Turks & Caicos Weekly News

Weekly News Volume 26 | No. 02 | January 14 - 20, 2012

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inside

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Governor appoints five permanent secretaries FIVE permanent secretaries were appointed this week to take over the government’s restructured ministries.

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Governor talks taxes at Chamber meeting TAXES, tourism, crime and poverty were all hot topics at this year’s very first meeting of the TCI business community.

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ON THE WEB tcweeklynews.com

TCInvest

to be axed – Governor says it has ‘run its course’ STATUTORY investment agency TCInvest is being wound down to prevent a multi-million dollar loss to public coffers.

TCI is on top of the world

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Keeping it local at the farmers’ market

FRESH produce, local crafts and baked goods are all on sale at the weekly farmers’ market run by the TCI Red Cross.

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

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 14 - 20, 2012

January 14 - 20, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 14 - 20, 2012

NATIONAL

Editorial

Happy New Year

We apologise that in our haste to produce the paper last week, our typesetter mistakenly chopped the last paragraph off the editorial, which expressed our sincere thanks to our advertisers, readers and friends for making this newspaper the success that it is. We are extremely grateful for your support; we could not have done it without you. And this year we pledge to maintain the high standards you have come to expect from us in keeping this paper the best in the nation, and certainly among the best in the region.

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Good times unreal We love the Talk Back section of this paper because we think, in addition to the letters page, it provides a genuine sampling of views, ideas and opinions of readers on a weekly basis. And many times our Talk Backers are more honest, articulate and forthright than our letter writers, because they can express themselves freely without fear of retribution.

Last weeks’s question was, “Will the good times return again to the Turks & Caicos?” We reprint this particular contribution because, even though the writer was pessimistic in his outlook, he made a number of points which are well worth pondering. Here it goes again:

The good times were not based on genuine growth of the economy but by selling out the crown land, millions in loans given out recklessly which took down the bank and 23 million dollars of the pension funds, a tremendous unaffordable growth in public employees, massive loans and purchases taken out by government ending up with 500 million in debt.

The result of that synthetic pumped up economy is now a full-blown depression. Actually, the normal economy was expanding normally. We had better tourist income than ever before but with the massive number of foreign workers in the resorts, the wages earned did not stay in the country and were sent to Jamaica, Haiti, the DR, Philippines and China.

Another factor was the construction of the hospitals, the stadium and several resorts coming to completion. The latter completed resorts proved too expensive and closed down. Niki Beach and Ambergris Cay are examples.

Further, the resorts approved by the last government were not adequately financed. This resulted in no follow up to the construction boom. Royal Reef, St Charles Place, West Middle Caicos, Dellis Cay, Joe Grant Cay, West Caicos Lucayan Condos etc., all stalled and ran out of money. They were dependent on high-priced pre-sales and not invested capital.

The monuments to mismanaged growth are everywhere. The boom will never return and with the excessive taxation, growth is now reversed with depopulation and no confidence for investors. Why build a resort in TCI with the monuments of failure everywhere? With the high cost of living a broken primary health system, with its leader turning away from health care into politics after he approved a too expensive secondary health system.

No possibility of concessions for potential builders and in fact with higher duty rates and high freight handling by another new monopoly, the cost of construction has skyrocketed. The last administration made a real mess and the current one continues the dumbing down of the country. One political party and its supporters are heading to court and the other is now populated by senile advisers, antique incompetents, and a childish girl who thinks she will be the first lady premier. Their first press release reads like a third graders’ composition.

A British owned and operated country which Britain itself is unwilling to invest in. Taxes everywhere but no invested capital. The recovered stolen wealth will be used to pay off the prosecutors and taken back to Britain. While all this was happening the incompetent governors and liberal ministers let it happen, and now Britain feels no responsibility. However, after three years they now own the economy and cannot escape responsibility by holding an election.

Unsolved murders and a foreign police force run by Mounties without a mount or a clue. Last but not least, is the most expensive energy cost in the world with the profits of 1,000 dollars per household per year exported to Canada.

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

Governor appoints five permanent secretaries FIVE permanent secretaries were appointed this week to take over the government’s restructured ministries.

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

Their first tasks will be to help create five new larger ministries from the present nine.

Governor Ric Todd said: “This is fantastic news as we begin what will be a momentous year for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Reform of the public sector is one of the eight milestones that will allow UK ministers to determine if elections are held here in 2012.

“The appointment of these five individuals, and the central role that they will be playing in civil society here in the islands, is a key step on the journey that will allow public services to be reformed and to focus more on what everyone here tells me are their priorities – education, health, infrastructure and the economy.

“I am hopeful that by clarifying the process used for selection, it will scotch the mischievous, politically motivated rumours that the interim administration had a pre-determined result in mind.

“I am confident that the process was open, objective and transparent.”

The appointment of the five new TCIG permanent secretaries was ratified by the Governor on Monday.

The process saw the strongest candidates selected as those best able to carry out the published requirements.

TCI Government Chief Executive Patrick Boyle, one of the interview

panel members, said: “I was extremely impressed by the standard and professionalism of the final ten candidates who played their part in the selection process.

“They can all feel justifiably proud of their personal commitment to outstanding public service.

“I spoke to all ten of the candidates over the weekend, both successful and unsuccessful, and relayed just how impressed I was with each of them.

“I have offered a meeting to the five unsuccessful candidates to determine how we may can continue to make use of their competence and experience for the greater good of the TCI. “And, of course, I will be working hard with Judith, Wesley, Clara, Susan and Anya to continue to transform our Government services for the better.”

The appointments were advertised on November 10 on the TCI Government website and in TCI’s three local newspapers.

Thirty-three candidates applied, one of whom was not a Belonger and so was ineligible.

Closing date was November 27 and the selection panel met on December 8 to consider the applications.

Twelve people were selected for the short list based on the strength of their applications.

The shortlisted applicants were called for interview over the period January 4, 5 and 6.

Two applicants withdrew for personal reasons ahead of the interviews so the panel ultimately interviewed ten candidates for the appointments.

Prior to the interviews, candidates were asked to complete online

psychometric tests and exercises.

These comprised a motivation questionnaire, the results of which were made available to the panel ahead of the interviews to guide their questioning, and reasoning tests.

Candidates were asked to nominate two personal referees, and these references were taken up ahead of the interviews, with referee comments being made available to panel members to contribute to their decisions.

The panel comprised of chairman Martin Stanley, outgoing Chief Executive TCIG, Carl Simmons of Tropical Shipping, Sandra Lightbourne of Scotia Bank, and Patrick Boyle, incoming Chief Executive TCIG. The panel also engaged the supporting services and advice of David Richards (OCT Associates Limited), an executive search consultant experienced in senior civil service appointments in the UK, including permanent secretary appointments.

For the interviews, each candidate was asked to prepare and deliver a short presentation to the panel members.

Their presentations were followed by two separate interviews with panel members, with questioning based on the published competence requirements.

Each panel member individually rated the candidates against these competences using a structured rating form.

The panel then discussed these ratings collectively to arrive at an agreed grading for each candidate.

Panel members were unanimous in supporting the final decisions on all candidates.

Governor talks taxes at Chamber meeting TAXES, tourism, crime and poverty were all hot topics at this year’s very first meeting of the TCI business community.

More than 50 members of the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce attended the lively gathering at the Windsong Resort on Tuesday evening to discuss the path forward.

Governor Ric Todd was on hand to talk about the future of the country as well as to answer tough questions from passionate business men and women.

He said it was a “great pleasure” to be out and about in the TCI and

meet people from the business community.

“The Chamber of Commerce is an organisation I’ve met several times before so it’s been a great pleasure to meet them again and to listen to people.

“I’m very interested in having a dialogue with businesses, precisely because government is actually about listening as well as about acting.”

He said the meeting was about being open to ideas and said that Tuesday’s discussions were “very valuable”.

“It also shows that there are genuine differences of views even

inside the Chamber of Commerce about what the right way forward for the government is.”

He added that the meeting made it clear that “critical questions” needed to be answered.

“What’s the right balance between the level of taxation and the level of public spending, how can you encourage businesses and what ways, and also fundamentally what is the economic future of these islands? All very big questions.”

Governor Todd said that he hoped the chamber would continue to continued 

January 14 - 20, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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NATIONAL

TCInvest to be axed

– Governor says it has ‘run its course’ STATUTORY investment agency TCInvest is being wound down to prevent a multi-million dollar loss to public coffers.

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

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

Governor Ric Todd explained that the decision was the first in a long line of reforms to the country’s 37 statutory bodies.

He said that TCInvest had “run its course” and added that “time has come to look at doing things differently”.

The news came as a shock to many TCI residents who said that further consultation should have taken place before the decision was made.

Lillian Misick, chair of TCI’s Consultative Forum, said the decision was “profoundly regrettable” and will result in “dire consequences for our UK-TCI relationship”.

She added that the Governor’s reasoning was “fundamentally flawed because it focused entirely on

the mismanagement and abuse of the agency”.

Mrs Misick added that the decision was based on a flawed and incomplete draft report and claimed Mr Todd rejected her calls for further consultation.

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

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

Now government investigators claim that its ways of working have become less effective and financial difficulties from past lending decisions have placed an increasing burden on the body’s ability to achieve its aims.

The review also found out that many of its internal systems had not kept pace with the modern needs of the business community.

Investigators add that losses from TCInvest’s social lending strategies have left a widening deficit which could leave TCIG with liabilities approaching $10m if action is not taken quickly.

They decided that the worsening financial situation needed swift

Chamber president Tina Fenimore (left), Governor Ric Todd and Chamber advisor Allan Hutchinson

Governor Ric Todd explained that the decision was the first in a long line of reforms to the country’s 37 statutory bodies.

action in order to protect public finances and ensure the key functions of TCInvest could be carried on effectively.

Governor Todd said: “It has become clear that TCInvest has run its course, however, its key function of economic development is important to the future of TCI. “A new inward development team will be created at the heart of government as part of the CEO’s Office, capable of developing with

the five new ministries a tailored set of services to offer to local and international developers.”

He added: “I respect the achievements made by TCInvest staff but time has come to look at doing things differently.

“I hope we can draw upon the knowledge of its staff in different ways in the future and combine this with better organisational arrangements and more innovative ways of working in TCIG.” The essential functions of TCInvest - inward investment, business licensing, small enterprise support and loans - will be delivered through TCIG or external means.

TCInvest will be wound down as a statutory body, with a small inward investment team moving to the CEO’s Office.

Its first task will be to extend and rebuild productive relationships with local and international developers.

A streamlined business licensing function will be moved back to the Ministry of Finance to benefit from the economies of scale.

Meanwhile TCInvest will continue to manage a circa $21m loan book and small business loans until they are moved on to other financial institutions and the underlying TCIG liabilities to the Caribbean Development Bank and European Investment Bank are repaid.

“I think there is a lot of talent in this country and the Governor and government should take advantage of all this talent that we have.

“I think that if they listen, the country will do well. There’s no reason that in a small country like this, we can’t get the economy rolling.”

See letters page for Lillian Misick’s full open letter to Governor Ric Todd.

The Chamber meeting attracted a packed audience at the Winsong resort.

Governor talks taxes at Chamber ... contribute specific ideas on what can be done to improve the situation for businesses.

Chamber member Harold Charles, former CEO and founder of SkyKing Airlines, said he hoped the Governor would continue to listen to public opinions.

It is estimated the winding up process may take three months.

Later, once more clearly defined, a business training and support function will be moved from TC Invest into the inward investment unit in the CEO’s Office.

The intention is for some of the 20 members of staff to be transferred quickly into the new inward investment and business licensing functions within TCIG. Others may well be offered or find positions elsewhere in government or chose to leave the public sector.

Assistance to all members of staff to find a clear pathway for the future will be an important part of winding up the organisation.

In addition, to limiting a future deterioration of the financial position of TCInvest, further savings in board, office and travel costs in the order of $200 000 should be possible.

Mr Todd said: “This is the start of the statutory bodies’ reforms.

“I expect everyone to be able to demonstrate a clear reason to continue in their present form, show relentlessly they offer better value for money compared to services being performed in some other way, and display an efficient delivery services to citizens and businesses.”

Meanwhile chamber president Tina Fenimore explained that she was less than happy with the way the meeting had progressed.

“To be frank I was hoping that audience members would come out with more heavy, right on questions about what is keeping this country

back,” she said.

“We’ve got everything here except the willingness to do.

“I am so sick and tired of hearing taxes when there are so many other ways that I personally, and the chamber has brought to the fore.

“But there is always a little way

of saying ‘that’s not going to work’.

How do they know it’s not going to work if they haven’t even tried it?”

She finished by saying that too many people, including the interim government and local residents, are holding back progress.

For more details on the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce visit www.provochamber. com

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 14 - 20, 2012

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

Was it right to close TCInvest?

THE announcement of the sudden closure of TCInvest this week sparked mixed reactions in the country.

Some welcomed the decision, saying the agency had ceased to serve its purpose.

Others greeted the news with sadness, saying the Governor acted wrongly in closing the agency without consulting with the community, not even his own Consultative Forum.

What do you think?

What’s the point?

The concept of having a statutory body encouraging development is good in principle but has not worked out in practice.

We cannot name one major development that TCInvest has brought into being.

The loans given out to small local business people could have been obtained from commercial banks for lower rates so what is the point of TCInvest?

In the interest of proclaimed transparency we need to know the costs and the salaries and benefits paid out.

Government jobs are supposed to pay less and be more secure.

The two parties and the CSA of earlier and current years have made civil service expensive with poor performance and this equals an uncertain future for all civil servants, with or without the Brits on our tail.

The current CSA chief wants to lead one party after failing at his appointed job and the other party has returned to a civil servant leader who had risen to his level of incompetence by 1999.

Sad, sad, sad

I believe the only people that could be against that decision could be people that are or were profiting from the agency!

Like everything else in your country I would imagine politics enters the picture somewhere!

Sad, sad, sad!

Needs to be reconsidered

The mandate of TCI Invest is to attract ‘new offshore investment, encourage entrepreneurship amongst the residents and provide financing to the local population’.

I think TCI Invest failed miserably to attract investment to the TCI but was successful in assisting entrepreneurship among the residents as well as successful in providing financing to the local population.

It is not the institution that failed, it is the management of the institution that performed miserably and so management should have been removed.

Alternatively, since tourism is doing so well, we could have combined the investment arm with the tourist board.

Certainly the banking should have been kept since there are quite a number of Turks and Caicos Islanders who are unqualified to get loans at other commercial banks.

Also, the small businesses played a tremendous role with the help of United Nations in assisting entrepreneurship. Who will now do this?

The whole process of closing TCInvest is wrong.

There was no consultation with the relevant stakeholders or no consultation at all.

Another concern is: what is the role of the CEO under a democratic elected government?

Where will the investment arm go when the elected government assumes power?

This has been done prematurely and needs to be reconsidered.

Time to close

Folks are ready to jump on the British for any little reason!

What has TCInvest done lately? And how long has it been a help to small businesses?

Time to close and save money.

Trust Misick

Lillian Misick is upset about it and that’s good enough for me.

That woman should be a minister, never mind a PS, which she is not.

That may be her own choice - I do not know - but she is very unhappy with the manner in which TCInvest was closed down, and I trust her judgement.

No say

The main issue is that it should have been put to public opinion first.

It really shows that we have no say or rather the Governor doesn’t care what we have to say as he tends to do what he deems anyway.

One concern I have is will the courses being offered still exist even if it’s through another government office?

The Governor is really a one man show, a show that needs to go!

Why so sudden?

The appropriate question is: Does TCInvest fulfil a useful function?

From what I know the answer is yes,

although other bodies may have taken that over since TCInvest was first set up.

Why so sudden, and why summarily?

This simply raises questions that will fester until answered.

Waste of time

There must a good reason for closing TCInvest. Actually, I always thought that they were a waste of time.

Has anyone ever told you about the 1,000 plus procedures one has to go through to get a loan?

The economy is bad universally, so why pay TCInvest employees money that the country doesn’t have?

How many people have been helped by TCInvest in the last 30 days?

Lost opportunity

The Closure of TCInvest will go down in history as another lost opportunity for Turks and Caicos Islanders to build another Turks and Caicos Islander controlled and led institution.

The Community College, NIS the Tourist Board remains and the NHIP should now go!

I am however more focused on what could have been and what ought to be and what should now be for the future.

I do agree with the need for greater consultation. However, to see that the natives, the locals, Belongers who had control but played around with it is a real tragedy.

The comparison to TCI Bank Ltd’s closure is not so close because there are, so far, no allegations of theft of funds but the parallel is there because of the gross mismanagement.

Conrad Higgs was ill-suited for the job from day one but the political leaders indulged him all because he was a ‘native’.

This will be a lesson that next one will not get just any native for the job but one who can do the job.

The lesson here is expensive and bitter because there are indeed many natives who could have done the job, expanded the ability of the agency, obtained greater investment and given the institution integrity of its own.

It was time to create TCInvest into an economic development agency with the ability to evaluate a project, see what the benefits of the project would be, establish the government’s position, ensure Belongers were protected and approve the project.

As an entity it was still too reliant on the government to make short term and far

reaching decisions.

It was Mike Misick’s football and an entity of that importance was far too important for a joker like that to be controlling it.

In hindsight Mike Misick should never ever have been Premier of these islands and the closure of this agency is also tied waste, incompetence, interference and dealings.

There were bright spots because the small business centre was a success story, many locals were trained and people were inspired by the leadership there.

As an agent for the Caribbean Development Bank the agency had the opportunity to move to the level of a fully-fledged development bank, avoid the mistakes of the TCI Bank campaign fund for Mike Misick and Floyd Hall experience of 2007, and empower Belongers.

What would it had been if the TCI had a development bank that could loan locals monies in the five per cent and below range to start businesses.

What if a trade agency could have emerged from there?

As an entity TCInvest had the ability to extend the range of benefits from the Encouragement of Development Ordinance and support local manufacturing.

All in all there were so many things that TCInvest could have done but it needed leadership.

It was also possible to join the efforts of the Tourist Board and the agency into one powerful marketing agency for the islands and expand the list of nations that the board would impact with its outreach and joint marketing efforts.

Governor you have bought it and there is a feeling out there that there should have been a greater level of consensus and consultation on the closure.

It comes as a shock to all.

Whatever prevails in the aftermath of the closure there is still the need to market these islands to take advantage of what appears to be early signs of a slow global economic rebound.

There is still the need to attract greater foreign investment.

 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 14 - 20, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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NATIONAL

TCI is on top of the world THE Turks and Caicos Islands has been voted one of the best places to live in the world – coming number four in a chart compiled by a leading British newspaper.

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

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

Dubbed “the perfect location,” the TCI was only outshone by number one destination Hong Kong, second place winners New York City and third place North Island, New Zealand.

The article speaks of the islands’ high class amenities, reefs, diving and snorkelling locations and fine restaurants.

Estate agent Robert Greenwood, a Turks and Caicos resident for 32 years, was quoted as saying: “Where

TCI at risk from sea level rise EVEN the smallest rise in sea level could wipe out a large proportion of TCI’s beaches, according to a recent study.

Grand Turk’s stunning sea fronts are most at risk from environmental changes, while many of the country’s resorts, ports and runways could also be affected.

The shocking news was revealed following the completion of phase one of a regional study called the Caribsave Climate Change Risk Atlas (CCCRA).

Investigations uncovered the impact that climate change could have on the Caribbean islands in the future.

These thorough analyses will now be charted on a detailed map.

According to the study a sea level rise of just 0.5m would see more than half of the beach area in Grand Turk lost.

The West Shore would be reduced by 53 per cent and historic Cockburn Town by 65 per cent.

If the sea levels went up by two metres, all of the beach area would be lost in Cockburn Town.

While a rise of three metres would result in a total loss of beach at the Grand Turk Cruise Centre and Grand Turk West Shore.

“Critical beach assets” would be affected before the tourism infrastructure because of coastal erosion, the report states.

“Indeed, if erosion is damaging tourism infrastructure, it means that the beach will have essentially disappeared.”

The document provides details of adaptations that can be made to lessen the effect of climate change on TCI’s tourism industry.

It also looked at other sectors such as health, the social sector, agriculture, land allocation, development planning and disaster management.

The Department of Disaster Management in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources worked with members of Caribsave that came to collect data.

Data was retrieved through site visits, questionnaires, focus groups and historical data.

A spokesperson from the department said: “The department strongly encourages all members of the public to read at a minimum, the summary document and maybe this would serve as a springboard towards TCI starting to take the issue of climate change more seriously.”

Phase one of the project was funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).

The finalised document can be found on the DECR website: www.environment.tc.

we differ from some Caribbean islands is that we are very much a destination for high net-worth

individuals.”

For more details visit www. telegraph.co.uk/property

WORLD’S BEST: TCI features highly in The Telegraph’s annual chart

Two consumer goods recalls TCI Environmental Health Department is alerting the public that the US Food and Drug Administration has issued two recalls of contaminated chicken and cilantro respectively.

Trade between the USA and Turks and Caicos Islands involves these products, and the potential risks to local consumers necessitate a corresponding recall in these islands by the Environmental Health Department.

Recall 1: According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a North Carolina-based Raeford Farm is recalling more than 4,100 pounds of cooked chicken breasts over possible Listeria Monocytogenes contamination.

The recalled chicken breasts are marked “P-239A” inside the USDA mark of inspection, along with a product code of “94268” and a package date of “1270” (Sept. 27, 2011).

The products were shipped to Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

The problem was discovered after a customer’s sample tested positive, but no illnesses have been reported, the USDA said.

Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning and a disease called Listeriosis.

Healthy people rarely get the Listeria infection, known as listeriosis, but older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems face a great risk.

Symptoms can take up to two months to develop, and include diarrhea, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.

In the early months of 2011, a

Two recalls of contaminated chicken and cilantro have been issues by the US Food and Drug Administration

Listeria outbreak that was linked to cantaloupes sickened 146 persons and killed 30.

Recall 2: The Environmental Health Department is also alerting the public of a recent recall of cilantro in the USA. The FDA said that Pacific Cilantro of Salinas, California, is voluntarily recalling more than 6,000 cartons of cilantro that were shipped to California, Arizona, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Indiana, South Carolina and Missouri. An FDA test found salmonella in a sample of the herbs, also known as coriander. The cilantro was grown by Salt River Farming in the Phoenix-area.

No illnesses have been reported. The recall is considered precautionary.

Each bunch has “Pacific” on the twist tie and the UPC code 33383 80104.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal illness in children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience fever, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. In rare cases, Salmonella infection can get into the bloodstream, resulting in more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.

Cilantro is an herb and is sometimes referred to as coriander.

Cilantro specifically refers to the leaves and stems of the coriander plant. It is a bright, pungent herb used in Asian, Mexican and Indian cooking. Cilantro is a flavorful herb also known as Chinese parsley.

Consumers of the aforementioned products are advised to discontinue use immediately and consult the government medical facility for further advice.

Importers of the aforementioned products are advised to discontinue the sale of all products bearing the batch dates mentioned above.

Importers are also advised to contact Pacific International Marketing at 831-755-1398 for additional information.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 14 - 20, 2012

NATIONAL

Population census uncovered OVER the coming months more than 100 field workers will be travelling the length and breadth of the TCI to find out how many people live here and in what types of homes.

The population and housing census, which takes place once every ten years, will help potential investors to make commitments to the country and allow planners to determine needs.

But what exactly is a census, what will be expected from residents and who will be counted?

These questions and more were answered by the TCI Government’s Department of Economic Planning and Statistics this week.

a count of every person and building in the country.

In addition to knowing ‘how many persons live here’ it is also vital to know ‘who live here’ in terms of age, sex, religion, education, occupation and other important characteristics, as well as ‘where do they live’ in terms of housing, access to water and other essential facilities.

Who provides the census information?

Ideally each responsible adult (18 years or older) in the household should be interviewed.

However, this may not be possible because some persons may be out of the islands during the census period.

In such cases any responsible adult will be interviewed provided that he/she knows all the required answers. The process may require revisits.

Why is the census conducted every ten years?

A census is a massive statistical operation which is very costly.

It involves accurate mapping of the entire country, recruitment of over 100 field workers, extensive advertising and promotion to get public acceptance and timely processing and dissemination of the data collected.

Such an exercise will incur significant opportunity cost if it happens more frequently.

Why is it called a population and housing census?

A population and housing census is

When will the census be conducted?

The Census is conducted every ten years. The last census was in September 2001 and therefore another is presently due.

What are some of the benefits of a population

and housing census?

If planners know ‘how many of us live here’, ‘who we are’ and ‘where we live,’ they can estimate our needs for food, shelter, education, health, transport, employment and other amenities at very small levels of geography.

Is the census compulsory?

Yes it is! The Census Ordinance entrusts to the census officer at the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics the legal authority and responsibility to conduct the census.

Closer to the census date, the Governor would approve the Census Order and Census Regulations for viewing by the public.

There is a fine or penalty for persons who do not cooperate with census officers.

What must I do to be counted?

During the census period, specially identified enumerators will visit every household in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

When visited, be sure to cooperate by responding to all the questions on the census questionnaire.

If you are not visited please call or email the statistical office at the numbers and address published.

Why not use an online method for the census?

An on-line census system is technically complicated and costly and most countries reject this method.

Presently no Caribbean country uses an on-line system. This system requires money and time to develop and test.

We must also remember that census field work requires three simultaneous activities: canvassing, listing dwelling units, and interviewing households.

Canvassing involves going through an enumeration area to identify all buildings or structures that are used as dwelling units.

Identified dwelling units should correspond to household interviews.

The matching of canvassing/ listing activities with an on-line interview would make this process complicated and costly.

Will this census be the first one conducted in the Turks and Caicos Islands?

This census will present an unbroken record of census taking in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It has been documented that the first

census in the Turks and Caicos Islands was taken in 1891 as part of a demographic survey of the British Empire.

From that date onward, a census was taken every ten years in the Turks and Caicos Islands up until this time with one notable exception.

In the early 1930s there was no census taken in the islands. This was perhaps because of some major upheaval in the world.

Who is counted during the census?

All persons who usually reside within the borders of Turks and Caicos Islands at the time of enumeration are to be counted in the census, regardless of citizenship or length of stay. ’Usually’ refers to having lived in the Turks and Caicos Islands for at least six months or having the intention to remain in the Turks and Caicos for at least six months.

The following persons who are outside the country are to be counted where they usually live: Persons temporarily absent for less than six months on business, holiday, medical treatment, etc.

Person studying abroad who has the intention of returning home, regardless of the length of their stay.

Pupils get training on healthy eating HUNDREDS of students learnt all about the benefits of good nutrition during a healthy eating seminar this week.

Sandals Foundation joined forces with dietician Tamika Handfield of ACCU Nutrition Centre to educate the youngsters at Enid Capron Primary School.

The philanthropic arm of Beaches provided a nutritious breakfast for more than 533 pupils at the Five Cays school.

They enjoyed whole wheat and brand cereals as well as fruits and water as they learnt about the dos and don’ts of eating properly.

Mrs Handfield said: “Providing the students of Enid Capron Primary School with a healthy breakfast is a great initiative put on by Beaches Turks and Caicos.

“It is proven that children who are fed a healthy breakfast are better able to concentrate, are better behaved and have overall better growth than children who are not normally fed healthy breakfasts.

“It is my hope that Beaches Turks

and Caicos will make eating healthy a habit in the students’ lives and continue to invest in the future of these children.”

The entertaining health seminar hosted by Mrs Handfield was geared towards empowering, encouraging, and motivating students to get fit.

It also taught pupils the importance of balanced nutrition and the benefit of healthy eating so that they could make the healthy choices for themselves.

Principal Rachel Taylor said: “Good deeds are always appreciated - we extend our profound thank you to the Sandals Foundation for bringing the Big Breakfast Healthy Eating seminar to students of the Enid Capron Primary.”

This past September the foundation teamed up with the Ministry of Health and Human Services and the Wellness and National Health Planning Department to bring health awareness and distribute fruits and low-fat yogurts to over 1,500 students in Providenciales.

GOOD FOOD: Pupils at Enid Capron enjoy a nutritious breakfast

Beaches PR manager Elanor Finfin Krzanowski said: “Teaching the importance of healthy eating to the students of our sponsored schools is a priority for the Sandals Foundation.

“A well-rounded education not only includes academics but also the knowledge of how to maintain a physical healthy lifestyle.

“It is the goal of the Sandals Foundation to promote healthy

nutrition as well as the importance of a balanced diet and our first step is to provide the fruits to every student of Enid Capron while teaching these basic life-altering skills.”

January 14 - 20, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

9

NATIONAL

Teenage writers win UK trip Ten top teenage TCI essay writers are off on a 10-day trip of a lifetime to the UK after winning the Governor’s annual essay writing competition, the Governor’s office announced Tuesday, January 03.

Six students from Providenciales, three from Grand Turk and one from North Caicos were chosen by the judges from 19 entries received from across TCI. They each had to write on the topic of: “A 21st Century relationship between the UK and the TCI. Discuss.”

According to the office, the competition was developed as a means of satisfying the appetite of the TCI’s young people to find out more about the UK and how the countries can further benefit each other by promoting serious discussion among secondary and tertiary level students about the nature of the modern relationship between the UK and the TCI. The 10 winners are: • Rashunda Campbell of the TCI Community College, Grand Turk Campus • Samuel Cantos of the British West

Indies Collegiate, Providenciales • Candre Skippings of the HJ Robinson High School, Grand Turk • Phildreka Mayham of the TCI Community College, Providenciales Campus • Leyshan Grant of the Champions for Christ International School of Excellence, Providenciales • Kevin Downer of the TCIPS Comprehensive High School, Providenciales • Lemelko Missick of the Raymond Gardiner High School, North Caicos • Stephen Ulysse of Clement Howell High School, Providenciales • Chalsianna Missick of the Maranatha High School, Providenciales • Samell Harvey of the Wesleyan Methodist High School, Providenciales Each contestant had to compose an original, unpublished essay of between 1,000-1,500 words. It was open to all students 16–19 years old registered in a secondary or tertiary level institution in the TCI. Points were awarded for understanding of

the topic, originality of the author’s ideas, coherence of the case made and clarity of style.

The winners will travel as a group to the UK in February.

The trip includes the following activities, arrangements for which are being finalised now: • Sightseeing in London including a bus tour of the London sights such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, the Metropolitan Police Museum, the London Eye, the Tower of London and the famous London Parks • Seeing UK Government ministries

in action – meeting Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development Ministers Minister, the Overseas Territories Department, the Cabinet Office and No. 10 Downing Street • Visiting both the House of Commons and House of Lords, meeting members of the Foreign affairs Committee, and receiving a presentation from the British Youth Council on the UK Youth Parliament • Spending a day in a London school and possibly weekending

with British families Governor Ric Todd, said: “All of the essays were extremely interesting, with some very supportive of the existing relationship between TCI and the UK, others much more ready to move towards independence for the territory.

“What was encouraging was the range of ideas and suggestions on offer. It bodes very well for the future of democracy here that a wide range of ideas and beliefs can coexist. Well done to everyone who entered and I hope that you have a terrific trip.”

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Keeping it local at the farmers’ market FRESH produce, local crafts and baked goods are all on sale at the weekly farmers’ market run by the TCI Red Cross.

The first market of the new year is taking place this Saturday (January 14) at the charity headquarters on Leeward Highway, Providenciales.

Shoppers will be able to purchase freshly grown produce and locally sourced items between 10am and 2pm.

They will also have the chance to meet the farmers and shop for goodies at the Red Cross thrift store.

A spokesperson said: “The community and farmers’ market brings people together in a fun way that promotes a safe and healthy

community environment.

“Arrive with your shopping bags to save money on goods and services, and while there learn more about the TCI Red Cross products and services.”

Coordinators are calling for more farmers and residents who make bake goods, jams and treats to get involved.

They are also inviting schools to bring their artwork, wood work and crafts to make the event a fun day for all.

For more information on the farmers’ market call 247-8911, and for details on how to volunteer with the Red Cross call 941-8056 or email redcrossprovo@tciway.tc

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10

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 14 - 20, 2012

We welcome letters from all members of the public on a variety of topics.

Open letter to the Governor Dear Governor Todd, I feel compelled to state for the record how truly dismayed I am by the way you have gone about making, and informing us of, your decision to abolish TCInvest.

Many of us greeted your inaugural promise to run a collaborative and transparent administration in good faith and with goodwill.

And even though I have been moved on a few occasions since your inauguration to challenge you to honour it, that promise has never seemed more hollow than it did during the forum’s closed session this morning.

I was so caught off guard when your Director of Strategy Philip Rushbrook informed me in the parking lot on Friday of your decision to abolish TCInvest that I requested an urgent meeting, which you graciously granted yesterday afternoon.

At that meeting you explained the reasons why you thought this decision was necessary.

I countered by explaining that your reasoning was fundamentally flawed because it focused entirely on the mismanagement and abuse of the agency, ie. to coin the phrase you used, perhaps unwittingly, you were throwing out the baby with the bath water.

To be fair, I gathered that you were basing your reasoning on a report

by UK advisor Stephen Turnbull, a copy of which you were kind enough to present to me midway through our meeting.

But I felt constrained to question the reliability of its findings after glancing over a section on the Business Development Centre: I served as chairman of TCInvest for five years and director of the Business Development Centre for ten.

I thought it would give you pause when I pointed out that it strains credulity to think that any advisor could produce a comprehensive report on the functioning of this agency, let alone my department, without speaking to me.

In fact you paused long enough to reassure me that it was only a draft report and that you were quite prepared to grant my request for the forum to hold a public hearing so that the proffered reasons for closing TCInvest could be properly examined.

Yet less than 24 hours later you were insisting in our closed session that there was no need for further discussion because your mind had been made up, presumably based on Mr Turnbull’s flawed and incomplete draft report.

Let me hasten to clarify that I have never questioned your authority to make this or any other decision.

Which makes me wonder why you continually assert, with the gratuitous force of a parent asserting her authority to discipline her child, that you have this authority.

My sole purpose for appealing to you on this and other matters was to get you to demonstrate that your talk about making your interim administration the most honest, open, and transparent in the Caribbean is not just hot air.

Alas, that you were adamant to the point of appearing defiant this morning about your decision to abolish TCInvest, despite the earnest pleadings of members for just a chance to be heard, made it clear to all present that my appeals to you have been in vain.

I hope you appreciate how much credence this gives to those who dismissed the forum from the outset as nothing more than a rubber-stamp for the neo-colonial machinations of British interlopers.

This is profoundly regrettable and portends dire consequences for our UK-TCI relationship.

Lillian Misick Chair TCI Consultative Forum

Let’s stay the course Dear Editor, The closing of TCInvest is timely and some kind of reorganisation was needed a long time ago.

At the indulgence of many Chief Ministers, government’s allowed the agency to wander.

Conrad Higgs was no help and is perhaps the biggest reason why the Governor had to do what he did.

As an inward investment agency there were some successes over the years.

A KPMG report also showed that the agency needed to be reformed or die.

What is surprising is that there was no wider consultation on the proposed closure of this agency.

During the 2009 public hearings of the Robyn Auld Commission it was revealed that Mike Misick verbally told the agency not to check the Devco out and it would seem that this verbal request was complied with despite the rules being in place.

It cannot help that Conrad Higgs was found with 10 acres of land in the national park system.

Can the agency carry out a true mandate of national development?

I am sure but where would the agency go with a lack of funding and it functioning as a bureaucracy within a wider bureaucracy?

However, what is lamentable is that at a time when the islands need investment is that we may be starting over again.

Is it possible that they could have just removed Conrad Higgs, reduce spending and lead at this time on investment?

Is this the time to change course

or “stay the course”.

The public has certainly benefitted from the Small Business Programme and the services of Lillian Missick and Sophia Thomas.

They have helped many persons in the TCI get business plans and loans.

There were many success stories.

The loans portfolio and the lending arm needed reform and a reduced interest rate structure because the lending rates were greater than the commercial banks in some instances.

In cases the interest rates were low.

People visiting the agency have found these persons, Lillian Missick and Sophia Thomas, to be helpful along with Clayton Been.

Maybe we could find another to address these issues.

One proposal may have been to merge the boards with the Tourist Board and let them function as a powerful marketing and tourism investment entity.

For me it matters not. There is a greater need to spur investment to the islands and get these islands back on track.

Maybe the decision can be dealt with again with wider public consultation.

The emphasis must now be on inward investment, getting money into the islands and people back to work. The fundamentals are there.

In many other cases we are reaping what the previous regime has sown.

Excellency, you may be invited to re-consider this decision. One can understand the rationale but this may be time to stay the course.

Samsune Taylor

The cost of the SIPT and CRT Dear Editor, I am pleased to see that the chair and other members of the Consultative Forum have finally begun to question the considerable expenditure of the TCI Government on the Civil Recovery and Special Investigation and Prosecution teams (CRSIPT).

Every dollar that is spent on the teams is a dollar that can be spent on education, healthcare, and on redeploying the many workers than government intends to make redundant in its rightsizing exercise.

Much good can be done with the money that we are spending on CRSIPT and, at an admitted expenditure of almost a million dollars a month, an audit of CRSIPT

is long overdue, and the people of this country along with the Consultative Forum and Advisory Council must demand one.

It is our money and we have an absolute right to know how every dollar of it is being spent.

While I welcome the new perspective of some members of the Consultative Forum, their objections have entirely missed the real issues.

Instead of asking the UK to cover the costs of the CRSIPT we must, instead, ask whether we are, as the Governor is suggesting, getting value for money.

We must demand answers to whether the considerable costs of the CRSIPT is reasonable and necessary.

Someone needs to publically

LETTERS SHOULD BE KEPT TO A MAXIMUM OF 450 WORDS

answer how much it is costing the TCI public to accommodate the CRSIPT at the Veranda (a five star resort!) and let’s be clear about it - this type of lavishness at the public’s expense is an abuse, it is unprecedented, and it is an example of the very practice that the current Governor is so keen to criticise when referring to local government.

Let us also be clear that if CRSIPT’s accommodation expense is unreasonable it is not sufficient for the Governor to say that CRSIPT’s expenses will be recovered several times over by what they collect.

These are the public’s funds and the Governor must account for how

he is spending it.

The TCI Government’s response to that question to date has been patronising and less than forthcoming, which is that government has worked out a very good rate with the Veranda.

A very interesting response when you consider that the carrying cost alone for accommodation at the Veranda, even if the developer is giving it to government at its costs, is around $14 to $16 a square foot per annum - a considerable sum when compared to reasonable alternatives like Leeward Landing and the Golf Course apartments, or even better, the many debt ridden rental properties that are owned by residents and that have been left

Part 1

vacant in the wake of the collapse of the construction industry.

That is not even to mention the considerable nightly rates that the cheapest rooms at the Veranda fetch, particularly at this time of year.

In what other country, if any, is an investing team being accommodated in a five star ocean front resort?

Why are we, as broke as the Governor and his team of experts claim we are, the first to allow it (and why is most of our press mincing their words, and not clearly pointing out hypocrites for what they are)?

If government is indeed getting a sweet heart deal, as it has suggested, what is the true cost of such a deal?

Peter Forbes

Please note that all submissions are subject to editing in keeping with defamation laws and newspaper style. Letters should be accompanied by the author’s full name, location and phone number. Names will be withheld if requested.

January 14 - 20, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Letters

11

Leadership, integrity, loyalty and the fab five Dear Editor, It’s official! The ‘Fab Five’ as they will be now known from this day forth have been selected and since I gave my two cents on the Permanent Secretary situation previously, here is the other ninety eight cents so you can have a full dollar.

To recap and for context I argued that this administration would be looking for critical thinkers to revolutionise the civil service going forward. Boy was I wrong!

They said they wanted leaders and persons of integrity. Wrong again.

By the selection of the Fab Five it is clear that this administration wants what every administration since the being of time wants above all, loyalty.

Let there be no doubt that the Fab Five are all educated, and have numerous years of management experience and if this was a process for selecting the best managers, this writer would not have as great an issue as I do.

I fail to believe that the persons selected were five of the best leaders of the 33 persons who applied for the PS posts.

Before I review some of the history of each individual member of the Fab Five, please keep this in mind though the Fab Five and Golden Thirteen (USs to be selected) will be highly paid and should be leaders.

There will be a UK advisor in each ministry to help someone who will be making $93,000 and at least two persons making $68,000 before

a 10 per cent cut.

That’s at least $200,000 being spent on a senior management team for each ministry and a UK advisor is seen as still needed! Foolishness!

Now do you understand why loyalty is needed to do these jobs?

And now to the Fab Five!

I will give Mrs Susan Malcolm a pass because there is enough literature out there for persons to come to their own conclusions and I knew she would be selected no matter what, because she has the inside track on the Deputy Governor’s post.

Sorry Lillian and Doreen, better luck next time.

Anya Williams. Good selection for PS Finance given that the post is now a junior post, and given that all financial authority is vested in the CFO and whichever advisors that will be running the Ministry of Finance.

I would like to also congratulate proud poppa Pastor Denis ‘Dundy’ Swann and thank him for his critical role in hyping civil servants at the Civil Service March for Justice then abandoning them shortly after.

Your silence was deafening after publicly accusing members of OPSM and the PSC of receiving hush money.

Judith Campbell, I fail to see how the PS that oversaw the greatest transfer of Crown land into private hands, and which resulted in part the Commission Inquiry, could possibly pass any integrity test!

Whatever the overall plan by the administration with this selection,

you cannot reward bad deeds and expect good to follow.

Wesley Clerveaux. Anybody remember the Chalk Sound debacle that saw home owners building in a national park?

The Director of DECR sits on the Physical Planning Board as an exofficio member and must advise the board on what building activity can take place in the national parks.

It was his duty to ensure that no permits were issued before the land was re-zoned and this never happened under the previous

administration.

Finally, Clara Gardiner. She is definitely along the loyalty lines as she has been carrying the UK’s water ever since she was made PS Border Control.

This administration hired KPMG to audit the scholarship programme which she had oversight for, for many years.

In conclusion the administration has missed an opportunity to change the face of leadership in the civil service by the selection of re-treads they themselves called incapable of

managing the civil service.

They have missed a golden opportunity to select instead of persons that possessed the crucial characteristics of good leadership, critical thinking and yes, integrity.

I pray that in spite of my reading of the situation that God lays a positive hand on each member of the Fab Five and inspires them to serve first and foremost for the benefit of the civil service and TCI as a whole.

Ryan A Garland

No transparency

Dear Editor, After having read the brilliant press statement of Lillian Missick in her reaction by the Governor to close TCInvest all by himself there are few truths that people can see.

Some persons who have been meeting with Governor Todd are finding that he is not all that he is cracked up to be.

He claims to transparent but he is really not.

He has sat in many meetings with various persons, told them what they wanted to hear and then leaves the office to do what he likes.

There is a public feeling that TCInvest is not living up to its mandate in the islands and that the CEO, Conrad Higgs, is in a kind word ‘a big waste of

time,’ is overpaid, travels around to the DR and other places, practically doing nothing.

But that is, as you read from Lillian Misick’s statement, unfair to the others at TCInvest who are doing a great job.

People like Sophia Thomas, Clayton Been, Lillian Missick, Rebecca Astwood and really most members of staff below the CEO are all doing a great job.

The Governor is smooth, says the right things in meetings and in public but when it is all over, people who meet with him state that he does what he likes.

Some people say he is a nice guy. The man even reminds you of Mitt Romney who is so false that he

doesn’t even believe himself.

The Governor needs to watch this because many persons who sit with him in meetings, get him to agree to certain things but after the meeting see something else are getting disillusioned over his double talk.

People who meet with the Governor need to know that when he says something that he means it.

He cannot be a politician who is free to say what likes and really couldn’t care less what the outcome will be.

I don’t know about TCInvest but I wonder if closing the agency is another way to cover a lot of things up at this stage of the game.

Demetrius Salmon

COMMENTARY

The centre of attention

I AM privileged to be a resident of Middle Caicos because of its potential and great people.

When one looks at a chart of the TCI it is obvious that Middle Caicos is aptly named because it is directly in the centre of the islands.

It is also the largest of the islands hence its welldeserved original name Grand Caicos.

Now I know Provo is beautiful with its Grace Bay but those walls of concrete and the hundreds of thousands of tourists passing through every year limit its attractiveness to say, Fort Lauderdale.

Big North Caicos has most of its beach in private hands but

By David Tapfer next to Middle Caicos it would be my second choice as nice quiet place to live.

Kew is a garden spot.

When I visit Grand Turk I feel isolated, cut off and out to sea.

The capital island is now connected via cruise ship but

otherwise it takes a $100 one-way ticket to access overseas travel.

It is however charming and reminds me of time spent in the eastern Caribbean.

When we look again at the map we can only wonder why Middle Caicos here in the centre of things has been forgotten.

Grand Turk was militarily strategic, for the 1940s US base and the early benefits of salt collection proved history rather than today’s reality favoured Grand Turk.

Provo also had the first international airstrip and because of Club Med and Grace Bay it took off running and never looked back.

One thing I have to applaud the last PNP government for is vision.

The plan to build a massive

government building in Conch Bar was one of their few visionary ideas.

Too bad no follow through.

We have worn out the reasons they messed up so let’s look to the future.

Bambarra Beach is our Grace Bay, a beautiful sheltered shady beach where you can wade out for hundreds of feet behind the protection of its reef.

It has become the centre of Caicos activities.

Now I know that Robert Hall and a couple of Forbes people think they own it.

Mike and Jeffrey had it marked off for sale but it really belongs to the people and needs to be administrated into government’s hands.

It is a national treasure, a national park. Taking title would cost government nothing, and this needs to be done now.

The interim government must recognise Middle Caicos has more promise than any other place in the TCI. It will eventually be connected by causeways that will open up dormant East Caicos and provide access via a causeway to South Caicos.

Those folks out there in the deep water on the other side of the buoy need to wake up and get Jon Llewellyn to do something with Bambarra Beach’s title which will only be a start to unlocking the potential of Grand Caicos.

12

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 14 - 20, 2012

NATIONAL

Robinson is new Red Cross Director Mr Courtney Robinson has been appointed the new Director of the Turks & Caicos Islands Red Cross, taking up his position Tuesday, January 03,d 2012.

The Red Cross stated that based on Providenciales, Robinson will be responsible for managing TCI Red Cross operations throughout the whole territory, while managing the development, delivery and sustainability of programmes within an overall strategic framework.

He will also plan for and respond to disasters and emergencies, coordinating with government and other actors in accordance with the National Disaster Plan and individual contingency plans; and when the crisis is over, help persons affected to recover and move on with their lives.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to not only serve my fellow men, but also be responsible for and take the lead in providing humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable people in our communities. I am indeed privileged to be working in conjunction with the British Red Cross, a global organization that touches on the lives of millions people throughout the world, making an incredible difference in their lives. This is indeed an honour to serve,” said the TCI Red Cross Director.

“It is my endeavour to be that leader that will form formidable partnerships with stakeholders, decision makers, community groups, volunteers and the general public – thus being that person who will inspire voluntary action to strengthen the Turks and Caicos Islands communities to prepare for and respond in times of crisis, while

Courtney Robinson Mr Courtney Robinson, Red Cross Director

upholding the ethos of the Turks & Caicos Islands Red Cross,” added Robinson.

A graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science with a Masters of Science degree in Media and Communications Regulation & Policy, Robinson also holds a First Class honours degree in Public Relations from the University of Westminster, London.

Mr Robinson’s experience in disaster management derives from serving as an executive committee member on the National Disaster Executive Policy Committee (2007 – 2009), The Recovery Task Force (2008 – 2009), CARICOM Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) Committee for the TCI (2009) and the Turks & Caicos Islands Government Informal Settlement Task Force (2009). He has also undertaken training in Risk Mapping and Planning in Coastal

Zones, Strengthening the Capacity of the Youth Arm of the National AIDS Program, and Media as Advocates for Children – Responding to Child Abuse in Our Communities.

As Director of the Turks & Caicos Islands Government Information Service (GIS), Robinson has a strong background in communications and public relations. There, he effectively repositioned GIS product - increasing productivity, content and dissemination, and publication of material by 500 per cent.

Courtney has organised projects and events for companies such as The Grace Bay Club, The Somerset Resort and The Gansevoort Resort along with non-profits such as the Turks & Caicos Islands Football Association, The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Drive, TCI Red Cross Red & White Party, The National Kidney Foundation fundraising drive and the 2008 post-hurricane Ike and Hanna children’s Christmas parties.

He also provided high visibility public relations and marketing for Le Reve Gala Ball’s Bollywood Dreams and Diamonds are Forever charitable events. This, along with founding and executive-producing the TCI Top Model Contest & Fashion Extravaganza, an event where he developed programmes and providing mentoring to young people interested in the fashion design industry.

For more information on the TCI Red Cross, its services and how to volunteer or donate, contact Courtney Robinson, Director, (649) 941-8056 or (649) 232-6797 or emailtciredcrossdirector@gmail. com

Taxi fare schedule

The following pieces of Legislation which came into effect on December 16, 2011. They were signed by Governor Ric Todd on December 07, 2011:Road Traffic ( Amendment) Ordinance 2011 Road Traffic Services Vehicle) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 Road Traffic (Public Services Vehicles Operator) (Licensing Fees) Notice 2011 Road Traffic (Amendment) (No.3) Regulations 2011 In accordance with regulation 3(3) of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations, the fees payable in respect of a licence to operate a public service vehicle will be as follows:Taxi-Cab $50.00 Omnibus $50.00 Private Charter $100.00 Private Transfer (reserved) $100.00 Private Transfer (resort) $100.00

In accordance with Part 1A Private Transfer Vehicle (reserved) Fare.

Where the private transfer vehicle (reserved) is hired in respect of a particular journey the maximum legal charges payable for the first hour or part thereof are as follows: $120.00 and for each subsequent period of ½ hour or part thereof $60.00.

In accordance with the Road Traffic (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2011.

Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Road Traffic Regulations is amended by inserting under the heading ‘B. Commercial Vehicles’ the following fees are applicable (a) On public service vehicles (i.e. designed or adapted for the carriage of twenty or more passengers): PRIVATE CHARTER – $700.00 (b) On public service vehicles (i.e. a luxury motor VEHICLE): PRIVATE TRANSFER (RESERVED) (luxury motor vehicle) – $550.00 $750.00 (Limo) (c ) On public service vehicles: PRIVATE TRANSFER (RESORT) – $5000.00 Joseph Swann, Acting Director of Road Safety, has stated that in addition to the above, he is reminding all Public Service Vehicle Operators that: In accordance with Section 26 (3), an application for the renewal of a licence granted under regulation 03 or 08 shall be made in the same manner and form as an application for the grant of an original licence and shall be made at least 60 days before the expiry of the licence.

“I am therefore appealing to all public service operators to ensure that their Public Service Operators Licence and their taxis are inspected and Licence/renewed before January 01, 2012,” Mr Swann said.

He reminded operators that failure to comply means they will not be permitted to operate.

Stamp booth at airport IN an effort to enhance the revenue collection of the TCI Philatelic Bureau and the Turks and Caicos Islands on a whole, the Philatelic Bureau and the Airport Authority recently opened a new TCI Stamp Booth in the departure lounge at the Providenciales International Airport.

The Philatelic Bureau was established in 1977 and manages the design, production, and sale of TCI stamps.

“With six new issues release each year, the bright color and creative designs of each stamp have captured the beauty of the islands and brought attention and revenue to the country over the years,” Philatelic Bureau Manager Gerlie Garland stated.

“TCI Stamps are covered by stamp collectors worldwide; the Bureau helps our visitors

TCI stamps

recognize the historical features of the TCI. With this latest addition, our visitors will have

another access to the TCI Stamps before leaving, thus spreading our county’s natural beauty one

stamp at a time.”

Stamps on sale are: mint and cancelled stamp sets, souvenir

sheets, first day cover sets, first day cover souvenir sets, sheet-lets sets, and sheet-lets day cover sets.

January 14 - 20, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

13

NATIONAL

Snorkel trail overhaul a success ECO lovers flocked to the beach recently to help restore Coral Gardens’ snorkel trail to its former glory.

Turks and Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF) hosed the renovation day at Grace Bay’s stunning off shore reef on Sunday, December 18.

More than a dozen people with a passion for the environment gathered to assist in collecting the elderly trail markers which circle the protected reef and cleaning or replacing them.

David Stone, deputy chairman of the volunteer-led organisation, said: “Since this is such a popular destination for both guests and local residents, we felt it was an important project for the TCRF to undertake.”

He explained that the trail markers had been unattended for so long that most were no longer readable by snorkelers on the surface.

They blue plaques had been

BEFORE: Volunteer snorkeler Samuel Alarco shows the back of an encrusted tile

ECO ACTIVIST: Volunteer Sandy Elder cleans a tile

covered in calcium carbonate, sand and deposits from the sea bed.

Work on the reef began at 9am

when scuba divers carefully removed each ceramic tile trail marker from its reef ball base.

They were then brought to shore by snorkelers where they were cleaned using eco-friendly cleaning methods.

Some of the markers, which were either missing or damaged, were replaced by new ceramic tiles created by local artists.

REVAMPED: David Stone displays a newly cleaned tile

Mr Stone said: “A large team of volunteers spent hours with their hands immersed in vinegar, scraping and scrubbing the glazed ceramic tiles that mount to reef balls to form the snorkel trail markers.

“But everyone had a great time, and the snorkel trail markers all look

brand new.

“Thanks to everyone who helped and to everyone who stopped by while we were working on the beach to learn more about the TCRF and, in many cases, to donate to our cause.”

For more information on the TCRF email info@tcreef.org

Santa Paws was here DIVE TEAM: Divers Don Stark and Roger Halladay emerge from the water

Oasis Divers named number one A DIVE company in Grand Turk has been named the best in the TCI by a leading sports magazine.

Oasis Divers hit Sport Diver Magazine’s sixth annual list which honours top dive operators and resorts across the globe.

Together with its partner hotel Osprey Beach it has been named as the top dive operator and resort for the entire Turks and Caicos Islands.

The article reads: “The combination of an unspoiled island, spectacular wall diving and Oasis Divers’ professionalism, along with Osprey Beach Hotel’s down-to-earth friendliness and high-end amenities, will have you planning your return before the last dive ends.”

Sport Diver Magazine, the official publication of the PADI Diving Society, evaluates dive resorts, operators, and locations across the world before selecting the final list.

Oasis Divers was one of just 22 dive resorts internationally to make the 2012 cut.

Dale Barker, co-owner of Oasis Divers, said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled with being selected as one of Sport Diver’s World’s Best.

“To be recognised as a top scuba diving shop by a leading publication and to be listed alongside the best of the best in the diving industry is an amazing reward for the hard work and dedication our team does yearround.”

An island staple since 1996, Oasis Divers is the main watersports tour operator on Grand Turk.

It specialises in scuba diving trips and instruction and is a PADI certified dive centre.

The resort also offers snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, sailing, and deep-sea fishing excursions for adventure-seekers of all ages.

Santa Paws was in town early December, to set up shop at the TCSPCA annual Christmas Fair.

A steady crowd of children and their parents enjoyed the four hour event. 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 of the not for profit animal welfare organization. Volunteer Jenny Holland created the delightful grotto setting for Santa.

While they waited their turn to whisper their Christmas wishes in Santa’s ear, fair-goers munched on an array of cookies, especially volunteer Ingrid Neumanns’ chocolate chip variety, and sipped eggnog in the TCSPCA office, or bought toys for their pets at the ‘under the tent’ market in the parking lot.

But perhaps the greatest draw at this yearly event were the pony rides. Santa’s elves, Carol Klinko and Melinda Volkert, provided the horses, as always. This year Apache and Lightning, beautifully outfitted in reds and greens, bows and braids, were the stars of the show. Lightning sported antlers and a red Rudolph nose. Apache’s French braided main and tail were elegant. Needless to say, the kids just ate it up and the two ‘reindeer’ patiently toted their small riders for almost two hours, raising much-needed funds for less fortunate animals in the TCI. TCSPCA Director Susan Blehr pronounced the fair a success, saying they raised about $2,000.00 during the morning event. She was

The kids loved visiting Santa in his Grotto.

Santa Paws with Lightening, antlers and all

especially grateful to Santa, and the two photographers, Jan Sefcik and her husband, volunteer veterinarian at the TCSPCA, Dr Rich who captured the special moments with Santa and the ‘on board’ the ponies.

A host of other volunteers manned

each station of the fair which ran seamlessly.

Anyone wishing to help ‘give a voice to those who cannot speak’, please donate your time or money to the TCSPCA. Call 941-8846 for more information on how you can help.

14

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 14 - 20, 2012

NATIONAL

autism awareness

Teen writers jet to UK TEN top teenage essay writers are off on a ten day trip of a lifetime to the UK after winning the Governor’s annual essay writing competition.

Six students from Providenciales, three from Grand Turk and one from North Caicos were chosen by the judges from 19 entries received from across TCI. They each had to write on the topic of ‘A 21st century relationship between the UK and the TCI. Discuss.’

The competition was developed as a way to promote serious discussion among secondary and tertiary level students on the cross-Atlantic relations.

Each contestant had to compose an original, unpublished essay of between 1,000 to 1,500 words.

It was open to all students 16 to 19-years-old registered in a secondary or tertiary level institution in the TCI. Points were awarded for understanding of the topic, originality of the author’s ideas, coherence of the case made and clarity of style.

Governor Ric Todd said: “All of

the essays were extremely interesting, with some very supportive of the existing relationship between TCI and the UK, others much more ready to move towards independence for the territory.

“What was encouraging was the range of ideas and suggestions on offer – it bodes very well for the future of democracy here that a wide range of ideas and beliefs can coexist.

“Well done to everyone who entered and I hope that you have a terrific trip.”

The winners will travel as a group on the 10-day visit to the UK in February.

They will enjoy a variety of activities including sightseeing in London including a bus tour of the London sights.

In addition they will see UK Government ministries in action during meetings at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development Ministers Minister, the Overseas Territories Department, the Cabinet Office and Number 10

Downing Street.

They will also visit both the House of Commons and House of Lords, meet members of the Foreign affairs Committee, and receive a presentation from the British Youth Council on the UK Youth Parliament The 10 winners are Rashunda Campbell of the TCI Community College, Grand Turk Campus, Samuel Cantos of the British West Indies Collegiate, Providenciales, Candre Skippings of the HJ Robinson High School, Grand Turk, Phildreka Mayham of the TCI Community College, Providenciales Campus, Leyshan Grant of the Champions for Christ International School of Excellence, Providenciales, Kevin Downer of the TCIPS Comprehensive High School, Providenciales, Lemelko Missick of the Raymond Gardiner High School, North Caicos, Stephen Ulysse of Clement Howell High School, Providenciales, Chalsianna Missick of the Maranatha High School, Providenciales, and Samell Harvey of the Wesleyan Methodist High School, Providenciales.

FASHION FUN: Provo’s senior citizens enjoy the catwalk hat show

Catwalk show for pensioners PROVO’s senior citizens enjoyed a light-hearted fashion show showcasing an array of high class hats.

The fun event was held by telecoms company Lime to show appreciation to the country’s older residents.

Staff members donned the head attire and strutted down a catwalk to the delight of the audience.

Marketing manager Rachel Harvey said: “The senior citizens event is one of the highlights in the company’s calendar.

“The senior citizens always look forward to this presentation and it is indeed a joy to do this event each year.”

As well as the fashion show in Provo, staff members also held a singing and dancing event for the elderly in Grand Turk.

General manager Drexwell Seymour said: “It is often said that

HEAD ATTIRE: Edith Skippings models a hat from the black collection

HAPPY IN A HAT: Lime’s Angell Gardiner takes part in the fashion event

the forefathers of a nation helped in building the foundation on which we build today and our senior

citizens across the nation also provide that platform on which we stand.”

By Nicole Cox, a mother living with autism

Josiah, aged four

Spectrum of Hope

Partnership, compromise and what? pt.3

THE ‘what’ in the title stands for the term sensory diet.

Sorry ladies, this is not the latest fad to lose five pounds in a week!

A sensory diet is basically a means by which you provide a specific amount of sensory input to your body on a consistent basis in order to balance your physical and mental tolerance levels.

OK, I hear the “huh?” already! Trust me it is not complex at all. You already do it to some degree.

Sensory diets are a big deal in the autism spectrum world. Therapists realise that because of the neurological imbalance in the brain, the five senses (sight, taste, touch, hearing, smell) can be elevated or numbed for someone on the spectrum.

What may be a simple flannel blanket to the typical mind can feel like sandpaper.

Your favourite perfume may make them nauseous. Running head first into a wall may not even seem to phase them.

French fries or chips may be the only thing that can get past their lips without a gag reflex.

A sunny day could be a migraine waiting to happen. A church congregational hymn could seem like a painful, echoing cavern of confusion.

A messy room could elicit a response of panic from feeling lost.

So, by carefully monitoring the types and amounts of input into the senses, their emotional, physical and mental states can be brought to balance. This, in turn, allows for more effective teaching time.

We will visit this concept some more later. Now, how can mom or dad use this same method for themselves?

It’s simple, really. What do you like to do? Exercise, massages, music, movies, board games, video games, going for a drive, a warm bubble bath, cooking; everything you consider relaxing, exciting or refreshing is sensory input!

So, now all you must do is decide which activity stimulates or calms you and coordinate them with the scheduled ‘me’ moments that you and your household have settled on.

With the proper planning, you can get this down to a science and come away from every ‘me’ session feeling fully refreshed as opposed to “oh, I wish I had more time!”

Choose an activity that is specifically geared to render the response you need.

If you must calm down and you know deep pressure touch does it for you, then purchasing an electronic massage device may be a good investment.

You can get your 15 minute massages on demand! Try combining that with using lavender essential oil to get a double sensory dose.

A quick run for the athletes in the house may be great as the pounding of your legs and feet against the pavement is great for joint compression and the release of endorphins after the elevated heart rate can both relax the muscles and invigorate the mind.

For all my techie friends, perhaps a few minutes on your iPad or even the game on your phone will give you a breather.

Most people who love computers or video games are highly visually stimulated.

So scheduling time to play will probably allow your brain to organise your thoughts much better afterward.

The sensory integration approach to your lifestyle and to your learning plan for your children can be highly effective.

Once again, you do not have to have a child on the spectrum to notice the differences that can take place by paying attention to the connection between environmental stimulus and the brain.

It may contribute to an all round more balanced household.

For more information on autism email: DawnProgram@gmail.com Next Week: Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil!

January 14 - 20, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

15

NATIONAL

this week

Friday, January 13 to Thursday, January 19

The Mitchell family

Conch Bar now Surf City TCI

By David Tapfer THE Mitchell family, Americans from North Carolina and North Caicos have found a site to practice their surfing skills at the western end of the beach road in Conch Bar. Father Mark and his 15-year-old son Brandon are into surfing and have competed in national surfing contests in Huntington Beach, California.

Daughter Sophia, 8, has also tried her skills at the water sport,

competing once.

As the waves roll in and break over the submerged reef the Mitchells are seen enjoying the seclusion offered by the Middle Caicos location.

Several days a week, they can be seen enjoying the surf. Depending on wind and tide conditions rollers range in height. With high tides and strong winds, the rollers are sometimes seen curling as high as those seen in California.

The Mitchell family hails from Wrightsville Beach North Carolina

where Mark is a real estate developer.

Brandon is a sophomore in high school and Sophia is in the third grade. Mother Debbie does not surf but enjoys watching her husband and son participating in their favorite sport. The family has a vacation home in Whitby, North Caicos where they spend their holidays and vacations.

“While we have surfed in Provo at Grace Bay we find it easier to access this spot in Middle Caicos,” Mark told the Weekly News.

Move-a-thon for schools TAMIKA Handfield, a Registered Dietitian of ACCU Medical Nutrition is organizing an annual fundraising event to help a selected school provide better nutrition to the students.

This event is planned for January 14, 2012 starting at 5:30am and all media personnel are cordially invited to cover this event.

According to her media release, enhanced nutrition for the students can be in the form of providing healthy school lunches, developing a healthy menu to support adequate growth, implementing nutrition education classes or expanding their kitchen facilities.

Each year a different school will be chosen to be the beneficiary of 100 per cent of the funds raised during the event.

Ms Handfield stated: “Our children are bombarded with technology - video games, the internet and social networks - all of which promote a very sedentary lifestyle. Little physical activity combined with calorie and fat laden foods have led to a very overweight generation of children”.

Tamika Handfield

Persons are encouraged to either walk, run or bike the course.

Organizers are planning on having two different routes - a shorter 5K (3 Miles) route to facilitate parents with children and persons who are not frequently involved in physical activity and, a longer 10K (6 Miles) route. Both routes will start and end at ACCU Medical Nutrition Office in the IGA Plaza.

“This event was strategically planned around the holiday season

to help offset some of the extra calories we usually consume and to give us a healthy jumpstart on our New Year’s resolutions. This event will be benefiting a great cause; so, not only will you get a chance to burn some calories but to positively impact children’s lives,” says Tamika Handfield.

Mrs. Handfield is asking for the support (either in cash or kine) of everyone to make this event a success.

Persons are encouraged to preregister however, registration on the day of the event is also possible. Registration forms will available at various business places, including ACCU Medical Nutrition, but persons can contact Tamika Handfield at 242-3978 or 442-3978.

Registration fees: Individuals- $20 Corporate/group of 10 or more $15 Family of 4 or more members $15 Children - $10 Ring in your New Year by jumpstarting your healthy resolutions.

Friday, January 13

Sunday, January 15

 Danny Buoy’s is Provo’s premier live music and sports destination, serving lunch and dinner daily from 11:30am.

It is the perfect place to escape from the heat and hang with friends, all in smoke free air-conditioned comfort.

Happy Hour specials from 4-7pm Monday-Saturday

 Feeling lucky? Win cash at the Rotary Club’s weekly bingo night every Sunday from 7pm at Club Pillows opposite the Veranda resort in Grace Bay.

 Ready to start the weekend party?

Join Graceway Sports Centre and dance your booty off with Shara Bowen and her incendiary Zumba class from 10.30am to 11.30am.

More information at www. gracewaysports.com or on 442-6348.  Get into the weekend mood with the intense and electrifying Tae-Bo class at Graceway Sports Centre from 6pm to 7pm.

Free for fitness members, $12 for non-members.

Visit www.gracewaysports.com for more information or call 442-6349.  Craig Archibold gets the party started at the Regent Palms from 7pm on Friday nights with the sound of classic Caribbean and Motown tunes. Call 9468666 for details.

Saturday, January 14  The first farmers’ market of the new year is taking place this Saturday at the TCI Red Cross headquarters on Leeward Highway, Providenciales.

Shoppers will be able to purchase freshly grown produce and locally sourced items between 10am and 2pm.

They will also have the chance to meet the farmers and shop for goodies at the Red Cross thrift store.  Residents of all ages and fitness levels are invited to take part in a fun run for charity this Saturday.

Participants are asked to don their running shoes or take to their bikes to complete a 5km or 10km race across Providenciales in a bid to promote healthy lifestyles.

Host Tamika Handfield, a dietician with ACCU Medical Nutrition, said that all proceeds will go to help local school children to enjoy better nutrition.

The run will start at 5.30am from the ACCU Medical Nutrition Office in the IGA Plaza.

Registrations fees are $20 for adults, $10 for children, $15 per person for a corporate group of 10 or more or a family group of four or more.  Mums and Tots Dance Party classes are held every Saturday at The Athletic Club in Saltmills Plaza for mothers and their little ones.

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

Children have fun learning movement basics to fun music and mums get a light exercise while spending quality time.

Mums and Tots classes begin at 10am and cost just $10. Dads are welcome!

Call Shara Bowen on 244-1103 for more details.

Monday, January 16  Are you in the dance mood? Join Graceway Sports Centre and dance your booty off with Shara Bowen and her incendiary Zumba class from 10.30am to 11.30am.

Call information at www. gracewaysports.com or on 442-6348.  Start your week with a fun and calorie-burning Tae-Bo class at Graceway Sports Centre from 6pm to 7 pm. Free for fitness members, $12 for non-members.

Visit www.gracewaysports.com for more information or call 442-6349.  Girls and boys aged 11 to 19 years old are invited to take part in a fun singing group.

The TCI Youth Chorale rehearses every Monday at 6pm at the Edward C Gartland Youth Centre, downtown, Providenciales.

For more information call 331-7176.  Are you in need of inner peace?

Interested in a healthy lifestyle and a toned and flexible body?

Then you need David Bowen’s yoga classes at The Athletic Club in the Saltmills Plaza.

Come along on Monday, Wednesday or Friday at 7am, Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30pm or Saturday at 9am.

Call 941-8686 for more details.

Tuesday, January 17  Do you like Latino music and hot parties? Join Graceway Sports Centre and dance your booty off with Shara Bowen and her incendiary Zumba class from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

More information at www. gracewaysports.com or on 442-6348.

Wednesday, January 18  Kick back with live music from Soul Redemption at the Regent Palms on Wednesdays from 7pm. Call 946-8666 for details.

Thursday, January 19  Get up and jump into your sports shoes for a morning Tae-bo class at Graceway Sports Centre from 9am to 10 am.

Free for fitness members, $12 for nonmembers. More information at www. gracewaysports.com or on 442-6349.

Celebrate good health with Wellness Coach Benneth Williams every Thursday evening.

Come along to Williams Block, suite number six, on Lower Bight Road, Providenciales, from 7pm.

There you will get a free wellness consultation and an hour of fun.

For more details call Benneth at 2460300 or email hls_com@yahoo.com

Got an event you wish to advertise?

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

Lifestyle...

16

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 14 - 20, 2012

Mind, Body & Soul 

26 positives Cajun chicken of AD/HD pasta

Ingredients (Serves two) • • • • • • • • • • •

1 large red onion 1 red pepper 1 green pepper 1 clove of garlic 1 chicken stock cube 375mls double cream 2-4 chicken fillets Cajun spice Mozzarella Basil Penne pasta shells

Method • Heat some oil in a large frying pan, a wok is better.

• Boil the pasta and leave to simmer.

• Cut the chicken into cubes and cook in oil until there is no pink left.

• Chop the onions and garlic then add with the chicken. Cook for about five to ten minutes until chicken is browned.

• Add Cajun spice, the more the better.

• Add the cream and chicken stock cube, stir and leave to simmer until cream thickens.

• Sprinkle in some basil, and some mozzarella.

• Once sauce has turned thick and smells too good not to eat, sieve the pasta and mix in with the sauce, and serve.

Continuing our efforts at giving our readers as mush information as possible, we introduce a new columnist to add to our list of informative presenters. The column is Mind, Body & Soul. Joanne Gobeil is a Registered Psychologist in Canada and in TCI. Joanne has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Psychology as well as a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. Joanne holds multiple certificates in marriage counselling, crisis interventions, autism treatments, and play therapy.

Joanne is a board member on the Canadian Association for Child & Play Therapy.

IN 2010, 5.2 million children in the United States were diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or as it is more commonly known as, AD/HD. AD/HD is more common in males than in females.

AD/HD can manifest itself in three different formats. First of all, an individual may be hyperactive or impulsive. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can include not being able to stay seated in a chair, talking nonstop, constantly moving around, interrupting others, and being unable to wait. Second, a person may have difficulty paying attention.

Inattention can manifest itself as being easily distracted, quickly becoming bored with a task, and daydreaming. Last, an individual may be both hyperactive/impulsive and have trouble focusing.

AD/HD often runs in families and can be influenced by our environment.

Children who have AD/HD can also have a learning disability, which may cause them to struggle with reading, math, spelling, and writing.

Children with AD/HD can also have oppositional defiant disorder or a conduct disorder. Children with oppositional defiant disorder may have difficulty following the rules; whereas, children with a conduct disorder may lie, steal, fight, and

Joanne Gobeil

Registered Psychologist

destroy property.

Children with AD/HD may also suffer from anxiety, depression, or extreme mood swings.

AD/HD is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Children who have the inattentive type of AD/HD often go unnoticed because they tend to be quiet and appear to be working.

On the other hand, children with the hyperactive/impulsive type of AD/HD are often labelled as being children with behavioural problems.

AD/HD can be assessed using statistically sound, reliable and valid assessment tools, which are generally carried out by a psychologist.

AD/HD often continues into adulthood; however, children, teenagers and adults with AD/HD can learn strategies to assist them in life, without always having to turn to medication.

One modality in counselling is behaviour therapy, which involves having children self-monitor their behaviour. Teaching a child

health Tip 

Oranges are a fighting fruit WE ARE often told that oranges are good for us. Why, because they contain vitamin C. This is true, but there are many other forms of health benefits.

For example oranges are full of citrus liminoids which help fight certain cancers such as mouth, skin, lung, breast, stomach and colon.

Oranges are also a great source of iron which can help keep your cholesterol low and are a good

By Phillip Simmons source of calcium which is great for your bones.

The high levels of vitamin C in continued 

improved social skills is another strategy. A psycho educational approach can also be taken in counselling, which involves teaching children organizational strategies, concentration techniques, etc. Counselling may also focus on increasing impulse control. A variety of devices may be suggested for use, such as fidget toys to keep children’s hands busy. When medication is prescribed for AD/HD, it is usually a stimulant. Medications that are considered stimulants have a calming effect on children with AD/ HD. The key is knowing what the root of the problem is in order to achieve success.

Thus, the importance of an assessment.

Last, having AD/HD can have many positives; here are 26 positive characteristics of people who have AD/HD:

adventurous, courageous, lives outside of boundaries;

being able to see the patterns in the chaos; can do many projects at once; detail oriented; energetic; flexible; good in emergency situations; hands on worker; imaginative; jots down notes quickly; keeps on multitasking; looks at multidimensional sides to a situation; master idea generator; never bored; outgoing; problem solver; quick thinking; resourceful; spontaneous; thinks outside the box; unlimited energy; very resourceful; works well under pressure; xenodochial; your organized friend; and Zen.

January 14 - 20, 2012

Lifestyle...

GARDENING 

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

How does your garden grow

Crape Myrtle The Crape (or Crepe) Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is one of the most planted decorative trees in the world.

It originated in China but is now cultivated widely throughout the world.

Crapes come in heights as short as 18 inches and as tall as 40 feet.

Leaves are alternate and smooth, but leaf size depends on variety.

Most Crepe Myrtles are shrubs by habit and beautiful in that form.

Still, many Crepe Myrtles are pruned to grow as small trees. In this form, they decorate parking strips and parking lot planters everywhere.

Their long bloom season is one reason for their attraction. They can bloom for almost six months.

They also have interesting bark that tends to peel off in small sections. Once the flowers die back, the seed will grow readily the next year.

About the only real enemies they have are aphids and humidity.

Crepe Myrtles make a beautiful, low maintenance addition for any garden.

Make sure your Crepe Myrtle is planted in well drained, fertile soil.

Use a good quality fertiliser designed for flowering plants and shrubs.

Remove suckers and buds of new branches as they appear on the ‘trunk’.

Remember that the Crepe Myrtle is predominantly shrubby in habit, and you’ll have to be vigilant about those side shoots if you want to maintain it as a tree.

health Tip  oranges help to fight off bacteria and prevent colds and flu.

This is also a great way to fight off airborne germs during the winter months.

Thinking about oranges brought my mind to Haiti. As a little boy growing up on the island of North Caicos, I can remember the sloops returning from Haiti bringing with them oranges.

I would like to wish all of my creole brothers, and sisters a happy belated Independence Celebration.

You are now celebrating 208 years of independence - my prayers are with Haiti and its people.

May God almighty continue to work for the people of Haiti and may he grant them peace in the midst of every storm.

17

YOUR DIET

ASK TAMIKA

BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD

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

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

NATURE SPLENDOR

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

Fight aphids with a weak soap solution sprayed on the leaves. The aphids won’t really do much damage themselves, but they leave a sticky residue that can become a host to fungus or mould which can be unsightly or even damaging.

Water deeply and regularly when

first planted. Once it is established, a Crepe Myrtle can tolerate fairly dry conditions.

Prune the Crepe Myrtle back to a strict tree form once it has lost all its leaves in the fall. This will ensure that it will keep its tree shape once it starts to leaf out in the spring.

Moving for a better tomorrow

‘EATING healthy today…Living longer, better tomorrow’ suggests that while the benefits of eating healthy may not be readily seen, your future will be better because of the healthy choices you made today.

This is one of the main reasons for wanting to incorporate nutrition education classes in local schools.

This programme will expose children to a variety of foods that they may not see on a daily basis thereby heightening their awareness and sensitizing them to the importance of these foods.

If you ask a child if he likes Brussels sprouts, the probability of him saying a very loud NO is very high.

The irony is though that many children, who say they don’t like the vegetable, have never even tried it.

If that same child is given the opportunity to help you select and prepare those Brussels sprouts, the chances of him at least tasting the vegetable are higher.

This is why we need you to come out and support this move-athon.

This event is happening this weekend and there is so much excitement and anticipation!

All of the proceeds raised during this move-a-thon will be used to help get nutrition programmes started in local schools.

This is an annual event where a different school will be selected each year, however, my dream is that this will become so big that we will be able to help students in multiple schools.

Help me make this dream a reality.

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

Call 946 8308, 242 3978 or 442 3978.

18

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Diplomat’s son shot with ak47 in the Bahamas THE 33-YEAR-OLD man killed with an AK47 assault rifle on Tuesday morning was the son of a Bahamian diplomat and former acting president of COB. Police sources say the victim was Pheron Chipman, also known as Pheron Johnson, the son of Rhonda Chipman-Johnson, who is currently serving as Bahamas Consul-General to New York.

While police are uncertain about the circumstances surrounding his death, The Tribune understands the man was well known to police as a drug peddler who had been charged with assault and gun possession in the past.

He was shot several times in the head, chest and legs. It is believed that the killing was an execution to send a message to someone else.

Police responded to the scene shortly before 2am after receiving calls that gunshots were heard in the Farrington Road area, near Ajax

Street.

When police responded, they discovered the lifeless body of the victim.

Police are urging anyone with information about this incident to contact them by calling 919 or 3223333; the Central Detective Unit on 502-9991 or 502-9910; or Crime Stoppers on 328-TIPS. It is still unclear if drugs played any part in this, the second murder for 2012, but officials have pledged to crack down on this aspect of the criminal underworld, as they believe it is fuelling many violent crimes.

On Sunday, National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest said drug trafficking will be comprehensively addressed in 2012.

“As we continue to tackle this vexing problem, the Bahamas National Anti-Drug Plan for 2012 to 2016 is currently being reviewed by stakeholders and it is expected that the Plan will be finalised and

approved by the end of this month,” he said.

“The plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to address, in a collaborative and cohesive way, all aspects of the illicit drug problem, including production, trafficking and misuse.”

Mr Turnquest also used the opportunity to impress upon those officers present at Sunday’s annual church services the importance of enforcing the laws of The Bahamas without fear or favour.

He said: “All police officers must know that no politician or any other individual, who believes they may have influence, is to tell you who to charge or not to charge for an offence. You are required to do your job professionally and once you have the evidence to charge an individual for an offence, you must proceed with doing your work, confident of the fact that no harm whatsoever can come to you for doing your job.”

(Tribune242.com)

January 14 - 20, 2012

Jamaican off-duty cop sentenced to 20 years for attempted robbery A POLICEMAN who attempted to rob an off-duty policewoman and a civilian of a motorcycle has been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment.

Detective Constable Anthony Gayle, who was stationed at the Denham Town Police Station, was sentenced yesterday to a total of 70 years but he will serve 20 years as the sentences are to run concurrently.

He was found guilty of charges of illegal possession of firearm, illegal possession of ammunition, shooting with intent and attempted robbery.

Supreme Court Judge Donald McIntosh found Gayle guilty of the charges.

McIntosh sentenced him to 10 years’ imprisonment for illegal possession of the ammunition and 20 years’ imprisonment each for the other offences.

CRIME COMMITTED IN ST ELIZABETH Jeremy Taylor, deputy director

of public prosecutions, led evidence that in 2007, Gayle and a civilian went to St Elizabeth and attempted to rob an off-duty policewoman and a civilian of a motorcycle.

Gayle fired shots at the policewoman and the civilian while they were travelling on the Ballards Valley main road. The policewoman returned the fire and Gayle was shot.

The civilian, who was travelling with Gayle, ran away and is still at large.

Gayle went to the Junction Police Station in St Elizabeth and reported that someone on a motorcycle shot and injured him.

The police investigated the matter and it was revealed that he was shot during the attempted robbery and the car in which he was travelling was also damaged by the bullets.

In his defence, he denied committing the offences.

(Jamaica Gleaner)

New mayor of Kingston calls for city lottery

Redjet is not yet grounded in the Caribbean.

REDjet cancels more than 50 of its flights BARBADIAN-BASED REDjet has cancelled more than 50 of its flights until the end of March, including some services out of the Grantley Adams International Airport.

But the airline is insisting that far from an indication that it is in financial trouble, the move is part of its expansion plan.

In an internal memo circulated on Monday, customer service manager Roy Norville indicated that several flights – a total of 54 – “will not be operating and have been taken off sale for commercial reasons”.

The brief note, a copy of which the MIDWEEK NATION obtained, identified the affected flights as Barbados-

Guyana-Barbados on Mondays and Thursdays between January 16 and March 31; Barbados-Jamaica-Barbados on Fridays from January 20 to March 31; Trinidad-Guyana-Trinidad on Mondays from January 16 to 31; and Trinidad-Jamaica-Trinidad on Sundays from January 22 to March 31. (Barbados Nation)

KINGSTON’S 52nd mayor, Lee Clarke, took office on Tuesday promising to revive his plans to establish a city lottery that would provide financing for the cashstarved Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) and create thousands of permanent jobs.

Clarke, who was sworn in at the KSAC’s Church Street offices in downtown Kingston, said he wants the idea back on the table because the council is unable to deal with some of its biggest challenges, despite plans to reform the local government system.

“The KSAC is in charge of more than 2,000 roads. We have drains and gullies in the Corporate Area, but we have virtually no funds to repair or maintain them,” complained Clarke.

“We are still dependent on handouts from central government from the parochial revenue fund,” added Clarke, the councillor for the Whitehall division.

POTENTIAL FOR JOBS Clarke first floated the idea of a city lottery in 2008, saying then that

it had the potential to create more than 2,000 direct jobs and more than 5,000 indirect jobs and some $1 billion in the first year.

The KSAC applied to the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission (BGLC) for a licence to operate the lottery, but has not been able to get approval.

However, with newly appointed Local Government Minister Noel Arscott in attendance at the swearing-in ceremony, the new mayor suggested that the proposal was blocked by bureaucrats.

“I am saddened that in all spheres of government, not only the politicians, but the civil servants hold such a strong hand at times that protectionism destroys what could have been a productive proposal from councillors,” said Clarke.

In addition, Clarke said he plans to push for the implementation of local government reforms and appealed to former Mayor Desmond McKenzie and Arscott to give their support when they are sworn in as members of the House of Representatives.

(Jamaica Gleaner)

January 14 - 20, 2012

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Haitians in Brazil get visas but border checks increase BRAZIL is granting residence visas to some 4,000 Haitians already in the country but is stepping up border checks to stem a further influx.

The move follows an increase in migrants leaving Haiti to seek work in Brazil’s booming economy.

Many arrive in remote border towns after being brought to South America by people-smugglers and trekking through the jungles of Peru and Bolivia.

Haiti is still struggling to recover from the January 2010 earthquake.

The Brazilian Justice Ministry announced on Tuesday that some 4,000 Haitians who had arrived in the country since the devastating quake would be granted residence and work visas.

These include 1,600 migrants who had already been authorised to stay and some 2,000 more who are in the country illegally.

But the Brazilians authorities stressed that this was a one-off move.

From now on, Haitians would need to apply at the Brazilian

embassy in Port-au-Prince for one of the 100 work visas available per month, officials said.

“The government will not be indifferent to the Haitians’ vulnerable economic situation. But those who don’t have a visas will not be allowed into Brazil,” said Justice Minister Jose Eduardo Cardozo.

The Brazilian authorities say they are also reinforcing border checks and will talk to neighbouring governments on ways of tackling people-smuggling.

Many migrants flew to Ecuador and then were taken by traffickers through Peru or Bolivia.

Most of the Haitians have been gathering in the towns of Tabatinga and Brasilieia, the French news agency AFP reports.

Demand for manual labourers is strong in Brazil, where there are infrastructure and building projects under way, many linked to the planned 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games being held in the country. (BBC)

The Caribbean Airlines Jet crashed on July 30 at the Cheddi Jagan Airport in Guyana.

Bad landing caused Caribbean Airlines crash- investigators PRELIMINARY investigations into last July’s Caribbean Airlines passenger jet crash have confirmed that the aircraft landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport without enough remaining runway, according to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

“At this stage it appears that the primary contributing factor in this accident was that the aircraft made a long landing and touched down with insufficient runway remaining to come to a safe stop,” said the GCAA in a statement.

The GCAA, which was the lead agency in the probe along with American and Caribbean experts, did not elaborate on what might have contributed to the bad landing on the 7,500-foot long runway.

Miraculously, none of the 157 passengers and six crew members died

in the mishap that occurred on July 30. However, Guyanese Noel Elliot subsequently had to have one of his legs amputated on his return to New York because it was badly injured.

According to the GCAA, a final conclusion could be expected in another year after rigorous examination of all aspects of the incident is completed.

“Detailed analyses will examine several other aspects of this flight to identify any other possible contributing factors in order to learn from this accident and to help identify any measures which may assist in the prevention of future occurrences,” said the local oversight body.

The Investigator-in-Charge of the BW 523 runway excursion accident, according to the GCAA, is close to completing the gathering of factual information.

19

Robocop: Trinidad PM must resign, call elections THREE of the men detained for the alleged assassination plot against Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar and three members of her Government say they are not surprised about the outcome of the police probe.

Shane “Asadullah” Crawford, Chionesu Luqman and Selwyn “Robocop” Alexis were among 17 men detained last year in connection with the alleged plot to assassinate Persad-Bissessar and three of her Cabinet colleagues.

The trio, who were among 17 persons subsequently released on December 5 when the State of Emergency came to an end, were commen- ting on the Sunday Express article in which police sources who were part of the probe revealed there was no evidence to suggest the plot was real.

In a telephone interview, Alexis said, “I feel vindicated. I want to see what their next move is as I have been saying from day one that this is pure vindictiveness.”

Alexis echoed calls from within the People’s National Movement (PNM), as expressed by Opposition Senator Fitzgerald Hinds, for the Prime Minister to tender her resignation.

“I really think she should resign. I

supported this Government, but they are not doing anything to benefit the country other than award themselves ‘silk’.

“If they believe that for the past 18 months, they have been doing such a good job, then the Prime Minister should create history and call an early election, and see what the public has to say.

“Call an election or resign,” Alexis said.

Luqman said, “Firstly, it’s no surprise that the police came to this conclusion because this is exactly what we have been saying from the beginning, and we continue to maintain our innocence throughout this entire sham.

“Even the officers who interviewed us when we were detained knew that it had not even a shred of evidence that would indicate it had a plot or anything of the sort,” they said.

Crawford indicated his agreement with everything that Luqman had said.

Luqman and Crawford added it is now up to the honest, law-abiding nationals to speak out and act against this injustice and abuse against fellow citizens.

“There’s no way the Government could compensate us for what they have done to us. No amount of

money could address or make up for the pain and the anguish that was brought upon our wives, our children and us.

“Thus, we are calling on the Honourable Prime Minister, Attorney General, Minister of National Security, Commissioner of Police and security adviser Gary Griffith to come out and give a public apology to all the detainees.

“They (Government) accused us of plotting, but it appears that they are the plotters, instead, so we want them to right the wrong they did. They should be big enough to admit they were wrong and accept responsibility for their error.”

The pair called for the Government to offer some form of compensation to those implicated and robbed of their freedom, instead of the matter having to go to the courts.

“If it is the police have concluded their investigation, and there’s no evidence to support the allegation made, then why were we detained in the first instance?

“This just confirms our earlier revelation that it was a case of religious persecution as the only thing we have in common with the other people detained is that of our religious belief.” (Trinidad Express)

Bahamas Christian Council denies watching porn TAKING exception to an article printed in The Tribune last week, the Bahamas Christian Council vehemently denied its members watched any pornographic films while researching their position on broadcasting standards.

The article in question, published on Friday, January 6, said the council called for a ban on pornographic movies from Cable Bahamas’ channel programming, “after watching 12 X-rated films from the home of a senior citizen.”

However, the council said this suggestion misrepresents what actually took place, as its members only took note of the titles and descriptions, at no time watching any pornographic content.

In its response to the draft Code of Practice for Content Regulation released by the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), the council gave a list of pornographic movie offerings, including titles and on-screen descriptions of each film.

The council said, “this information was viewed and noted

from a TV with the Prime package (Basic Cable), on Sunday, December 25, 2011, around 3pm.”

The statement also said: “These pornographic movie titles and descriptions were viewed from the home of a senior citizen who is ignorant about parental controls and who in any event can’t operate her set top box.”

Despite writing that the movie titles were “viewed” by the group of pastors, one of them, Cedric Moss, wrote: “In each statement, we clearly indicated that it was the movie titles and descriptions that were viewed.

“We never said we viewed the films, and in fact we have not viewed any of the films listed or any other pornographic film for that matter.

“Why would we or anyone else need to view such films to know that they are pornographic? The titles and descriptions supplied by Cable Bahamas are sufficient to know that they are pornographic.”

Pastor Moss said that in its response to URCA, the council “appealed to professional, scholarly

studies that have consistently shown that viewing pornography is harmful to individuals who view it, their families, and the wider society.”

Among these was a study by Dr Patrick Fagan, which concluded that pornography “is a major threat to marriages, the family, and the society at large. It is not a private choice without public consequence. Pornography alters both sexual attitudes and behaviour, undermining marriage, which in turn, undermines the stability of the entire community.”

Pastor Moss said the article also misrepresented what the council said concerning Satellite TV, as it gave the incorrect impression that the pastors singled out DIRECTV. The council’s statement said: “While we recognise that it is not within the scope of URCA’s mandate, we believe that URCA should seek to prevail upon the government to either enforce laws (if they exist) or pass laws (if none exist) to address the practice of installing Satellite TV (like DIRECTV) in the Bahamas.”

(Tribune242.com)

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 14 - 20, 2012

Texas baby born with organs outside the body undergoes surgery

A TINY Texas baby born with some organs on the outside of his body is recovering at a hospital after having surgery to correct the rare condition, his parents told ABC News.

Little Hayes Davis was born in Houston on March 25 with a rare defect known as omphalocele, in which a fetus’ intestines and other organs develop in a thin sack outside a baby’s belly.

Mom Kelly Davis told ABC that doctors told her about the condition, which afflicts one of every 10,000 babies, during an ultrasound about three months into her pregnancy.

“Once we heard the word ‘omphalocele,’ it was our world,” the 29-year-old Texan said.

Her doctors at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital said baby Hayes was lucky because he didn’t have a heart defect or other problems commonly associated with omphalocele.

But the organ bulge was bigger than most, and baby Hayes was too tiny to operate on right away, doctors said.

After being shown how to care for the condition, Kelly and husband Cody were able to bring the newborn home, while doctors hoped the boy would grow to develop enough tissue to cover the organs during a procedure.

January 14 - 20, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 14 - 20, 2012

NATIONAL

It was a fun time with Santa at the foster children party

Christmas treats for foster children

FUN FASHION: TCI models wearing Saint George Fashion House’s holiday collection

Fashion club for kids YOUNG fans of fashion can learn about how to break into the industry during a series of fun workshops.

Designer, model and photographer Kazz Forbes has joined forces with the Edward C Gartland Youth Centre to introduce young people to fashion, style and modelling.

The fashion expert, who was

formerly a student at the John Casablanca School of Acting and Modelling in South Florida is excited to get started.

He said: “The programme will teach basic fashion and style, print and runway modelling, whilst providing an after school activity for young people.

“Club members will work on design projects and will be given

an opportunity to showcase their creations in a fashion show.”

Kazz, who is the principal designer at the Saint George Fashion House, will be running the weekly club.

Those interested in taking part can come to classes at the youth centre every Wednesday from January 11.

The final fashion show will take place on February 4.

CHRISTMAS is a time of giving, sharing and receiving. What better way to celebrate Jesus’ gift to mankind and express the joy of the season, than with children.

The Department of Social Development in collaboration with the Grand Turk Cruise Center sponsored this year’s Christmas Treats for Foster Children. The special-separate party was held upstairs Margaritaville, on Thursday, December 22.

According to a department media release, children enjoyed a delicious meal, as they took in the ambiance, sang Christmas Carols, recited poems and presented special ‘Thank you’ messages to Mr. Young and his team. A major highlight of the occasion was the appearance of Santa Claus, who came loaded with gifts, big and small. Santa called each child by their names, as they collected their presents and took pictures with Santa.

The organizers behind it all,

Mr John Young, GT Cruise Center Manager and his team brought big smiles and Christmas cheer to the Foster Care children in the department’s service program of Grand Turk and South Caicos.

The warmth and generosity of Mr Young will forever be remembered in the hearts of our Foster Children.

Tiffany Thomas, Senior Social Worker stated: “I was elated to see all the children in our Foster Care program in Grand Turk, out to spread the Christmas Holiday Season. On behalf of the Department of Social Development, and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Public Safety, I would like to convey my gratitude to Mr. John Young, who was forthcoming and considerate in hosting the Christmas Treats for Foster Children 2011.

This event was a success and I look forward to future joint partnership with the Grand Turk Cruise Center.

Thanks a million.”

Supermarkets giveaways CHRISTMAS is a time for giving gifts and that is just what Quality Supermarket did when they gave away cash prizes to three lucky shoppers on December 28.

Selvanna Logan of Five Cays won a $250 gift certificate, Corina Simmons of Discovery Bay won a $500 gift certificate, and Mackey ‘Foxx’ Missick walked away with the grand prize of $2,000 in cash.

Manager of the Leeward Highway branch Jitender ‘Jack’ Aswani said they were delighted to give away the prizes and are going to do it again and again to ensure customers satisfaction and prove that they are the best store on the island.

The raffle began on December 19 and ran through 24 and customers were asked to spend a

minimum of $100 to be entered into the draw.

“We held the raffle to give them back something and ensure that they get good quality products at cheap prices”, Jack stated.

“No other store does it like us,” he boasted “and that is why we wanted to do a raffle”.

The raffle was also used to increase traffic and boost sales in the Quality Supermarkets, Jack said.

The second and third place gift certificates were redeemable at any of the two Quality Supermarkets and the two winners were excited to start shopping.

Logan said that she was excited about her winnings and planned to spend it on lunch items for her daughter while Simmons said she would ‘pick up a few things’.

Missick, a taxi driver, planned to head straight to the bar with his

Clinton Higgs proud winner of a TV from Price Club

$2,000.

Not to be outdone, Price Club Supermarket also held a raffle of its own and gave away a TV to the

lucky winner.

Their raffle ran from December 19 through 24 and customers were required to make a minimum

purchase of $50 to qualify.

Clinton Higgs, emerged the winner over hundreds of entries and won a LG 42” LCD HDTV.

January 14 - 20, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

23

NATIONAL

Culture Director playing the base guitar for Barbara Johnson

Maskanoo thrills thousands THOUSANDS of spectators thronged the streets in the Grace Bay area on Boxing Day to attend and participate

Fun run to halt child obesity RESIDENTS of all ages and fitness levels are invited to take part in a fun run for charity this January.

Participants are asked to don their running shoes or take to their bikes to complete a 5km or 10km race across Providenciales in a bid to promote healthy lifestyles.

Host Tamika Handfield, a dietician with ACCU Medical Nutrition, hopes the run will become an annual event.

Mrs Handfield said: “This event was strategically planned around the holiday season to help offset some of the extra calories we usually consume and to give us a healthy jumpstart on our New Year’s resolutions.”

She explained that all proceeds will go to help local school children to enjoy better nutrition.

“This event will be benefiting a great cause; so, not only will you get a chance to burn some calories but to positively impact children’s lives.”

This run is planned for January 14 and will start at 5.30am from the ACCU Medical Nutrition Office in the IGA Plaza.

Registrations fees are $20 for adults, $10 for children, $15 per person for a corporate group of 10 or more or a family group of four or more.

All proceeds will go to help a local school to provide healthy school lunches, develop a healthy menu, implement nutrition education classes or expand their kitchen facilities.

Registration forms are available at ACCU Medical Nutrition or applicants can call Tamika Handfield on 2423978 or 442-3978.

in the TCI’s second Maskanoo celebrations.

It was a night for residents and tourists to revisit and experience TCI’s rich culture and talents as well as those from other countries.

There were performances from the Haitian, Bahamian and Filipino communities, each sharing a part of their country’s culture.

Amidst cruel taunts and

Maskanoo dancers swarmed by appreciative crowd

condescending remarks from a number of spectators, a Haitian band performed Haitian folk music and a group of Filipinos showcased an indigenous mating dance.

Culture Director David Bowen denounced as shameful the behaviour of those who made cruel slurs and encouraged them to embrace other cultures.

During the evening, Bowen called a group of children to the stage and engaged them in a competition of folk dancing.

It was quite entertaining as the onlookers were asked to select the winners, who won wonderful prizes including tickets for ferry rides to North Caicos.

The festivities continued and there was something for everyone as t-shirts, whistles

and other party paraphernalia were tossed into the crowd, throwing them into a scrambling frenzy.

Then there was the raffle, which saw 10 incredible prizes up for grabs, including the grand prize of $5,000.

Other persons won free cable TV from WIV, a gift basket from Jais, a massage from Spa-tropique and dinners

from participating restaurants.

Ms Parker-Ingham was on hand to collect the grand prize and shared her secret for winning the money.

“I just bought the ticket and a said a prayer,” she gushed.

Music for the evening was delivered by TCI’s very own songbird Barbara Johnson, the Island Boys and Kew Band from Kew North Caicos.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 14 - 20, 2012

January 14 - 20, 2012

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

World News

January 14 - 20, 2012

Cameron and Miliband unite to Brazilian economy overtakes UK’s, says CEBR oppose Scots independence DAVID Cameron and Ed Miliband have jointly urged Scotland to reject calls for independence if a referendum is held on the subject.

The prime minister told MPs he believed “passionately” in the Union, while the Labour leader said its break up would be damaging to the UK’s economy.

Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond has said he will hold a referendum on independence in autumn 2014.

But the coalition says any a vote would be unlawful without their approval.

The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Labour are opposed to Scottish independence and the leaders of all three parties have promised to fight against the cause championed by Mr Salmond’s Scottish National Party (SNP).

The Scottish government insists it can go ahead with a referendum without the need for a law to be passed at Westminster - but the coalition disputes this.

At Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Cameron called for cross-border talks with Scottish ministers in

PM: Let’s keep our country together.

an effort to end the constitutional dispute.

‘NEVER-ENDUM’ He told MPs: “I passionately believe in the future of our United Kingdom. I passionately believe we are stronger together rather than breaking apart.”

He added: “But we have to respect the fact that Scotland voted for a separatist party at those Scottish parliamentary elections, so the first

thing it is right to do is to make clear the legal position about the referendum.”

“Too many in the SNP are happy to talk about the process; they don’t want to talk about the substance.

“It’s not a referendum they want; it’s a never-endum. Let’s have the debate and let’s keep our country together.”

Mr Miliband agreed, telling the Commons: “We are stronger together and weaker apart.”

He called for “immediate crossparty talks” in Scotland about the timing of the vote and the nature of the “single question” which would be asked in a referendum.

MANDATE Scotland’s First Minister Mr Salmond said he wanted a referendum “which is built and made in Scotland, produced by the Scottish Parliament and offered to the Scottish people”.

He said the SNP - which won a majority at Holyrood last year - would “never rule out talking to anyone”, but insisted the party already had the mandate to act.

(BBC)

BRAZIL has overtaken the UK as the world’s sixth largest economy, an economic research group has said.

The Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) said its latest World Economic League Table showed Asian countries moving up and European countries falling back.

The CEBR also predicted that the UK economy would overtake France by 2016.

It also said the eurozone economy would shrink 0.6% in 2012 “if the euro problem is solved”, or 2% if it is not.

CEBR chief executive Douglas McWilliams told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Brazil overtaking the UK was part of a growing trend.

“I think it’s part of the big economic change, where not only are we seeing a shift from the west to the east, but we’re also seeing that countries that produce vital commodities - food and energy and things like that - are doing very well and they’re gradually climbing up the economic league table,” he said.

A report based on International Monetary Fund data published earlier this year also said the Brazilian economy would overtake

the UK in 2011.

Brazil has a population of about 200 million, more than three times the population of the UK. Brazil’s economy grew by 7.5% last year, but the government has cut its growth forecast for 2011 to 3.5% after the economy ground to a halt in the third quarter, with analysts blaming the country’s high interest rates and the worsening situation in the eurozone.

And although Brazil currently sells more to China than it imports, Brazilian manufacturers have complained that their industries are being affected by cheap massproduced goods from the Asian giant.

The CEBR also said that Russia moved up one spot in its league table to ninth in 2011, and predicted that it would rise to fourth spot by 2020.

It predicted that India, the world’s 10th biggest economy in 2011, would become the fifth largest by 2020.

And it said European countries would drop down the table, with Germany falling from fourth in 2011 to seventh in 2020, the UK from seventh to eighth, and France from fifth to ninth. (BBC)

Cambodian court sentences Michigan man on sex charges A CAMBODIAN court Wednesday sentenced a 68-year-old Michigan man to 10 years in prison for having sex with children.

Phillip Bruce Shepard was arrested in the capital, Phnom Penh, in July.

The anti-pedophile group Action Pour les Enfants said the case involved Shepard buying sex from 17 girls and abusing two brothers aged 12 and 14.

“He was sentenced to 10 years in prison for purchasing child prostitution,” said Phnom Penh Municipal Court prosecutor Ek Chheng Huot.

Officials said Shepard was a doctor, working at a private clinic in the capital, before his arrest.

Cambodia is categorised by the U.S. government as a destination country for foreign child sex tourists, with increasing reports of Asian men travelling to Cambodia in order to have sex with underage virgin girls, according to a comprehensive 2009 Trafficking in Persons Report.

The U.S. State Department report states a significant proportion of trafficking victims in Cambodia are ethnic Vietnamese women and girls who are forced into prostitution in brothels and karaoke bars.

Stephany Flores was the daughter of a wealthy Peruvian businessman

Cambodian sex workers sit on the side walk along a street in Phnom Penh on December 18, 2008.

Prosecutor fatally shot in German court A state prosecutor has been fatally shot in a courtroom in the southern German state of Bavaria.

The gunman, a 54-year-old defendant in a case at Dachau administrative court, opened fire first at the judge before shooting the prosecutor, reports say.

The prosecutor was hit three times, in the arm, stomach and shoulder, and taken to hospital where he later died.

The defendant was

overpowered and taken into custody. It is believed he was accused of improper payment of wages.

Unconfirmed reports said the victim was 31 and from Munich and had been employed by the Bavarian prosecutor’s office for only a year.

The man had allegedly failed to pay tens of thousands of euros of national insurance contributions.

Van der Sloot pleads guilty to Peru killing DUTCH citizen Joran van der Sloot has pleaded guilty to killing a 21-year-old Peruvian woman at his trial in Lima.

Mr Van der Sloot went on trial last week for the murder of Stephany Flores, whom he met at a Lima casino.

She was found dead in a hotel in the Peruvian capital on 30 May 2010.

Mr Van der Sloot is a suspect in the disappearance in 2005 of US student Natalee Holloway, 18, on the Caribbean island of Aruba. Her body has never been found.

Stephany Flores was murdered five years to the day after Natalee Holloway was last seen.

The prosecution in Lima accused Mr Van der Sloot of killing Ms Flores “with cruelty and ferocity” in a hotel after they met while playing poker.

By pleading guilty, the Dutchman should get certain benefits under Peruvian law, such as a reduced sentence. The three judges in the trial have 48 hours to pass sentence.

Mr Van der Sloot had told police that he killed Ms Flores after she found details on his laptop of his alleged connection to Natalee Holloway’s disappearance.

He was arrested but never charged in that case, which was the subject of wide public interest in the US and elsewhere. (BBC)

January 14 - 20, 2012

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

27

Pakistan’s army warns 2011 drug violence kills nearly PM over criticism 13,000 in Mexico, new figures show PAKISTAN’S military has publicly rebuked Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani over an escalating row.

The army warned of “serious ramifications with potentially grievous consequences” after the PM criticised military leaders in a media interview.

Meanwhile, Mr Gilani has sacked his defence secretary, who is seen as having close ties to the military.

Tensions have been rising in recent months between Pakistan’s civilian government and military leaders.

The latest row is a serious source of instability in Pakistan, where the military has ruled for more than half the country’s history after seizing power in a series of coups.

‘UNCONSTITUTIONAL’ On Monday Mr Gilani was quoted telling China’s People’s Daily Online that Pakistan’s army chief and head of intelligence acted unconstitutionally by making submissions to a Supreme Court inquiry which has been rocking the government.

The interview was broadcast as Pakistan’s army chief Gen Ashfaq Kayani was visiting China.

On Wednesday, the military hit back with an unusually stronglyworded statement.

“There can be no allegation more serious than what the honourable prime minister has levelled.

“This has very serious ramifications with potentially grievous consequences for the country,” the statement said, without specifying what these might be.

It said the prime minister had accused the army chief and the head of Inter-Services Intelligence of violating the constitution.

The army said Gen Kayani had “followed the book” and had passed its response via the defence ministry to the Supreme Court according to the law.

“Allegiance to state and the constitution is and will always remain [his] prime consideration.”

The sacking of the defence secretary, retired general Naeem Khalid Lodhi, is likely to heighten frictions with military leaders.

ALMOST 13,000 people were killed in Mexico by suspected drug violence in the first three quarters of 2011, the country’s federal attorney general’s office said Wednesday.

The figure was the first official tally given by the government for 2011. The exact number -- 12,903 -- corresponds to the deaths reported by state authorities to the federal government that they believe were the result of intercartel rivalry.

The figure covers January to September of last year and is not broken down into categories such as how many victims were civilians, how many were innocent bystanders or how many were the result of shootouts with authorities.

The attorney general’s office portrayed the numbers as a sign that the growth rate of the killings that have plagued the country has decreased.

The growth rate of killings between September 2010 to September 2011 was 11%, compared with 70% between 2009 and 2010, the agency said.

The killings were also clearly concentrated in certain parts of the country, the agency said. Some 70% of the killings reported so far for 2011 happened in just eight states, the agency said.

But if the last quarter of 2011 averages the same number of killings as the first three quarters, then Mexico would surpass 17,000 deaths for the year, a new record. The current

Fighting drug violence, the Mexican Army patrols Ciudad Mier, Tamaulipas State, Mexico.

deadliest year, 2010, recorded 15,273 drug-related killings.

Adding the new statistics, from the beginning of President Felipe Calderon’s term in December 2006 to September 2011, at least 47,515 people have been killed in drugrelated violence.

In short, the bad news is that the violence continues at a record pace, while the good news is that the rate of growth has fallen, said Eric Olson, senior associate at the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

The new figure “means that the conflict is evolving and changing,”

he said.

But, he cautioned, “You can’t draw too many conclusions from one number. One needs a deeper look.”

The statistics are broken down by state and municipality, which helps shed some light on the problem areas in Mexico.

Through September 2011, Ciudad Juarez was the city that registered the most killings, with 1,206. Another hot spot was the resort town of Acapulco, with 795 killings.

Major cities Monterrey and Durango saw high levels of violence, with 399 and 390 killings, respectively. (CNN)

Freckleton fire: Teen arrested on suspicion of murder Local residents wade through a flooded street in Campos, 300 km north of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on January 6, 2012.

Twenty-nine dead in Brazil’s floods DOZENS of people died as heavy rain caused flooding and mudslides in Brazil this week, officials said Tuesday.

A mudslide early Monday in Sapucaia, Rio de Janeiro, killed at least 13 people, city officials said in a written release.

One person died in Laje do Muriae, Rio de Janeiro, city officials said.

In the neighboring state of Minas Gerais, at least people 15 died amid the rain as 116 cities have declared a state

of emergency, the state-run Agencia Brasil reported.

Officials at the site of the mudslide in Sapucaia estimated Tuesday that at least nine people were still buried.

Seven cities in the metropolitan Rio de Janeiro area were under a state of emergency.

January is traditionally a month with heavy rain. A year ago, more than 800 people died because of floods in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

(CNN)

AN 18-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering three young children and their older brother in a house fire in Lancashire.

Reece Smith, 19, four-year-old twins Holly and Ella Smith and twoyear-old Jordan Smith died in the fire in Freckleton on Saturday night.

Police said the blaze was started in a wardrobe in the children’s bedroom in the converted bungalow in Lytham Road.

The arrested man is not a member of the family, a police spokesman confirmed.

He was arrested by officers at an address in Lytham on Wednesday morning.

Speaking from the scene, Det Ch Insp Neil Esseen, said: “Following an extensive examination of the scene by fire and police investigators, I can now confirm that we are treating this house fire as suspicious.

“We are at the very early stages of a major investigation and we are following a number of different lines

of inquiry.

“I would renew our appeal for anyone who could assist our investigation to please come forward as a matter of urgency.

“It is still unclear as to what happened in the lead up to (the fire) but we are currently building that case now.

“This is a tragic incident and our thoughts remain with the family at such a difficult time.”

Post-mortem tests confirmed the four, who were found in two attic bedrooms, had died from the effects of breathing in smoke.

Their mother, Michelle Smith, 36, was led from the house by firefighters. She was not seriously injured.

The mother-of-nine had been celebrating her birthday on Saturday and a party had been held in the house. (BBC)

Iranian nuclear scientist assassinated A UNIVERSITY lecturer and nuclear scientist has been killed in a car explosion in north Tehran.

Mostafa Ahmadi-Roshan, an academic who also worked at the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, and the driver of the car were killed in the attack.

The blast happened after a motorcyclist stuck an apparent bomb to the car.

Several Iranian nuclear scientists have been assassinated in recent years, with Iran blaming Israel and the US. Both countries deny the accusations.

28

Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

FAST SALE

FLOWERGIRL

Is looking for a

Female Driver With own transportation must be able to work from 9am – 3pm

contact 231-3788 ANNE MARIE MAGNY NEAT

CONTACT: 231-3788

labourer

to work 5 days per week salary. $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 341-5795 is looking for a

P & D GENERAL CLEANERS Is looking to fill the following positions:

To work 4 days per week. Salary $5.00 per hour (8 hours per day). Must be living in North Caicos

per week salary $5.00 per hour.

6093

6092

James Prosper

FARMER WANTED

Is looking for a

Handyman To work 6 days

Fax resumes to 946-5022

PAULAMAE HANDFIELD MISSICK

contact: 243-1257

contact: 232-2591

6059

5058

Provo Food Fair Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Website: tcweeklynews.com

Contact: 231-3788

DESIGN-IT-DRAFTIT-BUILD-IT

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

$650.00 per month Gated Community Furnished

$300,000 o.n.o.

WORKERS NEEDED

946-4664

STUDIO APARTMENT FOR RENT

1.3 Acres Of Land Ocean Drive, Turtle Tail Semi-Hilltop

TWO DOMESTIC

Is looking for a

January 14 - 20, 2012

Richard Gibbs

Caicos Petroleum Ltd.

Seeks a

3 Domestic Workers

1 Labourer

Requires one

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 241-5942

6097

2 Domestic Workers Must be willing to work 6 days per week. Salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 241-5554

6091

labourer Worker Labourer To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 232-6546

6090

Labourer

Domestic To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

contact: 231-6121

6089

To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

Contact: 241-4260

6061

Pump

Attendant Must be willing to work flexible hours, weekends and holidays.

Salary $5.00 per hour.

Belonger Only.

Tel: 649-941-7986

6102

P & D CONSULTANCY Acting on behalf of our clients: Carmen Robinson, Marciano Williams is looking

January 14 - 20, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

Creative Designer

• Applicant must have a minimum of 3 years hands-on experience in a 5-Star resort and at least 3 years working experience as a therapist • Must be trained and certified by an accredited school in ALL of the following: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Prenatal, Lymphatic Drainage, Reflexology, Facials, Manicures and Pedicures • Must be certified in all the previous areas • Must be able to work ALL weekends and public holidays • Must be able to work from 8am -8pm • Must have own vehicle and current, clean drivers license • Must have a GREAT customer service skills and be upbeat and positive Salary is based on commission

Applicant must have a B.F.A in design or similar field.

Individual must have ten years professional experience in interior decorating or design. Knowledge of carpentry, joinery, cabinetmaking, faux finishing, wood types, and marketing skills are essential. Individual should have professional experience with island construction, building codes, importing processes and paperwork, AutoCad, and all PC computer applications. Interested persons please send resume/CV and/or portfolio to:

TC Millworks, PO Box 238, Providenciales 6056

Cyril Whitfield Forbes Jr. Is looking for a

Contact: 241-0777

Helper

To work 6 days per week.

Salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 946-8877

6043

contact: 946-5759

6042

Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $7.00 per hour.

• to keep house while off island • General cleaning • Must be trustworthy and reliable Salary $6.00 per hour Closing date: January 17th, 2012

Please send resume to: meryl@spatropique.com Please do not apply to this ad unless you meet all of the above requirements.

Deadline for applications is January 20th, 2012

6037

Associate Attorney

Labourer Kitchen 6072

Steel Man

DA CONCH SHACK Is looking for a

On behalf of our clients: Stan Forbes / SRF Construction is looking for a

FAX: (649) 946-4661

Lead Massage Therapist

TC Millwork is seeking a

C & S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

29

Local firm seeks an Associate Attorney with at least 5 years pqe with extensive experience in conveying, commercial, residential development work, also corporate and commercial law. Experience in new condominium sales, re-sales, residential and commercial property and advantage. Applicant must be an excellent communicator, willing to work long hours including weekends and holidays. Subject to experience, salary commencing at US$55K. Please submit applications to The Manager, P.O. Box 97, Caribbean Place, Providenciales, Fax: 649-946-4564, with a copy to Department of Labour, Providenciales 6052

30

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

TCIRFU Is now accepting applications

Development Officer

TCIRFU is seeking a Competent Sports Minded Development Officer for The TCIRFU to assist with a variety of tasks related to the field of Rugby.

Successful Incumbent should have 15 years of Rugby experience Qualifications: • Holds a University Degree • Holds a level 1 or 2 Certificate with IRB (International Rugby Board) Job includes:

January 14 - 20, 2012

• Coordinating, Delivering and Promoting Rugby within the different Islands • Offering coaching and supervision when appropriate • Working with Government bodies in relation to clubs and events • Working in partnership with school initiatives such as “active school” to encourage participation in Rugby and organize parental involvement • Maintaining records and produce reports Salary will be $1500.00 per month

Labourer Wanted Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour

Send resumes to info@karammissick.com 6085

Human Resources Manager, TCIRFU Caribbean Place, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI. Fax: (649) 941-3223

Weekly News the national newspaper of the turks and caicos islands

ON THE WEB tcweeklynews.com

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

The Turks and Caicos Islands’ oldest and WRITERS / leading publishing house is in need of additional staff to fill the following posts:

PHOTO JOURNALISTS

Candidates must have at least five (5) years experience working full-time for daily newspapers and/or news/features magazines, reporting on hard news, features and parliamentary/court proceedings. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

REPORTER TRAINEE Preferably a High School graduate or someone with an extremely good command of the English language for court and community reporting.

Ability to drive and use a camera a desirable asset.

Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

Position available March 1, 2010

ADVERTISING SPACE SALES PERSON Candidates must have had actual hands-on experience selling advertising space for newspapers and magazines. Ability to assist clients with the writing of copy for ads and gathering of collateral an asset. Salary is commission based.

Position available October 30, 2011

Forward applications to: The Publisher Duncanson Publications Ltd. P.O. Box 52, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Email: tcnews@tciway.tc NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE Preference will be given to Belongers and Legal Residents Closing date for applications is December 31, 2011

6083

Please forward resume in confidence to

NANNY/ HOUSEKEEPER WANTED

• Full-time for childcare and house work • 2 young children, one with special medical needs • Some tutoring required • Must have own car/ drivers license • Must be available at short notice for occasional evenings/ nights/ weekends/ public holidays • Salary $5.50 per hour

Contact: 232-9550

6006

SUNSET PHARMACY Seeks a

Domestic

Worker To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

Contact: 941-3751

6062

PRESS RELEASE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION CLICO (BAHAMAS) LIMITED (IN LIQUIDATION) On Thursday, January 19th, 2012, at 12:00pm, the Official Liquidator, Craig A. (Tony) Gomez of Baker Tilly Gomez, Chartered Accountants will be meeting with the policyholders of Clico (Bahamas) Limited.

The meeting will be held at the Tropicana, Le deck Road, The Bight, Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands.

The Liquidator will discuss and give important information to policyholders on the status of the liquidation and the status of their policies with the company.

The Turks & Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission encourages all policyholders to make every effort to attend this important meeting.

Interested parties may contact the Insurance Department of the Financial Services Commission, Caribbean Place, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands or at telephone: (649) 9465314 or (649) 941-8311 and fax: (649) 941-8379 6087

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

SYLVIA MISSICK BLACK

MILLWRIGHT

Is looking for a

$800/week. 12 years experience working unsupervised. Clean drivers license Please Fax qualifications

to: 649-941-7450

6095

WILFREY & TONY

Labourer To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour must be willing to clean property.

contact: 345-3438

6086

WEST BAY CLUB Is looking for a

Is looking for a

HOUSE-MAID

REQUIRED

MACHANIST

Is looking for a

FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

“ALLIED MECHANICALS”

DANIEL WILLIAMS

31

Working hours: 8 hrs per day. Wages: $6.50 per hour.

Clean police record Must be hard working and reliable and prepared to work some weekends Duties include: house cleaning, cooking, laundry and other household duties

Contact: Caribbean Cove Ltd. Telephone: 941-7923 during regular working hours

6103

GRACE BAY SUITES

KEVIN TAYLOR

Is looking to fill the following positions:

Is looking for a

• Cleaners • Maids • Life guard • Masseuse • Beach/ Pool Attendants • Bartenders • Front Desk Manager • Part-time & live-in positions available immediately

Labourer

Please deliver resume with salary expectations to Front Desk by February 4th, 2012 preference will be given to qualified Belongers 6100

To work 4 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 331-4417

Solid Construction

Turks & Caicos Softball Federation

is looking for a

Is looking for a

Cosmetologist Cosmetologist To work 6 days contact: 243-1018

6079

per week salary $5.00 per hour.

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 231-0882

6099

Coach/ Empire

Helper

To work when needed salary based on experience.

Fax: (649) 941-8388

contact: 331-6920

To work 4-5 days per week salary $400.00 bi-weekly Belonger only need apply

6098

SUN OIL TURKS & CAICOS LTD

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

Send resumes to P.O. Box 6276105

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos Turks & Caicos Banking Company Limited

General Manager

The successful candidate(s) will assume the role of Operations Coordinator. This position reports to the Depot Manager and is responsible for the daily execution of key responsibilities within a bulk fuel facility. These responsibilities include the safe receipt, storage and distribution of bulk petroleum products in accordance with strict industry and company standards. Successful candidates must be able to demonstrate good leadership skills, ability to work will with a team alone with strong work ethics. Successful experience in the petroleum industry would be a plus.

Requirements:

• Masters Degree in Finance or equivalent qualification • Minimum of 10 years experience in senior position at a financial institution.

• Knowledge of European Banking practices • Language Skills in French and German • Profound all round knowledge of all sectors of private and commercial banking • Trading and Administration background • Professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills • Strong Leadership skills • Effective in organizing management meetings • Human resource management and Board meeting attendance

Core Responsibilities • IMPORT: The coordination, documentation and reporting of bulk product receipt in accordance with company procedures and local authority guidelines.

• STORAGE: The execution of daily inventory and product quality controls along with all related documentation and reporting requirements.

• DISTRIBUTION: The daily coordination of customer deliveries, delivery equipment maintenance and the execution and enforcement of all associated internal controls and documentation.

• MAINTENANCE: The execution and coordination of the Depot’s Maintenance Program in accordance with established company procedures.

Job Requirements • 5 years minimum work experience in a similar capacity.

• A technical degree or diploma would be a plus.

• Excellent computer skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs.

• A strong safety record. Safety related trainings would be a plus.

• A mechanical aptitude with some experience with equipment maintenance and repairs.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to work as an effective team member.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• The ability to work flexible hours and weekends.

Interested belongers please submit CV to:

Benefits include: Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with work experience and qualifications.

Interested persons should apply no later than January 31, 2012 to:

jobs@sunoilbahamas.com

Manager Must have extensive experience in all aspects of managing a construction company salary commensurate with experience.

6033

Kitchen

6101

January 14 - 20, 2012

6119

Turks and Caicos Banking Company Ltd. Attn: Human Resources, The Regent Village, Unit H102 Grace Bay Road, PO Box 777, Providenciales services@tcbc.tc

6094

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

Is seeking suitably qualified Belongers to fill the position outlined below. Ideal candidate must possess luxury resort experience, a professional, outgoing and friendly demeanor, and a strong command of the English language (oral and written). Salary is based on experience and qualifications.

Housekeeping Attendant • Suitable candidates must have a minimum of 2 years experience working at a 5 Star

Domestic

Helper To work 5 days per week 9am-5pm salary $6.00 per hour Belongers need only apply.

2 Domestic Workers – $5.00 per hour

1 Labourer 1 Pump Attendant

3 Security Officers – $6.00 per hour

4 Labourers

– $5.00 per hour

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

2–Sales Clerks $5.00 per hour Experience required

Contact: 941-8382

Contact: 946-5663

Accountant General

Closing Date: January 20th, 2012

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

6057

FOR SALE Blackberry torch 9800, Charcoal ED.

SLIGHTLY US

EXCELLENT CONDITION @@Blackberry OS v6 @@Touchscreen Qwerty Slider @@5 mega-pixel camera @@Media Player/ Video Player

Price: $525 ONO Call 346-7082

Is looking for

Vacancy Notice

Floor Crystallizing Specialist

Requirements: • Must have at least 5 years experience as a Marble Floors Crystallize Specialist.

• Must have at least 5 years significant experience for handling heavy scrubbing / crystallizing machines.

• Wide knowledge of floor crystallizes chemicals.

Box includes charger, USB cable, polishing cloth, hard shell case and privacy screen

IDEAL PETROLEUM

Acting on behalf of our clients: Hermon Forbes, Spence Security, Road Side Quality, Tc Construction, Discount Auto Parts & Tires, Provo Repair Cabinet, Captain Marvin’s Watersports, C&J Variety Store, C&P Welding

Contact: 231-8891

Resort in a similar role • Must have a strong attention to details and exceptional ability to maintain the highest standards of quality required • Assist in all Housekeeping responsibilities, cleaning of guest rooms, stocking amenities and linens • Must have the ability to lift at least 50lbs Perform any other tasks or projects as directed by Housekeeping Manager

Suitably qualified candidates should apply in writing or by phone to the following: Bridgette Thomas BNC Consulting Group, Ltd website: www.bnccgroup.com email: bthomas@bnccgroup.com phone: 649-332-2565

C & J EMPLOYMENT

Is looking for a

6106

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

BRIGGETT JOLLY

6020

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

January 14 - 20, 2012

6017

32

An exciting opportunity awaits you in the Turks & Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) Service for the post of Accountant General. The incumbent in this managerial position as Head of Treasury would have the responsibility for overseeing and maintaining high performance and service delivery standards in the Treasury Department. He/she would be responsible for working with the TCIG Management Team to monitor and evaluate the implementation of financial policies and strategies that may impact public service delivery; overseeing the provision of general accounting services as well as managing the centralized creditors’ payment process, payroll, revenue collections, cash management, debt management functions and maintaining good relationships with stakeholders at all times. The successful candidate would also be responsible for preparation of the Government financial statement and setting best practice accounting standards and principles to be adopted by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and developing standard operating procedures with respect to the control of expenditure to ensure creditors are paid within TCIG’s credit terms. The incumbent will also represent the Ministry at meetings, conferences and seminars, and provide impartial, accurate and timely advice to the TCIG Management Team.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE The position requires an undergraduate degree in accounting (BSc/BCom/ BBA) and professional accounting qualifications e.g. Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) or the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). A Masters Degree in Financial Management and Accounting is also required.

The candidate must have at least eight (8) to ten (10) years hands-on experience, five (5) of which should have been obtained by managing a public sector financial department or institution.

The incumbent must also be knowledgeable in Public Financial Management Legislation, Procedures and Practices and be familiar with Public Sector Financial Reforms and best practices in countries similar to the Turks & Caicos Islands. The successful candidate is required to be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite as well as accounting software packages. He /She must be able to make prudent financial and budgetary decisions and be proficient in managing financial data. Excellent management and human relations skills are also a requirement for this post.

SALARY: $57,240 - $60,480 per annum For persons recruited outside the Turks and Islands, a two (2) contract is offered with possibility of extension. Other benefits offered in addition to basic salary include Transportation allowance, Telephone allowance, Housing allowance, and end-of-contract gratuity of 15% of salary; return passage for family of up to two children under the age of sixteen (16) years, as well as duty free concession on the shipment of personal effects imported within six (6) months of appointment.

Applicant’s resume including contact number or email address, two letters of reference and a police certificate should be sent to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Public Service Management, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. Fax (649) 946-1582. Email: recruitment@gov.tc Extension: 10318 ONLY SUITABLE CANDIDATES’ APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED 6096

January 14 - 20, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

Colmelita Handfield

Ward Consultancy

is looking for the following:

Acting on behalf of our clients: Gausan Ltd., Horse Eye Jack, R & C Equipment Rental

– salary $5.00 per hour

– Saturday

contact: (649) 946-7705 6111

Labourer – salary $6.00 per hour

The Sands is now accepting applications/résumé for the following positions. Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, who have the desire to serve others, need apply:

Bartender – salary $6.00 per hour

NIGHT HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR

Contact: 332-5533 6038

Responsibilities: • Ensures maximum efficiency in the performance of Housekeeping attendants in guest rooms and surrounding areas • Familiarizes him / herself with and carries out the policies and procedures of the Sands at Grace Bay. • Offers all possible assistance to guests, initiates corrective action on complaints regarding guest room service.

• Evaluates and periodically updates the Executive Housekeeper about the performance of Housekeeping attendants. Recommends appropriate action such as disciplining and commendation.

Shift hours

Experienced Merchandisers needed @@ Relevant academic education mandatory (business/economics/etc.) @@ Experience as an auditor @@ Knowledge and experience in GSI systems - Mandatory @@ Impeccable references and police clearance

send cv to fax 649 946 1899 6084

Andre Mills

BAY BISTRO

Seeking

Is looking for a

Requirements: • High school diploma • Must have previous supervisory experience and oversee a minimum of 10 employees • Must work weekends and holidays • Must speak, read, write and understand the primary language (English) used in the workplace.

• Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process.

• Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Must possess basic computational ability (word, excel, outlook and Mathematics)

NIGHT ROOM ATTENDANT

babysitter/ Kitchen house keeper Helper FROOTS

contact: 232-1205

6073

cleaner/ kitchen helper MACKEY’S TIRE Is looking for a

To work 7 days salary $5.50 per hour. Must be able to work nights and days shifts. Must have kitchen experience.

contact: 231-2355

6014

Myrtle Mills

VADEN DELROY WILLIAMS Is looking for a

labourer

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 241-7692

6078

FAX: (649) 946-4661

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Sales Clerk

One Gardner to work Monday

33

Labourer

Salary must commensurate with qualifications. Resumes can be faxed to 941-3425 or to the Labour Department, Providenciales as soon as possible 6044

Responsibilities • Carries out the following routine assignments: • Cleans occupied and vacant rooms on a nightly basis and according to the established policy and standards.

• Maintains the cleanliness and orderliness of housekeeping storage closets according to the established procedures.

• Conducts routine inspection of all assigned rooms for any discrepancy in the status report and immediately coordinate to Housekeeping department for appropriate action.

• Requires to do turn down service at night according to the operations policy.

• Attends to guest requests as needed.

Requirements • Must have previous hotel housekeeping experience • Preferred skilled cleaner. Individual who likes to clean • Regular/Full Time position Only • Must speak, read, write and understand the primary language (English) used in the workplace.

• Must work weekends and holidays

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

maintenance related jobs.

• Account for time spent on individual works and actively seek further tasks when assigned tasks are completed.

• To advise the Engineering Administrator when parts or supplies need to be reordered.

• Perform weekly and monthly physical counts of all inventory stock and tooling and requirements.

• Other duties as deemed necessary by the Engineering Administrator Requirements • Must meet minimum professional qualification/ certification in Plumbing/Electrical/ Mechanical and A/C related trades • Must have minimum of two years hands-on experience working on minor electrical, painting, plumbing and A/C • Must speak, read, write and understand the primary language (English) used in the workplace.

• Must work weekends and holidays

POOL & BEACH ATTENDANT Responsibilities • Greet all guests and assist with towels, umbrellas, questions, and/or water sports equipment.

• Complete setting up and breaking down of all guest lounge areas as designated by management and to ensure that all pool chairs and tables are in a clean and orderly fashion.

• Constant walk-through of pool area and beach area to make certain it is clean (no trash on the grounds) and tidy. Inspect entire pool area replacing any missing items and/or repairing (when possible) any items needing attention. (I.E. Umbrellas, Hobie Cat, Chairs, etc.)

• Pool & Hot Tub Cleaning (I.E. vacuuming, filtering, scrubbing, sifting, chemical testing, checking skimmers, etc.)

Requirements • A secondary diploma is an asset • Experience as a Pool & Beach Attendant is preferred • Must be able to work long hours in all weather conditions • Must be able to be CPR certified, First Aid certified, and AED certified • Must be a good swimmer and perform rescue when needed • Must be able to operate rescue boat • Must be experienced in sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing and operator all equipment • Must be able to clean and chlorinate pool • Must handle pool chemicals and equipment maintenance and functions • Life Guard experience a plus • Must speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) (English) used in the workplace.

• Must work weekends and holidays

Responsibilities • To skillfully and professionally perform all scheduled

Turks Island citizens only need to apply in person to Tiersa Smith, Human Resources Manager at The Sands Resort located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Labour Department, or e-mail: humanresource@thesandstc.com. Applications must be in by January 6, 2012.

6060

34

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

January 14 - 20, 2012

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

Butterfield Motors Ltd.

Vacancies General Manager with Responsibility for Sales & Marketing

Job Description: -

Plan, direct and coordinate the operations of the company. Formulate policies and procedures; manage daily operations, inventory, materials and human resources. Overall responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, any functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, managing inventory and ordering vehicles for sale; general administrative services and overseeing after-sales.

Have direct responsibility and accountability for Sales & Marketing. Individual shall combine both strategy and sale elements for a dynamic leadership role that implements revenue generating plans with coordinated sales efforts. This also includes responsibilities with product development, pricing strategy and product distribution; analyze sales figures and forecast projected numbers to implement effective Marketing Strategy Development; establish pricing strategies and maintain client relationships.

Qualifications & Experience: - Must have a relevant first degree from a recognized institution, appropriate training and or certification, and a minimum of five years work experience in similar capacity with a General Motors’ dealership.

Asst. Manager with Responsibility for Service

Job Description: -

To assist the General Manager in creating a continuous improving environment, teamwork, and a dedication to execute correct measures for the overall growth and development of the business. Direct and supervise the employee-training program of the Service Department for all existing and new team members. Assist GM in all related tasks to the Service Department, such as, but not limited to recruiting, developing and executing a business plan for the department.

Utilize skills in order to meet costs and sales budgets with a view to achieving stand-alone productivity. Interact with employees and assist customers in response to their concerns, questions, or complaints.

Have direct responsibility and accountability for the Service Department. Responsible for designing and building a Service and Sales Department that is consistent with General Motors’ International standards and capability.

Qualifications & Experience: - Must have a relevant first degree from a recognized institution, appropriate training and or certification, and a minimum of five years work experience with thorough knowledge of the engines and mechanics of General Motors’ vehicles.

Asst. Manager with Responsibility for Parts

FAX: (649) 946-4661

BUTTERFIELD GOLD GROUP OF COMPANIES

POSITIONS AVAILABLE Island Pride Supermarket

Two (2) Butchers

Individual must have a minimum of 14 years experience in high volume self service meat department with a full knowledge of all cuts of beef, pork, veal, lamb, poultry and deli meats.

Must also be self motivated with high productivity being able to work with little supervision and must work well with others. Be willing to supervise and train others; also be able to take inventory and assist with ordering levels Wages: Commensurate with experience starting from $7.50 per hour

One (1) Supervisor Duties includes • Assist in supervision of inventory received • Verification of quality, condition • Set up and maintain product rotation • Assist in computer data entry • Inventory related matters • Assist in Supervision of staff within department @@ Job involves substantial manual labour related work. @@ Individual must posse’s minimum of 5 (five) CXC subjects or equivalent, have at least 8 (eight) previous years experience in quality control and be able to work with little supervision. @@ Salary: commensurate with experience starting from $2,000.00 per month

Danny’s Restaurant

One (1) Cook @@ @@ @@ @@

Individual must have a minimum of 10 years experience as a cook The applicant must be able to cook native and Jamaican dishes.

Must be willing to work long hours including Saturdays Wages: commensurate with experience starting from $7.00 per hour

One (1) Waitress • All aspects of waitressing • Wages: commensurate with experience starting from $7.00 per hour

Job Description: -

To assist the General Manager in creating a continuous improving environment, teamwork, and a dedication to execute correct measures for the overall growth and development of the business. Direct and supervise the employee-training program of the Parts Department for all existing and new team members. Assist the GM in all related tasks to the Parts Department, such as, but not limited to recruiting, developing and executing a business plan for the department. Utilize skills in order to meet costs and sales budgets with a view to achieving stand-alone productivity. Interact with employees and assist customers in response to their concerns, questions, or complaints.

Have direct responsibility and accountability for the Parts Department. Responsible for designing and building a Parts and Sales Department that is consistent with General Motors’ International standards and capability.

Qualifications & Experience: - Must have a relevant first degree from a recognized institution, appropriate training and or certification, and a minimum of five years work experience, with thorough knowledge of parts and after-market accessories of General Motors vehicles.

Master Technician

Job Description:-

Ability to inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles that run on electricity, gasoline, or alternative fuels. Execute basic care maintenance and diagnose complex problems, including but not limited to transmissions. Lead and supervise the service team.

Island Pride Fuel

One (1) Domestic Worker For general cleaning & other domestic duties Requirements for all Applicants: • Hardworking team player with excellent people skills.

• Willingness to work, weekends and holidays as required.

• In addition to the performance of the essential functions employees may able required to perform supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the supervisor.

Only Belongers apply for these positions. Application forms available from Butterfield Gold Human Resource Department. Only applicants selected for interview will be notified.

Submit applications to by January 5, 2012 to:

Qualifications & Experience: -

Degree in automotive service technology or related field from an accredited institution or graduate of approved and recognized certified automotive service technology program and certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or equivalent.

Must be able to operate electronic diagnostic equipment and have a minimum of three years experience in a similar capacity preferably working on General Motors’ vehicles.

6068

Butterfield Gold Ltd., Human Resource Department Town Center Mall, Providenciales Tel: 649-946-4211

6049

January 14 - 20, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

GANSEVOORT Is looking for a

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

Lew Handfield Is looking for the following:

Martin Gray

Server ONE Labourer domestic contact: 941-7555

6112

worker

to work 5 days per week contact: (649) 231-1117

6110

to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 243-4046

6116

ADVERTISING DEADLINE FOR ALL ADS IS 5:00 PM WEDNESDAY

Hours will vary depending on occupancy levels evening and weekend shifts will be part of the schedule applicants must be able to speak, read and write English to a level that will enable communication with guests police clearance required for all applicants salary $6.00 per hour.

Email to alliedmanagement@ usa.net or 946-5866 6109

Pool and Beach/

Server needed Server needed for busy restaurant.

Experience and knowledge of POS system in a must.

Weekends, Holidays and nights.

Call Tracy 941-8408 for an interview with your resume.

CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788

Islandcom, the exciting mobile phone provider in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is looking for high quality, motivated candidates for the following positions.

Chief Executive Officer

Job Responsibilities • Work with Board to establish strategic and financial performance goals • Set objectives for each functional area with measurable performance metrics • Develop team capable of delivering world-class service and value to subscribers • Maintain relationships with key stakeholders including government, key customers and partners • Establish Islandcom as a leading mobile telecommunications operator in the TCI Required Qualifications & Skills • Ten years of executive experience in cellular telecommunications • Demonstrated leadership skills and successful delivery of results that exceed budget • Experience in building successful, high-performance cross functional teams • University degree in business or engineering discipline Experience with mobile telephony products and services are a plus.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Director of Sales and Marketing

FOR SALE Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale

Positions available

The Director of Sales and Marketing is responsible for expanding the marketing, sales, and distribution of Islandcom products and services in the TCI. Performance is evaluated by achievement of targets tied to subscriber and revenue goals. The Director of Sales and Marketing reports to the CEO. 6108

Required for inside and outside cleaning duties: some heavy lifting

I slandcom T elecommunications

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for management of all functional areas including sales and marketing, finance, operations and engineering. The position reports to the Board of Directors.

CALL 946-4664 OR EMAIL tcnews@tciway.tc

HOUSEMAN

FAX: (649) 946-4661

is looking for a

Waitress/ To work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.

35

Responsibilities • Develop and execute marketing, sales and operational programs and strategies intended to increase market share while meeting profitability goals • Forecast, hire and develop staff for both sales and marketing establishing performance metrics and controls • Develop and execute promotions, training programs, product development, marketing campaigns and operational policies and procedures • Use forecasting and strategic planning to ensure the sale and profitability of products and services Required Qualifications & Skills • Ten plus years experience managing Sales, Marketing and Operational staff in an international business environment • Proven leadership skills and success in delivering results that exceed budget • Experience in managing to budget business operations including but not limited to: procurement, inventory control, marketing strategies, new product development, logistics and best of class sales techniques • Ability to analyze statistical data to forecast market and competitive trends • Proven ability to execute complex projects ending in successful results References required that can substantiate successful achievement of exceeding goals related to qualifications.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

To apply for the positions, send cover letter and resume to cv@islandcom.tc by January 25th, 2012

Islandcom Telecommunications Ltd. P.O. Box 1122, Graceway House A-108 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI 6113

36

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

January 14 - 20, 2012 FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES The Turtle Cove Inn Hotel

Gardener/ handyman @@Required 1 to 2 days weekly. Wages $42 per day. @@The Successful applicant must have good knowledge of plant care and general property maintenance. @@For an interview or appointment phone Sandy Lightbourne at 231-1092 Mon to Fri between hrs of 10am and 5pm.

Resumes and references required @@Applications would be considered from Belongers only and must be received by 16TH January, 2012.

6067

Is looking for a

General Security Forces is looking for a

Heather Greene

HAIR IMPRESSION BEAUTY SALON

Is seeking to employ 1

is looking for a

Gardener to keep the hotel grounds clean must be able to work weekends and holidays salary $5.00 per hour only Belongers need apply.

Contact: Sandra MacLeod @ 946-42036030

Security Guard Salon Helper Must have at least 4

Labourer

Send Cv’s to: generalsecurityforces@express.tc

Please call 232-4043

years experience. Must have the necessary skills and training.

6040

To work 6 days per week salary $250.00 per week.

contact: 245-1239

6066

POSITION AVAILABLE 11th FEBRUARY, 2012

to work 6 days per week Salary $6.00 per hour.

For more Information..

6053

Bryant’s Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Is seeking employment:

1 A/c Installer and 3 A/c Technicians/Mechanic

Must have Knowledge of Mitsubishi A/c equipment (VRF systems, City Multi systems) & Air cool & water cool chiller systems. Capable of repairing other major brands of equipment.

Able to fabricate metal and air duct

1 Maintenance Helper

Able to do general repairs (Masonry, plumbing, painting, and electrical wiring etc.

2 Laborers & 1 Sales Clerk

Must be able to understand, speak & write English. Able to work with little or no supervision.

Applicants must have a minimum of five years experience.

Must be able to understand, speak & write English. All Applicants Must have a valid driver’s license. Salary based on experience.

6075

VACANCIES The Gansevoort Turks & Caicos a Wymara Resort is actively looking to fill the following positions:

Executive Assistant to the General Manager

The applicant must be able to perform the tasks given by the GM, briefs and updates him daily; Well organized, articulate, confident and friendly, take initiative and be a problem solver;

JOB OPPORTUNITIES The Somerset on Grace Bay is seeking a suitable qualified Belongers who possess the requirements listed are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates should possess luxury resort experience, be professional in attitude and demeanor and must read and speak English fluently.

GARDENER

Responsibilities: • Complete ground work as directed by the Property Manager which may include picking up trash, sweeping curb and dumpster areas and maintaining landscaping beds and other ground areas • Must have the ability to lift heavy items weighing up to 150lbs • Must have the ability to maintain irrigation systems and provide proper upkeep of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, fountains, and other grounds features

COMMON AREA ATTENDANT

Responsibilities: • Clean and maintain guest public areas within the hotel • Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment, in order to prevent damage to floors and fixtures • Maintain an inventory of cleaning and toiletry supplies • Polish furnitures, metal work, and chrome using appropriate cleaning and polishing compounds GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: @@ Must be a team player with a desire to deliver excellent customer service to our guest @@ Must have clear English communications skills (written or oral) @@ Previous experience in this area would be an asset @@ Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience Qualified Belonger candidates are requested to submit a CV by e-mail to:

Aleisa Musgrove Strata Operations Manager The Somerset Resort on Grace Bay amusgrove@thesomerset.com

Submissions for this job position should be received no later than January 31, 2012

Applicant must have experience in administrative support; project management & report development. Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office; excellent communication skills; must have the ability to multitask and remain calm under pressure. A degree in hospitality Management will be an asset.

Corporate Hotel Manager

The Applicant must have at least 3 to 5 years experience in New York City as a Department Head in a Luxury 5 Star Resort. The hotel manager must be responsible to the General manager on Property and the Corporate Office of Gansevoort Resort in New York.

The Corporate Hotel manager must be responsible for: • Upholding the Corporate Brand standards and policies and that they are being followed and plans are being implemented; • ensuring security is effective; • carrying out inspections of property and services • day-to-day management of the hotel and its staff. Planning, organizing and directing all hotel services, including front-of-house (reception, concierge and housekeeping. dealing with guest complaints and comments; • addressing problems and troubleshooting; The applicant must be able to speak a second language French, Spanish or Portuguese.

Applicant must also be familiar with the Opera, Ovos and Concierge Assist operating systems.

Spa Manager

The Applicant must possess a degree in Business Management and have no less than 4 years experience in various recordkeeping, conducting promotional campaigns, maintaining stock inventories and payroll management.

Applicant must be responsible for hiring, training and supervision of staff. Create weekly work schedules, train new employees and arrange staff workshops on new techniques and procedures.

All Resumes must be sent to HR@Wymara.com 6070

January 14 - 20, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

Seeking one

Salon Assistant Contact: 941-5526

6071

to work $5.00 per hour must be willing to work 6 days per week (holidays and weekends included)

Paralegal

My Dees Restaurant

NORTH CAICOS

Kitchen

Helper To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

6054

contact: 245-1239

ANTWANN MISSICK

is looking for a

Is looking for a

Is seeking a

Male High School Graduate who is interested in making

Required for a law office in Providenciales Candidate must be able to do all accounting functions to trial balance and be experienced in real estate, corporate, commercial and security work a minimum of 10 years experience in a fast paced professional environment is required all replies held in strictest confidence.

Apply to: Skippings Rutley P.O. Box 796, Providenciales

Bryant’s Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Is looking for a

MIRACLE HAIR SALON

KERVEN TAYLOR

FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

6065

HILL TOP BEAUTY SALON

37

Is looking for a

Air Conditioning their future Career Field Please fax or email resume to Fax: 946-4283 Email: bac@tciway.tc Suitable applicants will be contacted 6073 Philippe Vixamar Is looking for a

ROBERT’S AGENCY Is looking to fill the following positions:

LABOURER

contact: 247-6724

Labourer To work 6 days per week.

Salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 341-1373

3 Labourers 3 Domestic Workers 3 Gardeners 2 Cashiers

Contact: 241-2043

Turks & Caicos Islands National Insurance Board Public Notice Amnesty Announced Along with Reduction in Surcharge Rates His Excellency Ric Todd, in his capacity as Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Insurance Board (NIB), has announced today, December 22, 2012 that there will be a two month amnesty period on NIB surcharges, commencing January 2, 2012 and ending February 29, 2012.

During this amnesty period persons can bring their National Insurance contributions up to date without incurring any surcharges. The NIB will waive a person’s liability to pay any additional charges due in respect of late payment of contributions if:(a) the person provides satisfactory evidence to the NIB that all outstanding contributions payable under the National Insurance Ordinance (NIO) have been paid as at the date of commencement of this Ordinance; or (b) the person pays all outstanding contributions payable under the National Insurance Ordinance prior to the end of the amnesty period on February 29, 2012.

For the purpose of this exercise, a “person” means contributors to the NIB; including employers and selfemployed persons.

Additional charges payable as a consequence of a court

order shall not be waived.

The amnesty period stands to benefit many parties.

Governor Todd noted that the amnesty will benefit both Government and Business and provide much needed financial relief to many struggling institutions. Once the amnesty period is concluded, the penalties will be reintroduced for late payment.

It is expected to increase the NIB’s contribution income in 2011/2012, while significantly reducing the level of delinquency. An improved compliance level also stands to reduce the benefit processing time; with more insured persons’ contributions being updated.

“The National Insurance Board is pleased to offer this relief to TCI businesses in this time of economic challenge, both here at home and abroad. We encourage all of our contributors in arrears to make use of this one and only opportunity to bring their accounts current without financial penalty,” said Colin Heartwell, CEO of the NIB.

The surcharges currently contribute only about 3% of the total NIB annual revenues in 2011/2012 so the immediate financial impact in the NIF will not be significant. The NIB will be foregoing $11.8 million in potential revenue from Government and possibly up to $4 million in potential revenue from the private sector.

This amnesty will benefit TCIG as it reduces the country’s deficit by a third and it helps business as it removes the immediate financial burden of surcharges.

In addition to the announcement of the Amnesty on Surcharges, legislative amendments have been passed to reduce the surcharge rate on contribution arrears.

Contribution arrears will accrue at an initial 10% of contributions for the first month, and will subsequently incur a 3% penalty for each month or part thereof of delay. The 3% rate is a 7% reduction in the rate of 10% charged since 1993 and is in line with actuarial advice.

“High penalty rates were severely impacting on businesses, noted Mr. Heartwell and these reduced penalty rates will maintain an incentive for persons to keep accounts current without driving firms into bankruptcy.”

The surcharges are intended to encourage firms to make their contributions on time rather than help drive them into bankruptcy. In this current poor economic climate, many of the public and private contributors with outstanding surcharges are in severe financial difficulty. This initiative will assist them in their economic recovery and bring new additional contribution revenues in the future.

The surcharge level of 10% was deemed to be too high for some time and this move will reduce the burden to employers while still encouraging NIB payments.

6055

6063

Email info@ misickstanbrok.tc or fax: 649-946-4734

To work 2 day per week salary $5.00 per hour.

6046

Contact: 241-2907 or 242-3983 6045

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per week.

Labourer 6077

contact: 247-4068

6064

To work 4 days per week salary $40.00 per day.

To work 6 days per week. Salary $5.50 per hour.

NEEDED 6069

Farmer

Cosmetologist

38

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

January 14 - 20, 2012 FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

VACANCIES

ACRES OF DIAMONDS

GIGI’S BEAUTY SALON & SPA

Leeward Highway, Providenciales Telephone 941-3112

is looking for 2

Parrot Cay Resort and COMO Shambhala have vacancies for the following positions:

The candidate must demonstrate care and respect for guest, fellow colleagues and the resort as a whole.

Qualification and Experience: The successful candidate must have: • Previous experience as a Project Manager.

• Strong leadership abilities.

• At least a Master Degree in Projects Management.

• Excellent time Management and problem solving skills.

• Strong project development capabilities and a minimum of 10 years project development experience within a luxurious resort.

• Ability to function effectively in a multi cultural environment.

• Excellent communication, organizational and decision making skills.

• Excellent Computer skills.

• The ability to maximize output while cutting material cost on a daily basis.

Must live on property and be willing to work long hours including Public Holidays and weekends

PRIVATE ESTATE MANAGER The successful candidate will be a hard working, reliable individual with excellent communication and operations skills.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who enjoys working with people from various nationalities in a challenging but rewarding work environment.

Duties performed in the role would include, but are not limited to: • Work closely with the Sales and Special Projects Manager in order to combine work on the houses with maximum rental sales.

• Regular communication with the Home Owners and the

Barbers To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 242-4006

Salary $5.00 per hour.

Only Turks Islands need to apply. 6118

OCEAN CLUB RESORTS

The success candidate must possess the following skills: • Diplomacy, discretion and understanding of high profile guests and homeowners • Knowledge of project management practices, principles, techniques and tools • Capability in basic home maintenance • Ability to work independently • Pro-activity to identify potential issues before the arise • Basic accounting skills and ability to fully comprehend legal documentation • Fluent in English (Written & spoken)

IS LOOKING FOR QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED APPLICANTS FOR THE POSITION OF:

GARDENER Must be physically capable of hard manual outdoor labour.

Previous experience preferred. All applicants must be able to present a clean Police Record if offered a position.

Wage commensurate with experience. Individuals must be willing to work holidays and weekends on a flexible schedule dictated by business demands. Ability to speak English is essential.

Applicants must have at least five year experience at a managerial level, salary ranges from $55,000 to $60,000 per annum.

Please drop off resumes at the Ocean Club Front Desk to the attention of the Human Resource Manager, or via email to diane@oceanclubresorts.tc Preference will be given to experienced and qualified 6081 Belongers. Only those receiving an interview will be contacted.

Managerial Positions: Hotel Information and Technology Manager Assistant Financial Controller Financial Controller Recreation Manager Resort Nurse Executive Chef Job Requirement: Candidates interested in the above positions will be required to work long hours, live on property and are expected to work during the night, weekends and Public Holidays.

WALLEYE CORP. LTD. Is accepting applications for a

Restaurant Supervisor

Other AVAILABLE POSITIONS: Chef de Partie Line Chef Accountant Wood Carver Food & Beverage Server Resort Butler Sous Chef Turndown Attendant

The successful applicant must possess the following skills and experience: • At least 5 years experience in the restaurant and service industry • Ability to manage and hire staff • Experience in scheduling, ordering, POS Systems, inventory, menu planning, banking and event organization • Food safe certificate or equivalent • Be able to work all shifts and be on call for efficient supervision of the restaurant

Salaries for these positions will be paid base on qualification and experience. Please note that all application must be submitted with a valid Police Record, two reference letters from previous employers or a notary public and current educational certificates.

Only suitable candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Forward your resume to the Human Resources Department at the following address:

Parrot Cay Resort and COMO Shambhala P.O. Box 164 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Ph: (649) 946 7788, Fax: (649) 946 7749 Email: joel.richards@parrotcay.como.bz

LABOURER

6048

References, Immigration Status, and resumes are required to apply Please contact: 441-3466 for an appointment or interview Salary commensurate with experience

6047

We are looking for a highly self motivated professional with a keen interest in project development within the hospitality Industry. The successful candidate must be able to develop and manage special projects supervised by the Director of Caicos Holdings. Previous experience and a proven track record as a Project Manager within a well established Luxurious Five Star Resort is a plus.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following: • Plan and effectively execute all projects designated by the Director of the resort.

• Making sure that all projects are successfully completed within a reasonable timeframe base on strict deadlines.

• Organized and take a leading role to ensure that all projects are personally monitored on a daily basis.

• Control and close all projects in line with the resort and planning department standards.

• Conduct feasibility studies when necessary to ensure that only the most viable projects are undertaken.

• Must competently calculate cost, time and staffing necessary for each project.

• Must be able to work within the limits of a tight Budget, while ensuring that all cost effective methods are in place to achieve the goals of the organization.

• Communicate to the director on the progress of all projects on a daily basis.

• Must be capable of working alone with limited supervision.

• Maintain a positive and professional work attitude towards all employees and Guest.

• Look after the up keeping and maintenance of all special projects.

Sales and Special Project Manager to ensure all parties are informed of any work being done or issues within the homes which could affect sales.

• Keep account of all expenditure related to the upkeep of the home including staffing and services, working within a budget to combined benefit of the homeowner and the resort • Ensure all daily operations in the homes are completed to the satisfaction of the General Manager. Liaise closely with the Chief Engineer, Landscaping Manager and Executive Housekeeper to ensure all work is completed as efficiently as possible.

• Undertake daily inspections of all private residences in the Parrot Cay rental pool and complete daily, weekly and monthly checklists for each property.

• Maximize liaison with home owners when they are both on and off island. Whilst on island prioritize your time to ensure you are available for them at all times • Handle all special demands and needs during the festive period and assist with all needs of the guests.

6114

HOTEL PROJECTS MANAGER

January 14 - 20, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

KAMULA PENN Is looking for a

On behalf of our clients: Lorters Computer, TSI Property Management, FPN/ CS, Joseph Nocles, G& J Construction and Grace Bay Car Rental is looking to fill the following positions:

Laborers, Domestic Workers, Computer Technician, Car Washer

Is looking for a

Carpenter Waitress To work 6 days per week. Salary $6.00 per hour.

is looking for a

Cashier To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 941-5823

Is looking for a

Maintenance Supervisor To work 6 days per week.

Salary $300.00 per week.

Contact: 231-0309

Watch specialist

Manager

6121

* At least 8 years of experience in the watch retail industry * proven experience with high line watches * certified “Cartier Ambassador” and “Breitling Emergency” certification * Impeccable references and police clearance * proven Excellency in sales performance

CV to fax 946 1988

IMPORTANT PUBLIC

ANNOUNCMENT FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT OF TCINVEST The public is hereby advised that until further notice the offices of TCInvest in Grand Turk and Providenciales remain open for business during regular business hours.

Please note further that all debtors to TCInvest are required to continue making regular payments on their indebtedness with the Agency, at the respective office in Grand Turk or Providenciales.

Management and staff look forward to serving you with the same level of customer service that you have become accustomed to over the years and we apologize for any inconvenience you may experience in dealing with the Agency during the transition period, as outline by the press release issued by TCIG on Tuesday January 10.

Please be guided accordingly Management TCInvest

PIERRIK MARZIOU

contact: 344-4540

Contact: 242-6427

QUALITY SUPERMARKET

To work 6 days per week including holidays and weekends salary $5.50 per hour.

6130

6115

Please present resumes to Pampered Paws Spa, or contact: 431-1119 email Address: sharwind2002@ yahoo.com 6126

1–Nail Technician salary $5.00 per hour Nessy Restaurant

6127

Must be fluent in English (written and spoken) Must have detailed experience with animals Must have transportation Must be willing and able to work weekends and holidays

Is looking for

– salary $6.00 per hour

Send resumes to branitz@yahoo. com or contact: 241-1228 6124

laboUrer positions

Major Beauty Salon

1 Cosmetologist

• Must be fluent in QuickBooks, Excel and Word • Must be able to multi-task • Must have a good police record • Must have a good working relationship with teammates Salary starting $5.00-$10.00 per hour

Is looking for applicants for full and/or part-time

FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

BCS/CS

Pampered Paws Ltd.

39

6123

* at least 5 years of experience as a manager of high end jewelry stores * additional language necessary, a third language preferable * multitasking and task management proven abilities * large teams leadership ability and experience * Impeccable references and police clearance * Proven excellency in sales performance

CV to fax 946 1988 6124

Real Estate Sales Associate Blue Horizons Real Estate Ltd dba Coldwell Banker Real Estate Turks & Caicos is looking for an experienced and professional Sales Associate.

Expertise in residential, commercial, condominium, land, fractional ownership sales, plus marketing and advertising experience is required.

Applicants must have completed a recognized real estate course, have strong verbal and presentation skills as well as be computer literate in all Microsoft programs including Publisher and Power Point. Own vehicle, laptop computer, cell phone plus camera are required for this position. Remuneration by commission only.

This position will be open until January 12, 2012. Interested parties please forward a resume, including references and a hand written cover letter, to Ms. Louise Peterson, General Manager, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Turks & Caicos, PO Box 775, Providenciales, TCI, BWI or email at louisepeterson@coldwellbankertci.com.

REAL ESTATE TURKS & CAICOS 6050

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

40

Sports International

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 14 - 20, 2012

Pacquiao accepts Mayweather’s challenge – Date still an issue Manny Pacquiao has accepted Floyd Mayweather’s challenge for a showdown in May, but barriers remain in the way of a possible super-fight.

On Wednesday, Mayweather demanded Pacquiao “give the world what they want to see” and agree to a bout on 5 May. And while Pacquiao said he wanted the fight, he said he favours a date in late May and suggested Mayweather could not guarantee his side of the purse.

“This is the fight the world wants,” said Philippine superstar Pacquiao. “[But] Mayweather wants a guaranteed purse so what he

has to do is get a promoter who can give him the guarantee.

“I don’t have problems getting a guarantee because I have a promoter who will give me my guaranteed purse.

“If he gets a guarantee, then we are going to share the revenue on a 50-50 basis.”

Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum added: “There is no problem on our part - the problem is on Mayweather’s.

“Mayweather needs somebody on his side that’s going to guarantee his purse.

Mayweather has nobody on his side and GBP (Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions) is not going to guarantee his purse.”

Arum and Pacquiao’s financial advisor, Michael Koncz, want a bout in late May to coincide with the completion of a 45,000-seater arena in Las Vegas.

The MGM Grand, where Mayweather is booked to fight on 5 May, has a capacity of only 17,000 and Koncz claims an additional $30m (£13m) could be raised if the bout took place in the new venue.

“Why would I tell Manny to fight on 5 May and throw away a percentage of $30m?

That’s crazy,” said Koncz.

Last week, five-weight world champion Mayweather had a 90-day jail term deferred so that he could fulfil a prearranged date at the MGM Grand. He will now begin his sentence on 1 June.

The WBC welterweight champion subsequently used his Twitter account to challenge Pacquiao.

“Step up Punk,” said the undefeated American.

“Manny Pacquiao I’m calling you out let’s fight May 5 and give the world what they want to see (sic).”

A year ago, talks failed when Pacquiao, 33, pulled out after Mayweather demanded random drugs tests before the bout.

At the time Arum called

The fight between Mannny Pacquiao (left) and Floyd Mayweather Jnr. could finally take place in May.

Mayweather “a psychological coward who doesn’t want to fight anybody who has a chance of beating him”, and predicted the bout would never take place.

But if the purse on offer matches the £25m-per-fighter deal that was rumoured to be

on offer last year, the biggest payday in boxing history may prove persuasive.

Arum insisted that if there was to be no fight in late May against the American then he would move forward with a Pacquiao clash on 9 June against someone else.

Stable hand Wanted • Must have minimum of 10 years experience working with all aspects of keeping, riding and training horses.

• Must have current drivers license • Must be a people person/ have excellent communication skills and understanding of customer service.

• Must have some computer skills • Must not weigh over 160lbs • Must speak fluent English, second language is an asset • Willing to work flexible hours and holidays, Monday through Saturday, approx. 45 hrs per week • Pay is $300. per week

Please submit resume to provoponies@ yahoo.com or call 649-241-6350

6082

Bayview Motors Leeward Highway Providenciales Turks and Caicos Island Phone :( 649) 946-4114; Fax :( 649) 946-4121

FOR SALE Daihatsu Sirion 2008 Daihatsu Terios 2009 Toyota Yaris 2007 Toyota Yaris 2010 Mini Van 2007 Suzuki Swift –2010 Isuzu I280 Pick up Truck 2006 Isuzu I370 Pick up Truck 2007 Isuzu I370 Pick up Truck (High End) 2007 Toyota 4-Runner

$11,000.00 $14,500.00 $9,000.00 $16,000.00 $15,000.00 $18,000.00 $20,000.00 $24,500.00 $23,500.00 -2008 $28,000.00

For additional information, please feel free to contact Marie or Kentisha.

6129

January 14 - 20, 2012

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

41

TCIFA begins football programmes – Looking to attract new players THE TURKS and Caicos Island Football Association (TCIFA) will officially start its football programmes this week as it opens its doors to the youths of the country on Saturday January 14th.

With over 400 registered youth players and over a dozen youth leagues in operation the association has no desire to rest on its laurels.

Technical Director Matthew Green outlined the plans for the association and emphasised that the focus for 2012 will yet again be on youth development. “As well as running our academies and youth leagues the TCIFA will be organising

It’s soccer time

Hello fans and welcome to what looks like a fantastic 2012 for all TCI soccer fans!

I hope you all had a smashing New Year and that everyone got a soccer ball for Christmas! But just in case you didn’t and don’t know where you can buy one you can always contact the TCIFA which has plenty of soccer balls for sale this year.

And the best news of all for the New Year is that kids Saturday soccer is back from this Saturday morning. So set your alarm clocks and get your boots ready for what promises to be another exciting TCI kids soccer season.

school tournaments in March and April. We will also be setting up Youth Beach Soccer programmes and leagues as soon as our new Beach Soccer facility is completed in order to allow our players a chance to develop in other football related areas.” Keeping the momentum going will not be easy, but Green feels the association is well equipped to ensure that players remain excited.

“We have more coaches who are committed to our programmes than ever before and they are improving all the time. This means the players are given the technical and tactical support they need to develop their

I am looking forward to meeting up with all my Saturday soccer pals once again. There’s Michael Smickle (what a player), Timothy Gill (what a goal scorer), Pendieno Brooks (what a trooper), Jack Small (what a chatterbox), Sebby (get your hair cut) Turby to name just a few and all of the rest of the Saturday soccer boys and girls. And of course there would be no Saturday soccer without Matthew, Sonia, Fritz and the TCIFA gang as well as all the coaches and all the Moms and Pops!

So come on kids get ready to rumble coz its ‘SOCCER TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!’

skills. In addition we intend to stage several international tournaments this year so that players in our Centres of Excellence and National Development teams get a taste of football at the highest level”.

U-14 Boys’ Head Coach Oliver Smith was excited about the prospect of international games.

“It is important that our players are given opportunities to play against the best players in the region. We have many talented young players in our Centres of Excellence and they are excited about playing football

at college level and beyond”. He added: “The association realises how important youth development is in sustaining long term success, the future of football in this country looks very bright”.

EXPANDING ACADEMIES The TCIFA runs academies in Grand Turk and Providenciales every day of the week for children above the age of five. Green would like to expand the association’s programmes to other islands in the country. “We want to set up

academies in South, North and Middle Caicos and it is one of our main goals this year to find people who are willing to help us set up programmes in areas where we do not have a presence at this time”. Anyone who is interested in working with the TCIFA should contact the association on telephone numbers: 941 5532 and 231 1860.

Green added: “We will give all the necessary training and equipment needed to set up programmes; we just need people to step forward and offer their time”.

The Centre of Excellence boys are ready for this year’s international action.

PABA Night League:

Jermain scores big doubledouble in Knights’ victory

Charlie is ready for the soccer season

SAUNDRO Jermain dominated the paint with 19 points and an equal amount of rebounds to lift the Knights to a 57-45 point victory over the Predators in the latest round of the Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) Nightly League at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex.

With the victory the Knights have moved above the .500 mark with five wins and four loses while the strong Predators dropped to six wins and four defeats. In the game last weekend Alvejes Desir led the attack with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Flyers maintained their one loss in the league (nine wins) when they got past Customs 52-40. Rody Fulford led the attack with 20 points, five rebounds and two steals for the winners, while Derek Hanna finished with 10 points and four assists for Customs. Customs drop below .500 with five wins and six losses.

LIONS’ DOUBLE VICTORY Lions defeated Police 64-59 with Kino Williams and Alonzo Garland scoring 11 points, four assists and four steals. The winners then defeated Cobras 60-31. Williams

again led the attack with 28 points and two assists, while Agino Agenor scored 14 points and made five assists for Cobras.

Customs bounced back from their earlier defeat to claim victory against the Steelers 56-36. Hanna scored 20 points, grabbed six rebounds and two steals, while Cameron Henry scored 12 points and made 11 rebounds and one block for the Steelers. The Steelers have dropped to three wins and six losses.

The teams are gearing up for the playoffs which will start on March 2nd.

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TCIFA aims to make island chain a respected football nation

THE Turks and Caicos Islands has taken big steps in the right direction of football development, so opines the head of the local body Chris Bryan.

The TCI Football Association president was enthusiastic about the growth of the sport at the junior level in recent time and charged those involved to show the same passion this year, especially since international teams will travel for youth tournaments.

“The Football Association is looking forward to an extremely exciting year as we expand further our soccer programmes as well as our infrastructure at the TCIFA Academy. We are looking forward to welcoming international teams to participate in youth tournaments and we hope as many people as possible will come out and support

our youngsters as they get their first introduction to competitive international football”.

Bryan added that the TCIFA will also be focused on developing its coaching and education programmes in order to support the improvements that are being made on the field. “Our coaching and refereeing programmes will also be expanded and we invite as many people as possible who have an interest in the beautiful game to contact the association to find out how they can get involved. It is our ultimate aim to make the Turks and Caicos Islands a respected football nation within the region and it is possible despite the island’s size.

We have already taken some big steps along this path and this is a great opportunity to become a part of a world sporting success story.”

JC Invitation Track and Field Meet:

Williams storms to 100M victory with fastest time on grass ONE of the Caribbean’s fastest U-20 sprinters, Delano Williams, recorded a comfortable opening victory in the schools’ track season last Saturday in Kingston, Jamaica.

Williams, TCI’s current fastest sprinter and the 2011 CARIFTA 200M gold medal winner, clocked a time of 10.72s, his fastest time on grass. His best hand-time was 10.39s which he achieved at the meet last year, while his best electronic time is 10.51s.

For the sixth form student his start was not great. He came out of the starting blocks fifth. “It was not bad. Even though I did not get the start I wanted, it was a good race.”

Williams said he used the race to gauge where he is at the moment and he was satisfied.

Delano Williams ran his best time on grass

The Participants of last year’s Sailrock U-11 Boys’ League could develop into strong national players with the quality of football coaching in the TCI.

JC Invitation Track and Field Meet:

Otuonye leaps to victory in long jump event COMMONWEALTH Youth Games bronze medal winner Ifeanyi Otuonye started the season off with a bang when he won the long jump event at the JC Invitation Track and Field Meet in Kingston, Jamaica last Saturday.

The youngster was representing his school, Munro College, at the meet.

His victory, which was on a grass surface, only took place on the last of three jumps since he fouled his first two jumps and was actually in last place out of 35 jumpers.

“For my last attempt I managed to take my run up back by one step and also had to jump cautiously to ensure I did not foul again and at least get a mark. That last cautious jump still managed to land me in first place with a jump of 7.02m.”

PERSONAL BEST Otuonye, who equalled his personal best (7.15M) last year at the Commonwealth Games, felt he could have set a new record if he was not having problems with his run ups.

He just failed in his jump of 7.2M. “I am looking at a very good long jump PB at the end of the season and breaking the national record again.”

In the sprint event the former HJ Robinson High School student finished third in the 100M with a time of 10.91 seconds (hand time).

Angelo Garland also participated in the meet, he finished third in the 110 hurdles and fourth in his heat for the 100M.

Ifeanyi Otuonye jumped 7.02m in one attempt to win the JC Invitation Track and Field Meet in Kingston, Jamaica last Saturday.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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January 14 - 20, 2012