TCWN June 13 -19, 2015

Weekly News Volume 29 | No. 24 | June 13 - 19, 2015

Price $1.00

Turks and Caicos

FOR ADVERTISING CONTACT:

tcnews@tciway.tc

the national newspaper of the turks and caicos islands

ON THE WEB tcweeklynews.com

NO CHANGE

FOR PDM

On Friday (June 5) members of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) voted to retain Sharlene Cartwright Robinson and Sean Astwood as their leader and deputy leader, respectively.

PAGE  5 Waterloo is part of PAGE Turks and Caicos  14 Islands' living history - Governor

Governor Peter Beckingham and his wife Jill, pose with members of the Waterloo household staff outside the Governor’s official residence in Grand Turk

Lawyers face trial for stamp 4 duty fraud PAGE 

Independent probe being carried out into police shooting PAGE  6

Extradition decision next week for David Smith PAGE  10

2

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 13 - 19, 2015

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

3

4

NEWS

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Lawyers ‘I was in awe’ – assistant face trial stamp duty collector for stamp duty fraud

BY REBECCA BIRD

BY REBECCA BIRD THE TRIAL of TCI lawyers Tim O’Sullivan and Gordon Kerr continued this week with several witness taking the stand and witness statements being read.

The Crown is accusing the two of cheating the public revenue on or about August 14, 2006 of approximately $1.5 million in stamp duty by falsely representing the value of the property and land transaction in respect of the sale Emerald Cay. They allegedly represented the price as $11 million (including $1 million for chattels) when in fact real value of the transaction was approximately $28 million.

A second charge alleges that between January 1, 2005, and March 31, 2007, the two lawyers conspired with Timothy Blixseth, Andrew Hawes, Angelica Morrone, Gary Di Silvestri and others to cheat the collector of stamp duty and the public revenue of stamp duty due and payable upon the sale by a company known as Worldwide Commercial Properties Limited to Emerald Cay Limited of land and real

property known as Emerald Cay. They are alleged to have falsely represented the value of the transaction as mentioned in the first charge.

The third count alleges that between January 1, 2005, and August 31, 2006, Kerr and O’Sullivan conspired with Blixseth, Hawes, Morrone, Di Silvestri and others to falsely represent documents required for accounting purposes by the collector of stamp duty with a view to cause loss to the public revenue and for the gain of Blixseth, Hawes, Morrone and Di Silvestri by a false declaration of the value of land and property known as Emerald Cay. O’Sullivan of the law firm Miller Simons O’Sullivan represented the buyer of the property (Blixseth), while Kerr of Misick and Stanbrook represented the seller (Di Silvistris).

A seven-member jury has been selected for the trial which was slated to last up to four weeks.

The prosecution finished presenting their case on Thursday (June 11) and jury will be called back to court on Tuesday morning (June 16).

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

“BEYOND compare” and “unbelievable” were words used to describe the luxurious Emerald Cay property in Providenciales Supreme Court this week.

Assistant Collector of Stamp Duty Stuart Barrington Taylor said he was “in awe” when he first saw the building and had never seen anything like it before.

Taylor took the stand via video link from the UK on Friday (June 5) to answer questions on why nine years ago he thought the $10 million sale price was inaccurate.

As part of his job in 2006 he flagged up the figure as suspicious after being presented with the transaction document.

His decision led to higher authorities enlisting the help of the police and in turn the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) to look into the matter.

SUSPICIONS ARISE SIPT Special Prosecutor Andrew Mitchell was the first to question Taylor on the process of his involvement.

It was revealed that the collector received the transfer document which stated that the property was being sold for $10 million.

He decided to bring it to the attention of his boss, Collector of Stamp Duty Arthur Allan Been, for potential referral to Chief Valuation Officer Shaaban Rajabu Musa Hoza.

His reasoning was that “the value at that time seemed to appear relatively low”.

Taylor explained that he would refer transfers to Been about once a month and for the most part he would have no further involvement.

However on this occasion Been flew to Providenciales from Grand Turk to meet with Inspector Mark Andrew Knighton of the Financial Crimes Unit to talk about the matter along with Taylor.

He later accompanied Been on a visit to Timothy O’Sullivan’s offices at Miller Simons O’Sullivan in Providenciales.

During the visit O’Sullivan made “a statement in passing” about former Premier Michael Misick, Taylor said, but he could not recall specifics.

A subsequent email sent by O’Sullivan to the collectors stated that during the meeting they said they were of the opinion that the correct value of the real estate at the time of transfer is reflected in the commercial terms.

These are “the total consideration for the project,” Taylor explained.

Next to question the witness was James Sturman QC for O’Sullivan who asked Taylor about how matters developed and his involvement in the investigation.

The lawyer put to him that he “finally” made his four page

Accused Timothy O’Sullivan (left) of the law firm Miller Simons O’Sullivan

statement to police on October 30, 2011, which he confirmed.

Under the official declaration at the head of the document Taylor expanded to say that the details were from memory and any error was in no way intentional.

Sturman went on to ask if he immediately thought the $10 million in the land transfer document was too low.

“I thought there should be another look at it,” he responded.

Court heard that Taylor lives about half way down Chalk Sound Road with a view of Emerald Cay and he passed it every day.

The QC asked how many other $10 million private residences came across his desk during his time in the Land Registry in 2006, to which he answered none.

During his questioning Taylor revealed that he had visited Emerald Cay during its construction “at least twice or three times” and he was accompanied by friends who were working on the property.

The nearest bar is Las Brisas on Chalk Sound and it is “roughly nine” miles to get a pint of milk, the court heard.

Sturman asked what the logical basis for his reasoning was that $10 million was not enough.

“To begin with the property was constructed on properties that were amalgamated,” Taylor said.

He went on to say that land in the Silly Creek area went for between

$400,000 and $600,000 per lot which could be between 0.3 and 0.5 of an acre.

Asked if there were any other properties that could compare to Emerald Cay in 2006 Taylor said no.

A SAFETY NET Next to ask the witness questions was Andrew Radcliffe QC representing Gordon Kerr.

He confirmed with Taylor that he knew Kerr in a professional capacity quite well over a number of years.

Court heard that the Collector of Stamp Duty in August 2006 was Arthur Been who was based in Grand Turk.

Taylor, as his assistant, was based in Providenciales, where he had responsibly for a team of five officers.

He confirmed that the purchaser or attorney for the buyer would bring the transfer form to the office.

Radcliffe asked Taylor to look over the Emerald Cay transfer form which stated that the property was sold for $10 million.

Stamp duty at the time was 9.75 percent which meant that $975,000 was due to be paid, the form read.

In his statement to police, Taylor explained that there was a Government “safety net” that allows the Chief Valuation Officer Hoza to carry out a revaluation.

This ensures that the correct continued 

Witness appeal

OFFICERS from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, in conjunction with the local police force, are seeking the public’s help with the investigation into the death of Jeff Walkin.

Walkin was shot on Saturday, June 6, at about 1am along

Granny Hill, in Five Cays.

“We want you to tell us what you saw and heard. All information will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

“If you have any information that could assist in this case please call: 649-232-6757 or 649-232-5756.”

8

June 13 - 19, 2015

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

5

PDM leadership unchanged amid rumblings from some quarters

BY DELANA ISLES ON FRIDAY (June 5) members of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) voted to retain Sharlene Cartwright Robinson and Sean Astwood as their leader and deputy leader, respectively.

However, this publication has learned from very reliable sources that there were indications that someone was going to contest the leadership of the PDM, but this was thwarted when Goldray Ewing moved a motion for the two positions to retain their respective holders.

Sources close to the party said that Josephine Connolly’s name was being called as a possible contender for the leadership.

However, when contacted by the Weekly News about these claims Connolly had no comment to offer.

She did however comment on her and other members’ future aspirations to the lead the PDM: “We all should aspire to be leaders; there is nothing wrong with that.”

Deputy Leader Sean Astwood did however note that the Ewing motion had about 99 percent support and that no indication was given that either position would be challenged.

Refuting claims that an election did not actually occur for the two positions, Astwood said that it is very important to note that a vote did occur because people voted on the motion to retain him and Cartwright Robinson.

“Anybody who says different is attempting to cause mischief. She (Connolly) has never indicated to me that she will challenge the leader. To me that is just a rumour,” the Deputy Leader said.

Meanwhile, the other positions did go through the usual motions with people being put forward and voted on, he said.

The following people were elected to serve the party, most notably, former party leader Douglas Parnell who is now the new national chairman; Karl Bain is first vice chair; Patricia Saunders, second vice chair; Princie Harris, party whip; Kelvin Williams, assistant treasurer; Gladyss Kennedy, assistant secretary general; Pastor Terrence Smith, party chaplain; and Llewellyn Handfield, Charles Garland and Derek Taylor as trustees.

A press release on the 40th convention noted that Cartwright-

PDM leader Sharlene Cartwright Robinson returned to post unopposed

Robinson solidified her position as leader when delegates overwhelmingly elected to keep her and Astwood to communicate a message of confidence and stability.

The release said that the Ewing motion to retain the positions was supported by 51 out of 54 delegates openly voting to support their continued service in an unprecedented vote of confidence in their leadership.

The party leader is quoted: “I am humbled by the outpouring of such overwhelming support for my leadership, and through God’s grace, he will lead us on to victory at the next general elections.”

She said that it was reassuring that party members expressed support not just in herself but also in her team and the work that they have been doing over the past year.

“We have been vocal and proactive when it comes to representing our people, we have defeated bad legislation designed to hurt the pocket books of the people, and the delegates seem to remember and appreciate this work,” she said.

Astwood, who was stricken by illness earlier in the year, appeared strong and vibrant during the celebrations and participated in all sessions and events of the 40th Convention, the release read.

Astwood stated: “Through God’s mercy and grace I am back with the fold to continue to fight.”

He also thanked those in

PDM member Josephine Connolly named as contender for party leadership by supporters

attendance and across the country: “God answered the prayers of thousands of persons across this land to heal my body and I am forever in their debt.”

The new chairman also offered words of thanks to supporters.

“I thank the party for affording me the time to be with my family during a very challenging period for us and I am honoured that the convention has shown such strong support for me.”

Parnell has been out of frontline

Douglas Parnell returns to the PDM after absence, elected national chairman at 40th convention

politics for the past three years due to his five-year-old son’s illness.

Parnell’s son was diagnosed with childhood leukaemia in July 2012 and has been receiving treatment in Miami. He is in complete remission and cured of the illness.

The newly elected national chairman vowed to support the team in parliament and get the party’s machinery in tip top shape.

“I will do my best to support this awesome and hard-working team

we have in parliament and help the leadership prepare the party for its upcoming election campaign,” he said.

Although speculation on Parnell’s running for elected office has excited the party’s base the release read, Parnell noted that: “Whether or not I am a candidate will not affect my support for the PDM and its leadership.

“I am a PDM and I encourage all those supporters to share my excitement and rally behind this team.”

Man shot by police during attempted robbery NINETEEN-year old Jeff Walkin was shot dead by police during an exchange of gunfire along Granny Hill Road in Five Cays in the early hours of Saturday morning.

According to police, the teen, along with another man, was involved in an attempted robbery at the time of the shooting.

Police said that about 12.58am officers on patrol in the area responded to a call from a resident of an attempted robbery.

When they arrived on the scene they were confronted by two masked men who pointed firearms at the officers, following

which there was an exchange of gunfire resulting in Walkin being shot.

The other man escaped on foot.

Emergency services were called and efforts were made by medics to administer medical treatment to Walkin while he was transported to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

However, efforts failed and he was pronounced dead some time later at the hospital.

A crime scene was established along Granny Hill and police are conducting a full investigation into the incident.

Police are appealing for public assistance into the incident and

Jeff Walkin, one of the masked men suspected in a robbery attempt last weekend

are urging anyone who has any information that could assist police to come forward.

6

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

PDM elections

AS THE country gears up for election season in 2016, the PDM leadership has remained relatively untouched, with one notable change following their recent convention.

Former leader Doug Parnell was elected chairman, with hopeful murmurings in some quarters that he could be returning to elected office, while Sharlene Cartwright Robinson and Sean Astwood were returned unopposed as Party Leader and Deputy Leader.

What are your thoughts?

On the right path

As long as Hon Sean Astwood remains in his position I am good.

Not too sure about Doug Parnell, haven’t really heard much over the years about anything outstanding or outspoken regarding him.

My hope is that Hon Cartwright and the PDM team, emphasise on health reform, labour as it relates to persons been placed on jobs which don’t require half of these fake degrees most companies are accepting (my opinion) and being more involved in promoting and protecting the Turks and Caicos Islands’ natural culture and heritage.

As well as constructing at least two middle schools for the transition of first and second formers prior to going straight into high school.

Who cares?

My thoughts? Who cares?

Unite past and present

The PDM is well poised, as in any other election to regain the Government and lead the people. Its test this time is to find unity and to become again as one.

It is good to see Doug Parnell return to the commanding heights of the party and to instil some greater sense of discipline, unity of purpose and to bring the party forward into this generation triumphantly.

Given the relative youth of the Leader, Deputy Leader and the new National Chairman they are challenged to find a formula to unite the past and the present.

We are nothing without our past and must retain our oneness with the youth.

Be a more forceful Opposition

The PDM must force the issue of our having a Government that is not really representing our people and selling us out.

The PDM must force investigations from now, into the hospital scam, why Belongers are marginalised out of the job market and why we basically have no representation.

The moral purpose of the PDM from JAGS McCartney, Oswald Skippings, Lewis Astwood, the original founders, has always been greater than that of the PNP when it comes to representing the welfare and future of the people.

This new grouping in the PDM must learn to grasp and seize that fire so that they could have the mantle of the Government passed to them.

The PDM is the brand that will instinctively fight for the people against any developer, investor etc.

This is the party that will resist the payments and the bribes that will sell our people out.

Refusing to take graft and bribes leave the party free to stand and fight for the people.

This has always been the vision and the mission of the PDM. There lies the task of the new team, the capable three.

There is much promise in having a first female head of the Government.

There is much appeal to Sean Astwood returning from a severe illness to rise again.

Doug Parnell is young, new, filled with ideas, and innovative.

By marrying the past and the present the PDM should be able to find the right formula to build a bright future.

The task is to overcome feelings, divisions and jealousies and to build a fighting engine for the good and welfare of the people.

It is in unity that the PDM can find or give the people a reason to allow them to govern again.

No need for change

great leaders. There is no need for change of positions just yet

No surprise

The unopposed election of Sharlene and Sean is no surprise. The leading voice in parliament has been Sharlene.

When it came to VAT the Premier passed the ball to Sharlene to prove it was not the right tax bill for tiny TCI. Washy’s taxes can be repealed once he is out of office. Sean has been a level headed representative of Five Cays and another youthful logical voice.

Putting Douglas Parnell in as chairman is more good news. Parnell was a broad based PDM leader while the TCI was under British control.

He is an organiser and will bring the PDM to a higher public profile. He was instrumental in influencing Britain to allow elected government to return.

The PDM won the majority of votes but the PNP true to form manipulated another victory which is costing the TCI in continuing mismanagement.

Parnell will be in parliament. Winning or not he will be appointed as before.

PDM is the way

Good for the PDM, three strong voices joined by their other elected members.

Give them the Government and honest and proper government will be restored after all these years of self-enriching corruption and mismanagement.

 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

I think that this is a good idea. They are

Independent probe being carried out into police shooting

BY DAISY HANDFIELD

Police press officer Audley Astwood [From Files]

AN INDEPENDENT investigation is being conducted into the shooting of Jeff Walkin who was shot by police during an exchange of gunfire this past Saturday (June 6) in the vicinity of Granny Hill, Five Cays.

The shooting occurred when cops arrived on the scene and foiled a robbery attempt by the 19-year-old and another man at about 12.58am.

Following the death of Walkin, Commissioner of Police James Smith called on the Royal Cayman Police Service to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting.

Police press officer Audley Astwood said the probe is already underway in the TCI by five officers of the Cayman Island Police Force, following which a report will be submitted to the commissioner.

He told the Weekly News on Thursday (June 11) that there is nothing unusual about the officers coming in to work on the investigation and that it didn’t imply anything out of the ordinary.

He said that this was standard procedure and that investigations are ongoing.

According to a press release issued by the police, it is in the interest of the

police force and everyone involved in an incident where firearms have been discharged by police officers that appropriate procedures be applied and investigations be thoroughly and sensitively carried out.

The release read: “The manner in which the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police responds to such incidents, and the professional standards applied, are of great interest to the public, providing further reason to investigate such matters thoroughly and sensitively.”

During the night of the incident, police officers on patrol responded to reports and on arriving on the scene

were confronted by two masked men who pointed firearms at them.

As a result of the confrontation, one of the masked men, Walkin sustained a gunshot injury.

Police are appealing for public assistance into the incident and are urging anyone who has any information to come forward.

People can use the untraceable and anonymous Crimestoppers Miami number at 1-800-(TIPS) or 1-8008477 to report any information.

No names or numbers are requested and only the information provided is passed on to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

June 13 - 19, 2015

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

7

Luxury home built $6 million over budget – But increase due to sellers’ indecision, say defence

BY REBECCA BIRD AN ORIGINAL budget of about $3 million was drafted for luxury property Emerald Cay in 1999, but five years later the sellers had spent more than $9 million.

The figures were revealed when managing director of Projetech Steve John Thompson took to the stand in Providenciales Supreme Court on Friday afternoon (June 5).

SIPT Special Prosecutor Andrew Mitchell QC began the questioning by clarifying Thompson’s position and involvement in the Emerald Cay build.

The court heard that he first joined the company in March 2000 after it had already been approached by the Di Silvestris to submit a proposal for the construction of the property.

Construction began in late 2001

by general contractors Projetech and owners’ representative Ronald Albert Shaw was appointed to deal with the design.

Thompson explained that Worldwide Commercial Properties Ltd was the official buyer.

He added that there was no formal contract, despite the fact he drafted one, it never got executed.

When asked if it was a normal build, the managing director explained that the Di Silvestris spent a lot of time on the job site and often changed things.

“We ended up there for about three years,” he said, “and after the three year period we still hadn’t finished.”

He said that back in 1999 the original budget was $2 million to $3 million however the build ended up costing $9,376,373.86.

‘The eggs are scrambled’ - Mitchell

BY REBECCA BIRD

THE TWO transactions that went ahead during the sale of Emerald Cay in 2006 were part of the same deal, it was alleged in Providenciales Supreme Court this week.

In other words the ‘two eggs in the basket’ described by defence last week are in fact scrambled, said SIPT Special Prosecutor Andrew Mitchell.

The suggestion came as US attorney Andrew Edward Hawes, who works for buyer Timothy Blixseth and associated groups, gave further evidence via video link from Boise, Idaho, on Monday (June 8).

Mitchell had previously questioned Hawes followed by James Sturman QC for Timothy O’Sullivan on Wednesday and Thursday of last week (June 3 and 4).

Andrew Radcliffe QC representing Gordon Kerr then briefly began his examination of the witness but was cut short by a faulty video link.

He continued on Monday by asking Hawes about the Executive Golfer Magazine which was published at the end of 2006.

The US lawyer confirmed that both the square footage of the house and its price were exaggerated in the magazine’s article on the property.

Material of this nature would be a good way to promote the club and sell membership, suggested

Radcliffe, to which Hawes agreed.

The Emerald Cay purchase already began in June or July 2005 and the witness started work for buyer Timothy Blixeth and companies in August 2005, however work on the purchase did not begin until February 2006.

The QC then referenced an email from Kerr in July 2005 which included the broad outline of a proposed deal including an ancillary part of the transaction.

He asked Hawes if it must have arisen out of discussion between Blixeth and the Di Silvestris, to which he agreed.

The email also suggested that a US attorney would deal with the second part of the transaction, the court heard.

Radcliffe then read Hawes an email that he had sent to his assistant asking about Yellowstone Club World membership.

He suggested that his internal emails were written in a “completely unguarded way” and he never expected them to be examined in court.

On July 13 at 11.28am Hawes received an email from O’Sullivan expressing concerns that the US element of the deal was falling to him to prepare.

In another email later the same day O’Sullivan said that the additional agreement would be “a TCI agreement”.

From the date of its inception there was confusion about the continued 

8

Accused Gordon Kerr (left) of Misick and Stanbrook

This paid for all the works that Projetech was contracted for, which were the “vast majority” aside from appliances, windows and doors, a touch panel control system, marble and landscaping.

Thompson explained that the company completed the gatehouse first where the Di Silvestris spent a lot of time.

After three years when 80 to 90 percent of the build was finished and construction slowed down significantly Projetech decided to pull out of the project, the court heard.

Shaw remained to complete the works which Thompson estimated would take four to five months.

Next to question the witness was Andrew Radcliffe QC representing Gordon Kerr who confirmed with Thompson that Projetech was involved in the project for the “best part of five years”.

The court heard that Thompson would send invoices to Worldwide Commercial Properties Ltd. Kerr was the Di Silvestris attorney who arranged payments by them to Projetech, and had nothing to do with the building works or their

supervision.

The managing director confirmed that he had always got on with him and would vouch for his character.

The QC asked if construction work of this nature has to be carried out in accordance with planning permission, to which the witness replied yes.

A budget was prepared in 2001 which stated that Projetech was expecting to pay $6,326,983 in construction costs, the court heard, and the work was expected to be completed at the end of February 2003.

However it did not finish on time or on budget, mainly because the owners changed their minds on several matters.

And as the work regressed the relationship between Projetech and the Di Silvestris suffered.

Thompson explained that he had two of his “key guys” working on the site and he wanted to use them elsewhere.

STANDING JOKE Next to question Thompson was James Sturman QC for Timothy O’Sullivan

Under the tree

who asked if the length of time it had taken to complete the project had become a “standing joke”.

The witness said he was not sure that it was a standing joke but it certainly was unusual.

Sturman then questioned the managing director about how the square footage of the house is determined – to which he replied that it is the area under air conditioning.

In his re-examination Mitchell asked if Thompson talked to Kerr about the project and the rebuilds, to which he replied no.

He then asked if the project envisioned in 2001 when the budget was created was the same as the one the company left in 2003.

Thompson said he would have to see plans to give an accurate answer.

Mitchell put to the witness that a lot of the additional spends went on property improvements not simply rebuilds.

“It was a mix and match of the two,” he replied.

Finally on request he estimated the cost of construction of the pool at the property to be $400,000 to $500,000.

On Friday afternoon following Thompson’s submissions, Marc Rawlins, a legal enforcement consultant with the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of five years was called to the stand.

His role is to provide advice on enforcement matters to any department under the FSC, and affect noncompliance action where necessary.

He answered questions on land holding corporations, sale of shares and exempt companies among others.

By Benneth Williams

8

NEWS

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

‘I was in awe’ – assistant stamp duty collector continued FROM 

4

amount of stamp duty is paid, the court heard.

In the case of Emerald Cay, Taylor stamped the transfer document and then contacted Been with his concerns.

However law states that it should be investigated before being stamped, the QC suggested.

He went on to ask the witness how much extra money he was hoping to make by supplying information to police that there was an undervalue.

Taylor replied: “Nothing, just doing my job,” and added that there was no bonus scheme.

However Radcliffe said that in the witness’ police statement he had previously requested that consideration be given to his request

Defence attorney James Sturman QC (right) representing Timothy O’Sullivan

for compensation.

Taylor said this referred to the Interpretation Ordinance that states that any officer can receive a portion of the additional collections.

In his re-examination Mitchell asked Taylor to describe what he saw during visits to Emerald Cay. The witness said it was “a massive construction property, something I’ve never seen”.

He explained that having built a few houses himself he knew that construction costs were “extremely massive”.

“I was in awe,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything of that size, structure and nature, and that quality of construction and quality of material.”

He said it was “beyond compare” and added that on first entering the building he thought “this is truly lifestyles of the rich and famous”.

‘The eggs are scrambled’ - Mitchell continued FROM 

7

ancillary agreement, the court heard.

And it was not until early June 2006 during a telephone conference that Hawes was able to understand fully what it was about.

In addition it was regularly the case that the Di Silvestris would not go through their lawyer Kerr but would deal directly with other parties.

Hawes went on to reveal that there were a number of occasions when Blixeth was frustrated and came close to not doing the deal.

Radcliffe then brought up the $6.5 million consultancy agreement which Hawes agreed was of his opinion, bonafide and genuine.

It reflected in part consultancy work already carried out by Di Silvesti and in part future work, the court heard.

The past consultancy work worth $3.5 million was confirmed as having been done, according to Hawes.

He went on to agree with the QC that the figure for consultancy work was “eye watering” and a lot of money.

The properties that Yellowstone Club World were interested in were hugely expensive, Radcliffe suggested.

He added that a buyer would research a seller to see if he is financially stable or under pressure of time, and research the property value.

With Yellowstone Club World Hawes said they were dealing with “unique, one of a kind properties” in markets they were not familiar with.

He then agreed with Radcliffe’s suggestion that a good negotiator may be able to save Blixeth a significant amount of money.

Membership of Yellowstone Club World was $3 million, which is the same as the figure for future consultancy, the QC said.

He added that there is no legal

Defence attorney Andrew Radcliffe QC representing Gordon Kerr

SIPT Special Prosecutor Andrew Mitchell outside Providenciales Supreme Court

requirement for the consultancy agreement to be in writing.

more than once.

On those occasions he warned his boss about the potential loss of the option fee valued at $4 million.

Mitchell went on to talk about the two transactions that had previously been described by the defence as two eggs sitting in the same basket.

One part of the $28 million transaction was the purchase of a house in the TCI for $15.5 million which included the real estate value including chattels (property that is not land and buildings) of $11 million, the $4 million option fee and a $500,000 works agreement.

There was “much confusion” over the second part of the transaction, Hawes said, which was a $12.5 million financial arrangement in the US and included payment from Blixeth to Di Silvestri.

“There came a point when those eggs were scrambled,” Mitchell suggested, however Hawes was unable to confirm.

The QC said this came about when the US agreement became instead a TCI transaction.

He then asked the US attorney to clarify the different elements of the two payments including the option agreement, the works agreement, and the consultancy agreement.

SCRAMBLED EGGS Prosecutor Mitchell then began his re-examination of the witness by asking about his role.

Hawes explained that he was responsible for the Blixeth Group and other entities that Blixeth owned.

His duties included contacting local counsel during the purchase of Yellowstone Club World properties to do due diligence on the deal, then move towards closing and completing the transaction.

Asked if he had any knowledge of stamp duty previously, Hawes replied that he did not.

The US lawyer visited Emerald Cay on one occasion in 2006, the court heard, and he thought it was “rather grand”.

He recalled a guest house, a tennis court, a bridge, a main house with a library and a separate structure for gym equipment.

Hawes said he had limited experience with properties on this scale and it was a new experience for him.

During the six months that Hawes had a working involvement in the sale Blixeth threatened to pull out

Chalk Sound national park where a tourist’s lifeless body was recovered on Wednesday

Missing man found dead in Chalk Sound A MAN vacationing in the Turks and Caicos Islands was on Wednesday afternoon (June 10) found dead in waters in the Chalk Sound national park by the authorities.

The 47-year-old man was reported missing on Tuesday by an employee of the hotel where he was staying in the North West Point area of Providenciales.

Police, with the assistance of the marine branch and people from the community conducted a search around Providenciales and the Chalk Sound area where the man’s lifeless body was eventually recovered.

No confirmation has yet been

given on the cause of death.

The man was last seen on Monday sometime after 8am in the hotel’s compound.

Police reported that at the time he was last seen, he was sitting in a vehicle and the only description given by persons who saw him was that he was wearing a beige shirt.

He is described as a Caucasian male with blonde hair and blue eyes standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing about 280 pounds.

Investigations into the man’s death are currently on-going.

Up to press time, police did not release the man’s name as his next of kin had not been informed.

Water production on Grand Turk increased following high demand – Gov’t THE WATER plant on Grand Turk at present is producing 218,000 gallons per day, as announced by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning on Thursday (June 11).

The ministry was responding to what they called “incorrect claims” that the island’s reverse osmosis plant was not working, a Government release read.

“We are experiencing extremely high demand for water on Grand Turk at this time, which is compounded by the unseasonably dry weather which has not replenished the island’s domestic water cisterns,” Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Susan Malcolm said.

She added that although the plant is operational, the high demand has reduced the pressure within the distribution network which unfortunately means that there is no pipe delivery of water to the North

Ridge area.

“We are prioritising the delivery of 10,000 gallons a day to the hospital whose RO plant is current undergoing repairs and we hope will be back on stream in the next few weeks.”

She added that in an attempt to resolve the matter, they bought an additional motor to boost daily water production to 240,000 gallons, which is scheduled to arrive in two weeks’ time.

Malcolm added that: “Further, we have asked for $250,000 from the contingency fund to repair the old reverse osmosis plant, which could be used to augment water production and supply.

“Finally, we would like to confirm that the new reverse osmosis plant for Salt Cay has been delivered, installed, tested and now waiting to be commissioned for water production.”

June 13 - 19, 2015

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

9

Rufus Ewing, Premier and Minister of Health, Agriculture and Human Services

TCIG reaffirms commitment to fighting non-communicable diseases PREMIER and Minister of Health, Rufus Ewing has committed to championing the fight against noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The commitment was made at the closure of a forum on noncommunicable diseases this past week in Bridgetown, Barbados.

It was taken by Caribbean health officials in attendance in response to an announcement made by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) during the two day forum.

That announcement centred on the fact that despite the region’s efforts to reduce the risk and impact of NCDs in the Caribbean, current trends show that the goal of 25 percent reduction in deaths associated with NCDs is still beyond reach for 2025, a TCI Government press release read.

The two day forum, at which Premier Ewing was the highest ranking political leader, informed those gathered that NCDs continue to be a major development issue for the region, with three out of every four deaths being due to NCDs and that 73 percent of those deaths occur in the productive age group of 30 to 69, regionally.

Premier Ewing, in his contribution during the panel discussion at the forum, emphasised the importance of political, technical and private sector leadership in adequately addressing NCDs. He also reaffirmed the TCI Government’s commitments to strengthening primary healthcare in the TCI, thereby addressing NCDs and ultimately meeting the global target.

In laying out the road map for minimising the impact of NCDs, Ewing also identified his Government’s key initiatives as including: the tabling of the Tobacco Control Bill in Cabinet and the House of Assembly towards the reduction in tobacco consumption and the promotion of smoke-free zones; the establishment of a chronic disease commission for the incorporation and collaboration with the health public sector and non-government organisations (NGOs) as partners in the fight against NCDs; and the implementation of the Turks and Caicos Islands National Action Plan for the prevention and control of NCDs, as coming out of the National Health Strategic Plan.

He also pointed to the implementation of the health in all policy approach to the development of national policies with the recognition of health as also being a development issue; and, the strengthening of the national healthy

lifestyles initiatives intended to bring about changes in attitude and cultural practices in the approach to healthy living with a focus on prevention and staying healthy.

The NCDs agenda, which addresses the prevention and control of NCDs, was brought to the world stage in 2011, when a high level meeting attended and championed by the region of the Americas, and particularly the Caribbean subregion, led to a political declaration for countries to implement measures designed to tackle the global epidemic.

The declaration was most recently reaffirmed and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.

Among the Barbados’ forum’s key objectives was a discussion on strategies to make recommendations that will ensure that the goal of reducing the impact of NCDs remains high on the political agenda in the Caribbean, as well as the development of initiatives that will ensure universal health care coverage and universal access to healthcare within countries of the region.

Minister of Border Control and Employment, Don-Hue Gardiner”

Governor Peter Beckingham

Haiti’s president, Michel Martelly

MOU with Haiti still being worked out - Governor THE GOVERNOR’s Office has confirmed that attempts are still being made to work out a suitable and mutually beneficial Memorandum of Understanding with Haiti.

In an invited comment from this publication a representative from Governor Peter Beckingham’s office on Wednesday (June 10) conveyed that the Governor is still hopeful that the MOU will be agreed to and signed.

Beckingham’s hope is however contrary to Minister of Border Control Don-Hue Gardiner’s, who in May reported to the House of Assembly that he has little to no hope of one being signed.

During a question and answer segment of a May sitting of the House, the minister said that talks between the two countries had broken down.

The document is supposed to address and offer suggestions on how the two countries can tackle

the serious problem of the illegal migration of Haitians to the TCI, among other issues.

Gardiner told the House that there is not a proposal for a memorandum of understanding with Haiti anymore.

He said that having made the best endeavours to reach certain accommodations with the Government in Port-au-Prince and having experienced several shifting of the goal post as of when agreements were thought to have been reached, the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and certainly he, has taken the view that it is unlikely they will come to any accommodations with the Haitian Government.

“Because no agreement is better than a bad agreement,” he said at the time.

For several months, the ministry and the Governor’s office have been working with the Haitian Government to have the agreement

agreed to and signed.

And while there were hopeful signs in 2014 of this happening, more than half a year has passed since the firm assurance of a signing was to take place in December 2014, and hope appears to have fled on the local front.

Other aspects of the document deal with the time frame for which people may be repatriated, the protocols to actually follow in those repatriations as well as things which the TCI Government expects the Government in Haiti to do to deter people from taking the treacherous 90 miles across the ocean to these shores.

A key component of the agreement is the establishment of a monitoring group, consisted of personnel from both countries, which would monitor the progress of the arrangements and how it is actually working to deter migrants and to ensure a safe and human repatriation of migrants.

(DELANA ISLES)

MILLS MUSES

Transforming education

IN THE Caribbean and the TCI we often hear of changing the educational system to achieve better results.

This sometimes means staff reduction, the merging of institutions to achieve value for money and effectiveness, and better training for educational personnel.

But educational change is not enough since change is incremental and there is resistance. What is really required is a complete transformation of the system.

This involves redesigning jobs, improving quality and performance and changing how things are done.

The culture of education is then concerned with more efficient service, the use of information technology and interdependence.

The new Minister of Education in one Caribbean country recently stated that the high level of illiteracy, large numbers of school drop outs, and the failing standard of the local university, all point to the need

for major changes in the system.

He notes further that the system is not working when it is losing hundreds of people not completing school, if people are leaving school unable to read and write completely and if the standard of the university is constantly failing.

He then stresses the need to analyse what has gone wrong to ensure that at every level students are better prepared and this means scrutinising the curriculum and all textbooks.

The Minister of Education should be commended on being so frank about the state of education in his country.

Why then has the system not been seriously looked at before and the problems allowed to accumulate?

The state of a country’s education system affects the performance of the economy and contributes to innovative practices.

Illiteracy and the problem of dropouts lead to anti-social activities. If a country’s university standards are in question, the quality of graduates will be poor.

They will lack the knowledge and

BY Oliver Mills

Oliver Mills was born in South Caicos, acquired a diploma in article writing from the Writer’s Digest School in the United States, and worked as training manager for the Turks and Caicos public service. He is currently an adjunct lecturer in the Business and Hospitality Departments at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.

skills that contribute to growth and development.

It is the university that trains teachers for the schools, so if it is not delivering teachers will produce students who perform below expected levels.

The minister did not say who would analyse the system but it should be a combination of competent local people, along with professional educators from abroad, with success in transforming educational systems.

Nothing short of a major transformation is needed if education is to contribute to national development.

This means matching teaching skills with jobs, ensuring professionals have the appropriate subject base, and sharing information so that each level knows what the other is doing.

And, there should be a system of accreditation of teachers yearly.

Educational restructuring has its limitations, and educational change is disruptive.

It is only when we seek to radically transform education that we get to remove what is not working, replacing it with what does.

10 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 13 - 19, 2015

Extradition decision next week for David Smith PONZI schemer, David Smith will know on Thursday (June 18) if he will be extradited to the United States to serve 30 more years behind bars.

Smith, who enjoyed very brief freedom following his release from Her Majesty’s prison on January 22, had served only three years of a six year sentence in the TCI. He was arrested shortly after his release on a provisional warrant from the US and remanded into custody.

The official request for his extradition arrived in the Islands in March.

Smith appeared in court on Friday (June 5) for the last in a series of legal challenges his lawyer Oliver Smith has put up against the extradition request.

Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner is set to deliver his judgement on the defence and the Crown’s submissions this coming Thursday in the Downtown Providenciales Magistrate’s Court.

Smith (lawyer) argued that the extradition should not be granted on two grounds – that one of the crimes involved is not an extradition crime and that other crimes which arguably are extradition crimes attract double jeopardy as his client has already been convicted and sentenced for them in the TCI. He argued that the extradition should not be granted on those two important grounds.

“The crimes that he pled guilty to, he pled guilty to those crimes

David Smith

because there was an agreement with the (US) federal authorities recognising that each crime would attract double jeopardy, recognising also that they would have a problem extraditing him.

“They said that why don’t you come up, waive extradition, waive those arguments at this stage and then at the end of the day we will make an application to reduce your sentence,” the lawyer told the Weekly News on Wednesday (June 10).

Smith said that authorities were investigating a family suspected to be involved in the scheme and had needed his client’s cooperation, which he gave as part of a plea agreement.

However no charges were laid against the suspect and the lawyer believes that his client was ‘caught’ and that he would not have agreed to

waive the double jeopardy arguments at that time had he known that would have happened.

He further claims that the US defaulted on its agreement and that the whole business was a plot to get his client to cooperate with their investigations.

Another legal challenge by the lawyer was to the contents of an affidavit by Bruce Ambrose in connection with the extradition.

Smith had submitted his request to the court that Ambrose gave testimony in court as to the contents of the affidavit.

However, that request has since been withdrawn.

Meanwhile, in Smith’s (defendant) plea agreement with the US it was revealed that the Jamaican national used investors’ money to make a down payment on a Lear jet, sponsor a popular jazz festival in Jamaica, and contributed millions to the island's two major political parties and several prominent individuals and politicians.

Following the unravelling of the grand Ponzi scheme and investigations by Federal authorities, Smith was convicted of multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering both in the TCI and the US in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

The former boss of Olint, a foreign exchange outfit that promised people high returns averaging 10 percent per month, swindled more than $220 million from about 6,000 investors.

(DELANA ISLES)

Laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands 2014 revised edition published THE 2014 revised edition of the Laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands has been published, the Government announced on Thursday (June 11).

The 2014 revised edition comes into force on June 15 and contains the consolidated text of the ordinances and subsidiary legislation of the Turks and Caicos Islands as at December 31, 2014.

The new edition is in the form of loose leaf volumes bound and is accompanied by a searchable CDROM. Anyone wishing to purchase the new 11 volume set and accompanied CD-ROMs, the cost is $1,800. For those wishing to only purchase a CD-ROM, the cost is $1,000.

In addition, individual booklets are also available for sale at $10, $50 and $75 each, depending on size.

Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles in a press statement said: “It’s very important that our laws are regularly updated and available to the public.

“This is only one aspect of a three phase project which will

ultimately culminate in the revised laws being available in hard copies, on searchable CD-ROMs and online updates.”

Copies of new book will be available in the public libraries on Grand Turk and Providenciales and Her Majesty’s Prison.

Those interested in purchasing copies of the 2014 law revision should place orders by contacting Simeka Boyce, Senior Legislative Systems Administrator, Attorney General’s Chambers, Waterloo Road, Waterloo Plaza, Grand Turk or call 338-3273 or email sboyce@gov.tc.

Rudeness from the Jamaica Observer...june/7th

No more flak for Misick Dear Editor, I have noticed that minister Washington Misick has observed that many of the immigrants that have moved to his Islands celebrate their own nations and the various public holidays of their nations in the TCI with great abandon and seemingly forget about the Turks and Caicos Islands which has been such a blessing to them and their families.

Mr Washington Misick rightly stood up and said that people who move to these Islands should support these Islands first and ease up on bringing places like Haiti, Jamaica, and Dominican Republic to his nation’s shores.

Due to this stand Mr Washington Misick has been wrongly getting a lot of negative flak, even in the press of some of these nations.

Sir, what Mr Washington Misick has stated has merit and is confirmed by the great prophet Jeremiah in that many years ago the children of Israel went through a period of suffering and persecution because of the sins of their leaders and their sins and

John D Wildish Venetian Road, Providenciales

It’s time to say see you later Rachel says goodbye

Tracey Parker, Clerk to the House of Assembly; Sigrid Lightbourne, Registrar General, Anya Williams, Deputy Governor; Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Attorney General; Nyasha Hatmin, Registrar of the Supreme Court (Ag) and Ogontle Gatang, Senior Legislative Drafter

many of them where exiled to foreign lands.

The prophet Jeremiah gave this advice to these people who had left their land, saying: “…also seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you in exile.

Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers so too shall you prosper.”

Jeremiah 29vs7 Furthermore Mr Misick is being vindicated by the record in that his nation, the TCI, is now substantially increasing the minimum wage paid in hard currency to all, while in these other mentioned nations they cannot even put their people to work at a pittance.

So Mr Misick has stated a valid point.

With this in mind I would hope that the wisdom of both Mr Misick and Jeremiah is heeded by the immigrants who have made this nation home.

May the Good Lord continue to bless this nation richly.

Hello everyone, my time with Lime is completed and I leave the business tomorrow, Friday, June 12.

My position was made redundant and I am on my way to opening a new chapter of life.

I joined the company on August 5,1997, and after spending almost half my life here, I am happy to be moving on.

I hope that you will be as excited as I am when your time comes to look to the future with hope; to run to new doors and opportunities; to stretch your arms to the heavens and pump your fist with glee.

This is not the end of the world but

a beginning of a whole new world.

I have been so humbled and touched by the outpouring of good wishes that I have received from colleagues and customers and it means that while, being human :-), I did not always get everything right, I did something right and I appreciate all that I have learned while here.

I offer best wishes to the company and the team moving forward.

Please contact the general manager for all things marketing moving forward!

I remain JustRach.

Over and out.

Rachel Harvey Providenciales, TCI

June 13 - 19, 2015

PDM calls temporary freeze on passports wrong and unfair THE OPPOSITION has condemned the freeze on the issuance of passports wrong and has called for it to be lifted.

In a statement on Thursday (June 11), Leader of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson also condemned the short notice (less than 24 hours) given by the Ministry of Border Control for the freeze.

Her Majesty the Queen

Queen’s birthday to be celebrated on Monday THE TURKS and Caicos Islands will join sister Commonwealth nations around the world in celebrating Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday on Monday (June 15).

The occasion will be celebrated in Grand Turk, where the annual Queen’s Birthday celebrations will take place on the parade ground at 10am.

“The Governor’s Office would like to invite everyone to come out and enjoy this special event marking the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen,” James Astwood, Director of the Governor’s Office said in a press release this week.

The ceremony will include participants from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, staff from Her Majesty’s Prison, Customs and Immigration officials, firefighters, the Ex-Serviceman Legion, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Girls Brigade, Pathfinders and children from the island’s schools.

All will be accompanied by the Police Band.

Following the parade, Governor Peter Beckingham will present long service awards to key members of the uniformed services in recognition of their 18, 25 or 30 years of service to the Crown.

The ceremony will last for about 60 minutes and will conclude with a royal salute taken by the Governor.

As is traditional in the TCI, the Governor’s Office will provide refreshments to all participating in the parade and there will be a reception at his official residence, Waterloo, at 6pm for invited guests.

NEWS 11

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

The new passport application process takes effect on June 29 and passports should be processed until as close as possible to the date to accommodate people and also to avoid a huge number of applications for the new system which can only add to the already frustrating environment in these Islands, the party leader said.

“We believe that there should have been a deployment of staff to this area to assist as many persons as possible and not a sudden deadline sprung upon them.

“Whilst we appreciate that the office is swamped with applications, this was to be anticipated as is the case in a majority of the overseas territories and measures should have been put in place.”

She is calling on the Government to reverse the decision and remove its temporary freeze and to assist people as much as possible.

It should be required that a cutoff date be instituted, a date well in advance should be announced, as less 24 hours’ notice is simply not good enough, she added.

“We will make immediate further representations to the Government on this issue as time is of the essence.”

REAL TALK

‘Render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar’ ONE of the biggest examples of hypocrisy is demanding a principle to be accepted by another person, when you yourself don’t accept or uphold that same principle.

We often ask expats and visitors to respect this country and what it stands for, but are we respecting this country?

Do we pay respect to our sovereign according to law? Do we teach the oath of allegiance and the United Kingdom national anthem to our children as any other proud nation would do?

The Union Jack is as much a part of the country’s flag as its coat of arms. I don’t chose to embrace one symbol of the flag over the others.

The Turks and Caicos Islands is a British overseas territory and therefore its laws are British, its citizens are British and Her Majesty the Queen is the head of state.

When Jesus’ disciples asked him about respecting their sovereign; he said “render unto Caesar what is Caesar” and unto God what belongs to God.

By Jas Walkin

BIOGRAPHY: Jas was born with a physical disability and diagnosed with a mild form of muscular dystrophy. His early childhood was characterised with trying to fit in in a regular school environment unequipped to cater to special needs students. With support from family, teachers and the community he graduated as valedictorian of Raymond Gardiner High School and has been a graduate teacher for the past last nine years.

If we are going to one day develop true elements of patriotism in this country, we need to start now.

Attaining independence will not make us more patriotic. Those who abuse the public trust and corrupt the system will continue after we become a sovereign nation.

Those who dishonour the flag now will continue to do so.

Respect is not just about how you feel about those in authority over you, but it is also about how you want to be respected by those below you.

The disrespect for the head of the state and the British government that many of us promote and transfer to our children is going to come and slap us in the face.

If you don’t respect your country’s

authority when you are a colony, you will not respect it when you become an independent nation.

I am a Turks and Caicos Belonger, which makes me a British overseas territory citizen.

Hence, until I am given a new national pledge and oath of allegiance, this shall my oath be: “I Jas Walkin affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors, according to law. So help me God.” Then just as my grandfathers James Walkin and Edward Carlton ‘Lou’ Higgs rendered to Caesar what was Caesar’s I am going to say: “God save the Queen and God bless the Turks and Caicos Islands”.

COMMENTARY

Is it a recovery?

ACCORDING to late May news the Government that celebrated its BBB+ financial rating is now looking for a better rating because of our ‘recovery’.

BBB+ was only available because we are a British overseas territory and not independent.

In the wake of the 2012 election results Britain put away any possibility of excusing any portion of their loan which saved TCI from abject bankruptcy.

If we are recovering what are we recovering from? We are recovering from the outlandish spending of the 2003 to 2009 PNP Government.

Spending on themselves and buying political support. A Government so allegedly corrupt the premier, financial minister, land minister, works minister, health and education minister, house speaker plus their brothers were indicted and heading, eventually to court.

We are also ‘recovering’ from a pension fund loss of $23.5

million, plus the lost savings of 4,000 families when TCI Bank run by the brother of the former Premier quickly went bust.

Now he is financial minister!

A self-appointed critic of foreign culture, his parliamentary statements are called an anti-immigrant outburst!

The ‘recovery’ has not only cost TC Islanders raised prices but ‘PNP recovery’ has changed the TCI from a low tax eco environment which once welcomed honest developers.

Now we are a high tax, high cost, high rise environment where existing developers paid huge fines for going along with PNP alleged extortion.

It is one thing to pay off a $170 million loan but we still owe a billion dollars plus for Premier Ewing’s hospitals, clinics and purchased health plan.

This obligation will be factored into the 2016 interest rate we pay and reserves we must maintain.

Washy claims many banks want to loan us the dough to pay off the

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

PNP debt.

Meanwhile Britain’s guarantee which expires in nine months has a much lower rate of interest.

How long will it take to ‘recover’ from 12 years of failed development, run down schools and a native population now exiting the TCI as fast as possible?

It appears more TC Islanders now live in the USA than in the TCI. The young now have extremely limited opportunities and seniors need real healthcare close by.

Audley Astwood the police spokesperson is on television daily explaining the crime wave.

The TCI’s seniors with health

issues are shipped out, often on one way tickets, by ‘Canada care’.

‘Canada power’ ships the seniors’ and resort money to Canada.

The 2011 Constitution gave more control to the Brits simply because the PNP could not handle the independence of the 2006 document.

What we now need to ponder is when will confidence, honesty and faith in the Government be ‘restored’.

When will untainted development return to Provo and the family islands?

12 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 13 - 19, 2015

PDM speaks of bright future at 40th birthday bash THE PEOPLE’S Democratic Movement held its 40th anniversary in Grand Turk this past weekend with lots of celebrations and well wishes for the future of the Opposition party.

On Friday evening (June 5) the annual Legends Ball was held where party delegates, stalwarts, former leaders, Members of Parliament, party supporters, wellwishers and Dorothy McCartney dined together following a brief ceremony.

The keynote speaker of the evening Dr Hubert Fulford delivered

a speech focused on inclusiveness and the oneness of the PDM, a party press release on the event read.

He said that the convention’s theme ‘One people, one destiny, one movement’ in its 40th year captured accurately the motivations behind JAGS McCartney’s dream for the nation.

The night also saw speeches delivered by former leaders Douglas Parnell, Floyd Seymour and Derek Taylor, who all echoed the call for party unity ahead of the next general election.

However, it was the speech

Delegates at Legends Ball on Friday evening

delivered on behalf of the youth

by Creshell Bain that captivated the audience enjoying the evening’s event, as she exhorted the youth to look to the stability and inclusiveness offered by the PDM as some of the traits that will make young people strong and successful.

Introduced and described by former Deputy Speaker Dwayne Taylor as a fierce fighter on behalf of the people, leader of the party

Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson spoke to the future of the party and its relevance to the people today.

She highlighted a list of demands issued by JAGS McCartney in the Junkanoo Club on June 6, 1975, and said that the aims and objectives of the PDM remain steadfast in the full pursuit of those demands issued by JAGS. But she reminded the attendees that without forming the Government those demands are just a wish list.

She also implored all in attendance to bind together as “one people, with one destiny” and declared that together the PDM remained one movement.

Other activities were held on June 4, 6 and 7 to commemorate the party’s anniversary.

On Saturday, during the party’s business session, delegates learned of the work of the party around the Islands and received the reports from party officers.

Fortis makes major investments in employee education and training MORE than $2 million has been spent on internal and external training initiatives by FortisTCI on its employees between 2010 and 2014.

This is according to a release from the utility company this week, which stated that this figure includes the cost of scholarships, apprenticeship programmes, high school and college internships, on the job training, and leadership development.

“Employing the best people with the right qualifications and expertise is critical to the operations of FortisTCI. “That is why the company continues to invest heavily in personal and professional growth through training for its employees,” the release read.

It stated that the company’s major investment in training derives from the fact that it has been increasingly more difficult to secure qualified and experienced talent.

FortisTCI president and CEO Eddinton Powell said: “Utilities are among the fastest changing business segments in the world.

“Smart technologies are revolutionising our industry, while customers’ demands and expectations are changing.

“In a fast paced performance-

based organisation, our employees must be on the cutting edge of innovation, experts in their fields, and multi-skilled workers.

“Investing in and developing our people is a part of our mission because it is vital to the level of service FortisTCI can provide to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our employees are our greatest assets.”

In early 2015, FortisTCI successfully met all requirements for the national centre for construction education and research (NCCER) accreditation standard and criteria and now serves as one of only eight accredited training sponsor (ATS) sites within the region.

The five year step programme for mechanics and engineers is one of several initiatives implemented to broaden the technical skill set available within the organisation.

FortisTCI has also launched a programme for plant operators through the American Society for Power Engineers (ASOPE), which requires participants to complete four levels of certifications including third, second, and first class engineer, and chief engineer; to date, the first of the four levels has been completed.

Both NCCER and ASOPE are internationally recognised, and

FortisTCI Training and Scholarships

participants undergo practical and theoretical learning sessions.

Other certified technical training courses administered at FortisTCI include a two year customised meter technician programme and a four year, four level linemen apprenticeship programme.

According to the release, the utility company has also created opportunities specifically for Turks and Caicos Islanders to obtain university level education through its bonded scholarship programmes.

To date, FortisTCI has served as the primary benefactor of four university bachelor degrees and one MBA with an additional bachelor degree in progress and an MBA that is set to finish in 2015.

Additionally, FortisTCI student internship programme (SIP), student summer employment program (SSEP) and student apprenticeship programme are all geared toward providing exposure to local high school and college students.

Through these programmes, students can experience the day-today operations of an electric utility company and FortisTCI can identify potential candidates for future scholarship awards.

The company considers itself an “employer of choice” in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and has one of the highest percentages of locally employed personnel with 86 per cent of its staff being Turks and Caicos Islanders, the release read.

It added that leadership and on the job training programmes have also been established to develop employees that possess potential leadership capabilities.

Since January 2015, a total of 4,164 training hours has been recorded by employees.

The release stated that FortisTCI aims at maintaining a five-year strategic training plan that identifies specific skills gaps, as well as an annual training register which identifies training that will be undertaken each year.

This approach helps to ensure that the necessary skills are available at all times in an industry with a mandate to carry out operations that are critical to the country.

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

13

14 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 13 - 19, 2015

Waterloo is part of Turks and Caicos Islands living history - Governor THE 200th anniversary of one of the most important and historic buildings in the Turks and Caicos Islands is being celebrated on Monday (June 15).

Governor Peter Beckingham’s official residence in the capital Grand Turk was named Waterloo after the famous battle fought in 1815.

The anniversary will be marked by a reception hosted by the Governor at the house on the occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s official birthday.

“Waterloo is an important, historic and living piece of the history of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” the Governor said in a press release this past week.

“At a time when there is a growing appreciation of TCI culture for residents and visitors alike, Waterloo must be recognised as one of the most significant buildings in the Caribbean, given its age, and its key role at the heart of the Islands’ political development.

“The Islands are very fortunate that this historic building has been so well cared for, and has survived fires, termites, remodelling work and hurricanes in 1866, 1926, 1945 and 2008.”

In recognition of the anniversary, Governor Beckingham has published a commemorative booklet about the property, including a forward by local historian Dr Carlton Mills who said: “The significant role that this property has played in the Turks and Caicos since 1815 must be captured and shared as an important part of the Islands’ heritage and legacy.”

Historical, cultural and political highlights of Waterloo include: The Waterloo residence was built in 1815, and named after the Napoleonic battle of June 18, 1815.

It was built in the style of a Bermudan home, with just one wing and, in the style of the time, an open air kitchen.

In 1857 the local owner of Waterloo, James Misick, sold the property to the British Government for £1,046.

The British had been looking for a more secluded property for their ‘King’s Agent’ or Crown representative in the TCI, known as the President.

In 1873, on the request of the people of TCI, the Islands became a dependency of Jamaica.

With this change in constitutional status Britain was no longer represented by a President but by a Commissioner, who reported to the Governor-General in Jamaica, and lived in Waterloo.

By the 1940s the Commissioner, Edwin Arrowsmith, found the house

Waterloo to be celebrated on Queen's official birthday

in poor repair; finding it, “covered with old cloth backed paper which was dilapidated and housed multitudes of cockroaches”.

He began some modernisation, which was continued by a number of his successors.

After Jamaica became independent in 1962, the TCI became a dependency of the United Kingdom, and responsibility fell to the Governor General of the Bahamas, who nominated administrators to represent British interests, who continued to live in Waterloo.

Her Majesty the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and Princess Alexandra have all visited Waterloo.

In 1973 after Bahamian independence, the TCI chose to retain its British Dependent status and the Islands welcomed its first Governor.

In 1975 members of the Junkanoo Club marched on Waterloo to demand social, economic and political reform.

They held a sleep out on the lawn and remained there until their demands were met.

Their protest secured a new constitution and the start of TCI ministerial government in 1976.

The first Chief Minister was the Right Honourable James Alexander George Smith, or ‘JAGS’, McCartney.

Renovations and improvements to Waterloo were commissioned in 1993, to restore as far as possible the original features, including the windows and the property’s unusual guttering.

In 1999 a nine hole golf course was created in the grounds, and despite damage in the 2008 hurricane, it

is still used by local players who encounter tough greens and unusual fairways!

Today Waterloo is the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen’s representative in the UK overseas territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands, His Excellency the Governor.

The house is regularly used for meetings with the Premier, the official opposition, overseas investors, church leaders and community groups, and school children regularly tour the building and property.

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 15

The untold story: The Junkanoo Club Event of 1975

By Hon Sharlene Cartwright Robinson “IF ONE were to look at the event of June 6, 1975 in isolation, then he would miss some real relevant stuff.”

These are the words of one of the men who would later be called a freedom fighter.

History must record the movement from beginning to end and to not do this would be a serious injustice and disservice to the people of this country.

The events of June 6, 1975, which became known as the Junkanoo Club Event was spontaneous in nature and was not planned.

The Junkanoo Club was at the time a very popular hangout where people from all classes would come and socialise and discuss the issues.

But even in that setting there were classes of people who occupied different sections of the club.

This event was the sum total of events leading up to it and which escalated to this stage and could not be avoided and was only a matter of time.

The social climate at the time was characterised by grave injustices.

JAGS returned home from the Bahamas and after an unsuccessful bid for elected office in 1972, he quickly became an activist and between 1972 and 1974 he was active in political pursuits.

He wanted to see changes to British rule because he felt that the people were truly oppressed.

He made his debut as such in an area called The Garden in North Backsalina, Grand Turk.

Avil Skippings promoted him in a big way as he was very influential.

JAGS was an avid sportsman and he would spend much of his pastime playing cricket. He formed the team, the Titans, and he encouraged sportsmanship among his peers.

A former employee of the Navy Base, JAGS started a small business.

He owned and operated a bar which he called the Junkanoo Club.

It was not an organised club but it quickly became a place where people would meet to address the issues of the day.

Soon he became a voice for the voiceless and the go to person for those who needed representation where they felt that they were not being treated fairly.

These calls came from people all over the Turks and Caicos Islands. He travelled to South Caicos to represent a young business lady who was on the verge of having her property taken away; he also represented the nurses through a demonstration for better pay and working conditions.

These are only two accounts but there are many more where people can attest to his helping them in cases of life and death, abuse by the police and other injustices.

JAGS began to craft his vision even before being elected to office.

As the activist he became, he wanted to see an end to the prevailing social conditions at the time which included expatriates in key Government positions, a ban from locals being able to attend certain places including certain beaches, the unlawful detention of the young and the physical abuse often endured while in police custody, general discrimination against blacks, allegations of police committing crimes and casting blame on members of the Junkanoo Club.

JAGS as an activist and by now together with the newly formed Black Power Movement would hold meetings with elected members, top civil servants and the Governor in an effort to address these injustices.

The Junkanoo Club as the centre of this new movement soon became seen as a threat.

The club had its role as the meeting place for those who were hurting and had common issues.

It also had a dark side which arose out of the slow reaction on the part of the Governor.

The members of the club soon began to retaliate against the way that the British were treating the people.

One of the main focal points was the revision of the constitution and he would often engage in talks with Hon Norman Saunders and the late Hon Headley Durham.

JAGS and others felt that the Governor’s response was less than expected and that he had little or no regard for what JAGS was revealing.

It was at this stage that things began to happen and it became necessary to make certain statements and they were not made in words.

Youths especially hung out at the Junkanoo Club and the police became fearful to patrol at night.

The Governor then made arrangements to recruit police officers from other dependent territories but he did not necessarily accept that it was a fear that saw police officers not performing their duty of patrol.

It became a matter of trust as the Governor was not certain as to whether the police were supporters of the movement or genuinely afraid.

He also feared for his safety.

This did not bode well with members of the movement and the relationship between the police and

the youths who were the forerunners of the movement was further strained.

Members of society were not only buying into the propaganda that the members of the movement were criminals but they were also spreading it.

In fact they would tell people in the Caicos Islands in particular that the members of the movement would rape their daughters and burn down their houses.

They were now hated by many members of society as well as some elected members, the police and certainly the British.

The British were particularly concerned following the statement made by JAGS that he would get matters straight in the Turks and Caicos Islands even if he had to go to Cuba.

Many of the elected members at the time had no say and this was also a matter that concerned JAGS but there were some who were fearful of losing power.

However, constant in the struggle were the women. The women in the Turks and Caicos Islands stood up in full support of the movement.

On June 6, 1975, just before sunset, the usual crowd was at the Junkanoo Club. They were mainly young men from Backsalina and West Road.

The police came by to speak with JAGS. During this conversation, foreign police stood outside the Junkanoo Club and were in the road.

While there, blanks were fired and a fight triggered. The police left and went for reinforcement.

They returned with numbers not armoury but the intention was made clear. They returned to be forceful.

They appeared unafraid and seemed prepared to do whatever they had to do.

JAGS invited the Inspector from Montserrat in the club which had two sections.

He willingly came in and JAGS told the members of the movement to hold him.

The police outside tried to enter the club and JAGS told the Inspector to tell his police to leave.

This he did. He communicated with them through the window. The police did leave but later returned with firearms. During this time there was only one hostage.

The women of the movement were told to burst bottles in the road to flatten the tires of the cars.

A shoot ensued. An American employed at the Navy Base voluntarily walked up and entered the club.

The late John Houseman of the Conch News was invited in as the members of the movement informed him that they wanted someone to tell their story.

The members of the movement held them both and by midnight, there were three hostages.

A shootout ensued. The police were firing front on at the building and from a moving vehicle, while fire was returned from the yard.

The police were told to stop shooting and JAGS gave them an ultimatum.

JAGS’ uncle Ben who was a senior police officer came to speak with him. By this time many people had gathered outside and others were trying to persuade members of the movement to stand down.

However JAGS did not and told the Governor that he would only stand down if certain demands were met.

We are aware that there was a list of 10 demands which included: that the foreign police should leave, that there would be more stable jobs for locals, that British expatriates would gradually disappear from top positions in the civil service, that there would be no prosecution of those involved in the shootout and that the people of these Islands would be treated more humanely.

The Governor invited JAGS to come to his office. JAGS however refused to and demanded that the Governor come to the Junkanoo Club.

The Governor agreed and included JAGS’ demands written on a piece of paper napkin in a typed document.

JAGS, accompanied by Terrence Smith aka Slave aka Shiny, left the Junkanoo Club to go to the Governor who was outside.

Not fully trusting the move, JAGS left instructions as to what the members of the movement should do if he or Slave was hurt.

During this time a British warship had already been deployed and could

be seen in the waters. A member of the Navy base assisted in the negotiations with the Governor.

The standoff ended around 6pm that day lasting over 24 hours.

The Junkanoo Club Event when taken in isolation without a full understanding of the struggle over the years could easily lead one to downplay the importance and significance of it.

The injustices and the apparent dismissal by those in authority of the issues that marginalised Turks and Caicos Islanders set the stage for this escalation of events.

Enough was enough.

A Commission of Inquiry into the events was led by CJ Small of Jamaica.

This movement was a movement of the people. Though fuelled by the grass root people, many persons of the more affluent society gladly contributed to the cause.

The words of one of the early freedom fighters in this struggle: “JAGS and The Junkanoo Incident!

Being outsized and outmatched, history must record the Junkanoo Incident as one of the most bold and courageous manoeuvres to liberate our country with purpose and determination to move further away from colonisation and closer to self-determination, freedom and independence.

“To not know our history is to not know ourselves. The event is a memorable occasion that must be appropriately recorded, honoured and celebrated in recognition firstly, of the 'cause' and secondly, of the few brave and courageous men who took a stand to make a difference, and as such, it's a part of who we are; a part of our roots; and a part of our history.

“History ought never to be confused with pleasure and sadness that is caused by remembering something from the past; it's written not to revere anything dreadful or pleasant, but to inspire the living, particularly our youth.

“The events that led up to the 'Junkanoo Incident' are undeniably a part of our social bloodstream that overflowed into our political mainstream and ultimately led to greater autonomy on the part of our parliamentary representatives and greater recognition of our people particularly in the civil service.

“The overall outcome of the struggle impacted virtually every community in our island archipelago in some form or fashion.” (James Malcolm) History must record this night as an important catalyst to change in representative politics.

16 NEWS

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

James Hines epoxying a new sea floor anchor

James Hines installs a new mooring line

Roger Halliday drills a hole for anchor installation

New snorkel boat moorings installed THE TURKS and Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF) with a great deal of assistance from Big Blue Limited, has completed the installation of 18 new snorkel boat moorings.

Twelve of the moorings are located on the outside of the coral reef east of Leeward Cut used daily by snorkel boat operators, two are on the inside of the reef and four are located off shore from Fort George

Cay, a release from the Reef Fund this week advised The moorings consist of a sea floor anchor that is a rock pin epoxied into rock on the sea floor, a nylon mooring line leading to the surface white buoy with a blue stripe and a yellow or yellow/black polypropylene pick up line.

“First, we would like to thank Big Blue Limited for their generous

donation of boat and staff time over the four days it took to complete the work and the volunteers that also helped to make it happen,” Don Stark, chairman of the TCRF, said.

He also thanked all of the local watersports operators who support the fund’s efforts to install permanent moorings, thereby eliminating the need to drop anchors on fragile coral reefs.

Each mooring costs about $2,000 to install and all the funding for the effort comes solely from funds raised by the TCRF, Stark said, adding that no funding was provided by the TCI Government.

The work was, however, approved by the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) and done under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding between DEMA and TCRF. “We invested approximately $36,000 into this effort, all of which came from donations, memberships and the sale of our retail merchandise.

We would like to encourage all the businesses who benefit from these moorings to contribute financially so we can maintain them over the long term,” he added.

Anchoring near a coral reef frequently causes damage to the reef, even when the boat operator is extremely careful where and how

they anchor.

Given that there can be a dozen or more boats out in the area where the moorings were installed and visiting the same sites twice a day, a lot of damage has already been done to these coral reefs.

Using the moorings will greatly reduce future damage to these reefs, Stark said.

“It is also important for the boat captains using these moorings to use them properly; they are designed to be used with a dock line run through the loop on the end of the pick-up line [see the illustration].

“The pick-up line should not be attached directly to a cleat on the vessel, as this will place too much pressure on the sea floor anchor “Adding the dock line provides a bit more scope and will help the moorings last much longer,” he further advised.

Suspension on passport applications Acting Premier and Minister of Education Akierra Missick and Environment Minister Porsha Stubbs-Smith join students to celebrate World Ocean’s Day

TCI students learn to swim on World Ocean’s Day STUDENTS from the Edward C Gartland Youth Centre have been taught basic swimming skills through a joint initiative by DEMA, the TCI Swimming Federation and local shark conservationist Tina Randall in observance of World Ocean’s Day. The exercise took place on Monday (June 8) and was attended by 15 students who were taught swimming techniques in the pool and the sea.

Acting Premier and Minister of Education, Akierra Missick, who dropped in on the swimming session, said that it is very important that young people continue to find ways

to stay active.

“It remains an initiative of this Government to promote healthy people and a healthy environment; programmes like this allow that to happen.

“We hope to grow this initiative and encourage more of TCI’s youth to get into the water, and appreciate the TCI’s beautiful turquoise waters,” she said.

Tourism and Environment Minister Porsha Stubbs-Smith, who joined Missick commented on the excitement of the children to be taught a new skill.

“It was all so exciting, the kids were so excited. I enjoyed seeing our

children take such an interest in our beautiful beaches.

“DEMA and I would like to thank Tina Randall, the TCI Swimming Federation, Turks and Caicos Sailing Association and the individual volunteers who took time out of their busy schedules to coach and assist,” Stubbs-Smith said.

The Government is further encouraging those interested in learning to swim or learning about the conservation of the ocean, either individuals or organisations, to contact DEMA’s Environment Outreach Coordinator, Amy Avenant, on 338-4176 or environment@gov. tc.

AS OF Tuesday (June 9) a temporary hold has been put on the receipt of applications for new Turks and Caicos Islands passports.

People who need to travel urgently and whose passports are near expiration but still valid for up to five months, will be required to apply for an extension to their existing passports in the normal way.

However expired passports will not be extended, a press release from the Passport Office in the Ministry Border Control and Employment said.

Residents whose applications are currently being processed and who were contacted to submit additional supporting documents in order to complete their passport application, are required to deliver the documents to the One Stop Shop or Customer Service Unit in Grand Turk or Providenciales by

Friday (June 12).

Failure to meet this deadline will require resubmission of the application using the new form under the new process that is to commence shortly.

People who are holders of a passport that will remain valid for nine months or more are required to submit an application for renewal using the new application form when the new process begins.

The Passport Office will no longer be accepting fees for expediting applications.

Receipt of new passport applications, using the new forms will begin on Monday, June 29.

Forms will be available at the One Stop Shop at all locations, online at www.gov.tc as well as at the Immigration Department on the islands of North, Middle and South Caicos and the District Commissioner’s Office in Salt Cay.

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

A couple in Houston as they prepare to board the United Airlines flight bound for the Turks and Caicos Islands

NEWS 17

Team from the TCI that travelled on the inaugural flight

United Airlines launches Houston to Provo service

BY DAISY HANDFIELD AN INAUGURAL ceremony was held at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS) on June 6 to welcome the addition of the United Airlines direct flight from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

Upon the aircraft’s first arrival to the Turks and Caicos Islands passengers were greeted with the Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority (TCIAA) water canon salute, courtesy of the Airport Fire Services.

The United Airlines flight will operate during the summer months

of June, July and August 2015 on Saturdays.

The flight from Houston will leave IAH at 10am and arrive in PLS at 3pm.

Milagros Uriarte, United’s director of onshore Latin America and CRB sales, said that they were delighted to be announcing the increased services to Providenciales.

“The Houston flight complements our existing service to Newark, which we serve eight times weekly from Providenciales during summer.

“Our increased services this summer will give travellers more flexibility and more choice when flying to the island.”

International Yoga Day to be celebrated in TCI LATER this month the Turks and Caicos Islands will join the rest of the world in recognising International Yoga Day as designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014.

Along with the Yoga Community, David Bowen, a yoga instructor, lifestyle and wellness coach, has announced a special event to commemorate the occasion at the Graceway Sports Centre on Sunday, June 21, from 2pm and 6pm.

The event is free and open to all.

Yoga classes for all levels will be offered along with lectures covering postures, breathing, meditation, diet and lifestyle information and live demonstrations of the Yoga Asanas (postures).

It is hoped that the celebration will create awareness about yoga and its many wonderful benefits, a release from the yoga community read.

People are encouraged to contact the local Yoga Community at TCIYC@gmail.com or call 4325278 for more information leading

up to the event.

Bowen began studying yoga in 1975, has been instructing since 1980 and teaching yoga continuously in the TCI since 1998.

December 11, 2014, was the first time 177 nations voted on one accord which resulted in the adoption of June 21 as International Yoga Day. The suggestion came from India’s prime minister Narendra Modi, who during an address at the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014, explained the benefits of yoga.

“Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action, restraint and fulfilment, harmony between man and nature, a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

“It is not just about exercise and it’s not a religion, but a method of changing your lifestyle and creating consciousness, to discover the sense of oneness with yourself,” Modi said.

Porsha Stubbs-Smith who was present during the inaugural flight on Saturday said that the addition of United’s new flight from Houston further underscores the appeal of the TCI to the traveling public.

Director of Tourism Ralph Higgs, also present, said that United Airlines’ new Houston route will undoubtedly expand connectivity to the destination and make the TCI more accessible and attractive to potential visitors from the southwest and western regions of the United States.

He said this is a sign of great things for the future of the TCI’s tourism market.

Lavern Reynolds, terminal and marketing manager for TCIAA, reiterated the excitement that was felt for the inclusion of the United Airlines flight to the TCI.

She said: “We are confident that flights to the Turks and Caicos will continue to increase during and outside of the normal tourism season.”

Five delegates from the Turks and Caicos Islands were on hand to make the maiden voyage.

Among them were, Porsha Stubbs-Smith, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Culture; Desiree Lewis, Permanent Secretary of Tourism; Lavern Reynolds of Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority; Ralph Higgs and Oneika Simons from the Tourist Board.

United’s flight will be the second direct flight to the Texas area from PLS. American Airlines offers a flight to Dallas, Texas, on Saturdays as well to facilitate better passenger connections.

United pilot proudly holding his beach bag

Deputy Premier attends Caribbean 2030 Conference in UK THE TCI was applauded for its approach to good governance and policy development during a gathering of Caribbean representatives in the UK earlier this month.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Libraries, Akierra Missick, attended the Caribbean 2030 Conference in London, England, from June 1 to 3.

The Wilton Park’s meeting, which was centred around the theme ‘Caribbean 2030: New thinking for a new generation,’ was designed to tap into the thinking of future Caribbean leaders.

The agenda for the three-day meeting included presentations and group discussions on drivers

for change and new thinking, the key challenges and opportunities for the Caribbean and managing risks and improving resilience.

Missick said: “Receiving the invitation to speak at Wilton Park was an honour.

“I presented on the improvement of education standards in the Caribbean, which focused on continuous teacher development and support, parental involvement in learning and developing an adaptive curriculum approach to learning.”

She said that discussions were very rewarding, delegates were not always in agreement but solutions always remained the common goal.

“In the end the TCI was

applauded for our approach to good governance and policy development, namely the developments and strengthening of institutions such as the Human Rights Commission, Complaints Commission, Integrity Commission and Public Financial Management Ordinance.”

Wilton Park is considered one of the world’s leading institutions for in-depth discussion of international policy issues and challenges.

Caribbean 2030 was held in association with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Caribbean Policy Research Institute Foundation and the Caribbean Council.

Lifestyle...

18

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

How does your garden grow 

BY DENIS Belanger - NATURE SPLENDOR

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.

Palms with yellow foliage FEW plants can match the elegance of a palm in full foliage. Although palms usually only require basic care, you might see some fronds turn yellow.

This can be distressing and may indicate a problem, or it could be part of the normal growing process.

But in general, in the Turks and Caicos Islands, yellow palm fronds mostly signal a nutritional problem.

Most palms produce new fronds near the upper, central part of the plant, with older, aging fronds at the lowest part of the plant as it continues to grow and add height.

When the old fronds near the bottom of the palm’s canopy turn yellow, eventually becoming brown and dry, this is likely a normal process,

as long as mature fronds higher up and new ones near the growing tip remain green and healthy.

Use can shears to snip off the dry, old fronds and improve the plant’s appearance, but disinfect the blades by wiping them with rubbing alcohol between cuts to prevent the spread of disease.

As I was saying, here most problems with yellowing of palm fronds signal a nutritional deficiency that prevents the plant from growing properly.

If your soil pH is too low (below 5.5), most plants will not grow well no matter how much fertiliser you add.

If your soil pH is already 6.5 or higher adding lime can harm plants

by raising the pH too high.

Because the pH is very high here (with the limestone) this makes nutrients unavailable, resulting in nutrient deficiency symptoms like yellow leaves and stunted growth.

This is especially true for acid loving plants like Ixora and Gardenia.

To lower soil pH adding organic matter as compost, green manures, and animal manures, without including lime or dolomite, can be enough to adjust the pH of slightly alkaline soils because organic matter produces hydrogen ions as it

decomposes.

Manure from cows, horses and sheep that have grazed on herbicidefree pasture can be used more liberally on alkaline soils.

Manures release hydrogen ions as they break down, replacing calcium ions on the charged sites.

But it’s not always sufficient, I gave up on some plants, like Foxtail and Ixora, because it’s extremely difficult (read impossible) to bring back a green Foxtail.

If spider mites or aphids infest a palm, they could cause yellowing

of fronds, with the youngest fronds affected first.

Tiny mites produce visible webs, while aphids can be seen easily and also produce a sticky substance that drips onto the fronds.

You can destroy these pests by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.

For best effect, ensure that all parts of the plant are dripping wet after spraying.

For both mites and aphids, check the plant periodically for a recurrence of the problem and spray as needed.

POLICE SAFETY TIPS

Sexual assaults

THE ROYAL Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) treats all reports of rape and sexual assault very seriously.

If you’ve just been a victim of rape or sexual assault please call 911. The sooner that an assault is reported, the more evidence we will be able to collect to help prevent you or someone else being hurt again.

We are dedicated to helping anyone, male or female, whatever your circumstances, who may have been a victim of this type of crime.

The RTCIPF has specially trained officers, who are

dedicated to helping and supporting victims of all sexual assaults.

These officers will investigate offences in a discreet and professional manner, offering support and guidance from the time of reporting through to the conclusion of an investigation.

We understand that reporting a rape or sexual assault can be an extremely difficult thing to do, but our first priority is your safety and security.

We’ll do everything we can to make sure you and your family receive the best possible care and support.

If you’ve been raped, please remember it’s not your fault.

Regardless of what you might’ve been wearing, how much you’d had to drink or who was involved, we’ll never treat any type of rape as more or less serious, than any other.

All victims of sexual assault are given anonymity by law.

No information which could identify you can ever be published, so there’s no need to worry about anyone knowing what has happened.

Call 911 (or ask a friend to call) to report your rape to police. Or, visit a hospital emergency room or your own doctor and ask them to call the police for you.

If you visit the emergency room

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

and tell the nurse you have been raped, the hospital will generally perform a sexual assault forensic examination.

This involves collecting evidence of the attack, such as hairs, fluids and fibers, and preserving the evidence for forensic analysis.

Our officers will do everything they can to put you at ease and feel as comfortable as possible. All cases of rape or sexual assault will be different but in all cases the officers will be open and honest and do their best to minimize trauma and offer support.

The police will interview you,

which may take several hours, depending on the circumstances of your case.

Some questions will probably feel intrusive, and the officer will probably go over the details of your attack several times.

The extensive questioning isn’t because the police don’t believe you; it’s the officer’s job to get every detail down precisely, to make the strongest possible case against your rapist.

Please visit our web site at www.tcipolice.tc or www. facebook.com/rtcipf for more information.

June 13 - 19, 2015

Lifestyle...

Repetitive strain injuries AS YOUR workload at the office increases, so do repetitive actions, such as typing, using your computer mouse and talking on the phone.

These routine tasks seem simple, but they can add a level of physical

19

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

stress to the emotional and mental stress of getting the job done.

In fact, repetitive strain injuries have skyrocketed in the last 20 years due to the increasing reliance on workplace technology. Try these tips

to reduce the strain: Computer monitor Position your computer screen directly in front of you. Allow the muscles in your eyes to relax by

YOUR BODY  Dr Craig Zavitz is a Canadian chiropractor registered in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He specialises in gentle manual therapies, activator, therapeutic laser, and smoking cessation. To make appointments call 941-5252 or email craig@gracebaychiro.com. For more information visit www.gracebaychiro.com.

following the 20/20/20 rule: Take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and focus on an object that is at least 20 feet away from you.

Telephone Use your hand to support the telephone against your ear and alternate sides regularly.

Do not cradle the phone between your ear and your shoulder. Consider

BY Dr Craig Zavitz

using a headset or speaker.

Chair Sit upright and all the way to the back. Place a support cushion or roll against the arch of your low back for lumbar spine support.

Here are some tips to help you adjust your chair: Stand in front of the chair and adjust the height so that the highest point of the seat is just below your knee.

Sit on the chair and make sure that your knees are bent at approximately a 90-degree angle when your feet are flat on the floor.

Adjust the backrest forwards and backwards as well as up and down until it fits the hollow in your lower back.

Sit upright with your arms hanging by your sides.

Bend your elbows at about a right angle and adjust the armrest height until they barely touch the undersides of the elbows.

Remove the armrest from the chair if the right level cannot be achieved.

Lastly, don’t forget to take a quick stretch break or change position every 30 to 45 minutes. Your back, neck and shoulders will thank you for it!

Dr Zavitz will be in Providenciales on Monday, June 22, to Saturday, June 27, and in Grand Turk on Sunday, June 21, to Monday, June 22.

Weekly Recipe

No-bake strawberry icebox cake INGREDIENTS

• 2 pounds fresh strawberries, washed and patted dry • 3 3/4 cups heavy cream, divided • 1/3 cup powdered sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1/2 teaspoon rosewater, optional • 4 sleeves (about 19 ounces, or 24 to 28 whole crackers) graham crackers • 2 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped

METHOD

• Take out a few of the best-looking

strawberries and set them aside for the garnish. Hull the remainder of the strawberries and cut each berry into thin slices.

• With a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer, whip three and a half cups of cream until it just holds stiff peaks.

• Add the confectioner sugar, vanilla, and rosewater (if using) and whip to combine.

• Spread a small spoonful of whipped cream on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan, or a similarly sized platter.

• Lay down six graham crackers.

Lightly cover the top of the graham crackers with more whipped cream, and then a single layer of strawberries.

• Repeat three times, until you have four layers of graham crackers.

• Spread the last of the whipped cream over the top and swirl it lightly with a spoon. Add a few more strawberries.

• To make the ganache, heat the remaining quarter of a cup of cream until bubbles form around the edges, then pour over the chopped chocolate.

• Let it stand for a few minutes, then whisk until the mixture is thick and glossy.

• Drizzle this over the layered dessert with a spoon, or transfer to a squeeze bottle and use that to drizzle.

• Refrigerate for at least four hours, or until the crackers have softened completely. Garnish with additional berries.

• Serves eight to 12.

20

Regional News

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

UN peacekeepers sexually abuse hundreds of women and minors in Haiti – New report expected to claim UNITED Nations peacekeepers have been sexually abusing women and minors in Haiti who have been in need of basic food and medical supplies – and the problem has been known for almost a decade, according to claims in a draft report.

The Associated Press (AP) has obtained a draft copy from the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) which was investigating how UN peacekeeping forces have dealt with the unrelenting problem of sexual abuse and exploitation.

Following on from a groundbreaking report on sexual abuse almost ten years ago, investigators travelled to Haiti – which is one of the poorest countries in the world – when the allegations came to light.

According to the report – due to be released this month – about a third of the alleged sexual abuse involves minors under the age of 18 and help for these victims is listed as “severely deficient.”

The average investigation by OIOS – which says it prioritises cases involving minors or rape – takes more than a year.

For the report, investigators interviewed 231 Haitians in total

The Zika virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same mosquito that transmits Chikungunya and dengue.

Preteen DR girl first in the Caribbean to contract the Zika virus Over 225 Haitian women and minors (not in picture) claim they were abused in ‘transactional sex’ incidents with UN peacekeepers.

last year who said they’d had “transactional sex” with UN peacekeepers.

The findings state: “For rural women, hunger, lack of shelter, baby care items, medication and household items were frequently cited as the ‘triggering need.’”

Urban and suburban women received “church shoes, cell phones, laptops and perfume – as well as money.”

In cases of non-payment, some women withheld the badges of peacekeepers and threatened to

reveal all on social media with the report adding: “Only seven interviewees knew about the United Nations policy prohibiting sexual exploitation and abuse.”

Astonishingly, none knew about the mission’s hotline to report such abuse.

In the report, UN peacekeeping chief, Herve Ladsous, and field support chief, Atul Khare, have said that, although the number of peacekeepers has increased dramatically over the past decade, the number of allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation have gone down.

THE mosquito-borne Zika virus, also referred to as ZIKV, has now reached the Caribbean, with a 12-year-old girl in the Dominican Republic becoming the first person to contract the virus.

The pre-teen has been hospitalised in a private clinic.

This development comes a month after cases were reported in Brazil, prompting the Pan American Health Organisation to issue a warning about its potential to spread to other countries.

Caribbean countries subsequently put their residents on alert.

The Zika virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same mosquito that

transmits Chikungunya and dengue.

The virus is similar to dengue with symptoms that include fever, joint and muscle pain, conjunctivitis, headache, weakness, rash and swelling of the lower limbs.

After the bite of an infected mosquito, symptoms usually appear following the incubation period of three to 12 days. They last for four to seven days.

No deaths due to the Zika virus have been recorded worldwide to date.

The Zika Virus was first isolated in 1947 in a Rhesus monkey in the Zika Forest, Uganda. It was first isolated in humans in 1952 in Uganda and Tanzania. (Caribbean360)

Two Haitians dead, more than 100 detained Cayman Islands government pulls ads from newspaper in illegal boat landings in the Bahamas THE bodies of two people believed to have been among Haitians who entered the Bahamas by boat illegally, have washed ashore in the Bahamian island of Eleuthera.

And Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell is pushing for murder charges to be added to the charges which the boat captain now faces. Several others, including Bahamians and Haitians living in the Bahamas with work permits are facing charges.

One of the bodies was found at Harbour Island and the other at James Cistern.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday after the first body was discovered, Mitchell said: “We believe it is connected with the landing at Eleuthera. We think that we may have identified the captain of the vessel and our intention is to recommend murder charges if the evidence bears it out. This once again underlines the seriousness of this matter to the Bahamas.”

The Bahamas Department of Immigration said in a statement on Wednesday that it appeared there

over FIFA reporting

Some of the Haitians captured at an abandoned house in Eleuthera. (Photo: The Eleutheran)

were two landings at Eluethera and it had managed to detain 73 people, 24 of whom were apprehended earlier in the week and 49, including 28 men, 14 women and seven children, who were taken into custody on Wednesday following a search of the island.

The Eleutheran newspaper

reported that authorities said another 20 were detained up to midday yesterday – 13 in an abandoned house in Weymss Bight and seven on the Bannerman Town beach.

“The children and women will be flown out by Saturday. The males will be gone early next week,” Mitchell said.

THE governing body of the Cayman Islands has voted to pull advertising from one of the territory’s leading newspapers over its reporting of the FIFA scandal.

The decision was taken on Monday after the Cayman Compass had published an editorial the previous Wednesday criticising Cayman leaders over their slow response to allegations of bribery within world football’s governing body, specifically those surrounding Jeffrey Webb, who as president of CONCACAF and the Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) was one of the FIFA officials arrested

by US authorities in Zurich last month. He has subsequently been replaced in his role at CIFA by the vice-president Bruce Blake.

The editorial was described by governing officials as “a fullfrontal assault on the Cayman Islands and its people”, with the legislator Arden McLean, who brought the motion to cease commercial activity with the

Compass, saying directing to the publisher David Legge: “Stop destroying our country and running it down. Tombstones? We have to be careful about how we plant them and whose name appears upon them.”

Legge and his wife Vicki, the Compass’s co-publisher, have been placed under police protection and have left the island temporarily.

The motion was supported 11-0 by the legislators present on Monday. It stated: “Be it therefore resolved that this honourable finance committee condemn the editorial of Wednesday 3 June, 2015, and the subsequent actions of the Cayman Compass, the island’s only daily newspaper, by resolving to immediately cease all government advertising or any other commercial activity by ministries, portfolios, departments, government entities, government owned companies and statutory authorities with the Cayman Compass, its parent company, if any, and its affiliates.”

(The Guardian.com)

June 13 - 19, 2015

Regional News

21

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

US slams Bahamas’ over ‘investment transparency’ The US has again slammed the Bahamas for “lack of transparency” in government contract bidding processes, with American companies complaining about “undue political interference”.

The US State Department, in its 2015 Investment Climate report on the Bahamas, warns potential American and other investors that there are “significant challenges” to doing business in this nation.

Apart from concerns over the Government’s various procurement and tendering processes, the report cites high energy costs, a “lack of skilled labour” and “cumbersome” government approvals as barriers to investment in the Bahamas.

It adds that the US Embassy in Nassau continues to receive complaints from American companies about the “time consuming” wait for Government permits, which complicates investment decisions and adds to costs.

While acknowledging that the Government has previously refuted concerns over lengthy approvals processes, the US State Department report cites several other issues with the enabling climate for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Bahamas.

These include:

The “confusing and opaque” nature of government approvals, with many permits and licences open to “discretion” in their award.

The “persistent backlog” of cases in the Bahamian court system, with civil (commercial) actions taking an average of five years to resolve Foreign investors have complained that Bahamian defendants frequently delay, or ‘string out’, payment of compensation by appealing judgments to higher courts in the judicial system.

The failure to initiate a single prosecution under the Prevention of Bribery Act, despite the “widespread reports of corruption” that have circulated in the Bahamas for decades.

Personal bankruptcy laws in the Bahamas “are antiquated and rarely used”.

While the concerns cited are nothing new, the worry for the Bahamas is that they are coming from the Obama administration – and for the second consecutive year.

The Bahamas relies heavily on foreign direct investment (FDI) to drive its economy and employment, and these concerns from a source such as the US State Department threaten to undermine efforts to attract more foreign

exchange capital.

The US also remains the Bahamas’ largest trading partner and a major FDI source for this nation. The sentiments express in the report could send a potentially negative message to both American and other investors who rely on State Department reports to provide a guide on the enabling investment environment they will encounter.

Khaalis Rolle, minister of state for investments, did not reply to Tribune Business voice mails and e-mails seeking comment before press deadline last night.

While the US investment climate report on the Bahamas provided no examples to back up some of its assertions, the recent Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) tender is thought to be one where some US bidding groups have complained about a “lack of transparency”.

“The Embassy continues to receive reports from US companies alleging a lack of transparency and undue political influence with government bidding and procurement processes,” the US State Department report says.

“These processes are governed by the Public Procurement Act, and the Financial Administration and

Audit Act of 1973. A minister can approve any purchase up to $50,000. Purchases of equal to or greater than $50,000, but less than $250,000 must be approved by the Minister of Finance, and amounts exceeding USD 250,000 require Cabinet approval.

“The process lacks transparency, there is no requirement to engage in open public tenders, and award decisions are not subject to review. The Government has implemented procurement procedures in the management of funds from international lending agencies, but has not yet implemented best international practices for the management of national finances.”

The US State Department report appears not to acknowledge the changes made to the Financial Administration and Audit Act in 2010. It does, though, give credit to the Christie administration’s pledges to modernise and reform government procurement via an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) financed project.

Still, the Investment Climate report then states: “Successive governments sometimes review high-profile contracts executed by previous

administrations, although government officials assert that the majority of contracts are not reviewed or altered in any way.

“Other areas of concern noted by companies include the discretionary issuance of approvals and licenses from various government authorities.

Companies complain that in many instances these approval processes are confusing and opaque, with little to no possibility for review or appeal of a decision.”

While conceding that the Bahamas, despite these alleged flaws, continued to attract “significant foreign direct investment”, the opening page of the State Department’s report hardly amounted to a ringing endorsement of this nation’s qualities.

“There remain significant challenges to investing in the country, including the cost and reliability of electricity, high unemployment combined with a lack of skilled labour, and cumbersome administrative requirements,” the report said.

“US and Bahamian companies alike report that the resolution of business disputes often takes years, and the approval process for foreign investments is cumbersome and often

time-consuming. Some US companies have reported….. that often pending decisions linger for long periods, making it difficult to make investment decisions.

“The Bahamian government asserts, however, that the majority of foreign investment applications are processed quickly and without significant issues.

Some US and Bahamian companies also complain that the tender process for public contracts is not consistent or transparent.”

The US report conceded, though, that the Bahamas remained “a relatively stable environment” for investment due to the continuity shown by the political and judicial systems.

Yet the courts were not immune from criticism, with the State Department warning: “Judicial courts in the Bahamas face a persistent backlog of cases. Civil cases, on average, take five years to resolve.

“Foreign investors have frequently complained that local defendants are able to delay payment on Bahamian civil judgments in dispute cases due to the lengthy judicial process, which often involves multiple levels of appeal.”

BVI ruling party re-elected THE ruling National Democratic Party has won the British Virgin Islands’ national elections, according to results released by the BVI’s Office of the Supervisor of Election.

Premier Orlando Smith’s NDP took 11 out of 13 seats in Monday’s poll. That represented an increase of two seats over the party’s majority win in 2011.

Smith will remain Prime Minister, a post in which has served since 2011.

The remaining two seats were won by Opposition the Virgin Islands Party.

“I extend my appreciation to the complement of staff employed in this general election in particular my returning officers, presiding officers, tally clerks, poll clerks, tabulators, administrative staff and my Deputy, Ms. Lorna Christopher,” said Juliette Penn, the BVI’s Supervisor of Elections, in a statement.

“This is one exercise in which

Market Place…. Five Ways to Buy a Car Call 946-5534 or 244-1400Mon to Fri 9amto5pm Saturday 9am to 12noon...destinationtci@gmail or destinationtci.net

2007 Nissan March $5900 $1000 Reserve or 50% down $300 per month A National Democratic Party supporter congratulates Dr. Hubert O’Neal after he won the Ninth District seat on Virgin Gorda early Tuesday morning. The win clinched the NDP’s victory in the election. (Photo: TODD VANSICKLE/BVI Becon)

the community comes together to ensure democracy is served and that elections are free and fair in the Virgin Islands.”

Smith won one of four territorial-at-large

constituencies; the largest number of votes was actually won by fellow NDP member Myron Walwyn, who took home 5,777 votes.

(Caribjournal)

2007 Toyata Voxy $8900 Reserve $2000 or 50% down $500 per month

2004 Nissan Teana $6800 $2000 Reserve or 50% down $300 a month 2007 Nissan Teana $8900

2005 Nissan Fuga $9900 Reserve $3000 or 50% down $500 per month/ 2006 Fuga $10900

11581

22

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Entertainment New book alleges Brown was already drug-addicted, suicidal by age 14 BY age 14, Bobbi Kristina Brown was already suicidal, hooked on drugs and veering dangerously down her mother’s doomed path, according to a new book.

Ian Halperin’s new tome, “Whitney & Kristina,” portrays Bobbi Kristina as a wild child who grew up essentially motherless — and Whitney Houston as too consumed by her own drug demons and sexuality issues to be a proper parent.

The book emerges more than five months after a drug overdose left Bobbi Kristina, 22, comatose. The daughter of Houston and singer Bobby Brown has still not regained consciousness.

According to Ann Davis, who is related to Bobby Brown’s mother, Bobbi was first committed to a psychiatric hospital for observation before her 15th birthday after trying to stab her mother before slashing at her own wrists.

By the time Houston’s 15-year marriage to bad boy Brown ended, it was too late to set things right.

Mother and daughter were already at each other’s throats, and Houston’s own drug problem wasn’t going away.

Halperin theorizes that a root cause for Whitney’s escalating, out-of-control behavior may have been that she was never allowed to declare her love for Robyn Crawford, a friendship that began as teenagers after they met at a local community center in East Orange, N.J. The two were so tight that even then there were rumors.

Those rumors reached the mainstream press after Crawford remained so close to Houston that they lived together in the early years and continued to share a hotel room when the superstar toured. Houston adamantly denied she was a lesbian.

Even Bobby Brown expressed doubt as to Whitney’s real motivations for marrying him.

“The media was accusing her of having a bisexual relationship with her assistant,” he wrote in his memoir.

“In Whitney’s situation, the only solution was to get married and have kids.”

Crawford, now a marketing consultant who is openly gay, resigned from the superstar’s production company in 2000.

Whitney’s worst years were to come — as were Bobbi’s.

In the unauthorised biography called “Whitney & Bobbi Kristina” by Ian Halperin Bobbi Brown is portrayed as a wild child who grew up essentially motherless.

Bobbi, who had accompanied her mother to rehab in Antigua just before the shaming reality series “Being Bobby Brown” first aired in 2005, started needing her own stints in recovery wards.

When a friend of the teen’s sold photos of Bobbi snorting coke at two separate parties, her mother reportedly canceled a planned 18th birthday extravaganza and packed her off to rehab. As Halperin points out, Bobbi’s excess was no surprise.

While Houston was on tour and seemingly in another drug spiral, “17-year-old Bobbi was left to her own devices in Atlanta, where she had taken up with a hard-partying crowd, including the boy who had moved into her house three years earlier, Nick Gordon.”

Halperin, author of the Michael Jackson bio, “Unmasked,” puts to lie the sweetly innocent version of how Nick Gordon — Bobbi’s fiancée or husband, as he claims — came to live with the diva and her daughter.

According to the longfloated story, Gordon was a 12-year-old orphan and

Bobbi a mere child of 8 when Houston took the boy in.

In fact, Bobbi was 15 and already spiraling downward when she asked Houston if her 18-year-old friend who had been kicked out of his house could stay with them.

On Jan. 31, after exboyfriend Max Lomas discovered Bobbi facedown in a tub of cold water just days before the third anniversary of her mother’s very similar death, Gordon claims to have administered CPR. While talk of suicide has risen, Halperin also theorizes Bobbi could have been subjected to what is known in junkie circles as “the plunge.”

Extremely medically unsound, the practice involves plunging an overdose victim into cold water while administering slaps to revive them.

On Feb. 11, 2012, Houston, 48, accidentally drowned in a bathtub in the Beverly Hills Hotel, the outcome of the “effects” of heart disease and cocaine. Houston died in debt, but the immediate demand for her music quickly restored the fortune to an estimated $20 million.

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

23

24 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Miller during a visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands

June 13 - 19, 2015

Bobby Miller, Michael Jackson impersonator to visit the TCI again

Michael Jackson impersonator returns

BY DAISY HANDFIELD BOBBY Miller, a popular Michael Jackson impersonator will be in the Turks and Caicos Islands participating in the TCI Summajam 2015 for the second year.

Miller, who is from Atlanta, Georgia, USA, will perform in Grand Turk on June 25 and 26 for fans of all ages, to some of Michael Jackson’s biggest hits.

Miller’s promoter Kenya Owens told the Weekly News on Thursday (June 11) that Miller’s first

experience to the TCI was definitely amazing.

It was just an honour for him to give Jackson’s fans a chance to relive some of his greatest hits and for those who did not get to see him in concert to see what he was really made of, she said.

“This is definitely a joy for him to see the expression of the kids’ and the adults’ faces. He is an amazing Jackson impersonator having done this from a kid.

“Everyone welcomes him with opened arms.”

The MJ impersonator has been a fan of Michael Jackson since his youth.

Miller’s childhood was not without its challenges as he grew up in a broken home without a father.

He had to learn how to become self-sufficient at an early age and found influence and inspiration in the phenomenon, Michael Jackson.

He so admired Michael Jackson that he started his career by performing for his mother’s house guests and in the local

neighbourhood with a bucket to collect funds to help with the finances at home.

According to Miller’s promoter, those who witnessed his early performances were amazed by the authenticity of his dance moves.

She said: “The moves seemed to come naturally, as if that same special gift had been bestowed upon him by Michael Jackson himself.

“Bobby came to be known as ‘The Little Michael Jackson’ and at the age of eight, started entering talent

contests, shows and school events performing as the King of Pop. “One cannot tell the difference when he is on stage; he looks like Michael, sings like Michael, dances like Michael and dresses like Michael.”

She said that Miller soon found that performing was his outlet to life, and performing as Jackson makes made him the happiest.

Bobby Miller has performed opening acts for Steve Harvey, Adele and has organised events with the Jackson family.

Ianthe Pratt students prepare for hurricane season IN PREPARATION for the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season, the Sandals Foundation hosted a funfilled ‘Let’s get ready’ hurricane preparedness seminar for their neighbours Ianthe Pratt Primary School.

The event hosted by Sesame Street furry friend Grover, was aimed at increasing hurricane awareness levels and improving readiness for students.

The seminar saw more than 70 first, second and third graders gather to enjoy an exclusive screening of Sesame Street’s ‘Let’s get ready’ movie in which popular Sesame Street characters, Grover and Rosita, prepare their own families for emergencies through song, dance and games.

The students were informed of the roles of emergency service professionals in their communities, and the importance of having a comprehensive hurricane kit in their homes. They were also given tips on remembering their personal details and received free gifts, which included school supplies and interactive booklets.

“We were so elated that the Sandals Foundation, Sesame Street’s Rosita and Grover invited us to participate in their 2015 ‘Let’s get ready,”’ principal Nekeemo King said in a press release from Beaches TCI. She added: “The students were excited, we are confident that this hurricane preparedness seminar will empower our students with the

Sesame Street’s Grover helps the students of Ianthe Pratt Primary School to prepare for the 2015 hurricane season

knowledge they need to help keep themselves, families and friends safe and well I am sure that the students walk away with relevant information that they can share with friends and family.”

Meanwhile, Elanor Finfin Krzanowski, press relations manager for the Sandals Foundation, noted

the importance of being prepared for hurricane season.

“This is an annual event for us we always look forward to educating students on easy ways to prepare mentally and physically for any emergencies including hurricanes,” she said.

“We are very grateful that we are

able to collaborate year after year with our Sesame Street partners to host this fun and interactive seminar with the use of Grover and Rosita.”

The ‘Let’s get ready’ hurricane preparedness seminar is the first of many interactive seminars from the Sandals Foundation, in collaboration with Sesame Street Workshop.

June 13 - 19, 2015

Entertainment

25

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Screen legend Sir Christopher Lee dies at 93 SIR Christopher Lee, the veteran actor and star of many of the world’s biggest film franchises, has died aged 93.

The English-born actor, who made his name playing Dracula and Frankenstein in the Hammer horror films, appeared in more than 250 movies.

He was best-known for his villainous roles including Scaramanga in James Bond and evil wizard Saruman in The Lord of the Rings.

The actor’s other credits include The Wicker Man and Star Wars.

The actor is reported to have died on Sunday at Chelsea and Westminster hospital in London, after being hospitalised for respiratory problems and heart failure.

A Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council spokesman said:

“We can confirm that the Register Office issued a death certificate for Mr Christopher Lee on Monday 8 June, Mr Lee died on Sunday 7 June.”

He was knighted in 2009 for services to drama and charity and was awarded a Bafta fellowship in 2011.

“We are deeply saddened to hear that Sir Christopher Lee has passed away,” the British Film Institute (BFI) tweeted, as the news broke on Thursday.

His Lord Of The Rings co-star Dominic Monaghan said: “So, so sorry to hear that Christopher Lee has passed away. He was a fascinating person.”

Actor Reece Shearsmith said: “Very upset to learn that Sir Christopher Lee has passed away.

An amazing gentleman who brought

us so many iconic roles. He will be missed.”

Broadcaster Jonathan Ross said: “So sad to hear that Sir Christopher Lee has died. A great actor, a great star, a surprisingly good singer and a lovely, lovely man.”

Born into affluence in London in 1922, Sir Christopher traced his lineage to Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor.

After public school he served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War, where he was mentioned in dispatches.

His screen career began when he joined the Rank Organisation in 1947, training as an actor in their socalled “charm school”.

It was his association with British studio Hammer that made him a household name, playing characters such as Frankenstein’s Monster, The Mummy and Dracula in the late 1950s.

Sir Christopher Lee would go on to reprise the trademark vampire role in a number of sequels, before finally laying him to rest in the 1970s.

His 6ft 4in frame and pointed features often typecast him as a bad guy. His distant cousin Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond books, wanted him to play Dr No in the film of the same name - but that role went to Joseph Wiseman.

Lee eventually starred as

Sir Christopher Lee, who made his name playing Dracula and Frankenstein in the Hammer horror films, appeared in more than 250 movies.

Scaramanga in 1974’s The Man With The Golden Gun. He also played Fu Manchu in a series of films in the 1960s.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Star Wars prequels - in which he played the nefarious Count Dooku were the most successful films of his career from a commercial standpoint.

He also demonstrated his versatility in comedies like 1941 and Gremlins 2.

His other films included 1959’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Three Musketeers (1973), and Jinnah - which he considered to be one of his most important films (1997).

Sir Christopher also worked with director Tim Burton on films including Sleepy Hollow (1999), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) and Alice in Wonderland

(2010), in which he voiced the Jabberwocky.

“I’ve appeared in so many films that were ahead of their time - some of them were very good,” the actor told the BBC News website in 2001.

“Some weren’t.”

A lover of opera, Sir Christopher launched his singing career in the 1990s, with an album of Broadway tunes, including I Stole The Prince from Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers, and Epiphany from Sweeney Todd.

He also enjoyed an unlikely heavy metal career. In 2010, his album Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross won a Spirit of Metal Award from Metal Hammer magazine.

He marked his 92nd birthday by releasing an album of heavy metal cover versions. (BBC)

Kim Richards faces charges of public intoxication, resisting arrest and battery on a peace officer, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office announced Wednesday.

Comedian Henry ‘chuffed’ at knighthood

‘Real Housewives’ star charged with battery on a peace officer

COMEDIAN and actor Lenny Henry looks set to become Sir Lenny after confirming he will receive a knighthood in the Queen’s birthday honours.

The star said he was “very chuffed” about the honour, which was first reported in the press at the weekend.

Speaking to Chris Evans on BBC Radio 2 on Tuesday, he said he had not expected the accolade.

“It’s not something you think about really when you grow up in Dudley. But it’s a fantastic thing,” he said.

The honours will be officially announced on Friday.

Henry said: “I’m being pummelled from all sides by my family, saying, ‘Do we get some land? Do we get a castle now? Do we get 100 men in plate armour following us around Dudley?’

“I’m very pleased. And my mum would have loved it.

“It is a wonderful thing and my family are really, really chuffed. My friends have not stopped ringing up and saying congratulations. It is an extraordinary thing and I’m very

“REAL Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Kim Richards has been charged with three misdemeanor counts after she was accused of kicking a police officer during an arrest in April.

Richards faces charges of public intoxication, resisting arrest and battery on a peace officer, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office announced Wednesday.

She was taken into custody on April 16 by police at the Beverly Hills Hotel’s Polo Lounge after security personnel complained that she was bothering hotel guests.

A police representative said Richards was asked to leave the hotel but refused, then entered a restroom and wouldn’t come out.

Hotel security made a “private persons arrest,” then police entered the restroom and took Richards into custody.

“Ms. Richards was displaying symptoms of alcohol intoxication including slurred speech and belligerent insolent behavior, cursing at the officers and passively resisted arrest,” police said in a statement in April. “After being transported to the station for booking, Richards kicked one of the officers in the leg; however the officer was not injured.”

Arraignment is scheduled for Thursday in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Richards faces a possible maximum sentence of two years and six months if convicted as charged, according to a statement from the district attorney’s office.

The case is still under investigation by the Beverly Hills Police Department.

Richards’ representatives have not responded to a request for comment.

Henry is reportedly being knighted for services to charity and comedy.

chuffed.”

Henry found fame on TV talent show New Faces in 1975 before starring in children’s favourite Tiswas and sketch shows including Three of a Kind and his own longrunning Lenny Henry Show.

In the 1990s, he wrote and starred in the sitcom Chef!

He also acted in BBC drama Hope and Glory and earned acclaim for his stage performances in plays including Othello and The Comedy

Of Errors.

The 56-year-old can currently be seen playing a gardener with Asperger’s Syndrome in the third series of BBC One’s lottery drama The Syndicate. n recent years, he has led a campaign for greater diversity on British TV. As a charity fundraiser, he cofounded Comic Relief, which has raised more than £1bn over the past three decades.

26

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 13 - 19, 2015

Entertainment Second lawsuit filed over fatal wreck involving Jenner A SECOND lawsuit has been filed against Caitlyn Jenner in connection with a fatal, four-car accident that happened in February on California’s Pacific Coast Highway.

The personal injury suit was filed Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court by Jessica Marie Steindorff, a talent manager who works in Hollywood. Steindorff was driving a 2010 Toyota Prius that was part of a chain-reaction crash in Malibu on February 7. Her lawsuit claims that Jenner operated a vehicle “negligently, carelessly, recklessly and wantonly” and caused the collision.

It refers to Jenner as “Bruce Jenner a/k/a Caitlyn Jenner” and seeks unspecified damages.

Steindorff’s Prius was stopped in traffic when it was rear-ended by a white Lexus, according to sheriff’s deputies. That Lexus was then rearended by Jenner’s black Cadillac Escalade SUV, which was towing a trailer with an all-terrain vehicle on it. The impact from Jenner’s vehicle propelled the white Lexus into traffic, where it collided with a

Caitlyn (formerly Bruce) Jenner was involved in a four-car accident that killed a 69 year old.

black Hummer H2. The driver of the white Lexus, 69-year-old Kim Howe of Calabasas, California, died at the scene.

Howe’s adult stepchildren have already filed a civil lawsuit against Jenner, seeking unspecified damages and the cost of the suit.

In addition to the single fatality, five children and two adults were hospitalised with injuries from the accident, authorities said.

Call 946-4894 or stop by our Leeward Highway store today

Clothes now Available

NO HIGHER THAN

$50

BIG AND SMALL

A deputy said Jenner voluntarily took a field sobriety test, was questioned and went home. Jenner passed the test, according to CNN affiliate KSBW. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said on its Facebook page that the surviving drivers were cooperating with investigators.

Neither Jenner nor Steindorff’s attorney returned calls for comment.

(CNN)

Homer and Marge Simpson to ‘legally separate’ on ‘The Simpsons’ HOMER and Marge are splitting up!

One of the most durable marriages in TV history will fall apart in the 27th season premiere of “The Simpsons.”

The show’s executive producer Al Jean told Variety that Marge and Homer will “legally separate” in the episode, titled “Every Man’s Dream,” because the Simpson patriarch has “narcolepsy and it’s an incredible strain on the marriage.”

After the couple separate, Homer falls in love with his pharmacist, voiced by Lena Dunham. The 29-year-old’s “Girls” co-stars will also make cameos.

There’s no word on how long Marge and Homer’s separation will last, but it’s the latest plot twist set to shock “Simpsons” fans.

The news of the couple’s split follows the announcement

There’s no word on how long Marge and Homer’s separation will last, but it’s the latest plot twist set to shock “Simpsons” fans.

that Sideshow Bob (Kelsey Grammer) will finally kill his longtime nemesis Bart Simpson during the show’s Halloween special. However, since it’s a oneoff episode, the series will reset to normal and Bart will live on afterwards.

Besides the dramatic plot twists, “The Simpsons” has also endured major changes behind the scenes as well.

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

27

28

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 13 - 19, 2015

RBS government stake to be sold, chancellor announces The UK government plans to sell its stake in the Royal Bank of Scotland, Chancellor George Osborne has announced in his annual Mansion House speech.

Mr Osborne said the “decision point” had been reached.

Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney said the phased sell-off “would promote financial stability” and benefit the wider economy.

Mr Osborne also set out more details of the sell-off of the Government’s remaining stake in Royal Mail.

Royal Mail employees will share a further 1% tranche in the the firm, while 15% will be placed with institutional investors.

The government provided RBS with a £45.5bn bailout in 2008, paying around 500p a share. The share price currently stands at 354.8p.

The chancellor argued that the sale must be seen as a whole and the share price will increase in subsequent offerings as confidence grows.

Mr Osborne said: “It’s the right thing to do for British businesses and British taxpayers. Yes, we may get a lower price than that was paid for it - but we will get the best price possible. For the longer we wait, the higher the price the whole economy will pay.”

A review from Rothschild investment bank said that, despite this price gap, taxpayers can expect to make £14bn more than it paid out in bank bailouts if the sale of bank

The tribunal was proposed by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, which was appointed last year by Pope Francis.

The government provided RBS with a £45.5bn bailout in 2008, paying around 500p a share.

The share price currently stands at 354.8p.

assets and fees already received are taken into account.

RBS has already paid back about £5bn in fees and repayments for insurance systems set up by the government as part of the bailout.

But the plan drew criticism from the Unite union, whose members include bank workers.

“By selling off the public stake in the Royal Bank of Scotland, George Osborne is short-changing the public and wasting a historic chance to bring needed change to Britain’s banks,” the union said, criticising the risk of selling the stake at a “knock-down rate to city investors.”

City sources have told the BBC’s Business Editor Kamal Ahmed that Mr Osborne wants to take a twostage approach to the sale.

Firstly, he wants an inquiry into the options for a sale and how it would be done. This could include a “Tell Sid” British Gas-style retail offer to the public or, as is perhaps more likely, a sale to institutions such as pension funds.

Secondly, he will look at a timetable for when the sale will start to take place.

RBS’s chief executive, Ross McEwan, said, “I welcome this evening’s announcement from the Chancellor and we are pushing ahead with our strategy to build a simpler, stronger, fairer bank that is totally focused on the needs of its customers and centred here in the UK. “When the Government starts selling its shareholding, it will be selling a bank determined to be the best in the country.” (BBC)

South Korea MERS outbreak: 2nd hospital closed A second South Korean clinic has been forced to close, with staff, patients and visitors sent into quarantine, as South Korea attempts to curb the spread of the MERS virus for a third week.

Fourteen new cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome -- one of them a pregnant woman -- were confirmed Thursday, bringing the total number of cases to 122.

One of the 122 confirmed cases, a South Korean male, is being monitored by Chinese authorities since he arrived in the Chinese city of Guangdong in late May. The South Korean outbreak is the biggest outside of Saudi Arabia, where the little-understood virus was first detected in 2012.

So far, 10 people in South Korea have died after contracting MERS and more than 3,800 people have been placed under quarantine. More than 950 people have been released from quarantine after they tested negative for MERS. The situation led South Korea’s

central bank to unexpectedly cut interest rates Thursday, out of concern that an outbreak of MERS will dampen growth and spending.

The Bank of Korea trimmed its key interest rate a quarter percentage point to 1.5% due to “concerns following the MERS outbreak about contractions in domestic demand activities such as consumption and in economic sentiment,” a statement read.

A day earlier, South Korean President Park Geun-hye’s office announced that she had cancelled her trip scheduled for Sunday to the United States in order to address the situation.

Medi Heal hospital, in Seoul’s Yangcheon district, became the second South Korean hospital forced closed Thursday, an official at Seoul’s City Hall told CNN. The decision was made to close the hospital after one of the confirmed MERS patients had visited the hospital exhibiting severe symptoms.

Seventy-nine patients and 29 staff from the hospital had been

discharged to be quarantined.

Officials believed that the patient who visited Mediheal had come into contact with 257 people both inside and outside the hospital.

The other South Korean hospital to close was St. Mary’s, in the city of Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul.

Most of the MERS cases have come from that hospital and the Samsung Medical Center, based in Seoul’s glitzy Gangnam district.

The case that began the South Korean outbreak was reported on May 20 after the Patient Zero visited four hospitals.

“The most important thing now is to stop the spread from hospitals,” said acting Prime Minister Choi Kyung-hwan.

Both WHO and Korean officials say the transmission of the virus has not hit the general public and remains in hospital clusters.

“Outside of hospitals so far, the virus has no effect on everyday life,” Choi said. “Everyone should go on as usual.”

New church tribunal to judge bishops over sex abuse cases POPE Francis has created a church tribunal to judge bishops who fail to protect children from sexually abusive priests, the Vatican announced Wednesday, a move long sought by abuse victims and their advocates.

The new court will be part of the powerful Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Catholic Church’s chief watchdog. Since 2001, the congregation has judged priests accused of sexual abuse, but there has been no Vatican office with a similar role to judge bishops.

The Rev. Federico Lombardi, a Vatican spokesman, said the Pope will appoint a secretary and permanent staff for the tribunal.

The tribunal was proposed by the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, which was appointed last year by Pope Francis.

Longtime critics of the Vatican called Wednesday’s move a “sea change” within the Catholic Church.

“Priests abuse children, and so do bishops,” said Terence McKiernan, president of the watchdog group BishopAccountability.org. “Bishops who offend are inevitable enablers, and the commission’s plan must

confront that sad fact.”

Critics of the church’s handling of its sexual abuse scandal, which has involved thousands of priests and victims, have often argued that bishops who quietly shuffled abusive priests from parish to parish -- tacitly allowing the crimes to continue -should be punished.

To date, one American bishop, Robert Finn of Kansas City, has been removed from office. Finn was convicted in 2012 on charges of failing to report suspected child abuse. The Vatican accepted Finn’s resignation in April, though without offering a reason.

Last week, prosecutors in Minnesota charged the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis with six counts related to a sexually abusive ex-priest.

Advocates for sexual abuse victims gave the new tribunal qualified approval.

“Time will tell whether these moves actually result in holding bishops accountable for cover-ups of crimes,” Boston-based church reform group Voice of the Faithful said. “But these steps are the most promising the Vatican has yet taken.”

Bronx perv tricked underage girls to perform sex acts on webcam A BRONX perv was busted for tricking at least 21 underage girls into performing sexual acts for him on a webcam monitored by his sick online pals, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Karlo Hitosis, 32, allegedly duped the girls into thinking he too was underage by using fake social media accounts.

He faces child pornography charges for “daring” minors who visited an unidentified site into

performing for him, the feds said.

Other freaks on the site were able to monitor the feed, according to filings in Manhattan Federal Court.

Authorities seized video from his home depicting him chatting with a 13-year-old girl on a webcam, and he had pictures of girls as young as 5, prosecutors said.

A call to his lawyer was not returned. (NYDailynews)

June 13 - 19, 2015

World News

29

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Cameron to continue diplomatic push on EU renegotiations

Eric Casebolt resigned from the police force and his actions were described as “indefensible” by his former boss.

Texas pool party officer ‘stressed not racist’ THE police officer filmed in a confrontation with black teenagers at a pool party in Texas was acting out of stress, not racism, says his lawyer.

Eric Casebolt resigned from the police force and his actions were described as “indefensible” by his former boss.

His lawyer, Jane Bishkin, told reporters on Wednesday he was not targeting minorities but he was overemotional after a traumatic day.

Community leaders in McKinney want criminal charges brought against him.

The video showed the officer throwing a girl in a bikini to the ground, then pulling a gun on other bystanders.

At a press conference on Wednesday his lawyer, Jane Bishkin, said Mr Casebolt is aware that his emotions “got the better of him” during a difficult shift.

He and his family are now in hiding due to death threats.

Before arriving at the pool party Mr Casebolt had responded to a suicide call where a black man shot himself in the head in front of his wife and children.

The suicide occurred “poolside”, said Ms Bishkin, and the officer took statements from the family, photographed the body and consoled the man’s widow.

Next he responded to a second suicide call where a teenage girl was threatening to jump from the roof of her parents’ home.

“The nature of these two suicide calls took an emotional toll on Eric Casebolt,” said Ms Bishkin, a lawyer for the Fraternal Order of Police.

When he was called to a community swimming pool after reports of a fight and anti-social behaviour, he was stressed, she said.

But he wasn’t targeting minorities and he apologises to all who were offended, she added.

DAVID Cameron has said he is “content” with the reception he has received so far to his EU reform plans as he prepares to sound out more leaders.

The UK prime minister, attending an EU summit in Belgium, is due to have one-on-one talks with his counterparts from Spain, Finland, Romania and Cyprus.

Mr Cameron is seeking support for his plan to renegotiate the UK’s membership before holding an in-out referendum.

UK officials says the issue will be on the agenda at June’s EU Council summit.

Mr Cameron has said he wants to speak all 27 EU counterparts about his agenda for reform and to set out the UK’s intentions before they gather for next month’s European Council meeting.

In a series of bilateral meetings during the day - on the sidelines of a trade summit in Brussels, Mr Cameron will continue to make the case for the changes he wants to see - including restrictions on welfare entitlements, greater powers for national Parliaments and an optout for Britain from the principle of “ever closer union”.

As well as meeting Spanish Prime Minister Mr Rajoy, he is scheduled to meet Finish Prime Minister Juha Sipila, Romanian President Klaus Werner Johannis and Nicos Anastasiades, the President of Cyprus.

He has already held talks with the leaders of Europe’s two largest economies, Germany’s Angela Merkel and France’s Francois Hollande, as well as the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council president Donald Tusk.

The UK prime minister, attending an EU summit in Belgium, is due to have one-on-one talks with his counterparts from Spain, Finland, Romania and Cyprus.

Speaking as he arrived in Brussels, Mr Cameron told reporters; “That reform and renegotiation, it’s under way, I’m content with the progress we’ve made so far but the referendum will happen by the end of 2017.”

British officials told the BBC that the meetings were an opportunity to talk about broad objectives and the prime minister would stress reforms that benefit all 28 members of the EU. According to a draft communique of June’s Council meeting which was published on Wednesday, “the UK” is item number four, due to be discussed in the afternoon.

The meeting will be seen as an early litmus test of the progress that the UK is making and where it is meeting resistance.

Speaking in the city of London on Wednesday, Chancellor George Osborne said the UK had a series of clear objectives in mind, based on the principle of fairness for all EU members.

He said the aim of the renegotiation was to enable “Britain to be in Europe but not run by Europe”.

“We need a settlement that recognises that while the single currency is not for all, the single market and the European Union as a whole must work for all,” he said.

“So among the principles we seek to establish in this re-negotiation are these simple ones: fairness between the euro-ins and the euro-outs enshrined, and the integrity of the single market preserved.

“It’s in our interests that the Euro is a successful, strong currency.

So we’re prepared to support the Eurozone as it undertakes the further integration it needs.

“But in return, we want a settlement between the UK and the Eurozone that protects the single market and is stable, fair and lasts.”

The prime minister’s strategy was boosted on Tuesday when MPs demonstrated overwhelming support for a referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU.

Mexico and Canada seek $3bn in US sanctions over meat Argentina’s Fernandez says MEXICO and Canada have called a meeting with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to request the right to impose sanctions on the US, worth $3bn (£2bn).

The move is in retaliation to US meat-labelling rules, which the two countries say discriminate against them.

The WTO has already upheld a ruling in favour of Canada and Mexico, saying the rules treated them less favourably.

The US said it would object to the measures being imposed.

“The amended COOL [country of origin labelling] measure, which causes Canadian and Mexican livestock and meat to be segregated from those of US origin, is damaging to North America’s supply chain and is harmful to producers and processors in all three countries,”

a joint statement from Canada and Mexico said.

It described the measure as “blatantly protectionist” and said Canada would be requesting authorisation to impose $2.4bn worth in retaliatory measures against the US while Mexico was looking to impose $653m.

“The governments of Mexico and Canada will keep working closely to resolve this important commercial dispute with the United States, with an aim to defend our farmers and breeders and maintain jobs and economic prosperity in all of North America,” the statement concluded.

In response, a spokesperson for the US Trade Representative said: “It is notable that neither Canada nor Mexico provided any justification for the numbers they asserted.”

Cameron ‘almost ill mannered’ TENSIONS over the Falkland Islands flared again on Wednesday, with Argentine President Cristina Fernandez referring to Britain’s leader as “almost ill-mannered” in his comments to an official of her government over the contested archipelago.

At a meeting of Latin American countries with the European Union in Brussels, Foreign Minister Hector Timerman had a heated exchange with Prime Minister David Cameron over the islands’ sovereignty. The two countries fought a brief war over the South Atlantic islands in 1982, which Britain won.

At the meeting, Timerman denounced Britain for clinging to a “colonialist” policy, and

Argentina’s president Cristina Fernandez said UK’s Cameron response “was irate, almost ill mannered”.

Cameron referred to the comments as “threatening,” according to Argentine state news service Telam.

“The prime minister’s response was irate, almost ill mannered,” Fernandez said during a public address.

In April Argentina started legal proceedings in one of its courts against five companies, of which three are British, that are drilling for oil and gas off the Falkland Islands, a move Britain denounced as bullying.

Britain administers the islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina, as an overseas territory. The archipelago’s population of around 3,000 voted overwhelmingly to remain under British rule in a referendum in 2013. (Reuters)

30

Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Brama Kumaris

Raja Yoga Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands

Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101

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

FOR SALE

June 13 - 19, 2015

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

FLOWER GIRL

Wanted urgently

Floral Designer

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

Call: 231-3788

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

AGNES SWANN Is looking for a

ALBERT HIGGS NORTH CAICOS

is looking for a

ALTAGARCIA RESTAURANT Is looking for a

contact: 246-4769

contact: 243-7785

contact: 3455305 or 343-3773

C&J Employment

MMK CONSULTANCY

CARIBBEAN BUILDERS

– $ 5.00 per hour

Cosmetologist – $ 5- 7 per hour

Barber

Painter

– $ 7 – 8 per hour

Carpenter 11697

– $ 7- 9 per hour

Domestic Worker/ Babysitter

contact: 231-0670

JOSE OVANDO CONSTRUCTION

J. WILLIAMS

REQUIREMENTS: Must have proven experience in fiberglass repairs and moulding • 5 years experience working with fiberglass • Must be willing to work in full chemical suits • Have a general knowledge of boat construction • Prior experience painting and installing

Worker

To maintain home and rental complex salary $6.25 per hour contact: 649-442-2357 deadline for application is June 19th, 2015

CHURCH OF GOD Is looking for the following

Finishing Mechanics $12.00 per hour

Labourers $7.00 per hour

Contact: 331-9854

11503

Maintenance

Is looking for the following:

labourer to work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

contact: 244-0065 MERANGEL ECOLOGICAL SERVICES

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

CAROLINA MALCOLM Is looking for the following:

Domestic Worker

Babysitter

• Must be willing to work 6 days per week • Must like dogs Salary $6.50 per hour.

Contact: 231-4461

11680

FULL-TIME PHARMACIST Duties: • Responsible for providing a safe and appropriate pharmacy services in a retail pharmacy • Experience and knowledge of computers • Excellent communication skills • Able to work independently

Minimum Requirements: • BSC in Pharmacy from an Accredited University • 10 years experience in a retail pharmacy • Eligible for registration Health Practitioners Board Turks & Caicos • Salary commensurate with qualification and experience Fax your resume to: 649-941-3338 Email: carolinapharmacy@yahoo.com

BLUE SKY PROJECTS

Is looking for a

Mason Specialist

salary commensurate with experience. contact: 431-7030 11628

BEAUTY & THE BEACH TELEPHONE: 946-5093

MASSAGE THERAPIST

Contact: 343-0930

DUTIES INCLUDE: Grinding and installing fiberglass, sanding, bottom painting, assisting with hauling boats and preparing boats for painting.

• WAGE RATE: $11.50 per hour

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

Is seeking an exceptional

Minister Evangelist

fiberglass in a marine environment • Keen attention to detail • Ability to work some weekends

Application: Applications must be submitted in writing and delivered to Caicos Marina and Shipyard, Long Bay Highway, Providenciales.

11674

Seeks to employ a

Is looking for a

Acting on behalf of our client GILBERT AQUINO is looking for a

To work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

– $ 5.00 per hour

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

11690

Labourers

11654

per week salary $6.50 per hour

11650

to work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

kitchen Helper

Acting on behalf of: C&P Welding, Gold Star Nail Center and Beauty Salon, Charles Barber Shop, Breeze Construction, Williams Construction, IBO Beauty Salon, Barefoot Café.

CAICOS MARINA & SHIPYARD

ADVERTISEMENT FOR 2 PERSONS FOR FIBERGLASS INSTALLER

WANTED: FIBERGLASS INSTALLER

labourer labourer To work 6 days

Contact PhiloJemployment @hotmail.com

CLASSIFIEDS 31

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

11673

June 13 - 19, 2015

• Must have at least five years experience • Must be able to perform Swedish Massage, Stone Massage Body Scrubs & Rituals • Must possess a clean valid driver license • Must be available to work over 6 days per week showing flexibility of time • Must have managerial skills • We are a full service salon so Aesthetics, Manicures & Pedicures, Waxing skills would be an advantage

OWNER’S LIAISON

Requirements: • University degree in hospitality from one of the top ten schools • Master’s Degree in Management • 5+ years experience working with a top 5-star branded hotel • Trustworthy and college level understanding of banking and finance • High level of communication in English and at least two (2) other languages • Ten years experience in the fields of luxury hospitality and real estate portfolio management • High level of computer literacy including Word, Excel, Power Point, Microsoft Project, and Google Business • Engaging and outgoing personality that enjoys working in a team and with the public • Must have a valid driver’s license • Salary $2,000-$2,500 per month plus bonuses and dependent on experience Please bring all applications with two letters of recommendation citing relevant experience in the same industry to Blue Sky Projects at #13 Donkey Lane, Lower Bight, Providenciales or email: ryanjonestci@gmail. com. Successful applicants will be notified by phone for an interview

32 CLASSIFIEDS

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

TEMPORARY JOB VACANCY Administrative Officer

Responsibilities: Specific duties include but are not limited to: • Accounts Receivable/Accounts Payable/ Data Entry • Manage day to day office operations, banking • Record /File Management and perform other administrative task

Requirements • Must have administrative experience • Strong analytical and problem solving skills.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Must have a valid Driver's License Remuneration based on experience

Please submit resume to

Cox Management Company Limited Email: bac@tciway.tc . Tel:941-3650 Fax: 946-4283 Belongers need apply Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview

Cox Management Company Limited Temporary Employment Vacancy Available

Administrative Officer Responsibilities: Specific duties include but are not limited to: • Accounts Receivable/Accounts Payable/Data Entry • Manage day to day office operations • Banking • Record /File Management • Perform other administrative task

experience • Strong computer and bookkeeping skills.

• Strong analytical, problem solving and decision making skills.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to work in a team environment • Excellent organizational skills • Must have a valid driver's license

Requirements • Minimum of five years administrative

Salary • Commensurate with experience

Please submit resume to:

11700

Cox Management Company Limited Email: bac@tciway.tc . Tel:941-3650 Fax: 946-4283. Belongers need apply Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview 11701

G & G CONSTRUCTION

HAYES ELEVATOR (TCI) LTD.

GLOBAL TARDIF

is seeking an

ASSOCIATE ELEVATOR TECHNICIAN

schematics and wiring charts • Applicants must be physically fit, not acrophobic or claustrophobic and have no impediments to working unsocial hours • This is fixed-contract term of 6 months to handle the extra demand of modernizing and major maintenance work during the tourist low season

Contact: 247-6786

11694

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership in the turks & caicos Caicos Cafe Ltd. In Grace Bay is looking for a

Maitre D'

• Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays, sis days per week • Must have at least 10 years' experience • Must be able to understand and speak English • Must be able to train the waiting staff • Must be able to organize the restaurant and service staff • must be able to prepare working schedule • Must be able to coordinate all restaurant services and work with head chef for menu planning • Must have a good knowledge of wine and preparation • Must have a good knowledge of cocktails and drinks Salary is based on experience and quality of work

All resumes, CV's and reference letters along with a clean police record must be delivered to Caicos Cafe, Grace Bay, Providenciales.

is looking for the following:

Carpenter Labourer EXPERIENCED is looking for an

Must be willing to work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

contact: 241-2962

ELEVATOR TECHNICIAN

for a period of six months Must be willing to work 7 days per week plus on call.

Salary $14.00 per hour.

LABOURER

WANTED

To work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

Contact: 231-7041

contact: 245-9848

NATASHA CONSULTANCY

PRICE CLUB

11686

Acting on behalf of our clients:

John Williams

Labourer – $6.25 per hour

Gardener

needed to work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour send resume to: Misick & Stanbrook, Leeward Highway, Providenciales Tel: 946-4732 Fax 9464734. Email info@ misickstanbrook.tc

11639

244-7337

Robert Ayer

Labourer – $6.25 per hour 232-0944

Wesner Liluce

Labourer – $6.25 per hour

346-1897

11655

Is looking for a

cashier To work 6 days per week salary $6.50 per hour.

contact: 442-2977

11653

Ward Consultancy Acting on behalf of our clients: Wrightfully Fit, Complete Construction, TCI Mental Corp is looking to fill the following positions:

Carpenter – $8.00 per hour

Bookkeeper – $7.50 per hour

Gym Instructor – $30.00 per hour

Contact: 649-345-7212 11616

STONE MASON REQUIRED

Experienced stone mason required with particular skills and experience in dry staked indigenous stone veneers remuneration commensurate with skills.

Contact: 941-4394 ext 104

11668

ThyssenKrupp • Experience should include modernization and troubleshooting of all elevator components including: hydraulics, traction and residential elevators, valves, door operation, ride adjustments and installation of machineroomless elevators also required is the ability to read drawings, interpreting layout, electrical

11679

Requirements: • Applicants should be a skilled Technician with a minimum of five years trade experience and be certified as an Associate Elevator Technician by the National Association of Elevator Contractors or similarly recognized institution • The position requires experience with all major elevator manufacturers including: Otis, Dover and

June 13 - 19, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS 33

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sun & Fun Sea Sports Ltd is seeking a

LABOURER

babysitter To work 6 days

To work 6 days per week at a salary of $6.25 per hour.

per week salary $6.25 per hour.

11635

RODNEY MUNNINGS

RONALD SEYMOUR

S & G CONTRACTING

Is looking for

domestic worker To work 6 days per week salary $6.50 per hour.

contact: 241-8434

11649

11660

REEF RESIDENCE Is looking for a

Is looking for a

labourer To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

11648

contact: 244-3462

Must be able to work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

11670

Is looking for a

DIRECT DEVELOPMENT

DSP CONSTRUCTION

is looking for a

labourer To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

contact: 231-0575

is looking for 2

Translators Salary $600 per week.

contact: 242-7229

11672

SANDRA GARLAND Is looking for a

Cigar Rollers

ROBEL CONSTRUCTION

Make-up Artist Technician contact: 346-8003

is looking for 2

To work 6 days per week salary $325.00 per week contact: 946-4600

Is looking to fill the following positions:

contact: 346-6019

11691

Contact: 946-5724

D’BELLE BEAUTY

11669

EZEKIEL JOHNSON Is looking for a

Housekeeper To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

contact: 432-1480

11656

PwC has opportunities available for Two (2):

TRAINEE ASSOCIATES Applicants are required to have a graduate degree or other qualification that will allow them to commence professional accounting examinations, the costs of which will be borne by PwC

labourer To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

contact: 3331199 or 333-6020

Housekeeper To work 6 days per week salary $6.50 per hour. contact: 431-4022

11651

11654

PM - Gas (TCI) Ltd. PM Industrial Gas, a leading producer and distributor of industrial Medical, recreational, and specialty gases, as well as welding And medical products and related equipment, is seeking an experienced and proven leader.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified Candidates for the following position:

Operation Supervisor

Duties of this position include: handling, filling and delivery of cylinders; general maintenance of premises and equipment; customer service and quality control; and safety compliance.

Requirements include: at least 5 years relevant experience, a clean police record and driver’s license with a successful drug screen; excellent health mobility, allowing for the handling and delivery of heavy cylinders; at least a high school diploma; possess a good employment track record with demonstrated superior customer service skills, supervision of plant workers and delivery drivers; importing of cryogenics; knowledge of U.S. pharmacopeia standards.

Salary: commensurate with experience.

Applications comprising a letter, resume, references, Police record etc. should be sent no later than Friday, June 12th, 2015 to:

Apply to melissa.m.johnson@tc.pwc.com or Telefax: 649-946-4892, no later than, July 3, 2015. Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands 11634

The Manager PM - Gas (TCI) Ltd. C/o P.O.Box 127, Richmond House Leeward Highway, Providenciales Tel: (649) 946-4734 0r Fax (649) 946-4732 Email: marsha@misickstanbrook.tc 11640

34 CLASSIFIEDS

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

SANDRA WALKIN Is looking for a

JOB OPENINGS The Sands is now accepting applications/resume for the following positions. Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve others, need apply:

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language English used in the workplace.

• Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written.

11552

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Most work tasks are performed in an outdoor and indoor environment.

• Position requires walking and giving direction most of the working day. Must be able to stand and exert wellpaced mobility for up to 8 hours in length. Length of time of these tasks may vary from day to day and task to task.

• Must be able to exert well-paced ability to reach other departments of the hotel on a timely basis.

• Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs. occasionally.

• Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity.

• Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, owners, staff and others.

• Vision occurs continuously with the most common visual functions being those of near vision and depth perception.

• Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment.

• Must have finger dexterity to be able to operate office equipment such as computers, printers, 10-key adding machine, multi-line touch tone phone, filing cabinets, FAX machines, photocopiers, dolly and other equipment as needed.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

Education: High school or equivalent education required.

Some college or university preferred.

Experience: Five years resort/hotel security experience required.

Licenses or Certificates: Security certification preferred.

Requires CPR and First Aid certifications.

Grooming: All employees must maintain a neat, clean and well-groomed appearance per standards.

This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.

LINE POSITIONS HOUSEKEEPING ROOM ATTENDANT HOUSEMAN LABOURER POOL & BEACH ATTENDANT GROUNDSMEN PBX OPERATOR

For the above line staff positions, resort experience is an asset but not a requirement. Applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude as well as be willing to work holidays and weekends.

They should also enjoy serving people and be willing to learn. Only Turks & Caicos Islands citizens need to apply to the Assistant Human Resources Manager at The Sands Resort located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales or e-mail: humanresource@thesandstc.com. Deadline is June 26, 2015.

Caribbean Cruisin

is looking for the following:

Is looking for:

Labourer Missionary

Must be willing to work over time. Salary is $6 per hour. Belongers only need apply. Application dead line is June 24th, 2015.

Salary $100 per month. Teacher. Salary commensurate with experience.

Fax: (649) 941 8388

Contact: 343-7348

BAYSIDE CAR RENTAL

SRF CONSTRUCTION

11697

is looking for a

Is looking for a

Labourer Labourer To work 5 days to work 6 days

per week salary $6.25 per hour.

per week salary $6.25 per hour. contact: 649-941-9010

contact: 332-5029

KAREN ADAMS / ADAM’S BROKERAGE

PRICE CLUB

11663

Is looking for a

driver To work 5 days

per week salary $6.25 per hour.

11646

JESUS KING OF PEACE INC.

11671

RESPONSIBILITY: A security guard primary responsibility is to protect property, assets, or people. Patrolling is a large part of a security officer's duties. Patrols are logged by use of a guard tour patrol system, which requires regular patrols.

• Maintaining a high visibility presence, take action and reports any incidents, calls and provides emergency services as appropriate.

• Participates in security department objectives which are aligned with the overall objectives, vision, mission, values and operation strategies of the hotel and resort.

• Monitors resort, hotel and department areas status regularly, reports and handles issues in accordance to hotel standards.

• Reports maintenance, safety and security concerns; coordinates work orders and requests with Property Manager.

• Creates a safe environment for guests and employees by ensuring that the hotel is maintained in working order and in accordance to hotel/resort security and safety standards.

• Adheres to all regulatory and safety standards meeting government, and inspection guidelines taking corrective actions as needed.

• Ensures up to date on certifications and training necessary and required of security guard position such as CPR, First Aid, and Security Certification.

• Communicates to management on security and safety issues.

• Reinforces security rules, policies and standards throughout the resort, hotel and with staff.

• Provide genuine hospitality and teamwork on an ongoing basis.

• Regularly attends and participates in training as required and requested by management to understand expectations and perform job responsibilities.

• Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, employees may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the hotel. In addition, attendance at all scheduled training sessions and meetings is required.

• Must possess basic computational ability.

• Must possess basic computer skills.

To work 5 days per week salary $6.50 per hour. contact: 231-3342

contact: 244-8820

11668

SECURITY GUARD

housekeeper

Leeward Highway, Providenciales

Domestic Worker, Nanny Salary minimum wage.

Tel: 946-4677

June 13 - 19, 2015

CLASSIFIEDS 35

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Administrator/Personal Assistant

CAICOS MARINA & SHIPYARD

WANTED:

OUTBOARD MECHANIC REQUIREMENTS: Must have proven experience repairing outboard motors • Keen attention to detail • Ability to work some weekends and holidays • 10 years experience in marine engine repairs, formal training in mechanics and electrical 12V systems

DUTIES INCLUDE: Diagnosis and repair of marine gas engines and installation of new units. Analyzing defects and adjusting or repairing mechanical systems of outboard motors as well as replacing parts, such as gears, magneto points, piston rings, spark plugs etc, and reassembling motors.

• WAGE RATE: $10.00 per hour

11666

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

NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION

Ocean Club Resorts Is looking for qualified applicants for the following positions:

• Gardener • LabOurer • Janitor • Gardening Supervisor

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

All positions involve strenuous physical labour, which requires being able and willing to perform heavy lifting, and other physically demanding functions.

Must be able to speak English fluently. Preference will be given to someone with previous resort experience.

All applicants must be able to present a clean Police Record if offered a position. Wage commensurate with experience. Individuals must be willing to work holidays and weekends on a flexible schedule dictated by business demands.

Applications available at Ocean Club or Ocean Club West.

Only those receiving an interview will be contacted.

1. Parcel 60501/64 Blue Hills & Stamers Run, Providenciales.

Single storey detached dwelling house providing three bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchens, living/dining area and laundry room on approx. 0.22 acre.

Registered Proprietor: Thelma Adlaide Lightbourne

2. Parcel 60003/7 Northwest and North Central, Providenciales.

Single storey with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room and living/dining area on 0.22 acre.

Registered Proprietor: Alina Luann Percy

3. Parcel 60503/145 Blue Hills and Stamers Run, Providenciales.

Single storey with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining area and storage area with an attached two storey with 2-two bedroom apartments on 0.38 acre. Registered Proprietor: Sharon Elizabeth Rigby

The Somerset Strata Management Co Ltd, is seeking a suitable qualified Belongers who possess the requirements listed are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates should possess luxury resort experience, be professional in attitude and demeanor and must read and speak English fluently.

GARDENER

Property consists of a main house with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, laundry room, living/dining room and an apartment unit with one bedroom, one bathroom, kitchen, and living/dining room on 0.36 acre.

Registered Proprietors: Mark Andrew Knighton and Julie Margaret Knighton

5. Parcel 60900,112 Leeward Going Through, Providenciales.

Single storey with two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen and living/dining on 0.72 acre.

Registered Proprietor: Sherwin Deon Penn

Responsibilities:

• Complete ground work as directed by the Property Manager which may include picking up trash, sweeping curb and dumpster areas and maintaining landscaping beds and other ground areas • Must have the ability to lift heavy items weighing up to 150lbs • Must have the ability to maintain irrigation systems and provide proper upkeep of sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, fountains, and other grounds features

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be a team player with a desire to deliver excellent customer service to our guest • Must have clear English communications skills (written or oral) • Previous experience in this area would be an asset Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience Qualified Belonger candidates are requested to submit a CV by e-mail to:

Joanna Ivasiuk The Somerset Resort on Grace Bay Jivasiuk@thesomerset.com Submissions for this job position should be received no later than July 1st, 2015

4. Parcel 60900/288 Leeward Going Through, Providenciales.

6. Parcel 10103/57 North East Suburbs, Grand Turk.

Undeveloped land consisting of 0.44 acre.

Registered Proprietor: Pedro Manuel Ariza

7. Parcel 10408/68 East Suburbs, Grand Turk.

Single storey with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining area and laundry room on 0.20 acre.

Registered Proprietor: Pedro Manuel Ariza

8. Parcel 60003/6 Northwest & North Central, Providenciales.

Single storey comprising of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining room and laundry room on 0.32 acre.

Registered Proprietor: Nicole Erin Moir

9. Parcel 60002/133 Northwest & North Central, Providenciales.

Single storey comprising of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining room and laundry room on 0.31 acre.

Registered Proprietors: Abailgail Adiza Ziba Malcolm Delancy and Terrence Hibbert The auction will be held at the office of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 10 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 19th day of June 2015.

A reserved price will be fixed on all parcels and a deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids.

11659

36 CLASSIFIEDS

BELLA LUNA RESTAURANT

COOK • Must have 5 years experience on the line with Italian cuisine • Must be willing to work weekends, evening and holidays • Must be available 6 nights a week • Must speak, read

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

and write English • Must work well with others and work well under pressure • Must have a clean police record Salary $6.00 per hour Belongers only need apply

11685

SEND ALL RESUMES TO P.O. Box 543 Deadline for applications is June 27th, 2015

ROXY’S BEAUTY SALON

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS Financial Services Commission

Is looking for

4 Hair Stylists 4 Nail Technicians To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

contact: 242-4006 11680

Bayview Motors Is currently looking to employ a

Mechanic

The individual must possess the following: • Adequate tools to perform his duties • Must be able work with little or no supervision • Must be willing to work weekends and Holidays • Must be experience using computerized diagnostic equipment • Must be a holder of automotive repair certification ASE or Equivalent • Salary commensurate with experience Please note this add is not for a renewal work permit

Please email all application to syrmondg@bayviewmotors.com Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Bayview Motors Ltd, P.O Box 619, Leeward Highway, Providenciales

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO) Reports to the Senior Pastor/CEO and will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for A Touch of Love Ministries International Center, Inc. (ATOL) and its affiliate operations in the Bahamas, Caribbean and USA. COO will provide leadership to the ATOL strategic planning process and implement new initiatives with coordination of all ministry affiliates. Assist CEO in developing, implementing and managing the operational and financial aspects of the ministry and its affiliates.

REQUIREMENTS • Must be Born-Again, Spirit-filled Christian with minimum 5 years ministerial credentials. Preferably an ordained minister.

• Minimum MBA degree with at least 10-15 years of experience and a proven track record in senior management.

• Excellent organizational management, financial management, project management and people development skills.

• Analytic and decisive decision maker; ability to prioritize and communicate key objectives and tactics necessary to achieve organizational goals.

• Past experience managing human resources function.

• Unwavering commitment to strategic vision.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, flexible, and innovative approach to operational management.

• Passion, humility, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed.

Please submit resume and three references with telephone numbers and addresses including one from current Pastor. Salary will be based on qualification and experience.

No phone calls

Applications should be addressed to: Attn: Senior Pastor/CEO A Touch of Love Ministries Int’l Center 1145 Leeward Highway P.O. Box 751, Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI Or you may email: info@atolministries.org or Fax: 1-877-580-8743

Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) –

Architectural Services Purpose of RFQ

The Financial Services Commission hereby invites the submission of interest to this Request for Qualification (RFQ) from qualified firms and individuals to provide architectural services in connection with the renovation of a unit owned at Caribbean Place, Unit #8, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.

Objective

The Commission proposed to retain the services of a highly trained, qualified and experienced architect to prepare a plan to guide the renovation work, such services to be remunerated at a fixed contractual sum.

Scope of the Work

The selected architect will plan, design and submit plans, detailed specifications and estimated cost to facilitate our going to tender for a contractor to carry out the renovation works.

Subsequent to commencement of the renovation works the chosen architect will carry out inspections to ensure that the work is being carried out to the highest standards as well as in conformity to the plans. The terms of the assignment are to be set out more fully in a contract.

Information to be submitted with Proposal

1. Firm Information & Legal Status- name, address, contact details, structure of the firm (sole, partnership, etc.), size, history, project leader to be in charge, proof of business licence, architects’ licence, incorporation or business name certificate.

2. Financial Status – One (1) bank reference letter; professional insurance coverage.

3. Experience and References – information on firm’s and project leader’s prior experiences; two (2) references from prior clients.

4. Business Ethics Statement -a statement to the effect that the firm or principals is no way connected to or have dealings with any Officer or Director of the Commission; all information submitted is true.

5. Available Resources - to assess ability to present drawings and specifications within three (3) weeks of contract signing.

Selection Process

The Commission will review and evaluate the proposals received to determine which applicant should be selected. The Commission reserves the right to negotiate with one or more parties and is not obligated to enter into any contract with any of the respondents. The selected respondent will then be contacted to be shown the building in question, discuss the possible outcomes and to negotiate a fee and if a price cannot be agreed then the Commission will move to the next most qualified responded or abandon the process, as it sees fit.

Criteria for selection

Selection will be based on: qualification, experience, compliance status and available resources to complete this project in time as outlined.

Procedure for Submission of Proposal

Interested parties should submit their response in writing in a sealed enveloped marked: Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) – Architectural Services addressed to the Managing Director with the word CONFIDENTIAL no later than 2:00 pm Friday June 26, 2015 at Unit D7/D8, Caribbean Place, Leeward Highway, Providenciales.

Financial Services Commission: RFQ #01/2015 June 9, 2015

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

June 13 - 19, 2015

37

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

BETHANY BAPTIST CHURCH Is looking for a

janitor

Career Opportunities

To work 6 days per week salary negotiable.

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.

contact: 941-5632 11196

SKY PILOT PARASAIL Is looking for an

Accounting Technician

Salary $6.25 per hour

contact: 649-333-3000

11676

KENEISHA’S BAKERY

Is looking for

Baker Domestic Worker Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

contact: 232-5538 11678

TCI SECRETARIAL ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

is looking for a

domestic worker To work 6 days per week salary $6.50 per hour.

contact: 442-2230 11699

MAC MOTORS LTD.

Is seeking one

DOMESTIC

WORKER To work 6 days a week interested persons

please contact us on 339-3841.

11688

Position Available

An Osteopath required Minimum experience 6 years post Graduate.

Applications to be submitted in writing with references and CV or email to Ms. Narissa Thomas Inter-Island Medical Services, Neptune Court Grace Bay or via email address iimsadmin@tciway.tc.

11698

Director of Guest Experience Job Overview:

A member the management team responsible for the overall performance of the Personal Concierge (Butlers) staff and the operation of the concierge department; to include, but not limited to staffing, training, scheduling, ensuring high guest satisfaction.

Reports to: Executive Assistant Manager – Rooms.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Certification by a recognized Butler School • 6 – 10 years experience in Butler Service • 5 years experience in the hospitality industry, preferably as a Butler Manager International hospitality experience • Read, write and speak English (2 or more additional languages desired)

Essential Job Functions:

• Ensuring the complete satisfaction of all guests.

• Ensuring that the staff of the Personal Concierge Department provides world class and personal service to all guests • Daily training through the Line-up process plus weekly/monthly training sessions with Personal Concierge and other staff members. Maintaining records of all training • Upholding the Grace Bay Resort’s Credo and culture • Coordinate and ensure smooth operations of all Guest Service areas • Build rapport with in-house guests • Utilize leadership skills, motivation techniques and experience in order to maximize employee productivity • Interact with all guests to ensure their satisfaction, to gather personal preferences • Conduct him/herself in manner reflecting the position as a department head and a senior leader of the Veranda management team • Update and maintain all Guest History Files Belongers need only apply.

Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Kid’s Town Coordinator

• Must have basic First Aid • Must be able to swim proficiently and perform basic water rescue

• Must enjoy the outdoors and water sports and be willing to teach and demonstrate activities effectively and with enthusiasm • Must be willing to work weekends and holidays and some evenings • Minimum 3 years experience with 5 star property Qualified Belongers need only to apply.

Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Spa Therapists Job Requirements:

• Grace Bay Club is looking for a Massage Therapist/ Esthetician who is an enthusiastic team player with excellent customer service.

• The therapist will be responsible for administering professional facial, massage and body treatments to our guests.

• Must have a thorough knowledge of the skin with numerous massage modalities.

• Must possess a general understanding of body treatments and be willing to train in our spa’s specific facial, massage and body treatment offerings.

• Must possess excellent communication skills and be able to learn the product and service knowledge necessary to effectively provide wellness solutions to meet the needs of our guests.

• The Therapist will be required to properly care for equipment, perform prep work, clean and restock spa rooms • Assist in all areas of the spa operation as requested

by Supervisors or coaches.

• Be flexible with your schedule, supporting the needs of the spa.

• Build respectful and cooperative relationships with colleagues and leaders.

• He/she must maintain the standards of Grace Bay as found in the standard operating procedures of the department, an as they are amended from time to time.

Education and Experience: • Secondary level education is required. Good writing, reading, listening and basic computation skills are necessary.

• Previous experience in a 5 star spa is required.

• International qualifications (or qualifications equivalent to international standards) are required in Esthetics and Massage Therapy.

Qualified Belongers need only apply.

Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than June 26th 2014.

@ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1050. Email: sheba.wilson@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies 11689

38

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Looking for a

massage therapist and Beauty AdvisoR

Salary is commission

Call: 346-5064 NEPTUNE VILLAS Is looking for a

HANDYMAN/ LABOURER NEEDED

RODNEY PAUL Is looking for a

domestic worker To work 6 days per week salary $150 per week.

contact: 343-6154

11665

Beauty & Beyond

MERANGEL ECOLOGICAL SERVICES Is looking for a

Mason Specialist Salary commensurate with experience. Contact: 431-7030

11628

REEF RESIDENCE Is looking for a

Domestic Worker contact: 946-5306

11675

To work 6 days per week salary $6.50 per hour.

MAINTENANCE PERSON To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

contact: 432-1480

For a private home in Providenciales ;A ; hardworking person needed to work six days a week. ;Must ; speak English. Must be Fit and able. Required to work 6 days a week. ;Salary ; is $ 1,250.00 a month. Required to work six days a week ;An ; experienced Belonger required for this position.

If you fit the above qualifications please send your resume to the following address: PO Box 260, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

STABLE HAND WANTED Full-Time salary $7.50 per hour • Applicant must have a minimum of 10 years experience in all aspects of stable maintenance this includes: • Riding and horse handling (grooming, tacking up, cleaning tack, cleaning stalls, and lunging) • Equine nutrition • Teaching adults and children (mainly tourist) basic riding skills • Trimming hooves and basic equine veterinary care including IV/IM shots • Experience in breaking and training young horses • Must be able to guide and supervise inexperienced riders on trail rides • Must have a valid driver’s license • Must have own transportation and telephone • Must weigh less than 160 pounds • Must speak English fluently, second language an asset • Applicant must have own knowledge in basic accounting, QuickBooks, Excel • Further computer experience is an asset will work weekends and holidays

Contact: 946-5252

11656

11699

REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE, CAP 9.05

VACANCIES

Experience Restaurant is seeking to employ the following persons.

• Must have 3-5 years experience in a busy high pressured environment.

• Ability to read, speak and write English • Able to multi task in fast pace, and be on your feet for 8 hours • Be able to work holidays and weekends with a flexible schedule • Work with staff member, be polite to staff and guess alike • Waiter, Busser, Dish Washer, Labourer • Must be able to prepare French and Indonesian cuisine

Kitchen Helper, cook, Pastry Chef Belongers only need apply. Apply in person with your resume to Mango Reef at the Alexandra Resort

NOTICE LOST LAND CERTIFICATE

TITLE NUMBER 61103/82&83

SECTION ISLAND LONG BAY HILLS PROVIDENCIALES

Whereas, KARL ERIK KARLSTROM of Sweden, has declared that the Land Certificate for the above mentioned title number(s) registered in his/her/their name was inadvertently mislaid and cannot be found.

Take notice that I, Brandie Anderson, Registrar of Lands, shall issue a new land certificate for the said title six weeks of the date of the first publication of this Notice in a local newspaper and the Gazette.

Dated this 15th day of May 2015.

Signed ...........................................................................................

Registrar of Lands Witnessed ......................................................................................

Kerisa Gardiner

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Science & Technology Bush cricket uses “vibrator” to stimulate female SEX is literally a matter of life and death. If an animal doesn’t manage to produce offspring, its genes will die with it. So they have evolved to be very good at courting and mating.

Males are often the ones doing the pursuing, so they have evolved all sorts of ways to attract females. Male

Male Roesel’s bush-crickets have special “titillators” (Credit: Andy Sands/NPL)

birds often have stunningly beautiful feathers – think of a peacock’s tail– or the ability to sing elaborate songs.

The same principles apply to insects. That is why maleRoesel’s bush-crickets

have evolved their amazing courtship apparatus.

They have a pair of curved rods called titillators pointing out of their genital openings.

They look a bit like coat hooks.

AVAILABLE POSITION HUMAN RESOURCES ASSISTANT -- (TEMPORARY FOR ONE YEAR)

Purpose: Responsible for providing administrative assistance to Human Resources & Training department ensuring effective and efficient operation of department processes and programs; coordinate intra and interdepartmental communication.

Indicators of Success:

• Internal customer satisfaction • Attendance and timeliness • Completion of work assignments (safely, timely, completely, correctly)

Areas of Responsibility:

• Handle all administrative work (correspondence, filing, etc.) for department accurately and on a timely basis.

• Assist in the hiring process: o maintain job requisitions, ensuring proper approval and compliance with resort policy o create and place job ads (newspaper, radio and internet) o receive and organize applications and refer to next stage in interview process • Ensure all new hires are processed completely, accurately and on a timely basis; prepare employment contracts and other employment documents as needed; provide required information to Payroll.

• Assist in preparation and execution of all employee developmental and social programs and activities.

• Update notice boards on a regular basis, ensuring the information posted is relevant and up-to-date.

• Assist with creation and production of training materials and organization of training sessions and recordkeeping.

• Create and/or produce printed materials such as promotional flyers, notices, etc. maintaining all resort standards and ensuring high quality.

• Assist with regular and special reports and projects.

• Ensure confidentiality of all activity and documentation is maintained at all times.

• Ensure all work areas are kept clean, tidy and safe.

• Other duties as may be requested or required by department or other manager.

Key Skills and Requirement:

• Knowledge of Word, PowerPoint and Excel • Typing and computer proficiency

Interested applicants should submit an updated resume to marjorie. dorsett@regenthotels.com, no later than end of day Friday, June 26, 2015.

This position is a one year agreement only.

39

LVA Management Ltd. Is looking for experienced applicant for the following position

NIGHT AUDITOR Key Function

The Night Auditor is a key member of the Guest Services team responsible for the overnight operations of the Hotel, verifying the accuracy of guest accounts, balancing charges and revenues, as well as assisting with all aspects of guest services.

Requirements

• Experience in Guest Services • Experience in Night Audit with an accounting background is an asset or a minimum of 3 years • Exceptional interpersonal skills to enhance the service standards throughout the operation • Excellent communication, guest service and time management skills • Detail oriented - Able to organize, plan ahead and manage workload • A team player and a self-starter, yet able to work independently within Hotel standards • Ability to work effectively in an innovative, fast-paced and multi-tasked environment • Knowledge of the hotel industry and the hotel boutique concept • Excellent computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office, QuickBooks and use of the internet • College or University degree preferred in an Accountant , Hospitality/Customer Service or a minimum of 3 years experience in a guest services role

Duties and Responsibilities

• Always greet guests in a friendly and professional manner according to Hotel standards • Engage each guest as a unique individual and listen attentively to their requests • Perform accurate check-ins and check-outs of guests daily • Answer the telephone in a timely and professional manner • Make reservations over the phone and in person and ensure all aspects of the room reservation procedure are followed, including bookings, confirmations + cancellation policies • Responsible for a cash float throughout your shift and ensuring all floats balance correctly at the end of shift • Anticipate and address guest’s service needs - Listening to guest’s complaints or concerns and resolving their issue in a timely manner • Promote a safe working environment • Learn and adhere to all fire and emergency procedures, including procedures for handling of the fire panel, ensuring guest safety and participate in an evacuation if necessary • Practice safe working habits, including bending and lifting appropriately to avoid injury, reporting hazards, appropriate use of cleaning chemicals and working to minimize tripping hazards • Comply with the Hotel Policies, Procedures and Code of Ethics • Keep work area neat and tidy • Uniform and personal appearance are clean and professional and are in accordance with Hotel Policy • Manage nightly hotel operations • Verify revenue from all sources is accurately balanced, follow up on any discrepancies • Post any transactions needed • Perform end-of day procedures • Produce daily reports for departments and department heads • Compile and run statistical reports for all departments and transfer information to our Accounting department

Languages

• Written, spoken and reading proficiency in the English language • Additional languages are an asset

Work Schedule

• Overnight shifts Competitive Salary commensurate with work experience and qualifications

All interested applicants should submit an updated resume by email to: steve@lvaresort.com

40 CLASSIFIEDS

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Seven Stars is seeking a suitably qualified candidate to fill the position 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).

DIRECTOR OF RESTAURANTS AND BARS The Director of Restaurants and Bars is responsible for the overall satisfaction of all Food and Beverage Outlets in the Resort and ensure that service standards are met, delivery and service conform to all Seven Stars Standards and all Outlets are meeting or exceeding budgets as set. The candidate must have experience in a 5 Star Hotel Food and Beverage Department and experience in managing a fine dining restaurant.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • To have a thorough knowledge of the market situation in terms of business mix of competing resorts, their pricing and sales strategies.

• Select, train, evaluate, lead, motivate, coach, and discipline employees and managers/team leaders in multiple Food & Beverage operations and outlets to ensure that established cultural and hotel standards are met.

• Identify the developmental needs of others and coach, mentor, or otherwise help others to improve their knowledge or skills.

• Serve as a role model to demonstrate appropriate behavior.

• Control labor and operating costs through effective scheduling, budgeting, purchasing decisions, and inventory control while focusing on creative revenue generation solutions to maximize profit.

• The ability to be visible in the operation, recognize and maintain relationships with regular guests.

• Communicate with employees and managers to ensure operational needs are met as well as attend regular operational meetings to ensure effective coordination and cooperation between departments.

• To work closely with the Food and Beverage Coordinator and the Executive Chef.

• To oversee the presentation and service of all Food and Beverage products to ensure highest standard of quality at all times.

• Ensure proper handling, cleaning and sanitation of equipment, meeting Resorts Health and Safety standards.

• Maintains an up to date working knowledge of all resort amenities as well as any special events.

• Together with the F&B Coordinator review findings from comment cards and guest satisfaction results with F& B team and ensure appropriate corrective action is taken.

• Make recommendations for CAPEX funding of food and beverage equipment and renovations in accordance with the resorts brand business strategy.

REQUIREMENTS: • Requires 7-9 years experience in restaurant management • Requires Head Sommelier experience 5 years • Advanced Level WSET • Requires experience in teambuilding and collaborative projects • Requires excellent project management and working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and Point of Sales System.

• Requires experience interacting with executive levels and the ability to work without supervision on specific assignments.

• Requires strong technical, written, oral and interpersonal communications skills and attention to detail.

• Must have a clean police record.

SALES & EVENT MANAGER

Reporting directly to the Sales and Marketing Director, the Sales & Event Manager will be responsible for the sale, organization and execution of all events and banquets at the Seven Stars Resort ensuring guest service and financial goals are met or exceeded. Flexibility to work long hours as business demands.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & JOB REQUIREMENTS: • Responsible for the sale and management of all events and banqueting for the resort and meeting targets as set by the resort.

• Degree in Event Management or equivalent qualification.

• Minimum of 5 years proven experience working in events in the following sectors; weddings, corporate, banqueting, meetings, fundraising.

• Minimum of 3 years proven experience working with events within a luxury resort.

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Agilysys Visual One and Infogenisis POS Systems • Demonstrated ability to work with and engage multicultural/ multi-ethnic teams and guests • Strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent command of the English language • Pleasant, outgoing personality with the ability to handle the pressure of a fast-paced environment.

• Quality oriented with focus on details and high performance standards.

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

• Must have a clean police record.

BOUTIQUE SUPERVISOR

The Boutique Supervisor will report Front of House Manager assisting in all aspects of the shop. The position will oversee day to day management of the shop working closely with the Front of House Manager to ensure staff are working to their peak performance level. Ensure hours of operation are enforced and quality is high. Data entry will be key to maintaining inventory levels and cost controls. The candidate must have experience in a 5 Star Hotel.

ESSENTAIL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Assist in receiving, stocking and storage of all gift shop articles arriving at the Resort.

• Continuously train staff on guest service, product descriptions and sales.

• Maintain organized inventory and stock levels • Stock inventory on shelves using the first in first out principle • Maintain the shop and storage areas in a clean and organized fashion.

• Ensure all merchandise is properly stocked by model and size and that it is accurately priced with proper tag.

• Handle all sales transactions using the cash register and credit card machine.

• Ensure that sufficient change is available to handle cash sales.

• Ensure that all articles are properly tagged with correct barcode and price labels.

• Room charges are to be verified with guests room number and signature • Provide sales report at the end of the shift • Report to work on time in assigned uniform • Ensure that staff are in proper uniform • Responsible for scheduling the gift shop attendants • Record attendance of shop attendants REQUIREMENTS • Should have at least five years experience in Gift Shop experience.

• Must possess excellent guest service and sales skills.

• Must have excellent articulation, and communications skills.

• Must possess strong computer literacy and good understanding of Boutique systems.

• Must maintain a high level of professional appearance and demeanor.

• Must be a self-starter, energetic, & motivated with multi-task capabilities.

• Strong 5 star Resort experience.

• Must be a team player who enjoys challenge and working with others.

• Must have a clean police record.

Closing Date: June 26, 2015 Suitably qualified candidates should apply via email to Seven Stars at: hr@sevenstarsgracebay.com for consideration Candidates must possess relevant skills, experience, and a clean police record.

ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Science & Technology

41

NASA spacecraft finds glass that may have preserved evidence of past life on Mars NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) has detected deposits of glass within impact craters on Mars. Though formed in the searing heat of a violent impact, such deposits might provide a delicate window into the possibility of past life on the Red Planet.

During the past few years, research has shown evidence about past life has been preserved in impact glass on Earth. A 2014 study led by scientist Peter Schultz of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, found organic molecules

and plant matter entombed in glass formed by an impact that occurred millions of years ago in Argentina.

Schultz suggested that similar processes might preserve signs of life on Mars, if they were present at the time of an impact.

Fellow Brown researchers Kevin Cannon and Jack Mustard, building on the previous research, detail their data about Martian impact glass in a report now online in the journal Geology.

“The work done by Pete and others showed us that glasses are

potentially important for preserving biosignatures,” Cannon said.

“Knowing that, we wanted to go look for them on Mars and that’s what we did here. Before this paper, no one had been able to definitively detect them on the surface.”

Cannon and Mustard showed large glass deposits are present in several ancient, yet well-preserved, craters on Mars. Picking out the glassy deposits was no easy task.

To identify minerals and rock types remotely, scientists measured the spectra of light reflected off the planet’s surface. But impact glass doesn’t have a particularly strong spectral signal.

“Glasses tend to be spectrally bland or weakly expressive, so signature from the glass tends to be overwhelmed by the chunks of rock mixed in with it,” said Mustard. “But Kevin found a way

Researchers have found deposits of impact glass (in green) preserved in Martian craters, including alga crater, shown here.

The detection is based on data from the instrument compact reconnaissance imaging spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) on NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. (PHOTO: NASA/JPL-Caltech/JHUAPL/ Univ. Of Arizona)

to tease that signal out.”

In a laboratory, Cannon mixed together powders with a similar composition of Martian rocks and fired them in an oven to form glass.

He then measured the spectral signal from that glass.

Once Mustard had the signal from the lab glass, he used an algorithm to pick out similar signals in data from MRO’s Compact Reconnaissance

Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM), for which he is the deputy principal investigator.

The technique pinpointed deposits in several Martian crater central peaks, the craggy mounds that often form in the center of a crater during a large impact. The fact the deposits were found on central peaks is a good indicator that they have an impact origin.

NASA responds to predictions of catastrophic asteroid impact and tsunami near Puerto Rico Just half a handful of nuts a day could make a difference.

Nuts ‘protect against early death’ EATING half a handful of nuts every day could substantially lower the risk of early death, a Dutch study suggests.

Previous studies had already indicated a link with cardiovascular health, but this is the first to look at specific nuts and diseases.

Maastricht University researchers found a 23% lower chance of death during the 10year study in people eating at least 10g (0.3oz) of nuts a day.

There was no benefit for peanut butter, which is high in salt and trans fats.

More than 120,000 Dutch 55-to-69-year-old men and women provided dietary and lifestyle information in 1986, and then their mortality rate was looked at 10 years later.

The premature mortality risk due to cancer, diabetes, respiratory and neurodegenerative

diseases was lower among the nut consumers.

There was an average 23% lower risk of 10-year mortality across all diseases, with a decrease of: § 45% for neurodegenerative disease § 39% for respiratory disease § 30% for diabetes Prof Piet van den Brandt, who led the study, published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, said: “It was remarkable that substantially lower mortality was already observed at consumption levels of 15g of nuts or peanuts on average per day.”

The researchers had taken into account the mitigating factor that nut consumers ate more fruit and vegetables and that women who ate nuts were often leaner, and adjusted the results accordingly, Prof Van den Brandt told the BBC. (BBC)

END-OF-TIME predictors have claimed that a massive asteroid hurtling towards Earth will destroy civilization as we know it in September.

They are predicting a cataclysmic event that will trigger a major earthquake and tsunami and will sound humanity’s death knell in just three months’ time, The Mirror reports.

The rapid proliferation of the prediction has now prompted NASA to speak out and dismiss the theory as unfounded.

“NASA knows of no asteroid or comet currently on a collision course with Earth, so the probability of a major collision is quite small,” a NASA spokesperson said.

“In fact, as best as we can tell, no large object is likely to strike the Earth any time in the next several hundred years.”

Conspiracy theorists on numerous blogs and websites have come up with the period between September 22 and September 28 as the likely time frame for the “impending catastrophe.”

Some biblical theorists maintain that the events will initiate the Rapture and the start of the sevenyear Tribulation.

Others believe the events will spark the emergence of the so-called Illuminati-sponsored New World Order (NWO), which will take charge of world affairs.

Despite NASA’s dismissal, the conspiracy theorists believe that governments of the world’s leading

Conspiracy theorists on numerous blogs and websites have come up with the period between September 22 and September 28 as the likely time frame for the “impending catastrophe.”

nations are aware of the “impending disaster” and are keeping the information secret to prevent mass panic.

Veterans Today reports that self-proclaimed prophet Reverend Efrain Rodriguez made the original prediction back in 2010 after getting a message from God. According to Reverend Rodriguez, the asteroid will crash into the ocean off Puerto Rico during the night, triggering a massive earthquake and a tsunami that will advance at 400 miles per hour, destroying everything in its path.

The tsunami will go on to devastate the East Coast of the United States, Mexico, Central and

South America, Rodriguez added, urging NASA to issue an alert “so people can be relocated from the areas that are to be affected.”

US-based Veterans Today noted that such a disaster was “not an end-of-the-world event, but one that would likely kill millions this side of the Atlantic and send the world economy into a tailspin.”

Meanwhile, although the latest claims of a killer asteroid are apparently unfounded, scientists have long said that these space rocks pose a major threat to Earth.

“There is an asteroid with our name on it and it will hit us,” Professor Brian Cox told Britain’s MailOnline.

42

Sports Interational

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 13 - 19, 2015

England wicketkeeper Prior retires from cricket

ENGLAND wicketkeeper Matt Prior has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

The 33-year-old, who won 79 Test caps, helped England to three Ashes series victories between 2009 and 2013.

The Sussex keeper has not played any cricket since July 2014 because of a recurring Achilles tendon injury.

“I was expecting to be fit for the 2015 season,” Prior said.

“Unfortunately, this has proved impossible, and I have now had to reach this decision.”

He added: “I feel honoured to have played for Sussex and England as many times as I have and shared so many great times with both teams.

I also feel privileged to have been involved in an era of such success for English cricket.

“I have always tried to play with pride and passion and have a deep belief that the team will always come first. Although I haven’t achieved all the goals I had set out to, I feel immensely proud of what I have done in my career. Sadly it is now time to move on.”

Prior became the first England wicketkeeper to score a century on debut, hitting an unbeaten 126 at Lord’s against West Indies in 2007.

He leaves the game with a Test batting average of 40.18, the highest

Former FIFA vice president Jack Warner is in the hot seat.

FIFA’s Warner allegedly stole $750,000 of Haiti earthquake money Matt Prior, who won 79 Test caps, helped England to three Ashes series victories between 2009 and 2013.

of any England wicketkeeper to claim more than 100 dismissals and the fourth best of all-time behind only Kumar Sangakkara, Andy Flower and Adam Gilchrist.

The South African-born righthander was named England’s player of the year in 2013 after saving the final Test and series against New Zealand by batting for four-and-ahalf hours on his way to an unbeaten century.

By that time, he had been appointed vice-captain and

attempted to win a fourth Ashes series in Australia in 2013-14.

But his form dipped - he made only one fifty in eight Tests - and was dropped for the final two Tests of the 5-0 whitewash in Australia.

Despite his bludgeoning batting style, Prior could not replicate his Test form in one-day internationals, averaging 24.18 runs in 68 matches.

In December 2014, he co-founded the new professional One Pro Cycling team, saying cycling was a “huge passion” . (BBC)

FORMER FIFA vice president Jack Warner has been accused of diverting $75o,000 (£490,000) of aid meant for the 2010 Haiti earthquake into bank accounts he controlled.

The BBC claims to have seen documents from the US justice department showing emergency funds donated by FIFA and the Korean Football Association were moved to accounts Warner controlled.

It’s not the first time Warner has faced this accusation — in 2012 the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation accused Warner of

diverting £440,000 of earthquake relief into a bank account it said he controlled. Warner called the accusations a conspiracy at the time and continues to deny any wrongdoing.

But things are looking increasingly bad for Warner, a Trinidad and Tobago native. He’s one of nine current and former FIFA officials who have been indicted in the US on corruption charges. Prosecutors say Warner solicited bribes worth $10 million from the South African government to host the 2010 World Cup and diverted funds for personal use. (Businessinsider)

Brazilian Marta breaks all-time

Williams calendar Grand Slam is possible female goal-scoring record

The exceptional performance, consistency and resilience of Novak Djokovic since the middle of last October had hinted at the possibility that he might just emulate Rod Laver’s 1969 Grand Slam.

Instead, for the 23rd year in a row, following up Australian Open success by winning at Roland Garros has proved beyond any man.

But not beyond Serena Williams.

Even a sick Serena Williams. By winning in Melbourne and in Paris, the world number one has given real momentum to the theory that the calendar Grand Slam is well within her compass.

Djokovic was incredibly gracious after his four-set defeat by Stan Wawrinka, which also deprived him of membership of that elite group of players who have won each of the sport’s four Grand Slam events.

His achievements appear to merit inclusion, but for now he shares the frustration of Pete Sampras, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg and Jimmy Connors, who won everywhere but on the Roland Garros clay.

The defeat will sting, but may yet drive him to even greater heights.

After all, he won Wimbledon last year just four weeks after losing

Serena Williams won her 20th Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.

the French Open final to Rafael Nadal, and this year he has an extra week to recover. It may also console Djokovic that Wawrinka had to produce one of the more exceptional performances in a Grand Slam final to deny him his place in history.

Wawrinka may not have the consistency of Djokovic, or of Roger Federer in his prime, but he has proved beyond reasonable doubt that his Australian Open triumph was no flash in the pan. Nadal may

be struggling in 2015, and Federer no longer able to sustain his best over five sets, but - as Andy Murray will testify - the competition for Grand Slam titles remains incredibly intense.

The same cannot be said of the women’s game, but that is not to take anything at all away from the extraordinary achievements of Serena Williams. Battling flu, and taken to three sets on five occasions, she again proved too good for the field to win a third title in Paris.

SHE’S possibly the greatest soccer player you’ve never heard of.

Marta has won virtually every individual and team honour available throughout her illustrious career -and now the Brazilian has another record to add to her collection.

Her penalty in Tuesday’s 2-0 win over South Korea at the 2015 Women’s World Cup propelled her to the top of the tournament’s alltime goalscorer list with 15 goals.

She surpassed retired Germany international Brigit Prinz and went two ahead of current USWNT star Abby Wambach who, at 35 years of age, is surely playing in her last World Cup. It was fitting that her recordbreaking goal came from the penalty spot against South Korea, 12 years after her first for Brazil at a World Cup -- which, incidentally, was also a penalty against the same opposition.

However, the one major trophy to evade the 29-year-old has been the World Cup. Widely regarded as the best female footballer of all time, can she really be considered the greatest ever without winning football’s biggest prize?

Marta has now tallied 15 goals.

It is a question often asked about Argentina star Lionel Messi.

Although, Marta has an international record and Ballon d’Or haul that would make even Messi’s eyes water.

Her goal on Tuesday took her to an incredible 92 goals in 93 matches for her country, while she has five FIFA World Player of the Year awards which came in consecutive years between 2006 and 2010.

June 13 - 19, 2015

Sports Interational

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

As the young tennis players get better the Graceway Sports Centre tennis pro Juergen Richter will look to develop their game outside of the TCI.

Graceway Sports Centre Junior Tennis Tournament a success GRACEWAY Sports Centre tennis pro Juergen Richter along with two elite junior students held a successful junior tennis tournament for players between three-and-a-half years to 14 years last weekend. The students from the Star Tennis Academy joined and made a very nice impression.

Over 40 children brave the heat and the lack of wind as families and friends showered them with encouragement to apply their tennis knowledge in the mini-competition.

There were four competitions: In the Super Mini Roland Georges won ahead of Jordan Gideon, while in the Mini Boys and Girls Angelina Lindenhahn took the top spot with Evita Ekladious in second. In the Junior Girls’ Jasmine Coles claimed victory while Paige Zammit was

runner up.

There was also a Junior Boys’ competition. The presentation of prizes took place on the tennis courts and the participants received medals and diplomas, while the audience enjoyed the refreshments provided by the Graceway Tennis Club.

Information from the club revealed that the Junior Tennis Tournament’s goal was to display the skills acquired by the students of the Graceway Tennis Club during this term’s training programme, which runs from April 12th through June 26th.

Coach Richter, who has over 20 years of international experience, aims to compete in the future with his students in tennis tournaments in the Caribbean and even the US.

“Mega fight” seals Forbes top spots for Mayweather and Pacquiao HE recently won the most lucrative boxing match in history -- and now Floyd Mayweather Jr. is out on his own at the top of the new Forbes list of the world’s 100 richest athletes.

The American business magazine’s data reveals that sport’s highest earners made a staggering $3.2 billion between them over the last 12 months, up 17 percent from the year before -but only two of the top 100 are female.

Nicknamed “Money,” Mayweather has raked in $300 million (£194 million) in the past 12 months, almost double the tally of second-placed Manny Pacquiao, the man he defeated in Las Vegas last

month.

Much of Mayweather’s money came from that bout, with the boxer -- who leads the Forbes list for the third time in four years -- being paid $100m for the fight, with further revenue coming from pay-per-view sales, sponsorship, gate receipts and endorsement deals.

His huge earnings dwarf the previous record set by golfer Tiger Woods, who banked $115m in 2008.

Pacquiao’s $160m haul took him from 11th last year to second this time, with $23m coming from his fight with Chris Algieri in Macau, China, late last year.

The youngsters were excited with their spoils.

43

44

Sports National

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

GT Combined play undefeated to take Primary School cricket title GRAND Turk Combined played undefeated to win the Second Annual Inter-Primary School cricket competition at the Downtown Ball Park in Providenciales last Saturday.

The eight-member team was made up of students from Eliza Simons, Ona Glinton and the Newman’s Preparatory School with Ms. Acacia Downer and Mr. Winston Quelch as coaches.

The event which was organised by the TCI Cricket Association and sponsored by Scotiabank had six other schools participating. A total of 70 young cricketers were at the venue.

The eventual winners were paired with the British West Indies Collegiate (BWIC) and Osetta Jolly in Group One, while Group Two included the Community Christian Academy, New International School,

Enid Capron and Provo Christian School.

In Group One’s preliminary round Grand Turk defeated both the BWIC and Osetta Jolly to advance to the championship clash. The BWIC had won the opener against Osetta Jolly.

Group Two had six games with New International winning their three clashes. Provo Christian finished second in the group.

In the championship clash New International reached 42-5 from 10 overs with Joe leading the way with 25 runs. Jamal Jean was on target with the ball as he nabbed three wickets for seven runs in two overs.

Divanae Williams then played an unbeaten innings (24 runs) to lead the visitors to victory at 45-2 after eight overs. Jean added 13 runs.

The presentation ceremony took place immediately after the finals.

The Grand Turk combined team won the 2015 title

The trophies were presented by the Managing Director of Scotiabank Mr. Sean Braithwaite, the captain of Beaches TCI and 1st Vice President of the Cricket Association, Mr. Ancell Williams and the President of TCICA Mr. Colin Sterling.

Mr Sterling thanked all the school principals, teachers, parents and students for making the event a success. Special mention was made of Scotiabank for their continued support to cricket in the TCI, and InterCaribbean Airways for their contribution.

will be selected to continue training on Saturdays under the guidance of the Cricket Development Officer, Mr. Rawle Gill and his assistant Mr. Paul Mc Kenzie, to build a youth

team to represent the TCI in regional competitions.

To date, in excess of 200 students have participated in the Youth Development School’s Programme.

YOUTH CRICKET TEAM Of the players 20 from Providenciales

Governor Beckingham and Simons win Governor’s Cup TCI’s governor Peter Beckingham led from the front to win the men’s division of the Governor’s Cup golf competition at the Waterloo Golf Club in Grand Turk last Saturday.

The avid golfer was one of 16 (TC Islanders, residents and visitors), who took part in the event. Sharon Simons won the women’s division and one of the closest-to-the-pin competitions while Florence Bennett nabbed the second place trophy with Danzella Jennings just behind.

Larry Coalbrooke had the second best score for a male golfer, while Tom Saunders was third. Simon Baker won the other closest-to-thepin competition.

RESTORING CLUB AND COURSE “We had a terrific day’s competition,” Club Treasurer Estelle Watts said. “Today’s competition raised around $160, which will help the club towards its ultimate aim of restoring the course and clubhouse to its former glory.”

Unfortunately, the clubhouse and course were badly damaged by hurricane and fire several years ago, and while the club has continued, its small size and limited resources has made refurbishment a slow process.

Gianni Ascani hopes to make all TCI proud.

Ascani becomes first TCI referee appointed to World Cup Qualifier

Male and female overall winners: Governor Peter Beckingham and Sharon Simons.

In a further move to bring forward the necessary improvements, the Club is planning to market the course to the thousands of visiting cruise ship passengers and tourists.

The club has also opened a temporary reception at the security kiosk at the Governor’s official residence which sits on the course.

Anyone desiring to play can approach the guard and borrow a bag and clubs for a minimum donation of $10 a round. All monies raised will go into the maintenance and refurbishment of the course.

The small nine hole course was designed and built by former Governor, John Kelly, and Waterloo Golf Club was formed in 1997.

LOCAL football referee Gianni Ascani will take his career to the next level on Tuesday evening when he officiates in a return leg of a second-round World Cup Qualifying clash between home team Canada and Dominica at the BMO Field in Toronto.

The 38-year-old will become the first local referee to officiate at a World Cup Qualifying game.

Being the man in charge in such a prestigious clash has created no anxieties in the Belgium born.

In fact Ascani is ready for the challenge. He said he has constantly improved over the last few months and has learned tremendously from his previous experiences.

“I am very proud to be given the chance to referee at such a high level and to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands and the TCIFA. I took my preparation: physically and technically to a higher gear over the past three

months since I came back from the Dallas Cup in Texas where I refereed the U17 Supergroup final between Monterrey Rayados and Campos Laguna at the Toyota Stadium in Dallas (home stadium of FC Dallas).”

The Provo resident who started referee in 2012 in the Women’s Football League moved up because of his work ethics and devotion to fitness, training and learning the rules.

After local stints with the WFL, the PPL and the USL Ascani was selected in 2014 for the CONCACAF Comex Symposium in Costa Rica. This year he also went to the Comex Symposium, where he was outstanding in the FIFA fitness test.

In Tuesday’s game Ascani will be joined by assistant referees from Trinidad and Tobago and a fourth official from Antigua and Barbuda.

June 13 - 19, 2015

Sports National

45

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Otuonye nabs AllAmerican Second Team honours -Wins Big XII Male Field Athlete of the Year award -K-State Track and Field coach calls his last few months “phenomenal” IFEANYI Otuonye entered the outdoor season a few months ago with the hope of breaking his outdoor national record (7.47M made at last year’s Commonwealth Games), he knew he was stronger, but never anticipated such a season. When the sand had settled and the measuring tapes drawn the Kansas State University long jumper had accomplished four 25 feet (7.62M) or better jumps.

So impressed was head coach Cliff Rovelto that he described the Turks and Caicos jumper as “phenomenal” over the last months.

“He’s had a pretty phenomenal last couple months of this season and

he’s virtually improved every single weekend over the last couple months.

So, he’s had a great season….”

For Otuonye getting a pat on the back by his head coach was not his only accolade. In fact this week he was named the Big XII Male Field Athlete of the Year and on Wednesday his performance at the NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Track and Field Championships earned him All-America Second Team honours.

Otuonye was one of 24 jumpers who went to Oregon, USA for the prestigious competition on Wednesday. He was confident of reaching eight metres or nearing that

number. “I’m feeling real confident.

Not nervous, rather anxious to jump.

I think I’m ready to do something big,” he had told the Weekly News earlier in the week. Unfortunately his enthusiasm proved too much for jump number one, which if he had hit his mark would have propelled him into the finals. He however fouled.

Jump number two a wind-assisted 7.69M took him to ninth place, but another foul saw him dropping out of the top 10 and out of the competition.

For Otuonye he “accomplished a lot” this season and is hoping to advance from his PB and national record of 7.87M.

Ifeanyi Otuonye was outstanding this season.

Birmingham Diamond League:

Williams “shock” British squad with 300M third place finish

Delano Williams copped bronze in the 300M at the Diamond League in Birmingham last Sunday.

TCI born speedster Delano Williams surprised the British coaching and medical staffs with a scintillating run over 300M in last Sunday’s Birmingham Diamond League.

Williams, finished third in his first ever competitive 300M with a time of 32.14s, not far off the long standing British record of 31.56s (Douglas Walker, July of 1998).

“They were all shocked and surprised, but my coach and I knew my capabilities, so I just went out there and displayed my class on the field.”

What stunned the Brits was the way Williams handled himself in the colder weather.

“I never perform well on this side of the world, so it was a shocker. I

know they didn’t expect anything.”

GREAT FEELING The TCI national 100M and 200M record holder, who switched allegiance to Great Britain a few years ago, said he enjoyed the meet.

“It feels real great to compete against the best in the world in a 300M. I did my best out there and just stayed focus to the task of handling business when I touched the track.”

The 2012 World Junior 200M champion was encouraged by his performance and the distance itself.

“Well I like it very much, besides it shows I’m in good shape to do bigger and better things in the near

future.”

South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk won the event in 31.63s with Bahamas’ veteran Chris Brown finishing second in 31.99s.

TOO COLD On Thursday the 21-year-old moved to Oslo Norway, to compete in the 400M, but the change in weather was too much and Williams could not adapt.

“It was pretty cold here. I don’t run in cold places. The weather was predicted to be sunny but apparently it was cold. I got sick in the weather. Currently have the flu.”

The former Munro College student finished seventh with a time of 46.32s.

46

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 13 - 19, 2015

LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos

.46 acres overlooking the creek, spanning King Road and Windsor Road

QUICK SALE

CALL 232-3508 or 946-4664

June 13 - 19, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

47

48

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 13 - 19, 2015