Turks and Caicos Weekly News

Weekly News Volume 27 | No. 10 | March 16 - 22, 2013

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NO DECISION ON AMANDA – Judge makes no decision on seat challenge 5 PAGE 

IT IS still uncertain whether or not Progressive National Party (PNP)’s Amanda Missick will be able to take part in next week’s crucial by-election.

TCI Harlem Shake video racks up over 3,000 YouTube views in less than three days. The energetic group on the beach at Bugaloo’s for the video shoot last Sunday (Cay Lights photo)

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TCI does the Harlem Shake William Hague minces House debates no words in strong governance PAGE response to Premier  4 principles PAGE 

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Premier can call fresh elections

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 16 - 22, 2013

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 16 - 22, 2013

William Hague minces no words in strong response to Premier – Says Ewing ‘substantially misrepresented’ past and present to locals and CARICOM

BY VANESSA NARINE SECRETARY of State, William Hague, in a letter on Tuesday, charged that Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing, “substantially” misrepresented both the past and the present situation to both the people of the TCI and to the leaders of the Caribbean.

Hague was responding to both the Premier’s February 10 letter and the speech he made to the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) 24th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Haiti.

The Secretary of State minced no words in stressing that the UK has accepted a “broad responsibility” for good governance in the Turks and Caicos Islands to fix the “chaotic situation” left by the former Progressive National Party (PNP) administration.

CHAOTIC PAST He said: “In 2009 Sir Robin Auld, a greatly respected former Lord Justice of Appeal and Senior Presiding Judge for England and Wales, conducted a Commission of Inquiry in TCI which concluded that there was a high probability of systemic corruption among Ministers, members of the legislature and public officials in the then TCI government.

“He documented in detail information on corruption, dishonesty and abuse of public office by former Premier Michael Misick and other Ministers in the previous People's National Party (PNP) Government and recommended criminal investigation.

“As a result, the previous UK government suspended parts of the TCI Constitution providing for ministerial government and the House of Assembly.

“Subsequent investigations have led to 12 people being charged. The judicial process is underway.

“There are still questions to be answered: the Attorney General is properly and legally seeking Michael Misick's extradition from Brazil to TCI. “Mr. Misick is resisting return to TCI and seeking political asylum.

“But progress has been made: a prominent international law firm was appointed to recover misappropriated assets and has so far recovered $16.6m, with a further $2.6m ordered to be paid, as well as nearly 2,500 acres of Crown land recovered; all to benefit the people of TCI. “As we are all aware, the previous PNP government left behind a chaotic situation including - through incompetence, abuse of power and corruption - rapidly deteriorating public finances. As a result, TCI was, in effect, bankrupt.”

Hague went on to outline the support given to the TCI, since the suspension of the 2006 Constitution including the facts that: In 2009 the UK government provided emergency funding to enable public workers to be paid.

In 2010 the UK provided a guarantee that enabled the TCI government to borrow up to$260m at an affordable interest rate in order to enable the government to maintain essential services while bringing public finances back under control.

The Secretary added too that the interim administration implemented a broad programme of reform to deal with this situation and to help prevent it being repeated.

He said: “I [the interim administration] established a robust framework for good government and sound public financial management and integrity and accountability in

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 Vanessa Narine - Senior Reporter Faizool Deo – Sports Cord Garrido-Lowe – Graphics/Production Editor Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams – Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@yahoo.com, tcweeklynews@gmail.com (Talk Back) tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com

SECRETARY of State William Hague

Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing

public life.

“These steps should help minimise the chances of a few corrupt people exploiting the assets of TCI for their own benefit, instead of these assets being available for the good of all the community.”

He stressed that the UK will allow neither this framework to be rolled back nor the delivery of good and honest government to be undermined.

potential illegal immigrants and drug traffickers.

“We continue to provide a range of equipment and training for public servants, such as in police, prison and immigration services.”

RESPONSIBILITY Hague said: “The UK Government set out a clear vision in our Overseas Territories White Paper last year.

“We want the Overseas Territories, including the Turks and Caicos Islands, to flourish in partnership with the United Kingdom.

“We want you to build a strong and sustainable local economy and to develop as a community.

“Our relationship with you entails responsibilities for both parties.

“We have a broad responsibility to support the territories and to ensure security and good governance.

“We expect the territories to meet the same high standards of good governance and public financial management as in the UK. “We are playing our part to support economic and social development in TCI. “We have provided, over many years, significant economic support and technical assistance, for example funding the initial investment in the main airport on Providenciales.

“We accept a broad responsibility for our joint security.

“In recent years we have provided support to TCI when you have suffered natural disasters such as Hurricane Ike in 2008.

“Two British naval vessels will be on station in the Caribbean this summer to provide further assistance if required.

“I know that you visited Royal Fleet Auxiliary Wave Knight yourself when she was in TCI last month.

“The UK funded the repairs to the radar equipment that has been instrumental in helping intercept

THE VAT QUESTION Turning his attention to the controversial Value Added Tax (VAT), the Secretary of State noted that while the Premier’s letter raised prominently the issue of VAT, the UK coalition government in 2010 was presented with a situation in which TCI had an annual deficit of £30m which was set to grow significantly.

Hague said: “This unsustainable situation led to the UK’s Department for International Development appointing a Chief Financial Officer whose responsibilities were to ensure that this deficit was reduced and that TCI's finances returned to surplus.

“In a parliamentary statement dated December 9, 2010, eight milestones were set, before which elections would not be permitted.

“Despite the financial milestone not yet having been met, the UK government agreed in good faith to permit elections in the expectation that an in-coming government would administer the island's finances so as

to build an increasing surplus and release the UK government from its government guarantee.”

According to him, introducing VAT was central to this and seen to be in the interests of the TCI and the UK. Hague said: “UK Ministers have consistently made clear that a decision to introduce VAT is one for the TCI Government, and that credible alternative measures would be considered the TCI Government is responsible for delivering sustainable public finances.

“As you know this means that you and your Government have to meet the public finance framework, which includes debt reduction targets and should enable you to refinance your debts without a UK guarantee after 2016.

“UK Ministers have recently accepted your proposal not to introduce VAT on April 1, but instead to set public spending at a lower level commensurate with the absence of VAT, the uncertainty about alternative revenue streams, and the weakening outlook for some existing revenue streams.

“We are now awaiting your specific proposals on what additional expenditure cuts and alternative revenue measures you will put in place to ensure your adherence to the public finance framework.”

The Secretary of State reiterated his belief in democracy and that government must be honest and transparent and behave responsibly.

“The TCI Government has the chance to shape the future of your islands.

“The UK government has invested much in helping put TCI back on the right path.

“TCI has a growing economy, modernised legislation and a committed public service. I hope you will use this inheritance wisely,” Hague said.

School boys remanded after violent attack at Clement Howell FOUR boys appeared before the Supreme Court in Providenciales on Tuesday, after brutally beating one of their peers and hospitalising him.

Two boys were remanded in custody and the other two were released on bail, with a surety of $2,500 which was put up by the family.

Their bail condition is that they are not permitted to step foot on Clement Howell High School property where the attack took place.

The victim, who is a 17-yearold male, was admitted to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where he is believed to have suffered from a torn kidney and a blood clot in his liver.

Grandmother of the teen said the doctors assured her that he will not suffer from any long term injuries and that he will be able to go back to school next week.

The culprits are scheduled to reappear in the Supreme Court in Providenciales next Tuesday (March 19).

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

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No decision on Amanda – Judge makes no decision on seat challenge IT IS still uncertain whether or not Progressive National Party (PNP)’s Amanda Missick will be able to take part in next week’s crucial byelection.

Her standing as an electoral candidate was debated in court on Thursday due to discrepancies over a declaration of interests, but the judge is yet to make a decision on her fate.

The resultant verdict could see People’s Democratic Movement (PDM)’s Oral Selver winning the Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills seat by default.

Acting AG Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles filed challenges on the seats of five parliamentarians last Friday (March

8).

They were PDM party members Derek Taylor, Josephine Connolly, Edwin Astwood and Delroy Williams and PNP’s George Lightbourne.

She also challenged the standing of Amanda Missick as a candidate for the March 22 by-election.

Braithwaite-Knowles claimed that they did not fully disclose contracts and interests with the Government prior to elections.

Meanwhile a private citizen filed a petition to challenge Oral Selver in the same area.

This week the challenges were brought to Grand Turk Supreme Court before Judge Edwin Goldsbrough.

Grand Turk sees increase in diarrhoea and vomiting cases

THE NATION’S capital has seen an increase in the number of diarrhoea and vomiting cases this week.

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, told the media on Wednesday that the last reported number was 74, of which two thirds have direct linkages to operations at a major restaurant establishment on Grand Turk.

Ewing holds the portfolio of Health Minister, after former Health Minister Amanda Missick vacated her seat to contest the upcoming by elections.

“The source and cause of is being investigated by the Ministry of Health,” he said.

The Premier noted that officials from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), here on other businesses, were on hand to support the Ministry of Health.

According to him, samples have been collected and sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for testing.

Ewing, at Parliament on Thursday, also addressed the issue and said: “Tourism is our main revenue earner and we have to do all that is necessary to protect the industry...the pathological agent causing the diarrhea and vomiting is unknown at this time.

“But the Communicable Disease Surveillance and outbreak response team are vigilantly working and collaborating with the Caribbean Public Health Agency to establish the cause and implement public health measures to control and contain

the outbreak.

“It is uncertain at this time whether this is a viral outbreak initiated by a cruise ship passenger or a point food source outbreak from the restaurant.”

The Premier acknowledged that the Ministry of health Staff within the various departments and Units are doing a tremendous job in communicable disease surveillance and control with respect to this outbreak, but noted that much strengthening of the system is needed.

“We intend to address this in the upcoming 2013/14 budget by strengthening the National Public and Environmental Health Laboratory and the National Epidemiology and Research Unit,” Ewing said.

The Ministry has stressed the importance of minimising the opportunities to spread illnesscausing germs by practicing proper food safety and personal hygiene measures at all times.

It is also reminding all stakeholders to educate clients and patients about proper food safety and hygiene practices as well as of their obligations to report cases of diarrhoea or vomiting to the Ministry in a timely manner.

Anyone who experiences diarrhoea and or vomiting has been urged to report to their nearest health care provider and avoid going to work until their symptoms have resolved.

The situation continues to be monitored.

(VANESSA NARINE)

Amanda Missick

As proceedings began on Thursday morning court heard that the private challenge against Oral Selver had been dropped.

Attorneys went on to discuss the best way to proceed with the remaining challenges, before concluding that due to the upcoming by-election Amanda Missick’s case should be heard first.

Braithwaite-Knowles was first to speak and addressed the “veracity” of Missick’s declaration of Government interests.

She stressed it was important that her declaration was made honestly, and that it should be made on or before nomination day.

The Acting AG said that when Missick made her declaration she was party to a contract which she did not declare on March 1.

That was a charge to secure the payment to the Crown a ‘Belonger Discount’ in the event of a sale of a parcel of land worth $75,000.

She went on to produce press releases and letters from the Integrity Commission that showed that Missick should have been well aware

of her need to declare all interests.

Braithwaite-Knowles stressed that the “fact of all of this evidence” was that Missick was aware that she should be disqualified from elections.

She said that her challenge to Missick’s standing was filed within the five days required from the date of publication of interests by the Integrity Commission.

However she added that Missick did not appear to have any intention to deceive and the omission was likely an oversight.

Braithwaite-Knowles went on to say that based on the evidence brought to her attention she was “compelled” to bring the challenge.

She added that it was in the public interest and that the public at large should see the effect of the provisions.

“I have adopted the most neutral position I can. I have no interest at all in the outcome.”

She added: “The most important thing is to have a true and correct interpretation of the relevant section and legislation.”

Attorney Ariel Missick QC, who argued the case for Amanda Missick, stated that she was not party to any contract with the Government and is qualified for the election.

He stressed that the definition of a contract as provided in the Constitution is open to interpretation.

He claimed that agreements with the electricity company and airlines could be assumed to be government contracts.

“The court should not adopt the literal meaning that does not comply with legislative purpose,” he said.

He asked Judge Goldsbrough to take a “very common sense view” on the provision and to not adopt an approach that was not intended.

He went on to say that a charge on a parcel of land was very common and “not something that is kept in the dark”.

“It is enjoyed by many Belongers of all walks of life,” he said.

Missick also argued that a charge on a piece of land is not the same as a government contract.

“The average person who has a freehold title with the Government, if you asked them if they had a contract with government, they would say no.”

He also claimed that a by-election is part of the original election so no further declarations should have to be made The attorney stressed that to find Missick guilty would “disenfranchise” the voters of the Richmond Hills and Cheshire Hall district.

Following submissions Judge Goldsbrough said he was “reluctant to make any decision” on the charges without hearing from the other council.

The case continues.

UK will meet its obligations to help TCI become independent, Hague IN RESPONSE to talks of independence by local politicians, more particularly Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, Secretary of State, William Hague said the UK government will meet its obligations to help the Turks and Caicos achieve it.

Hague’s comments came on Tuesday in response to a February 10 letter from the Premier.

He said: “You [the Premier] have raised independence and of course this is an option for the TCI. “If the people of the TCI express a wish for independence through a clear and proper process, the UK government will meet its obligations to help the territory to achieve it.”

However, until then, Hague made it clear that the UK expects the elected government, as well as other territories, that wish to remain British to abide by the same high

standards as the UK government in maintaining the rule of law, respect for human rights and integrity in public life, delivering efficient public services, upholding the judiciary and building strong and successful communities.

The Premier, in his throne speech last year after being sworn in, talked about making successful strides to determine the pathway towards nationhood – more clearly, selfdetermination.

He said: “My Government holds as one of its greatest charges, the responsibility of readying our Islands and our people for the move toward independence.”

Since then the Premier has gone on record to acknowledge that the TCI is not ready for independence.

However, on Thursday, the Premier told the House of Assembly

that Turks and Caicos Islanders are more than ever in favour of independence.

He said: “I cannot speak for every Turks and Caicos Islander, as to whether they are ready to see an independent Turks and Caicos Islands; the answer to that question can only be obtained through a referendum.

“But Mr. Speaker, I am convinced that, now more than ever, Turks and Caicos Islanders are more in favor of independence, mainly because of the breakdown in the relationship or so called partnership between TCI and the UK and their appointed officials and their confidence that we, through elected Government, can more loyally and justly serve the better interests of our country and people.” (VANESSA NARINE)

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 16 - 22, 2013

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

An impasse?

Reality check

THREE months after an elected government was returned to power, the Acting Attorney General (AG), Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, now challenges the election of five sitting parliamentarians, both from the PNP and PDM, as well as the standing of the PNP’s Amanda Missick as a candidate in the upcoming by-election.

The Acting AG has referred the matter to the Supreme Court.

What are your thoughts?

Expensive proof

I think this is expensive and proof that the new ordinances are too complicated and faulty in their construction.

Instructions lacking

It appears that the instructions to the candidates are lacking, they are not specific.

They say list any contracts with government.

We all have contracts with government; to pay our taxes, fill out immigration forms when return from a trip, use a government facility, etc.

Where does this stop?

Once one has free hold title to land the conditional lease is over. It never comes back into play unless you bought the land to sell.

That was called corruption and was the mechanism to enrich the PNP Cabinet and supporters.

Before 2003 this was never a concern. Now everything is a concern.

It is easy to interpret an open lease, as Amanda Missick has a going contract, and difficult to call a piece of land already purchased, titled in your name and still going forward under its justified use as a contract.

The lead up in question

What caused the Acting AG to forget the fiveday challenge period? Why was she checking

into this anyway when the AG was absent?

At our home, when the cats away, the rats do play.

What is specific in the five days we have to challenge a person who fails or is late with their filings?

The problem lies with the Integrity Commission; poor, non-specific descriptions of what you are obliged to claim and leaving it up to high level courts to handle.

This should be handled by the Supervisor of Elections or the Integrity Commission, if they could be trusted.

Belated claim

I do not know what to make of this.

Is this right? I am sure that we are now three months out of time for anyone, including the Acting AG to file an election claim.

So this must be considered a mistake, an error of judgement on the part of the Acting AG and as such she may consider withdrawing a belated claim.

The question may be asked, why would they go and bring a claim like this at a time like this?

At best the claim by the AG is ill-conceived and misconceived. There is no possibility of a middle ground here.

Politicos may be best advised not to personalise the reactions, but it still remains inexplicable and mind boggling.

At best what to make of it? Where is it coming from and why? Can they do this? What is the reason for it at this stage?

Secretary of State William Hague’s remarks on Commonwealth Day “I am pleased that today – Commonwealth Day - Her Majesty the Queen will be presented with the new Commonwealth Charter.

“For the first time in its 64 year history the Commonwealth now has a single document setting out the core shared values of the organisation and reflecting the aspirations of its citizens. It is my hope that the Charter becomes an established and recognisable statement of all that the Commonwealth stands for.

“I look forward to working with all Commonwealth Member States to ensure the Charter, and the ideas and principles that it represents, are upheld and promoted throughout the Commonwealth.

“And I would like to wish our friends and partners in the Commonwealth family a happy Commonwealth Day.”

Unfortunately, the politicians are coming to the sad realisation that they must also play by the rules.

The question now is, is it three days or three months too late?

As to the disclosures of others, they just should have done it right.

It does however, seem that the timing is suspect. Why was this not all done by the end of November?

Maybe ‘Happy Huwey’s’ parting gift to us all!

Why now?

What caused the Acting AG to look in to this matter?

She says on her press release that it was “background research”. What sent her on a hunt now is the million dollar question.

This has caused chaos, the same chaos Premier Rufus Ewing spoke about in Haiti. Did he already know something was up or was he clairvoyant?

If the Amanda Missick case had not reached the Acting AG’s desk, would she have filed the “background research” in file 13, the wastebasket?

Clearly there is a five day limitation for this type of challenge.

If the PNP party believed they had to include their freehold titles, why did they fail to challenge the four PDMs after the October nomination day and before the time limit ran out.

A matter of interpretation

This freehold land thing is a matter of and therefore falls within the time limitations and that is what the Acting AG should have ruled.

Had Huw Shepheard been here, she would not have travelled the road.

Leaks in the AG’s office

What will Huw Shepheard do about the leaks in his office?

The information flowed freely as political gotcha all day long and long before the statement was issued at the close of business on Friday.

Shakespeare’s Hamlet had it right “something rotten in the state of Denmark” (or TCI).

Weak guidelines

This also shows up the weak instructions given to candidates which did not mention leases or land obtained from leases.

The most interesting result may be five byelections fielding the most popular PDMs, which won by hundreds of votes and the one PNP candidate who won by a mere 17 votes.

The by-election or a general election could bring a whole new government.

Bad career move

Rhondalee just ruined her career. From my understanding her arguments are completely baseless and a waste of the people’s time or money.

A lesson for us all

Unfortunately this has happened, but it is a big lesson for us all to learn from.

I believe the AG’s office and the Integrity Commission have failed us all.

I believe these two bodies should have been more pro-active in validating the accuracy of information submitted by candidates.

I am not sure if they are required to do so prior to the election, but if they had we would not been in this fiasco now.

The case involving Dr. Smith occurred because of all the above.

This could have been avoided.

The role of the Supervisor of Elections

Another issue that has come up with all this is that should the Supervisor of Elections be aware of non-compliance, he should not allow the nomination to proceed.

The Supervisor should have also have a checklist on all the pre-requisites that must be done prior to nominations and then he should ensure that all candidates are in compliance.

Ambiguous laws

Overall I blame the British for their lack of competence with the ambiguous laws we have now.

Incompetence

I believe the actions of the Acting AG have demonstrated the highest level of incompetence on her part and raises serious doubts about the professionalism of the AG’s Chambers.

The Acting AG had five days after five sitting parliamentarians filed their declaration in October 2012 to challenge them.

The real focus should be did Amanda Missick file her declaration after the Mark 1 deadline.

According to the Integrity Commission’s report, Amanda Missick filed three days late and she only filed as a result of the Integrity Commission notifying the PNO that Amanda did not file by the deadline.

Everything else is a smoke screen to prevent Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson and the PDM from taking their rightful place in history as the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Troubling

What is troubling is that Rhondalee BraithwaiteKnowles was allowed to have a say in this matter in the first place as she was a recipient of an honorarium for negotiating the contract along with the PNP leader, Dr. Rufus Ewing, and other high ranking PNP members.

PDM has been very vocal in their campaigning about investigating the hospital deal, which is draining the country.

Whether it is true or not, it appears that Rhondalee is using her position to protect her interest and in politics perception is reality.

Even in court cases judges rescue themselves.

To the world, this looks like corruption still exists in the TCI by the department that should be upholding the law.

 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

March 16 - 22, 2013

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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Party leaders call for calm and vigilance in face of election mess

BY VANESSA NARINE THE challenges filed in the Supreme Court by the Acting Attorney General (AG), Rhondalee BraithwaiteKnowles, last Friday (March 8) have increased political tension in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

But Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, has called for calm in the face of challenges ahead.

At a press conference on Monday, the Premier said: “I would ask the general public to remain calm and resist from bashing our Acting Attorney General and refrain from the political bashing from one side to the next.”

The Acting AG challenged the seats of five sitting parliamentarians, Derek Taylor, Josephine Connolly, Edwin Astwood and Delroy Williams from the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM); and the Progressive National Party’s (PNP) George Lightbourne.

She also challenged the standing of Amanda Missick as a candidate for the March 22 by-election in the Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills district.

In addition, a private citizen filed a petition to challenge the PDM’s candidate, Oral Selver, in the same area.

Braithwaite-Knowles claimed that the Members did not completely disclose contracts and interests with the Government prior to elections.

Acknowledging the obvious challenges moving forward, Ewing said: “We are in a situation that will be determined by the court and we will leave it up to the courts to make their ruling.”

The Premier made it clear that his Government continues to maintain the reins of power in the Turks and Caicos Islands and government business will continue as usual.

He said: “We are still operating as a government…we have a Cabinet meeting and House of Assembly this week and the business of government continues.

“The business of government will continue until such time as the courts decide the state of the various individuals who have been challenged by the Acting Attorney General.

“We have challenges that we will have to work together to overcome, as the Government, as the Integrity Commission, as the Attorney General Chambers and as political parties.”

LESSON LEARNT According to him, the task at hand extends to more than just the rulings of the court, but has to influence the way things are done from here on out.

Ewing said: “We have to ensure we have a system that is seamless, without any area that we can misinterpret the laws…so that we will not have a repeat of such situations in the future.

“We hope these court cases will result in some resolution that would see us not having a repeat of these incidents in the future.”

He called for the stakeholder agencies to work diligently and “all together to expeditiously resolve these issues,” and to once and for all put mechanisms in place to prevent them from happening in the future.

Ewing said: “It is past time for us as a country to move beyond politics and focus instead on the business of the restoration of democracy, political stability, economic recovery and nation building.”

The Premier maintained that it is unfortunate that the TCI has found itself at this point when the country, political parties and candidates can ill afford the exorbitant cost associated with elections, campaigning, and court hearings.

BE VIGILANT On the other end of the political spectrum, Leader of the Opposition and the PDM, Sharlene CartwrightRobinson, has called for all Turks and Caicos Islanders to remain vigilant as the process is brought before the courts.

In a statement on Wednesday, she said: “My party respects the rule of law and we encourage our citizens to allow the matters that are now before the courts to be aired.”

According to her, the PDM remains vigilant in protecting

Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing

PDM Leader Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson

and defending the rights of every Turks and Caicos Islander through strong representation in the House of Assembly and by completing the objectives outlined in the party’s Constitution and campaign manifesto.

Cartwright-Robinson said: “Despite the recent legal challenge against four of our members by the Attorney General’s Chambers, we will continue to provide strong representation leading our people in the right direction.

“On Friday, March 8, after a long day of waiting for the Attorney General’s Office to take legal action in the Amanda Misick’s Integrity Commission Notice matter, I

instructed our Attorney’s Garland and Co. to file my party’s case against Ms. Missick in the Supreme Court in Providenciales.

“We did so because the merits of our arguments are substantially different from those of the AG’s office.

“At 4pm after our attorneys had completed this process, the PNP rushed to file a case against our candidate Oral Selver claiming that he made a false declaration.

“We will vigorously defend the veracity and completeness of our candidate Hon. Oral Selver in the courts.

“After more than 24 hours of rumours that the AG’s Chambers

were going to be challenging sitting PDM members and soon after this event, our attorneys became aware that the AG’s office was planning to file a separate matter not only against the PNP’s candidate for Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills but also against four of the sitting members.

“Several attempts were made by our members to obtain the details of the allegations but the Acting Attorney General did not make it available or answer any further calls.

“Our members became officially aware of the nature of the case when the AG’s Office issued publicly a press release.

“Our members up until that time received no documents including a letter or summons neither was our party made aware.

“We view this move as unfortunate and unprofessional.

“We view this entire act as completely misguided and untimely and will defend our members’ right to remain sitting members of the House of Assembly.

“Contrary to public discourse, this matter has nothing to do with Conditional Purchase Lease, the Integrity Commission or the flipping of Crown land.”

The Opposition and party leader stressed that her party will defend its good name, honour and integrity.

The cases were heard in Grand Turk’s Supreme Court on Thursday.

Secretary of State makes clear support for Governor

BY VANESSA NARINE PREMIER, Dr. Rufus Ewing, in a February 10 letter to the Secretary of State, William Hague, called for the recall of Governor Ric Todd, Attorney General, Huw Shepheard, and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Hugh McGarel-Groves.

The CFO’s contract has since come to an end and he is expected to leave the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) in May. However, in his response, Hague made clear his “full confidence” in Todd and his team.

The Secretary of State said: “I also want to make clear my support for all those from TCI, including public servants, who engaged with the reform efforts and who are now working hard to ensure laws and regulations are applied fairly and rigorously.

“An example of our commitment to the public servants was that during HM The Queen's Jubilee year we launched a Jubilee fund to support training and development of public servants. This will continue.”

COMPLAINTS Ewing in his letter said: “Many of the current atrocities and wrongful acts that are being committed by the Governor and the Attorney General

are being done contrary to the stated principals and ideals of our Constitution and international laws of human rights, and some of these acts are being perpetrated under the cover of the Constitution.

“These actions seriously bring into question, both the character of these individuals, as well as questioning elements of the Constitution, its legality and its fairness….during the interim administration, the Governor had absolute power, and exercised this power, regardless of the expressed wishes of the people of our country!

“During this period, there was a total disregard for the Constitution with respect to the appointment of a Belonger Deputy Governor.

“In the absence of the Governor, other members of the interim administration were appointed as Acting Governor, in direct contravention of the constitutional order laid down.

“There was the passage of an Appropriations Bill by the Governor himself.

“We also witnessed the passage of other laws, such as trial without jury, the hearsay and equality law, components of which go against our principles as a Christian Nation.

“During the period of the interim

administration, the Governor became comfortable to a dictatorial style of rule.

“Now, however, in the presence the newly elected representative government, the Governor and other remaining officials from the former administration, the Attorney General and the Chief Financial Officer, have demonstrated a reluctance to facilitate the transition of governance back to the people of this country.

“Hon. Hague, the alleged wrongdoings of members of the former PNP administration and associates is quickly being exposed as being a farce, impregnated with cloak and dagger acts on the part of the Governor, AG Chambers and SIPT, to incarcerate Turks and Caicos Islanders at all costs, even at the cost of the violation of the principles of justice and the human rights of individuals.”

According to Ewing, Todd, ruled without a social conscience, and had no respect for the business community or indigenous local community, many of whom have publically expressed reciprocal sentiments of the Governor.

In his letter he said: “The Governor and his administration, in their haste to expedite their mandate or agenda ended up violating many principles

of good governance that had recently been approved and committed many acts that were similar, or identical to those that members of the previous administration were alleged to have committed.

“These acts were of such magnitude that even those persons who called for the intervention of the UK Government were calling for the recall of the Governor and regretted the method of intervention by the British….Hon. Hague as stated already, our beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos has a bright future.

“But the current Governor, Attorney General and CFO, as remnants of the previous administration are obstacles in the way of prosperity.

“They never have, and even more so now, enjoyed the trust, confidence and support of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The Premier in his letter stressed that the recall of the top UK officials in the TCI and replacement with unbiased individuals, better suited to adapt to and to work synergistically with a democratically elected government, the business community and the local community would ensure a better Turks and Caicos Islands in the best interest of the people.

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 16 - 22, 2013

House debates governance principles – Statement eventually passed with unanimous support

BY VANESSA NARINE MEMBERS of the House of Assembly, on Thursday, treaded carefully before moving forward to debate the Statement of Governance Principles (SOGP).

The debate is a long overdue one, given that it was expected to have been completed within four weeks of an elected government taking office.

Last December Cabinet agreed that the SOGP would be presented early 2013 to the House of Assembly for consideration, as required by the Constitution Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, moved a motion during the House of Assembly’s Friday 1 sitting to defer its consideration, given that the Leader of the Opposition had not had a chance to review the document.

In his opening presentation, Ewing, noted that it was not appropriate for the Government to

bring principles forward to govern itself.

Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, noted her agreement and stated that it should be brought by the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers, not by the Government or the Opposition.

The Speaker of the House, Robert Hall, pointed out that the debate is past overdue and the Premier would be within his right to bring the SOGP forward for debate.

“If we want this House to be taken seriously, we have to move forward,” he said.

Both Ewing and CartwrightRobinson were chided by Finance Minister, Washington Misick, for their hesitation in moving forward.

“We are debating whether or not we have the right or ability to do this,” he said.

“While the Constitution is silent on this matter, this is the people’s

House.”

Misick pointed out that on one hand the political leaders are castigating the British for being “overbearing” and on the other hand they are inviting the British to do just that.

Cartwright-Robinson responded that she was not in objection of moving the process forward, but her comments were in the interest of ensuring that the process is done in the appropriate manner.

Goldray Ewing, the Blue Hills representative, stated that the final word as it relates to clarity on laws is left up to the AG and such clarification should be first got, to avoid the risk of misinterpretation.

The Finance Minister pointed out that the House is out of time as it stands with already having delayed bringing the governance principles and the right thing to do will be to move forward.

Statement of Governance Principles

IN THE exercise of their functions, all organs of government in the Turks and Caicos Islands have a duty to give effect to the following principles.

1. All Government action shall be taken in a manner designed to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of every person in the Islands, as set out in the Constitution.

2. The government of the Islands should involve the participation of the people. The Government shall serve and take account of the interests of all the people in the Islands. In particular, where consultation is mandated by law, the Governor is required to be assured that the consultation process undertaken

by Government was accessible and meaningful before assenting to any outcome following consultation.

3. All ordinances, regulations, policies and actions must be fair, proportionate, and capable of being implemented impartially. In particular, decision making required by law shall be objective, and the granting of discretionary powers shall be limited to those that are necessary for good government.

4. All decisions of government, whether by Ministers, elected representatives or public officials, shall be lawful, rational, proportionate and procedurally fair.

5. The Government shall maintain and publish a broad and long-term perspective on the sustainable development of the Islands, and shall encourage lawful business and economic activity. The Governor may require the Cabinet to produce a development plan for the islands at regular intervals, not longer than every four years.

6. The Government shall take steps to protect the environment in accordance with the Constitution and shall promote the protection thereof.

7. The implementation of

government policy by the TCI public service shall be in accordance with the rule of law and internationally accepted standards. The Government shall respect the integrity and impartiality of the public service, shall engage with officials only through appropriate channels, and the public service shall be protected from partisan interference.

8. All public appointments shall be based on merit, and all public officials shall be treated fairly. All Government and public service officers shall comply with the Code of Conduct for Persons in Public Life.

9. All Government bodies shall, in order to build confidence in their operations and effectiveness, be accountable and transparent to the public.

10.

Government processes, institutions and information shall be directly accessible and transparent to those concerned with them as provided by law, and enough information provided to understand and monitor them. The Government shall keep and use information in line with applicable law. Decisionmakers shall provide written reasons for decisions and advise applicants of their procedural rights.

11. The Government shall act in an accountable manner, especially in relation to those who will be affected by its decisions and actions.

Government shall cooperate with and support the work of constitutional institutions protecting good governance and other oversight, regulatory and investigatory institutions, while respecting and preserving their independence.

12. Subject to the Constitutional provisions permitting the preferential treatment of TC Islanders the Government shall act in good faith and a fair manner that is nondiscriminatory, for the benefit of all

people in the Islands irrespective of race, national or social origin, political or other opinion, colour, religion, language, creed, association with a national minority, property, sex, sexual orientation, birth or other status.

Services shall be made available on an equal basis, free of preference based on family ties, political allegiance, friendship or personal gain.

13. The Government shall at all times respect the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and the impartial administration of justice.

14. The Government shall comply with international obligations applicable to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

15. The Government shall administer Crown land and other Government assets in a lawful, transparent and equitable manner.

16. The Government shall manage public finances according to established principles of value for money, affordability, propriety and regularity, and in the interests of securing the sustained long term prosperity of the people of the Islands. In doing so, the Government shall also observe the principles set out in any framework document on public financial management made in accordance with the Constitution.

17. The Government shall ensure that financial decisions are made within the context of a mediumterm plan which aims to achieve and sustain an annual budget surplus.

The Government shall take action to mitigate fiscal risks, and ensure that liabilities, including debts, are sustainable and fully taken into account when setting and implementing budgets.

18. The Government shall ensure that a budget is approved which secures the effective operation of Government and which is in accordance with all relevant laws and standards

The ‘debate’ before the debate ended with the House voting in favour of addressing the SOGP. PRINCIPLES There are 18 principles that were brought to the House, which, according to the Premier, echo principles in the Constitution.

Ewing noted that the principles were designed to assist Government in making decisions on policy and development and reflect fairness, equality, integrity and respect for the rule of law.

The Opposition Leader added that she supported the SOGP as they are both guidelines that protect government from itself and protect the powers of an elected government.

She pointed out too that the statement’s wording is in line with the basis of good governance.

Appointed House Member, Norman Saunders, however, held a different opinion, saying that the wording in the statement was not “sufficiently strong”.

Another appointed member, John Phillips, noted that he had no problem with the statement as it is a good guideline, a map, to approach each facet of what goes on in government.

Minister for Immigration and Border Control, Ricardo Don-Hue Gardiner, in adding his bit, said the statement does not introduce anything new in the broader scheme of things.

Education Minister, Akierra Missick, reiterated similar sentiments and said the SOGP is a summary of the “big topic issues” in the Constitution and not much different from the clauses in the Constitution.

By the end of the debate several members of the House agreed that they had problems with a few of the principles.

CONCERNS In his wind-up, the Premier noted that he took “exception” to some statement made.

However, he stated that he was pleased with the contributions and recognised the concerns that were raised.

Ewing said: “As many persons stated these are principles, and broad based guidelines for us…almost cut and pasted from the Constitution… all this goes to show is that we have a Constitution that has problems….the concerns in the governance principles are a problem with the Constitution.

“I take comfort that so many members of this House see the need for change…so when the time comes for Constitutional amendments we will have the support to do so.”

According to him, his Government’s goal is to change the laws to ensure that the needs of the people are met.

“I have no problem in approving the Statement of Governance Principles in principle…my fight will not be with the Statement of Governance Principles, but with the Constitution,” Ewing said.

Small amendments were made to the wording of principle numbers 11, 12 and 17.

The House passed the Statement of Governance Principles unanimously.

According to the 2011 Constitution, the SOGP has to be reflected in the actions of the Governor in all capacities; Cabinet members; the work of the court; judicial reviews; the appointment, discipline and removal of public officers; the work of the Public Service Commission; Crown land dealings; assent to Appropriation Bills or Supplementary Appropriation Bills; and House laws.

Alonzo Malcolm to head Road Safety Department THE new Director of Road Safety was announced by Deputy Governor, Anya Williams, on Tuesday as Alonzo Malcolm.

Malcolm joined the civil service in 1988 as a Constable in the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force and was later appointed to the Immigration Department in 1990 before being promoted to the posts of Assistant, Deputy and later Director of Immigration in 2008.

He has over 20 years of experience in the civil service and served most recently as the Director of Housing from 2011 until his present transfer.

The Director of Road Safety post was vacated over two years ago and was subsequently filled by the temporary appointment

of former retired Permanent Secretary Mr. Joseph Swann, whilst the recruitment process was facilitated.

The Ministry of Environment and Home Affairs welcomed Mr. Alonzo Malcolm to the post of Director of Road Safety and a spokesperson said they are confident that he will use his experience to propel this department forward.

This position is an important and strategic one within TCIG as it deals with the challenging issues of safety on the streets, regulation of taxi drivers, ensuring adherence to vehicle registration and licences, combating the issue of illegal jitney cab operators as well as continuously reviewing and enacting legislation to ensure public safety.

March 16 - 22, 2013

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

FacetoFace

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

with VANESSA NARINE

A series that seeks to engage the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands on issues and act as a medium through which they can hear from prominent personalities on current concerns, including on politics, development and the environment, among others. Send comments to vanessanarine@gmail.com

Meet your candidate – Oral Selver POLITICIANS are usually smooth talkers, but with the added hullabaloo over the upcoming by-elections, real answers to real issues are what voters want.

This week, Face to Face, this week, features the People’s Democratic Movement’s (PDM), Oral Selver – a continuance of a series last features the Progressive National Party’s Amanda Missick last week.

Both interviews were done prior to the publication of the ‘Meet your candidate’ series in the interest of fairness.

Questions: 1. What are top priorities for the

people of TCI?

The first question is JOBS, FINDING JOBS. There are so many of my people are out of a job, and not able to find one, it is touch for many of them; they are unable to meeting the necessary bills.

2. What is your focus in representing your district?

The focus has to be on ensuring the hotel workers receive the fair pay and gratuity.

3. Can you say how your contribution and experience will assist in the development and growth of TCI?

I have 30 years experience in the

hospitality industry, where training and development was a part of my daily life.

4. Each politician has his/her own agenda, an issue that is close to him or her. What is yours?

My own agenda will be constructing a hotel training and skill center to educate and assist my people, so that they are better prepared for the job market.

5. Politicians are public servants. Respond to this.

Politicians should be servants of the people and not the reverse, because that’s what we are elected to do, serve our people.

Healthcare challenges not insurmountable, Premier

BY VANESSA NARINE LEADER of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, on Wednesday, stressed that the challenge to accessing healthcare is mounting.

However on Thursday, in the House of Assembly, Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, made it clear that these challenges are not insurmountable.

Cartwright-Robinson said: “It is important that we begin to seriously address this issue.

“Though we are faced with many other challenges that can easily become a national distraction, it is important that we maintain focus on the important issues affecting us of which healthcare ranks as a high priority.

“I would encourage persons who are experiencing difficulties and who have had bad experiences to make the reports to the relevant bodies and/or to continue to make representations to your elected representatives.

“We await the Premier now Minister of Health’s statement on the audits of the hospital contract and to inform the people of these Islands as to what committee to which it can make its complaints.”

In response, Ewing said: “The financial audit of the TCI hospitals is well underway and is expected to be completed shortly, after which the clinical audit will commence.

“Mr. Speaker, it is important for us to have accurate details with regards to the amount of revenue that was collected by the hospitals since their commissioning in 2010, this would include funds that are paid by

non-NHIP patients and funds paid by medical tourism initiatives.

“These collections represent third party revenue collected for TCIG and should be used to offset TCIG’s payment to the hospital.

“Mr. Speaker, it is important for us to know what contracts were awarded by the hospital since commencement of operations and to whom, what value, how long and through what process.

“I hasten to add, that this level of oversight was lacking under the interim administration.

“There are also a number of other key questions that were specifically asked of the hospitals that may not necessarily be of central focus or caught properly in either audit, but are of tremendous importance to cost reduction to TCIG and critical to the development of our human capital.

“Mr. Speaker it is important to know who is employed in the hospital, their residency status, their job position, salary, allowances and benefits all to ensure that TC Islanders have fair shot at job opportunities and are treated fairly and equitably at a cost reasonable and affordable to the system.”

According to him, once the audits are completed the many questions hovering will be answered and his Government will evaluate the findings against the contractual obligations and make the necessary decisions concerning the on-going management of the hospitals.

Ewing said: “I have had several reports of persons having to wait for long periods in the outpatients and

emergency room.

Whilst these may be due to legitimate causes, they will be investigated by the recently reestablished Clinical Services Review Board and Contract Management Team with a view of improving service delivery in those departments.”

He also touched on the challenges with the National Health Insurance Plan, but maintained that these challenges are not insurmountable.

The Premier said: “During the economic downturn, several persons lost their jobs and stayed in the country, many persons left the country, the result being a significant reduction in revenue for the NHIP. “A number of these individuals are on NHIP accounts as owing significant outstanding amounts this dilemma intensifies itself as the unemployed individual is clearly unable to settle this debt.

“The current terms of the NHIP exclude those who amongst us who are most greatly in need and run counter to its intended design, which was to afford coverage and enable protection of those most vulnerable.

“Mr. Speaker, in addition to extending coverage to those persons who are unemployed beyond 90 days my Government has asked the NHIB to consider the implementation of an amnesty period and the removal of the penalty for delinquency in payment to the unemployed based on determined means, as these simply serve as an impediment to coverage and access to care.”

Ewing reiterated that the challenges are not insurmountable.

Commonwealth Day Message by Her Majesty the Queen, Head of the Commonwealth

Opportunity through Enterprise This year’s Commonwealth theme, ‘Opportunity through Enterprise’, is a celebration of our achievements, particularly those that may have seemed challenging, daunting or even impossible, which have helped to build strength, resilience and pride in our young people, in our communities and in our nations.

Great achievements in human history have a number of common characteristics. From climbing the highest mountain, to winning a sporting competition, making a scientific breakthrough, building a successful business or discovering unique artistic talent – these outcomes all begin as a simple goal or idea in one person’s mind.

We are all born with the desire to learn, to explore, to try new things. And each of us can think of occasions when we have been inspired to do something more efficiently, or to assist others in achieving their full potential. Yet it still takes courage to launch into the unknown. Ambition and curiosity open new avenues of opportunity.

That is what lies at the heart of our Commonwealth approach: individuals and communities finding ways to strive together to create a better future that is

beneficial for all.

Our shared values of peace, democracy, development, justice and human rights – which are found in our new ‘Commonwealth Charter’ – mean that we place special emphasis on including everyone in this goal, especially those who are vulnerable.

I am reminded of the adage, ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’. As we reflect on how the Commonwealth theme applies to us individually, let us think about what can be gained with a bold heart, dedication, and teamwork.

And let us bear in mind the great opportunity that is offered by the Commonwealth – of joining with others, stronger together, for the common good.

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March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

Political Maturity

Dear Editor, In the 1597 theatrical play title ‘King Henry IV’, the playwright William Shakespeare wrote the following proverb “uneasy lies the head that wears a crown”.

The meaning of the aforementioned proverb is: A person who is in the role of leadership or possesses tremendous power, also undertakes enormous responsibilities, and thus worries more than a person without such power.

In my previous letter to the electorate dated March 5, 2013, I called on all Turks and Caicos Islanders to begin to, among other things: (a) exhibit political maturity; (b) elect independent thinking persons to the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly that possesses the moral ability to help implement and maintain fiscal discipline, govern on a nonpartisan basis, willing to serve the electorate with honesty, transparency, and national pride; and (c) have national discussions on the subject of national sovereignty.

On March 8, 2013, our local learned honourable Deputy Attorney General elected to execute the

powers of the office pursuant to Schedule 2, Part 4, section 50(3) and 53(2) of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution Order 2011.

The aforementioned sections of the TCIC 2011 states as follows: section 50(3): Within five days of the publication of any such declaration, a challenge to the veracity of that declaration may be brought by any registered elector or by the Attorney General before the Supreme Court; the Supreme Court shall hear and determine the matter as expeditiously as possible, and its decision shall be final and not subject to any appeal; and section 53(2): An application to the Supreme Court for the determination of any question under subsection (1) may be made by the Attorney General or by any person who is a registered elector; and an application for the determination of any question under subsection (1)(b) may also be made by any member of the House of Assembly.

Due to the Acting AG electing to challenge the veracity of the section 50(1) declarations submitted by the candidates for by-election in electoral district 7, and sitting members of the TCI House of Assembly, the Acting

AG has been castigated publicly in the most immature manner by ardent supports of both political parties; and it is alleged that even one or two of the sitting members of the TCI House of Assembly has personally contact the Acting AG and intensely expressed their discontent.

However, what is most disappointing, up until the time of publishing this press statement, and to the best of my knowledge, none of the political party leaders has stood up publicly and issued a press statement severely condemning such actions of their supporters, and further explain in detail to their supporters that it was within the Acting AG’s discretion pursuant to section 50(3) and 53(2) of the TCIC2011 that such actions was taken; and that it is up to the TCI Supreme Court to adjudicate the veracity of the section 50(1) declarations.

Therefore, all of the sitting members of the TCI HOA, and the candidates for by-election in electoral district 7 are presumed innocent until proven otherwise by the TCI Supreme Court.

The office of the AG was placed in a very difficult situation in this

current matter; it was going to be damned if it acted, and damned for its omission to act, therefore, in my humble opinion, the Acting AG did the correct thing and elected to act out of the abundance of caution, so there would not be a repeat situation of what happened in the 9th November 2012 general election with the People’s Progressive Party candidate for electoral district 7.

Had the than AG not evaded the responsibilities of the office and acted within the discretion of the office, it is a possibility that we would have been spared the three month of political uncertainty post the November 2012 general election.

If the TCI are to become an independent nation in the near future, our political leaders need to commence leading by example, and encourage its supporters to endeavour to attain political maturity quick and hurry.

The days of unaccountable actions by our elected politicians are over and long gone.

This is a new day, and we will hold our public officials totally accountable.

The TCI international reputation

An independent view Dear Editor, From my perspective, I see a coalition government working for the Turks and Caicos Islands. With this in mind, here are some obvious suggestions.

Both parties should write a manifesto which is not geared towards single party government.

They should think carefully about their manifesto pledges and which pledges are non-negotiable.

The PNP and PDM might be more careful about making commitments and unachievable goals.

The parties might also think about having a more detailed manifesto.

A good relationship with the leaders and senior members of the other party should be maintained, not least because they may become members of the negotiating teams.

Both parties should therefore take its time in negotiation over government formation, which is easier said than done.

If a coalition is going to be achieved it would be wise for both parties to spend the time and avoid having tired people make decision over a few days.

Both parties should think carefully about what is achievable.

Aim high, but aim for tangible achievement.

Instead of aiming for little wins across government, aim for a small number of high-profile, high quality policies. Again all easier said than done.

Being the smaller partner in a coalition is never easy. But recognition of one’s weaknesses might be one place to start.

If achieved it will be a historic document in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where both parties have come together to put forward a programme for partnership governing.

The (PNP and PDM) parties have worked together before, just recently on VAT which proves that while

SPACE IS LIMITED!

there are differences, there is also common ground.

Hon. Dr. Premier, Mr. Rufus Ewing (PNP) and Hon. Opposition Leader. Mrs. Sharlene CartwrightRobinson (PDM), should recognise that we will only make real, lasting progress if we work together for the national interest.

The new coalition government should also agree that the most urgent task facing this country is tackling our record debts, because without sound finances, none of our ambitions will be deliverable.

A coalition government will have difficult decisions in the months and years ahead, but both parties will ensure that fairness is at the heart of those decisions so that all those most needed are protected.

Working together, both parties, I am confident, will take the country thought the difficult times to better days ahead.

Both parties should find in this

coalition government that their visions are not compromised by working together, they are strengthened and enhanced.

That is why this coalition has the potential for era-changing, convention challenging and radical reforms.

I am confident both parties want to build a new economy from the rubble of the old.

I am positive both parties want a Turks and Caicos Islands where social mobility is unlocked, where everyone, regardless of background has the chance to rise as high as their talents and ambition allows them.

This coalition should bring about a political system that is admired.

People should call the shots over the decisions that affect their lives.

Both parties should be committed to turning old thinking on its head and developing new approaches to government.

for self-governance is in grave disrepute, and our democracy is at risk of being eliminated.

Unless we commence to exhibit accountability and transparency pursuant to international best practice within government, our three pillars of government (Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary) will never be sacrosanct.

Therefore, I would like to end by personally congratulating Mrs. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Acting Attorney General, for standing up in her capacity and executing her duties without fear or favour pursuant to the rule of law.

As a Turks and Caicos Islander, I am very proud of her, and hence, she deserve to be publicly applauded, even if the applaud is only from a sole voice in the wildness.

Mrs. Braithwaite-Knowles actions and the legal steps taken by her office in the current TCI electoral fiasco, demonstrates that we as a nation are slowing advancing in our political maturity and democracy.

Should Mrs. BraithwaiteKnowles aspire to one day in the near future occupy the chair and wear the crown upon her head as the Turks and Caicos Attorney General, then she must acclimate herself to making uneasy decisions in the interest of the public that is against the status quo.

Yours, Albray Butterfield Jr., Providenciales.

This coalition agreement should bring forward both parties best ideas and attitudes producing programme for government that is more radical and comprehensive than their individual manifesto.

This coalition should be in the national interest and both parties should seize it, and shared a desire to work in the interest of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This coalition is a four years programme for a stronger, progressive government, inspired by the values of freedom, fairness and responsibility.

This programme is for four years of partnership governing driven by those values.

This coalition can deliver radical change, reforming government, a stronger society, a smaller state and a more powerful, placing responsibility in the hands of every citizen of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Great changes and real progress lie ahead if achieved.

Yours, Benneth Williams, Providenciales.

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

March 16 - 22, 2013

continued

TCI gangs Dear Editor, Enough is enough and we have to discuss the existence of rival gangs within our country.

The Government has not discussed the fact that they do exist and I feel that they only way to curtail this problem is to first admit that they do.

In a discussion with one such member it was brought to my attention that every area is represented and most are tied to groups that produce rap music.

There is no doubt that the western culture from the United States has infiltrated the youth of our country who are now represented by the various gangs.

The problem with this situation is that many of these groups have now become violent towards each other in an effort to secure the top spot as the most ruthless gang.

We have seen schools under attack, children attacked and our social scenes destroyed by sometimes huge brawls which sometimes innocent persons are hurt and gang members hospitalised as a result.

What can be done to stop the violence in this country? I would like to suggest a truce between the gangs.

A musical battle with intent to end the violence or boxing matches, basketball tournaments, marathons.

Let’s see who’s really the best in every way possible. We have already tried fighting and seen what that leads to.

I have to say that I know of one group ‘New Money’ who decided to do community projects and took time out to clean the former Centre of Love and Hope (The Aids Hospice) in Blue Hills and they also staged concerts that were centered around peace and love that was exemplary.

I sometimes pray that God will show our youth how wonderfully made that are and how much potential they have.

Also I often wonder, since many are fathers, if they know that they are loved.

I can’t imagine their children’s worry or their parent’s heart aches every time they have to visit a police station, prison or hospital for acts of senseless violence. When asked what the “beef” was about, the strange thing is no one really had an answer.

Let’s see how we can outdo each other to change the Turks and Caicos for the better.

Let’s make an effort so that we enjoy the fruits of our labour for years to come with our children.

Please let us stop the violence.

Yours, Euwonka Selver, Providenciales

Cuban asylum seekers flee the Turks and Caicos Islands

By DAISY HANDFIELD ELEVEN of the 16 Cuban asylum seekers who were awaiting their fate in the TCI are thought to have left the county last weekend, arriving in the Miami on Saturday.

Five Cuban nationals who did not seek release through the court remain in detention at the Five Cays Detention Centre in Providenciales and are awaiting feedback from their asylum application.

Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) party, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, was astonished to hear the news.

She said: “Today we were shocked and dismayed to learn of the escape of the 16 Cuban detainees seeking asylum in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“There were many issues that arose during the handling of this matter and it was important to respect the legal process.

“However this recent event turns on an issue of national security.

“We are calling on the Government to conduct a full inquiry into the escape of these detainees and to forthwith make an initial statement to the people of these Islands as to when the Government and law enforcement became aware of this issue that has already played out on US television.”

According to their lawyer, George Missick, he was unaware that the group had left the country up until he received a call from his “instructors” notifying him that the Cubans were no longer in the country.

The lawyer stressed that technically there were no charges against them and neither were they awaiting any court hearings, so there was no reason to say that they ‘escaped’.

Missick said: “When I saw the article stating that they escaped, I

said to myself, they were not charged with any crimes.

“The initial process was deportation but when they filed for asylum the process changed.

“They were interviewed in January by a representative from Washington, whose job was to assess each individual claim for asylum.

“At the end of her assessment she would advise the Government as to whether or not these persons should be granted refugee protection or not.

“It would still be up to that government to decide whether or not they would accept that recommendation.

“They were not on bail so that is not an accurate word to use, what they had was a temporary admission into the islands.

“A lot of people feel as though they skipped prosecution but that is not the case. Repatriating them would have been a bill itself.

“I feel as though the only big concern for the TCI should have been whether or not their departure would affect the relationship between the TCI and the United States.”

Missick noted that deporting Cubans is not as simple as putting them on a flight and sending them back home, there are a number of steps required.

He said: “With Cubans you have to get permission from government officials as to whether or not they can be sent back to Cuba.”

The lawyer stressed that most of the Cubans were in the Detention Centre for over three months so it was hardly a warm welcome for them and that by them leaving, it only erased the asylum process as an issue.

Although the refugees were awaiting a decision to be made, they were still ordered to put up a bond of $20,000 which was provided by their US attorneys.

COMMENTARY

Optimism, then leaks FOR a few days last week there was optimism. It looked like the party I supported would soon take over the government and after 10 long years of the country going deep in debt with taxes and prices escalating to pay those debts recovery would be in the hands of the PDM. We did not know if we would have to win the by-election or win by default. It mattered little.

Honest development could be encouraged again. PDM had moral authority, and that was the key.

We had easily won the popular vote.

God and Edward Smith gave us the by-election Then came Friday, March 8. All day long the stories flowed, leaking out the doors of the Attorney

11

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

By David Tapfer General’s office.

Was the AG here? Where are these stories coming from?

Then I was told Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles was the acting AG and she was known as a supporter of the PNP party.

The names on her list were

SPACE IS LIMITED!

stunning. Honest Abe Derek Taylor had done something wrong. So had Josephine and others.

Five people were challenged, PDM's and some PNPs. We thought the only thing the AGs office was supposed to be checking was the one case against Amanda, She filed her declarations late. One of her land leases with the government was still ongoing and this was thought to be a government contract. I guess it is.

Finally Friday evening we received a copy of the press release from the AGs office and we called around to determine why the assistant AG was probing people elected four months ago. Certainly the time limit for making challenges to their nominations, a fiveday limit, had passed long months ago.

Now we think we understand what has happened.

In that Amanda had goofed, failing to file on time Rhondalee was hunting down PDMs and all elected members and as the names were questioned it was leaked putting the country as Rufus said earlier into chaos.

The instructions from the powers to the candidates specify that candidates must file any ongoing Government contracts that remain open. We have learned that it does not specify land leases.

However any incomplete land lease is an open contract, with government.

Next we determined that all four PDM's named had some time back closed and completed their leases.

They now had free hold titles one and all. They included their land in the post election statements of assets to the integrity commission.

So what was the issue?

The Crown would have to make an application back to the court to receive the $20,000.

One of the Cubans is said to be the mother of popular Cuban baseball player, Yoenis Cespedes, who, according to online reports, flew to Miami that Saturday, to welcome his mother, aunts, uncles and cousins, whom he had not seen in over a year.

There are still many questions as to how the asylum seekers left the country.

A press release was sent out from the TCI Government press office stating: “Details surrounding their departure from the islands are sketchy and are currently being investigated by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, the Immigration and Customs Departments and other relevant agencies.

“Due to the sensitive nature of this incident, TCIG must ensure that the outcome of this investigation is not jeopardised.

“The Ministry, will however, ensure that the public is kept informed.

Therefore unclassified information that has not yet been reported will be released when it becomes available.

“Border agencies remain committed and will continue to secure and protect the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“TCIG solicits the patience, understanding and cooperation of the public as the investigations continue.

“Individuals who have information that can assist in any way, and by so doing bring this investigation to a speedy conclusion, are encouraged to make a report to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force or the Immigration Department.”

The Cubans commenced an application for asylum in the TCI through the United Nations of High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

t was that little clause that if you sell the land you paid for in less than 10 years you must refund the discount.

However I say again the time limit for challenging this fine point had long since passed.

Was the AG on a witch hunt is up to the public to decide.

It is up to the top AG to determine why the hunt was on and why the information leaked all day long.

Is your free hold title an asset with the integrity commission and a contract with the supervisor of elections?

Rhondalee’s press release takes that position. The instructions are not clear.

It is now up to the courts to decide.

If this results in by-elections in Grand Turk North and other places already won by PDM by wide margins PDM will win.

If a general election is held PDM will overcome and take a wider victory than one or two seats.

The mills of God grind exceedingly slow, but exceedingly fine.

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

12 NEWS

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Constitutional amendments ahead, Premier

BY VANESSA NARINE

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, and members of his Cabinet at a press conference on Monday

Premier can call fresh elections

BY VANESSA NARINE PREMIER, Dr. Rufus Ewing, told members of the media on Monday that he is within his rights to call fresh elections, after consultation with Governor Ric Todd.

This week five sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) were challenged by the Acting Attorney General (AG), Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, as were the only two candidates for the by-election in the Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills district.

The result has been contemplation over the future political scene in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Ewing explained that the courts will decide the outcome of the challenges.

He said: “We will still maintain majority, even if the seats are vacated…what could happen is what the judge will determine.”

The Premier acknowledged that if the judge ruled in favour of the

Acting AG, it could mean four district by-elections and two allisland by-elections.

According to him, his party was unaware of the basis on which the Acting AG filed the challenges.

He said: “We did not know this at all….now that we see what has happened, I think you will find people actually doing the checks, in not so much as focusing on the other side, but focusing within their political parties to make sure we are in the right.

“It is a lesson learned for us, to be able to access resources or systems to determine whether a candidate of ours is fully cleared because we can only go on the spirit that a person has declared all that they should have declared.”

POSSIBLE COALITION Asked about the possibility of a coalition government, in the face of the current challenges, Ewing

stated that the current constitutional framework would make it difficult.

He said: “A coalition requires political maturity…to work together for the greater without undermining each other in their position.

“I can see coalition working in executive arm of government, but I am not sure the constitutional framework allows for a coalition within the legislative arm of government…the constitutional framework does not allow for that.”

According to him there are many things to consider in thinking about the move to a coalition government.

“The time in which a coalition government is formed is not this situation,” he said, citing war and political unrest as some of the possible scenarios that would prompt the formation of a coalition.

The Premier acknowledged that while some people may argue that this is such a time, there are others who would oppose the move.

THE current debacle involving the challenges filed in the Supreme Court by Acting Attorney General, Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, has made clear the need for constitutional amendments.

That was according to Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, at a press conference on Monday.

He said: “What we are seeing are teething pains rooted in the Constitution and moving forward have to look at constitutional amendments.

“The focus must be on correct glitches that exist now, so in the future we do not have a situation where anyone at any time can come up and challenge someone because they discover something was left out…if we do that, we will have byelection after by-election” Ewing explained that the challenges were brought by the Acting AG on the basis of incomplete declarations made the five sitting parliamentarians, as well as the two candidates standing for the byelection in the Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills district.

He said: “Those individuals failed to give adequate notice of government contracts…the main questions to ask is whether freehold titles constitutes a contract and whether or not persons were trying to hide something or whether it was plain oversight, given that the spirit of the law was adhered to…having these laws and rules in place are good in terms of good governance, but they can become burdensome.

“It is open to misinterpretation and there can be situations, because of the depth of the declarations that have to be made, where individuals naturally forget to declare certain things, or have questions about what they have to declare.

“The Integrity Commission is there, yes, for persons to ask questions, but sometimes, you could be asking questions all day about what you have to declare and what you shouldn’t.…from a party standpoint we did the best we could, in terms of making sure that we complied.”

He added that the land registry is a public document and people can go and see who has what contracts.

The Premier made it clear that there cannot be laws that are left for people to fall victim to.

Ewing said: “You have to be proactive to avoid persons from becoming victims.

“Obviously there are areas where there are conflicts between the law, the Constitution and certain guidelines.

“I am sure these will come out during the court hearings…it will expose the weaknesses…and hopefully after the court hearings we can make the recommendations to amend the Constitution and amend certain laws and ensure that the guidelines conform to the laws of the land.”

The Premier reiterated that the current challenges are “teething pains of a new Constitution and electoral system or perhaps it is the manifestation of poorly drafted laws”, which in many instances are in conflict with each other.

He said: “There was also an obvious lack of oversight on the part of the Integrity Commission, Elections Office and Political Parties, which might have otherwise, have prevented this situation from arising.”

Going into the November 9 election and even after his swearing in as Premier of the TCI, Ewing had promised that constitutional review would come.

Appropriations Committee recommends $100,000 for Integrity Commission

BY VANESSA NARINE THE APPROPRIATIONS Committee met on Monday to consider the Supplementary Appropriations 2012/2013 (No. 2) Bill 2013, which included requests for additional funding for the Integrity Commission.

And the committee recommended the sum of $100,000 as requested by the commission.

The committee, in its report which was tabled in Parliament on Thursday, noted that it expects that going forward beginning with the 2013/2014 budget that the Integrity Commission would have full control over its budget.

Director of the Commission, Eugene Otuonye, and Director of Governor’s Office, James Astwood, made representation to the Appropriations Committee on the request for $100,000.

The committee’s report said: “The commission receives a subvention

through the Governor’s Office and it was established that Mr. James Astwood serves as the accounting officer for the Integrity Commission.

“The Integrity Commission by law is a statutory body, and by the Constitution is to remain an institution operating independently of the Government.

‘The committee expressed its concern that the day to day expenditure of the Integrity Commission although it operates a separate bank account appears to be answerable to the Office of the Governor.

“The committee expressed its concern that this perception of the functioning of the commission as an independent body having its expenditure approved by the Director under the Governor’s Office somewhat, takes away the independent role and function of the commission.”

The Integrity Commission’s director explained further that the commission could not carry on as it

is currently operating understaffed which has resulted in present members of staff not being able to take vacation and on occasion being hospitalised due to being overworked and having to seek medical attention.

He also explained that the number of meetings had to be reduced and the agendas had to be packed and the committee believes this could unintentionally hinder the fulfilment of the objectives of the commission.

He reported further that the commission needed an immediate injection of resources particularly human resources.

The key critical positions, Otuonye identified, were Deputy Director of the Integrity Commission, Education Officer and Investigative Officer.

He said that he does not expect a long recruitment process as the commission is looking to recruit locally.

Members of the committee inquired if the commission had ever

Eugene Otuonye

sought financial assistance from FCO and EU from the funds earmarked in the support of good governance institutions.

According to the committee’s report, inquiries into the Integrity Commission’s financial position with the late passage of the budget for financial year 2013/2014 found that the commission operates a checking account and that the funds

would remain in place into the next financial year.

The report said: “The committee felt that the 2012/2013 approved budgetary amount was unrealistic, hence the need for a supplementary.

“Going forward the committee urged the Ministry of Finance to critically analyse and review the requests from the commission (and other departments) to avoid situations like this.

“The committee believed that these departments would know what is needed in order for it to fulfil its role.

“The committee also recognised that the sum as projected for the next financial year is half the actual amount and it encourages the Ministry of Finance to approve a budget for the commission that is based on the actual for 2012/2013 and in consideration of the work that the commission intends to carry out going forth.”

March 16 - 22, 2013

Purchase of NJS Francis building deferred by Appropriations Committee THE Appropriations Committee deferred addressing the purchase of the NJS Francis Building, due to lack of sufficient documentation.

The committee met on Monday to consider the Supplementary Appropriations 2012/2013 (No. 2) Bill 2013, which included the requests for the purchase.

Appearing before the committee to address the purchase of the NJS Francis Building were the Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary, a representative of the AG’s Chambers and members of the Valuation Unit.

The committee’s report, tabled in the House of Assembly on Thursday, said: “The committee was forced to defer consideration of the purchase of the NJS Francis building due to the fact that the committee did not believe that it had sufficient documentation

in order to make an informed recommendation.

“The committee invited the director and the chairman of the board to attend to assist in its deliberation.

“The director initially agreed to attend but later called to say that neither he nor the chairman of the board would be attending due to short notice.

“A formal request has been submitted to the relevant institutions for documentation that the committee deems essential to the proceedings.”

The documents before the committee included a resolution from the NIB signed by three of its seven members; an internal NIB memo referring to an attachment that was not received; and two valuation reports in respect of the properties involved.

Deputy Governor reveals priority local leadership change at disaster management DR VIRGINIA Clerveaux will be transferred to the post of Director of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) from April 1.

That was according to Deputy Governor, Anya Williams, in a statement on Wednesday.

Previously Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Border Control and Labour, Dr. Clerveaux’s transfer presents a sustainable solution to filling this key post and is a role that is more fitting to her skills, background and training as a disaster risk management expert.

This move is consistent with measures in Government to rationalise government services and to ensure that priority leadership positions are filled by qualified local personnel going forward.

Both the Director and Deputy Director of DDME positions fell vacant a year ago.

Due to issues surrounding recruitment the TCI Government enlisted the assistance of the Jamaican Government.

It provided two seconded disaster experts who not only managed the unit during this interim period, but were successful in carrying out various simulation exercises, training programmes and attracted significant donor funds and stocks for the department during the last financial year.

Dr. Clerveaux is the only expert person within the CDEMA Participating States who hold a PhD specifically in Disaster Management.

She has received eight academic awards and recognitions for outstanding achievements and contributions to society.

She also holds an M.Phil in Geography and a BA (Hons) in Geography and Public

NEWS 13

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Virginia Clerveaux

Administration from the University of the West Indies and a Certificate in Business Continuity Management.

She is a trained teacher with demonstrated effectiveness in presentation and communication.

Dr Clerveaux has authored numerous conference/scientific papers, technical reports and peer reviewed journal articles and coauthored several books chapters.

And she holds membership in the TCI Red Cross, and the International Tsunami Society.

She has accumulated extensive applied experience in the field of Disaster Management nationally, regionally and extra-regionally.

In addition she has not only served the TCI Government as Deputy Director of DDME, but has also worked as the Disaster Manager for the British Red Cross-TCI following the passage of Hurricane Ike in 2009.

At regional level she was appointed to the post of Senior Programme Officer at the CDEMA Coordinating Unit of CARICOM, headquartered in Barbados Prior to her appointment as Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of GSS and then later Border Control and Labour (BCL).

Phillip proposes making TCI a ‘regional hub’

BY VANESSA NARINE GOVERNOR’S Appointed Member, John Phillip, moved the second private member’s motion for the year on Thursday.

He propsed that the Government looks at the basic industries of fishing and agriculture as a potential way forward; and explores the possibility of manufacturing high value products; niche products; unique products; or products which will match the TCI tourist profile.

According to Phillip, his motion explores the possibility of making the TCI a regional hub offering the best business base for major companies with interests in this region.

The Governor Appointed Member’s motion highlighted the fact that the TCI has emerged from a dark period in its history.

He added that the House has a great opportunity to change the economic future of the Islands which could lead to a sustainable economy with less dependency upon the performance of other nations.

Phillip pointed out the fact that the tourism industry is now well developed and the TCI is presently a fashionable destination.

This can be expected to continue for five to 15 years in line with the typical cycle for a destination, he said.

He added that despite recent announcements regarding the success of the country’s financial services industry, elected representatives

John Phillip

must face reality, the industry is failing fast, local products are out of date, legislation is out of date and the nation’s reputation is dropping fast.

He recommended several initiatives that will make his proposal a reality and stressed the need to get children off the streets by involving them in activities that will both develop them and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Phillip’s fellow Members of the House stated their support of the motion.

Education Minister, Akierra Missick, welcomed the motion and pointed to similar efforts being advanced through the Youth Policy, passed at Cabinet some weeks ago.

The Blue Hills representative, Goldray Ewing, said: “The motion has us of thinking of things we can do and are not doing.”

He commended Phillip for the manner in which his proposal was presented, as a collaborative effort.

Ewing said: “We need to move

forward using this as a means of raising alternative revenue, not just depending on tourism.”

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, commended Phillip’s passion in presenting his proposals.

He said: “The member pointed to several issues that are key to improving the economic situation and the social fabric of the Turks and Caicos Islands…I rise in support of his motion.”

Ewing noted that some of the initiatives Phillip pointed to are works that are already underway and in their initial stages, such as the development of farming in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

He added that his Government welcomes new initiatives and said the more partners on board, the better.

Finance Minister, Washington Misick, explained that there are several different initiatives being undertaken by several groups and stressed the need for these groups to come together under “one tent”.

He made available the UnderSecretary in the Finance Ministry to address the potential of making a bigger impact, through collaboration.

“From the Ministry of Finance’s point of view, the more people that get involved the easier it will be for the Government to carry out its mandate…these are all things we can work to achieve,” Misick said.

Phillip in winding up his presentation stated his gratitude for the support received for his proposal.

The House of Assembly passed the motion unanimously.

Governor and Tourist Board respond to US travel advice fears A SECURITY advisory from the United States Embassy in Nassau, Bahamas, warned its citizens about the increase in armed robberies in the Turks and Caicos Islands this week.

But Governor Ric Todd was quick to respond stressing that the TCI has one of the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean The advisory read: “Within the last few weeks, the Embassy has received increased reports of armed robberies of US citizens in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

“In light of this situation, the US Embassy advises US citizens living in or visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands to remain cautious and vigilant with regard to their personal safety and security.

“In the past few weeks, two armed robberies of US citizens have occurred in the Grace Bay area, and a third in a private residence.

“Police in Providenciales have informed the Embassy that they are undertaking active preventative measures to avoid further incidents of this type.

“Armed robbery continues to be the primary criminal threat facing US citizens in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

In response Governor Todd said: “The Turks and Caicos Islands benefits from one of the lowest levels of crimes anywhere in the Caribbean.

“I am reminded of this whenever I speak to my fellow Governors of the other UK Overseas Territories in the region when they describe how their biggest concerns are often crime related.

“That said, there have been a very few serious incidents in recent weeks involving US citizens, and that is why they have issued this notice to their citizens.

“After speaking to the Premier about this matter yesterday, I have reminded the US authorities of the low level of crime in this territory.

“We must all do what we can to support the sterling efforts of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force in preventing and solving all crimes.

“Indeed, they only recently reported on falling crime levels here in TCI. “We can all do our part by reporting suspicious behaviour, highlighting any concerns and using Crimestoppers also.”

The local Tourist Board also responded to the US’s security advisory.

In a statement, press officer, David Fenimore, said: “In light of the recent security warning issued by the US Embassy in Nassau for travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Ministry of Tourism would like to reiterate that the safety and security of our guests remains paramount.

“Although the Turks and Caicos continues to be one of the safest countries in the region, if not the world, we would like to encourage all persons to be vigilant.

“We are sparing no efforts to bring those responsible for committing these recent isolated acts to justice.

“Our residents and visitors should continue to enjoy all of the attributes of our Islands. We will not be intimidated by these cowards.”

Current UK travel advice for citizens travelling to the Turks and Caicos can be found at www. fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-livingabroad/travel-advice-by-country/ north-central-america/turks-andcaicos-islands#safetySecurity

14 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 16 - 22, 2013

Smart Entrepreneurship this week

Friday, March 8 to Thursday, March 14 Friday, March 15

2. Sharkbite 7:30pm 8:15pm 3. Cactus Bar 8:30pm 9:15pm 4. Danny Buoy's 9:30pm Onward

 Danny Buoy’s is Provo’s premier live music and sports destination, serving lunch and dinner daily from 11:30am. It is the perfect place to escape from the heat and hang with friends, all in smoke free airconditioned comfort. Happy Hour specials from 4-7pm Monday-Saturday

Any question call 231-1645 or 331-2238 ‘Your pub crawl guides Tony & Jesus’.

 Get into the weekend mood with the intense and electrifying Tae-Bo class at Graceway Sports Centre from 6pm to 7pm. Free for fitness members, $12 for non-members. Visit www. gracewaysports.com for more information or call 4426349.

 If you are looking for a serene and relaxed way of starting your weekend, bring your yoga mat at Graceway Sports Centre every Saturday at 9am and let David Bowen lead you into the wonderful world of yoga! Amazing fees for an amazing class! More info at 442-6348.

 Craig Archibold gets the party started at the Regent Palms from 7pm on Friday nights with the sound of classic Caribbean and Motown tunes. Call 946-8666 for details

 Mums and Tots Dance Party classes are held every Saturday at Graceway Sports Centre for mothers and their little ones. Mothers, bring your little ones to dance, jump, twist and shake!

Children have fun learning movement basics to fun music and mums get a light exercise while spending quality time. Mums and Tots classes begin at 10am and cost just $10. Dads are welcome! Call Shara Bowen on 244-1103 for more details.

Saturday, March 16  20th Annual St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl Starting time are as follows: 1. The Tiki Hut 6:30pm 7:15pm

Got an event you wish to advertise?

Call us on 946 4664 or email tcweeklynews@gmail.com for a free listing.

Your event listed here!

Secrets of Women Business Owners AS I wished women ‘Happy International Women’s Day’ I could sense the excitement and gratitude in many of them, that there was a day designated to celebrate their achievements. I listened with caution to several of them comment on their lives as business owners.

What stood out is that becoming a successful business owner is no easy feat, particularly if you are a woman.

However, we are lucky enough to have many inspiring TCI examples of women who have achieved success in their industry – women who've been trailblazers and continue to inspire other business owners.

Everyday these women demonstrate the strength, passion and ingenuity it takes to achieve success, inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs to create the change they want to see. But change does not come from simply having a vision.

It takes hard work, the ability to be daring and refusing to back down when others say no.

I am sure we can all think of women on each island even from back in our childhood days, who we can very well put into a Business Women’s Hall of Fame; women who have undergone their own journey and overcome plenty of obstacles. I

hear these women echoing a number of common strategies for success: 1. Decide what success is for you.

It is important to realise success is not anidentical concept. What success means to one woman is not the same for another. We must encourage each other to have a clear idea of what it is they are trying to achieve. One woman outlined that success for her is being able to pay for her three children to go to college with profits from the business.

2. Do it differently, do not imitate.

An elderly business owner remarked “I’ve been in business for thirtytwo years and I try to do what I’m doing different from everyone else”.

Wow! The key to success for many successful TCI business owners is the willingness to go above and beyond what everyone else is doing, and to dream big. One of my former high school teachers used to say, "Don't be better, be different".

3. Believe in yourself and kick fear. For many entrepreneurs, realising professional ambitions takes a leap of faith. There are many stories of local women who began with just a small inventory or just a few hundred dollars. Having faced their fears and trusted their instincts,

By Sophia Thomas

Business Consultant and Trainer

they emerged successful over time.

So regardless of your finances or dedication it comes down to self confidence and trusting your ability and those around you.

4. Have a strong team around you.

As much as success is about having a strong entrepreneurial vision, it is also about the people around you.

Many of these women attribute their success to the support network which they surround themselves with, including their families. The ability to listen to others and to foster a healthy professional culture is critical to business growth and longevity. After all we are in business to serve our customers (people), if we do this success will follow.

So with these four common strategies and an extra dosage of passion and persistence, TCI business women have come a long way to stand proud as today's role models for businesswomen across the country. I hope you all pat yourselves on the back as you celebrated International Women’s Day. For further information you can contact me at telephone number 231-2486 or email fenelonempowerment@yahoo.com

autism awareness Spectrum of hope – By Nicole Cox

Deeper down the rabbit hole Part Four THIS is the final installment of, “Is It Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or ADD/ADHD?” Understand the difference between sensory processing problems and attention deficit disorder (ADD/ ADHD) in children, by Priscilla Scherer, from the June/July 2004 issue of ADDitude magazine What’s the treatment? The two disorders may present similarly, but the medication and behaviormodification therapies that work for ADD/ADHD do not work for SPD. SI treatment consists of working with an occupational therapist on a set of activities that help retrain the senses.

The little I knew about it was baffling, but after seeing them in action, the strategies made complete sense. The basis of the therapy is a varied sensory “diet,” to stimulate all the senses. Since each child has his or her own sensory strengths and weaknesses, the sessions are tailored to the child, and change as she or he

progresses. The earlier dysfunction is recognized and treated, the better. Elisabeth spent a lot of time swinging -- sitting up, lying on her stomach, on her back, and on a trapeze. She was encouraged to touch lots of different textures, she searched for buried “treasure” in containers of Play Doh, poured uncooked beans and dried peas from one container to another, finger-painted on mirrors with shaving cream, carried big jars of sand up a slanted surface, somersaulted down a soft incline, and jumped into piles of huge beanbags.We began new activities for a few minutes at a time. Once she overcame her initial fears and aversions, Elisabeth began to seek out the kinds of activities that helped her -- some of them the very ones she had avoided.

Within about a month, she seemed less fearful, more cooperative, and physically stronger. She started to make friends on the playground, her play was more organized, and she stuck with activities for longer periods of time.

SI treatment is not a panacea and certainly not a quick fix.

Although some children need less therapy than others, for many it’s a years-long proposition. By the time Elisabeth was seven years old, it was clear that SPD could not account for all of her learning and attention problems, and she was diagnosed with ADHD. She now takes medication and receives behavior modification strategies at her school, along with occupational therapy. But the two conditions need to be differentiated, because, again, ADD/ADHD medication and behavior modification will not fix SPD, even if the conditions coexist.

Elisabeth still sometimes yells when I wash her hair, but she doesn’t scream anymore. She fusses about waistbands and sock seams that aren’t exactly right, but says it’s OK, “I’ll get used to it.”

Best of all, she is making her way in the world, has lots of good friends, and is thriving at school and at home.

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 15

Premier defends Acting AG

BY VANESSA NARINE

THE ACTING Attorney General, Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, has come under strong criticism over the timing of the challenges filed in the Supreme Court that affects five sitting Parliamentarians and the Progressive National Party’s (PNP) candidate standing in the March 22 by-election.

Since Braithwaite-Knowles filed last Friday (March 8), a private citizen has also challenged the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate standing for the March 22 by-election.

However, the Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, on Monday came to the Acting AG’s defence.

He said: “The Acting Attorney General did what she thought was best in her statutory capacity as Attorney General, where she thinks someone may have acted in a manner contrary to the law or the Constitution.

“This is her statutory responsibility, in the interest of the public, to ask such questions to determine if individuals are in breach

Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles

Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing

of the law.

“She is well within her right to do so.

“Failure to do so would have seen her being delinquent in her statutory responsibility.”

He stressed that if something is brought to the attention of the Acting AG then she is within here right to act accordingly.

“It would be right to investigate that particular matter along all lines, rather

than just one person,” Ewing said.

The Premier called for members of the public to refrain from attacking Braithwaite-Knowles for acting in a manner that is her statutory responsibility.

He said: “It is not the AG’s responsibility to investigate people’s declarations. It is the Integrity Commission’s responsibility to investigate.

“I would have hoped that the Integrity Commission would have gone ahead and done a fact check to see if there are other things that can be considered contracts with Government.

“But it is up to any voter, the AG or any Member of the House to file against someone that they think is in violation of the Constitution.”

FSPS still not complete even as financial year draws to a close THE Financial Strategy and Policy Statement (FSPS) is still not completed, an increasing challenge given the fact that the current financial year is drawing to a close.

The FSPS is needed to be approved before work on finalising a new budget can begin.

At Cabinet on Wednesday, according to a statement from the Governor’s office, members considered the key elements of the draft FSPS and agreed that further work should be done as quickly as possible to finalise the statement.

Cabinet also underlined the importance of revenue enhancement measures.

Members discussed proposed changes to taxation legislation.

These concerned amendments on stamp duty rates; an increase in accommodation tax from 11 to 12 per cent; broadening of accommodation tax to other services; and plugging a loophole in the Hotel and Restaurant Taxation Ordinance on the definition of premises for board and lodging.

Cabinet decided to consider at its next meeting draft legislation on the amendments, with a view to the changes taking place on July 1.

It also commissioned both further work and consultation on broadening of accommodation tax to other services; and plugging a loophole in the Hotel and Restaurant Taxation Ordinance on the definition of

premises for board and lodging.

Cabinet also noted the importance of maintaining a full record of the assets held by TCIG and a proper policy on the continuing recording and control of these assets.

It endorsed a proposal from the Minister of Finance to spend up to $80,000 on acquiring a software system to improve work to this end.

The FSPS is expected to align the Government’s latest fiscal data and estimates for submission in the first instance to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the Minister of Finance.

When the FSPS is agreed on

by Cabinet it will be sent to the Secretary of State.

Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, on Wednesday evening, commented on the delay with finalising the document.

She said: “I had expected that the Government in submitting its last letter to Minister Simmonds would have prepared the required Fiscal and Strategic Policy Statement for completeness knowing that this would be requested and which is also required in law before a budget can be passed.

“So I am disappointed that we are still at this place and I call on the Government to resubmit this as a matter of urgency.”

Up to press time, Finance Minister, Washington Misick, was unavailable for comment.

(VANESSA NARINE)

PROMPTED The Acting AG, in her March 8 statement, noted that the challenge to Amanda Missick’s standing as a candidate is what prompted her

investigation.

She said: “Following receipt of copies of the section 49(1)(f) Notices and related correspondence supplied to me by the TCI Integrity Commission and having caused background research to be undertaken in the Lands Division of the Chambers, I have come to the conclusion that I should act under section 50(3) of the Constitution, and today a challenge to the veracity of the declaration made by Ms. Amanda Missick, PNP candidate for the upcoming by-election in the Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill Electoral District on 22 March 2013 has been filed before the Supreme Court.

“On the basis of the background research undertaken I have also come to the conclusion that the election of certain sitting members of the House of Assembly should be challenged under section 53(2) of the Constitution.

“In that regard, challenges have also been filed today before the Supreme Court challenging the elections of Mr George Lightbourne elected member in the House of Assembly for the Grand Turk North Electoral District; Mr. Edwin Astwood elected member in the House of Assembly for the Grand Turk, South Electoral District; Mr. Derek Taylor member in the House of Assembly for the All Islands Electoral District; Mrs. Josephine Connolly elected member in the House of Assembly for the All Islands Electoral District and Delroy Williams elected member in the House of Assembly for the Wheeland Electoral District.

“The basis of each of these

challenges is that when each of the individuals made their section 50(1) Nomination Day declaration to the Supervisor of Elections for the 9th November 2012 General Election and the upcoming 22nd March 2013 by-election, a disqualification mentioned in section 49(1)(f) applied to each them in that each of them has a contract with the Government which, by that date, they had not given notice of to the Integrity Commission, as required by section 49(1)(f) of the Constitution.

“The type of contract in each case is a charge to secure the payment to the Crown of a ‘Belonger Discount’ (applicable under the Crown Land Policy) in the event of a sale in prescribed circumstances.

“I have asked the court to determine whether in each case, the individual is or is not qualified to be an elected member of the House considering the failure to give notice of the respective charges….if the court determines that each member is disqualified then: a) In the case of Ms. Missick, she will not be able to stand for election on March 22 and the sole remaining candidate will be declared elected; b) In the case of the members of the House of Assembly, their seats will be vacated and a by-election will have to be called.

A decision on their disqualification would not prevent them from standing in a subsequent by-election called as a result.

The Constitution provides for a process for challenge in each of these cases in the public interest.

Allegations have evolved into verdict, Premier

BY VANESSA NARINE PREMIER, Dr. Rufus Ewing, wasted no time in responding to the March 12 letter from Secretary of State, William Hague honing in on what he called the evolution of allegations into a verdict.

Ewing said: “Mr. Speaker, it is also very interesting that Sir Robin Auld, stated that there was a ‘high probability of systemic corruption’ but this designation has indeed evolved to a verdict of ‘abuse of power and corruption’ by the Secretary of State in his letter of March 12, 2013, and by statements from the Governor in the past, without a verdict from the TCI courts.”

The Premier stressed that while there are many who are currently being accused of wrong doings, the fact is that they should be considered innocent until proven guilty by the courts.

He said: “I am not a conspiracy theorist, I am an educated man, but it does not take an educated man to draw the conclusion that would be obvious at the end of this Ministerial Statement.

“Mr. Speaker, Sir Robin Auld,

who in the words of Rt. Hon. William Hague, is a greatly respected former Lord Justice, presided over a commission of inquiry as the sole judge and concluded that there was a ‘high probability of systemic corruption among Ministers, members of the legislature and public officials’ in the then TCI Government.

“This information is widely known, as the documents are readily available to the public.

“Mr. Speaker, it however never ceases to amaze me how as a people we are constantly reminded as to the allegations of corruption of by the last PNP administration and reminded at specific and opportune times; and I cite two examples - the press release by the His Excellency the Governor one day before the November General Elections and secondly the press statement by the Secretary of State one day before the General Elections, reminding the people of this country about the corruption of the past PNP administration.

“Here again yesterday another expected, but coincidental in its timing, letter by the Secretary of State reminding us that ‘as we are all aware, the previous PNP government left behind a chaotic

situation including - through incompetence, abuse of power and corruption - rapidly deteriorating public finances’.

“Yet another very powerful statement two days before a most important election court case and a week before a scheduled byelection.”

The Premier pointed out that any system in which high officials of government such as the Secretary of State and the Governor can prejudice the minds of judges as to one’s guilt or innocence is a potentially unfair system.

“Any system in which persons who ought to be politically neutral, intentionally or strategically communicate and disseminate information as facts that may influence the judiciary or electorate is indeed corrupt.

“Corruption is the use of the power of your office to gain an advantage that you would have never ordinarily gained,” he said.

Ewing underscored the fact that there is a need to “expose the corruption that is taking place in the name of good governance” – an indirect message for the Secretary of State.

16 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PNP members on board for the ‘rallycade’

March 16 - 22, 2013

An enthused Amanda Missick confident that she will retake her constituency for the third time

PNP urges voters to ‘stay the course’ AN ENTHUSED group of Progressive National Party (PNP) members, including party leader and Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, took to the streets on Tuesday during what they dubbed a ‘rallycade’ and urged

voters to “stay the course”.

The PNP members on board a truck drove through the Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills district and witnessed and energetic show of support from votes.

Among the speakers were the Premier, Finance Minister, Washington Misick, and the district candidate, Amanda Missick.

The PNP’s candidate appealed to voters to not only stay the course, but

Gifted gospel singer releases her first album

By Daisy Handfield TALENTED 27-year-old singer, Robyn Hinds’, dreams are unfolding right before her eyes as the release of her first album ‘This Could Be It’ was officially launched in Grand Turk on Sunday.

The distribution continued in Providenciales on Tuesday where the gospel singer held an autograph session at the Jericho Baptist church in the Lower Bight, where she interacted with her fans, and personally signed their CDs. Hinds stressed that music has always been a part of her family and that she has been singing from the tender age of three.

The album includes nine songs, two written by Hinds herself and six contributed by her Pastor Chad Archbold and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of United Recording, Tito Missick.

Her cover song is ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’ which is dedicated to her mother.

Hinds added that the overall completion of her album took over a year but she is proud to say that all of the songs on the album are products of the Turks and Caicos.

She said: “It’s so wonderful that the music is original and it was created by Turks and Caicos Islanders. The music and the lyrics were both mixed and recorded here.”

Hinds noted that in the process of creating the album, there were many obstacles that she had to overcome and her success did not come easy.

“I was living in Grand Turk so I had to travel back and forth from Providenciales and Grand Turk at the time and that cost a lot of money but the end result is amazing,” she said.

“I’m very excited, very thankful and exceedingly glad because this is one of God’s promises to me, as

also to stick to what they know, to the representation they have seen in the last three months since the PNP was elected as the nation’s government.

She said: “I am here to stay.

Cheshire Hall you know who you have, you don’t know who you going to get.

“I am the woman for the job. I have your back….remember the party who is here for you.

“Dismiss the rumours you hear. I am here to stay. We did it twice before, we can do it again…stay the course.”

Missick also assured the constituency that while her standing has been challenged by the Acting Attorney General (AG), she has not been disqualified and is still in the race.

Washington Misick underscored the fact the reality of the March

22 vote is that it will decide the government of the day.

He said: “Vote for Amanda, you keep the PNP in place…if you want to keep the PNP in power you have to vote for Amanda. Do not listen to the noise in the market place.

“You know what you got; you don’t know what you don’t have.

With the PNP in place you have seen significant progress.”

The Premier reiterated similar sentiments.

He said: “Amanda is the woman for the job….remember Amanda… we need you to keep this PNP Government in power, stay the course.”

Unless the Supreme Court rules otherwise, the Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hills by-election is set for March 22. (VANESSA NARINE)

World Kidney Day message

By Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing

Robyn Hinds holding a copy of her first album ‘This Could Be It’

a Christian, as a believer and as a person who loves him so he’s just fulfilling his will in my life.”

The young artist on the rise emphasised that this was just the beginning of her career and that she foresees great things in her future.

Hinds said: “There have been a lot of offers and a lot of persons that have been saying that this CD will go far and I believe them.

“I believe that God has work to do in my life and that he will put me wherever he wants me to be.

“There have been offers to travel regionally for events so I’m just waiting and praying and expecting a blessing but I do want this CD to go as far as it can.

“Hopefully in a few years I will be accepting my first gospel award or at Gospel Fest performing or who knows, maybe receiving a Grammy.

“The sky is the limit right now and I just want God to do whatever he wants with me and this gift that he has placed in me.

“I’m sending out a big thank you to everyone who believed in me.”

The album is available online at Citybaby.com, Itunes.com and even Amazon.com, for just 99 cents per song or $10 for the complete album.

Hard copies are available in Providenciales for $20 at the Unicorn and Pentecostal Bookstores and in Grand Turk at DJ’s variety store and Any Occasion Florist.

I AM honoured and privileged to bring greetings on this World Kidney Day 2013 under the theme: ‘Acute Kidney Injury – Stop Kidney Attack’.

World Kidney Day is celebrated globally and aims to reduce the impact of kidney disease worldwide.

Trends in the United States show an estimated 26 million adults have chronic kidney disease, whereas in the UK there are over three million people at risk of kidney disease annually; here in the TCI this is no exception as we presently have approximately 30 patients on dialysis and counting.

The need for dialysis or transplantation can be avoided if kidney diseases are detected early and risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity controlled or avoided.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services ask that you do all you can to protect your

amazing kidneys and discuss any risk you may have with your doctor today.

Our kidneys have numerous essential biological roles vital for life.

The kidneys filters as much as 180 litres of blood daily, and up to 50 times that amount gets cleaned as a part of its main job of removing toxins and excess water from our blood; therefore we must treat our kidneys right!

Kidneys also help to control our blood pressure, produce red blood cells and keep our bones healthy.

It is paramount that we protect our kidneys for life and stop kidney attack.

Take care of our kidneys adopt a healthy fluid intake, minimum eight glasses of water daily, eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, keep blood pressure in check, avoid smoking, control blood sugar levels, reduce salt intake and cut down on processed foods.

Protect our kidneys for life, stop kidney attack!

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Officials from the EMS cleaning the victim

Man stabbed in Kewtown

By Daisy Handfield A 41-year-old Haitian man was stabbed in Kewtown, Providenciales, on Monday evening.

The victim received a deep wound in his lower back as a result of the attack which took place at about 10pm.

He was taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where he was treated for his non-life threatening injuries and later released.

Police were called to the scene where they questioned family members and bystanders that were gathered.

Investigations continue.

Anyone with information on the incident can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477.

Tips can also be submitted in English, French or Spanish on either www.crimestoppers. tc or on Facebook page ‘CrimeStoppers Turks and Caicos’.

HRC gets additional funds THE APPROPRIATIONS Committee, on Monday, approved additional funding for the Human Rights Commission (HRC), requested under the Supplementary Appropriations 2012/2013 (No. 2) Bill 2013.

Appearing on behalf of the HRC was Commissioner, Doreen Quelch Missick-Stubbs, and Accounting Officer, James Astwood.

Successful representations were made and the request for $27,365.79 was approved.

The Human Rights Commissioner explained that the funding requested would be allocated towards the recruitment of an administrator for the Office of the Commission, increased office space, increased stipends for members and for a number of additional meetings.

The committee enquired as to whether the initial request for this year’s budget was honoured by the Ministry of Finance.

The committee learned that the commissioner’s budgetary allocation is fixed at $130,000 per annum and the commissioner is obliged to work within that amount.

The Appropriations Committee then expressed concern that the majority of the subvention received from the HRC covers salary and office space.

It therefore leaves very little for the commission to fulfil its

mandate to promote understanding and observance of human rights throughout the Turks and Caicos.

The committee enquired as to whether the commissioner received any funding from any international organisations or bodies connected with human rights and good governance.

Missick-Stubbs informed the committee that she is supported by the following organisations: Commonwealth Foundation, Educational League and DFID, and the committee wishes to know where such support is accounted for.

The commissioner also noted that new legislation to increase the profile of the commissioner is presently being drafted and will be brought to the House of Assembly at its next meeting.

The committee inquired into the structure and tried to ascertain from the commissioner what additional resources would be needed so as to ensure that the commission is able to fulfil its objectives.

Missick-Stubbs offered no plans or ideas but maintained that the commission will increase its profile.

The Appropriations Committee encouraged the commissioner to prepare budgets that would not only reflect the immediate need of the commission, but projected growth for expansion of the work of the commission.

NEWS 17

The group of TCI public servants who benefitted from the training, with Governor Ric Todd, Dr. David Russell, Professor Michael O’Flaherty of the NIHRC, TCI Human Rights Commissioner Doreen Quelch-Missick and Deputy Governor Anya Williams.

Public servants benefit from human rights training THE Turks and Caicos Island’s Human Rights Commission and a cross-section of government officials benefitted from a UK-funded human rights training programme last week.

The programme, which ended last Friday (March 8), included two days for members of the TCI’s Human Rights Commission to consider best practice; and, two days of training for 25 members of the TCI civil service including the Deputy Governor, Permanent Secretaries, representatives from the police and the prison.

The TCI is subject to many international human rights treaties and the government, public sector and businesses have a duty to make sure that they operate in such a way that is compliant to these treaties.

Representatives from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) were invited by Governor Ric Todd to come to the TCI for a week to share their experiences.

The NIHRC is a UK national human rights institution with accreditation from the United Nations.

It is funded by UK government, but is an independent public body and is responsible for making sure that the UK government and other

public bodies protect the human rights of everyone in Northern Ireland.

Governor Todd, commenting on the training, said: “The 2011 Constitution establishes the TCI’s Human Rights Commission as one of the bodies responsible for good governance in the Territory.

“Like the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, the TCI’s Human Rights Commission is independent of government and must become an exemplar in promoting human rights, advising government and businesses on their responsibilities, and investigating and reporting violations.

“I encourage the five members of the commission to focus on strategic priorities; to publish them; and, like the NIHRC, to only take up individual issues in exceptional circumstances where these directly relate to human rights infringements and that fall within the commission’s strategic priorities.

“Moving forward, I look forward to receiving the new Human Rights Commission Bill that strengthens the commission’s powers, and I will work within Cabinet to ensure that the commission is properly funded to fulfil its important responsibilities.”

Deputy Governor, Anya Williams, said: “Last week’s course was an excellent opportunity for key members of the civil service to learn about their responsibilities for ensuring that government policies and the delivery of services are fully compliant with our international obligations.

“To support that end, I have asked the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Environment to take the lead across government for human rights and for fulfilling TCIG’s obligations to report to the UK and the United Nations on TCI’s compliance with international treaties.

“The Ministry has also been given dedicated training to help staff pursue their new role.”

The Chair of the Human Rights Commission Doreen QuelchMissick, added: “All the members of the commission welcomed last week’s important programme and the opportunity to learn from the NIHRC. “We are a new team but we are keen to build the commission as a strong voice within the territory to ensure that our international obligations are always respected.

“We are very grateful to the NIHRC for their support and look forward to maintaining a close relationship with them.”

Four survive violent car accident

BY DAISY HANDFIELD

FOUR people were rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre at about 4am on Thursday, after they were involved in a horrific car accident.

The 'Black Mercury' car that they drove in was involved in a collision near K's Tire shop, in Providenciales.

According to press relations officer for Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Diana Swann, one of the

females involved in the accident is currently resting in the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital, after undergoing emergency surgery.

One of the males is in the High Dependency Unit up to press time.

The young man was alert with no surgical intervention at the current time, however, he is being closely observed.

The other male and female were discharged, however, the female is

awaiting funding from the National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) to be transferred abroad to undergo facial surgery.

Up to press time, there has still not been an official comment from the police but to our understanding, there is currently an investigation into the matter.

The Weekly News will have more on the matter, in an upcoming edition.

Lifestyle...

18

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 16 - 22, 2013

fitness Tip 

Dr. Joe LeMoine, is an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician. He has worked with many international athletes and at many sporting events on the world stage. He currently practices in Providenciales, at Prime Sports Medicine.

Sometimes less is more AS with everything you can get too much of a good thing. Over the last few years one of the greatest trends in sports and exercise is shorter and harder workouts followed by emphasis on rest and recovery.

Shorter More Intense Workouts: Shorter workouts with greater intensity stresses the body and muscles to a greater extent, which stimulates them to respond with increased strength and fitness.

Exercise that works on multiple muscles and multiple joints at the same time are more effective.

Fresh Tomato Salsa

This is a fresh tasting salsa that can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Ingredients: • 2 ripe tomatoes, seeds and excess pulp removed, chopped • 1/2 cup finely minced onion • 4 medium cloves garlic, minced • 1 4oz can diced jalapeno pepper.

Start with a small amount and add to taste • 1 TBS minced fresh ginger • 2 TBS coarsely chopped pumpkin seeds • 6 TBS chopped fresh cilantro • 2 TBS fresh lemon juice • 1 TBS extra virgin olive oil • salt and black pepper to taste Directions: 1. Mix all ingredients and serve.

Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician Dr. Joe LeMoine

Interval and circuit training are some of the best ways to increase intensity.

When lifting weights try shortening the rest period between repetitions.

The length of the workout is important as well. A recent study from scientists in Copenhagen demonstrated that a 30-minute workout is as effective as a 60-minute workout for weight loss. Although fewer calories were burned in the

shorter workout, they found more calories were burned over the course of a day. They speculate that after the longer workout the body responds with decreased metabolism and increased appetite to a much greater degree than a short workout, which resulted in greater energy levels with no change in appetite.

Active Rest: In the past rest was mostly emphasized to prevent injury from overuse or to prevent over training syndrome, which leads to mental, emotional and physical fatigue, and loss of motivation. These remain important reasons for decreasing the

frequency of repetitive exercise and one of the reasons cross training has become popular.

But more recently rest has been stressed as it is found that by allowing the muscles to recover from a shorter and strenuous workout results in better results. Muscles take 2 – 3 days to recover form an intense workout, if not allowed to recover the subsequent workout will not be as intense or as effective in making gains in strength and performance.

Proper sleep cycles have long been shown to greatly improve athletic performance and should

be considered an essential part of a healthy fitness program.

Every high performance athlete realizes that the rest cycle does not just apply day to day. Athletes plan on having peak performance for key times in competition and periods of less intensity that may last weeks to months.

Less can be Best: Less duration of workout but greater intensity followed by adequate recovery is one of the keys to better performance.

For the fitness enthusiast and athletes “rest” is no longer a fourletter word.

researched as these other areas of antioxidant support, cardiovascular support, and anti-cancer benefits, several other health benefit areas are important to mention with respect to tomatoes. Diets that include tomatoes have been linked with reduced risk of some neurological diseases (including

Alzheimer's disease) in multiple studies. Tomato-containing diets have also been linked in a few studies with reduced risk of obesity.

The French sometimes refer to the tomato as pomme d'amour, meaning ‘love apple’, but whatever tomatoes are called, the benefits are worth the inclusion in your diet.

health Tip 

Tomato treasures TOMATOES are a treasure of riches when it comes to their antioxidant benefits.

In terms of conventional antioxidants, tomatoes provide an excellent amount of vitamin C and beta-carotene; a very good amount of the mineral manganese; and a good amount of vitamin E. And when it comes to phyto-nutrients, tomatoes are basically off the chart.

Reduced risk of heart disease is an area of health benefits in which tomatoes truly excel. There are two basic lines of research that have repeatedly linked tomatoes to heart health. The first line of research involves antioxidant support, and the second line of research involves regulation of fats in the bloodstream.

Bone health is another area of growing interest in tomato research.

Interestingly, the connection of tomato intake to bone health involves the rich supply of antioxidant in tomatoes. We don't always think about antioxidant protection as being important for bone health, but it is.

While not well researched for all cancer types, tomatoes have repeatedly been show to provide us with anti-cancer benefits. The track record for tomatoes as a cancer-protective food should not be surprising, since there is a very large amount of research on tomato antioxidants and a more limited but still important amount of research on tomato anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Also, while not as thoroughly

March 16 - 22, 2013

Lifestyle...

GARDENING 

19

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

How does your garden grow

YOUR DIET

ASK TAMIKA

BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD

Tamika graduated from Florida International University in Miami with a Masters degree in Dietetics & Nutrition. She is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and licensed to practice medical nutrition therapy in the state of Florida.

Email Tamika via tcweeklynews@gmail.com or tamikahandfield@yahoo.com with your healthy eating questions.

Mosquitoes in the garden THERE are two things that mosquitoes need; they need blood to manufacture eggs and a place to lay their eggs.

Mosquitoes lay up to 250 eggs at a time in still water and will hatch in about seven to 10 days. That is why it is important to clean out water weekly, to keep mosquitoes from breeding.

Mosquito hatcheries are everywhere. Many items that might keep water include wheelbarrows, tires, cans, bottles, toys, garden equipment, pool covers, pipes, tarps, drains, bins and even a bottle cap.

Also remove standing water from fountains, ditches, clogged rain gutters, plant saucers, puddles and, buckets.

The cistern should be sealed and its opening should have a mosquito net.

If you have a pond or fountains, you might consider adding fish that would eat the mosquito larvae.

To avoid mosquito bites, it’s always wise to wear long sleeves, avoid wearing perfume and scented hair products, make sure you have installed or repaired window and door screens, and apply insect repellent that contains DEET only on children over the age of two months. Another product made of Oil of lemon Eucalyptus is effective but should never be used on children under the age of three.

Another thing to watch out for is dengue fever. Dengue fever is primarily a disease of the tropics that is transmitted by the mosquito.

The mosquito is a day-biting that prefers to feed on humans. Those

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infected with dengue can suffer from a spectrum of illnesses ranging from a viral flu to severe and fatal hemorrhagic fever (DHF).

The dengue virus is passed back and forth between mosquitoes and humans and causes an extraordinarily painful ailment that exists in four known strains or serotypes. Dengue is especially dangerous to children, who generally have one infection, but if bitten again can get a more serious infection that can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).

DHF causes severe internal bleeding, shock, and circulatory collapse, and is usually fatal to children.

Dengue is increasingly becoming a plague of global proportions and may soon eclipse malaria as the most significant mosquito-borne viral disease affecting humans.

Many mosquito trapping devices are based on generating carbon dioxide (CO2) to lure the mosquitoes to the device. Once in the vicinity of the fan on the device, the mosquitoes are sucked up into the device and into a collection bag where they will die. The CO2 baited traps will catch mosquitoes. However, even an impressively large collection, may be a minute percentage of all the blood-seeking females in the area

and this will not likely impact large populations of mosquitoes.

These devices are only successful if the wind is low, the actual mosquito population is low and there are no other factors to attract the mosquitoes in that area.

Bug zappers use ultraviolet light to lure mosquitoes into a trap that will electrocute them. These devices attract many types of insects such as moths and beetles. Studies have shown that these devices do not reduce the number of biting mosquitoes, and they kill other types of insects more often than they kill mosquitoes.

The best way to reduce the mosquito population is by preventing them from breeding in close vicinity to your home, by making sure your garden has no nests, as well as sharing this information with your neighbors.

Gardening news: Care to share your gardening thoughts, insights, triumphs, disappointments or photos with your fellow gardening enthusiast? I invite you to now join the new active discussions gardening forum specially created for the Turks and Caicos gardeners. Please come share your comments and thoughts at tcigardening.fullforums.org

Eating for the Health of It—Eating Right, Your Way, Everyday!

EACH March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) celebrates National Nutrition Month as a way to continually emphasize the importance of health and healthy eating.

This year’s theme: Eating Right, Your Way, Everyday shows that eating healthy is not a ‘one size fits all’ plan.

Not a day goes by and I am not asked: ‘What foods should I be eating?’ My answer usually is “That depends.” It depends on many factors such as: personal preference, cultural traditions, budget, availability of foods and health concerns to name a few.

For many persons, eating healthy has been reduced to what is commonly called rabbit’s food. This includes salads, other vegetables and not much else. So there is no surprise that many people find the idea of changing their eating habits boring and tiring.

There is no reason to deprive yourself and your taste-buds provided that you eat your favorite foods in moderation and in conjunction with regular physical activity. Food and eating are associated with fun times, love and family.

The tips below can provide some guidance on how you can continue to associate food with good memories as you eat for the health of it: Get the experts opinion. Consult a Registered Dietitian to learn how your cultural foods fit into a healthy eating pattern. We are trained in helping you eat right, your way, everyday. We also provide education that allows you to make healthful choices based on the foods you know and like.

Set goals for you and your family. Think about the foods you currently eat and think about the foods you would like to start eating.

Then, come up with a plan of action that will get you to your end goal.

Plan ahead. It is important to plan your meals in advance so that you have the necessary healthful ingredients on hand when you find yourself in a time crunch.

I advise persons to be selfish and choose foods based on what the foods can do for them.

If your foods are loaded with saturated fat, calories, sodium and added sugars then it does nothing for your body except help you to pack on the pounds and put you at risk of developing many chronic diseases.

Instead, eat foods for the health of it—choose foods that are brightly colored, dark green, high in fiber and protein.

Choose your cultural foods or other personal preference that fit the above criteria and make the choice to eat right, your way, everyday!

ACCU Medical Nutrition is based at Provo Plaza (old Pizza Pizza Building) No. 5, Providenciales.

Call 946 8308, 242 3978 or 442 3978.

20 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 16 - 22, 2013

Learn and Lead Educational Centre hosts bullying workshop “ALTHOUGH there will always be disagreements among students, bullying has become too common in our schools and communities.”

This is the sentiment of the Learn and Lead Educational Centre’s Educational Consultant Yolande Robinson, and the reason behind why the centre is hosting a series of bulling workshops.

Throughout March, the centre has scheduled sessions geared towards assisting parents, teachers and community workers to better understand and deal with bullying.

Robinson said, “We’ve gotten very used to saying this is just a part of growing up or it’s just a North American problem.

“It’s no longer just a North American problem and sometimes we only catch it on the other side when things have spiralled out of control.

“I believe there are people who understand that this is an issue and we want to nip it in the bud…we all know that prevention is better than cure.”

Bullying, as most people think of it, is not only physical, she explained.

During sessions with parents, held earlier in March, emphasis was placed on the types of bullying including social, verbal, emotional and cyber bullying, which is on the rise.

Another important point discussed was “how to recognise bullying because a lot of times your child isn’t

Community Focus |

While in Grand Turk, RFA WAVE KNIGHT was involved in a Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Project as part of the West Ball Park regeneration project on the island.

RFA Wave Knight assists Grand Turk RFA Wave Knight arrived in Grand Turk on February 27 for a four-day visit during her deployment to the region on Atlantic Patrol Tasking North (APT(N)).

The visit was part of a year round commitment to the UK’s five

Caribbean Overseas Territories, wider regional Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Counter Narcotics Operations.

During Wave Knight’s visit the Commanding Officer hosted a working lunch with Governor

Ric Todd, Premier Rufus Ewing and members of the Disaster Management Team.

Crew were also involved in a Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Project as part of the West Ball Park regeneration.

Lime leads devotions at Richmond Hills GENERAL manager for LIME TCI, Drexwell Seymour, encouraged his staff members to be active in giving back to the educational process in the nation.

Seymour let devotions at Richmond Hills Preparatory School during Education Week 2013.

Staff and other visitors were warmly welcomed by the principal of the school, Ms. Smith, and the children sat quietly as the morning progressed.

The students were dressed in various uniforms to represent their preferred professions and members from the health services and fire department were also on hand to speak with the students there.

Seymour encouraged the students to use their gifts from God. He said: “I always try to make these appointments to share with the students in the schools because being a part of the community as a corporate citizen also means giving of oneself in the community as well.”

He continued: “There is just something special about being able to share with the next generation of leaders of TCI.” He also encouraged them to use their talents to help not only themselves but their communities.

Several students raised their hands to declare what gifts they had and they promised that they would use their gifts for good.

At the end of the session, the students were treated to some LIME goodies.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The general public is hereby notified that the Revenue Department will now offer continued services to the public throughout the work day.

The new office hours are 8AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Thursday, and 8AM to 4PM on Friday.

Yolande Robinson leads bullying seminars for parents, teachers and community workers

necessarily going to come home and tell you that they are being bullied”.

Robinson discussed markers to look for and shared details on approaches to take and how to deal with the bullied, the bully and the bystander.

“We want to create responsible citizens that can move forward in the country and be willing to stand up for each other and take care of each other,” said Robinson.

With bullying becoming a visible problem recently, it is her hope that people recognise it as a serious matter and to take action before it becomes worst.

Later this month seminars will be held for community workers and teachers, and will focus on prevention and intervention.

For more information or to register, contact the centre or visit their website at www.learnandleadec. com (KH)

By Nicole Coz

The new lemonade stand

I AM certain that we all can recall seeing comic strips from Peanuts as Charlie Brown and his crew sold lemonade on the sidewalk during hot summer days.

This was often the ultimate backdrop for a humorous encounter with the inner workings of a child’s mind!

In American pop culture, the lemonade stand is used as a euphemism for a many ideals – innocence, work ethic, honesty, the genuine effort of the next generation to make their own way in the world.

These are cherished and inspiring ideals in any culture. And Turks and Caicos is no exception!

Once again, the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre is pressing forward with presenting the youth of Providenciales opportunities to explore their potential.

Saturday, March 16, marks the first of what ECGYC has dubbed their ‘Monthly Market’.

Young people will have the opportunity to rent a table at the centre and sell baked goods or handmade items to make their own profits.

Director of activities at the centre, Johnna Messam, said: “These are tough times. Kids are now looking for ways to contribute to their households rather than be dependent on their parents’ already stretched dollar.

“This will be an activity to actually help them learn how to construct their own business plans, budgets and truly learn hands on how to start and run a small business.

“It builds confidence, creativity and independence. Those are qualities all young people need.”

Tables are available to rent for $5 to all Provo teens.

Call 331-9602 or 332-9605 for further details or to reserve a booth.

Once again the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre is looking for ways to help shape tomorrows responsible citizens today!

What can you do to help it grow?

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 21

Grace Bay Club promotes culinary arts internship programme for high school students

BY DAISY HANDFIELD A NUMBER of local businesses have collaborated with education partners to give students tools that will push them one step closer to their choice of career.

Local hotel Grace Bay Club (GBC) gave three high school students the opportunity to advance themselves in the area of culinary arts by receiving hands on training from the hotel’s top chefs.

They included Wanya Hamilton from Champion’s for Christ, Wayne Gardiner from Maranatha and Jeff Charles from Clement Howell.

After school and on weekends, the students are trained in the kitchen on the hotel property.

One of the students has been with the resort for over a year and the other two for several months.

Manager for Talent Growth and Local Affairs at GBC, Carlton Mills, went into detail as to how the students were selected.

Mills said: “The country is short

of cooks and in the hospitality industry this is a major need so who better to start with then the future generation of the Turks and Caicos.

“The high schools helped us identify young individuals along with the help of the Little Chef Programme.

“They are being mentored by top chefs, so they are getting the proper guidance that they need.

“We started this internship programme from the high schools and also at the community college.”

According to Mills, the boys seem thrilled and show great enthusiasm towards the job.

Although they are not paid as full time employees, the students are still given some money for their time and also a free meal per day.

Mills added that this will not only be beneficial for the resort but also for the TCI, which will have trained local chefs.

Mills said: “One of the challenges is finding local chefs. We’re using this as a little initiative to help motivate and encourage young

LIME’s staff volunteer during Education Week 2013 STAFF members at LIME were active during Education Week 2013, under the theme ‘Pathways to Success through Partnership in Education’.

LIME’s marketing manager, Rachel Harvey, co-hosted the Providenciales Education Week opening service along with Junior Minister of Tourism, Willandra Elliott, while LIME employee, Doreen Francis, chaired the service that was held in Grand Turk.

The service was attended by various partners and each corporation was highlighted and received a plaque from the Education Department.

LIME was able to highlight its involvement in education such as free internet to all public and private schools for the last seven years.

General manger for LIME TCI, Drexwell Seymour, said: “LIME is a true partner in education in the Turks and Caicos Islands, not just to promote a product but with a spirit of volunteerism that goes above and beyond lip service.”

He continued: “This company will continue to be a part of the educational development of the young minds in the country and

when staff members participate, it adds an extra special contribution.”

Seymour said: “This week has been fulfilling in being a part of giving back to the children in our schools.”

He concluded by saying that children will not soon forget those who took the time to invest not only with dollars but with time to do something to inspire the next generation.

LIME’s marketing manager Rachel Harvey also participated with poetry in the activities at the Enid Capron Primary School along with other local artists and noted that the talent that is evident in the children and young people of the nation is always a joy to see.

Harvey and employee, Kimberly Hall, were also involved in an activity with the Youth Department’s ‘Power of Me’ programme where a group of students between the ages of nine and 11 at the Ianthe Pratt Primary School were present for a session called ‘I am significant’.

Students were reminded of their importance, how they should be treated and how they should treat others too.

Trainee - Wanya Hamilton, Chef at GBC-Vadivel Raju, Trainee - Wayne Gardiner after preparing a delicacy

individuals to become chefs and more young people to get involved in the hospitality industry.

“We say that tourism drives our local economy so what you want to see is more local faces in the tourism industry because many of the tourists that come here want to interact with our local people.”

Mills stressed that this is not it for these young men.

He said: “We are also working with the guys and their parents to hopefully get them off to college, maybe a culinary school in Florida where they can get hands on training.”

Next month the hotel will take on about four Community College students for two months, to train them and groom them into potential local chefs.

Trainee - Jeff Charles demonstrating his work of art

South Caicos future discussed at stakeholders meeting OPPORTUNITY is knocking on the shores of South Caicos as an additional ferry route and increased interest in tourism spreads to the ‘Big South’.

Manager of Caribbean Cruisin’, Roger Halliday met with stakeholders from the local tourist industry, last Wednesday (March 6).

Present for the day long excursion, which included an extensive historical tour of the island, were representatives from the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Turks and Caicos National Trust, Caribbean Cruisin’, Sailrock and East Bay developments, Big Blue Unlimited, School for Field Studies, as well as members of the local community.

The aim of the meeting was to begin a conversation about the future of South Caicos, and how the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board and Turks and Caicos National Trust can help ensure the culture and history of South Caicos are maintained and how to develop tourism to the islands.

TCI Ferry, which operates ferry services to North Caicos from

Providenciales five times a day, added their existing South Caicos route in April 2012, which runs between South Caicos and Providenciales on Mondays and Fridays.

Halliday said: “We have added service on Wednesdays in order to attract tourism to the islands.”

Director of the Tourist Board, Ralph Higgs, said: “We have had tremendous success in the last two years with our ‘Beyond Provo campaign’.

“We are excited about the possibilities our sister islands have.

The ‘Beyond Provo’ concept deals with spreading the tourism industry to the sister islands as Providenciales is most often the one stop many tourists make during their visit.”

Elected representative for South Caicos, Norman Saunders, who was also present for the informal meeting, said: “South Caicos has something good to offer.

“Tourists who are interested in the history of Turks and Caicos can find a lot here.”

The National Trust, along with former South Caicos district

commissioner, Emily Malcolm, also expressed great interest in not only preserving the rich natural history of the island, but also promoting the cultural aspects and the environment through eco-tourism and encouragement of local artisans.

Ethlyn Gibbs-Williams, Director of the Turks and Caicos National Trust, spoke about sharing the island’s rich ecology with tourists.

Members of the community present at the meeting shared their ideas and willingness to work on creating a thriving tourism industry for the island.

The National Trust committed to help facilitate the training of local artistry and eco-tourism as they have previously done with the support of the Caribbean Development Bank.

Higgs committed on bringing back tourists and journalists to the island once local residents were ready to showcase their new tourism products.

“Today should be the beginning of a better South Caicos,” said Malcolm. “This is about what can be on South Caicos.”

22 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 16 - 22, 2013

Traffic must pull over when approached by emergency vehicles

– Police stress zero tolerance

By Daisy Handfield OFFICIALS from the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) reiterated this week that many vehicles refuse to move to the left, yield and come to a complete stop when the emergency services are trying to rush to emergency calls.

In a press conference last Friday, press liaison officer for RTCPF, Audley Astwood, stressed that the police has a zero tolerance level for the this offence and will try to bring these offenders to justice.

Astwood said: “I want to remind the public that this is a typical offence that carries a penalty of $350, not to mention a number of different traffic offences that you could be committing, ranging from driving without due care and attention, down to reckless driving.

“I would strongly urge the public to be mindful of the emergency vehicles, not just the ambulance but also the fire trucks and the police cars.

“This is something serious and I’m quite sure that valid drivers who hold a valid driver’s licence should know this when taking the drivers exams.

“If you don’t respect the emergency vehicles, you will be dealt with to the full extent of the law.”

Director of the EMS for the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Pat Riel, added that EMS answers to roughly 2,000 emergency calls nationally per year and at least three calls per day on Providenciales.

Riel noted that he believes that a lot of people are not familiar with the right thing to do when an emergency vehicle comes up behind them.

He said that this is not only dangerous for the culprits but it is also dangerous for him and his coworkers and even the patient.

The director said: “I have to acknowledge that all emergency vehicles move quickly because they are usually in a hurry.

“If they continue driving and we are trying to turn in front of them, it’s actually incredibly dangerous and causes a lot of shifting in the back of the ambulance.

“If there is a patient in the back, it’s actually quite harmful for that patient to be shifting around.”

Paramedic with EMS, Viktoria Krokorian, also stressed that responding to certain calls can be a bit frantic because on many occasions they have to yell on the microphones, asking drivers to move out of the way.

Krokorian said: “We have a lot of people that are purposely ignoring the ambulance because they don’t

Police Press Conference (Paramedic for EMS Viktoria Krokorian, PR for RTCPF Audley Astwood and director for EMS Pat Riel)

think we are important or they are in a rush themselves while some people literally don’t know what to do.

“We don’t have the time to sit

around writing license plate numbers down on the way to the actual calls so I will just emphasise that the public needs to move to the left and

come to an actual stop as opposed to speeding up or stopping abruptly where they are or just continuing in the slow lane.”

TCHTA joins Regional Hotel and Tourism Board TURKS and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s (TCHTA) Executive, Stacy Cox has been elected as secretary to sit on the Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives (CSHAE) Board for the 2013-14 term.

CSHAE members include top executives and senior managers from the region’s private-sector lead hotel and tourism-related organisations.

The board which includes executives from seven regional hotel associations will meet to share feedback as it relates to key advocacy concerns including increased taxation, lack of destination marketing, high energy costs and high prices transportation.

Cox noted that the newly appointed board met recently to

update the CSHAE work plan to incorporate new strategies to guide their efforts over the next few years in order to strengthen the work and roles of all of the associations at the local and regional level.

She added that they also covered ways to enhance leadership skills, drive membership to the local associations and integrate social media platform and booking engine.

The new TCHTA’s executive said: "Since my appointment TCHTA has already implemented some of the suggestions coming out of the CSHAE session including the launch of TCHTA's Facebook and Twitter pages.

“Through my inclusion on the board, TCHTA will benefit tremendously from the wealth of

information the group of executives offers, which will allow our local association to improve our tourism product through professional development of staff and working collaboratively with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association."

The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) represents a wide range of members from hotels and resorts to insurance companies and financial service providers, from water sports operators to catering outlets, from taxi drivers to human resources.

The association aims to assist the organisations through networking opportunities, training, promotional activities and representation at all levels of decision-making in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the region.

BlakOutCrew to debut new album ‘Ten’ soon

The Blackout boys

AFTER spending much of 2011 and 2012 focusing on recording and promotion, the Turks and Caicos Islands’ BlakOutCrew is getting ready to release an epic album later this year.

This year marks 10 years since the group's existence, hence the title of the album ‘Ten’ – a collection of some of their most heartfelt and loved songs on one album.

The album will feature uplifting songs such as ‘Brighter Day,’ ‘I Will Remember You’ and ‘You Weren't There,’ along with the group’s most memorable songs such as ‘Thoroughbred’ and ‘Emotions.’

The collection will be released under Reef Entertainment Records,

a promotion/distribution company with which the group signed a one year deal in December, 2012.

A representative of Reef Entertainment Records said: “BlakOutCrew is ready for the world and fans everywhere are ready for the group.”

The album is expected to be available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Google Music and all other major online retailers.

BlakOutCrew has gained something of a following from recording original songs, all written by the group, as well as having their music in rotation on many reggae, hip-hop and R&B radio stations worldwide.

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Grand Turk’s Women’s Day celebration: Rita Gardiner, Desiree Lewis, Deputy Governor Anya Williams and Governor Todd

NEWS 23

A section of the crowd at the event in Providenciales

TCI observes Women’s Day FOR centuries women all around the world have been working tirelessly to advance their rights in society, to end deep rooted discrimination and to be treated with the same respect and consideration as men.

TCI’s Gender Department joined in the 102nd year of acknowledging International Women's Day on March 8 under the theme - The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum.

Islands throughout the TCI marked the day with community gatherings to acknowledge women who have contributed significantly to making a difference in the lives of others in their society.

While women’s rights have advanced greatly and many have the opportunity to follow their dreams, too many still struggle with inequalities and issues that prevent them from progressing.

Along with celebrating women and their achievements, a panel discussion was held at Brayton Hall in Providenciales to discuss ‘Ways to improve women’s lives’ here in the TCI. PROGRESS MADE Setting the tone of the evening with a stimulating speech, Tremmaine Harvey reminded the audience of the atrocities women around the world still face and the struggles they endure all because they were born as women.

She pointed out that in the past women could not hold equal roles in the homes or outside and were not involved in decision making.

Throughout the years, many women around the world have made noteworthy contributions and tremendous differences that have paved the way for others.

Harvey said: “Twenty years ago in Latin America and the Caribbean only 32 per cent of women were active in the work force, now 53 per cent are in the work force.”

Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing, pleased that women have gained much momentum over the years, said women in the TCI have made significant strides and are much

more fortunate than women in many other countries around the world.

He said: “As Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands I am happy to see that so many women have accepted the challenge to advance themselves in their chosen field.

The Premier said he was proud of the economic, political and social contributions women have made to the development of the Turks and Caicos.

With regards to politics, he said: “We have much to celebrate.”

“Turks and Caicos has made significant achievements when we now have a House of Assembly where there is almost an equal number of men to women and when the top position in the Opposition party, the Leader of the Opposition is a woman.”

Some top political leadership roles held by women in the TCI include Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson Leader of the Opposition and Member of Parliament; Josephine Connolly Member of Parliament; Anya Williams - Deputy Governor; Akierra Missick - Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture; Porsha Stubbs-Smith - Minister of Environment and Home Affairs.

The Premier said: “It shows we are not prohibiting women from taking up these roles but again we need to be supportive and ensure there are no barriers.

“I encourage women to be the best that you can be in your chosen field and be the role models for our young women to look up to.”

He committed to support the gender affairs unit to ensure the advancement of women in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SERVICES A segment of the evening was dedicated to acknowledging and awarding some significant women who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of so many in the TCI throughout the years.

Honourees included Cicely Ewing for her work with advocacy and outreach for the elderly, Doreen

Discussing issues and answering questions: Doreen Quelch-Missick, Pastor Barbara Cox, Stacy Cox, Irene Butterfield and Dr. Dawn Perry

Quelch-Missick for advocating women's and children's rights, Inspector Irene Butterfield for service in various NGOs in the area of domestic violence and Claudette Basden for Contribution to women’s outreach and drug counselling.

Yanique Henriquez received an award for community service, Almartha Thomas for years of service in welfare, Ellen Howell for years of service in education and Past Principal of the Oseta Jolly Primary.

Ianthe Pratt was recognised as the oldest educator on Providenciales and patron of the Ianthe Pratt Primary School.

Highlighted as patron of the Gender Department was Rita Gardiner, the first director of the gender affairs unit who implemented many programmes pertaining to gender equality and the rights of women and children.

STIMULATING DISCUSSIONS A panel discussion also allowed a group of six dynamic females to engage members of the audience, answer questions, talk over issues and concerns and brainstorm possible ways to move forward.

Members of the panel included Human Rights Commissioner Doreen Quelch-Missick, Pastor Barbara Cox, Association Executive of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association Stacy Cox,

Head of Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Unit Inspector Irene Butterfield, obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Dawn Perry and Judge Ramsey-Hales.

Topics discussed included domestic violence, single parenting, achieving success, health issues and other issues faced by women.

Deputy Director of Gender Department Barbara Handfield

encouraged men and women to work together on issues that affect women.

Giving encouragement to bridge the gap, she reminded the audience that everyone is affected by women’s issues and by a woman in their life.

She said: “Gaining equality in any form maybe a difficult road to navigate, but while we are taking the journey, we can definitely empower ourselves and each other.” (KH)

LIME participates in Enid Capron’s ‘Bring your child to work’ day DURING Education Week 2013 one of LIME’s staff members had the chance to show his little one what his work was all about.

LIME’s employee, William Harvey, had the opportunity to take his son, William Jr, to the office for a few hours, to experience firsthand some of the daily tasks that his dad is responsible for.

Harvey noted that this initiative was very beneficial for his child because not only did it enhance his learning ability but it also gave them the opportunity to spend quality time together.

Harvey said: “It is a good

initiative that the school has introduced in the celebration of Education Week and it gives my son a chance to see what is being done rather than just hearing about it.”

He continued, “I am happy to participate in the programme.”

When asked about what he learned during the time, William Jr commented: “I saw where daddy works and the systems that he has to work on.”

He added: “I am enjoyed my time in LIME with daddy.”

William Harvey was one of several staff members who played a role in the festivities this week.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 16 - 22, 2013

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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Entertainment

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Motown founder Berry Gordy receives Hall of Fame award MOTOWN Records founder Berry Gordy will receive the

Pioneer Award at this year’s Songwriters Hall of Fame

gala.

The producer signed the

likes of Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder and The Jackson Five to his Detroit label.

The award, established in 2012, honours those who have had a “major influence on generations of songwriters”, said Hall of Fame chairman Jimmy Webb.

The ceremony takes place on 13 June in New York, where a new musical based on Gordy’s life has just made its debut.

Gordy, 83, will be the first living person to receive the accolade, which was posthumously awarded to folk singer Woody Guthrie last year.

Webb, writer of such Glen

Motown founder Berry Gordy will receive the Pioneer Award at this year’s Songwriters Hall of Fame gala.

Campbell hits as Wichita Lineman and Galveston, described Gordy as “an innovator and a visionary”.

“He created a label but more than that, he created a genre,” Webb said. “He pioneered a marketplace for African-American artistry and then he invited the world in to

enjoy it.

“Berry Gordy and the Motown sound are essential to the American music story.”

Previously announced inductees this year include British songwriter Tony Hatch, Mick Jones and Lou Gramm of Foreigner, and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry.

Akon: Why I’m a changed man HE calls it “my spaceship.”

From the soundproofed walls and floor to the large sofas and keyboard racks, there’s only one prevailing color inside Akon’s state-of-the-art personal studio.

“It is all white,” says the multiplatinum selling artist, of the studio where he has recorded and produced several of his R&B and hip hop hits. “It helps me think a lot easier,” he adds. “This is my place of creation -- I am selfengineered, I pretty much work everything in here myself.”

It’s also here where the Senegalese-American singer is putting the final touches

to his fourth studio album, expected to be released in June, nearly 10 years after he first rose to fame with his 2004 debut offering “Trouble.”

Since then, Akon has sold millions of albums around the world and collaborated with countless pop and hip-hop icons such as Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Snoop Dog and Eminem.

Along the way, he’s also stirred up controversy on several occasions, catching criticism for exploiting his criminal past, as well as for his sexually explicit lyrics and concert shenanigans.

Akon is a SenegaleseAmerican multi-platinum selling singer, well-known for his successful solo work and his impressive roster of collaborations.

NEW!

www.harvesttci.org

Saturday Night Worship Services STARTING: April 13 TIME: 6:30 pm

All Are Welcome!

For information call: 333-2009 Leeward Highway - ¼ mile East of Tropicana Roundabout

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 27

Spotlight on Salt Cay

Dunston Point

By Candy Herwin

ONCE again residents and wellwishers have raised money for yet another worthwhile project.

The Salt Cay Fund was created soon after the island of Salt Cay was hit by hurricanes Hanna and Ike and projects are selected that will benefit the community of Salt Cay. This year, one of the assignments was to beautify Dunston Point, a picturesque area of the coastline.

Historically ‘Dunston Point’ was strategically built as a secure mini harbour on the west side of Salt Cay and was always a hub-bub of commotion with incoming and outgoing boats involved in the salt trade.

Often the wharf provided an ideal place to swim and cool off from the hot sun and monotonous work of loading salt.

It was during the period between 1935 and 1951 that many islanders worked for Franklyn Harriot, a grumpy stern man married to a sweet girl from South Caicos named Marjorie Durham.

Located close to the ‘White

House,’ the pay master office and salt grinding mill, the wharf at Dunstan’s Point was used for transporting salt out to the large steamer ships.

These large salt ships would then carry their cargo back to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland where the fine salt was used to cure and preserve codfish.

Moored out to sea the steamers would wait for the lighter boats to pull alongside and offload bushels of salt in burlap bags into the hold.

Many a day Uncle ‘Sammy’ would buck up against the steamer with water washing over and into his

salt laden boat.

“Quick throw her over, throw her over,” he would shout, looking for the hook that had to be lowered to pull up the heavy bags before the boat was swamped!

There were many boats during this time including the New Era, Enterprise, Archilles, Palastinia, Julia and Hope.

Many of the ancestors like Sammy Simmons and Rohelio Landy multitasked as captains, carpenters, masons and salt-rakers and kept the economy of salt exportation alive.

Sometimes the men would arrive

in what the locals called ‘box’ boats.

The boxes were hand crafted in Harriots workshop by Ms Nettie Talbots grandfather Alphius Simmons and Henry Smith.

The boxes were made out of wood with square tops and rounded bottoms to fit the hull of the boat and when secure were then loaded with bulk salt.

The labourers would shovel the salt into the wooden shoot located on the wharf, which in turn permitted the salt to pour into the box boats ready for passage to the salt ships.

The grinding station, the remains of which can be seen today were manned by Felix Lightbourne and Nathaniel Walkin or ‘Bookiie’ as he

was called.

They would grind the course salt until it was fine and considered a product of superior quality.

And so it is that the principal aim of the Salt Cay Fund committee for 2013 is to provide a safe and secure method of entering the now natural swimming pool by building steps into the water at Dunston’s Point.

Last week the team gathered together and with a good sense of humour swung the steps into position and dropped them into the man-made swimming pool.

“This is a wonderful idea” said one resident. “The steps mean that the children and older folk have a safe way to enter the water, take a sea bath and enjoy swimming.”

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 16 - 22, 2013

Enthusiastic Provo Roadrunners members at an intense Thursday morning boot camp session

Fitness instructor prompts healthy lifestyle with free boot camp classes DRIVEN by her passion for fitness and exercise, Adina Ciurar has committed to helping anyone in the community to achieve a more active and healthy lifestyle.

She is generously offering free boot camp training sessions every Thursday morning from 6 to 7am at the National Stadium.

A Tae-Bo instructor, personal trainer and manager of the Graceway Sports Centre, Ciurar started the boot camp sessions six weeks ago as part of her commitment to the Provo Road Runners Club ‘Biggest Loser’ Competition.

When she was approached by group members for some fitness tips, she realised that “there are people who want to eat better and exercise but they don’t know how”.

She said: “There are many people who are willing to learn but cannot afford a personal trainer to tell them what exercises to do or a nutritionist to tell them how to eat.”

It is her belief that “the whole community is going through an awakening process with fitness and nutrition” and she is on a personal quest to give back to the community and help those willing to learn.

During the past weeks she guided 31 people through one-hour workout sessions three days each week.

The group exercises included kickboxing on Mondays, boot camp on Thursdays and intense total body conditioning on Fridays.

Aware that many people who are not accustomed to exercising may have a hard time keeping up, she is very conscious “when to slow down and when to increase the intensity and when to give a break so they can keep up for one hour”.

She said: “I had a person of 240 pounds keep up with my workout” and “another lady who said she cannot run, learned to run two laps in six weeks”.

Ciurar mixes different high impact, high intensity workouts to improve overall fitness and build resistance.

She stressed that is it not about being skinny but about where you are in terms of health and wellbeing.

Collectively the 31 people who signed onto the competition lost a total of 236 pounds.

The biggest looser lost 27 pounds was followed by a 24.5 pounds lost and a 23 pounds lost in only six weeks of training.

Pleased with the commitment and response of the group, she felt encouraged to extend her services to members of the community who might be interested in getting fit but cannot afford to join a gym. (KH)

Adina Ciurar, Tae-Bo instructor, personal trainer and manager of the Graceway Sports Centre

March 16 - 22, 2013

NEWS 29

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

David Bowen and photographer/videographer Lemens Welch all set and ready to dance

Harlem Shake TCI in action

TCI does the Harlem Shake – Video surpasses 3,000 YouTube views in less than three days IT HAS been done just about everywhere - in an aeroplane, a newsroom, in offices, a fire station,

by NASA; and last Sunday it was done on a beautiful beach in Providenciales.

The TCI edition of the Harlem Shake, which was filmed at Bugaloo’s in Five Cays, racked up over 3,000 views in less than three days after producers released it on YouTube.

The mega popular internet meme has been replicated by thousands of people from all around the world and TCI producers are thrilled by its fast growing pace.

Videographer and editor Mark

Gangasingh said the amount of hits the video has gotten in just a few days is better than he expected.

“The turnout was great and even more so the participation. All in all it was a great day and we had lots of fun!”

Organiser Cord Garrido-Lowe, who was still quite enjoying the various versions, said: “It’s such a fun video…we wanted to share that feeling with everyone, to show how beautiful the Turks and Caicos is and how diverse the people are.

“We were hoping to flood the beach with hundreds of people but with the numbers that showed up we shared something special and now

we are sharing it with the world.”

“Producing something of quality took some time and preparation but it was worth it,” said Garrido-Lowe who also designed the vibrant ‘Let’s do the Harlem Shake’ poster.

About 50 people including children bopped and boogied to the electronic beats of Baauer’s Harlem Shake song while an even larger number of onlookers shared in the excitement.

Director of Culture David Bowen, in his popular Maskanoo costume, was featured as the lead dancer of the energetic bunch of residents and tourists who participated.

Bowen said he was proud to be a

Preparing for the first take

part of anything that put TCI on the map in a positive light and he hopes that people see the beautiful beaches in the background and make TCI their next vacation destination.

Following the trendy video concept, the first cut of the video portrayed the main dancer, Bowen, bursting out some unique dance moves while people in the background went on doing what they do best on the picturesque beach.

The scene that follows shows a significantly larger group dressed in creative costumes and fun masks, doing their wackiest dance moves to the high energy beats played by DJ Romano of Mad Sounds.

Among the crowd of dancers were Henry the Conch, iron man, participants in motorcycle helmets,

an eccentric array of masks and a noticeable scatter of TCI flags.

The event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Visual Storytelling’s Mark Ganagsingh, Cord Garrido-Lowe, David Bowen, Bugaloo’s, DJ Romano, Graceway IGA, The Indie Hour’s DJ Becca, Power 92.5 FM’s Kenny ‘The Hitman’ and Radio Turks and Caicos.

Volunteers involved in the successful production are delighted that what began as a fun idea among friends is turning out to be a very popular video.

The video can be viewed at www. youtube.com/watch?v=9JjXzI94-g4 or viewers can type ‘Official Turks & Caicos Harlem Shake Video’ into YouTube. (KH)

Pageant organisers unveil dazzling crown A STUNNING 14 carat gold plated crown with hundreds of brilliant crystals was unveiled by the Miss Universe Turks and Caicos Beauty Organisation, enticing contestants with an additional incentive to win.

The dazzling headpiece was revealed in a glamorous ceremony at Jai’s on Friday, March 8, leaving sponsors, contestants, board members and other invitees in awe of its magnificence.

Jai’s, whose name is synonymous will elegance and glamour, sponsored the crown and also presented the contestants with a fragrance, fittingly called Chance.

Premier Dr Rufus Ewing encouraged the contestants to try their best, and pledging his support, reminded the six ladies that the title will be a responsibility that should not be taken lightly.

He also commended the dynamic committee for their great work within the franchise thus far.

Prior to the unveiling of the crown, the sizzling six were sashed; each to represent an island within the Turks and Caicos archipelago.

In a random draw, the contestants picked an envelope marked with the island which she will represent.

Fate decided that Snwazna Adams will represent Salt Cay, Crystal Coleby - Providenciales, Cortrina Cooper Middle Caicos, Vanessa Hall - Grand Turk, Tymant Dean - North Caicos and Frenica Williams - South Caicos.

During the evening, president of the organisation Kazz Forbes also revealed a wide range of amazing prizes that the winner will receive.

Included in the array are a down payment on a new home, $3,000 cash prize, the opportunity to be Digicel ambassador, a full wardrobe from

Contestants of the Miss Turks and Caicos Universe Pageant all sashed and ready to take home the exquisite crown

Saint George Fashion House, a tablet and MiFi Service from Islandcom and many other fabulous gifts.

The grand finale will be held on April 27 and a preliminary competition on April 26.

For more information about the pageant and contestants visit www.MissTCI.org (KH)

30

Regional News

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Laing: US budget cliff a burden to Caribbean THE inability of American lawmakers to agree on budgetary measures threatens small Caribbean economies

like the Bahamas, a former finance minister of that county has said.

“A US fiscal cliff can be

an economic cliff for small states,” said Zhivargo Laing.

“Small Caribbean economies rely significantly

on trade with the US, either through tourism or some other economic activity, and especially share concerns about US economic and fiscal prospects.”

Mr Laing said Caribbean countries cannot directly affect US economic policy and thereby its economic prospects but “they must be vigilant about monitoring such developments so as to shape their own polices to reflect the possible implications of those developments”.

However, he said the time has come for Caribbean states to reach out to the American lawmakers, “to be more proactive in engaging US policy makers to promote our economic interests.”

“History has demonstrated that gambling against US enterprise is a fool’s bet,” he said, expressing optimism about US economic prospects.

“My optimism is based on

the depth of US creative and innovative capacity as well as the determination of its entrepreneurial spirit. US private enterprise will rise, quite often despite public sector lag,” Mr Laing said.

Former Bahamian Finance Minister Zhivargo Laing

Bajan drug dealers bringing out big guns – police THE big drug dealers are bringing out the big guns.

And the chief of this country’s Police Drug Squad is bemoaning the fact that drug dealers in Barbados have become brazen enough to not only smuggle in highpowered weapons, but also use them with intent to injure or even kill law enforcement officers.

This was the feeling of Superintendent Grafton Phillips yesterday, after one of Barbados’ most pristine tourist areas was turned into something like a scene from the Miami Vice hit movie on Sunday night, when police and a group of armed men were involved in a drug-busting shoot-out on a beach in Fitts Village, St James.

In the end, police were able to make one of their largest seizures of illegal drugs in recent times, recovering more than 2 000 pounds of marijuana. (Barbados Nation)

WE HAVE MOVED FLOWER GIRL #2 HAS NOW BEEN RELOCATED TO UNIT 3 CAFÉ PLAZA TO SERVE YOU BETTER, AND KEEP YOUR AFFAIRS AS OUR NUMBER 1 SECRET.

Give that very special person a surprise by visiting us at our new location. Open 10am-6pm

CONTACT: 649-941-3020

March 16 - 22, 2013

St Vincent records eight births from girls aged 1114 in 2012 TEENAGE pregnancy in St. Vincent continues to be a major concern for the Ministry of Health with eight girls between the ages of 11 and 14 years giving birth in 2012, Health Minister Clayton Burgin has told Parliament.

He said that teenage pregnancy remains high even as the nation recorded a constant decrease in the number of babies dying before birth -- prenatal mortality.

“The area that continues to worry my ministry is teenage pregnancy.

The teenage pregnancy rate in 2012 remained high, standing at 17.9 per cent, with eight girls between 11 and 14 giving birth,” he told lawmakers on Monday “A coordinated effort is needed to tackle this problem.

It will require the input of every sector of society to correct this problem.”

The age of consent in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is 16 years and a person having sex with a girl under that age can be charged with one or more of several crimes.

Burgin’s comments came as he lauded improvement in both prenatal and neonatal mortality rates.

He said the neonatal mortality rates continues to decline, standing at 50.4 per 1,000 in 2010, 11.5 in 2011, and 7.44 in 2012, while the stillbirth rate fell to from 20.3 in 2011 to 14.6 in 2012.

Burgin said last year, the prenatal mortality rate stood at 22.05 per 1,000 total births the lowest recorded since 2007. In 2010, it was 33.8 and 31.9 in 2011.

“Mr. Speaker, when one considers that St. Vincent and the Grenadines does not possess the technological capabilities and sophistication as the more developed countries, to have such a steady decline of deaths in the prenatal period is indeed a remarkable feat,” Burgin said, noting however, there was an increase in the number of babies born with birth defect.

The Maternal and Child Health Committee discussing the pros and cons of folic acids for mothers as a matter of minimising congenital birth defects.

Only one maternal death was recording in 2012.

Burgin said that the figures were in the normal international standards and “even more favourable that some of our Caribbean neighbours and also throughout the world.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

31

32

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NOTICE OF SALE BY World News get first pope PUBLIC AUCTION Americas as Argentine elected Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands:

1. Parcel 10408/16, South Back Salina, Grand Turk.

Comprising of a detached single Storey residential building providing bedrooms, bathrooms, living, kitchen and dining areas.

Registered Proprietor: Domingo Jose Mora

2. Parcel 60602/222 Norway & Five Cays, Providenciales

South Apartments-Comprises of a single storey apartment building providing four (4) one bedroom apartment units together with areas of a private covered deck East Apartments-Comprises of a parttwo storey apartment building providing six (6) two bedroom apartment units with areas of a communal walkway Residence-Comprises of a single storey detached development providing two bedrooms, living/dining area, bathroom and kitchen.

Registered Proprietor: McLean Prince George Gardiner

3. Parcel 60400/286 Chalk Sound, Providenciales

Comprising of a detached raised single storey residential development.

The subject property provides living/ dining room, kitchen, bathroom with a large en-suite and closets. It also provides easy access to the water and good views of silly creek from its part wrap-around deck.

Registered Proprietor: Sean Delroy Penn

4. Parcel 60900/190 Leeward Going Through, Providenciales.

Comprising of single storey main residence and a single storey two bedroom guest house. The main house provides four bedrooms, three bathrooms, living room, dining room and kitchen. The guest house provides two bedrooms, one bath, living and kitchen area.

Registered Proprietors: Carl Anderson Gardiner and Sonovia Darshann Gardiner

5. Parcel 60718/159, The Bight and Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales.

Comprising of a two storey apartment building providing one three bed/ two bath unit, one two bed/two bath unit, five one bed unit and two efficiency units. All the units have access to shared covered deck areas excluding the two efficiencies.

Registered Proprietor: Kathy

Monique Lightbourne Odaro P Imafidon

Imafidon

and

6. Parcel 60811/23 The Bight & Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales,

Comprising of a single storey residence containing three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, living and dining room.

Registered Proprietors: Oleta Louise Robinson

7. Parcel 60902/235/K3 Leeward Going Through, Providenciales

Comprising of a town home development which has approximately four units in one. The subject apartment comprises of living accommodations over two floors. The apartment includes a kitchen, living room, one bedroom, two bathrooms, powder room, utility room and owner’s closet. There is also a communal pool and garden areas on site.

Registered Proprietor: Harriet Michelle Lorraine Swann

ARGENTINE Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been elected the Catholic Church's Pope, taking the name Francis.

Appearing on a balcony over St Peter's Square in Rome, he asked the faithful to pray for him, with cheers erupting as he gave a blessing.

The 76-year-old from Buenos Aires is the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to be pontiff.

Messages of goodwill have poured in from around the world. The Pope's inaugural Mass will be next Tuesday.

Pope Francis replaces Benedict XVI, who resigned last month at the age of 85, saying he was not strong enough to lead the Church.

Francis has telephoned Benedict and is planning to meet him, a Vatican spokesman said.

The new Pope takes the helm at a difficult time for the Catholic Church, facing an array of challenges which include the role of women,

Cardinal Bergoglio is greeted on the balcony above St Peter's Square.

interfaith tensions and dwindling congregations in some parts of the world.

'FRUITFUL MISSION' The election of a new Pope was signalled by white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney on Wednesday evening.

About an hour later, the name of the new Pope was read out.

The BBC's James Robbins, in St Peter's Square, says that at first the crowd was unsure

who this man was, but they seemed to warm to his humour.

He began his address to the crowds by offering a prayer for his predecessor.

In a light-hearted moment, he said his fellow cardinals had gone to the "ends of the Earth" to find a bishop of Rome.

He went on to ask the crowd to "pray to God so that he can bless me", before calling on the world to set off on a path of love and fraternity.

8. Parcel 60003/08 North West and North Central, Providenciales

Comprising of a single storey residential home with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen and a laundry room. Some commercial amenities are available nearby; however, the downtown area is readily accessible via Millennium Highway which is accessed via a paved road leading from the subject estate.

Registered Proprietor: Alan James Percy

9. Parcel 10401/115 East Suburbs, Grand Turk

Comprising of two- two bedroom and one bedroom apartments and one- one bedroom, one bathroom apartment.

There is a derelict lean-to addition and cistern at the rear of the property.

Registered Proprietor: Coralene Lou Phillips

10. Parcel 60807/172 The Bight & Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales

Comprising of two adjoining lots of a total of 1 acre on which is constructed a two storey apartment building with two ground level one bedroom apartments and one upper floor two bedroom, two bathroom apartments.

Registered Proprietors: Jacqueline Edna Brown and Latasha Makalia Delancy

The auction will be held at the offices of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 10 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 29th day of March 2012 A reserve price will be fixed on all parcels. A deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids.

Terms and Conditions of Sale by Auction are available by request from Scotiabank Collections Department (649) 946-4750.

The Somerset Resort Management Ltd. is seeking Labour Clearance for the positions listed below. Suitably qualified Belongers who possess the requirements listed are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates should possess luxury resort experience, be professional in attitude and demeanor and must read and speak English fluently. Positions requires a flexible schedule which includes holidays, weekends and evenings, and extended hours on occasion and is a full time position. Salary commensurate with experience, education and training.

ASSET MANAGER Requirements

• Visionary leader with minimum 10 years progressive hotel operations experience as a Asset Manager in a luxury resort.

• Must possess a thorough understanding of all areas of operations with an ability to orchestrate departments in achieving established goals and objectives • 10 years successful sales/marketing experience with quantifiable results including effective property positioning strategies • Strong knowledge of Small Luxury Resort requirements and service standards • Strong financial management proficiency with proven ability to drive revenue that impacts results • Proven experience working with residential boards and/or owner associations • Exceptional ability to attract, develop and retain an effective management team • Must be able to work well in stressful, high pressure situations • Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook and Visual One • Strong experience in training and employee development program • Minimum Bachelors Degree in Hospitality or related subjects

Responsibilities

• Full responsibility for the leadership and operational success of the Resort • Work closely with senior management to formulate and implement long range plans for overall high performance and quality standards and maximizing guest satisfaction • Direct the development of marketing plans, budgets, forecasts, and other controls • Meet or exceed planned objectives for revenue and profit for all areas of responsibility • Actively participate in marketing and promotional activities, which may require personal attendance to various functions, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.

• Consistently challenges Resorts boundaries and maintains a culture that is dedicated to exceeding guest expectations • Oversee and develope leadership training programs • Works closely with the Execuetive Committee and owner’s association • Represent the organization at Civic and Industry memberships • Extensive sales related travel

Qualified Belonger candidates can complete an application form in person at The Somerset on Grace Bay or submit a Resume by e-mail at somersethr@thesomerset.com.

Te: 946-5900. Fax: 946-5839. The closing date for applications is March 31, 2013.

6916

March 16 - 22, 2013

World News

33

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Argentina’s president calls Falklands vote ‘parody’

The USA is very concerned that a massive cyberattack, by a group or a country can cause harm.

Official: Cyber-attacks, N. Korea, jihadist groups top U.S. threats CYBER-ATTACKS pose more of a threat to the United States than a land-based attack by a terrorist group, while North Korea’s development of a nuclear weapons program poses a “serious threat,” the director of national intelligence told Congress on Tuesday.

The warning by Director of National Intelligence James Clapper came in his annual report to Congress on the threats facing the United States.

“Attacks, which might involve cyber and financial weapons, can be deniable and unattributable,” Clapper said in prepared remarks before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. “Destruction can be invisible, latent and progressive.”

The Internet is increasingly being used as a tool both by nations and terror groups

to achieve their objectives, according to Clapper’s report.

However, there is only a “remote chance” of a major cyberattack on the United States that would cause widespread disruptions, such as regional power outages, the report says. Most countries or groups don’t have the capacity to pull it off.

While Clapper emphasized possible cyberthreats, committee members raised questions about the potential nuclear dangers posed by North Korea and Iran, the increasing prevalence of al Qaeda in Syria and the effect of cuts to the U.S. budget on intelligence activities.

Angered by U.N. Security Council sanctions over its nuclear test, North Korea threatened for the first time to launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike against the United States and South Korea.

AN overwhelming vote by residents of the Falkland Islands to remain under British rule didn’t quell claims from Argentina on Tuesday.

President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner called this week’s two-day referendum a “parody” and maintained that the territory, which Argentina calls Las Malvinas, rightfully belongs to her country.

“It is as if a consortium of occupiers had voted on whether to continue illegally occupying a building,” she said at an event in Buenos Aires. “The results were fixed.”

Asked whether they wanted to remain a British Overseas Territory, more than 99% of voters who cast ballots said yes, according to a Falkland Islands government spokesman. Just three people voted no, spokesman Darren Christie said.

Pictures at the polls showed some residents of the islands draped in Union flags as they cast their votes. Cars displayed banners that read, “We’re British and proud.”

A parade honoring British heritage marked the start of voting Sunday.

The vote drew praise from British Prime Minister David Cameron.

“It’s the clearest possible result there could be,” he said, “and the fact is that the Falkland Islands may be

Premier Contracting Services Seeks suitable qualified applicants to fill the positions of labourers:

two Labourers

thousands of miles away, but they are British through and through, and that is how they want to stay.”

Argentina should respect the will of the islanders, he said, adding that the United Kingdom “will always be there to defend them.”

Before the results were announced, one lawmaker from the islands criticized Argentina for arguing that the vote was illegitimate.

More than 99 % of the Falkland residents voted to remain under British rule.

Vice President Power Production and Project Management This position is responsible for the efficient installation, operation, and maintenance of the production assets, electrical auxiliary equipment, and management of FortisTCI’s civil capital projects, fuel procurement and supplies, management of general insurance programs and for providing engineering services in support of the Company’s integrated energy production and supply activities.

Main Duties ;; Responsible for the generation of a safe, constant and sufficient supply of electricity ;; Responsible for strategic planning and installation of production facilities and infrastructure ;; Responsible for the timely implementation of new works and modifications to existing production systems to optimize the production plant, improve plant efficiency and reliability. ;; Responsible for the development and implementation of effective production and electrical maintenance programmes and practices to maximize efficiency and reliability. ;; Responsible for provision of engineering services, engineering feasibility studies, and construction support services for the Company. ;; Responsible for preparation and control of annual division budgets. ;; Responsible for generation, and civil works that meet best practice of safety, environmental, quality, budgetary control and reporting standards. ;; Responsible for planning and upgrading electrical control systems at the plant. ;; Responsible with high voltage command and coordination control as required. ;; Responsible for the Corporate Liability, Property and Machinery Breakdown Insurance programmes

Qualification and responsibilities includes

Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years experience in landscape maintenance • Responsible for weeding, pruning, trimming all plants on property, sweeping • Cleaning windows, restrooms and removing of trash and solid waste • Must have good knowledge of gardening techniques and ability to apply pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers properly • Responsible for the upkeep and general look / maintenance of entire grounds • Ability to maintain and repair irrigations systems • Willingness to perform numerous laborious tasks • Willingness to perform all other tasks in relation to general cleaning ad or labour

;; A Degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 15 years post-graduation experience in senior management positions in the electricity utility industry. ;; Hold an MBA degree ;; At least 10 years in a senior leadership position ;; Excellent written and oral communication skills. ;; Excellent team player with proven team building skills. ;; Ability to deliver to strict deadlines. ;; Self-motivated, solution oriented and positive in outlook ;; Self-motivated Compensation: Based on Qualifications and Experience.

Salary: $7.00 per hour

Deadline for submission of applications is March 29th, 2013 to:

Deadline for submission of applications is March 29th 2013

Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@ppcltd.tc fax: 649-941-4304

Written applications along with relevant qualifications and references should be addressed to the attention of:

Edith Cox Suite 200 Graceway Plaza Providenciales 7964

7951

34

Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Brama Kumaris

FOR RENT

3-bedroom apartment $1100.00 per month it will be available May 1st.

contact: 946-4664

Raja Yoga Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands

Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101 www.bkwsu.com Email: bkwsu@tciway.tc

FOR SALE

March 16 - 22, 2013

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

YA3B CONSULTANCY

Acting on behalf of our clients: Reef Entertainment

Spanish Translator Salary $8.00 per hour Ada Howell

Domestic Worker Salary $5.50 per hour

Babysitter

Salary $5.50 per hour

Contact: 344-4540

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

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

RT BUSINESS SERVICES

FOR RENT 1 BEDROOM 1 BATH RICHMOND HILLS FULLY FURNISHED WASHER & DRYER $750.00 PER MONTH

3 BEDROOM 2 BATHROOM FULLY FURNISHED WASHER DRYER 1,200.00 PER MONTH SECURITY SYSTEM FOR SALE OR FOR RENT

1 BEDROOM 1 BATHROOM HOUSE

acting on behalf of our clients: Top Tires and Accessories, Teneus Louis, Philadelphy Baptist Church, Bernise Been, Joseph Odena, La Pause Shop, Amos Variety

Mechanic – $6.00 per hour

3 Domestic Workers – $5.00 per hour

2 Labourers – $5.00 per hour

Caretaker – $5.00 per hour

Belongers need only apply please forward your resume to rtagency@live.com

COLASSCO Is looking for a

This Advertisement is Authorized by Shuntal Gibson Bailiff of the Supreme Court, Providenciales

CONTACT: 231-3788

Contact: 231-1489

Amazing Value!

7860

In Gated/Planned Community in Long Bay. Flamingo Crossing lot comes with full set of House Plans, all underground utilities, etc.

$49,999 o.b.o.

Call 231-3788

FOR QUICK SALE PRICE SLASHED $180,000 CASH! House and ½ Acre land Richmond Hill 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Fully furnished

Call: 231-3788

7958

Lot for Sale

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

PRICE SLASHED

To be held at Central Storage behind the Fire Station at Premiere Towing Services Impound on March 28th, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.

(Vehicle can be viewed before or 10:00am-2:30pm on the day of the Auction) Bank Draft and Cash Sale ONLY. No warranties, No Returns. Written bids or sealed bid can be emailed to bailiffofthesupremecourtpls@gmail.com or bailif. suprem@facebook.com For enquirers prior to date of auction please contact The Supreme Court Office Tel: 9464215 or 246-9146

Labourer

NEWLY RENOVATED $900.00 PER MONTH

PUBLIC AUCTION ON THE FOLLOWING ITEM 2004 FORD F-150 GOLD

2 BEDROOM 1 BATH

CUSTOM DESIGN KITCHEN $800.00 PER MONTH

CLASSIFIEDS 35

$175,000

36 CLASSIFIEDS C & S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Acting on behalf of our client James Scott Jurak is looking for a

Domestic Worker Must be willing to work

5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 946-5759 7928

VACANCIES If you’re looking for a career in the hospitality industry well The Windsong Resort is the place to be we are looking to fill the following positions:

Domestic Workers Labourers Housekeeping Gardeners

1 Hairdresser

Seeking A Qualified Park Manager

for men and women

Qualifications: Must have a relevant degree/Certified Dolphin Trainer and Management or equivalent experience.

• Colour diploma from L’Oreal or Wella • 5 years experience • Willing to work weekends • A second language would be a plus • Salary based on commission

Contact: 946-5093

7854

BARMAID

NEEDED

BAYSIDE CAR RENTAL

contact: 941-9010

New Resort Opportunities CHEF

Summary: • Reporting to the Executive Chef / Sous Chef: • Receiving, storing, and preparing any food items • Knowledgeable of menu - following department standards and recipes • Compliance with all Health & Safety Regulations • Culinary qualification and Food Handling Certification desirable • 2-4 years experience in luxury hotel kitchens • Responsible & reliable

Summary: • Reporting to the Executive Chef / Sous Chef / Chief Steward: • Cleaning of kitchen and service ware ensuring good sanitary condition and fit for purpose • Ensure kitchens are maintained as per sanitary guidelines and department procedures • Responsible & reliable

Careers@bluehaventci.com Closing date 23rd March 2013

Salary : $19 to $30 per hour depending on qualifications.

All applicants please contact:- Mika.dolphincove@hotmail.com or reservations@live.com 7925

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

Is looking for a

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

Send application to:

Skills: A minimum of 5 years experience in Managing Dolphin Parks facility operations and management. A minimum of 10 years experience in the knowledge of Trainer Theory and Medical mammal procedures. The job will require the following:- a good understanding of marine mammals, advanced biology and ecology, Health and Training Animals, Knowledge of standard operating procedures and knows how to carry out an interactive program with Dolphins in a safe and educational fashion. Knowledge of scheduling Dolphin trainers.

Responsible for training and tracking staff performance. Overseeing daily program operations.

Supervise the operation of all areas on the location. Sales and Marketing of the facility. Report to corporate offices regarding the operation and sales budgets and expenditure. Hold regular meetings with supervisors in order to guarantee optimal communication and daily feedback.

Ensure goals are reached and supervise/ reward accomplishments. Knowledge of the Dolphin Cove Reservations Program is essential. Daily Sales Report to the Corporate Directors. Plan and coordinate additional maintenance and security activities. Over see the safety of the staff and animals. Prepare facility and staff for hurricane season.

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

Labourer

Kitchen Steward

hold a degree in Business

7912

7959

Contact: tmw@tmwlaw.tc and the Department of Labour

March 16 - 22, 2013

JOB POSITION

CAPTAIN HOOK’S EUROPEAN HAIRSTYLIST

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. TCI Hospitality Certificate an asset.

Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary negotiable based on experience.

contact: 941-7700

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

JOB ADVERTISEMENT Gansevoort Turks + Caicos is a contemporary luxury full service boutique resort on Grace Bay Beach. We are looking for driven and energetic professionals with Five Star experience and who are committed to achieving excellence by ensuring Five Star standards and services are continuously delivered.

Front Desk Manager:

Applicant must have excellent communication and problem resolution and conflict management skills, at least 4 years experience in Luxury Hotel Front Desk with at least 2 years in management and maintain a presentable image consistent with the expectations of our clientele. Technical skills include Microsoft Office suite, Opera PMS and OVOS, training and coaching skills as well exceptional customer service and organizational skills. Hospitality Management certificate or equivalent experience required. English language required with additional languages an asset. The position requires flexibility in scheduling and the ability to handle confrontation and complaints with patience and diplomacy.

Public Area Attendant/Room Attendant

- Loves to clean. Clean and maintain guest rooms and general areas. Clean and replenish amenities as per the resort standards.

Overnight cleaner

- Must have one year experience in a resort, knowledge of cleaning process and attention to details.

Houseman

- General cleaning of guest room areas assists room attendants with heavier tacks, window washing, linen delivery and removal.

Interested applicants can contact our Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm on (649)941-7555. E- Mail cover letter outlining your interest and supporting experience in a particular position along with your Resume or C.V. to hr@wymara.com

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

JOB VACANCY Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the post of

Accountant

Engineering Supervisor facilities

ICC&Sco are currently recruiting for an experienced Supervisor/ Engineer, responsible for the M&E and FFE of two hospital facilities In TCI;

Duties & Responsibilities:

The successful applicant will be required to assist the Financial Controller: • In the preparation of appropriate, timely and accurate financial statements on a monthly basis or when requested; • With the maintenance of the company’s fixed assets register; • In the preparation of the monthly and biweekly payroll.

• In the preparation of the annual and revised budgets.

• In the preparation of the annual financial statements for auditing • Supervising the Finance Department.

Minimum qualification and experience required

A Bachelors Degree in Accountancy or equivalent qualification, plus five (5) years post qualification experience in a senior management position in Accounting/Finance. Experience in the Aviation industry would be an asset.

• Skills & Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates with skills in the following areas • 5 years or more experience in office administration and project coordination OR • 5 years or more experience in internal and external auditing and also in the area of Compliance Auditing, concentrating on risks, controls and value for money (VFM) • A working knowledge of the Peachtree Accounting Package.

• A working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Salary payable is in the scale $36,000 - $42,000 per annum.

Detailed Job Descriptions are available from the Main Office of the TCIAA at the Providenciales International Airport or via email from info@tciairports.com.

Interest persons must submit their applications before March 22, 2013 to:-

• The successful candidate must have a minimum of 7 years experience in Healthcare / Clinical Engineering, responsible for Soft & Hard services Facilities Management, • The position is based at Cockburn Town Medical Centre Grand Turk, but you may be required to cover Cheshire Hall Medical Centre Providenciales • Must be able to work nights, weekends and public holidays, and on call 24hrs.

Post Minimum Requirements / Qualifications or equivalent: • City in Guilds Electrical Qualification, Masters Degree, or equivalent in engineering • IHEM (Institute of Healthcare Engineering & Estate Management) • L8 Certified • Good knowledge of computer applications.

Remuneration packages will be based on qualification and experience.

Preference will be given to qualified B.O.T.C -Turks and Caicos Islands and persons with Belonger Status.

Please address your resume showing qualifications and experiences to:

Recruitment@interhealthcanada.tc Deadline for application is 15th March 2013

6909

7934

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Commercial Manager

Internat Medicine (Internist) Clinical Dietitian

(InterhealthCanada Construction and Services Co (ICC&Sco) ICCSCO is recruiting for the above position. Belongers are encouraged to apply.

Provides nutritional advice and services to patients and families. Advises and instructs catering staff on special menu requirements. Provides specialist advice, teaching and instructions to patients, families, clinical support staff.

The Successful candidate should:-

Multi Skill Craftsman

• - High School Graduate / Vocational or on the job training in maintenance/facilities.

• Works on a range of engineering plant and equipment (both electrical and mechanical systems). Carries out minor repairs, installations adn plaenned maintenance as directed.

Medical Device Reprocessign (MDR) Technician

Responsible for ensuring that all surgical supplies, instruments and equipment are proberly decontaminated, assembled, inspected, packaged, sterilized, stored, distributed adn tracked in a quality/timely manner throughout Cheshire Hall and Cockburn Town Medical Centrers.

Remuneration packages will be based on qualification and experience.

Preference will be given to qualified B.O.T.C -Turks and Caicos Islands and persons with Belonger Status.

• Possess a suitable qualification in building or quantity surveying • Have a minimum of 20 years experience a senior level within the construction industry of which at least 10 years in a management capacity.

• Have a minimum of 10 years experience within the health care environment • Have worked on at least one public private partnership scheme • Gave extensive knowledge of the common forms of building contract (FIDIC, JCT, as a minimum) as well as the forms of project agreement used in public private partnerships and have worked in the international market in at least two differing locations for not less than 5 years.

• Be prepared to travel to different locations at the discretion of the company both inside and outside the Caribbean.

• Have extensive experience of building claims and be able to demonstrate thei4r ability to deal with these with minimal supervision.

• The ability to prepare extensive financial reports and present these to the main board • Have interpersonal skills of a level suitable to deal effectively with very senior executives both internally and externally.

• Deal effectively and in a proactive manner with all contract communications.

Remuneration packages will be based on qualification and experience.

Preference will be given to qualified B.O.T.C -Turks and Caicos Islands and persons with Belonger Status.

Please address your resume showing qualifications and experiences to:

Please address your resume showing qualifications and experiences to:

Recruitment@interhealthcanada.tc Deadline 15th March 2013

JOB OPPORTUNITIES (Interhealth Canada Construction and Services Co (ICC&Sco)

To work out of the Head Office in Providenciales.

The Human Resources, Training & Development Manager Turks & Caicos Islands Airports Authority, Providenciales International Airport. Turks and Caicos Islands Telephone # 649-941-8692. Fax # 649-941-5996. Email: info@tciairports.com

CLASSIFIEDS 37

Recruitment@interhealthcanada.tc Deadline for application is 15th March 2013 6911

6910

38 CLASSIFIEDS

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

GARDENERS/ LABOuRERS NEEDED

VAT CONTROLLER WANTED

Applicants must be able to work outdoors performing manual and physical labor. They must be able to operate a jackhammer, lawn mower and chainsaw.

They will be asked to dig holes, mix and spread topsoil/ cow manure and plant. They must be able to speak and communicate in English. Starting salary is $ 5.00 / hr and maybe require to work on weekends and holidays if needed.

Immediate need for VAT controller. Responsible for preparing & submitting monthly & quarterly VAT returns, reports & reclaim forms as well as management of accounting data and ensuring the integrity & accuracy is in compliance with the VAT Ordinance. Requires at least 10-15 years experience in accounting including preparation of financial statements and reconciling accounts. Must have 5 years experience working with VAT. The successful candidate must be hardworking, relate well to others and willing to assume a hands-on role within the company.

LANDSCAPING SUPERVISOR Applicants must posses a minimum of 5 years experience, with knowledge on plants / chemicals and fertilizer sprays, be able to work with minimum supervision. Applicant must be knowledgeable in propagation and greenhouse climate.

Must be proficient in computer, can do minimal computer trouble-shooting and knowledgeable in Quickbooks for Point of Sale Transaction and Inventory software.

Applicants must be willing to work outdoors with irregular hours. Starting salary is $8.00/hr and hours, may include weekends and holidays.

6856

Please reply with clean police record and references to CBMS Ltd. or call 941-3400.

Please drop all applications to Environmental Arts located at #65 Beechwood Street, Grace Bay (at the back of Lemon Café) or email to environmentalarts@ tciway.tc c/o Natalie Zaidan. Successful applicants will be notified by phone for interview.

6818

6919

to work 5 days per week $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 231-4064 7851

NATASHA’S CONSULTANCY Acting on behalf of our clients: Walker Construction Ltd.

• A self-motivated, highly detail orientated individual is required to work in a luxury villa • The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to use their own initiative and have a good command of English as well as excellent communication skills • She must be prepared to sometimes work long hours, weekends and holidays • Summary of duties and responsibilities • General housekeeping duties including the overall cleanliness of the villa • Attention to detail is essential • An awareness of cost control and energy saving • Ability to run errands, go shopping etc. so a clean driver’s license would be extremely advantageous although not essential • She must also be willing to assist private chef in the serving of meals so an F&B background would be beneficial • Preferences will therefore be given to individuals who are flexible and able to multi-task • Preferences will also be given to individuals who have worked within a five star luxury environment

6Needed Labourers to work 6

days per week. Salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 231-0360 Splashes

Mate

NOT ONLY APPLICANTS WILLING TO LIVE-IN WILL BE CONSIDERED Salary dependent on experience Interested applicants please apply in writing or via email to: fuluso@thesource.tc P.O. Box 143. Providenciales

Is looking for a

Labourer

LIVE IN FEMALE HOUSEKEEPER/SERVER

Please drop all applications to Environmental Arts located at #65 Beechwood Street, Grace Bay (at the back of Lemon Café) or email to environmentalarts@tciway.tc c/o Natalie Zaidan.

Successful applicants will be notified by phone for interview.

IRA BAPTISTE

To work 6 days per week.

Salary $6.50 per hour.

6913

Contact: 331-7253 7853

GRANT’S TEXACO

Gilley’s Enterprise

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Graceway IGA Supermarket invites applications from suitable qualified individuals to fill the position of:

IT Analyst Requirements/Qualifications

• Must have at an MBA degree in Computer or Information Systems • A minimum four years on the job experience as an information technology programmer/analyst (SQL language preferable) is required • Experience in data processing, computer information systems, data communications, networking, systems analysis, and computer programming is a must.

• Ability to conduct training and informational sessions.

Duties and Responsibilities include: • Supporting all hardware related issues and reviewing all new hardware capabilities as required, such as cash registers, scales, and database and POS systems.

• Assist in resolving any software issues, review and upgrade of all new software packages.

• Maintaining good documentation relating to all IT related work plans and schedules such as backups and flowcharts.

• Overseeing the systems implementation and taking ownership of the systems work stream within the Process re-engineering project including any new systems for Graceway IGA Supermarket.

• Assisting with updating and improving the current Graceway IGA website.

• Providing reports generated from systems as requested by senior management – operational, financial or IT based.

Pay will commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Deadline for submission of applicants is March 22nd 2013

Labourer

Pump Attendant

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

Wages $5.25 per hour must work on weekends and holidays Send resumes to P.O. Box 477, Providenciales 7929

Contact: 946-4536

MANAGER/ BARTENDERMIXOLOGIST WANTED

M & S DELI is looking for a

• Must have at least 4 years experience • Must have worked with Veloce POS System • Salary commensurate with experience

Submit to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracewayiga.com Please Note: Only short-listed applicants will be contacted to attend interviews.

6855

U102 Venture House, Grace Bay Road or call 649-941-4059

7936

Please drop off resume at Lemon2go Coffee Shop

Cashier

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

contact: 343-3324 or 244-7730

7927

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

VACANCY

ALLIED MANAGEMENT SERVICES LTD.

A NURSE

Qualifications: • Required for property management company • Must have completed a degree course in Nursing and hold an internationally recognized registration • Fluent English written and spoken • Duties: • To give additional support

Is required for several managed properties

Applications are invited for the position of

Senior Finance / Project Manager

services to elderly guests and disable and sometimes act as a babysitter • Irregular hours including night work and weekends • To assist housekeeping team when not performing nursing duties • Salary $800.00 per month plus share of nursing fees

Send resumes to alliedmanagement@usa.net or to Labor Department

CLASSIFIEDS 39

The applicant must possess the following; • Post Graduate Degree / Professional Qualifications in Finance or Accounting • Ten years of working experience in demonstrated financial and/or analytical functions with a variety of complex, multi-faceted projects • Experience in large-scale business planning, feasibility studies, and Project Management • Extensive knowledge on several or all of the following: finance theories and methodologies, feasibility studies, large scale business planning, financial modeling, project management and corporate restructurings.

• Ability to identify feasible project options and present recommendations to a board of directors

Belongers need only apply

7963

GOVERNMENT VACANCY Chief Medical Technologist

DEPARTMENT: National Public Health Laboratory MINISTRY: Health and Human Services LOCATION: Providenciales

Please Submit Application to: P.O. Box 270 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

7957

GOVERNMENT VACANCY Senior Public Health Nurse DEPARTMENT: Primary Health Care MINISTRY: Health and Human Services LOCATION: Providenciales

JOB SUMMARY: This is a senior professional position in the nursing service responsible for the management of community nursing services, utilizing the primary health care approach. This individual will also be assigned special responsibilities such as the Manager of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI Manager) and performs in the absence of the Chief Nursing Officer.

JOB SUMMARY:

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary health team in the planning, programming and evaluation of health services at the primary care level.

• Participates in developing a plan for Community Nursing Service based on stated goals and objectives for health and nursing.

• Identifies the appropriate levels and categories of nursing personnel to provide services are maintained in the assigned areas.

• Reviews and oversees nursing quality control standards for services provided in nursing operations settings; assures compliance with professional standards; develops and implements ways to monitor the quality of services provided.

• Assists the Chief Nursing Officer to conduct performance Appraisals for Nursing and other Primary Health care staff.

• Prepares and submit appropriate records and reports on a regular basis. Utilizing the health information system for evaluation and planning.

• Ensures that all Sentinel sites submit pertinent data in order to generate weekly syndromic reports.

• Identifies the Target population of the Turks and Caicos Island (under l year and all pregnant women for the Turks and Caicos Islands).

• Organizes and conducts monthly staff meetings; attends senior staff meetings planned by the Ministry of Health and Human Services e.g. surveillance and other committee meetings and interagency meetings related to assigned programmes.

• Maintains vaccine preventable disease surveillance and ensures that all suspected cases of vaccine preventable diseases are investigated within 2-3 days following onset of illness.

• Assists the Chief Nursing Officer in coordinating workshops, conferences and symposium’s on EPI and general Health topics.

• Any other duties assigned.

Under the direction of the Director of Health Services (DHS), incumbent is responsible for the administration, coordination and evaluation of all Public Health Laboratory Services.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Coordinates, monitors and evaluates laboratory activities to ensure quality patient care and management.

• Generates results that are deemed satisfactory when laboratory results are accurate, reliable and timely and client confidentiality is maintained.

• Supervises a group of technologists and technicians in the performance of a variety of standard serological, biochemical, histological and hematological laboratory examinations and tests and specialized tests and re-tests where abnormal or atypical results were obtained.

• Prepares budget request for supplies and equipment.

• Disseminates and enforces policies related to the protection of clients and the general public, the environment and employees.

• Serves as chief technician for the blood bank, hematology, and histology laboratory.

• Analyses laboratory findings to check the accuracy of the results.

• Maintains laboratory equipment.

• Enters data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage.

• Assists in the upgrade of laboratory services.

• Assists in the counseling of patients undergoing life changing laboratory investigations • Delivers professional lectures to health professionals, students and other interest groups • Any other related tasks which may be assigned by the Supervisor

The job holder must have a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology or equivalent.

Specialized training in Public Health and/or Health Services Administration Management Computer Literacy and Information Technology

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: • Graduate of an approved School of Nursing, holding a degree, certificate or diploma in Registered Nursing, with current registration from country of training or origin.

• Post graduate education and training in Midwifery, Public Health/Community Health Nursing, and Master of Science Degree in Nursing or Master’s Degree in Public Health.

• This position requires a minimum of five years post basic experience in Public Health Nursing.

SALARY: T28 - T32 $31,680.00 - $35,880.00 per annum.

SALARY: TNF20 – TNF25 $25,056.00 - $31,020.00

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by a Cover Letter, two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer), copies of educational certificates, a Police Certificate and a copy of the Passport photo page. Applications should be addressed to the Office of the Human Resource Directorate, Church Folly, Grand Turk. Facsimile: 946-1582 or sent by email to: recruitment@gov.tc with the subject line being Chief Medical Technologist Application. Applications sent by post or brought by hand should have the subject: Chief Medical Technologist Application clearly marked on the envelopes.

Successful applicants will work in accordance with the Public Service Ordinance.

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by a Cover Letter, two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer), copies of educational certificates, a Police Certificate and a copy of the Passport photo page. Applications should be addressed to the Office of the Human Resource Directorate, Church Folly, Grand Turk. Facsimile: 946-1582 or sent by email to: recruitment@gov.tc with the subject line being Senior Public Health Nurse Application. Applications sent by post or brought by hand should have the subject: Senior Public Health Nurse Application clearly marked on the envelopes.

Successful applicants will work in accordance with the Public Service Ordinance.

Qualified Belongers will be given first consideration.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 15th. March, 2013

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 22nd March, 2013.

7931

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

7930

40 CLASSIFIEDS

Marco services ltd

Turks and Caicos Islands National Insurance Board

Marketing Department is looking for:

Marketing executive

PUBLIC NOTICE The following persons in Grand Turk are herby requested to appear before a National Insurance Insprctor in Grand Turk before March 15, 2013

Anthony O'Neil Adams Austin Dickenson / Aussie's Car Wash Lillymae Seymour Ferguson Williams Carl Christopher Robinson Trevor Misick Carmedia Higgs Dizzy Donkey Culsoir Louima Sunilda Aracena Eridania Rolle Etienne Leblanc/ One Love Café Sumar Ingham Stanley Ariza Roger Harvey / Roger's Tire Shop Hosea Simms/ Mercedes Beauty Salon Yves Joseph James Richard Fulford Jennifer Rose Ann Williams Johanna Josefina Mata De Pena John Glinton John Glenn Hanchell Joseph Benjamin Smith Ramona Ruiz Raquel Williams Kwame Odinga Smith Jon Tatem Leroy Anthony Dunbar Lucille Dorothea Been Nathan Smith Nadreno Simmons Mil'S Variety Store Robert Lightbourne Sherman "Chubby " Misick Antonio Feliz Caravjal William James Edith Mesa "John's Ocean View Bar" Trevor Watkins Robert Forbes Jnr. Aubrey Capron Barbara Lightbourne / E Nine's Take Out Restaurant Beverly Harvey Carlos Salvador Clifton Harvey Oscar Carter / Big O Taxi

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

For integrated marketing, social media marketing, online marketing for travel and tourism related services.

Must have a least 10 years experience in social media marketing, business networking, marketing and promotion of services and products, and international advertising.

Requires a bachelor degree in business or marketing, as well as advanced graduate or executive level business, entrepreneurship, or marketing courses.

Must be fluent English. Foreign languages a plus.

Must have strong proven ability to train, assist and advise local businesses and business owners or managers, strong proven ability in new product development for business, and strong proven ability to implement scalable product and service enhancements.

Richlene Pierre Emans Laguerre Franklyn "Frankie" Virgil Gerardo Rosa Rose Marie Pierre Griselda Padilla Gustave Orange Robert Branche Filo Fradeus Jacques Delusma Mikey Watson Jason Francis Jean Acquissa Jeany Ettiene Jeury Guerrero Vargas Joacius Michel Juan Ferreras John (Mack ) Garland Joseph Pierre Jacqueline Smith "Blue Bar" Juan Martinez Toribio Justina Hanchell Keith James Mercedes Simms Kevin Forbes Mikey Watson Kirk Graff Lucien Romilus Manuel Royer Marie Been Martin Polanco Perez Dale Robinson Edwin Glinton Ester Oriol Anthony "Pickle Duck" Swann Zoroya Medina Abraham Pena Andrew Miller Barber Shop Derek "Khaki" Astwood Darono Forbes Gesner Pauyo Kigoma "Sonny" Williams Jack Cole Jean Acquissa Jerry Kolodziej Jevry Vargas

Contact Chloe Zimmermann 232-4030 7943

Somerset Strata Management Co. Ltd. The Somerset Strata organization is s eeking 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.

Responsibilities:

Gardener

• 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

Common Area Attendant

Responsibilities:

• Clean and maintain guest public areas within the hotel • Follow procedures for the use of chemical cleaners and power equipment, in order to prevent damage to floors and fixtures • Maintain an inventory of cleaning and toiletry supplies • Polish furnitures, metal work, and chrome using appropriate cleaning and polishing compounds

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

Maintenance technician

Responsibilities:

• Replace washers, faucets and seals on malfunctioning plumbing equipments • Repair leaky faucets and clean clogged drains • Perform a wide variety of general building maintenance repairs and services • Assist as directed in the operation and maintenance of mechanical systems such as: plumbing, ventilating, air conditioning, steam system, automatic temperature control, electrical and pool filtration as needed • Perform preventive maintenance procedures in a manner responsive to guest satisfaction

Requirements:

• Must be trained and certified by an accredited school in the following areas: Plumbing/ Electrical/Mechanical and A/C related trades • Must be a team player with a desire to deliver excellent customer service to our guest • Must have clear English communications skills (written or oral) • Must have at least 5 years in plumbing, wood finishing, painting, A.C repairs, and carpentry Qualified Belonger candidates are requested to submit a resume by e-mail to:

Aleisa Musgrove Strata Operations Manager The Somerset Resort on Grace Bay amusgrove@thesomerset.com 7933

Submissions for this job position should be received no later than March 29th, 2013

March 16 - 22, 2013

CASSANDRE BARON

POSITION AVAILABLE AT SKINTINUOUS CARE

SkintinuousCare is seeking to employ a certified spa & skincare technician/massage therapist. The spa offers an array of treatments, such as: • Permanent hair reduction (IPL) •­ Fast waxing, including Brazilian waxing, using hard & soft wax • Photo-­rejouvenation with E-­Light • Chemical peels • Organic facials • Ultrasonic facials • Oxygen facials • Micro-­dermabrasion • Skin analysis • Lash & brow tinting • Lash extensions • Manicure & pedicure • Wedding & special occasion make-­up applications • Body treatments • Swedish massage • Hot stone massage • Shiatsu • And more…

Job Requirements:

• Candidate must have a current aesthetician (Cidesco Certification) and/or cosmetology license (Cidesco Certification is a plus), manicure license and massage certificate (CMT Certification).

• Candidate must have at least 10 years experience in the industry.

• Candidate must posses a thorough knowledge of cosmetics, skincare products and related application procedures in order to boost retail sales of products.

• Candidate must be able to perform all of the above listed treatments.

•­ Candidate must be able to perform cosmetic consultations and educate clients on skin care products as well as provide customized treatment plans and skincare regiments.

• Candidate must be able to forge new client relationships and ensure client retention through excellence.

• Candidate must be able to stand on his/her feet and/or sit for a prolonged period of time and must be prepared to work irregular hours (including evenings), holidays and weekends.

•­ Candidate must have means of transportation at all times.

• Candidate must regularly attend educational training seminars in order to stay up-­to-­date on new products, equipment and treatments.

• Candidate must have excellent organizational skills and posses excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, Spanish and French.

BELONGERS ONLY NEED APPLY

Job applications, resumes, references and copies of certificates should be emailed to info@kl-consultants.tc before March 31st, 2013.

7924

Ricardo Fulford Consultant Services

Is looking for a

Acting on behalf of our clients is looking to fill the following positions:

DOMESTIC Babysitter WORKER To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 344-3042 7915

BEEN’S CONSULTING SERVICES

To work 5 days per week and on weekends if necessary. Salary $200.00 per week

Please call: 231-2972

2 Domestic Workers $5.00 per hour 4 Labourers 2 Sales Persons 2 Babysitters 2 Handymen 2 Kitchen Helpers 1 Hairstylist 2 Boat Captain 1 Assistant Manager 2 Maintenance Workers 1 Driver

Applicants must be willing to work with little or no supervision.

Interested persons can contact:

6857

649-343-8659

Olympic Construction Ltd. is seeking applications for:

1 cabinet maker, 1 plumber, 2 finish carpenters, and 2 masons Interested persons may submit their resumes online to: info@olympic.tc or by fax (649) 946-1101.

Deliver applications to:

Olympic Construction Ltd. Waterloo Plaza, Grand Turk, TCI Belongers need only apply!

7932

People’s Telecoms Company Ltd.

People’s Telecoms Company Ltd. has a vacancy for a

On behalf of his clients:

Field Technician

Bite Me Sport Fishing

is seeking employment for the following:

1) Fisherman

Salary starts at $8.00 per hours. Interested candidate may contact Bite Me Sport Fishing at 231-0366/946-4398/946-4918 or visit their office at Banana Boat, Providenciales for further details regarding employment.

QUALIFICATION AND SKILLS • Bs Mechanical Engineering. BS Information Technology. Advanced formal training in Telecommunications • Must be competent and knowledgeable and able to maintain the infrastructure – hardware and software - integral to a complex Wireless Communications Network • Must have a working knowledge of Communications, Electronics, Digital Radios, Satellite Systems, 802.xx Systems, Vehicle Location Equipment, Customer Premise Equipment, Marine Radio, Specialty Telecommunications Personal Devices

Ricardo Fulford Contracting is seeking employment for the following:

1) Green Keeper 1) Carpenter 2) Domestic Worker

Salary starts at $5.00 per hours. Interested candidate may apply through fulfordricardo@yahoo.com for further information regarding employment.

Estel Plumbing LTD

is seeking employment for the following:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Salary starts at $8.00 per hour. Interested candidate may contact Estel Plumbing LTD at 241-0397 for details regarding employment.

El Rancho

is seeking employment for the following:

1) Waitress

Salary starts at $5.00 per hour. Interested candidate may contact El Rancho at 3446532 for details regarding employment.

WAWA EXPRESSION

is seeking employment for the following:

1) Car Washer

Salary starts at $5.00 per hour. Interested candidate may contact WAWA EXPRESSION at 347-2341for further details regarding employment.

Jocelyn Jean-Louis

• Use measuring and diagnostic tools to test, adjust, and repair Electronic Equipment.

• Read Work Orders that describe equipment failures • Must be able to liaise with Equipment Manufacturers/Operators to resolve equipment related problems inclusive of the ability to read schematic drawings and other written specifications.

• Visit nodes and sites within a network to identify and resolve network performance issues or outages to ensure such unforeseen issues are resolved in the quickest possible time to ensure the network up-time is maintained at or near 99.999% • Perform regular maintenance work on clients Communication Devices as well as periodic work to maintain the wireless networks.

• Must be able to build and maintain secure websites and mail server systems.

• Candidate must be able to work long hours and on demand Salary negotiable

is seeking employment for the following:

1) Goat Keeper

Turks and Caicos Islander Applicants preferred

Salary starts at $5.00 per hour. Interested candidate may contact 343-8180 for details regarding employment.

Interested candidate may also apply through fulfordricardo@ yahoo.com. Good luck to all interested applicant.

BARBARA VIRGIL

Is looking for a

SPA – SKINCARE TECHNICIAN & MASSAGE THERAPIST

1) Plumber

CLASSIFIEDS 41

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Stubbs Diamond Plaza #66 Sibonne Rd. Unit #3 Email: kay@acltci.tc 6915

42 CLASSIFIEDS

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NATURES VISION LTD.

Electric Power Generation Specialist Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of Electric Power Generation Specialist, Turks & Caicos Utilities Limited (A FortisTCI Company) Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Description

Responsible for detailed supervision of subordinate employees and/or contractors, who perform plant installation and maintenance work at FortisTCI facilities, inclusive of transportation fleet staff.

To provide expert decision-making assistance; and steering and guiding effective preventative and corrective maintenance activities on generation plant and their controls and on transportation fleet; inclusive of training of staff in these areas, in a manner consistent with equipment manufacturer’s specification and standard mechanical and electrical practices, and as directed by the Superintendent.

Main Duties

• Assist the Superintendent in identifying the developmental needs of plant operators and fleet mechanics through proper evaluation; and develop and implement a program for continuous on the job monitoring, training, and mentoring, to minimize and to ultimately reduce deficiencies.

• Prepare weekly, monthly, and annual work plans and associated reports as directed by the Superintendent.

• Ensure a high degree of familiarity and profound knowledge of specifications; fundamental operating concepts; operating and maintenance manuals; and procedures for all generating plant and transportation fleet assets and their equipment.

• Prepare work instructions for maintenance-related duties and coordinate work of plant operators and fleet mechanics, with particular regard to safety, efficiency, and functionality of the plant and transport fleet.

• Prepare comprehensive parts lists and cost estimates needed for all major maintenance activities and planned overhaul projects, and for any other projects as may be assigned.

• Solicit and assess quotes, and make recommendations for purchase inclusive of commencing the requisition process upon receiving approval, to facilitate timely procurement of material to meet project schedule timelines.

• Assist in the preparation of capital and maintenance budgets through the provision of cost estimates for the Generation department as assigned and directed.

• Conduct testing and troubleshooting of plant and transport fleet equipment in the area of responsibility and in the longer term train others to perform these functions.

• Be familiar with and adhere to all Company policies and procedures (including those established by past practice) relating to the position.

• Plan and conduct work in a manner consistent with the Company’s commitment to the environment and ensure that project work teams are likewise in compliance.

• Be familiar with and adhere to the safety and operating procedures of the Company (particularly those established

by EUSA), and ensure that projects are executed consistent with these procedures.

• Maintain and ensure the accuracy of statistical records of plant and transportation fleet operations and maintenance activities as required by the company.

• Be professional in dress and demeanor as befits the position and ensure that a good public image of FortisTCI is maintained at all times • Perform other duties as may be assigned and/or required by Superintendent, contingencies from time to time.

• Prepare weekly, monthly and annual work plans and accomplishment reports on project assignments • Submit job reports and detailed engineering equipment failure analysis reports • Execute preventative and corrective maintenance to ensure high equipment reliability and availability • Any other related duty as assigned from time to time.

Minimum Requirements:

• Diploma in Mechanical/Electrical Technology or an accredited equivalent.

• 10 to 15 years working experience with Caterpillar Power Generation Systems, specifically knowledge of 3500 and 3600 Series Prime and Standby Electric Power Generators; and ISO Control and Switchgear Systems.

• Knowledge of power plant SCADA and feeder distribution systems • 10 to 15 years working experience with vehicle engine, transmission, hydraulic pumps diagnosis and rebuilds.

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience at mid management level.

• Proficiency in interpretation of mechanical and electrical drawings and manuals is required.

• Above average analytical skills in math and mechanical/electrical theories, to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems, towards good decision making.

• Familiarity with PLC troubleshooting and programming is required, as is the ability to train others.

• Professional competency in written and oral communication skills in English • Experience in working under utility emergency response condition • Ability to function effectively under emergency situations; and to think clearly and effectively and deliver within deadlines; and to work under pressure • Ability to work in an environment that is noisy, and be exposed to lubricating oil, diesel fuel and engine fumes.

• Self-motivated, solution oriented and positive in outlook • Excellent time management skills • Team player Compensation: Based on Qualifications and Experience

Deadline for submission of applications is March 15, 2013 to:

Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com fax: 649-941-4304

7926

• Must have at least 5 years experience in horticultural work • Must be able to work holidays and weekends • Use of private vehicle required with local drivers license with excellent driving record • Must have knowledge of chemicals and fertilizers and their uses • Must have experience in design and landscape irrigation • Must have the ability to lead and work along with landscaping crew • Must be fluent with the English language • Must have a clean police record

Contact: 649-232-2272 7962

P & A PRIME AGENCY Is currently seeking qualified applicants on behalf of our clients:

Is looking for a

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

contact: 2460563 or 231-7707

7961

People’s Television Ltd. Has a vacancy for a

Kitchen Helper

– to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour

Baker

– to work 6 days per week salary negotiable

Labourers

– for taking care of premises and properties salary $5.50 per hour

For more information contact our office at IBO Building, Downtown behind the ball park, Providenciales Monday – Friday 10am-5pm 341-8754

7948

STAFF VACANCY

LANDSCAPING SUPERVISOR

NOVIA HIGGS

Labourer Salary $6.00 per hour.

Contact 232-7827

7968

TYSON’S TAKE AWAY Is looking for a

Dining Room Manager qualified applicants can send resumes to tysonstakeaway@ gmail.com

7953

VAN’S AUTO PARTS AND TIRE SHOP Is looking for a

Mechanic To work 6 days per week salary $500 per week.

Contact: 241-3077 7956

CLASSIFIEDS 43

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

DORIKA TALBOT

Charles Fulford Stubbs

Mechanic Labourer Is looking for a

Is looking for a

To work 6 days per week salary $10.00 per hour. contact: (649) 941-8760

Is looking for a

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 247-9433

7955

BCS –CS acting on behalf of our clients: Austin Ingham, John Phillips, FPN-CS, Don Fulford, Pearl Bernadin is looking to fill the following positions:

Cleaner Domestic Worker Labourer Waiter

is looking for the following persons on behalf of our clients:

2 Domestic Workers 4 Labourers 2 Sales Persons 2 Babysitters 2 Handymen 2 Kitchen Helpers 1 Hairstylist 2 Boat Captains 1 Assistant Manager 2 Maintenance Workers 1 Driver

Salary starting at $5.00 per hour Applicants must be willing to work with little or no supervision.

Interested persons please 7942

;; Salary $5.00 per hour ;; Must have a clean record ;;Must be honest Send your resumes to branitz@yahoo.com

BEEN’S CONSULTING SERVICES

contact: 649-343-8659 7941

• • • • • • •

OPS MANAGER

Must have knowledge of QuickBooks Must have 10 plus years experience Pastel Business Management Software DMS System Parts System Technical Auto Knowledge Financial Salary based on experience

6314

Send your email to branitz@yahoo.com or call (649) 241-1228

BY ORDER OF THE JOINT ADMINISTRATORS GULF INSURANCE LIMITED (TCI OPERATIONS) Address for Service of Claims:

Unit D7/D8, Caribbean Place Leeward Highway Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tele: 1-649-941-8834 Email: dmorrison@tcifsc.tc Email: ahenry@tcifsc.tc

7950

DELICIOUS DISHES Is looking for a

to work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 242-1315 7969

Labourer is looking for a

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

contact: 241-2415

Waitress

BUGALOO’S CONCH CRAWL

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour must be able to knock out conch and do general maintenance.

Contact: 242-5646 Mystique Car Rental & Tours Ltd. Is seeking to employ a

Customer Service Supervisor 1. Fluent in English and must be computer literate 2. Must be Customer Service Oriented 3. Have a Valid Driver’s Licence and a clean Police Record 4. Must be willing to work on weekends, holidays and at nights 5. Must have Bachelors Degree in Business Administration or similar

DATED this 13th day of March 2013

per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 347-9277

LAND ROVER SPECIALIST/MECHANIC

7949

THIS IS TO GIVE NOTICE THAT ALL POLICYHOLDERS AND CREDITORS OF THE SAID GULF INSURANCE LIMITED (TCI OPERATIONS) ARE BEING ASKED TO SUBMIT ANY CLAIMS THEY MAY HAVE AGAINST GULF INSURANCE LIMITED (TCI OPERATIONS), TO THE JOINT ADMINISTRATORS ON OR BEFORE APRIL 22, 2013. DETAILED INFORMATION SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE JOINT ADMINISTRATIORS ALONG WITH THE ACCOMPANYING PROOF OF THE CLAIMS AT THE ADDRESS OF THE JOINT ADMINISTRATORS LISTED HEREUNDER.

Worker To work 5 days

To work 6 days per week salary $200 per week.

• Diagnose and repair cars, light, trucks, heavy trucks and earth moving equipment • Diagnose and repair hydraulic drive systems • Working knowledge of diagnostic tools such as GTR, Dealer • Connect IDS, WDS,Starscan,DRB3,NGS and Tech 2 • Qualified Professional Technician (ASE Certified, Master, L3 and up) • Automotive Service Knowledge • Must have 15 years experience. Salary is negotiable

NOTICE TO ALL POLICYHOLDERS AND CREDITORS TO ALL POLICYHOLDERS AND CREDITORS OF GULF INSURANCE LIMITED (TCI OPERATIONS), TAKE NOTICE THAT THE CAPTIONED ENTITY WAS PLACED IN ADMINISTRATION BY THE SUPREME COURT OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS ON OCTOBER 10, 2012 AND THAT JOINT ADMINISTRATORS WERE APPOINTED BY THE SAID ORDER.

Hairdresser Domestic

BCS-CS/MAC MOTORS/ GRACE BAY CAR RENTAL

is looking for a

(TURKS & CAICOS OPERATIONS) (In Administration)

Is looking for a

contact: 242-1293

Branford Hall / Meleza Pierre

GULF INSURANCE LTD

ELIBERT BRUTUS

6. Five years experience in car rental.

Partial Job Description:

1. Supervise & train staff 2. Manage reservations 3. Executing car rental contracts 4. Dealing with deposits and daily business reports 5. Preparing monthly reports 6. General office organization

Please email resumes to mystique@tciway.tc Deadline: March 25, 2013 7971

7954

CARIBBEAN ENERGY

7947

March 16 - 22, 2013

44 CLASSIFIEDS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 16 - 22, 2013

Government Of The Turks And Caicos Islands BASIC NEEDS TRUST FUND SEVENTH (BNTF 7) PROJECT

CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR: REVISION & UPDATING OF THE POVERTY REDUCTION ACTION PLAN (PRAP)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (GOTCI) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the cost of financing the BNTF 7 Project and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments by CDB will be made only at the request of GOTCI and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the financing account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOTCIshall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing.

Basic Needs Trust Fund Office (BNTFO), the Executing Agency, now wishes to procure consultancy services for the revision and updating of the Poverty Reduction Action Plan (PRAP).

The objective of the consultancy is to review and update the BNTF 7 PRAP which provides the mechanism for targeting poor communities linked closely to wider national policies and development priorities and strategies aimed at reducing poverty. This will be achieved through the review of the Government’s National Socio-economic Development Strategy (2008-2017); Medium Term Socio-economic Development Framework (20082010); National Development Strategy 2011 and other credible data sources; conduct of interviews with a wide range of key stakeholders including government officials, NGOs and community groups; and the development of specific actions for BNTF interventions supported by an implementation plan and results framework. The duration of the assignment is expected to be for a period of eight weeks.

BNTFO now invites interested eligible individual consultants to submit Expressions of Interest indicating qualifications and experience required to provide these consultancy services.

Consultants shall be eligible to participate if: (a) the persons are citizens or bona fide resident or residents of an eligible country; and (b) in all cases, the consultant has no arrangement and undertakes not to make any arrangements, whereby any substantial part of the net profits or other tangible benefits of the contract will accrue or be paid to a person not a citizen or bona fide resident of an eligible country.

Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to qualifications and experience on similar assignments. All information must be submitted in English. Further information may be obtained from the first address below between the hours of 9:00a.m and 4:30p.m. Mondayto Friday.

Two hard copies of the Expressions of Interest must be received at the first address below no later than 12:00 noon on Wednesday the 27th of March, 2013 and one copy must be sent simultaneously to CDB at the second address below. The sealed envelope containing each submission should include the name and address of the applicant and shall be clearly marked, “Expression of Interest- Consultancy Services forthe Revision and Updating of the PRAP - TCI”.

Following the assessment of submissions, the most technically capable and appropriately experienced applicant will be invited to negotiate a contract to provide the consultancy services. GOTCI reserves the right to accept or reject late applications or to cancel the present invitation partially or in its entirety. It will not be bound to assign any reason for not short-listing any applicant and will not defray any costs incurred by any applicant in the preparation and submission of Expressions of Interest.

Address 1 Address 2

Ms.Salace Richardson Mrs.Darran Newman Belgrave Project Manager, BNTF Portfolio Manager, BNTF c/o Department of Economic Planning and Statistics Social Sector Division South Base Caribbean Development Bank Grand Turk P.O. Box 408 Wildey Turks and Caicos Islands St. Michael BARBADOS Fax: +246-426-7269 Email: bntf@caribank.org 7969

March 16 - 22, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS 45

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

GOVERNMENT VACANCY SECRETARY

VACANCY Applications are invited for the position of

Senior Finance / Project Manager The applicant must possess the following:

DEPARTMENT: Clement Howell High School MINISTRY: Education, Youth, Sports and Culture LOCATION: Providenciales

JOB SUMMARY: This is an administrative support position, reports to the Principal and has departmental responsibility for secretarial functions in the office.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Answer the telephone and provide information to caller, take messages, and transfer calls to appropriate individuals 2. Greet visitors, handle their inquiries and direct them to the appropriate persons according depending on the nature of the inquiry 3. Maintain class scheduling and monitor ringing of the bell at the scheduled time 4. Maintain event calendars and circulate appropriate reminders of upcoming events 5. Schedule and confirm appointments for administrators, guidance counselors and teachers 6. Confirm attendance at meeting and make the necessary travel arrangements 7. Compose, type and distribute routine correspondences and reports 8. Open, read (except where marked confidential) and distribute incoming mail and other material and prepare answers to routine letters 9. Locate and attach appropriate files to incoming correspondence requiring replies 10. Set up and maintain paper and electronic filing systems for records, correspondence and other materials 11. Establish work procedures and schedules to keep track of the daily work output and requested files 12. Review work done to check for correct spelling and grammar, ensuring that school format policies are followed 13. Keep detailed records of all collections and disbursements of cash received for the sale of school supplies and services 14. Learn to operate new office devices and technologies as they are developed and implemented 15. Operate office equipment such as fax machines, copies and phone systems and use computers to create spreadsheets, database management, word processing and other applications 16. Order supplies and maintain an inventory of stock 17. Any other related duties.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Working knowledge of office administration.

• Competent with Microsoft Office applications.

• Sound typing skills • Excellent customer service skills • Good organization and time management skills • MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: • A Certificate/Diploma in Secretarial studies or related field.

• At least 2 CXC or GCE subjects inclusive of English.

• 2 years carrying out similar duties in an office environment.

SALARY: T10 – T15: $21,000 - $22,800 per annum.

;;Post Graduate Degree / Professional Qualifications in Finance or Accounting ;;Ten years of working experience in demonstrated financial and/or analytical functions with a variety of complex, multi-faceted projects ;;Experience in large-scale business planning, feasibility studies, and Project Management ;;Extensive knowledge on several or all of the following: finance theories and methodologies, feasibility studies, large scale business planning, financial modeling, project management and corporate restructurings. ;;Ability to identify feasible project options and present recommendations to a board of directors Belongers need only apply.

Please Submit Application to:

P.O. Box 270 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

7956

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

JOB VACANCIES Butler

A person required to provide a personal service to vacation guests.

Duties to include;

• Serving drinks and food • Maintaining outdoor living space • Managing towels & sundries • Discreet, honest, personable attitude with customer service focused individual.

Shift working rate commensurate with experience. References essential.

Cook/Pastry Chef

A cook required min 4 hours per day with pastry chef experience.

Enthusiastic team player, with a flexible attitude to work. References essential.

Domestic Assistant

Light domestic duties, , will include evenings and weekend work. Team player with flexible attitude to work. References essential. $5 per hour.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Production Assistant

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by a Cover Letter, two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer), copies of educational certificates, a Police Certificate and a copy of the Passport photo page.

Current serving officers must apply through their Heads of Department.

Customer facing, highly articulate, and numerically proficient individual, required for production and retail duties. Evenings and weekends essential working. Flexible attitude to work and team player.

References essential. $5 per hour.

Farmer

Applications should be addressed to the Office of the Human Resource Directorate, Church Folly, Grand Turk. Facsimile: 946-1582 or sent by email to: recruitment@gov.tc with the subject line being: Secretary Application. Envelopes should have the subject: Secretary Application clearly marked on the front.

A person required to grow and maintain a herb and vegetable garden. Will include general yard maintenance as required. Flexible attitude to work and English speaking.

References Essential. $5 per hour.

Belongers only need apply. Successful applicants will work in accordance with the Public Service Ordinance.

Marsha Blanche Misick & Stanbrook.

Richmond House, P.O.Box 127, Leeward Highway, Providenciales.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 27th. March, 2013.

7970

Please send Resume’s to:

7667

46 CLASSIFIEDS

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

VACANCIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

2 Computer Analysts

• Plan & develop hardware/software systems.

Create inventory system. Should be • Able to track/order stock. Make system more efficient, e.g., predict future sales, • Payroll, etc. Keep up with current data processing methods, program languages, • and machines. Be able to teach staff. Salary: $8/ hr. Hours of operation: 9am-5pm.

Graceway IGA Supermarket is seeking suitably qualified applicants to fill the following positions:

Warehouse Manager The warehouse manager is responsible for the overall operations of warehouses including, staff supervision and overseeing the safe receipt, storage, and retrieval of goods.

Duties and Responsibilities includes: • Planning the arrangement and proper rotation of goods within the warehouse and organize special requirements for certain stock, such as, chilled goods, perishables, and fragile products.

• Keeping stock control systems up-to-date and planning future capacity requirements.

• Taking responsibility for the security of the stock and overseeing stock control and processing orders.

• Reducing and eliminate shrinkage through proper product handling and storage.

• Overseeing shipment being received and monitor all loading and off-loading of containers.

• Adhering to governmental regulations for storing items such as chemicals, drugs, alcohol and food and ensuring that the health, safety, cleanliness and security of the work environment are maintained.

• Strategically deal with planning, administration and general management issues, including staff training and development planning work schedules, and day-to-day supervision of staff • Producing budgets, regular reports and statistics on a daily, weekly and monthly basis; • Ensuring quality, delivery and budget objectives are met; • Applicants must have experience in warehouse management, at least four (4) years of retail management experience and are able to work nights, weekends, and all holidays.

Salary Range: $39,400.00 - $42,000.00 Per annum.

All applicants must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Deli Bakery Manager Job Requirements & Responsibilities: • Fifteen (15) years experience in a supermarket Deli/Bakery management role.

• Experience in Food and Nutrition and Menu Planning. Inventory management and spoilage reduction techniques are essential.

• The ability to meet department’s profitability requirements and gross profit margin analysis.

• Must be computer literate and proficient in Microsoft Office Programs and possess good oral and written communication skills.

• Ensure compliance with all local weights and

measures laws and labeling requirements; follow approved procedures for receiving product, price marking and restocking to ensure quality protection, accuracy and product rotation • Ability to train all department personnel in the store's method of performing departmental duties and functions.

1 Graphics Artist • Team player to work in a fast paced and deadline driven environment. Must be • Able to work with customers to produce a wide array of graphic design collateral and • printed materials. At least 5 years experience in a graphic or design production • environment.

Must be able to operate all machines in the graphics department.

• Must be skilled in heavy experience from concept, design to production in the printing • industry. Proficient in desktop publishing using Adobe Illustrator, print shop, INdesign, CorelDraw is a must, large format printing, indoor and outdoor signage specifically with • Roland & HP equipment. Proficient in English language. Degree in Fine Arts.

• Salary: $8/hr. Hours of Operation: 9am-5pm.

Salary range: $45,000 – $55,000. All applicants must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

General Manager Summary of Duties The position is the general overseer of all aspects of Grace Way IGA Groups of Supermarket. This includes providing leadership and motivation to promote the consistent execution of standard practices, policies and procedures. Setting the tone and leading the stores culture/environment to ensure success in all aspects of customer service, profitability, operations, people development, merchandise presentation and merchandise assortment.

2 Labourers • General cleaning and maintenance of the premises, gardening, garbage removal and other duties associated with general labor. Clean Police Record and Valid drivers • License. Salary: $5/hr. Hours of operation: Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm. Willingness to work long hours some holidays and weekends.

Required Specifications and qualifications • Over ten (10) years experience in supermarket retail and wholesale management with a minimum of five (5) years in a senior management position to include management of individual departments.

• Experience in company expansion projects with the ability to lead and develop new store concept, design, layout, format and operations.

• Proficient in the understanding of retail and wholesale accounting and good business practices related to documentation and record keeping.

• Strong current product knowledge of the retail industry and a proven record in the ability to achieve the budgeted financial and operating results, including sales, profitability, and wage percentage.

• Experience managing and developing the human resources activities, maintain and develop organizational culture, values and reputation in market and with all staff, customers, suppliers, partners and governmental bodies.

• Must have the ability to identify, develop and direct the implementation of business strategy and report to shareholders on organizational plans, financial disclosure and operational performance.

• Ability to work extended hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.

2 Sales Persons

• Sell products and services related to the business.

Must be able to speak English and communicate with customers. Must be able to give update weekly to Managing Director.

• Must be computer literate. Salary: $6/hr. Hours of operation: Monday-Saturday, • 9am-5pm. Clean Police record and valid driver’s license.

1 Store Manager

• General concept of computer analysis, QuickBooks, basic graphics art, merchandising, • specific inventory knowledge base, ordering.

Must have 5 years experience in retail • outlet. Clean Police record. Must be able to fill in other positions in retail store • temporarily.

Long hours/holidays/weekends.

Salary: $10/hr.

Contact: Business Solutions, Managing Director, P.O. Box 502, Leeward Highway, Providenciales. Fax: 649-941-5003.

Applicants must submit resumes by March 31st, 2013.

Salary rate will commensurate with experience and ranges from $60, 000.00 - $72,000.00. All applicants must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

Deadline for submission of applications is April 5th 2013 Submit resumes to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracewayiga.com Please Note: Only short-listed applicants will be contacted to attend interviews.

7965

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

March 16 - 22, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS 47

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

InterHealth Canada Construction & Services (TCI) Ltd (ICC&SCo)

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

General Manager – Healthcare Facilities Management

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

ICC&SCo are currently advertising the post for an experienced Corporate Healthcare Facilities General Manager responsible for InterHealth Canada Construction & Services (Hard & Soft Full Facilities Management & Construction Services).

The successful candidate must have a minimum of 10 years Healthcare Construction & Facilities Management experience, PFI / PPI experience or equivalent is also essential for this post, along with a proven track record in Contract Management & Business Development.

ROYAL TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS POLICE

The post reports to the InterHealth Canada & Construction Service Board & is based at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre Providenciales with frequent travel to Cockburn Town Medical Centre in Grand Turk and overseas travel as determined.

JOB VACANCY

The post holder must be available to be on call 24hrs as required.

The minimum Requirements / Qualification or Equivalent: ;;Bachelor’s Degree in Business Studies / Facilities management or equivalent ;;Advanced Food Hygiene Certified ;;BIFM (British Institute of Facilities management) ;;NEBOSH / IOSH Certified ;;Good Knowledge of Accreditation Canada Standards / Required Organization Practices, EFQM or equivalent & Corporate Governance

911 CALL CENTER LEVELL 11 TELE-COMMUNICATOR

Salary dependent on qualifications and experience Please sent CV’s to recruitment@interhealthcanada.tc The closing date is Friday 22nd March 2013

7957

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Force is seeking team-oriented and self-motivated persons to work in a dynamic professional atmosphere in the 911 Call Center in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for incumbents to assist the center in providing 24 hour professional, efficient emergency response to all emergencies. Successful candidates will be swornin as Special Constables and as such must adhere to the Police Force Ordinance and all applicable rules and regulations associated.

Purpose of Job: This is a highly skilled job position requiring the post holder to assist the 911 Call Center in providing 24 hour professional, efficient emergency response to all emergencies.

Essential skills required for job:

Graceway IGA Supermarket / Kwatcha Holdings are seeking suitable qualified applicants to fill the listed positions:-

;;The position requires excellent communication skills ;;This position requires the incumbent to display excellent delivery in call handling and emergency response ;;Must have the ability to hear and understand sound sources coming through a communications headset and/or radio and/or standard telephone receiver. ;;Must have the ability to read and discern visual images on a variety of media, including colour-coded computer screen. ;;Must have the ability to write English legibly and record names and numbers accurately (i.e., not transpose numbers and/or letters). ;;Must have the ability to co-ordinate the movements of two or more limbs together for purposes of operating radio/telephone equipment simultaneously; the ability to remain seated at the same work station for extended periods of time. ;;A foreign Language is desirable

Floor Care Specialist Requirements / Qualifications: • Experience in floor care and maintenance.

• Experience in waxing, wax removal, stripping, buffing and vacuuming large surface areas.

• Experience in operating and maintaining heavy duty floor care machines.

• Experience in using proper safeguards such as warning signs and safety cones to alert customers and employees to potential hazards such as wet or slippery floor surfaces; • Be knowledgeable cleaning programs and adhere to manufacturer's label instructions for the safe and proper use of all chemical products

Qualifications: Must have at least three (3) CXC passes two of which should include English and Mathematics

Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Monitor inventory of cleaning supplies and submit purchase orders or requests to store management; • Oversee cleaning and maintenance of the supermarket.

• Responsible for the total store floor care on a daily basis.

Requirement: The post holder must maintain current certification and will receive training leading up to Certification in the following:-

Salary Range: $6.50 - $7.00 / Per Hour

1. Public Safety Telecommunications 1 (APCO) 2. Emergency Medical Dispatch (APCO) 3. Fire Services Communications (APCO) 4. Adult and Infant First Aid and CPR Additionally, the incumbent must be able to work shifts, on weekends and on short notice when necessary.

Retail Floor Positions Job Requirements All applicants must be able to read, speak and understand the English Language and will be expected to sit and pass an in-house Math and English Test.

SALARY: $16,200 per annum plus allowances

BAKER (1) CLEANERS (1) PRODUCE CLERKS (1)

Interested persons may contact A/Insp. Dwight Gardiner or Sgt. Curvalene Skippings Officer in Charge HR Department Police Headquarters Grand Turk Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI Tel: 649-946-2371. Fax: 649-946-2099 Email: dwight.gardiner@tcipolice.tc curvalene.skippings@tcipolice.tc

Salary Range: $6.50 - $8.50 / Per Hour

Deadline for submission of applicants is April 5th 2013

Submit to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracewayiga.com

7966

Deadline for submitting application is 1st April 2013

7952

48

Sports National

WIV Provo Premier League:

Aristide scores four as Sharks win ONE of the most energetic older players in the WIV Provo Premier League, Dadi Aristide, schooled his younger opponents with four successful strikes to take the SWA Sharks to their second win.

Playing against the AFC Academy the Sharks led by four goals from Aristide romped to a 4-3 win.

It was the Sharks who played the better football in the first half with some crisp passing and good possessions and Aristide opened the scoring after 21 minutes. He made a good run into the box and then squeezed his powerful shot inside the near post. The second came after a good ball out of defence from Agenor Joseph with Dadi again dribbling into the box. A third goal came from a free kick routine practiced on the training ground via Collis and

a Richard Lock cross coolly finished

by Aristide latching on to a “hard and low” cross.

The Academy then began to take more control of the game and pressured the Sharks into a defensive mix-up allowing an easy goal for Jovenel Dorisca (Academy) just before half time. This set up the Academy for a much better second half and the nervous Sharks gave away a soft penalty after 50 minutes which was well slotted away into the top right hand corner

by James Rene. Seven minutes later a breakaway and cool finish from the pacy Jensen Joseph levelled the scores. The remainder of the game was nervy with both teams trying hard to keep possession and get the winner. In the end, the Sharks

won a corner after 73 minutes and this was bundled in by Dadi for his fourth goal of the match and the Sharks held on for the win. Aristide was duly named the President’s Player of the Week.

Meanwhile Cheshire Hall separated themselves from Rozo FC with their fourth succeed in five games after a 4-2 win against Teachers.

The defending champions now have 12 points compared to Rozo’s nine (Rozo has however played a game less).

In the clash, the winless Teachers, who have signed a couple of new players to boost their attack, were on the back foot earlier after Lenford Singh opening the scoring for the eventual winners in the 37th minute via a good solo effort.

Jean Michel Louis was next on the score-sheet with a header to make it 2-0, but the Teachers were also having a few chances with Junior Stephens and Dane Ritchie probing the opponent’s defence. The second half saw more of the same but with some reward for the Teachers after a free kick was taken by Dane Ritchie and headed in

by Chris O’Neill. Cheshire Hall then settled themselves with another Louis header on 58 minutes, but the Teachers continued to press and Ritchie scored their second on 63 minutes with a header following a loose ball from the goal keeper. This could have set up a potentially close last half hour, but Cheshire Hall settled their nerves with a fourth goal from Michael Bremmer on 67 minutes after a goalmouth scramble.

Josh for Sports

Some dynamics of physiotherapy warming up and suffered a strain in my right groin area, from then on my groin area pained me during sprinting. For that reason I started to triple-jump. It was obvious that my PE teacher knew nothing about physiotherapy. If I knew then, what I know now, I would have been able to treat myself.

WHAT is physiotherapy?

Basically and simply put, it involves the physical, handson treatment given to a person suffering from a physical injury that impairs their ability to function in a 100% capacity (as far as their latent ability is concerned).

This injury can be in the form of a sprain, strain, fracture, etc.

PERSONAL HISTORY (INJURIES) The most important thing for an athlete to know is that an injury is caused by negligence, ignorance or recklessness.

The negligence factor comes into play when the athlete neglects/ fails to warm-up and stretch properly before participating in sports. They exert more stress on the relevant body part involved, which results in over-extending the elasticity capacity. This results in a stringed, torn or pulled ligament or muscle. The degree/severity of the damage is dependent on the amount of over-exertion the area was subjected to.

The ignorance factor comes into play when the athlete is out and out ignorant of the consequences involved in not warming up/ stretching properly before going hard at their respective discipline.

Recklessness happens when an athlete, knowing his/her level of conditioning, throws caution to the wind and goes all out at 100% effort. Definitely they will at some point in time live to regret their blatant recklessness.

EXAMPLE 1 The Norman Manley Games (in

March 16 - 22, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

By Joshua Gardiner Jamaica 1978) afforded me the prime experience of reaping the reward of over-exerting myself without being properly warmed-up. I was warming up for the long jump. I had never lost a triple-jump at this stadium and I was determined to win this long jump.

THE ADRENALIN FACTOR My adrenalin flow over-powered me as I sprinted down the back stretch in warm up. I received a rude awakening of a shock as my right hamstring pulled, effectively eliminating me from the long jump competition, even before I executed my first jump. Instead of giving me physical treatment, they injected me with medication to ease my discomfort. I was 27-years-old at the time.

EXAMPLE 2 At age 14 at St. John’s College in Nassau, I was the fastest junior boy in the Bahamas’ capital from the 100M-800M. After establishing myself, I was challenged at every opportunity. On one such occasion I competed in a 100M race without

THE SCENARIO RECKLESSNESS At age 22, in 1973, while weights training at SIU, I experienced another unfortunate incident during leg pressing (lying on my back directly under the weights, which were positioned in the uprights).

I had been doing a pyramid (beginning with 300 lbs, progressing to 350, 400, 480 and 510 with reps of 15, 13, 9, 5 and 1 respectively. Upon leg pressing the 510 lbs I became excited and did one set of three reps, instead of one rep. Upon the third one my lower back could not support the weight. The heavy load sent me catapulting backwards with the weights crashing down behind. It only came at rest on the pins which I had moved it from.

The results of this folly necessitated me requiring physiotherapy in the training room for two weeks. I received icetreatment and ultra-sound from Dr. Speckman. That is where I became adept in my limited knowledge of physiotherapy.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE As a freshman, after breaking the Illinois State record in the triple jump with a leap of 51’ 3” at age 18, while bounding from leg-to-leg on the grass, I badly twisted my right

ankle which caused my (out-step) foot to turn over extremely. The snow had melted and there was a water-logged spot that I landed on, which caused this accident. I could at that time bound up to one mile non-stop. I received continuous ice and ultra-sonic treatment for two weeks.

I should have taped/strapped my ankles to protect me from this misfortune.

The lessons that I learned from these experiences were that: 1. Warm up properly 2. Expend effort that’s directly proportional to your fitness level.

3. Adhere strictly to rigid discipline that will eliminate injuries (don’t get carried away by your excessive flow of adrenalin).

4. Take precautionary measures to minimise injuries.

THE INHERENT BENEFITS OF ICE TREATMENT When you suffer a strain, sprain or tear, immediately apply ice (diverse ways—depending on the nature of the injury). When you suffer these injuries what happens is that there are dead or injured blood cells in and surrounding the damaged zone.

What transpires is that by icing these areas, the difference in the body temperature causes blood from the warmer areas to rush to the areas that are colder than the rest of the body to replace the dead or injured blood cells. Also icing controls or reduces swelling and temporary alleviates pain.

The iced areas become numb. The tendency is to remove the ice before time because it burns like fire, but after about five minutes, the area

Fulford scores 25 as Flyers defeat Police – Stallions win again DARADO Fullford scored 25 points to lead defending champions the Flyers to a win over the Police on a weekend when the GT Stallions kept their undefeated run intact.

The defending champions, Flyers, won their game 71-56 after Fulford who also scored big the week before added three rebounds and two steals. C. Campbell assisted with 15 points and five boards. For the Lawmen Sandro Jermain scored 22 points while grabbing eight boards and five assists and K. Doughty added 11 points and 13 rebounds.

Meanwhile the GT Stallions kept their winning streak alive with a 75-58 point win over Top Shottas. Ira Taylor led the winners with 16 points and four assists while teammate Rico added 13 points and four steals.

The Shottas’ Wesly Cherry led all scorers with 23 points and eight boards.

In the other clash Customs defeated N.C Spartans 56 –49. Customs’ Derek Hanna led the attack with 21 pts.

becomes totally numbed.

During the period of numbness there are certain physiotherapeutic exercises that can be done to strengthen/reinforce the tendons and ligaments in the areas. Where there are displacements of limbs/ joints these abnormalities can be addressed without too much discomfort.

Icing should be applied immediately after injury and should be applied every 12 hours.

PERSONAL application to others:

1.

At the Nationals in 1990’s in Grand Turk, I had the opportunity to apply my knowledge. Rosalie Ingham experienced an injury (twisted foot, out-step). With my knowledge I immediately iced her foot in a bucket of ice and taped it, this enabled her to continue in the competition where she defeated the established national sprint champion Charmaine (Candy) Williams.

2.

While living in Haiti I accomplished a physiotherapeutic miracle by applying a technique that enabled movement in an 80+ year-old lady who was paralysed on one side of her body as a result of an automobile accident.

I personally applied the principle of spinal manipulation (five days per week, each morning plus massage) for four weeks. This process involved opening (cracking) the spinal column which controls the motor reflexes/movement system. Also positive (mind believing) therapy was applied.

For in your mind, if you can conceive it and in your heart, you can believe it, then it is possible for it to happen.

March 16 - 22, 2013

Sports National

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Green calls Strikers best young team in history of TCI – after double win THE young Strikers team is the best in their age group in the history of the TCIFA, Technical Director Matthew Green opined after they added the Cup title to their League trophy.

The girls, who average 13.5 years in age, have dominated this Women’s Football season. They did so by upstaged defending doubles champions Net Rockers.

Green said that the dominance by the young side bodes well for the future of the game and he feels that as long as the players stay together they can become a regional powerhouse in the near future.

The final clash of the season came to a dramatic end last Sunday with the Strikers staying undefeated via a penalty win over Net Rockers.

EARLY CLASH The opening exchanges were fairly even until the Strikers started to dominate possession with Guerline Hall and Kadine Delphin threatening the Net Rockers’ defence from wide positions. However, the Net Rockers defence held firm under the direction of Patrice Senior and the ever reliable Bertha Lee Belle who made several important saves. Despite having the lion’s share of possession, Strikers

could not convert their chances and Net Rockers always looked dangerous on the break, a factor which proved crucial late on in the game. Both teams came out for the second period more determined, but Strikers appeared to find their rhythm first and played the more attractive football, however the tenacity and competitiveness of the Net Rockers’ players meant that the Strikers had few clear cut opportunities.

Strikers were eventually rewarded for their territorial advantage when Yarielca De La Cruz scored directly from a corner kick. The ball appeared to be scrambled over the line by several players, but the goal was awarded eventually to the young midfielder. Boosted by this goal Strikers then started to control the game and should have finished it, but they wasted several chances in front of goal. They would rue these misses as in the last minute of play Jancilia Cox turned the game on its head by scoring a long range effort. A poor defensive clearance fell straight at the feet of Cox who shot into the top corner producing wild celebrations from her team mates and forcing the game to go into extra-time.

The extra time period was an even

Provo Hockey League:

Dominant Flames fail to make final THE Saunders and Co Flames have been booted from the Midget Division final of the Provo Hockey League despite dominating the regular season. It was the Carib Gaming Panthers, who turned on the heat in the second and last week of the Playoffs. The TCBC Pirates also held their nerves to advance to this Saturday’s championship clash.

In the final week of play the Flames were defeated 4-0 by the Panthers (two goals from Valentine Antolinez) and 7-5 by the Pirates (four goals from Christian Robinson, two from JJ Affleck and one goal and two assists from Gabriel DiotteJoly). Rajhan Munnings, who has led the Flames over the season, also scored four goals and made an assist, but it was not enough for the once dominant side.

BANTAM DIVISION In the Bantam Division the Coco Bistro Lightning and the Scotiabank

The Strikers are the youngest side to have won the Women’s Football League double.

affair as both teams gave their all to try and get the winning goal, but the stalemate could not be broken and the game went into a tense and dramatic penalty shoot-out. Strikers went first as Yarielca De La Cruz saw her fiercely struck shot bounce back off the bar, however Net Rockers did not capitalise on this as Ava Robertson saw her shot well saved

by Chrystal Stirling. Strikers’ captain Kadine Delphin then gave her team the lead as her shot was fired into the bottom left corner. Stirling was

the hero again as she saved Josul Noel Jeune’s penalty and then the momentum swung the way of the Strikers as Alyssa Laing scored to make it 2-0. Bertha Lee Belle then gave Net Rockers hope by scoring to make it 2-1, however after Yarileny De La Cruz made it 3-1, one more miss from Net Rockers would give the Strikers the win. This came as Stirling made an impressive dive to deny Guerline Herilien, much to the delight of her team mates as they began to celebrate a league and cup

Sharks will battle for top honours.

Despite dominating the first two weeks of the Playoffs the Sharks lost their last clash to the Lightning. That game ended 3-2 with the Lightning’s Javiera Bovell scoring two goals to go with an assist. Earlier the J & W Constructions Hurricanes got past the Lightning 5-4. Orrin Campbell scored twice for the winners while Cole Nickson scored a pair for the Lightning.

MINI DIVISION The Gracebay Car Rental and Sales Owls and the Sailrock Lobsters will battle in the final of the MiniDivision. The Owls won 2-1 in overtime when they played the Gansevoort Gators on the final Playoff day, while in the second clash the Sailrock Lobsters defeated the Owls 7-5. Tristan Grandsire scored six goals for the winners while Carson Greatrex scored three for the Owls.

Christian Robinson, JJ Affleck and Gabriel Diotte-Joly led the Pirates to a crucial win over the Flames.

double.

Head coach James Rene was struggling for words after the drama had unfolded but complimented the young girls on their victory. “The fact that they were one minute away from winning the final in regulation play and then had to respond to that set back shows just how much they have matured as a team. It was very close today but I think the better team won, but fair play to Net Rockers as they gave 100% out there and gave us a great game”.

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March 16 - 22, 2013

March 16 - 22, 2013

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March 16 - 22, 2013