Turks and Caicos Weekly News

Weekly News Volume 27 | No. 01 | January 12 – 18, 2013

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inside

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Government seat contested in court

PAGE 4

Premier and Fortis join forces to cut electricity costs

PAGE  4

TCInvest to be re-established

– But without a banking function

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ON THE WEB tcweeklynews.com

Misick to be

extradited – Request made for his return to TCI 5 PAGE 

FORMER Premier Michael Misick could soon be winging his way back to the TCI - if he agrees not to fight an extradition request.

For the sake of representation Person of the Year

Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson THE height of the calling to leadership is representation, according to Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, who said that this truth first resonated with her during her work with TCI’s youth.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 12 – 18, 2013

January 12 – 18, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 12 – 18, 2013

Government seat contested in court – Decision may result in by-election

By Daisy Handfield AN UPHEAVAL in government could be on the cards following a contentious court battle involving three electoral candidates.

Allocation of the Cheshire Hall and Richard Hills district seat was called into question by the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) at Providenciales Supreme Court this week.

The judge’s final decision, yet to be announced, could lead to a by-election and a potential shift in power for TCIG. Facing the stand before Justice Margaret Ramsey-Hales was People Progressive Party (PPP) candidate Dr Edward Smith.

Despite placing last in the district election with just 58 votes, concerns were raised over his eligibility to run due to his dual citizenship in USA and the TCI. If Smith is found to have breached legislation, the results of the election could be called into question.

With Progressive National Party (PNP) securing government ruling by just one seat ahead of the PDM, a by-election could result in a significant shift in a political power.

The monumental case was heard at Providenciales Supreme Court from Monday, January 7, to Wednesday, January 9.

All three party representatives who ran in the elections for the Cheshire Hall/Richard Hills district were present.

Representing PNP’s Amanda Missick was Ariel Missick QC, Allan Wood QC represented PDM’s Oral Selver and PPP’s Dr Edward Smith represented himself.

US CITIZEN First to the stand was PDM’s Selver who said he was unaware prior to the elections of any reason why Smith

should not run.

Missick asked him if he ever had any conversation with Smith regarding him being disqualified, and he said he had not.

Selver went on to say that an envelope had arrived at his office containing Smith’s passport but he was not aware whether or not he was disqualified because he had no solid evidence.

He said that he was aware that Smith was a US citizen but he was not aware of whether or not he had renounced his US citizenship.

He added that he and his party made it clear that they would not dwell on issues pertaining to opposing candidates.

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE When PPP’s Smith was called to the stand he said that during elections he heard comments stating that he was not eligible to run.

However, prior to his nomination on October 25, 2012, he took an oath of allegiance to the Queen which negated his allegiance to the US. He revealed that he considered himself eligible to partake in the general elections so he did not mention that he had renounced his citizenship.

Smith revealed that he was acquainted with PDM’s Selver from 2010 and added that they had political discussions at Sweet T’s prior to nomination day.

During these discussions Selver and other individuals asked him whether or not he had given up his US citizenship, he claimed.

Smith revealed that during his time living in the United States, he maintained a very close relationship with the Turks and Caicos Islands.

He formed an internet association called TCI Forum, where they would meet online through teleconference and discuss on-going issues in the TCI. He is also the founding member

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

Dr Edward Smith

of the TCI Diaspora, a group that consists of Turks and Caicos Islanders that lived in the United States.

When he returned to the TCI in 2010, he continued to engage in political activity by writing in newspaper, blogs and also making radio and television appearances.

UNAWARE OF ISSUE Leader of the PPP, Harold Charles said on the stand that when he selected his candidates, he was unaware of any dual nationality issue.

Ariel Missick alleged that on nomination day Charles did not have anyone else to replace the candidates so continued anyway so as to not

suffer from embarrassment.

Charles disagreed, claiming this was not true and he would have found it more embarrassing being caught breaking the law.

He told the court that after hearing what the law said about dual nationalities, three to four weeks prior to the general elections the party wrote a letter to the Attorney General’s office to verify whether or not they were eligible to run.

The court stated that in a previous testimony, Charles confirmed that all of his parties’ candidates were dual status free.

However Charles argued that he did not recall ever making such a comment because PPP candidates Zhavhago Jolly and Dorell Pratt-Delancy were born in the Bahamas and Charles himself was born in Haiti.

Charles said he told Smith what the law stated about the oath and that this meant that Smith would automatically lose his US citizenship.

Smith allegedly said he was fine with that and that he no plans in living in the States anymore.

According to Charles, Smith made several calls to the Nassaubased US embassy, given the belief that he was qualified he was then nominated to run.

PASSPORT NOT CANCELLED US immigration lawyer Allan

Rockwell gave a witness statement along with reports and credentials on November 30.

In the statement he said that to be issued, granted or to ever have a US passport verified, the individual must pledge allegiance to the United States.

“When a person is naturalised, they are the same as a US citizen,” he stated.

The requirements for naturalisation include residency, no criminal issues in an individual’s background, a citizenship along with an English test and an oath of allegiance to the US. After everything is verified, the individual receives a certificate of US naturalisation at the oath ceremony.

Renouncing of US citizenship must be voluntary, Rockwell said, He added that once an individual renounces their US citizenship, the US passport is usually taken by the counsellor or a diplomatic official.

The process of renunciation is not finalised until the individual receives a certificate of renunciation. The passport would also say cancelled clearly on it.

Smith’s passport was stamped early July 2012 during his travel to the United States.

He confirmed that his passport had never been cancelled or surrendered.

The judge is yet to announce her decision on the case.

SPARKS FLY: The government team and Fortis members discuss the factors driving up the cost of electricity

Premier and Fortis join forces to cut electricity costs PREMIER Rufus Ewing took the first step in his bid to see electricity costs drastically cut when he and fellow ministers met with Fortis this week.

Ewing spoke of the high cost of electricity to consumers and presented solutions to the electricity company’s management team.

He said there remained a need to create policies that would result in the reduction of electricity cost to TCI consumers in a sustainable manner.

The meeting was held at the Premier’s Office inside the NJS Francis Building, Grand Turk.

During the discussion the group talked about the factors driving up the cost of electricity and analysed possible solutions to the problems.

They included reducing cost of fuel importation, improving energy

efficiency in the homes, consumer generation of alternative energy and selling back to the grid and commercial generation of alternative energy for sale to consumers via Fortis.

The ministry team agreed to focus on the development of a new energy policy along the lines of the solutions that were discussed.

Premier Ewing said: “It was very important to have met the president and CEO of Fortis parent company out of Canada, to outline firsthand the challenges faced by the consumers in the TCI and to hear the concerns of Fortis and foster a working relationship that is mutually beneficial that would result in a significant and sustainable reduction in the cost of electricity to our consumers.”

Also present at the meeting were

Minister of Finance Washington Misick and Minister of Government Support Services (GSS) George Lightbourne.

Lightbourne urged that Fortis “hear the cries of the people”.

He highlighted that some consumers have been forced to use their entire salary to pay electricity bills.

The Fortis team was headed by president and CEO Stan Marshall who was accompanied by Eddington Powell and Allan Robinson.

They welcomed the ideas and suggestion by the TCI Government officials and noted that efforts are currently being made to address the concerns of all parties.

Also in attendance was the Permanent Secretary of GSS Wesley Clerveaux, Electricity Commissioner M Cummings and Ronlee James, the Premier’s Head of Secretariat.

January 12 – 18, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Misick to be extradited

NEWS

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– Request made for his return to TCI FORMER Premier Michael Misick could soon be winging his way back to the TCI - if he agrees not to fight an extradition request.

The corruption-accused exleader is currently being held in the notorious Ary Franco jail in Brazil after being arrested by local authorities.

He has been a fugitive from the TCI since 2009 where he faces a number of serious charges relating to corruption and maladministration during his time as Premier.

Interpol issued a Red Notice for his arrest on March 19, 2012, and he was finally detained the Santos Dumont Airport, Rio, on December 7.

This week a formal request was made to have Misick flown back to his home country.

A release from the Attorney General’s chambers on Wednesday read, “Michael Misick is the subject

of an extradition request made lawfully and properly, in accordance with the relevant treaty in place between the UK and Brazil, as extended to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“As such, he is currently being held in accordance with the terms of this treaty, under a provisional warrant of arrest.”

The statement added that the treaty requires the full request with supporting documentation to be submitted formally within 60 days following his arrest.

“Following this Mr Misick will have the opportunity to consider whether he wishes to contest his extradition.

“If he does not contest the extradition, and there are no other outstanding issues, then everything possible will be done by Turks and Caicos authorities, in collaboration with his legal advisors and the

VAT does not need to be feared, Bossano

– Gibraltar minister talks taxes THE ISSUE of VAT is not one that is black and white, according to Gibraltar minister Joe Bossano.

It is not a case of “taking it with all its consequences or having a row with the UK about it,” he insisted during a press briefing on Wednesday.

The Minister for Employment and Inward Investment was in the TCI this week as part of a delegation from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

Following a two day seminar in which he imparted knowledge to new parliamentarians on good governance he spoke with the press on his views on Value Added Tax (VAT).

He explained that one of biggest problems he came across during his visit was the cross party consensus on issue of introducing VAT. “I think people have some misconceptions of what VAT entails,” he said, “and that is because in the United Kingdom the reality is that the VAT scheme does mean giving away part of the

control of your economy to the EU. “But that’s because it’s a VAT that is European wide so you haven’t got the flexibility to apply it as you want.

“But the VAT here, if you were to do it, as long as the parliament and government is free to apply to it what it wants and exempt it from what it doesn’t want, it need not be as feared as it appears to be.”

Bossano admitted that VAT does come with problems, such as the consumer counting the costs and endless paperwork, which led his home country to opt out.

However he continued, “You are in the fortunate position that if you are allowed to do it whichever way suits you best you can actually find ways to overcome those problems.

“It’s not necessarily a question of black and white, you don’t have to do it a particular way or not at all.

“You should insist on doing it in ways that the objective is met but the methodology is a TCI brand of which you have a copyright.”

Brazilian authorities, to ensure his speedy return to face questions in relation to alleged crimes during his time in office and to face trial in accordance with our laws.”

Brazilian paper, Jornal do Brazil, reported that after being located by Interpol, Federal Police arrested Misick as he tried to leave for Sao Paulo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to The Sun newspaper Misick sent a 16 page hand written

Former Premier Michael Misick will have the opportunity to consider whether he wishes to contest his extradition

letter from his maximum security cell in which he said he wanted to return home to face justice.

He is alleged to have written that he is “legal in Brazil,” has temporary political asylum and is therefore being detained in violation of his human rights.

He called on the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, the British government and Latin American governments to intervene on his behalf to ensure his release.

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

The AG’s chambers wrote, “We have received assurances that during his time in custody Mr Misick will receive consular assistance from the British Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro, who will work to ensure that Mr Misick receives the same level of treatment as other British prisoners in Brazil, and is treated in accordance with international minimum standards.

“The consular staff in Rio will provide the same level of consular

assistance offered to all British citizens in Brazil.”

Misick’s arrest was sought in relation to an on-going investigation by the SIPT into issues arising from Sir Robin Auld’s 2008/2009 Commission of Inquiry.

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

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

According to the former Premier, "mistakes were made,” but the intention was the empowerment of Turks and Caicos Islanders.

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

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

TCInvest to be re-established – But without a banking function TCINVEST will be revamped, restored and reopened, according to Premier Rufus Ewing.

The investment agency will be given a new lease of life but the banking function will remain closed for business.

During a post Cabinet press conference on Thursday Ewing said that the institution would be re-established in line with the government’s manifesto.

He explained that TCInvest’s main mandate would be investment, marketing, promotion and the facilitation of foreign and local business development.

“The banking function previously

performed by TCInvest is not being considered as part of the new agency.”

A paper was brought before Cabinet and it was discussed and deferred for further development and considerations such as marketing, financing, new branding and revenue generation strategies.

The closure of TCInvest last year, according to Governor Ric Todd, was the first in a long line of reforms to the country’s 37 statutory bodies.

The decision drew much criticism from a cross section of stakeholders, including former chair of TCI’s Consultative Forum, Lillian Misick,

who said the decision was profoundly regrettable.

Justifying the decision to close the agency, Todd said that the accrued losses from TCInvest’s social lending strategies, although “laudable as an endeavour,” left a widening financial deficit.

TCInvest was set up in 1995 to promote business development both within the TCI and from outside investors.

In its earlier years, it was instrumental in building the relationships, which encouraged new investments and entrepreneurs.

The essential functions of TCInvest were inward investment, business licensing, small enterprise support and loans.

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January 12 – 18, 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

Any progress to report?

SINCE being elected as Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands following the November 9 general elections, Rufus Ewing has been vocal on his visions and priorities for the country.

In his latest New Year message he stated that he plans to "expand our local economy for the benefit of all residents within the confines of the law while upholding our religious beliefs, moral and social values".

While it is still early days for Premier Ewing and his new government, what are your thoughts on their progress so far?

Have they kept the country informed of their activities? Are they moving quickly enough? And in the right direction?

Review needed

Progress? What progress? Did I miss something?

Can we review their first 100 days promise because I’m not hearing anything from this new government.

It’s like you can hear a pin drop in the country.

Stalled

In his campaign the new Premier Ewing promised he would hit the ground running and have the government moving quickly forward in 100 days.

Sixty per cent of those days have gone by and we are nowhere, stopped, stalled and without a plan financial or otherwise.

We have seen in the House meetings a government who needs seven months to overlay their priorities on the budget already produced by the civil servants and Permanent Secretaries.

Does this government have priorities is now the question.

The eldest member of government says delays in the budget process are not new.

He is correct but only with PNP leading the government.

We heard one minister complain that her salary of $11,000 per month was not enough.

Greed appears to remain an issue.

The Premier wants Britain to pay for intercepting, detaining and sending illegals home because Britain is responsible for border control.

This he preaches after preaching independence which would make us responsible for those items. Does he know what he is doing?

Our voters made a mistake. If they had turned the government over to the PDM it would be a fresh start.

Just maybe the voters now see this clearly and possibly by-elections can turn our country around.

No news

What progress?

Focus on healthcare

First off he needs to correct the mess made with the hospital, we are now paying extra

during certain hours at the emergency room.

On top of that persons who fall ill and go to the emergency room without NHIP coverage are turned away if they don’t have money to pay.

Foolishness is what that is.

If any of my children fall ill, I walk right in there, lay them on the bed and tell them call me when they done ‘Cause I ain’t taking them back home until they are attended too.

As for the rest of what they are trying to do, a lil’ more time to assess his work is needed.

Repeal law change

Perhaps our new government could show us something positive by repealing the Governor's arbitrary change of our law, permitting the captivity of marine mammals!

Disappointed

We are disappointed in Premier Ewing both before and now after the election.

As Civil Service Association president he failed to protect the employment of the better part of 1,000 government workers who his former government hired.

This continues after election with the Veranda workers.

He promised to do something about the cost of the National Health system but in the first two months of his administration he is not delving into this mess.

We know he is well aware of its unaffordability because he was a key player in its formation.

He admitted to the public he received a government cheque for working overtime to set up the plan.

His choices of running mates were seriously flawed. Seven failed to get elected and the ones that did are showing who they are.

The Premier is right about the VAT but

taxes are not the answer. We must lower the extraordinary cost of healthcare which is his one area of expertise.

The last days of the interim government has seen some serious development begin and the Premier and his financial minister talk against it. Are they jealous?

Priority number one

This government needs to move expeditiously to unravel the hospital deal - find out why the payments for government to InterHealth Canada are so high and why the secrecy.

This must be one of the greatest obligations of a financial nature that the TCIG has ever entered into.

This is the beginning and ending of all problems for any TCI Government - $5 million monthly from government coffers alone.

This means that the TCI will never be out of debt and that we will never be able to give real scholarships, build roads, develop our people and our goals of real and serious development will be set aside for many years to come.

Owing to this debt we will be living only to pay taxes.

This government needs to focus on these issues immediately and stop talking about independence.

It just ain’t gonna happen at this rate and with this kind of debt that we have to face.

This for the TCI in my opinion is priority number one.

 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

Sharing tips on good governance – ‘Goodwill, experience and support’ from fellow democracies TCI’s newly appointed parliamentarians were offered help and advice on how to maintain good governance this week.

Prominent members from UK’s Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies took time out to impart their extensive knowledge and experience.

The two day post-election seminar was run by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the TCI House of Assembly.

Acting Governor Anya Williams said, “This seminar is an excellent way for the new government of the Turks and Caicos Islands to reacquaint itself with goodwill, experience and support of the UK’s other Overseas Territories, Crown Dependencies and the wider Commonwealth.

“This is a practical example of how the UK is continuing to support the

on-going development of the TCI. “There is genuine international warmth and affection towards the TCI and a real desire to see it once and for all put the previous maladministration truly behind it and become one of the most accountable and transparent democracies in the Caribbean.”

The delegation was led by the Speaker of one of the world’s oldest parliaments in the Isle of Man’s Tynwald, The Hon Stephen Rodan SHK, and its clerk Roger Philips.

The pair from this self-governing UK Crown Dependency were joined

by Minister Joe Bossano from Gibraltar, another of the UK’s 14 Overseas Territories.

The purpose of the seminar, which took place on Monday and Tuesday, was to help familiarise locally elected politicians with

parliamentary practices.

It also aimed to allow them to better understand the practices and procedures of the TCI House of Assembly.

During the two day visit the CPA delegation met the Speaker of the TCI House of Assembly, the Premier, Leader of the Opposition, and other ministers and politicians.

Also participating were members of the Cabinet, Permanent Secretaries and constitutional bodies, notably the Integrity Commission.

Five specific elements were arranged as the focus for the visit.

They included 2012 Public Finance Management (PFM) Ordinance and Regulations, women in parliament, ministerial responsibility, plenary sitting, and committee matters.

At a press conference on Wednesday Rodan said, “It has been

a very interesting exercise for us in learning about your current stage of development.”

He described it as a “critical stage” in which the country has restored its democratic representative institutions.

“It’s been a great privilege for us to share with you some of our experiences as to how you can best move forward.”

He added that the combination of “experience and new blood” in parliament would stand the country in very good stead.

Rodan went on to say that he hoped the contact would continue by way of advice or assistance.

Bossano, who had previously visited the TCI in Nov 2012 as Head of the CPA’s Election Observer Mission, said to him it was like “coming back home”.

“One of the invaluable things

about being in touch with each other is that we can all learn from each other.

“I found that explaining how we work in Gibralta was useful in terms of some of the issues that new members are grappling with.”

The CPA is an association of commonwealth parliamentarians who, irrespective of gender, race, religion or culture, are united by community of interest, respect for the rule of law and individual rights and freedoms, and by pursuit of the positive ideals of parliamentary democracy.

The association's mission is to promote the advancement of parliamentary democracy by enhancing knowledge and understanding of democratic governance.

Bossano said, “For us I think it’s important to take common position where we can because we gain an advantage from having an opportunity to speak with one voice.”

January 12 – 18, 2013

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEW YEAR MESSAGE:

Premier Rufus Ewing AS WE enter the year 2013, we must first of all give thanks to the almighty God for his goodness, mercies and blessings for bringing us this far in the journey of life.

As a people and as a nation we have much to be thankful for and we all must continue forward in prayer trusting that Almighty God will indeed provide for and protect us as we together move towards our future.

As a newly elected government we are grateful to the people for the support and trust that was placed in us as government and elected members of our House of Assembly.

We are indeed cognisant that an awesome responsibility was bestowed upon us.

A responsibility to expand our local economy for the benefit of all residents within the confines of the law while upholding our religious beliefs, moral and social values so that our people can indeed thrive and flourish in this and future generations.

Over the past eight weeks since assuming office, your government has been busy at work implementing

and executing the plans that we had outlined in our campaign.

We are currently actively engaged in reviewing modelled alternatives to the proposed Value Added Tax scheme and have submitted a request to the FCO for a delay in the implementation of VAT to facilitate stakeholder consultations on the subject and the suggested alternatives.

As a government we will strongly state that we are poised to repeal VAT if we are not provided with the opportunity for a delay to enable proper and thorough investigation of alternatives to this method of taxation.

We have already engaged in meaningful dialogue that can result in the refinancing of the $260 UK loan guarantee.

This is an option that will have the effect of reducing and spreading our debt burden and increase flexibility for increased capital expenditure and development.

With specific reference to our goal of ensuring the employment of all qualified, willing and able Turks and Caicos Islanders, our efforts thus far

Residents try to rescue as many items as they could before their homes go up in flames

have been on target.

We have begun the process of strengthening the Employment Services Unit of the Labour Department and revising the Investment Policy that will have the effect of increasing the availability of jobs and securing Belonger participation in those jobs and business opportunities.

The majority of us have entered 2013 in good health, but to those families not as fortunate, I give condolences for the loss of loved ones during the past year and pray for the speedy recovery of those who are ailing.

Your government is committed to the provision of good quality and affordable healthcare for all.

To this end we have embarked on the process of conducting financial and clinical audits of the healthcare delivery and management at the hospitals and NHIP and will very shortly be making policy and legislative changes that will effectively ensure that value is obtained for money in the arena of healthcare services.

This will ensure that services

Premier Rufus Ewing

meet the needs and satisfaction of our people.

This will be followed by increased funding of primary healthcare programmes to reduce the burden of diseases in TCI and the demand on our secondary healthcare system.

The future of our nation rests with the education and empowerment of our children.

Your government is well advanced in the planning for a major education symposium that will inform the new education policy and likewise has already evaluated temporary solutions for the overcrowding of the

Clement Howell High School.

This undertaking will see the physical separation of the school into upper and lower forms in different locations.

Our government has also initiated programmes that will ultimately allow for the rebuilding of the Ona Glinton Primary School, completion of works at the HJ Robinson High School and the building of a new high school on Providenciales.

Control of illegal immigration in the TCI remains a challenge, but as a government we have taken a zero tolerance approach to illegal immigration and will seek to place additional resources in the policing of our borders and also the detection, detention and repatriation of persons residing illegally within our shores.

The almighty God has given us, those elected, the opportunity to lead and to be the defenders of the rights of our people to ensure their wellbeing.

As we move forward charged with these responsibilities, we do recognise the many challenges that have been deliberately placed in our way of progress, but through the will of God and that of a united people we will surmount any and all obstacles.

I take this opportunity on behalf of the government, and the Progressive National Party, to wish all residents of Turks and Caicos a prosperous, healthy and God filled 2013.

The strong wind makes it difficult for firefighters to put out the blaze

Nineteen homes destroyed in blaze JUST three days before Christmas a Haitian community in the Bight suffered a terrible disaster.

Nineteen homes were destroyed by a huge devastating fire, leaving many families displaced.

The blaze, which started just before 11pm on Saturday,

December 22, engulfed the wooden structures that made up the Haitian community known as James Yard.

Head of Domestic Fire Services, Aubrey Felix, said that firefighters rushed to the scene just uphill from the Beaches

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Resort at about 10.59pm carrying 3,200 gallons of water in their fire truck.

Unfortunately when they arrived the direction and strength of the wind as well as the closeness of the structures made it difficult to extinguish the fire

quickly.

After four hours and 14,000 gallons of water the 11 firefighters, ten of whom were volunteers, were finally able to put out the stubborn blaze.

Fire department officials are unaware of the exact number of

individuals who lost their homes.

Felix said that the fire began because someone left a candle unattended and it burnt out and set alight to a bed.

The department cautioned the public never to leave candles unattended. (KH)

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 12 – 18, 2013

For the sake of representation Person of the Year

Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson

BY VANESSA NARINE

Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson speaking at the historic political debates in TCI

THE height of the calling to leadership is representation, according to Sharlene CartwrightRobinson, who said that this truth first resonated with her during her work with TCI’s youth.

Her focus on youth, on taking back a generation from the grip of compounded evils, has propelled her to the position she is in now – the first female leader of one of the Island’s oldest political parties, the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), and first female leader of the Opposition in the House of Assembly.

What began as a passion, her work with youth, saw her upping the ante as an activist this year, as she sought to represent all of her fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders.

In doing so, she has earned the respect of her peers in the PDM, her colleagues on the other side and the confidence of the people – a fact clearly demonstrated when she secured the majority support, out of 11 candidates, in the All-Island vote at the November 9 polls.

Leading up to 2012, CartwrightRobinson, a lawyer, gave her services to several influential bodies, including the Legislative Council; serving as chairman of LegCo’s Select Committee on The White Paper entitled ‘Partnership through Progress’; the country’s first Indigenous Constitution Review Body; the Blue Ribbon Commission on Immigration; the Ten Year Country Plan; the Boundaries Commission; as coordinator of ‘The National Conversation’; and until recently she served as a member of the Governor’s appointed Consultative Forum.

Her work with young people secured her the post of national youth director of the TCI Baptist Union and she is the Union’s Legal Counsel.

She is also a northern director for the Youth Department of the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship, as well as an active member of the Kiwanis Club, where she was the first female elected secretary and president.

Cartwright-Robinson served as a director and chapter president in the TCI Cancer Foundation.

Also, she was recently appointed a Justice of the Peace with special responsibility for HM Prison.

Her accomplishments as a

woman, more so a Turks and Caicos Islands’ woman, through unrelenting dedication to the service of her people, peaked in 2012 and have earned the Honourable Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson the Weekly News’ accolade of ‘Person of the Year’.

While she was surprised at being named ‘Person of the Year’, as is characteristically her way, Cartwright-Robinson was humble.

She said: “The most significant accomplishment in life is being a wife and mother and I think that it is because I enjoy mothering that I am so taken with our young people, it is why I have that drive to work for change for them.”

Cartwright-Robinson is the proud mother of two girls.

CHANGING A GENERATION According to her, change in the Turks and Caicos Islands will only occur if it starts with the young people.

“I want to change a generation,” she said. “I want to change the mindset of our young people, to tell them ‘have pride in who you are’.

We have to start with them.

“If we take control a generation we can make a significant change in our country.

“Some of our brightest minds are locked up and we all need to understand is that we cannot punish them their entire lives for one mistake.

“We should not write off anyone, but rather give our children the opportunity they deserve.”

Cartwright-Robinson maintained that focus on education will better place the TCI to effect the changing of a generation in the interest of not only their futures, but that of the Islands – the two being inextricably linked.

“We have to develop what is here,” she said, “whether it is through grants or loans or scholarships and importantly position them to access opportunities.

“As Leader of the Opposition, I am going to push the report from the people, which came out when we were looking at the Pathway to Citizenship.

“The Turks and Caicos cannot grow at the level we want it to, without growing the population.

We have to open up our minds to understand that we are just too small.

“My issue is that the TCI is at a fine place to determine how we want

to grow our country.

“It is something that this government will have to look at. As it stands the Immigration Ordinance was passed, but it is not in sync with the Constitution.

“It is something we cannot run away from. We have to expand our population, but take care of the people here first; this is something that needs to happen simultaneously.

“When we open the door to foreign labour, we have to develop our education system in a carefully planned manner to put our children in a position where they could compete successfully.”

While the Opposition Leader was brimming with ideas of working with her peers to move the country forward, to impact change for the people she represents, she admitted to the Weekly News that she did not initially plan to run for office.

AN ALMOST MISS She said: “I had no intentions for running for office. I took a lot of bashing from the people who knew me, especially my pastors from the various Baptist churches I was involved in and other persons; people who automatically thought that my running for office would be a natural thing.

“I had closed that chapter because I had offered myself as a candidate in 2003. The whole idea I had was that I would not run, even though people thought I should be running.

“I never gave much thought to running, but I had the support, more so from my husband who thought that I should be running.

“After I decided to run, I made the decision to take my blue hat off and present myself to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“I had given up my chairmanship of the PDM, because I felt that if I took off the colour more people would receive what I had to give.

“I think I gained respect from not only the people, but from those on the other side.

“In the end I submitted my application to my party.”

That application was made in June, on the anniversary of the death of PDM’s visionary and TCI’s only national hero, James Alexander George Smith (JAGS) McCartney.

Cartwright-Robinson said: “It was not a natural step for me. I thought I had done what I could, with regard to giving them some level of hope and

January 12 – 18, 2013 representation. I was ready to move on to something else, but here I am.”

Coincidentally, she was named deputy leader of the PDM on JAGS’s birthday.

Since Cartwright-Robinson’s reentry into the political arena, she maintained that the support of her family has been her bastion.

“A lot of people do not know how wide my family is, but they were very supportive, in particular my husband Lorne Robinson,” she said.

“That support helped to make this easy for me and when I speak about my family, I speak about my pastors from the different Baptist churches I am involved with. They were all very supportive. When I had no mind to run, they had that support for me.”

CHALLENGES Such support was key, according to her, during her time on the Consultative Forum.

“For me being on the Consultative Forum was rough, because there were times where people would say, ‘you should resign’ or ‘you are a traitor’.

“Those things were hurled at me, but I realised that in that period somebody needed to hear that there was somebody speaking for them.

“I don’t think I had as much impact as I wanted. There were a lot of policies and legislations that were passed, even though the Consultative Forum recommended otherwise.

“When we were appointed I knew that we were appointed because we were from the community and we understood the issues.

“We knew that we were there in an advisory capacity, but I was snapped back into reality very quickly. I then

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

9

saw my role as more informative, even though I fought on certain positions.”

Cartwright-Robinson revealed that the level of mistrust and the assumption that all Turks Islanders were criminals was the most offensive aspect of her time with the Forum.

She said: “This assumption was what I found more offensive than anything, that everybody was being painted with the same broad brush.

“Allegations are allegations until proven and you cannot judge an entire country based on the previous six years.

“We were a successful country before that and we were governed well and in that respect I am sure we could have taught the UK a thing or two.”

A LEADER Her re-entry to the political arena may give her that chance.

Cartwright-Robinson explained that she was not a member of the PDM’s executive when she decided to run and after becoming deputy leader, her role was very much to support the then leader, Oswald Skippings.

“It was easy to do things like put our blueprint together because we worked very well together,” she said.

“My function has been in an election period because it has been that short a time I was deputy leader.

“There are a lot of things I would like to see done in the party in terms of moving together; more and more oversight of people within the party with important roles.”

Now leader of the party, she will be able to enforce these reforms.

An enthusiastic Cartwright-Robinson at a campaign rally earlier this year energising her base

Cartwright-Robinson shares a light moment with former PDM leader, Oswald Skippings.

Leader of both her party and the Opposition are roles CartwrightRobinson says she takes very seriously.

She said: “As leader of the Opposition, first of all, my function is oversight. We appointed the oversight committees and I have assumed the role as all leaders of the Opposition do to be the chair of the Public Accounts Committee.

“Our role first and foremost is to watch our money and ensure that we get value for money, to make sure we remain within budgetary provisions and that there is no ‘hanky-panky’ going on with the country’s money.

I intend to perform this role with due diligence.”

According to her, the Opposition is not the TCI Government, but they are a government in waiting and will behave like a government in waiting Cartwright-Robinson said: “This Opposition will be a different Opposition.

“If the Government is not heading in the right direction we will point that out. If the Government falls down we will be there.

“It is our job to make sure that the interests of the people are what is placed in the forefront.

“Our opinions will differ, but where we share the same views we will support the Government.

“Our blueprint came out first and if you look at it, the PNP’s manifesto is almost a mirror of our plans and polices, which is understandable, because if you had your ear to the ground what is contained in those documents is what the people want.

“It makes no sense us opposing for opposing sake, but we will bring our policies and solutions to the table.

“We will be a visible Opposition.”

That said, she made it clear that the Opposition understands its role going forward.

She said: “The government of the day is the one that will be dealing largely with the British, we understand that, but this is why I am disappointed that the Premier has not invited the Opposition to address the whole matter of VAT. “We cannot impose ourselves on the government, we can only move

Opposition Leader, Sharlene CartwrightRobinson, sworn in by Governor Ric Todd

in certain areas if we are invited.”

On that note, CartwrightRobinson pointed to the fact that the government of the day has to seriously get down to business.

“There are issues that could have been addressed already, certain local fights that the British are not involved in, such as unemployment, which should have begun getting attention.

“I am disappointed that policies have not been brought forward to address this.

“I don’t think the elected government is communicating at all.

We have no idea of what is going on as a people.

“I think the falling down was in the first month, when so much could have happened.

“Anyone taking office had to be ready from day one. There have been no releases on any major issues; tell us what is going on with the loan for example.”

Representing the people, according to her, translates to taking them along with you on the journey to change.

Cartwright-Robinson said: “The PDM was built on representation; this is something not many young people understand.

“To sit down and be an idle Opposition and not address what needs to be addressed will be a far cry from what the PDM is and representation is where we will always stand out. This is who we are.

“I like doing for people what they think they cannot do for themselves.

I have been all my life and it is one of the reasons I chose law as a profession.”

The road to change is an uphill and challenging battle, but with the support and confidence of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Cartwright-Robinson said it is a battle that she is prepared to fight – for the sake of representation.

10

January 12 – 18, 2013

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.

Open letter to the Premier Let’s start giving Dear Mr Ewing, As Premier of these islands you are enjoying a much needed honeymoon which we shall soon have to end because of the ‘flipflopping’ on when you were aware that the sale of the Veranda took place.

There is no way you could not know and the government kept in the dark.

First of all both Beaches and the Veranda are development enterprises under the encouragement of the Development Ordinance.

Both resorts benefit from considerable concessions granted by previous governments all funded by the TCI people through tax breaks, import duty concessions and other risk factors.

The labour component is considerable and huge where it cannot be ignored.

Beaches had a duty to tell the government and its people. The government had a right to demand

to know.

Because of taxes not collected government from then to now it had to forgo plans, schools, salaries and public sector investment on the people.

So they have a right to know.

Under this development enterprise and development order, Beaches has acquired an alleged right to bring in over 600 workers.

Now since the PNP granted this order in 2006 when hundreds of locals were and are unemployed and the PNP are back in office it seems the public has consented to this so I make no bones.

There is also the argument that Beaches is contributing to our country and where it relates to the owner, Butch Stewart, he deserved his Belongership.

Your honeymoon is also understood and respected because we are not dealing with the former Premier who is now at large.

So it continues, sine die, until

further notice.

Please demand answers from Beaches and tell the people what this deal is all about.

There is also the continued need for you to account for the hospital deal.

Rest assured none of these issues will ever go away even though we may be handling them differently.

The new TCI, the new electorate and the new reality of TCI public life will demand accountability and openness at all levels.

Our public discourse may also evolve to one of civility and pleasant demands, such as this, for answers, but the obligation to account fully and on all levels remains.

Please then level and say what this deal is all about.

Until further notice the honeymoon continues, at least until we are through with these byelections.

Patti Forbes

No work for Belongers Dear Editor, Turks and Caicos Islanders, we are in serious trouble.

The only Belongers who will survive in these islands are those who think and call themselves high class because they change hands you do this for me and I will do that for you.

The others, Belongers, will die one after the next.

Who doesn’t die from hunger will die when they go down to the hospital if their NHIP card is not registered.

The hospital will send you away without care. How can we have valid NHIP cards if we are not working?

The Governor wants the people to pay NHIP and NIS contributions monthly. This is impossible if the Turks Islanders do not have jobs. How can we take care of our children?

The hotels are organising job fairs only as a front for the Labour Department.

Unemployed people will attend, only to stand in line for hours and be told that the positions are already filled.

Why have a job fair, if you have no vacancies?

Employers hire work permit holders faster than they hire Belongers - it is sad but a true fact.

Another fact, Work Permit holders are employed on two different jobs, while Islanders are still struggling to find one.

In the event employers are forced by the Labour Department to employ Belongers, they are often treated with disrespect and named unreliable.

If not dismissed by the end of probation, they are often mistreated and called lazy if they cannot complete a thousand tasks in a day, as pushed by the reluctant employer.

The world is filled with lazy people, not just Turks Islanders.

The statement that the Belongers are lazy is an excuse not to hire Islanders. We are no lazier than any other nation.

Our Governor is not taking care of our people. Some of the Expats working, and working two jobs have no work permits.

Immigration and Labour needs to put a stop to this.

Foreign workers, equals a weak economy.

Work permit holders express their salary and wages out of the Islands, this does not benefit the Turks and Caicos Islands.

SPACE IS LIMITED!

Turks Islanders have nowhere to go, we are home, and if we are not working how can we build our homes?

How will we care for and educate our children when we can’t afford the basic necessities at the grocery store.

We are not asking for handouts.

We simply want to work. I want to work. I need to work.

I, myself, am currently unemployed for the past three months and need a job.

I have a mortgage on my home and daily basic needs.

I do not want any hand outs, I want to pay my mortgage at the end of the month to keep a roof over my head.

I want to see my grandchildren and great-grandchildren have a brighter future than what we face right now.

Our Turks and Caicos has so many different nationalities that they have outnumbered the true Belongers in the last few years.

I am pleading to our Government, we in the Turks and Caicos need your help now.

OPH, Belonger

Dear Editor, Christmas is over and personal giving to the elderly in my annual Christmas task has been completed.

Having given out a total of 68 picnic hams, I have to say thank you to Graceway IGA for providing the gifts at a discounted rate, Caicos Express Airways for the discounted airfare to Grand Turk and Lew 1 shipping for their discounted shipping to get the hams to Grand Turk.

I cannot forget to thank my sister Paulette for the use of her vehicle and Kevin McCartney and Tianne Astwood for their time and effort in distributing the hams throughout the island.

A lot of lives were touched and people were extremely grateful for the gifts.

I just want to say that I deeply appreciate everyone for their efforts.

With all that has been done somehow I still feel a longing in my heart to do more.

I wish I had the capacity to assist the elderly throughout the Turks and Caicos in more meaningful and personal ways.

As it stands I cannot at this time and constantly pray for God’s blessings so that one day I might be able to in the near future.

I feel the need now more than ever to address the needs of the elderly

because they are often forgotten and very basic needs are not being met.

I have decided to shift my focus and assist, one island at a time.

I am currently making efforts to visit the island of North Caicos, then Middle Caicos with care packages and eventually I will be going into South Caicos with a fruit and vegetable drive.

This is a lot to undertake, but God knows the desires of my heart and I am confident that he will see me through.

In the interim, if there is anyone who would like to partner in anyway, whether with goods (canned/ personal items/monetary) or to volunteer their time, it will be greatly appreciated and will go towards this most rewarding venture.

Alternatively, churches and other civic groups I wish to make an appeal to do what you can and all that you can to assist the elderly, sick and shut in and the needy in your communities.

Let us see if by coming together we can help to end suffering and neglect in the Turks and Caicos.

Imagine if those of us who are employed are finding it difficult to survive, what an awesome burden it must be for persons who have no form of income.

Euwonka Selver

A look back to the past, and a glimpse to the future Dear Editor, To all leaders, residents, friends, and in particular, the many supporters of the People Progressive Party (PPP), greetings!

As we fast complete the Christmas holidays and the end to another year 2012, I hope 2013 brings great wishes and prosperity to everyone, loyalty to country, warmth of love, comfort of home, joy for children, company and support of family and friends, a caring heart that accepts, and treats all fellow human beings equally, enrichment of knowledge and richness of inclusion and diversity, and courage to seek and speak the truth, even if it means ridicule and standing alone.

There always must be hopes and dreams of a just world and the desire to make it happen, a light to guide your path, helping hands to strengthen unity, serenity and peace within the mind, heart and soul, food

for thought and soul.

And finally, there must be a burning desire and love in the heart to do what is right in the sight of self, comrades and God! When the clock struck twelve on December 31, 2012, people all over the world cheered and wished each other a very Happy New Year 2013.

We all must promise that good wish to be sincere.

For some, this event is no more than a change of a calendar. For others, the New Year symbolises the beginning of a better tomorrow.

So, if you look forward to a good year ahead, I implore you to spread happiness with these wonderful New Year wishes.

And remember 2016 is not too far away, and we must be prepared!

Respectfully, Edward E Smith, Party Treasurer – PPP

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

January 12 – 18, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

11

continued

Defend Misick's fundamental human rights Dear Editor, I am probably the voice that is least expected to champion the cause of Michael Misick, but his ‘ought to be’ champions are conspicuous by their front line absence in defending his cause and their silence is nothing short of deafening.

Let me be clear! The sole issue that I'm dealing with here is the blatant violation of Michael Misick's human rights and the abuse of those rights by the powers that be, by holding him in that prison in Brazil and preventing his return home to face justice.

But I as his most sought after political rival, am highly disappointed at the lack of concern and effort that is being generated by his own camp, so I can imagine how Mike must feel at this time considering what he is going through and who benefitted most from his reign.

My questions include; Where are the thousands of supporters and sympathisers?

Even more important, where are the leaders among them to lead this justifiable charge?

Where are the voices of authority who are now duly and democratically elected who were babbling before they had such governmental authority?

Has Michael Misick been thrown to the dogs now that elections are over and they have become the government and there is now no more need to take his advice and ride on his sympathy and popularity?

Then again, where are the human rights activists and those in authority who are being paid to look after our human rights?

Many of us may be convinced that Mike is a criminal who has done this country and its people much wrong,

but even so he is still a human being and he still has fundamental human rights, both locally and internationally and someone needs to represent those rights on his behalf because he can't do it for himself in the situation that he's in.

He is now incarnated in a strange country with no lawyers, no family, no friends and no sympathisers.

It seems that the powers that be have ulterior motives in keeping him away from home based on the fact that he is not resisting coming home to face his fate.

In fact from the offset he has volunteered to come home and therefore there is no need for any extradition proceeding to delay his return.

His attorneys were not allowed to see him; his brother was denied the same privilege.

That is a violation of his basic human rights and so is his detention in a maximum security prison especially in a country like Brazil where he has committed no crimes and has not refused to voluntarily leave the country and be brought to justice at home.

How do we know that he is okay?

If he is now, how do we know that he will continue to be okay?

Why is he being kept over there and prevented from coming home to face justice? Who is afraid of his coming and why?

Parliament met at least twice since Mike's arrest and I am yet to hear of the debate on the violation of Mike’s human rights and a resolution to effectively deal with the situation at a level where it really matters and where something will have to be done as a result of such a resolution.

Even though I'm one who suffered as a victim from a violation of my

human rights by Michael Misick's regime and he is the person that singlehandedly persecuted me and viciously besmirched my character the most over the years, I am still compelled to speak out against the injustice that I see going on concerning holding him in that prison and preventing him from coming home to face his criminal charges.

The truth of the matter is that I fear for his safety.

Mike in his hand scribbled letter did request that representations be made on his behalf to the Latin American countries, the UN and the UK; has that been done, has any such human rights requests been made to the USA and our English speaking neighbours in the region?

I would like to know because there is absolutely no momentum to accompany it.

CARICOM, and the English speaking countries in this hemisphere and even the EU, would

COMMENTARY

The first 60 days THE EVENTS of the first 60 days of the new government are very disturbing and we find them hard to understand.

First we saw the letter from Michael Misick. Could this essay be written by a man of papers who had earned a law degree in Britain?

He certainly needs our prayers.

We must pray that he is treated humanely and that he sees the light.

I suspect he knows what he did was wrong because he ran. Brazil was his choice and the consequences find him in a horrible Brazilian prison.

The mills of God, it seems, still grind slowly away. Had the former Premier stayed here he would have

By David Tapfer been as free as the others.

He chose to run and only he knows all the reasons. I suspect Ms Garlick also knows most of them.

Now the reformed Progressive National Party is showing the same old stuff of which they are made.

First the minister from Cheshire Hall says $11,000 per month to represent 700 people is not enough.

That is $130,000 per year!

The price of milk and electricity will not bother this minister. Her supporters will struggle to pay off the debts of her party with VAT or “alternate taxes”.

The Premier who worked overtime and collected thousands extra for creating the National Health Scheme has promised to dig into it and find out if he can make it affordable.

His own pundits now complain about this financial disaster.

We were surprised to hear Doc Ewing admit NHIP and the $260m loan are the country’s biggest challenges.

I wish he had worried and spoken

not shirk their responsibility to deal with this human rights issue if they are officially informed of the circumstances and even more so if they are requested to do so.

The absence of PNP government and party's momentum in this justifiable issue for their former leader is shameful to say the least.

It must be understood that Mike is more of a threat to the same status quo while incarnated and particularly if he's in the TCI, than while on the loose.

That is why there were no efforts made to keep him here in the first place.

That is also why there are no efforts being made to bring him back home now.

How long are they going to wait? Until we hear of some prison incident of which he was an innocent bystander who became a victim, or some other concocted story?

Why keep him in one of the worst prisons in Brazil locked down for 23

out while he and his associates were creating this mess.

However admitting the problem at this late date is still a positive step He and his immigration minister have illegal immigration as their number one priority.

We heard him complain that the USA Coast Guard, of all organisations, has to do better and so does our radar.

Wood yachts today often put metal foil inside their masts to show up on radar operators’ screens.

While the former Premier pleads for his human rights, minister Gardiner is hell bent on making Haitian lives “unbearable”.

When the country heard this at the House meeting it sickened all who care.

Many countries deal with illegal immigration. The quality of the country’s government is reflected in the way they treat refugees.

We clearly remember some died, while being detained, for lack of water not so very long ago.

out of 24 hours each day?

The longer he is there in a state of limbo, the greater his chances are of being a victim of inexplicable fatal circumstances.

There are those of us who understand that the stakes are high and that there are high rollers in this game who Mike could expose.

Considering the possible damage he can do to the high and the mighty, don't you think that there should be some justifiable fear for his safety?

After all he was not the master nor the mind behind the skilfully executed en masse corruption or as sir Robin called it, systemic corruption that shook this country at its very foundations.

All you so called Michael Missick supporters and human rights gurus, now is the time to stand up and be counted if you really care anything at all about Michael Misick as a human being and as a Turks and Caicos Islander and if you would like to see him return here safe and sound.

Or equally important, if you seriously care about the protection of one's human rights.

Will the elected government show some concern, show some testicular fortitude, some grit and some inkling of diplomatic authority in dealing with this matter?

This is a very serious matter. They now have power, they must use it!

They must be wise and demonstrate that they know how; and instead of taking on some of the other foolish issues that they take on regarding him, they stand up for the fundamental human rights of Michael Misick and get him home safely ASAP before its too late!

Yes! Oswald Skippings

Then there is what we heard from the finance minister. His credentials on things financial are so questionable one wonders how he got this assignment or won election.

Nice guy, poor manager.

He wants six or seven months to overlay his priorities on what the department of finance is creating currently.

Perhaps the problem is he has not been given the priorities?

A “blank check” will solve his problem he says.

When heading TCI Bank he had a blank check for $23.5m of the peoples’ pension funds from now PNP chairman, then NIB chief.

All of that except the last deposit guaranteed by Governor Wetherell has been lost. The last $5m withdrawn by three persons unknown.

This reduced drastically the little bit the other 4,000 families will recover. Remember?

12 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 12 – 18, 2013

Honours programme Acting Governor Anya Williams for top players NEW YEAR MESSAGE:

EACH new year brings with it the opportunity for change, for renewed commitment and for new beginnings.

As we look back on 2012 and the many challenges and yet blessings that we have endured in our lives and as a country, I am reminded of where our country stood on January 1, 2012, and of where we stand today.

Today we look forward to achieving a surplus well ahead of budget at the financial year end, to seeing civil servants pay reinstated and a proper pay and grading system put in place by February 2013, to breaking ground on several key government and private sector development projects early this year such as the Providenciales Terminal Expansion Project, the North/Middle Caicos Causeway, Ona Glinton Primary School, the new RO Plant in Grand Turk and the Dessaroles, Third Turtle and Toscana projects in Providenciales.

His Excellency the Governor and I will continue to work closely with the newly elected government to ensure that TCI

A NEW programme is being set up to acknowledge highly respected members of the TCI community.

The National Honours and Awards Programme will recognise those that have made a difference to the country.

During Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, the first of 2013, a proposal was put forward and accepted for the programme based on the National Honours and Awards Ordinance.

Premier Rufus Ewing proposed to appoint a committee as provided for in the ordinance which would advise on establishing rules and procedures for such a programme.

This would include the design and creation of insignia for honour and award medals, regulations for the submission of nominations and the is governed in an accountable, open and transparent manner and that the government is able to deliver the programmes and projects that they have set out as their priorities.

I commend all civil servants most especially Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, heads of departments, CEOs and other officials in government for the work that they have done in managing the affairs of

our country and would ask that you continue to commit yourselves to furthering the development of these beautiful islands.

There are many challenges that may lie ahead, but with God on our side it is my belief that the best is still yet to come.

All the best to you and your families for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2013.

Six weeks for weapons charge A GRAND Turk man was sent to jail for six weeks after pleading guilty to using an offensive weapon.

Patrick Harvey stood before the Grand Turk Magistrates Court on Monday, January 7, in connection with an incident in early December.

He was alleged to have made threats while brandishing a knife and throwing rocks on Thursday, December 6.

Harvey pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six weeks for using an offensive weapon and three weeks for common assault to run concurrently.

Also in court was Drexwell Wilson of Grand Turk who pled guilty to the offence of burglary and was sentenced to 18 months

imprisonment.

He admitted to stealing a number of items from a home located on Pillory Beach, Grand Turk.

Vanessa Carter of Grand Turk pled guilty to the offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

She trespassed on a home on Saturday, December 1, and assaulted the owner.

Carter was sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment.

Meanwhile Dave Morris of Grand Turk who faced court on January 3 received a 12 month suspended sentence for the offence of abstracting electricity.

It was reported by TCU that between February 2, 2010, and Monday, July 18, 2012, Morris

Thief injured in pursuit A THIEF was detained during an attempt to steal electrical goods from a home in Thompson Cove.

The incident happened at about 5am on Christmas Eve when a female resident awoke to find a strange man in her bedroom.

In the commotion her son awoke, and on seeing the unexpected early morning visitor gave chase.

During the pursuit the burglar fell

and injured himself.

The family then contacted the police who quickly arrived on the scene.

They arrested the man and he was taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for treatment to his injuries.

The Criminal Investigation Department is carrying out further investigations into this incident.

abstracted electricity from a disconnected meter box near his home on Hospital Road.

On January 4 36-year-old Timothy Pierre of Grand Turk was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for burglary.

He was also sentenced to six weeks imprisonment for malicious damage to property to run concurrently.

The charges were both in connection to an incident on Friday, December 26, at a home in Cork Tree, Grand Turk.

While making checks around the building officers noticed a male figure trying to escape from inside the home.

The man was captured and later identified to be Timothy Pierre; he was found with property belonging to the homeowner in his pockets.

Police public relations officer, Audley Astwood, said, “The police department is grateful to the good citizen who saw this offence being committed and contacted the police immediately.

“I wish to encourage other people to report any crime that they witness occurring within their community.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, utilise the Crimestoppers website which offers rewards for information that leads to an arrest.”

awarding of honours.

He said it would recognise those who made a “significant contribution to nation building” and would include National Hero and Meritorious Service.

In the light of their advice the Premier would make proposals to cabinet with view to an awards ceremony on National Heroes Day this year.

The Premier added, “The government views this programme as a critical step toward improving national pride.”

Cabinet further agreed that members of the committee would be unpaid and that the budget allocation for this programme would be determined during the 2013/14 budget process.

Reported burglaries 2013 THE TURKS and Caicos government post office in Grand Turk was burgled over the weekend.

The post office supervisor told officers that she secured the building on Friday, January 4, at 4pm and returned on the Monday at 8am to discover it had been broken into.

The office was vandalised but as yet nothing has been reported stolen. _______________________________________________________ A FIVE Cays property was broken into on Monday, January 7, at about 1am.

A male resident told officers that he secured his home on Sunday, January 6, at 10pm and returned in the early hours of the next morning to discover his home was robbed.

Jewellery and a Play Station game were reported missing. _______________________________________________________ COLOGNE and clothing was stolen from a Juba Sound home on Saturday, January 5.

A male resident said he secured his house at 8.30am and returned at 6pm that evening to find that he had been the victim of a burglary. _______________________________________________________ A LOUIS Vuitton laptop bag, a Dell Laptop and a British passport were among the items stolen from a Five Cays home The incident happened between the hours of 11pm on Thursday, January 3, and 8am on Friday, January 4. _______________________________________________________ A FEMALE resident reported to police that her Turtle Cove home had been broken into on Thursday, January 3.

The burglary took place between the hours of 11am and 3.30pm when she returned home to find disturbance and her iPhone missing. _______________________________________________________ A BUSINESS place in Five Cays was robbed while the owner took time off for the holidays.

The owner reported to police that she left her property secured on Friday, December 7, and returned on Thursday, January 3, to find it had been broken into and an assortment of dry goods were missing.

Responding officers later arrested a male on suspicion of Handling Stolen Goods in relation to this report. _______________________________________________________ A RESIDENT of Kew Town was burgled as she celebrated New Year.

She told officers that she left home at 3pm on Monday, December 31, and returned at 3am on Tuesday, January 1, to find it ransacked.

Her HP laptop was stolen. _______________________________________________________ Cash rewards are being offered by Crimestoppers in a bid to catch burglars in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

If any member of the public has information on someone who is involved in a burglary but they do not want to talk to the police, they can pass information to Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477 without revealing their identity.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of CrimeStoppers Turks and Caicos.

January 12 – 18, 2013

Police warn about burglaries A SPATE of burglaries over the festive season has led police to issue strong cautionary advice to TCI homeowners.

More than 20 homes were illegally entered and thousands of dollars worth of possessions stolen while residents enjoyed Christmas and New Year celebrations.

As well as residential properties other places targeted included a post office and a number of small businesses.

Some of the hot spots for the attacks included Five Cays, Blue Hills and Thompson Cove in Providenciales, and Bottle Creek in North Caicos.

Among the belongings stolen were jewellery, computers, a passport, cologne, alcohol, cash, credit cards and a tv.

This week the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force issued advice to the public on how to prevent becoming a target of thieves.

It read, “Although the Turks and Caicos is one of the safest countries in the world, we traditionally see an increase in burglaries during the festive time.

“But you can make a huge difference and dramatically reduce the chances of being burgled by taking just a few

NEWS 13

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

simple measures.”

The first step that police advise is never to leave door or car keys, wallets or handbags within reach of a letterbox, door or window.

Residents must make their home look occupied when nobody is home by using an automatic timer to switch interior lights on and off.

They should also set their burglar alarm whenever they leave their home and dispose of empty packaging carefully.

If a homeowner is leaving for vacation they should ask a friend or family member to keep an eye on their home, and refrain from posting details of their holiday on social network sites.

Valuables should be marked with a property marking pen and place signs and stickers around the home.

And finally the advice from TCI police is to always secure the shed and garage and never leave ladders or other tools outside which could help a burglar gain access to the home.

“Think about your home from a burglar’s point of view and look for the weak spots in your home security, taking a few crime prevention measures to make your house less likely to go on the burglars ‘to-do list’.”

Sloop intercepted – Dozens of immigrants detained DOZENS of illegal immigrants were deported after a large Haitian sloop was intercepted off the coast of Providenciales.

The boat, later identified as Ragged Island, was detected at about 7pm on Sunday, December 30.

It was spotted seven miles south of the island by the government’s radar system and was met by the police marine branch.

Officers towed the vessel to South Dock where it arrived at about 9.35pm.

There were 94 people on board consisting of 70 men and 24 women who were subsequently transported to the detention centre.

Officials from the police, border control, and other government and non-governmental agencies were on hand to assist with their processing.

Ragged Island was just one of five attempted Haitian sloop arrivals across the region during the month of December.

Earlier in the month, three other vessels containing 137 individuals were intercepted.

The US Coast Guard intercepted one vessel north of Haiti with 87 people on board.

The US Coast Guard and the Royal Bahamas Police and Defence

forces jointly captured two Haitian vessels near Georgetown, Great Exumas, carrying more than 50 people.

Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of any illegal migrants who came on previous sloops and escaped into the

community, or the planned arrival of other sloops can contact the police on 911 or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www. crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of CrimeStoppers Turks and Caicos.

REPORTER TRAINEE Preferably a high school graduate with extremely good writing skills. Applicant must be proficient in English and should have a keen interest in the language. Assignments will include political rallies, the courts and general community activities.

Successful candidate must be neat and well presented, and should be able to drive and use a camera. He/she should also posses a working knowledge of computers. Only Belongers need apply.

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

14 NEWS

Year in Review TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 12 – 18, 2013

FROM the controversial legislative moves by the interim administration to the return to democracy, the PNP win and the arrest of embattled former Premier Mike Misick; here are the stories that made the news in 2012.

January NIB’s big break

MANY Turks and Caicos businesses breathed a sigh of relief at the announcement of a National Insurance Board amnesty, enabling them to catch up on their overdue payments – interest free.

The amnesty began on January 2, and ran to February 29. It was conditioned on delinquent contributors making all outstanding payments during the two-month grace period.

Cultural icon robbed, beaten

A TCI cultural icon had his Grand Turk home invaded and was beaten to near death in one of the most grotesque cases of aggravated burglary to hit the Turks and Caicos Islands.

On the night of Tuesday, January 3, bandits entered the Dunscombe Alley home of local historian Oswaldo Arizo, and in the process of carrying out the burglary, dealt him a severe beating.

Oswaldo suffered serious but nonlife threatening injuries and was taken to Cockburn Town Medical Centre, Grand Turk, for medical attention.

Dr. Rufus Ewing, Person of the Year 2011

THE PLIGHT of thousands of TCI civil servants suffering job losses and wage cuts touched the heart of the nation, and resulted in a battle that would come to characterise 2011.

One man stood at the very helm of the crusade. From reforming and heading the Civil Service Association (CSA), to leading vociferous protests, and eventually quitting the top post he had held for a decade, Dr Rufus Ewing was a pervasive figure throughout.

For services to his country and compatriots, which went far beyond any call of duty, Dr Ewing was named the Weekly News’ Person of the Year.

A million and more came

WHEN John and Alexandria Ducar of New York stepped off a JetBlue aircraft and into Providenciales Airport on December 31, they became the millionth and one and millionth and two visitors to Turks and Caicos for the 2011 calendar year.

TC Invest to be axed

STATUTORY investment agency TCInvest was wound down to prevent a multi-million dollar loss to public coffers.

The decision was made following an in depth review of the body which revealed that accrued losses from social lending left a huge financial deficit.

Inward investment, business licensing and small enterprise loans – formerly issued by TCInvest – were placed back in the hands of the government.

Governor appoints five Permanent Secretaries

FIVE Permanent Secretaries were

appointed to take over the government’s restructured ministries.

Judith Campbell, Wesley Clerveaux, Clara Gardiner, Susan Malcolm and Anya Williams were chosen from 10 shortlisted candidates.

TCI at risk for rise in sea level

EVEN the smallest rise in sea level could wipe out many of TCI’s beaches, according to a regional study called the Caribsave Climate Change Risk Atlas (CCCRA).

TCI is on top of the world

THE TURKS and Caicos Islands were voted one of the best places to live in the world – coming number four in a chart compiled by a leading British newspaper.

The Telegraph released its annual list of the World’s Top Ten Places to Live and the TCI featured in one of the top spots for 2012.

The country’s stunning vistas, beautiful warm turquoise waters, year round sunshine and laid-back lifestyle saw it beat Tasmania, Hawaii and Buenos Aires to secure its place.

I will not resign, Clayton Greene

ATTORNEY-at-law and leader of the Progressive National Party (PNP), Mr. Clayton Greene, insisted that he would not resign, following calls for him to step down by a group called PNP Militia.

He maintained that he would not agree to any such request by a group he is unfamiliar with.

Greene was arrested by the Special Investigative Prosecution Team (SIPT) on suspicion of money laundering; a charge he maintained he was “absolutely innocent” of.

Simons fires back at Governor

THE DEBACLE over the closure of TCInvest continued with the chairman of the board of directors, Mr. Oswald Simons, firing back at Governor Ric Todd’s statements over a deficit of $10m.

According to the Governor, the accrued losses from TCInvest’s social lending strategies, although “laudable as an endeavour,” left a widening financial deficit.

However, Simons said the record would show that when the decision was taken to scrap TCInvest there was no deficit; rather the agency had more than $1m in cash and a healthy net asset position.

We must have say on citizenship

TURKS and Caicos Islanders voiced their concerns and offered recommendations in hopes of influencing the immigration legislation at a public discourse on the Pathway to Citizenship.

The primary consensus by stakeholders was that influencing the country’s immigration laws would be the first step to ensuring that TCI

becomes the nation that Islanders want it to be.

Governor defends CRP costs as “reasonable”

GOVERNOR Ric Todd defended the costs incurred on the Civil Recovery Programme (CRP), saying the breakdown of the expenditures showed costs were “reasonable” - a fact disagreed with by a cross section of stakeholders.

However, Todd maintained that there was transparency in the entire process.

“People are clear on what they are getting for their money,” the Governor insisted.

Filipino town hall meeting ended before it began

A TOWN hall meeting called by members of the Filipino committee to discuss the new Pathway to Citizenship was dissolved by a handful of TC Islanders who felt insulted that they were holding a separate meeting.

As residents gathered at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Centre Downtown to discuss the new Pathway to Citizenship in the TCI, members of the Filipino community gathered at the Grace Bay Sports Centre to have their meeting.

February ‘Filipinos were right,’ forum chair

THE FILIPINO meeting that caused a stir among Islanders was convened through the proper channels, according to chair of the Consultative Forum Lillian Missick.

Missick made it clear that the Pathway to Citizenship consultations were not restricted to TCI Belongers.

BBC uncovers the truth on Ashcroft

LORD Ashcroft was secretly in control of the TCI’s largest construction firm, UK’s Panorama programme revealed.

Following an in depth two year investigation the show disclosed that the Conservative peer was heading Johnston International years after he sold it.

‘Panorama: Secrets of the Tory Billionaire’ presented by Declan Lawn was broadcast on UK television’s BBC One.

TCIG wins $9.3m on Emerald Cay claims

THE TURKS and Caicos Government, was awarded judgment of $9.3m against Emerald Cay Limited and Worldwide Commercial Properties Limited, arising out of the underpayment of stamp duty on the acquisition of Emerald Cay in 2006.

AG says several local lawyers under scrutiny

IN THE wake of the Emerald Cay judgment, authorities widened their

investigations, bringing under scrutiny several local lawyers, according to Attorney General Huw Shepheard.

Governor gets his $10m

THE DISPUTED transfer of $10m from the National Insurance Board (NIB) to the government’s coffers became a legislative requirement following the signing of an ordinance

by Governor Ric Todd.

According to him, the monies would be used to cover the cost of the healthcare system.

PNP leader and former minister charged

LEADER of the PNP Clayton Greene and ex-environment minister McAllister Hanchell were both charged with serious offences following TCI’s lengthy corruption probe.

Greene, an attorney, faced three counts of laundering money while Hanchell was charged with conspiracy to commit bribery.

Haitian/TCIG immigration consultations very likely

SPOKESMAN of an eight-member Haitian delegation, Mr. Claude Raymond, in an interview with the Weekly News, said immigration consultations with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) on the way forward for Haitians were very likely.

The team spent a week meeting with local Haitians and other stakeholders assessing the need for documentation, including birth certificates, marriage certificates and, where needed, Haitian passports.

NIB files motion to protect $10m

THE NATIONAL Insurance Board (NIB) revealed it would challenge the Governor’s newly signed ordinance to make legal the transfer of $10m from the national insurance fund at a court hearing in Grand Turk.

Chairman of the board, Mr. Ervine Quelch, made the announcement at a press briefing at the NIB’s office, and made it clear that the Governor’s claim of a $10m debt was disingenuous.

Government to face taxation lawsuit

THE TURKS and Caicos Islands Government expected to face a taxation lawsuit by Grand Turk resident Jerzy Kolodziej.

He told the Weekly News that the ‘Taxation without Representation’ case was in an advanced state and ready to be filed.

Abuse charges to be pressed against high school principal

JUSTIN ‘Quick’ Williams, father of the 15-year-old boy from Clement Howell High School who was flogged by the Principal Lloyd Fearon, maintained that an apology was not enough, and added that he would be pressing charges.

AG alleged assault case dropped

THE ALLEGED assault charge against Attorney General (AG) Huw Shepheard was dropped, according to a press release from the Commissioner of Police.

Commissioner Colin Farquhar, told the Weekly News that the investigation, which was conducted by Officer Kendol Charles, was completed.

He added that the case was closed, but would be available for reference in the event of similar future occurrences.

First cancer care unit opened in TCI

CANCER patients in the TCI enjoyed a significant decrease in their medical expenses, thanks to a much anticipated cancer care unit, launched at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales.

Governor faces tough questions

THE GOVERNOR’S series of six public meetings were held in Providenciales, Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and North, Middle and South Caicos throughout January and February.

During the meetings residents protested the highhanded approach of the interim administration in addressing the affairs of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Government revenue soars

GOVERNMENT revenue shot up nearly 40 per cent, according to TCIG’s finance chief, but a multimillion dollar deficit remained.

Chief Financial Officer Hugh McGarel-Groves revealed that budget measures showed real results.

Records for the third quarter of the 2011/12 financial year, the period ending December 31, 2011, showed an increase in revenue of $33m or 39 per cent on the same period the year before.

March More than 150 file with Integrity Commission

CHAIRMAN of the Commission of Integrity, Sir David Simmons, disclosed that of 169 requests, 159 submissions have been made to the commission - 94 per cent of the total declarations.

Deputy Permanent Secretaries appointed

THE APPOINTMENT of six new Turks and Caicos Islands’ Government Deputy Secretaries was ratified by the CEO Patrick Boyle, and the Public Services Commission.

The new Deputy Secretaries were named as Cherylann Jones, Desiree Lewis, Ezekiel Hall, Ian Astwood,

Continued 

January 12 – 18, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Year in Review continued Sharon Taylor and Virginia Clerveaux

PDM calls for elections on August 1

THE PEOPLE’S Democratic Movement (PDM) called for elections to be held on August 1 this year.

Party leader Derek Taylor maintained that it was past time that the will of the people be expressed.

Simons calls for Greene to resign

QUEEN’s Council (QC) Carlos Simons lashed out at People’s National Party (PNP) leader Clayton Greene, calling his behaviour “outrageous”.

Simons, in a letter, called for the PNP leader to resign as the party’s head and made clear his intention to contend for the PNP leadership again.

He put in his bid last year for the leadership post, but was unsuccessful.

Prosecuting high school principal not in public interest, AG

CLEMENT Howell High School Principal Lloyd Fearon was not prosecuted following a decision from the Attorney General’s Chambers that it was not in the public interest to institute criminal proceedings against him.

Severance scheme was over subscribed

THE VOLUNTARY severance scheme was oversubscribed, according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Patrick Boyle, who added that the amount of money allocated for the scheme could have to be increased.

The budget for administering the scheme, including payments to applicants, was $6.8m and a total of 700 expressions of interest were received.

Strike stalls weekend flights

A WILDCAT strike called by firefighters at the Provo Airport stalled flights following a disagreement over their transfer from the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) payroll to the Turks and Caicos Airport Authority (TCIAA).

TCIG’s Chief Executive Officer Patrick Boyle, told the Weekly News that the transfer would have to happen, as it was the best route to go.

Governor apologises for radio blunder

GOVERNOR Ric Todd made a public apology after he swore live on national radio.

The experienced British statesman made the blunder during a debate on Radio Turks and Caicos’ Expressions talk show.

Munroe tells the Governor to focus on people not paper

RENOWNED motivational speaker, Dr. Myles Munroe, stepped on a few toes with the uncompromising truths he shared.

Governor Ric Todd was made no exception when Munroe chided him to focus on people, not paper.

AG moves to seize PNP HQ

THE Attorney General (AG) Huw Shepheard commenced civil proceedings against the Progressive National Party (PNP), seeking the recovery of the land on which the PNP headquarters was constructed.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) sought a number of remedies for the trespass, including damages based on a reasonable annual rent until possession of the land was returned to the Crown.

It also asked for the repayment of the $465,083.61; an order that the headquarters are pulled down and destroyed; damages for returning the land to its former state; and interest and costs.

Mike Misick seeks political asylum

INTERPOL authorised a ‘Red Notice’ for embattled former Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Michael Misick, who sought political asylum in an unnamed country.

Fifty years since John Glenn Splashdown

FIFTY years ago, Colonel John Glenn and Friendship 7 from the Mercury space programme successfully concluded the United States’ first successful orbit of the earth.

On February 20, 1962, its landfall (splashdown) took place in the waters off Grand Turk.

April UK group upbeat about elections

THE FOUR-MAN Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) contingent ended their stay in the Turks and Caicos and contended that political stakeholders’ openness to discussion was encouraging.

The team reported that the discussions by politicians on the elections regulations in particular augured well for the hosting of elections in 2012.

Boyle calls for political parties to walk the talk

ACTING Governor and TCIG’s CEO, Patrick Boyle, chided the local political parties for not walking the talk and instead criticising real efforts being made by the interim administration.

He claimed the parties were unable to present their own policy agendas to the TCI people – particularly when they insisted on a return to democratic rule.

$7.8m paid out to 400 civil servants

SOME $7.8m was paid out to approximately 400 civil servants who opted for the voluntary severance package.

The last of the workers ended their term of employment with the Turks and Caicos Government (TCIG) this month.

Firefighters agree to move

to TCIAA

FIREFIGHTERS at the Providenciales and Grand Turk airports agreed to be transferred to the Turks and Caicos Airport Authority (TCIAA).

The announcement was made by Acting Governor and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG), Mr. Patrick Boyle.

Former NIB chair tells all

IN AN exclusive interview with the Weekly News, former chair of the National Insurance Board (NIB), Ervine Quelch, told all.

He described the actions of the interim administration as the greatest level of interference seen in his years in public service.

“In all my years serving with public statutory bodies, this is the greatest level of government interference that I have seen…some of it has been constructive, but, by and large, such interference has been destructive,” Quelch said.

Greater self-determination for the TCI, Daniel Malcolm

RETIRED politician Daniel Malcolm stressed that greater self-determination would bode well for the islands.

In an interview with the Weekly News, the former PNP leader said he was pursuing a more diplomatic approach to supporting change in the TCI. Malcolm was invited to join the special committee of experts with regard to the implementation of the ‘Declaration on the Granting of Independence of Colonial Countries and Peoples’.

From disgrace to amazing grace, PDM’s promise to TCI

NOT deterred by the lacklustre response to their first public meeting, the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) hit the elections campaign trail at the party’s headquarters in Providenciales.

Leader Derek Taylor stressed that his party’s ten-year vision would return the Turks and Caicos Islands from “a state of disgrace to amazing grace,” as it had done once before.

Ewing makes bid for PNP leadership

DR RUFUS Ewing made public his bid for leadership of the Progressive National Party (PNP).

The former head of the Civil Service Association said that his vision for the country would ensure that Turks and Caicos Islanders were mentally, socially, economically and politically prepared for independence.

Judith Campbell resigns as Permanent Secretary

LESS than three months after her appointment as Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Health and Education, Judith Campbell resigned.

She cited personal reasons for her departure.

Two American tourists die while snorkelling

TWO elderly men died and one

teenager received medical attention at a US hospital, following three separate aquatic incidences over the Easter weekend.

Former ministers before court

THE SUFFICIENCY hearing against the leader of the PNP and five former cabinet members, two developers and five others began in Providenciales Supreme Court.

Justice Margaret Ramsey-Hale presided over the hearings in which 13 faced charges ranging from bribery to conspiracy to commit fraud.

Misick claims gov’t breeches human rights

FORMER Premier Michael Misick accused the interim government of a series of serious human rights violations.

The corruption accused ex-leader catalogued the alleged offences in a strongly worded letter to Pillay Navanethem, High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Green Paper made public

THE ADVISORY Council and Consultative Forum reviewed, debated and approved the Green Paper on Value Added Tax (VAT), which was made public for public consultation.

The Green Paper outlined government policies and proposals as contained in the VAT Bill that is required for a successful implementation and efficient operation of VAT in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Poor turnout at Integrity Commission meetings

DIRECTOR of the Integrity Commission Eugene Qtuonye told the Weekly News that the turnout at the commission’s public meetings in Grand Turk and Providenciales was not as expected.

‘Bristish boy’ Carlos Simons lashes out at Brits

CARLOS Simons, criticised in the past as the ‘British boy,’ lashed out at the interim administration.

In a statement, Simons disapproved everything from the work of the Special Investigations Prosecution Team (SIPT) to the arrest warrant issued for embattled former premier Michael Misick.

TCI gets $7.2m from UK for SIPT costs

UNITED Kingdom Minister Henry Bellingham announced that the UK would be contributing some $7.2m towards the Special Investigations Prosecution Team (SIPT) costs.

Beaches recruitment a necessity

THE DECISION to recruit team members from overseas was not a preference, but an “absolute necessity”.

The announcement was made by Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, the chairman and founder of Sandals Resorts International.

Clayton Greene tenth person ordered to stand trial

THE SUFFICIENCY hearings continued and High Court Judge Margaret Ramsay-Hale ruled that Clayton Greene would stand.

The judge found that there was sufficient evidence for the accused to

NEWS 15 stand trial on the allegations levelled against him.

Elections will not be delayed over SIPT hearings

UNITED Kingdom Minister Henry Bellingham made it clear that elections would not be delayed until the end of the Special Investigation Prosecution Team (SIPT) hearings.

May Missick moves to stop litigation to save NIB $10m

NEWLY appointed chair of the National Insurance Board (NIB), Mrs Lillian Missick, made moves to stop the litigation process to protect the fund’s $10m.

Firefighters transferred to TCIAA

SIXTY-five firefighters were transferred to the Turks and Caicos Airport Authority (TCIAA).

Those who protested the move for some weeks accepted the relocation in good nature.

FCO to fund civil servant training exchange

THE FOREIGN and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said it would be funding an exchange programme to see senior civil servants trained to boost their capacity and improve their efficiency.

The programme was designed to exchange knowledge and experience between TCIG’s civil servants and their counterparts from Norfolk County Council and key UK government departments.

UK to maintain control of purse strings

THE DRAFT Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Bill was made public and ensured that the UK would maintain control of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ purse strings.

Cartwright-Robinson prepares to run At Large

LONG time player in the political arena, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson made her application to the People’s Democratic Party (PDM) to be considered as a candidate for one of the At Large seats.

Dialogue between government and chamber starts on a good note

CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) Patrick Boyle addressed a tense group at the Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Both the government and the chamber’s leaders hoped it would be the start of fruitful dialogue.

TCI gets its own emergency response task force

AS HURRICANE season drew near, Turks and Caicos Islanders had increased support with the establishment of the Turks and Caicos Emergency Response Taskforce (TCERT).

Outrage over gay rights push

GOVERNOR Ric Todd’s statements on

Continued  Page 19

Lifestyle...

16

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 12 – 18, 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

Plum and almond tart

Ingredients For the pastry 375g/13¼oz plain flour, plus extra for dusting 15g/½oz sugar 225g/8oz unsalted butter, cut into cubes, plus extra for greasing 1 free-range egg 4 tbsp ice-cold water For the frangipane 200g/7¼oz unsalted butter 200g/7¼oz caster sugar 2 free-range eggs 200g/7¼oz ground almonds For the tart filling 5-6 ripe plums, each cut into eighths, stones removed To serve Icing sugar, for dusting Whipped cream or crème fraîche Preparation method For the pastry, sieve the flour and sugar into a large mixing bowl. Tip the cubed butter into the bowl.

Rub the butter and the flour between your thumb and fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

In a jug or small bowl, beat the egg together with four tablespoons of icecold water. Pour into the flour mixture.

Slowly bring the ingredients together with your hands to form a dough, being careful not to overwork it.

Knead the dough lightly on a clean, floured work surface, then wrap it in cling film and refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minutes.

For the frangipane, beat the butter and sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy.

Crack the eggs into the bowl one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Add the ground almonds and mix well until combined. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/ Gas 4. Dust the work surface with flour and roll the chilled dough out thinly.

Use it to line one large 25cm/10in tart ring or 6-8 individual tartlet rings 8cm/3¼in in diameter. Trim away any excess.

Spoon the frangipane into the tart case so that it comes about halfway up the sides. Smooth over the surface with a spatula and cover the frangipane evenly with the plums.

Bake for 30-40 minutes (15-25 minutes for the tartlets), or until the pastry is crisp and golden-brown and the fruit is tender.

Remove the tart(s) from the oven.

Dust with icing sugar and serve warm with whipped cream or crème fraîche.

New Year’s Resolutions WITH the start of January and the making of New Year’s resolutions it is a good time to have a think about our dental health and whether our current practices are ideal in ensuring that our teeth and gums are staying in great shape.

Do we need to resolve that we won’t give our children candy just before going to bed? Or maybe promise that we will floss more?

To help you make the right resolutions, I would like to go back to basics and highlight the steps we should all follow to look after our teeth and gums.

Brushing teeth This is the single most important thing you can do to care for your teeth.

You should brush at least twice a day, when you get up in the morning and the last thing before going to bed at night.

Use a toothbrush with a small head as this makes it easier to get into hard-to-reach places in the mouth.

I recommend a fluoride toothpaste

Dr Mark Osmond as fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, can reverse early decay and help reduce sensitivity.

Gently brush the outside, inside and chewing surface of each tooth.

Two minutes is enough time to thoroughly brush an adult’s teeth.

Also, keep an eye on the ‘health’ of your tooth brush. If the bristles are splaying out and flattening it’s time to invest in a new one.

In the case of younger children, it is often better that the adult does at least some of the brushing.

I do not want to discourage children from brushing their own teeth but from experience with my own children I know that if I leave them to brush unassisted they generally just eat the toothpaste and then chew the toothbrush for a

few seconds before announcing that they’ve finished!

Regular visits to the dentist Six monthly check-ups with the dentist will ensure that any problems are detected early and corrective action can be taken.

You can have cavities or gum disease without necessarily having pain; bad breath, bleeding gums,

a white or light brown mark on the teeth can all be signs of potential problems or you may have no obvious symptoms at all.

Early detection and correction of dental problems will mean less chance of dental pain, less chance of requiring emergency or complex treatment and less chance of losing teeth.

Professional cleaning will also ensure that teeth are given a thorough, deep cleaning and any calculus - which regular brushing at home cannot remove - is scaled away.

These simple steps will go a long way to keeping your teeth strong and healthy. Good luck with your resolutions and Happy New Year!

vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents, counter inflammation and scavenge harmful free radicals.

The fruit is also good in health promoting flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, cryptoxanthin and zea-xanthin in significant amounts.

These compounds help act as scavengers against oxygen-

derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes.

Plums are plentiful in minerals like potassium, fluoride and iron.

Iron is required for red blood cell formation. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure.

Flossing It is recommended that adults floss once a day. I recommend flossing after you have brushed your teeth in the evening.

health Tip 

Plums WONDERFULLY delicious and juicy plums are botanically belonging within the family of Rosaceae.

The plant is best described as small tree or large shrub and widely cultivated in the United States, Europe, Japan and China.

Many cultivars of plums are grown all over the world, which differ in their colour, size and growing characteristics based upon their country of origin.

Generally, each variety of the plum trees bears numerous, almost uniform sized fruits between May and September months.

Delicious, fleshy, succulent plums are low in calories (46 calories per 100g) and contain no saturated fats; however, contain numerous health promoting compounds, minerals and vitamins.

Certain health benefiting compounds present in the plum fruits, such as dietary fibre, sorbitol, and isatin are known to help regulate the functioning of the digestive system and thereby relieve constipation conditions.

Fresh berries are a moderate source of vitamin C, which is also a powerful natural antioxidant.

Consumption of foods rich in

January 12 – 18, 2013

Lifestyle...

GARDENING 

17

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

How does your garden grow

YOUR DIET

Diet tips for a new you

Cocoa tree COCOA trees are native to the Amazon basin and the Andes mountains but they spread from these regions to Central and South America, Mexico and east Africa. ` Cocoa trees range from 13 to 26 feet on average, though some can grow up to 32 feet.

They bear fruit on their trunk and branches called pods. The pods contain seeds which are called cocoa beans.

The beans are made up of a seed coat, a kernel and a germ.

Cocoa needs a high temperature, plenty of water, and humidity. If you are growing from seeds, choose a small plot, quite flat, with light and rich soil.

To make the cocoa trees grow better, sow your seeds in small baskets or polyethylene bags.

Do not push the seed in too deeply, otherwise it will not have enough air and will not grow well.

Young cocoa tree seedlings are very delicate, you must protect them from the sun, so put them in the shade.

Young seedlings need a lot of water so water them every day.

Six months after sowing, when the seedlings have two leaves, take the young cocoa tree seedlings out of the nursery beds. If you wait too long, the seedlings will be too old and will not grow so easily.

Sometimes growers put banana trees or taros into the cocoa plantation, to give shade for the young cocoa trees.

If these are planted long enough before the cocoa trees, they give good protection. But if they are

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planted at the same time as the cocoa trees, they do not protect the young cocoa trees well enough and they take nourishment out of the soil.

To give shade it is better to keep a few of the native trees.

The root of Cacao grows straight into the soil, the branch roots go down very deep. But many small branch roots also grow near the surface.

If the soil is of good structure and contains much humus, the roots penetrate well.

Never plant cocoa trees in soil with a lot of stones, or in soil where there is some hard layer.

When the cocoa trees have grown taller, they need less shade. You should gradually give them less and less shade.

You should prune the big trees and cut off those branches that cast too much shade.

When the cocoa trees have been planted, the work is not finished.

The grower still has a lot of work to do to look after his cocoa trees. A grower who does not look after his plantation properly cannot harvest big pods.

To look after your plantation properly you must: Remove the weeds that grow among the cocoa tree. You must not let weeds take nourishment away from the cocoa trees.

Prune the cocoa trees, always cut out all dead branches, dry twigs and suckers. A sucker is a twig that grows upward out of the trunk.

Cut off the suckers very close to the trunk.

Spread fertiliser around the cocoa tree, but be careful not to put any on the trunk, the branches or the leaves of the cocoa tree: otherwise the fertiliser will burn the tree.

Spread the fertiliser in a ring around the trunk at a distance of about one metre from it, where most of its small roots are and apply fertiliser twice a year.

The tree makes its first flowers after two years. But in order not to tire the tree, you should cut off the first flowers.

From these you will therefore get no fruit. Bats and small insects called midges pollinate cocoa flowers.

Flowers die in 24 hours if they are not pollinated, according to ‘All about Chocolate’. Cocoa trees flower all year long, even while cocoa pods develop.

There are two harvests each year.

But do not pick all the pods at the same time.

Pick only pods that are ripe, whether yellow or red. Never pick the pods by pulling them off: if you do, you will spoil your tree, you should cut the stem of the pod with a gardening tool.

TIME to make those New Year's resolutions! And after the holiday glut of heavy feasts and high calorie beverages, it's no surprise that ‘lose weight’ and ‘eat better’ are at the top of your list.

Instead of simply making your diet-related resolutions with the best of intentions, www.sheknows.com suggests putting the following tips into practice and sticking to your New Year's resolutions all year.

Diet tip one: Eat a balanced diet How often do you hear that advice? But how often do you actually follow it?

Wendy Chant, MPT, SPN, certified personal trainer and a specialist in performance nutrition says, "The healthiest and most body fatresistant diet contains protein and carbohydrates and fats."

In her book Crack the Fat-Loss Code: Outsmart your metabolism and conquer the diet plateau, she extols the virtue of protein in every meal but she also advises to partner it with complex carbohydrates and healthy fats, such as omega-3s found in fatty fish and flax.

Diet tip two: Don't underestimate your caloric intake If you have been shredding calories – according to the cardio machine's calorie counter – and reducing your caloric intake but are still not losing weight, chances are your caloric assessment is in your favour but unfortunately not accurate.

"The bottom line is that people underestimate the calories consumed, and overestimate the calories burned through their exercise programs,” said Michael Atwood, expert personal trainer at the largest health club in New England, and author of The Health Club Diet.

Talk to a registered dietician as well as a personal trainer to determine the number of calories you need to eat and expend to reach your diet-related goals.

Diet tip three: Diet with a buddy Zone Diet instructor John Erickson, nutritionist for Zone Delivery USA, and author of The USA Diet Plans Manual, advises, "Find somebody who has similar aspirations and set challenging goals for one another.

“It's good to surround yourself with others who also follow a healthpromoting lifestyle because it will only motivate you."

Diet tip four: Visualise yourself healthy Erickson also recommends that you use the power of visualisation to picture your ideal self.

He says, "Pretend you are already the person of your dreams and forget about the internal dialogue of 'wanting to have' or 'I wish I was skinny.'

“Act as if you already have ripped arms, the perfect butt, shapely legs…As you think, you will become."

Keeping a positive self-image will make you feel better and keep you motivated to eat healthier.

Diet tip five: Axe the quick-fix attitude In the article ‘Expert tips to avoid fad-diets,’ author Diana Bocco says, "Weight loss takes time, and there is no reasonable or healthy way around it.

“When it comes to dieting, any diet plan or weight loss product that seems too good to be true usually is."

Apply the energy you spend on searching for the quick-fix fad-diet solution to simply cutting down on calories or portions and increasing your daily physical activity.

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

3978.

18 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Insights for your Innerspring

Awakening the giant of potential in you Organisational architecture - Part two WHILE conducting strategy sessions for businesses, groups and churches over the years, I have found that the following is a good framework for transforming a lacklustre and disjointed group of independent thinkers into a unified organisation: Conduct a survey of the leadership/organisation With the assistance of an outside facilitator, the leader and others on the leadership team should ask themselves the following questions: What is our identity? Who are we? What makes us stand out from the crowd? What is our key selling point?

Perform a SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats) Analysis.

What do we wish to accomplish in the next one year, five years, 10 years and 20 years?

What resources do we need to accomplish these goals? Are these resources inside or outside of the organisation? Are the goals realistic?

Do we have the budget to reach our targets? What skills and resources are needed to ensure that the team stays on track? How will each project be administrated (ie. team leader, pastor, outside administrator)?

Creation of vision and mission statements Using the data derived from the survey, the participants move from a broad perspective to a narrower view.

The focused view is refined to the point where a set of guiding principles and a vision and mission statement are proposed.

Like Habakkuk said in the Bible, “write the vision down…make it plain, so that he who reads it can run with it;” in other words clearly document what it is that you see in your mind’s eye in order that others can see the same thing you do and help you to execute it.

Creation of organisational roadmap This period of activity is like laying the tracks on which the train will move.

This signifies the action phase of point number two. You know where you want to go but now you must determine how to get there from your present location.

Short and long-term goals are created and timelines and responsibilities are assigned. All plans find life through action!

Vision Casting At this stage, it is critical to get involvement from all key stakeholders and to ‘speak the same language’.

While key leaders of the group may

Water sports industry protected

By Whitney Bain have worked on some or all aspects of stages one to three, a final solidifying session is helpful to create the synergy needed in the core team to see that the plans go through to their completion.

This vision casting session should be conducted by the leader with the assistance of an outside facilitator and is intended to ratify and communicate the final message to the full leadership team.

Presentation of vision to the wider organisation At this stage the leader communicates the direction and goals of the organisation to everyone.

Immediately afterwards, the remaining members of the leadership team should present the details of the plans created to the general body.

Through conscious effort and clear communication, the entire organisation should, over time, be conversant with where it is going, what it needs to do to get there, the timelines involved and those teams responsible for achieving the set goals.

Now you have a synergistic organisation. Now you have erected a framework and created a structure where sustainable growth can occur; you have laid the tracks to get to your final destination.

You have achieved ‘organisational architecture’.

autism awareness Spectrum of hope – By Nicole Cox

The sixth sense DON’T get spooked! I am not going to ramble on about some extra-sensory ability to communicate with unseen spirits!

That would be creepy and SO unChristmas like of me.

I am simply going to add one more area to the ones we have addressed in styles of learning and how they should be taken into consideration when choosing toys, activities and environments for your child.

Visual, audio, vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile…let’s briefly address the often overlooked olfactory system: the sense of smell.

You may think that scent has little to do with a child’s learning curve. Well, you may want to think again.

In researching sensory integration for our son’s autism therapy, the power of scent became very evident.

This was reinforced by an experience that we had after our dog had puppies.

At a few weeks old, we brought the puppies into the house to play with our kids in order to socialise them.

I was anxious to see how Josiah would respond to them as I had read how children with autism can benefit from interaction with pets.

The kids all showed typical childlike enthusiasm to hold the new pups. However, Josiah’s response was fascinating.

He was very open to touching the puppies, holding the puppies, even the cold noses and licking seemed forgivable to him.

But, after petting them he smelled his hand, made a face of utter disgust and NEVER touched a dog again.

Josiah’s learning curve was cut short in this area because he will not willingly engage in contact with an animal that has a scent that is unpleasing to him.

This same concept is true for neurotypical children and adults as well.

Why do you think you have a favourite perfume or food? Why do certain scents trigger memories or emotions?

It is because scent has the power to access certain areas of the brain and connect thoughts or experiences.

For example, if your grandmother always baked your favourite vanilla cake with you, the scent of vanilla will always access the memory of her with you, no matter where you smell the vanilla.

Now, harnessing this power can only serve as useful for you if you pay attention to your child’s reaction to certain environments.

Start by asking them what they smell in certain places or on certain items. Ask it they like or do not like the scent.

You may find that the reason Johnny

January 12 – 18, 2013

hates to do his homework at the table after dinner is because the scent of the rag or cleanser you used to clean the dinner table is unpleasant to him.

Maybe he has trouble settling down to go to sleep because the citrus scented detergent that cleaned his sheets keeps him awake.

He may have a hard time paying attention in the living room because the lavender scented air freshener dulls his senses.

During the Christmas season is a perfect time to experiment with aromatherapy and see what scent excites, focuses or relaxes your child.

Some basic places to start are: lemon, orange or tangerine to elevate mood or revitalise.

Peppermint, rosemary or bergamot for focus during studying or task completion.

Lemongrass, sweet basil or clary sage to balance and clear the thought process.

Chamomile, vanilla or lavender to relax the mind and body.

Start with singular scents in strategic areas then combine scents for desired tolerance or effect.

Using cotton balls with a few drops of essential oils or adding essential oils to hand creams can help provide a pleasant environment that your child may enthusiastically run to for work, play or anything in between.

BELONGERS rights will be enhanced and protected in the TCI’s growing water sports industry.

Following Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting Premier Rufus Ewing stressed the need for improved regulations.

“My government presented a paper to Cabinet that indicated the growing concern about the water

sports industry in the Turks and Caicos concerning the regulation of the industry and also Belongers being side-lined as this industry grows with an increasing tourism market.”

The Minister of Environment will undertake consultations with stakeholders and bring forward proposals to Cabinet.

High schools open late because of deep-clean – Norovirus kept at bay ALL schools on Providenciales and North Caicos were deep-cleaned and sanitised over the festive break.

Government cleaning crews blitzed all private and public schools on the two islands to prevent any threat of norovirus infecting staff and pupils.

All rooms, equipment, books, desks, chairs, tables and carpets had to be cleaned and sanitised according to vigorous protocol.

This labour-intensive process delayed the reopening of two public high schools namely the Raymond Gardiner High School on North Caicos and the Clement Howell High School.

The norovirus protocol requires that once cleaned, all rooms had to be closed for a period of two days to ensure that the sanitisation process was effective.

A government press release stated, “The government is committed

to taking whatever measures are necessary to safeguard the health and safety of the children and young people of the TCI. “As an on-going precaution, TCIG is urging the public to practice proper hand washing and personal hygiene as encouraged by the Ministry of Health and Human Services in previous news releases.

“The Ministry of Education extends its thanks to all the parties including, principals and staff of the private schools who took part in this exercise.

“Their cooperation ensured that the deep cleaning and sanitisation process was completed, in most instances, to commence the term on January 7, 2013.”

The cleaning programme was in keeping with a government commitment through the Ministries of Health and Human Services, Education and Government Support Services.

Violent robberies reported throughout TCI A NUMBER of residents were assaulted in separate violent robberies over the festive season.

On Sunday, December 30, a woman from Leeward Palms was assaulted by two men in Blue Hills.

She said the men attacked her at about 5.10pm and stole cash, jewellery and travel documents.

On Saturday, December 29, at about 9.45pm another woman was attacked while heading home from work in Grand Turk.

She was walking on the dump road when a young man jumped off his bicycle and pulled his shirt over his face.

He bit her and beat her about the body while shouting, “I’m going to kill you,” before making off with some cash and documents.

On Wednesday, December 26, a man was stabbed during a robbery in Grace Bay, Providenciales.

He said that just before 10pm he got into a dispute about money that was owed.

The victim told officers that that he was stabbed several times by an unknown male and robbed of a sum of cash.

Multiple units responded to the

crime scene and began a search for the male subject wearing a black shirt and blue short pants, but no one matching the description was seen.

The injured man was rushed to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre following an attack where he was treated for stab wounds.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Police are also investigating a robbery which was reported on Sunday, December 23, at 4.50pm.

A male Grand Turk resident said that he was assaulted with a piece of wood by a man known to him and had a small quantity of money stolen.

The responding officers took the complainant to the Cockburn Town Medical Centre and he was treated for his injuries.

If any member of the public has information any of these incidents they can pass information to Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477 without revealing their identity.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www. crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of CrimeStoppers Turks and Caicos.

January 12 – 18, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Year in Review continued Continued from  Page 15 the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people sparked public outrage.

Local leaders contended that there was no discrimination against persons with different sexual orientations in TCI. Meanwhile they maintained that no more was needed to be done to advance gay rights since this would go against the moral fibre of TCI, a Christian nation.

CFO told to take VAT and go back to England

STAKEHOLDER meetings continued with another round at Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex where the people protested the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT).

Outspoken member of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Mr. Lewis Astwood told the CFO to take VAT and go back to England.

Major changes to family law to be implemented soon

CENTURIES old domestic violence and childcare laws would soon see considerable transformation to improve their function in modern society to advance the rights of women and children.

British quantity surveyor found murdered

ANTHONY Quinn, a 34-year-old British Quantity Surveyor with Projetech, was found dead on Mother’s Day and the police suspected foul play.

Gov’t to sell Joe Grant Cay land

TCIG announced plans to put up for sale a 200 acre parcel of land at Joe Grant Cay to raise money for outstanding bank debts totalling more than $2m.

Governor signs off budget

GOVERNOR Ric Todd signed off the 2012/2013 budget, a key advance for TCI’s financial stability.

Local economy on the rebound

WITH the 2012/2013 budget approved and a surplus projected, Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary (PS), Ms. Anya Williams, contended that the local economy was on the rebound.

Cartwright-Robinson fired from forum

AN ACTIVE member in the political arena, Mrs. Sharlene Cartwright- Robinson, was fired from the Consultative Forum.

Delano Williams to compete in the Jags McCartney relays

CARIFTA gold medalist Delano Williams flew into the Turks and Caicos Islands to attend relays in honour of TCI’s national hero Mr. Jags McCartney.

June Anti-VAT group pushes protest petition AN

UNNAMED

anti-VAT group

started a petition to protect the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) targeting some 3,001 signatures.

Hoffman loses appeal

CORRUPTION-accused developer Mario Hoffman was ordered to pay court costs after he lost an appeal to clear his name.

Boyle details next stage of public sector reform

TCIG’s Chief Executive, Mr. Patrick Boyle, detailed the next stage in TCI’s public sector reform.

He made it clear that public sector reform was not only about job cuts, but about changing in the way government did business with its civil servants and the local people.

Anglican Bishop criticises gov’t

BISHOP Laish Boyd of the Anglican Diocese of the TCI and the Bahamas came down hard on the interim administration, addressing what he called concerns of the “Anglican flock”.

New PNP leader plans to change party image

UNDER the leadership of Dr Rufus Ewing, the Progressive National Party (PNP) was in for a shake-up.

The new leader looked to make several changes that he hoped would help to repair the party’s tarnished image.

Club Sodax gutted

CLUB Sodax was gutted by an early morning fire and owner, Mr. Puritan Higgs, estimated losses at over $1m.

Ewing says TCI ready for independence

NEWLY elected leader of the Progressive National Party (PNP), Dr. Rufus Ewing, contended that the Turks and Caicos Islands was ready for independence.

Ewing, speaking at a press briefing at the PNP headquarters, noted that the party took a resolution to support the move towards independence.

Nothing will stop TCI elections – Bellingham

THE ISLANDS’ return to democratic rule was set for November 9, but an untrusting local population harboured concern that democracy might elude the country.

However, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Mr. Henry Bellingham, gave his assurance that there was nothing foreseeable that would delay elections and a return to democratic rule.

Provo Water Company shares to go for $7.5m

TURKS and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) agreed to sell its minority 46 per cent shareholding in Provo Water Company for $7.5m.

It was bought by majority shareholder Turks and Caicos Water Company.

Anti-VAT group counters with Red Paper

THE UNNAMED anti-VAT group protesting the implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT) advanced their protest by making public their Red Paper.

The Red Paper argued the disadvantages of VAT, citing 18 reasons why the new tax regime should not be implemented.

Draft immigration ordinance ready for debate

THE DRAFT Immigration (Amendment) Ordinance and Regulations was completed, following extensive consultation on the Pathway to Citizenship.

Led by the Consultative Forum, the consultation saw more than 140 submissions made, including one from ‘The Men of Grand Turk’ featuring 387 signatures.

Elections timetable set

POLITICIANS from the Progressive National Party (PNP) and the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) engaged with the Turks and Caicos Island Government (TCIG) leadership team.

NHIP absolute scandal, CFO

THE National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) is an absolute scandal and the biggest financial mess the interim administration has had to deal with, according to Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr Hugh McGarel-Groves.

Anti-VAT fight gains momentum

THE ANTI-VAT campaign reached top officials in the United Kingdom with a petition to Chancellor George Osborne from the Turks and Caicos Independent Business Council (TCIBC).

Controversy over Electoral Boundaries Commission appointment

THE APPOINTMENT of the Elections Boundaries Commission stirred controversy in regard to one of the three-member body, Mr. Carl Simmons, a known staunch supporter of the Peoples’ Democratic Movement (PDM).

Economic strategy to unblock millions in EU funds

A GREEN Paper on Economic Development in the Turks and Caicos Islands was made public.

Governor Ric Todd said that advancing with an economic development strategy would assist in unblocking European Union (EU) funds.

July VAT rate set at 11 per cent

THE EFFECTIVE rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) to be charged in the Turks and Caicos Islands was set at 11 per cent - the second lowest rate in the Caribbean region after Haiti.

Challenge accepted,

Skippings to PNP

NEWLY elected leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Mr Oswald Skippings, with deputy leader, Mrs Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, and his new team were the epitome of energy and enthusiasm at a press conference.

Skippings made no bones about accepting the challenge thrown down by leader of the Progressive National Party (PNP), Dr Rufus Ewing, to “bring it on” two weeks prior.

Forum divided on VAT bill

THE CONSULTATIVE Forum debated the Valued Added Tax (VAT) Bill and listened to the views of the Independent Business Council (TCIBC), but was divided on the vote to pass the bill by the end of the session.

Five members voted in favour of the bill, while the other five abstained from giving it the green light.

The final decision was left up to the Governor.

No quorum needed to pass VAT bill

THE PASSAGE of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Bill by the Advisory Council, became a point of controversy when five members of the council were not present at the meeting.

However, the Governor’s spokesman, Mr. Neil Smith, maintained that no quorum was needed to pass the bill.

International arrest warrant issued for Cem Kinay

INTERPOL issued an international arrest warrant for corruption-accused developer Cem Kinay.

The 53-year-old Turkish businessman, accused of bribing former government ministers for political favours, now joins 284 other suspected criminals in the International Criminal Police Organisation’s list of wanted people.

UK to petition US over trade block

THE UNITED Kingdom released plans to petition the United States of America over the announcement of the intended introduction of import tariffs on Turks and Caicos Islands imports from 2014.

Government corruption cases postponed

THE PLEA and directions hearing against former PNP leader Clayton Greene, five former government ministers, two lawyers, one developer and three others were postponed pending legal aid arrangements.

VAT Bill signed into law

VALUE Added Tax (VAT) became law, with Acting Governor, Mr. Patrick Boyle, signing the bill.

VAT continued to face widespread opposition from the both political parties, the business community and the tourism community, among other sections of society.

Compromise needed if high-rise development is to proceed A CONSULTATION on the development of a 28-storey European Plan (EP) Hotel and Conference Centre with retail and professional offices, underscored the need for compromise on both sides.

Hoffman hands back Salt Cay land

NEWS 19 CORRUPTION accused developer Mario Hoffmann surrendered his Belongership and handed back 1,506 acres of Salt Cay land to the government.

In an out of court settlement Mr. Hoffmann and the Salt Cay Development Companies also agreed to contribute to TCIG’s costs.

Man smashes police vehicle so he could meet magistrate

A YOUNG man desperate for help with his drinking problem resorted to a dramatic act in order to secure an audience with a magistrate.

Travis Handfield appeared in the Providenciales Magistrates’ Court charged with malicious injuries to property and boldly told Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner he was “guilty, with explanation”.

VAT will stay, Governor Todd

GOVERNOR Ric Todd made it clear that an elected government would not be able to repeal the Value Added Tax (VAT) legislation.

Skyline Development partners agree to compromise on height

PARTNERS of Skyline Development Co., which proposed the construction of a 28-storey high-rise in the Turks and Caicos Islands, agreed to compromise on the height of the buildings.

However, according to developer, Mr. Hugh McLean, they agreed provided that an agreement is reached early.

Skippings rejects invitation from interim administration to UK

LEADERS of both political parties were invited by the interim administration to the opening of the Olympic Games in London - a trip that would also double as an opportunity to meet with United Kingdom ministers and other key officials.

However, in a last minute change of plans leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Mr. Oswald Skippings, declined the invitation, the day before he was scheduled to leave.

August Non-Belongers account for 57.5 per cent of the population

THE COMPLETION of the 2012 Census put assumptions on the makeup of the Turks and Caicos Islands population to rest with the release of the preliminary results from the first factual assessment since 2001.

The TCI Government Population and Housing Census put the total population of the Islands at 31,458.

PDM will expose InterHealth Canada deal, Skippings

LEADER of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Mr. Oswald Skippings, committed to exposing the InterHealth Canada deal.

GDP grew by 4.1 per cent in 2011

THE Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Continued  Page 20

20 NEWS

Year in Review continued Continued from  Page 19 of the Turks and Caicos Islands grew by 4.1 per cent in 2011, according to a report from interim Chief Economist, Mr. Stephen Pollard.

NIB agrees to transfer funds

THE CONTROVERSY over the transfer of $10m from the National Insurance Board’s (NIB) fund ended.

The board agreed to the payment of $6.15m to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG).

An elected government will have a chance to stop VAT, Ewing

CONTRARY to statements made by Governor Ric Todd that an elected government would not be able to repeal the Value Added Tax (VAT) legislation, leader of the Progressive National Party (PNP), Dr. Rufus Ewing said there was a chance to stop VAT.

Strategic and coherent population policy needed

THE PRELIMINARY results of the 2012 Census were released.

Political leaders and other stakeholders contended that a strategic and coherent population policy was needed for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

UK succeeds in petitioning USA to remove TCI trade block

THE United Kingdom succeeded in petitioning the United States of America over the announcement of the intended introduction of import tariffs on the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2014.

The Governor’s office announced that US authorities had confirmed to the British Embassy in Washington that TCI fish and other exports would continue to benefit from duty-free importation into America.

Political Activities Ordinance is fair and balanced compromise, Governor Ric Todd

THE Political Activities Ordinance was signed into law by Governor Ric Todd.

It came into effect on August 28 as another key milestone in the hosting of the November 9 elections.

The ordinance set out clearly how parties finance themselves and account for the money they raise; who can donate and the amounts; and controls how the parties spend the money raised in their election campaigning.

IBG winds down operations in the TCI

GOVERNOR Ric Todd disclosed that the board of directors of the International Banking Group (TCI) Ltd announced the wind down of local commercial operations.

Todd said, “They have decided to wind down the bank’s retail operations, after consultation with the Financial Service Commission, in order to best protect the interests of their depositors.”

January 12 – 18, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PDM says TCIG quarterly financial report misleading

THE PEOPLE’s Democratic Movement (PDM) said that the quarterly report on the finances of the Turks and Caicos Islands was misleading.

In an invited comment, the Finance Ministry PS explained that the PDM’s comments reflected a misunderstanding of the quarterly report.

Caicos Conch Farm closes

THE WORLD’S largest conch exporter, the Caicos Conch Farm, closed its doors due to a lack of funding.

Tourists will no longer be able to visit the unique breeding centre at Heaving Down Rock in Providenciales after $15m in financing was withdrawn from a long term lender.

PNP introduces ‘Victory Team’

THE Progressive National Party (PNP) introduced their ‘Victory Team’ at the party’s headquarters, Progress House, to a gathering of supporters.

Party leader Dr. Rufus Ewing expressed confidence in the capabilities and experience that the team members would bring to the campaign.

Decision on high-rise made soon

THE CONSULTATION on the proposed development of a 28-storey high-rise in Providenciales ended and a decision was set to be made.

Governor Ric Todd told the Weekly News that the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) was compiling the feedback from the consultation into an assessment.

Cross Talk promoted healthy debates, Cartwright-Robinson

A POPULAR radio show was discontinued due to guidelines on political neutrality.

Assistant director of Radio Turks and Caicos (RTC), Ms. Lynette Thomas, made the announcement that the Cross Talk programme was finished.

September Healthcare contract leaked

THE full version of the controversial InterHealth Canada deal was leaked via two online news sites.

The full document, which includes 187 separate files and a mind boggling 7,665 pages, was published on www.tcinewsnow.com and www. caribbeannewsnow.com

PDM introduces ‘Magnificent Ten’

LEADER of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Mr. Oswald Skippings, had strong words for the party’s ten constituency candidates, when they were introduced.

The team dubbed the ‘Magnificent Ten’ were cautioned by the party leader.

Poor healthcare caused by British maladministration, Carlos Simons

DEPUTY leader of the Progressive National Party (PNP), Mr. Carlos Simons, said that the PNP was responsible for developing a plan that would ensure quality healthcare for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

A senior government official, when contacted by the Weekly News, pointed out that while Simons laid the blame on the interim administration, the contract was actually signed under the PNP administration in January 2008.

Three vie for Miss Earth TCI

AFTER three years of absence from the Miss Earth Pageant, the Turks and Caicos Islands once again planned to send a representative to compete on the international stage to vie for the ‘Beauty for a Cause’ title.

Abide by the rules or face penalties

DIRECTOR of the Integrity Commission, Mr. Eugene Otuonye, revealed that while the Political Activities Ordinance was new to the TCI, penalties would be enforced where necessary.

He said, “We do not want to go down the enforcement route, but if we have to we will.”

Humanitarian ban on Haitian repatriations lifted

THE MINISTRY of Border Control and Labour lifted its freeze on deportation of illegal Haitian migrants who arrived after the devastating 2010 earthquake.

Oswald Simons to run as independent candidate

LOCAL businessman, Mr. Oswald Simons, announced that he would be running in the November 9 elections as an independent candidate.

According to Simons tough choices lay ahead with regard to several current issues at both the national and individual level.

$2m Caicos Causeway contract signed

GOVERNOR Ric Todd signed a $2m contract with Cove Construction to carry out the much-anticipated repair of the Caicos Causeway.

Equality bill pushes gay rights

THE EQUALITY Bill was made public and followed Governor Ric Todd’s announcement in May about changes in the Turks and Caicos Islands that would advance gay rights.

The proposed bill also advanced gender, race and religious freedoms, among others.

Skippings urges protest against expat principal

A GUYANESE national, Mr. Gerald Persaud, was recruited as the new principal of the Clement Howell High School (CHHS).

Persaud succeeded Mr. Lloyd Fearon, who left at the end of the last school year.

Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Mr. Oswald Skippings, at the party’s rally in Providenciales, called for the appointment of an expat to be protested.

Harold Charles denies any link to Lord Ashcroft

LEADER of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Mr. Oswald Skippings, charged that leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Mr. Harold Charles was being backed by embattled billionaire Conservative peer Lord Michael Ashcroft.

The PPP leader rubbished the Ashcroft link when the Weekly News spoke to him.

VAT referendum support grows

THE NEWEST group opposing the implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT) was a grassroots movement, the TCI People’s Referendum Committee, which amassed overwhelming support, according to co-chair, Mr. O’Brien Forbes.

The committee began their campaign in Grand Turk and concluded in Providenciales.

Decision on high-rise up to elected government – Todd

THE GREEN light for the high-rise development was a decision to be left for an elected government, according to Governor Ric Todd.

Chevron TCI sells assets to French company

A FRENCH supplier of petroleum, the multinational company RUBIS, became the newest investor in the Turks and Caicos Islands with its purchase of Chevron’s assets – a $20m investment.

TCI wins top honours at WTA

THE TURKS and Caicos Islands remained a top regional tourism destination when the country and several local resorts copped top honours at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) Caribbean and Americas ceremony.

The 19th annual event was held on September 14 at the Beaches Resort and Spa and saw leading travel brands from across the Caribbean and Americas awarded much desired trophies.

PPP is a movement, leader Harold Charles

THE PEOPLE Progressive Party (PPP) was officially launched and leader, Mr. Harold Charles, stressed the note of change.

The candidates on the party’s ticket were Charles running in the Five Cays district, Mr. Dorell Delancy running in the Bight district and Dr. Edward Smith and Mr. Zhavago Jolly, whose districts had not yet been settled on.

October Gay rights protest grows

LEADERS of the Christian community and the political arena amassed the support of their followings in a definitive stand against the provisions of the Equality Bill.

The bill, which included stronger gay rights, was proposed by Governor

Ric Todd.

PNP candidates defend NHIP deal

CANDIDATES from the Progressive National Party (PNP) defended the party’s involvement in the InterHealth Canada deal at the party’s Leeward rally.

No one thing will stop illegal immigration

GOVERNOR Ric Todd commissioned the $2.84m Coastal Radar Station among other government officials and stakeholders, but maintained that “no one thing” would stop illegal immigration.

InterHealth Canada may forfeit on hospital deal – Ewing

LEADER of Progressive National Party (PNP), and former Medical Services Director, Dr. Rufus Ewing, said that InterHealth Canada could have to forfeit on the healthcare deal, if it is found that they breached performance clauses.

PNP commits to passing Freedom of Information Ordinance if elected

THE TURKS and Caicos Islands’ Progressive National Party (PNP) committed to passing a Freedom of Information Ordinance if elected.

At Large candidate for the PNP and former Chief Minister, Mr. Washington Misick, told the Weekly News that the Freedom of Information Ordinance would be a priority of a PNP administration.

Investors seek permission to build dolphin attraction

A $3m world class visitor attraction investment was granted a business licence by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG).

Grand Turk water plant doubles production capacity

GOVERNOR Ric Todd signed the $890,000 contract promised in the budget for a new salt-water reverse osmosis (SWRO) water production plant on Grand Turk.

AG has final say on candidates

DIRECTOR of Strategy, Mr. Phillip Rushbrook, said that the final say on whether or not candidates could run for office would be left up to the Attorney General (AG).

Governor signs the Equality Bill

GOVERNOR Ric Todd signed off on the controversial Equality Bill before leaving for a week long business trip to the United Kingdom.

There was massive protest over the bill, in particular the sections pertaining to gay rights.

Leeward dredging proposal up for consideration

THE LEEWARD dredging debacle continued with strong opposition from local stakeholders, who insisted that Blue Haven Marina and Resort should not dredge the Leeward channel, lest it

Continued 

January 12 – 18, 2013

Year in Review continued affect marine life in the area.

An application was made to the Planning Department to allow the dredging, but the department’s board had not at the time considered it.

Stanbrook hits back with the “true reason” for VAT

STAKEHOLDERS continued to clash over the new Value Added Tax (VAT), with the most recent blow coming from chair of the Turks and Caicos Independent Business Council (TCIBC), Mr. Clive Stanbrook.

Stanbrook said, “Two important events took place last week affecting both the economy and the issue of VAT. “The first was the implementation of the VAT regulations. Within a few days, the second event took place.

“The Sun published what appears to have been a leaked internal TCIG document revealing that the TCIG will need substantial additional tax revenue if they are to achieve their self-set deadlines for the country’s loan repayment.”

Face off in the TCI’s first political debate

THE FIRST political debate in the Turks and Caicos Islands was feisty, substantive and had interjections of humour.

It also saw history being made after being the first such engagement in the history of politics in the Caribbean.

Political leaders criticise new constitution

POLITICAL leaders came out strongly with their criticisms for the new 2011 Constitution.

Possibly the most vocal critic was deputy leader of the People's Democratic Movement (PDM), Mrs. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, who made clear her criticisms at the party's manifesto launch at the party's headquarters.

Being born outside the TCI is not grounds for disqualification

SINCE the release of nomination packs, there was much controversy over the grounds on which candidates could be disqualified for running in the upcoming elections, particularly on the issue of candidates’ place of birth.

However, the Attorney General (AG), Mr. Huw Shepheard, said, “The clause is written so that an Islander born in another country is not automatically disqualified for standing for election in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Candidates nominated

THIRTY-seven candidates were nominated to contest the November 9, elections.

Final round of debates underscore similarities in party platforms

THE SECOND round of debates, or the ‘National Conversation’ as organisers ‘Country at Heart’ dubbed it, underscored the vast similarities of the three party platforms.

On the major issues of economy, jobs, education, social services, taxes, immigration and labour, investments

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

and the environment a general consensus position came through.

Mike Misick campaign bid good and bad, Ewing

EMBATTLED former premier, Mike Misick, made public a lengthy statement in a bid to secure support for the Progressive National Party (PNP) to win re-election.

In an invited comment, PNP leader, Dr. Rufus Ewing, told the Weekly News that Misick’s comments were good and bad.

Taxpayers’ dollars accounted for in audit report

THE debacle surrounding the shortcomings of the former administration continued with the release of new details accounting for taxpayers’ dollars in the long awaited Turks and Caicos audit report.

November No “let up” in SIPT’s prosecutions, Governor Ric Todd

THERE will be no “let up” in the prosecutions of those who have been indicted and of any further accused who may be charged with offences investigated by the Special Investigations and Prosecution Team (SIPT), according to Governor Ric Todd.

THE INTEGRITY Commission debunked the allegation that Progressive National Party (PNP) candidate for the Leeward district, Akierra Misick, produced falsified documentation declaring she had renounced her United States (US) citizenship.

Late opening and closure of polls mark Election Day ELECTION Day was the most anticipated day this year, maybe not more than decision 2012.

However, voters who lined up, as early as 6am, to cast their vote were in for a wait, as polling stations opened late, some as late as 7.40am.

By the end of the day, voters in line before 7pm, the scheduled closing time of the polls, still numbered in the hundreds forcing polls to close late.

TCI’s third Premier sworn in

GOVERNOR Ric Todd swore in Dr. Rufus Ewing as the third Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Mike Misick was the former Premier and Galmo Williams acted in the post following the part suspension of the 2006 Constitution.

There can be no separation of church and state

loomed with the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) heading to the Supreme Court to challenge the results from four electoral districts: Grand Turk North, North and Middle Caicos, Leeward, and Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills.

Chamber calls for Planning Board to reject dolphin cove development

THE CHAMBER of Commerce called for the Planning Board to reject the application from Dolphin Cove Development to open a ‘dolphinarium’ on Providenciales at the first opportunity.

In a statement, the Chamber’s President, Tina Fenimore, warned against the damage of breaking the Islands’ brand.

December Vat should stay, Simmonds

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

Simmonds stated that VAT is a decision for the government, only if the repeal is made within the country’s fiscal and financial framework.

Robert Hall elected Speaker of the House

AT LEAST two companies and several individuals named on the former administration’s list of advisors, which was made public in the Turks and Caicos Islands audit report, demanded that the report be corrected.

IN THE Turks and Caicos Islands there can be no separation of church and state, according to Bishop Clarence Williams.

In an interview with the Weekly News, he said, “Separation of church and state, it depends on which country you are talking about. In the TCI there can be no separation of church and state.

“The church is part of the democratic process of the country, its members are, its ministers are and it is intertwined.”

THE 10th session of the House of Assembly marked the official return of democracy to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

People’s Democratic Movement’s (PDM) Josephine Connolly was unanimously voted in as Deputy Speaker.

Robert Hall was nominated by Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, as Speaker and was elected in a close vote, 10 to nine, in the government’s favour.

Second quarter reports shows overall $5.2m surplus

SIPT chose not to publicise Misick’s arrest warrant

MEMBERS of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) called for the resignation of leader, Oswald Skippings.

In an interview with the Weekly News, PDM chairman, Lyndon Hall, said a large number of members supported the call for Skippings removal as leader.

Audit report sparks controversy

THE TURKS and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) remained on course to meet its strategic objective of returning a surplus this financial year.

That news came from the administration’s report on the second quarter’s financial performance.

The report showed that in first six months of the 2012/2013 financial year, April to September, TCIG saw an overall revenue surplus of $5.72m, which was $0.9m above the budget and an improvement of $10m on the same period last year.

PNP wins election

THE Progressive National Party (PNP) took home election 2012 by a thin margin, winning eight seats, while the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) claimed the remaining seven.

The PNP’s eight seats, included six district seats and two At Large seats.

PDM leader, Oswald Skippings, demanded a recount of the At Large votes.

Integrity Commission debunks allegations against Akierra Misick

THE SPECIAL Investigations and Prosecution Team (SIPT) chose not to publicise a wanted notice on Interpol’s website for embattled former Premier, Mike Misick, for operational reasons.

This was the response, from Governor’s spokesperson, Neil Smith, when asked why the ‘Red Notice’, authorised by Interpol for the arrest of Misick, was not made public.

Financial trouble may lie ahead

THE NATION’S finances will be in a secure position at the end of the fiscal year thanks to civil recovery cash, the new Minister of Finance said.

However, he stressed, unless the economy picks up pace, the country could end up with a deficit budget next year.

Charles Washington Misick spent three days meeting with officials to get a clearer picture of the nation’s financial position.

Possibility of by-election looms

THE possibility of a by-election

PDM members call for leader’s resignation

House passed salaries and allowances bills

THE HOUSE of Assembly (Speaker and Other Members) Salaries and Allowances 2012 Bill was passed with several amendments being made to the document.

However, not many changes in terms of the actual amounts of the salaries and allowances could be made.

No ruling on election petitions

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

“Certain” scuba diving/ snorkelling type companies oppose dolphinarium, Burrowes

DIRECTOR of Dolphin Cove Ltd., Neil Burrowes, responded to criticisms by the local Chamber of Commerce, which opposed the establishment of a dolphinarium on Providenciales.

In a letter to the Chamber, seen by the Weekly News, Burrowes maintained that it was “blatantly obvious that certain scuba diving/ snorkeling type companies” opposed the project.

Outside group creates ruckus at CHHS

AN OUTSIDE group engaged several students from the Clement Howell High School (CHHS), creating ruckus while sparking rumours of the involvement of a gun and other weapons.

Delay VAT or face repeal – Premier pledges

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

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

Timeline for Mike Misick extradition still unknown

THE TIMELINE for embattled Mike Misick’s extradition to the Turks and Caicos Islands is still unknown.

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

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

RBC security officer foils bank robbery

A SECURITY officer making checks around the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) noticed persons wearing all black clothing and masks hiding in nearby bushes, foiling what would have been the fourth robbery there this year.

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

UK will keep an eye on TCI, Simmonds

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

Skippings voted out

OSWALD Skippings was voted out as leader of the Peoples’ Democratic Movement (PDM) and Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson and Sean Astwood were unanimously nominated as the new leader and deputy leader, respectively.

Both nominations were uncontested at a Special Convention held at the party’s headquarters in downtown Providenciales.

When the Weekly News contacted

Continued  Page 22

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Duncombe grabs $10,000 Digicel top prize DIGICEL made Christmas even happier for some of its

customers this December during a big prize giveaway.

But most fortunate was mother-of-two, Alverna

Duncombe, who grabbed the grand prize of $10,000 in the ‘Lets Share a Smile’ Christmas promotion.

The prize giving took place at the Digicel Graceway store on December 21, where anxious contestants gathered, all hoping to be the big winner.

Finalists Duncombe, Trimmane Clarke and Bronique Morris each had a chance to choose what they would win by blindly selecting an envelope from a bag.

The envelopes were marked with prizes, including the $10,000 grand prize.

Duncombe, a postal clerk and native of North Caicos, said she prayed that she would emerge the winner and was delighted when she chose the winning envelope.

She explained that she is going to use the money to make a down payment on a house which had always been her dream.

Digicel’s CEO, E Jay Saunders, said that the Christmas promotion was extremely successful and

An ecstatic Alverna Duncombe emerges the lucky winner of the $10,000 grand prize

he was happy that Digicel continues to bring smiles to its customers.

He added he was particularly proud “to be able to help one lucky customer to realise her dream this Christmas”.

Other Christmas promotion winners included Corinthia Stubbs, Ceomar Williams, Joseph Pural, Cedlay Walters and Josely Durosier, winning cash prizes, handsets, Samsung Galaxy tablets, and Blackberry Playbooks.

Digicel customers that

purchased any Blackberry or Nokia Lumia 610 Smartphone, send 10 or more SMS in a day, signed up for a data plan, or paid their postpaid bills on time and in full were all eligible to enter in the Christmas promotion from November 22 to December 20.

Additionally, customers who topped up $10 or more every week were automatically entered into a draw to win a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, a Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone, and a Blackberry Playbook. (KH)

Digicel representatives and TCI Top Model present the grand prize winner with her cheque while other Digicel ‘Let’s Share a Smile’ Christmas winners show off their prizes

Year in Review continued Continued from  Page 21 Skippings, he declined to comment on the outcome of the Special Convention.

I will not back down from a fight, Premier Ewing

PREMIER, Dr. Rufus Ewing, maintained that he would not back down from a fight with the British to push through an agenda that is in the best interest of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Sloop avoids detection

A SLOOP was successful in landing at Sapodilla Bay, Providenciales.

The 911 centre received calls indicating that approximately 25 persons, believed to be illegal migrants were spotted in the Chalk Sound area.

The event went undetected by the Coastal Radar Station, which was not operating at the time due to technical difficulties.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Marine unit were

also on station at the time, but the sloop was able to avoid detection.

Development agreement to restart works on West Caicos signed

THE Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) announced the completion of the Development Agreement enabling the recommencement of the Molasses Reef development, a luxury hotel and condominium resort on West Caicos, which was stalled since 2008.

January 12 – 18, 2013

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The international star reminds the ladies that he is “The Girls Dem Sugar”

Beenie Man fans anxiously await his arrival

Infectious Rake and Scrape rhythms from the Bahamas

Beenie Man rocks Provo GRAMMY award winning Jamaican reggae artist and King of the Dancehall, Beenie Man, entertained islanders in a grand concert on December 21 in Miss Moonie’s impressively revamped parking lot.

Adding another sizzling entertainment option to the most festive season of the year, organisers of the ‘Party Shot’ concert offered residents and tourists quite a treat, gathering Beenie Man and Bahamian KB and D Mac for a fun-filled night.

Beenie Man did not fail to remind the crowd that he is ‘King of the Dancehall’ as the international star sang and gyrated to the lyrics of his popular music.

The remarkably organised event drew a large crowd including the Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing and leader of the opposition Sharlene CartwrightRobinson, who admitted she is quite fond of the Bahamian Rake and Scrape artistes KB and D Mac who performed in the TCI for the first time. (KH)

January 12 – 18, 2013

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Director of Culture and founder of the festival, David Bowen, leads the energetic street parade

Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing and his wife stop by to enjoy the exciting street festival

Maskanoo 2012 saw an increase of more participants in the parade

Hundreds turned out to the dazzling event

January 12 – 18, 2013

Maskanoo 2012 – a huge hit HUNDREDS of locals and tourists turned out to Providenciales’ most exciting cultural event - Maskanoo, on Boxing Day. The colourful parade took place on December 26 along the Grace Bay road between Salt Mills Plaza and Regent Village.

People of all ages enjoyed the Caribbean vibes, island food, locally made arts, crafts and beautiful handmade jewellery sold by vendors

along the strip at the vibrant third annual event.

Founder of the festival, David Bowen, directed the street parade and kept the crowd entertained, sharing bits of TCI’s culture with eager observers.

A line-up of local artistes including Q-Band Linx Band, Five Cays Ripsaw Rake and Scrape Band, and Breeze Beach dancers also entertained the crowd.

The street parade comprised of the Kitch Penn’s Junkanoo group with their contagious rhythms created by the goatskin drums and cowbells; the Filipino association and their skilful fire dancer and Maskanooers from the Regent Palms, all added to the event’s splendour.

Maskanoo raffle tickets were on sale with amazing prizes to be won including a trip for two to New York

on Jetblue.

The festive event aimed to showcase the best of the islands' cultural heritage, mixing Junkanoo, taken from TCI's Bahamian heritage, with Masquerade to create ‘Maskanoo’.

Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) executive, Stacy Cox, was pleased with turnout and acknowledged that it was another great event.

New Year's celebrations

New Year's celebration at the Somewhere Café

A dazzling display of fireworks lit up the skies over Providenciales to bring in the New Year

She said that the organisers would like to have more local participation and encouraged local involvement for the 2013 event.

Sponsors included TCHTA, Cultural and Arts Commission, ScotiaBank, Got U Covered, Sun TCI, Free Press, Dove Security, Fortis TCI, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, Adventurescape and HAB Group. (KH)

January 12 – 18, 2013

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January 12 – 18, 2013

Partnership to produce ‘legacy’ New voters must register AN EXCITING new partnership is heralded to produce a legacy, ambassador and role model for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

During the festive season the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board announced its partnership with the newly established Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Organisation (MTCUBO).

Under the direction of the Saint George Fashion House, the new alliance plans to produce an extraordinary new beauty pageant.

Ralph Higgs, chairman of the Tourist Board, said, “Considering all that has already been done, and the plan that has been placed before us by MTCUBO; we at the Tourist Board think that this is the right direction for the Miss Turks and

Caicos Universe franchise and are excited to partner with this group.

“We are looking forward to see what the MTCUBO and its board have in store for us in the near future and pledge our support 100 per cent in making this an event that will be recognised internationally.

“We also take the opportunity to laud past committees responsible for setting the foundation for previous Miss Turks and Caicos pageants and their efforts in bringing us to where we are now.”

The newly incorporated MTCUBO plans to introduce a new logo for the organisation, new rules and regulations for contestants, new judging criteria that mimics that of the Miss Universe franchise and strategic plans to produce a calendar

of events that is not only exciting to watch, but to be a part of.

Kazz Forbes, president and managing director of MTCUBO, said, “The Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty Organisation will set unprecedented standards for the pageants and our events.

“We as an organisation don’t want to just produce a beauty queen or an ambassador, but a legacy of women that will act as activist, role models and motivators for future generations of women from the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The MTCUBO has launched a vibrant new website www.MissTCI. org, along with numerous social media pages including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Successful swimming with Surfside THIRTY lucky individuals participated in Surfside Ocean Academy’s first ever swimming programme over the Christmas Holidays.

Group and private lessons were offered to all levels including infants and their parents, ‘never-ever’ adult swimmers, and more advanced children swimmers working on fitness, stroke technique and first aid.

All swimming was conducted in Grace Bay Club’s heated pool with certified swim instructors and lifeguards.

“It was such a success,” said programme coordinator, Morgan Luker, “to see kids on day one to where they were by the eighth lesson was just amazing!”

Volunteer swim instructors and lifeguards with the Canadian Lifesaving Society flew in specially to help deliver the high standard swimming programme to the community.

Surfside Ocean Academy is an affiliate partner with Lifesaving

Society and also an authorised provider of Red Cross Swim programmes for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The classes ran consecutively for two weeks and had no more than four students in each class.

Students received report cards and participation certifications, and most advanced to the next level in swimming.

Lessons will resume in February for anyone wishing to continue

with their swimming or anyone new wishing to learn or improve.

A Junior Lifeguarding Club will also be offered, and will teach swimming along with lifesaving techniques and first aid.

“Swimming is more than just a sport, it’s a life skill, and one that I am so honoured to be able help people learn and love,” said Luker.

For more information on infant, children or adult swim lessons, contact Morgan on 231-5437.

RESIDENTS that become eligible to vote this year must register to ensure they are added to the government’s official list.

On Thursday elections supervisor Dudley Lewis issued a release urging residents to help keep the register up to date.

He said, “An elector’s status as a Turks and Caicos Islander must first be verified by the Ministry of Border Control through the process of obtaining a TC Islander Status card.

“Anyone without a status card should apply for one at the offices of the Ministry of Labour and Border Control using the forms and guidance notes that were published during the month of April of this year.

“As in the last round of voter registration, the Elections Office will await the completion of the TC Islander status verification process before it will consider an applicant for addition to the Register of Electors” The new register will become available from March 31 as required in the Elections Ordinance.

All current registered voters do not need to reapply as they will be automatically included.

Potential new electors should complete a voter registration application form.

The form can be obtained from the Elections Office in Grand Turk (Waterloo Plaza, above

Scotiabank) or Providenciales, Butterfield Square or the District Commissioner’s Offices in Salt Cay, South Caicos, Middle Caicos (Conch Bar) and North Caicos (Bottle Creek).

The application period began on Monday, December 17, 2012 and will run until Friday, January 25, 2013.

Applications can be dropped off from Monday to Thursday between 8am and 4.30pm and on Fridays from 8am to 4pm.

Applicants are encouraged to collect and submit any or all of the relevant personal documents (e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate, naturalization details, photo identification etc) with their various applications to verify their TC Islander status.

Prospective applicants are asked to note that registration is free, however status cards cost $50.

For further information on the electoral registration process, contact the Elections Office, Grand Turk on 946-2568 or 946-2558 or 946-2801 extension 11701, or email dllewis@gov.tc.

For further information on the verification of TC Islander status and the issuing of TC Islander status cards, contact the Ministry of Labour and Border Control on 946-2801 extension 946-2801 ext 81444 or 10606 or 40705 or email plewis@gov.tc or cadams@gov. tc.

Premier to tour TCI MEMBERS of the new government will be touring the islands over the next fortnight in a bid to understand the country’s needs.

Premier Rufus Ewing and other ministers will visit key development areas, key departments, civil servants and host town hall meetings with residents.

The aim of the venture is to see first-hand projects in the pipeline with a view of determining what is needed to move them forward.

The team intends to bring updates on key development issues affecting

each island and give updates on key government issues.

A release from the Premier’s office in Grand Turk read, “You can rest assured that the Premier and his government stands firm on their commitments to you.

“They value your opinions, encourage your support and invite all to be a part of these meetings as we strive to move the TCI on a path to prosperity, with your support, good governance and God’s grace.”

The tour will take place from Monday, January 14, to Monday, January 21.

Top model search is on

Many of Grand Turk’s churches held performing arts events during the yuletide season. Here at the Wesley Methodist Church a young group performs a striking dance on Boxing Day.

THE HUNT is on for the next fashion stars originating from the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Organisers of the 2013 TCI Top Model Contest and Fashion Extravaganza are on the lookout for contestants, fashion models and designers for its upcoming themed event: Royele Couture: LUXE! This hotly anticipated event is expected be more extravagant than before, with a bevy of prizes, surprises and guest appearances.

The most coveted prize for the 2013 TCI Top Model Contest winner is being named Digicel TCI Brand

Ambassadorfor a year.

The contestants, models and fashion designers search will take place in two locations on Saturday (January 12).

In Providenciales, it will be held the Culture and Arts Commission in Turtle Cove, Providenicales from 10am to 12pm.

In Grand Turk it will take place at the Victoria Public Library on Front Street from 10am to 11am.

For eligibility and registration information in Provo call 344-2502, Grand Turk call 241-3989, or email tcitopmodelcontest@gmail.com.

January 12 – 18, 2013

Regional News

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Father James appointed chairman of the NIB

The eight Haitians who were found in the boat with the cocaine.

Haitian captain, crew in the Bahamas charged in connection with $1m drug seizure A HAITIAN captain and his crew of seven countrymen who appeared in the Bahamas’ Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday is to be arraigned in connection with a $1million cocaine seizure.

When the eight men stood before Deputy Chief Magistrate Carolita Bethell, it was 51-year-old Portau-Prince native and “L’Assistant Express” ship captain Ifody Pierre who pleaded guilty to the four drug charges they all faced.

The 89 kilos of cocaine worth $1.3 million, according to the statement Pierre gave to police when he was interviewed, was headed for Grand Bahama where upon entering the port, he would receive $10,000.

Pierre, along with La Tortue city natives Odrick Brave, 49, Amel Noel, 29, Oscar Prosperre, 48, Jwan Dilavois St Fleur, 46, Maurales Verneus, 38, Eridieu Merestal, 42, and Odlyn Henry, 23,

each faced a charge of conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with intent to supply, conspiracy to import dangerous drugs, possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply and importation of dangerous drugs.

It is claimed the eight men committed these crimes between January 3 and 4.

All of the men, excluding Pierre, captain of the 80-foot vessel, who were found last Friday at the public dock in Inagua, pleaded not guilty to the charges that were read to them with the help of a Creole interpreter.

When the charges were being read and the Magistrate was asking for the plea of the accused, Pierre, the only Haitian of the eight who could speak English, said he had committed the crime on his own and the others had not.

“I guilty cause I brought it in, but they don’t know nothing,” he told the deputy chief magistrate.

T&T gynecologist for trial on rape charge THE trial of gynecologist Dr David Ali, who is charged with grievous sexual assault and rape, is expected to begin on Thursday.

Ali, director of Gulf View Medical Centre, La Romaine, on Monday pleaded not guilty to the offences, which were allegedly committed against a 22-year-old woman on April 8, 2003.

Ali was charged by Inspector Ann-Marie Mc Dowell and placed on $100,000 bail when he first appeared before the court in November 2003.

He was committed to stand trial

by Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington on September 27, 2006.

Wellington made the ruling after hearing from six State witnesses.

Yesterday a jury was empanelled to hear the case.

Justice Mark Mohammed is presiding in the trial in the San Fernando First High Court.

The 60-year-old David Ali allegedly committed the offence in April of 2003 on a then 22-year-old woman.

Ali, 60, is being represented by attorneys senior counsel Dana Seetahal and John Heath.

REVEREND Father James Moultrie, Anglican priest and the Bahamas’ former Ambassador to the United Nations, has been appointed the new Chairman of the National Insurance Board.

Father Moultrie’s appointment, which has been made in accordance with the provisions of the National Insurance Act, takes effect .

Father Moultrie¹s career has been in education and public service, in the political sphere, in international diplomacy and for the past 18 years, in the religious life of the community.

Father Moultrie was a member of Parliament for the Rock Sound Constituency in Eleuthera, serving for 12 years (1980-1992).

During this time he also served as the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Following his retirement from frontline politics, Father Moultrie

Father James Moultrie is the new chairman of the National Insurance Board.

served as Ambassador to the United Nations.

Following that, Father Moultrie pursued theological studies up to

Chavez swearing-in delay legal, rules Venezuela Supreme Court VENEZUELA’S Supreme Court has ruled that the postponement of President Hugo Chavez’s inauguration for a new term in office is legal.

Earlier, the National Assembly voted to give Mr Chavez as much time as he needed to recover from cancer surgery.

The opposition argues that Mr Chavez’s current mandate expires on 10 January, the day he is due to be sworn in.

Mr Chavez is in hospital in Cuba and has suffered complications caused by a lung infection.

Supreme Court President Luisa Estella Morales said it would be “absurd” to consider Mr Chavez’s treatment in Cuba as an unauthorised absence.

She said that the oath of office could be taken at a later date, as the constitution states, and Mr Chavez’s re-election had guaranteed “continuity” in government.

UNANIMOUS DECISION In a televised statement, Ms Morales read out the unanimous decision of the panel of seven magistrates who handle constitutional issues before the court.

She said there was a clear distinction between the act of taking the oath and the beginning of a new mandate.

The Supreme Court considered the swearing-in an important formality, but not indispensable for the start of the new presidential term, she said.

According to the opposition, Mr Chavez should be declared temporarily incapacitated with the

Hugo Chavez has not been seen or heard in public for almost a month.

current Speaker of the National Assembly, Diosdado Cabello, not Vice-President Nicolas Maduro, taking over as caretaker leader.

They argue that Mr Maduro, who was appointed by Mr Chavez not elected, will cease to be vicepresident on 10 January.

But Ms Morales said that “the executive power made up of the president, vice-president, ministers and other organs, as well as administration officials, will continue to carry out their functions under the principle of administrative continuity”.

She said that the swearing-in ceremony would no doubt happen.

“But at this moment, we can’t say when, how, or where he [the president] will be sworn in”, Ms Morales said.

President Chavez, who has been in power since 1999 and was reelected in October for a fourth term, has not been seen or heard in public for almost a month. (BBC)

and including the doctorate level, and was ordained an Anglican priest, serving the Anglican Diocese for many years, most notably as Rector of the Church of the Holy Spirit (2002-2004) and then as the Rector of St Matthew’s Anglican Church (2004 to 2011).

Father Moultrie and his wife, Bernadette, are the parents of three children and they have six grandchildren.

Prime Minister Perry Christie said: “My colleagues and I are delighted that Father Moultrie has accepted this appointment as the new Chairman of the National Insurance Board.

“He is a man of impeccable character, honesty and discipline who will bring to his new position great leadership skills and a solid understanding of the mission and mandate of the National Insurance Board. (Tribune242.com)

Brutal killing of pastor among 14 murders in Puerto Rico for New Year THE barbaric bludgeoning death of a young pastor was among 14 murders in the first week of 2013 that rung in the New Year with a mournful bell in Puerto Rico.

Twenty-year-old evangelical pastor Julio Enrique Lopez Castro was savagely slain last Saturday in the eastern town of Rio Grande where he was working in a cell phone store.

Lopez Castro was beaten to death with a fire extinguisher after his assailants bound him with telephone cables and gagged him, according to police reports.

The most recent slaying took place on Sunday at 9:55 pm in Canovanas, east of San Juan, where an unknown killer reportedly walked up to 22-yearold Kedin Adorno Fuentes and shot him repeatedly in the face.

That homicide was committed only minutes after the police had reported the murder of Ian Carlos Rivera Colon, 23, at a gas station in the central town of Corozal.

The severity of Puerto Rico’s crime problems came sharply into focus in 2011 when the 1,000-murder mark was surpassed. The number of murders fell marginally last year.

30

World News

January 12 – 18, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Royal baby girl ‘would be princess’ THE Queen has confirmed that if the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s baby is a girl, she will be a princess and called Her Royal Highness.

She has issued a Letters Patent, which removes an anomaly that has been in place since 1917.

The previous royal decree by George V stipulated that a son would become a prince, but a daughter would not become a princess.

In December the couple announced that they were expecting a baby.

A Letters Patent is a type of legal instrument in the form of an open letter, granting the title.

Its wording states: “All the children of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales should enjoy the style, title and attribute of Royal Highness with the titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their Christian names”.

George V had decreed that the titles Royal Highness (HRH) and prince and princess should be restricted to the children of the sovereign, the

The Conservative leader has rejected calls for the UK to leave the EU.

A new law has been published saying their first child will be monarch whether it is a boy or girl.

children of the sovereign’s sons, and the eldest son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales.

In December, a new law was published - the Succession to the Crown Bill - which means the couple’s first child will become monarch, whether they are a boy or girl.

It came after consent was given by all 15 Commonwealth realms to

press ahead with the legislation and will be voted on in the Commons as soon as parliamentary time allows.

The new legislation will end the system of male primogeniture, meaning male heirs will no longer take precedence over women in line to the throne.

The bill will also end the ban on anyone in the line of succession marrying a Roman Catholic. (BBC)

Mother jailed for life after Koran beating to death A MOTHER who beat her sevenyear-old son to death when he failed to memorise passages from the Koran has been jailed for life, for a minimum of 17 years.

The judge told Sara Ege, 33, she subjected Yaseen Ege to prolonged cruelty and a ferocious beating at home in Pontcanna, Cardiff, in July 2010.

She also set fire to his body, and was convicted after a five-week trial.

Ege collapsed as the sentence was read out at Cardiff Crown Court and had to be helped from the dock.

She was also found guilty of perverting the course of justice and given a four-year sentence for that crime.

Her husband Yousuf Ege, a taxi

responsible for Yaseen’s death.

This 33-year-old mom beat her son to death because he could not memorise passages from the Koran.

driver, was cleared of allowing the death of a child by failing to protect him.

Sara Ege had pleaded not guilty to murder and claimed her husband was

‘PROLONGED CRUELTY’ Mr Justice Wyn Williams said: “I am satisfied that it was his failure to learn the Koran that day that resulted in the beating that caused his death.”

He continued: “On the day of Yaseen’s death you had kept him home from school so he could devote himself to his study of the Koran.

“He was memorising passages but on that day Yaseen must have failed in some way and it was that which was a trigger for the beating.

“You killed your own son. At the time of the killing he was particularly vulnerable because of his age and because of his relative physical frailty. (BBC)

Miliband and David Cameron clash over coalition’s pledge audit DAVID Cameron and Ed Miliband have clashed over a government dossier detailing progress on hundreds of pledges made by the coalition.

Mr Miliband said the document, published on Wednesday, was an “audit of coalition broken promises”.

But Mr Cameron insisted it was a “full, frank and unvarnished” assessment of the coalition’s pledges.

The document gives details of progress on each of the 399 pledges, including some which have not been met.

It was expected to be released

as part of the Mid-Term Review, unveiled by the Prime Minister and deputy PM on Monday.

Downing Street deny that it was held back to avoid damaging media coverage of the two leaders’ press conference.

During Prime Minister’s Questions, Ed Miliband told MPs he did not have “high hopes” for the document, adding it was an “audit of coalition broken promises”.

But the prime minister dismissed this, saying the government was publishing “every single audit

of every single promise - all 399 pledges set out in the Mid-Term Review”.

“This will be full, it will be frank and it will be completely unvarnished,” he said.

Nick Clegg last month promised the government would publish a “candid” audit of the government’s performance as part of a Mid-Term Review “which would surprise on the upside”.

Downing Street said the audit, which is 119 pages long showed “the vast majority” of pledges had been met.

UK risks ‘turning inwards’ over EU referendum - US official THE OBAMA administration has publicly expressed concern about the impact of a UK referendum on its future relationship with the EU. Philip Gordon, a senior official in the US State Department, said it was in America’s interests to see a “strong British voice within the EU”.

“Referendums have often turned countries inwards,” he added.

The comments come as David Cameron prepares to make a major speech later this month on future European policy.

In response, No 10 said: “The US wants an outward-looking EU with Britain in it, and so do we.”

The prime minister is facing pressure to hold a referendum on Europe at some stage during the next Parliament and has said the Conservatives will offer voters “real change” and “real choice” on the UK’s position in Europe at the next election - scheduled for 2015.

Mr Cameron wants the UK to remain within the EU but believes there is a need to redefine the relationship in light of moves towards further integration by countries using the single currency.

He has suggested “fresh consent” for any new deal that emerges as a result of negotiations with other EU countries could be sought from the UK public.

However, many Conservative

MPs want him to go further and to commit to a referendum on the question of whether the UK remains in the EU or not - a so-called “in-out vote” he does not support.

Philip Gordon, the US assistant secretary for European affairs in the State Department, was asked about the possibility of a UK referendum ahead of a meeting with Europe minister David Lidington in London.

Mr Gordon told journalists that the UK would always be a key ally of the US and that “what is in the UK’s interests is up to the UK”.

But he added: “We have a growing relationship with the EU as an institution, which has an increasing voice in the world, and we want to see a strong British voice in that EU. That is in America’s interests. We welcome an outward-looking EU with Britain in it.”

Discussing the often “inwardlooking” history of EU negotiations, Mr Gordon said that “referendums have often turned countries inward”.

“The more the EU reflects on its internal debate, the less it is able to be unified,” he said.

“I’m not going to imagine an EU which ever buried any internal debates...?but it is best for everyone, we think, when leaders have the time to be able to focus on common challenges rather than spending their time on internal workings.”

Cockroaches more popular than US Congress – according to US poll CONGRESS is less popular than cockroaches, used car salesmen, colonoscopies, traffic jams and Donald Trump - but is better liked than the Kardashians, Lindsey Lohan and meth labs, according to a new poll Tuesday.

After dragging the country to the brink of the fiscal cliff of massive tax hikes and budget cuts, Congress has a favourable rating of only 9% while 85% view it unfavorably, according to the survey by Public Policy Polling.

The survey asked 830 registered voters to choose between Congress and 26 mostly unpopular people, places and things, from NFL replacement refs to colonoscopies.

Congress lost most of the matchups.

Lawmakers lost to the replacement refs, 29%-56%; to France, 37%46%; to Genghis Khan, 37%-41%; and to the band Nickelback, 32%39%.

Colonoscopies beat Congress, 58%-31%. Cockroaches also finished on top, 45%-43%.

January 12 – 18, 2013

World News

31

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sri Lankan maid beheaded in Saudi Arabia Indian troops at their border.

India and Pakistan trade accusations over Kashmir violence INDIA and Pakistan traded bitter accusations Wednesday after New Delhi said Pakistani troops had killed two of its soldiers and mutilated one of the bodies in the disputed territory of Kashmir, a flash point between the two nations since their creation.

Indian Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai summoned the Pakistani High Commissioner and “lodged a strong protest” about what India alleges took place Tuesday, increasing the strain on ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

But Pakistan reiterated its denial of the accusations, saying India was trying to distract attention from a weekend clash in the Himalayan territory that left a Pakistani soldier dead.

India asserts that Pakistani troops took advantage of thick fog in a wooded area on Tuesday to cross over to its side of the Line of Control, the de facto border between the two nations in Kashmir.

The Indian military says one of its routine patrols spotted the Pakistani

troops in the Mendhar sector of Poonch district, and a firefight lasting about 30 minutes ensued, during which two Indian soldiers were killed.

The Indian government on Wednesday accused Pakistani troops of subjecting the two soldiers’ bodies to “barbaric and inhuman mutilation,” calling the alleged actions “highly provocative.”

The Pakistani foreign ministry rejected the allegations that its troops had crossed the Line of Control and killed Indian soldiers.

“These are baseless and unfounded allegations,” the foreign ministry said. “Pakistan is prepared to hold investigations through the United Nations Military Observes Group for India and Pakistan on the recent cease-fire violations on the Line of Control.”

Pakistan said it is committed to “a constructive, sustained and resultoriented process of engagement with India,” and is working to ensure their relations are normal.

SAUDI Arabia has beheaded a Sri Lankan domestic worker for killing a baby in her care in 2005 in a case that has been widely condemned by rights groups.

The maid, Rizana Nafeek, had denied killing the four-month-old boy.

Her supporters say she was only 17 at the time of the killing. They say her execution is a breach of international child rights.

The Sri Lankan government condemned the execution, which it said took place despite numerous clemency pleas.

The Saudi interior ministry said on Wednesday that Ms Nafeek was executed for smothering the infant after an argument with the child’s mother in the town of al-Dwadmi.

TRANSLATION PROBLEMS The Sri Lankan parliament held a minute’s silence on Wednesday in honour of Ms Nafeek.

News of the execution came on the same day that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) said that laws were needed “urgently” to give greater protection to domestic workers.

The ILO report estimates that only about 10% of all domestic workers - about 5.3 million people - are covered by labour laws to the same degree as other workers.

In Sri Lanka itself, the execution has rekindled debate about the safety of expatriate workers in the Middle

The parents of Ms Nafeek had repeatedly appealed to King Abdullah to pardon her.

East and about the poverty which drives people including Ms Nafeek to seek work abroad.

In a statement, the Sri Lankan foreign ministry said that President Rajapakse and the government deplored the execution “despite all efforts at the highest level of the government and the outcry of the people locally and internationally”.

A Sri Lankan opposition MP who campaigns for Sri Lankan workers abroad, Ranjan Ramanayake, described the Saudi government as “dictators” who would never execute Europeans or Americans, only Asians and Africans.

The MP also said the government in Colombo had done little to ensure Rizana Nafeek’s legal rights - a claim denied by Sri Lankan government

Mexican pack of stray UK businessman jailed for dogs ‘kills four’ in park 33 months in US arms case Authorities in Mexico are investigating the deaths of four people reportedly killed by a pack of dogs in a park.

The bodies of the victims, including a mother and her baby, were covered in what appeared to be bite marks, and police found their belongings nearby.

At least 25 dogs living in Cerro de la Estrella, a hilly woodland in eastern Mexico City, have been rounded up by investigators.

The number of stray dogs in the Mexican capital is estimated at about 120,000.

Experts said the bite marks suggest that at least 10 dogs were involved in the attack.

The detained dogs will undergo tests to verify the presence of human tissues in their mouths and intestines, authorities said.

The deaths are believed to have happened between 29 December and 5 January.

The large population of stray dogs

Authorities say there are about 120,000 stray dogs in Mexico City.

has long been a problem in Mexico City, correspondents say.

A 2008 study said that there were more than three million of them living on the streets, but a more recent estimate by the capital’s authorities suggested the 120,000 figure.

This is roughly equivalent to the number of dogs collected from the streets of the UK in 2011. (BBC)

A RETIRED British businessman who admitted selling weapon parts to Iran has been sentenced to 33 months in prison by a court in the US. Christopher Tappin, who was extradited from the UK last February, reached a deal with US prosecutors which led to him pleading guilty in November.

Tappin, 66, of south-east London, could have faced being jailed for 35 years.

At Tuesday’s hearing in El Paso, Texas, Judge David Briones recommended he be allowed to serve his time in the UK. The final decision on whether Tappin can return to the UK to serve his sentence rests with the US Bureau of Prisons, a court spokeswoman said.

Tappin, from Orpington, must turn himself in to start his sentence at the Allenwood prison in Pennsylvania by 8 March.

‘Will be dreadful’ The retired businessman, who admitted one count of aiding and abetting the illegal export of defence

Christopher Tappin was extradited from the UK last February.

articles, was also ordered to pay a fine of $11,357.14 (about £7,100).

He admitted that between December 2005 and January 2007 he knowingly aided and abetted others in an illegal attempt to export zinc/silver oxide reserve batteries, a special component of the Hawk Air Defence Missile, to Iran. (BBC)

officials.

The parents of Ms Nafeek had repeatedly appealed to King Abdullah to pardon her. Her father is currently in hospital, officials, say, and her mother is too distressed to talk about the execution. (BBC. co.uk)

Saudi teen, “70 year-old” man divorce

A DIVORCE has been granted in the case of a Saudi teenager who was wed to a 70-year-old man (but believed to be older), Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Commission told CNN on Wednesday.

The man was the focus of outrage this week when he said his bride’s family fooled him into paying a $20,000 dowry but then took their daughter back. The commission said the two fought and she ran away, back to her family.

In Saudi Arabia, no law stipulates a minimum age for marriage. There’s been a push for that in recent years, but extremely conservative religious scholars have pushed back.

The man told CNN that he is 70, but the commission said they believe he is 86. The man also told CNN that he thought his bride to be was 25.

After learning of the marriage, the commission sent an investigator to the girl’s home in Al-Hurath village in Jizan province, in southwestern Saudi Arabia near the border with Yemen.

Dr. Hadi Al-Yami, who runs the commission’s branch that covers that area, told CNN that the group sent an investigator to a courthouse where the man had complained to a local official.

32

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

Raja Yoga Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands

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

FOR SALE

January 12 – 18, 2013

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

FOR RENT THOMPSON COVE (1) 3 BEDROOM 3 ½ BATHROOM WITH POOL $3,800.00 PER MONTH

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: 341-1471

7561

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

MAID/ HELPER

FULLY FURNISHED WASHER & DRYER $750.00 PER MONTH

Interested person contact Josephine at 946-5300 CHRISTOPHER MISSICK Is looking for a

FULLY FURNISHED WASHER DRYER 1,200.00 PER MONTH SECURITY SYSTEM FOR SALE OR FOR RENT

CUSTOM DESIGN KITCHEN $800.00 PER MONTH

Labourer To work 5 ½ days per week salary $6.00 per hour

Dishwasher To work 5 ½ day per week salary $5.50 per hour

Fax applications to 946-4871 between the hours of 9:00am-4:00pm

Amazing Value!

Lot for Sale

2 BEDROOM 1 BATH

Farmer

CONTACT: 231-7388

contact: 243-7709

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

PRICE SLASHED FOR QUICK SALE $180,000 CASH!

House and ½ Acre land Richmond Hill 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Fully furnished

Call: 231-3788

7624

NEWLY RENOVATED $900.00 PER MONTH

Is looking for the following

To work 6days a week including weekends and holidays.Salary is $200 per week.

1 BEDROOM 1 BATH RICHMOND HILLS

1 BEDROOM 1 BATHROOM HOUSE

GILLEY’S ENTERPRISES LTD.

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

$49,999 o.b.o.

Call 231-3788

PRICE SLASHED $175,000

7568

FOR RENT 3 BEDROOM 2 BATHROOM

CLASSIFIEDS 33

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

7566

January 12 – 18, 2013

34 CLASSIFIEDS

January 12 – 18, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS Is looking for a

Is looking for a

FOOD & BEVERAGE DIRECTOR The Food & Beverage Director will be responsible for coordinating, supervising and directing all F&B and catering operations in a multi-outlet environment consisting of fine and casual dining - breakfast, lunch and dinner. You will be responsible for maintaining profitable operations without sacrificing our high standard of food and quality. The F&B Director will be responsible for business development and retention, and for maintaining payroll and revenue targets.

Is looking for a

Labourer labourer Welder To work 6 days To work 6 days To pick up and clean, stock blocks on crates salary $5.00 per hour must be willing to work from 7am-5pm.

per week salary $10.50 per hour.

Contact: 347-6642

The successful candidate will be sociable and outgoing, and have the ability to manage the discriminating guest while delivering superior customer service. Must be professional in demeanor and delivery. Exceptional communication skills are a must. This position is a member of the resort’s senior leadership team. Excellent organization and follow through is required, as is prior Caribbean experience.

CATCH THE WAVE

CBQ

C & P WELDING

7587

Send resume to Labour Department or stop by Dock Direct

per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 941-3037

7584

Cox Management Company Limited Is seeking a full time

Administrative Clerk

To be successful in this role, the following requirements must be met: • 5-7 years F&B management experience overseeing multiple outlets in a fivestar Caribbean resort • Relevant degree or combination of experience and education, with a strong background in food service • Thorough knowledge of F&B standards and practices within a luxury resort environment • Excellent knowledge of fine dining, wines and wine service • Proven leader with exceptional supervisory skills, including the ability to motivate, train and develop staff • Sales, marketing and budgeting expertise, including scheduling and food/ labour costing • Working knowledge of MS Office, Visual One and Infogenises

Duties and Responsibilities: Specific duties include but are not limited to: Accounts Payable Office Administrative tasks Record and File Management

Qualifications: Two plus years in basic administration & accounts payable experience.

Strong computer and Excel skills are vital.

Applicants are requested to submit their resume via email bac@tciway.tc . Tel:941-3650 Fax: 946-4283

(Only Turks & Caicos Islanders/Belongers need apply) Only qualified candidates will be contacted for interview

7598

References required

GENERAL MANGER/ MANAGING DIRECTOR

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

Required for complex tour operation

Suitably qualified Belongers to fill the positions outlined below. Ideal candidates must possess luxury resort experience, a professional, outgoing and friendly demeanor, and a strong command of the English language (oral and written).

;;Candidates must reside in Grand Turk and have the following experience and expertise ;;At least 7 years experience in tour, cruise ship and shore excursion operations, ability to generate and interpret financial reports: QuickBooks, Excel, Word, Publisher and PowerPoint, excellent written and verbal communications skills, experience in negotiating with vendors, government agencies and cruise lines, a keen understanding of margins, managerial accounting and budgeting, tour product development, tour guide training and human resources

If you are a team player with a strong work ethic, and you are available to work evenings, weekends and public holidays, you are encouraged to apply. Salaries for all positions are based on experience and qualifications.

Tailor Floor Crystallizing Specialist Sommelier Pool and Beach Attendant Room Attendant Cook Maintenance Technician

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

Contact: 649-332-5939 CHRIST IS THE ANSWER MINISTRY Is looking for a

(appliance repair experience required)

Maintenance

Closing Date: January 11th, 2013 Suitably qualified candidates should apply in writing or by phone to the following:

Manager

Bridgette Thomas BNC Consulting Group, Ltd email: bthomas@bnccgroup.com Phone: 649-332-2565

Deadline January 31st, 2013 contact: 346-7626 7590

To work 6 days per week. Salary $6.00 per hour.

7594

DOCK DIRECT

Is looking for a

Labourer Duties: • Loading block, cement, sand and gravel into customers vehicle • Must be willing to work from 7am-5pm • Salary $5.00 per hour

send resumes to LaboUr Department or stop by Dock Direct

7525

GOD’S INSTRUMENT MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL is looking for an

Evangelist Contact: Alcesdor@hotmail. com or Telephone: 343-9564 or 2424551 7582

January 12 – 18, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Cashier

Applicants must – • have at least one year’s experience as a Cashier • be willing to work on weekends/holidays and shift duties when required • have basic knowledge of computers • have excellent communication skills • have good typing skills • have good interface with clients • produce a clean Police Record BELONGERS ONLY NEED APPLY Please send applications to:

Stanfield Greene Graceway House Building A, Suite 201 Leeward Highway Providenciales

Is looking for 2 experienced

PLANT WORKERS

Caicos Pride Products seafood processing plant located in South Caicos is seeking employes,both male and female, to fill the following positions: 1 Conch Peeler 2 Fish Cleaner 3 Lobster Cleaner Prospective employees are required to reside in South Caicos and must be willing to work for extended hours, weekends and selected public holidays. Wage rates are commensurate with performance.

Cosmetologist

Remuneration by commission only.

Applications with resume and certification can be faxed to

649-941-7450

Applications may be submitted to the Labour Department or directly to the company via email: info@caicoslobsterandconch.com or fax: (649) 945-3571.

7621

7010

In the Turks and Caicos Islands) seeks to employ a

ELITE GAMING

VACANCIES

ACCELLENT HAIR CARE & SPA

International Transfer Company Limited (C.A.M.)

Atlantic Consultancy Services

SEEKS

BUSINESS CONSULTANT

On behalf of their client Faces & Fingers is seeking a

Casino Development seeking individual

;;To assist with various projects concerning the construction, layout and set up of Casino Systems ;;Candidate must have Baccalaureate Degree and minimum of 10 years Casino Management and hospitality experience ;;Ability to properly train all casino table games ;;Understanding casino table game accounting ;;A requirement for the position is strong communication and analytical skills ;;Salary: $40,000.00 per year or based on experience

If you meet the above requirements please submit your curriculum vitae and resume to: glmelite@hotmail.com

7583

Cleaner

to work in an upscale service delivery business place. Must be flexible with hours, friendly, courteous, good command of the English language and have a good background in cleaning.

Belongers only need apply by emailing your resume to: atlanticconsultancy@ hotmail.com 7592

E&V EQUIPMENT LIMITED

JOB VACANCIES 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.

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

Must be able to work the night shift.

Security Supervisor

Is looking to fill the following positions

WELDER

Duties include: • Welder of machine and general upkeep of all equipments • Must have at least 5 years experience • Salary $9.50 per hour

Handyman

SKYTRAK DRIVER/ LABORER

needed

Contact: 344-1515

contact: 231-0998

7586

7569

In North Caicos must be willing to work 40 hours per week salary $6.00 per hour

Duties include: • Operating skytrak • Must have 6-8 years experience with the 10054 series • Salary $9.00 per hour

HOLIDAY VILLAGE

GILLEY’S ENTERPRISES LTD. Is looking for the following

Is seeking to fill the following positions:

Labourer To work 5 ½ days per week salary $6.00 per hour

Dishwasher To work 5 ½ day per week salary $5.50 per hour

Fax applications to 946-4871 between the hours of 9:00am-4:00pm

CLASSIFIEDS 35

7568

3 Labourers 2 Domestic Workers

Weekly salary $225/$215.

Working hours, 6 days per week

Contact: 946-5500

7579

Provides daily supervision and guidance to Security Agents with input from Department Heads as required. Perform protective and enforcement functions in a courteous and restrained manner in coping with emergencies, undesired conduct, disturbances and threats to life and property. Maintain a safe and secure environment for guests, visitors, and colleagues.

Responsible for shift planning and ensuring that documentation is followed through consistently.

Police or Military experience required, 3-5 years supervisory experience in hospitality security, exceptional customer service skills coupled with disciplined approach to providing consistent quality service levels. Should be well versed with Computers/CCTV Footage/ Vigilance during Operations. Initiate investigations or where appropriate to personally carry out an investigation ensuring clear, concise and factual records are taken and communicated.

Maintain proactive communication, with the Executives and Heads of Departments, regarding relevant security matters and where employees are concerned, to maintain direct contact with the Human Resources Manager as soon as practically possible. To assist in the identification of training and development needs for all Security Officers and to assist in developing these employees to achieve their potential. To liaise with the fire department regarding policy and the implementation there of; and to assist in the arranging of regular fire drills; to assist with fire training programmes; and to ensure that regular checks and inspections of fire exits, equipment are carried out and to report and/or deal with any deficiencies or any irregularities with fire exits or equipment and to bring these to the prompt attention of Management. First Aid trained, qualified and knowledge of fire, health and safety is a plus.

Successful applicants must have the following attributes requirements: • • • • • • •

Excellent communication skills Great customer service skills Flexibility to work hospitality shifts PC skills a must Team Player Motivated English Language a must

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 and, along with your Resume or C.V. to hr@wymara.com 7597

36 CLASSIFIEDS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 12 – 18, 2013

JEAN DELUIS ULYSSE Is looking for a

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

contact: 341-2205

7580

week. Salary $5.00 per hour. Send resumes to P.O. Box 954 or

call 441-7130 7607

JOB OPENING

Labourer

Job Description

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

contact: 347-3520

Job title Administration and Finance Officer Reporting to Director TCI RC, task managers: Head of Office, GT Responsible for Finance and basic administration Location Grand Turk, TCI Contract length 1 year 7603

DOMESTIC SECURITY WORKER WANTED ToOFFICER work 5 days per

Background to programme Running activities in Admin and Finance of the TCI RC Job purpose ;; Ensure a fluent financial and administration management of GT sub branch in relation to the overall TCI RC (national level) ;; Provide basic admin support to the GT office and its programs- First Aid, Thrift Store, Psychosocial Support, Restoring Family Links, and Fundraising. ;; Provide administrative as well as financial day to day running of the Disaster Risk Reduction Programme.

Waterplay Seeks…

Duties and responsibilities

Experienced Kite boarding instructor ;; Who can also train individuals to become certified instructors. ;; Must be qualified as a Senior Examiner with certification to WKO/IKO instructor and examiner levels and with not less than 10 years’ experience as an instructor. ;; Age range 35+. ;; Must speak English. Foreign language(s) an advantage to deal with non-English speaking tourists. ;; Experience in instructing stand-up paddle boarding and windsurfing a plus. ;; Must be willing to work weekends and public holidays to accommodate the tourist trade. ;; Salary is commission-based.

Please contact Jill Swann @ 231-3122.

Deadline for applications is Monday, 21st January 2013.

ONLY BELONGERS NEED APPLY

RUNNING ACTIVITIES TCI RC ;; Providing TCI RC national level with monthly accounts, variance analysis, forecasts and cash requests and department copies of variance analysis. ;; Facilitating and verifying payments including ensuring correct authorisation ;; Review of key controls such as bank reconciliations, cash reconciliations ;; Ensuring that the legal requirements of the country are adhered to in respect to contracts, payments, staffing, leases ;; Ensure value for money obtained through efficient and effective use of funds ;; Perform ad hoc internal audits ;; Support in HR administration as required ;; Support in Logistics administration as required ;; Attend to all administration tasks in the Grand Turk office, also including reporting at meetings, make bookings, keep petty cash, respond to phone, maintaining office supplies etc. ;; Liaise and coordinate closely with the TCI RC Provo office ;; Any other duties necessary to support the well-running of the office as considered necessary by the line manager.

DISASTER RISK REDUCTION (DRR)

First Global Insurance Brokers Limited

JOB VACANCY First Global Insurance Brokers Limited is seeking a suitable qualified individual to fill the following opening. The ideal candidate should possess Administrative, Insurance and Accounting Experience and must meet the following minimum qualifications.

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Finance ;; Maintain the day-to-day cash of the programme, cash count, cash reconciliation, cash book recording, petty cash, receipts ;; Do bookkeeping of Programme in close relation with Finance Desk in Headquarters ;; Execute payments in the context of the programme insuring that authorization as outlined in the Chart of Authority has been obtained ;; Ensure bank reconciliations at the end of each month ;; Follow-up on expenditure of programme in line with budgets Administration ;; Booking of local flights, accommodation etc. for programme ;; Support the DRRO in volunteer administration, procurement and logistic admin ;; Support the DRRO when necessary, in communications with stakeholders in the programme

Requirements: • Visionary Leader with at least 10 years experience in an Insurance Company with a preference to Caribbean Experience.

• Must possess a through understanding of all areas of Insurance and Accounting with an ability to orchestrate dependents in achieving established goals and objectives.

• Strong knowledge of operating in the Caribbean.

• Strong Financial Management Proficiency with proven ability to attract, develop and retain an effective management team.

• Must be able to work well in stressful, high pressure situations.

• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and Accounting Software.

Duties applicable to all staff

Responsibilities: Full responsibilities for the Administration, Production and Operational success of the Business.

Direct the Development of Marketing and Production plans, forecasts and other controls.

Meet or exceed planned objectives for revenue and profit for all areas of responsibilities.

Person Specification

Salary Commensurate with Qualification and Experience

Education/experience Mastery of excel, word and other basic soft-ware x Relevant education, or 7+ years of relevant experience in finance x 3+ years experience in basic administration x Experience in Red Cross or humanitarian aid

• Work towards the achievement of Red Cross objectives in the country • Adhere to the 7 principles throughout daily responsibilities and in all relations with stakeholders involved to reach the most vulnerable • Provide support and work in Disaster Response

Accountability • Work within the larger strategic approaches of the British Red Cross • Maintain open en good relationships with all partners involved

General Required Deal well with stress x Team player x Flexible x Creative Good leadership

Applications must be submitted to: Mr. Paul Mitchell First Global Insurance Brokers Limited P.O. Box 117 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Via e-mail: info@fgibtci.com | Via Fax: 649-946-4822 All applications are to be received by 21th January 2013

Management competencies (if applicable) Able to lead/direct people and programmes Able to manage resources (people, financial, physical) x Strategic thinking skills x Risk management skills x Able to develop security plans/guidelines 7619

Preferred

x x

x x

x

CLASSIFIEDS 37

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

QUALITY SUPERMARKET

SARAWAK LTD.

Industrial Park Bypass Providenciales Telephone: 941-7929

Is seeking qualified individuals for the following jobs:

Meat Manager This position is responsible for the day to day management and profitability of the department while providing excellence in superior meat and seafood products and customer service.

Job Requirements and Responsibilities: • Responsible for Superior Service goals of the Department • Supervise department staff to include scheduling, training and assigning duties • Implement all merchandising programs • Ensure standards of Department presentation and operations are met; including cleanliness and sanitation, inventory control, rotation, quality, ordering, variety standards, signing, seasonal schematic • Responsible for ordering and inventory control to meet division "turn" goals • Ensure the Department has the highest quality of product available for the customer • Monitor to ensure variety standards are followed, as well as 100% compliance on ad item display • Ensure paperwork, as set by the Division, is followed • Perform all other related duties as assigned by management • Responsible for the sales and profitability of the Department Supervising the daily operations of the meat department • Must have previous experience in Droste Systems • Will be required to work nights, long hours, weekends, and holidays • 5+ years Fresh Meat Buying and Cutting Experiences • Proficient in Microsoft Office Applications, Experience with Food link Online Preferred, Strong communication and negotiation skills

Requirements: Fluent in Italian Knowledge of Italian cuisine Hard worker Driver’s license 10 years experience Salary $4.00 per hour

LABOURER

Contact: 946-4186

9639

Applications are invited from suitably qualified applicants to fill the following positions:-

Requirements: Fluent in Italian Hardworking and knowledgeable of pool cleaning and water analysis Driver’s license Salary $4.00 per hour

Salary Starts at $5.00 per hour. Only Turks Islanders need to apply

Labourer

L & M CRAFT MARKET

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

laboUrer

Is looking for a

Wanted

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

Send resumes to info@karammissick.com

7625

VACANCIES

GARDENER DOMESTIC WORKER

contact: 345-9127

7589

January 12 – 18, 2013

Starting salary range is based on qualifications and experience

Frozen / Dairy Stocker • Open cartons and price items accurately and legibly; keep store management informed of pricing problems discrepancies • Stocks merchandise on shelf or storage areas following standard company procedures • Assist in receiving and unloading of merchandise as required to maintain sufficient levels of inventory • Checks and verifies merchandise receiving, count, quality and conditions are in compliance to standard company intake of stock procedures • Ensure that all merchandise are consistently rotated in accordance with store policy and product code dates to guarantee quality control • Must return all overstocked merchandise to the warehouse in an organized manner • Detail oriented • Ability to read and understand the English language • Basic math skills • Ability to work in an environment that maintain a 27 degrees Fahrenheit or lower temperature • Effective interpersonal skills • Ability to repetitively lift 50 + lbs • Will be required to work nights, long hours, weekends, and holidays Salary rate is $7.75 ph.

Deadline for submission of applicants is January 4th 2013

Submit to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracewayiga.com Please Note: Only short-listed applicants will be contacted to attend interviews.

7604

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

LABOURER

L & S CONSTRUCTION Is looking for a

WANTED Treasures S & S Gift Shop is looking for a Labourer to assist with lifting boxes and stocking shelves. 2 days per week.

Salary: $6.00 per hour.

Contact 231-1162

7596

LA VISTA AZUL CONDOMINIUM AND RESORT

LEW & JAN CONSTRUCTION

Will employ full-time

Is looking for a

Labourer

Plumber

To work 6 days per week salary $10.00 per hour. contact: 241-7557

7614

MACKEY’S TIRE & CAR ACCESSORIES Is looking for the following positions:

Salary $6.00 per hour

Requirements: Must have good English Must work weekends Must have a good working ethics Please deliver a resume to the reception

La Vista Azul 107 Turtle Cove Dr. Providenciales

7620

Labourer To work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.

contact: 232-7317 7597

Tire Repairman Kitchen Helper

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

Contact: 941-4440

7627

P & A PRIME AGENCY Is currently seeking qualified applicants on behalf of our clients:

AGNES SWANN Is looking for a

Handyman To assist in every area of the business

Working hours: 8 hours per day. Wages: $5.50 per hour. Must be able to prepare and cook authentic Italian dishes for large family residence. Work on weekends if necessary.

Domestic Workers To assist in the home must be good with children

Labourer

LaboUrers

to take care of the premises and properties. Salary $5.50 per hour.

7581

For more detailed information please contact our office P&A, IBO Building, Downtown behind the ball park, Providenciales Monday – Friday 10am-5pm

or 341-8754

7618

Contact: Neon Holdings Ltd. Telephone: 649-941-7923 during working hours

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

wANTED Looking for a matured lady between the ages of 40 to 52 to live in and look after a 3 month old baby in Nassau, Bahamas.

Must have graduated from high school and have experience looking after a young baby. Two references must be supplied along with a clean criminal record.

Pay is $220 per week .Travel arrangements will be provided for if successful.

Email resume to doclovered@yahoo. com and /or call 242-376-3093.

Contact: 342-0548

7636

NORTH CAICOS CAFÉ Is looking to fill the following positions:

Creative Designer Salary: $10 hourly Contact Person: Mario Mamet Location: PO Box 238, TC Millwork, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Contact : tcmillwork@tciway.tc phone 649.2314537 Skills Required for creative designer: Applicant must have a B.F.A in design or similar field. Individual must have ten years professional experience in interior decorating or design.

Knowledge of carpentry, joinery, cabinetmaking, faux finishing, and wood types are essential.

Individual should have familiarity with island construction, importing processes and paperwork, all PC computer applications as well as proficiency

Salary $5.00 per hour contact: 649-941-8382 or email: north.caicos.cafe. ejliquors@hotmail.com Belonger only need apply

7587

Duties: Design cabinetry, furniture, and other millshop products. Provide repair, refinishing, and faux finishing for required items. Provide custom mural and painted artworks. Consult and advise clients in a professional and courteous manner. Create on site measurements, sketches, and photography. Provide renovation and remodeling plans and carry out work needed. Prepare all advertising and marketing materials. Style, photograph, and catalog finished projects. Prepare orders for materials in a timely and prudent manner. Assist with daily millshop operations as needed. Must be professional and courteous.

7610

C & S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

CAICOS PETROLEUM LTD.

KING’S CONSTRUCTION

Labourer/ Pump

LaboUrer

Is looking for a

Acting on behalf of our client Delicious Dishes is looking for a

Cashier Kitchen Helper

in Auto-Cad, Adobe Photoshop, and Google Sketch.

Applicants please send a resume via preferred contact method

Kitchen Attendant Must be willing to work Helper To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 946-5759

7631

COOK

January 12 – 18, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 941-7986

7640

is looking for a

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

contact: 231-3938

WANTED

Global Tardiff Elevator Services (Turks & Caicos)

POSITION AVAILABLE

Front Desk, Reservations and Marketing Assistant for small hotel

Global Tardiff Elevator is seeking suitably qualified applicants to fill the position of:

Part time or full time depending on skills and business growth

2 Elevator Technicians Daily task will include installation and maintenance of elevators.

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

Experienced Bartender/Server

Suitable person must have the following qualifications:

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

;;2 years experience of installation of MRL technology elevators; ;;5 years minimum service, maintenance and troubleshooting experience on ECC and JRT control systems; ;; International Union of Elevator Constructors certification or equivalent.

Send C.V with references from Previous 2 Employers to: ospreybeach@tciway.tc PREVIOUS APPLICANTS ALSO FORWARD THEIR C.V AND REFERNECES TO ospreybeach@tciway.tc

Salary: $20.00 per hour Closing date for applications is January 31st, 2013 7605

Applications must be submitted to:

Karen Simmons Missick & Stanbrook Leeward Hwy, Providenciales Tel: 946-4732 * Fax: 946-4734 Email: Karen@misickstanbrook.tc

7629

38 CLASSIFIEDS

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

7599

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

7594

January 12 – 18, 2013

Caicos Resorts

DOCK MASTER WANTED

Has an immediate vacancy for a

Senior Architect / Project Manger

AT CAICOS MARINA AND SHIPYARD Dock Master duties include but are not limited to: Direct, move, assist and securely moor vessels to dock Clean dock area and maintain an orderly environment Collect dockage fees, fuel payments and Ship store purchases Report and document safety hazards, potentially hazardous conditions, and unsafe practices and procedures • Provide assistance to customers, re-fuel boats and maintain adequate fuel levels • Liaise with the Customs Department on behalf of all customers

The successful candidate must be a Registered (RIBA, AIA, ARB) Architect with +15 years experience; must be prolific with AutoCAD 2012, Sketchup Pro, Adobe and Microsoft Office Suites and willing to work weekends and holidays when required.

• Ensure safety of vessels at docks • Must be fluent in English (written and spoken), have good conversational ability in French and Spanish, be able to swim and hold a valid driver’s license • Must have strong customer service skills and knowledge of visitor services and requirements in the country.

• Must understand operation of marine lifting equipment and operation of boats

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience.

Applications must be sent no later than January 22nd, 2013 to:

Work Schedule: Expect to work six days a week, including weekends and public holidays.

Wage rate: $8.00 per hour.

Application: Applications must be submitted in writing and delivered by hand to Caicos Marina and Shipyard, Long Bay Highway, Providenciales. Applicants must have five plus (5+) years experience working at a marina. Closing date for applications is 31st January, 2013.

WANTED

Misick & Stanbrook Email: info misickstanbrook.tc

Tel: (649) 946-4732. Fax: (649) 946-4734

7633

DOLPHINS SPORTS BAR & GRILL

GILLEY’S ENTERPRISES Is seeking to hire a

Is looking for the following persons:

MERMAID

Caicos Tours is looking for a Freediving Tour Guide to entertain and care for guests, both above and below water Candidates will need a good understanding of Reef Ecology, Certifications in free diving, SCUBA & First Aid, a current STCW 95, an extremely professional working attitude and the ability to communicate easily with guests of all ages. The working week is Monday – Saturday including bank holidays, hours are 8:30am until the boat is cleaned after the last tour of the day additional hours may be required on occasion

Please contact: Caicos Tours on 231-0007 for further information Belonger only need apply 7630

2 Mixologists 2 Bartenders 2 Waitresses 1 Domestic Worker Must be able to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

per week.

Contact: 332-6364

7632

ATTORNEY A local law firm is seeking an English qualified Attorney with ability to practice in the Turks and Caicos. Must possess a Bachelor of Laws Degree, be fluent in French and hold 12 years experience in fields including but not limited to corporate, commercial, banking and internet law. Must possess the ability to initiate, thoroughly advise, prepare and close corporate, commercial and banking transactions.

Must also have experience with drafting legislation. Previous extensive experience within the Caribbean required. Salary commensurate with experience.

Send resumes into info@karammissick.com before January 25, 2012. Please, NO telephone calls or office visits.

Domestic Worker To work 6 days Send resume to: 946-4871

7638

ATTORNEY

A local law firm is seeking a highly qualified Attorney-At-Law who has been called to the English Bar/and or a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales with ability to practice in the Turks and Caicos. Must possess a Bachelor of Laws Degree and hold 16 years of practical experience in litigation, commercial law, intellectual property law, corporate law, insolvency law, property and internet law with the ability to initiate, thoroughly advise on, prepare and plead litigious matters. Previous extensive experience within the Caribbean required and the applicant has to be a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners Salary commensurate with experience.

Send resumes into info@karammissick. com before January 25, 2012. Please, NO telephone calls or office visits.

7634

7633

CORPORATE ADMINISTRATOR A highly qualified Corporate Administrator is being sought with a minimum of 15 years experience in all aspects of corporate management procedures and practices in the TCI including anti-money laundering and compliance procedures. Must have a graduate degree in Business along with professional certifications in Corporate Law Administration, Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance. The successful candidate must be able to work without supervision and properly advise clients on various corporate matters.

Excellent knowledge in accounting practices, human resources, office administration, and much experience in direct international client relations, is required to effectively operate the corporate arm of the firm. A candidate who shows initiative, astuteness, maturity, thoroughness and trustworthiness is vital. Salary will commensurate with qualifications.

Applicants should send their resumes to info@karammissick.com before January 25, 2013. Only Belongers need apply. Please, NO telephone calls or office visits.

7635

OCEANVIEW BEAUTY SALON

SEA GRAPE MANAGEMENT CORAL DESTINATIONS

PABLO BARBER & BEAUTY SALON

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Hairdresser/ Cosmetologist Must have at least 6 years experience. Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 232-5443

7641

Barber To work 6 days

Housekeeper To work 6 days

contact: 247-0187

contact: 941-5497

per week salary $5.00 per hour

7617

• • • •

CLASSIFIEDS 39

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

per week salary $5.50 per hour.

7642

40 CLASSIFIEDS

January 12 – 18, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS is looking for a

Is looking to fill the following positions:

domestic worker

3 Gardeners 3 Domestic Workers 2 Nail Technicians 3 Barbers 3 Labourers

Education Coordinator

We are seeking an enthusiastic, team-oriented intern to provide program support for students and staff. Live harmoniously alongside students and staff, supporting the SFS mission and five year plan. As needed, take responsibility for some Center-specific "staff of the day" duties. Take part in, and occasionally lead, Center upkeep projects, social and field activities.

Adhere to, actively model and enforce all SFS and Center policies and procedures. At all times, work to ensure good relations between the Center and local community, and assist with various community affairs. Based on center needs and operations, you will be expected to perform any other additional duties that may be assigned to you from time to time Qualifications: ;; Master’s degree in Environmental Education or similar field required, PhD preferred ;;Ability to receive TCI work authorization required ;;Familiarity with the American university system required ;; Organization and community event planning ;; Compensation/Benefits: ;; Room & board

Send CV to RDAKE@FIELDSTUDIES.ORG no later than Jan 25, 2013

7611

ROSE TAYLOR

ROBERT’S AGENCY

SHARINGTON FORBES NORTH CAICOS

The School for Field Studies Center for Marine Resource Studies – South Caicos

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

contact: 243-3204

7588

Is looking for a

Salary $5.00 per hour

contact: 243-0572

7616

Labourer To clean the yard an other maintenance around the establishment must be willing to work 4 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 441-7130

7608

REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE CAP 72

NOTICE OF LOST LAND CERTIFICATE TITLE NUMBER SECTION ISLAND 10301/44 CENTRAL GRAND TURK

JOB VACANCY The TCI Redcross is currently seeking a

Financial Administrator For the Grand Turk Office

Duties and responsibilities • Ensure a fluent financial and administration management of GT sub branch in relation to the overall TCI RC (national level) • Provide basic admin support to the GT office and its programs- First Aid, Thrift Store, Psychosocial Support, Restoring Family Links, and Fundraising.

• Provide administrative as well as financial day to day running of the Disaster Risk Reduction Programme.

• Providing TCI RC national level with monthly accounts, variance analysis, forecasts and cash requests and department copies of variance analysis.

• Facilitating and verifying payments including ensuring correct authorisation • Review of key controls such as bank reconciliations, cash reconciliations • Ensuring that the legal requirements of the country are adhered to in respect to contracts, payments, staffing, leases • Ensure value for money obtained through efficient and effective use of funds • Perform ad hoc internal audits • Support in HR administration as required • Support in Logistics administration as required • Attend to all administration tasks in the Grand Turk office, also including reporting at meetings, make bookings, keep petty cash, respond to phone, maintaining office supplies etc.

• Liaise and coordinate closely with the TCI RC Provo office • Any other duties necessary to support the well-running of the office as considered necessary by the line manager.

Finance

;; Maintain the day-to-day cash of the programme, cash count, cash reconciliation, cash book recording, petty cash, receipts ;; Do bookkeeping of Programme in close relation with Finance Desk in Headquarters ;; Execute payments in the context of the programme insuring that authorization as outlined in the Chart of Authority has been obtained ;; Ensure bank reconciliations at the end of each month ;; Follow-up on expenditure of programme in line with budgets Administration ;; Booking of local flights, accommodation etc. for programme ;; Support the DRRO in volunteer administration, procurement and logistic admin ;; Support the DRRO when necessary, in communications with stakeholders in the programme.

Deadline is January 15th, 2013. You can apply by email to: redcrossprovo@tciway.tc or directortciredcross@gmail.com.

Whereas, NORMAN ROSLAND PARKER AND TANYA LODELL PARKER as personal representative of Pricilla Beatrice Tucker, has declared that the Land Certificate for the above mentioned title number(s) registered in his/her/their name was inadvertently mislaid and cannot be found.

Take notice that I, Derek Evans, Registrar of Lands, shall issue a new land certificate for the said title within six weeks of the date of the first publication of this Notice in a local newspaper and the Gazette.

Dated this 10 day of December 2012 Signed……………................................................…………..

Witnessed…………………........................................……….

7565

THE SCHOOL FOR FIELD STUDIES

Resident Lecturer in Marine Resource Management Duties and Responsibilities Teaching: • As part of an interdisciplinary teaching team, teach one-third of the academic program (minimum 50 lecture hours per semester, 15 per summer program) • Plan, revise, and effectively deliver a challenging, problem-based interdisciplinary curriculum • Organize lectures and prepare course materials in a timely and professional manner • Research: • Conduct designated research according to the Center's Five-year Research Plan • Identify appropriate components of research plan suitable for student Directed Research projects • Prepare research results for clients and partners and for publication and conference presentations • Minimum qualifications: • Ability to obtain Turks & Caicos work permit • Ph.D. and university-level teaching experience in Marine Resource Management, Stock Assessment, Tropical Fisheries Management, or related field • Field research experience, preferably in the fields of Fishery Management; Marine Protected Areas; Marine Policy Formulation • Demonstrated ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary teaching and research team • Good track record of research publications • Certified SCUBA diver, Divemaster highly preferred • Preferred Qualifications: • Demonstrated experience working in collaboration with small island governments • Residential student group management and risk management experience highly desirable • Proven track record of grant writing success • Current first aid certification

Please submit CV to: RDAKE@FIELDSTUDIES. ORG Closing Date: Jan. 25, 2013

7600

January 12 – 18, 2013

41

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Entertainment

'Breaking Dawn - Part 2' leads Razzie nods "THE Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2" is bringing the franchise to a close not with a bang, but with a slew

of nominations in an awards ceremony that celebrates "the berry worst" in film.

The final installment in the

"Twilight" series leads the pack of 2012's Razzie Award nominees with nods in all 10 categories, including worst picture.

V & M SECURITY LTD.

PROVO ELECTRIC

Is looking for a

Is looking for the following persons:

Electrician Sales Clerk

Salary commensurate with qualifications

Resumes can be faxed to 941-3425 and the Labor Department, Providenciales as soon as possible 7609

Security Officer To work 6 days

per week salary $6.00 per hour. contact: 242-3869 7611

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION The Financial Services Commission, a statutory body of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government responsible for the licensing and regulation of financial services businesses, is seeking qualified applicants for the following posts:

Internal Auditor

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES The holder of this position will carry out the following duties: Plan and carry out the internal audit function Ensure that efficient and effective controls are in place to meet objectives Document process flows to show areas of control activities and areas which may require possible process improvements Assess the effectiveness of operating and control structures and develop audit programmes to test compliance accordingly and where these are not adequate design and recommend improvements Make report on findings (including recommendations) in relation to internal control reviews and business risk reviews to the Audit and Risk Management Committee of the Board of Directors of the Commission Conduct value for money reviews and review the accuracy, timeliness and relevance of financial information presented to management Examine corporate governance practices and ensure that the Commission abides by its stated principles, including compliance with relevant laws and regulations Any other duties as may be set out in the Job Description of Internal Auditor or as assigned by the Audit and Risk Management Committee or the Full Board.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Preferred qualification is a Degree in Accounting or professional qualification through ACCA, CPA, CIPFA, CISA or similar certification.

The successful applicant should possess a minimum of five (5) years’ experience as an internal auditor, including audit of computer information systems.

COMPENSATION

Compensation will be based on qualifications and experience and in keeping with the Commission’s pay scale.

LOCATION OF ASSIGNMENTS

The duties for the above post are in relation to all the Commission’s locations (Grand Turk and Providenciales).

Applications should be received no later than January 31, 2013 and may be emailed to dmorrison@ tcifsc.tc or faxed to 649-946-2369.

January 9, 2013

For that award, "Breaking Dawn - Part 2" will have to edge out other poorly received films like "Battleship"; "The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure"; Eddie Murphy's "A Thousand Words"; and Adam Sandler's comedy with Andy Samberg, "That's My Boy."

Breaking Dawn Part Two was nominated for the wrong reasons.

BEST LOCAL FOOD ON GRACE BAY!

Royal West Indies Resort Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Island Tele: 649-431-9101

VACANCIES Human Resource Manager JOB DESCRIPTION • Accomplishes restaurant HR objectives by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, assigning, scheduling, coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees; communicating job expectations; planning, monitoring, appraising, and reviewing job performance.

• Achieves restaurant operational objectives by contributing information and recommendations to strategic plans and reviews • Meets restaurant financial objectives by forecasting requirements; preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions.

• Plans menus by consulting with chefs; estimates food costs and profits; adjusts menus.

Controls costs by reviewing portion control and quantities of preparation; minimizing waste; ensuring high quality of preparation.

• Maximizes bar profitability by ensuring portion control; monitoring accuracy of charges.

• Publicizes the restaurant by designing and placing advertisements; inviting food editors to review the restaurant; contacting local, regional, and national magazines with feature ideas; encouraging local businesses to hold social events at the restaurant.

• Maintains safe, secure, and healthy environment by establishing, following, and enforcing sanitation standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations; securing revenues; developing and implementing disaster plans; maintaining security and sprinkler systems, parking lot and walkways.

• Maintains ambiance by controlling lighting, background music, linen service, glassware, dinnerware, and utensil quality and placement; monitoring food presentation and service.

• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.

• Enhances department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments

Restaurant Manager

• The successful applicant should posses a minimum of 10 years experience in the field including • Applicant must be able to host and execute banquets up to 150 • Responsible for the selection of wines as costing and menu print • Use of micros POS system, Applicant should be able to both operate and program the POS. • Extensive experience and knowledge of wines and wine service is crucial

Assistant Restaurant Manager

• The successful applicant should posses a minimum of 5 years experience in the field including • Applicant must be able to host and execute banquets up to 150 • Responsible for the selection of wines as costing and menu print • Use of micros POS system, Applicant should be able to both operate and program the POS.

For more information on job descriptions, please contact Pelican Bay 649-431-9101 Please call for an appointment, bring along your resume and resident status 7643

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January 12 – 18, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Entertainment

Baftas: Lincoln leads but Spielberg snubbed However, the film's awardwinning director Steven Spielberg missed out in the best director category.

Musical adaptation Les Miserables and Ang Lee's Life of Pi have both received nine nominations.

Speaking to the BBC's Lizo Mzimba at the announcement, film critic Mark Kermode said: "As far as Lincoln was concerned, all the attention was on Daniel Day-Lewis.

"Whatever anybody thinks about the film - and the critics

Turquoise Landscaping Ltd. is looking to hire a:-

ONE HORTICULTURIST

• Salary $500/week • Must have a minimum of 10 years landscaping experience at a commercial level.

• Must have a degree in Horticulture and be familiar with all aspects of tropical landscaping.

• Must have specialized knowledge of fertilizers and insecticides.

• Must be willing to carry out work such as heavy lifting, digging, weeding, trimming and plant waste removal.

• Must have a clean Police Record and TCI Driving License.

Required 1 to 2 days weekly. Wages $42 per day. The Successful applicant must have good knowledge of plant care and general property maintenance. For an interview or appointment phone Sandy Lightbourne at 231-1092 Mon to Fri between hrs of 10am and 5pm. Resumes and references required.

Applications would be considered from Belongers only and must be received by 21st January, 2013.

7632

Misick & Stanbrook Email: info@misickstanbrook.tc Tel: (649) 946-4732. Fax: (649) 946-4734

WARD’S CONSULTANCY

is looking for a

Labourer Domestic Worker Massage Therapist Maitre D Cook Cosmetologist

Kitchen Helper To work 6 days

per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 347-0720

Exotic Marigold Hotel, Anna Karenina, Les Miserables, and Seven Psychopaths.

The successful candidates must have a minimum of four years experience in high end cuisine; And knowledge of Japanese culture, Japanese language and Japanese ingredients.

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience.

Applications must be sent no later than January 22nd, 2013 to:

Acting on behalf of our clients: Bottoms Ups Restaurant, Southwind Millwork, Faces and Fingers, Ocean Restaurant, AND Construction, P.J. Barber Shop is looking for the following qualified individuals:

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

7626

Gardener/ handyman

outstanding British film at the awards ceremony on 10 February.

They were The Best

1 Chef 2 Waiters 1 Kitchen Helper

7628

SWEET SPICE RESTAURANT

11th FEBRUARY, 2013

Both Daniel Day-Lewis and Sally Field, who played Mr. and Mrs Lincoln were nominated.

New Sushi Restaurant Bar has an immediate vacancy for the following positions:

THREE GARDENERS/LABOURERS

POSITION AVAILABLE

BEST OF BRITISH Following closely behind the leaders pack was Bond film Skyfall with eight nominations, including best British film and best supporting actor and actress for Javier Bardem and Judi Dench.

It will battle it out with four other titles to be named

VACANCY

• Starting Pay - $5.50/hr.

• Must have previous gardening experience and be familiar with landscaping equipment such as lawn mowers etc.

• Must be willing to carry out work such as heavy lifting, digging, weeding, trimming and plant waste removal.

• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

• Must have a clean Police Record.

Please call 332 4280 to arrange an interview.

have been somewhat divided, everybody thought his performance was captivating and completely believable."

contact: 343-7512

WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH

WILFREY & TONY’S BARBER SHOP AND BEAUTY SALON Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Labourer To work 5 days per week 7am4pm salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 946-4075

7644

US civil war drama, Lincoln has led this year's Baftas with 10 nominations including best film and best actor for Daniel Day-Lewis.

Day-Lewis's co-stars Tommy Lee Jones and Sally Field have been shortlisted for best supporting actor and actress.

Hairdresser To work 6 days per week salary $150.00 per week.

contact: 231-0882

Development Executive Chef/Private Chef

Watersports Instructor

• To manage and develop existing and future menu and product lines of the company’s various brands and external customer base.

• Candidate must have a broad understanding of products from a range of cuisines, with various different looks, forms and product • presentation. To combine innovative and creative ideas and exceptional kitchen capability in developing products with the understanding of what will be profitable to the business and develop products targeted to hospitality and tourism at a range of price points. Manage multiple projects within established timelines. Flexibility with hours and scheduling. Comfortable working around children and pets.

• Strong communication skills including: written, verbal and public speaking in demonstration and classroom environments.

• Ability to collect information from customers regarding specific product requirements and develop this into a viable product taking into consideration the constraints of facilities. Excellent computer skills required, including Word, Outlook, Excel and E-mail

must have the following: -min. 10 years work experience with children and teens as a camp counselor, teacher or instructor in an experiential and outdoor setting -current instructor certifications in wakeboarding and waterskiing -expert swimmer, kiteboarder, kayaker, paddleboarder and be knowledgeable about the local marine environment and TCI culture -current first aid and CPR certifications -degree in fish and wildlife or outdoor education from college or university -min. Class 2 Boat Masters license and STCW certification and be able to captain boats up to 30 feet -able to work Holidays and weekends -valid TCI drivers license -only.

Forward all resumes to Katerine at: katherine@tcibrokers.com

TCI belongers need apply All qualified applicants please send your resumes to surfsidetci@gmail.com for consideration.

7593

For outdoor adventure school

7615

January 12 – 18, 2013

Entertainment

43

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

In California, Humphries is the presumed dad of Kardashian's baby

JOB OPPORTUNITIES 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:

HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR Responsibilities: ;;Ensures maximum efficiency in the performance of Housekeeping staff in guest rooms and surrounding areas ;;Familiarizes him / herself with and carries out the policies and procedures of the Sands at Grace Bay. ;;Offers all possible assistance to guests, initiates corrective action on complaints regarding guest cleanliness and servicing of guest rooms. ;;Evaluates and periodically updates the Executive Housekeeper about the performance of Housekeeping staff. Recommends appropriate action such as disciplining and commendation.

Requirements: ;;High school diploma ;;Must have supervised a minimum of 15 employees ;;Most work tasks are performed indoors and outdoors. Temperature is moderate and controlled by hotel environmental systems ;;Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 3 hours in length ;;Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis ;;Must be able to push and pull carts and equipment weighing up to 200 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis ;;Must be able to exert well-paced ability in limited space ;;Must be able to bend, stoop, squat and stretch to fulfill cleaning tasks ;;Must have minimum of 3 years supervisory experience in the Hotel/Resort and/or Hospitality Industry ;;Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace ;;Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process ;;Requires excellent communication skills, both verbal and written ;;Must possess basic computational ability (word, excel, outlook) LINE POSITIONS

ROOM ATTENDANT POOL & BEACH ATTENDANT GARDINER

COMMON AREA ATTENDANT LABOURER

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 January 30, 2013.

KANYE was a proud father on Sunday night when he announced that he and girlfriend Kim Kardashian are expecting a baby, but he'd have to do more than claim her as his "baby mama" for the state of California.

As TMZ's noted, in the eyes of the state's Family Code, Kardashian's estranged husband, Kris Humphries, is presumed to be the father of her baby because the two are still legally married.

Kardashian filed for divorce in October 2011 after 72 days of marriage, but it's not yet official.

A man is presumed to be the natural father of a child if he is or has been married to the mother, and if the baby is born during the marriage or within 300 days after death, annulment, declaration of

Chris Humphries and Kim Kardashian had only 72 days of marriage.

invalidity, divorce or after a judgment of separation is entered by the court.

Humphries filed for an annulment and separation from Kardashian on December 1, 2011, but a

judgment of separation hasn't been granted, making him the presumed dad. Anyone involved can clear up the paternity with "clear and convincing" evidence, such as a DNA test. (CNN)

IMMEDIATE OPENING THE SANDS/ HARTLING GROUP

VICE PRESIDENT OF RESORT ASSETS The Sands is now accepting applications/résumé for the following position. Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, who have the desire to serve others, need apply: Requirements: • University degree in business administration or related discipline • Proven track record of managing and overseeing existing resort and property development group • Excellent leadership and public speaking skills • Must have at least 5 years in Condo Resort Management • Strong analytic abilities with capacity to conceptualize, design and implement initiatives • Ability to motivate management team and others to meet and exceed company goals Duties Include: • Overseeing all operations, marketing, quality assurance, initiatives, profitability, asset management and general performance for the group • Ensuring that management, marketing and financial strategies and procedures are consistent with and achieve group goals • Assisting with development and implementation of group business plan • Providing strategic direction and management of group interests, long range planning and new business development • Consistently delivering accurate forecasting projections for area of responsibility and implementing effective adjustments as required to ensure profit integrity ONLY BELONGERS NEED APPLY

Interested applicants should apply by delivering, faxing (946-5198) or emailing (humanresource@thesandstc.com) a current resume to The Sands, HR Department. Deadline is December 28th 2012.

44

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Josh for Sports

Grand Turk Basketball Association:

MS – a living reality of my personal story

Digicel Cool Corners defeat Salt Cay Saltons DIGICEL Cool Corners emerged victorious when action in the Grand Turk Basketball Association (GTBA) regular season continued at the Palm-Grove Basketball Court recently.

Levardo Mesick did the damage with 28 points in the 78-68 point win against the Salt Cays Saltons.

Mesick also grabbed five rebounds and made four steals and four assists.

For the Saltons, Andy Williams was the main contributor with 16 points, five rebounds, two steals and two assists.

A Digicel Cool Corners’ player makes scoring look easy.

TCICA T-20 Cricket Competition:

Police first into final four POLICE have booked the first semi-final spot after defeating the Quality Kings in the latest clash of the Turks and Caicos Islands Cricket Association T20 Cricket competition.

In a match played last Sunday at the Downtown Ballpark the Lawmen won the toss and bowled first. The Kings reached a modest total of 142-8 from their allotted overs with Robert Johnson (25 runs) and Harry Kuthalingham (21 runs) showing some resistance. Doing the damage for the bowling side was Lyndon Tyson with 3-24 and Hayden Spring with 2-17. Both had bowled four overs.

Police then knocked off the runs with two overs to spare and seven wickets in hand. Skipper Garvin Bruno led the way with an unbeaten 47 (3X4s and 4X6s) while Ira Baptiste supported well with four fours and an equal amount of sixes in his score of 43. Baptiste was later named man-of-the-match.

The battle is on for the last three semi-final spots as Kishco, Jam Turk, Jaguars and the Kings all have six points with a game to play this weekend. KB Homes is out of the runnings after finishing with fewer wins.

JAM TURK WIN Jam Turk ensured that they remained in the thick of things when they overwhelmed Kishco on Saturday last at the same venue.

Batting first the eventual winners romped to 202-6 with Calvin Aaron leading the attack with 34 (8X4s) while Glen Campbell had 32 and David Riley 24.

Sanjay Fatnani was the pick of the Kishco bowlers with 3-40 from his

January 12 – 18, 2013

Jeffery Bascoe’s tight bowling-spell helped Jam Turk edge closer to a semi-final spot.

Police all-rounder Ira Baptiste collects his man-of-thematch award from former President of the TCICA Mr. P.

four overs. His team-mates could not take control of the game however, as even with a top score of 70 from Pawan Kumar, Kishco still suffered a 44-run defeat. Jeffery Bascoe and David Riley stifled the batsmen with

figures of 3-15 (four overs) and 3-6 (1.3 overs) respectively. Kumar’s innings was punctuated with eight fours and three sixes.

Bascoe’s consistent bowling earned him the man-of-the-match award.

TO me, it is virtually inconceivable that the average person can begin to fathom the complexities of the realities encountered by a person suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

MS is a non-contagious disease that has no known cause or cure. It’s a disease that attacks and kills young adults. This disease is degenerative in nature (it gets progressively worst as time goes on in those affected).

MS attacks the central nervous system, thereby wreaking havoc on the individual’s motor reflexes. Because of this there is a progressive loss of balance, which sometimes causes the person to fall over (if he or she is not vigilant). Furthermore, there are varying degrees of constant numbness in the finger tips, around the rib-cage and at the bottom end of the knee cap. There is also a tightness around the rib-cage. Some patients suffer impediments of speech, blindness, disabilities and eventual death.

39 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE Sometime around February 1974, I was diagnosed by the Centre for Disease Control—an analytical (medical) arm of the US government as having the on-set symptoms of MS. I was on a NCAA full-athletic scholarship at the Southern Illinois University. At Doctors Hospital in the town of Carbondale my neurologist did an EEG, spinal tap and myelogram on me and sent my notes to Atlanta with a sample of my spinal fluid.

THE DEVASTATING RESULTS After a month’s wait, the results came back—it changed the course of my life.

My neurologist told me that I would never be able to compete in world class athletics again. My dream of becoming a world champion was shattered.

PROBABLE CAUSE After much brain storming Dr. Jaffee surmised that my condition came about as a result of emotional stress that I had to deal with as a result of a disaster of a marriage that never should have been and that had lasted seven months.

In May1972 I eloped with my Bahamian fiancée to the US and got married without parental blessings on either side. I was only 21 and she was 20. I experienced a tremendous amount of “occultic” oppression and aggression from her parents—which I had to deal with. She was from Cat Island.

For example, in a frustrated and depressed emotional state, I literally attempted suicide by ingesting a massive over-dose of a combination of pills.

ANOTHER EXAMPLE After I was not chosen to represent the Bahamas at the Olympic Games that summer, my wife celebrated, citing the reason being that she could not bear the thought of me being in Germany among all those foreign women. We

By Joshua Gardiner had only met two months before we got married.

Let this be a lesson for all you young athletes out there. Discipline is the key straight across the board. Make responsible decisions regarding all aspects of your life.

I shared that experience because Dr. Jaffee surmised that my condition was psychosomatically induced. His theory was that instead of me going totally insane as a result of these emotional traumas I should take control.

RESOLVE I was determined to prove that I could reverse this MS by sheer will-power. I quit university and was determined to be a world class coach.

I was prescribed valiums for life; but after almost over-dosing in 1974 I took myself off of it. That pill also made me feel lethargic and like a zombie. It zapped my energy even though it eased the tightening of the areas of my body that were affected.

CONTINUED TO COMPETE When I created the Bain-Town Flyers in 1974 and coached, I competed in at least six events in every track meet.

I also demonstrated techniques to my athletes. MS took years before it rendered me to the point (currently) where I can hardly walk.

When I coached here in 1977, nobody in the TCI could beat me in sprinting, yet I never told anybody about my condition.

I also continued to play all sports; I was even slated to long-jumped for the TCI in 1978 at the Norman Manley Games in Jamaica, unfortunately I pulled up with a hamstring. I was 26-years-old at that time.

THE LONG HAUL MS is a degenerative disease which eventually will get you. I still believe that it can be cured. The only thing we can’t cure is physical death itself.

FALL AT TIMES The state of this monster in my body now is that if I buck my toe, I fall down. I have trouble walking, so those of you who see me now know why I walk the way that I walk.

I hope that I’ve shone some light on you all. Finally I wish you all a prosperous New Year.

So long from Josh!

January 12 – 18, 2013

Sports National

45

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Football “without a doubt” number one sport in TCI

– Opines TCIFA Technical Director

THE Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association’s (TCIFA) Technical Director Matthew Green is very confident that football is the number one sport in the islands and he has the numbers to prove it.

The Technical Director in an invited comment said that with over 20 leagues and over 400 registered footballers the sport has cemented its place.

He credits a strong structure with a dynamic coaching staff, dedicated players and parents who all pitch in to make the game possible.

“We have very committed coaches who never let their players down.

They care about their players and as a result our players feel special.

They receive support both on and off the field and are encouraged to do well in all aspects of their lives.

We make sure the players are trained well, understand the importance of discipline, but ultimately we just make sure the kids have fun when they compete. To this end we must thank all our sponsors who help us provide opportunities for our children to play.”

What also is in the TCIFA’s side is the aspect of continuous growth.

“Clearly there is a lot of interest in other sports, but in terms of numbers we are still ahead but it is good to see other sports becoming popular.

The more sport that is played in this country the better for all as children need time to have fun and express themselves, rather than get into trouble or stay at home all the time.”

Green said that football’s grassroot nature also helps it, since it is cost affordable and simple to play.

HIGH-POINT OF 2012 Green added that the high point of last year was the performance of our young players against foreign oppositions. “The U-20 Boys beat Rockledge Steelers three games in a row, our U-14 Boys beat Boca Manhattan in their opening game and our U-15 Girls did an amazing job against one of the top four teams in the USA (Bethesda). But the highlight was the Beach Soccer tournament as both our U-16 Girls and Women’s teams outplayed their foreign opponents who were far more experienced at this version of the game.”

The TCI female Beach Soccer teams did TCI proud late last year with impressive performances against international sides.

PLANS FOR 2013 The association will continue to develop their programmes throughout the country. “We already have three regional centres (Provo, Grand Turk and South Caicos) and plans are underway to start up in North / Middle Caicos. We will continue to push the sport at youth level, especially within the schools and we will also be developing Beach Soccer as we now have our own facility at the academy grounds.

In addition there will be even more visiting teams coming to our islands

Football Training Schedule Age Group Year of birth Academy Sessions Saturday Leagues / Games Under 7 Coed 2008 (upon 5th birthday) 2007/2006 Mon 4.30-5.30pm Sat 8.30-9.30am Under 9 Coed 2005/2004 Mon 4.30-5.30pm Sat 8.30-9.30am Under 12 Boys 2003/2002/2001 Mon 4.30-5.45pm Sat 9.30-10.30am Under 15 Boys 2000/1999/1998 Tues 4.30-6.00pm Sat 9.30-10.30am Under 20 Boys 1997/1996/1995/1994/1993 Friday 5.00-6.30pm U11 Girls U14 Girls U17 Girls

2003/2002 2001/2000/1999 1998/19971996

this year to test our young players in a series of international and exhibition games.”

The 2013 programme begins this Saturday and Green said that anyone interested in playing or coaching can contact him at 231 1860 or email mgreentcifa@tciway.tc

Biggest rugby match ever set for January 19 HISTORY will be made next Saturday (January 19th) when the TCI host the biggest rugby match ever on these shores. The home team will battle Jamaica in their first ever NACRA Senior Men’s 15 Caribbean Rugby Championships at the Meridian Field.

Action starts at 3 pm and the local rugby union is urging fans to be there on time. Entrance fee for the first fully sanction International Rugby Board (IRB) event in the TCI is just $1.

The TCI ruggers have been training for the last three months for the round one clash. The final 22-man squad was expected to be

announced last Thursday night with the starting 15 to be announced on Tuesday.

The TCI Rugby Football Union’s Public Relations Officer Gareth Butler pointed out that the players have been “involved in a lot of gym work and field training, both for fitness and tactics and that the players are now well drilled”.

Butler said that drawing Jamaica is a very exciting opportunity for the TCIRFU to “show the progress that has been made here in the TCI against a quality regional opponent.

The players are confident of putting in a good showing and doing the TCI proud.”

The TCI will play in the NACRA Caribbean Rugby Championships for the first time on January 19th.

Wed 4.30-5.45pm Wed 4.30-5.45pm Wed 4.30-5.45pm

Sat 8.30-9.30am Sat 8.30-9.30am

46

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 12 – 18, 2013

January 12 – 18, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

47

LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos

.46 acres overlooking the creek, spanning King Road and Windsor Road

QUICK SALE

CALL 232-3508, AFTER HOURS 332-6398

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 12 – 18, 2013