TCWN May 3-9, 2013

Weekly News Volume 28 | No. 18 | May 3 - 9, 2014

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OWED $36m

A massive $36 million in unpaid PAGE debt is being sought by the 5 liquidator of TCI Bank – a local enterprise that went bust in 2010.

Shanice Williams captures the crown PAGE 

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Famous UK lawyer PAGE 4 arrives in TCI to represent Mike Misick

Cabinet approves write-off of more than $1m in business licence arrears PAGE 8 PAGE

Odisse  4 murderers still on the loose

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 3 - 9, 2014

May 3 - 9, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 3 - 9, 2014

Famous UK lawyer arrives in TCI to represent Mike Misick JAMAICAN-born UK lawyer, Courtney Griffiths QC – who is representing former Premier Michael Misick in his corruption trial has been given a short extension to prepare ahead of the plea and directions hearing later this month.

That hearing was initially set for May 12, but will now be held on May 27. At that hearing, the lawyer will argue against the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team’s (SIPT) application for a trial without a jury.

Griffiths - a lawyer with the London-based 25 Bedford Row Chambers – arrived in the Turks and Caicos on April 20.

He appeared in front of the former Chief Justice, Christopher Gardner to be admitted to the local bar last Friday (April 25).

On Wednesday (April 29), he applied for an extension to Justice Paul Harrison who is presiding over the corruption trial for Misick and ten others.

This was done via telephone with Justice Harrison and SIPT lead prosecutor, Andrew Mitchell.

Griffiths told the Weekly News on Thursday that the May 12 date did not allow the lawyers sufficient time to prepare.

“The trial date is still tentatively July 7, but we just have to wait and see on the 27th whether that is still a realistic date,” he said.

When Misick last appeared in court on March 31, he told Justice Harrison that his lawyer would be applying for a judicial review.

The lawyer wanted a review of Chief Justice Edwin Goldsbrough’s decision to go ahead with Misick’s sufficiency hearings even though he did not have a lawyer present.

Asked what the position is with this, Griffiths said the attempt to get

Queen’s Counsel, Courtenay Griffiths is representing Michael Misick on corruption charges

Former Premier Michael Misick faces trial for corruption charges

the judicial review was unsuccessful.

He said that the judge’s decision to go ahead with the hearings when Misick did not have legal representation is a matter of concern, particularly as the charges against him are so serious.

“At that important legal stage it was handled without him being legally represented. But it may well be that we will just have to live with the consequences now,” the lawyer said.

On his opinion of the legal system in the TCI, Griffiths said that from the little he has seen so far, it appears to be very efficient.

“I appeared in court only once and I have also sat in for a short while at the Court of Appeal hearing on Monday and everything seems to be running very professionally and efficiently, which is interesting I think, given the resources available to the country at this time.”

Griffiths has adopted some of the arguments that the defence counsels for the other ten defendants made in January, on the trial without a jury application.

application, which was set to be given on May 27.

Griffiths is noted for his criminal defence work on terrorism and murder over the past two decades.

He is particularly well known for his representation of former

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

However, he will be making an additional point with regard to Misick when the case is called again on May 27.

There is no indication yet as to when the judge will deliver his ruling on the trial without a jury

President of Liberia, Charles Taylor in a trial that captured the attention of the world.

Taylor was convicted in May 2012 of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in Sierra Leone from November 30, 1996 to January 18, 2002.

The former Liberian leader was found to have supplied weapons to the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels in exchange for socalled blood diamonds.

He is currently serving a 50 year sentence in the UK. During the proceedings, British supermodel Naomi Campbell testified.

Some of the lawyer’s other noteworthy cases include the PC Blakelock murder trial, the Brighton Bombing, the Harrods Bombing, the Canary Wharf Bombing, the Risley Riot, the Dartmoor Riot and the Damilola Taylor murder trial. (DI)

Odisse murderers still on the loose NOBODY has been charged with the brutal murder of a Haitian resident on December 31, 2013, despite police hints last month that arrests were imminent.

Jocelin Odisse, 34, was shot and killed during a robbery at Altagracia’s Restaurant and Bar on Leeward Highway in the early hours of the morning.

In March police public relations officer Audley Astwood said that charges were expected to be laid in early April and further information would be made public.

However this Thursday (May 1) Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Wayne Jones told the Weekly News that nobody has been charged.

Odisse was murdered at about 4.25am on Tuesday, December 31, 2013.

Just after the incident Dominican resident Monica Sueno Vasquez told the Weekly News that she and her boyfriend Odisse were inside the restaurant and the door was locked.

Three men approached the building and fired a shot at the door shattering the glass before making their way inside.

The shaken woman said that when the robbers came into the building Odisse put his hands up in the air and said: “What happen man, what happen man?”

This allegedly infuriated the robbers and they shot at him multiple

No-one has been arrested for the sickening murder of Jocelin Odisse

times.

“He shoot the door to come inside, he shoot the man, he come inside and tell me to give him the money, to give him the money and I give him the money that I had in here,” she said.

“He told me to give him the big money and asked me where is the big money so I told him that the big money was in my house so he followed me upstairs to my house.”

Sueno Vasquez said that when she went upstairs she told the men that she did not have any money there so one gave orders to the other to kill her, but the other resisted and told him to leave her.

After the men left Odisse was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical

Centre in Providenciales where he was pronounced dead at 5.05am.

Doctors found a single bullet wound on the right side of his chest and one at the bottom of his stomach.

Police have not provided any descriptions of the robbers.

Officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) continue to investigate the incident.

Anyone with information about this incident can call Crimestoppers on 1800-8477 or use the Crimestoppers website www. crimestoppers.tc.

Information will be treated in the strictest of confidence. Tips can be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish. (RB)

May 3 - 9, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

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TCI Bank borrowers owe $36 million

A MASSIVE $36 million in unpaid debt is being sought by the liquidator of TCI Bank – a local enterprise that went bust in 2010.

Over the coming months property foreclosures will be taking place up and down the country in order to recoup cash to pay back thousands of out of pocket investors.

But many debtors still have the chance to save their property if they stump up the cash soon.

The information was revealed in liquidator Anthony Kikivarakis’s latest bi-annual report to the Supreme Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The seventh report, which covers the period of June 30 to December 31, 2013, was finally presented on March 31 this year.

It revealed that the total cash being held by the liquidator is currently just over $9 million and that close to $36.5 million is being sought in foreclosure proceedings.

“As of the date of this report, there continue to be significant loans and overdrafts that are now the subject of foreclosure proceedings because of non-payment of outstanding amounts,” Kikivarakis wrote.

“To date I have initiated foreclosure proceeding against properties of some 65 borrowers with significant overdue loans and overdrafts in the amount of $36,439,638.62.

“These proceedings will result in public auctions before progressing to private treaty sales if the properties remain unsold at such auctions.”

He said that he held his first auction on June 24, 2013, when he placed eight properties up for sale – none of which sold.

A second auction was held on January 8, this year, and a bid was accepted for one property, but the potential purchaser subsequently failed to put up the required deposit.

That property is still up for sale.

The liquidator stressed that the whole process could take up to seven months for each building.

Owners of 56 of the properties still have the opportunity to renegotiate or settle their loan balances before expiry of the notices.

However if that does not happen

TCI Bank’s former headquarters in Downtown, Providenciales

the properties will become subject to the auction process.

One owner saved his property after he refinanced his loan and settled the balance.

Attorney for the liquidator, Peter McKnight of McKnights International Law Firm, said that a list of foreclosure properties will be published shortly.

DOOMED BANK Locally owned TCI Bank closed its branches in Grace Bay and North Caicos in February 2010 citing pressure from the global recession.

Six weeks later the Financial Services Commission (FSC) requested a court order for the bank to be placed into liquidation.

Kikivarakis and Mark Munnings of Bahamas firm Deloitte and Touche were appointed provisional liquidators and within half an hour of the order being granted on April 9, TCI Bank was officially closed.

The four-year-old institution held around eight per cent of the country’s total bank deposits.

Many Islanders were left with little more than the cash in their pockets at the time of the crash.

TCI Bank also held a colossal $17.3 million in NIB deposits, prompting fears among Islanders

over the fate of their pensions.

In October 2010 Kikivarakis and Munnings were appointed the joint official liquidators of the company by the TCI Supreme Court.

That November financial experts warned TCIB’s 4,500 account holders that they risked losing up to 90 per cent of their money and that it could be years before any cash was repaid.

However in March 2012 liquidators announced that they had recovered enough money from collection of outstanding loan repayments to award customers with their first dividend payment of 20 per cent.

They said that further collection of payments on outstanding loan balances would continue, and those unable to make payments were urged to contact the liquidators.

“Non-compliance with this request will result in foreclosure and sale of properties and/or other collateral and repossession of vehicles,” the men urged.

In October that year chartered accountant Kikivarakis, chairman and CEO of Kikivarakis and Co, was appointed sole liquidator of the bank when the court removed Munnings from the position.

LATEST REPORT On Thursday (May 1) the Weekly

News obtained a copy of the latest biannual report from liquidators after finding the official website for the liquidation www.tcibpliquidation. com was out of action.

The objective of the report is to provide parties interested in the company’s liquidation with the steps that have been taken since the sixth report on at June 30, 2013.

Topics include collections on outstanding loans, proof of debt and dividend payments, shareholder bank balances, investments and cash.

It explained that from July 1, 2013, to December 31, 2013, 44 loan account balances were either renegotiated or refinanced and final settlements made.

About $2.2 million was collected from borrowers compared to $1.2 million the six months prior.

And a total sum of $2.1 million was paid to creditors during this period’s first interim dividend distribution.

A number of shareholder banks have outstanding loan balances with TCI Bank which are being examined.

“I am currently in discussion with the shareholder banks to resolve the outstanding amounts and the status of any collateral held. These matters will be addressed in my next report,”

Kikivarakis said.

At the date of the report the liquidator said he received total redemption payments of $2.8 million on two TCI Government bonds worth a total of $5.8 million and accrued interest of $206,858.

An Antiguan government bond of nearly $1.5 million will be discussed in the next report as details are still outstanding.

For the period the net cash increase minus expenses was $2 million and as of December 31, 2013, the company’s cash balance was $9 million.

Kikivarakis explained that as the company’s main asset is a depressed loan portfolio his efforts will continue to be dedicated to the collection or conversion of assets.

“This will include continued foreclosure proceedings and taking legal action where necessary,” he said.

“This will not be without tremendous difficulties as many of the loan customers are themselves either experiencing difficulties in making timely payments on their outstanding loan balances, or simply refusing to pay their loan obligations.”

He said he is not prepared to estimate the total value of the loan portfolio, which is backed primarily by property and real estate, because an estimate of recovery would be an estimate.

Liquidation staff are based in an office at the Regent Village in Grace Bay, Providenciales.

In March 2011 the Financial Services Commission (FSC) underwent its own internal investigations into its handling of fallen TCI Bank which were never made public.

Meanwhile the PDM party called for a public inquiry into the failure of the company and its connection with the FSC and the National Insurance Board (NIB).

And Canadian businessman David Kosoy, who made a series of unsuccessful offers to buy the bank said a “criminal investigation” should be held into its operations.

(RB)

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 3 - 9, 2014

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

What can be done about squatting?

ILLEGAL shacks are cropping up all over Five Cays, Providenciales, causing upset to residents who say they are dirty, dangerous and reflect badly on the community.

Last week PDM’s Deputy Leader Sean Astwood said that the buildings could cause law-abiding residents of the area to lose value in their property.

He added that it is time that the Government takes serious action to stop the situation getting out of control.

Why do you think illegal squatting is such a big problem?

What do you think should be done?

Treat owners with respect

We visited the site when the interim government was trying to clean it up.

We saw a naked woman bathing in a wash tub outside her eight foot square plywood shack. We saw a multi-family unit septic system emptying into the ocean.

The homes were built without tie beams and with concrete obviously overloaded with sand and water.

This is what the former representative for Five Cays permitted and encouraged. We sympathise with Mr Astwood for the problem he inherited.

Many homeowners do not have title to the land because they were swindled, however bulldozing across the board will benefit no one. Each building must be inspected and the owners treated with respect.

The new deal is to export all undocumented folks. This might benefit the people carrying them home but will further shrink our economy at a time when we are losing population rapidly.

An eyesore

Squatting is only a problem for everyone except the Haitian community. They seem to be above the law or the Government is afraid of dealing with the situation at hand.

This community has built entire neighbourhoods illegally. With no land papers, no plans, no planning approval, no legal way to access electricity or water.

This creates an eyesore of improperly zoned, substandard structures that are not meeting safety standards and have very poor waste disposal systems.

It’s high time the Government realises that the law also applies to these people and do something about it.

Law abiding citizens won’t stand for anything less at this point.

A planned approach

Let’s not wait for an outbreak, health or otherwise.

This has been an issue over the years and until there is a methodical emphasis on dealing with this situation, it will continue to escalate.

We cannot stay in our big homes, away from it all and expect that this will not touch us; that it does not factor into our realm because it does.

When a situation like this is left unchecked, one does not know what is happening in these new shanty towns.

If people are doing it and getting away with it, that means that there is the potential for more to continue the trend.

What could be done: There needs to be a planned approach on dealing with this issue.

If we don’t have adequate resources, please let us request help.

Let us stand up and highlight that we need help now because it could either be help now or a more dangerous and explosive situation later on.

Explore solutions

Many Haitian folks are in this area living in shacks or cheaply constructed homes.

Now that the police vehicles have arrived the police force are not patrolling to prevent crime they are in the streets ticketing TCIs to raise money and arresting undocumented folks with expired work permits or no papers.

The illegal drivers duck down a side street and avoid the road blocks.

The pressure on Five Cays residents is more of the same - send them home so they can return again and again.

We are spending over $1 million on plane tickets. Who and what is benefiting from this?

We need to explore that question first.

Our minister said make illegals lives unbearable. In this regard he is a man of his word. His party allowed them to build shacks of plywood and sand.

It’s not the chickens that have come home to roost it is the buzzards.

Just revenge

The Government squatted on their headquarters land and lost it.

Now they take revenge on the poor people.

Policies and procedures

You don’t need to be an Einstein to figure this out.

Get the names of all the squatters, check their immigration status in the country, give them a warning and a notice as to the date that you expect them to remove themselves and their belongings off the property or out of the country if they are illegal immigrants.

On that date, have a tractor to remove these sub-standard shacks. Knock them down!

All illegal immigrants should be immediately repatriated My first question should have been where is town planning department?

Shouldn’t they be monitoring all buildings being erected in the island?

The Government is paying people to do a job and they are not doing it. I am quite sure that these same employees are seeing the same thing as the residents.

Their department should give these health inspectors and town planners areas that they should be responsible for checking on a monthly basis and each one should write up a report with pictures attached.

These people with Government jobs are too lazy. They need assignments besides, breakfast, lunch, pickup kids from school, gossip and text on the cell all day and at months end, go to the bank for payday.

If policies and procedures, like one mentioned above, were implemented and strictly followed, it will alleviate this problem.

That area is nasty, there is garbage, boxes, etc all over the place besides the shacks.

What’s wrong with our people who once took so much pride in self and country?

We shouldn’t allow people in our country to destroy our environment and our standard of living.

It’s a disgrace

All talk no action is all each Government ever

does. The squatting is not getting out of hand, is far gone.

If the Government wanted revenue they would charge the squatters as they are breaking the law.

It’s time to start putting up the notices again and start tearing down. But the question is: Do we have anyone in the Government that has the backbone to do what is right?

These squatters have money, don’t mind them. Else how are they so sure of themselves?

They build concrete structures and rental places.

It’s a disgrace that we even have a Planning Department. It only functions against the persons who are going by the rules.

Give me the job and see how things get done!

A failing system

I find it amazing that illegal squatting is ignored in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Planning Department makes it rough on anyone legally building a home here and admittedly it is for safety reasons, yet they overlook the hundreds of shacks all attached together with an extension cord.

Across from IGA there is a huge community of shacks that even caught fire a few years ago, but the Government refuses to at least make them adhere to the basic planning laws.

Just another prejudice in the failing system from years ago.

 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 3 - 9, 2014

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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Ambulances neither fully operational nor well equipped – Health Minister admits to huge holes in emergency care TCI’s fleet of ambulances is depleting rapidly and continues to lack essential maintenance, the Weekly News can reveal.

The news comes just months after Minister of Health and Human Services Porsha Stubbs-Smith pledged to overhaul the Governmentfunded emergency medical services (EMS).

In the House of Assembly on Monday (April 28) the minister admitted that none of the vehicles are operating at “optimal level” and said that staff are lacking vital medical equipment.

She added that in the event of a complete breakdown in vehicles a dental van has to be used to transport patients.

Opposition appointed member Clarence Selver demanded answers on the ambulance service during the recent parliamentary session.

Stubbs Smith revealed that the Ministry of Health currently has just four working ambulances in its fleet.

A capital project was approved in the 2013/2014 budget for the purchase of two new ambulances – one for Providenciales and one of which will go to North and Middle Caicos.

However no offers have been made since the project was first tendered in November 2013 and extended three times.

She said that the purchase of two additional ambulances to support operations on the family islands have been included the Ministry of Health’s list of capital projects for 2014/2015.

When asked how many of the current ambulances are in full working order the minister responded: “As of Friday, April 25, 2014 there are currently none operating at an optimal level, however they are providing services.

“In cases such as this, where there is a total breakdown in terms of vehicles, we have no alternative but to use the dental van as there are no other similar vehicles available for use.

“We have sought other alternatives such as renting a van as back up, however we have had some challenges in this area.”

Stubbs-Smith also spoke of a lack of safety equipment for emergency and medical staff.

“There are some in place, however the ambulance service is still lacking in this area,” she said.

Private members motions are not ultimatums to Gov’t – Premier THE OPPOSITION was told in no uncertain terms this past week, that the Government is not obliged to act upon motions taken to the House of Assembly on matters of national interest.

During the House sitting on Monday (April 28) elected member for Blue Hills, Goldray Ewing, asked the Premier what the Government is doing about two motions passed by the assembly.

Those motions, passed last year and earlier this year, called for the hosting of a national symposium and for the halt of a pelagic fishing study.

Support was shown for both resolutions by members during debates in the assembly.

Responding to the query from the PDM member, Premier Rufus Ewing acknowledged that while the motions were passed in the House, they are not ultimatums to the Government that the executive has to act upon.

He said the passage of such resolutions is merely a statement or recommendation by the House to the executive arm of the Government for consideration and

not absolute action.

However, Ewing said that the recommendations made in the motions have been taken into consideration.

“The holding of a national symposium commits the Government to expenditure which was not budgeted for; nonetheless the Government intends to bring issues of national concern to public debate that would facilitate the plans of action.”

He added that discussions have been held about a national development plan which would contain most of the elements in the resolution that are of national interest.

He said this would be done as soon as the required funding becomes available.

As for the call for a halt to the UK-funded pelagic fishing study, the Premier said since the passage of the motion, Government has discussed the issues highlighted with stakeholders and persons conducting the study.

The study has not been halted, but Government has taken steps to find out what course of action it needs to take, Ewing said. (DI)

None of the ambulances are operating at “optimal level”

“There is currently a need for additional equipment such as proper footwear, HEPA masks and safety gloves specially designed for accident scenes.”

However she stressed that while financial resources are limited, the Government plans to address the shortage during the 2014/15 financial year.

Selver asked Stubbs-Smith why

the ministry cannot seek donations from private parties for basic medical equipment.

She responded: “We expect to receive a donation from you and any other stakeholders at the Ministry of Health very shortly, thank you.”

In January this year the Health Minister released plans for a “revitalisation initiative” for EMS. Among the measures promised

Under the tree

to improve the country’s shoddy ambulance service were an in depth review of the department, a new director, new ambulances and more training – but these have yet to be seen.

The announcement came just weeks after the Weekly News exposed failings in the vital emergency service that consistently put the lives of the public at risk.

Insufficient numbers of workers, elderly equipment and badly maintained trucks were among the issues that were highlighted by former frontline employees.

And it was all down to a lack of funding and cooperation from the Government’s Ministry of Health, they said.

The last time that the department purchased new fully equipped ambulances was in February 2011.

Former Health Minister Judith Campbell described it as a “key milestone” for the ministry and said it would help to save lives.

The Weekly News contacted Hugh Green, who continues to act in the role of Director of EMS since his appointment last December, for a comment but he was said he was not able to provide any information.

Minister of Health and Human Services Porsha Stubbs-Smith also refused to provide any clarification or additional information following multiple requests. (RB)

By Benneth Williams

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 3 - 9, 2014

Cabinet approves write-off of more than $1m in business licence arrears

AT THE Wednesday (April 29) meeting of Cabinet, an agreement was reached for the write-off of $1,143,307.80 arrears for business licencing to proceed to the House of Assembly for endorsement.

A post Cabinet statement from the Governor’s Office stated that approval was given following explanations on the revenue arrears, which have been assessed as uncollectable.

Meanwhile, other issues were also discussed and recommendations were given to Governor Peter Beckingham for his approval.

Among the issues was the approval of the Financial Intelligence Agency Bill 2014.

The bill makes provision for the establishment of an independent agency responsible for the detection, prevention and control of financial crimes.

This would disband the financial intelligence unit currently managed within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, the release stated.

This will also ensure the independence required

internationally of such a body, and will place it on the same footing as similar bodies in the region.

The bill is expected to be introduced at the next sitting of the House of Assembly.

Another bill, the Prevention of Terrorism Bill 2014, will also be presented at the next session of the assembly.

Members advised the Governor to approve the bill, whose purpose is to implement the United Nations Convention Respecting the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, the UN Security Council Resolution on Terrorism and generally to make provision for preventing and combating terrorism.

Cabinet also discussed the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill 2014.

This bill seeks to amend the principal ordinance by making the necessary consequential amendments required for purposes of the Prevention of Terrorism Bill 2014 and the Financial Intelligence Bill 2014.

This too will be introduced to the

assembly at its next meeting.

Cabinet also approved amendments to the National Insurance Board Investment Policy Statement.

The document outlines the investment policies for the management of the National Investment Fund.

The NIB Investment Committee, working with an actuary and an asset liability management consultant to ensure that the NIB has adequate funds to pay all benefits earned to date by its contributors, reviews the document periodically.

The Governor’s approval was also sought for the drafting of amendments to schedule two of the Company Management (Licencing) Ordinance to repeal subparagraphs (1)(c) and (2) of paragraph two.

The amendments relate to provisions requiring licensees to “know your customer” and references to “shadow directors”.

The concept is no longer used in the Companies’ Management (Licencing) Ordinance or the Companies Ordinance.

TCI companies urged to participate in consultation on public register THE TURKS and Caicos Islands Government is taking steps to boost transparency with the introduction of a public register which would provide information on who really owns and controls companies in the TCI. During the House of Assembly meeting on Monday (April 28) Premier Rufus Ewing encouraged companies to participate in the consultation process for a central registry of beneficial ownership.

The consultation document was recently made available. The Premier said other British overseas territories have already completed their consultation process.

“Participation in this consultation process is vital as it will inform as to whether the TCI should have a central register of beneficial ownership and if so to whom should it be made available and accessed.

“I would like to encourage all of the stakeholders to submit their contributions to the relevant persons or departments listed in the consultation document.”

He said that while the TCIG is committed to complying with the various policies that increase transparency and prevent tax evasions and money laundering, they are also committed to remaining

competitive in the financial services industry.

This means that the country’s compliance is also contingent upon that of others so that the playing field is level for all, the Premier observed.

He added: “The financial services industry in the TCI has many great practitioners, but we are being outdone by other competing jurisdictions, when we were once the leaders.

“In addition to modernising our legislation as it relates to the Companies Ordinance, Trust Ordinance, Insurance Ordinance that will bring to life new products and create niche markets, we will be looking at better marketing and promotion of our financial services sector.”

Ewing said the Government has to make sure that the country’s regulations and regulators safeguard industry whilst ensuring that it can encourage, attract and retain clean wealth.

The measures being considered would enhance transparency and accountability in the global financial services sector leading to reduced risk of money-laundering, greater investor confidence, increased investment and more revenue.

Government is committed to ensuring that the TCI complies with

the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (C-FATF) and TCI’s action plan on tax transparency to prevent tax evasion, money laundering and the prevention of terrorism financing, the Premier said.

“Our financial services industry may not be as large as those in our other sister overseas territories of the BVI, Cayman and Bermuda, but we are nonetheless listed along with them as a tax haven.”

He reiterated that the TCI is not a tax haven, but a well-regulated low taxed financial jurisdiction with high standards, even higher than many of the G8 countries.

Ewing said the UK has acted on its commitment at the G8 meeting to the implementation of a publicly available central registry on beneficial ownership and has urged its overseas territories to do likewise.

The consultation document consists of about ten questions which broadly consider whether there should be a central registry, what information should be stored on it, and whether or not it should be accessible to the public.

The document also considers the risk of publicly providing beneficial ownership information for the first time, but recognises potentially significant reputational benefits. (DI)

Cabinet also discussed granting approval for the allocation of Crown land to successful applicants who filed applications under the under the Grand Turk residential land allocation scheme GDT001 in accordance with the Crown Land Ordinance 2012.

Approval was also given for appointments to the Physical

Planning Board - Burkley Malcolm as chairman and Rico O'Brien Smith as vice chairman.

Members are Russell Garland, Neroy Kennedy, Director of DEMA, Director of DDME and Director of Planning.

Royal Robinson was also appointment to the National Parks’ Committee.

National Insurance Board seeks missing payments SEVERAL employers and a selfemployed worker faced court recently for failing to pay their national insurance contributions.

TCI’s social insurance body, the National Insurance Board (NIB), is seeking hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid funds from defaulters.

Last Friday (April 25) a number of cases were heard at Providenciales Magistrates’ Court at the Graceway complex.

In the biggest case of the day attorney Wendal Swann appeared on behalf of Marc Bernier and Kerlin Smith of Caribbean Security Services Ltd. The NIB accused them of failing to pay national insurance contributions and additional charges as employers of $190,984.60.

The matter was set for trial on June 12 at 10am.

Swann also appeared on behalf of George Seymour to answer to an application for a writ of execution filed by the NIB to allow them to take $18,701.30.

The matter was adjourned for May 20.

Terrance Robinson of Lorters Computer Services appeared in court to answer to complaints of failing to pay national insurance and additional charges as an employer of $12,275.80.

The defendant agreed to pay $12,275.80 to the NIB in monthly instalments of $800 from April 30 until the full amount is fully paid off.

Lofton Morley also appeared in Providenciales Magistrates’ Court for failing to pay national insurance contributions and additional charges as an employer of $18,465.60.

The defendant was ordered to pay monthly instalments of $200 to the NIB from May 30 each month until it is all paid.

McAllister Hanchell of Al’s was accused of failing to pay national insurance contributions in and additional charges as an

employer of $14,838.46.

He pleaded not guilty and a trial date was set for July 8.

Wayne Jackson of TCIPS appeared in the Providenciales Magistrate’s court to answer to complaints filed by the NIB for failing to pay national insurance contributions and additional charges as an employer of $16,128.35.

The matter was adjourned until July 8 pending settlement.

Also appearing in court on Friday was Norma Goodridge who answered to an application for writ of execution filed by the NIB for the levying of $23,200.

The matter was set for trial on July 9.

And finally Romeo Higgs of Watchful Security answered to complaints filed by the NIB for failing to pay national insurance contributions and additional charges as an employer and selfemployed person in the amount of $11,830.98.

The matter was set for trial July 9.

The National Insurance Board has a massive $200 million in its reserve account, according to its deputy director of operations Walter Gardiner.

The body pays out an average of $12 million a year in benefits to 1,330 people, while about $25 million is collected from contributions.

The rate of contribution for employees other than public officers is eight per cent - 4.6 per cent payable by the employer and 3.4 per cent payable by the employee.

In the case of public officers, the rate of contribution is 6.85 per cent - 4.025 per cent payable by the employer and 2.825 per cent payable by the employee.

The rate of contribution for self-employed persons is 6.8 per cent; voluntary contributors is 5.5 per cent.

For more on national insurance visit www.tcinib.tc.

May 3 - 9, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

9

Finance Minister delivers ‘inconvenient truths’ on debt repayment and budget “THE GOVERNMENT cannot go out of business and must, once and for all, determine the path to sustainable economic growth and revenue sustainability.”

These were the words of Finance Minister, Washington Misick, who on Monday (April 28) delivered what he called some ‘inconvenient truths’ to members of the House of Assembly ahead of the presentation of the 2014/2015 Budget.

The budget was sent back to the United Kingdom last month with amendments, after having been approved and sent to the TCI by the UK ministers in March.

“The truth is that TCI has traditionally operated deficit budgets and has for the most part subsidised the operation of Government by selling its assets – people’s land, people’s birth right - and this is without any partisan bias,” Misick told the assembly.

He said the economy is constrained by the necessity of having to run budget surpluses of around $55 million for the next two years to reduce the debt to the target agreed.

“Despite extensive lobbying

by TCIG, HMG (Her Majesty’s Government) has refused to modify the debt reduction target or to find other ways to reduce the budget surplus required for the next two years.”

He said there is a public perception, and which is being promoted by people

in leadership positions, that the attitude of the current Government is one where “when the British says jump, we ask how high, and that somehow we are uncaring”.

He said this is not the case.

“The Premier is on record for badgering the Secretary of State on a continuous basis, and HMG has refused to modify the debt reduction target or to find other ways to reduce budget surplus required for the next two years. They have refused.”

He said the answer always comes back that the Turks and Caicos Islands is not a poor country.

“That is the answer. That kind of insult I think any nation, any people with any pride would stiffen their back bones and decide to do what is necessary to get out of the morose that they are in.”

Misick said it is essential that the country moves and passes the budget as quickly as Britain will send it back.

He added: “We have no desire to take money out of the economy by increasing taxes, but however we carve it up, Britain is insisting that it has to be done.”

The minister also referred to the memo from the UK government which was leaked in 2012, leading up to local elections.

He said with reference to the TCI’s fiscal framework document, the memo stated: “We take the opportunity to 1) start a challenging realistic debt repayment target and 2)

Finance Minister, Washington Misick

an indefinite requirement for the UK to approve the budget until the debt targets are met.”

Of timing, he added, the memo states: “The framework needs to be agreed before the start of the purdah (pre-election period) starting on October 15.”

Misick said as evidenced in the memo, there was no wish to negotiate a framework agreement with a newly elected Government because in its view it wanted certainty over the financial management process.

He reminded that the Secretary of State has to approve the TCI fiscal plans each year before they can be assented to, while the country remains in breach of borrowing limits.

“It is important for members of this house to appreciate and be honest about the environment in which we

are forced to operate, particularly as it relates to the presentation of the budget.

“This would be no different if the tables were reversed.”

He said the requirement is in addition to the provision set out in the Public Financial Management Ordinance, which clearly states that the Governor and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) must retain control of the public finances.

“As the Minister of Finance I have absolutely nothing against the CFO; he is a messenger and he has a job to do and he does his job.

“Bottom line is, as Minister for Finance, I am not able to make a $10 decision to make an extra $10 in this country. I am not; and it wouldn’t be any different if the tables were reversed. That is the way it is.”

He added that the reality is that until the TCI has paid off its debt and becomes compliant with the limits set to debt service, the debt loan and the ratio between the debt and Government’s total revenue, it is not possible to say when TCIG will be able to finance its outstanding borrowing, independently and on a sustainable basis.

Misick pointed out that in essence the situation is that unless the money is needed for planned capital expenditure, then it would go straight to the sinking fund, and the Government cannot use it for anything else.

In accordance with the

constitution and particularly while a UK loan guarantee is in place, the TCIG would not submit to the House of Assembly an appropriation or an associated supplementary appropriation that would cause a deficit of the annual revenue and expenditure, the minister said.

However, he added: “With strong financial management, and prudent decisions and the need to be cognisant and do everything we can to get the British boots off our neck, we need to take strong measures, stand up and take pride in ourselves.”

He said the Government’s overriding objective is to reignite sustainable economic growth, and this requires policy, and that it takes time.

“We don’t have the luxury of a wide window for planning because if we had the ability to do so, I can promise you that the Government has confidence in the economy.

“And even if we had to put in place a short term deficit budget to reignite the sustainable growth to make sure that the social net under persons is so well fixed that it would be difficult for people to fall through the cracks, we would; but that is not a luxury we have.”

He said all he is trying to do is put things in context; further referring to the British government as the TCI’s own international monetary fund, with maybe more stringent requirements than the international lending agency. (DI)

Help for Been murder investigation delayed OVERSEAS officers slated to assist with the Robert Been murder investigation are yet to arrive in the country.

Commissioner of Police Colin Farquhar previously said he hoped an inspector and a sergeant from a nearby overseas territory would be in the country before the end of April.

But they are now not likely to arrive until mid-May as travel and accommodation details continue to be worked out.

In an email to the Weekly News on Tuesday (April 29) Farquhar said: “The overseas officers have not arrived yet. We are finalising the logistics of travel and accommodation.”

When asked for a predicted date of arrival he said “probably the week of the May 12”.

The commissioner requested assistance from officers of nearby British overseas territories in early April to investigate Been’s brutal murder.

Two experienced investigators were expected to arrive in the TCI

on the week beginning April 19 to review the case file and be on hand to offer advice.

Farquhar made the announcement during a meeting of the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce at Blue Haven Resort.

“One of the things that is best practice in most police forces is after about a month or two of the investigation you bring in an independent investigator to do a paper review,” he told the meeting.

“They do a review of the file and make sure everything has been done; it’s somebody with fresh eyes looking at the file.”

Farquhar’s initial request went to Larry Covington, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office law enforcement advisor based in Miami.

“I’ve already put in a request for somebody from one of the other overseas territories, so probably an inspector and a sergeant will come and will do that file review,” he said.

Robert ‘Robbie’ Been Senior was killed behind his own shopping centre and apartment block on

Robert ‘Robbie’ Been Senior was killed on March 4

Tuesday, March 4, in a violent point blank shooting.

To date no one has been arrested in connection with the horrific incident and police continue to search desperately for leads.

In his email this week the commissioner said: “The homicide is still being aggressively investigated by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.”

Multiple shots were heard being discharged in the vicinity of

Turquoise Point Plaza on Dolphin Road just before 8pm on March 4.

The three story road-front shopping centre houses TP Liquor Store, Stacks nightclub, Cash Wiz pawn shop, Girls R Us hairdresser and Jerkies restaurant, and residential apartments.

Been, the 47-year-old complex owner, was attacked while he was getting into his car at the back of the building in Grace Bay. Following his slaughter the killer

and his driver sped away from the area in a silver Toyota Hiace van with grey stripes.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the incident and they found Been with multiple gunshot wounds to his body and head.

He was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre but doctors were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead.

Police have said that the motive was not robbery and more than once person is being sought.

Anyone with information on this incident can call Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crimestoppers online reporting page www. crimestoppers.tc.

Information will be treated in the strictest of confidence. All calls are answered by Miami Dade Police and no one from the RTCIPF will know who called.

A Crimestoppers cash reward of $40,000 is on offer for anyone that provides information that leads to the arrest and charge of his killer.

(RB)

10

May 3 - 9, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

Inquiry into hospital contract Dear Editor, In its press conference on April 2 the PDM Opposition repeated its calls for an audit into the operations of InterHealth Canada.

These calls have fallen on deaf ears, of the PNP Government and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), because I believe a conspiracy is in place to ensure that the operations of InterHealth Canada remain top secret from the public who are really paying for it.

The result is the hatching of an evil British plan to destroy and impoverish our citizenry, residents and stakeholders.

The actions, silence and collusion of the FCO is unusual and suspect while they protect their illegitimate debt plan of $260 million designed to make their boys richer.

It is an albatross around the necks of TCI people - a plan to redistribute wealth from the poor of the TCI to the super wealthy in the UK. This has made the agenda of the interim government calculating and illegitimate. None of this is right nor can it be justified.

This agenda is hurting growth, new investment and any chance of new revenues that would grow us in

the TCI out of this debt.

Lower taxes, reduced business licence fees will spur greater investment. We have to reject the fake debt and its underpinnings.

Time has come for the Government to appoint a commission of inquiry into InterHealth Canada, the hospital, the National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) and why we are facing so much debt.

An audit of InterHealth Canada’s operations and a commission of inquiry into the hospital construction contract should be a further condition of the Opposition and appointed members even reading the budget.

Anyhow this budget and round of tax increases should be dead on arrival at the next sitting of the house.

Ministers are best advised to sit with the Opposition, appointed members, the public, without the Blue Ribbon Commission and work out a deal to expand the economy, reduce taxes, reduce business licence fees and amnesty.

The agenda must be growth and not a plan, as these tax proposals are, to place the Islands into more recession.

The public must speak out in greater numbers and we must all point our fingers at the hospital scam, the

Let’s hear about the others

reason for the debt and tax burden.

The press conference also confirmed the Opposition’s stance that the hospital deal is the prime reason behind the high debt, the tripling of business licence fees and extremely high taxes that we are facing as a people.

A commission that will expose the actions of the Government in saddling all of this debt on our people is sorely needed.

The Minister of Health must explain now why there is no hospital audit at a time when $5 million per month is being spent by the Government.

With the Government paying out $5 million per month of our money to InterHealth Canada, increasing our taxes to pay for this we must ask and demand why?

Ministers of the Government you must now step forward, break ranks with the Government and oppose these taxes.

You also have a duty to the people of the TCI who are suffering to vote no on the budget and these unfair tax increases.

Thomas Wilson, Providenciales

Dear Editor, I would like to use this message to comment on the ‘Josh for Sports’ column.

The accomplishment of his life could be the most successful ever, but how come he speaks so much about himself?

It is surprising seeing this man having a weekly place in your pages (one full page in Vol 28/No 15!) and using this space to congratulate, adore, praise himself and himself only.

Every week the same story: “I am the best sportsman in the TCI and TCI’s various sports bodies don’t tell me I am the best.”

The Vol 28/No16 issue may be the best example, the title tells it

all: “Time for me to acclaim my accomplishments,” “I know,” “my life” and the content: “I have been responsible for the creation of world champion. There is not a single coach in this country that has created what I have.”

To be honest these pages are embarrassing.

Thanks for your work. This newspaper helped me to understand the country I’ve been living in for the past three years and helped me loved it very much.

Best Regards, Alex Cheminade Blue Mountain, Providenciales

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

Send letters to tcweeklynews@gmail.com

COMMENTARY

Pink sport coats and white bucks

WHAT seems like 100 years ago we had a ‘combo,’ a small orchestra that played 50s style rock and roll. It was the 50s and I was 19-years-old!

We had three saxophones, a tenor, baritone and an alto, a piano (no keyboards available yet), a bass - which was the big one because the electric bass had yet to appear on the scene - and a drummer.

I played a mother of pearl white, solid body electric guitar with an early Fender amp.

It was the ‘cracked ice’ plastic overlay which was used on some fancy toilet seats for years.

We played for high school dances and the students and young folks did the jitterbug 40s style because the twist had yet to

arrive.

We sure had fun. The outfits we wore included pink sport coats with black drape pants. In that era you had the legs tapered tight at the bottom, zoot suit style.

White shoes which we called white bucks and white on white shirts with black bow ties. What a picture we presented and we sounded good too!

Another local outfit featured a fellow named Zak on the vibraharp which he played Lionel Hampton style.

Zak and our outfit were invited to play at a Lincoln High School event in the school’s new auditorium.

We had the battle of the bands, the students loved it and would not leave. I’m sure Zak, wherever he is,

SPACE IS LIMITED!

remembers that event.

My music interest began with radio and television personality Arthur Godfrey who played the ukulele and featured a Hawaiian girl singer, Haleloke.

Now the uke has taken its rightful place in the music world. Thousands are sold at music stores and on eBay. The UK has a wonderful ukulele band. The demand for ukuleles is so great the prices are climbing every year.

Now a dozen or more Middle Caicos students are learning how to make that small guitar show its potential.

This year the Doris Robinson Primary School fourth annual concert will feature some young and good ukulele players doing their

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

thing.

Those that don’t play will sing, have a good time and learn how it feels in front of a crowd.

The youth of Middle Caicos now demonstrates the potential and talents God has awarded them and they do very well.

Music apart from possibly being a career teaches discipline, stage

presence and patience.

The lyrics of good music seep into the students’ mind set and teaches other lessons as well.

Last year the concert featured folk music from ‘We shall overcome’ to ‘Blowing in the Wind,’ the lyrics of those standards continue to seem appropriate everywhere.

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

May 3 - 9, 2014

Minister tells Bahamians that Government favours payroll tax Minister Akierra Missick during a visit to the Bahamas last week announced that the TCI Government is heading towards implementing payroll tax.

Despite heavy public opposition to the tax scheme the Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Culture said it is the “best structure moving forward”.

In an interview with Bahamian newspaper The Tribune last week, Missick weighed up the differences between property tax and payroll tax.

“What we need to have in the Turks and Caicos is to have a sustainable tax revenue structure in order to provide the services that are on demand, but also that we need to provide as a Government,” she said.

“So we’ve expressed that the payroll tax would be the most feasible, and the best structure moving forward in a system of compliance.”

The minister added: “We have also introduced the possibility of a property levy, also known as a property tax, but that hasn’t received the support either.

“The Government is more minded to move forward with payroll tax.”

The Bahamas is currently facing a similar conundrum with their government favouring VAT while the business community favours payroll tax.

During a recent visit to the TCI, Bahamian prime minister Perry Christie explained that his country is also in dire need of increasing revenue, and a new tax is likely to be introduced on July 1.

Missick explained to The Tribune

DORIS Robinson Primary School will put on its fourth annual concert and play at the Conch Bar in Middle Caicos on Friday, May 9, at 6.30pm.

The small school, which only caters to 17 students, will use this event to generate funds for the school’s athletic programme.

One of the aims of the show is to display the musical talents of the students taking part in an ongoing music programme and those taking private lessons.

Volunteer music teacher at the school, David Tapfer, said that it teaches stage presence and the discipline which comes from practice as well as memorising words and lyrics.

“The concert presents a challenge and goal for the students to work towards which in itself provides a wonderful lesson,” he said.

“This provides a fun night of entertainment for the parents, guardians and the residents of Middle and North Caicos. It demonstrates the future potential of these young people.”

He said that the previous three

Come hell or high water is the attitude of HMG, not TCIG – ‘Washy’ on taxes

Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Culture Akierra Missick

how VAT had not been a popular option in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Verily in all of the halls on the Government side is that VAT is not the best way forward for the Turks and Caicos,” she said.

“We are not producers, we are consumers, we are not adding value to anything so we’re having an extra 12 per cent on top of the already high customs import duties – which again the Bahamas experiences as well.”

She added: “We felt that the cost of living would increase significantly with VAT versus a payroll tax which was estimated to be at 1.5 per cent.”

Missick’s comments were made as New Zealand VAT experts begin the process of advising the Bahamas government on its readiness for the tax.

The VAT experts emphasised that a strong education campaign and “virtually no exemptions” are responsible for their country’s successful implementation of VAT.

Funds raised from school concert to be used for athletics

BY DAISY HANDFIELD

NEWS 11

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

concerts were all successful. There were instrumentals, and students singing while accompanying themselves, solos and groups.

The first year the event was held, the students did an Easter play complete with a mock crucifixion.

One year leading up to the election the students put on a mock election and last year they put on a skit addressing the growth of crime.

“Every adult and resident including high school audience who has attended comes back again and again as the students have learned more they have presented more complicated presentations,” Tapfer said.

The students have decided to take things up a notch by taking ukulele lessons with some being very accomplished.

The uke is a true island instrument having been introduced to the Hawaiian islands by the Portuguese in the 19th century.

It was very popular there and in the USA in the 1920s until the 1950s.

In the last 10 years the instrument has gained tremendous popularity again in the US and Britain.

MINISTER of Finance, Washington ‘Washy’ Misick says he was taken out of context when the media reported on statements he made during the public consultations on the payroll and property tax.

He said it is the attitude of the British Government that “come hell or high water” a broad-based tax will be introduced in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“I have been taken out of context when I said that come hell or high water the payroll tax is going to be passed. I was taken completely out of context,” Misick said while delivering a ministerial statement during Monday’s (April 28) sitting of the House of Assembly.

“I said based on my opinion, and that opinion is informed by the kind of response that we were getting from Britain; as far as they are concerned come hell or high water a broad based tax will be implemented.”

The Minister said he hopes to be corrected on this by those whose job it is to make mischief.

“I hope they understand and would correct what I said.”

He said that given the British government’s position on this, further debate on the issue is pointless and would only delay the day when the Government can focus all its energies on growing the economy in

Finance Minister, Washington Misick

the highly constrained circumstances within which it is operating.

“So if we have dignity and pride in ourselves as leaders and people we would stand up – people have sacrificed a lot more than this,” Misick said.

During the questions portion of the House meeting, Leader of the Opposition asked the minister how the Government is measuring the responses received during the public consultations across the islands.

He said there is no scientific method to do this, while acknowledging that the issue of taxation is a very emotive one.

He further blamed the media for what he called “unnecessarily alarming the public” with emotional releases on the Government tax plan.

However, he said the reviews they received during the meetings were mixed for the most part.

“Of course the people who are most vocal will be the people who are heard, but I have had people meeting me in the streets, meeting me at some gatherings we had at some of the churches and other places – we have had people who, once the presentation was made, fully understood and there is significant support for the Government’s plan.”

He could not say if this is the case for the majority of the country, however.

The major presentations have come to an end, but the minister said he is still being invited to meet with small groups of people to speak about the Government’s tax and economic recovery plan.

One member wanted to know if it was Government’s intention to see whether the public supported their initiative when they hosted the public meetings.

Misick responded: “The specific intention of the consultation was to try the best that I can to educate people of the reality that we face as a country and also to canvass views.

“So, yes certainly part of the intention was to canvass people’s views, so that we can take it into consideration.” (DI)

Community College offers 12 scholarship opportunities

BY DAISY HANDFIELD TWELVE students will be lucky recipients of grants and scholarships to further their studies at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.

On Wednesday (April 30) a press conference was held at the Providenciales branch to officially launch the scholarship policy handbook; a quick guide to what is required to tap into the scholarships.

These scholarship policy handbooks will be distributed throughout the high schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

While outlining the details of the scholarship policies, officials announced that $20,000 out of the $40,000 plus dollars gathered during a fundraising event last November are going to be used to initiate the scholarship programme.

During the fundraising schemes, the college also partnered with

churches and managed to raise a sum of $2,115.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Foundation is the premier fundraising organisation for the college.

Chair for the foundation, Claudette Munroe-Clare, noted that there are still not any specific details on how many each of grants and scholarships would be provided out of the 12 awards.

A full scholarship will cover the cost of tuition and $200 worth of books, while partial will only cover tuition.

Munroe Clare said that high school graduates who have completed secondary education are the focal point for the scholarships.

Students who have at least four CXCs or IGCSE subjects, two at a General Two or equivalent B grade or higher and two at General Three or C grade or higher, and students whose area of study falls between the priority areas that are outlined by

Government.

Students must have evidence of acceptance by the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and students must produce a letter of legal status.

Application requirements include two forms of identification, two letters of reference from old school community leaders, proof of parents or guardians’ annual income and a personal statement outlining why the Community College is their choice for studies.

Those who receive scholarships must maintain a GPA of at least 2.75 and an attendance level of minimum 80 per cent.

The chair said that they initiated the income criteria so that they could focus and perhaps more objectively help students.

If they allow someone who can already afford to pay for schooling to be granted such scholarships it would be harder to help really deserving children, she said.

12 NEWS

May 3 - 9, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Shanice Williams takes the titles for Best in Swimsuit, Best Evening Gown, Miss Intellect, Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic

The Grand Turk beauty displays her national costume with pride

Two Turks and Caicos Islands’ beauties: new queen Shanice Williams and former queen Snwazna Adams

Shanice Williams captures the crown SHE wowed the judges, captured a place in the crowd’s hearts and walked off with the crown and five of eight awards at the pageant’s final competitions on April 26 at Brayton Hall.

Shanice Williams, Miss Grand Turk is now Miss Universe Turks and Caicos 2014/2015 and winner of the awards for Miss Intellect, Best in Swimsuit, Best Evening Gown, Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic.

Codee Coalbrooke, Miss South Caicos was named First Runner Up and also won Best Costume, Best Talent and Miss Popularity, while the Second Runner Up title went to Todeline Defralien, Miss Middle Caicos.

Just before the pageant Shante Williams, Miss Providenciales dropped out and the contestants wilted down to five: Miss Grand Turk Shanice Williams, Miss South Caicos Codee Coalbrooke, Miss Middle Caicos Todeline Defralien, Miss North Caicos Tashy Forbes, and Miss Salt Cay Gabreann Capron.

The elated winner who turned 21-years-old on Monday (two days after her win) said: “It was such an exciting competition, a stiff one.”

She said that although there was some doubt in her mind, she was confident she could do it.

A crowd favorite from the

beginning, she controlled the stage with ease and grace, drawing thunderous applause from the audience.

The audience admires the creative costumes displayed by the contestants

The final question, which was different for each contestant, was the continued 

May 3 - 9, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 13

PDM renews call for Farquhar’s resignation

President and executive producer of the pageant Kazz Forbes, Dr Dawn Perry and Premier Rufus Ewing seize a photo op with the new queen Shanice Williams continued 

most challenging round but when asked: “As an ambassador of the Turks and Caicos Islands, what two things would you want the world to think of when they think of Turks and Caicos?” she responded fluently that she would like people to think of the diversity and cuisine.

The 5’9” star was born and raised in Grand Turk and is the secretary for the Crown Land Unit, Lands Division.

She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Financial Management at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and plans to become a certified financial planner.

Her platform going forward is to alleviate the challenges faced by youths. Williams said she chose that platform because “I think that a lot of youths here are not given the opportunity to use the skills and talents they have acquired in high

school, college and university and if given the opportunity they would become more productive citizens and the Turks and Caicos Islands and would have an increased standard of living.”

Apart from the crown and glory, she will receive an incredible collection of prizes including weekend stays at luxury resorts, cash, spa treatments, fitness memberships, hair and makeup services and a year’s styling and wardrobe by Saint George Fashion House.

Although the event got off to a late start, the audience agreed that executive producer of the Miss Universe Turks and Caicos Beauty Organisation, Kazz Forbes and his team organised a spectacular pageantry experience of glitz, glamour and grace.

The pageant stretched over two events; the preliminary completions which saw the girls in swimwear, national costume and a display of their talent, and the final competition

An elated Shanice Williams realises she has won as Codee Coalbrooke, Miss South Caicos receives a bouquet and the First Runner Up title

and coronation in which they were judged on evening gown and final question but also displayed their costumes and swimwear.

From the commencement of the event, contestants were not the only ones who entertained the crowd, the songs and dances by local entertainers were dynamic and captivating.

An energetic soca dance by a group which involved the contestants and former Miss Universe TCI Snwazna Adams, the spectacular song and dance routine from the vivacious Crystal Charles, the melodic voices of Khambreal Garland and Craig Archibold and many more great performances - all ended in eruptions of ovation from the crowd.

Barbara Johnson Miss TCI 1991 was also honoured and awards were given to the main partners of the pageant including the Tourist Board, Beaches, Digicel, interCaribbean Airways, Jai’s and several others.

(KH)

A FIERY statement from the PDM party on Thursday (May 1) called again for the resignation of Commissioner of Police Colin Farquhar.

The party previously made the demand in early April when Leader of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said his posting had “fast become a failure”.

This week’s statement listed several reasons why members believe he should step down including a lack of action, his dismissiveness and low staff morale.

It spoke of last month’s meeting of the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce in which Farquhar, Premier Rufus Ewing and Governor Peter Beckingham were all in attendance.

The statement said that while he was willing to attend this event he has yet to address crime in a public forum such as a town hall meeting.

It went on to say that in the chamber meeting the Commissioner of Police spent a great deal of time finding comfort in two “aged newspapers given him by the Premier” suggesting that he had inherited the situation, while offering very little of his plans.

The commissioner’s public criticism of his staff was another bugbear of the PDM this week.

“We believe that the commissioner should solve his problems internally - too often he has been adding to the challenges to its image that the force faces.

“We see his actions, perhaps unintentional, as consistently exacerbating the situation and embarrassing the institution.

“We maintain that he is adding to the low staff morale and poor reputation for the police.”

In the House of Assembly on Monday (April 28) a question was asked on policing plans and a succession plan but the Attorney General was unable to provide these documents because Farquhar was out of the country.

“No other person including the Acting Commissioner of Police, the number two in the institution did have access to these critical documents. This raises serious concerns for us,” The statement also mentioned that during the chamber meeting, Ewing told the commissioner to engage in strategic planning and to make requests for resources he has identified.

“This revealed to us all that he has not been making any requests as the Premier told him to ask and let the Government determine whether it can be funded or not.”

Following the first call for resignation in early April there has been an increase in

Commissioner of Police Colin Farquhar

visibility of officers on the roads, the statement read, which demonstrates that more could have been done had efforts been made.

“We maintain that this is not a matter of nationality as some have tried to make it with the attacks on Turks and Caicos Islanders.

“Furthermore, we maintain that our motives are purely in the best interest of our country and the protection of our people and tourists.”

The PDM party went on to chastise the Premier for calling for an independent review of the police force, saying that something similar had previously taken place and been ignored.

“We agree, however, that there should be a review of the force under the current commissioner’s term for reasons to determine whether the use of his term was effective and also whether we ought to seek to use external assistance in other roles and ways.

“We maintain that a shake-up is needed from the top.”

Farquhar was hired to head the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force in March 2011 on a three year contract.

After his first year in the role the Turks and Caicos Islands experienced a slight drop in crime - but by 2013 it had increased dramatically.

According to police statistics crime shot up by 24 per cent last year compared to 2012, with gun crime leaping by a terrifying 64 per cent.

In response to the PDM’s statement Farquhar told the Weekly News in an email that he has “complete confidence in the force”.

“The men and women of all ranks, including the civilian personnel are ‎doing an outstanding job under challenging conditions.”

Farquhar was appointed as the Commissioner of Police of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police on March 11, 2011.

He has over 31 years of policing and leadership experience in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the United Nations. (RB)

14 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Hospital offers language translation for non-English speaking patients

BY DAISY HANDFIELD NON-ENGLISH speaking patients who visit the hospital will now have the convenience of using an onphone language interpreter who will translate their emergencies.

Country manager for LanguageLine Solutions who is partnering with InterHealth Canada, Bruce Linaletter told media on Wednesday (April 30) that the company has the capability to provide an interpreter within seconds in over 200 languages over the telephone.

“What happens is a client dials into the 1800 number and we have a very sophisticated call centre with over 6,000 professionally trained interpreters and they select the language they want and we provide the interpretation language.”

Hospital representatives said that they consider this to be a transparent way of dealing with patients.

When a business is dealing with individuals who have limited English speaking skills and require assistance to get an interpretation, the client’s phone language line dials the 1800 number and a professionally trained interpreter will respond from 15 to 20 seconds of the call.

Linaletter said that the company is officially working with the hospital and medically trained interpreters can assist them over the phone.

“There is a need in the Turks and Caicos initially with Spanish and Haitian Creole where there

The hospital now has the capability to provide an interpreter within seconds in over 200 languages over the telephone

is a number of situations where Haitians come to the hospital and do not speak English so to communicate with them has been a challenge from the hospital - to try and find an internal person who can speak the language and try to do the interpretation.

“However, the advantage is that now they will be able to dial a 1800 number, provide us with the code that the hospital has been provided with and we will get them a professionally trained interpreter over the telephone in Haitian Creole, Spanish or any other language that is required.”

InterHealth Canada was provided the opportunity to use the service on a demonstration basis, which they did, and decided that they could use the service longer term.

In this case, the interpreters are

medically qualified and familiar with medical terminology which reduces the amount of time required by the doctors and the nurses to interface with the interpreters while providing more accurate interpretations of what the problem is.

“It’s a great relief for the patients too because they come in, he or she has a problem, perhaps a child and they are trying to explain the situation; it is important that the right diagnosis be given.”

LanguageLine Solutions was founded 33 years ago by a police officer who created over the phone interpretation.

The company specialises in offering interpretation services in over 200 languages over the telephone. This takes place about 22 million times a year.

Mild salt water inhalation can lead to drowning

BY DAISY HANDFIELD A TCI DOCTOR explained this week that many sea drowning victims have suffered from pulmonary edema - the build-up of fluid in the lungs which leads to shortness of breath.

In an interview at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on Wednesday (April 30) Larry Godfrey, medical director of laboratories, said that it is always a concern when you have people in and around the water, especially visitors to the Islands.

The doctor noted that if a swimmer inhales a little bit of fresh water they will start coughing and spit it out.

However if a person inhales salt water, because of the different concentration of salt, in a small percentage of people it can set up a condition called pulmonary edema.

“Your lungs begin to fill up with fluid from your body and it can kill you,” Godfrey warned.

The doctor said that the situation can occur 30 minutes after being exposed to the salt water.

He said that the Cheshire Hall

Medical Centre has cases of people who drowned or nearly drowned on a month or a month and a half basis.

“They don’t understand that it is more exertion or intense getting into the ocean; they inhale a little bit of water, they get into trouble and sometimes we lose them.”

Godfrey said the problem kicks in when you have the casual senior citizen tourists that visit the Islands and go into the water.

He said: “It is the casual tourist that comes down here and usually old folks like myself who would think, I can play nine holes of golf or 18 holes of golf and I don’t get winded so why can’t I just jump into the ocean and snorkel and have no problems.”

The medical director said that they do not understand that the exertion pattern of swimming with the currents, the wave action and the fact that you have to constantly move your limbs to stay afloat is five times more intense than golfing.

These individuals get into the water, get winded and they get in

trouble.

He said that when you look at individuals that have drowned you have to look at other things that may have caused them to get in trouble.

The hospital does treat people that have had a history of heart problems and then again they get into the water and do not realise that their exertion is going to be greater and it will lead to them inhaling the water and drowning.

“In the last three years we have seen four cases where that is the mechanism that triggered that,” he said.

“One of the individuals had completely gotten out of the water and was sitting on a bench before they became completely short of breath.

“Know yourself, know what you are capable of doing and be very much aware that maybe what you are doing back home for exercise may not be at the same level as here.

“Discuss what you’re intended plans are on your vacation with your family physician.”

May 3 - 9, 2014

Gov’t to speak frankly with Opposition on issues of national concern CONSULTANTS and other experts will be meeting with members of the House of Assembly in a closed session on May 16 to discuss where the country is on taxes, debt restructuring, the 2014/2015 Budget and other important issues facing the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Minister of Finance, Washington Misick told members on Monday (April 28) that during this session the Government will be able to provide additional information and have discussions with all members about where they country is and how it intends to move forward after the economic traumas of the past.

“It is fitting that the House of Assembly has proposed a closed session on May 16.

“On the agenda are items that I think as a country and representatives of the people we can have open and frank discussion on without the time

constraints,” the Minister said.

Discussions would be held based on information provided by experts as it relates to building a country credit rating and delivering a budget to show how the country is continuing to be financially responsible.

Members would also have frank talks on the Government’s strategy for economic growth and empowerment.

“We would have taxation advisors to make full presentations so that everyone would have the opportunity to make their input and understand the strategy that the Government is focused on,” Misick said.

He added that members need to understand how critical it is for the country to reform the economic environment.

Meanwhile, there is still no clue as to when this year’s budget will return from London and be laid on the table of the assembly for scrutiny and debate. (DI)

Chapter of 100 Black Men revived in the TCI

BY DAISY HANDFIELD AFTER being dormant for a long period, TCI’s chapter of 100 Black Men is being revived by a number of Government bodies.

As part of ongoing efforts to empower the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Department of Social Development and Gender Affairs within the Ministry of Environment and Home Affairs took on the job of resuscitating the group.

As with other chapters this organisation is built on four pillars which are described as ‘Four for the Future’ - mentoring, education, health and wellness and economic development.

Executive member for the Atlanta Chapter of 100 Black Men, Thomas Dortch, spoke on Tuesday (April 29) at the Edward C Gartland Youth Centre in Providenciales, where he encouraged people to uplift and advise the young people, especially men of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

He said that it may be a nice country now, but if certain issues pertaining to the young men are not addressed, people will be locked up in their own prisons.

In other words, while the young men are locked up in prison for crimes, residents are locked up within their homes because of fear.

“It’s time for us to reverse these trends and work with these young people to build a stronger, better community because these trends that you see here and you sit back quietly;

let it go another five, ten years then nobody is going to want to come to Turks and Caicos.”

Dortch also encouraged men to teach young boys that it is not okay to abuse women.

“It is not okay to disrespect women, but they can’t get that unless a man shares that with them.”

Public meetings and other activities have been planned in Grand Turk and Providenciales and the department urges existing members and other interested individuals to attend the meetings and get involved in the activities.

This year the Department of Gender Affairs sought to revitalise the group to shape the social structure.

The department recognises the value of the group’s social, economic and cultural challenges in light of the inadequacies of available support structures to advance and shape the social and economic growth and development of in particular the young men and boys of the TCI. The 100 Black Men TCI chapter was established in June 2006 to empower underprivileged males throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

It received its charter in November 2006 and became an official member of the 100 Black Men Organisation of America.

The Tuesday meeting was attended by various school principals, members of the Government and prominent figures in the Turks and Caicos Islands community.

May 3 - 9, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Moody’s to provide credit rating for TCI – Finance Minister THE GOVERNMENT of the Turks and Caicos Islands has contracted international credit rating agency, Moody’s to give the islands a credit rating, Minister of Finance Washington Misick revealed during the Monday (April 28) sitting of the House of Assembly.

“We have asked Moody’s to give TCI a credit rating and a representative of Moody’s will come and explain what this involves and how important it is for TCIG to continue demonstrating financial responsibility,” the Minister told members.

Misick was at the time delivering an address on the upcoming budget for financial year 2014/2015, what the country intends to do about the debt repayment come 2016 and future investment plans.

He said the objective is to build a good credit rating so that the TCIG has more options for financing its needs in the future and can borrow money for investing at reasonable rates.

“It also gives us a good opportunity to press the British Government; because then the fact that we would have delivered, we would have the strength and the right to push back because we would have earned it based on our fiscal responsible decisions,” he added.

During another house meeting last month, Misick had cautioned members that a positive picture needs to be painted of the country when the representative from the credit agency visits the TCI.

He said that attitude matters, and if a bad image of the country is given, then it could influence the credit rating received.

Moody’s Corporation is the parent company of Moody’s Investors Service, which is referred to only as Moody’s.

It provides credit ratings and research covering debt instruments and securities, while Moody’s Analytics (another component of the corporation) offers leadingedge software, advisory services and research for credit and economic analysis and financial risk management.

Moody’s, along with Standard and Poor’s and Fitch Group, is considered one of the top three credit rating agencies.

The company ranks the creditworthiness of borrowers using a standardised ratings scale which measures expected investor loss in the event of default.

The agency rates debt securities in several market segments related to public and commercial securities in the bond market.

These include government, municipal and corporate bonds, managed investments such as money market funds, fixed-income funds and hedge funds, financial institutions including banks and nonbank finance companies and asset classes in structured finance.

In Moody’s’ rating system, securities are assigned a rating from Aaa to C with Aaa being the highest quality and C the lowest. (DI)

Community volunteers receive disaster training BASIC disaster response skills, team organisation and medical operations were just some of the topics that were covered during a workshop for volunteer emergency responders this week.

The five-day Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) basic training took place at the Anglican Dillon Hall in Grand Turk from Monday (April 28) to Friday (May 2).

It was hosted by the Government’s Department of Disaster Management and Emergency (DDME) along with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

A press release from the department explained: “The CERT programme educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area while providing the necessary training them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organisation, and disaster medical operations.”

Using the skills learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members should be able to assist others in their neighbourhoods or workplaces following an event in which professional responders are

not immediately available to help.

CERT members are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

The training focused on basic fire suppression, basic search and rescue, first aid and CPR certification and disaster medical operations.

It follows similar training in Providenciales in March and brings the number of trained volunteers up to about 45.

Leading the training was Jason Lyons from the British Virgin Islands, a CDEMA CERT instructor with more than 12 years of experience in the field of disaster risk management.

Earlier this year Director of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies, Virginia Clerveaux, said: “The DDME aims to establish CERTs in all islands and in as many communities as possible in order to build resilience and capacity at the local level.”

This will allow communities to be self-sufficient in responding to small emergencies and hazards, and will also help to reduce loss of lives and strain on emergency services, she added.

NEWS 15

Tuition fees slashed for TCI students in Bahamas – University of the West Indies accepts TCI as full contributor THE TURKS and Caicos Islands has been accepted as a full contributing member to the University of the West Indies (UWI) and will now reap the benefits to be obtained for students.

The University of the West Indies council met on Friday (April 25) in Nassau, Bahamas, and a motion for the TCI to gain full status was unanimously carried.

Minister of Education, Akierra Missick was present at the meeting, as were Permanent Secretaries Cheryl-Ann Jones and Wesley Clerveaux from the Office of the Premier.

“The council reportedly was delighted to have the Turks and Caicos Islands on board and the Turks and Caicos Islands Government is extremely pleased with this latest development, which will enable greater educational and medical benefits, among others, for the country,” read a brief online statement from the Office of the Premier.

In January this year, the House of Assembly threw its full support behind a motion presented by the Premier, Rufus Ewing for the TCI

to apply to UWI for full contributing territory status.

Government will now pay $30,000 as a fixed annual contribution to the Caribbean tertiary institution effective from April this year.

Currently the TCI pays a full tuition fee for every student it sponsors to the UWI campus, but as a contributing member, the Government will receive a 40 per cent discount on the economic cost.

According to the Premier – when he presented the resolution – currently the cost of the 12 local students studying on UWI campuses is about $229,144.

As a contributing country this cost would be reduced to approximately $110,838, which represents a savings of about $118,305.

Ewing said this savings can be utilised to provide additional scholarship opportunities and also open the door for other students to attend UWI campuses.

If a student is not awarded a Government scholarship and they want to attend a UWI campus, the TCIG will still be able to assist the student by absorbing 80 percent of

the economic cost.

That student will only pay about 20 percent of the cost as their tuition fee.

There are also healthcare benefits to the country becoming a contributor.

Ewing said that the $30,000 per annum will also go towards the upkeep of the medical school and will ensure that TCI medical students receive teaching experience available at the UWI hospital.

The TCI also stands to benefit from a reduced cost for patients treated at the university hospital.

Another benefit to full contributing status is the possibility of there being a UWI campus in the TCI. This will be done either in collaboration with the TCI Community College or the establishment of a separate campus.

UWI has three physical campuses - Mona in Jamaica, St Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago and Cave Hill in Barbados. There is also the Open Campus, which serves contributing countries.

TCI is the last associate member of CARICOM to become a contributing territory to UWI. (DI)

Pelagic fishing study not halted – But long line method to end soon A FISHING study that uses notoriously destructive long lines to determine the economically viability of off-shore fishing stocks, is continuing as usual despite requests to halt it.

Premier Rufus Ewing made the announcement in the House of Assembly in response to questions from the Opposition on Monday (April 28).

In March this year elected member for Blue Hills Goldray Ewing presented a motion to parliament to stop the study which members passed following debate.

However this week Ewing said that the Government is not obliged to act upon motions taken to the House of Assembly.

Since the passage of the motion the Government has discussed the highlighted issues with stakeholders and those conducting the study, Ewing said.

The study has not been halted, but the Government has taken steps to find out what course of action it needs to take.

“The Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs are currently carrying out the required policy documentation that would take into consideration the concerns highlighted and also the recommendations of the resolution made in the house,” the Premier explained.

“That process is currently ongoing.”

Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson asked the Premier if the Government has considered halting the method being used to conduct the study – long line fishing.

“No, we haven’t considered suspending the study because we are well aware of the method that is being used and the unintended effects of the method,” Ewing replied.

However, he added: “When looking at the information that was received during our inquiry - we questioned things like bi-catch rate and so on – with that information that has been presented thus far, there is no reason to suspend the study at this time, but additional information is being requested and additional enforcements are being implemented.”

The study will help to determine whether or not the off-shore fishing stocks in the territorial waters of the TCI are economically viable for development.

It has been ongoing for the last six months and is intended to last two years.

The Premier said that even though the study was slated for two years, this does not mean it would last for that entire time.

“It could be stopped as long as we are satisfied on certain things, and that information is being gathered

now with regard to the report on the progress.”

The motion calling for the halt to the survey had highlighted issues with the long line fishing method being used, which is widely considered to be harmful.

Governor’s appointed member, John Phillips presented some information to the assembly on where the study is currently.

“It was announced recently, during the engagement of the fishing community that the long line phase is virtually complete and that the alternative methods which were also part of the design of the study – such as the Hawaiian pole, green stake, etc – will be tested over the next short period of time in order to establish the effectiveness of catch available to fishermen with the various methods.”

He added that aside from that, the fisheries advisory council has already made a recommendation that long line fishing be prohibited going forward as a commercial enterprise in the Turks and Caicos.

The driving force behind the study is Caicos Pride, a Belonger-owned South Caicos company which is seeking to help the industry diversify away from its reliance on conch and lobster fishing.

Day Boats Seafood of Florida has provided the boats and data gathering equipment to support the study.

A DEMA observer is aboard the vessel and the department is also able to monitor activities via virtual software.

Lifestyle...

16

May 3 - 9, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

GARDENING 

How does your garden grow

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

Growing orchids on trees ORCHIDS are different from houseplants. Unlike palms, ferns, or philodendrons, orchids grow on rocks and trees, not in the ground. In fact, planting an orchid in potting soil and treating it like a houseplant is a sure way to kill it.

To copy nature, orchids are planted in bark, moss, coconut husks, etc.

Growing plants in these types of media is different from growing houseplants in potting soil.

But have you ever seen orchids that look like they are naturally growing on trees? Well, this is what they do in the wild but humans have decided to pot them up and bring them indoors.

Get them back outside and you will be amazed at how much happier they look! This is a fun project that you can do in your garden and it can be

completed quickly and is great for kids as well.

Find some dreaded pantyhose. I assure you, this is the only good use for these uncomfortable things, especially here in Turks and Caicos Islands.

The nude colour blends in the most and knee-highs are easier to work with than the kind that swallows up the entire lower half of your body.

If you only have the latter type, you can cut off the leg portions to make your own knee-highs; just don’t attempt to actually wear these as knee highs or you will be very disappointed.

Get some orchids and keep in mind, not any orchid will do, you will want to be selective and contemplate the location a bit.

Most orchids are happier when they are attached to trees rather than when

Weekly Recipe

Cauliflower Cheese

they are stuffed into pots. Dendrobiums, Phalaenopsis, Oncidiums, Vandas and Cattleyas usually do very well.

Purchase some sphagnum moss if necessary, but if your orchid is

presently potted, it may have moss already in the pot around the roots which can be re-used.

Location! Location! Location! Most orchids like filtered light, not too shady and not too sunny.

Palms with ‘boots’ (bases of old fronds that are still stuck to the trunk) have ready-made pockets, just make sure the boots are secure. Sometimes, boots that are lower on the trunk will fall off and take the orchids with them.

If you are tying them around the trunk of a self-heading palm (where the fronds fall off without having to be cut), make sure you don’t tie an orchid around the top of the palm containing the sheath of the next frond to fall off.

Canopy trees like Lignum Vitae, Shady lady Olive trees and Mahoganies make great orchid supports as well.

Cut a hole in the middle of the kneehigh and put most of the root system

YOUR DIET  Tamika graduated from Florida International University with a Master's Degree in Dietetics and Nutrition. She is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and licenced to practise medical nutrition therapy in the state of Florida. Email Tamika at tamikahandfield@yahoo.com with your healthy eating questions.

inside with a little bit of moss to help retain moisture.

The open hole should face the trunk so that the panty hose side faces outward. This will allow the roots to make contact with the trunk so they can attach. Once they attach, the panty hose can be cut off or they may have disintegrated by this time.

Take the legs and wrap them tightly around the trunk and tie them in a knot to secure the orchid to the trunk or branch. If the plant is top-heavy, you can tie a second band loosely around the upper part of the plant or bloom spike.

Water them. You can run spaghetti tube irrigation up the trunks with small emitters to water them with your existing sprinkler system, but it’s not very elegant or you can hope for rain (what rain!) or water them by hand with a mister, watering can or light spray from a hose.

Orchid fertiliser is often not necessary but may be helpful if they aren’t blooming or if they look chlorotic (off-colour).

ASK TAMIKA

BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD

Prevent childhood obesity with these tips Making cheese sauce to go with vegetables is an easy way to tempt children to eat their veggies!

INGREDIENTS • 1 cauliflower, washed and broken into florets • 2 tbsp butter • 2 tbsp flour • 1 cup babies regular milk • 1/3 cup grated cheese (eg. cheddar) METHOD • Steam the cauliflower over boiling water for 10 minutes until tender.

Meanwhile make sauce.

• For sauce: melt the butter in a pan

and slowly stir in the flour until smooth.

• Keep adding milk little by little, continually stirring.

• Bring to the boil to thicken and then immediately remove from heat and add the grated cheese.

Stir until melted.

• Drain the cauliflower, place in an oven proof dish and cover with cheese sauce.

• Brown for a few minutes under a hot broiler.

• This dish serves four to six baby portions. You can mash or even purée it for younger babies and it can be frozen for up to a month.

The Weekly News is looking for a restaurant, café or personal chef to contribute weekly recipes to the newspaper. For more information call 946-4664 or email tcweeklynews@gmail.com.

CHILDHOOD obesity has been declared an epidemic by the Centres for Disease Control (CDC). A disease is declared an epidemic when it has developed and spread very rapidly and extensively. In other words then, childhood obesity is taking the world, especially the western world, by storm.

The CDC cites statistics like: “Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years,” or “In 2012, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese.”

These are staggering statistics and you may be wondering how you can help to protect your child from this epidemic.

There are many ways, suggested by the CDC, parents can help prevent or better control the issue of overweight or obesity in their children.

-Become good role models. As parents, we know all too well that children do what they see us do, not what we tell them to do. If you want

your children to eat right, then you have to let them see you practicing good eating habits. Also, let them see you engaging in regular physical activity. Mahatma Gandhi says: “Be the change you want to see in the world” (your children).

-Encourage healthy eating. One way you can encourage healthy eating is to ensure healthy options are readily available to your children. Ensure you have plenty of fruits in sight, low fat milk and yogurt, limit consumption of sugary beverages and remove high calorie temptations.

-Keep children active. The Dietary Guidelines recommend that children should engage in at least 60 minutes of activity every day. By nature, children are full of energy; so, provide safe environments for them to expend some

of this energy. Take them bike riding, let them play Frisbee with the dog, sign them up for soccer or a dance class.

There are so many activities to choose from. Ask them what they would like to do and get them involved in it.

-Reduce sedentary time. This simply means reduce the amount of time your child is sitting. If we were to calculate the amount of time our children spend in front of a screen, we would be flabbergasted. It is suggested that some children spend up to five to seven hours in front of a screen television, computers, smart phones, electronic games, Kindles etc. Try to limit the amount of screen time to about two hours a day.

Whatever method you use to manage your child’s weight, be sure it is done in a fun way; not a rigid way that will encourage them to rebel.

Nutrition in Demand. A non-profit organisation helping you to 'Eat healthy today...live longer, better tomorrow'. Call 242-3978 or 442-3978.

May 3 - 9, 2014

Lifestyle...

FASHION AND BEAUTY 

17

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

The Dentist and you 

By Easher Parker

I am a Turks and Caicos native with a natural talent for writing and a love for all things beauty and style. You can find out more from at itseasher.com or if you have any questions, suggestions or would like to get in touch, email me at easherparker@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter or Instagram @itseasher to get fab instant updates wherever I go!

Lip colour build up, every woman’s peeve YOU know what I’m referring to. That sneaky goop that builds up at the innermost corner of the lips. A big N-O, something we can all agree to.

This has and can happen to anyone, with or without product. It especially occurs with lip products however.

Lip gloss and lipstick mainly but the two are not necessarily the lead culprits for the pesky build-up.

The lack of moisture or skipping out on primer are some of the factors behind the dreaded ring of goop. Luckily there are some easy fixes before you decide to purge everything.

Lack of moisture When you apply a lip colour to dry lips, do you notice how quickly the product becomes gooey or blotchy while starting to collect?

Now on the flip side, when the lips are moisturised wouldn’t you agree that the application is much smoother?

Layering on applications can also cause unwanted build-up and even dryness, especially with matte colours.

If an application is virtually ruined by the goop, why add a clean one on top of that?

Remember to keep lips moisturised around the clock. This may be all you need to do away with that unwanted build-up.

Vaseline never fails me or Blistex which carries a medicated ointment that can be used to specifically prep lips!

So what if frequent moisturising isn’t cutting it?

Try exfoliating The cosmetic market is saturated with products made specifically to exfoliate lips but I like to keep things simple.

There are tons of holistic DIY combinations and methods available.

From baking soda, to sugar and even items like a wash cloth or toothbrush can be used to get the job done.

Remember not to be too coarse with whatever route you take, you don’t want to over exfoliate.

I speak from experience when I say it’s not pleasant!

Prep and prime Priming is essential if you desire a more seamless and smooth makeup application.

Oftentimes, the lips are overlooked. I learned this in turning to a pro on taming lip colour.

Makeup artist Tianna Williams suggests using a lip primer before application, followed by a light application of setting powder then lipstick.

I have heard diverse input on what exactly the build-up is. From it being a mix of saliva and the lip product to the absorption of the product.

Whatever the case, you can see it’s rather effortless to keep it at bay!

Mark Osmond BDS (Lond) LDS RCS (Eng). Mark Osmond Dental Clinic - (649) 432 3777, drmosmond@gmail.com or Find us on Facebook

By Dr Mark Osmond

Oral piercings and teeth grills FROM time to time I have patients enquiring about tongue or lip piercings or teeth grills. For clarity, these are not procedures that a dentist would perform but I thought it was a topic worth discussing in order to outline the potential problems that can occur.

As a general rule if you are going to have this type of work done always use a practitioner who has strict hygiene standards, where all tools are sterilised and the environment is clean and tidy.

Oral piercing One of the main concerns with any piercing is infection and this is particularly relevant with a mouth piercing. This is due to the high number of bacteria that naturally occur in the mouth, the increased chance of introducing new bacteria on the jewellery itself plus the open wound created by the piercing.

This can also lead to the increased chance of endocarditis which is when bacteria enters the bloodstream and causes inflammation of heart; particularly relevant to anyone who already has an underlying heart condition.

Strict adherence to hygiene

protocols will reduce - although not eliminate - the risk of infection.

The other major concern is the jewellery causing damage either to the teeth or gums. One dental study reported that 47 per cent of people wearing barbell tongue jewellery for four or more years had at least one chipped tooth. Increased gum disease is also reported.

Tongue piercing particularly can result in difficulty chewing and swallowing food and speaking clearly.

This is because the jewellery stimulates an excessive production of saliva.

Temporary or permanent drooling is another consequence of increased saliva production and taste can also be altered.

Finally, and again relevant to all piercings, one should consider the chance of allergic reaction to the metal (contact dermatitis), issues with prolonged bleeding or nerve damage and the risk of transmission of diseases .

Grills Grills, also called ‘grillz’ or ‘fronts,’ are decorative covers often made of gold, silver or jewel-encrusted precious metals that snap over one or

more of their teeth.

They are generally removable although some grill wearers have their teeth altered with gold crowns to permanently resemble a grill.

If you wear a grill, you should be especially careful about regularly brushing and flossing to prevent potential problems.

Food debris may become trapped between the teeth and the grill allowing bacteria to collect and produce acids which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. This can also contribute to bad breath.

There also is the potential for grills to irritate surrounding oral tissues and to wear the enamel away on the opposing teeth.

It is worth noting that as with a piercing, where a grill is made from non-precious (base) metal, there is the risk of an allergic reaction.

To prevent problems, try and limit the amount of time spent wearing grills. If you already wear a grill, you should remove it before eating.

It should be cleaned daily to remove bacteria and food debris. Avoid using jewellery cleaners or any products that are dangerous to ingest.

POLICE SAFETY TIPS

The importance of a car alarm TOO many vehicle owners in the Turks and Caicos Islands don’t own a car alarm or is it that too many owners without car alarms had their vehicle damaged or stolen?

Whatever the correct answer is, it’s always best to have a car alarm system installed in your vehicle.

A car alarm system includes an electronic device that is installed in the car, a keychain transmitter to be used as a remote control and sensors that detect signs of auto intrusion.

When a car alarm is triggered, it engages a number of operations designed to startle away intruders and alert the car’s owner of the possible threat.

An engaged alarm signal generally involves a car’s lights and horn, or a loud siren emanating from the alarm itself.

There are a wide variety of auto alarm systems, with an equally variant range of prices.

If you’re now at least somewhat interested in how to find the right car

By Audley Astwood

Police Public Relations Officer

alarm system for your car, then allow me to assist you. Follow these steps to find the right car alarm system for your car.

Decide which of the two basic types of auto alarm is right for you. Car alarms are either active or passive, depending on how you want to arm your car.

Passive alarms are based on automatic arming of the car alarm and turn on once all the doors are shut and locked. Active alarms are based on manual arming, turning on only once you push the transmitter button.

Formulate a budget in order to decide which security features you can afford. All basic auto alarm systems will signal an alarm to deter thieves, but only more expensive models come with ignition system immobilisers.

Create a list of the features of your car that can be put to use by a car alarm system. Your car alarm of choice should put your car’s features to use and should not incorporate features your car does not have.

For example, if your car does not have a sunroof or power door locks, then you don’t need to invest in an alarm that engages those features.

There are a number of businesses that sell car alarms locally or you can search the internet for a list of car alarm retailers.

Make a list of the alarms that fit your needs and budget. Call the retailers to ask about pricing and then choose the best option.

Apart from having an alarm system installed, please don’t leave valuables in plain sight. All valuables should be removed from your vehicle or locked in the trunk of your vehicle. Don’t invite criminals to break into your vehicle.

For more information please ‘like’ us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/RTCIPF.

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Customs about-face could make Bahamas key source for U.S. gasoline A MASSIVE oil storage facility in the Bahamas may offer nimble gasoline traders a new way to profit by shipping fuel in foreign ships from the oversupplied U.S. Gulf Coast to the gasoline-thirsty East Coast following a recent U.S. Customs ruling.

The March 6 judgment in favor of Buckeye Partners LP , which owns the Bahamas Oil Refining Company (BORCO) oil storage hub, allows traders to use lower-cost foreign ships to transport fuels between the Gulf and East Coast via BORCO, circumventing a near-century old law called the Jones Act. The law requires U.S.-made fuels to be moved between domestic ports using a tiny fleet of U.S.-flagged, U.S.-built and U.S.-crewed ships. It costs three times more to transport with Jones Act ships than with foreign-flagged ships.

In its ruling, Customs said traders may export to the Bahamas certain blending components of gasoline on a foreign-flagged vessel and ship it back to the United States on a foreign-flagged ship if it is blended to produce the gasoline grades RBOB and CBOB. The 25-million-barrel BORCO storage hub, the Caribbean’s biggest, is located less than 100 miles (160 km) from the Florida coast.

The ruling states the blending

must create a “new and different product” for it to be eligible for re-export to the United States on a foreign-flagged ship.

Industry participants said the ruling, which came after earlier petitions from Buckeye in January 2013 and August 2012 had failed, could potentially open up a new trading route from the Gulf Coast to the East Coast.

By giving traders an alternative to scarce and costly U.S.-flagged Jones Act ships, the new option could also back out imports from European and Canadian refiners who typically sell gasoline into the U.S. East Coast.

Going via the Bahamas would be “a hell of a lot cheaper” than using a Jones Act vessel, said Jerry Lichtblau, director of research at True North Chartering in Wilton, Connecticut.

With Jones Act tankers commanding as much as $100,000 a day in the spot market thanks to soaring U.S. energy production, shipping costs from the U.S. Gulf Coast to the New York Harbor can run as much as $6 per barrel, or 14 to 15 cents a gallon, shipping sources said.

Lichtblau estimated the transport costs for the same route via the BORCO terminal at less than $2 per barrel.

Buckeye could not be reached for comment.

Shipping industry participants

said Buckeye, which bought the 44-year-old plant in 2011, has executed the trade a handful of times since the March 6 ruling and was set to load one cargo of gasoline in BORCO at the end of the month.

It is unclear how much of the 25-million-barrel capacity is dedicated to refined products, or who is trading from there, although Shell Trading Company and JPMorgan Chase & Co have won similar rulings for moving fuel oils through BORCO in the past. Buckeye’s 2012 annual report said three customers account for two-thirds of BORCO’s storage revenue.

JPMorgan declined to comment.

If the economics work and the trade takes hold, Jones Act ship owners and operators could see their stranglehold on the U.S. coastal market loosened.

“If it’s done enough, you’re backing out potential business out of the Gulf to Florida,” said Bruce Holzberg, a Jones Act broker at Connecticut-based shipbroker MJLF. Even with record domestic oil production and gasoline exports, the United States remains a net importer of gasoline, thanks largely to the Jones Act. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects total finished motor gasoline imports to average 240,000 bpd this summer.

St Lucia government denies impeding justice in death of British national THE St. Lucia government has denied allegations that it is impeding the inquest into the death of Hannah Defoe, the 20-year-old cousin of British footballer Jermaine Defoe, who died as a result of drowning secondary to electrocution in 2012.

In a brief statement, the Kenny Anthony government said it is aware of media reports that it and “more particularly” that the Deputy Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre “is sitting on a report” that is necessary to bring closure to the Hannah Defoe case.

The government said that a report has been completed and submitted as the inquest into the death of Hannah Defoe continues and that it “wishes to clarify the steps taken thus far, as provided for in the Laws of St. Lucia and to update the public on the status of the reports”.

The government said that immediately after the unfortunate incident, it had launched an inquiry under the chairmanship of Everistus Jn. Marie, to fulfill the obligations under the Electricity and Regulations Act, Cap 9.02. which states “that serious accidents must be reported

Hannah Defoe (pictured right), is the 20-year-old cousin of British footballer Jermaine Defoe. (Credit: voice-online.co.uk)

to the Chief Electrical Inspector and that the Minister may order an inquiry.

“This inquiry is complete and the findings have been presented in the form of a report to the British Authorities, contrary to what has been suggested. The records of the Attorney General’s Chambers indicate that the report was submitted on October 23, 2013.”

The government said that the inquest into the death of Ms. Defoe is continuing in accordance with

the Coroners Act, adding “this is a judicial matter over which the Government of St. Lucia has no control.

“Therefore, it is erroneous to suggest that the Government is impeding justice, or has not fulfilled its responsibility in this case,” the statement added.

The body of the 20-year-old British national had been found in a swimming pool at a hotel in VieuxFort south of here last week, while on vacation.

May 3 - 9, 2014

Golding warns of ‘recession-type conditions’ in Caribbean for years FORMER Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding has warned that the Caribbean region will continue to experience “recession -type conditions” for a number of years, despite the official end of the global recession four years ago.

He argued that the global recession coupled with what he described as the reluctant slow uncertain recovery, has forced governments across the Caribbean region, in particular, to undergo painful restructuring of their economies.

“The impact of the global recession plus the slow reluctant uncertain recovery that is taking place is one thing, but the recession has brought Caribbean governments in particular, face to face with the necessity, indeed the inevitability of harsh structural adjustments, so the recession that hit us in the latter part of 2007 and 2008 is like the earthquake and what we are experiencing now are the aftershocks. We still have not steadied off,” he explained.

The former prime minister was speaking on Sunday night at the 28th Annual Sales Congress of the Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (CARIAFA) at the Hilton Rose Hall Hotel and Spa in St James.

He told the delegates that as

Bruce Golding said that Caribbean nations “have still not steadied off” from the global recession.

a result of the slow pace of the economic recovery, several Caribbean Islands, including Jamaica have had to enter into agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“In Grenada they are about to enter a new agreement with the IMF and therefore they are likely to face serious structural issues that are likely to require strong painful policy response,” the former prime minister argued.

During last night’s ceremony, Patricia Marguerite Gilding of Barbados was inducted in CARAIFA’s Hall of Fame.

The Bahamas:

FNM’s deputy says she’ll back payroll tax FNM Deputy leader Loretta ButlerTurner suggests that a payroll tax coupled with another revenue generation scheme like a national lottery should be implemented rather than the controversial Value Added Tax (VAT).

According to Mrs. Butler-Turner a payroll tax could be implemented similarly to the National Insurance Board’s contribution system which makes deductions from salaried workers who earn $600 per week or more.

She said this week that with a large group of Bahamians falling in that category the government stands to decrease the national deficit while creating a second stream of income.

The most recent labour force statistics said there were 195,000 Bahamians in the working class.

Economists have projected that, at five per cent introduction, a payroll tax could yield $190m annually. It is further forecast that a national lottery could generate $231m within the first five years of implementation.

VAT is expected to add $200m in the first year.

Mrs Butler-Turner said: “The reason why I would suggest payroll tax is because you can use more

FNM Deputy leader Loretta ButlerTurner feels that the government should introduce a payroll tax and another revenue generation scheme instead of VAT.

modality with that form of taxation.

But this government is so hellbent on introducing VAT that they have dismissed the suggestion.

“We have a large percentage of our population that makes in excess of $600 per week; if we carry out a payroll tax on persons such persons I think it’ll be a sure way to close up the financial gap.

“At the end of the day the government seems to be dismissive of most of the suggestions for alternative tax measures.”

May 3 - 9, 2014

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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‘Legalising marijuana in the Bahamas should not be up for discussion’

Dudus ‘money’ disappears

THE estimated multi-billion dollar medical marijuana industry should not be up for discussion in The Bahamas, according to Rev Dr Randford Patterson. The president of the Bahamas Christian Council took a strong stance against national dialogue over the possible legalisation of the controversial plant in an interview with The Tribune.

Although the drug is regulated for medicinal use in more than 20 US states, Rev Patterson dismissed the plant’s medical use last week.

He said: “I believe that we don’t support anything that is going to have a negative impact on the family, on our people individually and collectively. Based on the studies I’ve seen, marijuana affects a person’s ability to reason.

“Now they are going to say it’s for medical purposes, but how many people are going to use it for medical purposes? Is everybody now all of a sudden going to need a medication, going to use marijuana as a source of medication for whatever it is that they are supposed to be having?

“I don’t believe that it is something that we should even be thinking about. Marijuana affects people’s ability to reason, why would one legalise that?”

In response to reports that medicinal marijuana has been used as an alternative treatment for a range of

AFTER digging for almost four years, local investigators have found very few assets that can be traced to convicted drug dealer Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke.

Despite Coke’s reputed enormous wealth and his control of what is believed to be one of the largest illegal drug operations out of Jamaica, the Financial Investigations Division (FID) has so far found only bank accounts with just over US$300,000 (J$33 million).

“He was a very smart organised crime boss in terms of how he held his assets … not directly in his name,” one senior FID investigator told The Sunday Gleaner last week.

Chief Technical Director of the FID, Justin Felice, also confirmed that the investigators had found no proof of a J$30-million mansion in Plantation Heights, St Andrew, owned by Coke.

According to Felice, they have found no evidence that the convicted crime boss owned any real estate, motor vehicles, or other assets.

However, Felice said the FID is going ahead with forfeiture proceedings in the Jamaican courts to have the money in his bank accounts turned over to the State.

Felice also admitted that the investigation has been “extremely complex and challenging” in light of the fact that Coke had legitimate income through businesses that he operated.

To underscore this, principal director of the FID, Albert Stephens, pointed out that the agency was forced by the courts to return millions of dollars in assets that were in the name of Coke’s mother, who

Rev. Dr. Randford Patterson said that he does not believe that the Bahamas should support anything “that is going to have a negative impact on the family”.

illnesses, such as cancer and cataracts, and with limited cognitive effect, Rev Patterson replied: “So they went in the lab and dealt with it.”

More than 40 countries are now considering changes to legislation against the plant for medicinal or recreational use.

Notable efforts include Uruguay’s sweeping legalisation in December, and booming medicinal and recreational industries.

On a local talk show earlier this year, US Embassy Acting Deputy Chief of Mission John Armstrong advised that his country’s global policy against the drug remained unchanged despite laws in Colorado and Washington, which regulate the growth, sale and taxation of the plant.

Jamaica at final stage to implement FATCA JAMAICA and the United States (US) were expected to officially sign the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) to implement the US’ Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) this week, the move is expected to put the island well ahead of its CARICOM counterparts.

“We have actually signed off on the text of the agreement and it is going to be signed between the minister of finance and the US charge d’affaires at the Ministry of Finance,” John Robinson, senior deputy governor at the Bank of Jamaica, told The Gleaner on Wednesday last. “So we are well advanced in terms of documentary preparation for implementing this agreement, and the IGA takes effect upon signing.”

FATCA is aimed at accessing tax information on US citizens who have incomes abroad, and under the reciprocal agreement, the Jamaican tax authority will obtain similar information on Jamaican taxpayers who may be earning income or have deposits or other investments abroad.

Originally slated to be completed by tomorrow, financial institutions now have until May 5 to complete the registration for the reporting of the data.

Both countries will begin exchanging tax information between the respective tax departments – Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) –

by January of next year.

“Given that we had already reached an agreement in principle, and because we have reached this far this early – well ahead of other Caribbean countries – the US authorities have given the go-ahead for institutions to start registering already, and have published an … agreement on their website so that financial institutions here can already begin the registration process,” he said.

Once the legislation is in force, TAJ will begin collecting information from the financial institutions and pass it on to the IRS, while receiving similar information in return. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke is believed to have an enormous amount of wealth.

is now deceased; his girlfriend; and one of his companies, Incomparable Enterprise Limited.

Without pointing fingers, Felice lamented that the probe had been affected by the absence of timely critical information.

“If we would have been provided with better-quality information in a more timely manner, I think FID could have made more of an impact in seizing and restraining assets,” the FID boss said.

Before his arrest and extradition in 2010, Coke lived a lifestyle reflecting wealth, spending lavishly at social events, and, based on the word of residents of west Kingston, giving generously to those around him.

But the source of the wealth has never been explained nor has anyone been able to quantify just how much the former strongman was worth.

Publicly, his company, Presidential Click, staged a number of successful stage shows, parties, and adult and children’s treats.

He was also a director of Incomparable Enterprise, a company that received many lucrative

government and private contracts.

It was alleged that he was the owner of at least two multimilliondollar houses and several high-priced motor vehicles.

In the aftermath of Coke’s guilty plea and 23-year prison sentence in the United States, the Americans have indicated that they will be going after his assets to collect the US$1.5 million (J$130 million) that district judge Robert Patterson ordered him to pay over to the State.

Patterson agreed with the prosecutors that the money should be forfeited based on the criminal conduct that Coke admitted to in connection with his guilty plea.

“In connection with his guilty plea, Coke admitted to trafficking in over 3,000 kilograms of marijuana and l5 kilograms of cocaine in the United States … . Utilising even the most conservative wholesale values for those narcotics – US$200 per pound of marijuana and US$15,000 per kilogram of cocaine – the gross proceeds from the distribution of those narcotics is well in excess of US$1,500,000,” argued the prosecution.

That argument found favour with Patterson, who ruled that Coke should pay the money to the US Asset Forfeiture Unit.

Patterson also gave the American authorities a directive to go after the money wherever it was. “… The United States Attorney’s office is authorised to conduct any discovery needed to identify, locate, or dispose of forfeitable property, including depositions, interrogatories, requests for production of documents, and the issuance of subpoena … ,” said Patterson.

St Kitts defends Citizenship by Investment Programme following US probe THE St. Kitts-Nevis government says while it has not been officially informed by the United States of an investigation into how three Iranians had in their possessions passports of the twin island Federation, it is not worried over the probe.

“We haven’t been informed officially that this is happening and we don’t see anything unusual about this. Several persons, several citizens from several countries across the world occasionally are the subjects of investigations. So there is nothing unusual here,” Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas said.

Opposition politicians claim that the investigations are threatening the St. Kitts Nevis Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), but Prime Minister Douglas said “it does not damage our programme at all.

“If that person or those persons were already on a watch list and they

were able to obtain our citizenship then that is something you question…or if they are subject to an investigation without necessarily an offence being committed then we consider that to be quite normal and that in anyway should not hurt our citizenship by investment programme,” he said.

Dr. Douglas said he wanted to emphasise that the CIP is “one of the oldest in the world, it is the most credible to date in the world, it is the leading programme globally and we could not have attracted these accolades if there wasn’t something that we were doing that wasn’t right.

“And so from time totime you do have these situations where a citizen of St. Kitts-Nevis is being investigated,” Dr. Douglas said.

But former government minister and activists Dwyer Astapahn disagrees, saying “the trouble for me is while

we are ….little fishes in the ocean we need particularly to be careful that we don’t get painted with the same brush and the people of this country are not jeopardized as a result”.

Astaphan speaking on WINN FM radio, said the three Iranians are “part of a bigger picture that people at present understand.”

The disclosure that Washington is investigating the three Iranians comes a few months after another Iranian was denied entry into Canada using a St. Kitts Nevis diplomatic passport.

The Iranian, Alizeera Moghadhan, reportedly told immigration authorities that he paid one million dollars for the passport.

But Dr. Douglas maintained that anyone on a watch list of the United states, the European Union or the United Nations would not qualify for a local passport under the CIP.

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Ukraine unrest: Kiev ‘helpless’ to quell parts of east UKRAINE’S acting President Olexander Turchynov has admitted his forces are “helpless” to quell unrest driven by pro-Russian activists in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.

Mr Turchynov said the goal was now to prevent the unrest spreading.

Activists have seized scores of government buildings and taken hostages including international monitors.

Mr Turchynov also said Ukraine was on “full combat alert”, amid fears Russian troops could invade.

“I would like to say frankly that at the moment the security structures are unable to swiftly take the situation in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions back under control,” he said during a meeting with regional governors.

He admitted security personnel “tasked with the protection of citizens” were “helpless”.

“More than that, some of these units either aid or co-operate with terrorist groups,” he said.

Mr Turchynov added: “Our task is to stop the spread of the terrorist threat first of all in the Kharkiv and Odessa regions.”

The acting president said that the tens of thousands of Russian troops stationed just over the border meant that “the threat of Russia starting a war against mainland Ukraine is real”.

Russia, which annexed the Crimea

Pro-Russian militiamen in Luhansk. The activists occupy scores of government buildings in the east.

region from Ukraine last month, has said it has no plans to invade the east.

President Vladimir Putin has insisted there are “neither Russian instructors, nor special units nor troops” inside Ukraine.

However, Moscow has also warned that its soldiers are ready to act if Russian interests are threatened.

Eastern Ukraine, which has a large Russian-speaking population, was a stronghold for former President Viktor Yanukovych before he was overthrown by protesters in February.

Pro-Russian activists there continue to detain some 40 people, including seven military observers linked to the Organisation for

Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) seized last week.

OSCE spokesman Michael Bociurkiw told the BBC that negotiators had visited the detainees and they were in good health.

But he gave no estimate as to how long it might take to broker their release.

Activists continue to storm buildings in the east - on Wednesday they took the regional police building and town hall in the city of Horlivka, local officials said.

The US and EU have accused Russia of failing to implement the terms of a deal agreed in Geneva aimed at defusing the crisis by disarming illegal militias.

May 3 - 9, 2014

Irish political party leader arrested over cold-case murder GERRY Adams, leader of the Irish political party Sinn Fein, was arrested Tuesday by Northern Ireland police in connection to a cold-case murder from 1972.

The 65-year-old is held in the murder of Jean McConville, a 37-year-old abducted in Belfast and shot dead by the Irish Republican Army.

Her body was found buried on a beach in 2003, four years after the IRA admitted to the killing of the mother of 10.

Adams, president of the country’s second-biggest political party, said in a statement before the arrest that he’d agreed to meet with the Police Service of Northern Ireland. He also called the murder as “wrong and a grievous injustice to her and her family.

“While I have concerns about the timing [of this meeting], I am voluntarily meeting with the PSNI this evening,” he said Tuesday, according to The Journal of Ireland.

“While I have never disassociated myself from the IRA and I never will, I am innocent of

Gerry Adams, president of Ireland’s second biggest political party was arrested Tuesday by Northern Ireland police in connection to a cold-case murder from 1972.

any part in the abduction, killing or burial of Mrs. McConville,” he said.

His arrest is the latest in a string of several more than 40 years after the murder, according to the Belfast Telegraph.

Ivor Bell, a 77-year-old veteran republican, was charged in March with aiding and abetting the murder, according to the newspaper. (NYdailynews)

Europe rejects UK’s financial transaction tax challenge EUROPE’S top court has rejected the UK’s challenge to the introduction of an EU financial transactions tax (FTT), which ministers have said will damage British firms.

The EU’s Court of Justice described the UK’s challenge as premature, since the details of the tax had not been finalised.

The FTT will be adopted by 11 EU states, but not by Britain.

The UK said it was prepared to take further legal action.

“The government is determined to continue to ensure that the interests of countries outside of the single currency, but inside the single market, are properly protected,” a UK Treasury spokesman said.

The levy, often described as a Tobin tax or “Robin Hood” tax, aims to raise public funds and discourage speculative trading by taxing the transactions of shares, currencies and bonds.

Of the 27 EU member states, the 11 going ahead with the FTT are Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, Greece,

Spanish children may soon be required to help out with housework, under a draft law that has been approved by parliament.

Spain: Children ‘must do housework’ under draft law The City of London could be hit by the tax if UK firms trade with EU banks based in the capital.

Slovenia, Slovakia and Estonia.

Those countries had not yet decided how the tax will work, the court said, so the UK’s challenge was premature.

The City of London could be hit by the tax if, for example, a British firm trades with branches of French or German banks based in the capital.

“Once the tax has been worked through, then that is when the UK needs to step in and challenge any

extra-territorial elements of that tax,” said Chas Roy-Chowdhury, head of tax at international accounting body ACCA. “That is when I think they could win if the tax is not modified quite drastically.”

UK Prime Minister David Cameron has previously said the tax was “not a good idea” and that it would not work unless applied globally.

SPANISH children may soon be required to help out with housework, under a draft law that has been approved by parliament.

The measure, which would be part of a wider child protection law, says that children under the age of 18 have an obligation to participate in all areas of family life. That includes “co-responsibility in caring for the home and performing household tasks regardless of age and gender”, the ABC newspaper says. The rules come under a section of the law called “the rights and duties of children”.

Along with doing chores, children would also have to be respectful to their parents and teachers, and have a positive

attitude towards learning. But the bill doesn’t say anything about penalties for children who refuse to go along, the Local website reports. Other elements of the bill would see the establishment of a list of people who are banned from working with children, and it would become a crime for people who work with children to fail to report possible abuses against them.

Married Spanish men can also face legal sanctions for refusing to do housework - an update in 2005 to the marriage contract used for the country’s civil ceremonies added a clause requiring men to share in household duties, and the care of children and elderly relatives. (BBC)

May 3 - 9, 2014

World News

Afghan couple cuts off Muslim cleric’s ears, nose for allegedly raping their daughter A MARRIED couple in Afghanistan cut off the ears and nose of a Muslim cleric in retaliation for him allegedly sexually assaulting their 14-year-old daughter, police said.

The father invited the mullah to his house for dinner before carrying out the disfiguring attack, police said Tuesday.

“I cut off his ears and nose,” said father Abdul Qahar, dressed in a traditional shalwar kameez and a turban. He was speaking from the police chief’s office in the northern Baghlan province.

“I don’t know if a cat ate his ears, but his nose went down the drain,” he told Reuters, speaking in the Dari language.

Police arrested the girl’s parents Tuesday.

Ahmad Jawid Basharat, a police spokesman in Baghlan, said Qahar had tied the cleric’s hands and feet and cut off his nose and an ear as an

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

act of revenge.

The 32-year-old cleric denied he had assaulted the girl. Police said they have opened a case against him.

Religious, or shariah, law often holds sway over constitutional law in some parts of rural Afghanistan.

“If there was a functioning rule of law, then he would be punished even more severely,” said the girl’s mother, Sultana, wearing a traditional all-covering burqa.

Right activists say there has been a sharp rise in violent attacks against women in the deeply conservative Muslim country, where women have fought hard to gain rights after the collapse of Taliban government in 2001.

There is growing fear among many people in Afghanistan that the withdrawal of NATO-led forces and efforts to reach a political agreement with the Taliban to end the 12-yearold war could undermine hard-won freedoms for women. (NYdailynews)

Senate Republicans block US minimum wage rise US Senate Republicans have blocked a Democratic-backed rise in the minimum wage, as the two parties stake out positions ahead of November’s election.

The bill to raise the national minimum to $10.10 (£5.99) from $7.25 failed in a largely party-line vote of 54-42.

Republicans say it would be unaffordable for employers, while Democrats say Republicans are taking sides against poor workers.

In recent months several states have passed their own minimum wage rises.

On Wednesday, the bill failed to attain the 60 votes needed to proceed to final passage.

Tennessee Senator Bob Corker was the only Republican to vote yes, while Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid switched his vote to “no” as it became clear the bill would fail, a procedural move that allows him to call another vote on the measure.

The national wage rise failed a day after Hawaii’s state legislature raised the state’s minimum wage to $10.10, a level recommended by the Obama administration.

Hawaii joined a number of states and municipalities that have recently

Seattle, Washington, is weighing raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, one of many state and local governments acting in lieu of Congress.

approved rises in their base hourly wages. Earlier in April, Minnesota went from having one of the nation’s lowest minimum wages to the highest.

President Barack Obama criticised the vote in a White House press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

“By preventing even a vote on this bill, they prevented a raise for 28 million hardworking Americans,” he said. “They said no to helping millions work their way out of poverty. And keep in mind this bill

would’ve done so without any new taxes or spending or bureaucracy.”

Mr Obama added a majority of Americans support such a rise.

After the vote, Democratic leaders attacked Republicans for blocking a bill they said would bring a pay rise for millions of Americans.

Mr Reid accused Republicans of “fighting for billionaires” while saying Democrats were fighting “for people who are struggling to make a living”.

Venezuela to raise minimum wage by 30%, Maduro says Indian bystanders attempt to douse the blaze as a local politician and a man are engulfed in flames.

Burning man grabs politician during live TV debate in India A MAN in India set himself on fire and then grabbed a politician during a live television debate this week in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, authorities said.

Police said Durgesh Kumar Singh came out of the crowd Monday as India’s state-owned television station Doordarshan recorded the debate at a park in Sultanpur, about 100 miles from the city of Lucknow.

He set himself ablaze with gasoline and threw himself on Kamruzzama Fauji, a local politician from the Bahujan Samaj Party. Singh died in the hospital a day later. Fauji is in critical condition with burns over 80% of his body, police said.

“People were just too shocked to know what was happening,” local photographer Pankaj Kumar Gupta told reporters.

The superintendent of police for Sultanpur district, Pratibha Ambedkar, was preparing for a visit

by state Chief Minister, Akhilesh Yadav when she got a call from her office about a man threatening to set himself on fire. “By the time we reached there, he had already set himself ablaze,” Ambedkar told CNN. Singh, 35, had previously worked at a flour mill in Amethi, a neighboring district.

His motives have yet to be confirmed, but authorities said the man’s family claims he was being treated for mental instability. “Before the incident, the man also made a call to the local police control room complaining of harassment from his family,” said Ambedkar.

India is in the midst of its nationwide parliamentary elections, which conclude May 12. During elections, several news channels often stage shows in villages and towns across the country, engaging politicians with local voters.

VENEZUELA will raise the minimum wage by 30% on 1 May, President Nicolas Maduro has announced.

He said he would also raise pensions by the same amount.

The increase is below the level of annual inflation, which official figures put at 56.2% for 2013.

The announcement comes after almost three months of mass protests against Mr Maduro’s government triggered by rising inflation, shortages of some basic goods and a high crime rate.

In an address to workers from different key sectors, Mr Maduro said he hoped that “by the end of the year, we will be choking off and overcoming (...) inflation”.

He said that on May Day, the minimum wage would go up from 3,270 bolivars ($520; £310) to 4,252 bolivars.

Critics say that while the new minimum salary amounts to $675 at the government-set exchange rate, it adds up to little over $67 at the black market rate.

They say strict currency controls have only increased the shortage of dollars available in the country and driven up their price further.

Supporters of Mr Maduro say his government has helped lift many out of poverty.

Opposition leader Henrique Capriles said the 30% raise was “insufficient” and that a real improvement would only be achieved if wages were lifted above the level of inflation.

The increase comes just months after the government raised the minimum wage by 10%.

The president also did not rule out another raise in the last trimester of the year, at which point he promised to “re-assess” wages.

Forty-one people have been killed

and hundreds injured in protest-related violence since demonstrators took to the streets of Venezuela’s main cities in February to vent their anger at the country’s economic woes.

They blame President Maduro for “mismanaging” the economy of the oil-rich country and have said they will not cease protesting until he resigns.

Mr Maduro succeeded President Hugo Chavez in office, who died of cancer in March 2013 after 14 years as president.

22 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

North Caicos clinic treats 96 animals SCORES of cats and dogs were spayed and neutered during a free clinic in North Caicos this April.

The Turks and Caicos Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (TCSPCA) asked volunteer vets from Kindest Cut in Minneapolis, US, to join them in carrying out the project.

It was the first time in 18 months that the society organised complimentary surgery on the country’s second largest island.

A press release from the TCSPCA said: “The last time the TCSPCA ran a clinic on North Caicos was in Sept 2012 so it was definitely time for another vet visit.

“Based on the number of surgeries performed during the five day clinic the residents from this island should see a sharp decline in the number of unwanted puppies born in the next breeding season.”

Vets Dr Paul Anderson, Andrea Burgeson and Abrah Etzler spent five days in North Caicos and performed 77 surgeries from April 10 to 15.

In addition 19 animals were examined at the wellness clinic bringing the total number of animals seen at the clinic to 96.

The surgeries included 49 dog spays, two cat spays, 23 dog neuters, three cat neuters and hundreds of core vaccinations were also administered.

The Government’s Department of Agriculture provided microchips that were implanted during surgery and all dogs were licenced.

Volunteer vets performed 77 surgeries in Novrth Caicos Dr Mark Butler, the Government’s chief veterinary officer, has been very supportive of the ongoing collaborative effort between the Government and the TCSPCA to provide spay and neuter surgeries, the release read.

“The clinic was well supported by the pet owners from this family island with a population of approximately 1,400 people.”

Because dogs normally have two breeding cycles a year it is very important for the TCSPCA mobile spay and neuter clinics to be run on a regular basis in each of the family islands.

“This was the fourth time the TCSPCA had visited North Caicos and at each clinic resident Jody Rothjeb

had generously donated the use of her house for the vet teams accommodation and the clinic space.”

Lew Handfield transported the TCSPCA van and all the necessary equipment and supplies and Caribbean Cruisin donated transport for the vet team on their ferry service.

Both the Potcake Foundation and Gilley’s Enterpises supported the running of the clinic by donating funding to cover the cost of the materials and meds needed for each surgery.

From May 8 until 14 the society will be in South Caicos where they will run a clinic in the School for Field Studies building.

May 3 - 9, 2014

World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers Day 2014 THE GOVERNMENT put together a number of initiatives this week to commemorate World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers Day 2014.

The celebrations began last Sunday (April 27) and will continue until Saturday (May 3) under the theme ‘Safety and health in the use of chemicals at work’.

To commemorate the day, staff at the Department of Employment Services within the Ministry of Border Control and Labour along with partner agencies held a church service at the Paradise Baptist Church.

Employment Services, the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB) and National Insurance Board (NIB) then attended a job fair held at Beaches on Monday (April 28) and set up a booth to talk about the initiative.

Nursing staff from primary healthcare visited the Department of Employment Services and checked the blood pressure of employees.

This service was extended to other agencies under the Ministry of Border Control and Labour as well as their customers.

A church service was also held in Grand Turk at the New Testament Church on Sunday (April 27) where employees from

Employment Services attended.

In Providenciales on Friday (May 2) there will be an information display and kiosks from 9am to 4pm at Sam’s Plaza where all key agencies will be on hand to educate further.

In Grand Turk that same day there will be a fun day and information day for workers, employees and families at the Lester Williams Park with a lot of food and games to enjoy.

The department which also has responsibility for occupational safety and health in the workplace has also been focused on educating employers and employees on the importance of developing best practices, procedures and policies to reduce the occurrence of accidents at work.

The department is reminding employers that they must be proactive in the development of systems that will mitigate potential risks.

During the week, the department urged employers and employees alike to visit their local Fire Services Department, Physical Planning Department, Environmental Health Department and the NIB’s work injury section to find ways of advancing occupational safety and health in their individual organisations.

May 3 - 9, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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May 3 - 9, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Entertainment

Heroin ‘role’ in Peaches Geldof death HEROIN is “likely” to have played a role in the death of Peaches Geldof, an inquest has revealed.

The results of a toxicology report showed TV presenter Geldof, who died suddenly last month aged 25, had the drug in her system.

Geldof was the second daughter of musician and campaigner Bob Geldof and the late Paula Yates, who died of a heroin overdose at the age of 41.

Geldof, who was 11 when her mother died, left two sons and a husband.

At a brief inquest in Gravesend, Det Ch Insp Paul Fotheringham, told the hearing: “Recent use of heroin and the levels identified were likely to have played a role in her death.”

Musician Tom Cohen, whom she married in 2012, is understood to

The Hunger Games star beat out British actress Michelle Keegan and Rihanna.

Geldof was dropped from an underwear campaign in 2010 over drug allegations.

have found his wife’s body at their home in Wrotham in Kent after becoming concerned that he could not get hold of her.

The singer had been away for the weekend with the elder of their two sons, Astala, leaving Geldof at home with their 11-month old son, Phaedra.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

At the time, police described the death as “sudden and unexplained”.

Family and friends maintained that she was acting normally over the weekend prior to her death and there was nothing untoward in Geldof’s behaviour.

An initial post-mortem did not establish a cause of death and further toxicology reports were ordered.

(BBC)

Jennifer Lawrence is sexiest woman on the planet JENNIFER Lawrence is the sexiest woman in the world, according to FHM magazine.

“The Hunger Games” actress took the top spot for the first time, with the publication calling her “so freaking awesome.”

I’m picturing an editorial board full of 17-year-old boys.

Mila Kunis, who won the big enchilada last year, dropped to No. 6 this time (thanks for nothing, Ashton Kutcher). Other past winners include Halle Berry

(2003), Britney Spears (2004), Keira Knightley (2006), and Megan Fox (2008), according to Us Weekly.

Finishing second and third were British actress Michelle Keegan and Rihanna. Rounding out the top five was Emily Ratajkowski and “The Big Bang Theory” actress Kaley Cuoco.

Other big names on the list include Beyonce, Scarlett Johansson, Taylor Swift and Kendall Jenner. (Mercury News)

Gwen Stefani will join Pharrell Williams, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton on the judging panel for the seventh season.

Stefani announced for The Voice USA mentor panel GWEN Stefani is joining The Voice USA as a mentor on the next series later this year, NBC has announced.

She will join Pharrell Williams, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton on the judging panel for the seventh season.

The 44-year-old is taking over from previous judge, Shakira, while Pharrell has replaced Usher.

NBC also confirmed that Christina Aguilera, one of the show’s original four coaches, will return for the eighth series next year.

She took a break from The Voice USA after the fifth series and is expecting a baby.

Stefani rose to fame as the lead singer of No Doubt before going on to having a successful solo career.

Michael McKean, a new cast member of “Better Call Saul,” attends the 41st Annual Chaplin Award Gala in New York on April 28.

‘Breaking Bad’ spinoff casts Michael McKean “BETTER Call Saul” has dialed up a third cast member.

Michael McKean has signed on to “Breaking Bad” spinoff “Better Call Saul,” Entertainment Weekly has confirmed.

“The Laverne & Shirley”/”This is Spinal Tap” vet will co-star as a gifted lawyer named Dr. Thurber who is hampered by a strange affliction on AMC’s meth drama prequel, which follows the exploits of oily lawyer Saul Goodman (Bob

Odenkirk) before he hooks up with Walter White (Bryan Cranston).

The show, which is slated to hit the air in November, also features another “Bad” alum, Saul’s stonefaced PI Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks).

McKean starred in the shortlived HBO comedy “Family Tree” last year, and his recent TV credits include guest gigs on “Happy Endings” and “Law & Order: SVU.” (CNN)

Huge Jackman almost sliced out his privates with his sharp blades.

Jackman also slices off his privates with his blades HUGH Jackman urged movie bosses to ditch his superhero character Wolverine’s metal claws after he almost sliced off his private parts during a nude scene. The actor thrilled his female fans by getting naked for 2013 film The Wolverine, but peeling off on set while wearing the razor sharp blades on his hands almost caused an

eye-watering injury.

Jackman is adamant he enjoyed the “freeing” feeling of shedding his clothes, but producers were persuaded to replace the metal claws with a plastic pair when he came perilously close to cutting off his manhood as he tried to cover up in front of the female crew members.

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Entertainment

Beyonce is Time magazine’s Most Influential Person 2014 SINCE Beyonce Knowles exploded onto the international music scene as a member of Destiny’s Child, her career has expanded and diversified to include everything from film roles to fashion and fragrance lines.

As a solo artiste, “Queen Bey” has shattered album records, won Grammys, secretly recorded and released a surprise album on iTunes, married a fellow superstar and music mogu – Jay-Z – and become a mother to Blue Ivy. Along the way, Beyonce Knowles-Carter has been named People magazine’s Most Beautiful Person, an accolade now topped by her designation as the world’s Most Influential Person by Time magazine.

The magazine’s tribute to Beyonce was written by Facebook executive Sheryl Sandberg, who said the

32-year-old “doesn’t just sit at the table. She builds a better one.”

The pair recently collaborated on a campaign to ban the use of the word “bossy” to describe women at work.

Sandberg, who shared her own perspective on women in the workplace in her book “Lean In” last year, championed Beyonce as “The Boss”.

“She raises her voice both on and offstage to urge women to be independent and lead,” she wrote.

“Her secret: hard work, honesty and authenticity,” Sandberg added.

The “Drunk in Love” singer bested other entertainment stars like Pharrell Williams, Seth Meyers and Kerry Washington in bagging the Time honour, as well as influential political, business and cultural leaders like

May 3 - 9, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

George Clooney has visited Sudan and South Sudan on several occasions.

George Clooney ends UN peace role

Beyonce Knowles-Carter has also been named People magazine’s Most Beautiful Person, an accolade now topped by her designation as the world’s Most Influential Person by Time magazine.

Hillary Clinton, Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

She even topped Pope Francis, who is featured inside the magazine in a piece written

by President Obama, who also features on the list.

Miley Cyrus’s London gig on May 6th is expected to go ahead as scheduled.

ACTOR George Clooney has ended his role as a United Nations “Messenger of Peace” after six years.

The Hollywood star used the position to help raise awareness of conflicts in countries like Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the Hollywood star “feels it is time to retire his official role”.

Clooney has campaigned about the Darfur crisis and violence in South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011.

Two million people have been displaced by the conflict in Darfur, western Sudan, since a civil war began in 2003. Meanwhile, South Sudan descended into violence in December - just over two years after it became the world’s newest nation.

As well as his UN role, Clooney joined fellow actors including Matt Damon and Brad Pitt to form the charity Not On Our Watch, which aims to “bring global attention to international crises and give voice to their victims”.

He also has close ties with campaign group the Enough Project and helped found the Satellite Sentinel Project, which uses spy satellites to track human rights abuses and atrocities in Sudan.

The UN says its Messengers of Peace are high-profile people who raise awareness of the organisation’s work around the world.

“The competing demands on their time from their professional and advocacy lives sometimes make it difficult for high-profile individuals to carry out a formal United Nations role,” Mr Dujarric said.

Cyrus cancels European gigs after hospital stay MILEY Cyrus has cancelled a number of European tour dates because of illness.

Her gigs in Amsterdam on 2 May and Antwerp on 4 May have been postponed until June, a statement on her website has confirmed.

It said the singer was still recovering from an allergic reaction she suffered on 15 April.

“After a period of improvement, Cyrus’ symptoms have returned and doctors will not permit her to travel,” the statement continued.

“This type of extreme reaction can last up to 27 days and Cyrus must remain under doctors’ care at this time.”

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana were sentenced to 18 months in prison by a lower court after being found guilty of failing to pay 40 million euros in taxes owed to the Italian government last year.

D&G designers lose prison term appeal ITALIAN fashion designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana lost the appeal of their jail sentence for tax convictions in Italy, their lawyer said Wednesday.

The men were sentenced to 18 months in prison by a lower court after being found guilty of failing to pay 40 million euros in taxes owed to the

Italian government last year.

They must also pay a 500,000 euro fine.

The case will now be appealed to Italy’s Supreme Court of Cassation, attorney Armando Simbari told CNN. The Dolce & Gabbana label is a popular brand on luxury clothing and accessories.

(CNN)

May 3 - 9, 2014

Entertainment

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Franco: ‘I never had sex with Lindsay Lohan’

Bob Hoskins is reported to have died of pneumonia.

“Who Framed Roger Rabbit” actor dies BRITISH actor Bob Hoskins, who was best known for roles in The Long Good Friday and Who Framed Roger Rabbit, has died of pneumonia at the age of 71.

Hoskins’ agent said he died on Tuesday in hospital, surrounded by family.

The star won a Bafta and was Oscar-nominated in 1987 for crime drama Mona Lisa, in which he starred opposite Sir Michael Caine and Robbie Coltrane.

He announced he was retiring from acting in 2012 after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Bob,” added his wife Linda and children Alex, Sarah, Rosa and Jack said in a statement.

“Bob died peacefully at hospital

last night surrounded by family, following a bout of pneumonia.

“We ask that you respect our privacy during this time and thank you for your messages of love and support.”

“My darling Dad has died,” Rosa Hoskins added on her website.

“I loved him to the ends of the earth and he loved me back just the same.

Sir Michael, who also appeared with Hoskins in the films Sweet Liberty and Last Orders, remembered him as “one of the nicest and best actors I have ever worked with”.

And Robert Zemeckis, the director of Who Framed Roger Rabbit, released a statement praising Hoskins for bringing “enjoyment to film audiences worldwide”.

THERE’S no one quite like Howard Stern to get all the celebrity dirt from the stars themselves.

The shock jock’s latest interview with James Franco proved just that.

“I never had sex with Lindsay Lohan,” he said, dispelling the myth that was created by Lohan’s sex list that includes Franco’s name.

The 36-year-old actor did admit that he “made out” with the “Canyons” star years ago, but it was “lame.”

“I will swear on my mother’s life that I never had sex with her,” he insisted.

While the less-than-appealing makeout session didn’t lead to much else, Franco and Lohan did have other awkward run-ins, according to the “Of Mice and Men” Broadway star.

“We were at this hotel during a very dark period of her history … and it seemed pretty damn clear that she liked me,” Franco recalled.

He was a student at the time and was living in the same hotel at which Lohan had two rooms.

“She’d come out to the pool area and find me,” he continued.

“She even broke into my room one time … I open my eyes and there’s

James Franco, left, told Howard Stern that he did make out with Lindsay Lohan, right, but that they didn’t have sex.

Lindsay in my room at 3 a.m.”

Franco claimed he read her a story after discovering her in his room.

He also recently claimed to have nothing to do with 17-yearold Lucy Clode, a fan who he says pursued him after meeting her at his Broadway show.

“I’m not going to high schools, looking for dates,” he told Stern. “I was just trying to meet someone … it’s just that my dirty s--t gets put out

Sir Patrick Stewart currently voices a character on Seth MacFarlane’s animation American Dad!

Tess Gerritsen, author of Gravity, said that Warner Bros. based the story from their blockbuster “Gravity” from her novel of the same name and never gave her credit for it.

James Kottak was convicted of insulting Islam, raising his middle finger and being under the influence of alcohol.

Scorpions drummer James Kottak jailed in Dubai THE drummer for the German rock band Scorpions has been sentenced to one month in jail in Dubai for offensive behaviour, according to local media.

They say James Kottak, an American national, was convicted of insulting Islam, raising his middle finger and being under the influence of alcohol.

Kottak, 51, admitted to drinking alcohol but denied the other charges.

The reported incident occurred at Dubai airport on 3 April, when Scorpions were en route to Bahrain for a concert.

Kottak was arrested following a disturbance in the transit hall, the National newspaper reports.

The court heard he started swearing and talking about “noneducated Muslims”, then flashed his middle finger.

internationally.”

While he initially denied interacting with the teen, Franco later admitted to it and said he was “embarrassed.” (NYdailynews)

‘Gravity’ author Tess Gerritsen sues Warner Bros. for $10 million over breach of contract AUTHOR Tess Gerritsen, whose crime novels inspired TNT’s hit “Rizzoli & Isles,” is suing Warner Bros. for $10 million, claiming the studio based the story from their blockbuster “Gravity” from her novel of the same name and never gave her credit for it.

Gerritsen sold the film rights to her book for $1 million to New Line Productions, a subsidiary of the studio in 1999.

She’s now suing the company for reneging on a contract after they failed to release a “based upon” credit in the 2013 movie “Gravity,” which starred George Clooney and Sandra Bullock.

According to a complaint Gerritsen filed in Los Angeles on Tuesday obtained by Entertainment Weekly, Gerritsen was entitled to a $500,000 bonus and 2.5% of the net proceeds of a movie based on her book if such a film was made.

Gerritsen also states that she wrote additional material for the film, including the scene about a “surviving female medical doctor/ astronaut left drifting in her spacesuit, alone and untethered, seeking the means to return to Earth.”

To date, the film has made more than $716 million. Gerritsen’s hoping for a jury trial to settle the matter. (NYDailynews)

Patrick Stewart to star in Seth MacFarlane TV show SIR Patrick Stewart is to star in a new comedy series from Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane.

Blunt Talk will feature the 73-year-old as British newsman Walter Blunt, who goes to America to conquer cable news and educate the masses on how to live.

US cable network Starz has ordered 20 episodes over two series, to begin next year.

It will be Sir Patrick’s first regular TV role since Star Trek: The Next Generation, which ran from 1987 - 1994.

The new show will see the veteran actor as the host of an interview show, who shares his often unwanted guidance while dealing with a dysfunctional news staff, numerous ex-wives, children and an alcoholic assistant.

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Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 3 - 9, 2014

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

FLOWER GIRL

Is looking for a Part-time

FOR RENT

delivery driver

contact: 946-4664

Contact: 231-3788

3-bedroom apartment $1100.00 per month it will be available May 1st.

With own transportation who is interested in making extra cash.

FOR SALE

FOR RENT

3-bedroom apartment $1100.00 per month it will be available May 1st.

contact: 946-4664

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

May 3 - 9, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 31

PRICED FOR Amazing Value!

QUICK SALE Lot for Sale

Beautiful hillside, water front lot in Paw Paw Joe, North Caicos South

$50,000

(or nearest offer) Also additional seven acres plus in Kerr Mount (inland) contact Veronica at 1-242-327-8011 or 1-649-232-3508, (242) 676-3592

PRICE SLASHED FOR QUICK SALE

$180,000 CASH! House and ½ Acre land Richmond Hill 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Fully furnished

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In Gated/Planned Community in Long Bay. Flamingo Crossing lot comes with full set of House Plans, all underground utilities, etc.

$49,999 o.b.o.

Call 231-3788

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

The largest readership in the Turks & Caicos

A & G VARIETY Is looking for a

CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION Is looking for a

Cashier labourer To work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

contact: 241-6565

To work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour. contact: 231-6370

6566

Position Available An Osteopath required

CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST is looking for a

maintenance / handyman To work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour send resumes to: Executive Board Champions for Christ International School of Excellence #5 Park Place Industrial Park, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI Email: Championsforchristtci@ gmail.com Fax: 1-877-580-8743

9555

JACQUELINE SMITH Is looking for the following positions:

Labourers – $5.00 per hour

Carpenter

Minimum experience 6 years post Graduate.

Applications to be submitted in writing with references and CV or email to Ms. Narisa Thomas Inter-Island Medical Services, Neptune Court Grace Bay or via email address iimsadmin@tciway.tc.

9562

– $8.00 per hour

Hairbraider – $5.00 per hour

Domestic Worker – $5.00 per hour

Must be willing to work 6 days per week

Contact: 243-4214

9559

32 CLASSIFIEDS

Position Available

Y.A.3.B. CONSULTANCY Acting on behalf of our clients is looking for the following positions: Mango Café

Winky’s Catering

3 Barmaids

– $6.00 per hour

Labourer

Provo Entertaining

– $6.00 per hour

B’s Beauty Box

– $6.00 per hour

– $6.00 per hour

2 Waitresses 2 Bartenders – $6.00 per hour

May 3 - 9, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

2 Cosmetologist Nail Technician – $6.00 per hour

Contact: 344-4540

Head Presser

• Minimum of 10 years experience in dry cleaning business with emphasis on pressing specialty items.

• Excellent finishing quality and efficiency is required.

• Must be able to stand for long hours and manage hot working conditions.

• Must be fluent in English and be a team worker.

• Please provide proof of experience.

Email resume pioneercleanersaccnt@ gmail.com Please fax copy to TCI Labour Office: 649-946-4164 9495

Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands

Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101

www.bkwsu.com Email: bkpadma@bkwsutci.com

Senior Site Engineer

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

Engineering Design Services (EDS) is seeking s a experience qualified professional to fill the post of site engineer.

Minimum Qualification :- Associate degree in structural or civil or construction engineering.

Minimum Experience :• 15 years in Structural & Civil Detailing • 6 years in seismic detailing. A strong

International Transfer Company Limited (C.A.M.) in the Turks and Caicos Islands) seeks to employ a

Cashier • have at least one year’s experience as a Cashier • be willing to work on weekends/ holidays and shift duties when required • have basic knowledge of computers • have excellent communication skills • have good typing skills

Raja Yoga

VACANCY

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

Applicants must –

Brama Kumaris

• • • • •

understanding of seismic design is essential 8 years (construction) field experience knowledge of architectural concept and design Fluent in French & Creole.

The successful candidate will be required to travel throughout the Caribbean and beyond Periods of relocation to Haiti will be required

Please Send Resume to pjkeds@tciway.tc Belongers only may apply for this post.

• have good interface with clients • produce a clean Police Record

BELONGERS ONLY NEED APPLY Please send all applications to: Stanfield Greene Graceway House Building A, Suite 201 Leeward Highway Providenciales

Caicos Television Holding Ltd.

9590

HUMAN RESOURCESPECIALIST JOB SUMMARY: Lead HR strategy and implementation for the WIV operation.

Position Available

DRY CLEANER

• Minimum 10 yrs experience in Dry Cleaning industry; pressing, spotting and operations management.

• Minimum 5 yrs Management experience.

• Must be able to operate & maintain machines.

• Manage staff, processing & pressing operations, ordering supplies & track inventory.

• Excellent interpersonal & communication skills.

• Must be computer literate and have accounting skills.

• Must be fluent in English. French & Spanish an asset.

NIGHT SHIFT SUPERVISOR • Minimum 10 yrs experience in Laundry industry.

• Minimum 3 yrs Management experience.

• Night Shift: 9pm – 6am daily.

• Must be able to operate & maintain machines.

• Responsible to manage staff, scheduling, tracking POH, sorting, processing & organization of night shift.

• Excellent interpersonal & communication skills.

• Must be computer literate and have accounting skills.

• Must be fluent in English. French & Spanish an asset.

Email resume to info@pioneertci.com or deliver to Pioneer office.

Please fax/deliver copy to TCI Labour Office: 649-946-4164 9589

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Recruitment and selection for employees through innovative and proactive recruitment campaigns, graduate programs and specialist skills.

• Maintain zero risk to the business from employee relations or related matters • Implement, maintain and optimize HR best practices • Implement & ensure that training & employee development policies and procedures are established, understood and optimized.

• Implement, maintain and enhance WIVs Performance Management systems and practices.

• Offer expert legal, generalist and best practice HR advice to the Senior Management Team and Business Managers • Ensure HR are involved and take responsibility for all employee relations issues at local levels • Help create a high performance culture where talent and achievement is recognized and rewarded • Ensure all training and development activities are managed in an effective manner QUALIFICATIONS and EXPERIENCE: • Degree in Human Resources Management or related discipline • Minimum 5 years HR Manager Experience, at least three years at senior manager level • Track record in effective HR Management ability to manage in a fast paced environment • Must have a thorough understanding of HR best practices DURATION: 6 month contract

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Resumewith current contact information must be accompanied by a cover letter to Lydia Tucker, email lydia@wiv.tc

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 15, 2014

9579

May 3 - 9, 2014

CLASSIFIEDS 33

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PRICE SLASHED $175,000

One domestic worker $5.00 per hour Must be willing to work 6 days per week.

Contact: 232-1113

Due to change of season we are selling lots of items at discount prices. Towels, curtains, bathroom sets, bathroom coordinates, napkins, cups and glasses, canisters, mixing bowls, serving trays and much more for your house.

NATASHA CONSULTANCY Acting on behalf of our clients:

DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys

JOSEPH SKIPPINGS

Labourer Contact: 242-9087

SHATHEN HINSON

9545

SALES!!!

Labourer Contact: 245-1811

PUBLIC NOTICE DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys are pleased to announce the re-opening of our Leeward Highway Office for ongoing legal services to the public. We are located in our own building across the street from the Supreme Court complex, next door to the offices of TC Weekly News and between that and the St. Monica's Anglican Church.

We specialize in: • Civil Litigation (Particular competencies: Judicial Review and other claims against TCI Government/Departments, Mareva and other Injunctions, Land, Trust & Bank disputes) • Property Matters, Planning Department & Development Issues • Business Law • Immigration • Labour Disputes

The Shore Club is now accepting applications/résumé for the following positions.

Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve others, need apply:

Telephone: (649) 941-4444 Telefax: (649) 941-4235 Cellphone: (649) 245-1314 email: berynd@yahoo.com

Certified WinDoor Installers

DUNCANSON & CO.

We require Short-Term: • WinDoor qualified and certified External Aluminum Door and Window Installers.

• Qualified and experienced installers of WinDoor high quality glazed external aluminum door and window units.

• You must be WinDoor trained and certified to install and test glazed WinDoor, aluminum doors and windows under WinDoor warranty.

• You must have a minimum of 10 years qualified experience and be able to train assistant installers to WinDoor certified standards.

Barristers & Attorneys

PO Box 52, Cheshire House East 1315A Leeward Highway, Providenciales

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

Applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude as well as be willing to work 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@thesandstc.com. Deadline is May 7, 2014.

9565

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

34 CLASSIFIEDS

May 3 - 9, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

GUILLERMINA RODRIQUEZ

GLENN PENN Is looking for a

ABOUT US

Working in the Caribbean since 1995, we at dck worldwide take pride in our ability to integrate efficiently into the diverse cultures within the region. Having completed large construction projects in the Bahamas, Nevis, Anguilla, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, Cuba and Puerto Rico we understand the unique challenges of working safely in in remote areas. Through partnering with local labor, governments and communities we always provide our clients with fully staffed regional offices. We are now looking forward to building long-lasting relationships in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

ABOUT THE POSTION

The Project Executive of Preconstruction has direct responsibility for identifying and securing the resources to support the efforts of the client, design consultants and cost planners in the preparation and presentation of the comprehensive scopes-of-work and associated cost plans. The project is a planned large-scale resort development.

ABOUT THE JOB

• Possess working knowledge and have the ability to clearly communicate technical details of all project requirements, details and specifications to ensure contractor compliance • Develop the initial project schedule and communicate schedule updates to all stakeholders.

• Coordinate with the Architects, Engineers and Cost Planners to establish the design and bid packages and to ensure that the design produced remains within the parameters of the cost plan and funds available for construction.

• Maintain a preconstruction cost forecast that reflects the cost for pre-construction services based on the most current design schedules and estimated staffing needs.

• Ensure that the project running sheets, issues registers, modification/change logs, risk and opportunity registers and design schedules are maintained, current and accurate.

• Responsible for the accuracy of all reports, logs and/or registers as may be required to accurately record the preconstruction function.

• Responsible for ensuring that staff hired, trained, retained and developed are of the highest standard

ABOUT YOU Applicant must have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Industrial Technology or a related Quantity Surveying/Construction Economics degree.

• A minimum of 15 years of construction, estimating and design management experience on fast-track design build hospitality project in excess of $100 million.

• A thorough knowledge of project management procedures, estimating techniques, design and engineering disciplines as well as cost control systems.

Applicant must have demonstrated shill in the following areas:

• Ability to conduct meetings with subordinates, design consultants, owners and other business unit leaders to receive, discuss and present project and corporate strategies.

• Ability to anticipate resource requirements and the skill to recruit qualified resources.

• Excellent organizational, leadership, analytical and oral presentation and written communication skills • Observable commitment to execute work and represent the corporation in a professional manner

Domestic Worker contact: 342-9831

ABOUT APPLYING

• To apply for this position, visit www.dckww.com , click Careers and upload your resume with references.

• Applications with detailed resumes and the names of three business references should be submitted no later than May 12, 2014 • Dck TCI, Ltd. thanks all applicants for their interest.

To work 3 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

GTC LIMITED/ BELL LUNA

COOK

• Must have 5 years experience on the line with Italian cuisine • Must be willing to work weekends, evenings and holidays • Must be available 6 nights per week • Must speak, read and write English • Must work well with others and work well under pressure • Must have clean police record Salary $6.00 per hour

Submit resume to P.O. Box 543 or deliver resumes to restaurant Monday-Friday 10am-3pm closing date for application May 19th, 2014

contact: 241-1246

9572

ISACC SELVER – QUICK STEP SHOE REPAIR Is looking for a

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

contact: 9414800/941-4990

9592

LORENZO FRANCIS

LEMON CAFÉ

JAVON HARRIS

is seeking a

Is looking for a

labourer

Dishwasher

labourer

email: destinationtci@ gmail.com 9577

Please contact: Jonathan at 232-4933 9581

contact: 342-6134

Is looking for a

to work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

OVANDO CONSTRUCTION Is looking for a

Salary $6.00 per hour Must be willing to work flexible hours including evenings and holidays

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

9593

HANDYMAN/ LABOURER NEEDED For a private home in Providenciales

ABOUT OUR OFFER

Applicants will have a challenging, diverse experience with opportunities for setting short and long-term goals for professional growth. Our compensation package is attractively structured.

handyman

To work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

9596

Project Executive of Preconstruction

Is looking for a

Tile Layer To work 5 days per week salary $7.00 per hour.

contact: 331-9854

;; A hardworking person needed to work six days a week. ;; Must speak English. Must be Fit and able.

Required to work 6 days a week. ;; Salary is $ 1,250.00 a month. Required to work six days a week ;; An experienced Belonger required for this position.

If you fit the above qualifications please send your resume to the following address: PO Box 560, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. 9569

CLASSIFIEDS 35

CARIB GLASS & SUPPLY LTD.

NORTH CAICOS HOME OWNER

is seeking to employ an Experienced

Is seeking a

Duties will include: • Assisting with installing commercial/residential doors and windows, glass cutting and fabrication, glass re-glazing, rescreening of doors & windows, measuring of repair job • Candidate must be able to read and write English also be able to read a measuring tape and understand & provide sketches for repair work • Training will be provided in all aspects of the glass industry • Normal hours of work will be 8:30am-5:30pm weekdays (number of hour worked will be discussed)

labourer

Rate of pay starting at $15.00 per hour Please submit your resume via email: caribglasstci@aol.com

contact: 649-246-4769

Door & Window Installer/ Trainee/Glass Technician

Is looking for

1 A/C– $7.00/hour Technician

1ToLabourer work 6 days a week. Salary: $5.50 / day

– $7.00/hour

2 Laborers

DSP

Handyman To work 3 days

Contact: 245-6962

contact: 244-8584

9586

labourer

9582

contact: 243-7785

Leeward Highway Providenciales Telephone: 231- 6710

Domestic Worker LABOURERS, To work 5 days per Contact 231-6102

MASON Salary starts at $5.00 per hour

Labourers – $5.00 per hour

Domestic Worker – $5.00 per hour

Cox Labour Services Ltd

week. Interested persons

9575

Contact: 649-347-2093

9567

D. BELLE BEAUTY SALON Is looking for a

salon helper To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

contact: 241-5325

DUFRY GRAND TURK LTD. Is seeking 2

SALES MANAGERS

laboUrers To work 6 days

• Must have a high school diploma (or equivalent) is required • Two (2) degrees or above is strongly preferred • Minimum of 5 years retail experience • Three (3) years experience in Duty Free/Tax Free Cruise ship passenger arena • Five (5) years experience in fine jewelry retail • One year experience in customs and logistics

contact: 342-0090

Send resume by fax to: 649-946-1331

per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Edith Hall Is seeking a

per week salary $5.50 per hour.

– $6.50/hour

Is looking for

Is looking for a

2 Domestic Workers

– $6.50/hour

9587

Contact: 243-7785

2 Painters

CARIDAD POZO

Acting on behalf of our clients: C & P Welding, Cowdrey Lightbourne, Bridget Robinson, Delano Ewing, AM J’s Variety Store

To work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

9591

Is looking for

B&B SERVICES

9573

ALBERT HIGGS NORTH CAICOS

C & J EMPLOYMENT

Is looking for a

To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour apply in person with resume and immigration status.

9547

ALBERT’S CLEANING SERVICES

9597

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

9580

May 3 - 9, 2014

NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS Pursuant to provisions of the Non-Profit Organisations Regulations 2013 (The Regulations), the Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission makes known it has commenced registration of all Non-Profit Organisations in accordance with Regulations 5,6,7,8,9 and 10.

Registration is required for; All Non-Profit Organisations that are 1. Incorporated, formed or otherwise established in the Islands; or 2. Administered in or from within the Islands An exempted non-profit organisation is not required to be registered under the Regulations

JOB ADVERTISEMENT Gansevoort Turks + Caicos is a contemporary luxury full service boutique resort on Grace Bay Beach. We are looking for driven and energetic professionals with Five Star experience and who are committed to achieving excellence by ensuring Five Star standards and services are continuously delivered.

Assistant Director For Food and Beverage: Directs and supervises, under the direction of the Director of Food & Beverage, all aspects of the Food & Beverage operations for the resort, Stelle, The Beach Bar + Grill, Bar’s, In Room Dining and any private dining functions and events.

Main responsibilities are to ensure proper training and supervision of team and to deliver prompt, courteous service in a manner that complies with Gansevoort and Stelle standards. Supervises Middle Management, Servers, Server Assistants, Runners, Bartenders, Barbacks, Hostess and administrative personnel. The Assistant Director of Food and Beverage will be responsible for the effective administration, supervision and execution of programs consistent with the company standards and goals of providing excellent service while generating maximum revenue.

An exempted non-profit organisation means a non-profit organisation 1. The gross annual income of which does not exceed $5,000 and 2. The assets of which do not exceed $10,000 in value.

Application to Register The Application to Register is available on the Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission Website; www.tcifsc.tc Departments → Designated NonFinancial Businesses and Professions → Non Profit Organisations.

Paper copies of completed applications must be delivered to the Head of Designated Non Financial Businesses and Professions at the Financial Services Commission offices in either Grand Turk or Providenciales.

The application must be accompanied by payment for the one time registration fee of $150

Interested applicants can contact our Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday 9am to 6pm on (649)941-7555. E- Mail cover letter outlining your interest and supporting experience in a particular position along with your Resume or C.V. to hr@wymara.com

9564

Further Information Further information may be obtained from The Head of Designated Non Financial Businesses and Professions, Financial Services Commission on (649) 946 5314/ 941 8311 or by email to dnfbp@tcifsc.tc 9594

36

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Science & Technology

May 3 - 9, 2014

Too much or too little sleep tied to memory problems in older women SENIORS who slept too little or too much during midlife or after are at increased risk for memory problems, as are those whose sleep habits changed over time, a new study suggests.

Researchers looked at more than 15,000 women, 70 and older, who took part in a large study of health professionals. The women were depression- and stroke-free when they underwent their initial assessment.

Participants who slept five hours or less, or nine hours or more a day -- either in midlife or later life -- had worse memory than those who slept seven hours a day. The difference in memory was equivalent to nearly two extra years of age, the researchers said.

Women whose amount of sleep changed by more than two hours a night over time had poorer memory than those who had no sleep changes, according to the study published May 1 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

“Given the importance of preserving memory into later life, it is critical to identify modifiable factors, such as sleeping habits, that may help achieve this goal,” study leader Elizabeth Devore, of Brigham

Researchers found that people who increased their coffee intake by more than an eight-ounce cup a day in a four-year period had an 11 percent lower risk of diabetes than those whose consumption remained steady.

Participants who slept five hours or less, or nine hours or more a day -- either in midlife or later life -- had worse memory than those who slept seven hours a day.

and Women’s Hospital in Boston, said in a hospital news release.

“Our findings suggest that getting an ‘average’ amount of sleep, seven hours per day, may help maintain memory in later life and that clinical interventions based on sleep therapy should be examined for the prevention of [mental] impairment,” she added.

The study adds “to our knowledge

about how sleep impacts memory.

More research is needed to confirm these findings and explore possible mechanisms underlying these associations,” Devore concluded.

While the study found an association between sleep time during midlife and older age and memory function in older women, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship. (Webmn)

Antibiotic resistance now ‘global threat’, WHO warns RESISTANCE to antibiotics poses a “major global threat” to public health, says a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO).

It analysed data from 114 countries and said resistance was happening now “in every region of the world”.

It described a “post-antibiotic era”, where people die from simple infections that have been treatable for decades.

There were likely to be “devastating” implications unless “significant” action was taken urgently, it added.

The report focused on seven different bacteria responsible for common serious diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and blood infections.

It suggested two key antibiotics no longer work in more than half of people being treated in some countries.

One of them - carbapenem - is a so-called “last-resort” drug used to treat people with life-threatening infections such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and infections in newborns, caused by the bacteria K.pneumoniae.

Bacteria naturally mutate to

eventually become immune to antibiotics, but the misuse of these drugs - such as doctors overprescribing them and patients failing to finish courses - means it is happening much faster than expected.

The WHO says more new antibiotics need to be developed, while governments and individuals should take steps to slow the process of growing resistance.

In its report, it said resistance to antibiotics for E.coli urinary tract infections had increased from “virtually zero” in the 1980s to being ineffective in more than half of cases today.

In some countries, it said, resistance to antibiotics used to treat the bacteria “would not work in more than half of people treated”.

GONORRHOEA TREATMENT ‘FAILURE’ Dr Keiji Fukuda, assistant directorgeneral at WHO, said: “Without urgent, coordinated action by many stakeholders, the world is headed for a post-antibiotic era, in which common infections and minor injuries which have been treatable for decades can once again kill.”

He said effective antibiotics had been one of the “pillars” to help people live longer, healthier lives, and benefit from modern medicine.

“Unless we take significant actions to improve efforts to prevent infections and also change how we produce, prescribe and use antibiotics, the world will lose more and more of these global public health goods and the implications will be devastating,” Dr Fukuda added.

The report also found last-resort treatment for gonorrhoea, a sexuallytransmitted infection which can cause infertility, had “failed” in the UK. It was the same in Austria, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Norway, South Africa, Slovenia and Sweden, it said.

More than a million people are infected with gonorrhoea across the world every day, the organisation said.

‘Wake-up call’ The report called for better hygiene, access to clean water, infection control in healthcare facilities, and vaccination to reduce the need for antibiotics.

Coffee tied to lower diabetes risk DRINKING more coffee may decrease your risk of Type 2 diabetes, while cutting down may increase your risk, a new study has found.

Over a 20-year period, researchers periodically collected detailed information on diet, lifestyle and medical conditions in more than 120,000 participants. They found 7,269 cases of Type 2 diabetes.

After controlling for smoking, age, weight, physical activity, alcohol consumption and a family history of diabetes, they found that people who increased their coffee intake by more than an eight-ounce cup a day in a four-year period had an 11 percent lower risk of diabetes than those whose consumption remained steady. People who

decreased their consumption by the same amount had a 17 percent higher risk. The report appears online in Diabetologia.

“It’s not the caffeine,” said the lead author, Shilpa N. Bhupathiraju, a research fellow at Harvard. “We know that. But coffee has a lot of antioxidants and other bioactive compounds” important in glucose metabolism. The effect has been found in previous studies with decaffeinated coffee, she said.

Dr. Bhupathiraju warned that coffee is not a cure-all, and that a healthy diet and lifestyle are still the best protection against diabetes. “If you’re going to eat a doughnut and smoke while having coffee,” she said, “it won’t help.” (Gnomes.es)

Mini strokes should not be ignored THOSE who ignore symptoms of a TIA (transient ischaemic attack) or mini-stroke are running the risk of having a major stroke, the Stroke Association warns.

TIA causes similar symptoms to a stroke, such as speech problems, but may last only a few minutes.

A survey of TIA patients found more than one in three had dismissed their symptoms as just a “funny turn”.

About 10,000 strokes could be prevented if TIAs were treated, said the charity.

• The symptoms of TIAs usually come on suddenly • Mini-stroke symptoms are the same as for stroke but last no longer than 24 hours • Symptoms include facial weakness, such as drooping mouth or eyes, arm weakness, and speech problems The greatest risk of having a major stroke was within the first few days after a TIA, said chief executive Jon Barrick.

For many people “it doesn’t feel like an emergency because the symptoms are brief or mild”, he said.

“There’s nothing small about mini-stroke,” he added.

“It’s a medical emergency. When the symptoms start, you should call 999 and say you may be having a stroke.”

Each year about 46,000 people in the UK suffer from a TIA for the first time.

One in 20 people will have a major stroke within two days of a mini-stroke and this figure rises to one in 12 within a week of a TIA. BBC TV presenter Andrew Marr, who has recovered from a stroke, said: “I had two mini-strokes before going on to have a major stroke.

“I was one of the thousands of people who dismissed the warning signs - simple ignorance.”

The Stroke Association’s survey of 670 people who had had a ministroke found: 37% had thought it was a “funny turn” 22% rang 999 47% said the symptoms had not felt like an emergency 20% went on to have a major stroke

May 3 - 9, 2014

37

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Science & Technology

High-fibre diet ‘benefits heart attack patients’ New treatments have played a role as well as earlier diagnosis and screening.

Half of cancer sufferers ‘live a decade or more’ HALF of people in England and Wales now being diagnosed with cancer will survive at least a decade - double the rate in the early 1970s, figures show.

New treatments have played a role as well as earlier diagnosis and screening.

But Cancer Research UK, which carried out the research, said the progress showed there needed to be new, more ambitious aims.

It said it wanted to see 10-year survival hit 75% in the next 20 years.

And it promised to increase investment in research by half within the next decade to help achieve that.

Researchers said cancer need no longer be viewed as the “death sentence” it once was with the new figures suggesting a “tipping point” had been reached.

The analysis showed that in 19712, 50% of people diagnosed with cancer died within a year. Now 50% survive for at least a decade - up from 24% in 1971-2.

But the findings, based on the outcomes for more than 7 million patients, also showed that for some cancers, survival rates were still very low.

For example, just 1% of pancreatic cancer patients and 5% of lung cancer patients can expect to survive for 10 years.

Nonetheless, the overall figures showed there had been significant progress in the way cancer was treated.

The findings have been adjusted to take into account the changing profile of new cancer being diagnosed - there has been a shift away from the more deadly disease such as lung cancer to ones where survival rates tend to be better - so provide a measure of how the care of cancer patients has improved.

Cancer Research UK chief executive Dr Harpal Kumar said: “I don’t think we would ever have expected to achieve what we have.

We’re gradually reversing the tide on this devastating disease.

Human skin grown in lab ‘can replace animal testing’ SKIN grown in the laboratory can replace animals in drug and cosmetics testing, UK scientists say.

A team led by King’s College London has grown a layer of human skin from stem cells - the master cells of the body.

Stem cells have been turned into skin before, but the researchers say this is more like real skin as it has a permeable barrier.

It offers a cost-effective alternative to testing drugs and cosmetics on animals, they say.

The outermost layer of human skin, known as the epidermis, provides a protective barrier that stops moisture escaping and microbes entering.

Scientists have been able to grow epidermis from human

skin cells removed by biopsy for several years, but the latest research goes a step further.

The research used reprogrammed skin cells which offer a way to produce an unlimited supply of the main type of skin cell found in the epidermis.

They also grew the skin cells in a low humidity environment, which gave them a barrier similar to that of true skin.

SKIN BARRIER Lead researcher Dr Dusko Ilic, of King’s College London, told BBC News: “This is a new and suitable model that can be used for testing new drugs and cosmetics and can replace animal models.

“It is cheap, it is easy to scale up and it is reproducible.” (BBC)

IF YOU have had a heart attack, eat plenty of fibre because it may improve your long-term chances of recovery, say US researchers.

Heart-attack survivors were more likely to be alive nine years later if they followed a high-fibre diet, a study in the British Medical Journal found.

Every 10g-per-day increase in fibre intake was linked with a 15% drop in death risk during the study.

Dietary fibre may improve blood pressure and cholesterol, experts say.

On average, most people in the UK get about 14g of fibre a day, against a target of at least 18g. US experts recommend up to 38g a day.

Fruit, such as bananas and apples, root vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, wholemeal bread, cereals and bran are all good sources of dietary fibre.

A jacket potato and baked beans contain about 10g of fibre; two slices of wholemeal bread about 4g.

BREAKFAST CEREALS A low-fibre diet is associated with constipation and gut diseases, such as diverticulitis and bowel cancer, but it may also have implications for heart health, say US researchers.

The Harvard School of Public Health team analysed data from two large US studies involving more than 4,000 men and women who

Fibre-rich foods, such as wholemeal bread, appear to help heart-attack survivors live longer.

had survived a first heart attack and had provided information about their usual diet via questionnaires.

They were followed for an average of almost nine years after their heart attacks, during which time 682 of the women and 451 of the men died.

Chances of survival appeared to be linked with fibre intake, which was mostly from breakfast cereals.

The one in five who ate most fibre had a 25% lower chance of dying from any cause during the nine years after their heart attack compared with the fifth who ate the least.

The high-fibre group was 13% less likely to have a fatal heart attack.

The researchers say the findings point to a simple lifestyle step that people could take, alongside their medication, to improve their longterm health prospects.

Victoria Taylor, of the British Heart Foundation, said: “High-fibre foods are a key part of a healthy balanced diet, and this study suggests they may have a particular benefit for heart-attack survivors.

“We can’t say for sure what caused the fibre benefit seen here, but we do know that, on average, we’re not getting enough fibre in our diets.

“Fibre comes from a range of foods, including fruit and veg, beans and lentils, and also from cereal products, which this study found to be particularly beneficial.

“To get more fibre, you can make simple swaps, such as trading white bread for wholegrain versions or opting for higher-fibre breakfast cereals, like porridge or muesli.”

(BBC)

Pre-pregnancy diet ‘permanently influences baby’s DNA’ A MOTHER’S diet around the time of conception can permanently influence her baby’s DNA, research suggests.

Animal experiments show diet in pregnancy can switch genes on or off, but this is the first human evidence.

The research followed women in rural Gambia, where seasonal climate leads to big differences in diet between rainy and dry periods.

It emphasises the need for a wellbalanced diet before conception and in pregnancy, says a UK/US team.

Scientists followed 84 pregnant women who conceived at the peak of the rainy season, and about the same number who conceived at the peak of the dry season.

Nutrient levels were measured in blood samples taken from the women; while the DNA of their babies was analysed two to eight months after birth.

Lead scientist Dr Branwen Hennig, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said it was the first demonstration in humans that a mother’s nutrition at

The scientists followed babies born in a rural area of The Gambia.

the time of conception can change how her child’s genes will be interpreted for life.

She told BBC News: “Our results have shown that maternal nutrition pre-conception and in early pregnancy is important and may have implications for health outcomes of the next generation.

“Women should have a wellbalanced food diet prior to conception and during pregnancy.”

Experiments in mice show diet during pregnancy can have a life-

long impact on the genes of offspring.

For instance, the coat colour of a mouse is influenced by its mother’s diet.

These are known as “epigenetic effects” (modifications to DNA that turn genes on and off).

One such modification involves attaching chemicals called methyl groups to DNA. Infants from rainy season conceptions had consistently higher rates of methylation in all six genes studied, the researchers found.

38

Sports Interational

May 3 - 9, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Copa America ‘Centenario’ confirmed for U.S

CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb, left, and Eugenio Figueredo, right, president of CONMEBOL, the South American scoccer Confederation, pose for photographers next to the 2016 Copa America trophy in Bal Harbour, Fla., Thursday, May 1, 2014.

THE worst-kept soccer secret in the Western Hemisphere was let out of the bag Thursday morning at a lavish press conference in Bal Harbour. A special “Centenario” edition of Copa America, marking the 100th anniversary of the South American tournament, will be hosted across the United States from June 3-26, 2016.

Sun Life Stadium is one of the venues expected to be considered because of its proximity to South and Central America and the Caribbean, and its track record of huge crowds for international matches.

A Brazil vs. Honduras friendly at Sun Life last year

drew 71,124 fans, and last summer 67,273 showed up for Real Madrid vs. Chelsea. Next month, Sun Life will host five World Cup teams before they head to Brazil – England vs.

Ecuador June 4, England vs.

Honduras June 7, and Ghana vs. South Korea June 9.

“It’s terrific we’ll be hosting in the U.S., the biggest soccer event here since the 1994 World Cup, and from an American market perspective, it’s fantastic having this sort of event back so we can again showcase what we can do,’’ said Sunil Gulati, president of the U.S. Soccer Federation, which will be heavily involved in the planning of the Centenario.

U.S. cities will enter a bid process to become hosts, and it is unknown exactly how many venues will be chosen. It is expected to be a dozen or more.

Other stadiums that could get games include the Rose Bowl in Pasadena; MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J; the Citrus Bowl in Orlando; RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.;

Stanford Stadium; and Reliant Stadium in Houston.

“We have a number of different models involving many cities,’’ Gulati said. “In theory, we could play in 32 cities and not have to do a dollar of infrastructure and have stadiums ready to go at 70plus thousand. We’re not going to do that, but it’s wide open how many venues we will use.’’

MACKEY’S TIRE

SALES AGENT

Is looking for a

Tyre Repairman To work 5 days per salary $6.00 per hour.

contact: 941-4440

9598

TROPICANA UPHOLSTRY

Duties include all aspects of customer service, car rental sales and dealing with E-mail correspondence pertaining to car reservations. To work 5 days per week including weekends and holidays.

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Contact telephone:

946-5300

9600

TEKORA PRATT Is looking for a

Is looking for

Domestic Worker

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

contact: 241-4070

Domestic Worker To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 241-2179

FLOWER GIRL

Wanted urgently

Floral Designer

Must have thorough knowledge in the floral business with 3-5 years experience.

Call: 231-3788

9583

May 3 - 9, 2014

Sports Interational

39

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Neymar not taxed by poor form ahead of World Cup HE came from Brazil to leading Spanish club Barcelona in a megabucks transfer touted as the new Lionel Messi.

A series of niggling injuries this season put paid to any hope of Neymar living up to those high expectations, while the tax issues surrounding his complicated transfer from Santos cast a shadow over his new career in Europe.

But the Brazilian, who has managed just nine league goals for Barcelona since touching down in Catalonia, is quick to rule out any correlation -- as some have done --

between those off-field issues and his form in a “Blaugrana” shirt this season.

Which will be a relief to Brazil given how important Neymar is to their team and its hopes of winning the World Cup on home soil.

“No, I don’t think [it has affected my performances]. I’m used to leaving all those problems aside, I’m very relaxed when it comes to that,” said Neymar, who was talking to CNN at a Castrol Footkhana event.

“It’s unpleasant when everyone is talking about things that are not true, but on the pitch it doesn’t get in the

Benfica celebrate advancing to their second successive Europa League final.

Benfica draw at Juve to reach Europa League TEN-MAN Benfica survived a surge of late Juventus pressure to secure a goalless draw and advance to their second successive Europa League final.

The visitors’ Enzo Perez got a second yellow card on 67 minutes, but Juve could not make the extra man count.

On-loan Dani Osvaldo had a goal ruled out for offside before Martín Caceres’s header was pushed away by Jan Oblak.

Benfica’s Lazar Markovic and Juve’s Mirko Vucinic were dismissed from the bench after an injury-time scuffle.

Markovic, along with Salvio who is suspended after picking up a booking, will be missing when the Portuguese champions return to Juventus Stadium on 14 May for the final against Spanish side Sevilla.

Juventus went close to the goal that would have ensured them

a ‘home’ final and a chance to land their first piece of European silverware since their 1996 Champions League success.

But Carlos Tevez volleyed over before defender Luisao got back to divert Arturo Vidal’s effort over from beneath his own crossbar in the first half.

The pressure only intensified in a second half played in heavy rain.

The Lisbon side had a rare chance when Rodrigo snatched at a shot after being put through on the right, but were forced to defend deep and in diminished numbers when Perez was sent off for his needless foul on Vidal.

Jorge Jesus’s side held out, however, and the possibility of a first European trophy in 52 years, as well as a remarkable quadruple with two domestic cup final appearances to come, remains alive. (BBC)

way.”

True or not Neymar’s club is being investigated over tax fraud regarding the transfer -- which Barcelona was forced to confirm actually totaled 86.2 million euros rather than the 57.1 million euros first announced -- while Sandro Rosell had to step down from his role as president as controversy over the deal intensified.

Neymar’s former club Santos, meanwhile, is unhappy with how the transfer fee was divided up -- with a large chunk having been paid to a company controlled by the player’s father, Neymar Snr -- and has been seeking a bigger cut than the 17.1 million euros it originally received.

Earlier this year Santos president Odilio Rodrigues reportedly criticized Neymar’s father calling the deal he did with Barcelona “unacceptable.”

“I was very sad by the way that Santos handled this problem,” Neymar, who has previously defended his father’s role in the deal, said. “We hadn’t done anything wrong.

“The way that Santos handled this left me very sad, but what are you going to do? I can’t answer for them, but I can speak for myself and

Neymar says he is very relaxed when it comes to his performances at the 2014 World Cup.

my dad and say that we were truly saddened by how they wanted to resolve this.”

Santos was the club that molded Neymar into the player he is today.

Making his debut in 2009 at the age of just 17 -- after coming through the youth ranks -- he helped lead the side to South American Copa Libertadores glory in 2011.

“What I lived at Santos will stay with me for the rest of my life, they were wonderful years where I made history. I think that won’t be erased,” he said.

“I’m sad with the board, I’m sad with who was in presidency -- with those I am upset. With the club, the fans, the players? No. “I have a lot of love for Santos, because it was a club where I was for 10 years, so my love will always be great.”

Like Neymar, Barcelona have had an up and down season, losing the Spanish Copa del Rey final to rivals Real Madrid and crashing out of the European Champions League at the quarterfinal stage, while a Spanish La Liga title looks unlikely. (CNN)

Paralympic long jumper Stef Reid boosted by new world best PARALYMPIC long jump silver medallist Stef Reid hopes her new world best can be the catalyst to a successful 2014 season.

The 29-year-old single leg amputee managed 5.45m at a meeting in Clermont, Florida last weekend, beating the previous T44 record by 2cm.

“I knew I could do it and I celebrated,” Reid told BBC Sport.

“But at the same time, this isn’t the end goal - there is still a lot more work I need to do.”

Reid, who was born in New Zealand to British parents and represented Canada at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics before declaring for Great Britain in 2010, had her right leg amputated below the knee following a boating accident when she was 16.

But after winning silver in the combined F42/44 category at the Olympic Stadium with a personal best of 5.28m, Reid had a nightmare last year, culminating in finishing last in her event at the IPC Athletics World Championships in Lyon. She believes she has turned the corner,

Stef Reid jumped 5.45M, beating the previous T44 record by 2cm.

however, with the help of coach Rana Reider.

“I knew I needed to change things after the Paralympics and I finally got sorted out by last May and had started working with Rana,” she explained.

“At the back of your mind you hope things will work out from the

beginning but it takes time when you go to a new coach and I didn’t realise how bad things were going to get.

“I will never forget how terrible Lyon was and I never want to feel that again. It was so below what I was capable of doing, but meeting Rana has given me the tools to work with and it feels great.

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Oprah Winfrey joins big names interested in buying Los Angeles Clippers AMERICAN talk show host Oprah Winfrey has added her name to the list of stars looking to buy the Los Angeles Clippers.

After Clippers owner Donald Sterling was banned for life by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, a number of people have expressed an interest in the franchise including Floyd Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya and Magic Johnson.

But now Oprah has joined David Geffen and Larry Ellison and formed a consortium to take over the NBA team.

The three billionaires have a combined wealth of $60 billion (£35.54b).

Television entrepreneur Winfrey, is joining forces with the world’s fifth richest man, Ellison and entertainment mogul Geffen to pry

The IOC VP said that he “still believe the Rio organising committee can deliver an excellent Games”.

Long-time friends: Oprah Winfrey and fellow billionaire David Geffen have joined forces in the hope of acquiring the team.

the franchise from Sterling’s grip after he revealed he would not sell the team he bought for $12 million (£7.1m) in 1982.

Mayweather, meanwhile, wants to put the $40 million which is his guaranteed minimum for Saturday

night’s fight towards cost to purchase the Clippers.

However, despite the celebrity billionaire interest, Sterling is refusing to sell his team - signaling a lengthy and costly legal battle with the NBA. (Daily Mail)

Australian Test captain Michael Clarke (right) said that the team was “incredibly proud”.

Australia top world Test cricket rankings for first time in five years Australia are top of the annual Test cricket rankings for the first time since August 2009 thanks to series wins over South Africa and England.

They remain the leading one-day side, and hold the International Cricket Council’s number one spots in both formats for the first time since 2008.

Captain Michael Clarke said: “We are incredibly proud.

There’s been an enormous amount of work and effort.”

South Africa slip to second, while England are up one place to third.

Australia have improved after a difficult period last year when they were beaten 4-0 by India and sacked coach Mickey Arthur only 16 days before the start of an Ashes series they went on to lose 3-0.

Rio 2016 Olympics can be excellent - IOC vice-president AN INTERNATIONAL Olympic Committee vice-president has backtracked on criticism he made about Rio’s preparations for the 2016 Games.

Australian John Coates described the situation in the Brazilian city as the “worst” he had seen.

But he has now issued a statement saying work is moving in the right direction.

“I want to underline I still believe the Rio organising committee can deliver an excellent Games,” he said.

He added: “Rio 2016 is addressing the specific concerns of the 17 international federations that were raised with the organisers at a

meeting in Turkey in April regarding their venues and the progress overall.”

Coates has made six trips to Rio as part of the commission responsible for overseeing the preparations.

On Tuesday, he said construction had not started on some venues, infrastructure was significantly delayed and added that the city had “social issues that need to be addressed”.

Coatrs, who has been involved in the Olympics for nearly 40 years, said the IOC had taken “unprecedented” action by placing experts in the local organising committee to ensure the Games go ahead. (BBC)

Blake to race at Glasgow Grand Prix in July Atletico Madrid booked a place in the Champions League final after a 3-1 beating of Chelsea.

Atletico Madrid boss thanks players’ mothers ATLETICO Madrid coach Diego Simeone praised his players’ mothers for nurturing a winning mentality after reaching the Champions League final.

The Spanish side came from behind to beat Chelsea 3-1, setting up a clash with city rivals Real Madrid on 24 May. “I want to thank the mothers of these players because they gave birth to them with balls this big,” said Simeone, gesturing as if holding a football.

“The reaction of the team will stick in people’s memories.”

Fernando Torres put Chelsea ahead, but Adrian Lopez levelled before half-time, and goals from Diego Costa and Arda Turan secured Atletico a place in their first European Cup final since 1974.

“The players took control of the pitch against a powerful team, with a lot of history in the Champions League, and that makes me very pleased,” added the Argentine, whose team are also on course to win La Liga.

“We have to be grateful for their effort because without them we could not have experienced what we are.”

At the final whistle, Atletico’s players danced in front of their fans, knowing that Real would be their opponents in Lisbon. It will be the first time two clubs from the same city have contested the final.

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti, whose team beat Bayern Munich 5-0 on aggregate to secure their place in Lisbon, said everyone in the Spanish capital was happy.

OLYMPIC 100m silver medallist Yohan Blake has confirmed he will compete at July’s Glasgow Grand Prix and says he is ready to “light up the track” again.

The Jamaican, 24, was unable to defend his 100m title at last year’s World Championships because of injury.

He will race against World Indoor 60m champion Richard Kilty and Kilty’s British team-mate Adam Gemili.

The event takes place on 1112 July at Hampden Park, just two weeks before the city hosts the Commonwealth Games.

It is part of the Diamond League series and will be Blake’s first appearance in Scotland.

“After such a strong 2012, it was disappointing not to be able to continue that form into 2013,” said Blake, who became the second fastest man of all time over 100m in 2012 but suffered hamstring problems last season.

“The competition in the Diamond League rivals the competition you get at major championships and it’s that challenge that motivates me.

“I know it won’t be easy, but I’m

Yohan Blake will run two weeks before the Commonwealth Games.

determined to show that ‘The Beast’ is back bigger and better.”

Former world champion Kim Collins will also line up against Blake and join the likes of double Olympic world champion Mo Farah, Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford and 400m world champion Christine Ohuruogu in Glasgow. (BBC)

May 3 - 9, 2014

Sports Interational

Clippers’ Crawford is NBA’s top 6th man CLIPPERS guard Jamal Crawford will be named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year for the second time in his career, a league official with knowledge of the award said.

The official spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the league hasn’t announced the award.

Crawford was the Clippers’ thirdleading scorer and the NBA’s topscoring reserve with 18.6 points per game. He added 3.2 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game for the two-time Pacific Division champions. ‘’He’s deserving of it,’’ Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. ‘’I don’t know that there’s a more lethal weapon in the league that you could bring off the bench.’’

While starting just 24 of his 69 games this season, the shifty veteran guard had his highest scoring average since the 2009-10 season with Atlanta, where he won his first Sixth Man award.

Crawford is the Clippers’ top perimeter threat, setting a franchise record with 161 3-pointers while making at least one 3-pointer in 63 games. The 6-foot-5 guard also finished ninth in the NBA by making 86.6 percent of his free throws.

Rivers believes Crawford will win the award for his all-around game, not just his shooting acumen.

Jamal Crawford won the award for the second time in his career.

‘’He’s done this in the past, over the past couple years, where he’s been so good offensively,’’ Rivers said. ‘’But I actually think he won it because I think voters saw him doing other things for the team playing defense, running the team at the point guard position when Chris Paul was out at times. He’s been the perfect utility player for a team. He’s been awesome.’’

Wladimir Klitschko is unbeaten since his 2004 loss to Lamon Brewster, with an 80% knockout rate from his 64 professional fights.

Klitschko beats Alex Leapai to keep titles WLADIMIR Klitschko extended his 10-year winning run by beating Alex Leapai with a fifth-round knockout to retain his world heavyweight titles.

The Ukrainian, 38, scored a knock down after just over a minute in Oberhausen, Germany and was always in control.

Australia’s Leapai is known as a big puncher, but never got the chance to trouble the champion and the one-way traffic ended in in the fifth round.

He had beaten Denis Boystov in

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November to become the top WBO contender.

Leapai was aiming to be the first Australian to win the heavyweight title.

However, he started a vast underdog against the reigning WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO champion, who has won his last 19 bouts.

Leapai was regarded as likely to be little more than fodder.

But afterwards Klitschko said: “It wasn’t easy. There are no easy opponents.”

NBA commissioner bans Clippers owner Sterling, pushes to ‘force a sale’ of team THE NBA’s commissioner came down hard Tuesday on Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, ordering him out of his team’s business and pushing to force him to sell over racist remarks that caused a firestorm since becoming public days ago.

Adam Silver detailed Sterling’s punishment of a lifetime ban and $2.5 million fine -- the “maximum amount” allowed per league guidelines -- at a press conference eight hours before Sterling’s Clippers were to tip off in the fifth game of a tightly contested firstround playoff series with the Golden State Warriors.

Silver’s decision was met with immediate support from NBA owners, players and others connected to the league who have been calling for swift, firm punishment ever since TMZ posted audio featuring the incendiary comments.

“I hope that every bigot in this country sees what happened to Mr. Sterling and recognizes that if he can fall, so can you,” Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, a former NBA AllStar who was tasked with leading the NBA players union’s efforts on this matter.

Under the lifetime ban, Sterling is prohibited from attending NBA games or practices, stepping foot inside any Clippers’ facility, taking part in business or personnel decisions, or having a role in league activities such as attending NBA Board of Governors meetings.

Silver -- who succeeded longtime NBA leader David Stern in February -- also insisted he will do “everything in my power” to compel the NBA Board of Governors to “force a sale” of the Clippers. The commissioner said “I fully expect” to get the needed three-quarters of the league’s owners -- meaning at least 23 -- to back the move, though Sterling could fight any such move in court.

If Sterling does sell the team, he stands to profit considerably: He bought the Clippers for $12 million in 1981, and the team is now worth $575 million, according to Forbes magazine. And he’d likely have plenty of suitors: Among them is Hollywood mogul David Geffen, who spokeswoman Priscila Giraldo says is “interested” in buying the team.

Rather than water cooler discussions of exciting NBA playoff action, people are talking about racist remarks by a team owner, said Gabe Feldman, head of Tulane University’s sports law program.

Estimating the team may be worth closer to $1 billion, Feldman added, “He may get a lot of money from the sale, but I think it will allow the NBA to shift their focus.”

That’s what Clippers coach Doc Rivers said Tuesday night,

Racial remarks by Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling with his alleged girlfriend has resulted in the ban.

commending Silver as “fantastic” for making “a decision that really was the right one.” While the players aren’t rejoicing, they are breathing easier knowing what happened earlier in the day, he said.

“They were just happy that it was a resolution,” Rivers said, expressing hope that playing the game will be a “safe haven” for all involved. “...

We’re all in a better place because of this.”

CLIPPERS: ‘NOW THE HEALING PROCESS BEGINS’ The inflammatory sentiments Silver referred to came packaged in a 10-minute recording that TMZ said occurred during an April 9 conversation between Sterling and girlfriend V. Stiviano.

On the recording, a man and woman argue about photos posted to Instagram in which she appears with African-Americans. The man says he doesn’t want the woman bringing any black people to games with her.

The sports website Deadspin on Sunday posted five additional minutes of what it said was part of the same audio recording.

Neither website has said how it obtained the recordings; Stiviano’s lawyer’s office said Sunday that she didn’t release them to TMZ, while stating they are legitimate.

On Saturday, Clippers President Andy Roeser suggested the audio was aimed at “getting even” with Sterling over a lawsuit.

Rochelle Sterling filed a lawsuit last month against Stiviano, who she said was having an affair with her husband and accusing Stiviano of

going after extremely wealthy older men.

Roeser said that the offensive comments are “not consistent with, nor does it reflect (Sterling’s) views, beliefs or feelings.” Moreover, he cast doubt as to whether Sterling had made them, stating: “We do not know if it is legitimate or it has been altered.”

Silver expressed no such doubts Tuesday, saying the Clippers owner “acknowledged it was his voice on the tape.” Asked whether the owner expressed any remorse, the commissioner said, “Mr. Sterling has not expressed those views directly to me.”

Moments after Silver’s press conference concluded, the Clippers struck a different tone.

“We wholeheartedly support and embrace the decision by the NBA and Commissioner Adam Silver today,” the team said. “Now the healing process begins.”

SILVER SAYS HE SHARES SPONSORS’ ‘OUTRAGE’ There is no question that Sterling rightfully owns the Clippers. Some observers question how comments, made privately, could serve as grounds for such punishment, including possibly forcing him to sell the team.

Yet while there’s no precedent in the NBA, there is in other sports. In the 1990s, Major League Baseball repeatedly suspended Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott over racist and other controversial comments, and she ultimately sold the franchise.

(CNN)

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Sports Interational

Lakers’ Mike D’Antoni steps down MIKE D’Antoni has resigned as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, the team announced Wednesday night.

D’Antoni’s resignation ends the brief tenure of the Lakers’ third coach in less than three years. He took over from interim coach Bernie Bickerstaff early in the 2012-13 season and finishes 67-87 with the team. Mike Brown lasted just 71 games after replacing 11-time NBA champion Phil Jackson before the 2011-12 season.

The Lakers and D’Antoni have been discussing his future with the team since the season ended, multiple sources told ESPN.com’s Ramona Shelburne. Last week he asked them to pick up the team option on the final year of his contract to empower him to coach without constant speculation about his job status.

But, sources said, when the Lakers said they were unwilling to do that, the team and his representatives began working out a solution that was amenable to everyone. The Lakers and D’Antoni agreed on a settlement that will pay him more than half of the $4 million he was owed for next season, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Mike D’Antoni finished 67-87 after he took over the team in the 2012-13 season.

The settlement also includes a provision in which the Lakers would recoup some of the money if D’Antoni lands another job this year, another source said.

“Given the circumstances, I don’t know that anybody could have done a better job than Mike did the past two seasons,” general manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement. “On behalf of the Lakers, we thank Mike for the work ethic, professionalism and positive attitude that he brought

to the team every day. We wish him the best of luck.”

D’Antoni’s agent, Warren LeGarie, told ESPNLosAngeles.com that his client and the Lakers “hit an insurmountable impasse” and that “Mike will no longer be the Laker coach.”

The Lakers will begin a coaching search, but a source tells ESPN.com that their immediate focus is on the NBA draft, where they will have at least a top-nine pick, and free agency, where they have enough salarycap flexibility to sign a maximumcontract level free agent.

The Lakers have just three players under contract for next season, including Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant -- with Bryant making more than $48 million over the next two years.

Lakers great Magic Johnson, who was sharply critical of D’Antoni’s coaching style, hailed the news on his Twitter account.

D’Antoni has also coached the Nuggets, Suns and Knicks. He reached two Western Conference finals with Nash in Phoenix before having much less success in New York. (ESPN)

Marquez matches the great Giacomo Agostini with third win WORLD champion Marc Marquez continued his impeccable start to the 2014 season with his third win in three races with victory in the Argentina MotoGP Sunday.

The Honda rider also became the first rider since the great Italian star Giacomo Agostini in 1971 to win the first three from pole position.

The 21-year-old Spaniard’s teammate Dani Pedrosa finished second ahead of the Yamaha duo of Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi in third and fourth respectively.

Marquez, so dominant in Doha and Texas, did not have things all his own way after opting for a hard front tire choice and following a sluggish start was as low as seventh on the second lap.

But as his tires bedded in on the Autodromo Termas de Rio Hondo, a circuit being used for the first time for a MotoGP, he powered through the field.

He was in second place by lap four and then overtook the Yamaha of former champion Jorge Lorenzo after tracking him for a dozen laps.

Marquez soon pulled well clear and Pedrosa also overhauled Lorenzo with a lap to go of the 25, to complete a one-two for the Repsol

Marc Marquez crosses the finishing line to win the Argentina MotoGP for his third victory of the season.

Honda line-up.

Marquez has a perfect 75 points after three rounds, with Pedrosa on 56 and Rossi in third on 41 points.

“The beginning was difficult. My tires were not good and I span as I was on the dirty side of the track,” admitted the world champion.

“But it was fun. Jorge opened the gap and I just kept pushing to catch him at the end.”

Stefan Bradl and Andrea Iannone finished fifth and sixth, with promising

young Briton Bradley Smith in seventh in his debut season at the highest level.

In the Moto2 competition, championship leader Esteve Rabat of Spain scored his second win of the season while Italy’s Romano Fenati won the Moto3 race to deny Australian Jack Miller his hat-trick of wins in that class.

MotoGP was returning to Argentina for the first time since 1999 as the third of 18 rounds this season. (CNN)

Maria Sharapova enjoys the spoils of victory after beating Ana Ivanovic in the Stuttgart final.

Sharapova completes Stuttgart hat-trick MARIA Sharapova drove away a top of the range Porsche sports car for the third straight year in Stuttgart after battling back to beat Ana Ivanovic in the final Sunday.

Sharapova may need to build a bigger garage at home to house the prize gifts from the sponsor of the WTA Premier Tier event, but it’s a nice problem to have for the fourtime grand slam champion, who is returning to her best form after recovering from a recurrent shoulder injury.

“I had quite a slow beginning to the year, but me and my team have been working hard to get in the position to win titles again, and I’m so happy to be able to do it in Stuttgart,” the Russian told the official WTA website.

But in a battle of former world number one’s, Sharapova was taken all the way by Ivanovic, who led by a set and 3-1 and looked set to take the keys of the Porsche herself.

But Sharapova reeled off 11 of the last 13 games of the match on the red clay to win 3-6 6-4 6-1 in two hours three minutes.

It was the 30th career title for the two-time defending champion and an important boost ahead of the French Open in Paris next month.

“For the first half of the match I thought it might not be my day today, but somehow I turned it around,” she added.

Serbia’s Ivanovic had underlined her improvement with a fine run to the title match, but was left to rue missed opportunities to close out the

match in the second set.

“In the second set she definitely went for those big shots and she made some amazing points. She’s just a great player, and that’s what happens when you play against great players in big matches like this. You need to use your opportunities,” she said.

Sharapova, who is a brand ambassador for the sponsor, took match point with her 34th winner and was clearly delighted to continue her dominance at the German event.

“It’s been an incredible few years at this tournament,” she said.

On the ATP Tour, Japan’s Kei Nishikori wrapped up the Barcelona Open with a 6-2 6-2 win over Santiago Giraldo of Colombia in the final.

Nishikori was always on top as he won his second title of the year and fifth of his burgeoning career.

He hit 19 winners to leave Giraldo with few opportunities to show his best in a one-sided match.

The tournament was notable for the shock defeat of world number one Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals to Nicolas Almagro, who was in turn beaten by Giraldo in the last four.

Rising young star Grigor Dimitrov took the Nastase Tiriac title in Bucharest with a 7-6 6-1 win over Lukas Rool in the final.

The top-seeded Bulgarian has already won in Acupulco this season and is pushing for a place in the top 10 with his strong performances in 2014. (CNN)

May 3 - 9, 2014

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Sports National Josh for Sports

Kudos for our athletes, none for the TCAAA THE more I teach this country about the cold stark realities of modern sports, the dumber I get, because my pearls are wasted on visionless, selfcentred individuals who continue to stagnate and keep our national sporting capacity hostage by their dogged determination to seek selfglorification.

One’s self interest dies with him/ her, but one’s unselfish interest lives on through eternity. At the moment, in our beloved TCI, there are little signs of unselfishness.

TIME FOR LIBERATION The time for liberation is now! I’m once again reiterating my national call for revocation of the nonorganisation of this stagnant athletics body. So that the latent natural talents among us can be released.

TOTAL EXPLOITATION For the past few years, since 2007, we have been the deserved laughing

By Joshua Gardiner

stock of the Caribbean.

Can you imagine that in this point in time of our athletic history that we cannot even scrape a bronze medal in the CARIFTA Games? 44 years ago I was responsible for us winning a bronze medal, in our first time out in the history of our country. It’s is unfathomable and a national and international disgrace that so many decades later we are worse than when we started.

NOT THE ATHLETES’ FAULT In no way whatsoever should the fault lie with the athletes. For those youngsters have never backed down for effort (our high amount of personal bests is a clear indicator that our athletes gave it their all), but they have been misguided and ill-trained/ prepared for national, regional and or world class competitions.

TCAAA The TCAAA has passed the stage of a facelift; they now need a complete re-construction. In my opinion they have not functioned as a national body of track and field in this country for a long time.

They have had no developmental meets for years and for that matter no national championship meet since 2007, whereas, on the other hand, countries such as Jamaica, the Bahamas and others sustain a constant development programme for years.

It’s because of these developmental programmes by these two nations that I was groomed and became their national champion at different periods of my young career.

Over the years the fundamentals of their programmes have not changed, but have advanced/evolved with time to develop world champions left and right.

I beg to ask the question, how have we advanced over the years?

Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

To be quite frank, I think I’m the only one capable of making this transformation. Outside of this group I also see high jumper Kivarno Handfield of South Caicos and Lincoln University medalling.

PRAISE TO THE ATHLETES In spite of the lack of direction, I see future world champions from this young group of athletes who made such a gallant effort to represent our country.

LESSONS LEARNED One year ago, I offered to prepare our athletes for this year’s CARIFTA Games. It’s impossible to peak in sports after just a few weeks training.

It takes at least nine months, and until the TCAAA completely change their attitude to sports in our great nation or until all of them step down (the latter seems a more plausible option at this point) we will be in this quandary for many years to come.

Love Josh

POSSIBLE INTERNATIONAL MEDALS I foresee middle distance runner Dana Eyna Sean Sparks with proper training over the next 2 ½ months possibly medalling at the

TIME WILL TELL Time will tell; I also see Handfield medalling in Brazil—even if he has to jump for Brazil.

Anderson named in ODI squad against Scotland

Greg Rutherford jumped 8.51M at an event at the Olympic Training Centre in San Diego.

Rutherford sets outright British long jump record Olympic long jump champion Greg Rutherford has become the outright British record holder after jumping 8.51m at an event at the Olympic Training Centre in San Diego.

Rutherford, who won gold at London 2012, previously held the record jointly with Chris Tomlinson at 8.35m.

The 27-year-old tweeted: “It’s 10pm in San Diego and 6am in the UK. “If you’re just waking up I am now the British record holder

after jumping 8.51 today in San Diego.”

Rutherford fouled his first two jumps and registered a leap of 8.18m before breaking the record with his fourth effort.

The Milton Keynes athlete won the meeting, with Tyron Stewart of the US second with a best jump of 8.39.

Rutherford’s first European competition of the season will be at the BT Great CityGames, the street athletics event, in Manchester on 17 May.

PACE bowler James Anderson has been recalled to the England one-day squad to face Scotland in Aberdeen on 9 May. Peter Moores named his first squad since returning as head coach, for England’s first match of the summer.

Anderson, 31, was rested for the limited-overs series in Australia that followed the 5-0 winter Ashes defeat.

Uncapped Nottinghamshire leftarm seamer Harry Gurney, who toured the West Indies but did not play, has been included in the 13man squad.

The 27-year-old told BBC Radio 5 live: “I am absolutely delighted and really excited. I went to the West Indies in March and learned a lot.

“I came back hungry to break into the team. I have a lot to offer the redball game, but I would say that the white ball has been my speciality so far.”

England Twenty20 captain Stuart Broad is sidelined by a knee injury, while Tim Bresnan has not played for Yorkshire this season following back trouble last year.

Fellow pace bowler Steven Finn, who left the Ashes tour early, is

James Anderson, 31, was rested for the limited-overs series in Australia that followed the 5-0 winter Ashes defeat.

overlooked despite his impressive form for Middlesex this summer.

National selector James Whitaker, who took over from Geoff Miller in January, said Finn would be monitored before the summer Test series against Sri Lanka and India.

“Steven Finn is bowling very fast and effectively in county cricket, but our policy has been to give him as much confidence as possible at county level,” he said.

“Once the Test series starts, we can review where Steven is at. We know he will come back, but let’s make the decision at the time.”

Alastair Cook will captain the team, with batsman Joe Root returning after missing the World Twenty20 with a thumb injury.

All-rounder Ben Stokes continues his recovery from a broken wrist sustained when he punched a locker during the West Indies tour.

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May 3 - 9, 2014

PABA Night League Semis:

Lawrence shots way to Playoff record as Badgers level with Stallions SKIP Lawrence was on fire from down-town. His record breaking performance from beyond the arc helped the Police Badgers stop defending champions and title favourites the Grand Turk Stallions when action in the Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) Night League continued last Saturday night.

The Stallions, who had a lone

loss all season, had no answers for Lawrence and the consistent Sandro Germain at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex court.

The point guard lit up the threepoint line. He scored 7-10 to past the 2011 record of 5-5 by Throy Forbes of the Knights.

Lawrence, who tallied 25 points, did most of his damage in the second half. He scored five of his seven big

The Police Badgers defeated the Grand Turk Stallions in the second game of their best-in-three series.

shots during the last two quarters— shots that the Stallions could not defend.

Germain powered his way to 23 points, 12 rebounds and four assists as the Badgers tied their three-game series 1-1 after a 73-65 point win. A winner was expected to be known this Friday evening when they reach in the pivotal clash.

The Stallions had won game one on Friday night 59-54. Marcus Lightbourne had led the winners with 16 points and eight boards, while Germain had answered with 16 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three steals.

Also on Friday night the South Caicos Harbour Boys had beaten the J&D Collectors 71-63 for a semi-

British Caribbean Bank/Yoshi Sushi Road Circuit Race:

Pic, Macario, Jadot and Bullary claim victory – Organisers want race to become an annual event SEMI-PROFESSIONAL cyclist Chris Pic, Elriano Macario, iron woman Catherine Jadot and Lucy Bullard won individual races at TCI’s first official cycle road race.

The inaugural British Caribbean Bank/Yoshi Sushi Road Circuit Race, which according to one of the organisers, Yoshi Ono, will become an annual event, was held last Saturday in Providenciales.

Pic, who flew in from the USA for the race, was one of 45 riders on the circuit. He won the male road race (a 16.5-mile circuit on the Leeward Highway) with Adrian Enriquez finishing second and Freidise Registre, Ono and Luc Despins rounding off the top five.

Macario finished as the top male mountain biker followed by Garry Perez, Orlando Vasaya, Florencio Fajardo and Albino Dayupay.

On the ladies side Jadot powered her way to first place in the Mountain Bike category (11 miles), with Line Allen in second and Ibis van Walleghem in third. Bullard was the lone female finisher in the road race.

Another outstanding achievement went to Doug Carbon who was the first senior (55-and-over category) to cross the finish line in the mountain

final spot. Duran Dean led the attack for HB with 17 points and six boards while Dinero Harvey was the main scorer for the Collectors with 15 points and four steals.

Victory was not on the card when HB met former champions the Five Cays Flyers in their first semi-final clash on Saturday evening.

With approximately four of their players absent from the game the HB started on the back foot, but those who were available played hard on the court and in the end just three points separated the two sides 58-55.

Former high school sharp shooter Jordan Garland made four three pointers in his 17 points to lead the Flyers, while Kirk Adams led the Harbour Boys with 14 points and eight rebounds.

bike division. Carbon also placed 10 overall in this category.

2014 Church Co-ed Softball League:

BIGGER AND BETTER Information from the organisers indicates that when the race is held next year there will be more categories, with an increase in distance and a change in location.

The organisers, in weighing the sports tourism potentials, want the TCI to “become a bike race, bike training destination” and not just a beautiful beaches location.

The 2014 race started and finished at Zanzi Tapas Bar on the Leeward Highway. The circuit between these two junctions was 2.75 miles long, which ­meant a four-lap race for mountain bikers and a six-lap for road cyclists.

Due to great sponsorship received the first, second and third males and females in the road and mountain bike categories, each received $300, $200 and $100 respectively; with further prizes for the best overall junior (under 20 years) and senior (over 55 years).

“On behalf of the organisers and all of the participants I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude towards everyone who made this inaugural event such as success,”

Bethany breeze past Abundant Life

Catherine Jadot was the top female mountain biker.

Steward Howard of British Caribbean Bank said.

“However, I must single out the support of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Service for their exemplary assistance given to us before, during and after our event. We have received highly positive comments and praise about the success of the event, and the safety provided to participants and spectators. That everything went off

very smoothly and without a single hiccup was largely due to the officers of the RTCIPF.” The sponsors for the event included Power 92.5, Regency Christie’s, Colonial, Caicos Express Airways, Grace Bay Car Rentals, The Island Club, Where When and How, Bugaloo’s, Wine Cellar, Flamingo Pharmacy, Pelican Bay, Fortis, Coco Bistro, Blue Haven, 102.5 Kiss FM, and Zanz.

FORMER champions Bethany Baptist Church have re-started the 2014 Church Co-ed Slow Pitch Softball League, after a short break, with an easy win against the Abundant Life Ministries.

The game at the National Stadium in Providenciales ended at the bottom of the third innings because the 10run rule came into effect.

Bethany led early, at the bottom of the second they were ahead 8-1 before the eventual 11-1 win.

In the second game Prophecy Church defeated Harvest Bible 16-9. The winners pulled away at the bottom of the fourth for the win.

May 3 - 9, 2014

Sports National

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Garland now 400M king – Breaks outdoor record – Williams feels Garland can go under 46 seconds this year ANGELO Garland is the undisputed 400M king in the TCI. After breaking the junior 400M record as a high school student at Munro College, and the 400M indoor record earlier this year, the Texas A&M University Corpus Christi freshman has added the senior 400M outdoor record to his name.

Garland broke Delano Williams’s 2013 record last weekend at a school meet. His first place run of 47.22s, which is also a new school record (he broke his own school record), edged out the 47.81s made by Williams prior to him switching allegiances to

Great Britain mid last year.

Garland is reported to have texted both Williams and Ifeanyi Otuonye (the former 400M indoor record holder) with the good news right after the race. Both were high in praises for his accomplishment.

Garland was ecstatic with the run. It was his second time under 48 seconds. Two weeks ago he ran 47.89s, at that time he was confident of breaking Williams’s record—this time he feels he can go a lot faster.

GOING FASTER “I know I can go faster…it was a

race where I controlled from the start and I won by a good distance,” the national athlete told the Weekly News.

Garland’s new hope is reaching 46+ at the Outdoor Conference (May 9-11).

“This was only my second 400M of the outdoor season and I’m still loaded when it comes to training…

I have two weeks of training before then and hopefully I will get into a good heat where I can be pushed.”

Williams, who ran a PB, 47.51s, (it is not a TCI record because of his British affiliation) a few weeks ago at the Camperdown Classic, is confident that Garland can go sub 46 seconds before the year is out.

“I’m expecting him to go under 46 seconds this year because Angelo has heart and guts,” Williams pointed out.

The 100M and 200M national champion Williams feels that Garland would continue to do well because of his current progress.

For Garland reaching 46+ seconds is important, but his most important task over the next few months is to stay injury free for the Commonwealth Games in Scotland this summer.

Angelo Garland (left) has high hopes for the Commonwealth Games.

He is confident of a bright future and in the years to come might even be a rival of the 2012 Olympic gold medallist Kirani James.

TCI athletes need more local competitions – Opines Teray Smith

Teray Smith feels that the TCI needs to do more for their athletes if they want better results.

FORMER national athlete Teray Smith, who now competes for the Bahamas, feels that TCI athletes are not exposed to enough competitions at home.

In an invited comment the former CARIFTA Games and CAC junior 100M gold medallist told the Weekly News that the island chain is littered with talented athletes, but they are not properly nurtured.

“I feel that they (athletic officials) should spend more time with their athletes because there is a lot of talent on the island but there is no

one there to guide the athletes.”

The multi-talented Smith sympathised with the local TCI athletes. “…the (TCI) athletes only get one meet a year and it’s inter high. How do you expect athletes to perform good at big meets like CARIFTA Games and the World Junior Championships when they are not exposed to competition?”

WAY BELOW THE BAHAMAS’ STANDARD The US born Smith, who has parentage in both the TCI and the Bahamas, had

high praises for the Bahamas in the treatment of their athletes.

“The Bahamas take pride and time with their athletes; and the athletes that compete for the Bahamas have more experience because there are about six meets a year in which they can run in at home.”

Since Smith switched his allegiance to the Bahamas he has improved tremendously.

The Auburn University student recently ran 20.76s in the 200M. He is hoping to make a place on the Bahamas’ team for the Commonwealth Games this summer.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 3 - 9, 2014

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May 3 - 9, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 3 - 9, 2014