Weekly News Volume 29 | No. 18 | May 2 - 8, 2015
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FILES APPEAL On Wednesday (April 29) Provo Air Centre filed a notice of appeal of Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale’s denial of a review into the legality of Crown land acquired by M Aviation from the TCI Airport Authority, for a fixed based operation (FBO). PAGE 5 PAGE
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Students cook up a feast of TCI foods FSC should question soundness of certain financial institutions - IMF PAGE 4
NIB paid out $77m in benefits in 23 years PAGE 7
Salons compete for cash prize at hair show PAGE 12
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
May 2 - 8, 2015
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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NEWS
May 2 - 8, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
FSC should question soundness of certain financial institutions - IMF BY DELANA ISLES EVEN as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended the steps taken to improve financial regulation in the TCI, the supervision of financial institutions in the country still needs to be stepped up. This is according to IMF team leader Hiroko Oura, who along with five other people, was recently in the Islands for a two week financial sector assessment, particularly the regulatory and supervisory framework. The team visited at the invitation of former Governor Gordon Wetherell back in 2010 following the
collapse of TCI Bank. At the time, the Governor made a commitment to introduce a depositor insurance scheme. Oura, an IMF senior economist in the monetary and capital markets department, spoke with press on Monday (April 27) at the Financial Services Commission’s (FSC) Providenciales offices. The team was in the TCI at no cost to the Government, the media was advised. When questioned about the state of the TCI’s compliance with international standards and evolving practices, Oura noted that since 2003 the extent of compliance has
CLARIFICATION on Athenee Harvey case FURTHER to discussions with the Director of the Integrity Commission, Eugene Otuonye, the Weekly News would like to make a clarification on the case involving the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. The case relates to an incident in August 2014 at the Grand Turk Cruise Centre, where Athenee Harvey, upon disembarking a cruise ship, did
not pay customs duties on 25 pieces of luggage. This publication would like to make it clear that the customs officers were never given a chance by the Permanent Secretary to inspect the luggage to determine how much money was owed. Harvey will come up for trial on July 6 in the Supreme Court on two charges of corruption brought by the Integrity Commission last year.
Published by Turks & Caicos News Company Ltd. Cheshire House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales P.O. Box 52, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI W. Blythe Duncanson - Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Bird - News Editor Delana Isles - Senior Reporter Daisy Handfield - Staff Reporter Faizool Deo - Sports Editor (At Large) Cord Garrido-Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large) Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams - Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com Follow us on: Facebook: facebook.com/tcweeklynews Twitter: twitter.com/tcweeklynews1
IMF team leader to TCI, Hiroko Oura and Managing Director of the FSC, Kevin Higgins
progressively improved. However, she added that there are some areas that still need improvement, such as the legislative structure, as both the bank and insurance sectors operate under rather outdated laws. “In terms of the actual work of examination and such, it is very clear that the FSC has started the examination work, and (through) some studies in certain financial institutions, we find that the FSC could be a little bit more intrusive in a sense that they ask further questions to examine the state of the particular financial institution in terms of their state of performance and soundness - those are the areas that could be improved in terms of compliance,” Oura stated. She added that another area the team observed is that recently more attention is being paid to safety nets or dissolution framework which is very important in cases of liquidation. “There I think that much more needs to be done for example by establishing a special dissolution framework for banks which can expedite liquidation of banks, instead of waiting for a court decision and a court order.” Oura noted that given the situation with TCI Bank, the need for a special dissolution framework becomes even more important. “There are two tiers - one is to set up by law that special dissolution framework that will expedite the process and second is to establish or modify certain pieces of legislation to provide a better ranking to small depositors or small policy holders. “With those kinds of measures, in the future it should be much easier to protect the small policy holders or depositors. These are the areas that need to be urgently taken care of.” Asked how close the TCI is to international financial standards, the team leader stated that while the standards in the TCI keeps going up, the expectation for offshore financial centres is rising quite a bit, so in that sense the Islands is continuously trying to catch a moving target. However, she added that: “But looking at the track record of the FSC and the framework of the financial sector oversight, they have made good progress and they need to keep that progress to reach that goal.” Meanwhile, speaking on her two
week assessment, Oura noted that the exercise is more of a checkup programme offered to IMF member countries and a few of the non-members such as the TCI and other UK overseas territories with established financial sectors, on a voluntary basis. She and other experts covered areas such as insurance, banking sector stability, oversight framework, the financial structure and financial safety net which includes crisis management or the deposit insurance. She noted that the FSC was very forthcoming with the team of analysts. Oura noted that since 2003 when the commission was inadequately staffed and equipped, the commission has come a long way, and now has both insurance and banking departments, it has been properly staff and they have started the banking examination programme. “In this context very good progress has been made. The actual work to supervise the financial institutions has started.” As the project was initiated by the Government, after the IMF makes its recommendations, it is up to FSC and other Government agencies to decide at what pace they are going to execute those recommendations,
Oura said. She stated that it will be up to the Government whether they want to make the report public. Managing director of the FSC, Kevin Higgins, noted that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office will be doing the monitoring of the relevant implementations, as they will be receiving the report as well. In terms of the legislative framework, which Oura said was seriously needed; Higgins said the commission will lead the preparation of the legislation, but that the Attorney General Chambers and the Finance Ministry have to lay it before the house before it can be enacted. “But we will certainly prepare all the required Cabinet papers and our draftsman will prepare the document. “First we will look at the bank insolvency regime and there is a draftsman in the UK who is prepared to start work on that in September, then the depositor insurance subsequently, there is a lot of preparatory work that needs to be done,” the managing director noted. Current Governor Peter Beckingham has since received the preliminary findings of the IMF team, and according to the Governor’s Office on Wednesday, they expect the final report sometime in late May.
TCI banks well capitalised - IMF finds BANKS in the Turks and Caicos Islands have been found to be well capitalised more than banks in other Caribbean countries even as they continue to suffer the effects of the global financial downturn. This is the view of Hiroko Oura, team leader of a six member delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that recently conducted a financial assessment in the TCI. Asked by media representatives on Monday (April 27) how the team gauged the financial stability of financial institutions in the Islands, Oura stated: “We looked at the soundness of the banking and insurance sector as a whole;
and we found that for the banking sector especially, there are two characteristics - one is that banks here are very well capitalised, there is a very high capital bank accounts than other countries in the region. “But at the same at the same time this territory has suffered quite a bit from the global financial crisis and the collapse of the tourism… so banks continue to suffer…” She further explained that depositor insurance is a key component to increasing the confidence of depositors in the financial system as well as establishing a strong financial framework.
May 2 - 8, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS
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Provo Air Centre appeals CJ’s denial of judicial review BY DELANA ISLES ON WEDNESDAY (April 29) Provo Air Centre filed a notice of appeal of Chief Justice Margaret RamsayHale’s denial of a review into the legality of Crown land acquired by M Aviation from the TCI Airport Authority, for a fixed based operation (FBO). In a statement to the press on Thursday, Lyndon Gardiner, chairman of Provo Air Centre stated that he has taken the next step in the process of receiving a fair hearing. He is asking the Court of Appeal to overturn Ramsay-Hale’s April 1, 2015 decision not to hear his request for a judicial review. The request was denied on the basis that the company filed its application out of the time; even as the company has claimed that most of the alleged wrongdoings were discovered after the required time. Gardiner is asking the court to review the circumstances and decision making by the TCIAA, and the representatives of the Crown that led to the establishment of a second FBO at Providenciales International Airport on lands acquired for expansion of the public airport facilities. He maintained that the regulators acted illegally and under significant conflicts of interest. Gardiner said he is confident of several points in front of the Court of Appeal, including a request to examine how the Crown and TCIAA improperly seized private lands through the compulsory acquisition process and in quick fashion leased the land for an extended period to a foreign controlled company to develop their private business. Also, how they repeatedly ignored multiple requests for information on the dealings, and how the public is indeed hurt by the structure being built directly on land that should have been developed into a much-needed parallel taxiway so as to reduce air traffic congestion and improve the safety of operations at the airport. Gardiner reiterated that he is not complaining about competition: “But wishes to ensure that it is fairly established.” Named as interested parties in the legal challenge are Blue Heron FBO, M Aviation and Signature Flight Support.
In the notice of appeal, Provo Air Centre is asking the court to set aside the judge’s finding and give them the costs of the appeal due to the apparent unreasonable steps taken by the respondents, including their unreasonable refusal to answer correspondence to date on the judicial review. The company claims that the nonresponsive respondents have as such caused this upon themselves. Alternatively, the company wants the court to grant further or other relief as their lawyers may further submit to the court, and which the court would consider just. Grounds of the appeal The Provo Air Centre claims that the wrong application of judicial review procedure was applied by the judge. They claim that the CJ erred in law and in fact by her erroneous application of the principles and practice of judicial review, in so far as performing a wholesale judicial review of each and every ground in the originating claim without a full hearing. And that by doing so the appellant was critically deprived of evidence and documentation which a decision-making body would have had to disclose and offer as to their administrative process before a full hearing. They further stipulated that Ramsay-Hale again erred by failing to take any proper or due consideration of the fact that the TCIAA unreasonably and repeatedly failed to answer any of the correspondence and questions by the appellant. As such, she placed an unrealistic burden on the claimant to offer evidence of matters that have been repeatedly raised in one-sided correspondence with the TCIAA but which have not been answered. Delay The company claims that the judge erred by finding, contrary to the clear facts of the case, that there was no on-going decision. She is also accused of failing to consider or pay proper consideration to the fact that the claimant was not able to bid alongside Blue Heron as the TCIAA failed to publicly tender or give proper notice of same. They claim that the proper inference that should have been
Chairman of Provo Air Centre, Lyndon Gardiner
drawn is that the failure of the TCIAA to either publish a tender or give proper or adequate notice was a material cause for the state of mind of the appellant and therefore any consequent delay. They also claim that she failed to consider or pay proper consideration to the fact that the earliest date known to the appellant as to the terms of the lease and their being at an undervalue was not established until September 2014. The appellant noted that not only did the judge improperly address
this point in her judgment, but she erroneously stated that the challenge does not relate to “the contents of the lease”. Further, she is accused of failing to give proper consideration to the various merits of the claim, that is - in error she made a finding rejecting the argument that it was unlawful to lease at an undervalue on the basis that the rent is not so unreasonable that no authority could impose it and that the Crown lands policies do not apply (because the land was transferred by the Crown to the TCIAA). The company claims that while the land was not Crown land, this was only because it was transferred on the same day it was acquired by the Crown to the TCIAA; and that it should not be possible to avoid the Crown lands policies by transferring land to a public body to lease or sell. Additionally, that any public body must abide by the Crown lands policies in such circumstances because otherwise it would be complicit in an abuse of power by the Crown and would undermine the policies themselves.
Bias The judge is said to have erred in her finding as to the financial interest of Gordon Burton, the chairman of the TCIAA who signed the variation of lease and received a pecuniary benefit as managing director of Caribbean Management Services Ltd which was a corporate agent to M Aviation. The appeal notice states that the judge found that Caribbean Management Services Ltd would have received a management fee whether or not it obtained the lease, therefore the lease did not affect Burton’s financial interest. However, the company claims that this finding ignores the body of decided common law on bias starting from the basic principles of actual and apparent bias on down. The disputed land was initially granted to two Belongers – Shaun Malcolm and Joshua Harvey – by former Governor Gordon Wetherell in May 2011. The two men had at the time of the grant, entered into an agreement with the principals behind M Aviation – Mortimer Sackler and Michel Neutelings, both of Amanyara Resort - for the operation of an FBO at the airport, which eventually soured.
Scotiabank denies downsizing in TCI JENNIFER O’Leary, marketing managing for the Northern Caribbean of Scotiabank, has refuted a Weekly News article that the Canadian bank is downsizing its operations in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The article in dispute was published in the April 25 to May 1 edition, titled ‘Scotiabank likely to downsize in TCI – sources’ In her letter to this publication O’Leary stated: “I am writing to notify you of serious inaccuracies in your article posted on April 27, 2015, titled ‘Scotiabank likely to downsize in TCI – sources.’ “The statements about ‘downsizing our operations’ and
‘pulling operations from TCI’ are not accurate and are misleading. We ask you to remove them from your report. “Scotiabank has no plans to close branches in the Turks and Caicos and remain committed to being a part of this community for the long term. “We are focused on serving our customers and providing the right advice and solutions tailored to meet their financial needs. “One of our priorities is to ensure we are operating efficiently to better serve our customers.” She continued: “Scotiabank has a long history in the region. We have been operating in the Turks
and Caicos Islands for 34 years and in the Caribbean for over 125 years and remain the preeminent bank in the region. “Over the years we have received many awards and accolades by international organisations, such as Scotiabank’s most recent award for ‘Best Emerging Market Bank 2015’ by the prestigious Global Finance magazine, and we look forward to continuing to provide excellent and uninterrupted service to all our customers in the Turks and Caicos Islands.” O’Leary has responsibility for the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands and the TCI.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
May 2 - 8, 2015
A Weekly News column that puts you on the spot for your opinions on the issues of the day
IMF visit to TCI A team of analysts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was recently in the TCI reviewing the financial sector’s regulatory and supervisory capabilities. Following the collapse of TCI Bank in 2010, former Governor Gordon Wetherell had invited the international agency to the Islands after committing to introduce a depositor protection programme, which is still in the works. What are your thoughts?
IMF is no good
This is so unnecessary because the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is so wrong for these Islands. The IMF is an international body, whose job it is, to impoverish third world countries and to ensure that they remain undeveloped and permanently paying debts. As a matter of regulation, the TCI is well regulated except that the Financial Services Commission (FSC) has proven to be incompetent and biased in its approach to what they call regulation. When it comes to banks there are regulations, the Banking Ordinance, guidelines and due liaison with the Bank of England. TCI Bank did not fail because of improper regulatory regime, which seems to be the suggestion here, creating the need for the IMF but there is no such need. TCI Bank failed because politicians of the day were very instrumental in micromanaging the TCI Bank. Loans were given to political supporters and there was an undue diversion of funds. Most critically the board of the bank was not independent, and was the hostage of the order of the day. The FSC, the erstwhile or would be regulator, simply did not regulate. They sat idly by, collected per diems and loans. The board of the bank itself took huge unsecured loans. Ninety percent of the loans portfolio went unsecured because, even though in a few minor select instances when mortgages were issued, the bank simply did not have those loans registered. They were free to do what they liked because national insurance funds were abused, allegedly $20 million, so what did they care. Taxpayers of the TCI do not do anything and all they really do is grumble every day. This is an issue that if we in the TCI the Government, the FSC and public - really
cared, we could cure the so called regulatory problem ourselves. The last thing the TCI needs is the IMF. Governor Beckingham should countermand the former Governor’s request and disinvite the IMF.
Investigate NIB
The IMF needs to investigate why the National Insurance Board (NIB), a trust, transferred millions of the funds deducted from workers’ wages into a high risk private bank with no relation to the Government; a bank which went down. It was Washington Misick’s bank and now he is finance minister who has taken a move to restore the man who did the transfer, his party’s National Chairman on to the NIB board. Will the NIB be used to fill up the sinking fund? They cannot keep their hands off all the cash in the NIB. The cash is needed for our pensions now and in the future
Nonsense
What a great idea! A tiny half bankrupt, sub billion dollar economy guarantees the deposits of three of the largest banks in the world which have trillions of dollars of assets between them. And, by the way we should regulate them as well, because we can be sure that our FSC is far more competent and powerful than the Canadian regulators and the Bank of Canada. Or perhaps it’s all just about creating civil service empires? If you want to be completely bankrupt, the IMF can really help. Ask the Greeks. Higher fees I don’t really trust the IMF, but if they actually produce a report that can be read and understood by lay persons that would be an interesting read. If it resulted in depositors’ insurance,
that also would be comforting. On the other hand, our banks charge ridiculous fees already, and I am sure a depositors’ protection plan would mean even higher fees for their negligible services.
What a fiasco!
TCI Bank need not have collapsed, the record shows that the FSC and the judge colluded and put the bank into liquidation using an overseas liquidator who it appears earned millions off the job, while not holding one person involved in the bank accountable for the collapse. Furthermore the audited accounts if accurate showed that the bank was well capitalised, if the audited accounts were wrong then somebody should be punished for falsifying the books but no one was. Depositor insurance in a situation like this would be just robbery from the well run banks to bail out the poorly run banks where no one is being held accountable, and our Governor’s should have the basic intelligence to see this fact.
Loan refinancing, maybe?
Regulate what? The banks in the TCI are mostly run from Canada. Kevin Higgins had a chance to help TCI Bank. He chose to help his friend Kikivarakis from the Bahamas and give him a sweetheart liquidation contract. Poor Turks and Caicos, we are always being mistreated and people like Higgins think we are fools and can’t see through their BS. Financial services have already been beaten down enough. It is non-existent. Elvis has left the building. Maybe, this visit was just a disguise to see if the IMF will finance the loan guarantee.
More Government control needed
A depositor protection programme is a must in any banking institution especially here in the TCI. This has been a standard practice even in other countries. In most cases, this protection programme is being implemented as part of their banking act or law. The collapse of TCI bank in 2010 is an indication of how weak the Government’s financial and banking laws were. Given the thought that the monies being deposited by the depositors were being used by the banking institutions for loans to gain profit, yet in return no amount of interest is being paid by the bank for the monies of the depositors. And worst, the depositors are always at the losing end should the bank declare bankruptcy or closure. The depositors have nowhere to go and the Government couldn’t even help them recover even a portion of their hard earned money.
This depositor protection programme must come in a form of insurance where a certain amount of money must be guaranteed to be given back by the Government to the depositors while the Government imposes sanctions to the erring bank. It is the Government that should dispose the bank’s assets and the depositors should be the first in line as beneficiaries and not the incorporators or bank shareholders. It is the Government who should control the erring bank’s liquid assets and not the bank officials who will only favour themselves first.
Sheer games
In a sentence: “BS (bad science or two). They are playing games because they already played games with Michael and Michael. “Sensible people run the world and they want fools to make comments.” You conclude.
Tell us the truth
As a depositor/creditor I firmly believe that we still have not gotten the whole truth about the closure of TCI Bank. If the IMF visit will reveal some truths that would be welcome. We still need answers and one of those people who should give answers is the chairman of the board at the time of closure. At least all board members should be made to give us some answers. We need better security for our hard earn money that we put in banks. So if the IMF can help in that area they are welcome. We also hope that they will be looking at the FSC’s role in all of the happenings/ closures. But will John Public know the truth about their findings? They were invited by us so I guess we are paying for the trip, and quite a sizable team came to our small country to say the lease. Was it that grave an error that was done to our economy? We are using the US dollar so America would also be interested in the findings. Will any of these findings affect us later on, let’s say when we are independent and want to borrow money from another country? The IMF can be very rigid and maybe our ‘bad practices’ have let them in to have a look at our financial affairs. Let us hope that good will come out of their visit not only for those who are still waiting on TCI Bank for answers and the rest of their money but for the country as a whole.
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 2 - 8, 2015
NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NIB paid out $77m in benefits in 23 years SINCE it was founded in April 1992 the National Insurance Board (NIB) has paid out more than $77 million in benefit payments. That’s according to NIB deputy director of operations Walter Gardiner who released the statistics on Thursday (April 30). Gardiner added that the NIB currently has more than $200 million in reserves, collects $25 million annually in contributions, and pays out $12 million annually in benefits. April 6 marked the 23rd anniversary of the country’s social insurance programme. Gardner spoke about the introductory years on radio show ‘National Insurance Made Simple’ on Wednesday. “The NIS legislation today is undoubtedly the best piece of social protection legislation ever implemented in the TCI,” he said. “Introduced under an extremely dark cloud of suspicion, mistrust and opposition from employers, employees and self-employed alike, convincing the general public to ‘buy in’ and comply was
quite a challenge at that time as this was the very first time that monies were mandatorily deducted from salaries.” He said that the vast majority of people viewed the NIB then as just another form of taxation for the Government guised as social security. “Several business owners even threatened to reduce staff or close shop and many predicted that we would fail because we were managed by young, inexperienced persons. “But today, I believe that we have proven our worth to the people of the TCI and have earned their confidence, trust and admiration for the social and economic protection that we have provided and will continue to provide in countless years to come. “Today, thousands of people depend on us, but more importantly, thousands of people can depend on us.” As of March 31, this year, the national insurance programme provides 1,402 people with long term pensions each month.
Pension Type
# of Recipients
Annual Payout
Retirement Pension Survivors Pension Old Age Pension Invalidity Pension Disablement Pension
903 152 236 84 27
$7,171,032 $859,640 $704,000 $638,314 $218,883
Court denies judicial review of corruption judge’s tenure CHIEF Justice Margaret Ramsay Hale in early April denied an application for a review into Governor Peter Beckingham’s decision to extend Justice Paul Harrison’s tenure in the corruption trial. The applicant and the number one defendant in the trial, is former Premier Michael Misick. The issue was that while the Governor was authorised under the 2011 Constitution to extend Harrison’s appointment in June 2014 to enable him to carry out any proceedings already started before him, he was not so authorised to extend the judge’s tenure in November because he had long attained the age of the retirement by virtue of the Constitution. The claim was that it was not necessary for Harrison to continue in office in order to do any act in relation to the sole case which he had conduct and that there is no basis within the 2011 Constitution on which his term could be extended. However, the Chief Justice disagreed with that view, noting that nothing in section 85 of the Constitution (the section under which the issue was raised) can be read as limiting the power of the Governor to appoint any person of any age, who is qualified for such appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court for a specified term. She added that this would include
Michael Misick
Justice Paul Harrison
a judge who had been permanently appointed to the court and had reached retirement age. “In my judgment, the provision in Section 85 that such a judge shall vacate office does not limit the power of the Governor to appoint that judge for a term of years under section 77(5). “I would also hold that the provision, which requires a person who is appointed for a term to vacate his office at the end of that term, does not limit the power of the Governor to appoint that person for a further term.” She concluded that there is nothing in the constitution that prohibits Harrison’s re-appointment for a term of years by the Governor acting on the advice of the Judicial Services Commission.
The application, which had further questioned the authority of the Governor to extend the judge’s tenure indefinitely last year, had become moot, after that order was revoked in March and a new one made appointing Harrison for three years. Harrison was first appointed in 2012 by former Chief Justice Edwin Goldsbrough for a two year term that ran from July 10 to June 2014. It was then extended to December 2014 by Beckingham. Harrison is presiding over the trial of Misick and several others charged with corruption during the former Premier’s two terms in office between August 2003 and March 2009. The trial is still set to start in December this year.
Table – A breakdown of the annual benefits pay-outs
Gov’t speaks out on long-line fishing ban A BAN on long line fishing and the commercial export of sharks are just some of the changes to the TCI’s fishing regulations that will be discussed during a series of town hall meetings. This month the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) is hosting the public gatherings in South Caicos, Grand Turk, North Caicos and Providenciales. The events will allow officers to inform interested and affected people of alterations to the Fisheries Protection Ordinance. The proposed amendments include a ban on pelagic long-line fishing, gill nets, the taking of sea cucumbers, and commercial export of sharks and rays. There will be a minimum and maximum size restriction for Nassau Grouper, a minimum size for all snapper species, excluding red and
black snappers, and a minimum size for bonefish. Regulations will be put in place for the fishing of stone crab and the taking of lionfish. And finally there will be a special licensing requirement for trap boats carrying more than 20 traps, including registration, reporting and trap placement restrictions. The meetings will be held at Dillon Hall in Grand Turk on Tuesday, May 5, at 7pm, at the DEMA Office in South Caicos on Wednesday, May 6, at 7pm, and at Adelaide Oemler Primary School in North Caicos on Tuesday, May 12, at 7pm. A meeting was held at the Five Cays Community Centre in Providenciales on Wednesday (April 29). Questions or concerns can be directed to DEMA via email at environment@gov.tc or 338-4161.
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Under the tree
By Benneth Williams
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NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
May 2 - 8, 2015
FSC has made strides since TCI Bank’s collapse – Higgins BY DELANA ISLES MANAGING director of the Financial Services Commission (FSC), Kevin Higgins, believes that the strides made by the commission over the last five years should afford locals some more confidence in another home-grown banking institution. Higgins made the statement to reporters on Monday (April 27) during a press conference at the commission’s Providenciales offices, following a two week International Monetary Fund (IMF) assessment exercise in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Questioned as to whether the strides made in the financial sector so far could win back the country’s confidence in a local bank, the managing director said that he thinks that the fact that public is aware of and has seen significant improvements in the regulatory and supervisory regime in last five years, should provide some level of confidence. He added that he believes this to be the case because at time of the TCI Bank collapse in 2009, the commission did not have the level of expertise it has since acquired and now boasts; as such people should have more confidence. Higgins noted that when he first became involved in the TCI, there
Office of the Financial Services Commission Managing Director of the Financial Services Commission, Kevin Higgins
was the view by the banks that the regulatory regime was not at international standards, and that it was very weak. “When I came in I recognised that, so I worked very hard over the last five years to try to get us up to international standards. “So for me this is like a report card [the forthcoming IMF report] - how much progress we’ve made over the last five years and where we are.” He noted that out of the report will be areas that the FSC needs to focus on going forward, to develop an action plan and whatever else is needed.
“Fortunately in our business the work never stops, there are always new issues coming up. “We have for the first time on this visit gone through the process of what is called stress testing, which we have never done in TCI before.” He said that the commission is also preparing for a financial stability report - another first for the Turks and Caicos Islands. “We think we have done a very good job so far and we have to do even better. That’s the problem, if you do well, people expect you to do well, so the standards keep rising,” Higgins added. In 2009, the FSC’s report into TCI Bank’s demise revealed how an erstwhile board member was among those who used insider knowledge
PNP approves progressive constitution – Election of members this November THE RULING Progressive National Party (PNP), at its recent special national congress, signed off on a more modern and progressive constitution that complies fully with certain legislation governing the activities of political parties in the Islands. This is according to National Chairman, Trevor Cooke following the weekend meeting on April 24 and 25. He said the new constitution accommodates the introduction of the new all island district that makes provision for a modern structure of the party at local and national levels and which makes the party’s terms more readily accessible to all of its members. Commenting on the weekend event, Cooke called it a huge success, which was well attended by a composition of delegates throughout the Islands from the various constituencies’ councils
within the PNP, former leaders, president of the stalwarts, president of the ladies auxiliary group and the young nationals (the youth arm of the PNP). “A quorum of 45 was constitutionally required. After meeting the quorum requirement, the congress proceeded to discuss the items on the agenda - the ratification of the new constitution, which was adopted by the National General Congress in March 2014. “There was the nomination and election for the post of director of public relations and a third item the congress added that allowed delegates to question the Premier with regard to a number of key matters affecting the party and the country,” Cooke said. Savitri Daniels was elected as the new director of public relations - she replaces Justin Missick. The chairman also confirmed that the nomination and election
for all national executive council positions is planned for November 2015. The challenge for Cooke’s position is still on the cards, as former Premier Michael Misick has expressed strong interest in securing the seat. The election was supposed to have been held this past weekend, but was put off indefinitely, with a date now announced. Since issuing her concerns earlier this year, Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale has since made no further pronouncements on Misick’s political aspirations. Neither has the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) nor the presiding judge, Paul Harrison. Back in February, the Chief Justice had raised concerns that Misick’s political ambitions could have an effect on his $10 million bail. (DELANA ISLES)
for their own gains. The commission had found that major players, aware of TCIB’s vulnerability, took out massive sums weeks before it went into liquidation – including the bulk of the $5.5 million lifeline provided by the National Insurance Board (NIB). Poor judgment, inadequate attention and failure to act were just some just some of the criticisms levelled at bosses for whose negligence caused thousands of investors to pay the price. The FSC report had stated that the commission became aware of TCIB’s worsening position in the middle of March 2010, as a result of a handful of large withdrawals by local businesses and institutions. And, concerned that a run on TCIB was likely, they had demanded daily reports on the bank’s cash
position, while making plans in the event of having to take urgent action towards closure. However, on April 9, 2010, the country’s only indigenous bank was placed in temporary liquidation, followed by full liquidation in October after talks with potential buyers broke down. The fact that the FSC was tasked with carrying out its own investigation into its handling of the bank was at the time met with some suspicion among Islanders. The FSC had thereby acknowledged that, in hindsight, it should have acted “sooner and more forcefully” to compel the bank to adopt more prudent behaviour. But the commission maintained that even if it had, the seriousness of the bank’s problems meant the outcome was unlikely to have been any different.
Children get vaccinated during focus week VACCINES were given to young children in vulnerable communities this week as part of a focus on the importance of inoculations. The Primary Health Care Department in the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services joined the region in celebrating Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) 2015. According to a press release from the department on April 27, the activities conducted during the week aid in strengthening the country’s national immunisation programme. VWA began on May 30, 2003, as an initiative taken by regional health authorities and heads of government. It aimed to annually heighten the focus on vaccination of vulnerable populations. Vaccination week not only provides vulnerable groups with the opportunity to be vaccinated against vaccine preventable
diseases (VPDs), but it also provides the opportunity to educate the public on the importance of vaccines. Since its inception in 2003, more than 519 million people regionally have been vaccinated, the release read. The Turks and Caicos Islands has been a part of this initiative since its inception in 2003. The theme for this year’s VWA was ‘Boost your power! Get vaccinated!’ and focused on the ability of the vaccine to boost the power of the immune system. Vaccination week was celebrated this year from April 25 to May 2 and in the TCI focused on children aged from six months to six years. The department conducted a number of activities throughout the week across the TCI including vaccination drives and talks. The final event will be held on Monday (May 4) at Calvary Christian School in South Caicos.
May 2 - 8, 2015
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Filipino representatives re-elected By Daisy Handfield THE OFFICERS of the Filipino Community (FILCOM) in the Turks and Caicos Islands that will represent the Filipino community for the 2015 to 2016 term were announced by the committee after their April 18 elections. This year’s election was automated with its electronic voting initiated by the election committee headed by Albino Dayupay. However, it was an uncontested election as no other opponents filed for candidacy. Based on its revised laws, the following people were sworn in president Alfonso Palatino, vice president internal Felimon Cacanindin and vice president external Wendel Book. The board of directors consists of Ervin Zamora, Rizaldy Gregorio, Emily Geralde, Evangeline Persoso, Celestino Cielo, Roel Dela Pena, Marlon Albarico, Francis Villareal,
Ray Ocony and Eliza Dionela. The team is supported by the following appointed officers secretary Sam Nagar, treasurer, Anna Aquino, auditor Theresa Albarico and sergeant at arms Lhito Lingad. Alfonso Palatino, spoke to the Weekly News on Thursday (April 30), about his feelings on being president of the committee for a second consecutive year. “It is mixed emotions because first the feeling of being in the service of the Filipino community again. “But, at the same time you have to have responsibilities of helping the members of the Filipino community as well as the challenges that’s in there, but in God’s grace, I think I will be able to perform what is being asked of me.” He said that the body will continue what they started, being a part of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government in nation building. “We will continue to coordinate with the Filipino embassy in Washington DC and we will be
Sloop attempts to enter TCI waters By Daisy Handfield THE CAPTAIN of a sloop with 99 Haitian migrants on board attempted sail the vessel into Turks and Caicos Islands waters on Monday (April 27). The boat, carrying 89 men and 10 women, was intercepted by the marine division of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), a press release from the Government press office read. According to the release, the Marine Police were alerted by immigration staff at the Government’s coastal radar station of a suspicious vessel being tracked. They deployed shortly after. All 99 people have been detained at the detention centre, processed by health and immigration officials and will be deported at the earliest opportunity. The Haitian Consul in the TCI Karlo Pelissier told the Weekly News on Thursday (April 30) that the illegal migration of Haitians to the TCI on these dangerous vessels is something that the Haitian government is working on solving. He said: “They are looking for work and a lot of them make them believe that they will be able to find jobs here and that’s a reason many of them risk their lives to come here. “I am trying to visit these people to try to discourage them and let them know that things are not the way they think they are.” Pelissier said that every time a vessel comes in, he visits the detention centre to try and educate people on the danger that they put themselves in because of false expectations fed to them by others. “I explained to them that the
Haitian Consul for the Turks and Caicos Islands Karlo Pelissier (from file)
technology is so advanced today that as soon as you come into the TCI the satellite will spot you. “I explain to them the situation and that they risk their lives to come here no matter how much money they spent, they will be repatriated you back to Haiti. “I explained to them how to get the work permit and I explained to them that when you enter the country illegally you will not get a chance to get the work permit.” The consul reiterated that the Haitian government is working hard on stopping the flow of Haitians that are leaving the country illegally. “There are many people that make people believe that they are going to find jobs here. When somebody is not working and somebody makes them believe that they are going to find jobs, they are going to take the chance. “We are not only telling these people this to discourage them but there are a lot of things we are doing to create jobs for these people. “We are trying to work on more partnerships to try and create more job opportunities for the Haitians in Haiti,” Pelissier said.
A meeting was held with the US Embassy in Nassau’s Consular Chief, Nathan Hara to bring attention to the Filipinos’ plight
actively supporting the project of other non-Government organisations as well as the hotel and tourism association because we are now a part of them,” Palatino said. Some of the initiatives that the group have worked on included a meeting that was held with the US Embassy in Nassau with Consular Chief Nathan Hara to create awareness of the Filipinos’ plight in getting US visas in Nassau. He added: “Although, there was
no commitment from US embassy officials in assisting Filipinos, Hara has encouraged Filipinos to apply for US visas once a considerable residence in the Turks and Caicos Islands has been reached.” The committee has also coordinated the release of new passports through the Philippine embassy in Washington DC, hence a number of the members have their passports renewed. They have invested in buying
a new laptop that will be used for the organisation’s financial documentation. Finally, he added, they will now be using QuickBooks to efficiently run their membership collections and disbursement of funds. Palatino said that with the upcoming projects that they have, it will be a good start for the committee and he is confident that they will shine brighter and be of service to the whole community. The team also joined forces with the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) in its observance of Earth Day on April 22 with a tree planting activity. Meanwhile, Filipinos in the TCI will be supporting their fellow Filipino champion boxer Manny Pacquiao, Palatino said. Pacquiao will go toe to toe with the unbeaten American boxer and five division world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr on Saturday (May 2) at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas in highly anticipated and big money bout.
MILLS MUSES
Political competence? A CARIBBEAN journalist has written a piece about how the government of his country was skylarking with the lives of the people. He says that a particular minister has scant familiarity with matters to do with his ministry, and that the management of his portfolio is the epitome of mediocrity. The journalist notes that in the cabinet, non-performers are in the majority, and that his country is being destroyed because of governance by too many with the least ability. This brings to the forefront the issue of political competence in governance. How are candidates chosen for political office? Is it just popularity? What about credentials they will need in specific areas to enable them to competently discuss policy issues once selected as ministers? And what about when having to deal with regional institutions? The first political leader of Singapore insisted that all those entering politics should have a degree. Picking up information on the job will not do, and being popular is not a qualification. If ministers are not competent in the subjects that comprise their ministries, they end up accepting what was given to them without being able to intelligently
BY Oliver Mills
Oliver Mills was born in South Caicos, acquired a diploma in article writing from the Writer’s Digest School in the United States, and worked as training manager for the Turks and Caicos public service. He is currently an adjunct lecturer in the Business and Hospitality Departments at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.
challenge the information. They will have challenges negotiating parliamentary practices and may even disrespect the office of head of government, since they would lack political finesse. Some say we have seen this in TCI politics, where an online blog reported apparent issues between some Cabinet members and ‘The Authority,’ over who should receive credit for the completion of a new health project, and the actions of the former minister declining to bring remarks, the reason being her efforts were not acknowledged while in that ministry. The report also states that another minister refused to speak on similar grounds, and that high ranking party members complain of ‘The Authority’ siding with certain nonelected officials. We need to realise that governance involves collective responsibility and is not about seeking credit or acknowledgement.
Also, whenever an issue is being discussed in Cabinet, the decision arrived at must be supported by all, despite individual feelings about it. And ‘The Authority’ has the right to consult with whom it may since it represents the entire country. Here, the issue of political competence becomes important. Parliamentary practice has to be adhered to within and outside its halls. Public displays of alleged behaviours which appear to contradict this are not in the interest of teamwork. Individualism should give way to the broader public good. This is why seminars should be held more often for ministers to discourage any deviant inclinations. Political competence should always be displayed. This not only enhances the image of parliament, but the dignity of its members too.
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Angry investors demand answers
The two suspected thieves captured on home video during an invasion at Pastor Pedro Williams house on April 19
Opposition renews calls for neighbourhood watch groups A VIDEO has gone viral on locally managed Facebook pages that show two young men breaking into the home of Pastor Pedro S Williams. The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) has as such, renewed its call to neighbourhood watch groups to be reinstituted in communities across the Islands, especially to curb the high incidences of such criminal behaviour. Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson on Thursday (April 30) indicated to the media that she is very disturbed by the video. “This video reveals the naked truth of how far we have fallen as a people, in terms of values and who we are. “The video shows a young man - our future - casually walking about inside a house that he has no permission to be in. “Moreover, it highlights the blatant disregard for the homes of persons generally and their privacy.” She observed that in times past,
churches and pastors’ homes were revered, unlike today with the expense that people have to incur to protect their homes by installing camera systems and other security measures. “We cannot continue to lose our way and go along as a people, as though we have to accept this as a side effect of development and or increase in populations of different nationalities. “We must pull back, stop and pay attention to what is going on with our youth - their boldness in committing crimes; the invasion of people’s homes that leaves homeowners, especially children, feeling violated and unsafe.” Cartwright Robinson said she and her party believe that citizens can do more to help themselves out; as such she is calling on pastors as well to assist in organising neighbourhood watch committees. “The PDM commits during the month of May to work along with the police and pastors to achieve this,” she added. She noted that the PDM’s position
on crime fighting includes adequate resources, including man power and the use of bio-metric tools, but equally as important, citizen involvement. During the last budget session, the party leader called for the establishment of neighbourhood watch committees and called on parliamentary colleagues to lead the way. “Today, I am renewing that call amid the circulating of a home video capturing intruders into a pastor’s home while he was at church on a Sunday morning,” she stated. Posted beneath the video with a time stamp of April 19, 2015, the pastor asked that if members of the public could identify the two young men, that they contact him and the police. Many commenters were aghast at the brazenness of the home invasion and the apparent youth of the criminals. The police have since notified and are carrying out investigations.
Police to relocate to new station in North Caicos A BUILDING in North Caicos is to be used as the police station and will replace the two buildings currently used for this purpose. This will enable the police department to better serve the residents of both Kew and Bottle Creek as the station will be centralised, according to a post Cabinet press release. Cabinet advised the Governor to approve a five year lease of the building during its latest meeting on Wednesday (April 29). Governor Peter Beckingham chaired the 12th meeting of the Cabinet at the House of Assembly building in Grand Turk. All ministers were present except Premier Rufus Ewing, the Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Services, and the Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Culture. During the meeting Cabinet advised the Governor to approve the Revised Edition of the Laws
(Commencement) Order 2015. This provides for the revision and consolidation of the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands and for the preparation and publication of the revised laws. The order will proceed to the House of Assembly at their next meeting. Cabinet then approved TCIGs participation in the Caribbean Bank’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) eighth program of grant assistance to the Islands. The BNTF is a project jointly funded by the Caribbean Development Bank and the Government of Canada. The Government first joined the BNTF in 1989 and has benefited tremendously from funding in the areas of education, health and skills training. Cabinet advised the Governor to approve entering into a lease agreement for a new rental space situated in Butterfield Square,
May 2 - 8, 2015
Providenciales, to accommodate the Department of Road Safety for a period of six months. The department is being temporarily relocated to enable refurbishment works to their current accommodation. Cabinet members also noted the positive financial performance of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government for the period January to March 2015. This was submitted in the Fourth Quarter Financial Report from the Accountant General and Cabinet approved the publication of the financial report as required by section 46 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance, 2012. They went on to review the Turks and Caicos Islands legislative agenda and approved the establishment of a working group to review the following draft bills - Credit Union Bill, Insolvency Bill and Consumer Protection Bill.
Dear Editor, I would like to highlight the plights of the 460 investors who due to an act of financial sabotage have found themselves with lost investments of over $30 million. On the 6th of April, Scotiabank held an auction of land they held as collateral as part of a $15 million loan to the developers behind the South Caicos Beach Resort. Scotiabank had been trying to obtain repayment of this loan for some time and the developers were in the process of seeking refinance to enable this. This was Scotiabank’s fourth auction attempt to sell the land, all previous attempts failed as either no buyer came forward or insufficient monies were offered, and a settlement amount offered by the developer would not be accepted. Surprisingly on the 6th this land was sold to CMK, a Sailrock affiliated company, for only $3.7 million, an amount which scarcely touches the real value of the land. It also added to CMK/Sailrock’s existing ownership of approximately 2,400 acres of land on South Caicos. Most importantly, this auction in one action rendered all the investor’s deposits redundant as Sailrock intends to demolish the existing buildings already in place. These investors, some of which have been in this project for 10 years through all the trials and tribulations of the financial crash, two hurricanes and the Crown investigation, will now lose all their deposits, many being pension monies, as well as their hopes and dreams. We investors were cheated out of our holiday and retirement monies through a process of which we were unaware and over which we had no control. Accordingly we feel certain questions need to be raised:
- Whilst the auction may be legal, why did the bank not consider the morality of deleting $30 million plus of investors’ deposits in this process? This does not include the developers’ investment in land and buildings. - Why were the investors, who had a major interest in this auction, not pre-advised? - How could a simple purchase transaction be considered legal and compliant if it impacts so severely on 460 investors lost deposits and overnight cancels a $30 million investment? - Why was Sailrock allowed to purchase these additional 100 acres if they already own 2,400? Is there not a Government restriction on this? - Why did the Government not step in to serve the interest of the island on the basis that they will lose this resort and related income to the local economy? - With most of the investors UKbased and many approaching the UK regulators, will this create cause for a further Crown investigation? Is this really wanted? - South Caicos’ future is tourism. How will this news, once very public, affect any incoming developer or new investors? - The local Government needs tourist projects of this size and unit volume to inject the required funding into the economy as well making sense of the new airport rebuild. There are a number of logical reasons why this auction result is not only morally wrong but very negative for South Caicos. Worse will result as various investor groups start to reach out for recourse including to the UK government. Yours faithfully, A group of concerned but united investors
Import value increases by nearly 10% MERCHANDISE imports to the Turks and Caicos Islands increased by 9.6 percent during the first quarter of 2015 when compared to the same period last year. Imports were valued at $102.7 million for the period when compared to $93.7 million in 2014. Exports from the Turks and Caicos Islands during this period were valued at $0.9 million when compared to $1.5 million during the first quarter of 2014. This resulted in a merchandise trade deficit of approximately $101.8 million during the first quarter of 2015. This was roughly 10.4 percent or $9.6 million above the deficit
recorded during the corresponding period of 2014. According to a Government press release on Thursday (April 30) the increase in the trade deficit is mainly as a result of the $0.5 million decline in the value of exports when compared to the $9.0 million increase in the value of imports. “Given the projected growth in the tourism and construction sectors of the TCI economy and the lack of a more diversified group of exports, it is likely that the trade imbalance will continue to increase in the foreseeable future,” it read. Negative trade balance was recorded on all categories of goods.
May 2 - 8, 2015
Gay marriage The following was reproduced from the Pastor's weekly online reflections
ROMANS 1:24-27 – ‘God gave them over...to sexual impurity...to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. ‘The men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. ‘Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received the due penalty for their perversion.’ There you have it. God’s perspective on homosexual activity. It is easily understood. The reason I bring this up is the relevancy of what is currently happening in the US Supreme Court. Writer Jim Denison deftly explains it in his article entitled ‘Gay marriage and the Supreme Court: a critical fact’ He says that April 28 was one of the most significant days in the history of the United States Supreme Court. The justices began hearing arguments regarding the legality of same-sex marriage, and will hand down their ruling in June. A couple of different outcomes are possible. The court could legalise gay marriage in all 50 states. Its decision could also open the door to legalising other types of marriages, including polygamous relationships, changing the nature of marriage in this country forever. And its ruling could even require churches to perform same-sex marriages or face threats to their non-profit status. On the other hand, the court could decide that marriage law remains the purview of the individual states, thus upholding bans where they exist. And it could provide a religious liberty exemption. Here’s a critical fact I have not seen emphasised: If the framers of our constitution had wished to affirm same-sex marriage, they could have done so. In 18th century London, gay clubs often included a ‘marrying room’ or a ‘chapel’ where men were ‘married’ (though such ceremonies were not legally binding). Gay marriages in other cultures were also well known. Yet the authors of our constitution made no provision referring to marriage, much less to same-sex marriage, leaving this issue with the states and the democratic process. We find a similar situation with God’s word. Every time scripture speaks to same-sex relations it forbids them. Same-sex relations were known in ancient Canaan. God could have guided Moses to legitimise such relations, but he forbade them instead (Leviticus 18:20; 20:13). Homosexual marriage was known in the Roman Empire as well. The Holy Spirit inspired Paul in the same way as Moses, to describe it as ‘unnatural,’ ‘indecent acts,’ and ‘perversion.’ (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:8-
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By Pastor Tim Rezac Harvest Bible Chapel, TCI
11). Gay marriage advocates believe that God’s word is irrelevant on this issue or has misled us for 35 centuries regarding God’s design for marriage. I choose to believe that our Lord loves us and knows what is best for us. If the justices declare same-sex marriage to be the public policy of this nation, they will speak where the constitution is silent and force many states to obey policies that directly contradict the will of their voting constituents. They will enact legislation that violates the clear teaching of God’s word. We have no right to re-define the marital bond as God designed it. Good news for all of us, straight or gay - Romans 3:23,24 – ‘ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.’ God loves. God forgives. God saves. God transforms. Trust in Christ today.
REAL TALK
When will this country believe in national development? I HAVE been approached by many Belongers about my views on independence and self-determination and after the conversation they often leave disappointed with my position. They often ask me why do I always link national development with independence and my reply is that somebody needs to. I cannot take any entertainment of independence for this country seriously until I witness a genuine effort by our people to study, develop and implement strategic policies and infrastructure which promotes the national development of our people. I often ponder if we even know what national development is. For the record ‘national development’ refers to the ability of a nation to improve the lives of its citizens. It entails measures of improvement which may be material, such as an increase in the gross domestic product, or social, such as literacy rates and availability of healthcare. In other words, national development is supposed to level the employment playing field, stimulate economic growth and
By Jas Walkin
BIOGRAPHY: Jas was born with a physical disability and diagnosed with a mild form of muscular dystrophy. His early childhood was characterised with trying to fit in in a regular school environment unequipped to cater to special needs students. With support from family, teachers and the community he graduated as valedictorian of Raymond Gardiner High School and has been a graduate teacher for the past last nine years.
create leaders in positions needed to maintain society. National development creates education and training opportunities for the population and is accompanied by policies which enforce the hiring and continual professional growth of Belongers within the labour force. When we believe in national development, we would see more local ownership in this economy through the empowerment of native entrepreneurs, hotel managers, company directors and CEOs. Another key element of national development is strategic succession planning. Succession planning is a process for identifying and developing internal people with the potential to fill key business and public sector leadership positions in the company or government
department. Moreover, succession planning increases the availability of experienced and capable employees who are prepared to assume leadership roles as they become available. Dr Eric Williams of Trinidad, Michael Manley of Jamaica, Errol Barrow of Barbados, Luis Martin of Puerto Rico and Sir Lynden Pindling of the Bahamas were considered visionaries because they saw into their country’s future and through imagination and wisdom built a nation for their children and grandchildren to inherit. When will we have visionary figures that believe in national development like those great men and leave for us a path to true economic empowerment?
COMMENTARY
Washing your hands WE HAVE supported the idea of district committees for the largest islands, the family islands, for years but not to allow the Government to wash its hands of its elected responsibilities. If a committee can work for Salt Cay why can’t it work for the Bight or Cheshire Hall? Are they properly represented? Provo is one of the smaller islands. Divided into six districts! With committees we can say goodbye to what people in the PNP are calling Premier Rufus’s problem ministers, Porsha and Amanda. In Grand Turk perhaps a committee can handle George’s seat. We searched the internet far and wide to uncover the middle name of the ‘year one’ Governor of Judea Pontius Pilate. Pilate was a gutless ruler. The Bible says people were shouting and calling for blood. Pilate knew Jesus had not committed a crime but he was not
brave enough to stand up for Christ. Pilate washed his hands and let certain people decide the fate of Jesus. Since I could not find Pilate’s middle name, if he had one, I assigned him the name ‘National’. Pilate was the representative of the National (Roman) government. Pontius National Pilate or PNP. Our PNP took Pilate’s lead. They were under extreme pressure from the people to do something for Middle, North Caicos and Salt Cay. The PNP failed and continues to fail throughout the Islands to bring development and real jobs for Belongers. Instead we get taxes, licence fees and then more taxes. The PNP has now delegated or assigned their representative responsibility to committees to allocate the budget assigned to their island. Rufus and DonHue have in effect washed their hands and turned their backs on the family islands. It will now be up to the committee members to portion out the funds.
By David Tapfer
David is a retired mobile hydraulic engineer and business executive. He has been married to Middle Caicos native Yvette Robinson Tapfer for 25 years and has lived in Conch Bar, Middle Caicos, since 2002. David formerly served as branch chairman of the PDM from 2008 to 2011
Funds only equal to one minister’s salary and benefits for a whole island. The largest islands. If quizzed on problems in Middle Caicos, the elected representative will simply refer it to committee. Game over. Bureaucratic governments have used this trick for years. Refer it to committee and the problem goes away. Make no mistake I support the idea of a District Committee but not to escape the Government’s responsibility. The elected member must embrace it. Parliamentarian
Honourable Gardiner must meet often with his Middle and North Caicos committees and act on their behalf. However stories now circulate that Minister Gardiner plans to resign within a year. Last year, monies budgeted were never released. Washy grabbed budgeted millions for the PNP ‘sinking fund’. Will the Government provide the funds budgeted for the committees? This resident will support the committees and wish them well. Good luck!
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Salons compete for cash prize at hair show SEVERAL beauty salons in Providenciales had the opportunity to showcase a variety of hairstyles during a recent hair show battle. Todeline Defralien, founder of the Hair Show Battle Royal event, said that the showcase was part of a soft opening for a beauty salon and spa that she and her sisters have created. Three beauty salons competed at the Occasions Ballroom at Airport Inn, Providenciales, on Saturday (April 25) for a cash grand prize of $500. The winner of the prize was Passions Beauty Store located in the Sammy Been Plaza. The salon displayed an exotic hairstyle designed with braids. Defralien said that although there is room for improvement for next year’s event, she was content with the turnout and support shown by the public. She said: “At the end of day you can always say that it could have been better. I would say that for my
first time I think I did well.” There was a sizzling performance by local singer Ezzy with music provided by DJ Hoodie, and supporters were also treated to African cultural and a hip-hop
dances. The other two salons that participated were Outliner’s barber shop located at the Sammy Been Plaza and Sista’s Beauty Salon. (DAISY HANDFIELD)
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UK elections - Leaders await final TV election set-piece (BBC News) DAVID Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg will be quizzed by a BBC Question Time audience later, the final leaders’ TV event - a week before polling day. [Polling day is Thursday, May 7] Each leader will be questioned [tonight April 30] separately for 30 minutes but will not appear on stage together. The broadcast from Leeds Town Hall is the last of four programmes agreed between parties and broadcasters. UKIP’s Nigel Farage, SNP Leader Nicola Sturgeon and Plaid Cymru’s Leanne Wood will appear in separate programmes. In other election news: George Osborne has rejected claims by Lib Dem Danny Alexander that the Tories proposed to cut child benefit while in coalition. The Scottish Sun has endorsed the SNP - while the London-based edition backed the Conservatives. Ed Miliband says there are seven days to “take your chance to run Britain for working people again”. David Cameron will say his party would lift 500,000 young people out of tax with its pledge to raise the personal allowance. Most opinion polls suggest that Labour and the Conservatives have been neck-and-neck since the start
of the year, and neither of the two parties is likely to win an overall majority in the 650-seat Parliament. Thursday’s TV broadcast, hosted by David Dimbleby, will be one of the last major opportunities to get the public’s attention. Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg said he was not “especially nervous” ahead of tonight’s programme: “I’m sure I’ll get nervous nearer the time, I can’t spend the whole day with jangled nerves. “I’m looking forward to it, I enjoy taking questions and giving answers as good as I can, any opportunity to tell my side of the story and the side of the story of the Liberal Democrats of which I am immensely proud. I always grab those opportunities with both hands.” David Cameron told the Guardian he was ready to “turn up the deal markedly” in the final week of the election campaign and “let rip”. He told the newspaper: “I think we will get there. But the reason it is taking time is, quite rightly, people want to have a good look and a good think.” But Mr Miliband accused the PM of “running away” from a head-tohead debate, telling an audience in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire: “I'm sorry David Cameron is refusing to debate me head to head.
David Cameron
Ed Miliband
Nick Clegg
“The offer is going to remain on the table until election day if he changes his mind. We should have that debate and I think that’s the debate the British people deserve.” The special edition of Question Time will be broadcast from Leeds Town Hall and shown live on BBC One, on the BBC website and broadcast on BBC Radio 5 live from 8pm to 9.30pm BST.
for 30 minutes. The questions, which will be submitted by audience members on the night, will vary between the different leaders. There will also be separate Ask the Leader programmes. On BBC One in Scotland, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon will take questions at 9.30pm BST, and in Wales it will be the turn of Plaid Cymru’s Leanne Wood after the News at Ten. At that time, viewers in England will be able to watch Nigel Farage taking questions from an audience in Birmingham. This programme will be shown later in the evening on BBC One in Wales. Mr Farage, who complained
about the selection of the audience in the previous TV debate produced by the BBC, said: “We will see what we get tonight with the audience. What I do know is the real audience will be sitting at home and I will do my best, albeit rather late having been excluded from the main debate, to do what I have tried to do through this whole general election campaign. “That is to tell the truth, even if at times the truth is difficult to hear.” The Question Time show is the final programme of four that were agreed after drawn-out negotiations between parties and broadcasters over the timing and line-up of this year’s election TV debates.
‘Real audience’ Mr Cameron will be first up, followed by Mr Miliband and then Mr Clegg. They will each appear separately to face audience questions, with David Dimbleby hosting. Each leader will be questioned
Restaurant holds huge fundraiser for Nepal earthquake victims THIS Saturday (May 2) Chopsticks Asian restaurant in Grace Bay, Providenciales, is hosting a massive fundraising event to raise cash for the victims of Nepal’s recent catastrophic earthquake. There will be an all you can eat buffet for just $35, along with cheap drinks, a silent auction with $30,000 worth of great items up for grabs
and music from UK singer Natasha North. All of the proceeds will go straight to Medecins Sans Frontiers and the Chhatrapati free clinic in Kathmandu. Nepal was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on April 25 which resulted in the deaths of at least 5,800 people, more than twice as
Cruise ship passengers exempt from tax PASSENGERS of cruise ships in Grand Turk do not have to pay tax under the Hotel and Tourism (Taxation) Ordinance for tourism services. The Cruise Ships (Exemption from Statutory Provisions) Order 2015 came into effect on March 31. The Revenue Department in the Ministry of Finance issued a reminder on Thursday (April 30) about the legislation
It read: “Kindly note that notwithstanding the above, tourism service providers, particularly those operating in Grand Turk, are required to register, charge and remit the relevant tax on services not provided to cruise ship passengers.” Further information is available from the Revenue Department at Town Centre Mall in Grand Turk.
many injuries and the displacement of up to 3,000,000. Continued aftershocks occurred throughout Nepal, with one reaching a magnitude of 6.7 on April 26. Chopsticks owner Chris Haggie decided to host the fundraiser after talking about the devastating event to several staff members who hail from Nepal. He explained to the Weekly News on Thursday (April 30) that his general manager Ajay Vyas grew up in Nepal and both of his head chefs hail from the country. Since organising the evening help and donations have flooded in for the event and everyone has been “unbelievably supportive,” Haggie said. Among some of the silent auction items up for grabs are a week-long stay at a Moroccan resort, holidays, kiteboarding lessons and paintings. He said that the response to the event has been excellent and hundreds of people are expected to flood to the restaurant on Saturday evening for the event from 6pm. To benefit from the funds raised are Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) which has already responded to the crisis with teams of doctors and nonmedical personnel. Four MSF teams departed on
April 26 from Bihar state in India. A surgical team composed of eight highly skilled staff also left Brussels for Kathmandu. The team is setting up a surgical unit as well as running mobile clinics aimed at reaching affected people in remote areas. One MSF team from New Delhi, India, headed for Kathmandu after initially being re-routed back to India due to aftershocks. One team of medical and nonmedical staff headed to Kathmandu Valley from Japan. More emergency supplies were sent from Bordeaux, France, and another MSF team from Amsterdam went over with additional medical and water and sanitation capacity. The MSF website stated: “From large-scale catastrophes to local emergencies, MSF’s network of aid workers and supply warehouses around the world means we can quickly respond to disasters. “Indeed, we treated our first patient after the Haiti earthquake within three minutes. “With more than 40 years of experience, we are experts in rolling out emergency responses in complex settings. “We put highly skilled medical staff, logisticians and water and
sanitation experts into disaster zones. “Over decades we have built up a system of logistical support and a large pool of experienced MSF staff that can be mobilized in a short space of time. “Nearly 90 percent of our funds are raised from the generosity of private donors, which gives MSF an unrivalled level of independence. “Because of this, we can respond immediately without having to lobby governments or institutional donors for aid. “We only appeal for extra funds if the disaster is very big and we really need extra support from the public.” Cash from the fundraiser will also go to the Chhatrapati Free Clinic which has treated more than 3 million patients in their first 50 years of service. They have recently been treating more than 80,000 patients every year and are probably the most popular community run non-profit charitable clinic in Nepal. The clinic serves the general medical needs of the poorest segment of the population. It is registered with the Kathmandu District Administration and the Social Welfare Council of the Government of Nepal.
May 2 - 8, 2015
NEWS 15
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Planning Department moves to new location A SWITCH up in location saw the Planning Department in Providenciales close for the day on Friday (May 1). The office is now located at Emily House, former (Palm Co building) on Leeward Highway. The Planning Department will resume regular working hours
from Monday (May 4) at 8am, from their new location. A press release from the department on Thursday (April 30) said: “We do apologise for the inconvenience this move will cause and thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.”
The Towers of Babel Art is our language For more information email towersofbabel101@gmail.com or visit www.towersofbabel.weebly.com The children had lots of fun cooking up a variety of dishes
Students cook up a feast of TCI foods
PUPILS at the International School of the TCI researched, cooked and presented a feast at their annual food festival recently. Each class planned a dish, ingredients and designed their marketing banners. They then set out their tables, before presenting the culinary delight for the judges. On March 25 the Providenciales school welcomed two local chefs to judge the dishes, Chef Nik, who runs the restaurant Crackpot Kitchen, and Paul Quinn. The dishes presented by the little chefs included conch fritters, conch coconut chowder, conch salad, banana bread, mac ‘n’ cheese, curried conch and conch souse.
Many parents came to support the classes and also to taste the delicious foods. After much tasting and deliberation the judges chose their stand out dishes. The grade six class won the overall competition with their delicious version of conch curry. Second place was banana bread from grade one and senior kindergarten won third place for their conch salad. Local chef and proud parent Paul Quinn said: “We had a great time with Chef Nik judging the Food fest at the International School. “Well done to all. There were very high standards. It was a very tough decision.”
Pupils celebrate TCI foods during their annual festival
As part of their topic work all the students at the school have been studying the Turks and Caicos Islands in depth and recently created a ‘Living history’ workshop in order to educate and celebrate the country as part of Education Week 2015. Principal Katie Hinks said: “Community outreach is important for us all. We always try to embrace the Islands and the food culture through our studies, which allows us to truly respect difference and celebrate diversity.” The Leeward-based primary school, formerly The Ashcroft School, has about 20 different nationalities represented within the staff and student body.
Social media By Rico Smith
People aren’t connected as easily as it used to be, Nowadays emotional messages are passed via Whatsapp displays and IG post for the world to see, Whatever happen to having a good time but yet having a little privacy, Everything is exposed to the world from happy moments - to dramatic issues-basically everything done between you and me, It doesn’t take much to learn about a person from daily watching their Whatsapp display post, Or to know about a person’s personal problems of life, because once it happened on social media it will eventually show, There is lack of communication and minimum emotional conversations, So instead a person will get at you via a display post without any doubts or hesitation, Most especially confrontations of people back and forth arguing for the public, Some will not support it or might not be about it, but when the situation arrives they love it, Exposing things they like, parts of their body and quotes they try to live by every other day, Making life much easier for guys who want a piece from studying their social profile and knowing exactly what to say, Why not take the easy route and advantages of the social media, Share precious memorable moments instead of showing off clothes that get worn once a year, Advantages of advertising, businesses are used to advertise fake bodies, A very time consuming hobby that makes you forget important things including apologies, Why are we fascinated over people’s lives, pictures or someone’s personal life? Think about it, if it wasn’t so important; why would it be the first thing in the morning to check and the last thing at night, What would you do if Twitter, Facebook, IG or Whatsapp didn’t exist, Probably be a millionaire or a business owner or somewhere about to take a risk, Not discriminating the social network because without it there wouldn’t be much net worth, Which needs a lot of exposure because business needs to be published worldwide on this earth, Fake personalities and the false way of living isn’t the way it really is, People acting and doing it for the likes, because really no one likes the way they live, Why be a follower when being a leader is what we all want to be, Use the media wisely because it’s just a scheme to be watched by the system to keep track of you and me!
16 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
May 2 - 8, 2015
Airport lighting goes green LED lighting is now being used all over the newly renovated terminal and roadway at Providenciales International Airport. The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has gone green by adopting this sustainable approach to lighting. According to a press release from the TCIAA on April 22, the lighting solution is about 90 percent more energy efficient than conventional light bulbs. This means that they will generate a lower electrical cost and burn less
fuel to generate the energy needed. The LED lights are also non-toxic as they have no mercury and are 100 percent recyclable. This will limit the airport’ carbon foot print by up to 40 percent. John Smith, CEO of the TCIAA, said: “The outdoor lights needed to be rugged and able to withstand wind, dust, vibrations and other elements. “The LED lights easily allowed the TCIAA to find a solution to handle all of these challenges in our extremely warm climate where
LED lighting in Providenciales International Airport
conventional lights could be a challenge.” The long life cycle of the LED lights was one of the main reasons
Promoting the beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands on air
DJs descend on the Turks and Caicos Islands RADIO listeners from across the United States were treated to a slice of the Turks and Caicos Islands this week. DJs from 20 radio stations broadcast from Beaches and promoted the Islands as the premiere vacation destination. The resort targeted top-ranked, mainstream stations in some high-interest markets such as Los Angeles, Miami and Atlanta. They also hit almost every format from adult contemporary and sports to classic rock, classic hits, oldies, jazz and easy listening. Ritchie Phillips, host of New York’s WGNA-F 107.7 GNA, said: “Turks and Caicos is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. It’s not hard at all to convince my listeners to come to here. “We are using all the latest
technologies from Facebook to Twitter and our station website WGNA-F 107.7 GNA to not only promote this gorgeous island but also paint a picture on the radio of how beautiful the waters are here.” Nick Wize, host of Jacksonville’s WKSL-FM 97.9, was filled with praise for the experience of broadcasting live from Beaches. “It’s been great broadcasting from Beaches Turks and Caicos overlooking the beautiful Grace Bay beach. “The turquoise water is unbelievable it is so blue it almost looks unreal and it’s so clear and the sunsets are incredible, my listeners are definitely getting an island treat this week.” A team of Beaches managers including public relations manager
Elanor Finfin Krzanowski were also interviewed by radio personnel. She said: “This national US key-market radio promo is aimed at bringing awareness to potential vacationers about all the treasures the TCI has to offer and we feel like we have done a fabulous job at doing that this week.” The live broadcasts also included three vacation giveaways per station during and after the live broadcast. The Turks and Caicos Islands was also featured on each radio station’s website, via dedicated promotional spots on-air, live on-property interviews with the Beaches staff, as well as live and pre-recorded on-air mentions. The promotions helped to bring awareness of the resort as well as the destination.
that they were selected for use in the airport. With the new lighting, one bulb that is used approximately eight hours per day is said to have the potential to last 15 to 20 years before a replacement is needed tremendously cutting down the maintenance work. The LED lights chosen for the airport include a wide variety of flexible designs. The international customs hall has circular pendant lights ideal for the indoor high curved ceilings. The check-in area has circular pendant lights ideal for outdoor weather in addition to oblong lights in the roof overhang. The street lights have rectangular flat panels rugged enough to handle
vehicle vibrations but stylish enough for the new roadway. The bathrooms and general areas have 2x2 square ceiling panel lights as well as inset panel ceiling lights. Robert Koening, of LED Industrial Group/Lightdec America in Florida, assisted in directing the TCIAA to this green solution. The company has worked with Florida International University (FIU), Miami Dade Transport and the City of Hialeah. Other airports will also benefit. Grand Turk Airport has been retrofitted with LED lighting to help lower operating costs and the South Caicos Airport will also have an integrated green approach during its construction.
World Workers Day observed in the TCI THE DEPARTMENT of Employment Services joined the rest of the world in observing World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers Day. The celebration commenced on April 26 and ran until May 2 under the theme, ‘Building a culture of prevention on occupational safety and health. According to a press release issued by the Government, World Day for Safety and Culture is one in which the right to safe and healthy working environment is respected at all levels, where governments, employers and workers actively participate in securing a safe and healthy working environment through a system of defined rights, responsibilities and duties, and where the highest priority is accorded to health of workers week. In highlighting the importance of building and maintaining a culture of prevention on occupational safety and health (OSH), Minister of Border Control and Employment Ricardo Donhue Gardiner said in the release that the commitment of
employers, employees and interest groups alike must make use of all available means to increase general awareness, knowledge of hazard and risks, and understanding of their prevention and control. He said: “In this regard, stakeholder participation is essential to fostering lasting improvements in safety and health at work. “Enabling the exchange of experience and good practice on OSH contributes to this purpose.” In the release the Commissioner of Labour, Michelle Fulford Gardiner said that this year they had scheduled a week of activities to commemorate this significant occasion in the world of work. She said: “We encourage each and every one of you to join in with us in this celebration. “We all have our part to play in making a difference. “If the Turks and Caicos Islands intends to be at centre stage with the rest of the world, then, due care should be taken towards maintaining a healthy and sustainable workforce.”
May 2 - 8, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 17
University College holds thanksgiving service THE FOUNDERS of the University College of Providenciales (UCP) celebrated the achievements of students during the school’s first six months of operations recently. Rev E Conrad Howell, his wife Brikell Howell, along with staff, students, and well-wishers gave thanks for a successful start to the educational facility. UCP opened on September 8, last year, offering US accredited programmes to adult learners in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Thanksgiving Service and Presentation of Certificate Ceremony was held at Occasions Ballroom at the Airport Inn on Sunday, April 12. Mistress of ceremony Sophia Garland in her opening remarks said: “To be able to host this thanksgiving service today indicates that the needs of the students of this institution have been met. “The faculty of this institution has allowed its first batch of students to embark on a pathway to academic growth and success. For this they deserve an applause. “It is hoped that the knowledge and experiences gained at UCP by today’s 21st century learner seeks to empower him or her to being more efficient. “Thus being able to make a positive impact in the society and the workplace.” Kaymia Reid, a 2014 graduate of Wesley Methodist High School, and a student receiving a UCP certificate, in her gracious welcome said: “This is indeed a joyous occasion for us as it introduces a new era in workforce development, higher education, and continuous opportunities for professional development for adult learners, and the residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“Today is a demonstration of strong faith and persistence on behalf of the pioneers of UCP. “The students receiving certificates today are the first successful recipients of many achievements to be had through this noble institution. “We are happy to have you here to share in this historic occasion with us.” Brikell Howell spoke about the genesis of the institution, which stemmed from a college park proposal presented to the Government in 2006. “The mission of UCP is to meet the demands of both the business community and job seekers, thereby providing a robust workforce development support, and further the development of tertiary education to the highest degree in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” she said. “Its vision is making high quality global education accessible at home, ultimately developing a standard of educational excellence, such that UCP would attract students from around the world and become the institution of choice in the region. “UCP’s goal is to ensure that all our students are provided with the blended learning and real-life work experience needed to take advantage of the boundless opportunities available in the Turks and Caicos Islands. “Further, to encourage businesses and prospective developers to invest in the Turks and Caicos Islands, being assured of UCP’s workforce development commitment and support, meeting the educational and training needs of our local industries.” Greetings were brought on behalf
of the Ministry of Education by Edgar Howell, Director of Education. He said: “One of the challenges that you would have heard and perhaps will continue to hear is that the workforce is not prepared for the demands of the job market and UCP is helping the Ministry of Education to answer that challenge. “You are commended for your work please give them a round of applause.” Josephine Connolly, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, in her greeting said: “One of the things I like about this is that it’s a Turks and Caicos Islander doing it. I decided to be here this afternoon to support Dr Howell, and his team for this the good work that they've started, and my prayer Dr Howell is, that God will continue to bless you and your team as you carry out this work to the betterment of Turks and Caicos Islanders.” Kenrick Neely, from the Department of Environmental Health, thanked Dr Howell for providing education to the people. “We have done our first International Food Certification in December 2014 with three of your teachers, who will be receiving certificates here today as well, so thank you and we look forward to working with you a lot more.” Gordon Burton, who brought greetings on behalf of the UCP Board of Governors, spoke of the beginning of the idea. “I must say that Dr Howell and his wife Brikell who are the visionaries of this, that they researched it well and before they decided to offer one programme they made certain that they had the required certification. “So when you become a student or a graduate of UCP you can walk
out with a certificate that means something.” Bishop Samuel Williams, vice president of Provo Ministerial Fellowship, said that he was proud of Dr Howell. “I am pretty proud that you guys have done that so you keep going and put your best foot forward, so keep strong and keep on keeping on.” Beverly Williams in her introduction of the keynote speaker, the Revered Dr E Conrad Howell, said “he has toiled, he has worked, he has been and continues to be innovative”. “He is persistent, sometimes to the frustration of others, but he has persevered nonetheless. The journey goes on however, so he continues to toil.” Founder of the institution Rev Howell said he was grateful to God for his moment. He shared excerpts from a speech he made as guest speaker at Clement Howell High School Graduation, 23 years ago, which he said were quite relevant. “I said back then that we were 21 years behind, in that economic development started in Provo in 1966, we got our first high school 21 years later. “But one of the things that I said back then was that: ‘we have seen our Turks and Caicos undergo many changes, that of governments, of ideals, of challenge, of cultures and people.” He said that these occurrences happened leaving many bewildered and in many cases, losing their sense of direction. “Us as a people must understand and accept the importance of embracing such opportunities. “We must strive to further qualify
ourselves thereby making our demands more guaranteed and our hopes more assured.” He spoke of the future for the TCI and its roots in educating the population, as recently encouraged by US president Barack Obama. “Like president Barack Obama said: ‘If you have decent infrastructure you going to be able to succeed,’ and that’s the recipe, the formula for 21st century economy because you would have worked on continuous training.” Howell who penned the national song ‘This land of ours’ and wears many hats went on to recognise Beryl Kateri Charles. He asked that she stand, along with all those who worked or now work in the tourism industry including reigning Miss Teen Turks and Caicos. “If we can simply apply ourselves there's absolutely nothing we can’t accomplish,” he said. “You are just as good as anybody. There’s nobody better than you.” Students, staff and tutors received certificates of completion in various areas of studies, including maths, English, exploring nursing, exploring a career as a paralegal, accounting fundamentals, human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, Spanish, gourmet cooking, food handlers three year certificate, music appreciation, computer applications, and English as a second language. Staff development and tutor certificates presented included the five year food handler manager certification. The University College of Providenciales registration office is 59B Norway Road, Kew Town, Providenciales.
Still an opportunity for students to participate in summer camps BY DAISY HANDFIELD THE TURKS and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) has extended its popular adventure camp and will be hosting fundraising initiatives to assist with financing the project. A press conference was held on Wednesday (April 29) at the Blue Haven resort in Providenciales to discuss some of their plans. During the conference Indo Reckhorn, responsible for sales and marketing at Blue Haven, The Alexandria and the Beach House, said that the team are very excited this year to be a part of the planning committee for the TCI Hospitality Adventure Camps. “It is such an important initiative for Turks and Caicos to bring the understanding and passion for customer service in the hospitality
industry up from a grass root space.” Reckhorn also mentioned the recent recognition that the Turks and Caicos Islands received as the number one destination in the world on Trip Advisor. “This is a tremendous honour for Turks and Caicos, but it also comes with the responsibility to provide a flawless guest experience because of course our guests will come to the island now expecting a number one in the world experience,” Reckhorn said. Some of the new programmes include the captain water camp, the spa programme and the junior mechanics programme. One of the major fundraising initiatives is the ‘Taste of tapas’ which will involve displays of different food by the various resorts in the TCI at the Blue Haven Resort on June 20.
The TC Hotel and Tourism Association will be embarking on a number of fundraiser initiatives
Guests who purchase tickets at $50 a pop will experience all of the different foods. Funds from the event will go towards financing the various camps and other upcoming initiatives. Chef Cristian Rebolledo spoke during the conference about the Lil Chefs programme and other activities that will follow. “Everything is coming from scratch. One of our programmes for next year is to bring our Lil Chefs into a Caribbean competition, a culinary competition. “The name is Taste of the Caribbean in Miami, so we are going
to prepare all of the Lil Chefs who are trying to go in this competition and represent the Turks and Caicos.” The ‘Big Chef’ added that to him it was an honour to help and support the Lil Chefs programme. Executive director of the TCHTA Stacy Cox said that over the years the programme has been very successful at supporting school children. She urged: “Please come out and support the event because it is such a worthy cause; building our kids to be the leaders in the industry. “I also want to say that for all the camps we have available this year, there is an opportunity, as it
has been for a number of years, for scholarships for individuals. “All you have to do is go online and fill out the form or come to TCHTA’s office and we will guide you through the process,” Cox said. Registration opened last year to give children sufficient time to register. Each camp can cater up to 12 students and will commence in July. For further details on the camps and registration opportunity, parents are urged to log onto www. tcihospitalityadventure.com or visit the TCHTA office at the Salt Mills Plaza in Grace Bay.
Lifestyle... 18
May 2 - 8, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
How does your garden grow
BY DENIS Belanger - NATURE SPLENDOR
Denis is a passionate landscape architect who enjoys the creative process and his clients’ joy when projects come to life. Contact Denis at Nature Splendor for your landscaping, installation or garden maintenance needs. For more information call 332-3381 or email denis@naturesplendor.net.
Fertiliser FERTILISER is any organic or inorganic material of natural or synthetic origin that is added to the soil to supply elements necessary for the growth of plants. Organic means something that is or was alive. Animal manure was once living plants while bone meal is composed of ground up bones of animals. Inorganic means from nonliving sources, rock phosphate, a common source of phosphorus, comes from rocks, a non-living material. The term natural describes the manure, bone meal and rock phosphate as all naturally occurring. The term synthetic describes such products as nitrogen fertiliser which is manufactured. Inorganic fertiliser is immediately available to plants, whereas organic fertiliser must be converted by
microorganisms in the soil to an inorganic form before it can be used.
What the numbers mean On a package of fertiliser you will find three or four numbers separated by hyphens. The numbers indicate the percentage of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulphur (S). A complete fertiliser contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In addition to these major nutrients there are also trace elements such as iron, zinc, copper, calcium, manganese and magnesium which are necessary for plants to complete their lifecycle.
nitrogen are an overall pale yellow colour of leaves and dwarfed or stunted plants. Nitrogen is easily leached down through the soil below the roots and is not available to the plant so is the element most often lacking and needing replacement. Too much nitrogen can delay flowering, fruiting and seed set.
Nitrogen Nitrogen is required for the green, leafy vegetative growth of plants. Deficiency symptoms of
Phosphorus Phosphorus promotes root growth, root branching, stem growth, flowering, fruiting, seed formation
and maturation. Deficiency symptoms are indicated by a red or purplish tinge to stems and foliage. It is stable and non-mobile in the soil so leaching is not a problem. Potassium Potassium enables the plant to withstand stress such as drought, cold, heat, and disease. It also stimulates flower colour and promotes tuber formation and a strong root system. Deficiency symptoms are
indicated when the leaves appear dry and scorched on the edges and have irregular yellowing. Both chemical and organic fertilisers are available in dry and liquid forms. Once a decision is made concerning which type to use, the information in this article can be applied to compare and select the most economical brands. Regardless of which brand is selected it is a good idea to have a few favourites and switch fertilisers every few months.
POLICE SAFETY TIPS
Bullying and its causes
WHY do people bully other people? It often stems from a position of weakness, insecurity and fear. Few people who are truly confident in status, intellect and security need to resort to bullying. In contrast, many people who bully are missing out on something, whether it was a supportive and stable home environment, sufficient self-confidence that comes through healthy emotional and cognitive development, or a desire to be part of a community, accepted and respected. Bystanders often remain quiet while witnessing bullying because they do not want to jeopardise their status in society, their
connections to the community or their relations with friends and neighbours. That is why we allow jokes to be told in front of us that make fun of people who are different. And yet, we do not say a word. Why? Because we do not want to be ostracised from the community in which we are living, nor do we want to be thought uncool or even unpatriotic. Instead of seeing something and saying something, like an ‘upstander’ would, we indeed say nothing and are complicit in the act. Remember that bullying is symptomatic of a much deeper wound. If we allow it to continue to fester, the symptoms will only increase in severity. They will not go away. By failing to intervene, we forgo
an opportunity to stem a tide that will, in time, wash ashore with a force more powerful and more violent than previously possible. Bullying is also not something that can be stopped through punitive punishment, for it merely worsens that which started the bullying in the first place: a desire to meet any of the basic needs for recognition, connectedness, security, meaning and action. It is a pretty simple equation. People who resort to bullying are usually people who want to be accepted or want to be loved. That is it. Therein lies the answer, and it’s what should inspire us to bring together all community stakeholders in the Turks and Caicos Islands, to make bullying history.
By Audley Astwood Audley, a former police detective and broadcaster, is currently the press officer for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. His main focus is on crime prevention and community policing. For more information call 941-4448 or visit www.tcipolice.tc.
But this is not enough. We need your help. We need you - when you see something - to actually say something. Stop the violent act before it escalates. By being there, you may give bullies more incentive to embarrass and threaten their victims because they will have an audience. But we also need your help in making sure that incidents of bullying are stopped. Help people meet their basic needs.
Because we know what happens when they don’t. This weekly column is written as part of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force’s crime prevention initiative. For more crime prevention tips, security awareness tips and home safety reminders, please log on to www.tcipolice.tc or www. facebook.com/rtcipf.
May 2 - 8, 2015
Lifestyle...
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
19
Dear future generations ECO Tip
Lynn Robinson has lived in the Turks and Caicos Islands for 12 years and works at Big Blue Unlimited as a diving instructor, eco guide and boat captain. She is passionate about the environment and does regular beach clean ups while walking her three potcakes. Her other passion is running and can often be seen training for marathons and ultra-marathons.
Reproduced from rapper and activist, Prince Ea
I THINK I speak for the rest of us when I say sorry. Sorry we left you with our mess of a planet. Sorry that we were too caught up in our own doings to do something. Sorry we listen to people who made excuses to do nothing. I hope you forgive us. We just didn’t realise how special the earth was, like a marriage gone wrong. We didn’t know what we had until it was gone. For example, I’m guessing you probably know it as the Amazon Desert, right? Well believe it or not, it was once called the Amazon Rainforest, and there were billions of trees there, all of them gorgeous. And, oh, you don’t know much about trees, do you? Well let me tell you, trees are amazing. I mean, we literally breathe the air they are creating. They clean up our pollution, our carbon. They store and purify water,
Weekly Recipe Helen Barkworth-Knight is a teacher and qualified baker with a lifelong love for cooking for friends and family. She is a mother to Owen, almost two, who has very particular tastes in all things, especially food. Hence she has become an expert in hiding vegetables in all sorts of dishes!
Lemon drizzle cupcakes Serves: 12 INGREDIENTS • 225g/8oz unsalted butter, softened but not melted • 225g/8oz extra fine/caster sugar • 4 eggs • 225g/8oz self-rising flour • Grated zest of two lemons • For the drizzle topping: • Juice of two lemons • 85g/3oz extra fine/caster sugar • Grated and/or sliced lemon zest for decoration METHOD • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-hole muffin pan with large cupcake cases. • Beat together butter and sugar until pale and creamy. • Beat in eggs, one at a time, adding a teaspoon of flour with
each egg addition to prevent curdling. • Fold in remaining flour, then add the lemon zest and mix until combined. • Spoon or pipe the cake mixture into the cupcake cases until they are 2/3 full. • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cakes comes out clean. • While the cupcakes are cooling in the tin, mix together the lemon juice and caster sugar to make the drizzle topping. • Prick the warm cakes all over with a skewer or fork, then pour over the drizzle – the juice will sink in and the sugar will form a crisp topping. • Sprinkle the grated and/or sliced lemon zest over each cupcake to decorate. • Leave in the tin until completely cool, then remove and serve.
give us medicine that cures our diseases, food that feeds us, which is why I am so sorry to tell you that we burned them down. Cut them down with brutal machines, horrific. At a rate of 40 football fields every minute, that’s 50 percent of all the trees in the world gone in the last hundred years. Why? For this [cash]. And that wouldn’t make me so sad if it weren’t so many pictures of leaves on it. You know, when I was a child, I read how the Native Americans had such consideration for the planet that they felt responsible for how they left the land for the next seven generations, which brings me great sorrow, because most of us today don’t even care about tomorrow. So I’m sorry. I’m sorry that we put profit above people, greed above need, the rule of gold above the golden rule. I’m sorry we used nature as a credit card with no spending limit, over drafting animals to extinction, stealing your chance to ever see their
By Lynn Robinson
uniqueness or become friends with them. Sorry we poisoned the ocean so much that you can’t even swim in them. But most of all, I’m sorry about our mind-set because we had the nerve to call this destruction, progress. Hey Fox News, if you don’t think climate change is a threat, I dare you to interview the thousands of homeless people in Bangladesh. See, while you were in your pit house nestled, their homes were literally washed away beneath their feet due to rising sea levels. And Sarah Palin, you said that you love the smell of fossil fuels. Well I urge you to talk to the kids of Beijing who are forced to wear pollution masks just to go to school. So you can ignore this, but the thing about truth is, it can be denied not avoided. So I’m sorry future generations. I’m sorry that our footprint became a sinkhole and not a garden. I’m sorry that we paid so much attention to ISIS and very little to how fast the ice is melting in the Arctic. I’m sorry we doomed you, and I’m sorry we couldn’t find another planet in time to move to. I am... You know what? Cut the beat. I’m not sorry. This future I do not accept it because an error does not become a mistake until you refuse to correct it. We can redirect this. How? Let me suggest that if a farmer sees a tree that is unhealthy, they don’t look at the branches to diagnose it, they look at the root. So like that farmer, we must look at the root and not to the branches of Government, not to the politicians run by corporations. We are the root. We are the foundation. This generation, it is up to us to take care of this planet. It is our only home. We must globally warm our hearts and change the climate of our souls and realise that we are not apart from nature; we are a part of nature. And to betray nature is to betray us. To save nature is to save us. Because whatever you’re fighting for, racism or poverty, feminism, gay rights or any type of equality, it won’t matter in the least. Because if we don’t all work together to save the environment, we will be equally extinct. Sorry.
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Regional News
Bahamian-born woman files for legal action over immigration policy A WOMAN born in The Bahamas of Haitian parents has filed an application in the Supreme Court for judicial review of the government’s immigration policy and its impact on her access to public services. The ex-parte application by 21-year-old Widlyne Melidor alleges that the young mother was denied antenatal care while pregnant with her fourth child and access to primary school education for her five-yearold son Petroun Benz Chery. The five-year-old was also born in The Bahamas and is listed as the second applicant in the application filed on April 24. The two were allegedly denied services because they did not have Haitian passports, according to the application, which suggests that their experiences appear to be the result of the implementation, or subsequent
interpretation, of the immigration policy introduced on November 1, 2014. Ms Melidor is also seeking judicial review of the Immigration Department’s policy requirement for persons born in The Bahamas to carry identity papers proving their right to reside in the country; and the decision to refuse consideration of her citizenship application until she is able to produce a Haitian passport, special residency or Belonger’s permit. She is represented by Fred Smith, QC, of Callenders & Co. Respondents listed are: Minister of Immigration Fred Mitchell, Minister of Education Jerome Fitzgerald, the Columbus Primary School Board, Minister of Health Dr Perry Gomez and the administrator of the Fleming Street Community Clinic.
At the time of the application, Ms Melidor was 39 weeks pregnant with her fourth child and was supported by her mother and the father of her children. It was unclear up to press time whether she has given birth. Ms Melidor was born at the Princess Margaret Hospital to Haitian parents, according to her affidavit. Last November, the government introduced a stricter immigration policy that, among other things, requires every non-Bahamian to have a passport of their nationality. Months later, the government said every child of foreign parents would need a student permit to attend school for the upcoming fall semester. In February, Education Director Lionel Sands said that no child would be denied access to an education in the fall semester, despite the new requirement. (Tribune242)
Caribbean economies face peril with declining coral reefs – report THE United Nations and conservation groups have warned the Caribbean that their economies are in peril with the decline of coral reefs. According to a report, years of overfishing, boating and environmental degradation are causing coral reefs in the Caribbean and around the world to disappear. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says erosion threatens not just fish and marine life that are supported by coral ecosystems, but a vast tourism economy. “Coral degradation is a global problem,” said Luis Solorzano, executive director at The Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit organization working in more than 35 countries and operating more than 100 marine conservation projects. “Coral reefs help protect coastlines, which include coastal communities, hotels and other investments, from storms,” he added. Researchers at Stanford University in California say the stony substance secreted by millions of tiny animals minimizes the force of sea waves and helps protect an estimated 200 million people in islands and coastal states from storms and rising sea levels. In a study last year, Stanford scientists estimated that up to 60 percent of coral reefs around the world have been wiped out, adding that things could be getting worse in the Caribbean. Recent studies show the region
Francis Phillip (l) and Kim John were sentenced to life imprisonment. (St Luciastar file photo)
St Lucia court sentences cathedral killers to life in prison TWO men accused of setting fire to worshippers 15 years ago, have been sentenced to life imprisonment. After spending 14 years in jail during which a re-trial was held, the sentence was handed down on Friday in the High Court. The men – Kim John and Francis Phillip were sentenced in the aftermath of the December 31, 2000 tragedy in which stormed into the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception here, shortly after midnight dousing worshippers with gasolene and setting them on fire.
They also bludgeoned Sister Theresa Egan, 73, to death while Rev. Charles Gaillard, 62, died from severe burns to his body. In all, close to a dozen worshippers suffered burns in the attack. The men had pleaded guilty to manslaughter after the Privy Council overturned their death sentence for murder. The crime – one of the heinous in St. Lucia’s history, the police said the men declared that they were Rastafarian prophets sent by God to fight corruption in the Catholic Church. (CMC)
The win makes AUF leader Victor Banks the island’s next Chief Minister.
According to a report, years of overfishing, boating and environmental degradation are causing coral reefs in the Caribbean and around the world to disappear.
may have lost 80 percent of its coral reefs. Local economies, noted NOAA, “receive billions of dollars from visitors to reefs through diving tours, recreational fishing trips, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses based near reef ecosystems.” In a report on the weekend, NBC News said – reliance on tourism by Caribbean islands is hastening the demise of the ecosystem.
If tropical reefs and other ecosystems are destroyed, the oceans could lose US$1 trillion in economic value “by the end of the century,” according to a study published by Scientific American last October. Protecting coral reefs “will become even more valuable in the future, as climate change results in more severe—and in some places, more frequent—weather events like hurricanes,” Solorzano said. (CMC)
Anguilla chooses new government in landslide election ANGUILLA now has a new government, following a landslide election win by the Opposition Anguilla United Front. The AUF took victory in six of seven constituencies; independent candidate Palmavon J Webster took the remaining constituency with a victory in Island Harbour, according to the Anguilla election results released by the Anguilla Elections office. The win makes AUF leader Victor Banks the island’s next Chief Minister.
Banks himself won the most single votes of any candidate contesting the election, with a total of 1,057 votes in the Valley South constituency. In a statement on the party’s Facebook page, the AUF thanked followers for their “love and support on this journey.” “We are so proud to represent you the people of Anguilla,” it said. “We have a lot of work to do to bring Anguilla back but we are committed to leading with love and keeping Anguillians here and abroad #1 in our hearts.” (Caribjournal)
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Regional News T&T named Caribbean’s happiest nation TRINIDAD and Tobago is the Caribbean’s happiest country, according to the latest edition of the World Happiness Report. The report, which is published by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network, ranked Trinidad and Tobago at 41st in the world, just ahead of El Salvador. The number one country on the list was Switzerland, followed by Iceland. The next-highest-ranked Caribbean country after Trinidad and Tobago was Jamaica, which came out at 65th in the world, followed by the Dominican Republic and 98 and Haiti at 119. The rankings are based on data from the Gallup World Poll, which is based on answers to the main “life evaluation question” in the poll called the “Cantril
ladder.” The poll asked “respondents to think of a ladder, with the best possible life for them being a 10, and the worst possible life being a 0. They are then asked to rate their own current lives on that 0 to 10 scale,” according to the report. The rankings come from representative samples from the years 2012-2014. Trinidad was also the topranked Caribbean country in the last Happiness Report in 2013. It should be noted that many of the Caribbean’s smaller island states were not included on the report. In a response, the UNSDN said the omission of many Caribbean countries was due to “a financial constraint Gallup faces for its polling.” (Caribjournal)
Bahamas and USA looking to work closer together on migrant smuggling THE Bahamian government is seeking to establish a formal agreement with the United States for the exclusive exchange of information to better combat migrant smuggling, Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell said this week. Mr Mitchell said The Bahamas government is seeking to establish a memorandum of understanding with the US on the exchange of trafficking in person (TIP) notes that would aid in both countries’ commitments to “combatting organised crime plaguing the region”. Mr Mitchell made his statements at the signing of the seventh amendment to the Letter of Agreement (LOA) on Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement between the government and the US. Monday’s amendment and contribution of over $2m is the largest single contribution to date under the LOA. The amendment is to aid the country’s fight against drug trafficking, as well as the implementation of various initiatives and programmes. “Increasingly the assets of the US government have been used to fight migrant smuggling,” Mr Mitchell said. “This is becoming an ever more complicated area. Right
now for example we’re working on an exchange of TIP notes which will in fact be a memorandum of understanding between the two countries on the sharing of intelligence information coming out of interdiction of migrants on the seas. “So the idea would be that if the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Department of Immigration interdict migrants trying to come into The Bahamas, we would ask them certain questions, collect certain information. That information is then shared with the US.” Speaking on the amendment, Mr Mitchell said: “The significance of this agreement is irrefutable. The Bahamas government recognises that the protection of our borders from the pernicious threats of money laundering, human trafficking and the smuggling of illicit drugs and firearms, requires a concerted effort and welcomes the assistance of its closest neighbour.” According to Mr Mitchell, the LOA was originally signed in September 2010 as a part of the USCaribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), which unites all members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to collaborate on regional security with the US as a
partner. This week’s amendment/ contribution of $2.745m is the largest to date, the second largest taking place in 2012 under the Free National Movement for a total of $2.5m. To date, the US has provided $10m towards the country’s fight against drug trafficking. According to the US State Department’s website, the US has committed $263m in funding to CBSI since 2010. The amendments provide funding to enhance the capabilities of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) to support drug demand reduction programmes, to assist the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services and to increase The Bahamas’ capability to investigate and prosecute crime. At the signing, US Charge d’Affaires Lisa Johnson said the amendment shows both governments’ “shared interest in countering illicit trafficking and increasing citizen security in The Bahamas.” “We look forward to continuing to strengthening our collaboration with The Bahamas to counter illicit trafficking and to help make this region safer and more secure for all of our citizens,” she said. (Tribune242)
Jean-Marie Le Pen ‘hid cash and gold in Bahamas’
Health Minister Bheri Ramsaran confronts Sherlina Nageer (left) as two reporters observe (Mark Jacobs photo).
Guyanese minister fired after verbal outburst on woman’s rights activist A GUYANESE minister, who verbally abused a woman’s rights activist, was fired from his position less than two weeks before general elections in the South American country. Minister of Health Dr. Behri Ramsaran was dismissed by current president Donald Ramotar on Wednesday morning according to a press release from the Office of the President. According to the release the “president reiterates his outrage at the verbal outbursts and insults uttered by the minister recently.” The minister had an extremely vivid conversation with the rights activist Sherlina Nageer on April 21st,
during which he promised to slap the woman and have “his women strip her”. He had issued an apology early last week, but with a number of groups criticising his action—his demise seemed inevitable. Mr. Ramotar was also chastised by the Guyana Bar Association (GBA), the Guyana Women Lawyers Association (GWLA) and the Justice Institute Guyana (JIG) for his reluctance in addressing the matter. Many see the move as politically motivated especially since similar outbursts have been swept under the mat by the current administration. Meanwhile Dr Jennifer Westford has been appointed to act as the Minister of Health.
JEAN-MARIE Le Pen, the founder of the French far-Right Front National, hid €2.2 million (£1.57m) in offshore bank accounts, the Mediapart website has claimed. Cash and gold bars were allegedly deposited in accounts held by a trust fund based in the Virgin Islands, headed by Mr Le Pen’s former butler, Gérald Gérin, and managed from Switzerland by a lawyer, Marc Bonnant. It is the latest accusation to emerge from corruption investigations aimed at uncovering what prosecutors believe is a tangled web of illegal financing by the Front National, both in Paris and at the European Parliament. The money was allegedly held in an account with HSBC until last May, when it was transferred to an account with the Swiss bank CBH in the Bahamas, according to Mediapart, a respected investigative website. Its exposure of a Socialist budget minister’s secret Swiss account two years ago forced him to resign. Mr Gérin, 41, who is one of Mr Le Pen’s closest aides, became his butler at the age of 20. He was rapidly promoted to become a party official, then a regional councillor. He was a candidate in the 2012 parliamentary election and manages
Jean-Marie Le Pen reportedly hid €2.2 million (£1.57m) in offshore bank accounts (Photo: AFP)
two financing organisations under the joint responsibility of Mr Le Pen and his daughter Marine Le Pen, the party leader. The Front National is also embroiled in a corruption investigation over allegations it fraudulently paid 20 assistants to its members of the European Parliament up to €7.5 million. It has been accused of taking a multi-million-euro loan from a Kremlin-linked Russian bank in return for backing Vladimir Putin’s annexation of Crimea but the party
denies the Crimea connection. Ms Le Pen, 46, is engaged in a bitter feud with her 86-year-old father over his claim that the Nazi death chambers were a “mere detail of history”. Mr Le Pen, who suffered a “little heart problem” earlier this month, is to face a party disciplinary committee next week. His daughter is concerned that his extreme comments are undermining her efforts to broaden party support. Mr Le Pen was not immediately available to comment, a party official said. (telegraph.co.uk)
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Smith suffers vocal cord haemorrhage, cancels tour dates
The British soul singer has been ordered to stop performing until he is healthy.
SAM Smith has been diagnosed with a haemorrhage to his vocal cords, and he’s been ordered to stop performing until he’s healthy. The British soul singer got the bad news while on tour in Australia, where all his upcoming shows have now been cancelled, including a scheduled appearance Sunday night at the TV industry’s annual Logie Awards. “I am deeply, deeply saddened to tell my Australian fans, I have to cancel my Australian tour,” Smith says in a message he shared on Instagram. “I have been vocally exhausted for a while now however last night in Sydney I had a small haemorrhage on my vocal cords. The doctors have told me I need to fully rest until my vocal chords have healed,
otherwise this could become a huge long-term issue. I am so sorry to all who have bought tickets, I truly am. This kills me.” Smith started his tour Saturday at Brisbane’s Riverstage and played Monday night for the first of two dates at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion. Due to his throat condition -- a common ailment in singers -his sold-out shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth have been nixed, though Frontier Touring notes that a schedule is being drawn up for another tour this December. New dates will be announced very shortly, the promoter announced. Smith’s debut album In the Lonely Hour finally reached No. 1 in Australia this week after nearly a year on the national albums chart. He was due to tour Asia on the completion of his Australia shows, kicking off with a May 7 show at Tokyo’s Studio Coast. (CNN)
Dr. Oz has been under fire recently over his advocacy of some alternative medical treatments.
Winfrey pulls the plug on Dr Oz’s radio show in wake of ‘quack’ medicine accusations OPRAH has pulled the plug on a small piece of the Dr. Oz media empire. “The Daily Dose With Dr. Oz,” a “radio minute” produced by Oprah’s Harpo Productions, will end May 29. It was syndicated by Westwood One, which had just renewed the deal last September with glowing words of praise for the nowembattled Dr. Oz. “Daily Dose” had aired on approximately 150 stations, including six of the top 10 radio markaets. Westwood One sent a letter to affiliates Wednesday offering a replacement feature, “A Better
Life With Dr. Sanjay Gupta.” Gupta is CNN’s chief medical correspondent. Wednesday’s Westwood One letter, from Senior Vice President Dennis Green, gave no explanation why Harpo is ending the Dr. Oz feature. Dr. Oz has been under fire recently over his advocacy of some alternative medical treatments and his past endorsement of certain dubious medical products. He fired back on his syndicated daily show last week, denying he did anything for personal gain and saying many of his accusers had agendas themselves.
Charlie Hebdo’s Luz quits Muhammad cartoons
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Charlie Hedbo cartoonist Renald Luzier says he will no longer draw the Prophet Muhammad.
The attack prompted a wave of sympathy under the
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CHARLIE Hebdo cartoonist “Luz”, who designed the front page of the magazine that appeared after the Paris attacks, has said he will no longer draw the Prophet Muhammad. Renald Luzier has told French magazine Inrocks that drawing Muhammad “no longer interests me”. Twelve people were murdered when two Islamist gunmen burst into the Charlie Hebdo offices on 7 January.
banner “Je suis Charlie”. Within days of the attack, the satirical magazine’s surviving staff produced a defiant edition with the headline “All is forgiven” above Luz’s cartoon showing the Prophet weeping, while holding a sign saying “I am Charlie”. Pictorial depictions of Muhammad are considered forbidden by most Muslims. Following the January attack, the magazine’s normal print run of 60,000 eventually climbed to eight million. “I’ve got tired of [drawing Muhammad], just like I got tired of drawing Sarkozy. I’m not going to spend my life drawing them,” Luz said in answer to a question about the famous January edition. Luz is about to release a book of cartoons entitled “Catharsis”, which he says in his interview was his way of expressing himself after the murder of his colleagues. he satirical weekly has courted controversy in the past with its irreverent take on news and current affairs. It was firebombed in November 2011 a day after it carried a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad.
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Entertainment
Jay Z bought Tidal from a Swedish company, Aspiro, earlier this year, for $56m (£37m).
Jay Z says Tidal is ‘doing just fine’ with 770k subscribers JAY Z is not one for writing a lot of tweets - but he’s just put out a “stream of consciousness” defending his music streaming service, Tidal. Launched last month with some very high profile
backers, critics have said that the company has been a bit of a flop, with low subscriber numbers. But Jay Z says: “Tidal is doing just fine. We have over 770,000 subs. We have been in
business less than one month. “We are here for the long haul.” Jay Z bought Tidal from a Swedish company, Aspiro, earlier this year, for $56m (£37m).
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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Police: British TV star Jimmy Savile abused 22 students at school AT least 22 pupils and a visitor at a former school for troubled girls in southeast England were sexually abused by the late British TV star Jimmy Savile in the 1970s, a report by Surrey police has concluded. The report said that at least 46 offenses of abuse occurred, including one rape, at the Duncroft Approved School in Staines, a town to the west of London. An initial police investigation into Savile’s behaviour at Duncroft, a school for socially vulnerable girls, began in 2007 and ended with Savile being interviewed under caution in 2009, when he denied the allegations of 14 pupils. A second investigation, dubbed Operation Outreach, was launched in 2012 after a documentary by UK broadcaster ITV revealed that Savile -- once one of the most beloved people in Britain, a radio DJ and
television star with big hair, a big cigar and an even bigger attitude -was a serial sex abuser. Since then Savile, who died in 2011, has become one of the most reviled figures in the country as it becomes clear that he sexually abused untold numbers of people over decades. The latest revelations about his abuses at Duncroft school come on the heels of other reports detailing assaults by Savile on children, hospital patients or those with mental health problems. Operation Outreach found that Savile visited Duncroft at least 16 times between 1974 and 1979, and that he stayed overnight at the school on at least two occasions. He was likely to have taken the pupils out unaccompanied by staff on several occasions and was given “significant” access to the school’s
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grounds and buildings, which appears to have been unrestricted and largely unsupervised, the report said. Pupils were abused in multiple locations throughout the school, including the principal’s office, and in vehicles brought to the school by Savile, police found. Of the 23 victims, “ten were abused on a single occasion by Savile,” the report says, and “thirteen were abused on at least two occasions.” The four types of abuse listed in the report are rape, assault by penetration, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and sexual assault. The school was closed from late 1979 until 1982, and shut its doors for good in 1991. As well as seeking to establish the scope of Savile’s offenses at
An initial police investigation into Savile’s behaviour at Duncroft, a school for socially vulnerable girls, began in 2007 and ended with Savile being interviewed under caution in 2009, when he denied the allegations of 14 pupils.
the school, Operation Outreach also looked at what was known by former members of staff there -- and whether any had committed offenses as a result. Surrey police submitted a file last year to the Crown Prosecution Service on two of those former staff members, but the agency decided not to bring criminal charges on the grounds there was no realistic
prospect of conviction. In a statement, Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said Surrey police “has always accepted there are things which should have been done differently” in the force’s original 2007-2009 investigation. But he added those inquiries “predated much of what we now know about Savile and his pattern of abuse.” (CNN)
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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Nepal earthquake: UN launches $415m appeal THE UN has launched a $415m (£270m) appeal for those affected by Nepal’s earthquake, as frustration mounts at the pace of relief efforts. The UN said it wanted to support government efforts to provide emergency relief over the next three months. Riot police have clashed with people trying to leave the capital Kathmandu, and there are reports of villagers blocking trucks carrying supplies. The government says it has been overwhelmed by the disaster. Saturday’s 7.8-magnitude quake killed more than 5,000 people and injured at least 10,000. The UN says more than eight million people have been affected and some 70,000 houses have been destroyed. Although aid is starting to get through, some people in remote areas closest to the epicentre of the quake are stranded without shelter, food or water. “Although I am heartened and encouraged by the progress of the response to date, efforts need to be maintained and stepped up to ensure vital assistance reaches all the affected, especially those in the remote areas,” said the UN’s resident co-ordinator for Nepal, Jamie McGoldrick. Some helicopter crews who have managed to land in isolated
Some people attacked the police but there were no major clashes.
Baltimore police enforce curfew There are long queues for food and water around the capital, Kathmandu.
communities have been faced with desperate villagers pleading to be airlifted to safety. In Kathmandu on Wednesday, riot police clashed with protesters angry at a lack of transport out of the city and delays in distributing aid. Thousands were waiting for buses to take them to rural areas. “We’ve been left starving in the cold and the best this government can give us is this queue,” said one resident, Rajana, as she queued for a bus to her home village. Witnesses said a truck carrying drinking water was forced off the road and protesters climbed on top of it, throwing the bottles into the crowd.
As tempers flared, columns of riot police stood behind rolls of razor wire as protesters surged into the street. In the village of Sangachowk, angry villagers blocked the main road with tyres and stopped trucks of rice and other aid headed for other areas, Reuters reported. “We have been given no food by the government,” said villager Udhav Giri. “Trucks carrying rice go past and don’t stop. The district headquarters is getting all the food.” The villagers also reportedly blocked a convoy of army trucks loaded with relief supplies, leading to a tense standoff with armed soldiers.
Nepal quake survivor drank urine while trapped in rubble for 82 hours A MAN pulled from the rubble of a collapsed hotel by a French rescue team more than three days after the deadly Nepal earthquake says he was forced to drink his own urine to survive. Rishi Khanal, 27, had just finished lunch at a hotel in Kathmandu and had gone up to the second floor when everything suddenly started to move and fall apart. He was struck by falling masonry and trapped with his foot crushed under rubble. “I had some hope but by yesterday I’d given up. My nails went all white and my lips cracked ... I was sure no one was coming for me. I was certain I was going to die,” he told The Associated Press from his hospital bed on Wednesday, surrounded by his family. He was surrounded by dead people and a terrible smell. But he kept banging on the rubble all around him and eventually this brought a French rescue team that extracted him after an operation lasting many hours. By the time he was pulled out, he had been
Survivor Rishi Khanal, 27, drank his own urine to survive.
trapped — in what could have become his tomb — for 82 hours. “There was no sound going out, or coming in. I kept banging against the rubble and finally someone responded and came to help. I hadn’t eaten or had anything to drink so I drank my own urine.” It was not clear if he was a hotel employee or a guest.
“It feels good. I am thankful,” he said. He was taken away for surgery before more details could be obtained. More than 5,000 people are known to have died and over 10,000 injured in Nepal in the magnitude 7.8 earthquake. There were also deaths in India, Tibet and Bangladesh. (Fox News)
POLICE fired gas to enforce a curfew on the streets of Baltimore, a night after violence and arson rocked the city. After an evening of largely peaceful protests, a few hundred people defied the deadline of 22:00 (03:00 BST) on Tuesday night. But in the face of thousands of troops on the city streets, the remaining crowds later dispersed and police said the curfew was working. The protests have gone on daily since the death of Freddie Gray in police custody on 19 April. His death is the latest in a string of high-profile cases where black men have died after contact with the police. There was an outbreak of violence after his funeral on Monday but a different atmosphere characterised the streets the following night. The BBC’s Tara McKelvey, at East Lexington and North Gay Street, said there was a “street party” feel with music and car horns sounding. Two hours after the start of the curfew, which runs from 2200 to 0500, Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts said it
was working well. There were “no major issues” and only 10 arrests, he said. A few individuals threw bottles and gas canisters at police but there were no major clashes. The National Guard had been sent to Baltimore to stop unrest for the first time since 1968, when some of the city’s neighbourhoods went up in flames after the assassination of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. City leaders and pastors had urged calm on Tuesday, after about 200 people were arrested the previous night as more than 100 cars were set alight and 15 buildings destroyed. A mother who was filmed smacking her rioting son, instantly becoming an overnight celebrity, has spoken out about her widely praised actions. “He knew he was in trouble,” Toya Graham told CBS News. “I’m a no-tolerant mother. Everybody that knows me, knows I don’t play that.” Earlier on Tuesday, President Barack Obama harshly criticised the perpetrators of “senseless violence and destruction”.
71 get life sentences for torching Christian church in Egypt AN EGYPTIAN court has sentenced 71 people to life in prison for their role in the August 2013 burning of a Christian church in the Giza province village of Kafr Hakim, state news reports. The Virgin Mary Church was torched and looted by a mob, some of whom chanted against Coptic Christians and called for Egypt to become an “Islamic state,” one of at least 42 churches and many more businesses and homes targeted that August, the advocacy group Human Rights Watch reports. Others attacked included St. George Church in Sohag, a city south of Cairo on the Nile River, and Prince Tadros Church in Fayoum, which is southwest of Cairo, according to reports. In addition to those getting life sentences, two minors were sentenced to 10 years in prison
and fined 10,000 Egyptian pounds (about $1,300), Egypt’s official Egynews reported. Most of those sentenced -- 52 of the 73 defendants -- were tried in absentia, with 21 already in prison, according to Egynews. Some blamed the church and other attacks on supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamist movement that backed Mohamed Morsy. Morsy became Egypt’s first democratically elected president following the ouster of longtime leader Hosni Mubarak. Morsy was pushed out by Egypt’s military. Morsy was sentenced to 20 years in prison earlier this month after being convicted on charges related to violence outside the presidential palace in December 2012. But he was acquitted of murder in the deaths of protesters. (CNN)
May 2 - 8, 2015
World News Election 2015: Tories planned benefit cuts-Lib Dems LIBERAL Democrat Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander has said the Conservatives proposed to “slash” child benefit while the two parties were in government together. Mr Alexander said he was “lifting the lid” on plans including limiting child benefit and tax credit to two children. He claimed his party blocked the move, which he said was worth £8bn. The Conservatives said they recognised none of the proposals, which were “definitely not” party policy. “This is desperate stuff from Liberal Democrats who are now willing to say anything to try and get attention,” a Conservative spokesman added. In other election news, with a week to go before polling day: David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg are preparing for the BBC’s Question Time Election Leaders Special, where they will face questions separately from a studio audience In separate programmes, the UKIP, Plaid Cymru and SNP leaders will also take questions The Scottish Sun has endorsed the SNP - while the London-based edition backed the Conservatives
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Ed Miliband will claim Labour activists have held four million “doorstep conversations” with voters so far in the campaign David Cameron will say his party would lift 500,000 young people out of tax with its pledge to raise the personal allowance The Conservatives have said they want to find a further £12bn in savings to the welfare bill, which they argue is achievable given that £21bn has been saved in the past five years. They have yet to specify where the savings will be made, and Mr Alexander said the list of measures he revealed to the Guardian “shines a light” on the scale of cuts the Tories would have to make to working-age benefits. The Guardian said the measures were contained in a paper circulated to the four most senior Cabinet members by Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith in 2012. Mr Alexander said the proposals also included removing child benefit from 16 to 19 year-olds, as well as means testing the payment. The coalition government has already restricted child benefit - aimed at helping parents cope with the cost of bringing up children - for parents earning £50,000 a year. (BBC)
Suburban St. Louis teen abducts friend’s sister, 10, in murder and rape plot: cops A 17-year-old Missouri boy is in jail and his friend’s 10-year-old sister is home safe and sound after police thwarted his attempt to kidnap and allegedly rape and kill the girl early Thursday. John Thomas Classen was “in love” with the younger girl, and he cooked up a plan to abduct her and smother and “rape her dead body” before fleeing town, police say. But cops foiled Classen’s sinister plan when they intercepted him in a roadblock half a mile away, set up just minutes after the girl’s mother reported the 5:30 a.m. abduction in O’Fallon, Mo., some 35 miles northwest of St. Louis. “We were very, very fortunate to get on it right away,” O’Fallon Police Chief Roy Joachimstaler told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The deranged high school senior at Fort Zumwalt West was friendly with the girl’s brother and previously told his pal “he thought (the sister) was cute and that he loved her,” according to a Post-Dispatch reporter who interviewed the brother. “I took it in the best possible way and thought he was just being friendly,” the brother, who has known the suspect for five years, told the newspaper. But the disturbed teenager planned to act on his sick fantasies, cops said. He’d previously stalked
John Thomas Classen, 17, reportedly stalked the girl, 10, before sneaking into her home, lying in wait and kidnapping her as she slept on a couch in a disturbing plot to kill and rape her.
the girl and finally, early Thursday, decided to put the demented plan into motion. “Take her to a secondary location, explain everything to her, smother her, rape her dead body, clean up and then pose the body … photograph her, dispose of her body, leave town,” he wrote in a list on his cellphone, according to court records obtained by the newspaper. Classen visited his friend’s home on McCluer Drive earlier this week and deliberately left a basement window unlocked. He returned, used
a screwdriver to pop out the screen and managed to crawl through the window around 12:40 a.m., according to the documents. He lay in wait in the basement for nearly five hours before going to the first floor, where he found the girl sleeping on a couch. He smothered her and told her not to scream, but the two tumbled down the stairs as he brought her to the basement, alerting the family dogs, which started barking, according to the Post-Dispatch. The girl’s mom awoke and started screaming her daughter had been kidnapped after seeing Classen run off with the girl in the backyard, the documents say. She quickly called 911 as Classen got in a car, drove off and considered abandoning the girl. “He wanted to talk to her about the first time they met,” the brother told the newspaper. “My sister told him she was hurt and wanted to go back home.” Cops were able to apprehend the teen just blocks away and rescue the girl, who was scratched, bruised and shaken but otherwise uninjured. “This is one of those things that makes no sense; there’s no logical reason behind it,” the girl’s brother told the Post-Dispatch. “I hope he gets punished and that he gets some mental help.”
Japan PM Abe offers ‘deep repentance’ over war with US
The Venezuelan government said power demand had risen 1,500MW in a week due to hot weather.
Venezuela cuts working hours to tackle energy crisis VENEZUELA says it will cut the working day for public sector workers to five-and-a-half hours to conserve energy, down from eight to nine hours. The initiative is part of a nationwide electricity rationing plan. Vice-President Jorge Arreaza said there had been a surge in energy demand due to extremely hot weather. He said state employees would now work from 07:30-13:00 to save on air conditioning. On Monday, local media reported blackouts across the country. Mr Arreaza said private companies
would be asked to use their own generators to reduce pressure on the national grid. But he said it was private homeowners who consumed the most energy, and he called for everyone to turn the dial down on their air conditioners. “We are appealing to everyone’s conscience, to use energy efficiently.” Last week the government claimed that energy problems were due to maintenance issues, but the opposition criticised the government for not investing enough in the energy sector, BBC Venezuela correspondent Daniel Pardo reports.
JAPANESE Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has expressed “deep repentance” over Japan’s role in World War Two, during an historic address to the US Congress. He offered his “profound respect” and “eternal condolences” for US soldiers who died in the conflict. Mr Abe is on a state visit to the US to discuss a wide-ranging transPacific trade deal. He and US President Barack Obama have also agreed on new guidelines for defence co-operation. But his speech to the joint session of Congress was scrutinised for comments on Japan’s aggression in World War Two. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the conflict. Mr Abe said he had visited the World War Two memorial in Washington and reflected upon the 400,000 American troops who died with “deep repentance in my heart”. “My dear friends, on behalf of Japan and the Japanese people, I offer with profound respect my eternal condolences to the souls of all American people that were lost during World War Two,’’ he said, to warm applause. Mr Abe also acknowledged that Japan had “brought suffering to the
Shinzo Abe earlier laid a wreath at the World War Two memorial in Washington.
peoples in Asian countries”, adding: “We must not avert our eyes from that.” However, correspondents say he stopped short of offering his own apology for Japan’s conduct during the war, which included the sexual enslavement of tens of thousands of Asian women by Japanese troops. In the audience was Lee Yongsoo, one of thousands of Korean women forced into Japanese military brothels during the war. She was invited to Congress by Democratic Representative Mike
Honda, a strong critic of Mr Abe. Mr Abe is the first Japanese prime minister to address a joint session of the US Congress. The BBC’s Gary O’Donoghue in Washington says the invitation is a sign of the warm relations that exist between the two countries. Mr Abe also urged lawmakers to support the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), “for the sake of our children and our children’s children”. The TPP is aimed at liberalising markets in 12 countries and the US and Japan are among the biggest players.
30
Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate
Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Brama Kumaris
Raja Yoga Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands
Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101
www.bkwsu.com Email: bkpadma@bkwsutci.com
FOR SALE
May 2 - 8, 2015
946-4664 Fax: 946-4661
Email: tcnews@tciway.tc
Website: tcweeklynews.com
FLOWER GIRL
Wanted urgently
Floral Designer
Must have thorough knowledge in the floral business with 3-5 years experience.
Call: 231-3788
Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788
Is looking for a
bartender To work 6 days per week evenings, weekends and shifts
email: elitetci@ gmail.com 11483
CALASSCO
Is looking for a
Is looking for an
labourer To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.
contact: 2464769 or 342-6305 11415
BETHANY’S EDUCATIONAL & SOCIAL TRAINING (B.E.S.T. )INSTITUTE • • • • •
Is seeking suitable candidates for the following positions:
The individual should meet the following requirements: Possess a valid food handler’s permit Be a born again Christian preferably of the Baptist faith The ability to read and write English Must be able to assist in the preparation of healthy meals on a daily basis for over 100 students • Be able to manage the stock and prepare orders • Handle cash effectively to ensure all checks and balances
Application can be dropped off at B.E.S.T. Institute office, 250 Bay Road, Blue Hills, Providenciales or emailed: bestinstitute@tciway.tc Telephone: 649-941-4802
BETHANY’S EDUCATIONAL & SOCIAL TRAINING (B.E.S.T.) INSTITUTE
Is looking for a
Is seeking suitable candidates for the following position:
To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.
11421
contact: 231-1489
IN THIS SPACE! ONLY
$33
PER WEEK
CALL 946-4664
PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
o Applicant should possess a trained teacher’s diploma or Certificate with 5 or more years experience in the classroom o Applicants with first degree beside their Teacher’s diploma/ certificate will have an advantage o Applicant must be energetic and creative and a good team player o All applicants should be born again Christian preferable of the Baptist faith
Application can be dropped off at B.E.S.T. Institute Office, 250 Bay Road, Blue Hills, Providenciales or email: bestinstitute@tciway.tc, Telephone: 649-941-4802
11425
labourer
Is looking for a
auto Domestic Store Clerks mechanic Must be willing Worker to work 6 days To work 6 days is seeking to employ 2
per week salary $6.50 per hour.
per week salary $6.25 per hour.
contact: 232-7101
contact: 243-4350
PADI DIVE MASTER WANTED
Please send CV\resume to crystalseasadventures. com or call 649-431-9585
To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.
contact: 242-2345
HUDSON JENNINGS
Crystal Sea Adventures Grand Turk & Salt Cay
• Must have Knowledge about operating a boat in and around Grand Turk and Salt Cay • Minimum 5 years experience • EFR\CPR certified • Minimum 5 years boat handling experience • Must be able to work 6 days a week including holidays • Must be capable of doing heavy lifting • Salary starting at $275US a week
11424
ELITE GAMING
DEMESLIEN JOSEPH
11416
11427
Please contact Tel: 231-6920
BARBARA ADAMS
Is looking for a
domestic worker To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.
contact: 341-4502
11471
Must be willing to work weekends and public holidays. $5.00 per hour.
NORTH CAICOS
Qualified Pharmacy Technician - Must have pharmacy technician qualification from a recognized college, including at least 1 year of classroom based learning. - At least 3 years post qualification experience in a busy pharmacy. - CXC grade 1 or 2 or equivalent in maths, English and science. - Will be required to pass a pharmacy technician exam paper as part of interview process. - Duties will include accurate dispensing,
- - - -
use of dispensary software, maintenance of pharmacy stock, NHIP billing, handling OTC enquiries. Recent experience with extemporaneous preparations of liquids and creams is desirable. Second language (Spanish or Creole) would be an advantage. Willing to work long shifts, weekends and holidays. $12-$15 per hour depending on experience and qualifications
Trainee Pharmacy Assistant
no experience needed – ideal opportunity for recent high school graduate
CAICOS CAFÉ LTD. is looking for a
Chef De Partie • Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays • Must be able to work 6 days per week, clean the kitchen after service • Must have at least 8 years experience, good knowledge of sautéed seafood, shellfish, meat and poultry, grilling, rotisserie, butchery, sauces, broth and dressing • Must be able to speak English • Must be physically fit, dependable and hardworking Salary is paid based on experience and quality to work
All resumes CV’s letters of reference along with a clean police record must be delivered to Caicos Café, Grace Bay 11444
- Must have keen interest in healthcare and be able to commit to a 2 year training program. - Must be able to multi task and work in a fast paced and sometimes stressful environment. - Must have a strong academic background with grade 1 or 2 in CXC math, science and English. - Excellent IT skills are essential. - Second language (Spanish or Creole)
would be an advantage. - Applicant will be required to undergo written testing as part of the interview process. - Must be willing to work long shifts, weekends and holidays. - Sponsorship to complete pharmacy technician course will be available if necessary aptitude demonstrated. - $7.50-$10 per hour depending on experience.
Please send cover letter, resume and copies of qualifications to jobs@flamingopharmacy.com. Incomplete applications may not receive a response. Please note these are all new vacancies.
Closing date for applications is May 31st 2015.
11482
Domestic Worker/ Softball Coach
AUTO PARTS PLUS
11425
Requires a
AGNES SWANN
WHITBY NORTH CAICOS
11487
Been Construction
ADVERTISE
CLASSIFIEDS 31
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
11473
May 2 - 8, 2015
32 CLASSIFIEDS
May 2 - 8, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
HERTZ/ MYSTIQUE CAR RENTAL
TWO KITEBOARDING INSTRUCTORS REQUIRED
TEL # 649-941-39104 or 431-3910
VEHICLES FOR SALE
The successful candidate must be IKO certified at least at Level One and must have a minimum of three years teaching experience in this area, as this individual will be actively involved in training and providing lessons in Kiteboarding to adults and children. Must also possess the ability to speak either French or Spanish, hold a valid driver's license and be in good health. Will be required to assist with assembling and lifting Kiteboarding equipment to and from the beach everyday for lessons. Must be personable, able to work unsupervised and trustworthy. Assistance will be required in website maintenance and social media administration. Salary will commensurate with experience. References must be furnished upon request.
Make /model
Year License # Color
Price
Nissan March
2007
7727
silver
$5799.00
Toyota Vitz
2007
7743
silver
$6800.00
Nissan March
2008
7729
silver
$6500.00
Nissan March
2008
7730
green
$6900.00
Toyota passo
2008
7010
white
$8500.00
Toyota Vitz
2008
7014
ocean green $9500.00
Toyota Vitz
2008
7016
silver
$9400.00
Toyota Vitz
2008
7435
blue
$9800.00
Toyota Vitz
2008
7655
grey
$9800.00
Daihatsu Sirion
2008
7329
yellow
$7500.00
Daihatsu sirion
2008
7330
green
$7500.00
Mazda Demio
2008
7441
navy blue
$7700.00
Mazda Demio
2008
7731
green
$7000.00
To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour
Nissan March
2009
6116
purple
$7500.00
Ford Taurus
2005
6761
White
$6500.00
contact: 946-4600
Dodge Caravan
2006
6799
White
$6500.00
Dodge Caravan
2006
6694
Silver
$7500.00
Nissan March
2009
6116
purple
$7500.00
Nissan March
2009
7336
white
$8000.00
Nissan march
2009
7404
blue
$8200.00
Toyota passo
2009
7011
black
$9500.00
Daihatsu sirion
2009
7326
black
$7500.00
Daihatsu sirion
2009
7328
yellow
$7500.00
Mazda Demio
2009
6599
white
$9000.00
Mazda Demio
2009
6775
navy blue
$9000.00
Mazda Demio
2009
6784
silver
$9200.00
Hyundai accent
2009
7654
silver
$7000.00
Hyundai accent
2009
7656
dark blue
$7000.00
Hyundai accent
2009
7501
dark blue
$6500.00
Ford explorer
2009
7593
silver
$19500.00
Suburban
2009
7529
white
$35000.00
Ford pickup
2009
7703
silver
$24500.00
Dated this 13th day of March 2015
Ford pickup
2009
7720
white
$23500.00
Signed ....................................................................... Registrar of Lands
Feel free to stop by FOR NEWER VEHICLES or call us 649-941-3910
We will accept emails only of resumes with proof of certification. Must be submitted by May 6, 2015. Any qualified persons may also send a copy of their application to the Labour Department. Email: info@karammissick.com.
11465
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
the largest readership in the turks & caicos CAPTAIN HOOK’S EUROPEAN HAIRSTYLIST
1 HAIRDRESSER FOR MEN AND WOMEN
Is looking for a
11442
11417
store clerk
• Must have a Color Diploma for L’Oreal or Wella • Must have 5 years experience • Must be willing to work weekends • Salary based on commission • A second language would be a plus Contact: 649-946-5093
CUBAN CRAFTERS TCI
REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE, CAP 9.05
NOTICE LOST LAND CERTIFICATE TITLE NUMBER SECTION ISLAND 61112/26 LONG BAY HILLS PROVIDENCIALES Whereas, CRAIG EBENEZER FORBES of Providenciales granted Power of Attorney to act for and on behalf of FULLER EBENEZER FORBES, has declared that the Land Certificate for the above mentioned title number(s) registered in his/her/their name was inadvertently mislaid and cannot be found. Take notice that I, Brandie Anderson, Registrar of Lands, shall issue a new land certificate for the said title six weeks of the first publication of this Notice in a local newspaper and the Gazette.
Witnessed.................................................................
11399
11477
CLASSIFIEDS 33
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Assistant Manager for Sports Adventures
CAICOS MARINA & SHIPYARD
WANTED: FIBERGLASS MOULDER • 5 or more years experience operating boat lifting equipment • Must be willing to work in full chemical suit with respirator DUTIES INCLUDE: Construction of fiberglass moulds, sanding and painting bottoms, hull repair and boat lifting machinery • WAGE RATE: $13.00 per hour
Barmaids Waitresses Bartenders
CASINO NIGHT AUDITOR
Salary $15.63 per hour. All candidates should have at least 3-5 years experience. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays
FOR SALE TURN-KEY
11436
GUMBALL VENDING BUSINESS. LOCATIONS ALREADY ESTABLISHED AND GENERATING REVENUE. EASY TO RUN PARTTIME BUSINESS
NATHANIEL GREGOIRE Is looking for a
Labourer To work $6.00 per hour.
Contact: 242-2716
Please send CV’s to: Casablancadaily@hotmail.com or drop off at Casablanca Casino 11447
IBO SHOP
IMPRESSIONS BEAUTY SALON
Is looking for a
DIVINA BEAUTY SALON KEW TOWN
Nail Technician
Hair Stylist
contact: 241-4070
contact: 241-4170
IRIS M. WILLIAMS
JACKLYN JEAN
To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.
11437
Is looking for a
To work 6 days per week 9am-7pm salary $5.00 per hour interested persons can.
is looking is looking for a
Is looking for a
Is looking for a
barber To work 6 days
domestic domestic Hairstylist worker Toworker work 6 days
contact: 345-0161
contact: 341-1021
per week salary $6.25 per hour.
11450
To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.
11433
11451
Contact: 649-331-6364
Is acting on behalf of its clients to fill the following positions: Royal Robinson
Mason
– $8.00 per hour Symbiosis Ltd
Experience Mechanic (15-20 years experience) $10 per hour Cedar Lodge Cafe
Domestic Worker $5.50 per hour Leslie Watts Carpenter , Labourer, Domestic Worker $8.00, $5.50 per hour
to work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour. contact: 649-242-5425 11446
KIRK CONTRACTING
The Help Desk (241-7734)
Is looking for a
needed laboUrer To work 6 days To work 6 days per week salary $6.50 per hour.
contact: 241-4721
per week salary $6.25 per hour
contact: 341-2314 11429
LEW & JAN CONSTRUCTION Is looking for a
Labourer
11490
Must be willing to work 6 days per week. Salary $6.50 per hour
CALL 649-431-2228
is looking to fill the following position:
DEE’S HAIR SALON Is looking for a
11435
Is looking to fill the following positions:
CASABLANCA CASINO
per week salary $6.00 per hour.
contact: 244-1895
painter
To work 5 days per week salary $7 per hour.
contact: 232-7317
11443
CARIBBEAN CAFÉ KEW TOWN BAR & GRILL INDIAN PLAZA BAR DOLPHINS SPORTS BAR
water swim races • Extensive knowledge of sports adventure trips to outer islands and Northern Haiti • Strong familiarity with stand-up paddle boards • 5 years background in tourism with direct interaction with tourists • Excellent oral and written communications skills • Ability to speak French and/or Haitian Creole
Please provide resume to Caicu Naniki Sports Adventures at Caicos Cafe Plaza, Grace Bay, Providenciales no later than 30 May 2015. 11438
11434
Contact: 649 946 5600
Successful candidate must have: • Demonstrated pool and open water expertise for swim training and swim safaris • Proven ability to organize open
11495
REQUIREMENTS: Must have proven experience in fiberglass repairs and moulding • 10 years experience working with fiberglass • Thorough understanding of the various types of resins and their uses • Thorough understanding of boat construction
To supervise a variety of sports adventure activities to include: Swim training / Sports adventure trips to outer islands and Northern Haiti / Stand-up paddle board rentals, sales, and demonstrations / International open water swim racing
11483
May 2 - 8, 2015
34 CLASSIFIEDS
WATERSKI INSTRUCTOR
• Must be certified with USA, Canada or UK • Water-ski • Must have 7 years experience teaching all levels • Multiple languages are beneficial • General knowledge of boat mechanical skills required • Must have STCW and local captain license • Good communication skills • Must have the ability to swim in all conditions and know how to drive, handle and dock an inboard and outboard vessel
Resume and CV may be sent to: info@nautiquesports.com 11488
May 2 - 8, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
C & J EMPLOYMENT Acting on behalf of: Charles Barber Shop, IBO Beauty Salon ( Claire R.Clare), Grant Construction (Alfredo Rosario), Port Atlantic Construction, Sharonica Francis is looking to fill the following positions:
Babysitter – $5.00 per hour
Domestic Worker – $5.00 per hour
Sales Clerk – $5.00 per hour
Barbers
– $5-$7 per hour
Labourers – $5-$6 per hour
Contact: 649-347-2093
11496
EXPERIENCED SENIOR PARALEGAL WANTED FOR BUSY COMMERCIAL LEGAL OFFICE IN PROVIDENCIALES Experienced Senior Paralegal required to act as Paralegal to property/commercial partner with at least ten years experience. Dictaphone typing skills (speed and accuracy essential) with a demonstrated ability to type +80 w.p.m. Experience and knowledge of dealing independently with clients and all forms of contracts, commercial and property, security documentation, corporate management, legal accounting systems, commonly used word processing systems, file management systems, and office equipment is essential. Must be able to work unsupervised with excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Must have vehicle and clean driving record. Must be able to work overtime when required. Remuneration based on experience – commencing $40K per annum. Belongers only need apply.
HERZOG CARIBBEAN LTD. Is seeking to employ an
ASPHALT PLANT OPERATOR Responsibilities • Leadership – Oversees and directs a team consisting of a Loader Operator, Ground Man and Dispatcher to efficiently manufacture and deliver quality asphalt with a positive environment of accountability • Quality Production – Consistently produces quality asphalt. Matches plant production to meet product demand – produces accurate mix volumes maintaining correct mix temperature- maintains appropriate inventory levels of all raw materials • Proactively communicates with HCL team members and customers to maximize quality and efficiency • Maximize Productivity-meets daily production plan by meeting HCL labor targets by managing start-up, shutdown and production times • Completes all plant preventive maintenance procedures according to schedule and fixes breakdowns- welds, cuts and fabricates steel as necessary- utilizes mechanical skills/ hands tools to proactively spot maintenance issues and take corrective action before they become critical- troubleshoots mechanical and electrical control issues • All parts of the facility are consistently neat and clean, reflecting positively on HCL’s public image, general responsibilities • Personally sets an example of behavior is in compliance with applicable company, state and federal safety regulations including
lock-out-tag-out, machine guarding, PPE, fall protection, confined space and fire watch guidelines • Follows required HCL administrative procedures such as timekeeping and recordkeeping • Performs all job functions in a manner that ensures the consistent utilization of standard operation procedures • Controls Training – computer skills, electrical schematic reading skills, piping flow direction and logic, valve operation and pump operation Qualifications: • Minimum 5 years asphalt plant experience • Clean police record • Must have own vehicle to travel to work Skills • Background in electrical/ mechanics • Good physical strength • Good physical stamina • Good manual dexterity • Great attention to detail • Works well as part of the team Compensation • Based on experience Position Type: • Full-Time
Apply to the Managing Partner, P O Box 260, Regent House West, Regent Village, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Fax (649) 946-4663. Email: mslaw@tciway.tc Deadline for applications: 12 May 2015 11486
Please submit applications to main office at C 5-6 Caribbean Place, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands
HERZOG CARIBBEAN LTD.
HERZOG CARIBBEAN LTD.
Is seeking to employ an
Is seeking to employ an
ASPHALT FOREMAN ASPHALT FOREMAN with the knowledge of managing commercial grading and paving crews. Projects include major airport runways, taxiways and aprons, major retail parking lots, street and road construction, demolition and grading, asphalt paving and pavement markings. Responsibilities: • Ability to perform asphalt paving in accordance with TCI specifications • Ability to read plans and specifications (application rates, grades, slope, drainage, etc.) • Proven track record of completing jobs under budget and on-time • Ability to manage all aspects of the operation including ordering of materials, logistics, maintenance and outside services • Coordination between other crews, subs and vendors Qualifications: • Minimum 5 years asphalt foreman experience • Minimum 5 years of paving experience • Clean police record • Valid driver’s license Skills: • Knowledge of the local customers, materials and specifications is strongly preferred • Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills • Proven record of being a self-starter and able to work under limited supervision • Able to recognize drainage issues • Good physical strength • Good physical stamina • Good manual dexterity • Great attention to detail • Works well as team leader Compensation: • Based on experience Position Type • Full-time
Please submit applications to main office at C 5-6 Caribbean Place, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands
11481
HEAVY EQUIPMENT DIESEL MECHANIC With the knowledge of the standard practices, materials, tools and equipment used in the repair and maintenance of heavy equipment and engines
Responsibilities:
• Applicant will be expected to perform Preventative Maintenance, correct defects, prepare equipment for work daily and make possible field calls Skills: • Knowledge of safety issues in the use of tools, equipment and supplies used in the repair of motorized vehicles and heavy equipment • Skilled in the use of a variety of hand tools • Skilled in the use of gas and electric welding equipment • Skilled in the use of mechanized tool, jacks and hoist • Skilled in the use of a variety of diagnostic testing and tuning equipment • Ability to diagnose mechanical, electrical and hydraulic malfunctions • Ability to read manuals and schematics • Ability to rebuild engines and major driveline components • Ability to enter information in fleet maintenance management software Compensation • Base on experience Position type • Full-time
Please submit application to main office at C 5-6 Caribbean Place, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands
11481
CLASSIFIEDS 35
The Turks and Caicos Islands Integrity Commission invites applications from suitably qualified individuals to the vacant post of a
Secretarial Support Officer within the Commission
MAC MOTORS LTD.
Is looking for a
Is seeking one
Waiter DOMESTIC To work 6 days a week including weekend and holiday. Salary will be $6.00 per hour.
Please contact
946-5306
WORKER
To work 5 days a week interested persons please.
contact us on 339-3841
Key responsibilities will include: • assisting the Commission’s Secretary in the discharge of her statutory and secretarial duties including, handling sensitive and confidential documents and materials; • Interfacing and handling interactions with members of the public in their dealings with the Commission; • typing, faxing and photocopying of routine correspondence as required; • maintaining a comprehensive filing system; • screening incoming calls and answering routine questions; • scheduling appointments for the Commission and Staff Members; • receiving and dispensing mails; • taking notes of meetings when needed; • Such other duties that may be assigned.
Is looking for a
labourer
To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour must be honest, hardworking and reliable.
contact: 649-241-0386 11441
Maid To do housework and other general cleaning domestic duties. To work 6 days a week including weekends and holiday. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Contact number 946-5300 11462
Remuneration: Salary is $24,000 per annum. Application procedure Applicants are requested to submit their CV together with an accompanying letter demonstrating why they would wish to work with the Commission and what particular attributes they would bring to its work. Certified copies of qualifications as well as the names and letters of two referees must be submitted with your application. The deadline for applications is Friday May 8th 2015 with a view to commencing work latest by early June, 2015. Please note that only applicants selected for interview will be notified.
Applications should be returned to the Secretary, TCI Integrity Commission either by email, fax, or mail. Direct mail should be addressed to Mrs. Wanda Ariza, Secretary, The Integrity Commission, Franklyn Misick Building, Church Folly Road, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. The contact details are: e-mail: secretary@integritycommission.tc; Tel. 9461941; Fax. 9461355.
tailor contact: 244-4542
Sales Agent
Duties include all aspects of customer service, car rental and sales. Dealing with E-mail correspondence pertaining to car reservations. To work 5 days a week including weekends and holiday. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Contact number
946-5300
The Meridian Club On Pine Cay Turks & Caicos Islands British West Indies
Qualification and Experience • An Associate Degree in Business Administration or equivalent qualification; • A minimum of 5 years experience in multi-tasking secretarial service or related field. Competencies and Other desirable qualities include: • possession of the highest standards of integrity and probity, and understanding of fiduciary responsibilities to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands; • ability to work effectively in teams as well as being able to work unsupervised and under pressure; • excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills; • excellent demonstration of inter-personal skills, respect and high regards for sensitive and confidential information and materials; • excellent computer skills particularly in the use of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Power Point and Publisher.
Is looking for a
LOUIS J. ROSSEAUX
The post location is Providenciales. Purpose and Key Responsibilities To provide reliable, confidential and efficient secretarial support service for the Commission.
MAGASNI ATELIER & UPHOLSTERY
To work 6 days per week salary $6.25.
11448
JOB VACANCY NOTICE
Las Brisas Restaurant
11428
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
11463
May 2 - 8, 2015
Email: manager@meridianclub.com Ph:649-941-7011 Fax: 649-941-7010
Executive Pastry Chef at The Meridian Club on Pine Cay Salary:
$10-12/hr or more depending upon training, experience, work record and capability.
Duties:
Must be able to create a large variety of tasty desserts, breads and pastries from scratch (4-5 different dessert offerings must be available each day for lunch and dinner and pastries for breakfast). Must be able to do other food preparations and assist in meal preparation. Must assist Executive Chef in overseeing and training kitchen staff, as needed.
Qualifications Required: - - - - -
Must have degree in culinary arts from an accredited college or university Minimum of 3 years experience as Pastry Chef in 5 star restaurant. (or equivalent) Must be skilled in handling all duties specified. Must be willing to reside on Pine Cay, a small private island on a full time basis. Must furnish health certificate or be willing to undergo medical examination to ensure freedom from communicable disease. - Must be willing to work weekends, nights and holidays Starting Date: October 2015 Contact Person and Contact Information: Debbie Keller, Resort Manager. Fax to 649-941-7010 or email to manager@meridianclub.com a copy of resume with your contact information (mailing address, e-mail address, phone number) Resume must include min. of 3 references with contact information and how you know these people. Also include copy of passport, police report. All qualified applicants will be interviewed within 2 weeks. Please submit applications no later than May 15, 2015
11484
Ricardo Fulford Consultant Services
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS RODEMIDE JOSEPH Is looking for a
(ricardofulford@gmail.com ricardofulford@gmail.com 1(649) 346-1125) on behalf of his clients:
PRIMARY SCHOOL TRAINED TEACHER
The Bullpen Club (Latin Club) is seeking employment for the following:
Interested candidate may contact 2320844 for further details regarding employment
Greenskeeper To work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.
contact: 344-0966
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership in the turks & caicos
PRITON DEVELOPMENT LTD.
SEEKS
1 Mason • Must have at least 3 years experience and be able to work with little supervision. Salary start at $6.50 an hour and is based on experience. • Deadline for applications is May 8th 2015 • Must be able to work weekends and holidays if deemed necessary.
Interested persons should be dependable and send applications via fax at (649) 941-4034. C/o Alliance Realty Ltd.
FINANCIAL CONTROLLER REQUIRED A long standing integrated Financial Service & Commercial Group requires a very experienced financial controller to assist the director in the following areas: • We are looking for a financial services accounting professional (CA/ CPA/CGA/AMA) with at least 13 years experience to administer our financial and accounting function. • The individual must possess proven experience in establishing and implementing auditing and control systems and procedures. • accountable for practice management and development, including client billing and recovery of receivables and expanding fee base of existing clients. Management of ad hoc assignments such as cash flows, budgeting and due diligence • hours of work will vary with job demands and future growth of the business • compensation will be determined upon the chosen candidate’s relevant work experience and professional qualifications.
Interested and qualified persons should forward resumes in strictest confidence to: TCIndustrial Services Ltd. Providenciales tcisimms@yahoo.com
EXPERIENCED, SPECIALIST TEACHERS
FOR YOUNG STUDENTS WITH Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), APPLICANTS MUST HAVE OR BE WORKING TOWARDS A BACHELOR'S OR MASTER'S DEGREE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION
DOMESTIC WORKER
WITH GOOD COMMAND OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
PLEASE SEND RESUMES TO MILLSINSTITUTE@GMAIL.COM
NOVEL SECURITY SERVICE
Is looking for a
WITH MINIMUM OF 5 YEARS EXPERIENCE.
11466
(6) Waitress (1) Cashier (1) DJ
NEEDED
May 2 - 8, 2015
11426
domestic worker To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.
contact: 231-6121
11418
36 CLASSIFIEDS
The Law Firm of STANFIELD GREENE is seeking one (1)
suitably qualified Attorney The successful candidate will be responsible for the firm’s civil and criminal litigation. Applicants should have at least 10 years experience with emphasis in the field of litigation, should possess good writing skills and have an eye for details. Salary is negotiable and based on experience. Applicants should apply by sending their resume or CV to: STANFIELD GREENE PO Box 481 Graceway House Building A, Suite 201 Leeward Highway Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
ATTENTION: Clayton S. Greene Email: csg@stanfieldgreene.com Belongers only need apply. Only those Applicants that will be interviewed will be contacted.
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT COORDINATOR/MANAGER Seeking a Construction Contract Coordinator to spearhead the construction and design of luxury single family homes, and small commercial projects in the Turks & Caicos Islands. The successful candidate will be expected to: • Oversee all aspects of operations for the construction division • Prepare cost estimates, schedules and cash-flow projections • Manage the procurement process • Manage the public tendering process and bid analysis • Write subcontract agreements and scopes of work • Prepare monthly project status reports for clients • Handle all accounting for the construction division • Assist with Business Development efforts Successful applicant will possess a comprehensive understanding of building science and architectural design. Applicant must have good communication skills and a team attitude. Minimum requirement of BS in Building Construction and or a degree in Construction Engineering is required, with at least 15 years experience in the industry. Remuneration will commensurate with education and experience. Work hours will be dictated by work load. Minimum of 60 hours per week. Computer literacy shall include: • Sage - Master Builder • Word processing • Excel - spreadsheet applications • Primavera’s SureTrak - critical path scheduling • AutoCAD - Architectural Desktop and 3D imaging • Timberline Estimating Extended • Adobe Photoshop Qualified individuals shall submit resumes before April 15th, 2015 to:
R.A. Shaw Designs ProjectHouse, Leeward Hwy Providenciales Fax :941-4395
11466
May 2 - 8, 2015
CLASSIFIEDS 37
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Acting on behalf of our clients: Hillview Boutique, Ripples Ltd., Coyaba Restaurant Ltd., Villa Del Mar, E.Y. Contractors, Fresh Catch
Mechanic Gardener Supervisor Sales Clerk Kitchen Helper Labourers Waitress Salary $5.50 -$8.80
The Law Firm of STANFIELD GREENE
WEST BAY CLUB RESORT Is looking for a
Kitchen Helper To work 6 days per week salary $8.00 per hour.
Contact: 345-7212 11412
contact: 946-8550
11402
WARD’S CONSULTANCY
TURKS AND CAICOS AGGRESSOR II 1 Open Water Scuba Diving Instructor / 2ND CAPTAIN
REQUIREMENTS AS FOLLOW: • Valid PADI/SSI/TDI membership and liability insurance • PADI/SSI Enriched Air Instructor • Minimum of 5 Specialty Ratings • Working Knowledge of Under Water Camera/ Videos and Edition • Computer Literate
• STCW95 Complaint • Be prepared to live onboard & work long hours including weekends & holidays • Experienced in the Hospitality industry • Captain’s License (min 200t) Belongers need only apply Starting salary $400.00 a week
Is seeking one (1) suitably qualified
Attorney The successful candidate will be responsible for the firm’s civil and criminal litigation. Applicants should have at least 10 years experience with emphasis in the field of litigation, should possess good writing skills and have an eye for details. Salary is negotiable and based on experience. Applicants should apply by sending their resume or CV to: STANFIELD GREENE PO Box 481 Graceway House Building A, Suite 201 Leeward Highway Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands
ATTENTION: Clayton S. Greene Email: csg@stanfieldgreene.com Belongers only need apply. Only those Applicants that will be interviewed will be contacted.
11401
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
the largest readership in the turks & caicos
The Somerset Management Co. Ltd is seeking a suitable qualified Individual. Ideal candidates should possess luxury resort experience, be professional in attitude and demeanor and must read and speak English fluently.
Please send emails to tcaggressor@ express.tc or call 941-7825 11394
ROOMS TECHNICIAN Responsibilities:
• Perform Pre- Arrival maintenance check in rooms • Conduct maintenance check for air-condition in rooms • Replace washers, faucets and seals on malfunctioning plumbing equipment in rooms • Repair leaky faucets and clean clogged drains • Perform electrical duties as needed in rooms • Perform a wide variety of general building maintenance repairs and services including painting • Conduct periodic inspections of laundry; repairs and performs preventive maintenance on all laundry equipment including electrical, mechanical, gas, • Perform preventive maintenance procedures in a manner responsive to guest satisfaction • Perform light repair and up keep on resort bikes
Requirements:
MASSAGE THERAPIST • Applicant must have a minimum of 3 years hands-on experience in 5-star resort and at least 3 years working as a therapist. • Must be trained and CERTIFIED by an accredited school in all of the following: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Pre-Natal, Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial Reflexology, Facials, and Manicures and Pedicures. • Applicant must be certified in all the previous areas • In addition, applicant must be able to work ALL weekends and public holidays if needed and be available from 8am-8pm. • Must have own vehicle and current, clean driver’s license. • Commission based • Must have GREAT Customer Service Skills and be upbeat and positive. • Applicant needs to be fluent in English and pass an English written test. Please send resume to: relax@spatropique.com Please do not apply to this ad unless you can meet all of the above requirements.
• Must be trained and certified by an accredited school in the following areas: Plumbing/Electrical/Mechanical and A/C related trades • Have basic knowledge of project management • Must be a team player with a desire to deliver excellent customer service to our guest • Computer literate; Word, Excel, Visual One • Must have clear English communications skills (written / oral) • Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously • Must have at least 5 years in plumbing, wood finishing, painting, A.C repairs, and carpentry • Must in procession of Valid Turks and Caicos Drivers License
Physical Requirements:
• Must be able lift 100 lbs. with frequency and carry up to 50lbs. • Must be able to work on his feet for 7-8 hours per day, occasional overtime required and flexibility with hours • Must be able to move furniture as needed must be able to use cleaning and painting products and electric hand tools. Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience
Deadline for application is May 2nd, 2015 11413
Qualified Belonger candidates can complete an application form in person at The Somerset on Grace Bay or submit a resume by e-mail at somerset@thesomerset.com. Tel: 339-5900. Fax: 9465839. The closing date for applications is May 1st, 2015.
May 2 - 8, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
LEWIS ASTWOOD
Is looking for a
Car Washer
To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour
contact: 432-4166 11429
TANGLED Is looking for a
Hair Stylist Is looking for a
domestic worker Salary $5.00 per hour
contact: 231-0436
School For Field Studies, South Caicos
Environmental Policy Lecturer - Center for Marine Resource Studies
o Must have certificate of qualification as a hairstylist for men, women on Caucasian hair o Must speak English o Must have a minimum of 3 years experience as a stylist o Must be willing to work 6 days per week o Salary minimum wage
Contact: 649-431-4247
TURQUOISE DISTRIBUTION
SALES PERSON Required with food service experience and knowledge of French wines and foods must be willing to work nights and weekends salary $5.00 per hour.
11419
RODSTON ADAMS
contact: 649-244-4804
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
the largest readership in the turks & caicos
Job Summary: Resident lecturer in the area of Environment Policy. PhD, prior university level teaching experience required. Certified scuba, divemaster, fisheries experience preferred.
Please send your CV to hhertler@fieldstudies. org by May 15, 2015. Start Date August 2015
11430
School For Field Studies, South Caicos
Intern - Center for Marine Resource Studies
Job Summary: The purpose of this position is to provide support in the areas of program delivery, academics, research, group dynamics, logistics, program safety, risk management and site maintenance. Stipend provided. Active Dive Master Cert. and Insurance, Current CPR/First Aid, BA/BS in Marine Science/Policy, Small boat experience, Willing to work flexible hours, Clean driving record.
Please send your CV to hhertler@fieldstudies.org by May 30, 2015. CV’s will be reviewed and only potential candidates will be contacted. Start Date August 2015
11431
Ricardo Fulford Consultant Services on behalf of his clients: NTAB is seeking employment for the following:
1) Labourer
Interested candidate may contact 331-8346 for further details regarding employment. J.B.S Salon is seeking employment for the following:
1) Barber
Interested candidate may send their application through ricardofulford@gmail. com regarding employment.
Port Atlantic Construction is seeking employment for the following:
1) Labourer
Interested candidate may send their application through ricardofulford@gmail. com regarding employment. Froggie's On The Beach is seeking employment for the following:
1) Chef
Interested candidate may send their application through ricardofulford@gmail. com regarding employment.
Ricardo Fulford Immigration and Labour Consultant, Turks and Caicos Islands, Cel: 1(649)346-1125
11457
The Shore Club is now accepting applications/résumé for the following position. Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve others, need apply:
Resort Internal and Finishes Manager We require:
• Very strong Resort Internals & Finishes Manager that has the ability to manage the internal finishes packages on a 5 Star Resort. • Must have 15-20 years’ experience in a similar role with a finishing trade’s background. • Must have a history of delivering high end projects such as 5 Star Hotels/Resorts and Residential/ Commercial developments. • Must have previous experience working with leading developers and must pay exceptional attention to detail. Must be able to make sure all works are completed to the highest level and manage any discrepancies. Must have leadership qualities to ensure the job is completed to the client's high standards • A proven track record in Construction Management is essential. • Recent experience of working on high class finishing works is essential. • Specific experience of working with high quality marble/tile and joinery finishes is essential. • Previous relevant experience of working in the Caribbean is desired.
Primary Responsibilities/Requirements:
• Management of Multiple Sub Contractors • Pushing a Project team in execution of program, delivery and quality on site • Ability to manage a team • Determine the resources and participants required to achieve project goals including the selection and management of third party vendor • Establish and manage milestones and deliverables; proactively manage and communicate deviations from plan and develop contingency plans • Strong analytical skills and detail orientation • Ability to communicate effectively with team members and contractors who bring a wide range of disciplines to a project
Applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude as well as be willing to work long hours, holidays and weekends. Turks & Caicos Islands citizens only need to apply to the Assistant Human Resources Manager, Sheena Smith at The Sands Resort located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales or e-mail: humanresource@ 11422 thesandstc.com. Deadline is May 8, 2015.
11478
38 CLASSIFIEDS
May 2 - 8, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NATASHA’S CONSULTANCY
NEAL’S CABINETRY & SUBCONTRACTING is looking for a
Painter • Must be able to verify skills • Must be able to hand and finish drywall • Must be willing to do some laborer tasks as needed
S M S SECURITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES is looking for a
Security Officer To work 6 days contact: 432-7678
11445
per week salary $7.50 per hour.
Job Summary: Manage the non-academic affairs of US college students in a field-based, study abroad program. Salary commensurate with experience. BS or Masters (preferred) in relevant discipline, Current Wilderness First Responder/CPR Certifications, Experience managing student groups, Experience managing logistics.
Salary $5.00 per hour Contact: 243-8590 National Colony Realty Ltd.
Villa Host
Mason
Salary $6.50 per hour
Is seeking a suitable applicant to fill the following opening:
Contact: 421-7526
11493
11492
TDMG CONCORDIA
Fax: 649-941-8388 Application deadline May 5th, 2015 11414
Please send your CV to hhertler@fieldstudies. org by May 15, 2015. CV’s will be reviewed and only potential candidates will be contacted. Start Date July 2015
11432
PROVO BODY SHOP
Spa Therapist
Is looking for a
We are seeking a qualified Spa Therapist with a minimum of five years’ experience for our Thalasso Spa. The successful candidate will be qualified to provide our spa clientele with high quality therapeutic treatments, including a full range of body massages, ear candling, lymphatic drainage, and pregnancy massages, as well as providing manicures and pedicures. This position will also assist the Spa Manager with day-to-day administrative duties, including inventory management, appointments, etc.
PAINTER Welder Belonger only need apply. Must be willing to work extended hours. Salary negotiable
School For Field Studies, South Caicos
Student Affairs Manager
Labourer
Salary $6.00 per hour Contact: 431-5723 Joel Mervielle
Salary $7.00 per hour
contact: 231-1928
Acting on behalf of our clients: Olem Seide
CLASSIFIEDS 39
To work 5 days per week must have at least 5 years experience salary $10.00 per hour.
Contact: 231-0049 11490
Salary: $500 to $750 per month and 10% - 12.5% commission on treatments provided, (both salary and commission commensurate with experience) plus service charge. On-site bedsit provided. Belongers only need apply Closing date: 30th June 2015
Please apply in writing to: Point Grace, PO Box 700, Grace Bay, Providenciales. Email: humanresources@pointgrace.com or Fax: 946-5097 11476
The Turks Head Inne, Grand Turk
VILLA HOUSEKEEPER
is looking to fill the following positions:
Security
The general purpose of a security guard is protection of the people and property of the organization where they work. Guards will routinely inspect the property for any suspicious activities. This is to deter would-be criminal or malicious activity, such as vandalism, arson, theft and harassment. This job will require security clearance and a job-related background check
A villa housekeeper is required to work in a residential villa. The successful applicant must be extremely self-motivated and highly detail orientated. He/She must demonstrate the ability to use their own initiative and have an excellent command of English and above all be able to multi-task. The candidate is required to LIVE IN, and must be prepared to sometimes work long hours, week-ends and holidays The following are essential: • Must possess a clean driver license • Possess excellent housekeeping skills, preference will be given to candidates with work experience in a 5 star environment. • Be able and prepared to cook for family several evenings a week • Must be a dog lover, and be prepared to look after 3 dogs during owner absence, walk, washing, feeding etc.
Housekeeper
This position is primarily responsible for cleaning public areas, guest rooms and bathrooms as per hotel standards.
Kitchen Helper
Kitchen helpers will assist in all areas
11441
Salary depends on experience. Please apply in writing with resume details to Foluso@thesource.tc
of the kitchen such as food preparation, inventory, cooking on the line and cleaning.
Food Runner
Food runners will assist front of house staff in daily service.
Bar-back
Bar-backs will assist bartenders, front and back of house staff in daily service.
All positions require the following:
;; Fluent oral and written communication skills in English ;; Ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced environment ;; Ability to work cohesively as part of a team.
Résumés can be submitted to turksheadinne@icloud.com, or delivered in person. Belongers need only apply (Must be legally permitted to work in Turks and Caicos Islands) 11472
40 CLASSIFIEDS
May 2 - 8, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
LATINO’S CONSTRUCTION
DIVA’S BEAUTY SALON
LOOKING FOR
1 TIREMAN, 1
Is looking for a
LeShelle Tull Seeks a
MECHANIC, 1 WELDER Must have a valid driver license from A-H. Must be able to work holiday and weekends. Ability to speak French & Spanish a plus Applicants must call 649 946-5919 Monday to Saturday 7am to 5pm Pay set @ $10.00 & 12.00 per hour 11496
CBMS
cosmetologist To work 6 days per week salary $250.00 per week.
contact: 431-0750
11491
Caribbean Building Materials & Services Ltd. PO Box 611, 131 South Dock Road Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI Phone 649-941-3400 Fax 649-941-3401
Plant & Equipment Maintenance Manager
Applicant will be responsible for maintenance and repair schedule of company’s fleet of equipment, including heavy equipment, trucks and company vehicles and batch plants. Applicant must be able to identify and assess equipment problems, coordinate and delegate repairs within the mechanic department, implement stock/parts computerized inventory program, schedule regular and preventative maintenance and keep repair records. Applicant will be responsible for all Fleet Service purchases, including parts, tools and liaise with overseas suppliers. Ensure that all equipment is completely inspected annually for government standard inspection and registration. Applicant must have excellent communication skills to communicate between the various departments within the company. Applicant must have 10 to 15 years minimum experience and at least five years as an equipment manager. Advance computer skills are required. Please reply with a clean police record, reference, driver’s license and any certification.
Earthworks Manager Applicant will be responsible for developing, recommending and implementing the project plan after the project is awarded. Will assemble key personnel for the project, monitoring and controlling progress, cost and budgets throughout the project. Will report to Management on project status and results in a timely fashion. Applicant should have10 plus years experience directly managing heavy civil construction projects, specific experience with earthworks, experience in construction estimating, planning, scheduling, cost control and contract management. Through knowledge of all aspects of construction equipment, materials, negotiations, engineering estimating scheduling and safety. Qualifications should include Civil Engineering Degree or equivalent training and experience.
Carpenter Applicant will be responsible for preparing form work for projects. Must be familiar with Dura-forms and concrete polishing. Applicant must be able to read drawings, prepare form work to meet schedule concrete pours. Order all materials needed for completing jobs. Applicant should have at least 10 years experience.
Heavy Duty Mechanics
Applicant must have at least 10 years experience with heavy trucks, heavy construction equipment, tractors, bulldozers, graders, dump trucks, forklifts and excavators. Work involves repairs on Diesel engines, overhaul, maintenance service and reconditioning equipment. Applicant must be able to provide their own tools have computer knowledge. Applicant must be prepared to work late days, evenings, and weekends as the job dictates.
Qualification
College, vocational or technical training provide Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic Trade Certification
Salary/wage will be based on experience. Forward application to our office or call 941-3400.
LIVE-IN HELPER/ CAREGIVER
Needed to take care of an elderly man only interested persons or Belonger need apply.
contact: 341-8806 11494
Is looking for a
carpenter To work 6 days per week salary $10.00 per hour.
contact: 332-0771
Housekeeper
Applicant must be honest, hardworking & reliable 6 days a week Email l.tull@live.com
REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE, CAP 9.05
NOTICE LOST LAND CERTIFICATE TITLE NUMBER SECTION ISLAND 50401/132 KEW TOWNSHIP NORTH CAICOS Whereas, NOIL EWING of Kew, North Caicos, has declared that the Land Certificate for the above mentioned title number(s) registered in his/her/their name was inadvertently mislaid and cannot be found. Take notice that I, Brandie Anderson, Registrar of Lands, shall issue a new land certificate for the said title six weeks of the date of the first publication of this Notice in a local newspaper and the Gazette. Dated this 27th day of April 2015 Signed..................................................................................................... Registrar of Lands Witnessed ............................................................................................... Kerisa Gardiner
May 2 - 8, 2015
Sports Interational
CLASSIFIEDS 41
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Kirani James breaks Johnson record at Drake Relays
Manny Pacquiao (r.) and Floyd Mayweather Jr. will go toe-to-toe Saturday in one of the most anticipated fights in years.
Tyson calls Mayweather ‘a very small man,’ predicts a Pacquiao knockout win MIKE Tyson is calling for a knockout — and delivering one, too. The former heavyweight champion called Floyd Mayweather “a very small man, a very scared man” and thinks Saturday’s muchanticipated prizefight will end with Manny Pacquiao putting Mayweather on the canvas. “I think it’s gonna be a knockout, I don’t think it’s gonna go the distance,” he told the Undisputed Champion Network. Tyson backed away from making a prediction in that interview, though he admitted
that he had just told a separate group of reporters that he was picking Pacquiao to win the May 2 superfight. “I just like Manny. Not necessarily because he throws a lot of punches but because he’s very elusive and might be hard to hit,” Tyson told a scrum of reporters. “It’s going to be interesting to see what happens because Floyd is going to be forced to throw more than 38 punches a round at this guy. Manny’s gonna be quick, Manny’s gonna be fast and go side-to-side and Floyd’s gotta bring an A-plus game.”
Olympic champion Kirani James broke Michael Johnson‘s Drake Relays 400m record on Friday night, beating rival World champion LaShawn Merritt handily in their first head-to-head race this season. James, of Grenada, clocked 44.22 seconds in Des Moines, Iowa, topping Johnson’s mark of 44.41 from 1996. Only two men — Johnson and 2004 Olympic champion Jeremy Wariner — have ever run faster this early in a year, according to the IAAF. “It just shows that I am in great shape,” James told Lewis Johnson on Universal Sports. “Good things can happen this season, but nothing is guaranteed. It’s still early.” Merritt, who succeeded James as World champion in 2013, was a disappointing fifth in 45.27. Merritt, the 2008 Olympic 400m champion, has not placed lower than second in any top-level international 400m race that he has finished since 2006. “Today wasn’t about the time,” Merritt told Lewis Johnson on Universal Sports. “Coach said go out and work
Community Meeting
Notice
To the Residents of Leeward, Leeward Palms, Long Bay Hills and Flamingo Crossing. You are invited to a meeting on Tuesday May 5th 2015 at 5:30pm at the Wesley Methodist School, 24 Palm Circle, Leeward. Will include updates on the infrastructure works projects within the communities including roads works, street lights, parks and update on Long Bay High School Phase 1. Please make every effort to attend.
Kirani James, of Grenada, clocked 44.22 seconds in Des Moines, Iowa, topping Michael Johnson’s mark of 44.41 from 1996.
on some things. … I didn’t do so well as far as place-wise, but I feel good.” In 2014, James clocked a world-leading 43.74 with Merritt ranking second at 43.92. They’re the only two men to run sub-44 seconds since 2008. In the 110m hurdles, U.S.
indoor 60m hurdles champion Aleec Harris clocked 13.16 to beat a field that included World champion David Oliver (second, 13.19), Olympic champion and world record holder Aries Merritt (fourth, 13.37) and Olympic decathlon champion and world record holder Ashton Eaton (seventh,
13.43). Harris’ time marked the fastest in the world this year, according to the IAAF, but it’s early and will likely take sub-13 to win the World Championship in Beijing in August. In the men’s 400m hurdles, Bershawn Jackson topped Olympic and World silver medalist Michael Tinsley, 48.87 to 49.39. Jackson, the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist, failed to make the 2012 Olympic team. He was the third-fastest American last year, behind Tinsley and Eaton. Eaton is no longer running the 400m hurdles, switching back to the decathlon. In the women’s 800m, Ajee’ Wilson, 20, prevailed in 2:00:03 over World bronze medalist Brenda Martinez. Wilson, the 2012 World junior champion, had the fastest time in the world last year (1:57.67). (NBCSports)
PUBLIC NOTICE BRITISH ATLANTIC FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD-(IN LIQUIDATION) On January 9, 2015 in the Supreme Court of the Turks & Caicos Islands British Atlantic Financial Services Ltd- (In Provisional Liquidation) ("the company") was placed into Compulsory Liquidation and Joseph.P.Connolly and David Walker were appointed joint official liquidators. The liquidators set a close off date of March 31, 2015 for claims to be filed in the liquidation. During the month of April we have contacted policy holders to finalize claims on the company. We expect that all policy holders will have been contacted by May 1,any claimants who have not received a notice by May 1, 2015 should contact the liquidators as noted below. The offices of the company on Leeward Highway will be closed from April 30 2015,as of May 1,2015 the liquidators can be contacted at: Email:Lorreii.Taylor@TC.PWC.COM Telephone: 946-4890 or at their offices at Abacus House on Leeward Highway. The liquidation is working towards finalizing its list of claims during May. Once the list is finalized the proposed distribution will be brought before the court for approval. The timing of the distribution is dependent on the number of issues arising out of the process of finalizing the claims. J.P.Connolly On Behalf of the Joint Official Liquidators of British Atlantic Financial Services Ltd-(In Compulsory Liquidation) April 30, 2015
42
Sports Interational
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Bayern clinches Bundesliga title after Wolfsburg defeat BAYERN Munich clinched its 25th Bundesliga title Sunday after nearest rival Wolfsburg went down to a 1-0 defeat at Borussia Moenchengladbach It meant Pep Guardiola’s team, which had beaten Hertha Berlin 1-0 Saturday, could not be caught with four rounds remaining. The title race looked set to be extended for another week, but Gladbach’s German international striker Max Kruse scored a last-gasp 90th minute winner. It lifted them within four points of Wolfsburg in the battle for second spot. All-conquering Bayern has now won three straight German titles, with Guardiola in charge for the last two after leaving Barcelona. It is also still on course for the 2013 treble of European, German league and cup titles. Tuesday sees the Bavarian giants face Borussia Dortmund in the semifinal of the German Cup in the Allianz Arena. Further ahead is the Champions League semi-final clash against Guardiola’s former club Barcelona, with the first leg on May 6 in the Nou Camp. Chelsea took another significant step towards its first English Premier League title in five seasons by holding Arsenal to a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium Sunday. It left Jose Mourinho’s team 10 points clear of reigning champion Manchester City and Arsenal, with five games remaining. Six more points will guarantee the Blues lift the crown, conceivably at Stamford Bridge at home to Crystal Palace next Sunday. Arsenal, in a rich vein of recent form, needed victory to press its claims, but was denied by a tight
Max Kruse celebrates his late winner for Borussia Moenchengladbach which ensured Bayern Munich clinched the German title.
Chelsea defense, superbly marshaled by John Terry. ‘The best performance (by him) I have ever seen,” said Mourinho after the match. The visitors also offered a threat -more in the first half -- with a strong penalty appeal turned down when Oscar was upended by Gunners goalkeeper David Ospina. Ramires also had the best chance of the half after a flowing Chelsea move, while after the break the chances were few and far between with Arsenal unable to make much of an impression. The result continued Mourinho’s fine record against Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, with his team unbeaten in eight games against its city rival. Earlier Sunday, Manchester United suffered its second straight defeat, going down 3-0 at Everton. United, beaten 1-0 by Chelsea in a hard-fought encounter last weekend, showed nowhere near the same level of commitment or skill in sliding to defeat at Goodison Park. Goals from James McCarthy and
John Stones put Everton 2-0 up at halftime and Belgian international Kevin Mirallas added the third after the break. It was the fifth win in six games for Everton, a side facing relegation problems at the turn of the year, while United stays fourth, but still well-placed to win a Champions League place. Two goals from Javier Hernandez helped Real Madrid to a 4-2 win at Celta Vigo to close again to within two points of Barcelona at the top of the La Liga standings. Nolito stunned Real with a nearly goal before Toni Kroos equalized with a thumping strike and former Manchester United star Hernandez put them ahead. In an open game, Santi Mina brought Celta level before James Rodriquez restored the visitor’s lead before the break. The second half was a cagier affair but Hernandez rounded off the scoring in the 68th minute, adding more goals to his vital winner in the Champions League quarterfinal against Atletico Madrid.
Farah to race in 1500m in Birmingham Grand Prix GREAT Britain’s double Olympic champion Mo Farah will run in the 1500m at the Birmingham Grand Prix on 7 June. Farah, 32, who won gold medals in the 5,000m and 10,000m at London 2012, will race at 1500m for the first time since he set a British record in July 2013. “The World Championships in Beijing is the main aim for this year. Birmingham will be good to work on my speed in a shorter early season race,” said Farah. “It will be good to step down and test myself at a shorter distance.” Farah’s time of three minutes 28.81 seconds at the Monaco Diamond League event in July 2013 remains a British record and he is looking forward to the event at the Alexander Stadium.
Mo Farah will race at 1500m for the first time since he set a British record in July 2013.
He added: “Some of the best middle distance runners in the world will be in
the field so I will have to be at my best to compete with them.” (BBC)
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Belgian footballer dies after collapsing on pitch BELGIAN footballer Gregory Mertens, who collapsed on the pitch during a game on Monday, has died aged 24, with his club describing his passing away as having left “everyone in despair.” A spokesman for the hospital confirmed to CNN that the Lokeren player died on Thursday at 16:30 CET. Mertens collapsed during Monday’s reserve game at Genk and was given cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the scene. He was taken to hospital and placed on a life support machine and was placed in an induced coma. “Today something happened which no one could have dared imagine,” said a statement on the club’s website. “Much too early, we had to bid farewell to Gregory Mertens. We are a football club. Everyone in and around the club breathes football. But suddenly something happens which makes us realise that football is just football. Today is such a moment. “The medical team did everything possible to save Gregory, but they finally had to accept their powerlessness. “Today, around 16.30 Gregory passed away. The family was still able to say goodbye. “Everyone at Sporting Lokeren is in despair, both our young players
Mertens collapsed during Monday’s reserve game at Genk and was given cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) the scene. and ouratpro team, the coaching staff,
employees and the management -- they cannot believe this has happened. “Gregory was only with the club for one and a half years, but in that short time, with his quiet modesty, he made himself indispensable. We will now have to learn to live with this loss.” Several famous figures within the world of football took to Twitter to offer their condolences including the coach of the Belgian national team Marc Wilmots. (CNN)
Wimbledon prize money increases by £120,000 for singles THE 2015 Wimbledon singles champions will win £1.88m, an increase of £120,000 on last year. The overall prize fund at the All England Club will rise from £25m to £26.75m, a 7% increase year on year. Courts 14 and 15 will come back into use after being re-laid following development works, bringing the total ground capacity at SW19 to 39,000, compared to 38,500 in 2014. And use of Hawk-Eye has been extended to courts 12 and 18. That means the technology will be in action on six courts across the championships, which run from 29 June to 12 July. Doubles champions will received£341,250 (+5%); mixed doubles winners will collect £100,800 (+5%), while wheelchair doubles will win £15,360 (+28%). Wimbledon’s total prize money increase to £26.75m is
83% higher than in 2011, and maintains the competition’s status as the highest-paying in tennis. “We recognise the players are an essential ingredient of our championships,” said All England Lawn Tennis Club chairman Philip Brook “The level of prize money is affordable to this championship, so we feel it’s important that we should reflect that in what we pay the players.” The All England Club added it remains on course to have a roof built on Court One by 2019. But Brook said the venue had turned down the opportunity to host Great Britain’s Davis Cup quarter-final with France in July, which will instead be held at Queen’s Club. “The week after the championships, there’s a lot of work going on at the site. So reluctantly we said we weren’t available,” he said. (BBC)
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The youngsters were taught the value of hard work.
TCI Rising Stars Basketball Club holds fundraiser for overseas tournament A CAR wash and food sale have pocketed approximately $1200 into the TCI Rising Stars Basketball Club as they attempt to raise enough funds to send two teams to an international tournament in July. Club president Mervin Forbes applauded the venture calling it a successful amount. “We’re happy to get any amount to be honest. We’re grateful for the money as it will allow us to keep the club going and to do all the things we have planned for the kids.” Forbes said that the community’s support was really important and that it impacts the youngsters in the club. “We try to teach these children to constantly put their best efforts toward improving themselves, and by extension, improving the world around them. This fundraiser is as
much about teaching them the value of hard work and managing resources as it is about raising money, so to have the community come out and support them in their efforts means the world to them.” “Improving the lives of the youth of Turks and Caicos is what we do, basketball is just how we do it,” said Communications Manager Dwayne Krzanowski. “We teach them to value and respect themselves, others, and their home. We view them as what they truly are; the future of these islands, and we’re doing everything we can to build them up to be the future these islands need.” Persons or business entities interested in donating to the club or sponsoring a child that will be a part of the travelling teams can contact the club on telephone (649) 243-1866.
The TCIFA U-9 B team continues to improve.
Grand Turk youths and TCIFA U-9 B team battle in thrilling mini-tournament A SPIRITED and entertain battle between the U-9 B squad from the TCIFA and a young Grand Turk side in the capital island last Saturday left spectators in an excited mood. The travelling team consisting of: Captain Kaidan Bobb, goalkeepers Nelson Heino and Rohan Shearer and Henry Heino, Kymani Selver, Calvin James, Takeem Williams, Jeffery Gulianai, Jack Stephens, Kristen Howell, Jayden Brady, Emmanuel Martin and Andrea Gibbs were assisted by coaches Benneth Williams and Ella Heino and two helpful parents. According to an official report, both teams were well organised in defence, midfield and attack. The sides “showed maturity in their use of the full pitch and worked the space much more than we see in small sided games where kids of this
age tend to crowd over the ball”. In the first game, the Provo based side took an early lead with a long range strike by Kristen. GT soon equalised, but a stunning strike from the middle by Emmanuel made it 2-1 by half time for the visitors. The second half saw a few substitutions for both sides and GT started to dominate with better passing and individual dribbling. They then scored in quick succession to end the game 5-2 in favour of the home team. Maybe the physical advantage of the bigger kids showed as Provo couldn’t cope, even despite some brilliant last ditch tackles by Andrea and a solid calm performance by Jack at the heart of Provo’s defence. In the second match GT fielded a younger and smaller side and Provo had a better grip on the game although they fell 1-0 behind
after a 0-0 well contested first half. In the second period some clever passing got Kaidan free to thread a superb ball to Emmanuel outside the box, and he slammed home a cool equaliser to the loud delight of the Provo coaches and supporters. 1-1 would keep Provo in this mini tournament and set up a penalty shoot-out. GT almost scored a few times and a near post save by Nelson in the dying minutes kept the game alive. The game finally ended a tie and penalties were taken. Both teams failed to score in six shots, thanks to some special goalkeeping by both sides, especially Rohan who saved five out of six kicks with excellent reactions. GT finally broke the deadlock with their 7th take and were worthy winners of the shoot-out which had stretched to sudden death.
Love undergoes shoulder surgery; out 4-6 months
Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (left) is dragged by the arm by Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) during their game Sunday. (Thomas Ondrey / AP)
KEVIN Love had surgery on his badly damaged left shoulder that could require six months of recovery, officially ending any remote chance he had of returning during Cleveland’s playoff run. Love, whose arm was yanked from the socket on Sunday by Boston’s Kelly Olynyk during Game 4, had the operation at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York on Wednesday. The team released a brief statement saying the forward had
the procedure and that his projected recovery time is 4-to-6 months. On Tuesday, Cavs general manager David Griffin said it was “highly unlikely” Love would return during the postseason. That distant possibility was erased by the surgery to a shoulder Griffin said sustained “extensive” damage. Love had ligaments in his shoulder torn on a play that has shaken Cleveland’s championship hopes. Love was battling for a loose ball
when his arm got tangled with Olynyk midway through the first quarter of Cleveland’s series-sweeping win over the Celtics. Olynyk pulled on Love’s arm, causing the dislocation. Following the game, Love called the play “bush league” and said he was convinced Olynyk tried to hurt him intentionally. Olynyk did not get called for a foul on the play, but the next day the NBA suspended him one game for his actions.
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Nina wins Tubbz Fitness and Weightlifting competition KATHERINE Nina proved to be the fittest woman on show when the Tubbz Fitness Gym held their annual Fitness and Weightlifting Competition last Saturday. Nina was one of nine women who showed that weightlifting is no longer a male dominated sport in the TCI. The young ladies, who won the hearts of the crowd, were fit enough to participate in all the cross fitness events beginning with the suicides, the tire roll, the tire flips, bench press, most reps and squats. Nina won the top female trophy, while Dian Tucker finished second and Jenny Gollshewsky third. The other participants (who as the top three were in training since January 2015) were: Carolyn Dickenson of Women in Sports and Director of Gender Affairs, Brenda Lightbourne PRO, Women in Sports, Angela Prospere, Jenny Jesus, Kaylea Malcom and Kisha Williams. In the male competition Hon. Edwin Astwood and Stanley Taylor won in the over 200 division. Other participants included: Nick Dickenson, James Astwood and Berdette Tatem. Lavardo Simmons won the Under 200 division. Other participants
Church Co-Ed Softball League:
Bethany inflict “mercy rule” on St. Monica BETHANY Baptist Church started the second half of the Church Co-Ed Softball League with a big win over St. Monica’s Church on Monday evening. The feature clash under lights had the crowd on their feet as the winners inflicted the mercy rule in the third innings after racing to a 16-5 lead. Action started with the Roman Catholic side winning a thrilling battle. Against Jericho Baptist the Catholic Church led by eight runs after Joel Smith had hit two home runs, but by the third innings Jericho had battled back which led to a tie and an overtime session. Roman Catholic held on for a 17-16 win.
The respective winners of last Saturday’s Tubbz Fitness and Weightlifting competition.
included: Jason Bell and Glenville Forbes. In the Masters Category it was a battle between Pastor Frederick
Braithwaite and Tony Hepburn with Pastor Braithwaite gaining the top spot.
According to information from Women in Sports, Tubbz Fitness Gym and Women in
Sports will continue to play a great role in the success of the sport.
CONCACAF football coach’s session “huge success” in TCI APPROXIMATELY 40 young players have greatly benefited from a coaching session from one of the most highly rated coaches in CONCACAF, Hue Menzies. Menzies, who was in the TCI for four days last week held a successful TCIFA Guest Coaching Programme. The programme which was launched in 2014 by the local FA, has seen a number of top-level coaches come to the islands. According to information from the TCIFA: “The young players were enthusiastic and opened to learn the different styles and techniques taught by Coach Menzies.” The release went on to say that the clinic had a tremendous effect on the footballers
and coaches who participated. “The clinic gave players and coaches a chance to learn a host of new footballing skills to pass on and develop the sport.” Menzies is a very successful instructor. He has coached and managed teams around the world, as well as worked for the Jamaican Women’s Football team as a Technical Advisor. He also holds a USSF ‘A’ License and National Youth Certification. When coaching, Menzies says that in all his sessions he strives for three things: “One, make the session as enjoyable as possible; two, make it educational; and three, try to make the session as realistic as possible.”
The highly rated CONCACAF coach Hue Menzies held a successful session in the TCI recently.
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Blatter best candidate for TCI’s development
– Opines Bien-Aime
THE Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) has thrown its support behind current FIFA president Joseph “Sepp” Blatter in his re-election bid at the May 29 congress in Zurich, Switzerland. Local FA president Sonia BienAime, who was recently voted in as the first ever CONCACAF Executive Committee female member, said that Blatter understands the TCI and would assist in its continued development. “We are a small FA in a small territory with very limited resources. President Blatter seems to understand this...he has introduced the FIFA Goal Projects and the Grassroots Programmes amongst other things that he’s implemented across the board, regardless of your geographical location, country or population size...things that the smaller countries depend on to keep the sport active and alive....we are a better organisation because of this,” Bien-Aime told the Weekly News. For Bien-Aime, who also sits
TCIFA’s President Sonia Bien-Aime feels that Joseph “Sepp” Blatter is the best man for FIFA’s top post.
in a co-opted position on the FIFA Executive Committee, Blatter is the obvious choice.
“It is important that we have this type of President who can identify what is important for the growth and
development of not only the larger more popular FA’s but for all....a President who treats us as equals.”
Blatter, 79, is seeking a fifth term in office to extend his 17-year reign.
PABA Night League semis:
Flyers to face defending champs – Knights set for Police Badgers showdown A REMATCH of last season’s final is expected to heat up from this Friday evening when the Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) semifinals tip off at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex basketball court. A youthful and athletic Flyers side bounced back from a game down to beat the Predators 2-1 in the best-in-three first round battle last weekend, but the Stallions have been unstoppable of recent, they rebounded from a slow start (slow to their standards) to once again
The Grand Turk Stallions will start the semi-finals as favourites in their quest for another PABA Night League title.
become the front runners for the title. The Five Cays Flyers have always shown heart and with a solid support from Flyer Nation the series is expected to be a scorcher.
Although overshadowed, the other semi-final clash will also be very exciting, especially since the Police Badgers have found their mark. In the deciding clash last
weekend the number three seeded team disposed of the Steelers 104-79 to win their series 2-1. The Knights have looked good in the post season by easily beating the
Coca Cola Classics in the first round. The semi-finals can go any direction, what is definite though is that fans are in for some entertaining battles.
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