Turks and Caicos Weekly News -Volume 28 by TC Weekly News

Weekly News Volume 25 | No. 28 | July 16 - 22, 2011

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Milestone

progress

Bellingham arrives in TCI hours after draft constitution approved

TCI’S valiantly debated new constitution has moved a crucial step forward towards enactment with the creation of an Order-inCouncil in London. PAGE  5 inside

Ecstatic Easher is new Miss TCI PAGE 



Capes to quit TCI

Corruption was ‘pervasive’ in TCI, says report

Slack UK officials, local nepotism and sparse legislation blamed

Public service chief to take up Governor post in St Helena PAGE 

PAGE 

Do It Centre robber jailed

THE MAN who narrowly escaped with his life after being shot several times during a botched brazen daylight robbery at the Do It Centre last year has been sentenced to prison. PAGE 

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 16 - 22, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 16 - 22, 2011

NATIONAL

Capes to quit TCI Public service chief to take up Governor post in St Helena By Gemma Handy CIVIL service chief Mark Capes is to quit his post next month to take up Governorship of another British territory, it was announced this week. His tenure at the helm of the beleaguered public sector has not been without contention – with hugely controversial salary and spending cuts among the challenges characterising his two-year term. Mr Capes will bid farewell to the Islands in August allowing him two months to prepare for his new appointment as Governor to St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic. His impending departure comes amid a flurry of change in the interim administration. Also disclosed on Wednesday was QC Eugene Otuonye’s exit from the advisory council and Reverend Scott Brennen’s farewell to the consultative forum. Governor Gordon Wetherell said he was “sorry” to see Mr Capes leave. “But I am very pleased for him that his hard work here over the past two years, and his many years of experience gained working in this and other overseas territories, have been recognised at the highest level in the British Government with his elevation to the rank of Governor,” Mr Wetherell said. “I congratulate him and wish him, and his wife Tamara, every success in their exciting new posting.” Career diplomat Mr Capes has held the position since October 2009.

He previously served as Deputy Chief Secretary in Providenciales from 1991 to 1994 and was also an erstwhile Deputy Governor to sister territories Bermuda and Anguilla. Until the vacancy is filled, Martin Stanley will again temporarily assume the position. Senior civil servant Mr Stanley previously took on the role in August 2009 for six weeks pending the appointment of a permanent successor. He immediately implemented new systems in a bid to “clean up” the sector and “reverse damage done” in previous years, including the reshuffling of various government departments. Governor Wetherell continued: “Many of you will remember Martin Stanley from his previous service in

the TCI in 2009 and will, I am sure, share my confidence that we can look forward to a seamless transition until a substantive appointment is made.” Meanwhile, Mr Otuonye announced his intention to quit both the advisory council as well as his position as chairman of the Public Service Commission. It comes on the heels of his appointment as director of the Integrity Commission. Governor Wetherell said: “I fully understand and endorse Mr Otuonye’s reasons for stepping down from these posts. “It is clearly important that the director of the Integrity Commission should not hold any other public office. “I should, however, like to take

this opportunity of thanking him for the unstinting service he has given in both capacities in recent years, and for the integrity and thoughtfulness which have informed that service. I wish him well in his important new function.” Former Chief Secretary Cynthia Astwood, appointed as a forum member last year, will replace Mr Otuonye as chair of the Public Service Commission. The Governor said she would make an “excellent and effective successor”. Mr Wetherell said he regretted to announce Reverend Scott Brennen’s decision to step down from the forum. “Following his transfer to the Bahamas, he has found it increasingly difficult to make himself available for meetings of the forum. “I should like to take this opportunity of thanking him for his service during his period on the forum, and to wish him well in his Ministry in Eleuthera.” Stepping into Reverend Brennan’s shoes is architect Bradley Coalbrooke

Career diplomat Mark Capes has held the position since October 2009.

whose “youth and experience”, the Governor said, would bring a “fresh new perspective” to the body’s work. The 38-year-old married fatherof-two is a project manager for the Government/Carnival Corp. He previously worked for Lee & Astwood Architects. He is president of the TCI’s Development Practitioners’ Association and a former member of Grand Turk Kiwanis. Originally from Grand Turk, Mr Coalbrooke, who lives in Grace Bay Hills, Providenciales, plays golf and basketball.

Corruption was ‘pervasive’ in TCI, says report Slack UK officials, local nepotism and sparse legislation blamed By Gemma Handy TCI institutions were in “danger of collapse” prior to the 2009 British takeover giving public officials a licence to act dishonestly. That’s the findings of a major worldwide anti-corruption group which carried out a study into everything from the Islands’ government departments to 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 Gemma Handy – Associate Editor Faizool Deo – Sports Samantha Dash – Court Cord Garrido-Lowe – Graphics/Production Editor Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams – Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@yahoo.com, (Talk Back) tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com

police, business community, media and political parties. The ‘national integrity report’ – by non-governmental organisation Transparency International (TI) – was released to the public on Thursday. It follows last year’s investigation headed by award-winning researcher Trevor Munroe who interviewed more than 30 prominent Islanders representing each of the country’s principal institutions. The candid document points to an “overall systemic weakness”, particularly regarding appropriate legislation. And it doesn’t pull any punches in slamming lax oversight by both the London-appointed Governor and the Ministers to whom he was to report. “The Governor and HMG (through the FCO), to whom he was constitutionally obligated to report and from whom he was constitutionally bound to receive and implement instructions to ensure good governance, appeared to be ineffective in providing sufficient oversight,” it states. “Equally, other watchdogs either failed to bark, failed to bite or both.” It also has harsh words for the police and Attorney General. “Credible allegations of serious breaches of the law by persons holding high office appeared to attract inept investigation and/

The investigation was headed by award-winning researcher Trevor Munroe.

or no prosecution from the police and Attorney General’s Office, the two critical components of law enforcement in the TCI. “No effective remedial action appeared to follow from either the Governor’s office nor the Secretary of State to whom he reported.” The report blames “political loyalties”, “kinship relations” and “fear of reprisals and victimisation” for a collective failure to blow the whistle on wrongdoers. This reinforced the fact that “rules need not be observed and that rule-breaking could take place with impunity”. It goes on to discuss “money in politics” which researchers claim was a “huge factor” in allowing corruption to run rampant. This, it cites, was a paradoxical link to the otherwise positive impact of unprecedented foreign investment

and economic growth. The prospect of vastly improved living standards for Islanders was offset by “underhand deals with foreign investors”, “bribe-taking by officials” and a “get rich quick mentality” among the population in general. The report says electoral management systems, the Complaints Commissioner and media performed “comparatively well”. But each was limited by legal weaknesses such as the Complaints Commissioner being excluded by ordinance from probing alleged political interference in the hiring and firing of civil servants. It also denounces the lack of freedom of information laws which handicapped the media’s capacity to investigate. Additionally, the Supervisor of Election’s role in preventing vote-buying was hindered by the absence of a specific legislative authority and adequate resources. The report goes on to make a number of recommendations to prevent the TCI being marred by a third constitution suspension. They include beefing up laws, particularly regarding those dealing with the way political parties are registered and financed; boosting the capacity of law enforcement bodies; and staging an education campaign to highlight the damaging effects of corruption. It also recommends better training for the media in investigative continued 

July 16 - 22, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NATIONAL

Milestone progress Bellingham arrives in TCI hours after Constitution Order made By Gemma Handy TCI’S valiantly debated new constitution has moved a crucial step forward towards enactment with the creation of an Order-in-Council in London. With the text finalised during last month’s talks between Ministers and the TCI delegation, the Order will now be laid before the British Parliament on Wednesday. The momentous move came hours before Overseas Territories Minister Henry Bellingham jetted into the Islands to update the country on the much-touted ‘milestones’ towards elected government. And while anyone anticipating a bombshell announcement may have been disappointed, Mr Bellingham confirmed the TCI was well on target for elections next year. “It’s my intention, my ambition and my determination to ensure elections take place next year. I think there’s every chance the milestones will be met.” The Minister warned that the country’s future remained in the hands of its people.

“If everyone works together we will have those elections and a democratically elected Parliament will be back in place to build on the reforms being put in place now.” He cited ongoing financial reforms as a key step – describing mismanagement of public funds under the ousted government as an “absolute scandal”. “A huge amount of money went missing. If the British Government had not stepped in, the $260m rescue package would not have been made available – no banks would have gone near it. “I did not get that money from the UK without them making it very, very clear that certain key milestones had to be met.” Mr Bellingham said work undertaken so far had “surpassed expectations”, putting the country “well on track” to a fiscal surplus by April 2013. The projected budget deficit for the end of the current financial year is $9m – compared to $60m last year. He said it was vital to diversify the economy beyond tourism and construction to ensure long-term

Corruption was ... continued 

journalism. A blog published on the NGO’s website describes corruption in the TCI as being “pervasive” in the years leading up to British intervention. It goes on to illustrate the need for every nation to have a strong integrity system. “Small island states, where kin-based relationships are common, may need even higher levels of systemic integrity to avoid the risk of conflicts of interest, nepotism and corruption,” it continues. “TI hopes that this report will be a useful tool for all stakeholders working towards building a sustainable, corruption-free future for the Turks and Caicos Islands.” Jamaican academic Mr Munroe has conducted similar inquiries in a number of other Caribbean nations. The 66-year-old acclaimed

author and University of the West Indies (UWI) professor is considered an expert on governance and anti-corruption issues. TI was founded in 1993 to fight corruption by raising awareness, diminishing apathy towards it and implementing practical action to address it. Its corruption perceptions index has been published annually since 1995. The 2010 list cites turbulent Somalia as the worst offender, out of 178 countries listed, and Denmark as the least corrupt. The UK is said to be the 20th least corrupt while the US is slightly more corrupt in 22nd place. TI defines corruption as “the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.” The 2011 index, published later this year, is unlikely to include a ranking for the TCI due to inadequate source studies required.

prosperity. The Minister said dwindling population figures could be offset by native TC Islanders living overseas returning home as the fiscal picture brightens. “I don’t think we should apologise for broadening the tax base,” he continued. “Any country has to have a sustainable tax base and the previous system just was not sustainable with 65 per cent of expenditure going on the public service. The new measures spread the burden much more widely.” During a media briefing yesterday, the panel of Brits – which also included Governor Gordon Wetherell, civil service chief Mark Capes, chief financial officer Caroline Gardner and Beverley Warmington from the Department for International Development – remained frustratingly tight-lipped on some issues. Tensions ran high amid repeated requests for disclosure of details of the Shore Club settlement agreement.

Henry Bellingham said financial reforms so far had “surpassed expectations”.

Governor Wetherell refused to be drawn on a figure, saying the deal could not have gone ahead without the Government signing a confidentiality clause with developers The Hartling Group. This week was Mr Bellingham’s second visit to the territory. He told media he was looking forward to meeting with a “wide range” of people and visiting a number of projects across the Islands. He is set to pay a trip to Grand Turk and, for the first time, Salt Cay

and North Caicos. The aim of the visit was cited as reiterating Britain’s support for the Islands and its economic growth. The finalisation of the new constitution was the first fundamental achievement towards a return to selfgovernment. It will be brought into force by the Governor once the UK Government feels “sufficient progress” has been made against the remaining milestones to enable elections to be held.

Capes ‘sorry’ to say goodbye DEPARTING civil service head Mark Capes has described his two years in the role as “extremely demanding” – but said much had been achieved. He said he had held “great affection” for the Islands over the last two decades since his first posting as Deputy Chief Secretary in the early 1990s. “That is why I accepted the job as CEO two years ago, knowing that it would be no easy assignment and indeed, the past two years have been extremely demanding,” he told the Weekly News. “But the work has been rewarding and I have been privileged to work with some outstanding colleagues in the TCI public service and with colleagues from the UK.” Mr Capes paid tribute to Governor Gordon Wetherell’s leadership. “His hard work, tireless commitment, endless energy and unfailing good humour is by any standard exceptional and I am very grateful to him for his support, confidence and encouragement over the past two years.” In an email sent to permanent secretaries on Wednesday, Mr Capes

apologised for the “short notice” of his exit, pending his move to Governorship of St Helena. “But such appointments take quite a while to finalise and must remain confidential until all of the required approvals are secured. “While I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to serve as Governor in St Helena, I am sorry to be leaving you and my work here in TCI.” Mr Capes continued: “It is almost two years since I took up my position as CEO and it has been a truly demanding period from day one with so much needing to be fixed. “In challenging circumstances we have achieved a lot, but there is still much to be done.” He said the temporary appointment of former civil service chief Martin Stanley, who held the position for six weeks in 2009, would be beneficial to the sector. Mr Capes told colleagues: “I know that in the months ahead, working with Martin, you will maintain the momentum on the road to a better managed, more efficient and more affordable public service. “I hope that you will give

Martin a warm welcome and the same fine support and friendship that I have enjoyed during my term as CEO.” He added: “I shall continue to take a close interest in TCI’s progress in the months and years ahead and wish you and the good people of the TCI all the very best for the future.”

Action against burglaries A RECENT spate of burglaries has prompted residents at phase one of the Priton Developments affordable homes in Wheeland to stage a meeting this Saturday. All residents are invited to attend the event at the community park from 6pm to address their concerns directly to police officers.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 16 - 22, 2011

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

‘Birther’ debate

SHOULD the position of Premier be limited to ‘natural born citizens’ only, as in the US? The issue sparked controversy in the United States recently when Barack Obama was forced to produce his birth certificate to prove he was constitutionally eligible to be President. PDM leaders pushed for a similar provision to be in the new TCI constitution. Should non-natives be allowed to hold the country's top elected position? Or is just being a Belonger, as in the 2006 constitution, sufficient?

Xenophobia and paranoia

“It should not be limited to natural born citizens. It is a vestige of an earlier age in the US and should no longer prevail there either. “Does anyone really think that Obama would be a lesser man had he been born outside the US many decades ago? “Citizenship, combined with a residency period of say, 15 to 20 years, should be sufficient. “The small TCI natural born Belonger population needs to get over its paranoia and, in some cases, xenophobia, if the country is ever to advance socioeconomically. “The US and Canada have become the strong nations they are by welcoming people from other countries into citizenship and giving them equal rights. “Bear in mind that no one is going to become Premier without first being elected to Parliament with a large number of natural born Belonger votes. “Isn’t that a sufficient check on the danger of some radical interloper taking over the country?”

Don’t ignore history

“There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the highest political position in this country should belong to a Turks and Caicos Islander, and one that can trace their roots back at least three generations. “Ignore semantics and let’s not confuse the issue with labels like Belongers, natives, expats or residents. This is the Turks & Caicos Islands and a TI should be its leader. “Why would you want to take the chance of having your indigenous population become a sub-class in their own country? “Ignore history at your peril as there are many examples of this happening and all with disastrous results. “You will always run the risk of civil unrest if you don’t acknowledge, reinforce, celebrate and uphold the Turks and Caicos Islanders and their heritage. “Why do people from other nations come here and want to live here and call it home? “Surely they shouldn’t be here if they don’t respect Turks Islanders and their culture or simply want to make a fast buck? “If people move here and want to gain Belonger status they should be willing to give up their passports and take on only that of a British Dependent Territories Citizen of TCI. “Somehow I don’t see too many Americans, Canadians or Europeans giving up their

nationality so why should TIs give up theirs in essence to someone not born here or truly invested through their heritage? “Let’s be honest, if you come from another country you can always go back to your ‘home land’. TIs are already here and have nowhere else to go. “It is time for all of us not originally from here to start respecting the rights of Turks Islanders and be grateful for the opportunity to live here instead of trying to change the basic fundamental make up and composition of the country. “After all, if where we came from was so wonderful, why did we move here?”

Mitigating circumstances

“I would seek to disagree only because, due to lack of proper medical facilities, a number of persons were referred abroad. “This was true in my case. I am a mother of two and due to difficulties was referred abroad for treatment during pregnancy. “I would hate to think that my daughter could not be Premier one day due to matters over which she has no control.”

Why so insular

“If you look at other countries that have gained independence from the UK many of them have been led by what could be called an expat. “A good example of this is Australia; they had a general election six months ago and it was contested between a lady who was born in Wales and a man who was born in England. “They were deemed to be the best candidates not based on anything other than their ability to lead the country which surely is the most important thing? “This country has to learn to look more outwardly and not be so worried that someone other than a TI is in charge. “One would have thought that if you could get the best person to lead the country it would not matter where they were physically born just so long as their aim was to lead the country in the best way possible. “The slightly ironic thing is many of the people here that are campaigning about this issue hold dual nationality and have lived in other countries. “Are they going to hand back those other passports and only be a TI or are they going to hold office with dual nationality since that would be rather contradictory? “The vast majority of the strongest countries

in the world have been based on immigration such as Canada, Australia, the UK, many European nations and the US. Why is it here that everyone is so insular?”

Belongership abuse

“There should definitely be provision in the new constitution to provide special privileges for natural born Islanders, one of which being the right to hold the office of Premier (and by extension Deputy Premier). “It’s important to note that being a ‘natural born citizen’ doesn’t mean that one has to be born in the country but just have at least one parent who is a citizen at the time of one’s birth. “Given that, it really didn’t matter if Obama was born in Hawaii or not as he was born to a citizen of the USA anyway. All the hype surrounding this was purely drummed up by his bitter and racist opposition. “Another right that should only be bestowed to natural born Islanders is the right to Crown land (more appropriately re-titled ‘heritage land’). “Learning from the past and looking out for the future of our nation’s children this right should be extended only for the construction of a personal residence (and not solely for personal financial gain). “If Crown land is used for development of any financial gain all the people should benefit by the proceeds being placed in an education scholarship fund set aside also only for natural born Islanders. “The privileges of Belongership have been so abused in the past (particularly by the last administration) that it has made a mockery of the title. “I am in full support of removing the term ‘Belonger’ (a title which is not recognised by any other Government in the world) and just have two categories of full citizenship - Citizen (Acquired) and Citizen (Natural Born). “The latter being provided all the extra special rights and privileges of current Belongers (except of course all ‘citizens’ should have the right to vote). “This way all those who have acquired their Belongership through corrupt means (and there are plenty of them who have been abusing the system with the help of the corrupt and greedy politicians) will automatically have these special privileges removed.”

Slap in the face

“The issue is no less and perhaps more important in the TCI than the USA. Those known as TCI natives were brought here by the British loyalists from America and abandoned here after the British could not make a go of it here. “The West Indian culture reigns in this overseas territory as it does in all independent West Indian states where native West Indians hold the highest offices. “To even suggest that a non native born Belonger could qualify for the Premier’s post is a slap in the face of every Turks and Caicos Islander born here. “Whose country is it? Who does the land belong to? Who has lived here for generation after generation with little to no assistance? Answer; the heirs of the heritage of native birth not some Johnny or Mary come lately. “The corruption of the last administration was primarily limited to one man and his Cabinet. “The corruption of the USA's President Nixon administration was limited to Nixon and his Cabinet who all went to jail for crimes

against the people of the USA. Nixon was pardoned to prevent a national embarrassment. That Nixon and his Cabinet were corrupt did not prove that any previous or subsequent President or Cabinet was corrupt. “The same example applies here. However since Britain failed at their job to halt corruption in its tracks they seem to be covering up by charging all Islanders are corrupt therefore the Premiership, the NIB directorship, the police chief and other top posts must be given to foreigners, usually Canadians including the power company PPC. “What ever happened to the White Paper?”

Paper Belongers

“One may agree with the ideal that a native Belonger and or TC Islander ought alone lead this country as Premier. I would insist that after the first Premier, the standards for leader must be set higher. “The attack on President Obama’s birth certificate is rubbish and he ought not to have justified it by producing a birth certificate. He was already in ‘the system’, a US Senator etc. “The argument and debate was shallow. It was mindful of the cards that Africans had to carry around in pre-Mandela South Africa showing that they had the right to exist. “The argument by the PDM is that one could only qualify as a candidate for Premier if one proved one descended from at least one TCI family. The point is that one would have to go far back to prove that. “A Guyanese descendant whose parent migrated to these islands in 1900, had children since, may qualify under this proposed rule. The rule must be developed and qualified further. “Now under current rules any race or nationality could qualify for Premier. This is not possible in practice because only a native born TCI descendant could perhaps garner enough votes to win a general election. “In 2003 there were only 45 or so ‘paper Belongers’. In 2003 the unfortunate PNP sold around 999 Belongerships and over 1,000 PRCs. The British Government, following international human rights trends, proposed that the PRCs had a right to vote. “It showed one the dangers of voting for irresponsible men and women who brought this country to this brink and much has been lost as a result. “Suffice it to say under current rules, if the British interim Government declines to revoke some of these ill-gotten Belongerships, many of these shady characters granted PNP Government Belongerships will qualify for the office of Premier. “The debate by the PDM is needed because it will focus hearts and minds over the idea of genuinely owning this country and will prompt many persons not to sell votes, lands and their country out. “It will force voters to seriously consider whom they will be voting for in the future.”

 Become a contributor Want to become a contributor or have a suggestion for a Talk Back topic for us? What questions do you think we should be putting to the public? And what are your thoughts on it? Call our news team on 946 4664 or email tcweeklynews@gmail.com

July 16 - 22, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NATIONAL

Economy to grow by 4% a year But finance bosses warn “significant reforms” still essential By Gemma Handy TCI’s economy is expected to grow by four per cent a year thanks to the upsurge in tourism. That’s around double the growth predicted this year in the US and UK. The multi-million dollar expansion of Provo airport is likely to provide additional fiscal succor, along with plans in the pipeline to resurrect a number of stalled developments. In recent weeks, authorities in both the US and UK have shaved down growth forecasts for 2011 to less than three per cent and little over one per cent respectively. However, TCI financiers warn that while finances may be starting to stabilise, it is still not enough to close the budget deficit and slash public sector debt. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Permanent Secretary (PS) Delton Jones said economic

challenges remained “considerable’ – with “significant” revenue reforms still essential. The statement is the first of two to be released by the Ministry of Finance this month. It follows calls for greater transparency regarding the country’s finances and economic stability. Later this month, the first quarterly report since the budget will be published. Mr Jones said the Government was introducing an unprecedented “level of openness” over the use of public funds. “It is only fair that hard-pushed working people should see what is happening with their money and how we are ensuring the economy improves as quickly as possible,” he said. The PS said if public spending and the tax system were left unchanged, the budget would not be brought back into balance until 2020 – with debts topping well over $1bn.

Four per cent growth is not assured, he said, with regional analysts predicting ongoing doom in the real estate industry. Mr Jones warned that everyone has a part to play in getting the country back on its feet. He said the current tax base was too narrow, easily avoided by some, and weighing too heavily on low earners and the hospitality industry. “Expanding the TCI economy is vital, but this will not close the deficit fast enough to avoid defaulting on our debts.” The PS continued that the largely unpopular tax-raising and costsaving measures outlined in the current budget were vital. “Ducking these issues and hoping they go away is not an option.” Mr Jones welcomed the almost completed airport expansion which will open the destination up to more carriers. “The airport has already attracted

new flight operators, with the prospect of increased competition for airspace and lower fares. “Similarly, the Government is optimistic that a number of developments will go ahead over the next year as property values become more affordable and tourist numbers continue to rise. “Various housing developments are already underway, a revised Shore Club development is about to commence and talks continue with private equity investors interested in taking over a number of stalled developments or developing new branded hotels. “Additionally, a number of existing resorts and other business have submitted expansion plans.” Mr Jones said it was important for other sectors to blossom too. “The budget contains some provision to stimulate the economy and we have already agreed measures to support agriculture, a deposit and return scheme for used bottles and cans at dedicated recycling centres, zero customs duties for renewable energy equipment, simplified business licensing procedures, new legislation to assist the development of the gaming sector for tourists, and to

Permanent Secretary Delton Jones warned everyone has a part to play in getting the Islands back on their feet.

facilitate the fractional ownership of properties to help kickstart renewed interest in vacation real estate.” He said reform of the public sector was also key to a rosier economic outlook. “A bright future for TCI's economy is the goal we are all aiming to put on track. “It will not happen immediately, it is not guaranteed and it will have to be achieved with a lower but better employed level of public expenditure. “But it’s a goal everyone wants to see become a reality for the benefit of our families, our businesses and the international prestige of TCI,” he added.

Caricom renews calls for TCI elections By Gemma Handy POLITICAL disquiet in the TCI has once again ignited angst from regional leaders at Caricom summit. Caribbean Government heads have even appointed a special body to “closely monitor” the situation in the Islands and keep them informed. The regional organisation, which condemned British intervention from the outset, has long demanded the return of democracy and self-rule. And at a four-day conference in St Kitts they reiterated their concerns. They acknowledged the imminent completion of the new constitution – but noted that the process had not been to the “full satisfaction” of Islanders. A communiqué issued as the conference drew to a close last Monday stated: “They reiterated their expectations that elections will be held in the shortest timeframe

possible, in order to lead to a return to self rule and democratic and representative governance. “They requested the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) to continue to monitor the situation closely, in order to keep them informed,” it added. The 32nd regular meeting of Caricom heads of Government, in Frigate Bay, was presided over by St Kitts & Nevis Prime Minister Denzil Douglas. Also in attendance were representatives from Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, and St Vincent & the Grenadines. Matters affecting the region such as climate change, sustainable development and people trafficking were also discussed, plus strategic

The four-day conference was presided over by St Kitts & Nevis Prime Minister Denzil Douglas.

approaches to health issues including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Ongoing tension in Libya came under the spotlight too, with Caricom

backing the African Union’s call for a ceasefire. It is not the first time Caricom, of which TCI is an associate member, has presented a united front to castigate London over its handling of the territory. The body expressed “great concern” following September’s indefinite postponement of general elections initially slated for this month. Caricom said at the time, that the imposition of direct rule was “totally at odds” with the development of good governance, the UK’s professed aim. Regional leaders also lamented the continuing “disenfranchisement” of Islanders by the “denial of their inalienable right to shape their own future”. “Good political and fiscal governance cannot be handed down. Its nature and contours have to be moulded by the people of the territory.”

That statement followed similar sentiments put forward by Caricom in the wake of the March 2010 ‘unity march’ and previous comments made prior to the return to direct British rule in 2009. Caricom has always maintained that axing the TCI Government in a bid to restore order and boost transparency was counterproductive. “Suspending the constitution of TCI and its democratic institutions and resorting to direct rule by the colonial power are not the most effective tools to bolster good governance and effective administration in the territory,” leaders said in a statement in July 2009. Set up in the 1970s, Caricom is an organisation of 15 Caribbean nations and dependencies. Its main purposes are to promote economic integration and coordinate foreign policy.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 16 - 22, 2011

NATIONAL

Cops not being fired, says Commissioner UP TO five police officers, including some senior staff, are to take accrued annual leave imminently – some in excess of one year. But the Commissioner has rebuffed claims that the unnamed cops are being dismissed from service. Colin Farquhar told the Weekly News: “I will only say that four to five officers are taking some extended holidays that are due to them. “I do not want to say who they are and when they will be taking their holidays.” The Commissioner said that providing names could compromise the safety of officers’ homes while on vacation.

And he insisted that, despite accumulated holiday leave ranging from 12 to almost 15 months in some cases, all of the officers would be returning to work afterwards. “It is unfortunate that personnel have not been able to take their holidays in a timely manner,” he said. Mr Farquhar continued that his priority was the “health, safety and wellbeing” of police personnel, while at the same time ensuring the safety and security of the community. “The officers are at various levels of the organisation and the organisation will not be compromised by the personnel taking their holidays,” he added.

Commissioner Colin Farquhar says officers’ wellbeing is “priority”.

John Hartley is a retired CEO. He was educated in economics and econometrics at Manchester University and Harvard Business School. He is an occasional contributor at invitational economics seminars at Brazenose College, Oxford.

Economics Column

Community college accepting applications APPLICATIONS are now being accepted for courses at the TCI Community College. Courses include bachelor’s degrees in business studies, specialising in human resource management, accounting, finance and management, and marketing; and a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, specialising in hotel, and food and beverage. Programmes are being offered as a full-time course for two years and part-time for two to three years. The degree in hospitality management is only offered at the Providenciales campus. Applicants must have an associate degree issued by the TCI Community College or the Council of Community College in Jamaica. The degree must be relevant to the intended programme of study. Applicants failing to meet requirements will be required to complete the necessary courses at the associate degree level.

People wishing to apply under the ‘mature student status’ must be at least 25 years old, with at least five years work experience in their field. Prior learning assessment will be required. Application fee is $25. Late applications will attract a late fee of $50. Costs are $4,000 a year ($675 per module) for TCI nationals; $5,000 per annum ($840 per module) for residents and nonnationals; and $8,000 per annum ($1,335 per module) for overseas students. A laboratory fee of $150 applies to the degree in hospitality management. Everyone is charged a computer fee of $40 per annum. Applications with full details and proof of qualifications should be dropped off at the registrar’s office by July 22. For more information and application forms, call TCI Community College on 9461163 or email tcicomc@tciway. tc

The real debt problem

Chamber of Commerce meeting

ON WEDNESDAY evening the US Congress and other so-called leaders had not settled the debt ceiling question. They continue to flirt with the destruction of the good faith and credit of the USA. Nobody knows the consequences of such a leap in the dark. It is not unreasonable to expect the banking sector to collapse coupled to the insurance sector; most pension funds would face immediate insolvency as the value of government debt falls, and their cash flow dries up. Martin Wolf at the FT has troubled himself to analyse the political philosophy of the elements who believe that a collapse now is preferable to continuing as we are. On this analysis they appear to be adherents of the early Karl Marx, dreaming of a rural idyll with capital widely dispersed, a negligible federal government and minimal state administrations. It would be a sort of communard society verging towards anarchy in many ways taking America back to before WW1. Senator Bachman claims to be a student of the philosopher economist Von Mises. He is very difficult, if not impossible, to follow if one lacks deep mathematical skills. Taking her at her word, it is interesting that she is studying one of the designers of the Nazi Party’s economic philosophy (he was Jewish, but he was not a practical man, and would not be gainsaid). A default by Uncle Sam would make the real debt problem unmanageable. In the big G8 economies total debt, government and private combined, is at unprecedented levels, ranging from about two and

BOOSTING business in the TCI will be the topic of discussion at the next meeting of the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce. Islanders are invited to attend the special confab with members of the consultative forum’s business development committee.

a half times GDP in places like Germany, to five times in the UK. The UK is different though because London is banker to the world, and a huge portion of its debt is that of foreigners trading within the UK. Normally such debt levels would not matter. After all one man’s liability is another man’s asset. The difficulty is that the values of much of the asset side of the balance sheet, particularly real estate, have collapsed. Equities and other risky assets have climbed back to pre-recession levels, and guess what? The fed and other central banks have managed the other huge asset class, government debt, really well. There is a lot of it newly issued, and at high prices. Asset values fall when income falls. Consumption and risky investment fall as well, and if government does nothing to correct for that by creating replacement demand, earnings and asset values fall further. The private sector, seeing that its balance sheet is upside down, tries to fix that by saving more from falling income, and the wheels start to come off. Just as this process is nicely under way on both sides of the Atlantic, first the Europeans and now the USA decide to undermine the value of government debt, and in the USA Congress has built in an automatic 2.5 per cent GDP deflator for 2012 when the temporary tax reductions come to an end in December. So it is that in these very uncertain times, as Nemesis Bellingham visits us once again, we must hope that on this visit at least he will not make things worse than they already are.

It will take place on Monday (July 18) from 7.30pm in the Windsong resort meeting room, located in the upstairs reception area. Email provochamber@gmail. com or call 232 6418 for more information.

Name correction AN ARTICLE in last week’s edition of the Weekly News under the headline ‘Islanders head to the polls’ incorrectly named Howard Hamilton as the man holding the placard. It was in fact Howard Handfield. We apologise for any confusion.

Red Cross general meeting THE NEXT meeting of the Red Cross will take place on July 26 at the thrift store/office at 7pm. All members – and those interested in joining – are invited

to attend. There will be an update on the charity’s activities and finances, and discussion on committee elections. Apologies to JBrothwell@ redcross.org.uk or 941 8056.

July 16 - 22, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

& CrimeCourt

WITH Samantha Dash-RIGBY

Burglary accused wins appeal Re-trial ordered THE COURT of Appeal recently revisited the evidence given against a young man for burglary and found in his favour. Clifton Gibson, aged 20, was serving a three-year prison term for burgling the home of Wayne Hobgood on October 29 2009 and stealing two laptops, two cameras, a hard drive and a set of binoculars. He denied the allegation and was tried by a jury before Chief Justice Gordon Ward on January 31 this year. On February 3 Gibson was convicted. However there was some uncertainty surrounding the guilty verdict. According to defence attorney Mark Fulford, when the jury returned with their verdict, the forewoman was asked had they reached a verdict upon which they all agreed and she answered, ‘yes’. When asked what the verdict was she answered, ‘guilty’. When asked if that was the verdict of them all, she answered, ‘seven of us guilty’. The trial counsel Ashwood Forbes thinking there was some ambiguity about the verdict asked for the verdict to be clarified. This application was allowed by the Chief Justice and when the forewoman was asked again as to whether the jury had reached a verdict upon which they were all agreed she stated, ‘no’. When asked the question again, she nodded. Asked what decision they had reached, she stated: “I reach it not guilty”. When asked again, she repeated: “I reach it not guilty.” However, by that time Gibson’s antecedents were read out in court in the presence of the jury that he had a string of previous convictions. Appealing counsel felt that Justice Ward erred in failing to accept the jury’s verdict of not guilty. Also, he erred in failing to discharge the jury after they had improperly heard details of Gibson’s previous criminal convictions. Instead, after some discussion with defence counsel, the Chief Justice asked the jury to retire for a bit longer so that they could reach a unanimous verdict. The jury went out to deliberate further and returned with a unanimous guilty verdict. Fulton submitted to the Court of Appeal panel that the Chief Justice was wrong to ask the jury to retire

again to consider their verdict after the forewoman stated that the verdict was not guilty. She firstly stated that the verdict was the verdict of all of the jury and secondly that it was not guilty. “The verdict having been clarified, there was at that stage no ambiguity about the verdict and the learned Judge had no discretion to

refuse to accept it,” Fulton told the appeal panel. “The verdict of not guilty should have been accepted and the appellant discharged.” In the alternative, Justice Ward should have discharged the jury after determining that the verdict was ambiguous. Instead, he requested the jury retire again to reach a unanimous verdict after they had heard the full details of Gibson’s convictions. “These were highly prejudicial as they were numerous, recent

Do It Centre robber jailed THE MAN who narrowly escaped with his life after being shot several times during a botched brazen daylight robbery at the Do It Centre last year has been sentenced to prison. Frantz Bellevue appeared in Grand Turk Supreme Court before Chief Justice Gordon Ward on Tuesday for the robbery. He pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment. A deportation order was recommended on completion of the sentence. The incident unfolded on November 19 when Bellevue and an accomplice pounced upon a vehicle transporting the store’s

CUT HERE

takings to the bank shortly after 4.30pm. Masked and armed with guns, the two bandits forced the silver pick-up to stop before ordering the two security guards out and frisking them for weapons. Bystanders said that the attackers then jumped in the vehicle and tried to drive away when one of the guards produced an undetected gun from the back of his trousers and opened fire. Both bandits were shot several times in the head and upper body. Bellevue’s accomplice died at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre shortly after 7pm but he survived.

convictions including two offences of burglary, one of attempted burglary and a current prison sentence,” Fulton said. All this was not material that had been admitted as evidence in the trial against him. The attorney felt that the prejudice of this disclosure was so overwhelming that it could have been the very piece of information that persuaded the unanimous guilty verdict. Crown Counsel Latisha Williams admitted there was some confusion

with the verdict and there should be a re-trial. Justices Edward Zacca, Elliot Motley and Richard Ground agreed that there should be a re-trial and allowed the appeal. They ordered the conviction be quashed and the case be re-tried as soon as possible. If current prison sentence expires before re-trial, Gibson is to be remanded into custody until trial. Alternatively, he could then apply to the Supreme Court for bail pending his re-trial.

Great-grandmother rapist accused remanded THE MAN accused of burgling the home of a 71-year-old woman and then raping her appeared in Providenciales Magistrates Court on Thursday. Olondieu Garcon, 33, a Haitian national, was charged with aggravated burglary and rape.

It was said that on June 20 Garcon entered the home of the greatgrandmother, burgled the home and raped her. He was remanded to prison and will attend a sufficiency hearing on September 7 in Grand Turk Supreme Court.

Immigration officer latest road fatality AN IMMIGRATION officer became the TCI’s latest road fatality taking the toll to three road deaths for this year. Romelle Major succumbed to his injuries on Saturday July 9. A police source revealed that Major was a passenger in a jeep

which lost control and struck an advertisement pole near D & G Tires on Leeward Highway, Providenciales. The driver of the vehicle and one other passenger received non-life threatening injuries. The police are still investigating.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 16 - 22, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 16 - 22, 2011

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

We all have a role to play Dear Editor, With all the events unfolding in the TCI today, one has to wonder, are we approaching a paradigm shift in the way we think, act etc here in the TCI or just on a blip in the road back to business as usual? This question is posed because only a paradigm shift in the way we think of ourselves or our nation will produce the sustainable results of any of the so called reforms or milestones. For a historical example let’s look back to the thinking of people in the western world pre 1492 when Christopher Columbus made his historic and accidental voyage to the ‘New World’. All great and simple minds in Europe at the time were certain that the Earth was flat and had an end from which you could fall off into the great abyss should you venture too far out to sea. As we know today, the earth is round. This discovery was revolutionary as it forced scientific thinkers to completely change the way they thought of the world. This needs to be the case for us in the TCI. We must not return to or continue a system in which you are

rewarded purely on the basis of your connections to decision makers. This can be as simple as the timely processing of a document in a random government office, to the receiving of a government scholarship. In both instances we have a person deciding based on their personal criteria how their interaction with us will be, rather than on an objective criteria based on merit. Can we truly build a nation if our soon to be elected leaders are judged on what they can do for us as individuals, rather than what they can do to sustainably develop our infrastructure, economy and markets that all persons residing in the TCI may benefit from in having productive, fulfilling lives? Ask yourself right now if a business opportunity presented itself such that you can make $3m legally over the next 10 years or you and nine other persons would make $1m each over the same time period, which would you take? Being honest with ourselves, we should think of the reasons why we would make the choice we’d make. Obviously the latter choice

Thanks to dog show sponsors Dear Editor, The TCSPCA would like to extend a special thank you to the following local businesses and hotels for sponsoring the seventh annual TCSPCA Dog Show held on Saturday July 2 at Turtle Cove Marina. This year’s show was a big success and helped to raise $20,000 for the TCSPCA. Programme sponsors were PPC Ltd, Graceway IGA, Pedigree Ltd, Turtle Cove Marina, Islandcom Ltd, Temple Financial Group, The Regent Palms, Turks and Caicos Club, WIV, Baci Restaurant, Gansevoort Hotel, InterHealth, Magnolia Restaurant, Provo Turtle Divers, TCI First Insurance, After 5 Concierge, Bohio Resort Grand Turk, Da Conch Shack,

Green Bean, AXT Automotive, RA Shaw Designs, TC Vets, TPR Realty, TCI Waste, Carambola Grill & Lounge, Dive Provo, Horse Eye Jack’s, Lemon Café, Osprey Marine Services, Rumeurs, Scooter Bob’s, Skippings Rutley, and Special Edition Map. Raffle prizes were donated by Parrot Cay Resort, The Somerset, The Regent Palms, Islandcom, Beaches Resort and Spa, Amanyara, Parallel 23, The Regent Spa, The Sky Lounge, Veranda Resort, Anacaona Grace Bay Club, Provo Golf Club, Sunshine Nursery, Bay Bistro, Caicos Dream Tours, Keith Richard, DKNY. Susan Blehr TCSPCA

LETTERS SHOULD BE KEPT TO A MAXIMUM OF 450 WORDS

benefits more persons and generates a greater disposal of cash. But why do I have the feeling that many of us would take the $3m and say tough cookies for everyone else. We probably would because we have been bred since childhood to think being in first place was all that matters, not are we reaching our full potential. The problem with only first place mattering is that there is only one first place, so what about the rest of us? We are not only perpetuating a cycle created within the last 20 to 30 years of the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’, but we encourage it. Why would we help someone to

grow and get better if they could someday replace us as number 1? That would be foolish now wouldn’t it? Going forward we must understand that the country is big enough for a growth of many individuals in many areas. How are we going to nation build, if only a select few can reach their full potential? We need entrepreneurs, business persons, foremen, managers, you name it, we in the TCI need it. We also need an opportunity. Once the opportunity is given, we must embrace it, for we know not when one will come again. We must maximise our talents,

best foot forward always. We are all cogs in the machinery of running this still great nation. As we know, a simple fan belt can stop a vehicle from running, so too can be the effect from an ineffective cog in our machinery. Every task completed is important, different yet equal. It begins with us as individuals. Individuals change households, households change neighbourhoods, neighbourhoods change communities, communities change islands, and islands change nations. We all have a role to play to build this beautiful by nature TCI. Ryan Garland

COMMENTARY

Change at last AS I write this column Minister Bellingham is due to arrive in the TCI. We do not know his agenda. Possibly to discuss the constitutional milestone. During Bellingham's first trip he dropped the bombshell of cancelling elections expected to occur about now. This news was not received well. Blame for election delays could not be laid at his feet. He had only been Minister of overseas territories for less than six months. He laid down milestones without a schedule. Milestone charts in business always include a time line to be worked. However missing goals and schedules had been with us for a long time even prior to 2003. Then in early 2008 the Foreign Affairs Committee received their report from the TCI trip by members Sir John Stanley, Greg Pope and Paul Keetch, the ‘old’ FCO of Meg Munn and Leigh Turner was spotlighted and broken up. However under the British Labour Government, change was not in the cards. Instead we

By David Tapfer eventually got Chris Bryant, Colin Roberts and Gordon Wetherell. We all remember Roberts’ first trip when he told us how rich we were and shame on us in general. No apologies for lack of oversight, an apology still missing. After the Inquiry found the tip of an iceberg called ‘corruption’, expectations were raised but disappointments reigned. Sir Robin Auld hurried out his report of the PNP mismanagement/corruption and many months later wrote Governor Wetherell to find out why no action had been taken. We do not know if Wetherell was trying to move and was stopped by Bryant and/or Roberts. Perhaps he did not have solutions to expedite them, we just don't know.

Remember when this Governor arrived in mid 2008 he was accompanied by two financial advisers who it seems never figured out we were busted, stripped of assets with $350m in debts built up. PDM leader Parnell made three London trips to call on the FCO, British Parliamentarians and Lords pushing for change. Real change in Britain did arrive when the Labour Government of 13 years lost the election in May last year. Now TCI has MP Bellingham as Minister, MP Rosindell as a friend and Helen Garlick funded at long last. A $260m loan has paid down some of our bills and most milestones have been achieved. Ms Gardner arrived and found out what our debt was. PNP police force supervision has been changed and an inactive AG replaced. Elections are now rescheduled for next year. Smith and Brassington are in jail and the disgraced Premier’s assets are frozen. All this and more since May of last year. Change at last. Thank God Almighty, change at last!

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

July 16 - 22, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NATIONAL

Marine police and Coast Guard join forces in Grand Turk

Footballers Gavin Glinton (right) and Billy Forbes had harsh words for the TCIFA.

National footballers threaten to quit Football Association Director blamed for World Cup qualifier loss By Samantha Dash-Rigby TWO US-based TCI footballers have threatened to stop playing for the Islands’ national team if TCIFA officials do not promptly address pertinent issues. National footballers Gavin Glinton and Billy Forbes held a press conference at Providenciales International Airport on Monday, on their way back to the US and spoke extensively of their grievances. “There were quite a number of youngsters in the team who, in my opinion, were not ready,” Glinton stated. Speaking about the World Cup qualifying match on Saturday July 2, where they lost four-nil to the Bahamas at Provo’s national stadium and six-nil in a follow-up game, Glinton said: “We could’ve performed better had we been given players who were ready.” He continued: “It’s common practice to bring youngsters into a team when they are ready and if they are not ready, that’s what you have the youth 17 and under 20s for.” He believed that the young unprepared players on the field were affiliated with coaching staff or members of the TCIFA. And, as a result, many senior players were moved around in positions that they were not comfortable in to accommodate some of the newcomers, Glinton said. In addition, a number of players were left off the team who could have made a valuable contribution to the final score. Glinton felt the team could have advanced further, saying he had been left embarrassed and frustrated. “I feel embarrassed for the country. Given the issues in the TCIFA, in any other country everybody in charge would be let go,” he said. The professional footballer felt it quite disheartening that three years ago the team won its very first qualifying match against St

Lucia and had now lost to a team considered inferior to the St Lucian team. In addition, in 2006, they narrowly lost to the Bahamas 3-2 and Glinton said he felt that the expanded gap in the last five years was unacceptable. He cited personal grievances, nationality and weak excuses of eligibility as some of the reasons why seasoned players did not make the final cut. Forbes, aged 20, a player with the Lubbock Christian University in Texas, said: “For a player like me who is trying to make a career in soccer and when your country is losing 10-0 it’s not good.” He sent a strong message to the TCIFA: “We should have a better team because the next time I will not come here and play for the country because it is embarrassing.” Glinton felt the same way. “I will definitely need to sit and think really hard whether I will come back and play for the TCI,” the 32-year-old told reporters. However, Glinton is open to sitting down and discussing the various issues with the FA officials to help football in the TCI develop both domestically and internationally. Glinton was born in Grand Turk and has been a part of the TCI national team since 2002. He migrated to the US at an early age and has since played professionally for LA Galaxy, Dallas and San Jose Earthquakes. “The reason I came back here to play for the TCI, as opposed to anywhere else in the US, is because I love this country, my people and my friends. This is my home and it is a great pride for me to be back here and play,” he revealed. Glinton apologised to TCI for the defeat saying: “That was never our intent to go out and lose in such a way.” FA Director Matthew Greene did not respond to requests for comment up to press time.

THE TCI is a known destination for illegal Dominican and Haitian migrants, as well as drugs on their way to destinations in the US, Europe and the Bahamas. The Johnny Depp movie ‘Blow’ depicts the Colombian cartels’ hourly shipments of cocaine into the region during the peak years of the South Florida cocaine trade in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Drug trafficking in the TCI and Bahamas has declined by 80 per cent, courtesy of 30 years of OPBAT’s (Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos) operation. OPBAT, an ongoing trilateral counter-narcotic operation involving law enforcement agencies in the TCI, the Bahamas and US, was formed in 1982 to combat the increasing volume of illegal narcotics flowing north from places as far south as Colombia and Panama. However reports indicate that smugglers are returning to the Bahamas-TCI route as a means of moving drugs into major drug markets. The marine division of the TCI police force is charged with patrolling territorial waters, enforcing immigration and customs laws and responding to search and rescue cases throughout the 40 islands of the TCI. Strengthening the partnership between the Coast Guard and local marine police has gained new importance as counter-narcotic operation resources in the region are strained due to competing mission demands within the two agencies. After several weeks patrolling the

Chief Petty Officer Scot Reed reviews procedures aboard Sea Defender. Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Brian Betz.

north coast of Haiti and Windward Passage, the crew of the Coast Guard cutter Confidence enjoyed a two day ‘R & R’ visit to Grand Turk. On Tuesday, one of the marine division’s 56-foot patrol boats, Sea Defender, visited Grand Turk from its homeport of Providenciales. The transit over the Caicos Bank to join Confidence was part of a scheduled professional exchange between the two maritime agencies who share a long-standing partnership within OPBAT. The crews of Sea Defender and Confidence shared their expertise on navigation and engineering topics as they met aboard each vessel at the Grand Turk government pier. “These events go a long way in strengthening the already close ties between the two OPBAT organisations,” said Lt. Cmdr. Mark Glancy, Confidence’s executive

officer. “We both get a better understanding of each other’s capabilities while the partnership grows in professionalism and camaraderie. “That translates into improved bilateral coordination during law enforcement and search and rescue cases.” With an estimated population of only 4,000 residents, the arrival of the Coast Guard cutter did not go unnoticed. The small community of Grand Turk has embraced Coast Guard visits, welcoming the presence of the crews as an indication of their active patrolling of the region surrounding TCI’s archipelagic maritime boundaries. Following the port call and professional exchange, Confidence and Sea Defender will resume their maritime patrols in the region.

Government launches stress workshop SESSIONS on managing and coping with stress have been launched throughout the public sector. The Office of Public Service Management, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Human Services, recently began training sessions on managing and coping with occupational stressors. The sessions aim to equip participants with the necessary skills for dealing with the various types of stress that may arise in their work and personal lives. These sessions were constructed not only to respond to the increased challenges now faced by workers but also as a response to requests made by the workers themselves. The first of these sessions was conducted on Grand Turk on July 4 at the Teacher’s Resource Center Education Department. Thirty persons representing various ministries and departments participated in the training exercise. All sessions are being facilitated by Dr Patrick Prince, clinical physiologist with the Department of

Mental Health & Substance Abuse. The sessions will continue on July 18 in Providenciales and on July 25 in Grand Turk and are open to all public servants who are interested in

Participants in the stress workshop

learning these much needed skills. For more information and registration details contact Keisha B Taylor, human resource officer on 946-2801 or email kbtaylor@gov.tc

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 16 - 22, 2011

NATIONAL

The rise of a home-grown star By Nasiya Misick ALEXANDER Parhm Jr – aka AJ – was born on April 30 1981 in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, to Grand Turk residents, Joanne Parhm and Alexander Parhm Snr, weighing in at 5lbs 2oz. His mother recalls that after the difficult delivery he was struggling to breathe; she recalls a feeling of helplessness as the doctors took him away to help him live. Suddenly that feeling was transformed to one of hope, she began to remember the Christian principles on which she was raised, and felt comforted in the belief that God had an amazing plan for the tiny infant and that his life was already divinely guided. Cementing that belief was the fact that she was originally due to give birth in Grand Turk, but had to leave

unexpectedly when his father, who at that time was in the United States Navy, was sent to a base in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. Had this not have occurred his mother would have given birth in a hospital that, at the time, was not equipped to deal with premature deliveries. Born under difficult circumstances, but determined to live, he has cultivated that determination throughout the years into a drive to succeed at his craft. AJ’s father after his discharge from the Navy became the bodyguard for Bobby Brown. AJ Snr developed many friendships in the industry. It was his friendship with Kenny Finnel, a producer and engineer on Bobby’s ‘Forever’ LP that would have the biggest impact on little AJ’s life.

wishes

Congratulations Janelle TCI’s Janelle Ambrister was inducted into Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society on April 16 for students that earn grade point averages of 3.5 or above during at least one semester of their freshman year. Phi Eta Sigma is one of the oldest and most prestigious honour societies for freshmen in the US. Its purpose is to encourage and reward academic excellence of first year students. M e m b e r s h i p automatically qualifies undergraduate students to apply for a scholarship from the National Chapter of Phi Eta Sigma. Approximately 100 students and honorary members were inducted into the North Carolina Central University Chapter of Phi Eta Sigma. Tomasi Larry, former Student Government Association president and student at North Carolina Central University’s School of Law, was the guest speaker. Ms Ambrister, a freshman, graduated from Whole Gospel Christian Academy last year. Send your special occasion to: Rebecca Bird, Weekly News, Cheshire House, Leeward Highway, PO Box 52, Providenciales or email to tcweeklynews@gmail.com. Free of Charge!

Please limit your messages to 150 words.

AJ relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, in 1992 when his father began developing an up and coming artist by the name of Usher Raymond. After moving to Atlanta, AJ would often accompany his father to the studio. Once there he could be found fooling around on Kenny Finnel’s Korg Trinity keyboard. Kenny, being enamored with the young AJ, took time to teach him the science behind creating and making music. It was at this very moment that AJ discovered his true passion. It would however be 10 more difficult years, filled with disappointment and self doubt, before AJ would experience his first taste of success. AJ eventually left Atlanta and relocated back to Miami to live with his mother. Out of growing and genuine concern she would always tell him to ‘go out and get a real job’. AJ’s mother was a soft spoken, nurturing woman who, by many accounts, struggled and gave selflessly of herself to provide for her children. She worried constantly that AJ would meet the same struggles in life that she had encountered; she simply wanted him to experience a sense of stability. It was during such times that she seemingly forgot that this was a young man, who was born with a sense of determination that was unbreakable and she would later discover that he simply would not be dissuaded in his pursuit of becoming a superstar producer. In 2006 AJ decided to take a much needed trip to Grand Turk. In the wee hours of the morning after attending a party the previous evening, AJ grabbed his laptop and mini keyboard and took a walk to his childhood stomping ground of Pillory Beach. Whilst at the beach AJ gave Keith Thomas (the man who would become his manager) a call and told him about this unorthodox beat he had created; he then sent it to him via email. Minutes later AJ received the call that changed his life. AJ immediately left Grand Turk for Atlanta. Upon his arrival Keith had negotiated several publishing deals. AJ called his mother to give her the exciting news. The choice for her was a ‘no brainer’ and AJ signed a publishing deal with Usher. The song that he created in the early morning hours on Pillory Beach would become ‘Revolver’ from Usher’s ‘Here I Stand’ LP. He would later go on to produce ‘Guilty’ from Usher featuring TI off ‘Raymond v Raymond’, ‘Love Em All’ from Usher off ‘Versus’, and Justin Bieber’s ‘First Dance’ from his ‘My World’ LP.

Musician Alexander Parhm Jr (aka AJ). Photo by Charles Mitchell

Whilst working in the studio on Usher’s album, his manager Keith informed him that Julia Dougall wanted to present a song to Pepsi for 2010 World Cup. There was one stipulation; the song had to be African influenced. AJ immediately began researching different genres of African music. Being an avid drummist, AJ began to listen to and experiment with the different drum patterns that were utilised by African drummers. Drawing on his experience from playing Junkanoo as a child in Grand Turk, he combined the two sounds and two hours later he had created the beat and Rock City (the writers on Rihanna’s ‘Man Down’) wrote the lyrics that gave birth to ‘Oh Africa’. The song was later recorded by Akon, Keri Hilson and the Soweto Gospel Choir. The song made history as it was the first time that Pepsi had an official music video for its World Cup song. AJ’s advice for young adults such as himself who have dreams of being

in the entertainment industry, is threefold; never let your ego become bigger or greater than your skill; if it doesn’t feel natural or come naturally, then you’re over thinking it; and finally, it is important to surround yourself with positive influences and people. History has taught us that in the end it is not how a man perceives himself that matters, but rather how he is perceived by others that will determine how he is remembered. Undoubtedly, if it were all to end today, AJ would want to be remembered as someone who was determined, motivated and fearless. However, if asked at this stage, how it is that on reflection this young man would be remembered, it would be simply put by, ‘a good deed here, a good deed there, a good thought here, a good comment there, [will] all add up to his career in one way or another’. In spite of his magnitude of accomplishments thus far, this is only the beginning and the end is nowhere in sight.

New operation hours for medical incinerator

THE OPERATION hours for the medical incinerator have been changed from daytime to evening. Instead of 7am to 7pm, operations will now run from 7pm to 7am as of July 9. The incinerator has now been in operation for a month and is operated by a private contractor trained by the manufacturer & Engineering & Maintenance

Services (EMS). The incinerator is important if the disposal of medical waste in Providenciales is to take place in a sanitary and satisfactory manner. Its use has been approved by Turks & Caicos Islands Environmental Health Department. For further queries call the Department on 941-5068 or 9462801.

July 16 - 22, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NATIONAL

Fortis TCI develops engineering workforce FORTIS TCI scholarship recipients Daylon Joseph and Alvejes Desir recently completed their degrees and are now home to further their careers with the company. The engineering scholarship programme is the only one of its kind in the Islands. Daylon and Alvejes are back in Providenciales after completing their bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and University of West Florida, respectively. Equal access to education is a priority for Fortis TCI, bosses say. The programme, launched in 2008, provides candidates throughout all communities with an opportunity to further their education in mechanical and electrical engineering at any accredited educational institution. Daylon, who expressed his gratitude to Fortis TCI for providing the opportunity to further his education and career, said: “I am proud of my accomplishments at FAU and I am extremely thankful and grateful that Fortis TCI gave me this opportunity. “The scholarship programme is next to none and the support from the scholarship coordinators at Fortis TCI was the best.” This is the second scholarship extended to Daylon by Fortis TCI, after first being offered a scholarship in 2005 to obtain his associate degree

in electrical engineering at Broward Community College. Daylon, who first started with Fortis TCI in 1997 as a meter reader, is now an electrical engineer with the company. Scholarship recipient Alvejes is an example of someone who made the most of his time at university. During his four years at West Florida he was involved in the Student Council and also became part of a fraternity as well as being a member of other associations. Desir, who expressed similar sentiments, stated: “Overall the scholarship programme went well. “The experiences I gained at the University of West Florida have prepared me to be more efficient and effective in my career. “Now that I have completed my degree I look forward to learning from the other engineers at Fortis TCI and expanding on my knowledge.” The firm’s human resources director, Judith Missick, whose department was the driving force behind the programme, said: “Staff development at Fortis TCI is critical to the organisation and we encourage other staff members and the wider community to take advantage of this great opportunity to further their education. “Mentors Devon Cox and Michael Polonio have provided the recipients with needed guidance and advice

Talks to protect TCI marine life PROPOSALS to protect the spiny lobster and queen conch fisheries were presented at last week’s advisory council meeting in Grand Turk. In response to the reduced number of lobster and conch catches in the past few years, as well as the size of the fish caught, the council accepted several ideas to combat the problem. Some of the suggestions included: the extension of the ‘closed season’ for lobster by one month (until September), the commissioning of a bioeconomic study of the fishery, guidelines for ensuring that next year’s conch catch is the same figure as this year’s and conducting a visual survey of the conch fishery. With respect to fin fish, concern was expressed about grouper and snapper stocks. It was agreed that the Fisheries Advisory Committee (FAC) would further discuss the situation with fishermen before making any recommendations. A recommendation to ban the catching of parrot fish was also

received. The importance of adequate enforcement resources was underlined and it was agreed that the DECR would make an appropriate business case for consideration by the Government. The council was also joined by the PS and Under Secretary for Education, the chairman of the Higher Education Board and the Chief Financial Officer for a discussion of the policy on scholarships in the light of a recent consultancy. The discussion covered the economic and social objectives of the scheme, the number of scholarships and ways to obtain the best value for money; for example, the development of partnerships with individual universities, better use of the Community College and more distance learning – with a view to enabling more students to benefit from higher education. The Ministry of Education was invited to work with the Ministry of Finance and the Higher Education Board to present a paper for early consideration by the council.

(From left) Michael Polonio (mentor), Alvejes Desir, Judith Missick (human resources director), Daylon Joseph, Devon Cox (mentor)

along their journey and this level of involvement will be extended once again to our new recipients. “University life can be very challenging and we commend Daylon and Alvejes for staying focused to the very end; they have indeed made Fortis TCI very proud!” Both engineers, along with third recipient Teandra Thomas who

has three more years to go before completing her programme, thanked the Fortis TCI team, especially their mentors and also gave interested candidates some advice. They all agreed that persons looking to apply for the scholarship should be willing to challenge themselves and take every opportunity given while making the

most of university life. They also stressed the importance of choosing a career you have a passion for. Application forms for the next Fortis TCI engineering scholarship programme are now available at the company’s Leeward Highway location or can be downloaded from their website at www.fortistci.com

New face at the helm of Rotary By Kinz Francis

OWEN Hamilton is the new president of the Rotary Club. Mr Hamilton hopes to encourage the club to embody their motto, ‘Reach within and Embrace Humanity’. He says that the organisation plans to retrain the various branches across the Islands, to ensure that each area of the body is working at its peak. “Plans to promote Rotary as well as assist non-government organisations so that they can benefit from the club’s existence are very important to us,” said the president. When asked if he anticipated any challenges he remarked that there will always be challenges, but the challenges can all be overcome if “resources are pulled and we put our best foot forward”. He went on to say that “promoting fellowship” between Rotary and the community is essential in ensuring that the club gets things done. There were also some changes that Mr Hamilton wanted to see happen within the club. He wants the club to “be more visible”. One such way that this can occur is by “public relations”, he expressed. ”We need to start talking more

Owen Hamilton is the newly elected Rotary President

about what we do and letting people know the things we are doing, whether it is by showing where all our collected funds go or showing the region what Rotary Providenciales has accomplished.” Asked about his election as club president, he described the experience in two words – “an

honour”. He went on to say that former president Arthur Forbes had left “big shoes” for him to fill. He hopes that he can add on to the grea t list of accomplishments made by the club, as well as continue and carry on the dream of the club’s expansion.

Lifestyle...

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 16 - 22, 2011

fitness Tip 

Are the scales driving you crazy? Q: Anca, what’s wrong with the scales? They’re driving me crazy. Every time I step on them they show a different number, sometimes more and sometimes less. I am trying to lose some weight so I started eating better and doing some exercise but sometimes the scales will go up a pound in a few hours. What am I doing wrong? Can you help? Wendy

A: Lol, I can’t help but smile at your question Wendy. And not at the content but because I remember when I was there myself. That was years ago and sometimes I still do it but with a different attitude in my mind and that’s to check what triggers that in my body. It’s more like a study of myself and how my

Plum crumble

FITNESS EXPERT Anca Vasile

body behaves in different situations. But I do totally understand you and can relate to that. Most likely you are not doing anything wrong and congratulations in deciding to change your life in terms of health and fitness. This is a topic which keeps coming back with the people I train, including men. I always tell them not

to rely on scales as a single measure of their progress as scales don’t tell the difference between water weight and fat weight. They can’t tell how much muscle weight you have or how heavy your bones are. And what do you think? Next day your weight appears heavier on the scales. I try to make my clients understand that it is more important how you look in the mirror, how you feel, how your clothes fit, than how much you weigh. At the end of the day nobody cares how much your weight is, but everybody will compliment you when your jeans fit better. And the scales can become an obsession and with too much focus on them it’s very easy to feel depressed and defeated and, as in your case Wendy, after all the efforts you put in without seeing a relative drop in your body weight, you are

vulnerable to giving up. But please don’t do it. Here are some tips to use the scales in your favour and not against you: 1. Stick with one set of scales. Different scales will often show slightly different numbers. 2. Weigh yourself once a week. If you weigh every day you may become frustrated as your weight can fluctuate up and down, two to three pounds, due to fluid changes or food intake. In special cases, like with obese people or professional athletes where weight is critical, it’s different; it’s good to weigh daily so they know if they are doing OK. For overweight people the pounds come off much easier so

they’re less likely to feel their efforts are in vain. 3. Weigh yourself right after you wake up and after using the bathroom. That’s pretty much your weight before being affected by different factors! 4. Avoid weighing yourself during menstruation. Water retention is probably at its highest level. 5. When you exercise it is not uncommon to be smaller in your clothes but to weigh more than you expected. So you might consider other forms of measuring your progress. 6. Do not use scales on carpet. I have noticed that it shows a different number and, mostly, it shows more.

health Tip 

The beauty of plums Ingredients:

• 3 lbs fresh plums, pitted, quartered, about 5 cups • Quarter cup brown sugar • 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour • 1 cup granulated sugar • Half tsp salt • Half tsp cinnamon • 1 large egg, beaten • Half cup butter, melted

Method:

• Combine plums and brown sugar, stirring well to blend. Pour into a buttered 11.5ins by 7.5ins baking dish. • Sift together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the beaten egg, stirring lightly with fork until mixture is crumbly. • Sprinkle mixture evenly over the plums then drizzle with the melted butter. Bake plum crumble at 375° for 40 to 45 minutes, or until lightly browned. • Serve warm with whipped topping or ice cream.

LET us give thanks to Almighty God for His grace and mercy towards us all. And to you my readers for continuing to read as I research. Let’s talk about plums. Plum is a fruit that is related to the family of peaches and cherries. It is one of those fruits which is rich in dietary fibre and effective in improving the digestive system. There are thousands of varieties of plums available throughout the world, ranging in colours like red, blue black, purple, yellow green or amber. Plums are believed to have originated in Asia and since then have grown all over the world. The fresh and juicy taste of a plum make it refreshing to eat on a hot summer day. Plums and its dried form – prunes – are high in unique phytonutrients called neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid. Their function is that of an antioxidant and are of much benefit.

By Phillip Simmons Consumption of plums helps in the production and absorption of iron in the body, thus leading to better blood circulation which further leads to growth of healthy tissues. Regular consumption of plums will help prevent macular degeneration and any other infection of the eye in the long run. Your eyes will be healthier and stronger and, retaining eyesight. Researchers have found that plums have anti-cancer agents that may help prevent the growth of cancerous cells and tumors in the body. Eating plums also reduces your chance of contracting heart disease.

Plums are said to help ward off cancer and heart disease.

Plums have certain cleansing agents that keep the blood pure and help prevent complications of the heart. Plums have high content of

vitamin C, which means they help protect against health conditions like asthma, colon cancer, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

July 16 - 22, 2011

Lifestyle... How does your garden grow

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

GARDENING 

Night blooming jasmine IF EVER you’ve been fortunate enough to inhale the scent of the night blooming jasmine plant, chances are you’ll never forget the heady fragrance it puts out, and even as you read about this plant you’ll remember the fragrance. This odiferous plant is actually a shrub. Because it is originally from the West Indies, it grows great in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is known as Queen of the Night in some tropical countries. Its scent can usually be smelled from as far as 300 yards away. The night blooming jasmine (cestrum nocturnum) is a sprawly plant that features glossy, flat leaves that measure anywhere from four to eight inches long. It has extensive, vinelike stems that can form themselves into a mound that may measure 12 feet across, but that’s extremely rare, given cultivation. The blooms of this plant will happen sporadically in the warmest weather. Look for the telltale greenish/white tubular flowers as they rise all along the stem from above the leaves. When the flowers fall off they will leave fleshy berries of a shiny white colour. The night blooming jasmine plant does best when planted in light sandy soil. It will tolerate some shade, but it often does best when planted in full sun. It grows best in average to moist soil, however care must be given not to allow it to become waterlogged. You can easily start the plant from cuttings that will grow extremely fast. Young plants will require additional phosphorous in order to encourage its root development.

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When shopping for fertiliser, look for P on it; it’s usually the second number to be found on the bag. Follow directions carefully. It is a rather attractive plant, yet it’s unassuming. The flowers of the plant are not especially beautiful, nor showy as some flowers can be. Mostly it’s the scent of the flowers that people seek to have. Folk tales have it that the plant was usually situated next to the outhouse in the ‘old’ days, as the fragrance would even remain in the outhouse all day at times and thus it was one of the first bathroom deodorisers known. By the way, the night blooming jasmine plant loves acidic fertiliser.

It is suggested that you prune your bush. This will remove any dead wood, and best yet, opens the plant up so that the sun can reach all its parts. Opening up the bush will also cause the plant to put out blooms. Also pruning a night blooming jasmine plant will enable the plant to have better air circulation which will discourage mildew and other plant diseases. It is a plant that is often found in butterfly gardens, as it attracts many caterpillars that will eat the plant. Beautiful attractive butterflies in the day, followed by a sweet perfume by night, the night blooming jasmine is a plant that many simply love!

BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD

Tamika graduated from Florida International University in Miami with a Masters degree in Dietetics & Nutrition. She is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and licensed to practice medical nutrition therapy in the state of Florida. Email Tamika via tcweeklynews@gmail.com or tamikahandfield@yahoo. com with your healthy eating questions.

Q: Margarine or butter? Which is better for my heart? Dear reader, Margarine is made from vegetable oils which have no cholesterol but have the healthy fats like mono and poly unsaturated fats. Butter, on the other hand, is made from animal products which are high in cholesterol and saturated fat. Saturated fats are usually solid at room temperature so in order for margarine to be a solid, hydrogen bonds are added during processing. This hydrogenation process changes the chemical make-up of the vegetable oil making the margarine high in trans-fat and saturated fat just like its counterpart, butter. However, not all margarines are created equally, that is, tub margarines are softer than stick margarines and are usually a healthier choice. When choosing a margarine, be sure to read the nutrition label and choose one that has no trans or saturated fats. Also, if you still prefer butter, choose one that is light or whipped but use both margarine and butter sparingly.

Q: How do I know if my child is Dear reader, Research shows that few parents can correctly identify when their child is overweight or obese. Therefore, the best indicator is talking to your child’s pediatrician or primary care doctor. These health care providers have clinical parameters and tools that are used to determine whether a child is at risk of becoming overweight. One such tool is a growth chart. Growth charts show how your child is growing compared to other children of the same age and gender. Children’s heights and weight gain are recorded on the chart each time a visit is made to a pediatrician which allows a growth pattern to form. If there is a deviation in the pattern, your pediatrician will tell you and discuss treatment measures.

Scent from this plant is apparent from 300 yards away.

Tip

STORE batteries in the same direction. If the positive and negative ends touch, it can shorten their life.

ASK TAMIKA

overweight for his/her age?

TIGHTWAD

Batteries

YOUR DIET

Defrost first

ALLOW frozen food to defrost fully on the side before cooking. Thawing can reduce the cooking time significantly, saving energy and cutting bills.

Q: What can I do as a parent to help

my child if he/she is overweight?

Dear reader, This is a great question but the fact is you are already helping your child through your concern. Below are some tips to help you if you think your child has a weight problem: 1) Show unconditional love - do not play the blame game because this only helps to lower the child's self-esteem. 2) Be good role models - let your children see you making healthy food choices. 3) Make it easy for your child to eat healthily - avoid foods such as chips and cookies but ensure the house is stocked with healthy foods like 100 per cent fruit juice, low fat yogurt and fruits. 4) Reduce the amount of time the child is watching television - children are more likely to eat the high fat foods advertised on television. Ensure they have plenty of time to go outside and play. 5) Do not put the child on a diet - this can be the starting point for an eating disorder later in life. Get the child involved in activities that he or she likes and watch portion sizes.

ACCU Medical Nutrition is based in Graceway IGA Plaza, Providenciales. Call 946 8308, 242 3978 or 442 3978.

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Illegal weapons, a serious threat to stability of the Caribbean says PM Douglas ST. KITTS and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas says anyone in St. Kitts and Nevis or anywhere in the Caribbean, who possesses an illegal firearm, is distributing illegal firearms, or is selling illegal firearms, poses a serious threat to the stability of the region. “And they pose a serious threat to the stability of his or her country,” says Dr. Douglas during his weekly radio programme on Tuesday. Dr. Douglas said that as Chairman of the Caribbean Heads of Government over the next six months the trafficking of small arms in the region will be a matter for discussion and noted that the use of guns in the settlement of scores in recent years is alarming. “This never, ever used to be the Caribbean way. But now, gang

Clinton congratulates the Bahamas on independence anniversary US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has congratulated the Bahamas on the 38th anniversary of its independence. In a statement, Secretary Clinton wished the country happy independence on behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States. Said Mrs Clinton: “This is an opportunity to reflect on the Bahamas’ proud history and rich cultural heritage. It also gives us the chance to honour our shared democratic values and commitment to the future peace and prosperity in the region and throughout the world.” She said the two countries can demonstrate their commitment to work together as partners each day through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and many other joint initiatives that benefit communities throughout the Bahamas. “On this special occasion, whether you are celebrating with family or friends on New Providence, Grand Bahama, or the Family Islands, I send best wishes to all the people of the Bahamas for a safe and happy holiday, and reaffirm the commitment of the United States to this enduring partnership.” (tribune242.com)

Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said the illegal weapons threaten the entire Caribbean.

tensions, drug-related conflicts, and other forms of hostility are leading to this ugly and unacceptable conclusion. And so, CARICOM is taking this on frontally by pushing forward to break the illicit trade in small arms and weapons throughout the region,” said the Prime Minister. He opined this will not be either simple or easy. “But we are resolute. And we are empowering both national and regional security forces with enhanced border patrol, forensic, and intelligence gathering tools to confront the organised crime elements that spread these deadly weapons,” Dr. Douglas said. He added Caribbean Governments are also moving to bring the laws of the countries into synch with each other, so as to prevent criminal elements from being able to transfer illegal weapons from one CARICOM country to another. Dr. Douglas said anyone who

has information about any such possession, distribution, or sale of firearms has an obligation to let the authorities know – whether anonymously or not. “Whenever there is a shooting, and whenever there is a killing, if the gun was not licensed, that is clear evidence that some person or persons within the Federation colluded to bring that instrument of death into the country, and into the region, without the knowledge of the authorities,” said Dr. Douglas. “These acts, along with the acts of those who grow drugs, or who import drugs into the region, undermine and undercut the positive efforts of the overwhelming majority of law-abiding Caribbean nationals who try so hard, day after day, and year after year, to stay on the straight and narrow. None of us in the Caribbean can afford to look the other way when someone we know is involved in these activities. As sure as the day is long, precisely those illegal weapons or those illegal narcotics that are not reported to the authorities will, in all likelihood, one day claim either the person who looked the other way, or someone that person holds dear,” said the Prime Minister. He expressed CARICOM’s determination to confront the spread of illegal firearms throughout the region was a major focus of CARICOM s recently concluded meeting. He said not only does every Caribbean national need to know this, but they need to ensure that if ever and whenever they have information pertaining to the presence of illegal drugs and illegal weapons they have a pressing and urgent obligation to ensure that, one way or the other – and providing it anonymously is fine - information gets to the relevant authorities. (CMVlive.com)

July 16 - 22, 2011

The Bahamas government against gay marriage THERE will be no change to the definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman under the Ingraham administration, the Bahamas Minister of State for Finance Zhivargo Laing said this week. Laing’s comments came during debate on a Maritime Marriage Bill to legalise maritime marriages in Bahamian waters. Laing said several pieces of legislation will be consolidated to clearly define marriage as being between a man and a woman. Laing said the Maritime Marriage Bill’s purpose is two-fold: seeking to produce another source of revenue for The Bahamas and to facilitate the “dream to get married in The Bahamas” even if it is aboard a seagoing vessel. However, the purpose of consolidating the four marriage acts currently under law is to weave the clause that ensures marriage is between a man and a woman into them collectively. The four acts of law pertaining to marriage are the Marriage Act, the Marriage of Deceased Wife’s Sister Act, the Marriage of British Subjects Act and the Foreign Marriages Act. “As a community in The Bahamas we believe that a marriage must and should be and is between a man and a woman,” Laing said. “A marriage is void if it took place between persons who were male and male or female

and female. So, in this Maritime Marriage Bill we are stating this fact in the clear positive — a marriage must take place between a male and a female and we want that to be abundantly clear that, that is so and that is keeping with our community standard.” After the government recently backed a United Nations resolution in support of rights for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender (GLBT) people, the Bahamas Christian Council (BCC) condemned it as a possible “hidden agenda” which it feared could eventually lead to gay marriage. The position of the BCC was that it supports the protection of everyone from all forms of discrimination, which the resolution offered. However, it warned that The Bahamas government’s support of the UN resolution could open a spigot that allows for all rights afforded heterosexuals to be offered to GLBT people, including marriage. The BCC insisted in its release that the institution of marriage should only be consecrated between a man and a woman. Laing said the government considered the commercial and economic interests of recognising marriages at sea, while remembering that the Christian convictions and the societal status quo with regard to marriage in this country had to be upheld — even at sea. “In taking this decision we didn’t do so lightly,” Laing said.

The Bahamas: International criminal on indecent assault charge group cracked in the DR Doctor AN EMERGENCY room doctor in her lawyer Romona Farquharson SIX MEMBERS of an international drug trafficking and money laundering ring were detained in the Dominican Republic and will be extradited to the United States, where they are wanted by authorities, Dominican officials said Monday, AFP reported. The detainees “are part of an international group pursued by American law officials,” said the Dominican National Drug Control agency (DNCD) in a statement posted on its website. The men are also wanted by Interpol, the website added. According to the agency, the drug traffickers fled the United States and arrived in the Caribbean country to manage “large scale

money laundering operations in the United States, Canada, Colombia, Venezuela, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.” The law enforcement operation was a collaboration among the Dominican police, US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI and agencies in other countries, said DNCD spokesman Roberto Lebron in a press release. The manager explained that the detainees were taken to a DNCD checkpoint to wait extradition to the United States. In addition, bank accounts that contain millions of dollars spread across different banks have been frozen, the statement said. (www.focus-fen.net)

the Bahamas denied inappropriately touching a 33-year-old emergency medical technician. Dr. Lynwood Brown’s arraignment on the indecent assault charge was supposed to take place last week, but was deferred until Tuesday because of a dispute on whether the statute of limitations for the offense had passed. His lawyer Devard Francis submitted that the court did not have jurisdiction to hear the matter because more than six months had elapsed between the alleged offense and Brown’s arraignment. The doctor’s accuser filed a private prosecution alleging indecent assault on March 4, 2011, three days before the statute of limitations expired,

countered. Presiding Magistrate, Guillimina Archer, ruled in Farquharson’s favour and allowed the arraignment to proceed. She said, “The complaint has been made within the prescribed timeframe and is properly before this court.” Dr. Brown entered a not guilty plea. Francis asked the court to release Dr. Brown on his own recognisance; however, Magistrate Archer set bail at $6,000 with one surety. His trial begins on November 1. Farquharson, the lawyer who initiated the proceedings on behalf of the alleged victim, is the prosecutor. (thenassauguardian.com)

July 16 - 22, 2011

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Haiti refused cholera vaccine late last year – Vaccine makers chief

Rescuers from the Fort Lauderdale-based Discovery Sun rescued six people off the coast of the Bahamas Monday evening when the boat they were on caught fire and sunk. (Brandon Strozier)

Cruise ship rescues Caribbean passengers off the coast of the Bahamas FORT Lauderdale, Florida-based cruise ship, the Discovery Sun, rescued six boaters whose vessel caught fire and sunk on Monday evening off the coast of the Bahamas. The passengers’ boat reportedly burst into flames after being on the water fishing for a few hours and were found holding onto floating debris without life vests for over an hour before the crew of the Discovery Sun rescued them from the water. The boat, prior to sinking, was spotted burning 57.5 miles off the coast of Port Everglades when the Discovery Sun spotted the stranded boaters. The Discovery Sun was en route to Port Everglades, returning from its daily trip to Grand Bahama. The boaters have been identified as four men and two women, according to the cruise ship’s Hotel

Director, Samantha Poole. She added that they were of Cuban, Haitian, and Jamaican descent. The six individuals suffered second degree burns in result of the boat fire and were given cabin and medical treatment once boarded on the Discovery Sun while waiting for U.S. officials, as all incidents of this nature are to be reported to the Coast Guard and to U.S. Immigration. Poole said that they will assist the rescues and return them to Grand Bahama Island. The Coast Guard confirmed that they sent a ship to the Discovery Sun to retrieve the boaters and plan to embargo and conduct interviews, spokeswoman Sabrina Elgammal reported. The investigation of the incident is still pending. (www.maritimeexecutive.com)

Tourists charged with failing to declare money THREE American tourists risk forfeiture of more than $25,000 for allegedly failing to declare that they were travelling with more than $10,000. Shantel Berrios, 21, of New York, New York; Leydi Bautista, 23, and Oheyda Turbi, 29, both of the Bronx, New York, were leaving New Providence on July 10 when they were arrested at Lynden Pindling International Airport for allegedly making a false declaration to a USCustoms officer and allegedly failing to declare $US 25,090. The women initially pleaded guilty to the charges. However,

Magistrate Guillimina Archer changed their pleas to not guilty after they each told the court that they had under $10,000. Prosecuting Sergeant Ricardo Adderley objected to bail because the accused have no ties to The Bahamas. Defense lawyer Joseph Darceuil said the women needed to return to their lives in New York. He added that Berrios needed to be at her son’s side as he had planned surgery. Magistrate Archer granted each woman cash bail of $7,000. They return to court on October 10. (Nassauguardian.com)

HAITI refused an offer of tens of thousands of doses of cholera vaccine late last year that could have helped limit the spread of an epidemic that has since claimed more than 5,500 lives, the chief of the vaccine maker said. Ronald Brus, chief executive of Crucell, the Dutch company that makes the leading cholera vaccine Dukoral, said he had proposed significant donations but was turned down by health officials. The news will inflame an intensifying debate over the management of the epidemic, which diverted substantial resources from reconstruction and has caused more than 363,000 infections, triggering appeals for $175m to respond. It comes after vaccine experts met last Thursday in Argentina to discuss vaccine policies across Latin America, against a backdrop of growing calls for the use of a cholera vaccine in Haiti and the creation of a stockpile to tackle future outbreaks. It also follows a continuing debate over the origins of Haiti’s cholera epidemic and the responsibility of international institutions, with several recent reports arguing the infection was most likely brought into the country by UN peacekeepers.

Crucell’s donation was designed to “ring fence” infections in the remote Haitian region of Artibonite where the disease was first identified last October, in an effort to prevent its spread towards the more densely populated regions of the country. Company executives said Haitian officials were under intense pressure to tackle multiple crises with scant resources following the earthquake in January last year which killed more than 230,000 people. Peter Graaff, the current Haiti representative of the World Health Organisation, said he was unaware of the specific Crucell offer, but that a decision had been taken by the country’s health ministry at the time to reject proposals for cholera vaccination. He questioned whether such “ring fencing” would have worked, given that it would have taken time to bring the vaccine in remote rural areas while cholera was spreading very quickly. The vaccine requires two doses staggered a week apart, further complicating its use. At the time, Haitian officials were juggling alternative priorities including water and sanitation support, while distracted by upcoming elections.

His agency and a number of health charities oppose drug and vaccine donations, arguing that they are not sustainable and reduce the chance of low cost generic competition. No Haitian officials responded to requests for comment, but Jon Weigel from Partners in Health, the US based non-governmental group active in Haiti, who followed the discussions, said the rejection was justified at the time by concerns over the social tensions that could be sparked by distributing limited quantities only to some Haitians. Experts, including Paul Farmer, co-founder of Partners in Health, had been fighting at the time for the use of vaccines alongside treatments despite resistance from many public health “minimalists” who were opposed. Studies in recent months have suggested even a single dose of the cholera vaccine would have provided important protection, and vaccinating just 5 per cent of Haitians could have reduced the number of cases by 11 per cent. Peter Hotez, president of the Sabin Vaccine Institute in Washington, said that with hindsight the Crucell donation “could have made a difference”. But he stressed it was not possible to deliver medicines to treat the outbreak, fresh water and to simultaneously vaccinate. (www. ft.com)

NGOs will come together to get Jamaica fully literate by 2015 JAMAICA’S local non-government organisations which work in education are planning to collaborate to help the country meet the target of 100 per cent literacy by 2015, a target of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). “I think that one common cause that all NGOs could come together on is the plan to make literacy 100 per cent by 2015. That is around the corner and if we don’t intensify our efforts (it might not happen),” said Jason Henzell, president of Breds, Treasure Beach Foundation and of Island Outpost. Henzell, whose foundation is pumping over $10 million into the Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth community this year, was speaking at this week’s Observer Monday Exchange where more than a dozen charitable organisation were represented. The groups included Sandals Foundation, JNBS Foundation,

Scotiabank Foundation, Digicel Foundation and the USAID which give millions to education each year. “Since education is coming out as a common theme, if we can pull together and every NGO comes behind the government we can try and make this a reality. “A lot of (the focus) is about the physical infrastructure but, the capacity of the teacher needs urgent, urgent attention,” said Henzell. He added that the observance of Jamaica’s 50th anniversary as an independent country next year could be used as the fillip for the drive especially where Jamaicans in the Diaspora are concerned. “With Jamaica turning 50 next year, people in the Diaspora are asking ‘how do we help our country’? So if that can be the common theme let us get literacy,” he said. Jamaica’s youth literacy rate among males is currently at 92 percent, while that for girls stands at

98 percent. His proposal was met with approval, with the groups pointing out that many of them were already involved in literacy projects. “All the foundations have been involved in literacy; some of us have been driving it for years already. With the drive that we all have, we need to all come as in one unit,” said managing director of JNBS Foundation Saffrey Brown. “As one foundation we’re already in 50 schools and we’ve done that in two years,” added Lisa Lewis, head of the Digicel Foundation. Meanwhile, the Sandals Foundation which was founded in 2009 and operates in five countries and six islands throughout the Caribbean has adopted 26 schools throughout the region with the aim being to not only improving infrastructure but teachers training and technology.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 16 - 22, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 16 - 22, 2011

NATIONAL

Easher said it was her childhood dream to be crowned Miss TCI.

The contestants were elegant in evening gowns. From left: Breanna Johnson, Jenniemae Penn, Anna-Alicia Ariza and Easher Parker.

Ecstatic Easher is new Miss TCI Former PTV reporter vows to use her reign to highlight child abuse By Gemma Handy RADIATING confidence and oozing charisma, former PTV reporter Easher Parker looked every bit the beauty queen as she pipped her rivals to the post to be crowned Miss TCI. Last Friday saw a welcome return of the much-loved pageant after a two-year absence. It may not have been all plain sailing on the night with a number of hitches, ranging from muddled names to tears, a hissy fit and a social faux pas. But the four contestants – all teenagers – came through and represented their individual islands with poise, polish and grace. The show, staged in the glorious grounds of the Regent Palms, followed a previous swimsuit

Breanna Johnson’s costume featured native grasses.

segment at Froggie’s in Wheeland. For the finale, the girls showcased evening gowns, flamboyant national costumes and answered questions from the panel of judges to prove they had what it takes to be an ambassador for the country. Elegant in shimmering gold, Easher, representing Providenciales, was asked what changes she would like to see in the TCI over the next decade. The 19-year-old replied that Islanders working in unity was the way forward to make the nation a better place. First runner-up Breanna Johnson, for North Caicos, in a floor-sweeping red gown, was quizzed as to whether TCI was ready for elections next year. “I feel we should and could be

ready. If we come together and work as one, we would be able to do it as a country together,” she replied. Second runner-up Jenniemae Penn, for South Caicos, in a long, leopard print dress with open sides, was questioned as to how local health care could be improved. Despite some heckling from the audience over the still contentious issue surrounding the new health care system, Jenniemae suggested a better working environment for staff and better equipment. Effervescent in sparkling silver, Anna-Alicia Ariza, for Grand Turk, received loud applause when asked what she would do if placed in charge of the country for a day. “Put my people back in charge,” she responded without hesitation. Easher told the Weekly News she

Jenniemae Penn’s vibrant costume was inspired by Junkanoo.

was delighted her hard work had paid off in helping her claim the top accolade. “I worked so hard, I was practically married to the gym,” she said with a laugh. “It was something I really wanted to do since I was a little girl. Some people were very hard on me and said I wouldn’t make a good image, others encouraged me and kept me going. “I’m just so happy that I stayed focused and determined.” The new queen, who was crowned by former Miss Earth Alison Capron, said she plans an active 12-month reign. “I want to embark on educational campaigns to bring awareness to child abuse. There’s a lot of things that go on in the Turks and Caicos that are sadly swept under the carpet. “People don’t realise that hitting

Anna-Alicia Ariza’s colourful garb included references to Columbus.

a child or even talking to them in a certain way is abuse but it is – and it happened to me. “We need to change our behaviour towards that. We can’t change a whole community but we can let people know this is going on and try to protect our children, because they really are our future.” Easher added: “I would like to thank everyone who helped make this possible for me, they know who they are. “And especially my mother who has always been there for me and continues to be.” Prizes awarded to the winner included a laptop computer, a twonight stay at the Somerset resort, dinner for two at O’Soleil, jewellery, a Tiffany platter and spa treatments. Easher will also have the prestigious privilege of representing her country at the 60th Miss Universe pageant in Sao Paolo, Brazil, in September. The pageant formed part of the Provo Summer Festival activities which culminated with a float parade on Saturday from Clement Howell High School to the downtown ball park. Revellers later gathered for a party downtown. Thashena Adderley, president of the festival committee, said the festival had been a success. “The float parade was a lot of fun. Even though one of the three trucks broke down we made the most of it. “Lots of people came out to join in the party afterwards.” She added: “We most definitely will be doing it again next year. It’s been done for years and is part of our culture. “We can’t let Provo Day die; we will keep fighting to bring it back to the way it was.”

July 16 - 22, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 16 - 22, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 16 - 22, 2011

Murdoch gives up BSkyB takeover bid

RUPERT MURDOCH has capitulated to parliament and abandoned News Corporation’s £8bn bid for BSkyB, as he faced the prospect of appearing in front of a judicial public inquiry to salvage his personal reputation and the right for his company to continue to broadcast in the UK. After 10 days of sustained public outcry over phone hacking, and facing the prospect of a unanimous call by MPs to withdraw his bid for total ownership of the broadcaster, Murdoch succumbed at a morning board meeting in Wapping. Company insiders indicated Murdoch was not making a tactical retreat and that a future bid for total control of BSkyB was now unlikely. The media giant said it was likely to “deploy our capital elsewhere” to avoid any more damaging battles in the UK. The News Corp deputy chairman, Chase Carey, said the bid had become “too difficult to progress in this climate”. The withdrawal represents the biggest single reverse of Murdoch’s mercurial career, but may presage even further commercial damage not just in the UK, but worldwide. News Corp’s current 39% stake in BSkyB could also still be at risk from the “fit and proper” test for ownership being conducted by regulator Ofcom. On a cathartic day at Westminster in which politicians acted as if they had been liberated from the thrall of the Murdoch empire, David Cameron announced a sweeping public inquiry into widespread lawbreaking by the press, alleged corruption by police, and the failure of the initial police investigation into phone hacking. The prime minister said: “What has happened here is a massive firestorm of allegations that have got worse and worse.” The inquiry will also look at a new system of independent regulation of the press, the inadequacies of the previous Labour government to investigate newspaper malpractice, and the potentially critical issue of future cross-ownership between press and television stations. There is certain to be renewed pressure to reduce the number of foreign owners of the British media, as well as a big Liberal Democrat push to impose stricter rules to prevent market domination. The public inquiry will be led by Lord Justice Leveson, and will have the power to summon witnesses, including proprietors, Cameron, past prime ministers and senior newspaper executives, even if some of them are in jail. In the first instance the judge, advised by a panel of experts, will look at future regulation before

The blast site outside the Opera House in Mumbai, India. (Xinhua/Stringer) A demonstrator from Avaaz, a global campaigning group, dressed as Rupert Murdoch, holds a puppet of Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron, in front of the Parliament in London.

turning to specific allegations of corruption or lawbreaking. Cameron, regaining some of the political initiative after 10 days on the back foot, made it clear he expected Rupert Murdoch to give evidence, saying: “If you own the media in this country, you should be able to be called under oath.” The prime minister also vowed that he was willing to see those found guilty in any future court cases stripped of the right to run a media company. He said: “The people responsible – whether they are directly responsible for the wrongdoing, whether they sanctioned it or whether they covered it up, and however high or low they go – must not only be brought to justice; they must have no future role in running a media company in our country.” Cameron also announced that he will be rewriting the ministerial code so that ministers, permanent secretaries and special advisers will be required quarterly to record meetings with senior media executives, including social meetings. Cameron admitted the relationship between media executives and the politicians had become unhealthy. He said: “It was too close. Too much time was spent courting the media and not enough time confronting the problems.” He also revealed a new anger towards his former No 10 communications director, Andy Coulson, the former News of the World editor who has always insisted he knew nothing of phone hacking during his editorship of the paper. As Ed Miliband described his appointment as a catastrophic misjudgment, Cameron said: “If it turns out he lied, it won’t just be that he shouldn’t have been in government, it will be that he should be prosecuted.” The Guardian has published fresh details of warnings the paper’s executives had given to Cameron’s chief of staff, Ed

Llewellyn, over Coulson. Downing Street said Llewellyn could not recall an additional warning in October 2010. In an extraordinary speech during the truncated Commons debate on BSkyB, a passionate and sometimes raw Gordon Brown defended himself from the charge that he had been complicit in acceding to the regulatory demands of News International during his premiership. He rounded on the cabinet secretary, Sir Gus O’Donnell, for opposing his plan to set up a judicial inquiry into phone hacking when he was in office. Quoting the confidential advice, he said O’Donnell admitted “there was a media culture permissive of unlawful activities and deliberate obfuscation by News International” but that “targeting the News of the World would have been deemed to be politically motivated because it was too close to the general election”. Brown branded News International “a criminal media nexus” which “claimed to be on the side of the law-abiding citizen” but in fact stood “side by side with criminals against our citizens”. He added: “Others have said that in the behaviour towards those without a voice of their own, News International descended from the gutter to the sewer. The tragedy is that they let the rats out of the sewer.” O’Donnell is understood to be seeking an urgent consultation with Brown to release the full memorandum. Some Labour sources said Brown lacked political support within his cabinet to set up the inquiry so close to a general election. Faced by its rout on Wednesday, News Corp and the Murdoch family now face a battle to ensure that Rupert’s son James, who was in charge of the British newspapers, can remain as BSkyB chairman in the face of City unrest. “James Murdoch’s position is a concern,” one investor said.

Three deadly blasts rock Mumbai THREE serial blasts rocked India’s financial hub Mumbai at around 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, killing at least 21 people and injuring 113 others, said the local government which believed it is a terror attack that reminded of the 2008 terror attack killing 166. Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik said three blasts happened between 6:54 p.m. and 7:05 p.m. all in congested area, the first at Zaveri Bazaar in South Mumbai, the second at Opera House

again in South Mumbai a minute later which are more intense and the third at a bus stop in Dadar West, central Mumbai near the railway station. One witness Jaylesh Labdhi who was working in a diamond shop near Opera House told Xinhua that he heard a huge sound in the air at first and saw smoke rising and thought it might be a fire accident, but later he found dead bodies around and realised it is a blast. (Xinhau)

California woman cuts off husband’s penis A US woman drugged her estranged husband, tied him to a bed and cut off his penis, police in California say. The woman then threw the penis into the waste disposal and told police who attended the incident in Garden Grove, near Los Angeles: “He deserved it.” Catherine Kieu Becker, 48, has been charged with poisoning and assault with a deadly weapon. The 51-year-old victim, who has not been named, is in a serious condition following surgery. Lt Jeff Nightengale, of Garden Grove police, said the two are going through a divorce. He said the woman had drugged the man’s dinner on Monday night. “He believed something was wrong with his food,” he said. “The victim went to lie down and he woke up tied to the bed with his wife tugging his clothes off. “The female cut off his penis with a knife... tossed the penis in the garbage disposal and turned the disposal to the ‘on’ position. “The suspect called 911 and told responding officers that he ‘deserved

Catherine Kieu Becker allegedly laced her husband’s dinner with a drug

it’.” He added: “Officers arrived and located a male victim tied to the bed and bleeding from his groin area.” Ms Becker was arrested on suspicion of aggravated mayhem, false imprisonment, assault with a deadly weapon, administering a drug with intent to commit a felony, poisoning and spousal abuse. (BBC)

July 16 - 22, 2011

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Female teacher sentenced for statutory rape in NY A QUEENS special education teacher was sentenced yesterday to 90 days in jail for statutory rape with a 15-year-old boy. Christine Williams, 42, who was fired from her job as a fifth grade teacher at PS 80 in Jamaica, Queens, admitted to Supreme Court Justice Richard Buchter that she had sexual contact twice last year with the teen, who was a friend of her stepson. The sex encounters were caught on tape.

As part of her plea deal, she must register with the state as a sex offender, enter a mental health programme and surrender her teaching license. The Rochdale Village woman is “a disgrace to herself and her profession,” Buchter said, according to the Daily News. Her attorney claimed her judgment had been impaired as a result of alcoholism and a psychiatric disorder, according to public reports. (www.amny. com)

Egypt to sack 700 police over killing of protesters ALMOST 700 senior police officers in Egypt are being removed from their jobs over the killing of protesters during the revolution earlier this year. Interior Minister Mansour Essawy said 505 generals and 164 officers would end their service on 1 August. The move comes as protests continue in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, calling for the speedy trials of police officers and corrupt Mubarak-era officials. The military also confirmed that polls set for September would be delayed. “It has been decided to hold [parliamentary elections] in October or November,” an official from Egypt’s interim ruling military council told the Mena state news agency on Wednesday. Many of Egypt’s new political parties have called for the vote to be delayed so that they can compete against better organised and more powerful opposition groups, notably the Muslim Brotherhood. On Tuesday, the military said it would draft guidelines for selecting the 100-member assembly that will write a new Egyptian constitution.

That could make it more difficult for any Islamist-led legislature to choose the body and thereby give the charter an Islamist slant, analysts say. ‘BIGGEST SHAKEUP’ As protests in Tahrir Square entered a sixth straight day, the interior ministry - which oversees the much detested security services, known for their brutality under the Mubarak regime - unveiled what it termed the “biggest shakeup in the police force’s history”. Among those dismissed were 505 major-generals, including 10 of the interior minister’s top assistants, 82 colonels, and 82 brigadiers, the report said. Egyptian state TV said that 37 of the dismissed officers face charges of killing protesters. More than 800 protesters were killed during the 18-day revolt that led to the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak on 11 February. The move seems to be a victory for Egypt’s embattled Prime Minister Essam Sharaf, says the BBC’s Jon Leyne in Cairo. An earlier announcement by him to take similar action was blocked by the interior minister.

UK unemployment total falls, but claimant count up UK unemployment fell 26,000 in the three months to May to 2.45 million, official figures show. The unemployment rate was 7.7%, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), down from 7.8% in the previous quarter. However, the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in June rose by 24,500 to 1.52 million the biggest such increase in two years. It follows an upwardly-revised 22,500 rise in the claimant count for May.

The total number claiming unemployment benefits reached its highest level since March 2010, while the claimant count rate held steady at 4.7%. It is the second month in a row that the claimant count has risen while the unemployment total - which is based on separate data - has fallen. The ONS said it was not unusual for the two figures to move in opposite directions as they measure different things and cover different time periods.

South Sudan facing population explosion AFRICA’S newest nation is only a few days old, but it already is facing a humanitarian crisis, with about 1,000 people a day crowding into this dusty capital straining under the population crush. “We are witnessing an unprecedented acceleration in the number of people returning to the south,” said Giovanni Bosco, head of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in South Sudan. “This large number of people has put an additional strain on the limited resources and the limited capacity of public services in the south.” South Sudan is rich in oil and other natural resources, but it remains one of the poorest nations on Earth, with 90 percent of the population living on less than $1 a day. The new nation also has some of the worst health statistics. In some areas, only one doctor serves as many as 500,000 people, and more women die in childbirth than anywhere else in the world. The population is estimated to be 8 million according to a 2008 census, but the government suspects those figures are inaccurate. Since the end of two decades of civil war between the Arab north and the mostly black African south in 2005, more than 2 million people who fled the fighting have returned

A crowd of men scream in celebration during the independence ceremony of the Republic of South Sudan in Juba, South Sudan, on Saturday July 9, 2011. South Sudanofficially became the 193rd country in the world on Saturday, after voting to secede from Sudan in January, 2011. (Photo/Andrew Burton)

to the south. Betty Achan Ogwaro, a member of the South Sudan Legislative Assembly, said the influx poses a grave risk because of a lack of jobs. “The sources of livelihood is a problem,” she said. “These people depend on aid, but that aid will not go on forever.” Barrie Walkley, the senior U.S. diplomat in Juba, added, “It is not the numbers, but the pace at which they are returning that is creating

problems.” Every day, barges brimming with people and their belongings dock at the ramshackle port in this dusty capital of Africa’s newest nation. The Nile flows south to north, so a journey up river from Khartoum can take as long as three weeks. But the prospect of an arduous voyage of more than 700 miles has not slowed the pace of southerners returning to their homeland.

Afghan president mourns brother’s assignation GRIEF-STRICKEN Afghan President Hamid Karzai led thousands of mourners Wednesday at the funeral of his half-brother, a regional power broker who was assassinated a day earlier. President Karzai wept openly, and at one point, climbed into the grave to kiss the face of the slain Ahmad Wali Karzai during the burial in the family village of Karz. The funeral took place among tight security in the southern province of Kandahar. Ahmad Wali Karzai -- chief of the Kandahar provincial council and a powerful figure in the country’s south -was shot dead on Tuesday at his home in Kandahar city by a trusted longtime member of his own security team. The man, identified as Sardar Mohammad, was then killed by other guards. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the assassination. But Afghan officials said it is not clear whether Wali Karzai’s killing was related to the insurgency or to an internal feud. Despite the Taliban’s claim, President Karzai renewed his call to the Taliban to make peace following Wednesday’s funeral. The Afghan leader has been pushing for insurgents to take part in the reconciliation process. Kandahar is the birthplace of the Taliban and violence has increased as international troops work to clear

the south of insurgents. On Wednesday, the governor of nearby Helmand province escaped injury after his convoy was hit by a roadside bomb while travelling to the funeral. Two security officials accompanying Governor Gulab Mangal were wounded in the attack. Ahmad Wali Karzai was considered the most influential official in southern Afghanistan. Analysts say his death creates a

power vacuum in the volatile region, where President Karzai relied on his brother to help maintain support among his ethnic Pashtun community. While Wali Karzai was seen as a key power broker and an ally of the international forces fighting the Taliban, he was also accused of corruption, drug trafficking, and being on the CIA’s payroll, allegations he denied. (voanews.com)

Irish Report Condemns Catholic Church for Concealing Abuse A government-sponsored report condemns the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland for what it describes as the church’s “inadequate” response to allegations of sexual abuse of children, and says high-ranking clergy helped conceal the abuse. The report by an independent commission Wednesday says the rural diocese of Cloyne in southern Ireland and its bishop, John Magee, largely ignored claims of molestation, rape and beating of children by members of the church between 1996 and 2009. It said the victims identified

in the investigation were all of the opinion that in their meetings with higher church officials, the sole concern was the protection of the institution rather than the well-being of the children. Justice Minister Alan Shatter pledged to pass a new law making it an imprisonable crime to withhold knowledge of suspected child abuse. He and Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald described the report as particularly shocking because the abuse allegations were covered up long after the church pledged to report all such cases since 1995.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate

Classifieds PRECIOUS MEMORIES FOREVER NEEDS

PJ’S BARBER SHOP Is looking for a

Hair Stylist

Must know Corel Draw, Illustrator, Photo Shop and sign plus, Screen Printing Artwork preparations and application other duties may apply. Hours Monday – Saturday 9am-6pm. Must be willing to work extra hours when needed. Email resumes to dquant@yahoo.com

Contact 241-3333

5278

To work 7 days per week salary negotiable.

Telephone: 232-8644

OR EMAIL

tcnews@tciway.tc WILFREY’S & TONY

OVER $7,000 (JACKPOT PAID BY CHEQUE)

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

To work 5 days per week. Salary $5.50 per hour.

Contact 247-1558

5306

Is looking for a

Cashier

To work 6 days per week 6 hours per week salary $5.50 per hour.

Contact 231-0882

Domestic

Worker To work 4 days salary $5.00 per hour.

contact 244-0710 5236

FLOWERGIRL Is looking for a

GRAND TURK LIQUORS Is looking to fill the following positions:

2 LABOURERS

Proceeds benefit Community Projects of the Rotary Club of Providenciales

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

Domestic Worker

THOMAS HANDFIELD / BRUSH CONSTRUCTION

5268

PROGRESSIVE JACKPOT NOW

Is looking for a

COmE EARLY AND WIN A 22” PIzzA fROm HEY JOSE!

ALL CASH PRIzES!!!

MAUREEN GIBSON

Is looking for a

CLUB PILLOWS Doors open at 7:00 pm

Website: tcweeklynews.com

BERNARD GERBEX

946-4664

EVERY SUNDAY!

Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Contact 242-0540

ROTARY BINGO in the Bight next to Smokey’s (Opposite Veranda Resort)

946-4664

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

Call today to advertise

has a new home at

July 16 - 22, 2011

Labourer

Graphic Designer/ Printer

5264

To work 5 ½ days per week Salary $6.00 per hour Hours: 8:30am-6:30pm some extra hours may be required

DOMESTIC WORKER TO CLEAN THE SHOP

CONTACT 231-3788

1 SALES CLERK To work 5 ½ days per week Salary $6.00 per hour Hours: 8:30am-6:30pm

Contact: Joey Missick at 946-2262 or 246-0663

5295

July 16 - 22, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

Job Opportunity New owner of Comfort Suites Ports of Call Resort in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands seeks qualified

Resort Manager

With minimum CHA certification and 5-plus years related experience. Require hands-on experience developing and coordinating guest services, including recreation and social activities.

All qualified candidates are invited to submit their resumes to Janie Leyden-Ondrey through janie@papkeproperties.com

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

29 FAX: (649) 946-4661

The Sands is now accepting applications/rĂŠsumĂŠ for the following position. Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, who have the desire to serve others, need apply:

Pool & Beach Attendant Responsibilities @@Greet all guests and assist with towels, umbrellas, questions, and/or water sports equipment. @@Complete setting up and breaking down of all guest lounge areas as designated by management and to ensure that all pool chairs and tables are in a clean and orderly fashion. @@Constant walk-through of pool area and beach area to make certain it is clean (no trash on the grounds) and tidy. Inspect entire pool area replacing any missing items and/or repairing (when possible) any items needing attention. (I.e. umbrellas, Hobie Cat, chairs, etc.) @@Pool & Hot Tub Cleaning (i.e. vacuuming, filtering, scrubbing, sifting, chemical testing, checking skimmers, etc.) Requirements @@A secondary diploma is an asset @@Experience as a Pool & Beach Attendant is preferred @@Must be able to work long hours in the sun

Turks Island citizens only need to apply in person to Tiersa Smith, Human Resources Manager at The Sands Resort located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales, or via e-mail: tsmith@thesandstc.com . Applications must be in by July 29, 2011.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

COCO BISTRO RESTAURANT Cook

Is looking for motivated proactive individuals to join its “Resort Team: and contribute to this growing Condominium Resort. Candidates MUST want to actively participate in creating an excellent and professional guest experience

• He/ she must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays • Must be able to work 6 day per week • Must be willing to scrub ovens and other kitchen equipment • Must have at least 8 years experience and have a good knowledge of butchery, sauces, soups, stocks fish cookery and meat cookery • Must be willing to work on a hot grill nightly • Must be able to understand and speak English • Must be physically fit, dependable and hard working Salary $7-$9 per hour

Cleaner/ Housekeeper Labourer Requirements: • Must speak English and the ability to write and read English • Fit and able for heavy lifting • Personality suited for the hotel industry • Must be customer friendly • Willing to work split shifts, holidays and weekends • Wages: $5.50 per hour

Domestic Workers & Laborers

• Must be willing to do any job required in and around the restaurant • Must be able to work 6 days per week Salary $7.00 per hour All resumes CV’s, letters of references along with a clean police record must be forwarded to fax: 649-946-5368 Belonger only need apply 5309

Deadline: August 15th, 2011

Island Fire Supplies Ltd. Requires a fully qualified fire

alarm technician for commercial and residential installations Must have at least 10 years experience in the installation, repair and maintenance of Fire Alarm Systems including Suppression Systems and Sprinkler Installation. Knowledge of Gamewell FCI , Simplex and FireLite Systems is a must.

$650.00 per month Gated Community Furnished 5281

5299

Contact: Royal West Indies Resort at Ph:649-946-5004, Fax: 649-946-5008.

STUDIO APARTMENT FOR RENT

Salary negotiable depending on level of experience.

FAX: (649) 946-4661

Royal West Indies Resort

in GRACE BAY is looking for the following positions:

Please fax resume to 941 7626

July 16 - 22, 2011

Contact: 231-3788

Bryant’s Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Career Opportunity Is seeking a Male High School Graduate who is interested in making Air Conditioning their future Career Field. Please fax or email resume to Fax: 946-4283 Email:bac@tciway.tc Tel : 941-3650

5319

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! TURKS & CAICOS FIRST INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED

job opportunity Applications are requested for the following position

UNDERWRITING MANAGER Required Skills/Education @@Bachelors Degree in Management or other relevant area @@ACII or equivalent qualification @@Ability to communicate effectively at all levels @@Ability to direct, train and motivate staff @@Ability to display tact and diplomacy with proven negotiation skills @@High level of Human Relations and Time Management Skills @@Above average analytical and computational skills @@Computer literacy Specialized Techniques/Knowledge: • Sound knowledge of insurance operations and products • Knowledge of reinsurance • Knowledge of economic and social trends pertinent to insurance claims • Knowledge of the financial implications of claims settlement • Knowledge of Turks & Caicos law relevant to the insurance industry. Required Experience: A minimum of five years supervisory experience in the Insurance Industry in the areas of Underwriting, Reinsurance and Claims. Turks Islanders only need apply. Compensation: $50,000.00 - $80,000.00 depending on experience. Interested Applicants are asked to submit your resume by e-mail to Margaret Smith, Financial Controller, ms@tcifirst.com by August 1, 2011

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

E-Commerce/Reservation Database Administrator Wired Island is looking for a senior-level database and VOIP software specialist to implement a sophisticated, IP-enabled high-volume telecommunication system that is integrated with advanced web technology. In addition to implementing the system, this person will be responsible for managing the daily activities of the call-center including productivity levels, call monitoring, scheduling, call volume forecasting, call center metrics and reports related to call volume, talk time and overall system efficiency. The right candidate must have experience in ASP, HTML, PHP/MYSQL database programming, VOIP set-up and configuration schemes and Pegasus switching technology. In addition, a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality and/or Computer Science is required along with a minimum of seven years of experience in reservations, revenue management and global e-commerce distribution systems. The salary will be based on the level of experience and will start at $50,000 a year.

Qualified candidates should email a cover letter and resume to manager@wiredislandtci. com no later than July 29, 2011.

5282

July 16 - 22, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

31 FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES Call today to advertise

TURKS & CAICOS INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES (TCIPS)

SECONDARY EDUCATION DIVISION Invites suitable qualified individuals to fill the post of

946-4664

Teachers

OR EMAIL

tcnews@tciway.tc

FOR SALE

For Grades 7-11 for September 2011 for the following subjects: Mathematics, English A&B, Social Studies, Information Technology, Business Subjects, Sciences, English as a Second Language, Religious Education, Physical Education.

BETTY COX is looking for a

Requirements:

• Must have at least 5 years teaching

Real estate opportunity

Call 245 6620 or email gemmahandy@gmail.com

ADVERTISING DEADLINE FOR ALL ADS IS 5:00 PM WEDNESDAY CALL 946-4664 OR EMAIL tcnews@tciway.tc

Cosmetologist To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact 242-7753

5202

Beautifully maintained, substantially improved, fully furnished. Situated on 0.25 acre lot, it’s close to Blue Hills and has interior open plan living/kitchen/dining room, and central air throughout. Offers over $155,000. Motivated seller.

Applicants should be submitted to:

Director, TCIPS, Butterfield Square, Providenciales. Email: wjackson@tcips.com

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

C & S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Is looking for a

CHINSON RESTAURNT GROUP

Job Opportunities

Domestic Worker To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour

contact 946-5759

5313

Two-bedroom, one bath home in the centre of phase one of Priton Developments in Wheeland.

experiences • a first degree is preferred, teaching diploma required • strong record of success at the secondary level • expert knowledge of the CSEC/GCE curriculum • closing date for applications is August 5th, 2011

CHINSON RESTAURNT GROUP invites applications from suitable qualified persons to immediately fill the following positions: POTWASHER & CLEANERS:

@@ General cleaning of Kitchen and Pastry rooms and some prep work

Laborers:

@@ General cleaning and maintenance of the three restaurant locations @@ Preferable male candidates with excellent physical health record @@ Qualification must include but not limited to the following:

BAKERS:

@@ Must be able to obtain sanitation certificate @@ Must have at least four (4) years experience in the preparation of Jamaican pastries to include all bread products

COCO BISTRO RESTAURANT

PASTRY CHEF:

in GRACE BAY is looking for a

HEAD CHEF

@@ Successful applicant must have at least (5) years experience in culinary arts @@ Must be familiar with the production of Jamaican Pastries especially wedding and birthday cakes and decoration using air-brush technology @@ Caribbean Cuisine Cooks @@ Must be able to obtain sanitation certificate @@ Must be able to cook without supervision Jamaican and other Caribbean Cuisine.

CASHIERS:

• Must have at least 10 years experience as a chef with reference in an up market restaurant doing large numbers • Must have a good knowledge of all aspects of cooking • Must have attended Catering College and received graduating documents • Must be proficient with Microsoft Excel • Must be willing to work 6 days/night a week including weekends and holidays • Must be a team leader and work well under pressure • Must have a food handlers certificate • Must be willing to be a hands on Chef and do any duties required to run a professional kitchen • Must be able to understand and speak English, physically fit, dependable and hardworking Salary $30,000 per annum

All resumes/ CVs, letters of references along with a clean police record must be forwarded to fax: 649-946-5368 Belonger Only need apply Deadline August 15th, 2011 5311

@@ Must be able to work remain calm and work under pressure @@ Ability to multi-task is essential @@ Must be very honest @@ Must enjoy customer service

ACCOUNTING CLERK:

@@ Applicant will be responsible for preparation of Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Bank Reconciliation, purchasing and inventory control @@ Must be knowledgeable of Microsoft Office, Word, Excel and Outlook, QuickBooks and possess good written and communication skills @@ Pleas not that CRG is very Customer Service driven and so all successful applicants must be: @@ Willing to work split shifts, long hours, on weekends and Public Holidays @@ Possess clean police record @@ Be dependable, organized and team oriented Salary is commensurate with experience and qualification

Please apply in writing with full resume to: The CEO Chinson Restaurant Group P.O. Box 293 Eden Courts, Leeward Highway Providenciales Applications should reach no later than July 30th, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

July 16 - 22, 2011 FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

Is looking for a

Female Driver With own transportation must be able to work from 9am – 3pm

contact 231-3788

IVY K. BASDEN

Property for rent

Is looking for a

• Two-bed one-bath home in phase one of Priton Developments in Wheeland. • Fully furnished, excellent condition, large fully fenced yard. • Pets accepted. • Available for $800 a month, low bills.

Labourer and a Domestic Worker – salary $5.00 per hour. Must be honest hardworking and prepared to work on weekends.

Contact 244-9452

Email gemmahandy@gmail.com

or call 341 7580

5283

FLOWERGIRL

Turks and Caicos

Weekly News the national newspaper of the turks and caicos islands

ON THE WEB tcweeklynews.com

POSITIONS AVAILABLE The Turks and Caicos Islands’ oldest and leading publishing house is in need of additional staff to fill the following posts:

WRITERS / PHOTO JOURNALISTS Candidates must have at least five (5) years experience working full-time for daily newspapers and/or news/features magazines, reporting on hard news, features and parliamentary/court proceedings. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience. Position available March 1, 2010

FOR MAGAZINES AND OTHER PERIODICALS GRAPHICS PRODUCTION DESIGNER/PAGINATOR This position requires someone with at least five (5) years experience working with Macintosh or PC computers. Must be skilled in the make-up of advertising and pagination. Proficiency using InDesign, Illustrator and PhotoShop software for print is essential. Some technical, networking and web design knowledge an asset. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience. Position available March 1, 2010

REPORTER TRAINEE Preferably a High School graduate or someone with an extremely good command of the English language for court and community reporting. Ability to drive and use a camera a desirable asset. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience. Position available March 1, 2010

ADVERTISING SPACE SALES PERSON Candidates must have had actual hands-on experience selling advertising space for newspapers and magazines. Ability to assist clients with the writing of copy for ads and gathering of collateral an asset. Salary is commission based. Position available June 30, 2011 Forward applications to: The Publisher Duncanson Publications Ltd. P.O. Box 52, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Email: tcnews@tciway.tc NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE Preference will be given to Belongers and Legal Residents Closing date for applications is November 14, 2008

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

2 Labourers To work in North Caicos Must be able to work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.

Is looking for a

Acting on behalf of our clients: Da Conch Shack, TCI House Pastry, Coral Gardens:

Kitchen Helper

• Must make sure the kitchen area is well kept and maintained, help prepare food • Must be able to work shift work • Salary $7.00 per hour

Domestic Worker

5301

• To work 8-5 salary $5.00 per hour • Maintenance Man • To service and up keep all the units and systems of the facility • To work 8-5 salary $7.00 per hour

Contact 649-332-5533

FAX: (649) 946-4661

GILLEYS ENTERPRISES

Labourer Is looking for a

Hairstylist To work 6 days per week salary based on commission

Contact 231-0882

5307

Is looking for

Contact 232-7317

WILFREY & TONY

WARD CONSULTANCY

LEW & JAN CONSTRUCTION

5317

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

• Must be willing to work six (6) days per week • Must be trustworthy and reliable • Salary $6.00 per hour • Hours 8:00am-6:00pm Contact: Finance Department 941-4871 or email: discountfinance@tciway.tc

5294

July 16 - 22, 2011

The Meridian Club On Pine Cay

Turks & Caicos Islands British West Indies Email: manager@meridianclub.com Ph:649-941-7011 Fax: 649-941-7010

VACANCIES Positions Available MECHANICAL ENGINEER

The successful applicant must be a member of American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and AirConditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and competent in the design of HVAC systems: Duties shall include preparation of standard detail drawings including sections and isometrics of various mechanical services such as HVAC, plumbing, sanitary, sprinkler systems, swimming pools etc using Auto CAD software.

ELECTRICAL DESIGN ENGINEER

The successful applicant must be competent in the design of electrical systems: Power generation and distribution of power supply, performing electrical calculations, sizing equipment and performing computer analysis of alternate systems; must also be competent in the design of fire alarm systems and communication systems using the latest Auto Cad software. @@ Both applicants must be familiar with USA Codes and Regulations and should be a member of the National Fire @@ Protection Association (NFPA) @@ All applicants must have extensive experience in the installation of, including testing and commissioning of the electrical and mechanical services. @@ Applicants should have a minimum of 5 (five) years experience and a proven design track record on projects for condominium complexes, hotels, commercial and industrial facilities and residential dwellings. @@ It is essential that both applicants must have a degree in his/her field obtained from a recognized University and registered with his/her respective Engineering Council/Commission. The successful applicants must have the technical experience for solving design solutions and can work unsupervised in the preparation and issuing of mechanical and electrical design drawings. All applications will be considered from suitably qualified candidates who should forward a copy of their resume including relevant experience to the email/fax address below. Deadline for Application is August 6th, 2011

Please fax your application to: - 649-946-8506 – Building Services Design Ltd. Email: accounts@bsd.tc Or mail to: P.O Box 641, Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Please copy application to: Labour Commissioner, Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership in the turks & caicos

Executive Chef at The Meridian Club on Pine Cay

Salary: $40,000 - $50,000/year depending upon training, experience, work record and capability. Duties: include hands-on meal preparation and oversight of other meals, 3 meals daily seven days per week; ensuring preparation and presentation of fine, 5 star cuisine; scheduling, training and managing kitchen and wait staff; ordering and meal planning; ensuring sanitary food handling and storage practices; catering special events and supervision of ordering, inventory control and waste management for restaurant and small commissary operation. Qualifications Required: - Minimum of Degree in culinary arts at accredited college or university - Minimum of 5 years experience as Executive Chef or equivalent in 5 star restaurant. - Minimum of 5 years experience in supervising and managing kitchen and wait personnel - Must be skilled in handling all duties specified.. - Must be willing to reside on Pine Cay, a small private island, on a full time basis.. - Must furnish health certificate or be willing to undergo medical examination to ensure freedom from communicable disease. - Must be willing to work weekends, nights and holidays Starting Date: October 20, 2011. Note: The Meridian Club offers breakfast, lunch and dinner to its guests and members. Proficiency with seafood preparation a must. Creativity and flexibility and ability to get along with long-term staff essential.

Executive Pastry Chef at The Meridian Club on Pine Cay Salary: $10-12/hr or more depending upon training, experience, work record and capability. Duties: must be able to create a large variety of tasty desserts, breads and pastries from scratch ( 4-5 different dessert offerings must be available each day for lunch and dinner and pastries for breakfast). Must be able to do other food preparations and assist in meal preparation. Must assist Executive Chef in overseeing and training kitchen staff, as needed. Qualifications Required: - Must have degree in culinary arts from an accredited college or university - Minimum of 3 years experience as Pastry Chef in 5 star restaurant. - Must be skilled in handling all duties specified. - Must be willing to reside on Pine Cay, a small private island on a full time basis.. - Must furnish health certificate or be willing to undergo medical examination to ensure freedom from communicable disease. - Must be willing to work weekends, nights and holidays Starting Date: November 1, 2011.

Contact Person and Contact Information: Beverly Plachta, Resort Manager. Fax to 649-941-7010 or email to manager@meridianclub.com a copy of resume with your contact information (mailing address, e-mail address, phone number) Resume must include min. of 3 references with contact information and how you knows these people. Also include copy of passport, police report. All qualified applicants will be interviewed within 2 weeks.

5303

Building Services Design Ltd. is currently seeking suitably qualified individuals to fill the following positions.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

Been MEP Co. Ltd Requires fully qualified

For commercial and residential installations. Must have at least 10 years experience in the commercial field. Salary negotiable depending on level of experience.

• Must be a certified beauty advisor • Must have good communication skills • Must have previous experience in cosmetic brands Salary based on commission

Contact 331-4110

Closing date July 23, 2011

Please fax resume to 941 7626

G & G CONSTRUCTION

WANTED

Is looking to fill the following positions:

Live-In Nanny/ Domestic Worker

TITLE 61201/17 East Cays Providenciales

DESCRIPTION 1 residential home on Parrot Cay with ocean frontage and jetty located on 1.55 acres of land

REGISTERED PROPRIETOR Misty Morn II Ltd

The auction will be held on Tuesday 19th July, 2011 at 10:00am at the offices of the British Caribbean Bank Limited, Governor’s Road, Leeward, Providenciales. Conditions of sale may be obtained from the British Caribbean Bank Limited and further inquiries may be directed to the Risk Management Unit @ 1-649941-5028 ext 302.

Sales Clerk

- Must Love Children - Must be Honest, Reliable and Trustworthy - Tolerance for Dogs and 1 house-cat - Ability to drive (with drivers' license) a plus Salary: $550.00/month

ALL SALES ARE SUBJECT TO RESERVE; 10% DEPOSIT REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY AFTER SUCCESSFUL BID. 5276

Labourer Must be able to work 5 days per week Salary $5.50 per hour

5298

Contact: 247-8177

Pursuant to the provisions of the Registered Land Ordinance, British Caribbean Bank Limited, Governor’s Road, Leeward, Providenciales HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that it will cause to be sold by public auction the following properties: 5279

To advise customers on the latest make-up trends

Electricians

Contact: 241-2962

5318

Beauty Advisor

FAX: (649) 946-4661

SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION

BEAUTY AND BEYOND Is looking for a

July 16 - 22, 2011

Property Managers and Vacation Rental Specialists

PHARMACIST

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Turks & Caicos is looking for two full-time experienced, professional and motivated Property Managers and Vacation Rental Specialists with exceptional customer service skills to work in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

@@ Must have Bachelors in Pharmacy qualification and at least 10 years post qualification experience. @@ Computer literate including previous use of dispensary management software and retail point of sale software required. @@ Basic knowledge of accounting principles an asset, as reconciliation of daily sales is required. @@ Salary commensurate with experience ranging from $40K. All applicants must be registered with the TCI Health Practitioners Board.

5274

Please send CV to islandpharmacy@tciway.tc or fax to 946-2389

The position requires experience in managing residential and commercial real estate, tenant placement, vacation rental bookings, basic accounting, review of client and bank statements, preparation and registration of leases as well as property management & vacation rental contracts, airport meet and greet, property tours, and coordinating maintenance staff. Applicants must posses strong written, verbal and presentation skills. Online marketing, database management, advertising and business development experience are required; applicant must be computer literate in all Microsoft Programs including Publisher and Power Point. Own vehicle, cell phone, camera and computer are essential. This position will involve working long hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Opportunities exist for five fully qualified accountants who possess a minimum of three years professional experience gained within a “Big Four” public accounting firm. Salary ranges from US$40,000.00 to US$75,000.00 per annum. If you wish to be considered for this opportunity please apply in confidence by sending details of your experience and qualifications to either: KPMG Ltd. or The Labour Commissioner, P.O. Box 357 Labour Office The Village at Grace Bay Butterfield Square Providenciales Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands Turks & Caicos Islands Or fax your particulars to 946-4619

Compensation is by commission and bonus only. The two positions will be open until July 17, 2011.

For more information we invite you to contact Louise Peterson, General Manager at (649) 231-1988 or email louisepeterson@coldwellbankertci.com. All enquiries will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

5267

ACA/ACCA/CA

Coldwell Banker is one of the world’s largest real estate companies with 90,000 Sales Associates, operating 3300 offices, in 49 countries. Coldwell Banker Real Estate Turks & Caicos is one of the original founding members of TCREA and has been selling real estate, providing property management & vacation rental services in the TCI for 22 years.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

FAX: (649) 946-4661

@@Comprehensive knowledge on use of commercial dry cleaning and laundry equipment @@Experience in use of hydro-carbons @@Knowledge of preventative maintenance on commercial equipment @@Management of 20 staff @@Professional interaction with client which constitute hotel management @@Computer literate and use of QuickBooks @@Applicants should have at least 10 years experience in the field of drycleaning and laundry operations @@A Degree in Electrical or Mechanical engineering as well as an academic qualification in Hospitality would be an asset

Applicant must have 10 – 15 years skill & experience. Experience in wall paper, venetion plaster, Color mixing, stucco finishing, interior &exterior. Salary $600 per week. Only Turks Islanders need apply.

POSITION AVAILABLE Female Housekeeper

Grand Turk Cruise Center is currently accepting applications for a motivated individual interested in being part of diverse team. Minimum qualifications required: @@Must be fluent in the English language. @@Applicants must be able to lift 40 lbs; and willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays. @@Previous housekeeping experience required @@Should be able to accurately follow verbal and written instructions. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to and may be amended from time to time: • Cleans female restrooms and public areas, especially on ship days • Assists Male Housekeeping Staff to optimize cleanliness of entire complex to include pool areas • Ensures thorough knowledge of assigned equipment usage • Ensures that Administrative offices and surrounding employee areas are cleaned • Informs the Maintenance Manager of requirements and makes suggestions on ways to improve maintenance of restrooms • Assists in any number of tasks necessary to keep GTCC operating to the highest standard. WAGES WILL BE COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE.

Interested parties are encouraged to send resume to: Grand Turk Cruise Center Human Resources Phone: 946-1040 Fax: 946-1041 E-Mail: admin@grandturkcc.com ONLY BELONGERS NEED APPLY

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership in the turks & caicos

Applications should be emailed to jamtcis@tciway.tc

CIGAR ROLLERS 5275

NEEDED To work 5 days per week. Must have experience in house cleaning. salary $4.50 per hour.

send resume to P.O. Box 301

Is looking for a

Is looking for

Labourer

All applicants must have full knowledge of tobacco types, quality and flavors and rolling techniques. Salary starting $5.00 per hour. Contact: Crafters TCI 343-2823

WORKER

ROOSEVELT OUTTEN

CUBAN CRAFTERS TCI

Belongers need only apply. Salary commensurate with job experience and qualification.

Interested applicants may submit their resumes to P.O. Box 270, Governor’s Road, Leeward, Providenciales on or before 19th July 2011.

PAINTING SPECIALIST

• PREPARE STRUCTURAL DETAILS FROM DESIGNER • PRODUCE REBAR SCHEDULES FROM DESIGNER • ANY OTHER DUTIES AS MAY BE ASSIGNED • CERTIFICATE IN COMPUTER AIDED DRAFTING • FLUENT IN ENGLISH • MUST HAVE 3 YEARS EXPERIENCE Salary Offering: $10.00 & $5.00 per hour. Closing date for application is the 29th July, 2011

DOMESTIC

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact 243-5791

5262

Description:

1 TECHNICIAN, DOMESTIC WORKER

Providenciales Telephone: 231-1205

5304

JOB VACANCY SERVICE MANAGER OF DRY CLEANING/LAUNDRY OPERATION

TCI STRUCTURES LTD

TC INDUSTRAL SERVICES LTD

5271

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

5269

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

5305

July 16 - 22, 2011

VACANCY Seven Stars Resort, Grace Bay is recruiting an experienced Financial Controller reporting to the Director of Finance. Suitably qualified Belongers who possess the requirements listed are encouraged to apply. Salary is based on experience and qualifications.

Financial Controller

• Suitable candidates must have a relevant degree in hotel management as well as a recognized accounting qualification, ACA/ACCA with 10+ years hotel financial management experience • Supervision of large accounting department • Extensive experience in the preparation of monthly and annual financial statements, business plans and budgets • Provide feedback to Director of Finance on variance analysis and make proposals for corrective action • Experience of hotel income audits and daily reconciliations • Extensive knowledge of Visual 1 and AccPac payroll software required • Must possess a strong IT & HR background • Must be fluent in English • Closing Date : July 15th 2011 Suitably qualified candidates should apply in writing or send resume Monday – Friday 9am-5pm

Director of Finance, Seven Stars Resort P.O Box 603, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies Email: admin@sevenstarsgracebay.com Website: www.sevenstarsgracebay.com Telephone: (649) 941 - 7777 Fax: (649) 941 - 8601

5280

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

BUTTERFIELD GOLD GROUP OF COMPANIES

POSITIONS AVAILABLE Butterfield Gold

One (1) Customer Service Representative Individual must possess good command of spoken English, customer oriented, have had prior work experience as a supervisor and/or work unsupervised. Must also be prepared to work shift hours, evening, weekends and holidays. Individual must have prior knowledge and experience with minimum of four years experience of the supermarket industry to be able to understand and meet customers’ needs and expectations in this industry. Must have working knowledge of Point of Sales systems to extract, tabulate and collate information that would enable one to source, order and maintain inventory levels of specialty products to provide best possible service for customers. Qualifications: Minimum of five CXC passes (grades I to II), including English Language, Mathematics, Computer literate with knowledge of word processing programs, Qbooks, Wages: Commensurate with experience starting from $1,600.00 per month

Island Pride Supermarket

One (1) Labourer Physical, able-bodied individuals capable of lifting heavy loads Wages: starting from $6.00 per hour

One (1) Cashier To operate a cash register and check stand to provide the store’s customer with the most friendly, accurate and efficient checkout service possible; to perform stocking and other duties as assigned, according to company policy; to ensure that the work shift contributes to the financial best interest of the store. Wages: $6.00 per hour

Rosies’ Delight Restaurant

One (1) Domestic Worker For general cleaning & other domestic duties Wages: $5.50 per hour

Island Pride Fuel

One (1) Domestic Worker For general cleaning & other domestic duties Requirements for all Applicants: • Hardworking team player with excellent people skills. • Willingness to work, weekends and holidays as required. • In addition to the performance of the essential functions employees may able required to perform supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the supervisor. Only Belongers apply for these positions. Application forms available from Butterfield Gold Human Resource Department. Only applicants selected for interview will be notified. Submit applications to by July 22, 2011 to:

Butterfield Gold Ltd., Human Resource Department Town Center Mall, Providenciales Tel: 649-946-4211

CATHERINE WILLIAMS IS LOOKING FOR A

VACANCIES PROVO ELECTRIC

WAITRESS TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK SALARY $5.50 PER HOUR.

CONTACT 241-2212 OR EMAIL: KATHERINE.625@HOTMAIL.COM

• Electricians • Laborer • Clerk

Hole In The Wall • Waitress

Salary must commensurate with qualifications

5314

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

July 16 - 22, 2011

Resumes can be faxed to 941-3425 and the Labour Department, Providenciales as soon as possible

Seven Stars Resort, Grace Bay

vacancy Is now recruiting for the following position; suitably qualified Belongers who possess the requirements listed below are encouraged to apply. Candidates must be team players with a strong work ethic, available for work on public holidays and weekends. Salaries are based on experience and qualifications.

Rooms Division Manager The candidate will report directly to the Managing Director, and experience in the following areas would be a necessity• Should have a minimum of 10 years management experience with International 5 Star properties. • Working knowledge of Spanish and French. • Experienced in the oversight of all aspects of a Hotel Housekeeping Department, including supervision of staff levels in excess of 20 employees. • Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. • Background in the monitoring of actual against budgeted financial performance. • Oversight of third party vendors to ensure best pricing and quality of merchandise. • Monitoring of all room inventory levels. • Experience in managing all Front Office functions, as well as Concierge, Boutique, Spa and Children’s Club facilities. • Must be effective in handling problems in the workplace, anticipating, identifying, preventing and solving problems as necessary. • Developing training programs for all Front of House employees to guarantee exemplary levels of customer service. • Experience in the monitoring of room revenues and occupancy levels, analyzing rate variances and the monitoring of credit reports, and the implementation of appropriate revenue management strategies and tactics to maximize occupancy and rate. • Control of staffing levels to reflect changes required for seasonal fluctuations. • Closing Date : June 30th, 2011

Suitably qualified candidates should apply in writing or send resume Monday – Friday 9am-5pm

Management Seven Stars Resort P.O Box 603 Grace Bay Road, Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands British West Indies Email: recruitment@sevenstarsgracebay.com Website: www.sevenstarsgracebay.com Telephone: (649) 333 - 7731 Fax: (649) 941 - 8601

5321

July 16 - 22, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

37 FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

COCO BISTRO RESTAURANT in GRACE BAY is looking for a

RESTAURANT

MANAGER Maitre D Hotel

By: McCollum & Newlands, Attorneys for the Petitioner, Market Place, Leeward Highway, Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands British West Indies Petitioner: Turquoise Construction Company Ltd; Address of Petitioner. Salt Mills Plaza, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies Claiming to be a creditor of the company will be heard at The Supreme Court, Leeward Highway, Providenciales. On 25th July 2011 At 9.30 am or as soon thereafter as the Petition can be heard 5310

Required for luxurious rental villa in Providenciales Qualifications and experience

This position requires a high level of relevant experience either within a five star hotel or private villa. A self motivated, highly service orientated individual who uses own initiative. The candidate must have a good command of English and excellent communication skills and be prepared to work long hours, week-ends and holidays. This is a live in position and candidate is expected to be hardworking, trustworthy and a team player. • General maintenance and cleanliness of the villa so attention to detail is essential. • Housekeeping responsibilities with an awareness of cost control and energy saving. • Knowledge of spreadsheets for accounting and record keeping purposes. • Assist private chef with shopping and meal preparation when necessary so a background knowledge of culinary skills is helpful. • Understanding of the needs and requirements of demanding guests is of paramount importance. • This position requires some manual work such as assistance with guests luggage, some landscaping, pool maintenance etc. • Clean driver’s license is necessary. • This position reports directly to the Villa Manager. Salary $1,000 to $1, 300.00 a month Accommodation & food allowance provided Applications must also apply in writing with resumes to:

Foluso@thesource.tc OR: 241 - 7734 Villa Manager, P.O. Box 143, Providenciales

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

and

Presented on 4th August 2009

Villa Attendant/Butler

Remuneration

In the matter of Logwood Hotel Development Company Limited

A Petition to wind up the above-named company, of Richmond House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, B.W.I

CORAL HOUSE

Summary of duties and responsibilities

IN THE SUPREME COURT PROVIDENCIALES ACTION NO W 1/09

In the matter of the Companies Ordinance 1981

• Must have at least 10 years experience in an up market Restaurant • Must be proficient with Microsoft Excel and Publisher and QuickBooks with some accounting skills • Must have a good knowledge of wines and spirits • Must have a good background in food knowledge • Must be able to work 6 days/nights a week including holidays 11 hours a day • Must be a team leader and work well under pressure • Applicants must be able to understand and speak English, physically fit, dependable and hardworking $35,000 per annum

All Resumes/ Cv’s, letters of references along with a clean police record must be forwarded to fax: 649-946-5368 Belonger only need apply Deadline August 15th, 2011

Re -Advertisement of Winding-Up Petition

Any person intending to appear on the hearing of the petition whether to support or oppose it must give notice of intention to do so to the Petitioner or its Attorneys by 16.00 hours on 22nd July, 2011 The Petitioner’s Attorneys are McCollum & Newlands, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands B.W.I Dated 5th July 2011

PRECIOUS TREASURES DAYCARE, PRE AND PRIMARY SCHOOL

vacancies INVITES applications from suitably qualified persons to fill the following positions:

DAYCARE:

Trained Daycare Supervisor Experienced Daycare Assistant

PRESCHOOL:

PRESCHOOL SUPERVISOR

Qualification:

• A Teaching Diploma or Degree from a recognized institution with emphasis on Early Childhood education • At least Five years experience in similar position • Must be able to train other staff under her control • Mature and possess a caring and loving disposition • Clean Police record PRESCHOOL TEACHERS PRESCHOOL TEACHER ASSISTANT

Primary:

Trained Primary Teachers Grade 1-6

Qualification must include but not limited to the following: • At least three years experience in similar position • Appropriate Teacher Training qualifications

• Possesses mature, caring and loving disposition • Clean Police Record • Willing to work long hours and on public Holidays

CLEANERS:

• Person to keep the classroom and toilets clean at all times • Be willing to work until late evenings and on non school days if required

COOK:

• Person will be responsible to prepare daily lunches for the students and teachers • Candidate should possess a valid drivers license

LABORERS:

• Person will be responsible to maintain the school surroundings and do minor repairs and maintenance Please apply in writing with full resume to:

The Administrator Precious Treasures School P.O. Box 293 Providenciales Applications should reach no later than July 30th, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

July 16 - 22, 2011 FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

NOTICE OF SALE BY

CHARLES ROPER

PUBLIC AUCTION Domestic Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands:

1. Parcel 60503/225

Blue Hills and Stammers Run Providenciales, comprising of two existing structures each containing two bedrooms, one bathroom, living/dining area and external deck area. Registered Proprietor: Alice Louise Arthur

2. Parcel 60505/132

Blue Hills and Stammer Run, Providenciales, comprising of a two storey residential development, upper level accommodation consists of two, one bedroom units, containing a kitchen, living room and dining room. The ground level accommodation consists of a three bedroom unit, containing a kitchen, living room and dining room. In addition contains an incomplete single storey building comprising three, one bedroom, one bathroom units containing kitchen, living/dining area and front deck area. Registered Proprietor: Jean Baptiste Millien and Jeannial Israll Baptiste

3. Parcel 60101/21/K42

Northwest Point Providenciales, comprising of a one bedroom unit on the second floor, one bathroom, living room and balcony. Registered Proprietor: Elizabeth Lynn Perch

4. Parcel 60703/164

Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill Providenciales, comprising of a three storey detached main house incorporating four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, living area, dining area, office, kitchen, laundry, recreation room, 2nd living area, master bedroom lounge, garage, pool and terrace areas. In addition guest house contains a one bedroom guest room and maid quarter. Registered Proprietor: Thomas Chalmers Atkinson Misick and Joyanna Roselee Misick

5. Parcel 60809/168

The Bight & Thomas Stubbs Providenciales, comprising of a single storey apartment building containing four one bedroom, one bathroom units, kitchen, living/dining area. Registered Proprietor: Paulamae Patyslee Missick

6. Parcel 60609/23

Norway & Five Cays, Providenciales, comprising of a two storey residential development, three bedroom, two bathrooms, living room, kitchen and dining room, and terrace areas. Registered Proprietor: Patseylee Corina Gray

7. Parcel 60002/209

North West & North Central Providenciales, comprising of a one storey residential development, two bedrooms, one bathroom, living room, kitchen and dining room. Registered Proprietor: Tamara Erica Williams

8. Parcel 60804/49

The Bight & Thomas Stubbs Providenciales, comprising of a two storey residential development, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, living room, kitchen, dining room and laundry room. Registered Proprietor: John Alexander Williams

Is looking for a

Worker

– To work 4 days per week salary $160.00 per week.

Contact 241-0149 Dorell Williams Of Sun Beach Pacific Ltd Is looking for a

plumber at $10 an hour

Contact Dorell on 241-6581 or 941-3082

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

9. Parcel 60400/107

Chalk Sound Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residential development , four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, living room, kitchen, dining room, laundry room, swimming pool, double garage. Registered Proprietor: Hayden Boyce and Lillian Boyce

10. Parcel 60900/195

Leeward Going Through Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residential development, two bedroom, one bathroom, living room and kitchen. Registered Proprietor: Dexter Alexander Ingham

11. Parcel 60610/184

Norway and Five Cays Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residential development, two bed rooms, open plan living room, dining room and kitchen. Alongside, there is a new two storey structure which provides a small one bedroom unit on each level. Registered Proprietor: Earl Nathan Tucker

12. Parcel 60003/114

North West & North Central Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residential development, three bedroom, two bathroom, kitchen, great room, laundry room and covered porch. Registered Proprietor: Stephanie Bernadette Forbes & Oneil Edward Riley

13. Parcel 60002/253

14. Parcel 60900/156

Leeward Going Through Providenciales, comprising of a two storey residential development, consisting of two one bedroom apartments on the lower level, each unit contains a kitchen, living/dining area and bathroom. Upper level unit comprises of three bedrooms, two bathroom, kitchen and living/dining area. Registered Proprietor: Evans Bobby Lavard The auction will be held at the offices of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 11 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 22nd day of July 2011 A reserve price will be fixed on all parcels. A deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids. Terms and Conditions of Sale by Auction are available by request from Scotiabank Collections Manager (649) 9468034 or fax number (649) 946- 4409.

FOR SALE

Real estate opportunity Two-bedroom, one bath home in the centre of phase one of Priton Developments in Wheeland.

Call 245 6620 or email gemmahandy@gmail.com

July 16 - 22, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

FAX: (649) 946-4661

TURKS & CAICOS SANITATION LTD. is looking to fill the following positions:

2 DIESEL MECHANICS/ DRIVER

With auto electrical and welding skills with over 5 years experience expected leadership ability any additional skills will be a plus

PLUMBER/ DRIVER

With electrical skills and additional skills will be a plus

WATER & SEWAGE ENGINEER

With over 5 years experience must be able to draft contract and write proposal for water and sewage

2 LABORERS/ DRIVER PUBLIC AREA SUPERVISOR

A minimum of two years experience and excellent communication skills, as well as computer skills is required (Microsoft Work, Microsoft Excel, Outlook, QuickBooks) as well as prior supervisory experience must be fluent in English, must have experience in customer service. LEWIS ASTWOOD is looking for a Domestic Worker & Caretaker

Contact (649) 231-0436 or astwoodl@yahoo.com

Accounts & Administration Officer Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the position of Accounts & Administration Officer for an established Insurance Brokerage in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Areas of responsibility should include but not limited to: • Assist with the preparation of monthly financial statements and Annual Accounts • Cash flow forecasting and monitoring • Management of Accounts Receivables & Accounts Payables • Bank Reconciliation • Cash management • Monthly financial reconciliation and settlement with Insurance Companies, Brokers, and Agents • Payroll • Office Administration • Preparation and Filing of Annual Returns and other regulatory issues The suitable candidate should have post secondary education (Bachelor or Associate Degree or studying toward professional qualifications in Accounting) with a minimum of seven years relevant work experience. In addition, the successful candidate will be someone who is a self starter and possess strong interpersonal and organizational skill and can work closely with others in a small office environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is essential. Knowledge of “Power Broker” an insurance brokerage management software package would be useful. Remuneration will be commensurate with qualification and experience.

Interested persons should submit their resumes or CV’s with references to NW Hamilton Insurance Brokers Ltd via email insure@nwhamilton.tc, attention ACCOUNTS & ADMIN

WB FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT LTD.

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Job Responsibilities:

• Preparation of financial statements and detailed performance analysis for clients; • Management of junior accounting staff; • Preparation of client files for review by directors; • Management of diverse client base and variety of engagement types; and • Preparation of management reports to be used by clients to improve their financial processes and overall business performance.

Qualifications Required:

• Professional accounting designation (CA, CMA, or CPA); • Post-Secondary education in Business, Accounting, or similar; • Minimum of 5 years post qualification work experience in senior accounting position; and • Positive attitude with ability to work as part of a team. This position is immediately available. Salary for this position will be based on qualifications and experience. All applicants will be reviewed; however only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Applicants should apply in writing or email by July 25th, 2011 to:

WB Financial Management Ltd. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Email: wbfinancial@hotmail.com Fax: 649-946-8597 Tel: 649-232-4113 5297

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sports International

July 16 - 22, 2011

Mexico win second U-17 World Cup in six years MEXICO CITY - Mexico won their second Under-17 World Cup title in six years on Sunday, getting goals in both halves to beat Uruguay 2-0. Antonio Briseno scored with Mexico’s first shot on goal in the 31st minute, and Giovani Casillas added the clincher in the second-minute of injury time to give Mexico a seventh straight victory at the biennial youth championship by a combined score of 17-7. Briseno scored the only goal Mexico needed when the Atlas defender finished a play that started with Kevin Escamilla chasing down an attempted clearance of a corner kick and curled a ball to the back post. Carlos Fierro headed the ball back into the centre of the area and Briseno, pushed forward on the set piece, was able to volley it from just inside the six. Casillas tacked on a celebratory tally to the delight of the capacity crowd at Estadio Azteca, taking a ball from Arturo Gonzalez on the counter as Uruguay was pushed forward, racing past defender Alejandro Furia and

Mark Cavendish in familiar pose after winning the 11th stage of the Tour de France.

Cavendish sprints to third win of this year’s Tour de France

Antonio Briseno (number 4) about to score Mexico’s first goal.

unleashing a shot that keeper Jonathan Cubero was able to get a hand to, but not stop. The title comes two weeks after the senior Mexican team won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in Pasadena, California, and adds to the U-17 crown won in Peru in 2005. Uruguay was hampered early, losing forward Rodrigo Aguirre in the 23rd minute to an injury when he and

Mexican keeper clashed heads going for the same high bouncing ball just outside the penalty area. Aguirre had to be removed from the field on a stretcher and reportedly was taken to a hospital for examination. With Juan San Martin replacing Aguirre, Uruguay created chances quickly, countering three-on-two but wasting the chance when

Elbio Alvarez put the shot well wide right in the 26th minute. Buoyed by the sellout home crowd, Mexico enjoyed most of the possession and outshot Uruguay 23-15. But Uruguay had more shots on goal, including twice hitting the post, by Alvarez in the 35th and again with San Martin’s left-footed attempt from the edge of the six in the 62nd minute. (CONCACAF)

Japan defeat Sweden to set up final against United States BERLIN — Japan will meet the United States in the final of the women’s World Cup after coming from behind to stun Sweden, 3-1, in their semifinal in Frankfurt on Wednesday. Earlier, the United States defeated France by the same score in Moenchengladbach. In Frankfurt, Japan, which upset host Germany in the quarterfinals, fell behind early on against Sweden, for whom

Josefine Oqvist scored after 10 minutes. Just eight minutes later, Nahomi Kawasumi equalised for Japan. In the second half the Asians, who simply never gave up and continued running forward, scored a second on the hour through Homare Sawa. A brilliant lob from well outside the area by Kawasumi

MY DEES

in the 64th minute put the game beyond the Swedes. Japan’s previous best performance at the World Cup saw it go out in the quarterfinals in 1995. They finished fourth at the Olympics in 2008. In the earlier match, the United States, which has not lost to France for the last 21 years, took an early lead in the ninth minute through Lauren Cheney,

but Sonia Bompastor equalised 10 minutes after the restart. Abby Wambach put the United States ahead in the 79th minute and Alex Morgan put the game beyond doubt with eight minutes to go. Since losing the semifinal at the World Cup four years ago in China, the U.S. has lost just two matches and now faces Japan in Sunday’s final. (Bostonherald.com)

Edith Hall

ELIZABETH FORBES KEW, NORTH CAICOS

Is looking for a

Is looking to fill the following positions:

Is looking for a

1 Labourers

All applicants must be able to work and live in North Caicos, must be able to work from Monday – Saturday. Salary $250.00 per week Belongers Only need apply.

Fax resumes to 649-946-7311

COSMETOLOGIST

NEEDED To work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour contact: 241-8971

5326

2 Sales Clerks

• Must be computer literate

Domestic Worker To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. Contact 231-6102

Labourer Salary negotiable

Contact: 243-6881

BRITAIN’S Mark Cavendish put his previous day’s disappointment behind him to win the 11th stage of the Tour de France in commanding fashion Wednesday. It was the Manxman’s third stage win of this year’s race and his 18th overall in cycling’s most prestigious race, moving him to seventh on the all-time list. The HTC-Columbia star had lost out to former teammate Andre Greipel in the sprint finish to stage 10, but reversed the placings after the 167.5km from Blaye-lesMines to Lavaur. The finale came in torrential rain, but Cavendish braved the elements to launch his trademark burst for the line with perfect timing and this time Omega Pharma-Lotto’s Greipel could not respond. American Tyler Farrar, who won the third stage of this year’s Tour, finished third for Garmin-Cervelo. Victory came on the 44th

anniversary of the death of the legendary British cyclist Tommy Simpson and it has taken Cavendish into a 16-point lead in the race for the green jersey. “It’s everything I wanted when I came here this year,” a delighted Cavendish told Eurosport. Frenchman Thomas Voeckler, of Europcar, retained the race leader’s yellow jersey as he safely finished in the main bunch, as did the other major contenders for overall honours. Thursday’s 12th stage was expected to see the riders tackling the first of three days in the Pyrenees where defending champion Alberto Contador will lock horns with last year’s runner-up Andy Schleck and Australian Cadel Evans. Spain’s Contador (Saxo Bank) will be looking to retrieve the time he lost after being caught behind a crash on the first day. (CNN)

O’Neal to join Inside the NBA SHAQUILLE O’Neal, recently retired from the NBA, has signed a multi-year deal to join TNT’s NBA broadcast crew, Turner Sports formally announced Thursday. O’Neal will join the network’s Inside the NBA studio show, teaming with host Ernie Johnson and analysts Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley. He’ll also be part of TNT’s NBA AllStar weekend and playoffs coverage. O’Neal’s presence on Turner will reach beyond sports, as he also gets a development deal with Turner’s entertainment and animation networks. “I can’t wait to begin my new career with Turner,” Shaq said in a statement. “Over the past several years the team at Turner has taken the NBA and

Shaquille O’Neal will now analyse the games from off court.

entertainment, in general, to a whole new level. I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the amazing team at Inside the NBA and I hope I can further the fans’ experience on a regular basis.”

July 16 - 22, 2011

Sports International

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Vettel urges Red Bull to refocus after Ferrari win SEBASTIAN Vettel has urged Red Bull to respond after Fernando Alonso earned Ferrari’s first win of the season at the British Grand Prix. Vettel leads the championship by 80 points with 10 races to go but fears Ferrari are capable of closing the gap. “It was a lesson to learn,” Vettel told Red Bull Racing’s website. “It is now up to us to refocus and to come back stronger in the next two races. “It is a very important time now for the championship.” Improved race pace from a heavily updated Ferrari and a pitstop mistake by Vettel helped Alonso to his first win of the campaign. Vettel lost the lead to Alonso when his team delayed fitting his leftrear wheel and the world champion finished second with his Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber third. Both Red Bull drivers said after the race that Alonso deserved to win at Silverstone but Vettel wants to make sure it was a one-off victory. “It was a tough race and Ferrari were very quick, Fernando in particular,” Vettel, 24, added. “We need to accept this and to understand you get beaten. We are in a good position still but we need to keep working otherwise the others will get too close for our liking.” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner described the result in Silverstone as “damage limitation” especially as his drivers were vying

Sebastian Vettel has an 80 point lead over his closest rival.

for second place in the closing stages of the race. Horner had instructed Webber to “maintain the gap” when the Australian tried to pass Vettel, who was struggling with his worn tyres. “Sebastian was determined to keep the place, Mark was determined to pass him,” added Horner. “It was only ever going to end in tears so we had to make a decision to bank the points and make sure we brought the cars home.” A second and third for Red Bull saw Vettel maintain his lead with Webber now a clear second in the championship, 12 points ahead of Alonso with Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button of McLaren fourth and fifth.

Klitschko: I sent Haye into reality rehab WLADIMIR Klitschko has told CNN Sport that he believes he has put a touch of reality into David Haye’s life, after winning their heavyweight unification fight in Hamburg earlier this month. Klitschko, along with elder brother Vitali, spoke to CNN in London as they showed off all five belts and the Ring Magazine belt they now hold jointly between them. Both brothers are still angry with the way Haye bad-mouthed them before the fight, but Wladimir believes that his unanimous points victory might now lead to the Briton altering the way he behaves in the future. “It was definitely nice to beat David. Aside from taking his belt it was good to just show him the way to behave properly -- it was kinda reality rehab for David Haye to become a better person,” Wladimir told Don Riddell. “He will now be better in the ring, and outside the ring, because I think he lifted himself off the ground a bit and we have put him back down on the ground. “I’m very happy to achieve my goal as a therapist, as Doctor Klitschko for David Haye, and everything that is happening to him is good experience that he cannot buy in a shop,” added Wladimir.

Klitschko brothers proud to unify belts (CNN photo)

“You have to gain it in your life and that’s what’s happening to David Haye right now, so it’s a belt for me but it’s also a lesson for him for the future.” Wladimir also revealed that the victory over Haye was the highlight of his career so far, made even more special by the atmosphere generated by the 45,000 supporters in the Volksparkstadion. “This fight was really something special for me even though it was a very rainy night. “The stadium was amazing and

there were fans present from all over the world, the United States, UK, former Soviet republics and Germany,” continued Wladimir. “Being live on TV was also special, but you don’t really think about TV because you are focused on the fight, so you feel the atmosphere of the stadium instead. “You feel the fans, how they scream, how they support, it was definitely something special for me and I will never forget this fight.” (CNN)

South Sudan vs. the world: The birth of a national football team

DARK CLOUDS had gathered over Juba’s renovated football stadium, but for the 15,000 people who had turned up in South Sudan’s capital it was a time for celebration. A little under 24 hours after South Sudan became the newest country on earth after declaring its independence from Khartoum -- a bloody battle it had waged intermittently since the 1950s -- the first true test of the fledgling republic took place. On July 10, South Sudan played its very first international football match, becoming not just the youngest nation on earth, but the youngest national football team too. “We were all very emotional as it was the first time that our national team played, singing the national anthem,” recalled Makuac Teny, Minister for Sport in the newlyformed South Sudan government. Like the rest of the crowd, he had gathered to watch his team take on Kenyan Premier League side Tusker F.C. for a match whose result, for once, wasn’t important. “It was the first time our song was heard,” explained Teny. “They [the crowd] were very emotional and very touched. I thought that if we continue like

this then our team could be very successful.” The obstacles facing South Sudan are large to say the least. Years of civil war between the largely Christian and animist south and Muslim north had left as many as two million people dead, devastating the south’s infrastructure in the process. This is despite, or possibly because, of the fabulous oil wealth that the region has. Juba’s new national football stadium is a case in point. “I don’t know if you can call it a stadium; it was a field without any grass on it. It wasn’t playable,” explained Stephen Constantine, an English coach who was in charge of the Sudan national team until last year. The stadium was renovated right up until kick-off, with new grass laid and floodlights erected for the first time. “You went down south and the boys didn’t feel they got their chance as there were no teams from the [Sudanese] first division from the south. Were they not strong enough or didn’t have the money to compete? They had the talent for

South Sudan became the youngest national football team on earth. (Photo: Robert Schmidt)

sure,” Constantine said. “They were all very very proud of where they come from. They always said South Sudan. Never Sudan ... In the north they say: ‘where has all the money gone in the south?’ “It was a huge difference in terms of organization and infrastructure. It will take them a few years.” The new South Sudan Football

Federation (SSFF) has to build a league, stadiums and clubs from scratch, as well as training referees and sport scientists. But the first goal is political: recognition by FIFA and by CAF, the Confederation of African Football. “We are starting at zero. We have nothing in our hands, we are starting as God has created us,” said

Benjamin Oliver, the new head of the SSFF, who along with the coach held trials and managed to put a team together in under three weeks. None of South Sudan’s players who play for clubs in the north were released for the fixture as it wasn’t an official FIFA game day. “We won independence with the help of the international community. We were clear what goal we had, we knew the tactics of the enemy,” Oliver said. “Now I’m optimistic that we will play international football in South Sudan. The international community ... will come to our aid.” It is no coincidence that South Sudan hosted a football match so soon after announcing independence. Football fan and former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger famously argued that national football teams were not only an essential component of a nation, but that their style of play was also reflective of a country’s identity. “No team from a communist country (except Hungary, in 1954) has ever reached the World Cup finals or semifinals,” he wrote in the LA Times ahead of the 1986 World Cup.

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 16 - 22, 2011

Josh for Sports

Lacrosse America’s fastest growing sport? According to information from the US lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. - An estimated 250 000 men, women and children play the sport in the USA. - The number of lacrosse players nationwide is increasing at an annual rate of 20% - More than 72 000 boys and 15 000 girls play high school lacrosse. - More than 25 000 boys and 5 500 girls play college lacrosse. - At least 125 000 children, ages 5-15, play organised lacrosse through youth and recreational programmes. - More than 300 lacrosse camps for children exist throughout the US. THE HISTORY OF LACROSSE Lacrosse is North America’s oldest sport. Native Americans played their version of the sport for hundreds of years before the arrival of the Europeans. The Native Americans played lacrosse for religious reasons, but mainly for the honour of their tribes. WHAT IS LACROSSE Perhaps you’ve seen players running with field helmets on, sticks in hand, shouting to each other yelling for the ball. You’ve seen the moves, the quick stops and starts, the tricky head fakes, the dizzying spins. Lacrosse is a fusion of several other sports. It combines aspects of popular games like basketball, football and hockey all roll into one. The objective is to score by flicking the ball into the opponent’s net. Without teamwork, it’s impossible to win. Also important is feet speed and being nimble with the hands;

By Joshua Gardiner

good hand-eye coordination is also key to scooping, catching, passing and handling the ball in the beginning. Lacrosse was created by many Native American tribes of Eastern North America. They began playing a game using sticks, a ball and some sort of designated goal. Games were played on fields with no boundaries. There was no referee, actually there was only one major rule—putting the ball in the opponent’s goal. That rule has not changed over the centuries. The Native Americans, who played this early version of the game, used sticks. South Eastern tribes (including the Cherokee) used two short sticks to pin and carry a ball made from deer skin. Northern tribes located in the Great Lakes region took a slightly different approach. They used a single threefoot long (0.9 metre) stick with one end carved into a spoon-like scoop. They used the scoop to pick, carry, and throw the ball. Still other tribes, especially those in the Northeast (like the Iroquois), played the game to the end of the stick and formed it into a small pocket in which the ball could be held.

Quality Supermarket/Vita Malt T20 cricket:

Lacrosse is North America’s oldest sport.

The game primarily played by male warriors, was typically played for fun, as a sort of practice to make fighters tougher and stronger. It went further and was also used to settle disputes between tribes. If two tribes disagreed on tribal boundaries or on hunting grounds they would battle with sticks and a ball not arrows and bows. Before each game began religious ceremonies were often held to honour the players and acknowledge the spirits that were believed to oversee the tribes. Between 100 and 1,000

warriors at a time would play from sunrise to sunset, and games could last for days. Goalposts were usually made of two poles, trees, large rocks or some other objects that would mark the goal. The ball was made of anything the Native Americans could find. Typically wood, rock, harden clay or other workable materials [today the balls, the size of a tennis ball, are made of hard rubber]. Additionally, the playing field had no boundaries. The lacrosse players ran far and wide across the countryside, dodging trees and rocks and jumping

streams and through rivers. They would carry the ball as far as they could until they were over taken by an opponent or before they became exhausted. At that point, they would toss the ball to a teammate, who would then continue to run as far as he could before passing, scoring or losing possession of the ball to an opponent. Not surprisingly, considering the stakes involved, the game was often rough and violent. Many players were hurt—some were even killed while playing. Continues next week.

Quality Super Kings Miller wins her second open with win world title at IAAF Worlds QUALITY Super Kings XI opened the Quality Supermarket/ Vita Malt sponsored seven-team cricket competition with a win over new comers KB Home at the Meridian field last Sunday. Batting first after they won the toss the eventual winners posted 167-9 from 20 overs with George Niles leading the way with 26. Support came from Pawan Kumar and Jetu Gangalani, who both scored 20. The side, which acquired a few players, including Niles and Earl Henry (12 runs) for this

new competition, was however, pegged back by a fair bowling attack. Neil Coles claimed 3-20 from four overs while Blair Mason bagged 3-34 from four. The home team batsmen did not support their bowlers and succumbed for 93 in the 17th over. Mason played his part with a top score of 32 while Gareth Butler, a former Jamaican AllStars’ middle order batsman, assisted with 25. Kumar, Henry and Anish Thomas took two wickets each.

SHAUNAE Miller had a big letdown at the Carifta Games in Montego Bay, Jamaica in April when she false started and was unable to defend her women’s 400 metre title. She bounced back by easily winning the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ BTC National Open Track and Field Championships last month in Grand Bahama. Yesterday, Miller took it to another level when she earned her second world title, this time at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Lilly, France.

Trailing Canadian Christian Brennan for the first 300 metres, Miller used her tall frame to power from behind coming off the final curve to surge out front for the win. It took a personal best of 51.84 seconds for her to accomplish it, leaving Brennan in a close battle down the stretch for the silver in 52.12, holding off Jamaican Olivia James in 52.14, both posted as PBs. Miller’s performance was the first medal for the Bahamas at the championships that got started on Wednesday and will conclude on Sunday.

Up A Notch: Shaunae Miller took it to another level when she earned her second world title, this time at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Lilly, France. (tribune242.com)

July 16 - 22, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Brough admits the Bahamas deserved to advance – But sees bright future ahead for TCI TCI’S dream of making it to the FIFA World Cup Finals in 2014 Brazil came to an early end when the side was beaten twice by the Bahamas, but national coach Gary Brough is still optimistic about a bright future. “At the end of the day we were beaten by the better team. Whilst the aggregate score may have flattered the Bahamas somewhat there is no doubt that they deserved to win,” Brough said about the defeats. TCI were beaten 4-0 at the

National Stadium on July 2nd, while in the return clash on July 9th in the Bahamas the side lost 6-0. An own goal and five successful strikes from Lesly St. Fleur led to the victory. BETTER PERFORMANCE Brough felt that his boys, most of whom are teenagers who grew up in the youth system implemented by the TCIFA, played better in the Bahamas. He feels that despite the greater margin of defeat his team was more

aggressive. “Going into the second game with a 4-0 deficit we saw no benefit at any point in playing a defensive formation to try and keep the score down. We attacked the Bahamas right up to the last minute. Despite the score-line I actually thought we played much better than in the first game and the more attacking formation worked as we created many more chances.” He opined that both teams had a dozen or so “good chances,” but

TCI’s George Brough tackles the Bahamas’ Mackenson Altidor during the first leg of the two-game series.

the Bahamas took half of their opportunities and TCI failed to take any. He said that this was the main

difference between the two sides. “Their (the Bahamas) finishing was clinical and ours was not.”

TCIFA’s president says body is not autonomous – Must follow mandate of FIFA CHRIS Bryan made it clear this week that the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA), which he governs is not an autonomous body when it comes to the implementation of rules and the management of finances. The football chief was responding to comments made at a press conference on Monday by three members of the national team which suffered two defeats to the hands of the Bahamas in their home-and-away CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers. The players insinuated that there is some degree of autocratic rule to go with nepotistic tendencies in the local body. In his association’s defence Bryan pointed out that the TCIFA is very accountable to the regional governing body CONCACAF and the world body FIFA. “Our association’s organisation and National Development plans are held in high regard by FIFA and its associated technical departments,” he revealed. “TCIFA is fully audited and the audits have to be approved by FIFA each year. The Executive Committee is elected by the members of the association [the clubs, leagues, youth associations] annually at the Annual General Meeting. The claim that the TCIFA and the Executive Committee are accountable to nobody is therefore false.” CLEAR FORMAT FOR SELECTION In relations to the selection process

of the side, one which the trio questioned, Bryan indicated that FIFA rules are clear on the eligibility to play for the national team. “Players must be born in the Turks and Caicos Islands and hold citizenship or their parents or grandparents hold citizenship or they have gained citizenship [through marriage or residency]. FIFA also allows in the case of Dependent Territories that players holding the passport of the governing territory and that have been residents for five years are also eligible to play.” He added that: “The TCIFA is not responsible for a player’s application for citizenship. This is their responsibility and theirs only if they want to play for the National Team. If players do qualify for citizenship under the Ordinance and approach us for help then we will advise them on how to file the documentation to an appropriate standard acceptable to the Ministry of Border Control. The claim that we have not done enough to make sure that players had the necessary paperwork to play is therefore misleading.” SHORT TERM GOALS FOR LONG TERM RESULTS The TCIFA’s president, who championed youth development in the sport over the years, said that the comment-making footballers, who are overseas based, should have led by example as “role models

Over 500 youth players are registered with the TCIFA and the body feels that the sports future would be bright on the island chain.

Football’s president, Chris Bryan, said that the TCIFA has to follow rules.

to the younger players, instead of continually trying to undermine the coaches and the National Team’s unity.” The TCIFA is proud of its youth development programmes. It was a conscious decision, in line with our long term development plans to field a national team that included many of our U-20 players in the squad. They have gained invaluable experience in preparing and playing international football at a very young age. We sacrificed short term gains for long term results. This was a planned approach and criticism of it is unwarranted.”

means. We have invested heavily in football infrastructure at our National Academy in Providenciales and we have just installed a US$750,000 state of the art artificial pitch to help alleviate the wear and tear on our international sized grass pitch. We will continue to invest to improve the facilities that are already the envy of many other Caribbean countries. We have a football programme currently running in Grand Turk and we have been trying to run similar programmes in South Caicos and North Caicos, but need someone to step forward on these islands to help us to establish youth football there.” With all that the association has done for the development of the sport over the last few years, the football head feels that claims of the TCIFA not doing enough to develop football in the country is “therefore false”.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT The TCIFA has built a youth development structure that includes age groups from Under-seven right through to Under-20 for both boys

and girls. The football chief said that at the moment over 500 youth players are registered with the association. It was also indicated that at the youth level the TCIFA has done more than most regional footballing nations which possess a lot more people and manpower. “We enter boys and girls teams in FIFA’s U-17 and U-20 World Cup Qualifying Competitions and we rank alongside the big nations of Trinidad, Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti as being the only other country in the Caribbean to do so.” The minimum fee for any child to take part in the association’s programmes is $20 a year to help contribute to the uniform cost [the maximum voluntary annual donation is $50]. Bryan said: “No child in the community is excluded from our programmes due to lack of financial

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 16 - 22, 2011