Weekly News Volume 28 | No. 27 | July 5 - 11, 2014
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Turks and Caicos
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OUTLOOK
STABLE
After S&P’s BBB+ rating The recent Standard and Poor’s rating of BBB+ is an affirmation that the Turks and Caicos Islands is well on its way to economic recovery and is also indicative that the Islands is a great place to invest. PAGE 5
Teen dies in horrific car crash $3m to be held back from sinking fund due to payroll tax death PAGE 4
Kareem Walkin, 19, of Blue Hills was killed in the Middle Caicos collision
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Hollywood actress in TCI for 2014 Restoration weekend events PAGE 10
Tax will come – Finance PAGE Minister 9
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
July 5 - 11, 2014
July 5 - 11, 2014
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
July 5 - 11, 2014
$3m to be held back from sinking fund due to payroll tax death IN THE wake of the payroll tax death, the Government has announced its intention to withhold $3 million from the sinking fund and to transfer some more cash from the TCI Airport Authority to make up for the gap in the 2014/2015 budget. The sinking fund currently stands at $62 million. Based on the lack of support for the Payroll Tax Bill last week, Premier Rufus Ewing said his Government would be withdrawing it from consideration in the House of Assembly when it meets on July 14. The withdrawal means that the tax revenue, some $5.6 million, will no longer form part of the budget; as such, the gap has to be filled. The Premier and the Minister of Finance, Washington Misick made the announcement on Tuesday (July 1) at the Government building in Providenciales. “We will reduce the recentlyapproved increase in business licence in some areas by 50 per cent, putting focus particularly on small and medium enterprises (SME) and tourism related businesses. “We will also reduce the freight and insurance tax (FIT) from 15 per cent to 7.5per cent,” Ewing said. He noted that the Government is unable to eliminate these taxes as they were hoping to do with the passage of the bill until they are confident that the revenue gap can bridged in a sustainable manner. The Government will continue to attract foreign direct investment, create an environment for the development and growth of SME, and place an acute focus on manufacturing, processing, and financial services sectors, Ewing
said. “To this end, we will deliver on our promise to give back and rationalise taxes as we work towards our mandate of lowering the cost of living and creating jobs. “We have no intention of introducing VAT.” However, he stated that while the introduction of a broad-based tax will not occur under his current administration, Government will continue to look at rationalising taxes and getting rid of some of the nuisance taxes currently in place. “We are confident of the economic future in terms of the growth of Government revenue, confident in our ability to service our obligations, loans and future debt. “We are confident in our ability to have sufficient revenue that would progressively enable us to put on board capital projects and service certain social needs as part of Government responsibility.” The Premier said his administration will be focusing on these things throughout their term in Government of two and a half years. While the Airport Authority has previously sub-vented funds to the Government, due to the expansion works underway which they are funding from their own revenue, Government has not received any funding. Ewing said that when the construction is completed in October, the body will begin to send more funding to the Government. He also gave assurances that the authority will still withhold some of that money for the building of the South Caicos International Airport
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
that a commitment was made to start this year. FUTURE TAXES “We are still of the view that a broadbased tax is necessary but by means of elimination I guess we only have one left. “It takes some time to study and model properly, it is not something that should be rushed into. “I think that any Government, including our Government, should take the time and do the proper studies, and I am sure that would not take place before our term in office in 2016,” Ewing told the media. When asked why the Government had not tapped into the sinking fund earlier rather than attempt to impose payroll tax, the Premier said that they are only now able to do this because of the country’s strong performance thus far. “And with the revenue that has been projected, especially in this last quarter, we were able to surpass our targets in the sinking fund.” He added that given the effort that the Government has put forward in showing that they are committed to being fiscally prudent in driving Government revenue, they were also able to achieve this. He assured that tapping into the fund does not push the repayment of the debt back. CAPITAL PROJECTS He noted that going forward it
In his address to the nation the Premier said his Government no longer has the opportunity to implement a broad base tax
will be more challenging for the Government to deliver on capital projects but this now means that they have to work harder. He pointed to the recent excellent tourism season, which they expect to continue to bring in revenue to help jump start other areas of Government work. “By January 2016, once we have paid off our loan guarantee then the surplus funds that we are now receiving in excess of $30 million a year would then be able to go towards more capital projects.” He assured that Government will deliver on the capital projects that they committed to for this financial year 2014/2015. The Finance Minister said that the Government will now have to stagger some of its planned capital projects for the budgetary period of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017, but with the intention of still being able to deliver on them as Government revenue crystallises. “I believe that the UK giving us the concession to be able to use some
of the money that would have gone into the sinking fund is a recognition that this Government has made a concerted effort to deliver on the promises that were made but more importantly to liberate the economy so that jobs can be created to create an environment where Government can operate in the sunshine, as transparency is extremely important,” he observed. For all of these reasons they have agreed to give us these concessions, he said. Some of the projects that will now take longer to complete include the completion of the new high school, which is already being done in phases. “We would have been able to bring forward the high school phases and more rapidly bring it to a completion. “We had projects for road infrastructure in North, South and Providenciales and Grand Turk, the clinic in North Caicos, clinic continued
Tourists mugged at gunpoint in Grace Bay TWO couples were robbed at gunpoint in Grace Bay, Providenciales, on Monday evening (June 30) in two very similar attacks. The first incident took place at about 10.51pm as a man and woman were walking along Princess Drive. They were approached by an unknown man while a second man could be seen hiding in the bushes nearby. According to a police statement, the first robber brandished what appeared to be a small firearm as he demanded their valuables. The victims did not resist and handed over their cash before the men fled the scene.
The second incident happened at about 11.07pm when a second couple were walking along Sibonne Road. They were also approached by an unknown male, who brandished what appeared to be a small firearm as he demanded money which the victims handed over. The robber then demanded that a cell phone be given to him but the couple did not have anything else of value. “The unknown male then said thank you and fled the location,” the police statement read. No one was injured during both incidents and officers from multiple units were contacted and
launched an investigation. Police conducted an extensive search of the surrounding area, however the men were not found. Inquiries into the matter are continuing. Anyone with information on the incidents can call police on 941-3327 or anonymously on the Crimestoppers Miami number at 1-800-(TIPS) or 1-800-8477. No names or numbers will be requested and only the information provided is passed on to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. More information can be found at www.tcipolice.tc or www. facebook.com/RTCIPF.
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July 5 - 11, 2014
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS
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TCI’s outlook is stable with BBB+ credit rating
THE RECENT Standard and Poor’s rating of BBB+ is an affirmation that the Turks and Caicos Islands is well on its way to economic recovery and is also indicative that the Islands is a great place to invest. A beaming Premier Rufus Ewing was joined by an equally satisfied Governor and ministers of Government for the announcement of the TCI’s first sovereign credit rating this Tuesday (July 1) at the Hilly Ewing building in Providenciales. “This is of much significance to us as it demonstrates to the world and potential investors that the Turks and Caicos Islands is a strong and stable economy and is a great and safe place to invest and do business,” Ewing told the press. “But also equally important it affords TCI Government to acquire loans on the international market at low interest rates and favourable terms.” He noted that this is a great starting point for the TCI, one upon which the Government intends to improve with the continued implementation of economic policies that will ensure growth and diversification. He said everyone who had a part to play in the process should stand proud, and now be committed and supportive of the policies for the improvement of the rating grade. Key statistics looked at were – nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP), GDP per capita, real GDP growth, real GDP per capita growth, change in general Government debt, general Government balance, general Government debt, net general Government debt, general Government interest expenditures and revenues and consumer price index (CPI) growth. The rating was predicated on indicators from 2007 until 2017. Governor Peter Beckingham, a noted trade and investment expert, observed that it is “tremendous news” and a strong affirmation in the economy of TCI. “I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in it; the Ministry of Finance in particular, the staff there led by the minister and the permanent secretary. “A huge amount of work had gone into getting this rating; it wasn’t
without risk, it could have been a lot worse but it really is very strong.” Pointing to the ratings of other countries, Beckingham said the TCI should rightly be proud of the BBB+ grade. “Some of the other ratings for other sovereign countries - the country which I have just come from which is regarded as one of the power houses of the world, India - has a rating which is lower than the Turks and Caicos... the Philippines, where I have also worked, is no higher than Turks and Caicos. “But closer to home in the Caribbean, without wanting to have a league table, we are better than Jamaica, Barbados, we are not as good as Trinidad (but they have a colossal oil and gas sector) and we are on par with the Bahamas.” The Governor said the TCI is in very strong position and the country should take great satisfaction in this. “The only point I’ll make is that nothing remains the same all the time.” He said the full analysis points out that the rating could get better if the tourism potential of the TCI improves, which it could do. “But equally they say that if the Government loses grip on its economic policies in a year’s time the rating could be worse. “So there is a challenge for the Premier, for the Minister of Finance. But I think for the moment we should, without resting on our laurels, be immensely satisfied that the rating that has been given to Turks and Caicos.” Minister of Finance Washington Misick noted that the rating is huge step for the Government and a giant step for the people of the TCI. “I think everyone needs to be commended, and by everyone I mean everyone who the agency and the experts spoke to. “They would have spoken to ordinary men in the street, people in the business community, politicians in the Government and the Opposition, and so I think everyone deserves credit for the message they would have delivered to the rating agency.” Looking onwards, he said the fact that the country achieved such a
positive rating does not automatically mean that it would be able to retain it. He explained: “Retention of the rating is going to require even harder work and the agency was clear to point out that a potential lack of political consensus on key policies affecting public finances and on the TCI’s long term development strategy could weaken investment and GDP growth and therefore would have a negative impact on future ratings.” He added that it is extremely important that everyone is aware of this, stating that it is not a political issue. “It is very good for whoever is in Government and it is certainly good for the people of the Islands – those who want to borrow money privately
or the Government that we have a strong credit rating.” He clarified that the BBB+ rating is slightly ahead of the Bahamas and most of the other overseas sister territories. Also very important is relationships, the minister said. “In its comments the rating agency said that we also assign a transfer and convertibility assessment of AAA on TCI.” He said this is because of the TCI’s use of the US dollar and because there are no restrictions in the movement of money - in as far as the private sector operation is concerned people have the ability to move their money in and out of the country. “At this jointure it is only fair that we express appreciation to the
United Kingdom government for the support. “The rating agency also speaks about the prosperous economy of the TCI and the net general Government asset and speaks about the stability of the islands which is partly as a result of the relationship with the United Kingdom,” Misick stated. He said it is only fair to express the country’s thanks for the support that the TCI has gotten from Her Majesty’s Government. “TCI can be justly proud, we have the ability come February to underwrite our own liability, stand on our own feet. “We anticipate the ability to get credit at extremely reasonable rates continued
Health insurance penalty to be waived EMPLOYERS who currently owe money to the national health insurance scheme will no longer have to pay a huge fine on their backdated contributions. Premier Rufus Ewing announced this week that former penalty arrears will be waived over the next two months – however outstanding payments must still be made. And in the future the penalty will be reduced from 10 per cent to three per cent of the cost owed, non-compounded. During a press conference on Tuesday (July 1) the Premier said that once the details of the amnesty are finalised the Government will have an idea of how much money is to be waived. “But in doing the amnesty we are not too much concerned about how much is being foregone because the majority of that is uncollectable. “We are more interested in how much we can potentially get from persons being registered with NHIP and also more importantly the benefit that people will get from being registered with NHIP
in getting healthcare. “And that is our main focus in getting persons who deserve to be registered, who should be registered, who want to be registered but are hampered from being registered simply because they can’t afford to pay their penalty for a number of years.” Minister of Finance Washington Missick also described the amnesty as an incentive for people to pay their arrears. In 2009 the NHIP was established to gather funds for both the 24 year mortgage and healthcare provision. Hundreds of people pledged to boycott the plan but the Government went ahead with it despite the strong opposition. Enrolment in the NHIP is mandatory for all those who are employed or reside in the TCI including Belongers and expatriates. At the launch of the plan all legal residents in work had to contribute 2.5 per cent of their wage to the plan while their employers contributed a further
2.5 per cent. In 2012 it increased to three per cent. Meanwhile the Government agreed to pay the remaining amount owed to healthcare providers InterHealth Canada for services. In exchange participants are eligible to receive primary care, outpatient services, outpatient specialty care, day surgery and hospital care, diagnostic services, maternity care, ambulance services and outpatient drugs for chronic conditions. However those that miss payments have been liable for a penalty of 10 per cent per month. Drexwell Seymour, chair of the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB) which runs the plan, previously described it as a “comprehensive reform of the healthcare system”. However former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Hugh McGarel-Groves in June 2013 said the health plan is an absolute scandal and the biggest financial mess the interim administration had to deal with.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
July 5 - 11, 2014
A Weekly News column that puts you on the spot for your opinions on the issues of the day
Money making options?
LAST week the Weekly News reported massive opposition in the House of Assembly to the Payroll Tax Bill. Premier Rufus Ewing has since announced that the bill, which the Government insisted would boost TCI’s struggling economy, will be withdrawn from parliament. Is the removal of the bill the right decision? What revenue building options are left for TCIG?
Time to breathe
The answer is stronger negotiation with the Brits. We are paying off our national debt faster than any other country in the world. Why can we not slow down a bit on that? It would allow us some breathing room for infrastructure necessities, like schools and would still get the debt paid off. The majority of our debt is the bloody health scam anyway.
More retirees
The main thing that attracts investors to the TCI is no property tax, no income tax and no capital gains tax. The Government needs to increase our population so that there are more residents paying existing taxes. We are losing population every day as people leave here because it is already too expensive compared to other countries. Every day 10,000 Americans retire and would like to find a place like the TCI. If the Government was to attract retired people and allow them to get National Health Insurance we would soon have more people paying taxes and supporting the high cost of the National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP).
The problem is we have too few people to support the Government and pay down loans. The problem is not going to be solved by each resident paying more taxes. The problem can only be solved by implementing two programmes - reduce the cost of the Government and attract retired people to increase our population that pay taxes.
Cut expenses
The danger in the income tax was not the three per cent rate. Once income, payroll tax, was law it would be an easy step to keep increasing the rate up and up. The last year of the Misick administration the PNP openly talked about income and property taxes. This was obviously needed to support the expensive lifestyle of that party and the looming expensive healthcare arranged by now Premier Rufus. Now Ewing says no payroll tax, no problem, because of new development. What new development? The only people receiving a payroll is civil servants and they only pay half of the tax. How much could be collected from a one and a half per cent tax on the Government workers?
$3m to be held back ...
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expansion and upgrade in Kew, a central Government complex in North Caicos and certain infrastructure in Salt Cay,” Misick said. Meanwhile, in an address to the nation on Monday, the Premier noted that his Government no longer has the opportunity to implement a broad-based tax that would have had the least impact on the unemployed. “With the failure to pass the payroll tax, we must also recognise the task of providing for the people through the creation of jobs, the delivery of capital projects and the provision of critical services will be even more challenging,
but this is a challenge that we are committed to overcome.” He added that even though the withdrawal will have a negative impact on the Government’s finances, they are optimistic about the direction of the TCI economy. “This is due to the hard work and efforts of your Government over the past year and half in facilitating economic growth with progressive increase in Government’s revenue every quarter. “Most of this increase is due to performance in the tourism and related sectors of foreign direct investment and real estate.” (DI)
They need to cut expenses not raise taxes.
Big shot lifestyle
The cost of living is high because all the taxes are being passed along in the price of goods and services. Nearly 50 per cent duty, eight per cent pension, six per cent health tax, triple cost of business licence, $1 tax on each and every gallon of gas which goes up in smoke. Then those who employ people on work permits have to now pay triple fees and pass the cost on to us. Tax on phone services and co pays and expensive medications. We have to pack toilet paper with the children’s lunch. All this to pay for PNPs big shot lifestyle. They refuse to look at ways to save because of who they are.
Answers and transparency
The people will not support any new taxes until the Government becomes transparent in their accounting. Clearly show and prove how much revenue should be collected versus how much actually is put into the coffers. How much is the TCI paying for the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) including latent costs, versus how much has SIPT collected. And has all that money gone into the TCI or has it gone to pay for SIPT staff and/or UK barrister fees? We keep hearing that we are having record years in tourism and bed tax is being collected but is it? Are all customs duties being collected or do a lot still get the nod and slide through? What about stamp duty – has it all been collected or has still more been waived or slipped under the wire? What about InterHealth Canada – why is this not transparent? Sensible people know they have to find more income to provide for more infrastructure but to ask a country that has made itself by being ‘tax free,’ having beautiful beaches that are not overcrowded or too built up, and being a five star location to suffer income tax and many other knee jerk taxes in all their forms is simply not going to fly until we get some answers and some transparency.
Reduce taxes
The decision by the Premier to bow to complete pressure from the people, scrap payroll tax is critical and is needed. He should announce that there will not be any VAT and any further tax increases on the suffering people of the TCI. It is a pity that the Government did not allow the debate to be completed so that all sides could speak and vote on the people’s behalf. It must be taken that no elected minister in his right mind would come to the people on such a suicidal mission to increase taxes on a struggling public in need of jobs and money for the future. At this stage in the TCI’s development and history taxes are just a bad idea, especially where the plan is to collect less than $10 million with payroll taxes.
No country, no public, no people should be forced to pay off such debt is such a small time-frame. There is no need to increase taxes on the poor and suffering. There is an urgent need to reduce taxes across the board, reduce customs duties, reduce stamp duty on land purchases, reduce business licences to $100 across the board and expand the economy.
We need vision
Maybe we should start by cutting down on what is really expensive: our Government and all its thousands of workers? By collecting ALL the outstanding fees so far? Collecting fines for speeding (imagine if they caught every speeding cab, the police may almost pay for themselves), drunk driving, donut making? Collecting fines for littering either on the beach, in front of homes or driving down the road? What if, instead of forever coming with nonsense plans like VAT and payroll tax, we supported the economy by using current human resources - meaning expats and the young generation of TC Islanders who actually understand that they need to work and they need to have a good mix of Islanders AND expats? What if we issued residency on merit and therefore encouraged more of those expats who came here to live and stay, and who really care for the TCI? What if we made it obvious to the world how easy it is for wealthy people to retire here? Hey, they would help pay for that beast of a hospital we got here! What if we attracted investors who would make TCI the greenest country ever? Get solar power, clean up? Get the whole community working together? What if we had a Government with a vision?
VAT will get you
They are building toward VAT. Payroll doesn’t give them plenty money when a lot of people are not working. But with VAT everybody will have to pay them even if they are not working. If you buy anything VAT gets ya, come into any money, even unemployed. Shazam - they double the amount of money then what they will get for payroll tax in a struggling economy with a limited amount of people working. It is very hard to say if the move is right or not - some say tomatoes and others say tomatoes.
Just one tax
It looks like VAT is our alternative rather than the proposed hodgepodge of taxes. Let have one tax, period!
Become a contributor Want to become a contributor or have a suggestion for a Talk Back topic for us? What questions do you think we should be putting to the public? And what are your thoughts on it? Call our news team on 946 4664 or email tcweeklynews@gmail.com
July 5 - 11, 2014
NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Kareem Walkin, 19, of Blue Hills was killed in the Middle Caicos collision
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The green Infiniti car “flipped out” as it turned a curve in the road crushing the right side of the vehicle
Teen dies in horrific car crash A 19-year-old boy was killed when the car he was driving overturned in Middle Caicos on Saturday afternoon (June 28). Kareem Walkin from Blue Hills, Providenciales, was travelling home from the annual Crab Festival in Bambarra just after 5pm with his family when the tragic incident took place. According to police press officer
Audley Astwood the green Infiniti car “flipped out” as it turned a curve in the road crushing the right side of the vehicle. Walkin was immediately killed in the crash and his three passengers Tyrone Handfield, Tabitha Walkin and Tamecha Handfield – were badly injured. On arriving at the scene an eyewitness told police that two of
TCI’s outlook is ... continued from
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and that means saving millions of dollars in interest that we would ordinarily have to pay out if we had a poor credit rating.” He said that for that alone, the exercise was worth it all. Asked if the rating takes into account the UK guarantee, the minister said the guarantee is set to disappear in 2016 while the rating speaks to the TCI’s overall credit worthiness based on the current trend and in the future. The agency gave the TCI a stable outlook based on expectation of successful implementation of recent measures designed to modernise the public sector and strengthen governance. It also looked at continued economic growth, the level of the net asset, the way the Government has handled the country’s debt and its ability to service that debt. The minister said that the rating would have been higher – as pointed out by the agency –
but for the insufficient data related to international transactions that could not be captured in the assessment. He said that going forward it is important that Government expands and improves the economic and statistical department so that in future the country is able to provide the required data for a higher rating. The agency rating highlights that the Turks and Caicos Islands is a prosperous country with a gross domestic product of around $24,000 per head, that it benefits from high educational standards and good infrastructure. TCIG has positively transformed its track record of sound public financial management over the past four years turning longstanding annual deficits into surpluses of $47.6 million in 2012/13 and $30.7 million in 2013/14, the agency noted. It added that the UK overseas territory is now showing perhaps the most positive fiscal trajectory in the Caribbean, and consequently rapidly reducing its net public debt. (DI)
the victims were outside the car while Kareem Walkin and one of the women remained trapped inside. Tyrone Handfield was bleeding from his ear and was going in and out of consciousness while the two women complained of pains in the jaw, and the pelvis. A Red Cross volunteer donated cutting equipment called ‘jaws of life’ to free Kareem Walkin and the trapped passenger from the vehicle. Director of the TCI Red Cross
Lormeka Williams who was at the popular beach festival on Saturday, came upon the devastating scene as she drove home. Along with two colleagues she immediately leapt to action providing emergency care with a small medical kit. Williams explained that there are no working ambulances on North or Middle Caicos so due to a lack of adequate equipment they had to improvise.
Under the tree
“We used plywood to use as backboards and transported them on the back of trucks,” she told the Weekly News. She went on to say that they had no neck braces so volunteers had to hold the victims’ heads steady as they travelled the long journey to Bottle Creek Clinic in North Caicos. “There they stabilised them the best they could with the items that continued
By Benneth Williams
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NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
July 5 - 11, 2014
Gov’t to buy five new ambulances without tenders A FLEET of brand new ambulances will soon be bought in a bid to boost the country’s inadequate Emergency Medical Services (EMS). A lengthy tendering process has been dropped and instead the Government will purchase the vehicles directly in order to get them on the roads as soon as possible. Premier Rufus Ewing revealed the long overdue news in a public statement on Monday (June 30) in which he offered his condolences to the family of road crash victim Kareem Walkin. The 19-year-old was killed when a vehicle he was driving overturned in Middle Caicos on Saturday (June 28). No working ambulance was available to report to the scene so the TCI’s Red Cross provided emergency care to three survivors following the tragic incident. The welfare of both tourists and residents has been on the line for many years as TCI’s few ambulances continuously break down and lack essential maintenance. “The islands of North and Middle Caicos are in desperate need of ambulances and medical equipment that is critical to successful first response in emergencies,” Ewing said. “The Ministry of Health has made
effort to source these ambulances in the past, through the prescribed methods in the Procurement Ordinance, which were all futile in attracting the necessary bids in the tendering process to secure purchases.” He explained that last Wednesday (June 25), the Ministry of Health sought the right to directly purchase five ambulances. “It is our view that the residents of our family islands can no longer be expected to live daily without the security of knowing that they have adequate facilities to assist in times of emergency.” The purchasing process has begun and the ministry has requested that funding for the vehicles to be released as soon as possible. “While I acknowledge that the time has been lengthy in getting to this point,” the Premier said, “I am certainly relieved to know that we are progressing in this critical area and that the residents in those islands can rest assured that they have not been forgotten.” Furniture and equipment for the Middle Caicos Clinic is also on island and will be released throughout the course of the week. And the Government also plans to erect signs warning of the dangers of upcoming curves to alert motorists that dangers lie ahead.
HISTORY OF EMS At the end of last year the Weekly News exposed a number of failings in the vital emergency service that caused lives of the public to be put at risk. Insufficient numbers of workers, elderly equipment and badly maintained trucks were among the issues that were highlighted by former frontline employees. And it was all down to a lack of funding and cooperation from the Government’s Ministry of Health, they said. In January this year Porsha Stubbs Smith, Minister of Health and Human Services, released plans for a “revitalisation initiative” for EMS. Among the measures promised to improve the country’s shoddy ambulance service were an in depth review of the department, a new director, new ambulances and more training. She explained that in the 2013/2014 budget a capital project was approved for the purchase of two new ambulances – one for Providenciales and one for North and Middle Caicos. However no offers were made when the project was first tendered in November 2013 so it was extended three times. Two additional ambulances to support operations on the family
Gov’t confirms 17 cases of chikungunya CONFIRMED cases of the mosquito-borne virus chikungunya have steadily risen, according to health officials. Director of Health Services Nadia Astwood told the Weekly News on Wednesday (July 2) that the total of those infected with the debilitating virus in the TCI has reached 17. Residents are urged to continue to take precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Chikungunya first hit the Caribbean when it was identified in Saint Martin in December 2013. It has since spread to 18 other countries and territories in the region including TCI’s neighbours, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. According to the Pan American Health organisation close to 200,000 cases have been confirmed across Caribbean islands. Over the past few weeks the
TCIG’s Ministry of Health and Human Services invited residents to a series of town hall meetings on the chikungunya virus. They were held in Blue Hills, Five Cays, The Bight and Kew Town in Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, Grand Turk and South Caicos. The meetings provided an update on the status of the virus, and information to help communities remove breeding areas and help to manage the disease. Symptoms of chikungunya appear between four and seven days after someone has been bitten by an infected mosquito and include fever, joint pain, rashes, headache, nausea and fatigue. They can last for a few days however joint pain may persist for much longer. Severe cases of chikungunya requiring hospitalisation are rare. There is no specific medicine to treat chikungunya virus infection
or disease, there is no cure and no vaccine against the disease. The Ministry of Health and Human Services advises people in the TCI to take a number of precautions. Residents should check around buildings for anything that could hold water, turn containers over or cover them, get rid of or cover old tires, properly dispose of all garbage/refuse, cover boats, children’s pools, clean rain gutters and make sure they are flowing properly, and tightly cover water drums and rain barrels. They should also wear longsleeved shirts and long pants, apply insect repellents on exposed skin liberally, use mosquito nets at night and use air conditioning when indoors or secure all doors and windows with screens. The Environmental Health Department will treat large bodies of stagnant water on or around properties when contacted.
islands were also set to be included the Ministry of Health’s list of capital projects for 2014/2015. This April Stubbs Smith admitted that none of the TCI’s four working ambulances were operating at “optimal level” and no-one had responded to the tender request. She added that staff were lacking vital medical equipment but said this would be addressed during the 2014/15 financial year. The last time that the department
purchased new fully equipped ambulances was in February 2011. At the time former Health Minister Judith Campbell described it as a “key milestone” for the ministry and said it would help to save lives. The Weekly News contacted Hugh Green, who continues to act in the role of Director of EMS since his appointment last December, for a comment but he was said he was not able to provide any information. (RB)
Finder of lost bag gets $1,000 reward A TAXI driver received a $1,000 reward after he found a missing Lufthansa handbag trolley that fell out of an unlocked car boot on Airport Road, Providenciales, on Saturday (June 28) evening. HAB Group, a renowned team of TCI property developers, issued a press statement on Monday (June 30) offering the large payment for return of the bag and its contents.
“The bag, a Lufthansa handbag trolley, contained a laptop, handbag, iPad and paperwork,” the release read. “The business cards of the owner are inside the bag.” A tourist lost the trolley when it fell from the moving vehicle between 9.15pm and 9.30pm. But a lucky taxi driver discovered the bag and returned it to the owners before being handed his cash reward.
Two sloops detected in TCI waters
POLICE detected two sloops sailing illegally in TCI waters on Saturday evening (June 28) and on Monday (June 30). Marine officers seized the first boat, a 35 foot blue, white and red vessel, at about 11pm on Saturday and towed it to South Dock. The journey took an hour and a half and upon arrival in Providenciales 43 passengers – 28 men and 15 women - were detained. On Monday another 87 people - 76 men and 11 women – were detained after another sloop was detected and towed to Providenciales. After capture all of the migrants’ details were processed and they remained at the Detention Centre in South Dock before repatriation to Haiti. In April following several sloop arrivals Governor Peter Beckingham told press: “It is very sad that illegal immigrants are still putting themselves in peril to try and reach the shores of the Turks and Caicos Islands in this way.” He went on to encourage the Haitian authorities to do all that they can to stop “this dangerous and
illegal trade”. “It is exacting too high a price in Haitian lives and TCI public spending.” He added that discussions continue on the creation of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries which may prevent further incidents. Last year a wooden vessel capsized off the south coast of Providenciales in the early hours of Christmas morning as marine police towed it to shore, tipping dozens of people into the sea. Thirty-three people made it safely to shore but sadly 17 men and women drowned before rescuers could reach them. A police investigation into the sloop tragedy which left Haitian migrants dead has not yet been completed – despite promises to publish it in April. Anyone with any information on pending sloop arrivals or the location of illegal immigrants can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477 or use the Crimestoppers online reporting page www. crimestoppers.tc.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS
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Tax will come – Finance Minister
THE PAYROLL Tax Bill might have been defeated, but Minister of Finance Washington Misick is convinced that a broad-based tax will definitely be implemented in the Turks and Caicos Islands. While acknowledging that the
current administration is more or less a minority government given the make-up of the TCI’s House of Assembly, the minister said that the implementation of a broad tax might not happen while he is in office, but that it will happen.
Bills passed Hotel and Restaurant (Taxation) (Amendment) Bill 2014 LAST month, the House of Assembly approved changes to the Hotel and Restaurant (Taxation) Bill that would among other things, impose a 12 per cent tax on tourism services provided by independent service providers. Tourism services providers whose proceeds do not exceed $50,000 in any year or $4,000 in any one month can apply for exemption from collecting this tax. The new legislation also requires all restaurants to register to collect restaurant tax, whereby only some restaurants were previously designated to do so. Restaurants whose proceeds do not exceed $200,000 in any year or $16,000 in any month may apply to be exempted from collecting the tax. Other changes to the ordinance also require all tourism providers and restaurants to keep up to date records.
Financial Intelligence Agency Bill 2014 THE PASSAGE of the Financial Intelligence Agency Bill makes way for the establishment of an independent agency for the detection, prevention and control of financial crimes. Parliament passed the bill last month. The functions of the agency will be to receive reports of suspicious transactions from financial institutions and other people and to analyse and disseminate information to law enforcement authorities and relevant bodies. The agency will also have powers to freeze funds suspected of being related to financial crimes. Among other things, the legislation provides for the agency’s cooperation with national and foreign financial intelligence authorities.
Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill 2014 THE AMENDMENTS to the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance are consequential changes required for the purposes of the Prevention of Terrorism Bill (PTB) and the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) Bill. The amended ordinance makes further provisions for the funds paid into the National Forfeiture Fund, which are held subject to a final order to be made, not to form part of the $2 million limit required to be held in the fund, or form part of those excess funds to be paid to the consolidated fund. The money will remain in the fund until a decision is made on how it would be processed. The change required for the purposes of the FIA Bill involves the substitution of the words ‘reporting authority’ with ‘anti-money laundering committee’.
He stated that in spite of the defeat of the bill, there is consensus in the country that there is a need for a broad-based tax measure. “I still believe that payroll tax or a broad-based tax of that nature is important and it may not happen under my watch but I want you to bear witness today that it will happen, sometime in the future. “One only has to look at the trend generally speaking of the world’s economy and the lack of boundaries as it relates to taxation,” Misick told the members of the media during a press conference on Tuesday (July 1). He noted that the whole idea that the sky is falling because the Government is trying to implement change is misguided. “The Government attempted the whole paradigm shift as it relates to the generation of revenue that would have made the cost of living cheaper, but sometimes the loudest voices win, and the persons who might have been most eloquent I would say they were wrong.” He added: “In my view what happened was that we gave a blank cheque to those people who can afford to pay and an IOU to the poor people, and the people who spoke
Finance Washington Misick
out about killing the bill, killed a lot of other dreams with it including proper schools and clinics and the rest of that.” Calling out the hypocrites, as he called them, the minister said that those who were loudest in their opposition to the tax, their children go to private schools and are not the ones who will suffer. He was the referring to the Government’s inability to budget for the speedy completion of a new school, which would have significantly eased the long bemoaned over-crowded situation at the Clement Howell High School.
“In the light of this current administration, it is clear the way the parliament is set up, for whatever reasons, whether it be for conflicting reasons, there were two people who supported VAT who actually came out strongly against the payroll bill and suggest that we bring the VAT back. “So clearly there is a conflict there in terms of their priorities and their agenda.” Governor’s appointed members John Phillips and Lillian Misick were the two members who voiced support for the VAT tax, and who were instrumental in the Payroll Tax Bill not passing the assembly. BALANCE OF POWER Misick said: “We are essentially a minority Government almost, the way the parliament is set up. “So if this is going to continue to be a controversial issue [tax], there is no point in even trying. “So we have to find other ways to make sure that we deliver the goodies that the people of this country expect and demand and are entitled to.” Sharing similar sentiments, Premier Rufus Ewing said the continued
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Teen dies in horrific car ... continued from
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they had,” Williams explained. The three survivors were later airlifted to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales for further attention. They are currently in serious but stable condition. That evening Walkin’s body was transported from North Caicos to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre morgue. In a statement to press on Monday (June 30) Premier Rufus Ewing said he was saddened to hear of the fatal motor incident. He expressed his condolences to the young man’s family and friends. “My prayers and thoughts are with you. May God be your comforter and your source of strength as you go through this very difficult time,” he said. He commended the nurses, firefighters and other residents who assisted in the removal of the trapped victims from wreckage. “I call on us all now to continue to pray for the families affected by
the death and injuries of their loved ones, and for the speedy recovery of those who remain in the fight for their lives. “May God bless you and bless these beloved Turks and Caicos Islands.” In his statement Ewing said that a fleet of five ambulances is in the process of being bought for the emergency medical services. Furniture and equipment for the Middle Caicos Clinic is also on island
and will be released throughout the course of the week. And the Government plans to erect signs warning of the dangers of upcoming curves to alert motorists that dangers lie ahead. This is the second death on TCI’s roads in just over a week. Taxi driver Nelson Musgrove was killed when his car crashed into a wall on South Dock Road, Providenciales, on Friday, June 20. (RB)
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Hollywood actress in TCI for 2014 Pressure on Haitian Gov’t needed to stop illegal Restoration weekend events THE STAR of Black Entertainment Television’s (BET) show The Game, Wendy Raquel Robinson, will soon be in the TCI for a fun promotional evening. Robinson will arrive on Monday (July 7) and according to her public relations officer Kayla Tucker Adams, this will be her first time visiting the Islands. The Hollywood star will host the Taste of Restoration evening which will feature Chef Nik and event founder, Michelle Hargrove. This initiate is a snippet of what to expect in September when the international women’s event Restoration Weekend takes place in the TCI. Taste of Restoration will be held on Wednesday (July 9) at 7pm at the Crackpot Kitchen restaurant, bar and grill on Providenciales. The evening was organised to promote Restoration Weekend, an exclusive four day, three night, all inclusive luxury weekend of serenity, reconnection, and personal revival. It’s aimed at women who need to restore themselves from the many hats they wear as busy wives, mothers, caregivers and career women and will be held from September 25 to the 28. During this time of restoration, 50 women from all walks of life and various parts of the world, will be inspired, uplifted and empowered by industry leaders. It is celebrated annually in a different country and this year the
migration - Governor
Wendy Raquel Robinson to visit the Turks and Caicos Islands for 2014 Restoration weekend
TCI was chosen to be the host. The weekend will include ‘Her story’ sessions focused on business, psychology, nutrition, spirituality, finances, and physical maintenance, ‘Taste of Turks and Caicos’ and a service project on the island. Among some of the confirmed speakers for the September event are relationship expert Tony Gaskins, television personality Chef Nik, granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, Tukwini Mandela, certified empowerment coach Felicia Scott, fitness ambassador Sheri Gaskins, and pastor and bestselling author
Van Moody. Restoration Weekend was founded in 2007 by Michelle Hargrove, when she walked through her own journey of restoration after giving birth to a one pound premature baby. It provides a safe place for likeminded women to take off the mask, tear down the walls and rediscover their centre. While in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hargrove will also visit churches and non-profit organisations. Entry fee for the event at Crackpot Kitchen next week will be $20.
GOVERNOR Peter Beckingham has left for the Bahamas to talk illegal migration and how the two countries will move to put pressure on the Haitian government. The Governor, who left the TCI on Wednesday (July 2), told the media on Tuesday he will be meeting with the Bahamian Governor General and other persons with an aim to continue talks initiated when Prime Minister Perry Christie visited the TCI in April. They will examine how they can put more pressure on Haiti for them to dissuade people from embarking on perilous journeys to try to escape from Haiti to the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Bahamas or other countries, Beckingham said. “We’ve seen two examples in the last four days of sloops coming into our waters and we clearly need to keep up the pressure on Haiti.” He stated that the Haitian government could do more than what they are currently doing. As it relates to the memorandum of understanding with Haiti, the Governor said he hopes to have this signed reasonably soon. “I am sure that the honourable Don-Hue Gardiner would raise the subject at CARICOM when he is meeting ministers from Haiti and other countries this week.” He added that it is always a good idea to work along with other countries on issues such as these, and that the Bahamas in particular has an equally big problem with illegal
Former TCI Premier Michael Misick
Haitian migration. “They are spending a great deal of money on vessels to patrol their waters and they were extremely impressed by the radar installations that we have which have picked up quite a few sloops,” the Governor said. Back in April when he visited the TCI, Prime Minister Christie and the Governor first spoke of a joint effort to reach out to the Haitian government. Christie had told the Weekly News that it is in the interest of the Bahamas and the TCI to join forces with respect to being able to arrive at an understanding with Haiti. “They have a stake in ensuring that we are able to protect the best interest of our respective countries by having them directly involved in helping to stem the tide of people coming illegally and risking their lives and oftentimes losing their lives in trying to get to these places,” Christie said. (DI)
COMMENTARY
Simplification or complication
MANY engineers from the USA enjoy poking fun at each other. They caution each other to use the KISS formula when designing products - ‘Keep It Simple Stupid!’ This is a good rule because the more complicated your design the less reliable the product becomes. Can we apply KISS to conditions in the TCI to put ourselves back on a path to success? In my opinion the answer is a resounding yes! We will have to put aside loyalties to ideas proven complicated, unaffordable and
wrong. It may be an oversimplification but we could return to the time when the country was ratcheting forward by eliminating all laws, regulations and tax increases put in place since then. The most complicated situation we have today is our tax system. A horrible mess, it needs to be scrapped and rebuilt based on something simpler, enforceable, workable and easily affordable. This Government has been trying to lay terrible taxes on the people to pay off the debts and obligations of a terrible administration, full of
SPACE IS LIMITED!
alleged corruption. An administration that brought the TCI’s future into serious question, an administration that embarrassed the TCI in the same way we were embarrassed when our chief minister went to prison in the USA. The TCI moved from a chief minister arrested in the USA to a Premier arrested in Brazil. It is time to admit the truth. We are bankrupt! The TCI people cannot afford to pay off the debts run up from 2003 to 2009. Thanks to the British for loaning the money to pay off the suppliers being bankrupted by not being paid.
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
We cannot afford to pay the hospital mortgage or the InterHealth Canada contract. Besides our secondary healthcare has now been shipped, patient by patient, off to Jamaica. Reduce duty back to a simple 30 per cent on goods alone then watch the stuff flow in and prices fall. No duty on food, medicine or high tech. Customs duty surcharges and CIF (cash in fist) has got to go. No income or property tax and a simple low flat fee for work permits. Open the door to immigration and bring in people who want to stay by simply setting limits on the number of immigrants from each country
each year. Open the doors wide to all who want to retire and import their pensions and wealth. A bigger population creates a bigger economy. The promotion of high end tourism, should be left to the high end resorts. Promote our history, culture and ecology by finally empowering the National Trust. Open up the family islands to low profile resorts. Open up every historical plantation and Indian site. The tourists will love them. The choice is ours simplification or going backwards with complication.
Please keep your letters to a maximum of 450 words or we may not be able publish it.
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Czech authorities eye Michael Misick in bribery investigation CZECH Republic anti-corruption police have started investigating a case of bribery connected with plots in the Turks and Caicos Islands, in which representatives of the CzechSlovak financial group J&T and local politicians are suspected. This is according to a June 18 report in the Czech press. According to news agency Lidové Noviny (LN), police suspect the Slovak financier Mario Hoffmann, J&T co-founders Ivan Jakabovič and Patrik Tkáč, partner Peter Korbačka and former TCI Premier Michael Misick of bribery and money laundering. The case is supervised by a Prague district state attorney’s office, and the criminal proceedings are being prepared, its spokesman Šárka Pokorná said. Investigators will decide whether the suspects will be accused. The businessmen deny any wrongdoing. In 2009 the Commission of Inquiry revealed that the Government sold Crown land to Hoffmann for a suspiciously low price. Commissioner Sir Robin Auld claimed that there was “information of possibly corrupt and/or otherwise
Lime launches 4G network in the Turks and Caicos Islands Former TCI Premier Michael Misick
seriously dishonest involvement including misfeasance in public office” relating to the former Premier’s dealings with the developer. Hoffmann battled for a number of years to have the allegations retracted but lost his case. The Slovak businessman, who maintains his innocence, agreed to make a payment of $7 million to the Government in order to avoid facing trial. He also agreed to surrender his Belongership and hand back 1,506 acres of Salt Cay land to TCIG.
Lime now offers 4G technology to subscribers AN OFFICIAL party was held in Providenciales to celebrate Lime’s instalment of 4G technology for their customers in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The celebration was held at the Grace Bay Hotel on Wednesday (June 25) with attendance from a large number of corporate Lime customers. The evening began with the soulful music of Sounds of Sax as customers mingled with staff as they enjoyed cocktails. During the event the new general manager for Lime TCI, James Pitt, said that the company’s goal was to be the provider of choice in the TCI. “Lime will compete on the highest level with any other company on
island,” he said. “We know that data is critical in modern life and business and most of you here are corporate customers, with the ability to access high data speeds whenever and wherever you want.” Head of the sales department, Delleriece Hall, said that Lime has been serving the Turks and Caicos Islands from the days of telex, now the company is offering 4G speed to customers. “This speaks of the investment and staying power that is synonymous with Lime in the TCI,” she said. She added that the company will be offering competitive plans with the 4G service. During the event customers also
enjoyed the tropical beat of the Soundproof Band, the rhythmic dancing of Shara Bowen, the fascinating Fire Dancer and the music of Prime DJs. The food paid homage to each Lime Caribbean island as customers won prizes such as the latest smartphones and tickets to the Busy Signal concert. The launch activities continued with the Island Fish Fry where customers were able to receive various specials on the 4G network. The culmination of the events took place on Friday with the ‘Lime Time’ radio show, a live broadcast from the office and the Busy Signal concert which Lime was a major sponsor of.
Revise the Tax will come ... Payroll Tax Bill continued from
Dear Editor, The Government has recently shut down the House of Assembly and withdrawn the wildly unpopular Payroll Tax Bill. In my opinion, the Government should not have introduced the bill when many speculated that it was going to be badly defeated. I am confident that the Payroll Tax Bill would have been defeated but at the same time the Government has not come up with another reasonable proposition that the overburdened people of this country can seriously consider. Dr Ewing should now give his administration time to draft a new bill seeing that the bill in its current form is likely to fail. Dr Ewing’s team should focus on amendments as long as it does not lose its current intention which is to pay down our debts and provide a sustainable future. He need not rush the process.
Supporters and opponents should also call on the Government to draft an alternate bill as quickly as possible and pull back for two months while lobbying the people who really matter. If an alternate bill does not pass, I still feel that getting the conversation started and getting people thinking about debt and not allowing the country to default is what first needs to be achieved. The Government should now be hoping that though the country did not support the previous bill, they might support a different version. We cannot have this potential threat of the national debt and default hanging over our heads. However, no payroll tax in its current form. I wish Dr. Ewing all the best in this exhausting process. Benneth Williams, Leeward, Providenciales
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opportunity for the introduction of a broad-based tax has passed for this administration. “I think as a responsible Government we need to begin the work to model a broad-based tax going forward that any other Government would have the opportunity to do so, they would have the information at hand, proper consultation and would then be implementing a broadbased tax knowing it is one that would be successful.” When asked if they should have allowed the bill to go to a vote, both the Premier and the minster said that they took it as far as it should have gone. Ewing said: “There is only so long people could make a fool out of you and drag you along the way, and I think the two persons who hold the balance of power in the house and who can decide which way things go in the house
made it clear what their intentions were.” As such, he said it did not make sense going any further than where they went, as the Government knew it would not materialise. Agreeing with this, Misick said the Government was trying to make a compromise on the payroll bill, as outlined in his presentation on June 23. He said in spite of this, there was no intention or any atmosphere in which a compromise could have been reached. “There were special interests, people had agendas based on commitments that they made and other people… painted themselves in corners and couldn’t come out of the corner because they were already painted in the corner,” he said. The minister said he does not mind eating his words; something that one member told him he should do during the debate last week. “I find sometimes that eating
your words could be a very wholesome meal, so I don’t mind that. “But I am not going to admit that I have egg on my face, and the public can see the egg on the other person’s face,” he said in response to another barb delivered during last week’s fiery debate. Meanwhile, Minister of Government Support Services George Lightbourne, who was not present for last week’s debate told the press that he was unwell and could not attend. When pressed about his position on the tax, Lightbourne said it is now a non-issue and would not say how he would have voted had it been put to a vote if he was there. Likewise, Minister of Environment and Home Affairs, Amanda Missick also refused to say how she would have voted. When asked, her response was: “No comment.” (DI)
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‘Put a stop to silent terrorism’
– Campaigners urge community to act now against drug abuse ANTI-drugs campaigners spoke out about the devastating effects of substance abuse during a seminar in Providenciales recently. They dubbed it a “silent terrorism” that damages users, their families, the community and the nation. And they urged the public to do their best to help put a stop to a plethora of debilitating additions. Last Thursday (June 26) the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence held three ‘Lunch and learn’ events for members of the TCI community in Providenciales, South Caicos and Grand Turk. The meetings were held to celebrate International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illegal Trafficking which was held this year under the theme ‘Drug prevention and you’. The Providenciales lunch meeting was held at the Airport Inn conference room and was attended by Government officials, health workers, police officers, and concerned individuals. Hosting the event was Levenia Hamilton, guidance counsellor at
Clement Howell High School. First to speak was Tiara McTaire, counsellor in the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence. “Substance use has a detrimental effect on the health and prosperity of all nations including the Turks and Caicos Islands,” she said. “It is well recognised as a significant barrier to both teaching and learning. It is associated with a host of high risk behaviours including unprotected sex and violence, as well as crime, traffic accidents and physical and mental health issues.” She encouraged attendees to challenge their perceptions of what makes a drug user and provided shocking local statistics that proved the immensity of the problem in the TCI. Inspector Nigel Gilkes, officer in charge of the tactical unit and the drug squad, was next to approach the podium. He discussed all the avenues that the police are taking to combat the problem including addressing drug trafficking, conducting random
searches and promoting community awareness. He stressed that members of the public must play their part in providing real time information to the police. “Just tell somebody who will tell us,” he urged those afraid to converse directly with officers. Finally Inspector Gilkes highlighted three drugs as being most commonly used in the TCI – cannabis, cocaine and amphetamines. Dierin Longmire, of the Turks and Caicos Drug Prevention Foundation, gave one of the most impassioned addresses of the day. She named drug abuse a “silent terrorism” and urged the community to pledge to work together to rid the TCI of drug abuse. “Drug and alcohol use threaten people’s health and welfare. Several hundred thousand people die every year due to drug and alcohol abuse,” she said. “Drug use does not just affect the user, they cause tremendous hardship and misery to families and loved ones.
“Drug abuse damages close relationships, destroy home lives, including those of children, and can ruin education and employment opportunities. “The impact of drug use is felt in communities, criminal justice systems and across society.” She said that it is becoming a huge problem and is increasing at an alarming rate bringing havoc to lives across the country. Longmire urged: “Be good role models for our youth - don’t use alcohol and drugs. Talk to your children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. “Support drug prevention and treatment programmes in TCI with your time and money, become a member of the Drug Prevention Foundation. “We look forward to the community getting involved so that we can save our children from going someplace that no one wants to be.” International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illegal Trafficking has been celebrated annually by the United Nations Drug Program since
1987. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has used the day to create awareness of the global epidemic of the use, abuse and trafficking of illegal drugs. The Turks and Caicos Drug Prevention Foundation is a volunteer, community service organisation that works closely with the National Drug Unit and the Government’s National Drug Council. The group hosts several 12 step meetings including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alanon for those affected by someone else’s addiction. AA takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in Sam’s Building Downtown in Providenciales. NA meetings take place every Tuesday from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in Sam’s Building and Alanon takes place on Mondays from 7.30pm to 8.30pm at St Monica’s Church on Leeward Highway, Providenciales. Anyone that needs help for themselves, a family member or friend can visit the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, located downstairs at the Sam Harvey/Immigration Building in Providenciales or call Dierin Longmire on 232-1029 or 246-2526. (RB)
Mystery snake found in suitcase at TCI Salvation Army BY DAISY HANDFIELD VOLUNTEERS at the TCI Salvation Army were left in shock after finding a snake in one of the suitcases donated to them last weekend at their Providenciales store. Rafael Mason, head Colonel for the non-profit organisation, said that the discovery was made by a Haitian resident who would usually help them take the items that were left outside as donations into the shop. He spotted the reptile on Saturday (June 28) when he was helping to move some items. As soon as he opened the suitcase to see if anything was inside he was greeted with a long snake, still breathing. The colonel said that the suitcase was rather worn-out so the snake might have made an entry while outside or there was a strong possibility that it could have been someone’s pet.
The Weekly News contacted Mark Woodring, who has experience in identifying snakes to determine whether it was one of the two most commonly known snakes that can be found in the TCI or if it was imported. Woodring said that the first impression is that it was a boa. “Most likely one of our rainbow boas or someone’s imported pet boa that had escaped,” he explained. There are approximately 2,500 species of snakes in the world on every continent besides Antarctica and they range in adult size from the four-inch thread snake to the green anaconda, which can measure 33 feet in length and weigh up to 500 pounds. Only about 200 species of snakes (less than 10 per cent) are venomous and the Turks and Caicos Islands has no venomous snakes. All snakes are carnivores and actively hunt live prey, except for a handful of species that feed
Snake found inside suitcase at the Salvation Army
exclusively on the eggs of birds, reptiles or fish. So far, three species of snakes are known to live in the Turks and
Caicos Islands. The two most commonly encountered by humans are both in the boa constrictor family.
The third, rarely seen, is in the worm snake family and lives exclusively underground and out of sight.
July 5 - 11, 2014
Infected dogs show a number of symptoms, including decreased appetite, weight loss and fever
Tick disease increasing in TCI dogs PET owners are being cautioned about a tick disease which is becoming a problem in dogs in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Licensed veterinarian Mark Woodring said that the disease, babesiosis, can be transmitted by bites from ticks. Infected dogs show a number of symptoms, including decreased appetite, weight loss, fever, an enlarged abdomen and dark orange or yellow skin and urine. The disease causes the dog’s red blood cells to be destroyed, leading to pale gums and fatigue due to anemia. All dogs, including potcakes, can be infected. Some breeds are more susceptible to infection, especially greyhounds and all pitbull breeds, both purebred and mixed. Woodring said that this disease can develop in a dog without ticks after an infected dog bites him or her, even playfully. He said that an infected female will pass along the disease to her puppies before birth. “Accurate testing for babesiosis can be done with blood sent to the US for DNA studies, but most cases in the TCI are diagnosed by experienced veterinarians based on symptoms and physical exam. “Although the disease is treatable with antibiotics, not every dog responds.” Early treatment is best but even
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
then, the disease can be fatal. The veterinarian said that another problem is that since 2012 the antibiotics most commonly used to treat tick-borne diseases have tripled in cost. “Some antibiotics are in very short supply worldwide, to the point of restricting veterinarians from even ordering the medication. “Preventing babesiosis means treating dogs and their environments to limit tick exposure.” He said that many prescription and non-prescription flea and tick prevention medications as well as yard treatments like Diatomaceous Earth and chemical preparations are available. “This can be a difficult, expensive and frustrating task, as ticks eventually can become resistant to most products. “To stop the spread of babesiosis, infected dogs should be treated with a full course of antibiotics.” Even after a dog recovers, he or she may still carry the disease. Females who have had the disease, even healthy-appearing ones should not be bred. Adopting puppies from previously infected dogs or dogs with an unknown infection history is risky. Puppies are more likely to die from it than adult dogs. Woodring said that the good news is that dogs cannot transmit this to humans.
Long Bay beach was highlighted as one of the best in Providenciales
Providenciales places in top 10 world’s best islands for beaches TCI’s most popular island Providenciales has recently been named a favourite on the ‘Top International Islands for Beaches’ by Conde Nast Traveller. And Long Bay beach was highlighted as one of the best on the island in the complimentary website review. Seychelles was voted as a favourite by viewers, ranking it in first place on the website, with a focus on Anse Source d’Argent on La Digu beach In second was Maldives and in third Grenadines while Providenciales placed in eighth position. The website read: “Surrounded by the world’s third largest barrier reef, all of the beaches here are protected from ocean surges and most are completely wave less. Long Bay is one of the least developed. “Arrange for a private, guided horseback ride on the beach (and into the water) with Provo Ponies they’ll pick you up and drop you off from your resort.” Sparsely populated with luxury residences Long Bay beach is 2.4 miles long and is located on the southeast shore of Providenciales. The water is shallow and clear, making the beach ideal for various watersports. Constant trade winds on this coast invite kiteboarders and windsurfers to test their skills. The $100 million Shore Club condominium hotel is the third project by the award winning Hartling Group on Providenciales. It features 38 condos and six luxury villas on a nine-acre parcel of land occupying 820 feet of beachfront on Long Bay. Hartling Group CEO Stan Hartling said: “I used to live on Long Bay beach, so I truly appreciate
how genuinely idyllic and special this beautiful stretch of sand on Providenciales really is. “When I decided to create the Shore Club, the first commercial development on Long Bay, I took the undertaking very seriously to ensure that our resort complements the magnificent landscape.” Cayman Islands’ DECCO, a Dart Enterprises company, is
providing construction financing and management. Condé Nast is a premier media company renowned for producing high quality content for the world’s most influential audiences. Each year, the publication invites its readers to rank premier destinations and lodging properties. To view the Conde Nast Traveller list visit www.cntraveler.com.
Only
$35 Call 941-3020 or stop by our Grace Bay store tomorrow to get yours.
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July 5 - 11, 2014
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
TCI participates in Caribbean nutrition and diet conference NUTRITION experts from the Turks and Caicos Islands participated in the 2014 Caribbean Association of Nutritionists and Dieticians (CANDI) conference in Nassau last month. The event took place on June 18 to the 20 at the College of the Bahamas (COB) and aimed to improve the nutritional status and overall health of Caribbean people. The theme for this year’s conference was ‘Influencing excellence in the professions of nutrition and dietetics’. It was held under the auspices of the Bahamian Ministry of Health and hosted by the Bahamas Association of Nutritionists and Dieticians (BAND) in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). Tamika Handfield, executive director of Nutrition in Demand and
registered dietician, said that for the attendees this was three days of enlightenment, learning and a chance to be refreshed and rejuvenated in their profession. “We got to know fellow dieticians from around the Caribbean; we discussed issues we face in our respective countries as we try to provide cutting edge healthcare within our communities,” she said. One objective of the conference was to develop an interactive professional bond and networking opportunities between dietetic and nutrition professional throughout the Caribbean. It was also designed to foster a more meaningful understanding between the healthcare team and the key stakeholder in order to provide more aggressive, structured and relevant healthcare programs for the
Fathers dance with their little girls during the Dance with Cinderella fundraiser
2014 CANDI conference in Nassau, Bahamas
population. The conference helped to establish a common framework for the continuation of stateof-the-art dietetic internship programmes and apprenticeships in each Caribbean country for
those with relevant degrees wanting to enter the profession of dietetics and nutrition. Participants also had the chance to network and gain invaluable knowledge from the speakers as well as each other.
The governing body of dietetics professionals within the Caribbean region, was formed in 1972 as a way to promote excellence in the practice of Nutrition and Dietetics. CANDI meets every two years in a different Caribbean country.
The show was held at the Tropicana Show and Supper Club in the Lower Bight
Daddy-daughter dance raises cash for community work NUTRITION in Demand hosted a second successful fundraising initiative for the year called ‘Dance with Cinderella’ recently. The show for fathers and their daughters was held at the Tropicana Show and Supper Club in the Lower Bight, Providenciales, on June 7. Daddies held their girls and told them they were beautiful as they danced to ‘Cinderella’ by Steven Curtis Chapman, ‘Dance with my
father’ by Luther Vandross and many more, and little girls giggled as they watched their dads dance to Pharell Williams’ ‘Happy’. Other entertainment for the night included a father and son duo, Brentford and Brenten Handfield, on saxophone and steel pan, Marvin Henfield, Julian Garland, Levenia Hamiliton and RIG Music. The MCs, Shaun Malcom and daughters, made sure it was a happy, wonderful night that would
be remembered for many years to come. David Bowen taught the group a salsa dance and Almando Rigby, of the HOPE Foundation, delivered a dynamic speech on the relationship between fathers and their daughters. Basneal Bien Amie won best dance for the Happy dance, Panthea Lightbourne won a gift basket for ‘The Best Dressed’ princess at the dance and Cushnie won for her dance moves.
Other gifts and prizes were given to dads and daughters including the first dad to purchase a ticket and first dad to arrive. Pastor Bradley Handfield, one of the dads who attended the event, said that it was an unforgettable moment in his life. “I am glad I didn’t miss it!” He and other dads are already pledging their support for next year. Tamika Handfield, executive director of Nutrition in Demand
and registered dietician, said that the funds raised will be used to continue providing education for the community on diet and nutrition. She thanked all their sponsors and people who volunteered their time to make the event a success for all. Nutrition in Demand is a local organisation aimed at promoting awareness of health and healthy eating in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
July 5 - 11, 2014
NEWS 17
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Fishing tournament winners to represent TCI at international event WINNERS of the 19th annual Caicos Classic Billfish Tournament will represent the Turks and Caicos Islands during the Offshore World Championship (OWC) competition in Costa Rica in 2015. The IGFA OWC is one of the world’s largest fishing events and the TCI team will compete against 63 of the best fishing teams in the world. This weekend’s qualifier will kick start on Thursday (July 3) at Salt, Blue Haven Marina. Fishing commences the following morning, Friday (July 4), with lines in from 9am to 4.30pm. Teams will earn points for each billfish released - blue marlin,
sailfish, white marlin - and the boat with the most points at the end of the three days wins. Weigh-ins for largest tuna, wahoo and dolphin (mahi mahi) will take place at the marina at the end of each fishing day and prizes will be awarded for the largest of each. Fishing continues on Saturday (July 5) and Monday (July 7) with a mandatory day off on Sunday (July 6). On Sunday attendees can enjoy a signature brunch at Blue Haven Resort’s Fire and Ice from 10.30am to 2pm, followed by a relaxing day poolside at the resort or a trip down to Long Bay beach to check out the
Wind Vibes watersports competition. Every evening will also feature events for tournament participants and the community from 7.30pm onwards. Prizes will also go to the winning team, top captain, angler, and mate and lady angler. Organisers said that their charity raffle is even bigger and better than last year with more than $12,000 in prizes up for grabs. Prizes range in value from $100 to $2,500 including five star hotel stays, deep sea fishing trips, Miami sports tickets, and much more. Tickets will be on sale starting Friday (June 27) with winners being announced at the awards ceremony
and after party starting at 7pm on Monday (July 7) at Salt. Tickets will also be available at all tournament events and proceeds will benefit The Billfish Foundation and The Edward C Gartland Youth Centre. Those interested in following the excitement each day can tune into
VHF channel 19 which will operate as the official tournament channel where all hook-ups, releases, and friendly competitive banter will be relayed. Full tournament details, schedule and registration, raffle prizes, where to buy them and much more can be found at www.caicosclassic.tc.
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
The beauty of a smile By Phillippa M
The song said “smile a while and give you face a rest” But when your face is rested and your heart distressed Is that really the best option? Prizes will also go to the winning team, top captain, angler, and mate and lady angler
No one knows what lies behind that beautiful smile A girl who has been broken A girl that has been deceived Betrayed in so many ways. A slave to her own thoughts of what could happen if she would be herself Afraid of the very thought of that five letter word TRUST She looks at herself in disgust Wondering what’s wrong with her. Afraid to love She wonders if there is someone up above Watching her struggle Her life craving is to be snuggled in a blanket A blanket of love And comfort where she can rest her mind She questions her beauty Internally and externally She wants to forgive But she lives to hear the “I’m sorry” of a dishonest man An “I’m sorry” from disloyal friends She is trying to mend herself one stitch at time But when you look at her you see a beautiful smile The beauty of smile It hides you for a while The expression of your mind heals you in time.
Teams will earn points for each billfish released
Lifestyle... 18
July 5 - 11, 2014
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
GARDENING
How does your garden grow
Irrigation system smells bad LET’S talk dirty, I mean real dirty. I’m talking about the complex, bacterial interactions that take place deep within the bowels of your septic tank. Are you looking to make your own septic tank treatment? Septic tanks are most commonly made with concrete but they are also sometimes made with fiberglass. They are intended to hold a large amount of waste, so your toxic or unsanitary discards such as cleaners and bleaches, are handled with no problem by your septic system. As long as you care for and maintain the system properly on a regular schedule and you seek professional help if you can’t fix something on your own, you should have no problems with your septic
tank. What usually does cause the problems with your system is low microbial activity, meaning not enough (good) bacteria functioning in the tank. The bacteria acts as an agitator that breaks down waste materials that forms in the tank. This allows the system to operate most efficiently. So the key is to keep up good microbial activity in the tank and, to that end, there are many treatments available to help you do that. The only issue you’ll need to stay aware of in using a treatment for your system is that as these solutions work to establish biological activity, they also often kill the good microbial activity as well, since they are harsh chemicals.
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.
Chickpea patties These are brilliant for kids that like eating with their hands (read ALL kids) plus they are a great alternate source of protein for veggie families and can be put in a pita bread with some tzatziki for the adults!
METHOD - In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, green onion, garlic, rosemary, sea salt, lemon zest, lemon juice and egg. Pulse a few times to chop the green onions and garlic. - Add the flour and breadcrumbs and mix well.
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.
Regularly giving your system the proper care and maintenance it needs will ensure that the tank performs optimally. Scheduled treatments will help to
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.
Weekly Recipe
INGREDIENTS • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed • ½ cup green onions, minced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • ¼ tsp minced rosemary leaves • ¾ tsp sea salt • 1 egg, lightly beaten • Zest of 1 lemon • Juice of ½ lemon • ½ cup all-purpose flour • ¼ cup breadcrumbs • Canola oil for frying
This, of course, can cause harm to your system. Another major issue is the expensive of purchasing treatments for the tank. So, how do you get around these problems? Well, one sure-fire way of preventing harsh chemicals from ruining the bacterial activity in your septic tank is to make your own treatment that is comprised of allnatural ingredients. The great thing about an allnatural solution is that you can use it as a very effective treatment for your tank as well as a great cleaner for your overall system.
BY DENIS Belanger - NATURE SPLENDOR
- Using damp hands shape the wet mixture into 14 small round patties (about two to three inches in diameter) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. - Chill in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes to help them firm up for frying. - Heat three tablespoons of oil in a skillet until hot and cook the patties (you may need to do this in batches) over medium heat until golden brown, about four minutes per side. - Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove the excess oil and serve warm.
eliminate odour, allow your system to break down solids properly and restore good bacterial activity, which in turn will clean out your drain and help you avoid any backups in the system. Step 1: Boil water. Put a halfgallon of water in a pot to boil. Add in about two and a half cups of sugar then stir until the sugar is dissolved. Let the mixture cool down. Step 2: Add cornmeal. Once the water is at room temperature, add two and a half cups of cornmeal and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Step 3: Add dry yeast. Add four packages of the dry yeast to the mixture and stir to mix all of the ingredients together well. Step 4: Pour the solution in the toilet. Pour the mixture into the toilet and flush. As the toilet tank gets almost full, flush it again. Let the toilet sit for approximately six to eight hours without flushing.
ASK TAMIKA
BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD
Dietician vs nutritionist IN THIS age of the world being at our fingertips and any information we can think of is just a click away, it is important to ensure we are getting correct and credible information. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all professionals, to ensure the public is educated on their scope of practice. There has been much confusion about who is a dietician; is she the same as a nutritionist or a holistic nutritionist (nutritionist treating the whole man - mind, body and soul) or a wellness coach (someone who helps others achieve wellness goals)? Many people may use various titles based on the type of training received or what they do on a daily basis. Whatever the case, I feel it just perpetuates the confusion that already exists about the profession. So, I will attempt to give some clarification to the terms ‘nutritionist’ and ‘dietician’. Who is a registered dietician? A dietician would usually be call a registered dietician indicating that she has completed an internship and
has been successful at a national exam. She is now eligible to be registered by an accrediting board. A registered dietician is a nutrition professional that functions as part of a medical team. Registered dieticians are your most credible, objective source of nutrition information. In addition, they are trained in the use of nutrition to prevent and control disease. Anyone that is providing nutritional advice to other people should have the initials RD after their name. A RD is the only person qualified to work in a hospital and other institutions such as a retirement facilities. These credentials indicate that the health practitioner has completed an accredited four-year educational programme, 1,200 hours of supervised practice, and passed a national exam.
Who is a nutritionist? A nutritionist may be someone who has studied nutrition and has a degree to show for it but have not completed the internship and passed an exam so that they cannot be registered. In this case, they usually work in the community in the areas of education and prevention. On the other hand though, a nutritionist may also be anyone who has done some reading in the area of nutrition or may have been interested in the topic for their own benefit, and now think it’s time to share their knowledge with the world. In other words, people carrying the title of a nutritionist may have absolutely no training in the area and are no more qualified to give you advice than the man on the street. As you would agree, your health is a bit too important to leave it up to chance. So, be sure the person giving you advice is professionally trained to do so.
Nutrition in Demand. A non-profit organisation helping you to 'Eat healthy today...live longer, better tomorrow'. Call 242-3978 or 442-3978.
July 5 - 11, 2014
Lifestyle... FASHION AND BEAUTY
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
ECO Tip 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.
Which comes first, concealer or foundation? WAS it the chicken or the egg that came first? Is it white stripes on black or black stripes on white? Which should you apply first, concealer or foundation? These are all age old questions that have been debated around the block for years. Among makeup artists, there are definitely contrasting views on which order foundation and concealer should follow. Lately I have found myself discussing with ladies more and more about this same subject. I discovered that most had absolutely no clue what to do with concealer, let alone foundation. Guess what? That’s okay. I didn’t know any of this way back when either! However, I can now tell you that the two have potential to be one of the best investments you can make as far as your beauty routine. Especially concealer. Sometimes I can skip foundation all together depending on how and where I apply it. Now, for those who don’t consider their makeup application skills as advanced, it’s best to follow some of the basic rules. I say this to save you from a makeup horror story. For full-face makeup, foundation comes first. Of course I turned to one of my favourite pro makeup artists, Tianna Williams to weigh in on this one. “Foundation is just want the name says, it is foundation. It’s what you build your makeup on. “You use concealer to hide imperfections, highlight or contour but you use it very scarcely because its consistency is much more dense then foundation.” Let’s say for example you wish to cover blemishes and pimples. You would apply foundation to cover them first, then go over the troubled spots with concealer. If you do this the other way around, that concealer will more than likely rub away once you apply your foundation Can concealer come first? Yes but this is where we’d be going against the grain a bit. I recommend a little practice to ensure that you perfect this approach. This method of application is more for those that prefer little to no makeup. When I go for a more naked face I lightly apply cream concealer with my fingertips over areas that need it. If you feel your face calls for foundation afterwards, only use a dab to go over all areas you skipped and blend, blend, blend! Your final step would be to set your makeup but remember not to skip out on moisturiser and primer before you apply anything!
Lynn Robinson has lived in the Turks and Caicos Islands for 12 years and works at Big Blue Unlimited as a diving instructor, eco guide and boat captain. She is passionate about the environment and does regular beach clean ups while walking her three potcakes. Her other passion is running and can often be seen training for marathons and ultra-marathons.
By Lynn Robinson
Making your own reusable shopping bag HOW many plastic bags have you used today? Take a good hard look the next time you are at the grocery store and imagine where all those bags will end up - on the beautiful beaches, polluting the oceans, killing marine life, killing birds, caught up in the vegetation. It’s time to change the way we live and start treating this planet with the respect it deserves. Mother Nature is starting to fight back. With more and more cities and countries around the world banning the plastic bag there will soon come a day when your only option is to take your own bags to the store. So why not get into good habits now and learn how to make your own reusable shopping bags from old t-shirts. They are extremely easy to make, with no sewing required and when
dirty you can pop them into the wash with the rest of the laundry. It is also a great project for the kids both at home and at school. - Take a t-shirt and cut away the arms and neck - Cut a fringe along the bottom edge of the t-shirt - Tie the front fringe to the back fringe and voila, your own unique and reusable bag using only scissors and your hands. With everyone’s help, one day the Turks and Caicos Islands could be free of the single use plastic bag (and hopefully other single use items such as bottles, plates, cutlery and straws). Please remember to take your reusable bag to the grocery store and encourage others to do the same. Turks and Caicos Islands, beautiful by nature, clean and green by choice - only with your help.
POLICE SAFETY TIPS
The key to defensive driving DRIVING is risky business. As a defensive driver, you can avoid crashes and help lower your risk behind the wheel. If you’ve been out on the roads, you know that not everyone drives well. Some people speed aggressively. Others wander into another lane because they aren’t paying attention. Drivers may follow too closely, make sudden turns without signalling, or weave in and out of traffic. Aggressive drivers are known road hazards, causing one third of all traffic crashes. But inattentive driving is becoming more of a problem as people ‘multitask’ by talking on the phone, texting or checking messages, eating, or even watching TV as they drive. You can’t control the actions of other drivers. But updating your defensive driving skills can help you avoid the dangers caused by other people’s bad driving. Before you get behind the wheel of that two-tonne frame of glass and steel, here are some tips to help you stay in control. Stay focused. Driving is primarily a thinking task, and you have a lot
By Audley Astwood Audley is a former police detective and broadcaster. He is currently the public relations officer for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. and has dedicated his time at work and much of his free time focusing on crime prevention and community policing. For more information call 941-4448 or visit www.tcipolice.tc.
of things to think about when you’re behind the wheel: road conditions, your speed and position, observing traffic laws, signs and signals, following directions, being aware of the cars around you, checking your mirrors the list goes on. Staying focused on driving, and only driving, is key. Distractions, like talking on the phone or eating, make a driver less able to see potential problems and properly react to them. It’s not just teen drivers who are at fault. People who have been driving for a while can get overconfident in their driving abilities and let their driving skills get sloppy. All drivers need to remind themselves to stay focused. Stay alert. Being alert (not sleepy or under the influence) allows you to react quickly to potential problems like when the driver in the car ahead slams on the brakes at the last minute. Obviously, alcohol or drugs
(including prescription and over-the-counter drugs) affect a driver’s reaction time and judgment. Driving while drowsy has the same effect. So rest up before your drive. Watch out for the other guy. Part of staying in control is being aware of other drivers and roadway users around you (and what they may suddenly do) so you’re less likely to be caught off guard. For example, if a car speeds past you on the highway but there’s not much space between the car and a slow-moving truck in the same lane, it’s a pretty sure bet the driver will try to pull into your lane directly in front of you. Anticipating what another driver might do and making the appropriate adjustment helps reduce your risk. Next week, I’ll give you eight secrets of super driving!
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Regional News
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
July 5 - 11, 2014
Almost 25,000 Jamaicans attend church- ‘Increase in gang membership’ seen across CARICOM region led rally against homosexual agenda THOUSANDS of people gathered on Sunday afternoon at a mass rally organised by church groups under the umbrella of the newly formed civil society group – Jamaica CAUSE. The estimated crowd of 25,000 packed Half Way Tree square for close to four hours to take a stance against what has been described as the push by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community to victimise those who speak out against its agenda. Jamaica Cause was established following the removal of Professor Brendan Bain as Director of the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Regional Training (CHART) Network. This came in the wake of his appearance on behalf of a church group in a high profile case involving a gay man in Belize. Organisers of the rally have described Sunday’s event as a
THERE has been an increase in the number of illegal firearms and gang membership in the CARICOM region executive director of CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) Francis Forbes has said. Describing it as “more than a cause for concern” while addressing the regional workshop on the Arms Trade Treaty at the Trinidad Hilton hotel last week Forbes said: “Only last year there were 2,143 homicides committed in 11 CARICOM states, approximately 70 per cent of which were committed by small arms and light weapons (SALW) but that is not all. Let us also place into the equation the 1,885 illegal guns
The general public advocated a position in favour of the retention of the buggery law and to push back the LGBTI agenda.
historic and defining moment. “The cause was to educate persons and generally advocate a position in favour of the retention of the buggery law and as a push back against the LGBTI agenda, we really want to reorganise society to say that all sexual expression is free and to punish those who say otherwise. I think that Jamaica and Jamaicans are generally going to have to take note of what happened in Half Way Tree,” said Helene Coley Nicholson of the Jamaica CAUSE Secretariat. “Our emancipation means standing up for strong families,
our emancipation means standing against the homosexuality agenda, emancipation for us means standing up against the repealing of the buggery law,” said Alvin Bailey, Chairman of the rally. Children’s advocate, BettyAnn Blaine appealed to the crowd to encourage children to return to Sunday School. “Jamaica’s children belong to Jesus”. “These folks are not interested in people like me … it’s the children they are after. The battle is about your child. Let us declare again that Jamaica belongs to Jesus,” she said.
Myrie was awarded damages in the sum of US$38,000 by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
Caribbean Development Bank President Dr. Warren Smith said the money would be needed to modernise and enhance “the efficiency of the power, transportation, telecommunications and water and wastewater sectors.”
Myrie paid by Barbados Government AFTER a frustrating eightmonth wait, Shanique Myrie has finally been paid by the Barbadian Government. However, the money is short of B$1,000, Myrie told the Jamaica Observer. Myrie was awarded damages in the sum of US$38,000 by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) after she filed a lawsuit claiming she was subjected to a dehumanising cavity search by a female immigration officer at Grantley Adams International Airport, locked in a filthy room overnigwht and deported to Jamaica in March 2011. “My lawyer called me this morning (Monday) and told me the money was in the account. It was a long wait but finally it is over,” Myrie told the Jamaica Observer. (JO)
seized during the same period and reality sets in. The fact that between 2006 and 2013, law enforcement recovered 16,162 illegal firearms in these same countries is more than a cause for concern. Gang membership is now estimated to be not less than 35,000 and growing across CARICOM States…” He said less than half of the 14 CARICOM states have ratified the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), although all 14 are signatories to the international agreement. CARICOM, he said, has resolved to “push back” as best it can within the confines of limited resources. (Trinidad Express)
Caribbean needs $30 billion to modernise infrastructure in next decade Among the proposals is that users of small quantities of the drug will no longer have a criminal record, and smoking of the weed would be lawful under certain conditions. (Credit: Caribbean360/Bigstock)
Jamaica tables legislation to deal with certain marijuana offences THE Jamaica government has tabled legislation allowing for the automatic expungement of convictions for certain minor marijuana related offences. Justice Minister Mark Golding has tabled in the Bill which also makes provision that convictions on minor offences relating to the possession of or smoking ganja shall not be entered on the criminal record of the offender. The Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act,
as the Bill is titled, provides that qualified offenders are to be regarded as “rehabilitated” at the end of five years without reoffending, and the convictions considered to be spent. Where the conviction is spent, the offender cannot for most purposes be required to disclose the spent conviction and cannot be prejudiced by it. Plans are in the making for the decriminalisation of possession of small amounts of marijuana.
The Caribbean region needs some $30 billion USD to modernise its infrastructure over the next decade, according to Caribbean Development Bank President Dr. Warren Smith. The CDB’s top official, who was speaking at the recent UKCaribbean Business Conference in London, said the money would be needed to modernise and enhance “the efficiency of the power, transportation, telecommunications and water and wastewater sectors.” “In the energy sector alone, massive investment will be needed to replace obsolete and inefficient generating plant over the next five years and to transform the electricity infrastructure so that the region’s vast renewable energy potential can be exploited,” Smith said. The Caribbean Development Bank is “actively promoting” a new green
economy paradigm for sustainable growth, he said, noting that energy efficiency and green energy sources would create “opportunities for the growth of new non-traditional businesses, lower electricity costs and boost foreign exchange reserves by reducing energy imports.” “Most of our countries are highly dependent on imported fossil fuels for power generation,” he said. “This vulnerability to volatile oil prices has contributed hugely to the competitiveness challenges of Caribbean industries. It has also been a principal cause of unsustainable balances of payments and sovereign indebtedness problems.” Smith said the CDB had, in recent years, financed photovoltaic systems in remote areas of the CAribbean, among other green projects. (Caribjournal)
July 5 - 11, 2014
Regional News
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Jamaica dollar devaluation not over yet, IMF boss asserts
Leslie Manigat helped lead political efforts to restore democracy to Haiti in the 1980s at the end of nearly three decades of dictatorship by Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier and his son Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier.
Former Haitian president Manigat dead at 83 FORMER Haitian president Leslie Francois Manigat, who was ousted in a 1988 military coup after serving only a few months, died on Friday after a long battle with cancer. He was 83. Manigat helped lead political efforts to restore democracy to Haiti in the 1980s at the end of nearly three decades of dictatorship by Francois “Papa Doc” Duvalier and his son Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier. Manigat, an academic turned politician recognized for his intellect and personal integrity, led the center-left Assembly of Progressive National Democrats party (RNDP), which he founded in the late 1970s. He was a candidate in the elections in November 1987, which were aborted after security forces opened
fire on voters. After a new round of elections, he served as president from February to June in 1988 before being ousted in a military coup led by General Henri Namphy. Manigat ran for president again in 2006 but was a distant runner-up to Rene Preval. Manigat demanded a run-off despite winning less than 13 percent of the vote, compared to 50 percent for Preval. His wife, Mirlande Manigat, was the RNDP candidate in Haiti’s last election in 2010-11, losing to Michel Martelly in a run-off after she won the most amount of votes in the first round. Martelly issued a statement expressing his condolences and sympathy to the Manigat family after hearing the “sad news.” (Reuters)
Chikungunya cases in St Lucia spiral out of control ST. LUCIA health authorities have reported that the mosquito-borne disease, Chikungunya, has now spiraled out of control, affecting persons in all 17 constituencies on the 238-square-mile island. Surveillance Officer within the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Michelle Francois, has confirmed that almost all communities in St Lucia have been affected. Though not stating the specific number of individuals confirmed to have the virus in St. Lucia, Francois said there are more cases on the ground than those that have reached hospitals and community health centres. She disclosed that the Caribbean Public Health Agency has mandated the ministry to test only persons presenting chikungunya symptoms who have been hospitalised, are pregnant and/or are very sick. “Although we are not testing everyone …the confirmed numbers
that we are seeing will always be less than what is on the ground,” she said. Francois said the ministry anticipated the spike in the spread of chikungunya simply because the local population does not have immunity to the virus. “So [based on] the mere fact that the public did not have immunity, we did expect the numbers to rise as more and more people get exposed to the virus and with our high indices of mosquitoes,” she said. Unlike Dengue, Chikungunya can be contracted by an individual only once, since it gives lifelong immunity. Francois said the ministry has been trying to keep the spread under control through various measures, including public awareness programmes. The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) reported that as of June 20 there are 183,761 suspected cases of chikungunya in the Caribbean. (CMC)
THE Head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde has given the clearest indication that there will be a further devaluation of the Jamaican dollar. “There is still a little way to go, not much,” said Lagarde at a luncheon in New Kingston last week. But she warned that keeping inflation under control is critical to reducing net devaluation. “Governor, when you are at the mercy of having to get rid of your reserves in order to defend currency, I am sure it must have occurred to you that Jamaica was bleeding and that it was not good for the country to actually spend so much of its reserves to defend a currency which was clearly not valued at the right
IMF head Christine Lagarde has given the clearest indication that there will be a further devaluation of the Jamaican dollar.
level,” she said. Her reference to governor was to Brian Wynter, head of the central bank. The Jamaican dollar has fallen from J$99.33 to US$1 on May 1, 2013, when the IMF agreement was inked, to J$112.03 to US$1 at the end of trading on Thursday last. Lagarde who is in Jamaica on a two-day visit says the slide had to happen because local currency was overvalued. But Lagarde said domestic production is beginning to replace imports for some agricultural goods, production is going up and foreign direct investment is increasing. “The competitiveness of Jamaica is on its way back,” Lagarde asserted. (CMC)
Bahamas’ PM says cutting off schools for unpaid bills was ‘Unchristian’ PRIME Minister Perry Christie expressed his strong discontent on Monday with the Grand Bahama Power Company for disconnecting electricity last week at all the public schools in Grand Bahama, calling the action “unchristian and uncharitable.” He also criticised the timing of the disconnection, noting that Report Day is one of the most important times in the school year for students, and said the lack of power had caused a major disturbance. Last Wednesday, power company officials turned off the electricity supply to some 18 schools, which did not have access to power for three days, after the government had failed to pay its bills. “I am always exceedingly disappointed when a major corporate citizen of the country demonstrates unchristian and uncharitable actions – meaning that the least offensive of all the government agencies and the most important would be the schools where there are children, and to no fault of their own something happens,” Mr Christie said. “In this instance, GBPC said they weren’t paid. What do they cut off? They cut off electricity for school children in the last moments of the school year when report cards are being issued and there was major disruption.” Mr Christie said he has spoken with the principals of the company. “It does not make sense to me based on the discussions I had with the chairman and the lady who is the CEO here – it makes no sense to me,” he said.
The Bahamian PM said he was “always exceedingly disappointed when a major corporate citizen of the country demonstrates unchristian and uncharitable actions”.
“It is inconsistent with the kind of relationship we ought to have between ourselves, and it motivates the government to look at the big picture in our country as how to go about ensuring that our country avoid this kind of instance.” Power was reconnected at the schools late on Friday. Grand Bahama Minister Dr Michael Darville said the government made a payment of over $1 million to the company the same day. Dr Darville also expressed disappointment with the Power Company and felt that actions taken were a bit drastic and unnecessary.
He also said that while there is sometimes a delay in payment, the government always pays its bill. The Power Company also came under fire by two local civic organisations over the issue. Pastor Eddie Victor of the Coalition for Concerned Citizens said the company’s action was not only “disrespectful” to the government, but to the entire community of Grand Bahama. Rev Glenroy Bethel, of Families For Justice, called it an insult to the government and the people of Grand Bahama. Both said the power supply should not have been turned off. (Tibune242)
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2014 BET Awards upstages MTV awards with 7.9 million viewers PERHAPS it was the faux promise of a Beyonce and Jay Z appearance? Or maybe it was the highly-anticipated just-got-out-of-prison Chris Brown performance? Whatever it was, a whopping 7.9 million viewers tuned in for Sunday’s BET Awards, according to The Wrap. That’s the second-highest figure since 2009 — the year BET commemorated the King of Pop. The BET Awards outdid its competitor, the MTV Awards, which reeled in a measly 3.2 million. Whomp whomp. This year’s viewership is up from 7.8 million, when Chris Tucker hosted the night in 2013. This year, another Chris rocked the BET Awards stage — and Rock just couldn’t help but call Paris Hilton a “Kardashian” and Rick Ross a “Black Santa Claus.” The starstudded show — and Rock’s oneliners — elicited 11 million tweets by 1.1 million authors. The social media chatter overshadowed the Billboard Music Awards, Golden Globes, People’s Choice Awards, NBA Finals, and the World Cup USA vs. Portugal game. The tweets were talkin’! With a surprise performance from Missy Elliott, an electrifying Loyal spectacle from Chris Brown, and Nicki Minaj’s Iggy Azalea diss, it’s a surprise that Twitter did not explode. “The live premiere of the BET Awards ’14 on Sunday…” TheFutonCritic said, “is cable’s #1 award show this season.” As for the second-annual BET Experience (the network’s threeday L.A.music festival), there were some impressive numbers there, too. The shindig, sponsored by 15
Beyonce earned an estimated $115m (£67.4m) in the last year.
Beyonce tops Forbes celebrity power list
Lionel Richie received this year’s Lifetime Achievement award.
brands (including Candy Crush Saga and Coca Cola), attracted more than 112,000 fans — up 10 percent from last year’s attendance. The BET Experience included free events such as the Spritesponsored celebrity basketball game with Justin Bieber, Snoop Dogg, and Chris Brown. And of course, the 106
& Park BET Awards special with Keisha Chante and Bow Wow. If you wanted to rub elbows with some real celebrities, a ticket into the BET Awards would cost you $1,095 to $4,395, according to LA Times. Whew! Maybe Chris Rock was right — the BET Awards truly is the “Black World Cup.”
BEYONCE has topped the Forbes celebrity power list for the first time since her debut on the list in 2004. The singer, who has earned an estimated $115m (£67.4m) in the last year, was joined by her husband Jay-Z at number 6, who made $60m (£35.1m). The pair are currently on a joint tour of the US. Last year, they were named the highest-earning celebrity couple by Forbes. In 2013, they jointly earned an estimated $95m (£59m). Forbes’ Celebrity 100 also takes into account fame, which the magazine measures by counting the number of mentions in print, TV and radio. It also uses a score system that measures social media power across 12 platforms, including Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Basketball player LeBron James is ranked second place on this year’s list, while hip hop star Dr Dre occupies third spot with the highest takings in this year’s Top 10 - $620m (£363m). Dr Dre and music producer
Jimmy Iovine founded Beats Electronics, the headphone maker and music-streaming service provider, in 2008. In April, Apple confirmed it would buy the company in a deal worth a total of $3 billion (£1.8bn). It is thought to be Apple’s largest acquisition to date. Oprah Winfrey, who topped the list last year, is in fourth place, while comedienne and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres rounds out the top five. Forbes magazine has been issuing its celebrity top 100 list annually for the last 15 years. This year, 13 of the Top 25 are musicians, among them Rihanna at eight, Katy Perry at nine and Miley Cyrus at 17. Newcomers on the list include singer Bruno Mars at 13, Bradley Cooper at 48, Matthew McConaughey at 52 and Bryan Cranston at 88. Madonna, David Beckham, Tom Cruise and Adam Sandler are among the stars who have dropped off this year’s countdown. (BBC)
Bruno Mars meets girl his music helped heal SCORE another win for the power of music -- and Bruno Mars gets the assist. Medical personnel at a hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, are crediting the “Just the way you are” singer with helping the recovery of 11-year-old Zumyah Thorpe. According to reports from CNN affiliate WKYC, Thorpe was severely injured in a March 2013 car accident that killed her pregnant mother and two sisters. Thorpe suffered horrific brain swelling that required the removal of part of her skull. While she recovered, nurses
played songs by Mars every day. “I asked her who her favorite singer was and she said ‘Bruno Mars’ as quick as anyone would say any singer,” Nancy Bass, a pediatric neurologist at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, told the station. “And she just started singing every single word. It definitely brought a tear to my eye.” “I am absolutely convinced that singing those Bruno Mars songs and being able to say ‘Bruno Mars’ is in itself a miracle, and knowing all the words to the songs has helped her recover,” Bass said.
Mars himself was touched by the girl’s recovery and his role. When he played Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena Saturday night, he invited Thorpe to visit him and gave her a number of gifts, including his hat, a guitar and a tour jacket. Mars also called attention to Thorpe’s story on his social media accounts. “Zumyah tonight you gave my band and I something we’ve never felt before. you’re an inspiration to the world! #WeLoveYouZumyah,” he posted. Thorpe repaid the compliment.
Bruno Mars’s song “Just the way you are” gave the 11-year-old hope.
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Diaz says she was never cut out to be a mum – Talks about nude scene in new film CAMERON Diaz took it all off for the very first time on camera. The 41-year-old actress stunned in a series of shots for the August issue of Esquire
magazine and opened up about stripping down completely nude for new film “Sex Tape” and her life decision to not have children. “It’s a first for me. But
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Jason (Segel, her co-star) gets naked, too. It’s just a part of the role. So I did it. I mean you see everything,” she revealed of the movie due out July 18. Despite having to sacrifice showing some skin in the name of the job, Diaz described acting to Esquire as “weird” but “great.” “It’s a weird job, right?” the star said. “I found myself (for ‘Sex Tape’) in a room in the middle of nowhere Massachusetts at 11 at night doing a childbirth scene, and everybody’s screaming at one another — Jason, the cameramen, the director. And me acting like I’m trying to push a basketball out of my vajoon. Crazy s-t, right? And the thing is, I always take a moment to say, ‘We’re lucky. This is a great job. A fun job.’” Even though Diaz played the part of a woman in labour on screen for her latest flick, the blond beauty talked about
The Pythons have said this run of shows is their last.
Cameron Diaz says: “I like protecting people, but I was never drawn to being a mother”.
her decision not to become a mom in real life. “It’s so much more work to have children. To have lives besides your own that you are responsible for — I didn’t take that on. That did make things easier for me,” she admitted. “A baby — that’s all day, every day for 18 years. Not having a baby might really make things easier, but that doesn’t make it an easy decision.” “I like protecting people, but I was never drawn to being a mother,” the starlet continued. “I have it much easier than any of them. That’s just what it is.” Doesn’t mean life isn’t sometimes hard. I’m just what I am. I work on what I am. Right now, I think, things are good for me. I’ve done a lot. And I don’t care anymore.”
Monty Python return to the stage
THE remaining members of comedy act Monty Python have performed a mixture of their greatest hits at the first of their comeback shows. John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam took to the stage at the O2 Arena in London on Tuesday night. They performed classic sketches including the Four Yorkshiremen and the Lumberjack Song. The show ended with a singalong of Always Look On the Bright Side of Life. The Pythons are reuniting for 10 performances at the venue, which holds up to 20,000 people. They have said their show on 20 July will be their last ever. Other famous sketches in the reunion show that received rapturous approval from the audience included the fish-slapping
sketch. Some of the biggest cheers of the night came when archive footage of Python Graham Chapman, who died in 1989, was played. Chapman died of cancer aged 48. The reunion also featured a cameo appearance from Stephen Fry, who took part in a sketch about a game show host blackmailing misbehaving celebrities. Professor Brian Cox and Stephen Hawking featured elsewhere in the performance. Daniel Sanderson, from Hammersmith in London, said: “They looked like they enjoyed it as well, which was great, so maybe they’ll do more shows.” Sally Baxter, from Swindon, said: “I saw them on TV when they started out so this was a little bit of my youth up on stage.”
Levine: I took ‘Begin Again’ role for ‘no money’ ADAM Levine will act for free. The Maroon 5 rocker revealed he took the role in upcoming romantic comedy “Begin Again,” opposite Keira Knightley, for no money at all. “I did this movie for no money. I’m very lucky that I’m in that position,” Levine told USA Today in an interview. With a successful music career and a steady pay check from his run as vocal coach on “The Voice,” There’s no question where his next meal will come from, and Levine is taking full advantage of it. “I want to have good experiences. I don’t want to do a bunch of (expletive) that I hate. I want to treat (acting) completely differently because I have the very fortunate luxury of not having to think
Adam Levine (R) with Keira Knightley in ‘Begin Again.’
of this in terms of money.” “I’m so happy that I get to have this life,” he added. “It’s funny because no one knows how good my life is as well as I do.” Even his “Begin Again” co-star Knightley, 29, told the
newspaper that she’d like a bit of his confidence. “He gets to choose to do whatever he wants to do, which is a lovely position to be in,” Knightley said. “He is that confident. Can they bottle it?”
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Science & Technology
Antibiotic resistance: Caribbean coral reefs ‘could vanish in 20 years’ UK’s PM warns of medical ‘dark ages’ THE world could soon be “cast back into the dark ages of medicine” unless action is taken to tackle the growing threat of resistance to antibiotics, Prime Minister David Cameron has said. He has announced a review into why so few anti-microbial drugs have been introduced in recent years. Economist Jim O’Neill will lead a panel including experts from science, finance, industry, and global health. It will set out plans for encouraging the development of new antibiotics. The prime minister said: “If we fail to act, we are looking at an almost unthinkable scenario where antibiotics no longer work and we are cast back into the dark ages of medicine where treatable infections and injuries will kill once again.” Mr Cameron said he discussed the issue at a G7 leaders meeting in Brussels earlier this month and got specific support from US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela
Merkel. It is hoped that the review panel’s proposals will be discussed at next year’s G7 summit, which will be hosted by Germany. “Penicillin was a great British invention by Alexander Fleming back in 1928,” Mr Cameron told the BBC. “It’s good that Britain is taking the lead on this issue to solve what could otherwise be a really serious global health problem.” He said the panel would analyse three key issues: the increase in drug-resistant strains of bacteria, the “market failure” which has seen no new classes of antibiotics for more than 25 years, and the over-use of antibiotics globally. It is estimated that drugresistant strains of bacteria are responsible for 5,000 deaths a year in the UK and 25,000 deaths a year in Europe. Chief Medical Officer for England Prof Dame Sally Davies has been a key figure helping to get the issue on the government and global agenda.
Mini-hearts grown to study disease THOUSANDS of miniature human hearts have been grown for medical research by scientists in Scotland. The tiny balls of heart cells beat together in a dish every two seconds, and the tissue matches that of human heart muscle. The researchers, at Abertay University, are using them to test potential drugs for an untreatable condition. The research is being presented at the World Congress on Biotechnology in Valencia, Spain. The spheres of heart cells were made with stem cells and measure just 1mm (0.04in) across. Beating heart cells have been made before, but the researchers say this is the first time they have been used to investigate disease. Lead researcher Prof Nikolai Zhelev told the BBC: “They are indeed human cells, which physiologically are the same as human hearts, in this case the size does not matter. “We induced diseases in these mini-hearts, which nobody has done yet, in particular heart hypertrophy. “Not only that we’ve tested
MANY of the Caribbean’s coral reefs could vanish in the next 20 years, according to a report published by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Data from more than 35,000 surveys suggests that habitats have declined by more than 50% since the 1970s. The report’s authors believe that over-fishing and disease is mainly to blame. They say the trend could continue if nothing is done, but with protection the reefs could bounce back. Carl Gustaf Lundin, director of IUCN’s Global Marine and Polar Programme, said the findings were alarming. “The reefs support a number of different countries and populations,” he said. “Tourism is one of the biggest industries, and the health of the reef is essential to the well-being of many of the people living there. And of course they are immensely beautiful and wonderful places as well.” The report, which was also authored by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, looked at data collected between 1970 and 2012 from 90 reef habitats and is the most comprehensive assessment of corals in this region. The authors concluded that many reefs in the Caribbean were undergoing a dramatic transformation - changing from colourful realms, bursting with life, to barren habitats, covered in slimy algae. They said the damage had been
Data from more than 35,000 surveys suggests that habitats have declined by more than 50% since the 1970s.
driven by the loss of some of the reefs’ key inhabitants. In the 1980s, a disease, thought to have been brought in from the Panama Canal, wiped out a large number of sea urchins. While fishing on the reefs has also caused parrotfish to plummet. Both of these creatures graze on reefs, and without them, algal species take over. Dr Lundin said: “We saw that reefs with no grazers ended up getting smothered by algae. And after a period of time they see a significant or even complete collapse of the reef area.” H”If we do nothing, I’m afraid the most likely scenario is that we will continue the slippery slope to slime,” he said.
“We’ll lose a tremendous amount of coral cover and we’ll end up with algal reefs with a much lower diversity of species.” However, the report concluded that there was evidence that damaged reefs could be revived if they were protected. Dr Lundin said: “We have been able to document a number of cases where we’ve seen recovery of degraded reefs, so that is very positive - it means we shouldn’t give up hope.” He said that if no action was taken, the outlook for Caribbean corals would be bleak. The Caribbean is not the only area that has seen losses to coral reefs. Around the world, these habitats are doing badly.
Organ transplants: ‘Supercooling’ keeps organs fresh
different drugs which prevented heart hypertrophy from developing in these mini-hearts.” Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an untreatable condition. The heart muscle becomes thicker and stiffer, making it harder to pump blood around the body. In extreme cases it can even lead to the heart stopping suddenly. Prof Zhelev said the hearts would allow researchers to rapidly screen a wide range of chemicals and see which were potential cures.
A NEW technique can preserve organs for days before transplanting them, US researchers claim. “Supercooling” combines chilling the organ and pumping nutrients and oxygen through its blood vessels. Tests on animals, reported in the journal Nature Medicine, showed supercooled livers remained viable for three days, compared with less than 24 hours using current technology. If it works on human organs, it has the potential to transform organ donation. As soon as an organ is removed from the body, the individual cells it is made from begin to die. Cooling helps slow the process as it reduces the metabolic rate of the cells. Meanwhile, surgeons in the UK carried out the first “warm liver” transplant in March 2013 which used an organ kept at body temperature in a machine. The technique being reported first hooks the organ up to a machine
Scientists have tested the technique on rats’ livers.
which perfuses the organ with nutrients. It is then cooled to minus 6C. In experiments on rat livers, the organs could be preserved for three days. One of the researchers, Dr Korkut Uygun, from the Harvard Medical School, told the BBC the technique could lead to donated organs being shared around the world.
“That would lead to better donor matching, which would reducelong term organ rejection and complications, which is one of the major issues in organ transplant,” he said. He also argued that organs which are normally rejected, as they would not survive to the transplant table, might be suitable if they were preserved by supercooling.
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Cameron denies being ‘humiliated’ over EC Juncker vote DAVID Cameron has suffered “utter humiliation” over the nomination of Jean-Claude Juncker as European Commission president, Ed Miliband has claimed. The Labour leader told MPs the PM’s renegotiation strategy for the UK in Europe was now “in tatters”. But the prime minister insisted he would work with Mr Juncker despite his opposition to him. He accused Mr Miliband of being “opportunistic and wrong”. The two leaders clashed during heated Commons exchanges following Mr Cameron’s statement on the European Council gathering last week, at which EU leaders chose Mr Juncker. Mr Cameron forced a vote of EU states on Friday on the selection of the Luxembourg politician - but lost it by 26 to two. Mr Miliband mocked the prime minister for being unable to get other countries to support his stance. “You were outwitted, outmanoeuvred and out-voted,” he said. “Instead of building alliances in Europe, you’ve burned them. You’re a defeated prime minister who can’t deliver for Great Britain.” But Mr Cameron hit back that Mr Miliband’s performance was “worthy of Neil Kinnock”, the former Labour leader who lost two general elections. “The fact is that the leaders of the principal parties in Britain agreed that this person was the wrong one, but as soon things get difficult, the weak give up the chase.” Defending his actions, he said he
Late on Tuesday, Mr Sarkozy was taken before a judge after 15 hours of police questioning.
Former French Sarkozy placed under investigation David Cameron insists that he would work with the European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker despite his opposition to him.
felt it was wrong that the European Parliament effectively dictated the choice of the new president of the commission and it “was important to push the principle and our deep misgivings about this issue right to the end. “I at least wanted to put Britain’s opposition to this decision firmly on the record.” While Mr Juncker’s nomination marked “a bad day for Europe”, he said the UK must now work with him, while also being “the voice” of those seeking change in Europe. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who was not present in the Commons for Mr Cameron’s statement, told Mumsnet any notion of Britain leaving the European Union would be “immensely damaging”.
But the Lib Dem leader added that it was now important to “move on” from the debate over Mr Juncker’s appointment to “secure Britain’s place permanently in the European Union”. UKIP MEP Diane James accused Mr Cameron of “blundering from one desperate act to another”, saying that he, the European Commission and the voters all knew “that the big EU policies that affect the UK are simply not up for grabs.” Earlier on Monday, Joaquin Almunia, vice-president of the European Commission said “it would be very bad news” if the UK left the EU. He also predicted that Mr Cameron would be able to work with the in-coming European Commission president, Jean-Claude Juncker. (BBC)
Japan split as nation mulls end of pacifism JAPANESE Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s timing was impeccable: July 1 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Japan’s SelfDefense Forces (SDF), the de-fanged fighting force that has protected the country since its creation from the ashes of post-World War II Japan. Following the announcement, it is also the day that, some would argue, the name ceased to have any meaning. Abe’s government, mindful of looming regional security threats to Japan and its neighbors, has allowed the “reinterpretation” of the country’s pacifist postwar constitution to reflect what he sees as necessary pivots to meet the 21st century security challenges that the nation faces. Abe’s Cabinet has approved a defense policy that takes a liberal view of the constitution, allowing for Japanese involvement in the defense of its allies. Previously, the SDF
could only act if Japan itself was directly threatened. Abe, speaking at a press conference Tuesday. said that the “basic idea” of the constitution “remains unchanged,” and that any involvement in military action must be taken in a “minimal way.” He said that Japan’s security policy has evolved throughout the postwar period, and that the SDF activities in peacekeeping missions are appreciated around the world. With the reinterpretation, “Japan will contribute even more than in the past.” With regional concerns, such as North Korea’s missile program and China’s increasing belligerence in regional territorial claims occupying the Prime Minister’s mind, he will see a more relaxed interpretation of the document as critical to maintaining Japan’s influence, both within the East Asian sphere but also internationally.
“Our peace is not something given by others,” Abe said. “We ourselves must establish peace. There is no other way.” The move paves the way for Japan to send SDF troops, ships and aircraft to support U.S. military activities in conflict areas and to join internationally sanctioned security activities, putting Japan in line with many of its key allies, including the U.S., which has long supported this. The United States “welcomed” the reinterpretation, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf said. “The U.S.-Japan alliance is one of our most important partnerships, security partnerships, and we value efforts by Japan to strengthen that security cooperation, and also value Japan’s efforts to maintain openness and transparency throughout this decision-making process that’s led up to this new policy.” (CNN)
EX-FRENCH President Nicolas Sarkozy has been placed under formal investigation over alleged influence peddling. He appeared before a judge late on Tuesday, after presenting himself early that morning for police questioning, which lasted 15 hours. This is thought to be the first time a former French head of state has been held in police custody. Mr Sarkozy’s lawyer, Thierry Herzog, was also placed under formal investigation as part of the same case. A magistrate, Gilbert Azibert, also appeared before a judge. When a suspect is placed under formal investigation, he or she is then examined by a judge, who determines whether there is sufficient evidence for the suspect to be charged. The inquiry began when judges examined allegations that Mr Sarkozy received illegal funding for his re-election campaign from the former Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi.
Mr Sarkozy is hoping to challenge again for the presidency in 2017 and the inquiry is seen as a blow to his hopes of returning to office. Investigators are trying to find out whether Mr Sarkozy, 59, who was president from 2007 to 2012, had promised a prestigious role in Monaco to Mr Azibert, in exchange for information about an investigation into alleged illegal campaign funding. They are looking into claims that Mr Sarkozy was warned his phone was being bugged as part of the funding probe. Mr Azibert, one of the most senior judges at the court of appeal, was called in for questioning on Monday as was another judge, Patrick Sassoust. Mr Sarkozy’s predecessor, Jacques Chirac, was given a suspended prison sentence in 2011 for embezzlement and breach of trust while he was mayor of Paris. But he was never questioned in custody. (BBC)
New York City to allow ID cards for illegal immigrants THE New York City Council last week voted to create the nation’s largest municipal identification card program to include illegal immigrants. The plan, approved in a 43-3 vote with two abstentions, will allow some 500,000 illegal immigrants in the city to open bank accounts, sign apartment leases and access other services where a photo ID is required. Supporters of the bill, including Mayor Bill de Blasio, said the ID cards will reduce obstacles for senior citizens, homeless individuals and illegal immigrants. “Every New Yorker deserves an official identification that allows them to prove who they are and access core services, de Blasio said in a statement after the vote.
“The municipal ID is more than just a card – it provides New Yorkers who are currently living in the shadows with dignity and peace of mind,” de Blasio said. The legislation puts New York on a list of other U.S. cities with large immigrant populations – Los Angeles, San Francisco and New Haven, Connecticut – that have instituted municipal ID programmes. The ID programme will be the nation’s largest and is expected to be rolled out in 2015. The card will include the holder’s photo, name, date of birth and address. It will also have an expiration date. Applicants can obtain a card using a foreign birth certificate, driver’s licence or proof of residence such as a utility bill. There will also be an option to include self-designated gender.
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World News
Man ‘bends car door’ of burning vehicle to save driver A US MAN saved a driver from a burning car by bending the door with his bare hands, say police, describing his feat of “superhuman strength”. Bob Renning, 52, pulled up on a freeway in Minnesota to help another vehicle that was filling with smoke. He told the Minneapolis Star Tribune he was not sure how he bent the door open far enough to shatter the window glass. Police officer Zachary Hill was first to the scene and full of praise for Mr Renning’s “extraordinary” heroics. “He did an extraordinary deed, bending a locked car door in half, of a burning car, to extricate a trapped person,” said Hill. Mr Renning, a member of the US National Guard, said he sprinted towards the vehicle as he saw flames and smoke “rolling around” the SUV. His girlfriend called 911.
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The 52-year-old Bob Renning said he has no idea how he managed to bend the door open.
After he realised the vehicle was locked and the windows would not work, Mr Renning gripped the top of the door frame with his fingers, braced his foot against the door and pulled, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. (BBC)
News of the World ex-editor did not know phone hacking is illegal THE editor convicted of turning Rupert Murdoch’s best-selling tabloid into a criminal enterprise is blaming the newspapers’ lawyers for failing to tell him that phone hacking was a crime. Facing a maximum of two years behind bars, Andy Coulson, former editor of News of the World, threw himself on the mercy of the court Tuesday, pleading ignorance. Coulson’s lawyer, Timothy Langdale argued the case does not “justify the maximum penalty.” “There are some features of this sorry affair which must be mentioned because they are capable of having, we submit should have, a mitigating effect on any sentence,” Langdale said in a London court. “Perhaps the most salient factor of the evidence is that no one at the NotW or the newspaper industry at large in (2000 to 2006) realised that interception of voicemail messages was illegal, in the sense of criminal,” Langdale said. The lawyer conceded that phone hacking was prevalent under Coulson’s watch at News of the World. But he brushed off the prosecution’s portrayal of the disgraced editor as the ringleader of a “thoroughly criminal enterprise.” The lawyer described Coulson, 46, as a “thoroughly decent” man, caught up in a “media furor” that’s been fueled by people with political axes to grind. British Prime Minister David Cameron has taken heat for hiring
Former editor of the News of the World editor Andy Coulson is seeking a light sentence after being convicted over the paper’s infamous phone hacking scheme.
Coulson as his communication director in 2007, after the phone hacking scheme had been exposed at the newspaper and employees went to jail. As soon as Coulson was convicted last week, Cameron issued a public apology for ever hiring him. But Langdale countered that Coulson was “trustworthy and straightforward” while working at 10 Downing St. Prosecutor Andrew Edis scoffed at Coulson’s excuse of bewilderment over British phone hacking laws. He said the evidence was clear that Coulson was aware tapping phones was a crime as far back as July 2004, when the newspaper intercepted a
voicemail in which married British Homeland Secretary David Blunkett said he “yearned” for his mistress. When Coulson confronted Blunkett, who is blind, about his lover, he claimed the information came from a source and hid the fact that the politician’s phone was hacked to garner the scoop. “He knew at least from that date that it was a criminal offense,” Edis said in court. Coulson is set to be sentenced Friday along with former News of the World staff members Greg Miskiw, 64, Neville Thurlbeck, 52, James Weatherup and the paper’s chief phone hacker, Glenn Mulcaire.
Second woman found stuffed in suitcase identified In April, the bank said it had set aside $1.1bn to cover the cost of US penalties.
BNP Paribas to pay $9bn to settle sanctions violations FRANCE’S largest bank, BNP Paribas, has agreed to a record $9bn (£5.1bn) settlement with US prosecutors over allegations of sanctions violations. As part of the deal, the bank will plead guilty to two criminal charges of breaking US sanctions against trade with Sudan, Iran and Cuba. It will also be prevented from clearing certain transactions in US dollars for one year from the start of 2015. The settlement is the largest for such a case in US history. “Between 2004 and 2012, BNP engaged in a complex and pervasive scheme to illegally move billions through the US financial system,” said US Attorney General Eric Holder in a press conference. In doing so, the bank “deliberately
and repeatedly violated longstanding US sanctions”, he said. France’s largest bank, BNP Paribas, has agreed to a record $9bn (£5.1bn) settlement with US prosecutors over allegations of sanctions violations. As part of the deal, the bank will plead guilty to two criminal charges of breaking US sanctions against trade with Sudan, Iran and Cuba. It will also be prevented from clearing certain transactions in US dollars for one year from the start of 2015. The settlement is the largest for such a case in US history. “Between 2004 and 2012, BNP engaged in a complex and pervasive scheme to illegally move billions through the US financial system,” said US Attorney General Eric Holder in a press conference.
AUTHORITIES identified the second of two women whose bodies were found in suitcases abandoned on a country road in Wisconsin. Friends and family were devastated to learn that Jenny Gamez, of Cottage Grove, Ore., who disappeared in late 2012 or early 2013 at 19, was positively identified as one of the dead women — but many suspected it was her from the moment they saw the official sketch. “I have like, no doubt it was her. The black and white picture they have — you can see her crooked bottom teeth, big front top teeth, her little eyes and high cheekbones,” her friend Sonya Sobel told local station WITI. They were just waiting for official confirmation through dental records. Gamez would have been 21 today. While her loved ones learned the heartbreaking news, Steven Zelich, a 52-year-old security guard, sat in a jail cell. He was arrested after highway workers cutting grass found the remains of two women in a suitcase along a highway in Town of Geneva, Wis., roughly 50 miles southwest of
Family feared for Jenny Gamez, an Oregon teenager who went missing in late 2012 or early 2013.
Milwaukee. The other body was previously identified as Laura Simonson, a 37-year-old from Farmington, Minn. Zelich was charged with two counts of hiding a corpse - one for each body - and murder charges are expected to follow. Since the age of 5, Gamez had been in foster care with several families. She started to live with her foster mother, Lorraine Ericksen,
about three years ago. Gamez moved from her home in Cottage Grove to be closer to a community college outside Eugene. Ericksen said she lived with friends and family but quickly fell out of touch. “I was surprised that I didn’t hear from her,” Ericksen told The Associated Press. “I knew she spent some time in California with friends, but her friends in Cottage Grove said she stopped texting with them, and after that we could not get in touch with her.” Police showed up at Ericksen’s home on Friday to ask for a hair sample. They feared she was murdered. Geneva Police Chief Steven Hurley, who described the crime as one of the most horrific in which he’s been involved, said that the identification of Gamez was delayed because she was never reported missing. Zelich allegedly told authorities that he met Gamez and Simonson online. He said he killed Gamez in Kenosha County, Wis., and Simonson in Rochester, Minn. (NYdailynews)
Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate WILFREY & TONY Is looking for the following persons:
Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
FLOWER GIRL
Is looking for a Part-time
Barber
Sales person
Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour
contact: 231-0882
10049
delivery driver With own transportation who is interested in making extra cash.
Contact: 231-3788
FOR SALE
July 5 - 11, 2014
946-4664 Fax: 946-4661
Email: tcnews@tciway.tc
Website: tcweeklynews.com
BEAUTY AND BEYOND Is looking to fill the following positions:
Beauty Advisor – salary $6.00 per hour
Massage Therapist – salary based on commission. Must be willing to work 5 days per week.
Contact: 649-346-5064
10051
30
Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788
July 5 - 11, 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
32 CLASSIFIEDS
July 5 - 11, 2014
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
CONCIERGE
NURSERY COORDINATOR REQUIREMENTS • Minimum 4 years experience in operations/ coordination role • Excellent English verbal and written skills • Comprehensive experience using QuickBooks for financial accounting, generation financial reports and analysis • Experience dealing with high-end clients • Willing to work outdoors and irregular hours including weekends and holidays if needed • Preferable a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental law • Relevant qualification in Environmental Studies or protection • Understanding of plants in indigenous Environmental application • Salary $3,600 per month
10026
Please bring all applications to Flowers by environmental Arts located at U102 Venture House, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales or email to: ops@ environmentalarts.tc. Successful applicants will be notified by phone for interview. Please provide relevant reference from previous employer
Requirments:
NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Pursuant to the provisions of the Registered Land Ordinance, Temple Mortgage Fund Ltd., The Temple Financial Centre, Providenciales HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that it will cause to be sold by public auction the following properties:
• Minimum of 3 years experience in Front of House Management position or similar • Degree in Hospitality/Hotel Management/ Tourism • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and Media updates • Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable person transport • Home computer and internet required • Willing to work holidays and weekends, 24/7 on call guests (not a desk job), evenings and early mornings • Pervious experience answering telephones and/or in customer service hospitality position • Vast knowledge of the Turks and Caicos and Activities • Need high professional level of organization, problem solving and communication skills and lots of enthusiasm! • Ability to read, write and speak proper English, fluently as well as 3 additional common languages, other languages a bonus
Responsibilities include:
• Vacation planning, with personal professional contact with each client frequently • Suggesting, arrange and confirming recreational, business and dining activities for upcoming guest, guest present on island and company • Providing information about the area guest visiting and the local vicinity • Grocery shopping and delivery (often need to lift and carry heavy items) • Respond in a timely manner to all requests for services including dentist, child care, florists, personal chefs etc. • High paced working environment with many responsibilities, must have the ability to manage multiple priorities • Provide exemplary customer service in a friendly and professional manner • Remain professional, both in attitude and appearance • Belonger only need apply • Pay determined by level of experience
Please email CV/Resume and/or Letters of Recommendation to: Kristi@islandconciergetc.com
10050
Barefoot Café dba Jimmy’s Dive Bar Is seeking a
PARCEL NO. 60809/51, 161 & 162, THE BIGHT & THOMAS STUBBS, PROVIDENCIALES:
This property is 11.41 acres of vacant land located between Grace Bay Road and Leeward Highway. The subject property is zoned TO1 (Hotels, Condos and Holiday Homes) as defined by the Department of Planning in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Registered Proprietor: Kojak TC Ltd.
PARCEL NO. 60602/84, NORWAY & FIVE CAYS, PROVIDENCIALES
This property comprises 0.71 acre and is strategically located off the main Airport Road. The development consists of a three-storey building containing 32 rooms, an administration office and reception area. Additionally, the property contains two separate single storey commercial buildings and a small restaurant building. Registered Proprietor: Frances Rigby McKenzie
PARCEL 60715/38, CHESHIRE HALL & RICHMOND HILL, PROVIDENCIALES
This property comprises two partially complete single storey concrete buildings located on Windward Road in the Glass Shack area of Providenciales. Building #1 is an apartment building which contains two (2) 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom units. Building #2 contains 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom with an open plan kitchen and dinning area upon completion. The property is approximately 80% completed. Registered Proprietor: Anthony O’Neil Adams The auction will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday 18th July 2014 at the offices of Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd., Temple Financial Centre, Leeward Highway, Providenciales. Conditions of sale may be obtained from Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd., The Temple Financial Centre, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, telephone (649) 946-5293, fax (649) 946-5289. Interested persons may bid by way of sealed tender delivered not later than 4:00 p.m. Thursday, July 17, 2014 addressed to Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd., Temple Financial Centre, Leeward Highway, Providenciales clearly marked “ AUCTION BID-JULY 18TH 2014.” Should the bid meet the reserve price and constitute the highest offer, the property will be considered sold to the person making the bid. Note that a 10% deposit is required immediately from the successful bidder at the auction. Note that Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd. accepts no responsibility in respect of the receipt or otherwise of sealed bids and prospective purchasers are encouraged to ensure safe delivery of sealed bids to Temple Mortgage Corporation Ltd. in good time and further to attend at the auction to ensure that the bid is properly made. 10043
SOMMELIER For immediate employment
The successful candidate will have: • A formal sommelier or hospitality based qualification- this will be advantageous but not essential • A minimum of five years experience in a fine restaurant or at a luxury five star property • A strong restaurant and staff management and guest interpersonal skills • Contactable references • A clean police record The successful candidate will:
• Be responsible for maintaining a top shelf wine list and the beverage department as a whole • Be responsible for ensuring the ultimate profitability of the beverage department • Manage the cellar and ensure that stock levels and ordering are handled efficiently • Train the service team on a regular basis • Engage with the Chef on offering interesting wine pairing
Salary commensurate with experience resumes to be received by July 15th, 2014 Mr. James Ardavany (Owner) 649-441-1686
10041
School For Field Studies, South Caicos
Assistant Site Manager – Center for Marine Resource Studies
Job Summary: Assist the Site Manager, Center Director, and Dive Safety Officer at the South Caicos field station Qualifications: Certified scuba instructor, boating experience, computer repair and networking experience required. To Apply: Please send your CV to RDAKE@FIELDSTUDIES.ORG by July 15, 2014. Start Date: August 2014 10044
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
the largest readership in the turks & caicos
July 5 - 11, 2014
CLASSIFIEDS 33
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
COMPUTER TECHNICIAN REQUIRED
• Minimum 5 years’ experience • Microsoft & CISCO certification required • IT Systems & Network Administration required • Computer Programming Required
Send Resume to info@jafooe.com 10023
ROBERT WILLIAMS GRAND TURK Is looking for a
mason To work 6 days 8am-5pm salary $10.00 per hour.
contact: 231-6346
10048
NOTICE Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 1990 An Application, (SC 709)*, by (Andrew's Communication Ltd.)* for the development of (90 FEET Communication TOWER)*, has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on (20207/31/1)*, (Highpoint)* on (South Caicos)*. Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Downtown, Town Center Mall, Providenciales, within twenty eight (28) days of publication ofthis Notice.
REQUIRED FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2014-2015
GRADUATE TEACHER
To teach Mathematics and Physical Education at IGCSE Level. Suitable candidates must have a Bachelor's Degree and teaching qualifications, a minimum of five (5) years experience teaching the British National Curriculum and CIE Examination syllabi. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Notice dated: 12 June, 2014
CV, letter of application and names of 2 referees to be sent in writing to: The Principal, British West Indies Collegiate, PO Box 338, Providenciales or Email: bwicprincipal@tciway.tc Suitable candidates will be called for interview.
10052
School For Field Studies, South Caicos
Environmental Policy Lecturer - Center for Marine Resource Studies
Job Summary: Resident lecturer in the area of Environment Policy. Qualifications: PhD, prior university level teaching experience required. Certified scuba, divemaster, fisheries experience preferred. To Apply: Please send your CV to RDAKE@FIELDSTUDIES. ORG by July 15, 2014. Start Date: August 2014 10045
School For Field Studies, South Caicos
Center Director Center for Marine Resource Studies
Job Summary:
Coordinate all operations, academic, facilities, etc. at the South Caicos field station
Qualifications:
PhD, prior university level teaching experience required. Certified scuba instructor, marine lab management experience preferred.
To Apply: Please send your CV to RDAKE@FIELDSTUDIES.ORG by July 15, 2014. Start Date: August 2014 10046
Must be a self-motivated, highly detail oriented individual who uses own initiative. The Candidate must have a good command of English and excellent communication skills and be prepared to sometimes work long hours, weekends and holidays. He must possess a clean TCI driver’s license and be an animal lover. Summary of duties and responsibilities in order of importance: • General maintenance and cleanliness of the villa so attention to detail is essential. • Housekeeping responsibilities with the awareness of cost control and energy saving • Ability to run errands, drive children to school, go shopping etc. so a clean driver’s license is essential • Since the position requires some manual as well as general DIY skills a male is preferred • Be willing to walk, feed and wash dogs as required since owner is often off island • Basic cooking skills would be a huge advantage but not essential • Basic gardening skills, although not essential would also be welcome. NOTE ONLY APPLICANTS WILLING TO LIVE-IN WILL BE CONSIDERED
Salary dependent on experience. Interested applicants please apply in writing or via email to: tcielite2014@gmail.com or to P.O Box 143, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership in the turks & caicos
34 CLASSIFIEDS TAYLOR’S VARIETY STORE Is looking for a
CARIBBEAN NURSERY & LANDSCAPING
July 5 - 11, 2014
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS DOREAN WILLIAMS
IVAN’S BARBER SHOP Is looking for a
Is looking for a
IS LOOKING FOR A
LAS BRISAS RESTAURANT
JAY M STUBBS
Is looking for a
labourer gardener WANTED
barber
LABOURER
waiter
contact: 242-3747
Contact: Paola Hidalgo at 649-331-197710014
CONTACT: 2313184
contact: 946-5306
Dorothea Cox
MARTHA BEAUTY SALON
contact: 231-6667
Must be willing to work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.
To work full time salary $6.00 per hour.
Leeward Highway Providenciales Telephone: 231- 6710
Housekeeper/
Margaritaville seeks to identify
Domestic Worker
DINING ROOM CAPTAIN and more
Salary starts at $5.00 per hour.
10018
SUMMARY:
Oversees the duties and responsibilities of the service staff and has responsibility for maintaining an efficient operation. Coordinates and monitors the activities of the overall restaurant floor operation including the service employees, staff performance, quality of service, troubleshooting and expediting as needed to ensure a positive guest experience. Provides service standards training and ensure compliance of standards.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Associates or Bachelors’ degree preferred; three years prior server, at least 3 years supervisory, management experience in a recognized high-volume food and beverage industry preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience; HACCP training and proper food handling techniques would be a plus
REQUIREMENTS:
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) - Able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Able to write simple correspondence. - Able to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. - Must be physically able to stand for periods of up to 8 hours or longer - Able to work flexible hours including, weekends, night shift and public holidays - Energetic & people oriented, reliable with problem solving skills We are also accepting applications for the following positions for the upcoming season in October 2014: Bartenders, Servers, Stilt Walker and Kitchen Helpers.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Application along with resume must be submitted by 8th July, 2014 to the office of :
Margaritaville Grand Turk Grand Turk Cruise Center South Base, White Sands Beach Grand Turk, T.C.I.. B.W.I Belongers only, need apply. While we welcome and appreciate all applicants, only persons short-listed for an interview will be contacted.
To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.
ROBIN’S WELDING SHOP Is looking for a
Is looking to fill the following positions:
Nail Technician Hairdresser Must be willing to work 6 days per week. Salary $6.00 per hour.
Contact: 343-6631
laboUrer To work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.
contact: 342-4067 or 246-3120
10005
ARCHITECT POSITION AVAILABLE Fully qualified Architect required for the following role: Job Summary • The successful applicant will be expected to undertake the traditional role of a professional Architect. • This includes detailed architectural design work, planning submissions, preparation of tender documents, construction contract administration, contract cost control and direct liaison with clients, consultants and contractors. Essential Skills/Experience • RIBA Parts 1-111 Professional Qualification • Fully qualified RIBA/ARB registered Architect. • Minimum 5 years post-professional qualification experience as Project Architect with direct Client liaison. • Minimum 5 years experience in contract administration and cost control on JCT contracts. • Minimum 5 years experience in managing an architectural team. • A strong background of technical detailing. • Excellent skills in AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, Photoshop, Sketch-up, Excel and Word a pre-requisite. • Experience in the design and production of presentation and marketing materials including website programming. Salary rated according to experience, between $4k & $6k per month. Interested applicants should contact Mr. C Davies via e-mail by July 10, 2014 with current CV to info@coasttci.com or in writing to the address below. Only applicants meeting the minimum requirements listed above will be contacted for interview within 5 days of receipt of their application.
10016
10016
10024
contact: 941-3739
To work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.
TO WORK 5 DAYS A WEEK. SALARY $6.00 PER HOUR
9617
To work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.
10012
LABOURER
Only suitably qualified Turks & Caicos Islanders need apply. Coast Architects, 82 Cherokee Road, PO Box 941, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands
July 5 - 11, 2014
CLASSIFIEDS 35
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
MEP SOLUTIONS
PAUL A. GARDINER is looking for a
Is looking for a
Must be willing to work with little to no supervision. Must have at least 4 years experience. Salary commensurate with experience
Contact: 242-2054
LAUNDRY SUPERVISOR To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.
contact: 232-5262
10006
plumber
ROYAL ESSENCE NAILS & SKIN CARE SALON
ROBUST CONTRACTING Is looking for
is looking for a
Carpenters Must be fluent in English, and Spanish is a plus. Must be willing to work 6 days per week. Salary commensurate with experience.
Contact: 2422289 or 342-1291 10003
Nail Technician To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.
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
contact: 342-2472
Massage Therapist
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:
• Applicant must have a minimum of 3 years handson experience in a 5-Star Resort and at least 3 years working as a Therapist • Must be trained and CERTIFIED by an accredited school in ALL of the following: Swedish, Deep Tissue, hot Stone, Pre-Natal, Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial, Reflexology, Facials, Manicures and Pedicures • In addition, applicant must be able to work ALL weekends and public holidays and be abailable from 8am-8pm • Must have own vehicle and current clean driver license • Salary is commission based • Must have GREAT customer service skills and be upbeat and positive Please send resume to: meryl@spatropique.com Please do not apply to this ad unless you can meet all of the above requirements. Please contact us by July 21st, 2014
SALES!!!
10057
• Civil Litigation (Particular competencies: Judicial Review and other claims against TCI Government/Departments, Mareva and other Injunctions, Land, Trust & Bank disputes) • Property Matters, Planning Department & Development Issues • Business Law • Immigration • Labour Disputes Telephone: (649) 941-4444 Telefax: (649) 941-4235 Cellphone: (649) 245-1314 email: berynd@yahoo.com DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys
PO Box 52, Cheshire House East 1315A Leeward Highway, Providenciales
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
the largest readership in the turks & caicos
MARCUS LIGHTBOURNE Acting on behalf of my clients:
M & L AMAZING WORLD
Labourer TROPICAL UPHOLSTRY
Labourer Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour Contact: 242-0521
BAY BISTRO
Assistant Manager Kitchen Helper
Qualifications: • Must have at least 10 years experience in the restaurant industry • Ability to wok online and prep all types of food • Must be able to work under pressure with the ability to work independently and as part of a team • All applicants will be willing to work 7 days per week including weekends and holidays Salary $5.50 per hour.
CAICOS CORRAL Requires a
Is looking for the following persons:
Chef Baker
CAICOS CORRAL Requires a
HORSE TRAINER/
Must have a minimum of 5 years experience Must be willing to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
Contact: 432-2355
HORSE TRAINER/ TOUR GUIDE
INSTRUCTOR
• Must have extensive knowledge in the equestrian conditioning • Possess at least a CHA Level 1 • Experience in Public
• Must have extensive knowledge in the equestrian field • Possess at least a CHA Level 1 • Experience in Equine Management
Contact: 649-431-3939
Contact: 649-431-3939
10056
10055
D’PABLO BARBER SHOP
Express Water Delivery
Nail Technician
One Labourer One Mechanic/Driver
SHARKBITE BAR & GRILL AN ESTABLISHED HIGH VOLUME RESTAURANT Is looking to fill the following positions:
July 5 - 11, 2014
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
10004
36 CLASSIFIEDS
Please send detailed resumes and cover letter to bistroshannon@yahoo.com only applicants that send resumes will be considered
Is looking for a
To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour. contact: 245-7847
Work six days a week. Please submit resume to hallexpress @tciway.tc 10049
SAILROCK DEVELOPMENT LIMITED Is seeking qualified candidates for an immediate opening of
SENIOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
to act as Owner’s representative during construction of infrastructure, hospitality and residential components of Sailrock Development. Job responsibilities include developing and monitoring project budgets and schedules, developing and implementing a quality assurance program and acting as Owners representative to all parties involved in the construction process including vendors, contractors, design professionals and government entities.
Applicant will have a minimum of 10 yrs experience in delivering infrastructure, commercial, residential and hospitality projects. Applicant will have a minimum of 5 yrs experience managing multi-discipline design teams as a Construction Project Manager or Site Engineer. Applicant will also have experience in “out-island development” in the Caribbean. Experience required in design, sustainability and green development, construction management, as well as civil, site and infrastructure development. Applicant will have a solid background in estimating, budgeting, bidding, contract management, scheduling, project planning and quality control. Applicant must be fluent in Microsoft Office Suite, and either Primavera or Microsoft Schedule, and AutoCAD Applicant must have a degree in Architecture, Engineering or Civil Engineering. Applicant must be willing to establish permanent residency on South Caicos for duration of employment. In addition to the above qualifications, applicants must have strong verbal and written communication skills and be highly organized. Candidates must be able to work well independently and in a team environment, exhibit a positive attitude and an outgoing professional manner. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience.
Qualified candidates should email a CV to tweldon@southcaicos.com on or before July 18, 2014. Inquires will receive a response within 48 hours.
The Somerset Resort Management Ltd. is seeking Labour Clearance for the positions listed below. Suitably 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. Positions require a flexible schedule which includes holidays, weekends and evenings, and extended hours on occasion. Salaries are based on experience and qualifications.
Resort General Manager
To oversee all aspects of Property Management in accordance with Company mission statement, including maximization of financial performance, guest satisfaction, and staff development within established quality standards, implementing strategies for meeting goals in the areas of revenue generation, market share performance, Guest satisfaction scores, associate opinion scores, and net operating income.
Requirements:
Minimum five years experience as General Manager within the hospitality industry, High ethical standards, analytical ability, excellent communicator, diverse experiences in sales, management and administration knowledgeable of all company policies and procedures included but not limited to accounting, human resources, operations and sales. Computer Literacy, decisive, educated facilitator experienced in resolving conflicts between different parties in a dispute.
Qualified Belonger candidates can complete an application form in person at The Somerset on Grace Bay or submit a resume by e-mail at somerset@thesomerset.com. Tel: 649-339-5900. Fax: 946-5839. The closing date for applications is July 20th, 2014
10015
PORTS OF CALL RESORT Is looking for a
V.O. Malcolm Is looking for one
CLAYMORE GROUP LTD. is seeking one
Interested person may apply to: info@portsofcallresort. com or drop off a resume at anytime 10028
Brama Kumaris
Acting on behalf of our clients
labourer Weekly salary of $5.00 per hour.
Contact 245-5949
Williams Construction
– laboUrer
New Hope Baptist Church
Meditation Centre
DOMESTIC WORKER To work 5 days a week Interested persons please contact us on
339-6100
Must have thorough knowledge in the floral business with 3-5 years experience. 100029
FRESH FISH AND J & A CONSTRUCTION
Is looking for Experienced
Labourers Must have knowledge general construction and dealing with fish Salary $6.00 per hour.
Call: 231-3788 IN THIS SPACE!
contact: John Garland (Mac) at 241-5678 or 342-8937 10033
CORAL GARDENS is looking for a
Housekeeper
ONLY
To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.
$33 PER WEEK
CALL 946-4664
contact: 432-1480
Busy Restaurant in Providenciales need
Closing Date June 27, 2014 Suitably qualified candidates should apply via email to Seven Stars at:
ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED.
Contact: 347-6642
Floral Designer
ADVERTISE
hr@sevenstarsgracebay.com for consideration Candidates must possess relevant skills, experience, and a clean police record.
– Cashier
Salary $5.50 per hour
Wanted urgently
REQUIREMENTS: • Degree in teaching or similar field • At least 3 years experience working in a related field • Computer literate, creative and energetic qualities • Excellent skills of working with youth • Salary dependent on experience Deadline for applications is 11th July 2014
• Security Officer • Floor Crystallizing Specialist • Stock Controller • Housekeeping Attendant • Housekeeping Manager • Pool & Bar Attendant
World of Girlz Boutique
Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101
FLOWER GIRL
to assist with the running of programs at the Youth Centre. Must be available to work holidays and weekends. Full and Part-time positions available
Seven Stars Resort is seeking suitably 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 a 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.
– Janitor/ Cleaner
www.bkwsu.com Email: bkpadma@bkwsutci.com
EXPERIENCED worker required
Email your resume to roxann@ecgyouthcentre.com or contact 331-9602.
Turks and Caicos Islands
10053
5-6 days a week Pay rate: $6.00 per hour Hours work: 6am1pm. Must be fluent in English and good communication skills.
C & J CONSULTANCY SERVICES
Raja Yoga
Breakfast
Staff
37
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
10019
July 5 - 11, 2014
Kitchen Helper/ Dishwasher.
Contact 9418408
10027
GARDENER NEEDED For a private home in Providenciales. A hardworking person needed to work six days a week . Must likes animals. Must speak English. Must be Fit and able. Wages $5.00 a hour. Belongers Apply.
If you fit the above qualifications please send your resume to the following address:
PO Box 560, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
10021
38 CLASSIFIEDS
July 5 - 11, 2014
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Ricardo Fulford Consultant Services
on behalf of his clients: Taylor's Variety Store/Klass Enterprise is seeking employment for the following:
1) Sales Agent
Starting Salary is $5.00 per hour. Interested candidate may contact 232-4868 for further details regarding employment.
Danny Buoys
The following vacancies currently exist within the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service:
is seeking employment for the following:
1) Bar Tender
Grounds Maintenance Worker / Gardener
Starting Salary is negotiable with employer. Interested candidate must produce a certify Certificate for Bar Tender. Please contact 946-5921 for further details regarding employment.
– Grand Turk (Deadline: July 4, 2014) Salary: $475.80 bi-weekly • This is a general support services position, to assist with cleaning and maintenance of assigned facilities and grounds so that they are clean and ready for use.
Clerical Assistants
– Grand Turk and Providenciales (Deadline: July 2, 2014) Salary: $15,720 per annum • The incumbent in this position will be responsible for clerical and administrative tasks to support the daily functions of the Office.
LIVE-IN COUPLE REQUIRED TO WORK IN PRIVATE VILLA A couple is required to work in a private villa, a cook and housekeeper. This is a live-in position and accommodation is provided for a couple possessing the following skills:
Procurement and Risk Manager
– Grand Turk (Deadline: July 8, 2014) Salary: $31,680 per annum • The Procurement and Risk Manager supports the Director of Contracts and Corporate Performance Management by applying a variety of Project / Programme Management Support and Risk Management principles to allow Ministers and Permanent Secretaries to make effective project and business decisions.
Tax Officer
– Grand Turk (Deadline: July 8, 2014) Salary: $30,024 per annum • The incumbent in this position is expected to conduct the necessary activities to get Taxpayers in default to comply with the requirements under the Revenue Ordinances and Regulations and maintain Compliance and Arrears cases assigned by the Assistant Commissioner/Senior Tax Officer.
VILLA COOK • Preferably at least 5 years’ experience in a luxury hotel, restaurant or as a personal cook in a private residence • He/she must possess the ability to prepare a range of international cuisines (Asian, fusion cuisine, French, Italian), as well as cater to guests individual dietary preferences that includes vegetarian, vegan, kosher, organic diets etc. • Full ability and responsibility to take on menu planning and food preparation for house parties, BBQ’s, business meetings • Maintain the cleanliness and proper sanitation of kitchen at all times including deep cleaning of appliances, pots and pans, kitchen tools etc. • Exercise good cost control, presenting monthly monitoring and replenishment of stocks and supplies • Computer literacy would be an advantage but not essential with the ability to record and present invoices and purchases in an accurate manner.
HOUSEKEEPER
Curriculum Development Officer
– Grand Turk (Deadline: July 9, 2014) Salary: $35,040 per annum • To coordinate the development, implementation and delivery and revision of Mainstream Education Curriculum, Technical and Vocational Curricula, Special Education Curricula, including Curricula for gifted students, and ensure that assessment procedures consistent with the various curricula, are conducted and constantly monitored at both Primary and Secondary levels.
Plant Health Officer
– Grand Turk/Providenciales (Deadline: July 8, 2014) Salary: $21,000 per annum • The incumbent in this position will assist in the implementation of the agricultural programme of work with a focus on the development to a phyto-sanitary regime.
Conservation Officers
– Several Islands (Deadline: July 8, 2014) Salary: $21,000 per annum • The incumbent in this position will be responsible for enforcing all pertinent environmental, fisheries and maritime laws in the TCI.
Prison Officers
– Grand Turk (Deadline: July 8, 2014) Salary: $21,000 - $22,800 per annum • To support the Superintendent of Prisons to maintain security, control, supervision and the safe custody of offenders. The successful candidate will be responsible for looking after Offenders and to help them lead law abiding and useful lives in custody and after release.
Interested persons are asked to visit www.gov.tc for job details and the application procedure.
10034
10030
• A self-motivated, highly detail oriented individual is require to work in a luxury villa • The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to use their own initiative and have a good command of the English language as well as excellent communication skills • He/she must be prepared to sometimes work long hours, weekends and holidays • Housekeeping experience in a luxury or 5 star hotel or residence since attention to detail is essential • An awareness of cost control and energy saving • Ability to run errands, go shopping etc. • He/she may be required from time to time to assist private cook in the serving of meals so an F&B background would be beneficial • Preferences will therefore be given to individuals who are flexible and able to multitask
BOTH CANDIDATES MUST ALSO: • • • • • •
Be willing to work flexible hours, weekends, holidays etc. Be able to work within a team, be reliable and trustworthy Be extremely well presented and have a good command of English Must possess a clean driver’s license in order to run errands Must be prepared to carry out duties when guest are not in house Preference will also be given to individuals who have worked within a 5 star luxury environment • Salary dependent on experience • Note this is a live-in position only.
Suitable qualified candidates must apply in writing with resume details to P.O Box 143, Providenciales or Email: tcielite2014@gmail.com
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
the largest readership in the turks & caicos
CLASSIFIEDS 39
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Is looking for a
labourer To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour must have experience in landscaping and irrigation.
contact: 332-5646 A TASTE OF ITALY We are seeking suitable applicants to fill the following openings:
Domestic
Worker • Belonger only need apply • Must be willing to work extended hours • Salary is negotiable
Fax: 649941-8388 Application deadline June 11th, 2014
10066
COMPUTER TECHNICIAN REQUIRED
Qualified PADI/NAUI SCUBA Instructors Needed
Successful candidate will be a PADI MSDT with current membership and insurance, resort operations experience including advanced level instruction, dive accident management, compressor maintenance, equipment and engine maintenance and repair. Captain’s license and STCW95 qualification preferred, or applicant must be willing to train. This is a tourism related job and will include all aspects of the company’s daily routine including but not limited to, teaching all levels of instruction, guiding dives, boat and vehicle operations and working the front office. The work schedule will include weekends, public holidays and occasional night dives. Starting Salary $380 - $500 per week based on experience and qualifications.
Contact David Volkert at 946-4232 or info@provoturtledivers. com Positions available starting November 1 2014. Please submit applications before July 23, 2014 10032
Babysitter/
Nanny
• Responsible for overall care of child and 2 dogs • Responsible for overall upkeep and cleaning of home • Required to be on 24-hr on call when necessary • Required to travel with the family and care for baby and pet when necessary
Please contact email snjezana_ andrews@yahoo.com 10068
• Minimum 5 years’ experience • Microsoft & CISCO certification required • IT Systems & Network Administration required • Computer Programming Required Send Resume to info@jafooe.com
10023
ELITE LANDSCAPING
Administrator/Personal Assistant To coordinate, oversee and organize from start to finish all events, locally and internationally for A Touch of Love International Center and its group of affiliated ministries.
Requirements: – Must be born again, Spirit filled believer. – Strong Organizational, Communication and Linguistic skills. – Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
– Must be trustworthy; able to be trusted with highly sensitive and confidential information – Must be able to carry a heavy workload and flexible for sudden travel – Reports to Senior Pastor
No phone calls please
Send resume to: A Touch of Love Ministries International Center Attn: Senior Pastor P.O. Box 751, Providenciales, TCI or email info@atolministries.org
10058
July 5 - 11, 2014
BUGALOOS CONCH CRAWL Is looking for the following positions:
Waitress
Must be willing to work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.
Contact: 241-5678 or 242-5646
10064
NOTICE Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 1990
An Application, (SC 708)*, by (Andrew's Communication Ltd.)* for the development of (Equipment building)*, has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on (20207/31/1)*, (Highpoint)* on (South Caicos)*. Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Downtown, Town Center Mall, Providenciales, within twenty eight (28) days of publication of this Notice. Notice dated: 12 June, 2014
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS GOVERNMENT
VACANCIES The following vacancies currently exist within the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service:
Grounds Maintenance Worker / Gardener – Grand Turk
(Deadline: July 4, 2014) Salary: $475.80 bi-weekly • This is a general support services position, to assist with cleaning and maintenance of assigned facilities and grounds so that they are clean and ready for use.
Clerical Assistants – Grand Turk and Providenciales
(Deadline: July 2, 2014) Salary: $15,720 per annum • The incumbent in this position will be responsible for clerical and administrative tasks to support the daily functions of the Office.
Procurement and Risk Manager – Grand Turk
(Deadline: July 8, 2014) Salary: $31,680 per annum • The Procurement and Risk Manager supports the Director of Contracts and Corporate Performance Management by applying a variety of Project / Programme Management Support and Risk Management principles to allow Ministers and Permanent Secretaries to make effective project and business decisions.
Tax Officer – Grand Turk
(Deadline: July 8, 2014) Salary: $30,024 per annum • The incumbent in this position is expected to conduct the necessary activities to get Taxpayers in default to comply with the requirements under the Revenue Ordinances and Regulations and maintain Compliance and Arrears cases assigned by the Assistant Commissioner/Senior Tax Officer.
Interested persons are asked to visit www.gov.tc for job details and the application procedure.
10020
40 CLASSIFIEDS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
July 5 - 11, 2014
Career Opportunities Grace Bay Club is looking for candidates that have the requirements listed along with an outgoing professional manner. They love to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization. Their management style is one that balances a commitment to people and their development with business/financial accountability and delivers an exceptional guest experience.
Housekeeping Supervisor
service, and the ability to provide our guests with an outstanding dining experience. Servers should be industry professionals with excellent food and wine knowledge.
Requirements:
Job Requirements:
• Possess 2 years experience in a Supervisory role at a high-end resort • Possess knowledge of proper cleaning techniques, requirements, and use of equipment • Assisting the Executive Housekeeper in the day –to-day management and operation of the Housekeeping Department • Possess knowledge of proper cleaning supplies and chemical handling. • Assist the Executive Housekeeper to supervise the Housekeeping Staff, ensuring the standards of the hotel are met • Assist with administration duties, such as timesheets and tracking lost and found property. • Perform the Executive Housekeeper’s duties when not unavailable Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
Pastry Chef Job Requirements: • • • • • •
High school diploma or equivalent vocational training certificate. Certification of culinary training or apprenticeship. Dependable, organized, team player. Sanitation certificate. Must read and speak English fluently. Additional languages an asset. Prepares, bakes, and finishes all breads, breakfast pastries, cookies, and other specified baked goods. • Decorating and plating various pastries and desserts • Overseeing kitchen staff • Ordering supplies • Keeping the kitchen organized Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
Director of Reservations Requirements: • A Degree in Hotel Administration or equivalent work experience • Previous experience in Reservations Department • To efficiently manage the Reservations Department with minimal costs and maximum profitability through proficient management of staff, internal controls, administration of company policies & excellent guest service. • At least 2 years of direct related experience as a Director of Reservations for a 5 star luxury property • Participate in hotel MOD program. Conduct department meetings as required and attends staff hotel meetings. • Communicates with all hotel departments and staff to ensure the efficient operation of Reservations Department. • Energetic, positive visionary leader, dedicated to motivating and developing team members. Qualified Belongers need only apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
Restaurant Servers Job Overview:
Qualified individuals should have a minimum of 3 years restaurant experience. Individuals must possess strong work ethics; have a working knowledge of fine dining steps of
• Responsibilities include setup, organization and cleanup of service areas. • Responsible for staying current with daily menu items and changing wine lists. • Must be able to work as part of a motivated, high energy team that takes pride in their work. • Lifting of trays loaded with food, plates and glassware required. • Responsible for responding to any situation at any given time in a professional and courteous manner. This may include answering any questions posed by guests • Stack, lift and carry trays in a systematic and safe manner • Clean and retrieve tables in a neat, timely and professional manner. • Receive, process, and present all food and beverage orders according to Grace Bay Club standards • Responsible for using suggestive selling techniques, when appropriate and doing so in a courteous manner to up sell and in turn increase the average check Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
Director of Guest Experiences Requirements: • • • •
Wide knowledge of the Rooms Division operations. 5 – 10 year experience in a Hospitality industry in Management position. Knowledge of Hotel Operating system (Opera, Fidelio, Visual One) Experience in dealing with guest enquiries, problems or complaints in an efficient and professional manner without detriment to the Hotel and / or its reputation. • To be constantly proactive in anticipating guest needs & requirements and to demonstrate a high & consistent level of service at all times. Qualified Belongers need only to apply. Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
Cook Job Requirements: • • • •
Middle level culinary skills Dependable, proactive, organized, team player Education from a formal culinary program At least two to three years cooking experience; preparing international breakfast, lunch and dinner in regional cooking environment • Sanitation certificate • Ability to plan, organize and execute meal plans • Must speak and read English fluently • Additional languages an asset Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
Kitchen Steward Job Requirements:
• Washes dishes, utensils and cookware following established procedures • Place clean dishes, utensils, and cooking equipment in storage areas. • Maintain kitchen work areas, equipment, and utensils in clean and orderly condition. • Assists in performing cleaning tasks as needed in the kitchen • Assists the cook(s) with food preparation as requested Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than July 4th 2014.
@ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1050 Email: veronica.clare@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies
10025
July 5 - 11, 2014
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
CLASSIFIEDS 41
Blue Mountain Management Ltd Require
Housekeepers - be available to work seven days a week and able to speak English. Rate $6.00 per hour
Resort Manager 10034
Please email resume by July 15, 2014 to emma@bluemountain.tc
Seven Stars is seeking suitably qualified candidates to fill the positions outlined below. The ideal candidate must possess experience in a luxury resort environment, as well as a professional, outgoing and friendly demeanor with a strong command of the English Language (oral and written). Salary is based on education, experience and qualifications.
FULL-TIME PHARMACIST Seeking a qualified applicant to be a
pharmacist
• Responsible for providing safe and appropriate pharmacy services in a retail pharmacy • Experience with and knowledge of computers • Excellent communication skills • Able to work independently Minimum Requirements: • Bachelor’s Degree in pharmacy from an accredited university • At least 5 years experience in retail pharmacy • Eligible for registration with the Health Practitioners Board Turks & Caicos Islands Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
Fax resume to: 649-941-3338
Responsible for the day to day management of the Resort and its staff with accountability for planning, organizing and directing resort services. It will also be the responsibility of the Resort Manager to ensure Guest Satisfaction through Leadership, direction and management of the Resort Division. This includes Rooms Division, Spa, Security, Watersports, Kids Camp and a good knowledge of F&B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Responsible for the proper, efficient and profitable functioning of the Day to Day operations of the Hotel. • Clarify duties and responsibilities of departments and ensure that work flows are in a logical and good order. • Ensure that the hotel is clean and well maintained throughout. • Ensure proper staffing levels. • Ensure that hotel standards, policies and procedures are understood and followed. • Control and analyze departmental costs to ensure performance is within budget • Oversees hiring, performance appraisals, training, disciplinary action, etc, for respective divisions. • Attend/Lead daily morning briefings and any other meetings as scheduled • Develops annual priorities and operating plan and supports the hotel's long term strategy. • Lead, motivate, and engage at all levels • Work on special projects as assigned by the Managing Director. • Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. The employee is expected to work in other areas of the hotel when needed to assist operations to perform job duties not necessarily contained in this job description. REQUIREMENTS: • Required minimum of 5+ years’ experience at an executive committee level in a luxury hotel. • Four-year degree in hospitality or other business related field preferred. • Qualifications must include experience in financials, training, leadership and guest/associate relations. • Excellent written and spoken English, fluent in at least one other European language is a must.
10038
MAINTENANCE CREW Is looking for an
electrician To work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.
contact: 941-3063
10037
MERCEDES BEAUTY SALON
Recreation Manager
Is looking for a
The Recreation Manager develops, manages and supervises the entire recreation operations and staff of the following areas: Tennis, Pool and Beach, Water Sports, Fitness Centre and In-House Boat Excursions. The Recreation Manager organizes activities, special events and programs to increase the revenue in the above mentioned areas and ensure that effective and proper maintenance programs are in place for all the recreational equipment and facilities.
Nail
Technician
To work fulltime salary $7.00 per hour. contact: Katiusea M. Rodriquez at 649-343-4440 10035
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership in the turks & caicos
ESSENTAIL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Directs day-to-day activities of the Fitness Centre, Tennis, Water Sports, Pool & Beach and in house Boat Excursions. Ensures smooth, efficient and safe operations. • Defines recreation standards, service, cleanliness, safety and ensures adherence to these. • Regularly inspects all recreational facilities and equipment to ensure all are adequately maintained, safe and ready for use. • Ensures proper usage of all equipment by training the staff and assisting the guests. • Plans, develops and carries out recreation programs, including researching and creating programs, analyzing recreational needs and scheduling activities. • Identifies and develops new service and equipment to enhance the product quality and meet the current and future needs. • Control the stock of equipment in all the outlets of the Recreation Department with monthly inventory system. • Responsible for preparing and administering assigned program budgets; submits budget recommendations; monitor expenditures and revenues. • Ensures that all services offered in the Recreation Department are always available and carried out with outmost efficiency and courtesy. • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, members and guests. • Supervises, evaluates, and ensures training/ career development plans of subordinates. • Recommends changes in methods, equipment or staff to improve departmental standards and productivity. • Constantly monitors key performance indicators for the department and takes corrective action. • Maintain records and prepare reports. • Deal tactfully and diplomatically with members and guests regarding rules, regulations, policies and procedures. • Keeps the Resort Manager promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matters of significance. • Responsible for the provision of First Aid on the Resort, including coordination of training and insuring all departments have adequate First Aid supplies. • Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. REQUIREMENTS: • 5 years Managerial experience in the Recreation Department of a Luxury Resort. • First Aider • Boat Masters License • Diving Instructor – P.A.D.I Certified. • Master Scuba Diver Trainer 10031
42
July 5 - 11, 2014
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Sports Interational
Pistorius ‘suicide risk’ - psychologist’s report OSCAR Pistorius has posttraumatic stress disorder and could be a suicide risk, according to a psychologist’s report submitted at his murder trial. The report, read by his defence lawyer, said he was mourning his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. On Monday, the court heard that he was not suffering from a mental disorder when he shot Ms Steenkamp. He denies murder, saying he killed her by mistake when fearing there was an intruder in the house. The prosecution says the Olympic athlete deliberately killed Ms Steenkamp, a model and law graduate, after the couple had an argument. Both prosecution and defence have accepted the findings of the psychologist’s report. The BBC’s Andrew Harding, who was in court, notes that both sides can interpret its findings favourably. Two reports - one by a psychologist and another by three psychiatrists - were drawn up after a month of tests to evaluate the athlete’s state of mind. The prosecution on Monday noted that the psychiatrists’ report said Mr Pistorius, 27, was capable of distinguishing between right and wrong and so should bear criminal
Mr Pistorius continues to claim that he mistook his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp for an intruder.
responsibility for his actions. Defence lawyer Barry Roux on Wednesday quoted the second evaluation as saying that Mr Pistorius, a double-amputee, has a history of feeling insecure and vulnerable, especially without his prosthetic legs. It said he was likely to react more sharply to fear than an able-bodied person would. “Should he not receive proper clinical care, his condition is likely to worsen and increase the risks for suicide,” Mr Roux quoted the report as saying. It also said he did not show signs of narcissism or explosive rage, which is usually seen in men who are abusive to their partners. The court has previously
heard that Ms Steenkamp had sent the athlete a message saying: “I’m scared of you sometimes.” Final defence witness Wayne Derman, professor of sports and exercise medicine at the University of Cape Town, said Mr Pistorius was an anxious individual, with hand tremors and chronic problems with the stumps of his legs. Earlier, Mr Pistorius’ manager was cross-examined, with prosecutor Gerrie Nel concentrating on the sprinter’s reported rows with roommate Arnu Fourie and his love life. On Tuesday, Peet van Zyl said Mr Pistorius had become a “global icon” at the 2012 London Olympics and could have increased his income five
or six times. He competed in both the Paralympic and Olympic games. Mr van Zyl said the athlete was also an “astute businessman” and there were a lot of opportunities for him because of his raised profile. Our correspondent says that as he sat in the dock, Mr Pistorius must surely have contemplated the future outlined by Mr van Zyl - a future now utterly transformed. Mr Pistorius says he fired multiple shots into a toilet cubicle where Ms Steenkamp was, while in a state of panic. The sprinter and Ms Steenkamp, 29, had been dating for about three months before the shooting. He has often displayed his emotions during the trial, including breaking down in tears in court. There are no juries at trials in South Africa, so the athlete’s fate will ultimately be decided by the judge, assisted by two assessors. If found guilty of murder, Mr Pistorius, who went on trial on 3 March, could face life imprisonment. If he is acquitted of that charge, the court will consider an alternative charge of culpable homicide, for which he could if convicted - receive about 15 years in prison. (BBC)
Grigor Dimitrov, 23, played superbly to win 6-1 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 in two hours and one minute and reach his first Grand Slam semi-final.
Wimbledon champ Murray knocked out by Dimitrov BULGARIA’S Grigor Dimitrov outplayed Andy Murray on Centre Court to end the Briton’s Wimbledon title defence in the quarter-finals. Dimitrov, 23, played superbly to win 6-1 7-6 (74) 6-2 in two hours and one minute and reach his first Grand Slam semi-final. Murray had been on a 17-match winning streak at Wimbledon and was looking to reach his sixth consecutive semi-final. It is the first time since 2008 that he has failed to make the last four. Dimitrov, seeded 11th, had too much with his big serve, variety of shots and athletic defence for an off-key Murray, who looked underpowered on serve and made a host of unforced errors. The atmosphere on Centre Court was in marked contrast
to 12 months ago, when 15,000 thrilled spectators watched Murray become the first Briton since Fred Perry in 1936 to win the men’s singles. In the year that followed, Murray had undergone back surgery in September and lost the services of coach Ivan Lendl in March, with Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo stepping into the role on the eve of Wimbledon. But only four men in the open era - Bjorn Borg, Boris Becker, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer - had returned after their first Wimbledon victory to defend the title, and despite impressing in the earlier rounds, Murray fell well short against Dimitrov. “My start to the match was poor,” said Murray. “I started the match badly and I think that gave him confidence.
NBA free agents told to brace for possible 2017 lockout THE National Basketball Player’s Association is advising NBA free agents to ready for a lockout by accepting their annual payments over 18-month periods rather than the standard six or 12 months, reports Bloomberg News. The current collective bargaining agreement includes an opt-out ability for owners and players following the 2016-17 season. USA Today’s Sam Amick reports that agents are being advised to write in contract provisions for their free agents that will allow players to accept payments over a longer period of time. That will allow players more security if a lockout happens, as they would receive paychecks through a lockout-shortened season in 2017-18 if it came to that.
Bloomberg News received a copy of the NBPA email sent by acting executive director Ron Klempner, who compared the players’ situation to the agreement between the league and its TV partners. “As we have learned in the past, the owners have made provisions with the TV networks to continue to receive rights fees throughout a work stoppage, and there is no reason the players should not make every effort to take the same precaution,” the e-mail said. The ability to receive 18-month payment schedules was written into the collective bargaining agreement from 2011. Discussions from that lockout cut the 201112 season to 66 games, and a number of players signed deals to play overseas as a result. (SBNation)
Gay’s best of 9.69 seconds has only been bettered by Usain Bolt.
Gay to make Diamond League return against Gatlin
The NBA Player’s Union (headed by Chris Paul) advised free agents to accept longer payment schedules that would keep checks coming in case of a lockout.
FORMER 100m and 200m world champion Tyson Gay returns from a doping ban at Thursday’s Diamond League meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland. The 31-year-old American, who has suspended for 12 months after testing positive for an anabolic steroid, takes on Justin Gatlin in the 100m. Gay’s best of 9.69 seconds has only been bettered by Usain Bolt. Gatlin, Olympic 100m
champion in 2004, was given an eight-year doping ban in 2006 but had it halved in 2008. Gay defeated Gatlin to win the US National Championships in June last year before beating Jamaican Asafa Powell in the Diamond League race in Lausanne. He was then informed his A sample from an out-ofcompetition test in May had tested positive and chose not to compete again in 2013.
July 5 - 11, 2014
43
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Sports National Josh for Sports
Current events with previous conclusions CRICKET CRICKET in the TCI needs to be exhumed from the cemetery, dusted off and given an exuberant dose of new life that will re-generate the sport to the fever-pitch level that it was at some 40 years ago. For back then cricket was the national sport of the country. I felt that the chipon-the-shoulders attitude of the players of yesteryear is responsible for the current demise that the sport finds itself in today.
the vision of Pastor Sterling, president of the local body; for he inherited a zombie association that must be resurrected and infused with new life. Pastor Sterling realises that the way forward is to generate
KEVIN HINDS AND HIS CONTRIBUTION Kevin Hinds, the amazing wicketkeeper for the Jam Turk cricket team needs to be arrested for not exposing his ‘gem in the rough’ to the public. Although I’m only joking, I’m serious about the
THE WAY FORWARD However, I must applaud
potential contribution that he has to offer this country. K&S SPORTS I’ve discovered a few weeks ago that Kevin has opened a sporting goods store that caters to ever ball related sport that is played in the TCI. I’ve visited his wellstocked store and was shocked to see the variety that he had to offer. What is even more amazing is the prices and quality of his products. For example he has brands such as Puma, Adidas, Nike, Under Armour, Wilson, New Balance, Reebok, Polo Sports and Spalding among other big
Mayweather Jr. “doesn’t believe in himself” against Pacquiao -Says Holyfield FORMER undisputed heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield joined the list of Hall of Famers who believed pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. is ducking Manny Pacquiao, the former champion said in an interview with Boxing Scene. Holyfield, arguably the most dominant force in the heavyweight division in the 90s, believed Mayweather is not confident his skills are enough to get the job done against Pacquiao.
“Everbody is saying, ‘Why doesn’t he fight Pacquiao? He’ll kill Pacquiao,’ “ Holyfield said Thursday during a news luncheon at a Manhattan restaurant to announce the pro debut of Chinese heavyweight Zhang Zhilei via Boxing Scene. “He doesn’t believe it himself. Until he believes it, the fight won’t happen.” For Holyfield, the PacquiaoMayweather scenario has startling similarities to his situation with Iron Mike
GTC LIMITED seeks to employee
DINING ROOM CAPTAIN ;To ; oversee the duties and responsibilities of the service staff and maintain efficient operation of dining areas, coordinate, monitor and manage overall floor operation to include wait staff, service employees, quality of service, trouble shooting and guest experience, must have 5 years experience in industry in high volume restaurant ;Knowledge: ; Microsoft Office ;Extensive ; knowledge of Italian food & wines ;Able ; to work flexible hours including weekends, nights and holidays and private functions
Send job applications to: GTC Limited P.O. Box 543, Providenciales, TCI 10060
Evander Holyfield believes that until Floyd Mayweather Jr. believes he can beat Manny Pacquiao the fight would not happen.
GUILLERMINA RODRIQUEZ Is looking for a
Handyman To work 5 days per week salary $150.00 per week.
contact: 241-1246
Tyson in the 90s. Holyfield obliterated the competition in the early part of that decade, but most boxing fans and analysts are not contented with his accomplishment until he faced Tyson. Finally in 1996, Holyfield and Tyson agreed to fight for the undisputed heavyweight championship - a match that saw ‘The Real Deal’ stopping in the 11th round. Both fighters met again in June 1997, and this time, Tyson pulled off the infamous ear-biting stunt.
The Help Desk Is acting on behalf of our clients for the following positions:
names. The other amazing fact is that all of his prices are considerable lower than what you would pay elsewhere on the islands. You can find footballs, basketballs, softballs, American footballs, cricket balls, pool balls, tennis balls, table tennis balls, squash and badminton equipment and a host of other gear. I would encourage all sports minded enthusiasts to go and see what I’ve seen. I don’t want to go on too long, but in the interest of advancing your sports endeavours contact Kevin via his website www.knssports. com, email knssports@ hotmail.com or telephone number 342-5943 or visit him upstairs in the building at Grants Gas Station by Sweet Tees Chick Store #5.
The police had a team of which the best players were Auldin Smith and Ira Baptist. I had my team; Teacher Rusty Marsh had his team. The high school had its own team. North Caicos Junior high had its own team headed by Alphaeus Gardiner. Of course, I was the toughest cookie to crumble. I’m aware of quite a few players now who play the game and who are quite good. I would be willing to recreate a national association and help to rejuvenate the sport with the hope of targeting the schools and raising the game to where it belongs at the national level. If you are interested contact me via the Weekly News or Joshuagardiner1951@yahoo. com
TABLE TENNIS Table tennis is one of the cheapest sports to play in the world. I just don’t understand why it is not played universally in the schools in the TCI. Back in 1977/8 this sport was played by every school in the country on every island. There was a national association that had executives from all of the islands. Competitions were held— Inter-island (South Caicos, North Caicos and Grand Turk). Also there was inter house competition held at the high school in GT.
Acting on behalf of our clients: Platinum Security, Southwind Millwork, Coyaba Restaurant is looking for the following persons:
WARDS CONSULTANCY
Security Officer
Gardener Chef
Salary $5-$9 per hour
Contact: 345-7512
Y.A.3.B. CONSULTANCY Acting on behalf of our clients: Miracle Mirrors Beauty Salon
Leslie Watts
Cosmetologist – $6.00 per hour
Busy Restaurant
Domestic Worker – $5.50 per hour
– $5.00 per hour.
Nail Technician
Carpenter – $7.00 per hour.
Server Contact: 241-7734
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By Joshua Gardiner
interest and enthusiasm among school students (at all levels). It is commendable that there is now a technical director circulating among the schools. However there needs to be others as well, like I’ve suggested in the past—then and only then will the sport retake its rightful, dominant, place in this country.
(Part IV)
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TCI had two good games against Jamaica and the Bahamas earlier in the tournament. They lost at home 11-13 to the Bahamas and in Jamaica 6-10.
TCI will use Mexico defeat as “motivation” for next season TCI’s national rugby players lost to Mexico last Saturday because they were “beaten by a much better team,” captain of the Flamingos Sean O’Neil said this week. After close games against Jamaica and the Bahamas the visiting TCI team had no answers for home team Mexico in Mexico City last Saturday in the North Zone Cup of the NACRA Championships. Mexico with a population of over 120M and a ranking of 61 by the IRB were clinical against the TCI. They won 96-0. The home team ran in 16 tries, split evenly between the first and second hal ves. “I told the guys after the match to remember how they felt because we never want to feel like that again and use it for motivation for next year,”
O’Neil stated. TCI had two close encounters with Jamaica and the Bahamas and both could have gone TCI’s way, against Mexico, it was a completely different kettle of fish. O’Neil said TCI, playing their toughest opponents to date, did not just roll over. “There were periods in the first and second half where we had control but the Mexican team were clinical every time they had the ball. Their backs ran great support lines and it was clear they had been playing together and working at that for a long time.” POSITIVES The national captain said that playing a strong team like Mexico gave the TCI side good experience and made
them aware of the level “they need to attain to match the top teams in the region”. FUTURE The Flamingos, who drafted a number of youngsters into the national squad this year, as they look to build a stronger side in the future, are confident of a few upsets next season. “With the squad we have now and the younger players developing we can beat Jamaica and the Bahamas next year, but the players will need to work hard to get those results,” O’Neil added. TCI lost to the Bahamas 11-13 and to Jamaica in the opener 6-10. The Bahamas who finished third in the group lost to Jamaica 10-17 after an opening defeat to Mexico.
Carlisle Supplies will purchase Scrum machine for TCIRFU CARLISLE Supplies has agreed to purchase a Rhino Rugby Scrum Machine for the Turks and Caicos Islands Rugby Football Union (TCIRFU). According to a release from the local body the machine will be an important part of the TCIRFU’s continuing developmental programme and will be used by the men’s, women’s, U19 and junior teams. “The Rhino Premier Scrum Sled is a “World Class” rugby sled ideal for all teams. Heavy duty and built to withstand the extreme needs of the best packs in the world it will allow the TCIRFU to continue to develop players for the international matches,” the release pointed out. PUT TO GOOD USE TCIRFU’s Captain Sean O’Neil thanked Carlisle Supplies for their generous sponsorship: “The Rhino Scrum Machine is going to represent a huge upgrade from the existing equipment we have and
TCIRFU’s Captain Sean O’Neill said “the Rhino Scrum Machine is going to represent a huge upgrade from the existing equipment…”
will allow us to continue to develop the front row players throughout the TCIRFU. We are very grateful to Carlisle Supplies for their sponsorship of the scrum machine and know it will be put to good use for many years to come.” Pierre Magnier of Carlisle Supplies said “Carlisle Supplies are very pleased to have this opportunity to sponsor a Scrum
Machine for the TCIRFU. We take great pride in helping the community and this is an excellent long term investment for the TCIRFU that will help get more men and women involved in rugby. Carlisle Supplies are happy to extend this support to a team sport that promotes respect, discipline and teamwork which are all part of Carlisle Supplies team approach.”
Mills Institute were named champion school.
Mills Institute are cricket champs MILLS Institute emerged champions when the TCI Cricket Association (TCICA) Primary School Cricket competition was held last Saturday at the Downtown Ball Park. After losing their first game by 10 runs to the Enid Capron ‘B’ side the eventual winners defeated Oseta Joly Primary School by 42 runs to advance to the semis where they got past Group 1 winners Community Christian Academy (eight run victory), before beating Enid Capron Primary ‘A’ side in the final. The win was by a 15-run margin. Six teams competed in the tournament.
Six teams for PABA first corporate tournament next week SIX teams will battle for honour in the Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) first corporate tournament which tips off next Thursday at 19:00h at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex court. The three night competition (July 10-12) will see the Police Badgers, the TI Airport Authority Flames,
Fortis TCI (formerly named PPC Limited), Beaches, Scotiabank and Building Materials battle for the top prize. The teams will compete in a double elimination format. Organisers are hoping that the tournament will become an annual one with more teams competing. Entrance fee is $5.
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Missick looking to run 21s in 200M at CAC Juniors
Delano Williams finished fourth in the 200M at the British Championships.
Williams says “best yet to come”
COURTNEY Missick, TCI’s lone participant at this weekend’s Central American and Caribbean Junior Track and Field Championships in Moreli, Mexico, will use the opportunity to better his 200M timing in the U-18 division. The 16-year-old is hoping to reach 21 seconds in the 200M, an event which he has continued to improve in over the last few months. The current PB is 22.07s. “This is my first time competing at CAC Juniors; I’m very excited to get another chance to compete in the 200m internationally representing the Turks and Caicos Islands.” Missick, called the opportunity an “honour” and promised to do his best in the event. The youngster who will also represent the TCI in the 200M event at the Commonwealth Games later this month is also scheduled to compete in the 100M in Mexico. Alvirto Smith has travelled as coach.
Courtney Missick will compete in the 100M and the 200M in the U-18 division.
– Feels 2014 is more a developmental year DELANO Williams trusts his Racers coach Glen Mills and is not worried that he has not exploded onto the senior stage; instead he is confident that 2014 was a developmental year and his best is yet to come. The TCI born sprinter said he is confident that he can increase his speed and if he follows Mills’s programme he is sure he will make the necessary changes. “I’m patient because I’m in a new programme and my body hasn’t adjusted as yet,” he told the Weekly News. The 20-year-old finished fourth last weekend in the 200M at the Sainsbury’s British Championships and Trials at the Birmingham Alexander Stadium in the UK. WEIRD WEATHER Training in the hot Jamaican weather did not help Williams’s cause in Britain, but the weather was extra bad, so much so that a BBC article described the race conditions as
“miserable”. “The conditions was weird and it affected me because I’m not used to it, but to be honest I’m not making an excuse because I’m not in race sharp.” The former 200M world junior champion ran 20.96s in the final, while in the heat he finished just behind Adam Gemili in 20.90s and even entered the championship race with a better time than eventual winner Danny Talbot. BRIGHT FUTURE THE UWI student is hoping that if he continues to follow Mills’s programme 2015 would be a better year speed wise. Despite not qualifying for the European Athletics Championships in Zurich, Switzerland this August the former Munro College student still stands a slim chance of making the team if he can produce better times. At the moment his focus is back on training with the hopes of getting the speed he knows he can produce.
Record holder
Long distance international swimmer Yuko Matsuzaki l became the first person on record to swim from Sandy Point, North Caicos to Grace Bay. The 51-year-old took 6 hours and 25 minutes to complete the swim. The Weekly News joins the rest of the TCI in congratulating her for this historic feat.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
July 5 - 11, 2014
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July 5 - 11, 2014
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