TCWN July 26 - August 1, 2014

Weekly News Volume 28 | No. 30 | July 26 - August 1, 2014

Price $1.00

Turks and Caicos

FOR ADVERTISING CONTACT:

tcnews@tciway.tc

the national newspaper of the turks and caicos islands

ON THE WEB tcweeklynews.com

PHONE rates

REDUCED

As of September this year, mobile users from the three local service providers should see a reduction in calls across networks, with more reductions in 2015 and 2016.

PAGE



5

Forbes having best season of his life – takes NASL “Player of the Week” honours PAGE 

44

Tourist Board budget increased PAGE  4 by $500k

Many things are wrong with the current budget – Opposition PAGE 4

TCI to get first solar powered water plant and new radio transmitters PAGE  8

2

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 26 - August 1, 2014

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

3

4

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 26 - August 1, 2014

Tourist Board budget increased by $500k – More jobs and investment coming THE TOURIST Board budget has been increased by $500,000 because of an agreement between the Government and Beaches Resort to assist with the marketing and promotion of the TCI destination, airlift support and familiarisation trips.

This announcement was made the Premier and Minister of Tourism, Rufus Ewing during an update on his ministerial portfolio last week.

Ewing said that the arrangement would also assist Beaches and other hotels to remain open during the slow months of September and October.

“We can no longer allow a resort that has such major impact on the economy to remain closed for the low season as the impact is felt by many, including Turks and Caicos Islanders, taxi drivers, small businesses, Government and other resorts,” the Premier said.

He added that Beaches Resort and Spa is responsible for about 50 per cent of the passenger load into TCI and making flights available that would not otherwise be serving this route.

The closure of Beaches Resort in January 2013 and September to November 2013 contributed to a 16.3 per cent reduction in visitor arrivals that year, and a resultant reduction in related Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Ewing stated.

This was further compounded by the closure of Carnival in early 2013.

Noting the millions spent by the previous PNP Government to market and promote the TCI; the Premier stated that even though the Tourist Board’s budget has not increased significantly over the past few years, the TCI still boasts record visitor arrivals.

“This increase in visitor arrivals is due largely to the collaborative marketing efforts with our private sector, and to the product that we have managed to develop and perfect

over the years.”

He added that efforts like the recent multi-city tourism marketing and promotion blitz lead by his office along with the Hotel and Tourism Association and the Tourist Board was well received.

“We will, with this budget, though comparatively small, continue our marketing and promotion efforts in new source markets in South America and Asia, in collaboration with the TCHTA, Tourist Board and Airports Authority,” he informed.

He added that the opening of the Providenciales new airport expansion in October will provide additional space and increased comfort to visitors and travellers, and this, combined with the new hotel within the next 18 to 24 months, will result in a significant boost in visitor arrivals and job and business opportunities for Turks and Caicos

Premier and Minister of Tourism, Rufus Ewing

Islanders.

The current budget does not provide significant funding for the expansion of TCI’s overseas offices, however, the Canadian office was recently opened at a new location that is more conducive to the marketing and promotion of the TCI

brand, Ewing advised.

“We are poised with this budget to expand the London tourism office to accommodate and rebrand as the Turks and Caicos Office which will be responsible for promoting and marketing tourism, investment and financial services for our country.”

He added that the new tourism office would be responsible for showcasing TCI in the UK. LOCAL PROJECTS The Premier said that the many projects planned for the immediate and not so distant future, as outline by the Finance Minister in his budget presentation, are just a tip of the iceberg of the many expressions of major investment interest in the TCI, many of which Government believes will transform the economy.

He expressed optimism that the next few years will be littered with job and business opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders.

“Our goal still remains the decentralisation of our breadbaskets

from Providenciales to the family islands of North, Middle, East and South Caicos and the Turks Islands of Grand Turk and Salt Cay with special emphasis on the creation of a vibrant private sector on Grand Turk.”

He added that a number of these projects will be facilitated by the public private partnership (PPP) policy, which will have minimal contingent liability to TCIG but significant economic benefits.

“Even in advance of us putting out a request for proposal (RFP) for the development of East Caicos, we have already received multiple expressions of interest in the development of hotel resorts and a deep water harbour with the development of interconnecting bridges and a marina on that island with related infrastructural developments on the neighbouring islands of Middle and South Caicos.”

Ewing said that he is confident that these projects will come to fruition during his term in office. (DI)

Many things are wrong with the current budget - Opposition PRIOR to the budget being passed at midnight last Thursday (July 17), Leader of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson pointed to several things that are wrong with the document and which should have been addressed and included.

During her presentation in the House of Assembly last week, she said the manufacturing policy, which is supposed to guide and transform the local production industry, is still missing from the budget.

“How can this Government say that they are serious about business when persons who are manufacturing locally made products have to wait

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

for almost two years for a simple policy statement?” she said.

She pointed to the ridiculousness of Government paying massive amounts of money in customs and duties to import produce when the locally grown foods are of a superior quality.

She added that this is one more reason why the PNP Government should not be supported any longer.

The party leader further questioned whether the people of the country would indeed see the purchase of five ambulances, as promised by the Government, when only two were budgeted for in this financial year, with the remaining three being placed under the uncommitted section of the document.

“I question the reality of this purchase and will wait to see what happens.”

She also lamented the fact that no fire trucks have been budgeted for.

“You even had a lady in North Caicos on national television who pleaded with this Government to put a fire truck in North Caicos and the same thing here in Grand Turk.

“But yet this is not a priority for this PNP Government. If one more Turks and Caicos Islander loses their home to fire and it could have been saved by a fire truck, then this Government should step down immediately.”

Turning to the party’s constant refrain - healthcare cost - the party leader stated that while the Government continues to boast of the world class buildings which house the hospital, what they conveniently leave out is that the two buildings

Leader of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson

only house 30 beds combined, yet are costing the country a massive $19 million annually to pay off.

“Why you all wouldn’t talk that?” she challenged. “Just so you know that is only for the buildings.”

Cartwright Robinson said what upsets her is that the Government criticises the $9 million budgeted for the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT), while not being truthful to the people.

“If they were, they would tell the people that $5 million out of the $9 million is going to pay lawyers for Mike (Misick) and his ministers.

Why don’t you all talk that?”

She further questioned how they, the Government, can “raise so much hell” over the SIPT “$4 million” but remain quiet on “the two white elephants” that are costing tax payers over $60 million annually to run.

The party leader also raised issue

with the allocation of Crown land, stating the policy of allocation, particularly to new businesses, is not as transparent as it needs to be and if continued will not yield better revenue for the country.

Land valuation, she added, is another problem.

The exercise that was undertaken to revalue lands under existing conditional purchase leases that Turks and Caicos Islanders are holding was a breach of contract and a total abuse of power, she opined, further questioning the legality of the process.

“These new 999 year leases; wow.

I don’t know what to say about this, other than I would like to see how long will it be before a Turks Caicos Islander is this lucky, and I will wait to see what this Government does about this.”

Immigration continues to be a huge problem in this country, some issues are big and some are small, she added.

However, much like every other issue raised, she said, nothing is being done about it.

“The Minister of Finance continues to say that he would not mortgage the future of our children with large debt but what he continually fails to say is that the current debt is the doing of his PNP party.

“So, if you are going to talk, then talk the whole story.”

She added that if she were to state everything that is wrong with the budget and with the Government, the members will be stuck in the House of Assembly for a few months. (DI)

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

5

Cheaper calls across networks coming AS OF September this year, mobile users from the three local service providers should see a reduction in calls across networks, with more reductions in 2015 and 2016.

The changes will affect the mobile termination rates (interconnection rates between the networks).

Premier Rufus Ewing told the media on Thursday (July 24) that following a presentation from the Telecommunications Commission the day before, Cabinet agreed to

a reduction of 1 cent per minute for calls made between mobile carriers, bringing the rate from 8.5 cents to 7.5 cents per minute by September.

Further reductions will come into effect from April 2015 taking the cost to 6.75 cents per minute, then to 6 cents in 2016.

However customers should be aware that the reduction would not be immediate as there are a number of changes to be made by the carriers

Manufacturing policy, Zip Line tours, Chinese New Year stamps approved – Cabinet ON Wednesday (July 23), Cabinet agreed to send the draft manufacturing policy out for public consultations by the end of August.

This is according to a post Cabinet update from the Governor’s Office on Thursday.

Cabinet also approved the extension of a license to Chukka Caribbean Adventures, for a period of 21 and half years, over a portion of Parcel 10101/24 in Grand Turk to pursue the establishment of a canopy challenge course as a tourist attraction.

Premier Rufus Ewing told the media on Thursday that the company had previously made a proposal to the Government to operate a zip line adventure in Grand Turk.

He said the licence granted at the time was for a shorter period, but they have made representation for an extension of that time to coincide with their current license that they have to operate tours.

This is expected to come on stream very shortly, just in time for the tourist high season.

Meanwhile, Cabinet on

Wednesday also approved the grant of a 99 year lease to NCPAA Limited over the northern portion of North Creek (part of Parcel 10105/11,) save and except the main channel of the Creek and subject to the maintenance of a 150 feet buffer between the leased area and the banks of the creek.

The body also approved the grant of a license to NCPA over the southern portion of North Creek for the installation of mooring buoys and to facilitate the developments proposed by the company.

Work on this development is expected to start at the end of 2014.

Members of Cabinet also agreed to negotiate a memorandum of understanding with the proponents of Caonabo Resort and Spa to develop a mixed-use hotel and resort on 67 acres of block #10503, Governor's Beach in Grand Turk.

Additionally, Cabinet gave its approval for stamp designs commemorating the Chinese New Year, and noted that future designs should highlight the Turks and Caicos Islands culture.

before the savings trickle down.

Mobile termination rates are the fees mobile phone companies charge other carriers to terminate calls on their networks and are a significant input cost in providing the retail service of fixed-to-mobile and mobile-to-mobile calls.

“This will allow for reduced expenditure by consumers in calling across network – Digicel calling Lime, Lime calling Islandcom etcetera in reducing the cost to

consumers,” the Premier said.

He added that sometime in the future, they are hoping to reduce this cost to zero.

When contacted, Islandcom marketing specialist Chandra Craigg told the Weekly News that this move will revolutionise communications in the Turks and Caicos Islands making calling a lot more financially beneficial for customers.

“The cost of communication

nowadays is actually cheapening by the minute with the evolution of different services like LTE data and now we have the reduction of the rate between carriers and my understanding is that we have pretty high rates compared to other countries,” Craigg said.

Chief executive officer of Digicel TCI, E J Saunders would only say that he supports and always tries to work with the commission on any venture. (DI)

Gov’t going after employers who abuse illegal working – Labour minister IN KEEPING with the focus of his ministry’s goal of increased compliance and service delivery for 2014/2015, the Minister of Border Control and Labour has promised to go after employers who do not obey the TCI’s employment laws.

Don-Hue Gardiner said that his ministry would be fully implementing its illegal working strategy this year, which is geared at cracking down on this practice, thereby maximising job opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders.

“In the coming year there will also be an increased number of joint operations to target illegal employment and ensure compliance with our occupational health and safety protocols.”

Gardiner said this while presenting his ministerial plan to the House of Assembly last week.

The minister also categorically stated that there is no plan to increase work permit fees.

“Contrary to the suggestions of the Leader of the Opposition, with her usual fear mongering and penchant for misleading the public, there is no plan for increasing work permit fees.

“I can categorically say that this Government has no plans for the increase of work permit fees, and any suggestion to the contrary is a

Minister of Border Control and Labour Ricardo Don-Hue Gardiner

patent fallacy.”

He stated that other priorities of his ministry include the proper refurbishment of the detention center, passage of the Immigration Bill, which will aid the fast tracking of work permits, and the development and launch of a ministry webpage.

Gardiner noted that the fast track process for work permits contributed to the marked increase in revenue from what was budgeted for this stream in 2013/2014.

Regarding the webpage, the minister said with this feature, people can readily find and review immigration, citizenship and labour laws, procedures and requirements, print forms and in some cases fill in and submit applications.

Another area of continued focus for the minister is increasing jobs.

“When we came to office, the

jobless roles were increasing daily; due to our steady and steadfast approach in not sending unnecessary shocks through the system, we have been able to arrest this trend, and now we are in a situation where jobs are increasing daily.”

He stated that the outlook is good and this year Government expects the joblessness to reach the lowest levels since before the suspension of democracy in 2009.

“But these Islands still have miles to go in achieving satisfaction. We understand the plight of our people, but a steady and steadfast approach is what is needed, not the recklessness suggested by the Opposition.”

He added that the new Employment Bill, already drafted, would go out for public consultations shortly.

The bill seeks to better balance the rights of employers and employees while providing further protection for Turks and Caicos Islanders on the job and ensuring better access to those jobs once they are available, the minister explained.

He stated that with regard to registration and citizenship, within 2014/2015 it is hoped that new documents with embedded security features will be issued.

Gardiner reminded that persons desirous of obtaining TCI passports would have to apply to the United Kingdom for issuance of these documents, due to the change in policy. (DI)

6

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

Big deal budget?

LAST week the House of Assembly passed

the 2014/2015 budget – dubbed the ‘Big Deal Budget’ by Premier Rufus Ewing.

The book details Government projects such as a new high school build, creation of early childhood centres, new ambulances, a juvenile detention centre and a public transport service.

What do you think of these promises? Will the Government be able to follow through with them?

Faith and trust

These are much needed buildings and services.

Yes this is a great idea and they should be able to implement them.

Let us see where are taxes are going.

Party promises

healthcare obligations with costs way out of proportion to the low level of care provided to only those with a health card.

We have no reason to believe anything this party promises.

Excess costs

The last elected Premier who is the uncle of the Education Minister and the Immigration Minister had a slogan “a promise made will be a promise kept”.

He did not build needed schools and as a result of his administration our youth has faced an uncertain future.

When the three person opposition threatened a motion of no confidence the PNP party took Uncle Mike out and put Ewing’s brother-in-law in power.

Mike’s promises were blown and he ran away leaving his ministers to face the court system alone. He left the people with huge debts.

This Premier has left us with huge

By the time the PNP is done doling out these expenditures to their buddies, the costs will go so far through the roof that they will not happen!

As to ambulances and public service transport, I hope that they have actually accounted for maintenance on the same, or we will be redoing this all in two years.

Taxes and promises

The Finance Minister failed at several private businesses. His own administration 1991 to 1995 failed.

He lost the savings of 4,000 people and tens of millions of our pension fund in his bank.

He lost his resort to the bank in a receivership.

How many times will the TCI give this party the right to make and break promises?

If any promises are kept it will be due to the Opposition and British oversight.

Back in 2008 and 2009 the PNP budget speech promised huge tax increases on the people. They have now kept that promise.

The cost of everything we buy has gone through the roof because of these taxes and promises.

No future

The more we talk about this budget the more bizarre it gets. All in all there is very little for each island.

A school for Providenciales, early childhood education, ambulances and juvenile facilities are all good ideas and an easy ready of the PDM or PNP manifestos. Reality kicks in though because we are paying for it.

We would not be surprised if the bosses of the PNP Government ie. the Chief Financial Officer and the controllers of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office ever allow the Government to build on any of these aspirations.

The scam is that you may budget for these big deals but “we your bosses are here to ensure that our people get paid”.

Our hospital deal gets paid even though we all know it is a rip off. None of these and other needed projects will get funded because the monies will be needed for interest payments on the hospital loan.

If we had a Government they would be able to follow through but this British presence is turning out to be a nightmare.

The elected Government are their hostages and we have no future. We need them to resist this conditionality.

Do nothing Government

It was much about nothing. If this is a big deal, then the Government has a very low standard.

I am so disappointed in this Government.

They are accomplishing nothing. Listing projects that are a ways off is of no meaningful benefit to those who are unemployed and need help now.

The ambulances were in the budget last year and despite the embarrassing moments, it prompted them to do nothing.

Last year the Leader of the Opposition told them about the provision in the budget to get special permission under the Procurement Ordinance and they did not heed until now.

Early childhood plans are a joke - ask them how many of our trained early childhood teachers are hired by Government.

The Government claims that the college programme is not up to standard before they do something about it, they do not hire the teachers.

The new high school proposal is a joke.

The pressure apparently to deal with Clement Howell High School (CHHS) has caused the minister to come up with the silliest solution and whoever heard about starting a new school in the middle of the school year? How disruptive.

I encourage them to do something proper and well thought out. The idea to place children by where they live is utter nonsense as it will duplicate classes and scatter resources and the numbers will not make a dent in the near 1,000 population at CHHS. As for the juvenile centre. Ha. The budget says purchase or renovate. They don’t know what they are doing in this area. Sad. This Government has seriously failed and I hope the people see them for who they are a do nothing government with empty promises.

 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

Law to be changed to allow only certified electricians ELECTRICIANS will soon need to be certified before engaging in electrical work in the Turks and Caicos Islands, due to changes to the Electricity Ordinance.

Premier Rufus Ewing told the media on Thursday (July 24) that the amendments to the law would be tabled in the House of Assembly shortly, and another one later for the introduction of new alternative sources of energy.

The certification of electricians does, among other things, the current law into compliance with the updated building code law.

“We have many people around here who call themselves electricians when they are not. We know that it

can make a big difference for a homeowner, whether or not you have a fire so it is a very risky business.

“We need to make sure that persons who engage in electrical work in residents or commercial developments are properly certified,” Ewing said in explanation as to the other reasons for the change.

He said that a training programme would be put in place as well as an examination for the required certification.

The programme would be similar to one use in the Cayman Islands, and will be offered at the TCI community college, possibly from as early as next year, he added.

“We know that there are a number

of Turks and Caicos Islanders who are indeed qualified and certified as electricians, and there are some who came up as apprentice and don’t have any certification but are still knowledgeable.

“They can be tested and grandfathered in accordingly for certification. That is the purpose of it.”

Regarding the second change to the Ordinance, the Premier stated that following the consultation on the recently released energy policy, Government hopes to make the relevant changes to the law for new alternative sources of energies or for the addition of any recommendation that comes out of the consultation

process.

Asked what the feedback has been like from Fortis on the policy document, the Premier reserved his comments.

“They have reviewed it and they have made their preliminary comments and we will be going through their comments in detail very shortly, but I won’t be able comment right now.”

The draft energy policy requires, among other things, Fortis TCI to purchase renewable power from third party suppliers where it is cheaper to do so than generating power themselves.

The objective of the policy is to explore, assess and promote energy

resource mix that leads to optimized efficiency and minimized energy costs and prices.

Last month, the Energy and Utilities Department of the Ministry of Government Support Services released the document.

The document can be downloaded from the ‘What’s New’ section on the Government website www.gov. tc/pressoffice and written feedback sent to TCIenergypolicy@gov.tc for consideration.

Government would also be holding meetings for members of the public to air their views on the document.

Those dates have not yet been announced, however. (DI)

July 26 - August 1, 2014

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

7

Significant progress recorded with border control and labour – UK thanked for its support MINISTER of Border Control and Labour (BCL), Don-Hue Gardiner recently reported significant strides within his ministry for 2013/2014, at the same time thanking the United Kingdom for the role they played in this achievement.

The minister was at the time making his contribution to the budget debate, which started on July 14 in Grand Turk.

Through joint immigration and labour enforcement activities, the ministry collected $1.68 million above revenue targets, Gardiner informed the House of Assembly.

He also promised that the new Immigration Bill - now in the final draft - would be read in parliament this summer.

The integrated border management project – started in 2013 – will receive an additional $300,000 boost this year to facilitate its completion, the minister said.

This would be added to the almost $70,000 left over from the 2013/2014 allocation of $165,000.

Gardiner noted that this is a sorely needed project, which Government intends to deliver this year by summer’s end.

The project includes, among other things, improvements to the port entry systems, the processing and issuance of work permits through an information management system which would enable reports and permits to be produced in a timely

manner, the electronic storage of files and the development of a website for the ministry.

In addition, the project looks at making work permits readable electronically at all designated immigration kiosks at local airports and other ports of entry.

Other immigration systems such as remote hand held devices by personal in the field would be included, the minister said.

On the issue of illegal migration, the TCI Government held discussions with both the Cuban and Haitian Governments, and is in the processing of fine-tuning a working relationship with the Bahamas to stem the influx of illegals to both countries.

Gardiner added that the final draft of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between TCI and Haiti has been produced and will be signed shortly.

“Progression of the MOU with Haiti is being facilitated by the Governor’s Office… but is being driven from my office, and we will continue within this financial year to have the MOU finally signed,” he stated.

Similarly, TCIG is working on an MOU with Cuba with expectations of this progressing during a meeting in Kingston sometime this year.

“I am grateful to the Honorable Attorney General, my Permanent Secretary Clara Gardiner and Joanne

Gov’t outlines legislative agenda for remainder of 2014 SEVERAL new and old pieces of legislation will be tabled in the House of Assembly over the next five months for passage and amendments, Premier Rufus Ewing told the press on Thursday (July 24).

The Premier said his Government saw it fit to tighten their legislative agenda for the remainder of the year by outlining what bills they will be taking to parliament, when it next meets in the third week of August and in subsequent sessions until the end of December.

These included the National Honours and Awards Amendment Bill, Trust Ordinance Amendment Bill, Companies Ordinance

Amendment Bill, Insolvency Bill, Securities and Investment Bill, Domestic Insurance Bill, Banking Bill, Immigration Bill, National Health Insurance Amendment Bill, National Parks Amendment Bill.

Also the Crown Land Ordinance Amendment Bill, Electricity Ordinance Amendment Bill, Child and Family Legislations, Sports Development Bill, Disaster Management Bill, Dormant Accounts Bill, Credit Union Bill, TC Invest Renewed Bill, Encouragement of Development Amendment Bill, Health Regulatory Authority Bill, West Caicos Authority Bill, Lottery and Gaming Bill.

Yeadon of the Governor’s Office for their work in this area and for laying the preliminary ground work they undertook in Havana last Christmas,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, preparatory work for the renovation of the Sammy Been Building on Airport Road in Providenciales to better accommodate staff and customers also progressed during the past financial year.

Gardiner said that $200,000 has been committed in the newly passed budget for the project.

This work will soon go out to tender, with the view of having the newly renovated premises delivered this financial year for the use of the departments of immigration and border enforcement, employment services and the citizenship department as well as ministry personnel, he added.

OTHER IMMIGRATION ACHIEVEMENTS Over the past year there were attachments of four senior and other immigration officers to the UK where they received training as forgery intelligence officers and port entry supervisors.

In addition, two forgery detectors were presented to the Immigration Department on behalf of the UK, 12 out of 18 new assistant immigrations officers were hired to replace the security company at the detention

center among other things.

Internal promotions resulted in 10 assistant immigration officers being promoted to immigration officers, and a three month secondment of a UK asylum senior caseworker who provided intensive training for two assistant directors of immigration and case worker training for nationality caseworkers.

Construction of a seawall to protect the base of the radar facility from environmental impacts and operations by immigration officials resulted in several people being charged with overstaying, attempting illegal entry (stowaways), possession of forged documents, and engaging in illegal occupation, which led to successful prosecutions.

The minister expressed his thanks to the task force officers who made this possible.

He noted that with continued support from the task force, the ministry’s enforcement efforts would be significantly increased this year with focus on prosecuting employers who hire irregular migrants without a work permit.

He added: “Although it is not fashionable, let me thank the Government of the UK for their support in these areas over the last year.”

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES In this area, the ministry recorded successes in the implementation of

Under the tree

a seven-day fast track process for residence permits and work permits, hosting of the occupational health week of activities and celebrated the first workers day, Gardiner said.

Others included hosting of 13 job fairs - 12 of which were with Beaches Resort and one with Blue Haven Resort, while in January, the Shore Club supported by the Regent Palms hosted a career fair for fifth and sixth former from six high schools to sensitive students on the requirements of the hotel and tourism sector.

Six recruitment drives, one on each of the islands except Salt Cay, were conducted, resulting in more than 319 persons being directly placed on jobs.

“We have secured a place on the scholarship board and the inward investment project committee for the commissioner of labour, and we expect that these moves will better able our people to take their rightful place in this society and in our world,” the minister stated.

The achievements mentioned were made priorities in last year’s budget, but were made a reality by the men and women who work in the departments of labor, immigration and border enforcement as well as other Government departments, Gardiner noted while thanking everyone for their work and commitment. (DI)

By Benneth Williams

8

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TCI to get first solar powered water plant and new radio transmitters

– Further plans for Government Support Services revealed A HANDFUL of plans which form part of the Government’s new budget were not heard in the House of Assembly last week due to strict rules on the length of speeches.

Details on improvements to the Post Office, the introduction of a solar powered water plant and better radio coverage were never broadcast as Minister of Government Support Services George Lightbourne was cut short half way through his address.

Speaker Robert Hall explained to the assembly that each member was allocated just half an hour to speak about the 2014/2015 budget due to time restraints and there could be no exceptions.

However the Weekly News obtained a copy of Lightbourne’s full speech with all of the missing plans highlighted.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT The upcoming year will see the first solar powered reverse osmosis (RO) plant installed in Salt Cay as well as the new housing for the plant - a project that is well on its way.

Also a prepaid water metering

system will be put in place to allow for more accuracy and accountability.

Lightbourne stressed that the department will continue to spearhead the procurement and management of contracts to ensure better value for money.

It will also continue its commitment to sustainability through value engineering and robust preventative maintenance initiatives.

Among its other goals are to ensure all maintenance functions are carried out efficiently and cost effectively in a timely fashion, continue serving and supporting other Government ministries in maintenance matters of Government buildings and infrastructure, and strive to complete any improvement of roadways to give the public a better quality ride on the roads.

The minister went on to explain that the department will “carry out any improvement of drainage to a number of areas within the Turks and Caicos Islands, carry out levelling and grading of roads under the recurrent vote, ensure the maintenance of seawalls as required.”

Finally it will execute planning,

New hotels will open casinos – Gaming and lottery laws to be replaced with new one IMPROVEMENTS to the regulatory capacity of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ gaming industry is on the cards with the passage of a single new gaming and lottery legislation.

On Wednesday (July 23), Cabinet instructed the Attorney General’s Chambers to move forward with the recommendations of a consultant report on the TCI’s gaming industry, which was carried out by White Brocklebank Associates.

The consultant suggested the development of the bill, to replace the current Gaming Ordinance and the Lottery Ordinance.

The new bill will be tabled to the House of Assembly before the end of this year.

At a press briefing on Thursday, Premier Rufus Ewing noted that the recommendations made are all geared towards

improving and strengthening the regulatory framework of the industry.

“It is envisioned that the industry will be managed through a Gaming Commission, which would be a statutory body as we seek to strengthen the industry and also its capacity to regulate as we expand the industry with new casinos coming on board with the various hotel developments such as the Third Turtle, JW Marriot brand and Utopia.

He said that a development agreement has already been signed with the Turtle Cove resort, while another is pending for September with the JW Marriot hotel and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) will be signed later with Utopia.

All three of the hotels have casinos as part of their development agreements. (DI)

Minister of Government Support Services George Lightbourne

designing, estimating and project management of projects in the capital budget and deliver safe, reliable, adequate and quality water service for the improved public health and sustainable economic development.

CENTRAL PURCHASING UNIT In the upcoming year the Central Purchasing Unit (CPU) will continue its implementation of a Supply Projection Policy.

“This would eliminate the ad hoc procurement approach for office supplies and stationeries, which oftentimes results in elevated cost and or delay in delivery of goods to the departments,” Lightbourne explained.

The CPU will also standardise several similar products into one main brand to reduce the cost of sourcing supplies to operate and maintain each product.

The offsite location in Providenciales is up and running, the minister stated, which has reduced the incurrence of additional freight charges to stock.

“There is therefore now a better system for acquiring and timely disseminating much needed office supplies to TCIG offices in Providenciales.”

According to Lightbourne this has greatly reduced the number of complaints that the goods are not reaching the other islands or they are taking a very long time to get there.

The CPU is also embarking on training for their staff to enhance their ability and performance.

ENERGY AND UTILITES The cost and price of electricity remains one of the top issues which must be addressed in earnest, Lightbourne stressed in his speech.

“The transition of the electricity sector to a more sustainable energy future is contingent on several pieces of work that will be undertaken in this financial year and in proceeding years.”

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government will soon sign a memorandum of understanding with the Carbon War Room to collaborate on several key activities to accelerate the uptake of sustainable energy initiatives.

The body is recognised as being a significant partner in supporting the successful completion of the various

pieces of work and reform yet to be complete.

Consultation on the Draft Energy Policy will be concluded in midJuly where the feedback from stakeholders will help to shape the final TCI Energy Policy to be approved by Cabinet.

Reform of the legislative and regulatory frameworks of the electricity sector will ensure that the country takes full advantage of least cost electricity generation resources by allowing the integration of solar, wind and other viable renewable energy resources as well as transitional fuel such as natural gas, into the energy mix.

“This I believe, will lead to a reduction on our dependence on fossil fuels as well as a reduction in energy costs and prices,” Lightbourne wrote.

The reforms will also revise the current power cost adjustment mechanism, revise the service provider profitability margins, and introduce customer service and quality of service standards.

This year the Energy Awareness Campaign launched in the latter part of 2013 will be boosted to ensure the public at large, engages in energy efficiency and energy conservation practices and habits to reduce energy demand and costs.

The ministry has commenced energy auditing of Government owned and Government occupied buildings which will identify opportunities for energy and cost savings going forward.

A bill will be brought to the House of Assembly to amend the Electricity Ordinance and provide for the establishment of a board with the responsibility of licensing people who carry out electrical work in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“In effect, it will make it illegal to practice as an electrician unless you are the holder of a licence in one of the designated categories,” Lightbourne explained.

This year the ministry also plans to develop a Water and Sewerage Policy and to put in place enabling regulations to better regulate the sector.

The new laws will ensure better oversight to ensure higher compliance to health and safety standards by water haulers, owners and operators of sewerage treatment plants as well as water production plants and facilities.

The mechanisms will also ensure increased monitoring and management of our inland and coastal waters.

Regulations will also be put in place to ensure a licensing regime for premises, buildings, tanks or other erections for the storage and handling of petroleum and hazardous materials as well as to authorise their importation into the TCI. The underlying objective is to ensure appropriate conduct and compliance to established safety

codes and standards, given high risks inherent in this sector.

RADIO TURKS AND CAICOS Over the coming financial year Radio Turks and Caicos (RTC) will install a 5000watt transmitter, antenna and cable in Middle Caicos at a cost of $15,000 to turn it into the central focus for the country’s coverage.

The existing 300watt unit will be removed from the Middle Caicos site and installed in Grand Turk, while the 1kw transmitter from Grand Turk will be installed in Providenciales alongside the existing 1kw.

A circular polarisation antenna will be added on to both transmitters – one facing Leeward and the other towards Downtown – at a cost of about $10,000.

The station will also be relocating its Grand Turk office to a more “technologically feasible and spacious” location.

The Blackberry application has been complete and can receive advertising tied to the website which has been recently reconstructed and enhanced.

This year there are several prospective new radio shows with new hosts which will educate and entertain along with enhancements to existing shows.

POST OFFICE Two hundred new mail boxes are already on the ground and an additional 200 are due to arrive in the country shortly. These mail boxes will be placed in Grace Bay before October.

The management of the postal and bureau services also plans to expand the mailbox service to some residential homes.

“These mailboxes will be specially ordered and thus designed uniquely for the homes in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This project is expected to come on stream by 2016,” Lightbourne said.

More mailboxes will be placed in hotels and business areas in Providenciales and at the Cruise Centre in Grand Turk to make it more convenient for tourists to use the postal services.

The boxes are presently being designed locally and should in place by the end of the year.

Plans are in place to introduce the ruby system to make the tracking of register mail available.

The logistics are currently being worked out and the necessary software is expected to be purchased by 2015 for implementation by the end of the year.

An IPS light tracking system will be introduced for express mail. This will enable customers and the Postal and Bureau Services to track the express mail throughout the world.

The software is expected to be purchased during the upcoming financial year with completion continued 

13

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

9

‘Stop disrespecting Five Cays’ - Astwood DEPUTY Leader and elected member for Five Cays, Sean Astwood made it quite clear last week that he does not intend stand silently by while the PNP Government continues to ignore and disrespect his constituency.

During the budget debate the member made an impassioned delivery of what he sees as the injustices meted out to the community which elected him to represent their interests in the House of Assembly.

Astwood said that upon scrutinising the 2014/2015 budget, yet again there is no allocation for the community, not even the badly needed things, which are visible to the casual observer.

“Five Cays has been left out, put on the back burner; again we are being told to wait. If I did not know better, I would believe that the Premier and his PNP Government hate the people of Five Cays.

“And all I can remember the people doing is voting for them. So, what is the problem?”

Astwood questioned why the community cannot get speed bumps on the subdivision roads to protect the children; or any other of the most basic infrastructure work done.

“Why is it that year after year no funding is being budgeted to operate and maintain our community centre?

“Again, is it because it is a Five Cays community centre?

“Why is it that every time someone tries to deal with the squatting situation this Government hides in the shadows and stops them?

Again, I got to ask, is it because it is Five Cays?

“Why is it?”

The Deputy Leader stated that it has been almost two years since the Government promised a ‘dawn of a new day,’ and the people are still waiting for such a day to arrive.

He added that for the sake of his electorate he has made every effort to work with the Government with the hopes of convincing them of the importance of doing what they can to help communities such as Five Cays.

“Five Cays has such great potential and a bright future ahead of it; but it is so unfortunate that the PNP won the elections and now Five Cays is once again left with a Government that sees it as a ghetto, a slum, and whatever other distasteful words they use to describe us, when they are sitting in their closed private groups sipping on a glass of wine.”

Astwood assured that an immediate transformation of the community will result as soon as the PDM becomes the Government.

He promised: “There will be no more old cars left in yards or on the side of the roads to be an eye sore.

“There will be no more garbage on the streets for months at a time; there will be no more squatting, and

Trial adjourned for young man facing five different charges

BY DAISY HANDFIELD THE CASE against McAllen Gardiner has been adjourned until September 15 and the defendant continues on bail until the next court hearing date.

The 18-year-old who is a resident of Glass Shack appeared in the Magistrate Court #2 in Providenciales on Wednesday (July 23) before Judge Jolyon Hatmin where he had to answer to five different charges laid against him.

Among these charges are four counts of violent language, two counts of resisting arrest, three counts of assault on a police officer, obstruction and dangerous driving.

The situation is said to have escalated on January 31 in the Blue Hills area, where the defendant resisted arrest once and then again in the vicinity of the Providenciales movie theatre, by two different officers.

According to the statement made by Georgio Chambers, the officer who claims that he was assaulted by Gardiner, the defendant appeared intoxicated during the time of the confrontations by him and his

colleagues.

Chambers testified against Gardiner, stating that the young man disrespected him while resisting arrest and fled the Blue Hills scene in a violent manner, causing traffic to come to a halt for him to pass.

He also alleged that Gardiner threatened his co-workers and him and said that he was going to ‘kill’ them all and set their homes on fire.

Contrary to Chambers’ statement, Gardiner suggested that all of this was lies and that when he was arrested, he barely spoke to officer Chambers or any of the other officers, and much less threatened them.

He added that he was not the driver of the vehicle and that he was simply a back seat passenger.

He also accused the officers of abusing and mistreating him when they arrested him in the vicinity of the Digicel Cinema.

Due to the absence of one of the officers who was present on the scene the day of the arrest, the case was adjourned.

The defendant has no bail conditions and was free to go until the next court hearing date in September.

DEPUTY Leader and elected member for Five Cays, Sean Astwood

yes I said it, there will be no more squatting.”

The Deputy Opposition Leader stated that the failure of the Government to act in the face of the obvious is a form of corruption.

He also promised no more illegal boats showing up on TCI shores in the middle of the night, and no more neglect of his constituency, under a PDM administration.

“The fact is that the lack of attention and this Government’s unwillingness to give the people of Five Cays the basic infrastructure such as roads is telling what they think of us, because surely, if any other constituency was plighted with the types of roads that my people have to endure daily, something

would have been done by now.”

He lamented that with very little rain recently, certain roads were impassable and persons could not get to their homes.

“This is wrong. Especially, when the Minister of Finance got up in this honourable house and said he drove those roads and he agreed with me that something had to be done.

“Yet the only thing that this budget says to the people of Five Cays that they are planning to do is absolutely nothing,” Astwood said.

He further accused the Premier and his ministers of being out of touch with the community, and called on the voters not to give the PNP a single vote.

“I am saying this from now because I know the tricks of politics.

They will come next year or the election year and try to do one or two little things that should have been done already and then throw it up in our faces saying, ‘look, see what we have done for you.’

“My people will not be fooled Mr. Premier. Not anymore.”

In spite of the lack of interest in the community shown by the Government, the Deputy Leader said the community has a bright future ahead.

He commended the developers of Adventure Resorts Limited for their proposal to build a multimillion dollar resort hotel in Five Cays; a project recently approved by Cabinet.

“Yes, Five Cays, and you all better

clap for that, because this proves that I am not merely a dreamer, but that people are buying into my vision of seeing Five Cays not as it is, but what it could be.”

However, he added that the proposal will not go without its challenges as the failure of the last PNP administration to deal with issues like squatting has left a legacy that will now have to be cleaned up.

“It’s a pity that when the country had so much money these serious problems were not addressed.

However, they will now have to be addressed one way or the other.”

Astwood stated that the Government now needs to be resolute in their decisions and bold in their efforts to rectify this problem.

The elected member cautioned that the inclusion of the project in the post Cabinet update had better not be the Government trying to hoodwink the public and the people of his constituency into thinking they are doing something for the community.

He warned: “Five Cays is not the community to be trifling with.

The people of my community have been waiting a very long time to get their day to shine and I will stop at absolutely nothing to ensure that that soon comes. So, be very careful Mr Premier.”

He stated that under his leadership the Five Cays community will improve as they are not waiting any longer for betterment; they are on the go. (DI)

(L-R) Minister Washington Misick, Khalila Astwood-Dorsett Attorney General’s Chambers, Minister Porsha Stubbs-Smith, Mito Martis (consultant to Desarrollos Hotelco), Walter Stipa (Chairman, Desarrollos Hotelco Group), Premier Rufus Ewing, Minister Don-Hue Gardiner, Attorney Owen Foley (Misick & Stanbrook) Attorney Karen Willis (Misick & Stanbrook)

Desarrollos Hotelco to reveal hotel brand soon DEVELOPERS Desarrollos Hotelco Turks and Caicos limited met this past with the Premier and Minister of Finance to discuss the investor’s commitment to contributing to the development of the TCI. A release from the Premier’s office noted that the Government renewed its commitment to fast tracking the development process, for the mutual benefit of all.

The US$202 million dollar, three-

prong Hotel-Casino development that will span some 11 acres of the pristine coastline of the award-winning Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, will deliver 263 new keys, consisting of a combination of guest rooms, condotel units and residences.

According to the release, while the developers remain tight-lipped on the chosen brand for this five-star luxury property, the Government was however, assured that this will

be announced in short order.

“Whatever the chosen brand, the Government aims to have a development agreement in place

by September of this year, to allow construction to commence in early spring of 2015, thereby creating some 300-400 jobs locally, before moving on to other equally-anticipated developments by the Desarrollos Hotelco Group for the Turks and Caicos Islands,” the statement read.

10

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

We welcome letters from all members of the public on a variety of topics Please note that all submissions are subject to editing in keeping with defamation laws and newspaper style. Letters should be accompanied by the author’s full name, location and phone number. Names will be withheld if requested.

We need answers Dear Editor, As I listen to the budget debate in the House of Assembly, I must ask the Premier Rufus Ewing if under his leadership has his Government succeeded in steering the country through this difficult period of global turbulence?

How are we as a country weathering the storm? Are we working harder on employment and income recovery?

Has his Government laid the foundation for a faster and more inclusive path of growth in the years ahead with this ‘big deal’ budget? If so, how?

Has the Turks and Caicos Islands economy drawn strength through your leadership?

Have you looked into unlocking infrastructure constraints and continuing social progress?

Do you as Premier have a plan to guide our action and unite our people?

From listening to the budget debate I see the road ahead will not be smooth and there are difficult decisions and hard trade-offs that must be confronted.

But, Mr Premier, does this budget provides the resources to support

your vision and programme for change?

Does it align public finances with the priorities set out in the PNP manifesto?

Please remember Mr Premier that one of your main tasks is to transform the Turks and Caicos Islands resources into a better quality of life for all persons living in these Islands.

In the words of the indomitable Yusuf Dadoo: “The hour has struck for serious and hard work.

“The time has come when on this policy we must go forward.

That is the only policy which at the present moment can meet the dangers which face us in this country.

“We have the strength and power in our hands if we act rightly. It may entail suffering and sacrifice and plenty of hard work.

“In the present circumstances, either we hang together or we hang separately.”

In just over two years we have exercised our most fundamental expression of freedom - our right to vote for a government.

This is just the beginning of our journey towards justice and

equality for all. In exercising this responsibility, the Premier and we as citizens have the greatest opportunity to create a better future for all.

As Mmadiba 1979 wrote: “The purpose of freedom is to create it for others.”

In this very difficult postrecession climate. I hope that the budget presented last week creates and achieve much over the next two years.

Under Ewing’s leadership we can only achieve things together with a budget that is realistic and have more for the common man.

Because there is more to do ahead, more to build, more to put right, more to learn, more to implement, more to achieve with labour, business and all stakeholders to lead our economy in a new, bold direction for higher growth, decent work, greater equality and prosperity.

I pray to God that he gives us the vision, determination and the will to accomplish and overcome our challenges.

Benneth Williams Leeward, Providenciales

Risk, reward and reality Dear Editor, Are TCI’s citizens prepared to take the risk? Every day we live in hopes of experiencing the extraordinary; a feeling which will impact our lives drastically, however do we take the risk of going out and searching for it?

The topic of ‘Risk vs Reward’ has been an ongoing argument in society for many years.

Numerous scholars, entrepreneurs, philosophers, innovators and educators have added their two cents to what the ‘Risk vs Reward’ concept presents itself to be and how it may be adaptable to your next business idea.

Presently in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the reward concept is being heavily undermined by the thought of how risky an idea can be.

We have allowed ourselves to become so satisfied with mediocrity that it has engulfed and defined us as nation.

It’s time to inform the men and women who currently have the ability to grasp the handles of this country and control its movements - whether forwards or backwards and the young people that will have this opportunity in the near future to consider the words of John Paul Jones which states: “It seems to be a law of nature, inflexible and inexorable, that those who will not risk cannot win.”

Last years’ Royal Commonwealth

Theme in my opinion was one of the most powerful and life-changing there has been in decades.

‘Opportunity through enterprise Unlocking potential with innovation and excellence,’ was one which I wish us as Turks and Caicos Islanders would ponder on for a moment.

The word opportunity, although pleasant to the tongue, is one of the most relentless and powerful ever written in the English dictionary.

You must first present yourself as a worthy candidate before opportunity chooses to allow you to move forward.

Kyle Chandler once said: “Opportunity does not knock; it presents itself when you beat down the door.”

I encourage citizens to become an ambassador, entrepreneur, a steward and a difference in this our Turks and Caicos Islands.

I encourage them to disregard the risk factor and adhere to the thought of the reward.

I encourage them to knock down the door of pessimism and allow opportunity to reveal itself in your situation.

I encourage them to heed to the sounds drifting in the wind as reality speaks.

Devonté Smith, Discovery Bay, Providenciales

COMMENTARY

Highs, lows, North and Middle

GLOBAL warming has been the subject of much controversy leaving the world’s population struggling to find the true answer.

We hear little of the issue in the TCI despite its potential for affecting our country’s future.

People supporting the theory of warming and serious increases in sea levels are funded by the world’s big socialised governments.

If they preached that the warming was a temporary result of a temporary sun flare or weather cycle they would lose their government sponsored high

paying jobs.

Astrophysicist Fred Singer has a cooling point of view. In his book Dr Singer addressed what he called the inaccuracies in historical climate data.

Warming predictions are based on computer models which have proven inaccurate in the past.

Ecologist Patrick Moore dropped out of the Greenpeace organisation because his review of Greenpeace global warming pronouncements disturbed him.

According to Moore the last 18 years have reflected a down turn in temperatures not an increase.

SPACE IS LIMITED!

The obvious fact is northern USA, our reliable tourist source, just had its most serious winter in years.

Sub-zero temperatures and lots of snow sent thousands of extra visitors to the TCI as soon as the northern airports could clear away the white stuff.

Happily the PNP had no current programme to close our airport. This summer is much cooler and dryer than recent years up north.

According to the warming experts, ocean levels have already risen.

A survey of local TCI boatmen reveal that water levels have either gone down or the ocean bottom has

By David Tapfer

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

risen. Obviously the jury is still out on this issue and only time will tell.

The jury is still out on TCI development as well. West Caicos has slowed again and after the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) purification rights the Shore Club is now moving forward. Thank God for oversight.

Now the British oversight of the PNP recycled family government is so stringent we wonder if Britain will ever back off. Not until PDM takes the reins!

We still await development in Middle Caicos and at the very least transfer of the historical and

ecological sites to the National Trust along with the dollars due this organisation.

Armstrong Pond’s Stonehenge, Haulover and Stubbs Plantation are ripe for opening as tourist attractions.

Fortis has refused to grant the cave power so our visitors can have flush toilets.

North and Middle Caicos have suffered for decades because the PNP were busy enriching themselves elsewhere.

Someday, some government and developer will warm up to Middle and North Caicos.

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

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 11

‘Beautiful by Nature’ brand falling by the wayside DEPUTY Leader of the PDM, Sean Astwood has accused the Rufus Ewing Administration of disgracing the TCI’s vaunted ‘Beautiful by Nature’ brand, particularly in the area of waste disposal.

“I believe that if a person were to look around today and had to come up with a slogan they would find it almost impossible to create that very same one.

“I am talking about how dirty our beautiful country has become and even worse that this Government seems blind or don’t care what experience our visitors are having.”

Astwood monitors the Government’s performance in the tourism, trade and investment sectors for his party.

He told the House of Assembly last week that the $1.5 million budgeted last year for waste disposal services was not enough then, and will not be enough in this financial year.

Yet, he said, they have budgeted the same amount for the muchneeded service.

“How can we spend so little on something so important, when by merely driving on the streets any fool can see that the $1.5 million that was budgeted for waste disposal services

last year was not enough to solve the problem?

“This is ridiculous and shows that they are just milking this cash cow called tourism but refuse to take special care of it.”

Astwood also pointed to the Minister of Finance’s boast of a 41 per cent increase in visitor arrivals during the first quarter of 2014.

He said the minister appears to be shamelessly taking credit for this performance, even while knowing that his Government did not allocate any more money for the Tourist Board subvention last year.

In addition, last year the Premier who is also the Minister of Tourism budgeted $200,000 for a tourism conference but during that same budget process decided to cancel the conference and disburse the monies elsewhere, Astwood stated.

He added that while the new police vehicles have occasioned a marked presence in some areas, this is not enough to protect the tourism industry, to which crime is the biggest threat.

“We must do everything in our power to ensure that we protect this industry with everything we have, sparing no expense. Because, often I would hear persons saying it can’t

Kendolyn Mcdonald was a happy winner with her four movie tickets and $50 top up

Damian Williams was one of the winners of Lime’s Father’s Fay promotion

get no worse.

“However, I’m always cautioning them that it could get ‘worser’ quickly if our tourists stop coming.”

The Deputy Leader also thanked the Hotel and Tourism Association for their spa and the Lil Chef Programme for TCI youths, adding that programmes such as these are even more important in the absence of a training school.

Turning his attention to the investment sector, Astwood said that while he welcomed the news of new developments in the TCI, the investment unit does not have the prominence it needs to properly facilitate both local and foreign direct investment.

He said in order for this department to carry out its mandate the Government must arm it with the right policy, information, staff and resources that will quickly make it one of the most important and respected part of government.

Astwood added that the relationship between this unit and other departments must also be clearly defined and the image of the unit must take on a look that says to would be investors, ‘we are ready and able to handle your proposals’.

“After all isn’t this department

intended to be the driving force behind our economy? But, how can this happen when this department doesn’t even have a car of its own?”

He said that on careful examination of the budget for the unit, it remains grossly understaffed and that with only $90,000 allocated for promotions and a mere $34,000 being spent last year it is clear to see why would-be investors are not breaking down TCI’s doors.

He pointed out that what the unit needs are caseworkers that can be assigned to a developer who would help the developer to navigate through the development process.

Meanwhile, in the business sector, the Deputy Leader reiterated his concerns with the actions and inactions of the Government.

“I have repeatedly called on them to take a serious look at the decisions that they have made thus far and properly examine them and their effects on the business environment.

To date, this has not been done.”

He reminded that the results have been increases in the cost of doing business and a high level of uncertainty that is now rampant.

“Every day it seems as if the business community has to hold their collective breath while waiting to see

what this Government will do next.

“If it is not a new tax, then it is an increase in an old one.”

He said the constant changing of the business licence regulations has been one of the most telling failures of the Government.

“Somebody on that side must have some business experience that they would have been able to tell the others better.

“Somebody? Anybody? No?” Astwood advised that a simple formula to get the economy going is to come up with a set of meaningful plans that include a sensible revenue stream for TCIG that is packaged with incentives and relief for businesses.

Then, he added, take it to the private sector for consultation.

After completed consultation, use the feedback from the business community to finalise these plans then announce an implementation date, far enough into the future that will allow businesses to prepare to pay whatever taxes or fees and to take advantage of the incentives and reliefs that will be available, Astwood stated.

“This is not rocket science; the minister could have stayed at Comfort Suite last night and come up with this.” (DI)

Merlyn Toussaint walked off with a $250 voucher for Chic N Sassy salon along with four movie tickets

Lime continues to reward their customers LIME TCI recently held several promotion schemes that gave their customers the opportunity to walk off with nice prize.

One of these promotions was the ‘Text to Win’ where customers texted ‘Samsung’ to 4946 and a winner was randomly drawn from all the entries of those who participated.

Gertrude Forbes was the lucky winner, walking off with a brand new Samsung S5.

Forbes said that she was surprised when the received the call from a

Lime representative telling her that she had won the phone.

“When I got the call, my first words were ‘Did I win something?’

“I was joking, but I was pleased when I learned that I did in fact win a Samsung phone.”

She thanked the company and encouraged them to continue with these efforts for customers.

Marketing manager Rachel Harvey said that these promotions aim to give back to customers.

“The prizes are useful and it is

always good to see the smiles from those who win.”

The other two promotions were the Lime’s online ‘Caption This’ promotion as well as the Father’s Day promotion.

The online promotion encouraged participants to take ‘selfies’ of themselves and tag the telecommunications company in the photo.

Merlyn Toussaint was the very first winner for her Facebook and Instagram submissions.

She won a salon voucher valued at $250 from Chic N Sassy and four movie tickets. Merlyn said thanks to Lime for giving her the opportunity to participate and win.

As the promotion progressed, there were more photos and more winners.

Samardia Walkin captured the prizes of $50 top up and four tickets to a local show featuring regional artist Busy Signal.

Kendolyn Mcdonald was also a happy winner with her four movie tickets and $50 top up.

In the final week of the promotion, Giselle Ambrister won three ATV lessons for two and Karlansia Mills won four movie tickets to see a movie of her choice.

During the course of the month, Damian Williams and Laverne Gardiner won $100 gift cards from the Do It Centre compliments of Lime during the Father’s Day offer.

The marketing manager said that customers can sign up for great plans from Lime and they can also win fabulous prizes as well.

12 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 26 - August 1, 2014

Minister thanks educational partners KIND-hearted supporters have dug deep into their pockets over the past year to help assist a financially suffering Government to boost the country’s education system.

Organisations and individuals have donated both cash and services to support the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services.

Minister Akierra Missick thanked all of those benefactors during her budget speech at the House if Assembly in Grand Turk last week.

She said: “Schools are community resources and within them, teachers, parents and students must work together to help build citizens that will lead and develop our nation.

“We need partnerships, and encourage all people in the TCI and those visiting to partner with our ministry to help us develop our

most precious resource - our young people.”

She stated that she would like to pay homage to those who have worked with the ministry in a positive way during the past year.

The Amanyara/Caicos Holdings Ltd contributed the Oseta Jolly Primary School in Blue Hills, Providenciales by renovating and outfitting the library at the school with new books, paint, computers.

“This is a major contribution for which we are very thankful,” Missick said.

Beaches Resort and Spa constructed a lunch shed at Clement Howell High School (CHHS) which assisted in reducing resources needed for the Government’s canteen project.

In September Ted Brockhouse

plans to give the Marjorie Basden High School (MBHS) and Iris Stubbs Primary School in South Caicos a donation of computers and tablets.

“This initiative will assist the schools and children in not only teaching but accessing information for homework, assignments and so on,” the Minister explained.

“This sizeable donation will also be accompanied by painting of classrooms and other minor works at both schools, and training for the teachers on use of the various programmes and apps.”

The Pack for Purpose initiative brings much needed supplies such as books, pencils and other items to schools in luggage for schools on both Grand Turk and Providenciales.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force continues to work with

A flag now flies permanently at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales

the TCI’s schools and hundreds of children have graduated from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) programme.

The Grace Bay Resorts Community Foundation has raised thousands for schools on South Caicos and Providenciales and has consistently addressed the need for supplies within those schools.

The Providenciales Chamber of Commerce along with Scotia Bank are major sponsors of the Youth Enterprise Programme while Fortis supports the High School Science Fair Lew1 Shipping is a new sponsor of the High School spelling Bee and Michael and Nancy Goldberg are new sponsors of the Primary School Spelling Bee. Governor Peter Beckingham

donated $5,000 to CHHS which went toward much needed supplies and equipment, and a further donation to MBHS for their music department.

Missick thanked the entire community for supporting the graduation exercises, sporting events and other school initiatives throughout the school term.

She went on to mention the ministry’s regional and international partners including CXC, UNICEF, UNESCO, CDB, the National Library and Information System, the Commonwealth Youth Programme and WADO. “With all these partners we have and will continue to achieve the goals we have set for the growth and development of our children and our country.” (RB)

Governor Peter Beckingham raised the TCI flag at the hospital

Hospital raises TCI flag for first time A TURKS and Caicos Islands flag is now the first thing that visitors see when they approach Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales.

It is the first time that a flag has flown at the InterHealth Canada built and operated facility since it opened its doors to the public in April 2010.

Governor Peter Beckingham, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Sean Astwood and members of staff from InterHealth Canada attended ceremony to raise the flag on Monday (July 21).

Jill Magri, Interhealth Canada’s chief executive officer of the hospitals, explained the significance of the event.

“After opening the Turks and Caicos Islands facilities on Grand

Turk and Providenciales in April 2010, our attention was immediately focused upon the delivery of high quality patient care to our local residents and island visitors,” she said.

“We recently realised that the initial development plans for our building construction provision had not provided for the erection of flagpoles.”

She said this was noticed during the hospitals’ fourth anniversary of operation.

At the same time Premier Rufus Ewing that TCI Government and business entities should proudly display the flag as a reminder of a commitment to serve the people.

As a result hospital officials decided it was time to build a

flagpole at both medical facilities.

“As an overseas territory of the United Kingdom and in common with the flags of other overseas territories, the national flag of the Turks and Caicos Islands adopted in 1968 bears both the United Kingdom flag (the Union Jack) and also a shield containing a conch shell and a crayfish representing the local fishing industry and a Turks Head cactus representing the local flora for which the Turks and Caicos Islands are famous,” Magri said.

“The flag thus represents the historic connection between the Turks and Caicos Islands and the United Kingdom with the other 52 countries that form the British Commonwealth.

“The flag also is a symbol of the exciting and yet challenging future which lies ahead for those who live and work here in the TCI. “The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital hopes to play a leading role in that future as we continue to enhance the health and welfare of our proud nation.”

After he raised the flag Beckingham met the centre’s staff and management, and was given a tour of the various departments.

In January 2008 former Finance Minister Floyd Hall and Health Minister Lillian Boyce signed an agreement on behalf of the TCI Government to see two new hospitals constructed.

InterHealth Canada was contracted to design and build the facilities as well as equip, maintain and staff them for 25 years at which point the responsibility will be handed back to TCIG. The company hired Johnston International to build the $125 million facilities - work began in 2008 and was completed in 2010.

Magri told the Weekly News earlier this year that the company has continuously strived to meet the healthcare needs of the country.

She said that a financial and clinical audit – currently taking place at the TCI’s two hospitals - have both been welcomed and staff have provided all information requested.

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 13

Beckingham meets with Clara Gardiner, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Border Control and Labour, the Secretary of the Immigration Board Desireka Glinton, and senior labour inspector Alpheus Smith.

Governor tours employment and immigration facilities

The Governor and Peter Parker from the Ministry of Border Control and Labour at the coastal radar station, Providenciales.

STAFF from the Ministry of Border Control and Labour were able to showcase their work during a site visit from Governor Peter Beckingham this week.

The British official toured a number of facilities in Providenciales and spent time with workers discussing their roles within employment and immigration.

In a press release the Governor said: “The staff of the Ministry of Border Control and Labour are vital to the security and prosperity of TCI, and it was a privilege to meet some of these hard-working men and women.

“They have some of the most important jobs in the Islands as they look to strengthen the workforce, eliminate illegal immigration and

welcome the hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit these shores each year.”

Beckingham began the tour by visiting the ministry’s offices in Sam’s Building, Downtown, where he spoke to employees of the Employment Services, the One Stop Shop, the Registration and Citizenship Department and the Immigration Department.

This was followed by site visits to both the detention centre in Five Cays and the coastal radar station.

Permanent Secretary Clara Gardiner accompanied the Governor on his visit which took place on Monday morning (July 21).

“The ministry’s staff are an asset to TCI’s civil service, and it was a pleasure to introduce a number of

them to the Governor,” she said.

“Their professionalism and dedication, often in the face of considerable challenges, is to be commended.”

While responsibility for border control and immigration lies with the TCI Government, the UK government has contributed in excess of $750,000 in the last two years to support efforts in this area.

This has included $330,000 towards the construction of the coastal radar station considered one of the most sophisticated facilities in the region.

It also included forgery detection equipment, and a series of capacity building projects that have provided Government staff with training and secondment opportunities in the UK.

TCI to get first solar powered ... continued 

The Governor meets staff in the One Stop Shop in Providenciales

Five Cays detention centre was on the list of site visits

13

between 2015 and 2016.

“Presently all international mail leaves the Turks and Caicos via American Airlines for Miami where they are sorted and sent on to their various destinations,” the minister said.

“This has resulted in unnecessary delays for some neighbouring countries due to slow sorting in Miami.”

Negotiations are in place with Air Turks and Caicos on the transportation of mail to Jamaica, Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.

If negotiations are successful this project may be implemented by 2016.

Safe mail, a mail holding service and mail redirection service will be offered at cost to customers.

In addition the management of the Postal and Bureau Services plans to hold a stamp exhibition to showcase the service and stamps issues in 2016.

Suggestion boxes have been placed at the Post Offices to allow frank and open discussion with the public on improvements that

can be made to service them better.

And finally an essay completion is being planned for both primary and high school students to get young people interested in the postal services.

PUBLISHING AND TELECOMS The Publishing Department will be expanding its services to better provide for the printing needs of the Government and the public and is relocating to a more central location.

According to the minister this will drastically increase its service delivery to the general public to provide printing needs at the same time generating additional revenue.

Within the next two years the Telecoms Centre will expand to a fully-fledged call centre with a help desk.

“It will allow better functioning, as they will be able to schedule and record progress to completion of any faults and or maintenance issues received, as well as it will allow TCIG to better disseminate information to the public overall,” Lightbourne explained.

The initial implementation of the Digicel system is complete and the centre currently has three CISCO

switchboards.

Within the next few months the centre should have the system up and running and totally functional, completing the migration and rendering the former Lime system obsolete.

When the system is fully migrated additional staff will be recruited, as the automated system has been refuted, the minister said.

Current staff is also scheduled to receive training as required within the next two years.

Over the next year the Telecommunications Commission will implement legislation to adequately institute and regulate the industry.

The areas of focus will include economic regulation of prices and interconnection, finalising of the Broadcasting Ordinance and Telecommunications Ordinance, enhancements to their Spectrum Management System, staff training, analysing licences and Spectrum fees, enhancement of Quality of Service Standards and Telecommunications Equipment Standards, and the development of a Consumer Code. (RB)

14 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 26 - August 1, 2014

Investment boost of $700,000 for employment opportunities GOVERNMENT has set allocated $700,000 for the strengthening of investment to help create economic and employment opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders, Minister of Finance reported during his budget presentation on July 14.

“But we will be going even further, we have allocated $50,000 for the drafting and setting up of a credit union legislation, which will not only encourage our people to save but will create another avenue for our people to borrow money,” Washington Misick said.

“And which can be used to upgrade their standard of living whether it be for short courses or to upgrade their homes or start small businesses.”

The minister noted that these initiatives, and more, are

in line with his Government’s recognition of its responsibility to provide social services, new and improved infrastructure projects, education (schools and upgrades to the community college), waste management and many more.

He added these achievements can only be recognised through private sector investment - particularly foreign direct investment since domestic capital is limited.

In light of this, he said that Government recognises that small, medium and micro enterprise (SME) businesses are the backbone of a nation’s economy.

He added that Government also recognises the need to provide clear guidance and support to foster growth in the sector.

To enhance and ensure the

continuous growth and sustainability of the SME sector, the Government is working, in partnership, with the private sector (the Bankers Association) to advance the SME initiative.

The minister stated that the research exercise equally funded by the Government and the private sector is completed.

The exercise was intended to structure and create terms of reference for the establishment of an organisation to support the SME sector.

He said the draft report is awaiting review by the oversight committee, and once endorsed by the committee, it will be submitted to Cabinet for acceptance and approval.

The minister also noted a recent propitious visit to the TCI by a

consultant from the European Union sponsored Caribbean overseas countries and territories (OCTs) SME initiative programme.

He added that the regional body’s overall objective is to contribute to the sustainable and climateresilient economic diversification and prosperity of Caribbean OCTs by improving the competitiveness of SMEs in the territories.

That programme has three specific objectives.

Namely to strengthen the capacity of the Governments of Caribbean OTCs to service the business sector; improve the capacity of business service organisations to engage in public/private policy and administrative reform dialogue with Governments, and provide services to their constituency of SMEs and promote stronger collaboration, trade and investment relations between the EU and Caribbean OCTs. Misick noted that the TCIG is well on its way to achieving the first objective with the submission of the aforementioned report.

He added that with regard to the fulfilling the other two objectives - the

establishment of a business support organisation would be done following Cabinet’s approval of the report.

Secondly, his ministry will ensure that the trade section is provided with the necessary resources to identify and enhance TCI’s trade sector, which will be established in collaboration with the SME initiative.

“We will also build on some of the exploratory work, already completed to identify alternative markets for our local businesses to source products and services with emphasis on the Caribbean whenever possible.”

He added that to facilitate the Caribbean OCTs programme, a budget of €15 million has been approved from the 10th EDF. He also stated that the Caribbean SME programme consultant is expected back in the TCI sometime in the near future.

As such, he is inviting local businesses and entrepreneurs to work with his ministry in preparation for this return visit.

The intention, he said, is to map out a number of business projects that can be submitted for possible financial grants. (DI)

Students pay for supplies, minister admits NGO representatives receive cheque donations from Islandcom

Islandcom donates $20,000 to four local non-profit organisations FOUR Turks and Caicos Islands’ non-profit organisations have received big cash donations from local telecommunications company, Islandcom.

The groups chosen were the Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA), Trailblazers Academy, which teaches sports such as soccer, indoor hockey, and rugby, Provo Children’s Home and the TCI Softball Federation.

Each organisation received $5,000 from Islandcom for expenditures towards the benefit of their youth leagues.

Money for the donation was raised at the Islandcom’s annual Battle of the Bands concert held on June 21.

Each year Islandcom chooses different non-profit organisations as recipients of the proceeds collected at their event.

Marketing specialist for Islandcom, Chandra Craigg, said that this year they focused on children in sports.

“Throughout the year, we receive tonnes of sponsorship requests from different sports organisations.

“Each one has an agenda to go beyond the norm for the kids they coach.

“We selected organisations that endeared us the most for their

organisation, commitment to youth, and the sport of choice.”

The Trailblazers Academy is a newly put together sports organisation.

Their goal is through physical activity and sports to teach young adults the ethics of partnership and hard work.

They focus on sports such as rugby, tennis, indoor hockey, and soccer. Their current goal is to raise money to build a sporting facility for young people.

With the money received from the donation Trailblazers Academy plans to revive training camps for some sports that they have put on hold due to funding constraints.

The Provo Children’s Home has been the home to many orphans and disenfranchised youths of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is largely funded by public fundraising.

There are currently nine children of various ages that reside at the home and need complete care.

Money from the donation will go towards providing food, clothing, and supplies for the children in the home.

The Turks and Caicos Softball Federation oversees all softball related activities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. There are numerous

adult and youth leagues around the country.

Some of the more noted leagues within the federation are the Churches League and the General Softball League.

Over the past year, the federation has made numerous efforts to provide equipment for their youth softball league.

With the donation, they plan to purchase softball kits that will be provided to schools around the nation.

The Provo Amateur Basketball Association is a popular after hour sport with the young adult crowd in Providenciales.

The association is working hard to grow the youth arm of their association through numerous efforts.

They have created a Saturday camp to teach young children the art of basketball. They also host several camps for their high school league.

Most recently the association accompanied members of their high school league to the reputable Duke University Coach K Camp in North Carolina.

Funds from the donation will go towards further development of their youth girls’ basketball league.

THE FACT that students are asked to contribute to school supplies is “much ado about nothing” according to the Minister of Education.

Akierra Missick addressed the Opposition’s claims during her budget speech at the House of Assembly last week.

She admitted that across the country pupils are asked to pay for paper for class assignments but added that this is nothing new.

“When I was a student I had a school supplies list of materials I had to supply by the end of the first week of school and a ream of paper was included even then, and that was some 27 years ago.

“The members opposite are making much to do about nothing.

“We encourage school administrators to find innovative ways to administer their schools and also to work closely with the department in trying to meet outstanding needs.”

Principals are encouraged to keep the Department of Education informed about their needs and find ways to meet some themselves, Missick added “There is no society where a government can meet all of the needs of its people and that is why we depend on public/ private sector partnerships and the involvement of parents and the community in the education of their children.”

She said there are many

Minister of Education Akierra Missick

foundations and organisations that approach the ministry each year and assist schools with supplies and other equipment.

Missick added that all private schools give parents a list of items that students need to bring and some ask them to assist with contributions.

“If the private schools can do this which receive tuition fees from students, why is it so alarming if the TCIG schools do so as well?”

In last week’s budget speech Missick revealed that her allocation will be spent on a new high school in Providenciales, two early childhood centres and alternative education for young offenders.

A sizable $25 million – or 12 per cent of the total Government budget – will go towards boosting the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services.

(RB)

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 15

Divers become lionfish trackers SCUBA divers from across the TCI learnt how to safely trap and kill lionfish this week.

The founders of Providenciales’ newest small group dive operator, Aqua TCI, spent Monday (July 21) training members of Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) and the public on the invasive species.

It was all part of the PADI Invasive Lionfish Tracker Speciality – a course written by Aqua TCI owner Stephanie Wallwork.

She told the Weekly News: “Aqua TCI were happy to be able to assist in the training of our DEMA officers as the lionfish are an extremely successful invasive species which threaten the native fish and other marine creatures in our waters.

“We have committed to help in any way they can in this battle.”

The course consisted of three parts; a student manual, completion of knowledge review and open water dives.

By the end of the training all students were able to identify the type of capture equipment needed for the dive, carry the equipment without impeding the dive, capture a lionfish without incident or injury, transfer the lionfish to a collection bag without incident or injury, transport the fish to the surface following a dive and euthanize the fish without incident or injury.

“On the dive we look for lionfish in teams. When one is found they are caught using nets and then transferred into the collection bag - all whilst paying attention not to damage the reef,” Wallwork said.

This week’s students were DEMA officers Kathleen Wood, Alexander (Roddy) McCleod, Katherine Hart and Rodney Smith

The course teaches divers to safely catch and euthanize the invasive fish

Several divers passed the PADI Invasive Lionfish Tracker Speciality

from Providenciales, Grand Turk and South Caicos along with Providenciales residents Jerry Budin and John Graves.

Stephanie Wallwork and partner Bill Wallwork conducted the course at North West Point during which

Staff Instructor, SSI Dive Control Specialist Instructor and a licensed TCI Boat Master, who has been diving for 20 years and lived and dived in Providenciales since 2008.

Stephanie Wallwork is PADI IDC

several fish were successfully caught.

Aqua TCI waived most of their course costs due to the seriousness of the issue and to ensure that the DEMA officers received the appropriate training.

Bill Wallwork is PADI IDC

Digicel gives away Smart TVs FOUR lucky Digicel customers walked away with 40 inch Samsung Smart TV’s as part of Digicel’s ‘Summer of Promotions’.

The high tech televisions were prizes in the telecoms company’s recent FIFA football promotion for customers who topped up $15 or more.

Customers who purchased featured smartphones such as the Samsung S4 Active or a Blu Pure Mini also had the chance to win one of two televisions in the giveaway promotion.

And Digicel’s monthly text to win promotion which engages customers in trivia or interactive games also had a smart TV as the grand prize for the month of June.

The four randomly selected winners were Daisy Handfield who purchased a BLU Smartphone and Scott Hinson, who purchased a

Samsung S4 Active.

Nathanalien St Juste was the recharge promotional winner who topped up with $15 or more during the promotional period and Jorge Rojas who won the text to win promotion.

A press conference was held at the company’s headquarters on the Leeward Highway, Providenciales on Friday (July 18) to present the television sets to these winners.

The four excited winners were delighted with their prize and said they looked forward to winning again with Digicel.

Scott Hinson, who recently switched to Digicel just under three months ago said that the television was the perfect welcoming gift.

‘Like’ Digicel on Facebook or follow them on Instagram and Twitter at DigicelTCI to keep up with all the action.

Winners of Digicel’s summer television promotion.

Staff Instructor, DAN Instructor, IAHD (International Association of Handicapped Divers) Instructor and a licensed TCI Boat Master, who has been diving for 20 years and lived and dived in Providenciales since 2008.

16 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

The 12 future masseuses in the Spa Camp truly were a part of an inaugural adventure into the world of Spa as they were taught the various massage techniques

July 26 - August 1, 2014

The 12 students who participated in the Junior Lit'l Chefs Culinary Camp were given the opportunity to learn about all aspects of cuisine

TCI hospitality adventure summer camps off to great start TWENTY-four students were given the opportunity to practice various skills during two simultaneous summer camps hosted by the Turks and Caicos Islands Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA).

The Junior Lit’l Chefs Culinary Camp and Spa Camp and the TCI Hospitality Adventures camp ran from July 7 to July 12.

Chosen from among numerous entries these successful applicants spent six days touring various hotels across the TCI. They also interacted with mentors who took time out of their busy schedules to educate the students

about their daily duties and tasks.

The 12 students who participated in the Junior Lit'l Chefs Culinary Camp were given the opportunity to learn about all aspects of cuisine as they journeyed to Parrot Cay Resort and spent the day making desserts and learning about table setting and napkin folding.

The week was a hectic one as they cooked with Chef Nik from Crackpot Kitchen and also cooked with independent Chef Thomas who played a big role in organising the programme.

They also participated in seminars held by Tamika Handfield from

Nutrition in Demand, worked at IGA Gourmet, visited IGA, Villa Del Mar, Grace Bay Club, Point Grace, Blue Haven Resort and to the excitement of the students learnt how to make bread at Crust Bakery.

The 12 future masseuses in the Spa Camp truly were a part of an inaugural adventure into the world of the spa as they were taught the various massage techniques while visiting Regent Palms, Gansevoort, Amanyara, Parrot Cay Resort, Beaches TCI and Grace Bay Club.

During the week the students also participated in seminars held by Faces and Fingers and

Courtyard Chiropractic and also had the opportunity to intern at the participating spas for a day while learning about the services as well as how to operate a spa business.

With the Junior Mechanics Camp and the Lit'l Chefs Culinary Camp still to take place at the end of July, one of the camps’ organisers, Stacy Cox of TCHTA said that they had a packed week.

She said that from all reports the camps were a huge success with the students feeling inspired and more confident that their career decisions were the right ones even though they were taken out of their comfort zone.

“The TCI Hospitality Adventures committee definitely wants to provide holistic development and empower the children towards their full self-actualisation and continuous participation in national development of the tourism product and these camps allow us to achieve this objective.”

The Junior Mechanics Camp ran from July 21 to July 26 while the Lit'l Chefs Culinary Camp ran from take place from July 19 to July 26.

More information about the summer camps can be found by visiting www.tcihospitalityadventure. com/events/.

TCI places first in regional essay competition A STUDENT from HJ Robinson High School, placed first in the Caribbean Organisation of Tax Administration’s (COTA) fourth essay competition.

Martha Bohlale Rakuoane from the Grand Turk school scored top over 11 Caribbean countries participating in the competition.

The subject for the competition was ‘The tax code is a road map for law abiding citizens and businesses to pay what they legally owe, not an obstacle course to be gamed and gotten around.’

The essays were between 800 and 1,000 words and the best three national essays were selected for entry into the regional level competition.

The winner received $1,000 and a trophy, and the school received a laptop computer.

COTA’s 23rd general and technical conference opened on Monday (July 21) at the Pegasus Hotel in Guyana and the TCI sent over a delegation.

Participants receive Martha Rakuoane’s trophy for placing first in the COTA’s essay competition

Delegation sent from the TCI to sit at the Caribbean Organisation of Tax Administration (COTA)

The conference ran until Thursday (July 25) and tax administrators from across the region deliberated on a

hosted for the first time, was held under the theme, ‘Efficient Tax Administration as a Catalyst

number of tax issues, exchanged ideas and shared experiences.

This year’s event, which Guyana

for Growth and in CARICOM Community)’.

Development (Caribbean

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sandals Foundation volunteers surprised the children with sandwiches, fruits and cookies

The foundation took the opportunity to educate the children about the most prominent human rights figures in this time and age

Sandals Foundation donates 67 minutes for Nelson Mandala Day CHILDREN at the Edward C Gartland Youth Centre were given 67 minutes of time from members of the Sandals Foundation to commemorate Nelson Mandela.

July 18 is celebrated internationally as Nelson Mandala Day, so the foundation took the opportunity last Friday to talk about the most prominent human rights figures in this time and age.

Elanor Finfin Krzanowski, public relations manager for Beaches TCI, said that the overreaching objective of Mandela Day is to inspire children and individuals to take action to help change the world for the better.

“Mandela was a man who dedicated his whole life to fighting for basic human rights and equality

and it is important that we pass down this information to the youngsters of our communities so they can believe that they too have the ability to make a positive impact.”

Every year on Mandela’s birthday, individuals and organisations across the world are asked to spend 67 minutes of their time helping people to recognise their own ability to have a positive effect on society.

This is to commemorate the 67 years that Mandela, the first democratically elected president of South Africa and anti-apartheid activist, dedicated to the fight for human rights.

Heidi Clarke, Sandals Foundation director of programmes, said that through their continued dedication to volunteering they have seen first-hand

the difference that people can make in others’ lives by sharing their time.

Sandals Foundation volunteers surprised the children with sandwiches, fruits, cookies for Mandela Day and presented information sessions, a demonstration and storytelling.

Roxanne Wake-Forbes, director of the Edward Gartland Youth Centre, said that it was a pleasure to have Beaches at the centre talking about such an important person.

“With his passing last year it was even more important to have recognised and honoured someone so great.

“The kids had a great time and they are already looking forward to next year.”

Scotiabank customers will win cash during summer promotion TCI’s Scotiabank customers have the opportunity to win prizes during the bank’s ‘Summer Blast Sale-A-Thon’ promotion.

The promotion is running for the three months of summer – June, July and August - giving one lucky customer the chance to win a prize at the end of each month.

Velma Smith, assistant manager for service support, said that customers who applied for any sort of credit were eligible to be entered into the competition and a winner would be chosen from a box of candidates by a customer.

Maxovonno Thomas was the winner of June’s draw and was awarded a $300 gift certificate to use at any of the IGA branches on Providenciales.

On Monday (July 21) Thomas was presented his certificate by Lorniqua Gardiner, personal banking officer for Scotiabank, at the bank’s Grace Bay branch in Providenciales.

The Towers of Babel “An ancient city in the land of Shinar in which the building of a tower intended to reach heaven was begun and the confusion of the language of the people took place.” Gen 11:4–9.

The Towers of Babel is a collective of voices consisting of various artists prepared to display their exceptional art forms and foster the inner artist in other individuals; providing a venue for the outpouring of their undeniably unique gifts.

This group brings to the stage and page productions rarely displayed on stages in the Turks and Caicos Islands melding with some of the most unique artists the country has to offer.

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

Woman

By Tatiana Hendfield I am a Woman With a Woman’s heart I am a Woman With a Woman’s mind I am a Woman With a Woman’s soul.

And wrapped up in this heart Is more hurt than one can imagine, And wrapped up in this mind Is more imagination than one can bear, And wrapped up in this soul Is more love than a body can hold.

This marvel, birth from the mind of God himself Because He knows how to truly love a Woman Because He knows how to nurture a Woman Because He knows how to speak to a Woman Because He knows how to listen to a Woman Because He knows a Woman.

But what is this Woman A body to be stared upon, A mind to be discussed, A thought, Imagination, Extinct?

Maxovonno Thomas is June’s Scotiabank promotion winner

You can contact your nearest Scotiabank branch for information

NEWS 17

on how you can be entered to win for the month of July and August. (DH)

Woman; Perfection of civilisation Embodied with the mind of God Not to be used Not to be destroyed Not to be persecuted But to be a Woman.

Lifestyle...

18

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

GARDENING 

How does your garden grow

Denis is a passionate landscape architect who enjoys the creative process and his clients’ joy when projects come to life. Contact Denis at Nature Splendor for your landscaping, installation or garden maintenance needs.

For more information call 332-3381 or email denis@naturesplendor.net.

Bougainvillea THE BOUGAINVILLEA is an immensely showy, floriferous and hardy plant. Its versatility is legendary.

It can be coaxed into a small manageable pot plant or a sizeable tree to spread itself vertically on a wall or climb up a trellis and form a luscious crown or burst forth into graceful arches.

It makes one of the best hedges, bushes and curb-liners. And as for bonsai or topiary purposes it has few equals lending its complex branching to the pruning shears which promote even more unique and graceful forms.

It is probably true to say that without the bougainvillea our private gardens would be a lot less colourful that what we see today on the Islands.

Almost everywhere we go its brilliant hues and cheerful bursts punctuate the lush green mantle that cloaks our tropical environment.

Other flowering plants certainly pale in comparison.

Along with palms, sunshine and beaches the cascading blooms

of bougainvillea provide one of Turks and Caicos Islands’ signature tropical images.

As a profuse bloomer, bougainvillea is most striking during the winter when it is at its peak and few other plants are able to provide colour.

Native to the coasts of Brazil, bougainvillea has a medium salt tolerance which makes it a natural choice for the Islands.

As a woody clambering vine bougainvillea will stand alone and can be pruned into a standard but it is perfect along fence lines, on walls, in containers and hanging baskets, and as a hedge or an accent plant.

Its long arching branches are thorny and bear heart-shaped leaves and masses of papery bracts in white, pink, orange, purple, and burgundy.

Many cultivars, including double flowered and variegated, are available.

The bougainvillea has two distinct growth cycles.

The vegetative growth period for several weeks, when new leaves and

Weekly Recipe Katherine Withers Green, 27, is a mum of one 15-monthold avid pasta lover. She knows from experience that finding meals that are nutritious, quick and easy to make, and that can be frozen for a later date is tough.

These recipes are aimed at mothers looking to make the transition from baby food to ‘real’ food.

Leek and potato soup Soups are a great option as they are very easy to make and easy to eat!

The potatoes in this one make it thick and therefore easier for babies to eat. If you are making this for the whole family, double the quantities (for four to five people).

INGREDIENTS • 1 potato • 1 leek • 1 tsp butter • 2 cups low sodium veg or chicken stock METHOD • Wash peel and chop potatoes and leeks (white portion only).

• In a large pan, melt butter and add potatoes and leeks.

• Sauté on low for five minutes.

• Add the stock and bring to a boil.

Cover and simmer for 30 minutes until the potatoes are soft.

• Purée the mixture and serve

warm.

• Add a dollop of sour cream for taste or a good sprinkle of black pepper for the grown-ups.

• Can be frozen for up to three months.

stems grow.

If the plant receives enough sunlight it will form buds during this time. If there is not enough sunlight, the plant will remain in vegetative cycle and not progress to the blooming period.

This is usually the case if bougainvillea are grown in semishade or full shade.

There is also a blooming period of several weeks when little or no vegetative growth occurs.

The length of time they will display colour is dependent upon the health of the plant and the environment they are in - the more sun and heat the better.

With at least five hours of direct sunlight per day, a typical, healthy bougainvillea will remain in a blooming period for three to five weeks.

Bougainvillea’s natural habitat is equatorial where day and night lengths are almost equal.

BY DENIS Belanger - NATURE SPLENDOR

The plant has an extremely fine root system, and should be planted in well-drained soils.

Avoid soil mixes with high peat levels and water retention. These types of media retain too much water and will contribute to root rot - be sure to select a well-draining media.

YOUR DIET  Tamika has a Master’s Degree in Dietetics and Nutrition from Florida International University and is a registered dietician with the American Dietetic Association (ADA). She is currently executive director of Nutrition in Demand, a non-profit aimed at increasing awareness to health and healthy eating. For more information email tamikahandfield@yahoo.com or visit www.nutritionindemand.com. Call 242-3978 or 442-3978.

Bougainvillea are heavy feeders that require regular monthly fertilisation during blooming season.

Nitrogen and phosphate are critical to flowering, but do not overfertilise with these two elements because it will add growth and inhibit blooming.

BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD

How to keep your food safe during a power outage As you know, we are in the middle of enjoying our summer vacations but unfortunately, we are also in the middle of the hurricane season.

Fortunately, we have not yet had any major tropical disturbances to worry about; however, ‘prevention is better than cure’ so I thought it would be fitting to talk about ways we can keep our food safe during a hurricane.

This week we will discuss steps to take to prevent food spoilage during a hurricane in the event of a power outage: Here are some basic tips for keeping food safe: • Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.

The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours and a full freezer will keep food for

•

•

• • • • •

approximately 48 hours if it is unopened.

You may also consider buying dry ice to keep the refrigerator as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for a prolonged period of time.

If you plan to eat food that was either refrigerated or frozen, it's important that each item is thoroughly cooked to the proper temperature to destroy any foodborne bacteria that may be present. I have included the recommended temperatures to help you: Beef – 145o F Poultry – 165o F Pork – 145o F Wash fruits and vegetables with water from a safe source before eating.

For infants, try to use prepared,

canned baby formula that requires no added water or use bottled water for powdered formulas. This is important in case your water supply becomes contaminated which can be quite harmful to infants and small children.

• Once your power is restored, you can check the safety of your food by ensuring the temperature is below 400 F—the danger zone is between 40o F – 140o F. Be sure to use an appliance thermometer and check each package of food for ice crystals. Do not rely on appearance or odor alone.

• REMEMBER: if you are in doubt, throw it out!!

‘Like’ my page, ACCU Medical Nutrition—Nutrition in Demand, on Facebook for up to date nutrition information.

July 26 - August 1, 2014

Lifestyle...

FASHION AND BEAUTY 

19

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

By Easher Parker

Easher is a Turks and Caicos Islands native with a natural talent for writing and a love for all things beauty and style. If you have any questions or suggestions for a topic email easherparker@gmail.com. To find out more visit itseasher.com or follow twitter or Instagram @itseasher for fab instant updates.

The latest shoe craze: Nudes THERE are some classic fashion pieces every gal should own. Usually they’re items that would work seamlessly with any woman across the spectrum.

A line skirts, the perfect blazer, pearls, spicy stilettoes or a great pair of pink pumps. You get my drift?

For me lately, it’s anything with a high waist and neutral coloured footwear. The two can instantly create an illusion of longer legs.

This is fantastic information for the vertically challenged, with myself included in that roster.

Honestly, haven’t you noticed lately that nude or flesh toned shoes are all the rage?

It’s humorous to know that not too long ago, wearing a pair flesh-tone shoes would have been considered style suicide.

The whole neutral movement is fully embraced these days. Why not?

Nude shoes are fresh and keep things sophisticated, yet different.

It’s no surprise that many celebrities are wearing flesh tones daily, either on red carpets or to gala events.

In order to really pull off neutral kicks you should highly consider a pair that matches your skin tone.

The closer the shade is to your skin, the better! Perhaps a while back, this may have proven to be challenging but because nudes are in high demand, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a good pair.

Blush, tan and cognac are great tones if you’re not sure where to start.

Again, a neutral shoes works to elongate your legs by maintaining a continuous line of the body rather than disrupting it. Think smooth or seamless.

While on the other hand, dark shoes like black cut that line off, visually shortening the leg. If you don’t believe me, put that theory to test and see for yourself.

Another plus about nude shoes is that they mesh beautifully with everything. Literally!

With my neutrals I never have to think about whether it’s a good decision to pair them with a particular outfit. Don’t you wish that decisionmaking process was just as easy with the remaining shoes in that colourful collection?

I must also speak to the types out there that prefer ankle strap shoes. I LOVE ankle straps but tread with caution.

Thicker straps can make those gams appear a little bigger than they actually are. Thinner straps are a much flattering option and I speak from experience on that one.

So how exactly can on wear a nude coloured shoe? Well, remember as previously mentioned flesh tone shoes can be worn with any other colour, material or print out there!

You know this also means you can save money if you are on a tight budget, right?

That makes you wonder if that’s the real reason why neutral footwear has become such a big hit!

The Dentist and you 

By Dr Mark Osmond

Mark Osmond BDS (Lond) LDS RCS (Eng). Mark Osmond Dental Clinic - (649) 432 3777, drmosmond@gmail.com or Find us on Facebook

Oral surgery ORAL surgery is any procedure that involves cutting into or removing tissue from your mouth.

It includes procedures like removing a tooth, gum surgery, and the placement of dental implants.

Oral surgery also includes getting rid of diseased tissue from the mouth, correcting jaw problems, or repairing a cleft lip or palate.

Depending upon the individual case and the expertise of the dentist, oral surgery can performed either by your regular dentist or by an oral surgeon in a hospital setting.

Over my forthcoming articles I will look at the different types of oral surgery and in which cases it is a suitable treatment method.

Extraction due to decay, periodontal disease or for orthodontic reasons

In general this is the simplest form of oral surgery, where a tooth- both crown and the root- is removed.

A local anaesthetic is injected into the soft tissue around the tooth

which numbs the nerves and therefore prevents any pain during the removal of the tooth.

Then the dentist uses special extraction forceps and a luxator to separate the tooth from the connective periodontal ligaments and bone and so remove the tooth.

Depending on how the tooth is positioned in the jaw and in relation to adjacent teeth and also its state of decay, a surgical extraction may have to be performed.

This is a slightly more complex procedure (although generally still performed by a dentist) whereby the gum is cut and bone is drilled to allow the tooth to be removed in sections.

Wisdom teeth extractions

In the past wisdom teeth were routinely extracted. The more modern and clinically sounder approach is only to remove wisdom teeth if they are causing recurrent problems.

The reason that wisdom teeth often do cause problems is because in many cases there is not sufficient room in

- Volume one

the jaw bone for them to erupt fully through the gum line, so leading them to become entrapped or ‘impacted’.

Impacted wisdom teeth can result in swelling, pain, and infection of the gum tissue surrounding the wisdom teeth.

In addition, impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes cause permanent damage to nearby teeth, gums, and bone which can lead to the formation of cysts that can destroy sections of the jaw bone.

In these instances it is recommended that the wisdom tooth or teeth are removed. In many cases wisdom teeth can be removed by a good general dentist (I estimate I remove over 80 per cent of wisdom teeth that I diagnosis as needing extraction) but in some cases it is clear from an x-ray that the roots of the tooth are close, or sometimes wrapped around the trigeminal nerve, which runs inside the jaw bone.

In this instance the patient would be referred to a competent oral surgeon for the tooth to be removed surgically in hospital.

This might involve a general anaesthetic.

POLICE SAFETY TIPS

Securing your home before you go on vacation MURPHY’S Law for vacationers: If anything can go wrong, it will go wrong while you’re on holiday, which is perhaps the worst time a household disaster can strike.

Coming home from your honeymoon or Mediterranean cruise can be depressing. But returning from an unforgettable trip and learning something has gone seriously wrong at home can be downright upsetting.

To make matters worse, a home left vacant while its owners are travelling is a tempting target for criminals.

It’s vital that every vacationer takes certain key steps to keep his or her home safe and sound while seeing the world.

Basic preventative measures (which take only minutes to complete) can work wonders to help you avoid many problems that may arise.

A simple, albeit crucial, way to gain peace of mind while travelling is to ask a friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your home while you’re away.

Ask him or her to drive by your home once every day or so and check on the place. Give this person a key so that he or she can feed

By Audley Astwood Audley, a former police detective and broadcaster, is currently the press officer for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. His main focus is on crime prevention and community policing. For more information call 941-4448 or visit www.tcipolice.tc.

your pet, rake your leaves, etc.

If you don’t use a garage, you may also want to give this person a key to your car - you never know when your vehicle may need to be moved.

He or she should also have your contact information and a copy of your itinerary in case of emergencies.

Do you have more than one person visiting your house while you’re away?

If so, tell them about each other!

If the watchful neighbour you asked to keep an eye on your home calls the police on your pet sitter, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

In a world where it seems everyone is blabbing about their business on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, it’s important to stop and think: Who exactly is reading this stuff?

The anonymity of the internet can encourage us to share personal information without fully realising

that there may be hundreds of complete strangers receiving our daily musings.

Would you announce to a crowd that you will be leaving your house unattended for two weeks this December?

If not, then you should think twice about posting your detailed vacation plans online - especially if that information is visible to internet users other than your friends and family (and it probably is).

Be careful what you say on your answering machine or voice mail too. Callers don’t need to know that you’re not home - they just need to know that you can’t come to the phone right now.

For more in-depth information and other crime prevention tips, please visit www.tcipolice.tc or our Facebook page at www.facebook. com/RTCIPF.

20

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 26 - August 1, 2014

Jamaica confirms food shortages on several items due to severe drought THE protracted crippling dry spell across Jamaica has led to a shortage of several food items based on an assessment completed by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Donovan Stanberry, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry said the vegetables that are hard to come by include carrots, lettuce, tomatoes and onions.

According to Stanberry this was “somewhat inevitable, due to the length and severity of the drought” and has suggested that in light of the current shortage of some produce, consumers might have to consider food substitutes as a short-term measure.

He however disclosed that no application has been received for permits to import agricultural produce and has attributed this to the high cost of some imported items, and the fact that the tourism sector, which is the largest consumer of vegetables in Jamaica, is currently in its off-peak season.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Ministry is pursuing strategies to ease the impact of the dry spell on agricultural production.

Haiti’s cholera spread has slowed considerably, but there were still some 6,730 cases and 51 deaths between January and July.

Haiti to launch cholera vaccination push Water Minister, Robert Pickersgill has warned Jamaica to brace for worsening drought conditions as the dry spell continues.

This drought mitigation strategy is aimed, not only at “preserving and recovering the crops in drought stricken areas,” but also to expand production in areas across the country “which are getting adequate supply of rainfall,” said Stanberry.

On Monday, Jamaica’s Water Minister Robert Pickersgill, warned

Jamaicans to brace for the worst as the dry spell continues.

Last week, the National Water Commission (NWC) reported that levels at the two main catchment facilities in the Corporate Area have dwindled to about one month’s supply and the situation is deteriorating daily. (CMC)

Former Jamaican PM slams US on extrajudicial killings FORMER Prime Minister Bruce Golding has come out swinging against the United States, declaring that nation lacks the moral authority to cite human-rights abuses as reasons to withdraw support to the Jamaican security forces.

Golding said there was no evidence that outgoing Police Commissioner Owen Ellington was involved in such abuses or failed to take action against those who carried out extrajudicial activities.

Last week on Power 106 FM radio talk show, ‘Cliff Hughes Online’, the former prime minister said the US has a long history of carrying out heinous actions against other countries which are tantamount to human rights abuses.

Referring to the US as a country that has reserved on to itself “the right to dispatch drones to go and extra-judicially kill persons who it alleges to be terrorists and in the process kill civilians including children”, Golding said the US has no basis to lambaste other countries for alleged human-rights violations.

Golding stressed that these violations have largely gone unpunished.

“The numbers vary, but they have ranged between 200 and up to 1,000 persons who have been killed by drone strikes, these persons were

Former Jamaican PM Bruce Golding

never given their day in court, never able to say ‘no, is mistake yuh mek, is not true’,” Golding stated.

He queried further; “what right does that country have to talk to anybody else or any other country about extrajudicial killings?”

Golding said he was concerned that the international community has been silent on the recent drone strikes by the US in areas said to be linked to terrorist activities.

“The international community has sat by and said nothing and done nothing. And then they come and tell Jamaica that ‘you must remove your commissioner because we have reason to believe that the police are involved in extrajudicial killings’,” he scoffed.

He said he did not support

extrajudicial killings, whether in Jamaica or elsewhere.

Golding said these incidents must be properly investigated and those found guilty should be brought to justice. He stated that it was for that reason the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) was created, during his tenure as prime minister.

In Parliament last Tuesday, National Security Minister Peter Bunting said that some Jamaican law-enforcement units had lost funding from international partners because of allegations of humanrights abuse by members of the security forces.

Earlier this month, Police Commissioner Owen Ellington shocked the nation with his sudden announcement that he would be retiring from the force.

In giving reasons for his departure, the National Security Ministry said Ellington wished to separate himself from the force ahead of the pending commission of enquiry into the 2010 operation in Tivoli Gardens, west Kingston, which left more than 70 persons dead. He also noted, his departure would prevent the perception of interference in INDECOM’s investigations into an alleged police ‘death squad’ in Clarendon.

HAITI will be launching a major push to vaccinate citizens against cholera.

The programme will target 200,000 people in three departments, starting in August. It will be supported by the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization.

The vaccination campaign will be carried out in the Artibonite, Central and West departments, which were selected by Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health and Population due to their place as “high risk zones.”

“Vaccination is an important complementary measure in the fight against cholera,” said PAHO/ WHO Assistant Director Francisco Becerra. “But the long-term objective is to eliminate cholera, which will

require sustained improvements in access to water and sanitation for the population.”

Haiti’s cholera epidemic, which was, by most accounts, brought into the country by UN peacekeepers from Nepal after the 2010 earthquake, has killed more than 8500 people since 2010.

Haiti’s cholera spread has slowed considerably, but there were still some 6,730 cases and 51 deaths between January and July.

That was a reduction from 26,000 cases in the first six months of 2013.

“The number of cases has declined, but any death due to cholera is unacceptable,” said Jean-Luc Poncelet, PAHO/WHO’s representative in Haiti.

Big drop in murders as World Cup captivates Jamaican criminals BILLED as The Greatest Show On Earth’, the 2014 World Cup, which kicked off June 12 with host nation Brazil facing European rivals Croatia, kept Jamaican criminals so busy that murders dropped by 70, or 12 per cent during the month-long soccer fiesta.

Jamaica football fans and even ‘wagonists’ piled up in front of television sets supporting the teams or players of their choice.

Apparently not even crime could compete with the interest generated by the World Cup. The first noticeable development was a steep decline in traffic pile-ups, according to police, in parish capitals, notably when the more popular teams Brazil, Germany or Argentina were on the pitch.

During the semi-final encounter between Brazil and Germany, Kingston and Montego Bay were like ghost towns.

But more significantly, the pull and allure of the World Cup had a major effect on the murder toll figures for the country, compared with earlier periods this year.

Based on statistics supplied by the police and confirmed by Minister of National Security Peter Bunting in his presentation to Parliament last Tuesday, murders during the period January 1 to July 13 totalled 520, or 70 less than the 590 recorded for the same period last year, an approximate decline of 12 per cent.

For the specific period of the World Cup — June 12 to July 13 2014 — a total of 75 murders were reported to the police. This figure compares with 104 murders in 2013, a difference of 29 and 96 murders in 2012, a difference of 21 murders.

“The decrease of 12 per cent or 70 actual murders during the period of consideration is quite significant for us. We have been working non-stop in our attempts to decrease murders and other major crimes. Despite the gains, there is still much more to be done, but we are very committed to the cause,” acting Commissioner of Police Glenmore Hinds told the Jamaica Observer.

July 26 - August 1, 2014

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

With Europe’s blessing, Haiti, DR leaders pledge closer ties THE meeting between Dominican Republic, Haiti and the European Union held in Punta Cana (east) concluded Tuesday afternoon, when presidents Danilo Medina and Michel Martelly agreed closer relations and work shoulder to shoulder to strengthen their countries that share Hispaniola.

In his closing speech Medina called the visit by Union European Council president Herman Van Rompuy historic, since both Caribbean countries will walk the same path. He said the European Development Fund’s binational program is geared towards that priority.

Medina also requested the European

Union’s support to build two hospitals on the border, to which Van Rompuy responded with a pledge.

Martelly said like Medina, he inherited a centuries-old problem but the meeting is evidence of both governments’ willingness to strengthen relations.

He added that the two nations must learn more from the European Union in terms of their work in border areas and invited Medina to visit Haiti.

For his part, Van Rompuy called immigration between Dominican Republic and Haiti, “a habitual topic of conflict which is a shared concern that requires a human solution.”

(Dominican Today)

Guyana: Two gay sex workers murdered, alleged killer commits suicide THE suspect in the murder of two homosexual sex workers early Sunday morning, committed suicide hours later in the day by setting himself afire.

Samuel Bristol, 31, doused himself with gasoline and set his body on fire outside the Bourda Post Office in Georgetown.

Before succumbing at the Georgetown Hospital, Bristol, confessed to the murders and said he had nothing to live for.

The two homosexual sex workers were stabbed to death on the streets of Georgetown in the early hours of Sunday, allegedly by Bristol, the spurned lover of another.

The body of Jason John was found in Leopold Street and that of Carl Sinclair was found just over a

block away in Lombard Street. Both were lying in pools of blood.

Bristol, the ex-lover of five years with a colleague of the gay men, all commercial sex workers, had reportedly earlier thrown gasoline on his former partner and attempted to set him alight in the vicinity of Georgetown’s landmark St George’s Cathedral.

But, eyewitnesses say, that other sex workers intervened and halted Bristol in the act, and he fled.

Bristol reportedly later attacked John and Sinclair with a knife in Leopard Street, where John died.

Though wounded, Sinclair fled but the man caught up with him in Lombard Street an dealt the sex worker several more stabs, killing him at that location. (CMC)

Martinique planning to develop ocean thermal energy project MARTINIQUE is planning to develop an ocean thermal energy project.

Ocean thermal energy uses the heat energy stored in the ocean to generate electricity, capitalizing on the temperature difference between the warmer top layer of the ocean and colder, deep ocean water.

While there are several versions of the concept, ocean thermal technology works through opencycle thermal conversion, which uses warm surface water to make electricity; when warm seawater is placed in a low-pressure container, it boils, with the steam driving a turbine. The steam is then condensed back into a liquid by exposure to cold temperatures from the deeper ocean water.

Another method, closed-cycle conversion, uses fluids like ammonia to power the turbines.

Martinique’s plan, revealed this week the department’s regional council President, Serge Letchimy, would involve the construction of a floating central thermal energy plant off the coast of the island.

The floating plant would have a net capacity of 10.7 megawatts.

Earlier this month, the European Commission approved the allocation of public funding for the project, which is being jointly developed by Martinique’s government, the Akuo energy company and the DCNS group.

In a statement, Letchimy said the project represented “a promising technology, not only for Martinique, but also for the whole Caribbean and tropical environments.”

The project is part of Martinique’s NEMO programme, or the New Energy for Martinique and Overseas, which seeks to diversify the island’s energy sources away from fossil fuels.

21

Bermuda’s government withdraws legal challenge to PRC status THE Bermudian government has retreated on its decision to challenge a court ruling to grant status to Permanent Resident Certificate holders, claiming there is “no merit” in carrying forward the appeal.

But Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy was quick to point out that the legal loophole that enabled two PRC holders to be granted status earlier this year was created by the former Progressive Labour Party administration.

In a statement delivered to the Senate this morning, Minister Fahy said: “The question of Permanent Resident Certificate holders (“PRC’s”) and their place in Bermuda has been the subject of widespread public discussion since May when Bermuda’s Chief Justice issued a judgment upholding the right of certain PRC holders, under rules laid down by the previous government, to get Bermudian status.

“Since that time, the Government has considered the situation while paying close attention to public views on the issue. This morning I will outline the Government’s decision on the matter. In doing so, I will first provide a factual summary of how this situation came about, the reasons for our decision and then some clarifications and corrections to misinformation that has been put into the community since the Chief Justice’s ruling was made public.

“In October of 2012, enquiries were made to the Department of Immigration about the right to Bermudian status under Section 20B of the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956, with the applicants at that time being advised

that no such application procedure existed.

“In spite of this advice, applications were submitted to me in my capacity as Minister of Home Affairs, responsible for immigration in June 2013 at which time they were rejected on the basis that there had been no pre-approval for Bermudian status under the Act. “This decision was overturned by the Immigration Appeal Tribunal. I subsequently appealed the tribunal’s decision in the Supreme Court in January of 2014. The Chief Justice upheld the tribunal’s decision, ruling in favour of the applicants and stating in his summation that “the decision of the IAT directing the Minister to grant the Respondents’ applications for Bermudian status is accordingly affirmed.”

“In essence, the Supreme Court ruling means that the Minister responsible for Immigration, save for various circumstances as set out in the Act, must grant Bermudian status to a PRC holder if the holder was granted a PRC as a result of having been in Bermuda on or before July 31st 1989, submits an application for naturalisation to become a British Overseas Territories Citizen and an application for Bermudian status under Section 20B (2)(b) of the Act, and if he Minister supports the naturalisation application and the Governor approves it.

“This provision in the Act became active as a result of PRC legislation being passed in 2001. When the matter was brought to the attention of the Ministry in October 2012 under the previous government, nothing was done to interfere with

the relevant section of the Act. Following the Supreme Court judgment, this Government moved to resolve the situation. We sought legal advice from the Attorney General’s Chambers as well as a prominent Queen’s Counsel in the United Kingdom on the merits of appealing the Supreme Court judgment.

“After a thorough review by the QC, and follow-on conversations between the Attorney General, me and the QC, the Ministry was advised that an appeal against the Chief Justice’s order would not succeed — advice that was in keeping with interpretations of the rights of long-term residents under the European Convention of Human Rights. Nevertheless, while seeking clarifications of the QC’s opinion and to keep open all possible legal options, the Government lodged an appeal with the Court of Appeal.

We are now in possession of the clarifications and have again been strongly advised that any appeal would be unsuccessful. Based on this information, the Ministry has determined that there is no merit in carrying forward the appeal to the Court of Appeal. As such, we are today withdrawing the appeal.

“This means that the avenue to Bermuda status for certain PRC holders that was created by the previous government in 2001 will stand. This decision has not been taken lightly, but it is one we take without reservation, because it is based on a clear interpretation of the law, with due regard for justice and human rights and because, in the final analysis, it is the compassionate and right thing to do. (Royal Gazette)

Minnis: If Christie thinks FNM isn’t ready for an election, call one FNM leader Dr. Hubert Minnis on Monday challenged Prime Minister Perry Christie to call an early election now saying Bahamians are tired of a “rogue, uncaring, selfish and undisciplined government.”

The Opposition leader was asked to respond to Mr Christie’s criticism last week that the entire country knew Dr Minnis “did not have the capacity at this stage to even dream of something like that (an early election).”

Mr Christie also told the media that Dr Minnis’ calls for Cabinet to resign was a “silly little intervention”.

But Dr Minnis fired back at Mr Christie while speaking to reporters at the New Providence landfill, charging that Bahamians were eager to show the government

FNM leader Dr. Hubert Minnis said that Bahamians were eager to show the government that they were ready for a new administration.

that they were ready for a new administration.

“The prime minister said I, nor the FNM, are ready for an election,” Dr Minnis said. “Well I would tell the prime minister – and I state categorically and I want him to listen attentively – that if he thinks we are not ready, then call the election. He would see whether or not we are ready.

“The Bahamian people will make that determination and the Bahamian people will show him that we are ready. The Bahamian people will show him that they are tired of his rogue, uncaring, selfish and undisciplined government. We are totally tired of him. The FNM, myself and the Bahamian public will show him who is ready.”

(Tribune242)

22 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TCI athletes in Glasgow for 2014 Commonwealth Games NINE athletes from the Turks and Caicos Islands are in Glasgow for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which commenced on Thursday (July 24).

The TCI team took part in a spectacular opening ceremony at Celtic Park in Glasgow, Scotland, Wednesday night, which kicked off 11 days of competition.

Deputy Premier, Akierra Missick accompanied the local delegation to the opening ceremony.

The athletes will be supported throughout the competition Rita Gardiner of TCI’s Commonwealth Games Association and a team of coaches and physiotherapists.

Over the course of the Games, 5,000 athletes from 71 different nations and territories will take part in 261 events, watched by an estimated global television audience of 1.5 billion.

Governor Peter Beckingham in a press release from his office said: “The Commonwealth Games provides a great opportunity for the Turks and Caicos Islands to showcase their sporting talent, and is second in stature to only the Olympics in terms of international athletic events.”

“I hope everyone in TCI will join me in supporting the nine men and women flying the TCI flag in Glasgow. I’m sure they will make

Part of the Turks and Caicos delegation at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland (Governor's office Photo)

GOOD LUCK Team TCI! Deputy Premier, Akierra Missick (white framed sunshades) joined some of the athletes competing in this year’s Commonwealth Games in Scotland for the opening ceremony on Thursday (Governor's office Photo)

their country very proud,” he added.

The athletes taking part are Richardia Missick – 10m Air Pistol Women, Angelo Garland – Men’s 400m, 4x100 Relay, 4x400m Relay, Kivarno Handfield – Men’s High Jump, 4x100 Relay, 4x400 Relay,

Jump, Michael Francois – Clean and Jerk, Snatch (weigtlifting), Ronald Parker – Clean and Jerk, Snatch (weightlifting.)

The support team includes Alvirto Smith - Head Coach Athletics, Donovan Garvey – Manager/

Wadly Jean – Men’s 200m, 4x100 Relay, 4x400 Relay, Courtney Missick – Men’s 200m, 4x100 Relay, 4x400 Relay, Ifeanyichukwu Otuonye – Men’s Long Jump, 4x100 Relay, 4x400 Relay, Dominique Missick – Men’s High

Coach, Kimmitt Harvey – Coach Weightlifting, Franklyn Thomas Coach Shooting, Edwin Astwood – Anti Doping Rep/Physiotherapist, Rosalie Ingham – Chef De Mission/ Team TCI and Cheryl Forman, Secretary General of the CGA.

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

23

24

Entertainment

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Downey Jr. is top earning actor for second year ROBERT Downey Jr. has been named as Hollywood’s highest-paid actor for the second year in a row.

The Forbes annual list put the Iron Man star on top with earnings totalling around $75 million (£43m).

The majority of the 49-year-old actor’s pay between June 2013 to June 2014 came from his role in the latest film in the franchise, Iron Man 3.

The movie, which was released in May last year, made $1.2 billion (£702m) at the box office.

“As Iron Man, he’s the driving force behind four of Marvel’s biggest hits, including The Avengers,” Forbes.com said.

Former pro-wrestler Dwayne Johnson, or The Rock, has jumped from fifth to second place.

The Forbes annual list put the Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. on top with earnings totalling around $75 million (£43m).

The 42-year-old is estimated to have made $52 million (£30m) after starring in G.I. Joe: Retaliation and the Fast and Furious films.

Hangover star Bradley

Cooper placed third, bringing in $46 million (£26m) over the last year.

“His work in the lucrative Hangover franchise has given him the ability to take

risks with smaller films like Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle,” Forbes explained.

Leonardo DiCaprio was ranked fourth after starring in two major films.

It’s thought The Wolf of Wall Street, which made $395 million (£231m) worldwide, and The Great Gatsby earned the 39-year-old an estimated $39 million (£22m).

Thor actor Chris Hemsworth completed the top five with $37 million (£21m).

Mark Wahlberg, who was in fourth place last year after appearing in the comedy Ted, just made it into the top 10 this year along with Will Smith.

Both actors earned an estimated $32 million (£18m).

Forbes produces its rankings and estimated earnings by talking to managers, producers and agents. (Newsbeat)

Billy Joel has sold more than 150 million records worldwide and is one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Billy Joel to receive Gershwin Prize for Popular Song GRAMMY-winning singersongwriter Billy Joel is to receive the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

The 65-year-old, who is best known for penning the tunes Uptown Girl, Piano Man and New York State of Mind, is the sixth recipient of the prize.

Awarded by the US Library of Congress, it honours individuals for their lifetime achievement in popular music.

Joel was praised for being

“a storyteller of the highest order”.

“There is an intimacy to his songwriting that bridges the gap between the listener and the worlds he shares through music,” Librarian of Congress James H Billington said.

Previous recipients of the award, named after songwriting brothers George and Ira Gershwin, are Carole King, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach and Hal David; and Paul Simon.

July 26 - August 1, 2014

Entertainment

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

25

Tran reveals “heartbreaking” Rihanna, Chris Brown love triangle Lana Del Rey said none of the guys whom she slept with helped her music career.

Lana Del Rey: ‘I’ve slept with a lot of guys in the industry’ LANA Del Rey clearly had no filter in a new interview with Complex magazine for their August/September issue, in which the controversial singer admits to sleeping with “a lot of guys” in the music industry.

When talking about her new song “F*cked My Way Up To The Top,” Lana, 29, pretty much admits the song title is literal -- only she didn’t even get any of the perceived benefits.

“It’s commentary, like, ‘I know what you think of me,’ and I’m alluding to that,” she says. “You know, I have slept with a lot of guys in the industry, but none of them helped me get my record deals.

Which is annoying.”

Lana was previously engaged to musician Barrie-James O’Neil and

was rumored to have dated Marilyn Manson, rapper A$AP Rocky and Guns ‘N Roses’ Axl Rose.

In the candid new interview, Lana also talks about what she’s looking for in a relationship, and how that influenced the title of her new album Ultraviolence.

“I like a physical love. I like a hands-on love. How can I say this without getting into too much trouble?” she asks. “I like a tangible, passionate love. For me, if it isn’t physical, I’m not interested. ... I feel connected to two emotions -aggression and softness. I like that luxe sound of the word ‘ultra’ and the mean sound of the word ‘violence’ together. I like that two worlds can live in one.”

HER on-again-off-again relationship with singer Chris Brown and the painful love triangle with Barbadian superstar Rihanna brought tears to Karrueche Tran’s eyes during a candid appearance on American talk show Just Keke.

The uncharacteristic vulnerability mirrored sentiments expressed just days earlier on her Instagram account with the quote: “The difference between you and I is that my love is unwavering… You have shattered my heart, but you have not shattered my love.”

In the course of the interview with host Keke Palmer, the 26-year-old model admitted that she is “fighting a battle” with the R&B singer’s former girlfriend Rihanna.

“I’ve never dated a celebrity before so it was very new to me.

Paparazzi and all that,” she said about her stormy relationship with Brown, crediting a “level head and positivity” in helping her through it.

“And then even the situation with Rihanna. You know the reason why people tuned into this so much was because it’s relatable. I have girlfriends, I have family who’s gone through the same situation. It’s the case of the ex. We all go through it,

Her on-again-off-again relationship with singer Chris Brown and the painful love triangle with Barbadian superstar Rihanna brought tears to Karrueche Tran’s eyes. (File: Caribbean360 / bigstock)

do you know what I’m saying?” she asked.

“But in this case my boyfriend is a celebrity whose ex-girlfriend is an even bigger [celebrity]… So, not only am I fighting a battle with her, I’m fighting a battle with her 14 million fans or however else,” she continued.

“So, imagine how that feels for me when I gotta get on Twitter and I see a whole bunch of stuff… They make up all kinds of crazy stuff and

it’s like they know nothing about me.

“But, you know, because they know nothing about me, because I stay so mute sometimes, that leaves open space for them to say whatever they want….”

When host Keke Palmer asked what the hardest part about the love triangle had been, Tran dissolved into tears and replied: “I guess I would say the heartbreak because it was a real situation.”

26

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Science & Technology

July 26 - August 1, 2014

HIV can now be forced out of hiding

SCIENTISTS say they have made an “exciting” step towards curing HIV by forcing the virus out of hiding.

HIV can become part of someone’s DNA and lie dormant for decades, making a cure impossible.

Early stage research in six people, reported at the Aids 2014 conference, shows that low-dose chemotherapy can awaken the virus.

Experts said it was a promising start, but it was unlikely the drug would work on its own to cure HIV. Anti-viral drugs can drive HIV down to undetectable levels in the bloodstream, meaning people who are HIV-positive can have a nearnormal life expectancy.

But there is problem. HIV can incorporate its DNA into our own, where it lies beyond the reach of drugs and the immune system - it is known as the HIV reservoir.

When drug treatment stops, the

virus can leap out of the reservoir and renew its assault.

International research is aimed at flushing the virus out of its reservoirs.

A team at Aarhaus University in Demark tried using a chemotherapy drug, romidepsin, which is used in lymphoma.

Six HIV patients with undetectable levels of the virus were enrolled into trial.

They each received a reduced dose of romidepsin once a week for three weeks.

There was a noticeable jump in viral levels in the blood in five of the patients.

One of the scientists involved, Dr Ole Sogaard, told the BBC: “Every step forward is always exciting, and I think this is quite important.”

He said there had been a lot of scepticism about the drug being potent enough.

“We’ve shown it is possible to kick the virus out of the cells, the next step is to actually kill the cells.

“The trial now moves into a new phase which combines the romidepsin with something to enhance the immune system and in our case this is an HIV vaccine.”

Side-effects were those normally associated with chemotherapy, including fatigue.

There are still many challenges ahead.

The team cannot say what proportion of cells hiding HIV are being activated by romidepsin.

Another looming question is which reservoirs are being successfully targeted. HIV can hide in immune cells in the blood, but there are bigger reservoirs in the gut and central nervous systems and it is not clear whether they are activated by the blood-based chemotherapy.

More than 630 people have died of Ebola in the three West African states since the outbreak began in Guinea in February, United Nations figures show.

Sierra Leone chief Ebola doctor infected

THE doctor leading the fight against Ebola in Sierra Leone is now being treated for the deadly virus, a statement from the presidency has said.

Sheik Umar Khan tested positive and has been admitted to hospital in Kailahun, the epicentre of the outbreak.

More than 630 people have died of Ebola in the three West African states since the outbreak began in Guinea in February, United Nations figures show.

It is the world’s deadliest outbreak to date and there is no cure for Ebola.

It kills up to 90% of those infected but if patients receive early treatment, they have a better chance of survival.

It spreads through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids.

The statement from State House said that the minister of health was in tears when she heard the news about Dr Khan.

Health Minister Miatta Kargbo called him a “national hero” and said she would “do anything and everything in my power to ensure he survives”, Reuters news agency reports.

The Ebola cases in Sierra Leone are centred in the country’s eastern districts of Kailahun and Kenema.

The BBC’s Umaru Fofana in the capital, Freetown, says dozens of nurses at the government hospital in Kenema town - which treats all Ebola cases in the district - went on strike on Monday following the death of three of their colleagues of suspected Ebola.

Only

$35 Call 941-3020 or stop by our Grace Bay store tomorrow to get yours.

These border collies inspired the study on jealousy in dogs

Jealous wags: Dogs show envy is ‘primordial’ emotion JEALOUSY is not just a human condition according to researchers, as it appears to be hard wired into the brains of dogs as well.

Scientists in California found that canines succumbed to the green eyed monster when their owners showed affection to a stuffed dog in tests.

Some experts have argued that jealousy requires complex cognition and is unique to people.

But the authors say their work shows it may also come in a more basic form.

These findings probably won’t be a major surprise to anyone who’s ever owned a dog, but the team say this is the first experimental test of jealous behaviours in man’s best friend.

Human jealousy is a complicated emotion, requiring a “social triangle” and usually arising when an interloper threatens an important relationship.

It is said to be the third leading cause of non-accidental homicide across cultures.

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

27

28

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Stanford’s Ponzi victims cannot file compensation claims -U.S. court A U.S. appeals court dealt a blow to the victims of financier Allen Stanford’s Ponzi scheme last week, ruling that they were not eligible under federal law to file claims seeking compensation for their losses.

The decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit also marks a major loss for the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The SEC was seeking to overturn a lower court’s decision from 2012, in which a federal judge rejected a request by the agency to force the Securities Investor Protection Corp (SIPC) to start court proceedings for the fraud victims, some of whom lost millions of dollars.

“In declining to grant the SEC’s requested relief, the district court expressed that it was ‘truly sympathetic to the plight’ of the victims,” wrote Judge Sri Srinivasan in the unanimous opinion.

“We fully agree. But we also agree with the district court’s conclusion …,” Srinivasan wrote.

SEC spokesman John Nester said the agency was reviewing the decision.

The agency has 45 days to decide whether to appeal it, either by seeking a re-hearing before the appeals court or by filing a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court.

Allen Stanford was convicted of fraud and sentenced in June 2012 to 110 years in prison for bilking investors with fraudulent certificates

Allen Stanford is serving 110 years in prison for bilking investors with fraudulent certificates of deposit issued by Stanford International Bank, his bank in Antigua.

of deposit issued by Stanford International Bank, his bank in Antigua. Angela Shaw Kogutt, the founder of the Stanford Victims Coalition, told Reuters that the victims were not giving up.

“We will continue to pursue all options available to the victims,” she said, adding that her group is weighing legal action against SIPC, and will pressure the SEC to continue fighting.

The case marks the first time that the SEC, which oversees the SIPC, has filed a lawsuit against the nonprofit corporation to try and force it to start a court liquidation proceeding.

The SIPC, created by Congress, administers an industry-backed fund that is used to help compensate investors if their brokerage collapses.

In a brokerage liquidation, a trustee winds down the business and returns securities and other assets to

customers and creditors.

Over the years, SIPC has handled high-profile liquidations, including Bernard Madoff’s Ponzi scheme.

But in the case of the Stanford victims, SIPC has said these investors did not qualify as “customers” under the law.

The law, SIPC argued, limits it to protecting customers against the loss of missing cash or securities in the custody of failing or insolvent SIPCmember brokerage firms.

While Stanford’s Texas-based brokerage Stanford Group Company was a SIPC member, its offshore bank was not. SIPC also said it was not chartered by Congress to combat fraud or guarantee an investment’s value.

In a statement, SIPC President Stephen Harbeck said he appreciated “the considerable time” the court devoted to the case, and said SIPC has the “deepest sympathy” for the victims. (Reuters)

July 26 - August 1, 2014

South Africa targets screening whole population for AIDS SOUTH Africa’s government plans to extend AIDS tests to the country’s entire population and speed up antiretroviral treatment of those who test positive for the virus, the health minister said Wednesday.

“We come from very far in the past five years,” Aaron Motsoaledi told parliament.

“But a lot still needs to be done,” the minister said while presenting his annual budget.

With 6.4 million people infected with HIV, the virus that can cause AIDS, South Africa has the largest seropositive population in the world, but also the largest programme to treat them.

After a recent spike in AIDS infections, the country aims to eradicate the virus by 2030, a goal echoing guidelines adopted by the world AIDS conference in Melbourne this week.

Within 15 years the conference wants 90 per cent of people to know their status, 90 percent of those infected to be treated and 90 percent of those on treatment to have no viral load.

“There are leakages in the HIV/ AIDS cascade,” said Motsoaledi, whose country saw a 27 per cent rise in new infections in 2012.

South Africa will step up its programmes to reach the 90 percent target, he said.

“This means testing most if not all of the population annually, initiating everyone who is positive on treatment.

“It will mean mass testing in every possible setting: schools, universities, workplaces, churches and communities,” said Motsoaledi.

From January 2015 public health centres will expand free anti-AIDS (ARV) treatment to those whose white blood cell count falls below 500 per microlitre.

Currently the medicine is only available free to people whose count of the key immune cells falls below 350.

Pregnant women will also start lifelong ARV treatment from next year, while they currently stop after breastfeeding.

The new guidelines target incidence rates, since people who receive treatment have a lower viral load, which limits the risk of infection.

After long resisting rolling out ARV treatment to people infected with HIV, South Africa set up the world’s largest HIV/AIDS drugs programme.

Arizona execution takes two hours

US DEATH row inmate Joseph Wood has died after an execution in Arizona took nearly two hours to kill him.

Wood, a double murderer, was executed by lethal injection.

His lawyers filed an appeal for an emergency stay of execution, after he had been “gasping and snorting for more than an hour” in the death chamber.

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer says she has ordered a full review of the execution, although she said that Wood “died in a lawful manner”.

Wood’s lawyers argued the extended execution process violated his right to be executed in the absence of cruel and unusual punishment.

But Ms Brewer said: “By eyewitness and medical accounts he did not suffer. This is in stark comparison to the gruesome, vicious suffering that he inflicted on his two victims, and the lifetime of suffering he has caused their family.”

The execution should have taken 10 minutes, his lawyers said, but

Joseph Wood was convicted of the 1989 murders of his girlfriend and her father.

Wood, 55, gasped more than 600 times before he died.

It began at 13:52 (20:52 GMT), and Wood was pronounced dead at 15:49, one hour and 57 minutes later, according to the Arizona attorneygeneral’s office.

He was convicted of the 1989

murders of his estranged girlfriend Debra Dietz and her father Eugene Dietz.

Family members of the victims were unconcerned by the way the execution was carried out.

“This man conducted a horrific murder and you guys are going, let’s worry about the drugs,’’ said Richard Brown.

“Why didn’t they give him a bullet?”

Wood’s lawyers had sought to force Arizona to name the manufacturers of the drugs used in the execution, but a last-ditch ruling by the US Supreme Court cleared the way for the execution to go ahead.

In communications with Wood’s lawyers this year, Arizona officials said they would use a two-drug combination of midazolam and hydromorphone to put him to death.

But they declined to provide further identifying information, including the name of the drug’s manufacturer, citing a state confidentiality law aimed at protecting the drug makers from reprisal. (BBC)

Ashik Gavai is seen here after the operation, with the teeth that were removed.

India doctors remove 232 teeth from boy’s mouth DOCTORS in India have extracted 232 teeth from the mouth of a 17-year-old boy in a seven-hour operation.

Ashik Gavai was brought in with a swelling in his right jaw, Dr Sunanda Dhiware, head of Mumbai’s JJ Hospital’s dental department, told the BBC. The teenager had been suffering for 18 months and travelled to the city from his village after local doctors failed to identify the cause of the problem.

Doctors have described his condition as “very rare” and “a world record”.

“Ashik’s malaise was diagnosed

as a complex composite odontoma where a single gum forms lots of teeth. It’s a sort of benign tumour,” Dr Dhiware said.

“At first, we couldn’t cut it out so we had to use the basic chisel and hammer to take it out.

“Once we opened it, little pearllike teeth started coming out, oneby-one. Initially, we were collecting them, they were really like small white pearls. But then we started to get tired. We counted 232 teeth,” she added.

The surgery, conducted on Monday, involved two surgeons and two assistants. Ashik now has 28 teeth.

July 26 - August 1, 2014

World News

UK: ‘Risk of debt peril’ when interest rates rise

A “RELATIVELY benign” rise in interest rates still has the potential to double the number of households facing debt problems, a think tank has said.

A report by the Resolution Foundation said the UK had failed to deal with a “debt overhang”, leaving the economy vulnerable to rate rises.

It predicted that by 2018, 1.1 million households could be in “debt peril”, compared with 600,000 now.

This means more than half of their post-tax income goes on repaying debt.

It also suggested that households spending more than one third of their income on mortgage repayments could rise from 1.1 million to 2.3 million by 2018, equating to about one in four households with a mortgage.

The Money Advice Service has claimed that 8.8 million adults have too much debt. However, it claimed that one third of them managed to make repayments and

29

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

so went under the radar.

The Resolution Foundation, which campaigns to improve living standards of those on low and middle incomes, recommended that the Bank of England resisted Bank rate rises until there was clear evidence of a sustainable, broadbased recovery.

It also said that households should be given the opportunity to lock into low rate mortgages for a set period in the future, and that there should be debt advice and support for those forced to sell their home or who have their property repossessed.

Minutes of the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee, published on Wednesday, revealed that the committee’s nine members voted to keep rates at 0.5%.

Bank of England officials are still concerned by the UK economy’s weakness despite pressure from some business leaders to start raising rates.

(BBC)

MH17: US intelligence says Russia ‘created conditions’ for plane disaster US intelligence officials accused Moscow of “creating the conditions” that resulted in the death of 298 people aboard the Malaysian Airlines jet shot down last week over a part of Ukraine controlled by Russia-backed separatists.

But in a partial declassification of US intelligence on Tuesday, officials stopped short of laying the blame for the disaster directly at the door of Russia. The assessment of the US intelligence community is that the separatists shot the plane down by accident.

The newly declassified information largely reaffirmed an account given last Friday by Samantha Power, US ambassador to the United Nations, saying that a missile from an SA-11 anti-aircraft battery in separatist territory shot down the plane.

Officials said training given by Russia to its separatist proxies on air-defense weapons, which they have used in recent weeks to shoot down about a dozen aircraft, was a contributing factor. Ukrainian forces fighting the separatists have yet to fire a surface-to-air missile, intelligence officials said, as their conflict is on the ground.

Some of the evidence provided

by US intelligence – whose fiscal 2013 budget was $68bn – included Facebook posts. “After it became

A Malaysian air crash investigator inspects the crash site of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, near the village of Hrabove (Grabovo), Donetsk.

evident that the plane was a civilian airliner, separatists deleted social media posts boasting about shooting down a plane and possessing a Buk (SA-11) surface-to-air missile system,” a senior intelligence official said in the briefing, held on condition of anonymity. The Guardian was not invited to the briefing, a transcription of which was later made available.

Despite enormous international opprobrium placed on Moscow since the crash, intelligence officials said that they believed Russia continues to arm the separatists. They alleged that rocket launchers, other artillery pieces and tanks have transited through a “training facility” in south-

west Russia associated with supplies for the separatists.

An investigation into the destruction of MH17 has barely got under way. Separatists handed over the flight recorder of the plane to Malaysian authorities late on Monday.

US intelligence officials indicated that their timed release of preliminary information was designed to counter claims from the Russian military they consider obfuscatory.

“We are seeing a full-court press by the Russian government to instruct affiliated or friendly elements to manipulate the media,” an intelligence official said.

Report: 48 killed in Taiwan plane crash Mosquitos, not humans, spread chikungunya.

Chikungunya continues to spread across the U.S., infecting nearly 600 MORE cases of chikungunya, a painful virus spread by mosquitos, are being reported across the US. The Centers for Disease Control has listed a total of 497 cases in the U.S. in 35 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, 197 locally transmitted. Examiner.com reports that other state and local health agencies noted 40 cases, bringing the total to 537.

The outbreak is due to a recent epidemic that started late last year in the Caribbean. The first two locally transmitted stateside cases were reported in Florida late last week.

“The arrival of chikungunya virus, first in the tropical Americas and now in the United States, underscores the risks posed by this and other exotic pathogens,” Roger Nasci, a mosquito expert at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a

statement.

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Joel Peralta was placed on the 15-day disabled list after contracting what he believes is the virus. He had recently spent time home in the Dominican Republic, where the disease is currently active.

Yesterday, North Carolina marked its tenth case of the bug-borne illness. All who have it there had recently traveled outside the U.S. Dallas officials confirmed a case on Tuesday, also someone who had travelled to the Caribbean.

New York state reported the second-highest number of cases: 30.

The virus seldom kills its victims. Those infected often come down with a fever and significant joint pain, but heal in about a week.

There is no vaccine or treatment for it.

AT LEAST 48 people were killed when a twin-engine turboprop plane crashed Wednesday while attempting to land in bad weather in Taiwan’s Penghu Islands, according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency.

Two of the people killed were French and 10 people were injured, the news agency said.

CNN affiliate ETTV reported that the plane crashed into a residential building.

The central weather bureau reported lightning storms at the time and winds between 40 and 45 mph, the news agency said.

Taiwan’s Transportation Minister Yeh Kuang-shih told reporters there were no casualties on the ground.

Injured passengers were taken to Penghu Hospital, and TransAsia Airways established an emergency response center, according to a statement issued by the airline.

The president of TransAsia Airways, Chooi Yee-choong, appeared briefly at a news conference and bowed in front of news cameras.

He choked up as he expressed his sorrow to passengers’ families and the public. “I sincerely apologize,” he said.

Before Flight GE222 took off

Reports indicated that the plane crashed into a residential building.

from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, it had been delayed because of conditions related to a typhoon, the airline said.

The plane was a 72-seat twin-engine turboprop ATR 72.

“TransAsia Airways is exhausting all means to assist passengers, victims and families” and working with investigators, its statement read.

One of the plane’s flight data recorders was recovered, and investigators will examine the crash site Thursday, the minister said.

The plane crashed near Magong Airport at about 7 p.m., according to

CNA. Witnesses told ETTV that they saw homes on fire.

The cause of the crash is unknown.

Some media reports said strong winds from Typhoon Matmo, which hit Taiwan early Wednesday, forced the plane to attempt a crash landing.

Shen told reporters that visibility at Magong Airport at the time of the plane’s attempted landing was about 1,600 metres (1 mile) and considered acceptable for landing.

The Penghu Islands are off the west coast of the main Taiwanese island. (CNN)

Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate BRIAN SWANN Is looking for a

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

FLOWER GIRL

Is looking for a Part-time

labourer To work 5 days contact: 331-4110

10126

per week salary $5.00 per hour

delivery driver With own transportation who is interested in making extra cash.

Contact: 231-3788

FOR SALE

July 26 - August 1, 2014

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

DANIEL CONSTRUCTION Is looking for a

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

contact: 343-4618

10134

30

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

July 26 - August 1, 2014

31

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PRICED FOR Amazing Value!

QUICK SALE Lot for Sale

Beautiful hillside, water front lot in Paw Paw Joe, North Caicos South

$50,000

(or nearest offer) Also additional seven acres plus in Kerr Mount (inland) contact Veronica at 1-242-327-8011 or 1-649-232-3508, (242) 676-3592

In Gated/Planned Community in Long Bay. Flamingo Crossing lot comes with full set of House Plans, all underground utilities, etc.

$49,999 o.b.o.

Call 231-3788

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

The largest readership in the Turks & Caicos

PRICE SLASHED

PRICE SLASHED $175,000 FOR QUICK SALE

$180,000 CASH! House and ½ Acre land Richmond Hill 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Fully furnished

Call: 231-3788

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

AMANYARA

PROVIDENCIALES TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS

IT MANAGER

;;Candidate must have these qualifications: ;;At least (5) Years’ experience ;;Cisco Unified Networking, Routing, Switching, Firewall, Bandwidth Management ;;Cisco Call Manager VOIP, Unified Wireless ;;Micros Opera PMS, Micros 9700 POS, IP CCTV ;;Active Directory, Windows Server Administration, Linux Server Administration, Copper & Fiber Optic Cabling ;;General User end desktop repair / maintenance and administration

EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER

The successful candidate must display unquestionable integrity, good organizational skills and attention to details.

Minimum of (5) year’s previous experience in a similar position at a 5-star resort. Must be a hands-on leader with strong administration/computer skills.

The Executive Housekeeper is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Housekeeping and Laundry departments. This includes recruitment, training, and supervision of all employees, preparation and regular updating of procedures manuals, on-going training to ensure that standards are maintained and constantly improved upon, inventorying and ordering of all housekeeping operating supplies and equipment, ensuring laundry equipment is properly operated and maintained and assisting with Villa housekeeping operations as required. Must have a sound knowledge of all laundry equipment, use of Ecolab chemicals, detergents, fabric care and stain removal. Due to the layout of the property, must be in good health and able to do extensive walking and stand for long periods of time.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANAGER/ ASST MANAGER

Oversee operations of all Food and Beverage outlets in a 5 star luxury resort, with a least 5 years’ experience as F & B Manager. Strong track record of maintain consistent standards, continually training outlet staffs and promoting an atmosphere of teamwork.

Strong Financial skills track record of building/increasing outlet revenue, experience implementing new F&B concepts.

Exceptional knowledge of different types of cuisine and wine including how menus are developed, pricing guidelines and how to improve results.

Duties Include: Plan and manage the Restaurant, Room Service and personal functions. Develop and implement special promotions and employees incentives; Create department budget and financial reports, and monitor status to adjust as appropriate.

SALES AND RESERVATION ANALYST

Amanyara is seeking a suitable qualified individual to fill this position; to identify and maximize all potential revenue opportunities for the hotel, specializing in luxury accommodation. This includes the analysis of revenue potential generated by the FIT, transient and group market segments as well as the market segmentation within transient and group. One will combine this with catering and space utilization as well as other revenue considerations (i.e.: F&B, spa utilization, packages, etc.) in order to determine the appropriate mix of business to achieve revenue potentials. Expert and familiar with Hotel Revenue Management systems. (SAR), Corporate Reservations Policies & Planning and Opera.

Ability to produce statistical forecast, market planning and reports for business growth analysis. Individual will report to Reservations Manager and EAM Manager

SPA THERAPIST/ SUPERVISOR

Minimum 5 years previous experience with working in a spa, preferably in a 5-star resort, providing massage and beauty treatments as well as manicures and pedicures. Must be physically fit and in good health. Immaculate presentation and fluency in English is also required.

VILLA COOKS

Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Chef de Partie, Demi Chef, Commis Chef and Pastry Chef in a luxury resort, cruise ship, private estate or 5-star restaurant. Should have a working knowledge of Asian & Mediterranean cuisines. This is a live-in position. Extended working hours required when villa is occupied.

PRIVATE VILLA HOUSEKEEPERS/ HOST

Minimum 2 years’ experience working in a 5-star resort, private estate or luxury motor yacht with solid food and beverage service experience. Must be immaculately presented, fluent in English and possess the confidence to communicate directly with villa owners and renters. A friendly, outgoing yet professional demeanor is required. Must be self-motivated, disciplined, flexible and hard-working. This is a live-in position and extended working hours are required when villa is occupied.

WAIT STAFF/ BARTENDER

Minimum 2 year’s previous food and beverage service experience in a luxury/ 5 star resorts. Excellent verbal communication skills, immaculate presentation and friendly, professional demeanor. Micros skills advantageous, be a team player and able to work under pressure. Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays and evenings.

LABOURER

Must be reliable, strong, able to help clean ponds and swimming pools, hardworking and willing to work under the sun all day. Should be able to speak reasonable English. Previous experience beneficial.

All positions require a flexible schedule (which may include holidays, weekends and evenings) and extended hours on occasion. Salaries based on experience and qualifications.

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FROM THE HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE WEDNESDAYS ONLY 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM. E-mail mstubbs@amanresorts.com

house

for rent 3 bedroom/3 bathroom/ fully furnished washer/ dryer. very spacious/ large wrap around decking. quiet neighbourhood in long bay. minutes away from shore club/marina/ leeward and grace bay. asking $2000 per month. first/last and security required.

call for viewing

241-1568

10138

32 CLASSIFIEDS

NATASHA CONSULTANCY Acting on behalf of our clients:

L & S CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Labourer

Must be willing to work 6 days per week 9am-6pm salary $5.00 per hour

Contact: 245-7557 GRAB & GO

Head Cashier

Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour Must be willing to work shift work 7am-3pm or 3pm-11

Contact: 431-8331

10136

Lew 1 Shipping Seeks the following persons:

One Tug and barge Captain

Must have STCW certificate and able to operate a 500 ton tug and barge.

One Labourer to work five days per week

Contact: 941-5707

10079

PROVO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Invites qualified applicants for the following:

Principal Teachers

Successful applicants must: • Be a committed born again Christian preferably of Baptist faith • Have a minimum qualification of a bachelor’s degree in the appropriate academic areas • Have degree(s) from a recognized college or university • Have a valid teacher’s certification or diploma in education • Applications must be made in writing along with full curriculum vitae, and names of at least three (3) references, one being that of your church pastor.

Mrs. Martha Harris Provo Christian School, P.O. Box 305 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Email: provochristianschool@hotmail.com Deadline for applications is July 31st,2014

10120

R.A. SHAW DESIGN LTD.

Is currently looking for a

labourer

To work 6 days per week salary starting at $5.50 per hour.

Please submit all applications to: ron@rashawdesigns.com 10137

July 26 - August 1, 2014

CLASSIFIEDS 33

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Come and join our winning team!!!

Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond all inclusive property in the Caribbean is inviting applications from suitably qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions.

Applicants must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends. The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that only short listed applicants will be contacted for an interview.

The Accounts Department requires:

• Minimum of 5 years housekeeping management • Maintain quality standards to ensure the highest level of cleanliness • Maintain all safety and security policies.

• Experience in managing a team of over 150 persons

Financial Controller Requirements include but are not limited to:

• Ability to manage a multimillion dollar financial portfolio.

• Ability to manage and oversee the Warehouse, Cost Control and Accounts departments, in the areas of strategic, day to day, budget and staff management • Over 10 years as a Financial Controller in a five star or six diamond resort with over 600 rooms The Project Department requires:

Project Administrator (Regional) Project Manager (TCI) Assistant Project Manager (TCI)

Requirements include but are not limited to: • Prepare budgets, programs and monitor expenditure • Working experience over 20 years. Hotel Industry over 5 years • Review all design drawings, and prepare design drawings where necessary • Co-ordinate all shipments, and quantify and orders FF&E items • Strong Knowledge of BMS, RO plants, Fire, Chill Water System and irrigation system • Co-ordinate ALL Local building approvals eq Health, Planning, Environmental, Fire • Software knowledge: ACAD, Microsoft Projects, MSWord, MSExcel, Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat Rooms Division Department Requires: • Director of Housekeeping • Executive Housekeeper Requirements include but are not limited to: • Schedules staff according to forecasted occupancy and maintains productivity standards.

• Oversee the financial processes of budgeting, purchasing, payroll and inventory control.

• Maintain quality standards to ensure the highest level of cleanliness • Maintain all safety and security policies.

• Minimum of 10 years housekeeping management • Experience in managing a team of over 300 persons The salaries for the positions listed above are negotiable The Housekeeping Department requires:

Executive Housekeeper Requirements include but are not limited to:

The Photoshop Department requires:

Safety regulations.

• Able to advise the team on Security & Safety provisions, development and systems.

• Strong leadership qualities with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Computer literate • Excellent health and clean working record.

The salary for the positions listed above ranges from $25,000.00 to $50,000.00 per annum

Photoshop Manager Requirements include but are not limited to:

• Experience managing multiple photo retail outlets • Experience meeting sales targets • Ability to cross and up sell • Three (3) years relevant experience The Human Resources Department requires:

The Accounts Department requires:

Reconciliation Coordinator Requirements include but are not limited to: • Experience in reconciliations • Experience in inventory • Experience in Cost control, Accounts or a warehouse would be an asset

Director of Training Training Manager Assistant Training Manager

The Watersports Department requires:

Requirements include but are not limited to: • Qualified to teach English Butler Program to certification • Knowledge of Food and beverage, Front office, Concierge (this is not exhaustive) • Ability to design training programs

Dive Instructor Scuba Instructor Dive Master

The salary for the positions listed above ranges from $30,000.00 to $55,000.00 per annum

Requirements include but are not limited to: • Physically Fit • Certified in first aid • PADI Certified

The Kitchen Department requires:

The rate for the positions listed above is $6.00 to $11.50 an hour Entertainment Department requires:

Executive Sous Chef Executive Pastry Chef Sous Chef Thandori Chef

Requirements include but are not limited to: • Culinary certification an asset • To create recipes and menus.

• Oversee the training and development of staff.

Fun pals/Players/ Dancers/ Clowns Requirements include but are not limited to: • An outgoing personality required • Ability to sing and dance

AV Technician Requirements include but are not limited to:

The Security Department requires:

Assistant Security Manager Requirements include but are not limited to:

• Ability to set up and breakdown sound system for an event • Conduct inventory and ensure equipment is maintained in a good working order.

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in the security.

• Good knowledge and understanding of Security &

The rate for the positions listed above is $5.15 to $9.00 an hour.

Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to: mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or Fax to: 941-4870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn The Human Resources Department Beaches Turks and Caicos P.O. Box 186 Lower Bight Road

and

The Labour Commissioner Labour Department Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

and should reach not later than July 31st 2014

10132

34 CLASSIFIEDS

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

JOB VACANCIES Seven Stars Resort is seeking suitable qualified persons to fill the positions outlined below. Ideal candidates should possess luxury resort experience, be out-going and friendly, with a professional demeanor and must be fluent in English, be a team player with a strong work ethic, available for work on public holidays, weekends and evenings. Salaries are based on experience and qualifications. Suitable candidates must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience working at as 5 Star Resort in a similar role. Must have a strong attention to detail and exceptional ability to maintain the highest standards of quality required.

PASTRY CHEF

The Pastry Chef will be responsible for running and operating all pastry and bakery functions while remaining within budget and maximizing food margins. Duties will include, but not be limited to: • Create new designs and recipes for pastries and baked goods, and coordinate all activities related to the preparation and production of same • Plan and develop new desserts for restaurants, banquets and special functions, i.e., weddings • Prepare all items with the highest quality standards, quality and consistency • Maintain communication with Executive Chef to ensure production requirements are met and bakery inventory levels are sufficient • Monitor food products to ensure proper quality, handling and rotation, and work with stock controller to maintain quality control • Maintain a safe and clean work environment at all times and follow all HAACP regulations for storage and cooling • Maintains a neat and tidy appearance at all times The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years experience preparing a variety of breads, cakes and pastries, along with a strong food service background. An artistic and creative ability to produce desserts, pastries and baked goods is required. A strong knowledge of ingredients and an exceptional attention to detail is essential.

Physical ability to stand for long periods of time, and ability to work under pressure and meet aggressive deadlines is required. Must be PC literate.

GUEST SECURITY OFFICER

As a Security Officer you are responsible to protect and safeguard all Resort guests, employees, their belongings and all hotel assets, whereby your role will include key responsibilities such as: • Ensure and guard the safety of guests and employees by walking surveillance rounds and patrol all of the Resort’s areas.

• Respond rapidly to requests for emergency and non-emergency assistance in a professional and hospitable manner.

• Detect safety-threatening situations and irregularities like unwanted visitors, mutilation or aggressive behavior.

• Obtain all loss reports, investigate, follow-up and determine course of action.

• Monitor designated areas on the closed CCTV. • Ensure that ‘Fire Exit’ doors are kept free of blockage at all times and ensure that fire and safety equipment’s are in their right places.

• Perform all tasks consistently in line with the resort standards and adhere to all legal and statutory requirements.

Education, Qualifications & Experiences

Ex-Military and you should ideally be a certified Security Officer with previous experiences preferably as a hotel security or a similar security branch background. Additional certifications like CPR, First Aid, BHV or the use of AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) are a definite plus. A good command of English in both written and spoken forms and to follow safety & security rules and procedures without compromise at all times are essential.

HOUSEKEEPING ATTENDANT

To provide a high standard of cleanliness throughout the hotel. Be able to clean 10 rooms per day based on 7.5 hour day in accordance with hotel standards. Skills and Knowledge Strong Communication skills (verbal, listening, Writing) the ability to be flexible as daily tasks will vary. The capability to work independently as well as to work within a team. The ability to prioritize daily/weekly jobs. The

ability to work to a schedule, checklist and under direct instruction.

This is a physically demanding role and housekeepers will be on their feet. Housekeeping staff will be using a large wheeling cart to hold supplies, guest room housekeepers bring clean linen, bedding, cleansers, and all other necessary cleaning equipment to the rooms.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To clean hotel rooms quickly, neatly, and efficiently.

• To ensure that guest room corridors are clean.

• To maintain neat and clean cart, equipment, storage rooms, and supplies.

• To maintain a friendly and approachable attitude towards guests and staff.

• To maintain a clean and professional appearance.

• To respect all hotel equipment and property and use with care to avoid unnecessary damage.

• Document any deficiencies, including mechanical and electrical problems from the guest’s rooms and report to the housekeeping supervisor.

• Label and submit all lost and found items to the housekeeping supervisor immediately.

• Complete all other duties as assigned.

• To ensure that all guest rooms, corridors, Public areas and heart of house areas are well maintained clean and tidy.

LANDSCAPING MANAGER

The Landscaping Manager plans and coordinates the work activities of the landscaping department, and oversees gardening and greenhouse operations, insect control, and grounds repairs.

Essential Duties:

• Work with resort management to develop working sketches for the refurbishment, improvement, or expansion of landscaped areas.

• Plan, schedule, assign, and supervise all landscaping activities, including but not limited to, seeding, weeding, cultivating, and general care of resort grounds.

• Plan and supervise cultivation, pruning, spraying, and transplanting of a wide variety of shrubs and trees.

• Prepare requisitions and distribute materials and equipment for grounds maintenance work.

Minimum Requirements:

• Five years’ experience as a groundskeeper with supervision responsibility for a grounds crew.

• Extensive knowledge of planting and vegetation maintenance, pesticide applications, and landscape design.

• Considerable knowledge of budgets and cost estimating of landscaping projects.

• Ability to lead a crew of workers and conduct training and informational sessions.

• Ability to maintain favorable relationships with management, crew, vendors and suppliers.

• Excellent communication and organization skills.

CHIEF STEWARD AND SOTREROOM MANAGER

Manages the Cleanest and Maintenance off all F&B equipment and Storerooms in use according to set standards and to ensure smooth functioning, customer satisfaction and high levels of sales and profits in line with company policies and regulations.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Accountable for the safeguarding of all F&B inventories to include protection against theft, waste and spoilage.

• Working closely with the culinary staff, storeroom manager is responsible for the timely communication of information regarding

unfavorable cost variances and internal control violations.

• Through implementation of policies and procedures maintain complete control over all food, beverage and general supply inventories in storage areas and outlets • Regularly provide management with recommendations to improve controls so as to optimize performance across the F&B environment.

• Maintain accurate system records and physical files.

• Individual must be able to demonstrate a solid working knowledge of computers by operating applications such as Windows, & Microsoft Office (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook etc.)

• Track daily/monthly requisitions from storage areas to departments.

• Provide detail back-up and obtain department head approvals for all inventory distributions • Orchestrate month end inventories in a timely fashion so as to accommodate deadlines for financial reporting.

• Daily review of all receiving logs and reports.

• Ensure orderliness, cleanliness and proper temperature and ventilation is maintained in storage areas.

• Prepare schedules for stewarding department staff and monitor workflow to ensure optimal performance is achieved while adhering to budgetary guidelines for labor.

• Previous experience in hotel kitchens a necessity • To set standards for cleaning procedures in line with company policies • To direct the stewarding staff to achieve a safe and hygienic environment

ACCOUNT PAYABLE/COST CONTROLLER

The Accounts Payable/Cost Controller is responsible for the accurate and timely payments to vendors, contractors and owners in order to maintain a quality relationship within the Company community and ensure vendor satisfaction. Responsible to provide management with timely expense and cash disbursement information needed to manage their respective departments and to efficiently manage cash flow.

REQUIREMENTS

• Analyze and maintain all vendor communication and correspondence including, but not limited to, reviewing and processing invoices and disbursements, preparing various reports, monitoring critical payment lists, verifying vendor statements, etc.

• Monitor AP aging to ensure payments are processed according to credit terms.

• Maintain purchase order systems which include a listing of open PO’s for goods received yet not invoiced, filing, notification of PO discrepancies, etc.

• Ensure the timely processing and payment of travel agent commission.

• Individual must be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of computers by operating basic applications (Windows, Microsoft Office application (i.e. Word, Excel etc.) as well as ability to learn software applicable for performing tasks of AP. • Must have at least 3 years experience with Agilysys Accounts Payable package • Must work well in stressful, high pressure situations, maintaining composure at all times.

• Must be willing to listen, understand, clarify and resolve the concerns or issues raised by co-workers, vendors, members and guests.

• Must have experience of physical inventory counts as these take place each month.

• 3 years prior experience in a similar position is required.

• Must have a college diploma in an associated field Closing July 31, 2014

Suitably qualified candidates should apply via email to Seven Stars at: hr@sevenstarsgracebay.com Candidates must possess relevant skill, experience, and a clean police record.

ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED.

July 26 - August 1, 2014 CHRIST IS THE ANSWER MINISTRY Is looking for a

CORIATS OUR 36TH YEAR

CORIATS (CARIBBEAN) LIMITED Licensed Trust Company

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

Contact: 649-241-8659 or email: padmore23@hotmail.com

10177

CLASSIFIEDS 35

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

ACCOUNTANT: CPA/CA/ACCA CAT With 10 to 15 years experience in Financial Services or Audit Field.

Able to produce Management Accounts and manage Audit preparation. High academic capability and good computer skills required, with working knowledge of Microgen or Similar Financial Systems.

TCI Belongers Preferred; excellent working environment.

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

10129

Pelican Bay Restaurant and Bar Is situated on Grace Bay Beach at the Luxury All-Suite Royal West Indies Resort.

Pelican Bay delights guests with exceptional all-day dining; an outstanding variety dinner menu; and the most delectable breakfast and Sunday Brunch

Position Available

Line/Cook (3 Position) ;; Must have 10 years Culinary Experience ;;Knowledge of food costing and controls, monthly inventory, ;;Knowledge of food hygiene and safety, menu planning, managing and scheduling staff, ;;Prep food for Breakfast/lunch /dinner ;; Ability to understand menus follow recipes, basic sauces/ butchery. High level of food hygiene is required. Must be willing to scrub, clean, mop, floors walls and equipment For more information on job descriptions, please contact info@pelicanbaytci.com or 431-1689. Please call for an appointment, bring along your resume and resident status

10130

CAICOS MARINA & SHIPYARD WANTED

OUTBOARD MECHANIC

REQUIREMENTS: • Must have proven experience repairing outboard motors • Keen attention to detail • Ability to work some weekends and holidays • 10 years experience in marine engine repairs, formal training in mechanics and electrical 12V systems DUTIES INCLUDE: Diagnosis and repair of marine gas engines and installation of new units. Analyzing defects and adjusting or repairing mechanical systems of outboard motors as well as replacing parts, such as gears, magneto points, piston rings, spark plugs etc, and reassembling motors.

WAGE RATE: $10.00 per hour

10131

Ocean Club Resorts

Is looking for qualified applicants for the following positions:

Gardener Janitor Labourer Gardening Supervisor

Due to change of season we are selling lots of items at discount prices. Towels, curtains, bathroom sets, bathroom coordinates, napkins, cups and glasses, canisters, mixing bowls, serving trays and much more for your house.

DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys

PUBLIC NOTICE DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys are pleased to announce the re-opening of our Leeward Highway Office for ongoing legal services to the public. We are located in our own building across the street from the Supreme Court complex, next door to the offices of TC Weekly News and between that and the St. Monica's Anglican Church.

We specialize in: • Civil Litigation (Particular competencies: Judicial Review and other claims against TCI Government/Departments, Mareva and other Injunctions, Land, Trust & Bank disputes) • Property Matters, Planning Department & Development Issues • Business Law • Immigration • Labour Disputes Telephone: (649) 941-4444 Telefax: (649) 941-4235 Cellphone: (649) 245-1314 email: berynd@yahoo.com DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys

All positions involve strenuous physical labour, which requires being able and willing to perform heavy lifting, and other physically demanding functions. Must be able to speak English fluently. Preference will be given to someone with previous resort experience.

All applicants must be able to present a clean Police Record if offered a position. Wage commensurate with experience. Individuals must be willing to work holidays and weekends on a flexible schedule dictated by business demands.

Please drop off resumes at the Ocean Club Front Desk to the attention of the Human Resource Manager, or via email to diane@oceanclubresorts.tc Only those receiving an interview will be contacted.

SALES!!!

10138

PO Box 52, Cheshire House East 1315A Leeward Highway, Providenciales

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

Is looking for a

CARIBBEAN CUISINE

CHARLES MISSICK Is looking for a

Is looking for a

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

10158

contact: 241-0730

Domestic Worker

DISC JOCKEY

contact: 346-5941

contact: 341-2943

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

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

10160

labourer

3 Bedroom/3 bathroom/fully furnished washer/dryer. Very spacious/ large wrap around decking. Quiet neighbourhood in long bay. Minutes away from shore club/marina/leeward and grace bay. Asking $2000 per month. First/last and security required.

Call for viewing

241-1568

GUTTER’S EXPRESS Is looking for a

Metal Roof Technician Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary negotiable.

contact: 347-9104

is seeking a qualified person for the post of

LABOURER/GROOMING ASSISTANT/ KENNEL ATTENDANT • Experience is essential. No less than a minimum of five years consecutive and verifiable experience in grooming and animal behavior will be accepted. References will be required.

• Must be able to perform the following duties: • Read, write and speak the English language • Be prompt and ready to work when your shift starts 5:45am • Bathe dogs in preparation for grooming, including comb outs, brush outs, stripping, detangling, dematting and clipping • Must have knowledge of proper mixing and application of specific shampoos and conditioners • Must observe and notify groomer/ manager of ANY abnormalities on pet (i.e. Scabs, fleas, ticks, sores, anal gland issues, “hot spots”, skin conditions, eye infections, ear infections, or diarrhea • Must be able to de-tick manually and use chemicals safely and responsibly • Nail trimming and ear cleansing • Cleaning of animal quarters, both outside an inside, bathing area and grooming area • Laundering an drying towels and blankets • Cleaning of grooming equipment including but not limited to clippers, blades, scissors, tables, dental tools etc.

• Inventory control using Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks • Interaction with customers, friendly and pleasant attitude • Proper handling of transactions for payment of services • Feeding and watering of animals during business hours • Administration of prescribed medications • When handling of puppies, demonstrated use of proper decontamination techniques are used before entering and leaving runs • Clean up of fecal matter and spraying runs with disinfectants • Exercising and handling the animals • Reports to administration abnormalities with animals excrement, containment areas, security and condition • Cleaning of food and water containers using sanitary methods • Empty vacuum cleaner and clean filter when needed • Removal of solid waste at close of business everyday • Maintenance of grounds where the facility is located, i.e. Foliage control, reporting of water system leaks, removal of debris found, sweeping of walkways etc.

HEAVY LIFTING REQUIRED • Must have own transportation and be willing to transport animals in vehicle • Following direction • Must have own transportation and be willing to transport animals in vehicle • Following directions of administration as required Hourly rate starting at $6.00 per hour and will be based upon experience

CASHIER, PUMP ATTENDANT and CLEANER POSITIONS AVAILABLE

R’S FOOD Is looking for a

supervisor

PETRO PLUS/CAICOS PETROLEUM

PAMPERED PAWS

Please send resume/CV to sharwind2002@yahoo.com or call Pampered Paws at 649-431-1119 between the hours of 7am-7pm Only qualified persons will be interviewed Turks Islanders will be given first preference.

House for rent

10151

CARDINAL ARTHUR

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

10138

36 CLASSIFIEDS

Candidate must have at least 6 years experience in the retail trade or in related area. Advanced knowledge and skills in computer systems, most specifically QuickBooks Pro 2010, Microsoft Excel 2010, Microsoft Paint, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, Inventory Control Management.

Salary commensurate with experience

Send all applications to: P.O. Box 954

ADVERTISE

IN THIS SPACE!

Applicants must be pleasant, honest, reliable and computer literate. Applicants must be willing to work on a shift basis, holidays, weekends and evenings.

Salary $6.00, $5.50 and $5.00 per hour respectively.

649 946 5625

ONLY

$33

PER WEEK

CALL 946-4664

Westside Investments Ltd

Marketing Communications Coordinator

Principal Duties:

Portfolio Management, Marketing Analysis and Development

Required skills and qualifications:

• Excellent verbal, written and communication skills in English and French • A post-secondary degree within marketing, communications or related experience • A minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role • Knowledge and ability to manage various marketing channels • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat Writer and Wordpress Web Editor • Knowledge of the print media, digital media and events industries Salary: 30,000$ annual

Working hours:

Variable from week to week. Candidate must be available to work flexible hours during days and evenings; week days and weekends.

Fax Resumes to 649 941 8388 10166

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

MY DEE’S HARDWARE NORTH CAICOS

Is looking for a

Store Clerk Send resumes to fax: 649-946-7311

10077

Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $250.00 per week. Must be computer literate.

Kiwi Connections Ltd.

Unskilled Labourer $5.00/hr – Must be able to lift heavy material of 100lbs+. Must be able to work early morning and late evenings both on weekdays and weekends - with varying schedules Applications accepted from Belongers / Turks & Caicos Islanders Only

Call (649) 941-5613

Opportunities exist for fully qualified accountants who possesses a minimum of five years professional audit experience gained within a “Big Four” public accounting firm.

Salaries are commensurate with qualifications and experience.

If you wish to be considered for these opportunities 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

10128

HOUSEKEEPER / CARETAKER

For a residential property in Providenciales. $6.50/hr. Belongers only need apply.

Please send applications to Savory & Co. Fax 946 4848, Email reception@savory-co.com

Is acting on behalf of our clients for the following positions:

New Era Petroleum

Labourer – $5.00 per hour.

Bus Driver – $7.00 per hour.

Eldon Garcia

Labourer 10116

– $5.00 per hour.

Contact 241- 7734

10140

LABOURER / GARDENER For a residential property in Providenciales. $6/ hr. Belongers only need apply.

Executive Tours

Brama Kumaris

Raja Yoga Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands

Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101

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

10075

ACA/ACCA/CA

The Help Desk

37

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Please send applications to Savory & Co. Fax 946 4848, Email reception@savory-co.com

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

FLOWER GIRL

Wanted urgently

Floral Designer

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

Call: 231-3788

POSITIONS AVAILABLE 3 Domestic Workers 1 Carpenter 3 Laborers 4 Gardeners 1 Cashier 1 Painter 1 Nail Artist

Contact: 343-0572 for more information

ADVERTISE

IN THIS SPACE! ONLY

$33

PER WEEK

CALL 946-4664

The Somerset Strata Management Co Ltd, is seeking a suitable qualified Belongers who possess the requirements listed are encouraged to apply.

Ideal candidates should possess luxury resort experience, be professional in attitude and demeanor and must read and speak English fluently.

POOL ATTENDANT Responsibilities: • Maintain Pools to five star standards, including cleaning and maintenance • Maintain and treat chemicals levels of pools • Trouble shoot problems with pools • Interact with guests, by handing out pool towels and collecting them for laundry • Maintain clean pool decks

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: • Must be a team player with a desire to deliver excellent customer service to our guest • Must have clear English communications skills (written or oral) • Must have Basic First Aid/CPR/AED Certificate • Previous experience in this area would be an asset Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience

Qualified Belonger candidates are requested to submit a CV by e-mail to:

Joanna Ivasiuk The Somerset Resort on Grace Bay Jivasiuk@thesomerset.com Submissions for this job position should be received no later than August 1, 2014

10090

July 26 - August 1, 2014

We are seeking suitable applicants to fill the following opening

EL RANCHO RESTAURANT

El Rapido Water

Is looking for

Is seeking one

Labourer Waitress To work 5 days Labourer per week salary

Domestic worker

10169

contact: 343-4718

Must be willing to work 6 days per week.

Salary: $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 342-3733

10171

$5.00 per hour.

SUNRISE RENTALS We are currently seeking to employ persons to fill the position as

Rental Car Agent The applicant must be customer oriented and willing to work with little or no supervision • All applicants must possess a valid driver’s license • Must be computer literate • Belongers only need apply

10163

Is looking for a

JEWELRY REPAIRMAN to work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.

contact: 346-4344

10161

HAIRTASTIC Is looking for a

STORE ATTENDANT Must be willing to work 6 days per week. Must be able to speak English, Creole and Spanish.

Salary $5.50 per hour

Contact: 344-1778

10162

Experienced Real Estate Sales Associate Required Skills and Qualifications: • 10 yrs experience in residential sales, luxury properties, commercial and development site sales.

• College/University degree • Computer literate with strong written, organizational, analytical and verbal communication skills • Must possess computer, drivers license and vehicle for site travel and property showings • Must possess financial resources to sustain oneself during initial 6 month startup period

This position is 100% sales commission based making compensation unlimited.

Please submit resume via fax to Prestigious Properties Ltd. at 649-946-4703 or email to accounting@prestigiousproperties.com.

domestic worker Applicant must be willing to work 7 days per week including weekends and holidays salary $5.50 per hour.

NASTASHA CONSULTANCY

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

Domestic Worker 431-5723

Kendal Thomas

Labourer

241-9747 Salary $6.00 per hour Must be willing to work 6 days a week

contact: 341-3881

WARD’S CONSULTANCY

JAMES PROSPER

MCKNIGHTS INTERNATIONAL LAW FIRM

labourer To work 5 days

DOMESTIC WORKER WANTED

Sales Clerk

per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Applicant must be honest, reliable and hard working. Salary $5.50 per hour.

Contact: 345-7512

contact: 242-8781

Contact: 941-2330 or email: peter@mcknights.tc

V.I.P. LOUNGE & BAR

V.R. SUPERMART

10165

Acting on behalf of our clients: Faces and Finger, Hillview Boutique, Coyaba, Complete Construction is looking for the following persons:

Salary $6-$8 per hour.

10167

HOLE IN THE WALL

Is looking for a

10159

Is looking for 2

Domestic Worker Chef Kitchen Helper PROVO ELECTRIC

Electrician

Salary must commensurate with qualification.

Resumes can be faxed to 941-3425 and the Labour Department, Providenciales as soon as possible 10176

NOBEL SECURITY

Is looking for a

contact: 345-6858

Cosmetologist Labourer Sommelier

Please email all application to: syrmondg@bayviewmotors.com Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview MILAGROS P. GARDINER A & M JEWELRY SHOP

G-SPOT BAR

Acting on behalf of our clients looking to fill the following positions: National Colony Realty

Company is seeking to employ

• Belonger only need apply • Must be willing to work extended hours Salary $300. per week Fax: 649-941-8388 Application deadline August 1st,2014

FERMIN’S DELICACIES

10168

AG CONSTRUCTION

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

10164

Is looking for a

labourer cashiers Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 347-0591

10119

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour

contact: 346-0002

10127

CAPTAIN MARVIN WATERSPORTS Is looking for

Is looking for a

Security Officer To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

contact: 231-6121

10173

1 Boat Captain Hairdresser 1 Boat Mechanic needed • Must have 5-7 years experience • Must have excellent communication skills • Must be able to work flexible hours Salary $12.00 per hour

Contact: Marvin or Tracey at 649-231-7245

To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour send resume to: Misick & Stanbrook Leeward Highway Providenciales Tel: 946-4732.

Fax 946-47340 Email info@ misickstanbrook.tc

10179

38 CLASSIFIEDS

July 26 - August 1, 2014

CLASSIFIEDS 39

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS MAGASNI ATELIER & UPHOLSTRY Is looking for an

Gansevoort Turks + Caicos is a contemporary luxury full service boutique resort on Grace Bay Beach. We are looking for driven and energetic professionals with Five Star experience and who are committed to achieving excellence by ensuring Five Star standards and services are continuously delivered.

Public Area Attendant/Room Attendant/Houseman

Loves to clean. Clean and maintain guest rooms and general areas. Clean and replenish amenities as per the resort standards. Assists room attendants with heavier tacks, window washing, linen delivery and removal.

Retail Buyer/Merchandiser

is looking for a

Upholster To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.

contact: 241-9105

10180

JOB ADVERTISEMENT

The Venetian Resort

Gardner/ Labourer To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour. contact: (649) 941-3512

10182

This position requires someone with established relationships with high end clothing wholesalers in Miami, Los Angeles, New York City and South America to bring the right mix of high end merchandise at competitive prices to suit the resort client. Two years or more experience in managing a high end clothing boutique. Familiar with Micros POS, inventory management, Microsoft Office Suite. Must speak English & Spanish. Salary: Commission based.

Kitchen Helper

Clean, transport, store and generally maintain all kitchen cookware and restaurant service utensils. Clean floors, windows, walls, ceilings and equipment associated with Food & Beverage operation or as otherwise directed by supervisors.

Steward - Clean, transport, store and generally maintain all kitchen cookware and restaurant service utensils. Clean floors, windows, walls, ceilings and equipment associated with Food & Beverage operation or as otherwise directed by supervisors.

Restaurant Manager

Report Directly to the Food & Beverage Director. Oversees daily operations of the restaurant. Directs the activities of restaurant service personnel, Bartenders, Beverage Attendants, Host/Hostess. Resolve customer complaints regarding food service. Train workers in food preparation, and in service, sanitation, and safety procedures.

Observe and evaluate workers and work procedures to ensure quality standards and service. Assign duties, responsibilities, and work stations to employees in accordance with work requirements.

Resort Executive Chef

An executive chef will train and manage kitchen personnel and supervise/coordinate all related culinary activities; estimate food consumption and requisition or purchase food; select and develop recipes; standardize production recipes to ensure consistent quality; establish presentation technique and quality standards; plan and price menus; ensure proper equipment operation/maintenance; and ensure proper safety and sanitation in the kitchen. The Chef must have the ability to manage in a diverse environment with focus on client and customer service is essential to success in this role. Previous experience with control food and labor cost, demonstration cooking, menu development, and pricing and development of culinary team preferred. The ideal candidates will possess a bachelor's degree or related culinary degree with eight or more years of industry and culinary management experience. Caribbean experience an asset.

HVAC Technician

Must be able to troubleshoot and repair different HVAC systems. Daikin system experience preferred. Troubleshoot and repair kitchen equipment. Troubleshoot and repair laundry equipment. Through proper data collection will create a preventive maintenance schedule for all electrical equipment, HVAC equipment and emergency generator. Must be able to work on electrical systems, reading and understanding blueprints. Troubleshoot and repair home appliances. Qualification: Must be a collage graduate with minimum 10 years experience in the HVAC field and hospitality field. Must be HVAC certified. Must be able to work with hand and power tools. Work on ladders and lift a minimum of 50 lbs. Must be able to work independently and have troubleshooting skills. To provide the guests and associates with a secure and comfortable environment by maintaining and ensuring that all mechanical systems are operating in accordance with the Gansevoort standards.

Work in a safe and responsible manner to avoid accidents or injury.

Interested applicants can contact our Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm on (649)941-7555. E- Mail cover letter outlining your interest and supporting experience in a particular position along with your Resume or C.V. to hr@wymara.com

Position Available

PRODUCTION MANAGER • • • • • • • • • •

Minimum 15 yrs experience in Commercial Linen industry.

Minimum 6 yrs Laundry Production Management experience.

Minimum 3 yrs Customer Rep or Sales experience.

Must have 3 yrs experience operating Continuous Batch Washer.

Able to operate and provide basic maintenance for all equipment, track parts inventory, order parts online for Jensen, Lavatec, Chicago, Uni-Mac, Cissell, Ipso & more.

Responsible to manage all production and staff, scheduling, client communication & orders, set standards, coordinate all shift production.

Available to manage different work shifts, as required, including nights.

Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Must have exceptional computer skills, manage all Linen/Laundry specific programs (Laundry Trak), create spreadsheets, etc.

Must be fluent in English.

Qualified applicants should email CV to info@ pioneertci.com or deliver to Pioneer office. Please fax/deliver copy to TCI Labour Office: 649-946-4164

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Cox Management Company Ltd

EXECUTIVE UNIQUE CUTS

Is seeking employment for an

Is looking to fill the following positions:

Must have Knowledge of Mitsubishi A/c equipment (VRF systems, City Multi systems) & Air cool & water cool chiller systems. Capable of repairing minor & major brands of equipment.

• Applicants must have a minimum of five years experience.

• Must be able to understand, speak & write English.

All Applicants Must have a valid driver’s license.

Salary based on experience.

Please fax or email resume to Fax: 946-4283 Email: bac@tciway.tc

10149

Cosmetologist Nail Technician

Is seeking employment for a

Male Inventory Clerk Applicant must have knowledge of Stock keeping, maintain records of quantity, type and value of materials, merchandise or supplies in stock.

Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $6.50 per hour.

contact: 344-4474

Acting on behalf of our clients: Delano Ewing, Daniel Pierre St. Fleur, ERB Construction, Sweet T’s Restaurant

Misick & Stanbrook Attn: Marsha Blanche Email info@misickstanbrook.tc Tel: (649) 946-4732. Fax: (649)946-4734 PRISCILA CORDERO RODRIQUEZ

Is looking for a

Mason Labourers – $5.00 per hour – $8-$10 per hour

Domestic Worker

Must have at least 5 CXC, age 17 to 25 and willing to learn inventory management and control. Must have good communication , customer service skills and a valid Drivers Licences

Kitchen Helper

Please fax or email resume to Fax: 946-4283 Email: bac@tciway.tc

Telephone: 649-347-2093

10149

The successful candidate must have a certified master degree and a minimum of 10 years experience in the following areas: • Massages and Aesthetic • Makeup artist; • Nail Technician and Hairdressing Written applications along with the relevant qualifications and references should be sent to:

Domestic Worker

C & J EMPLOYMENT

Cox Management Company Ltd

Principal

Barber

10146

A/C Technician

A new school for Beauty and Massage on Providenciales is seeking an experienced

– $5.00 per hour – $5.00 per hour

10143

Babysitter To work 5 days per week salary $150.00 per week.

contact: 2325422 or 243-5645 10147

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

Y.A.3.B. CONSULTING Acting on behalf of our clients:

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

VACANCIES The following vacancies currently exist within the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service:

Director of the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs

– Providenciales (Deadline: August 8, 2014) Salary: $49,333 per annum • The incumbent in this position will be responsible for enforcing all pertinent environmental, fisheries and maritime laws in TCI.

Director of Social Development and Gender Affairs

– Grand Turk (Deadline: August 6, 2014) Salary: $55,000 per annum • The incumbent in this senior position will be responsible for over-seeing the general day-to-day operations and strategic oversight for the entire Department. He/she will have to insure the efficient and effective provision of front line social work and gender -related services to the client population throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Senior Crown Counsel Commercial/Civil

– Grand Turk (Deadline: August 1, 2014) Salary: $64,800 per annum • This professional position has system wide responsibility for providing accurate legal advice to the Government and efficient representation where necessary.

Interested persons are asked to visit www.gov.tc for job details and the application procedure.

Dee’s Beauty Salon

Tripple S Construction

Salary $6.00 per hour

Tile Layer Salary $6.00 per hour

Barber Nail Technician

Robin’s Welding Shop

Welder

Salary $7.00 per hour Adriana Handfield

Domestic Worker

Salary $5.50 per hour Penn Construction

Tile Layer

Salary $6.00 per hour

10150

AGNES SWANN NORTH CAICOS Is looking for a

Gardener

Magasani Atelier & Upholstery

Sales Clerk

Maintenance

Salary $5.50 per hour

Person

J.I.D. Barber Shop

Nail Technician

Salary $6.00 per hour All candidates must be willing to work 6 days per week

Contact: 344-4540

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

contact: 246-4769

VACANCIES

is seeking suitable qualified applicants to fill the following positions:

Butler Floor Specialist Front Desk Agent Reservation Agent

Housekeeper Gardener Houseman Domestic Worker

Requirements: • Minimum of 3 years in the specialized field • Excellent written and communication skills • Must be willing to work holidays and weekends Please drop your resume at the Windsong resort

10133

40 CLASSIFIEDS

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 41

42

Sports Interational

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Glasgow 2014: Commonwealth Games begin at Celtic Park TARTAN-CLAD performers, spinning oversized Tunnock’s tea cakes and a giant kilt were among the highlights at a feelgood Commonwealth Games 2014 opening ceremony on Wednesday night.

The Queen officially opened the games before a 40,000-strong crowd in Glasgow’s Celtic Park with millions more expected to watch on television.

Thousands of athletes from 71 nations and territories took part.

They entered the stadium after the live show, which had a cast of around 2,000.

The Queen declared the

Games open by reading her own message from inside the Commonwealth baton.

TV viewing figures across the UK peaked at 9.42m with an average of 7.6m viewers watching the ceremony. That compared to a peak of 27.3m for the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony.

Adventurer Mark Beaumont landed on the city’s river Clyde in a seaplane carrying the baton to Celtic Park, having tracked its progress across the Commonwealth on a 288-day journey spanning almost 120,000 miles.

Inside the stadium, the baton was transferred between

World record holder Usain Bolt (right) is not convinced that justice prevailed.

The Games were officially opened by The Queen.

a group of volunteers who have helped children around Scotland find their potential through sport.

Sir Chris Hoy carried it on its

Chief Compliance Officer - US Compliance Officer - TCI Position Description:

Responsible for maintaining current status of all regulatory requirements including but not limited to the following: • Maintaining amicable working relationships with the following regulatory bodies:

Employees of Financial Services Commission – TCI

Employees of Financial Services Commission – Anguilla

Employees of US Departments of Insurance

Employees of Health & Human Services Offices

Employees of various regulatory departments • Maintain a Library of Documents relating to legal requirements to establish and continue operations for Captives/ Risk Retention Groups • Developing and maintaining all corporate documents required to establish and continue operations as a Captive/Risk Retention Groups • Act as liaison with professional business partners who advise on regulatory issues.

• Maintain awareness with other VCM employees of issues relating to reimbursement, cost reporting and other regulatory issues • Provide complete accurate data to regulatory officers as required • Keep Senior Management informed of all pertinent issues • Oversee all systems requirements

Required Competencies and Skills: • • • • • •

Excellent interpersonal skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills Flexibility and multitasking Excellent organizational skills Works well in a small team environment A person with a “take charge” attitude

Preferred Education, Experience:

Advanced degree At least two (2) years U.S. healthcare experience Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism experience Applicant must be able to work in the Turks & Caicos Islands, Anguilla, and in the United States. Salary will be between $15,000 to $20,000.

Suitably qualified candidates should apply in writing to:

Fax: 649-941-7498 Email: info@wbfinancial.tc

final stage to Commonwealth Games Federation president Prince Imran of Malaysia, who struggled briefly to open the container and remove the message to hand to the Queen.

Her Majesty then spoke of the “shared ideals and ambitions” of the Commonwealth and highlighted the “bonds that unite” the 71 nations and territories.

“The baton relay represents a calling together of people from every part of the Commonwealth and serves as a reminder of our shared ideals and ambitions as a diverse, resourceful and cohesive family.

“And now, that baton has arrived here in Glasgow, a city renowned for its dynamic cultural and sporting achievements and for the warmth of its people, for this opening ceremony of the Friendly Games.”

Bolt: Cutting Tyson Gay doping ban ‘sends bad message’ WORLD record holder Usain Bolt has criticised the decision to reduce Tyson Gay’s doping ban because he co-operated with the US Anti-Doping Agency.

Gay and Bolt’s fellow Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell, both 31, failed drug tests in July 2013.

Gay was given a one-year ban and Powell was initially suspended for 18 months.

Bolt said: “It is sending a bad message into the sport that you can do it, but if you cooperate with us we’ll reduce the sentence.”

Former 100m and 200m world champion Gay could have been banned for up to two years after testing positive for a banned anabolic steroid but received a lighter penalty because of his co-operation.

Powell, who tested positive for the banned stimulant oxilofrine, claimed his ruling was “unfair and unjust”,

and said a legal supplement he took, Epiphany D1, was contaminated.

He appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and his ban was subsequently reduced to six months.

Six-time Olympic champion Bolt does not agree that the athletics world governing body, the IAAF, should have accepted Gay’s reduced ban.

“I don’t think that’s the right way to go because you are pretty much telling people that this is a way out, it’s a way of beating the system,” he said.

The IAAF said in a statement: “After careful review of the full file provided

by Usada, the IAAF has decided that the one-year sanction applied in the case of Tyson Gay was appropriate under the circumstances and in accordance with IAAF Rules.”

Both Gay and Powell have now returned to action. (BBC)

James Rodriguez: World Cup star joins Real Madrid ONE of the World Cup’s most exciting players has joined Real Madrid.

James Rodriguez -Colombia’s star man at Brazil 2014 and winner of the Golden Boot -- penned a sixyear contract with the reigning European champion after his transfer from Monaco was completed in a reported $121 million deal.

The 23-year-old midfielder’s six goals and two assists at the World Cup had heads turning at all the big clubs, but Real was destined to get its man after Rodriguez told Spanish sports newspaper Marca that he dreamed of playing for “Los Blancos.”

“It’s really flattering to know that a club of Real Madrid’s stature is interested in me. It’d be a dream to

His six goals earned Rodriguez, who turned 23 on July 12, the Golden Boot award -- not bad going for a player at his first World Cup.

join the club of my dreams,” Rodriguez said.

“Would I jump at the chance to go to Real? No doubt about it, my answer is a resounding yes,” he added.

It was then only a matter of time before Real Madrid came

knocking on Monaco’s door.

Rodriguez joined Monaco last year for a fee of $60.8 million and scored 10 goals in 38 appearances as the French club finished runner-up to Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1.

July 26 - August 1, 2014

43

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sports National Josh for Sports

Cricket finals: the Indian business connection THINGS A COME UP TO BUMP” IT is totally ironic that the finals of the TCI Cricket Association culminate with a contest between two Indian TCI based multi-million dollar establishments.

REALITY It goes to follow that he who pays the piper calls the tune.

In reality modern sports requires a serious financial commitment for the athlete to reach a respectable level in their sport whereby which they can sustain longevity and respect in their various sporting disciplines.

For one cannot arbitrarily support oneself (financially + time-wise) to dedicate ones total effort to dominate their sport at the national/ international level whereby they will become a realistic

By Joshua Gardiner

world class contender in their sport—cricket is no exception.

“THE CINDERELLA KISHCO” A couple of seasons ago Kishco had a good run in TCI/ Provo cricket. However they blew the semi-finals. They became complacent. They could not afford for the full squad to take time off work to play, and as a consequence they were blown away.

Afterwards they realised that they needed to change their perspective on how they should approach the game here in Provo.

Initially they only had their compatriots—contract workers to play for them.

Even though we have a multiplicity of diverse national players residing among us, they stuck to their narrow perspective and, as a result, suffered the consequences.

CURRENTLY Through realistic analysis and resultant conclusion they have infused among their players persons of other foreign nationalities—it has paid off.

FATE Fate would dictate that they bounce back from sure elimination this year and now find themselves in the finals

this coming Sunday against the Quality Super Kings— thanks in part to the over confidence and disarray of the police team.

THEIR OUTLOOK I have an intimate relationship with all of the cricket clubs and thus solicited their take on the pending match this Sunday.

IN ESSENCE Kishco are training hard for this match. They have a lot to prove since in an earlier clash this season they lost to the Super Kings. Thus they will be out for revenge.

In their victory over the Police team Kishco dropped seven catches that would have restricted Garvin Bruno from making his half century. They said cats have nine lives, well Bruno has seven.

At the start of this season Quality had strengthen their team by adding several highly aggressive Caribbean players. The result was that they were touted to end the season undefeated. That projection was not to be as they lost in the preliminary rounds, but they are still very strong and Kishco should know that they are in for a superb battle.

APPEALING FOR FAN SUPPORT It’s about time that the Provo based fans come out and support the exciting sport of cricket.

THE ADVANCEMENT OF PROVO CRICKET The TCICA must be applauded for their successful venture into the primary schools in Provo.

The Provo primary schools just recently completed their championship which was won

by Mills Institute.

HIGH SCHOOLS NEXT Now it’s time to attack the high schools throughout the entire country—then cricket can begin its march to retaken its place as the national sport of the country.

Yet, they have a mighty long way to go, because basketball, football and athletics have become very popular.

However the association has come a long way under my pastor, Pastor Sterling.

Don’t stop now pastor, you’re half way there. Now you need a summer fun league for children since schools are closed. Also introduce cricket to women.

Until next time, Love Josh

TCI Rising Stars basketball players get taste of US competitors ON the tiny Caribbean islands of Turks and Caicos, a thousand miles from Washington, basketball isn’t exactly king; cricket reigns as the national sport. But on the basketball courts there, 16-year-old Justin Missick is a standout. Missick averaged 20 points per game in his final year at Wesley Methodist School in Providenciales, the most populated island in Turks and Caicos. With his quickness, he is a tough matchup for those in his age group on the island.

But last week, in a pickup game at Marymount University, Missick, Shadarno Clarke, 14, and Quinton Higgs, 17, — three of 22 players from the island who were visiting in mid-July — received their first taste of the high level of basketball played in the Washington area. It wasn’t always pretty, as Missick had trouble getting to the basket

and deferred to teammates.

With the opposing team of Division III players a point away from victory, Missick needed to extend the game with a defensive stop. He stretched out his arms to make his 6-foot-1 frame as long as possible. He didn’t bite on any of the offensive player’s crossover moves. Then, about 20 feet from the basket, the offensive player pulled up for the potential game-winning shot, and Missick had his palm in his face. None of that mattered as the shot splashed through the net. Game over.

Missick trotted back down the court with a smile, but he couldn’t hide the disappointment. Missick loves to win, but against a higher level of competition a hand in the face wasn’t going to be enough.

“These guys over here are like 10 times better,” Missick said afterward. “That was a

level that I had never seen before.”

The 22 athletes are in the TCI (Turks and Caicos Island) Rising Stars group who spent last week in the Washington area being exposed to the higher level of basketball played off the island. The group, with players from ages 11-17 from the British overseas territory, trained with Ashburn-based Evolution Basketball Group co-founders Alex Harris and Mandy Ronay.

A TASTE OF FAST FOOD At an Ashburn McDonald’s on Wednesday before a matchup with the Loudoun Express AAU team, Missick tried the double quarter pounder.

He ordered the Big Mac in every previous stop since he’s arrived, but he needed to mix it up. He added two large fries and two large sweet teas to his order.

Basketball players from Turks and Caicos from left, Justin Missick, Shadarno Clarke and Quinton Higgs pose for a photograph after practice at Evolution Basketball Training camp in Ashburn on July 17. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post)

At home, the custom isn’t to eat fast food. Dinners usually consist of kidney beans and white rice with chicken, macaroni or conch.

“We get sort of tired of cooked food every day,” Missick said. “We enjoy what we got here because we know we don’t get it when we go back home.”

There aren’t any chain fast-food restaurants in Providenciales. The closest they have is Sweet T’s

Chicken. At Sweet T’s, two dozen pieces of chicken costs $10, and orders are placed under a canopy with no outdoor seating.

But Rising Stars founder Mervin Forbes, an island native and coach, would like to see the athletes cut back on the fatty foods eaten at family dinners.

“If you want to be athletes you stick to a regimen,” Forbes, 36, said. “Families always are cooking on the

island, but you have to get the body tuned in to put everything together as an athlete.”

After the Wednesday game, about 12 athletes packed into a room at the Hilton Garden Inn to play NBA 2K14 on the PlayStation 4 that Higgs purchased one day before.

Each kid received money from his parents or held fundraisers so they’d have pocket change while in Ashburn. They passed continued 

44

44

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sports National

July 26 - August 1, 2014

Forbes having best season of his life – takes NASL “Player of the Week” honours TCI U19 team did not win the title, but they played well in T&T.

NACRA U19 Championships:

TCI beat Bermuda – but fail to retain Trophy Division title THE TURKS and Caicos pulled off a win on the final day of the NACRA U19 Championships, but they did not retain their Trophy Division rugby title in Trinidad and Tobago.

After beating the BVI and then losing to a T&T Selects, TCI had to beat Bermuda by a respectable total and hope that the BVI defeat the

home team.

TCI did win, but not by a large enough margin, as their opponents Bermuda had done enough in the two previous rounds to eventually take the title.

With senior player Luis Turbyfield and Hendrik Joseph back in the squad for the last game TCI were

able to record a 14-10 win.

Bermuda and the T&T Selects (had defeated the BVI 34-6) both finished with 10 points (Bermuda gained their bonus point by losing by less than seven points to the TCI), but the former had defeated the T&T Selects in the first round which resulted in the overall victory.

POINTS TABLE TEAM BERMUDA T & T Selects

GP W L T 3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0

BNS PTS PF PA DIFF PCT STRK 2 10 58 28 +30 0.667 L1 2 10 64 35 +29 0.667 W2

TEAM TURKS & CAICOS BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

GP W L T 3 2 1 0 3 0 3 0

BNS PTS PF PA DIFF PCT STRK 1 9 63 47 +16 0.667 W1 0 0 27 102 -75 0.000 L3

TCI Rising Stars basketball players ... continued FROM 

43

around a box of cookies covered in sprinkles, ordered Domino’s Pizza and had several pillow fights. On the island, they are free to roam the beach at nights, but for this week the focus is basketball. And their nights are spent rowdily, playing video games and roughhousing with each other in a hotel.

The players want to give their all on the court, but they also craved a chance to explore more of the nation’s capital area than what can be seen from a room on the third floor of a Hilton in the quiet suburb of Ashburn.

“I enjoy it on the island because how it’s small, you pretty much know everybody,” Higgs said. “I also feel like sometimes it’s too small, and I want to go out and try something different.”

BASKETBALL AS A WAY OUT While Missick and Clarke both see basketball as their tool to a new life far from the 30,000 people on Turks and Caicos, Higgs doesn’t view the game as

his sole way out of Providenciales.

Higgs completed high school and he’s halfway through the top level of academic preparation for college. He has received interest from basketball coaches at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario.

“I’m probably going to study orthopedics or economics, but I haven’t really decided yet,” Higgs said. “I’d like to play college ball if that’s possible, on a scholarship or something.”

Clarke is a rising 10th-grader and Forbes is working on finding a way to get him to a high school in the United States to mold him.

He has a strong body at 6 feet 4, but with just one year of basketball experience, he needs to work on scoring away from the basket and ballhandling. Clarke began the week unable to dribble with his left hand, and he would only drive right. He left with fresh confidence in his left hand.

“I want to play ball anywhere I can outside of Turks,” Clarke said. “I have to work hard, get my game right and be respectful.”

Missick graduated from high school this year, and he would like to attend a prep school or high school

in the fall. He is eligible for two years of high school basketball because he doesn’t turn 18 until October 2015. Forbes has a prep school coach coming to watch him next month.

Missick and Higgs are the group elders, and the younger kids constantly have their eyes focused on them. After the shot was knocked in against Missick on Monday, they flocked to him with playful trash talk.

The younger athletes emulate what he does on the basketball court. The Wednesday game against the Loudoun Express was tight late and Missick, catching a breather on the bench, felt his team’s lead slipping away. He grew anxious to re-enter the contest, pulled up his shooting sleeve on his right arm and turned to Higgs. To him, this pickup contest, was much more than a game.

“We’re representing our entire country,” he told Higgs in a raised tone. “We’re putting our country on our back.” Then he returned to the floor, leading the visitors from the island to victory. (Reprinted from the Washington Post)

TCI national footballer Billy Forbes is having the “best season” of his life and he is producing results.

After scoring a goal and making his fifth assist for professional team the San Antonio Scorpions, Forbes was named the North American Soccer League (NASL) “Player of the Week”.

Forbes opened the Scorpions’ scoring in the 23rd minute on Saturday evening. Receiving a pass from midfielder Walter Restrepo at the top of the 18, Forbes struck a one-time shot with his left foot into the lower right corner.

The rookie player told the Weekly News that the “Player of the Week” honour was a “great accomplishment”. “I’ve worked hard, so it feels amazing, I’m having the best season of my life.”

He told the international media after the game, which was viewed by almost 7000 San Antonio fans, that he will do everything to improve as a player.

The 2-0 win against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers propelled the Scorpions to the top of the NASL’s Fall Season table.

WANT TO WIN For the 22-year-old Forbes, his job in the Scorpions is to push them to victories. “If I can get a goal to help

National player Billy Forbes was named the NASL “Player of the Week”.

my team win I will take it, and if I can make that pass to get a goal I will make it, because at the end of the day I want my team to win.”

Scorpions’ coach Alen Marcina said that Forbes’s accolade was “well deserved”.

The prolific scorer (he scored seven goals with three assists in 11 matches for the Southern West Virginia King’s Warriors of PDL in 2013) is always remembering the TCI and young hopeful footballers.

“It’s definitely a good thing to be the first (TCI player honoured as the NASL “Player of the Week”), it means I’m paving the way for other young players in the TCI to come and play in this league and make a name for our country.”

TCICA T20 Cricket:

Kishco into final after win over Police KISHCO cricket team will meet rivals and defending champions the Quality Super Kings when the final of the Turks and Caicos Islands Cricket Association (TCICA) Cricket competition is played this Sunday at the Downtown Ball Park, the venue of the competition.

When the teams met earlier this season the Kings raced to 172-4 and then restricted Kishco to 86 in the 13th over.

Kishco have grown since that clash; in fact they reached the final with a level head against a seasoned opposition. In the semi-final clash last Sunday against the Police, their skipper Anton Das led them to a comfortable win.

Police opted to bat first after winning the toss and led by national batsman Garvin Bruno they were able to rack up 153 runs before they were bowled out in 18.5 overs.

Bruno, who came in after the fall of the first wicket in the third over, paced himself to a half century. He scored five fours and two sixes in his 51. Support came from Ian Ganness with 30 (1X4 and 3X6s).

Kishco’s skipper Anton Das smashed an unbeaten 81 to propel his side to Sunday’s championship clash.

Bowling for Kishco, Pawan Kumar claimed 3-26 runs from four overs while Sanjay Fatnani took 2-27 from three overs.

Needing to score at 7.7 runs per over Kischo eased to victory with Das hitting an unbeaten 81 which propelled them to victory in 14 overs.

Das, who was later named manof-the-match, smashed 14 fours and a six in his time at the crease. Simijo Devassy added 33 runs (5X4s, 1X6).

Elliot Brown was the pick of the Police’s bowlers with 2-33 from four overs.

July 26 - August 1, 2014

Sports National

45

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Bien-Aime is first female football president in CONCACAF region – Webb calls her one of the Pillars of Caribbean football – CFU head says she is a “highly qualified” woman TCIFA’s historic appointment of Sonia Bien-Aime as the new president of the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) has received accolades from several high profile individuals across the region.

Bien-Aime, who became the first female president of the TCIFA and the first female president in CONCACAF, is currently just one of two female football presidents in the entire world.

It takes an exceptional woman to record such feats and her admirers were well in attendance.

Big names in football such as CONCACAF president Jeffery Webb, Caribbean Football Union (CFU) president Gordon Derrick, CONCACAF VP Horace Burrell, Jamaican Football Association president Damian Hughes and several other regional footballing authorities were in the TCI on Monday last for the historic appointment.

Government never bid to host CARIFTA 2015 – Missick discloses in budget speech THE current government did not bid to host CARIFTA 2015 Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Akierra Missick disclosed last week.

At her budget presentation the minister categorically denied that there was any movement towards hosting the Games.

“Mr. Speaker, I do not know how many times, I have to keep going around in this circle with the members opposite. There was no bid, proposal, indication or move toward bidding for CARIFTA 2015 by this Government.”

The minister did indicate that a discussion arose at CARIFTA 2013 during a meeting in Nassau, Bahamas, but said that her government quickly indicated that its priorities were geared towards development rather than hosting. “…it was communicated clearly to CARIFTA organisers that our priority was not in hosting the Games at this stage, but in the sensible development of sports management and infrastructure in our country.”

Contrary to this in April this year a Jamaica Gleaner article had claimed that the TCI had

withdrawn its bid to host the 2015 CARIFTA Games, which resulted in St. Kitts and Nevis winning the rights to host the event. The article (http:// jamaica-gleaner.com/latest/ article.php?id=52457) also claimed that TCI (along with three other Caribbean nations) had submitted a Letter of Intent to host the 2016 Games.

GOVERNMENT’S CONTRIBUTION Missick later reiterated that the government priority has always been sports development.

“Mr. Speaker, the obligations for sport lies with the Department working in conjunction with local, regional and international bodies to promote sports from the grassroots levels and onwards.”

She said that behind the scenes there have been several contributions this year, through funding, waivers of custom duties, rental fees or participation and attendance, to several sports (football, rugby, track and fields, darts, swimming among other) and a number of training sessions and other sports related activities.

New TCIFA president Sonia Bien-Aime flanked by CONCACAF head Jeffery Webb (left) and CFU president Gordon Derrick (Photo courtesy of Renau Destine, Spotlight Communications).

LEADING BY EXAMPLE Webb called Bien-Aime one of the Pillars of regional football. “I met Sonia many years ago and I saw in her a young woman administrator who was so passionate, so dedicated to not only women’s football, but football in general. And over time of course we’ve grown [closer] and we have been through a lot together. We went through a storm, Caribbean football. A storm that faced our union, that faced our confederation – 41 Members of CONCACAF just two years ago.

Sonia of course is one of the pillars, one of the strong individuals along with President Gordon [Derrick], Damian Hughes - who have taken the mantle of Caribbean football and CONCACAF football, and lead by example.”

HIGHLY QUALIFIED Derrick said he was blown away

by Bien-Aime’s ability since they first met. And that even though he encouraged her to join the CFU he did not do so just because she was a woman, but because she proved herself more than most of the males vying for the position.

“I wasn’t asking her or suggesting to her or encouraging her for serving because she is a woman. I was encouraging her because I saw the ability and the way that she conducted herself, how she spoke, her depth of thought, her rationale and I said ‘in the era where yes we want to support and encourage female participation – which I am a full supporter of; but I am not one who believes in putting persons in a position just because’.

She is not there just because she is a woman; she is there because she is

All-male TCI team ready for Commonwealth Games – Female participant pulls out because of illness TCI will be represented by an allmale cast over the next two weeks at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland after shooter Richardia Missick pulled out due to an illness.

Missick, the lone female selected for the Games would have competed in 10M air pistol shooting.

Although she is missed, TCI will still give it their all in track and field and weight lifting according to head coach Alvirto Smith.

At the opening ceremony on Wednesday Angelo Garland was the flag bearer for the TCI. The youngster has had an amazing season which saw him breaking both the 400M indoor record and the outdoor record. In Scotland he is

hoping for another personal best.

Smith said that all the athletes have communicated that they will use the opportunity to do their best.

“All athletes a will give 110%.”

Along with Garland, long jump record holder Ifeanyi Otuonye and high jump record holder Domanique Missick, jump sensation Kivarno “Barney” Handfield and young sprinters Courtney Missick and Jean Wadly will aim for glory in track and field (all six athletes are also listed to compete in the 4X100M and the 4X400M relays) while 19 year-old Michael Francois would compete in the Men’s 94kg and 26-year-old Ronald Parker would compete in the Men’s 85kg division in weightlifting.

a qualified woman. A very highly qualified woman. A woman who knows how to do things and get them done, and therefore I am just extremely excited for the TCIFA.” FULL ENDORSEMENT Outgoing president Christopher Bryan referred to Bien-Aime as “the perfect choice” for the post.

“She will bring a continued stability to the running of the Association as we progress steadily with our development of football within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Sonia is held in wide esteem by FIFA and this new appointment will bring further benefit to her and the TCIFA. Sonia is the right choice for the Association and I give her my full endorsement and support.”

Accolades were also received from the government and the opposition.

Young TCI team outplayed in Haiti THE TCI U20 football team had a rough World Cup Qualifiers in Haiti after they lost to all three opponents.

The TCI team, the youngest in the four-team leg, were beaten 7-0 by Suriname in the opener last Friday while on Sunday in a clash against home team Haiti (a game rescheduled from Friday) they lost 10-0.

A tired and demoralised TCI side without defender Jeff Beljour (missed game because of two yellow cards), then crashed to St. Lucia 17-0 on Tuesday afternoon.

Haiti won the Qualifiers with a 4-0 win over St. Lucia and a 2-1 win over Suriname.

Suriname finished second with a 6-3 win over St. Lucia.

46

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 26 - August 1, 2014

LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos

.46 acres overlooking the creek, spanning King Road and Windsor Road

QUICK SALE

CALL 232-3508 or 946-4664

July 26 - August 1, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

47

48

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

July 26 - August 1, 2014