Turks & Caicos Weekly News

Weekly News Outrage over gay Volume 26 | No. 20 | May 19 - 25, 2012

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Weekly News PUZZLE trivia SEE PAGE 12

Ric Todd with the guide to gay rights he gave to an activist in Poland 2009

AGENDA Governor Ric Todd’s statements on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have sparked public outrage in the conservative Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) community.

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At testy meeting CFO told to take 4 VAT and go back to England PAGE 

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The stakeholder meetings continued this week with another round, one of the betterattended sessions, at Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex on Thursday evening, where the people protested the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT).

Governor "Rainbow Ric" Todd previously attempted to push gay rights in Poland In the wake of the public outcry against Governor Ric Todd’s move to advance gay rights, the Weekly News has found ...

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Major changes to family laws to be implemented soon

CENTURIES’ old domestic violence and childcare laws will soon see considerable transformation to improve their function in modern society ...

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British quantity surveyor found murdered PAGE  9 ANTHONY Quinn, a 34-year-old British Quantity Surveyor with Projetech, was found dead on Mother’s Day and the police are suspecting foul play.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 19 – 25, 2012

May 19 – 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 19 - 25, 2012

At testy meeting CFO told to take VAT and go back to England

By Vanessa Narine The stakeholder meetings continued this week with another round, one of the better-attended sessions, at Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex on Thursday evening, where the people protested the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT).

Outspoken member of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Mr. Lewis Astwood told the CFO frankly to take VAT and go back to England The Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Hugh McGarel-Groves, made it clear in no uncertain terms that VAT will be implemented, adding that the manner in which it is implemented is what is up for consultation.

“We are not talking about whether this is going to happen, but how we go about implementing it,” he said.

The CFO assured the gathering that their views will be reflected in the White Paper, which is expected to be produced at the end of the consultations in June, which would inform the draft legislation on VAT. However, the failure of the Implementation Team in responding to an already irate group only served to further provoke their discontent.

At one point Euwonka Selver had to call on the two members of the team to pay attention to the comments being made.

When a valid point was interrupted later by one of the team members, some members of the gathering did not hold back from calling it as it was, a rude interruption of a valid point by a team member who had not contributed to the night’s consultation.

NOT READY Selver, who was one of the evening’s main contributors to the discussion,

pointed out that the cost of living in the TCI is already high and the introduction of VAT, without price control, will see that increase.

She stressed that at the end of the day the people who are most vulnerable will be the ones to suffer.

In response, the CFO noted that the TCIG is considering price controls, but would prefer not to impose them, but to allow for a competitive environment.

He added that a list of prices for items would be compared before and after the implementation of VAT to help in deciding on the need for price controls.

McGarel-Groves stated too that if prices were to increase, the increase would be a slight one.

Selver pressed for an exact estimation on what that increase would be, asking if the cost of corn beef is $7.89, as it is now at IGA, what would it be at the lowest and highest VAT rates that are proposed, 8.5 and 12.5 per cent respectively.

The CFO’s response that this would be up to IGA was not the simplest answer and needless to say did not find favour with the gathering.

“We will protect the lower income people….at the end of the day we believe that VAT is the right thing for the TCI,” he said.

NEEDED The CFO pointed out the grave reality that if the TCI wants to attract investors and financing from international organisation its finances has to be stable.

According to him, the income base has been very inconsistent in the past years, not a welcoming sign, particularly for bodies like European Union (EU).

He pointed out that the EU funded a study on the best possible regime in for the TCI and that study found VAT to be the best choice.

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

The Implementation team fielding questions

Stakeholders held out at the meeting that TCI was not ready for VAT

A study was done by Mr. Alan Roe in 2010 found that TCI should move in time to adopt a general VAT system of taxation albeit with generous exemptions that would address the concerns about administering this tax in smaller enterprises.

A criticism from the a business man in the crowd was that the study was done, but the local people were not involved in getting it done, and as such was without a proper understanding of the TCI dynamic.

McGarel-Groves maintains that VAT is a fair tax, compared to the current tax regime where some businesses pay tax and others do not.

He disclosed that the some 300 businesses will be caught under the VAT net and acknowledged that there are a number of small businesses in the TCI. THRESHOLD Another proprietor noted that with 300 businesses targeted the threshold should be moved from the proposed minimum of $100,000 to $200,000, since there are many small businesses that reach the $100,000 turnover mark.

The CFO accepted this under consideration, adding that constructive criticism is what the implementation is looking for.

The VAT threshold is one of the factors to be determined by the ongoing consultation, as well as the rate, the zero rated imports and supplies, exempted imports and supplies, VAT refunds, VAT accounting records, returns and simplified systems, VAT sector considerations, VAT economic and

social impact and VAT transitional issues.

However, despite, some successes in the consultation, the majority of the gathering protested its implementation.

Some in the crowd got visibly upset and were throwing lewd remarks.

There were also calls for a referendum to be put in place so that the TCI people can vote on the implementation of VAT. The CFO maintained that VAT is a fairer, broader based tax, that will stabilize the country’s revenue and benefit the country in the long term.

He pointed out that in many places the experience is that VAT is resisted at first, but gains popularity, as the people get accustomed to it.

VAT not an additional tax; rather it will replace five existing

taxes, which include Hotel/ Restaurant Accommodation Tax, Communications Tax, Vehicle Hire Stamp Duty, Insurance Premiums and Financial services.

VAT will be a tax on consumption, which will be charged on the value of imports and on the value added (mark-up) on goods and services supplied by one business to another or to the final consumer.

VAT is expected to deliver longterm improvements to the Turks & Caicos Islands economy. These improvements will be reflected in increased investment and economic growth because of the removal of current market distortions, increased competitiveness, a strengthened investment climate and an increase in revenue. This should help ease the country’s fiscal position.

Injunction against Airport Authority joint venture AN airport ground handling firm has filed for an injunction to stop the TCI Airport Authority from operating a joint venture with Servisair PLS. Flight Support Limited claims that the venture, which was officially agreed on November 11 last year, is “unlawful”.

A Supreme Court Interlocutory Injunction Order was granted on May 11 against the Queen and the authority.

It demands that pending determination of a judicial review

they shall take “no further steps pursuant to or in furtherance of the joint venture with Servisair PLS Ltd, whether by waiver of any taxes or fees, or by providing facilities, equipment or services, or by granting permits or licences”.

It also says that the respondent shall not grant a ground handling licence and/or permit to Servisair PLS Ltd to operate ground handling services at Providenciales Airport.

An application for directions is listed for May 31.

May 19 - 25, 2012

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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Outrage over move to advance gay rights

By Vanessa Narine Governor Ric Todd’s statements on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have sparked public outrage in the conservative Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) community.

And local leaders contend that there is no discrimination against persons with different sexual orientations in TCI, while maintaining that no more needs to be done to advance gay rights since this would go against the moral fibre of TCI, which is a Christian nation.

Todd maintains that unfair marginalization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people forced to be an invisible minority.

To this end, he announced a review of TCI legislation to ensure that it is non-discriminatory on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity; the development and introduction of a ‘diversity policy’ and the launch of a consultation on the age of consent.

Chair of the Consultative Forum (CF), Mrs. Lillian Missick, when contacted by this newspaper stated that she was unable to comment on the matter.

NOT A PRIORITY Forum Member, Mrs. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, who had had a look at the Governor’s statement, told the Weekly News that there are many other important priorities that need the Governor’s attention.

She said, “There are so many other things that the Governor could be focusing on…we in the TCI do not discriminate and the fact that a known homosexual hold a very high ranking position in the TCIG indicates this.”

According to her, the preamble in the TCI’s constitution states very clearly, that no law can be enacted, if it contradicts the morals that constitute the TCI as a Christian nation.

Cartwright-Robinson stressed that this preamble’s weight is what shapes the laws of the nation.

President of the Providenciales Ministerial Fellowship and Pastor of Sure Foundation Ministries, Reverend Conrad Howell told the Weekly News that there is no inequality in the TCI, hence there is no need for any changes to protect persons of different sexual orientation.

“The church does not discriminate, but at the same time we are not in support of activities of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people,” he said.

According to him, the church recognizes and is tolerant of persons of different sexual orientations, but in the eyes of the church, a man is to be joined together with a woman.

Pastor Pedro Williams, of Jericho Baptist church, made it clear that the church respects all people and does not discriminate.

He maintained that standing firm on the Biblical statues of what relationships between men and women should be, is not discrimination but obedience.

AGAINST OUR WISHES Community Fellowship Church Pastor, Mr. Bradley Handfield, stressed that years ago the United Kingdom went against the wishes of the TCI people when they removed the law that made buggery illegal.

“I do not believe we discriminate here, but what our people support as a relationship and as a marriage is what the Bible says, a union between a man and a woman,” he said.

Handfield added that this stance against endorsing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people is not a matter of discrimination; rather it is a people remaining true to their persuasion of what a union ought to be.

Many are concerned that

Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson

Bradley Handfield

Governor Ric Todd

Governor Todd’s statements is the start of the paradigm shift in the United Kingdom (UK) on gay rights.

According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), same-sex marriage is not legal in the UK and marriage laws vary in the countries of the UK, however they all prohibit marriages between samesex couples.

Since 2005, same-sex couples are allowed to enter into civil partnerships, a separate union which provides the legal consequences of marriage.

On 12 March 2012, the government

launched its consultation on equal civil marriage in England and Wales.

The Government's proposals are: • To enable same-sex couples to have a civil marriage i.e. only civil ceremonies in a register office or approved premises (like a hotel); • To make no changes to religious marriages. This will continue to only be legally possible between a man and a woman; • To retain civil partnerships for same-sex couples and allow couples already in a civil partnership to convert this into a

marriage; • To continue to permit civil partnership registrations on religious premises as is currently possible i.e. on a voluntary basis for faith groups and with no religious content; and • To allow individuals to be able legally to change their gender without having to end their marriage.

This follows the Government announcement, in September 2011, of its intention to introduce same-sex civil marriage by the next general election.

Governor announces changes in TCI to advance gay rights – Says discrimination of gay persons unacceptable

By Vanessa Narine Equality for all, and equal treatment for all, is something that everyone should care about, according to Governor Ric Todd, who pointed out that the unfair marginalization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people forced to be an invisible minority.

That said, the Governor this week announced three initiatives to advance gay rights in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI): • A review of TCI legislation to ensure that it is nondiscriminatory on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity; • The development and introduction of a ‘diversity policy’ by TCIG, as part of the ongoing reform of public sector human resources and staff management – this will set a standard for all managers and employees, and will be designed to ensure fair treatment for all staff and a zero tolerance for bullying; and, • The launch of a consultation on the age of consent in the Turks and Caicos Islands as a step towards ensuring that we take the right action needed to comply with both our legal obligations under the European Convention of Human Rights, and the incoming 2011 TCI Constitution He said, “For the Turks and Caicos Islands the new 2011 Constitution is clear that no law shall make any

provision which is discriminatory either in itself or in its effect. The Constitution is specific that there should not be discrimination based on ‘sexual orientation, birth or other status’.”

Todd’s announcement coincides with the annual International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO), observed on May 17th.

The Governor said, “These are very significant steps. Countries around the world are reviewing their laws and social norms to consider what needs to be done to support this invisible minority.

“Some countries are already well down this road already, others are just beginning their journey. To that end, in 2010 the UK Government published a policy report on working for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. This was followed by two action plans.”

According to him, like many governments around the world, the UK Government is committed to supporting this international day to make clear their support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

SMALL COMMUNTIES The Governor noted that this marginalization and inequality is more dominant in small community settings.

He said, “For those who grow up and live in small island communities like the Turks and Caicos Islands, for those who

are not heterosexual, it takes real courage to tell family, friends, neighbours, and work colleagues that you are different, and to do so without fear of rejection.

Todd stressed that there must be an end to this hateful discrimination.

He said, “Where discrimination of this type exists, responsible governments should reform. Indeed, they find themselves subject to mounting international pressure including from the UK and USA - to do so urgently.”

Todd stated that statements and events around the world to mark this International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia will underline the importance of the freedom to express who you are, to love who you want, and to be free to expect to do so without fear or discrimination.

“These are basic human rights that must be extended to all sections of our community without exception,” he stressed, adding that this is why the United Nations is taking this issue very seriously.

He pointed out that last year, the Human Rights Council passed a historic resolution, presented and led

by South Africa, on the universality of human rights, and concern about acts of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The United Nations resolution has been followed by a report by the UN’s Human Rights Commissioner.

Todd said, “For many of us the

world is full of images and messages which affirm our rights: our legal rights and especially our everyday social rights to live our lives openly and without fear of reprisal. For the majority it is easy to enter into loving relationships and to celebrate our relationships with our family and friends.

“This is not true for those people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. In many countries, sexual orientation and gender identity are reasons to live a halflife, in secret: feeling or actually being unable to express who they are openly and confidently. Fear of persecution often means lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are forced to be an invisible minority.”

The UK’s Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne and International Development Minister Stephen O'Brien have issued a joint statement celebrating this year’s world day, and supporting the international community effort to end this ‘hateful discrimination’.

The United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay has also issued a video message calling for an end of discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.

On May 17th the international community campaigns to stop discrimination, in all forms, against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

More information can be accessed at the website for the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, www.dayagainsthomophobia.org

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 19 – 25, 2012

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

UK maintains financial control THE essence of the Chief Financial Officer’s statement last week was that the UK will maintain control of TCI’s finances until 2016 – the most recent in a series of acts that have made the interim administration increasingly unpopular.

The UK backed a loan for the TCI of up to $260m to save the islands from bankruptcy, but one of the conditions of the guarantee was that the CFO would manage the country’s money until the loan is paid off.

Whether the TCI agreed to this condition - or it was unilaterally imposed by the Brits - is not known, but many Islanders are uncomfortable with the arrangement, believing the Brits are using the loan as an excuse to extend their stay in the islands.

What are your thoughts, now that the draft bill is in the process of being made law?

Face the facts

If one were to review the methodology of the former ministers over the past 20 years as it relates to entering office and disabling the financial controls of key departments and statutory bodies, the presence of the CFO is an inevitable evolution.

One must face the facts.

The loan and the inherent debt service scheme (terms), while controversial, are required to continue the essential function(s) of the TCIG. If we are a genuine people, we will admit that our politicians failed to maintain the

necessary financial controls (issuance of vendor contracts, import duty concessions and land valuations), all of which contributed to our dire situation.

Our fundamental concerns rest with the interim administration’s digression from key matters pertaining to their frequently used euphemism of “good governance”.

The British have a distinct reputation of over-staying their welcome (regardless of purpose), we can all concur that Ireland is an appropriate example.

While we will admit that the British lack the interests of the locals at heart (they have assumed that we are all of the same metal), the CFO’s job description along with inherent duties are a necessity for the next five to seven years to ensure that our people do not enter

Local author publishes textbooks

By Kayla Higgs Local author Joan Astwood Sutton recently published three books geared towards supporting social studies education of students in grades four to six and forms one to three.

Sutton, in an interview with the Weekly News, stated that these books give students the opportunity to learn about the native culture here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It features local island festivals, native traditions and has a large variety of photos to help students visualise certain settings from the past.

According to her, each book is made up of a series of questions students can answer in order to help build a recollection of what they learnt and includes local folk songs for students to become familiar with.

She said, “I used the internet, read local magazines, newspapers and also talked to a lot of old people to gather information to use in my books.”

Sutton noted that her inspiration came from her son when he was getting ready to take the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).

She said it was then that she began searching for information for him to study and ended up writing a series of books to help students across the country learn about their native heritage.

Sutton’s books can be found at the

Joan Astwood Sutton noted that her inspiration came from her son when he was getting ready to take the GSAT

Unicorn Bookstore and Goldsmith. So far, her books were made compulsory at the Precious Treasures Primary School and is recommending for students at Bethany’s Educational Social Training (BEST) Institute.

Sutton maintains that her goal is for her books to be compulsory in all primary and secondary schools throughout the TCI by September, adding that she believes that they can become a major asset to each student that comes in contact with them.

office and apply the former practices that have led to this deteriorated state.

However, the onus does rest upon the FCO to ensure that the Permanent Secretary and Under Secretary posts are staffed by competent, ethical, yet fearless servants that have proper administration and WE at heart, so that in the years to come they will be the vanguard for the people (not the ministers that may subscribe to favoritism or nepotism).

Local elections will occur, if we supposedly elected our most educated (the best of the best), an attorney for Premier and accountant for Minister of Finance, and the end result was this calamity.

We should not be surprised of this legislation being passed.

The reality is that the FCO has guaranteed the loan, they are obligated to ensure proper debt service and to avoid a repeat of same in the near to mid future.

Politicians have the problem

The only people I know uncomfortable with the Brits holding the purse strings is the politicians who can’t wait to have elections and begin to feed on fat salaries again.

The slowness of voter registration proves that the politicians have yet to excite voters.

This includes the 7,000 who voted last time but have not re-registered and a host of new young people who have yet to register.

We do not want a leader who participated in the airport shutdown or formation of NHIP. Nor do we want a leader who wants to send Garlick home before she is finished with his party’s sins.

Furthermore, we do not want another civil servant senior leader from the other side of the buoy who does not have a clue of what is going on behind his back in his own party.

Neither do we want ‘Skip to my Lou’.

Both the PNP and PDM rallies laid an egg.

Third party, anyone?

The failure of FCO chiefs Meg Munn and Leigh Turner and their assigned Governors Posten and Tauwhare who were unable to stop the financial thievery makes Britain responsible.

Governor Wetherell and his British advisers along with FCO chief Colin Roberts thought we were rich.

Therefore they own the problem of the $260m loan. The Brits cannot get enough tax blood from us. That is impossible in this economy so they will have to pony up. It is called contingent liability.

They might even have to do something about the cost of NHIP, which currently costs so much more than it is worth.

Roger says it is a diamond but it is really an expensive lump of Canadian coal.

The Brits clearly own the problem and they know it. That is why they loaned us the $260m. The Labour Party could not afford the embarrassment of a bankrupt TCI under their watch. Therefore, they stuck the Tories with the loan.

Maybe just maybe if they have an election the elected politicians will be put on minimum wage. Then we will see who the true patriots are.

Well if the persons whom were elected and placed in charge of the country finances would have done right by the country and its people, we would not to be in this predicament.

I would say let us have our elections, place the TCI back in the hands of the elected government to be, and give them an opportunity to show, yes we can manage things for ourselves.

They can have a Brit on the finance team also, but to have total control you will never know really how the funds are being spent.

There has to be a balance. If any discrepancies are found at the end of the budget year then you can bring this argument back to the table.

I don’t think it needs to be law, it can have a signed contract just like any binding contracts.

A good move

History has shown that we are not good financial managers and others of us have sticky fingers. I do not have a problem with it.

Perhaps now there will be a more equitable distribution of available funds and meaningful projects that are truly needed will be funded.

Our medicine

Unfortunately, we must face the fact that our elected government really screwed up on the finances (as well as lots of other stuff).

We must now take our medicine!

It will not be forever, but in the meantime, perhaps our next round of politicians will pay much more attention to fiscal responsibility and less attention to fattening their own wallets!

Remember, we elected the people who got us into this! By extension, ‘we’ got us into this! The next time that we are able to vote, I hope we will look farther into the future than the lifespan of a case of beer!

Senseless

This draft bill completely undermines the Governor, and elected government, Permanent Secretaries, statutory boards or any other government official from executing their duties.

It gives the CFO total and complete control over every penny the government takes in he has the power to tell elected officials what they can or cannot discuss, he approves the cabinets agenda and even has the power to veto any decisions put forth.

It is completely senseless to have any government in place as the CFO is a government onto himself!

Fact and fiction

This hullabaloo over this bill is unnecessary.

The picture is clear for TC Islanders to see.

Politicians and so-called activists with their own agendas do the people a disservice by trying to confuse fact with fiction.

In making the separation of fact and fiction, the primary point to note is that the fact is that TCI is a British Overseas Territory

 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

May 19 - 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

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Governor "Rainbow Ric" Todd previously attempted to push gay rights in Poland

By Vanessa Narine In the wake of the public outcry against Governor Ric Todd’s move to advance gay rights, the Weekly News has found that the ‘gay agenda’ is one close to his heart.

Several leaders in the TCI have made it clear that the Island does not need laws to protect persons with different sexual orientations, since the Island has no problem with discrimination – bringing to mind the old adage ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’.

Todd himself has described the TCI as not being discriminatory to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, prodding the question by TC Islanders as to why advance this agenda.

DIPLOMATIC INCIDENT In June of 2009, Todd, then British ambassador to Poland, sparked a diplomatic incident after promoting a controversial gay pride march due to take place in Warsaw on Saturday.

According a report in the Daily Mail, a daily paper in the United Kingdom (UK), Todd was told by the country's civil rights ombudsman that he had “exceeded his authority” and Roman Catholic groups accused the ambassador of representing the 'homosexual lobby.

The report said the problem arose after Todd gave gay rights leaders a UK Guide To Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual And Transgender People And Their Rights, translated into Polish, earlier that week.

It was adapted from the so-called Transgender Toolkit, a political correctness manual for civil servants that the Foreign Office funds with taxpayers' money.

It came ahead of the gay pride march scheduled for the weekend.

But the move provoked a storm of protest.

Janusz Kochanowski, the Polish civil rights ombudsman, told The Daily Mail that Todd was “being improper and doesn't understand the role of a diplomat.”

Kochanowski said, “He represents the UK, he is not meant to intervene here in the way that he chooses.”

The civil rights ombudsman added that Polish homosexuals do not live in fear of discrimination, as the British ambassador seemed to be implying.

NEW

Slawomir Skiba, editor of Christian Polonia, a Catholic newspaper, agreed, “The ambassador has demonstrated an extreme lack of diplomacy and absolute ignorance of the values by which the vast majority of our society lives.”

The Daily Mail pointed out that Poland is arguably Europe's most traditional country and is strongly influenced by the Catholic church.

Family values are largely intact, and the country has relatively low rates of abortion, divorce and underage pregnancy.

The newspaper added that it was not the first time Todd, who has a wife and three children, found himself criticized for his stance on gay rights.

RAINBOW RIC A year earlier, Todd was dubbed ‘Rainbow Ric’ by British expatriates in Poland, when he hoisted a 'rainbow flag' - a symbol of gay rights - next to the Union Flag in front of the British

embassy.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said the ministry “does have a policy of promoting LGBT ( lesbian gay bisexual transgender) rights' abroad.”

According to the Daily Mail, when asked whether he would raise the rainbow flag at the British embassies in Iran or Saudi Arabia, Todd said, “I have made a judgment-about what I should do in Poland, and in my opinion this is the appropriate thing to do in this country.

“I am not interfering in Polish politics or society nor am I criticizing it. The Foreign Office policy is clearly spelt out and I am acting in accordance with policy.

“We have achieved a lot of good things around the world on the subject of LGBT rights.

“None of this is any suggestion by me or the Foreign Office that the Polish policy on LGBT rights is wrong.”

Rainbow Ric hoist the rainbow flag next to the Union Jack

Budget and hurricane preparations on AC agenda this week The importance of signing off the draft Budget and this year’s hurricane preparations were the two most significant issues discussed at the Advisory Council (AC) on Wednesday.

The meeting in Grand Turk was one of the longest and most detailed discussion was on the matter of the $200m draft Budget.

The AC commented upon its strong and credible revenue forecasts, including the 20 per cent increase in revenue.

Other features that gained the Council’s favour included the: • Increases in the TCI capital budget from $5m to $16m, and that this will directly support the local construction sector; • Increases in maintenance from $3.7m to $5.3m, including an increase in road maintenance form $150k to $1m; • Increases in the social security budget from $1.3m to $1.7m with provision for a new juvenile offender centre; • Focus on key priorities such as primary health and education; and

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• Recognition of the importance of more appropriate control mechanisms to ensure that the spending will be delivered effectively.

The Council also welcomed the fact that there were tax increases and recognised the importance of the projected surplus of $4M after several years of deficit.

The consensus was that TCI is in the right route to paying down debt and building up future financial reserves.

Governor Ric Todd said, “The Council felt that TCIG had struck the right balance in its draft budget between paying off our historic debts, proving that our public finances are now better managed and that we can begin to reinvest in our infrastrucutre. I have often said that the sad state of repair of the Caicos Causeway, in particular, was an icon of the failure of Government, which is why I am so pleased that work will begin to repair it next month.

The Council and Governor also expressed satisfaction on the preparations for this year’s Hurricane

season, which begins on 1 June 2012.

A senior team at the Ministry of Government Support Services, including Permanent Secretary Wesley Clerveaux, Deputy Dr Virginia Clerveaux and Acting Director Horatio Tuit, made a presentation that gave an update on the preparations.

Their report indicated:

• Confirmation that this year’s hurricane preparation awareness campaign had already kicked off; the theme of this campaign is that disaster management is everybody’s business; • That 30 hurricane shelter managers have received up to date training in Providenciales with this now being rolled out across the other Islands; • That the new $1m Community Centre on South Caicos opened

by His Excellency this week also doubles as a hurricane shelter; • That fit for purpose generators are being installed at all shelters ahead of this season;

Fun begins on page 23 Mazes, crossword, kids educational features, word search, Sudoku, comics, your weekly horoscope and much much more!

• That 29 emergency staff have been trained in Urban Search and Rescue Skills including how to carry out searches in the event of collapsed roof or flooded buildings, as well as first aid, mass casualty handling, search techniques, hazardous material handling, rope rescue, stress management, lifting and shoring of loads; and • That European Union (EU) funding is being sought for a new multi-agency and departmental National Emergency Operations Centre on Grand Turk.

Todd said, “Both the members of the Advisory Council and I were also extremely impressed by the update from the Ministry of Government Support Services.

“Their message was unequivocal.

We must hope for the best but always plan for the worst.

“Significant progress is being made across a number of important areas and this gives rise to our increased confidence in the nation’s ability to respond to a catastrophe.”

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 19 - 25, 2012

Major changes to family laws to be implemented soon CENTURIES’ old domestic violence and childcare laws will soon see considerable transformation to improve their function in modern society and to advance the rights of women and children.

After more than eight years since coming into focus in the Turks and Caicos Islands, changes to the laws are now expected to be implemented as early as June.

Stakeholders along with legal consultant, Ms. Tira Greene, met last Wednesday at the Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources (DECR) Building to review the new legislation.

The main laws for discussed were drafts of the domestic violence bill, child maintenance bill, children (care and adoption) bill, guardianship bill, custody and access to children bill.

REFORM Greene said that the European Commission funded project dates back to 2004 when the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Secretariat started a family law reform project in member islands.

She said, “The TCI government asked to be part of the project in recognition of the fact that like most of the OECS islands, their family laws were also very archaic, some of them going back to 1830 legislation.”

According to her, one of the reasons the OECS began the overhaul of the laws dealing with family matters was because the current family laws in the TCI do not take into account the structures of a modern family.

Greene said, another reason is that countries and organizations worldwide have begun taking human rights seriously; reorganizing and reforming legal rules which are intended to provide guidance for families and society in respect of the treatment of women and children.

She stated that it is also essential because of the United Nations (UN) Conventions on the Rights Of the Child (CRC), a widely ratified human rights organization which sets high standards for guaranteeing that children are not disadvantaged in any aspect of their lives.

According to Greene, particular changes regarding children’s rights in the TCI, especially those regarding illegitimate children were made to conform to this convention.

She said, “Under the new laws children born in or out of wedlock will be treated in the same manner in regards to maintenance, guardianship and custody and access.”

The legal consultant stated that main features of the new laws are neutrality and gender equality.

Participants in the workshop included representatives from the gender affairs unit, the police force, the judiciary, child welfare agency, health care providers and domestic violence and sexual offence unit.

Greene said, “This means that both natural parents of a child will have equal responsibilities and rights for the child. Currently under the law, the mother of a child born out of wedlock has most of the rights and responsibilities for the child.”

Participants included representatives from the gender affairs unit, the police force, the judiciary, child welfare agency, health care providers and domestic violence and sexual offence unit.

In the seminars held on Grand Turk and Providenciales attendees were not only educated on the amendments made but also provided vital feedback aimed at improving family relationships.

Magistrate Kally Cheema of Grand Turk said, “All of the legislations being introduced are good for the people in the community

who didn’t have access to the court and various orders.

“Even though people are sometimes afraid of change, it’s quite a good, progressive change and will bring about certainty and stability and security.”

Stakeholders were encouraged to find resourceful ways to educate the public and make them aware of their rights under the new laws.

BREAKTHROUGH Deputy Coordinator of the Gender Affairs Unit, Ms. Barbara Handfield, referred to the domestic violence bill as, “One of the biggest breakthroughs now is that it no longer only relates to married people.”

She pointed out that another major breakthrough is that now anyone can apply for a restraining order against another person as opposed to the

previous law, which only applied to married couples.

Handfield noted that the new laws are a huge achievement, particularly for those who use it in their daily work, as they will be better able to serve the public with knowledge on their options.

“There rights are significant for being human rights for women and children,” she said.

Ms Handfield added that the project was the result of eight years’ hard work from former government officials Karen Delancy, Rita Gardiner and Lillian Boyce, Human Rights Commissioner Doreen Quelch -Missick, Deputy Attorney General Rondalee Braithwaite Knowels, Principal Legislative Drafter Desiree Down, and Director of Domestic Violence and Sexual Unit Ms Irene Butterfield.

Michael Misick denies receiving $25,000 from David Smith

By Vanessa Narine The David Smith debacle that saw him being ordered to pay a confiscation sum of $21M, also brought to light a payment of $25,000 being made to former premier Michael Misick.

Misick was listed among several others as having received what the court order described as tainted gifts from Smith.

However, Misick has since denied receiving any monies from Smith.

According to the court order, Smith made “gifts which are tainted” that totaled over $8M. A detailed look found that payments included: • A gift of5$5M to the Jamaica JLP Party; • A gift of $2M to the Jamaica PNP Party; • A gift of $5M to one PJ Patterson; • A gift of $100,000 to a political candidate for Mandeville, • A gift of $50,000 to Daryl Vaz; • A gift of $190,000 to Dwaine Williams; • A gift of $20,000 to Neville Cadogan; • A gift of $25,000 to PNP; • A gift of $10,000 to Floyd Hall; • A gift of $10,000 to Karen Delancey;

• A gift of $10,000 to Lillian Boyce; • A gift of $10,000 to McAllister Hanchell ; • A gift of $25,000 to Samuel Been; and • A gift of $25,000 to Michael Missick.

Misick in a statement this week said, “I have never received, directly or indirectly, $25,000 from Mr. Smith as a gift or as a campaign contribution. The assertion made by him or whoever in the recently released Supreme Court documents is completely false and is yet another attempt by this illegitimate British Interim Administration to tarnish my name and my reputation.”

According to him, in the years he knew Smith, their acquaintance was limited to seeing Smith and his family in various places, including church.

Misick said, “I was not involved at any stage in the granting of his licenses and I had absolutely no business, officially or otherwise, with Mr. Smith.

“As Chief Minister and then Premier, it was my job to promote the Turks and Caicos Islands as an excellent place to invest and do business, and I did that to the best of my ability, hence the success that

Governor Ric Todd, they have always had full and absolute responsibility for the monitoring and regulation of the financial services industry.”

Misick stressed that at no time in the history of our country has any local government had the responsibility for the financial services industry.

Former Premier Michael Misick

we’ve had as a country in attracting several millions of dollars in foreign direct investment.

“The regulation of the financial services has always being the special responsibility of the Britishappointed Governor in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“The Governor has always been, then and now, directly supervising the issuing of licenses and has had general oversight for that industry.

“Whether it was Governor Jim Poston, Governor Richard Tauwhare, Governor Gordon Wetherell, or now

REWRITING HISTORY The former premier took a hit at the Interim Administration, saying that this was their attempt to rewrite history and paint his administration in the worst light.

He said, “I am totally convinced that they will stop at nothing to try to rewrite history, as they have done for generations to cover up their incompetence and their plot to re-colonise the Turks and Caicos Islands and other British Overseas Territories such as the Cayman Islands, Anguilla, and Bermuda.

“The true history of me and my administration is one of progress and unprecedented growth for the Turks and Caicos Islands, where we took care of the old by providing national insurance pension and decent health care for them and employment, education, jobs and business opportunities for the youth

and middle-age citizens.

“As we say in the islands, when a man is down, everyone wants to get a kick on him. I have watched and listened to so many people blame me for everything and have called me everything except a child of God.” Misick maintained that he is “very proud” of his accomplishments and those of my ministers and the Progressive National Party (PNP).

He said, “The persons who believe in the truth, when they search their hearts, will be reminded and admit that what I am saying is true.

“Despite the hardships, the pain and suffering that the British Government and their Interim Administration continue to inflict on our people, I still dream of a homeland where we in the Turks and Caicos Islands are proud united, independent and free from the chains of colonial slavery.”

David Smith has since been ordered to pay a confiscation order in the sum of $20,919,950.53 by October 24th this year or serve a term of imprisonment of 8, which will be served consecutively to the sentence imposed by this Court upon the Defendant in relation to his criminal conduct.

May 19 – 25, 2012

& CrimeCourt

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

with Samantha Dash-Rigby

British quantity surveyor found murdered ANTHONY Quinn, a 34-year-old British Quantity Surveyor with Projetech, was found dead on Mother’s Day and the police are suspecting foul play.

Quinn’s body was discovered close to the beach at the bottom of Technology Drive near Heaving Down Rock shortly after 10am by some of his colleagues.

Reports indicated that he was last seen alive and leaving Jimmy’s Dive Bar in Ports of Call, Grace Bay at 4.30am on Sunday, May 13.

A police spokesman said: “Officers began investigating his whereabouts after receiving a missing person report at 8.20am.

“The search was switched to the Technology Drive area after a resident called 911 just before 10am after discovering a green Jeep Liberty parked near the beach.”

Officers searched the area and Quinn’s body was found.

Questions as to why murder was suspected and how did the man die went unanswered despite an autopsy a few days following his death.

Inspector Grantley Williams of CID is heading the murder investigation and said: “This is obviously a very tragic incident and our thoughts are with Mr Quinn’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Anthony Quinn was last seen alive leaving Jimmy's Dive Bar in Ports of Call

“Our investigations are at an advanced stage and we are currently questioning a number of persons in connection with the incident.”

Inspector Williams said that he was unable to determine a motive or speak to the actual cause of death but confirmed that the man did not die a natural death.

On Thursday, Projetech released a statement saying: “Anthony was a very peaceful and thoughtful person and it is impossible to conceive that

Ex-government minister and two lawyers to be tried for corruption ONE FORMER PNP minister and two lawyers this week learnt that they would face trial in the Supreme Court for corruption, which they allegedly committed during former Premier Michael Misick’s rule.

The trio appeared in the Providenciales Supreme Court before Justice Margaret RamseyHale for their sufficiency hearing on charges laid by the Special Investigations Prosecution Team (SIPT).

Justice Ramsey-Hale handed down the ruling after almost two full days of a summary of the facts from SIPT prosecutor Andrew Mitchell and rebuttal from defence lawyers.

One of the three persons and brother of the former leader, Thomas Chalmers Misick, was said to have been intimately involved in facilitating his brother in illegal ventures.

Popularly known as ‘Chal’, he allegedly acted as a conduit and allowed the movement of millions through his law firm while purporting that they were legal fees owed to him.

These monies were reportedly from flipping land at Dellis Cay

among other islands and abusing the stamp duty system, thereby depriving the TCI Government of much needed revenue.

It was also alleged that Chal continued to contribute towards lightening the country’s coffers by teaming with politicians to purchase a jet at the country’s expense.

He faced money laundering and conspiracy charges.

Former Minister of Natural Resources McAllister Hanchell was charged with conspiracy to bribe and conspiracy to defraud.

It was alleged that he conspired with other ministers to accept unlawful corrupt payments while serving as a minister of the Crown.

These were to induce Hanchell to act in a way contrary to ordinary rules of conduct expected of a minister of TCI Government.

Attorney at Law Melbourne Wilson, who also appeared at the hearing, faced charges of conspiracy to defraud involving land at North West Point.

Misick, Hancehell and Wilson are scheduled to return to court on July 10 for a plea and directions hearing at which time trial dates should be set.

Quinn’s body was discovered close to the beach at the bottom of Technology Drive near Heaving Down Rock shortly after 10am on Mother's Day

he would have made any enemies.

“A single man originating from the United Kingdom, Anthony touched the life of a large part of the TCI community, not only in his professional life but also in social settings.

“His work ethic and integrity was flawless. He was first into the office each morning and often the last man to leave.”

Quinn was described as a key member of the Projetech team. He joined the company in September 2004 and quickly became a greatly respected member of the Projetech family.

“We understand suspects are in

custody. Nevertheless, we ask the public to continue to assist the police any way they can and leave no stone unturned to ensure the culprits are punished to the fullest extent of the law,” the statement continued.

The release ended with a plea to persons with any information about Quinn or his vehicle within that period, to call 941-3508 or the police.

“Anonymity will be respected, the release promised.”

Meanwhile, Insp Williams has also appealed for witnesses to contact the police urgently.

“If anyone was in the vicinity of the Ports of Call, Grace Bay,

Leeward Highway, Technology Drive or Long Bay areas between 4am and 7am, and who may have seen anything suspicious, we would like to talk to them.

“We urge people to contact the police or Crimestoppers as a matter of urgency.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the police on 911 or Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be left in English, French or Spanish at www. crimestoppers.tc or by becoming a friend of Crimestoppers TCI on Facebook. Crime prevention tips are also available by visiting www. tcipolice.tc

Attempted murder trio acquitted at appeals THREE men, who were sentenced to 14 years imprisonment after previously being found guilty of attempting to murder another, are now all free, almost one year later.

The men, Damoy Browne, Lavar Walkin and Harry McKenzie Jnr, were freed at the recent sitting of the Court of Appeal, after the judges ruled that the conviction was unsafe.

Browne, Walkin and McKenzie were represented by attorneys George Missick, Oliver Smith and Lara Maroof respectively.

Leonard Franklyn stood for the Crown.

The prosecution’s case against the trio was that they acted together along with others on January 17, 2010, and attempted to murder Haywood McIntosh at Kewtown.

McIntosh, who owned a white Buick car, said that he went into Kewtown to buy griyo from a Haitian woman.

Realising that she was closed, he reversed and was about to leave when he saw a white van coming with speed in his direction.

The van stopped directly in front

of him and he recognised Walkin as the driver. He had him in sight for about 32 seconds.

Then Browne, who was in the van’s passenger seat on the left hand side, leaned out of the window and opened fire on McIntosh’s car with a long rifle.

At that time McKenzie placed a gun on the windowsill from his seat behind Browne and began firing shots at a rapid rate towards McIntosh.

The complainant said that he had Browne and Mckenzie in his sight for two minutes.

Then he saw another person, Chabo capron, firing a handgun towards the Buick car.

He testified that during the shooting, after he was able to identify his attackers, he took evasive measures by laying flat on the front seat of the car.

Then he peeped up to see if he could see out the car but could not, so he lifted his whole head to see outside of the car.

“This,” the judges said, “indicates that while laying on the seat of the car,

he (McIntosh) could not see outside of the car and could not identify the persons who were then shooting.”

As a result of the shooting, McIntosh sustained multiple gunshot wounds, an injury on the front upper left limb, another on the right chest and a third to the left part of his torso.

Police later found 15 9mm spent shells on the ground surrounding the car and determined them to be from a handgun, not a shotgun.

There were 20 bullet holes in the vehicle and during his sentencing remarks on July 22, 2011, the then Justice Richard Williams labelled the shooting as an execution attempt.

However, the court of appeal judges felt that had the trial judge properly assessed the evidence, he would have concluded that the quality of the evidence of identification was poor.

They allowed the appeals of the three appellants, quashed their convictions and set aside the sentences.

They also directed that a verdict of acquittal be entered in the records for all three of the men.

10 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 19 - 25, 2012

David Smith loses all possessions in TCI

By Samantha Dash-Rigby CONVICTED and imprisoned con man David Smith was recently ordered to give up all his remaining possessions here in the TCI or face an added eight years in jail.

In addition, persons to whom he gave “tainted” monetary gifts totalling some US$8,475,000 must return the monies or a lien could be issued to seize their property as well.

Chief Justice Edwin Goldsbrough decided that Smith had benefited from his criminal conduct in the sum of at least US$220 million and made the confiscation order on April 25.

The order mandated the former OLINT boss known as the man who ran one of the largest Ponzi scheme in the Caribbean to pay US$20,919,950.53, his last remaining assets, by October 24 or face more jail time.

Prosecutor Andrew Mitchell of the Special Investigations Prosecution Team (SIPT) assisted

David Smith

by Shavonne Gardiner of the Attorney General’s Chambers said investigations revealed that merely US$20,919,950.53 worth of Smith’s realisble property remained.

These included a US$293,000 deposit on a house in Chalk Sound, the purchase option for Mahaniam Properties for US$1,000,000, an account at the TCI Bank Ltd, held in

the names of David and Tracy Smith in the sum of US$170,842.50.

Also another bank account in the name of David Smith at the TCI Bank Ltd holding US$21,069.03, the residential premises in Chalk Sound, Providenciales held in the name of David Smith, valued at US$1,350.000. That property is currently on the market for sale.

The land in Chalk Sound, Providenciales, held in the name of David Smith has a value of US$450,000, while the land in the name of Heaven Sent Enterprises in Cheshire Hall, Providenciales, held in the name of David Smith, is valued at US$185,000.

Other property includes a further bank account held in the names of Joseph and Evelyn Smith at the TCI Bank Ltd, holding US$1,876,808.82, $500,000 being the sum used by Peter Bovell to purchase a property in Chalk Sound, Providenciales in the name of David Smith and the proceeds ofthe sale of Smith’s 2008

Tributes pour in for TCI’s first female police officer TRIBUTES have been pouring in following the death of the TCI’s first female police officer.

Ethel Ingram Pinder passed away at the Doctor’s Hospital in Nassau, Bahamas, in the early hours of Monday (May 14) at the age of 68.

Mrs. Pinder joined the ranks of the RTCI Police Service in 1964, paving the way for a steady and continuous influx of women officers ever since.

Leading the tributes was Inspector Irene Butterfield, who described Mrs. Pinder as a ‘pioneer’.

She said, “It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Ethel Ingram Pinder and our thoughts and prays are with her family and friends at this very difficult of times.

“Mrs. Pinder had the honour of being the first ever female officer to join the RTCI Police Service and therefore can be considered as a true pioneer.

“The Service was completely male-dominated in those days and it was naturally a huge challenge and struggle being the only woman among the ranks.

“But it was a challenge she rose to with great distinction and she was definitely the pacesetter for all us women officers who have followed.”

Butterfield added that since 1964 the number of female officers has risen steadily year by year, expressing her gratitude to Mrs. Pinder for her “amazing and dedicated contribution.”

Born in Over Back in Grand Turk, Mrs. Pinder was educated at the now Helena Jones High School.

After giving many years service as a constable, she relocated to Freeport in the Bahamas before returning to her beloved Turks and

Range Rover valued at US$31,000.

The Attorney General is currently holding that money in the TCI National Forfeiture Fund.

Additionally, a separate bank account held in the name of Hallmark Bank and Trust at the TCI Bank Ltd on behalf of Olint, in the sum of US$6,567,230.18.

Justice Goldsbrough said that he recognised that the said sums standing to the credit of the accounts at TCI Bank formed part of the assets of the said bank, which is in liquidation and that David and Tracy Smith are entitled as creditors to any dividend, where applicable.

He further recognised that any sums paid by way of dividend to Hallmark on behalf of Olint might be claimed by victims of Smith’s criminal conduct.

However, because Smith’s remaining assets are considerably less than the $220 million he conned from investors, any such claim by victims would amount to an insignificant and disproportionate sum.

The “tainted gifts” were US$5,000,000 to the Jamaica JLP Party, US$2,000,000 to the Jamaica PNP Party, US$1,000,000 to Jamaican politician PJ Patterson and US$100,000 to a political candidate

for Mandeville, Jamaica.

US$50,000 was given to Daryl Vaz, while US$190,000 and US$20,000 were given to Dwaine Williams and Neville Cadogan respectively.

A gift of US$25,000 was made to the PNP, US$25,000 to Michael Misick, US$10,000 to Floyd Hall, US$10,000 to Karen Delancey, US$10,000 to Lillian Boyce, US$10,000 to McAllister Hanchell and Samuel Been received US$25,000.

Smith must acquire all this money and pay it as the order stipulated.

Alternatively, he could apply to the court on or after October 24 for a certificate of inadequacy in the event that the realisable property and the tainted gifts are not realised by that date.

The Chief Justice made no order for costs to be paid.

Inspector Willin Belliard said that the properties and funds were seized to Crown.

Smith did not fight the order.

On April 24, the day before Smith appeared at the Confiscation Order hearing, a fire broke out at his home in Chalk Sound and caused considerable interior damage.

FEES for obtaining police records and certificates of character are set to rise

TCI’s first female police officer, Ethel Pinder

Caicos Islands, where her only son, Durando, is a serving police officer.

Assistant Commissioner Rodney Adams said Mrs Pinder’s legacy will live on in the history of the TCI. He said, “The passing of Ethel Ingham Pinder, the first female to join the ranks of the RTCI Police Service, is indeed a sad day for many of us… as an organisation we say thanks to the family for lending their loved one to us.

“Mrs Pinder has led the way for female officers and has truly made her mark in the history of our country. ”Sleep on and take your rest, we love you but the lord loves you best.

May her soul rest in peace.”

Commissioner of Police, Colin Farquhar, added his bit, and expressed condolences on behalf of the RTCI Police Service.

He said, “Mrs. Pinder was a truly remarkable woman who gave many years of dedicated service to both the Police Service and the community at large, and she will be sadly missed.

“As the first ever woman officer to employed in the TCI, she set the standards for others to follow and I’m proud to say that women now, quite rightly, make up a large proportion of the RTCI Police staff with many holding senior ranks and positions.”

Mrs Pinder is survived by her husband, three daughters and a son.

RTCI Police will raise the cost of the service from $5 to $10 from June 1st.

The move comes as part of an efficiency drive within the force, being overseen by new Director of Corporate Services, Peter Davis.

However, despite the increase, Davis insists the service represents ‘good value for money’, with the TCI’s fees remaining one of the lowest in the Caribbean.

He said, “We have recently undertaken an extensive review of this service and what is clear is that the $5 we charge for police records and certificates of character doesn’t actually cover the cost of producing them.

“The $5 fee has been in place for many years and it has not changed despite continued inflation and other revenue considerations.

“Producing police records costs a lot of money in terms of staff hours, facilities and critical resources and so the increase is long overdue. But I would like to stress that even at $10 there is no profit and so the RTCI Police will not be making money from this.”

Davis said, “We acknowledge that this is an essential public service with people needing these important documents for immigration and employment

purposes. But even at $10, the service remains great value for money and one of the cheapest in the Caribbean.

“I know of many other places where the public are charged more for similar police services and making money from this is certainly not our motive. Instead, it is simply a case of covering costs in production and making the best use of the budget in service provision.”

He revealed that a corporate service review within the police service is on-going and will bring further changes.

He added that the budget for the RTCI Police service is increasingly under pressure and ways of achieving savings and best value have to be found.

The focus of maintaining police services whilst reducing cost and wastage.

Davis said, “We are looking at many different aspects of the organisation to see where savings can be made and where more resources can be directed towards day to day policing on the streets of the TCI. “It’s a challenging process in change, but one that will remain ongoing as we seek to make this public sector service as cost effective and efficient as possible.”

May 19 – 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 19 – 25, 2012

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May 19 – 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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May 19 – 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

Open letter to the Governor The unconstitutional Dear Governor Todd, I read your public release concerning a day against homophobia, and I would humbly like to ask you a question.

As I a ride around the Turks and Caicos Islands I see many people visiting their temples on the weekend; I see men and women, young and old carrying a book as they enter their temples, and I have asked these well dressed people: “Do you believe in this book that you are carrying around?”

Without fail they nod their heads and say yes, sometimes they even invite me to their temples.

In actual fact in visiting one of their temples I heard this song being sung and this song I would say sums up their position on this book; the words being: “whose report will you believe, we will believe the report of the Lord”.

Sir I am convinced that a majority of your citizens believe the words in this book, and if you were to conduct a poll within our nation I am sure this would hold true. Do you not agree with me your Excellency?

Now this is not the only place I have found this book. I went to court within this nation and witnessed several people being called upon to tell the righteous judge their truthful account of the matter.

Amazingly these people were asked to swear on the very same book.

If the very courts of the Turks and Caicos and Great Britain have been having its citizens swear on this book for many years surely the word must be true, as those who rule

over us would not have us swear on a lie, would they most honorable Governor?

Now in examining this fine document at the beginning I noticed the following words: 'The Holy Bible' containing The Old and New Testaments; authorized King James Version.

It would appear to me that the King of England, James made sure that the right translation of this book was printed up and then had the Throne of England and Wales sanction this copy by authorising it, so that people could not be fooled up with incorrect copies, am I not correct honorable Governor?

Now with this in mind I have taken the time to look within this great document, The Holy Bible authorised by the great British King James to try discover what this document says about homosexuality, and in doing this I found three passages I would say sum up its view of the subject of homosexuality: 1) “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is an abomination." Leviticus 18vs22 and also Leviticus 20vs13 2) “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.

And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things.

"Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves:

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever, Amen.

"For this cause God gave them up to vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the women, burned in their lusts one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their errors which was meet." Romans 1vs22-27 Now Governor please do not get mad at me these are not my words, but the word sanctioned by the British Throne, sworn on in our courts, and believed by a vast number of the citizens of our Commonwealth, furthermore this great book testifies about a man who overcame death and he said as testified by St John Chapter 10vs35: "The Scripture cannot be broken.”

So he, the son of God, says the word as recorded in this book is unbreakable. Now in the light of your May 17th statement on homosexuality I would humbly ask you this question: Are you our Governor now saying his book is a lie, and that homosexuality is now holy and fine in front of God? I write in his name, Jesus, and I await your honest answer, sir.

May The Holy God bless the Turks and Caicos Islands.

John D Wildish

When will all of the skeletons in the TCI be revealed?

Dear Editor, The below quote is part of an article written by Mr Floyd Seymour, former MP under the PDM administration, former PDM leader, CPA, CFP, and now business person in Providenciales.

It is of concern, in that it shows that after an extended and extensive Commission of Inquiry these types of disclosures are still being made, and from persons in the know and it makes one wonder why the British are still here!

And why the British have not disclosed this liability or even mentioned it as a concern or as a potential issue! [“Seymour spoke at length about one example - the cruise ship port deal formulated in the early years of the Misick administration. The arrangement made between the PNP government and Carnival Cruise Lines provided for a $12 per passenger port charge.

'The $12 fee is not the issue,” said Seymour, going on to explain, “It is the advance payment deal.

Misick and Floyd Hall arranged for the cruise line to make an advance payment of $6 million back in 2004, in exchange $9 of the $12 port fee being exempted for ten years.”]

There are certain issues that need the attention of all our leaders. What is so disturbing about this article is the revelation that the public was being fooled, or at minimum not informed.

If these statements are indeed true then it is safe to say that the true and full accounting was not being maintained. There are distinct failures that can be lodged against all of the previous management/staff/ leaders.

How can a ten year, $6m per year matter not be reported in the financial notes, in the so-called financial statements, or even in the reports that are now being reported by the current administration?

SPACE IS LIMITED!

To present a concise and honest statement I now ask for clarity, a position statement or even a view from Mr Mike Misick, Mr Floyd Seymour, Mr Doug Parnell, Mr Floyd Hall, Mr Gilly, Mr Royal Robinson (noting the $45m that was also found in drawers), the former and current TCI CFOs, if there is any truth to the statement as reported in the TCI NewsNow? I say no more, await, and hope that some reasonable explanation is forthcoming as this lapse and omission is not only serious, but shows contempt for the good constituents of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As leaders we must know and know now. TCI leaders must know, and as an unidentified and unrecognised leader practitionerscholar, I invite all others to a round table session to formulate a strategic way forward.

Regards, Edward E Smith

role of the CFO Dear Editor, At issue and at risk is the power of the people to elect a Minister of Finance, repose confidence and trust in him, react to his tax raising measures and trust that he is spending monies on their behalf.

It has long been a British constitutional convention and observance that the Minister of Finance should be an elected man or woman of the people so that when he makes tax policy and excise – he is fully cognisant that he is doing it on their behalf.

Regionally there have been departures from this rule and in some cases regional governments have opted to select the Minister of Finance from amongst the learned classes of PhD. economists, Central Bank career personnel, opting to place these persons in the Senate enabling the appointment as Minister of Finance.

The idea of representation was achieved because even the senate could prove ground to debate and to represent wider policy making.

It does mean that the convention is not so hard and written in stone and just like the US example; the Secretary of the Treasury is appointed by the President, functions in a similar capacity and none of the President’s Cabinet is elected.

I am hoping the former PNP regime is pleased for what they brought the people and these islands to. We will have confidence in the PS Finance, Anya Williams and the new Minister of Finance.

But where does the CFO fit into all of this?

These examples do not change the reality and substance of the matter for the region and the TCI. The region which is British in origin follows a clear format of abiding by the will of the people.

In many cases this ideal was observed by appointing public figures to the ministerial offices of government.

What is being proposed is a real threat to the dignity of Parliament, wherein the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) may get to exercise functions and power over and above that of an elected minister.

The fact that a regional minister of finance may not have been elected was addressed in some way by making him a senator and placing him in a branch of Parliament, a somewhat representative capacity.

It does not seem to be what is being proposed here in the context of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and it is suggested that his role will

not be in any way representative but protective of major bad deals set in motion by the former government.

It is now being proposed that: “The Minister of Finance will retain the responsibility for the preparation of the Appropriation Bill, subject to CFO approval and within the financial envelope set by the CFO, and will be in a position, subject to sustainable public finances, to allocate available resources in pursuit of Government policies.”

The offending words here are “subject to CFO approval”. Are they proposing that the CFO be boss of ministers, boss of bosses and in some context, the boss of the Governor?

In none of the instances above, the regional example of appointing a man to the senate or the President appointing a secretary to the treasury, is this new interim government model in any way ‘precedented’, and I may add, acceptable.

It makes nonsense of the electoral process, the rage of electioneering and the concept of the voice of the people.

The idea is bad, badly conceptualised, dangerous and creates ample room for conflict.

It will mean that in substance, reality, effect, law and as far as the constitution is concerned the interim government will continue well after elections. We will have a stillborn government.

More importantly, is the threat to democracy that this bill presents. For a country like the UK that purports to pride itself in the principles of democracy, this action is bothersome.

The most dangerous adversaries to democracy are these subtle ones, like this bill. The empowerment of a people and freedom of responsibility is all part and parcel of democracy; anything less is not true and genuine democracy.

The new model of finance, financial management and responsibility etc. will not work.

There can be no real confidence in an elected government where the CFO emerges as is currently envisaged as the real decision maker, the boss of the Minister of Finance or a government within a government.

The idea does not meet any constitutional ideal and moreso it prolongs the model of the interim government so that the bad deals, corrupt burdens such as the hospital scam, the stevedoring deal, remain protected, taxes as they are continue and the basic premise of the guarantee remains.

Samsune Taylor

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

May 19 – 25, 2012

Letters

continued

Obama’s support of same-sex marriages Dear Editor, I am disappointed that President Obama has become the first US president to come out in support of same-sex marriage.

Even more disturbing is his pointing to his Christian faith as a motivation for his position. This is to mock Christianity for the Bible clearly and unequivocally condemns homosexual acts. The Golden Rule does not sanction the approval of any kind of moral evil.

Obama can call himself a Christian or anything else he likes.

However, Christianity advances a culture of life.

Obama, in stark contrast, advances a culture of death which is clearly evident in his radical support for abortion (murder) and contraception which, like homosexuality, thwarts the natural generation of life.

Obama has finally taken off his mask and revealed to the world his true intent which is the annihilation of America. Let us hope his emboldened arrogance will be his own undoing at the polls in November.

With respectful and cordial best wishes, I remain, Sincerely yours, Paul Kokoski

On the CFO Bill Dear Editor, What a deceptive calculation on the part of these disrespectful people.

Did the loan terms get airing and comments before being approved?

Now we see what we are locked into, but never agreed to.

Colonialism 101!

Do the Advisory Council and Consultative Forum not see what the British think of them when the CFO Draft Bill ends with: 'UK Ministers will welcome comments on the bill if members of the Advisory Council and Consultative Forum wish to provide them, though requests to dilute the intent of the bill are unlikely to be accepted.'

Members your input is not wanted, is not thought of as constructive, and will have no consideration in what

has already been decided.

Such members should be embarrassed and uncomfortable looking into the eyes of their fellow citizens and even trying to attempt to make them believe that they represent them. It is such a shame.

If these Advisory Council and Consultative Forum members are not careful they might turn out to be agents of ruin for Turks and Caicos more than the British, because they give this interim government its legitimacy to wreak havoc on Turks and Caicos and its people.

They should resign en masse, thereby making the interim government naked and devoid of legitimacy.

Ben Roberts

COMMENTARY

Safe again

Famous writer and humorist Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, was said to have been born as Halley’s comet streaked across the sky. On its next visit seven and a half decades later the comet reappeared as Twain passed away.

The comet came by last weekend and we are still here.

I seem to have easily passed this milestone and survived, safe again!

The Mayans said the earth will end this year and possibly become comets of its own. With sun flares, haunting the weather this prospect is a little scary.

15

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

By David Tapfer However, we have all heard these end of the world warnings before.

Fact is the Mayan's world ended

A call for leadership reform Continued from last week

Hope If hope is to win the day and leadership have any chance of redemption in the eyes of the community at large then leadership must be prepared to atone.

This atonement is a mandatory requirement that only the stout of heart may be able to comprehend and execute and includes: 1. Admission of past and current failures to community and constituents.

2. Request community forgiveness.

3. Cut a new covenant with deliverables clearly predefined.

4.

Acknowledge that the responsibility to lead is a sacred

trust given by the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands and not by a political organisation whose policies may from time to time be counterproductive to the best interests of the people they purport to serve.

5. Have an annual report out to the community.

6. Acknowledge the right of community to recall leadership if deliverables are not satisfactorily achieved or promises kept.

There is hope when people perceive that the following symptoms indicative of our acute and malignant sickness begin to disappear: • the shenanigans of broken promises and broken covenants.

• unbridled greed and self preservation to the detriment of the community at large.

• the selling out what is in the long term best interest of the Turks and Caicos Islanders to foreign investment.

• the disappearance of narcissistic tendencies of self promotion on the part of successive leadership regimes.

The disappearance of the above negatives must now be accompanied by these positive implants in the social fabric of the Turks and Caicos Islands communities: • A true vision of the country that is formulated with public discussion and input and nationally disclosed.

• Transparency and accountability on the part of all social, spiritual, community, political, economic, corporate and public leadership.

• A progressive tax system that levies

taxes based on varying income levels as opposed to the present proposed tax system that levies the same rate on both the rich and poor alike.

• A commitment on the part of community leadership to reestablish the country on spiritual, moral and ethical core values.

• Rediscovery of our true Turks and Caicos Islands identity that will reconnect us with our anchor values of self worth, value and the credo of being our brothers keeper.

• Conflict of Interest legislation that disallows government contracts from being awarded to companies, partnerships or any other entity corporate or sole in which it can be adduced that such government contract benefitted or has the appearance of benefitting any public service officials or their families, executors and assigns.

When we begin to witness these leadership transformations, then and only then can we all breathe the fresh and exhilarating breezes of a strong possibility for real and meaningful community change.

The time is upon us to make the change now and kill the transgenerational curse of leadership mediocrity, unprofessionalism, selfishness and greed that is killing the hopes and dreams of the masses and make every effort to hastily convert to a new leadership page of honesty, transparency, covenant and integrity that we can all applaud and the rest of the world can emulate.

long ago.

We must therefore plan and look to the future. If we get busy and plan maybe God will let us continue His human free will experiment.

What matters most is how we use our free will.

We all know the TCI economy has suffered severely from the previous administration. The experiments of the foreign office, no matter how well intended, have fallen short.

Not until they address this thing called ‘Ewing-care’ will the budget be balanced without further draconian tax measures.

Meanwhile we do not feel safe with NHIP healthcare. We are all looking for a way out and elections are perceived as the first step. The way things political are shaping up, we wonder!

I noticed on these pages one childish candidate listed 28 laudable goals with virtually no idea of how to achieve any one of them.

Since we have frightened off developers with hands under the table, British taxes and independence talk how then we can expand the economy.

The answer lies in immigration and easy PRCs for retirees. Immigration to halt the export of hundreds of millions in wages while importing skills. Easy PRCs for retirees who do not wish to interfere in politics or work. Who hire people paid from their imported wealth.

It is not the responsibility of Britain to move on this. They want only to balance the budget, punish the lawbreakers and back home to their families and friends.

As typical civil servants their experiments are taking forever.

There is a lesson here. Do not hire civil servants to make decisions and move swiftly to solve problems.

With ultra expensive healthcare in the dumps we have proven throwing

taxes at a problem is not a solution.

MDs with political dreams.

Somehow, we find that strange!

Can we trust an attorney who gyrates from right to left?

Independence they say is their goal. Independence will spell doom for two reasons: one, Britain guarantees the title to your belongings including your plot of land; and two, the continued use of the dollar and our visa access to the USA depends on continuing as a British Oversea territory. With independence, get ready to use the EC or Bahamian dollar.

After independence comes mass exodus before the visas expire. Yet the QC and MD preach independence.

When will we hear from genuine candidates with a genuine plan to grow our economy and make TCI safe again?

Leadership must learn to be closer to the people they are called to serve in terms of proximity, intimacy and connectedness.

Many of us serve people in our communities who live and exist in substandard housing and unhealthy surrounding that border on squalor while we live in distant residences behind gated fortresses. Something is very wrong with this picture.

As a result of such inconsistencies the people on the ground floor feel rejected and compromised in terms of broken leadership promises while the more affluent foreign interests in the community remain distant, disconnected and far removed from the plight of the local situation.

Their wealth shields them from being directly affected by the realities of the local situation while simultaneously offering them a more effectual door of escape from the heat of local leadership mismanagement.

Dr B Anthony Young

16 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

ID card to be available by end of June – 2,861 persons registered to date A single free card that provides statutory proof of Belonger/Turks and Caicos Islander status will be available free of charge to those who register before 29 June 2012.

And Minister of Border Control and Labour’s Permanent Secretary (PS), Clara Gardiner, on Tuesday, confirmed that this is a move to a more efficient and secure system to verify status.

Providing an update on the voter registration and proof of Belongership process currently underway, she noted that the move to a single card has been planned by the Ministry since early in 2011.

She stated that the decision was made when it officially recognized the security and fraud caused by the existence of a variety of unsecure documents such as wet stamps and the use of letters, not provided for by statute, to confirm Belonger status.

The PS added that since then TCIG officials have been working towards the production of secure documents and the phasing out of all non-statutory stamps and letters.

She said, “It is widely known that

only persons who are Belongers of the Turks and Caicos Islands are able to vote in a general election.

“However, the majority of persons who acquire this status via birth or descent do not have an official card or certificate to prove this.

“We have bided our time until the registration process was launched, to introduce the Belonger Status Card in order to make it easier for people – they only need to register once. By replacing all other documents that have been used to confirm Belonger status it will be easier for people to claim the privileges that are available to Belongers, including voting in General Elections.

Gardiner added that it is likely that those persons who do not register by June 29th will be charged a fee, to be determined, for their Belonger Status Card, in future. The first batch of cards should be ready for collection from Government Offices by the end of July 2012.

She pointed out that the Ministry is ‘piggy-backing’ the current election registration process to verify the status of Belongers.

According to her, this data is being shared with the Elections Office to inform the electoral roll.

Gardiner made it clear that the people registered on the database are the one who will be eligible for a new Belonger Status Card.

To date, some 2,861 persons had registered to vote ahead of the closing date of 29 June, with 1,578 being from Provo, 584 in Grand Turk, 447 in North Caicos, 160 in South Caicos, 58 in Middle Caicos and 34 in Salt Cay. Gardiner said, “I am greatly encouraged by the current level of registration, which is already around 40 per cent of the total from the total of the 2007 election, with around six weeks left until the registration deadline.

“That said, I would encourage everyone who can to consider their civic duty and come out and register. By doing so they can not only take advantage of this time limited free Status Card offer but also make sure that they can take advantage of all of the other privileges that being a Turks and Caicos Islander proffers.”

For the last round of elections, some 6,964 were registered.

Police hit the beat

POLICE have been hitting the beat, in more ways than one.

Aside from patrolling the streets of the TCI, officers are proving they have plenty of rhythm too.

The RTCI Police Combo Band has broken new ground by releasing a single, which they hope will have islanders dancing the nights away.

And despite having only just hit the turntables, In The Party is already a big hit with fans.

Keyboard player, Sgt Carl Lightbourne, said, “We are proud to have released this new single and we hope everyone enjoys it. It’s our first ever and we are really pleased with it.

“It’s a number designed to get people on their feet and having a good time, and so far the feedback has been really encouraging and supportive.

“The band is all about having fun and giving something back to the community. Recording In The Party was a great experience and we are hoping to write and record more of our own work in the future.”

The RTCI Police Combo Band has been going for many years and was particularly popular in the 80s and 90s.

In The Party was written by American-based record producer David Lightbourne, aka Jak – a TC islander and brother of Carl – and he’s hoping it will see the band’s popularity surge once more.

Lightbourne said, “For me it’s been a pleasure to have worked on this single. I grew up listening to

May 19 - 25, 2012

Developers given deadline to comply with reporting requirement A review of Development Orders granting relief from customs duties and taxes has identified that the reporting requirement set out in section 11 of the Encouragement of Development Ordinance has not been complied with.

Section 11 of the Ordinance says, “A Developer shall in every year during the tax exemption period, on a date to be specified by the Governor, submit to the Governor a report in writing on the conduct and the progress of the development enterprise together with a statement giving full particulars of all capital expended

on the development enterprise and showing how this capital has been depreciated during the year or part thereof covered and if so required, such statement shall be duly certified and authenticated.”

In accordance with section 11 of the Ordinance, all Developers are hereby required to provide a written report to the Governor together with a certified and authenticated statement covering the period 01 April 2010 (or start date if later) to 31 March 2012.

Completed reports and statements must be sent to governorgt@fco.gsi.gov.uk by June 10th, 2012.

Firearms licenses ready for collection POLICE are asking Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) gun owners to collect their new firearm licenses.

Anyone who has recently renewed a license can pick up their card from Salt Mills Police Post in Grace Bay, Providenciales.

These can be collected between 10am and 4.30pm on Wednesday May 15 through to Friday May 18, with licensees asked to covertly walk with their firearms.

Meanwhile anyone who has not yet renewed their license for 2012 must do so by May 31.

RTCI Police Firearms Officer, Acting Inspector, Darron Williams, said, “We are reminding all firearms license holders who have renewed their licenses for the current year that they now need collecting.

“It is obviously very important that this is done because anyone with a firearm must be in receipt of a current license or they will be

breaking the law.

“And we would also urge anyone who intends to renew their license this year and has not yet done it, they must do so by May 31.”

Gun owners who fail to obtain a current license, or have no intention of renewing, are warned that their firearms must be handed in to the police.

Williams said, “Failure to obtain a current license will automatically render the firearm illegal.

“Therefore, in accordance with the Firearms Ordinance, persons in possession of any firearm, who for any reason is unable to obtain a license to keep it, must immediately deposit it with the Commissioner of Police.

“In such a case a receipt will be issued and any person failing to comply will be guilty of an offence.”

Anyone wanting more information is asked to contact the police on 9413327.

Over 500 to sit GSAT this year

Members of the band

The RTCI Police Combo Band and in those days people truly loved and appreciated associating with the police and listening to the music.

“As a result they were willing to support and help the police in their work and there was a really strong bond between the community and the force - something we hope we can help strengthen once more through this song.

“The band, and this project in particular, demonstrate the human, friendly face of the RTCI Police and I’m certain it will go a long way towards even better engagement, especially between officers and young people.”

The RTCI Police Band is made up of Sgt Carl Lightbourne (keyboards),

PC Stanley Landy (drums/vocals), Sgt Malcolm Smith (bass), PC Michael Francois (vocals) and PC Jago Moore (vocals).

Commissioner of Police, Colin Farquhar, said, “This is a fantastic initiative and I congratulate The RTCI Police Combo Band on their excellent single.

“We are a diverse service with many talented people from many different backgrounds and our officers do so much great work out in the community such as music, sport and charity events.

“I am sure everyone will thoroughly enjoy listening to the song and here’s hoping the band will go on to enjoy many more successes in the future.”

OVER 500 Grade Six students will be sitting the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) on May 29th to the 31st.

This year the students, from 22 school throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), in preparation for the exams were able to make use of ‘Go GSAT’, an online learning website.

The online programme gave students the opportunity to complete practice questions, download handouts and access live tutorials in relation to topics that are more than likely to appear on the examination.

GSAT coordinator, Mr. Murice Ingham, stated that each grade six student is registered online, the momentum of using the site has definitely picked up this year.

Ingham noted that the feedback from mock exams are positive, adding that the teachers have claimed that students are generally performing well.

According to him, the online programme allowed students to identify their weak points.

Last year’s performance resulted in 82 per cent passes.

Ingham said, “I’m expecting anything more than 80 percent passes, maybe even 90.”

Giving some last minute advice, he said all students should get ample rest and create a healthy diet for themselves so that the brain can function properly on the days of exams.

GSAT determines whether a child will move onto the secondary education level of learning. In order to proceed to the secondary learning, each student must obtain a passing grade of 50 per cent or more.

The exam consists of seven subjects covering areas such as Mathematics, Science, General studies and English. All papers in general add up to approximately 630 points.

Director of Education, Mr. Edgar Howell, said, “I believe students will continue to do well on GSAT like they always did in the previous years.” (KAYLA HIGGS)

May 19 - 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 17

DECR coordinates first controlled burn in pine forest management The Department of Environment and Costal Resources (DECR), last Wednesday, coordinated the first controlled burn in pine forest management in Middle Caicos, where the country’s national tree, Caribbean Pine, is most popular.

With funding from the UK Government’s Overseas Territories Environment Programme, the DECR has been working for the last three years to save and conserve the Caribbean Pine tree.

Project Manager Bryan Naqqi Manco has spearheaded this effort at the Government Farm on North Caicos where he has been assisted in great measure by the Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) of Kew in London and the US Forest Service.

Representatives from RBG Kew, Martin Hamilton and Marcella Corcoran, conducted an experiment to determine whether controlled burning of the bush can assist in the rehabilitation of the pine tree.

Also, two Master’s students from Imperial College in London also travelled to the TCI this week to conduct surveys prior to and after the controlled burns. It is anticipated

that later in the year, more young scientists will come to the TCI to measure the longer term effects of the burn.

The burn itself was done on two separate plots of an acre, and was conducted by three senior environmental burn scientists from Georgia and Florida, Mr. Joe O’Brien, Mr. Ben Hornsby and Mr. David Grimm from the US Forest Service. These professionals also conducted a workshop with the Ministry and DECR staff on the techniques and the objectives of a controlled burn prior the exercise.

These specialists burn around 100,000 acres every year where they are mandated by the US Fish and Wildlife service to upgrade and improve the native Pine Yards in the Florida Panhandle and Keys, Georgia, and other regions.

On site to speak with the professionals from the RBG (UK), US Forest Service and the students from the Imperial College in London, and to witness the first controlled burn of this kind were representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Home Affairs,

Officials during the control fire exercise

the Departments of Agriculture and Environment and the Marine Affairs.

The exercise according to the PS of Environment and Home Affairs Susan Malcolm was, “A great example of the coordinated efforts

of local and international expertise brought to bear on a national challenge. We are so grateful for the assistance of these professionals in our search to find a cure for the disease that has almost wiped out our

pine trees.”

The Caribbean Pine, which covered the pine yards in Middle Caicos, North Caicos and Pine Cay has almost been wiped out by the pine tortoise scale, an insect from North America. In its home territory this insect (which sucks the sap from the pine trees) is normally controlled by predators and cold winters however, in the TCI, this pest knows no predators, and the warm weather has permitted it to breed and spread uncontrollably. Because of this, the pines have all but disappeared since the scale was identified in 2005.

Approximately 95% of the trees have died in the wild populations.

Pine yards in the Bahamas (and in North America, where they are called pine rock lands) have a natural cycle that involves periodical forest fires that enhance the health of the ecosystem.

While forest fires are often thought of as catastrophic, they are required by pine yards to prevent other plant species from taking over. Management of these habitats in the Bahamas and North America often involves carefully managed controlled burns of sections of forest.

18 NEWS

May 19 - 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Women take on technology with LIME’s help

By Kayla Higgs World Telecoms Day (WTD) was celebrated at Lime Turks and Caicos, on Thursday and the

telecommunications giant created a video to help women, and girls take on technology.

The video was created in order to demonstrate how the use of

Vote registration period extended THE voter registration period has been extended to June 29th across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

According to the Elections Office and the Ministry of Border Control and Labour, the extension will allow adequate time for persons have their Belonger status verified and register to vote.

Persons wishing to register may attend the Registration centres throughout the islands at the following times: • Providenciales at the Town

Centre Mall – Monday to Friday from 9:00am. to 5:00pm; • Grand Turk at the Elections Office – Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm; • North Caicos and South Caicos – District Commissioner’s Office every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am. to 4:00 pm; and • Salt Cay and Middle Caicos – District Commissioner’s Office every Wednesday 9:00am to 4:00pm.

technology has helped women and girls here in the TCI. Several prominent women from different fields shared with viewers how technology has indeed helped them out a lot not only in the office but also in their homes.

Education Officer Tamera Robinson stated in the video that the use of technology is essential especially for grade six students that want to complete extra studying online.

Network and System Administrator of the Sands, Mrs. Lavern Bassett- Forbes said she went from learning how to sending a simple email to one friend to sharing various files among a group of people all at once.

Another leading lady, Marketing Manager of Lime, Ms Rachel Harvey said, “Technology has truly made things a lot easier.”

She noted that Lime helps young girls especially those in grade six by sponsoring ‘ Go GSAT’ an online study program to use for their own

Several prominent women from different fields shared with viewers how technology has indeed helped them out a lot not only in the office but also in their homes.

advancement.

The main purpose of WTD is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the internet and other information and communication technologies can bring to society and economies along with the ways to bridge the digital

divide.

This event has been annually celebrated since 1969 across the globe.

The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘Women and girls in information and communication technologies’.

autism awareness

By Nicole Cox, a mother living with autism

May Flowers Part 2

Digicel, IBG and ECPS take a quick photo break from the cleanup.

Five Keys gets cleanup Five Cays is shining a little brighter thanks to Digicel, International Banking Group (IBG) and the Enid Capron Primary School who teamed up on two Saturdays ago, May 5th, to give the community an extra shine shortly after Earth Day. The cleanup campaign attracted participation from over 90 persons from the three organizations who came out to volunteer their time and clean trash from along the roadsides in Five Cays.

The partnership between the three organizations came about after Digicel announced its Go Green campaign to become the eco-friendly telecommunications GREEN leader in the Turks & Caicos market.

IBG who are pursing similar initiatives contacted Digicel to forge a partnership in its Go Green efforts.

The Enid Capron Primary naturally joined the cause since the Five Cays community was the selected area for the cleanup campaign.

IBG General Manager, Kenny Bovell, said, “International Banking

Group’s decision to partner with Digicel in this event is a result of our awareness of the needs within our community…we are pleased that we can continually make a difference in our community and especially one that deals with environmental awareness. It is our hope that this event will become an annual event and that this will encourage the entire community to become more environmentally conscious.”

As a result of the volunteers’ hard work and dedication to the cause, some 250 bags of garbage were collected, including bottles and cans which were separated into recycle and non-recycle materials by the students.

Trina Adams, Marketing Specialist for Digicel, stated that the cleanup campaign was indeed a success and it was especially great to see so many students from Enid Capron Primary take part in the cleanup. Adams further stated that she thought the students learnt the importance of keeping their community clean and volunteering

their time for a good cause.

Additionally, Mrs. Rachel Taylor, Principal of the Enid Capron Primary stated that she is always enthused when it comes to community initiatives especially in the area of helping to maintain a cleaner community.

She added that the support of the students is always encouraging as this creates an opportunity not only for the students to give back to the community but to allow them to model the behaviours, which will remain with them as they learn to keep their environment clean, green and pristine.

According to her, the introduction of the Recycling Programme at the school works hand in hand with the numerous Cleanup Campaigns creating a greater awareness of cleanliness.

The organizations hope to continue their partnership going forward and look forward to partnering with other organizations in the TCI which are attempting to go green.

WITH April showers are over, let us look at some May flowers in bloom!

Starting with what is in bloom with the Cox family. So, I think most of us would agree that this is the age of the Social Network! Everywhere we look, there is a new method to connect with others by cyberspace.

It is now as simple as a click of a button to get your name, face and message across to thousands of people worldwide.

How awesome is that?

Well, I would consider it a grave social faux pas on my part if I did not somehow contribute to the madness that is our millennial signature.

I mean, Heaven forbid that I leave no evidence for my children to look back on and cry, “Mom! You posted THAT picture?” What kind of parent would I be if I did not ensure their adolescent embarrassment by streaming their early childhood moments in living color for the world to critique?

So, as much as I pride myself as a purist and disdain the coldness of the cyber world, I sold out, dove in headfirst and created….a blog! (Cue dramatic music: Duh, duh, duh!) Time for the shameless plug: http:// dawnprogram.blogspot.com Now, understand that my blog is one of MANY blogs you can find on autism and understand that blogs by nature are very subjective. They are meant to chronicle the events, emotions and personal thoughts of those who choose to author them. That being said, my blog is a bit of that and a bit of information as well.

More accurately, how the information that I get concerning Josiah and his autism translates into everyday life. What does it look like?

How is the whole family involved or affected? Where are the mountain tops and the valleys?

I try to write from as positive a point of view. Not because it is politically correct and not to sell the public on the glories of ABA! But, because that is the view point our family chooses to take on autism.

We realize it is here and it does no good to hide from it or mourn over it. Therefore, we incorporate the implied concepts of autism into our everyday lives and try our best not to let it define us. We define it. We decide where it will and won’t matter. We decide what it will and won’t let us do. We decide to love because of it or in spite of it. We decide to allow it to help us grow, not hinder our growth.

I cannot promise a new entry every week, but I can promise that every entry is look inside the window of our hearts. It is a peek into our reality. It is a snapshot of the everyday; the beautifully mundane and the profoundly extraordinary!

It is just life.

For more on autism visit: http://iloveaba.blogspot.com and http:// dawnprogram.blogspot.com

May 19 - 25, 2012

NEWS 19

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

this week

Friday, May 4 to Sunday, May 13 Friday, May 18

 Mums and Tots Dance Party classes are held every Saturday at Graceway Sports Centre for mothers and their little ones.

Mothers, bring your little ones to dance, jump, twist and shake! Children have fun learning movement basics to fun music and mums get a light exercise while spending quality time. Mums and Tots classes begin at 10am and cost just $10. Dads are welcome!

Call Shara Bowen on 244-1103 for more details.

Group shot of clean up participants

Youth centre hosts clean up The Edward Garland Youth Centre hosted a community clean up along their street in order to give back to their community and show appreciation on Thursday.

Programme director of the youth centre, Ms. Charrish Ferguson, “The clean up was created to give back to the community and also give the kids a hands-on learning experience

of what it is to volunteer.”

She confirmed that although this is the centre’s first clean up she hopes the kids have at least three to look forward to each year.

Ferguson said there are various programmes held at the centre such as home work assistance, zumba fitness, tennis, basketball, girls and guys club, cultural dance and

computer programs.

In addition, there are also newly added activities each month.

The youth centre has approximately one thousand kids registered and caters to roughly 50 members on some evenings. The age group ranges from 12 to 18 and their services are available from Monday to Saturday. (KAYLA HIGGS)

CIBC named strongest bank in North America, and third in the world CIBC FirstCaribbean has been named as the strongest bank in North America and the third strongest bank in the world by Bloomberg Markets magazine.

This is the second year the bank has been recognized among the world’s strongest banks. Bloomberg’s global study is based on banks with more than $100-billion (U.S.) worth of assets.

“This award recognizes CIBC’s success in delivering on our strategic imperative of value creation for stakeholders by delivering consistent and sustainable earnings over the long term, while achieving strategic growth,” said Gerry McCaughey, President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Bloomberg Markets assessment studied the risk factors

and capital levels of the world’s largest banks. It examined the quality of the banks’ holdings and ranked them based on five key criteria: Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets; non-performing assets to total assets; loan-loss reserves to non-performing assets; stability, measured in terms of the ratio of deposits to funding; and efficiency (costs to revenue).

“In 2011, CIBC reported net income of $3.1 billion, an increase of more than 25 per cent year over year,” added Mr. McCaughey. “Our return on equity was 21.3 per cent, the highest among the Canadian banks and, our capital position remains among the best of any bank globally with a Tier 1 capital ratio of 14.7 per cent.”

Bloomberg is a global business and financial information service that

provides data, news and analytics to organizations globally.

In addition to the Bloomberg recognition, CIBC has been recognized as: • Best in Mobile Banking globally

by Global Finance magazine; • Deal of the Year Award for its equity investment in American Century at the recent Mutual Fund Industry Awards held in New York; • One of Canada’s Best Workplaces by the Great Place to Work Institute; • One of Canada’s 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures by Waterstone Human Capital; and • One of Canada's Best Diversity Employers and a Best Employer for New Canadians as ranked by Mediacorp Canada Inc.

Small decrease in tourist arrivals Tourist arrivals to the TCI for the first quarter recorded a small decrease, but the tourism officials are working feverishly to reverse this trend and return to positive growth for the remainder of the year.

Statistics released from the Tourist Board shows an overall decrease of 0.43 per cent occurred in arrivals including both land and cruise arrivals. For land base arrivals the months of January and February still showed significant strength with 9 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively.

However, March indicated a sharp decline by some 13 per cent with some 35,920 vistors, compared

to last March when the destination 41,206 land based visitors.

The cruise arrivals showed an increase of 0.34 per cent with 96 calls to port totally some 225, 485 arrivals when compared to the previous year.

Arrivals for the month of January and March were up by 5 per cent and 4 per cent respectively while the cruise arrivals for the month of February showed a decline by 8 per cent.

Director of Tourism, Ralph Higgs, reviewing these new numbers said, “The islands remain a great place for travelers, second home owners and persons looking to invest and this small (below 1 per cent)

decrease in arrival numbers should not dishearten anyone, but in fact urge all of us to push to move the destination more into the hearts and minds of those out there who wish to travel.”

Higgs added that the Turks and Caicos Island offers something special to every traveler and fortunately, can cater to the business traveler, the eco tourist, the allinclusive traveler, etc.

He said, “What is important is that we and all stakeholders continue to do the good work of marketing this destination so that we could maximum returns.”

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”

Thursday, May 24  Rasta Thomas’ BAD BOYS OF DANCE have come to TCI and will be performing at Brayton Hall. Show starts at 7:00pm  The Methodist Church will be hosting a basketball game between the men and youth of the church at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Centre.

Start time 7:15pm, there will be a 3-point shoot out; free throw shoot out and a dunk competition with the young people.  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 air-conditioned comfort.

Happy Hour specials from 4-7pm Monday-Saturday  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 442-6349.

 ‘Keeping the Vibes Alive’ is the theme for this year’s South Caicos Regatta.

Enjoy four days of fun from Thursday at 7:30pm through Sunday at 8:00pm.  Potcake Place Movie Night Fundraiser.

Enjoy the world Premier of Men In Black III at TCI Cinema. Doors open for cocktails at 7pm and the movie starts at 8pm.

Tickets are $25 and include 1 free wine/beer. There will be a cash bar.

For tickest please contact Cecilia Holden cholden@express.tc / 232 5100 or Trish Selvertrish@express.tc / 431 2483

 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 9468666 for details

 Weekly Foreign a Fare night every Thursday at the Bohio Dive Resort (Grand Turk) from 6:30 p.m. Each week different dishes from a different region in the world.

Previous nights have included Italian, Spanish, English, Indian, Chinese, Moroccan, South African and Thai.

For details, call 946-2135 or go to www.bohioresort.com946-2135

Saturday, May 19

Friday, May 25

 A second night to enjoy Rasta Thomas’ BAD BOYS OF DANCE. Show starts at 7:00pm at Brayton Hall.

 Youth Prayer conference 2012 – first service at Maranatha High School Auditorium at 7:30pm.

Saturday, May 26

 The Weekly Community and Farmers’ Market organized by TCI Red Cross is on at the organization’s headquarters, opposite Lime on the Leeward Highway in Providenciales, from 10am to 2pm.

Persons will be able to purchase freshly grown produce and locally sourced items.

For more information on the Weekly Community and Farmers’ Market call (649) 247-8911. With regard to the TCI Red Cross’ services or how you can volunteer or donate, contact our Provo office on (649) 941-8056 or email redcrossprovo@tciway.tc OR for Grand Turk call (649) 946-2761 or Email:tciredcross@tciway.tc  If you’re looking for a serene and relaxed way of starting your weekend, bring your yoga mat at Graceway

 Youth Prayer Conference 2012 – continues with Saturday morning service at Blue Hill Adventist Church at 9:15am.

Continues with afternoon service and social at Maranatha High School Auditorium at 5:30pm.  TCSPCA Dog Show 2012 Food & Drinks, Grand Raffle, Kids Game, as well as Arts & Crafts More detail at Tel. 231-3052/9418846 or www.tcspca.tc

Sunday, May 26  Youth Prayer conference 2012 – final service at Blue Hill Adventist Church at 7:30pm.

Come and be blessed!

Got an event you wish to advertise?

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

20

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

‘Buy Bahamas’ as minister plans to cut food imports BUY Bahamas will be the mantra of a minister who says he wants to cut the amount of food being imported.

Alfred Gray, newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Local Government, said he will be seeking to reduce how much food is being imported by up to 30 per cent in his first term in office.

Mr Gray told The Tribune before his first Cabinet meeting yesterday that with agricultural industries basically nonexistent in the Bahamas, food security was a top priority for his ministry.

He said: “As you know the Bahamas imports more than 90 per cent of what we eat. To the extent that we are able I am hoping we can reduce that to 60 to 70 per cent.”

Farms in the Family Islands are being hit because most of the food consumed, including chicken, is imported, said Mr Gray.

“We have a chicken farm in Abaco that is dying because of the importation of chicken,” he said. “To the extent to which I am allowed to either eliminate the importation or

The new government in the Bahamas looks to focus more on producing more local products.

perhaps drastically reduce it, I am prepared to do that in the shortest amount of time.”

To encourage large scale farming, Mr Gray said he would be looking into providing financial grants to farmers.

He said the ministry would also be exploring the possibility of fish farming in the Bahamas.

“There is some interest which has

already been expressed from foreign and local sources,” said Mr Gray. “If we could grow, say Talapia, we may be able to grow sufficient amounts locally that we won’t have to import it.”

As Minister of Local Government in charge of Family Island affairs, Mr Gray plans to meet with island administrators this week to ‘chart the way forward for the development of the out islands.’

May 19 – 25, 2012

Precious metals worth potentially $20billion found in Haiti DISASTER-ravaged Haiti may finally have found the crock of gold at the end of the rainbow – and it has been there all along, buried right beneath the beleaguered people’s feet.

A treasure trove of gold, silver and copper is hidden in the country’s hills, and the discovery may turn out to be as good as gold at relieving centuries of povertyrelated ills.

Exploratory drilling conducted in the past year has found precious metals worth potentially US$20 billion deep below the ridges in the country’s northeastern mountains.

A mining company is now drilling around the clock to determine how to extract them.

Workers are poised to start mining the other side of this seam in neighbouring Dominican Republic later this year in one of the world’s largest gold deposits: 23 million ounces worth about US$40billion.

The Haitian government’s annual budget is US$1 billion, more than half provided by foreign assistance. The largest single source of foreign investment, US$2 billion, came from Haitians working abroad last year.

Locally produced mining wealth could pay for roads, schools, clean water and sewage systems for the nation’s ten million people, most of whom live on as little as US$1.25 a day.

“If the mining companies are honest and if Haiti has a good government, then here is a way for this country to move forward,” said Bureau of Mines Director Dieuseul Anglade.

In a parking lot outside Anglade’s office, more than 100 families have been living in tents since the earthquake. “The gold in the mountains belongs to the people of Haiti,” he said, “and they need it.”

Until now, few Haitians have known about this buried treasure.

Mining camps are unmarked, and the work is being done miles up dirt roads near remote villages, on the opposite side of the country from the capital.

But U.S. and Canadian investors have spent more than US$30 million in recent years on everything from exploratory drilling to camps for workers, new roads, offices and laboratory studies of samples.

Actual mining could be under way in five years. (Caribbean 360)

May 19 – 25, 2012

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

21

Obama’s gay marriage endorsement makes waves in the Caribbean IT IS a widely recognised cliché that when the United States sneezes, the Caribbean catches cold.

So it was not unexpected that public debate has followed President Barack Obama’s recently declared support for same-sex marriage in a region where homosexuality is outlawed and punishable in some countries by up to 25 years in prison.

From Trinidad and Tobago in the south to Jamaica up north, religious leaders and government, political and social commentators have not shied away from jumping into the debate.

Even the British Labour Party spokeswoman on public health, Diane Abbott, in a newspaper column published in a leading Jamaican newspaper over the weekend, noted that while Jamaica “is entitled to its own laws and customs...in the 21st century, outright hostility to gay equality is going to be ever more difficult to maintain”.

Jamaica, which Human Rights Watch has described as “the most homophobic place on earth”, has had a long history of intolerance towards gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgendered people.

During the campaign for last December’s general election, candidate Portia Simpson Miller (now prime minister) suggested

that “the buggery laws should be reviewed”, but commentators have noted that no other politician has been brave enough to even entertain a dispassionate discussion on the subject, “let alone to speak on comprehensive citizens’ rights and freedoms”.

A few years ago, then prime minister Bruce Golding said he was making “no apology in saying decisively and emphatically that the government of Jamaica remains irrevocably opposed to the recognition, legitimisation or acceptance of same-sex marriages or same-sex unions”.

Golding, who was at the time debating an amendment to the constitution that laid out the scope of rights and freedoms for Jamaicans, said he would not accept “that homosexuality must be accepted as a legitimate form of behaviour or the equivalent of marriage”.

In its 2009 human rights report on Jamaica, the U.S. Department of State noted that gay men were hesitant to report incidents of abuse to the authorities for fear of reprisal.

Lesbians were often subject to sexual assault as well as other physical attacks.

Last year, the Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals and Gays (JFLAG) said that the United

Nations Human Rights Committee had requested Jamaica to take specific actions to protect and promote the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Jamaicans and to report on the steps taken by this year.

“The committee has requested that the Government take steps to amend the buggery law and provide protection for LGBT persons and human- rights defenders.

Specifically, they recommended that the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms be reviewed to prohibit discrimination on the grounds of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity, and provide an update in one year,” JFLAG said in a statement.

The archbishop of Kingston, Donald Reece, and the bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, Reverend Howard Gregory, say that Obama’s position would have been more widely accepted had he endorsed civil unions as opposed to marriage.

“It’s not a matter of marriage as contrary to the Judeo-Christian tradition, but it’s a matter of a civil arrangement whereby persons with shared property when they die, then the other one would get the benefit,” said Bishop Reece.

Reverend Gregory said that while

Obama’s statement might have been applauded by gay rights groups, the U.S. president could only speak as a world leader and did not have any moral or religious authority to speak for the church.

“As far as his pronouncement goes with regards to equating samesex gender with marriage, that is off the table for me and certainly for most Christians because that is an untenable position,” he said.

The Trinidad and Tobago government says it has not yet adopted a position on the issue and according to the country’s Foreign Affairs Minister Suruj Rambachan, who spoke to reporters after a Cabinet meeting, “it is a matter being discussed by the government at the moment and I’m sure that sooner or later you will be provided by a policy decision on such matters”.

But the Coalition Advocating for Inclusion of Sexual Orientation (CAISO), which has been fighting an uphill battle to get the authorities to recognise the gay and lesbian community under the Equal Opportunity Act, welcomed Obama’s statement.

“I applaud President Obama for what he said because he framed it in a context of equality and what’s fascinating to me even

though marriage is not on CAISO’s advocacy agenda, it appears that the leaders in our hemisphere and especially Jamaican prime minister, Portia Simpson- Miller, are taking locally appropriate leadership steps on equality and citizenship and for gay and lesbian people,” said CAISO’s executive director Colin Robinson.

“We are hoping that our prime minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, takes locally appropriate steps as well,” he added.

Religious officials in Barbados have publicly opposed Obama’s position, with the Baptist minister Rev. Vincent Wood saying he was “totally shocked and surprised” and some commentators noting that since 1866 the law has defined marriage as “the voluntary union for life of one man and one woman to the exclusion of all others”.

But the political consultant and director of the Caribbean Development Research Services (CADRES), Peter Wickham, said that over the years Barbadians have been led by clerics, including Wood, to believe that the church owns the institution of marriage, “which is a proposition that will find no comfort within the four corners of our Constitution nor the realms of common sense.

22 NEWS

May 19 - 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Washanda Registre cops Top Model spot

By Kayla Higgs

A breathtaking collection

by Jerrit Jamall

Davia Chambers struts her stuff

Ashley Smith, TCI top model 2011

An explosion of colours painted the Williams Auditorium last Saturday night as nine contestants strutted their stuff, as they competed to be the next TCI top model.

The colourful carnival themed event saw talent, beauty and fashion thrown together, transforming the stage into an upbeat New York City fashion show setting with a professional 60 feet runway, which accommodated the walks of the nine beautiful contestants.

The room was filled with on lookers peering up and down the runway at each amazing contestant.

By the end of the night, the Turks and Caicos Islands Top Model (TCITM) contest had once again changed the life of yet another young beauty here on Provo.

Sixteen-year-old Washanda Registre not only took home the title of this years’ Top Model, but also the awards for best personality, best body, fashion forward look and industry readiness.

“I am very excited and proud to say my hard work paid off,” said Registre.

She described her journey for the last several weeks as a tiresome one during which she tried her best to improve every flaw she encountered along the way.

Registre was awarded prizes which values over $12,000.00.

The TCI Top Model Contest & Fashion Extravaganza was created with the concept of cultivating a fashion and creative industry for young girls around the TCI. It is a platform and opportunity for young aspiring models residing in the TCI to not only show case their talent but also to groom them and work on their imperfections so that their modelling strategies will eventually become stronger.

The young women attended numerous work shops were they learnt several tips which focused on: life in the media, shaping well rounded individuals, developing self, being a brand ambassador, health and fitness, perception vs. reality and how to become a spokes model.

A panel of five judges took on the task of determining this year’s winner.

When executive producer of the event Mr. Courtney Robinson asked the crowd “who do you think is the winner” everyone guessed right Washanda was indeed the crowd’s favourite.

Vielka Salvador, second runner up of TCITM told Weekly News that the various work shops helped build a source of comfort which

TCI’s 2012 top model Washanda Registre

A section of the crowd and the event’s judges

allowed her to break out of her shell of shyness.

Another contestant, Vernessa Forbes, contestant of TCITM 2012 said, “Without your lows how can you feel your highs, there has to be a balance that is why I will keep on going and never loose focus.”

Show stopping local fashion designers Kazz Forbes and Jermell Willams each made a collection which featured in the show.

Williams’ collection ‘Fashic Godness’ was an all white collection which included both long and short designs worn by local models that wooed the crowd with their elegant performance.

The high end clothing label St. George Fashion House’s ‘Island Breeze: A La Mer’

by Kazz Forbes amazed the crowd with an all black line.

Forbes’ line consisted of no two dresses that were the same, each was unique and served as eye candy for the highly enthused crowd.

An added attraction was the appearance of entertainers from across the country, who gave master performances that blew the crowd away.

The artistes included Ryesha Higgs, Mike Dizzo and Co, Ruben Altidor and Leeward Heights TCI’s first top model (TCITM) Davia Chambers and 2011’s winner’s Trenisha Smith made special appearances by modelling in both of the designers collection.

Davia Chambers told weekly news that this year’s competition was indeed very tight. She was happy to know that the person that won also received an award for best personality and she is excited about next year’s show.

The large enthused crowd all cheered as the winner of the event was about to be announced.

The consensus from TCITM’s patrons was that the show was well put together and the event was entertaining.

May 19 - 25, 2012

23

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Brown

Pelican T

he Brown Pelican is a large bird that lives along the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico in North and South America.

It has a long, straight bill with an enormous pouch attached to it. This pouch holds three times as much as its stomach can. The pelican uses the pouch to catch fish, feed its young, and cool itself (the pouch is full of blood vessels, which lose heat near the surface of the skin).

Brown Pelicans are large. They are about 4 feet (1.2 m) long, weigh around (3-5 kg) and have a 6 ½ to 7 ½ feet (2 to 2.3 m) wingspan.

These birds are mostly dark brown with white to pale yellow necks and black feet and legs. Their legs are short and all four toes are webbed.

Although it is a large bird, the Brown Pelican is the smallest of the eight species of pelicans.

These birds are carnivores (meat-eaters)

and hunt during the day (they are diurnal).

They eat mostly fish and some amphibians and crustaceans.

Brown Pelicans cash fish by diving from above and scooping or dipping the fish into their pouch, which acts as a flexible net. After capturing the fish they rise to the surface and drain the water from their pouch. They then point their bill upward and swallow their catch whole.

The birds build platform-like nests made of sticks, reeds, bones, and seaweed in low trees.

On islands without predators, they often build on the ground. The females usually lay two or three eggs in March or April. After incubation of 28 to 30 days, both parents care for their chicks.

Fast Facts  zz It is the national bird of The Turks and Caicos Islands. zz It is also the national bird of Barbados and is found on the crest of the University of West Indies. zz Their most distinguishing feature is their long beak with a hooked tip. zz They like to glide low over water’s surface. zz They are often found in mangroves.

This page comes to you with the compliments of.....

It’s always “a world of fun” for kids and the young at heart 18 hole Mini Golf Course, Grand Prix “Go Cart” Race Track and Video Game Arcade.

Longbay Road, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands.

Tel: 649-941-4653 Fax: 649-941-4759

24 fun zone

May 19 - 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Try to find all of the hidden bird names in the word puzzle below. Remember, words can be diagonal, vertical, horizontal, frontward or backwards.

Help Quackers the duck find his way through the maze to migrate south for the winter!

Bald Eagle Blue Jay Bird of Paradise Cockatoo Condor

Flamingo Hawk Heron Hummingbird Kookaburra

Mockingbird Owl Ostrich Parrot Pelican

Across 4. One of the fastest birds 7. Birds build these in trees, or on cliffs or on the ground 8. Grow in the wings and the tail 9. Birds bear their young in these 10. Fastest running bird but cannot fly Down 1. This bird’s heart beat 1000 times per minute 2. Grow close to the skin to keep birds from getting too cold or too hot.

3. Scientific study of birds 5. Longest living birds- up to 60 years 6. Periodic passage of birds from one region to another

Colour

Answers Across: 4. Peregrine Falcon, 7. Nests, 8. Flight feathers, 9. Hard shelled eggs, 10. Ostrich Down: 1. Hummingbird, 2. Down feathers, 3. Ornithology, 5.

Albatross, 6. Migration

m e!

Pigeon Seagull Swan Stork Toucan

1. Ornithology is the study of birds.

2. A scientist who studies birds is called an ornithologist.

3. All birds lay eggs to incubate their young.

This page comes to you with the compliments of

Unicorn Bookstore

For the largest selection of books, educational items, toys, magazines, gifts and games on island Visit the Unicorn Bookstore at the main IGA

We stock all the current bestsellers including the Hunger games series

May 19 - 25, 2012

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Reproduction 5. Move to and fro 10. At right angles to a ships length 11. Potpourri 12. Coffin stand 13. Strike hard 14. Stand 16. Consumes 17. Long period of time 20. Goad for driving cattle 23. Scottish Gaelic 25. Dolt 28. Venomous snake 29. Fly 30. Large wading bird 31. Hidden 32. Animal organ 33. Place Down 1. Cabdriver 2. Off-Broadway theater award 3. Annoy

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

4. Lively 6.Females 7. Hip bones 8. Full of nits 9. Departs 15.Meadow 18. Eccentric 19. Small Antelope 20. Farm birds 21. Lifeless 22. Thick sweet liquid 23. Wicked 24. Petty criminal 26. Employs 27. Created Last week's word search solution

fun zone 25

26 fun zone

May 19 - 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Weekly Horoscope Aries (March 21 - April 19) As you’re swiftly becoming aware, the actual foundation on which your current plans are based, is shifting. These changes are being triggered by the eclipses on this Sunday and on June 4, and are encouraging a vital review of your priorities.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) You may have hoped that if you ignored certain problems, others would too, and they’d vanish. But things are far too complicated to take a chance on that. The sooner you discuss these, the more swiftly you’ll be able to sort them out.

Gemini (May 21- June 20) The more willing you are to say farewell to elements of the past, the more swiftly you’ll spot promising, if often unexpected, developments in several areas of your life.

True, some are not unexpected, but others will be as surprising as they are welcome.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22) The current pair of eclipses, this Sunday and on June 4, will speed up necessary changes in certain existing arrangements. Begin now and by early June you’ll be amazed how much you have managed to accomplish.

Leo (July 23 - August 22) Sudden developments are introducing badly needed changes. If others want to discuss plans, do so. But what’s most important are the facts that surface when you’re actually making those changes.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22) Even you at your most precise couldn’t possibly anticipate the sudden changes triggered by eclipses on Sunday and on June 4. Knowing that, keep things flexible so that you can make adjustments later on.

Sudoku Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.

Libra (September 23- October 22) With two eclipses, on Sunday and on June 4, shaking things up, it isn’t realistic to resolve tricky arrangements. So take things slowly, since changes in circumstances require a rethink. For now, explore your options. Decisions can wait.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) If you’re struggling to keep certain elements of the past going, you might want to consider whether the result justifies the battle. True, once these mattered a great deal to you. But now it’s more about sentiment or, perhaps, imposing your will.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) You’ve just begun one of the year’s most exciting cycles. It starts with certain unworkable arrangements being altered.

However, these are preparations for the breakthroughs triggered by June 4 eclipse. After that, life will be different.

Capricorn (December 21 - January 19) At the moment, disagreements could reveal unacknowledged issues and much needed changes. For now, invest time in investigation. However urgent changes seem, lasting decisions will require both thought and serious discussion.

Last week's solution

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) For ages you’ve felt there was something amiss and now events confirm those instincts. But you’ll find you can discuss issues frankly and having these matters out of the way more than justifies the effort.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20) The current pair of eclipses are shaking up elements of your world. While this is disruptive, it is most necessary. Knowing that, review those changes with the individuals involved.

It’ll help clear up confusion.

This page comes to you with the compliments of.....

Courtyard Plaza, Leeward Hwy, Providenciales, TCI. Phone: 649-946-8227

May 19 – 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

27

Lifestyle...

28

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 19 – 25, 2012

Mind, Body & Soul 

Drug addiction & treatment Carrot Cake

A very dense, moist carrot cake, full of fruit. In a taste test against a more traditional butter-based carrot cake, this particular recipe is sinfully delicious!

Ingredients • 3 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup white sugar • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • 2 teaspoons baking soda • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger • 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, drained and juice reserved • 1 cup brown sugar • 1 (8 ounce) carton egg substitute (such as Egg Beaters®) • 2/3 cup vegetable oil • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract • 2 cups shredded carrots • 1 cup shredded zucchini • 1 cup raisins • 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Grease a fluted tube pan (such as Bundt®).

3. Combine flour, white sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ginger in a large bowl.

4. Whisk drained pineapple, brown sugar, egg substitute, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together in a separate bowl until smooth.

5. Stir pineapple mixture, carrots, zucchini, and raisins into flour mixture just until flour is moistened.

6. Pour batter into the prepared pan.

7. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean, 55 to 65 minutes.

8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes; remove cake from pan and cool completely on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.

9. Whisk reserved pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon at a time, with confectioners’ sugar until a spreadable glaze forms. Drizzle over cooled cake.

(Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 337 | Total Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 1mg)

Thinking that you will not get hooked on drugs? Think again, the tendency to develop strong, longlasting habits is built into everyone.

Each drug and habitual behaviour has its own specific effects on people. Some people are more likely to develop certain addictions because of genetic factors. People sometimes switch addictions. Environments are important. Among all people who use a drug that is potentially addictive, there will be many different patterns of use. Problems related to drug use may start quickly or they may develop over time. Often family members and non-using friends can detect drug problems long before the person who is using drugs can.

Addictions depend on multiple factors. To begin with, addictions depend on the specific drug or behaviour involved. The psychology, biology, and genetic background of the individual are significant factors. When looking at addictions, one must look at not only at the past experience of the individual; but also at the current situation of the individual. A large number of environmental influences including various stresses, availability of drugs, and the social acceptability of drug use or drug abuse play a role in addictions.

In 2004, approximately 22.5 million Americans aged 12 or older needed treatment for substance (alcohol or illicit drug) abuse and

Joanne Gobeil

Registered Psychologist

addiction. Of these, only 3.8 million people received it. The ultimate goal of drug addiction treatment is to enable an individual to achieve lasting abstinence. On the other hand, the immediate goals of drug addiction treatment are to reduce drug abuse, improve the patient’s ability to function, and minimize the medical and social complications of drug abuse and addiction. People in treatment for drug addiction need to change their behaviour and adopt more healthy lifestyles.

What is the basis for effective treatment?

Scientific research since the mid-1970s shows that treatment can help many people change destructive behaviours and avoid relapse. Recovery from drug addiction is a long-term process and frequently requires multiple episodes of treatment. Based on this research, key principles have been identified that should form the basis of any effective treatment program.

First of all, no single drug treatment is appropriate for all individuals. It is important that the treatment is readily available. An effective treatment program meets the multiple needs

of the individual. An individual’s treatment and services plan must be assessed often and modified to meet the person’s changing needs. Being in treatment for an adequate period of time is critical for effectiveness.

Counselling and other behavioural therapies are critical components of virtually all effective treatments for addiction.

For certain types of disorders, medications are also an important element of treatment, especially when combined with counselling and other behavioural therapies. Addicted or drug-abusing individuals with coexisting mental disorders should have both disorders treated in an integrated way. Medical management of withdrawal symptoms is just the first stage of addiction treatment and by itself does little to change longterm drug use.

In regards to court mandated treatment, it is crucial to remember

that drug treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective, mandated treatment has proved beneficial. Regardless of whether treatment is voluntary or mandated, possible drug use during treatment must be monitored continuously.

Additionally, treatment programs should provide assessment for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases. Treatment should also provide counselling to help patients modify or change behaviours that place themselves or others at risk of infection. As is the case with other chronic, relapsing diseases, recovery from drug addiction can be a longterm process and typically requires multiple episodes of treatment, including booster sessions and other forms of continuing care If you believe that someone you know is addicted to drugs contact Joanne at (649) 432-6956.

least one carrot per day could cut the rate of lung cancer in half.

It is also effective in promoting good vision, especially night vision.

Beta-carotene provides protection against macular degeneration, and the development of senile cataracts - which is the leading causes of

blindness in elderly.

In closing as always I say thanks to God for his grace towards me.

And as usual, I leave you with words of wisdom from Thomas Jefferson who once said, “Information is the currency of democracy.”

health Tip 

A look at carrots This week lets turn our attention towards history and see what it has to say concerning the ‘Carrots’, and then read about some of its health benefits.

It says that carrots were wellknown to 16th century botanists and writers, who described red and purple varieties in France, and yellow and red in England. Many doctors prescribing carrots for medicinal purposes.

The most popular all today has been the ‘Carrot that is orange in colour’.

One of the most commonly consumed vegetables, carrots provide the highest amount of Provitamin A Carotenes. Carrots also offers an excellent source of fiber, Vitamin K, and biotin, they are

By Phillip Simmons a good source of Vitamins B6 and C, potassium, and thiamine.

It also contains a large amount of antioxidant compounds which helps to protect against cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The high intake of carotene has been linked with a 20 percent decrease in postmenopausal breast cancer, and up to 50% decrease in cancers of the cervix, bladder, colon, prostate, larynx, and esophagus. Extensive studies have shown that a diet that includes at

May 19 – 25, 2012

Lifestyle...

GARDENING 

29

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.

A closer look at the Frangipani Plumeria is the classic Hawaiian leis tree. Its flowers are the ones used to form the colorful, tropical flower necklaces (lei).

Native to Tropical America, from southern Mexico, northern South America and the West Indies, Plumeria is rated a small tree, to about 15-25 feet and is seen in a variety of solid colors. There are more than 300 named varieties of Plumeria.

The flowers are about 2 inches long, arranged in 5 petals, and are waxy and fragrant. It blooms in spring and through all the summer months The tree itself is multi-branched and holds thick foliage. The young tree has green wood on the trunk and branches which become more gray as it matures. Plumeria is related to Oleander, Periwinkle and Allamanda Plumeria has many common names throughout the tropical world including: Dead Man’s Finger (Australia), Jasmine de Cayenne (Brazil), Pagoda Tree or Temple Tree (India), Egg Flower (southern China), Amapola (Venezuela) Plumeria-Frangipani is deciduous losing all its leaves in winter. It can look awful without its leaves. If you feel your Plumeria requires pruning you should wait until the dormant period is well along then cut for shape. Water should be at minimum during all dormant months This tree prefers full sun or shifting shade and hot weather during blooming months. Not too fussy for soil conditions, Plumeria can grow fairly close to the beach, but without full wind. Enriched soil is preferred and good drainage should be provided The classic Plumeria is the rubra.

Rubra can be found with flowers in

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

various tones of red. Other available varieties include: Plumeria alba (white), Plumeria obtusa (white with yellow center), Plumeria obtusa ‘Singapore’, Plumeria ‘Nosegay Frangipani’ ,Plumeria rubra ‘Tricolor’.

The hot Plumeria is the Plumeria pudica (Bridal bouquet) with pure white flowers. Plumeria pudica blooms as many as 9-10 months a year and has only partial leaf drop during winter. Foliage is unique as well, New are the dwarf Plumerias. The best one we have seen was planted in an 18-inch terra cotta bowl set on a pedestal. Because of the plant’s full leaf habit and many stems, it looked somewhat like a bonsai plant. In the spring and summer, it blooms like

the standard Plumeria. With blooms at eye level, the dwarf was a real show stopper The Turks and Caicos native Frangipani is a Plumeria obtuse and is common throughout the Islands.

It grows on rocky areas and doesn’t seem to mind salty areas.

Plumeria species may be easily propagated from cuttings of leafless stem tips in spring. Cuttings are allowed to dry at the base before planting in well drained soil.

Cuttings are particularly susceptible to rot in moist soil. Propagation can also be by tissue culture from cuttings of freshly elongated stems or aseptically germinated seed. Pruning is best accomplished in the winter for deciduous varieties, or when cuttings are desired.

Employee health I recently watched an episode of Undercover Boss where the CEO of a fast food chain implemented a worksite wellness program for his employees.

As ironic as that might be, this CEO is not alone; more and more organizations are investing in their employees’ overall health by beginning worksite wellness programs. As a matter of fact, the United States is recognizing May as Employee Health & Fitness Month.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2000, obesity-related health care costs totaled an estimated $117 billion!

As a result of this high prevalence in obesity related illnesses and the increased associated costs, employers find it necessary to invest in nutrition and fitness programs that can help their employees stay healthy.

According to Dr. John Travis, “Wellness is an ongoing lifestyle, which requires taking responsibility and making healthy choices, promoting individual well-being through a balance in all aspects of life.” I n essence, wellness encompasses the total man—mental, social, physical, spiritual and environmental. Most worksite wellness programmes are comprised of a nutrition and fitness component where a healthcare provider comes in to provide educational sessions to the employees. The sessions are usually tailored to the specific needs of the organization’s employees and can be as detailed as the employer likes.

In the workplace, obesity affects costs associated with absenteeism, sick leave, disability and injuries. So, there are many benefits to a company taking part in a wellness program: (1) increased staff morale which leads to higher retention of staff (2) decreased absenteeism/ sick days and (3) increased productivity because your staff knows you care about their well beings.

Nutrition education is part of preventative medicine so once your employees have the knowledge and the confidence to change their dietary habits, they will begin to see decreases in blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels, blood pressure readings and a reduction and maintenance in weight. These tangible health outcomes have one bottom line to you the employer—an increase in profits due to the heighten efficiency and effectiveness of your employees thus giving you a competitive edge.

• Ways companies can help their employees: • Healthful foods at meetings & in cafeterias • Healthier vending machines choices • Onsite fitness facilities • Approved leave for ½ hr/day exercise If you would like to start a worksite wellness program at your company, please contact me for more information on how my business, Nutrition in Demand, can provide services to you and your employees.

ACCU Medical Nutrition is based in Graceway IGA Plaza, Providenciales.

Call 946 8308, 242 3978 or 442 3978.

30

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Bank governor warns of eurozone crisis ‘storm’ THE BANK of England has cut its growth forecast for this year to 0.8% from 1.2%, saying the eurozone “storm” is still the main threat to UK recovery.

The eurozone was “tearing itself apart” and the UK would not be “unscathed”, said its governor Sir Mervyn King.

He also confirmed that the Bank has been making contingency plans for the break-up of the euro.

The rate of inflation will remain above the government’s 2% target “for the next year or so”, the Bank said.

Sir Mervyn was presenting the Bank’s quarterly inflation report.

He told a news conference that the euro area posed the greatest threat to the UK recovery, and there was a “risk of a storm heading our way from the continent”.

“We have been through a big global financial crisis, the biggest downturn in world output since the 1930s, the biggest banking crisis in this country’s history, the biggest fiscal deficit in our peacetime history, and our biggest trading partner, the euro area, is tearing itself apart without any obvious solution.

“The idea that we could reasonably hope to sail serenely through this with growth close to the long-run average and inflation at 2% strikes me as wholly unrealistic,” Sir Mervyn said.

A ‘MESS’ Andrew Balls, the managing director in London of global investment firm Pimco, said it was reasonable for Sir Mervyn and other policymakers to

Sir Mervyn King: “Our biggest trading partner the euro area, is tearing itself apart.

plan for a Greek exit.

“Yes, maybe they should plan for an exit, but the thing is, speculating about it can make the event more likely, so the Europeans really do have a mess there,” he told the BBC. “If Greece is to slide out of the euro and collapse, how are they going to protect Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Italy?”

Separately, Prime Minister David Cameron also spoke of the financial storm clouds across Europe, warning that eurozone leaders must act swiftly to solve its debt crisis or face the consequences of a potential break up.

He said during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons: “The eurozone has to make a choice.

If the eurozone wants to continue as it is, then it has got to build a proper firewall, it has got to take steps to secure the weakest members of the eurozone, or it’s going to have to

work out it has to go in a different direction, “It either has to make up or it is looking at a potential break up. That is the choice they have to make, and it is a choice they cannot long put off.”

The Bank’s report said, however, that the eurozone crisis was not the only issue weighing on the UK economy, with volatile energy and commodity costs, and the squeeze on household earnings also having an impact.

It all meant that the UK economy would not return to pre-financial crisis levels before 2014, Sir Mervyn said.

Nevertheless, he remained optimistic about the longer term.

“We don’t know when the storm clouds will move away. But there are good reasons to believe that growth will recover and inflation will fall back,” he said. (BBC)

May 19 – 25, 2012

Mladic led ethnic cleansing, war crimes trial told FORMER Bosnian Serb army commander Ratko Mladic intended to “ethnically cleanse” Bosnia, the opening day of his war crimes trial has heard.

Gen Mladic faces 11 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including genocide, in connection with the brutal 1992-95 Bosnian war.

Prosecutors in The Hague said they would show his hand in the crimes.

He has called the accusations “monstrous” and the court has entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Gen Mladic is accused of orchestrating the massacre of more than 7,000 Bosniak (Bosnian Muslim) boys and men at Srebrenica in 1995.

He is also charged in connection with the 44-month siege of Sarajevo during which more than 10,000 people died.

Gen Mladic, dressed in a dark grey suit, applauded and gave a thumbs-up as the judges walked in.

The prosecution opened the hearing at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) with an audio-visual presentation laying out the case

The prosecutor said Ratko Mladic was implementing a plan to exterminate non-Serbs.

against Gen Mladic.

Prosecuting counsel Dermot Groome said they would prove Gen Mladic’s hand in the crimes.

“Four days ago marked two decades since Ratko Mladic became the commander of the main staff of the army of Republika Srpska - the VRS,” he said.

“On that day, Mladic began his full participation in a criminal endeavour that was already in progress. On that day, he assumed the mantle of realising through military might the criminal goals of ethnically cleansing much of Bosnia. On that day, he commenced his direct involvement in serious international crimes.”

Greek Syriza leader Tsipras attacks EU and Merkel GREEK left-wing leader Alexis Tsipras has accused the EU and German Chancellor Angela Merkel of “playing poker with European people’s lives” by insisting on austerity measures.

Mr Tsipras’ Syriza bloc is predicted to come first in new elections called for 17 June. Syriza wants to renegotiate Greece’s international bailout.

At least 700m euros (£560m; $890m) was withdrawn from Greek banks in the week until Monday, the Greek president said.

But there are no signs of a bank run.

Left-wing leader Alexis Tsipras: “If the austerity policies continue then the eurozone will be destroyed.

‘POVERTY AND HARDSHIP’ In a BBC interview, Mr Tsipras said if the “disease of austerity destroys Greece, it will spread to the rest of Europe”.

Banks were profiting at the expense of thousands of Europeans in Spain and Italy, as well as Greece left in poverty and hardship, he said.

“Therefore the European leadership and especially Mrs Merkel need to stop playing poker with the lives of people,” Mr Tsipras said.

Syriza came second in inconclusive elections on 6 May, in which no party won a majority or was able to form a coalition.

Syriza refused to join any government which would continue with the austerity measures demanded by the EU and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in return for a bailout of 130bn euros ($170bn; £105bn).

Final talks to form a government failed on Tuesday, raising new concerns over Greece’s eurozone future.

Council of State president and judge Panagiotis Pikrammenos has been sworn in as interim prime minister to head a government until the elections next month.

“It is clear to all that our homeland is going through difficult times,” Mr Pikrammenos said after accepting the mandate from President Papoulias.

“We must safeguard its prestige and assure a smooth transition.”

He joked that he had read in the press that the English translation of his name was “embittered” - making him suited to be the last prime minister of a political era. (BBC)

Boxing great and Filipino politician Manny Pacquiao opposes US President Barack Obama’s view point on gay marriage.

Pacquiao on Obama’s gay marriage stance:

‘God only expects man and woman to be together’ MANNY Pacquiao, a professional boxer and congressman in the Philippines, has come out strongly against President Obama’s recent public stance that samesex couples should enjoy the right to be legally married.

Pacquiao, who Forbes recently named as the No. 4 most influential athlete in the world, gave an interview with the National Conservative Examiner at his residence in Los Angeles Friday night (May 11) where he invoked the Bible to say that President Obama’s stance is not right.

“God’s words first ... obey God’s

law first before considering the laws of man,” says Pacquiao. “God only expects man and woman to be together and to be legally married, only if they so are in love with each other. It should not be of the same sex so as to adulterate the altar of matrimony, like in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah of Old.” Pacquiao adds that America should be the model of morality for all other countries in the world to emulate and that it has the responsibility to uphold the Bible’s scripture to the highest order of God’s command. (Zap2it.com)

May 19 – 25, 2012

World News

31

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Bible-reading mom forgives Parents let 9-year-old boy decide to end teenage son and hitman treatment after five years of fighting brain cancer A NORTH Carolina teen has pleaded guilty to plotting to kill his mother — who read bible scriptures to her attacker after her throat was slashed.

Caleb Mellon, 15, is facing up to three years in prison, according to the Shelby Star.

Prosecutors say he hired a 16-year-old friend to murder his mom outside their home in Shelby, about 50 miles west of Charlotte.

The accused hitman, Miguel Lopez, ambushed Lindsay Wood on Feb. 1 as she and her son were returning home from church.

After Lopez slashed Wood’s throat, she called 911 and read the Bible to him for about an hour before he fled.

Lopez lingered at the scene because he was trying to decide how to finish off Wood, a detective testified.

Mellon pleaded guilty to assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, conspiracy to commit assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and seconddegree kidnapping.

He was originally hit with much stiffer charges — attempted murder and conspiracy to commit.

The accused hitman Miguel Lopez listen to his victim reading bible passages for an hour.

Had he been convicted of those charges, he would have faced about 30 years in prison.

“This is one of the most distasteful pleas I’ve ever made,” Cleveland County District Attorney Rick Shaffer said in court Tuesday.

Mellon’s lawyer said the teen’s mom harbours no animosity towards her son or her attacker.

“From my understanding, she’s forgiven both Caleb and Miguel (Lopez),” Schweppe said.

A 9-YEAR-OLD cancer patient fed up with years of surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy has told doctors and his family he is done fighting the disease - and is ready to focus instead on making the most of his remaining days.

After fighting a rare form of brain cancer for more than half his life, Ryan Kennedy of Clarkston, Mich. has made the decision to stop treatment. When doctors told his mother about yet another surgery - one that could give him just three more months to live, but possibly with a breathing and feeding tube he refused.

“When I told him about it, he said, ‘No. I told you, Mom, I don’t want to do anything anymore,” Kimberly Morris-Karp told the Oakland Press.

“He literally screamed and cried in hysterics, saying, ‘I’m done. I’m done with this.’”

Appearing on CNN Sunday, Morris-Karp explained how her son reached his decision.

“He just decided he didn’t want to take any more pills, he didn’t want any more surgery because it hurt,” she said. “He just wanted to live the rest of his life.”

Now, the young boy’s family is focused on making the most of what life he has left.

“We booked a family vacation and he wanted to go swimming, so we went swimming,” MorrisKarp told CNN. “We’ve just tried to accommodate and fit as much in as we possibly could of things that Ryan has wanted to do.”

Doctors don’t expect Kennedy to live past his tenth birthday on May 24, according to ABC News.

Kennedy was diagnosed with ependymoma in 2007, when he was just 4 years old. It’s a rare and

Ryan Kennedy (second from right) poses with his family.

Kennedy has battled brain cancer since he was 4 years old.

cancerous brain tumor that hijacks the central nervous system.

“He was walking into the walls, his head was tilting to the left and he was vomiting quite frequently,” Morris-Karp told CNN. From the beginning, she says she was honest with her son about his condition, even as it worsened.

“There’s no sugarcoating that he had cancer,” she told CNN. “There’s no sugarcoating that you have to have surgery and that you have to have radiation treatment and that you have to take medication all the time to try to get rid of this cancer.

“So we have always just told him the repercussions and what could happen from this whole entire journey we’ve been on.”

As his family struggles to enjoy what time they have left with Kennedy, the 9-year-old’s heartbreaking story has swept over

the Internet.

When his name began to trend on Twitter, a representative for the popular micro-blogging site even reached out to Morris-Karp.

“He just shared with us the statistics of how he was trending, and he was trending worldwide. It wasn’t just in North America or Detroit, it was all across the globe,” she said.

Morris-Karp, who has two other children, says Twitter is helping the family cope.

“My kids and myself, even, and I think my whole entire family are just overwhelmed at the compassion that we’ve seen,” she told CNN. “And the community, the things they want to do to bring awareness to brain cancer.

“It’s just an awesome thing, to see my kids ... it’s nice for them to see the outpouring of compassion people have.” (Nydailynews.com)

Two Mexican generals detained over alleged drug links Alina Sarag’s parents, Sulton Sarag and Farhat Mahmooda

Girl, 15, died of tuberculosis after being misdiagnosed with ‘lovesickness,’ father says A 15-YEAR-OLD girl died of tuberculosis after her general practitioner allegedly dismissed her symptoms as “lovesickness,” her father said.

An inquest in Birmingham, England, is investigating why multiple doctors failed to properly diagnose Alina Sarag with the curable disease.

The teen had been treated for tuberculosis in 2009, but fell ill again in July 2010 after returning from a trip to Pakistan. She was treated at four hospitals between August and October 2010, after experiencing vomiting and sudden weight loss, but a sputum test for TB was not carried

out at any point, the BBC reported.

Doctors who saw Alina misdiagnosed her with “travelers’ diarrhea,” a chest infection and a viral infection, Sky News reported.

The girl’s father claims that one general practitioner, Dr. Sharad Shripadrao Pandit, said her symptoms were the result of mental health problems.

“She found it very distressing he was suggesting she was lovesick for a boy,” the girl’s father, Sultan Sarag, 43, told Birmingham Coroner’s Court Monday, according to the Telegraph newspaper. “He said all the problems were in her head and she should see a psychiatrist or spiritual healer.”

TWO MEXICAN generals have been detained on suspicion of involvement in organised crime, allegations they deny.

Gen Tomas Angeles, who served as Mexico’s deputy defence minister, and Gen Roberto Dawe are being questioned over alleged links with a drug cartel.

The army has played a key role in Mexico’s war on drugs since President Felipe Calderon deployed it to fight the cartels six years ago.

More than 50,000 people have died in drug-related violence since then.

Gen Angeles was assistant defence minister from 2006 to 2008, when he retired.

Gen Gonzalez led an elite unit in the western state of Colima and is currently working at an army base there.

Officials at the Attorney General Office said the two men were being questioned by Mexico’s organised

The army has played a key role in Mexico’s war on organised crime.

crime unit.

Prosecutors said the generals had not been charged with any wrongdoing, but were “giving their declarations in connection with the investigation carried out by the organised crime unit”.

Gen Angeles had been widely tipped as a possible defence minister when he took over the post of deputy defence minister in 2006.

His retirement in 2008 caused surprise among Mexican commentators.

32

Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

FAST SALE

PASCAL REMY Is looking for a

FOR RENT Tilesetter 3-bedroom apartment $1100.00 per month it will be available May 1st.

Contact :241-4188

6602

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

contact: 946-4664

FOR SALE

May 19 – 25, 2012

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

1.3 Acres Of Land Ocean Drive, Turtle Tail Semi-Hilltop

STUDIO APARTMENT FOR RENT

$225,000 o.n.o.

$650.00 per month Gated Community Furnished

CONTACT: 231-3788

Contact: 231-3788

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

May 19 - 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

VIVIANNE LIGHTBOURNE - NORTH CAICOS IS LOOKING TO EMPLOY A

THE BIGHT CAFE is looking for a

GARDENER

• To work 5 days per week. Salary ranging from $7.00 to $8.00 per hour.

• Applicants must be willing to work on weekends and holidays.

• Perspective applicants must have experience in asphalt work.

CLEANER contact: 941-7648

Providenciales is home to one of the most progressive real estate markets in the Caribbean. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced self-starter who would welcome the challenge and high income potential.

6615

6643

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Opportunity In Real Estate

NW Hamilton Realty Ltd., Real Estate Agency on Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands is looking for an experienced Realtor/Broker to manage the Agency. The Agency is a full service real estate company whose core business consists of real estate sales, property management & rentals of homes, condominiums, and commercial properties.

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

CONTACT: 649-244-4281

CLASSIFIEDS 33

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership in the turks & caicos

The successful applicant should have at lease fifteen years experience in Real Estate, sales and management. Experience in the Turks and Caicos or the Caribbean will be useful.

Remuneration is commission based only.

Interested persons should send their resumes/CVs by email to:

info@nwhamiltonrealty.tc Or fax to (649) -946-4061 marked REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITY.

GOVERNMENT VACANCY DEPARTMENT: PLANNING

DIRECTOR OF PLANNING SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONBILITIES: An exciting opportunity awaits you in the Turks & Caicos Islands Government Service for the post of Director in the Planning Department. The incumbent in this position is responsible for managing the Planning Department. He / She will provide support to the Permanent Secretary for the administration and operation of the system of planning in the Turks and Caicos Islands as stipulated in the Physical Planning Ordinance. Duties include reviewing and approving planning applications and other requests for the use or development of land; supervising staff; procuring technological equipment, software and machinery for execution of the physical planning work; collaborating with key stakeholders to sensitize them and gain buy in and support for the development and implementation of planning policies for the Islands. The successful candidate must also promote and enforce the orderly development of lands in the Turks and Caicos Islands through the National Physical Development Plan and is also expected to review the Physical Planning Ordinance, TCI Development Manual and Building Codes as well as other regulatory instruments for the operation of the Planning System.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE The position requires the incumbent to have a Masters Degree in Urban Planning and Development or a related field with eight (8) years on the job experience to acquire the necessary competencies to effectively respond to the challenges of the job, five (5) of which must be at a senior management level.

RENUMERATION PACKAGE: SALARY: $44,820- $47,790 Serving officers should apply through their Heads of Department. For persons recruited outside the Turks and Islands a two-year contract is offered. Other benefits offered include a Housing Allowance, Telephone Allowance, an end-of-contract gratuity of fifteen percent of salary; return passage for family of up to two children under the age of sixteen years as well as duty free on the shipment of personal effects imported within six months of appointment.

For more information on the Job Description, please contact the Office of the Public Service Management; Telephone 649-946-2801, Extension: 10321. All resumes with contact information and two letters of References as well as a Police Certificate should be addressed to the Acting Human Resource Director, Human Resource Management Directorate, , Church Folly, Grand Turk. Facsimile: 946-1582 or Email: recruitment@gov.tc APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 25th 2012 ONLY SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED

6653

VACANCY INFECTION CONTROL POSITION TCI

Required: • Graduate of an approved school of nursing • Post graduate training/certification in infection prevention and control • Sole Practitioner with experience in environmental services • Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of sterilization and disinfection • Continuing education or practical experience in epidemiology and outbreak management • Experience with conducting hospital surveillance programs, investigation and decision making re HAI and SSI • Understanding of microbiology and the ability to work with laboratory personnel to determine trends in organism resistance • Experienced in employee health programs and vaccination requirements Essential: • Has completed a minimum of 5 years clinical experience • Possesses leadership skills and ability with excellent communication skills • Committed to the concept and enforcement of infection control standards • Ability to facilitate and maintain care standards through innovation and change • Biohazard incident management and counseling skills • Development and presentation of education programs for comprehensive infection control within the hospitals and wider community involvement • Good knowledge of infectious diseases and transmission • Demonstrated current knowledge relating to vaccination requirements • Policy and procedure development Advantage: • Previous experience in Occupational health and Safety • Participation in research and investigation programs • Outbreak management and control of epidemics • Knowledge and understanding of chemicals used in health care industry • Experience working with Dialysis and Oncology units • Current BSL/Basic Rescue CPR

Salary circa U$33,000 dependant on qualifications and experience. Belongers are encouraged to apply. Please send CV with contact email and phone number to pnicholson@interhealthcanada.tc the closing date is 21st May 2012.

6641

May 19 - 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

THE TURTLE COVE INN HOTEL

GRACE BAY SUITES

Is looking to fill the following positions:

Is looking to fill the following positions:

Domestic Worker

Labourer/ Handyman

to clean hotel rooms/ laundry must To do general cleaning around the be able to work weekends and property must be able to work holidays salary $5.00 per hour weekends and holidays salary $5.50 per hour Only Belongers with previous experience need apply

Contact: Sandra Macleod 649-946-4203

6648

JOB OPPORTUNITIES 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), and a passion for hospitality. Salary is based on experience and qualifications.

• Cleaners • Maids • Life guard • Masseuse • Beach/ Pool Attendants • Bartenders • Front Desk Manager • Part-time & live-in positions available immediately Please deliver resume with salary expectations to Front Desk preference will be given to qualified Belongers

Rooms Division Manager

The candidate will report directly to the Managing Director, and experience in the following areas would be a necessity. 10 years management experience with International 5 Star properties.

• Working knowledge of Spanish and French.

• Experienced in the oversight of all aspects of a Hotel Housekeeping Department, including supervision of staff levels in excess of 20 employees.

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management.

• Background in the monitoring of actual against budgeted financial performance.

• Oversight of third party vendors to ensure best pricing and quality of merchandise.

• Monitoring of all room inventory levels.

• Experience in managing all Front Office functions, as well as Concierge, Boutique, Spa and Children’s Club facilities.

• Must be effective in handling problems in the workplace, anticipating, identifying, preventing and solving problems as necessary.

• Developing training programs for all Front of House employees to guarantee exemplary levels of customer service.

• Experience in the monitoring of room revenues and occupancy levels, analyzing rate variances and the monitoring of credit reports, and the implementation of appropriate revenue management strategies and tactics to maximize occupancy and rate.

• Control of staffing levels to reflect changes required for seasonable fluctuations.

The following positions are also available: • • • • •

Pool & Beach Attendant Kitchen Steward Tailor Floor Crystallizer Security

Suitably qualified candidates should apply in writing or by phone to the following: Bridgette Thomas BNC Consulting Group, Ltd website: www.bnccgroup.com email: bthomas@bnccgroup.com phone: 649-332-2565 Closing Date: May 26, 2012 ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED

Cox House, Cherokee Road, Providenciales. Telephone: 946-5754 fax: 946-5166

Domestic Worker

6373

KELCI TALBOT

To work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour contact: 231-3163 ONLY TURKS ISLANDERS NEED APPLY 6645

LABOURERS

To clean golf carts, cut grass, trees other menial task as required. Salary $5.00 per hour. Must be willing to work 5 days per week including holidays and weekends if needed ONLY TURKS ISLANDERS NEED TO APPLY 6647

STANLEY STAR CONSTRUCTION

Is looking for a

Is looking for 2

domestic worker To work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.

Contact: 332-3022

6645

• Extensive experience in the preparation of monthly and annual financial statements, business plans and budgets • Provide feedback to Director of Finance on variance analysis and make proposals for corrective action • Experience of hotel income audits and daily reconciliations • Extensive knowledge of Visual 1 and AccPac payroll software required • Must possess a strong IT & HR background • Must be fluent in English

COX LABOUR SERVICES

Is looking for a

Financial Controller

Suitable candidates must have a relevant degree in hotel management as well as a recognized accounting qualification, ACA/ACCA with 10+ year’s hotel financial management experience Supervision of large accounting department.

CEDAR LODGE CAFÉ

Tile Layers To work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.

Contact: 231-0308

6655

34 CLASSIFIEDS

LABOURER

• General Laborer • Able to work with little or no supervision • Be physically fit, dependable and hard working • Must be self motivated and able to understand, read and write and speak English fluently Send inquires to: Norstar Group Ltd. P.O. Box 532, Suite 2C, Courtyard Plaza Leeward Highway, Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands Telephone: 649-941-3600 or Fax: 649-941-3608

6640

Quantity Surveyor With the following qualifications: • Degree qualified • Project management • 10 years of contractor quantity • Experience working in other surveying experience Caribbean countries • Subcontract management • Contractual claims experience • Cost control/ management • Contract administration and • Purchasing client liaison • Pricing/ take-off Send inquiries to: 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

6639

May 19 - 25, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS 35

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

REPAIR SHOP MECHANIC REQUIREMENTS: • Certified in combustion engines • Must have excellent written and oral communication in English • Certified in electrical systems • Must have a minimum of 7 years experience in 2 and 4 cycle engines • Must have a high school graduate • Must have a minimum of 7 years experience in diesel and gasoline engines

• Must hold a valid TCI drivers license • Must be computer literate • Must have at least 7 years experience in repairing electrical tools • Must be able to work holidays and weekends • must have a clean police record • must have knowledge of OSHA • must have 2 written work references Salary $400 per week

Applicants will be submitted to extensive testing and background checks to confirm above criteria. Deadline for submission of applicants with resumes and references June 1st, 2012

Submit to: info@ptsequipment.net

DAVID C. BLACKBURN Seeks a

Is looking to employ a

Butler For a private residence for Care of animals, light cleaning, light maintenance, cooking. Must have own vehicle. Must be able to work flexible hours. Wages start at $5.00 per hour

Contact: 231-4479 6678

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

B’S BEAUTY BOX

Belonger need only apply

6655

Hair Stylist @@ To work 6 days per week. Salary ranging from $7.00 to $8.00 per hour. @@ Applicants must be willing to work on weekends and holidays. @@ Perspective applicants must have experience in hair styling.

Please submit applications to

Snack Spot, Old Airport Road Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

6661

THE SIBONNE BEACH HOTEL

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

Is looking for 2

VACANCIES Vacancies exist at the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority for

Trainee Aerodrome Firefighters

Domestic Workers To clean hotel rooms/ laundry must be willing to work weekends and holidays salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 649-946-4203

6649

VACANCIES COSMETOLOGIST

The successful applicants will train towards operating in the role of a Fire Fighter to carry out duties as detailed in the TCIAA Aerodrome Fire Service Standard Operating Procedures Manual.

• A great opportunity in Grand Turk awaits a trained and experienced cosmetologist who is capable of providing beauty services such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp; applying makeup, dressing wigs, undertaking hair removal, and nail and skin care services.

• Applicant must be a critical thinker, service oriented, an effective communicator and active listener; effective time manager, socially perceptive, and must have a sound knowledge of salon equipment/appliances.

Applicants must:• Have a High School Diploma or equivalent • Be medically and physically fit for the role • Be organized, self-motivated, responsible and able to work in a team or independently.

• Be computer literate.

NAIL TECHNICIAN • An exciting opportunity awaits a trained and experienced Nail Technician in Grand Turk who will be responsible for performing professional nail, hand and foot treatments. Applicants must possess a thorough knowledge of the nails, including a basic knowledge of hand and foot massage techniques and a neat application of polish. Must have excellent cleanliness and sanitation skills. Knowledge of, and experience in, the use of airbrush techniques are a must.

• Applicants must be service oriented, an effective time manager, and socially perceptive.

There will be a six week training period during which a training stipend will be paid. Offers for full time employment will be made following the successful completion of the training.

Fleet Engineer

MASSAGE/SPA THERAPIST

The successful candidate must provide care and maintenance to all associated equipment owned and managed by the TCIAA.

A vacancy exists for a qualified massage therapist to be a part of our dynamic team.

This position is a great opportunity for a professional who thrives as a team player and is passionate about providing excellent customer experiences in a spa/salon/retail environment.

Applicants must:• Have a thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of vehicular repair and maintenance.

• Have the knowledge and ability to repair and maintain complex mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic power systems.

• Have the ability to inspect new vehicles and equipment for compliance with contract specifications.

• Have a working knowledge of Fire Service and other vehicles currently in fleet.

• Have an understanding of established safety practices and equipment care procedure and the ability to instruct others in such procedures.

• Be computer literate, be able to supervise a Team, and be able to prioritize work and meet project and program deadlines.

We are seeking the following: • An extremely clean, hygienic & well presented person.

• Professional qualifications in Beauty & Massage & holistic therapies.

• 2/3 years experience in reputable establishments -Pleasant & likable demeanor.

• Flexibility to work weekends and long hours.

• Excellent communication skills & guest relations.

BARBER • Seeking an experienced Barber to provide customers with the full range of barbering services.

• Must be trustworthy, socially perceptive, goal oriented and serious about timely and professional service delivery.

EXPERIENCED FLORAL DESIGNER & RECEPTIONIST

Interest persons must submit their applications to:The Human Resources, Training & Development Manager Turks & Caicos Islands Airports Authority, Providenciales International Airport Turks and Caicos Islands Telephone # 649-941-8692 Fax # 649-941-5996 Email: claudiamunnings@tciairports.com

Experienced Floral Designer and Receptionist • Must have knowledge of, passion for, and experience in, floral design; • customer service experience • computer knowledge.

• Must be a team player ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE WILLING TO WORK WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS SALARY COMMENSURATE WITH QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCES

6651

Applications, with resume, must be sent to anyoccasion09@gmail.com and should reach no later than 31st May 2012.

6632

Sales Person Security Officer Must be willing to work 6 days per week.

Salary commensurate with experience

Resumes can be dropped off at Coco Bistro or contact: 946-5368

domestic worker Working hours: 8am-4pm with some weekends when called upon. Salary is based on experience. Send resumes to P.O. Box 97

Maintenance

Worker

6664

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

Is looking for a

Please call 232-4030 Chloe

6676

WELDER WANTED!!!

ARE YOU A BELONGER AND A CERTIFIED WELDER? WE NEED YOU!!!!

If you are capable in the following please contact us!

• Lay out, fit and fabricate metal components to assemble structural forms using knowledge of welding techniques, metallurgy and engineering components • Analyze sample parts, blueprints, engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations • Remain in a standing position for extended periods of time.

• Experienced in SMAW / GMAW / GTAW & oxy-fuel welding / cutting • 5 years experience required

contact: 231-1199

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

contact: 247-0187

6626

FULL-TIME MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST REQUIRED • • • • •

Requirements/Responsibilities:

Good interpersonal skills Dependable with at least 4 years of post qualification experience Maintaining confidentiality at all times Performing phlebotomy Experience in performing all basic medical laboratory tests

Minimum education requirements: • Must have a Bachelors Degree in Medical Technology • Eligible for registration with the Health Practitioners board of the Turks & Caicos Islands • Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

Wages starting at $300/week and may vary depending on skill

Send CV and certificates in confidence email: neffer.malcolm@gmail.com

Machinist Requirements/Responsibilities:

CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANT

• Mechanical – Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Mathematics – Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Design fixtures, tooling, and experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.

• Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers.

• Machine parts to specifications using machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, shapers or grinders.

• Study sample parts, blue prints, drawings, and engineering information in order to determine methods and sequences of operations needed to fabricate products and determine product dimensions and tolerances.

• Observe and listen to operating machines or equipment in order to diagnose machine malfunctions and to determine need for adjustments or repairs.

• 5 years experience required

• University degree from a recognized institution • At least ten years experience as an accountant in a senior capacity • Certification as a CPA, CMA, CA, ACCA or similar • Experience with Peachtree Accounting, Mic Manager, Microsoft Office • Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience • Closing date for application: June 15, 2012 Applicants should please send detailed CV with the names of two referees to

6667

Interested applicants call 941-5802 or apply in writing to email: tibor@express.tc or fax 941-5803

To work 6 days per week. Salary $6.00 per hour.

Contact: 241-2050

Domestic Worker is looking for a

Labourer

Must be able to live in full time.

Take care of elderly lady and also 2 dogs. Must be fluent in English, speaking and writing.

Is looking for a

MANGO BAR & RESTAURANT

DORN FULFORD

house keeper

ELDON RODRIGUEZ GARCIA

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

6675

6668

Needed a full time resident

Is looking for a

contact: 247-1377

Labourer Must have a clean police record.

Must be willing to work on holidays, weekends and any hours given by the manager. Must be able to carry our duties given out by manager. Salary starting $5-$6 per hour. Deadline for applications is June 8th, 2012.

6670

Deadline for applications is June 8th, 2012

Is seeking a

6661

Is looking for the following persons:

Send resumes to P.O. Box 778.

BLUE PARROT LTD.

Is looking for a

6673

COCO BISTRO

COMPUTER LINE

CLEVELAND SIMONS

May 19 - 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

6662

36 CLASSIFIEDS

Barbara Virgil, Human Resource Manager, Meridian Trust Company Limited, via fax (649) 941-3223 or email to Barbara@meridiantrust.tc

6670

May 19 - 25, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS 37

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

ALTAGRACIA RESTAURANT & BAR

MAGASANI ATELIER & UPHOLSTRY

Is looking for a

Michael Lightbourne is looking for a

A & M CLEANING Is looking for a

Seeks to employ a

Domestic Worker

To work 3-5 days a week salary $6.00 per hour commission must have at least 5 years experience.

Contact: 345-5305

Contact 241-9105

6636

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

6644

BUTTERFIELD CHEVROLET BUTTERFIELD MOTORS LTD 1044 Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI Phone: 649-946-4214. Fax: 649-941-5066 Butterfield Motors Ltd., have the following vacancies

Car Rental Desk/Relief Cashier & Greeter

4 CXC, inclusive of English plus 3 yrs Customer Service Experience. Applicant must be able to work with minimum supervision. Willing to lean the auto trade a must

Salesperson

BA Sales 5 yrs various proven successful sales tract record; must be willing to learn Auto trade and or 2 yrs as auto salesperson. Must be willing to work on part commission basis

Green Labourer keeper To work 5 days To work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour. contact: 2449849 or 343-9447

6637

Tailor/ Upholster

per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 343-3123

6652

ATLANTIC CONSULTANCY SERVICES Acting on behalf of our client Imperial Dry Cleaning Services is looking for a

Cleaner

Must willing to work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour email resumes to: atlanticconsultancy@ hotmail.com 6444

MOONIES is a newly built hot spot on the Leeward highway that will be serving authentic Chinese food they are looking to employ the following persons: Chinese Chef

• Must have 10 years experience in ordering all produce, meats, seafood and specialty items as it relates to Chinese cookery • Must have superior standard in food preparation, storage, kitchen management and service

Chinese Kitchen Assistant

• Must be fluent in Chinese with experience in the preparation of Chinese food and fully able to assist the head chef

5 Labourers

• Should be physically fit and able to lift heavy loads, honest and trustworthy

6 Servers

command of the English language • Must be able to stand for long periods of time and work efficiently under stressful circumstances

2 Drivers

• Must possess a valid driver’s license • Must have knowledge of the whereabouts of various places on the island would be an asset

3 Cleaners

• Must be hard working and able to work quickly and efficiently • Must be willing to work shift work, weekends and holidays • Salaries commensurate with experience and qualifications

• Must be polite, outgoing and possess a good

For information contact: Samika Hall 243-5006 or email: samikahall@yahoo.com

Service Writer

Applicant must have at least 5 subjects CXC, inclusive of English or equivalent or higher qualifications. Good writing skills; knowledge and interest in auto industry a must

Parts Runner

3 CXC, including math & reading subject; interest in auto industry a must

Master Mechanic

Masters in Automotive Mechanics or equivalent + 10 yrs exp or 20 plus yrs experience

Auto Electrician, Fuel Injection & General Mechanic

Certificate in Auto Mechanics, Auto Electrics and Fuel Injection, minimum 10 yrs experience

Mechanic & Auto Electrician

Certificate in Auto Electrics and Fuel Injection with minimum 10 yrs experience

Bodyman/Spray Painter

Qualifications in Body Shop & Spray Painting plus 15 yrs experience

Tire Attendant

School Leaving Diploma + 2 yrs previous experience in mechanic shop.

Car Attendant

School Leaving Diploma + 2 yrs work experience. Good integrity, attention to detail & ability to work with minimum supervision Salary based on qualification and experience

Job opportunities OPERATIONS ADMINSTRATOR AND WELLNESS CONSULTANT The successful applicant must have a minimum of 1 year experience in sales as he/she will handle all membership sales including corporate wellness proposals, individual and group sales, services and any incentive programming required promoting health, fitness and wellness within the community. The successful applicant must have two years experience in handling HR for a small company including overseeing orientations and training of new employees, payroll, and the scheduling of all staff and evaluations. A minimum of two years is preferred handling administrative duties including preparing the banking deposits and daily reconciliation of accounts, entering and updating members in the data base, preparing payables, confirming receivables and general filing. He/she will be responsible for ordering of products, inventory control and accounts and membership retention. He/ She will handle issues that may arise with regards to maintenance and operations. Having qualifications in either personal training and/or group fitness is also required.

FULL and PART TIME PERSONAL TRAINERS/GROUP FITNESS/STUDIO CYCLE INSTRUCTORS

Requirements for all Applicants: • Hardworking team player with excellent people skills.

• Willingness to work, weekends and holidays as required.

• In addition to the performance of the essential functions employees may able required to perform supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the supervisor.

The successful applicants must be certified in group fitness and/or studio cycling and CPR. Full time applicants must also be qualified personal trainers with the ability to perform fitness evaluations. Minimum of 1 year experience required.

Application forms available from Butterfield Gold Human Resource Department. Only applicants selected for interview will be notified.

The successful applicant must enjoy working with people, be reliable, honest, friendly and energetic. He/she must possess sales and basic computer skills, be able to multi-task and have cash register experience. He/she must be willing to work shifts and weekends.

Submit applications to by May 17, 2012 to:

Butterfield Motors Ltd., Human Resource Department Town Center Mall, Providenciales Tel: 649-946-4211

FULL and PART TIME SERVICE ASSOCIATES

Please send resume’ and references to: The Athletic Club, email: athleticclub@logic.bm.

38 CLASSIFIEDS

May 19 - 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Richmond Hill Preparatory School

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Veranda is currently seeking qualified candidates that have the requirements listed along with an outgoing professional manner. Our ideal candidates must love to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization.

Reports to the General Manager and the Chief Financial Officer. Supervises all members of the Accounting Department, provides functional guidance to Executive Committee and Department Heads, interact with hotel’s legal counsel, insurance companies, tax consultants, auditors, commercial and government banks to effectively control the assets of the business and to provide business support.

Assume the overall responsibility for all aspects of the kid’s club program including both day and night time activities.

Food & Beverage Manager The Food and Beverage Manager is responsible for the organization, coordination and administration of the Food and Beverage Department, to ensure compliance with Veranda’s standards, policies and procedures, maintaining the highest level of customer service.

Requirements: • 5 star Food & Beverage experience with at least 5 years as restaurant manager in a luxury resort.

• Caribbean experience considered an asset.

• Degree in hospitality desirable.

• International experience and multi-lingual to assist our International clientele would be an asset.

• Knowledge of fine wines.

• Must be competent with Microsoft Office and experience with Micros considered a plus.

• Energetic, positive visionary leader, dedicated to motivating and developing team members.

• Assists with strategy, budgeting, cost management and delivering on objectives.

• Exceptional communication and customer service skills and lives the standard of the organization.

Applications must be in no later than May 29, 2012

DOLMEN IMPORT EXPORT

IRIS WILLIAMS Is looking for a

Requirements: • At least 3 years experience as a children’s program supervisor preferably in a hotel environment.

• Pleasant outgoing personality.

• Excellent communication, leadership and training skills required to develop confidence and initiative in young staff.

• The ability to work in a demanding environment that frequently requires 6 day work weeks.

• A background in child care would be an asset.

• Knowledge of educational programs and early learning instruments

Is looking for 3

Domestic

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

Contact: 245-5425

Servers

6677

Masons To work 6 days per week salary $7.00 per hour.

contact: 946-8521

Position available for

Store manager

• Set tables according to resort standards, • Provide a warm welcome to all patrons, and seat guests to maximize efficiency; • Complete all assigned side duties and keep all storage areas clean and organized.

• Team oriented • Have good oral communications skills • Flexible to work 7 days a week - shifts from 2pm • Ability to work under pressure during busy periods

• Experience required of the same for 7 years in jewelry, watches, perfumes, clothing, souvenirs.

• Willing to work on Sundays and holidays.

Houseman

Please contact Ms. Pramila Patel @332-4101

6665

Requirements: • Bachelor of Business, Accounting, Finance or Commerce.

• Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) qualifications preferred.

• 5 – 10 years experience in hospitality accounting • Excellent knowledge of hotel accounting software(s).

• Knowledge of hotel reservations system(s).

• Knowledge of hotel point of sales system(s).

• Strong IT skills • Negotiation and effective presentation skills

Contact: Richmond Hill Prep. School 6 Richmond Hill Road, Providenciales 946-4957. richhillprep@yahoo.com

6656

Kids Club Coordinator

Primary Education College- trained teacher with a minimum of 8 years experience.

Applicant must possess a first degree or higher and be creative and hardworking SALARY NEGOTIABLE

6660

Director of Finance

TEACHER NEEDED

• Responds and delivers requests for towels, bathroom amenities, blankets, etc.

• Delivers clean linen/terry to floor closets and stock them properly • Picks up garbage, dirty linen/terry and place them in the designated areas • Cleans and maintains all public areas, fixtures, windows, storage areas, ledges, rails, elevators etc.

• Must be able to push and pull heavy carts and able to lift 50lbs.

• Must be willing to work shifts, weekends and public holidays

Two-bed house

for rent

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

Phase one Priton Developments, Wheeland Fully furnished, beautifully maintained, substantially improved.

Fully fenced-in yard, hurricane shutters. $900 a month (1 month’s rent required for deposit) Professionals only please.

Interested persons may contact our Human Resource Manager No later than May 8, 2012 Email: deleria.simms@verandatci.com Or hand deliver to our office at Veranda Resort and Residences Princess Dr. Lower Bight, Providenciales

Also taking purchase offers over $155,000 2012

Call 245 6620 or email gemmahandy@gmail.com

May 19 - 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Qualified PADI/NAUI SCUBA

Instructors Needed

Successful candidate will be a PADI MSDT with current membership and insurance, resort operations experience including advanced level instruction, dive accident management, compressor maintenance, equipment and engine maintenance and repair. Captain’s license and STCW95 qualification preferred, or applicant must be willing to train.

This is a tourism related job and will include all aspects of the company’s daily routine including but not limited to, teaching all levels of instruction, guiding dives, boat and vehicle operations and working the front office. The work schedule will include weekends, public holidays and occasional night dives.

Starting Salary $380 - $500 per week based on experience and qualifications. Contact David Volkert at 946-4232 or info@ provoturtledivers.com Positions available starting June 8, 2012. Please submit applications before June 1, 2012

6674

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

CLASSIFIEDS 39

NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands: 1. Parcel 61109/4 Long Bay Hills Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residence containing two bedrooms one bathroom, a kitchen, living and dining room.

Registered Proprietor: Rickandro Samarl Lightbourne 2. Parcel 60900/226 - Leeward Going Through Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residence containing three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, living and dining room, and external deck.

Registered Proprietor: Oscar Keith Talbot and Florinda Louise Talbot 3. Parcel 10308/42 Central, Grand Turk, comprising of a two storey residence with a single one bedroom one bathroom guest unit located on the ground floor. The upper floor comprises of two bedrooms with two large walk in closets, one bathroom and a laundry closet.

Registered Proprietor: Kendle Berdette Williams and Tanya Doreen Cox

GOVERNMENT VACANCY STRATEGIC PLANNING AND POLICY UNIT

PROJECT ECONOMIST SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONBILITIES:

4. Parcel 60906/100/K1, Leeward Going Through Providenciales, comprising of a two storey three bedroom, two bathroom condominium providing two ensuite bedrooms to the ground floor with open plan living room, dining room and kitchen, complete with enclosed private deck. The second floor is accessed by an access ladder and provides the third dormer style bedroom.

Registered Proprietor: Nicholas Anthony Raymakers and Indhira Beatriz Castillo Hiraldo 5. Parcel 10104/42, North East Suburbs, Grand Turk, comprising of a single storey residence containing four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, living and dining room, and utility closet.

Registered Proprietor: Lorraine Marcella Elizabeth-Ann Kenlock-Bovell and Weston Edward Livingston Bovell 6. Parcel 60811/23 The Bight & Thomas Stubbs Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residence containing three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, living and dining room.

Registered Proprietor: Oleta Louise Robinson

An exciting opportunity awaits you in the Turks & Caicos Islands Government Service for the post of Project Economist. The successful incumbent in this position would be responsible for playing a leading role in the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the Capital and Development Budgets and the analyses of all major public and private investment projects. He / She will also be expected to work closely with the Budget Department of the Ministry of Finance and Tourism, Trade on both annual budgets and forecasts of up to five (5) years, and tying together capital forecasts with development policies and plans. He/ She will also work closely with the Government’s Inward Investment Unit. Duties will include the analysis of the recurrent cost implications of public capital investments; Linkages between the capital budget, development fund and recurrent budget will also need to be assessed.

7. Parcel 60604/17 Norway and Five Cays Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residence containing four bedrooms, two and a half baths, a kitchen, living and dining room. The house provides good elevation giving excellent views towards the ocean.

Registered Proprietor: Timothy Moriah Nash and Delores Oleta Rigby Nash 8. Parcel 10409/96 East Suburbs Grand Turk, comprising of a single storey residence containing three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living and dining room.

Registered Proprietor: Vanessa Denise Forbes 9. Parcel 60503/123 Blue Hills & Stamers Run Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residence containing four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, living and dining room with exterior patio.

Registered Proprietor: Vylma Patricia Scriven

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE The position requires the incumbent to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics or Public Finance or other related discipline and five (5) years experience. A Master’s Degree would be an asset. The incumbent must also possess a sound understanding of project or investment analysis including economic cost and benefit analysis.

10. Parcel 60505/228 Blue Hills & Stamers Run Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residential building with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open plan living, dining and kitchen area.

Registered Proprietor: Angela Sharonna Jennings

RENUMERATION PACKAGE: SALARY: $30,024 – 34,992

11. Parcel 60900/170 Leeward Going Through Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residential building with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, living and dining room. There is a two car garage, fencing and an entrance gate to the front of the property.

Registered Proprietor: Floyd Lyndon Ingham and Cherrie Romayne Ingham

Serving officers should apply through their Heads of Department. For persons recruited outside the Turks and Islands a two-year contract is offered. Other benefits offered include a Housing Allowance, Telephone Allowance, an end-of-contract gratuity of fifteen percent of salary; return passage for family of up to two children under the age of sixteen years as well as duty free concession on the shipment of personal effects imported within six months of appointment.

12. Parcel 60907/229/K9 Leeward Going Through, Providenciales, comprising of a two bedroom, two and a half bath townhouse at the Provo Golf Club with a kitchen, living and dining area. The property benefits the view of the first tee and comes with half price golf membership and access to a pool which is shared between 9 units.

Registered Proprietor: Simon Richard Padgett and Lisa Jane Cusack

For more information on the Job Description, please contact the Human Resource Management Directorate; Telephone 649-946-2801, Extension: 10318. All resumes with contact information and two letters of References as well as a Police Certificate should be addressed to the Acting Human Resource Director, Human Resource Management Directorate, Church Folly, Grand Turk. Facsimile: 946-1582 or Email: recruitment@gov.tc

The auction will be held at the offices of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 10 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 1st day of June 2012 A reserve price will be fixed on all parcels. A deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 6th 2012

ONLY SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED 6671

Terms and Conditions of Sale by Auction are available by request from Scotiabank Collections Manager (649) 946-4750.

6672

40

Entertainment

May 19 – 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Movie review: Battleship's got game on the big screen The Bigger Picture: Nerdy scientists have sent a signal to the newly discovered Planet G. The message is received by gun-toting aliens and soon enough, ships from outer space arrive for a sneak attack. Two jock brothers will make a stand for Team Earth. Commander Stone (Skarsgård) the golden boy and top gun Maverick Alex (Kitsch, a sturdy leading man) in need of an attitude adjustment.

Each will command a

Television Journalist People’s Television Ltd. (PTV8); an emerging Television Station in the Turks and Caicos Islands is looking for a Journalist.

The successful candidate will be involved in news reporting and feature writing, as well as blogging, video interviews, podcasts and other evolving journalistic disciplines. This cutting-edge position has prospects for progression to a more senior role. The ideal applicant will be an experienced journalist looking for their next career step. You will have an eye for fresh and exciting story ideas and a thorough knowledge of Television Journalism.

shot is bathed in a warm glow.

Every performance is paired down to just a few expressions, like Rihanna doing her best Michelle Rodriguez-inspired sneer.

And thankfully the editing is mercifully coherent.

This is the kind of film that takes itself seriously so you don't have to. The testosterone is amped to 11.

The commitment to '80s era jingoism usually sinks lesser films, but Berg knows if done just right everything will click.

Think Pearl Harbor, but with aliens and way more fun.

The aliens are human-

size Transformers with evershifting metal weapons and cooler arsenals like spikey spinning tires that annihilate everything awesomely.

The film's highlight is when Yugi Nagata (Tadanobu Asano), the captain of a Japanese naval destroyer, figures out how to seek and destroy the alien ships. Using old weather buoys, the sailors track enemy wave patterns on a grid that changes if something big moves in the water. The results are plenty of "B1!"s and "E32!"s. A clever execution of the classic game.

(E-online reviews)

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Perioperative Nurse Manager Job Summary: The manager is accountable for ensuring excellence in the provision of perioperative patient care within the surgical suites (Operating Rooms)of Cheshire Hall and Cockburn Town Medical Centres, Turks and Caicos islands, BWI

The person we seek must have • Strong feature writing and news skills.

• A curious mind, will power, an aptitude for presenting information in a precise, concise and effective manner.

• He/she should also be able to arrange thoughts and express them clearly in both forms of communications- written as well as oral.

• Your job will be to report with speed, clarity and accuracy. The intellect to distinguish a story and objectivity will be very important in this role.

• You must also have the ability to read between the lines and explain the news on the basis of your understanding

• Provides leadership for clinical practice by seeking out and identifying best practices in patient care ensuring the appropriate structures, system processes and culture are in place to facilitate development of a best practice model of care.

• Is well versed in and ensures compliance with ORNAC / AORN perioperative nursing practice standards, keeping delivery of exemplary perioperative patient care the main focus within the department • Facilitates and directs the development, implementation and evaluation of unit specific goals and objectives, standards and policies ensuring consistency with the established standards and objectives of the services within Interhalth Canada.

Besides impeccable writing skills, you would: • Participate in the conceptualization of new and creative ideas with the team.

• Be involved in all aspects of creative copywriting for assigned projects.

• Have an attention to details and proofreading skills.

• Be able to work independently or in a team.

• Be able to work fast and keep within deadlines.

• Provides leadership and direction for operations, management, utilization, risk management and quality improvement within the surgical suites (Operating Rooms) • Maintains fiscal accountability for personnel, space and facilities, plus overall accountability for the requisition, care and maintenance of unit inventory, equipment and supplies.

The journalist should be persistent, confident, and flexible with high emotional intelligence, as well as being able to accept negative remarks and work past minor setbacks. The journalist should also be able to travel frequently to gather news and cover events, may be required to work under all kinds of weather conditions and erratic work hours.

• Indentifies staff development and training needs and ensures that training is provided.

• Oversees planning, scheduling and organization of work with the department ensuring proper distribution and delegation of assignments and efficient utilization of resources.

The applicant should also possess: • Diploma or degree in Journalism/Mass Communications/English Language • At least 4 years of relevant experience • A flair and passion for writing and reporting • Good written and spoken English • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills • A second language is an added bonus • A good team-player for a growing News Production team • Pro-active and able to work independently • Knowledge of PC applications a must

• Oversee various personnel actions including, but not limited to, hiring, performance appraisals, disciplinary actions, terminations and other related activities.

• Participate in the development of the clinical areas’ strategic and operational plans Requirements • Bachelor of Nursing degree from an accredited nursing school required • Current RN licensure in home country required; BLS required • Demonstrates recent experience in a modern perioperative setting • Must be eligible for licensure in the Turks and Caicos • Minimum 5 years experience in a perioperative setting; with • Minimum of 3 years previous leadership experience in perioperative setting required.

An attractive salary is offered and will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant.

If you feel you have what it takes; please send CV to info@ptv8tci.com or P.O. Box 230, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

battleship.

Meanwhile, Alex's sexy fiancée Samantha (Brooklyn Decker), a military physical therapist, is trekking the mountains with a tough as nails paraplegic played by real-life Iraq hero Gregory D. Gadson, a bilateral above-theknee amputee making a strong debut. Their summit happens to be the destination for aliens who need to phone home—for reinforcements.

The board is set. The pieces are in place.

Director Peter Berg (Hancock) employs nearly all of the tricks of Transformers director Michael Bay: each

Salary circa U$40,000 per annum dependant on qualifications and experience. Belongers are encouraged to apply.

6657

Please forward CVs with email and telephone contacts to pnicholson@ interhealthcanada.tc the closing date for applications is 21st May 2012.

6642

May 19 – 25, 2012

Entertainment

41

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Jay-Z says “fatherhood is fantastic, it’s amazing”

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s relationship would not take centre stage on the reality show.

Kim K & Kanye West: no relationship stuff on reality show

Jay Z is taking time out to focus on his daughter.

Hov added to MTV that when he does hit the booth again, fans should expect to hear songs as expressive and insightful as “Glory,” the emotional tune he wrote about his daughter as soon as she was born.

“My music has always been like that,” he said of the sentimentality

of his lyrics. “If you listen to ‘Glory’ and you listen to ‘Regrets,’ which was on my first album, side by side, it’s exploring the same sort of emotions. It’s just one deals with my mom, one deals with my daughter.

My music has always been filled with those sort of emotions.”

VACANCY LIME requires a

Master External Planner to work in its Providenciales Office

The candidate will be expected to carry out all external plan drawings and engineering duties.

Main duties will include: • Produce and maintain a fundamental network Plan for the Turks & Caicos Islands • Carry out demand forecasts, field surveys and produce Job Orders as per approved CAPEX Program • Oversee all OSP contractual works; i.e. civil, cable works for all OPEX and CAPEX projects • Carry out field surveys and produce Job Orders to alleviate network maintenance problems • Carry out cable pair diversion within the network and prepare diversion schedule as necessary • Produce drawing using CAD software and maintain a drawing record system of all projects and minor works that are assigned to you • Produce Job Orders cost estimates using Lotus & Excel software • Identify new developments & liaise with government departments, architects & developers to ensure that LIME requirements are met • Carry out required field surveys and planning of network implementation The successful candidate will have a proven track record of working within a fast pace competitive telecoms environment; they will demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills and work with minimal to no supervision

KANYE West will be seen with Kim Kardashian on the next season of “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” -- but sources close to the couple tell TMZ ... none of their relationship will be featured on the show.

After the Kris Humphries debacle, Kim had said she would never put her relationships on screen again ...

but then gave an interview saying Kanye would be a part of her show.

But according to our sources, Kanye’s personal interactions with Kim will not be aired. We’re told if Kanye happens to be at an event with Kim ... and the cameras are rolling ... then so be it. In other words ... this won’t be a “Khloe and Lamar” type situation. (TMZ)

SPA TROPIQUE is looking for a fabulous

MAGNOLIA RESTAURANT is looking for a

Part-Time Receptionist To work 3-5 days per week. Please do not respond to this ad unless you meet the following requirements: high school diploma or higher, able to speak, read and write English fluently, must have terrific phone and people skills and be available on weekends and holidays, must have own car with a clean drivers license You will also be assisting the owner with clerical duties and general managing of the day to day activities Please send your resume to relax@spatropique. com by June 7th, 2012 pay is hourly and based on experience level 6679

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

contact: 941-5108

6659

FORGET new music - Jay-Z’s focused on being a new dad.

The hip-hop mogul is so enamored by his infant daughter Blue that he’s taking the focus off recording for the time being to spend more time with her.

The MC told CNN that he’s actually kind of surprised by his own decision to be a stay-at-home-rapper for now.

“I thought I would be really motivated with all the things happening and all the change, with a child in my life now, to get back in the studio,” he said. “But I find that I’m really just motivated to just be with her.”

And he’s relishing every moment with four-month-old Blue.

“Fatherhood is fantastic, it’s amazing,” he said. “It’s a real surreal thing, the joy that someone has at four months old. I know that it gets better.”

IS LOOKING TO EMPLOY

AN OPERATOR AND MECHANIC

The successful candidate will be a qualified planner, with a recognized professional qualification (External Plant Planner certificate, Diploma or Degree in Management) and 8-10 years minimum experience.

Negotiable salary and benefits based on qualifications and experience Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and copies of qualifications to:

The Human Resources Manager LIME P.O. Box 78 Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands Application deadline is no later than June 8th, 2012 Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified

To work 5 days per week. Salary ranging from $7.00 to $12.00 per hour.

Applicants must be willing to work on weekends and holidays.

Perspective applicants must have experience in asphalt work.

6680

Please submit applications to main office.

C5-6 Caribbean Place, Leeward Highway Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

6613

42

Entertainment

May 19 – 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Spears and Lovato join US X Factor BRITNEY Spears and Demi Lovato have signed up as judges for the US version of the X Factor.

The singers will join Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid on the judging panel when the show returns in the autumn.

Fox confirmed earlier this year that Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger would not be returning.

The programme’s creator Simon Cowell had promised to shake up the show after ratings failed to match his predictions.

Speaking as the new judges were presented in New York, he said: “We’re going to make this the best series we’ve ever made.

“We started off well last year but we are going to seriously kick butt with the addition of these guys.”

‘TOTALLY STOKED’ Britney Spears has sold more than 100 million albums around the world, and has had five number one singles in the UK. She said: “I’m so excited about this whole experience. It’s going to be so much fun and so different from anything I’ve ever done. “’I’m ready to find the true star.”

Jeremy Renner, Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson are amongst The Avengers’ all-star cast.

X Factor judges LA Reid, Demi Lovato, Simon Cowell and Britney Spears (SPLASH).

Disney star Demi Lovato, 19, appeared in the film Camp Rock and has released three albums.

Like Britney Spears, she has had personal problems since becoming famous and spent time in therapy after developing eating disorders. She has also admitted self-harming.

She said she was “totally stoked” to join the show.

“I’m excited to represent my

generation and I’m ready to find the winner.”

The viewing figures for the first series of the X Factor USA fell short of the 20 million originally predicted

by Simon Cowell.

He recently admitted he’d been “too arrogant” and promised to revamp the programme.

Cheryl Cole had been hired as a judge but was dropped two weeks into the auditions.

Queen of disco Donna Summers dies US SINGER Donna Summer, famous for disco classics including I Feel Love and Love To Love You Baby, has died at the age of 63.

Summer was one of disco’s biggest stars and also had a huge influence on the synth pop and dance music scenes.

Her family said they were “at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy”.

Stars including Kylie Minogue, Sir Elton John and Mary J Blige have paid tribute.

R&B singer Blige said on Twitter that Summer was “truly a game changer”, while producer Quincy Jones said her voice “was the heartbeat and soundtrack of a decade”.

Minogue described her as “one of my earliest musical inspirations”, while Dionne Warwick said she was sad to lose a great performer and “dear friend”.

Summer, who was reported to have had cancer, had been living in Florida with her husband Bruce Sudano. (BBC)

he said.

According to the artiste he said he penned his anti-gay songs when he was much younger and immature and begged for forgiveness.

“Do not fight against me for some songs that I sing 20 years ago.

There is no one in this world is the same person as how they was 20 years ago. I know I am not. I was a kid and I come from Waterhouse in one community. I never know what the world is like and the world is all about. Now I know that people live in the world that live their life differently from my life, I still have to respect and love human beings. So please I am begging you,” he said.

(Jamaica Observer)

SUPERHERO movie The Avengers has topped the US and Canadian box office for the second week in a row, taking $103.2m (£64m), studio estimates suggest.

The film is now the first in Hollywood history to ring up more than $100m in its second weekend of release.

It is the movie’s second record, after scoring the biggest-ever US opening weekend, with takings of $207.4m.

The blockbuster sees a team of Marvel comic-book heroes team up to fight an extra-terrestrial threat.

Among the cast are Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson and Chris Hemsworth - who have appeared in previous Marvel movies

as Iron Man, Black Widow and Thor, respectively.

Globally, the film looks set to top the $1bn mark this weekend, distributor Disney said on Sunday.

The Avengers’ performance this week left Tim Burton and Johnny Depp’s Dark Shadows standing in the dust.

Their spoof horror movie, which opened on Friday, made an otherwise-respectable $28.8m, taking second place at the box office.

Romantic comedy Think Like a Man finished in third place with ticket sales of $6.3 million.

The Avengers was directed and co-written by Joss Whedon, creator of the TV series Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

Hollywood star John Travolta is accused by a masseur of having performed gay sex.

Beenie backtracks on gay stance A REPENTANT Beenie Man has issued an emotional apology to the international gay community.

Beenie Man is booked to perform on the Rototam Sunsplash in Spain in August and seemed to apologise in an effort to stem any protests from the gay community which may prevent him from performing.

The entertainer has posted a video message in which he expressed his respect for persons of all races, creeds and sexual preferences.

“I respect each and every human being, regardless of which race or creed, regardless of which religious belief and regardless of which sexual preference you have including gay and lesbian people,”

Avengers sets second box office record

Ritz-Carlton masseur says he and John Travolta ‘wound up having sex’ in 1997, report says

Beenie Man apologises to the Gay Community and said that his thinking has changed

A HOTEL masseur claimed he had a steamy romp with John Travolta -and that “Pulp Fiction” star seemed “very experienced” at gay sex, according to bombshell new report.

Luis Gonzalez, a former massage therapist and bell captain at the RitzCarlton in Laguna Niguel, Calif., said he willingly went to bed with Travolta, following an erotic rub down inside the actor’s suite in 1997.

“He’s a great kisser and we wound up having sex,” Gonzalez told the National Enquirer. “We got into the bed that was right there next to the massage table and had a really good

time.”

Gonzalez added, “I can still remember it like it happened yesterday.”

The 49-year-old man, who now reportedly works overseas, claims he met Travolta in 1988 and massaged him several times -- with no hankypanky, before they allegedly went all the way.

“Travolta may not identify himself as a gay man, but it doesn’t dismiss the fact that he likes sex with men ... and he’s experienced at it,” Gonzalez said. (New York Post/Fox News)

May 19 - 25, 2012

Sports International

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 43

Owen not retiring despite Manchester United release

Miami Heat’s LeBron James, left, poses with the NBA MVP trophy alongside Kia’s Percy Vaughn, Saturday, May 12, 2012, in Miami. (AP Photo/El Nuevo Herald, Roberto Koltun)

Miami’s LeBron James named MVP for third time

MIAMI Heat forward LeBron James was named Saturday as the National Basketball Association’s Most Valuable Player for the 2011-12 season, cementing his place among the game’s greatest players.

It was the third time in four years that “King” James has won the game’s most prestigious individual award, elevating him alongside the sport’s biggest names.

Only seven other players – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Moses Malone – have won the trophy at least three times.

Abdul-Jabbar holds the record for six MVP wins, one ahead of Jordan and Russell but James, still just 27 years old, has plenty of time on his

side.

“I never dreamt about being an NBA Most Valuable Player,” an emotional James said in a presentation in Miami broadcast live on national television.

“I never dreamt about doing the things that I do now at a high level.

“Now that it’s in me now, and it’s happening, it’s overwhelming.”

James, who twice won the award with the Cleveland Cavaliers before moving to Miami last season, averaged 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists during the 2011-12 regular season, which was shortened to 66 games because of a labor dispute.

He totaled 1,074 points, including 85 first-place votes, from a panel of 121 voters that decided the award.

Christian Olsson was injured training in the US.

Olsson retires before London 2012 Games

TRIPLE jumper Christian Olsson, who won Olympic gold in 2004, will not compete at the London Games after announcing his retirement with a foot injury.

The 32-year-old, who also won two European titles as well as a gold medal at the 2003 World

Championships, became known for his friendly rivalry with Britain’s Jonathan Edwards.

“He doesn’t feel as if things are working any more,” his manager, Daniel Wessfeldt, said.

He was injured training in the USA. (BBC)

MICHAEL Owen says he does not plan to retire, despite Manchester United confirming the striker would not be offered a new contract at Old Trafford.

The 32-year-old said he would “contemplate his next move” during a short holiday, but was not ready to give up his top-flight playing career.

“The Championship is not an option,” he said. “I’d like to think I haven’t lost the ability to score goals at the highest level.

“I may look further afield.”

And, speaking to Sky Sports News, the former England striker added: “I still feel good and, even though I’ve had a few injuries, I don’t wake up with sore joints.”

The ex-Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle striker was told of United’s decision not to renew his contract following his appearance in a testimonial for former Reds goalkeeper Harry Gregg in Belfast on Tuesday.

“I have loved every minute I have spent at such a fantastic club,” said Owen on Twitter.

His time at Old Trafford was blighted by injuries and he managed just four league and cup appearances this season with his final one coming in United’s 2-0 win over Otelul Galati during the Champions League group stages in November, when he sustained a thigh injury.

Owen’s most memorable goal for Manchester United came at Old Trafford back in September 2009.

The striker came off the bench to

Michael Owen still feels he has a lot of football left in him.

score a dramatic injury-time winner against Manchester City and win the derby 4-3, with the match since being voted the best in Premier League history.

He scored another vital goal in the League Cup final against Aston Villa back in 2010, however his celebrations were again cut short by injury and he was replaced shortly after.

Owen’s last appearance for England was against France in 2008, but his goal record at international level is outstanding.

The striker scored 40 goals in 89 appearances for his country and BBC Sport’s Gary Lineker, who scored 48 goals for England, tweeted: “A world-class goalscorer who, but for injury, would have broken many records.”

Owen started his career as a teenager at Liverpool, scoring 158

goals in 297 appearances, before making an £8m move to Spain to play for Real Madrid in 2004.

Having spent just one season in La Liga, the striker moved back to the Premier League where he joined Newcastle United for a reported fee of £16m, scoring 30 goals in 79 appearances.

Always an admirer of the prolific striker, Sir Alex Ferguson took a risk in signing him for Manchester United on a free transfer in 2009.

The Scot said: “It is a pleasure to have had Michael at Manchester United.

“Michael is a consummate professional and was an influential figure in our dressing room.

Unfortunately he had no luck with his injury this season.

“Michael’s record of goals per game is exceptional and we wish him all the best for the future.” (BBC)

Team GB under no pressure to pick David Beckham – Coe LONDON 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe has dismissed suggestions that the organising committee are placing extra pressure on Team GB football coach Stuart Pearce to pick David Beckham.

The former England captain will arrive in Athens on Thursday to play a key role in a ceremony to mark the handover of the Olympic flame to London.

“We have put no pressure on Stuart Pearce at all,” said ex-athlete Coe. “He has to pick the team he thinks can lift the trophy.”

He added: “The coach is in pole position. You cannot put any pressure on him, it’s entirely up to Stuart Pearce.”

The torch will be flown to Cornwall on Friday for a 70-day, 8,000-mile relay around Britain culminating in the lighting of the flame in the Olympic Stadium on 27 July.

Beckham, who helped Los Angeles Galaxy win the Major League Soccer title last season, is tipped to be named as captain of the Team GB football team for London

David Beckham wants to represent England at the Olympics.

2012.

But Coe rejected the idea that by making the 37-year-old such a highprofile figure in the build up to the Games he was making it impossible for Pearce to leave him out of his squad.

“Obviously having David around the Olympic programme is a fantastic thing but we wouldn’t expect a recall for Daley Thompson or Steve Redgrave just because they are involved [in the build-up],” he said.

“It would be bizarre not to use him on a regular basis. David has been with us from the beginning.

“He was travelling independently even before Singapore. Even a few weeks ago he was with me in Los Angeles helping us with the global engagement programme. It’s right he should be with us here.”

Asked whether he would pick Beckham, London mayor Boris Johnson added: “Of course. But that’s why I am not in charge of the football team.”

44

Sports National

Ferrari put pressure on faltering Massa WHILE Fernando Alonso has overcome the shortcomings of his 2012 Ferrari to be an early title contender, the two-time world champion’s teammate Felipe Massa is facing an uncertain future after a disappointing start to the Formula One season.

Massa was again well off the pace at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, despite improvements to the vehicle which helped Alonso finish second and move level on points with championship leader Sebastian Vettel.

The Brazilian suffered the embarrassment of being lapped by Alonso and Williams’ race winner Pastor Maldonado, coming in 15th to leave him with just two points from the opening five rounds.

Ferrari’s team principal Stefano Domenicali publicly backed the under-performing 31-year-old in March, but Massa has now been told better results will be expected when the championship resumes in Monaco on May 27.

“Felipe was very unlucky, both in the race and in qualifying,” read a statement on Ferrari’s official website.

“But everyone, he more than anyone, is expecting a change of gear starting right away with the Monaco Grand Prix, his second home race, given that he lives just a few hundred meters from what, as from next

Brazilian driver Felipe Massa has won 11 grand prix since making his Formula One debut in 2002.

Sunday, will be transformed into the paddock for the sixth round of the 2012 championship. “ Massa’s most successful year in the elite division of motorsport was in 2008, when he was denied a first world championship crown by McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton on the final corner of the final race.

But the former Sauber driver has struggled to reach those heights since, partly due to a freak accident at the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix which left him with a fractured skull.

His form has also spiraled since being told to let Alonso pass him while leading a race in Germany in 2010.

The last time the first five races were won by five different drivers was in 1983, and Domenicali believes Ferrari can be true contenders despite a lack of early-season pace.

“It takes very little to change the hierarchy among the teams and this rule is even more true when the differences are just a few tenths or even hundredths,” he said.

“This year, the winner will be whoever manages to bring the best technical updates to the track in the shortest time possible: staying still for just a handful of races could mean finishing out of the points, given that so many teams have proved capable of fighting for the top places.

Justin Gatlin beats Asafa Powell in Diamond League in Doha WORLD indoor champion Justin Gatlin staked his claim as a contender for the Olympic 100m with victory in Doha’s Diamond League meeting in 9.87 seconds.

The American overhauled Asafa Powell in the final 30m to edge out the Jamaican by one hundredth of a second.

Olympic champion Usain Bolt opened his 2012 campaign with a run of 9.82 seconds in Kingston on 5 May. Gatlin, who won 100m gold at Athens 2004, is eligible for London 2012 after serving a four-year doping ban.

His victory at the Qatar Sports Club marked a return to the venue where he set a new world record in 2006, a mark subsequently wiped from the record books after testing positive for testosterone.

The 30-year-old made his comeback to athletics in 2010 and won 60m gold ahead of Great Britain’s Dwain Chambers at the Indoor World Championships in Istanbul in March.

Whether Gatlin gets a chance to

May 19 – 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Justin Gatlin overhauled Asafa Powell in the final 30m to edge out the Jamaican by one hundredth of a second.

compete for a medal at the Olympic Stadium in August is dependent on his performance in the United States trials in Portland which begin on 21 June.

Regardless of his presence, a cast of credible pretenders to Bolt’s crown have made their case.

With Commonwealth champion Lerone Clarke finishing third behind Gatlin and Powell in 9.99 seconds, six men have run under 10 seconds

already this season.

American Walter Dix, who won bronze in both the 100m and 200m behind Bolt at the Beijing Games, won the event’s 200m in 20.02 seconds.

In a field packed with quality, American three-time world champion Allyson Felix trumped the challenge of her Jamaican rivals to win the women’s 100m in 10.91 seconds.

LaShawn Merritt determined to dominate 400m

OLYMPIC 400m champion LaShawn Merritt, who failed a drugs test in 2009, says he is determined to maintain his country’s illustrious legacy in the sport by defending his title at London 2012.

The American became the first big name to fall foul of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) “next Games” ban which was eventually overturned at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).

Merritt says he is ready to deal with the attention he will receive in London should he defend his title, LaShawn Merritt is determined to insisting he did not “intentionally bounce back after a failed drug test do anything to cheat”. (BBC) in 2009.

Josh for Sports

Olympic of the past As is documented in National Geographic, some of this summer’s Olympic events would have been familiar to the athletes who originated the competitions around the eight century BC. Artwork on classical poetry shows well-muscled men racing, wrestling, throwing the discus and more.

The clothes sported by today’s athletes would probably puzzle those ancient Greeks, since the original Olympic athletes wore little more than the sheen of olive oil.

HOW EVENTS WERE PLAYED THE DISCUS Modern discus throwers probably use the same techniques as Ancient Greeks. What has changed over the centuries is the discus itself. The earliest surviving models from the sixth century BC were stone; later ones were iron or bronze, like the third century AD model.

JAVELIN The Javelin throw probably originated as a display of hunting or battle skills. Throwers competed for distance as today’s athletes do. Ancient javelins, however, were equipped with a leather strap that throwers hooked their fingers through to get more distance from their throws.

RUNNING Foot-races of varying distances were the first and, for many years beginning in 776BC, the only Olympic event. An embankment curved around the side of a board flat running track and served as a spectator area for the crowds the race attracted.

By Joshua Gardiner

LONG JUMP Today Olympic long jumpers leap unencumbered, but ancient athletes carried stone weights or halters—that they pumped vigorously up and down as they ran to increase their jumps momentum.

WRESTLING Greek wrestlers did not try to pin their opponents, as wrestlers do now. Instead, the objective was to throw an opponent to the ground three times to win. Matches were not timed and wrestlers were not separated into weight divisions.

EQUESTRIAN Today’s equestrian events emphasise style. The Greeks emphasised speed.

Both horseback and Chariot races were staged in open air riding rings known as hippodromes. As is the case today, the Greeks awarded the winner’s wreath to the owner of the horse.

BOXING Fighters wrapped straps of leather around their hands to protect themselves during bouts, but they kept their fingers free. Fights had no time limits and contestants were matched not by the physical size, but by the luck of draw.

May 19 – 25, 2012

Sports National

45

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

HAB Group/Gansevoort sponsored T20 cricket:

Police on fire with huge win over Kischo KISHCO’S impressive seven-wicket win over Jam Turk two weekends ago was overshadowed by a dismal performance against defending T20 champions in Providenciales the Police cricket team.

The HAB Group/Gansevoort sponsored T20 cricket competition loss for the newcomers has damaged their hopes of making it into the semi-finals of the event.

Batting first after winning the toss at the Downtown Ball Park Kischo’s batsmen were outdone by the pace of Damian Young who bagged 4-19 from four overs. Skipper Garvin Bruno, Jerry Grant and Lyndon Tyson took two wickets each as the inexperienced side fell for 61 runs in 12.5 overs.

Jose Blanco played a few aggressive shots in his score of 17,

Action in the exciting clash.

Fast bowler Damian Young took 4-19 for the Lawmen.

but it was always a huge task to get on top of the bowling.

Police, who had a horrible start in the competition, then cruised to a nine-wicket victory in eight overs with Kareem Jack unbeaten on 18 (4X2s) and Bruno on 17 (1X4, 1X6).

Winston Callum grabbed one wicket for 25 runs from three overs.

Sailrock Youth Leagues:

Green Dragons lead U-11 Boys The U-11 boys reached the half way phase of the Sailrock Youth League with the Green Dragons taking a commanding lead at the top of the table.

The Dragons won all three of their games last Saturday starting with a 2-0 win against the Red Devils.

Manuel Vigo and Orin Campbell scored the goals and Vigo was also on the score sheet alongside Carlton Mills and Zarek Swann as they overcame the Blue Marlins (3-1).

Jack Small had scored for the Marlins, but the Dragons controlled possession and created many chances. However, in their final game they had to work hard to overcome the Orange All Stars and it was Swann who came up with the winner with only a few minutes to spare.

In the remaining games most teams experienced mixed results.

The Blue Marlins bounced back from their defeat against the Dragons with a 1-1 draw against the Purple Pirates and a 5-0 win against the Yellow Strikers. Junior Paul scored for the Marlins in the game against the Pirates who had taken the lead through Shadown St. John, yet the Marlins saved their best performance to the end as they blasted away the Strikers with goals coming from Junior Paul (2), Mario Powell, Jack Small and Ishnar Beloni.

The Red Devils picked up a win and a draw as they defeated the All Stars 3-1 before tying with Strikers 1-1.

The Devils’ scorers on the day were: Joovens Joseph and Neri Williams who both drilled two goals each.

The Purple Pirates were involved in two high scoring games as they tied 2-2 with the All Stars before losing 3-2 to the Strikers. Shadown St. John scored two against the Strikers and one against the All Stars with John Kolas adding the other

goal.

In their win the Strikers saw AJ Elenus, Charlie McKnight and Sebastien Turbyfield hit the back of the net while Javaughn Jackson scored twice for the All Stars in their tie with the Pirates. Goal of the day was scored by Turbyfield as he turned and shot from long range to secure a draw against the Red Devils, who will need to win all their remaining games if they are to catch the Dragons who lead by eight points.

U-14 ACTION The Under-14 Boys’ League has one week remaining, but the Grasshoppers have already ensured that they will be crowned champions as they hold a ten-point lead over the Eagles. The Grasshoppers beat the Eagles 4-1 to secure the title after having already beaten the Tigers 3-2 in their opening game.

The Grasshoppers’ goals were spread out amongst the team with Gabriel Diotte-Joly scoring three times, Idlin Beloni twice and Michael Johnson and Reinaldo once.

Wilkins Sylvain and Adner Davilmar scored for the Tigers and Marvin Joseph scored the lone goal for the Eagles. In their opening game the Eagles had to work hard to overcome the Golden Retrievers with a 3-2 win. Joseph scored twice and Samir Tolani added another for the Eagles as Tariq Germal and Wendy Joseph had kept the Retrievers in the game.

The Retrievers were involved in another high scoring match as they lost 4-3 to the Tigers. Cole Nickson, Wilkins Sylavain, Adner Davilmar and Arod Turrel all scored for the Tigers and goals from Ras Diamond (2) and Jefty Desvales ensured it was a tense finish.

U-15 Rugby:

Scotiabank Storm pull through in a classic THE SCOTIABANK Storm and CIBC FCIB Lions put on an excellent display of running rugby and big tackles to complete the Spring Season level at two wins all with one draw.

Under the watchful eye of the Under-19 squad the Storm and the Lions began the match with two tight defences that refused to allow players make any long try scoring opportunities. The Lions were the first to break through as a series of passes from Quinn Stubbs to Liam Delancy helped CJ Outten find the try line in a passage of play that would put the senior men’s team to shame.

The Storm were quick to respond and powerful runs up the field by AJ Forbes and Jules Jennings put the Lions on the back-foot. Quick play by the Storm found Outten offside for the Lions and Frankie Forbes took the advantage to touch down to level the match. Coming up to the halftime whistle both teams unsuccessfully probed each other’s defence until Aaron Robinson broke through to set up Outten to take the lead.

Despite going into the half down a try, the Storm came out fighting thanks to the fiery team talk of Coach Callis Jones. With Greshun Been providing the muscle in midfield Dean Eyma seized a gap to level the scores.

Joshua Swann soon added his name to the score sheet after a wonderful individual effort before Outten once again scored to level the match.

The match continued to see-saw back and forth as Tyrese Taylor used his pace to round AJ Forbes to score.

The Storm refused to lie down and after a period of open, flowing rugby Kaylam Pratt found a mismatch and barrelled over Taylor, stretching the final metre for the try line. Forbes appeared to put in the tackle of the day, taking out Rocky Smith only to be outdone by Dario Parker who stalked the field making hit after hit that left the Under-19 players oohing and aahing from the side line.

The Storm appeared to have taken the lead as Eyma crossed the line unopposed, but a momentary lapse of judgment saw him spill the ball

forward and the Lions breathed a sigh of relief. Despite several attempts the Lions were unable to clear the ball from their 22 and Swann jumped on a loose ball to score in the corner.

Upon regaining the ball Aaron Stubbs continued to batter through the Storm’s defence demanding precision tackles from the smaller Storm players in order to take out the stampeding prop. When Stubbs was finally taken down Trayvon Gardiner was on hand at scrum half to dart over the line and level the score.

The Lions refused to relent and were soon back on the Storm’s try line.

Three efforts to get over the line were all repulsed by tough two-man tackles by the Storm as all players were asked to commit to stopping the seemingly endless attack. It proved one phase too many for the Lions as an outstretched arm dropped the ball just short of the line releasing the

pressure on the Storm.

With a minute remaining and the ball in hand, the Storm proceeded to pound the ball up the middle of the pitch. First Aaron Williams, then Ismarck Siamphe until Kaylam Pratt proved a bridge too far for the Lions’ defenders and broke loose fifteen yards from the line with no one to stop him. A visibly delighted Pratt touched down to win the match for the Storm 30-25 only minutes from time. For his play he received the Man-of-the-Match awarded.

This Saturday at the Meridian Field a brand new event commemorates the last weekend of junior rugby for this season: the Digicel Provo Inter-School Tag Rugby tournament which starts at 10am. All interested parties are invited and encouraged to attend. Enquiries are welcome to Jamie Tait, Rugby Development Officer, at rdo@rugby.tc

Captain Marvin’s Women’s Beach Soccer League:

Mermaids sit comfortably on top CAPTAIN Marvin’s Women’s Beach Soccer League reached the half way stage last weekend as the Mermaids cemented their place at the top of the league with a 12-2 win against the Purple Pirates.

The Mermaids are undefeated so far this season and this is largely due to their overall team work and commitment.

The Purple Pirates took the lead when Christina Hind’s powerful shot left the Mermaids’ keeper with no chance, however they fought back to take a 2-1 lead at the end of the first period with goals from Yarileny De La Cruz and Kadine Delphin. During the two remaining periods the Mermaids dominated the game and finished off as comfortable winners. Delphin led the scoring with six goals and she was assisted

by Lilli Fenelus who claimed a hat-trick. Yarileny De La Cruz (2) and Griet Vanbrabant rounded off

the scoring for the league leaders.

Yarielca De La Cruz scored a consolation goal for the Pirates, but they were well beaten on the day.

In the other game the Blue Marlins moved into second place with a 7-3 win against the Great White Sharks. The Sharks played well, but again they were let down by some poor finishing. At the start of the second period the Marlins held a slender lead (3-2), but soon managed to make the most of their efforts on goal as they slowly pulled away to go into the final period with a 5-3 lead. Two late goals from Tyra Forbes sealed the win for the Marlins, whose other goals were scored by Sarah Cenary (3) Amelie Speer and Marie Dorcelus. Simone Smith, Jessica Lange and Briandie Brooks were on the score sheet for the Sharks who are improving week by week, but are yet to get their first win of the season.

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May 19 – 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sports National

Williams focusing

on 200M at UK Olympic trials

TCI teenage sprint sensation Delano Williams will focus all his energy on the 200M at next month’s UK Olympic trials.

Williams, who is attending Munro College in Jamaica, made this disclosure earlier this week after he and his coach weighed his options.

His strength has always been the 200M (PB 20.53s) and although he has won numerous titles in the 100M, his best being 10.34s (another TCI record); he has never owned that event.

“I’m not running the 100m because it’s more likely that those

Jenny Fluerenvil was voted as the league’s MVP.

guys out there (the other competitors at the trials) are faster than me.”

His 200M PB, which he ran this February in Jamaica, was an Olympic ‘A’ qualifying time.

He said he is very focused on that event and is confident of securing a place on the UK team.

Delano Williams would focus on his strength at next month’s Olympic trials.

The winners of the league.

Sailrock U-15 Girls’ League:

Green Dragons hold on to take title THE SAILROCK U-15 Girls’ League came to a close with the

Green Dragons crowned as deserved champions. In second place were

awards Champions - Green Dragons Runners up - Striking Cheetahs Third Place - Titans Team MVPs Striking Cheetahs - Crystal Stirling Yellow Jaguars - Tyra Forbes Titans - Yarileny De La Cruz White Wolves - Waldine Pierre Red Devils - Melissa Jean Guy Green Dragons - Sanardia Forbes Top Goalscorer - Yarielca De La Cruz (31) Most Improved Player - Sydnee Campbell League MVP - Jenny Fluerenvil

the Striking Cheetahs who held off a late surge from the Titans. As in the previous weeks of the league the final day saw a lot of goal action. The Striking Cheetahs needed to win all three of their games and hope that the Dragons slipped up. They gave everything that they had in defeating the Yellow Jaguars (4-1) and White Wolves (6-0) before tying 1-1 against the Dragons. Yarielca De La Cruz and Crystal Stirling dominated the scoring for the Cheetahs as they scored six and five goals respectively.

The Green Dragons did enough to secure the championship with a 0-0 draw with the Red Devils and a 2-0 win against the White Wolves. Jenny Fluerenvil, Lashauna Thompson and Danara Brooks scored for the

Dragons on the day.

In the remaining games the Titans bounced back after a 3-2 defeat against the White Wolves with a 3-0 win over the Devils and a 2-0 defeat of the Jaguars. Yarileny De La Cruz scored all seven of her team’s goals and was voted MVP for the day. The Wolves’ goals were shared between Waldine Pierre, Sydnee Campbell and Rhian Davies with Tyra Forbes scoring for the Jaguars in their loss against the Cheetahs. Earlier on Jachelle Gardner had scored for the Jaguars as they tied with the Devils courtesy of Melissa Jean Guy’s goal.

Technical Director Matthew Green was keen to thank the league sponsors Sailrock for their continued support as well as the coaches and referees. He

added that he thought the league was better than ever and that: “The girls continue to improve at a fast rate and it is great to see new players doing well in the league alongside girls that have been playing for a few years now.

These leagues help us identify talent for our Centres of Excellence as well as our future national teams.

They also help prepare our players for more serious and competitive games ahead by giving them a chance to compete at a young age. A few years ago we could never have dreamed of having a six-team girls’ league, this shows just how much we have developed in recent years.

This credit goes to all the players, coaches, referees and sponsors who are involved in youth football.”

May 19 – 25, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 19 – 25, 2012