TCWN Jan 4 -10, 2014

Weekly News Volume 28 | No. 01| January 4 - 10, 2014

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Turks and Caicos

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Person of the year Sonia Bien-Aime "I want to be a part of change" 

Man shot dead during robbery

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YEAR IN REVIEW11 PAGE 

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 4 - 10, 2014

January 4 - 10, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 4 - 10, 2014

Sloop capsizes, 17 dead AT LEAST 17 people were killed when a Haitian sloop capsized on Christmas morning (Wednesday, December 25) as police towed it to shore.

Most of the country slept or began to prepare for festivities as the horrific incident unfolded in the waters off Providenciales.

At about 3.21am the marine branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) intercepted the wooden boat overloaded with passengers from Haiti.

A police vessel towed the boat towards South Dock in order for officers to offload the suspected illegal immigrants and escort them to the detention centre.

At about 5.17am tragedy struck close to the dock and the boat rolled over onto its side tipping dozens of people into the sea.

Neil Smith, spokesperson from the Governor’s Office, first confirmed the incident at 10.11am in a press statement.

He wrote: “Unconfirmed [reports] indicate that some people have been rescued from the water, some reached the shore and escaped, and there are also reports of casualties.

“Those rescued are now in custody, those who escaped are being searched for, and there is an underwater investigation of the incident site to check for casualties.”

An hour later a second press release said that the RTCIPF had recovered 18 bodies, two from the initial incident and a further 16 with the assistance of divers. This was later corrected to 17.

It also confirmed that 32 people were rescued from the water and were taken into custody at the Government’s immigration detention/removal centre in Five Cays. This number was later increased to 33.

Smith wrote: “The search efforts are expanding in the area to locate any additional bodies.

“A US Coast Guard helicopter has been scrambled to assist the TCI authorities in locating any additional bodies.

“Police are still searching for the handful of people who reached shore and fled the scene, and their investigations into the incident continue.

“The Turks and Caicos Islands Governor, Premier and Ministers are aware of the situation.”

That evening RTCIPF Commissioner Colin Farquhar explained that the search for additional casualties had concluded for the day due to worsening light conditions and sea state.

“A scaled down search will begin again tomorrow, but no further casualties are anticipated,” he said.

“I can confirm that 33 people were detained as suspected illegal Haitian immigrants.

“This group consisted of 21 males, including one child, and 12 females. These people will be repatriated to Haiti at the earliest opportunity.

“There is actually one fewer casualty then was reported earlier with 17 confirmed fatalities.

“This group consists of 12 male and five female adults. The remains will also be repatriated following post mortems (autopsies) to establish the cause of death.”

He thanked all of the RTCIPF’s partners including the US Coast Guard who provided aerial support in the form of a helicopter and a C-130 maritime patrol aircraft.

“Their assistance is greatly appreciated,” the commissioner said.

The sloop has now been removed from the water and will be central to the police’s ongoing investigations into the disaster.

“Our patrols of the waters surrounding our islands have recommenced, and as ever, we appreciate the support of the general public, especially other water users, in helping us identify and track

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 Editor (At Large) Daisy Handfield - Staff Reporter Cord Garrido-Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large) Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams - Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@yahoo.com, tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com

suspicious vessels in our waters and around out coastline.

“We must all remain vigilant to combat illegal migration.”

Farquhar went on to thank his officers, as well as the members of the other emergency services “who acted professionally in particularly challenging circumstances today”.

Director of the TCI Red Cross Lormeka Williams told the Weekly News that four of their members responded to a call for help.

“After receiving the call we gathered supplies and first aid bags and went to the site.

“We provided clothing and toiletry items to the victims as well as psycho social support.”

She said that the charity ensured

that the migrants’ human rights were met and assisted with the social welfare of youths who were on the vessel.

“We are saddened by the loss of lives however I must commend our volunteers for their assistance,” she said.

According to a report from the Associated Press, TCI’s Haitian consul Karlo Pelissier, said of the survivors: “They are tired, but they are okay.”

All of the illegal immigrants from the Christmas Day voyage who were detained have been repatriated.

Premier Rufus Ewing told press on Thursday (January 2) that he was dismayed by the incident and called for the Haitian Government to take

urgent steps to prevent a further tragedy.

“I challenge the Haitian Government to prioritise their affairs and to take seriously their charge to protect the lives of their Haitian people.”

In July 2009, a sloop with an estimated 200 Haitians aboard ran aground on a reef off Turks and Caicos, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people.

And in May 2007, more than 60 people perished after their rickety boat, overloaded with passengers, capsized in shark-infested waters off Providenciales during a night-time thunder storm.

The tragedy was described as the worst the TCI has ever seen.

Gov’t to get $450,000 boost from Crown land deal THE COFFERS of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government will swell by almost half a million dollars due to the passage of a Government resolution to allow the full acquisition of two plots of Crown land.

This will see the abandonment of interest payments of $143,592.85 for two parcels of land in Long Bay owned by two Belongers.

Instead they will pay back their Belonger discount of $457,500 to Government to allow them to resell to a non-Belonger developer.

The motion was presented to the House of Assembly by Minister of Finance, Washington Misick on December 17, 2013 and subsequently passed without the support of the Opposition.

Misick told the assembly that the parcels of Crown land were sold to private individuals and that they attracted charges, which were executed on August 2006 and January 2007 respectively.

In 2011 the two parcels along with others were amalgamated and created a single parcel; however the charges still remained for the two parcels, Misick said.

Under the former Crown land policy Belongers were given preferential treatment with respect to land, but the impediment placed on the land prevented them from transferring it to anyone other than another Belonger.

However, if they did, they were required to pay the concessionary portion or pay back the discount as well as the interest on that

portion that was recognised as a discount.

Misick explained that the purpose of the resolution is to have the charge discharged by allowing the principle portion or the discount to be paid but not the interest.

This will in turn mean that the Belonger owners can resell the land to the Shore Club development.

“The logic is that we would get $457,500, but if we allow the sale of the land to the Belonger to run its full course then we get nothing back and this expires within the next two years.

“At present TCI Government is presented with an opportunity to at least acquire the payment of the principle amount from the charges in exchange for foregoing the interest payment; this would put TCIG to regain some revenue as opposed to nothing at all if the charges were to expire,” the minister said.

However, Opposition members protested the passage of the motion, pointing out that they needed to know the full history of the land transaction as well as documentation substantiating the information before the House.

“I am concerned that this is the second write off that has come before the House and we have to request background information,” Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson stated.

“While I accept what the minister is saying, I believe it is only prudent and important in the

interest of transparency that we get the full understanding of the background of this write off.”

She also protested that the House is entitled to know who the beneficial owners are; but the minister objected, stating that he would not call names in the assembly.

“She [Robinson] knows the standing orders; if information is available in the public domain or can be obtained, there is no obligation to provide it in the House.

“I have absolutely no objection to providing information to the Leader of the Opposition or the Opposition but under the rules of the House, I am not allowed to call people’s names but I can certainly provide you information relating to it, but what I am not prepared to do is to delay this resolution,” Misick stated.

He said the two individuals have a right under the previous land property to sell the land.

“They are offering to pay the discount proportion of the land and the other option is to sit and wait it out. Now what is more logical than that?

“There is nothing to hide.

This is a logical way to generate revenue that is badly needed $457,500 as opposed to zilch,” the minister said in response to the Opposition’s continued refusal to back to the motion.

The resolution was put to a vote – eight to four - and eventually passed.

The two plots are 61112/174 and 61112/175. (DI)

January 4 - 10, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Jocelin Odisse (left) was killed on New Year’s Eve

NEWS

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Altagracia’s Restaurant and Bar where the tragic incident took place

Man shot dead during robbery

BY DAISY HANDFIELD HAITIAN Jocelin Odisse, 34, was shot and killed during a robbery at Altagracia’s Restaurant and Bar on Leeward Highway on New Year’s Eve. The brutal murder was the third of the year following the shooting of 25-year-old Kaziah Burke in April and the murder of 30-yearold Dominican Damaris Gomez Martinez in June.

Police said the incident happened at about 4.25am on Tuesday, December 31, 2013.

It was at about that time that the man’s girlfriend Monica Sueno Vasquez went to the restaurant to prepare breakfast to sell at the establishment.

Dominican Sueno Vasquez told the Weekly News that she and Odisse were inside the restaurant and the door was locked.

Three men approached the building and fired a shot at the door shattering the glass before making their way inside.

The shaken woman said that when the robbers came into the building Odisse put his hands up in the air and said: “What happen man, what happen man?”

This allegedly infuriated the robbers and they shot at him multiple times.

She said that she heard four gun shots, but at the hospital the doctors found a single bullet wound on the right side of his chest and one at the bottom of his stomach.

Terrified Sueno Vasquez said: “He shoot the door to come inside [robbers], he shoot the man, he come inside and tell me to give him the money, to give him the money and I give him the money that I had in here.

“He told me to give him the big money and asked me where is the big money so I told him that the big money was in my house so he followed me upstairs to my house.”

She said that when she went upstairs she then told the men that she did not have any money there so one gave orders to the other to kill her, but the other resisted and told him to leave her.

Bystanders said that the sound of the gunshot woke them and they went outside to see what was going on and saw the man lying lifelessly on the floor.

Odisse was later taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales where he was pronounced dead at 5.05am.

Officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) are investigating the incident.

A police statement to press on Wednesday read: “The RTCIPF are sparing no effort to ensure that justice is served and are doing everything within their powers to ensure that the persons responsible for this dreadful act are brought to justice.

“Commissioner of Police Mr Colin Farquhar wishes to reassure the public that the RTCIPF are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands during this busy time of year.”

Descriptions of the criminals were not made available to press, despite repeated requests.

On Tuesday afternoon Premier Rufus Ewing expressed his sorrow at the tragic incident.

“It is with great sadness that the community of Providenciales awoke this morning to reports of a homicide.

“While the details are still sketchy, the fact is that a man has lost his life violently.

“Crime has no place in our society, as a peaceful people with a tourism-based economy we cannot afford to have crime and violence erode the very fabric of our values and basic principles of caring for our neighbours.

“Perpetrators must be brought to justice and I am encouraging all persons with any information to assist the police in their investigation

and help to bring the person or persons responsible, to justice.”

On Wednesday (January 1) Leader of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said she was deeply saddened by the senseless killing.

“It is regretful that persons would continue to not have respect for person’s properties and lives.

“My heart goes out to his friend who was present and had to witness this ordeal and to his family and friends who now mourn his death.

“These acts of senseless violence though few must be stamped out and I am calling on anyone with information to assist the police in their investigations. Do the right thing.”

Anyone with information about this incident can call Crimestoppers on 1800-8477 or use the Crimestoppers website www. crimestoppers.tc.

Information will be treated in the strictest of confidence. Tips can be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish.

Premier demands Haiti steps up after sloop tragedy HAITI’s government must make the protection of their people’s lives a priority, Premier Rufus Ewing said on Thursday (January 2).

His statement came following the death of 17 Haitian migrants in TCI waters on Christmas day when their sloop capsized as police attempted to tow it to shore.

Tougher measures need to be put in place to prevent such a tragedy happening again, he stressed in a press release.

“I challenge the Haitian government to prioritise their affairs and to take seriously their charge to protect the lives of their Haitian people.

“Your efforts must include educating the people of the great risk that they face in attempting to make the watery crossing and to launch investigations into the organisation of these illegal voyages and to penalise offenders found to be directly involved in the

operation of human smuggling.”

He said that it is only through the joined efforts of both governments that TCI’s borders will be safe and such tragedies will no longer be a norm.

“Despite our greatest efforts, our Haitian brothers and sisters still see it fitting to venture out into the dangerous waters of the Caribbean Sea in search of a better way of life.

“Greater efforts must be made to dissuade the Haitian people from risking life to cross shark-infested waters in an attempt to enter our borders illegally.”

In recent months due to the high number of landings in the TCI and the huge costs for repatriation, the Premier has expressed his concerns to the UK government.

During his most recent visit to London for the 2013 Joint Ministerial Conference he spoke with Minister Mark Simmonds on

the impacts of illegal immigration.

These discussions between the UK and TCI Government concerning illegal immigration and the need for UK assistance will continue until changes are made, Ewing stressed.

“I was dismayed, that while we are set to celebrate the life of Christ with family and friends, our neighbouring brothers and sisters in Haiti and perhaps even some within our borders, would be mourning the loss of 17 persons who perished during the incident on Christmas day, a day that they will certainly remember forever.

“We are awaiting a complete report of the on-going investigation into the incident by the Commissioner of Police of the full facts of the incident.”

He offered his sympathy to the families of the victims and thanked the response teams for their efforts.

(RB)

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 4 - 10, 2014

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

British overspend

LAST edition the Weekly News revealed that the British interim administration overspent by more than $31 million without statutory approval.

According to a report tabled at the latest sitting of the House of Assembly, accounting officers also failed to maintain up-to-date records.

Speaker of the House Robert Hall said he was “quite disappointed to hear that that is the way the interim administration for the greater part conducted the financial affairs of this country”.

“We need to take stock, we need to take action,” he stated.

What are your thoughts? Is it a surprise that the Brits overspent? What could they have done to control spending? What must be done in the future to prevent the same issue?

Watch and adjust

Perhaps it would be wise to watch spending throughout the year and adjust, just like we do in businesses, rather than spend, spend, spend and then voila, surprise!

No agenda

When the FCO sends us nothing but useless people that they do not know what else to do with, what should we expect?

The civil recovery team could not have gotten away with as much as they did, of our money with proper oversight either!

What we need is a professional head of accounts here, without political affiliations of any kind.

Just a person brought in from outside without an agenda and at a fair salary and productivity bonus.

I doubt whether either party will agree to this as they would not be able to shift our money to their friends and supporters with a professional watching the books.

If the Brits are not stealing from us the politicians are, but at least if it is a local politician, some money might stay here.

Everyone in this country seems to have forgotten that ‘thou shalt not steal’ is a major one of the ten commandments.

Going to church every Sunday does not make right what you do all week!

US-style shutdown

This country has a long and sordid history of keeping inaccurate and incomplete accounting records, and it seems as though nothing has changed!

The interim government was constantly revising downward its assessment of the

country’s financial position as ever more bills were found stuck away in drawers or otherwise unrecorded.

This can be attributed to nothing but a lack of accounting control and Government departments staffed with incapable and/or uncaring employees.

So it can hardly be surprising that accurate and timely financial statements were never presented during the interim government’s period of administration.

This is not to say, however, that the interim government may not have been guilty of overspending that was not the result of inaccurate accounting records, but that has yet to be demonstrated.

It is interesting to surmise whether a USstyle shutdown of the Government might not be a beneficial occurrence for this country, for at least it would afford an opportunity to get rid of the high level of deadwood in the ranks of the civil service (but only if those doing the purging can accurately assess the problem and are not themselves part of it!).

Leftover washout

The fact that the overspending happened without statutory approval proves that the CFO McGarel-Groves was not alerted to the busting of the budgeted amounts.

Shame on him but shame also on those charged with the first hand responsibility of comparing spending to what the budget permitted.

The VAT exercise demonstrated that the CFO was a British leftover washout. $31 million overspending was 15 per cent of the budget and the climbing deficit would have been recognised by a competent CFO without alerts from those charged with financial controls in each ministry.

Where also were the Permanent Secretaries and middle management? Most left overs of the Misick years.

This report is an indictment of the CFO and the PS of Finance. They have to go.

Why also did it take eight months for our

Fights trigger stricter security at next Maskanoo

BY DAISY HANDFIELD THERE will be harsher security measures at the next Maskanoo event after a number of petty fights interfered with the cultural festival.

Director of Culture and Maskanoo chairman David Bowen told the Weekly News on Tuesday (December 31) that the event was an overall success but was marred by some episodes of violence.

Bowen said that the police did an excellent job breaking off the fights, but felt that the public could have played a more active role in prevention.

“Besides not taking care or being mindful of where their kids were, there were also parents who were giving underage persons beer and liquor to drink so there is a need for the society to get involved.

“It’s not a job for Maskanoo organisation.

We provide the police we provide the security, we provide the venue.

“There is also a lack of responsibility on some of the merchants who were selling beers and alcohol to underage persons, so they must also be mindful of that.”

The chairman said that he witnessed attendees encouraging the fights instead of stopping them.

“There were also a few officers asking questions. All of a sudden people saw the incident and knew who the persons were, but nobody was talking.

“On one hand we are complaining, but on the other hand we are doing nothing when we are asked to perform and do our service and our duty.”

Absolutely no alcohol will be served in bottles, there will be an increase in security presence and Bowen said that there might only be one venue that will be allowed to serve alcohol during the event.

“I personally feel that we did all that we could and of course going forward next year there has to be more measures put in place.

“It’s going to be an inconvenience, but if it’s going to save the brand, ensure that our tourist are safe…”

Commissioner of Police, Colin Farquhar reiterated what Bowen said and added that he will be working with organisers to control the fights.

“Each year the event grows and as such, the security of the event must also increase.

“In one of the initial planning meetings, police and organisers agreed to increase the lighting of the main roadway and to increase the police and security personnel presence, which greatly helped to manage the crowds.”

The fourth annual street festival featured a showcase of local food, arts and crafts, live music and a vibrant ‘jump up’ costume parade.

current Finance Minister to bring the results to the House?

Why did the Opposition leader reveal this because Washy had to review the figures first?

His history shows lack of financial management skills.

Overspending continues

It has been obvious for years that the entire financial organisation of the Government since 2003 has been a mess. $45 million in bills hidden in drawers, a budget five months late and requiring revision five months after it is installed.

Wetherell reappointed the same people the 2003 to 2009 government installed with overspending mentality and after three years she never did find out how much we owed.

Maybe this $31 million was old and came out of other drawers.

The CFO was asleep, in London or both.

If he knew of the overspending the statutory budget revision required only an interim government rubber stamp.

We need to ask ourselves how many millions have been wasted since August 2003 and how many years it will take to pay it all back with no forward progress?

There is evidence the overspending continues.

Take real action

A well-polished, veteran and British sounding voice, Robert Hall: “Take stock and take action”? Robert Hall is typical and usual of Turks and Caicos hypocrisy.

‘The Hon Hall’ has never said anything so sharp and direct against his PNP Government and Rufus Ewing for saddling these islands with endless debt and in the region of $300 million.

Robert Hall’s PNP is guilty of wrecking the TCI, sitting by and allowing Mike Misick to hand this country over to developers and that’s why the Brits could come in, take Joe Grant’s from the developers and sell it for virtually nothing.

Robert Hall and his PNP have yet to demand answers for the multi-billion dollar hospital deal, yet we have no country and our youth’s future is in the balance.

We do have puppet-powerless ministers who are now paid to travel - as a result, our economy and future has been handed over to outsiders as a result silence and cover-up of hundreds of millions of dollars of rip-offs.

Demand answers of your party; force yourselves and former ministers to answer to past misdeeds.

That’s how we prevent this. Yes, taking real action and not the usual talk we see spouting from Robert Hall.

 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

January 4 - 10, 2014

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Damaged wooden home from the front

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View of the house from the side

Pensioner suspects arson on Kew Town home

BY DAISY HANDFIELD AN ELDERLY Kew Town resident is calling for the help of the TCI public to come forward with information after her second home was allegedly set on fire less than a week before

Christmas.

During the early hours of Thursday, December 19, senior citizen Doris Reyes was shocked to discover flames coming from the property, adjacent to her current home.

PPP elects new leader SEVERAL months after the resignation of the former leader of the People Progressive Party (PPP), Harold Charles, the executive committee has finally elected a new party leader - Dr Edward Smith.

Dorell Pratt-Delancy has been elected as deputy leader and acting chairperson, while Renee Lewis was elected secretarygeneral.

Dr Smith takes over from the acting party leader, Zhavago Jolly.

He told the Weekly News: “As the party leader it will be my solemn duty to insure the vision statement of the PPP remains proactively and strategically directed so that the Turks and Caicos Islands progressively advances as an economically self-sufficient and socially secure nation, which will be the hallmark of a developed first world country.

“The PPP is committed to providing economic, educational, social and infrastructural support for all our people and participants in the quest to achieve and maintain prosperity for our blessed Turks and Caicos Islands.

“As the peoples’ representatives, we shall continue to advocate putting people back to work by creating equal opportunities; affordable healthcare and, immediate access to quality education.”

Dr Smith began his career at Grand Bahama Port Authority, then Syntex Pharmaceutical Corporation, and for the past 28 years in numerous senior management and administrative capacities served at the USA fourth largest school system, retiring and returning home in 2010.

He is currently an oncall business instructor at the Turks and Caicos Institute of Professional Studies, the statement continued.

“Dr Smith brings extensive accounting, management, educational, financial, tax, operational, and collective bargaining leadership experience to party,” a press statement from the PPP executive read.

He is the holder of a BBA degree in Accounting and Management Science, MSc degree in International Business and a PhD degree in Organisation and Management, specialisation in leadership.

He also holds graduate certificates in Human Resource Management and Management of Non-Profit Agencies.

The new PPP is also a licensed accountant, a fellow of the Institute of Financial Accountants (UK) since 1977, a licensed State of Florida K-12 Educator since 1983; a certified fraud examiner – Education since 1987, and a certified pilot since 1992.

“Two of my sons were at home sleeping and one of them called me and told me that they smelt fire and when I got up I saw my home adjacent to the house I live in caught on fire,” she explained.

Reyes told the Weekly News that she had recently moved out of the home and was in the process of renovating it.

The fire service arrived at the scene shortly after 4am to extinguish the blaze, and according to Fire Chief Carlton Jennings, they did not leave until after 6am.

There were three fire trucks at the scene and 11 firefighters fought to

save the main building.

Reyes said when officers came they met her two boys trying to put out the fire by taking water from the two tanks that she had in her yard.

“The water had already run out when they came, but they came in time to save my other place, my stone house where I am living.”

The saddened elderly lady told the Weekly News that she was still not sure who was responsible for the act, but explained that she felt that it was gang related.

She said: “I’m not too far from a bar, I’m between two bars and I heard with my ears the young people

Under the tree

saying it’s an unfinished job, it’s vicious, and it’s unfinished.”

The matter is currently being investigated by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), but Reyes explained there has still been no lead on the investigation.

Police are urging anyone with information about this incident to call Crimestoppers on 1800-8477 or use the Crimestoppers website www. crimestoppers.tc .

Information will be treated in the strictest of confidence. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish.

By Benneth Williams

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 4 - 10, 2014

‘I want to be a part of change’ Person of the year - Sonia Bien-Aime GRACING the international stage in 2013 was a sportswoman whose ambition and hard work have seen her become a leader in her field.

Sonia Bien-Aime, 42, is a former athlete, a spokeswoman, a manager and a pioneer - who within her hectic schedule always makes time for her doting family.

While her commitment to sports has always been unwavering, her achievements over the past year have catapulted her to incredible new heights.

And it is her determination to take the country with her every step of the way that has led the Weekly News to award Bien-Aime with the accolade of Person of the Year 2013.

Meeting Sonia Bien-Aime is a humbling experience. She is soft spoken and modest but there is a sense of authority not only in her stature but about her presence.

As she settles down to chat, within minutes it is clear that she has two great loves in her life - sports and her family who she credits with her successes.

Her passion is addictive and minutes turn into hours as she explains how she got to where she is today.

BEGINNINGS Sonia Bien-Aime was born in Grand Turk on December 3, 1971 to Mayalice Forbes and Eustace Fulford Jr. Her parents divorced at a young age and she grew up under the watchful eyes of her hardworking single mother who was a great positive influence on her character.

“I had a very good childhood, I don’t think I lacked anything,” she mused as she looked back.

“I came from a background where we had a lot of love. We didn’t have much of the material standpoint but we always had the necessities.”

She said that her mother was a very strong woman who gave important advice and “made me believe in it”.

“I’ve seen her go through a lot, I’ve seen her conquer a lot and me and most of my sisters emulated that.”

Bien-Aime spent much of her early years in the company of three of her sisters - a fifth sister and a young brother were to come along later.

“I’m the third eldest, and three of us were just a year apart,” she said, “it was the four of us for a very long

time.”

Bien-Aime’s mother worked two jobs in the hospitality industry while the four sisters took care of the household, firing a strong sense of independence in each of them.

As a child she attended South Primary School and then HJ Robinson High School in the country’s capital.

She went on study for her associate’s degree in business administration and a corporate secretary certificate at TCI Community College and took online courses for certified paralegal and legal assistant at the National Paralegal College.

Bien-Aime explained that her love of sports came at a very early age and for as long as she can remember she excelled in athletics competitions.

Her passion was for track and field and for many years she held the record for high jump and long jump.

“It started taking a more serious turn when my PE teachers and coaches started noticing my talent,” she explained.

It was then that she began training for the Carifta games and travelled with a small team to Trinidad to compete in the discus throw in 1987.

But not long after that that another priority came into her life, in the form of her eldest daughter, and sports took a back seat, she confessed with a smile.

WORKING TOWARD GOALS Bien-Aime moved to Providenciales in 1990 where she began work for the Government’s gambling regulatory body, the Gaming Inspectorate.

Meanwhile she started to get involved with various public groups including the Provo Softball Association and began playing for the ladies’ softball team.

With the team she travelled all over the Caribbean representing the country and won many awards for most valuable player.

“My life continued along that path where if there was ever an organised sporting group I always got involved,” she said.

“And I always found myself somehow at the top of the group where I was nominated as captain or president, and I think most of that came from my passion for sports.

“If I make the commitment to be involved in something I like to give it my all because I like to see everything go the right way – I prefer to take the lead and organise things

the best I can.”

After five years Bien-Aime changed jobs to work as a personal assistant for attorney Owen Foley at Dempsey and Co and then Missick and Stanbrook.

One day in 2000 following friendly persuasion from her sister and her friend she went to play football for the very first time at Club Med. “I didn’t know anything about soccer, I didn’t know anything about the rules but I caught on quickly and I fell in love with it,” she laughed.

Over the next few months she climbed the ranks and soon became captain of her team.

And within a year she was named captain of the national team – a title which she retained until she retired from the sport in 2006.

During this time Bien-Aime helped to form and chair the Committee for Women’s Football, the first of its kind in the TCI, and she was soon co-opted onto the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) executive committee.

Then in 2006 to her surprise and delight Bien-Aime was offered the job as general secretary of the association.

As a condition of their support for football FIFA, the worldwide governing body for association football, made it mandatory that all football associations had a fulltime administration manager.

“From a child I always wanted to work in sports but there wasn’t an organisation that provided an opportunity for that.”

She said it was a major achievement for her and was the highlight of her life up until that point.

“I truly, truly love what I do,” she enthused, “I think it’s a dream job.”

As administration manager she is responsible for the accounting, the day to day administration and liaison between FIFA, confederations, other football associations, and unions.

During her time with the association she has had the opportunity to travel all over the world to attend conferences and take part in numerous training schemes and workshops.

Then in 2007 Bien-Aime was appointed chairman of the Government’s Sports Commission board.

“It was a huge opportunity and it was something that I embraced with

enthusiasm – I was eager to show what I have to contribute and how I could help to bring about change.”

The board worked hard to implement changes in the Department of Sports, such as a new accounting system and best practises.

“But the system that was in place, it needed so much improvement in order for the department to run effectively and efficiently, so things didn’t change in the manner we expected,” she said.

Bien-Aime submitted her resignation from the post two years later.

She spoke next of turmoil within the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) which took place in 2011 following a cash-for-votes scandal.

After the president was suspended the body was rebuilt and Bien-Aime was appointed as the only female member of the finance task committee responsible for reviewing CFU documents and reporting on findings and irregularities.

“That’s when most people began recognising my work,” she said.

“Most people view the football fraternity as a man’s world and it’s very hard for women to break through.”

She was then nominated for a CFU executive member position and at the elections in Budapest in Hungary she received a massive 26 out of 30 votes.

“This was seen as a huge breakthrough because it was the first time that any female has ever served on the CFU executive committee,” she said proudly.

“I felt so happy, humbled and so honoured to be the person to lead the way for other females. For me this was like a milestone.

“I think it gave a lot of young girls and young players in the region hope.”

MAKING WAVES IN 2013 Early in 2013 the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) nominated Bien-

Aime for FIFA’s committee.

She was shocked and delighted to discover the news as she was reading a news bulletin from FIFA one morning.

Numerous thoughts ran through her head about her professional career and her family as she debated whether to accept nomination for the major role.

“But there were hundreds of names they could have chosen to nominate for this position and they chose me,” she said. “I couldn’t say to them I’m not ready.”

In May 2013 Bien-Aime travelled to Mauritius where the election took place.

In a twist of fate one of the four nominated women dropped out and meaning Bien-Aime instantly became one of three women to be appointed to FIFA’s 25 member committee.

She and Australia’s Moya Dodd were both co-opted to join elected member Lydia Nsekera of Burundi for an initial term of one-year.

This landmark inclusion of three women at the top of the governing body has been an important step in FIFA’s reform process and a step towards greater equality.

“The angle that I’m trying to push is more development of women’s football – to first of all create opportunities for more games for girls, to assist countries where women are not as free as we are to go and play the beautiful game of football and even go and watch a football match.

“I’m not going in to work miracles but anything that I can say or contribute to bring about change for the better, in my opinion that would be a huge accomplishment.”

In the summer of 2013 the president of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) invited Bien-Aime to a meeting.

He told her that he had nominated her to be co-opted to the body’s executive committee. continued 

January 4 - 10, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

9

Bugaloo’s gets stay in case against Finance Minister and AG A POPULAR local spot in Five Cays, Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl has applied for judicial review against a decision by the Minister of Finance to re-designate their business as a taxable establishment as of October 1, 2013.

On December 19, Judge Margaret Ramsay-Hale granted the restaurant’s application for a review of the minister’s decision.

She also granted an application for a stay of the imposition of the tax – made in accordance with section 26(1) of the Hotel and Restaurant (Amendment) (Taxation) Ordinance - on December 20 until the case is finally determined.

The applicants are the Five Cays Group Limited (dba ‘Bugaloo’s’) and Berlie Williams, while the respondents are the Finance Minister and the Attorney General.

Attorney-at-Law, Beryn Duncanson of Duncanson and Co, representing the applicants, told this publication that the central premise of his clients’ case is that for most of the year they serve most of their meals to Belongers, and that in actual fact over eight months of the year it is Belongers who support the establishment.

He stated that the new designation assigns Bugaloo’s as a ‘taxable

establishment’ because the ministry now deems it a business which caters primarily to non-Belongers.

“Under the Business Licensing Ordinance you can’t just take a man’s licence suspend it or revoke it and make it a different class of licence when he has a licence that is good until April 1 of every year.

“In the middle of the process you can’t just come around and say we think you should have a different class of licence to collect the tax, and as for your current licence, too bad, too sad.”

Duncanson contended that it is the Governor who designates or redesignates an establishment, but the directive came from the Ministry of Finance stating that the minister decided that the establishment has to now pay taxes.

“Under the Ordinance only the Governor has the power to redesignate somebody to pay tax as a restaurant,” he added.

The lawyer noted that the case and the subsequent decision have ramifications across the board.

“There were six or seven other places that were named in the gazette for this decision and it has possible ramifications for other people in the future.

“My prediction is that next year

Attorney-at-Law Beryn Duncanson, representing Five Cays Group Limited

or some time at the end of all this they will have to change the law,” Duncanson said.

Meanwhile, the plaintiff’s application for judicial review lists several reasons for their legal action.

Michael Stolow, who is a fifty per cent shareholder and managing director of the Five Cays Group Limited, in his affidavit to the court stated that a major draw for him to invest in Five Cays was that the area has always been zoned restaurant tax-free.

However, he added, sometime

‘I want to be a part of change’ In October 2013 Bien-Aime was appointed to the committee – becoming the first woman to hold this position - and in November during the most recent executive committee meeting in Jamaica, she accepted her new leadership role.

Bien-Aime also serves as deputy chair of the Women’s Technical Committee and is a member of the Women’s Championship Committee at CONCACAF. She serves on four key standing committees at FIFA – the Organising Committee for the FIFA World Cup, FIFA Women’s Committee and FIFA Women’s World Cup, Organising Committee for the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup and is the deputy chairwoman of the Organising Committee of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. “It is an incredible amount of responsibility and sometimes it gets crazy,” she confessed, “I really have to juggle myself but my family is very understanding.”

She said her husband of nearly 18 years Basneal Bien-Aime, her two daughters aged 25 and 16, and her 22-year-old son support her a lot and try to help out as much as they can.

And unsurprisingly they have inherited their mother’s love and talent for all things sporty.

“My oldest daughter and my son have always been very naturally

athletic,” she enthused with clear pride.

But unfortunately despite their natural talent “none of them like playing soccer,” she laughed.

FUTURE HOPES Looking to the future Bien-Aime said that she would like to become an elected member of the FIFA executive committee rather than co-opted one day.

And as for the Turks and Caicos Islands she would like to see sports treated as one of the leading topics on the Government’s list of priorities.

“Sport is serious business and the benefits are huge, but we have to make a serious investment in programmes, athletes and our administrators in order to reap the rewards.”

Bien-Aime hopes to see the country have proper national teams built from an expansive pool of players, but this would mean a change in TCI’s tough immigration laws to allow people born in the Islands to foreign parents to hold local passports.

Currently the strict regulations simply “stagnate our programmes and our progress on the international stage,” she said.

Bien-Aime is excited for the coming year and said it is set to be packed full of sporting activity.

“We’re expecting guest

Continued

coaches, coaching licence courses, CONCACAF grass roots soccer programmes are planned, FIFA and CONCACAF workshops and courses, to name a few.

“There are so many of these, they are back to back and we have to try and fit them in.”

The first ever CFU women’s championship is also on the cards for 2014 – with finals tipped to be held in the TCI. And a regional workshop, hosted by FIFA, is to be held in the TCI this summer with participants from 25 countries set to flock to the country.

Finally Bien-Aime offered advice to young people looking to succeed in sports or any other field.

“If there’s something that you aspire to accomplish, or something that you want to do, you have to remain focused and work to achieve it.

“You must be committed and don’t be easily distracted,” she urged. “Don’t give up and don’t let people cause you to lose your dream.”

With a sense of fond nostalgia she passed on words of wisdom given to her by her mother when she was young.

“She always told me ‘It’s not where you come from it’s where you’re going to’. I love it, I believe it and I live it.” (RB)

in late September, he received a letter from Dorika Talbot, Assistant Commissioner of Revenue (Tax Payer Services/Enrolment/Enquiries) informing him that Bugaloo’s is a ‘taxable establishment’ under section 26 of the Hotel and Restaurant (Amendment) Taxation Ordinance.

Section 26 of that ordinance clearly prescribes that the relevant tax is only applicable to establishments serving meals primarily to nonBelonger customers, Stolow said.

“The meals served by Bugaloo’s are enjoyed by both Belongers and non-Belongers. However, for more than eight months of Bugaloo’s 12 month period of operation, it has in fact been mostly Belonger customer patronage rather than that of nonBelongers which has been our mainstay.”

He added that Belonger customer patronage has been the life blood of the business for most of the year and most of the income generated from non-Belongers is received on a seasonal basis only – during the peak tourist season between January and April.

The business owner said he – through his attorneys – wrote to Talbot requesting information on the method and means of assessment undertaken by Cabinet to arrive at its findings that Bugaloo’s customer profile is primarily non-Belonger based.

“In spite of this request, the Ministry of Finance has failed to provide a proper and adequate reply.

“By way of letter from Ms Dorika Talbot dated October 28, 2013, a seemingly undocumented surveillance on Bugaloo’s allegedly taking place sometime in March 2013 as well as an even more unsettling citation of ‘local knowledge’ of Bugaloo’s possessing mainly non-Belonger customer base are referred to as the relevant means or methodology of assessment conducted by the Ministry of Finance,” Stolow’s affidavit continued.

He stated that this methodology is clearly unacceptable.

“There has been in fact no evidence (whether video or otherwise) provided to me or any other agent of Bugaloo’s regarding the aforementioned surveillance conducted from March 2013.

“Additionally, the dates upon which the alleged surveillance was undertaken as well as the periodic frequencies of the same have again, not been provided to me or any other agent of Bugaloo’s.”

He added that the ministry’s reliance on what it termed ‘local knowledge’ as a means of assessment of the establishment’s customer base amounts to nothing more than hearsay evidence and is in itself woefully inadequate for the purposes of reasonably categorising Bugaloo’s as a taxable ‘designate restaurant’.

Stolow stated that at no time did the ministry request any information from his business for the use of

better assisting itself in arriving at an appropriate decision regarding the application of tax.

“It instead only extended communication to Bugaloo’s in a letter dated September 11, 2013, but delivered much later toward the end of September, but either way well after already making its decision.”

He said it is his belief that the relevant tax is not properly applicable to Bugaloo’s and would in fact greatly injure the business financially.

“We would be forced to raise the overall cost of meal prices in order to reflect and convey the tax to our customers.

“Such events would in turn divert Belonger business away from Bugaloo’s (especially given the current economic climate in the TCI) and result in the business operating at an unjustifiable loss for the majority of the trading year,” Stolow said.

Meanwhile, the business’ application for a judicial review contends that the decision by Finance Minister and/or Cabinet to designate Bugaloo’s as a taxable establishment stems from an error of fact, amounts to an error of law and fails to provide the applicants with its legitimate expectation to be heard, all constituting a failure no reasonable administrative authority would make.

The relief sought includes an order by way of Certiorari quashing the decision of the Minister of Finance and/or Cabinet.

They also want an order by way of Mandamus requiring the Minister and/or Cabinet to (a) give written notice to the applicants formally revoking its decision; (b) hold a meeting at which representatives of the applicants may make representations for the minister and/or Cabinet to consider any objections or representations which may be made by the applicants within 14 days, or such other reasonable time as may be determined by the court after receiving written notice, as well as any proposed evidence which may be made by the applicants in showing that its customer and patronage profile consists of primarily of Belonger customers.

Alternatively, the applicants are requesting an order of declaration that upon the true construction of section 26 of the ordinance, the Governor must be satisfied, reasonably and within the tenets of natural justice that the premises are not used principally for providing meals to Belongers.

They also want the court to order that the designation is a contravention of any reasonable standard of methodology and that they have a reasonable expectation of being heard by the Minister or Cabinet before such a decision is made.

They are also seeking from the Government the cost of the proceedings. (DI)

10 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 4 - 10, 2014

A positive, focused, and proactive new year Damp and weather damage had ravaged the majority of the wooden structure

Post office workers to be relocated STAFF at the decrepit post office building on Airport Road in Providenciales will be relocated early this year in a temporary measure to improve working conditions.

Minister of Government Support Services, George Lightbourne, made the announcement in response to a question at the latest sitting of the House of Assembly in December.

The news comes just two months after the Weekly News exposed the state of the dirty and dilapidated building when Opposition leader Sharlene Cartwright Robinson alerted press to the problem.

She pointed out termites marching up and down the external walls of the single story building and wasp nests in the roof crevices.

Damp and weather damage had ravaged the majority of the wooden

structure leaving splintered wood protruding and paint work peeling away.

Inside the building was shabby and dirty and according to Cartwright Robinson in a state of disrepair and should be condemned.

At the assembly meeting on December 17 a question was posed to Minister Lightbourne in which he was asked to provide information on intended repairs to the building.

He responded that the ministry is currently in the process of relocating the post office and a conditional survey of the new premises is taking place.

“The survey will then be valued by the Chief Valuation Officer who will forward it to the Attorney General’s Chambers who will prepare a lease agreement for the space,” he assured.

He said that if there are no setbacks the relocation should be completed after the Christmas season.

“In the long term the Department of Public Works has completed plans for the construction of a new post office which will be put on for tender in 2014/2015,” he added.

In September Cartwright Robinson told the Weekly News that staff needed a new place to work but were afraid to come forward to complain about conditions for fear of losing their jobs.

“I’m pretty sure, without being a contractor, that this building is completely compromised and will have to be more than likely demolished.

“What could have been a small maintenance budget is now a major infrastructural project.” (RB)

Dear Editor, These are challenging times in the Turks and Caicos Islands. However, I believe from the bottom of my heart, that with our individual strengths, capabilities and by working together we will not just overcome these challenges but we will thrive and have the best year yet in 2014!

As a people we are unaware of what we are truly capable of until we’re really stretched and challenged.

This makes new challenges worth looking forward to as we learn more about ourselves in the process, gain wisdom and most importantly start to get to a point where we can begin to admire our own strength and abilities.

Once we realise these resources within ourselves we begin to see it in other Turks Islanders too - and then as a people, as a country, we feel we are going somewhere, and somewhere good, at that!

As a nation, we must begin to lead ourselves through life. From Grand Turk to West Caicos, we should give inspirational speeches to ourselves – it’s called having a positive and proactive attitude.

Believe it or not, you control the rate of your breathing, the beating of your heart, the movements of your hands and even how heavy gravity is for you at any one moment in time.

It is up to you if you want to listen to the negative messages and

totally depress yourself with these dire warnings of belt tightening, lengthy court cases and chaos ahead, or whether you want to approach this with a different style of ‘I am in control’ and say: “Fair enough, it won’t all be smooth sailing - but let's get to work! Let’s find new ways, travel new roads, let’s bring bright energy and volition into play, let’s find fabulous solutions, repair what’s broken, eliminate what’s idiotic and go forward to the new!”

As a nation let’s tell the world to: “Bring it on! It’ll be a blast! And we’ll emerge stronger than ever!”

We are going to get through this year 2014 far beyond mere survival or dragging ourselves from one day to the next – we’ll show true strength of character, and we’ll bring positive, bright, proactive energy that will make all the difference in everything, and I mean everything we do.

So beautiful people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I would very much like to wish you and all those dear to you, a positive, focused, and proactive new year 2014 where the opportunities for each one of us are sparkling and infinite like the white powder sand on our beautiful by nature Grace Bay beach.

Benneth Williams Leeward, Providenciales

COMMENTARY

Making new year’s resolutions THE YEAR 2014 is here and tradition dictates we make resolutions. We resolve again to lose weight - I lost about 15 pounds last year but little came off the waist line.

Another 10 pounds and we will be able to walk better. Past experience predicts that will work. Wish me well.

The Government needs to make resolutions. They need to tackle our biggest problem, NHIP. No matter how many times they try to fix the budget the $60 million plus we are spending for part time partial healthcare is simply not affordable and is not providing the level of care

By David Tapfer promised.

I still have the booklet distributed to sell the people the plan. It is full of outright untruths and was dead wrong.

The booklet has seven photos on the cover. Only two related to

SPACE IS LIMITED!

health. Smiling people delivering ice cream sodas and cocktails reflect the misplaced thinking that created this mess.

The booklet says healthcare will cover all and everyone will carry a health card.

Now only those few working or contributing their pension money have cards.

The booklet tells us that workers will only pay a two and half per cent tax. Employers would pay two and a half per cent. That killed your next five per cent raise!

It tells us that the five per cent, (now six per cent) tax will cover 54 per cent or more than one half of the cost of the plan.

Governor Wetherell told the TCI

the six per cent tax would only cover a third of the cost but only if we had full employment.

The booklet claims that two per cent of the cost comes from other sources. With numerous co-pays now running between $50 and $100 per visit that two per cent and more is in reality coming from the sick folks.

Draconian taxes raised living costs but have yet to pay for this healthcare.

Where do we go from here? Dip into the pension funds?

The booklet claimed that nearly a third of the cost of the plan will be paid to overseas providers, then in the USA. The booklet was published during the reign of Gilly and Floyd Hall’s

friend’s Southern Health.

That now defunct firm raped the TCI of millions - enough to build two more schools and a community college.

Now sick folks wait weeks before being sent to Nassau or Jamaica to pass away.

The booklet tells us that we must import and export healthcare because our medical personnel are not equipped to handle healthcare.

It tells us that Interhealth Canada will train our people - fat chance.

The booklet forgot to reveal the PNP, who imported this mess, were incapable of doing anything except take trips.

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

January 4 - 10, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

YEAR IN REVIEW 2013

2013 was a year of goodbyes. Some were bitter and sad, while others were fond farewells.

The year saw the end of the introduction of the loathed VAT and many said good riddance to former Governor Ric Todd whose controversial decisions stirred up ferocious debate.

Attorney General Huw Shepheard resigned following lengthy dispute with the Premier over his reinstatement, and later TCI’s Chief Justice Edwin Goldsbrough followed suit.

Three murders forced friends and family to say goodbye to their loved ones and numerous sloops were intercepted and migrants sent home.

January

Misick to be extradited

FORMER Premier Michael Misick was looking likely to be winging his

way back to the TCI if he agreed not to fight an extradition request.

The corruption-accused ex-leader was being held in the notorious Ary Franco jail in Brazil after being arrested by local authorities.

He had 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.

In January a formal request was

made to have Misick flown back to his home country.

Government seat contested in court

AN UPHEAVAL in government looked likely to 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.

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.

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

Gov’t to seek public input on location of juvenile facility A FEW weeks after informing this publication that her ministry is looking towards Middle or North Caicos as possible sites for the long awaited juvenile facility, the Minister of Home Affairs is now speaking of public consultations to help with identifying a suitable location.

Responding to questions in the House of Assembly on December 17, 2013, Amanda Missick stated that after discussions with her ministry officials, she is not sure the proposed sites are practical and would balance the needs of the juvenile offenders with that of the communities.

“We feel that the process should involve a level of discussion and consultation with the community into which the juvenile community would be established.

“Such discussions would curtail the kind of opposition that we received from the residents on The Ridge in Grand Turk,” she noted.

In March 2013, residents protested the use of Carlsberg House in Grand Turk, which was renovated for that purpose.

“This has been a complicated situation due to the rejection of the building that has already been completed on The Ridge, but we are now looking at a new location;

maybe South Caicos,” the Minister said.

Currently, the young offenders are being housed in a separate wing at Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk, in what was formerly the female wing.

In November, PDM Leader Sharlene Cartwright Robinson protested the incarceration of an 11-year-old boy in the Grand Turk Prison, in spite of the separation of juveniles and adults.

She called on the ministry to work harder to find a facility for the young offenders.

In parliament on December 17, she asked the minister if any discussion was carried out with the people at The Ridge where the building was initially identified.

Missick replied that yes, the ministry did consult with the residents but that they were threatened with a petition if the Government went ahead and housed the youngsters within their community.

Speaker of the House, Robert Hall interjected, stating that when the idea was presented a petition was actually written and signed with a number of people opposing the location for that purpose in a residential

area.

However, the Opposition Leader remarked that the country cannot keep rejecting these juveniles, “We can rehabilitate them. I hope the people on The Ridge are listening.”

Over the past months, Cartwright Robinson has been a strong proponent for the establishment of a separate facility to house juvenile offenders to teach them the necessary rehabilitative and educational skills in order for them to rejoin society as lawabiding members.

And while the Government has registered its support of this, and has allocated $300,000 for the project and building; the difficulty has been in identifying a site.

Meanwhile, as it relates to proposed legislations for child protection and domestic violence – a question posed by the Opposition Leader – Minister Missick said the legislations have already been drafted and reviewed.

She added that finalisation of the documents will be done within the first few months of the new year, after which they will be taken to the Cabinet and House of Assembly for approval and passage. (DI)

11

fellow ministers met with Fortis.

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.

Sharing tips on good governance

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.

TCInvest to be re-established

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 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.

High schools open late because of deep-clean

Ewing had asked for a six month deferral on the controversial new tax scheme after previously being denied an additional year.

Civil servants may be reemployed

CIVIL servants who gave up their jobs were told that they could reapply – if they promised to pay back the balance of their severance.

Deputy Governor Anya Williams, who is also head of the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service, made clear the new policy for reemployment.

Her announcement cleared the way for public servants who took voluntary severance to compete for advertised vacant positions in the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG).

Deputy Governor responds to Premier’s comments

DEPUTY Governor Anya Williams hit back at the Premier after he made comments she described as “unmerited and inaccurate”.

She sent a letter to Premier Rufus Ewing in which she defended her office.

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.

VAT delay denied

THE UK government refused to delay the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) - despite repeated requests.

But the announcement did not deter TCI’s Government and Opposition members who agreed to join forces to find alternatives.

Premier Rufus Ewing received a letter from the Mark Simmonds, UK’s Minister for the Overseas Territories, detailing reasons why the Government would not be given more time to work on alternative tax solutions.

A press release from the Governor’s Office on Wednesday detailed what she wrote.

She claimed that false comments were made about her office both in public meetings and reported in the media.

A united front against VAT

GOVERNMENT and Opposition members presented a united front against the implementation of VAT. The two parties stood together during a brief press conference where they reiterated their determination to continued 

12

12 NEWS

January 4 - 10, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

YEAR IN REVIEW 2013

continued 

find “stop gap” tax alternatives.

It came just minutes after a meeting with the business community in which they discussed revenue building ideas.

During the conference Premier Rufus Ewing said: “We have a government and Opposition elected by the people committed to moving our country forward.”

pages he called himself a “political prisoner” and said he was “perishing” in the notorious Ary Franco jail.

The parcels, which ranged in sizes of between 0.22 and 0.38 of an acre, were priced at between $13,050 and $18,000.

Current state of affairs can throw TCI into chaos

Tax ‘add-ons’ could raise millions more than VAT

MINISTER of Finance Washington Misick said alternative taxes could generate “significantly more” money for the country than Value Added Tax (VAT).

He announced that the Government’s suggested substitutes could raise between $15 million and $16 million extra revenue for the country.

Meanwhile the UK Government predicted a hike of just $10 million if VAT was introduced.

Expert warns against new tax regime

THE INITIAL report on the effects of Value Added Tax (VAT), a study commissioned by the Turks and Caicos Independent Business Council (TCIBC) was leaked in January.

Author, Richard Teather, warned that VAT is a “notoriously complex tax” and one that is not well suited to small island economies such as the TCI. The report titled ‘VAT and the TCI an independent appraisal’ looked at the suitability of a VAT for the TCI and examines whether it would be better or worse than the range of taxes that it was proposed to replace.

Sandals to pay Gov’t $12m

SANDALS agreed to pay a whopping $12 million to the Government in a deal struck with the Special Investigation Prosecution Team (SIPT).

The agreement was due in part to the co-operation of the resort and spa company with the United States authorities.

It was seen to be both extraordinary and unique and included the early and voluntary release of valuable evidence that was shared with the SIPT – information that was deemed “material” in the SIPT’s investigations.

However, the agreement was without any admission of liability by the company, its directors or officers.

Misick writes second letter from Rio jail

FORMER Premier Michael Misick made it clear he was willing to voluntarily return home to face charges against him.

In his second public letter written from behind bars in Brazil, the corruption-accused exleader stressed that extradition is unnecessary.

Within the 10 hand written

adding that his focus would be on fostering cooperation.

“This is the first step to good relations,” he said.

Residents and tourists enjoy local fish fry

A LARGE crowd gathered in celebration to enjoy the first weekly fish fry on Providenciales.

There were over a dozen local restaurants, native fun and games, handmade arts and crafts and local entertainment and music for everyone to enjoy.

The weekly event was launched January 31 on the Lower Bight at the Kids Park.

February Election declared void

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

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

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

CRP lawyers’ costs total $13m to date

THE COSTS charged by Edward Wildman Palmer (EWP), the international firm undertaking TCI’s Civil Recovery Programme (CRP) were announced to be $13m.

This was revealed to Cabinet, during a presentation from the Governor’s office, and members since requested a breakdown of the figure.

According to EWP, $16.6m had been recovered and banked for the people of the TCI, with another $2.6m due to be received.

TCIG resumes allocations of Crown land for residential purposes

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

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

Gov’t faces $100m public trial

OWNERS of the world famous Caicos Conch Farm announced their intentions to sue the TCI Government for up to $100m in a monumental case to be heard before open court.

Trade Wind Industries claimed that the Government violated important agreements which led to a loss of funding and closure of the farm.

It also hit out at TCIG for allowing destructive construction to take place near the unique breeding centre at Heaving Down Rock.

Businesses have until February 22 to register with VAT Unit

BUSINESSES that were putting off registration with the Value Added Tax (VAT) Unit were put on notice and were told they had until February 22 to register.

A large section of the business community had expected not to have to move ahead, after the House majority voted to repeal VAT. However, the repeal was not legal until the bill was assented to by Governor Ric Todd, who referred it to the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers for advice.

IN A powerful presentation to Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Premier Rufus Ewing, bemoaned the state of affairs in the Turks and Caicos Islands, stressing that it had the potential to throw the nation into a “state of chaos”.

He said: “On behalf of the Government and people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I am calling on the community and the individual member states, to keep the situation in the Turks and Caicos Islands under review.

“I urge you to stand with us, not on one or other specific policy, but on the question of democracy.”

Civil servants to get 10 per cent by month end

THE Turks and Caicos Island Government (TCIG) confirmed that at the end of the month, public servants and members of the TCI Police Force would see the reinstatement of 10 per cent of their salary in their pay packets.

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Anya Williams, said: “Earlier this month my team and I, along with the Hon Premier and Minister of Finance met with the civil service to discuss the recommendations of the Pay and Grading Review, which is critical in bringing about much needed change in the civil service.”

Misick vows to return to TCI voluntarily

MIKE Misick was released from jail on bail in Brazil in February and in a statement vowed to return to the Turks and Caicos Islands voluntarily.

He said: “Despite my release I am still intending to voluntarily return to the Islands to clear my name from the allegations that have been levelled against me and my colleagues and which in time given a firm trial will be proven to be politically motivated.”

New Haitian Consulate promises greater collaboration between countries

THE Haitian Consulate, which opened on February 8 brought with it the promise of greater trade, investment opportunities and better working relations with the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Newly appointed, Haitian Ambassador to the Turks and Caicos Islands, Karlo Pelissier, noted that the opening was a long overdue one,

Nomination day set for March 1

PREPARATIONS for the March 22 by-election in Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill Constituency continued.

Supervisor of Elections, Dudley Lewis announced that nomination day was set for March 1 at the Gustarvus Lightbourne centre.

Lewis noted that potential candidates for this by-election must register their names and party symbols with the returning officer appointed on or before the date set.

Four guilty of attempted murder

FOUR young men were found guilty of attempting to kill a helpless security guard after stealing his

deposit bag containing a massive $75,000.

Unarmed Dwaine ‘Fully’ Fulford, of the Security Centre, feared for his life as he fled from robbers at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in a hail of gunfire last January.

He collapsed to the ground when a bullet pierced his body but luckily survived the serious injury.

On February 20 a jury found Daniel Been Junior, Darrison Nash, Odessa Williams and Bernard Colebrooke guilty of robbery and attempted murder.

March Tackling violence in schools will take more money and time Education Minister

ACCORDING to Education Minister, Akierra Missick the issue of violence in schools is an effort that will take more money and time to be addressed.

In first quarter of 2013 there were increased incidents of violence in schools, particularly at the Clement Howell High School (CHHS).

At a press conference on March 1, Missick stated that this was one of the areas in the new budget that greater representation would be made.

Supervisor of Elections warns candidates against ‘treating’

CLOSE to the by-election for Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills, Supervisor of Elections, Dudley Lewis in March took the opportunity to remind candidates that under the Election Ordinance they were not allowed to offer inducements to electors to influence their voting intention.

The ordinance specifies that during political rallies, meetings or general campaigning candidates, political parties or anyone associated with them are not permitted to provide food, drink, gifts of any kind or cash, as these could interpreted as an attempt to corruptly influence a voter in the way they cast their vote at the by-election.

Lewis warned that this behaviour is known as ‘treating’ and is illegal.

Appeal for recall is political – Governor

FORMER Governor Ric Todd in March assured the public that the appeal made for his recall was purely political.

Premier Rufus Ewing in his February 10 letter to Secretary of State, William Hague, was the most recent to call for the Governor to be sent back to the United Kingdom.

In an interview with the Weekly News, the Governor explained that the two years he served in the TCI were successful considering the achievement of the eight milestones, the elections, the development of the continued 

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economy and the return of honest and transparent government.

TCI does the Harlem Shake

THE HARLEM shake craze hit the TCI in March 2013 after shortly after taking the world by storm racking up millions of internet hits.

Residents and tourists alike were invited to gather on the beach at Bugaloo’s in Five Cays on March 17 to take part in an exciting family friendly dance event.

Attendees were encouraged to shake and shimmy in an extravaganza of colour and costumes to a backdrop of upbeat music while being filmed by a crew of volunteers aiming to make the TCI video the next big thing.

places like Kenya and India?”

Scrutiny over purchase of NJS Francis building to continue

THE APPROPRIATIONS Committee deferred the approval of the $2.685 million to purchase the NJS Francis Building during its March 11 meeting, but as the monies were already spent, the House of Assembly gave the expenditure its approval on March 15.

Speaking in the House of Assembly, Opposition Leader, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, maintained that the scrutiny of the purchase still stands incomplete and she is committed to greater scrutiny.

She said: “As monies have already been spent and this is a tidying up meeting, we recommend approval of the supplementary bill.”

THE March 12 letter by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)’s Secretary of State, William Hague, addressed the issue of independence and stirred talk on both sides of the political aisle.

Hague said: “If the people of the TCI express a wish for independence through a clear and proper process, the UK government will meet its obligations to help the territory to achieve it.”

Misick hits out

EMBATTLED former Premier, Mike Misick, lashed out in a statement on March 20, following a March 12 letter from the Secretary of State, William Hague.

He charged that the British modernised their abuse of human rights and rigged the judiciary under the disguise of good governance.

“You also talk about the UK government high standard of maintaining the rule of law, respect for human rights and upholding the judiciary. Do I need to remind you of the UK history of slavery, colonisation abuse and torture in

ONE of TCI’s most popular tourist attractions – Iguana Island – was in March given a revamp thanks to a National Trust and EU project.

A new boardwalk, signage and a new visitors’ centre are among the additions to the Little Water Cay wildlife reserve.

Other key heritage sites across Turks and Caicos were earmarked for attention before December 31, 2014 as part of the $1.2 million project.

In addition to the physical changes staff members were trained in order to produce a variety of different tours on the picturesque island.

New fine of $350 for not pulling over for ambulances

DRIVERS who ignore ambulances on the roadways now face a $350 fine.

Primary healthcare paramedic, Viktoria Krikorian, with the local ambulance service told the Weekly News in March that on almost every emergency response ambulance drivers face the challenge of other drivers not pulling over.

“Our response time is decreased when people do not pull over,” she said. “The last thing we want is to get into an accident on our way to help someone else, or worse yet while we have a patient in the back.”

Simmonds rejects ‘misleading’ remarks

William Hague stirs independence talk

Iguana Island gets revamp as part of $1.2m project

UK MINISTER Mark Simmonds wrote to Caricom in March rejecting what he called “misleading remarks” made by Premier Rufus Ewing.

A press statement from the Governor’s Office at the time read: “At the 24th inter-sessional meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community on February 18, Premier Hon Dr Rufus Ewing made a speech presenting his interpretation of the relationship between TCI and the UK.” It went on to say that following the conference, the Premier issued an open letter to the Foreign Secretary where these remarks were re-stated.

Learn and Lead to roll out bullying prevention workshops

LEARN and Lead Educational Centre in March launched its Bullying Prevention Series with a free workshop for parents called ‘Bullying 101’ – an important undertaking given the current situation local schools.

The four-part workshop series covers Bullying 101 for Parents (March 11), Prevention and Intervention One for Teachers (March 26), Prevention and Intervention Two for Teachers (March 27), and Bullying 101 for Community Workers (March 28).

Penalty for misuse of Gov’t credit cards is jail, Premier

AS PART of the modernisation of the Government’s revenue and payment processes, Cabinet agreed on a pilot project for six months from April 1, for the use of official credit cards by Permanent Secretaries.

And Premier Rufus Ewing made it clear that the penalty for misuse of the credit cards is jail.

At a press conference on March 1, he explained that the introduction of the credit cards is aimed at improving the efficiency of the Government’s inner-workings, particularly when it comes to accessing services that are only payable via credit cards.

Tourist Board in talks with Island Fish Fry’s strongest critic

SIX weeks after the now popular Island Fish Fry was introduced, local resident, Eric LeVin continued to fight against the Thursday afternoon and night party.

LeVin, first in February, reportedly filed a preliminary human rights complaint with the Human Rights Commissioner, which was also forwarded to political leaders, top TCIG officials and the Culture Department’s David Bowen, among others, via email.

In the email, seen by the Weekly News, he charged “invasion of his home” and requested that the “illegal activity” be stopped.

spent at the time for the repair work, as all the efforts were volunteer-led.

Two alleged international fraudsters denied political asylum

Don’t dismiss this woman - Cartwright-Robinson

LEADER of the Opposition and the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Sharlene Cartwright Robinson in March slammed criticisms over a woman’s ability to lead the Turks and Caicos Islands.

At a press conference on March 20, she emphatically stated: “Don’t dismiss this woman” She pointed out that it is a result of James Alexander George Smith McCartney’s relentless pursuit to remove the many barriers that a poor little girl of ‘regular’ parents like her can be here fired up, ready, able, and committed to continue the dream and call the nation back to action.

TCIAA breaks ground for $10m airport expansion

TURKS and Caicos Islands Airport Authority (TCIAA) first broke ground on March 21 for the $10m redevelopment of passenger facilities at the Providenciales International Airport.

At the time, the Premier, Rufus Ewing, stated that the expansion comes at a critical time when tourism in the Islands is growing.

“The capacity of the current airport has been exhausted and is the result of previous administrations’ work in increasing our tourist arrivals…we are at a critical stage and need to increase our capacity at the airport.”

Ewing also noted that the expansion will accommodate arrival needs over the next five years.

April Volunteers scurry to safeguard remnants of damaged coral reef

VOLUNTEERS and a group of scientists, who passed through the Turks and Caicos Islands in April, lent their assistance to safeguard the remains of a damaged coral reef, off North West Point.

Director of the Department for Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA), Kathleen Wood, told the Weekly News at the time that reports that the anchor of a yacht was dragged through the reef reached the department on April 1.

Wood said no money was had been

TWO Canadians - Cullen Johnson, 64, and Elaine Whyte, 69 – were in April denied political asylum by TCI Authorities and subsequently extradited.

The two, who were living in the TCI since the latter part of 2012, had applied to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for political asylum in September 2012.

Johnson and Whyte - alleged international fraudsters - were caught in Providenciales in August 2012 and charged with a number of immigration violations.

They were said to be wanted in Canada and the USA for money fraud and other crimes.

Health coverage for those unemployed over 90 days considered by Cabinet

PEOPLE who were unemployed for more than 90 days and facing challenges with their health insurance coverage were in April assured of an improvement in their situation.

On April 3 Cabinet discussed the proposal to extend NHIB coverage to persons unemployed for more than 90 days and to returning unemployed graduates.

It agreed to consider the issue at its April 17 meeting on the basis of further work by NHIB and the Ministry of Finance on the costs of this extension and options for how these costs could be covered.

Three detained in police custody in relation to Burke’s murder

THREE men were taken before the courts on April 16 to be further detained in relation to the murder of 25-year-old Kaziah Burke, who was murdered April 13.

The three were arrested in connection with the murder. Two of the suspects were further detained for seven days and the third male for ten days.

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force responded to a report at 8.32pm of several gunshots being heard in the vicinity of Caicos Petroleum gas station along Airport Road in Providenciales.

Emergency services found the 25-year-old Long Bay Hills resident with multiple gunshot wounds, lying on the ground near the Executive Tours office.

Mike Misick back in jail

FORMER Premier Michael Misick was re-arrested by Brazilian Federal Police and returned to jail on April 13.

The arrest took place in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on the authority of a continued 

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continued 

Brazilian Supreme Court judgement.

Counterfeit notes in circulation

On April 15 the Brazilian Justice Minister refused Misick’s appeal against a previous decision not to grant him political asylum.

The decision was published on April 16, in the Brazilian Official Gazette.

Boat captain faces up to $6m fine for ruining reef

Over the Easter holidays a 220ft mega yacht anchored on Northwest Point National Park in Providenciales without permission.

When the boat was anchored, a quantity of the coral reef in that area was severely damaged.

The yacht was said to have been a pleasure vessel and officials confirmed that the undisclosed number of persons that arrived via this vessel were in no way affiliated with the Amanyara, a luxury resort in the Northwest Point area.

Date set for judicial review trial

A JUDICIAL review of the amendments to regulation 18 of the Fisheries Protection Ordinance was heard before Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale on April 17.

She decided that the matter would be heard on July 24 and 25 at the Providenciales Supreme Court.

Peter McKnight filed the application which sought to quash former Governor Ric Todd’s decision on October 24, 2012, to amend regulation 18 of the Fisheries Protection Ordinance.

The applicants were the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce, TCSPCA, Pride Ltd and the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund.

Woman injured after man fires flare gun at her

A WOMAN sustained non-life threatening injuries to her abdomen after being fired at with a flare gun.

The incident took place in Five Cays on April 19 at about 3pm.

The victim was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was treated and released.

According to the police, responding officers quickly subdued the suspect and seized the weapon.

He was arrested for possession of an illegal firearm, discharging a firearm with intent to cause fear and also possession of ammunition.¬¬

THE ROYAL Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force on April 19 issued a warning to the public and business community of an emerging crime trend – the circulation of counterfeit currency in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

According to the police, there was been a “marked increase” in the number of complaints relating to the circulation of counterfeit US currency.

Numerous reports were received which indicated that most prevalent notes were in $100, $50 and $20 dollar denominations with the majority being $100 bills.

Gov’t announces tax rises

AS AN alternative to the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) in April, the TCI Government focused on improving the collection of revenue and compliance; auditing the existing tax structure and considering new revenue generating measures.

As a result, the business community and the general public were faced with new taxes.

Effective July 1, the Hotel and Restaurant Taxation Ordinance was amended to reflect an increase in the tax rate from 11 to 12 per cent.

Hoteliers were asked to adjust their advertised rates accordingly.

Acting Deputy Commissioner reassures the public on noninvolvement

IN APRIL, acting Deputy Commissioner, Rodney Adams had stressed that he was in no way involved in the investigations into Kaziah Burke’s death.

He made the announcement during a police press conference after it was revealed that his son was alleged to have been party to the incident.

“I know there has been much public speculation about my role as the Acting Deputy Commissioner as it leads to this homicide and other related incidents that family members of mine have been suspects of being involved in,” he said.

He explained that he and other police officials had spoken about the investigation as it relates to him being a part.

Access to education under scrutiny

EDUCATION Minister, Akierra Missick reported to the House of

Assembly on April 26 that some 1,985 students were enrolled in Government schools without TCI status, while 2,236 with status were enrolled.

Opposition’s Appointed Member, Clarence Selver asked the Education Minister to outline the Government’s obligations regarding the provision of education for school children and say if the obligation extends to persons who have no legal status in the TCI. Missick explained that for nonBelongers, the parents of children must have a legal right to be in the Islands and the child has to be endorsed on a Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC), a work permit or a Belongership card.

EU aid for 107 disaster affected residents

ONE hundred and seven affected households were selected to receive assistance under the EU $6.5 million fund with their rebuilding efforts following the 2008 hurricane Ike. Governor Ric Todd made the announcement on April 29 during a press conference held at the Department of Disaster Management.

The 107 were selected out of the 235 who applied, and were from Grand Turk, Salt Cay and South Caicos.

Gov’t in court for 13 civil matters

ACTING Attorney General, Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles in April reported to the House of Assembly that 13 civil matters have been filed against the Government.

The Opposition’s Appointed Member, Clarence Selver who posed the question also asked the acting AG what the sum total of the amounts the plaintiffs are seeking.

However, Braithwaite-Knowles was unable to answer the second part of Selver’s question definitively.

She said an estimation of the costs was being carried out and that a final report would have been tabled in the Assembly upon its completion.

May Illegal developments under Gov’t microscope

IN MAY Government began collecting information to better enable it to assess the extent of the problem of illegal developments in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

That was according to Acting Attorney General (AG), Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, who responded to queries about effort to bring the problem under control.

During a sitting of the Assembly, Opposition Appointed Member, Clarence Selver questioned the acting AG as to amount of illegal structures recorded in the various settlements on an island by island basis and if a policy was in place regarding squatting on Crown and private land.

The Acting AG stated that satellite imagery was used to assess the extent of the problem.

Agriculture plans to be reviewed

RESPONDING to a question about the TCI’s agriculture sector in Parliament last May, Acting Attorney General (AG), Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles stated the Planning Board was looking at its review as a priority to support the Government’s agriculture policy.

According to her, some 500 acres were allocated in North and Middle Caicos; 10 acres in Grand Turk, which includes both private and Crown land; and 86 acres in North West and North Central Providenciales.

Braithwaite-Knowles noted that consultations are on-going in Providenciales among stakeholders about zoning of plots for agricultural purposes.

Veranda sale brings in $1.32m in stamp duty

THE VERANDA Resort, acquired in 2012 by Sandals Resorts International (SRI), attracted stamp duty of $1.32m, according to Finance Minister, Washington Misick.

Opposition Appointed Member, Clarence Selver, in Parliament on April 26, asked the Minister to say what amount of stamp duty the sale attracted and whether or not the money has been collected by the Government.

According to Misick, the full amount of stamp duty would be paid off when the new development agreement is signed.

He said the agreement is expected to be finalised on May 8 when it is presented to Cabinet at its next meeting.

The new agreement is expected to replace the 2006 one SRI had with the former administration.

Two jointly charged for murder

INVESTIGATIONS into the death of 25-year-old Kaziah Burke saw progress early in May with two men jointly charged with his murder.

The two, Cortez Simmons, 29, of Glass Shack and Roderick Adams, 24, of Blue Hills, appeared before Chief Magistrate, Clifton Warner, on May 1.

The matter was scheduled for sufficiency hearing in the Supreme Court in Grand Turk on June 7 and

the two were remanded into custody at Her Majesty’s Prison.

Consulate determined to locate illegal migration ringleaders

SEVERAL attempts were made by Haitian officials in the TCI to address the issue of illegal immigration given the flurry of attempts to enter the Turks and Caicos Islands in the early part of 2013.

In an interview with the Weekly News in May, TCI-based Haitian Consul General, Karlo Pelissier, said the consulate is working to try to identify the “navigator” behind the coordination of the illegal migration.

“We are working to do what we have to do to stop this practice,” he said.

PDM will not support gun amnesty under current terms

LEADER of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, in May raised concerns about the gun amnesty programme, pointing out that under current terms its effectiveness was not likely.

Police Commissioner, Colin Farquhar announced the firearm amnesty – held June 1 to July 1 – to allow people the opportunity to surrender their weapons without any questions being asked.

However, the weapons surrendered would be subject to ballistics tests to ensure that they were not used in any criminal activities.

This was the base of the PDM’s leader’s contention.

Only $2m operating surplus available to Gov’t

THE Turks and Caicos Islands Government ended the financial year on March 31 with an operating surplus of $47.6m - an $85.7m improvement on the same stage 12 months earlier.

But only $2m of that amount was available to the Government, the rest being deposited into the sinking fund, which was created to help pay down the national debt by 2016.

Finance, Investment and Trade Minister, Washington Misick, told the Weekly News in May that a similar amount of surplus should not be expected at the end of the current financial year 20132014, particularly since $28.2m represented civil recoveries secured for the TCI taxpayers.

Finance Minister says no stall on Marriott project

IN MAY, Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade, Washington Misick announced that there was no significant delay to the 380-room Marriott project.

At the time, Misick dismissed speculation that negotiations with the project developers had stalled continued 

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over demands for assurance that a certain number of work permits would be issued.

“This is most definitely not the case,” he told the Weekly News.

“What we have decided to do with large developers and by extension employers is to enter into an employment protocol arrangement where yes we fast track their applications but there is no halt to the negotiations.”

Opposition questions Police Commissioner’s contract

THE STATUS of the Commissioner of Police’s contract with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) came under scrutiny in Parliament on May 15.

Elected Member for Wheeland, Vaden Williams, asked the now former Attorney General (AG), Huw Shepheard, to inform the House on the Commissioner’s engagement with TCIG. The AG reported that (former) Governor Ric Todd had extended the contract of Colin Farquhar as Police Commissioner for two years to allow a succession plan to be implemented.

However, Opposition Leader, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, queried whether there was a review of the Commissioner’s performance on which the extension was based and whether or not there were any changes to his contract.

The AG responded that he was not in a position to answer the question.

Crown sues Clyde Robinson and wife for more than $1.5m

FORMER Director of Planning, Clyde Robinson and his estranged wife, Susannah, appeared in court between May 13 and 17 to contest Crown’s claims that they were knowingly and unjustly enriched with respect to a 2007 sale of land.

The Crown alleged that the sale of freehold parcel of 61112/286 at Long Bay, Providenciales, to Wawa Co. Ltd. in September 2007, netted the Robinsons a massive $1.5m.

It sued the duo for the $1.5m from the sale, any interest or equity accrued to that sum, court costs, and a number of declarations by the court with respect to the land.

The case against the Robinsons was the first case brought by the Civil Recovery Programme against a civil servant.

Mills Institute keeps up environment awareness

IN KEEPING the Earth Day spirit and resolving to make good environmental practices a part of their daily lives, the Mills Institute introduced a fun eco-friendly competition among its students.

Beginning May the plastic bottle campaign was launched; it challenged students from the ten classes to collect as many plastic containers as they can for the purpose of recycling.

Leader of the school’s Environmental Defenders Club and grade two teacher, Shanna Ebanks, said that the participation was tremendous and students were very excited to be a part of the activity.

MILLIONAIRE developer, Richard Padgett pled guilty to bribery and conspiracy to pervert the course of public justice on May 31 via video link from London.

At the September hearing the court will decide on a suitable date for sentencing.

Presiding over the proceedings in Providenciales, Justice Paul Harrison accepted Padgett’s plea and made a number of stipulations regarding his remaining on bail in the United Kingdom throughout the proceedings.

CRP requests CoxCo documents

Adams’ murder charges dropped

THE ATTORNEY General’s (AG) Chambers on May 21 submitted an application to Supreme Court before Chief Justice, Edwin Goldsbrough for the disclosure of documents by CoxCo Construction Ltd. Head of the Civil Recovery Programme (CRP) in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Laurence Harris, defended the confidentiality of the issue and told the Weekly News that substantive claims may not be brought against the company.

He said the application was made for preliminary disclosure only.

Milk and Honey’s captain to stand trial on July 23

CAPTAIN of the yacht, ‘Milk and Honey’, Kenneth Tassin, regained possession of his travel documents after a representative of the United States Consulate intervened with TCI authorities on his behalf on May 22.

Tassin was accused of causing anchor damage to reef structure living and dead, as well as marine plants in the vicinity of West Caicos on April 20.

Magistrate Jolyon Hatmin left the decision of returning Tassin’s passport to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) after much debate questioning his authority to do so.

This was the second incident of reef damage in the TCI for the year; the first being the massive destruction of the coral reef off North West Point by the M Y White Cloud on April 1 and 2.

Cameron’s tax comments for media purposes – Premier

UNITED Kingdom Prime Minister, David Cameron in May issued a strong warning to British Overseas Territories to "get their house in order" and sign up to international treaties on tax.

The comments were made to 10 territories and Crown dependencies that operate low-tax regimes.

However, Premier Rufus Ewing, when asked for the TCI’s response to the statements discounted the statements as being made for media purposes as they were delivered ahead of a G8 summit held in June.

Guilty Padgett to be sentenced

DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions, JoAnn Meloche, dropped charges against Roderick Adams, 24, as it related to the murder of 25-year-old Kaziah Burke.

Adams and Meloche appeared before the Chief Justice, Edwin Goldsbrough, where the DPP entered a Nolle Prosequi notice, in other words a notice of abandonment of the prosecution of the charges laid.

However, proceedings against Cortez Simmons, 29, continued.

admits to offence

BROOK Julien of Providenciales was sentenced to serve 18 months at Her Majesty’s Prison after having admitted to burglary at the Royal Bank of Canada last June 3.

The sentence was handed down on June 11 after he pled guilty to a charge of burglary with intent.

Commissioner of Police Colin Farquhar said he was proud of the quick and professional manner in which the case was solved by his officers.

Two survive Midnight Madness Run

EIGHT daring Provo residents took on an astonishing challenge just after midnight on June 8 - to run, walk or cycle from Lorimers on Middle Caicos all the way to the ferry dock at Sandy Point, North Caicos.

Only two on feet, along with a duo on bikes completed the extensive 33.32 miles, seven miles more than a marathon, in the ‘Middle Caicos Midnight Madness Run’ ultramarathon.

The four others walked part of the distance, each pushing as far as they could go.

June

Impact of tax increases will be minimal, Premier

THERE were widespread concerns over the new tax measures being introduced as alternatives to Value Added Tax (VAT).

However, Premier Rufus Ewing, assured that the impact of the tax increases would be minimal.

He explained that with the economy still rebounding and inward investments not at the desired level, measures have to be taken to raise revenue to meet the Government’s obligations to the people of the Islands.

Ewing pointed out that if the TCI is unable to raise revenue to meet its obligations the UK could step in.

RBC burglar nabbed,

Tourist dies after snorkelling accident at Grace Bay

A FEMALE tourist died after facing difficulties while snorkelling in the waters off a resort in Grace Bay on June 18.

Police said that multiple police units and a medical unit from Cheshire Hall Medical Centre responded to a resort in Grace Bay where an unidentified Caucasian female, who had been snorkelling, reportedly emerged from underwater unconscious.

She was immediately taken out of the water where her condition continued to deteriorate.

‘Justice’ Howell charged with Martinez murder

THIRTY-year-old Romano Giovanni Howell of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with the murder of Damaris Gomez Martinez.

Howell, who is also known as ‘Justice,' appeared before Chief Magistrate, Clifton Warner and was not required to plead to the indictable charge.

He was remanded to prison until August 2, when a sufficiency hearing was due to be held in the Supreme Court.

Terminal works begin at Provo Airport

Turn in your illegal weapons – police

THE ROYAL Turks and Caicos Police Force and TCIG embarked on a month long gun amnesty from June 1 and invited everyone to take their unwanted and/illegal firearms to police.

Governor Ric Todd, Deputy Premier, Akierra Misick, Commissioner of Police, Colin Farquhar, and Superintendent in charge of the Firearms Department, Darron Williams, updated the media on the month long gun pardon at the police headquarters.

Superintendent Williams said the hope of the force was to get as many illegal guns off the streets as possible by people voluntarily taking them to police.

and 26.

Missing woman found dead on Millennium Highway

AFTER frantic efforts to locate the 30-year-old Dominican woman, the family of Damaris Gomez Martinez had their worst fears confirmed.

On June 16 sometime around 6am police officers recovered the body of a woman from along Millennium Highway in the dirt road leading to Crystal Bay. Police and family have confirmed that the body was that of Martinez.

Martinez, who resided in Providenciales, was reported missing by her family after she failed to return home on June 10.

Former Conch Farm GM sued for company records

THE NEW owners of the Caicos Conch Farm operation in Providenciales took former general manager, Chuck Hesse, to court for company records that they alleged he had not turned over.

Hesse was fired along with other members of the company’s board of directors following a takeover by new owners Richard Berke and Shaun Malcolm last year.

The case was set to be heard before Supreme Court Judge Margaret Ramsay-Hale on June 25

CONSTRUCTION started on the terminal facility at Providenciales International Airport.

And with a rigid time schedule, Dolmen Construction managed to begin the new traffic circulation system, almost complete the upper West Parking Lot and began construction work on the terminal building.

The terminal redevelopment work is very critical to ensure a balance between maintaining current flight operations and swiftly completing construction on the new terminal facility by the end of 2014 in time for the winter tourism season.

CARICOM looks for the facts

A HIGH level delegation from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) staged a fact finding mission to the Turks and Caicos Islands to gauge the level of democracy within the territory by soliciting the views of key groups.

The mission was in direct response to a war of words between the Premier of the TCI, Dr Rufus Ewing and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Secretary of State, William Hague.

The former, in responding to a media query at a February 2012 Caribbean heads of government meeting in Haiti stirred the ire of the latter.

Norman Benjamin continued 

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January 4 - 10, 2014

YEAR IN REVIEW 2013

continued 

Saunders Jr faces money laundering charges

THE SPECIAL Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) charged another in their ongoing investigations.

Norman Benjamin Saunders Jr, 44, appeared at the Magistrates Court on June 26 before Judge Jolyon Hatmin charged with three counts money laundering.

The matter was sent to the Supreme Court for a sufficiency hearing on August 2.

Delano Williams’ switch to the UK a 'great loss' Cartwright-Robinson

THE CURRENT Junior Champion of the World in 200m sprint, Delano Williams, decided to compete under the flag of the United Kingdom.

Opposition Leader, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, stressed that the Turks and Caicos Islands had suffered a “great loss”.

of Parliament (MPs).

Finance, Investment and Trade Minister, Washington Misick, moved the motion to allow all three readings of the Custom (Charge on Insurance and Freight) Bill 2013 and its eventual passage.

Beaches’ development agreement scrutinised in Parliament

THE OPPOSITION raised several questions that put the new development agreement between Beaches TCI and the current administration under scrutiny in Parliament on July 1.

Member for Wheeland, Vaden Williams, questioned Premier Rufus Ewing first on whether or not the granting of the beach access was part of the new agreement.

Ewing said that it was a factor in the agreement, but made it clear that nothing has been confirmed as the negotiations are still ongoing.

Takeover by Canada an option of very few, Ewing

THE QUESTION of Canada annexing with the Turks and Caicos Islands was resurrected when Premier, Dr Rufus Ewing, visited the country.

However Ewing maintained that annexation is the opinion just one Member of Parliament (MP), Peter Goldring, and a handful of interest groups, not that of the Canadian or TCI Government.

At a press conference on June 21 she said: “We are unfortunately not surprised by Delano Williams, as we too were concerned about the level of uncertainty surrounding his future.”

Proceeds from Crab Fest go back to community

AFTER three years running, the organising committee hailed 2013’s Crab Fest a complete success.

On June 29, residents and tourists took to the Middle Caicos’ infamous Bambarra Beach to join in on the fun activities set up each year.

President of the 2013 Crab Fest committee, Shane Outten, said in terms of numbers, the turnout was just slightly more than last year.

He said: “This year we had a lot of new comers and last year we had persons who basically been two years in a row.

No review of InterHealth Canada contract until 2015

MINISTER for Health and Human Services, Porsha Stubbs-Smith, told the House of Assembly on July 2 that the controversial InterHealth Canada contract could not be reviewed until 2015.

Stubbs-Smith’s report followed a question by the Member for Grand Turk South and Salt Cay, Edwin Astwood.

She explained that the agreement made provision for the contract to be reviewed after the first five years.

Race for Conch a major success

year 2013/14, which at times got fractious among the Government and Opposition members, the House of Assembly passed the Appropriations Bill and Estimates on July 25.

Themed ‘Policy Change for Progress,’ it was presented by Minister of Finance, Washington Misick who promised “absolutely no spending cuts, but instead, an increase in expenses for better service delivery”.

THREATENING storm clouds, a rain shower, and a stronger than usual current could not stop or dampen the spirits of those involved in the fourth annual Race for the Conch eco-sea swim on July 6.

The now well-established island charity event saw 100 swimmers turn out to enjoy a thrilling day that showed off Grace Bay as a world class open water swim race destination.

Defending champion and resident swimmer, Dan Redmond, once again took first in the one-mile menʼs division in a superb time of 23 minutes 38 seconds.

RESIDENTS and local businesses were on high alert after a report of a new case of counterfeit notes allegedly floating around the Islands.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) sent out a statement saying that two gas stations on Providenciales reported receiving two fake $100 dollar bills.

Court rules PNP HQ land still the Crown’s

Hanchell wins Supreme Court case

THE ATTORNEY General and the Progressive National Party (PNP) both claimed victory following a Supreme Court ruling in a land dispute case brought against the political party in 2012.

The Crown sought the recovery of the land on which the party constructed its Providenciales headquarters.

It also alleged trespass by the party and its members represented by Trevor Cooke, the party chairman.

Damages were also sought for trespass and mesne profits.

CHHS split put on hold

CITING budgetary constraints, Minister of Education, Akierra Missick stated that the proposed split of Clement Howell High School would be delayed.

She said: “Unfortunately given the constraints with the budget, the separation has been put on hold.

“We look forward to the revenue that would come from CIF and other measures in the mid-year review which I believe would be in October/ November and then that would be the time to see if it is feasible and we can afford the actual split.”

New case of counterfeit notes reported in TCI

IN A judgment handed down by the Supreme Court in favour of McAllister Hanchell, Judge RamsayHale found that the Attorney General failed to prove its case against the former Government minister’s company, Akita Holdings.

Ramsay-Hale rejected the Crown’s case that Hanchell knew the land in dispute had been offered to him at an under-value and dismissed the claim for interest on the land.

New tax passes House

Wilkie Arthur and Roxanne Lockhart jailed for robbery

ROBBERS Wilkie Arthur and Roxanne Lockhart were sentenced to 15 and 12 years in prison respectively.

They were brought up before Chief Justice Edwin Goldsbrough at the Supreme Court in Grand Turk on charges for the robbery of Jai’s

POLICE seized a car and other household items from a home in North Caicos to partly cover nearly $30,000 in missing NIB contributions.

On March 12, last year, Heartwell Smith from Whitby was ordered by Providenciales Magistrates Court to pay the NIB $29,959.66 in relation to outstanding contributions.

But due to a lack of payment, on July 12 the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force along with an officer of the NIB executed a Warrant of Distress on his premises.

Budget 2013/2014 passes the House

AFTER four days of presentations and debate on the Budget for financial

Best Body and Ms Body Beautiful respectively.

The contest, held at Brayton Hall on July 27 under the theme ‘Stronger, Confident, Attractive’, was a hit with the crowd who enjoyed the competition and entertainment.

August Woman dead, child hospitalised after crash

A MOTHER was killed in a car crash and her nine-year-old daughter severely injured.

On August 1 Cynthia Roberts Hinsey and her daughter were, according to the police, returning from the Islands’ popular Fish Fry, when a white Ford E-350 taxi bus collided with Hinsey’s blue Sirion Daihatsu car in the vicinity of Suzie Turn on the Leeward Highway around 10pm.

The 25-year-old, who was a teacher at the Clement Howell High School (CHHS), was pronounced dead on arrival at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

TCIG partners with private sector to install large vessel moorings

THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) and the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF) partnered with local entrepreneurs to install large vessel moorings at Northwest Point, Grace Bay, Pine Cay, South Caicos and other locations across the country.

The installation of these moorings was expected to reduce reef damage such as that which occurred in April at the Northwest Point Marine National Park, as a result of the grounding of Mega Yacht White Cloud.

Car seized to cover outstanding NIB payments

July THE HOUSE of Assembly stood divided on July 1, with the Opposition standing their ground on the introduction of new taxes by not voting in support of new legislation which would bring the 15 per cent tax on freight and insurance of imports into effect.

The vote, however, was in favour of the House majority, including Government ministers and Members

jewellery store on July 10, 2010.

The two robbed the store of a quantity of Rolex watches valued at $200,000.

TWI offers to settle $100m lawsuit with TCIG

AN OFFER by Trade Wind Industry owners of the Conch Farm, to terminate its lawsuit against the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, but not its claims against the Governor, was met with resistance from the Attorney General.

The lawsuit, which had been brewing in court for several months, was in May sent to arbitration by the Appeal Court after a decision

by Supreme Court Judge, Margaret Ramsay-Hale to have the case heard in open court was appealed by the AG.

Tax on building materials reduced

Body Show competition sizzles

TWO Grand Turk natives, Clay Seymour and Mauqueita Carter, outshone other competitors in The Body Show’s contests, capturing Mr

GOVERNMENT at Cabinet on August 7 moved to allay concerns over the application of the 15 per cent tax on freight and insurance of building materials, which was introduced in July.

Certain building materials, including cement, sand, steel rods and blocks, will now attract a reduced tax on freight and insurance of five per cent.

Premier Rufus Ewing, maintained that this was an effort not to stifle the construction sector, but to encourage growth. continued 

January 4 - 10, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 17

YEAR IN REVIEW 2013 continued 

Second medical university gets go-ahead from Gov’t

CABINET on August 7 advised the Governor to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with developers for a second medical university in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

According to Premier Rufus Ewing, there are a number of activities outlined in the MOU that have to be completed before the project moves to the stage of a settlement on a development agreement.

Ewing added that the second university, Global University Schools of Medicine and Public Health (GU-MED), is expected to begin admission of students in early 2014.

PPP leader resigns

LEADER of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Harold Charles on August 15 tendered his resignation from the political party, citing funding difficulties among other reasons for his decision.

In a letter to his party members and constituents, Charles said he was “saddened” to make the move to step away as party leader.

“I will hasten to say that this decision was not arrived at lightly but it is painfully necessary for me and the party to close this chapter in its short political history,” the former contender said.

GST and temp driver permit fee scrapped

THE BLUE Ribbon Commission has recommended that the Government does not proceed with the proposed October 1 implementation of the general services tax (GST) and the temporary driver licence fee.

Premier Rufus Ewing told media at the Cabinet meeting on August 21 that the commission’s recommendation was taken into account, and instead Government intended to make up the revenue budgeted by adapting the current tax system.

Privy Council denies legal aid appeal

THE PRIVY Council refused to hear a petition brought by five members of the former Michael Misick administration for an increase in legal aid fees after the Appeal Court denied their request earlier in the year.

Attorney General Huw Shepheard told the Weekly News that the permission to appeal to the Privy Council was first denied by the Appeal Court after the members failed in their efforts to secure a judgment in their favour in the appellate court.

AG to appeal judgment in Hanchell case

THE

ATTORNEY

General’s

Chamber planned to appeal Judge Margaret Ramsay-Hale’s decision in the case brought against Akita Holdings, owned by McAllister Hanchell.

Asked on what basis the appeal was filed, AG Huw Shepheard would only say: “We have lodged notice of appeal against the decision.”

He said he was not sure when the Court of Appeal would hear the matter, but that it would most likely come before the court in January 2014.

AG stays calm as politicians criticise contract renewal

IN A rare moment of commonality, albeit aired separately, the PNP administration and the Opposition, the PDM, both expressed misgivings at the announcement of a three-year extension to the Attorney General, Huw Shepheard’s contract.

Premier Rufus Ewing called Governor Ric Todd’s announcement on August 19 a “total disregard for the people of these Islands and the Office of the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands”.

While Opposition leader Sharlene Cartwright Robinson stated her concern about the lack of experience of many top personnel and, according to her the “major blunders [that] have been made that have caused a serious decline in trust and confidence”.

that confirmed that the land the headquarters sits on is owned by the Crown.

Premier demands AG’s retirement

“I AM not prepared to work with the AG upon his return to the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

In a strongly worded letter to Governor Ric Todd, Premier Rufus Ewing expressed his anger at the recent reappointment of Attorney General (AG) Huw Shepheard.

He said he was unwilling to work with the AG on his return to the Islands from leave, and that he should be encouraged to take early retirement from the profession.

Group given powers of pardon

THOSE sentenced for a crime may have a way out, thanks to a new committee that was given the powers of pardon.

The first meeting of the Turks and Caicos Islands Mercy Committee was chaired by Governor Ric Todd on Grand Turk on September 6.

Its members have the ability to advise the Governor to pardon, give a respite from punishment or substitute a less severe punishment to convicted criminals.

September Former PNP HQ seized

PREMIER Rufus Ewing demanded the keys to the former national headquarters of the Progressive National Party (PNP) after the building was seized on September 4.

Following an order from the Attorney General’s Chambers, locksmiths changed the locks at Progress House on Airport Road, Providenciales, to prevent party members from using the building.

The move came following a Supreme Court ruling in July

Capron not guilty of attempted murder, gun charges

MAJOR inconsistencies in the testimony of the prosecution witnesses led to the attempted murder and assorted gun charges being dropped against Chabo Capron on September 12.

Capron was accused of shooting Kevin Pierre outside of Fun World, the miniature golf establishment on Leeward Highway, Providenciales, last October.

Attorney-at-law Lara Maroof of F Chambers had her no case submissions upheld by Supreme Court Judge Margaret RamsayHale following the former’s cross examination of Crown witness, Haywood McIntosh.

Corruption trial set for July 2014

Lavardo Smith guilty of murder

A TWELVE-member jury on August 27 handed down a life sentence to 20-year-old Lavardo Smith for the murder of Dominican Republic national Santa Suarez Ramirez in 2011.

Smith was also sentenced to 12 years concurrent for robbery, five years concurrent for possession of firearm with intent, and five years for discharging firearm.

The jury found his co-accused, Collin Delancy Jnr, 29, guilty of manslaughter, robbery, conspiracy to rob and possession of firearm with intent.

He received a 12-year sentence for manslaughter and robbery - to run concurrently - and five years for possession of firearm with intent, to run concurrently.

those going to Belongers.

And another 200 are likely to be available when The Shore Club development in Long Bay, Providenciales, is up and running, according to project boss Stan Hartling.

The news comes after TCI property development firm Hartling Group and Cayman firm DECCO announced that they would be working together to create the new resort.

Premier says no to $15m grant if Belonger rights compromised

BELONGER rights are a main priority of the Government and a multi-million dollar grant will not buy them.

Those were the sentiments of Premier Rufus Ewing when he said that the European Union (EU) could keep their money if Islanders are not given priority.

Last month a $15m grant was offered to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government from the European Development Fund (EDF) for budgetary support.

But on September 5 at the House of Assembly during his opening speech Ewing said there would be no compromise in local businesses’ rights.

Resort development to create hundreds of jobs

ABOUT 200 jobs will be created to facilitate the construction of an $80 million luxury condo resort development - with at least half of

TCI’s 11 corruption accused will face up to a five month trial in July 2014 – over two years after charges were first laid against them.

The hearing comes following an in-depth investigation into alleged misdeeds during the Michael Misickled government of 2003 to 2009.

The UK-appointed Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) looked into issues brought up during a Commission of Inquiry into government corruption in 2009.

The latest delay to the long awaited hearing was this time due to the limited availability of defendants’ chosen attorneys, Providenciales Supreme Court heard.

Abuse claims against Dep Gov fabricated – Farquhar

THE PROFESSIONAL Integrity Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) cleared Deputy Governor Anya Williams of allegations that she verbally abused junior police officers.

RTCIPF Commissioner Colin Farquhar, in a press statement following the conclusion of the investigations, dubbed the allegations scurrilous and lies.

Governor Todd’s final farewell

AS HE made his departure on September 15 a brief but formal ceremony marked the end of Governor Damian Roderick Todd’s two year tenure in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

A small gathering of Government officials and media assembled at the Providenciales Airport to witness his final salute ceremony with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force before he boarded his London bound flight.

Gov’t seeks $5m write off, Opposition balks

A GOVERNMENT resolution to write off in excess of $5 million as losses of and deficiencies in public monies ruffled many feathers during the September 19 sitting of the House of Assembly.

The resolution sought approval from the House to write off accounts balance for staff advances totalling $2,573,918.29 and pay bank balances totalling $2,476,900.07.

Minister of Finance, Washington Misick who brought the motion to the House, made it clear that no one person or party is at fault for the losses.

TCI no longer a ‘tax haven’

BRITISH Overseas Territories (OTs) should no longer be called ‘tax havens,’ UK Prime Minister David Cameron declared.

He said that the tax systems of the territories are now fair and transparent, and should not be given derogatory labels.

Cameron made the announcement during the September sitting of the UK’s House of Commons.

New money laundering charges filed against Norman Saunders

EMBATTLED local attorney and politician, Norman Saunders was slapped with three new money laundering charges by the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Team (SIPT).

Saunders appeared in a Providenciales Magistrate Court on September 19, Governor’s spokesman Neil Smith said in a press release issued the day after the continued 

20

Lifestyle...

18

January 4 - 10, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

GARDENING 

How does your garden grow

Elkhorn ferns STAGHORN ferns are members of the Polypodiaceae plant family, and belong to the genus Platycerium.

Eighteen species are presently recognised along with many varieties and hybrids. Staghorns are tropical plants native to the Philippines, south east Asia, Indonesia, Australia, Madagascar, Africa and America.

In their native habitat they thrive as epiphytes, generally found growing on tree trunks, branches or rocks. Tropical rains provide moisture and wash nutrients into the root area.

Staghorn ferns are valued for their

highly variable and unusual growth habits.

The plant produces two distinctly different fronds, basal and foliar.

Basal fronds, often called sterile fronds are rounded thickened fronds which grow in overlapping layers and clasp onto a growing surface.

The upper parts of basal fronds may be lobed or divided and stand erect. This upright form efficiently collects water, fallen leaves, and plant debris.

These products eventually break down, releasing nutrients necessary for growth. Foliar fronds, also called

Weekly Recipe

New year’s soup SERVES: 12

INGREDIENTS • 1 pound dry black-eyed peas • 3 (10.5 ounce) cans beef broth • 1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced • 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice • 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, drained • Ground black pepper to taste METHOD • In a large saucepan with enough water to cover, soak the blackeyed peas for eight hours, or

overnight.

• Drain and rinse the soaked blackeyed peas, and return to the saucepan.

• Mix in the beef broth, dry onion soup mix, sausage, rice, and green chilies. Season with black pepper.

• Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for one hour and 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender.

• Add water as necessary to keep the ingredients covered with liquid.

• Serve and enjoy!

The Weekly News is looking for a restaurant, café or personal chef to contribute weekly recipes to the newspaper. For more information call 946-4664 or email tcweeklynews.com.

fertile fronds, are either erect or pendant and may be divided into lobed or strap-shaped divisions.

Foliar fronds produce brownish reproductive structures (called sporangia) on the underside of their fronds. These sporangia hold spores which, when germinated, form new plants.

Both basal and foliar fronds are covered to varying degrees, with small stellate (star-shaped) hairs giving them a silvery cast. These hairs provide some protection from insect pests and conserve moisture.

Most species of staghorn ferns grow readily although much depends on the familiarity of the grower with the specific needs of different species.

Beginners are advised to start with the easy-to-grow species, which are available at the Sunshine nursery.

Because of their relatively large size, staghorn ferns are rarely grown in pots. Their natural, epiphytic growth habit makes them well suited for mounting on slabs of wood, tree fern fibre or wire baskets.

In general when watering allow the medium to dry completely between watering. This may be difficult to judge since the outer medium may appear dry, but the inner layers and the basal fronds will be saturated.

It may be best to wait until the fern slightly wilts before watering. Once watered, it will quickly recover, whereas an over-watered fern will rot and die.

A water-soluble fertiliser like a1010-10 or 20-20-20 is recommended.

Staghorn ferns can be fertilised monthly during the warm, growing months of the year and every other month when growth slows down.

Frequent fertilisation is only necessary when you want vigorous growth. Large or mature staghorns will survive and thrive with one or two applications a year of controlledrelease fertiliser.

Most staghorn ferns thrive best under partially shaded conditions.

The dappled light of a shade tree or indirect light on an outdoor porch is ideal.

Propagating staghorn ferns from spores is slow and difficult and is not practical for most gardeners.

Pups (with their root systems) can be carefully removed from large ferns and re-established. Wrap the roots in damp sphagnum and then tie

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

the root ball to a mount. Eventually the sterile frond will expand and grip the mount.

Staghorn ferns are fairly pest free. When kept too wet, they are susceptible to fungus that produces black spots on the basal fronds which can spread rapidly, invade the

growing point, and kill the plant. If symptoms appear, withhold water and reduce the humidity to slow the spread.

The insect pests to watch for are mealy bugs and scales. Insecticides are effective against these pests but may burn or deform the foliage.

January 4 - 10, 2014

Lifestyle...

YOUR DIET

ASK TAMIKA

BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD

Tamika graduated from Florida International University with a Master's Degree in Dietetics and Nutrition. She is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and licenced to practise medical nutrition therapy in the state of Florida. Email Tamika at tamikahandfield@ yahoo.com with your healthy eating questions.

Finishing strong in 2013

I STRUGGLED with choosing a topic for this edition. I had so many ambitious ideas for these last few weeks in 2013. I wanted this article to be helpful, interesting, festive, jolly and so much more! Then, I realised I wanted to do too much; I wanted to accomplish too many goals and was becoming overwhelmed.

How many of you are like me this? You set goals that sound so good but in reality are unrealistic.

I have heard people say: “I want to lose 50 pounds in three months” or “I’m not going to eat any pie, turkey and ham this Christmas.”

While it is always good to push yourself out of your comfort zone to achieve success, it is never a good idea to set yourself up for failure.

If you have been trying to lose weight during the year and have been successful, one of your goals this holiday season could be to not regain any weight. You can achieve this by sticking to the exercise schedule you have been following and kicking it up a notch to include more days or to be more intense.

Many people share emotional ties with food and as a result, may become an emotional eater. How do you know if you are an emotional eater? If you want to eat ice cream, chocolate cake or some other “feel good food” when you are depressed or have gotten some bad news, then you may be an emotional eater.

If the holiday season is especially hard for you, you may want to start thinking of some strategies that can help you resist the urge to overeat. Making plans to be around family and friends is a good starting point.

On the other hand, food plays a huge role in our culture - we use food to celebrate, to comfort ourselves and to make memories. So instead of focusing on what you can’t do or can’t eat this Christmas, focus on what you can do and how you can still make wonderful food memories with your family and friends.

Of course you will have to make some conscious decisions during this Christmas season, but there is no need to make yourself miserable.

One thing you can do is find low-fat and low calorie holiday recipes that you can still enjoy as a family. Better yet, you can make healthy versions of your own family tried and true recipes.

Make it a game to see who can come up with the healthiest, yet tasty, version of an old recipe. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that you actually enjoy the ‘skinny’ version of an old family favourite.

In this article I have only briefly dealt with setting and achieving goals; however, I hope I was able to convey the main objective set goals that you can realistically achieve by implementing small, sensible steps.

Develop a game plan so when your internal war of “I really want that eggnog” “No! That’s bad for me” begins, you will already have some options to help you succeed. Focus on what you can do not on what you can’t do. Accentuate the positive; eliminate the negative.

Happy new year from my family to yours!

Nutrition in Demand. A non-profit organisation helping you to 'Eat healthy today...live longer, better tomorrow'. Call 242-3978 or 442-3978.

19

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

fitness Tip  Dr. Joe LeMoine, is an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician. He has worked with many international athletes and at many sporting events on the world stage. He currently practices in Providenciales, at Prime Sports Medicine.

By Dr. Joe LeMoine

Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician

Getting back into shape THERE are many reasons you may have gotten away from the exercise habit; work or family commitments, health problems or injury or perhaps just a loss of motivation.

Here are some tips on returning to exercise programmes.

Doing it right First of all, be safe. Just two months away from exercise can mean a loss of 50 per cent of your cardio capacity.

Remember this when making your return.

Furthermore if it was an injury that has kept you away or have been away for an extended period you should first check with your doctor.

Make a habit that won’t break When you are planning your return to exercise, keep in mind you are not going to pick up where you left off.

Don’t get discouraged. Set realistic goals. Remember even short periods of exercise are helpful and don’t wait for the weekend.

The best way to form a habit is to stick with it; so even if you don’t want to work out, tell yourself that you will just go to the gym and if you still don’t want to exercise, that’s fine, but if you decide to go ahead and work out, reward yourself afterwards.

Walk before you run After an absence from regular exercise your lung elasticity, your

heart’s ability to pump and your blood vessels will have decreased.

If you try to return to previous levels it will be uncomfortable and hard to recover. Look at walking the first few times, then jogging, before running.

If you use weights, decrease them to half of previous levels. For circuit training decrease the repetitions to start.

Staying motivated

We have already discussed setting realistic goals and forming good habits. Set up a schedule but allow it to be flexible and subject to adjustments.

Missing a work out is not the end of the world. Keep your intentions, if you can’t do your regular routine, try to get in a short walk or some home based body-weight workouts just to maintain the habit until you get back at it.

Enjoy and have a great new year.

POLICE SAFETY TIPS

No mixed messages on alcohol PARENTS play a crucial role in delaying a child’s first drink.

It may be tempting to offer your child a sip of alcohol on special occasions so they don’t feel left out.

This could send mixed messages about whether they are or aren’t allowed to drink.

Of course, children are naturally curious, so they’ll probably ask you questions if they see you drinking and may ask you to try some.

Rather than offering them a sip, use this as a chance to talk to them openly and honestly about the facts.

You might think that allowing your child to try alcohol will demystify any uncertainties they may have.

By Audley Astwood

Police Public Relations Officer

Instead, as with issues like smoking and drugs, it’s better to let them know they can ask you anything, at any time, about alcohol. If you don’t know the answer, be honest and suggest you find out together.

If you’ve already given your child a drink, it’s best to be honest and explain that if they carry on drinking it could harm them so they aren’t allowed to continue.

Reassure them that if they stop, any effects drinking has already on their body are likely to be reversible, but if you’re worried it’s best to talk to your doctor.

I will now take this opportunity to urge all sellers of alcohol and also cigarettes and cigars that it is against the law to sell alcohol, cigarettes or cigars to minors.

This is a situation that should not be discussed in confined corners but brought to the attention of police immediately.

The legal age is 18 and if a seller has doubts about a buyer’s age, then a valid ID showing proof of age should be shown before selling such items.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

YEAR IN REVIEW 2013

continued 

charges were laid.

In one offence, he is accused of assisting another to retain the benefit of criminal conduct.

Hit and run leaves man in critical condition

TWO men were victims of a hit and run in Providenciales during the early hours of September 23.

Samuel Green, 27, and Daron Williams, 23, were walking down Leeward Highway between Caribbean Place and Misick and Stanbrook when they were hit.

An unknown culprit struck the two victims to the ground in a vehicle before fleeing the scene.

Attorneys arrested on corruption charges

TWO prominent TCI attorneys were arrested for allegedly cheating the country out of a massive $1.5m in stamp duty following the sale of a luxury island estate.

Timothy Patrick O’Sullivan and Gordon William Kerr appeared before magistrate Jolyon Hatmin at Providenciales Magistrates Court on September 25 to hear charges brought by the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) relating to the sale of Emerald Cay in Providenciales.

Government during the August 21 meeting of Cabinet came into effect on October 1.

The two increases affected the stamp duty on vehicle rental, which was raised from 10 per cent to 12 per cent and fuel duty, which was increased by 10 cents per gallon, taking it up to 85 cents.

However, the proposed introduction of a 10 cents per minute levy on incoming international calls was not instituted, Minister of Finance, Washington Misick said when contacted by the Weekly News.

House abruptly adjourns

PREMIER Rufus Ewing continued to show his dissatisfaction with the Attorney General (AG) on October 3 when he called for an adjournment of what was slated to be an agenda packed day at the House of Assembly.

Ewing and his Ministers attended the 21st sitting of the Executive Cabinet on the day prior, however they were not prepared to sit through another House session in which the presence of AG, Huw Shepheard was required.

Governor at the House of Assembly on October 10.

Scores of the country’s top dignitaries were joined by throngs of smartly dressed guests keen to see the historic event unfold at the crowded NJS Francis building in Grand Turk.

And they were not left disappointed as songs, speeches, presentations, and a special police march past were the order of the day.

AG’s constitutional authority questioned

IN AN unprecedented move, the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands filed a summons in the Supreme Court against the country’s chief legal advisor, Attorney General Huw Shepheard.

On October 11 Rufus Ewing filed the document in Providenciales Supreme Court seeking the determination and relief by the court as to the AG’s authority under section 41 of the 2011 Constitution.

Shepheard was served with the summons on October 18.

Over the next two years the study will determine the economic feasibility of developing an off-shore fisheries industry for the TCI. Following the study the Government will be able to make informed decisions on the future direction of policy and legislation.

FIFA World Cup Trophy visits TCI

ONE of the most famous championship sports trophies made a stop in Providenciales on October 13 as part of an 89 country world tour.

The tour, presented through a partnership between FIFA and Coca-Cola, gave fans the once-ina-lifetime opportunity to see the illustrious 18-carat gold trophy up close and even be photographed beside it.

FIFA executive committee member and TCI Football Association’s secretary Sonia BienAmie said the association felt very privileged to be one of the countries included in the stops.

Man found dead at North West Point

A CUBAN man was discovered lifeless with a gash to his head in the Millennium Heights area of North West Point in Providenciales on September 27.

Police officials responded quickly to reports at about 4.29pm of a body found in the bushes.

Augustin Perez, 54, from Guanajay, Cuba, was found lying on his back with what police called a “laceration” to his forehead.

October Teen stabbed at Clement Howell High School

A SIXTEEN-year-old student was admitted to hospital on October 1 after being stabbed at Clement Howell High School.

The teenage boy was involved in a heated exchange with three other students before the incident happened, according to a press release from the Ministry of Education.

He was taken to Blue Hills Clinic for medical attention before being later transferred to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where up to press time he remained under observation.

Increased tax on vehicle rental stamp duty and gasoline

INCREASES in two of the four current tax measures proposed by

Conrad Higgs dies suddenly after boat wreck

FORMER chief executive officer of TCInvest Conrad Higgs died on October 24 while swimming to shore from a sinking boat.

The 59-year-old retired civil servant is thought to have suffered a heart attack while struggling to make his way back to land.

He set out fishing with two others in a boat off Rock Cut shore, North Caicos, in the early hours, and at about 10am it started taking on a large amount of water for unknown reasons.

More than 230 Haitian migrants attempt to enter TCI

French captain fined for coral reef damage

A FINE of $30,000 or 90 days imprisonment was imposed on M Y White Cloud Captain, Benjamin Cameron for massive damage to the coral reef off North West Point in April.

Magistrate Jolyon Hatmin delivered his judgment on October 7 in a Providenciales court.

Hatmin found that Cameron, given his 20 plus years of experience and his own testimony before the court, acted with negligence when he anchored where he did.

Rodney Adams suspected of corruption

ACTING Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rodney Adams was arrested on suspicion of corruption contrary to the Integrity Commission Ordinance.

Adams, who was under investigation by the Integrity Commission since June, was questioned and released on bail on October 11.

When contacted, Integrity Commissioner, Eugene Otuonye said investigations were still ongoing and that Adams had not been charged with any offence as yet

Storms wreak havoc across the country

Beckingham sworn in as Governor

IT WAS a grand stately affair that saw Peter Beckingham sworn in as Turks and Caicos Islands’ new

A SERIES of immense lightning storms heaped vast quantities of rain on the TCI causing damage and disruption across the country.

Houses and roads were flooded with up to eight inches of water and thousands of homes were without electricity due to power outages.

The unusual weather was caused by a cluster of storms moving through a trough – a long region of low atmospheric pressure, according to the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME).

From smoking mountains of trash to eco-friendly landfill

TO THE relief and amazement of many, especially residents of the housing scheme in Wheeland, the dumpsite is now remarkably sanitary compared to its deplorable condition just one year ago.

The company responsible, Turks and Caicos Environmental Management (TCEM), invited media and residents out on October 19 to see the progress that had been made.

Jim Hodge, father of company president Tim Hodge, said that the task was “real work” and a discipline that “you have to do right every day and when you do it looks like this after a year”.

Pelagic fishing study has begun

A CONTROVERSIAL study into the possibility of bringing new methods of fishing into the Turks and Caicos Islands began.

The UK-sponsored practical investigation will look into the viability of fishing for pelagic marine life that lives near the surface of the sea, including the use of long line fishing.

IN ONE day the Ministry of Border Control and Labour tallied 237 illegal Haitians that attempted to gain access to the country.

On October 29 TCI radar operators detected a Haitian sloop carrying a total of 120 migrants into South Dock, Providenciales.

The second vessel with a total of 117 migrants was spotted at about 9am that day and was intercepted by marine police.

Hilly Ewing building officially opens

VOTERS and other residents who live on Providenciales were given easy access to the elected Government officials, as the Premier, Ministers and the Governor officially moved into their offices in the Hilly Ewing Building, on Leeward Highway.

On October 30 the officials were joined by several other Government employees and others from the business community to celebrate the re-opening of the newly refurbished office.

Shortly after the November elections, the Premier called for the removal of members of the Special Investigations and Prosecution Team (SIPT) and the Civil Recovery Programme, who were occupying continued 

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the premises.

AG quits

ATTORNEY General Huw Shepheard announced his resignation from the role following weeks of discord with Premier Rufus Ewing.

He said on October 31 that he planned to sue the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands for reputational and other damages.

Shepheard’s resignation, effective November 1, coincided with the visit of the Director of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for Overseas Territories, Dr Peter Hayes; however the director made it clear that his visit did not have anything to do with the AG’s exit.

November UK will look at possible changes to loan guarantee terms

THE BRITISH government is willing to discuss changes to the terms of its $260 million loan guarantee, according to Governor Peter Beckingham.

He told members of Providenciales Chamber of Commerce that the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) will consider serious proposals.

“They would be perfectly willing to talk about something along those lines if it was a sustainable proposition,” he said to a packed conference room at Beaches resort.

Ricardo Don-Hue Gardiner, Minister of Border Control and Labour, told the Weekly News that the Government intends to construct a new purpose built facility.

day’s business to proceed, and which ended late in the evening with the House in committee stage discussing the Human Rights Bill.

Leading police officer charged with corruption offences

TCI’s leading judge Edwin Goldsbrough handed in his resignation, it was confirmed.

Governor’s spokesman Neil Smith revealed on November 14 that he will be vacating his position as Chief Justice early in 2014.

TCI’s Deputy Police Commissioner was charged with several corruption offences on November 11.

Rodney Keith Adams Snr is alleged to have acted improperly in his official role during his involvement in a murder investigation in which his son was a suspect earlier this year.

The leading police officer was let out on bail to appear in Providenciales Magistrates Court on December 3 to have the charges read to him.

Lawyers charged with corruption appear in court

THREE prominent TCI lawyers, Tim O’Sullivan, Gordon Kerr and Norman Saunders, appeared before Chief Justice, Edwin Goldsbrough in court on November 8 for sufficiency hearings.

Appearing for the Crown was lead attorney of the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT), Andrew Mitchell QC. Attorneys for O’Sullivan and Kerr - Carlos Simon QC and Conrad Griffith both indicated to the court that they were not challenging the hearings and a date was set for the plea and direction hearings.

FOUR migrants from Haiti who were being held in the detention centre for illegally entering the country escaped.

The Ministry of Border Control and Labour confirmed that the incident took place sometime between November 4 and November 5.

Community supports victims of Philippines typhoon tragedy

“WE CAN’T embrace them physically, so we want to embrace them financially.”

Those were the words of Providenciales resident Alvin Macion whose family in the Philippines were directly affected by one of the biggest tropical storms to ever strike land.

Macion and many other members of TCI’s Filipino community spent the week ardently fundraising after Typhoon Haiyan wiped out thousands of lives and left millions more homeless on November 8.

Generous supporters donated more than $9,000 cash in Providenciales alone to go towards relief efforts.

ONE year after the PNP won a place as the TCI’s first democratically elected Government since 2009, Premier Rufus Ewing talked progress and plans.

He told the House of Assembly meeting on November 11 that the Government is “unwavering” in its quest to make a better life for the people and added that he is “encouraged by the promise of that which is still yet to come”.

During his speech Ewing discussed progress made with the economy, jobs, education, culture and national pride, healthcare, immigration and the environment.

MEMBERS of the Opposition walked out of Parliament on November 12 in protest to a decision

by Speaker of the Assembly to allow the Premier to recover a missed opportunity to address the House the previous day.

As set out in the agenda for the day when the Assembly met, ministerial statements were scheduled to be made before the reading of bills and before members retired to the committee of the whole to discuss the presented bills.

However, only two ministers took the opportunity to make addresses to House, making way for the rest of the

Hundreds attend Remembrance Day services

A DOZEN wreaths were laid on the cenotaph at St Monica’s Church in Providenciales on November 10 to honour those who gave their lives in war.

The ceremonial offering was all part of a Remembrance Day service attended by scores of dignitaries, police, representatives of local organisations and members of the public.

Cartwright-Robinson returned unopposed as PDM Leader

SHARLENE Cartwright Robinson was returned as Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) at the party’s 38th general convention held on November 15 to 16.

At a press briefing PDM National Chairman Clarence Selver said Cartwright Robinson was unopposed.

She will serve the party until the next convention, and continues to enjoy the support of members of the PDM and the House of Assembly, the National Chairman told the press.

ON NOVEMBER 21 Acting Governor, Anya Williams inked a significant agreement with a European Union (EU) Ambassador for a grant of $15 million to be plugged into the TCI’s economy over a three year period.

The first tranche of the money, approximately $4 million, will be granted in March 2014 and will be put into the consolidated fund. The entire sum will be going towards budgetary support.

PILOT Richardson (Ritchie) Arthur lost a case in the Supreme Court and now owes the Crown $1,150,000 plus interest for a land flipping deal which netted him $1.35 million in 2008.

In her judgment – handed down on November 26 - Judge Margaret Ramsay-Hale found that the arguments for breach of fiduciary duty by then Minister of Natural Resources, McAllister Hanchell, as well as knowing and unconscionable receipt by the defendant were proved in the Crown’s case.

However, she found that the Crown did not prove its claim of deceit.

Jobs slashed at Lime to reduce operating costs

UP TO 20 staff members at Lime lost their jobs just before Christmas as the telecoms company cut back on operating costs.

About 50 per cent of the firm’s local technical support team had to reapply for their positions after Lime outsourced the work to a new partner.

The firm has reduced staff cost by $18 million across the region and is looking to cut operating costs by as much as $100 million.

December TCI gets funding to preserve pine trees

HAILED an important win for the Turks and Caicos Islands at the Joint Ministerial Council in London was the commitment of £200,000 for a major study on the preservation of the Caicos pine.

Premier Rufus Ewing made the announcement on his return to the TCI. The grant will be provided over a course of two years to help preserve the endangered pine trees.

PDM grades Gov’t on performance

RESPONDING directly to the Premier’s speech on his first 365 days in office, Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright-Robison at media briefing on November 18 declared that the address was rife with blatant lies.

“More than 70 per cent of the PNP commitment outlined in pages 12 to 19 in their manifesto have either been completed or in some state of development,” she recited from Premier Rufus Ewing’s address on the PNP anniversary.

Robinson acquired land in Long Bay Hills for $70,000 then transferred it for no consideration to his former wife.

She was then accused of selling it to Wawa Co Ltd, a company owned

by Canadian property developer Stan Hartling for $1.5 million as part of the proposed Shore Club Development.

Judge Margaret Ramsay-Hale handed down her judgment on November 26.

Crown wins million dollar case against land-flipper

TCIG signs $15m EU agreement for business development

One year in office

Opposition walks out of Parliament

Illegal immigrants escape from detention centre

Chief Justice resigns

She stated that ‘facts’ like these are the reason the Opposition members have had reasons not to listen to several players in Government, because the information was misleading or blatant lies.

21

Clyde Robinson wins $1.5m land-flipping case

FORMER Director of Planning, Clyde Robinson won a case brought by the Attorney General in which he and his former wife, Susannah Bishop, were accused of flipping Crown land for $1.5 million.

The Crown’s case alleged that

Foundation raises nearly $55,000 for Community College

IN JUST over a month a foundation dedicated to raising cash for TCI Community College gathered a massive $54,778.

Most of the money will be spent on scholarships to allow deserving continued 

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Goldsmith award five lucky holiday winners Just in time to start their New Year’s celebration, five lucky residents were presented with some awesome prizes from Goldsmith. Winner of the first prize, Tyra Forbes, received $1, 000 (prize collected by her mom Barbara) while Mikeriange won the second prize of a 48” television, and the third prize, a Samsung tablet and a gift basket fill

with Victoria’s Secret products, went to Tendra Carter. The fourth prize of a $250 Goldsmith Gift Certificate and a gift basket was won by Winsett Williams and the fifth prize of a gift basket was collected by Tshena Robinson.

The winners were randomly drawn from the combined customers’ entries in the Christmas Shop and Win

Promotion at Goldsmith’s Regent Village and Central Square location in Providenciales and the store in Grand Turk. Four Providenciales winners collected their prizes at Goldsmith in Central Square on December 31 while the fifth winner, a Grand Turk resident, uplifted her prize at the store on that island.

TV star to host country’s first fashion week A BIG name in fashion and reality television has agreed to host the country’s first fashion week.

Bianca Golden, whose family is orginally from TCI, will be returning to Providenciales next March to present the grand finale catwalk show.

“I am counting down the days until the hottest date on my calendar: Turks and Caicos Islands Fashion Week (TCIFW) at which time I will visit my beautiful island home,” she said.

“What an honour it will be hosting the first presentation of TCIFW Designers’ Grand Runway Fashion Show.

“Not only will it be an extraordinary show unveiling a myriad of great talent, more significantly, the Turks and Caicos Islands will join the list of countries hosting its own fashion week.”

The 25-year-old has starred in America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway and is signed with Major Models and Ford Models.

She has worked as a correspondent for E! Channel and The Tyra Show and appeared in major television commercials.

Golden has also appeared on the runways of five consecutive seasons of New York Fashion Week and graced the pages of numerous fashion magazines.

TCIFW will feature a series of resort, couture and luxury fashion shows, and is expected to attract international industry experts.

It will also support school fashion programmes and promote the culture of the Islands.

Produced by the Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Beauty

Twelve boats were beautifully dressed up for the lighting competition

America’s Next Top Model star Bianca Golden

Organisation and directed and presented by Saint George Fashion House, the week will be the first of its kind in the TCI. Between March 26 and 29, 2014, event producers will set the stage for cultural expression allowing fashion designers, craftspeople and other creators to showcase their work.

A grand finale fashion show will then take place at Brayton Hall in Providenciales on March 29.

More details can be found at www.tcifw.com.

Marina hosts Christmas light competition COLOURFUL Christmas lights twinkled across Turtle Cove Marina recently when boat owners decked their vessels out in festive decoration as part of a brand new annual event.

The first ‘Christmas in the Cove’ party took place on Saturday, December 21, from 5pm to 8pm and saw scores of people attend to take in the sights.

Twelve boats were beautifully dressed up for the main event - a lighting competition - and attendees were offered the opportunity to vote for their favourite.

Prizes included dockage from Turtle Cove Marina, fuel from Caicos Oil and gift certificates for

local restaurants.

Beaches came in first place winning the grand prize, Salt Shaker in second and Island Vibes scooped the third prize.

There was stiff competition for the ‘Candy Cane Conch Horn’ people’s choice awards but first place was won by Island Vibes Tours, second went to Casablanca Casino’s Salt Shaker and Panoply Sport Fishing and Charters won third.

Santa Claus, Masky from Maskanoo and Peg Leg Percy made an appearance during the event to the delight of younger attendees.

And following the light competition, children were invited to head over to Tiki Hut to drop off

their letters to Santa and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa.

The evening finished in cheers as onlookers enjoyed a surprise firework show courtesy of Panoply Sport Fishing and Charters.

Turtle Cove marina manager Carole Klinko said the event was very successful and she was excited with the amount of people that showed up.

“We have been receiving a lot of positive feedback and persons even saying that they will be entering again next year.”

She said that next year they are considering adding different categories to the competitions to expand the event.

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Christmas ponies and Santa Paws ‘SANTA Paws’ set up shop at a special Christmas fair on Saturday (December 21) to the delight of many children and their parents.

Turks and Caicos Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TCSPCA) held the event to celebrate the end of another successful year for the not for profit animal welfare organisation.

The jolly old elf was a big hit with the kids, who lined up to have their picture taken with him in Santa’s Grotto at the Suzy Turn Plaza office in Providenciales.

Helping Santa Paws this year was ‘Lucky’ the TCSPCA mascot dog who made a special appearance at the fair and handed out candy to all of the children.

While they waited their turn to whisper Christmas wishes in Santa’s ear, fair-goers munched on an array of Christmas cookies made by TCSPCA volunteer Ingrid Neumann, sipped eggnog in the office, or bought toys for their pets at the tent market in the parking lot.

But perhaps the biggest draw this year was the pony rides. Santa’s elves Camille Slattery and Melinda Volkert provided the horsepower in the form of ponies Patches and Sunshine.

Young riders from Provo Ponies dressed the animals beautifully in reds and greens, bows and braids, and led them around the office for almost two hours helping to raise cash for the society.

In addition volunteer Adele van Schoor assisted with face-painting

Perhaps the biggest draw this year was the pony rides

Santa Paws listens to the Christmas wishes of young attendees Children get their faces painted as colourful kittens and puppies

and created colourful kittens and puppies out of attendees.

TCSPCA director Susan Blehr

said the fair was a success and revealed that it raised close to $1,200 during the morning event.

She added that she was especially grateful to Santa and the two photographers Mike St Louis and Sandy Grambling who organised the

photo taking.

More information on how to assist the TCSPCA can be obtained by calling 941-8846 or 231-3052.

Rubis helps an aspiring doctor achieve her dream A YOUNG TC Islander and aspiring doctor, Trevanna Cooke is another step closer to realising her dream of becoming an obstetrician thanks to a monetary donation from Rubis TCI. Cooke, who is currently reading for a degree at St George’s University in Grenada, accepted the money from Conroy Smith of oil company Rubis in the presence of Minister of Education, Akierra Missick on Monday (December 30) at the Hilly Ewing Building in Providenciales.

“It’s a pleasure for Rubis to be a part of what we think is a very worthwhile initiative. Rubis Turks and Caicos is dedicated to the Turks and Caicos and as such we saw it fit [to help] when we came across the information that a young Turks Islander needing some assistance to fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor,” Smith told media representatives.

He added: “We have partnered with TCIG and we have put together a donation that will help her be more comfortable while she is off and make sure that she is okay and will be able to do well in her studies.”

Smith said the company is focused on the education of the young people in the TCI and that it will continue to do its part.

Thanking the Rubis team for the donation, Cooke said she has always dreamed of becoming a doctor but encountered some difficulties in attaining that goal.

“Graduating from TCICC in 2011, my dream was always to become a doctor, but through difficulties it couldn’t happen, so I went Rubis seeking funds to help me achieve my dream in becoming a doctor and they accepted.”

Cooke has already completed one semester at the Grenada university with a GPA of 3.0. She returns to

campus on January 20, 2014, where she has another three and a half years to complete the course.

She said following that her hope is to go to the United States or the United Kingdom to do her internship.

“This donation means the world to me,” she added.

Cooke was given a grant this year from the Education Ministry to pursue her studies, but Minister Missick said this does not hinder her from re-applying for a scholarship.

“Based on demerits and the exams she has done so far over the year, she is a bright student. I followed her personally… and I know great things will happen with this student and she will become a doctor.”

If anyone would like to help this young TC Islander achieve her dream, they can contact the Ministry of Education to provide assistance.

(DI)

Aspiring doctor, Trevanna Cooke accepts a cheque from Conroy Smith of Rubis TCI at the Hilly Ewing Building this week

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A massive crowd of locals and tourists of all ages enjoy the evening of Caribbean vibes, island food and locally made crafts

Director of Culture and the department’s group begin the parade with a surge of energy

The contagious rhythms continue with sounds from the Junkanoo group

This fire blower thrills the crowd with his daring trick

The Filipino association parades in masked costumes

hildren enjoy the festivals vibrant energy

Maskanoo 2013 draws biggest crowd yet HUNDREDS of locals and tourists turned out to Providenciales’ most exciting and colourful cultural event, Maskanoo, on December 26 in Grace Bay. The fourth annual street festival featured a sensational showcase of local food, arts and crafts, live music and a vibrant ‘jump up’ costume parade; allowing attendees to mingle and enjoy the entertainment from 3pm till midnight.

The energetic Maskanooers’ parade was the main highlight and did not fail to capture the attention

of all in attendance along the strip between Seven Stars Resort and Le Vele Plaza.

Five groups, including the Department of Culture, Kitch Penn’s Junkanoo, the Filipino association and their daring fire blower, Five Cays group and the Regent Palms brought the strip alive with a vibrant costume parade.

Local entertainment such as Kew Band links and Kino, Kazz, Elroy and Dez also added to the tone of the event.

Director of Culture and chairman of the Maskanoo Committee,

David Bowen, who directed the street parade, also kept the crowd entertained, sharing bits of TCI’s culture.

The festival, produced by the Department of Culture (DOC), the Maskanoo Committee in collaboration with the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), aims at showcasing the best of the Islands’ cultural heritage, mixing Junkanoo, taken from TCI’s Bahamian heritage, with masquerade to create Maskanoo.

Organisers were excited to give

the pubic such an event where locals and visitors could come together in celebration, all while enjoying the local culture in the busy tourist and holiday season.

Bowen compared the festival to a baby and said it is going through stages of growth and development; growth that is pleasing to him.

He said that the organisers are continuously improving on the product and will find ways to make next year even more exciting and appropriate.

This year there was live streaming

of the festival online. Bowen said that people were able to sit in the restaurants around Grace Bay and see what was going on at the event.

Next year they also hope to include a big screen television at the further end of the strip so that attendees at the back can have a view of the stage.

Bowen encouraged more people and groups to get involved in the parade and reminded the public that the event embraces the blend of multicultural groups that work and make TCI their home.

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Homemade food, cakes, drinks, and games lighten the mood

Attendees help to bring a sense of normalcy to the youngsters

Child prisoners enjoy Christmas fun day YOUNG offenders were given the opportunity to enjoy Christmas festivities during a fun day held at Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk.

The Human Rights Commission hosted the event to bring some normalcy to the lives of the children.

There was homemade food, cakes, drinks, and games which they enjoyed in the presence of their family members.

Chairman of the Human Rights

Commission Doreen QuelchMissick spoke during the event to reassure the children that they had not been forgotten.

She told the Weekly News: “The Human Rights Commission is committed to the welfare of the children presently incarcerated in HMP, we will continue working closely with the various Government ministries to ensure that their rights are upheld.

“We promote and encourage a sustained education programme for the children, access to healthcare and mental healthcare.

“It is important for the children to know that we care about their well-being and even though they may have fallen afoul of the law, we want to provide a positive direction and help them to turn their lives around.”

The Governor’s wife Jill

Beckingham and Susan Malcolm, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Home Affairs, also addressed the party.

Other attendees included Director of Social Development Annette Joseph, social worker Mrs Lewis, Prison Superintendent Ian Sargent, Deputy Superintendent Michelle Jennings and Peggy Been of the Prison Visiting Committee.

The juveniles awarded the first

piece of Christmas cake to Jennings because “she acts as our mother in prison,” they said.

Quelch-Missick presented the children with goodie bags at the end of the party and wished them all the best in the future.

She reassured them that the commission will continue to provide support and direction for their care both while imprisoned and when they are released.

Valley Boys win Bahamas’ Junkanoo Parade

Iron Man was the biggest hit of the summer blockbuster season.

Iron Man 3 tops 2013 box office

COMIC book blockbuster Iron Man 3 was the highestearning film of 2013 around the world.

The film, in which Robert Downey Jr reprises his role as billionaire crime-fighter Tony Stark, made $1.2bn (£734m), according to online movie tracker Box Office Mojo.

Animated comedy Despicable Me 2 came in at number two with global takings of $918m (£555m).

In the third slot was The

Hunger Games: Catching Fire which made $795m (£480m).

Variety noted that the top 10 includes eight sequels or reboots, two original properties and three that were animated.

Gravity, Alfonso Cuaron’s 3D film about astronauts adrift in space, is at number seven having made $653m (£395m) since it was released in October.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug also made a late entry into the top 10.

WITH a vibrant American themed performance, the Valley Boys have captured the title as the winners of the 2014 New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade.

The A category group triumphed over the Shell Saxon Superstars who took second position with less than a three-point margin.

Douglas Hanna, chairman of the Parade Management Committee, announced the unofficial results from Arawak Cay last evening.

The Valley Boys, Hanna told scores of Junkanoo group supporters, finished with 89.21 points, the Saxons had one point deducted to end the parade with 86.46 points, Roots placed third with 81.66 points and One Family had 10 points deducted during scoring. They received 74.71 points.

Two groups, the Music Makers and the Prodigal Sons were disqualified because of an ineligibility rule, Hanna said.

Jamal Brice, an off the shoulder dancer, said the group received strict orders from its leader, who is experiencing health issues, to dominate the parade. And group members did just that.

“It’s not a surprise,” Brice said,

Valley Boys went with an American themed performance.

“The Valley planned these two parades out and we executed. In the end and our leader is down now, he gave us strict orders. We went and carried them out and we became victorious. It’s been a hard year for the Valley, but we came together and we pulled it off. The only thing we can say is it is all about running streaks now. ” Another Valley Boy member,

Rhys Roberts, a lead beller said the win was satisfying.

“We went out there this morning and we left everything on Bay Street.

Our first lap was one of the best first laps that we have had in a long time.

We gave it everything. Our energy levels were through the ceiling. Our second lap was the icing on the cake.

We knew that music was ours. We are the big boys.”

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continued 

including all staff reporters and cameramen.

According to a former reporter at WIV4, on December 11 one of the company directors, Nigel Wardle, gave the employees a brief speech, handed them their termination letters along with an application to reapply with the new company and wished them well in their future endeavours.

young people to attend TCI’s only tertiary level education facility.

While the remainder will be spent on new equipment for the departments most in need.

Members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) Foundation gathered at the Providenciales campus to impart the good news.

Cutbacks on Gov’t travel costs

Grace Bay retains title of World’s Best Beach

WITH five miles of soft white sand lapped by crystal clear turquoise water, it is no surprise that Grace Bay retained its title of World’s Best Beach at the 2013 World Travel Awards.

The stunning Providenciales beach was one of nine in the category at the grand final gala, held at the magnificent La Cigale Hotel in Doha Qatar.

Other beaches that featured were the romantic shores of Cancun, Mexico, the deco allure of South Beach in Florida and the azure waters along the coastline of Zanzibar, Tanzania in East Africa.

Joe Grant Cay land sells for $4m

A LARGE plot of Crown land on the remote island of Joe Grant Cay was sold for $4.04m in October in a transaction that was never made public, the Weekly News revealed.

Sotheby’s, the real estate company dealing with the sale, told the newspaper that a commercial developer purchased the 200 acre plot - once valued at $50 million months prior.

TCI mortgage providers Temple Financial Group pushed through the sale of the land in order to recoup millions of dollars in outstanding Government debts.

Blue Haven opens

Blue Haven opens with grand weekend festivities

BLUE Haven Resort celebrated its official opening with a grand weekend of activities for the entire community, providing them an opportunity to enjoy two fun-filled days at the Leeward destination.

From December 6 to December 8 hundreds of people passed through the resort and marina, enjoying various family-friendly activities scheduled for each day.

And in the evenings, adults delighted in the dinners and after parties at the resort’s Salt Bar and Grill and the newly opened Fire and Ice Restaurant, Bar and Longue.

Five corruption charges for deputy police chief

DETAILED descriptions of five criminal charges laid against TCI’s acting Deputy Police Commissioner were read out in court.

On December 9 Rodney Keith Adams Snr appeared in Providenciales Magistrates Court where Magistrate Jolyon Hatmin read the charges to him.

The allegations all relate to his conduct during a murder investigation in which his son was a suspect.

Police increase presence in Blue Hills

Politicians mourn death of Nelson Mandela

LEADERS of the country’s Government and Opposition expressed their mutual sadness following the death of Nelson Mandela.

South Africa’s first black president and anti-apartheid icon died on Thursday, December 5, aged 95.

On December 10 the Turks and Caicos Islands national flag at the offices of the Governor and the Premier was flown at half-mast.

And at 9am at the Premier’s Office in Providenciales Governor Peter Beckingham, Premier Rufus Ewing and other members of Cabinet led a moment of silence to show their respect.

WIV4 staff lose their jobs

Joe Grant Cay

GOVERNMENT officials found themselves flying in economy class due to a number of amendments to the travel policy which governs ministers, members of parliament and other civil servants.

At its December 11 meeting, Cabinet approved the cutbacks and amendments, Premier Rufus Ewing told the press.

“The changes that were made related to the class of travel, and greater accountability with regards to receipts being submitted upon return from travel,” Ewing said.

ELEVEN employees from WIV Channel 4 News received envelopes with termination letters along with their redundancy cheques after new company, Oasis Media Centre, acquired the rights to run the station.

The terminated workers included the whole news production team,

A NEW police post was introduced to the residents of Blue Hills on December 13 so that the community could feel a stronger sense of security.

The post will not be open 24 hours a day, but police will be able to set up appointments so people can go in to give witness statements and discuss concerns.

During the opening ceremony Police Commissioner Colin Farquhar said that the post represented their commitment to the communities of Blue Hills and Wheeland.

Interim administration overspend of $31m revealed

EXCESS expenditure without statutory approval and accounting officers’ failure to comply with the requirement of the Finance and Audit Ordinance were some of the issues highlighted in a report of the statements for financial year ending March 31, 2012.

The report was tabled during the December 16 sitting of the House of Assembly by chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Sharlene Cartwright Robinson.

Following a summary of the committee’s findings, the Opposition Leader laid out the various recommendations, which are geared towards enhancing accountability and transparency in governance.

Kiteboarders complete record breaking crossAtlantic challenge

SIX incredibly talented kiteboarders made landfall in the Turks and Caicos Islands on December 17 after travelling over 4,000 miles in a record breaking journey across the Atlantic.

After setting off from Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands on November 20 the Enable Passion team spent 24 hours a day at sea as part of the HTC Atlantic Kite Challenge – the first of its kind.

They rode through schools of flying fish, left trails in bioluminescent algae at night, sailed next to whales, dodged sharks and faced tremendous thunder storms.

TCI in line for another $19m from EU

THE TURKS and Caicos Islands secured a further $19 million from the European Union Development Fund (EDF), just weeks after the Government signed a $15 million agreement with visiting EU Ambassador, Paola Amadei.

On December 19 Deputy Governor Anya Williams and Minister of Finance Washington Misick - who led a team to Brussels for the 12th Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) Forum - made the announcement at the Hilly Ewing Building in Providenciales.

Sloop capsizes, 17 dead

AT LEAST 17 people were killed when a Haitian sloop capsized on Christmas morning as police towed it to shore, officials confirmed.

The shocking incident happened at 5.17am close to South Dock in Providenciales as most residents slept or prepared to celebrate the day.

At about 3.21am the marine branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) intercepted the wooden boat overloaded with passengers from Haiti.

The vessel capsized as it was being towed towards the dock to offload the dozens of suspected illegal immigrants.

Man shot dead during robbery

HAITIAN Jocelin Odisse, 34, was shot and killed during a robbery at Altagracia’s Restaurant and Bar on Leeward Highway on New Year’s Eve. Police said the incident happened at about 4.25am on Tuesday, December 31, 2013.

Odisse’s girlfriend said that she heard four gun shots, but at the hospital the doctors found a single bullet wound on the right side of his chest and one at the bottom of his stomach.

January 4 - 10, 2014

World News

29

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Cameron backs ‘life means life’ sentences for murderers

Ariel Sharon has been in a coma for several years.

Israel ex-PM Ariel Sharon ‘critically ill’

THE condition of Israel’s former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon - who has been in a coma since 2006 - is now critical, “with some danger to life”, his doctors have said.

Mr Sharon, 85, is suffering from a malfunction of several organs including the kidneys, they said.

He became prime minister in 2001 and suffered a mild stroke in 2005.

After a second, major stroke in 2006, he went into a coma and has been in a persistent vegetative state ever since.

Giving the first official medical statement on the current situation, Professor Zeev Rotstein of Tel Hashomer hospital, said: “I am no prophet, but the feeling of his doctors and his sons... is that there has been a change for the worse.

“We are defining his condition as

critical, and there is definitely a threat to his life. The feeling of everyone... is that this decline is very serious.”

Mr Sharon’s family is at his bedside.

One of his sons, Omri, told the Jerusalem Post: “We have hope, we always have hope.”

Having fought in four Israeli wars since the state’s founding in 1948, Mr Sharon is admired by many Israelis as a great military leader, but is reviled by Palestinians.

In both the 1967 and 1973 wars, Mr Sharon led divisions that played a key role in Israeli successes.

While serving as defence minister in 1982, he masterminded Israel’s invasion of Lebanon in the wake of shelling of Israel by the Palestine Liberation Organisation which was based there.

CAR conflict: UNICEF says children ‘beheaded’ in Bangui AT LEAST two children have been beheaded in the Central African Republic’s capital as violence sinks to a “vicious new low”, the UN has said.

About 16 children had been killed in Bangui since 5 December and an increasing number of them are being recruited into armed groups, it added.

The violence has mostly pitted Christian and Muslim militias against each other.

The UN said children were being directly targeted in revenge attacks.

The CAR is ruled by Muslim ex-rebel leader Michel Djotodia, who seized power in March forcing then-President Francois Bozize, who came from the majority Christian population, to flee into exile.

About 1,000 people have been killed in tit-for-tat clashes in Bangui in December and about 370,000 people, nearly half the city’s population, have been displaced, aid agencies say.

There were “unprecedented levels” of violence against

children, the UN children’s agency, Unicef, said in a statement.

One of the children who had been beheaded had also been mutilated, while another 60 had been injured in fighting since 5 December, it said.

“More and more children are being recruited into armed groups, and they are also being directly targeted in atrocious revenge attacks,” said Souleymane Diabate, Unicef’s CAR representative.

“Targeted attacks against children are a violation of international humanitarian and human rights law and must stop immediately. Concrete action is needed now to prevent violence against children.”

Last month, the UN said the number of child soldiers in CAR had more than doubled to 6,000 as fighting escalated.

Many Muslim fighters belong to the former rebel group, Seleka, and Christians to militias called “anti-balaka”, named after the local Sango language word for machete.

DAVID Cameron has said “life should mean life” as the government considers US-style 100-year prison sentences for murderers and serious offenders.

The UK’s prime minister’s comments come as the Conservatives consider alternatives to “whole-life” sentences.

The government is considering the plan after a European court ruled in 2013 that such sentences breached the European Convention on Human Rights.

The 100-year terms would allow sentence reviews, satisfying the court.

‘Restore respectability’ The proposed change in sentencing regulations comes as Conservative ministers prepare to publish reforms to the UK’s human rights laws.

They want Britain’s Supreme Court to have the final say in cases relating to human rights, rather than the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg.

The ECHR ruled in July that whole-life sentences - allowed under English law - breached the European Convention on Human Rights because they did not include the possibility of a “right to review”.

The government was given six months to respond to the decision, which Mr Cameron has said he “profoundly disagreed” with.

He told the BBC on Thursday:

Cameron is considering US-style 100-year prison sentences for murderers and other serious offenders.

“There are some people who commit such dreadful crimes that they should be sent to prison.

“Life should mean life and whatever the European Court has said we must put in place arrangements to make sure that can continue.”

One option now being considered by the government is a plan to allow judges to impose jail terms of hundreds of years, which would potentially allow offenders to have their sentences reviewed and reduced.

Policing minister Damian Green, who leads the committee responsible for drawing up reforms to limit the influence of the Strasbourg court on British life, told The Daily Telegraph: “British laws must be

made in Britain. I want to restore the respectability of human rights.”

The Prison Reform Trust’s Juliet Lyon said the government was trying to “dodge complying with the Human Rights Act”.

“It sounds like a dangerous nonsense,” she said. “What it risks is further inflation in sentencing.

People serving life sentences are serving three years longer than they did 10 years ago.”

Human rights barrister Geoffrey Robertson QC said that sentencing people to hundreds of years of imprisonment was a “cruel and unusual punishment”, and was contrary to the English Bill of Rights of 1689.

Pope Francis nearly triples Vatican City crowds in 2013 POPE Francis drew more than 6.6 million people to his audiences, Masses and other events in Vatican City during his first year in office, figures show.

The statistics cover the period from the Argentinean’s election in March to the end of 2013, the Vatican said.

His predecessor, Pope Benedict XIV, attracted just 2.3 million people for the whole of 2012.

Pope Francis, named Person of the Year by Time magazine, is the Roman Catholic Church’s first Latin American leader.

He is also the first Jesuit at the helm of the Church.

The Vatican said the new figures were based on the number of tickets issued for papal events, as well as on estimates of crowds attending his weekly appearances at St Peter’s Square.

The data was released a day after the pontiff gave his first New Year blessing, calling for the world to unite against violence as a “community of brothers”.

Addressing pilgrims in St Peter’s Square, Pope Francis departed from his prepared text to vent frustration at the level of conflict in the world.

“What is happening in the heart of

Pope Francis has developed a reputation for simplicity and humility.

man?” he asked. “It’s time to stop.”

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the former Archbishop of Buenos Aires named himself Francis after a 12thCentury Italian saint who turned his back on an aristocratic lifestyle to work with the poor.

He has eschewed some of the more regal trappings of high office, made headlines by washing the feet of prisoners, and called for power to be devolved away from the Vatican.

He has also adopted a markedly

less formal tone than previous popes, underlining his reputation for simplicity and humility.

Earlier this year, the pontiff raised eyebrows among conservative fractions when he said the Catholic Church was too focused on preaching about abortion, gay people and contraception, and needed to become more merciful.

He is expected to announce some major reforms in Church organisation for 2014. (BBC)

30

Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Blue Whale Tours and Excursions Seeking Full Time

January 4 - 10, 2014

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

MARTIN GRAY Is looking for a

Sales/Marketing Manager $7.00 per hour

FOR RENT

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

contact: 946-4664

Qualifications/Responsibilities:

• College degree in management • 10+ years’ experience in operations of small business • Extensive knowledge of Quick Books Accounting System • Fluent English • Ability to work long/flexible hours • Superb customer service skills • Knowledge of marketing • Familiar with tourism Qualified Candidates Need Only Apply

Forward Resume To: info@bluewhaleexcursions.com

FOR SALE

domestic worker To work 5 days per week. Salary $125.00 per week.

contact: 243-3993

9908

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

January 4 - 10, 2014

CLASSIFIEDS 31

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

The Turks and Caicos Softball Federation requires the following:

JASON FRANCIS Is looking for a

Pelican Bay Restaurant and Bar

translator Fluent in Spanish and English both verbally and written. Must be flexible as needed days, evenings weekends and holidays.

Salary negotiable. Please fax resume to 941 7626

is situated on Grace Bay Beach at the Luxury All-Suite Royal West Indies Resort.

Pelican Bay delights guests with exceptional all-day dining; an outstanding variety dinner menu; and the most delectable breakfast and Sunday Brunch

Labourer

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 343-0577

9593

PROVO AUTO SUPPLY LTD. Is currently looking to employ a

Labourer Who will be responsible for the daily maintenance of the building, stocking of shelves and any other duty that may be assigned to you This individual must possess the following: • Adequate tools to perform his duties • Must be able to work with little or no supervision • Must be computer literate • Must be able to work weekends • Must possess a valid driver’s license

LOOKING FOR 1

MECHANIC TECHNICIAN • Must have a valid driver license from A-H • Must be able to work holiday and weekends • Must be able to understand computer systems, programs and diagrams Pay set @ $12.00 per hour

Applicants must call 649 241-4156 Monday to Saturday 7.45 to 5pm

DANIEL WILLIAMS Is looking for a

labourer To work on a farm must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 243-1018

Line/Cook @@ Must have 10 years Culinary Experience @@ Knowledge of food costing and controls, monthly inventory, @@ Knowledge of food hygiene and safety, menu planning, managing and scheduling staff, @@ Prep food for Breakfast/lunch /dinner @@ Ability to understand menus follow recipes, basic sauces/ butchery. High level of food hygiene is required. Must be willing to scrub, clean, mop, floors walls and equipment

For more information on job descriptions, please contact info@pelicanbaytci.com or 231-1689.

Please call for an appointment, bring along your resume and resident status

GRIFFITHS & PARTNERS

Please submit all application between the hours of 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday BAYVIEW MOTORS LTD., P.O. BOX 619, LEEWARD HIGHWAY, PROVIDENCIALES

Position Available

9896

DELANNO CLARKE Is looking for a

PARALEGAL

Griffiths & Partners is looking for a law graduate to work as a Paralegal Assistant for a 12 month period.

Responsibilities:

LIVE-IN NANNY

Salary $5.50 per hour.

contact: 231-7080

9892

DBELLE BEAUTY FASHION SALON NAIL CENTER Is looking for a

• Assisting attorneys in legal research in a variety of work including judicial review and commercial litigation.

• Assisting in the drafting of pleadings, statements and other documents for Court cases.

• Obtaining, compiling and analyzing records for discovery including incoming discovery documents.

• Pre-trial preparation and other trial management assistance.

Job Qualifications:

• Candidates should have a law degree in LLB or "post-graduate" legal qualification of First or Upper Second Class from a leading University including qualification in commercial and company law.

• Computer proficiency with office software including MS Office.

Job Experience:

• Experience as a Paralegal including complex commercial litigation.

• Experience of operation, practices and procedures of a law office engaged in civil and commercial litigation.

• Experience of court and tribunal filing procedures.

• Demonstrated ability to manage a large workload including completing multiple tasks to deadlines.

• Must be proactive and able to work both independently and with a professional team. Closing date for application: 17 January 2014 Apply with Curriculum Vitae to:

nail technician

To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour. contact: 345-8282 9898

Griffiths & Partners P.O. Box 143 Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Email: recruitment@griffithsandpartneres.com Fax: 649-941-8251

32 CLASSIFIEDS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

SENIOR HEAVY GENERATION MECHANIC

January 4 - 10, 2014

DIRECTOR OF ENERGY PRODUCTION

OBJECTIVES & PURPOSE OF THE JOB • Responsible for carrying out effective preventative and corrective repairs to plant mechanical equipment and other company assets in a manner consistent with equipment manufacturer’s specification and standard mechanical tradesman practices and as directed by the Mechanical Supervisor and/or Maintenance Manager.

MAIN DUTIES/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: • Conduct competent and effective preventative and corrective maintenance on all generating prime movers units owned and operated by FortisTCI in a cost effective manner consistent with manufacturer’s operating and maintenance guidelines in a manner that ensures the highest reliability and fuel efficiency from these units.

• Maintain, repair and install engines and auxiliary equipment in the diesel generating stations in a manner consistent with manufacturer’s specifications to ensure continual reliable operation.

• To be highly knowledgeable of and competent in the spares parts required by the generation units and supporting mechanical systems at the power plants owned and operated by FortisTCI and to identify and recommend to the management staff of Energy Production & Project Management the spares parts that are needed for maintenance.

• Effectively and competently diagnose mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic problems related to the effective operations of generation plant equipment.

• Display a profound knowledge of underlying theoretic and operating principle of all mechanical equipment used in diesel fired operation and to utilize this knowledge in developing the Technical competence and capacity of assigned junior maintenance personnel.

• Prepare comprehensive job reports and failure analysis report.

• Competently use proper tooling during equipment repair and safeguard and maintain tools and other mechanical repair equipment.

• Operate shop tools as needed to fabricate, repair, weld, solder, cut, drill, etc.

• Maintain records and reports as required (including inventory of necessary parts).

• Make recommendations (supported by data) to management staff in Energy Production & Project Management of new techniques, tooling and processes to improve maintenance activities and increase overall plant efficiency.

• Be available to respond to emergencies at all times outside of regular working hours, as may be required by plant contingency.

OBJECTIVES & PURPOSE OF THE JOB

• To provide a high quality of management expertise in the areas of plant operations, diesel mechanical maintenance and upkeep, fuel supply and operations, and electrical and substation maintenance.

• To understand the corporate vision and successfully gain support for and implementation of that vision.

MAIN DUTIES/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: To provide strategic and managerial leadership to the Company’s Generating Plants and Substations under the General Direction of the Vice President Energy Production & Project Management. The duties include but are not restricted to the following: • Responsible to see that the generation of electricity is performed in a safe efficient and effective manner on a day to day basis.

• Responsible for the timely development and implementation of effective maintenance and reporting programs at the generating plants.

• Responsible for the day to day coordination of fuel deliveries to the plant to ensure that there is adequate fuel supply at all times.

• Responsible for the preparation and control of annual budgets as they pertain to the day to day operation of the plant.

• Responsible for the preparation and control of annual budgets as they pertain to the day to day operation of the plant.

• Responsible to see that the Generation Plant is prepared to deal with hurricane season and to develop and implement a plan for recovery of the plant after a hurricane.

• Responsible to see that two way communications are maintained with plant employees through regular minute meetings.

• Be familiar with all Company policies and procedures (including those established by past practice) relating to the position and to observe and enforce compliance with these policies and procedures.

• Responsible to see that statistical records required by the company are kept as well as develop and maintain reports that will keep senior management updated with activities at the plant.

• Responsible for the development of electrical maintenance procedures that maximize efficiency and reduce cost.

• Responsible for planning and scheduling of electrical maintenance.

• Responsible for ensuring that the Company’s health, safety, and environmental standards are maintained as they relate to generation production, substation and electrical maintenance, and fuel and lube handling.

• Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: • Successful completion of a 5 year high school program with focus on the Sciences and a two (2) year post-secondary program, preferably in mechanical engineering trades.

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in operations, installation and maintenance of rotating machinery in a power plant operations setting.

• A high degree of familiarity and competence in diesel engine theory and operations, trouble shooting of mechanical and rotary equipment, and mechanical repair tooling.

• Above average analytical skills in math and principles of diesel engine machines • Excellence in interpretation of engineering drawings and manuals.

• Professional competency in written and oral communication skills in English.

• Experience in installation, maintenance, and repairs of large generation units.

• O.A.C.E.T.T. membership or its equivalent.

• Must display a high competency in the use of computers and standard engineering and office computing software programs utilized in maintenance activities, reporting and record keeping.

• Excellent team player and team building skills • Excellent written and oral communication skills • Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure • Goal-oriented • Self- motivated • Team player

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS • Degree in (Electrical or Mechanical) Engineering – Power option (4 year program), or an accredited equivalent.

• This position requires 10 to 15 years’ experience with diesel generation.

• Some mid-level management experience is required (or equivalent).

• The Language of work will be English. The ability to write comprehensive reports as well as the ability to make verbal presentations in English is required.

• Computer literacy is required (familiarity with Excel, Word).

CORE COMPETENCY/SKILLS: • Must be able to carry out the physical work of the classification.

• Ability to function effectively under emergency situations, think clearly and effectively, deliver within deadlines and to work under pressure.

• Self-motivated, solution oriented and positive in outlook.

• Team player COMPENSATION Based on qualifications and ability

COMPENSATION Based on qualifications and ability

Deadline for submission of applications is January 15th, 2014.

Deadline for submission of applications is January 15th, 2014.

Kindly submit a completed FortisTCI application form along with a resumé and cover letter to:

Kindly submit a completed FortisTCI application form along with a resumé and cover letter to:

Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@ppcltd.tc

Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@ppcltd.tc 9909

9911

January 4 - 10, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PLANT DIESEL MECHANIC Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of PLANT DIESEL MECHANIC with FortisTCI, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands.

OBJECTIVES & PURPOSE OF THE JOB

MAIN DUTIES/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

MAIN DUTIES/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct competent and effective preventative and corrective maintenance on all generating prime movers units owned and operated by FortisTCI in a cost effective manner consistent with manufacturer’s operating and maintenance guidelines in a manner that ensures the highest reliability and fuel efficiency from these units.

• Maintain, repair and install engines and auxiliary equipment in the diesel generating stations in a manner consistent with manufacturer’s specifications to ensure continual reliable operation.

• To be highly knowledgeable of and competent in the spares parts required by the generation units and supporting mechanical systems at the power plants owned and operated by FortisTCI and to identify and recommend to the management staff of Energy Production & Project Management Division, the spares parts that are needed for maintenance.

• Effectively and competently diagnose mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic problems related to the effective operations of generation plant equipment.

• Display a profound knowledge of underlying theoretic and operating principle of all mechanical equipment used in diesel fired operation and to utilize this knowledge in developing the Technical competence and capacity of assigned junior maintenance personnel.

• Prepare comprehensive job reports and failure analysis report.

• Competently use proper tooling during equipment repair and safeguard and maintain tools and other mechanical repair equipment.

• Operate shop tools as needed to fabricate, repair, weld, solder, cut, drill, etc.

• Maintain records and reports as required (including inventory of necessary parts).

• Make recommendations (supported by data) to management staff in Energy Production & Project Management Division of new techniques, tooling and processes to improve maintenance activities and increase overall plant efficiency.

• Be available to respond to emergencies at all times outside of regular working hours, as may be required by plant contingency.

• Ensure that all work undertaken falls under the Company’s established safety and environmental policies and guidelines and are adhered to consistently.

• To provide detailed supervision of contractors involved in the construction and installation of large generation assets as determined by and normally under the general direction of the Vice President of Energy Production & Project Management.

• Responsible to see that all construction of civil, mechanical and electrical assets at the plant site is completed in a safe, efficient and effective manner.

• Responsible to see that projects are brought in on budget and on time.

• Responsible to see that the plant site is secure at all times. This includes seeing that the plant and yard is prepared to deal with hurricane season and to develop and implement a plan for recovery of the plant site after a hurricane.

• Responsible to see that in all situations all construction activity is performed consistent with best practice concerning safety, environment, quality, budgetary control and reporting standards.

• Be familiar with all Company Policies and procedures (including those established by past practice) relating to the position and to observe and enforce compliance with these policies and procedures.

• Responsible to see that statistical records required by the company are kept with respect to building projects and building maintenance as well as develop and maintain reports that will keep senior management updated with the progress of construction projects at the plant.

• Operate Company vehicles as required.

• Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

ACADEMIC/WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Diploma in (Electrical, Civil or Mechanical) Technology (3 year program), or equivalent.

• Extensive experience in Power Plant operation and construction.

• This position requires 20 to 25 years’ experience in the construction management field.

• Mid-level management experience is required (minimum 10 years

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS • Successful completion of a 5 year high school program with focus on the Sciences and a two (2) year post-secondary program, preferably in mechanical engineering trades.

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience as lead mechanic in installation and corrective and preventative maintenance of rotating machinery in a power plant operations setting including major overhaul of generating units.

• Work experience as a mechanic in 3600 series and 3500 series caterpillar units up to 4.4MW range and in Wartsila 20V32 similar type generating units.

• A high degree of familiarity and competence in diesel engine theory and operations, trouble shooting of mechanical and rotary equipment, and mechanical repair tooling.

• Above average analytical skills in math and principles of diesel engine machines • Excellence in interpretation of engineering drawings and manuals must be demonstrated.

• Professional competency in written and oral communication skills in English.

• O.A.C.E.T.T. membership or its equivalent.

• Must display competency in the use of computers and standard engineering and office computing software programs utilized in maintenance activities, reporting and record keeping.

CORE COMPETENCY SKILLS:

• The Language of work will be English. The ability to write comprehensive reports as well as the ability to make verbal presentations in English is required.

• Computer literacy is required (familiarity with Excel, Word, MS Project.)

• Must to able to carry out the physical work of the classification.

Compensation

Based on qualifications and ability Deadline for submission of applications is January 15th, 2014.

Kindly submit a completed FortisTCI application form along with a resumé and cover letter to:

ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@ppcltd.tc

Excellent team player and team building skills Excellent written and oral communication skills Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure Goal-oriented Self- motivated Team player

9910

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

COMPENSATION

Based on qualifications and ability Deadline for submission of applications is January 15th, 2014.

Kindly submit a completed FortisTCI application form along with a resumé and cover letter to: Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@ppcltd.tc

SPECIAL PROJECTS CONSULTANT OBJECTIVES & PURPOSE OF THE JOB • Responsible for the efficient, effective and safe construction and installation of production assets of FortisTCI. • To understand the corporate vision and successfully gain support for the implementation of that vision.

Responsible for carrying out effective preventative and corrective repairs to plant mechanical equipment and other company assets in a manner consistent with equipment manufacturer’s specification and standard mechanical tradesman practices and as directed by the Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor.

• • • • • •

CLASSIFIEDS 33

9913

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

34 CLASSIFIEDS

GOVERNMENT VACANCY ICL CONTRACT MANAGER MINISTRY: Health and Human Services LOCATION: Grand Turk.

JOB SUMMARY:

The incumbent in this position is required to monitor and coordinate the implementation of all obligations under the hospital project/contract agreement. This post holder is required to function as the Secretariat for the Contract Management Team (CMT), provide impartial, accurate and timely advice to the Permanent Secretary on the status of the hospital contract; develop a methodology for the preparation and delivery of the Value / Market testing exercise.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages all Project Management processes that are critical for the timely attainment of deliverables by Inter Health Canada (ICL) and the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG).

• Develops on- island clinical solutions to meet local demands where cost-effective solutions are viable.

• Develops medical tourism to support the on-going investment in the TCI hospital Programme.

• Ensures the maximum use of human, financial and technical resources for the successful completion of the contract.

• Oversees the delivery of timely performance and financial information flows between ICL and TCIG which include updates to databases.

• Provides logistical support for any activities between ICL and TCIG. • Manages the accounting processes, disbursement of finances and the procurement incurred under the project/contract and for the Ministry.

• Monitors, verifies and informs the Contract Management Board of any discrepancies or anomalies that are found in the day-to-day management of the contract.

• Convenes and chairs meetings of the Contract Management Team and implements decisions of the team.

• Receives and disseminates Monthly Reports, Change Requests and Statistical data.

• In respect of non-clinical performance, institutes inspections, investigations and issuing performance failures or unavailability of events and resultant deductions.

• In respect of clinical procedures, establishes a Service Review Board that would conduct service reviews.

• Supervises staff assigned to the Project.

• Receives and disseminates Monthly Reports, Change Requests and Statistical data.

• In respect of non-clinical performance, institutes inspections, investigations and issuing performance failures or unavailability of events and resultant deductions.

• In respect of clinical procedures, establishes a Service Review Board that would conduct service reviews.

• Supervises staff assigned to the Project.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: • • • •

January 4 - 10, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

A Master’s Degree in Financial Management or related field.

Strong Project Management experience would be desirable.

Familiarity with Contract Law as well as databases would be an asset.

Seven (7) years experience in a senior position in overseeing and coordinating major programmes/projects.

COMPENSATION:

• Basic Salary: $68,800.00 per annum • Housing Allowance: $7,380.00 - $9,000.00 per annum (Subject to marital status and island where posted) • Transportation Allowance: $1,680 per annum (If personal vehicle is used in the execution of duties) • Island Allowance: $2,400.00 per annum (Subject to island where posted) • Telephone Allowance: $ 1,200 per annum

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by a Cover Letter, two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer), copies of educational certificates, a Police Certificate and a copy of the Passport photo page. Applications should be addressed to the Office of the Human Resource Directorate, Church Folly, Grand Turk. Facsimile: 946-1582 or sent by email to: recruitment@gov.tc with the subject line ICL Contract Manager. Applications sent by post or brought by hand should have the subject: ICL Contract Manager Application clearly marked on the envelopes.

Successful applicants will work in accordance with the Public Service Ordinance.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 20th December, 2013

Sale by private treaty Meridian Mortgage Corporation Ltd as chargee, pursuant to the Registered Land Ordinance, hereby gives notice that it will cause to be sold the property listed below by private treaty.

The Title No. 50500/96, Whitby, North Caicos comprising 5.0 acres of beachfront land with partially constructed foundation, 2 lots west of St. Charles resort on Whitby Beach, North Caicos. The subject property enjoys approximately 288 linear foot of beachfront.

Suitable for luxury home or commercial development.

Title – Absolute Proprietor – Prickly Pear Investment Company Ltd. – Clarence Wesley Selver Approximate Area – 5.0 acres Attractable financing available to qualified purchasers!

For additional information: Kindly contact Meridian Trust Company Ltd. at (649) 941-3082.

Meridian Trust Company Ltd. P.O. Box 599, Level 2, Le Vele Plaza, Grace Bay, Providenciales 9552

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys

PUBLIC NOTICE DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys are pleased to announce the re-opening of our Leeward Highway Office for ongoing legal services to the public. We are located in our own building across the street from the Supreme Court complex, next door to the offices of TC Weekly News and between that and the St. Monica's Anglican Church.

We specialize in: • Civil Litigation (Particular competencies: Judicial Review and other claims against TCI Government/Departments, Mareva and other Injunctions, Land, Trust & Bank disputes) • Property Matters, Planning Department & Development Issues • Business Law • Immigration • Labour Disputes Telephone: (649) 941-4444 Telefax: (649) 941-4235 Cellphone: (649) 245-1314 email: berynd@yahoo.com DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys

PO Box 52, Cheshire House East 1315A Leeward Highway, Providenciales

January 4 - 10, 2014

CLASSIFIEDS 35

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

A & G ELECTRICAL Is looking for a

BARBARA VIRGIL Is looking for a

electrician DOMESTIC WORKER to work 6 days per week salary $8.00 per hour.

contact: 231-4619 9544

To work 5 days per week and on weekends if necessary. Salary $250.00 per week

Please call 231-2972 9557

Is looking for a

Labourer FOR RENT 9537

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

contact: 946-4664

FLOWER GIRL Is looking for a Part-time

delivery driver With own transportation who is interested in making extra cash.

Contact: 231-3788

AGNES SWANN Is looking for a

laboUrer

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 246-4769 9581

HEALTH REGULATORY AGENCY DIRECTOR

MINISTRY: Health and Human Services. LOCATION: Providenciales.

JOB SUMMARY:

The incumbent in this position will be responsible to ensure that all health facilities in the Turks and Caicos Islands are registered. The successful candidate will also provide and maintain a high standard of service as determined by or under the Health Regulatory Authority Ordinance or a similar Ordinance seeking to regulate the provision of health services in the Islands.

AGNES SWANN

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 246-4769

GOVERNMENT VACANCY

Bonefishing Guide Wanted Fishing the flats of North Caicos. Must have own transport and hold or be willing to acquire necessary certification(s), permits and licenses.

Compensation according to experience. Willing to train the right candidate.

Belonger preferred.

Contact: 232 4141 Email: greatbonefishing@ gmail.com 9581

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops policies and standards for the provision of health services • Reviews Inspection and evaluation reports of Health Facilities submitted by the Health Compliance Officer or other designated person • Reviews adverse outcome reports submitted by the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB), hospitals, clinics or directly by the general public or via the Health Professions Boards • Oversees and ensures that the financial affairs of the HRA are well managed and audited in accordance with the law related to public financial management and procurement • Appropriates regular reporting to the Ministry of Health and the public on the performance of the functions of the HRA • Prepares an annual operating and revenue budget for the HRA • Prepares an HRA annual report for the submission to the Ministry of Health • Develops appropriately robust standard operating procedures for the conduct of the business of the HRA • Develops policies for improving health services delivery in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Health Advisory Council • Monitor s changes in standards of health care services delivery nationally, regionally and internationally • In collaboration with the Director of Health Services make recommendations for changes in health standards, policies or guidelines by preparing policy briefs for presentation to the Ministry of Health • Reviews and deliberates on health facilities license applications in conjunction with the Chairs of the Health Professions Boards and other relevant government technical officers • Conducts inspection of health facilities physical plant and administrative and clinical services policies, procedures and standards in collaboration with relevant government and non-government technical officers.

• Issues health facility licenses in accordance with the regulations governing the establishment of health facilities in public and private sectors • Reviews and monitors the performance of the

• • • • •

•

•

Interhealth Canada contracted hospitals key performance indicators (KPI) and prepare regular reports for the Ministry of Health Contract Management Team.

Reviews of adverse health outcome statistics in collaboration with the Director of Health Services and the Chief of Epidemiology and Research.

Makes recommendations for the investigation of adverse health outcome in all health facilities.

Reviews statistics on medical referral overseas in collaboration with the NHIB. Prepare detailed complaint investigation reports for submission to all relevant agencies or bodies.

Investigate breaches in patients confidential information and make recommendations for assessment of professional conduct where appropriate and rectification of weaknesses in health information management.

Investigate to conduct of human subject research not approved by the Adhoc Ethics Committee and make recommendations for penalties under the HRA regulations.

Attend meetings, workshops and conferences on behalf of the HRA and for personal professional development.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of 5 years experience in managing health facilities; • Physician with at least 5 years experience in the field of general medicine; • Master’s Degree in Public Health • Certificate in Health Policy and Management;

COMPENSATION: • Basic Salary: allowances

$44,400.00 per annum

plus

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by a Cover Letter, two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer), copies of educational certificates, a Police Certificate and a copy of the Passport photo page. Applications should be addressed to the Office of the Human Resource Directorate, Church Folly, Grand Turk.

Facsimile: 946-1582 or sent by email to: recruitment@ gov.tc with the subject line Health Regulatory Agency Director. Applications sent by post or brought by hand should have the subject: Health Regulatory Agency Director Application clearly marked on the envelopes.

Successful applicants will work in accordance with the Public Service Ordinance.

Current serving officers must apply through their heads of department.

Qualified belongers will be given first consideration.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 20th December, 2013

36 CLASSIFIEDS

January 4 - 10, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

REPAIR IT 4 U is looking for a

Computer Tech

To work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour contact: 342-4656

Graceway Trading Ltd is a seeking suitably qualified applicant to fill the following positions:

CAICOS PETROLEUM

SOLID CONSTRUCTION

Financial Accounting Manager

Is looking for a

Construction Manager

Job Requirements & Responsibilities:

Must have experience in running a construction company. Must work 6 days per week. Salary based on experience

• ACA/ACMA/ACCA/CPA professionally qualified with a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in a financial analysis/financial reporting position.

• Responsible for managing all transactional accounting processes within the Financial Accounting team, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, weekly payroll, cashing-up and sales.

• Managing a team of four bookkeepers, ensuring that job responsibilities are being performed in a complete and timely manner as well as employee performance reviews being undertaken on a regular basis.

• Responsible for reviewing, correcting and posting all journal entries to the general ledger prepared by members of the Financial Accounting team.

• Detailed review and reconciliation of general ledger accounts on a daily basis to ensure accuracy of accounting records.

• Comprehensive knowledge of general ledger accounting and the function of financial accounting systems is essential.

• Implementing and improving accounting processes and procedures to improve team efficiency and drive profitability of the business.

• Weekly reporting of KPIs to senior management and stakeholders.

• Ad-hoc finance related projects as required.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills essential.

• Attention to detail and flexibility to manage multiple tasks.

• Knowledge of SAGE accounting software beneficial.

Send resumes to P.O. Box 627

9517

Is looking for a

pump attendant 9519

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 231-6717

9545

JOB OPPORTUNITY DIRECTOR OF ENGINERING

Finance Analyst

Desired skills and experience:• Advanced degree in Engineering highly desired • Experience in the facilities management of related type properties – 10 years experience in engineering/maintenance highly desired • Proven track record in managing an efficient work force focusing on preventative maintenance of the asset's public areas, guestrooms, and physical plant.

• Experience in organizing, implementing, and maintaining a preventative maintenance tracking system and work order system.

• Experience in coordinating and managing hospitality capital improvement projects, i.e. public areas and guestrooms renovations, FF&E repair and reupholstering, FF&E procurement, site and building maintenance and upgrades.

• Familiar with regulatory compliance issues related but not limited to public access, Parking Control, Habitat Restoration Area monitoring and compliance, • Water Quality Management and Maintenance Plans, Shoreline Protection and related enforcement.

• Experience with negotiations related to code compliance and contract engagement.

• Proven command of the English language, both oral and written.

• Proven ability to take charge and work with minimum supervision.

• Enjoys challenges and situations where solutions are not obvious.

• Able to make decisions in a high stress environment.

• Strong PC skills with an emphasis on Excel and industry R&M systems (online work order systems, etc.). § Ability to implement inventory practices and procedures

Job Requirement & Responsibilities: • ACA/ACMA/CMA/CPA qualified with a minimum of 5 years post qualification experience in a financial analysis position • Management and development of pricing system and processes • Detailed gross margin analysis to identify and correct pricing anomalies • Support Pricing & Logistics Managers maintain the accuracy of company databases, recommend and implement controls to prevent database inaccuracies from occurring • Review and develop freight and duty allocation methodologies to ensure accurate cost allocation to individual products.

• Extensive experience of querying databases using computer programming languages (eg SQL) • Detailed knowledge and practical experience of accounting software (eg SAGE) • Advanced Excel skills essential including the use of pivot tables, VLookup functions and embedded logic formulas • Act as the link between Finance and IT, representing the Finance team at IT Steering Committee meetings • Ad-hoc analysis to support operational decision making, including new product and vendor assessment • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Attention to detail and flexibility to manage multiple tasks Salary for these positions will commensurate with qualifications and experience

Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Deadline for submission of applicants is January 10th 2014 Submit to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracwayiga.com

Qualified persons can contact:

Veronica CLARE Human Resources Manager , Grace Bay P: 1.649.946.5050 | veronica.clare@gracebayclub.com

Please Note: Only candidates meeting above required qualifications will be contacted Qualified belongers will be given first preference.

9563

January 4 - 10, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

DON FULFORD IS LOOKING FOR

EL RANCHO RESTAURANT & BAR Is looking for 4

LABOURER Barmaids TO WORK 6 DAYS A WEEK. SALARY $5.00 PER HOUR

CONTACT: 241-2050

9543

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 344-6532 9558

WARD’S CONSULTANCY Acting on behalf of our clients: E Y Contractor, Yoshi Sushi Bar is looking to fill the following positions:

• Seamstress • Dining Room Supervisor • Assistant Manager Salary $8.00 per hour based salary $500.00 per week. Must be willing to work 6 days per week.

Contact: 649-345-7512

9504

Amazing Value!

Lot for Sale

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

$49,999 o.b.o.

Call 231-3788

PRICE SLASHED $175,000

CLASSIFIEDS 37

PRICE SLASHED FOR QUICK SALE

$180,000 CASH! House and ½ Acre land Richmond Hill 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Fully furnished

Call: 231-3788 Global Tardif Elevator Services (Turks & Caicos)

POSITION AVAILABLE Global Tardif Elevator is seeking suitably qualified applicants to fill the position of:

(2) Two Elevator Technicians Daily task will include installation and maintenance of elevators.

Suitable person must have the following qualifications: • 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.

Salary: $20.00 per hour Closing date for applications is January 10th, 2014 Applications must be submitted to: Karen Simmons

Missick & Stanbrook Leeward Hwy, Providenciales Tel: 946-4732 * Fax: 946-4734 Email: Karen@misickstanbrook.tc

38 CLASSIFIEDS

January 4 - 10, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

SAILROCK DEVELOPMENT LIMITED is seeking qualified candidates for an immediate opening of

SEAVIEW LAUNDROMART & VARIETY STORE IS SEEKING FOR A

SENIOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGER To act as Owner’s representative during construction of infrastructure, hospitality and residential components of Sailrock Development. Job responsibilities include developing and monitoring project budgets and schedules, developing and implementing a quality assurance program and acting as Owners representative to all parties involved in the construction process including vendors, contractors, design professionals and government entities.

Applicant will have a minimum of 15 yrs experience in delivering Design-Build for commercial, historic restoration, retail, residential and hospitality's projects. Applicant will have a minimum of 15 yrs experience managing multi-discipline design teams as a Construction Project Manager both as a consultant and as a direct employee of the project Owner. Experience required in design, construction management as well as site and infrastructure development. Applicant will have a solid background in estimating, budgeting, bidding, contract management, scheduling, project planning and quality control. Applicant must be fluent in Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Schedule and Adobe Graphics Suite A degree in Architecture or Engineering or Civil Engineering Applicant must be willing to establish permanent residency on South Caicos for duration of employment.

In addition to the above qualifications, applicants must have strong verbal and written communication skills and be highly organized. Candidates must be able to work well independently and in a team environment, exhibit a positive attitude and an outgoing professional manner.

LAUNDERER TO WORK 5 DAYS PER WEEK. SALARY $5.00/ HOUR.

CONTACT: 242-0388

2579

CALASCO Is looking for a

J & W Construction Ltd. We are looking for a

Construction Project Manager To manage the “contract to construction” phase. You must have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, bilingual, be able to negotiate, work independently, make sound decisions, lead and influence others, as well as meet deadlines and manage conflict. You will: • Oversee and execute multiple construction projects, contractors, and subcontractors simultaneously.

• Create construction schedule and budget, and ensure budget, project specs, deadlines, material deliveries, and quality assurance are met.

• Provide leadership, training, and accountability for construction staff and ensure a safe working environment is maintained at all times.

• Inspect and examine construction site and field conditions to identify problems, potential problems and as well as identify cost saving measures. Keep all parties informed on issues that could affect the project and propose possible solutions.

• Facilitate conference calls with management, vendors, and others as needed.

• Review, verify and red-line construction blueprints prior to approval and construction.

• Review documents for accuracy and ensure compliance with all governmental and MEP standards.

• Negotiate change orders, ensure proper documentation is in place, and appropriate people are informed of the change.

• Manage and maintain control log, contract documents, drawings, change orders, status reports, etc.

• Provide consistent and detailed communication, both written and verbal, with management and staff, contractors, engineers, consultants, and government officials.

• Continuously evaluate project status to ensure contract agreement is met, identify and facilitate what extra resources are needed to keep project on course.

• Work with others to resolve conflict and construction project related issues.

• Identify and communicate workplace hazards and take corrective action as needed.

• Travel 50-75% domestic travel and on-call 24/7.

Basic Qualifications • Minimum 20 years experience as a construction project manager, preferably working on million dollar projects to include: • Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously • Experience reading blueprints, understanding detailed constructions plans, and bring projects together • Experience with county, building codes and regulations Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Professional Project Manager (PMP) preferred.

• CAD and MS Project software experience preferred.

Only qualified T.C.I should submit resume and work portfolio to: Dave Parlee - daveparlee@tciway.tc

LABOURERS, ELECTRICIAN Must be willing to work 6 days a week. Salary starts at $5.00 per hour.

Providenciales Telephone: 231 - 4519 Email: daveparlee@tciway.tc

PIZZA PIZZA RESTAURANT MANAGERWANTED URGENTLY

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience.

Qualified candidates should email a CV to tweldon@southcaicos.com on or before January 9, 2014. Inquires will receive a response within 48 hours.

J & W CONSTRUCTION LTD

mechanic To work 5 days per week salary. $8.00 per hour.

contact: 231-1489

Summary of duties and responsibilities: Oversee daily restaurant operation from sourcing supplier and supplies, sauce prep, dough mixing, oven control, sales, compliance of governmental rules and regulation and to interface external forces on behalf of the management Technical and professional qualification: Well versed in bank transactions, controls, variance analysis, till, A/R, AP & CC reconciliations and P&L preparation, degree in accounting or finance combined with baking and pastry, ability to read, interpret safety and maintenance manuals or dissemination of staff, PC literacy (MS Office, QuickBooks, Cost Guard, POS) is mandatory Experience minimum of 3 years experience in pizza restaurant operation or flour industry in supervisory capacity, willing to be assigned grave yard time Salary negotiable based on qualifications

Send CV’s to P.O. Box 1053 or contact: 649-339-7331 or 649-941-7331 no later than December 27th, 2013

Graceway IGA Supermarket / Kwatcha Holdings are seeking suitable qualified applicants to fill the listed positions:-

Wholesale Food & Sales Manager Job Requirements & Responsibilities: • Responsible for overall management of product distribution and revenue of sales • Oversee the day to day management of wholesale department personnel to maximize sale productivity • Oversees and manages the Supermarket Food Services wholesale accounts • At least five (5) years Sales or Marketing experience.

• Five (5) years Chef Experience.

• Good knowledge of wholesale foods, liquor, wines and beers.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Competence in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Good negotiation and interpersonal skills.

• Must have a personal vehicle and a valid Driver’s License.

• Must have pervious managerial experienced working in a supermarket retail environment • Applicant will be required to work weekends and holidays Salary rate will commensurate with qualification and experience Deadline for submission of applicants is January 10th 2013 Submit to:

Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracewayiga.com All short list applicants will be contacted.

January 4 - 10, 2014

GLOBAL SERVICES LTD.

Acting on behalf of our client is looking for a

cook

NOTICE OF AUCTION SALES TCI BANK LIMITED (in Liquidation) as Chargee, pursuant to the Registered Land Ordinance HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that it will cause to be sold by public auction the scheduled properties at the Bank’s Board Room, F203 Regent Village, Providenciales at 11:00 a.m. on the 8th day of January, 2014.

To work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

SCHEDULE

contact: 331-1809

Title Number Section 60804/65 The Bight & Thomas Stubbs

BRUNO FINE ART

Art Specialist at the GTCC

Experience and knowledge in the art field with knowledge in Jewish and International Artist Strong skills in customer service and sales, bi-lingual a plus 649.345.2704, $10 per hour and schedule is every day a cruise ship is in port

JESSE EWING

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

MAX’S MINI MART

CASHIER

GORDON SUPPLY

SALES CLERK HOLE IN THE WALL

WAITRESS

SALARY MUST COMMENSURATE WITH QUALIFICATION RESUME CAN BE FAXED TO 941-3425 AND THE LABORER DEPARTMENT, PROVIDENCIALES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Island Providenciales

The parcel is developed land with an auditorium and an attached restaurant. It is approximately 1.38 acres and it is located in The Bight and Thomas Stubbs area of Providenciales.

The parcel is registered in the name of Hugh Marvin Handfield.

Title Number Section 60713/302/K4 Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill

Island Providenciales

The parcel is a condominium unit located in the Yacht Club and it is approximately 2015 square feet including the porch areas. It is located in the Turtle Cove area of Providenciales.

The unit has three (3) bedrooms, one of which can be lockout, three (3) bathrooms, storage room, kitchen, laundry room, dressing room and a covered balcony.

The parcel is registered in the name of Garin Bescoby.

Seeks the following:

contact: 649-245-4750

CLASSIFIEDS 39

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Section Blue Hills & Stamers Run

Island Providenciales

The parcel is developed land that is approximately 0.55 acres and it is located in Blue Hills, Providenciales. There is a triplex apartment development on the property in addition to a single story structure comprising living room, kitchen, two (2) bedrooms and one (1) bathroom. The building has a gross floor area of approximately 332 square feet.

The parcel is registered in the name of Movin Alexander Swann.

Title Number 60900/193

Section Leeward Going Through

Island Providenciales

The parcel is developed land that is approximately 0.49 acres and it is located in the Leeward area, in the established Government subdivision. The lot is a corner lot with approximately 284 linear feet along Hibiscus Lane and Palmwell Drive. The lot is regular in shape even in topography and covered in medium native vegetation.

The parcel is registered in the name of Michelle Stubbs.

Title Number 10405/162

Section East Suburbs

Island Grand Turk

The parcel is undeveloped land that is approximately 0.14 acres and it is located within a residential area of Grand Turk.

The parcel is registered in the name of Doreen Coalbrooke.

Title Number 60503/304

9582

Title Number 60503/305

Section Blue Hills & Stamers Run

Island Providenciales

The parcel is developed land that is approximately 0.55 acres and it is located in Blue Hills, Providenciales. The building consists of three (3) one-bedroom apartments each comprising covered balcony, kitchen, living, dining area, bedroom and bathroom. The building has a gross floor area of approximately 2,161 square feet plus a front covered balcony of approximately 425 square feet. Additionally, there is a two-bedroom detached house adjacent to the apartment complex.

The parcel is registered in the name of Melvin Swann.

Title Number 10302//69

Section` Central

Island Grand Turk

The parcel is developed land that is approximately 0.22 acres and it is located in Overback, Grand Turk. The parcel is located within a residential sub-division.

The building is an incomplete block work structure.

The parcel is registered in the name of Shawn Ingham.

Title Number 60003/75

Section North West & North Central

Island Providenciales

The parcel is developed land that is approximately 0.25 acres and it is located in the North West and North Central area of Providenciales. The parcel is located within a residential sub-division and it is accessed directly from Millennium Highway.

The building is a single storey residential dwelling with three (3) bedrooms, two (2) bathrooms, a kitchen and living/ dining area and has a gross floor area of approximately 1200 square feet.

The parcel is registered in the name of Arthur Wesley Hamilton Jr.

Full particulars may be secured from The Liquidator, TCI Bank Limited (in Liquidation), F203 Regent Village, Providenciales. Address all enquiries in writing to the Liquidator, TCI Bank Limited, F203 Regent Village, Providenciales for the attention of Mrs. Eunice Sands, Liquidator’s Agent. Mark the envelope “Auction Sales” or otherwise you can contact Mrs. Sands via email: e.sands@kikivarakis.com

40 CLASSIFIEDS

January 4 - 10, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

QUALIFIED BOAT CAPTAIN WANTED Successful candidate must have a minimum of (5) five years experience with current Boat Master’s license; must be able to speak French and English and have Scuba Diving qualifications; Knowledge of boat equipment and compressor maintenance.

Seven Stars Resort is seeking suitably qualified individuals to fill the positions outlined below. Ideal candidates must possess luxury resort experience, a professional demeanor, and a strong command of the English Language (oral and written). Relevant experience and a passion for hospitality is required. Salary is based on experience and qualifications.

Starting salary $500-$600.00 per week based on experience and qualifications.

Sommelier Lead Server

Application must be submitted no later than January 13th, 2014 to:

Marsha Blanche - Misick & Stanbrook Tel: 946-4732 Fax 946-4734 Email marsha@misickstanbrook.tc

Interested candidates should apply via e-mail to Seven Stars at hr@ sevenstarsgracebay.com for consideration.

Application deadline: December 26, 2013

The Meridian Club On Pine Cay

ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING ABOVE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED.

Turks & Caicos Islands British West Indies

Gardner/Utility Man at The Meridian Club on Pine Cay.

Olympic Construction Ltd. is seeking applications for a:

FINANCE MANAGER Reporting to the General Manager, the successful applicant will be responsible to ensure the integrity of the Balance Sheet and P&L figures, conducting variance analysis and reviewing all financial data for a group of companies.

Main Duties: • Budgeting, financial analysis and planning for the Group • Cash flow forecasting • Developing, improving and maintaining financial systems and control processes to ensure that the financial assets of the businesses are accurately recorded and protected • Providing financial advice and business support in line with key strategic decisions • Producing the monthly management accounts • Producing the year-end financial accounts • Liaising with and maintaining external relationships with appropriate contacts, e.g. insurance companies, bond underwriters and bankers • Team Management Qualifications and Experience: • Minimum a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy or equivalent • At least 10 years experience in an Accounts or Finance field of which 3 should be in a management capacity • Intermediate to Advance level Microsoft Excel skills • Strong communication skills, exceptional attention to detail and quite process orientated • Works with minimal supervision • Adaptable to fast moving businesses with the ability to prioritise and meet tight deadlines.

Salary ranges from $45,600 – $51,000 per annum.

Submit resumes online to: info@olympic.tc or by fax (649) 946-1101. Deliver applications to: Olympic Construction Ltd., Waterloo Plaza, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands Belongers need only apply!

Deadline: Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Salary:

$5-8.50/hr depending upon experience, training and work record. Accommodation on Pine Cay for time on and boat transportation for time scheduled off provided.

Duties:

cares for all resort and homeowner plantings and landscaping; performs planting, weeding, brush clearing, fertilizing and herbicide operations; assists with minor maintenance, clean-up and other utility chores about hotel, pool, clubhouse and beach as directed; assists guests with luggage, resort equipment and ground transportation as directed. Other duties as assigned.

Starting Date: February 2014

Patrol K-9 Dog Handler/ Security Specialist WAGE/SALARY: $7.50/hr + lodging QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Must have certification as patrol dog handler and at least one year prior work experience as patrol dog handler. Experience as security worker desirable. Must have training in martial arts/self defense and be physically fit and capable of controlling and restraining a large, powerful dog. Must provide satisfactory proof of clean police record. Fluency in English required. Training in general First Aid + CPR. NOTE: Must be willing to reside on Pine Cay on a full time basis and work nights, weekends and holidays, as required.

DUTIES: Include security patrols with police dogs; response to security problems as needed; Feeding and caring for dogs; exercising and training dogs. First responder for medical emergencies.

STARTING DATE: January 2014 Contact Person and Contact Information: Send resume with references and your contact information (mailing address, e-mail address, phone number) to Beverly Plachta by e-mail to manager@meridianclub.com or by fax to 649-9417010. Please also include copy of passport, police report. Applications may also be dropped of at TCR Sotheby’s in Salt Mills. *For the K-9 Dog Handler position, include all copies of certificates including K9 training and first aid.

Applications must be received no later than January 15.

Qualified applicants will have a thorough background check conducted prior to hire.

All credentials will be verified.

Additional Information: All qualified applicants will be interviewed.

January 4 - 10, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

ERP PROJECT COORDINATOR

Coral Gardens Resort Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

General Manager General Manager must possess a broad range of skills and be multifaceted. Ideal candidate will have a variety of daily, weekly, and monthly duties, including but not limited to, placing orders with suppliers, checking in deliveries of fresh food and baked goods for quality, maintaining supplies on stock of non-food items, such as dishes and silverware, cooking utensils, and cleaning products. Candidate must be forward thinking and schedule to have equipment repaired or maintained and schedule other services. In addition, the GM will be responsible for the total cash and charge receipts at the end of each day; then deposit them in a bank, and collect weekly change for the operation. General Manager will also supervise the kitchen and dining room.

They will work with the Executive Chef in maintaining consistent food that is served promptly. They will work with both the Executive Chef and Bar Managers to create specials for the promotion of food and beverages for presentation to ownership. The General Manager will have extensive knowledge of wine and terrior. He/she will be attentive and resolve customer complaints about food or service. General Manager will monitor the actions of their staff and customers to be sure that expectations are met. General Manager will also be responsible for maintaining employee records, disciplining employees, hiring staff and creating schedules for properly staffing the establishment. General Manager will also be responsible for training staff and making sure the all service standard set by the establishment are consistent and adhered to.

GM will work with book-keeper/accountant to reconcile payroll for distribution. They will also be responsible to execute payment of vendor, and government agencies.

Candidate shall be proficient in Office Programs and Micros POS systems. Candidate shall also possess problem solving abilities and be quick to respond in a fast paced environment. Candidate must be able to climb stairs and be prepared to lift heavy boxes that are inherent in the local and type of business.

Responsibilities:

• Work with Executive Chef - estimate food consumption, place orders with suppliers, and schedule delivery of fresh food and beverages.

• Resolve customer complaints about food quality or service.

• Direct cleaning of kitchen and dining areas to maintain sanitation standards, and keep appropriate records.

• Monitor actions of staff and customers.

• Maintain budget and employee records, prepare payroll, and pay bills, monitor bookkeeping records, and interpret P&L statements • Proficiently operate computer software to monitor inventory, track staff schedules and pay, and perform other record keeping.

• Check quality of deliveries of fresh food and baked goods.

• Maintain stock of supplies such as tableware, cooking utensils, and cleaning items.

• Arrange for weekly, monthly maintenance and repair of equipment and other services.

• Ensure total receipts and balance against sales, deposit receipts, and lock facility at end of day.

• Recruit, hire, and oversee training of staff.

• Schedule work hours for servers and bar staff.

Other Duties: • Maintain relationships with customers and staff.

• Update and use job-related knowledge.

• Schedule staff work hours and activities.

• Evaluate health and safety practices against standards.

• Organize, plan, and prioritize.

• Make decisions and solve problems concerning menus and staff.

• Judge the quality of food, preparation, and job applicants.

• Process and analyze information when scheduling and budgeting..

• Record information about inventory and health practices.

• Handle food, utensils, and bookkeeping materials.

• Implement creative promotional ideas working with vendors and staff.

• Maintain employees and inventory records.

• Monitor and oversee purchases, menus, staff, and payroll.

• Guide, direct, and train staff.

• Coordinate the work and activities of staff.

• Perform administrative activities such as scheduling, budgeting, and payroll.

• Communicate with customers, sales reps, and suppliers.

Belongers given preference. Please apply in person with CV, cover letter and references at Somewhere Café and Lounge or submit online at manager@somewherecafeandlounge.com

CLASSIFIEDS 41

OBJECTIVES & PURPOSE OF THE JOB

• To assist the Project Lead to manage the Company’s staff and the ERP vendor to achieve an on-time, on-budget implementation of the ERP Project.

• Oversee the successful completion of project implementation and database merges.

MAIN DUTIES/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate and work with user departments in activities related to the transition of Bellamy/Civic to the new ERP system.

• Perform gap analysis to identify functions/features required but not available in the new ERP system and follow up with such enhancements in the new system.

• Identify data conversion requirements and assist vendor to perform data conversion; coordinate with the Data Standards Committee • Establish and setup system configurations related to all new ERP system and application modules.

• Identify and setup user roles and user accounts to ensure effective and secure access control to the system and application modules.

• Design training plans and schedules, and provide training to all users.

• Assist the Project Lead in monitoring project activities and schedules to ensure timely implementation and successful system cutover on or before Dec 2015.

• Identify report requirements of all departments and ensure “must have” reports are available in the new ERP system.

• Perform testing of applications, enhancements, reports, and data conversion of the new ERP system.

• Identify procedural changes and establish new work flow and procedures in accordance with the interface with the new ERP system.

• Coordinate periodic meetings with users and ERP vendor.

• Monitor project activities and progresses of vendor to ensure compliance with the ERP contract.

• Focal point for all internal team issues (cancellations, emergencies, changes to schedules, etc).

• Ensure all team members fully understand their respective roles and responsibilities on the project.

• Reviews preliminary invoices and other financial data to ensure consistency with time sheet charges and expense reports and encourage timely payment by client.

• Works effectively with internal organizations to execute consulting and project planning methodologies, tools and standards, and provides ideas and strategies for improvements • Integrate best practice contract management procedures in the ERP set up.

• Other duties as assigned by the Project Lead.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor Degree in any Business related course is required; Professional Certification is an advantage.

• Minimum 10 years working experience including at least five (5) years with Project Management and five (5) years or more in the Utility industry.

• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office i.e. Word, Excel, and Power point • Good command of English language (Spoken and written) • Demonstrated understanding of global business practices, processes, development and improvement with superior knowledge of business systems • Exceptional organizational, data analysis and planning skills • Team-oriented but able to work autonomously with minimal guidance.

• Comprehensive experience with process and workflow design; • Experience establishing and enforcing process and procedures for running projects, tracking progress, and dealing with change and sign-offs

COMPENSATION

Based on qualifications and ability Deadline for submission of applications is January 15th, 2014.

Kindly submit a completed FortisTCI application form along with a resumé and cover letter to:

Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@ppcltd.tc

9912

42

January 4 - 10, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sports Interational Manager: Schumacher in stable condition after skiing accident FORMER world champion racing driver Michael Schumacher, who suffered severe head injuries in a weekend skiing accident in France, remained in stable condition Wednesday, his manager said.

Sabine Kehm said Schumacher had been carefully supervised overnight.

“His condition remains stable overnight and this morning,” she said.

“This is the good news -- however I don’t want to go into any further prospects because it’s much too early, as the doctors said yesterday,” she said.

Doctors treating Schumacher at the University Hospital Center of Grenoble will not give a news conference unless there is a significant change in his condition, she said.

“We are still in a critical situation,” she said.

Schumacher remains in an artificially induced coma.

On Monday night, doctors carried out a surgical intervention that relieved some pressure on Schumacher’s brain.

The surgery, which took about two hours, involved the removal of a large hematoma, the head of anesthesiology, Jean-Francois Payen, said

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy goes into the 2014 season with confidence.

Michael Schumacher remains in an artificially induced coma.

Tuesday.

Schumacher, the most successful driver in Formula 1 history, suffered severe head trauma after falling while skiing Sunday in Meribel, in the French Alps.

Kehm recounted more details Tuesday of how the accident happened, gleaned from Schumacher’s son and

friends who were skiing with him.

The party was in an area of deep snow when Schumacher helped a friend who had fallen, she said. As he set off again and went to make a turn, he seems to have hit a rock hidden under the snow.

This catapulted him into the air and he fell head down with all his weight onto another rock, she said, resulting in severe injuries to his head. He was not traveling fast at the time, she added.

In a statement released Tuesday, Schumacher’s family expressed thanks for the outpouring of support from people around the world.

McIlroy: World number six wants two major wins in 2014 RORY McIlroy aims to make up for a disappointing 2013 by winning two majors this year.

The 24-year-old slipped from world number one to number six last year but he showed signs of regaining form with victory in December’s Australian Open.

“I feel like I am very close - I’m confident with my game and confident where it’s going,” said McIlroy.

“I won a major in 2011

and 2012 but not in 2013, so I’ll try to make up for that with two this year.”

McIlroy hit the headlines off the course early this week when he announced his engagement to tennis player Caroline Wozniacki.

It ended a turbulent year for the two-time major winner from Northern Ireland, which included adjusting to new clubs and a bitter fallout with management company Horizon.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified applicants to fill the following position

Frozen/Dairy Stocker The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: • 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 18TH 2014

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.

BRUNO FINE ART

Art Specialist at the GTCC

Experience and knowledge in the art field with knowledge in Jewish and International Artist. Strong skills in customer service and sales, bi-lingual a plus. $10 per hour and schedule is every day a cruise ship is in port

Call: 649.345.2704 BSL CONSTRUCTION is looking for a

carpenter To work 5 days per week salary $10.00 per hour. contact: 242-1402

WARD’S CONSULTANCY Acting on behalf of our clients: E Y Contractor, Yoshi Sushi Bar is looking to fill the following positions:

• Seamstress • Dining Room Supervisor • Assistant Manager Salary $8.00 per hour based salary $500.00 per week. Must be willing to work 6 days per week.

Contact: 649-345-7512

9504

C & J EMPLOYMENT

Hereby acting on behalf of our clients: ERB Construction, Sweet T’s Restaurant, V & M Security, Williams Construction, Chicken Shack Take Out & Grill

4 laborers – $5.00 per hour

4 Kitchen Helpers – $5.00 per hour

4 Domestic Workers – $5.00 per hour

Mason

– $6-$8 per hour

Security Guard – $6.00 per hour

Painter

– $5.00-$7.00 per hour

Contact: 649-347-2093

9003

January 4 - 10, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

43

Sports Interational

Mike Tyson staying clean but still sparring with temptation REPULSIVE and compulsive, Mike Tyson touches nerves. And his story might just be the most fascinating study of the human condition across the past 30 years of sport.

For so long, he’s been too drunk or too high - often both at the same time - to tell it.

At 47, he has reached an age many predicted he would never see.

He looks well, still intimidating but also accommodating.

Before our interview, coinciding with the release of his autobiography, The Undisputed Truth, there is not so much as a second of awkwardness as he breaks into a soliloquy about rugby and how those who play it need certifying. This from a man who once munched on Evander Holyfield’s ear.

It is sometimes tempting as an interviewer to play the role of psychiatrist, try to force a sporting personality to bare heart and soul.

But only the most experienced medical professionals - and perhaps only a few of them - could begin to unpick the mind of Tyson.

Either side of a conviction for rape, he won and lost the world heavyweight championship and prompted legendary trainer Emanuel Steward to rank him as the most exciting heavyweight of the past half-century.

Having earned hundreds of millions of dollars, in recent years he remembers counting the items in his supermarket trolley for fear of being

embarrassed at the checkout.

“I’ve either been dirt poor, almost homeless, or else I had all the money in the world,” says Tyson. “I’ve never been balanced before. We’re not rich but we’re not broke.”

Now married to Kiki, his third wife, he is forever sparring with temptation. “What date is it today?” he asks at one point. “On December 14th, I’ll be four months clean.

“I’m not going to sit here and tell you I’m not going to drink again or get high,” he adds. “Hopefully, I won’t make a fool of myself. That’s what normally happens, normally I won’t stop till I’m arrested or I’m in a car accident.

“But you don’t hear anything about me now. I don’t go to clubs no more, I don’t have 45 girlfriends.”

In Las Vegas in November 1986, at the age of 20, Tyson became the youngest world heavyweight champion in history when a single left hook in the second round floored Trevor Berbick three times. Referee Mills Lane said every one of Tyson’s punches “had goodnight written on it”.

Missing from the celebrations was the man who had shaped the teenaged Tyson. Cus D’Amato, an irascible white trainer based in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York, nurtured Tyson after they came together via the Tryon School for Boys, a young offenders institution, in 1979. D’Amato died a year before his protege’s crowning glory.

WADA could test for drugs using hair samples ATHLETES could soon be tested for drugs using hair samples according to Sir Craig Reedie, the incoming president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Briton Reedie revealed that a £6m fund from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) could lead to new testing techniques to catch cheats.

Currently athletes are tested using blood and urine samples.

“Now we will look at different approaches such as, can we use a lock of hair?” Reedie said.

Traces of some drugs can last longer in hair than blood and urine and could improve testing.

“This new fund from the IOC will create tremendous opportunities for advances

in anti-doping and allow our scientists to look at alternative approaches to sample testing for banned substances,” Reedie said.

“This is a really exciting development and means we can look at approaches that in the past have been unaffordable.”

A Moscow testing laboratory for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics had its WADA accreditation suspended recently, but Reedie, who takes over his role on New Year’s Day, confirmed that provisions have been made.

He added: “There will be a very well-staffed and functioning satellite laboratory in Sochi and a group of foreign experts are helping resolve the problems in Moscow.” (BBC)

Mike Tyson has done a lot of things in his 47 years, some he was not happy about.

“Cus had an extraordinary impact on my life,” says Tyson. “He adopted me, pretty much became my legal guardian, like my father figure. I never knew what it was like for most people that had fathers.

“He’d call his old friends, 70 and 80 years old, and tell them: ‘I’ve got this kid, he’s only 14 and he’s going to be the heavyweight champion of the world.’ He would light up like a light bulb.”

A birth certificate names Mike’s father as Percell Tyson. They never met. The man Tyson came to know as his dad, Jimmy Kirkpatrick, was rarely on the scene in Brownsville, Brooklyn, a “drug-fested, crimeinfested neighbourhood”.

“I wouldn’t go to school because people would pick on me,” says Tyson. “I was really fat and had a lisp.

I so desperately wanted to be like the so-called tough guys. I started flying pigeons with these guys and they had me help them build a pigeon coop.

“When I was just a little kid, 10 or 11 years old, they went to this school dance. I never knew you had to go home and change and wash. So I went to this little centre and they all started laughing at me because I had pigeon droppings on me, tar on me, I didn’t wash. I smelled and I laughed at myself too.

“One of the older kids told me to meet him at the pigeon coop the next morning and he taught me how to rob houses and we spent the whole day robbing. He took me shopping, bought me a whole bunch of new clothes and told me to go to the school dance the next weekend. It was totally different.

“People didn’t know I was the same guy they were laughing at last week. Psychologically, I knew then it was all about how you represented yourself.”

His first reign as world champion was brought to a close in February 1990 in Tokyo, when he was knocked out in the 10th round by

James ‘Buster’ Douglas in one of the most shocking upsets in boxing history. He slept with two women on the eve of the fight.

“I’d done it before against better fighters and was successful,” he says, “so I thought I could do it again with a lesser fighter.”

In 1992, he was convicted of raping a beauty pageant contestant in Indiana and served half of a sixyear prison sentence. He claims, vehemently, that he was the victim of a miscarriage of justice and at this point the interview becomes uncomfortable.

When I remind him that women’s rights campaigners protested about his visits to Britain to fight (twice) in 2000, he bristles. “What do they want from me? You tell me, seeing as you’re asking the questions. You tell me.”

He rejects my suggestion that he is asking for acceptance, having “done the crime and served the time”.

“Don’t put words in my mouth,” he says. “Do you hear me?”

While there were dissenters 13 years ago, others welcomed him with open arms. Brixton was reduced to a standstill and whipped into an orgy of adulation. To avoid the stampede, Tyson had to take refuge in, of all places, a police station.

“He is a hero to people here,” said a

local community leader at the time, “whether we like it or not.”

They had come to salute Tyson the boxer, whose place in sporting history was secure. Of all the great names to hold the heavyweight title, he got there quickest - at a younger age than Ali, Louis, Dempsey and the rest.

Tyson’s second reign as world champion began with a pummelling of British hero Frank Bruno and ended with a one-sided defeat by Holyfield.

Tyson regrets biting Holyfield’s ear in their infamous rematch in 1997, although he insists he was butted 10 times without any intervention from the referee.

And that, many will claim, is Tyson’s main flaw: nothing ever seems to be his fault and there always seems to be someone else to blame, whether in or out of the ring.

How much his violent upbringing has had to bear on his personality is impossible to calculate. Where many of us enjoyed love and affection, he knew only guns and knives.

He talks of having “paid for a lot of funerals” down the years, as friend after friend succumbed to the lawlessness of the concrete jungle.

Tragedy has been a regular visitor in his life. His voice dips as he recalls how, in 2009, his four-yearold daughter Exodus was killed in an accident involving a treadmill machine.

“I realised when I got to the hospital, everyone on the whole floor had lost their baby or was just about to lose them,” he says. “Everybody came over to me to console me, because I was well-known.

“But I didn’t deserve to be consoled. They lost their babies too. I realised then I didn’t have exclusivity to pain.”

The father of six other children, Tyson’s ambitions now are to become a better parent and to stay clean.

“To everyone else, it’s a normal life,” he says. “To me, it’s like being a monk in my little shrine. I have a lot to lose.” (BBC)

World record cricket crowd at MCG

BASKING in the glory of winning back the fabled Ashes from traditional rivals England, Australia’s cricketing fans turned up in world record numbers Boxing Day in Melbourne to see their side continue its domination of the series.

The majority of the 91,092 crowd at the MCG were celebrating.

The attendance broke a previous world best for attendance at a cricket match set 52 years ago in the same vast stadium.

“In years to come Melburnians will remember Boxing Day 2013 as the day their city created sporting history,” Cricket Australia’s CEO, James Sutherland, told Cricket Australia’s website. (BBC)

44

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 4 - 10, 2014

Josh for Sports

2014 and its challenges for TCI sports FIRST and foremost, I take a delight in wishing you, my faithful column readers, a most eventful and prosperous sporting new year.

This year represents a tremendous amount of challenges for the sportsmen and sportswomen of this nation.

The crowning event for our athletes will be the Commonwealth Games, which is slated for late July early August in Glasgow, Scotland. Competitors from over 70 countries will contest in some 17 or so different sports. Actually there are expected to be at least 6500 athletes competing in a variety of sports ranging from athletics, badminton, field hockey, boxing, swimming, judo, rifle shooting and weightlifting among others.

The TCI’s history with the Commonwealth Games began with me when I represented the Bahamas in athletics in 1970 in

By Joshua Gardiner Scotland in the long and triple jump at age 19. Although the TCI was not represented as a country, it was a known fact by the Bahamian officials that I was born in the TCI (that fact was registered on my Bahamian British passport).

OFFICIAL ENTRY During the Summer of 1978 I

created a Commonwealth Games Federation (TCI) and engineered our participation in athletics, weightlifting and rifle-shooting. I was 27-years-old. Coincidentally I never went to the Games after being blackballed in Canada and effectively shunned since then.

There is currently a Commonwealth Games Association in the TCI, but I’m not sure how much emphasis is being placed on getting the best team to the Games.

DELANO WILLIAMS It is ironic, because Delano Williams can no longer run for the TCI. He is British now, unlike us. If he makes the British team he’ll be running for Britain.

KIVARNO HANDFIELD The only hope that we have of winning a medal in those Games for the first time in history is in the person of Kivarno Handfield in high

jump. Time will tell.

SAILING I expect that the Provo Sailing Association would nationalise sailing and acquire membership in the world governing body of sailing and begin preparation to compete in sailing in Scotland. With proper preparation, we stand a realistic chance of medalling in this sport.

JUDO Our martial arts society needs to attempt to prepare for these games. The Commonwealth Games Association (TCI) needs to truly nationalise the association so that all sports can compete in these Games.

RUGBY This year also presents a tremendous challenge for our national Flamingos team as we are slated to take on Jamaica, the Bahamas and Mexico.

It would take a superhuman feat

for us to beat Mexico in Mexico.

Can you imagine a little nation of 35000 taking on the Bahamas with a population of over 370,000, Jamaica with over 2.7M and Mexico with over 120M—it’s mind-boggling.

FOOTBALL The most accomplished footballer in the history of this country is none other than Angel Campbell.

Campbell is a TC Islander (teenager) who was on the bench of the USA’s Women’s team that beat Brazil a few weeks ago. She’s expected to be a part of the USA’s team in other games this year and at the Women’s FIFA World Cup in Canada mid next year.

Thus I’d venture to say that this year represents the most significant challenge for our country in any one given single year.

Root for your national athlete in 2014.

When asked if clubs can do without the FA Cup the Aston Villa boss repeated in the affirmative.

Aston Villa boss says clubs could do without FA Cup Wild Oats XI, right, cruised to a seventh Sydney-Hobart yacht crown on Saturday, winning by more than three hours.

Wild Oats XI captures record-tying seventh Sydney-Hobart yacht crown IT didn’t come close to matching last year’s record time but supermaxi Wild Oats XI won a record-tying seventh Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Saturday last.

Wild Oats XI coasted home in the 628-nautical mile race in two days, six hours and a fraction over seven minutes, which was well off the 2012 mark of one day, 18 hours and 23 minutes.

Still, Wild Oats XI managed to equal the record of Morna, which

was later called Kurrewa IV. It bagged its seven titles in the 1940s,1950s and 1960.

“This is one of the best wins you could possible have with a lot of new competition and a lot of anxiety, not knowing how we were going to go against each other,” Wild Oats XI’s skipper, Mark Richards, was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.

Wild Oats XI took control of

the race and didn’t relinquish its advantage after passing Perpetual LOYAL on Friday.

Wild Oats XI’s billionaire owner, wine maker Bob Oatley, added that more victories could be on the way.

“We’ve got a great future, more wins,” he told reporters. “It’s beautiful, it’s wonderfully built.”

Perpetual LOYAL finished second, more than three hours behind Wild Oats XI. (CNN)

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert believes the majority of top-flight clubs would rather not have the distraction of the FA Cup. Speaking before Saturday’s thirdround game with Sheffield United, Lambert was asked whether the FA Cup was something Premier League clubs could do without.

“I think if you asked the majority of them, if they were being honest, they probably would do,” he told BBC WM. “Not just because of the money but survival in the league is vital.”

The Scot added: “It is realistic.

That is the nature of it. If anyone says any differently then I am not so sure they will be telling the truth because the Premier League is the most vital thing that anyone wants to get into and we are no different.”

Lambert’s side are six points above the Premier League relegation zone and it is survival - rather than the visit of the League One Blades that is his priority.

“Cup competitions, if you can get through, then absolutely I want to get through. I don’t want to not get through but your main one is the league,” he said.

“We don’t have a massive squad and points are really important. If you are honest enough people will say the same.”

Aston Villa have won the FA Cup on seven occasions but have not lifted the trophy since 1957 and last reached the final in 2000.

Last season, Wigan became the first team to win the FA Cup but also be relegated from the top tier in the same season. (BBC)

January 4 - 10, 2014

Sports National

45

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sterling will run again for top cricket spot – Getting own land, installing Technical Director on the agenda PROACTIVE local cricket president Colin Sterling has confirmed that he will run again when the biennial elections of the Turks and Caicos Cricket Association (TCICA) are held next month.

Sterling, who has been instrumental in re-focusing the sport on the island chain after the International Cricket Council (ICC) made certain demands, was unsure if he would have contested for the top spot in the February 5th AGM. He however, broke the New Year in a positive frame of mind.

POSITIVE CHANGES Sterling said that if re-elected, high on his agenda would be to install a Technical Director and acquire the association’s own land.

“If re-elected, we will hope to continue and increase the youth development (males and females), hold youth and senior competitions, finalise acquisition of land for the Association’s ground, increase sponsorships and implement a Technical Director.”

For months the focus of the

Colin Sterling and the TCICA have worked on youth development over the last few months.

Here Sterling (left) was photographed handing over a cheque for $3,000 to Wesley Methodist School’s Principal, Mrs. Edna Cottoy, for the school’s cricket development facility.

cricket fraternity has been on junior development and along with the help of a number of PE teachers and other cricket enthusiasts some schools have benefited from programmes.

“The emphasis has to be on

youth development and so far we have worked/ working on facilities for the schools at BWIC, Clement Howell, Wesley Methodist, Grand Turk and South Caicos. We have also provided equipment for the

majority of the schools in the Islands.”

At the elections all five offices (president, two vice-presidents, treasurer and secretary) will be vacant.

Saunders top scorer in PABA Night League

Jacques Kallis scored 45 Test centuries in his career.

Kallis hits century in final Test for South Africa

JACQUES Kallis has crowned his final Test appearance with an innings that typifies his status as one of cricket’s greatest batsmen.

The 38-year-old posted a defiant 115 runs on Sunday as South Africa piled up 500 against India in the second Test of the series in Durban.

It was his 45th century in the fiveday format, leaving Kallis behind only the record 51 set by Sachin Tendulkar -- who retired from the game last month.

The innings also lifted Kallis into third place in the all-time Test runscoring standings, above Tendulkar’s compatriot Rahul Dravid with 13,289 in his 166th match.

Kallis, who announced before the match that it would be his last, had resumed on his overnight score of 78. (CNN)

The trio replaces Joe Root, Tim Bresnan and Monty Panesar as the tourists fight to avoid a 5-0 whitewash against Australia.

The Ashes: England’s Borthwick, Ballance & Rankin make debuts ENGLAND handed debuts to batsman Gary Ballance, leg-spinner Scott Borthwick and fast bowler Boyd Rankin for the final Ashes Test in Sydney.

Joe Root, Tim Bresnan and Monty Panesar make way as the tourists fight to avoid a 5-0 whitewash against Australia.

England captain Alastair Cook won his first toss of the series and chose to bowl first on a cloudy day at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Australia have named the same XI for the fifth successive Test.

Panesar was struggling with a calf strain after the eight-wicket defeat in the fourth Test in Melbourne.

Bresnan failed to find a cutting edge in the last Test in Melbourne and Rankin - one of the three tall pace bowlers England brought on

tour but have barely used - has been given a chance to impress.

Ballance replaces Root and will bat at number six, with Ian Bell moving up to number three.

England last gave three men their Test debut eight years ago, when Cook and Panesar were joined by Ian Blackwell in winning call-ups in India.

Australia: Chris Rogers, David Warner, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (captain), Steve Smith, George Bailey, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon.

England: Alastair Cook (captain), Michael Carberry, Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Gary Ballance, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Scott Borthwick, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Boyd Rankin. (BBC)

AFTER four rounds of the 20132014 Provo Amateur Basketball (PABA) Night League the Predators’ Troy Saunders is ahead in points.

Saunders has so far powered his way to 88 points in four games. Also in the mix is Sandro Germain, the consistent big man in the Police Badgers’ team, who has 61 points.

In the league, which is played at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex court, Saunders’ team is tied for third with former champion the Flyers.

The GT Stallions and another powerful team, the South Caicos Harbour Boys, have remained unbeaten.

The league, which broke for the

The Predators’ Troy Saunders has so far tallied 88 points in four games.

Christmas holidays, will continue next Thursday with the Police Badgers against the Shottas.

PABA Junior Basketball programme starts next Saturday THE PROVO Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) in collaboration with the Graceway Sports Centre and the Graceway IGA Supermarket will start a junior basketball programme from next Saturday

at the Graceway Sports Centre in Providenciales.

The programme, which is opened for juniors eight years and up, will run until April 12 from 9:00h to 10:30h every Saturday.

No entrance fee is required.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 4 - 10, 2014

LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos

.46 acres overlooking the creek, spanning King Road and Windsor Road

QUICK SALE

CALL 232-3508 or 946-4664

January 4 - 10, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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48

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 4 - 10, 2014