areas including public financial management, tax reform and collection, government procurement, audit and private enterprise.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
February 28 - March 6, 2015
A Weekly News column that puts you on the spot for your opinions on the issues of the day
MIKE as PNP chair? MICHAEL Misick has announced his plans to contest the chairmanship of the ruling Progressive National Party (PNP) this April. “The island is lacking some excitement,” the former Premier told the Weekly News while confirming his intentions. The chairman of the party is the person responsible for running the day to day business, helping to formulate party policy and convening national executive meetings. What are your thoughts?
No hope
What a great chance for him to swindle the membership and ruin the party!
Too early
Yeah excitement for sure, but wished it was another type other than what Uncle Mikey is offering. I agreed that he is a gifted politician and that the current guys have been slow in executing their plans which created a void and vacancy in the party. The truth is Mike should have waited until his matter in court is settled and he is vindicated before he re-enters the political arena. The trial is now expected to start December 2015. Depending on what comes out at trial, the PNP could suffer further damage to its reputation and so affect outcome of the 2016 election. I guess this is all about every man for himself or maybe it was to counter Skip’s reentry to politics. If the latter, let’s see where it ends.
It all happened just like that.
Nothing changes
If the PNP even considers accepting Mike in any role other than an ordinary member, unless and until he is exonerated of the charges he is now facing, this can only be interpreted as the strongest possible evidence that nothing whatsoever has changed in that party. It’s the same ol’ boys, running the party for their own personal benefits, and the welfare of the country be damned! The last issue of this newspaper said that one of Mike’s reasons for seeking this position was to “look out for the people of the Islands”. He’s kidding, right? The last time he was allowed to “look out for” the citizenry, he did far more damage than all the pirates of old ever did to this region. The only part of Mike’s announcement that is at all believable is his desire to help position the PNP to win the next election – and that is only so that he/they can have four more years at the public trough and at the public’s expense! The more things change, the more they
Records show slight ... continued FROM
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Government have not materialised because proper policing of the policy still continues to be a major concern for the Government.” It listed major issues such as foreign fishermen fishing in the country’s waters and engaging in illegal fishing practices. Also local fishermen have been found to be catching undersized lobster, using chemicals on coral reefs and fishing outside of the allocated season. The damage to the coral reefs over the years from these illegal practices are now being felt by fishermen. “It is however understood that the Government will continue to be vigilant despite being hindered by the lack of resources,” the report read. It went on to explain that with the recent introduction of a closed season for conch it is expected in the short term that conch export will decline but in the long-term conch export should increase.
This recent announcement is a policy designed to allow sufficient time to facilitate the vital growth and development stages of the ‘baby conch’. In recent years the imports of fishery products have increased, and with greater diversification of the fishing industry it is expected that the export of fisheries products will increase in the long run, the report read. It is also expected that domestic demand for these products will increase. “This should minimise the importation of these products and will help to lower the trade balance.” The data in the report has been derived from customs documents brought to account during the year under review. The report can be found in the trade section of the department website at www. sppdtci.com and will be followed by trade bulletins at the end of each quarter.
remain the same, and I only hope the average TCI voter is smart enough and strong enough to totally reject the PNP in the next election if this is the way the party intends to operate.
Clear his name
Mike can do whatever he wants in the PNP party but as a man out on a $10 million dollar bail who someday will go to court in the TCI and the USA he cannot run until his name is clear. The PNP is a family affair. Washy his brother, Don-Hue his nephew and Akierra his niece. Amanda a shirt-tail cousin. Rufus related to Gilly. Soon Chal and Phil will join the fun.
Poor country
Washy recommended Trevor Cooke, the current PNP chairman, be reinstalled back on the National Insurance Board (NIB). Therefore the field is clear for Mike to get the chair and PNP chequebook. Our poor country!
Let the games begin
Here’s a guy who ruined his own country, ran away, and can’t even go to North America because he is wanted there too. I have been here since he was a budding real estate guy and I think he has taken advantage of everyone he ever came into contact with. Sounds like a typical politician. One thing though, he did give this country the kick in the butt it needed to go forward. I have disliked his antics, but ya know, I don’t mind his coming back. Let the games begin! Maybe he can do some work at the dolphinarium too.
Voice in demand
Ordinarily if the British hadn’t been such double-crossers and double-standard heroes Mike Misick’s return would not have been possible. Mike Misick is now possible because the British have our country, finances and future hostage to their racist agenda. They have turned the idea of the interim government and continued presence into a negative occupation. People remember when things were good and when bigger and better was just there. Mike Misick seems prepared to join the voices in the TCI prepared to stand up to the British and fight for something. The kids, the rookies and neophytes in the PNP are standing for nothing; puppets of the Chief Financial Officer and deep incestuous friends of the expats in the private sector who are taking advantage of our people. The Government is selling work permits, there are no policy restrictions on how many work permits may be issued, our people are sold out. So a voice like Mike in this day and time becomes in demand for the disaffected. This is a sad and desperate state of affairs. The PNP as a party and Government are no better, a set back and a major disappointment to our people. Mike’s re-emergence is a reaction to the heavy hand of the British. It is really a pity that Mike can come back and be more relevant to the PNP. Given this situation and the issues we are
confronting, it will be no surprise if Mike Misick is able to garner enough support to have his name seconded. Really and truly this generation of politician is proving useless and the ‘blasts from the past’ are proving to be more relevant than the new kids on the block.
Reality show
Politics is one big joke in the TCI. A current premier trying to cover his tracks and a former premier trying to wield power while being hauled before the criminal courts. We have our very own reality show full of jokers.
Court first
Sure. But first let him go to court and explain all the missing millions.
Not about you
I liked and supported Mike. Mike has done enough bad and evil in our country. He had his time. He is the reason that the Brits are back and I know that Britain would not allow him and his entourage of political frauds to be in any position of decision making or to lead our country again. He left the country bankrupt. Mike where is our money? The world is watching, especially when he returned and the tunnel vision, brain washed people were running behind the bus. Did they not realise that if he was innocent, had nothing to hide, there was no need for him to run away? Coward, evil, selfish, autocrat, etc. It’s about him and his cronies not the people of the TCI.
Embarrassment
This has to be the saddest news only next to Mike being forced to resign as Premier and then to be extradited. I think he has created enough excitement with more to come with the trials that he keeps getting put off. People need to see Mike for who he is. He is costing us as a people too much. He cost us millions from his alleged misdeeds. We have enough excitement. It will be interesting to see if the PNP will embarrass this country again when our economy and reputation is turning around. Why is Mike going for this which can only prove to be a distraction from his case? Can he travel around the Islands as a chairman under his bail conditions? We have suffered enough and do not need this further embarrassment. No doubt potential investors and the outside world will frown on such a thing. Lord help us!
Become a contributor Want to become a contributor or have a suggestion for a Talk Back topic for us? What questions do you think we should be putting to the public? And what are your thoughts on it? Call our news team on 946 4664 or email tcweeklynews@gmail.com
February 28 - March 6, 2015
Governor urges efficiency and effectiveness AT A workshop of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Grand Turk, Governor Peter Beckingham reminded members of the critical role they play in ensuring good governance in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The first meeting of the two day session, which was arranged by the Governor’s Office in association with the PAC, was held on Monday (February 23) at the House of Assembly. Beckingham underlined how the PAC’s counterpart in the United Kingdom, one of the most powerful bodies of the legislature in Britain, operated, a statement to the press after the event read. “The UK’s PAC stresses the importance of economy, efficiency and effectiveness in all its enquiries. “The PAC here and the public service more widely need to bear in mind those principles in all its work.” The Governor also told the attendees that his office has been economising on resources by using in-house facilities, rather than private organisations. He expressed the hope that the TCI could soon start to show real efficiency in its planning and use of Government buildings and by working with the power utility to bring down the cost of energy. “It is a constant embarrassment, not to mention strain on public and private sector budgets, that
Governor Peter Beckingham
TCI continues to suffer from among the highest energy costs in the region, or globally. “Efficiencies must be deliverable, not least with 320 days of sun a year.” Beckingham also pointed to the forthcoming refinancing of the TCI’s debt, noting that the commercial markets would be looking carefully at the governance structures before committing to lending any money to refinance the country’s debt independent of a UK guarantee. “Our governance structures will be scrutinised by the banks and other financial service organisations more rigorously than ever before,” he said. Adding: “I am confident that they can stand up to that examination, so long as Government doesn’t attempt to undermine the superb economic performance of the last two years by proposing changes and tampering with the governance structures which have been carefully constructed to ensure economy, efficiency and effectiveness.”
Workshops encourage young men to resist violence A SERIES of workshops on violence prevention aimed at boys and young men began last week in Grand Turk. The first of four classes took place on Tuesday, February 17, at the Community College Auditorium and covered several topics. They included the relationship between violence and the impact on family, home, individual and society, conflict resolution with tips and techniques on different approaches to solving conflicts and changing course - preventing the call to join gangs or groups. Also discussed was the role of the family, counsellors, religious institutions, community and the Government in violence prevention, and violence prevention through sporting clubs and activities. Presenters included education planner Dr Timar Stephenson, National Youth Ambassador Donte Francis, and Damian Wilson and Donavan Fulford who presented on violence prevention and sports. The workshop was held as part of a new strategy by the Department of Youth Affairs aimed at reducing violence among boys and young men. It also aims to create an avenue for youths to not only have their views heard but devise a way forward for
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
action. Participants got an opportunity to meet men in the community who could become mentors to help empower them to resist involvement in violence. The workshop was primarily attended by students from HJ Robinson High School, Ona Glinton Primary School, Eliza Simons Primary School and male students from the Turks and Caicos Community College, Grand Turk Campus. A press release from the department said: “The workshop was positively evaluated by the participants, and it is expected that the information gleaned from the participants will assist in the violence prevention policy and strategy under development by the Department of Youth Affairs.” The workshops continued in North Caicos on Thursday (February 26) at the library in Bottle creek and in Providenciales on Friday (February 27) at the Occasions Banquet Hall and Conference Centre on Airport Road. The next session is in South Caicos next Thursday (March 5) at the Community Centre at 10am. Further information is available from senior programme officer Nixon Dickenson on 338-5101.
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No extradition request as yet from US for David Smith AUTHORITIES in the Turks and Caicos Islands are still awaiting a request from the United States for David Smith’s extradition. On Monday (February 23), Smith along with his lawyer, Queen’s Counsel Oliver Smith appeared in a Providenciales Magistrate Court before Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner. Warner was advised by the Crown that no official request had as yet been submitted by the US courts to the Attorney General Chambers in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Smith will make his next court appearance before Warner on March 16. In the meantime, he will remain on remand at Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk as he is still considered a flight risk. The US is allowed up to 60 days from the date of his release to submit the request. Smith was released on January 22 from Her Majesty’s Prison after having served his a portion of his six year jail term in the TCI. A few days later he was arrested on a provisional warrant, denied bail and sent back to prison on remand until the US applies for his extradition. He is now expected to serve some 30 years in a US prison. In January, Smith’s lawyer (holding) Clayton Greene, had
David Smith
raised concerns about the provisional warrant his client was arrested on, further requesting that the extradition process be delayed. However, the magistrate advised that any issues should be taken up in a US court. Smith - originally from Jamaica - was convicted of multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering both in the TCI and the US in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Smith ran his company Olint as a foreign exchange outfit that promised people high returns that averaged 10 percent per month. But in reality Olint was a massive ponzi scheme that managed to rake
Under the tree
in reportedly more than $220 million from more than 6,000 investors. Charges were dropped against his wife Tracey Anne in exchange for his admitting to four of a string of financial crime counts in the TCI. Weeks later he was handed over to US authorities where he was accused of collecting millions from investors under false pretences. He admitted to authorities that he paid returns to investors not from profit but from their own money or that paid by subsequent investors. The funds, which were transferred to his own personal bank accounts, reportedly enabled Smith to live a lavish lifestyle.
By Benneth Williams
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
February 28 - March 6, 2015
PDM supports Premier’s independence referendum clause BY DELANA ISLES THERE is full support from the PDM party on an independence referendum clause to be included in the new constitution, while the PNP elected members cannot seem to reach full agreement on the issue. Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright told the Weekly News this past week that while her party supports the Premier’s motion for the inclusion of the clause in the constitution, other members of Government cannot seem to agree on the issue. Premier Rufus Ewing made the motion on February 11 in the House of Assembly while members were discussing the 2011 Constitution amendment report. Ewing presented that motion, along with several others, for inclusion in the report. While he called for 51 percent majority of the voters for an independence referendum to pass, several members on his side of the House were not satisfied with the figure or the motion itself.
Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright
Premier Rufus Ewing
Minister of Finance, Washington Misick countered Ewing’s motion with a proposal for a two third majority instead of 51 percent, and this was finally agreed to by some members and passed. But Border Control and Labour Minister Don-Hue Gardiner did not believe the clause should be in the constitution at all. Gardiner believes that a referendum should come in the form of a bill that would then become law. At the time, he told members that he
is already in the process of drafting such a bill which he intends to the present to the assembly at its next sitting. Minister of Environment, George Lightbourne did not agree with the two thirds majority being included in the motion for the constitutional change, and subsequently made a motion for its exclusion. This motion is to be reviewed and determined at the next sitting of the House. The PDM leader told this publication that for her party, two
At the end of the course each participant received a certificate of participation
Craft market vendors take part in Art of Selling seminar BY DAISY HANDFIELD ABOUT 30 vendors participated in an Art of Selling and Customer Service Training Seminar on Wednesday (February 25) at Beaches Resort in Providenciales. The objective of the programme was to better the vendors’ business skills and also to foster better interaction with all guests travelling to the TCI. Each participant received a certificate of participation from the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) and will be part of a graduation ceremony. The programme which was initially a six weeks course was
condensed into a three hour session. Public relations officer for Beaches Elanor Finfin Krzanowski explained that since the vendors were senior citizens, the teaching method was slightly adjusted and included some more show and tell. “At the end of the day the same level of service we offer in the resort we are hoping that the vendors offer outside of the compound.” According to Finfin Krzanowski, more than $200k was invested into the renovation of the craft market near Beaches Resort last year. The Sandals Corporate University was launched in 2012 as an avenue for team members to earn their education and qualifications while
gainfully employed. Since the launch, they have continued to forge partnerships with tertiary institutions that offer more than 250 courses collectively, from the certificate level all the way through a PhD. Additionally, they offer four core courses that are free of cost to their team members that include leadership development, customer service, professional communication and of course the art of selling. Resort management hope to host these seminars either once every quarter or twice every year. Every Tuesday 10 vendors are given the opportunity to enter the resort’s compound and sell their product.
thirds is a comfortable majority. “We have a divided country on independence. Independence would never be 100 percent but you should never be aiming for just 51 percent either.” She added that the PDM is the only party that actually has an independence position out since 2012. “Whereby if we were in the Government we would have set up an independence commission to at least study and talk about the issue.” She pointed to Bermuda which has conducted two referendums on independence and the people have agreed to stay under the British. “But for us we have not even spoken about it; we can’t continue to shun it. Because it is more of a matter we should be conducting research
and finding out what you need to do as a country to even consider it.” Cartwright Robinson stated that the PDM’s position is extremely clear on the matter, unlike the PNP Government. “Independence is our blue print.” She noted that the first step is to talk openly about it without emotion and desperate pride as it is more of a head matter than a matter of the heart. It has to be done properly and studied, she added. “Is it the best thing for us, and if you even put a referendum to people you have to tell them about the pros and cons. “At the end of the day all residents of the TCI should want to talk about independence, it is like the white elephant in the room and we need to talk about it,” she stressed.
Continuous training agreed to at PAC workshop MEMBERS at the recently concluded Public Accounts Committee (PAC) workshop have agreed to ensure that officers produce reports with fewer issues. The two day session (February 23 and 24) was held at the House of Assembly in Grand Turk in collaboration with the Governor’s Office. Chairman of the Commission, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, who also chaired the session, on Thursday (February 26) lauded the success of the first ever PAC workshop. She said that the goal of the Government and all financial oversight bodies and committees ought to be to ensure fewer financial audit issues than has been seen in the past. The members also committed to ongoing training where necessary so as to ensure a cleaner understanding of individual roles. The chairman also noted that the work of the PAC is a critical one and cannot be downplayed or stifled. “It is critical to the public accounts of these Islands.” Governor Peter Beckingham, Deputy Governor Anya Williams, Speaker Robert Hall and members of the House of Assembly, senior accounting officers and other management officials of the Government were in attendance. A number of supporting staff and heads of department was also present. Philip Aylett, of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee in the UK, also
travelled to the TCI to provide guidance to the attendees. Cartwright Robinson deemed the event a success. She expressed her satisfaction at the good turnout, 90 percent, by accounting officers with only one ministry and department not participating. “We believe that this workshop has achieved its objectives and as suspected, the mock PAC hearing became the highlight of our time together. “It was a session for PAC members and accounting officers only and there was a complete reversal of roles with only a few PAC members also serving as members of the national audit office.” She added that it was “a fun learning exchange and certainly created a lighter environment”. The UK’s national audit office’s report was also discussed during the session. The Governor, Deputy Governor and the Director of the Integrity Commission, Eugene Otuonye shared on critical issues such as good governance, accountability and curbing corruption while members of the PAC shared on the role of the oversight committees and audit bodies. Cartwright Robinson stated that the feedback received was positive and as members of the PAC, they believe it was successful. In the closing sessions which were restricted to PAC members only, members together with the lead facilitator agreed on the way forward.
February 28 - March 6, 2015
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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Court hears arguments against Justice Paul Harrison’s re-appointment
ON FRIDAY (February 27) the Supreme Court will hear arguments from lawyers for Michael Misick on why Justice Paul Harrison’s reappointment by the Governor should be revisited and struck out. The matter will be heard before Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale in a Providenciales courtroom. The application challenges Governor Peter Beckingham’s November 27, 2014, decision to extend Justice Harrison’s term in office from January 2015 with no specified term limit. Harrison was first appointed in 2012 by former Chief Justice Edwin Goldsbrough for a two year term that ran from July 10 to June 2014. It was then extended to December 2014 by Beckingham. Harrison is presiding over the trial of Misick and several others charged
with corruption during the former Premier’s two terms in office between August 2003 and March 2009. The plaintiff wants the court to quash Beckingham’s decision to indefinitely extend Harrison’s time and declare it as unlawful. It is alleged that the Governor exceeded his authority when he made that decision and that it is contrary to the provisions of section 85 of the 2011 Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The court is also being asked to order that Harrison’s tenure as a judge in the TCI Supreme Court came to an end last December. Harrison’s advanced age is also in contention, as at the time of his initial appointment he was reportedly 75-years-old. However, at that time, the Governor (Ric Todd) by virtue of the
PDM calls for crime statistics THE PDM party this week called for the urgent release of the crime statistics for 2014 along with a review of the former Commissioner of Police. Leader of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said it is important information for the people of the TCI. When contacted police press officer Audley Astood was unable to provide a date for release of the figures. He explained that the recent change over in command has led to delays in some areas of the force’s work. In a press release this week Cartwright Robinson said: “We are disappointed that we are about to enter the third month of the year and are yet to see the crime statistics for last year. “We are aware that the statistics were some weeks ago presented to Cabinet as it was noted in its minutes that are released publicly. “We consider this important information for the people of these Islands for obvious reasons but it may also be used to assess as to whether we are successfully addressing crime reductions and detections.” Last year police revealed a massive leap in reported crime in 2013 with major areas of concern including burglaries, thefts and firearm related incidents. A total of 3,337 crimes were recounted to police in 2013 compared to 2,692 in 2012 – a hike of 24 percent. Following the release of the figures last year Governor Peter
Beckingham, who is ultimately responsible for national security, said that crime was not at crisis levels. “I’ve been to other Caribbean islands for holidays where you can’t leave the resort without worrying about your safety” he told the Weekly News. “Thankfully we’re not in that position, and the key thing I think for TCI in the long term and medium term is to retain that position.” In this week’s statement Cartwright Robinson said that last year the party was not satisfied with the responses from the leadership of national security and elected Government. “Whilst we are proud to still enjoy the lowest rates in the region and to remain among the safest, we are not we comforted in this fact. “Whilst the numbers last year were not alarming for those who are not indigenous to these Islands, it was rather concerning to those who can appreciate that the numbers and types of offenses are not reflective of the country in which we want to live.” The party leader said that the PDM remains firm in its position for the creation of an aggressive Crime Prevention Plan that engages and involves the public. She added that the party is also keen to see Premier Rufus Ewing’s promised review of the former Commissioner of Police Colin Farquhar who handed over leadership of the force earlier this month.
Michael Misick
2006 Constitution which was then in force was entitled to appoint a judge regardless of age, for a specified term. The 2011 Constitution subsequently came into force on October 15, 2012. The application notes that Governor Beckingham was
Justice Paul Harrison
authorised under the 2011 Constitution to extend Harrison’s appointment in June 2014 to enable him to carry out any proceedings already started before him. However, he was not authorised to extend the judge’s tenure in November for an indefinite period and because he had long attained
the age of retirement by virtue of the constitution. The plaintiff further claims that it was not necessary for Harrison to continue in office in order to do any act in relation to the sole case which he had conduct and that there is no basis within the 2011 Constitution on which his term could be extended.
MILLS MUSES
TCI politics gets hot OVER the past week it has been noticed that politics in the TCI has gained momentum. Usually, there are political episodes that grab the country’s attention, but recently the pace has stepped up. What is causing this? Some say it’s election positioning. But is the TCI really concerned about this at this somewhat early period? The TCI electorate always has its mind made up as to where its vote will go. Political allegiances here are so fixed, that whether there is a snap election, or one held in the normal period, the choice of voters remains unaffected. This is shown in the narrow margin of victory in the past election. So why is our politics getting so hot? It was triggered by our Premier’s statement concerning business operators allegedly overlooking unemployed Islanders. Unemployment remains a lightning rod here. But the fact that business operators were directly challenged seemed to stun the Opposition. The Premier’s statement does not mean he does not support business operators, in fact, he acknowledged their contribution.
BY Oliver Mills
Oliver Mills was born in South Caicos, acquired a diploma in article writing from the Writer’s Digest School in the United States, and worked as training manager for the Turks and Caicos public service. He is currently an adjunct lecturer in the Business and Hospitality Departments at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.
It is simply that he is calling on them to do more, and he seems to have acquired a new confidence, and political assertiveness. This appears to have put the Opposition on the defensive. Not to be outdone, the response of the Opposition leader was vigorous. Speaking to the Turks and Caicos Weekly News, she indicated that the Premier’s policies do not make provision for the fair and equal treatment of Islanders in the local labour force, and suggested a number of initiatives he could take to correct the ills he has “just stumbled upon after two years”. This is politics at its best, and reflects the quality of political leadership at the governmental, and Opposition levels. The wider Caribbean could learn much from this intellectual, rational approach to politics. It is issue oriented, and not personality driven, and can also be
described as competitive politics. The other hot topic is the statement by former Premier Michael Misick of his intention to contest the chairmanship of the ruling PNP. According to the Turks and Caicos Weekly News, his reasons are looking out for the people of the Islands, while positioning his party to win the next election. Because of Misick’s political stature, other possible contenders could feel intimidated. But unlike others, Misick seems to have two very specific goals, one general, the other more focused. His vision is also clear. What he would possibly do as the days move on, is to more precisely articulate the strategies he would use to accomplish the goals he has enunciated. Viewing the full TCI political picture, we could say we are in for interesting times.
10 NEWS
February 28 - March 6, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Last rebuilt hurricane damaged home handed over THE SUCCESSFUL delivery of the $6.25 million project which saw 58 homes rebuilt or repaired following hurricanes Ike and Hannah in 2008 was officially marked in Grand Turk on Thursday (February 26). The closing ceremony was presided over by Ambassador Paola Amadei, Head of the European Delegation to Jamaica, Belize, Bahamas, Turk and Caicos Islands Cayman Islands. She also ceremonially handed over a set of keys to project beneficiary Doris Williams in the capital. “That the construction has been completed so quickly, and that the works have been done to such a high standard, is an incredible testament to the hard work of everyone involved since project activities began in 2012. “It was certainly no easy task,” Ambassador Amadei said during brief remarks. Governor Peter Beckingham, who is chair of the Disaster Recovery
Board (DRB), noted that the EU’s support for the Turks and Caicos Islands has been tremendous. He stated: “The DRB allocated the resources available to those people in greatest need, with those on the lowest incomes and or living in a damaged property with elderly, infirm or disabled dependents taking priority.” The European Union, of which the UK is a member state, supported repairs to the damage caused by the hurricanes on Grand Turk, South Caicos and Salt Cay. A 2009 UNESCO study identified these as the worst affected by Hanna and Ike. In total 24 new homes were built, major repairs conducted to a further 27 properties (including new roofs, guttering, rainwater cisterns and storm shutters), and seven homes also had minor repairs carried out. All of the building work was carried out by local firms, including
EU Ambassador Paola Amadei cuts the ribbon to another one of the newly rebuilt, hurricane Ike damaged homes of Doris Williams as Governor Peter Beckingham watches on
Olympic Construction, Higgs Construction, Parker and Sons Construction, as well as other small sub-contractors. Contractors and their staffs also received training, delivered by local professionals, in the application of the new TCI building code to residential construction. The training notes produced by the project are now available as a guide for contractors and residents undertaking residential building projects in the TCI.
Ambulance fleet provider to be revealed next week THE WINNING bidder for the supply of a fleet of five new fully equipped ambulances to the country’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has been selected. Contracts will be signed next week when the name will be officially announced, according to EMS director Delwin Ferguson. The Ministry of Health and Human Services issued a tender notice in September last year which requested that interested parties put forward offers. For many months prior to that the Government had no success when it asked for bidders to come forward to supply three trucks, and the contract went unassigned. But cash for two more ambulances became available and ignited hope that it would encourage more interest. At the end of 2013 the Weekly News exposed a number of failings in the vital emergency service that caused lives of the public to be put at risk. Insufficient numbers of workers, elderly equipment and badly maintained trucks were among the issues that were highlighted by
former frontline employees. And it was all down to a lack of funding and cooperation from the Government’s Ministry of Health, they said. In January 2014 Porsha Stubbs Smith, former Minister of Health and Human Services, released plans for a “revitalisation initiative” for EMS. Among the measures promised to improve the country’s ambulance service were an in depth review of the department, a new director, new ambulances and more training. She explained that in the 2013/2014 budget a capital project was approved for the purchase of two new ambulances – one for Providenciales and one for North and Middle Caicos. However no offers were made when the project was first tendered in November 2013 so it was extended three times. Two additional ambulances to support operations on the family islands were since included the Ministry of Health’s list of capital projects for 2014/2015. Last April Stubbs Smith admitted that none of the TCI’s four working ambulances were operating at
“optimal level” and no-one had responded to the tender request. She added that staff were lacking vital medical equipment but said this would be addressed during the 2014/15 financial year. The welfare of both tourists and residents has been on the line for many years as TCI’s few ambulances continuously break down and lack essential maintenance. In June 19-year-old Kareem Walkin was killed when a vehicle he was driving overturned in Middle Caicos. No working ambulance was available to report to the scene so the TCI’s Red Cross provided emergency care to three survivors following the tragic incident. The last time that the department purchased new fully equipped ambulances was in February 2011. At the time former Health Minister Judith Campbell described it as a “key milestone” for the ministry and said it would help to save lives. In November last year Delwin Ferguson was appointed the new director of EMS and announced plans to turn around the neglected department.
Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson
Minimum wage increase another elections stunt – PDM BY DELANA ISLES WHILE the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) is not against the 25 percent increase in the minimum wage, the party still wants the Government to line up the cost of living with a living wage for workers. Speaking with the Weekly News on Thursday (February 26), Leader of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said that her party is not able to gauge if the increase from $5 per hour to $6.25 is sufficient. However, she did say that the party did not want the national minimum wage to be raised in a vacuum, and that they have been calling for studies to be conducted on the issue. Although Minister of Labour Don-Hue Gardiner has in the past noted that the issue of minimum
wage is being studied before any action is taken, last week’s announcement of the increase, via a post Cabinet statement, came minus any update on studies that determined this move. The PDM leader said that people who are already earning $6.25 will not be affected, yet the cost of living in the country remains extremely high, affecting everyone. She added that any increase to wages should be studied in conjunction with one to line it up with the cost of living in the country. “So at the end of the day, is it sufficient? I don’t know. “But we won’t be able to continue raising minimum wage in line with the cost of living because cost of living is just continued
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Minimum wage increase another elections ... continued FROM
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skyrocketing and will continue to skyrocket under this Government with all the taxes.” She said that the minimum wage still has to be a living wage, which it is not currently. “You cannot raise the wage without testing it against the cost of living; if you do I don’t know that you have achieved what you set out to,” the Opposition leader noted. She added: “At least this is what the PDM was calling for, and maybe this is just the PNP’s position for an election ploy.” Last week Thursday (February 19), a release from the Governor’s office stated that he, Peter Beckingham was advised to issue an order under the Employment Ordinance increasing the statutory national minimum wage rate by 25 per cent effective April 1. The last time the minimum wage was increased in the Turks and Caicos Islands was on December 1, 2006. At that time, it was raised from $4.50 to $5 per hour. Up to press time this Thursday, no order for the new increase had been issued. However, the Governor’s Office promised to get back to this publication with the Governor’s next steps as soon as possible. The Governor, who is also the President of Cabinet, is responsible for good governance and the rule of law in Cabinet.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
REAL TALK
Education Week: What are we celebrating? I AM a person always ready for the celebration of a worthy cause. However, due to some realities I have experienced in the education system in recent years I cannot celebrate Education Week. How can we celebrate Education Week in this country when we have a system which still allows this nation to suffer from a skill deficit in the labour force? How can we celebrate when students are identified as having dyslexia (reading disorder) and still float through the entire primary and secondary school unaddressed? How can we celebrate when students who are barely reading at grade one level are registered for GSAT and when they fail, are repeated to fail again simply adding another year of frustration to that child? How can we celebrate when our primary school curriculum has for years been content centred and not effectively providing students with the lifelong basic skills of reading writing and arithmetic? Yet we get frustrated with them in secondary school when their reasoning level is still elementary and they have developed a phobia for mathematics?
By Jas Walkin
BIOGRAPHY: Jas was born with a physical disability and diagnosed with a mild form of muscular dystrophy. His early childhood was characterised with trying to fit in in a regular school environment unequipped to cater to special needs students. With support from family, teachers and the community he graduated as valedictorian of Raymond Gardiner High School and has been a graduate teacher for the past last nine years.
What does it say about this country when at the end of 13 years of formative education many of our students are leaving school with very little opportunity for tertiary education because they were not able to obtain sufficient O level passes? Additionally, many of them can only afford to attend the TCI Community College and sadly they can’t pursue their interest because of an unequipped and under-resourced college. Moreover, what does it say when we have students who have worked hard and excelled in their studies simply wanting a scholarship to qualify themselves for the top jobs in this country and are denied because of lack of scholarship funding and traditional curry-favour? What are we celebrating when our young men who are too undisciplined for high school, involved in drugs,
gangs and illegal activities; that desperately needs behavioural reform and alternative education, but the powers that be continue to stick their heads in the sand like ostriches, unwilling to address this escalating trend in this country? I cannot in good conscious celebrate Education Week. What can I celebrate this week? I can celebrate Teacher’s Day! This Friday, I am proud and honoured to share my day with fellow colleagues around this nation. We are nation builders who are seldom appreciated and underpaid. We have to tolerate the disrespect and indiscipline of students, insults from parents (many of whom behave like their children), work with limited teaching aids and resources, have very little representation on matters that concern us; we are blamed for student
failures and seldom credited for their successes. Nevertheless, we continue trying to shape future of this nation. I salute you this Teacher’s Day and can say that I’m most proud to be a teacher. I am the man I am today because of my teachers. I was born with teaching blood in me because my mother Linda Walkin is a teacher (38 plus years). Moreover I saw dedication my teachers showed towards me and they inspired me to want to inspire another child. I dedicate this column to the teachers who made a difference in my life: Mrs Jane Williams, Mrs Hammutal Handfield, Mrs Henrietta Delancy, Mrs Whitlean Williams who taught me to believe in myself, Mrs Anal Handfield who showed how powerful knowledge can be, Mrs Susan Musgrove who first inspired to study history and world affairs, and last but not least Mrs Cynthia Forbes who in secondary school taught me how to use my words to make a difference and always ask the questions that everyone wants to avoid. I can fly high as an eagle, because you all are wind beneath my wings!
COMMENTARY
Same old junk IT SEEMS that reading much of political news these days makes one sick and tired of the same old thing. While admitting to being a ‘political junkie,’ the junk in the TCI junk yard is really junk. Dead fish and political junk do not get better with age. Mike Misick and the independence issue now cluttering the news again. Once and for all, what logical TC Islander would vote to obtain our independence from Britain, and by proxy, divorce from the USA? The USA/TCI bases in exchange for ships back in 1939/1940 was followed by a world war which saw the whole industrial/military might of the USA save Britain and the free
world from the looming clutches of Hitler’s Germany and Tojo’s Japan. Britain and the USA forever linked. This American linkage has guaranteed Britain’s Turks and Caicos Islands the automatic US visa access and USA dollar. Independent TC Islanders get in line for visas behind the former territories with their PNP official and worthless dollars! Risk that for what? To save a man and party members from court? A man no longer welcome in the States. Remember folks the man making noise about chairing his party again is out on $10 million bail. He now questions Britain’s rights. Britain who gave him his head in 2006 to do right, or wrong, with shadow independence. Now his whole bunch are being
summoned to court. The PNP policy then as now, remains. However where will the money come from? The PNP leftovers are hundreds of millions in debt and obligations for decades to come. Ask yourself how many public schools have been built since PDM left office in 2003? Is healthcare more or less expensive and/or improved? Is money available for infrastructure in proportion to taxes? Is the NIB and the welfare department better able to help the needy today? How well is civil service and immigration run in the last 12 years? How long does it take to obtain a person’s birth, death certificate or passport? At the door of my home is my
By David Tapfer
David is a retired mobile hydraulic engineer and business executive. He has been married to Middle Caicos native Yvette Robinson Tapfer for 25 years and has lived in Conch Bar, Middle Caicos, since 2002. David formerly served as branch chairman of the PDM from 2008 to 2011
favourite saying from USA, spoken by president Jack Kennedy: “Ask not what your country can do for you…but what you can do for your country.” Mike Misick and the PNP misunderstood that concept, ask yourself. Has the PNP government always simply said: “Ask what we can do
for you…while you really vote to enrich me?” When any politician from any party attempts to obtain your vote with gifts, paying a utility bill or promising a public sector job, then remember - if he or she has to buy your votes, he will not earn your vote!
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
February 28 - March 6, 2015
Delight at Long Bay high school ground-breaking By Rebecca Bird IT WAS a joyous occasion filled with smiles, congratulations and hope for a bright future as the soil was turned at the site of a new high school in Long Bay, Providenciales, this week. The construction of the public educational facility has been a long time coming with the country suffering from severely overcrowded schools for several years. But now work has officially begun on the first major Governmentfunded construction project in four years, with all three phases tipped to
be completed by the end of 2016. “This project is of utmost significance to us as a country, and a people,” Minister of Education Akierra Missick told attendees at Monday morning’s (February 23) event. “This project is the sign of bolder and grander things to come for our people.” A small crowd of teachers, students, construction workers, Government officials and wellwishers attended the groundbreaking ceremony on the 13 acre plot off Long Bay Highway.
They sat in the cool shade of a small gazebo as they waited for the event to begin, surrounded by rocky land that had already been cleared in preparation for the new build. Cheryl Ann Jones, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services, took to the podium to welcome attendees. She introduced Albright Dor of Clement Howell High School in Blue Hills who sang a beautiful rendition of the national anthem and the TCI national song. Alice Malcolm from the Anglican
Church then delivered a prayer in which she asked God to bless the land and help to create a place “where your designs for our children’s lives are wisely discerned and nurtured”. She asked that all who pass through the doors of the school “be filled with the joy of learning and your abiding presence as they work and develop to their full potential”. Premier Rufus Ewing was next to take to the podium to speak about his excitement and expectations. “This day has been long in coming. It’s been a long time in the Turks and Caicos Islands since we built an educational institution.” He went on: “Today is a memorable day. Today’s a day that we have all been looking for, not only as politicians and not only as administrators but as citizens who are looking for a better environment for their children to come and learn.” Ewing praised the Government team that enabled the construction to take place, and added that the entire project should be completed by the end of 2016. “I’m sure the students that will occupy these grounds will make most use of it for their educational and professional development. “I’m looking forward to the Government putting more funding behind other buildings like this, behind educational initiatives and programmes to help support our educational development in the Turks and Caicos Islands.” He finished: “This was our
promise to you and this is our promise we delivered.” CONSTRUCTION About $1 million has been earmarked for phase one of the build which will include eight classrooms for first and second form students along with toilet and administrative facilities. The Ministry of Government Support Services will be in charge of project management at the site. Project manager Mark McAulay from the Public Works Department said it was a pleasure to attend the ground-breaking. “It has been hard work,” he said, and went on to ensure that the project will be completed in line with all regulations and contractual requirements. “And to ensure that at the end of the project when it is delivered it will be a school of excellence, high quality and standards.” After a long tender process JaMalCo Company Limited were chosen as the preferred bidders for construction of the new high school. A beaming Jermaine Malcolm was lost for words when he took to the stand before supporters but said that “most of my words will come in a few months’ time” with construction of the facility. “What I have to say is when the four walls and the roof go up – that’s what people will remember.” For years children of high school age have been packed into Clement Howell High School in Blue Hills
Ministers don hard hats and together turn the soil on the plot
A lot of the land at the 13 acre plot has already been cleared for construction
Minister of Education Akierra Missick delivers a passionate address
February 28 - March 6, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 13
Premier Rufus Ewing speaks of his excitement and expectations
Teachers, students, construction workers, Government officials and well-wishers at the ground-breaking ceremony
leading to severe overcrowding. According to Government figures there are currently more than 930 pupils being educated at the expanded facility which was originally built for about 300 students. The cramped conditions have created a plethora of problems including accelerated wear and tear of the buildings and furniture, lack of resources and teachers, huge class sizes and increased student disruption. Edgar Howell delivers the vote of thanks to attendees
PROUD MOmENT Akierra Missick, Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, delivered a passionate address during the event. She thanked all of those who helped to get the project off the ground: “Someday when the history is written, history will show that I served with great people - a talented, dedicated, intelligent team – a team of men and women who love our nation as much as I do.” She said that the day marked a major milestone in a journey started almost 40 years ago. “In 1976 the Turks and Caicos Islands embarked on an official journey of nationhood, today that
journey takes another step with the development of this school that represents the modernisation of secondary education in the Turks and Caicos Islands. “Today I present a bridge to the future.” She explained that the construction of the school represents the first new major infrastructural investment by the TCI Government in Providenciales for several years. “Through dedication and motivation we have built a bridge over the obstacles an as we turn the sod on a new Government investment, for which I say proudly - just look at us now.” She said that years ago her predecessor Galmo ‘Gilley’ Williams placed an advertisement in a local newspaper. “The advert envisioned a new school in a new area, with a new vision to uphold an old ideal, the ideal of more and better education for all, the ideal of keeping hope alive and keeping the dreams of the next generation always within their reach. “Today, Gilley, our dream is now a reality.” The minister stressed that across
Project manager Mark McAulay from the Public Works Department said he will ensure high standards
A beaming Jermaine Malcolm of JaMalCo Company Limited is lost for words
The proud designers of the new Long Bay high school
the world education has opened more doors for more people than any key, influence, power or might, ever could. “You see, in an era of building bridges, education represents the strongest, longest and more reliable bridge to take the youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands to the future. “Education is our bridge, a bridge over discrimination, a bridge over unsatisfactory jobs, a bridge over insufficient pay, a bridge over bridges that were built to act against us, a bridge over national debt and even a bridge over the sinking fund.” She said that the school project marks a tangible accomplishment of years of hard work and determination. “The passion of a people has resulted in this advancement in education and this advancement in education shall cultivate a new passion of our people.” She stressed that the project is of utmost significance to the country and a sign of bolder and grander things to come for the people. Ministers then joined local school children and donned hard hats. They took hold of their ribbon wrapped spades and together turned the soil on the plot.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
February 28 - March 6, 2015
Dominicans prepare for annual independence celebration BY DAISY HANDFIELD James Rene, Guylnaud Gustave, Melanie Smith, Rangitha Mohottallage, Sofia De La Rosa, Jason McKoy, Anne Mauler, Edwin Gallardo and Lila Upreti
Seven Stars staff awarded for excellence HARD working and diligent employees at a Providenciales beach front resort have been awarded for their excellence. The staff members at Seven Stars Resort were recognised in the annual ‘Best of the Best’ awards. Their performance was judged on guest comments, Trip Advisor reviews, annual attendance, along with attitude and overall work ethic. A press release from the resort said: “Seven Stars understands the positive impact employee awards have on the resort and through honouring the actions, behaviours, approaches, and accomplishments of their employees, the resort is able to
better foster and reinforce the vision of their company.” To show appreciation, winning employees were treated to a gourmet dinner and a special awards ceremony at Seven Restaurant. They will now all move on to represent Seven Stars at the Turks and Caicos Star Awards, an annual gathering for the best workers of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), on Thursday (February 26). One of the highest honours is the Employee of the Year award, which was awarded to Lila Upreti. The lead beach butler has been a part of Seven Stars’ team since its
opening in 2009. Lila was awarded with an all-expenses paid trip to Miami, Florida. Other winners include front of house duty manager Anne Mauler who won the Ambassador Award, Bartender of the Year Guyland Gustave, Chef of the Year Edwin Gallardo who is the report’s executive sous chef, pastry chef Sofia De la Rosa who won Heart of Hospitality, room attendant Rangitha Mohottallage who won Housekeeper of the Year, human resource manager Melanie Smith who won Manager of the Year, lead server Jason Mckoy who won the Shining Star Award and Supervisor of the Year James Rene.
THE DOMINICAN United Committee in the Turks and Caicos Islands is preparing for their annual Dominican Independence celebration on Sunday (March 1). The event is an opportunity for Dominicans who are currently living away from home to be able to join in on the annual celebration. President of the Dominicans United Committee Candido Moreno said he is trying his best to organise an event that will be for the likes of not only Dominicans in the TCI, but also something that the locals and visitors can attend and enjoy. The event usually kick starts with a motorcade and then continues on somewhere in the Downtown area with music, food, dances and even entertainment from the Dominican Republic. Moreno said that this year the event will be hosted at the Ball Park in Providenciales to allow them a bit more of space. “This event gives Dominicans the opportunity to showcase what
they represent and to display the pride that they have in their heritage. “We may be away from home, but this doesn’t take our culture out of us.” The president wanted to refrain from giving out too many details, because he wanted residents and visitors to be present to experience the event for themselves. The annual event usually brings out more than 1,000 attendees. The Dominican Independence War gave the Dominican Republic autonomy from Haiti on February 27, 1844. Before the war, the island of Hispaniola had been united under the Haitian government for a period of 22 years when the newly independent nation merged with Haiti in 1822. Due to the Haitian government’s mismanagement, tax disputes, military violations, and an economic crisis, the Dominican people decided to forcefully overthrow the Haitian government with no compromises.
Education Week 2015 begins on Sunday Volunteer Brit with potcake Crazy in the new animal bus
Animal welfare charity gets new van
ANIMALS can now be transported throughout the TCI in safety and comfort thanks to a donation from a kind-hearted resident. Long Bay Hills homeowner Larry Costa found, purchased, shipped and donated a 2014 E-250 Ford van to the Turks and Caicos Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TCSPCA) this January. Before the arrival of the extended cargo van, the animal welfare organisation was ferrying animals in need of help in their 15-year-old van. The van, donated over 13 years ago, carried countless animals to and from spay and neuter clinics on all of the Turk and Caicos Islands. The TCSPCA holds clinics across
the country and in order to do this, the van is packed with all the equipment required, and shipped to the island where the clinic is being held. Once unpacked and the surgery set up, the TCSPCA van picks up and delivers pets which require a ride. A spokesperson for the organisation said: “The efficiency and self-sufficiency of this system has been proven again and again, as the TCPCA has held more than 20 clinics on the sister islands over the past five years.” The new animal bus’ inaugural voyage will be to North Caicos in early April when the TCSPCA holds a five day spay and neuter clinic for the pets of both North and Middle Caicos.
In the meantime it is on the road on Providenciales. The spokesperson said: “The safety and the convenience of an animal bus which can handle a precious cargo of up to 12 animals in crates are two of the plusses.” They added: “Thank you Mr Costa. You have been helping the TCSPCA since you first came to the Islands. “With this wonderful new van, you have made the tasks of all the volunteers that much simpler and safer and you have once again spoken up for those who cannot speak.” Anyone who would like to help the TCSPCA can call 941-8846 or visit the website at www.tcspca.com.
ACTIVITIES are taking place up and down the country from Sunday (March 1) for this year’s Education Week. The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services is hosting this year’s event from March 1 to 6 under the theme ‘Unite for quality education: Better education for a better world’. Education Week was established more than 26 years ago to call attention to the importance of education and to showcase the talents of TCI teachers and students. This year’s theme aims to get education partners united on a vision of quality education. The focus is on quality teachers, quality tools and resources and quality environment. During this week the public is encouraged to join in with educators across the country in support of quality education for a better TCI. Activities begin on Sunday with ecumenical services at Salem Baptist Church in Grand Turk at 11am and Bethany Baptist Church in Providenciales at 3pm.
They continue on Monday at Wesley Memorial Methodist Church in South Caicos at 9am and Church of God of Prophecy in Bottle Creek, North Caicos, also at 9am. The annual Fortis TCI Science Fair will take place at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex in Providenciales from 9.30am until 6pm from March 3 to 5. During the event on Tuesday (March 3) is the Primary Schools Science Quiz Competition at 10.30am. And on Wednesday (March 4) is the judging of the projects and posters from 9.30am until 10.45am. The awards ceremony is at 11am and the viewing of exhibits will take place from 11.30am until 6pm. On Thursday (March 5) is the High Schools Science Quiz Competition at 9am with the awards ceremony at 1.30pm and viewing of exhibits from 2.30pm until 6pm. More information on Education Week 2015 is available from the Department of Education, Providenciales, on 946-2801/4830 or fax 941-5228.
February 28 - March 6, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 15
Attendees pose for a photo at Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk
Prison officer of the year celebrated Miss Teen Universe Turks and Caicos 2015 Malique Ferrette
Miss Teen Turks and Caicos Universe returns home BY DAISY HANDFIELD AFTER 10 days out of the country representing the TCI in the Miss Teen Universe pageant in Guatemala, Malique Ferrette said that she came back with the experience of a lifetime. The beauty queen told the Weekly News on Monday (February 24) how the involvement in the pageant exposed her to the luxuries of life that she was not used to, but at the same time humbled her. “My experience was definitely an experience that no one can ever take from me; it was unforgettable and I’m talking about from actually meeting the people, to the pageant life and getting my hair and nails done all the time.” She said that seeing so many needy people on the side of the streets, things that she was not used to in the TCI, was also very humbling. Although Ferrette did not make it in the top 10, she was awarded ‘Best Face’ by a beauty salon in Guatemala in conjunction with the pageant committee. She also received a lot of recognition for her talent which was spoken word poetry. The beauty queen confessed that her day would usually began at 4am where she would prepare to head down to the lobby of the hotel at 6am for breakfast. After breakfast the ladies would go sightseeing and visit a number of the historical sites in
the country. When asked if she saw herself entering more pageants in the near future, she was quite hesitant with her response. “In five years maybe, within the next two year not because I would really love to get started with my educational life and really get settled in my studies.” Ferrette encouraged other girls who were interested in pursuing the pageantry life to be mentally prepared for it. “It’s like a contest between girls all day; that’s just natural, but it doesn’t hit you until you realise that it is a competition that is going to be judged by more than your primary society, it’s judged by the world.” She said that future contestants need to be emotionally prepared to withstand the criticism that they are going to get. “You need to be physically prepared because when you see those other girls; I mean we are pretty laid back here, but when you see six packs and hoops coming out you want to be physically prepared, but most of all remain confident in yourself.” Miss Teen Universe 2015, was held in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on February 6. At the end of the event Vivianie Díaz Miss Teen Universe 2014 from United States, crowned her successor to Dayanara Peralta Loor from Ecuador as Miss Teen Universe 2015.
PRISON officer Andrew Monize was recognised for his unwavering commitment to serve the public last week. He was named as Prison Officer of the Year during a ceremony at Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk and received a $500 cheque for his achievements. The award acknowledges the dedication of a single officer to his profession, recognises that the officer upholds his duty and looks after prisoners with purpose and humanity. A delighted Monize said that it was “very gratifying” to receive the award. “I feel elated at being selected
because among my colleagues there are a lot of individuals who perhaps are equally as deserving as I am.” He said he was told that he was on the short list for the award but never expected to be the chosen winner. “I would like to thank my shift leader senior officer William Dickenson, for nominating me. He and the other members of our shift, they were instrumental.” The celebration was held on Thursday, February 19, at 3pm and was attended by Governor Peter Beckingham and his wife Jill along with scores of prison staff members. Beckingham said: “The contribution of prison officers
HMP Superintendent Raymond Grant, Governor Peter Beckingham and Prison Officer of the Year Andrew Monize
to society is often overlooked, principally because the work they do is, necessarily, out of sight of the public. “I am therefore glad to be a part of Her Majesty’s Prison Officer of the Year Awards, and wish to offer my sincere thanks to all of those who work with the prisoners of the Turks and Caicos Islands.” HMP Superintendent Raymond Grant agreed that it is important to take the opportunity to recognise the hard work of our officers. “By continuing what has become an annual celebration, we are encouraging officers to continue to take pride in their work and thus maintain high team morale,” he said.
Lifestyle... 16
February 28 - March 6, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
How does your garden grow
BY DENIS Belanger - NATURE SPLENDOR
Denis is a passionate landscape architect who enjoys the creative process and his clients’ joy when projects come to life. Contact Denis at Nature Splendor for your landscaping, installation or garden maintenance needs. For more information call 332-3381 or email denis@naturesplendor.net.
Aloe ALOE, is a genus containing about four hundred species of flowering succulent plants. The most common and well known of these is Aloe vera, or "true aloe". Aloe are indigenous plants from Africa and have been introduced into the West Indies where they are extensively cultivated. They are succulent plants belonging to the
Lily family. People often confuse Aloe with Agave which is also a succulent plant, but belongs to the Agavaceae family. What people are most surprised about the Aloes is that they will flourish, which you wouldn’t be able to see if you were to keep it as a house plant. Aloe is very easy to grow in
sandy or gravel type soils with good drainage. A single plant will expand considerably as it produces its offsets. Divide the crowded clumps periodically. It likes full sun to partial shade. Plants grown in partial shade usually look healthier and darker green. The Aloe plants in full sun will problably have yellow leaves. The aloe is very tolerant of drought, although the tips of the leaves may wither and curl during hot, dry periods. Supplemental watering will keep the leaves plump
and juicy, but this is a great desert garden plant. It also could be used as a ground cover. They are very salt tolerant, and a good choice for a seaside garden There are generally only two kinds of Aloes that we find in the TCI. The most popular one is the Aloe Vera. The transparent gel from the pulp of the meaty leaves is used for thousands of years to treat skin infections, burns, and numerous other dermatologic conditions. You will see this
species flowering yellow during the spring time. Soap aloe, oppositely, doesn’t have any medicinal benefit for the skin. Rather, you should avoid having the gel from this plant on your skin as it could irritate it. This specie grows in a stem-less rosette, and produces little offset rosettes around its margin. The main rosette gets up to about a foot and a half tall and just as wide. The lance-shaped leaves are thick and succulent, pale green with white speckles. The leaf margins are armed with sharp, dark brown teeth. Throughout much of the summer, soap aloe sends up a purplish branched stalk about 2 ft (0.6 m) tall, orange or red flowers. Another interesting Aloe is the Aloe Barberae, it is a striking sculptural tree aloe reaching up to 30 feet in height. The branching is forked or dichotomous and eventually forms a spreading, rounded crown. It leaves are arranged in a dense rosette, they are long, narrow, deeply channeled and curved. The leaf surface is dark green with a toothed margin. The inflorescence is simple or divided into three side branches. The racemes are cylindrical and its tubular flowers rose pink (green-tipped). It forms an excellent focal point in the garden. It is easily distinguished by its grey, smooth bar. It thrives in cultivation and is easily propagated.
POLICE SAFETY TIPS
Avoiding inappropriate music WHAT can parents do to ensure their child is not exposed to explicit or inappropriate music? There is only so much a parent can do. Children are not with their parents all day. They go out with their friends, they go to school, they may work and they may be at another parent’s house. So, unless your child is confined to his or her room, they will be exposed to what you find obscene, inappropriate or explicit. Our children here in the Turks and Caicos Islands are seriously lacking local positive role models. So it’s no surprise that Lil Wayne or Nicki Minaj will be the ones that your kids look up to. The admiration for your child’s favourite music artists will entice him or her to embrace everything about those artists. If your child’s favourite artists in their music embrace immorality, promiscuity and violence then they may want to emulate those lyrics.
By Audley Astwood Audley, a former police detective and broadcaster, is currently the press officer for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. His main focus is on crime prevention and community policing. For more information call 941-4448 or visit www.tcipolice.tc.
This may be more evident where proper guidance from a young age is lacking. It is not the explicit lyrics that should be of concern; it is whether or not their children know what behaviours are inappropriate.
Parents begin teaching their children right from wrong at a very early age. When they hit others, throw things, run out in the road or reach for a hot stove we tell them, 'no' or explain why these things are wrong. These lessons continue as a child
grows and by the time they are in their teen years, they know that things such as misusing drugs or alcohol, beating someone, rape and murder are wrong. And if they know these things are wrong – and parents reinforce these life lessons – music, music videos and song lyrics are not going to make them practice such acts. There are many things that children will experience that are of a subjective nature – meaning it may appear to be or mean something different to different people. While these lyrics offer a very vivid imagery of sex and violence, they are done so as poetry. Although most parents would and do not see it as poetry, most teens
see it as a means of personal expression and find that poetic. Parents need to understand that their influence is far stronger and more important than that of any band or performer today or tomorrow. In many of my school visits on behalf of the police, I have seen first-hand the strong negative influence that music can have on many of our youth. As a parent or guardian, ask yourself if you really know what your kids are listening to. Have open conversations with your kids. By discussing the issues that these song lyrics convey, parents can ensure that they are teaching their kids right from wrong.
February 28 - March 6, 2015
Lifestyle... YOUR BODY Dr Craig Zavitz is a Canadian chiropractor registered in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He specialises in gentle manual therapies, activator, therapeutic laser, and smoking cessation. To make appointments call 941-5252 or email craig@gracebaychiro.com. For more information visit www.gracebaychiro.com.
BY Dr Craig Zavitz
Your daily routine can be a pain - literally WE LIVE in a world where we’re constantly in a hurry, juggling multiple tasks and carrying our belongings with us everywhere. And, believe it or not, this can have serious consequences on your back health. In fact, back pain sends more patients to doctors than any condition other than the common cold. Here are some common activities that negatively impact back health. Commuting Just like sitting at your desk, hunching over your steering wheel can cause your muscles to tighten, curving your back. Over time this can result in longterm lower back problems. How to fix it: Be sure to sit at a 90 degree angle and don’t fully extend your legs. Move your seat up to allow yourself to sit up straight. Adjust your lumbar to fit your back, and if it’s not enough support, try rolling up a towel to help decrease stress on your lower back. Work life Did you know sitting puts 40 percent more pressure on your spine than standing? It’s important to remember your posture especially when you’ve had a long day at your desk. How to fix it: Practice ‘active
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
sitting’ with your feet flat on the floor in front of you with your back straight, your shoulders squared and chin parallel with the floor. Also ensure your workspace is set up to enable frequent breaks from sitting, like getting up to go to the printer and taking phone calls while standing. Carrying your belongings When you’re carrying a heavy purse or laptop bag, your shoulders become out of line. This can cause your muscles to ache and throw your spine out of line. How to fix it: Reduce the number of items you carry with you. Also consider using a backpack to help distribute the weight of your load evenly across your body. This will help avoid the stress of isolated muscles overcompensating for unevenly distributed weight. Improper lifting You’re not alone if you have strained your back while lifting heavy boxes. Lifting heavy items improperly can put undue pressure on your spine and even cause spinal disc injury. How to fix it: Picture yourself doing the lift before engaging to ensure you’re keeping the object in front of you, your back is straight and you’re lifting with your knees/ hips rather than your back.
The Dentist and you Mark Osmond BDS (Lond) LDS RCS (Eng). Mark Osmond Dental Clinic - (649) 432 3777, drmosmond@gmail.com or Find us on Facebook
By Dr Mark Osmond
Oscar-winning smile! HAVING watched the Academy Awards last night, do you ever wonder how the actors and actresses achieve such beautiful and perfect smiles? I can guarantee that the vast majority will not have been blessed with naturally straight, white, even teeth and will have had various types of treatment to achieve these gorgeous smiles. Below I have outlined a few of the more common treatments that are available to help you create that Oscar-winning smile! Crowns (caps) and veneers These are used when the natural crown of a tooth is compromised either through decay, trauma or aesthetic reasons. A veneer is a thin porcelain cover designed to go on the outside surface of a tooth. Veneers are only used on front teeth and are generally used for cosmetic purposes, for example to restore chipped or broken teeth, or to change the colour, size or shape of teeth. The teeth generally require only a small amount of preparation for veneers. A more robust solution than a veneer is a crown. A crown covers the whole tooth above the gum and is suitable for both front and back teeth. Crowns involve a greater reduction of the natural tooth’s surface than a veneer but the result is greater strength. Crowns are used both for cosmetic
and brighter teeth.
and clinical reasons, for example when a tooth is badly decayed but the root is still intact. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials designed for difference circumstances, including all porcelain or porcelain with a strengthened core such as zirconium or metal. In all these cases only the toothcoloured porcelain is visible and, when completed, the teeth should look indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Dental whitening Dental whitening uses bleach to (safely) permeate the tooth enamel and lighten the dentine inside the tooth, thus creating noticeably whiter
Bridges, implants If crowns are indicated but there are also missing teeth then a bridge may be a good option. A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth and is permanently fixed in place. A bridge is attached to adjacent teeth (either natural teeth or implants) and carries one or more artificial crowns to fill the gap of the missing teeth. As an alternative to bridges, implants can be used to replace missing teeth and can be used in combination with natural teeth or crowns to recreate your smile. A dental implant is a titanium fixture that is implanted into your jaw to act as the root of the tooth. A crown or bridge is then screwed to the fixture. Titanium has a unique quality in that bone will attach to it, so that once the implant is placed it becomes firmly secured naturally by the bone growing around it. Orthodontics Orthodontics aims to improve the appearance, position and function of crooked or abnormally arranged teeth. Orthodontic treatment may be performed for clinical (medical) or for cosmetic purposes such as straightening teeth or closing gaps. Orthodontics can be done with the use of braces - brackets and wires or Invisalign orthodontics.
Weekly Recipe Helen Barkworth-Knight is a teacher and qualified baker with a lifelong love for cooking for friends and family. She is a mother to Owen, almost two, who has very particular tastes in all things, especially food. Hence she has become an expert in hiding vegetables in all sorts of dishes!
Apple turnovers INGREDIENTS • 2 small, sweet apples such as pink lady, Fuji or braeburn • 2 sheets of frozen puff pastry sheets, such as Pepperidge Farm brand • 8 pinches of cinnamon • Milk for glazing • Icing/confectioner’s sugar for dusting (optional) METHOD • Thaw out the puff pastry sheets
according to the pack instructions. • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400°F and peel, core and slice the apples. • Once the pastry is thawed but still cold, unfold the pastry sheets. Roll each sheet out onto a piece of baking parchment until the fold marks are blended in, and the pastry is more pliable. Be careful to keep the sheets square-shaped. • Using a sharp knife, cut each pastry sheet into four equal-sized smaller
squares. • Arrange the apple slices in the centre of each of the small squares of pastry, then sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the apples on each one. • Fold all four corners of each pastry square into the centre to make a little envelope.
• Brush the top of each turnover with a little milk to glaze. • Carefully slide the baking parchment sheet (with the turnovers on top) onto a baking sheet. • Bake in the preheated oven for around 15 to 20 minutes until
the pastry has puffed up and is golden. • Once the turnovers have cooled slightly, dust with icing/ confectioner’s sugar if desired. • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or let them cool for a delicious afternoon snack or brunch pastry.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
February 28 - March 6, 2015
Shark Stanley promotes global shark awareness LOCAL environmental advocates are working with animated sea character Shark Stanley to reach out to schools and businesses to increase awareness of shark conservation. Organisers have planned an event titled ‘Shark Weekend’ in Providenciales from March 26 to the 28. During this event international shark conservationist Rob Stewart will be visiting schools, taking part in a community conservation luncheon and scuba diving with local reef club students. He will also be making a special conservation presentation and public screening of his film on Saturday (March 28) at the Brayton Hall at 7pm. Tickets for the event are available in advance or at the door. Shark Stanley is the face of the global shark awareness campaign dedicated to creating shark sanctuaries and supporting the proper management of sharks and rays. Stanley has been busy visiting
schools and appearing at community events to take ‘selfies’ with children and adults. The character has been to the Oseta Jolly Primary School, Edward Gartland Youth Centre, and others educating why sharks are important to TCI and why people should care about their conservation. For more info on Shark Weekend people can contact jwalker@ amanresorts.com. Shark Stanley is the face of the global shark awareness campaign dedicated to creating shark sanctuaries and supporting the proper management of sharks and rays. Organisers invite the public to get involved as well. To learn more about Stanley and his cause, people can visit sharkstanley.com or the Facebook page Caribbean Shark Defenders. To date, nine other countries and oversea territories have stepped up for sharks and created permanent protection.
The character has visited various schools and organisations in Providenciales to spread global shark awareness
Youngsters learn about sharks and the role they place in the world
Lobster season closes March 15 THE TCI lobster season closes this year on March 15, the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) has announced. The Fisheries Protection Ordinance Regulation 12(1) states: “The closed season in relation to crawfish shall be the period from the first day of April to the 31st day of July (inclusive) in each year or such other dates as may, from time to time, be appointed by the Governor in the Gazette.”
The Governor, advised by Cabinet and the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA), opened the lobster season on August 15, 2014 at which time the public was notified that the closure would take place on March 15 this year. During the closed season, any person who fishes for, purchases or is in possession of a lobster will be committing
an offence that is punishable by a fine of $5,000 or six months imprisonment or both. DEMA is urging all fishers, restaurant owners, private residents and plant owners to ensure that no crawfish remain in their possession as of March 15 this year. Any comments or questions can be directed to DEMA at 3384170 or emailed to environment@ gov.tc.
February 28 - March 6, 2015
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Science & Technology Sleeping too much could raise risk of stroke Children should eat peanut products rather than whole peanuts because of the risk of choking.
Peanut allergy ‘cut by early exposure’
EATING peanut products as a baby dramatically cuts the risk of allergy, a study suggests. Trials on 628 babies prone to developing peanut allergy found the risk was cut by over 80%. The King’s College London researchers said it was the “first time” that allergy development had been reduced. Specialists said the findings could apply to other allergies and may change diets around, but warned parents not to experiment at home. The research team in London had previously found that Jewish children in Israel who started eating peanuts earlier in life had allergy levels 10 times lower than Jewish children in the UK. The trial, reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, focused on babies as young as four months who had already developed eczema - an early warning sign of allergies. Skin-prick tests were used to identify those who had not yet developed peanut allergy or had only a very mild response. Children under five should not eat whole peanuts, because of the risk of choking, so half were given a peanut-based snack. The other half continued avoiding peanuts.
The trial indicated that for every 100 children, 14 would normally go on to develop an allergy by the age of five. But this fell by 86% to just two out of every 100 children with the therapy. Even the children who were already becoming sensitive to peanuts benefited. Their allergy rates fell from 35% to 11%. Lead researcher Prof Gideon Lack told the BBC: “[It was] exciting to us to realise for the first time that in allergy, we can actually truly prevent the development of disease. “It represents a real shift in culture.” He said that high-risk children “need to be evaluated, have skinprick testing and dietary advice, [before], in most cases, early introduction of peanut”. Prof Lack added: “We realise this goes very much contrary to previous advice, but it is very much essential that we direct our attention to this group of infants and stem this growing epidemic of peanut allergy.” Until 2008, at-risk families were told to actively avoid peanut products and other sources of allergic reactions.
ADULTS who sleep more than eight hours a night may face a higher risk of stroke, a new analysis suggests. These so-called “long sleepers” were 46 percent more likely to have a stroke than those who got only six to eight hours of sleep a night, the researchers found. However, the researchers don’t know if the long sleep is a cause, consequence or early warning sign of declining brain health. After reviewing previous research on the possible link between sleep and stroke risk, they said they only found an association that they can’t explain. The study is published online Feb. 25 in Neurology. “Previous studies have already suggested a possible association between sleep and risk of stroke,” said lead researcher Yue Leng, of the University of Cambridge in England. But the new analysis also looked at the relationship between a change in sleeping duration over time and how that affected stroke risk. While the possible link needs more research, Leng said the message is definitely not to cut sleep to reduce stroke risk. Adequate sleep is crucial for good health. In the study, the researchers followed nearly 9,700 people participating in a European study, tracking their sleep patterns and any incidence of stroke for nearly 10 years. The men and women, average age 62 when the study started, reported their sleep duration once between 1998 and 2000, and again four years later. They told how many hours they slept a night and how well they slept. About 70 percent said they slept six to eight hours a night. One in 10 said they slept more than eight hours.
The so-called “long sleepers” were 46 percent more likely to have a stroke than those who got only six to eight hours of sleep a night, the researchers found.
Those who slept less than six hours or more than eight were likely to be older, female and not physically active. Over the follow-up period, 346 people had strokes. Those who slept longer than eight hours had a 46 percent increased stroke risk, and those who slept less than six hours had an 18 percent higher risk. But the number in the group reporting less than six hours of sleep a night was too small to call that link statistically solid, Leng said. Those who reported being long sleepers in both of the two surveys faced double the risk of stroke when compared to those who reported average sleep times, according to the study. And people whose sleep pattern changed -- from sleeping less than six hours a night to more than eight hours a night -- had about four times the risk of stroke as those who consistently got an average amount
of sleep, Leng found. Lack of sleep can lead to higher stress hormone levels, in turn raising blood pressure and stroke risk. But after Leng took factors such as high blood pressure into account, the relationship between long sleep and stroke risk persisted. Dr. Alberto Ramos, an assistant professor of neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, wrote an editorial to accompany the study. He suspects that the long sleeping time is a warning signal. But “the change in sleeping patterns is more the concern,” he said. Long sleepers would be wise to monitor their lifestyle, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, Ramos said. Adults over the age of 60 or 65 who notice they are sleeping more should make sure their cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol are under control, he added. (CBS News)
Sunlight continues to damage skin hours after exposure SUNLIGHT continues to damage people’s skin and increase the risk of cancer for hours after they leave the beach and head indoors, a study shows. Scientists at Yale University, in the US, discovered it was the supposedly protective pigment melanin that was causing the damage. The team say the findings may lead to better sunscreens that can prevent the extra damage. British experts said that the findings “reinforce” current advice. When UV radiation pummels our skin cells, it can cause mutations in the DNA. Melanin, the pigment behind a tan or natural skin tone, is the body’s
defence as it absorbs the radiation. What scientists did not know previously was what happens to all the energy that the melanin has absorbed. The Yale team showed, in the journal Science, that the high-energy version of melanin supercharges a series of chemical reactions. A cocktail of superoxides and peroxynitrites culminate in a “very high-energy molecule breaking apart and releasing the energy that was holding it together”, said lead researcher Prof Douglas Brash. He told the BBC News website: “It’s what happens in fireflies when they [use the energy to] produce light and glow, except the energy is just
transferred to the DNA.” In laboratory tests, the whole damage in skin was still taking place four hours after UV exposure was stopped. “Half or more of this kind of DNA damage is not happening on the beach, it’s on the car on the way home,” Prof Brash said. The team hope they can develop a sunscreen that combines the usual protection with absorbing any energy from the melanin. Dr Bav Shergill, of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: “This research serves to reinforce current advice on sun protection, which is something I welcome.”
In laboratory tests, the whole damage in skin was still taking place four hours after UV exposure was stopped.
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Regional News
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
February 28 - March 6, 2015
Lawsuit filed over fatal plane crash THE estate of the only American citizen on board the ill-fated Learjet 36, which crashed in bad weather on November 9 in Grand Bahama, has filed a legal suit against Diplomat Aviation. Diego Desantiago, a Colorado resident and evangelical minister, was killed when the plane carrying Dr Myles Munroe and his wife with several other Bahamas Faith Ministries ministers, struck a crane and crashed in the Grand Bahama shipyard. The suit points to pilot error as the basis for their claim, according to court documents filed in the District of South Carolina. Desantiago’s estate, represented by his brother Juan Desantiago, has “strong viable claims” against Diplomat Aviation. It was revealed by this newspaper in December that lawyers representing Diplomat Aviation (Bahamas) Ltd, the company under which the Learjet was registered, were embroiled in a court battle with a US-based insurance company over the payout from a $10m liability policy. The latest documents said: “The question of liability coverage is the sole issue presented by the declaratory judgment proceeding. The Desantiago Estate undeniably has a significant interest in this issue. “Although the investigation into the crash of the subject aircraft is not yet complete, preliminary
The Argyle International Airport, set to debut in St Vincent later this year, will be creating a 218 kVa solar energy farm.
The estate of evangelical minister Diego Desantiago has filed a lawsuit against Diplomat Aviation.
information points to pilot error as the likely cause. Thus, the Desantiago Estate has strong viable claims against Diplomat Aviation for Desantiago’s death.” The final report of the incident, reported in The Tribune on Monday, blamed poor decision-making of the crew in initiating and continuing a descent below the authorised altitude. The documents added: “The sole issue presented by the Declaratory Judgement proceeding is whether XL Insurance will be required to indemnify Diplomat Aviation for up to $10m (the amount of liability
coverage) as a result of the crash of the subject aircraft. “In the event that there is no coverage it is quite possible that the Desantiago Estate would find itself without remedy for Diego’s death. It is unknown whether Diplomat Aviation, apparently a Bahamian corporation, has available assets to satisfy any judgement entered against it. “Accordingly, the disposition of this Declaratory Judgement proceeding would impair or impede the Desantiago Estate’s significant interest in the question of liability coverage.”
St Vincent and the Grenadines’ new airport will be solar-powered THE new planned airport in St Vincent and the Grenadines will derive part of its energy needs from solar energy. The Argyle International Airport, set to debut in St Vincent later this year, will be creating a 218 kVa solar energy farm. The farm would initially generate about 35 percent of the airport’s solar light and airconditioning needs. On Monday, the CARICOM Development Fund announced a $750,000 USD loan for the project. “It will be the first part of a wider programme of power generation to meet the needs of
the AIA at peak demand and full operation and it is expected that at full generation any excess electricity will be made available through the grid to the rest of St Vincent,” said Ambassador Lorne McDonnough, the CEO of the CDF. “The CDF is promoting greening, or environmentally friendly energy projects in the region and is striving to establish the plant at Argyle as a flagship for the initiative.” That would make St Vincent’s Argyle the second airport in the region to be solar powered, following the debut of the solar farm at St Kitts’ Robert L Bradshaw International Airport.
Jamaica ganja law gets green light THE much anticipated amendment to the Dangerous Drugs Act was passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. The debate on the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill, often referred to as the ganja law, was piloted in the House, by Minister of National Security, Peter Bunting. The Bill was passed with five amendments in the Senate on February 6, piloted by Minister of Justice Senator Mark Golding, under intense scrutiny from the Opposition, during a seven-hour debate The Government is hoping to see significant economic gains from the decriminalisation of ganja, particularly in the area of medicinal use, which is a US$2.5-billion market in the United States. The changes to the Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Act will make possession of two ounces or less of marijuana a non-arrestable, ticketable offence, that attracts no criminal record. Where the person found in possession of a small quantity of ganja is a minor, or an adult who appears to be dependent on the substance, they are to be referred to the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) by the police officer issuing
The group were returning from a Mashamani activity when the teacher lost control of the vehicle.
Guyana: Teacher and six young students dead after accident The Jamaican government is hoping to see significant economic gains from the decriminalisation of ganja, particularly in the area of medicinal use, which is a US$2.5-billion market in the United States.
the ticket. Additionally, the Bill prohibits the smoking of ganja in public places, and makes provisions for the granting of licences, permits and other authorisations to enable the establishment of a regulated industry for ganja for medical, scientific, and therapeutic uses.
It also provides for the creation of a Cannabis Licensing Authority, which will be responsible for developing the regulations governing the medical marijuana industry. The Bill was tabled in the House of Representatives on February 10. (Jamaica Observer)
A TEACHER and six students of the Husburg Primary School, Mahaicony, Guyana have died when their vehicle plunged in a canal along East Coast Demerara, the Guyanabased caribnewsdesk.com website has reported. According to police the students and teacher, Shondell Duke, were travelling south along the road when Duke lost control of the vehicle. They were returning from a Mashramani activity. Demerarawaves website has
confirmed that the children who lost their lives in the incident were: Martina Persaud, 7 years; Asia Abel, 10 years; Azikia Fraser, 6 years; Adeshe Woolford, 9 years; Justin Abel, 8 years; and Rayden Abel, 7 years, all of Mahaicony. Demerarawaves quoted the police as saying that residents of the ricegrowing community tried desperately to rescue the occupants who were taken to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival.
February 28 - March 6, 2015
Regional News
Jamaica launches cyber-security strategy JAMAICA has officially launched a new “cybersecurity strategy” for the island. The strategy was launched at a ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston earlier this week. The strategy aims to make the country safe for business operation and provide security for people using the internet, according to a government statement. “[Cybercrime] is an enormous toll on global resources, and Jamaica is not spared from that risk,” said United States Ambassador to Jamaica, Luis Moreno, who was on hand for the ceremony. “So, I commend the Government for its foresight and initiative in reassuring foreign and domestic companies that Jamaica takes economic espionage seriously. Part of the strategy includes making sure that legal and law enforcement professionals have the right training to tackle cybercrimes,
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the government said, and that will receive a boost from the government of the United Kingdom. “All aspects of cybersecurity are important, and we work here in Jamaica with the operational arm of the security services to help with the cybersecurity approach of Jamaica,” said British High Commissioner to Jamaica David Fitton. “The launch is extremely important, and taking it further, we are determined to work with you.” Jamaican Minister of State in the Ministry of Technology Julian Robinson said that with the increase in web-based business transactions, it was important to have a safe environment for “all activities within the cyber domain.” “It is important as we put more Jamaicans online, that we have the necessary safeguards,” Robinson said. “A 10 per cent increase in broadband leads to about one per cent in Gross Domestic Product growth.” (Caribjournal)
Officials: Bermuda tourism budget cut won’t impact visitor growth A PROPOSED budget cut to the lowest level in more than 30 years will not preclude the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) from increasing the country’s visitor arrivals, said Bill Hanbury, BTA’s CEO. Formed in 2013 to replace Bermuda’s Ministry of Tourism as the nation sought to reverse its declining tourist arrivals, BTA is slated to operate under a $21.7 million budget for the 2015/2016 season under the proposal. That amount is described in local press reports as a reduction of $1.4 million and the lowest level in more than 30 years. “During a government budget presentation, the proposed tourism budget has been reduced for 2015/2016; though the decision is not final,” said Hanbury in a statement issued Tuesday. “We understand the financial restraints the government faces and despite budget limitations we will continue to focus on improving taxpayers’ return on investment by growing the tourism economy.” A BTA spokeswoman added, “There will still be several meetings before a final budget is decided.” Hanbury told the Royal Gazette the 2014 tourism budget of $23.1 million generated $280 million in air visitor spending. He said BTA will work to increase Bermuda’s air arrivals and
Bermuda’s tourism promotion efforts received a significant boost late last year when Bermuda was named host of the 35th edition of the 2017 America’s Cup sailing competition by the America’s Cup Event Authority. (Photo by Brian Major)
cruise ship visitors, boost traveler’s on-island spending and attract new investment to the country. Bermuda’s tourism promotion efforts received a significant boost late last year when Bermuda was named host of the 35th edition of the 2017 America’s Cup sailing competition by the America’s Cup Event Authority. BTA officials had previously targeted hosting the America’s Cup, considered the world’s premiere sailing race, as instrumental to their efforts to revive Bermuda’s declining tourism arrivals.
“We are proud marketing partners with the America’s Cup Event Authority and look forward to shining a brighter spotlight on Bermuda as a stunning venue for such an amazing global competition,” said Hanbury last year. BTA is also promoting a series of events expected to attract overnight visitors, including the Bermuda International Film Festival, an Academy Award qualifying festival scheduled for March 20 to 26, 2015 and the World Rugby Classic scheduled for Nov. 8 to 14, 2015. (Travelpulse)
Bahamas: Middle class 25% income cut fears Treasure Island is for sale with a price tag of more than US$15 million. – (PHOTO: CHRIS COURT)
Cayman Islands: Treasure Island for sale for $15.4M THE 280-room Treasure Island resort has gone on the market in a forced sale for US$15.45 million. The company that owns the Seven Mile Beach property, Restoration Cayman Ltd., was put under receivership in November. Secured creditor Scotiabank decided late last week to put the resort up for sale. Real estate firm Re/Max listed Treasure Island at US$15.45 million following valuations from two independent quantity surveyors. Kim Lund, owner of the real estate agency, acknowledged it was a knock-down price for a property of that size on Seven Mile Beach. The Marriott resort, less than a mile away on West Bay Road, went on the market in January and is expected to sell for just over $100 million. But while the Marriott has had significant recent upgrades and has the association with a world-
renowned brand, Treasure Island is in a state of disrepair, with roughly a third of the rooms currently out of commission, says Mr. Lund. “It needs a lot of work. When you look at the building and what needs to be done,” he said, “there is money that needs to be put into that property.” He said the receivers were required to get independent valuations to sell the resort at fair market value. “People knew this was coming and there seems to be a lot of interest already. We believe it will sell quickly,” he added. Mr. Lund believes the sale of Treasure Island, which has 280 rooms and space for eight commercial outlets, represents an opportunity for someone to invest in upgrading the property and bringing something new to Seven Mile Beach. “It is in a great location, and if someone comes in and invests in the property and makes it a more viable entity, that bodes well for tourism,” he said.
MIDDLE class Bahamians were this week warned to brace for a 25 per cent cut in ‘take home’ income once the Government implements National Health Insurance (NHI), a leading surgeon describing the scheme as “an incredible sink hole”. Dr Duane Sands, the former FNM senator, told Tribune Business this would be the combined impact from the NHI scheme, Value-Added Tax (VAT) and an increase in the National Insurance Board’s (NIB) wage ceiling. He argued that NHI, which would cost between $500-$750 million per annum if implemented as a “comprehensive” scheme, was being “driven by the political bent” of the Christie administration without any regard for the wider economic ramifications. Suggesting that NHI’s implementation could erode whatever gains might come from the Government’s fiscal consolidation plans, Dr Sands said the unanswered question was whether the scheme would “sink our economy”. The Government has yet to disclose how much its NHI plans will cost, and who will finance them, although Dr Perry Gomez, minister
of health, confirmed the monies would come from new taxes that will be levied on the Bahamian people. Dr Sands, meanwhile, said the Government was adopting a “socialist” approach towards healthcare reform via a model which is increasingly being questioned and reassessed in nations such as the UK and Canada. While acknowledging that “significant” changes were necessary in Bahamian healthcare, the surgeon expressed concern that opponents of NHI would be ‘demonised’, and that open debate on the direction reform should take will not occur. Dr Sands said the manner in which Dr Gomez presented the NHI plan during the mid-year Budget was “very, very revealing”, especially the comments that a new tax ‘is better than death’ and somebody will have to finance the scheme. This, the former FNM senator said, provided significant “insight into the challenges with NHI in that this is an issue being driven by the political bent of this administration, with no respect for the impact and the cost. “They are prepared to damn the torpedoes and relinquish whatever
incremental gains they might help foster in our economy by whatever effects fiscal reform has,” Dr Sands told Tribune Business. “The Prime Minister made clear they’re going to proceed, but with what and at what cost?” Many in the private sector believe that the Bahamian economy and consumers simply cannot sustain the kind of taxation that will be required to finance NHI, especially given that all parties are still adjusting to the new 7.5 per cent VAT levy. That, too, has reduced Bahamians’ purchasing power and disposable income, and NHI will likely exacerbate this and deepen the erosion, given that it will probably be financed through increased NHI contributions. The initial NHI proposal, submitted to the first Christie administration in September 2005, called for the programme to be financed by a 5.3 per cent increase in NIB contributions - split 50/50 between employer and employee. This, in effect, was a payroll tax, and the Government is likely to opt for something similar to finance the revised NHI scheme, given that NIB’s infrastructure is available to administer.
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Science & Technology
February 28 - March 6, 2015
WHO urges shift to single-use smart syringes SMART syringes that break after one use should be used for injections by 2020, the World Health Organisation has announced. Reusing syringes leads to more than two million people being infected with diseases including HIV and hepatitis each year. The new needles are more expensive, but the WHO says the switch would be cheaper than treating the diseases. More than 16 billion injections are administered annually. Normal syringes can be used again and again. But the smart ones prevent the plunger being pulled back after an injection or retract the needle so it cannot be used again. Dr Selma Khamassi, the head of the WHO team for
injection safety, told the BBC News website: “This will hopefully help eliminate the 1.7 million new hepatitis B cases, the 300,000 hepatitis C cases and the 35,000 HIV cases every year, and all those we don’t have figures for, such as Ebola and Marburg.” The people of the farming community of Roka in Cambodia are living through exactly the nightmare scenario that the World Health Organization wants to stamp out with a new policy on syringes. In wooden huts and farmhouses dotted among paddy fields, families are struggling to cope with the bombshell of a sudden and frightening mass infection of HIV. To the astonishment and shock of this rural backwater,
babies, schoolchildren and even the 82-year-old abbot of the local Buddhist temple, who is celibate, have all tested HIV-positive. And there is one common factor that links them, directly or indirectly: nearly all of them received injections from an unlicensed doctor suspected of reusing his syringes. The virus would have been spread from one patient to another, resulting in an escalating tally of infections that now stands at 272, with further rises expected as more tests are carried out. Four of the victims - three elderly women and a baby have since died. This is also a problem in rich Western countries. An outbreak of hepatitis C in the US state of Nevada was traced back to a doctor
who used the same syringe to give anaesthetic to multiple patients. ‘Cost-effective’ Standard syringes cost between two cents (1.3p) and four cents. The smart syringes cost between four and six cents. The WHO describes it as a “small increase”. However, the tiny difference in the price of one needle becomes huge when it is scaled up to 16 billion injections. Dr Khamassi added: “Injection safety is, I think, the most cost-effective way to prevent all these diseases. “If we compare the price of most expensive syringes to the cost of treatment for an HIV case, or a hep C case, there is no comparison.” The WHO is also calling for
Reusing syringes leads to more than two million people being infected with diseases including HIV and hepatitis each year.
sheathed needles that prevent doctors accidentally pricking their fingers. This has happened many times during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. But they would treble the cost of the syringes and the WHO says these would have to be introduced “progressively”. The WHO is calling on industry to expand production and find ways of reducing the cost of the safer needles.
Marc Koska, head of Safepoint - which campaigns to stop the reuse of syringes - told the BBC: “It’s totally, totally possible. “We’ve already done this with immunisation, which represents less than 10% of the injections given in the developing world, and that has been a fantastic success. “Now we’re targeting the 90% of what we call curative injections.”
Scientists discover supermassive black hole as massive as 12 billion suns A newly discovered supermassive black hole is more than 12 billion times the mass of the sun, and is challenging scientific theories about the formation and growth black holes. A black hole is defined by NASA as a region of space with "a gravitational field so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape." Albert Einstein theorized that they are created when a massive star dies, and leaves behind a small remnant core so dense that the force of gravity overwhelms all other forces. The new black hole, named SDSS J010013.021280225.8, is extremely large for its relative age, according to the journal Nature. It took light from the black hole 12.9 billion years to reach Earth, so scientists are actually seeing the object as it appeared when it was about 900 million years old. China's Peking University and the University of Arizona collaborated to study the black hole. They said it was about six times larger than any known black holes of roughly the same age, according to CNN. "The existence of such black holes when the Universe
was less than one billion years old presents substantial challenges to theories of the formation and growth of black holes and the co-evolution of black holes and galaxies," researchers said. Supermassive black holes are thought to exist at the center of most galaxies, according to Nature. Some discovered black holes are 40 billion times the mass of the Sun, but to get that big it usually takes much longer for the black hole to swallow enough interstellar matter or merge with another black hole. Until now, the most massive known black hole less than 1 billion years old was around 2 billion times the size of the sun. Additionally, this new black hole powered "the brightest
quasar of the early universe," according to a release from the University of Arizona. Quasars are "the brilliant beacons of light that are powered by black holes feasting on captured material, and in the process, heating some of the matter to millions of degrees." The light from the quasar is typically thought to push material back from a black hole, further hampering its growth, and making the size of this new discovery even more surprising. Researcher Chris Willott theorized one possible explanation for how this particular black hole was able to gain such an enormous mass in such a short period of time. He said it may have been formed by the collapse of a massive interstellar gas cloud, rather than a single star.
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Entertainment Redmayne and Moore win top individual Oscars – Birdman best movie
BRITISH actor Eddie Redmayne has won the best actor Oscar for The Theory of Everything, while Julianne Moore picked up best actress for Still Alice. Redmayne thanked his “staggering partner in crime”, costar Felicity Jones, and his “ferocious but incredibly kind director James Marsh”. Dark comedy Birdman won best film and best director for Mexican film-maker Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. It also won best cinematography and best original screenplay. The film sees Michael Keaton play a former movie superhero actor, who hopes to revive his washed-up career by putting on a Broadway play. Moore used her speech to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease in Still Alice, she plays a 50-year-old who has early on-set Alzheimer’s. “I’m so happy, I’m thrilled that we were able to shine a light on Alzheimer’s disease,” she said. “So many people who have this disease feel marginalised. People who have Alzheimer’s disease
Bill Cosby’s plans to ask a federal court judge to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed in Massachusetts.
Cosby’s lawyers to ask for dismissal of defamation lawsuit filed in Massachusetts
Redmayne paid tribute to the Hawking family in his speech.
deserve to be seen so we can find a cure.” Redmayne was honoured for his portrayal of physicist Stephen Hawking, who has motor neurone disease (ALS). Accepting his award, he thanked the Hawking family, including Jane Hawking on whose book the film is based, and said his award belonged “to all of the people around the world battling ALS”. Richard Linklater’s Boyhood won just one award from six nominations
- best supporting actress - which went to Patricia Arquette. Arquette thanked “her Boyhood family” and “every woman who gave birth”. “To every woman... we have fought for everybody else’s equal rights. It’s our time to have wage equality,” she added, to huge applause from the audience. JK Simmons won best supporting actor for Whiplash, in which he played a strict drumming teacher at a music conservatory.
ATTORNEYS for Bill Cosby plan to ask a federal court judge to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed against the comedian in Massachusetts by three women who said he called them liars when they accused him of sexual assault. Cosby, 77, and attorneys for the women who brought the suit said in a court filing late Tuesday that they met twice this month with an eye toward resolving the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Springfield,
Massachusetts. They also said they would file a motion to dismiss by Friday. The lawsuit contends that Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted the three in the 1970s and later called them liars when confronted about the claims. Cosby, who hit the peak of his fame in the 1980s when he played Heathcliff Huxtable on NBC’s “The Cosby Show,” has recently been hit with a raft of allegations that he sexually assaulted women.
Brown remains in coma after failed attempt to wake her: report AN attempt to wake Bobbi Kristina Brown from a more-than-threeweek medically induced coma had to be scrapped when the 21-yearold began suffering from seizures, according to a report. The comatose daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown was forced back on the coma-inducing drugs after the failed attempt at an Atlanta hospital, a source told CNN Wednesday. The undoubtedly frightening scene followed what was intended as a hopeful step toward her recovery after she was found unresponsive in a bathtub on Jan. 31, a family source told People magazine. “We’re all hoping and praying that this will give us some answers,” the source earlier told the magazine while describing her condition as “severe.” “There will be a sign of hope, and then nothing,” they added. “Every day, we wonder if this will be the day that we get good news.” The news came as Brown’s
Demi Lovato has ‘returned home’ after a trip to the hospital, says her rep.
Lovato hospitalised for lung infection Bobbi Kristina Brown, 21, has been hospitalised in Atlanta since found unresponsive in bathtub on Jan. 31.
boyfriend, Nick Gordon, filed a temporary restraining order against the Roswell Police Department investigating reports of drug use in the couple’s Georgia home, The Wrap reported. Gordon’s attorneys reportedly hope to block authorities’ access to
home video surveillance footage, arguing that it’s a breach of privacy and has an “insufficient link between the crime alleged.” Earlier this week a report accused the 21-year-old of regularly taking heroin, cocaine and Xanax in the months before she was hospitalized.
DEMI Lovato took an unplanned trip to the ER. The 22-year-old “Heart Attack” singer was hospitalized Tuesday due to a lung infection, a rep for Lovato confirmed to the Daily News. Lovato was taken to Providence Tarzana Medical Center by a pal because she was having trouble breathing, according to TMZ, who was first to report the news. The starlet was treated by doctors and administered medication for flulike symptoms, and has since gone
home. “She returned home soon after her ER visit and is feeling much better today,” Lovato’s rep said on her current condition, adding that she “has been feeling sick for a few days.” Unfortunately for Lovato, her illness came at a very inopportune time as she was supposed to be in the studio with a producer Tuesday, TMZ noted. Lovato has yet to mention her health scare via her social media. (NYDailynews)
February 28 - March 6, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Entertainment
Singer Chris Brown has had several run-ins with the law.
Canada refuses Brown US Singer Chris Brown has been forced to cancel shows in Montreal and Toronto after Canadian officials stopped him from entering the country. Brown wrote in a tweet on Tuesday, the “good people of the Canadian government wouldn’t allow me entry. I’ll be back this summer and will hopefully see all my Canadian fans!’’ Canada did not give a reason for denying entry to the singer. But authorities can
declare someone “criminally inadmissible.” Brown was sentenced to five years of probation for assaulting singer Rihanna before the Grammy Awards in 2009. Since then he has violated the terms of his probation on several occasions. In 2013, Brown was charged with a misdemeanour when he and his bodyguard got into a brawl outside a Washington DC hotel. Live Nation - the promoter of Brown’s “Between The
Sheets” tour - confirmed that the shows were cancelled “due to immigration issues”. A spokeswoman for the singer, Nicole Perna, said Canadian immigration officials denied Brown entry but said that the musician can apply to return at a later date and plans to do so. Brown was also denied entry to the UK in 2010, forcing him to miss four shows. The British government said that the singer had been refused a visa because of his past criminal record. (BBC)
Taylor Swift named Elle Style Magazine woman of the year TAYLOR Swift has been named woman of the year at this year’s Elle Style Awards. The singer, who performed at the Brit Awards on Wednesday night, follows in the footsteps of fellow US star Katy Perry who won last year. Swift was presented with her award at the event by another winner, Sam Smith, who was named musician of the year. Cara Delevingne won the breakthrough actress award. She’ll appear in DC Comics film Suicide Squad next year. Guests at the event at the Sky Garden at London’s 20 Fenchurch Street, commonly known as the Walkie Talkie Tower because of its distinctive shape, included Pixie Geldof and Naomi Campbell. MARC by Marc Jacobs designers Katie Hillier and Luella Bartley were awarded the contemporary brand award and were pictured backstage with MIA. Burberry boss Christopher
Swift was presented with her award at the event by another winner, Sam Smith, who was named musician of the year.
Bailey won the editor’s choice award while Luke Evans, one of the stars of The Hobbit, was named actor of the year. He was handed his award by Ellie Goulding. Meanwhile, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was
named model of the year. She said: “I would say since, very early on in my modelling career everyone always told me, ‘By the time you’re 27 it’s going to be over, so make sure you plan something else’.
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February 28 - March 6, 2015
Brit Awards 2015: Madonna falls off stage POP star Madonna has fallen off the stage during her performance at the 2015 Brit Awards. The singer tumbled down a set of stairs and landed awkwardly, apparently after a dancer tried to remove a cape she was wearing at the start of her routine. However, she recovered and returned to the stage to finish her song, Living For Love. She later released a statement saying she was “fine” and her cape had been “tied too tight”. “Nothing can stop me and love really lifted me up,” she wrote on Instagram, referencing the lyrics to her song. “Thanks for your good wishes!” The painful incident came at the end of a ceremony where Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith both won two awards. Sheeran scooped the night’s main prize, album of the year, for his record X - which was the best-selling record of 2014 in the UK. “I was really worried abut this album,” he said, accepting his trophy from actor Russell Crowe. “It took a
long time to make.” The star added it had been a “very, very good year for British music”. “I don’t think a statue gives justification of people’s success,” he continued. Sheeran also won best British male, while Sam Smith took home best breakthrough artist and the global success award - recognising album sales outside the UK. The singer, who won four Grammys earlier this month, thanked his fans in an emotional speech. “Since I was a little kid I dreamed of people all over the world singing my songs and although I’ve got a long way to go, this shows that I’m stepping in the right direction.” Earlier, Taylor Swift opened proceedings, playing her hit single Blank Space surrounded by dancers in white suits and bowler hats. She went on to win best international female, her first award after eight years of releasing records in the UK. “I started out playing King’s College [in London] and eight years later I’m getting ready to play Hyde
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The singer tumbled down a set of stairs and landed awkwardly, apparently after a dancer tried to remove a cape she was wearing at the start of her routine.
Park,” she said backstage. “It’s like... what?” The star dedicated her award to Sheeran, a close friend, who fanned the flames of her love affair with the UK by “taking me to pubs and
showing me how to make a proper cup of tea.” Both acknowledged their slowbuilding success in their speeches. “Oh my god, wow,” said Swift. “I’ve been coming to England and
playing shows for eight years and this is my first Brit Award, I’m so happy.” Paloma Faith won best British female, and also alluded to her slowbuilding career.
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World News
MPs reject Labour’s call for a ban on second jobs THE House of Commons has defeated Labour’s call for a ban on MPs holding paid directorships or consultancies. Labour had argued that the move was necessary to “restore public trust” in politics following a cash for access scandal. But the government said the motion was “unclear” and more about creating headlines than providing a solution. MPs sided with the government to defeat the Labour motion by 287 to 219. The government’s amendment was approved. Labour said it would honour its commitment and amend its own standing orders to ensure the ban applied to its candidates and MPs. The debate in the House of Commons was sparked by allegations against Jack Straw and Sir Malcolm Rifkind. The two former foreign secretaries deny wrongdoing after being secretly recorded apparently offering their services to a private company for cash. Introducing the opposition motion, shadow Commons leader
Angela Eagle said it was time to make a “decisive break” with the status quo on members’ remunerated interests. She said the public deserved to be “safe in the knowledge” that every MP was working and acting in their interests - and not for somebody paying them. Ms Eagle said the current situation was “untenable”, adding that the rules were “riddled with grey areas and open to endless convenient interpretation”. That is why the House should support Labour’s plan to stop MP from holding a directorship or paid consultancy from the next Parliament, she argued. But the Conservative leader of the House, William Hague, contended that “by far the greatest single outside influence” on MPs was union influence on the Labour Party. He said out of the candidates selected for 150 Labour target seats, 83 were linked to the unions, and 49 of those to Unite. Labour’s motion was calculated to create a headline rather than to solve a problem, he argued, adding
that it showed little understanding of business and was “unclear”. He warned that it could create a House of Commons “consisting entirely of people who are either rich or professional politicians throughout their lives”. While not mentioned in the motion, Labour is said to be mooting the idea of capping MPs’ outside earnings to between 10% and 15% of their salary. But Mr Hague said the opposition did not know how this cap would operate in practice, such as whether it would apply to a farm-owning MP. “Would [former Labour PM] Lord Callaghan [who owned a farm] have had to resign from the House every time there was a good harvest?” he asked, to laughter from MPs. The mood of the House was split largely on party lines; with the Conservatives against the motion, and Labour in favour. Tory MP Alan Duncan argued that the move was aimed at excluding Conservatives from politics as they were more likely to sit on company boards or hold other business roles. (BBC)
Mexico irked by Pope Francis’ choice of word ‘Mexicanization’ THE choice of a word by Pope Francis has drawn ire from Mexico’s government. And on Wednesday, the Vatican told Mexico that the Pontiff meant no offense. In a private email to a friend, Francis had lamented increased drug trafficking in his native Argentina, using the term “Mexicanization.” “Hopefully, we are still in time to avoid the ‘Mexicanization.’ I was talking to some Mexican bishops and it’s a terrible situation,” Francis allegedly wrote. Mexico’s chief diplomat took offense and said he would send a note of protest to the Pontiff over the term. “We would like to express our sadness and concern about the statements made regarding a private letter from Pope Francis,” said Foreign Minister Jose Antonio Meade. The ministry also contacted a Vatican diplomat. The Vatican’s secretary of state responded Wednesday and admitted to Pope Francis’ choice of words but said, “The Pope did not in any way intend to offend the Mexican population, for whom
In a private email to a friend, Francis had lamented increased drug trafficking in his native Argentina, using the term “Mexicanization.”
he holds special affection, nor to underestimate the commitment of the Mexican government in its fight against narco-trafficking.” The secretary said the expression was part of a “private and informal email” to a someone “who had used this phrase.” Mexican authorities have battled drug cartels for nearly 10 years, and more than 60,000 people have died
in that fight, Human Rights Watch has said. Mexico is the main supplier of marijuana and methamphetamine in the United States, and 90% of cocaine arriving in the country is trafficked through Mexico. In recent years, according to Foreign Policy magazine, Mexican drug cartels have expanded their activities into Argentina. (CNN)
Domestic workers protested against immigration rules in London last year.
Lords inflict government defeat over visa laws THE government has suffered a narrow defeat in the House of Lords over its Modern Slavery Bill. Peers voted in favour of an amendment designed to give greater protection to overseas domestic workers. The new clause - adopted by 183 votes to 176 - would allow domestic workers brought into the country by a foreign family to change employer. The BBC’s Sean Curran said the move by peers was a challenge to the UK system of “tied visas”. The Modern Slavery Bill has already cleared the House of Commons. When it returns to the House, MPs would have to agree to the new amendment for it to become law. The amendment - which attracted cross-party support - was put forward by independent crossbench peer Lord Hylton, and backed by the Bishop of Carlisle. It would give all overseas
domestic workers, including people working for foreign diplomats, the right to change their employer while in the United Kingdom, ending the current system of tied visas. The proposal would also give the workers the right to a three-month temporary visa to live in the UK where there was evidence that the person had been a victim of modern slavery. Under previous rules overseas domestic workers were at first given temporary permission to stay and could eventually settle permanently. But changes introduced by the government in 2012 meant that workers could not change jobs or renew their visas if they left their employer. The government said at the time that the arrangements should be brought into line with an immigration policy focused on only accepting highly skilled workers to the UK.
The airline was overdue for a required maintenance check on the standby hydraulic system for the planes, both the FAA and Southwest said.
Southwest planes, grounded over missed inspections, allowed to fly SOUTHWEST Airlines missed required inspections on 128 of its Boeing 737 aircraft, leading to the cancellation of dozens of flights this week. The Federal Aviation Administration has said the airline can
keep flying the planes for up to five days while the maintenance checks are completed, Southwest said. The airline was overdue for a required maintenance check on the standby hydraulic system for the planes, both the FAA and Southwest said.
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World News
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FBI: Three men attempted to join ISIS, talked Obama assassination
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invitation to address Congress next week.
Netanyahu row with Obama administration deepens
A ROW between the US and Benjamin Netanyahu has deepened, with the Israeli leader accusing America and others of “giving up” on trying to stop Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. The US Secretary of State questioned Mr Netanyahu’s judgement on the issue. Republican leaders have invited Mr Netanyahu to address the US Congress next week, angering Democrats. A White House spokesman warned against reducing US-Israeli ties to a party political issue. Earlier, US National Security Adviser Susan Rice said Mr Netanyahu’s visit was “destructive to the fabric of the relationship”. “We want the relationship between the United States and Israel to be unquestionably strong, immutable... regardless of which party may be in charge in either country,” she told PBS television. Mr Netanyahu responded to Ms Rice with a robust defence of his actions. In a speech in Israel, he said the US and others were “accepting that Iran will gradually, within a few years, will develop capabilities to
produce material for many nuclear weapons”. “I respect the White House and the president of the United States but on such a fateful matter, that can determine whether or not we survive, I must do everything to prevent such a great danger for Israel,” he said in a speech. The White House is negotiating with Iran on its nuclear programme and has rejected calls for additional sanctions on the regime. US Secretary of State John Kerry rebuffed Mr Netanyahu, saying: “He may have a judgment that just may not be correct here.” He said it was premature to criticise nuclear the negotiations with Tehran. “The president has made clear - I can’t state this more firmly - the policy is Iran will not get a nuclear weapon,” Mr Kerry told senators. He was speaking after returning from the latest round of talks in Geneva involving Iran, the US and five other world powers. Mr Netanyahu was invited by House Speaker John Boehner in what is seen as a rebuke to US President Barack Obama’s Iran policy.
British minister pledges new criminal offence for those aiding tax evasion A NEW criminal offence should be introduced to clamp down on tax evasion, a senior figure in Britain’s finance ministry said yesterday in the wake of a scandal surrounding HSBC. Allegations that HSBC’s Swiss private bank helped clients evade tax has pushed the issue to the fore of political debate in Britain less than three months before a national election. Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury and a member of junior coalition partner the Liberal Democrats, said the new offence of corporate failure
to prevent economic crime would include aiding or facilitating tax evasion. Those who help others commit tax evasion will face the same financial penalty as the evaders themselves. He hoped the new measures would be introduced before the May 7 election but if not they would be part of his party’s manifesto, he said. Tax evasion is already illegal in Britain but the new law would make it explicit that those assisting tax evaders would also be open to punishment. Tax avoidance is not illegal. (Reuters)
ONE of three men arrested in the United States on Wednesday in a failed attempt to join ISIS in Syria allegedly discussed assassinating President Barack Obama, according to a complaint unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn, New York. However, the man told an FBI agent that he “currently does not have the means or an imminent plan to do so.” Two of three men planned to embark on the journey Wednesday, and one of them discussed hijacking a commercial flight to Turkey and divert it “to the Islamic State, so that the Islamic State would gain a plane,” the complaint said. They also talked about joining the U.S. military in order to attack soldiers. The suspects -- identified as Abdurasul Jaraboev, 24; Akhror Saidakhmetov, 19; and Abror Habibov, 30 -- were arrested in New York and Florida, according to the complaint. They face charges that include attempting and conspiring to provide material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization, the complaint said. “This is real,” New York Police Commissioner William Bratton told reporters. “This is the concern about the lone wolf inspired to act without ever going to the Middle East or the concern of once they get to the Mideast, acquire fighting skills, capabilities and then attempting to return to the country.” Saidakhmetov was arrested Wednesday at John F. Kennedy International Airport attempting to catch a flight to Turkey, authorities said. Jaraboev, who was to catch a later flight, was arrested at his home in Brooklyn. Habibov who Bratton said “helped organize and finance”
the operation, was in Jacksonville, Florida. In addition to threats against Obama, the suspects allegedly talked of killing U.S. law enforcement officers. Jaraboev also talked of planting a bomb at Coney Island if ordered to do so by ISIS. An FBI intelligence bulletin to state and local law enforcement urged officers to be vigilant for not only recruits, but people who may want to carry out attacks. “These individuals highlight the continued interest among U.S.based violent extremist to support designated terrorist organisations,” the bulletin said. The arrests come at the same time that a federal jury in Brooklyn hears testimony in the trial against a Pakistani man allegedly involved in a separate al Qaeda conspiracy to carry out attacks in New York and Europe. Two of the men posted parts of their plans on an Uzbeklanguage website, believing that the communications would be harder to trace, the court documents said. Jaraboev is from Uzbekistan, Saidakhmetov from Kazakhstan. Both are legal permanent U.S. residents. Habibov, who is also from Uzbekistan, was in the U.S. legally but overstayed his visa, police said. He was arrested in Florida. Authorities began trailing them in August 2014. The three men lived in Brooklyn. Saidakhmetov and Jaraboev were expected to appear in Brooklyn federal court later Wednesday; Habibov in federal court in Jacksonville. The names of their lawyers were not immediately available. In a conversation recorded by
authorities, Saidakhmetov said that if he was unable to get travel documents to Syria, “I will just go out and buy a machine gun, AK47, go out and shoot all police,” according to the complaint. Saidakhmetov told an informant that carrying a gun in the United States was legal. “We will go and purchase one handgun ... then go and shoot one police officer,” he is quoted as saying, according to the complaint. “Boom ...Then, we will take his gun, bullets and a bulletproof vest ... then, we will do the same with a couple of others.” He said, “Then we will go to the FBI headquarters, kill the FBI people.” An online threat allegedly posted by Jaraboev spoke of shooting Obama. He also talked of planting a bomb at Coney Island if ordered to do so by ISIS, authorities contend. In a written statement in the Uzbek language, Jaraboev speaks of killing President Obama for “Allah” but notes he doesn’t have the means to do it. “I also want to fight and sincerely become a martyr under the Islamic Caliphate,” he states, using another name for ISIS. The men were to fly on Wednesday and Saidakhmetov allegedly “proposed finding an excuse to gain access to the pilot’s cabin and diverting the plane to the Islamic State, so that the Islamic State would gain a plane,” the complaint said. In November, Jaraboev and Saidakhmetov, also expressed interest in joining the U.S. military in order to pass information to ISIS about American airstrikes against the terror group, the complaint said. (CNN)
Man 28, assaulted girlfriend, 93, who refused to take her medicine: cops A 28-year-old Memphis man was busted for roughing up his 93-yearold, live-in girlfriend because she refused to take her pills, authorities said. The woman’s daughter lives next door in a condo and heard a fight on Tuesday night, police said. “Let go of me — you’re hurting me,” the elderly woman cried, according to court documents cited by WMC. The daughter called police who arrested Thomas Standley on assault charges, the station reported. The woman told officers Standley choked her and shook her by the
Thomas Standley, 28, of Memphis is accused of assaulting his 93-year-old girlfriend.
arms, authorities said. She claimed Standley was enraged when she “didn’t want to take her medicine,” the documents said. The young man allegedly shoved his aging lover out of the door when her daughter came to check on her. She told officers Standley hurts her “all the time” and she was afraid of him. The frightened senior citizen claimed her young boyfriend persuaded her to sign over power of attorney and she can’t get away from him, FOX 13 reported. He’s due in Shelby County Court on Thursday. (NYDailynews)
30
Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate
Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Brama Kumaris
Raja Yoga Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands
Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101
www.bkwsu.com Email: bkpadma@bkwsutci.com
FOR SALE
February 28 - March 6, 2015
946-4664 Fax: 946-4661
Email: tcnews@tciway.tc
Website: tcweeklynews.com
FLOWER GIRL
Wanted urgently
Floral Designer
Must have thorough knowledge in the floral business with 3-5 years experience.
Call: 231-3788
Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788
February 28 - March 6, 2015
is looking of behalf of our clients. QUALITY UPHOLSTERY, A & M Cleaning, New Style Barbershop, Designing Image Beauty Salon, The Angela Restaurant.
1 UPHOLSTERER 1 Maid Janitor 1 Nail Specialist 1 Barber 1 Cooker to work 6 days a week @ 5.00 USD per Hrs. Belonger only may apply by sending a resume to: hernandezemploymentservices.8@gmail. com dead line. February 28, 2015
CERTIFIED JAGUAR /LAND ROVER TECHNICIAN • Must be a certified level 2, 3 or 4 Jaguar & Land Rover Auto Technician with minimum 5 years of experience, with expertise to work on our other Brands • Must be able to perform vehicle diagnostics and updates using SDD, IDS, Chrysler wiTECH, Starscan, DRB III, Tech 2, NGS, and Fiat Examiner Diagnostic equipment • Maintains vehicle functional condition by listening to customers / operator complaints; conduct inspections; repair engine failures; repair mechanical and electrical systems malfunctions; and replace parts and
KENEISHA’S BAKERY
components according to manufacturer standards • Keeps shop equipment operating by following operating instructions; troubleshooting breakdowns; maintaining supplies; performing preventive maintenance; calling for repairs. • Must hold a valid driver license with a clean, insurable, driving record; must be able to drive manual and automatic transmissions • Remuneration commensurate with experience.
Contact Mac Motors Ltd on 649-339-3841
Domestic Worker
Baker
11164
LIFEGUARD
LEW & JAN CONSTRUCTION Is looking for a
Qualified current and experienced lifeguard needed for Watersports Company in Grand Turk/Salt Cay
Looking for One (1):
Is looking to fill the following positions
11166
Hernandez Employment Services Agency
CLASSIFIEDS 31
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
LUXE GROUP OF COMPANIES Is looking to fill the following positions:
To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour Contact: 232-5538 MIRACLE BEAUTY SALON
BABY SITTER To work five (5) days per week from 8 A.M - 5 P.M Salary: $5.50 per hour.
Contact: 649-431-9083 MY DEE’S RESTAURANT NORTH CAICOS Is looking for a
Requirements:
contact: 232-7317
11178
days per week salary $10.00 per hour.
NATASHA CONSULTANCY Acting on behalf of our client Martin Gray is looking for a
25 years or older Minimum 8 years waterfront and pool lifeguard experience must be rescue diver qualified Valid driver license must have own car Work outdoors in the sun on boats and on Holidays other watersports certifications and experienced preferred
Please email: crystalseasadventures@gmail.com to apply. 11203
NEPTUNE VILLAS Is looking for a
per week salary $6.00 per hour.
$7.00 per hour
contact: 946-5306
11148
Contact: 345-6804
RAFAEL CASTILLO Is looking for a
11172
ANOLE DARON
Mason
PAVILLION RESTAURANT is looking for a
worker To work 6 days
Contact: 244-3306
– $6.00 per hour
Job Duties: • planning and scheduling of excursions • Supervision on boat • experience with quickbooks • Creating and leading community aquatic outreach programs for local schools and youth groups • Base salary $275/ week based on qualifications and experience.
Labourer domestic to work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour
4 Domestic Helpers
SAMUEL WILSON Is looking for a
1 Hairdresser – $7.00 per hour
4 Labourers – $6.00 per hour
Contact: 2479433 or 345-3825 11196
IS LOOKING FOR
DOMESTIC WORKER TO WORK 5 DAYS PER WEEK. SALARY $5.00 PER HOUR
CONTACT: 242 3983
1119
Kitchen Helper
To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour. contact: 245-1239
Server to work 6 days
per week. Salary $6.00 per hour
contact: 339-5900
GEORGE FRANKLYN MISSICK Is seeking to employ a
Island Getaways Is currently looking for a
Qualifications and experience: • At least 4 years of experience in Property Management and/or hotel management. • Advanced computer skills. In particular: Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint. • Knowledgeable in Accounting with an advanced level in QuickBooks Accounting software. • Proactive and knowledgeable in creative sales maximization. • Possess own car and have a valid driver’s license. • Possess own computer. Some of the responsibilities include: • To coordinate and execute all operational and related matters of Property Management including building, maintenance and tenancy management among others. • Liaise with contractors, consultants and authorities in relevant matters. • Monitoring servicing, rectification and installation works carried by contractors or in-house maintenance. • Providing professional assistance to tenants and consulting services to property owners. • Answering all emails and inquiries. Creating and updating reservation calendars, operational schedules, and other related duties.
This position requires to be on call 24/7, work evenings, public holidays and all weekends. Salary: commission based only. Email resume to: islandproperty@tciway.tc
contact: 343-9537
11194
To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.
contact: 342-2511
11182
To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.
labourer To work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.
contact: 346-5582
11186
BABYSITTER Merchandiser
11187
Property Concierge 11179
Painter To work 6
• • • • • • •
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership in the turks & caicos
Salary $6.00 per hour
11155
Contact: 342-7810
2 Chefs
Bar Supervisor
Must be willing to work 6 days per week
Contact: 232-5074
11199
COCO BISTRO RESTAURANT In Grace Bay is looking for a
COOK
• Must have the following qualifications: • At least 6 years experience in an up market restaurant • Proficient with Microsoft Excel and Publisher • Culinary Degree • Willing to work on the line daily and do any job required • Must be able to work 6 days/nights
and weekends including holidays • Be a team leader and work well under pressure • This is a hands on job • $30,000/ annum Applicants must be able to understand and speak English, physically fit, dependable and hardworking
All resumes/Cv’s letters of reference along with a clean police record must be forwarded to fax: 649-946-5368 Deadline for application is March 14th, 2015 11135
Is looking for a
BLUE WATER CONSTRUCTION
Labourer To work 6 days
Painter Construction Helper Mason Roofer Plumber Carpenter Cabinet Maker
per week salary $6.00 per hour. contact: 243-7785
CARETAKER/ PERSONAL ASSISTANT To care for a
professional man’s infant child and to be a general personal assistant
contact: 941-4444 F.R. CONSTRUCTION
Caribbean Building Materials & Services Ltd.
Is looking for a
PO Box 611, 131 South Dock Road Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI Phone 649-941-3400 Fax 649-941-3401
CBMS/HARBOUR TRANSPORT Applicant must have 5 Years experience driving a tractor trailer with experience in dump trailers. Mechanical ability would be an asset.
Heavy Duty Mechanics w/Electronic Specialization
Applicant should have specialization in electronic wiring with extensive knowledge of caterpillar equipment. Must have 5 years minimum experience in diesel heavy equipment, able to fabricate and weld, possess own tools and transportation and be able to work without supervision.
D’BELLE BEAUTY FASHION SALON NAIL CENTER Is looking for a
cashier
To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour. contact: 346-8003 11141
Professional Welders
11138
Kitchen Helper Salary $5.50 per hour.
contact: 343-3230 11154
DIZNARDA LENESA
Is looking for the following:
Sales Agent
Cashier Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.
Contact: 246-7740 GRACE BAY SUITES
EXECUTIVE UNIQUE CUTS Is looking for a
To work 6 days per week salary minimum wage.
To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.
HOTEL SERVICE PROVIDERS
contact: 346-4266
contact: 241-5099
NO PHONE CALLS ACCEPTED BELONGERS ONLY NEED APPLY
• Island Fresh Produce is seeking qualified individuals with at least 3 years experience in hydroponic farming to work as farmers. • Must be able to work long hours, weekends, and holidays. • Belongers only need apply.
Minimum Experience 5 years. Applicant must be able to weld aluminum and iron, be versed in TIG and MIG welding, able to fabricate and manufacture components out of metal, able to work independently. Hours include weekends and evenings as required.
Please reply with reference and clean police and driving records. Wages will be based on experience.
Salary $6-$9 per hour Send resume to bluewaterconstruction@ gmail.com 11152
POSITION OF FARMER
Heavy Equipment Operator
Applicant must have substantial experience in all aspects of heavy equipment operation including Crane Operation. Seven (7) years minimum experience required. A mechanical aptitude would be beneficial. Applicant must be prepared to work weekends and evening as required.
Is looking for a
Barber
gardener
Rig Truck Driver
Is looking for the Following persons:
BON APPETIT GRAND TURK
11118
Retail Helper
GRAND TURK RESORT LTD. Is looking to fill the following positions:
ALBERT HIGGS
Apply in writing to 31B Panorama Road, Providenciales.
$7.00 PER HOUR PLEASE DELIVER RESUME TO FRONT DESK
11091
COME SEE VARIETY STORE 5 CAYS Is looking for a
February 28 - March 6, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
11130
32 CLASSIFIEDS
¿TIENES PROBLEMAS CON LA BEBIDA? HAY ESPERANZA REUNIONES DE ALCOHÓLICOS ANÓNIMOS MIÉRCOLES 8:00PM & DOMINGO 10AM
TOMAS 247-8628 POR DETALLES
11089
February 28 - March 6, 2015
CLASSIFIEDS 33
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
EBEN-EZEN WATER
COCO BISTRO
Is looking for a
is looking for a
EMILY FORBES Is looking for a
GEORGE CHRISTOPHER FORBES
Is looking for
PASTRY CHEF
Contact: 946-5369 deadline for application is March 15th, 2015
is looking for a
labourer
To work 6 days per week salary $280.00 per week.
contact: 941-8494
11127
per week salary. 11136
COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION Is looking for a
Call: 341-6493
11147
Gus Francis Is looking for a
To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.
contact: 243-1257
Labourer
To work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour. contact: 243-6890
11175
ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION AND SERVICING ENTERPRISE is looking for a
MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR
Helper
Labourer
contact: 231-0338
Submit resume to poohbear_2314@hotmal. com. Deadline is March 1st, 2015
Salary $5.50 per hour.
11159
E & V EQUIPMENT LTD.
Driver To work 5 days
Domestic Worker
11193
• Must be willing to work 6 days per week including nights, holidays and weekends • Must have experience and be able to perform duties given to them by the manager • Must have a clean police record • Salary $11.00 per hour
To work 6 days a week. $6 per hour must be willing to work holidays and weekend.
Experience, qualification and skills: • Certified pool technician • At least three years experience in general maintenance at a supervisory level • Skilled in pool and service equipment maintenance and minor repairs • Knowledge of water treatment
plants would be an asset • Required to participate in manual labor • Ability to meet deadlines and pay attention to details is required • Willing to work long shifts including evenings, weekends and holidays • Salary commensurate with experience
If you possess the necessary qualifications and experience please apply in writing to: erase2015@hotmail.com or call 431-2460. Belonger only need apply
11145
HERZOG CARIBBEAN LTD.
CAICOS EXPRESS AIRWAYS
is seeking to employ a
Requires an
AIRCRAFT MECHANIC
ASPHALT FOREMAN
• CAA AMEL with group rating in Cat A and Cat C License with TSI0520 rating • FAA A&P License with experience in general aviation airplanes with C402 type • Salary scale at approximately $30K annually • Should be an independent worker without supervision • Should be between the ages 30-50 years of age
Skills: • Knowledge of the local customers, materials and specifications is strongly preferred • Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills • Proven record of being a self starter and able to work under limited supervision • Able to recognize drainage issues • Good physical strength • Good physical stamina • Good manual dexterity • Great attention to detail • Works well as team leader Compensation • Based on experience
Any interested persons should contact Richardson Arthur at 232-1982 and resumes can be faxed to 941-3864 or emailed to info@caicosexpressairways.com
Deadline for remitting a letter of application and resumes is 9th April 2015 QUALIFIED BELONGERS NEED ONLY APPLY
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
Position Type • Full-Time
Please submit application to main office at: C 5-6 Caribbean Place, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, TCI
11126
Responsibilities: • Ability to perform asphalt paving in accordance with TCI specifications • Ability to read plans and specifications (application rates, grades, slope, drainage etc.) • Proven track record of completing jobs under budget and on-time • Ability to manage all aspects of the operation including ordering of materials, logistics, maintenance and outside services • Coordination between other crews, subs and vendors • Qualifications: • Minimum 5 years asphalt paving foreman experience • Clean police record • Valid driver’s license
The eligible candidate MUST have the following credentials in order to be considered:
the largest readership in the turks & caicos
11195
February 28 - March 6, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
PROPERTIES FOR SALE OFFERS IN WRITING ARE INVITED FOR PURCHASE OF THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES BEING SOLD BY PRIVATE TREATY UNDER POWERS OF SALE CONTAINED IN A MORTAGE
3. Parcel 60002/150 North West & North Central. Phase 2 Priton Homes. 3-bedrooms, 2-bathrooms living/dining room area and kitchen. Listing Price $140K 4. Parcel 60002/217 North West & North Central. Phase 2 Priton Homes. 2-bedrooms, 1-bathroom living/dining room area and kitchen. Listing Price $120K
7. Parcel 60003/8 North West & North Central. Phase 1 Priton Homes. 3-bedrooms, 2-bathroom living/dining room area and kitchen. Listing Price $140K
Chalk Sound Providenciales
To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.
contact: 241-8385
“ALLIED MECHANICALS LIMITED” Seeks Experienced
MILLWRIGHT/ MACHINIST
4. Parcel 10408/16 South Backsalina, Grand Turk. The main building includes 4-bed rooms 3 bathrooms that are currently four rental units. The other building is an uninhabited unfinished building. Price $240K
6. Parcel 10409/198, Off Old Airport Road. two story duplex dwelling. 4- Apartments: Upper 1 apartment with 3-bedrooms, Lower 3 apartments with 1-bedroom. Price $400K
11. Parcel 60003/45 North West & North Central. Phase 1 Priton Homes. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom living/dining room area and kitchen. Listing Price $140K
11201
3. Parcel 10303/49 Central. Single story dwelling 3bedrooms, 1- Living/dining room, 1- bathroom and kitchen. Price $150K
6. Parcel 60003/127 North West & North Central. Phase 1 Priton Homes. 3-bedrooms, 2-bathroom living/dining room area and kitchen. Listing Price $150K
10. Parcel 60003/ 120 North West & North Central. Phase 1 Priton Homes. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom living/dining room area and kitchen. Listing Price $120K
contact: 941-5497
2. Parcel 10409/56 East Suburbs. Single storey dwelling. 3- Apartments each with 1-bedroom, 1living/dining room, 1-bathroom and kitchen. Price $185K
5. Parcel 10204/164 North Creek. Single two story duplex. 2- Apartments each with 2-bedroom, 1- living/dining room, 2-bathroom and kitchen. Price $350K
9. Parcel 60003/58 North West & North Central. Phase 1 Priton Homes. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom living/dining room area and kitchen. Listing Price $150K
per week salary $5.00 per hour.
1. Parcel 10409/51 East Suburbs. 2-storey residence. Ground Level 1- bedroom and 1-bathroom. 2-storey section 1-living room, 1-kitchen, 1-bathroom, 3-bedrooms and a laundry room, patio and garage. Price: $300K
11176
Grand Turk
5. Parcel 60003/253 North West & North Central, This property forms part of Phase 1 Priton Homes which consists of 3-bedrooms, 2-bathroom, laundry room,
8. Parcel 60002/355 North West & North Central. Phase 2 Priton Homes. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom living/dining room area and kitchen. Listing Price $140K
Housekeeper labourer to work 6 days
12 years experience working unsupervised. Clean drivers licence. $800/week.
Please email qualifications to: dt@swannlaw.tc 11137
TEKORA PRATT Is looking for a
1. Parcel 60400/172 Chalk Sound. 2-Storey residential home of 11 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, 2 kitchens2 living rooms a dining room, office, study, pool and decks. Price $510K
Domestic Worker To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour
2. Parcel 60400/311 Chalksound. 2-storey residence 3-bedrooms, 2- bathrooms, 1- kitchen and dining area, Pool, Porch and Deck. Price $445,500K
contact: 241-2179
North Caicos
LATINO CONSTRUCTION
1. Parcel 51203/29 Bottle Creek Central. Single-story residential 4-bedrooms, 1-bathroom, 1-living room, 1-dining area and a kitchen. Price $54K
is looking for a
TROPICAL BAR
Is looking for a
bartender to work 6 days per week must be reliable, hardworking and honest salary $6.00 per hour.
contact: 241-0426
11185
2. Parcel 60003/121 North West & North Central. Phase 1 Priton Homes with 2-bedrooms, 1-bathroom, laundry room, living/ dining room area and kitchen. Price $130K
is looking for a
11172
1. Parcel 60503/83 Blue Hills & Stamers Run. The lower level 3- apartments 1-bedroom, one bathroom, 1 living room and kitchen/dinning. The upper level 3-bedrooms, 2-bathrooms, 1-living room, 1-dining room and kitchen. Price $230K
SUSAN WILSON
is looking for a
TRANSFORMATIVE H.R. SOLUTIONS Is looking for the following:
2. Parcel 50402/93 Kewtownship, North Caicos. single family home comprises of 7 bedroom, 3 bathrooms, a kitchen / dining and living room. Price $250K
South Caicos
carpenter to work 6 days
1. Parcel 20306/34 Cockburn Harbour. A Bermudian Style Building 4-bedrooms, 2-bathroom, 1-living room, 1-dining area and a kitchen. Price $54K
INTERESTED PERSONS MAY CALL 232-3488 OR 339-7088 BETWEEN 9:00 AM AND 4:40 P.M. MONDAY TO FRIDAY
11151
Blue Hills, Providenciales
SEAGATE MANAGEMENT LTD
per week salary $8.00 per hour.
Secretary
contact: 332-0771
Send resume to: tcihrs@gmail.com 11206
11204
34 CLASSIFIEDS
Salary $7.00 per hour
February 28 - March 6, 2015
Is looking for an
KELCI TALBOT Is looking for a
L.P.S. SUPERMARKET BLUE HILLS Is looking for the following persons:
Upholster labourer To work 6 days To work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.
contact: 331-9854
contact: 332-3022
11134
per week salary minimum wage.
Cold Room Stocker Helper Cleaner Salary $6.00 per hour.
contact: 346-6622 11153
HERZOG CARIBBEAN LTD.
ASPHALT LABOURER Qualification • Minimum of 3 years asphalt crew experience • Clean Police Record • Must have own vehicle to travel to work
Skills • Able to recognized drainage issues • Good physical strength • Good physical stamina • Good manual dexterity • Great attention to detail • Work well as part of a team
Contact: 343-7407 Is looking for an
Salary $7.00 per hour Email resume to: omarmckenzie649@ gmail.com 11158
Position Type • Full-time
Please submit application to main office: C 5-6 Caribbean Place, Leeward highway, Providenciales, TCI
Shop Organizer
Interpreter
Compensation • Based on experience
M & M CRAFT
Is looking to fill the following positions:
MARCUS LIGHTBOURNE Is looking for 2
Sales Labourer Domestic Person Retail Helper Workers to work 5 days HUMAN RESOURCE RECRUITMENT & EMPLOYMENT SERVICE
Is seeking to employ an
Responsibilities: • Help with basic job layout • Ensure uniform thickness of mat in accordance with job specs • Assist foreman in various construction activities
LUCIE SHOP
Is looking for the following positions:
11104
JOSE OVANDO CONSTRUCTION
CLASSIFIEDS 35
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Salary $5.50 per hour
contact: 342-6274
per week salary $5.50 per hour. contact: 242-0521
ZAVARDO OUTTEN
MARVA DEAN
Domestic Worker
Is looking for a
11156
11129
is looking for a
to work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour. contact: 245-4360
labourer To work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour
contact: 331-8399
11144
11196
HERZOG CARIBBEAN LTD. is seeking to employ
11123
Ocean Club Resorts is looking for qualified applicants for the position of:
Gardener
Job involves strenuous physical labour, which requires being able and willing to perform heavy lifting, and other physically demanding functions. Must be able to speak English fluently. Preference will be given to someone with previous resort experience. All applicants must be able to present a clean Police Record if offered a position. Wage commensurate with experience. Individuals must be willing to work holidays and weekends on a flexible schedule dictated by business demands.
Please drop off resumes at the Ocean Club Front Desk to the attention of the Human Resource Manager, or via email to diane@ oceanclubresorts.com Only those receiving an interview will be contacted.
11207
ASPHALT HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
Responsibilities: • Control and guide machines to lay asphalt • Fill tanks or hoppers with paving materials • Spread stone, concrete or asphalt on roadbeds • Smooth out stone or concrete using special attachments • Ensure all machines are well oiled, serviced and inspected • Coordinate materials at job site • Shovel and remove blacktop • Operate tamping machines or manually roll surfaces to compact earth fills, foundation forms and finished road materials, according to grade specifications • Operate other machines such as loaders, dump trucks and distributor trucks • Push dump trucks to maintain flow of asphalt into hoppers • Drive or attach machines onto tractor trailers • Install dies or cutter to screeds • Break up pavement with machines using hammers • Light burners on machines and
regulate screed temperatures • Ensure uniform thickness of mat in accordance with job specs • Operate other construction equipment • Assist foreman in various construction activities Qualifications • Minimum 5 years asphalt crew experience • Clean police record • Valid driver’s license • Must have own vehicle to travel to work Skills • Able to recognize drainage issues • Good physical strength • Good physical stamina • Good manual dexterity • Great attention to detail • Works well as part of a team Compensation • Based on experience Position Type: • Full-time
Please submit application to main office at: C 5-6 Caribbean Place, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, TCI
11125
36 CLASSIFIEDS
BAREFOOT CAFÉ Is looking for a
BAY BISTRO RESTAURANT
BEAUTY AND BEYOND SPA
CRAMBELIN YOUTH Is looking for a
contact: 341-6814
per week salary $6.00 per hour.
contact: 946-5396
BIG BLUE UNLIMITED FEBRUARY 2015
ACTIVITY SALES COORDINATOR AND FRONT RECEPTION Looking for energetic and outgoing activity sales people to work in a fun and thriving Eco Tourism Adventure Company. Positions available at CLUB MED and LEEWARD sales offices. The applicant must have a minimum of 3-years of experience with sales & reservations in the tourism industry and have superior PR, computer, finance, phone etiquette and organizational skills. Club Med applicants must speak fluent French and preference will be given to anyone with additional languages. All applicants must be presentable, articulate, and be able to work long and flexible hours under pressure. Weekends and evenings are mandatory. Wages/Salary relevant with experience. Please drop resume and cover letter to Big Blue at the Leeward Marina between the hours of 8am to 5pm or e-mail to info@ bigblueunlimited.com. You will be contacted for an interview if required and the deadline for applications is March 4th 2015. Positions start March 2015.
DIVE INSTRUCTORS
looking for SCUBA Diving instructors with experience in the Turks and Caicos Islands dive industry to conduct dive courses, lead dives and snorkel trips, and assist on other ecoadventure activities at Big Blue. Applicants must be a current PADI dive instructors and have the skills and personality for sales, reservations, & public relations. Starting salary of approximately $1800 per month. Please drop resume and cover letter to Big Blue at the Leeward Marina between the hours of 8am to 5pm or e-mail to info@bigblueunlimited.com. You will be contacted for an interview if required and the deadline for applications is 31st March 2015. Positions start in May/June 2015.
KITEBOARDING INSTRUCTORS
PASA or IKO Kite boarding Instructor(s) required to provide kite instruction, lead kite board excursions, and conduct all required kite equipment maintenance. Base salary of approximately $1800 per month, 6-days per week for a minimum of 6hrs per day. Only experienced and qualified instructors need apply. Send resumes to info@bigblueunlimited. com The deadline for applications is 31st March 2015. Positions start in May/June 2015
MARINE BIOLOGISTS / ECO-TOUR GUIDES
Looking for persons with experience and qualifications in the field of Marine Biology to join Big Blue’s team of eco-tour guides and dive instructors. Applicants must have experience in tropical waters and be able to lead educational kayak, paddleboard, snorkel and sightseeing eco-adventures. Applicants must have a first aid and CPR certificate and have the personality for sales, public relations and education. Applicants with boat driving experience, and STCW’95/TCI boat captain’s license preferred and will enjoy a better salary. Starting salary of approximately $1800 per month. Please drop resume and cover letter to Big Blue at the Leeward Marina between the hours of 8am to 5pm or e-mail to info@bigblueunlimited.com You will be contacted for an interview if required and the deadline for applications is 31st March 2015. Positions start in May/June 2015.
With at least 5 years experience salary commission based.
contact: 941-8928
11180
Labourer Labourers To work 6 days per week salary To work 5 ½ days per week salary $6.00 per hour.
contact: 344-8753
$6.00 per hour.
contact: 245-8010
11202
11183
per week salary $8.00 per hour.
Kitchen Helper cosmetologist To work 6 days 11189
apriebeautysalon@outlook. com or fax: 649-941-3988
Dishwasher To work 6 days 11165
to work 6 days per week Monday – Saturday salary starting at $6 per hour interested persons can email their resumes to:
is looking for 2
Is looking for a
is looking for a
COSMETOLOGIST
CAICOS AUTO WORLD
DIVA’S BEAUTY SALON
CAICOS CAFÉ
Is looking for a
Is looking for a
Domestic Worker to work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour
contact: 946-5278 11181
Cosmetologist
To work 6 days per week salary $250.00 per week.
contact: 431-0750
11188
Is seeking a highly skilled and motivated
11197
APRIE BEAUTY SALON
February 28 - March 6, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
BLUE LOOS LTD Seeks a
Supervisor Duties include supervising the scheduling and invoicing for septic and toilet cleaning services and coordinating maintenance of equipment (trucks, pumps, pipes). Must have at least 5 years experience in a supervisory role, be able to drive stick shift Class 6 vehicle and be prepared to get hands dirty when supervising jobs in and around septic tanks. Salary commensurate with experience. Apply with 2 references to Blueloosltd@gmail.com
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
the largest readership in the turks & caicos
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February 28 - March 6, 2015
CLASSIFIEDS 37
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
PAUL HIGGS
Hernandez Employment Services Agency is looking of behalf of our clients. QUALITY UPHOLSTERY, A & M Cleaning, New Style Barbershop, Designing Image Beauty Salon, The Angela Restaurant.
Is looking for a
Labourer/ Gardener To work 6 days
1 UPHOLSTERER 1 Maid Janitor 1 Nail Specialist 1 Barber 1 Cooker
per week salary $6.00 per hour. 11111
contact: 331-9243
to work 6 days a week @ 5.00 USD per Hrs. Belonger only may apply by sending a resume to: hernandezemploymentservices.8@ gmail.com dead line. February 28, 2015
MARTINEZ AUTO REPAIR Is looking for a
Mechanic To work 6 days
per week salary $6.50 per hour.
contact: 241-3297
11178
11171
11092
Need labourer For $6.75 an hour email maculene_ baptiste@ hotmail.com
11170
MARIE PROSPERE
• Diagnostic and troubleshooting the following engines: • Suzuki, Evinrude, Johnson, Mecury, Seadoo • must be willing to work a minimum of 44 hour per week, holidays and weekends if necessary • salary will commensurate with experience (1015 years) and performance
11140
Send your resume and copy of your diplomas to: turkoisemassage@gmail.com
Contact 232-7827
OUTBOARD BOAT MECHANIC
Elizabeth Owen, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands. Tel: 649-232-5583
* Knowledge of Swedish Massage required * Knowledge of Deep Tissue, Reflexology and other various modalities preferred * Knowledge of body treatments such as scrubs and facial preferred * Minimum 2 years experience in the field of desired position, preferably in a 4 or 5 star hotel * Available to work 6 days a week/7 hours a day. * Bilingual: English and French mandatory. Knowledge of a third language such as Italian or Spanish a plus. Salary: Commission. ***Belonger only***
Salary $800 per month
Blue Hills, P.O. Box 583, Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands Telephone: 649-946-4411
Send inquiries to:
Licensed Massage Therapists needed
HOUSEKEEPER S. WALKIN & SON
- Able to work with little or no supervision, be physically fit, dependable and hard working. - Must be self motivated and able to understand, read, write and speak English fluently.
Martin Thomas
Is looking for a
11164
Domestic Worker
2 Professional Bilingual (English and French)
Professional Services Agency
Fax resume to: 649-946-4945
11121
Is looking for a
Sales Person To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.
contact: 345-7087 11168
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership in the turks & caicos
NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION SALE First Caribbean International Bank (Bahamas) Ltd. as Chargee pursuant to the registered Land Ordinance hereby gives Notice that it will cause to be sold by Public Auction the following scheduled properties outside the office of:
MCKNIGHTS
Acting on behalf of our clients is looking to fill the following positions: CARRINGTON WILLIAMS
Domestic Worker – $6.00 per hour BREEZE CONSTRUCTION
Labourer – $7.00 per hour EDITH GRAY
Domestic Worker – $6.00 per hour CHARLES BARBER SHOP
• Must be familiar with computer • Must be familiar with photography Salary commensurate with experience. Email resume and cover letter to: tcnews@tciway.tc
11205
2 Barbers – $6.00 per hour
Contact: 347-6642
ALL AROUND OFFICE ASSISTANT/ DRIVER
PLEASE NO PHONE CALLS
60003/92 North West & North Central Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands The property is located in Belgrave Gardens, Phase one of the Priton homes residential estate. The property supports a Model A which comprises a three bedroom, two bathrooms with open plan kitchen/living/dining area built in or around 2008 on 0.25 ac. Registered Proprietor: WendyAnn Steer
60811/20 Reef Lane, Long Bay Hills, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands A vacant residential property comprising a three bedroom dwelling with two bathrooms and open concept living area. Gross enclosed floor area approximately 1,003 square feet on 0.25 acres. Registered Proprietor: Ianthe Penditha Outten (deceased)
A reserve price will be fixed. A 10% deposit will be required after successful bid.
Terms and conditions of Sale by Auction are available on request from MCKNIGHTS (649) 941-2330/cell: (649) 331-7250/ email: peter@mcknights.tc
11094
C & J CONSULTANT
Attorney at Law, 46 Salt Mills Plaza, Grace Bay, Providenciales 10:00 am Friday, 27th February, 2015
38 CLASSIFIEDS SUPER CUT BARBER SHOP
Project Manager
Call 946-5534 or 244-1400Mon to Fri 9amto5pm Saturday 9am to 12noon...destinationtci@gmail or destinationtci.net
Must have 10 years experience running all aspects of a construction company salary commensurate with experience.
to work 6 days per week Belongers will be given first preference please send resume to: P.O. Box 954 or call 247-1151
11122
Belonger only send resume to P.O. Box 627
11133
Y.A.3.B. CONSULTANCY Acting on behalf of our clients is looking to fill the following positions:
CILA ART & CRAFT STORE Sales Clerk $6.00 per hour
QUANTUM DEVELOPMENT CO. PROVO ENTERTAINMENT CENTER Cashier $5.50 per hour
A & M CLEANING SERVICES
Nail Technician $6.00 per hour
per week salary $6.00 per hour.
contact: 432-2355
11128
WANTED:
Dishwasher/Labourer Full time. Belongers Only Apply in person with CV and references at Somewhere Cafe and Lounge, Coral Gardens Resort
11172
SALES MANAGER
To work 6 days per week salary $250.00 per week.
contact: 431-0750
is seeking ONE (1)
• High school diploma (or equivalent) is required • Two (2) year degree or above is strongly preferred • A minimum of 5 years Retail experience • Three years experience in Duty free/ tax free cruise ship passenger arena • Five years experience in Fine Jewelry Retail • One year experience in customs and logistics
Send resume by fax to: 649-946-1331 11192
VACANCIES POSITION AVAILABLE 5th APRIL, 2015
11208
Bryant’s Air Conditioning & Refrigeration/Bryant Cox
Spa Therapist
with over 5 years experience in all types of Massages and facials plus other skin/body care services as well as some experience in Manicure/Pedicure. Applicants experience must include working in the Tourist Sector. Wages $300 per week plus commission scheme. The successful applicant must be a team player and highly motivated to excel.
Is seeking employment for:
For an interview or appointment phone Sandy Lightbourne at 2311092 Mon to Fri between hrs of 10am and 5pm. Resumes and references required.
5 A/c Technicians Must have Knowledge of Mitsubishi A/c equipment (VRF systems, City Multi systems) & Air cool & water cool chiller systems. Capable of repairing minor & major brands of equipment.
Applications would be considered from Belongers only and must be received by 2nd March, 2015.
2 Domestic Worker & 2 Labourers
POSITION AVAILABLE 1st JUNE, 2015
Applicants must have a minimum of five years experience. Must be able to understand, speak & write English. All Applicants Must have a valid driver’s license. Salary based on experience.
Cosmetologist
with over 5 years experience in all types of nails, hands and feet care services. Applicants experience must include working in the Tourist Sector and workable knowledge of massages,facials and other skin care. Wages $300 per week plus commission scheme.
1 Duct Board Installer Fabricator/Sheet metal worker
The successful applicant must be a team player and highly notivated to excel.
Must be able to work with sheet metal, Tinsmith roofing, must be able to read and interpret drawings to determine duct work requirements, Must be able to fabricate and install metal cladding using stainless and aluminum sheet.
For an interview or appointment phone Sandy Lightbourne at 231-1092 Mon to Fri between hrs of 10am and 5pm. Resumes/ certificates and references required.
11177
Please fax or email resume to Fax: 946-4283 Email: bac@tciway.tc Suitable applicants will be contacted for an interview.
contact: 241-2179
Is looking for a
Cosmetologist
11178
per week salary $6.00 per hour.
DUFRY GRAND TURK LTD.
Waitress $6.00 per hour Laborer $6.00 per hour Contact: 344-4540
Deadline31st January 2015 1) Cash and go pay all up front and get discount 2) 50% down and 50% when it arrives. 3) 50% down and monthly payments as low as $300 everyone qualifies with job letter or self employed. 4) Reserve a car as low as $1000 and pay the balance when the car arrive 5) No money....No problem join the Car Asu for Just $125
DIVA’S BEAUTY SALON
Waitress $6.00 per hour
LA FAMILIA RESTAURANTE
B’S BEAUTY BOX
Domestic Five Ways to Dishwasher Buy a Car is Worker To work 6 days To work 6 days
SUNSET BAR CAFÉ GRILL
Sales Clerk $6.00 per hour
Is looking for a
is looking for a
Is looking for a
barber
TEKORA PRATT
THE TERRACE LTD.
SOLID CONSTRUCTION
Is looking for a
February 28 - March 6, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Applications would be considered from Belongers only and must be received by 2nd March, 2015.
February 28 - March 6, 2015
UNITY ONLINE SERVICES
Is looking for
Salary $6.00 per hour Send resume to: omarmckenzie649@ gmail.com 11157
Salary $5.50 per hour
contact: 242-3746
11156
Office Cleaner Office Helper
labourers Housekeeper To work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.
contact: 231-0360
The Green Energy Trail Ltd is seeking candidates for the position of
Electrical Engineer
Candidates must have at least 10 years’ experience in Electronic Systems (Domestic, Commercial and Industrial up to 480 Volts 3 Phase), Electronics Troubleshooting, Electronic Testing Design, Project Management, Quality Focus, Database Design, Analyzing Information , Reporting Research Results, Attention to Detail, Emphasizing Excellence, Innovation.
Assistant General Manager
The assistant general manager (AGM) must possess a broad range of skills and be multifaceted. The ideal candidate will execute a variety of daily duties including but not limited to placing orders, receiving deliveries, accounting, maintaining inventory, and executing the Café’s wine program. Candidate must be forward thinking and use preventative measures to maintain the infrastructure of the Café. The AGM will handle daily cash sales and receipts. They will work to promote specials created by the kitchen and work closely with bar staff to market specialty cocktails and drinks. The AGM will have expert knowledge/ sommelier training in oenology as it pertains to the Café, ie., service, pairings and training of staff. He/she will be attentive to resolve customer complaints about food or service. They will monitor and govern customer behavior to ensure conduct is becoming of the Café’s high standard. The AGM will support the General Manager by participating in the disciplining of staff, hiring, and creating schedules to properly staff the establishment. They will oversee the training of staff to ensure all service standards are met, and that they remain adhered to by staff. The candidate will possess certification in Quick Book accounting, Microsoft Office programs and have extensive knowledge of Micros POS systems and will be required to utilize these skills on a daily basis. The AGM will be able to effectively read, and decipher profit and loss statements, and demonstrate strong accounting skills through daily analysis of trade. Candidate will possess problem-solving abilities and be quick to respond in a fast paced-high pressure environment. Candidate must be able to climb stairs and be prepared to lift heavy boxes that are inherent in the local and type of business.
Responsibilities:
Candidates must be Belonger only, have full driver’s license and have at minimum City & Guilds Qualification (or equivalent) as an Electrical Technician and have passed the 30Hr OSHA course. Specific experience in Photovoltaic design and installation preferred.
Please send CV to info@trail.tc 11141
The Somerset Resort Management Ltd. is seeking Labour Clearance for the position listed below. Suitably qualified Belongers who possess the requirements listed are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates should possess luxury resort experience, be professional in attitude and demeanor and must read and speak English fluently. Position requires a flexible schedule which includes holidays, weekends and evenings, and extended hours on occasion. Salary is based upon experience and qualifications.
• Work with management to estimate beverage consumption, place orders with suppliers and schedule delivery of beverage and non-food related items. • Resolve customer complaints regarding service or food. • Direct cleaning of dining areas to maintain sanitation standards and keep appropriate records. • Monitor actions of staff and guests • Proficiently operate computer software to assist with the implementation of inventories, track staffing, and record keeping tasks as they are instructed by the General Manager or Ownership • Maintain stock of supplies such as table ware, paper goods and cleaning supplies as deemed applicable • Assist with the weekly and monthly maintenance and repair of equipment and other services • Ensure total receipts and balance against sales at end of day and be able to lock facility • Recruit, hire, and oversee staff and on going training • Schedule work hours for servers and bar staff • Opening and/ or closing of the establishment ensuring all is ready for daily trade or secure for closing Other Duties: • Maintain relationships with guests and staff • Update and use job related knowledge • Schedule staff work hours and activities • Evaluate health and safety practices against standards • Organize, plan, and prioritize • Make decisions and solve problems quickly and efficiently concerning staff and guests • Process and analyze information when scheduling and budgeting • Record information about inventory and health practices • Implement creative promotional ideas working with vendors and staff • Guide, direct, and train staff • Coordinate the work and activities of staff • Communicate with customers, sales reps, and suppliers
COMPTROLLER
To direct the Organization’s day-to-day financial planning and accounting practices. Under the leadership of the General Manager, the successful applicant will be responsible for the preparation and analysis of the financial reporting process for the Resort as well as the annual budget process.
Belongers given preference
He/she will provide strong leadership to the accounting team and will develop, implement and monitor effective financial controls and procedures, providing management with advice and making recommendations to improve processes and financial performance.
To be considered, please submit CV, References and certifications to: manager@somewherecafeandlounge.com
Qualifications: CA / CPA Degree a must. Minimum of 4 years hospitality industry experience as Comptroller at a luxury resort. The ideal candidate will also have knowledge of Visual One software.
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
Qualified Belonger candidates can complete an application form in person at The Somerset on Grace Bay or submit a resume by e-mail at somerset@ thesomerset.com. Tel: 649-339-5900. Fax: 946-5839. The closing date for applications is March 6, 2015. 11143
the largest readership in the turks & caicos
11097
Is looking for a
Is looking for the following:
39
WALKER CONSTRUCTION LTD.
11138
TRANSFORMATIVE H.R. SOLUTIONS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
40 CLASSIFIEDS
GENESISAUTO MOBILE REPAIRS
GUS MOTORS
LOOKING FOR 3
MECHANICS
Must have a valid driver license from A-H. Must be able to work holiday and weekends. Must be able to understand computer systems, programs and diagrams. Applicants must call 649 241-4156 Monday to Saturday 7.45 to 5pm Pay set @ $10.00/ $12.00/$14.00 per hour
11162
Is looking for a
Mechanic
To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour. contact: 231-0903
Sports Interational
Pacquiao in basketball role ahead of Floyd Mayweather bout MANNY Pacquiao will play another game of basketball in the Philippines’ top professional league before his showdown with Floyd Mayweather in May. Pacquiao, 36, faces unbeaten Mayweather in Las
11167
POSITION AVAILABLE AT REJOUVENANCE SPA AESTHETICIAN & MASSAGE THERAPIST REJOUVENANCE SPA is seeking to employ a certified aesthetician/massage therapist. The spa offers an array of treatments, such as: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
February 28 - March 6, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Permanent hair reduction (IPL) Fast waxing, including Brazilian waxing, using hard & soft wax Photo-rejouvenation with E-Light Chemical peels Organic facials Ultrasonic facials Oxygen facials Micro-dermabrasion Skin analysis Lash & brow tinting Lash extensions Manicure & pedicure Wedding & special occasion make-up applications Body treatments Swedish massage Hot stone massage Shiatsu And more…
Job Requirements: - Candidate must have a current aesthetician (Cidesco Certification) and/or cosmetology license (Cidesco Certification is a plus), manicure license and massage certificate (CMT Certification). - Candidate must have at least 10 years experience in the industry. - Candidate must posses a thorough knowledge of cosmetics, skincare products and related application procedures in order to boost retail sales of products. - Candidate must be able to perform all of the above listed treatments. - Candidate must be able to perform cosmetic consultations and educate clients on skin care products as well as provide customized treatment plans and skincare regiments. - Candidate must be able to forge new client relationships and ensure client retention through excellence. - Candidate must be able to stand on his/her feet and/or sit for a prolonged period of time and must be prepared to work irregular hours (including evenings), holidays and weekends. - Candidate must have means of transportation at all times. - Candidate mustregularly attend educational training seminars in order to stay up-to-date on new products, equipment and treatments. - Candidate must have excellent organizational skills and posses excellent verbal and written communicatio skills in English, Spanish and French. TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDERS ONLY NEED APPLY
Job applications, resumes, references and copies of certificates should be emailed to info@provo-line.com before March 6th, 2015.
Vegas on 2 May in what is set to be the richest bout in boxing history. He has made four appearances this term as player-coach for Kia Carnival and said he would play again on Saturday before flying to the US to train. “I know what I’m doing,” said Pacquiao, who has scored one point so far.
At 5ft 6ins, Pacquiao is the shortest and oldest player in the Philippine league.
At 5ft 6ins, Pacquiao is the shortest and oldest player in the Philippine league. Last week ex-National Basketball Association player Daniel Orton was
fired by a rival Philippine Basketball Association team for describing the WBO welterweight champion’s basketball skills as a “joke”. (BBC)
HERZOG CARIBBEAN LTD. is seeking to employ a
ASPHALT QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICIAN Responsibilities: • Use accepted methods to inspect, sample and test aggregates, asphalt or other materials from the purpose of quality control • Sample and test mixtures to stay in compliance with contract specifications and quality control/ tolerance • Monitor and test process functions and materials daily to ensure our products meet or exceed requirements of the appropriate agency or customer • Prepare and record accurate information, maintain test results database • Obtain required certification in a timely manner • Maintain all laboratory equipment, keeping track of all certification paperwork on lab scales and other equipment that requires annual re-certification • Follow quality control plans and guidelines as assigned • Follow directions of manager as to daily tasks and expectations for each specific duty • Ensure a safe work environment in compliance with all safety policies and procedures using the appropriate tools and equipment for the task • Follow all company policies and OSHA/MSHA regulations for safe working procedures • Perform general cleaning of work areas Qualifications: • Minimum 5 years experience in related field • Clean police record • Valid driver’s license Skills: • Must know and understand all TCI/DOT regulations, such as sampling frequency, sampling methods, graduation requirements, quality requirements etc. • Proven ability to develop relationships and to work with teams as both a leader and a participant • Effective interpersonal and communication skills; building rapport, listening, presenting, giving and receiving feedback • Must be able to perform simple mathematic calculations • Must have or acquire basic computer skills and be able to work with email and simple spreadsheets Compensation • Based on experience Position Type • Full-time
Please submit application to main office at: C 5-6 Caribbean Place, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, TCI
11124
February 28 - March 6, 2015
Sports Interational
Motor racing-Alonso ‘completely fine’ after crash, says Dennis FERNANDO Alonso is “devoid of all injuries” from Sunday’s crash in testing and is expected to line up on the grid for the season-opening race in Australia next month, McLaren boss Ron Dennis said on Thursday. According to Dennis the 33-year-old Alonso was knocked unconscious “for a few seconds” after hitting a wall in pre-season testing in Barcelona. Two-time world champion Alonso, who was released from hospital on Wednesday, is not taking part in this week’s final test with reserve driver Kevin Magnussen partnering Jenson Button. Dennis said Alonso is “completely fine” but added
The 33-year-old Alonso was reportedly knocked unconscious “for a few seconds” after hitting a wall in pre-season testing in Barcelona.
that a final decision on the Spaniard’s fitness would be taken by doctors. “He is devoid of all injuries,” Dennis was quoted
Female driver Carmen Jorda joins Lotus development team SPANIARD Carmen Jorda has become the second woman to join a Formula 1 team in a backup role after signing up with Lotus as development driver. The 26-year-old will work on the team’s simulator with a view to having a test in the F1 car later this year. Jorda, who raced in last year’s GP3 feeder series, said: “It feels like a dream come true to join Lotus F1 Team.” Her role is the same as Susie Wolff’s at Williams last year before the Scot was promoted to test driver in 2015. “I’ve been racing since I was 10 years old so it was my dream to drive a Formula 1 car since I was very young,” Jorda added. “Joining Lotus F1 Team is a big step towards my goal. I will be working to improve myself
as a driver as well as helping the team to develop the car by testing new developments in the simulator; it’s such a fantastic opportunity.
as saying by the BBC. “We can categorically say he has no injury. “I’m not a doctor, but I can’t foresee any reason why (Alonso would not race in Australia) not. “There is a process of tests laid down by the FIA and I can’t see any reason why he won’t sail through it, but it’s not for me to determine. “All he wants to do at the moment is to race and test.” The Formula 1 season begins in Melbourne on March 15. (Reuters)
JOB VACANCY We are looking for energetic, motivated and creative individuals to fill the following positions.
Graphic Designer ResponsibilitIES ;; Ability to produce quality designs for print, web and television production ;; Interpreting the client’s business needs and developing a concept to suit their purpose ;; Using innovation to redefine a design brief within the constraints of cost and time ;; Proofreading to produce accurate and high-quality work Required Skills ;; A degree in Graphic Design or at least 5 years experience in this field ;; Excellent IT skills ;; Exceptional creative flair and design ;; Excellent time management and organisational skills ;; Accuracy and attention to detail ;; An understanding of the latest trends and their role within a commercial environment ;; Proven competence in design and image processing software including Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects, Dreamweaver and Flash ;; Professional approach to time, costs and deadlines. Remuneration based on experience Please send written application and resume to
Carmen Jorda said that: “I’ve been racing since I was 10 years old so it was my dream to drive a Formula 1 car since I was very young”.
41
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
coralvisions.tci@gmail.com no later than March 25, 2015. Suitable candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Bar Manager The Bar Manager must possess a broad range of skills and be multifaceted. The ideal candidate will execute a variety of duties including but not limited to placing orders, receiving deliveries, accounting, maintaining inventory, and assisting with the execution of the Café’s wine program and cocktail menu. He/she must have extensive knowledge of beverage products including but not limited to spirits, beers, wine, cocktails and all mixes and be able to demonstrate this knowledge. Candidate must be a leader, self-starter, responsible, and trust-worthy. Mature, and strong-willed, with forethought he/she will use operational guidelines as preventative measures for maintaining the infrastructure of the Café. The Bar Manager will handle daily cash sales and receipts and will work to promote daily food specials created by the kitchen. Working closely with bar team members to market specialty cocktails, and implementing wine service, the Bar Manager will have knowledge/ sommelier training in oenology as it pertains to the Café, i.e., service, pairings and training of team members. He/she will be attentive to resolve guests’ complaints about food and/or service and will be charged with ensuring the employee handbook and procedural guidelines are adhered to by team members, and imposing discipline when not. They will oversee the ongoing support/training of team members to ensure all service standards are met and maintained. The candidate will possess a strong understanding of Quick Book accounting, Microsoft Office programs and have extensive knowledge of Micros POS systems and will be required to utilize these skills on a daily basis. The Bar Manager will be technically knowledgeable, maintaining a strong understanding of the latest software to be able to implement and problem solve technical challenges when they arise. He/she will demonstrate strong accounting skills through daily analysis of trade and an ongoing strict countenance of inventory. The Bar Manager will possess problem-solving abilities and be quick to respond in a fast paced-high pressure environment while always maintaining composure. They must be patient and understanding and exhibit excellent listening skills so as to assist employees with their needs. They must be proficient and demonstrate through previous leadership experiences and mentoring skills, the ability to ensure and maintain the Cafes high standards. The candidate must be able to climb stairs and lift heavy boxes that are inherent to this type of business. The candidate must be able to communicate proficiently in English both written and oral.
Responsibilities:
• Work with management to estimate beverage consumption, place orders with suppliers and schedule delivery of beverage and non-food related items. • Resolve customer complaints regarding service or food and beverage. • Direct cleaning of the café, maintain sanitation standards and keep appropriate records. • Monitor actions of team members and guests • Perform and maintain inventory for presentation and accounting analysis • Proficiently operate computer software to assist with the implementation of inventories, track staffing requirements and record keeping tasks as they are instructed by the Management Team or Ownership • Maintain stock of supplies such as table ware, paper goods and cleaning supplies as deemed applicable • Assist in the weekly and monthly maintenance and repair of equipment and other services • Ensure total receipts and balance against sales are accounted for at closing • Recruit, hire, oversee team members, implement continuous training • Schedule work hours for team members • Opening and/ or closing of the establishment ensuring all areas are ready for daily trade or securing the premises for closing • Lead by example maintaining clean, well groomed appearance and demonstrating their commitment to all rules and regulations
Other Duties: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Maintain relationships with guests and team members Update and use job related knowledge Schedule team members work hours and activities Evaluate health and safety practices against standards Organize, plan, and prioritize Make decisions and problem solve quickly and efficiently concerning team members and guests Process and analyze information when scheduling and budgeting Record information and health practices Implement creative promotional ideas working with vendors and team members Guide, direct, and train team members Coordinate the work and activities of team members Communicate with guests, sales representatives, and suppliers
Requirements:
Candidate must possess a four-year degree in Food/Beverage, Hospitality Industry, or equivalent degree associate with the Restaurant Industry, OR have a minimum of five years experience in a management position, and food handler’s certificate or equivalent.
To be considered please submit CV, references and certifications to: manager@somewherecafeandlounge.com. Belongers given preference. 11190
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Sports Interational
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
February 28 - March 6, 2015
Marquez predicts KO win for Pacquiao or decision win for Mayweather JUAN Manuel Marquez III predicts that the only way Manny Pacquiao can win against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is via knockout. Pacquiao’s Mexican rival warned him of a possible home cooking in their super fight. Marquez, who knocked out Pacquiao in their fourth and final meeting in 2013, believes that Mayweather enjoys a “homecourt” advantage in Las Vegas. “For Pacquiao to win, he must knock him (Floyd) out -- because the judges in Las Vegas are always in favor of Mayweather,” Marquez said in Golpe a Golpe, a Mexican TV show, according to boxingscene. com. Marquez, who lost to Mayweather via unanimous decision in 2009, gave Pacquiao a piece of advice. “Normally, when Pacquiao is aggressive. He throws without looking out for the counter and in this respect, he must change because Mayweather is a great counterpuncher and knows precisely what hurts Pacquiao,” Marquez said. In boxing, styles makes a fight and Marquez thinks that both Pacquiao and Mayweather’s contrasting styles will be the biggest difference-maker. “?What hurts Pacquiao will be the counters and the defense of Mayweather but he is dangerous for
Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer has been criticised for recalling veteran white players.
South Africa rugby to include seven non-white players Juan Manuel Marquez III
his speed and power. Mayweather has the style that hurts Pacquiao and he should win by decision,” Marquez said. Meanwhile World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman announced that the winner of the long-awaited clash will receive a special belt to highlight the event’s importance. The WBC’s official site passed along comments from Sulaiman, who also applauded both fighters for putting their legacies on the line to create this superfight:
“For this special recognition I would like to have emeralds or platinum, but everything will be defined during the next weeks. This is because of the magnitude of the event, which will be broadcast via TV networks globally. It came in a good moment and it will be an emotive event. Both are obviously putting their legacy at stake, to prove who’s the best, satisfying an enormous created expectance. They are also competing to be considered one of the best 10 fighters in the entire boxing history.” (Philstar)
Cricket World Cup: Afghanistan makes history with first ever win AFGHANISTAN achieved an historic victory Thursday as it beat Scotland to win its first ever cricket World Cup match. Appearing at the tournament for the first time, the war-torn country beat the Scots by one wicket with just three balls to spare -- sparking jubilant celebrations back home. Afghan batter Samiullah Shenwari saved his team from the clutches of defeat, scoring 96 runs to set up a nail-biting finale. “The pressure was extreme again but Shenwari batted brilliantly” team captain Mohammad Nabi was reported to the have said by the International Cricket Council. “It’s good to put two points on the board. This is our first win in the World Cup and everyone will enjoy this.” Fans poured into the street waving flags, beating drums and dancing in celebration of their country’s maiden triumph. Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani took to Twitter to express his pride at the team’s achievement. “Congratulations. It was a fantastic
SOUTH Africa will include seven non-white players in their 23-man match squads ahead of the 2015 World Cup. At least two of the seven selections must be black Africans, the South African Rugby Union (SARU) said. The selection criteria forms part of a plan to “raise black representation” with non-whites making up half of all domestic and national teams by 2019. SARU chief executive Jurie Roux stressed the move to expand black participation is “not a quota system”. “It’s not just about numbers on the field”, he said of the board’s Strategic Transformation Plan. Referring to government pressure for racial transformation, he added: “We know that we are only judged on representation in the Springbok team. “We understand that, and we also understand that it is also unfair to put that pressure on the Springbok coach without offering him any assistance. “His teams can only reflect what is going on at the elite end of the domestic game.” Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer’s last team selection against Wales in November contained only one black African, prop Tendai Mtawarira.
Zimbabwe-born Mtawarira, 29, is injury prone and his fitness may not necessarily be guarantee him future selection. World Cup winning winger and 2007 World Rugby Player of the Year Bryan Habana is a mixed race player. Meyer’s first selection under the new system will come against a World XV in Cape Town on 11 July. South Africa then face Australia, New Zealand and Argentina in the Rugby Championship before travelling to the World Cup in England in September. Apart from the Springboks national side, the SARU’s target of 50% black representation by 2019 would apply to national sevens, youth and schoolboy teams and to the Currie Cup, the national interprovincial rugby competition. Cricket in post-apartheid South Africa has a long-running history of racial quotas for selection. In the current domestic franchise and provincial competitions, there must be at least five and six nonwhite players (Indian, mixed-race or black) respectively. A quota for the national team of two non-white players was removed in 2007. (BBC)
Borussia Dortmund stadium evacuated after bomb find
Afghanistan batsman Shapoor Zadran celebrates after hitting the winning runs to defeat Scotland.
and spirited performance from our boys. Well done! We are very proud of them.” The team will now face 2007 ICC World Cup winner Australia and 2010 ICC World Twenty20 champions England in the final pool stages -- and will have to cause a giant upset to get to the
quarterfinals. The win marked Scotland’s 11th consecutive defeat across three World Cups, with captain Preston Mommsen saying: “It’s never easy losing a game, but it’s a particularly difficult one for us. We had them seven down and disappointed we couldn’t finish them off.” (CNN)
AN unexploded Second World War bomb has been discovered close to Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park ground. The 550lb device, reported by German broadcaster DW as being of British origin, was found on Thursday and plans are in place to try and defuse it. The discovery came just hours before Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp was due to give a news conference ahead of Saturday’s derby against Schalke. The 80,720-capacity stadium and the surrounding area was evacuated. “It is not yet known how long
the stadium area will remain off limits,” Dortmund, who shut their Fan World space and club museum, said in a brief statement. The bomb was found at a parking area to the west of the Signal Iduna Park and was discovered after viewing aerial photographs. Finding unexploded World War II bombs is a relatively common occurrence in Germany where several million tonnes of bombs were dropped during the 1939-45 war by Allied and Soviet forces. The city of Dortmund suffered extensive destruction during bombing raids. (BBC)
February 28 - March 6, 2015
Sports National
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Gayle gets firstever WC double ton Farah, 31, left the field behind as he stormed home in a time of eight minutes 3.40 seconds - breaking Kenenisa Bekele’s previous record of 8:04.34.
Farah breaks indoor two-mile world record in Birmingham BRITAIN’S Mo Farah broke the two-mile indoor world record with a superb run at the Birmingham Indoor Grand Prix. Farah, 31, left the field behind as he stormed home in a time of eight minutes 3.40 seconds - breaking Kenenisa Bekele’s previous record of 8:04.34. It is the double Olympic champion’s first world record. “This means a lot to me,” Farah told BBC Sport. “I love representing my country, giving something back to all the people. Unbelievable.” The build-up to Saturday’s race had
been dominated by a row with Great Britain team-mate Andy Vernon. Farah claimed Vernon had questioned his nationality after the double Olympic champion won European 10,000m gold in 2014, with Vernon describing that as a “huge, huge misrepresentation”. The bad feeling clearly did not upset Farah on the track as he dominated the field in Birmingham, leaving Kenyan Paul Koech and American Bernard Lagat trailing as he ran a sub-four minute mile for the second half of the race, clocking 3:59.5. (BBC)
In a thoroughly one-sided quarterfinal contest, Borna Coric served up a 6-1, 6-3 victory as Andy Murray struggled to make inroads with 55 unforced errors.
Murray upset by teenager Borna Coric in Dubai
INKED on Croatian teenager Borna Coric’s arm are the words: “There’s nothing worse in life than being ordinary.” Andy Murray got a taste of the 18-year-old Coric’s pursuit of the extraordinary as the Croatian pulled off one of the biggest upsets of his nascent tennis career with a straight sets victory over the world No. 3. Few had given Coric much chance of winning the pair’s quarterfinal contest at the Dubai Championships, his last victory against a top-10
ranked player dating back to a historic win over Rafael Nadal at the end of 2014. Luck had played a part in Coric’s path to the last eight after he had initially lost to 350th-ranked Fabrice Martin in qualifying and he only snuck into the tournament by virtue of a lucky-loser berth. But in a thoroughly one-sided quarterfinal contest, the teen served up a 6-1, 6-3 victory as Murray struggled to make inroads with 55 unforced errors.
CHRIS Gayle could barely believe it when the first ball he faced crashed into his pad, because he knew he needed a lucky break to reverse a run of bad form. It was a heart-stopping start to a record Cricket World Cup innings of 215, and an all-time limited-overs international record partnership of 372 with Marlon Samuels, that set West Indies on course for a 73-run win over Zimbabwe on Tuesday. In the process, he clattered a record-equalling 16 sixes in his innings. And just for good measure, he took two wickets, and held a catch to help dismiss Zimbabwe for 289, chasing a revised target of 363 after two overs were lost due to rain in Canberra. Posting the first double-century in a World Cup - and the third-highest score in a one-day international - was an emphatic response to the critics who said Gayle was out of form, and never produced the goods at the World Cup. He dropped to his knees after reaching 200 runs from 138 balls, raising his bat and his helmet high. “The start was a bit shaky,” Gayle said. “To be able to score my first double-century in an ODI is fantastic, so I’ll just try to build on this as much as possible.” West Indies captain Jason Holder, who took three wickets to derail Zimbabwe’s chase, backed Gayle to produce the kind of match-winning performance the public expects. “It was a sensational innings, he’s a very pivotal person,” Holder said. “It does a lot for our confidence. He was going through a lean patch. Hopefully, today (Tuesday) is the start of good things to come.” Gayle, after getting that lucky reprieve to a leg-before wicket appeal before he’d scored, and also being caught off a no-ball on 121, was eventually out when he skied a catch off the last ball of the innings, while Samuels was unbeaten on an ODI career-best 133. The 35-year-old Jamaican endured a flood of criticism after scores of 36 in the West Indies’ surprising opening four-wicket loss to Ireland, and 4 in the 150-run win over Pakistan. There was quite a fuss made over an errant retweet from a high-ranking West Indies cricket official jokingly suggesting Gayle was due for a retirement package. “I have never felt this kind of pressure, but in the end, I am sure I gave them something to talk about,” Gayle said. Still, there were plenty of nerves when Zimbabwe insisted on a review of umpire Steve Davis’ notout decision in the first over. The ball hit Gayle in front of the stumps, but TV replays indicated it may have
The second-wicket stand shared by Gayle (215) and Marlon Samuels (133 not out) was a new record for any one-day international partnership.
gone over the wickets, and he got the benefit of the doubt. “I didn’t want to be out with the first ball. I said: ‘You can’t be serious,’” Gayle said. “I just want to thank God for this knock.” It was Gayle’s 22nd ODI century, a West Indies record, but his first since June 2013. In the meantime, he averaged less than 20 per innings in the 50-over format. “The runs dried up a bit,” Gayle conceded. “There’s a long way to go in the tournament - hopefully I can build on this.” Sean Williams, who led the Zimbabwe scoring with 76, said if Gayle had been given out in the first over, the West Indies could have been two wickets down for one run and the complexion of the game would have been dramatically different. “When the ball hit Gayle’s pad, we thought it was the game-changer,” Williams said. With the “naked eye it looked out - obviously Hawk-Eye didn’t go our way. We’ve got to build on this and learn from it.” BELOW ARE THE LANDMARK NUMBERS: 372 - The second-wicket stand shared by Gayle (215) and Marlon Samuels (133 not out), after Dwayne Smith was dismissed for a duck, was a new record for any one-day international partnership, surpassing the 331 shared by India’s Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar against New Zealand at Hyderabad (Deccan) in 1999. 215 - Gayle’s innings was the first double century at the World Cup
and beat the tournament’s previous highest individual score of 188 not out by South Africa’s Gary Kirsten against the United Arab Emirates at Rawalpindi in 1996. 138 - The number of balls Gayle faced as he scored the quickest ODI double century. 16 - The number of sixes Gayle struck equalled the most for an individual ODI innings shared by South Africa’s AB de Villiers and India’s Rohit Sharma. 5 - The number of double centuries now scored in the 3,612 match history of ODI cricket, with Gayle’s the first by a non-Indian batsman after Rohit Sharma (two), Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar. 3 - Gayle’s was the third-highest ODI innings behind Sharma’s 264 against Sri Lanka in Kolkata in 2014 and Sehwag’s 219 against the West Indies in Indore in 2011. 3 - The West Indies total of 372 for two was the third-highest by one Test nation against another at the World Cup following Australia’s 377 for six against South Africa at Basseterre in 2007 and India’s 373 for six against Sri Lanka at Taunton in 1999. 2 - Gayle, who took two for 35 with his off-spin when Zimbabwe batted, is the only player to have scored 150 or more runs and taken two wickets in the same ODI. He made 153 not out and took two for 21 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in 2003. 1 - Gayle is now also the first man to score a double century and take two wickets in the same ODI. (Hindustanitimes)
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Sports National
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
February 28 - March 6, 2015
Teray Smith also finished second in the 200M event.
Smith wins 60M in Alex Wilson Invitational Alvin Parker turned back the years with seven points, nine rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and three steals for the Classics.
PABA Night League:
Stallions defeat Flyers – Hanna scores 30 in Classics’ win DEFENDING champions, the Grand Turk Stallions, defeated rivals the Five Cay Flyers when the teams met recently at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex in a Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) Night League fixture. In the game Kino Williams (three rebounds and two steals) and Tamaurri Lightbourne (nine rebounds and four assists) finished with 15 points each in the 71-58 point victory. Recently acquired Enrico Smith added nine points and three steals for the Stallions. Dorado Fulford
and Jake Been led the Flyers with 16 and 15 points respectively. In the other clash the Coca Cola Classics led by 30 points, 11 rebounds and four assists from Derek Hanna (a season high), were able to hold off a spirited HAB Sonics team. The game which ended 72-68 saw the Sonics almost erase a 20 point deficit in the second period. Supporting Hanna were Ezra Taylor with 13 points and 11 rebounds and Alvin Parker with seven points, nine rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and three steals.
FORMER TCI athlete Teray Smith recorded a first place finish last Saturday in the 60M race competing for Auburn University at the Alex Wilson Invitational in South Bend, Ind.
The sophomore, who now runs for the Bahamas, clocked 6.77s, a little off the Bahamas’ national record (6.54s Warren Fraser). TCI’s national record in the 60M indoor event is held by Darian
Forbes (6.95s). The US born, whose parents are from the TCI and the Bahamas, also competed in the 200M where he clocked 21.35s for a second place finish.
Provo Hockey League:
Diotte-Joly, Valcin lead Gators to big win GABRIEL Diotte-Joly and Ricardo Valcin scored five goals each to lead the Gansevoort Gators to a huge win over the BCQS Flames in the latest round of the Provo Hockey League. In the Midget Division clash, last Saturday, Diotte-Joly scored the first three goals in the game. After that Valcin took centre stage with an equal amount of goals (four of which were unassisted) and two assists in the 10-4 win. Sean Karam led the attack for the Flames with two goals. The Gators have now won seven of their 11 games (one draw), while the Flames have won five in their 11 (also one draw). In the other Midget clash the Twa Marcelin Wolf Pirates edged past the Digicel Panthers 6-5. The Wolf Pirates led 3-0 at the half after Darius Coakley scored two of his four goals. In the second period the Wolf Pirates increased the lead to 5-0
before Matthew Harnett scored three times for the Panthers in under three minutes, but the Pirates were able to hang on to victory. Liam Delancy also scored a pair for the winners.
BANTAM DIVISION In the Bantam Division the Sailrock Lobsters recorded a 3-1 win over the Coco Bistro Lightning. The Lobsters (now 8-5-1) went in front after the first period with Zachary Scholar scoring twice. Jamie Gray pulled one back for the Lightning (now 6-8-1), but in the 14th minute Aiden Paisley sealed the win for the Lobsters. Prior to that clash the Lightning were defeated by the Saunders and Co. Owls 10-6. The Owls (now 7-80) had exploded in the second period after the game was tied 3-3 after1. Tristan Grandsire led the attack with five goals and two assists, while Joshua Saunders added three goals
and an assist. The Lightning, who were ahead 2-0 early in the first, were led by Jamie Gray with three goals and two assists.
NOVICE DIVISION In the Novice Division the Big Blue Thunder and the Scotiabank Sailfish (both with seven wins) increased their lead with wins over the Grace Bay Resorts Conchorers and the Grace Bay Car Rental Islanders respectively. The Sailfish were led by Maddox Jones who exploded with all seven goals—five of which were scored in the first period. Jack Blain led the Islanders with a goal and an assist. In the second novice clash Kurt Rivers hammered five goals and Jack Thunder scored three as the Thunders defeated the Conchorers 8-4. Wyatt Pollon led the Conchorers with two goals.
February 28 - March 6, 2015
Sports National
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
The BWIC Spartans proved that they were no pushovers in their clash against the Temple Christian Suns.
Hugh Campbell official confident TCI teams will improve
The Jericho’s Quimby Hall pitched a perfect game.
Provo Church Co-Ed Softball League:
Jericho Baptist dominates Global United Fellowship DEFENDING champs Jericho Baptist Church produced a stunner to stay undefeated in the new season of the Provo Church Slow Pitch Co-Ed Softball League. In a clash on Monday night at the National Stadium Quimby Hall was perfect with the ball as he shutdown the Global United Fellowship (former Abundant Life Ministries). Jericho on the other hand accumulated runs
quickly which forced the game to end in the third quarter (10-0) owing to the 10 run rule. In the second clash Roman Catholic held on to defeat Bethany Baptist Church 8-5. The Catholic Church led 5-0, but at the top of the third Bethany came back strong and tied the game at 5-5. Catholic Church did not buckle and added three runs to their tally in the fourth to claim victory.
DESPITE a below par performance by two TCI school teams at the 32nd annual Hugh Campbell Tournament which was held from February 16th23rd in the Bahamas, organisers are still optimistic about our future. National champions the British West Indies Collegiate and the Clement Howell High School represented the TCI at the tournament. CHHS lost to Teleos Christian 92-22 after suffering in the paint (66 points compared to 10) and on second chance points (31 points compared to 2). Edelin Pierre (eight points and three steals) and Jethro Michel (six points and five boards) led CHHS. The BWIC lost to the Queen’s College Comets 42-21. Myrohn Pereira scored seven points and pulled down six boards, while Quinn Higgs collected seven rebounds and made three steals. BWIC went 0-5 from the three point line and shot 25% from the free throw line, but they recovered somewhat in the last quarter to score nine points (the most for the game). In their second game it was clear that the BWIC had improved, and if they had scored their free-throws the game might have finished differently. In the clash that ended 49-36, the BWIC missed 19 shots from the foul line (13/32) and nine from the three point line (1/10). Overall though the team improved as Pereira (eight points), Higgs (seven points and eight rebounds) and Lawrence Saintange (seven points and three steals) led the attack. Coach Keith Cox Sr. said that his side played a better first half in the second game, but failed to keep the pressure on throughout the clash.
“We made a lot of turnovers, missed free throws and didn’t capitalise on defense,” the BWIC coach pointed out. Cox was however optimistic about a better showing in 2016. He feels that his team has grown in confidence and they will also work on their defence for the prestigious tournament. DEVELOPMENT An official from the Hugh Campbell tournament, speaking on behalf of the group, said that the tournament will continue to help the TCI teams
due to its competitiveness. In an invited comment one member told the Weekly News that: “Consistent participation in the Tournament is what will continue to make TCI teams competitive. Competing in the Hugh Campbell Tournament, not only allow teams to show their skills, but it provides the opportunity for improvement. With each game played, they (TCI teams) were able to gain something new or different from their competitors. As they continuously work hard and push harder, further strides with their game will remain evident.”
Nine schools confirmed for National Inter-High T&F Championships THE 21st National InterHigh School Track and Field Championships will be held from March 8th-10th at the National Stadium in Providenciales with nine high schools billed to participate. The TCI Secondary Schools Sports Association in conjunction with the Departments of Education and Sports are teaming up to make the event possible. The organisers are also inviting all past students and companies to sign up for the invitational events. “We wish to encourage all to come out and support this event and witness the talents of our youths. Our best athletes will
further represent the Turks & Caicos Islands at the CARIFTA Games in St Kitts and Nevis from April 4th to April 6th 2015,” a press release stated. On Sunday March 8, the event will officially start at 14:00h with the opening ceremony. Athletes will then compete from 15:00h, and again from 9:00h on Monday and on Tuesday. Entry fees are $5for adults, $3 for students 12 and above and $1 for children 11 years and under. For further information, please contact Mrs Sylvie Wigglesworth, President 2323333 or Mr Donnovan Garvey, Technical Coordinator
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
February 28 - March 6, 2015
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 or 946-4664
February 28 - March 6, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
February 28 - March 6, 2015