TCWN January 3 - 9, 2015 by TC Weekly News

Weekly News Volume 29 | No. 01 | January 3 - 9, 2015

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Turks and Caicos

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Rhondalee BraithwaiteKnowles

A gem of a lady

There are no truer words that can be penned in describing the current Attorney General of the Turks and Caicos Islands and proud Grand Turk girl than ‘a gem of a lady’.

Photo by Christine Morden (www.MyParadisePhoto.com)

Teenager stabbed to death in nightclub PAGE  5

PAGE 

Sloop discovered in TCI waters on Christmas day PAGE  5

Redeveloped ProvO Airport officially opens

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 3 - 9, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 3 - 9, 2015

PERSON OF THE YEAR

Rhondalee BraithwaiteKnowles ‘A gem of a lady’ BY DELANA ISLES THERE are no truer words that can be penned in describing the current Attorney General of the Turks and Caicos Islands and proud Grand Turk girl than ‘a gem of a lady’. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles is truly the personification of a humble, elegant and poised woman. The Weekly News chose her this year as our 2014 person of the year, primarily due to her rise to a position within the Turks and Caicos Islands judiciary that no Islander has been afforded. Not to mention her unstinting dedication and professional ethics throughout the years. But we may not have been astute enough in our assessment of the learned counsel. It became clear during our hours

long conversation with her that she is more than the sum of her accomplishments, impressive though they are. Rhondalee was born to Susan Fulford-Braithwaite and Pastor Frederick Braithwaite of the Bible Baptiste in Grand Turk on August 17. From a little girl growing up on West Road, North Grand Turk - the second child among six girls and two boys - she had the value of hard work and dedication to life drummed into her head by her parents. Yet she found the time to get into some scrapes with her older sister Denise, which she recalled with an infectious laugh and a peek of naughty sense of humour. She smiled as she recalled her mother, a South Caicos girl and her father, a native of Barbados, and the

Published by Turks & Caicos News Company Ltd. Cheshire House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales P.O. Box 52, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI W. Blythe Duncanson - Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Bird - News Editor Delana Isles - Senior Reporter Daisy Handfield - Staff Reporter Faizool Deo - Sports Editor (At Large) Cord Garrido-Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large) Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams - Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com Follow us on: Facebook: facebook.com/tcweeklynews Twitter: twitter.com/tcweeklynews1

love they shared among themselves and with their children. Like life in any rural district, her childhood was about being your neighbour’s keeper and the sweet nectar of un-spoilt innocence. As she spoke of her early formative years, her eyes gazed into past with a stare of wistfulness and a hint of sadness. Sadness for the innocence of childhood and community that has slowly seeped away through the years. “Although there is still a strong sense of community in Grand Turk that type of community spirit and feeling is not there in the same idyllic, naïve in a sense, way it was there. “People are more guarded, and I suppose it’s just a result of the times,” she poignantly recounted. Yet, two seconds later her voice was filled with excitement and laughter as she recalled beach outings, church socials, playing in the street and the lack of fear she, friends and siblings enjoyed as children. But it was not all fun and games in the Braithwaite household, as her parents were sticklers for education and hard work. Her mother was the Registrar of Lands and her father, a Police Prosecutor. Both positions achieved through their dedication to personal development and commitment to hard work. “After a while our childhood became a lot about working hard,” she recalled with a total lack of regret. One would assume, quite erroneously, that Rhondalee got her love of the law from her father. She however, put those suppositions firmly to bed. “My sister Denise always wanted to be doctor and I always wanted to be a lawyer and people always said oh it’s your parents who told you this, but from a very early age, about five or so, we were saying this. “And then the things that we did too – she always found the lizards and buried them in the yard then would go back and look at the

skeleton, while I was the one who couldn’t shut up.” She also recalled her love of reading, which was cultivated by her beloved grandfather. Her “absolute” favourite book she told us is Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King, which has been adapted into a movie. She loves it because of its message of redemption despite bleak circumstances. “I used to love to read and to talk and to get into people’s business,” she laughed. Naturally occurring talents, is the way she describes her and her sister Denise’s chosen career paths. “I always wanted to be an attorney and my sister always wanted to a doctor,” she affirmed. So with her path quite clearly delineated in her mind, after high school at the Turks and Caicos High School (now the HJ Robinson High School), she began her journey towards achieving her legal career at Liberty University in Virginia, United States. A degree in government and history soon led to her pursuing her LLB on the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies in Barbados. Her choice of the Cave Hill campus was two-fold. Seeking out father’s homeland and getting to know the ‘Bajan’ culture factored prominently in the decision. “The experience in Cave Hill, Barbados where I opted to stay for the three years was an enriching experience in terms of understanding Caribbean jurisprudence and the importance of law in this region.” Enriching too because that is where her ingrained spirit of volunteerism shone through. Volunteering her time and love at the Florence Nightingale Children’s Home was one of her many rewarding experiences in the land of the flying fish. She also played a role in the student guild, and was elected chairperson of the Sherlock Hall and the Frank Worrell Hall, both dormitories at the Cave Hill campus. She grew into a soccer player there as well; putting her skills and determination to work for a women’s team at the university.

Putting truth to perceptions, she recounted her differing educational experience in Virginia and in Cave Hill. Laughing with feeling, she recalled that school in the US was geared towards helping students, while in Barbados it was like they were trying to break you. But she said it was good in the sense that when something is accomplished in the Caribbean, there’s a feeling of immense achievement and success. Taking two steps back however, a little known fact about the Attorney General is her life as a teacher. For two years after high school, Rhondalee taught at the Grand Turk Christian Academy in grade two and for an additional two years after receiving her first degree at Liberty University. The second time she taught at the fourth grade level; but four years of teaching was not enough to deter her from her calling. Another little known titbit about Rhondalee is that she taught the current Deputy Governor, Anya Williams and Aisha Gardiner who now holds a senior level position at FortisTCI. “I feel proud of those four years. Teaching is a very enriching, rewarding, hard job and you have to really put your everything into it. But that was not my calling and I knew that.” She feels her stint as a teacher played a significant role in her life as a lawyer, in more ways than one. After school in Barbados, and then at the Eugene Dupuch Law School in the Bahamas, she returned to the Turks and Caicos Islands to work. She made it quite plain, and did so quite firmly, that it was never her intention not to return to her homeland to work. “I always felt a sense of commitment to the Islands. A sort of patriotism that you see displayed in other places.” Not mincing words, she spoke plainly of the lack of patriotism that is all too often apparent in the Turks and Caicos Islands. But she always felt that bond with continued 

January 3 - 9, 2015

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Teenager stabbed to death in nightclub By Rebecca Bird A YOUNG man described by friends as a “big brother role model” was brutally murdered in a nightclub in the early hours of Saturday morning (December 27). Kenley Walters, 19, was pronounced dead from stab wounds at Club 2005 on Aviation Drive near Providenciales International Airport at about 3am. Police have released limited details on the incident which took place following, but unrelated to, the Maskanoo festivities in Grace Bay. A press release on Sunday (December 28) explained that officers responded to multiple reports of violence at the popular club. “One victim received several stab wounds and was pronounced deceased. Another victim received a gunshot wound and is in stable condition,” the release read. “Two other victims received head wounds after being struck by objects.” Police later reported that another man, a 24-year-old from Blue Hills, was stabbed in the abdomen that evening and is currently being treated

Kenley Walters was murdered in Club 2005 on Saturday morning

at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. On Monday (December 29) investigators charged Emanjoe Forbes, 36, of Kew Town, Providenciales with his attempted murder. He has been remanded in police custody and is awaiting an appearance in Providenciales Magistrate’s Court later this week. Police have released two people on

bail pending further investigations, and a number of others are in police custody assisting with the murder investigations. Multiple requests to police for further information went unanswered. Devastated friends spoke fondly of Walters, who was a respected basketball player, following the tragic incident. Dean Sparks Eyma told the Weekly News: “He was a calm relaxed guy who you could hang around with. A big brother role model. “He was also a very determined person to go after what he wanted the most, and pushed me as well as others to do the same towards their dreams. “A big loss but he lives on. RIP Ken.” Walters, a former pupil at TCIPS Comprehensive High School, played as point guard for the school basketball team, the Lions. Stephany Polanco, a close friend and former girlfriend of Walters, told the Weekly News that she was distraught by his death. “Words can’t just explain how much of a nice, smart, intelligent, loving, caring person Kenley was.

Club 2005 was the location of the tragic incident

How he always helped people out. “Whenever I was feeling down Kenley always comforted me he used to turn a frown into a smile.” She said he was someone who never looked for trouble and was always busy with his big love, basketball. “Every time you used to see him was with a ball in his hands to go into town to play ball. “Kenley was an awesome, cool, chilled person who could be funny at times. “He never liked to see anybody sad. He would try whatever it took to make you smile or to make you happy.” Friend Henrika Morris wrote a public post on social media which said: “I can’t believe Kenley is gone. It’s heart breaking to hear this terrible news. “I just saw Kenley a week ago when I was on my way from work at Sweet T’s. We had the longest conversation. He told me how much he missed me when we went to TCIPS together. “We had so much fun. All I’m left

here with now are just memories, this is unbelievable.” She described him as a “very quiet and cool person” who was never in trouble. “Sad to see you go Kenny. RIP hun, you’re in a better place now, and for whoever took his life God never sleep.” Governor Peter Beckingham and Premier Rufus Ewing were unavailable for comment. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is appealing to members of the public for information into the incident. “Police appreciate the cooperation received from the public but continues to seek other witnesses to the events,” the release read. Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crimestoppers online reporting page www.crimestoppers.tc. Information will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via the police Facebook and Twitter pages.

Sloop discovered in TCI waters on Christmas Day A HAITIAN sloop carrying 65 migrants was discovered sailing six miles off the coast of Providenciales late on Christmas day. The Government’s coastal radar station spotted the wooden vessel and alerted the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. The marine division drove out to the sloop and intercepted it at about 11.55pm, towing it back to South Dock. Immigration staff detained and processed a total of 52 men and 13 women and took them to the detention centre where they will

remain until deportation to Haiti. The sloop was handed over to immigration authorities for disposal. On Christmas day last year a wooden vessel capsized off the south coast of Providenciales in the early hours as marine police towed it to shore, tipping dozens of people into the sea. Thirty-three people made it safely to shore but sadly 17 men and women drowned before rescuers could reach them. A police file on the Christmas day sloop tragedy which left several Haitian migrants dead is with the

coroner, Police Commissioner Colin Farquhar told the Weekly News last month. He explained that Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner will make a decision on whether an inquest into the deaths is required. Following the decision further information will be released to the public. In May last year before a town hall meeting in Five Cays, Farquhar explained: “In those types of investigations we look at what areas we can improve on. “It’s not always just about

finding fault – its everything to do with the initial call out and how that response was, the different agencies that responded, how they did. “So it’s more than just the reasons why the boat overturned, it’s the whole file. It’s quite comprehensive.” He went on to say that there are always things that the force can do better and together they will ensure that happens. In July 2009, a sloop with an estimated 200 Haitians aboard ran aground on a reef off Turks and

Caicos, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people. And in May 2007, more than 60 people perished after their rickety boat, overloaded with passengers, capsized in shark-infested waters off Providenciales during a night-time thunder storm. The tragedy was described as the worst the TCI has ever seen. Anyone with information on sloop landings can call the Crimestoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on www.crimestoppers.tc.

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Premier Rufus Ewing and Deputy Governor Anya Williams cut the ribbon to the revamped airport

January 3 - 9, 2015

Awaiting dignitaries to cut the ribbon to the new departure lounge

Redeveloped Providenciales International Airport officially opens

By Rebecca Bird A FRESHLY expanded and refurbished Providenciales International Airport was reopened on Monday evening (December 29). Hundreds of guests, including several dignitaries, attended the grand event which included a ribbon cutting, the unveiling of a plaque, speeches and a tour of the facilities. The renovated terminal recently underwent a 21 month $10 million expansion as part of a two phase $50 million airport renovation project which also saw the extension of the runway. Among the latest improvements are a new road side traffic circulation pattern, a new 300 space car park, an extended departure lounge with seating capacity for more than 700 people, an expanded check in area, a diplomatic room and a new kiosk system. “It places us for the first time in a position where we can say to an airline, we have the infrastructure, all we need from you are the

aeroplanes,” said John Smith, chief executive officer of the TCI Airports Authority (TCIAA). The lively evening began at about 7pm when smartly dressed attendees milled around the check in area taking in the newly designed structure. After all of the speakers had arrived, master of ceremony William ‘Bill’ Clare began the programme of events. Standing at a podium outside the entrance to the departure lounge, he introduced Rickey Forbes, station manager at the Airport Fire Service, who played a drum solo to kick off proceedings. Deputy Governor Anya Williams and Premier Rufus Ewing were then invited to cut the red ribbon which crossed the doorway to the lounge. Father Bernard Been read a prayer and asked for God’s blessing for the event before Ewing unveiled a plaque to the side of the entrance. It read: “The recently expanded and renovated Providenciales International Airport official

Attendees get a tour of the new facilities

Premier Rufus Ewing unveils the plaque and reads out its words to the crowd

Gordon Burton, chairman of the TCI Airports Authority, speaks of the work that went in

John Smith, chief executive officer of the TCI Airports Authority, gives thanks

opened on December 29, 2014, by the honourable Dr Rufus Ewing, Premier, and honourable Charles W Misick, Minister of Finance. “Compliments go to RBS architects and contractor Dolmen Ltd.” Guests were then invited to make their way through the lower level lounge and up to the sky lounge where they were seated before a

colourfully decorated podium. They then stood with heads bowed as the national anthem and the TCI national song were played over speakers. Local historian Bill Clare began the speeches with a brief history of the airport and his involvement in several opening ceremonies in the past. He then introduced CEO John Smith who spoke of a “rehabilitated, expanded and quite beautiful terminal” which is environmentally friendly and very efficient. He explained that the TCI now has something that is unique and more fitting to a high end destination. Many individuals came together and worked as a team to get the project completed on a very tight budget, Smith added. The CEO encouraged people to continue to voice their concerns, suggestions and complaints which he described as “free consultancy” and has helped to create the high quality new terminal. Deputy Governor Anya Williams was next to speak and she stressed that tourism is the most important sector of the TCI economy. “As the airport serves as the first

and last impression of the TCI I think we all hope that this newly renovated terminal will leave a more lasting impression with persons then it did previously.” Premier Rufus Ewing told guests that the terminal expansion could not have come at a better time as tourist arrivals continue to grow. He praised the TCIAA for completing the project on time and on budget, without borrowing a cent. More development work will come in the future, Ewing added, including the expansion of the South Caicos airport which will attract further tourism growth. In his animated speech Minister of Finance Washington Misick praised the developers: “You started where you were, you used what you had, and you did what you could.” He spoke of future plans to create a separate terminal facility as part of the process of turning the TCI into a “true Caribbean hub”. “We are on our way to developing a transportation system that the TCI will be proud of.” Gordon Burton, chairman of the TCI Airports Authority, praised the continued 

January 3 - 9, 2015

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

TCI makes millions from private jet passengers PROVIDENCIALES is the third most popular destination in the Caribbean for private jet passengers, according to a magazine report. A huge 1,374 passengers arrived at Providenciales International Airport between November 2013 and April 2014 bringing nearly $95 million into the Turks and Caicos Islands. It was only surpassed by Nassau in the Bahamas and St Maarten which together attracted more than 5,500 private passengers last winter. The information comes from Elite Traveller Magazine which reported the top 10 destinations to enjoy the benefits of private jet charter flights during last year’s peak winter season. Editor in chief Douglas D Gollan said: “Elite Traveller Magazine

tracks the jet stream of the super rich and chronicles the vacations and purchasing habits of affluent travellers across the world. “We continue to see the Caribbean as one of the preferred destinations for our readers, especially those traveling by private jets and megayachts.” Private jet charter operator PrivateFly’s analysis of flight activity to the Caribbean said that 12,566 flights landed in the islands resulting in a revenue of $867 million. Nassau, St Maarten and the Turks and Caicos Islands lead the way accounting for half of those flights with 6,922 arrivals and a spend of nearly $478 million. PrivateFly’s marketing head Carol Cork said that charter is only about

one-third of private jet activity - the rest being owned jets and fractionally owned jets. So it is more likely that elite travellers will bring billions of dollars in spending to the Caribbean in the coming months. Based on data from Prince and Associates showing that private jets bring an average of $69,000 in spend to the destinations they visit (excluding fuel and landing fees), private jet travellers brought some $867 million in spending to the destinations where the top 10 airports were located. The top destination was Nassau where private jet charter fliers alone brought $278 million. St Maarten is often a stopping off place for St Barts, a popular villa

Destination

destination and pick-up location for super-yachts. Elite travellers drove $104 million in revenue to the island. Providenciales gained $94 million from ultra high net worth families arriving by private jet.

team for keeping to the tight budget and thanked them for their hard work. “I promised the Premier that now we’ve finished this we’ll start work on South Caicos.” Finally Ralph Higgs, Director of the TCI Tourist Board, said: “The fact that we were able to achieve this on time and on budget speaks volumes. “It demonstrates that we have talent here, we have people with knowhow, we have people with integrity, people who put their shoulders to the plough and get the job done.” He said he would be very surprised not to see transatlantic and transcontinental flights in the very near future. Terminal manager Lavern Skippings-Reynolds then offered a vote of thanks to all of those that made the project possible. Following the speeches guests enjoyed refreshments and explored the facilities in the lounge. AIRPORT EXPANSION The $50 million Providenciales International Airport redevelopment project was split into two phases – airside and landside. Phase one of the expansion began in June 2010 and was completed in July 31, 2011, at a cost of $40 million. It included the expansion of the runway from 7,600 feet to 9,200 feet complete to allow the airport to accommodate heavy long range aircraft.

Premier Rufus Ewing embraces the junior tourism minister William Elliott as guests watch on

Phase one also included the extension of the aircraft parking apron by a total of 70,000 square metres. Dexter Construction served as the construction manager for the project and the subcontractors were Cove Construction and CBMS. Phase two began in April 2013 and focused on the landside redevelopment including the creation of an open air terminal. The domestic and international check in areas have doubled in size and the departures and arrivals areas have also increased significantly. A new Bose passenger address system has been installed to make clear announcements to all travellers. The new 3,090 square foot security checkpoint hall is now fully enclosed and air conditioned and two state of the art metal detectors will make baggage scanning quicker. The departure lounge includes three areas of seating for about 700 people – a lower level lounge, a sky lounge and an upper departure lounge. The entire project was designed by local firm RBS Architects and constructed by Dolmen Construction. The TCIAA is a statutory body that was established in 2006 and is responsible for the construction, control and management of the TCI’s airports.

Arrivals Value

Nassau Lyndon Pindling St Maarten Princess Juliana Providenciales Providenciales San Juan Luis Munoz Marin Abaco Marsh Harbour St. Thomas Cyril King Bermuda LF Wade N Eleuthera N. Eleuthera Anguilla Clayton Lloyds Cayman Owen Roberts Private jet arrivals

Redeveloped Providenciales International ... continued FROM 

Airport

Under the tree

4,034 1,514 1,374 1,276 930 822 726 654 630 606 12.566

$278,346,000 $104,466,000 $94,806,000 $88,044,000 $64,170,000 $56,718,000 $50,094,000 $45,126,000 $43,470,000 $41,814,000 $867,054,000

Earlier this year a private Boeing 727 with a family of 20 from Nebraska arrived to spend 10 days at Beaches Resort, according to Cork. Luis Munoz Marin Airport in San Juan, one of four private jet airports serving Puerto Rico was the gateway for $88 million to enter the territory’s economy. Abaco in the Bahamas followed with elite travellers generating some $64 million for the economy with St Thomas following at $56 million. Bermuda, North Eleuthera, Anguilla and Cayman followed. “When one considers the above numbers represent only 33 to 50 percent of total private aviation activity to the region and only the 10 busiest airports, it shows the huge opportunity for destinations and resorts to increase their share of super rich winter travel spending,” Gollan said.

By Benneth Williams

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 3 - 9, 2015

Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles continued FROM 

home, and the yearning to return and give her all to her homeland. She is a strong believer in young people going abroad to equip themselves with the requisite knowledge in order to return and make a difference in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The sense of pride that she preaches and which is evident in her voice is in spite of any negative press or tough times the country may have weathered and is still going through. “Having lived in other places I know that there is good and there is bad, but there is a lot to offer in the Turks and Caicos. “You can’t beat the Turks and Caicos; it can compete anywhere.” And that unbeatable spirit is what she has through the years been making her steady and determined way back to. Coming back to work in the office where she had clerked over the summers while in university, was for her a dream realised, and though she does not give voice to it, a fulfilment of fate. Her mentor, David Jeremiah QC, played a huge part in this decision. Jeremiah is credited with working along with her on her professional and personal development and is widely believed to have had a remarkable impact on the local jurisprudence which lives on in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Her meteoric rise through the ranks, from Crown Counsel to Senior Crown Counsel, to Principal Crown Counsel and then Deputy Attorney General was surprising to no one. According to her, she had a kind of an easy path in her progression within the Chambers. Yet her description of this advancement belies those words. An unmatched work ethic, long nights, perseverance and a quiet but steady commitment to being the best

that she is capable of being, are the true hallmarks of her success. To hear her speak of it though, one would feel not only proud and somewhat deficient – not that she speaks of her success with any conceit, quite the contrary – but one would also feel humbled. Her work with the Chambers has been primarily focused on commercial and civil matters, which she described as quite exciting. Crime, she finds, is very repetitive and not enough of a challenge. “I have encountered some colleagues of mine from law school and some of the experiences we’ve had here, maybe once in their legal career they’ve had that experience. “When I started working very soon there was a matter that went to a judicial review, then it was appealed and then soon after that there I was before the Privy Council,” she recalled with ease. These kinds of varied experiences are somewhat the norm in the TCI, but not so much elsewhere. Thus her preference for civil and commercial law was nurtured. Notable in her narration of her rise to Attorney General of the Islands, little mention was made of her sex. Instead, the one thing she found challenging in her line of work was the fact that she is a Turks and Caicos Islander. The need to prove herself was not because she is a woman in what was traditionally a man’s profession. “There was always an uphill battle working in the public service as a Turks and Caicos Islander because you always had to prove yourself every time a new person came into one of those senior positions.” She is scornful of the assumption that Islanders are lazy, or are only in positions of authority because someone is propping them up, or worst, that they are all corrupt. But that was the environment she worked in.

Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles is sworn in as the new Attorney General of the Turks and Caicos Islands

“There were some who were frustrated that the senior positions were occupied by contract workers and they left to go to other positions. “They later said to me that the reason they left was because they felt that there was not a lot of movement.” But this view is so different from her experience, that she felt compelled to minimise it as an easy path. Her reason for this position is that she feels that her years of working within the Chambers from her university days, provided her with the ‘in’ that some may not have had. Nonetheless, she does acknowledge that her willingness to work hard, to go the extra mile and do everything that is necessary to get the job done, played a big part in her career. “If you are willing to work hard, people notice that and then they say well let me give you this other thing to do and you can get frustrated from that because you feel overwhelmed.

“But the reward of hard work, is hard work because they [bosses] feel like you can do it and you are willing to do it,” she laughed. As a result of this attitude Rhondalee more or less became the go to worker. She also credits Cynthia Astwood for her encouragement and role in her professional and personal development. She recounted that just before her predecessor Huw Shepheard took up the position, the morale within the Chambers was very low as it was a very challenging time for the country. “When he came he was seen as a sort of a breath of fresh air in a way, and he was viewed with a bit of caution by people in the Chambers because we weren’t sure how he was going to view everyone else.” But Shepheard, as she told it, took a completely different tact. “He was very open, he was very

Attorney General, Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles (third from left) as she graduated from the Eugene Dupuch Law School in the Bahamas

straight forward, he was decisive and he had his door open,” she said. Although no mention was made of Shepheard when she was sworn in as Attorney General in February 2014, Rhondalee acknowledges him with motivating her and being a sort of mentor to her while he occupied the office. His decision to focus on policy and advising the Government and the Governor was a deliberate and concerted one to allow her the opportunity to develop and groom herself to eventually take up the mantle of the Attorney General of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Her belief in this is unwavering. “What people liked about him was that he had an attitude which said I am going to give you a chance to let me know who you are, and that is what he did with everyone.” She expressed a sense of dismay at her predecessor’s relationship with the elected Government and the Opposition. “My experience was always positive with Huw Shepheard.” She recalled her terrible experience with local online blogs and the encouragement and appreciation that Shepheard expressed at her decision to stay on with the Chambers. His acknowledgement of her leadership abilities and her ethics led to his decision to task her with the management of the Chambers while he focused on Cabinet, the House of Assembly and policy issues. His abrupt departure in October 2013, of which she only received a week’s notice, thrust her into a position that she felt she was illprepared for. “I was not ready for him to leave when he left, he left very suddenly but I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.” Surprisingly for such a confident and focused woman, she quietly admitted to some uncertainty and misgivings in applying for the position of Attorney General. But then, given the controversial nature of the job and the current climate in the country, maybe her hesitance was well founded. One week shy of the close of submissions for applications, Rhondalee sent in her resume with the support of her family and with God’s guidance. This has been her ultimate goal within the Chambers from the time she joined, although this was never expressed prior to this point. Yet she felt that at that particular point in her life she was not prepared to take on such a role. She also admitted to being thrust into a position and out of synch with her personal goals; a goal that she was reaching for after Shepheard’s term as Attorney General came to an end in 2016. “The position looked wonderful, but up close it’s a different story and I could see that during that time very clearly that it was challenging both professionally and personally.” She worried that the position continued 

January 3 - 9, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

New US Chargé d’Affaires makes first official visit to TCI THE NEWLY appointed US Chargé d’Affaires responsible for the TCI has made her first official visit to the country since taking over the role from John Dinkelman in July. On December 15 and 16 Lisa Johnson spent two days

in Providenciales, where she met with Government and law enforcement officials, and hosted an open house at the US Consular Agency office. On Monday, December 15, Johnson met with Governor

US Chargé d’Affaires Lisa Johnson

Entrance to the US Consular Agency in Providenciales

Peter Beckingham to discuss law enforcement and consular collaboration. She also met Commissioner of

Police Colin Farquhar and talked about law enforcement collaboration primarily through Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT). Established in 1983, OPBAT is a multi-agency, international drug interdiction effort focused on stopping the flow of illegal drugs from South America and the Caribbean to the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the United States. It is considered to be one of the most successful counter drug enforcement initiatives in the region. On Tuesday, December 16, Johnson hosted an open house at the US Consular Agency in Grace Bay, Providenciales. The event included guests from various areas of the Government and civil society including the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Providenciales Chamber of Commerce, and the Department of Disaster Management. Police Commissioner Colin Farquhar and Human Rights Commissioner Cheryl Astwood-Tull were also in attendance. The US Consular Agency in Providenciales processes passport applications and provides assistance to Americans who live and visit the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles continued FROM 

would take away much cherished time from her family. But on February 24, fate, the judicial services commission and the newly appointed Governor, Peter Beckingham conspired against her. Her time of ‘pussy footing’ was up and she was officially appointed as the first woman and first local Attorney General of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Expressing her feelings about the Governor and his widely publicised confidence and belief in her and her abilities, she became very selfeffacing. It is not that she feels that she does not deserve the position, but the effusive and very much deserved praise discomfits her just a little bit – it was clear from her adverted gaze. “From the time that he [Beckingham] arrived here in October 2013; from the very beginning he just entrusted a lot of confidence in me and I don’t and still don’t understand why. “I suppose sometimes you just take to a person, I don’t know,” she laughed shyly. Nevertheless, she approached the position with her patented verve, sense of fairness and assiduous dedication to hard work. “You have got to be unpopular, and it is not that you want to be unpopular, but if you are going to give the best advice you are going to have to do it and be willing to do it in some of the most challenging circumstances. “To be Attorney General is really difficult and it doesn’t get any easier. It’s just a tough job.” Tough job or not, we would go out on a limb and say that she is doing an excellent job of it to date and the Governor heartily agreed with us in October. In fact, on October 6 he told this publication: “I will be completely candid; there was probably some concerns expressed by some people about appointing a local; that it

wouldn’t work. “I felt that it would and the people in London have since said to me that Rhondalee, the Attorney General, has made a tremendous start to her position.” As uncomfortable as she appears with personal praise, she is quite effusive when dishing it out, particularly to her staff. Full of praise for her team of lawyers and her support staff, Rhondalee was at times at a loss for words to fully capture the true essence of her appreciation. She settled on: “They are just great, and that is just the truth,” stated in such a firm way and with such a stern teacher’s stare that dared us to say differently. She is committed to rebuilding the respect for the Chambers and making it a place where workers can proudly claim affiliation; something that was previously lacking. Her 14 years with the Chambers, she said feel like light years. But when she thinks back on the things that have happened and which the staff had to contend with, not mention the sweat and prayers that were put into getting to where she is; she said she feels every one of those 14 years. Her sense of pride in her accomplishments is felt more so as a Turks and Caicos Islander, but also to some degree, as a woman. Her hope is that a little girl somewhere, anywhere, will look at where she is today and resolve that she too can get there and beyond. She is particularly pleased that she enjoys a professional and cordial relationship with the Governor, the Premier, the Opposition and all other elected officials. Her practice, reminiscent of her predecessor Huw Shepheard, is that of an open door policy to not only her staff, but all who wish to seek legal advice in the best interest of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Apart from the challenges in her professional life, her personal life as a mother and a wife is not without

their challenges. She strives to create a balance that any professional woman, in her position, is faced with every day. She does this by keeping God foremost in her life. “At the end of the day, all that you have is God and your family and I am not going to sacrifice my responsibilities as a mother raising Gary and having and creating memories with him for any job. I am not going to do that.” Her supportive and very understanding husband Gary senior has been a rock by her side through the years. The cornerstones of her life are her family, her relationship with God, her willingness to work hard and her ethics. Aside from her aspirations as the chief legal advisor of the Islands, and her desire to eventually seek experience in other jurisdictions, we could not resist asking about any political aspirations. “Absolutely not; absolutely not!” she declared with a horrified yet amused laugh.

According to the Turks and Caicos Tourism Board, more than one million tourists visited the islands in 2013. The United States is the leading market for visitors with an estimated 79.7 percent of all stopover arrivals. More than 3,000 American citizens are residents of the Islands. Lisa Johnson assumed her duties as Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Nassau, the Bahamas, on July 9. Previously, she was Director of the Office of Africa and the Middle East in the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. She also served in the Office of the Vice President as Senior Advisor for South and Central Asia. Earlier assignments included Deputy Director of the State Department’s Office of Canadian Affairs and Director for Middle East Affairs at the National Security Council. She has been posted overseas at US Embassies in Beirut, Islamabad, Luanda, and Pretoria, and was seconded to the Private Office of the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in Brussels. Johnson has received the State Department’s Superior Honour Award and Meritorious Honour Award four times each.

Plans ahead for public libraries A BOOK signing event, children’s reading club and lecture series will all be taking place soon in the TCI’s public libraries. That’s according to Akierra Missick, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services, who discussed the public service during her ministerial speech at the House of Assembly on December 15. She explained that a library consultancy and strategic plan for the country’s libraries is set to be completed by the end of the financial year. “No doubt we will enhance the offerings of programmes from the

library once this is finalised. “The consultant was identified and it is expected that contractual arrangements will be completed within the first month of the new year.” She spoke of the recent introduction of new book signing events which she said were “aimed at encouraging the use of the library as a community space”. Local libraries also partnered with the Youth Department to host the Little Readers Club, now introduced on Grand Turk. “The library hosts the children and facilitators and provides access to books for reading,” Missick said.

The minister told the House of Assembly about an upcoming lecture series. “The lecture series is aimed at bringing awareness of our history using the public libraries as a meeting place for discussion and presentation. “The series will present on our forefathers and foremothers as written by our people who knew them. “The first will focus on our First Chief Minister.” She added that it is the ministry’s intention to promote similar activities in the future.

10 NEWS

2014

Year in review THIS year the Weekly News reported the historic appointment of two women to senior positions in the judiciary, the destruction of payroll tax, exposure of decrepit Government buildings, and the analysis of financial audits. Here we bring to you some of the top headlines of 2014.

Road in Bottle Creek.

January Premier demands Haiti steps up after sloop tragedy

February Post Office staff take a stand

HAITI’s government must make the protection of their people’s lives a priority, Premier Rufus Ewing said on Thursday, January 2. His statement came following the death of 17 Haitian migrants in TCI waters on Christmas day when their sloop capsized as police attempted to tow it to shore.

Armed robbers raid petrol station

THREE masked men armed with guns stole more than $2,000 in cash from a Shell petrol station on Leeward Highway, Providenciales, on Saturday, January 4. The terrifying incident happened just days after a man was shot and killed during an armed robbery at a restaurant about a mile away.

Corruption accused plead not guilty

FOUR ex-ministers of Government, a former PNP leader and six others pleaded not guilty to corruption charges that were read to them in court. Their plea and directions hearing commenced in the Supreme Court on Monday, January 6, with the Crown seeking a trial without jury for the accused.

Michael Misick returns home

WITH raised fists, a broad smile and shouts of welcome from his cheering supporters, Michael Eugene Misick

Lives at risk from substandard ambulance service

PUBLIC health and safety is being compromised because of a lack of Government funds for the TCI’s failing ambulance service, emergency medical staff revealed. Former frontline members of the Government’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) spoke openly to the Weekly News about the appalling conditions they have been forced to work under.

Agreement reached over National Stadium

THE GOVERNMENT of the Turks and Caicos Islands was told to pay $650,000 to the Education Foundation for back rent for the National Stadium. Minister for Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services, Akierra Missick told the House of Assembly on January 9 that after several years of negotiations an agreement had finally been reached.

Ten pledge land and property for Misick’s bail

TWELVE million dollars in land and property, strict conditions, a private jet to the TCI mecca of Providenciales and Michael Misick was out on bail and back among the people. Chief Justice, Edwin Goldsbrough on January 13 granted bail to the former Premier after receiving sworn testimony of ten Belongers who put up their land and properties to secure Misick’s release from Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk. Michael Eugene Misick

entered the Magistrates Court in Grand Turk flanked by members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force to face corruption charges. The former Premier returned to the country on board a United States Homeland Security aircraft at about 10am on Tuesday, January 7.

January 3 - 9, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Woman fights off armed burglars

A WOMAN is recovering from painful injuries after attempting to fight off two men armed with a knife and machete who raided her home on Monday, January 13. The thieves brutally beat the victim and threatened to rape and kill her, before making away with possessions worth thousands of

dollars.

Opposition calls for a major investigation into healthcare

MILLIONS of dollars are being spent on a healthcare system that is both inadequate and unregulated, according to the Leader of the Opposition. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson told media that she would be calling for a major investigation to take place to look into a plethora of problems.

Police inspector shot during failed robbery

A UNIFORMED police inspector was shot in the arm as he made his escape from armed men at CIBC First Caribbean International Bank in Providenciales on Friday, January 17. Two men tried to rob the officer after he pulled up at the bank, then fired shots at his back when he ran from the building towards Leeward Highway.

STAFF at the dangerously run down Post Office on Airport Road refused to go into work on Monday, February 3, in protest against inhumane conditions. The decrepit insect infested building had long been identified as both unsafe and unsanitary and for months the Government had promised to make improvements. However irate workers could no longer take the lack of communication and inaction from TCIG officials and refused enter the building.

Man charged after attempted robbery

A KEW Town man faced seven criminal charges following a failed armed robbery at a pawn shop in Downtown Providenciales on Monday, February 3. Shots were fired during the bodged theft as customers inside the Cashwiz store brought the intruder to the ground - but luckily no one was injured.

TCI records hike in tourist arrivals

IN 2013 the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomed and hosted 1,069,497

Government recorded a three per cent hike in all revenue streams over the third quarter of the financial year 2013/2014, with the increase largely being credited to short term tax strategies and increased tourist arrivals. Speaking with the media at a post Cabinet meeting on Thursday, February 13, Premier Rufus Ewing however noted that the country was still being bedeviled by high expenditure.

Power outage leaves country out of pocket

A “CATASTROPHIC failure” at Providenciales’ only power plant led to an island-wide blackout that has left many counting their losses. Residents had to throw out food, businesses lost a day’s takings, hotels saw tourists leave and pupils missed out on a day of education as Islanders struggled to cope with a lack of electricity. Power was unavailable for up to 48 hours in some places as energy giant FortisTCI staff attempted to fix two major problems.

Man killed in car crash

A FIVE Cays man died in hospital after the car he was driving was involved in a violent collision in Providenciales on Wednesday, February 12. Werlly Jean Baptiste, 43, was rushed to hospital following the incident but succumbed to serious injuries that he sustained in the crash.

AG Chambers accuses Premier of abuse of process

THE ATTORNEY General’s Chambers made an application to the Supreme Court for it to strike out a summons by Premier Rufus Ewing which sought clarification on the authority of the Attorney General in the 2011 Constitution. In its application the Crown stated that the originating summons was an abuse of process, Registrar of the Supreme Court David Chetwynd told the Weekly News.

Fire destroys North Caicos shopping mall

AN ENTIRE shopping plaza in North Caicos burnt to the ground on Saturday, January 25, leaving behind just crumbling walls and blackened rubble. About seven large units and their contents were destroyed when a blaze raged through the rooftop of My Dee’s Mini Mall on Airport

tourists to its shores - a 10.4 per cent increase from the previous year, which totalled 968,370. That was according to official data analysed by the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board and presented in a tourism statistics report.

Revenue increases by three per cent in third quarter

THE TURKS and Caicos Islands

A leap towards green power

CHEAPER, more environmentally friendly power production may soon be on the cards for the TCI, according to the country’s only electricity provider. FortisTCI announced that it planned to install solar panels and continued 

January 3 - 9, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Year in review a wind turbine as part of a project to assess the viability of renewable energy. If proved to be financially and technically workable, large scale commercial systems could be installed at the plant in less than two years.

Crime leaps by 24 per cent

POLICE recorded a massive leap in reported crime in 2013 with major areas of concern including burglaries, thefts and firearm related incidents. A total of 3,337 crimes were recounted to police last year compared to 2,692 in 2012, and 2,857 in 2011. The annual Crime Report was presented to press at the Providenciales Police Headquarters on Old Airport Road on Wednesday, February 26.

Rhondalee BraithwaiteKnowles is the new AG

FIRST on the agenda for newly appointed Attorney General of the TCI, Rhondalee BraithwaiteKnowles is law reform and training

leads to three day strike

TEACHERS at the country’s largest high school refused to start work on Monday, February 24, after an armed raid the week prior left them terrified for their safety. The 66 educators staged sit in within the Clement Howell High School grounds and demanded to speak to authorities about their working conditions.

March

TCI’s first local AG takes oath of allegiance

for lawyers attached to the chamber. Governor Peter Beckingham on Monday, February 24, appointed Braithwaite-Knowles to the post. She became the first Turks and Caicos Islander to hold the position, which she has been acting in since October 2013.

Man in critical condition after shootout at local bar

THREE men were wounded after a shootout at the Jamrock Bar in Downtown Providenciales during the early hours of Monday, February 24. The incident happened at about 3am during a party at the popular bar in Sammy Been Plaza.

Island Fish Fry will not move yet

TCI’s weekly food and music extravaganza, the Island Fish Fry, will remain at the same location for now despite demands to move it. Premier Rufus Ewing insisted that the Children’s Park in the Bight will be the home of the popular Thursday night event for the foreseeable future.

High school violence

Chabo Capron, Brachard Walkin and Obenson Williams all faced court on Wednesday, March 12, where the charges were read to them. The charges were in relation to a shooting at Jam Rock bar in Sammy Been Plaza during the early hours of February 24.

Crimestoppers offers $5,000 for information on Been murder

A HUGE cash reward went up for grabs for anyone that had information

THE HISTORICAL appointment of the first Turks and Caicos Islander and the first woman to hold the post of Attorney General of the TCI was further solidified on Thursday, March 6, when Rhondalee BraithwaiteKnowles took the oath of allegiance. The ceremony took place before a crowd of well-wishers, Government ministers and officials, Opposition members and her family at the NJS Francis Building in Grand Turk.

Women jailed for deception

TWO women were jailed this week for conspiring to offer places in Government schools in exchange for cash. Judge Joan Joyner handed down stiff sentences to Sheila Bain and Dellerise Bottex at Providenciales Supreme Court on Wednesday, March 12. Mother-of-two Bain, 48, was slapped with a two-year sentence for conspiracy to obtain money by deception from parents. Her coaccused 32-year-old Bottex received eight months for the same offence.

Three charged with attempted murder

THREE men from Five Cays, Providenciales, were charged with attempted murder following a night time shootout at a Downtown bar.

property tax.

Armed robbers violently attack victims

EXACTLY a week after armed robbers raided two homes in Providenciales, two more frightening attacks took place. In the early hours of Wednesday, March 19, masked raiders broke into two separate houses, viciously assaulting the male occupiers and stealing property worth thousands of dollars.

Residents demand access to South Beach

A GRAND Turk tour company tried to gain easy access to popular South Beach by forcing open a gate on land owned by Carnival Corporation. The workers at ‘Historical Island Tram Tours’ insisted that they should be allowed to get to the tourist hotspot near to Grand Turk Cruise Centre in order to advertise their services.

ROBERT ‘Robbie’ Been Senior was shot and killed behind his own shopping centre and apartment block on Tuesday, March 4. The 47-year-old was attacked just before 8pm while he was inside his car at the back of the building in Grace Bay. He was taken to hospital but doctors were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead at 8.30pm.

A WOMAN suffered serious injuries when she was hit by a car in Blue Hills, Providenciales, on Tuesday, March 4. The lady in her 60s was struck by the white Jeep Liberty as she ran across the road close to her home between Boodle Avenue and Bible Street.

AG Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles

continued

Man killed in Grace Bay shooting

Woman struck by car in Blue Hills

NEWS 11

Robert Been

that could lead to the capture of Robert Been’s murderer. Police had not yet detained anyone for the horrific shooting that took place behind a plaza in Grace Bay. Crimestoppers released a poster offering a reward of $5,000 “for information that leads to the arrest and charge of the person that fatally shot Robbie Been”.

Masked men hold terrified residents at gunpoint

ARMED men wearing masks raided two Providenciales homes early on Wednesday, March 12, leaving several residents traumatised. Within the space of 40 minutes a house in Long Bay Hills and another in Leeward were stormed by robbers.

Governor insists crime is not at crisis levels

“I DON’T think we should suddenly say we are in a crisis because I don’t think we are. I really don’t.” During an exclusive interview with the Weekly News this week, Governor Peter Beckingham insisted that urgent UK assistance was not needed to combat crime in the TCI. Despite a worrying lack of resources and an alarming hike in violent activity he stated he had full confidence in the Commissioner of Police and the local force to carry out their work effectively.

Gov’t tax plan sparks outrage in residents

TEMPERS flared when the Premier and several Government ministers met with residents and businesspersons on Tuesday, March 18, for public input on its tax rationalisation plan. The tax options presented by the Government were payroll tax or infrastructure maintenance levy/

US travellers cautioned about crime

AMERICAN tourists and residents were warned this week to be extra careful while in the TCI due to a recent spate of armed robberies. A security message was published on Tuesday, March 25, on the website of the Embassy of the United States in Nassau, Bahamas, with responsibility for the Turks and Caicos Islands. It advised US citizens to remain “cautious and vigilant with regard to your personal safety and security” when visiting the Islands.

Top floor of $1.2 million house gutted in blaze

A HUGE blaze destroyed a large section of a $1.2 million property on Friday, March 28, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and killing a beloved pet dog. The entire top floor of the two story building off Leeward Highway in Providenciales was ravaged in the fire, leaving it without a roof or windows and all the contents charred.

Robbers raid quiet North Caicos resort

TWO female US tourists were given the fright of their lives early on Sunday, March 30, when they awoke to find three men inside their hotel room. The intruders, one who was armed with a knife, stole cash, bags and documents as the women screamed for help at the resort on the quiet island of North Caicos.

Sickly Padgett spared jail

FORMER developer Richard Padgett was handed a two year sentence in Providenciales Supreme Court on Monday, March 31. The judge sentenced Padgett to two years for bribery and six months for perverting the course of public justice.

Overloaded sloop intercepted off Providenciales

MORE than 100 people were taken into detention when they arrived illegally in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Marine police intercepted a Haitian sloop overloaded with passengers on Monday, March 31, as it sailed about ten miles from Providenciales.

April Opposition says Commissioner must quit

LEADER of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson called for the immediate resignation of Commissioner of Police Colin Farquhar. She said his posting had “fast become a failure” and that it should end before it becomes a national embarrassment.

Decision delayed on jury trial for corruption accused

A DECISION on whether the ten defendants fingered in widespread corruption under ex-Premier Michael Misick’s administration would face a bench or a jury trial was delayed until May 27. Jamaican Justice Paul Harrison, who is presiding over the corruption trial of Misick and ten others, on Monday, March 31, adjourned the decision after hearing submissions from the ex-Premier, the Crown and lawyers for the others.

Digicel takes over WIV and TCExpress

DIGICEL and its local partner Telemedia bought WIV Cable TV and its sister company TCT which operates the TCExpress High Speed Cable Internet Service on Tuesday, April 1, for an undisclosed sum.

Gov’t plans programme to send home illegal residents - Premier

ILLEGAL immigrants in the Turks and Caicos Islands could well see themselves picked up by the authorities and sent back to their place of birth in the near future. Premier Rufus Ewing made this disclosure in a one on one interview with the Weekly News.

Commissioner declares confidence in police force

COMMISSIONER of Police Colin Farquhar insisted that he had confidence in both himself and his force to fight rising crime in the TCI. Close to 50 members of the business community gathered to discuss the terrifying increase in violent crime and its effect on the continued 

12 NEWS

Year in review local economy at a meeting of the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce on Monday, April 7.

NIB has $200 million in reserves

TCI’s social insurance body, the National Insurance Board (NIB), has a massive $200 million in its reserve account, according to its deputy director of operations. Walter Gardiner released statistics to show that the organisation is able to provide strong social and economic protection to residents.

New police cars on the road

EIGHT brand new fully equipped police cars arrived in the TCI following much delay and anticipation.

January 3 - 9, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Claudia Been Munnings, representative for Champion Trucking, presented the keys to Commissioner of Police Colin Farquhar at a ceremony at Chalk Sound Police Station on Tuesday, April 8.

Chuck Hesse to pay costs for lawsuit against him

FORMER Conch Farm CEO Chuck Hesse was ordered by the Supreme Court to pay the costs of the lawsuit brought against him by the farm’s new operators. Judge Margaret Ramsay-Hale handed down the judgement over following submissions from the defence and plaintiff in the case. The Conch Farm won its case against Hesse, in which they were suing him for company records they said he kept after he was fired.

continued

Hundreds participate in Queen’s Baton Relay

THE TCI’s roads and beaches were lined with hundreds of cheering, flag waving residents as runners carried the Queen’s Baton as part of the world’s biggest relay. It was three days of immense patriotism from all corners of the community as people gathered to enjoy the sporting event.

Famous UK lawyer arrives to represent Mike Misick

JAMAICAN-born UK lawyer, Courtney Griffiths QC – who is representing former Premier Michael Misick in his corruption

NIB lost $15.8m from TCI Bank closure

Courtney Griffiths QC

Government owed $12 million in TCInvest loans

South Caicos Airport expansion to recommence

THE GOVERNMENT and Airport Authority officials made arrangements for the continued redevelopment of South Caicos Airport - a multi-million dollar project which was stalled in 2009. Premier Rufus Ewing, Finance Minister Washington Misick and CEO of the Airport Authority John Smith met at the Hilly Ewing building in Providenciales on Tuesday, April 22, to discuss the continuation of plans to construct an airport control tower, a passenger terminal building and a fire hall.

John Kerry attends Easter services

US SECRETARY of State John F Kerry took time out of his busy schedule to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands. The president’s chief foreign affairs advisor was spotted attending Easter Sunday services at Wesleyan Methodist Church in Blue Hills, Providenciales, with his family.

because of huge inconsistencies in public accounts.

trial - arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands on April 20. Griffiths - a lawyer with the London-based 25 Bedford Row Chambers – is noted for his criminal defence work on terrorism and murder over the past two decades.

May Gov’t lost out on millions

ABOUT $26 million in unpaid revenue was owed to the Government at the end of the 2012/2013 financial year, the Weekly News revealed. But according to the ‘Auditor General’s Report on the 2012/2013 TCIG Financial Statements’ much of it is likely to have been uncollectable

A MASSIVE $15.8 million in social security funds are as good as gone following the collapse of TCI Bank four years ago, records revealed. But the figure could have been much higher if it were not for a successful lawsuit and an unexpectedly large dividend payment. Weekly News investigations into the bank’s liquidation uncovered the financial reality behind the National Insurance Board (NIB)’s investments.

BORROWERS owe close to $12.7 million to the TCI Government in outstanding loans, a leaked audit report revealed. The cash was issued by TCInvest, a statutory investment agency, before it was shut down due to financial difficulties in 2012. Information on the body was disclosed in the ‘Auditor General’s Report on the 2012/2013 TCIG Financial Statements’ which was laid before the House of Assembly.

PDM offers alternate finance plan

THE GOVERNMENT and the Opposition met at the table for amicable discourse on the financial continued 

COMMENTARY

New year ripples WITH 14 years of this new century already behind us the Turks and Caicos Islands looks warily forward to the 15th year. New Year’s Eve was once a time to ring out the old while celebrating the promise of renewal. What will 2015 bring to the TCI? Will a new northern ice age bring more tourists seeking warmth or will global warming and a now USA friendly Cuba slow our tourism. Traditional North American New Year’s Eve included the broadcasted strains of Auld Lang Syne by the Royal Canadians of Guy Lombardo. That tune caused sentimental thoughts amplified by Lombardo’s band of slurpy saxophone vibratos.

In the TCI Canadian corporations now slurp up millions of dollars from our economy.. The people of Middle Caicos have spent years trying to find the bottom of the Islands’ downward spin. Twelve years ago Doris Robinson Primary School, the last of Middle’s three schools, had 40 students. Now we are down to less than half that number. The wonderful promise of this largest and grandest island of them all remains unfulfilled. However expats are building and enjoying the ‘Beautiful by Nature’ empty beaches, nature trails and overgrown historical sites which still appear as if undiscovered. You will not hear anyone in Middle Caicos suggest tall ugly buildings. Nothing stands still and what stops

going down begins to climb back up. The fresh expat construction and the energy of those few primary school students brings promise of a new Grand Caicos yet to be fully visualised. However concern remains. Will our young people later find meaningful employment or will they join the thousands of Islanders who have already left the TCI? Politics are a grave concern because we have a Government which in my view is staffed with leftovers and close relatives of another bunch who have been manoeuvring to avoid the inevitable waiting court cases. It was New Year 2014 that finally saw our former brother-uncle premier extradited after more than a year of failed appeals to remain in self-imposed exile. Home he came on a United States

By David Tapfer

David is a retired mobile hydraulic engineer and business executive. He has been married to Middle Caicos native Yvette Robinson Tapfer for 25 years and has lived in Conch Bar, Middle Caicos, since 2002. David formerly served as branch chairman of the PDM from 2008 to 2011

government plane one year ago! Out and about this year on $10 million bail he now conforms to a curfew. Investigator Prosecutor Helen Garlick waits on the defendant’s legal stalls after saying she was ready to prosecute in 2012. The TCI grapevine leaks that Garlick is not waiting idly by but digging deeper. There is a distinct growing underground uneasiness

among the former faithful. The population now faces heavy taxes to pay back millions in left over debt and the hundreds of millions in obligations due for the next 20 years. This reality will cause this and future TCI New Year celebrants to forget cold sparkling champagne and toast the New Year with something much cheaper. Warm Ripple anyone?

January 3 - 9, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Year in review difficulties facing the country. Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson and other members of the PDM secured a meeting with Premier Rufus Ewing and Minister of Finance Washington Misick to present an alternative plan to tackling the current financial issues.

Government departments overspend by $19m

SCORES of Government departments spent well above their allocated budgets last financial year, according to an audit report. A massive $19 million excess expenditure was recorded across the board and much of it took place without the proper controls, management and documentation.

Crown land in popular tourist spot reserved for cultural HQ

AN AREA of Crown land close to some of Providenciales’ largest hotels was identified as the new location for a cultural headquarters and public park. The plot will not only become the permanent home to the popular Island Fish Fry event but will also be the site of a new Tourist Board and Culture Department building.

Credit rating process begins in TCI

THE FIRST step in refinancing the Government’s multi-million dollar UK guaranteed loan began with the appointment of global rating agency Standard and Poor’s. Members of the company visited the Turks and Caicos Islands and conducted assessments with various Government and non-Governmental bodies.

Lillian tells Akierra to ‘shut up’ in parliament

AN ANGRY outburst in parliament led the Speaker of the House of Assembly to sternly scold rulebreakers. On Tuesday, May 20, Robert Hall disciplined members after Governor’s female appointed member Lillian Misick vented heated opinions the evening before.

Hospital healthcare review has begun

AN AUDIT of healthcare services in the country’s two hospitals finally

got underway. The in depth investigation will look into the clinical services provided for the past four years by InterHealth Canada and highlight areas in need of improvement. Minister of Health and Human Services Porsha Stubbs Smith made the announcement during her ministerial address in the House of Assembly on Monday, May 19.

Government steps up fight against health damaging tobacco

CIGARETTE free public areas and an increase in taxes on tobacco products are just some of the measures being considered by the Government in the fight against smoking-related diseases. Minister of Health and Human Services Porsha Stubbs Smith spoke about some of her plans during the House of Assembly meeting in Grand Turk on Monday, May 19.

Students and teachers protest over lack of cleaners

PUPILS took part in a vocal protest outside Oseta Jolly Primary School in Blue Hills on Wednesday, May 28, to draw attention to their filthy classrooms. One staff member told media that the Government had not provided any cleaners at the public facility for months and the dirt was out of control.

Man shoots himself in foot during clash in Five Cays

A MAN was arrested and detained after he shot himself in the foot during a quarrel in a Five Cays bar and restaurant. The incident happened at about 8.30pm on Saturday, May 31, according to police press officer Audley Astwood.

continued

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Human Services, who spoke to the Weekly News in a phone interview on Thursday, June 5.

Local media wins challenge over ‘gag order’

THREE media houses fought a court order to stop press from reporting details of a corruption case – and won. On Wednesday, June 11, the Turks and Caicos Weekly News, PTV8 and Oasis Media objected to newly appointed Judge James Bruce Robertson’s restrictions. Attorney Beryn Duncanson petitioned the judge on behalf of the three media entities to revise the order he made in the case involving Tim O’Sullivan and Gordon Kerr.

No business licences required come 2015 Finance Minister

ON WEDNESDAY, June 11, Minister of Finance Washington Misick announced that the Government intended to completely eliminate the Business License Ordinance and replace it with a Business Registration Ordinance. The new law will come into effect next year.

Appalling conditions at Clement Howell High School

CONDITIONS at the Government’s largest high school have hit rock bottom and are threatening the

Governor Peter Beckingham said he was very pleased that RamsayHale accepted the position when it was offered to her.

Opposition keeps promise to kill payroll tax

EVEN though the Payroll Tax Bill was not taken to a vote in the House of Assembly on Monday, June 23, the two Governor’s appointed members stood with the Opposition in showing no support for the Government touted bill, effectively killing it. The bill was supposed to have gone through all three readings and taken to a vote, but after the debate, Minister of Finance Washington Misick who moved the bill, absented himself from the assembly

Public accounts watchdog tells accounting officers to step in line

A SCRUTINY body assigned to oversee the administration of Government funds has warned accounting officers that they must follow strict guidelines. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) met in the NJS Francis building in Grand Turk to discuss the ‘Auditor General’s Report on the 2012/2013 TCIG Financial Statements’ which was laid before parliament in May. The paper highlighted several areas of material weakness and significant deficiencies with the Government’s financial handling.

Mosquito virus strikes TCI

TWO people tested positive for chikungunya in the TCI, a debilitating virus spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. On Friday, June 6, the Ministry

June Hospitals’ financial audit report will not be made public

A REPORT detailing the results of an investigation into the costs of running the country’s two hospitals will not be made available for public viewing. That’s according to Desiree Lewis,

NEWS 13

health and welfare of the students, the Weekly News revealed. Filth, mould, exposed wires, peeling walls, shattered tiles and broken furniture were just some of the major problems that inflicted Clement Howell High School in Blue Hills, Providenciales. And while the Ministry of Education admitted that the state of the facility is a “serious concern,” it passed much of the blame on to students and their destructive behaviour.

Margaret Ramsay-Hale is the first female Chief Justice of Health and Human Services announced that following months of preventative measures the disease had finally reached the country.

Gov’t proposes increase of building height to 14 storeys

THE GOVERNMENT has decided that buildings in the Turks and Caicos Islands can stand up to 14 storeys tall (150 feet), half of what was proposed some years ago and twice what the law currently allows. Officials planned to engage stakeholders such as contractors, engineers, hoteliers, environmentalists and others concerned to get feedback on the best way forward.

JAMAICAN-born jurist Margaret Ramsay-Hale was on Thursday, June 19, appointed as the first woman to hold the post of Chief Justice in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

causing the Premier to ask for an adjournment.

No jury trial for corruption accused

NINE defendants accused of Government corruption along with ex-Premier Michael Misick will not face a jury come October 6 when trial is set to begin, barring any further delays. Instead, Justice Paul Harrison, who was appointed by former Governor Ric Todd, will decide their fate. The decision was handed down on Monday, June 23, to a packed Providenciales Supreme Court.

New high school to be built in Long Bay Hills

A 13 acre plot of land in Long Bay Hills had been earmarked for the development of a new Government high school, according to the Minister of Education. Akierra Missick made the announcement during a House of Assembly sitting, but added that the build was on hold due to a delay in the new budget.

Dolphin Cove development to begin next year

CHAIRMAN of Dolphin Cove Stafford Burrowes stated that the continued 

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Year in review million dollar developments in the Turks and Caicos Islands will commence in 2015. According to reports in the Jamaica press, Burrowes said three locations – Grand Turk, Providenciales and St Lucia – will cost between four and six million dollars in total to get off the ground.

JULY TCI’s outlook is stable with BBB+ credit rating

ON JULY 1, the Turks and Caicos Islands received its first sovereign credit rating of BBB+ from Standard and Poor’s credit rating agency. The rating was touted as an affirmation that the TCI is well on its way to economic recovery and a great place to invest.

Health insurance penalty waived

EMPLOYERS who owed money to the national health insurance scheme were given a break in the penalty for backdated contributions. Premier Rufus Ewing, who announced the move on Monday, June 30; said that in future the penalty will be reduced from 10 percent to three percent of the cost owed, non-compounded.

Tax will come – Finance Minister

THE PAYROLL Tax Bill might have been defeated, but Minister of Finance Washington Misick remained convinced that a broadbased tax will definitely be implemented in the TCI. The minister said that in spite of the defeat of the Payroll Tax Bill, there is consensus in the country that there is a need for a broad-based tax measure.

$100m resort and marina expected to create up to 400 jobs

HUNDREDS of jobs are expected to be created and many millions of dollars set to flood into the TCI economy with the development of a $100 million resort and marina in Providenciales. The “ultra-luxury boutique experience” is expected to be developed on a 17 acre vacant site in Turtle Cove.

PNP branded a ‘do nothing Government’ by Opposition

“A DO nothing Government who wishes to blame their inability to perform on everything and everyone else” was how Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson summed up the Government’s performance as of June 2014. She also stated that the TCI currently has a constitution that is chiefly designed for a country of distrusted people.

West Caicos development to be completely redesigned

THE LUXURY resort development in West Caicos is on hold until 2015 while developers demolish existing buildings and redesign the project for a more exclusive clientele. On July 14, Minister of Finance Washington Missick reported that the multi-million dollar redevelopment was halted but that a new vision for the small island will be realised.

Significant progress recorded with border control and labour

MINISTER of Border Control and Labour, Don-Hue Gardiner in July thanked the United Kingdom for the support provided to his ministry over the past year. The minister was at the time reporting on the significant strides within his ministry for 2013/2014.

TCI places first in regional essay competition

A STUDENT from HJ Robinson High School, placed first in the Caribbean Organisation of Tax Administration’s fourth essay competition. Martha Bohlale Rakuoane from the Grand Turk school scored top the spot over 11 Caribbean countries participating in the competition with her essay on tax code.

Lower Bight man commits suicide

FRIENDS and family were thrown into a state of mourning when Bradley Delancy was found hanging lifeless from a building in the Lower Bight on Friday, July 4. The 39-year-old had taken his own life at the property on Delancy Hill, Lower Bight Road in Providenciales.

continued

activities.

First Islander granted Chevening scholarship

A CHEVENING scholarship to study at the University of Warwick in the UK was awarded to Kenisha Bacchus, the first Turks and Caicos Islander to receive such a grant. Bacchus, a lawyer with the Financial Services Commission, began her one-year Masters’ Degree in International Corporate Governance and Financial Regulation in September.

PDM finds passport changes regressive

THE OPPOSITION in August called out the Government for not challenging the United Kingdom’s decision to now issue passports for the Turks and Caicos Islands, along with the other British overseas territories. The change took effect from in December 2014.

UK-funded lobster habitat construction project completed

A PROJECT geared at providing training and assistance to local fishermen to breed spiny lobsters in the TCI concluded this past year. The initiative which was funded by a $65,000 grant from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) reached completion on Wednesday, August 6.

DEMA Director confesses frustration led her to resign

KATHLEEN Wood, Director of the Department for Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA), quit her post this year due to frustration. She told this publication that the grossly underfunded and

Students congratulated for passing GSAT

IN JULY, high school students across the TCI turned a page in their books after completing the GSAT exams. Eight out of the 10 top performers for the country represented the island of Providenciales, with the overall top student being Zobreann Brown from the Richmond Hill Preparatory school.

IN AUGUST the TCI and Bahamian governments made a commitment to work together to tackle illegal migration, drug smuggling and illegal fishing. The two governments also agreed to the placement of defence or police forces on each other’s vessels, and the operation of vessels in each other’s countries to curb these illegal

to grant the ten corruption-accused a trial by jury. The decision was appealed by all ten defendants.

Tourist arrivals up 35% in first half of 2014

TOURIST arrivals soured by a massive 35 percent since last year leading to delight among the country’s hotel and tourism sectors. A combined total of 676,937 visitors were welcomed to the destination from January 1 to June 30 including 199,347 stop-over visitors and 477,590 visitors arriving by cruise ship.

Man accused of impersonating Michael Misick

Cyril Nathaniel Smith was in August charged and granted $10,000 bail for impersonating former Premier Michael Misick. He is alleged to have pretended to be the former Premier in order to scam people to lend him money.

Minister of Education responds to scholarship upset

DESPITE complaints from several students that the process of awarding scholarships locally this year was unfair, the Minister of Education disagreed. In her defence, Akierra Missick stated that the amount of scholarship awards given in any year is constrained by the available budget.

Tight security at newly renovated Myrtle Rigby court house

THE MYRTLE Rigby building on Leeward Highway, Providenciales has been transformed from a hospice into a high security and modern courthouse and was opened for operation in August. The building was repaired and outfitted specifically to hear the SIPT trials.

SEPTEMBER Second cruise port to open in TCI

AUGUST TCI to sign cooperation MOU with the Bahamas to tackle illegal activities

January 3 - 9, 2015

understaffed department, little attention to environmental concerns, lack of care from the public and her feelings of futility led to her resignation.

Judge Harrison’s trial without a jury decision challenged

ON AUGUST 25, the Court of Appeal heard arguments for and against Justice Paul Harrison’s decision not

A NEW deep water port is set to be built in East Caicos allowing a second point of access for cruise ships in the TCI. Cash from a multi-million dollar European Union fund for development is expected to finance the construction of the facility, Minister of Finance Washington Misick announced in September.

Grand Turk to get a multimillion dollar makeover

MILLIONS of dollars is set to be spent on improving the infrastructure of Grand Turk, thanks to a publicprivate fund. The changes will include a new seafood market, cultural market,

parks and a zoo will be built on the island and numerous renovation projects are set to take place.

FortisTCI attains BBB credit rating

THE OUTLOOK is stable for the country’s only power provider after it was awarded a BBB corporate credit rating in September. Independent ratings agency Standard and Poor’s allocated the grade to FortisTCI after a rigorous diagnostic and assessment process.

No charges for North Caicos murder

AS OF the end of the year, no one has been charged with the murder of Quincy Gardiner whose body was discovered in North Caicos in the summer of 2014. The 31-year-old was found dead alongside a road leading to Kew on the morning of Saturday, July 26, at about 5.28am.

New principal for Clement Howell High School

NEWLY appointed principal of Clement Howell High School, Kadean Cunningham, promised several changes upon taking up the post. She vowed to change the negative image of the school; the way students portray themselves in and outside of school, and to incorporate more parent involvement.

TCI company’s assets frozen

ON TUESDAY, September 16, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that the assets of Abatement Corp Holding Company Limited would be immediately frozen. The company is under investigation for allegedly playing a major role in a US-based Ponzi scheme.

Tourist revenue increased by 23% in first quarter

GOVERNMENT revenue from tourist activity increased by a massive 23 per cent during the first financial quarter of 2014/2015 compared to the same period last year. The positive performance is expected to continue throughout the rest of the financial year.

New Chief Justice sworn in

ON MONDAY, September 22, Margaret Ramsay-Hale officially assumed the post of Chief Justice in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and made promises to revamp the local court system. The promises were delivered at a swearing-in ceremony at the newly rehabilitated Myrtle Rigby courthouse.

continued 

January 3 - 9, 2015

Year in review Minister angered at reappointed of Norman Watts

MINISTER of Government Support Services, George Lightbourne was not too pleased with the renewal of the contract for Supervisor Engineer to the Public Works Department, British national Norman Watts. He felt that the money paid to Watts’ could be put to better use, particularly towards capital projects.

Coastal clean-up a huge success

THOUSANDS of dollars of Government cash was spent on a recovery programme in North Caicos following the onslaught of tropical storm Cristobal this summer. A total of $113,000 went towards a new road, water pumping, boat transport and drain repairs – while another $45,000 was spent on fogging chemicals to rid the country of swarms of mosquitos.

Romano Howell found not guilty of murder

ROMANO ‘Justice’ Howell was

continued

TCI prepared to respond to Ebola threat

PREPARATIONS were put in place to deal with any outbreak of the highly contagious and often deadly Ebola virus in the TCI in October. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) at the time announced that there were no confirmed cases of Ebola in the Caribbean, and that the risk of infection in the region was very low.

Immigration Bill 2014 thwarted in parliament

THE READING of the Immigration Bill was on Thursday, October 16, defeated by the Opposition. The defeat – seven yes and eight no – came as a result of the abstention from voting by the two Governor’s appointed members and the absence of two ministers of Government who were present in the House of Assembly prior to the vote being taken.

Mike calls on CARICOM to observe what is happening in TCI

MORE than 160 people took to the beaches, bushes and roads on Saturday, September 20, as part of a campaign to clean up the Turks and Caicos Islands’ beautiful coastline. Participants from all over the country grabbed garbage bags and donned gloves as they cleaned up their favourite seaside areas.

OCTOBER Grand Turk woman dies following dengue fever diagnosis

found not guilty of the murder of Damaris ‘Morena’ Martinez in Providenciales Supreme Court on Tuesday, October 7. The well-known local musician was accused of stabbing the Dominican resident in the neck and leaving her body in a plywood box on the side of Crystal Bay Road to the north west of Providenciales on June 15.

TCI-based lawyer sentenced to 14 months for money laundering

ANNA Mae Williams, 53, sadly passed away on Monday, September 29, following a brief battle with dengue fever. Williams was being treated for the debilitating illness along with other medical issues at Cockburn Town Medical Centre when she died.

Cristobal costs Government more than $110,000

ON OCTOBER 10, Michael Misick congratulated the former Premier of the Cayman Islands McKeeva Bush, on clearing his name of corruption charges. He also called on the Caribbean community and Caribbean leaders to take an interest in what is happening in the TCI, where he currently stands accused of corruption.

Corruption trial hangs in the balance

IN WHAT he termed the first win in four years since accusations of corruption were levelled against him former Premier Michael Misick was all smiles as he exited Justice Paul Harrison’s court on Tuesday, October 21. Harrison had just ruled that the December 1 date for the commencement of the corruption trial was no longer realistic.

Thousands face losses from insurance company collapse

Police Constable charged with police station arson

TWENTY-four-year-old Mikhail Hinson was slapped with five charges for malicious damage to property at the Chalk Sound Police Station in the wee hours September 26. The Kew Town man is accused of setting fire to one of the new police SUV cruisers, two police officer’s private vehicles, another vehicle and the rear door of the police station.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Patrick Poulin

PATRICK Poulin, a Canadian lawyer based in the Turks and Caicos Islands, was sentenced on Friday, October 3, to serve 14 months in US prison for money laundering. According to the US Justice Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Poulin of law firm Bishop’s Legal and investment advisor Eric St-Cyr will also face three years of supervised release.

regard to this particular case and the FSC in general,” he told the media on Friday, October 31.

NOVEMBER Premier hopes to save failing insurance company

THE GOVERNMENT will do everything in its power to save the country’s largest life insurance company from liquidation, Premier Rufus Ewing announced on October 29. Other means must be found to help safeguard the investments of the firm’s 2,600 policyholders, he said.

Planning proposals submitted for 12 storey development

THE PHYSICAL Planning Board received an application from Sunset Point Development Company for the construction of a 12 storey hotel condominium in Grace Bay, Providenciales. Confirmed reports from reliable sources indicated that the condominium development is a venture by the developer of sister hotels the Venetian and the Tuscany in Grace Bay.

PS Finance charged with corruption, suspended

FOLLOWING months of investigation, on Monday, November 3, the TCI Integrity Commission arrested and charged the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Athenee Harvey, with two offences of corruption. The charges stem from an incident where Harvey allegedly did not pay custom duties on 25 pieces of luggage upon disembarking a Carnival cruise ship.

Anthony Quinn’s two murderers given life sentences

THE TWO young men who murdered Anthony Quinn, a British Quantity Surveyor employed in the Turks and Caicos Islands, have both

hours, the 12 member jury returned a verdict of guilty of murder and robbery for Misael Castillo and Stanford Forbes Jr last November 11.

TCI Mother accused of attempted murder found dead

INAKESHA Armour of Grand Turk who was charged with the attempted murder of her daughter by Cayman Islands authorities committed suicide in November. She was accused of trying to drown her baby this summer.

Rodney Adams found not guilty of corruption

A SEVEN member jury on Monday, November 17, found Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rodney Adams not guilty of corruption. Adams was accused of not excusing himself from a police investigation into the murder of Kaziah Burke, while his son, Roderick ‘Rico’ Adams was a suspect.

Corruption trial and appeal to be heard in 2015

THE COURT of Appeal will sit on January 12 to decide whether the corruption trial of Former Premier Michael Misick and nine others will be stayed. They were set to meet in November to make a determination, but were unable to do so.

Gas prices and power bills likely to go down soon

POWER bills were expected to go down due to a global decrease in crude oil prices, and a decrease in the cost of petrol is expected to be close on the heels. The reduction was expected to hit to TCI soon, Premier Rufus Ewing told the House of Assembly in November.

Integrity Commission investigator’s wife charged with airport incident

PHILIPPA Lake, wife of the head

THE TCI’s largest life insurance company faced liquidation after the Financial Services Commission (FSC) declared it to be insolvent in October. For six months British Atlantic Financial Services Limited (BAFSL) has been in administration as the company attempted to balance its books, but the lack of progress forced the FSC to file a petition for the winding up of the company.

FSC to be investigated over liquidation petition

AN INTERNAL review into the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and their handling of a failing insurance company will take place once the matter is put to rest. “We will be investigating internally this particular issue with

Stanford Forbes Jr and Misael Castillo

been sentenced to life imprisonment. After deliberating for about two

continued 

16 NEWS

Man on

Year in review

The Street

– What is the outlook for 2015?

THIS week Weekly News reporter Daisy Handfield took to the streets of Providenciales to ask the general public what changes they hope to see take place in the country during 2015. Indiana Virgil, secretary, Chalk Sound

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

careful even when driving on the streets with our car doors unlocked.”

Eric Vernice, chef, Cooper Jack

Alexander Foster, labourer, Five Cays

continued

of investigations with the Integrity Commission, was charged with three offences by the Director of Public Prosecution on November 26. She is accused of entering a restricted zone, remaining in a restricted zone and obstruction.

DECEMBER ‘Rico’ Adams sues the AG, Police Commissioner and officers

RODERICK ‘Rico’ Adams has sued four policemen, Police Commissioner Colin Farquhar and the Attorney General for wrongful/ unlawful arrest, malicious and criminal proceedings among a slew of other claims. The lawsuit is in relation to Adams arrest for the 2013 murder of Kaziah Burke.

Rodney Adams resumes work on Monday

ACTING Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rodney Adams returned to active duty with the Royal Turks

“I just want to see more job opportunities in the country. It’s very hard to find work here.”

“I would like to make it easier with the Government agencies, putting paperwork in order and work done on the roads, for sure.”

Bryada Howell, babysitter, Five Cays

“Honestly, I just wish there were more places to go and things to do. I think a lot of children turn to violence and illegal activities because there is nothing for them to do. “The Government needs to put some more things in place for children to have fun and stay out of trouble.”

“I think the Government needs to get rid of foreign workers. “How I look at it, Dr Ewing them ain’t doing the job that they are supposed to do. And it looks like they are working with them instead of working against them. “That is why a lot of TIs get themselves in trouble because it is nothing here for them to do. “If you look at it, see how many TIs have positions in the Turks and Caicos Islands. If you look at it, every foreigner has a higher position in Provo than TIs who born here.”

Charles Guy Hilaine, shop attendant, Leeward Highway

Judith Noel, cashier, Blue Hills

CORTEZ Simmons is set to stand trial for the April 13, 2013, murder of 25-year-old Kaziah Burke on March 2 next year. The accused will first have his plea and direction review hearing on February 2.

Plane touches down without nose gear

ONE of InterCaribbean Airways’ aircrafts touched down safely at Providenciales International Airport on Sunday, December 7, after the nose gear failed to deploy for landing. The aircraft was carrying two passengers and two crew members on board a flight that departed from Providenciales for Grand Turk.

A WIDER presence in the United Kingdom and Europe is what the launch of the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board office in London is set to accomplish. The office was rebranded and a launched as the TCI Home Office with a reception during the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) session in the UK in November. Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rodney Adams

Duran Smith, Glass Shack

Trial for the murder of Kaziah Burke to start in March

TCI Home Office launched in London

Daniel Grant, North Caicos

“Improvement in our day to day life and a God fearing position. “I want to see people more caring for one another and more investors come in. Not only directly on Provo, but other parts of the country too.”

has been appointed to take over the position when Colin Farquhar completes his second term in February. James Smith will be in charge of 280 officers and staff at the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) spread throughout the Islands.

and Caicos Islands Police Force on Monday, December 8. Adams was reinstated after a judge and jury found him not guilty of Integrity Commission based charges.

DPP quits

THE DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions, JoAnn Meloche will not be seeking a renewal of her contract when it ends in January 2015. Meloche’s contract comes to an end at the end of January and she has decided not to stay on.

Unconstitutional repeal bill pulled from parliament

THE TRIAL without a Jury Ordinance 2010 Repeal Bill 2014 was on Wednesday, December 17, pulled from consideration in the House of Assembly after constitutional issues were raised by the Attorney General. Government appointed member, Ruth Blackman was the mover of the private members bill.

Williams Auditorium to become grocery store

AFTER 13 years as a community events centre hosting concerts, weddings, awards ceremonies

Progress made on unresolved deaths

“I want to see tighter measures or even more job opportunities, in hopes that something could be done about all these robberies and breakins. “I miss the days when we could of went to bed with our windows opened, but now we have to be

“Before in 2006 it was different here. Every people work good and don’t have problems. “I want to see more work in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

“More brotherly love and more compassion for human rights. “The youths have the country all kind of ways. We just had a kid killed and one stabbed. “We need to take care of them first and then we can worry about everything else.”

A DETAILED report on one of the country’s unresolved deaths with recommendations on future action has been completed. Inspector Daniel Miller of the Cold Case Unit was expected to present the report to the Criminal Investigation Department this December.

UK police veteran appointed as TCI’s new commissioner

A NEW Commissioner of Police

and more, the role of Williams Auditorium is about to change. In January the huge centre on South Dock Road in Providenciales will be home to a low cost wholesale grocery store.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

More scholarship opportunities for TCI students TWO further international opportunities for scholarships or financial aid have been identified, according to the Ministry of Education. The assistance comes from Belgium and Australia – and all eligible Turks and Caicos Islands residents are invited to apply. The Ministry for Development Cooperation and the DirectorateGeneral for Development Cooperation in Belgium is offering 150 scholarships for participation into master’s degree and 70 scholarships for participation into the training programmes.

Scholarships are open to young professionals from developing countries and are available to pursue postgraduate courses and training programmes for the 2015 to 2016 academic years at Belgium universities. The application deadline is February 11, 2015. Candidates must reside and work in their country, be less than 40-years-old for courses and less than 45-years-old for training programmes. They must also be holders of a degree that is comparable to a Belgian University graduate degree,

should be a professional experience of at least two years and must have a good knowledge of written and spoken French. Candidates should send their application by fax or e-mail and those selected will receive an email by the end of June 2015. For more information applicants can visit www.cud.be/content/ view/339/208/lang,/. The University of Sydney is hosting the Sydney Achievers International Scholarships for new international students starting at the university in 2015. Scholarships are available

Panto choreographer opens performing arts school THE CHOREOGRAPHER of four musical numbers in the recent Christmas pantomime is launching a performing arts school in Providenciales. Experienced dancer Niki Flowers will be teaching singing, dance and acting to young boys and girls. “Ballet and hip hop are widely taught on Providenciales,” she said, “but there is a distinct lack of anything to satisfy all of the ‘Gleeks’ [fans of television show Glee] out there, as well as children wishing to learn about commercial dance, tap dancing and acting. “I hope to change all of that.” She has designed the new dance school timetable carefully to provide children with all of the skills expected from performers. “When I was growing up it was drummed into me that I needed to be a ‘triple threat’ at auditions - that meant mastering the three elements of theatre, singing, dancing and acting. “Whilst most Provo children will come to class for fun or to help with their confidence, I am proud to be giving aspiring Matthew Morison’s and Idina Menzel’s a chance to learn all the genres needed to get ahead!” This year Flowers choreographed ‘Raining men,’ ‘Happy birthday princess,’ ‘All about that bass’ and ‘Pokerface’ in the Turks and Caicos Friends of the Arts Foundation’s theatre production ‘A Caribbean sleeping beauty’. Before coming to the TCI she trained at a number of prestigious theatre schools in London before graduating from London Contemporary Dance School with a Bachelor of Arts in dance with first class honours. She had performed, choreographed and taught professionally in England before moving to Providenciales to work as a dive instructor more than

for pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. Scholarships cover AUD$10,000 each per annum ($15,000 in total for a 1.5 year programme, $20,000 in total for a two year program). Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. The deadline of application is February 6, 2015. For undergraduate courses applicants should have completed an international senior secondary qualification, as deemed by the University of Sydney. Students who have already completed tertiary studies or students transferring with credit exemptions are not eligible. For postgraduate courses applicants must have completed the equivalent of an Australian Bachelor degree, as deemed by the University of Sydney. Students who have already completed postgraduate studies,

or students transferring with credit exemptions, are not eligible. Applications for admission to semester one 2015 are now open. To apply, visit the university’s website at www.sydney.edu.au/ courses/. To be considered for the Sydney Achievers International Scholarship, a candidate must receive an unconditional offer of admission. All eligible applicants with an unconditional offer by a specified cut-off date will be considered. From that pool, top-ranked eligible applicants will be selected and invited to complete an expression of interest form. All those returning a completed form by the due date will be further considered, from which successful candidates will be selected and then offered the scholarship by email. Successful applicants will be notify after February 6, 2015, by mail.

The Towers of Babel Art is our language

For more information email towersofbabel101@gmail.com or visit www.towersofbabel.weebly.com

Timeless love By Holly M

Anchor me so deep in your soul that not even the raging sea or the roaring tides can move me Let our love be bold Vibrant to a world that is non existent Candle the flame that dispute such burning desire

Experienced dancer Niki Flowers will be teaching singing, dance and acting

eight years ago. The new classes in dance, acting and musical theatre will be available for children from three-years-old and adult classes are also available. The classes will be taught at Provo Primary School and children with or without experience can attend. “The school doesn’t want to duplicate or compete with anything that is currently offered on the island, but wishes to add to the arts programmes available to young people,” Flowers said. “Ballet is the foundation of everything and I encourage at least

one hours practice per week, but Provo Performing Arts School will not be offering classes in ballet because we wish to work in harmony with the other dance schools on the island.” She added: “I often see young people that are bursting with rhythm and creativity but I don’t feel that there’s a class that meets their needs currently available. “Provo Performing Arts School will fill that gap.” More information is available from Niki Flowers at nikiflowers@ gmail.com or call 343-4716.

Caress my every entity Until you are filled to the very ounce Allow me to find comfort beneath your housing flesh Your weight held us when the storm angers our sturdy home Through the union of these bands we’ve bound our hearts before God’s throne On your beating chest I found the sweetest rhythm of timeless love In your eyes I have seen greener pastures And with your smile I have captured endless passion You have strengthened me Never have I witnessed something so pure Unveil my insecurities with honesty My provider, protector and unsung hero, you’ve rescued me

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

FortisTCI secures $90m financing in US private placement market POWER company FortisTCI became the first to secure financing in the US private placement market recently. The private bond market which is available to both US and non US companies has previously been an untapped source of capital. President and CEO Eddinton Powell said: “This is a historic achievement for the company and the country. “Having achieved a ‘BBB, outlook stable’ credit rating this year, we are pleased to be the first corporate entity in the Turks and Caicos Islands to secure financing in the US private placement market. “The electricity utility business is very capital intensive and the company must have access to the international capital markets. “Also, we would not have been able to achieve this without the full support and backing of our parent Company, Fortis Inc.” FortisTCI closed a $90 million private placement consisting of $80 million 4.75 percent senior notes, series 2014-A, due December 18, 2029, and $10 million 4.75 percent senior notes, series 2014-B, due January 15, 2030. The debt offering was privately placed with institutional investors

FortisTCI president and CEO Eddinton Powell said it is a historic achievement

in the New York private placement market. Bank of America Merrill Lynch acted as sole placement agent for the company. Proceeds will be used for repayment on short term debt and to finance ongoing capital expenditures. The process started in September and the FortisTCI team had to promote the company and the country to the high-quality institutional investment community. The debt issuance was led by the company’s chief financial officer Ruth Gardiner-Forbes and the company’s director of financial

services Archie Gaviola. Powell said: “While this is an enterprise-wide achievement, I would like to recognise the salutatory work done by Ruth and Archie in bringing this to fruition. “In addition, we recognise the cooperation of our local banking partners. Indeed, there were four law firms in the United States and the Turks and Caicos Islands working concurrently on this debt issuance which speaks to the complexity of the exercise.” The notes will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 as amended, nor will they be registered under any state securities laws. Unless so registered, the notes may not be sold except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. FortisTCI is the sole provider of electricity on the Islands of Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos and adjacent Cays, and South Caicos. TCU, a wholly owned subsidiary of FortisTCI, is the sole provider of electricity on the islands of Grand Turk and Salt Cay.

January 3 - 9, 2015

Minister promises more support for community college A STRATEGIC review, more funding and the introduction of critical programmes are all on the agenda for the TCI Community College (TCICC) next year. Akierra Missick, Minister for Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services, promised more support for the facility to increase student uptake. Speaking at the House of Assembly on December 15 she explained that about 400 young people graduate from the country’s high schools each year but only about 25 percent of those attend the TCICC. “My Government is concerned about this trend,” Missick said. “We are concerned because we know that academic qualifications will be a requirement for many job opportunities in the future and here is an opportunity for our young people to get those qualifications, opportunities which ostensibly are not being exploited.” She explained that an infusion of additional resources will allow the college to conduct the necessary needs assessment, address those needs and begin to encourage more young people to become students. “My Government is committed to meeting the higher education needs of our people right here at home,” the minister said. “That is why we have agreed to strategically review the college and to increase its subvention within the new year to look at the introduction of critical programmes.” She said that the country must encourage young people to prepare themselves academically,

at home in the TCI. On December 4 the TCICC held its 19th annual graduation ceremony and for the first time students graduated with bachelor degrees. In collaboration with the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica (CCCJ) and Knox Community College in Jamaica, 48 students received their bachelor degrees in business, education and tourism, and hospitality management. There were also 59 students receiving associate degrees in various disciplines and two students receiving certificates in computer applications and social work. The first local president the Reverand Julia Williams was the key note speaker for the event. Also present were Dr Donna Wilson, executive director of the CCCJ, her deputy Dr Haldean Johnson and the Reverend Dr Cowans, principal of Knox Community College. “The TCICC is on the move and the administration, faculty and staff are to be congratulated, not only for making this 20th anniversary graduation ceremony a memorable one, but for also continuing the legacy of those who have gone before and making strides to make the institution relevant to the growing needs of our people and our country,” Missick said. She concluded: “I urge us all to not only stay tuned, but to also get involved because, as the president said in his graduation remarks: ‘Inch by inch, row by row, we’re going to make this garden to grow.’”

Murder was not at official Maskanoo party

Santa Claus gave gifts out all over the Bight

This little girl was delighted to meet the big man himself

Santa spreads Christmas cheer in the Bight EXCITED children in Providenciales received gifts on Christmas day directly from the jolly man in red, Santa Claus. Kind hearted resident Dorell Pratt Delancey organised the present drive at the Church of Jesus Christ in the Bight to spread some extra festive cheer. Several others stepped up to assist with the gift giving including Ikelyn

Grant who played Santa Claus and Sonia Grant who was Mrs Claus. A huge batch of gifts including 50 dolls and 50 gifts for boys were handed out to delighted youngsters at the church. Pratt Delancey said: “We had so much fun this year on our gift drive. I would love to thank all the people who had fun with us, it was a blast.”

She said that as Santa gave out the gifts one little girl jumped up into his arms, eager to give the man in red a huge hug. “A great big thanks to Jai’s Jewellery, Chevette Capron, Johanne Karam, Destination TCI, Snow, Mr Stubbs and TCI Butterfly Effect. “I pray next year our gift drive touches every island.”

ORGANISER of the spectacular Maskanoo on Boxing Day said that the tragic murder that occurred later that evening was not at a festival event. In fact the party had no connection to the actual Maskanoo parade, said David Bowen, Director of Culture. Kenley Walters, 19, was pronounced dead at Club 2005 on Aviation Drive near Providenciales International Airport on Saturday morning (December 27). “I was informed that persons were illegally using the name and logo of Maskanoo to promote a party to make money off the success of Maskanoo which officially ended at 12am,” Bowen said in a press release. “Any event after midnight that claimed to be Maskanoo related is false and not sanctioned by Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA),

the Department of Culture, the Ministry of Culture or the Maskanoo Committee.” He added: “These persons who organised and promoted the party should be held accountable for both the death of this young man and for the illegal use of the Maskanoo name and logo.” Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Premier Wesley Clerveaux said: “Thankfully the Maskanoo celebrations went off with no incident, however we are saddened by the news that the night did not end completely well, with the news of the unfortunate passing of the young man. “But this had no relation to the Maskanoo event and should not be reported in the media to give any an impression that the event was linked in any shape or form to the Maskanoo celebration.”

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Book explores the history of Lucayans in TCI A NEW book looking at the history and heritage of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands was released on December 9. Bahamian author Tellis Bethel wrote the non-fiction work entitled ‘The Lucayan Sea: Birthplace of the modern Americas’ to unveil a hidden identity, purpose and destiny for the people of these islands. A British-trained naval officer by profession, Captain Bethel’s timely research explores the plight of the indigenous Lucayans and the impact of world-changing events that originated from the shores of the Bahama chain of islands at the dawning of the modern Americas. The peaceful Lucayans were an offshoot of an ancient migration that trekked eastward across Asia into North America, Bethel explained in his book. They were the first to settle the Bahama Islands, the first to welcome Italian explorer Christopher Columbus to the Americas in 1492, and the first to suffer total genocide at the beginning of a new era. Through this tragic episode and the historic events that followed, Captain Bethel revealed an “inherent responsibility” for the inhabitants of these islands that, if fulfilled, would foster peace, security and prosperity for generations to come. Like a maritime explorer of old, Captain Bethel took readers on a voyage to rediscover the New World of the Americas through the extraordinary heritage of the Bahama Islands and the people who inhabited them.

Author Captain Bethel is a British-trained naval officer by profession

As readers journey through the pages of this eye-opening book, they will discover an ancient quest that culminated in the Bahama chain and the birthplace of the modern Americas. In his book Bethel explains that there is a leadership role that that modern-day Bahamians and Turks and Caicos Islanders were meant to play within the Americas and the wider world. He added that there is an inherent responsibility bestowed upon today’s inhabitants of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the

many visitors to their shores as a result of the Lucayan genocide. The book also talks of a lifeenriching identity for the people of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands in light of their history, geography and culture. Bethel proposed a name for the waters surrounding the Bahama chain as a lasting tribute to the Lucayan legacy, and a reminder for all to help make the world a more peaceful place. The book is now available online in hard copy and kindle at Amazon. com and Barnes and Noble.

The book unveils a hidden identity, purpose and destiny for residents of the Bahama Islands

It will also soon be available at bookstores in the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Bethel is currently serving in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force as Deputy Commander Defence Force. A graduate of the Britannia Naval

College in Devon, England, Captain Bethel has a Master of Arts degree in Leading Innovation and Change from York St John University, York, England. He lives in Nassau, Bahamas with his wife, Teri, and their two sons.

Beaches donates food items to less fortunate BY DAISY HANDFIELD MORE than 5,000 food items were donated to the HIV Prevention Unit and the TCI Social Welfare Office by Beaches staff on Tuesday, December 23. The items are to be distributed to the less fortunate in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This is the second consecutive year that Beaches Turks and Caicos has invited their team members to participate in ‘Share your Christmas’ canned and non-perishable food drive. A press conference was held at the Beaches resort in Providenciales to present the items to the two entities. Some of the items included toiletries, packs of noodles and cereals. HIV Prevention Unit coordinator Aldora Robinson said that it is always a pleasure when they have such a relationship with stakeholders. “I am very impressed at the amount of food that was collected

and it tells me that our programme is working, where people are being more aware not only of HIV, but of the discriminative behaviour that sometimes come along with it. “Showing a gesture like this shows me that people are willing to think positively of HIV and persons living with HIV, knowing that they are just like us.” Robinson said that this is definitely a step in the right direction. The food drive was held from December 10 to the 24, giving staff members enough time either bring in goods from their homes or purchase them. The HIV Prevention Unit assists directly with providing medical support services to those infected with the virus. The group also provides healthy meals daily to 35 to 40 people in Providenciales who would not have the means to otherwise feed themselves. The TCI Social Welfare Office assists with providing financial

Beaches staff play a positive role in the TCI community

support to the unemployed and under employed in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The team directly impacts single mothers, children, the disabled and the elderly by providing them

with monetary support and where possible, food and clothing in some cases.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 3 - 9, 2015

Festive fun at the Christmas Shoppe MORE than 60 children enjoyed pony rides, presents and even some snow at the annual Christmas Shoppe in Providenciales. The Turks and Caicos Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TCSPCA) office and parking lot were transformed into a winter wonderland on December 20 in their final fundraiser of the year. Santa ‘Paws’ arrived with his faithful Potcake ‘Lucky’ who, accessorised for Christmas, gave away candy to all the children. The annual event was bumped up a notch when Mr Christmas also known as Captain Bill, arrived in his Christmas-mobile and suddenly it

snowed in Providenciales. As always the beautiful ponies from Provo Ponies sporting Christmas braids and festive decor were a huge attraction for the children. Santa’s grotto was also very busy this year, and the jolly gentlemen delighted many children with his “Ho ho ho!” as they posed for pictures with him. All the children told Santa what they would like for Christmas and

then received a goody bag of toys from the TCSPCA. A press release from the TCSPCA said: “Thank you to all the TCSPCA volunteers who worked so hard to make this last fund raising event of the year so successful. “Special thanks to the TCSPCA elves, (Melanie and her daughter Sydnee) for creating such a special grotto this year. “We all missed Jaliyllah on Saturday morning. This is one of

her favourite TCSPCA events. We are so thankful that her recovery is progressing in the right direction every day. “Merry Christmas to all of the TCI from the TCSPCA. Have a safe and joyful holiday.” Jaliyllah Rosati, a long-time volunteer at the TCSPCA, was left in a coma after suffering from multiple injuries when she was hit by a car as she attempted to cross the road. This incident took place on

Friday, November 28, in the Ports of Call area on Grace Bay Road in Providenciales. She was initially treated at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales, but was then rushed to Nassau, Bahamas, where she was admitted into the intensive care unit at Doctors Hospital. Rosati suffered a head trauma that left her in a state of unconsciousness for about a week. She is now recovering well.

Pet passports pave the way for easier travel NEW pet passports are making it easier and cheaper to transport cats and dogs between the Turks and Caicos Islands and Canada. The TCI Animal Health Service and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have agreed to a new multiple entry permit for cats and dogs moving between the two nations. This greatly reduces the paperwork required to ship pets, as the passport contains all of the necessary data required for importing an animal, authorised by veterinarians in both countries, without the need for additional documentation. They will also offer pets and their owners unlimited travel between the two countries over a 12 month period for a one off fee of $200. Owners are required to provide 48 hours’ notice of intention to travel to the TCI Animal Health Service. TCI acting Director of Agriculture Mark Butler said: “We have a number of Canadian residents who live at least part of the year here in the warm sunshine of the Turks and Caicos. “Our new pet passports offer our many frequent flyers, whether TCI residents or visitors, an easier and less expensive means of proving their animal’s health to the authorities in each country. “Negotiations are currently also underway with the US Department of Agriculture, and we hope to have some good news on that front in 2015.”

The Christmas Shoppe, loaded with toys and goodies for pets and their people

Santa takes time out of his busy schedule to support the Christmas Shoppe event

Provo Ponies’ Sunshine gives a young lady her first pony ride

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Mother Musgrove and her sons Eustace Jr and Maxwell Musgrove

The reverend, her daughter Cynclair, her granddaughter Calee and great granddaughter Camia

Appreciation service held for Mother Musgrove BY ANDRE GIBSON IN A beautifully decorated church with colours of the rainbow, the officers, members and well-wishers of the Reverend Mother Catherine Musgrove came together. The appreciation service at the Church of God of Prophesy (COGOP) in Kew, North Caicos, was held under the theme ‘I’m glad I’ve counted the cost,’ on Sunday, December 21.

Dressed in white as the bride of Christ, Mother Musgrove was showered with gifts and accolades from members of the church and the community at large, including various church leaders and the Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson. Songs of praise and thanksgiving along with music rendered by members of the Turks and Caicos Brass Band filled the sanctuary. Little Callea Musgrove, great-

granddaughter of the honouree paid tribute in a poem ‘Who can find a virtuous woman?’ The beautiful poem was composed by Pastor Eustace Edward Musgrove Jr. Everyone agreed that Caleea’s words summed up beautifully the reason for the celebration.

Pastor Andrew Stone, Senior Pastor of COGOP in Blue Hills, Providenciales, delivered a sermon that was tailor-made for the occasion, entitled ‘We should love as Christ first loved us’. Over the years the Reverend Mother Musgrove has served her church faithfully, holding nearly

every available position in every department. The Musgrove family expressed gratitude to the church and all who attended. They said they are happy that the Reverend Mother Musgrove received her flowers while she can say thank you.

$5,000 grand prize winner Patrice Capron-Walker (centre) receives her prize

Phone customer wins $5,000 in Christmas promotion

Two firefighters from the Turks and Caicos Islands Fire and Rescue Service were recognised as the most outstanding volunteer firefighters for 2014. Winick Caleb and Franklyn Saintelmon attended the most fire emergencies and training throughout the year.

CHRISTMAS came early for one lucky phone customer this year when she won a huge cash prize in a festive promotion. Patrice Capron-Walker, 40, a day care teacher with Wesley Methodist School was the lucky $5,000 grand prize winner of Digicel’s ‘Come together this Christmas’ competition. The company launched the promotion on November 11 in its flagship store in Providenciales. It allowed customers who purchased select Samsung and DL smartphone models to automatically enter a $10,000 cash giveaway. Five lucky customers won $1,000 each and Capron-Walker walked

away with $5,000 cash The Blue Hills resident was elated to be the recipient of the prize and said that her prayers were answered right in time. “I never win anything,” she said, “so you can imagine that I was in disbelief when I received the phone call. But it just goes to shows that anyone can be a winner.” She added that she plans to donate some of her winnings to her church and will use the balance to carry out improvements to her home. Marketing specialist for Digicel, Trina Adams, said that the Christmas promotion was extremely successful. “We are delighted to be able to help our customers to have an

enjoyable Christmas and to spread the joy to as many of our customers as possible.” Other Christmas promotion winners included Decarlo Williams and Marylene Antonie of Grand Turk, Courtella Forbes and Jolani Amador who reside in North Caicos, and James Menelas of Providenciales. Each winner was given $1,000 each while Ashley Parker and Leticia Hall of Grand Turk were the winners of home makeovers. Atiba Grant, Yelena Roberts and Karen Cox were winners of Digicel’s ‘Together Christmas Social Media Video Contest,’ and received Samsung and Digicel DL smartphones.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Young people celebrate spirituality during first Youth Crusade SCORES of young people sang and danced to celebrate their spirituality during the TCI’s first ever youth crusade in December. The Department of Youth Affairs in collaboration with Star Productions hosted the event on December 12 under the theme ‘Serving youth Inspiring spirituality’. It was held at the Gustravus Lightbourne Sports Centre and featured a number of dynamic young speakers. They included director of Star Productions Cutella Talbot, Nixon Dickenson, Pastor Huntley Forbes Jr, radio personality Smokie Burns and National Youth Ambassador Kerchelle Bain. Attendees bounced and beamed to the lively gospel performances from various youth groups around the TCI as well as specially invited artists from the Bahamas, Vanrico Hanna of ‘Lil G’ Ministries along with Young Tuck and Young Heart. In a press release Bain said: “From the melodious worship songs and dance to the flowing verses of rap and hip-hop, the evening was nothing short of inspirational. “The theme and activities, focused on spirituality, served to both empower and celebrate youth. “Why? Simply because this is the time, this is the country and this is

the Joshua generation.” She said that the youth of today are the chosen generation that will effect great change in the near future of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the world at large. “In so being they must be prepared to assume their rightful positions while nurturing and manifesting their God-given abilities and talents. “Hence, the Youth Crusade could not have come at a better time as students close out the 2014 year and are in need of restoration, direction and positivity to take into the New Year and beyond.” Charged with promoting development, health and wellbeing, the hosts of the event were committed to actively raising the quality of life for youth and adolescents in the TCI. “All youth, regardless of race, creed or circumstance must be given the right tools and resources to achieve their full potential,” Bain said. “It is therefore imperative that all stakeholders in the lives of young people - be it physically, socially, spiritually, environmentally, intellectually, occupationally and even emotionally - must explore all avenues to protect and encourage one of, if not our greatest asset, our youth. “In the words of youth activist

Nixon Dickenson, Jasmine Parker, Cutella Talbot, Kerchelle Bain and Pastor Huntley Forbes Jr

and recreation specialist Carmen Martinez: ‘The more we increase the active participation and partnership

with young people, the better we serve them ... and the more comprehensively we work with them

as service partners, the more we [can] increase our public value...’ here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Fire officer warns residents to take care BY DAISY HANDFIELD

THE NUMBER of structure and vehicle fires increased this year, according to the officer in charge of firefighting volunteers. In an interview on Tuesday (December 30) Aubrey Felix of the TCI Fire and Rescue Service said that structure fires increased by nine and vehicle fires increased by five during 2014. He said that most structure fires were due to people being careless. “One of the advice I would give people is, for example the electrical fire, you can turn off any device that you are not using; unplug them. “Things like search protectors and temporary drop cords, people use them for long-term use and those cause fires as well.” The officer added that unattended cooking is also a major factor in some of these incidents. “Sometimes people cook and they are not paying attention; people fall asleep while they are cooking, and they leave their stove unattended.” Officials from the TCI Fire and Rescue Service assisted the

Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) with 21 road traffic accidents during 2014. This figure does not represent the total amount of accidents that the RTCIPF has responded to for 2014. Felix said: “Don’t drink and drive and be more careful on the road; this year as you can see there are more vehicles on the road than last year and we have a lot of younger drivers.” For 2014, the department responded to one false alarm, 24 trash fires, nine bush fires, four container fires, three shack fires, 21 structure fires, 18 vehicle fires, six electrical fires, 21 road traffic incidents, three aircraft emergency landings and a boat fire. According to the road traffic statistic chart for 2014, between January and October police responded to five fatal accidents, 46 serious accidents and 334 minor accidents. On February 12, 43-yearold Werlly Jean Baptiste was the victim of a motor vehicle collision in Richmond Hills in Providenciales, which cost him his life.

Emanuel ‘Young Heart’ Stuart, Rashad ‘Young Tuck’ Tucker, Kerchelle Bain, Vanrico ‘Lil G’ Hanna (photo by Vanrico Hanna)

Lively young attendees enjoy the performances (photo by Vanrico Hanna)

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

My Christmas message Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace and goodwill towards all men. Luke 2:15 To the Great People of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I bring you warm Christmas Greetings. Christmas is a time of year not only when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ But also when we look forward to spending time with family and friends as we reflect and appreciate the things in life that matters the most. It is a time for spreading love, holiday cheer and peace to all mankind. As we reflect on this year we have much to be thankful for. I am thankful to God for his many blessings; my husband and children. The Birth of Jesus which we celebrate during the Christmas Holiday signifies hope for mankind. In today's society many people feel hopeless and burdened under the weight of the day to day struggles. My encouragement to you is to keep hope alive; every day that we are blessed with presents is an opportunity for things to get better; so keep trusting and believing. One of my favorite memories of the Christmas Holidays growing up in Salt Cay and Grand Turk was seeing the communities coming together to celebrate and share what little they had with each other. This is what kept us strong and resilient throughout the years as a people. During this Holiday season let us not forget about those in our community that need assistance: the sick and shut in, the elderly and orphans. My challenge to those who are able , is to please find someone in your community to be a blessing to this holiday season by spreading hope and love to let them know that you care and in doing so we fulfill the true meaning of Christmas. Dale Evans an American Actress when asked the meaning of Christmas stated: "Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas." As you celebrate with friends and family remember to be safe in all the festivities. I would like to remember and share my profound love and heartfelt condolences to those families that are mourning the loss of a love-one during the holidays. May the Christ of Christmas comfort you and sustain you during this time. Finally as you sit with family and friends, opening presents and eating Christmas dinner, remember what Christmas signifies. Hope. Hope for you. Hope for me and Hope for our Beautiful by Nature Turks and Caicos Islands. Keep Hope alive. Jesus came to give us Hope. To my people of The Turks and Caicos Islands, thanks for your love and support which have been a source of inspiration and motivation for me, as I continue to fight for the betterment of our beloved Turks and Caicos. My family and I wish you all a blessed Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. Hon. Josephine O. Connolly,MHA All island 3rd elected member Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Thousands attend this year’s Maskanoo festival Photos by LéMens Welch | Caya Hico (cayahicomedia.com)

BY DAISY HANDFIELD THOUSANDS of people including tourists and residents filled up the Grace Bay strip as they celebrated the fifth annual Maskanoo event on Friday (December 26). The event was held in Providenciales along the Grace Bay road between the Seven Stars and the Le Vele Plaza. On Monday (December 29) Director of Culture David Bowen told the Weekly News in an interview that he was impressed with the number of people that turned up for this year’s event. “I didn’t think it was going to be as good as last year, but it was even better. “We had some challenges

leading up to it; you know we lost the food court because they built a restaurant there so we had to do some relocation. “But I thought all and all that worked better for us.” Those who attended the Maskanoo enjoyed a street festival, local music, island food, cultural items on sale, arts and crafts. Entertainment on the main stage came from Kino and Kazz, Elroy and Dez, Kew Band Links, Carl Lewis, Ooh La La, The Breezy Beach Dancers and the Methodist Church Steel Pan Band Allstars. There was also a street jump-up and festive Maskanoo parades led by Kitch Penn and We Funk. Bowen said that next year

the organising team are going to try and include a school group in the parade. This is going to be a collaborative effort between the Department of Education, the Tourist Board and the Department of Culture. Maskanoo, an annual cultural festival spearheaded by the Turks and Caicos Tourism and Hotel Association along with the Department of Culture in collaboration with the Maskanoo Committee, is an event that showcases the best of the Turks and Caicos Islands musical bands and cultural heritage. It mixes junkanoo, taken from TCI’s Bahamian linked heritage, with masquerade to create Maskanoo.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Entertainment

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Cosby reportedly hires private investigators to dig up dirt on accusers BILL Cosby has hired a battalion of private investigators to dig up dirt on his many accusers, The New York Post has learned. The comedian, fighting an onslaught of accusations that he sexually assaulted more than two dozen women over many years, is paying six-figure fees to private investigators for information that might discredit his alleged victims. Multiple sources confirmed that Cosby, through his Hollywood attorney Martin Singer, is implementing a scorched-earth strategy in which anything negative in his accusers’ pasts is fair game. At least one Glendale, Calif.based firm with a half-dozen former LAPD detectives on staff is muckraking for Cosby, a source said. “If you’re going to say to the world that I did this to you, then the world needs to know, ‘What kind of person are you? Who is this person that’s saying it?’?” Cosby told his legal and public-relations team at a recent meeting, according to an insider who was present. Discussing supermodel Beverly Johnson’s claim that Cosby spiked her cappuccino during a visit to his home in the 1980’s the source said, “You mean you never reported it to the police? You never tell anyone?” The source continued: “The strategy isn’t new and it’s quite simple: You say I’m a bad guy, well, let’s see what gives you the right to

Multiple sources confirmed that Billy Cosby (seen here), through his Hollywood attorney Martin Singer, is implementing a scorched-earth strategy in which anything negative in his accusers’ pasts is fair game.

throw a stone at my house when your home is also made of glass.” Another source confirmed the alleged legal strategy noting that it has already worked to some degree. “They were able to find out information about Beverly Johnson’s boyfriend who said she only had good things to say about Cosby. We found out that Beverly never told her live-in lover of several years what she’s now telling the media and we found that to be strange,” the source noted. The insider also said they’ve dug

up information on another accuser – Katherine McKee, a onetime girlfriend of the late Sammy Davis Jr. who said Cosby raped her in the 1970’s. Investigators uncovered internet posts in which McKee wrote glowingly of Cosby and an interview in which she said she is “used to lying.” Singer would not address the hiring of private detectives. “You [the media] don’t need private investigators to find out information about the accusers. A simple Google search will obtain the information,” he said. (Fox News)

January 3 - 9, 2015

Sean Paul receives death threat from Islamic group

JAMAICA’S Grammy award winning singer, Sean Paul, is to decide whether or not to perform a New Year Eve show in the Maldives after reportedly receiving a death threat from an Islamic group claiming to have ties in Syria, the Jamaica Observer newspaper reported Saturday. It said the video message was posted online and that the publicist for the artiste, Carlette DeLeon, said a decision would be taken following a meeting with Sean Paul’s management team and authorities in the Maldives. “We are aware of the developing situation. We are currently in contact with all related parties concerning the concert to address the matter. No further details are available at this time,” DeLeon told the Jamaica Observer. Britain’s Independent newspaper reported the video message carries the logo of the Bilad Al Sham Media (BASM) group, an organisation which claims to comprise Maldivian jihadists based in Syria and the Maldives. “Sean Paul, if you visit the Maldives, the world will see your burned and blood-drenched

Sean Paul is reported to have received the threat from an Islamic group claiming to have ties in Syria.

dead body,” said cards held by a cloaked figure in the video posted on YouTube late on Wednesday night. “It is for all Muslim to jihad in the name of Allah. Hence disbelievers like Sean Paul, who are like the worst of the devil’s advocates, deserve nothing but death,” according to the video. But the newspaper quoting a Twitter account allegedly belonging to BASM, said the group denies being behind the threat. “We would clearly like to announce that our media have nothing to do with the Sean Paul death threatening video.” (CMC)

Burton’s The Miniaturist voted Specsavers Book of the Year JESSIE Burton’s debut novel The Miniaturist has come top of a poll to find the best book of 2014. The thriller was among the 10 winners from November’s National Book Awards that went forward to a public vote to be named Specsavers Book of the Year. Burton, who beat such authors as David Nicholls and Karen Joy Fowler, said she was “indebted forever to the voting public for this incredible honour”. The Miniaturist has also been named Waterstones Book of the Year. Organisers said her critically acclaimed novel won by a “significant margin ahead of outstanding competition” including We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler, Us by David Nicholls and Nathan Filer’s The Shock of the Fall. Burton admitted “it is no exaggeration to say this has been a life-transforming year for me,

Chris Rock and Malaak Rock-Compton were married for 19 years.

Chris Rock reportedly claims marriage was ‘not fulfilling’ Burton’s atmospheric thriller became the bestselling literary debut hardback of the decade.

and this award is a very big cherry on the cake”. She said: “There are always stories to write, and people who want to read them, and as the year closes, I find this very heartening

news indeed. “This wonderful acknowledgement will propel me into 2015, and I am deeply thankful to everyone who took the time to vote.”

THE news of Chris Rock’s divorce seems abrupt, but these things never really are. Filing for a split from his wife of 19 years, Malaak Rock-Compton, the 49-year-old comedian’s decision did not come out of nowhere. According to People, Rock knew for “a while” that his marriage could not be saved. “This was a long time coming,” a source said. “Chris has known it wasn’t salvageable for a while. He was the one to file because he knew

it was time to just move forward already.” While reports differ on whether the couple’s divorce will be amicable or not, TMZreports that Rock felt the marriage was “not fulfilling,” and that the comedian simply “wasn’t happy.” The site also reports that according to court documents, RockCompton has been limiting the time her husband spends with their two daughters. Rock is looking for shared legal and physical custody. (Vibe)

January 3 - 9, 2015

Entertainment

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Cyrus takes heat for ‘Free The Nipple’ Instagram posts Luise Rainer was honoured with a star on Berlin’s Walk of Fame in 2011.

Rainer, Hollywood golden era Oscar winner, dies aged 104 ACTRESS Luise Rainer, who became the first winner of consecutive Oscars in the 1930s, has died at the age of 104. The German-born star was named best actress in 1936 and 1937 - a feat achieved by only five actors in Academy Awards history to date. Her achievement made her a force in the golden age of Hollywood cinema, but was also a curse, making her last major film in 1943. She settled in London and made occasional appearances on film and TV. Rainer appeared in US small screen series The Loveboat in 1984,

while her last substantial film role came in 1998, playing opposite Michael Gambon and Dominic West in The Gambler. The actress appeared in a number of German films before being talentspotted by Hollywood studio MGM and making her debut in 1935. Just a year later she scooped an Academy Award for her performance in The Great Ziegfeld, playing the legendary theatrical impresario’s wife. In one famous scene, her face was tear-stained as she congratulated her former husband on his marriage to another actress.

MILEY Cyrus is taking heat for her latest show of support for the Free The Nipple campaign to de-sexualise the female nipple. First she posted a stylised, topless black-and-white photo of herself on Instagram alongside the caption “some lame ass def gonna (flag) that but f--k it. #practicewhatchupreach #FreeTheNipple #FreeatSh--.” While the image was promptly removed by Instagram (where nudity is a no-no), the former “Hannah Montana” star took the strange step of posting multiple headshots of herself as a child, Photoshopped into women’s topless bodies. The swing at sexual double standards may not have landed its intended blow as the images have been widely condemned as akin to child porn. “Miley Cyrus certainly knows how to get attention and generate a headline, whatever the ‘cause’ or reason. Her choice is obviously inflammatory, recalling that very young girls’ nipples are often allowed to be ‘free,” Harvard sociologist Dr. Hilary Levey Friedman told FOX411. “However, this also blurs the line

Miley Cyrus has shown support for the ‘Free The Nipple’ campaign.

between childhood and pornography. While Cyrus Photoshopped images aren’t child pornography per se, they invoke the idea.” Human behavior expert Patrick Wanis PhD concurs that while Cyrus’s intentions may have been to simply pose some provocative questions about why perceptions

change between child and adulthood, her approach is off. “The attempt to de-sexualize the female nipple and create equality backfires when you superimpose a child’s face on a fully developed woman’s naked or topless body; it actually sexualizes the innocent child,” he said.

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 3 - 9, 2015

Government moving to privatise Bahamasair THE BAHAMAS government says the recent decision by pilots to embark on industrial action will serve as an impetus to privatise the national airline, Bahamasair. Deputy Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis, who has responsibility for Bahamasair, said that the “unprovoked and unwarranted industrial action” taken by the pilots “calls for immediate action to avoid further occurrences”. “I am deeply troubled that pilots took this unlawful and unwarranted industrial action less than six hours after being informed that the minister of labour would take their proposal to Cabinet the following day - nothing was refused, nothing was denied. “The fact that they took this action anyway, without even filing a trade dispute, clearly indicates it was always their intent to disrupt the airline’s ability to operate,” Davis said in a statement. The action by the pilots forced the cash-strapped airline to inform passengers of long delays and even cancellations, and Davis said that, over the past two years, the Perry Christie government has given considerable effort to securing a strategic partner for Bahamasair. “But this gross act of corporate sabotage brings cause for acceleration of the government’s efforts to relieve the Bahamian taxpayer of this heavy financial burden. Moreover, irresponsible and selfish acts of this nature do not provide the shareholder with an incentive to pursue any form of service or route expansion,” he said. “In fact, this behaviour demonstrates the need to fully consider the merits of retrenchment as a more realistic course of action,” Davis added. He said that over the 41 years of its existence, Bahamasair has received

The department of immigration said it had taken note of the photo of migrants being held at Exuma and circulated on social media sites on earlier this week.

Deputy Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis, who has responsibility for Bahamasair, said that immediate action was necessary following the recent “sickout” by pilots.

US$541 million, through June 2013, in subsidies which could have been utilised to build new schools or hospitals, improve infrastructure like roads or harbours, additional personnel and equipment to combat crime or even a new correctional facility. “Quite frankly, all concerned must come to grips with the reality that Bahamasair is no longer an essential service.” Davis said that major foreign carriers provide for the bulk of tourist traffic into the country and over the past eight years, 31 local carriers have been licensed to provide scheduled services throughout the archipelago. “The domestic landscape has changed dramatically. It is no secret that Bahamasair pilots are paid salaries well in excess of their regional counterparts and utilised flying hours considerably less,” Davis said, noting that a senior jet captain with Bahamasair makes up to US$132,000 annually before overtime. By comparison, a

Bahamasair senior Dash 8 captain makes up to US$91,000, “which is staggering when considering that his regional equivalent with LIAT airways makes US$36,000 annually after 15 per cent income tax”. Davis said that “additionally, pilots make up only 10 per cent of the entire staff at Bahamasair, but account for 30 per cent of the payroll. There is something wrong with this picture. “Any right and reasonablethinking person will agree that under these conditions it is unconscionable that the pilots would take such drastic action at a time when Bahamians with very small incomes are seeking to shop abroad, students are returning home and our main industry tourism is at its peak. The actions of these individuals will be reviewed within the context of the company’s policies and procedures.” Davis said he has directed that management provide him with the full costing of the industrial action taken by the pilots.

Bermuda dollar lending hits seven-year low

BERMUDA dollar loans lent out by banks have hit a seven-year low, according to figures from the Island’s financial regulator. The Bermuda Monetary Authority’s latest Regulatory Update, released last week, shows Bermuda dollar-denominated loans, advances and mortgages on the books of the Island’s financial institutions in the third quarter of this year totalled $4.34 billion — down by $1 billion, or nearly 19 per cent — from mid2012. The figure represents the lowest level of lending since the third quarter of 2007, when loans and advances totalled $4.2 billion. The banks’ combined Bermuda dollar loan book fell for a fifth consecutive quarter. It peaked in the

third quarter of 2010 at $5.39 billion. The reasons for reduced local lending may include lack of demand for credit from qualified borrowers, coupled with the tightening of lending standards by the banks since the 2008 global financial crisis. Another reason, highlighted in a report on the Island’s banking sector by rating agency Standard & Poor’s in July this year, may be the write-offs of bad loans. S&P said it expected the Island’s credit losses during the 2009-2016 cycle to total more than $1 billion, of which about half had been realised already. Shrinking levels of credit in an economy are often reflective of declining economic activity. Bermuda has been through five years of recession from 2009 to 2013.

Although gross domestic product rose slightly last year, it fell after inflation was taken into account. During his Budget statement in February, Finance Minister Bob Richards claimed banks’ policies were “at odds with the national interest”. “In Bermuda, banks follow the monetary dictates of the Federal Reserve in the US and also their own individual appetites for lending,” Mr Richards said. “In the last ten years, the combination of these two factors has put bank lending policies at odds with Bermuda’s national economic interests — that is ultra-easy money lending when the economy was already red-hot followed by debilitating ultra-cautious lending during economic weakness.”

Bahamas government accused of herding migrants like “cattle” BAHAMIAN authorities have described as a “false and malicious construction of events,” a photo showing a number of migrants being herded into a cage like “cattle”. The Department of Immigration said it had taken note of the photo of migrants being held at Exuma and circulated on social media sites on earlier this week. “The construction being given to this photo by those who are seeking to sabotage the policy of the Department is that somehow the migrants were being mistreated and being held in inhumane conditions. That is a false and malicious construction of events. The photo and comments appear designed to defame the Department.” President of the Grand Bahamas Human Rights Association (GBHRA), Fred Smith, said that since the launch of the government’s immigration policy on November 1, Foreign Affairs and Immigration Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell has insisted that the authorities do not treat illegal migrants as “cattle”. He said in light of the recentlysurfaced image showing suspected illegal immigrants penned in a mobile enclosure more suited to the transportation of livestock than human beings, the GBHRA is demanding that the minister gives “a satisfactory explanation of the behavior of public servants under his charge. “Responding to the many cases of physical battery, wrongful detention and unlawful tactics which have arisen over the last two months, not to mention the recent rape allegation against a senior Immigration official, Mitchell’s stance has been that the Bahamas government does not condone the abuse of detainees. “This is a calculated and cynical dodge. The fact is, as minister he is responsible for the Department of Immigration, its employees and their actions. In all such cases, the buck stops with Mitchell. His excuses are simply not good enough.”

Smith said that the “photo itself stands as a powerful example of the kind of unconstitutional, inhumane and degrading treatment of individuals – who are innocent until proven guilty under the law – which has stained the soul of The Bahamas for decades. Mitchell’s harsh new policy has only exacerbated this shameful trend”. But in a statement, the Department of Immigration said that “the people in the photo were sitting on the back of a flatbed transport or trailer with an open end at the back of the trailer secured by a removable metal tailgate. “The trailer was used to ferry the individuals from where they landed in Exuma to the holding facility the E C McKenzie auditorium in Ramsay, Exuma. The migrants were held at that auditorium overnight until they were transported by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to Nassau. “The journey from the landing point in Exuma would normally take thirty to forty minutes. At no time was any person under the care or supervision of the Department of Immigration kept in inhumane conditions,” the Department said. The GBHRA says it is in the process of collecting testimonials of Bahamians of Haitian descent in particular, “who tell of unusual and unwarranted scrutiny by National Insurance Board (NIB) officials, illegal fees levied for the treatment of children in the public healthcare system, and denial of access to a public school, to name just a few cases”. The GBHRA said it was calling on Mitchell to answer the various questions being raised regarding the new policy, failing which it wanted Prime Minister Perry Christie “to relieve him of the immigration portfolio, and bestow it upon someone with the foresight and clarity of thought to see where this disastrous policy threatens to take us”. (CMC)

January 3 - 9, 2015

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

2014 was a milestone Political accord in Haiti seeks to avert crisis year for CARICOM – Opines secretary general ambassador LaRocque CARICOM Secretary General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque says 2014 was a “milestone” year for the regional grouping. LaRocque pointed to the approval in July of the community’s firstever Five Year Strategic Plan, which covers the years 2015-2019. “The Plan seeks to ensure that our Community is in a position to withstand the effects of events such as the global economic and financial crises and provides the way forward for pursuing sustainable growth and development as a Region,” he said. “Growth and development are critical factors in providing jobs and business opportunities.” LaRocque said 2015 would mark the “continuation of a dynamic period in our determined efforts to create a sustainable, secure and viable Community for all our peoples.” “You will continue to benefit from our collective efforts in health as demonstrated by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). We are also placing emphasis on

Irwin LaRocque said that 2015 would mark the “continuation of a dynamic period in our determined efforts to create a sustainable, secure and viable Community for all our peoples.”

developing our human resources, particularly our youth by taking a thorough look at our education system,” he told the region in an end-of-year statement. “The exciting prospect of a single CARICOM ICT Space which would lower the cost of telephone calls and internet access will be pursued. These possibilities have only become reality through us working as one, and more can be achieved with your participation and support.”

THE president of Haiti and heads of the country’s two houses of parliament reached a tentative agreement on Monday to avert a political crisis that has sparked nationwide protests. The political accord announced late Monday seeks to open the way for approval by parliament of a new “consensus” government after prime minister Laurent Lamothe was forced to resign earlier this month. The agreement would extend the terms of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, due to run out Jan. 12, but only if an electoral law is passed first. If the parliamentary terms are not extended, Haiti would be left without a functioning government heading into presidential elections in late 2015. The agreement would extend the terms of the deputies until April 24 2015 and senators until Sept. 9.

On Christmas Day, President Michel Martelly nominated Evans Paul (seen here), a moderate opposition figure, as the new prime minister.

The political accord is likely to be favorably received by Haiti’s foreign donors, particularly the United States and the United Nations, who had expressed concern that the impoverished Caribbean nation was

Barbados Central Bank challenges Standard and Poor’s Downgrade

Guyanese dad commits suicide days after killing daughter in car accident THE ROSIGNOL family that was mourning the death of their teenage daughter, Yonette Branche, 16, who was killed in an accident on the West Berbice Public Road, Guyana last week has been plunged into further sorrow. The girl died when a car driven by the father crashed on Christmas Eve Day on the West Berbice Public Road. The dead girl’s father, Alfred Branche, 62, of Mackenzie Street Rosignol, West Bank Berbice, a taxi driver, was discovered around 11:00 hrs on Sunday in a trench at Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice. He allegedly committed suicide. The man had gone missing for the past four days before he was found. He was last seen around 08:00hrs on Christmas Eve, heading into the direction of the back dam. At the time he was wearing a blue shirt, dark blue jeans and yachting shoes. Relatives had stated that since the accident the man had been inconsolable. He was crying most of the time. He had blamed himself for the accident. Relatives had made a report to the police and search parties had scoured the village for the man until he was found on Sunday. Branche was driving the wagon

The Senate rejected the Operating Agreement agreed in principle by the government and Atlantic Basin Refining, which would have restarted operations at what was once the region’s largest oil refinery.

USVI Lawmakers Reject HOVENSA Deal

The accidental death of teenager Yonette Branche (in picture) left her father feeling responsible.

motor car PLL 4691, when it collided with a parked vehicle on the No. 29 Public Road, resulting in the death of his daughter, Yonette Branche, 16. She was a student of the New Amsterdam Multilateral School. The girl had gone with her parents to uplift a barrel and two boxes of gifts sent to the family by her aunt who lives overseas. The family was headed home when the wagon crashed.

on the brink of political chaos again. It might also appease opposition politicians and protesters who have been calling for a new government and long-overdue legislative and municipal elections. On Christmas Day, President Michel Martelly nominated Evans Paul, a moderate opposition figure, as the new prime minister. His choice must still be approved by parliament before he can start forming a government. “This is a good step taken towards the resolution of the crisis,” Paul told reporters on Monday, saying elections could be held within 120 days of a new electoral council being installed. If approved, Paul would take over from Florence Duperval Guillaume, who was named interim prime minister on Sunday as a temporary replacement for Lamothe. Lamothe was forced to resign after several weeks of protests, quitting after Martelly accepted the recommendations of a presidential commission appointed to defuse the crisis.

IN WHAT could be a crushing blow to the US Virgin Islands’ economy, the territory’s Senate has voted against the approval of a deal to purchase the shuttered HOVENSA refinery on St Croix. The Senate rejected the Operating Agreement agreed in principle by the government and Atlantic Basin Refining, which would have restarted operations at what was once the region’s largest oil refinery. The operating agreement was a requisite pre-condition to the sale of the refinery, which was first announced in October. Part of the Senate’s objection seemed to be a provision in the deal that would have released HOVENSA from certain legal responsibilities to the government and concerns about the company’s capitalisation.

The operating agreement’s provisions included $1.6 billion in fixed payments to the government over the life of the agreement and was expected to employ around 700 people and 200 contractors. “This action now places us at a disadvantage moving forward,” US Virgin Islands Governor John de Jongh said following the vote. “It will have immediate budgetary and other impacts. The longer term implications of a shuttered HOVENSA operation, and the risks that may arise from the claims of the Owners of HOVENSA that they are owed millions of dollars in tax refunds, by reason of past operating losses at the refinery, are financial and legal issues that will now have to be addressed as a result of this decision by the 30th Legislature.”

THE Central Bank of Barbados is challenging Standard and Poor’s recent downgrade of the island’s sovereign credit rating. In a statement released this week, the bank said the downgrade was “without justification.” “The current performance of the Barbados economy is better than a year ago in every dimension. The foreign exchange reserves have stabilized and there is no longer a threat to the value of the Barbados dollar,” the bank said. “Tourist arrivals have held up in 2014, and tourist expenditures are estimated to have increased modestly. Airlift has increased for the coming winter tourist season and the tourism outlook has improved. We are witnessing the beginnings of a turnaround in hotel and villa construction, upgrades and refurbishment of tourism facilities, and other construction. The growth of tourism and construction and spinoffs to retail and business services should yield growth of about 1.5 percent in 2015.”

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 3 - 9, 2015

World News

Thatcher explored education overhaul in UK, archives show MARGARET Thatcher explored plans to overhaul the structure of English education when she was PM, files released by the National Archives show. The documents from the 1980s reveal Mrs Thatcher wanted to make state schools independent of local authorities. This has been the central plank of the current government’s education reforms. In 1986, policy adviser Oliver Letwin wrote that she had “failed” to give people more responsibility for their own lives within the education system. In Mrs Thatcher’s personal files, there is a critical, very direct memo from Mr Letwin - his “swansong” as a member of Mrs Thatcher’s policy unit. “You were elected to give back to individuals a greater degree of responsibility for their own lives,” he wrote. “In education, you have so far failed.” He said there had been no effort to change the “framework” - a point endorsed by Mrs Thatcher with a large black tick in the margin - and that education was still “a nationalised industry”. “The provider decides what the customer ought to have, largely ignoring what the customer actually wants,” he continued - words which the then prime minister underlined. Mr Letwin, who is still an MP and a Cabinet Office minister, acknowledged that radical

The documents from the 1980s reveal Mrs Thatcher wanted to make state schools independent of local authorities.

restructuring would not be popular in some quarters. “It would provoke intense hostility” from the local authorities and the teaching unions, he wrote. However, he saw it as the only way to improve the “quality” of schools. Like Michael Gove, who stood down as education secretary in July this year, Mr Letwin believed giving power to the “customer” - the parents - would drive school improvement. Mr Letwin suggested state schools could “declare UDI”, rather like academies today, and suggested extending the “assisted places”

scheme where the state paid for places at independent schools. Parents could then have the choice of moving their children if they were unhappy with the local state school - just as Free Schools are intended to provide an alternative under the current government. The files include a paper titled “Education without LEAs”, marked “secret” - politicians and civil servants knew how controversial these ideas would be. The documents show that Keith Joseph, education secretary from 1981 to 1986, had wanted to create 12 new independent state primary schools to show how a new approach would work. The idea was supported by Mrs Thatcher, and other members of the cabinet were enthusiastic too. According to a note of one meeting, then cabinet member Norman Fowler said: “It would reverse a trend for parents such as himself to send children to the private sector!” On the memo, Mrs Thatcher scribbled: “It isn’t meant for parents like him!” That idea was dropped. It was left to Keith Joseph’s successor, Kenneth Baker, to create the first state schools independent of local authorities. He set up the first City Technology Colleges in the late 1980s for secondary pupils. However, Lord Baker has now said he is fascinated to see Mrs Thatcher’s files. “I didn’t know about any of this,” he told the BBC.

The Airbus A320-200, carrying 162 people from Surabaya in Indonesia to Singapore, disappeared on Sunday.

Officials say debris is missing AirAsia plane INDONESIAN officials have confirmed that bodies and debris found in the Java Sea off Borneo are from AirAsia flight QZ8501 that went missing on Sunday, a statement by AirAsia says. AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes said he was “devastated” by the news. President Joko Widodo told media he had instructed all search teams to focus on finding the passengers and crew. The Airbus A320-200, carrying 162 people from Surabaya in Indonesia to Singapore, disappeared on Sunday. The head of Indonesia’s search operation, Bambang Soelistyo, said a few bodies were retrieved.

The discovery came on the third day of searching. A navy spokesman said rescuers were “very busy now” with the salvage operation. The AirAsia statement said the remains were found in the Karimata Strait, south-west of Pangkalan Bun in the Borneo province of Central Kalimantan. Mr Fernandes said: “I am absolutely devastated.” He told a news conference there could now be an end to uncertainty for everyone involved. “This is a scar with me for the rest of my life,” he said. “It doesn’t change anything. There is at least some closure as opposed to not knowing what’s happened and holding out hope.”

U.K. declares it cannot support Palestinian UN bid Britain joined the United States on Tuesday, declaring that it cannot support a new Palestinian draft proposal calling for peace with Israel within a year and an end of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories by late 2017. Jordan on Tuesday circulated to the UN Security Council a draft resolution prepared by the Palestinians, who said they want it put to a vote before Thursday. Washington said it could not support the draft because it was not constructive and failed to address Israel’s security needs. British UN Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant was asked by reporters whether his delegation could support the Palestinian draft. “Well no,” he said. “There’s some difficulties with the text, particularly language on time scales, new language on refugees. So I think we would have some difficulties.” Lyall Grant did not explicitly threaten to use Britain’s veto power to help block the Palestinian text if it is put to a vote. Western diplomats

The gunfire erupted around 9:30 p.m. in South Los Angeles while two officers were responding to an unrelated radio call in their black and white patrol car, police said.

Two gunmen shoot LA police car in ‘unprovoked’ attack The United Nations Security Council meets at the UN on July 22, 2014 in New York City.

have said that if the draft is voted on before the new year it will likely fail to muster the required minimum nine yes votes for adoption. That would mean neither Britain nor the United States would need to use their vetoes. Washington will not hesitate use its veto to strike down the Palestinian measure if necessary, council diplomats said. Prime Minister Benjamin

Netanyahu referred to the Palestinian initiative during a meeting on Monday with the Indiana Governor Mike Pence, who is currently visiting Israel. “We expect the entire international community, at least its responsible members, to strongly oppose this dictate to the UN and the Security Council. What we need is direct negotiations and not dictated terms,” Netanyahu said.

LOS ANGELES cops were on edge Monday after two men allegedly opened fired on a marked police car in an “unprovoked” ambush Sunday night. The gunfire erupted around 9:30 p.m. in South Los Angeles while two officers were responding to an unrelated radio call in their black and white patrol car, police said. “It was unprovoked. They were literally just driving down the street,” LAPD Officer Liliana Preciado told the Daily News. “We don’t know the motive at

this point,” but there’s a sense of “uneasiness,” she said. “Everyone in the department understands what is going on, especially with what happened in New York,” she said. “Everyone is on alert. Everyone has been told to cover each other and watch each other’s back.” NYPD Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu were “assassinated” in their patrol car in Brooklyn Dec. 20 by a man who previously declared open season on cops in twisted threats on social media.

January 3 - 9, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

World News US woman hid dead babies so boyfriend would not know she had them: prosecutor

Ukraine may leave Crimea’s fate to next generation, PM says

A MASSACHUSETTS, USA, mother kept her children in a bedroom filled with dirty diapers and vermin to prevent her live-in boyfriend from finding out about them, a prosecutor said in court Monday. Erika Murray, a 31-year-old mother of seven, pleaded not guilty to nine charges, including murder and abuse, in court Monday after police found the remains of three dead babies in her squalid Blackstone home in September. Her not guilty plea was the only phrase she uttered throughout the 23-minute arraignment. “In an effort to hide the babies from her boyfriend, it appears that the (surviving) children were neither nourished nor cared for,’’ Worcester Assistant District Attorney John E. Bradley Jr. said. Murray’s four surviving children were found covered in feces, prosecutors said. Her 3-year-old daughter needed to have maggots removed from her ears to hear again, and her 5-month-old child also appeared neglected. Her two oldest children, ages 10 and 13, did not appear to have been abused, prosecutors said.

UKRAINE may have to leave the fate of Crimea to future generations, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk said, a day after the president said the country can’t afford to take back its rebel-held areas by force. The government in Kiev and its allies have condemned the March annexation of the Black Sea peninsula by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s government. The U.S. and the European Union have imposed economic sanctions on Russian companies, individuals and industries that have compounded an almost 50 percent drop in oil prices to tip Russia’s economy toward recession. “There’s no quick and simple answer to how to bring Crimea back to Ukraine,” Yatsenyuk said on Monday at a year-end news conference in Kiev. “Crimea was, is, and always will be Ukrainian territory. If God helps us while we are alive, we will be able to reinstate control over Crimea. If not, our children or grandchildren will do this.” Ukrainian officials are focusing on diplomacy to secure an enduring truce in what has grown into the worst dispute between Russia and its Cold War foes since the fall of the Iron Curtain. The government has paused a military offensive started in April aimed at driving the proRussian separatists from the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions, where fighting has killed more than 4,700 people, according to UN estimates. The Black Sea peninsula, where Russia maintains a naval base, was Russian territory until 1954 when Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev transferred it to Ukraine, a move Putin called a mistake that needed to be rectified. Putin has called Crimea an “inalienable” part of Russia and

Erika Murray hid three dead babies in a closet, prosecutors said. One lived three weeks, she said. All that was left of another was a skeleton with an attached placenta and umbilical cord.

Murray hid three dead babies in a closet, prosecutors said. One lived three weeks, Murray told them. All that was left of another was a skeleton with an attached placenta and umbilical cord. Murray and live-in boyfriend Raymond Rivera did not want any more children after the first two because of financial concerns, prosecutors said.

Cho Hyun-ah, center, former vice president of Korean Air Lines, arrives at the Seoul Western District Court Office in Seoul on December 30. (Associated Press)

Korean Air Heiress Arrested for ‘Nut Rage’ KOREAN Air heiress Cho Hyun-Ah was arrested today for delaying a flight with a tantrum over snacks in a “nut rage” incident that caused a national uproar, according to a media report. Cho has been accused of forcing the chief purser off a December 5 New York-Seoul flight and of compelling the taxiing plane to return to the gate so he could disembark. She had taken exception to being served macadamia nuts she had not asked for - and in a bag, not in a bowl. Cable news network YTN showed Cho as she was taken by prosecutors

to prison - the 40-year-old kept her head low and said “I’m sorry” as she left the building, broadcast footage showed. The prosecutors’ office had applied for an arrest warrant last week, which was finally granted by a court in Seoul late today, Yonhap news agency said. Cho was charged with violation of the aviation safety law, coercion and interference in the execution of duty. An unidentified KAL executive was also arrested today on charges of destroying evidence from the incident.

Crimea was annexed by Russia after its population voted to leave Ukraine.

this month likened it to his country’s “Jerusalem.” He took over Crimea following the ouster of former pro-Russian Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, who fled the country in February after more than 100 people died in clashes with police during anti-government protests in Kiev. After the annexation, armed separatists occupied government buildings in other parts of Ukraine and clashed with government forces in fighting that evolved into the current conflict. President Petro Poroshenko said this week that Ukraine doesn’t have the resources to mount an offensive against the separatist and doing so would risk an all-out confrontation with Russia, which the government says is supplying the rebels with weapons, arms and fighters. While Putin has declared “respect” for the militants’ aim of leaving Ukraine and joining Russia, he’s denied involvement. There’s no military solution in Donbas,” Poroshenko said, referring to the area where pro-Russian rebels

are pitted against government troops. “If someone wants to have a go -take up weapons and face the bullets of the Russian military machine, the strongest on the continent -- let’s see how that ends.” Poroshenko said he’ll meet Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande in the Kazakh capital Astana on Jan. 15. Talks between separatists and representatives of Ukraine’s military will also continue on Dec. 31 in Luhansk, a news website run by the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic reported on Monday. The conflict has roiled markets in Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine’s hryvnia was little changed at 15.82 against the dollar at 4:43 p.m. in Kiev. The yield on Ukraine’s 2017 dollar bond jumped 3.8 percentage points to 33.832 percent, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The ruble gained 3.4 percent to 56.35 against the dollar. It’s down 42 percent this year, becoming the world’s second-worst performing currency after the hryvnia.

Swedish centre-left make deal with opposition, call off snap vote SWEDEN’S mainstream parties reached a deal on Saturday that will allow the minority centre-left government to remain in office and sideline the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, who hold the balance of power in parliament. Sweden’s normally stable politics were thrown into turmoil in December when Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said he would call a snap election in March after his budget was voted down by the centre-right opposition and the Sweden Democrats. “Sweden has a tradition of solving difficult questions,” Lofven said. “I am happy we have reached a deal

that means that Sweden can be governed.” The deal between the centreleft Social Democrats and Green coalition and the four-party centreright Alliance will mean Lofven will have to follow the opposition’s budget next year, although he can make some changes in spring. The Alliance will abstain from voting against the government’s budgets from spring onwards. The snap election, which had been due to take place on Mar. 22, has been cancelled. Under the deal, which lasts until 2022, the two blocs have also agreed to coordinate policy on pensions,

defence and energy. “It means that Sweden can be governed by the parties that have the biggest support among voters,” centre right Moderate Party acting leader Anna Kinberg Batra said. Despite a tradition of minority governments, Sweden has not had a snap election since 1958, but the rise of the Sweden Democrats, reflecting gains made by the far right across Europe in recent years, had led to parliamentary deadlock. The party, the country’s third biggest after September’s general election, had threatened to bring down any government that did not curb rising immigration.

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contact: 241-4769

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CORIATS (CARIBBEAN) LIMITED LICENSED TRUST COMPANY

TRUST & CORPORATE OFFICER With minimal experience in Trust or Corporate Field. Will train if needed. High academic capability and good computer skills required, with working knowledge of Microsoft Office Word. Viewpoint experience would be an asset. TCI Belongers Preferred; excellent working environment.

Applications with full CV to Marcella Malcolm, CORIATS, The Centre, P.O. Box 171, Providenciales. Fax (649) 946-4850. E.Mail office@coriats.com

QUINBY HALl

painter

seeks the following person:

One Gardener

To work six days a week. Salary $5.00 per hour. contact 946-7705

10789

Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

MAITRE D

Responsibilities include: • Supervision of wait staff • Reservations and running of dining room during service • Must have knowledge of wines especially Italian • Must have 5 years experience in the industry • Must be willing to work nights, weekend and public holidays Salary $450 per week not including gratuities

Send resumes to GTC Limited, P.O. Box 543 Belongers only need apply

10811

EXPRESS EQUIPMENT

2 HYDRAULIC TECHNICIANS • Electronic troubleshooting technician • Technician on ABS Brakes System • Minimum of 5 years experience • Salary $15.00 per hour

Contact: 649-245-2897

Hernandez Employment Agency Is looking of behalf of our clients. Classic Bar, BLD Group Construction, H & VG Construction, Quantum Development Co. Castillo Construction, VIP Barbershop.

1 Barber 1 Carpenter 2 Masons 4 Barmaids 1 Bartender 1 Painter 1 Metal head 1 Stone Carver Belonger only may apply by sending a resume to: hernandezemploymentservices.8@ gmail.com Dead line December 19 2014

4 Tile men 4 Labourers 4 Manson

to work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour Colmelita Handfield

946-4664

Turks and Vision Construction Needs

is looking for a

Salary commensurate with experience email: destinationtci@gmail.com

10815

contact: 333-1274

January 3 - 9, 2015

10797

Services

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NATURES VISION LTD. Is looking for a

Landscape LaboUrer

• To work 5 days per week • Must be able to work weekends and holidays • Must be knowledgeable of chemicals and fertilization • Must be able to speak English and have own vehicle Interested persons please contact: 649-232-2272

10819

Job Listings

10784

Call 946-5534 or 244-1400Mon to Fri 9amto5pm Saturday 9am to 12noon...destinationtci@ gmail or destinationtci.net

Five Ways to Buy a Car 1) Cash and go pay all up front and get discount 2) 50% down and 50% when it arrives. 3) 50% down and monthly payments as low as $300 everyone qualifies with job letter or self employed. 4) Reserve a car as low as $1000 and pay the balance when the car arrive 5) No money....No problem join the Car Asu for Just $125deadline 10820

January 3 - 9, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS 33

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION Is looking for a

EMILY FORBES KEW NORTH CAICOS Is looking for a qualified and experienced

MR. GROUPER

MR. TUX

Is looking for a

FERDINAND TOUSSAINT

Is looking for the following persons:

Is looking for a

Housekeeper To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour

Tile Layer Farmer Seamstress Cook Chef

Domestic Worker Labourer

Must be willing to work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 246-4769

10832

A & W WHOLESALE AND GROCERY Is looking for a

Cashier To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour. contact: 2323487 or 242-7417

10818

CALASCO

Is looking for a

10887

BAY BISTRO

contact: 332-2621

10824

10885

NATURES VISION LTD.

FERDINAND TOUSSAINT

Is looking for a

Landscape Labourer

Is looking for a

waitress Tile Layer To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 246-1497

contact: 241-8210

To work 5 days per week salary $10.00 per hour.

contact: 231-1489

• To work 5 days per week • Must be able to work weekends and holidays • Must be knowledgeable of chemicals and fertilization • Must be able to speak English and have own vehicle

Interested persons please contact: 649-232-2272 10824

Is looking for a

Housekeeper To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour

contact: 241-8210

10827

NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Labourer BAYVIEW MOTORS Is looking to employ a

• Who will be responsible for the daily maintenance, cleaning of the building, refuse removal and any other related duties • All applicants must possess a valid driver’s license • Willing to work weekends and holidays • Must be able to drive a manual vehicle

Please submit all application between 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm Bayview Motors Ltd. P.O. Box 619 Leeway Highway. Providenciales

Labourer/Senior Hatchery Technician

Salary: $8.00 per hour. Send resume to: Saunders & Co, Town Centre Building, Providenciales, Attention: Caicos Conch Farm.

10817

Trade Wind Industries Limited, owners & operators of the Caicos Conch Farm in Leeward seeks to employ a Labourer/Senior Conch Hatchery Technician with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the domestic cultivation of Caribbean queen conch and a familiarity with warm water fin fish. This is a 57 hour per week labor position that involves the maintenance and upkeep of conch and fish currently growing at the Caicos Conch Farm. Daily job activities include cleaning and waste removal from conch ponds / cleaning and waste removal from fish tanks / the sorting, counting, relocating and harvesting of conch and fish /general maintenance of the facility including (but not limited to) trash removal, site maintenance, repairs etc. Other related and necessary duties may be as assigned.

TIDES INVESTMENTS LTD. c/o Saunders Management Ltd., Town Centre Mall, 23 Parade Avenue, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following property pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands: UNITS A3-7 and A4-7 SITUATED IN BUILDING “A” AT THE ATRIUM, LEEWARD, BEING PARCELS 60902/186/K29 & K39, LEEWARD GOING THROUGH, PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS (the “Property”) The Property consists of a two-storey two-bedroom penthouse apartment at The Atrium containing approximately 2,094 square feet (including large terrace on the second level), having 2 bedrooms, 2-1/2 bathrooms, combined living and dining area, kitchen and large terrace. The registered proprietor is Riva Holdings Ltd.

The Auction will be held at the offices of Saunders & Co., Second Floor, Town Centre Mall, 23 Parade Avenue at 10 o’clock in the morning on Monday January 27, 2015. A reserve price will be fixed on the Property. A deposit of 10% of the amount of any accepted bid is due immediately upon the acceptance of a bid.

For more information, contact Laurence C. Caroe of Saunders & Co., Town Centre Mall, 23 Parade Avenue, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Telephone: (649) 941-4500. E-mail: lc@saunders.tc.

10883

Is looking to fill the following positions:

10831

Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $8.00 per hour.

10828

AGNES SWANN

contact: 241-5060

contact: 941-8660

10885

10886

contact: 231-0337

To work 6 days per week salary $7.00 per hour.

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

10783

To work 6 days per week salary $8.00 per hour.

January 3 - 9, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

JOB VACANCY

Momentous Ltd. is seeking qualified individuals to fill the following opening. Only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and requirements will be considered. All candidates must be willing to work unusual hours including weekends and public holidays. All candidates must be non-smokers. Applicants will be required to pass a written skills test. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Suitably qualified Belongers who possess the qualifications listed are encouraged to apply. All applications accepted at www.momentous.tc.

Assistant Manager – Registrar Relations Experience & Qualifications: • Ability to communicate, liaise, and negotiate internally and externally using appropriate methods to facilitate the development of profitable business and sustainable relationships • Strong understanding of Microsoft Office applications and ability to troubleshoot/ diagnose computer and network issues • Diploma in Business Administration or Commerce • 5+ years project management experience • 5+ years managing and executing marketing plans including tradeshow planning & execution and B2B marketing • 5+ years client relationship management • 5+ years policy planning and implementation • 5+ years experience in legal contract drafting and negotiation • 5+ years experience in budget planning, pricing analysis and planning and ROI analysis • Working knowledge of the domain name industry and ICANN Registry policies • Multi-lingual (English & French preferred) 10829

PUBLIC NOTICE BRITISH ATLANTIC FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD. (in Provisional Liquidation) At a Hearing on November 20th, in the Supreme Court of the Turks & Caicos Islands It was Ordered that 1. The hearing of the Petition be adjourned until the 9th of January 2015 at 9am at the Court House, Providenciales. 2. Mr. Joseph Connolly care of PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Turks and Caicos Islands and Mr. David Walker of PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Cayman Islands, be and hereby are appointed as Provisional Liquidators (the “Provisional Liquidators”) of British Atlantic Financial Services Ltd. (“the Company”) until the Petition can be disposed of by the Court. 3. Any one of the Provisional Liquidators shall have the powers set out in section 117 of the Companies Ordinance (CAP 16.08) (the “Companies Ordinance”) which they may exercise without the sanction or intervention of the Court save that the power contained in Section 117(b) be varied so as to include a power to carry on the business (or any part of the business) of the Company as a going concern. As part of the provisional liquidation process the provisional liquidators are requesting that all policyholders and creditors complete proof of debt forms. These forms will be available either at: • The office of British Atlantic Financial Services Limited – (In Provisional Liquidation) • By email from joseph.p.connolly@tc.pwc.com Any questions regarding the completion of the form should be addressed in the first instance to the offices of British Atlantic Financial Services Ltd. (In Provisional Liquidation) at 941-5614 10802

Paradise Ltd is seeking:

Scooter Store Clerk Requirements: • Must hold current motorcycle license. Vespa technician certification in 4-stroke scooter operation and maintenance strongly preferred. • Must have 5 years’ experience in a retail/accounting/clerical position and proof thereof. • Bachelor’s degree in business or marketing preferred. • Must demonstrate computer proficiency and in-depth knowledge of QuickBooks, Excel, Adobe and Microsoft Word. • Must be available to work early mornings, late nights, weekends and holidays. • Must be organized detail oriented team player with excellent communication skills. Excellent command of English language is required, secondary language of Spanish preferred. • Clean police record required. Belongers need only apply. Salary will commensurate with experience.

Applicants please apply to paradise.provo@gmail.com. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

10826

34 CLASSIFIEDS

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

New Grace Bay Venture Is looking for the following:

Restaurant Chef

• Must be willing to work weekends, nights and holidays • Must be willing to work 6 days per week, clean kitchen after service • Must have a good knowledge of Mediterranean food, grilling/bbq, sauces, butchery, cooking of seafood and dressing • Must have current Food Safety and Hygiene certification

Kitchen Helper

• Must be willing to work weekends, nights and holidays • Must be willing to work 6 days per week, clean kitchen after service • Must have good knowledge in food preparation • Must be physically fit to unload trucks and move supplies between work areas

Waitress

• Must be willing to work weekends, nights and holidays • Must be willing to work 6 days per week, clean bar after service • Take food and drink orders, serve customers and show attention to detail • Must have knowledge in service and hygiene conscious • Must be friendly, professional and have good customer relationship

Pls call 341 5856 for applications 10812

January 3 - 9, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS 35

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Cook

PASSION BEAUTY SALON & SUPPLIES Is looking for a

Part-time position for a Cook/ Housekeeper twenty hours per week must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays salary $10.00 per hour must have own transportation Cleaner needed to work 8 hours per week salary $7.00 per hour.

hairdresser To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

HUMAN RESOURCE OFFICER

Grand Turk (Salary T 30 $ 33,360.00) 19th December, 2014

contact 331-1809 closing date for applications is January 21st, 2014 Belongers only need apply 10756

contact: 333-1235

10800

Currently hiring FT & PT positions

Sky Pilot

Experienced

Parasail Captain

With 10+ years of experience for Parasail Company.

contact is 333-3000

VACANCIES

for Counter Server at Turkberry Frozen Yogurt (Regent Village). • Hours include daytime, evening, weekend and holidays. • Applicant must be outgoing, trustworthy, willing to learn, take direction from superiors. • Fluent reading and writing in English is mandatory. • Duties include serving customers, some food prep work, cashiering and cleaning counters and tables. • Prior experience preferred but not mandatory - a great attitude will prevail! • Job is open to Turks Islanders only. Applications should be submitted at www.momentous.tc or in person at Neptune Crt. Unit 204 (Momentous Ltd.) during business hours (10 am - 3 pm). 10807

The job holder will be responsible to advise Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments on the implementation of policies relating to the effective use of personnel throughout the Public Service in accordance with the Public Service Ordinance, the Employee Handbook and the Financial Regulations. The successful candidate will be assigned to a number of departments and will have responsibility for coordinating a wide range of human resource functions required by those departments. Previous applicants need not reapply

DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE

Providenciales (22nd December, 2014) SALARY $55,000.00 per annum The Director of Agriculture will be responsible for the Administration of the Department of Agriculture, the enforcement of Laws and Regulations pertaining thereto. Also the securing and the holding of Borders as this pertains to National Agricultural priorities and control of and elimination of Feral Animals.

SOCIAL WORKER

Grand Turk (22nd December 2014) SALARY: $24,840.00 per annum The incumbent in this position will be responsible for counseling clients and their families, interviewing and assessing foster families and collaborating with other departments and organizations to ensure that the needs of disadvantaged persons in the communities are met.

FIRE SAFETY OFFICER

Providenciales (22nd December, 2014) SALARY: $16,200.00 per annum

WESLEY LEWIS

The incumbent in this position will be responsible for safe guard.

Is looking for a

CLERICAL ASSISTANTS (Various)

Labourer To work 6 days

per week salary $6.00 per hour

contact: 244-8820

10799

North Caicos and Providenciales (22nd December 2014) SALARY: T1 $15,720 per annum The incumbent in this position will be responsible for clerical and administrative tasks to support the daily functions of the Office.

SRF CONSTRUCTION

MAGISTRATE

Is looking for the following positions:

Mason Steel man

Grand Turk (22nd December, 2014) SALARY: $57,600.00 per annum (tax free)

Must be able to work 6 days per week salary $300.00 per week contact: 247-9445

10798

KVANAR Ltd

The successful applicant must be able to provide legal advice to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police and other Statutory Bodies in the investigation and prosecution of the full range of criminal offences, and, in particular, direct investigations, prosecutions and related proceedings in connection with serious fraud and money laundering cases.

Construction Site Supervisor For a 4 (four) month contract commencing early January 2015.

• Able to work under own direction and able to manage direct and sub contract labor • Able to carry out own take offs and material orders, produce regular progress reports, purchase reports and the like • Have a very high level of finishes exper ience

REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT

Grand Turk (SALARY: $57,600.00 per annum (tax free) 5th January, 2015

10808

Please email résumé and covering letter to info@kvanar.com Deadline for applications Dec 31, 2014. Interviews to be held for successful applicants on Jan 5, 2015 Remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

Providenciales (16th January 2015) SALARY: US$125,000 per annum

Is seeking a

Qualifications/Experience needed: • Skilled at reading, interpreting and understanding Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Drawings • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Project & Outlook • Excellent written and oral skills

As one of a bench currently comprising three magistrates, the post-holder will be responsible for the conduct of the Magistrate’s Court in Grand Turk of cases regarding criminal, traffic, youth justice, juvenile (care and protection), guardianship and custody of children, maintenance/affiliation and civil matters and coroner’s inquests.

Working under the direction of the Chief Justice, the post-holder will be responsible for the efficient day-to-day operations of the Supreme Court and its Registry. He/She will issue process and ensure due execution of judgments; supervise the administration of cases including setting dates for and issuing hearing notices; ensure that all files are properly maintained; manage the Registry Office and supervise staff and correspond with Attorneys and Litigants. 10790

36 CLASSIFIEDS

Brama Kumaris

Raja Yoga Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands

Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101

www.bkwsu.com Email: bkpadma@bkwsutci.com

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 3 - 9, 2015

FLOWER GIRL

Wanted urgently

Floral Designer

Must have thorough knowledge in the floral business with 3-5 years experience.

Call: 231-3788

THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE 1981

NOTICE OF STRIKING OFF TAKE NOTICE that in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 183 of the Companies Ordinance 1981, the companies listed were struck off the Register of Companies on the dates opposite their names, the reason being that I have reasonable cause to believe that the affairs of the companies are fully wound

up.

FOR REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES

Reg.No. Company Name Date Struck

E.7010 0.3828 E.2630 E.9502 0.3690 E.29659 E.16331 0.5287 E.9980 0.7297 0.7607 0.5410 E.4446 E.24245 E.3872 0.7396 E.29775 E.12940 E.16371 E.31207 E.31377 E.4070 E.13646 E.2913 E.24477 E.28784 E.24916 E.24597 0.2747 E.31208 E.9635 E.4254 0.5695 E.26895 E.12334 E.20299 E.25136 E.11182 E.22965

E.28151 E.22269 E.37576 0.7073 E.1629 E.19844 0.7596 E.29677 E.31618 E.24121 0.1569 E.5628 E.37194 E.19038 E.12332 E.13144 0.9069 E.22924 E.25516 E.24168 E.30704 E.37193 E.4736 0.4967 E.19270 E.17976 E.16098 UC.18 E.2991 0.7431 E.31621 E.21547 E.23332 E.24016 0.3378 E.26727 E.7661 E.33383 E.28061

ADELA FINANCE COMPANY LIMITED ADVANCE HOLDINGS LTD. AEGEAN FINANCE COMPANY LIMITED AGENSYS CORPORATION ALPINE ASSURANCE LTD. ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LTD. AMERASIAN INVESTMENTS INC. APEX FINANCIAL LTD. ATLAS INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED AZIMUTH LTD BAIA BLU LTD. BARLIN HOLDINGS LTD. BRITFARM HOLDINGS LIMITED BROOKDALE MANAGEMENT INC. CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUNDING LilTED CHEROKEE LTD. CHINOS.A. COMMERCIAL TRADE VENTURES LTD DORAN FINANCE CORPORATION DRAGON FINANCIAL SERVICES DUMAY INVESTMENTS LIMITED ELMBROOK SERVICES INC. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES LIMITED FIRE AND CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED GLOBAL CONSOLIDATIONS LTD GOLDEN EGG CAPITAL LIMITED GRADMAN LIMITED HARVARD ONE TRADING INTERLAND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT GROUP LIMITED INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS LIMITED JACKSON CORPORATION JANSON HOLDING CORPORATION LAROSE RICHARDSON LTD LEOGEM INTERNATIONAL LESO CORPORATION LIMITED EDITION INC. MARINE TANKERS (CREWING) SERVICES M-Corp International, Ltd. MEDINA SERVICES LIMITED

15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14 15-Nov-14

NATIONAL RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED NOBLE (SERVICES) LTD. NORTHWAY INVESTMENTS LIMITED OASIS DEVELOPMENTS LTD. OCEAN MANAGEMENT LIMITED Omega Reinsurance Company OSPREY PROPERTIES LTD P & D CONSULTING PINNACLE INC. PREMIER EASTERN LIMITED PRITCHARD CONSTRUCTION (B.W.I.) LIMITED PRIVATE INVESTMENT COMPANY LTD. REMY GAS, OIL AND ENERGY CORPORATION RIND CONSULTING LIMITED ROGU HOLDINGS LTD RTO REINSURANCE, LTD. SANDEX INVESTMENTS LIMITED SEARAY CAPITAL LTD. SHAND LIMITED SO ENTERPRISES STEINBACH INC. Sturm Limited SWISS OVERSEAS FINANCE COMPANY LTD. T.C. MARINE & CASUALTY INSURANCE LTD. TAI PING YANG TRADING LIMITED TASMANIA INVESTMENT SERVICES LIMITED TEX DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED TITRON MEDIA COMPANY LLC TOOSA LIMITED TRADEWINDS CONSULTING LTD TRANFIN SERVICES LTD. TRANSGLOBAL INTERNATIONAL (HOLDINGS) INC. VANTAGE CORPORATIONS LTD. VINCENTIA PROPERTIES LIMITED WI V CABLE LTD. WICHITA SERVICES INC. WESSEX INTERNATIONAL LIMITED W.T.W.L. CO. ZEAL CONSULTING LTD.

January 3 - 9, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 37

JAMES WILLIAMS Is looking for a

Domestic Worker To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.

10806

JEROME BROWN Is looking for a

Domestic Worker

To work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour. contact: 242-3858 10804

1-Joiner Salary payable $12.00 per hr.

Contact Anthony

231-1057

10810

VENICE GRAY

Is looking for a

labourer To work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.

contact: 243-9961

10822

Career Opportunities

Grace Bay Club is looking for candidates that have the requirements listed along with an outgoing professional manner. They love to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization. Their management style is one that balances a commitment to people and their development with business/financial accountability and delivers an exceptional guest experience

Fine Dining Restaurant Manager Requirements: • Certification in Food & Beverage Management • A minimum of 4 years experience operating a luxury a la carte restaurant • Experience in quality and efficiency initiatives • Must be able to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization. • Responsible for ordering and receiving food and beverage shipments. • Maintain food and equipment inventories, and keep inventory records. • Responsible for hiring and training restaurant staff • Evaluate employees and conduct shift line ups and restaurant cost controls • Micros Administrative Knowledge Required. • Certified Departmental Trainer • Extensive knowledge of wines from around the world (Sommelier educational training would be an added advantage) • Expertise in fine wines and knowledge of Wine Spectator’s Award Process. • Ability to conduct Wine Training / tasting and pairing with food. Qualified Belongers need only apply. Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Houseman

Requirements: • Ensure the cleanliness of all hotel areas. • Assist with bellman duties • Maintain household cleaning supplies • Assist in all Housekeeping responsibilities, transporting linen, assist in cleaning of all guests’ room, stocking amenities and linens • Perform any other tasks or projects as directed by Housekeeping Management to continue high levels of guest care. • Ensure inventory is used properly and in supply at all times. • Ensure houseman room is kept clean, tidy and organized at all times • Assist housekeeping staff with laundry removal and unit cleaning • Clean and maintain lobby, entrance doors and bell trolleys Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Cook

Job Requirements: • Middle level culinary skills • Dependable, proactive, organized, team player • Education from a formal culinary program • At least two to three years cooking experience; preparing international breakfast, lunch and dinner in regional cooking environment • Sanitation certificate • Ability to plan, organize and execute meal plans • Must speak and read English fluently • Additional languages an asset Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Domestic Worker/ Housekeeper

Job Requirements: • Ensure the cleanliness of all hotel areas • Assist in all Housekeeping responsibilities, cleaning of all guest rooms, stocking amenities and linens • physical stamina and mobility including ability to reach, kneel and bend

• ability to lift, push and pull required load (usually about 30lbs) • Ensure inventory is used properly and in supply at all times • Possess knowledge of proper cleaning supplies and chemical handling Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Restaurant Servers:

Job Overview: Qualified individuals should have a minimum of 3 years restaurant experience. Individuals must possess strong work ethics; have a working knowledge of fine dining steps of service, and the ability to provide our guests with an outstanding dining experience. Servers should be industry professionals with excellent food and wine knowledge. Job Requirements: • Responsibilities include setup, organization and cleanup of service areas. • Responsible for staying current with daily menu items and changing wine lists. • Must be able to work as part of a motivated, high energy team that takes pride in their work. • Lifting of trays loaded with food, plates and glassware required. • Responsible for responding to any situation at any given time in a professional and courteous manner. This may include answering any questions posed by guests • Stack, lift and carry trays in a systematic and safe manner • Clean and retrieve tables in a neat, timely and professional manner. • Receive, process, and present all food and beverage orders according to Grace Bay Club standards • Responsible for using suggestive selling techniques, when appropriate and doing so in a courteous manner to up sell and in turn increase the average check Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Sous Chef

Duties: • Running of the kitchen on a day to day basis in the absence of the Head Chef. • Lead and inspire the team to ensure the kitchen runs smoothly at all times. • Help develop the junior chefs. • Ensure consistency of produce throughout the kitchen. • Supervise service ensuring presentation of food is compliant with GBC standards. • Assist the Head Chef in menu compilation and possess an in depth knowledge of the full menu. • Support the management team to ensure targets are met with labour and food costs. • Compliance with food labeling and temperature controls. Requirements: • Have previous experience working in a similar role. • Demonstrate excellent communication and influencing skills. • Be able to work effectively as part of a team whilst undertaking a leadership role. Identify ways to improve profitability. • Be able to demonstrate an up to date and in depth understanding of the industry. • Continually strive to achieve personal goals and objectives. • Lead by example and offer clear direction to team. • Be uncompromising in achieving company standards. • Communicate relevant business information regularly, efficiently and concisely to their team. Builds effective and constructive relationships

Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than December 31st 2014 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1050 Email: humanresources@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 3 - 9, 2015

Science & Technology

Scientists prove century long drought caused Maya Civilization wipe out THE Mayans were an American Indian people of Yucatan and Belize and Guatemala civilization, and they had a culture that was characterised by outstanding architecture and pottery as well as astronomy between AD 300 and 900; but their sudden disappearance from the face of the earth has been a thing of utmost conjectures and concern to scientists.

They wanted to know why the people got wiped out, while their architecture and potteries and other relics of ancient existence have survived them. But then, mineral extractions from “Blue Hole”, a popular underwater cave found in Belize, has indicated that a great drought appeared to have occurred at the exact time the Mayan civilization was on the decline, leading to

FOR SALE

their eventual destruction. It is believed from analyzed sediments that a long drought occurred between 800 AD and 900 AD, prompting the Mayans to move north when the rains eventually came, but it appeared another stretch of enduring drought brought the Mayans to their end. Andre Droxler, a researcher from Rice University examined mineral deposits at the Great

Blue Hole – which is a 1,000foot crater almost 40 miles off the coast of Belize – and analyzed the composition of titanium to aluminum. Being a big bucket that served as a sediment trap, the researchers found that considerable amounts of titanium from volcanic rocks ended up in the Atlantic Ocean during the rain period, but titanium appeared to run out during the dry periods.

THE Mayans were an American Indian people of Yucatan, Belize and Guatemala.

Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788

January 3 - 9, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Science & Technology Scientists link risk of obesity to year of birth RESEARCHERS are now suggesting that the year of a person’s birth is related to his obesity risk. People born before 1942, it was found during in a study, were less likely to be affected by obesity as compared to those born after the watershed period. The risk increases progressively as does the number of years. “We found that the correlation between the best known obesityassociated gene variant and body mass index increased significantly as the year of birth of participants increased,” said lead author James Niels Rosenquist from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), in a press release. Data collected from the participants of the Framingham Offspring Study and their children between 1971 and 2008 was carefully studied by researchers before arriving at this conclusion. The participants of the aforementioned study were between 27 to 63 years

of age. Those conducting the study also took into account the height of the participants, their body mass index (BMI) and the gene variants inherited by them. Though they failed to establish a correlation between obesity risk variant and BMI for those born before 1942, those born after this year were seen to be twice as susceptible to obesity. Authors also pointed out that this could be due to the huge improvement on the technology frontand the easy availability of high calorie processed food after the World War . “We know that environment plays a huge role in the expression of genes, and the fact that our effect can be seen even among siblings born during different years implies that global environmental factors such as trends in food products and workplace activity, not just those found within families, may impact genetic traits,” Rosenquist said.

Smartphone use ‘changing our brains’ OUR brains are adapting to touchscreen smartphone technology say researchers who have carried out a study on human volunteers. The scientists used something called electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity. They found distinct differences between smartphone users and people who used ‘conventional’ cellphones. Smartphone users had more attuned fingers and thumbs, based on their EEG readings. Of the 37 volunteers, 26 were touchscreen smartphone users while 11 used ‘oldfashioned’ mobile phones. The EEG readings looked at the electrical messages sent back and forth between the brain and the hands via nerves. Multiple electrodes placed on the volunteer’s scalp recorded these exchanges

Life choices ‘behind more than four in 10 cancers’

Researchers found distinct differences between smartphone users and people who used ‘conventional’ cellphones.

thumb, index and middle fingers. And this appeared to be linked to how often they used their touchscreens - the more frequent, the greater the EEG response. The researchers say their findings, published in the

journal Current Biology, make sense given that the brain is malleable and can be moulded by experience. For example, in violinists, the brain area representing the fingers that play the instrument is larger than in non-musicians.

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about sensation. From this, the researchers were able to build up a picture or map of how much brain tissue is devoted to a given body region. The results revealed discernable differences between touchscreen smartphone users and people with conventional cellphones. Smartphone users had bigger EEG brain activity measurements in response to mechanical touch on the

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Science & Technology

January 3 - 9, 2015

Scientists say Ebola outbreak started in a hollow tree in Guinea ACCORDING to research published Tuesday by the Robert KochInstitute, fruit bats are almost certainly to blame for the current Ebola outbreak, which has claimed 7,800 lives so far. But while most outbreaks caused by a fruit bat would have someone who hunted or handled the mammal for meat to blame for the contagion, the researchers believe that this case of bat-to-human transmission was sparked by children at play. Ebola is a zoonotic disease -- one that’s spread between species. The first human cases of Ebola can indeed be traced roughly to the hunting, selling and eating of bushmeat, or wild mammals like bats and nonhuman primates. In parts of West Africa, where the current outbreak is at large, bushmeat still lingers despite its dangers. But the first case of 2014’s outbreak has been traced to someone who shouldn’t have had much contact with bushmeat. In October, researchers reported that patient zero of the outbreak was likely a 2-yearold boy named Emile Ouamouno who lived in the Guinea village of Meliandou. In the new study, which was published Tuesday in EMBO Molecular Medicine, researchers sleuthed around Emile’s village for clues about how he’d contracted the deadly virus. They checked large local mammals, but none of them

A large hollow tree, often filled with colonies of bats, where children from the village are known to play might have started the spread of the disease.

showed signs of an Ebola outbreak that could have spilled over into the human population. Bats seem more likely in this case, the researchers claim. But that left another question: If hunting or eating bat meat had caused the first infections, why hadn’t an adult -- who surely would have had more contact with the bats than a toddler who might nibble on them -- get Ebola first? It’s possible to get the virus just from extended contact with an infected, living animal, but Meliandou isn’t a forest -- it’s a fairly modern village. By interviewing local villagers,

the researchers found their answer: A large hollow tree, often filled with colonies of bats, where children from the village are known to play. But it’s important to note that the evidence that these particular bats can carry and spread Ebola is still sparse. And as David Quammen points out at National Geographic, the implications of this theory are troubling (because the bat is so common in many areas) but raise intriguing questions as well: The Angolan free-tailed bat is a forest creature that has become a village creature; as the great trees (including the hollow trees, like that one in Méliandou) have been felled, replaced by clearings and gardens and settlements, the bat has been forced to adapt. It has become synanthropic, closely associated with humans. Now it roosts in the hundreds beneath the thatch and metal roofs of village houses, just overhead as people eat and sleep. With at least one case now reported in Scotland, adding to cases and deaths as far from Guinea as Spain and the United States, there’s something especially ghastly about the idea that a day climbing trees might have started the outbreak’s cascade through West Africa. Since all of this evidence is fairly circumstantial, the researchers will have to follow up in the lab to show once and for all that these bats could have been the culprit. (BostonGlobe)

New record for deepest fish A NEW record has been set for the world’s deepest fish. The bizarre-looking creature, which is new to science, was filmed 8,145m beneath the waves, beating the previous depth record by nearly 500m. Several other new species of fish were also caught on camera, as well as huge crustaceans called supergiants. The animals were discovered during an international expedition to the Mariana Trench, which lies almost 11km down in the Pacific Ocean. The 30-day voyage took place from the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel, Falkor, and is the most comprehensive survey of world’s deepest place ever undertaken. The Hadal Ecosystem Studies (Hades) team deployed unmanned landers more than 90 times to depths that ranged between 5,000m and 10,600m. They studied both steep walls of the undersea canyon. Dr Jeff Drazen, co-chief scientist from the University of Hawaii, US, said: “Many studies have rushed to the bottom of the trench, but from an ecological view that is very limiting. “It’s like trying to understand a

The fish moves in from the bottom-left of the image towards the baited lander.

mountain ecosystem by only looking at its summit.” The University of Aberdeen’s Hadal Lander - the UK’s deepest diving vehicle - recorded more than 100 hours of deep-sea footage. Until this expedition, the deepest fish had been found in the Japan Trench, also in the Pacific Ocean. A 17-strong shoal of pink, gelatinous snailfish (Pseudoliparis amblystomopsis) were recorded 7,700m down. Dr Alan Jamieson, from Oceanlab

at the University of Aberdeen, said: “After we found these, we started seeing them in other deep trenches. Each trench has its own snailfish species. “And we saw one in the Mariana Trench at more than 8,000m, and we think it’s a new species.” The team thought they had broken the deepest-fish record, but then another pale pink species came to feed at the lander, which is loaded with bait, even further down at 8,145m.

The outbreak led to 14 deaths in babies under three months of age - the group who are most vulnerable to infection.

Whooping cough proteins evolving ‘unusually’ fast WHOOPING cough may be evolving to outsmart the currently used vaccine, say researchers. Analysis of strains from 2012 shows the parts of the pertussis bacterium that the vaccine primes the immune system to recognise are changing. It may have “serious consequences” in future outbreaks, UK researchers state in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. But experts stressed the vaccine remains highly effective in protecting the most vulnerable young babies. There has been a global resurgence of whooping cough in recent years. In 2012, there were almost 10,000 confirmed cases in England and Wales - a dramatic increase from the last “peak” of 900 cases in 2008. The outbreak led to 14 deaths in babies under three months of age the group who are most vulnerable to infection. Rising figures prompted health officials to recommend vaccination of pregnant women so immunity could be passed to their newborns - a strategy that a recent study showed was working well. But there has been much debate among experts about whether the introduction of a new vaccine in 2004 has been a factor in rising rates of whooping cough. One issue is that immunity from the newer acellular vaccine - which contains specific proteins from the surface of the bacteria - does not seem to last as long as the previous whole cell version, leaving teenagers and adults lacking protection. In the latest study, researchers analysed the genes coding for the proteins on the surface of the pertussis bacterium responsible for the UK outbreak. They found proteins being targeted by the vaccine were mutating at a faster rate than other surface proteins not included in the vaccine. Potentially it means the bacteria is changing quickly to get around immune system’s defences put in place with immunisation. It is also known as pertussis and

is caused by a species of bacteria, Bordetella pertussis It mostly affects infants, who are at highest risk of complications and even death The earliest signs are similar to a common cold, then develop into a cough and can even result in pneumonia Babies may turn blue while coughing due to a lack of oxygen The cough tends to come in short bursts followed by desperate gasps for air (the whooping noise) Adults can be infected - but the infection often goes unrecognised But the researchers are still trying to work out what the changes mean in reality - for example do the mutations boost the ability of the bacteria to cause infection. “We wanted to look at strains from the UK to see if there was anything sudden that had occurred that had led to these really large outbreaks,” said study leader Dr Andrew Preston from the University of Bath. The “million dollar question” he said was what, if anything, could be done to improve the vaccine - which is still the best defence we have - and prevent future outbreaks. Options to consider include adding more or different proteins to the vaccine, adding novel adjuvants - chemicals which boost the immune response, or even revisiting the oldstyle whole cell vaccine, he said. “Pertussis has a cyclical nature and other big question is are we going to see another increase in late 2015,” he added Prof Adam Finn, a paediatric immunology expert at the University of Bristol said the importance - or not - of the subtle changes found in the study was as yet unclear. “But the control of pertussis is a significant worry,” he added. Only 60% of pregnant women have had the pertussis vaccine and we should be doing more to raise awareness of its benefits, he said. “There is very good new evidence that vaccinating pregnant women protects their babies. And the group we really want to protect is newborn babies,” he said. (BBC)

January 3 - 9, 2015

Sports Interational

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Bianchi still unconscious as he begins rehabilitation programme

Lionel Messi joined Barcelona after moving from Argentina as an 11-year-old.

Barcelona ready to hit back after transfer ban appeal fails BARCELONA says the transfer ban placed on the club is “disproportionate” and “excessive.” The Catalan club hit back on Tuesday after losing its appeal to the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) following the decision to ban it from being able to sign new players over the next 12 months. CAS stated that Barcelona was guilty of breaching FIFA rules on signing minors and confirmed that the club would be unable to add to its squad during the next two transfer windows. “The Panel found in particular that FC Barcelona had breached the rules regarding the protection of minors and the registration of minors attending football academies. Accordingly, the FIFA decision is confirmed in full and the sanction remains in force,” a CAS statement read. Barcelona, which was also fined $455,000, said it “totally disagrees” with the verdict and will now study the different legal options at its disposal including the Swiss Federal Courts. In a statement, Barcelona said that it “understands and supports the policy on the protection of minors and the concern for the protection of their development and education.” It added: “This is confirmed by how the club has acted throughout its history, setting an example around the world for the way its young footballers are schooled and educated, and the work that is done on their development. FC Barcelona’s youth structure has enabled hundreds of young players to achieve their dreams and receive a decent upbringing. “The errors that the club might have committed, and which have been recognized and argued before the corresponding authorities are, in all cases, of an administrative nature and to a large extent have been caused by the existing conflict between the FIFA regulations and Spanish legislation, along with the club’s conviction that it was acting correctly. “Therefore, FC Barcelona considers the sanction to be

completely disproportionate as it supposes an excessive punishment for the club, when considering its trajectory and the circumstances of this specific case.” Barcelona has one of the most famous and successful academies in the game with young players from all over the world learning their trade with the club. “La Masia” as it is known, has helped produced talents such as Lionel Messi, who arrived from Argentina at the age of 11. The ruling comes after an investigation found the club had broken regulations regarding the transfer of young players from outside Spain. FIFA’s investigation focused on several players aged under 18 who were registered and played for the club between 2009 and 2013. Under FIFA laws, clubs are not allowed to sign international players under the age of 18 unless the player is moving within the European Union, is aged between 16 and 18 and moving with their parents or the club and the player both live within 50 kilometers of a shared national border. Barcelona was originally handed a 14-month ban in April but launched an appeal to FIFA, world football’s governing body which was rejected in August. But the decision to appeal to CAS meant Barcelona was allowed to complete a number of signings in the intervening period. Barcelona splashed out a reported $128.5 million to sign Uruguay international Luis Suarez from Liverpool. Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen was brought in from Arsenal for $30m while French defender Jeremy Mathieu and Chilean goalkeeper Claudio Bravo also arrived at Camp Nou. Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic from Sevilla joined Barca for a fee of $23.9m with the club also paying $3m to Dinamo Zagreb for Alen Halilovic. Luis Enrique’s side currently sits second in La Liga, one point behind fierce rival Real Madrid. (CNN)

JULES Bianchi remains unconscious in a French hospital following his horrific crash at October’s Japanese Grand Prix, but the Formula One driver has begun a programme of rehabilitation therapy, according to a statement released by his family on Tuesday. Bianchi, who suffered a head injury while driving for the now defunct Marussia team, skidded off the track in wet conditions and collided with a recovery vehicle. The Frenchman sustained a “diffuse axonal injury” which causes widespread tearing of nerve fibers across the whole of the brain,according to UK brain charity, Headway. He returned to France last month and was treated at the intensive care unit of Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice (CHU) before moving on to the rehabilitation center. “As we reach the conclusion of a difficult year for our family, we wanted to take this opportunity to provide a further update regarding Jules’ medical situation, per our pledge to communicate continued information, when appropriate, to his many fans,” said the driver’s parents, Philippe and Christine in a statement. “It was a significant and very comforting step for us to be able to bring Jules home to France last month, to continue his rehabilitation surrounded by his family and friends.

Jules Bianchi suffered a head injury while driving for the now defunct Marussia team.

This is very important for Jules and also for us. “Jules’ neurological status remains unchanged; he is unconscious but able to breathe unaided. Whilst there is no significant information to report, we take a great deal of comfort from the fact that Jules continues to fight, as we knew he would, and this has enabled the medical professionals caring for him to commence the planned, but very painstaking, program of rehabilitation therapy.” Bianchi’s parents say they will continue to provide updates of their son’s progress and thanked the public for their ongoing support. The statement added: “As we reflect on the events of the past few months, we would like to acknowledge once again the

overwhelming warmth and affection shown towards our son. These continue to be challenging times for our family, but the knowledge that he has touched the lives of so many people all around the world has helped us through.” Earlier this month, the FIA published a report which stated that Bianchi “did not slow sufficiently to avoid losing control” during his crash at the Suzuka circuit. Bianchi’s Marussia team folded in November after administrators failed to find fresh investment. In the days after the crash, Marussia moved to address accusations that Bianchi had not reduced his speed and that the team had actively encouraged him not to do so.

India captain Dhoni quits Test cricket

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who made his debut in 2005 and was captain for 60 of his 90 Tests, quit after India drew the third Test against Australia on Tuesday.

INDIA captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has retired from Test cricket. The 33-year-old, who made his debut in 2005 and was captain for 60 of his 90 Tests, quit after India drew the third Test against Australia on Tuesday. Dhoni has retired from Tests “in order to concentrate” on the 50 over and Twenty20 formats, with India’s one-day World Cup defence starting in February. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) called Dhoni “one of India’s greatest Test captains”. The statement added: “BCCI, while respecting the decision of MS Dhoni, wishes to thank him for his enormous contribution to Test cricket and the laurels that he has brought to India.” Dhoni, rated by Forbes earlier this year as the fifth richest sportsman in the world with an annual brand value of £12.9 million, took over as Test captain from Anil Kumble in 2008 after leading India to the inaugural World Twenty20 title in 2007. India lost only one of Dhoni’s first 13 Test series in charge, winning eight - a run that saw them top the

world rankings from late 2009 until the summer of 2011, a period in which Dhoni also led his team to victory in the one-day World Cup on home soil. However, India surrendered their number one ranking with a 4-0 whitewash in England, a result that began their poor run away from home and after last summer’s 3-1 defeat in England, Dhoni hinted he might stand down as captain. He will be replaced by Virat Kohli as captain for the fourth and final Test against Australia which starts on 6 January in Sydney. Record-breaking batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who quit Test cricket last year, tweeted: “Well done on a wonderful career in Test cricket. Always enjoyed playing together. Next target 2015 WC my friend!!” Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar told NDTV: “India will miss Dhoni big time because he gave a new dimension to Indian cricket. “Over the last year or so, the pressure of captaincy was probably affecting his wicket-keeping. The amount of cricket he was playing probably told on him.” (BBC)

Sports Interational

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 3 - 9, 2015

Khan has good chance of beating Pacquiao, says Hunter AMIR Khan’s trainer Virgil Hunter believes that the 28-year-old Khan has a good chance of beating WBO 147lb champ Manny Pacquiao (57-52, 38 KOs) if the two fighters mix it up in 2015. Hunter believes that Floyd Mayweather Jr would be a really tough fight for Khan, but he thinks Pacquiao is a winnable fight for him. Khan has talks in the past about having done very well against Pacquiao in sparring sessions when the two fighters were trained by Freddie Roach. In looking at some of the video from one of the sparing sessions, Khan did appear to dominate Pacquiao. Khan used his size, hand speed and combinations to give Pacquiao fits. Of course, that sparring session was quite a long time ago, and it’s hard to know whether Khan could do the same thing now. “I would have to say that I would give Khan more than a better chance at winning that fight,” Hunter said via RingTV.com. “My personality is not to predict but I’m confident that he [Khan] would win that fight.” With Pacquiao going through a five year dry spell where he’s failed to score a knockout since 2009, it would probably mean that Pacquiao would need to go the full 12 round distance with Khan. If it’s a 12 round fight then you have to give Khan the nod because he’s got the better boxing skills than Pacquiao, and he’s bigger, faster and more elusive. Pacquiao would have huge

Usain Bolt’s young dream was to represent Jamaica in cricket, but his father convinced him to take up track and field.

Bolt’s father ended his cricket dream Hunter believes that Floyd Mayweather Jr would be a really tough fight for Amir Khan (seen here), but he thinks Manny Pacquiao is a winnable fight for him.

problems trying to win rounds against a guy like Khan, especially if Khan was fighting off his back foot like he did in his last fight against Devon Alexander. Khan is difficult to hit cleanly when he’s fighting like that, and Pacquiao’s lack of size would cause him problems. Pacquiao’s short reach would cause him to get hit a lot without him having the ability to land anything of substance. With the careful match-making that Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum has done with him, I don’t see him

breaking that pattern to let him fight someone like Khan. Arum isn’t going to make that fight. I think he would either refuse it outright or possibly mention something bizarre like a stadium needing to be built in order for the fight to take place. In other words, Khan wouldn’t get the fight against Pacquiao, and we’ll likely see Pacquiao get matched up next with one of Arum’s Top Rank stable fighters like Jessie Vargas if they can’t make a deal with Floyd Mayweather Jr. (Boxingnews24)

Durant might not be an All-Star this year HOW is it that the reigning NBA MVP isn’t a lock for the NBA AllStar game? For one, conference teams are chosen by the fans in earnest this year. For the 2015 ballot, the NBA flipped the script and let fans choose two guards and three front court players out of anyone with a current NBA contract. This is a change of pace from in years past where voters had to choose from a handpicked list of ‘the best’ or ‘the right’ players. Fans can also vote in one of six ways, including texting or tweeting. If you feel so strongly, you can vote once, for the same person, every day until voting closes on January 19, and you can do so very easily, and it seems like more votes are getting us closer to the truth of things. Go figure. Now, All-Star voting looks to be more closely mirroring to how well players are performing. For instance, John Wall, prior to this year, had never really been respected as the best guard in the league. This could’ve been owing to his lack of either exposure or a midrange jumper. With his Dunk

SPRINT superstar Usain Bolt said Tuesday he wanted to play cricket for Jamaica as a youngster but his father convinced him to take up track and field instead. Bolt, the world’s fastest man, could have followed in the footsteps of Jamaican speedsters Michael Holding and Courtney Walsh, who struck fear into the hearts of batsmen while playing for the West Indies in the 1980s and 90s. Asked on a promotional visit to India why he did not pursue his love of cricket, the six-time Olympic gold medallist replied: “Blame it on my dad.” “My father is a huge cricket fan, but when I got to higher secondary, I had two options — cricket or athletics,” he said. “My dad said because of the system in Jamaica, it would be better to take up athletics. He said, ‘You just have to run fast in athletics while it’s tougher to get into the national (cricket) team’.”

Bolt, an ardent cricket fan, was in Bangalore to captain a seven-a-side team against one led by India’s cricket World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh. The exhibition match, organised by both men’s sponsors, was staged in a stadium in the southern city of Bangalore. Bolt, the world record holder in both the 100m and 200m, said his records at this stage were “pretty much out of reach”. “There are quite a few runners who could challenge me but not beat me,” said Bolt, who has raced just four times this season. “As an athlete, I have seen records come and go. They have always been broken, but if you want to be as great as me, you have to work very hard. That’s why my records will stand the time.” Bolt is set on competing in his final Olympics in Rio in 2016 before calling time on his career in 2017 after the world championships. (BizNews.com)

Russian doping: Wada takes 3,000 samples from athletes

Kevin Durant averaged 22.4 points in his nine games this season. His absence has been due to an ankle injury.

Contest win, the Wizards 2013-14 playoff run, plenty of endorsement deals, and his 50.9 percent shooting from 10-16 feet this season, he’s solved both of those problems, and now he leads the All East guards in voting. By the same token, if you aren’t performing well, or simply not playing, past accolades may not save you (with the obvious and glaring exception of Kobe Bryant, who

somehow leads Chris Paul and James Harden in All West guards voting). We’ve barely even got to see Kevin Durant play this season. He’s averaged 22.4 points, but he’s only played nine games due to an ankle injury, which recently has been found to be more serious than previously thought. After the first reveal of the ballot returns on Christmas Day, Kevin Durant sat at a pretty shaky fifth position in the West with 191,881 votes.

AROUND 3,000 samples have been taken from Russian athletes by officials investigating claims of widespread doping in the country. The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) launched its investigation following allegations made in a German television documentary. Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko confirmed a Wada commission had now visited the country at his request. He said: “They took around 3,000 samples to be checked in laboratories.” Mutko told the sports agency R-Sport: “I wrote a letter to Wada, in which I said very precisely that we were open to receiving any

commission and ready to show everything. “A commission from Wada has already been to visit us, which included three people who were led by the director of science. “We will continue to work along this route and we are completely open.” Programmes aired by the German broadcaster ARD in December contained a number of allegations including one claim that as many as 99% of Russian athletes were doping. There were also allegations of cover-ups from within Russian athletics, while the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) came in for criticism.

January 3 - 9, 2015

Sports Interational

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Woods targets return to form in 2015

‘It would be a dream if 2015 was like 2014 or even better,’ Cristiano Ronaldo said earlier this week.

Ronaldo warns 2015 could be ‘even better’ than 2014

If Cristiano Ronaldo has his way, and he so often does, this scene of the overwhelming favourite to win the Ballon d’Or relaxing by the pool on a luxury yacht off Dubai is the calm before the storm. Ronaldo had a remarkable 2014, even by the Portuguese superstar’s standards, but he believes 2015 can be even better. ‘It would be a dream if 2015 was like 2014 or even better,’ Ronaldo said in an interview published in sports daily As on Saturday. A second Champions League was among Ronaldo’s four titles and he scored an incredible 51 goals in 47 appearances, setting a record of 17

goals for one edition of of Europe’s elite club competition along the way as Real secured a record-extending 10th continental crown and the King’s Cup. Since August 2014 he’s amassed 34 goals in 27 matches in all competitions, with 25 of those in 14 La Liga matches a Spanish record that puts him on course to smash Lionel Messi’s benchmark of 50 in the Spanish domestic competition in 2011-12. But no, in Ronaldo’s world which at the moment means soaking up sunshine in the Middle East during La Liga’s winter break - there is room for improvement. And it’s an achievable goal, he says.

THE Tiger will be back on the prowl in 2015 -- and that’s according to the man himself. Tiger Woods says it is an “incredible relief” to be over his injury problems and is now concentrating on adding to his 14 major titles next year. Woods, who turned 39 on December 30, failed to make the cut at the U.S. PGA in August after struggling to retain full fitness following surgery on a pinched nerve in his back earlier in the year. The U.S. star made a return to action earlier in December at the Hero World Challenge, the tournament he hosts every year at his home course of Isleworth in Florida. But the former World No.1 was unable to finish after being physically ill during his third round, leaving him joint last. Writing on his end of year blog, Woods said: “I’m mostly excited about being healthy again. I’ve struggled for the past year-and-half with my back, and it showed in my results. “Even though I won five times two years ago, it was hit or miss some weeks and got progressively worse. Now that it feels healthy, strong and stable, it’s fun to be able to play with my kids again, to play soccer and run around with them, shoot hoops ... things that I used to do and took for granted. “For anybody who has ever had a bad back with nerve damage, it’s downright debilitating. To not feel

Tiger Woods says it is an “incredible relief” to be over his injury problems and is now concentrating on adding to his 14 major titles next year.

that is finally just incredible relief.” Woods, who won the last of his major titles in 2008, will spend the holiday season with his children and partner, Lindsey Vonn. Ski star Vonn, who missed out on equaling the all-time record for the number of World Cup race wins last weekend, has had injury problems of her own. Vonn was forced to undergo knee surgery earlier this year and missed out on defending her Olympic downhill crown at the Sochi Olympics. Speaking to CNN earlier this year, Vonn revealed how Woods

had played a key role in helping her through a difficult time when he too was struggling for fitness. “Tiger and I both went through rehab with our injuries at a similar time, so we were both in the gym together and pushing each other and motivating each other, both frustrated,” Vonn told CNN’s Alpine Edge last month. “I think we both helped each other a lot through that time, and I drew a lot of inspiration from him and I think he does the same with me. “We continue to push each other and it’s a really positive relationship in that way.” (CNN)

Everton goalkeeper Howard out for up to six weeks

Laura Trott and Jason Kenny at One Mayfair in central London (Photo: PA/Yui Mok)

Olympian gold medal cyclists engaged LAURA Trott has announced her engagement to fellow British Olympic cycling star Jason Kenny. She wrote on Twitter: “Merry Christmas everyone. I’ve had the most amazing couple of days thanks to @JasonKenny107 and the whole family #engaged”. Both riders won two gold medals on the track at the London Olympics in 2012. Kenny, 26, was successful in the team sprint and individual sprint, while Trott, 22, took gold in the team

pursuit and omnium events. When the Royal Mail marked London 2012 by painting postboxes gold in the hometown of every British Olympic champion, Trott received two. After a box was painted in Harlow, where she was born, Trott tweeted the Post Office to ask for one in her hometown of Cheshunt “where it should be”. Kenny, from Bolton, had previously won the team sprint at the Beijing Olympics four years earlier.

EVERTON goalkeeper Tim Howard will be out of action for up to six weeks because of a calf injury. American Howard, 35, was replaced at half-time during the Toffees’ 1-0 home defeat against Stoke on 26 December. Spanish goalkeeper Joel Robles, 24, came on in that game and played in the 3-2 loss to Newcastle on 28 December. Everton are currently 12th in the Premier League, five points above the relegation places with only one victory from their last seven league matches. “Tim will be out for between five and six weeks,” said boss Roberto Martinez. “It is an injury to his left calf. As a goalkeeper it’s really unusual to get an injury by kicking a ball.” Robles signed for Everton from Wigan for £2m in July 2013, but has only played in the Premier League four times since that transfer. Everton’s only other goalkeeping options are 18-year-olds Russell Griffiths and Jindrich Stanek, who have both never played a senior

Tim Howard injured his left calf.

game for the club. “I thought Joel was very calm against Stoke and did well against Newcastle, but we will assess whether we need cover,” added Martinez. Midfielder James McCarthy will be assessed before Everton’s trip to

Hull on 1 January. Howard, who has played 315 times in the Premier League for the Toffees, made 15 saves during USA’s 2-1 defeat against Belgium in the last-16 of the 2014 World Cup, the highest-recorded total in one match in the tournament’s history. (BBC)

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January 3 - 9, 2015

Women’s Speed Soccer:

Jean-Louis wins Senior MVP award EARTHBENDERS’ Christma JeanLouis was named the Senior MVP for the recently concluded Women’s Speed Soccer League which was played at the TCIFA National Academy ground. Jean-Louis was instrumental in leading her team to championship honours. Also headlining the award ceremony was the Flamingos’ Enie Jean-Louis who copped the Playerof-the-Season prize. Other awardees included veteran player Joan Whent who led the way in scoring and Christina Louisy who was named the Junior MVP. In the final clash Earthbenders, who could not be caught, tied with Net Rockers FC to finish with a total of 18 points. The second placed Net Rockers ended on 12, while Wildcats (a team which consists of senior players and also new participants with no playing experience) held onto third place with 10 points. Taking fourth and fifth places respectively were Flamingos and Pelicans (these teams consisted of TCIFA under-15 girls). At the bottom of the chart for 2014 was Windblowers FC.

Acting General Secretary, Candia Ewing presents the Senior MVP award to Christma Jean-Louis.

Enie Jean-Louis (left) copped the Player-of-the-Season award.

Rugby World Cup 2015: RFU plans for coaching legacy WITH England hosting the Rugby World Cup in just nine months’ time, the Rugby Football Union is putting its final touches on a legacy master plan. The game’s governing body has openly admitted it could have been better prepared for the hype and interest in the sport after England were crowned world champions in 2003. One person charged with helping the nation’s rugby family prepare for the tournament’s impact is John Lawn, who is head of game development at the RFU. He can remember the almost immediate effect of the 2003 win. “Rugby clubs up and down the country were inundated with children, parents, new players,” Lawn told BBC London. “It changed the game. It went from being quite a specialist, local sport to being something that just captured the nation’s imagination.” For the 2015 tournament, Lawn has been heavily involved in the RFU’s planning, with money being

Karla de los Angeles was gored twice by the bull Gamusino.

Mexican female bullfighter Karla de los Angeles gored England’s victory in the 2003 World Cup final, courtesy of Jonny Wilkinson’s extra-time drop goal, sparked an increase in participation in rugby.

invested in all areas of the game’s grassroots. “Every element is important if more people come into the game,” he said. “[It includes] facility investment, social spaces for young people, pitch improvements, flood lights, in some cases rubber crumb pitches, investment in coaching and

refereeing.” One target has been to increase the number of coaches, and in particular those who can coach the 15-a-side game at under-13 level and above. After 2003, the 7-13 age group saw big increases in participation but as players became older they were harder to keep in the sport.

MEXICAN bullfighter Karla de los Angeles has been injured in a bullfight in Mexico City. Ms de los Angeles was going in for the kill during Sunday’s event when the bull tossed her over its head. The bullfighter continued the fight after being attended to, but during a second attempt to kill the 495kg-animal (1,090lb), it gored her again. She suffered two cuts of 12cm (4.7 in) and 10cm in length to her

thigh and gluteal muscles. The bull, called Gamusino, also gored assistant Federico Dominguez who tried to help Ms de los Angeles in the world’s biggest bullring, Plaza Mexico. A spectator was also injured when the fourth bull of the afternoon jumped the wooden barrier surrounding the bullring. Bullfighting is a maledominated sport, but there have been women bullfighters for centuries.

January 3 - 9, 2015

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Handfield optimistic that 2015 will be a good year Courtney Missick says he has been training at his best since he arrived in Jamaica.

Missick training at his “best” in Jamaica TCI national sprinter Courtney Missick had a good first semester at Jamaica College in Jamaica and he is expecting great things when his new athletic season kicks off this month. “I have been training at my best since I’ve been here.” The gifted young sprinter, who is finishing off high school, has done relatively well with an A average at his last grading. Along with Missick, youngsters Amard Hilaire and Ken Reyes are the other TC Islanders in the allboys school. Mid last month Missick attempted the 300M at an off season meet, but he felt a contraction in his hamstring and

stopped short before any serious injury happened. “I can’t risk any injures and the season hasn’t start yet,” Missick had stated. His coach told him that his “muscle is unbalanced” so he worked on it in the gym for two weeks.

NATIONAL high jumper Kivarno Handfield is optimistic about the New Year after sitting out a large portion of 2014 with an ankle injury. The Commonwealth Games athlete injured himself during practice in March and has never fully recovered. “I’m at 95% [fitness level], had great therapy and am just waiting to see how my body reacts.” He said he will compete from this month, but during practice last month he did not try anything too strenuous. “I’m more concerned on my technical work.” WORST YEAR “I am positive that 2015 will be a much better year. 2014 was my worst year so far in track [and field] and I’m in a good position to rebound from that.” Prior to his injury the 21-year-old looked good and he felt confident that

Kivarno Handfield is ready to rebound from his “worst year so far in track and field”.

he could have broken the national high jump record (2.20M) still held by Domanique Missick. “I’m not setting on big jumps, I’m just trying to get better in each competition and if it consists of big

heights I’ll take it too.” Handfield, who won a bronze medal at the CARIFTA Games in 2012, is currently studying Sports Therapy at the Lincoln University in the USA.

GREAT SEASON The 17-year-old now feels really good heading into the 2015 season. “My training is going well; I will probably have a great season in 2015.” Missick has represented the TCI at several meets over the last few years, including at the Commonwealth Games last year in Glasgow, Scotland.

Gareth Bale joined Real from Tottenham for £85.3m in 2013 and has been linked with a move back to the Premier League with Manchester United.

Real Madrid forward Bale will never leave - Florentino Perez GARETH Bale will “never leave” Real Madrid, according to the La Liga club’s president Florentino Perez. Welshman Bale, 25, joined Real from Tottenham for £85.3m in 2013 and has been linked with a move back to the Premier League with Manchester United. “We have not received an offer from Manchester or any other club for Gareth Bale,” Perez told Spanish

paper Marca. “Just as I can’t imagine Real Madrid without Cristiano Ronaldo, I can’t imagine Real without Bale either.” Forward Bale scored in both the Champions League and Copa del Rey finals, as he won a cup double in his first season at the Spanish club, as well as finishing third in La Liga, three points behind champions Atletico Madrid.

The Turks and Caicos Institute of Professional Studies (TCIPS) placed third in the recently concluded Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) organised National High School Seven-team Double Elimination tournament. In the annual event, in mid-December, at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex, the TCIPS Lions won two games against eventual second placed finishers (HJ Robinson) and Wesley Methodist before they lost to eventual winners the BWIC Spartans and HJ (in a rematch).

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