Turks and Caicos Weekly News

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Weekly News new pathway Volume 25 | No. 45 | November 19 - 25, 2011

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to status

AT a special meeting of the Consultative Forum on November 17, the Ministry of Border Control and Labour launched a public discourse on the way forward for nonBelongers acquiring status in the TCI. PAGE  5 inside

Public Workers March

Fortis opens new plant

Dissatisfied with the Interim Administration’s response to its demands contained in an open letter to Governor Ric Todd... PAGE 

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Fortis TCI this month began showing off its brand new infrastructure and capital plant investment worth over one hundred million dollars with an official opening ... PAGE 

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Import taxes raised Past liabilities blamed

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DENYING that its original financial plan to take the national economy to a surplus position has failed, the TCI Interim Administration announced a three-point set of increased ...

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First cruise wedding in Grand Turk

Thanks to an amendment to the marriage ordinance, Grand Turk has embarked on cruise ship wedding tourism and the first cruise passenger couple to tie the knot on TCIs white sands are Jeff Wenzlick and Katherine Williams on November 11 – the 11th day of the 11th month of the 11th year of this century - at 11:30. There will not be another 11-11-11 date for a hundred years and here’s hoping this couple remain together and see that date. Performing the ritual is marriage officer Delores ‘Dee’ Conolly of Grand Turk.


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November 19 - 25, 2011

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Import taxes raised DENYING that its original financial plan to take the national economy to a surplus position has failed, the TCI Interim Administration announced a three-point set of increased taxation measures that it now says will stave off further declines in the national deficit. Government said that as of December 01, there will be an increase in customs processing fees, a switch in the measurement system of fuel imports to attract more levies, and an increased import levy on alcohol and tobacco. Explaining the new taxes that are sure to have an impact on inflation because they mostly affect essential imports such as fuel and food, Government Chief financial Officer Hugh McGarel-Groves said that the national coffers face a shortfall that could go past the expected $8.5 million and balloon out to an estimated $35 million if new taxes are not introduced. He acknowledged an expected affect on inflation, but said that in consideration of a rising cost of living the administration selected for increased taxation products that will have the least impact on price rises. He told a post-Advisory council meeting on November 16, that the government is facing the looming deficit because of unexpected expenditure from liabilities of the past administration that have to be met. The new revenue generating measures: 1 The Customs Processing Fee, which is levied on all imports, will be increased from 4% to 6%. This will generate an additional $2m this financial year and $6m in 2012/13; 2 A switch from the Imperial Gallon to the US Gallon for the purposes of import duty and fuel tax calculations. With one

Imperial Gallon equivalent to 1.2 US Gallons, and most beverages and fuel imported from the US, this simplifies how the tariff is calculated. Together the switch to the US Gallon will generate an additional $0.8m this year ($2.4m in 2012/13) from alcoholic beverages, $0.5m this year ($1.6m in 2012/13) from fuel and $0.1m from other beverages this year ($0.2m in 2012/13); and

3 An additional 20% increase in the import duty tariff on alcohol and tobacco raising respectively $1m ($3m in 2012/13) and $0.1m ($0.2m in 2012/13). Achieving a budget surplus before the holding of national elections next year is one of the stated objectives, or milestones, of this administration. “My objective is to ensure that the eight milestones are met, and to ensure that we have elections next

year,” Governor Ric Todd told the briefing. He said that the budget currently is larger than expected, but government’s deficit is much smaller than what obtained three years ago, and held strongly to the view that a balanced budget next year is achievable and realistic. CFO McGarel-Groves said: “It would have been $35 million if we did not introduce these [taxation] measures”.

Past liabilities blamed In a media release distributed at the briefing, government stated: “The increase in revenues will also allow the Interim Administration to respond to public feedback to increase spending this year in schools and other infrastructure areas. Most notably work will begin shortly at the fire damaged Ona Glinton School and at the South Base government offices in Grand Turk made unusable by Hurricane Ike in 2008”.

Public Workers March Contend proposed redundancy reforms unjust Dissatisfied with the Interim Administration’s response to its demands contained in an open letter to Governor Ric Todd, the TCI Civil Service Association is staging protest marches Saturday November 19, in Grand Turk and Providenciales. “The general pubic in Grand Turk and Providenciales is invited to join past, present and future public servants to march for justice” CSA said in a pamphlet that it began circulating Thursday. “In Grand Turk, the March will begin at Emancipation Square (Clock Tower) 3 pm, gathering from 2:30pm. In Providenciales, the March will begin at Samuel Been’s Plaza (Airport Road) 2 pm, gathering from 1:30pm. These Marches will end at the Library Tennis Court and Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex on Grand Turk and Providenciales respectively, where several speakers from amongst the Youths, Pastors, Past, Present and Future Public Servants will address the

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

A section of the large number of public servants who turned out for a CSA meeting November 15 at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex in Providenciales. A similar meeting was held in Grand Turk the previous day.

crowd,” CSA stated in a media release Thursday November 17. According to the CSA Management Council, organisations supporting this event are Grand Turk Pastors Fraternal, Providenciales Ministerial Fellowship, Grand Turk Pensioners Association, and the 1000+ Youth for Justice. In the council’s letter to the governor Monday November 14, TCI’s civil servants demanded a review of government-led reforms, which they claim are ‘ill-conceived and unjust’. The recently proposed public sector reform and redundancy initiative, which will see up to 500 staff laid off, has caused upset among the country’s public workers. This week the Civil Service Association (CSA) hit back with a strongly worded letter to Governor Ric Todd in which they said ‘enough is enough’. “There is only so much abuse that we civil servants can take,” the lengthy correspondence reads. “When our backs are against the

wall, our choices are limited to three options: get abused, die or fight back. “We are hardworking civil servants looking for justice, fairness and prosperity for ourselves, our families and this country.” In the letter the CSA Management Council explains that it welcomes the option of a voluntary severance scheme, however finds it ‘premature’. “This is evidenced by the fact that we have yet to be provided with public sector reform assessment by Mr Catchpole and team, which as we are aware, is incomplete at best.” The association also hits out at government for delaying the reform process for a number of months in the summer. One major concern listed by the council is that many civil servants have not had adequate time to consider employment outside of government. “The decision whether to accept a severance package and leave government as opposed to continuing employment with a chance of being

made compulsorily redundant is a life changing decision, which this Interim Administration is asking civil servants to make in 14 to 17 days. This is indeed inconsiderate on the part of the interim administration.” In its letter, the association demanded an extension of the deadline by two weeks to give workers time to seek counsel with the CSA, lawyers, and financial planners. It recommends that all civil servants expressing interest and applying for the voluntary severance package be approved for redundancy. Also, the council demanded that if the government believes retaining a voluntary severance applicant is in the best interest of the civil service, then that person should be given contractual employment for a minimum period of three years. The abandonment of a redeployment plan for civil servants and the process of re-staffing the ‘Permanent’ and ‘Under-Secretary’ positions are two matters of further contention. “The recruitment of new Permanent Secretaries is to be managed by the office of the CEO and PSC. We are of the view that the head of both of these offices may have biases against the current local permanent secretaries and other Turks and Caicos Islanders who have previously worked in the civil service and therefore, such persons may not have a fair chance of being employed as Permanent Secretaries. “Again we are challenging the administration to be upfront and truthful with its intentions and agenda.” The organisation contended that in the CSA’s view of the public sector reform process is that it is one that “did not receive public sector stakeholder participation, continued 


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A new pathway to TCI status

AT a special meeting of the Consultative Forum on November 17, the Ministry of Border Control and Labour launched a public discourse on the way forward for non-Belongers acquiring status in the TCI. This public consultation on a fair and transparent process for acquisition of Turks and Caicos Islander standing aims at establishment of a clear pathway to TCI status. This is one of the eight milestones to be met before new parliamentary elections are held next year. According to a November 17 media release, from the Government Press Office, the consultation document identifies key considerations and presents a series of questions for which it is inviting submissions. The questionnaire can be downloaded from the government website www.gov.tc. The completed questionnaires should be returned to citizenship@gov.tci. The public consultation runs until February 17, 2012. The press office stated that questions include whether or not a points system should be used to determine Turks and Caicos Islander status and to award Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs). This

approach had been recommended by a 2004 Immigration Review Commission which attached points to such attributes as age, type of occupation, level of skills, level of income, country of origin, ethnicity and ability to speak and write English. Another key consideration is the pathway to PRC, and the public can have a say on what should be the eligibility time for a person who qualifies by working; and whether, for example, qualification by working should be limited to only certain categories of workers. Public comment is also invited as to whether or not to maintain the three current classes of PRCs, or merge them into a single category without limitation or restrictions. The three classes are i) those carrying wholly unrestricted rights to work; ii) those carrying the right to work for any employer and in any occupations with specific exceptions; and iii) those carrying no right to work. People can also express their views on using the migration and citizenship system to attract potential investors in property and business enterprises. They are invited to say what is considered the right level of investment and if the PRC should be issued in advance of making an investment.

Representing the Ministry at Thursday’s consultative forum were (l-r) Senior Immigration Advisor Lorraine Rogerson; Permanent Secretary Clara Gardiner; and Larry Swann

The Consultative forum in session Thursday

Public Workers ...

Government healthcare reversal

was ill-conceived, not properly implemented, and therefore not focused on efficiency, productively and effectiveness within the civil service”. The management council also claims that the initiative was fuelled by the financial objectives of this administration. “Quite frankly, if the administration were forthright and not dishonest with their true intentions they could have attained their goal a long time ago and could have saved this country millions of dollars.” The CSA asked for their concerns to be adequately addressed by the close of business yesterday (Thursday, November 17) or threatened to take ‘required actions deemed necessary’.

In what may be considered a climb down, or roll back from its original position the TCI Interim Administration has announced that all persons resident in Turks and Caicos who make NHIP contributions will have equal entitlement to healthcare. On November 04, one day following an Advisory Council meeting in Grand Turk, Governor Rick Todd chaired a media briefing at which it was announced that nonBelongers would be excluded from certain medical attention. “Work permit holders and temporary residents will only be entitled to on-island primary and emergency care. They will be directly responsible for care or treatments beyond that provided locally,” government announced at that briefing, meaning that

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anyone in this group of persons needing specialized medical care available only outside the TCI will not receive the NHIP’s support. But on November 16, emerging from another Advisory Council meeting, this time in Providenciales, Governor Todd confirmed the reversal of that earlier decision. “Everyone who pays into the National Health Insurance Programme (NHIP) will receive equal entitlement to healthcare provision,” stated a media release distributed at that briefing. When asked if he considers the original, and now reversed decision, a mistake, Governor Todd said: “I would call it more in the nature of a misunderstanding”. He added that it is now up to individuals whether they want to pay for private health

care as well. Contradicting the November 04 statement, Mr Todd said it was always the intention to apply the same medical treatment to all contributors to the NHIP. According to the statement distributed at the November 16 briefing, the reversal: “follows on from concerns following the recently announced changes to the TCI health system which aim to make it more affordable and sustainable. This stated that there would be reduced benefits to temporary resident and work permit holders. The government has listened to feedback from across the Islands and has rescinded this proposal”. Judith Campbell, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services stated:

“Everyone who pays into the TCI health system, regardless of whether they are a Belonger, PRC or work permit holder will receive the same standard of care depending upon their individual medical needs. “We will continue, therefore, with our plans to make more use of regional health facilities as a more cost effective alternative to always sending patients to Miami, for example. This increased use of regional facilities will continue.” It was said in the statement that government will further strengthen the work permit application process by implementing appropriate medical screening and encourage persons entering the TCI on a temporary work permit to have appropriate supplementary medical insurance.


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

‘Yes to Belongers, but ... In its moves to re-structure the civil service the Interim Government is reducing the number of ministries from nine to five. In so doing it is inviting the current nine permanent secretaries - whose jobs will be terminated - along with other Turks and Caicos Belongers to apply for the five new positions. The government has stated that these positions are for Belongers only, whether living at home or abroad. We asked our readers this week whether they think it is correct to restrict these jobs to TCI Belongers, or should the administration open the positions to non-Belongers also?

No part-timers

These positions should be reserved for TC Islanders, and their incumbency should be conditioned on living in the TCI year-round. No part-timers, no absentee players.

Most qualified

The jobs should go to the most qualified candidates with respect to both formal qualifications, but more importantly, excellent accredited relevant experience irrespective of status.

Must be resident Belongers

The Permanent Secretaries must be resident Belongers. If they have to be recruited from natives living abroad who will be repatriated that is OK, and possibly preferable. The problem is that these posts have been filled by political appointments and the emphasis has been placed on political alignment not on qualifications. There are some exceptions, notably in education. Land and Coastal Resources have been a total disaster since the late 1990s and remain so today. Finance is run

by a muttering parrot who lost $45 million in bills. Those living and working overseas will be less aligned and have a more objective view. How they will be lured home is the challenge. Who will move from Britain or the USA to find a home on tiny crowded Grand Turk? Permanent Secretaries need to be permanent.

Mischief

There is mischief here and lies from the former regime that decisions are made on who the PS’s will be. The TCI has come to a point where ‘opening up’ may be a good thing and this has led to a desirably multi-cultural society. However, the leadership, control and direction of a country ought not be yielded so easily. Permanent Secretaries are key policy makers, the ‘deputy minister’, the ‘viceminister’, the ‘government in a government’ and, with not so ready ministers- they emerge as the ultimate decision makers in the ministry. In many instances ministers - as we saw in the 2003-2009 era - were intellectually challenged, feckless, clueless, called themselves doctors whilst holding honorary doctorates, downright silly, and greedy. Some did not even finish high school and had no idea of what a minister’s

function was. The problem has been that some permanent secretaries did not stand up to the stupidity of former ministers, and the absence of sound policy from ministers, and simply fell in line. So there are compelling reasons for going outside the pool of ‘resident Belongers’ and to go for Belongers abroad.

An intelligent move

Our government has been too top heavy for years. We have, probably, more civil servants per capita than anywhere else in the world. This is an intelligent move. And yes, the positions should be ‘Belongers only’. We have a pool of motivated, educated and dedicated young people who should be able to do a brilliant job. As long as they are not political appointees and get the jobs on merit, rather than family or party ties, they should do just fine.

Give most qualified

I think that the job should be given to the most qualified position. If an expat currently living in the TCI or one who has experience with working as a civil servant in the wider Caribbean or the Bahamas applies and is more qualified than a Belonger who has less experience, then the position should go to the expat. If however the Belonger holds equal qualifications, then the employment must default to the Belonger. We must recognize the value of education and if we want our country to move forward we must place suitably qualified individuals in these positions. This country has been exploited by the British government and Interhealth Canada through actions initiated by a ‘Belonger’. We must pull ourselves out of this frame of mind: ‘Belongers only need apply’. And change it to: ‘the right person for the job need apply’. This original way of thinking is discriminatory. Where would we be without expats who have led the way for the TCI?

TC Islanders Only

Yes, the jobs ought to be restricted to Turks and Caicos Islanders only. Please note that we are Turks and Caicos Islanders and not Turks and Caicos Belongers. There are qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders who are capable of doing the job. Whether they want to be based in Grand Turk is an entirely different story. This writer believes that she has the necessary qualifications but for personal reasons (ailing mother who lives in North Caicos) will not be making an application as she must be based in Providenciales. If there is some flexibility the writer would be happy to make the application for one of the posts.

Source locally

Most of the persons in the civil service have extensive experience in the overall operations within the various departments. To bring on new persons could prove expensive, considering that there would have to be overall training to achieve the smooth running of the public service. I do believe that [we have] the number of qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders available in all educational backgrounds necessary to supply an efficient labour force for the public service. If there are jobs available, employees should be sourced locally to avoid unnecessary expense of recruiting outside. As is the case in most countries, these posts should be filled by the citizens of this country.

 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

Alcohol Awareness Month With the aim of raising public awareness about risks with drinking, and alcohol’s effects on general health, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence has been observing the month of November as Alcohol Awareness Month. Activities for the month include daily public service announcements on radio and television, community outreach through distribution of pamphlets, and school visits. On Friday, November 18 the department will host its first Annual Health Forum at the Felix Morley Community Center, Providenciales at 9:30am, where TCIs leading medical and psychology professionals will update the public on how alcohol affects health Also on Friday at 6:30pm at Sam’s Parking

Lot, downtown, there will be a candle light ceremony for persons who are, or have been affected by drugs, and their families and friends On the following Friday, November 25, there will be judging of the National Primary Poster Art Competition at the Gastarvus Lightbourne Building, Providenciales At 10:00am. In a media release the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence expressed concern that alcohol consumption is considered acceptable behavior. This attitude of acceptance means that not enough attention is paid to the risks, particularly to the developing bodies of our young people. Alcohol dehydrates the skin, accelerates the aging process, affects your eyes and hair and

Alcohol consumption can lead to vehicle accidents

makes you bloated. Alcohol consumption also has consequences for society. For example, most serious accidents on TCIs streets, some of which have been deadly, are caused by drinking before or

during driving; and it is a major contributor to broken families, and children being neglected and abused. Help the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence build a healthy nation.


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HJs Smith is Caribbean Food Quiz MVP H.J. Robinson High School’s Dixie Smith made the Turks and Caicos Islands proud when she copped the Most Valuable Person’s award at the 15th annual Caribbean Schools’ Food and Nutrition Quiz Competition, held in Georgetown, Guyana on Wednesday, November 16. Representing her school and the entire TCI, Smith stole the show by answering all of her questions correctly, according to local media reports . While it carted off the MVP award, the Grand Turk school did however lose the overall prize to the top school in Guyana, Queens College, that amassed 360 points. The HJ girls tallied 220 points after three rounds of competition. Now in its 15th year the Caribbean Schools’ Food and Nutrition Quiz

Competition is organized to improve the image of food and nutrition in the region; promote nutrition and healthy lifestyles among students and the community; and help students in preparation for local and regional examinations in food and nutrition. The competition is geared for fourth and fifth form students preparing for the Caribbean Schools Examination Council exams. It was sponsored by the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute and the Pan American Health Organisation. In order for Dixie to get to the finals in Guyana, she and her three HJ Robinson teammates - Nia Jones, and Zavia Jarrett and Gabrielle Williams as reserve - competed in the preliminaries among 13 Caribbean schools over two days last month

HJ Robinson’s students (right) and their opponents Queens College (left) in competition in Guyana

Governor Todd lays the first wreath at the cenotaph in Grand Turk

in Jamaica, at the University of the West Indies, through open campus audio conferencing facilities. They answered 20 questions, five each individually and five collectively to go through the first round, entering the quarter finals to answer 10 more questions and tying with Anguilla and Jamaica. The TCI students beat both to earn a place in the final against Guyana. The team was coached by Home Economics Teachers at the H.J. Robinson High School, Mrs Eudelise Swimmer and Mrs Simone Halloway-Williams. Facilitator for the Turks and Caicos team was TCI Education Department Local Registrar, Mr Robert Newman. With files from Faizool Deo in Guyana

A member of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force lays a wreath at the monument in the foreground of the St Monica’s Anglican Church in Providenciales

TCI remembers fallen soldiers The Turks and Caicos Islands honoured those who fought

and died for freedom with two commemorative ceremonies and

church services led by Governor Ric Rodd and other public figures on

Members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force in attention as Governor Todd delivers remarks at Remembrance Day ceremony in Grand Turk

Sunday, November 13, 2011. The occasion was Remembrance Sunday, being the closest Sunday to Friday November 11, Remembrance Day. Such events are observed throughout the British Commonwealth on the Sunday closest to the end of the Great War in 1918, for which a peace agreement was at the 11th minute of the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. These special events remember and honour those who fought and died in the two World Wars 1914– 1918 and 1939–1945, and subsequent major conflicts worldwide. There were over 50 Turks and Caicos 50 soldiers who fought in World Wars One and Two with the majority of them coming from Salt Cay. A media release from the Governor’s Office stated that of

these there are only three survivors of these conflicts today. The remembrance service took place on Grand Turk at the Cenotaph on the grounds of St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral on Front Street at 9.45am, where the Governor laid a wreath. The ceremony was conducted by Canon Mark Kendall and was followed by an ecumenical service at the Salem Baptist Church. The Governor was joined by members of the Ex-Serviceman Legion, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and other uninformed groups, including a 19-strong Ceremonial Guard and four sentries. The second service was at St. Monica’s Anglican Church in Providenciales. It began at 11.30am, and was followed by another wreath laying ceremony.


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Reviewing TCI youth policy A revision of TCIs National Youth Policy and Strategic Plan was launched on November 15 as the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs puts renewed focus on youth development in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Department of Youth Affairs, working with the Commonwealth Youth Programme launched the review with a workshop session on Grand Turk. The Policy’s main objectives are:

1. To harness and channel the energies of youth into the process of nation-building; 2. To promote a spirit of entrepreneurship among young people; 3. To build harmonious relations among Turks and Caicos Islands’ youth and develop a more caring society in the process; 4. To create an environment that will promote confidence in the TCI culture, thus equipping the youth to deal more effectively with negative influences; 5. To re-direct the lives of young people who manifest negative attitudes and dysfunctional social, emotional and behavioural

trends.

The current Strategic Plan has three priority areas of focus:

1. Youth Business Development 2. Youth Participation and Representation, and 3. Youth Health and Well-being. In explaining the importance of the review process, Facilitator Mrs Emmaline Pierre said: “Youth development is too important to be taken lightly, youth are valuable to the future of any country, and if we are planning for the development of our nation our youth should be the center of that development”. The existing National Youth Policy was developed in 2006 but was never fully implemented. The Ministry says the two documents have been useful tools for development of TCI youths and the review is critical to ensuring continued progress. The review process will include other engagements with stakeholders on policy and plans for youth development, from which the Ministry expects recommendations for enhanced outcomes for young people through increased youth participation and stakeholder

L-R Director of the Department of Youth Affairs, Ms Angela Musgrove; Deputy Director of the Department of Youth Affairs, Mr Nixon Dickenson; and Facilitator, Mrs Emmaline Pierre

partnerships. Director of the Department of Youth Affairs, Angela Musgrove said: “Reviewing and revising

the TCI National Youth Policy document and Strategic Plan document is essential to progressing the youth development agenda in the islands. It will not only ensure that a modern framework exists for youth

within the TCI but will also assist in empowering youth within the islands to contribute to sustainable national development as they seek to be agents of change in these beautiful by nature islands”.

TCIG gets new CEO

Lucille Lightbourne, president of the Turks and Caicos National Cancer Society with cancer survivors Terrance Astwood and Cheryl Astwood.

Cancer luncheon successful More than 100 persons: including cancer survivors, health practitioners and other supporters gathered last month for the Turks and Caicos National Cancer Society Luncheon on October 29,

to help raise awareness on the early detection, treatment and prevention of cancer. It was a successful event for the cause and the Society. One of the guest speakers at

the event was Baptist Health Physician Deirdre Marshall, who shared her knowledge on prevention methods and how living a healthy lifestyle is important in battling cancer.

Governor Ric Todd has appointed Mr Patrick Boyle to succeed Mr Martin Stanley as the next Chief Executive of the Turks and Caicos Government. The posting was announced Tuesday, November 15, and Mr Boyle takes up the position on the January 03, 2012. According to a government media release, Mr Boyle is an experienced UK Senior Civil Servant and has held Chief Executive roles across the public service. He is currently Chief Executive of the Independent Living Fund; a Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by the UK Department for Work and Pensions providing financial support to disabled people across the UK. He joined the UK Civil Service in 2005 leading the programme to establish the British Equality and Human Rights Commission and more recently as Chief Executive of the Housing Benefit Agency in England. A Health Service Chief Executive by background, Mr Boyle has held senior positions in Primary Care, Mental Health and Acute Services. He was Chief Administrator in a London Council and is a former Commissioner and Board member of the NHS Regulator.

TCIG gets new – New Government CEO Patrick Boyle

He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and is a graduate of the world renowned Meyler Campbell Executive Coaching Programme. He has wide-ranging experience of public service reform and change management. Martin Stanley took up the position of CEO on a temporary basis in August this year, following the appointment of the incumbent Mark Capes as Governor of St. Helena. Mr Capes had been CEO for two years.


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L-R - Clara Gardiner – PS, Border Control TCIG cuts the ribbon opening Fortis’ corporate office; Stanley Marshall, President & CEO Fortis Inc; Eddinton Powell, CEO & President Fortis TCI; Ruth Forbes, VP, Finance and CFO Fortis TCI; Ian Astwood, Director of Planning TCIG; Allan Robinson, VP, Customer and Corporate Services Fortis TCI; and Kevin Smith, VP, Business Systems and CIO Fortis TCI

Two member of the Enid Capron School Steel Band that provided entertainment at the Fortis TCI ribbon cutting ceremony

Fortis TCI this month began showing off its brand new infrastructure and capital plant investment worth over one hundred million dollars with an official opening of its Wartsila

company was prompted by an increasing demand for electricity in a growing economy. Adding that the newly installed generators will consume less diesel, he said: “The fact that we burn less fuel means our customers pay less”. The second of the two Wartsila engines – each of which cost $20 million – arrived in Turks and Caicos last year, and at that time Fortis TCI CEO and President, Eddington Powell had described the company’s investment programme as: “a roadmap which provides us with the direction and guidance on how to plan and manage our infrastructure investments … The arrival of the second engine demonstrates PPCs commitment to providing the most reliable, most efficient and

Fortis opens new plant electricity generating plants, storage tank, and office complex. In the works since 2007, the Caicos Islands power company – known at that time as the Providenciales

Judgment in NIB court case The National Insurance Board’s court case against Jonathan Gardiner saw him being found guilty of failing to pay national insurance contributions and on additional charges as an employer and as a self-employed person for the period July 2006 to August 2008. The defendant had pleaded not guilty in this matter, which went to trial in the Providenciales Magistrate’s Court on Friday November 11. The court ruled

against him on all 20 NIB complaints. Mr Gardiner was ordered to pay $25,969.76 in contributions and $91,171.84 in other charges. Additionally, he was ordered to pay an outstanding amount in monthly installments of $500.00. He also has to pay a court fine of $2,000.00, or if in default serve 30 days imprisonment. The court fine is payable by December 12, 2011.

Power Company (PPC) - plowed approximately $110 million into construction of a new office building, and purchase and installation of two additional generators on Leeward Highway, Providenciales. Though already in use, these monumental investments were officially opened and celebrated with Governor Ric Todd cutting ribbons to the storage tank and generating plants, and TCIG Permanent Secretary of Border Control, Ms Clara Gardiner, cutting the ribbon to open the office complex, on November 11. President and CEO of the parent company with worldwide operations Fortis Inc, Stanley Marshall, noted that the capital investment of the TCI

least costly electricity to people of Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and South Caicos”. The company stated that in addition to new generation infrastructure, it has expanded the transmission and distribution division, built a new fuel storage facility, improved and increased its information technology infrastructure and built new support facilities such as a customer care centre and corporate facilities. One of the generating units has been in operation for a year while the other is now producing power for just over six months. Their installation takes the company’s electricity generating capacity to 59.5 megawatts.

Making TCI shine

Join the folks of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association on Saturday, November 19 as they host their annual ‘TCI Shines’ Cleanup Campaign before the start of the Winter Season. The Association is inviting residents to participate in ‘TCI Shines’ in cleaning up the highways and byways of Provo. Participate by simply cleaning

around your home or business from 6:30am, or join them as they clean up selected zones throughout Provo. Families, schools, businesses, hotels, come out and volunteer as TCHTA helps TCI Shine. For zone information please call TCHTA at 941-5787 or simply meet the Association at the Bight Children’s Park at 6:00am on Saturday.

L-R - Gov. Roderick Todd; Wayne Douglas, Project Coordinator Fortis TCI; Stanley Marshall, President & CEO Fortis Inc; Eddinton Powell, CEO & President Fortis TCI; Rodney George, VP Wartsila; Ruth Forbes, VP Finance and CIO Fortis TCI; and Goldray Ewing, Sun Oil representative


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November 19 - 25, 2011

NATIONAL

Leeward smash up A motor vehicle collision between a car and a motorcycle on Providenciales sent three persons to hospital with non-life threatening injuries on Friday, November 11. The accident occurred at the intersection of Leeward Highway and Windward Road. According to a police traffic report, the motorcycle was travelling in a westerly direction along the Leeward Highway and the car was entering Leeward Highway from Windward Road at 2:50pm. The female driver and child passenger of the motor vehicle were transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre treatment to injuries. The driver and of the motor cycle was also transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for medical attention. Both vehicles were extensively damaged.

Red Cross GM The Turks and Caicos Red Cross holds its Providenciales General Meeting Tuesday, November 29, at the Thrift Store and office at 7pm. Agenda 1. Welcome 2. Apologies for absence 3. Minutes of the last meeting 4. Report on Branch activities 5. Report on Branch finances 6. Governing Committee 7. Any Other Business 8. Close

Police officer walk by the destroyed motorcycle

The smashed car

The meeting is open to all TCI Red Cross members and those interested in joining. Please send apologies for inability to attend to redcrossprovo@tciway.tc or 941 8056. Members are reminded that their membership will be automatically revoked if they do not attend three consecutive monthly meetings without apology.

Thanksgiving dinner for Red Cross

Support a worthy cause Thursday November 24, by joining in Jesus’ 11th Annual American Thanksgiving Dinner hosted at Sharkbite in Turtle Cove, Providenciales. All proceeds go to benefit the Red Cross. The $25.99 donation includes a Turkey Dinner with all the fixings.

Come out to watch the football games on widescreen TVs and enjoy all the festivities, including raffles. Ticket sales begin at 4:00 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. Any additional donations are appreciated, all proceeds go directly to the Red Cross.


November 19 - 25, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

11


12

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

November 19 - 25, 2011

We welcome letters from all members of the public on a variety of topics.

Letter of the week

Tis’ a shame and scandal I have said on a number of occasions that the British, and more particularly the English - do not have the moral authority to treat us the way that they have chosen to do, especially in recent times. Some of you might remember the ‘Keeler Affair where a minister traded country secrets for sexual favours from a ‘lady of the night’. There was the incident that cost Jeffrey Archer his job as well as landing him in jail for a period. He is an impressive author. In very recent times, there was the expenses scandal that landed a number of British politicians in jail, fined or kicked out of office for padding the books so that they could receive payment from the taxpayer that was not their just due. That scandal touched Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrats. In the recent past, we had the British Aerospace Scandal that involved the sale of British made planes to Saudi Arabia. It was alleged that Prince Banda of Saudi Arabia benefitted by having an aircraft purposely built and configured for his travelling pleasure. The investigation of this corrupt act on the part of British ministers, civil servants and Saudi officials was entrusted to none other than the famed Helen Garlic. When it became apparent that the web of deceit was going to go way up to the top and engulf a number of the British hierarchy from social to political, that investigation was shut down ‘in the interest of national security’. It seemed that in order to placate good old Helen, she was sent out into the Caribbean on an unlimited expenses account to investigate the alleged corrupt practices of a few Turks and Caicos Islands politicians, resulting from the biased report of sole Commissioner Robin. If as Robin postulated, there was so much evidence in abundance, why has it taken over two years to find such evidence? It seems as if they were looking for a needle in a haystack, rather than casting their nets on either side - and they would have caught fish. What must be clear to all and sundry is that all the British is concerned with here, is to save face in the international community for their lack of oversight of the Turks and Caicos Islands and helping us to build capacity as we progress on the road to eventual independence. I would be the first to say that all

was not right in TCI. But I can also say that there were sufficient checks and balances - if allowed to work or properly applied - that would have righted the ship of state. What is being done now is the taking of a sledgehammer to kill an errant fly. It is a total overreach and could only be based on might and racism. They have the might to do it, and racism, because when Ian Smith committed a number of egregious acts in Rhodesia, they stood by and watched. They were determined in their minds that they would not allow any of the local institutions to work and be tested. They began by dismantling our legislature that had been duly elected by the people of this country and installed their own puppet regime. Then they started using this regime to first and foremost do away with our automatic right to trial by jury that was enshrined in our Constitution for a number of years. Every Constitution is unique to the people of its country. What must clearly obtain, in any Constitution, is that a number of commonalities must be present for universal governance. That is never to say that there should not be anything in it that is peculiar to the people over which it governs. Having taken that right from our Constitution, it is now part of the law of the land. Helen and her team, now having reviewed the information gathered, are finding it hard to get a criminal conviction beyond a reasonable doubt. They are now re-engineering the system to get a criminal conviction by the lower civil standard, by the preponderance of the evidence method. Clearly there are a number of allegations out there against many Turks and Caicos Islanders, particularly ministers in the former government and many others who it is alleged enriched themselves unjustly. However, it would have been difficult to prosecute persons on the evidence so far gathered. Now, they have come up with another strategy of using ‘hear say’ evidence to convict persons. The accusers of this world can hide behind anonymity and confidentiality as they did in the Commission of Inquiry. Their submissions would be acceptable in a court of law, and on the basis of that a person can be convicted, without him and his legal

LETTERS SHOULD BE KEPT TO A MAXIMUM OF 450 WORDS

representative having the ability to confront the accuser so as to ascertain the veracity of what is being alleged. This is a complete out and out ‘rigging’ of our legal system to force a preconceived outcome. But in all this, we must all remember that, it might be me today and you tomorrow. Because as you can see, they are making sure that their puppet forum passes these things so that the finger would be pointed on Turks and Caicos Islanders, misguided though they might be, rather than on the British or others implicated in such misdeeds. By law, each defendant is entitled to know and see who the virtual complainant is. With this, if the law comes into effect, persons from the hinterland of Russia can lodge a complaint, and all SIPT and its minions have to say is that those persons cannot appear because of the expense in getting them to Turks and Caicos Islands. This must be one of the greatest farces ever perpetrated on us in the face of two facts: first of all, we do not have to rely on the federal boats for transportation and anyone can get from London

to here within 15 hours and if the direct flights start early next year as planned, then less than that; and second, if no expense is spared on the jetting around in first class of the Attorney General without any visible benefit to us, then economy tickets could be found to bring accusers here. It was kind of a circuitous route that I took, but people have to be fully told of the hypocrisy of our colonial masters with respect to the Territories. I could not leave, however, without making reference to the plight of the civil service and their struggle under the yoke of the Interim Administration. As Courtney Misick has said, they have changed ‘black, local corruption for white, foreign corruption’. He could say this from his bird’s eye view of our situation. They definitely are going to get rid of the current cadre of permanent secretaries. If they do not go by volunteering for the package, then they would be sent packing before the 2012/2013 budget comes into effect. What is more, advertisement for permanent secretaries has been making the rounds, but is it not curious that no particular qualification is necessary? This is deliberate because they do not want a benchmark to be out there against which persons can be measured. If they were to say, as used to be standard previous

practice, that the minimum academic requirement would have to be a Masters in Public Administration or an allied discipline, when someone gets the job without that, we can all cry foul. But by doing it this way, it would be difficult to question them on the facts. I thought that we had gone away from relying on persons who could do a particular job by rote only. Why in hell’s name did we spend so much money training and educating our people, particularly the youth, so that they could become strategic thinkers? Shucks, I forgot that the chief of the ‘Forum’, in her official capacity and from the ‘Chair’, pronounced that it was a total waste of resources to have funded the educational advancement of our youths. Now I see the link prize. In our blindness, before your departure you saw that, and poor, totally unsighted me, missed the connection. But it is never too late to see the light of day. Always look for the common thread and you will unravel the garment. The Emperor has no clothes! My people do not be fooled by the smiling guile of Governor Todd. He is cut from the same cloth as the other deceivers, even if it is the sleeve and not the hem. I do not want you to say, sometime later when he drives the dagger into you, “Et tu Brutus?” Royal Robinson, MBE

Health plan unfair on ex-pats Dear Editor, I have read that the rise in health contributions to six per cent of earnings per month goes hand in hand with a significant restriction on service offered to work permit holders or ‘temporary residents’. That applies to some of us who have resided here for over a decade with no award of permanent status and no clearly defined path to such. The restrictions limit treatment to those that can be carried out at the hospitals on island. Any health issues not treatable on island will mean repatriation to the residents’ home country for treatment. Will NHIP organise and cover the cost of repatriation in an emergency

scenario? I doubt it very much. This restriction essentially means ex-pats on work permits would be well advised to purchase private emergency medical insurance to cover for any catastrophic incidents such as a serious road accident. So, we pay twice, once for a severely limited service and once to cover the shortfalls of that service. This is unfair and unaffordable, especially for people with families. Either salaries will need to increase to cover this cost, which in this climate is most unlikely, or these people will be forced to literally put their lives at risk, or leave. Once those that are left, after the exodus of the last few years, leave

too, then NHIP will have a whole new challenge on their hands. No ex-pats to pay for NHIP, no NHIP. I have no problem paying a little extra during these lean times, or for paying additional premiums for my children but to ask that of us and then penalise us by restricting the service provided in this manner is downright prejudicial. If there was a clear path and timeframe to permanent status then there might be a justification for keeping permit holders out of the club but without any such thing it is indiscriminate discrimination. Name withheld by request

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.


November 19 - 25, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

13

Letters

Responding Lorne Rowe Thank God that in tough times cooler heads often prevail. The letter posted last week on these pages by Lorne Rowe can only be described as extreme in its conclusion. According to Rowe political gangs rule in this country. This may be the legacy of the last elected government but with one earlier notable exception involving the US DEA, it is otherwise just not true. The gang mentality has cropped up over the years in all democracies including Britain, and it is Britain who failed to move swiftly against the alleged TCI gang The call for a permanent government run by British Civil Servants is a recipe for absolute disaster. Now as to experience of the present two political leaders: one is the former speaker of the house and the other an active member of parliament who sponsored legislation which if enacted would solve a portion of our current financial shortfalls. The reason we are in the position we find ourselves today is because Britain failed in their responsibilities. Those truly analyzing the cause of the present situation allege two factors: sleeping British civil servants and British politicians within the FCO associated with our one political gang. Democracies work because the peoples voices are heard through their elected representatives. Power

rests with the people and not with the civil servants of another jurisdiction no matter how well-meaning they are. Until a peoples government is returned to this territory you will not see widespread development because the future is uncertain. Investors know that Turks and Caicos Islands belongs to the islanders. Yes the British rule of law is important and I do not favor independence. Ask yourself where was Britain when the laws were being broken on a daily basis from 2003 through 2009 ? British Civil servants - called governors - were asleep at the switch so our train went way off the track. Britain must not only get us back on track but pay for the repairs and let us pick our own engineer and conductor. It is unfair for Mr Rowe to paint both parties with the same brush. I am a card-carrying member of the PDM and do not consider myself a member of any gang. You need to join up, join in and find out what goes on behind the scenes at PDM, it is the process called democracy. The people of this country will do the right thing in 2012. With a peoples government in place headed by a proactive ministry we will see funded investors return to replace the past underfunded supporters of the one political gang that is so worrisome to you. David L. Tapfer

Health plan unfair on ex-pats Dear Editor, I have read that the rise in health contributions to six per cent of earnings per month goes hand in hand with a significant restriction on service offered to work permit holders or ‘temporary residents’. That applies to some of us who have resided here for over a decade with no award of permanent status and no clearly defined path to such. The restrictions limit treatment to those that can be carried out at the hospitals on island. Any health issues not treatable on island will mean repatriation to the residents’ home country for treatment. Will NHIP organise and cover the cost of repatriation in an emergency scenario? I doubt it very much. This restriction essentially means ex-pats on work permits would be well advised to purchase private emergency medical insurance to cover for any catastrophic incidents such as a serious road accident. So, we pay twice, once for a severely limited service and once to cover the shortfalls of that service. This is unfair and unaffordable, especially for people with families. Either salaries will need to increase to cover this cost, which in this climate is most unlikely, or these people will be forced to literally put their lives at risk, or leave.

Once those that are left, after the exodus of the last few years, leave too, then NHIP will have a whole new challenge on their hands. No ex-pats to pay for NHIP, no NHIP. I have no problem paying a little extra during these lean times, or for paying additional premiums for my children but to ask that of us and then penalise us by restricting the service

provided in this manner is downright prejudicial. If there was a clear path and timeframe to permanent status then there might be a justification for keeping permit holders out of the club but without any such thing it is indiscriminate discrimination. Name withheld by request

Note to readers

Dear Readers, We sincerely wish to publish all your letters to the editor - once they do not contain references that could be deemed slanderous or libelous – but are constrained by limited space. This fact inhibits our ability at times to carry lengthy letters. For this reason you may not see your letter to the editor in our editions at all, or have to wait a number of weeks before we are able to publish same. In the interest of seeing your correspondence to the editor published in a timely fashion, we advise that you try to keep it as short as possible while still expressing your point of view. The Editor

COMMENTARY

Thanksgiving

The holiday of Thanksgiving is an American tradition but one embraced by most Turks and Caicos Islanders. Americans celebrate the landing of the British pilgrims and meeting with the Indians who they later suppressed. British loyalists were pilgrims landing in the TCI - a heritage shared. Now we share much more. The American dollar, the 10-year visa, and many of our people born in the US. The celebrated American military presence in Grand Turk, and so many of our offspring living and

By David Tapfer working in the USA. All these things are our history and could be forfeit if independence comes to our shores. There are many from independent Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean

countries who would love to have our access to America. Perhaps the most important aspect of America is its ability to self-correct itself. While about as slow as Britain, the people always seem to eventually fix their own mistakes. America fought its bloody civil war to wipe out bondage. It took years more to invoke civil rights. The suppression of Democratic Governors Wallace, Faubus, Maddox, and Barnett has vanished as President Obama, candidate Herman Caine, Secretary of State, Condelezza Rice, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and

a multitude of others lead federal, state and local governments and administrations. The self-corrective process is an important lesson for all countries. America has now begun economic healing. I thank God for the most important person in my life, Yvette. She is a wonder and irreplaceable. Thanks for JAGS McCartney our founding father of self-government who fought against what haunts us today and died for it. Thank God for Derek Taylor and his yeoman service, an honest legacy of careful ultra conservative service. I thank God for the three-person opposition who took on the biggest challenge the islands have ever faced. Seymour, Robinson and Parnell did what had to be done and did it with energy and passion. I thank God for the emergence of Parnell and wife Tanya, both

articulate, innovative and patriotic. Yes I thank the Lord for Hayden Boyce who may have had the wrong motivation but in doing so exposed himself while clearing the way for Douglas to answer those inane charges. I am sorry for those who celebrate the Boyce bologna. I am thankful for our beautiful environment and pray that people like Ethlyn Gibbs be given what she needs to protect it for the children and TCI’s business, tourism. I thank God for my young friends at Doris Robinson School and for all the young people who are our future. May we be granted the wisdom to guide them beyond what they have been exposed to these last years. For these things and for more than we can count we will soon celebrate another Thanksgiving.


14

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

November 19 - 25, 2011

NATIONAL

Atlantic Consultancy Services

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

autism awareness By Nicole Cox, a mother living with autism

Hereby acting on behalf of our client WIV Cable TV Is seeking to employ the following positions:

Chief Operating Officer

(SENIOR MANAGEMENT, TEAM BUILDER, FULL SERVICE CABLE TELEVISION OPERATING)

Primary objectives of the Job Duties:

Proven Senior Management experience in the areas of technical operations, finance and accounting, customer relations, personnel and electric operations.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• It is mandatory that the applicant have strong interpersonal skills and maintain a positive attitude. • Must be a team builder. • Must be able to develop and maintain positive long term relationships with the customers, community organizations, legislators, associated regional and national organizations, the employees and the board.

Qualifications and requirements:

• Must have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a four year accredited college, or equivalent combination of education and experience. • Will be required to deal with telecommunication and regulatory issues on a local, national and international level.

Experience:

• 10 years minimum experience in senior management in the telecommunication industry. • 10 years minimum experience in technical operations, finance, accounting, customer relations.

Journalist

(PRECISE REPORTING, INVESIGATIVE, MEDIA INDUSTRIOUS, PHOTOGRAPHY)

Primary objectives of the Job Duties:

Highly self-motivated, excellent written and oral skills, journalism driven, keen ability to photograph vital information, adoptable with excellent internal and external customer relations skills . Ac as the company’s primary liaison with customers and other contacts.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Provide sources, researching and written comprehensive news reports • Must be able to proof read reports for broadcasting • Have the ability to investigating news reports • Photography ability • Must be able to Troubleshoot • Have the ability to broadcasting events and interviews for the general audiences • Understand and follow all company safety standard and practices including but not limited to: vehicle safety, proper placement of traffic signs and cones. Understand and follow accident reporting procedures. Understand and follow Electric Safety Code rules and regulations • Must be willing and able to report special projects • Perform all job functions appropriately • Must be willing to work flexible hours, including holidays and weekends • Perform other duties in keeping with the position

Qualifications and requirements:

Education: BA Honors English Literature/Philosophy, at least GCSE and 3 A’ Level one must be in English Language

Experience:

• 10 years experience in related area • Must have experience in report writing, investigating and editing • Must have experience in film and photography

Skills and working conditions of candidates:

• Excellent communication skills with external and internal customers • Must be committed to providing exceptional customer service (both external and internal) at all times. • Have the ability to schedule with minimum supervision • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where on limited to standardization exists. • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral diagram, or schedule form.

WIV Cable TV P.O Box 679 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands administrator@wiv.tc or fax 946-4866 No telephone calls please

5758

Josiah, aged four

Spectrum of Hope

Finding Your Dawn part 2

It took only two months to see the country could benefit from this. We had already done the footwork. Why not share the knowledge? That is when The Dawn Program was born. Connecting the idea to The Master’s Academy, we designed it to provide an early intervention day program for children ages 2-5. The hope would be that after several years of intensive ABA some children would be able to mainstream into typical school (with support if necessary). For those who would not be able to mainstream, the program could be extended to have the child continue with intensive therapy. Additionally, we required that all persons hired by The Dawn Program would be required to conduct educational workshops for the community. For confused parents, frustrated teachers and curious health professionals we would provide a specific education in the world of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Training persons how to be their own Instructor Therapists made sense. We would strive to make ABA accessible to everyone in spite of economic constraints. We could service every child on the spectrum in some way. I could see the pitcher growing burgundy in color as we changed water to wine. We would change the world. Are you laughing at us yet? Naïve. Impossible. We were trying to fly for Jo and hoping we could pull as many up with us as possible. Sometimes to attain the feasible you must aim for the impossible. Well, that was a year ago and today Dawn is still looking over the edge of the nest, waiting to fly. We have acquired invaluable experience and developed a firm alliance with a small but dedicated group of professionals. Recently we lost Alyssa Lehr, our ground Lead Instructor Therapist, as her husband was victim to staff cuts at his place of employment. Back to the U.S.A. And with no funding to support the center we developed, the day program had to close. However, with discipline and foresight into sustainability, Dawn has been reborn. Led by Tameika Meadows, M.Ed., BCBA pending, we continue to provide training workshops and private supervision to families with the drive to create their own home program. Corporations like LIME and Fortis, TCI have pledged support, which will go toward funding workshops and providing materials for ABA programs. Schools like Ianthe Pratt and Precious Treasures Primary School are joining The Master’s Academy providing skills to their educators. Families are slowly committing to the journey toward progress and doing the work necessary to bring it forth. Such are the results of sleepless nights, spontaneous tears and hopeless moments. Such is the price for keeping your family unit together as you seek help to save one member. How much would you pay for that? What is that valued to you? Not in money, but in time and effort. How much can you deny yourself? What can you walk away from in order to chase a different dream? There is no true gain without great sacrifice. But the beauty of it is that no matter the cost, it is always worth it when the goal is achieved. I have said before there is yet no cure for autism. Our goal is not a cured Josiah. Our goal is a better Josiah. Our goal is a better Cox family unit. Our goal is to provide opportunity for others who have that vision for themselves to join the journey. Find your dawn, time is short, decide its value and swallow the cost. For more information on autism, email: DawnProgram@ gmail.com Next week: “The Light! It’s Hurting My Eyes.”


November 19 - 25, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

15

NATIONAL

Birds could boost eco-tourism MIGRATORY birds have been spotted all over the Turks and Caicos Islands this autumn, which could provide a welcome boost to the country’s eco-tourism industry. Throughout this season, leading to Winter the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) has collected data on the importance of local habitats. And, bird monitoring was carried out in partnership with the Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds (SCSCB). A spokesperson for the DECR said: “The data generated is sent back to SCSCB who process it along with similar regional data. When combined this gives us a good idea of which birds are moving through which areas, when. “This is especially important because many of these birds are under pressure in part of their range either by habitat destruction or other danger.” The TCI has long been a popular wintering ground and stopover point for birds that migrate between North America and the American tropics. Many birds breed in the spring and summer in North America, where insects and fruit are plentiful, and then escape the winter cold and food shortages by flying south. While some birds journey straight over water to their wintering grounds, most island-hop from Florida, through the Bahamas and Cuba, TCI, Hispaniola and Puerto Rico, then on down the chain of the Lesser Antilles, and into South America. Each island stop is necessary for the birds to provide food and rest during their journeys. On Saturday, October 15, the DECR led a migratory birdmonitoring day, in which participants documented birds at important sites on Providenciales, including the Wheeland Ponds, Sandpits, and Provo Golf Course. On Tuesday, October 18, migratory bird monitoring was also carried out on Middle and North Caicos. This year massive flocks of seedeating songbirds called bobolinks have appeared, descending by the hundreds on patches of guinea-grass and shepherd’s needle. Other migrants spotted included blue-winged teal, ruddy ducks, American coots and snowy egrets. A DECR spokesperson said: “The sport-shooting of two radiotagged whimbrels which survived hurricanes during their migrations from their summer homes in Arctic Canada, underline this importance. “Both birds were shot in Guadeloupe, where sport hunting remains common.” The spokesperson explained that in the TCI where all birds are protected by law, they do not have to be fearful of humans and indeed many tolerate bird watchers quite well.

“Moreover, birds provide an excellent method of sustainable, lowimpact income and employment, such as bird watching guides, to local communities making them [the birds] far more valuable when alive. “As long as the TCI remains an alluring place for winter visitors, both feathered and human, this sort of ecotourism can continue to grow.” Throughout October, the DECR also led primary and high school students and teachers on bird watching trips. Staff members taught the groups how to use binoculars, and explained spotting scopes, field guides and species identification cards. The DECR provided colouring books featuring birds that the students might see while bird watching. Much of the educational work was made possible through a training and equipment grant from the SCSCB to the DECR over the last year. The Amanyara Resort and Provo Gulf Club have illustrated their support to the bird monitoring

this week

Friday, November 18 to Friday, November 25 An American coot at Provo Golf Course

activities of the DECR by recording sightings at their premises. And, the Science and Environmental Club at Raymond Gardiner High School in North Caicos have included wetland and bird monitoring as one of their activities. For more information on migratory birds or bird monitoring, or to request a bird watching field trip for a school, club or group contact the DECR on 941-5122 or send an email to info@environment.tc.

Friday, November 18  A candlelight ceremony in observance of Alcohol Awareness Month, at Sam’s Parking Lot, downtown, Providenciales, at 6:30 pm for persons who are, or have been affected by drugs, and their families and friends.  Ready to start the weekend party? Join Graceway Sports Centre and dance your booty off with Shara Bowen and her incendiary Zumba class from 10.30am to 11.30am. More information at www. gracewaysports.com or on 442-6348.  Live music duo NaDa will be providing entertainment at Mango Reef restaurant at the Alexandra resort this evening. Starts 6.45pm. Call 946 8200 for more details.  Get into the weekend mood with the intense and electrifying Tae-Bo class at Graceway Sports Centre from 6pm to 7pm. Free for fitness members, $12 for nonmembers. Visit www.gracewaysports.com for more information or call 442-6349.  Craig Archibold gets the party started at the Regent Palms from 7pm on Friday nights with the sound of classic Caribbean and Motown tunes. Call 946-8666 for details.

Saturday, November 19  Join the folks of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association as they host their annual ‘TCI Shines’ Cleanup Campaign before the start of the Winter season. For zone information please call TCHTA at 941-5787 or simply meet the Association at the Bight Children’s Park at 6:00am on Saturday.  Provo Golf Club is bracing itself for another two days of high drama November 19 and 20. See the TCIs best golfers gather to battle for the honour of being crowned club champion.

Great Egret at the Bight Park

 Mums and Tots Dance Party classes are held every Saturday at The Athletic Club in Saltmills Plaza for mothers and their little ones. Mothers, bring your little ones to dance, jump, twist and shake! Children have fun learning movement basics to fun music and mums get a light exercise while spending quality time. Mums and Tots classes begin at 10am and cost just $10. Dads are welcome! Call Shara Bowen on 244-1103 for more details.

Sunday, November 20  Feeling lucky? Win cash at the Rotary Club’s weekly bingo night every Sunday from 7pm at Club Pillows opposite the Veranda resort in Grace Bay.

Monday, November 21  Are you in the dance mood? Join Graceway Sports Centre and dance your booty off with Shara Bowen and her incendiary Zumba class from 10.30am to 11.30am. Call information at www. gracewaysports.com or on 442-6348.  Start your week with a fun and calorieburning Tae-Bo class at Graceway Sports Centre from 6pm to 7 pm. Free for fitness

Bobolink found in Wheeland

members, $12 for non-members. Visit www.gracewaysports.com for more information or call 442-6349.  Girls and boys aged 11 to 19 years old are invited to take part in a fun singing group. The TCI Youth Chorale rehearses every Monday at 6pm at the Edward C Gartland Youth Centre, downtown, Providenciales. For more information call 331-7176.

 Are you in need of inner peace? Interested in a healthy lifestyle and a toned and flexible body? Then you need David Bowen’s yoga classes at The Athletic Club in the Saltmills Plaza. Come along on Monday, Wednesday or Friday at 7am, Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30pm or Saturday at 9am. Call 941-8686 for more details.

Tuesday, November 22  Do you like Latino music and hot parties? Join Graceway Sports Centre and dance your booty off with Shara Bowen and her incendiary Zumba class from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. More information at www. gracewaysports.com or on 442-6348.  Live music duo NaDa will be providing entertainment at Mango Reef restaurant at the Alexandra resort this evening. Starts 6.45pm. Call 946 8200 for more details.

Wednesday, November 23  Kick back with live music from Soul Redemption at the Regent Palms on Wednesdays from 7pm. Call 946-8666 for details.

Thursday, November 24  Help support the TCSPCA with a beach barbeque tonight from 6pm at Bay Bistro. Featuring bonfire, live band, silent auction, door prizes, full barbeque, dessert and cash prizes. Starts 6pm with all proceeds going towards the TCSPCA. Tickets are $40 per person and are available from the TCSPCA office at Suzy Turn. Call 941-8846/2313052 for more information.  Get up and jump into your sports shoes for a morning Tae-bo class at Graceway Sports Centre from 9am to 10 am. Free for fitness members, $12 for non-members. More information at www.gracewaysports. com or on 442-6349.  Celebrate good health with Wellness Coach Benneth Williams every Thursday evening. Come along to Williams Block, suite number six, on Lower Bight Road, Providenciales, from 7pm. There you will get a free wellness consultation and an hour of fun. For more details call Benneth at 2460300 or email hls_com@yahoo.com

Friday, November 25  Judging of the National Primary School Poster Art Competition at the Gastarvus Lightbourne Building, Providenciales at 10:00am.

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


16

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

November 19 - 25, 2011

Consultation Paper Fair and Transparent Pathway on the Acquisition of Turks and Caicos Islander Status

The purpose of this paper is to set out, for public consultation, options for a fair and transparent process for the acquisition of Turks and Caicos Islander (Belonger) status. 2. It sets out: • The current pathways to permanent residence, citizenship and Belonger status in the Turks and Caicos Islands; together with • the minimum conditions set out in the 2011 Constitution. 3. It sets out key considerations for a fair and transparent process: • • • •

developed as part of a whole system approach; capable of supporting a long term strategy; in compliance with international obligations; and well administered.

4. The options draw on the relevant recommendations in the 2004 Immigration Review Commission, and are informed by what is done in other jurisdictions. 5. The questions cover: • whether PRC and Turks and Caicos Islander status should be determined according to a points system; • options for the pathway to PRC, and thus BOTC; • options for possible forms of long term temporary residence which would not necessarily lead to permanence, citizenship, nor Turks and Caicos Islander status; • options for the pathway from BOTC to Turks and Caicos Islander status; and • a proposal that a new Commission should be set up to oversee the fair and transparent process for acquisition of Turks and Caicos Islander status 6. This paper has been reviewed by the Advisory Council and the Consultative Forum and reflects their comments. 7. The public is invited to consider the questions, and to discuss them with family, friends, colleagues, fellow churchgoers and fellow members of youth and civic groups, such as Red Cross, Rotary, Soroptimists, Chamber of Commerce, and trade associations. Completed versions of the questionnaire can be returned to the Consultative Forum via e mail to: citizenship@gov. tc by Friday 17 February 2012 and the responses will be taken into account in setting in place the new Ordinance, policies and procedures during the first half of 2012. Citizenship and status in the Turks and Caicos Islands 8. As a British Overseas Territory, the citizenship that is conferred on a person by virtue of a connection with the Turks and Caicos Islands is British Overseas Territories Citizenship (BOTC), under the British Nationality Act 1981. A BOTC can: • hold a British Overseas Territories citizenship (Turks and Caicos Islands) passport; and • apply to be registered as a British Citizen. 9. A person acquires Belonger status under Turks and Caicos Islands law in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Ordinance. A Belonger can:

• • • • •

hold elected office vote in TCI elections work in the TCI without a permit be allocated Crown Land operate specified reserved businesses.

10. Belonger status and BOTC used to be linked, so that acquiring one status would mean you had the other, (and this remains the case in some of the other Overseas Territories) but the law in the Islands was changed in the 1990s so that, while there are some overlaps- for example, a person born in the Islands of a Belonger parent will automatically be both a Belonger and a BOTC- it is possible in the Turks and Caicos Islands to be a Belonger without being a BOTC. And acquiring BOTC by registration or naturalisation does not currently provide any pathway to acquiring Belonger status. Constitution 2011 11. Section 132 of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitutional Order 2011 provides that “(1) For the purposes of this Constitution, a person shall be regarded as a Turks and Caicos Islander if that person (a) had immediately before the commencement of this Constitution the status of Belonger or Turks and Caicos Islander by virtue of any law then in force in the Islands; or (b) has the status of Belonger or Turks and Caicos Islander under any law for the time being in force in the Islands. (2) An Ordinance shall prescribe the conditions under which a person may be granted the status of Turks and Caicos Islander, and (except in the case of a person who has a family connection with the Turks and Caicos Islands) those conditions shall include, but need not be limited to, the conditions set out in subsection (3). (3) The conditions referred to in subsection (2) are that – (a) an applicant is a British Overseas Territories Citizen or a British Citizen who either (i) has held a permanent residence certificate for a period of at least five years; or (ii) has been legally resident in the Turks and Caicos Islands for a period of at least ten years; and (b) an applicant is neither serving a sentence imposed by a court for an offence against the law in force in any country nor has been adjudged or otherwise declared bankrupt under any law in force in any country and has not been discharged. “ 12. It was made clear in the public debate on the Constitution that these conditions would be the minimum conditions. Meeting them would not be enough in itself for someone to qualify for Turks and Caicos Islander status.

13. This consultation exercise is to gather views on the full requirements for Turks and Caicos Islander status, which will be included in the Ordinance. 14. As discussed by the Advisory Council, the scope of this consultation will also extend to the requirements for Permanent Residence, and as advised by them, the moratorium on new applications for Permanent Residence Certificates (PRC) has been maintained for the time being. 15. This consultation extends to some other questions relevant to the pathway to citizenship, such as whether there should be provision for some categories of long term temporary residence; and whether there should be categories of temporary worker who may not progress to permanence, and what the term limits for their work permits should be.. 16. The requirements for British Overseas Territories Citizenship set out in the British Nationality Act 1981 will inform this consultation, but are not within its scope.

Current requirements for Belonger status and British Overseas Territories Citizenship

17. Under Section 3 of the Immigration Ordinance 1998, a person acquires Belonger status if he • Was born in the Islands and , at the time of his birth, at least one of his parents had Belonger status; or • Was born outside the Islands and at least one of his parents had Belonger status at the time of his birth and at least one of his parents was born in the Islands; or • Was born outside the Islands and lawfully adopted in the Islands by a person who had Belonger status at the time of his adoption; or • Had been granted Belonger status by the Governor as a person who is the spouse of a Belonger and has lived with his spouse for at least five years on the date of the application, or would have done so but for the death of the spouse; or • Is the dependent child of someone who qualifies as a Belonger under any of these headings. “Child” is defined in the Immigration Ordinance as a person who has not reached the age of 18 years and who is the child, stepchild, legitimated child or lawfully adopted child of any person. 18. Section 3 also provides for the grant of Belonger status, apart from on the grounds of marriage, stating that it is a privilege which shall only be granted in exceptional circumstances, and accordingly where the Governor considers that any person has made “an outstanding contribution to the economic and social development of the Islands”. The Ordinance and Regulations do not prescribe an application process for this. The provision was suspended in 2009 and it is intended that it should be replaced by the fair and transparent process which is the subject of this consultation. 19. Under Section 15(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981, a person born in the Turks and Caicos Islands on or after 1 January 1983 is automatically a British

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Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) if either parent was a BOTC at the time of their birth, or was settled, ie a Belonger who was not also a BOTC, or a PRC holder, at that time. If they were born before 2006 and the relevant parent is their father, their parents would need to have been married at the time. 20. Under Section 16(1)(a), a child born outside the TCI on or after 1 January 1983 is automatically a BOTC if either parent is a BOTC “otherwise than by descent” at the time of birth. This means that the parent must at the time of birth be a BOTC by birth, adoption, naturalisation or registration in TCI. 21. People in the following sets of circumstances are entitled, upon application, to be registered as BOTCs: • under Section 15(3): a child under 18 who was born in the TCI on or after 1 January 1983, and one of whose parents has subsequently become a BOTC or obtained PRC, and if over the age of 10 is of good character. • under Section 15(4), a person born in the TCI on or after 1 January 1983 who has lived for the first ten years of their life in TCI, spending no more than 90 days out of the territory in each of those ten years, and is of good character. • under Section 17(2), a child under 18, who was born outside TCI on or after 1 January 1983, and either parent was a BOTC by descent at the time of their birth, or a grandparent is or would have become a BOTC “otherwise than by descent”, and the parent has lived in the territory for 3 years, with no more than 270 days absence, and the child, if over 10, is of good character. • under Section 17(5), a child under 18, born outside TCI on or after 1 January 1983, parent was BOTC by descent at the time of the birth, the child and both parents have been in the territory for the 3 year period ending with the date of the application, child and parents have had no more than 270 days absence, if aged 10 or more the child is of good character, and both parents have consented to the application. 22. There is also a discretionary provision to register a child under 18 under Section 17(1), provided the child, if aged 10 or more is of good character, and “the Governor sees fit to register the child”. The Governor’s discretion on this is exercised according to policy within the territory. 23. Adults can, upon application, be naturalised as BOTCs in the following circumstances: • under Section 18(1), a person over 18, of full capacity, who has been ordinarily resident in the TCI for five years with no more than 450 days of absence in total, and for the last 12 months has been a PRC holder, and without absence of more than 90 days, has not been in breach of immigration laws in the qualifying period, is of good character, with sufficient knowledge of English, and intends to live in the TCI if naturalised. • under Section 18(2), a person over 18, married to a BOTC, of full capacity, has been resident in the TCI for three years with no more than 270 days’ absence in total and no more than 90 days’ absence in the last 12 months, not subject to immigration time restrictions on the date of application and not in breach of immigration laws in the qualifying period. Applicants are considered to be of good character if they show respect for the rights and freedoms of the territory,

have observed its laws and fulfilled their duties and obligations as residents. Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC) 24. The granting of a PRC in the Turks and Caicos Islands is by statute a decision for the Governor in Council, ie the Cabinet. In practice, applications are currently made to the Ministry of Border Control and Labour, processed, considered, and decided by the Ministry, and put to the Governor for formal approval, and for signature of the Certificate. 25. Sections 14-18 of the Immigration Ordinance provide that a person may apply to the Governor for PRC; that the Governor may grant PRC if the person meets the prescribed requirements; may impose such conditions on the PRC as are prescribed (including that the holder may not work) or as he sees fit to impose; that he may vary those conditions upon application by the holder; and that the PRC may be endorsed as applying to a spouse or dependent children, again subject to conditions, including that they shall not work without a work permit. 26. Sections 19-21 of the Ordinance cover revocation of a PRC. Section 22 provides that there is no avenue of appeal against a Governor’s decision to refuse a PRC or to impose conditions on a PRC; and that the avenue of appeal against revocation of a PRC or an endorsement on a PRC is to the Supreme Court. 27. The criteria which have to be met in order to qualify for PRC, and the conditions which are imposed, are set out in Schedule 2 to the Immigration Regulations and the fees are set out In Schedule 8. These were recently published by the Ministry of Border Control and Labour, in the context of the arrangements to clear the backlog of PRC cases dating back a number of years. All the backlog cases are being considered against these criteria. In summary, the ways in which a person can qualify under the current law for PRC are as follows: • five years on a self-employed work permit and investment of at least $200,000 (in Providenciales) or$75,000 (elsewhere in the Islands) in a business • five years on a work permit as a skilled worker and investment of at least $200,000 (in Providenciales) or $75,000 (elsewhere in the Islands) in a business or a home for himself and dependents • ten years on a work permit as a skilled worker, no investment • six years on a work permit as an unskilled worker and investment of at least $200,000 (in Providenciales) or $75,000 (elsewhere in the Islands) in a business or a home for himself and dependents • ten years on a work permit as an unskilled worker, no investment • as a retired person, having invested not less than $500,000 (in Providenciales) or $125,000 (elsewhere in the Islands • having invested no less than $500,000 in an enterprise in Providenciales in respect of which a development order was made; not less than $150,000 in a Belonger business in Providenciales engaged in the development of condominiums in respect of which a development order was made; not less than $125,000 in an enterprise elsewhere in the Islands in respect of which a development order was made; or not less than $50,000 in an “authorised investment” in the islands of Grand Turk, Salt Cay, South Caicos, Middle

Caicos or North Caicos • having been the dependent child of a permanent resident, and is now 18 years old • does not meet any of the above provisions, but has become assimilated into the life and affairs of the Islands. 28. PRC may be endorsed with the right to work in a specified category of employment; or with no right to work; or with the right to work with no limitation or restriction. This is determined according to the heading under which the applicant has qualified. The fees vary from $5,000 to $50,000 according to the route to qualification. 29. A work permit holder who is granted PRC is required by law to pay an “anniversary” fee each year afterwards, equivalent to what they would have paid for a work permit (but can qualify for BOTC after a year). There is also provision for someone who has been resident for ten years (following the grant of the PRC) to apply to have the conditions of their PRC varied so as to enable them to work without restriction or limitation. Key considerations for a fair and transparent process (1) There needs to be a whole system approach 30. The possible pathways to citizenship and status begin with the decision whether or not a person can enter and work, or live in the Islands, including whether or not they can be accompanied by their spouse and children. The rules on leave to enter and remain, on who can work and when they have to depart, and on which workers can be joined by their dependents, all need to be clearly set out, and firmly and fairly enforced, in order for there to be a fair and transparent process for the acquisition of Turks and Caicos Islander status. The Ministry of Border Control and Labour’s change programme involves strengthening the borders, including by reforms to the visa system; as well clarifying the rules on entry, work and residence; and action to ensure that enforcement and deportation activity are better targeted and more effective. (2) The migration and citizenship system needs to support a longer term strategy for the demography, economy and community cohesion of the Islands 31. Managed migration should be part of a comprehensive development strategy, attracting skills and investment to promote growth, while reducing negative impacts. A longer term population policy for the TCI, and its long term managed migration strategy, will properly be the responsibility of an elected government. But putting in the basics of a fair and transparent process now will provide a foundation for migration to be well managed in future, whatever the strategic context. (3) The system needs to have regard to international legal obligations 32. The policies and procedures need to comply with the TCI’s international legal obligations, such as humanitarian protection, the rights of the child, and the right to a family life. This means, for example, that there should be law, policy and procedures to give effect to the territory’s obligations in respect of humanitarian protection, and the UNHCR has provided TCIG with models from within

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the region for relevant legislation and policies. And that someone who has lived in the territory for many years and is of good character should not be required to leave the territory without very careful consideration of their full circumstances and their ties to the Islands, and should accordingly be considered for permanent status. As an example, compliance with a Council of Europe Convention has been translated into a UK policy that a person who has been in the UK legally for ten years, or illegally for fourteen, should not be forced to leave, and should therefore be granted indefinite leave to remain (settlement) subject to a full consideration of their case. (4) The rules need to be published, and to be administered transparently, fairly and consistently 33. Whatever the rules are, the most important part of having a fair and transparent process is that they should be published, widely available and well-understood by the public, applicants and the staff responsible for administering them. It is essential that they are seen to be applied consistently, without fear or favour. Decisions need to be timely, and well- explained with reference to the relevant law and policy. A points based system? 34. In the Cayman Islands an application for permanent residence is considered by the Caymanian Status & Permanent Residency Board according to a points system. 35. The Immigration Review Commission 2004 recommended (2.4.11 (d) and 2.4.12) that there should be a points system for decisions on permanent residence in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and that it should attach positive and negative points according to such attributes as age, type of occupation, level of skill, level of income, country of origin, ethnicity, ability to speak and write English etc. 36. Countries with long-standing routes for permanent skilled migration, such as the US, Canada , Australia and New Zealand have implemented points based systems, as have Denmark and Hong Kong. The UK has a points based system for entry for work and study. 37. Points can be useful for these kinds of decision-making processes, as they are capable of being simple to understand and administer; objective, transparent and predictable. Points can also be adjusted in future in order to respond to changing demographic, economic and social factors, without the need for primary legislation. 38. Such systems are most useful where the points are awarded for objective factors –age, length of residence, qualifications, finances- so that the applicant and the administrator can make the same calculation, and the scope for discretion and dispute is reduced. Some factors, for example a clean criminal record, are probably best established as an absolute requirement before a person is eligible to apply, rather than a factor for which points can be deducted. 39. For example, in Australia, to be eligible to apply for a Skilled- Independent visa, the person applying must be 50 years of age or under, must meet the English language requirement threshold of competent English, must nominate an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List and have a suitable skills assessment

for the nominated occupation, and must meet the points test threshold of 65 points and pass all health and character requirements. Question 1: Do you think that it would be helpful for the Turks and Caicos Islands to administer decisions on permanent residence and Turks and Caicos Islander status according to a points system? QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PATHWAY TO PRC 40. As set out above in paragraphs 18- 30, the current possible routes via PRC or birth to British Overseas Territories Citizenship could be summarised as: • Self-employed or skilled worker x 5 years+$200,000=PRC+1 year=BOTC (6 years) • Skilled worker x 10 years=PRC+1 year=BOTC (11 years) • Unskilled worker x 6 years+$200,000=PRC+1 year=BOTC (7 years) • Unskilled worker x 10 years=PRC+1 year=BOTC (11 years) • Investment of $500,000=PRC +5 years=BOTC (5 years) • Other authorised investments=PRC+5 years=BOTC (5 years) • Assimilated: 10 years on Government stamp; primary and secondary schooling; or lengthy residence (10/12/20 years)=PRC + 1 year= BOTC (11-21 years or more) • Marriage to a BOTC & resident x 3 years+PRC=BOTC (3 years, but no specific provision for PRC) • Born in the TCI of a parent who already has BOTC or PRC=BOTC • Born in the TCI of parent who acquires PRC or BOTC=BOTC • Born in TCI & spends first 10 years here=BOTC. 41. The questions are whether the qualifying periods for PRC should be lengthened; whether there should be some categories of worker who do not have a pathway to PRC; and what additional tests should be applied. Qualifying for PRC by working: length of qualifying period 42. The Immigration Review Commission 2004 recommended (at 2.4.5) that a person who has held a work permit and resided in the TCI for nine years immediately preceding the application; or (2.4.6) who has legally and ordinarily resided in the TCI for 10 years, should be eligible to apply for PRC. A member of the Consultative Forum has more recently suggested that the qualifying period should be 12 years of unbroken residence. 43. In the Cayman Islands a person who has been ordinarily and lawfully resident for a period of eight years may apply for permanent residence. 44. In the UK, it is currently possible for a person to qualify for indefinite leave to remain after five years on a work permit. 45. Under a points based system the necessary points score could be reached by a combination of length of residence and level of investment, together with other factors. But the territory may wish to set a minimum period of residence as the threshold for eligibility.

Question 2: Should a worker in the TCI be eligible to apply for PRC after five; six; eight; nine; ten; or more years? Qualifying for PRC by working: should this be limited to certain kinds of worker? 46. There is currently no statutory limit on the time a person may spend in the TCI on work permits. There is a statutory limit on the length of a single permit, at five years for a skilled worker, three years for an unskilled. But it is possible for any unskilled or skilled worker to be here on work permits long enough to qualify for PRC. Attempts have been made to limit this progression, by Ministers announcing that there should be term limits, by the Immigration Board refusing work permit renewals after a certain period or enforcing “breaks” in permitted work, but policy and practice have not always been clear and enforcement has not been consistent. 47. Interest has been expressed in the Cayman Islands system, under which a work permit is limited to seven years and may not be renewed. The worker may be rehired after a break of a year, and may then be granted a work permit for a further seven years, but will never accrue the eight years required for permanent residence. If designated a “key worker”, the permit may be issued for nine years, and the worker may progress to permanence. Designation of a key worker is made by application to the Work Permit Board on a case by case basis, according to the expertise and contribution of the worker. This system is now being reviewed, as it is perceived to be causing difficulties. 48. The Immigration Review Commission 2004 recommended similarly (at 3.14) that the term limit for a work permit should be seven years, and that a new permit should not be issued unless the worker had spent two years outside the Islands, but that an exception could be made for highly skilled, expert workers whose contribution to the economy and society justified allowing them to progress to PRC. 49. There are clearly some difficulties with a system of this kind, where a worker may be allowed to contribute to the economy for lengthy periods of seven years at a time, required to disrupt their lives for one or two years, then to return to contribute for a further seven, but never to qualify for permanent status. Seven years is long enough to make a strong connection with the territory. Having a category of people in the territory for lengthy periods who have temporary status and no prospect of progressing can be very damaging to social cohesion. 50. Employers have made representations that the annual cycle of work permit application and renewal is damaging to business, and they would want the predictability and reassurance of a longer term permit. Migrant workers would also need to know with some certainty what the rules are on the permitted maximum length of their stay, and whether or not they have a route to permanence. Equally, it has been suggested that the system needs, as now, to provide for a regular review by employers of their staffing needs against the availability of suitably skilled local workers. Requiring work permits to be renewed periodically is a useful lever for this.

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51. If there are to be distinctions between different kinds of worker, it would seem preferable for the designation of a “key worker” to be by sector/ occupation rather than on a case by case basis, for simplicity, transparency and fairness. In Australia and the UK there are “shortage occupation lists” based on analysis of the resident labour market. Any term limits on work permits should be long enough to meet business needs; and to encourage skilled migrant workers to come to the TCI. Question 3: Should there be a clear distinction drawn between those workers who can qualify over time for PRC and those who cannot? Question 4: If there are to be such distinctions, on what basis should they be made? Should there, for example, be a regularly updated list of designated shortage occupations on the basis of labour market analysis and consultation? Question 5: If there are to be temporary workers with fixed term work permits who cannot progress to PRC, what should the term limits on their work permits be? Additional tests 52. Applicants for PRC in the TCI must already demonstrate that they are of good character, in good health, intend to make their principal home in the Islands, and are capable of supporting themselves and their dependents in the Islands. 53. The Immigration Review Commission 2004 recommended (at 2.4.11 and 2.4.12) that other factors to be taken into account would be the “admirable characteristics” which were needed in those who were becoming a permanent part of the community: knowledge of the Turks and Caicos; ability to speak and read English etc. 54. Other administrations (the US, Canada, the UK) require applicants for permanent residence to pass tests in knowledge of the territory; and in English. This is intended to assist with their assimilation. 55. The Ministry of Border Control and Labour is in discussion with the Community College about their courses in TCI Studies (which could be linked to the long-standing “TCI host” programme sponsored by the Tourism Board) and in English language; and about the possibility that the College might administer tests which would form part of the requirements for PRC. Question 6: Do you agree that knowledge of the TCI and of a specified level of English language should be required before any applicant can be granted PRC? Maintaining different classes of PRC or merging them 56. One of the arguments for granting permanent status is to remove the burden and cost to the State of continuing to monitor and manage a migrant who is of good behaviour and has played by the rules. The Consultative Forum has commented on the potential benefits to the Government of not having to police people’s immigration status once they have qualified

for permanence. But this argument may need to be balanced against concerns about the resident labour market and the interests of Islanders looking for work. 57. In the UK a person with indefinite leave to remain is free to work without limitation or restriction. A Green Card (permanent residence) holder in the US may work in the United States at any legal work of their qualification and choosing. 58. In the Cayman Islands, when an application for permanent residence is approved, the Caymanian Status & Permanent Residency Board will issue the applicant a Residency and Employment Rights Certificate which entitles him or her a. to accept employment from any employer of his choice; and b. to have reside with him any dependants who were listed in his permanent residence application and who were approved by the Caymanian Status & Permanent Residency Board. The Certificate may also be varied subsequently to add or remove dependants. but the holder is restricted to working within the particular occupation or occupations specified by the Board. (These will normally be those specified by the applicant on the application form). The certificate may, however, be varied subsequently by the Board if the holder changes occupation. 59.

The Immigration Review Commission 2004 recommended (at 2.4.2) that there should continue to be three Classes of Permanent Residency status in the TCI: Class 1, carrying the wholly unrestricted right to work; Class 2, carrying the right to work for any employer and in any occupations with specified exceptions; and Class 3, carrying no right to work.

Question 7: Should the three different categories of PRC recommended by the Immigration Review Commission be introduced, including some with restrictions on work; or should the system be simplified by having a single category of PRC, without limitation or restriction? Attracting investors 60. Significant interest has been expressed in the potential for using the migration and citizenship system to attract potential investors, in property or business enterprises. An Advisory Council member suggested earlier this year that there should be a category of “Economic PRC” for a fee of $500,000. And, as set out above, the existing criteria for PRC do already provide for a range of investor categories, involving investments from $50,000 to $500,000. There are also provisions for “pre-qualification” whereby an investment can be authorised so that a potential investor can obtain an undertaking that, once they have made the investment, a PRC will be issued. But the necessary policy framework and procedures for this do not seem to have been very clearly established. There are risks with such provisions, if not fairly and transparently managed, to be seen as a way for Governments to “sell” permanent status or citizenship. 61. But there are reasonably well established investor immigration schemes elsewhere. In St. Kitts there is a “citizenship by investment” category, with its own dedicated unit to process applications from people

who wish to have the option of holding a St. Kitts passport and are prepared to invest in a home or a capital project in the island. The St. Kitts scheme, which is in the process of being revised, requires an investment of $295,000 for a family of four, which is defined as a “donation”. In St.Kitts it is accepted that citizens by investment will not be ordinarily resident in the island, whereas it is currently a condition for PRC in the TCI, and of BOTC, that the applicant intends to make their principal home in the territory. 62. There are investor programmes in the USA, Australia, Hong King and the UK, all of which grant the investor an initial period of temporary residence, ranging from two to five years, before permanent residence will be granted. The sums of investment required for these are rather larger: USD 500.000; AUD 750,000; HKD 6,500,000; and £1,000,000. Canada offers an investment immigration programme which provides permanent residence to around 25,000 migrants per annum. Their minimum investment requirement is 800,000 Canadian dollars. 63. It has been suggested that an alternative to permanent residence for investors would be a long term temporary residence permit. The Immigration Review Commission 2004 recommended (at 2.2. and 2.3) that there should be two additional forms of immigration status, the Home-Owner’s Permit and the Business Investor’s Permit, each of which would be for 25 years and capable of renewal. It was recommended that the required investment in a home or business should be $500,000 in Providenciales and $125,000 for the other islands. It was also recommended that a long term residence permit holder should be able to apply for permanent residence under the points system once they had been ordinarily resident in the TCI for five years, provided they satisfied the other points requirements in terms of assimilation and contribution to the life of the Islands. . 64. The concept of a temporary but long term residence permit of this kind is fairly unusual. And if it does not allow for progression to permanence, there may be the same potential difficulties with it as identified at paragraph 49 above. One parallel is in the Cayman Islands where there is provision for a Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means. To qualify, the applicant must have attained the following financial standing: Where the applicant intends to reside in Grand Cayman, he must satisfy the Chief Immigration Officer • that he has a continuous source of annual income in the amount of CI$150,000, without the need to engage in employment in the Islands; and • that he has invested the sum of CI$750,000 in Grand Cayman of which at least CI$250,000 must be in developed residential real estate. Where the applicant intends to reside in Cayman Brac or Little Cayman, he must satisfy the Chief Immigration Officer • that he has a continuous source of annual income in the amount of CI$75,000 without the need to engage in employment in the Islands; and • that he has invested the sum of CI$250,000 locally of which at least CI$125,000 must be in developed residential real estate.

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November 19 - 25, 2011

Consultation Paper Fair and Transparent Pathway on the Acquisition of Turks and Caicos Islander Status

65. According to informal communication around 500 of these Certificates have been issued by the Cayman Islands authorities. Question 8: Do you think it should be possible to qualify for PRC purely by investment in the Turks and Caicos Islands? If so, what do think would be the right level of investment? Question 9: What do you think should be the rules to be attached to this kind of provision? Should investors be required to be ordinarily resident in the territory before getting PRC, as in other administrations? Should it be possible to get an undertaking from TCIG that a PRC will be issued, in advance of making an investment? Question 10: Do you support the introduction of long term residence permits lasting 25 years for homeowners and business investors? What do you think should be the rules attached to this kind of provision? For example, should it be possible for time spent ordinarily resident in the TCI on such a permit be allowed to count towards qualifying for PRC, if other conditions are met? An alternative pathway: long term temporary status for workers and their families 66. The Advisory Council has also expressed an interest in a new form of long term temporary status which might be offered to workers who would like to stay in the TCI, have established connections and played by the rules, but who do not wish to progress to PRC or BOTC or Turks and Caicos Islander status, or who may not wish to meet all the requirements, for example in terms of knowledge of the TCI or proficiency in English language. This might also be something which could be provided for those who miss out on PRC or Turks and Caicos Islander status under a possible quota system, as canvassed below. Such a provision would need to carry some security, protection and entitlements, in the form of length of residence, for example 25 years, and freedom to work, but would not provide a pathway to the other entitlements of BOTC and Turks and Caicos Islander status, including the right to vote. 67. Experience elsewhere suggests that there may be a substantial proportion of migrants who wish to stay in their adopted country for a significant period of time but who are not interested in full citizenship, perhaps because they are nationals of a country which does not allow dual nationality: in the UK for example, around 40% of those granted settlement do not progress to citizenship. Care would again need to be taken not to create a category of people in the territory for a long time, making a contribution but without permanent status, having children here, but without a full stake in society. Question 11: Should there be provision for an alternative form of long term temporary residence, with freedom to work, which does not necessarily lead to PRC, BOTC or Turks and Caicos Islander status? What should be the requirements for such a

status, and what conditions would be applied?

for Turks and Caicos Islander status?

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PATHWAY TO TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS

A separate pathway for young people born in the TCI or who have spent their lives here from an early age

68. The questions are, where a person has qualified for PRC and/or BOTC, what further requirements should there be in order to qualify for Turks and Caicos Islander status. The minimum conditions in the 2011 Constitution envisage that a person would have held PRC for at least five years, during which they would have qualified for BOTC; or would have held BOTC by birth in the territory and descent, or birth and residence in the territory, for at least ten years. In other words: (using the current criteria for PRC):

72. The Consultative Forum has suggested that there should be separate and specific provision for young people born in the TCI, or who spend their lives here from infancy, to progress to Turks and Caicos Islander status without having to pass the same kinds of test as those who have migrated here in adulthood. As identified above, children born here are either BOTC automatically or are eligible to apply to be registered as BOTC, on the grounds of birth and descent, birth and parental status, or birth and residence. Young people born overseas but who come to TCI when they are infants, and go through primary and secondary schooling here, may qualify for PRC under the assimilation category and then qualify to be registered BOTC. The question is whether these children and young people should be able to progress straight to Turks and Caicos Islander status, at what age, and with what, if any, further tests or requirements.

• Skilled worker x 5 years+ $200,000=PRC+1 Year=BOTC+4 years = minimum threshold for TCI (ie a total of 10 years) • Unskilled worker x 10 years=PRC+ 1 year= BOTC+ 4 years=TCI (a total of 15 years). • Child born in TCI, qualifies for BOTC under S15(4) after ten years= BOTC + ten years living legally in the TCI=TCI status (total 20 years) 69. The Immigration Review Commission 2004 recommended (at 1.4.1) that a person should be considered for a grant of Belonger status if he or she was ordinarily resident in the TCI and had been so resident for at least 15 years; had held a PRC for at least six years; and was a BOTC. At 1.4.3 the Review Commission set out a range of other considerations and tests, including an interview which would establish a high level of knowledge of and commitment to the Islands; and considerations of the number of dependents, the economic situation in the country, and balance in the Islands at the time of people from different backgrounds, and the distribution of people across the Islands. 70. Some of these considerations would probably best be factored into top-down strategy, such as a quota system (see paragraph 87 below), rather than on a case by case basis. For the process to be fair and transparent, the requirements should as far as possible be objective, evidence-based and quantifiable. Question 12: What do you think should be the further requirements –including length of residence as a PRC holder and/or BOTC- and what additional tests should be applied, in order for a BOTC to progress to TC Islander status? 71. The 2011 Constitution specifically identified that a British Citizen, with PRC for five years, or ten years’ legal residence, would meet the minimum conditions. The reason for this was that representations had been made that it would not make sense to require a British Citizen to obtain BOTC. But it has been confirmed subsequently that there is no bar to British Citizens obtaining BOTC on the basis of their connection with an Overseas Territory. The expectation would be that British Citizens in the TCI should qualify for TC Islander status by qualifying for PRC; and then meet whatever additional requirements are imposed, without any special dispensation. Question 13: Do you think British Citizens should be required to obtain BOTC before being eligible

Question 14 : Do you think that young people born in the TCI should have a separate, specific path to Turks and Caicos Islander status, and if so what should be the rules on this? OBTAINING TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS BY MARRIAGE OR AS A DEPENDENT CHILD 73. A Turks and Caicos Islander should be able to exercise their right to a family life by being joined in the TCI by their spouse. Under the current law the spouse of Belonger can initially be granted a residence permit for five years which confirms they have the right to work. They may then apply for Belonger status on the grounds that they are the spouse of a Belonger and living together. Before either the permit of the Belonger certificate is granted the couple is interviewed and investigations are made to confirm that the marriage is subsisting. Applications are refused where investigation shows that the couple does not live together. 74. The Immigration Review Commission 2004 recommended (1.2.1) that a non-Belonger spouse of a Belonger should be able to obtain a grant of Belonger status if he/she and the Belonger had lived together after marriage continuously for seven years before the application, and had been ordinarily resident in the Islands for two years prior to the application. 75. The right of Turks and Caicos Islanders to be joined by their spouses needs to be balanced against concerns that marriages may be formed for the express purpose of getting status in the Islands. 76. There is anecdotal concern about the possible targeting of vulnerable people in poor health by unscrupulous migrants (or middlemen) owing to the current provision which allows someone whose Belonger spouse dies within five years to be granted Belonger status as if the marriage would have subsisted until then. 77.

The Immigration Review Commission 2004 recommended (at 1.2.2-3) that there should be a

Continued 


November 19 - 25, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

21

Consultation Paper Fair and Transparent Pathway on the Acquisition of Turks and Caicos Islander Status

criminal offence of making a marriage of convenience, as “a marriage entered into with the primary intention of avoiding or benefitting from any of the provisions of this Ordinance”, carrying a sanction of a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for two years. 78. The Immigration Department has also raised concerns about the current definition of “child” in the Immigration Ordinance, which it is suggested should not necessarily include “stepchild” for the purposes of obtaining Turks and Caicos Islander status. To obtain BOTC the advice from the UK is that a stepchild should qualify as a child only where the relationship has been formalised through legal channels, for example where the applicant was adopted, or the parents were awarded legal guardianship. 79. It would be worth considering applying the same tests, in knowledge of the TCI and English language, to people applying for TCI status on the grounds of marriage as to other applicants. Question 15: For how long do you think a couple should be married before a spouse can apply for Turks and Caicos Islander status? Question 16: Should there be provision for a spouse to obtain Turks and Caicos Islander status if their Turks and Caicos Islander spouse dies before the end of the qualifying period? Question 17: Should there be a new offence of entering into a marriage of convenience? Question 18: Should the Immigration Ordinance definition of “child” be reviewed, particularly with reference to stepchildren? Question 19: Should people applying for TCI status on the grounds of being a spouse have to pass the same tests, such as in Knowledge of the TCI or English language, as other applicants? THE GRANTING OF TCI STATUS-A NEW COMMISSION? 80. The Immigration Review Commission 2004 recommended (at 1.5) the setting up of a new statutory body, the Citizenship Commission. It was recommended that there should be a deadline each year for applications for TCI status, and that the Commission should be appointed anew each year after that deadline had passed, and would meet to consider those applications made that year. The Commission would apply the points test and would interview candidates. It would meet as necessary to process applications for PRC. There would be no appeal except via judicial review. There would be no power vested in the Governor nor the Executive Council to grant TCI status. 81. This arrangement would have the advantage of being separated from politicians and from the Governor, although the Commission would potentially be appointed by politicians, and might still be applying personal or political views to these decisions. 82. An interesting but distinct model is the Citizenship Commission in Canada which is an administrative body within Citizenship and Immigration Canada, consisting of “citizenship judges” working across Canada who

review approximately 180,000 citizenship applications a year. They assess the applications, administer the oath, maintain the integrity of the process, and promote citizenship. 83. In the UK nationality cases are decided on behalf of the Secretary of State by civil servants in Liverpool who follow published guidance. 84. Setting up a new statutory body at this time could be seen to be running against current efforts to rationalise the landscape in TCIG as part of public service reform; and the potential costs of this option would need to be carefully assessed. 85. The Consultative Forum has expressed interest in a new model of District Council which would manage local and community responsibilities, and among other things, would act as First Level Screening Agency for assessing recommendations for Turks and Caicos islander status within the respective community. Question 20: Should a new Commission be set up to decide TCI Status and PRC applications? How should membership of such a body be determined? Should there be provision for local involvement, for example by the proposed District Councils? 86. The TCI may wish to impose some controls over the application process, rather than simply responding to demand from those who meet the requirements. One such control is the annual cut-off date proposed by the Immigration Review Commission and mentioned above. 87. The territory may also wish to consider setting annual quotas for applicants in different categories. One of the considerations recommended by the Immigration Review Commission 2004 was that consideration should be given in assessing each application to “the desirability of granting Belonger status to applicants with different backgrounds and from different geographical areas so that a suitable balance in the social and economic life of the country may be maintained.” As suggested in paragraph 70 above this consideration, if it is agreed that it should be part of the process, would be more fairly and transparently met by the imposition of evidence –based annual quotas than by case by case decisions. Question 21: Should there be some kinds of control over the numbers of applications for TCI status which can be made and decided each year, for example by a cut-off date and/or quotas? Regularisation of existing long-term residents? 88. The Immigration Review Commission 2004 recommended (at 1.7) that long-time residents of Turks and Caicos should be “regularised”. “In line with public sentiment, and as has recently been done elsewhere, the Government should immediately instigate a process whereby persons who have been living in the Turks and Caicos for many years have the opportunity to obtain status as a Belonger or Permanent Resident”. This was not implemented at the time, and it is not clear whether it would command public support now.

Question 22: Would you support the 2004 Immigration Review Commission’s proposal for a one off “regularisation” programme to enable long term residents to obtain Turks and Caicos Islander status? On what basis would such regularisation decisions be made? Revocation 89. The Immigration Ordinance does not provide for revocation of Belonger status once granted. It does provide for revocation of PRC, on the grounds that the PRC holder (a) Has shown himself by act or speech to be disloyal or disaffected towards Her Majesty (b) Has during any war in which Her Majesty was engaged, unlawfully traded or communicated with an enemy etc (c) Has been convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than 12 months (d) Has been convicted on more than one occasion of more than one offence against the Immigration Ordinance in any period of five years (e) Has obtained PRC by means of fraud, false representation, or concealment of any material fact (f) Has become unable to support himself and his dependents (g) Has ordinarily resided outside the Islands for a continuous period of five years or more. (h) Has breached any condition imposed on the PRC including working without permission. 90. The Immigration Review Commission 2004 recommended that Turks and Caicos Islander Status should be liable to be revoked by the Citizenship Commission in some of the same circumstances as above, ie providing false or misleading information, obtaining status through fraud, false representation or the concealment of any material fact, criminal conviction, including of a crime which the Commission believes was made possible or facilitated by or connected with the grant of Belonger status to the offender; absence from the Turks and Caicos for more than five years; and, where the holder is the spouse of a Belonger, if the Commission is satisfied that the marriage was a marriage of convenience or if within three years of the grant the marriage has ended. Question 23: Should there be provision for revocation of TCI Status in the circumstances identified by the Immigration Review Commission? And finally 91. The public is invited to submit any other comments, considerations or proposals which they would like to be taken into account in the development of a fair and transparent process for the acquisition of Turks and Caicos Islander status. Question 24: Do you have any additional comments or suggestions which you would like to see taken into account?


22

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

November 19 - 25, 2011

NATIONAL

Maritime training course The Maritime Department and Shipping Office is requesting all captains, vessel skippers, charter operators, and other interested persons to indicate to the department as soon as possible the name or names of persons who will be attending the Basic Standard of Training Certificate and Watchkeeping (STCW) course. This training course includes first aid and CPR; Personal safety and social responsibilities; personal survival techniques; basic fire fighting; rules of the road; and use and handling of flares. The office stated in a November 16 media release

that the course will be held at the Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources Center, Lower Bight Road, Providenciales, from December 01 to 03. The world-renowned, Sea School Florida, will facilitate the training. Fees are $550.00 for the STCW training and $20.00 registration per person. Registration begins as soon as possible at the Maritime Department, downtown, Providenciales. Interested persons are asked to complete the form below and deliver to the Maritime Department, downtown, Providenciales as soon as possible.


November 19 - 25, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

23


24

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

November 19 - 25, 2011


November 19 - 25, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

25


Lifestyle...

26

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

November 19 - 25, 2011

fitness Tip 

Dealing with month of December It feels like no longer than last month was Christmas and then the New Year party. And, here we are, a whole year later, getting ready for another set of parties and fun. We know, this is what December is all about, staff Christmas Parties; dinners and parties with friends; public celebrations; and I can tell you December is partybooked already. As a matter of fact it all starts now

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate covered strawberries are loved by millions of people worldwide. The delectable composition of juicy sweet strawberries combined with silky sweet chocolate will amaze your palate. Make them yourselves with this great chocolate covered strawberries recipe. Making your own chocolate strawberries is easier than you may think. How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Ingredients

• 16 ounces milk chocolate chips • 2 tablespoons shortening • 1 pound fresh strawberries with leaves

Directions

• Melt the chocolate and shortening in a double boiler. Stir occasionally until smooth. • Insert toothpick into the top of a strawberry. • Holding the strawberry by the toothpick, dip it into the chocolate mixture. • Remove it from the chocolate, and turn the strawberry upside down by the toothpick, and stick the toothpick into styrofoam and let the chocolate cool. • Repeat with each of the strawberries.

in November with Thanksgiving dinner, then the Conch Festival, then companies throwing out parties for their employees and customers. Additionally there are lots of charity events and the Junkanoo event - and those are what come to my mind without checking the calendar. My point is this: can you imagine how much food and drinks our body has to put up with in the season? And guess what? If you are not ready for it now, by the beginning of 2012 your goal will have to be losing 40lbs instead of 25lbs. When I say ‘ready for it’ I mean if you do not pre-plan how to eat and drink and mount it very well in your head you will end up going with the flow and ingesting thousands of unwanted calories. You should as well try to fit exercise in your daily routine. During this time try harder than you did the whole year. That will give you some ‘space’ for new calories and less guilt. It might be challenging as you tend to feel in a party/relaxed mood this month, but you have to make exercise and eating-control a must. Why wait until first of January to make New Year’s resolutions, why

FITNESS EXPERT Anca Vasile

not start now in this tempting season, why not right now? This will be so much more powerful than New Year resolutions, which normally dissolve by March. Look back to the past years and all the plans you made on each January, and ask how many times you accomplished it all by the end of the year? Think about it. This is not about the calendar it’s about if you really want to do it. It doesn’t matter when you decide to make a positive change in your life so much, as it matters whether you do it or not. You can start ‘a new you’ anytime, it doesn’t have to be for the New Year. So, what to do to cope with this tempting time ahead? Exercise. My advice is to not try doing it alone but if you are, then find strong motivation to keep going. Best

option would be to look around and find groups of people who exercise together and stick with the one who makes you feel most welcome. When there are more people with same goals involved it’s easier to stick with a routine. It is not that boring as doing it by yourself. Having a partner motivates you to push harder. Look for fitness challenges, whether within your company or in an organized fitness club, or start with one of your friends. Challenge each other and go for it. If you need ideas for challenges send

your questions to ancafitness@live. com. December is probably the most challenging month to stick with your healthy goals but if you do, you will be a winner and the efforts will pay off. So instead of starting the New Year with overwhelming weight-loss goals, begin it knowing for a fact that you are on your way there because your mind was already made up a month ago. So make up your mind now that you can have fun while keeping control over your health and life. Enjoy the month of December.

content they are effective in protecting against: inflammation,

heart disease, and cancer. (phillipsimmons@hotmail.com)

health Tip 

Health benefits from Strawberries As always I give thanks to Almighty God, for allowing me to begin a new week, and likewise thank Him for all His kindness towards me, and while on this let me say a big thank you, to you my readers who continue to read as I write from research. Well I sure do hope you all enjoyed the ‘Sweet Potatoes’ from last weeks health tip. Ok for this week let us take a walk and see what the Strawberries are saying about what they have inside, and what their benefits are. Based on my findings, again from research: Strawberries provide an excellent source of Vitamin C and K, fiber, and flavonoids. They also offer a very good source of Vitamin B1,

By Phillip Simmons iodine, manganese and panthotenic acid. Strawberries are also a good source of Vitamin B6, folic acid and biotin. The flavonoids contained in strawberries are responsible for most of their health benefits. Like other berries, Strawberries anthocyanidins are their most powerful flavonoids. Anthocyanidins are responsible for the vibrant red color of strawberries. Studies have shown that owing to Strawberries’ unique flavonoid


November 19 - 25, 2011

Lifestyle... GARDENING 

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

How does your garden grow

27

YOUR DIET

ASK TAMIKA

BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD

Tamika graduated from Florida International University in Miami with a Masters degree in Dietetics & Nutrition. She is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and licensed to practice medical nutrition therapy in the state of Florida. Email Tamika via tcweeklynews@gmail.com or tamikahandfield@yahoo. com with your healthy eating questions.

Diabetes - We’re in this Together Pseudosphinx tetrio affects the native Frangipani.

Caterpillars in the Garden Lately, you have probably noticed that your Bougainvillea and Oleander appear as though they have been eaten by pests. There is some time during the year in which caterpillars are more present and numerous than other times. The butterflies that they become are pretty but when they are caterpillars, they are pests in your garden. When we want to control the bugs in the garden, we must use some form of pest control. You may use either a natural product or a chemical product. Many countries have forbidden any chemical products to be sold. The chemical products have been proven to cause great damage to the environment. If you want to enjoy an ecofriendly garden, consider the following: I. The first thing you should do, is to choose pest free plants when designing the landscaping; 2. Tolerate some insect and leaf damage. This allows beneficial predatory insects and birds to locate and naturally solve a pest problem; 3. Treat for specific pests. Treat only in affected areas, and use the least toxic method of control. This will protect your community and allow beneficial birds and insects

NATURE SPLENDOR

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

to restore and maintain the natural balance in your garden; 4. Always read and follow label instructions carefully; and 5. Fertilise and always use clean water; However, I also understand that when we have invested in a colorful garden with Bougainvillea, for example, it can be very upsetting when there is no foliage left, just branches. It might be necessary, at times, to use a chemical product. At this time of the year, the Bougainvillea, are being eaten by caterpillars. You might wonder why you don’t see the actual caterpillar despite the fact that there is great damage to the foliage. When you spray and look up close, you can see them. They are very tiny, only half an inch to one inch long, and very thin. They are called ‘Looper moths’ or ‘Inch worms’. You will have to use a product specific to caterpillars such as ‘Thuricide’. If you use a product

like ‘Seven’, you will not have a full control of the pests, and as a result, will be polluting the environment more, rather than treating the specific problem. The Oleander also has severe caterpillar problems at this time of the year. Then again, you have to use a product specific for them. It is a different caterpillar species than that of the Bougainvillea. By looking at the branches you are able see the caterpillars, as they are orange, and when treating the plant you can observe them falling down. You will also observe some very large caterpillars, called ‘Pseudosphinx tetrio’ on the native Frangipani. They are black with a yellow stripe. They are known to be able to eat all the leaves of the Frangipani in just a few days. I have tried various products to kill these pests, but I have had success only by actually removing them by hand, which truly, is the safest way.

Much informative material has been written about diabetes and for persons living with diabetes. However, when someone is diagnosed with diabetes it doesn’t affect just that person - it affects the entire family and/or everyone in their circle. Therefore, it is important to educate the family members on ways they can offer support to their loved one, who may have been recently diagnosed or has been living with diabetes for years. Being diagnosed with diabetes can be a lonely feeling, but the road ahead can be less lonely by using some of the simple tips below: Talk to your loved one - find out what things are making it difficult in coping with the disease and in what ways, if any, you can offer assistance. Maybe the only way you can help is by lending a listening ear when your friend or family member needs to vent about the frustrations associated with living with diabetes. Learn about diabetes - as previously mentioned, a diagnosis of diabetes affects everyone. Read about ways someone can manage and control the disease, such as eating healthy foods and exercising. Read about how the complications of diabetes can be prevented or delayed. Learn as much as possible so that you can help alleviate any added stress. Find outside support - as much as you, the family member, may offer your help it may be more effective or beneficial to find a support group for your loved one. In a support group, all the members have one thing in common - they all know the struggles of trying to live a healthy life while keeping their blood sugar under control. While on this point, if you would like to join a local group, you can visit the TCI Diabetes Association every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. For more information, contact 241-7601 or email:tcidiabeticassociation@ gmail.com. Find ways to help. You can help with anything from helping your family member keep doctor’s appointments to making a list of questions to ask during the visit to trying out new diabetic friendly recipes together. Resist the urge to become a nag about taking medications and not eating certain foods no matter how hard it is to keep quiet. Remember, the aim is to foster accountability and responsibility in the person living with diabetes and to encourage lifestyle changes through encouragement and support. Join the TCI Diabetes Association every 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month. For more information, contact 241-7601 or email: tcidiabeticassociation@gmail.com.

ACCU Medical Nutrition is based in Graceway IGA Plaza, Providenciales. Call 946 8308, 242 3978 or 442 3978.


28

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate

Classifieds

RENT A BUGGY

SHARMAE STUBBS

Is looking for (1)

Labourer Labourer Is looking for a

Must be willing to work six (6) days per week must be trustworthy and reliable salary $5.00 per hour hours are 8:00am-5:00pm.

Contact: Nikimo Williams 946-4158 or Fax: 946-4871

5780

To work 3 days per week. Salary $160.00 per week. Contact: 342-7748 5761

JOSEFINA ACOSTA

Is looking for a

Domestic

Worker

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. Contact: 344-9286

5779

BARMAID

NEEDED

Must be willing to work6 days per week. Salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 231-2159

5786

Call today to advertise

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership in the turks & caicos

946-4664 OR EMAIL

tcnews@tciway.tc

November 19 - 25, 2011

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

STUDIO APARTMENT FOR RENT $650.00 per month Gated Community Furnished

Contact: 231-3788

FAST SALE 1.3 Acres Of Land Ocean Drive, Turtle Tail Semi-Hilltop

$300,000 o.n.o.

CONTACT: 231-3788

FOR SALE

Real estate opportunity Two-bedroom, one bath home in the centre of phase one of Priton Developments in Wheeland.

Beautifully maintained, substantially improved, fully furnished. Situated on 0.25 acre lot, it’s close to Blue Hills and has interior open plan living/kitchen/dining room, and central air throughout. Offers over $155,000. Motivated seller.

Call 245 6620 or email gemmahandy@gmail.com


PHONE: (649) 946-4664

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EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES TEONA SPA

CAICOS COIN LAUNDRY

Is looking for a

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

contact: 231-6412

5760

JACQUELINE SMITH

Is looking to fill the following positions:

4 Spa Therapist /

• Must have 3 years experience minimum • Must have a good attitude

Maids Carpenter Plumber Electrician Labourer Security Maintence

Contact: 941-5051

Contact: 243-4214

Attendants Duties:

Cleaning Daily Operations Massages Facials

Manicures Pedicures Body Therapy Guest Services

5772

RENT A BUGGY

DSR BUILDERS LTD.

Is looking for (1)

Labourer Mechanic Duties:

Closing date: November 26th, 2011

Must be willing to work six (6) days per week must be trustworthy and reliable salary $10.00 per hour hours are from 8:00am-5:00pm.

Contact: 242-5334 or 941-3442

Contact: Nikimo Williams 946-4158 or Fax: 946-4871

• Construction help, yard maintenance and any other duties assigned • Hours: Monday thru Friday 8am – 5pm and Saturday 7am – 12pm • Salary $6.00 per hour

5777

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

5776

Contact: 941-4540

5767

CARIB GAMING Is looking for a

Slot Machine Technician Salary negotiable

KPW CONSTRUCTION Is looking for 2 Gardeners salary $6.00 per hour.

5781

Is looking for a

CLUB SODAXX Is looking for a

Is looking to fill the following positions:

Contact: 332-6364 or 231-6364

5774

November 19 - 25, 2011


TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

November 19 - 25, 2011 FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES Private Homeowner

Delicious Dishes

Butler / Houseman

Senior Sous Chef To work as part of the kitchen team. To prepare food that conforms to company and kitchen standards and be responsible for the day to day running of a given section within the kitchen. Summary of Duties and Responsibilities • To maintain the required level of hygiene standards/HACAPP as laid down both legally and by the standards manual. • To maintain your personal equipment used to fulfill your job i.e. knives, shoes to the required standards assigned. • To control a given section within the kitchen to the standards as laid down, and conform to health & safety and due diligence in standards manual. • To be responsible for the basic day to day section training of the Commis and Demi Chef de Partie as required. • To carry out directives and delegate to the standards laid down. • To support colleagues at all times and ensure team work is maintained. • To ensure work area is kept to a safe and hygienic state at all times. • To report breakdowns and kitchen hazards directly to the Senior Chef. • To assist with the smooth running of kitchen service. • To be aware of departmental and hotel objectives and assist in achieving them.

Mixologist • A minimum of 4 years as a mixologist in a busy 5 Star operation • Possess a professional upbeat attitude while keeping a crowded bar happy, lively and enthusiastic • Extensive knowledge of different types of beverages and • Ability to create a high level of quality and “value for money” products • Energetic with excellent control and cashier skills

• Hospitality or Culinary Arts qualification is desirable • Ability to work under pressure

Commis Chef • Assist kitchen team in the preparation of breakfast, lunch and dinner • Previous experience in kitchen operations • Hospitably or Culinary Arts qualification is desirable • Food Hygiene Certification Required • Ability to work under pressure

Kitchen

Helper Must be able to work long hours and on weekends Salary $5.00 per hour.

Résumé and photo butlertci@gmail.com

contact: 649-242-1315

5791

Is seeking suitably qualified Belongers to fill the positions outlined below. Ideal candidates must possess luxury resort experience, a professional, outgoing and friendly demeanor, and a strong command of the English language (oral and written). If you are a team player with a strong work ethic, and you are available to work evenings, weekends and public holidays, you are encouraged to apply. Salaries for all positions are based on experience and qualifications.

Minimum requirements • Min 5+ yrs butler experience in hotel or private home • Speak a min 3 lang. English a must • Excel in private home culinary / wine experience • Comfortable working around children and pets • Work holidays, weekends and evenings • Onsite living required • Must have valid driver’s license w no record • Vast knowledge of all property maintenance • Legal to travel through multiple destinations • Proficiency in all areas of Microsoft Office and Mac OSX • Only apply if all these apply. Additional skill a bonus 5762

vacancies

Is looking for a

Job Opportunity

Sommelier • Organize and train of wait staff to ensure effortless and seemless service each night • Assist in the upgrading of wait staff skills and knowledge of wines and fine dining service • Manage and rotate liquor and wine inventory and work with established beverages costs • Work closely with the Chef, and develop good working knowledge of menus in order to explain in great details to guests • Maintain wine knowledge in order to contribute to ever changing Wine list; maintain ability to pair both New World and Old World Wines with menus • Computer literacy in MS office is mandatory • Graduation from a recognized hospitality institution along with Sommelier Certification and at least 5 years in similar capacity in a fine dining restaurant is required

Houseman • Minimum 2 years experience working at a 5 Star Resort in a similar role • Must have strong attention to details and exceptional ability to maintain the highest standard of quality required • Assist in all Housekeeping responsibilities, cleaning of guest rooms, stocking amenities and linens • Must have ability to lift at least 50 lbs • Perform any other tasks or project as directed by Housekeeping Management

Closing Date: November 14 , 2011 Suitably qualified candidates should apply in writing or by phone to the following:

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

5790

Atlantic Consultancy Services Is seeking on behalf of our client: L.D.C Construction

Plumber To work 6 days per week. Salary $6.00 per hour. Interested persons contact

Please call (649) 332-7295 or atlanticconsultancy@hotmail.com

5764

30

“Reef Entertainment Ltd Seeks to employ 2

Musicians Applicants must be able to write, produce and perform own music, and work as part of a group. Ideal candidates should have 3-4 years’ professional experience. Please send CVs and demos to eustaceswann@hotmail.com, or call 333-1854

5775


November 19 - 25, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

BETTY UNISEX SALON

AGNES SWANN NORTH CAICOS

31

Is looking for a

TOUCH OF CLASS (JOYCE RIGBY)

Bohio Dive Resort is recruiting for the following positions:

Is looking for a

Is looking for 4

FAX: (649) 946-4661

PADI Dive Instructor The successful candidate must have :

Contact: 246-4769

5797

per week salary $6.00 per hour.

Contact: 242-7753

5811

per week. Salary $5.50 per hour.

Labourer

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

Contact: 244-0469

Carlisle Supplies Limited Requires

Part time Assistant Inventory Secretarial Duties

Duties to include

Peachtree Accounting System – Microbiz - POS System Accounts Payable and Receivable - Monthly management accounts Credit Control – Invoicing -

Shorthand and Typing, Microsoft Office and Excel Competent in dealing with all aspects of the Company Salary – Remuneration in line with experience

Fax resume to 649 946 4437 No later than November 30th 2011 BELONGERS ONLY NEED APPLY

5793

PRITON DEVELOPMENT LTD.

(5)Plumbers (4)Masons (3)Dry Waller

Seeks

(3) Mechanic (3) Carpenters

• Must have at least 3 years experience and be able to work with little supervision. Salary start at $5.50 an hour and is based on experience. • Deadline for applications is November 24th 2011. • Salary is based on experience • Interested persons should be dependable

Send applications via fax at (649) 941-4034 C/o Alliance Realty Ltd. 5800

CLAUDE SWANN

EXPRESS WATER DELIVERY

Is looking for a

SOUTH DOCK, PROVIDENCIALES, TCI

Mechanic / Driver Needed • 5 years experience • Must be able to work on diesel and gasoline vehicles • Must be able to work 5 days per week • Salary $7.00 per hour • Closing date: 30th November 2011

Contact: 941-3478

Location

60900/260, Leeward Going Through, Providenciales. Undeveloped raw land parcel accessed via an unpaved road adjoining Governor’s Road which connects the Leeward Estate with the Leeward Highway.

Title

Absolute

Proprietor

Reo Lawrence Stubbs

Approximate Area

5.00 acres

Location

10411/50, East Suburbs, Grant Turk. Beautiful undeveloped beachfront parcel with 135 feet of sandy beachfront, elevation and views of Gibbs Cay to the south-east.

Title

Absolute

Proprietor

Andre Horatio Mills

Approximate Area

1.00 acre

Location

60611/27, Norway & Five Cays, Providenciales. Mixed use commercial & residential development consisting of 900 sq ft singlestorey office and residential accommodation, 2-storey building containing 3 warehouses on lower level and 18 efficiency units on upper level, 310 sq ft single-storey structure accommodating 3 basic efficiency units and 1 communal washroom, 1,650 sq ft single storey mechanic shop.

Title

Absolute

Proprietor

Gilbert Fitzroy Selver

Approximate Area

4.00 acres

Location

60501/172,175,178,179 &181, Blue Hills & Stamers Run. Undeveloped lots available in residential subdivision on the north side of the Millenium Highway, opposite the TCI Waste recycling facility. Utilities laid to boundary. Lots available individually.

Title

Absolute

Proprietor

Gilbert Fitzroy Selver

Approximate Area

0.30, 0.27, 0.42, 0.26 & 0.29 acres respectively

Location

60501/173, Blue Hills & Stamers Run, Providenciales. Undeveloped lot in quiet residential subdivision on the north side of the Millennium Highway, opposite the TCI Waste recycling facility. Utilities laid to boundary.

Title

Absolute Jesse Ann Vanessa Selver

Approximate Area

0.29 acres

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ARE AVAILABLE BY REQUEST, FROM MERIDIAN TRUST COMPANY LTD: 5799

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. Contact: 242-3883

5777

Babysitter

Notice Of Sale By Public Auction Meridian Mortgage Corporation Ltd. as Chargee, pursuant to its charge and the Registered Land Ordinance, hereby gives notice that it will cause to be sold the property listed below by Public Auction, to be held at the office of Meridian Trust Company, 13 Caribbean Place, 1254 Leeward Highway, Providenciales at 10.00 a.m. on Friday 2nd of December, 2011.

To cover vacation time and sick leave as and when required At least 10 years experience required in all departments

Candidates should apply in writing including a covering letter, resume and references to: info@bohioresort.com

5819

Labourers To work 7 days

5769

Sales Person To work 6 days

• PADI dive Instructor certification • Experience in Resort type environment, ideally in the Caribbean • Excellent written and spoke English • Excellent references

P.O. Box 599, 13 Caribbean Place, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, B.W.I, Tel. (649) 941-3082 Fax (649) 941-3223

5798


TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

Female Driver With own transportation must be able to work from 9am – 3pm

contact 231-3788

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Labourer Domestic Worker To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 231-0802 or 331-0802 5765

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 232-5538

Is looking for a

Domestic Worker To work 5 days

per week salary $5.00 per hour. Contact: 242-5919

LUC SAINT JEAN

the national newspaper of the turks and caicos islands

ON THE WEB tcweeklynews.com

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

The Turks and Caicos Islands’ oldest and WRITERS / leading publishing house is in need of additional staff to fill the following posts:

Is looking for

Labourer/ Handyman

Must be reliable honest and hardworking salary $5.50 per hour. Must be willing to work 6 days per week.

Contact: 241-7995

REPORTER TRAINEE Preferably a High School graduate or someone with an extremely good command of the English language for court and community reporting. Ability to drive and use a camera a desirable asset. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience. Position available March 1, 2010

ADVERTISING SPACE SALES PERSON Candidates must have had actual hands-on experience selling advertising space for newspapers and magazines. Ability to assist clients with the writing of copy for ads and gathering of collateral an asset. Salary is commission based. Position available October 30, 2011

Forward applications to: The Publisher Duncanson Publications Ltd. P.O. Box 52, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Email: tcnews@tciway.tc NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE Preference will be given to Belongers and Legal Residents Closing date for applications is November 14, 2008

To work 3 days per week. Salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 343-5089 is looking for a

Bartender To work 3 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 246-6608

Turks & Caicos Banking Company Limited

PHOTO JOURNALISTS

Candidates must have at least five (5) years experience working full-time for daily newspapers and/or news/features magazines, reporting on hard news, features and parliamentary/court proceedings. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

Labourer MIRACLE RESTAURANT & BAR

5792

Weekly News

Marguerite Odilon Missick T/A Marguerite Retail Shop

5802

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Lamont’s Fast Food Restaurant

KENNISHA’S RESTAURANT

5810

FLOWERGIRL

ISLAND PLUMBING & CONSTRUCTION

5801

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

November 19 - 25, 2011

Financial Controller Requirements: • Masters Degree in Finance or Accounting, ten years of experience in a seniorlevel finance or accounting position. • Experience in strategic planning and execution. Knowledge of contracting, negotiating and change management. Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting and cost control principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Knowledge of federal financial regulations. Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and projections. Working knowledge of short and long term budgeting and forecasting, rolling budgets and profitability analysis. • Profound knowledge in banking activities such as Securities, Money Market, Foreign Exchange • Work requires professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects. Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings. • Knowledge of SWIFT payment systems • German/French language skills

Interested belongers please submit CV to Human Resources Regent Village, Unit H102 PO Box 777, Providenciales services@tcbc.tc Attention Human Resources

5805

5809

32


TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

SPA TROPIQUE

Seeks a full-time

Manicurist/ Pedicurist Applicants must have the following qualifications:

• Read, write and speak English fluently • Must have a car with a clean license • Must be able to work weekends and holidays

33

• Must have at least 2 years experience • Must have a fabulous personality and be incredible outgoing • Must have a license from an accredited school

Please send your resume to relax@spatropique.com by November 26, 2011

5732

Operations assistant The assistant will be responsible ,but not limited to, Organizing staff at multiple locations, responding to emails and phone calls. Will need to update and provide documents pertaining to ,but not limited, to activities, event, special requests and arrival information. Keeping updated accounts for multiple parties. Greeting guests in a professional manner at all times. The minimum requirements are 5 years office management Accounting experience including payroll and account reconciliation

Flexible schedule to include weekends and holidays sometimes evenings Reliable, registered transportation with valid drivers license Proficient in peach tree accounting software and Microsoft office Own a reliable computer ,Internet and printer with office installed Extensive knowledge of the hospitality industry and In particular the activities of the tci Knowledge of minor maintenance home repairs Strong organizational,verbal and written communication Ability to multi task

Pay is commensurate with experience Send resumes to plspropertymanagement@gmail.com

RESIDENT MANAGER FOR SMALL HOTEL A position is vacant for a Resident Manager at a small hotel in the Grace Bay area. This is very much a hands on position requiring the following minimum essential skills : • Fluency in English and conversational in one other language, preferably French. • Excellent writing and speaking skills • Education: Minimum Master’s degree • Substantial experience in publicity, promotions, and marketing • Extensive experience in hotel front desk, administration, and public relations • Must have own vehicle • Must live on property • Must be prepared to work seven days a week and be “on call” 24 hours for emergencies • Must possess pleasant disposition and excellent people skills • Facility and knowledge of basic interior/exterior systems and basic “handyman” skills • Excellent computer skills • Real estate background and knowledge • Ability to produce budgets, create and organize special promotions, and attend tourist related conventions and events Please mail CV to:

PO Box 446 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

5759

November 19 - 25, 2011

FIRST GLOBAL INSURANCE BROKERS LIMITED

5783

NOTICE OF CONSTRUCTION

VACANCY First Global Insurance Brokers Limited is seeking a suitable qualified individual to fill the following opening. The ideal candidate should possess Administrative, Insurance and Accounting Experience and must meet the following minimum qualifications.

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Construction will commence under the PR11018 for Groyne Repairs on Parcels 19-29, Block 60901, (Emerald Beach, Providenciales) on November 3, 2011. Construction will take approximately 4 weeks to complete.

Requirements: • Visionary Leader with at least 10 years experience in an Insurance Company with a preference to Caribbean Experience. • Must possess a through understanding of all areas of Insurance and Accounting with an ability to orchestrate dependents in achieving established goals and objectives. • Strong knowledge of operating in the Caribbean. • Strong Financial Management Proficiency with proven ability to attract, develop and retain an effective management team. • Must be able to work well in stressful, high pressure situations. • Proficiency in Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and Accounting Software. Responsibilities: • Full responsibilities for the Administration, Production and Operational success of the Business. • Direct the Development of Marketing and Production plans, forecasts and other controls. • Meet or exceed planned objectives for revenue and profit for all areas of responsibilities. Salary Commensurate with Qualification and Experience

Project Description: The work will replace an 80 ft section of two existing groynes. Public access along the back beach will remain open during construction. The beach will be closed in the active work area (near the water line) between 7am and 5pm, daily.

Applications must be submitted to:

Mr. Paul Mitchell First Global Insurance Brokers Limited P.O. Box 117, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Via e-mail: info@fgibtci.com Via Fax: 649-946-4822

Engineer for the Project: Coastal Design and Engineering (CDE). Questions shall be directed to Karyn Erickson or Christin Perkinson at 941-7309 or 241-4012. 5708

All applications are to be received by 20th November 2011

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

5768


TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

for rent

LEAD MASSAGE THERAPIST • Applicant must have a minimum of 3 years hands-on experience in a 5-Star resort and at least 3 years working experience as a therapist • Must be trained and certified by an accredited school in ALL of the following: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Prenatal, Lymphatic Drainage, Reflexology, Facials, Manicures and Pedicures • Must be certified in all the previous

COX LABOUR SERVICES

Is looking for a

Fully furnished three bedroom two and a half bathroom house

areas • Must be able to work ALL weekends and public holidays • Must be able to work from 8am -8pm • Must have own vehicle and current, clean drivers license • Must have a GREAT customer service skills and be upbeat and positive Salary is based on commission

Please send resume to: meryl@spatropique.com Please do not apply to this ad unless you meet all of the above requirements. Deadline for applications is November 26, 2011

PAUL GARDINER

FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

Cox House, Cherokee Road, Providenciales Telephone: 946-5754/Fax: 946-5166

Located in Long Bay, Providenciales. $1300.00 a month.

5731

C & J EMPLOYMENT On behalf of our clients: C & J Variety Store, C & P Welding, Phillipe Vixamar, Deborah L. Ewing, V& M Security is looking to fill the following positions:

5742

Tuscany

WARDS CONSULTANCY

Is looking for 2

Acting on behalf of our clients: Platinum Security, Ocean Vibes, Horse Eye Jack, Faces and Fingers is looking to fill the following positions:

Worker Contact: 243-3291

$5.00 per hour

Is looking to fill the following positions:

$5.00 per hour $5.00 per hour

Room Attendants Must be able to work 6

2 Welders $7.00 per hour

2 Security Guards

days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

$6.00 per hour. 6 years experience required

Contact: 941-8382

COOK FOR PRIVATE VILLA A cook is required for a luxurious villa. The successful candidate must possess the following:

• Hold a professional qualification in culinary arts. • At least 2 years’ experience in a 5 star hotel or restaurant or as a personal cook for private client. • Ability to prepare a range of international cuisine, (Asian, fusion cuisine, French, Italian), as well as cater to guests individual dietary preferences that include vegetarian, vegan, kosher, organic diets etc. • Full ability and responsibility to take on menu planning and food preparation for house parties BBQ’s business meetings. • Maintain the cleanliness and proper sanitation of the kitchen at all times including deep cleaning of appliances, pots and pans, kitchen tools etc. • Exercise good cost control presenting monthly monitoring of stocks and supplies. • Computer literate with the ability torecord and present invoices and purchases in an accurate manner. • Since this is a LIVE-IN position ONLY, he/she must be willing to work flexible hours, week-ends, holidays etc. • A clean driver’s license is essential since the cook will be responsible for purchasing groceries. • He/she must be able to work within a team, be reliable and trustworthy. • He/she must be extremely well presented and speak good English • Salary $1,800.00 per month. • Suitably qualified candidates must apply in writing along with a variety of proposed menu selections to:

P.O. Box 266 Providenciales

Contact: 941-4667

5787

Labourers Cleaners Domestic Workers

Nail Technicians Waiter Security Guard Cook Kitchen Helper

Must be able to work shift

Contact: 331-5533

5788

4 Domestic Workers

5778

Contact: 343-6617

5771

To work 6 days per week Must be willing to work weekends and holidays salary $5.00 per hour.

Salary $5.00 per hour Work Monday - Friday, plus holidays and weekends if needed .Clean Golf Carts Cut grass, trees: other menial task as required ONLY TURKS ISLANDERS NEED TO APPLY 5795

Domestic

CECILY EWING

1 Barber

Laundry LABOURERS Supervisor

Is looking for a

To work 6 days per week salary $150.00 per week.

Contact: 244-4445 or 242-0200

3 Labourers

DONOVAN FRANCIS

5766

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

November 19 - 25, 2011

Must be able to work 5 days per week. Salary $5.00 per hour

Contact: 246-5684

SERVER FOR PRIVATE VILLA A server is required for a luxurious villa. The successful candidate must possess the following:

@@At least 2 years’ experience in a 5 star hotel or restaurant or as a server to a personal cookfor private client. @@Ability to assist personal cook with food preparation & presentation. @@An appreciation and understanding of the various kinds of international cuisine, including Asian, fusion cuisine, French, Italian, as well as individual dietary preferences that include vegetarian, vegan, kosher, organic diets etc. Server must be able to explain the served dishes and know their content. @@Excellent eye for detail and ability to set tables tastefully and also for themed events. Choosing table wear, matching linens, tablecloths etc. @@Assist the cook in maintaining the cleanliness and proper sanitation of the kitchen at all times including cleaning of appliances, pots and pans, kitchen tools etc. @@Since this is a LIVE-IN position ONLY, he/she must be willing to work flexible hours, week-ends, holidays etc. @@He/she must be able to work within a team, be reliable and trustworthy. @@He/she must be extremely well presented and speak good English @@Salary $1,300.00 per month. Suitably qualified candidates must apply in writing to:

P.O. Box 266 Providenciales

5782

34


TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

Pizza Pizza

SUBTRONIC SOUND REINFORCEMENT

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

MY DEES

Is seeking a

Contact: 941-3577

Contact: 2446076 or 332-1488 5807

Contact: 243-2344

Cosmetologist

Domestic

Worker

To work 7 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

In Grand Turk for 3 days per week effective January 2012. Salary $6.50 per hour.

Contact: 241-4156 Belongers Only

Please contact Telephone Number 231-7188.”

Caicos Café

ALBERT’S CLEANING SERVICES

Is looking for a

Diamonds International Grand Turk stores are recruiting

8 TEAM MEMBERS

Is looking for 2

Domestic Workers

WANTED! The position: Sales Professional

Waitress

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

To work in a restaurant Must be willing to work shift work also weekends and holidays.

5828

Send resumes to P.O. Box 954

5826

Contact: 231-0998

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

5803

5806

5796

contact: 246-3083

per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Must be willing to work usual hours including Saturdays and Sundays salary $200.00 per hour.

WANTED

NEW IMAGE BEAUTY CENTER

is looking for a

Labourer Labourer Labourer Waitress To work 6 days To work 3 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

5805

OSCAR TALBOT Is looking for a

35

5813

November 19 - 25, 2011

Operational General manager TCI LOTTO GAMES LTD. is now accepting applications/ resumes for an OPERATIONAL GENERAL MANAGER The position involves the general operation and supervision of a gaming operation from the main office on Providenciales. Successful applicants must possess the following qualifications and must be fluent in English:

Requirements:

•At least 2 years of retail sales experience is mandatory •Experience in jewelry sales - advantage •Impeccable references and a police clearance •Well spoken English, other languages - advantage •High level customer service and customer attending skills •Achievements in sales references - advantage

Fax number is: 946 1988

5744

PRELIMINARY NOTICE OF AUCTION SALES FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas) Ltd, as Chargee, pursuant to section 72 of the Registered Land Ordinance, hereby gives notice that it will cause to be sold by Public Auction the scheduled property outside of its offices at 1271 Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands at 10:00 am on Friday, November 25, 2011. 1. Title No. 61004\05 Juba Salina, Providenciales Comprising 0.60 acres residential ocean view property consisting of a detached single-storey residential home which includes an open plan living and dining area, kitchen, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and utility room. In addition, there is also a detached two-storey building comprising a garage, an unfinished studio unit, office and an upper level studio apartment with bedroom, large living area, kitchen and bathroom. Total gross floor area is approximately 4,930 square feet. Registered Proprietors, Olympia Technologies Ltd.

1. A minimum of five years experience working in a fast paced environment as well as a positive attitude and aptitude to work in a customer service oriented business 2. Exceptional communication and customer service skills (is a must) 3. Trustworthy and dependable 4. Excellent communication, writing and computer skills 5. Must be willing to work flexible hours including weekends andholidays 6. Good organizational and problem solving skill 7. Clean criminal record 8. Unblemished employment history

Those applicants with required qualifications and/or skills will be contacted for an interview 5814

For more information please contact Mr. Corey Clarke, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, Head Office, Bridgetown, Barbados (Tel: 246 467 1654/email: corey.clarke@cibcfcib.com) or MCKNIGHTS International Law Firm, Attorneys at Law, 46 Salt Mills Plaza, Grace Bay, Providenciales (Telephone 649-941-2330/ Fax 649-941-2331/email: admin@mcknights.tc). 5745


36

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664 Is looking for a

FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

F. R. CONSTRUCTION

Caicos Café

November 19 - 25, 2011

ISLAND SPORTIQUE is looking for a

Is looking for a

LINDA GRANT

L.T.C FISHERIES

Is looking for a

Is looking to fill the following positions

LABOURER/

PAINTER NEEDED Labourer Labourer Sales Clerk Labourer Waitress 8 Conch Peelers Salary $.25 per pound

Contact: 231-6100

5833

Contact: 346-8896

Send resumes to P.O. Box 954 Belongers will be given first preference

Must be available to work on call, holidays and weekends. Salary $5.00 per hour. Belonger will be give first preference.

5822

Must be able to work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour

Qualified PADI/NAUI SCUBA Instructors Needed

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

Successful candidate will be a PADI MSDT with current membership and insurance, resort operations experience including advanced level instruction, dive accident management, compressor maintenance, equipment and engine maintenance and repair. Captain’s license and STCW95 qualification preferred, or applicant must be willing to train.

ROYAL TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS POLICE

This is a tourism related job and will include all aspects of the company’s

daily routine including but not limited to, teaching all levels of instruction, guiding dives, boat and vehicle operations and working the front office. The work schedule will include weekends, public holidays and occasional night dives. Starting Salary $380 - $500 per week based on experience and qualifications.

Contact David Volkert at 946-4232 or info@provoturtledivers.com

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police is seeking interested persons to fill the position of a

Public Relations Officer (Pr Officer)

In Providenciales. Do you have the ability to effectively present the face of this organization to the outside world by communicating with the media and acting as the company’s spokes person? Then this is your opportunity to display your talent. RESPONSIBILITY As the PR Officer the incumbent will be required to: • Prepare and distribute press releases to the media locally and internationally. • Arrange and assist at press conferences on behalf of the Police Department. • Act as the liaison between the News Media and the Police Department. • Attend major scenes including serious accidents. • Prepare Annual Reports that are to be released to the public. • Release information under the direction of the Commissioner of Police or his Deputy.

Positions available starting December 15, 2011. Please submit applications before December 1, 2011 5831

The Sands 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:

MANAGERIAL, SUPERVISORY & SKILLED POSITIONS HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR Responsibilities • Ensures maximum efficiency in the performance of Housekeeping attendants in guest rooms and surrounding areas • Familiarizes him / her self with and carries out the policies and procedures of the Sands at Grace Bay. • Offers all possible assistance to guest, initiates corrective action on complaints regarding guest room service. • Evaluates and periodically updates the Executive Housekeeper about the performance of Housekeeping attendants. Recommends appropriate action such as disciplining and commendation.

COMPETENCIES The position will require the incumbent to: • Demonstrate exceptional oral and written communication skills. • Be able to write concisely, effectively and interestingly • Display a high level of confidence and integrity. • Demonstrate excellent planning and co-ordination skills. • Be a good time manager. • Be available for duty 24 hours per day due to spontaneous activities. • Display good interpersonal skills. • Maintain an interest in current affairs • Have a high level of Professionalism. QUALIFICATIONS: The incumbent: • Should be versatile in audio visuals and Public Speaking. • Should have experience in Public Relations. • Will be highly desired should he/she hold a degree in, communications, journalism or mass media. SALARY attached to this position is $24, 840 per Annum

Interested persons should submit their Application and attach Resume to:

Miss Juliet Arthur, Human Resource Manager, Police Headquarters Church Folly - Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. Tel: 946-2731 Ext 30315, Fax 946-2783, Email. juliet.arthur@tcipolice.tc Deadline for Submission: November 25, 2011

To work 5 days per week and on call must be able to work on holidays.

5827

contact: 941-8233

5821

Send resumes to P.O. Box 954

Must have knowledge of QuickBooks POS System salary $5.00 per hour 9am-2pm.

5823

Send resumes to P.O. Box 954

5824

To work in a restaurant. Must be willing to work shift work also weekends and holidays

To work 5 days per week and on call salary $5.00 per hour Belongers will be given first preference.

5812

Requirements: • High school diploma • Must be able to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace. • Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written. • Must possess basic computational ability (word, excel, outlook) • Must have Housekeeping Supervisor Experience For the following positions resort experience is an asset but not a requirement. Applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude as well as be willing to work holidays and weekends. They should also enjoy serving people and be willing to learn. Minimum experience in the areas of interest required.

LINE POSITIONS Front Desk Agent Room Attendant Turks & Caicos Islands citizens only need to apply to the Human Resources Manager at The Sands Resort located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales or e-mail: tsmith@thesandstc.com, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands. Deadline is November 25, 2011. 5794


November 19 - 25, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

RHONDDA COLLYMORE WILSON

PROVO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Is seeking a

Is desirous of hiring a

contact: 941-5775

5822

To work full-time.

Babysitter/ Domestic Worker Working hours Monday – Saturday 7am-4pm. Salary based upon experience. Previous experience as a babysitter required

Contact: 231-4794

Is looking for 2

Gardeners

5829

Janitor

WINDSONG RESORT

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

contact: 941-7700

5820

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

37

ADVERTISE

VACANCIES

IN THIS SPACE! ONLY

Grand Turk Cruise Center is currently accepting applications for motivated individuals interested in being part of diverse team.

$30 PER WEEK

Mechanical Technician & Pool Maintenance:

CALL 946-4664

Applicant Must have at lease five years Chemical Controller and Autopilot Purification Systems experience chemical, and working knowledge of single phase 110/220 volt and 240/480 three-phase electrical systems. Pool Technician certificate and or AFO certificate required. Proficiency in the maintenance and repair of all motors, pumps, filters and chemical systems is also required. Large volume commercial pool system background is preferred

TAMMY SMITH Is looking for a

Security Officers

General Maintenance

• This position requires general maintenance skills such as painting and masonry, to facilitate maintenance of all buildings and public areas in optimum condition. • Knowledge of pool and fountain maintenance would be an asset. • Assisting in line handling for docking cruise ships as needed. • Assisting in any various tasks, necessary to keep GTCC operating to the highest standard.

WAGES WILL COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE.

Labourer

To work 3 days Monday Wednesday Friday salary $5.50 per hour.

Contact: 244-9145

5832

• Must have training in CPR and First responder. • Ensure the safety and security of passengers, tenants and their employees, personnel and guest at the GTCC. • Direct traffic to the appropriate parking areas. • Secure / prevent access to restricted areas by unauthorized persons.

DEON WILSON Is looking to hire 3

Interested parties are encouraged to send resume to:

ONLY BELONGERS NEED APPLY

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

Labourers To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour. Contact: 243-8307

5834

Grand Turk Cruise Center Human Resources Phone: 946-1040. Fax: 946-1041 E-Mail: admin@grandturkcc.com

FAX: (649) 946-4661


38

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

November 19 - 25, 2011

Sports National Provo Basketball League:

South Caicos stay undefeated after Lions’ victory

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

Take Notice that I, Gordon Wetherell, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to MARIE NARCIUS PIERRECOX a national of Haiti by virtue of marriage to a Belonger. GORDON WETHERELL

Senior Executive Appointments PERMANENT SECRETARY Turks and Caicos Islands Government

Following a public sector reform programme, TCI Government is reducing the number of ministerial departments. Applications are now invited for the Permanent Secretary appointments that will lead the new ministries through significant change. These posts offer the chance to make a real difference in transforming the effectiveness and efficiency of public services. Several positions are available and successful applicants will be appointed to the most appropriate ministries. Applicants will need to be TCI Belongers but need not be currently living on the islands. Previous government experience is not a pre-requisite and applications are invited from anyone with relevant leadership and management experience. Applications will be welcomed from current TCI civil servants with relevant experience, skills and potential without regard to current seniority. Candidates need to be creative and strategic thinkers, with real leadership ability as well as a relevant level of financial understanding. Change-oriented and with a record of getting things done through people, they will be persuasive communicators, orally and on paper, able to manage complex stakeholder relationships. Above all they will be of unquestionable integrity, with the courage to insist on, and exemplify, the highest moral standards and behaviours.

To download further details, including how to apply, please visit [www.gov.tc] or telephone +1 649 332 7902. Applications received after midnight on Sunday 27th November may not be considered.

AFTER four weeks of play South Caicos remain flawless in the Provo Basketball Association’s League. The visiting team’s latest win was a 51-40 victory against the TC Crystal Lions at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex. D. Dean led the attack with 18 points for the winners while Marcus Lightbourne finished with a double-double for the losing side (16 huge boards and 11 points). The Predators and the Flyers are tied for second with three wins in their four games. It was the Flyers who ended the Predators’ unbeaten run

last Friday with a 49-36 point victory. The Flyers’ Rudy Fulford led the attack with 16 points while Troy Saunders finished with 16 points and 11 boards for the Predators. In the other games last Friday the Filipinos suffered their third consecutive loss after going down 66-49 to the Cobras. Rico Clare scored 26 points to lead the Cobras while Jai Cabrera had eight points and eight rebounds for the Filipino side. On Saturday night the Knights defeated Customs 4741, Germain scored 13 points and grabbed 12 boards for the Knights while Keno Wilson

had 13 points and six boards for Customs. Police got their first win when they defeated Cobras 59-53. K. Doughty led the Lawmen with a huge doubledouble (21 points and 15 boards), while Gino Agenor scored 13 points for losing side. The Knights are in fourth place with two wins in three games while Police, the Lions, Cobras, Customs and the Steelers have one win each. The Filipinos are still looking for their first win. Action continues this weekend at the same venue with some exciting clashes.

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

Take Notice that I, Gordon Wetherell, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to ELIUS TOUSSAINT a national of Haiti by virtue of marriage to a Belonger. GORDON WETHERELL

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

Take Notice that I, Gordon Wetherell, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to NANOTTE DAVILMARROBINSON a national of Haiti by virtue of marriage to a Belonger. GORDON WETHERELL


November 19 - 25, 2011 PHONE: (649) 946-4664

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

39

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

FAX: (649) 946-4661

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

Take Notice that I, Gordon Wetherell, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to ELLIASU ALI a national of Africa by virtue of marriage to a Belonger. GORDON WETHERELL

Take Notice that I, Gordon Wetherell, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to Annette DELORIES BARNES-LEWIS a national of Jamaica by virtue of marriage to a Belonger. GORDON WETHERELL

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

Take Notice that I, Gordon Wetherell, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to VICTORIA SMITH a national of Russia by virtue of marriage to a Belonger. GORDON WETHERELL

Take Notice that I, Gordon Wetherell, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to CLARA CRUZ-COX a national of Dominican Republic by virtue of marriage to a Belonger. GORDON WETHERELL

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

BELONGER STATUS APPLICATION

Take Notice that I, Gordon Wetherell, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to KUMAR JOREE a national of Guyana by virtue of marriage to a Belonger. GORDON WETHERELL

Take Notice that I, Gordon Wetherell, Governor of Turks and Caicos in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 3(2) of the Immigration Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Belonger Status to MIREILLE JOSEPH-WILLIAMS a national of Haiti by virtue of marriage to a Belonger. GORDON WETHERELL

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)

(Section 3 (5) of the Immigration Ordinance)


TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

November 19 - 25, 2011 FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC

AUCTION SALES FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas) Ltd as Chargee pursuant to the Registered Land Ordinance hereby gives Notice that it will cause to be sold by Public Auction the following scheduled properties outside the offices of Miller Simons O’Sullivan, Upper Floor, East Wing, The Beatrice Butterfield Building, Butterfield Square, Providenciales at 10:00 a.m. on December 16th 2011. 1. Title No. 10304/142, 143, 144, Central, Grand Turk Registered Proprietor: Whale Watchers Ltd Comprising 0.96 acre parcel containing a partially complete commercial development located on Front Street, Grand Turk with potential to be used for office or residential units.

2. Title No. 61110/25, Long Bay Hills, Providenciales Registered Proprietor: Hugh Williams and Kimberly Ewing Williams Comprising 0.89 acre parcel with a partially complete residential building on a residential lot in the Long Bay area. Neighbourhood is residential although sparsely developed. Property is on the south side of an unpaved cul-de-sac in Long Bay Hills residential sub-division. The property is elevated at its roadside section and the land slopes down steeply in a south-easterly direction.

3. Title No. 10406/88, East Suburbs, Grand Turk Registered Proprietor- Lorraine/Laureen Williams Comprising 0.21 acre parcel containing an apartment building with two single storey apartments, both with two bedrooms. The property is accessed by an asphalt surfaced main road via the gated entrance of the two apartment properties. The approximate gross external floor area of the whole apartment building is approximately 2,976 square feet, including the area of the covered decks amounting to 576 square feet.

4. Title No. 60905/211/K12 & K13 Leeward Going Through, Providenciales Registered Proprietor- TCM Associates Ltd This property is located in a mixed use development known as The Regent Village and is close in proximity to many of the commercial tourism developments on Grace Bay beach. The development has a central courtyard with landscaped gardening, street lighting, stone paved footpaths, covered walkways and CCTV security throughout the property. The existing occupiers are restaurants, bars, shops and services. There is also office space and a substantial two story covered car park at the rear of the development. Each of the units is separately metered and has a restroom and ducted centrally air-conditioned system. These units are partially fitted for new tenants.

5. Title No. 60609/24, Norway & Five Cays, Providenciales Registered Proprietor- Claudine Pratt Located on the south-western tip of Providenciales, in the area known as Norway & Five Cays. A two story house on 1.03 Acres of land. The house is not yet completed with only snagging items, minor finishing items and some site works left to be completed. Once

completed the gross floor area of the residence will be 2,435 square feet. The property benefits from approximately 120 linear feet of iron shore frontage onto the Chalk Sound with impressive 180 degree views being enjoyed to the west.

6. Title No. 60715/210 Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales Registered Proprietor: Lincoln Hudson Ferreira Comprising 0.54 acre parcel with bare land containing dense indigenous bush and mature trees and is accessed via turning off the unpaved Turtle Creek Drive. The subject land fronts the canal.

7. Title No. 60505/250, Blue Hills & Stamers Run, Providenciales Registered Proprietor: Samuel Jules

Super 7’s Football League:

Air Turks and AFC Academy qualify for final stage THE SUPER 7’s Football League will finish its roundrobin phase next week with six teams trimming down to four. Air Turks and Caicos and AFC Academy have already qualified for the final stage and will be joined by two teams from the chasing bunch that includes: Pedagogue FC, AFC National, SWA Sharks and HAB Harriers. In recent games Air Turks and Caicos brushed aside Pedagogue FC with a 5-1 win. The educators opened the scoring through Daniel Clayton as he held on to Alex Cranston’s clearance, but that only seemed to spur on the Flamingoes as they hit back with three quick goals to take a 3-1 halftime lead with David Archer scoring twice and Lagneau Brumvert also getting on the score sheet. The second half was a fairly even affair until two late goals from Peterson Evariste and Stephen Derilien gave the league leaders a comfortable victory. In the second game AFC National had to withstand a late comeback from the Sharks to hold out for a 3-2 win. Luis Turbyfield opened the scoring with a fierce strike to put the

National ahead before Bobby Kwatt latched on to a defensive error to double the lead. Reinaldo Garcia pulled one back for the Sharks before Kwatt added a third goal for the National. However, an impressive solo goal from Courtney Tain set up a tense finish, but neither team could add to their tally and AFC National held on for a 3-2 win. In the final game HAB Harriers kept their play-off chances alive with a 3-2 win over Provo Golf Club. Sanjay Campbell twice found the net to give the Harriers a 2-0 lead before Jacques Etienne pulled one back. Provo Golf Club were guilty of profligacy throughout the game and Craig James’s goal late in the game appeared to give the Harriers their second win before Etienne again gave his team hope with another well taken goal, but it was not enough on the day as the team eventually went down by a 3-2 margin. Next week will see the end of the first phase and with six teams fighting for positions it promises to be an evening of goals, excitement and drama. MVP for week six was Sanjay Campbell of HAB Harriers.

Red Devils lead, but competitors still with chance

Comprising 0.26 acre parcel with bare land containing indigenous bush and small trees. The property is located between Blue Hills and the northern part of Kew Town and is accessed by turning on Bible Street, the second turning on Blue Hills Road, heading towards the T-junction and taking the northern hand turn to the end of the road and the property is the last lot on the left below the ridge land.

THE Sailrock U-11 Boys’ League continues to produce exciting games as the future footballing stars of the TCI continue to fight it out every Saturday morning. Last Saturday Sky Blues managed to hold out 0-0 against the Green Galaxy before narrowly losing out 2-1 against the Orange All Stars. Junior Paul and Joovens Joseph scored for the All Stars and Jules Jennings netted for the Sky Blues. The Red Devils defeated the All Stars by the same margin as Jack Small scored twice, Joseph scored again for the

8. Title No. 60719/110 Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales Registered Proprietor: Finbar Grant Comprising 0.59 acre parcel with a two-storey detached residence, a guest suite and a single-storey guesthouse and is located in the residential sub-division in Discovery Bay. The two-storey detached residence has four/ five bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, library, a substantially complete cinema room, laundry room, kitchen, breakfast room, family room and a separate office. The guest suite contains a bedroom, bathroom and a kitchenette. The single-storey guesthouse contains a studio with a bedroom and bathroom and a separate efficiency unit with a bathroom, bedroom and kitchenette. The property also contains a swimming pool and a concrete boat dock.

team in Orange. However, the Red Devils could not make it two wins in a row as they fell 3-1 against the Green Galaxy. Jack Small was again on the score sheet for the Devils, but it was not enough to deny the Galaxy who earned a well deserved victory with goals coming from Evance Joseph (2) and Nickello Pierre. The Red Devils are still leading the league standings, but the other teams are closing the gap with just four games left to play. MVP for Week four was Nickello Pierre

POSITIONS COOK

9. Title No. 50500/249 K8 Whitby, North Caicos Registered Proprietor: Thomas Chal Misick

part-time position for a cook/ housekeeper twenty hours per week must be able to work weekends nights and holidays salary $10.00 per hour must have own transportation

Comprising a two bedroom condominium unit on the second floor of the St Charles condominium development on Horsestable Beach with a floor area of 1,580 square feet and an oceanfront covered balcony extending top 272 square feet. The condominium consists of a master bedroom suite including closet space and master bathroom with the second en-suite bedroom designed as a lockout unit, entrance foyer, powder room, living/dining room and kitchen.

CLEANER needed to work 8 hours per week salary $7.00 per hour

Contact: 331-1809 5835

Closing date for applications is December 10th, 2011

5836

40


November 19 - 25, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sports National

Sailrock U-14 Girls’ Football League:

Red Devils are strong favourites for title THE Red Devils have a sixpoint lead in the Sailrock U-14 Girls’ League and with only two games remaining they are strong favourites to claim the title. Both the Green Dragons and White Wolves have an outside chance to finish in first place, but they will need to win both their last two games and hope other results go in their favour. The Red Devils opened their account with a 3-0 win over the Striking Cheetahs as Yarileny De La Cruz scored a hat-trick. In the main game of the day the Devils claimed the all important win against the White Wolves 3-2, a game which would determine who held the top spot. Waldine Pierre and Cessia Johnson scored for the Wolves, but goals from Lomekiah Thompson, Sydney Lawson and Yarileny De La Cruz gave the Devils the win. In the other games, two victories for the Green Dragons have given them an outside chance of winning the league as they are now in second place above the Wolves on goal difference. Yarielca De La Cruz scored twice as the Dragons beat the Cheetahs 2-0 and then scored four goals along with Jenny Fleurenvil as they beat the Titans 8-0. The Titans also managed a win as they beat the Yellow Jaguars

41

Queen Angel Luxury Condominimus & Resort Turtle Cove, Providenciales

GARDENER & MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN DUTIES:

Action in last week’s Sailrock U-14 Girls’ League.

2-1, Guerline Hall scored for the Jaguars, but Makayla Ellis and Ella Foley scored a goal a-piece for the Titans. The Jaguars however also managed a win as Guerline Hall’s solo goal proved enough to remove the White Wolves from the top spot. The final round of games will be played this week followed by the presentation of trophies. Head Coach Gillian Vernice was pleased with the day’s action. “Week after week the girls are improving. They are very enthusiastic and each of them is trying hard to impress us coaches so they can become members of our Girl’s Centre

of Excellence.” Technical Director Matthew Green added: “We have sixty girls in this league at the moment and next year we intend to expand it even further as well as to create Beach Soccer Leagues for our young players. We also aim to put together an Under-15 Girls’ National Team in 2012 that will play in a regional tournament with the likes of Jamaica and the Bahamas. The future for women’s and girls’ football looks very promising.” MVP for Week four was Jenny Fleurenvil who attends the TCI Comprehensive School.

FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION EQUITY LTD. ad TRUSTEE, pursuant to the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands, hereby gives notice that it will cause to be sold by public auction the following property.

Titles 60905/157K14

Leeward Going Through, Providenciales. A 1700 sq. ft. 2 bedroom, 2½ bathroom Palmyra condominium unit: Unit 302 – no furniture included Registered Proprietor: Ronald Jeffrey Berman

The auction will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday November 29th, at the office of Twa, Marcelin, Wolf, Chancery Court, Leeward Highway, Providenciales. For further particulars please contact Twa, Marcelin, Wolf at: tmw@tmwlaw.tc reference “Auction” or call 649 946 4261.

EXPERIENCE/ EDUCATION:

Tropical garden maintenance Sprinkler system maintenance Pool/ hot tub maintenance Pump station maintenance Waster water system Maintenance

Diploma in landscaping Gardening three years experience In similar environment/ resort

WAGES:

$6-$8 per hour depending upon experience

CONTACT PERSON:

Janusz Bukala Queen Angel Resort, to make an appointment email: bukalajanus@yahoo.ca phone: 242-4479 position is open until December 5th, 2011

5816

Senior Finance Executive -

R e c e i v e r s h i p s

Applications are invited for the position of Senior Finance Executive - Receiverships Location - Providenciales, Turks & caicos Islands Educational requirements - Bachelors degree in business or other relevant ubject Professional requirements - UK Chartered Accountant qualified (or equivalent) with a a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience in auditing. Business experience requirements - applicants should have a minimum of 15 years in a broad range of financial management roles at a senior level. Experience in the following areas would be a significant advantage: financial and management roles at a senior level. Experience in the following aread would be a significant advantage: financial and management accounting, business acquisitions and disposals, corporate restructurings, regulatory reporting, strategic financial and business planning, ability to interpret complex legal documentation. Salary Range $60,000 to $100,000 per annum based on experience. Belongers only need appply. Please submit applications to:

British Caribbean Bank Limited Phone: 649-941-5028 info@bcbtci.com P.O. Box 270. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands


42

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

November 19 - 25, 2011

Rugby Shield winners!

TCI won the Shield award at last weekend’s North American and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Sevens tournament in Barbados for finishing as the best team in the bottom half of the draw after the pool games. Guyana and Canada won the male and female titles respectively. In this picture: Blair Mason takes the ball into contact against Curacao while Sean O’Neil prepares to come in support.

Provo Hockey League:

Pirates remain undefeated with final 30 seconds blitz THE TWA Marcelin Wolf Pirates maintained their undefeated record in the Midget division of the Provo Hockey League after Miguel Malcolm scored two of his five goals in the last 20 seconds. The 6-5 victory over the Carib Gaming Panthers came when Malcolm found the back of the net in the 20th second and under one second (.01) with the help of Gabriel Diotte-Joly. Diotte-Joly finished with one goal and two assists. Earlier in the day the Pirates defeated the J & W Construction Flames 11-9. Malcolm was unstoppable with eight goals and two assists while Diotte-Joly had three and four assists. Quinn Higgs had four goals and three assists for the Flames while, Kennon Higgs had three goals and two assists, Justin Hagan two goals and one assist and Franklin Been one assist. MINI DIVISION The third week opened with the Sailrock Lobsters drawing with the Ganservoort Gators 6-6. Brooke Rivers and Joe Canham had two goals and one assist each for the Lobsters while Joshua Saunders had the other goal and two assists. For the Gators Carson Greatrex scored four times and made one

assist while Dlan Ayer scored twice. In the other Mini-Division clash the Ganservoort Gators lost to the Gracebay Car Rentals and Sales Owls 6-8. Dylan Ayer scored four for the Gators while Zachary Scholar added the other two and Ronin McLaren an assist. For the Owls Dylan Brubaker scored five goals while Jaden Fuller had two and Tristan Grandsire one goal and an assist. BANTAM DIVISION The Pearl Residences Sharks remain

Three players in the Mini Division of the Provo Hockey League.

undefeated after drawing 6-6 with the Saunders and Co. Hurricanes. Orrin Campbell scored twice and made two assists for the Sharks while there were three goals for Kyle Cox and one for Cole Nickson. Livingston Ferdinand scored three times for the Hurricanes. The Sharks then defeated the Coco Bistro Lightning 10-7. Javiera Bovell scored four goals and had one assist for the Lightning while Cole Nickson had four goals and Campbell, Darius Coackley Jr. and Cox had two goals each.

Last year’s winners: Chris Pretorius and Jumphol Srinark.

Search is on for Provo golf champs AS THE excitement of the Ryder Cup subsides, Provo Golf Club is bracing itself for another two days of high drama. This weekend sees the TCI’s best golfers gather to do battle for the honour of being crowned club champion. And if previous tournaments are anything to go by, it promises to be a keenly contested affair, with more than 45 members taking part. Director of golf, Dave Douglas, said: “The big events are coming thick and fast and this weekend should be fascinating. What is nice about the club championship is that it takes handicaps into account and so it is so hard to predict where the winner will come from. “We are all just getting our breath back following the Ryder Cup weekend, at which we saw the North Americans win for the first time in six years. The Americans will now be looking to take that form into this individual event but of course the

Rest of the World players will be out for revenge. “Along with the Ryder Cup, the Turks and Caicos Amateur, the President’s Championship and the Rizzoli tournament, this is one of our biggest events of the year.” The 36-hole championship will feature six men’s flights and three women’s, with competitors teeing off between 8:30am and 11 am on both days. Defending the men’s title will be Jumphol Srinark who shot a two over par 146 over 36 holes last year, while Chris Pretorius (170) will be out to regain the ladies crown. Douglas added: “Jumphol and Chris are expected to do well again but the format means high handicappers can really compete with the lower handicappers. “That makes for exciting golf and I’d urge anyone interested to come down, watch the action and enjoy our fantastic facilities.” (By Paul Baker)


November 19 - 25, 2011

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

November 19 - 25, 2011


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