Turks and Caicos Weekly News by TC Weekly News

Weekly News Volume 27 | No. 18| May 11 - 17, 2013

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Conch Farm ruling overturnED

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) and Governor Ric Todd have won an appeal to the have the February 11 ruling of Supreme Court Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale in the Conch Farm case overturned. PAGE  5

Questions raised over timing of Beaches’ closure

PAGE 

SANDALS Resorts International (SRI) announced that Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa will temporarily close from September 1 and reopen on October 19 in order to undertake a wide-ranging enhancement programme.

Ex-Chamber head bashes 8 Gov’t PAGE 

Finance Minister says no stall on Marriott project PAGE 

TCIG cracks down on squatting on Crown land

PAGE 5

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 11 -17, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 11 -17, 2013

Editorial Right on, Bishop

t is not usual to hear a man of the cloth call on the media to be more forceful in its role of helping to educate the people and reform society. And so as journalists we found the remarks of the Anglican bishop of Jamaica and Cayman Islands, at the World Press Freedom Day Forum last week, so challenging and refreshing. As reported in the May 4 edition of the Jamaica Gleaner, Bishop Howard Gregory suggested that the media should have more to offer. In his speech at the Knutsford Court Hotel in Jamaica last Thursday, he said: “While we expect the media to be truthful in reflecting what is happening in our midst, I submit that the journalistic community has a significant role to play in the shaping of our society. The Bishop said the view that the media only reflects what is going on is a cop-out. “If the journalistic community is simply going to reflect the dynamics and values of society, then we are in deep trouble.” He said a spirit of individualism is permeating societies and institutions of governance and commerce are taking more control over citizens’ lives. He said there seems to be no exploration of the values which are informing the decisions being made and the extent they influence society’s choices. “It seems to me it will take a free press with guts, as well as institutions of civil society to educate the population and expose these areas of our national life,” he said. He noted that the ineffective bureaucratic system in hindering the country’s growth. “I believe our journalists can help us through persistent exposure to transform the system that has become an albatross around the neck of our people and our productive abilities.” He acknowledged there were factors seeking to muzzle the press but understood the rights of citizens to be protected from defamation. “It does appear that there are situations in which the threat of prosecution can serve to restrain the media,” he said. “I am also aware of the fact that the ownership of the press and various media outlets raise serious questions regarding the level of bias and sectional interests which these may represent.” We salute the Bishop for those challenging remarks and we hope that fellow members of the Fourth Estate will draw inspiration and testicular fortitude from them.

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 - News/features Editor Faizool Deo - Sports Editor (At Large) Daisy Handfield - Staff Reporter Cord Garrido-Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large) Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams - Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@yahoo.com, tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com

Beaches Resort and Sap will temporarily close from September 1 and reopen on October 19

Questions raised over timing of Beaches’ closure BY VANESSA NARINE SANDALS Resorts International (SRI) announced that Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa will temporarily close from September 1 and reopen on October 19 in order to undertake a wideranging enhancement programme. However, Monday’s announcement has raised questions, particularly given its timing. It coincides with the Government’s negotiation of a new development agreement that will cover both Beaches and what was formerly known as the Veranda, which was acquired by SRI recently. A report published in the Jamaica Observer, headlined ‘Beaches TCI pumping over US$60m a year in local economy,’ has fuelled concerns. It detailed the areas of the local economy impacted by the resort’s operations – everything from the locals on payroll to the utility usage. Another brow raising portion of the report was the focus placed on the difficulties getting work permits, which it noted has been made easier after a series of dialogues with Dr. Rufus Ewing’s administration. The report said: “Beaches generally had staffing issues because of its need for trained employees who could bring the quality of service that would keep guests coming back and maintain the Sandals reputation for high standards. “Preference is given to hiring local staff but that has proven to be insufficient as the numbers are just not there.” It also quoted the hotel manager, Lucky Khlon, as saying: “Attempts to fill vacancies with qualified Jamaican staff have not always been welcomed with open arms as there are those who believe, quite erroneously, that they are taking away jobs from locals. “We are a business and it always costs less to hire locals than to bring staff from elsewhere.”

Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing

Last April, SRI head, Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, talked to the Jamaica Observer about ramping up its Jamaican staff in the British dependency by an immediate 100 persons, with plans for another 50 to be added in the near future. When the additional 50 are recruited later, it will bring the number of Jamaicans working at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resorts to 503 – an announcement that caused widespread outrage locally given the unemployment rates that exist at the moment. Stewart, in addition to heading SRI, is also the chairman of the Jamaica Observer. BACKED INTO A CORNER Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, expressed concerns that the Government was allowing itself to be backed into a corner, with Stewart using his paper to laud his company’s contribution to the TCI and the six-week closure as possible means of influencing the negotiations on the development agreement. She said: “No one can deny its [SRI’s] impact on the economy, which is why we are concerned at its decision and its timing. “What we are concerned with is the place that Government seems to be allowing itself to be drawn.

Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson

Gordon 'Butch' Stewart

“Whilst we ought to ensure that investors are in friendly environments, we must remember whose interest is of paramount importance.” The Opposition Leader noted that the matter is concerning at several levels. Cartwright-Robinson said: “It is our understanding that the staff will not be paid during this time. This will be serious hardship on the employees of Beaches and their families. “Secondly we are concerned that the Government has not spoken to this issue which will have financial implications as well for continued 

May 11 -17, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

Appeal Court overturns RamsayHale ruling in Conch Farm case

THE TURKS and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) and Governor Ric Todd have won an appeal to the have the February 11 ruling of Supreme Court Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale in the Conch Farm case overturned. In a statement from the Governor’s Office, Attorney General, Huw Shepheard expressed his satisfaction at the judgment which was handed down by President of the Appeal Court, Justice Edward Zacca, QC, Justice Richard Ground, QC, and Queen's Counsel Elliott Mottley yesterday (Thursday, May 9). In the decision, the TCIG was also awarded 75 per cent of their costs from Trade Winds Industries, the plaintiff in the matter. “This is an excellent result, consistent with TCIG’s position in this litigation from the start,” Shepheard is quoted as saying. “I am pleased that we have been granted most of our costs and I hope that they are paid swiftly so that we are not out of pocket in having to deal with this claim which we have said all along is without merit.” Efforts to contact managing

director of Trade Winds Industries, Richard Berke, following the decision, all proved futile. The Justices ruled to send the case to arbitration following two days of submissions by the attorneys for the TCIG headed by David Phillips and senior attorney, Monique Allan for Trade Winds Industries. The appeal hearing began on May 3. During the hearing TCIG lawyer maintained throughout his submissions that Ramsay-Hale abused her discretionary powers in ruling that the case should be heard in open Court. Phillips contended that there were separate issues at hand and that the agreement between the TCIG and TWI provided for them to be heard in arbitration. During the first day of the hearing he had stated that if the arbitrator ruled in favour of the TCIG and the Governor then there would not be a civil case, while a decision against the defendants would send the case back to the court. Phillips had also pointed out that there is no factual basis for

Beaches’ closure ...

the defamation and other charges the plaintiff has brought against Governor Todd. However, Allan, in the last day of her submissions, stringently argued that the arbitration clause within the agreement is flawed and does not apply in the matter. TWI brought a case against the Government last year for breach of contract, malicious falsehoods, defamation and unlawful interference with the company’s economic interests. The company is seeking damages of $100m. Allan maintained that the relationship between the TCIG and TWI changed as a result of a 2010 development agreement signed by the Governor Ric Todd, which was revision of a 1995 draft agreement. During the proceedings the plaintiff’s lawyer contended that the wording of the 2010 agreement changed the relationship between the two parties from that of a landlord and tenant relationship to that of a new enterprise, and that it was not a continuing business relationship. A sore issue for TWI in the 2010 agreement was the exclusion of the right to farm finfish, as was being done prior to the drafting of the new agreement. Another point in the case which provoked much argument by the plaintiff before the Justices, was

an application made by Leeward YC Marina Limited to dredge a navigational channel and marina, which would have been detrimental to operations of the TWI Conch Farm. The Planning Board recently denied this application, however. Allan, during her submissions, likened this to a meteor in the TWI’s backyard and that it was in breach of the agreement. She further argued that it would be “inconvenient” to have two separate hearings and that it would incur additional costs. During the first day of the appeal case, the appellant had submitted before the court that the judge could have ruled to have one set of matters sent to arbitration as provided for in the agreement and the next set heard before the court. Allan submitted to the court that Ramsay-Hale found that there would have been complications arising out of two separate trials when she ruled to have one trial in open court. When asked by Justice Zacca what those complications were, Allan noted that the judge failed to state. He further stated that if she failed to say what complications would have arisen from two hearings, then this was an improper use of her discretion.

Lawyer Allan also discounted the arbitration clause of the 1995 draft agreement, and stated that is not valid and that the court did not have the right to appoint a second arbitrator, if one were required. Phillips in his final statements in the appeal case submitted that Allan’s statements were factually wrong and that it was a matter of “common sense”. He argued that the relationship between TCIG and TWI was a continuing business relationship and that the contract spoke to the existing farm being extended, which he said supported his claim on the continuity of the relationship. The case arose out of the withdrawal of a $15m long term loan for the breeding centre at Heaving Down Rock in Providenciales following a new development agreement signed by Governor Todd. The plaintiff contended that the Government caused the upheaval because a development order which was needed to secure the loan, failed to appear. However, Governor Todd disputed this, and claimed that Government had done nothing wrong. Since the matter was first brought before the court, the plaintiff has been strenuous in its call that the case should be heard in the public so that her client could be vindicated.

continued 

the Government’s coffers as they must have known. “Thirdly, the timing of this news comes when Government is in negotiations with Beaches to review and renegotiate the 2006 contract and also when reporters have been in and out of these Islands, reporting on Beaches’ impact on these Islands.” In the last sitting of the House, the Minister of Finance, in response to a question, informed the House that the Government was in negotiations with Beaches to enter into new contractual arrangements replacing the infamous 2006 contract which allowed Beaches to bring in workers and then apply for work permits. This contract also provided for senior positions not to be advertised, the minister said. TRANSPARENCY She called for transparency in the Government’s dealings with investors. According to her, in a recent tour of the resort, neither she nor her colleagues were led to believe the occupancy rate was low or that this closure was pending. “We are concerned about the timing,” she reiterated. Cartwright-Robinson said: “We are calling on the Government

to speak to this issue, to tell the people the terms being negotiated with Beaches now, which the Minister of Finance says will be completed by tomorrow (Wednesday). “Also, the people need to know what are the plans for this six week period for our workers employed at Beaches and what other options does this Government intend to suggest to Beaches, if any. “This is a serious issue and must be dealt with expediently. But we encourage the Government to be cautious and skilful and not to allow itself to be backed into a corner while it negotiates new terms.” The Opposition Leader pointed out too that the resort has never, to her knowledge, closed its doors for this length of time before. Up to press time, the Premier, who also holds the tourism portfolio, had no comment on the matter. However, the Weekly News understands that on Wednesday Cabinet discussed the terms of a new development agreement. They agreed that the Governor would be in a position to sign the new agreement subject to further consultation this week with local stakeholders and the finalisation of the document by the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers.

TCIG cracks down on squatting on Crown land SQUATTERS on Crown land in Five Cays have been issued with seize and desist and eviction notices by Turks and Caicos Government law enforcement officials over the past week. An advisory from the TCIG informed of the exercise undertaken by a joint law enforcement committee comprised of officers from the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, among others. The team took to the ‘Wells’ area in Five Cay on Tuesday (May 7) where they posted notices on buildings constructed without proper authorisation as well as on unoccupied structures which are under construction, to cease building. Eviction notices were also served on persons occupying structures that were constructed after November 2009. Director of Crown Lands, Leroy Charles, noted in the Government release that the notices were served in accordance with the law and the

exercise is an effort to minimise and eventually eradicate squatting on Crown land. “It is recognised that individuals will be displaced as a result of the exercise; however the intention is not to forcibly remove persons and leave them without a home, but to give them adequate notice to find an alternative,” the statement quoted Charles as saying. He continued: “The vision is to clean-up the areas on which individuals are building without permission. “You will also find that persons have built in low-lying areas and within these squatter communities the houses are stacked at just a couple of feet apart and, generally, with poor sanitation; it’s a hazard which must be rectified because in the case of a natural disaster the consequences could be catastrophic.” The joint law enforcement committee will continue to monitor the situation to ensure squatting on Crown land is curtailed and eradicated.

The director advised that links are being forged with land owners to assist them in identifying the options available to them to combat this problem. In November 2009, the informal settlement containment operation was first mounted. During that time, a zero tolerance policy on squatting was taken by the TCIG. “Due to the economic downturn and the need to balance resources there was a decrease in the number of coordinated and consistent operations to tackle squatting in the last few years,” the TCIG statement said. The Crown Land Ordinance prohibits any individual without the lawful authority to use or occupy, to construct any building or structure, or abandon any vehicle on Crown land. Persons found in violation of this Ordinance are liable, upon summary conviction, to a fine of $10,000 or six months imprisonment, and upon conviction on indictment, to a fine of $50,000 or two years in jail.

May 11 -17, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

A possible boost?

CHANCELLOR of the Exchequer, George Osborne, has welcomed news that all British Overseas Territories with significant financial centres have signed up to the Government’s strategy on global tax transparency – marking a turning point in the fight against tax evasion and illicit finance. Following the recent leadership shown by the Cayman Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands has agreed to much greater levels of transparency by supporting automatic information sharing with the UK and multilaterally with the G5 countries (UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain). Will this move by the TCI assist the expansion of its budding financial services sector?

Wait and see

One cannot know or one cannot tell what the effect of this will be on the TCI. It is perhaps needful to wait and see what will happen next and whether there will be a flight of capital from the islands or whether this development will attract new forms of what they call legitimate capital to the TCI. Certainly aiding tax evasion and illicit finance cannot be good in the long run for these islands. It is a wait and see game here and the notion of not knowing what will happen next is frightening.

Good and bad

There is good and bad in this new batch of laws. It will help prevent money laundering and drug money being hidden. That is how the laws have been sold.

Real reason

The real reason is to prevent British and American taxpayers from hiding their income and escaping taxation; to prevent them from escaping income taxes accessed in their countries of origin earned from investments made in the TCI.

Counterproductive

Both counties are hunting for more and more taxes, but obviously this is counterproductive.

 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

Two charged for reef destruction leave TCI BY VANESSA NARINE

THE TWO men charged with the massive damage to coral reef off North West Point left the Turks and Caicos Islands on Thursday afternoon, after being successful in getting variations to the bail arrangements. Benjamin Cameron, 39, and David Brown, 34, during their last court appearance on April 19, had been ordered to surrender their travel documents and report to the Radar Station once every day. However, on Thursday morning, defense attorney, Martin Green, made an application for a variation to the conditions to Magistrate Jolyon Hatmin. He argued that the prosecution at the last hearing had no objections to a cash surety and petitioned the court for the return of the travel documents and reconsideration of the reporting requirements. The prosecution, led by Clement Joseph, pointed out that the trial is set for May 22, a fortnight away and objected to the return of the men’s travel documents. Hatmin noted his agreement, but Green argued that the objection on the sole basis of the trial date is not a strong enough basis to prevent reconsideration of bail terms. The prosecution did not put up much of a fight. By the end of the session, the Magistrate ruled that that both men lodge a cash surety of $60,000 each, discontinued the reporting requirements and retuned their travel

Counterfeit $100 bill circulating in the TCI

Massive reduction in counterfeit notes BY DAISY HANDFIELD

David Brown and Benjamin Cameron at the Magistrate’s Court on April 19

documents after the surety was posted. The payment was made by 11.30am on Thursday and the men left the court. Cameron, a French national, and Brown, a UK national, face four charges each, after the anchor of a 220ft yacht was dragged through the reef, off North West Point, resulting in significant damage on April 1 and 2. Cameron, captain on the M.Y. White Cloud, and Brown, its chief engineer, were slapped with one charge each for anchoring a vessel greater than 60 feet in length outside an approved anchoring zone in the Northwest Point Marine National Park and three charges associated with causing anchor damage to coral reef structures. The costs of the conservation and restoration is expected to be

recovered from the yacht’s insurers. The Weekly News contacted the Director of Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA), Kathleen Wood, for a comment on the matter. She said: “They have to return for the trial on May 22 and if they do not my intention is to push for a warrant and have them tried in absentia, but obviously the ultimate decision left to the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions), JoAnn Meloche. “My focus is for justice to be served.” Wood was on a dive last April 18 and described the damage as catastrophic. A team in currently working on quantifying the damage, rescuing and securing what is left of the reef; with long term plans to put in place an artificial structure that will hopefully encourage re-growth.

ABOUT two weeks ago police officials noted that they had recovered nearly $4,000 in counterfeit notes. Yesterday (Thursday) Assistant Superintendent in charge of Financial Crime Unit in the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), Kenville Charles, told the Weekly News that the numbers have dropped drastically to about two notes in the last two weeks. He said: “We have seen a drastic reduction in the collection of counterfeit money especially from business places and banks. “Within two weeks only two notes which were $50 bills were received. “Due to the media involvement and business places becoming more aware as to what to look for in identifying counterfeit currencies, they are now putting systems in place to prevent these funds from being circulated.” Although the numbers have dropped, Charles explained that the investigations are still ongoing and previously two Dominican nationals were arrested and are on bail. There has still not been any solid conclusion as to where these notes are coming from. The public is reminded that even

though there has been a massive reduction, local businesses and residents should still be on the lookout for certain features on these fake notes. Charles said: “I think the most pronounced feature on the counterfeit note itself is what I said last time, the $100 notation on the bottom right hand side of the $100 bill itself. “If you hold the $100 bill vertically and turn it a little the counterfeit bill should show a light blue colour and it will not change colour. “If you run your finger over that $100 notation it will have a smooth feel to it but if you contrast that to a real note itself, the $100 bill will have a rigid indentation and it might have a rough feel.” In the case that someone is in possession of counterfeit notes including merchants, banks and other business places “you have that responsibility to retain that note,” said Charles. Police officials stressed that you should not give it back to that person, you should keep the note in your possession and if possible you should get the person to give you their contact information and you should notify the police on 9414450.

May 11 -17, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

Finance Minister says no stall on Marriott project BY VANESSA NARINE THERE is no significant delay to the 380-room Marriott project, according to Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade, Washington Misick. This week Misick dismissed speculation that negotiations with the project developers had stalled over demands for assurance that a certain number of work permits would be issued. “This is most definitely not the case,” he told the Weekly News. “What we have decided to do with large developers and by extension employers is to enter into an employment protocol arrangement where yes we fast track their applications but there is no halt to the negotiations.” According to him, the Government is “pushing hard” to get the project going, having met with the project team as recently as last week. Misick said: “Right now the developers have an obligation to publish a notice and that has been done in the Gazette to give their neighbours a chance to reply. “We are working through this stage and the different government departments are working with them to get the project moving.” ANNOUNCEMENT Following that interview, JW Marriott Hotels and Resorts announced on Monday, during the Caribbean Hotel and Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS), its

plans to open a new 380-room JW Marriott Hotel and Casino, which will include 16 residential condos located on Providenciales. In addition to 380 guest rooms and suites, the hotel will feature a gourmet specialty restaurant, a threemeal-a-day restaurant, a lobby bar and lounge and a pool bar and grill. It will have 1,300 square meters of meeting space, including a ballroom; as well as a 962 square meter spa and fitness centre, a kids/teen club, three swimming pools and a 901 square meter casino. According to an online report out of Weston, Florida, the property will be operated by Marriott International under a long-term agreement with Desarrollos Hotelco Turks and Caicos Ltd., a group made up of prominent regional investors. Majority investor of Desarrollos Hotelco Turks and Caicos Ltd., Walter Stipa, was quoted in the report as saying: “We are thrilled to bring the JW Marriott brand of luxury to Turks and Caicos and with its prime location on stunning Grace Bay beach, we know that it will be very successful.” The report also quoted the chief development officer for Marriott International, Inc. in the Caribbean and Latin America, Laurent de Kousemaeker. He said: “We are fortunate to have partners like Mr. Stipa and his team, who have an amazing eye for great sites and destinations with potential in the region. “Turks and Caicos is a fabulous

Gap must be bridged between crime fighting and the community CRITICISMS have been raised over the fact that the Government and Opposition are not collaborating against the crime fight, the way they rallied together to have Value Added Tax (VAT) shelved. Leader of the Opposition and the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, in response noted that the Opposition’s inclusion in the VAT fight came after they “knocked down” Government doors to partner with them. She added that more needs to be done to bridge the gap between the fight against crime and the community. According to her, the approach has to be one that is taken

together. “There are things we can do to support the police,” she said. Cartwright-Robinson noted that after the death of 25-year-old Kaziah Burke, she wrote to the Police Commissioner, members of the clergy and the Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing. The only response received, she said, was from Police Commissioner, Colin Farquhar. “We did make an approach... we are waiting to see what happens,” Cartwright-Robinson said. The Opposition Leader stressed that this is not a fight for any one party, but added that the Opposition can only offer its support to Government, not act without being invited to do so.

luxury Caribbean destination that currently has no supply of internationally renowned luxury brand hotels that offer the range of resort amenities which leisure and incentive guests are looking for.” The primary architect for the project is Robert M. Coleman and Partners, who also designed the RitzCarlton New Orleans, the Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club timeshare resort, the recently-opened Renaissance Curaçao Resort and Casino and the Ritz-Carlton Aruba, currently under construction. ECONOMIC BOOST Governor Ric Todd, in a statement after the announcement, noted that he is delighted to hear that JW Marriott is headed for TCI after signing an agreement with the developer Desarrollos Hotelco last year. He said: “While the economy is doing better than many others right now, there is no doubt that this will be a very welcome boost to the people and businesses of the TCI.” A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed last October by the Governor and the developer, Desarrollos Hotelco Group. Desarrollos Hotelco first visited the TCI in March 2011. The TCI Government Investment Unit

has been in close dialog with the developer since February 2012. Desarrollos then worked with Horton Realty and the Investment Unit to secure the 10.5 acre Soldaco site. A second parcel of land, known locally as the ‘Mandalay site’, was also secured in Grace Bay. It is on this site that Desarollos proposes to build the two further hotels. The investment unit also facilitated technical meetings with the planning department and airports authority to ensure a coordinated approach to working with the new developments, to help ensure the sustainable and supported growth of the Islands’ infrastructure needs and airlift capacity. At the time of the signing, Todd said: “This is the best possible vindication of the new Turks and Caicos Inward Investment Policy, management structure and approach to attracting inward investment on the best terms for the taxpayers of the Turks and Caicos. “This confirms that major international investors are impressed by the reforms that we have made over the past three years and, despite global economic difficulties, see the Turks and Caicos Islands as a great place in which to invest and to do business. “Our economy has been growing

since 2010, by some 4.3 per cent alone last year, and is now set fair for future economic growth. “The people of TCI have every reason to be proud of these achievements and to look forward to the future with optimism.” Pedro Vera of Hotelco, also on hand at the time, said: “We were attracted to TCI because it is a high end tourism destination with great potential, friendly and welcoming people and an excellent investment climate. “We look forward to investing in TCI and being a participant in bringing luxury resort brands to these islands.” Consultancy firm KPMG TCI was been employed by Hotelco to complete a full social and economic impact study for the properties and the new hotel is expected to not exceed 96 feet in height and be physically no taller than the Seven Stars, currently the highest building in the TCI. JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. Currently, there are 60 JW Marriott hotels in 24 countries; by 2015 the portfolio is expected to encompass 79 properties in 28 countries.

Challenges with revenue collection still exist GOVERNMENT recorded between $18m and $19m in revenue in the first part of the first quarter of the new financial year 2013-2014, according to Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade, Washington Misick. “The revenues came in from the same sources we are used to, accommodation tax, stamp duty and we had some extraordinary events from some of the current sources,” he said. However, in an interview with the Weekly News, Misick noted that while the revenue levels are a real indication of economic turnaround for the Turks and Caicos Islands, there remains the challenge of raising enough revenue to cover government operations and provide services to the nation’s people. “The money has to come from somewhere,” he said, pointing to the new revenue measures that are being looked at. These have been included in the Fiscal and Strategic and Policy Statement (FSPS), which is currently with United Kingdom ministers

Minister Washington Misick

pending approval. The strategy includes revised estimates for expected revenues from existing sources, as well as the result of Cabinet discussions on options for further tax increases necessary to ensure the expenditure plans for 2013/14 and subsequent years are robust and sustainable. These included the legislative and administrative changes required to broaden accommodation tax to other

tourist related services, a flat rate property tax and a professional service tax with a view to these measures coming into effect from October 1. These, according to Misick, are short term revenue raising means that were modelled extensively before the UK ministers agreed to their inclusion in the FSPS. In the longer term, he stated that a Blue Ribbon Commission will be set up to review the revenue system and make recommendations to support sustained revenue collection. The Finance Minister made it clear that the revenue raising measures in the FSPS are demand driven not cost-based. He added that indications are that together the FSPS’s revenue raising measures will bring in as much as $10m, the figure that the massively opposed Value Added Tax (VAT) was supposed to bring in. Misick said he was optimistic that strides will be made to address the challenges as his Government is focused on economic growth. (VANESSA NARINE)

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 11 -17, 2013

Officials call for due process to be respected

– Tourism sector battling negative publicity BY VANESSA NARINE IN the past months the local tourism sector has been hit with a crime spike that saw tourists targeted and in the last week the sector took another blow from the negative publicity stemming from the arrest of a tourist found in possessing of ammunition. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) preferred charges against retired neurosurgeon and Sarasota resident, Horace Avery Norrell, on April 26. Norrell was arraigned in the Providenciales Magistrate Court, where in accordance with the strict guidelines set out in the Firearms Amended Ordinance, he was remanded into custody. Norrell, was granted leave to apply for bail in the Supreme Court, where he was released on $4,000 cash bail, but is set to return on June 7 for a sufficiency hearing. A different judge is expected to decide if there is sufficient evidence for a trial. If the case goes to trial and Norrell is convicted, he will face a minimum of five years in prison.

understand that the independent judicial process has to be followed.” Not long after the report was published forums on TripAdvisor. com and other social networking sites buzzed with talk of cancellations. Tourism accounts for a significant percentage of TCI’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He was the second tourist in the last few weeks that has been held on the charge of ammunition possession, the first being a woman from Dallas, Texas. SPEAKING OUT Back home, Norrell spoke out about his experience to the Sarasota Herald Tribune. Norrell told the paper that fifteen minutes after being found with the 9mm round he was read his rights, connected with an attorney, Oliver Smith, and questioned by officers for nearly two hours; then he went before a Magistrate Court. He said: “I spent Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday night in jail, in a cell that I could walk across in four paces, big iron bars, no lights, no windows, an air mattress on the floor and a combination toilet and sink.” On Monday, Norrell stood before a Supreme Court Justice. The neurosurgeon talked about never having been arrested before and his relief when on Wednesday he was able to leave the TCI. Norrell’s wife soon after wrote to

Retired neurosurgeon and Sarasota resident, Horace Norell

Senator Bill Nelson, who contacted the U.S. Embassy in London, and Rep. Vern Buchanan, who sent a letter to the embassy in the Bahamas on Monday urging the officials to look into the situation. “The family would like the embassy to carefully scrutinize this charge and question the legitimacy,” Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, wrote. Norrell's son, also wrote to others, including Governor Ric Todd. “My father is completely innocent of the charges, and further, he has no interest in guns or firearms of any sort. This is clearly an erroneous charge, and I request that the charges be dropped,” Mark wrote. In response, Todd said: “I was aware of and have been following your father's case. I know you will

Ex-Chamber head bashes Gov’t BY VANESSA NARINE FORMER President of the Chamber of Commerce, Tina Fenimore, in her last moments as head of the business community, had strong words to describe the functioning of the Progressive National Party (PNP) administration since taking office in November 2012. In an exclusive interview with the Weekly News, she noted that the Government, as it relates to policies and decisions that affect the local business community, is functioning like “a ship without a rudder” by ignoring the expertise within the community. Fenimore said: “They should be looking to us for advice on moving forward…they are not the business people who operate in this economy and don’t understand it the way we do.” According to her, the practical know-how lies with the business people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. “They have ignored us…it is disturbing,” she said. Fenimore pointed out that the Chamber has offered its expertise by requesting to sit on key boards that make decisions that affect the business community, but has not been taken seriously. “Boards that deal with labour issues and others, these are areas the business community should be involved in. “We should be privy to what is

Tina Fenimore

going on before decisions are made… the Government’s relationship with us could have been better,” she said. The former Chamber president pointed out that the body’s membership includes people with decades of experience operating in the TCI community and this expertise could be made use of in the interest of developing the economy, which is now slowly seeing a rebound. On that note, she acknowledged that the economic problems are not the Government’s fault, particularly given the global financial crisis and the resulting downturn. However, Fenimore maintained that better public private partnerships could have been fostered to deal with the challenges facing the local economy. She added that inclusion of key stakeholders is the only way to make sustained advances.

The former Chamber President underscored that fact that inclusion of stakeholders bodes well for transparency. She said: “All is not bad, but most of it is not transparent from what we see. “The way things are being done makes you wonder what they are hiding. It is either they are hiding something or they don’t know what exactly they are doing.” Fenimore made it clear that the campaign rhetoric has to end. She said: “It will be more effective if we are included along the way to actually make things happen, rather than have to listen to rhetoric.” She added: “It is very simple, if you do not know then admit that you do not and get help….we have the expertise here in the business community.” According to her, the TCI has a unique product and a move forward does not have to be as frustrating as it is currently for local business people. “Working with the Government has been frustrating and it does not have to be that way,” Fenimore said. The Chamber, as of Monday evening, is headed by new president, E. Jay Saunders, and vice president and Deputy Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Sean Astwood. The former Chamber president expressed hope that moving forward there will be changes in the current administration’s relationship with the Chamber of Commerce.

DUE PROCESS In relation to both high profile cases concerning visitors being arrested and charged with having ammunition found in their luggage when leaving the Turks and Caicos, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), JoAnn Meloche, and Governor Ric Todd called for due process to be respected. On Tuesday, Meloche said: “Two individuals travelling to the United States from the TCI were charged by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for carrying ammunition at the Providenciales International Airport on Thursday, April 25, and Friday, April 26.

“Both have been released on $4,000 cash bail. The matters were adjourned to a sufficiency hearing before the Chief Justice on June 7. The investigation into these incidents is ongoing.” The Governor, adding his comments, said: “I have received a high number of calls and emails from well meaning supplicants who mistakenly believe that I can or should intervene in an independent investigation and judicial process, seemingly on the basis that these are damaging the tourism sector here. “I appreciate that these are most unfortunate incidents for everyone concerned, but the legal system in TCI is independent. I would therefore ask everyone to show restraint and allow the investigation and legal process to take its course and allow the authorities to complete their investigations.” Director of the Tourist Board, Ralph Higgs, up to press time was unavailable for comment.

Jury pool expansion not taken to Cabinet THE ATTORNEY General’s (AG) Chambers, according to Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles in a telephone interview, was to take a paper to Cabinet that addressed a proposal to expand the current jury pool from Belongers, to non-Belongers who are residents in the Turks and Caicos Islands. However, the latest update on the proposal was that the matter was not brought up at Cabinet’s meeting on

Wednesday (May 8). The Jurors Ordinance guides the compilation of a list of people eligible for jury duty and pulls from the list of electors, which was last updated in the latter part of April this year and shows some 7,263 verified electors. Any change to the current criteria for the eligibility of jurors will have to be reflected in an amendment in the Juror Ordinance and will be have to be taken to the House of Assembly.

Only $2m operating surplus available to Gov’t THE TURKS and Caicos Islands Government ended the financial year on March 31 with an operating surplus of $47.6m - an $85.7m improvement on the same stage 12 months earlier. But only $2m of that amount is available to the Government, the rest being deposited into the sinking fund, which was created to help pay down the national debt by 2016. Finance, Investment and Trade Minister, Washington Misick, told the Weekly News that a similar amount of surplus should not be expected at the end of the current financial year 20132014, particularly since $28.2m represented civil recoveries secured for the TCI taxpayers. The numbers were released by the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Stephen Turnbull, on Monday. Misick noted that his working relationship with the CFO is a

good one. He pointed out that the focus is on working together to move the Turks and Caicos Islands beyond its current financial position. Governor Ric Todd also made comments about the current financial situation this week. He pointed out that the first seven months of the financial year 2012-2013 were “unusual” in that those months were recorded under the reforming interim administration, while the second part of the year was under the Government elected in November 2012. He said: “I would like to thank everyone involved in improving the public finances of the TCI: our civil servants, advisors, and, of course, our outgoing CFO, Hugh McGarel-Groves. “I am sure that we would all wish to thank him for his efforts on TCI and to wish him success in the future.”

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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.

Paths never before travelled Dear Editor, Today, May 9, marks the 33rd anniversary of the death of the Peoples’ Democratic Movement’s first party leader. On May 9 the Hon JAGS McCartney while serving as the country’s first Chief Minister passed away at age of 35 years. This little nation was rocked with grief and was flung into a period of mass mourning. Today we still mourn the loss of this great man for this country and our party. JAGS McCartney challenged the status quo of the day and believed that his people deserved more. He dared to tread paths never before travelled. He was a founding member of the grass roots organisation, the People’s Democratic Movement which was created to address the many

social and economic ills that were pervasive throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. He believed that the youth were central to change for the Turks and Caicos Islands and he engaged them through educational and social settings to ensure their involvement. He was determined to usher in a new constitution that will give his people the powers to govern themselves and to safeguard the rights of all of us. Originally called JAGS McCartney Day the day was changed in the early 90s to National Heroes Day: a holiday celebrated on the last Monday in May. This day commemorates the life of McCartney. Hon Sharlene L Cartwright Robinson PDM party leader

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Reaching for higher standards Dear Editor, For a while I thought that the ‘staying in the bucket’ mentality was restricted to the Islands. But after seeing and reading a recent article on the internet in the Huffington Post these past days it tells me much different and gave me an eye full. And so full, that I thought it was worth repeating and sharing with folks here at home in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It read: “Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas doesn't speak much on the job, but during an interview last month at Duquesne Law School in Pittsburgh, Pa., he offered some candid insight into his thoughts about politics and President Barack Obama.” Time and time again we take things for granted such as entitlements to preferential treatment, but we must by now, or should have by now, come to reality that if we as blacks want to be looked at and treated as equals we must, with will, take a stance. If we were to bemoan those notices of ‘I did it first,’ we are actually saying that we did not have any expectation of events like Obama being president ever happening. Gone are the days when blacks looked forward to being the first to

House of cards

do this or the first to do that or just the first black to have attained a certain status. We had said that because of lacks of opportunities and funds we were unable to do or be what we really wanted to. That since has changed, and so should our (blacks) attitudes. Recognising the first black to attain a certain status is more a comment on the centuries of slavery, Jim Crow and subtle racism in early America than it is on the abilities of the person who achieved that feat. To ignore history and pretend that the climb was not steeper, enables the right wing to also ignore reality and thus keep the ceiling low with but a few holes for those fortunate enough to find them. This perpetuates the myth here in the TCI that only a few, deserving and qualified blacks, can rise, though there are many more deserving and even more qualified blacks that are left behind. Blacks who, like Clarence Thomas, prefer to rise above and leave behind are the racists’ best allies. The puppets through which they can preach their subtle message of superiority There is no need to be recognised as the first black of anything, as

any and all such attainments are available, and expected. The sky is now the limit, we as blacks must not only reach but exceed and excel to the highest. We have black soldiers, doctors, lawyers, judges, prisoners, police, PhDs, MDs, and the lot amongst our mix, why not a black president? It is very short sighted and disserving for the USA Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to make such a slight, and the American people should look at it just as that, a slight. And not as strange, right here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, recently the title of who actually was the first female Deputy Premier was not only common talk but topics of street and media debate. Just as sad, is the fact that individuals have stated that they will not vote a certain way, just because they did not want a certain female to be a first Premier! I am still trying to catch my breath! The time has now come that we can set higher standards, reach for the sky, and be limited only by our own desires and wills. Regards,

leave early. Robert is making more money than he ever made before serving as speaker and he had to leave early. The Premier also said he had prior commitments. He gave up the medical professions to lead the people and he could not stay until the business of the country unfolded. The delivered ministerial statements were only reports on the minor housekeeping items of every day. I am surprised they did not mention how they used the broom on their floor that morning....perhaps they did not. One wonders how these folks got elected and how they hold their jobs. The truth must be told. They did not want to answer the questions laid in front of them by the Opposition days before. The Opposition held all he high cards and the ministers took their yellow ties and vests and voted to close the house down. The governors appointed members along with them.

The TCI is mired in a mess. People are leaving. No successful development for 10 long years and one wonders if it will ever return. In one previous press conference Washington mentioned he had two developers from Venezuela interested. Venezuela of all places! President Hugo Chavez who God took from this earth after preaching a war against the USA was a friend of Washington’s brother Michael. Remember that Michael visited Hugo. Now Chavez cronies have inherited the leadership of Venezuela. This Financial Minister sure knows how to scare us. We now move back to farming and fishing and trying to save enough to pay our terribly high light bill. However it becomes more obvious every day. This house of cards cannot stand.

Edward E Smith, Providenciales

COMMENTARY

THE old country song ‘Deck of Cards’ tells of a soldier who after a long campaign was able to attend church. He did not have a bible or prayer book so he spread out a deck of cards. He used the cards as his reminder of the precepts of his religion. The Ace reminded him of the one true God in charge of the universe. The deuce or two reminded him of the old and new testaments, the three reminded him of the holy trinity. On the story goes through the entire deck of cards. He was also able to use the deck of cards as an almanac. The four suits, spades, hearts, clubs and diamonds reminded him of the

By David Tapfer four seasons; 365 spots on the cards are the number of days in the year and 52 cards relate to the week in the years. On and on the story goes. Check it out on you tube. We have our parliament which

SPACE IS LIMITED!

is called the House of Assembly which after the last session turns out to be just a ‘House of Cards’. There was no agenda. There was no plan, no legislation brought forward. No debate on how to solve the countries unemployment problem. Nothing on how to solve the debts run up by the previous elected government under the same party and the same people. No word on the audit of the NHIP also now known as Ewing-care. They could not wait for the session to end. To begin with they did not convene the house until the last possible day. Three weeks after the previous session. The speaker acted as our jack of knaves telling the house he had to

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continued

Finance Minister Washington Misick, centre, with officials from the Chamber of Commerce

Finance Minister talks investment and revenue BY VANESSA NARINE

A RETURN to sustained economic growth is the focus of the current administration, according to Washington Misick. The Finance Minister also addressed two major factors that would support said focus: the Government’s investment policy and the revenue system at Monday night’s Chamber of Commerce meeting. As the main speaker at the meeting, held at the Windsong Resort, he explained that his Government’s focus is based on deliverables outlined in the Progressive National Party (PNP) manifesto and an agreement with the United Kingdom to meet set standards of good governance and public financial management. He stressed that the Government is committed to the development of the Turks and Caicos Islands. According to him, the formulation of the 2013-2015 Budget, which provides an overview of the Government’s revenue and expenditure as well as borrowing plans, assesses where the

TCI has come from, where it is and where it is going. He pointed out that sustained economic growth depends on sustained domestic successes. On that note, Misick noted that the new investment policy, which was introduced under the interim administration, will support domestic success. The policy is now being reviewed and is expected to be updated soon, he said. Misick acknowledged that there are some specifics of the old policy that are being kept, as it relates to attracting long term investors, development of new industries and entertaining investors on developments that are in sync with the Government’s agenda. The Finance Minister also acknowledged that the barriers to entering into business are a concern that he is aware of and one that will be addressed. “It will be a long time before we can return to the growth rate we have seen in the past, but sound policies and the creation of a better

environment for commerce will put us on the right path,” he said. Misick added that the macroeconomic projections are encouraging, particularly in the area of tourism, with some 392,000 land based visitors expected in 2013 and as much as 420,000 by 2017. While work is on-going to increase investment in the TCI and the macroeconomic projections are promising, the area of revenue collection is an area that has its own challenges, according to the Minister. He said the Government is looking to establish a Blue Ribbon Commission to review the entire revenue system – an effort to ensure that services can be provided to the people of the TCI and the operation of the Government is covered. A sound investment policy and a reliable and sustainable revenue system will support the economic growth in the TCI, Misick said. To that end, he underscored the need for stronger public private partnerships. The Chamber of Commerce is expected to meet again in early June.

TCI youths want their voices heard DURING a youth forum at the Felix Morley Community Centre in Five Cays on April 26 under the theme ‘Meeting the needs of the juvenile offenders,’ youths of the TCI noted changes that they wanted to see in society. A lot of issues were thrown on the table and some of those included the need for improvements in relationships between parents and children, peer pressure and the challenges of dealing with it, and also many said they felt as though their voices went unheard. There were youth views on what is being done in terms of meeting the needs of a young person who commits an offence or young persons who have exhibited behaviour outside of social norms. The Weekly News spoke to the National Youth Director, Angela Musgrove, who noted that a lot of these unaddressed issues are circumstances which may be playing

a role in youths leading astray. She said: “Youth forums are designed to give young people a voice, they are also designed to tap into their heads to find out where there minds are at and what they are thinking of because we want to make the young people feel as though their voices matter.” “We want all these opinions that we hear to be apart of our programme and a part of our action plan so we hear what they are saying and we see to put initiatives in place that will address the issues and concerns that they may raise.” Musgrove shared some of the initiatives that will potentially be put in place to address a lot of these issues. “We want to make sure that there are supportive programmes that allow young persons to develop proper relationships with their family and with their peers. “I also want to note that one of the things that came out in terms

of dealing with peer pressure is a suggested formation of a youth group within the community; we are looking into that,” she said. The National Youth Director encouraged parents to try and spend more time with their children because during the forum a lot of the children felt as though relationships with parents, in many homes were lacking. She said: “What I would urge and what came out strongly from young persons is that they feel as though their voices are not being heard. “In schools their voices are not being heard, within their homes and we’re urging strongly for families to actually take more time to listen and to do more things with their children. “I know sometimes it’s hard to juggle work and everything else but parents have to find the time to sit and talk to their children because they really want to know that someone is listening.” (DAISY HANDFIELD)

Step aside Governor Dear Editor, Are we having another constitutional crisis in the Turks and Caicos Islands or what? I guess the answer is ‘what’! Our friends in the Commonwealth Caribbean need take note. One notes with keen interest the continued insistence of Governor Damian Ric Todd to meddle in matters which must be reserved to elected ministers of the Government. Duly elected or not, until they are removed, the elected Ministers should be allowed to run this country in the interests of the people and the belated statement of governance principles. It seems however, that the running of the TCI is left to the Opposition. While this is good for a democracy we ask why are they not trying to lead from the Government’s side? While the Government remains silent at the interference of the non-elected Governor, it is left to the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Sharlene Cartwright, Deputy Leader Sean Astwood, Hon Eddie Astwood, Hon Derek Taylor, Hon Goldray Ewing, Hon Josephine Connolly and Derek Taylor to lead from the opposing side. Again, Mr Editor, while this is good, respected and applauded, why can’t the elected Government lead? Why is it always left to the Opposition to be the ones to represent our people on Labour, the serious issue at the hospital, the costs which are 20 times the real value and on and on and on? All one can say is congratulations to the PDM Opposition for stepping in to lead in these crisis times. This issue of a constitutional crisis and the need for the opposition to continue to fulfil its role is added by the need, as we understand it, for the Minister of Finance to have to wrestle control of development and investment matters from the Governor. This is bad because after the general elections of 2012 the Governor should have stepped aside. But for a Minister to have to fight for it? Added again is the Governor swimming under water with Dolphins and Sharks, doing things that a minister ought to do. As if we are still in interim government, it seems we still are, the Governor is going around, visiting schools, making high level visits and making bold statements of a ministerial nature. Word is that the Governor is at it again pushing the JW Marriott Deal and doing what he can to support a structure that would go beyond nine floors.

While we need to the jobs, the work, the investment why do we need nine floors while we do not have the work force to support the construction of such a resort? Yet look at existing resorts, most of the labour had to be imported to build and now most of the labour is imported to operate. In all of that bribes were paid and locals were paid not to work. Yet again it should be elected ministers pushing these projects while the Opposition comments. It should be the Government elected by the people commissioning studies to see if the islands have reached this stage of the tourism game. Yes in all of this, there is bungling by the Governor: the Conch Farm deliberate mismanagement of that process, Dolphinarium and more and more. The Governor needs to step aside. One can be assured that London and the FCO are aware of these issues but would have given tacit consent to a continued second phase of an interim government with the Governor continuing to flex his muscles. It would be useful and helpful if the elected Government is allowed to lead and join the debate in the TCI on how to run this country that the Opposition had to start. The Government’s only response is independence, a ludicrous notion, especially in light of $2.1 billion in hospital debt over 25 years preventing any real growth for the people. The office of the Chief Financial Officer CFO in the TCI Constitution, an on-going anomaly and fixed mode of crisis, signifying the endless debt our people are in and our inability to pay this debt but the CFO’s role to collect it. Odious and obtained by fraud the British are insistent on keeping this debt in place, ad infinitum, so the constitutional crisis continues. To end this crisis we must remove the debt, the fraudulent obligation and the conditionalities that keep the TCI and its people’s future stillborn. If this debt albatross can be seriously attacked we can make headway in removing the obligation of $2.1 billion over 25 years, the CFO can go away and not just rotated and ministers can finally assume the proper reins of Government as they were elected to do. Until then we are all in trouble , constitutional crisis deepens, the Opposition is obliged to carry out its side of the constitutional mandate and continue to lead us out of these troubled waters. Ingrid Williams

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PDM will not support gun amnesty under current terms

BY VANESSA NARINE

LEADER of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, has raised concerns about the gun amnesty programme, pointing out that under current terms its effectiveness is not likely. Police Commissioner, Colin Farquhar, made the announcement that a firearm amnesty would be held from June 1 to July 1, with the intention of giving people an opportunity to surrender their weapons without any questions being asked. However, the weapons surrendered will be subject to ballistics tests to ensure that they were not used in any criminal activities. Farquhar’s first words on the matter were that: “Any person who voluntarily surrenders or disposes a location of any firearm, explosion or ammunition during this amnesty period will not be charged with any offences related to illegal possession, custody or control of that firearm, explosive or ammunition.” This is the base of the PDM’s leader’s contention. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, she stated that making public that the weapons will be subject to ballistics testing is a deterrent for those who may want to turn in illegal guns for fear. Cartwright-Robinson said: “People will not see this as an amnesty, it is a set-up...we believe that this term will doom the programme to fail and we believe that no one is going to turn in illegal guns under these conditions. “We strongly suggest that the police remove this term and then we the PDM will support this and join its campaign.” LESSER EVIL According to her, while prosecuting crimes is important in the pursuit of justice, it is the lesser evil in the current situation, while getting guns off the streets is most important. She said: “We want to solve crimes, but the primary objective has to now be to get the guns off the street. “We believe that this programme can work and we want it to work but the objective must be to get the guns off the street and not to deter persons to turn in illegal firearms.” The PDM Leader noted that the last gun amnesty programme that was introduced only saw two guns being surrendered to authorities.

PDM Leader Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson

“We believe that the time is right for a gun amnesty, but we believe that every effort must be made to encourage the widest possible participation in the programme,” Cartwright-Robinson said. The Weekly News asked the Police Commissioner to comment on which was more important in the current circumstances, getting guns off the streets or going after criminals. He said: “We are not expecting someone who has used a firearm to commit a crime to bring in their weapon; they are going to look for other ways to destroy the weapon. “This amnesty is more geared at persons who may be leaving the country and may no longer need their firearm or someone who hasn’t licensed their firearm in several years and wants to hand it over to the police.” The Police Commissioner added that he could understand the PDM’s perspective, but maintained that ballistics testing is an essential part of the force’s work. Farquhar said: “The point of the firearm amnesty is to get as many illegal guns off of the streets but we also want to ensure that these weapons were not used in any crimes. “If we receive a weapon from someone and ballistics tests are done and we find out that it was used in a crime here or somewhere else, further investigations will be conducted.” Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, last week, stated his Government’s commitment to addressing violence in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Ewing has stressed the need to get illegal guns off the streets of TCI. A moratorium on the issuance of licences for certain types of weapons, including rifles, is being looked at, as well as firearm legislation to ensure that persons act responsibly. (Additional reporting by Daisy Handfield)

May 11 -17, 2013

Statement of Governance Principles

INACCORDANCE with the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution Order 2011 section 28, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Foreign Office (FCO), Mark Simmonds, approved the Government’s statement of governance principles. The statement dictates that 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

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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. Decision-makers shall provide written reasons for decisions and advise applicants of their procedural rights. 11. The Government shall cooperate with and support the effective operation and independence of the institutions protecting good governance established by the Constitution and other oversight, regulatory and investigatory institutions. 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 non-discriminatory, 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.

Education consultation’s first sessions meets with strong criticism BY VANESSA NARINE THE NATIONAL conversation on reforms in the education sector began on Monday (May 6), but met with a poor turnout of just over 20 persons. And Opposition Appointed Member of Parliament (MP) and former Education Minister, Clarence Selver, had strong criticisms of the first session. Speaking at a press conference at the PDM Headquarters on Tuesday, he noted that in addition to being poorly attended, the consultation was badly timed, scheduled in the morning when majority of stakeholders are engaged at work or school. Selver pointed out too that the Education Minister, Akierra Missick, herself was absent from the first session. He suggested that if the Ministry of Education was serious about a true consultation the session would have been scheduled for the evening when more persons are likely to turn out. “Head teachers as well as teachers from the Community College were missing,” Selver said, pointing out that educators are key stakeholders in any move towards reform. He added that the currently Administration’s own governance principles states that: “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.” The MP noted that the first consultation was not focused,

Education Minister Akierra Missick

Clarence Selver

with no outlined purpose or stated proposals for reform, the facilitators not offering support that would assist with informed decisions.

use of technology, special education, safety and security, and access and inclusion to educational institution. According to Selver, some of the recommendations coming out of Monday’s talks included: addressing the educational needs of vulnerable groups that were unable to finish high school, such as teenage mothers; introduce and maintain a music, arts and culture programme; make foreign languages compulsory; introduce career day activities at the primary level; employ the use of technology to support equal access to education across the Islands; improve school security; introduce incentives to attract and retain teachers; and introduce pre-testing to assist in the identification of learning disabilities. The most recent consultations were held in North and Middle Caicos on Tuesday (May 7). Stakeholders in education sector and in the community are being asked to participate in the Ministry’s consultation, which continue this month. The last of the consultations will be in: Grand Turk on May 13 and South Caicos on May 14.

CXC CHANGE One of the platforms for reforms advanced by the Education Minister is curriculum change, Missick having lauded the benefits of switching from the CXC to another programme that would, in her opinion, better position local students. However, Selver stressed that one thing clear from the first session was that people are satisfied with the current curriculum. Personally, he noted that he is in support of the CXC system as it presents a more comprehensive means of assessment. If true reform is what the Ministry is looking at, the former education Minister noted that the consultation was not designed or executed in the efficient manner to extract the views of stakeholders. The consultation is expected to also address different concerns, which include: school infrastructure, training and retention of staff, the

UK approves governance principles THE CURRENT administration’s statement of governance principles were approved by the United Kingdom on Wednesday and published in the Gazette today (Friday, May 10). Last December Cabinet agreed that the statement of governance principles would be presented early 2013 to the House of Assembly for consideration, as required by the Constitution. A draft of the 18 principles was

last considered in Parliament at a sitting in early April, at which time several amendments were made. The 2011 Constitution states that all future incoming administrations must agree on their own statements of governance principles with the House of Assembly and the United Kingdom Foreign Secretary within 28 days of taking office. That 28 days deadline has

passed, but the Government’s set of governance principles are expected to be made public for the first time at the next parliamentary sitting. In June 2012 the interim administration set out their set of governance principles. These were approved by former Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Mr. Henry Bellingham.

16 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 11 -17, 2013

Opposition charges misuse of House time BY VANESSA NARINE

A section of the attendees at the empowerment conference on May 7

‘Mompreneurs’ share ideas at empowerment conference EMPOWERING women in the world of business and ensuring the prosperity of young entrepreneurs were the focal points of a oneday conference hosted by Fenelon Empowerment Services (FES) on Tuesday (May 7). Addressing the gathering, comprised of 92 women and students, managing director of FES, Sophia Thomas, noted that the power of woman as a positive force of change is fast increasingly becoming heard in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She said: “TCI women, we have actively pushed for political, social and economic changes over the years; this has become a daily endeavour. “Today I see us affecting social change in the community by creating entrepreneurial businesses that definitely fill a community need. “Our contribution to the economy is immeasurable and we clearly need to empower ourselves for a sustainable Turks and Caicos future.”

Thomas exhorted the delegates to take the opportunity to network and share their ideas with each other as they all strive for individual success, and that of the country as a whole. “I see you all as likeminded [people] who are willing to strive for excellence; who bear the character traits of self-confidence, innovativeness, competitiveness, tenaciousness, are passionate about your businesses and your business ideas - for those who have not yet started - and you are here willing to learn, share and discuss cutting edge strategies for success,” she said. The conference, which was held at the LIME Conference Centre on Leeward Highway between 8am and 5pm at a cost of $150, brought together women entrepreneurs in the fields of tourism, telecommunications, car rental, retail, construction, the legal field, real estate, education, medical services among many others. The student delegates were from

Several incidents in Provo under investigation OFFICERS of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating a number of incidents reported from Sunday (May 5) to Monday (May 6) within the districts of Providenciales. Three burglaries were reported and during the commission of these crimes the following items were stolen: handbags, sunglasses, electronics and alcoholic beverages. The incidents were in the areas of Turtle Cove, Blue Hills and Five Cays in Providenciales. Police are also investigating

two cases of malicious damage to property in the areas of Cheshire Hall and Blue Hills. Anyone who may have any information about criminal incidents can call police on 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www. crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.

the Youth Enterprise Programme within high schools on Grand Turk, North Caicos and Providenciales. A press statement, following the closure of the conference, quoted one student as saying: “I cannot describe the valuable lessons I learnt today; it makes me want to embark on my business dream just after leaving high school. “These business owners really inspired me and I have a lot to take back to my group at school.” Another participant, a business owner, said, “This conference was long overdue and even though I registered for half a day I end up staying the whole day because it was so informative and inspiring, I did not want to miss a minute.” Participants were coached in areas such as: how to use technology to grow their business, how to revise business strategies to meet challenging times and customer demands, marketing strategies with particular focus on Internet marketing, how to operate their business legally, financially fatal mistakes to avoid and how to balance being an entrepreneur with their family and social lives. The latter instruction described women in this arena as ‘Mompreneur’. Two ‘Mompreneurs’ won a business make over and in recognition of Mother’s Day celebrated on Sunday, May 12, all the attending mothers were honoured with bouquets and were serenaded by a female saxophonist. Thomas later conveyed her gratitude to the participants, speakers and sponsors on the level of support shown for the venture, and promised that the conference will be held annually in the TCI as well as other islands. She further committed her company to offering training and consultancy services to help entrepreneurs achieve their goals and thrive in the TCI. (DI)

THE last sitting of the House of Assembly saw some 84 questions raised by the Opposition and given that the Parliamentary sittings are called every six weeks, the minimum number of times it must be in session, the Opposition maintains that its questioning is justified. Only 26 of those questions were addressed on April 26. And Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, contends that the Government is not only waiting until the last minute to call a session, but Government Ministers are also misusing the House’s time, hardly ever completing the agendas that guide the session’s conduct. She noted that in the slot of time assigned for Ministerial statements is being “abused” by Government Members of Parliament (MPs), who launch into litanies that could be made at different forums. At the last sitting, Opposition MPs could be heard saying: “Call a press conference.” By 4:00pm on April 26, Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, as well as Speaker of the House, Robert Hall, brought to the House’s attention that they had prior commitments. At that, Cartwright-Robinson, called for a down the line vote on whether the House should be adjourned or continue; the result being a majority vote favouring the Government. The Opposition Leader, at a press conference on Tuesday, noted the House can pass a motion to sit until 6:00pm and another to go later, in the

interest of completing the business of the people. “The Ministers are abusing the ministerial statements provision at the expense of completing their own agenda,” she said. According to her, the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have to hold their elected representatives accountable. On that note, CartwrightRobinson stated that Government Ministers have adopted a “disturbing trend” where they refuse to answer questions – a practice that goes against their own governance principles that speak to transparency. She added that in other instances the replies are “bold face lies” and pointed to comments made by Health and Human Services Minister, Portia Stubbs-Smith, that “no one is denied healthcare” in the TCI, when there are clear cases of people being turned away because they have been unemployed more than 90 days and have lost health insurance benefits and cannot come up with the cash needed to access medical attention. According to her, the Opposition puts questions on the table for several reasons: to create awareness of issues that sometimes go under the Government’s radar; to hold Government accountable; and to request information. “It is the role of the Opposition to provide oversight,” she stressed. The Opposition Leader added that the Government’s approach to handling the business of the House of Assembly is “frustrating” to say the least. The next meeting of the House is expected to be on May 15.

Digicel CEO heads Provo Chamber of Commerce MEMBERS of the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce on Monday (May 6) elected a new board to propel the organisation through 2013-2015. Chief executive officer of Digicel, E. Jay Saunders defeated Clayton Been to win the post of president. He replaces Tina Fenimore, who he served under as vice president during her 2011-2012 tenure as president. In his acceptance speech, Saunders expressed that he would like to see growth within the ranks of the Chambers for 2013. He further stated that he will be bringing his values to the Chambers and will be lobbying to the Government on behalf of all of the Chamber members “no matter how big or small”. Saunders thanked Fenimore for her role over the past years and welcomed the new executive.

Newly elected president of the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce, E. Jay Saunders

Other elected members include Sean Astwood as vice president, Wendy Hill, who was unanimously returned as secretary/treasurer, and advisors Clayton Been, Kenny Rigby, Jamie McAnally and Colin Hartwell.

May 11 -17, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 17

Provo Water Company continues Water Week celebration BY DAISY HANDFIELD

Director of TCI Youth Centre, Roxann Wake-Forbes

Youth centre to host culinary arts programme ON MONDAY children between the ages of 12 and 18 will have the opportunity to engage in a six week culinary arts programme. It will take place at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre in Providenciales from 3.30pm to 4.30pm and will feature local chef and TV personality, Chef Nik. The programme will only be able to facilitate about 25 children so Director of the TCI Youth Centre, Roxann Wake-Forbes, is urging children to sign up as soon as possible. Wake-Forbes noted that the programme is geared towards teaching the kids about being in the kitchen and about being a chef. “They’re going to be able to do some practical work and it should

be a really exciting event for them to learn from. Who knows, the opportunities are endless,” she said. The director briefly went into details as to what the month and a half programme will consist of. She said: “Chef Nik will teach them different ways to cook by giving them ideas on how he comes up with new dishes and trying new things out so it really is going to be more of a learning process. “With respect to the passion of the skills of cooking he’s going to build them up and show them new things. “It’s more of a learning camp but, especially when you find someone who is passionate about what they do, it really helps the kids in developing their own passion and this might be one.” (DAISY HANDFIELD)

Hurricane preparedness activities introduced

SUNDAY (May 12) marks the start of the first Hurricane Preparedness Week in the Turks and Caicos Islands under the theme ‘Be Ready! It only takes one storm’. The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) will kick start its week of activities on Monday, May 13, with a press launch at the DDME conference room on Providenciales at 10am. A DDME press statement said the week is aimed at bringing together stakeholders by promoting partnership between the TCIG, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and civil society. It also hopes to increase awareness among the residents of the TCI to the various hazards associated with storms and hurricanes, as well as encourage communities to adopt a proactive approach to preparedness.

“During the week, the DDME also will promote the importance of early preparation in mitigating the impact of storms and hurricanes,” it said. On Tuesday, May 14, an interislands communications test will be hosted while on Friday, May 17, a regional communications test will be conducted. On Saturday, May 18, the department will execute a number of clean-up campaigns on Providenciales, Grand Turk, South Caicos, North and Middle Caicos. All departments of the TCIG are supporting the week of activities along with several community partners, namely Fortis TCI, the Rotary Club of Providenciales, Cove Construction, Projetech, Airports Authority, TCI Red Cross and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).

OFFICIALS from Provo Water Company continued the 2013 Water Week celebration with giveaways and a three day water taste testing at the Graceway IGA on Leeward Highway. Water quality manager for Provo Water Company, Sherry BellParker, noted that from Monday to Wednesday there were booths set up with a blind tasting challenge on the various waters from different water companies in the TCI for persons to come and try and pick their preference. Although she was unable to give the names of the water companies included in the tasting, she did say that there were three locals and one American company. Bell-Parker added that the company was also encouraging residents to refrain from drinking from plastic bottles. She said: “Were trying to help ban plastic bottles so we’re giving away reusable bottles. “We also gave away leak tablets to determine whether or not you have a leak in your toilet and we also have bacteria tests if you have a private tank or a pool, we’ll give you a present or absent bacteria reading. “We also have t-shirts that you can win if you answer the question and all the questions are water related, and some prizes for the kids.” When asked how these initiatives would be beneficial to residents of the TCI, the water quality manager explained that the point is for more persons to slowly grasp the importance of including clean water in their daily lives. She said: “This is the third annual event, I think a lot of people are becoming sensitised as to how important it is to have a safe water system because when you look at some countries, a lot of people are dying daily from stuff like cholera and other water born diseases. “If you have a safe water system, it’s very precious and for Provo Water we test our water daily. “We test it here on island and we also send samples away and it’s very beneficial that they understand that there is a possibility that water can be contaminated. “There are things you can do

Quality manager for Provo Water Company, Sherry Bell-Parker, encourages residents to try the blind water tasting test

to help prevent that, even if you’re not a Provo Water customer we still educate those on what they can do to protect themselves.” Bell-Parker was still uncertain as to the changes that would be made next year but did confirm that many of the current initiatives would still remain. She said: “I’m not sure, a few things have crossed my mind but I might still have to go back to the drawing board. “We will definitely keep with the poster competition, we’ll visit the primary schools and this initiative at IGA for the public, so we’re trying to hit every age group just about. “I’m not sure about next year but every year I’m just hoping to build from the previous year,” she said. The week will end with a walkathon on Saturday (May 11) at the Tropicana Plaza on Leeward Highway with majority of the proceeds going to the Diabetic Association.

Budget preparations on track FEEDBACK from the United Kingdom on the Fiscal and Strategic and Policy Statement (FSPS), which was sent off at the end of April, has been positive, according to Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade, Washington Misick. And he maintains that preparations for the 2013-2014 Budget are on track. Misick said: “We are getting the right noises from the UK and

don’t expect any drawbacks at this time.” The subject Minister stated that the budget should be completed this month and should be submitted to the House in June. The FSPS has to be approved by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) before the new budget can be finalised and debated and passed in the House of Assembly.

Drugs found in Fedex package

A FEDEX package containing about 14 grams of marijuana brought into the country on International Bonded Couriers (IBC) on Wednesday was discovered by Fedex and IBC officials, according to a reliable source. The package contained other items, including two bottle of Hennessy, snacks, electronics and the drugs compressed in a plastic bag. The package was alleged to be consigned to a Jamaican female but was picked up by a Jamaican male. Police officials brought in their canine unit and allowed the package to be picked up before arresting the man. The Weekly News contacted a police official who confirmed that the police arrested the man who was later released because he had sufficient evidence to support his non-involvement. The Jamaican female who the package was consigned to is being questioned and a thorough investigation is being done. The drugs were confiscated and destroyed. (BY DAISY HANDFIELD)

Lifestyle... 18

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 11 -17, 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.

The art and science of recovery IN recent years one of the greatest trends in sports medicine and exercise science is recovery; notably finding the optimal method of rest and recovery from sport or exercise to improve performance. Once again it was a major topic of discussion at the Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine meeting in April 2013. A leading expert and author on the science of recovery spoke and provided an update on current thinking. Most often people consider a warm down and stretching after a sport or work out to prevent the onset of muscle soreness. This type of soreness, called delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS, is caused

Papaya smoothie A delicious, easy to make, summer treat.

Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician Dr. Joe LeMoine

by microscopic damage in the muscle tissue during your activity. Contrary to common belief it is not the buildup of lactic acid in your system. With this in mind it is easy to understand any form of warm down or stretching afterwards will do little for the damage already done. It is a proper warm up that has been shown to reduce the delayed aches of exercise. Other treatments such as ice

Ingredients: 2 cups chopped peeled seeded papayas 1 cup chilled pineapple juice 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup sliced banana 4 ice cubes 1 tablespoon honey 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice Directions: 1. Combine all ingredients in blender. 2. Puree until smooth. 3. Pour into 2 tall glasses.

baths are a bit more drastic. Initially they were thought to reduce muscle injury but have been found to affect the resulting inflammation and pain. There may be small gain from this treatment but is usually reserved for elite athletes. Finally, for many years massage was thought to help "flush" out the lactic acid build up in muscle and help in recovery. Studies then found that lactic acid is not an issue as it is cleared from the body on its own within thirty minutes of stopping activity, and massage fell out of

favour. Recent studies have shown however that massage may help with reducing inflammation in the muscle after heavy workouts, in addition to the obvious relaxation and psychological benefits. When considering these recovery methods think of where you are in your training and competition and your goals. One of the objectives of training is to strain the body to have the body adapt and make gains in strength and

endurance. For most people this is a good thing and the gains made are more important than the next performance. Advance recovery methods should be reserved for elite athletes in competition where schedules require a rapid return to peak performance. The exception being a proper warm up that goes a long way to minimize the muscle damage of exercise. Train safe, play hard and rely on proper rest for recovery.

health Tip 

Papaya DELICIOUSLY sweet with musky undertones and a soft, butter-like consistency, it is no wonder the papaya was reputably called the "fruit of the angels" by Christopher Columbus. Papayas offer not only the luscious taste and sunlit color of the tropics, but are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium and magnesium; and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon cancer. In addition, papaya contains the digestive enzyme, papain, which is used like bromelain, a similar enzyme found in pineapple, to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma, and allergies. Papayas may be very helpful for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Papayas are an excellent source of vitamin C as well as a good source of vitamin E and vitamin A, three very powerful antioxidants.

Papayas are also a good source of fiber, which has been shown to lower high cholesterol levels. The nutrients in papaya have also been shown to be helpful in the prevention of colon cancer. Papaya's fiber is able to bind to cancer-causing toxins in the colon and keep them away from the healthy colon cells.

Papaya contains several unique protein-digesting enzymes that have been shown to help lower inflammation and to improve healing from burns. Vitamin C and vitamin A, which is made in the body from the betacarotene in papaya, are both needed for the proper function of a healthy immune system. Papaya may therefore be a healthy fruit choice for preventing such illnesses as recurrent ear infections, colds and flu. Papayas' rise in popularity has made them much more available, a good thing considering their many health benefits.

May 11 -17, 2013

Lifestyle... GARDENING 

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.

Bromeliads are easy to grow and require very little care

The beauty of bromeliads BROMELIADS entered recorded history some 500 years ago when Columbus introduced the pineapple to Spain upon return from his second voyage to the New World in 1493. On that voyage he found it being cultivated by the Carib Indians in the West Indies. Bromeliads are members of a plant family known as ‘bromeliaceae’. The family contains over 3,000 described species in approximately 56 genera. The most well known bromeliad is the pineapple. In general they are easy to grow, require very little care, and reward the grower with brilliant ornamental foliage, from deep red and pink, to yellow and green. They come in a wide range of sizes from tiny miniatures to giants. I rarely see them in the TCI and that is unfortunate because they fit the climate here very well. Bromeliads are a neotropical family which means they grow virtually exclusively in the New World tropics (and subtropics). They can be found in a wide variety of habitats from hot, dry deserts to moist rainforests to cool mountainous regions. Most of them grow in the ground but they also grow in bright sun along sandy beaches to the shady understory of a forest among the leaf litter and debris. The native Turks and Caicos bromeliads are epiphytic species and are often found growing on other plants, usually trees, shrubs or cacti. This capability to take their nutrition and moisture from the atmosphere

BY DENIS Belanger - NATURE SPLENDOR For all your landscaping, installation or garden maintenance needs, please call or write for a free estimate: 332-3381 or naturesplendor@yahoo.com

has earned these bromeliads the name ‘air plants’. Bromeliads that have a rosette of overlapping leaves that retain water (often called ‘tank bromeliads’) should have the rosette kept full of water. You can keep the soil around the bromeliad moist (but not wet). Pineapples are both delicious and beautiful. They can also make a magnificent plant for you to enjoy, view, and harvest for years to come. How to grow pineapple? That is very easy. First you need a pineapple because it takes one to grow one. The easiest way to grow the plant is to cut off the crown (the leafy top).

Strip a few of the basal leaves from the crown. Turn it upside down and let it dry for a few days. You should cut the end and let the leaf scars harden before planting. Plant the crown in a good light garden soil; just tamp the soil firmly around the base of the crown and try not to get any soil in the leaves. It won’t take long before you have a successful pineapple plant. It takes about two years or a little more for a plant to bear fruit. Grow a pineapple in your garden and your friend will do the same when they see that beautiful plant growing so beautifully and so easily.

Calcium and Vitamin D

ALL of us have seen an older person and thought to ourselves: ‘Mr. John Doe looks a lot shorter”. This is because as we age we naturally lose calcium which weakens the bones and cause older persons to lose bone mass resulting in a very common disease known as Osteoporosis. May is recognized as Osteoporosis prevention and awareness month; so, it’s only fitting that we address this topic this week. The nutrients widely known for their roles in bone formation are Vitamin D and Calcium. Other minerals, such as Phosphorous and Magnesium, are also involved but to a lesser extent. Our requirement for Calcium increases as we age so it’s important that we eat a varied diet. Calcium is mainly found in dairy foods, but there are plant based sources as well. Dark green leafy vegetables are excellent sources of Calcium that do not come from a cow. The other nutrient in bone formation is Vitamin D. This vitamin is commonly referred to as the Sunshine vitamin because the best source is sunlight. Vitamin D is not naturally found in many foods but foods like Salmon are good sources. A Vitamin D deficiency can occur when you are not getting the recommended level of vitamin D over time. The National Osteoporosis Foundation suggests that certain people are at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency, including: People who spend little time in the sun or those who regularly cover up when outdoors; People living in nursing homes or other institutions or who are homebound; People with certain medical conditions such as Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease; People taking medicines that affect vitamin D levels such as certain anti-seizure medicines; People with very dark skin; Obese or very overweight people; and Older adults with certain risk factors. If you fall within any of the above categories, it is important that you focus on getting enough Calcium and Vitamin D in your diet. Calcium cannot be properly absorbed without Vitamin D so not having one, puts you at risk for developing a deficiency in the other. For more information and help in increasing your Calcium and Vitamin D intake or, please contact me on 242-3978 or 442-3978. ACCU Medical Nutrition is based at Provo Plaza (old Pizza Pizza Building) No. 5, Providenciales. Call 946 8308, 242 3978 or 442 3978.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

this week

Friday, May 3 to Tuesday, May 7 Friday, May 10

more details.

Sunday, May 12  No language can express the power, and beauty, and heroism, and majesty of a mother's love.

 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 MondaySaturday

 HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY!

Tuesday, May 14  Every Tuesday - sweet fingers at Horse Eye Jacks' Fish House & Real Beach Bar Fun starts from 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Come out for the best in classic rock, blues and R&B music on the island.

Governor visits Centre of Marine Science Excellence FORTY scientists who are researching how to best sustainably manage marine environments and local economies outlined their vital work to the Governor Ric Todd on Tuesday when he visited South Caicos, where the Centre of Marine Science Excellence is based. Todd joined some of the researchers at the internationally renowned School for Field Studies’ Centre for Marine Resource Studies (SFS-CMRS) in visiting two of TCI’s 34 protected areas, the Admiral Cockburn Land and Sea National Park reefs. These protected areas were established to ensure the sustainability of natural and historic resources in the territory. The Governor heard how the SFS-CMRS is engaged in a five year research programme to improve scientific knowledge, local understanding and the environmental stewardship of the TCI’s natural resources and to improve the effectiveness of its protected areas. The SFS is looking at how to balance the protection of the ecology of South Caicos while ensuring its economic development, how to best manage an influx of workers and visitors, the impact that this has on the marine environment, and even how to manage increased consumption of conch, lobster and reef fish. Established in the TCI since 1990, nearly 150 overseas students make

 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.

globally important ecological resource.” SFS creates study abroad experiences through field-based learning and research. Its educational programmes explore the human and ecological dimensions of the complex environmental problems faced by local people across the world, contributing to sustainable solutions in these places. The SFS community is part of a growing network of individuals and institutions committed to environmental stewardship. The School for Field Studies began when a group met in Boston in October 1980 to establish an educational organisation to address these needs. In the summer of 1981 it sent its first 75 students into the field. Today SFS is known throughout the United States as the premier environmental study abroad program for undergraduates. Over 80 colleges and universities are affiliated with SFS and more than 15,000 students from the US and abroad have participated in its programmes. SFS now has permanent, fullystaffed field stations in Australia, Costa Rica, Kenya, Tanzania, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Its faculty and directors maintain close research relationships with the communities in which it is located.

Spectrum of hope – By Nicole Cox  POINT GRACE presents Native Cuisine Night with music by local artist Correy Forbes. Satisfy that longing for native food in an elegant setting, accompanied by live local music. Saturday, May 18

Saturday, May 11

 TCI Red Cross Fair Fun starts at 11:00am. Come and bring out the family to the TCI Red Cross Fair. There will be: Bouncing Castles, Local Dishes, Games and much more!

 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

use of the SFS-CMRS facility across its two semesters and additional summer programmes each year. The Governor said: “Our pristine marine environment clearly supports the TCI’s economy through tourism and fisheries. “It is vital to our Islands’ long term prosperity, for residents and visitors alike. “We must all play our part in protecting the diversity and health of our coastal and ocean habitats, which includes mangrove, sea grass, coral reef, sand banks, and the ready access to deep ocean here on South Caicos that brings in so many tourists during the whale migration season. “The valuable research of the SFS is essential to our knowledge of how to best achieve this. “Clearly, the 40-plus students and staff of the SFS-CMRS also provide a valuable economic stimulus to the local economy, as well as getting involved in community projects across South Caicos.” The centre’s director, Dr. Heidi Hertler, said: “Our work here is to provide the TCI Government with scientific evidence that they can use as the basis for its future policies and plans. “In addition, our researchers contribute to understanding of these issues by contributing to international peer-reviewed scientific journals. “In this regard, the TCI is a

autism awareness

 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

 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.

May 11 -17, 2013

 Heritage Evening: Woman of the Soil Embrace your heritage! Embrace your roots! Learn more about who you are! Come out to the Lime Auditorium at 6:00pm Come and learn about YOUR history, come and learn about YOUR culture! This month's theme: "Woman of the soil" featuring our very own North Caicos born Ms. Maude Handfield. Come on down it's going to be educational, it's going to be informative, it's going to be fun, fun, FUN!

Got an event you wish to advertise? Call us on 946 4664 or email tcweeklynews@gmail.com for a free listing.

Curiouser and Curiouser Part One

POOR Alice had quite a time on her adventure in wonderland! At every turn there was another facet to illuminate or confound her, and there seemed to be no relenting! Pursuing our ‘Look-a-Likes’ series, Dr. Larry Silver, attempts to wind us through another maze in order to differentiate between ADD/ADHD and other learning disabilities. Sometimes Learning Disabilities are overlooked. How to tell what's behind the symptoms? A child or adult with attention deficit disorder (ADHD) may be diagnosed with one of three sub-groups: ADHD-Combined Type means that the individual is hyperactive, inattentive, and impulsive; ADHD-HyperactiveImpulsive Type means that the individual is hyperactive and impulsive; ADHD-Inattentive Type means that the individual is only inattentive. It is not difficult to understand what behaviors go with

being hyperactive or impulsive. But what does inattentive mean? The guidelines listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV, used to establish whether a child or adult is inattentive, requires the clinician to identify at least six behaviors out of nine (see Inattentive ADHD in a Nutshell). One of the nine behaviors listed refers to being distracted by external stimuli (sounds or visual stimuli). Another refers to difficulty sustaining attention. The remaining seven describe difficulties related to the concept of executive function — the ability to conceptualize a task, plan how to carry it out, and complete it in a timely way. (These problems can also be thought of as difficulties with organization and planning your time.) Thus, a child or adult who had difficulties with executive function alone could meet the criteria to be identified as having inattention. Sometimes difficulties with inattention

significantly improve when an ADHD stimulant is used. Often, though, medication does not fully address these organization and time-management problems, and additional help is needed: special-education tutoring for the child or, for an adult, working with an ADHD coach who specializes in organization. These difficulties with organization and time planning may be due to ADHD — or they may result from Learning Disabilities (LD). Sometimes those difficulties are due to both ADHD and LD. It is important for the parent of a child with inattention, as well as for an adult who is experiencing the same problem, to understand the potential causes and how they dictate the most effective treatment. Parents must understand the ways that symptoms of inattentive ADHD may impact their child. For instance, organization and time-planning problems might also cause academic difficulties — in retaining what is read and organizing one's thoughts to write a paper.

May 11 -17, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 21

Tourism conference and trade show opened HOTELIERS, wholesalers and travel agents from around the world came together on Thursday (May 9) for the 10th annual trade show to network and share ideas on how to positively promote and enhance the tourism product of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The three-day conference and trade show were held at the Regent Grand conference and the Regent Palms, respectively. Speaking with Weekly News, regional marketing manager for the Turks and Caicos Tourism Board in the United States, Pamela Ewing explained that during the conference participants presented a general idea of what they anticipate the industry will record for the rest of the year and what the tide is like moving forward. Asked about the current atmosphere of tourism within the TCI, Ewing said: “Generally I don’t think that it makes sense to go out there and say our numbers are up across the board because at least for the beginning of the year everybody knows how it’s been. “There’s been a storm in the north eastern United States - which has been our largest market - and certainly that has impacted the amount of business we initially got at the beginning of the year.” However, she noted that moving forward, and based on information she has, the numbers are improving “quite nicely”. “It is our hope that by the end of the year that will be sustained and that our production would be better than last year. “Overall, tourism, I think, is going very well and we just hope that that continues,” Ewing expressed. Meanwhile, 28 wholesalers from

Participants at the Tourism Board’s trade show-sharing ideas

United States and Canada attended the event. Some of the largest producers of business in the world of destinations, such as Expedia, Travelocity, Travel Impressions, Island Destinations, were represented at the conference. During the trade show they were accorded the opportunity to meet individually in timed sessions with each other to present how the various programmes the hotels are involved in with wholesalers, are progressing. They also discussed how they can work together to improve and increase business for each other. Asked about preliminary recommendations from the delegates on how the TCI can improve its tourism product, the regional marketing manager noted that the board receives recommendations on a regular basis, most of which have to do with finances. “Can we do more; can we get more funds to promote the destination in more places?” Ewing rhetorically asked. She stated: “We try to do the best we can with the limited budget that

NHIP announces changes to payment system THE NATIONAL Health Insurance Board (NHIB), on Thursday, announced changes that have been made effective May 1. According to a statement from the board, NHIB contribution payments through the bank will cease. All payments must be made at the National Health Insurance Board designated locations, as follows: In Providenciales: at NHIB Saltmills Office or Cheshire Hall Hospital. Payments may be made by cheques, bank draft, and debit/credit cards. In Grand Turk: at NHIB Office located at Hospital Road. Payments may be made by cheques, bank draft, and debit/credit cards. In South Caicos through Kisa Services. Payments may be made by cash, cheques, and bank draft only. In North Caicos at Western Union location. Payments may be made by cash, cheques, and bank draft only. NHIB has advised that those

paying through debit or credit cards must show one valid identification card to verify signature. Additionally, payments made by private sector employers must be accompanied by a print out of the Monthly Contribution Calculator (MCS) submitted through the NHIB Employer E-Services website. The amount of remittance should match the supporting MCS. Payments made by selfemployed persons in a reduced rate must present an approved payment coupon to support the remittance. Employers have also been advised that they may contact the NHIB via email at support@ tcinhip.tc for clarification or instructions regarding activating an Employer E-Services account. More details are available at the National Health Insurance Board Providenciales Office on 941-8861 or the Grand Turk Office on 9462611.

we have, and we work to produce as much as possible from what we are given to work with.” Meanwhile, Weekly News spoke with a few of the attendees as they interacted and shared ideas during the first day of conference and trade show. Managing director of the Somerset on Grace Bay Resort, Urmas Karner, said: “As I am new to the islands and I’ve only been in my position for a short period of time, not only am I meeting some of our travel partners from around the globe to help bring business, not only to Somerset, but to TCI in general. “I am also taking this opportunity to become better acquainted with our friendly competitors and with the other hoteliers on the island and of course our governmental partners, not only the Premier and the Ministers, but also the Tourism Board, so that we can work together for all of our best interests.” Asked if, on his arrival, the TCI met with his expectations, Karner said it did. “The answer is yes, although I have to confess as a tourist myself over the years, I have visited many other destinations in the Caribbean, but somehow I just missed Turks and Caicos.

“Now that I am here, I can’t for the life of me think of why I missed Turks and Caicos, except for the fact that maybe it is a smaller destination, maybe it has limited opportunity to advertise itself to the world at large, but now that I am here I intend to do all that I can to fix that.” His starting point? He told this publication he had already started with the attendees. “Some of the Expedias and Orbitzes that are represented here are asking us to make a financial commitment, to make cooperative advertising dollars available and given the fact that our tourism board has a limited budget, we have to be willing to look at stepping up and do that type of thing,” Karner said. An agent with Booking.com, Giselle from the Dominican Republic, said she was grateful for the chance to meet and network with the hoteliers and make new partnerships. Responding to query as to whether the TCI is marketed enough, the agent said: “I think it is; I think it has a specific profile/market and I think it is a great island and it has been developed and promoted, from my understanding, very well.” On the topic of improvements, she said: “I think maybe to enforce the relationship with the Turks and Caicos Tourism Board, because that way we would be able to work more closely and then we can try to find what’s going on with the demand, try to improve some opportunities and things like that.” Sandals and Beaches Resort, senior vice president of tour operator marketing and sales development, Warren Cohen, commended the Tourist Board on the well organised event. He expressed his pleasure that the Premier took the time to meet with participants and update them on the tourism development, the airport authority, changes in the airport, and

his Government’s attempts to increase lifts from Latin America and other parts of the world to the TCI. Asked for his opinion on the areas that need to be improved to reflect a healthier tourism industry, Cohen said from his perspective the biggest need is an upgrade in the facilities at the airport. He said: “It should be upgraded to encourage both in-bound and outbound, and I will be very candid; yesterday [May 7] when I arrived on the American Airlines flight… and I think there were one or two other flights that got in ahead of us, it was a rather lengthy process getting through immigration and customs. “Not only was it long process but it was a little bit warm in the immigration hall. And then also, on the other side, when people are leaving, if you have two or three flights…departing at the same time, the departure lounge is quite a bit crowded and it gets to be warm and another improvement that is needed is that there should be wireless access.” He further alluded to the Sandals and Beaches tourism marketing strategy, which he noted is different than other hotels; however he did suggest some recommendations in this area for the Government. “A big thing that would really help the destination would be that if the tour operators that are here could get some good co-op or marketing funds from the Government, they could put it to very good use to really promote Turks and Caicos as a destination.” “We have worked with a lot of these operators already and this has also given us a very good platform. “We are opening up the Key West luxury villa from May 22, so we are explaining the product to them and then tomorrow [May 9] we are going to be doing a lot of tours with these tour operators to allow them to see the product which we are very, very excited about.” (DI)

TCI represented at tourism trade fair THE TCI's presence was felt in São Paulo, Brazil, last month, when tourism executives attended the inaugural World Travel Market (WTM) Latin America Tourism Trade Fair. The first edition of the World Travel Market Latin America, which is the Latin American version of one of the world's largest tourism trade fairs, exceeded the expectations of the organisers, exhibitors and visitors who took part in the fair. Over the course of three days, thousands of visitors and more than 1,200 exhibitors from 44 countries were able to strengthen their bonds, make new contacts, and of course, do business in the city of São Paulo. The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s (TCHTA) association executive Stacy Cox, was a part of the TCI delegation. She said: “The Latin America

market continues to offer great potential because of its blooming economy. “The delegation's attendance at this inaugural fair in Brazil allowed us to secure contacts which we hope will undoubtedly result in lucrative business in the near future for the destination. “The three day agenda was intense and rigorous, with day two seeing members of the TCI delegation participating in the fair's speed networking session with over 300 exhibitors and 150 buyers. “This aggressive business activity led to a number of business deals being discussed. “The delegation also participated in lectures, seminars and meetings which allowed us to discuss the challenges and identify the best opportunities within the sector with our regional and international

industry counterparts.” WTM Latin America's sister event World Travel Market in London is the leading global travel trade event. World Travel Market has a 33 year proven track record of generating a significant return on investment for its exhibitors. WTM Latin America 2014 will take place on April 23 to 25, 2014, in São Paulo, Brazil. The 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.

22 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 11 -17, 2013

Spotlight on Salt Cay

Victorian 'Morals and Manners' By Candy Herwin THERE are a few ‘grand dames’ living in the South District who have been friends for well over seventy years. Together, they have witnessed many life-changing events on the island including the move from oil lamps to electricity. From a sociological point of view these older folk in their youth, lived through an era when community adhered to a strict code of ethics. The eldest of these remarkable ladies is Ms. Melvina Simmons who we fondly refer to a Ms. Melly. Now Ms. Melly can recount colourful stories of days growing up on Salt Cay in the first part of the 20th century, when chores had to be completed, devotions were said daily and children obeyed or risked the wrath of angry parents. These oral stories are important as they show how community life functioned in a previous period of time. Ms. Melly describes her mother,

Ms. Emily, Eliza Kennedy, as a strict and hard woman with a “no messing about” attitude, the kind of attitude where “if you did not jump to attention you’d be pinched or whipped.” This strictness was in fact indicative of the 1900’s and Victorian morality which had spread throughout the Empire from England, leaving behind a strict code of values: expounding duty, hard work, respectability, good attendance at church and obedience. Evangelicals and missionaries preached good moral conduct and the importance of female chastity. Girls were therefore closely watched especially at dances. The young men arrived in black pants and “dickies” and the women wore long sweepers and they danced under lamplight. Any act of impropriety and the girls were marched home for a good beating. Miss Melly tells the story of when she was young and her mother and grandma, Melvina Kennedy would go fishing and by the time they

reached home somewhere after noon, all the chores had to be done by the children, food on the table and you had to mind your P’s and Q’s. It was a ‘no nonsense’ household ruled by her father Roderick Robinson an intelligent man. “There was nothing he couldn’t do” said Melly, “he was a mason and he kept pigs, donkeys, mules and cows. He moved houses from South to North on large rolling wheels with the men pushing and shoving.” for in those days, wooden houses were often

relocated when couples intended marriage. Certainly entrepreneurial, Roderick was also the agent for the turtle catchers from Nassau, bringing in their catch to the Town dock to be sold. With many mouths to feed Roderick spent hours making shoes as a ‘cobbler’ and had his own set of tools including an anvil, hammers, stick for measuring and stretching pliers for the leather. Roderick too, was a salt raker who had his own shares in the pond, “He

made us children put on our shoes, early in the morning, and go and rake salt” laughed Ms Melly “and then we got it ready for the next morning when the mule and cart would carry it out, and all of this before sunrise when he went to his day work”. Miss Melly’s stories confirm that in the late 1800s onwards community life on Salt Cay centeredon good Victorian morals and manners, hard work and discipline. Obey or get a good licking was the order of the day!

May 11 -17, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 23

Celebrating more than moms on Mother's Day Every May individuals celebrate their mothers on Mother's Day. It has evolved from a day to honour mothers to one that recognizes all special women. Therefore, if there is a woman in one's life who isn't a biological mother -- but special nonetheless -- Mother's Day can be a time to tell her how much she is appreciated. There are many reasons a person may want to honour a woman that is not his or her mother. Perhaps the person's own mother has passed away or is not prominent in this individual's life. Maybe there is a grandmother or aunt with whom one is especially close. There may be a teacher or mentor that has touched the life of a person in a special way. Although Mother's Day is built around giving thanks to Mom, it's certainly acceptable to thank women in addition to dear old Mom. Furthermore, one needn't wait until a specific day in May to honour a notable woman. This can be done all year long with certain gestures and sentiments. For those who are celebrating all women on Mother's Day, here are some ways to set the day apart. * Create a handmade card with personalized sentiments that reflect the unique relationship with this special woman. This can mean more than a prepurchased card that may not offer the right words. * Find out her interests and spend a day doing entirely what she wants to do. It doesn't necessarily have to take place on Mother's Day. * Treat her to a special dinner. Ask

M-O-T-H-E-R "M" is for the million things she gave me, "O" means only that she's growing old, "T" is for the tears she shed to save me, "H" is for her heart of purest gold; "E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining, "R" means right, and right she'll always be, Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER," A word that means the world to me. Howard Johnson (c. 1915)

about favourite foods and create a meal at home. If dining out is a must, choose a day other than Mother's Day to avoid the crowds and have intimate moments with just the two of you, especially if you are also

honouring your own mother. * Find something you both enjoy and then go and do that. Maybe you met up due to a hobby or interest. Remember the first day you met and reminisce by heading to that place

for a celebration. * Have an extended family fiesta. Host a Mother's Day party at home and single out all the special women in attendance. Serve cocktails and enjoy the time spent together.

Mother's Day is a special time of the year to honour not only a person's mom but also any other notable woman in his or her life. The holiday can be customized any way a person sees fit.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 11 -17, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Entertainment

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 11 -17, 2013

Murray was not qualified to treat Jackson’s substance abuse, sleep disorder THE Dr. Feelgood convicted of Michael Jackson’s involuntary manslaughter was an obvious “mismatch” for the pop icon and created a conflict of interest with his tour contract, an expert witness testified Tuesday. The “Thriller” singer had a healthy heart and no problems with high blood pressure or high cholesterol — so a cardiologist like Dr. Conrad Murray didn’t make sense as his dedicated physician on the ill-fated “This Is It” concert series, Brooklyn-born cardiologist Dr. Daniel Wohlgelernter told jurors in Los Angeles. “An interventional cardiologist not trained in substance abuse, addiction medicine or sleep disturbance would not be the appropriate candidate to be the physician for Michael Jackson,” said Wohlgelernter, a former professor at the Yale and UCLA medical schools. Wohlgelernter said he reviewed Murray’s tour contract and was surprised he agreed to close his practice and become “entirely dependent” on one patient. If Jackson couldn’t perform and the series was canceled or postponed, AEG could bail out on Murray’s $150,000-per-month job with little warning, records have revealed. “In my opinion, that creates a conflict of interest,” Wohlgelernter said. He testified on the sixth day of the negligence trial pitting Jackson’s mom and kids against concert

In this handout photo provided by AEG, pop star Michael Jackson rehearses for his planned shows in London at the Staples Center on June 23, 2009 in Los Angeles. Jackson died two days later at the age of 50 in a hospital after going into cardiac arrest.

promoter AEG Live. Katherine Jackson, 82, is suing AEG for millions — possibly billions — saying the company failed to properly screen and supervise Murray. She sat quietly in the courtroom’s front row Tuesday wearing a floral jacket over a long blue dress. AEG denies any wrongdoing, arguing it was the singer’s personal choices that led to his premature death on June 25, 2009. Lawyers for AEG objected to much of Wohlgelernter’s testimony, including his statement that Murray was operating with an obvious conflict. Under cross examination by

AEG, Wohlgelernter acknowledged he charges more than $4,000 for a half day of expert testimony, and that Katherine Jackson’s side was footing the bill. A lawyer for AEG also questioned his understanding of Jackson’s health history and whether there was public knowledge of the superstar’s profound sleep issues prior to 2009. The AEG lawyer, Kathryn Cahan, also got Wohlgelernter to admit that Jackson had his own power to unilaterally terminate Murray’s contract and that there was nothing in Murray’s professional history to suggest he would administer propofol as a sleep aid.

The Young and the Restless star Cooper dies at 84 JEANNE Cooper, who played Katherine Chancellor, the “Dame of Genoa City,” on “The Young and the Restless,” has died. She was 84. Her death was confirmed by her son, actor Corbin Bernsen, on his Twitter account. “Mom passed this morning,” Bernsen posted. “She was in peace and without fear.” Cooper had been suffering from an undisclosed illness. The cause of death was not given. Cooper was already a wellestablished TV actress when she took the role of Chancellor in 1973. “The Young and the Restless” was struggling in the ratings and its creator, William J. Bell, wanted to spice things up. “Jeanne was the matriarch of the show in every sense of the word,” said Lauralee Bell, Christine/Cricket on “The Young and the Restless” and William Bell’s daughter. “When you did work you were proud of, you’d hope for approval or a ‘good job’ from Jeanne as a child would from a parent. When things got too tense, she’d break the tension with her amazing wit. She would

Jeanne Cooper took the role of Katherine Chancellor in 1973.

teach the younger actors without ever talking down to them. In fact, she would raise them up,” said Bell. “She always had my back and my parents (and our whole family) always had hers.” Kate Linder, another member of “The Young and the Restless” cast, said Cooper was her “mentor and an amazing actress and friend.” Linder, Esther Valentine on the show, said, “When Jeanne welcomed you into her life, you knew it and it was a

fantastic feeling. This is truly the end of an era, not just for fans of ‘The Young and the Restless’ but for all of the people she touched throughout her long and distinguished career and life.” Cooper’s character was colourful from the beginning: a drunk conducting a series of affairs with younger men, as well as one with the best friend of her husband, the wealthy Gary Reynolds. The character was an immediate hit and Cooper -- who had signed a three-year contract -- stayed on. Cooper was instrumental in another storyline 10 years later. In the early ‘80s the actress decided to undergo a face lift, so the show’s producers had Chancellor get a face lift as well -- it was performed onscreen. Chancellor was also part of a famed soap opera feud, in her case with Jill Abbott Fenmore (played since 1987 by Jess Walton). At one point the two believed they were mother and daughter; at another, the relationship warmed when Chancellor had a breast cancer scare. The two later became rivals again.

Mothers’ Day... a short story

For Mom, whom I love more than words can say or stories can tell Mothers’ Day The little girl sits at her desk, swinging her legs and chewing the eraser tip on her pencil, looking at the blank piece of paper before her. The assignment is to write a letter for Mother’s Day, telling why the little girl loves her mother. She looks around the classroom for inspiration, then at what the classmate beside her has written. Finally, she leans over her paper, pokes her tongue out of the corner of her mouth in concentration and writes, Dear Mom, I love you because you are funney, and nice. I love you because you give good pushes on the swings. I love you because you help me to lern to cook macarony somtimes. I love you because you tryed to help me lern to ride my bike, even wen you let go and I fall down. You are good at putting on bandaids and making me feel beter, to. Happy Mothers Day. Satisfied, she takes out her pencil crayons and decorates the margins of the letter with colourful flowers. For the final touch, she draws a prize ribbon that says “BEST MOM.” Three days later, the little girl gets up very early, sneaks into her mom and dad’s room, and leaves the letter and a small peat pot with a marigold sprig on Mom’s night table so that she will be surprised when she gets up. At breakfast time, the little girl gets a wet-eyed kiss from her mom, and hears, “thank you, honey.” Almost exactly ten years later, a girl sits at her desk in her bedroom, a blank piece of stationery before her. “Dear Mom,” it says, and that’s all it says. The teenager wants so much to write something special for her mother, but the words are all tangled. Tears start up and recede again and again. Tears of gratitude for the

times when Mom came through with understanding or a hug at just the right moment; tears of anger when Mom said or did something unfair, or refused a special privilege that everyone else’s mom was allowing. The gratitude wins out, and the girl starts by writing, Dear Mom, I know we don’t always see eye to eye, but I just want to tell you that you are the best mom a girl could ask for. Thank you for bringing me into this world, and for listening and for… Tears spill out of the girl’s eyes onto the paper, and she crumples the splotched missive and tosses it in her trash can. After two more similar attempts, the girl rips the paper to shreds, dries her eyes, goes to the mall, and picks out a generic card. The best she can do. Almost exactly fifteen years later, a woman is awakened by whispering at her bedside. She turns away from the little noises and cracks an eye open to look at the clock radio. 6:45 a.m. Her husband is grinning at her, so she rolls her eyes, and turns over to face her three children, who are armed to the teeth with homemade bead necklaces and cards, and hug coupon books. She makes a suitable fuss over everything thrust at her, and then gets up to make toast for her hungry two-year-old, who is demanding breakfast in a language that only a parent can understand. That evening, the mother creeps into her children’s rooms to kiss them as they sleep. As she looks upon them, she is hit with a wave of what can only be described as mother love, and she thinks, now I understand those wet-eyed kisses when I was seven. And I probably should have given my mom the letter I tried to write when I was seventeen.

May 11 -17, 2013

Entertainment

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Rihanna and Chris Brown’s breakup confirmed BARBADIAN hit-maker Rihanna and her star-crossed lover Chris Brown have split up again, with the move apparently caused by irreconcilable differences between one of the music industry’s most high-profile couples. According to E! News, Brown confirmed the breakup during an interview with Australia’s 2Day radio show “The Kyle and Jackie Show,” in which the “I Can’t Win” singer spilled the beans on the split and stated that the “We Found Love” girl would not be participating in his 24th birthday celebrations. When asked by the 2Day radio show host if he would mark is birthday solo, Brown replied in the affirmative, adding that it was time to

move on. “Yeah, Imma do it solo,” he said. “I mean, at the end of the day, shawty doing her thang, she on the road ... It’s always gonna be love. I’m just gonna do me. I’m a grown man. Just gotta fast-forward.” In response to a question about his and Rihanna’s much-publicised status as “soulmates,” the American singer said there will always be love between them. “The way I look at it is, I am always going to love that person,” he disclosed. “But people have differences and people have different wants and needs. And at the end of the day, she’s a young girl. I can’t really be focused on wife-ing somebody that young. “At the end of the day, I’m

Damian Marley was one of three recording artists to take home two awards each from the prestigious awards ceremony in Florida.

Reggae and World Music Awards:

Marley is entertainer of the year

PROVING yet again to be a chip off the old block – or in this case a strike off the old gong – Damian “Junior Gong” Marley, son of the legendary Bob “Tuff Gong” Marley, did his iconic father proud when he snagged the Entertainer of the Year award at the 32nd annual International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) at the Coral Springs Centre for the Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Saturday. Marley, who also bagged Best Crossover Song for “Make It Bun Them,” his collaboration with electronic artist Skrillex, was also one of three artists who took home two awards each, with Tarrus Riley copping the Best Male Vocalist and Most Cultural/

Educational Entertainer, and Mr Vegas winning the Best Song for “Sweet Jamaica” and Best Music Video for “Bruk It Down”. Reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, who nabbed the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album with “Rebirth” earlier this year, also scored at IRAWMA in the Best Album category, while the Best Female Vocalist award went to Etana. In a ceremony packed with the brightest stars in reggae and dancehall, awards were also presented to Richie Stephens, Konshens, Lady Saw, Mutabaruka, Morgan Heritage, Freddie McGregor, Romain Virgo, Dean Fraser, Third World and Stephen “De Genius” McGregor.

young too. So I can’t focus on that right now. I just need to fast-forward and be a man and be the best Chris Brown I can be, instead of worrying about whoever else is going to be in

my side pocket,” he added. The “Turn up the Music” singer first hinted that he and Rihanna had split last month. Fans nevertheless took the suggestion with a grain of salt, since their relationship has been something of a rollercoaster ride since late last year.

Brown made the disclosure on an Australian radio show prior to celebrating his 24th birthday “solo” in Hollywood and Las Vegas.

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

First female governor general of Grenada sworn into office THE first ever female Governor General of Grenada was sworn into office on Tuesday with Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell saying that her inauguration serves as a “beacon of hope that can inspire a whole nation”. Former head of the Public Service Commission, Dr. Cecile La Grenade, took the oath of office before Justice Margaret Price-Findlay and becomes the second woman to be head of state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique. Dame Hilda Bynoe, who died earlier this year, became the island’s first Governor when Grenada attained statehood status from Britain in 1967. She was also the first Governor in the Commonwealth. Dr. La Grenade, a United States trained food technologist, succeeds Sir Carlyle Glean and Prime Minister Mitchell said the inauguration sets a new national tone and “also allows us to once again, make a bold national statement about the value we place on women leadership. “We are pleased to note that her swearing in breaks the tradition of nominating Heads of State who came into office after having recent connections to a party’s political

Dr. Cecile La Grenade, a United States trained food technologist, succeeds Sir Carlyle Glean.

process. She has not been an MP or a member of the executive of a party like our last three nominees had been. “And while all are men with great attributes and are well meaning, there might have been a quiet suspicion among the population – rightly or wrongly – that in the heat of political battles, our Head of State might have

a team in the fight. This will definitely not be the case now,” said Mitchell, who was returned to government in the February 19 general election after a five year stint as Opposition Leader. He told the ceremony that the appointment of the island’s sixth Governor General is consistent with the message of atonement of this current era. (CMC)

Jamaica transport sector facing collapse – Minister JAMAICA’S Transport and Works Minister Dr Omar Davies says the public transportation sector is teetering on the brink of a collapse and requires a fare increase to prevent its demise. “The administration recognises that given when the last fare increase took place, the sector is bordering on collapse. The changes in price, the exchange rate and the price of fuel; it’s impossible for the fares of three years ago to make economic sense,” Davies declared on Wednesday while opening the Sectoral Debate in Parliament. However, his opposition counterpart, Karl Samuda, has strongly rejected the notion of a fare increase for the state-owned Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC). In his contribution to the Sectoral Debate, Samuda highlighted what he said was the inefficient manner in which the JUTC was being managed and indicated it should therefore be denied a fare hike. Samuda pointed out that other operators in the sector, including taxi and bus owners, should be granted a fare increase. Noting that the company had failed to make good on improvements promised last year, the opposition spokesman said the

May 11 -17, 2013

DNA testing stirring controversy in Barbados MEN’S Educational Support Association (MESA) chairman Ralph Boyce has hit back, accusing?Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite of behaving “fundamentally foolish” in rejecting a call for all children in Barbados to undergo DNA testing at birth. Breaking his silence on the minister’s criticisms, Boyce said earlier this week that “no politician with a temporary lease” on authority should behave the way Brathwaite did. Boyce also found it ironical that Brathwaite had rejected his DNA testing idea as lacking substance when “his own Government” had awarded the former Chief Education Officer a Gold Crown Of Merit for outstanding community work. Brathwaite, who is also Minister of Home Affairs, had said during a recent meeting of an all-female Soroptimist Club that he was

Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite had come under scrutiny for rejecting a call that all Bajan children should undergo DNA testing at birth.

insulted by suggestions from “some character” that children should face DNA testing and that he felt compelled to issue an apology to women. (Barbados Nation)

St Lucia jolted by 4.1 magnitude earthquake ST. LUCIA was jolted by an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.1 late on Tuesday night, the Trinidadbased Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the University of the West Indies (UWI) reported Wednesday. It said that the quake occurred at 11.45 pm (local time) and was located at 14.02° degrees north, and 60.61 degrees west. UWI said that the quake with a depth of 20km “may have been felt in nearby islands” but that there have been no reports of injury or damage. The earthquake is the latest

in a series of tremors that have occurred in several Caribbean countries in recent months. Earlier this month, Trinidad and Tobago was shaken by a quake with a magnitude of 3.7 on the Richter scale just as SRC officials warn the oil rich twin island country to be prepared for a major earthquake. Late last month, Antigua and Barbuda and several other countries in the Leeward Islands were also affected by an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.1. (CMC)

Curaçao politician assassinated

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) which operates the big public buses are complaining that fares have not increased in three years.

JUTC’s operations have severely deteriorated. “Despite getting 50 new buses which brought the fleet up to 474, as recently as this month only 250 buses were fit to go on the road instead of at least 380,” he said. He noted that a shortage of 130 buses translates into a daily loss of about $3.25 million or approximately $1 billion per year. The state-owned bus company

also reportedly paid 195,000 hours of overtime last year, costing $104 million. Double time amounting to $27.3 million was also paid for 44,260 hours. At the same time, Samuda accused the JUTC of paying drivers $242 million more than they should based on the hours required to work. He said drivers who were paid to work eight hours per day end up completing an average 5.6 hours per day.

ONE of Curaçao’s most popular politicians, Hemlin Wiels – a senior member of that country’s governing coalition – was gunned down on the Maripampoen fishing beach outside the capital, Willemstad, last week. The 54-year-old Wiels, a controversial politician and social worker who figured in the struggle for political independence from the Dutch, entered the political arena 10 years ago. He led the political party Pueblo Soberano, one of Curaçao’s largest parties, which he founded in 2005. Professor Hopeton Dunn, director of the Caribbean Institute of Media and Communication, who was among a group of press officials and journalists attending a UNESCO conference on world press freedom in the island, was on the scene of the incident. He noted that the incident

Hemlin Wiels was a senior member of the government coalition.

triggered shock among onlookers, including policemen, who cried at the scene.

May 11 -17, 2013

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Legal fraternity fireworks over former chairman’s refusal to testify at CLICO enquiry in Trinidad ATTORNEY General Anand Ramlogan says he is standing by the words “wanted man” used to describe Lawrence Duprey, the former chairman of the collapsed Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO), despite criticism from Duprey’s lawyer and a former High Court judge. Duprey failed to testify before the Commission of Enquiry examining the collapse of CLICO and Ramlogan, speaking to reporters afterwards, said also that the police

would have questions to answer if it is proven that Duprey, who now lives in the United States, had been allowed to return to the country without being served a subpoena to appear before the one-man Commission. But in a letter to Ramlogan and made available to the media, Duprey’s attorney Lionel Luckhoo termed “illogical and inexplicable,” Ramlogan’s use of the words “wanted man” to describe his client. “You are to be reminded, Attorney General, that you are a leader in the

Brooklyn State Senator John Sampson (centre) and his attorney Zachary Carter (right) leave Brooklyn Federal Court on Monday. (New York Daily News photo)

Guyanese mortgage fraudster sinks NY State Senator Sampson who planned to “take out” witnesses THEY’VE been charged with taking bribes, lying under oath, even trying to buy their way into office — but until now, there has never been a political corruption case in New York like this. NY State Sen. John Sampson, who represents the largely Caribbean 19th Senatorial District in Brooklyn, was charged Monday with embezzling $440,000 and using some of it to bankroll a bid for one of the highest law enforcement jobs in the city, Brooklyn district attorney. And when he feared getting caught, he told an associate he could track down informants and “take them out,” according to an indictment unsealed Monday. Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch called it “one of the most extreme examples of hubris and arrogance we have ever seen.” She said Sampson even pressed a high school friend working in her office, paralegal Sam Noel, to uncover information that might ease his mounting legal troubles. For Sampson, 47, it was an incredible fall from grace. He was once one of the most powerful

politicians in New York, as Democratic conference leader of the Senate. After surrendering Monday to the FBI, Sampson pleaded not guilty — but he already had incriminated himself, according to the indictment. In July, when FBI agents questioned Sampson in the driveway of his Flatlands, Brooklyn, home, they told him he was lying. His response was self-destructive. “Not everything I told you was false,” the indictment said. According to the indictment, Sampson’s crimes began in 1998 when he started embezzling money from foreclosure sales he oversaw as a court-appointed referee. Sampson, a lawyer, then siphoned some of the money into his 2005 Democratic primary campaign against Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes, the indictment said. But Hynes prevailed, beating Sampson, 41% to 37%. The following year, a worried Sampson got a Queens businessman, Guyanese born Edul Ahmad, to “loan” him $188,500 so he could put some of the money back, prosecutors said. But the loan allegedly had no written terms and Sampson never repaid it.

legal profession and should be setting examples of integrity and rectitude. Your interference is contrary to those tenets of your role,” he said, adding “ the use by you of the pejorative phrase ‘wanted man’ is frankly both illogical and inexplicable. The phrase has of course been seized by many newspaper reports.” Luckhoo noted that no criminal proceedings had been instituted against Duprey, adding “there is at this stage an enquiry which should continue without any political interference and without seeking to pre-judge its results or compromise the constitutional fair-trial rights that are possessed by all in this country”. Luckhoo also accused the Attorney General of breaking the promise he made to the country when he took office, and of usurping the role of the commissioner of the enquiry. “You have arrogated unto yourself the role of the commissioner, who, it is hoped, would consider all the evidence and the submissions that he has yet to receive before making any public pronouncements, which is further hoped and indeed expected to be within his terms of office.” Luckhoo reminded Ramlogan that Duprey “has been ordinarily resident out of the jurisdiction for a number of years and has not been to Trinidad since the middle of 2009. “It would not then have been possible therefore to serve him with legal process within the jurisdiction and service abroad of a witness summons would never be an acceptable process for a commission of enquiry, as you will know!” Former High Court judge Herbert Volney said he too was “impelled” to come to Duprey’s defence, adding “it scares me to hear this reckless

and dangerous statement coming from the State’s chief legal adviser and someone so entrenched in the political boudoir of the Prime Minister”. Volney, who was fired as justice minister in the coalition People’s Partnership government that includes Ramlogan, said the statement “speaks volumes of the mindset of the Attorney General for it must now only be taken to be seen as the ominous signs of a creeping dictatorship in which no citizen can feel protected by the right to a fair trial in accordance with fundamental justice, the protection of the law and the right against self-incrimination declared in the Constitution. “This unfortunate misstatement is not in accordance with the criminal law where it is enshrined that there is a presumption of innocence even in the face of pregnant silence,” he told the Trinidad Express newspaper, adding that Ramlogan’s statement “has been aggravated ten times over” because it has “attracted neither condemnation nor derision” from Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar, Chief Justice Ivor Archie or Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard. But Ramlogan’s attorney, Donna Prowell, whose response to Luckhoo was also released to the media, said that while her client “did in fact state” had Duprey been served with the subpoena to give evidence before the Commission “and failed to show, he would have been liable to the criminal process. “In such circumstances, your client risked prosecution for a criminal offence in accordance with the Commissions of Enquiry Act, Chapter 19:01, Section 12 and would have most certainly been a wanted

man.” The attorney said that it is common knowledge that Duprey was “a material witness” required to attend the enquiry and was wanted by the Commission for this purpose. “That you would take objection to the description of your client as the ‘central protagonist’ who was a wanted man in this regard is strange and illogical,” she wrote, adding “our client rejects the assertion that his description of Mr Duprey as the ‘central protagonist’ amounts to an unlawful arrogation or usurpation of the role of the Commissioner. “Mr Duprey was in fact the head of the CLICO empire. He was the executive Chairman of CL Financial and Chairman of CLICO. This description is therefore justified and fairly obvious to the average man-inthe-street. “Our client is well aware of the fact that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) is constitutionally responsible for criminal prosecutions but wishes to draw your attention to the fact that the DPP has indicated that the Commission of Enquiry has the status of a court of law and hence possesses the power to initiate criminal prosecution for nonattendance under section 12. “With respect to your query about what Mr Ramlogan’s response would have been had he been Mr Duprey’s lawyer, we are instructed that he would have advised his client to return home to the country where he amassed his billion-dollar fortune and accept service of the Witness Summons.” She said Ramlogan would have advised him to “appear and give evidence” before the Commission “and allow himself to be crossexamined where appropriate.

Bahamas: NIB to pay up to $1m for auditing costs THE National Insurance Board will foot all of the costs associated with the Grant Thornton Forensic Investigation audit into its operations. NIB Minister Shane Gibson yesterday confirmed to The Tribune that while the probe’s expenses will use funds from the Board, he was unsure of its final cost. In addition, Mr Gibson said he had seen several invoices from the auditors that covered a frame of work at NIB, which began last year. Speaking to reporters outside of the Cabinet office, Mr Gibson said he did not want to give an exact figure. However there is speculation by several accounting professionals that NIB could foot a bill for the audit of around $500,000 to $1 million. The minister said: “I don’t want to guess, I want to be accurate when I give you the information. So I need to check it out.

“I’ve seen several invoices but I don’t have the cumulative amount. So I don’t want to guess. I don’t want to have to come back tomorrow and retract it.” The agreement for the audit report was between Grant Thornton and the Ministry of Labour and National Insurance. It included examining the contents of a letter addressed to Shane Gibson about Algernon Cargill, which was prepared by Greg Moss, and additional matters, identified by the Ministry for examination. It has been suggested that as the investigation was ordered by the Ministry of Labour, then it should be paid for by the consolidated fund – and not NIB. FNM Chairman Darron Cash called on Mr Gibson to act with haste in informing Bahamians what will be done with their National Insurance money.

“We do not know how much the cost will be in terms of money. It is important for the Minister as at least, in one single act of accountability, to make it clear. There are questions that exist with regard to this matter,” Mr Cash said. Since news broke of an ongoing spat at NIB between suspended director Algernon Cargill and ousted Board Chairman Greg Moss after they made serious allegations against each other, much of the attention has focused on Mr Cargill. Both Mr Cargill and Raymond Wells, VP of Information Technology, were placed on administrative leave last year, a short time before the audit got underway. However, Mr Gibson said he did not remember seeing any reference to Wells in the report nor could he say if auditors uncovered any sketchy details in that regard. (Tribune242)

World News

May 11 -17, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Finland voted as best Queen’s Speech: Immigration reform, economy are UK priorities country in the world THE UK government has put immigration reform and the economy at the heart of its plans for the new parliamentary session, which opened Wednesday with the Queen’s Speech. The address by Queen Elizabeth II for the ceremonial state opening of Parliament is written by the government, although read out by the monarch. At the center of the government’s legislative agenda is a new bill with “tough new measures to continue immigration reform and prevent illegal immigrants accessing services they’re not entitled to,” the Home Office said. “The bill will ensure that this country attracts people who will contribute and deters those who will not,” the queen said. The legislation will also “contain measures to make it harder for people to prevent their removal with spurious appeals, reduce the complexity of immigration law and make clear that foreign national offenders should be deported, except in extraordinary circumstances,” the Home Office said. A move to the right on immigration may be a response to the political threat posed by the UK Independence Party, known

to be a mother

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh attend the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday in London.

as UKIP, which has made gains in local elections at the expense of the Conservatives. UKIP has promised steps to limit the number of migrants entering Britain. Measures to make deportation easier may also reflect the Home Office’s long-running, and so far unsuccessful, efforts to deport radical Islamist cleric Abu Qatada. A series of legal appeals have kept the Jordanian national in the country. Lawmaker Yvette Cooper, of the opposition Labour Party, criticized the measures outlined in the Queen’s Speech, saying they fail to tackle

key issues around the exploitation of foreign workers and illegal immigration. “Immigration is important for Britain and needs to be controlled and managed so it is fair for all,” she said. The government will also work to boost Britain’s economic competitiveness so it can continue to succeed in the world, the Queen’s Speech said. “To this end, it will support the growth of the private sector and the creation of more jobs and opportunities,” the queen said.

Bangladesh’s senior opposition official sentenced to death THE deputy head of Bangladesh’s opposition Jamaat-e-Islami party has been sentenced to death by the country’s war crimes tribunal. Muhammad Kamaruzzaman was found guilty on five out of seven counts of torture and mass murder committed during the 1971 war of independence. The tribunal was set up in 2010 to try people accused of collaboration. Kamaruzzaman, who denied the charges and said his trial was politically motivated, is set to appeal. Jamaat says the government is using the trials to curb opposition activities ahead of elections due next year. International rights groups, meanwhile, say the tribunal falls short of international standards. In a packed Dhaka court room, Kamaruzzaman was convicted of mass killings, rape, torture and kidnapping, said Attorney General Mahbubey Alam. The verdict prompted cheers of celebration from crowds gathered outside, says the BBC’s Masud Khan in Dhaka. Kamaruzzaman, who would have been about 18 during Bangladesh’s secession war, was charged in August 2010, a month after being arrested in a separate criminal case.

THINKING of having a baby? You may want to consider moving to Finland -- the best place in the world to be a mother, according to Save the Children’s 14th Mothers’ Index. The index, part of the group’s annual State of the World’s Mothers report, is intended to illustrate the link between maternal and child well-being. Each year, nearly three million babies die within their first month of life -- more than a third die on their day of birth -- and 287,000 women die from pregnancy or childbirth, according to the report. The index ranked countries according to five indicators of a mother’s well-being: maternal health (the risk of maternal mortality); children’s well-being (the mortality rate of children under five); educational status (number of years of formal schooling a woman receives); economic status (gross national income per capita); and political status (the participation of women in national government). Finland was followed closely by its Nordic neighbors and other Western European countries. Australia was the only non-European country to place in the top 10. The United States ranked 30th, performing poorly in under-five mortality rates, maternal death, and political participation, compared to other highly-developed countries. Industrialised countries account for only 1% of newborns dying on their first day of life, but among them the U.S. has the highest mortality rate, with approximately

11,300 deaths each year. The report attributed this to the country’s high rate of premature births (one in eight births) -- the second highest in the industrialized world. The U.S. also has the highest teenage birth rate of any industrialised country -- and teenage mothers in the U.S. tend to have less education, prenatal care, and financial resources than their older counterparts. Sub-Saharan African countries ranked as the 10 worst places to be a mother, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo coming in last place. While newborn, child, and maternal death rates have declined across the developing world in the past two decades, the report found that progress has been the slowest in this region. Developing countries lack basic healthcare for women and their babies before, during, and after delivery, accounting for the majority of newborn and maternal deaths. The Mothers’ Index ranked 176 countries -- all countries are included except those with insufficient data or a national population below 100,000. Top 10: 1. Finland, 2. Sweden, 3. Norway. 4. Iceland, 5. Netherlands, 6. Denmark. 7. Spain, 8. Belgium, 9. Germany, 10. Australia. Bottom 10: 167. Cote d’Ivoire, 168. Chad, 169. Nigeria, 170. Gambia, 171. Central African Republic 172. Niger, 173. Mali, 174. Sierra Leone, 175. Somalia and 176. Democratic Republic of the Congo.

US teen charged over Utah football referee’s death

Muhammad Kamaruzzaman, who received the death sentence, was charged with seven counts of torture and mass murder.

He was accused of being a key organiser of the al-Badr, an auxiliary force of the Pakistani army which killed Bangladeshi intellectuals during the 1971 conflict. His conviction comes at a testing time for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has made prosecution of 1971 war crimes one of her government’s key goals. Analysts say the death sentence will only exacerbate an already febrile situation in a country where police and Islamist protesters have this week been fighting deadly battles on the streets of

the capital Dhaka. The umbrella organisation behind the protests - of which Jamaat is a part - is calling for the introduction of more Islamic laws, and has shown it can easily mobilise vast numbers onto the streets. Nine senior figures from Jamaat have been among 12 people charged with war crimes by the tribunal. Jamaat, the country’s largest Islamist party, was opposed to Bangladeshi independence but denies any role in war crimes committed by pro-Pakistan militias.

A US teen accused of punching a football referee who later died has been charged with homicide by assault. Ricardo Portillo, 46, died on Saturday after a week spent in a coma following the alleged assault that took place during a game in Salt Lake City, Utah. Police say a 17-year-old player in a recreational league struck Mr Portillo after he issued him with a yellow card. A homicide by assault charge, less serious than manslaughter, is used if an attack unintentionally causes death. It carries up to five years in prison for adults, with lesser penalties for juveniles. The teenager has been in juvenile detention since the incident on 27 April. However, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said he

would seek to try the 17-year-old as an adult, reports the AP news agency, According to a police report, the incident happened during a game at a high school in a suburb of Salt Lake City. The teenager was playing as a goalkeeper when Mr Portillo showed him a yellow card for shoving a player on the opposing team who was attempting to score. After arguing with the referee, the teenager allegedly punched him in the face. Mr Portillo sat down and began vomiting blood. He was taken to hospital and slipped into a coma with swelling on his brain. Some 100 family and friends held a candlelight vigil on Sunday night on the front lawn of Mr Portillo’s Salt Lake City home. A funeral was scheduled for Wednesday. (CNN)

May 11 -17, 2013

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

UK’s age of consent should Castro served cake and dinner on be 13, says barrister anniversary of victims’ abductions: report

A PROMINENT barrister specialising in reproductive rights has called for the age of consent to be lowered to 13. Barbara Hewson told online magazine Spiked that the move was necessary in the wake of the Savile scandal to end the “persecution of old men”. She also said that complainants should no longer receive anonymity. The NSPCC called her views “outdated and simply ill-informed” and said to hear them “from a highly experienced barrister simply beggars belief”. Her remarks come after a number of high-profile arrests over allegations of historical sexual offences in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal. Among those to have been convicted is former BBC broadcaster Stuart Hall, who admitted 14 charges of indecently assaulting girls, including one aged nine, between 1967 and 1985. Ms Hewson described Hall’s crimes as “low-level misdemeanours” which “ordinarily... would not be prosecuted”. “What we have here is the manipulation of the British criminal

Barrister Barbara Hewson has claimed the age of consent should be lowered to 13 to protect older men in the wake of the Jimmy Savile sex scandal.

justice system to produce scapegoats on demand. It is a grotesque spectacle,” she said. “It’s time to end this prurient charade, which has nothing to do with justice or the public interest.” She argues for an end to complainant anonymity, a strict statute of limitations to prevent prosecutions after a substantial amount of time has passed and a reduction in the age of consent to 13.

THE man accused of abducting three women in Cleveland and operated a house of horrors as a sex slave dungeon served his captors cake and dinner on their “abduction days” and punched one victim in the stomach to cause miscarriages. The three women held in the Cleveland house of horrors were treated to the repulsive annual ritual of being served cake on their “abduction days.” Wednesday brought more horrible revelations about what the captives endured for the past decade, even as they were happily reuniting with family members and friends. The women watched heartbreaking TV coverage of vigils that were held on their behalf, CNN reported. And their alleged twisted kidnapper, Ariel Castro, marked the anniversaries of their abductions by serving dinner and a cake, the cousin of one victim told The New York Times. “He would celebrate their abduction day as their new birthday,” the relative told the newspaper. Then there was the police report Wednesday that Amanda Berry, the courageous former prisoner who led the breakout from what had been their prison, had been forced to give birth to her baby girl in an inflatable kiddie pool. But in a telephone chat with her grandmother Wednesday, the young mom sounded upbeat and even proud of her 6-year-old Jocelyn — who is believed to have been fathered by her captor, Ariel Castro. “Yeah, she’s my daughter,” said Berry, 27. “Born on Christmas.” Michelle Knight, the oldest of the three women held captive, told police she saved Berry’s baby at

Amanda Berry, Georgina “Gina” Dejesus, and Michelle Knight, who went missing a decade ago, were found on Monday, May 6, 2013.

birth, performing CPR under threats by Castro. Knight said Castro vowed to kill Berry if the baby died — according to a police report obtained by WKYCTV, the NBC affiliate in Cleveland. She said Jocelyn was not breathing when she was born and that she put her mouth to the baby and “breathed for her” until she was revived. The now 32-year-old Knight also told police that she got pregnant five times while in captivity, miscarrying each time after being repeatedly punched in the stomach by Castro, according to the report. Berry tried to educate her daughter as she was shackled inside the house with two other captive women, Gina DeJesus and Knight, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported. The new insight into Berry’s ordeal emerged shortly before she was reunited with family at her sister’s

modest two-story house in Cleveland. It was the first time Berry had been there in more than a decade. And it was festooned with flowers and had a “Welcome Home Amanda” sign hanging from the front porch. Mother and daughter quickly ducked inside. Moments later, Berry’s big sister, Beth Serrano, emerged with eyes still red from crying — and hair sopping wet from a recent shower. “We are elated. This is a happy ending,” she said, as the crowd cheered and clapped. Berry was abducted on April 21, 2003, a day before her 17th birthday. She got pregnant in the fourth year of her captivity, police said. It was Berry who helped get the rescue rolling Monday by wedging open the door of the house and alerting the neighbors with her screams.

Grandfather, 90, survives on cookies Mexico tanker blast kills 23 getting trapped in car for four days Burned cars are pictured in a highway in Ecatepec near Mexico city, on May 7, 2013.

A SPEEDING tanker truck carrying gas crashed and exploded in a huge fireball along a highway near Mexico City Tuesday, killing at least 23 people and injuring dozens more, officials said. “There was a flash, then a noise, and the ground began to shake,” said Dulce Gonzalez, who lives in the neighbourhood where the tanker plowed into homes early Tuesday morning. Flames engulfed cars and houses near the explosion, video from CNN affiliate Foro TV showed. As crews searched for survivors, residents combed through the burned out shells that remained where their homes once stood. Some rescuers removed livestock and pets from the charred ruins. The federal highway division of

the office of Mexico’s transportation secretary said in a statement Tuesday night that 23 people had been killed. Salvador Neme, the secretary for citizen security in Mexico State, said two of the victims were children. According to initial reports from police, the tanker was speeding and the driver lost control, crashing into several homes and cars before exploding, Mexico’s state-run Notimex news agency reported. Federal highway officials said 26 people were injured after the explosion. Half of them were in serious condition. The driver of the tanker was also in the hospital but under arrest, Neme said. The blast occurred in the municipality of Ecatepec, in the state of Mexico.

COOKIES and cake saved a 90-yearold Florida granddad who became trapped in his car for four days after breaking his arm and hip. Justyn Ambrozia was left stranded — without water or a cellphone to call for help — in his Newport Richley garage for more than 96 hours. 10 News reports the nonagenarian had fallen earlier at a grocery store. Not realising he’d broken any bones, he was helped up by staff, and he managed to drive home. But, on pulling into his garage, he found it impossible to get out of the car. Trapped, he kept himself alive by eating the sweet treats purchased before his tumble. It was only when a neighbour spotted him slumped over the

Justyn Ambrozia broke his arm and hip at a grocery store — staff put him in his car, but he was unable to get out for the next 96 hours.

steering wheel that he was rescued and rushed to Medical Center for Trinity for hip surgery.

Ambrozia, who is still at the hospital, has not yet spoken of his ordeal. (Nydailynews)

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: bkpadma@bkwsutci.com

FOR SALE

May 11 -17, 2013

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

TEKORA PRATT Is looking for a

Domestic Worker To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour

contact: 241-2179

8163

Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788

May 11 -17, 2013

Cabinet Maker / Finishing Carpentry

MYRANIE ST. JUSTE BRYAN Is looking for a

FOR RENT 1 BEDROOM 1 BATH RICHMOND HILLS FULLY FURNISHED WASHER & DRYER $750.00 PER MONTH

3 BEDROOM 2 BATHROOM

Domestic Worker

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. Contact: 341-2178 8116

ACRES OF DIAMOND is looking for a

FULLY FURNISHED WASHER DRYER 1,200.00 PER MONTH SECURITY SYSTEM FOR SALE OR FOR RENT

2 BEDROOM 1 BATH NEWLY RENOVATED $900.00 PER MONTH

CONTACT: 231-3788

Function: • Builds and repairs all types of furniture including cabinets, tables, shelves, desks, bookcases, chairs, and other wooden equipment. • Repairs and cleans furniture for refinishing including the fabrication of new parts and finish removal. • Builds and repairs doors • Designs and estimate projects in Cabinet Making / Finishing Carpentry The successful candidate must: • Graduation from a standard vocational or high school and proven experience as a cabinet maker; or any equivalent combination of training and experience

• Must have at least ten (10) years working experience in Cabinet Making / Finishing Carpentry including supervisory experience • Be flexible to work daily including weekends and public holidays at various locations • Be willing and available to work at other locations including all islands in TCI • Possess a valid driver’s License • Have proven excellent inter-personal skills in interacting with customers, staff and management. A keen awareness of the environment and the needs and safety of clients and staff is required to perform well on the job. • Basic Wage: $7 - $10 per hour – commensurate with qualification and experience

Please submit application letter and resume to: seize_p@hotmail.com. The application deadline is May 30, 2013. Suitable candidates will be contacted for an interview

Amazing Value! Lot for Sale

1 BEDROOM 1 BATHROOM HOUSE CUSTOM DESIGN KITCHEN $800.00 PER MONTH

CLASSIFIEDS 33

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Truck Driver To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour. contact: 231-6926

8114

PRICE SLASHED

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

$175,000

34 CLASSIFIEDS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

GEORGE CHRISTOPHER FORBES

GOLDSMITH

Labourer Cashier Must be able to speak and write English, Spanish, French and Creole

contact: 946-4069

Is looking for the following Secondary/ High School teachers

Salespersons Domestic Worker To work 6 days per week

8168

Contact: 243-6890

8164

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

Is looking for 2

Contact: Padma 331-4101

is looking for a

History Electronics & Electrical Installation Technical Drawing Must be able to teach at CSEC & IGCSE Levels Domestic Worker

Email: admin@tcips.com

Nail

Technician

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

contact: 241-2185

8185

Position Avaliable

Ocean Club Resorts is looking for qualified, experienced applicants for THE POSITIONS OF:

Food & Beverage Manger

JANITOR

All applicants must be able to present a clean Police Record if offered a position. Wage commensurate with experience. Individuals must be willing to work holidays and weekends on a flexible schedule dictated by business demands. Ability to speak English is mandatory. Please drop off resumes at the Ocean Club Front Desk to the attention of the

• Successful applicant should have at least 8 years of kitchen and restaurant experience including • Knowledge of food costing and controls, monthly inventory, • Knowledge of food hygiene and safety, menu planning, managing and scheduling staff, • Plus the knowledge and experience of worldwide pastries, desserts and chocolates ;; This position above requires working long hour’s nights and days public holidays and weekends ;; Salary range based on experience

For more information on job descriptions, please contact on 649-231-1689 Please call for an appointment, bring along your resume and resident status

Human Resource Manager, or via email to diane@oceanclubresorts.tc

Preference will be given to experienced and qualified Belongers. Only those receiving an interview will be contacted.

ARCHITECT POSITION AVAILABLE

Fully qualified Architect required for the following role:

Job Summary • The successful applicant will be expected to undertake the traditional role of a professional Architect. • This includes detailed architectural design work, planning submissions, preparation of tender documents, construction contract administration, contract cost control and direct liaison with clients, consultants and contractors.

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR Applicants must possess 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 have a certification in horticulture and be certified in preparation and application of chemicals as well as treatment of weeds Must be proficient in computer can do minimal computer troubleshooting 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 $2,500 per month may include weekends and holidays

Please drop all applications to environmental arts located at #65 Beechwood Road, 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

Essential Skills/Experience • RIBA Parts 1-111 Professional Qualification • Fully qualified RIBA/ARB registered Architect. • Minimum 5 years post-professional qualification experience as Project Architect with direct Client liaison. • Minimum 5 years experience in contract administration and cost control on JCT contracts. • Minimum 5 years experience in managing an architectural team. • A strong background of technical detailing. • Excellent skills in AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, Photoshop, Sketch-up, Excel and Word a pre-requisite. • Experience in the design and production of presentation and marketing materials including website programming.

TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION

OFFICIAL NOTICE FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION ORDINANCE SECTION 34

NOTICE OF REVOCATION OF LICENCE(S)

Salary rated according to experience, between $4k & $6k per month. Interested applicants should contact Mr. C Davies via e-mail by May 24, 2013 with current CV to info@coasttci.com or in writing to the address below. Only applicants meeting the minimum requirements listed above will be contacted for interview within 5 days of receipt of their application. Only suitably qualified Turks & Caicos Islanders need apply.

Coast Architects, 82 Cherokee Road, PO Box 941, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Biology Chemistry Information Technology Mathematics Physical Education English Language English Literature

B BEAUTY & HEALTH SPA

8158

The Financial Services Commission has on 31st October 2012 revoked the license for the listed companies pursuant to Section 34(1) (a) of the Financial Services Commission Ordinance:

Gulf Insurance Limited

J. KEVIN HIGGINS MANAGING DIRECTOR FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION

8191

Is looking for a

TCIPS FOUNDATION

8190

GLOBAL SERVICES

Is looking for a

May 11 -17, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

VACANCY

RESIDENTIAL CHILD CAREGIVER/SUPERVISOR

The Provo Children’s Home is seeking caregiver/supervisors for the Home located in Chalk Sound in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands. The following requirements apply: • Preferred but not mandatory, a degree in psychology, counseling or social work • Experience working in related field ie teaching, nursing, coaching, day care, etc. • Ability to build constructive, caring, nurturing relationships with children with complex needs • Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office programs • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Preferred qualifications in food prep and handling • Ability to cook meals for large numbers • Preferred First Aid training • Must hold a clean, valid driver’s license These posts are residential and require a certain percentage of over night shifts. Private accommodation and meals provided on overnight shifts. Salaries start at $1200 per month and are dependent on experience and qualifications. Only Belongers need apply.

The position(s) are available from July 2013. Interviews will be by appointment only. Please send resumes to PCH Director at buildgroup@pch.tc All correspondence is via email and all applications must be received by May 15, 2013.

Hertz / Mystique Car Rental Tel# 649-941-3910

Vehicles for Sale Make/Model

Year License #

Colour Price

Nissan March Nissan March Nissan March Nissan March Toyota Vitz Toyota Vitz Toyota Vitz Toyota Vitz Toyota Vitz Mazda Demio Mazda Demio Mazda Demio Ford Focus Hyundai Accent Hyundai Accent Hyundai Accent Hyundai Accent Hyundai Accent Hyundai Accent Hyundai Accent Hyundai Accent Ford Taurus Ford Taurus Toyota Corolla Jeep Wrangler Jeep Wrangler Jeep Wrangler Mitsubishi Pajero Town & Country Town & Country Town & Country Town & Country Dodge Caravan Town & Country Dodge Caravan Ford Freestar Ford Expedition Ford F150 Ford Escape Daihatsu Terios Ford Explorer

2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2006 2007 2007 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2006 2006 2006 2007 2007 2007 2000 2005 2005 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2004 2004 2009 2007 2008 2009

Silver Silver Silver Silver Silver Light Blue Silver Blue Silver Silver Silver Silver Burgundy Silver Dark Gray Dark Grey Silver Light blue Dark Grey Dark Grey Dark Grey Silver Silver White Grey Blue White White Gold White Silver Navy Blue White Blue Gold Red Tan White Tan White Silver

7724 7725 7727 7728 7738 7739 7741 7742 7743 6794 7735 7736 7018 7654 7501 7652 7653 7655 7656 7657 7658 6790 6791 6889 6897 6853 6890 6597 6693 6695 6694 6800 6698 6789 6697 6497 6867 7703 7012 7332 7593

Newer vehicles are available for information please call the Office 941-3910

8000.00 9000.00 10000.00 8000.00 9700.00 9000.00 8000.00 10200.00 9500.00 7500.00 8500.00 6500.00 7500.00 12000.00 9500.00 12000.00 12000.00 12000.00 12000.00 12000.00 12000.00 6500.00 6000.00 10500.00 20000.00 20000.00 20000.00 8500.00 8500.00 8500.00 8700.00 9000.00 8500.00 10000.00 10500.00 6000.00 15500.00 29900.00 18000.00 16000.00 30500.00

8141

CLASSIFIEDS 35

SINCLAIR AUTO ELECTRIC SALES AND SERVICES Is looking for a qualified

Certified Auto Electrician With at least 10 years experience must be able to read auto electric diagram. Salary $8.00 per hour.

Contact: 649-346-8025

RBC ROYAL BANK (BAHAMAS) LIMITED is presently considering applications for:

Associate Relationship Manager – Business Banking Turks & Caicos Islands

The successful candidate should possess the following qualifications: • 3 or more years banking experience • ABIFS/AICB Diploma or a degree in banking or a related field would be an asset • Previous experience as a Lending Officer is mandatory Required Skills • Negotiating/Selling Skills • Problem Account Management • Knowledge of Financial Analysis and risk assessment • Critical Thinking • Time Management • Relationship building/Planning/Organizing/Closing Sales • Effectively manage risk • Impact and Influence • Ability to manage multiple priorities • Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills • Microsoft Office Proficiency (Outlook, Word, Excel) Responsibilities Include: • Responsible for retaining and growing relationships with Business Banking (BB) clients, contributing to the strategic priorities of Sales Volume and Revenue Growth and improving the Client Experience. • Responsible for the on boarding of products and services for existing and new clients, identifying, referring and fulfilling on new opportunities as appropriate, promoting collaboration amongst Business Banking relationship team and partners. • Providing direct support to Business Banking clients with all lending and non-lending activities. • Developing a strong knowledge of client’s operational requirements in order to provide financial solutions (primarily Cash Management and Deposit Solutions) that add value to the customer’s needs and goals, while driving revenue growth. • Providing credit and sales support for Relationship Manager (RM) to enable the identification, planning and delivery of solutions for client and prospect needs. • Effectively supports the RM with their assigned portfolio of accounts and participation in all aspects of portfolio credit management including, but not limited to, preparation of annual reviews at an acceptable level of risk and assisting with the compilation of documentations required in the origination/booking of deals. Responsibility and accountability for final sign off will rest with the RM with regard to the completion of BBTR/RAF. • Being the service champion for BB clients including coordination of the service team, focusing on ensuring the client experience in delivered effectively through appropriate service partners. • Acting as the Problem Resolution champion leveraging appropriate partners to resolve client concerns. A competitive compensation package (base salary & bonus) will commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications. Please apply by May 10, 2013 to:

Assistant Manager, Recruitment & Employee Development Human Resources Bahamas Regional Office RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited P.O. Box N-7549 Nassau, N.P., Bahamas Via fax: (242) 322-1367 Via email: bahcayjp@rbc.com

36 CLASSIFIEDS

May 11 -17, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

GRADUATE ARCHITECT

PUBLIC NOTICE

REQUIRED

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION (Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

Take Notice that I, RIC TODD, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to Francine Orange-Jennings, a national of Haiti by virtue of marriage to a Belonger. RIC TODD

Architect required to assist design team with preparation of Construction Documents, Drawings, and Specifications, with focus on the Design, Construction Management, and Supervision in the single family residential market in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Successful applicant will possess a comprehensive understanding of Building Science and Architectural Design, with good communication skills and team attitude, and, must be a Graduate Architect with minimum 10 years experience in the industry. A knowledge of Jandy Caretaker in-floor pool cleaning system and Pentair Prologic Control system would be a great asset.

Computer literacy shall include:

• AutoCAD Architecture and 3D imaging • Critical Path scheduling software (preferably Primavera's SureTrak) • QuickBooks Accounting system • Adobe Photoshop • Sage Master Builder • On Screen Takeoff • Word processing • Spreadsheet applications

Interested individuals shall submit resumes to: R.A. Shaw Designs Project House, Leeward Hwy, Providenciales. Tel. 941-4394

PUBLIC NOTICE

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

Take Notice that I, RIC TODD, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to MARIE Rose Regis-Seymour a national of Haiti by virtue of marriage to a Belonger.

Take Notice that I, RIC TODD, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to Roseta Delhomme-Forbes a national of Haiti by virtue of marriage to a Belonger.

RIC TODD

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

PUBLIC NOTICE

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

Take Notice that I, RIC TODD, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to Sylvana Mogeune-Joseph a national of Haiti by virtue of marriage to a Belonger.

Take Notice that I, RIC TODD, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to Yolin Maximo a national of Haiti by virtue of marriage to a Belonger.

RIC TODD

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

8120

CLASSIFIEDS 37

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Carpenter To work 5 days per week salary $8.00 per hour.

Contact: 242-0388

Domestic Worker Needed to provide housekeeping services this includes preparing and serving meals, laundering must have previous domestic work experience salary $14,000.00 per annum.

TEVEL GARDINER Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Security Officer

Handyman

Submit application with detailed resume and references to Brigget Jolly, Leeward Palms, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands or Tel: 649-231-8891 no later than May 1st, 2013

8154

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour must be able to speak and understand English.

Is looking for a

contact: 244-4665 8170

Salary $6.00 per hour.

SHEIK & SASSY

Contact: 241-4061

is looking for a

Masseuse/ Hairstylist To work 5 days per week salary commensurate with experience

8166

DIVE

Contact: 331-1809

8138

Jayne Hutcherson

Is looking for a

Contact: 331-0802

Salary $5.00 per hour from 9am-5pm.

Contact: 649-343-6631

8188

GEORGE SALON Seeks to Employ

Painter

PROVO BODY SHOP

Contact: 245-4742

8129

To work 5 days per week salary $8.00 per hour.

8189

All applications with CV and cover letter should be sent to The Labour Department AND EMAILED to divejob@outlook.com before May 20, 2013

Cashier

per week salary $10.00 per hour.

Is looking for a

Must be a current and insured Scuba Instructor with at least 5 years experience, oriented towards customer service and certified by PADI, NAUI or SSI. Must carry STCW certification and be willing to work long hours, 6 days per week.

THE SIBONNE BEACH HOTEL

Is looking for 2

Is looking for a

work 5 days per week. Salary $9.00 per hour.

Contact: 241-5563 deadline for application is May 31st, 2013

Domestic Worker

For cleaning hotel rooms/ laundry must be able to work weekends and holidays salary $5.50 per hour only Belongers with previous experience need apply

Contact: Sandra MacLeod at 649-946-4203

8184

Auto Body Repairmen Must be willing to 8183

Must be willing to work 6 days a week.

MARTHA BEAUTY SALON AND BOUTIQUE

Plumber To work 5 days

is looking for a

INSTRUCTOR

DOMESTIC WORKER

Labourer To work 5 days per week. Is looking for a

Interested and qualified persons should forward resumes in strictest confidence to:

Leeward Highway, Providenciales Telephone: 231-3163

Contact: 231-1000

ISLAND PLUMBING & CONSTUCTION

;; A long standing integrated Financial Services & Commercial Group requires a very experienced financial controller to assist the Finance Director in the following areas: ;; We are looking for a financial services accounting professional ;; (CA/CPA/CGA/AMA) with at least 19 years experience to administer our financial and accounting function. ;; Hours of works will vary with job demands and future growth of the business. ;; Compensation will be determined upon the chosen candidate’s relevant work experience and professional qualifications and group ;; Medical coverage will be provided.

CEDAR LODGE CAFE

To work 5 days per week. Salary $6.00 per hour.

HARTMAN HANDFIELD

REQUIRED

McCollum & Newlands, P.O. Box 678 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

JENNINGS WILBERT

8154

Is looking for a

8186

G & G CONSTRUCTION

8175

May 11 -17, 2013

Professional Painter

Diver

The candidate must have the following requirements: • Minimum 10 years experience as a metal framer; • Experienced: Industrial spray painting, finish and trim painting , auto and construction painter; • Willing to work long hours, overnights and weekends. • Salary range: $7.50 per hour

To work 5 days per week salary based on commission.

Application must be submitted to: evt@tciway.tc or call 649-946-5414 Deadline: May 31, 2013

Contact: 344-9209

PELICAN DESIGNS LTD.

Graphic Designer

Minimum requirements: • Two years of working experience in a lead position as a graphic designer • Experience in sign manufacturing • Advance knowledge in the following software: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel Draw, estimate pricing software. • Experience n project supervision and management • Must be willing to work outside normal business hours. Salary: $400 per week Deadline for submission of applications is May 24th 2013 To: Manager, Pelican Designs Ltd. P.O. Box 579, 21 Elite Plaza, Airport Road Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Email: info@pelicandesigns.tc | Fax: (649) 941-8733 And copied to the Labour Department Butterfield Square, Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands

38 CLASSIFIEDS

May 11 -17, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

job vacancies

B & M CONSTRUCTION Is looking for the following persons:

Administrate Assistant

GORDON’S ELECTRIC DBA PROVO ELECTRIC 2 Electricians

Finish wood

Labourer

Cheshire Hall Medical Centre Providenciales, TCI

Must be willing to work 5 days per week salary commensurate with experience.

InterHealthCanada (TCI) Ltd wishes to appoint an Administrative Assistant.

Contact: 242-3256

• Reporting to Executive Assistant and Senior Management Team (SMT) • The post holder must be self motivated and have a willingness to learn • Responsibilities will include but not limited to:-

8106

HOLE IN THE WALL Domestic Worker

GORDON’S SUPPLY 2 Laborers

MAX’S MINI MART

Cashier Salary commensurate with qualification

Resume can be faxed to 649-941-3425 and the Labour Department, Providenciales as soon as possible 8131

Quantity Surveyor

General secretarial duties • Prepare agendas and minutes of meetings as requested • Assist with visiting consultant and student programs • Assist Senior Management team as requested

Is required with the following qualifications

Requirements • The incumbent must possess at least a high school diploma • Excellent written and verbal communicant skills • Must be proficient in MS Office Word, Excel and Outlook.

• Degree qualified • 10 years of Contractor Quantity Surveying experience • Subcontract management • Cost Control/ Management • Purchasing • Pricing/ Take off

Starting salary is $20,000.00 pa

Please address your resume showing qualifications and experiences to:

Send inquiries to:

8178

Recruitment@interhealthcanada.tc Closing date: Deadline: Friday 10th May 2013

• Project Management • Experience working in the other Caribbean Countries • Contractual claims experience • Contract Administration and Client Liaison

Norstar Group Ltd. P.O. Box 532, Suite 2C, Courtyard Plaza Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Telephone: 649-941-3600/3500 or fax: 649-941-3608

A & M CLEANING Is looking to fill the following positions:

ALEXANDRA FASHION

B & B SERVICES

is looking for the following persons:

Acting on behalf of our clients is looking to fill the following positions:

Domestic Worker – $6.00 per hour

IMMEDIATE OPENING

Kitchen Helper – $6.00 per hour

Caretaker – $7.00 per hour

Manager of Resort Services

Sales Clerk

Greenskeeper Domestic worker

• Minimum 15 years management experience in luxury hospitality, having been head of department in at least 3 different departments and Executive Committee level for 5 years. • Minimum 5 years international hospitality management experience with branded hotel/ resort. • BA/BS degree or equivalent. • Previous experience in application of management contract requirements and brand standards within luxury hospitality operation. • Previous experience in development and implementation of guest services within luxury hospitality operation. • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. MUST BE ABLE TO WORK ALL DAYS AND SHIFTS

Contact; 343-3123

8160

Must be willing to work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

Maintenance Man

Contact: 241-0976

Contact: 649-245-6962

Must be willing to work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour3.

CABANA BAR AT OCEAN CLUB

Duties include:

is looking for qualified, experience applicants for the position of:

• Develops and implements resort and guest service strategies, initiatives and programs which are aligned with Regent’s overall mission, vision and market strategy/positioning. • Implements all Regent standard services and programs and ensures ongoing compliance. • Oversees and directs management of the housekeeping, pool and beach and laundry departments. • Develops annual departmental budget and capex budget and accountable for financial results. • Drives for continuous improvement by gathering and analyzing customer feedback, reviewing management reports and developing strategies to improve department and resort services. • Oversees and ensures all physical facilities and décor are aligned with Regent’s standards, image and aesthetic. • Starting salary 50k per annum not including service charge.

KITCHEN HELPER BARTENDER DISHWASHER • The successful applicant must possess the following skills and experience: • Must have experience in your respective field • Food safe certificate or equivalent • Must be willing to work holidays and weekends on a

8137

– $5.00 per hour

Labourer

2 Salespersons 1 Cashier

8161

requirements:

Interested applicants should apply to the Regent Palms, Monday through Friday and bring along an updated resume or by emailing to marjorie.dorsett@ regenthotels.com,no later than Friday, May 10, 2013.

8176

flexible schedule • Ability to speak English is essential • Must have clean police record • Preference will be given to experience and qualified Belongers

Please contact: 441-3466 for an appointment or interview Wage commensurate with experience 8155

– $6.00 per hour

3 Painters – $7.00 per hour

– $7.00 per hour Must be willing to work 5 days per week including weekends and holidays

8165

JOJO KIDS WORLD is looking for a

Teacher with Montessori certificate To work 5 days per week salary $800 monthly.

contact: 343-1089

8173

May 11 -17, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sports International

Singh to sue PGA Tour over antler spray suspension left him “humiliated, ridiculed, and emotionally distraught”. Singh’s admission came in an interview with Sports Illustrated, in which he said he was using the spray “every couple of hours” and was “looking forward to some change in my body”. According to the lawsuit, which the PGA did not comment on, the 2000 US Masters champion was suspended for 90 days on 19 February despite there being no test in existence for the

REEF RESIDENCE HOTEL

A reward of

$400.00

Is being offered for the return of a boat trailer removed from the Reef Residences Hotel located on Stubbs Road in the lower Bight anyone knowing of the whereabouts of the trailer can

contact: 432-1480 or 941-3713

substance. When the golfer appealed, Wada advised the PGA Tour that it no longer considered deer antler spray a banned substance “unless a positive test results”. “I am proud of my achievement, my work ethic and the way I live my life,” said Singh in a statement. “The PGA Tour not only treated me unfairly, but displayed a lack of professionalism that should concern every professional golfer and fan of the game.” The lawsuit says the threetime major tournament winner “seeks damages for the PGA Tour’s reckless administration and implementation of its Anti-Doping Program”. It adds: “Rather than performing its duties to golfers first, and then determining whether there had been any violation of the Anti-Doping Program, the PGA Tour rushed to judgement and accused one of the world’s hardestworking and most dedicated golfers of violating the rules of the game.” Singh’s attorney, Peter R Ginsberg, added: “The PGA Tour could have known by conducting some basic testing and research, the product that

8183

VACANCIES

Is seeking suitably qualified Belongers to fill the positions outlined below. Ideal candidates must possess luxury resort experience, a professional demeanor, and a strong command of the English language (oral and written). Relevant experience and a passion for hospitality is required. Salary is based on experience and qualifications.

Rooms Division Manager Kitchen Steward Room Attendant Commis Chef

Lead Server Cost Controller Controller to Food & Beverage

Closing Date March 9, 2013 BELONGERS ONLY NEED APPLY

Bridgette Thomas BNC Consulting Group, Ltd email: bthomas@bnccgroup.com phone: 649-332-2565

Singh sprayed contained no active biological ingredient and could not possibly have provided any performance enhancement.” (BBC)

Vijay Singh was suspended for 90 days on February 19, despite there being no tests in existence for the substance.

IMMEDIATE OPENING FOOD AND BEVERAGE OUTLET AND BANQUETS MANAGER

We are actively recruiting an Outlet and Banquets Manager who will provide hands-on oversight of a popular outdoor, beachside restaurant. The incumbent will ensure guest service and financial goals are met or exceeded. He or she must be flexible to work long hours as business demands, and must be able to manage banquet activities from inception to completion. The successful candidate will assist other restaurants or bars within the resort and will work a shift schedule with rotating off days.

Primary Duties

• Hands-on management of the daily service of assigned restaurant, including responsibility for daily closing to ensure adequate supervision of outlet staff. • Oversee the implementation of service and brand standards, share recommendations and guest comments with the Chef and F&B Management team • Develop and implement outlet promotions calendar for F&B products and events. • Conduct competitor analysis and remain knowledgeable of local market initiatives, analyze food and beverage statistics through point of sale system • Monitor performance of the restaurant through analysis of guest feedback (comment cards, trip-advisor, etc.) and financial results. • Maintain and enforce procedures to ensure the security of monies, credit and financial instruments and transactions • Replenish supplies and inventory in a timely and efficient manner, minimizing waste and controlling costs. • Ensure restaurant and all restaurant equipment is in proper operational condition and is cleaned on a regular basis. • Participate in budgeting and forecasting and P&L analysis including productivity and cost management. • Directly responsible for meeting financial, service and guest satisfaction targets for assigned outlet.

Job Requirements

Hospitality Degree or equivalent combined experience and education Minimum 5-7 years proven restaurant management and banqueting experience within a resort environment Demonstrated ability to work with and engage multicultural/multi-ethnic teams and guests Strong verbal and written communication skills, excellent command of the English language Pleasant, outgoing personality with the ability to handle the pressure of a fast-paced environment Quality oriented with focus on details and high performance standards Flexibility to work rotating shifts Strong knowledge of food costing and working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Infogenesis POS system

Competitive compensation package

If you possess the required qualifications, please contact Bridgette Thomas, BNC Consulting Group, bthomas@bnccgroup.com or call 649332-2565 to schedule an interview or obtain additional information. 8140

8139

VIJAY Singh is to sue the PGA Tour for banning him from competition without a test for using deer antler spray. The Fijian admitted in January to using the substance, which contains small amounts of a growth hormone banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada). The PGA suspended the former world number one after his admission, but the 50-yearold successfully appealed. Singh’s lawsuit, submitted in New York, claims the ban

Sports International

May 11 -17, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

FIFA suspends Executive Committee member Chuck Blazer FOOTBALL’S world governing body FIFA has provisionally suspended

outgoing Executive Committee member Chuck Blazer for 90 days “based on

the fact that various breaches of the Code of Ethics appear to have been committed” by the

Executive Chef

Education and Training:

;; Post secondary degree in Culinary Arts or industry equivalent experience with at least 10 years experience working as an Executive Chef ;; Fully functional on computer with a full knowledge of Excel, MS-Word and Quickbooks ;; Deep understanding of menu planning complete with cost analysis, portioning and design. ;; Full knowledge of a broad range of inventory control measures with the ability to develop and execute. ;; Detailed understanding of all staffing requirements and all paperwork associated with it including work permits and National Insurance. ;; Fluent in English both written and oral with a fundamental understanding of French and Spanish ;; First Aid Training

Skill Requirements:

;; Extensive experience in the preparation and execution of Mexican and Tex Mex cuisine ;; Plan and execute special events on or off premise for a diverse clientele. ;; Precise knife skills ;; Execute a large variety of desserts from scratch including cakes, custards, mousses, ice creams, sorbets, and gelatin stabilized desserts ;; Execute naturally leavened breads and breakfast pastry from scratch ;; Produce all breakfast, lunch and dinner items with expert precision. ;; Cook entire menu on the line during service, including meats to temperature specifications. ;; Prepare and execute a variety of specials utilizing seasonality and quality as the catalyst ;; Be versed in a large variety of cooking techniques to include: braising, sautéing, frying, steaming, poaching, soup making and the Mother Sauces. ;; Develop and cost recipes to accurately reflect the long term goals of Somewhere Café and Lounge ;; Execute a proper sanitation procedure to insure that high quality food is served that accurately represents the Café ;; Receive food orders from various vendors, checking for quality and pricing. ;; Implement training of kitchen staff to encourage growth and success in a positive environment. ;; Must have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to both engage staff and guests in conversation ;; Must be a natural leader with the ability to lead by example, demonstrating at any moment the willingness and ability to do the job of any of those working with and/or under him/her. ;; Mediatory and conflict resolution skills with the ability to recognize potential problems in advance. ;; Must be able to co-ordinate schedule requirements for a large staff ;; Must be able to keep detailed records of all employees up to date. ;; Demonstrates the ability to multi-task under extreme pressure. ;; Strong mathematical skills as it applies to accounting, budgeting, menu costing and recipe conversions ;; Execute weekly and monthly inventory of items with a focus on budgeting, cost analysis and planning ;; Maintain a positive environment in the kitchen to encourage growth and diversity within the workplace ;; Be able to stand on ones feet for extended hours, and be comfortable lifting 50 pounds without physical restrictions. ;; Be available to work holidays and weekends with a flexible schedule. Salary Commensurate with Experience Belongers Given Preference

Please submit resume, certifications and current police record in person for consideration OR send email to: chefamy@somewherecafeandlounge.com

American. The former general secretary of CONCACAF, the body which governs football in North and Central America and the Caribbean, has been barred from taking part in “any kind of football-related activity” for a maximum period of 90 days. The decision was taken by Hans-Joachim Eckert, the chairman of the adjudicatory chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee -- which opened investigation proceedings against Blazer, 68, in response to a report filed by the CONCACAF Integrity Committee last month. “The decision was taken

Chuck Blazer’s term on the FIFA Executive Committee had been set to expire at the end of this month.

following a request made by the acting deputy chairman of the investigatory chamber of the Ethics Committee, Robert Torres, based on the fact that various breaches of the FIFA

Code of Ethics appear to have been committed by Chuck Blazer and that a decision on the main issue could not be taken early enough,” read a FIFA statement.

PUBLIC NOTICE The National Health Insurance Board (NHIB) would like to advise the Public of the following changes:

Effective May 1st, 2013 NHIB contribution payments through the bank shall cease. All payments must be made at the National Health Insurance Board designated locations, as follows: ÂÂ In Providenciales: at NHIB Saltmills Office or Cheshire Hall Hospital. Payments may be made by cheques, bank draft, and debit/credit cards. ÂÂ In Grand Turk: at NHIB Office located at Hospital Road. Payments may be made by cheques, bank draft, and debit/credit cards. ÂÂ In South Caicos through Kisa Services. Payments may be made by cash, cheques, and bank draft only. ÂÂ In North Caicos at Western Union location. Payments may be made by cash, cheques, and bank draft only. Those paying through debit or credit cards must show one (1) valid identification card to verify signature. Payments made by private sector employers must be accompanied by a print out of the Monthly Contribution Calculator (MCS) submitted through the NHIB Employer E-Services website. The amount of remittance should match the supporting MCS. Payments made by self-employed persons in a reduced rate must present an approved payment coupon to support the remittance. Employers are also advised that they may contact the NHIB via email at support@ tcinhip.tc for clarification or instructions regarding activating an Employer E-Services account. For further inquiries please contact the National Health Insurance Board Providenciales Office at telephone number 941-8861 or the Grand Turk Office at telephone number 946-2611. MANAGEMENT OF THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE BOARD.

May 11 -17, 2013

Sports International

Trainer handed eight-year ban for doping horses appeals sentence A HORSE racing trainer who became engulfed in a doping scandal and was banned from the sport for eight years has appealed his sentence, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed. Mahmood Al Zarooni, who worked at the world famous Godolphin stables in the English town of Newmarket, was banned from horse racing after admitting injecting his thoroughbreds with steroids. The 37-year-old admitted a “catastrophic error” in administering prohibited anabolic steroids -ethylestranol and stanozolol -to 15 leading thoroughbreds. All 15 horses, including the former 1,000 Guineas favorite Certify, were banned from racing for six months by the BHA. The case rocked the sport and led to Godolphin principal Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum -the ruler of Dubai -- shutting down the stables, saying he was “appalled and angered” by the doping revelations. A statement on the

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

BHA’s official website read: “Mahmood Al Zarooni has lodged an appeal against the severity of his eight-year suspension from training. “Al Zarooni, 37, was found guilty of administering anabolic steroids to 15 horses in his care at a BHA hearing on April 25. “The former Godolphin handler, who was based at Moulton Paddocks in Newmarket, was officially charged with rule breaches related to prohibited substances, duty to keep medication records, and conduct prejudicial to racing. “He will now contest the length of the eight-year ban, with the date for the appeal hearing to be confirmed in due course.” Al Zarooni waived his right to legal representation and accepted all the charges at a hearing in London at the end of April. It led to Sheikh Mohammed locking down the paddocks and issuing a statement. In it he said: “I can assure the racing public that no horse will run from that yard

LOSE 2-3 DRESS SIZES IN 10 MINUTES 21 yr old company looking for self motivated business mind Individuals to share, sell, market health care products that can promote a better lifestyle.

• We need about 30 individuals, business owners who wants to supplement their income. • Healthy Coffee, Body Reshaping Garments, Skin and Hair, Powerful Anti-oxidants juices. • Not everyone will be qualified

Email: bibi5402ansel@optonline.net 917-754-2731 www.ardysslife.com/ansel An appointment with Ardyss will change your life

Diamond Development

Maid Is looking for a

Salary $5.00 per hour

Contact 232-7827 8178

this season until I have been absolutely assured by my team that the entire yard is completely clean.” The 63-year-old Sheikh attended Newmarket racecourse on Saturday to see Godolphin colt Dawn Approach win the English 2000 Guineas. According to AFP, Godolphin said Al Zarooni’s appeal was nothing to do with them and was simply a matter between him and the BHA. “He is no longer a Godolphin employee and the appeal is a matter between himself and the BHA. Godolphin has no involvement with this appeal,” AFP quoted a Godolphin spokesperson as saying. Soon after Al Zarooni’s punishment was confirmed a second trainer in Newmarket revealed he was facing an inquiry on similar offenses.

Labourer/ Dish Washer Skill Requirements: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Must be consistently punctual for work. Maintain a clean work station throughout shift. Must maintain a clean, well kept appearance upon arrival and through out shifts. Must be able to multi task in a fast pace, high pressure environment. Be able to stand on ones feet for 8 hours and be comfortable lifting 50 pounds or more without physical restrictions. Be available to work holidays and weekends with a flexible schedule Wash all dishes by hand for the dining room and kitchen on an as needed basis. Clean bathrooms and maintain stock throughout shift Clean all floors in front and back of house at opening and closing Carry out and set up umbrellas for tables before opening Open doors, assist wait-staff with opening procedures Assist management when orders are received by vendors Must be able to communicate in English Must be polite and cordial to co-workers and guests at all times Duties: Work with staff members to assure that the restaurant is clean and well maintained throughout the duration of their shift. Participate in daily cleaning duties as per scheduled by the Chef or other Management personnel to maintain a clean, safe environment for all employees to work in.

Belongers given preference

Apply in person with CV, references, police record and passport copy to be considered.

Sports International

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 11 -17, 2013

Manchester United appoint Everton boss Moyes DAVID Moyes will succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager on a six-year deal starting on 1 July. Moyes, who leaves Everton after 11 years in charge at Goodison Park, was Ferguson’s recommendation to succeed him as manager at Old Trafford. The 50-year-old was out of contract at Everton at the end of the season. “We unanimously agreed on David Moyes,” said Ferguson, who announced his retirement on Wednesday after 26 years as United boss. “David is a man of great integrity with a strong work ethic. I’ve admired his work for a long time and approached him as far back as 1998 to discuss the position of assistant manager here. “There is no question he has all the qualities we expect of a manager at this club.” Moyes, who was recommended to the United board by Ferguson and will be introduced as Red Devils boss in “due course”, said it was “a great honour” to be appointed as the new manager of the Premier League champions. “I am delighted that Sir Alex saw fit to recommend me for the job. I have great respect for everything he has done and for the football club,” added the Scot. “I know how hard it will be to

Nishikori celebrates his victory over 17-time grand slam winner Roger Federer at the Madrid Masters.

Nishikori upset Federer in Madrid David Moyes signed a six-year deal, which starts from July 1st.

follow the best manager ever, but the opportunity to manage Manchester United isn’t something that comes around very often and I’m really looking forward to taking up the post next season.” DAVID MOYES’S JOURNEY Moyes, described as having “all the skills needed to build on United’s phenomenal legacy” by incoming chief executive Ed Woodward, also paid tribute to current club Everton and vowed to remain fully committed until the end of the season. “I have had a terrific job at Everton, with a tremendous chairman and board of directors, and a great set of players,” he said. “Between now and the end of the season, I will do everything in my power to make sure

we finish as high as possible in the table. “Everton’s fantastic fans have played a big part in making my years at Goodison so enjoyable and I thank them wholeheartedly for the support they have given me and the players. Everton will be close to me for the rest of my life.” Everton said in a statement: “The chairman, on behalf of the club, would like to place on record his thanks to David for the massive contribution he has made to Everton since his arrival in March 2002. He has been an outstanding manager.” Moyes was installed as favourite to leave Everton for United following a rush of bets over the weekend, even before speculation mounted about Ferguson retiring.

ROGER Federer’s preparations for the French Open came to a shuddering halt after he was stunned by Japan’s Kei Nishikori at the Madrid Open Thursday. World No.2 Federer, who was playing his first tournament since losing to Rafael Nadal at Indian Wells in March, suffered a 6-4 1-6 6-2 third round defeat by the 14th seed. The Swiss ace follows World No.1 Novak Djokovic in crashing out of the tournament with the Serb star losing to Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov on Tuesday Federer, 31, has won 17 grand slam titles during his illustrious career, but has managed just one win at Roland Garros. This defeat will see him slip down below Andy Murray to number three in the world and Federer admits his

performance came as something as a surprise. “Overall, I’m pretty disappointed with my play,” he told a press conference following the match. “I’m not sure how well Kei thought he played. I didn’t think he had to play his very best either, which is even more disappointing. “It doesn’t change my mindset going forward. I’m going to go back to the practice court, train hard, and make sure I don’t have these kind of days anymore.” But while the start of the French Open is less than three weeks away, Federer is adamant this latest setback will not affect his chances of glory at Roland Garros. He told reporters: “We’re not playing for the French Open. This is early. We’re weeks away from the French Open.

Jamaica supremacy hard to beat says former sprint king FORMER Olympic and world sprint champion Maurice Greene says it will take a number of years before American sprinters are able to match the progress of their Jamaican rivals or reclaim their sprint crown. Greene, who won nine medals - including seven gold - for the United States at the Olympics and World Championships, says he is concerned about the current crop of US sprinters. Jamaican athletes have been dominating world sprint with eight Jamaicans ducking under the 10-second barrier in the 100m last season, compared to six Americans, while five Jamaican men ran below 20 seconds in the 200m, with only one American doing likewise. “It’s going to take a couple of years to get back to really compete with Jamaica. It’s going to take a lot of work and a lot of years, but more importantly, it’s going to take a lot of athletes who really want to work and get better,”said Greene in an interview with The Gleaner. “It’s hard for American sprinting

Maurice Green is a former World Record holder and the winner of four Olympic medals. He was also a five-time world championship.

now, and I say it all the time that America has been lucky to always have the success that we have had and to always have a group of young athletes coming up. Now the time

has changed where this new era of athletes not the same is”. The five fastest times recorded in the 100m in 2012 were posted by Jamaicans, who also accounted for nine of the top 10 times registered in the 200m over the period. Jamaica also swept the medals in the 200m at the London Olympic Games and won the top two medals in the 100m. “Especially in America, the athletes expect it to come a lot easier than it is, and that’s wrong. They never see all the hard work that we put into it, they just saw us performing and people loving us and I think that’s what’s wrong with US sprinting today,” said Greene, a former 100m world record holder, Olympic 100m champion and World Championships 100m and 200m champion. “It’s a big turnaround, and it used to be the other way around, but it’s going to take a few years and a lot of work ... before the US can really compete with Jamaica again”. (CMC)

Novak Djokovic was not fully fit.

Djokovic stunned in Madrid by Dimitrov WORLD No. 1 Novak Djokovic was dumped out of the Madrid Open in the second round after an inspired performance by 21-yearold Grigor Dimitrov. The Bulgarian hadn’t previously won a set against the six-time grand slam winner but took the match in three sets to secure the biggest scalp of his

career to date. Djokovic, from Serbia, received treatment on his ankle during the second set but recovered to save a match point and send the match into a decider. But Dimitrov held his nerve to break Djokovic’s serve twice in the final set and take the match 7-6 6-7 6-3. (CNN)

May 11 -17, 2013

Sports International

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 43

Karl wins NBA’s Coach of the Year award

Usain Bolt, who said it was a “bad race” finished in a modest time of 10.09s.

Bolt wins 100m at Cayman Invitational in photo finish SIX-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt won his first 100m of the season in a photo finish, beating fellow Jamaican Kemar Bailey-Cole at the Cayman Invitational. Bolt is carrying a hamstring problem, but said that was not to blame for his modest time of 10.09 seconds. “It was just a bad race. It wasn’t a bothering pain so I can’t blame it on that,” the 26-year-old said. Bailey-Cole, one of Bolt’s training

partners, was given the same time. Bolt, the triple Olympic champion from London 2012, added: “I felt it [hamstring injury] slightly. I just have to go back and figure out with my coach what went wrong.” Antigua’s Daniel Bailey finished third in the Cayman Islands with a time of 10.23s. America’s Carmelita Jeter won the women’s 100m in a world leading 10.95s. (BBC)

SELFLESS and starless. These were the staples of the exhilarating Denver Nuggets’ NBA franchise-record 57win regular season. George Karl kept with that theme Wednesday, sharing the credit far and wide after being named the league’s Coach of the Year for the first time in his quarter century as an NBA head coach. Karl thanked everyone from his middle school coach who got him into the game to his good friend, the late Rick Majerus, in an emotional news conference at the Pepsi Center. He credited Nuggets players, assistant coaches, scouts, trainers, front office, ownership and support staff as he eyed the bronze Red Auerbach Trophy in front of him. “What I hope is everybody understands this is not about me. It’s about a lot of people and a lot of people in my past and I am proud to have that trophy,” Karl said. The trophy depicts the architect of the great Boston Celtics teams back in the fledgling days of the NBA, Auerbach sitting at one end of the bench with his trademark cigar in his right hand, a rolled up program in his left. There’s a life-sized statue of it in Boston and Karl said he sat there once, imagining this very day. “When I was told of the award about a week ago, it was a very humbling, emotional experience, because it made me think about my career,” Karl said. “... A lot of times I wanted to win it and never did win it and now I’ve gotten calloused to winning it. And now I win it because

George Karl won his first NBA Coach of the Year award after his 25th season as a head coach. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, that is the most seasons coached before winning the award for the first time in NBA history.

this was probably in my career the most ‘oneness’ of an organization, a basketball team, a coaching staff, a support staff, administrative staff. “I get the award in my name but it is totally because of the ‘oneness’ that we brought to the table this season.” Karl worked wonders with a lineup that lacked an All-Star, was beset by injuries to several starters and twisted its way through a brutal early-season schedule in which 22 of the team’s first 32 games were on the road.

Relying on an old-school, uptempo offense and a deep bench that wore out opponents, especially at altitude, the Nuggets led the league in scoring, fast break production and points in the paint with nary a dominant scorer -- Ty Lawson led Denver with 16.7 points a game, which ranked 31st in the league. They went an NBA-best 38-3 at home, winning their last 23 games at the Pepsi Center in the regular season and going 24-4 overall after the All-Star break. The third-seeded Nuggets sorely missed forward Danilo Gallinari (knee) in the playoffs, however, and they lost in six games to Stephen Curry and the sixth-seeded Golden State Warriors. That was their fourth straight firstround exit and the most disheartening in Karl’s 8½ seasons in Denver. “It was an incredible season. That’s why the disappointment is so immense,” Karl said. “I wake up every morning depressed. I woke up about 6 o’clock, I was hoping for sunshine and I got rain and it didn’t make me feel very good, and then I said, ‘Oh, God, I’ve got to put a suit and tie on. ...” “Hopefully, come next Oct. 1 ... we’ll move on knowing that we have a great young basketball team that is growing, that got better this season, that improved at such a fast rate that we got maybe too cocky and too ahead of ourselves,” Karl said. “And the coaches fall into that category, too. None of us are happy with the result, but I think we’re also motivated by the challenge.”

Bangladesh skipper to quit after ODI series loss Manny Pacquiao (right) needs a big win to rejuvenate his career.

Pacquiao to face Brandon Rios in Macau in November MANNY Pacquiao will return to the ring after an 11-month absence when he faces Brandon Rios in Macau on 24 November. Former seven-weight world champion Pacquiao, once rated as the best pound for pound boxer in the world, was knocked out in the sixth round by Juan Manuel Marquez in December . In his previous fight the Philippines boxer lost his WBO welterweight title to Tim Bradley in June 2012. Pacquiao is not fighting in the

United States for tax reasons. “People know what Rios brings to the table,” Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum told ESPN.com. “People want to see a real fight, and that is what you get with Rios. We’re building a business in Macau and China and these are the kinds of fights - real action fights - that they want to see.” Former WBA lightweight champion Rios, 27, lost to Mike Alvarado at light-welterweight in his most recent bout in March. (BBC)

MUSHFIQUR Rahim has said he will stand down as Bangladesh captain after this weekend’s two Twenty20 internationals against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. The Tigers lost the preceding oneday international series 2-1 after the Test series was drawn 1-1. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur, 24, has been captain since September 2011 when he succeeded Shakib Al Hasan. “I failed to perform. I think I failed to lead my team, so the two T20 matches will be my last as captain,” he said. Since his appointment, Bangladesh have only won one series against one of the International Cricket Council’s full member teams - a 3-2 ODI success against West Indies in December 2012. Mushfiqur’s Test batting form has improved since taking over the captaincy, including a double century against Sri Lanka in Galle

Mushfiqur Rahim said he failed to perform as skipper during his tenure at the helm.

in March and making 60 and 93 in his most recent Test, against Zimbabwe. However, he has only passed 50 twice in 20 ODI innings as skipper. Born in Bogra, he has played 34

Tests, 119 ODIs and 27 Twenty20 internationals since making his international debut as a 16-year-old while still at school, playing purely as a batsman against England at Lord’s in 2005. (BBC)

Sports National

May 11 -17, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Captain Marvin’s Women’s Beach Soccer League:

Purple Pirates lead on goal difference THE Captain Marvin’s Women’s Beach Soccer League reached the halfway stage this week and the competition is certainly heating up as three teams are now levelled on points at the top of the league

table. The Purple Pirates now lead the competition on goal difference courtesy of their 6-2 victory over the previous leaders, the Pink Mermaids. The Blue Knights also put themselves in contention after a nail-

National InterSchools TAG rugby set for Saturday THE PWC sponsored TCIRFU Interschool TAG Rugby Championships were scheduled to be held this Saturday, May 11th, at the Meridian Field. All schools were invited to send teams of boys and girls to the championships which were slated to start at 10am. The local body is hoping to build on the success of last

year’s championships. At that event Enid Capron Primary School won the U-8 category, Ianthe Pratt Primary School won the U-11, British West Indies Collegiate won the U-14 and Clement Howell High School won the U-17. This year there will be music and refreshments at the field and all are invited.

biting 6-5 victory over the Great White Sharks. This was the second time in succession that the Sharks had lost in overtime and they will consider themselves unlucky not to have claimed their first victory of the season. Leading 5-3 with just five minutes to go, victory was on the cards but Yarielca De La Cruz denied the Sharks as she inspired her team to a dramatic comeback. The game was an open affair as De La Cruz gave the Marlins a 2-0 lead before goals from Simone Smith and Alyssa Laing levelled the score at 2-2 after the first period. Jancilia Cox scored twice and Smith added another for the Sharks whilst Amise Phanord scored for the Marlins to set up an intense final few minutes as De La Cruz came to the fore to level the game with two well-placed shots, sending it into overtime. Both teams had chances to score in the final period but it was De La Cruz who settled matters with a fierce free-kick that flew into the roof of the net. The Sharks still languish at the foot of the table, but they are definitely

Action in the clash between the Great White Sharks and the Blue Marlins.

improving and will still have a good chance of making the championship final if they can pick up a couple of wins during the coming weeks. The second game determined who would end the day at the top of the table as the undefeated league leaders and last year’s champions the Mermaids took on the Pirates. The Pirates started in fine style and took a three goal lead before the Mermaids

sprang into action. Waldine Pierre, Sydnee Campbell and Sarah Cenary scored for the Pirates before Kadine Delphin scored an impressive volley and Gaya Smith added another as the Mermaids reduced the deficit to 3-2 going into the final period. However, the Pirates held firm in defence and three more goals from Cenary was enough to ensure a hard fought 6-2 victory over the Mermaids.

Josh for Sports

Critical analysis continues – Basketball and football IN the sport of basketball we have come a mighty long way. But yet we have a longer path to travel before we reach the point where we can be regionally competitive. Basketball has basically always been a part of the sporting landscape in the TCI since I came home in 1977, but the progress of the sport has not always been continuous. 1977 ERA Back then, we had a TCI National Basketball Association based in Grand Turk. The only two islands practicing at that time were Grand Turk and South Caicos. The age group of players ranged from high school to about 26 years old. In Grand Turk there was an active league at the national level.

2007-2013 National basketball made a come-back a few years ago, prior to that there was no National Basketball Association. The islands were divided over some petty differences and were unable to find common ground upon how to create a national association. Provo, GT and South Caicos were all doing their own thing.

By Joshua Gardiner There were teams such as the High School, The Tigers, Overback etc. 1990’s The 90s were an exciting era. The rivalry was the Big South against Grand Turk—a best in three series, that lasted for about three years. To my knowledge there were always alleged discrepancies over officiating and this caused the break-up of the national association.

THE FILIPINO FACTOR Some five years ago, the Filipinos formed a basketball association and hosted an annual tournament among themselves. This tournament grew in size (number of teams and Filipino fans participation). They were well organised and for the first two years I called on the local players to learn from these foreign players, since the Filipinos operated in unity towards a common cause. These Filipino players never argued with the referees’ calls and very seldom got angry at each other.

TCIABA When the TCI Amateur Basketball Association was created they went through growing pains as a young child does. Finally they have arrived at the point where each island (North Caicos, Provo and Grand Turk) have their own association and together constitute the TCI ABA. Through this association several clinics have been held, spearheaded by foreign entities or persons. BASKETBALL SCHOLARSHIP I’ve always agreed that where there’s a will there’s an “A”. The proof is in the pudding. We have reached the stage where we currently have players attending schools abroad on basketball scholarships. SCHOOL SYSTEM I’m happy to see that basketball is alive, kicking and well in the

school system. The series at the inter-school level are most competitive. The female students are now actively involved in playing basketball. Finally, I say that we do indeed have a long way to go, but with dedication, patience and persistence, we’ll get there. FOOTBALL The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association has done and continues to do a tremendous job in promoting the sport of football. Actually, the sport has progressed to the stage where we are now participating in qualifications for preliminary competitions (regional) for the World Cup, both men and women at the various categories. This fact alone, speaks volumes in itself. Football is now the most popular sport played in the TCI. I shall be doing features on the TCIFA in the future, as space permits.

May 11 -17, 2013

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

HAB Group Senior Men’s T20 Cricket Competition:

The Jaguars won their opening clash by 16 runs.

HAB Group Senior Men’s T20 Cricket Competition:

All-round performance propels Jaguars to opening win A 77-RUN fifth-wicket partnership between Mark Austin and Terrence Thomas, some nifty bowling from Winik Caleb and good glove work from Nuwan Bodhinayake propelled the Guyana Jaguars to an opening victory in the 2013 HAB Group Senior Men’s T20 Cricket Competition. Jaguars, who batted first on Sunday last at the Downtown Ball Park, tallied 174 while Kishco replied with 158. The eventual winners were unsettled at 53-4, despite an aggressive 27 from opener Bodhinayake (2X4s and 2X6s in 18 balls). It was not until the veteran Thomas was joined by Austin that the innings stabilised. The pair pounced on the bowling and moved the scoring rate from 8.1 runs per over to 10.7 midway through the innings. Thomas who scored 32 runs in 27 balls (5X4s) and Austin who reached

47 runs from 35 balls (6X4s and 1X6), pushed the score to 130 before the former became the third victim of Pawan Kumar. Kumar finished as the pick of the Kishco bowling attack with 3-31 from four overs while Vinod Panikar was equally impressive with 3-41. Needing 8.7 runs per over Kishco struggled at the start. They lost three wickets for 18 in the first three overs before the middle order steadied the innings. Lloyd Lynch scored 20 (18 balls, 2X4s, 1X6), Kumar added 38 (30 balls, 5X4s, 1X6), skipper Vasu Rao led with an aggressive 43 (24 balls, 5X4s, 1X6) and Panikar added 18 (14 balls, 2X4s); but a scramble for runs left numerous batsmen, including the latter two, short of their crease and Bodhinayake took care of the rest behind the wicket. In the end Kishco fell 16 runs short. Caleb was the pick of the Jaguars’ bowlers with 3-28 from four overs.

KB Homes victorious after long drought IN THE two cricket series of 2012, teams rejoiced when they were tasked with playing the KB Homes side. It seemed a sure win—and it was. Two series without success is what the KB Homes endured. This year a different script has been written and with the hiring of seasoned actors the once minnows of TCI cricket have become the sharks. With a new skipper, Neil Coles, and credible players at their disposal, the KB Homes team recorded an eight-wicket win in the opener of the 2013 HAB Group Senior Men’s T20 Cricket Competition last Saturday at the Downtown Ball Park. Jam Turk were stifled out for 105 in 17.5 overs, while the “Rugby Boys” as they are known in the cricketing circle, eased to 106-2 in 9.4 overs with former club skipper and national opener Gareth Butler hitting 52. The technically correct batsman, who stepped down from the helm to focus on his batting, laced the ground with nine fours in 36 balls. He was excited about the win, but more so about the season. He said his main agenda was to score “a lot of runs” in this competition and to propel his side to the top.

With the likes of talented national all-rounder Garvin Bruno, Australian Randy Schulz and English man Paul Collis joining the side, KB Homes now has one of the strongest teams on paper. Butler feels that as the season progress the side would boast a very deep batting lineup. “I see our middle order being very strong this year with Mark Butler, Schultz, Coles and Paul McKenzie still to come, after the four (Butler, Vikram John, Collis and Bruno) that batted on Saturday. I think we’ll chase well, or set big targets, and if we can sort out our bowling, we should be a real challenge for teams this year.” Coles opted to open with the off-breaks of Bruno and it paid off with two wickets in the first over, including that of the opposing skipper Dane Richie, who went for a second ball naught. There was a plethora of wides (28), which somewhat undermined a respectable bowling attack. Fast bowler Mark Butler and medium pacer McKenzie took five wickets amongst them in four overs each. Butler nabbed 3-30 and McKenzie finished with 2-17. The hard-hitting Douglas Brown, who is capable of destroying any

Gareth Butler stroked the competition’s first half century.

bowling attack, was very watchful for his 28 (43 balls, 5X4s). Only two other Jam Turk batsmen got into double figures (Daryl Williams and Orville Hamilton both with 10). Although Butler did the damage with the bat, both Collis (17 runs) who hit the winning boundary, and Bruno (13) showed decent form.

PABA Night League finals:

Flawless GT Stallions and defending champs Flyers in key battle ON PAPER the Grand Turk Stallions will start their best-in-seven finals against defending champions, the Flyers, as clear favourites, but the Flyers have proven themselves as Giant Killers and will enter this weekend’s openers pumped up. A 3-1 series win against the powerful South Caicos Harbour Boys has fired up the defending champions. The team that lost twice to the Stallions in the regular season has reborn and with a wealth of supporters from “Flyernation” at their corner it makes for an exciting series. The Stallions’ coach Brother Will would not take his opponents lightly. He won the title with the Kingston Lions in 2011, only to see the dynamic young Flyers wrest away the crown last year. The team regrouped and rebranded themselves the Stallions with the majority of players from the capital island. The new side has been flawless this season. They eased past two rounds in the playoffs, their latest

victims were the Police Badgers, to sit on an astonishing 25-0 record, but with one-sided games over the last few weeks some feel that the Stallions have not “sweat” enough. Flyers will look to maximise on their speed. The consistent Anthony Cash and the aggressive E. Seymour with the likes of Darin Williams and Anthony Pratt would need to take their game to the next level since the youthful looking Ira Taylor with his dominant rebounding style and Marcuson Lightbourne and Tamaurri Lightbourne have proven to be a handful in the past. Damian Seymour and Kino Williams are also expected to stand strong for the Stallions. The opening games are set for Friday and Saturday nights at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex court. Prior to Friday night’s main clash two new league teams, the Supersonics and the Nazarene Rising Star Ballers will showcase their skills.

Ira Taylor has played well in the paint for the Stallions.

HIGH SCHOOL FINAL Meanwhile two-time defending champions the Clement Howell High School Eagles will battle Maranatha High in the much anticipated Third annual Provo High School League final. Both teams advanced to the

Anthony Cash has led the Flyers’ offense on numerous occasions this season.

championship clash after sweeping their opponents in hotly contested semi-final series. Over the last two seasons they have battled hard with the champions defeating Maranatha in the finals on both occasions. New coach Trevor Cooke with his star players Dwayne Hamilton,

Raymeko Smith and Trayvaughn Penn has a new game plan to lead the second placed finishers to their first league title, however coach Kevin Harvey along with his cast of high school sensations: Peterson Sylvain, Guy Joseph and Wesley Cherry has a different game plan.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 11 -17, 2013

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May 11 -17, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 11 -17, 2013