The Turks and Caicos Weekly News

Weekly News BY-ELECTION Volume 27 | No. 05 | February 9 - 15, 2013

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IN MARCH – Judge Ramsay-Hale declares election of district seven void

AT LEAST one by-election is on the cards for the Turks and Caicos Islands after Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale declared a Providenciales district election as void.

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inside

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‘We’re going to paint the town blue’

IT WAS all smiles at the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) headquarters following the announcement that a byelection will be called ...

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Misick calls Governor out on ‘disingenuous’ comments FINANCE Minister, Washington Misick, last Friday, called Governor Ric Todd out on what he termed “disingenuous” ...

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Chocolate Lovers Showcase raises record funds

You cannot live without hope, holocaust survivor Rena Finder

“I WILL never forget those who murdered us, but it is no fault of the new generation in Germany…

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

February 9 - 15, 2013

February 9 - 15, 2013

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

February 9 - 15, 2013

‘We’re going to paint the town blue’ PDM ecstatic about by-election IT WAS all smiles at the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) headquarters following the announcement that a by-election will be called to fill what is now a vacant seat at the House of Assembly.

The party held a press conference immediately following the ruling at Providenciales Supreme Court on Thursday morning.

And members expressed their delight at the “second chance” their party had been given by Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale.

The result of the by-election could see them take over the ruling of the Government, a point that was not lost on ecstatic members.

First to speak was Oral Selver who presented the petition that questioned the validity of the Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill election, which saw PNP’s Amanda Misick win the seat.

He will now be battling it out with Misick for votes in the upcoming byelection slated for March.

He said: “I want to firstly say thank God we made it this far.

“For the people at Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills, I’ve never stopped fighting, I never gave up, I never stopped campaigning, nor working for the people of this constituency.

“Believe me, with this team, being a part of this group, we will give this country the best government they ever had and I’m looking forward to be a part of this team.”

He said that this time round he planned to do a lot more door-to-door

visits and speak to more individuals.

Next to express her delight was party leader Sharlene CartwrightRobinson who said the ruling was inevitable.

“The country has another opportunity and a second chance at, you know, destiny.

“I believe that this country needs a strong government, strong representation and I’m sure with honourable Selver here now added to the ticket we are even stronger.

“I’m sure the PDM is that government that this Turks and Caicos needs.”

She added that the party cannot afford to waste any more of the country’s time.

“It’s been about three months since elections and we’re yet to feel that there is an elected government.

“Were sluggish in too many things that are affecting the man on the street and effecting this country and nothing is really happening.

“We heard the other side speaking about full speed ahead, but theyre still marking time on spot.

“And right now we have a second chance to go and take this country in the right direction.”

Cartwright-Robinson received cheers from fellow party members when said the next move for the PDM is to make their presence known and “paint this town blue overnight”.

“When we were elected, even though we were the Opposition, we have been out there, we have been vocal on the issues, we have been

representing people and we’ve been standing strong.”

She added: “We’re just going to build on what the people know us to be – strong representation – and that’s what this country needs and we’re here to do it.

“It’s a second chance, destiny.”

She went on to thank Allan Wood QC for his hard work in representing the party’s case.

The Opposition leader expressed her disappointment at the People Progressive Party (PPP)’s Edward Smith and the process.

“I think it was still on the part of the elections office to ensure that we were qualified, so this, of course, calls for electoral reform to ensure that this never really happens again.

“The country just needs to move on but we have to right a wrong.”

Deputy leader Sean Astwood added: “The country has now had an opportunity over the past three months to see what the PNP government looks like.

“I can certainly say that I’m not impressed at all. In fact I’m a bit disappointed that they have gotten into government and seem unprepared and in some cases incompetent.

“It is only destiny that has allowed our country to be presented with another opportunity to see what a PDM government looks like.

“I can assure you that if God’s will be done the PDM will govern this country and the problems that we have had with healthcare,

By-elections could be held in last week of March THE Turks and Caicos Island’s Elections Office is ready for elections and given the office’s calculations, a by-election could be held in the last week in March, 2013.

Supervisor of Elections, Dudley Lewis, on Thursday in a statement, noted that preparations for possible by-elections began in December 2012 when the election petitions were raised.

To that end, he has advised that, as with all elections, the procedure is as follows: The Governor will issue a Writ for the holding of a by-election within 35 days of receiving notice from the judge indicating that the seat has been vacated.

The Writ will specify the day and place of nomination of candidates which should be no less than 14 working days after it has been issued.

In accordance with the Elections Ordinance, the date of the byelection will be no more than 21 days from the date of nomination.

If a by-election is to be held before

Supervisor of Elections Dudley Lewis

March 31, 2013, the 2012 electors register will be used. If a by-election is held after March 31, 2013, the new register will be used.

Lewis noted that, in response to complaints in the last elections, the Elections Office will employ

additional staff for each polling station, and increase the number of polling areas.

He added that to speed up the process electors will not be required to return to the presiding officer for verification of signature on the ballot instead will deposit the marked ballot in the boxes provided to ensure the secrecy of their vote.

One change in the process, this time round is that voters will be required to have their finger inked to indicate that they have voted.

The Elections Supervisor stressed that electors are reminded that proof of identification is required.

These include the TCI Status Card, passport, NIB Card, NHIP Card or Drivers License.

Up to press time, the latest word was that the nomination packs have been prepared and will be issued to the candidates.

Voter education materials and sessions will also be carried out before by-elections is held.

(VANESSA NARINE)

The country has another opportunity and a second chance at, you know, destiny – PDM leader Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson

unemployment and a dead economy will begin to change immediately.

“We have put the work in, we know what we’re doing and we

know how to fix the problems.”

The conference concluded with a cheer of “PDMs – right direction” from all members. (RB)

Premier takes on Missick’s portfolio

BY VANESSA NARINE

THE by-election call has resulted in the Cheshire Hall seat being vacated, with Amanda Missick ceasing to function as Minister of Health and Human Services (Gender Affairs, Social Services).

Her portfolio is expected to be reassigned.

At a press conference on Thursday, Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, said he will be taking on the responsibilities of Missick’s portfolio.

Ewing noted he was disappointed with the ruling, but stressed that the Progressive National Party (PNP) “knows how to win elections” and is moving full speed ahead.

Following the judgement on Thursday Missick told press that she did not believe there should be a by-election and added: “I won the election fair and square.”

She went on to say that despite the decision she was determined to win her seat a “third time”.

“The people of Cheshire Hall know who gives them representation, they know who has their best interest at heart, and that’s in the person of me.”

She said that she will continue to do her door to door campaigning in the lead up to the by-election to reassure constituents that she is “here for them”.

Justice Margaret RamsayHale’s decision on the elections

petition has not only affected the current Cabinet, but also has implications for the House of Assembly.

With the Cheshire Hall seat vacated the House is now evenly split: the Progressive National Party (PNP) and the People Democratic Movement (PDM) with eight members, seven elected officials and one appointed member); plus the two Governor Appointed Members.

Acting Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite, in an invited comment, said, “The main implication of today’s judgment is that there is a clear obligation on the candidate under section 50 of the Constitution to state correctly that he or she is not disqualified from being elected to the House of Assembly.

“The judgment will be referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration on further legal action.”

Adding his comment, Governor Ric Todd, on Thursday said: “The judgment in the Selver-Missick election petition was brought to my attention this morning. It is my intention to consult with both the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition this week and announce the date of the by-election in due course. In the meantime, I am confident that the Elections Office is making ready all of the necessary preparations for this vote.”

February 9 - 15, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

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By-election in March – Ramsay-Hale said PPP’s Smith affected outcome of district vote AT LEAST one by-election is on the cards for the Turks and Caicos Islands after Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale declared a Providenciales district election as void.

And another could be announced today (Friday) following a petition ruling in Grand Turk.

At Providenciales Supreme Court on Thursday morning RamsayHale released her judgement on the validity of the Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills seat.

She said that the People Progressive Party (PPP)’s Edward Smith was disqualified and should not have been included on the ballot.

The judge explained that Smith’s participation in the election may have affected the outcome.

“Had he not been on the ballot the voters may have expressed their votes differently,” she said.

Now formerly elected Amanda Missick of the Progressive National Party (PNP) and Oral Selver of the People Democratic Movement (PDM) will battle it out for the seat in a by-election at the end of March.

The subsequent results could change the majority leaning and lead to a switch in governmental power.

In addition the ruling on an election petition for district one – Grand Turk North – will be announced today.

The elections petition was brought before the court by PDM’s Oral Selver on January 7, 8 and 9 this

year.

Allan Wood QC represented Selver while Ariel Misick QC and Jahmal Misick represented Missick.

Smith was not represented.

The petition questioned the election of PNP’s Amanda Missick on November 9, 2012, as the member of the House of Assembly for electoral district seven – Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills, Providenciales.

It outlined that on election day 844 votes were cast – 58 for Smith, 364 for Selver and 394 for Missick who was declared the winner by a margin of just 30 votes.

Petitioner Selver said that Smith had declared he was qualified for election according to the TCI Constitution Order 2011.

But he went on to allege that Smith was not qualified to be an elected member of the House because of his allegiance to a foreign state.

He said that without this “irregularity” the outcome of the election may have been different.

DISQUALIFICATION In her judgement Ramsay-Hale first addressed the issue of whether Smith was disqualified from the election process for declaring allegiance to a foreign state.

She explained that he was born in Grand Turk but later migrated to the US where he worked for nearly 30 years.

He acquired US citizenship and

Over 230 vacancies still exist in TCIG THERE are still more than 230 vacant positions within in the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG).

This was according to Finance Minister, Washington Missick at a press conference on Thursday, who explained that the information was provided by the Deputy Governor, Anya Williams.

He pointed out that based on information received he understood that the positions have been vacant for a long time and posited that this was probably because they were jobs at the lower end of the salary spectrum.

According to him, the Government’s on-going re-grading of the pay scales will make these posts more reflective of the job descriptions and competitive in terms of attracting applicants.

The Finance Minister added that due to the current economic situation the recommendations from the regrading are expected to be introduced

in 2014-2015.

However, he said the Government is hoping to bring this forward to the 2013-2014 financial year, providing that it can be done in tandem with the projected economic success.

He said: “If projections hold true then yes we will do it, but together with the re-instatement of the 10 per cent the current costs are about $9m and at present we cannot afford to.”

Missick added that his Government is doing all it can to address the problem of unemployment.

Labour Minister, Don HueGardiner when asked for the statistics did not have the information at hand, but the estimated number of unemployed is over 500.

The actual figure could be higher as not all unemployed are registered with the Labour Board.

Gardiner stressed the importance of registering as a means of assisting the Government in addressing the problem of unemployment in the Islands. (VANESSA NARINE)

SATISFIED: PDM leader Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson and deputy leader Sean Astwood outside Providenciales Supreme Court

is the holder of a US passport which was renewed on October 12, 2010.

In 2010 he retired and returned to the TCI and in 2011 swore an oath of allegiance to the Queen.

During the trial Smith said he believed his oath “negated allegiance to the US” and maintained he was eligible for election.

However US expert on immigration and attorney Alan Rothwell of Maryland explained that a person who renewed or travelled on a US passport owes allegiance to the United States.

The process of voluntary renunciation of citizenship consists of a person making representation to a consular officer, taking the oath of renunciation and surrendering his passport.

“I am therefore satisfied that on October 25, 2012, when he declared to the returning officer that he was not disqualified from being an elected member of the House of Assembly, he was in fact so disqualified,” she stated.

Ramsay-Hale went on to discuss whether Smith by reason of his disqualification from election ought to have been disqualified from nomination.

Ariel Misick QC for PNP’s Missick argued that there is no qualification for nomination and the issue of disqualification only becomes relevant if the disqualified candidate is elected.

However Ramsay-Hale stressed that it was “plainly not intended” by the framers of the constitution that a disqualified candidate should offer themselves for election.

“The law stipulates that only a duly qualified candidate is to be nominated. This is the premise on

which the declaration form is based,” she said.

The judge added that there is a clear obligation on the candidate under section 50 of the constitution to state correctly that he or she is not qualified for election on nomination day.

“The suggestion that the declaration is a mere formality is untenable,” she said.

VOTES THROWN AWAY Justice Ramsay-Hale next discussed whether voters were aware of Smith’s disqualification or if the votes should be thrown away.

During the trial Ariel Misick QC claimed that Smith was a well-known personality and his disqualification was “notorious”.

He reminded the court that Smith’s status was the subject of active debate in early morning sessions in the “Situation Room” at Sweet-T in Downtown Providenciales.

In her judgement Ramsay-Hale said that while Smith’s citizenship to the US was notorious the fact that he was disqualified was not.

“I am not persuaded that the facts were clear, definite and precise as would permit me to hold that the voters who polled for Dr Smith were acting with wilful perverseness and should be held to have thrown away their votes.”

Finally the judge spoke of whether Smith’s participation in the election rendered it invalid.

During January’s trial neither attorney, Misick nor Wood, could find much authority on the point.

However Misick declared that the participation of a disqualified candidate who does not win cannot render the election invalid.

Ramsay-Hale concluded: “The voters in Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills District were presented with a larger field of candidates by reason of the inclusion of Dr Smith on the ballot.

“Had he not been on the ballot the voters may have expressed their votes differently.

“Where, as here, the margin of votes affected by the irregularity exceeds the margin for the successful candidate, the court must inevitably conclude that his participation in the election may have affected the outcome.

“Accordingly, I declare the election void and I certify the same to the Governor.”

GRAND TURK NORTH A second election petition debating the Grand Turk North seat was brought before Grand Turk Supreme Court recently.

In a close run race the PNP’s George Lightbourne won the House of Assembly spot by 17 votes with a total of 353, while the PDM’s Derek Rolle secured 336 votes.

Former PDM party leader, Oswald Skippings, said that after careful review and consideration by a group of lawyers, a report was made to the party’s National General Council (NGC).

It revealed findings of procedural irregularities, briberies, infringement of the Constitution Order 2011 and breaches of the Election Ordinance 2012.

At the end of November 2012 the PDM presented a petition which suggested that these acts involved several candidates from the PNP. The judgement will be made public today (Friday). (RB)

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February 9 - 15, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

Important tool in the VAT fight THE House of Assembly repealed the Value Added Tax (VAT) legislation last Friday; however, Governor Ric Todd has the last say as the Repeal Bill cannot become law until he assents to it.

Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, who moved the motion for the repeal, made it clear that the House majority’s resolutionto repeal VAT would be its tool to take to the international community if the UK does not accede.

What are your thoughts?

Smart move

The repeal was a smart move, more so as it will be the tool, like the Opposition Leader said, to take to the international community.

The motion was a clear expression of the will of the people and, while we can argue about remodelling VAT to better suit the TCI (as John Phillips suggested in the House), the fact is the people do not want VAT in its current state and the repeal rejects the same.

The UK cannot afford to ignore such an expression, or risk appearing to undermine the democracy they have ‘worked so hard’ to restore.

All in all it was a smart move by the Opposition Leader, as is the collaboration between both sides of the House on this matter.

Commendable and bold move

law so there would have never been a need for repeal The Governor needs to do the right thing and sign this Repeal Bill. I shall be surprised if he does not sign it.

We must fight

I wish our entire country the best as we unite to fight using our democratic rights to stop the implementation of VAT. Like Mr. Washington Misick said in the house, we need to be prepared to fight and so I agree with the Leader of the Opposition in that we need to take this to the international community if the Governor does not accede.

A start

Let’s start throwing the tea in the harbour!

While it is true that the repeal law cannot become law unless the Governor agrees to it, I admire the Government and Opposition for making a bold move for repealing VAT Had they not made it then we would have blamed them for not trying.

The interim government was only able to pass the VAT Bill because they were running the country for three years.

Had we had an elected Government, the VAT Bill would have never even made it to

Acting on behalf of the people

Both sides of the House acted on behalf of the people, in line with the mandate they hold.

The massive opposition to VAT has been ignored long enough and the repeal has in many ways increased the faith of the people in their elected representatives.

It is left now to see how the Governor and the United Kingdom will respond.

Opposition taking lead

We were glued to the radio listening to the House of Assembly. The opening speech supporting the VAT repeal motion by Sharlene Cartwright Robinson was awesome.

Then we heard Premier Rufus and his government members say me too!

We can clearly see who is leading the Government. It’s the Opposition. They have the mandate with the most popular candidate and the popular vote win.

That is the problem because the now government cannot demand repeal or schedule anything because they are a party with many of the people who caused the pickle we find our country in today.

When Washington Misick came on late in the day we went to sleep hearing him complain about the Brits while he explained his bigger taxes.

Then came Gardiner who said he was against VAT because his folks in North Caicos were against it.

That was a weak try to prove he has been in North Caicos at least once since the election.

As the editorial in this paper said last week VAT cannot and will not go forward. Governor Ric might as well agree.

Another letter?

Did I hear the Premier on TV correctly? His solution to VAT will be to write another letter to the UK. And Washington wants to tax the tourists and chase them home.

This is what is called leadership?

Blind mice have to go

Tell these guys (three blind mice) to pack their bags and go.

They are a stumbling block to progress and definitely not supporters of these Islands.

They are merely hired hands who do the

bidding of their masters and will shortly take their leave of absence and we will be forced to live with the legacy of their folly.

If only we knew who their real masters were then it would have made our lives easier because we could approach them for redress.

The ignorance of these guys of what makes our economy work is pathetic and is directly threatening the lifeblood of our fragile economy.

It’s a pitiful case that there are still TCI Islanders who refuses to stand on principle and tell these guys that many of their policies are flawed.

This definitely was not what we the people expected with the UK intervention, we feel victimised all over again.

Referendum anyone?

Bunch of crap already! The children’s fight begins all over again.

They are picking a fight to get payback for what they assumed to be “running we show for some years”.

I say, they have power, the UK has power!

The next step is to take the issue to the people in a referendum.

Ignoring the people

It is good that the government is standing united against the non democratic United Kingdom rulers.

I hope that the government holds true to its promise and expose the UK if they do not repeal the VAT. I am tired of them ignoring the wishes of the people of this country.

 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

Misick calls Governor out on ‘disingenuous’ comments

BY VANESSA NARINE FINANCE Minister, Washington Misick, last Friday, called Governor Ric Todd out on what he termed “disingenuous” comments made over the proposition of alternatives to the controversial Value Added Tax (VAT).

Todd, in an interview with the Weekly News, said the only alternative to VAT presented to him was the recommendation by the Turks and Caicos Islands Business Council (TCIBC) for the United Kingdom to write off the TCI debt – a recommendation he called “ridiculous”.

However, in an invited comment, Misick noted that the Governor was

being disingenuous as his comments conveyed the impression that no real alternatives had been presented – a sentiment he reiterated in the House of Assembly on Friday.

In his contribution to the motion moved by Opposition Leader, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, to repeal VAT, the Finance Minister explained that the alternatives proposed were not what the UK wanted.

He stated that the UK did not approve of the Government’s alternatives, rather it is dictating what the alternatives should be; a choice between VAT, income tax and property tax.

He said: “We are not prepared to accept any of these.”

The Finance Minister pointed out that rather that raising taxes for the people of the TCI, the alternatives proposed look at expanding and increasing the accommodation tax base, the introduction of land levies, a two dollar increase for at the cruise ports, enforcement in the customs department and compliance in other areas such as business licensing.

In total, Misick maintained that modelling of these revenue alternatives indicated an estimated $16.3m increase in revenues, far exceeding the $10m revenue target the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) pegged VAT to bring in – a figure the CFO has not yet explained as to how it will be raised.

Finance Minister Washington Misick

Governor Ric Todd

According to him, the Government’s proposed alternatives are a creative means of raising revenue, without burdening the local people.

“We are not sitting down on our hands,” he posited.

With the refusal of the proposed alternatives, Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, in his last letter to Minister for the Overseas Territories in

the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Mark Simmonds, recommended limited expenditure, while putting out alternative revenue measures, as an alternate to VAT. Commenting on the move by the Government, Governor Ric Todd acknowledged that he is aware that the Premier proposed alternatives and stated his opposition to VAT to Minister Simmonds.

February 9 - 15, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

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Appropriation Committee’s findings damning, Cartwright-Robinson

BY VANESSA NARINE THE REPORT on Value Added Tax (VAT) from the Appropriations Committee was presented to the House last Friday.

It came following their meeting with staff from the VAT Unit, the Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Opposition Leader, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, made it clear that the findings outlined in the report are damning.

Also chair of the Appropriations Committee, she said: “Mr. Speaker perhaps more telling of the rushed and poorly planned implementation of VAT is contained in the report of the Appropriations Committee.

“Mr. Speaker I truly believe that this approach will truly harm the economy of these Islands and the risks not quantified appears great.”

The report concluded that the committee is convinced that the Ministry of Finance did not explore all the options that could be designed for the Turks and Caicos.

It added that the committee further believes that the approach for implementation of VAT for April 1 is unrealistic and increases the probability of its failure on implementation which will result in the Government’s loss of revenue and an interruption in its cash flow.

FINDINGS The report pointed to several key problem areas in the push to implement VAT, including in the areas of: TCIG cash flow and possible credit for businesses with duty paid goods: The CFO indicated a possible change to his original policy on dealing with duty paid goods in storage. He said that there is an ongoing discussion whereby TCIG may decide that they need to look at credit for these companies holding substantial quantities of duty paid

goods and inventory. He explained that in order to compensate these companies they were looking at issuing a duty credit which could be worked off over a period of time.

He also informed the committee that this decision was yet to be approved as he was awaiting recommendation from the Collector of Customs. He also was unable to say the level of staffing needed to carry out the inventory in late March and said that perhaps Customs will assist. We believe that this matter should have been addressed with a little more urgency and its impact can affect the Government’s cash flow within the first months of the new financial year.

No evidence of modelling or economic studies: There is no supporting evidence and no indication of any study being conducted between August 2011 (CARTAC Report) and April 2012 (Green Paper) to show the proposed VAT model for the Turks and Caicos Islands. In the absence in a SWOT analysis and careful research and studies done, the committee believes that there is a very high risk of failure from the implementation stage.

Consultative process: The committee is concerned that there is no evidence of a consultation process of the Government department that is central to the Government’s structure, DEPS, Revenue Control Unit and Customs Department. The VAT coordinator informed the committee that there was representation from these departments on a VAT steering committee but also that there were no minutes kept. In the absence of minutes and the sole production of action points leaves no record of those department’s experts input in this exercise. The committee believes that these bodies could have assisted greatly in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the existing system.

Transparency in budgets: The committee is extremely concerned

SIPT expected to vacate the Hilly Ewing building next week GOVERNOR Ric Todd, at Cabinet on Wednesday, assured the Government that the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) will be vacating the Hilly Ewing building soon.

The space occupied by SIPT is the official office of the Premier on Providenciales.

Last week, January 31, Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, noted that SIPT’s occupation of Government space is “hampering” the work of his Government.

According to Ewing, his focus is centralizing the work of Government, where they can

operate efficiently.

He had written to the Ministry of Government Support Services, responsible for accommodations of officials, requesting that the SIPT vacate the building by the second week of February.

At a press conference on Thursday, Minister of Government of Support Services, George Lightbourne, explained that SIPT has identified a building and are currently assessing the security arrangements before they move.

The Premier had committed to his Cabinet to have this issued corrected soon.

PDM Leader Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson

that neither the P/S Finance nor the VAT team was able to provide a budget for the implementation of VAT. The committee is even more concerned that there is no budget for the operation of VAT once implemented. What was also found was that in the 2012/2013 Budget there was not enough of a level of transparency as should be on costs associated with VAT. The committee therefore, discourages this approach by the Ministry of Finance to have not prepared the costing of a budget for the implementation or the operation of a VAT tax system.

There is no clear transparency in the budget as to what is being spent as to the implementation costs. The committee condemns this behaviour.

The committee is of the view that the Ministry of Finance ought to be leading in strong fiscal management.

To this end, the committee believes that it has identified the need for a supplementary request before the financial year ends and it bases its

findings on the figures provided by the P/S of Finance against the figures in the Budget for 2012/2013. We are concerned that this need has not been identified or mentioned by the Ministry of Finance.

Software: With the first module being put in place in March and the final module in June it leaves very little time, if any, for testing because you would have already registered persons before having a testing.

It is against their own prediction that the registration drive will not be completed until June 28, 2013, and given the resistance from many of the business sector, many who perhaps will wait it out for the last minute, there is likely to be a very heavy burden and potential loss of revenue. If they enact on April 1 and proceed to repeal legislation in accordance to Section 112 once they have repealed the legislation, those business that would have paid taxes under those laws will no longer have to do so under this section and may result in grave consequences for Government’s revenue for the country and for the unit.

Level of staffing: The committee is also concerned that the level of staffing is inadequate for several reasons: 1. The Revenue Control Unit will become the VAT Unit and as a result all of their efforts are being directed towards the implementation of VAT. This might negatively impact the final revenue outturn for 2012/2013.

2. The same staff is also required to carry out long advisory visits which the committee feels could have been better managed had they had elected to run multiple train

trainers sessions in general settings and allow the advisory visits to be clarification visits.

3. The committee believes that the public relations campaign failed. There are too many issues to be cleared up. All efforts seem to be concentrated on the island of Providenciales.

According to the report, the committee feels that the VAT team in this period leading up to April 1 having the responsibility to carry out advisory visits, to conduct public relations, to assist with taking inventories of businesses and also to collect existing taxes could possibly be overloaded.

The Finance PS stated that “the team is facing an uphill battle” in the implementation of VAT. RECOMMENDATION The committee recommended that VAT should not be introduced on April 1 until all proper inclusive consultations, studies showing and proper budgets showing the impact on government’s expenditure and revenue are completed.

Cartwright-Robinson said: “The People’s Democratic Movement takes the position that the consultation process was faulty and conclusions reached by the interim administration could not be adequately supported by feedback received from industry professionals with decades of doing business and working in the TCI. “We cannot support the implementation of VAT.” Prior to the presentation of the Appropriations Committee’s report, the House majority voted to repeal the new tax regime.

We expect democracy to be upheld, Ewing THE Value Added Tax (VAT) Repeal Bill has been referred by Governor Ric Todd to the Attorney General’s Chambers for advice.

And it has been sent on to UK Minister for the Overseas Territories in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Mark Simmonds, for consideration.

Simmonds is also looking at the Premier’s letter, sent prior to the House vote on repealing VAT, which outlined two alternatives to the new tax regime and made clear his Government’s opposition to VAT. According to Governor Ric Todd he is expected to respond soon.

Commenting on the status of the repeal bill, Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, at a press conference on Thursday, said his Government expects that democracy will be upheld – ideally that is.

He added that for the time being he will give Minister Simmonds the benefit of the doubt and will not preempt what his possible decisions

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing

might be.

DESTABLISATION Finance Minister, Washington Misick, also present at the press conference, said operations are moving ahead as if the will of the people is acceded to.

“I am not even considering that they will not accede to the repeal,” he said.

According to him, there will be serious “destabilisation” of the Islands if the UK goes

against the House majority’s vote, a democratically elected House that carries the mandate of the people.

Misick, in his presentation on the VAT Repeal Bill in the House on February 1, hinted also at civil disobedience if the UK refused to recognise the overwhelming opposition to VAT. He said, “We will have to stick to our guns on this one. If we lose this battle, we might as well bury the mace and other instruments of this House at Waterloo.”

Misick maintained that gone are the days when the British can come to colonies and tell them what is good for them.

According to him, the proposed alternatives are creative means of raising revenue, without burdening the local people.

Since the repeal there has been an overwhelmingly favourable response from the business community and other sectors of society. (VANESSA NARINE)

8

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

February 9 - 15, 2013

Integrity Commission completes report on political financial activities

BY VANESSA NARINE The Integrity Commission has completed its report covering the political financial activities during the November 2012 election campaign, which it made public on Thursday.

And the Commission concluded that the political parties and candidates have a good understanding of the reporting requirements under the Ordinance.

The report focuses primarily on the registration process, donations received and expenditure incurred by political parties and candidates. It also sets out the regulatory controls introduced and how these were managed and administered by the Commission.

It said: “The quality and frequency of their statutory returns have been consistent and improved with no formal breaches of the legislation in terms of the submission of reports.

“Where there have been issues concerning late or incomplete returns, these issues have been addressed by mutual cooperation and agreement. The Commission has had occasion to correspond with parties concerning the permissibility of certain individual donations and can confirm that the parties concerned are fully cooperating with the Commission in relation to the ensuing investigative process for handling such donations.”

The three parties received a combined total of $501,850.92 in campaign donations between the dates 28 August and 9 November 2012: Progressive National Party (PNP) with $252,669.01 Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) with $160,575.16 and; People Progressive Party PPP with $88,606.75.

In relation to donations, there have been no limits set in the Ordinance

on what a party can receive, but it does stipulate that they cannot receive more than $30,000 from one individual donor. In relation to donations received, treasurers must check that all donations over $150 are from a permissible source – the Ordinance sets out who are permissible donors.

Parties are required to publish themselves all donations which exceed $3,000.

They were also required to submit weekly donation reports to the Commission during the election period.

Spending by political parties and Candidates during the election period has also been regulated by the Ordinance and there is a maximum that each party or candidate can spend.

In accordance with Section 46(8) of the Ordinance, the limits were: $30,000 in relation to each electoral district contested by the party (of

CRP lawyers’ costs total $13m to date

BY VANESSA NARINE THE costs charged by Edward Wildman Palmer (EWP), the international firm undertaking TCI’s Civil Recovery Programme (CRP), to date total some $13m - but it is not yet clear if this has been paid.

This was revealed to Cabinet, at their meeting on Wednesday, and members have since requested a breakdown of the figure.

According to EWP, $16.6m had been recovered and banked for the people of the TCI, with another $2.6m due to be received; and as it relates to Crown land, an estimated 2,500 acres of land worth approximately $100m has been recovered for the Crown – a total of $119.2m.

CONTENTIONS The costs of the CRP and the Special Investigations and Prosecution Team (SIPT) operations in the Islands have been a sore issue for the past three years.

Governor’s spokesman, Neil Smith, is on record pointing out that the SIPT costs are approximately $7m annually, while CRP costs are $3m a year – with over 90 per cent being covered by the UK. Governor Ric Todd has gone on record and last year he defended the costs incurred on the CRP, saying the breakdown of the expenditures show costs that are “reasonable”– a fact disagreed with by some.

MODEST BUDGET Lawrence Harris, partner in charge with EWP, was in the TCI last January and he contended that the firm’s budget is a “modest” one.

He added that the his firm was selected through a competitive bidding process and the costs incurred cover the fees of barristers who appear in court, travel and accommodation and other expenses of team members who visit from time to time.

Harris pointed out that the firm does not have a team on-island to conduct work for the CRP; rather team members visit intermittently for court hearings or for evidence gathering.

He said: “We charge on a time basis…our firm does not receive contingency fees.”

According to him, it is against the Code of Conduct of English lawyers to receive contingency fees.

“We have no share in the winnings,” Harris said, referring the monies that the TCI Government will recover at the end of the CRP. However, when pressed for details of the budget, he refused to comment further, citing commercial confidentiality between his firm and its client, the TCI Government.

Harris only said that the overall budget for the CRP is public information.

TAXES When the issue of taxes was brought up, he noted that himself and the

other lawyer from his firm, who were admitted to the TCI Bar Association, are not bound to pay taxes.

Harris was grilled, during his last meeting with the press, over not contributing to the NIP and NHIP schemes after working in the TCI for some two years now.

The lawyer explained that he and his associate from the firm were admitted to the local Bar with a special licence to function in matters related to the CRP cases, not to practice law locally.

According to him, it has been a well-established norm in circumstances like this for no tax deductions to be made from monies payable for services offered.

“We have no offers in TCI,” Harris stressed.

He made it clear that his functions are executed through the Attorney General’s chambers and are limited to the CRP investigations and hearings.

“I do not pay insurance here…it is not illegal,” Harris said.

The lawyer argued that unlike the case where foreign lawyers are admitted to the local Bar to practice with local law firms, he and his associate are not here to practice law and work on several cases; rather they have been contracted by the Government to oversee the CRP. Harris maintained that the established procedures have been not been breached as it relates to the functioning of his firm in TCI. The CRP has been ongoing since 2009.

which there were 10); $40,000 in relation to the all-islands district (of which there were 5); and $100,000 in relation to each of the parties leaders.

To that end, it was agreed that each party would spend a total of $600,000 on their respective campaigns.

All political parties that put forward candidates at the November election must submit a campaign expenditure return within three months of the election if their campaign spending was $250,000 or less, or within six months if their spending was over $250,000, in which case an audited report is required.

According to the report, the Commission has met with party treasurers to discuss this process to ensure the requirements are understood and adhered to and once the Commission has received all expenditure returns, it will compile a separate and detailed report concerning campaign spending by political parties.

As for the Independent Candidates, they were required to submit a record of their donations and all expenditure incurred by them during the election period within 10 days after the November 9 polls.

Two independent candidates stood

for the November elections: Benneth Williams and Oswald Simons.

The report noted that the Commission has received records from both independent candidates within the timescale provided for in accordance with the Ordinance.

Director of the Integrity Commission, Eugene Otuonye QC, said: “Publication of this report and making it readily accessible to the public of TCI is an important part of the Commissions function in ensuring transparency and integrity in political financial activities.”

The report was compiled as part of the Commission’s responsibility for ensuring transparency in election campaign financing.

The Political Activities Ordinance has given the Integrity Commission the responsibility for ensuring that political parties and candidates comply with their respective legal obligations.

This was the first time that regulation of political financing was introduced in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). It is also a first for the Caribbean region.

During the November 2012 elections, parties and candidates had to comply with the regulatory framework introduced by the Political Activities Ordinance 2012.

No set budget for implementation of VAT – Committee reports HUNDREDS of thousands of dollars have already been spent on the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) in the TCI, without a set budget being put in place - a source of concern for Appropriations Committee members.

The cost of implementing VAT has been a contentious issue in the last months, but more details were explored during a meeting between the Appropriations Committee and officials involved in the implementation of the new tax regime on January 23.

The committee’s report revealed that the cost of additional staff for the VAT Unit was found to be included under the Revenue Control Unit in the current budget.

The Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary, Athenee Harvey, also told the committee that the estimated cost associated with manpower was $459,380.

However, to date, some $357,032 has already been spent and an additional $189,389 estimated to cover staff costs for the next three months.

Harvey also told the committee that travel, training, accommodation and promotional

items amounted to $65,814.04, with an additional $100,000 to be spent by the end of the current financial year.

Additionally, the TCI Government signed a $500,000 contract with Sogema on January 17 for a new software system to help implement and monitor VAT Coordinator of the VAT Unit, Dorika Talbot, added that the additional costs for undergoing monthly support has not yet been supplied or agreed.

Detailed statements of expenditures during the implementation process have not yet been made public.

Chief Financial Officer, Hugh McGarel-Groves, is his last public statement, on January 21, maintained that VAT is internationally recognised as a good tax both for government revenues and for the economy.

He said: “It is straightforward to collect, broadly based, and it improves cash flow by being paid more regularly than other forms of tax.”

The opposition to VAT has been fuelled by last Friday’s repeal of the VAT legislation signed in July 2012. (VANESSA NARINE)

February 9 - 15, 2013

FacetoFace

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

Checkmate?

THE Value Added Tax (VAT) fight has been extensively chronicled over the last months; the interim administration announcing its implementation, the widespread opposition in the local community, the entry of the Turks and Caicos Islands Business Council (TCIBC) as a major player in the fight and the repeated ‘promises’ by the United Kingdom Minister for the Overseas Territories in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Mark Simmonds, that VAT was a matter for the Government.

Friday’s repeal of the 2012 VAT Legislation by the House majority was one of the most defining moments in this fight.

The question now is, was the motion, which was moved

by Opposition Leader Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, the checkmate factor in this fight?

Chess players define checkmate as attacking the opponent’s king in such a manner that no escape or

9

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

defence is possible, thus ending the game.

That right now is the million dollar question, or rather the $10m dollar question (VAT is expected to bring in $10m).

Whatever the answer, what is clear is there is more at stake and players are treading a delicate balance.

DELICATE BALANCE The role of UK officials currently functioning here is spelled out clearly and understandably so, given the maladministration by the former government.

However, even the British people would agree that the officials here have maintained a stubborn stance on the introduction on VAT in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Granted the decision was made during the interim administration days, but with such a massive change – the country’s entire tax system – an elected government should have some input.

Governor Ric Todd in an interview with the Weekly News last Thursday said there have been no credible alternatives put forward, other than the TCIBC saying the country’s debt should be written off by the UK. Finance Minister, Washington Misick, in the House on Friday called him out on that statement, stressing that it was disingenuous.

According to him, the UK officials want an alternative that they choose; either VAT, income tax or property tax.

Misick made it clear that gone are the days when the British can come to colonies and tell them what is good for them.

He explained that his government has proposed alternatives that are creative means of raising revenue, without burdening the local people.

The UK has historically endeavoured to avoid embarrassment and international criticism,

with VANESSA NARINE

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

particularly when it came to their oversight in their Overseas Territories – this is their line.

For the Government, their line is the independence card.

Cartwright-Robinson said the resolution to repeal VAT and the fact that there was a majority vote, will be a “necessary tool” in the fight not only against the imposition of VAT, but also against the attack on democracy in the TCI. However, in fighting for the nation’s democracy, the fact that the TCI is an Overseas Territory cannot be ignored.

When Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, made his presentation on the motion to repeal VAT, he acknowledged that in moving forward with the repeal, his Government is not currently talking independence.

However, he stressed that democracy is not only defined by law, but also by justice and fairness.

“Not everything that is law is fair and just,” Ewing posited.

COMPROMISE That said, both sides on this fight have defining boundaries from within which they can advance their positions.

What is clear at this point is the need for compromise.

In 2012, the interim administration’s justification for VAT was a stable and broad based revenue system.

Given that the VAT Unit is hardly prepared to implement this new tax regime in less than two months, the alternatives being proposed by the Government can be given a chance, once proper modelling is done to justify a stable and broad based revenue system.

Both sides need to give and take, but not when it comes to fundamentals: democracy, which is ever so important among locally elected officials; and transparency and accountability, which UK officials came to rectify in 2009.

Compromise must be the order of the day and resonate with stakeholders, more so with the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with whom the real power lies.

Checkmate or not, no compromise would ultimately mean that no one wins in this fight and the chasm between elected officials would widen.

The bigger picture here is the advancement of the Turks and Caicos Islands and this is the focus that must not be lost under any circumstances by both elected and UK officials.

House to consider governance principles at next sitting

BY VANESSA NARINE THE House of Assembly will consider a statement of governance principles at its next sitting.

At last Friday’s sitting, Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, moved a motion to defer its consideration.

According to him, Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene CartwrightRobinson, still has to provide her comments on the statement before it is considered by the House.

Last December Cabinet agreed that the statement of governance principles will be presented early 2013 to the House of Assembly for consideration, as required by the constitution.

The 2011 Constitution states that all future incoming administrations must agree on their own statements of governance principles with the House of Assembly and the United Kingdom Foreign Secretary within 28 days of taking office.

That 28 days deadline has passed, but the Government’s set of governance principles are expected to be made public for the first time at the next parliamentary sitting.

In June 2012, the interim administration set out their governance principles: 1. All government action shall be taken in a manner designed to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of every person

in the Islands, as set out in the Constitution.

2. The government of the Islands should involve the participation of the people. The Government shall serve and take account of the interests of all the people in the Islands. In particular, any process of consultation shall be accessible and meaningful.

3. All ordinances, regulations, policies and actions must be fair, proportionate, and capable of being implemented impartially.

In particular, decision-making required by law shall be objective, and the granting of discretionary powers shall be limited to those that are necessary for good government.

4. The Government shall ensure that its decisions and acts and those of public officials are lawful, rational, proportionate and procedurally fair.

5. The Government shall maintain a broad and long-term perspective on the sustainable development of the Islands, and shall encourage lawful business and economic activity.

6. The Government shall take steps to protect the environment in accordance with the Constitution, and shall promote the protection thereof.

7. The Government shall ensure that the TCI public

service implements policy in accordance with the rule of law and internationally accepted standards. The Government shall respect the integrity and impartiality of the public service and the public service shall be protected from partisan interference.

8. All public appointments shall be based on merit, and all public officials shall be treated fairly.

The Government shall ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct for Persons in Public Life.

9. All government bodies shall, in order to build confidence in their operations and effectiveness, be accountable and transparent to the public and accessible to the media.

10. Government processes, institutions and information shall be directly accessible and transparent to those concerned with them as provided by law, and enough information provided to understand and monitor them.

The Government shall keep and use information in line with applicable law. Decision-makers shall provide written reasons for decisions and advise applicants of their procedural rights.

11. The Government shall act in an accountable manner, especially in relation to those

who will be affected by its decisions and actions. The Government shall cooperate with and support the work of constitutional institutions protecting good governance and other oversight, regulatory and investigatory institutions, while respecting and preserving their independence.

12. The Government shall act in good faith and a fair manner that is non-discriminatory, for the benefit of all people in the Islands irrespective of race, national or social origin, political or other opinion, colour, religion, language, creed, association with a national minority, property, sex, sexual orientation, birth or other status. Services shall be made available on an equal basis, free of preference based on family ties, political allegiance, friendship or personal gain.

13. The Government shall at all times respect the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and the impartial administration of justice.

14. The Government shall ensure compliance with international obligations applicable to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

15. The Government shall administer Crown land and other government assets in a lawful, transparent and equitable

manner.

16. The Government shall manage public finances according to established principles of value for money, affordability, propriety and regularity and in the interests of securing the sustained long term prosperity of the people of the Islands. In doing so, the Government shall also observe the principles set out in any framework document on public financial management made in accordance with the Constitution.

17. The Government shall ensure that financial decisions are made within the context of a mediumterm plan which aims to achieve and sustain an annual budget surplus. The Government shall take action to mitigate fiscal risks, and ensure that liabilities, including debts, are sustainable and fully taken into account when setting and implementing budgets.

18. The Government shall ensure that a budget is approved which secures the effective operation of Government and which is in accordance with all relevant laws and standards.

These were approved by former Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Mr. Henry Bellingham.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

TCI and its democracy – Open letter to William Hague, MP Dear Hon. Hague, On November 9, 2012, we the electorate of the Turks and Caicos Islands went to the polls nationally to democratically elect a Government and House of Assembly of our choice to govern our country's affairs.

At the time, it was our honest belief that the TCI would finally be returning to normal governance by our own local elected leaders.

Our optimism for a brighter future became more assured ensuing the success of a series of meetings Hon. Premier Dr Rufus W. Ewing, and Hon. Charles W. Misick attended in London with United Kingdom Ministers, members of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), fellow Premiers and Chief Ministers from the other British Overseas Territories within the Caribbean and North Atlantic regions, and you Hon. Secretary of State.

However, for some unforeseen and unexplained reason, the honeymoon did not last very long between the Governor's office in the TCI (Waterloo) and the newly elected TCI Government, as it relates to the renewed open partnership between the TCI and the UK. It appears that Waterloo is back to doing business as usual by continuing to operate as the interim government, attempting to usurp the authority and political will of the democratically elected TCI Government and House of Assembly, making it almost impossible for any elected Government (Progressive National Party or People's Democratic Movement) to govern and execute its political mandate on which they campaigned.

I am almost certain that this was not the intention of the TCI electorate on November 9, when we stood in long lines for hours, some of us for up to eight hours in the hot sun waiting patiently to exercise our constitutional right to vote and elect a democratic TCI Government and House of Assembly in order to relieve Waterloo of its duties as the interim government of the TCI. Upon possessing office, it is reasonable and expected that a new incoming administration within its first three to six months would have some transitional and settling-in issues with the established Westminster protocols, their respective Permanent Secretaries, the Civil Service on a whole, and Waterloo.

However, what’s not expected, is Waterloo taking such a heavy handed, autocratic and unreasonable approach with the new TCI administration’s political mandate; case in point:-

Value Added Tax (VAT) which was signed into law on July 18, 2012, and scheduled to come into force on April 1, 2013.

During the recent national election campaign, all of the local political party’s candidates ran and won nationally and within their respective constituencies, on an anti-VAT platform.

Hence, they were politically mandated on November 9, 2013, among other things, to repeal the VAT legislation in the TCI House of Assembly at their earliest convenience.

On November 19, 2012, when the UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Hon. Mark Simmonds was asked in a question tabled in the UK House of Commons by Labour MP Hon. Brian Donohue, if he (Hon. Simmonds) would reconsider the implementation of VAT in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Simmonds went on record and publicly replied that: “The introduction of Value Added Tax is a decision for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.”

Hon. Simmonds’ statement to the House of Commons gave our local elected members of the TCI House of Assembly much enthusiastic hope.

However, in January 2013, Hon. Simmons responded in writing to the Hon. Premier Dr Ewing stating among other things: “I should be clear that I believe that, at this stage, the best option for the Turks and Caicos Islands is to press ahead with the implementation of VAT.” VAT is just one example of the many heavy handed, autocratic and unreasonable decisions being made

by Waterloo in an attempt to usurp the authority of the elected TCI Government and House of Assembly.

One does not have to be a learned person in political science, or profess to possess the gift of clairvoyance in order to foresee that this alleged cogovernance of the TCI internal affairs is a recipe for disaster.

Should such acts be allowed to continue, it will have a major tsunami like negative effect on the current socioeconomic affairs of the TCI, and will further delay for many years in the future, the recovery of the TCI economy.

If the TCI is to move forward and regain its rightful place within the region, the FCO must allow the democratically elected TCI Government to govern without unnecessary interference in accordance to the autonomy granted through constitutional devolution.

Hon. Secretary of State,

SPACE IS LIMITED!

the TCI citizenry was further insulted and disrespected by your appointed Attorney General via his inflammatory press release in January 2013, threatening prosecution, ten years imprisonment and fines of up to $50,000 for anyone that publicly expresses their discontent and causes the TCI judiciary to be looked upon with disrepute.

Your appointed learned Attorney General should have been aware that the United Kingdom's House of Lords on December 10, 2012, abolished the draconian law of ‘Scandalising the Judiciary’ as a form of contempt of court under the common law of England and Wales.

Lord Pannick stated among other things: "It is no longer necessary to maintain as part of our law of contempt of court a criminal offence of insulting judges by statements or publications out of court. The judiciary has no need for such protection."

The Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution Order 2011 (TCI Constitution), Schedule 2, Part 1, Section 13, guarantees every person that reside in the TCI the right to Protection of Freedom of Expression.

It expressly states the following: Protection of freedom of expression "13 - (1) Except with his or her consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his or her freedom of expression, and for the purposes of this section the said freedom includes freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive and impart (to the public generally or to any person or class of persons) ideas and information without interference, and freedom from interference with his or her correspondence or other means of communication.

(2) Nothing in any law or done under its authority shall be held to contravene this section to the extent that it is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society (a) in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; (b) for the purpose of protecting the rights, reputations and freedoms of other persons or the private lives of persons concerned in legal proceedings, preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, maintaining the authority and independence of the courts, regulating telephony, telegraphy, posts, wireless broadcasting, television or other means of communication or regulating public exhibitions or public entertainments;…

Has democracy and the constitutional fundamental rights and

freedoms of the citizenry of the TCI sunk so low that the TCI has now reverted to the era of Apartheid South Africa in the 1970s and early 1980s under the oppressive regime of Prime Minister then later President Pieter Willem Botha?

Should that be the case, then let me be the first to enlighten your appointed learned Attorney General; the TCI is not South Africa, we are not South Africans, and this is 2013.

The days of using draconian laws to silence, threaten, and intimidate the majority into submission to the minority, those days are long gone.

We the people of the TCI refuse to remain silent any longer, and refuse to be dictated to by the minority.

Today we are empowered, highly learned in the law and have the financial means to fight to the bitter end to defend our democracy and protect our constitutional fundamental rights and freedoms.

According to you Hon. Secretary of State in a written ministerial statement on June 12, 2012, in your update to the House of Commons on progress on the restoration of good governance, and plans to hold elections in the Turks and Caicos Islands, you stated in your conclusion among other things the following: "The UK believes that democracy, whether in an independent country or in an Overseas Territory, provides a solid foundation on which to build an accountable and responsive state.

“This belief underpins our work to advance democracy worldwide.

“We will support TCI to develop its democracy in line with our responsibility for security and good governance and our positive vision for our Overseas Territories."

If what has been happening, and is now being allowed to continue to happen in the TCI since November 9, 2012 (ie. the political will of the democratically elected TCI Government and House of Assembly is being ignored and usurped, and the constitutional fundamental rights and freedoms of the TCI citizenry are now being attempted to be suppressed through fear and intimidation by your appointed Governor, Attorney General and by extension you as head of the FCO), then UK’s definition of ‘DEMOCRACY,’ is no different than that of the Republic of Cuba, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the People's Republic of China, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, hence making the United Kingdom one of the biggest and most blatant hypocrites’ of this new millennium.

As a result of the heavy handed and autocratic approach being meted out by Waterloo, one good thing has

derived from such actions; it has united us as a people and further strengthen our resolve to never give up fighting for our democracy and constitutional rights.

On Friday February 1, 2013, an historical event took place for the first time in TCI political existence, all of the democratically elected members of the TCI House of Assembly debated with sincerity and ensuring unanimously voted to repeal the Value Added Tax legislation.

The result was a super majority victory with all of the elected members on both sides of the aisle voting ‘YES’ to repeal.

This demonstration of national unity was a loud statement to the UK and the world that we the people of the TCI have spoken, we are finally maturing politically, and we are determined to reclaim and preserve our democracy.

Schedule 2, Part 4, Section 74 of the TCI Constitution, bestows upon Waterloo the powers to assent, and/or recommend amendments, or veto any bill that was ratified by the TCI House of Assembly.

However, should you Hon. Secretary of State choose not to have Waterloo assent to the express will of the people of the TCI, and have the bill vetoed, then the world will finally know that democracy in the Turks and Caicos Islands has died, and the Turks and Caicos Islands are being ruled under an autocracy regime, and the elections of November 9, 2012, were nothing more than political theatrics to quell the local and international political pressure that had reached it limits.

Hon. Secretary of State, the vast majority of the TCI citizenry, its full and part-time residence has lost all respect and confidence in your current appointed Governor of the territory, and the current Attorney General as chief legal advisor to Waterloo, and the local elected TCI Government.

Therefore, we Turks and Caicos Islanders are humbly and respectfully requesting that you urgently address the situation in the TCI before it escalates any further.

The people of the TCI have reached the point where we will not tolerate much longer any further disrespect from your appointed personnel.

Please honour your promises and statements made to the TCI during Hon. Premier Dr Ewing’s most recent visit to London in mid-November 2012, and prove to the world that the United Kingdom is a pillar of democracy.

I am publishing this letter openly in order to bring this matter to the attention of the international community.

Respectfully yours, Albray Butterfield, A concerned proactive Turks and Caicos Islands corporate citizen, Providenciales

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

February 9 - 15, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 11

continued

Cannot condone racism (extract) Dear Mr. Editor, I read with somewhat incredulous eyes the refusal of the Governor to disallow Royal Robinson, former minister Health who sponsored the Healthcare legislation, to the National Insurance Board.

The Governor must know something we in the public do not know otherwise it will be unprecedented in our constitutional system to allow the Governor to get this deep into ministerial business.

Royal Robinson since leaving Parliament has finally found his voice to fight what he now perceives as ‘racist’ but Michael Jackson said “remember the time”.

The PNP whilst in opposition took to the airways and in the case of Royal Robinson to attack every decision of the interim government as racist.

I must concede that the interim government became an albatross and many of their decisions needed some kind of an “attack” from saner voices in the TCI. The problem with these attacks on the perceived racism of the Governor is that it is weak, shallow, unreal and remarks that Royal and his team did not really believe in.

If they really believed in dealing with this issue they would have had a Dr Martin Luther King type moral resolve and would have called on all to stand against what they now perceive as racism in the TCI. Reason being that if the PNP felt that real racism was being meted out in this country they would have asked the public, the Opposition, the church, the expatriates, the whites, the blacks, the natives, the Americans, the Canadians, our Jamaican brothers, the Haitians, Dominicans and all persons to join them in this fight “against racism.”

A fight and reality he only seemed to perceive on leaving office.

Because if that is what they perceive as racism in the TCI then no one who lives here should be allowed to remain silent while it persists.

In fact the rocks would have to cry out but they were in office there was no cry.

But Mr Editor please allow me to go too far and tell them to stop being damned hypocrites here.

Notwithstanding I am sure they have seen real issues of this nature whilst in office but preferred to take the fifth and be silent.

Many of us do live in that world where we think that after time race relations will improve, that we build a colour blind society living out the true ideal of Dr Martin Luther King’s vision and the reality of Nelson Mandela’s presidency.

The Governor is not himself living up to the ideal that we should all strive towards improved race relations and is using his office as Governor to force certain points home.

Yet again why did the Governor

remain silent when Royal Robinson supposedly made these “racist remarks”?

Is he playing the same games that we are accusing Royal of?

This seems to be the case also.

May I clarify I do insist that the Governor should not decide who sits on boards and I do not buy his excuse that Royal Robinson was being racist in his public remarks.

That is not the problem, or the issue and as such beside the point of standing up for what’s right.

The problem and the issue for me is that Royal Robinson and the PNP have played into the Governor’s hands by being silent in the TCI when real acts of racism were being perpetrated on people and while they were in Government, they remained quiet and I may charge “almost collusive”.

Let us be under no delusion that this Governor is here to improve anything. Yet on all issues that confront us let us be real.

Yours, Patti Forbes

Dear Editor, I am disappointed with the House of Commons for voting to approve a bill legalising same-sex marriage in Britain.

Marriage is an institution that predates civilisation and is exclusive to one man and one woman who have the responsibility to procreate the human race, and to nurture, educate, and pass on shared values and mores to their offspring.

Neither church nor state invented marriage, and neither can change its nature.

The sexual union of a man and woman is called the marital act because the two become physically one in a way that is impossible between two men or two women.

Whatever a homosexual union might be or represent, it is not physically marital.

Gender is inextricably bound up with physical sexual identity; and “gender-free marriage” is a contradiction in terms, like a square circle.

This new “gender ideology” which is increasingly being imposed on society by Western governments, undermines the fundamental understanding of what it means to be a human.

In seeking to make every individual completely autonomous, it destroys the understanding of the family as a community designed for the rearing of children.

In this radical new understanding of sexuality, children lose their own rights and become mere objects of adult possession.

Sincerely, Paul Kokoski

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

Send letters to tcweeklynews@gmail.com

COMMENTARY

Critical mass FOR some time now I believed that early this year we will reach critical mass. That is what they call the condition when certain elements are joined leading to an explosion or melt down. We are fast reaching that point right now. The budget will soon be due, VAT is due to pounce and the prosecutions are scheduled with SIPT, obviously still hard at work in the Premiers office.

In addition extradition is underway and it looks like by-election(s) will happen. Brothers of the man in absentia are trying to pick a fight.

The Attorney General’s warning to certain un-named media site(s) was also welcomed. In my view it is long overdue. There is

Same sex marriage

By David Tapfer one notorious blog that uses curse words, four letter words and which insists on name calling. They make up condemnations of anyone who is trying to bring the TCI forward at the expense of the former and current

elected government. Grand Turk connections put in place 2003 -2009 leak to their blog contributors.

They copy and print releases made to the real media by the PDM to pretend their site has some modicum of mutual respect.

In his warning the AG is only able to defend the civil servants and the judiciary. This is his responsibility. He cannot defend the private citizens who must file slander actions in a civil court.

It would be helpful if he could.

The site while un-named by the AG has been named by the TV media and the Sun Newspaper who it appears attempts to defend this crude site.

No surprise. They are the folks who

THE Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) confirmed, on Wednesday, that it is to appeal the recent decision in what is known locally as the Albert Edwards case.

This move comes after a period of reflection in respect of the decision of the Court of Appeal rendered on January 24, which ruled that the Governor had acted unlawfully in dismissing Mr. Albert Edwards from his position of Chief Auditor of the TCI. As this matter is now sub judice further statements or comments could not be made.

dropped the need for contributors to use their real names.

One thing missing in the TCI are political cartoons and the comics.

We are missing the funny papers, no Popeye or Nancy and Sluggo.

However this certain un-named site and its anonymous contributors fill the bill. We look to that blog daily to see what nonsense they are promoting. Fact is no sooner had the AG's letter hit the street than their editor called the attorney general a nasty name.

Another point of order is the attorney attack on the judiciary for their reputation of slow payment of public defenders. One wonders where is the hold up? However more interesting is the comrades at arm for this cause and for free speech which they say the attorney generals letter restricts. It seems that Mark a Provo resident for years who campaigned and voted in North-Middle against Ashwood has now drawn poor Nash into his web getting him to tilt against

the judiciary for slow payments and the AG for his letter.

Now we did not find the AG's letter placed any restrictions on those expressing opinions.

It warned against unfounded slanderous attacks and gutter language against civil servants and the judges. Media who openly encourage the printing of this type of article and comments by anonymous writers are now in the gun-sights of our head law officer.

Interesting and proper is the Bar Council agrees with the AG who I believe is ready to pounce.

Another blog seeking to slander former good political leaders needs also to be in someone’s sights. This however would be pointless as the owner it seems has bankrupted himself.

Their anonymous contributors are like the other blogs operative, disenfranchised political operatives. Time will kill their claims and they have already lost momentum.

12 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Misick had ample time to return voluntarily, Governor Ric Todd

BY VANESSA NARINE EMBATTLED former Premier, Mike Misick, had ample time to return voluntarily to the TCI, according to Governor Ric Todd, contrary to Misick’s contention is his most recent letter.

Misick in his letter released to the press on Thursday, January 31, stressed that he was not given the opportunity to return voluntarily.

He said: “I nor my legal representatives have ever given any previous assurance of my return nor was I ever asked to show up at any police station at any given time to answer any questions.

“Sometime during 2011 my legal representatives received a letter from Helen Garlick saying that she would be inviting me to return for questions.

“My lawyer responded by asking for full disclosure and subjects of the questions so that I could be prepared to answer them.

“My lawyer never received full disclosure or the subject matter of the questions.”

According to the Governor in an interview with the Weekly News, the Special Investigation and Prosecutions Team (SIPT) was in contact with Misick’s lawyers and had actually expected Misick to return in the fall of 2011, which he did not.

Misick’s version is: “The next time I heard anything from SIPT or Helen Garlick was in February 2012 when they issued an Interpol Red Alert for my arrest.

“By that time, because of my belief that I could not get a fair trial and that me and my colleagues are being prosecuted for our political beliefs I had already applied for political asylum in Brazil.

“Once the Red Alert was issued, I was stuck in Brazil and could not travel home freely. There was no

Former Premier,Mike Misick

window of opportunity given to me to voluntarily show up.”

Todd maintained that Misick had ample time between 2011 and 2012 to return to the TCI. The former Premier contended that the only way that he could be released from prison is if the AG and the British Government withdraw the “prison order” and agree to his voluntary return.

The former Premier is on record, bemoaning the sentiment that he is a “political prisoner” and contended that he was “arrested illegally” at the request of the Attorney General and the British Government and documents they filed in the Brazilian Supreme Court.

The Governor explained that the extradition process is in the hands of the Brazilian authorities and there is not much that can be done, but allow the process to run its due course.

UNTRUE CLAIMS Attorney General, Huw Shepheard, commented on Misick’s claims on Thursday and said: “Michael Misick continues to assert that he is being held in Brazil illegally. That is not true.

“His provisional arrest was authorised by the Supreme Court in Brazil on the basis of a lawful request and the formal request for his extradition has now been made through the proper channels.

“I am informed that he has had the opportunity to apply for bail and was refused. That was a decision for the Brazilian court, exercising its own independent judgment and applying its own laws.

“There has been continued statements, comments and speculation about the Michael Misick case. He and others are free to make any public statements they wish, subject to the laws of contempt of court. The SIPT and I do not have the same freedom.

“Neither they nor I will use the media as a forum to explain or dispute his version of the SIPT's contacts with his solicitors, or to comment on the evidence against him.

“No prosecuting body in any properly conducted jurisdiction would do this.

“We are accountable to the court of trial and until then, we will not make any public statements that could prejudice those proceedings.”

February 9 - 15, 2013

TCIG resumes allocations of Crown Land for residential purposes THE Lands Division, within the Attorney General’s Chambers of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, has resumed the allocation of Crown Land for residential purposes.

The announced resumption is accompanied by a call by the Crown Land Unit for applications for the purchase of 104 parcels of land in Providenciales.

These parcels, which range in sizes of between 0.22 and 0.38 of an acre and are priced at between $13,050 and $18,000, are being made available for sale for residential development only. The lot sizes are consistent with the new guidelines on the size of residential allotment of crown lands.

These first allocations, under “Residential Scheme No. PLS001”, are being made available in Northwest and North Central Providenciales, adjacent and to the immediate west of the Millennium Heights Housing Development.

Allocations are being made on a First Come First Served and completed application forms MUST be accompanied by: Proof of Turks and Caicos Islander Status; Proof of age; and Proof of payment of the non-refundable Application Fee of US$100.00 The allocation of crown land was discontinued in 2008, just prior to the suspension of the TCI Constitution in August 2009, following allegations of widespread mis-appropriation of Crown Land assets. The resumption of Crown Land allocations are being made in line with new policies regarding land administration and in accordance with the new Crown Land Ordinance 2012. A TCI Belonger discount of 25 percent of the Open Market Value has also been applied.

Prospective applicants are

being asked to note, that ONLY applicants, who have never received an allocation of crown land; who are Belongers aged 21 and over are eligible to apply.

Applications close on Thursday 28thFebruary 2013 at 4:00pm.

The decision followed a Cabinet meeting on January 24, where members were briefed by the Commissioner of Lands on the Crown Land Ordinance (2012), Crown Land Policy, land distribution and related matters.

The briefing also included criteria for purchase of residential Crown land and importantly plans for the allocation of residential land in the coming months.

Governor Ric Todd, in an interview with the Weekly News, explained that the meeting was the first step towards decisions being taken on making residential lands available.

Todd said: “The discussion was an information discussion largely, not one about taking decision, but it is possible Cabinet will want to discuss Crown land in the future and it probably will because it is a very important discussion.”

According to him, the Crown Land Unit has made clear that it wants to make available residential Crown land, in accordance with legislation.

He said: “I understand it is a very important issue for people and the Crown Land Unit is working on the issue.”

Potential applicants may collect an application form from any of the offices of the Crown Land Unit in Grand Turk and Providenciales, or the Offices of the District Commissioner on North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos and Salt Cay. Forms may also be downloaded from the Crown Land Unit Website: www.tcilandinfo.tc.

Finance Minister projects ‘modest’ $2.6m surplus

BY VANESSA NARINE FINANCE Minister, Washington Misick, on Thursday projected a “modest” surplus of $2.6m at the end of the 2012-2013 financial year, which ends on March 31.

In November, he had pointed out that the recurrent budget for the Turks and Caicos Islands is unlikely to produce a surplus in 2012-2013, unless the third and fourth quarter of the economy turns out to be far more robust.

According to him, revenues for this quarter were lower than budgeted, as was public.

The Finance Minister pointed out that there were significant nonrecurring payments, which assisted in reaching the projected surplus.

These non-recurring payments were monies recovered from both

the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) and the Civil Recovery Programme (CRP).

CRP’s most recent recovery amounted to $119.2m; 16.6m had been recovered and banked for the people of the TCI, with another $2.6m due to be received.

In addition, estimates are that 2,500 acres of land worth approximately $100m was recovered for the Crown.

The Finance Minster addressed the issue of cash flow and noted that the Government does not have a problem with its cash flow.

He acknowledged that, in the third quarter, the Government had to draw down $10m from a $60m revolving fund to meet its obligations.

However, Misick said the monies have since been replenished and the Government has no problems in

meeting its obligations.

The Finance Minister maintained that what happens with the nation’s finances this year will impact the next 2013/ 2014.

He said, there has to be changes or the TCI could end up with a deficit in the next financial year.

“A lot depends on how we can restructure the economy in 2013/ 2014.

“Our aim is to end up with a surplus because that is what we have to depend on going forward… at the end of the day we still have to run this economy and the economy depends on how much money we can generate in recurrent income,” Misick said.

EARLIER PERFORMANCE For the first quarter, April to June, the total TCIG revenue for the

period stood at $49.2m versus recurrent expenditure of $35.3m, non-recurrent expenditure of $4.2m, capital contributions of $1.8m and debt servicing payments of $0.3m, resulting in a net revenue account surplus of $8.2m.

In the second quarter, July to September, recurrent revenues stood at $53.2m versus recurrent expenditure of $37.3m, resulting in a recurrent surplus of $15.9m.

This surplus was then used to fund non-recurrent expenditure of $6.6m, capital contributions of $1.8m, debt payments of $7.3m and Herzog planned repayments of $0.5m, resulting in an overall net revenue account deficit of -$0.4m for the quarter.

However, taken together, the report shows that in first six months of the 2012/13 financial year (Apr-

Sep 2012), TCIG enjoyed an overall revenue surplus of $5.72m, which was $0.9m above the budget and an improvement of $10.0m on the same period last year.

By the end of the third quarter, government revenue rose to $118.5m for the nine month period, up $2.3m (two per cent) against budget forecasts, an increase of $33.0m (39 per cent) on the same period last year (2010/11).

Despite this increase, TCIG recorded a deficit of $19.9m for this period. Although this is $7.4m higher than budgeted last spring, it is still $33.5m lower less than for the same period last year.

Cabinet is expected to address the revenue challenges that remain for the next financial year, 20132014, where expenditure is currently forecast to exceed income.

February 9 - 15, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 13

UK role model disgraced – Norfolk County Council leader to receive ethics training A UK council head who pushed for democracy training in the TCI has resigned following an external investigation into his behaviour.

Derrick Murphy, leader of Norfolk County Council, asked his assistant to lie on his behalf and has now been ordered to receive ethics coaching.

Murphy met with Premier Rufus Ewing in December to arrange for a training exchange programme between the two countries.

Following their meeting the two leaders agreed to work towards the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which would formalise the arrangement and broaden future cooperation.

However this week Murphy quit his role after the County Hall standards committee found he brought his office into disrepute.

According to the Eastern Daily Press the committee heard how relations between Murphy and the council’s chief executive had broken down.

The hearing revealed that chief

executive David White secretly recorded an interview with Murphy last April over the sending of an email.

That email was sent from political assistant Kevin Vaughan to the Conservative group at County Hall, to BBC Radio Norfolk, in April last year.

It was sent two days before Nick Daubney, leader of West Norfolk Council, was due to appear on television to discuss a controversial new incinerator.

It suggested it might be “pertinent information” for the broadcaster to know that the borough council leader was facing “a serious leadership challenge”.

When the email came to light it sparked an independent investigation at County Hall, which concluded in the summer that Vaughan had acted on the wishes of leader Murphy.

Following the independent report, seven people complained about Murphy’s behaviour and the county council asked Jenni Richards, QC, an expert in local government, to investigate.

She concluded Murphy should face a standards hearing, with her investigation finding he had asked Vaughan to lie about who asked him to send the email.

In addition during conversations with the council’s chief executive about the issue, Murphy gave answers that were “misleading, evasive and lacked candour”.

That, she said, meant he did not treat Vaughan with respect, amounting to a breach of the councillor code of conduct and bringing his office and the council into disrepute.

During Friday’s standards committee meeting it was agreed that Murphy would have to undergo ethics training, the committee will be writing a letter to Murphy about his behaviour and a report of the breach will also be presented to the council.

Last December Premier Rufus Ewing met with the leader of Norfolk County Council to discuss the partnership arrangement between TCI and the UK. This followed his trip to Norfolk

GREETING: Last December Premier Rufus Ewing met with Derrick Murphy, leader of Norfolk County Council

in July where he met with members of the council in the UK. A number of other TCIG official also visited Norfolk County Council between June and October to share knowledge, experience, good governance and policy-making best practice.

This week Premier Rufus Ewing revealed that no “formal arrangement or relationship” with the Norfolk County Council has yet been made.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) signed a partnership agreement with Hertfordshire County Council in November 2011. (RB)

UK lawmakers approve same-sex marriage in first vote London (CNN) -- UK lawmakers took a big step Tuesday toward legalising same-sex marriage, an issue that has prompted widespread rebellion within Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservative Party.

In a 400-175 vote, MPs approved the second reading of a bill legalising such marriage, indicating a significant majority of members support the measure. However, it must go through several more stages before it can become law.

The bill faces another vote in the House of Commons and a vote in the House of Lords.

Before Tuesday's vote, three top party members appealed to Conservative MPs to get behind the controversial legislation in a letter published in the Telegraph newspaper.

The letter, signed by Chancellor George Osborne, Foreign Secretary William Hague and Home Secretary Theresa May, said that passing the bill is "the right thing to do at the right time."

The institution of marriage has evolved over time, the letter said, while "attitudes towards gay people have changed."

In a direct appeal to fellow party members, the trio added: "We believe that opening it up to samesex couples will strengthen, not weaken, the institution.

“As David Cameron has said, we should support gay marriage not in spite of being Conservatives, but

because we are Conservatives."

Their attitude was echoed by Kate Green, a Labour MP, during debate. Tuesday's reading was the first opportunity for lawmakers in the House of Commons to debate the bill in detail.

"By recognising and extending the definition of marriage to reflect today's greater openness towards, and recognition of, same-sex relationships, the legislation does not weaken the institution of marriage.

“On the contrary, it takes it forward, it strengthens it. It helps to perpetuate it," she said.

The legislation passed the House of Commons with the support of lawmakers from Labour and the Liberal Democrats. The latter are in a coalition government with the Conservatives.

As drafted, the bill would enable religious organisations to choose to conduct same-sex marriages if they wish and includes provisions intended to make sure no religious organisation or person is forced to do so.

The Church of England is among the religious bodies opposed to the legislation.

The bill would also allow samesex couples to convert a civil partnership to a marriage and enable married transsexual people to gain legal recognition in their acquired gender without having to end their marriages.

A law recognising civil partnerships in England and Wales

was passed in 2004.

Tony and Barrie Drewitt-Barlow, who are already same-sex civil partners and have five children together, told CNN that it was important to them to be able to marry in front of their fellow churchgoers.

"We want to be able to go into our local parish church, where we are practicing Christians, and under the eyes of the Lord, get married," said Barrie Drewitt-Barlow.

"I don't want to go in front of a vicar or priest who doesn't want to do it; it's supposed to be the happiest day of my life.

“I want to be really happy and joyous when I get married to the man that I've been together with for 25 years."

His partner, Tony, said it was a question of equality.

"Marriage is all about the union of two people that love each other and want to bind that love in a relationship that lasts forever.

“And for me, it's about having that right for everybody, gay, straight or bisexual," he said.

"Whatever you are, if you love that person, then you should have the rights to be joined in matrimony with them."

DETERMINED Cameron has said he is determined to push through legislation allowing same-sex marriage "not only as someone who believes in equality but as someone who believes passionately in marriage."

But his commitment to that aim has set him at odds with many in his own party.

A number of local party members wrote to the prime minister Sunday, urging him to reconsider.

"We feel very strongly that the decision to bring this Bill before Parliament has been made without adequate debate or consultation with either the membership of the Conservative Party or with the country at large," said the letter, published on the Conservative Grassroots website.

"Long-held religious and personal freedoms and the right to free speech will be adversely affected by the passing of this bill."

The Church of England also outlined its objections to the bill in a briefing note sent to lawmakers Friday.

It cannot support the legislation "because of its concern for the uncertain and unforeseen consequences for wider society and the common good when marriage is redefined in gender-neutral terms," it said.

It also argues that civil partnerships "already confer the same rights as marriage" and that allowing samesex couples to marry will open the door to "continued legal disputes for years to come."

The issue of same-sex marriage has also prompted wide disagreement elsewhere.

Lawmakers in France's lower house of parliament, the National

Assembly, on Saturday passed with a wide majority the most important article of a law to legalise same-sex marriage.

Debate will continue for the next week on thousands of proposed amendments to the law, which would also open adoption to same-sex couples.

The vote by French lawmakers followed big public protests against the bill, which has proved highly divisive in the majority Catholic country.

In the United States, where President Barack Obama has voiced his personal support for same-sex marriage, it has been legalized in nine states and the District of Columbia.

At the same time, 30 states have passed constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage, according to the Pew Research Center.

Polls show the U.S. public has gradually become more accepting of same-sex marriage, with more Americans in favor in 2013 than opposed, according to Pew. Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Spain, South Africa and Norway are among nearly a dozen countries that allow same-sex marriages.

According to a report released in May 2011 by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, same-sex relations are still criminalized in 76 countries, and in five of those countries, the death penalty can be applied.

14 NEWS

February 9 - 15, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Insights for your Innerspring

How to Think BIG Part One

CAN I be so presumptuous as to tell you to think BIG or to even show someone how to think BIG? Really, I don’t have to do anything to cause someone to think big nor do I have the power to just switch this on for you. The mind itself, left to its powers of imagination; naturally tends to escape the confines of the physical body in which it finds itself, to travel to places far and beyond its physical address.

The mind possesses that uncanny ability not to be boxed in. Like water, thought is fluid and moves when and where it wants.

Have you ever recalled being asked to think of one single thing, and nothing else; for 60 seconds?

More often than not you will find your mind drifting to some past event, reliving some memorable emotion or even travelling years into the future – all in that short span of 60 seconds.

Try it.

So, I can’t tell someone how to think BIG; they already have the hardware to do it. The mind is a traveler and beckons the body to join it on its journeys.

However, despite such powerful

hardware, many are resigned to just imagine and not act; as their capacity for action has been tethered somehow and they restrict themselves for fear of ridicule, failure or experiencing some unpleasant result.

As a baby elephant is staked to the ground and shackled with heavy manacles, its brain recalls that it cannot move beyond where it is located; and so it stays put. That elephant grows up and becomes a powerful pachyderm but now the handlers can restrict its movement by limiting it to a much smaller stake and often times a much weaker chain. The elephant, feeling the tug of the weak restraint, stops because in its mind it cannot get away and resigns itself to stay only in the space where the rope or chain allows it to go.

The aim of this article, and indeed this column; is to remove that impression of restriction from the minds of those finding themselves in that state.

Dr. David Schwartz delves deeper into his book ‘The Magic of Thinking BIG’ by tackling the question of how … How to Think BIG! As I think about the elephant I recognize a connection between one of the first powerful concepts

this week

Friday, February to Saturday, February 16

By Whitney Bain in chapter four.

Dr. Schwartz points to the advice from age-old philosophers: ‘know thyself’. He mentions that “most people interpret this saying to mean know only thy negative self.” He further states that “most self-evaluations consist of long lists of one’s faults, shortcomings and inadequacies” and “if we know only our negative characteristics, we’re in a mess and our value is small.” When presented with an open door of freedom, that elephant considers the door, looks at the stake and chain and says within himself, I am too small, I am too weak; and so the door of freedom closes time and time again. How many opportunities have you missed because you saw yourself as too small, not smart enough, not possessing the right connections? Dr. Schwartz mentions that “where success is concerned … people are measured by the size of their thinking”.

As support to this first crucial point of knowing thyself, Dr. Schwartz puts forth several key actions which help to reverse this negative self-perception; maintain positive mental images in one’s mind; embrace a BIG thinker’s vocabulary; and see possibilities and not just realities.

Friday, February 8

Thursday, February 14 Danny Buoy’s is Provo’s premier live music and sports destination, serving lunch and dinner daily from 11:30am. It is the perfect place to escape from the heat and hang with friends, all in smoke free airconditioned comfort. Happy Hour specials from 4-7pm MondaySaturday Get into the weekend mood with the intense and electrifying Tae-Bo class at Graceway Sports Centre from 6pm to 7pm. Free for fitness members, $12 for non-members.

Visit www.gracewaysports.com for more information or call 4426349.

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

Saturday, February 9

autism awareness Spectrum of hope – By Nicole Cox

Autie, Aspie and In-between (Part Two) THIS week my focus is on stressing a message that is more succinct.

Last week we began to explore the fact that the spectrum of Autism will, by default, make it more common than we would think. Also, I compared Autism and the various “types” it presents in, to the various types of cancer a person may have; meaning that they are all cancer, just in different places and with different “strengths”.

Now, what that means to neurotypical society is this: get over it!

Persons with diagnosed Autism, undiagnosed Autism and traits of Autism are EVERYWHERE!!! It is becoming a very common thing.

I think this is mostly because people are sick and tired of taboo and insist of making a public life for their child, loved ones or themselves.

The shadows are no place for any human being. We are all meant to enjoy as high a quality

of life as possible. In order to do this, we must be more accepting of the broad variety of people who are sharing this world with us.

This demands that we must tap into our higher sense of humanity and open our minds to realizing that every person will operate on whatever level he is able, subject to cognitive/emotional/ psychological/physical ability combined with environmental exposure.

If we are to advance as a modern and educated society, we must look at every individual with their idiosyncrasies and learn to communicate with them in a language they would understand.

“The new normal” is acknowledging that there really is no such thing as “normal”. If we change our thinking to EXPECT to run into persons who are on this spectrum of “new normal”, then it can become no more shocking than running into a person who speaks a different language.

I have been privileged to make several trips to Europe, and have always been envious of the fact that the majority of persons can manage at least 2 languages… some 3 or 4 or more! This means that even if only on a basic level, they can understand my American twang and guide me in the right direction.

It is the accepted culture that you will NEED to know more than one way to communicate.

It is the same for persons with developmental delays. We have a responsibility to make basic everyday life accessible to our fellow man who may need things presented or explained in a more accessible way. This creates an inclusionary society which is mutually beneficial to all.

So, you may be thinking, “OK, Nicole. I’m game. Now, how do I do that?” Let’s explore that next week.

For more visit: www.iloveaba. com and http://dawnprogram. blogspot.com

movement basics to fun music and mums get a light exercise while spending quality time. Mums and Tots classes begin at 10am and cost just $10. Dads are welcome!

Call Shara Bowen on 244-1103 for more details.

If you are looking for a serene and relaxed way of starting your weekend, bring your yoga mat at Graceway Sports Centre every Saturday at 9am and let David Bowen lead you into the wonderful world of yoga! Amazing fees for an amazing class! More info at 442-6348.

Mums and Tots Dance Party classes are held every Saturday at Graceway Sports Centre for mothers and their little ones.

Mothers, bring your little ones to dance, jump, twist and shake!

Children have fun learning

Happy Valentine’s Day

Saturday, February 16

13th Annual Valentine’s Day Cup Bambarra Beach, Middle Caicos - The Traditional Model Sailboat Races of the Turks & Caicos Islands Come and celebrate the day, learn about this fantastic traditional sport, try out your skills, enjoy local cooking! New sponsors and volunteers are always needed, so lend us a hand.

Email middlecaicos@ tciway.tc and visit http://www. middlecaicos.biz for more information on the Middle Caicos Sailboat Association.

Got an event you wish to advertise?

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

Your event listed here!

February 9 - 15, 2013

NEWS 15

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

One of the last survivors of the Holocaust, Rena Finder, shares her story

Senior students from several high schools in Provo present for the lecture

You cannot live without hope, holocaust survivor Rena Finder

BY VANESSA NARINE

“I WILL never forget those who murdered us, but it is no fault of the new generation in Germany… hate is taught and we are trying to encourage hope.”

That was the message that holocaust survivor, Rena Finder, left more than 200 senior students from high schools across Providenciales on Wednesday.

She said: “You cannot live without hope.”

More importantly, she urged the youths there to be “up-standers” not bystanders in the face of injustice; stressing the consequences of indifference.

Rena was at Brayton Hall for a two-day lecture; one for students on Wednesday and another for members of the wider public and Governor Ric Todd on Thursday, where she shared her story of strength, courage, and determination.

Rena Finder was born in Krakow, Poland, in 1929 and grew up in a middle class neighborhood.

“My life was beautiful,” she said, smiling in recollection.

Only 10-years-old when her home was first invaded, Rena and her mother survived the Holocaust with the help of Oskar Schindler, whose efforts to save more than 1,200 Jewish workers is portrayed in the award-winning film ‘Schindler's List.’

Rena’s talked about the German invasion of Poland in September 1939 and the pain and grief it brought with it; with Jews not being allowed to go to school, have businesses, walk on the sidewalks or even use public transportation.

INDIFFERENCE Before long Jews were forced to move into the ghetto, which was isolated from the rest of Krakow.

Rena said: “One day the trucks came and children were taken away from their parents and the children were screaming and the parents were screaming and people were being shot in the stret.

“I looked around and across the street people were walking around…I could not understand it. No one heard us, no one saw. No one care.”

According to her, the feeling of betrayal and abandonment by her own people, just because she was a Jew, still rings raw in her mind.

In the ghetto, the Gestapo (police) first took Rena’s grandparents away.

Weeks later they came back and took her father on the basis that he was part of the resistance.

“I never saw them again,” she said soberly.

Rena noted that as long as her father was with her, she felt like her family would be okay, but with him gone she could not imagine life.

But around the corner was a glimmer of hope in the form of German industrialist, Oskar Schindler, who was part of the Nazi Party, the SS, and wore the Nazi mark.

However, as soon enough as he realised Hitler’s intentions he acted by acquiring a factory.

Rena explained that she and her mother were lucky to be put on Schindler’s list and secure employment in his enamel kitchenware and ammunition factory.

AN ANGEL According to her, Oskar Schindler

was a father figure in her life and the reason she was able to survive and have a chance to grow up, to have children, to have grandchildren and a great grand-daughter.

Schindler, an angel as Rena describes him, did everything in his power to provide his Jews with sufficient food and accommodation.

But the Nazis were ever intent on their mission and the SS made plans for the evacuation of the ghetto, ordering all the residents to move up the hill to the Plaszow work camp, located on the site of an old Jewish cemetery, and run by the sadistic commandant, Amon Goeth.

Rena said: “I stood before Amon Goeth for three years, but I do not know what he looked like. I felt that if I didn’t look at him he would not kill me because he could not see me.”

She recalled trying to take her young cousin with her, but having to turn back when she fell.

“I thought she would be safe at the Children’s orphanage where I had to take her,” Rena said.

In 1944 Schindler was forced to dismantle Emalia. The women in his factory were sent to AuschwitzBirkenau.

Rena was 13-years-old by this time.

Recalling her arrival at Auschwitz-Birkenau, she noted that after being cramped into box carts with no water and hardly any air, everyone stumbled out of the cart when it finally stopped.

She said: “I remember the stench and thinking it was snowing and trying to catch the snowflakes because we were all so thirsty, but it was not, it was ashes.”

Rena explained the horror of the

concentration camp, with women guards who were worse than their male counterparts.

She described the experience as traumatising, humiliating and most of all dehumanising.

“We were there for three and a half weeks,” Rena said, “Oskar Schindler did all he could to save us.”

Thankfully, however, in that time Schindler was able to relocate his factory to Brunnlitz, Czechoslovakia, and negotiated with the SS to send his former workers to the Brunnlitz plant.

The price, according to Rena, was a bag of diamonds.

“It is impossible to thank someone like that,” she said, “Our train that left was the only one to leave with people to live. All other Jews in other trains that left were going to die.”

FEAR Shifting her focus to fear, Rena said: “There was not a day without fear.

We lived in constant fear about just to survive the next hour.”

Fortunately, the Russians liberated Brunnlitz in May 1945.

She recalled Oskar Schindler calling all the Jews to the factory floor and telling them that the Russians had been victorious, but warning them to stay at the factory because retreating Germans may still kills Jews in their sight.

“Our security guards were Jews, but they had on German uniforms and when the Germans came they told them we were dying…they didn’t come near us,” she said.

Schindler had to escape because he was a known SS member, although he was aiding the Jews.

He ended up assisting the

Americans in identifying Germans who were involved and was considered a traitor to Germany. He eventually died in Germany.

When finally free to travel, on a comfortable train as Rena recalled, she and her mother returned to Poland to find their families.

Rena said: “They were all dead… some of the Jews who returned to the small villages were killed. We were not wanted there.

“We had beautiful children, not all blond hair and blue eyes, but beautiful….the only beauty the Nazis saw was their murder.”

Rena and her mother joined the thousands of other survivors in displaced persons camps located in Germany and Austria.

For three long years, they waited for a visa to come to the United States to be with a family friend who had settled in Peabody, Massachusetts before the war.

In the fall of 1948 Rena moved to the United States with her husband Mark, whom she had married in 1946.

There she was reunited with her friends, Sonia Weitz and Norbert and Blanca Borell, who had arrived six months earlier.

Rena’s courage in sharing her story, painful as it was recalling some of the darkest years of her life, received a standing ovation at the end of the lecture.

She stressed that surviving the Holocaust is something the Jews can be proud of and reiterated that letting go of the hate is important.

Rena Finder has been sharing her story and spreading her message of hope across the world since the 1970s.

Lifestyle...

16

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

February 9 - 15, 2013

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

Crowns, Bridges & Veneers WHEN talking with patients about crowns, caps, post-crowns, bridges and veneers I find that there can sometimes be some confusion. In

Asparagus Roll-Ups

INGREDIENTS • Asparagus Roll-Ups • These roll-ups are simply divine.

They make a unique finger food, a side dish at supper, or a lovely lunch served with soup.

• Ingredients: • 8 slices bacon • 16 thick fresh asparagus spears • ½ lemon, juiced • 16 slices multi-grain bread, crusts removed • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened • 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives • 1/4 cup butter, melted • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.

2. Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on paper towels.

Crumble bacon when cooled.

3. Cook asparagus in a skillet with a small amount of water over medium heat until crisp and tender, about 6 to 8 minutes; drain and sprinkle with lemon juice.

4. Flatten bread slices with a rolling pin.

5. Stir cream cheese, crumbled bacon, and chives together in a small bowl until evenly mixed. Spread 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each slice of bread and top with an asparagus spear.

Roll the bread tightly around the asparagus; arrange onto prepared baking sheet with seam side down.

Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

6. Bake in preheated oven until lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes.

this article I want to explain the differences between them and when that particular course of treatment might be suitable.

Veneers 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 a small amount of preparation after which the patient will wear temporary veneers while the porcelain ones are being produced by the laboratory.

This period is around 2 -3 weeks. The porcelain veneers are then fixed to the teeth with a tooth coloured bonding material to give a completely natural appearance. Veneers are generally strong although still more delicate than a full coverage crown just due to the fact that the porcelain, whilst strong, is thinner. I advise patients with veneers to avoid putting too much pressure on the edges and so to avoid chewing on bones eg. ribs or chicken wings, finger nails and the

Dr Mark Osmond ends of pens!

Crowns A more robust solution than a veneer is a crown, sometimes called a cap. 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 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; all porcelain (like a veneer but around the whole tooth) or porcelain with a strengthened core such as zirconium, procera or metal. In all these cases only the tooth-coloured porcelain is visible and, when completed, the

teeth should look indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Crowns can be made purely of gold. This is a cosmetic choice and with the current price of gold can be a rather expensive option.

A post-crown is where the tooth has been root filled and a fibre-glass post is fixed into the root canal.

A structure is built up onto this which holds the crown. A more oldfashioned method is to use a metal post or screw. However, this is found to sometimes cause stress fractures in the root and is less satisfactory than modern techniques.

Bridges A bridge is used to replace one or

more missing teeth, for example after an extraction, and, unlike a denture, 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.

If several or lots of teeth are missing more than one bridge maybe the solution. I always prefer to break down bridges into smaller units which gives greater strength and stability and if necessary use implants to replace missing teeth to reduce the span of larger bridges. Bridges are made from porcelain covering metal and again when complete should visibly be indistinguishable from your natural teeth.

the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.

Asparagus is good in minerals, especially copper and iron. In addition, it has small amounts of some other essential minerals and electrolytes such as calcium, potassium, manganese, and phosphorus. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure by

countering effects of sodium.

Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

Copper is required in the production of red blood cells. Ironis required for cellular respiration and red blood cell formation.

If you are looking for a vegetable that is well-balanced, this is the vegetable for you.

Asparagus is a nutritional leader because of all the vitamins and minerals it contains

health Tip 

Asparagus a nutritional leader Asparagus has been revered by ancient Greek and Romans as a prized delicacy. One of the oldest recorded vegetables; it is thought to have originated along the coastal regions of eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor areas.

Research shows this reverence by the ancient Greeks and Romans was not unfounded, as Asparagus has numerous health benefits.

Asparagus is a very low calorie vegetable.

In addition, the spears contain moderate levels of dietary-fiber, which helps control constipation conditions, decrease bad (LDL) cholesterol levels by binding to it in the intestines, and regulate blood sugar levels. Studies suggest that high-fiber diet help cut

down colon-rectal cancer risks by preventing toxic compounds in the food from absorption.

Its shoots have long been used in many traditional medicines to treat conditions like dropsy and irritable bowel syndrome.

Fresh asparagus spears are the good source of anti-oxidants such as lutein, zea-xanthin, carotenes, and crypto-xanthins. Together, these flavonoid compounds help remove harmful oxidant free radicals from the body protect it from possible cancer, neuro-degenerative diseases, and viral infections. They also contain a fair amounts of anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-C, vitamin-A, and vitamin-E. Regular consumption of foods rich in these vitamins helps

February 9 - 15, 2013

Lifestyle...

GARDENING 

How does your garden grow

The birth month flowers EVERYONE knows about birthstones: the special stone assigned to each month. Each of them has a meaning behind it. Every month also has birth flowers which are a lot easier to give to that special someone!

The first flowers appeared on our Planet over 130 million years ago creating beauty, color and wonderful scents. Flowers have been given as gifts since time immemorial. It is believed that birthday celebrations originated in the Roman Empire and the origins of birth month flowers could be said to date back to these times. The birthday celebrations included honoring the Roman Gods and decorating their altars with flowers. During Roman birthday celebrations family and friends offered congratulations and brought gifts. The gifts included flowers, the first traditions and origins of Birth Month Flowers.

January's birth flower is the carnation, comes in several different colors to convey different meanings, much like roses. A pink carnation means affection, while a red carnation means 'I love you.' White carnations mean pure love, striped carnations means regret that a love is not shared, and yellow means rejection or disappointment. The other January flower is the snowdrop, which used to be considered bad luck due to the fact that it would always seem to appear to grow in graveyards. Nowadays, it signifies hope and beauty.

February's birth flower is the violet, which signifies watchfulness, loyalty, and faithfulness. Give a violet to someone to let them know you'll always be there for them.

The other February flower is the primrose, which lets someone know you can't live without them.

March's birth flower is the daffodil, which means unequaled love; the sun is always shining whenever your significant other is around. The other March flower is the jonquil, which signifies desire for affection returned. It also is used to convey sympathy.

April's birth flower is the daisy which conveys innocence, loyal love, and purity. It is also a flower given between friends to keep a secret; the daisy means "I'll never tell." The other April flower is the sweet pea.

Sweet peas signify blissful pleasure, but are also used to say good-bye.

May's birth flower is the lily of the valley, which signifies sweetness, humility, and a return to happiness. If you want to show your loved one that your life is complete with them, give them a few lilies of the valley. The other May flower is the hawthorn

17

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

YOUR DIET

ASK TAMIKA

BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD

Tamika graduated from Florida International University in Miami with a Masters degree in Dietetics & Nutrition. She is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and licensed to practice medical nutrition therapy in the state of Florida.

Email Tamika via tcweeklynews@gmail.com or tamikahandfield@yahoo.com with your healthy eating questions.

Heart disease myths

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

plant, which represents hope and supreme happiness. Hawthorne signifies that you want only the best for the recipient.

June's birth flower is the rose, which has more meanings than one can count! A pink rose means perfect happiness, while a red rose means "I love you." A white rose signifies innocence and purity, while a yellow rose conveys jealousy or a decrease in love. A bouquet of roses means sincere gratitude, whereas a single rose amplifies the meaning of the.

The other June flower is honeysuckle, which is a strong symbol for the everlasting bonds of love.

July's birth flower is larkspur.

Each color variation of larkspur has a different meaning: pink means fickleness, white conveys a happy nature, and purple normally represents a first love. Generally, larkspur indicates strong bonds of love. The other July flower is the water lily, which signifies purity and majesty.

August's birth flower is gladiolus, or 'sword lily.' Gladiolus represents remembrance, calm, integrity, and infatuation. With gladiolus, the recipient's heart is being "pierced

with love." The other August flower is the poppy. A red poppy signifies pleasure, a white poppy is given for consolation, and a yellow poppy wishes wealth and success.

September's birth flower is the aster. Asters are mainly symbols of powerful love. The other September flower is the morning glory. Morning glories are simple symbols of affection.

October's birth flower is the marigold. Marigolds are often given as a sign of warm or fierce, undying love, or as a way of saying that you're content with being with the recipient.

The other October flower is cosmo, a symbol of order, peace, and serenity.

November's birth flower is the chrysanthemum. A red chrysanthemum means "I love you;" a white chrysanthemum means innocence, purity, and pure love; a yellow chrysanthemum means slighted love.

December's birth flower is the narcissus which embodies the idea that you want your beloved to stay just the way they are. The other December flower is holly, which symbolizes your wish for domestic happiness.

IT seems like we can still hear the countdown to New Years, yet we are looking at February already. To say January has flown by is an understatement! When February rolls around, we start seeing red for many reasons—still trying to regain financial stability after the holidays, Valentine’s Day, but most importantly February is celebrated as National Heart Month.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC), diseases of theheart are the number one killer of Americans. Why is this important to us? It’s important because unlike many other developing countries, we in the Turks and Caicos Islands share a very ‘Americanized’ lifestyle in terms of many of the foods we eat and our sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, the AHA also rank heart diseases as the number 1 killer of women—yes, it beats out breast cancer or any other gynecological cancers!!

Many of the risk factors that contribute to heart disease are within our control; the AHA estimates that 80 per cent of all heart disease is preventable. So, what can you do?

There are simple behavior modifications we can make to help our heart: Don’t smoke or quit smoking Drink in moderation or don’t drink at all Increase physical activity Reduce your stress levels Get yearly blood pressure checks Get standard cholesterol checks every 5 years Eat heart healthy foods The above list suggests behaviors that many of us know already, but heart disease is still the number one cause of death. This suggests a disconnect between the knowledge and the application of that knowledge. There may be a variety of reasons why persons are not applying their knowledge, one of which could be a lack of confidence or a feeling of being overwhelmed with so many health changes and recommendations.

If this is the case, here are some ideas that you may find helpful: Know that you are not alone in this struggle Choose one behavior that you would like to change and focus on how you will make those changes Become a part of a group of like-minded persons such as the Turks & Caicos Heart Foundation Educate yourself on how you can become the healthiest you— there are many helpful resources that can offer assistance to you Find fun activities that you enjoy doing which can help you be more physically active These are just a few suggestions to get you making those necessary changes. Continue reading during the month of February for more heart health related topics.

‘Like’ my page, ACCU Medical Nutrition—Nutrition in Demand, on Facebook and receive up to date nutrition information.

ACCU Medical Nutrition is based in Graceway IGA Plaza, Providenciales.

Call 946 8308, 242 3978 or 442 3978.

18 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

TCIG gains certification to transport dangerous substances THE Government has recently received certification to package and transport specimens of animal and human diseases to overseas laboratories for testing.

This International Air Transport Association (IATA) certification is necessary if the Turks and Caicos Government’s Department of Agriculture is to comply with strict international rules on the movement of dangerous and infectious samples by air.

It means that the TCI can now rapidly respond in a disease emergency situation when suspect samples need to be confirmed.

The TCI currently lacks the necessary facilities to test highly infectious or dangerous pathogens and viruses and must send samples abroad for confirmation tests.

These include samples from suspect cases of a range of dangerous infections including Rabies, Bird Flu, the H1N1 Virus (also known

as Swine Flu), Ebola, Tuberculosis (TB) and Anthrax.

The IATA training also supports and expands the TCI’s animal and human diseases surveillance and monitoring programmes that are geared towards the protection of animal and human health, by providing time-saving preparation in the shipment of suspect samples that require laboratory confirmation.

Department of Agriculture officers, Dexter Gordon and Weinland Crossman, have been trained and certified to identify, classify and package animal and human pathogens for transportation.

These include samples of infectious substances and pathogens that, when exposed to humans can cause permanent disability and life threatening or fatal illnesses; as well as dangerous liquids.

The training was sponsored

by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and implemented by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation’s (FAO) sub-regional office to assist countries of the CaribVet Network (the Caribbean animal disease surveillance network).

It is geared towards laboratory sample shipping as airlines have strict rules governing the transportation of suspect and dangerous samples especially under emergency disease circumstances.

Chief veterinary officer, Dr. Mark Butler, who initiated the training by way of the CARICOM chief veterinary officers’ annual meeting noted: “The Department of Agriculture will always seek to align itself with the best practices that exist in our profession for 2013 and beyond as part of the department’s efforts to elaborate and create a first rate animal health system for the country.”

A level science students

February 9 - 15, 2013

Digicel to launch new Blackberry Z10 smartphone across the Caribbean DIGICEL, on Thursday, announced it will be launching the new BlackBerry Z10 smartphone powered by BlackBerry 10 across the Caribbean.

The new BlackBerry Z10 is the first smartphone to launch with the re-designed, re-engineered and re-invented BlackBerry 10 platform, offering customers a powerful and unique new mobile computing experience.

The BlackBerry Z10 is the fastest and most advanced BlackBerry smartphone yet, and offers a smarter experience that continuously adapts to a customer’s needs.

Digicel Group Commercial Director, Brian Finn, said: “We are very excited to be bringing the BlackBerry Z10 smartphone to Digicel customers across the Caribbean.

“The BlackBerry 10 powered solutions on Digicel offer a great new mobile computing experience – which is great news for our style-savvy customers who use BlackBerry smartphones for their business and lifestyle needs.

“Our customers are looking for cutting-edge technologies and the latest apps wrapped up in the distinctive BlackBerry style.

“The new BlackBerry Z10 fits the bill and we’re expecting a great response when it launches.”

Carlo Chiarello, EVP, Global Smartphone Business at RIM, said: “The BlackBerry Z10 smartphone

delivers a powerful new platform for BlackBerry customers.

Combined with the network and service plans from Digicel, BlackBerry Z10 customers will be delighted with a re-invented communication experience, seamless multitasking, easy access to multiple social networks, and the peace of mind that BlackBerry security gives them.”

BlackBerry 10 gives customers a faster and smarter experience that continuously adapts to their needs.

Every feature, every gesture, and every detail is designed to keep customers moving and includes advancements such as: Peek and Flow into the BlackBerry Hub – A new mobile computing paradigm where what matters to customers is always only one swipe away Keyboard – Understands and adapts to customers, so they can type faster and more accurately BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) – Allows customers to share things with the people that matter to them in an instant BlackBerry Balance technology – Protects what is important to customers and the businesses they work for.

BlackBerry 10, according to its developers, is a re-designed, re-engineered and re-invented BlackBerry platform that creates a powerful and unique new mobile computing experience.

Seven Stars named among Caribbean’s top 10 resorts Science Department

High school receives hefty cheque

BY DAISY HANDFIELD THE BRITISH West Indies Collegiate School was the recipient of a large cheque facilitated by the Pine Cay project to assist with new science equipment.

On Tuesday, $17,500 was presented to the Science Department to purchase Pasco Data Logging Systems so that experiments could be done quicker and more efficiently.

Head of Science at the collegiate, Nicola Haynes, told the Weekly News

that the school applied for the grant in December and it was approved within weeks of submission.

“The equipment can be used from grade six through to A level students.

“Basically the system is devised to record data from experiments.

“We attach probes to measure things like PH, temperature, oxygen concentration and then the data gets stored on the device to be either transferred to a computer or can be analysed there on the device.

“You can draw graphs for the students and record and analyse their

data.”

When Haynes was asked how this would be of benefit to the students and to the school, she said: “The students will now be able to spend more time doing complicated experiments; we don’t need as much specialist equipment.

“We can now focus on application and understanding instead of spending a long time doing an experiment.”

The whole science department and the school extended a big thank you to the Pine Cay project.

SEVEN Stars resort was named among the top 10 resorts in the Caribbean in a recent poll.

The ranking comes on the heels of being named one of the top 10 resorts in the Caribbean by TripAdvisor in their 2013 Traveller’s Choice Awards earlier this month.

Seven Stars Resort was ranked 10th among all 273 Caribbean hotels that were analysed by U.S. News and World Report for the 2013 rankings.

The magazine’s rankings are based on an unbiased methodology that combines the prominence of industry accolades with reputation among travel experts and guests expressed through online reviews and ratings.

In addition to being ranked 10th in the Caribbean, Seven Stars Resort is also ranked second among the 31 hotels in Turks and Caicos.

Seven Stars resort was also recently recognised among the top 10 in the Caribbean by TripAdvisor.

With more than 75 million user-

generated reviews and opinions, TripAdvisor is the world's largest travel site offering trusted advice from real travellers for those looking to plan the perfect trip.

The 2013 Traveller’s Choice Awards recognises only the top one per cent of all hotels and resorts on the site and also named Seven Stars Resort among the Top 10 Hotels in the Caribbean.

Managing director, Ken Patterson, said: “Our goal at Seven Stars is to provide the best experience for our guests, so we are extremely proud to be recognised for our outstanding accommodations and amenities, attentive customer service, and dedicated staff.

“These recognitions continue to serve as a firm validation that we are achieving our goals to be among the most sought-after destination resorts in the Caribbean.”

Guest reviews, which represent some of the consistent feedback for the resort, also rated it high.

February 9 - 15, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 19

Community Focus

Young people at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre

We the people

BY NICOLE COX

Do we know what is happening in our community? The United States, in a relatively short period of time, has become arguably one of the most innovative and progressive nations in the world.

And only a nation this innovative would invent a month that honors a race of people that, in a more ignorant time, was considered only 3/5 human by national standard.

Black History Month conceptualized in 1926 in the United States, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced the second week of February to be "Negro History Week".

This week was chosen because it marked the birthday of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

Woodson created the holiday with the hope that it eventually be eliminated when black history became fundamental to American history.

Negro History Week was met with enthusiasm prompting the creation of Black history clubs, an increase in interest among teachers, and interest from progressive whites. Negro History Week grew in popularity throughout the following decades, with mayors across the United States endorsing it as a holiday.

In 1976, the federal government acknowledged the expansion of Black History Week to Black History Month by the leaders of the Black United Students at Kent State University in February of 1969. The first celebration of Black History Month occurred at Kent State in February of 1970. Six years later during the bicentennial, the expansion of Negro History Week to Black History Month was recognized by the U.S. government.

To honor the month of February, Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre is hosting an "Interactive Museum" on the February 28 at 3:30pm.

During the event, schools may choose up to five persons, one historical figure per student, have each student study their chosen historical figure and have them dress as their subject to make their historical figure come to life at the museum. Each student will

have three minutes to be judged on information gathered, costume creativity and overall performance impression as they interpret their chosen historical figure.

Listed in the choices of figures are such icons as Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Michael Jordan, Nelson Mandela and of course President Barak Obama.

Program Manager for the center, Johnna Messam, commenting on the event, said: “Every year the Centre does an event to pay homage to those inspirational people that paved the way for us.

“This year is my first year here and I thought this would be a cool, exciting experience. Throughout the entire month of February, we try to make all of our activities based on Black History Month. For example, we had a word scramble recently where the kids had to unscramble the names of historical black athletes, and then name their contribution. Of course they knew Gabby Douglas and Tiger Woods, but had no idea about Kareem Abdul-Jabar or Hank Aaron.

“Having a background in Drama, interactive learning always worked best for me and I just think with technology, it's becoming harder and harder to learn and retain because all you have to do is type it in Wikipedia or Google.

“Having to embody a person, there is no way you can forget why they went down in history. Another interesting thing about the list of people to choose from is there are several white people that helped make black History which is often overlooked. People like Abraham Lincoln, Mary White Ovington and Viola Liuzzo to name a few, they fought and died for Blacks to have the same rights and it is important that they are brought to the forefront and go down in "Black History" as well.”

There is no question that the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre is doing their utmost to culturally expose our youth to as many facets of their world as possible.

With efforts such as the upcoming ‘Interactive Museum’, children will be able to identify with the greatness of their past in order to inspire their own greatness for the future.

How can you help it grow?

The bar

Grace Bay Club introduces new pop-up restaurant THE BEACHFRONT bar ‘Stix’ is the latest addition to the Grace Bay Club, offering “everything on a stick”.

The six month pop-up restaurant, located directly on the Grace Bay beach, was officially opened to the public in December 2012.

And on Friday, February 1, press were given the chance to sample the food on offer.

At the restaurant guests can enjoy food and wine at the 30 foot-long table while taking in the sunset on colourful stools directly on the beach.

Situated in an informal yet sophisticated setting Stix’s menu highlights include lobster cocktail on a stick with tangy citrus aioli and chili garlic crumbs; grilled lionfish with pickled carrots and roasted coriander seeds; jerked roasted corn on the cob with Grace Bay coconut; and spicy sambal beef skewer with scallions and rum-soaked pineapples.

Guest with a sweet tooth can enjoy a Pina Colada popsicle, frozen banana rama with caramel and marshmallows, or tropical fruit Stix with Bailey’s chocolate dip.

Chief operating officer and

The bar and the 30-foot long table

principal for the Grace Bay Resorts, Nikheel Advani, said: “We have always felt that one of our greatest resources at Grace Bay Club was our access to the world-class Grace Bay beach, so we are thrilled to open Stix on Grace Bay in this unparalleled location.

“Chef Wolfgang von Wieser and our culinary team have created an innovative menu using the

freshest ingredients that will truly wow our guests, and Stix is further testament to how we are constantly redefining service in the Caribbean and providing our guests with new, exciting reasons to return to Providenciales.”

The restaurant is open from 11am to 10pm daily as a limited six-month pop-up restaurant. Stix will close in July 2013.

BlakOutCrew’s black history tribute IT IS only four weeks into the year and BlakOutCrew has already launched three tracks which pay tribute to deserving persons.

The first is a tribute to baby Dylon, which was released in the first week of 2012, after he fought for his life and succumbed to illness in January.

The group’s leader, Eustace Swann, said he felt compelled and moved as a father to release the song ‘Carry Me Lord’, as he sympathised with the pain felt by a family at the loss of a child.

Following that, BlakOutCrew

released their second track on January 26 entitled ‘Perfect’ featuring Trigga Appi and Orane as they touched on love during Valentine’s Day. This year for the first time, the group has penned and recorded a track dedicated to Black History Month.

The group went into a creative zone and delivered a thought provoking track called ‘Another Hero’.

The track which was released on February 1 on Radio Turks and Caicos has been getting rave reviews.

Director of RTC, Christopher

Jarret, said: “This track is being hailed as the unofficial anthem of the TCI by listeners.”

In this song BlakOutCrew's front man, Trigga Api, asked: “Would our heroes be proud if they saw what they died for?”

This sparked the question as to whether heroes’ fight for freedom is in vain.

The song also features legendary speeches from black hero leaders like the Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Barrack Obama and Jags McCartney.

20

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Opposition describes a ‘failed government’ ahead of Barbados election The main opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) continued its criticism of the Freundel Stuart government as it urged supporters to ensure the defeat of the ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP) in the February 21 general election.

BLP leader, Owen Arthur, addressing a public meeting in the heart of the capital on Monday night, said that the island deserves better than the “failed government” now in power since it has failed the country in five years.

“It is clear this is a broken Government. This is a failed government. They should be giving account of what they have done.

Barbadians are hurting. They want this government to say when the hurting will stop. But we will stop the hurting.

“Barbados is more than economy, it is a society,” Arthur said, noting that without a strong economy, the society cannot progress. He described the economy in its current state as “shrinking”.

“This notion that you can create a great society but don’t have a strong economy is a fallacy and a folly proven over and over again. “ In order to build a good society, the country must be able to produce goods and services more and more….

Every year the Barbados economy has been getting smaller and smaller and smaller,” Arthur told supporters.

He said that DLP government has been responsible for the increasing cost of living as well as not being able to address wage issues.

“It is unconscionable that there has been no wage settlement in this country in the public service since 2008, while at the same time, people’s prices have risen by over 30 per cent. So if your

BLP leader, Owen Arthur, said that DLP government has been responsible for the increasing cost of living as well as not being able to address wage issues.

income is frozen and prices rise by 30 per cent, you are 30 per cent worse off,” Arthur said, making references to several “promises” that would be released “in the coming days” in the party’s manifesto.

“As soon as practicable a Barbados Labour Party government has to negotiate a wage settlement with people who are in this dangerous situation… and you have to do it in such a way that you can give some tax relief to those in the middle class and give a bigger percentage to those at the bottom. We commit to doing that for you,” Arthur said.

Arthur has also indicated that a BLP government would address the collapse of the regional insurance giant, CLICO and its impact on locals.

“There are serious actions that have to ensure that a Labour Party government will make sure to bring justice to those who are suffering and justice to those who have done wrong,” Arthur said, with respect to

the collapse of the Trinidad-based insurance company and the loss of billions of dollars for policy holders across the region.

Arthur said that under the existing insurance laws, a company has to put assets in a fund so that when policies fall due they can be paid.

He said the law also states that if the money in the fund is not equivalent to its liabilities, the Minister of Finance should not get involved, but that the Supervisor of Insurance should immediately apply to the court to put the company under judicial management. He said that this was not the case with CLICO. “Many of the decisions that were made that have these people that can’t get back their money, were made when (the late prime minister) David Thompson was Minister of Finance, and I say that (because) the law states that if it is discovered, and it was discovered in 2008, that the assets set aside to give you back your money are not enough – you had to apply to the court, and that it was mandatory.

“What did David Thompson do?

He sought not to let the law take its course,” Arthur said, adding that the sooner the CLICO issue is addressed, the sooner Barbados can get back on track.

“The people who have been affected by CLICO have been affected because the system failed them, and the system must not be allowed to fail them anymore….

There is a way we can fix this problem through a combination of cash, through a combination of investment instruments and giving some element of tax relief to those who don’t get cash – companies especially,” Arthur said. (CMC)

Silence over the Bahamas’ referendum broken PRIME Minister Perry Christie has admitted that he was surprised with the outcome of the referendum which sought to legalise the numbers racket.

Up to early this week, Mr Christie remained tight-lipped over last Monday’s failed referendum, which was poorly supported at the polls and resulted in a unanimous no vote to both questions on the ballot.

In fact, the only utterance members of the public had from Mr Christie was a brief statement released by his office on the following day in which he said that the government would act in accordance with the no vote.

He said all the web shops throughout the country had to close down.

Later on Wednesday in the House of Assembly, he repeated his statement and refused questions from reporters.

Since then, and almost a week later, the numbers bosses have taken legal action to keep their businesses

PM Perry Christie said he was surprised with the outcome of the referendum.

running.

Breaking the silence, Mr Christie said he believed that the “yes” and “no” votes would have been closer.

“Yes, I probably was surprised,” Mr Christie said, “I thought it would have been a much closer election.

“But you know I was prepared for

any outcome. The matter is before the courts now and really I’m not going to speak to that issue, but we are prepared even for whatever decision is made in the courts.”

When asked if his administration dropped the ball during preparations for the referendum, Mr Christie said no.

The government has been heavily criticised for offering little to no education on what Bahamians were to expect in the event of both outcomes. Mr Christie had promised such initiatives, but those plans did not materialise.

What happens next is for the Minister of National Security Bernard Nottage and Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson to decide, Mr Christie said.

On Monday, documents were filed in the Supreme Court seeking an injunction to prevent the government from interfering with web shops.

February 9 - 15, 2013

St Kitts deputy PM resigns, cites governance, integrity issues DEPUTY Prime Minister Sam Condor on Thursday announced his resignation from the Cabinet with immediate effect, citing recent developments as his reasons for stepping aside.

“The recent developments pertaining to issues of Good Governance and Constitutional Integrity have brought me to the point where I feel constrained to tender my resignation as a Member of Cabinet, with immediate effect.

I remain committed to serve and to do the best that I can for the people of St. Christopher 3 and of the Nation in general, by the grace of God and by the will of the people” he said in a releae Condor’s resignation was submitted less than a week after Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas fired a Senior Government Minister Dr. Timothy Harris.

In a radio and television broadcast on January 25, Dr. Douglas said Harris, who is also the Chairman of the ruling St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP), had been dismissed because of his opposition to two recent government-sponsored legislation, including one to increase the number of senators in the National Assembly.

“Specifically Senior Minister Harris has refused to support the

Condor’s resignation was submitted less than a week after Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas fired a senior government minister.

Government- sponsored...Vesting of Certain Land Act. He has indicated to the Cabinet and to the entire country that he will not support the Government-sponsored Senators Increased of Number Bill.

“He has consistently refused to confirm to the Cabinet that he will support the budget when it comes before parliament for approval, and he has refused to confirm to Cabinet that he will vote against a Motion of No Confidence in the Government of which he is a Senior Minister,” Dr. Douglas said in his broadcast.

1,600 Jamaican children killed in 12 years THE chilling wail of anguish by parents who have to bury their children is getting louder as criminals seem to set their sights on the island’s defenceless youth.

Just over a month into the New Year and, already, The Gleaner has reported at least four children being murdered.

Added to the already-long list of children victims are four-yearold Rushaun Burford and 14-yearold Shariefa Saddler, who were killed in the Corporate Area in less than 24 hours last week.

The list already included easily recognisable names such as Ananda Dean, Shaneka Shakes, Shauna-Kay Ledgister, SashaKay Brown, and Teonia Henry, whose body was found with multiple stab wounds in Jarrett Lane off Mountain View Avenue in east Kingston in 2011.

Last year, 41 children (33 boys and eight girls) where killed across the island. This was a reduction from the 54 children (48 boys and six girls) killed in 2011.

That followed a 10-year period from 2000 to 2010, when more than 1,500 children were killed across the island.

“How man can so cold? To see how the criminals deal with the

little girl makes you afraid to send your child on the road,” declared one woman as she watched police process the scene on Lothian Avenue in Kingston 11, where Shariefa’s body was found last Wednesday.

“A nuh my child but me feel it. How her mother a go tek this?

We need Jesus in this country!” shouted one woman with tears streaming down her face as she looked at the lifeless body of Rushaun on Lord Elgin Street in Allman Town one day later.

That shock and disgust came from all sectors of the society last week, echoing what the country has heard every time a child has been killed.

But this time, it seems the society has reached another tipping point, with many persons and groups calling for measures to protect the children.

According to Minister of Youth Lisa Hanna, the killing of our children is sad evidence of a new level of heartlessness and senseless cruelty that seems to be taking root in the country.

“There can be no issue that can justify someone wickedly training their gun on an innocent fouryear-old or raping and killing a 14-year-old girl.

February 9 - 15, 2013

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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Dominica: Man pleads guilty to UK cop knocks Jamaica in British press kidnapping, sex with minor WEBSTER Edmond will return to court on March 1 for sentencing after he pleaded guilty to kidnapping, unlawful sexual intercourse, possession of ammunition and possession of firearm with intent to endanger life of a minor whom he held captive for 40 days nearly two years ago.

But Edmond pleaded not guilty to abduction and indecent assault in the case and Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Gene Pestaina withdrew the two charges on the grounds that they would attract no further penalties.

The court was told that on February 17, 2011, Edmond kidnapped the minor whose name cannot be published and referred to as Jane Doe with the intent to have sexual intercourse with her.

In her testimony, the minor said that she had known the defendant for about five years and on the day of the incident ,she was on her way to school when she heard someone saying “pst pst” from the bushes.

She said she later saw the accused walking towards her with what appeared to be a gun slung over his shoulder.

She said further that when she

attempted the run the defendant grabbed her hand, told her she wasn’t going anywhere, and took her into a bushy area across the main road.

The minor said that at the time she was shocked and asked the defendant where he was taking her while she continued walking in front of him as he gave directives as to where to walk.

She said she later noticed a wooden house which they entered and where he had sexual intercourse with her. She said she asked the defendant why he was doing that to her and he told her it was because of her mother and reminded her of an incident which happened long ago.

The minor said she attempted to escape during the 40 days she was held captive telling the court that the accused had sex with her daily in several different locations.

She said she was rescued by the police on March 28 and both shocked and happy when Sergeant Mathew Cuffy identified himself to her in the presence of the accused who was now in police custody.

The minor said that since the incident in 2011, she has been having nightmares and sometimes have to visit the Acute Psychiatric Unit.

British inspection team paints Cayman Islands’ lockups as chaotic, dirty and oppressive BRITAIN’S top prisons inspector called Tuesday for urgent reforms and significant investment to quickly improve conditions at the Cayman Islands’ overcrowded lockups, which he portrayed as dirty and disorganized.

Conditions were found to be so dismal that the U.K. Chief Inspector of Prisons Nick Hardwick said many of the facilities should be demolished on the wealthy British territory, a grouping of three tiny islands that boasts the world’s sixth largest financial centre and the highest standard of living in the Caribbean.

In his Tuesday report, which provides a rare window on a Caribbean jail system, Hardwick said he was shocked by the poor conditions his team found at the British dependency’s two small prisons and various police and court jail cells.

His inspection team concluded that cells at Grand Cayman’s HMP Northward prison were “decrepit, chaotic and dirty with an oppressive and intimidating atmosphere.” Use of illegal drugs was rampant in vermin-infested cells and there were few attempts at rehabilitation before releasing convicts back into society.

A small number of juvenile offenders shared accommodation with adult male convicts, he said.

“There were no systems to protect them from predatory behaviour, and it says much that those who seemed most concerned for their safety were other prisoners,” said Hardwick’s report, adding that the youngsters were also at risk of recruitment into gangs.

Hardwick’s team of inspectors said the most troubling facility was a high-risk unit where a small number of convicts were locked up in “appalling conditions for extended periods each day, and in some cases for many years.” The inspectors said they believed this unit had “no legitimacy.

Police holding cells in the islands’ capital of George Town and the Grand Cayman community of West Bay were also “barely fit for human habitation.”

Eric Bush, the Cayman Islands’ chief officer for internal and external affairs, said the government will work to improve conditions, but noted that it will be challenging in “economically austere times.”

“There are still many issues to be addressed but the important thing is that we have a defined roadmap,” said Bush, adding that the government has already requested that the British prisons inspection team revisit the island lockups next year. (Montrealgazette.com)

FORMER Assistant Commissioner of Police detective Les Green has painted a hellish picture of his eightyear tour of duty in Jamaica with a job he said was a “tremendous strain”.

In a story earlier this week in the British Mirror newspaper, Green told of a place where life is cheap, guns rule and drugs are rife. He also spoke of a level of violence that took some getting used to, even though he had a background investigating shootings in London’s Jamaican community as part of Scotland Yard’s Operation Trident team.

Green, who arrived in Jamaica in 2004, was one of three officers from the United Kingdom brought in to serve in the Jamaica Constabulary Force. What should have been a stay of several months turned into years and a promotion to Acting Commissioner of Police. While here, he set up the now disbanded Operation Kingfish. He also set up the Serious and Organised Crime Branch — which encompasses the Major Investigation Task Force and the Fraud Squad — while working with the Criminal Investigation Branch.

“I arrived in October and it was very pleasant weather, warm and sunny. Arriving at Kingston, down by the waterfront, it looks very pleasant, Jamaica is a beautiful island and there are fantastic people there, but what I found pretty quickly was while most people can go about their lives comfortably and happily, there are a cluster of places where violence is likely to break out at any moment. The main problem is drugs, and it is drugs which allow access to easy money which is then spent on weapons,” he told the UK paper.

According to him, “unlike the UK, the answer to conflict is very quickly violence and extreme violence.

There were occasions when there were several murders in one attack.

Once we had 13 different firearms used in one attack on a house,” he is reported to have said.

Green said while Jamaica shows signs of progress on the surface it is

Les Green has expressed different opinions of Jamaica to the Mirror than what he did to the Caribbean island press last year.

overshadowed by a seamy underside.

“When you start to look at the more deprived areas, you see a very different Jamaica from the postcards.

A lot of the houses look like shacks and are of wooden construction with corrugated iron roofs.They are very close together with tight alleyways which are ideal for ambushing police officers when they are looking for criminals,” he said.

He, however, conceded that on the whole, the West Indian people were very welcoming and were often concerned for his safety.

“People are very aware about how important tourism is and keep their eyes out for you. I actually had a lot of problems going to crime scenes because they thought I was a tourist and they would literally stand in front of my car trying to stop me going into these areas,” he is reported to have said.

In the Mirror article, the forensic capabilities of the force and its members also came in for harsh criticism.

“When I started as a 16-year-old cadet, the police radio was about the limit of the technology. Then I witnessed a real revolution with computers and forensic science. In Jamaica, it was like stepping back in time. When I first went there the

forensic capability was very poor and ineffective,” Green told the media entity.

“There it still takes up to two years to get DNA results, unlike in the UK where you can get them in two days.

In Jamaica, there is nothing like the sense of urgency I had in the UK where I would send someone out to take a statement and they would do it immediately. Here I could send someone out for weeks on end and eventually they would come back with a statement,” he added.

“If a pretty girl walks past they will look at the pretty girl instead of what they are doing. There is always tomorrow, always another time to do something. There’s always a drink or a pretty woman to distract them,” he said.

“It would take an age to get any official documentation because everything is paper and you physically have to go and collect the paperwork. It was frustrating, painstaking and you have to have a very methodical mind to manage that process especially dealing with 1,600 murders a year,” Green reportedly said.

Other challenges to which the cop made reference were the tropical climate and the Jamaican patois. His complexion, however, was a plus.

“It played to my advantage being white skinned because the people trusted white- skinned people much more than they would trust a black officer,” he shared.

According to Green the job which he said good-bye to in 2012 is not one he misses.

“Most people’s view is Jamaica is somewhere you go and enjoy the sun and the beach and sit around drinking rum, but it is not all like that. It was a tremendous strain over the eight years,” he said.

Green’s utterances to the Mirror are in stark contrast to his statements to the Jamaica Observer before he left the island in July last year. Then, the former Assistant Commissioner said he was won over by the island’s beauty and the warmth of its people towards him.

Carmona to be new president of T&T JUSTICE Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona will be elected the fifth President of Trinidad and Tobago on February 15.

Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar yesterday hailed Carmona as a “distinguished son of the soil”, naming him as the Government’s nominee to succeed President George Maxwell Richards.

The President is elected by the Electoral College which is comprised of the members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Carmona’s rise to the presidency is ensured with the People’s Partnership’s majority in Parliament.

Justice Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona will be T&T’s fifth president.

The Prime Minister made the announcement at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, around 6 p.m.

yesterday.

Persad-Bissessar emphasised that there was great consultation and deliberation on the country’s new President.

The Prime Minister earlier met with Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley and his team who proposed Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Judge Rolston Nelson for President.

The Prime Minister then met with Government members, including leaders of the People’s Partnership coalition and parliamentarians, who all had the opportunity to express their view on the choice for President. (Trinidad Express)

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Gifts of love from Goldsmith IF YOU’RE still stumped by what to get for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day, look no further, Goldsmith has the perfect gift for that special someone in your life.

Glamorous jewellery, sensual fragrances, dazzling watches, beautiful handbags or gorgeous gift baskets – one of these will definitely delight

your partner.

They offer a selection of exquisite brands like Michael Kors, Gucci, Lacoste, Mark Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Versace and Guess- and that’s only a

few.

In stock are many new items to suit different taste and styles. The extensive collections of fragrances, jewellery and watches at their Central Square location and the Grace Bay venues will amaze you.

New fragrances include Gucci Guilty Black and Rhianna’s latest fragrance, Nude.

Still in store is a wide selection of top brands of perfumes and best-selling fragrance, Paco Rabanne's One Million for men as well as the female counterpart, the captivating Lady Million.

Starting as low as $29, they have the lowest prices on fragrances on island.

For the most romantic holiday of the year, they are offering an additional 20 per cent off on fragrances, 10 per cent off on gift sets and are having a store-wide sale on all items.

Don’t forget they even have the latest footwear from Clarks and Timberland and excellent sunglasses.

The perfect gift for your special lady can be a pair of earrings or even that ring you've been thinking about giving her.

Valentine’s Day would be the perfect opportunity to

Goldsmith has an outstanding selection of fragrances for both men and women

Gift baskets filled with exquisite fragrances, chocolates and accessories are available in all shapes and sizes

show how much you really love her by spoiling her that ring that tells her you want her to be the only one.

You can even steal her heart with a unique piece of jewellery engraved with love.

If the large selection is overwhelming and you still can’t decide, you can always get a gift basket filled with the latest treats and hottest fragrances from Gucci, Calvin Klein and Dolce and Gabbana.

Valentine’s Day – A long history of love and legend SAINT Valentine's Day, commonly known as Valentine's Day is observed on February 14 each year and has long been known as a day of romance and appreciation for loved ones.

However, Saint Valentine and how he is tied to the origination of the holiday remains somewhat shrouded in mystery.

According to history. com, one legend states that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome.

Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families so he outlawed marriage for young men.

Valentine, realising the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.

When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius sentenced him to death.

Another legend claims that the imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first ‘valentine’ greeting after he

fell in love with a young girl, who visited him during his confinement.

Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.

Numerous early Christian martyrs were named Valentine and other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons.

Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasise his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and romantic figure.

By the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Many claim that the Christian church originally decided to place St. Valentine’s Day on February 15 in an effort to ‘Christianise’ the pagan celebration of Lupercalia - a fertility festival.

After Lupercalia was deemed ‘un-Christian’ and outlawed at the end of the fifth century, Pope Gelasius

declared February 14 St. Valentine’s Day. During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance.

Around the 17th century Valentine's Day began to gain popularly in Great Britain and by the middle of the 18th century it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes.

By the 1900s printed cards began to replace written letters and today the holiday holds on to its popularity with an estimated one billion Valentine’s Day cards sent each year, the second largest card-sending holiday of the year according to the Greeting Card Association. Christmas still holds the top spot.

As the day of love quickly approaches, it doesn’t matter what legend you believe, just remember what matters most – showing your loved ones that they are special to you.

February 9 - 15, 2013

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Spotlight on Salt Cay

Roads, sluice gates and things!

BY CANDY HERWIN

IF YOU talk to some of the people who have been on islands for years, the sentiments you hear are: “Oh we used to have pretty roads…in the old time system every road had scales from the pond.

“There were a lot of government workmen back then and shortly after Christmas when it was no weather for salt raking, the men would fix up the roads.”

In 2013, the roads have degraded to such a state that you chance slipping and bruising up your knees.

I can remember many years ago before electricity, when Roderick Robinson worked the ‘Tom Tucker’ ponds up by where the airport is.

They were his ponds and he had two mules, one big black one by the name of Louie and another called Joyce.

When the ponds were near dry, the men would scrape and shovel the scales off the bottom of the pond into the mule and cart, then off load the scales by the side of the road.

It looked mud like. The workmen would then beat and mash it right down and fill in all the holes.

You could walk from the Barren Ground straight South, even by

Before 1950s Salt Cay had bright, white sparkling roads made from scales from the salinas

The state of the roads today on Salt Cay

moonlight, the roads were so good.

Roddy’s son George who was called ‘Bow’ use to raise the doors of the sluice gates up to eastwards by the Bay. This would control the water levels. When the pond was dry you could get scales, it was all a question of how much water in the ponds!

When there was no rain you had to open the gate and let the water run down into the salinas.

This was a full time job, day and night you had to work with the tides and control water flow for the scale,

um up and sometimes use mahooter grease from the bay but we don’t talk about that!

You see the ‘pickle’ in the ponds use to be so hot that the men would go cool down at the mouth of the canal.

Soon as school’s out, the boys would jump and play and swim in the canals.

You always had government men to keep open and shut the sluice gates and keep the canals clean, it was a way of life, important too when hurricane comes round.

Then we had what we called the new road which went round the back

pickle and salt.

You had to know the seasons and the weather. The men knew that, men like Trav Basset, Albert Smith and Joseph Been.

I remember the men and boys fishin’ at the mouth of the canal. They would sit on the wall with their lines and catch shedbars, silver mullet, salmon bonefish, snook, runners and google eyes.

You could hear them singing… .’google eye and fresh bread, Rejoice and be glad’.

Lovely fish, catch um and fry

of the salinas.

It was easy to go round and catch whelks off the rocks. We women had to tout water every day from Harriots Tank.

We had to balance canisters of water on our head all the way North, every day and sometimes morning and night.

That’s why good roads were important. In that time we would keep fixin’ the roads, we use to keep the roads up.

Now we have no roads and no workmen to do nothing!

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

February 9 - 15, 2013

Chocolate Lovers Showcase raises record funds THE THIRD annual Chocolate Lovers Showcase fundraiser brought out more than 200 persons and raised about $19, 000 for the Turks and Caicos Salvation Army’s children feeding programme.

Salvation Army members said that the event hosted at the Regent Palms on February 3 surpassed previous years and all of the funds earned will go towards a charitable cause.

Guests enjoyed sampling scrumptious chocolaty delights from nine of the island’s finest restaurants in the beautiful courtyard where live music added to the charming atmosphere.

Participants included chefs from the Gansevoort, Fresh bakery, Parallel 23, Amanyara, Parrot Cay, Grace Bay Club, Beach House, Seven Stars and Somewhere Café.

All served up some of the most delectable chocolate creations, indulging attendees in a variety of different types of chocolates creatively crafted into sweet and savoury treats - some looking too good to eat.

The delicious chocolate creations and even chocolate inspired beverages made the competition a remarkably close call.

Parrot Cay captured the approval of most attendees and judges, making

The delicious chocolate creations made the competition a remarkably close call

them the winner of the number one sweet and earning them the people’s choice award.

They will also be featured in the next edition of the Turks and Caicos Magazine.

Parallel 23 captured the title of best savoury desert while Amanyara received an honourable mention.

In addition to funds raised from tickets sales, a live auction saw generous bidders participate to win fabulous prizes including weekend stays at luxurious hotels right here on island, spa treatments and dinners - all donated by the local corporate community.

Proceeds from the event will

Attendees enjoy sampling scrumptious chocolaty delights from nine of the island’s finest restaurants

benefit the Salvation Army’s school hot lunch programme, providing nutritious lunches for children in need at the Clement Howell High School.

Salvation Army member Wendy Hill said that over the past three years the organisation provided 25 students from Clement Howell

High School with hot lunches but wants to assist more needy students.

Members of organisation extended a big thank you to all who contributed and attended, expressing how very pleased they were with the great event and turnout in support of the worthy cause.

February 9 - 15, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Valentine’s Day gift ideas WITH Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you may still be wondering how to make your sweetheart feel as special as he or she is.

Men, you can go ahead and do the traditional roses and heart-shaped box full of chocolates or even perfume or fancy jewellery. They are all sure fire ways to show you love her and many options are available on island.

Chocolate, another traditional V-Day gift also serves as an aphrodisiac.

Delectable chocolate delights from Ferrero Rocher, Lindor and Ghirardelli can be found at Graceway IGA and many other stores will also have a variety to choose from.

Buying her a glamorous watch or some bling will sure melt their heart. Goldsmith, Jai’s and Royal Jewels all have an extensive selection of watches, jewellery, perfumes and other fashion accessories.

Fragrances are timeless to both men and women.

Although you might think it’s a little bit tricky, there are many options in different price ranges that your partner will enjoy.

While men can never have too many gadgets, women have come to love them too.

The options are endless when it comes technology.

A new smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy S3, or a smart tablet like the Apple Ipad or a new gopro camera will definitely make your partner feel like the apple of your eye.

Other accessories that he or she may have been wanting for their devices will also be gleefully accepted.

A romantic candlelight dinner can do the trick as well.

Dining out can be the ideal way for couples to enjoy some time all alone.

Restaurants will be serving up some extra special cuisine to delight your taste buds so don’t forget to make your reservations because that is easily one of the biggest dining out nights of the year.

Here on Provo we’re lucky to have some of the most dreamy candlelit beachfront settings to indulge in.

Mango Reef Restaurant at The Alexandra Resort, Stix at the Grace Bay Club, Bay Bistro at Sibonne Beach Hotel and Hemingways at The Sands offer a remarkably enchanting experience.

If you want to keep the day interesting and surprising for your significant other here are some other ideas you might

want to consider.

Skip the restaurant scene and create an indoor picnic for your Valentine’s Day dinner.

Lay out a blanket, bring out the fancy accessories and don’t forget the bubbly. How about throwing in a romantic movie and cuddling all through?

You two can get steamy with a Valentine’s Day yoga class or a couple’s massage offered at several top spas right here on Provo. The increased blood flow will boost your endorphins and create some additional happiness. Try the Spa at the Regent Palms for an unbelievably luxurious experience.

At no cost you can create a heartfelt gift with a permanent sharpie and some shells or stones collected from the beach. On the stone or shell, use the sharpie to write the reasons you love your partner or even a simple I Love You message or your names.

Recognising the interests of a loved one is a clear sign that you're in tune with what he or she enjoys doing. If you have an avid reader on your hands, a new e-reader or some e-books may be ideal. Fitness fanatics may enjoy membership to gym or yoga classes or their favourite sport. Someone who dabbles in culinary creations may delight over a gift basket full of top-of-the-line cooking utensils or new recipe books.

For those in love, every moment is special, but here’s an occasion to pamper your sweethearts and shower them with gifts if you can.

Just remember though, it’s not all about what presents you give, just put some thought and effort into making the day special to show your significant other just how much they are loved and appreciated. (KH)

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A beautiful display of chocolates, stuffed animals and floral arrangements for your Valentine

Flower Girl has a wide selection of cards, flowers, chocolates and more

Say it with Flowers from Flower Girl GIVING flowers, especially roses, on Valentine’s Day is an age old tradition that has become increasingly popular with time and is seen by most as a quintessential gift - alone or in addition to something else.

Flower Girl on Leeward Highway has a wide selection of beautiful floral arrangements at the best prices in town.

The rose is the traditional Valentine's Day flower, as it signifies romantic love, but there are many other flowers that people send to communicate the different types of love they feel for those important people in their lives.

The history of giving flowers on that day comes from the old-

fashioned custom of sending floral bouquets to pass on non-verbal messages.

Today, people continue to send flowers on special occasions or to express sentiments of love and admiration. They are a sure way to brighten anyone’s day.

Flower Girl also has bouquets for sale at Miss Moonies and offers delivery to that special someone in your life.

At the store you will find the cutest teddy bears, delectable Dove and Russell Stovers chocolates, a selection of wines, alluring lingerie set out in crystal trays and musical cards.

Gift baskets are also available from as low as $50.

February 9 - 15, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

27

Residents and tourists enjoy local fish fry

By Daisy Handfield A LARGE crowd gathered in celebration to enjoy an island fish fry on Providenciales.

There were over a dozen local restaurants, native fun and games, handmade arts and crafts and local entertainment and music for everyone to enjoy.

The celebration took place on Thursday, January 31, on the Lower Bight at the Kids Park between 5.30pm and 9.30pm.

The event was hosted by LIME in Collaboration with the TCI Tourist Board.

Native residents got the opportunity to display and promote their delicacies.

There were a lot of well-known local dishes such as crab salad, conch salad and conch fritters just to name a few.

Co-owner of Middle Caicos Cafe, Kirkley Simmons, told the Weekly News that he saw great potential from this event.

“I feel like there are better things to come. This is the first time and we already had a good turn out and I think next week is going to be bigger and better.”

Officials’ main objective is to give residents and even the tourists who come to visit the islands, something

A look at island delicacies

to do.

General manager for Miss Moonies, Melicia Fredericks, said: “I just think this is a great idea and we are happy to be here.”

Premier of the TCI Dr. Rufus Ewing attended the event and seemed to have a great time.

General manager for LIME Drexwell Seymour said, “I’m excited for the restaurants especially to be able to promote their products.

I’m just looking for everyone’s continuous support.”

LIME to launch new blackberry Z10 smartphone in the Caribbean LIME announced, on Thursday, it will be launching the new BlackBerry Z10smartphone powered by BlackBerry 10 across the region later this year.

Grace Silvera, LIME’s regional vice president, marketing and corporate communications, said: “As one of the first companies to offer BlackBerry service in the Caribbean we are very excited to introduce another revolution from RIM to LIME customers.

“The BlackBerry 10 platform is a highly anticipated mobile experience which demonstrates RIM’s attention and response to consumer demand.

“This is one of the most exciting offers smartphone users worldwide will get this year, and social media everywhere, including across the region, is already buzzing with expectations.”

Carlo Chiarello, EVP, Global Smartphone Business at RIM, said: “The BlackBerry Z10 smartphone delivers a powerful new platform for BlackBerry customers.

“Combined with the network and service plans from Digicel, BlackBerry Z10 customers will be delighted with a re-invented communication experience,

seamless multitasking, easy access to multiple social networks, and the peace of mind that BlackBerry security gives them.”

BlackBerry 10 gives customers a faster and smarter experience that continuously adapts to their needs.

Every feature, every gesture, and every detail is designed to keep customers moving and includes advancements such as: Peek and Flow into the BlackBerry Hub – A new mobile computing paradigm where what matters to customers is always only one swipe away Keyboard – Understands and adapts to customers, so they can type faster and more accurately BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger) – Allows customers to share things with the people that matter to them in an instant BlackBerry® Balance™ technology – Protects what is important to customers and the businesses they work for.

The new BlackBerry Z10 is the first BlackBerry smartphone to launch with the re-designed, re-engineered and re-invented BlackBerry 10 platform, offering customers a powerful and unique new mobile computing experience.

Members of We Funk

Director of Culture, David Bowen expressed how impressed he was with the turn out, seeing that it was a new event.

“I am happy; it’s been a rough start in getting everything in place.

“It was an excellent turn out, and I’m looking forward to every Thursday, this being the place to be.”

Bowen also said that this would be a great opportunity for local talents to show off their skills every Thursday.

Anyone in a dance group, choir or any form of entertainment who may be interested in performing can get in contact with David Bowen or officials from LIME so that they can be added on to the list for upcoming Thursdays.

The event ended with a Junkanoo

People enjoying the local dishes

Rush by the We Funk group and the crowd gathered to watch and cheer them on.

The event is scheduled to take place every Thursday night between the hours of 5.30pm and 9.30pm.

TCI top models attend training programme THE POTENTIAL contestants and models for the 2013 TCI Top Model and Fashion Extravaganza competition attended several workshops over the weekend.

They experienced hands on knowledge as to what it is like to be in the fashion industry.

According to the event officials, a new model looking to break in must possess certain attributes.

Being blessed with gorgeous looks, a flawless physique, and the ability to strike a commanding pose or strut down the catwalk is not enough.

Managing director of BNC Consulting group, Bridgette Thomas, gave the models advice on how to “network their way into an interview” and build powerful relationships that ultimately lead to employment.

“Networking is an effective tool when it comes to moving your career forward. Building a strong circle of influence entails knowing the right people at the right time,” said Thomas.

“We all learn very early not to

talk to strangers,” said Thomas, “but networking is about doing just that.

“It is all about finding the common links you have with others and capitalising on them.”

A presentation on ‘Personality and Self-Esteem’ was given to the aspiring models by managing director at Learn and Lead Educational Centre (L&L), Yolande Robinson.

Robinson informed the youths that there are four parts of the self: Public self, private self, blind spot and subconscious self.

The key message was that as a marketing tool, models must know themselves, project confidence, and know the industry that they want to work in and how to present themselves when they go on ‘go sees’, castings or out in public.

To survive in the fashion industry, or any industry, they must meet new people, and can only do so by networking and having a positive image of self.

“We are created to function in each category; and if you attempt to

repress any one of these categories, we will feel a discomfort and do not grow easily,” Robinson said.

The education professional went on to ask the participants to list their personal strengths and personal stretches as this would give them a clearer idea of the personal self.

This was followed by an exercise, where in which they were to identify same.

Focusing on self-esteem, Robinson said that this is related to self-worth and self-image, nothing that behavioural indicators of selfesteem are positive and negative indicators.

She said that to improve one’s self-image, it would be good practice for them to create a ‘gratitude journal’, one where they input positive affirmations that would improve their image of self.

She then gave them tips on improving one’s personality and steps to improving one’s self-esteem.

She was impressed by this group of young aspiring models and thrilled that an L and L workshop was a part of their training.

28

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

February 9 - 15, 2013

Argentina ‘will control Falklands within 20 years’ THE Falkland Islands will be back under Argentine control within “20 years”, the country’s foreign minister Hector Timerman has said.

On a visit to London, he claimed “not one” other nation supported UK sovereignty of the Falklands.

Speaking to the Guardian and Independent, Mr Timerman said Britain had “occupied” the islands for “access to oil and natural resources”.

A referendum on the Falkland Islands political status will be held in March.

Mr Timerman was meanwhile confronted by elected representatives of the Falkland Islands in the House of Commons Lobby on Tuesday.

The foreign minister refused to accept a letter about the future of the Islands or to talk to the representatives.

He was in the Commons to address the All Party Group on Argentina.

‘MISSED OPPORTUNITY’ Mr Timerman, who spoke to reporters at the Argentine embassy in London, said the UK “never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity to find a solution for the Malvinas”, the Argentine name for the islands.

Relations between the British and Argentine government have soured in recent months. Last year marked 30 years since the Falklands War, when the islands were occupied by Argentine forces for 74 days.

On the subject of re-gaining sovereignty, Mr Timerman said: “I don’t think it will take another 20 years. I think that the world is going through a process of understanding more and more that this is a colonial issue, an issue of colonialism, and that the people living there were transferred to the islands.

“We have been trying to find a peaceful solution for 180 years. I think the fanatics are not in Buenos

Somali journalists protest against the arrest of Abdiaziz Abdinor Ibrahim, January, 27, 2013, Mogadishu.

Alleged Somali rape victim jailed Mr Timerman denied the Argentines were ‘fanatical’ about the Falklands

Aires [but] maybe in the United Kingdom because they are 14,000km (8,700 miles) away from the islands.

“I think they are using the people living in the islands for political [reasons] and to have access to oil and natural resources which belong to the Argentine people. I think we are not fanatical at all,” he insisted Mr Timerman rejected an invitation to discuss the issue with Foreign Secretary William Hague last week, after Mr Hague invited members of the Falkland Islands government to the meeting.

“According to the United Nations, there are only two parties to the conflict - the United Kingdom and the Republic of Argentina. It is an issue that has to be resolved by Argentina and the United Kingdom.

“By introducing a third party [the Falklanders], the United Kingdom is changing more than 40 resolutions by the United Nations, which call the two countries to negotiate.”

‘FACE TO FACE’ The Argentine ruled out a “military

solution” to the dispute, but claimed “not one single country in the world” supports the British right to sovereignty over the Falklands.

He refused to discuss whether Argentina would be prepared to thrash out a joint-sovereignty agreement or propose such a solution, saying: “When we sit down we will discuss everything that has to be discussed, not before. You don’t discuss through the media. You discuss face to face.

“That is why I ask for a meeting with William Hague and he refused.

If I can sit down with him, he will know what we think, but he refuses to sit down with us.”

He also dismissed the forthcoming referendum - on whether the Islanders want to remain part of the British Overseas Territories - as meaningless.

“If you ask the colonial people who came with a colonial power and replaced the people who were living in the islands, it is like asking the British citizens of the Malvinas Islands if they want to remain British,” he said. (BBC)

Report: Numerous countries involved in CIA interrogation programmes AS many as 54 countries participated in the overseas detention and rendition programmes overseen by the CIA in the years following the September 11 attacks, according to a new report from a human rights watchdog group.

The report from the Open Society Justice Initiative is an extensive look at a programme that has remained largely unreported in its size and scale despite official acknowledgement from former President George W. Bush and other U.S. officials.

According to the report, 136 people have been subjected to the process of rendition - the transfer of a terrorism suspect by the United States to a third

country for interrogation - or have been held in one of the so-called “black site” prisons in third countries run by the CIA. “The consequence of having so many partners engaged in these operations is that the United States is exposed to continuing embarrassment, liability and censure in multiple jurisdictions outside the United States,” Amrit Singh, the report’s author told CNN. The findings were derived from public sources, including documents from U.S. and foreign governments, inquiries from the European Parliament and Council of Europe, findings from human rights

investigations and news reports.

The CIA secretly held detainees at detention facilities in Lithuania, Morocco, Poland, Romania and Thailand in addition to Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba according to the report.

The report said that countries as varied as Azerbaijan, Canada, Denmark, Malawi, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Malaysia and Sri Lanka also participated through their interrogation, torture or role in capturing terror suspects.

Cooperation could also include permitting the use of airspace for overflight rights of planes carrying terror suspects, the report said. (CNN)

A SOMALI court has sentenced a woman to a year in prison after she accused security forces of raping her.

A journalist who interviewed her was also sentenced.

The Mogadishu court ruled that the 27-year-old woman made false rape accusations against security forces during an interview last month, and in so doing insulted the government, according to rights groups.

“A midwife testified ... that the woman was not raped after conducting a finger test, an unscientific and degrading practice that has long been discredited because it is not a credible test,” Human Rights Watch said in a statement.

Though journalist Abdiaziz Ibrahim interviewed the woman but never filed a story, authorities also found him guilty of fabricating a false claim, according to rights groups.

Both were sentenced to one year each Tuesday.

The court deferred the rape victim’s sentence for one year because she is breastfeeding, and ordered the release of her husband and two others who had helped her meet the journalist, according to rights groups.

The alleged rape took place in August.

“This case has been flawed by serious violations of due process from the start,” said Daniel Bekele, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “The long pre-trial detention without charge, official smears of the defendants in the media, and the abusive police efforts to discredit and intimidate a woman who alleged rape, point to a government more concerned with deflecting criticism than protecting ordinary citizens.”

The case has sparked international condemnation, prompting Somalia to launch an Independent human rights commission. Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon said the commission will investigate the case. (CNN)

Body of missing 13-yearold girl found naked in Northern California

THE naked body of a 13-yearold girl who went missing in Northern California last week has been found dumped in a park near her home.

Seventh-grader Genelle Conway-Allen was last seen by surveillance cameras getting off a bus after a day at Green Valley Middle School on Thursday afternoon.

A homeless man found her naked body in Fairfield, about five miles away from the bus stop, the following day. Police are now issuing an appeal for information.

Conway-Allen’s aunt Natalie Paasch, 20, told the San Francisco Chronicle her niece was a ‘troubled child.” She had a hard life, and this is how it ends.

It’s tragic,” she said. “She was always the one looking out for her family, even when her family wasn’t looking out for her.”

The homeless man who found the teen, 54-year-old Eric May, said “She looked like a mannequin. It hurts my soul to think someone could do that to a little girl. I’m haunted by the image of her laying there without a stitch of clothing.”

May said he had been questioned by police but not detained.

Relatives told the Chronicle that the victim and her brother were abandoned by their father and had moved around foster homes for much of their childhoods. (NYdailynews.com)

February 9 - 15, 2013

World News

Girl, 9, gives birth to baby in Mexico as police hunt father, 17: report A 9-YEAR-old girl gave birth to a healthy baby daughter of her own in the west of Mexico last month, it has been reported.

The baby weighed just under six pounds when it was born in Zoquipan Hospital, in the state of Jalisco, on Jan. 27.

Police are now hunting the reported father of the baby, believed to be 17 years old, after he went on the run.

The new mother’s own mother, identified only as Dafne, said: “The girl was just over 8 when

she got pregnant.

“The father is a boy who is 17, but we have not found him, since he ran away.”

State prosecutor Jorge Villasenor added: “We are looking for the young man to get his story because she does not understand what has happened.

“This is a rape or child sex abuse case.”

New mother and daughter were released from hospital this weekend, reports Terra.com.

(NYDailynews.com)

Libor rate-fixing scandal:

Royal Bank of Scotland fined

by UK and US authorities ROYAL Bank of Scotland (RBS) has been fined £390m ($610m) by UK and US authorities for its part in the Libor rate-fixing scandal.

The UK’s Financial Services Authority issued a fine of £87.5m, while about £300m will be paid to US regulators and the US Department of Justice.

The fines are £100m greater than those issued to banking rival Barclays last year for similar offences.

RBS chairman Sir Philip Hampton said it was a “sad day” for the bank.

Chancellor George Osborne called the behaviour of traders “totally unacceptable” and said the bank, rather than taxpayers, would be paying the fines.

RBS is still 81% owned by the taxpayer, four years on from a massive government bailout.

The bank said that the £300m owed to US authorities would be paid using money clawed back from bonuses already paid, and reductions to future bonuses.

Last year Barclays was fined

£290m and Swiss bank UBS will pay out £940m to regulators for its Libor manipulation offences.

RBS said it had uncovered wrongdoing by 21 employees, who had now been disciplined or left the bank.

‘WIDESPREAD MISCONDUCT’ “There were serious shortcomings in our systems and controls and also in the integrity of a small group of our employees,” Sir Philip said in a statement.

“We have to fix the culture in the banking industry... the board has used all means possible to ensure the gravity of this issue is reflected in the remuneration received by employees.”

Speaking to the BBC, chief executive Stephen Hester said the wrongdoing by a small number of individuals needed to be “a part of RBS’s past and not its future”.

“We must be absolutely clear this is not acceptable,” he said. “The journey of recovering from its past legacy is not finished.”

Tunisia PM forms new government after assassination

TUNISIA is to form a non-partisan government of technocrats to run the country until elections can be held, the prime minister has said.

Hamadi Jebali made the announcement at the end of a day that saw a leading opposition figure killed and protests break out in several major cities.

Anti-Islamist politician Chokri Belaid was shot in the head and neck in Tunis.

His killing was the first political assassination since the Arab Spring

29

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

uprising of January 2011.

He was shot dead at close range as he left for work by a gunmen who fled on the back of a motorcycle.

Announcing the new government in a nationally televised address, Mr Jebali said he had decided to form a government of “competent nationals without political affiliation”.

The new ministers would have a mandate “limited to managing the affairs of the country until elections are held in the shortest possible time,” he added. (BBC)

UK: Five more hospitals in to be investigated FIVE other hospitals are to be investigated in the wake of the public inquiry into failings at Stafford Hospital.

Neglect and abuse at the hospital led to hundreds of unnecessary deaths between 2005 and 2008.

In response to the inquiry, Prime Minister David Cameron announced that five other hospitals with persistently high death rates would be investigated.

All the hospitals named have had high rates for two years.

They are Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Death rates are calculated by looking at the number of people that would be expected to die when taking into account the age and disease profile of the local population.

High death rates were one of the factors that triggered the original investigation into Stafford Hospital.

While not necessarily proof there is a problem, they are a “smoke alarm” suggesting there could be.

The figures for the five hospitals

were already known about within the NHS and were being monitored However, the intervention has been ordered amid mounting concern about levels of care.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Cameron said: “I have asked the NHS medical director, Prof Bruce Keogh, to conduct an immediate investigation into the hospitals with the highest mortality rates and to check that urgent remedial action is being taken.”

Prof Keogh said: “Each of the hospitals we identify today is already under scrutiny by regulators.

“This clinically led and practical investigation will allow me to assure myself, Parliament and patients that these hospitals have everything they need to improve.”

‘Reform’ The long-awaited report into failings at Stafford Hospital produced 290 recommendations aimed at “fundamental change” to prevent the public losing confidence in the health service.

The inquiry chairman, Robert Francis QC, described events at the hospital as “appalling and unnecessary” which led to hundreds of people suffering and had “betrayed”

the public’s trust in the NHS. He argued that NHS staff should face prosecution if they hide information about poor care and should be compelled to be open with patients about mistakes.

He also recommended: The merger of the regulation of care into one body - two are currently involved Senior managers to be given a code of conduct and the ability to disqualify them if they are not fit to hold such positions An increased focus on compassion in the recruitment, training and education of nurses, including an aptitude test for new recruits and regular checks of competence as is being rolled out for doctors He said failings went right to the top of the health service saying the Department of Health was too “remote” and focussed on “counterproductive” reorganisations.

The hospital trust, local GPs and MPs and the Royal College of Nursing were also criticised.

The government’s full response to the public inquiry will come next month, however, it has already been announced that a new post of chief inspector of hospitals will be created in the autumn. (BBC)

Soft-drink addiction caused Australia man, 25, to lose teeth, get blood poisoning NEED a reason to cut back on soda?

How about a 25-year-old who wears dentures?

William Kennewell of Salisbury, Australia, was never a fan of water, so he drank cola — a lot of it. He downed a staggering six to eight liters a day for three years, he told the Adelaide Advertiser.

The soda habit became an addiction that he “struggled to kick,” Kennewell said. Eventually, he developed tooth decay so severe that it led to blood poisoning — and the removal of his remaining teeth.

“I’m told a normal person has about 23 teeth, but ... I only had 13 left, and they had to be removed,” Kennewell said.

“It started because I wasn’t a huge water fan and working in the hotel industry, I had easy access to Coke.

“Because my teeth were decaying so badly, it caused blood poisoning which just made me sick, but my health improved with the dentures.”

Kennewell is now a poster boy for Australian health researchers who are calling for warning labels on soft drinks about the risks of tooth decay.

He agrees with the idea, he says, though he’s not sure how effective it will be.

Thanks to a raging soda habit, William Kennewell, 25, wears a full set of dentures. Kennewell drank between six and eight liters of sugary soft drinks a day and ignored his dentists’ warnings about the problem until it was too late, he said.

Soda industry reps were dismissive.

“Singling out one particular part of the diet is a misguided approach

to dealing with an issue such as dental hygiene,” said Geoff Parker of the Australian Beverages Council.

(NYdailynews.com)

30

Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Brama Kumaris

FOR RENT

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

contact: 946-4664

February 9 - 15, 2013

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

HARRIS PRESTON Is looking for a

Raja Yoga Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands

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

FOR SALE

Labourer

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

Contact: 241-8830

7732

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

February 9 - 15, 2013

FOR RENT 1 BEDROOM 1 BATH RICHMOND HILLS FULLY FURNISHED WASHER & DRYER $750.00 PER MONTH

3 BEDROOM 2 BATHROOM

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

HOUSEMAN REQUIRED for inside and outside cleaning

• Duties: some heavy lifting • Hours will vary depending on occupancy levels • Evening and weekend shifts will be part of the schedule • Applicants must be able to speak, read and write English to a level that will enable communication with guests • Police clearance required for all applicants • Salary $6.00 per person

Email: alliedmanagement@usa.net or contact: 946-5866 7752

TDMG CONCORDIA is looking for

FULLY FURNISHED WASHER DRYER 1,200.00 PER MONTH SECURITY SYSTEM FOR SALE OR FOR RENT

CUSTOM DESIGN KITCHEN $800.00 PER MONTH

2 BEDROOM 1 BATH NEWLY RENOVATED $900.00 PER MONTH

CONTACT: 231-3788

Project Manager

Labourer

Must have at least 5 years experience Salary is negotiable Belonger only need apply Application deadline is February 21st, 2013.

Fax: 649-941-3446

PRICE SLASHED

JOB OPPORTUNITIES Y A 3 B acting on behalf of our clients: Kitch Construction, B’s Beauty Bar, Anny Garcia, Middle Caicos Growing, Uncle Dought Bar, Major Beauty Salon, Big Blue Seafood is looking to fill the following positions:

2 Barbers – $6.00 per hour 1 Cosmetologist – $6.00 per hour 1 Maintenance Person – $6.00 per hour Plumber – $8.00 per hour 2 Hairdressers – $6.00 per hour 2 Nail Technicians – $6.00 per hour 1 Farmer – $5.50 per hour 1 Waitress – $5.50 per hour Must be willing to work 6 days per week holidays and weekends

Contact: 344-4540

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

$49,999 o.b.o.

Call 231-3788

FOR QUICK SALE PRICE SLASHED $180,000 CASH! House and ½ Acre land Richmond Hill 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Fully furnished

Call: 231-3788

7685

Amazing Value!

Lot for Sale

7732

1 BEDROOM 1 BATHROOM HOUSE

CLASSIFIEDS 31

$175,000

Kenesha’s Bakery & Restaurant

February 9 - 15, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

VACANCIES

SUNSET PHARMACY

Is looking for a

RT BUSINESS SERVICES

Jean Taylor

Acting on behalf of our clients: Menard Supermarket, L.P.S. Wholesale Retail, Olwick Neat, North Side City Market, George Solon, Aulden Smith, Jean Shop, Southern Eastern Electric, RT Business Services, Holton Williams, Claudy Variety Shop, Innovative Concrete is looking to fill the following positions:

Ward Consultancy Rupert Earl Robinson Complete Constuction Platuim security Brid M. Benjamin and Conch Shack

To work 6 days per week.

Salary $8.00 per hour.

Contact: 232-5538 7770

worker

To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour suitable applicant should

Contact: 649-941-3751

7747

Baker

domestic

Salary 6 and 7 dollar a hrs.

Worker Contact# 649-231-2708

Allied Management Services

2 Storekeepers 2 Shop Attendants

Must have strong knowledge of the Creole language (as the store caters mostly to the Haitian Community)

4 laborers 3 Domestic Workers Submit resumes to rtagency@live.com for consideration

OLD NICK TRANSPORTATION

Is seeking a qualified

to provide technical support within the properties it manages interested person can email resumes to:

Domestic at $5 an hour.

Contact 3457512

Technician

Is looking for a

7765

Is looking for a

1 labourer 1 carpenter 1 Domestic worker 1 mason 1 security one kitchen helper

7769

32 CLASSIFIEDS

ALICE HARVEY is looking for a

Is looking for drivers for Amanyara

Welcome Ambassadors / Bell-Men The candidates must have the following items below: • Belonger’s Card which is the new standard here.

• Valid TCI driver’s License with Class – C, D & E • Public Services License • Able to lift a minimum of 50lbs • Clean Police Record • Knowledgeable of TCI and Providenciales in particular.

• Well groomed and well spoken • Three reliable professional references

alliedmanagement@usa.net

Please contact Mr. Reo Harvey (649) 2327021 or by email rharvey@amanresorts.com

7753

Seamstress Must be able to cut and sew for man, woman and children. Must be able to work 5 days per week Salary based on commission.

Contact: 246-1816

7741

Spa Tropique

Spa Therapist VACANCIES ;;Applicant must have a minimum of 3 years hands-on experience in 5 Star Resort and at least 3 years working as a Therapist

Head Chef Assistant Housekeeping Manager Catering Assistant Catering Supervisor Domestic Supervisor Domestic Helper Patient Services Associate (Providenciales & Grand Turk) Inventory Clerk Finance Assistant Date Entry Clerk

;;Must be trained and certified by an accredited school in ALL of the following: Swedish, deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Pre-Natal, Lympathic Drainage, Reflexology, Facials, Manicures and Pedicures and waxing. Applicant must be certified in all the previous areas. ;;In addition, applicant must be available for work ALL weekends and public holidays and be available from 8am-8pm. ;;Must have own vehicle and current, clean drivers license. ;;Salary is commission based. ;;Must have GREAT customer service skills and be upbeat and positive.

Only appropriate qualified persons should apply. Preference will be given to qualified BOTC -Turks and Caicos Islands and persons with Belonger Status.

Salary is based on experience.

Apply in writing together with an up to date resume to: recruitment@interhealthcanada.tc

Please send resume to: relax@spatropique.com Please do not apply to this ad unless you can meet all of the above requirements. Deadline February 15th, 2013 7754

CLOSING DATE: 31th January 2013

CLASSIFIEDS 33

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Mac Motors

Job Category: Automotive / Vehicle Repair

Requirements: • Diagnose and fix cars, light trucks, SUV’s, heavy trucks, heavy earth moving equipment.

• Diagnose and repair hydraulic drive systems.

• Working knowledge of diagnostic tools such as GTR, Dealer Connect, IDS, WDS, Starscan, DRB3, NGS & Tech 2.

• Excellent written & oral communication skills in English.

Status: Full Time, Employee Revelant Work Experience: 15 years+ Education Level: High School or equivalent + qualified petrol & diesel technician.

ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Energetic, resourceful and punctual, with strong business and personal ethics.

• Qualified professional technician (ASE Certified, Master, L1 and up) • Automotive Service Knowledge • Work experience in high volume shops • Willing to be trained and learn new technical concepts and automotive service development.

Please send all correspondence to:

Mac Motors. Providenciales, Turks & caicos Islands. Tel.: 649 941 3847 7746

Qualified PADI/ NAUI SCUBA Instructors Needed

Must have at least 10 years experience and able to use a diagnosis computer

Painter Tailor Storekeeper Housekeeping Supervisor

Immediately to work Monday – Friday 8am-5pm.

Must be knowledgeable in QuickBooks/ Excel and vehicle parts/ inventory Must be willing to work 6 days per week Must have a valid drivers license Must have a clean record

This is a tourism related job and will include all aspects of the company’s daily routine including but not limited to, teaching all levels of instruction, guiding dives, boat and vehicle operations and working the front office. The work schedule will include weekends, public holidays and occasional night dives.

Contact: 946-4344

Salary $5.50 per hour Please send your resume @branditz@yahoo.com

7762

JUDY’S MINI BAR

CHARLES FULFORD STUBBS

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

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

Contact: 247-9433

Successful candidate will be a PADI MSDT with current membership and insurance, resort operations experience including advanced level instruction, dive accident management, compressor maintenance, equipment and engine maintenance and repair, applicant must be willing to train. STCW95 required and captain’s license preferred.

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

GARDENER/ HANDYMAN

Starting Salary $380 - $500 per week based on experience and qualifications.

contact: 243-1095

O’SOLEIL RESTAURANT

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour

Contact David Volkert at 946-4232 or info@ provoturtledivers.com Positions available starting March 15, 2013.

Please submit applications before March 1, 2013

Administrator/ Personal Assistant To coordinate, oversee and organize from start to finish all events, locally and internationally for A Touch of Love International Center and its group of affiliated ministries.

The successful applicants must have good knowledge of plant care and general property maintenance for an interview or appointment contact: Delcine Simmons at 241-5948 Monday – Friday between the hours of 10am-5pm resume and references required Application would be considered from Belongers only and must be received by February 21st, 2013

Is looking for a

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

Contact: 332-4496

7739

PROVO FOOD FAIN

OCEAN VIBES

Is looking for a

Is looking for fill the following positions:

5 Padi Scuba Diving Instructors with STCW 95 Certificate salary $100 per day

Requirements: -Must be born again, Spirit filled believer.

-Strong Organizational, Communication and Linguistic skills.

-Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint -Must be trustworthy; able to be trusted with highly sensitive and confidential information -Must be able to carry a heavy workload and flexible for sudden travel -Reports to Senior Pastor

4 Boat Captain

with STCW 95 Certificate, Boat Masters License Salary $100 per day

Domestic Worker

2 Parasail Captains Salary $10.00 per hour

No phone calls please Send resume to: A Touch of Love Ministries International Center Attn: Senior Pastor, P.O. Box 751 Providenciales, TCI or email info@atolministries.org

Domestic Helper Needed

Domestic Worker/Labourers Mechanics

All applicants must be drug free, clean cut and punctual

7759

Contact: 231-6636 7743

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 231-6121

7738

Salary/wage: 25.00 – 35.00 USD /hour Career Level: Experienced (non-Manager) Location: Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands BWI

BCS-CS/FPN-CS-GRACE BAY CAR RENTAL/ GOLDEN SCISSORS, MAC MOTORS,TSI

7736

February 9 - 15, 2013

February 9 - 15, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

SALES ASSOCIATES • • • •

Retail Jewelry Sales Experience Excellent Customer Care Focus Teamwork and ability to meet company objectives Trustworthy, dependable & willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays • Ability to achieve goals as outlined by management

Forward your CV and covering letter by e-mail ato:

7755

Musician Seeks to employ a

Applicants must be able to write, produce and perform own music, and work as part of a group.

Ideal candidates should have 4-5 years’ professional experience.

Cosmetologist

Please send CVs and demos to eustaceswann@hotmail.com, or call 333-1854

Contact: 941-8928

Must have at least 5 years experience salary based on commission.

7745

Sharmaine Malcolm Wanted live in

JOB OPPORTUNITIES Maintenance Labourer

Seeking a well-qualified candidate for the position of Maintenance Labourer. We require an all-round Maintenance Technician with experience in plumbing and electrical repairs, painting, pool maintenance, tool and equipment maintenance, Klargester sewage systems, woodwork and general labour.

Candidate must be prepared to work weekends and holidays, and be on-call evenings.

Pay range: $7 to $10 per hour, plus service charge depending on experience and qualifications.

housekeeper Salary $800.00 per month.

Please Contact 242-5448 7750

Spa Therapist

We are seeking a qualified Spa Therapist with a minimum of five years’ experience for our Thalasso Spa. The successful candidate will be qualified to provide our spa clientele with high quality therapeutic treatments, including a full range of body massages, ear candling, lymphatic drainage, and pregnancy massages, as well as providing manicures and pedicures. This position will also assist the Spa Manager with day-to-day administrative duties, including inventory management, appointments, etc.

Salary: $500 to $750 per month and 10% - 12.5% commission on treatments provided, (both salary and commission commensurate with experience) plus service charge. Onsite bedsit provided.

Housekeeper

VACANCIES

Chinson Restaurant invites applications from suitable qualified persons to immediately fill the following positions:

Wages range $5.00 to $5.50 per hour, plus service charge and tips

Belongers need only apply

Please apply in writing to: Point Grace, PO Box 700, Grace Bay, Providenciales.

Email: humanresources@pointgrace.com Fax: 946-5097

TRANQUILITY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Musicians Who is available for all schedule services salary negotiable.

Contact: 341-0725

SEAL SECURITY

Is looking for a

DOMESTIC WORKER To work 6 days per week including weekend salary $5.00 per hour.

Is looking for 4

Contact: 941-4554

7766

Point Grace is currently seeking a Domestic worker for our food and beverage operations.

Applicants wishing to apply for the kitchen helper position must have at least 2 years previous experience in a full service restaurant and be willing to work days, nights, and weekends.

7767

Contact: 941-3533

Domestic worker

It is proposed to start a Classic-Car-Club (CCC) IN Provo Owners of classic car or interesting car or if only an enthusiast will be welcome to attend an inaugural meeting soon interested parties please contact: Micky at mickys@tciway.tc

CASHIER/ HOSTESS

Wages range: $5.00 to $6.50 per hour (commensurate with experience), plus service charge

Wages range $5.00 to $5.50 per hour, plus service charge and tips

CLASSIC CAR CLUB

Has a vacancy for an experienced, full-time

Point Grace is currently seeking Housekeeping staff. We are looking for a trained and enthusiastic housekeeper to join our team. The successful candidate will have several years experience in this position in a luxury hotel. Ability to work well under pressure and good communication skills, including excellent English, are essential; must have a pleasant and outgoing personality. In addition to regular housekeeping duties, the jobs include, turndown service, shifts in laundry, and common areas. Must be willing to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

Dishwashers required for our food and beverage operations. Weekend, holiday and shift work. Must be able to work late hours.

7742

RESTORATION HOPE CENTER

CHINSON RESTAURANT GROUP

Qualification: • Must be able to work long hours and remain calm under pressure • Clean police record • Ability to multi-task is essential • Must be very honest • Enjoy providing customer service • Pay rate US $5.50 per hour plus tips

Dishwasher

is looking for a

7740

Colombian Emeralds International, “The World’s Foremost Emerald Jeweller” with over 50 stores worldwide has exciting career opportunities.

NORDICA DELL Colombian Emeralds International Beaches Resort, Turks & Caicos Islands Fax: 1-649-941-2333 (NO PHONE CALLS)

Beauty and Beyond Spa

Reef Entertainment Ltd

COLOMBIAN EMERALDS INTERNATIONAL

7734

34 CLASSIFIEDS

Security Guards Salary negotiable Contact: 442-6220 7760

February 9 - 15, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS 35

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

YARD MAN

Angel Adams Is looking for a

is looking for:

Needed for an apartment complex in Grace Bay

Must be able to speak English and be able to understand instruction tasks including maintaining sewage treatment plant only those legal residents need apply in person at Island Club Grace Bay or

Labourer To work 6 days B & M CONSTRUCTION

ALL PRO CLEANERS Is looking to employ 10

Part-time employees Duties must have:

Yard cleaning, Carpentry, Plumbing, Electrical, Masonry/ Tiling. Handyman skills a plus. salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 247-0347

per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 231-3509

7757

7751

Contact: 946-5866

7514

THE WINE CELLAR

Is looking for an

MERCHANDIZING & SALES CONSULTANT • To consult sales team on promoting products carried at our wholesale and retail operation • To consult team on visiting our wholesale customers in the trade on a regular basis in an effort to increase sales and awareness of our products • Consult sales team in helping to grow retail sales by doing in store promotions and assisting customers • Assist in streamlining inventory in an effort to maximize inventory turnover ratio while maintaining adequate products to service the trade efficiently • Consult in the coordination and assist in devising and implementing various sales and marketing strategies for the Wine Cellar Retail and Wholesale Divisions along with similar programs for all other affiliated businesses within the group • Consult in liaising with suppliers/vendors to determine, learn and implement various product campaigns within our markets • Consult sales team in the provision of regular Swot Analysis Reports to management on the progress or detriments of each account, in order to determine appropriate strategies for account success

Upholster To work 6 days per week salary $8.00 per hour.

Contact: 242-3256 7758

SPENCE SECURITY & INVESTIGATION SERVICES, LTD The leading and trusted security company in TCI is in need of personnel to fill up the following position for our expansion.

• Must have 5 or more years experience in the beverage industry • Salary – commission based

Application must be submitted via email or fax to:

The Operations Manager discount@tciway.tc or fax: 649-946-4871

DEPARTMENT: Finance REPORTS TO: Finance Manager

Responsibilities: • Safe guard the clients lives and properties • Prevent/deter crimes from happening • Write reports

Qualifications: • Minimum of 4 years military/police experience or 5-6 years security officer experience • Must have basic personal safety and other security training certificate • Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills (English) • Can follow instructions and write comprehensive reports • Must be an excellent team-player • Must have valid TCI Driver’s License • Salary starts $6.00 per hour.

How to apply: 1. Submit resume’ with application letter, employment and training certificates, police record, passport, proof of residence or citizenship to Spence Security office 2. Wait for Spence Security personnel to call you for an interview Interested applicants should send resume’ and applicable certificates address to: ‘The HR Manager’ not later than Feb 15, 2013 to: SPENCE SECURITY & INVESTIGATION SERVICES, LTD. P.O BOX #73, Caribbean Place, Leeward Highway, Providenciales Email address:HR@spencesecurity.com Fax: 941-3027

Main Duties and Responsibilities: ;;Manage Accounts Payable function ;;Review and reconcile Digicel Stores’ sales reports to cash received ;;Fortnightly/monthly bank reconciliations. ;;Assist in month end close out ;;Ad hoc duties Skills & Experience Required: ;;Knowledge of Accounting and the AP function ;;Experience using Accounting software & Microsoft Excel ;;Self-Motivated, ability to work on own initiative and flexible ;;Analytical and problem solving skills ;;Attention to detail and high level of accuracy ;;Effective written communications skills Interested applicants should forward their resume to hrtci@digicelgroup.com

7744

7756

JOB VACANCY Accounts Payable Clerk

SECURITY OFFICER

BELONGER ONLY NEED APPLY. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

• Consult where necessary the sales and marketing team of existing and future business ventures of the group

36 CLASSIFIEDS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

February 9 - 15, 2013

JOB ADVERTISEMENT

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

General Manager

The General Manager is the primary strategic business leader of the property with responsibility for all aspects of the operation. The General Manager must oversee property performance, sales & marketing initiatives and strategies, manage profitability and revenue generation.

Additionally, the General Manager must be able to attract talent and build talented teams and be multi-skilled and celebrate diverse environments and can relate to people from a variety of backgrounds. The General Manager must have at least 10 years experience in managing in a five star boutique hotel with minimum 3 as a GM. Essential duties include but not limited to: Maximize revenue and profitability, represent the hotel in the community and head the executive committee of the property. Manage all sources of revenue to include rooms, food and beverage, and others. Ensures all departments are profitable and maintain strong working relationships with all stakeholders. Achieve exceptional levels of guest and team member satisfaction. Promote the Gansevoort culture at every opportunity and stay true to its core values.

Operate the hotel under the covenants of the management agreement, and other relevant brand standards/SOPs. Establish the strategic plan and execute to fulfill property revenue and profit objectives in accordance to annual budget, marketing plan and capital expenditure plan. In collaboration with the hotel's financial controller, prepare and manage the budget and quarterly forecast process, and general reporting requirements internally, with brand leadership, banking affiliates, owner's representatives and investors. Continually analyze market trends and direct team accordingly to obtain objectives. Creates local and national marketing plans and pricing strategies and knows market segments. Responds quickly to changing market conditions and revises strategies accordingly.

Actively participates in sales discussions, meetings and plans. Knows monthly production levels for each sales team. Produces monthly financial reports and knows at all times where the hotel stands against budget. Protects the hotel and its assets through enforcing and maintaining a preventative maintenance program. Provide exceptional customer service to all hotel guests, making their stay as comfortable and accommodating as possible while achieving team and Brand goals. Follows company policies and procedures and is able to effectively communicate them to subordinates.

Chief Engineer

Responsible for all aspects of the maintenance of the Resort. The successful candidate will be responsible for short and long-range planning, coordinating all capital, expansion, and special projects, and management of the engineering department’s financial budget. The ideal candidate will have prior resort engineering experience within a five-star environment. Prior Caribbean experience desired.

Essential Duties: Manages the resort’s maintenance and engineering operations including guest rooms, building structures, front and back of house facilities, all mechanical, electrical, water treatment and HVAC systems, refrigeration and any related equipment in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures. Works closely with leadership to develop and execute an operating strategy that aligns with business strategy. Manages controllable expenses through the implementation of cost saving and energy conservation programs (e.g., wages, heat, light and power, water consumption, tools and equipment, grounds keeping supplies, uniforms, vendors, service agreements,

inventory, etc.). Monitors and maintains fire, health and safety systems and collaborates with relevant fire, emergency and governmental agencies to ensure complete understanding of regulations, procedures, alarms, and equipment. Develops engineering budget and ensures departmental performance meets/exceeds budgetary goals. Regularly reviews financial reports/statements/ forecasts to evaluate financial performance against budget. Controls engineering expenditures and ensures all projects are completed timely and within budget. Serves as project manager on resort projects, overseeing all aspects from design and costing to construction. Controls and administers all engineering/service contracts throughout the resort, always negotiating in the best interest of the resort. Collaborates with vendors/contractors and monitors work product to ensure quality standards are consistent with the requirements of a luxury resort.

Develops, implements and manages emergency and disaster management programs. Assists with developing Strata budget and managing Strata Costs, Manages accurate and timely bill back process for Condo units.

Manages pool chemical balance and maintenance of all pool equipment. Maintains FFE. Manages and maintains security cameras and lighting systems. Develops, executes and monitors preventative maintenance and asset protection programs. Develops and maintains Standard Operating Procedures for engineering department.

Exercises general supervision over the engineering team and communicates a clear and concise vision regarding department goals to produce desired results. Liaises with department heads to understand challenges and ensure maintenance needs are addressed. Proactively addresses problems and quickly identifies and implements solutions.

Keeps owners and executives informed, and provides timely response to queries from the same. Hires, mentors and trains engineering staff; establishes performance guidelines; and evaluates staff performance in accordance with resort policies. Complies with departmental standard operating procedures, Resort policies and TCIG health and safety regulations Skills/Qualifications: • To perform this job successfully, individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in a luxury resort environment, or equivalent combination of experience and education • Minimum 5 years’ experience as Chief Engineer for a luxury property, preferably in the Caribbean • Strong leadership skills with the ability to recruit, train, develop skills, mentor and motivate a team • Thorough knowledge of resort engineering procedures, operations and equipment, with the ability to execute all aspects • Thorough knowledge of building codes, fire safety systems, plumbing and electrical systems, mechanical and HVAC, and carpentry disciplines • Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to speak, read and write fluently in the English language • Computer proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook

Financial Director

To direct the resort’s accounting and financial management functions. Manage the accounting staff, procurement function and information technology systems. To provide timely and meaningful information to the general manager and management team with regard to the resort’s financial performance. To proactively lead cost containment efforts, revenue enhancement, profit improvement opportunities and safeguarding of the company’s assets.

Essential Duties: Plan, develop, implement, direct and regularly evaluate the resort’s financial functions and performance. Participate in short- and long-range strategic financial planning and regularly evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of plans. Prepare, analyze, interpret and communicate financial results to General Manager and the management team. Maintain proper and complete financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, ensuring that resort accounts, records and transactions are accurate and correct at all times. Safeguard the resort’s assets by establishing, monitoring and enforcing internal controls. Provide financial management tools that assist management with planning, forecasting and maximizing financial performance.

Compile budgets, forecasts, financial reports and financial trends. Optimize bank and deposit relationships and initiate appropriate strategies to enhance cash position. Keep GM informed at all times of cash position. To ensure that the established controls and procedures in respect to the controller’s areas of responsibility are being complied with at all times. Assists with developing Strata budget and manages Strata Costs.

Exercise general supervision over the accounting team and related functions (A/P, A/R, payroll, etc). Communicate a clear and concise message regarding department goals to produce desired results. Coordinate audit process and organize information required by outside examiners/ auditors. Keep owners and executives informed, and provide timely response to queries from the same. Oversee the hotel’s computer and software systems, ensuring that systems are safeguarded and properly maintained.

Implement changes/additions to the electronic data processing systems of the hotel as required/necessary.

Develop, implement and enforce policies and procedures that improve the financial operation and effectiveness of the resort. Ensure that there are, at all times, proper procedures and controls for cashiers, purchasing, receiving, stores and requisitioning, and that the same are enforced.

Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for accounting department. Protect confidential data and restrict communications of same only to authorized persons. Perform other duties as directed by the General Manager or any other authorized executive.

Skills/Qualifications: • Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance or related field, or equivalent combination of experience and education. MBA, CPA or ACA designation essential.

• 10 years’ experience in a luxury resort environment with minimum 5 years managing an accounting function within a luxury resort/hotel environment.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to recruit, train, develop, mentor and motivate a team.

• Thorough knowledge of condo resort accounting, strata management, payroll and IT. • Proficiency in MS Office, Opera PMS and Data Plus financial management system.

• Deadline oriented with the ability to multi-task and establish priorities.

• Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; ability to speak, read and write fluently in the English language.

Labourer/ Engineer Technician

Report directly to the Chief Engineering. This position is responsible for the day to day maintenance of the hotel. This position demands attention to detail, technical expertise and understanding of the preventive maintenance process.

Minimum Requirements: • Minimum 5 years experience, at least 2 years 7761

February 9 - 15, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

JOB ADVERTISEMENT CONTINUED

• • • •

•

in construction field and/or resort property management.

Associate’s degree in engineering or certification or equivalent experience.

Ability to recognize and anticipate problems early.

Require heavy lifting and hard work therefore an affinity for hard work and excellent physical strength is mandatory.

Must be highly motivated, a self starter who needs little supervision and solution oriented.

Excellent team player qualities and self discipline is mandatory.

Restaurant / Bar Manager

Report Directly to the Food & Beverage Director. This position is responsible for managing all activities of the Food & Beverage Departments for the organization. The daily operation of vessel’s Beverage Sales Operation including the effective administration, supervision and execution of programs consistent with the company standards and goals of providing excellent service while generating maximum revenue.

Essential duties include but not limited to: Directs the activities of restaurant service personnel, Bartenders, Beverage Attendants, Host/Hostess. Directs and ensures the implementation and execution of corporate policies and procedures. Controls, measures and reports Outlet sales performance on a daily basis and takes required corrective action to ensure operations are in accordance with the company standards and objectives. Creates new opportunities and maximizes existing ones to generate extra revenue. Maximizes profitability by increasing turnover (revenue and covers).

Ensures that department’s operational budget is strictly adhered to and that all costs are strictly controlled.

Recommends measures to control/reduce costs. Works closely with the Controller and provisioning in regards to inventory taking, cost control, loading, ordering and storing. Ensures that all bars are counted after each shift and investigates discrepancies. Assures correct pouring and ensures proper void handling.

Requirements: • College or University degree in hospitality management, business administration or related field preferred. International equivalent suffices.

• 4-6 years restaurant operational management experience in 4/5 star hotels, restaurants • Fluent in English, both verbal and written. A second language is preferred.

• Experience in managing a large multi-national staff.

• Extensive knowledge of varying brands and quality of liquors.

• Knowledge of new and old world wines including food and wine pairing.

• Ability to read, interpret and demonstrate the preparation of drink recipes.

• Ability to investigate and solve guest complaints, follow up and meet/exceed guest expectations.

• Extensive knowledge of Micros POS and Opera

Interested applicants can contact our Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm on (649)941-7555. E- Mail cover letter outlining your interest and supporting experience in a particular position along with your Resume or C.V. to hr@wymara.com 7761

CLASSIFIEDS 37

IMMEDIATE OPENING Director Of Engineering

We are currently seeking to fill an immediate opening for Director of Engineering for one of our luxury resort clients. This position is currently available and is accountable for short and long-range planning, managing engineering operations for the entire resort; ensuring the upkeep of all guest and service areas; coordinating all capital, expansion and/or special projects; and maximizing financial performance through stringent management of the department’s budget.

Essential Duties: • Manage the resort’s maintenance and engineering operations including guest rooms, building structures, front and back of house facilities, all mechanical, electrical, water treatment and HVAC systems, refrigeration and any related equipment in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures.

• Work closely with property/regional leadership to develop and execute an operating strategy that aligns with the resort’s/brand’s business strategy.

• Manage controllable expenses through the implementation of cost saving and energy conservation programs (e.g., wages, heat, light and power, water consumption, tools and equipment, grounds keeping supplies, uniforms, vendors, service agreements, inventory, etc.).

• Monitor and maintain fire, health and safety systems and collaborate with relevant fire, emergency and governmental agencies to ensure complete understanding of regulations, procedures, alarms, and equipment.

• Develop engineering budget and ensure departmental performance meets/exceeds budgetary goals.

• Regularly review financial reports/statements/forecasts to evaluate financial performance against budget.

• Control engineering expenditures and ensure all projects are completed timely and within budget.

• Serve as project manager on resort projects, overseeing all aspects from design and costing to construction.

• Control and administer all engineering/service contracts throughout the resort, always negotiating in the best interest of the resort.

• Collaborate with vendors/contractors and monitor work product to ensure quality standards are consistent with the requirements of a luxury resort.

• Work closely with property/regional leadership to develop and execute an operating strategy that aligns with the resort’s/brand’s business strategy.

• Manage controllable expenses through the implementation of cost saving and energy conservation programs (e.g., wages, heat, light and power, water consumption, tools and equipment, grounds keeping supplies, uniforms, vendors, service agreements, inventory, etc.).

• Monitor and maintain fire, health and safety systems and collaborate with relevant fire, emergency and governmental agencies to ensure complete understanding of regulations, procedures, alarms, and equipment.

• Develop engineering budget and ensure departmental performance meets/exceeds budgetary goals.

• Regularly review financial reports/statements/forecasts to evaluate financial performance against budget.

• Control engineering expenditures and ensure all projects are completed timely and within budget.

• Serve as project manager on resort projects, overseeing all aspects from design and costing to construction.

• Control and administer all engineering/service contracts throughout the resort, always negotiating in the best interest of the resort.

• Collaborate with vendors/contractors and monitor work product to ensure quality standards are consistent with the requirements of a luxury resort.

• Develop, implement and manage emergency and disaster management programs

• Assist with developing Strata budget and manage Strata Costs • Manage accurate and timely bill back process for Condo units • Manage pool chemical balance and maintenance of all pool equipment • Manage and maintain Security Camera System • Manage and maintain all lighting systems • Develop, execute and monitor preventative maintenance and asset protection programs.

• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for engineering department.

• Exercise general supervision over the engineering team and communicate a clear and concise message regarding department goals to produce desired results.

• Liaise with department heads to understand challenges and ensure maintenance needs are addressed.

• Proactively addresse problems and quickly identify and implementsolutions • Keep owners and executive informed, and provide timely response to queries from the same.

• Hire, mentor and train engineering staff; establish performance guidelines; and evaluate staff performance in accordance with resort policies • Comply with departmental standard operating procedures, Resort policies and TCIG health and safety regulations • Perform special projects and other duties as assigned Skills/Qualifications: • To perform this job successfully, individual must be able to perform each essential duty • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in a luxury resort environment, or equivalent combination of experience and education • Minimum 5 years’ experience as Chief Engineer for Luxury Resort • Strong leadership skills with the ability to recruit, train, develop skills, mentor and motivate a team • Thorough knowledge of resort engineering procedures, operations and equipment, with the ability to execute all aspects • Thorough knowledge of building codes, fire safety systems, plumbing and electrical systems, mechanical and HVAC, and carpentry disciplines • Self-motivated and dependable with an exceptional work ethic and strong problem solving skills • Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to speak, read and write fluently in the English language • Professional appearance and demeanor • Computer proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook Working Conditions: • Frequent standing, walking, climbing, bending and/or heavy lifting • May be subjected to extreme heat, noise, dust and fumes • Regular interface with contractors, vendors, internal and external customers • Ability to travel locally or regionally • Work hours may extend to evenings, weekends and/or holidays

Interested candidates should submit a resume to Bridgette Thomas at bthomas@bnccgroup.com or call 649-332-2565 for confidential consideration. Deadline for applications will remain open until position is filled.

ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING ABOVE QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED. 7764

Exciting new marina facility looking for an experienced office administrator.

Advanced computer literacy is essential with accounting and HR experience. Accuracy and time management skills also essential.

Knowledge of IQ Ware an advantage.

To apply, send your resume with cover letter to: careers@bluehaventci.com and place “Marina” as the subject. Applications close EOD on 22nd Feb 2013.

7783

Receptionist / Front Desk Agent Exciting new marina facility looking for experienced front desk agents to cater for the tourist market in guest services.

Advanced computer literacy in Microsoft and excellent customer service skills are essential. Other language skills and knowledge of IQ Ware an advantage.

CARIBBEAN BEER & SPIRIT Is seeking to employ a

Labourer Must be willing to work 6 days per week. Must be trustworthy and reliable.

Hours are 8:00am-4:00pm.

Salary $5.00 per hour

Email: discount@tciway.tc or Fax: 649-946-4871

7789

Contact: 241-3362

Wanted: Slot Technician Gaming Company seeks Slot Technician. Must have a minimum of five years experience in a casino environment working on Pot-o-Gold, Cadillac Jack, BetStone and other digital equipment. Must be willing to work any shift, holiday's and weekends.

Please contact Donna at Caicos Adventures: 941-3346 for interview All applications must be submitted by February 22nd, 2013

Please send CVs to caribgaming@express.tc

FOUNTAINHEAD CONSTRUCTION

C & J EMPLOYMENT

Is looking for a

Acting on behalf of our clients: Sweet T’s Restaurant, Danny Buoy’s Restaurant, Terrell Gardiner, Vaguy Vilmar (Blue Hills Construction), Road Side Quality Trading, Maison Creole (Lucy Mott Lee), Provo Repair Cabinet is looking to fill the following positions:

Labourer

Domestic Worker – $5.00 per hour Kitchen Helper – $5.00 per hour Laborer/ Cleaner – $5.00 per hour Waitress – $5.00 per hour Sales Clerk/ Person – $5.00 per hour

Contact: 649-941-8382

C & S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

To work 6 days per week. Salary $7.00 per hour.

Contact: 346-0129

7769

COSMO TRIPODI

Is looking for a

Local firm seeks and Associate Attorney with at least 5 years pqe with extensive experience in conveyancing, commercial, residential development work, also corporate and commercial law. Experience in new condominium sales, re-sales, residential and commercial property an advantage. Applicant must be an excellent communicator, willing to work long hours including weekends and holidays.

Subject to experience salary commencing at US$55K

Please submit applications to The Manager, P.O. Box 97, Caribbean Place, Providenciales, Fax: 649-946-4564 with a copy to: Department of Labour, Providenciales

salary $5.00 per hour.

7784

NEEDED FOR DIVE OPERATION

ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

Labourer/ Handyman To work 6 days per week

To apply, send your resume with cover letter to: careers@bluehaventci.com and place “Marina” as the subject. Applications close EOD on 22nd Feb 2013.

• Experienced PADI Dive Instructor & PADI Divemaster • Must have valid insurance & certification • Must have a good personality to work around people • Must have Mechanical & Sales Experience • Flexible hours a must- Holidays & Sundays Required • Salary starts at $375.00 per week

To apply, send your resume with cover letter to: careers@bluehaventci.com and place “Marina” as the subject. Applications close EOD on 22nd Feb 2013. 7782

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Gardener

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 946-5759 7790

7773

To work 6 days per week salary $200 per week.

Contact: 244-0469

Exciting new marina facility looking for dock attendant to carry out marina operations. Excellent customer service skills in a similar role is essential. Attention to detail and time management skills are also essential. Experience in the hotel and tourism industry as well as experience with dealing with fuel oils would be an advantage.

CECIL SWANN

7785

Cosmetologist

Dock Attendant

Office Administrator

7788

is looking for a

7792

A TOUCH OF CLASS

February 9 - 15, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

7774

Domestic Worker To work 5 days per week. Salary $6.00 per hour.

Contact: 331-5214

7776

ISLAND CHEFS PERSONAL CHEF SERVICES •Planning •Shopping •Prepping •Cooking •Packaging •Custom menus

•Fresh •Low fat •Healthy •delicious •Clean up •Dinners, parties etc.

Contact: 341-4271

7748

38 CLASSIFIEDS

February 9 - 15, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS 39

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

ISLAND NETWORK FITNESS, RECREATION AND CONSULTING

Joseph Watkins Is looking for a

LION CONSTRUCTION is looking for a

Pauline's Turf Shop (NC)

Pauline Handfield/ Veneta Gardiner

Is looking for a

Lecturer to work weekdays as well as weekends and public holidays

Requirements: • 5 years of lecturer experience • Must have an educational degree as a lecturer along with own transportation • Other language skills are a plus • Interested persons must.

Contact: 649-946-4736

Domestic Worker to work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 343-4360 7787

Management or equivalent • Masters Degree in Business or equivalent • Ten or more years of management and leadership responsibilities in the 5 star hotel and tourism industry • Food and Beverage background with experience on 5 star properties • Must possess excellent communication and written skills • Candidate with ability to speak multiple languages is a benefit • This position is immediately available. Salary based on qualifications and experience. All applicants will be reviewed; however only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Applicants should apply in writing, preferably by email by February 23rd to: Apex Development Ltd. (Attention: Manager) Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Email: ApexTCIDevelopments@hotmail.com Phone: 649-941-7299 Fax: 649-941-7498

7771

is looking for the following persons

ORGANIZER OF ISLAND ADVENTURES & PURSUITS

Qualifications: • Bachelor Degree in Tourism and Hotel

per week salary $7.00 per hour. contact: 347-7023 POWER & BEAUTY HAIR SALON

APEX DEVELOPMENT LTD.

Responsibilities: • Provide owners and clients with 24 hr concierge service • Establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with owners, investors, lenders, designers, contractors, and vendors • Must be able to coordinate and manage service of a 5 star meal • Must be available on weekends and public holidays • Overseeing and maintaining all equipment pertinent to operation

Carpenter To work 4 days

Experience

Live in Caretaker $5.00 per hour.

North Caicos.

Contact 242-9122

COOK

To run a small restaurant in North Caicos. 40 hours per week $5.50 per hour.

Contact 242-9122

7793

PROVO BEVERAGES Is looking for a

Labourer

Cosmetologist

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

Contact: 343-1627

Contact: Serge Tuyssuzian @ 649-941-3637 or fax: 649941-3637

Barber

Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.

7781

7773

THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE 1981

7791

Misick & Stanbrook Is seeking to fill the following positions

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

;; Qualification in Accountancy from a recognized institution ;; At least 10 years experience as an accountant in a senior capacity ;; Certification as a CPA, CA/ ACCA OR similar ;; Experience with PC, Law, QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Suite Software ;; Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience Closing date for applications is February 18th, 2013

Application should send detailed CV with the names of two references to: Deveraux Malcolm, Misick & Stanbrook via fax: 649-946-4734 or email: info@misickstanbrook.tc

NOTICE OF STRIKING OFF TAKE NOTICE that in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 182 of the Companies Ordinance 1981, the companies listed were struck off the Register of Companies on the dates opposite their names, the reason being that I have reasonable cause to believe that those companies are not carrying on business or are not in operation.

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE 1981 DATE INTERVAL STRUCK OFFS Starting Date: 04-Feb-13 Type: Ordinary Registration No 009757/0/L 01 1 132/0/L 01 1274/0/L 011580/0/L 012034/0/L

Ending Date: 04-Feb-13

Company Name CEDAR PALMS LTD. PALM RIDGE LTD. THE POINT AT WEST CAlCOS LTD. THE AMOIRE LTD. WEST VIEW DEVELOPMENT LTD.

Type total 5 Total companies struck off 5

Struck off date 04-Feb-13 04-Feb-13 04-Feb-13 04-Feb-13 04-Feb-13

40

Entertainment

February 9 - 15, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Skyfall wins best film at Evening Standard awards JAMES Bond film Skyfall has been named film of the year at the London Evening Standard British Film Awards.

The 23rd film in the secret agent series also picked up blockbuster of the year selected from the top 10 UK box office hits of 2012.

Toby Jones was named

best actor for Berberian Sound Studio, while Andrea Riseborough was named best actress for Shadow Dancer.

The awards, at the London Film Museum, were presented

by Stephen Mangan.

Skyfall has also been nominated for outstanding British film at this year’s

SYNARA BLACK

WILBUR CALEY

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Domestic Hairstylist To work 5 days per week. Salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 242-5098

7786

Worker

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

Contact: 343-5528

The Trump seems not to like Monkey jokes and has Maher with a lawsuit.

Skyfall is Craig’s third outing as James Bond.

Baftas, which take place in London next weekend.

Evening Standard editor Sarah Sands said: “Thanks in part to the extraordinary success of Skyfall - a truly big British movie, delivered with a panache Hollywood could envy - 2012 also highlighted the creativity, vision and talent of a new generation of British film-makers, actors and actresses.”

Riseborough picked up her award for her role as an IRA informant in political thriller Shadow Dancer. She is also on the shortlist for the Bafta rising star award this Sunday.

The actress, who stars in the film set in Northern Ireland during the Troubles,

said she was overwhelmed to be recognised.

“It’s a huge affirmation and you work on something for such a long time and you’re so passionate about it, and then you’re so excited other people are responding to it and it’s valuable to them in some way,” she said.

Toby Jones took best actor in the face of competition from Eddie Redmayne for Les Miserables and Daniel DayLewis, who is hot favourite to win the Oscar for best actor for Lincoln.

“To be compared with the great inspirational Daniel Day-Lewis is a tribute in itself, so to win this award, I’m overwhelmed,” Jones said.

Trump sues Maher for $5 million for orangutan sex joke IT’S best not to monkey around with Donald Trump -or maybe that’s a bad choice of words.

The billionaire real estate mogul is suing millionaire comedian Bill Maher for $5 million.

Why? Because Maher said -- in jest, as comedians are wont to do -- that he would donate $5 million to a charity if Trump could prove he wasn’t the “the spawn of his mother having sex with an orangutan.” “I’m not saying it’s true,” Maher told Jay Leno on “The Tonight Show” last month.

“I hope it’s not true, but unless he comes up with proof ... I’m willing to offer $5 million to Donald Trump that he can donate to a charity of his choice -- Hair Club for Men; The Institute for Incorrigible Douche-bag-ery.

Whatever charity.”

Maher picked the figure after Trump, long a skeptic of President Barack Obama’s citizenship, offered to give $5 million to the charity of Obama’s choice if the president publicly released his college transcripts in addition to his passport records ahead of last year’s elections.

7775

POSITION AVAILABLE Audio/Video Editor

Main Purpose of Job: Responsible for Preparing programs for television, advertisements, titles and graphics Essential Duties: • Editing film/footage to the exact final length • Responsible for creative materials liaising with the creative team, graphic designer and the Marketing Director to ensure smooth and efficient delivery.

• Responsible for accuracy and consistency of written, visual and web materials.

• Work with various offices to produce production schedules for creative proofs and liaise with international offices.

Experience, Qualifications and Skills: • Certificate or Diploma related to video editing • Eight or more years experience in Television Broadcasting (must possess relevant certification) with good production/trafficking skills and be able to work in a fast paced environment.

• Skilful operator of Audio/Video Editing Systems working on both online and offline materials as well as on special communication projects • Knowledge of TV, Camera, and Lighting for Quality Control, Animations • Production experience, good interpersonal skills and creative ability, good storytelling skills, a methodical mind, and ability to communicate well.

• Ability to meet deadlines and have strong organizational skills as well as an eye for detail.

• Management skills would be an asset.

• Required to work evenings, weekends and holidays Salary commensurate with experience.

Skill Requirements: • Cook eggs and other breakfast items to order to customer’s specification.

• Cook lunch and dinner items to order to customer’s specification to include, but not limited to: • Cooking meats to temperature such as hamburgers and steaks • Produce salads, sandwiches, tacos, quesadillas, burritos, fajitas and other • Tex - Mex items that appear on the menu at Somewhere Café and Lounge.

• Assist with prepping foods for service by following recipe standards, strong knife skills and • proper sanitation to produce high quality food that accurately represents the Café.

• Work with other kitchen staff members to execute food, prioritize steps, and contribute to the overall • team atmosphere of the kitchen.

• Participate in daily cleaning duties as per scheduled by the Chef to maintain a clean safe environment for all employees to work in.

• Cook on the line, during service in a high pressure environment, executing food to order in an ala minute • kitchen according to the ticket in a timely manner.

• Be able to stand on ones feet for 8 hours and be comfortable lifting 25 pounds or more without physical restrictions.

• Be available to work holidays and weekends with a flexible schedule.

• Belongers given preference

Pay Commensurate with Experience

Send Resumes to kay@acltci.tc or P.O. Box 230 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

No telephone calls please.

LINE COOK NEEDED

7779

Submit resume, certifications and current police record in person to be considered to: chefamy@somewherecafeandlounge.com

7777

February 9 - 15, 2013

Entertainment

41

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

‘Stand-alone’ Star Wars films planned

Chris Brown is accused of taking credit for community service he never did.

Brown denies he failed at community service CHRIS Brown and his lawyer are blasting claims by prosecutors that the “Don’t Judge Me” singer took credit for community service he never performed.

“I can handle the hate but enough is enough yo!”

Brown wrote on his private Instagram account, according to E! News. “Im a human being and I honestly think I deserve respect im sick of being accused…Im just tired of this sh--.”

“A day in my shoes is a day in hell,” he continued.

Far from shirking his duties, Brown cleaned, scrubbed and painted under the supervision of court-approved law enforcement officials in his home state of Virginia, lawyer Mark Geragos told the Daily News.

Geragos said it was “scurrilous” for prosecutors to claim in a motion filed Tuesday that Brown violated his probation by claiming hours he didn’t work, sending potentially fraudulent documentation to the court and switching his assignment to a children’s center where his mom supervised and reported his progress.

“The prosecution has lost its mind,” Geragos told the Daily News. “It’s scurrilous, it’s defamatory, and if a defense lawyer had written this motion, they’d probably try to have the lawyer summarily disbarred.”

Geragos said the District Attorney should be “embarrassed” to suggest that so many respected officials covered for Brown.

“There was a judge, a chief of police and a detective supervising this process,” he told the News. “It’s as if (the Los Angeles prosecutors) haven’t even read their own reports. Their interviews are buried in the exhibits.”

Brown, 23, was sentenced to 180 days of manual community labor in 2009 after pleading guilty to beating Rihanna bloody in a rented Lamborghini.

His sentencing judge allowed him to carry out the sentence in Virginia under the supervision of the Richmond Police Department.

In her motion filed Tuesday, Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Mary Murray said a recent investigation found Brown did not complete the full 180 days as claimed last year.

FILMS built around existing characters from the Star Wars universe are being developed alongside the new trilogy of films, the Disney studio has revealed.

“We are working on a few stand-alone films... derived from great Star Wars characters,” Disney CEO Bob Iger told the CNBC channel on Tuesday.

The films, written by Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg, will be released between 2015 and 2021, he continued.

The seventh Star Wars film, directed by JJ Abrams, is due out in 2015.

Disney bought George Lucas’s Lucasfilm company for $4.05 billion (£2.58 billion) last year, saying it was committed to at least three new films.

The first of these, Star Wars: Episode VII, will be scripted

by Michael Arndt, the Oscarwinning writer of Toy Story 3 and Little Miss Sunshine.

Mr Iger outlined the studio’s plans with CNBC ahead of a call with analysts to discuss the Disney company’s latest financial results.

Despite seeing a slight dip in its quarterly earnings, the CEO said the studio was “confident about the year ahead, as well as our ability to create continued long-term growth”.

While speaking to CNBC, Mr Iger admitted there had been “speculation” about “some stand-alone films” that would not form “part of the overall saga”.

“We still plan to make Star Wars 7, 8 and 9 roughly over a six-year period of time starting in 2015,” he went on.

“But there are going to be a few other films released in that period of time too.”

CLAUDE SWANN

AG CONSTRUCTION

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Carpenter

Domestic To work 6 days per week. Salary Worker To work 5 days $8.00 per hour. per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 241-7217 Contact: 242-3883 7798

7797

Kasdan has a long association with Lucasfilm, having worked on the scripts of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi - the second and third instalments of the first Star Wars trilogy.

Kinberg’s own screenwriting credits include comic book sequel X-Men: The Last Stand, Mr & Mrs Smith and Guy Ritchie’s 2009 Sherlock Holmes film.

Tuesday’s announcement was preceded by a report on the Ain’t It Cool News site that the first stand-alone film would focus on the diminutive Jedi master Yoda.

It is rumoured the first stand-alone film will focus on Jedi master Yoda.

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

PROJECT SALES AND MARKETING EXECUTIVE Requirements: • Candidate should have in excess of 10 years of experience in pre-construction selling of large value projects.

• Strong preference for international sales experience and established relationships with foreign marketing agencies • Proven sales history performance in excess of $20 million annually • Predominantly commission based remuneration • Strong understanding of preconstruction documentation and contracts • Good knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint required • Experience with website, and other social media site development and maintenance LINE POSITIONS

LABOURER ROOM ATTENDANT COMMON AREA ATTENDANT For the following positions resort experience is an asset but not a requirement.

Applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude as well as be willing to work flexible schedules, holidays and weekends. They should also enjoy serving people and be willing to learn. Minimum experience in the areas of interest required.

Turks & Caicos Islands citizens only need to apply to the Human Resources Manager at The Sands Resort located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales or e-mail: humanresource@thesandstc.com, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands. Deadline is February 28, 2013.

7778

42

Sports International

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

February 9 - 15, 2013

England secure rare football victory over Brazil ENGLAND secured their first win over Brazil for 23 years as Frank Lampard’s spectacular strike gave them victory at Wembley.

Brazil returned to Wembley as part of the Football Association’s 150th anniversary celebrations and played their full part in a highly entertaining friendly.

Wayne Rooney steered England into a first-half lead with his 33rd goal for his country, after goalkeeper Joe Hart had earlier saved Ronaldinho’s penalty.

Fred punished Gary Cahill’s mistake to put Brazil level just after the interval but Lampard, on as a half-time substitute for Tom Cleverley, gave Roy Hodgson’s side a confidence-boosting win with a precisely curled effort from the edge of the area on the hour.

It completed a satisfying night’s work for Hodgson and England as Ashley Cole won his 100th cap and Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere delivered a display rich in promise as he started alongside captain Steven Gerrard in midfield for the first time.

Arsenal’s Wilshere, particularly in the first half, was outstanding on only his seventh England appearance and looked intent on making up for time lost with club and country after an ankle injury sidelined him for 15 months.

England looked potent going forward with Rooney as the main point of the attack and Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck on the flanks, which will give Hodgson food for thought before the crucial World Cup qualifiers away to San Marino and Montenegro next month.

Cole received a warm reception from England’s supporters inside

Lance Armstrong admitted on Oprah that he used performance-enhancement drugs.

A spectacular strike from Frank Lampard separated the two sides.

Wembley as he completed his century of international appearances.

The visitors’ own centurion, Ronaldinho, received a commemorative shirt from the Brazilian federation to mark his 100th cap - but he was unable to celebrate it with a goal as he missed a penalty after 19 minutes. The award of handball against Wilshere from Ronaldinho’s cross appeared harsh, so a measure of justice was done as Hart saved his spot-kick then recovered superbly to scoop away the rebound.

The hosts took advantage of Hart’s good work to move into the lead eight minutes later. Wilshere was once again at the heart of it with a fine ball to release Walcott and when keeper Julio Cesar saved bravely at the Arsenal forward’s feet, Rooney steered home the rebound in composed fashion from the edge of the area.

Little had been seen of the muchcelebrated Neymar and his first serious contribution was hardly

distinguished as he steered Oscar’s cross well over the top at the far post when he should have scored.

England made two changes at half-time, sending on Lampard and Leighton Baines for Tom Cleverley and Cole, while Brazil replaced Ronaldinho, Ramires and Fabiano with Fred, Lucas and Arouca.

The Brazilian changes reaped instant reward as Fred equalised three minutes after the restart. Cahill took the blame with a careless concession of possession that ended with Fred powering his finish past Hart.

And he almost put Brazil ahead seconds later when Hart’s poor clearance caused problems and the Fluminense striker glanced another effort off the bar.

England’s response, however, was in keeping with the rest of their performance and they were in front again on the hour. Julio Cesar had saved well from Cahill’s header but he was helpless as Lampard’s fine first-time shot from the edge of the area went in off the upright. (BBC)

Hamilton crashes during test of new Mercedes LEWIS Hamilton endured a nightmare start to testing his new Mercedes after driving straight off the track at Jerez on his first day following a hydraulic problem Wednesday.

The 2008 world champion, who left McLaren at the end of last season, was on his 15th lap of timed testing when his car went off the track and hit a barrier of tires.

Hamilton’s accident, which prevented him from returning to action, follows teammate Nico Rosberg’s disastrous run which was ended by a minor fire Tuesday.

The German’s car was found to have been suffering with electrical problems, while Mercedes took to Twitter to give an update on Hamilton’s setback.

“Lewis suffered a loss of rear brake pressure, the front brakes enabled him to slow the car but he couldn’t avoid the barrier,” said Mercedes on Twitter.

Lewis Hamilton walks away from the wreckage of his new Mercedes following the crash at Jerez, Spain.

“Obvious damage to the front wing and nose; we’re checking the car over now. Lewis himself is fine.

“Update from Jerez, we have traced the problem to the hydraulic brake line connecting to the right-

rear caliper.”

Hamilton was expected to return to the track on Friday following the collision, which saw the car career on straight for some 70 meters at 280 kilometres per hour. (CNN)

US firm to sue disgraced cyclist for $12m A Texan company plans to file a lawsuit on Thursday to recoup $12m (£7.6m) from disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong.

SCA Promotions insured bonuses paid to Armstrong when he claimed his fourth, fifth and sixth Tour de France wins.

The American has admitted using performance-enhancing drugs for all seven of his Tour victories.

SCA lawyer Jeff Dorough told BBC Sport: “I can now confirm we intend to file a suit against Mr

Armstrong first thing on Thursday morning.”

He said the company is also seeking legal costs, interest and punitive damages from the 41-yearold American, who was stripped of his seven Tour titles after being exposed as a drugs cheat.

The insurance policy was taken out by Tailwind Sports, owner of the US Postal team, to cover performance bonuses payable to Armstrong if he claimed his fourth, fifth and sixth Tour victories.

Rafael Nadal was out of singles action for seven months.

Nadal wins on singles comeback in Chile FORMER world No. 1 Rafael Nadal was back in singles action for the first time in seven months Wednesday, making a winning return on the clay courts he has dominated so emphatically in recent years.

Having not played a singles match since his shock defeat to Lukas Rosol in the second round of Wimbledon last year due to a left knee injury, a little rustiness was perhaps to be expected.

But, after losing the first two games of his match with Argentine Federico Delbonis, the 11-time grand slam champion recovered to record a morale-boosting 6-3 6-2 victory in the second round of the Chile Open in Vina del Mar. “I’m happy to play a singles

match after so long,” the 26-year-old told the ATP World Tour’s website.

“I need days and time to get my game back, but so far the feeling on court is great.”

The Spaniard, who has dropped to fifth in the world rankings during his long absence, made his muchanticipated return in a doubles match Tuesday.

Nadal partnered up with Argentina’s Juan Monaco to beat the Czech pairing of Frantisek Cermak and Lukas Dlouhy.

“For now the most important thing is to spend as much time as possible on court,” added Nadal.

“This victory allows me to play at least two more matches, singles and doubles.

February 9 - 15, 2013

Sports National

43

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Rugby season in full swing

Quarterback Joe Flacco celebrates after the Ravens won the Super Bowl.

Ravens win emotional Super Bowl against 49ers THE Baltimore Ravens reclaimed the greatest prize in North American sports after a dramatic, nail-biting 34-31 Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Inspired by their power-packed quarterback Joe Flacco, the Ravens survived a ferocious comeback from the 49ers and a bizarre power outage that stopped the game for more than half an hour to win their second Super Bowl.

John Harbaugh, the head coach of the Ravens, won the most anticipated sibling rivalry in American team sports against his younger brother Jim, who holds the equivalent job with the 49ers.

And Ray Lewis, the combative 37-year-old Ravens linebacker destined for the Hall of Fame, ended his 17 season career with a second Super Bowl title, 12 years after he won his first.

“What better way to go out?” said Lewis. “We did it! We did it!”

The game, at the Superdome in New Orleans, was preceded by one of the most poignant moments ever witnessed in the 47 editions of the Super Bowl when a choir from Sandy Hook Elementary School joined Jennifer Hudson in a stirring rendition of “America the Beautiful”.

The 70,000 spectators rose to their feet, many with tears in their eyes, as the children sang, nearly two months after the deadly shooting rampage at their Connecticut school.

“Our wish is to demonstrate to America and the world that, “We are Sandy Hook and we choose love,” the school said in a statement.

The action on the field was as wild as the parties that have taken place in Bourbon St in the days leading up to the game as the Ravens opened up a commanding lead.

With Flacco, who was named Most Valuable Player, calling the shots and wide receiver Jacoby Jones scoring two of the most spectacular touchdowns seen in a Super Bowl,

the Ravens looked to be cruising to victory when they led 28-6 early in the third quarter.

Flacco made a great start, orchestrating a six-play, 51-yard drive on his team’s first possession that culminated with a 13-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Anquan Boldin.

In the second quarter, he threw a one-yard scoring pass to tight end Dennis Pitta, then a spectacular 56yard scoring strike to Jones.

The Ravens led 21-6 when Beyonce came out to perform a stunning halftime show then opened the second half with a Super Bowlrecord 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown from Jones that will be shown on highlight reels for generations to come.

BLACK OUT But just when it seemed the result was a foregone conclusion, a section of the lights at the Superdome, hosting the Super Bowl for the first time since Hurricane Katrina devastated the city in 2005, blacked out.

Play was stopped for 35 minutes while red-faced officials and technicians restored power. When it came back on, the game instantly took on a completely different complexion.

With Colin Kaepernick finally finding his targets and making inroads with the football in hand, San Francisco piled on 17 unanswered points.

When Kaepernick rushed for a touchdown himself with just 10 minutes to go in the final quarter, the margin was down to just two points and momentum was on their side.

But Justin Tucker kicked a 38yard field goal to give his team a five-point lead and the 49ers failed to score the touchdown they needed to win, getting only a two-point safety, as the Ravens defended their line for dear life. (Reuters)

The TCI Rugby season continues to entertain as, coming hard on the heels of the Flamingos’ international match against Jamaica, the inaugural Garam Masala Club Rugby Championship has kicked off and the opening two matches have proved to be exciting affairs.

The competition’s historic first match was played on Saturday the 26th of January between the Miller Simons O’Sullivan TCI Police and the PwC Providenciales Hurricanes.

In a breathless and end-to-end display of running rugby, the TCI Police came out on top by 22 – 14. Tries were scored by Rosemon Joseph (2), Sean O’Neill and Andrew Seymour for the Miller Simons O’Sullivan TCI Police, while Josh Walker and Lincoln Outten got across the linefor the PwC Hurricanes.

Round two saw the successful introduction of ‘Friday Night Lights’ to Meridian Field in the form of the inter-island derby clash between the South Caicos Sharks and the North Caicos Ospreys. A high number of young players who have come through the junior rugby programme featured in this match, as in the first, and they acquitted themselves well.

Having slightly more experience on their side worked in favour of the North Caicos Ospreys however, and they were able to pull away to a 26 – 14 victory. Franco Mompremier

Female rugby continues to develop with the formation of two new girls’ rugby clubs: the RBC Marlins and the Trail Enterprises Stingrays.

and Neil French contributed tries for the Ospreys, and the South Caicos Sharks’ tries were scored by Edwardo Villanueva and Liam O’Sullivan.

In junior rugby matches over the weekend, the first official match between the two brand new girls’ rugby clubs took place. The RBC Marlins took on the Trail Enterprises Stingrays in an exciting and fastpaced match, which was won on the stroke of fulltime by the Marlins for a score line of 3 – 2. The Under-19 match was also an intriguing one, with the Vix Warriors just pulling away from the BCQS Bears towards

the end to record a 17 – 10 victory, scoring three tries to two.

In the Under 8 and Under 11 boys’ session, inter-school matches were played and in an evenly contested series of games Ashcroft School recorded a 2 – 1 win over Enid Capron Primary, who then scored a 3 – 2 victory over Provo Primary.

Junior rugby continues this Saturday at Meridian Field, at the following times for the respective age groups: Girls: 9am to 10am, Under-8, Under-11 and Under-15 Boys: 10am to 11am and Under 19 Boys: 10am to 12pm.

2013 WIV Provo Premier League:

Rozo and Cheshire Hall open with wins NEW team Rozo FC and defending champions Cheshire Hall FC opened the 2013 WIV Provo Premier League on Saturday last with wins over Teachers and the SWA Sharks respectively.

Both losing sides were courageous in battle, but in the end the strong teams won.

In the opening game it was the Sharks who dominated a lot of the play in the first half. They had a number of half chances, but could not finish.

Cheshire Hall were always dangerous though, and a goal from Stephens Derilien halfway through the first half put the Sharks on the back-foot.

However, the Sharks’ pressure caused a number of corners and from one of these came a penalty from a handball which Paul Collis duly converted. The game was fairly even until half time, but the youth and quality of Cheshire Hall began to tell in the second period with two goals from new comer Fred Dorvil. Neil French, the Sharks’ goalkeeper, did pull off a number of saves to keep the Sharks in it, but the third goal created by a fine through ball from Nickenson Agelus killed off the match with the Sharks tiring towards the end.

In the second clash new team Rozo took on the Teachers who have a similar squad to last season but with a few extra numbers. Rozo

Rozo FC made their WIV Provo Premier League debut with a win over the Teachers. (photo compliments of Chrystel Loyer Kendrew)

dominated the first half and were 2-0 up within half an hour with goals from Jean Noel Elixus. At this point, the Teachers’ defence was struggling to cope with the pace of the Rozo’s attack, although the forward line including Dane Ritchie and Ian Chang did not give up and presented Rozo with a few problems of their own. This continued in the second half with the Teachers making three changes which improved their performance. The pacy Rozo substitute, Jenlis Job, however, killed of the game with a goal on the

hour, but all credit to the Teachers who stopped the rot and prevented Rozo from scoring more goals.

Whilst Rozo look like a skilful and dangerous outfit, there is also hope for the Teachers after a stronger second half showing, especially if they can start to score a few goals.

Ritchie was even named the President’s Player of the Week after a good performance as coach and captain. Also credit should go to the referees and assistants who, despite being fairly inexperienced, did a good job on the day.

44

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Strikers now favourites for WFL title WITH just two weeks of games remaining the Women’s Football League (WFL) title appears to be heading the way of possibly the youngest female women’s league team in the world as the AFC Academy Strikers pulled off a dramatic late win against Net Rockers FC to go five points clear at the top of the league table with just three games left to play.

The game between the top two teams in the league lived up to all expectations and it was clear from the outset that one goal would perhaps be enough to separate them. This proved to be the case as Yarileny De La Cruz confidently stepped forward to convert a penalty five minutes from time after she had been fouled by Net Rockers’ goalkeeper Bertha Lee Belle. The dramatic ending was a fitting climax to a very competitive and entertaining clash. The young Strikers team dominated possession for most of the game, but could not convert their chances.

Captain Kadine Delphin was a constant threat on the right wing as her pace and accurate crossing caused problems for the Net Rockers’ defence. Both the De La

Yarileny De La Cruz separated the sides with a successful penalty strike.

Cruz sisters (Yarileny and Yarielca) came close to scoring on several occasions and Christma Jean Louis had a ferocious volley saved by Belle, but the Net Rockers’ defence held out well and with the likes of Guerline Herilien and Gerlie Azemard running the midfield they were always a threat on the counter attack.

The two rivals will face each other next weekend and the Strikers know that a win will give them the WFL title.

In the second game of the day a Sarah Cenary hat-trick and a goal by Edwine Rousseaux saw AFC Hurricanes close the gap on

Net Rockers to just two points as they beat Revolution FC 4-0. The Hurricanes took an early lead as Cenary latched on to a pass from Alande Rosima. She soon doubled the lead when Jacinda Alfrena’s cross fell perfectly at her feet and she then completed her hat-trick with a well taken solo effort. Cenary then became the provider for the fourth goal as Edwine Rousseaux finished from close range. The second half was a more even affair and some resolute defending from the Revolution players ensured that the score-line remained 4-0 to the Hurricanes.

Flyers record big wins M. Joseph led the Cobras with 15 points and four steals.

On Friday night, one night after the thrashing, the Flyers made light work of the North Caicos Spartans 71-54. Shanovan Williams led the winners with 12 points.

On Saturday night the Flyers humbled the Police with another big blow out 74-27.

Ehlo Seymour led the attack with 20 points and five boards while Fulford added 18 points and five

The Flyers’ Dorado Fulford scored 22 points against the Cobras and 18 points against the Police team.

rebounds.

Police’s K. Doughty had a gamehigh 21 points and 17 rebounds while S. Jermain added 16 points and 13 boards.

Provo Hockey League:

Lobsters, Sharks and Flames finish on top as regular season ends THE Sailrock Lobsters, the Scotiabank Sharks and the Saunders and Co. Flames finished on top of the Mini, Bantam and Midget Divisions respectively when the Provo Hockey League regular season ended last Saturday.

All teams will now go into the playoffs before they advance to the finals.

In the last week of regular season games, the Coco Bistro Lightning chalked up two wins. They got past

Josh for Sports

Highlighting some track and field female legends of the TCI Part one

PABA Night League:

THE Flyers proved their dominance in the Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) Night League once again when they thrashed the Cobras by 52 points at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex court before beating the Spartans and Police.

Anthony Cash led the attack with 25 points, eight assists and three steals while Dorado Fulford added 22 points, four assists and two steals in the 90-38 point win.

February 9 - 15, 2013

the Sharks 7-4 after Javiera Bovell had scored five goals and Cole Nickson two, while victory was 5-1 against the J & W Construction Hurricanes. Bovell and Nickson finished with two goals each.

In the Mini-Division the Gansevoort Gators recorded a big 9-1 win over the Gracebay Car Rental and Sales Owls. Zachary Scholar led the attack with three while Ronin MacLaren added a pair.

The Owls later lost to the Lobsters.

Tristan Grandsire scored all the goals for the Lobsters in the 4-1 win.

In the first Midget Division game the Flames edged past the TCBC Pirates 7-6. Rajhan Munnings led the winners with four goals and an assist while Benjamin Saunders added two. Christian Robinson (also two assists) and Gabriel Diotte-Joly finished with two goals each for the Pirates.

The Carib Gaming Panthers later won by forfeit over the Flames.

IT is absolutely imperative that I write on this particular topic. For, the contribution of females to the development and sustainability of the TCAAA is just not known by the general public. I feel it’s my duty to enlighten, inform, highlight and applaud the unrecognisable service these women have rendered to this country. For, if you don’t know your history you have no appreciation of where you are and therefore have no prospective of where you wish to go.

For, without vision, the people perish.

QUALIFICATION As the founding father of organised national track and field within the TCI, I feel that it’s my duty to educate this country of this aspect of our athletic history as it relates to the contribution of the various females.

This column will cover the past 36 years beginning with the founding of the TCAAA in 1977. I was founding president.

LILLIAN GARDINER Lillian Gardiner was a Canadian and also my wife. She was secretary to the Canadian Turks and Caicos Association and also worked at the House of Commons (Parliament) in Canada as an Executive Secretary. She was instrumental in expediting the facilitation of our participation in the Commonwealth Games, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1978 in athletics, weightlifting and rifle shooting.

She also hooked me up in person with the Toronto Sun, the Montreal Journal and the McLean’s Magazine; such exposures resulted in the National Film Board of Canada coming to Grand Turk to do a film documentary on my pioneering effort to secure participation in the Commonwealth Games. She also took notes of the meetings of the TCAAA while she was with me in Grand Turk.

ANITA SMITH Ms. Anita Smith from Salt Cay was the first secretary of the TCAAA. She was an integral part of the executive and worked extremely hard to make our initial efforts successful.

ENA WOODSTOCK Hon. Woodstock was chairpersons of the Broadcasting Advisory Commission of which I was a member. She was the magistrate and assisted me in my effort to get local sports news on the national radio station, which operated from Cable and Wireless in Grand Turk.

I broadcasted the local sports news.

Hon. Woodstock was also

By Joshua Gardiner instrumental in helping the TCAAA enter the Norman Manley Games in Jamaica in 1978.

RITA GARDINER Rita (Mills) Gardiner was the association’s secretary in 1977/8 and also the chaperone for our girls’ team when we went to the Florida Relays and the Carifta Games in Nassau in 78.

Gardiner subsequently went on to become president of the TCAAA for a number of years; and although I was personally dissatisfied with how the TCAAA functioned under her watch, the facts are the facts. She has played her part in the development of the sport on the islands.

SUZIE GARLAND Ms. Garland, resident of Grand Turk, became the president of the TCAAA at one time. Although I’m not familiar with her accomplishments while president, she must be recognised for leading the national body.

JUDITH ROBINSON “A MEGA LEGEND” Among all the sports women in the TCI Judith has made the most contributions, and also, in my opinion among all the males as well.

This lady has represented the TCI in track and field more than any other national athlete at the international level. She competed in diverse events from shot-put, long jump and javelin to sprints. On top of that she has been president of the TCAAA for a number of years. To top that off she has been, and still is a national level coach. This lady has touched the lives of several upand-coming international champions, including Teray Smith among others.

Judith is the founder of the Panthers Track Club which currently hosts an annual August Monday track and field meet in Provo. This meet in Provo is the only track meet to have been sanctioned by the IAAF in TCI’s history.

Currently Judith is Acting National Sports Director as well as a senior sports development officer of the TCI. Continue next week…

February 9 - 15, 2013

Sports National

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

“Honest” BienAime nominated for important FIFA post THE TURKS and Caicos most internationally recognised football administrator, Mrs. Sonia BienAime has been nominated for a post on FIFA’s Executive Committee.

TCIFA’s General Secretary BienAime, who is known in the sporting world as the honest woman who refused to accept Mohamed bin Hammam’s $40, 000 bribe, is among four candidates vying for the spot to represent women’s soccer on the ruling board through 2017.

The post is to elect the 25th member of the FIFA Executive Committee at the FIFA Congress to be held in Mauritius on May 30th and 31th.

Bien-Aime, the first female in

history to be voted to the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Executive Committee at the 2012 Congress in Budapest, is also Chairperson of the CFU Women’s Football Committee, a member of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Organising Committee and a FIFA Match Commissioner.

VERY PROUD TCIFA’s President Christopher Bryan said that: “Sonia’s nomination as a candidate for the FIFA Executive Committee elevates her and the Turks and Caicos Islands to the highest levels in World Sport Administration. We are all extremely proud of her. It is an achievement which she thoroughly deserves.”

Vice President Oliver Smith echoed Bryan’s sentiments and added that: “Sonia’s nomination to this elite committee on the governing body for world football speaks eloquently to her work in developing football not only in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but in the region as a whole. It is a public recognition of her dedication, hard work and commitment, but moreover it is a massive acknowledgement that this country produces talent that must be celebrated.”

EXTREMELY HUMBLED In expressing excitement about the nomination, Bien-Aime underscored the great significance of such a nomination and what it would mean to her as an individual and also to the TCI to have someone serve on such a world stage, if elected. She said: “I am extremely blown away and humbled to be proposed by the CONCACAF President and Executive Committee Members as the Confederation’s nominee to serve amongst the leaders in the world’s top sport. If given an opportunity it will be my privilege to serve with such a great panel, but for the moment I am

Mrs. Sonia Bien-Aime has made the TCI proud with her honesty and dedication to the sport of football.

just appreciating the fact that I have been chosen by the Confederation in this capacity.”

TCIFA’s Executive Director and Women’s Football Chairperson, Candace Hanchell said that: “This is a testament to Mrs. Bien-Aime’s contribution and commitment to football not only within the

Turks and Caicos Islands, but also internationally. She added that this is a nomination well deserved.”

The other candidates are Burundi FA President Lydia Nsekera, Asian Football Confederation vice president Moya Dodd of Australia and New Zealand FA audit chairwoman Paula Kearns.

Sabuton John scored 41 unbeaten runs in 15 balls to lead TCI to victory.

ICC Americas Division 2 Championship:

TCI gain revenge over Panama after John’s heroics POLICE’S batsman Sabuton John proved that his placement in the national team was merited after he belted 41 runs in 15 balls to lead the Turks and Caicos Islands to a comefrom-behind victory against Panama in the ICC Americas Division 2 Championship on Wednesday in The Bahamas.

Panama had beaten the TCI when the two teams had last met in the tournament (2011, Suriname). A repeat of the defeat looked likely after they had amassed 170-7 off their allotted overs.

Mark Henry, who opened the bowling, led the attack with 3-23 from three overs, but the 36-year-old John, also on debut, was more disciplined with 2-24 from four overs.

Captain and vice-captain Ancell

Williams and Garvin Bruno took one wicket each.

TCI had a good start with Gareth Butler (36) and Nuwan Boodhinayake (49) putting on 87 for the first wicket, but when the latter, who was the aggressor, fell in the 12th over it resulted in a chain reaction. Ira Baptiste (0), Bruno (6), McFarlane (2) and Butler all lost their wickets, which left John and Damian St. Ange to battle with a run rate which had climbed over 10 runs per over.

With two sixes and five fours in quick time, John was able to carry TCI home. Ange added 16 runs from 12 balls (1X4, 1X6).

TCI were scheduled to play Belize, Argentina and the Bahamas before returning home.

Inter-High School Softball Championships:

Clement Howell Eagles crowned new champs CLEMENT Howell High School Eagles were crowned the new champions of the Inter-High School Softball Championships after defeating defending champions South Caicos Lady Bugz in the final

of the event at the Downtown Ball Park in Provo.

The final clash highlighted the dominance of the new champions since the game ended 19-4. Clement Howell’s Angena Moncher took

away the spoils after winning the MVP, the best pitcher and the most runs awards.

In the event, which concluded last Saturday, the British West Indies Collegiate (BWIC) finished third.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

February 9 - 15, 2013

February 9 - 15, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

February 9 - 15, 2013