Weekly News Volume 27 | No. 48| November 30 - December 6, 2013
Price $1.00
Turks and Caicos
FOR ADVERTISING CONTACT:
tcnews@tciway.tc
the national newspaper of the turks and caicos islands
ON THE WEB tcweeklynews.com
Robinson wins
$1.5m case Former Director of Planning, Clyde Robinson has won a case brought by the Attorney General in which he and his former wife, Susannah Bishop, were accused of flipping Crown land for $1.5 million. PAGE 4
Airport receives arty boost PAGE
14
Kentrelle Prospere shows off her mosaic of TCI's first flag. Photo by Martin Seim
AG Chambers will defend claim brought by Premier PAGE 4
Gov’t must act now to protect child prisoners PAGE
7
Regent Village lights up for Christmas Season PAGE
28
2
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
November 30 - December 6, 2013
November 30 - December 6, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
3
4
NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
November 30 - December 6, 2013
Clyde Robinson wins $1.5m land-flipping case FORMER Director of Planning, Clyde Robinson has won a case brought by the Attorney General in which he and his former wife, Susannah Bishop, were accused of flipping Crown land for $1.5 million. The Crown’s case alleged that Robinson acquired land in Long Bay Hills for $70,000 then transferred it for no consideration to his former wife. She was then accused of selling it to Wawa Co Ltd, a company owned by Canadian property developer Stan Hartling for $1.5 million as part of the proposed Shore Club Development. Judge Margaret Ramsay-Hale handed down her judgment on Tuesday (November 26). She found that the Crown, represented by attorney with the Civil Recovery Team, David Phillips QC, did not prove its case of knowing receipt and/or dishonest assistance, breach of fiduciary duties, unjust enrichment, fraudulent representation/deceit and another claim for stamp duty. However, she ruled that former Minister of Natural Resources, McAllister Hanchell, in directing an out-of-date valuation, breached his fiduciary duties to the Crown. In a statement to the media, Acting Attorney General, Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles said she is disappointed at the ruling. “We welcome the judge’s finding that McAllister Hanchell breached his fiduciary duties by directing the use of an out of date valuation; it is however surprising that the judge found that Mr Robinson’s conduct was not unconscionable, nor was it a breach of his own fiduciary duties as a senior Government official. “We are troubled by those findings and we will be considering
the judgment carefully and whether we should appeal,” the AG stated. In considering the claim of knowing receipt and whether Robinson’s knowledge made it unconscionable for him to retain the benefit of the land, Ramsay-Hale found that there is nothing about the price for which he was offered the land that should have caused Robinson to know or be on notice that the valuation of the land was wrong or that the minister had breached his fiduciary duty and directed that an out of date valuation be used. She stated that the fact that after the defendant accepted the offer he discovered from a private valuation that the land was potentially worth more cannot make it unconscionable for him to retain the benefit as it was not enough to put him on notice that the minister or the chief valuation officer at the time were acting dishonestly. ALLEGED BREACH OF FIDUCIARY In his arguments, Phillips submitted that Robinson held an important position in government, one that placed him on a scale of nine in a civil service classification where the Premier was at 11 and that his status made him a fiduciary and therefore owed the same fiduciary duties as Hanchell. Phillips said these duties required him to apply the Crown Land Policy and/or ensure that neither he nor his wife benefitted personally from breaches of the Crown Land Policy. The judge said she was not persuaded that Robinson owed the Crown any relevant fiduciary duty, as he was not concerned with valuations or allocations of land or the transfer of freehold titles under the Crown Land Policy. He dealt
Published by Turks & Caicos News Company Ltd. Cheshire House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales P.O. Box 52, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI W. Blythe Duncanson - Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Faizool Deo - Sports Editor (At Large) Daisy Handfield - Staff Reporter Cord Garrido-Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large) Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams - Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@yahoo.com, tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com
Clyde Robinson
with planning. She pointed out that the seniority of his post could not fix him with a greater fiduciary obligation than that which arose out of his contract of employment with the Crown. She stated that he was not required to pursue his employer's interests at the expense of his own and disclose that he had received a valuation for the land, which was greater than the stated open market value for which it was offered to him. Phillips also alleged that Robinson acquired the transfer on the strength of a letter from a bank, which he knew was not a letter of financial commitment and that he misrepresented that he was purchasing the land for residential use. This argument was in support of
the claims against the defendant that he fraudulently represented himself and/or deceived. The judge found that at the time the freehold title was applied for the intention of the parties to build a family home. She added that even if this representation were false, the claim could not be made out, as the Crown led no evidence to show that the minister was induced to approve the transfer of the land by any representation Robinson made. She said there is also no evidence that the minister was induced by Robinson’s assertion that he had a commitment of financing for his development from Belize Bank to approve the transfer of the title to him. The judge pointed out that minister was favoured with a copy of the letter from the bank itself and there is no evidence to suggest that he relied on what Robinson said and had not formed his own view of what the bank’s letter represented. She noted that even on the most generous construction of the Crown's pleaded case, it did not show any causative link between the representations made by Robinson and the transfer to him of the freehold title. As it relates to the claims of knowing receipt or, alternatively, dishonest assistance against Susannah Bishop, the judge stated that this was predicated on Robinson
being in breach of a fiduciary duty owed by him to the Crown or in breach of duty as a constructive trustee of the land. However, she noted that in the event that she is wrong and that Robinson did owe or breached any fiduciary duties, even considering the evidence provided by Bishop the claim against her was not borne out. Bishop testified that as far she understood it Robinson as a Belonger was able to buy land at a 25 per cent discount, which was a benefit available to all Belongers. She claimed that as far as she knew they were getting land valued at $280,000 for $70,000, as was his right, Ramsay-Hale stated in her judgement. The judge said that the second defendant acquired the land from her former husband under an agreement made between them to divide their marital assets and that absent any knowledge of any breaches of duty there is no evidence to support the claim of knowing receipt. The judge also threw out the Crown’s alternative case of dishonest assistance against Bishop. The Crown alleged that Bishop assisted her former husband in breaching his fiduciary duties by failing to make enquiries in circumstances in which such enquires ought to have been made and that given her knowledge of Robinson’s continued
AG Chambers will defend claim brought by Premier
THE ATTORNEY General Chambers has finally signalled its intention to defend itself against the court summons brought by the Premier in which he questions the constitutional authority of the Attorney General of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. The chambers received the court document on October 18, one week after Premier Rufus Ewing filed the document, and while beleaguered former AG Huw Shepheard still held the post. Registrar of the Supreme Court, David Chetwynd confirmed to the Weekly News that he has received an acknowledgement of service which states that the claim is going to be defended by the chambers. The question before the court is whether, on the true construction of the TCI Constitution Order 2011, the AG is authorised to
institute, prosecute and defend civil proceedings on behalf of the TCI Government without the approval of or informing Cabinet of his intent to do so. Under the Crown Proceedings Ordinance the Attorney General is the person who brings proceedings on behalf of the Government and is the proper defendant in respect of claims against the Government. However, in his affidavit to the court the Premier stated that this does not relieve the AG of the obligation to obtain the approval and instructions of the Cabinet before instituting proceedings, defending claims or in running litigation. Ewing also observed that if Cabinet’s approval is not obtained then the AG may refer the matter to the Secretary of State for his decision.
The action was brought following a number of decisions taken by Shepheard without prior consultation or approval from the elected Government, which makes up the Cabinet. They are of the view that many of the decisions Shepheard took were not in the best interest of the people of the TCI. Shepheard has reportedly stated that under Section 41 of the Constitution, he as AG was independent of the Government and need not consult or seek Cabinet’s approval. Although Shepheard has since exited that office, the Premier still wants to the Supreme Court to decide what the authority of the holder of the post of Attorney General of the TCI is under the constitution and to make a declaration in line with this. (DI)
8
November 30 - December 6, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
5
6
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
November 30 - December 6, 2013
A Weekly News column that puts you on the spot for your opinions on the issues of the day
Enough focus on education?
AT THE last meeting of parliament Akierra Missick summed up her first 365 days as head of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture. Over the past year the ministry has come under severe attack on issues such as continued violence in Clement Howell High School, overcrowded facilities and the dearth of scholarships offered. In her ministerial statement Missick said that while she is working to battle these problems, there is only so much that can be done with the resources provided. Do you think enough is being done in terms of tackling these issues? What else can be done? Is the ministry’s focus in the right area?
Less travelling
Lame excuse. Much more could have been done by being a bit more creative and doing less travel around the globe with very little to show or benefit the TCI.
Prioritise
With limited resources the Government needs to prioritise. The first must be to obtain more qualified teachers, to reduce class sizes and provide security for both students and staff. If this means security guards or other measures then so be it, but if the children are too afraid then they won’t learn and if the staff are too afraid then they will not teach to the best of their abilities.
No point in having scholarships if you can’t provide a proper learning foundation. The key is from the ground up. Tackle this issue first and budget and plan the priorities for the rest.
No more churches
Stop building churches and start building more schools. Bring in more teachers. The more educated the nation, the better.
More action
Talking about the problems does not solve them. Akierra Missick’s uncle by marriage
Balloons to be released in remembrance of Aids victims THE HIV Prevention Unit is releasing colourful helium balloons in remembrance of HIV infected persons in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Officials from the department will be at the Oseta Jolly Primary School on Friday (November 29) at 8.30am releasing balloons. Other locations include the Ianthe Pratt, Enid Capron and Precious Treasures Primary Schools. The Aids department’s theme is ‘Getting to zero new infections and deaths; changing behaviour saving lives.’ Reports indicate that at the end of 2011 there was an estimate of 230,000 persons living in the Caribbean with HIV,
of that 13,000 people newly infected and 10,000 died in the Caribbean as a result of Aids. Here in the TCI there have been 123 deaths between 1985 and 2011 throughout the TCI as a result of HIV. There were 22 new cases of HIV reported in 2011 and 13 in 2012 and statistics have revealed that the working population, aged 25 to 39, is the most affected age group with its common mode of transmission being via heterosexual sexual activity. For more information residents can contact the HIV Prevention Unit on 9414984 in Providenciales and on 946-1675 in Grand Turk.
Michael Misick ignored them and now she faces them. She claims that her discussions about bullying and recognising ‘deviate’ behaviour has solved the discipline problems but still they go on. The resources she says she needs were squandered by her party. We need management not excuses. When she refuses access to the schools by Opposition members this is a refusal to open the door to fresh ideas. Instead she flew off to Papua, New Guinea. What did she learn there?
Install, don’t develop
The know it all attitude which Akierra has is not serving this minister well. Her only consolation is her fellow ministers are as incompetent as she is. An example was her recent ministerial speech where she claimed some schools have more teachers than students. Where? It is students jammed into the Provo schools that are her problem. She calls for the ‘development’ of a fence around Clement Howell. You do not develop a fence you simply install it. The last real Education Minister was Clarence Selver who planned a new high school, primary school and Community College plus an apprenticeship programme right in Long Bay, this minister’s district.
If only
Unless the Government chooses to spend more on educational needs here, instead of personal jolly trips to wherever and the civil recovery vampires continuously sucking more money out of us, Hon Missick will have an uphill battle. You cannot cure overcrowding of Clement Howell with security guards and disciplinary measures - we simply need a new high school here! Just think of what we could have had right now, if Michael Misick and his crew did not take the bribes and pee them away on personal pleasures. If they had taken the monies offered by the developers and put it into our country instead of taking it personally, we would have one of the best educational systems in the Caribbean!
Proper tools
The Minister of Education, like her affiliates, is only paying lip service to the people of the Turks and Caicos. Children can’t get proper medical care, there are no scholarships, the schools are overcrowded and in a state of disrepair, teachers are stressed and underpaid. Until she realises that without the proper tools, our children will not succeed and actually do something about it, we have little hope for the future. I think the people of this country must now realise their mistake in electing inexperienced persons who obviously don’t care enough to make changes.
Work in stages
It’s all fine to say that all is being done with
the limited resources, but why not start small, build the first stage (form one) and then move onto stage two, the second form? It can be done. If they wait to have all funds in hand to do a full project at once, we will be taxed to death to cover the expenses. I am sure if every household in the Turks and Caicos gives $5 that can buy a lot of blocks. They just need to start somewhere, but do it to last for years to come. As far as scholarships goes, it should be only in study fields that the Government require workforce in or that will be of benefit to TCIG.
Deny the debt trap
Having read Akierra Missick’s report on herself and her daring self-acquittal there are a few serious issues left to contend with. First of all at least she’s doing something or pretending to be doing something. Yes, there is a an issue that confronts her as minister, the Minister of Finance, the Premier, the entire Government, Opposition, parliament, the entire public of the TCI and the ever state of denial of the British government. There is no way a Government of the TCI can be real about its statements, pronouncements, so called budgets, policy, plans and agendas as long as “we lay in bed with the British and stay in denial” over the rape and rip-off of our people in the form of the healthcare scam and $260 million band aid designed to cover and shield its inner workings. As long as we are increasing taxes to pay for old debt, per the Leader of the Opposition, I am now saying that nothing we budget for is real and no increase in taxes has a valid base to proceed from. Help us free ourselves from this debt trap, scam and rip-off so we could really take care of our youth, build more schools, budget some $20 million for scholarships, build us a real $30 million Providenciales Community College campus etc. Are you serious or are you there to make what seems after one year in office, no celebration, as maiden speeches.
See the forest
That entire Government has a myopic approach to national development. They are insisting on attempting broadbased national development without the rest of the global community input, especially input from the vast TCI diaspora and mother England, pulling along the European Union with them! The TCI has nationals all over this globe, in positions that pump resources into ‘home’ to make her the envy of the Caribbean. They need to get on their one-horse-town backsides and stop looking at the one tree and not seeing the forest.
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
November 30 - December 6, 2013
NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
7
Gov’t must act now to protect child prisoners A NEW juvenile detention centre is absolutely essential to maintain the health and wellbeing of young offenders, the Opposition Leader urged this week. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson called out to the Government to make it a priority after an 11-year-old was incarcerated in Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk. In an impassioned letter to press last Friday (November 22) the PDM leader said a new facility has been far too long in the planning process and the welfare of child offenders is being jeopardised. “The system is failing them and is making life all the more difficult for them through the lack of proper housing, lack of education instruction and general programmes to assist them and their parents in their rehabilitation.” Meanwhile Government has stressed this week that creation of a new facility is at the top of their agenda. According to Amanda Missick, Minister of Environment, Home Affairs and Agriculture: “This is priority, this is very important. We are trying to do our best not to make hardened criminals of our youngsters.” On Thursday, November 21, an 11-year-old boy faced charges of robbery and handling stolen goods at Grand Turk Magistrates Court. In the Turks and Caicos Islands a person is considered fully responsible for a crime at the age of eight. He was found guilty and given two consecutive sentences of 14 days in prison for each of the offences. The young lawbreaker was taken to the juvenile wing of Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk where he will remain until he has served his
sentences. Cartwright-Robinson said that the Opposition was “deeply disturbed and outraged” that such a young child had been ordered to be incarcerated despite being a reoffender. “To sentence children with harden criminals is against their rights,” she said. “Even though they are in a wing on their own, they are still exposed to the noise around and are unable to move about as much as they should so as to ensure that they do not mix.” She stressed that the courts must become “more innovative” in their sentencing such as suggesting lifestyle changes or identifying alternative safe houses. Meanwhile the public must get on board with realising how important this issue is, the Opposition Leader said. “The idea of a facility has been tossed about for years and has been seen multiple experiences where residents do not wish to have the facility in their area. “I am reminding us all that these are our children and it is up to us collectively as a people to determine whether we want to give them a fair chance in life so that they can become productive citizens or whether we wish to have them become greater nuisances to society.” She said a dedicated facility would provide continuing education, psychological support, spiritual instruction and mentoring. In an interview with the Weekly News on Wednesday (November 27) Amanda Missick, Minister of Environment, Home Affairs and Agriculture, said the Government was aware of the issues and a new facility has been a priority for a long
Juvenile offenders are currently housed in Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk
while. She explained that the former female-only wing of the prison now houses the young offenders after a new wing was opened for women in June. A fence separates the children from other prisoners and they are not allowed on the compound when other prisoners are outside, she said. They are also given a degree of education and rehabilitation from volunteers and the Gender Affairs Department. Renovating a building to create a juvenile detention centre is a priority and is in the planning stages but unfortunately there have been delays in locating an appropriate facility, Missick said. The first proposal to establish a temporary facility at Carlsberg House on The Ridge in Grand Turk was rejected by the board last March
28. “They [residents] didn’t think it was the appropriate place; they don’t want them to be, I guess, in their backyard. So that caused the hindrance.” She said that $300,000 has been allocated to this project and buildings in both Middle and North Caicos have been identified as having potential to become a new centre. “Whatever it is we’re looking at it to hasten because it’s badly needed, we know this is priority right now.” She told the newspaper that the Government is aware that children imprisoned at a young age could be “mentally and emotionally” affected but stressed that they are not at any physical risk. This week the Opposition Leader called on the public to assist in a campaign to remove the 11-year-old child from prison and revealed that
Under the tree
an appeal was submitted last Friday (November 22) on the boy’s behalf. “We are calling on residents to rally around this family and be prepared to support a petitioning of the courts by writing letters and supporting other initiatives,” she said. Letters can be submitted to juvenilesneedhelp@gmail.com and will be printed and delivered to the court and the relevant authorities. “Please speak specifically to the plight of the 11-year-old child, those being housed now and the need for a facility,” Cartwright-Robinson said. “I am appealing to the pastors and the media to please help in this fight. Let us be our children’s voices.” Superintendent Ian Sargent oversees operations at Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk which opened in 1996, houses about 104 inmates and employs 54 members of staff. (RB)
By Benneth Williams
Man, 21, charged with handling stolen goods A GRAND Turk man who was charged with handling stolen goods pleaded not guilty in court on Monday (November 25). Anthony Clarke, 21, was accused of offences stemming from a report made to police on Wednesday, November 6. He now faces trial before a magistrate on December 17 and has been released on bail. Police urge anyone who notices suspicious activity to contact them immediately. Police press officer Audley Astwood said: “Trust your instincts. If something
doesn't seem right in your neighbourhood or your school, it probably isn't. “Reporting suspicious activities might help the police identify a suspect or a crime trend.” For activities in progress call 911, otherwise, call police on 941-3327 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www. crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crimestoppers Turks and Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.
Benneth Williams is a Turks and Caicos Islander with a deep love of his country and its people. He grew up in Providenciales
and was educated in South Caicos and Jamaica. A trained teacher by profession and multi-talented, Benneth has now merged two
of his passions, art and politics. Married father of three beautiful children, Benneth is now happily living in Leeward, Providenciales.
8
NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
November 30 - December 6, 2013
Crown wins million dollar case against land-flipper PILOT Richardson (Ritchie) Arthur recently lost a case in the Supreme Court and now owes the Crown $1,150,000 plus interest for a land flipping deal which netted him $1.35 million in 2008. In her judgment – handed down on Tuesday (November 26) - Judge Margaret Ramsay-Hale found that the arguments for breach of fiduciary duty by then Minister of Natural Resources, McAllister Hanchell, as well as knowing and unconscionable receipt by the defendant were proved in the Crown’s case. However, she found that the Crown did not prove its claim of deceit. In the deceit claim, the judge decided that the facts as presented by the Crown were not sufficient for her to find that the Governor relied on Arthur’s representation that he intended to use the land in Long Bay for residential purposes when executing the transfer. She noted that the facts are that at the time the Conditional Purchase Lease (CPL) was executed by the Governor, Arthur intended to build his residence on the land and that when the freehold title was applied for and approval granted, Arthur’s intention remained the same. Meanwhile, Acting Attorney
General, Rhondalee Braithwaite, in a media statement on Wednesday expressed the Chambers’ delight at the successful prosecution, which was led by David Phillips, QC, of the Civil Recovery Programme (CRP). She said this is another substantial judgment for the team, which is inclusive of more than five year’s interest. “The claim arose out of a serious case of land ‘flipping’ which took place in 2008; Mr Arthur acquired a piece of Crown land for $50,000 and then almost immediately sold it on for development for $1.35m. “We welcome the judge’s finding that McAllister Hanchell, then Minister of Natural Resources, breached his fiduciary duties as minister by directing the use of an out of date valuation in connection with the sale; and that he also exceeded his delegated authority to transfer Crown land and abused his position in order to convey the freehold title to Mr Arthur,” the statement read. It continued: “We also welcome the finding that Mr Arthur knew that the transfer to him on the beneficial terms that Mr Hanchell directed was wrong.” Knowles is further quoted as saying that the judgment is an important milestone in the Civil Recovery Programme and that it
demonstrates that a serious abuse occurred in the management of Crown land - the Turks and Caicos Islands’ prime asset. “Since April of this year, the team has obtained judgments and cash recoveries of nearly $4 million alone, as well as recovering nearly 600 acres of land. “The Civil Recovery team has now obtained cash and judgment orders or agreements to pay totalling over $23.3m, and has recovered nearly 3,100 acres of land which has been or is being re-registered as Crown land.” In her judgment, Ramsay-Hale said she was satisfied that in directing the use of an out-of-date valuation, Hanchell breached his fiduciary duties by preferring Arthur’s interest to that of the Crown’s. During the five day trial which commenced on July 8, Phillips argued that Hanchell breached his duties in directing the grant of the CPL to Arthur on the basis of an erroneous valuation and thus approved rental and sale prices at an undervalue. He also facilitated the sale to the defendant for the purpose of a commercial development, he authorised the outright sale of the
land without registration of the Crown charge and he granted the transfer of the land in spite of the defendant not having complied with the terms of the CPL. Phillips also argued that the defendant had sufficient knowledge of the alleged breach of duty to make it unconscionable for him to have purchased the land. The judge in her ruling, agreed with this argument. She pointed that the facts of the case show that Hanchell had no apparent authority to approve the transfer of the freehold without restrictions and that Arthur’s belief that he was entitled to do so at an unexplained undervalue of $50,000 to facilitate a sale by him for $1.35 million, was not rational as there was no good reason for the minister to do so. She further stated that not only was there no good reason for the price of the freehold to have been reduced to $50,000, there was no good reason for the minister to transfer the land to Arthur – if the Government had indeed determined that it was in the national interest to sell land to [Stan] Hartling for commercial development – as he had not performed the building covenants
under the CPL or purchased the freehold. She noted that the inference could be drawn from the facts presented that the defendant knew the transfer to him on those terms was wrong. During the trial, Arthur continuously maintained that he had indeed bought the land to build a residential home, and that a representative of Hartling’s company approached him on several occasions to sell, but that he initially refused. He testified that he told Hartling if he wanted him gone, he had to pay $1.35 million. Although Phillips sought admission from Arthur that he knew very well that the land, which he had bought for $50,000, was worth significantly more, the defendant was adamant in his statements that the only reason he got such a substantial sum was because Hartling wanted him to sell and he was not budging. Defence attorney, Ariel Misick established during the trial that Arthur did not ask any Government minister to supply him with land and that with regard to the difference in the figures, his client was not aware that anything was wrong until it was pointed out to him by his attorney. (DI)
Clyde Robinson wins $1.5m land-flipping case continued from
4
breach of duty, her participation in the transactions relating to the land was dishonest. Ramsay-Hale determined that a failure to make inquiries is insufficient to find a claim of dishonest assistance. She observed that the Crown appears to be alleging - without pleading - that Bishop and Robinson had agreed to acquire parcel in order to flip the land and that their later agreement to transfer the land to her was a device intended to get her a title free from restrictions so that the land could be sold on to WaWa, in breach of Robinson's duties. She said she is not satisfied that Bishop executed the agreement and paid the $70,000 for the freehold, which her parents provided, with knowledge or notice that the land was acquired in breach of trust and in any event, no sale to Stan Hartling was contemplated before the agreement was executed and the transfer of the land to Robinson concluded. As such, the claim of dishonest assistance was not made out on the
facts. UNJUST ENRICHMENT In her judgment, Ramsay-Hale agreed with defence attorney Ariel Misick who represented Robinson that the Crown failed to plead any unjust factor. Phillips in his arguments put forward that the Crown based its case against the defendants on the basis that the transfer to Robinson was done in error. Both defence attorneys, including Steven Thompson for Bishop, argued that a plea that the freehold was transferred to Robinson was a mistake is not a proper one. Ramsay-Hale found the defence lawyers arguments convincing. She stated that the Crown failed to identify in its pleadings who was mistaken, about what facts and how the mistake caused the transfer of the land. She noted that while it is open to a plaintiff to plead two inconsistent sets of material facts and claim relief in the alternative, a further difficulty with the case as pleaded is that the Crown sought to rely on the same set of material facts to support two different conclusions; one that the
minister was dishonest and the other, that he was mistaken. The judge pointed out that on the case advanced by the Crown, it would be impossible to find that the minister was mistaken about the value of the land, as it is their case that he directed that and the use of an out-of-date valuation. With respect to the transfer of the land on the strength of the letter from Belize Bank, Phillips argued that if the minister did not deliberately transfer the land knowing that the letter was not a letter of commitment, then he was mistaken. However, the judge pointed out in her ruling that the evidence provided is capable of supporting the conclusion that the minister was not mistaken as to it being a letter of commitment, but was satisfied nonetheless that Belize Bank would give Robinson the financing required. She said this pleading was embarrassing as it fails to identify the case the defendants have to meet or to plead a case for the court's consideration. STAMP DUTY CLAIM Judge Ramsay-Hale stated in her
judgment that having considered all the submissions made by counsel she concluded that the inclusion of the stamp duty claim in the proceedings by the Attorney General was wrong. She noted that by virtue of the Crown Proceedings Ordinance, all civil proceedings brought by the Crown shall be brought by the Attorney General. Moreover, that it is trite that the Attorney General, in bringing proceedings, does so in a representative capacity on behalf of the Crown and its officers and not in his own behalf. She added that Phillips, in his arguments, was correct in saying that the Attorney General is entitled to sue on behalf of the Collector of Stamp Duty but, on any analysis, the proceedings were not instituted by the Attorney General for and on behalf of the Collector of Stamp Duty. As such, the claim for stamp duty was not made for and on behalf of the collector. The proceedings were brought by the Attorney General acting on behalf of the Crown in whom all Crown land is vested and on a complaint that Crown land was sold to Robinson in
breach of fiduciary duty by a minister of the Crown or by Robinson as an employee of the Crown or under a mistake or as a result of fraud, she stated in her judgment. In this suit, the AG is asserting the rights of the Crown/ TCIG not the collector. The judge added that the mere fact that the Attorney General added a claim for stamp duty does not make the proceedings ones taken on behalf of the collector. His representative capacity - the person on whose behalf he institutes the proceedings - would have to be pleaded. Phillips argued that this was implied, but it is plain from the relief sought that it is the Crown and not the collector that seeks to claim unpaid duties and penalties and it is clear from the Stamp Duty Ordinance that the Crown has no right to sue for breach of stamp duty and no right to the relief sought, the judge stated. As such, the Crown not being entitled to institute proceedings against the defendants for breach of the Stamp Duty Ordinance is not entitled to the relief sought, RamsayHale said in dismissing the claim. (DI)
November 30 - December 6, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS
9
Still no word from HMG on fact-finding report MONTHS after a high-level delegation from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) conducted a fact find mission in the TCI and subsequently released its findings in a report; there has been no word from Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) on the results. At a press briefing on Monday (November 25) at the Premier’s office on Providenciales, CARICOM Ambassador for Foreign and Community Relations, Colin Granderson and Acting Premier Don-Hue Gardiner both indicated that neither party has received so much as an official acknowledgment of the report. Asked what the regional body has done since releasing the report, Ambassador Granderson said that they have made their recommendations and it is now for the TCI Government and the British authorities to carry them out as they see fit. “CARICOM continues to follow the situation; it may take some time perhaps for it to be properly digested because it covers a number of areas and the recommendations are fairly wide ranging.” The Government has taken very seriously the recommendation
CARICOM Ambassador Colin Granderson and Acting Premier Don-Hue Gardiner speaking with the media
to have a review of the 2011 Constitution conducted and has since made moves to convene a consultative committee to conduct an examination of the instrument. Pointing to this, Acting Premier, Don-Hue Gardiner stated this is well on its way. “It is something that we would expect the committee to begin its work on in the next several weeks and then there would be a report to the parliament sometime before the end of this financial year in the hopes
that we can then begin, after the new financial year in April, to really push these changes and how best we can have them signed on to and accepted by HMG.” Responding to a question of whether there has been any dialogue with HMG concerning the report, Gardiner said: “The report has been received by the British government; there has not been any feedback to us necessarily concerning their views on the report. “They do however have it and I can only recommend that questions
of that sort be put to them.” He added that whatever comes out of the constitutional review are the things that would be most important to the Government’s work and its relationship going forward. Ambassador Granderson noted that although there has been no position from HMG to date, CARICOM would certainly have a chance early next year to raise the issue. “There is going to be a meeting of the UK-Caribbean forum and that will give us an opportunity to get more information with regard as to how they are proceeding.” Asked if CARICOM will lend any assistance to the consultation process, Ambassador Granderson said it is up to the TCI Government to determine if they require any assistance and to what extent CARICOM is in a position to provide such assistance. Responding to the same question, Gardiner pointed out that the first thing would be to conduct the review and then submit the recommendations to the House of Assembly, Following this, he added, the Government will then look to CARICOM and to whomever else can provide the TCI with assistance in achieving the aims coming out of
the review process. Meanwhile, when questioned as to the Secretariat’s official stance regarding the state of affairs in the TCI over the past few months – particularly the furor surrounding the Attorney General and the extradition of former Premier Michael Misick – Ambassador Granderson said that the regional body is following what is taking place. “CARICOM doesn’t get involved in the day to day events and developments in member states. The report was the outcome of a specific situation but it’s not something we are going to do on a daily basis. “But I would imagine that, based on how things evolve, the matter would come up again at the next meeting of heads of government.” He added that Bahamas Foreign Minister, Fred Mitchell - who headed the fact-finding mission earlier in the year - has been given the remit of keeping the community informed about what is taking place in the TCI and that this will continue. “It all depends on the evolution of the situation, I would imagine that some sort of a report might be made, but it is in the hands of the Turks and Caicos Government,” the Ambassador stated. (DI)
Former AG and Gov’t releases progress report Gov’t to arbitrate
– lawsuit hangs in the balance
THE DISPUTE between the former Attorney General, Huw Shepheard and the TCI Government which led to the AG suing for reputational damages in a claim that could see the Government paying out more than $1 million, is in the negotiation stage. When contacted by this publication, the Providenciales Supreme Court and the Governor’s office both indicated that nothing has been filed in court regarding Shepheard’s intention to sue the Government. Reliable sources have confirmed that the former AG is seeking in excess of $1 million from the Government, a figure that takes into account his loss of income and the damages to his reputation suffered due to the alleged attack on him by members of the Government and the TCI community. Governor’s spokesman, Neil Smith told the Weekly News that an arbitration styled negotiation between the two parties will be done before the matter can reach the level of the court. He said at this stage they
Former TCI Attorney General, Huw Shepheard
will seek to reach an agreement without going to court and only if they fail in this will the matter be moved for adjudication. Smith however declined to say whether any discussions have commenced between the TCI Government and the former Attorney General, adding that there will be no comment on the process before it has been resolved. Shepheard resigned from his post effective October 31, at which time he stated his intention to sue the TCIG in a letter to Governor Peter Beckingham. (DI)
TCI GOVERNMENT claims to have made substantial progress over the past 12 months in a report submitted to a meeting of UK Overseas Territories on Tuesday (November 26). The 16 page paper details eight major areas of growth and was made available to the United Kingdom and associated territories at the Join Ministerial Council (JMC) in London. Premier Rufus Ewing, Deputy Premier Akierra Missick and Governor Peter Beckingham are currently attending the four day event which began on Monday (November 25). TCIG’s report comes as a result of a joint ‘communique’ agreed upon at last year’s inaugural meeting which set out priority issues and a comprehensive action plan for all of the territories. Governor’s spokesperson Neil Smith said: “Since the elected leaders of the Overseas Territories met UK ministers last year and agreed a communiqué, much progress has been made in furthering our vision for the territories. “As described by the Foreign Secretary in his foreword to the White Paper our vision is of a family of ‘flourishing communities, proudly retaining aspects of their British identity and creating new opportunities for young and future generations; of natural environments protected and managed to the highest international standards’.” The areas of progress listed in the report are jobs, the environment, international support, better government, stronger and healthier
communities, safer communities, health and education. It spoke of a growth in the economy underpinned by a recovery in the tourism and construction sectors with “spillovers” in wholesale and retail. The economy is stable but fragile, was the underlying message of the report, and is expected to grow about 3.4 per cent over the coming year. “The Department [of Strategic Policy and Planning] cautions, however, that actual growth will depend on strength of the recovery in the US and success of the TCI Government in finding ways of diversifying the economy,” the paper stated. Projections beyond 2013 show a continuous positive growth rate as people adjust to new standards of living and become more comfortable with their purchasing power, the
further strengthening of the industrial sectors and the emergence of new industries. The second annual meeting of the Joint Ministerial Council succeeds the Overseas Territories Consultative Councils. During the conference the TCI delegation will talk with UK ministers and have the opportunity to network with potential UK-based and international investors. Prior to this week’s meeting Governor Beckingham said: “The UK has repeatedly stated its long standing commitment to all of the people of all of its inhabited Overseas Territories. “The JMC is a once a year opportunity to concentrate up how we can all work better together across and within the UKOTs family.” The meeting concludes on Friday (November 29). (RB)
Santa flies in for tree lighting ceremony CHRISTMAS is getting closer and what better way to get in the festive spirit than to meet Santa Claus himself. This Friday (November 29) tourists and residents alike are invited to attend a Christmas tree lighting ceremony outside Seven Stars resort in Grace Bay, Providenciales. The light switch on is typically one of the largest in the country
and this year Santa will be the one to press the button. This year’s event begins at 6pm and will feature Christmas carols, complimentary fruit punch, mulled wine and cookies. Resort events manager Niki Flowers said that it will be the third year that the public has been invited to witness the festive spectacular.
10 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
November 30 - December 6, 2013
CARICOM seeks to prove its efficiency with region wide review IN THE face of region wide pronouncements that CARICOM has outlived its usefulness, the regional body has undertaken a review process to see where it can make changes to ensure improved service and relevance to its member and associate member states. CARICOM Assistant SecretaryGeneral for Foreign and Community Relations, Ambassador Colin Granderson along with other CARICOM delegates visited the Turks and Caicos - an associate member - over the past week as part of the regional tour. They are on a mission to solicit the views and recommendations of various national stakeholders throughout each member country ahead of the drafting of a Five Year Community Strategic Plan. Acting Premier, Don-Hue Gardiner and other high-level Government officials met with the visitors at the Hilly Ewing Building on Providenciales on Monday (November 25). “The delegation here is part
of an initiative which was started a few months ago,” Ambassador Granderson said during a press conference with the Acting Premier on Monday. “As you know, a number of questions have been asked about the relevance or the efficacy of the Caribbean Community and the Heads of Government took a decision that it would be a good thing to undertake a review and a reform process of CARICOM.” He observed that an important part of the reform process is to first of all come up with a strategic plan and based on that strategic plan, transform the secretariat which would then be in a better position to produce results for member states thus making it ‘fit for purpose’. He added that an important aspect of the exercise has been to carry out consultations in the member and associate member states of the Caribbean Community. This is the 16th consultation that has been carried out. “These consultations are extremely
Acting Premier, Don-Hue Gardiner (third from left) met with CARICOM Ambassador Colin Granderson (to his left) and members of the CARICOM consultative team during their visit
important because it gives us the opportunity to speak and interface with the governments of the member states, stakeholders and heads of departments, senior public officials, civil society, the media, non-governmental organisations and the youth. “It is very important to meet with the youth, because it is quite clear that if we are looking down the road, we need to take into account the youth of the region.” Some of the main concerns that have come out of consultations, not just in the TCI but also in other countries visited, related to environmental protection, biodiversity, economic development and information sharing, the CARICOM Ambassador said. “Not only here in the TCI but it is something that we found in other of the consultations; people tend to know very little about CARICOM
and… if there is a CARICOM in action. Yes there is a CARICOM in action.” He added that a number of countries are also interested in how they can benefit from the expertise that has gone to other parts of the Caribbean Community. “I think people know about CDEMA [Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency] and CXC [Caribbean Examinations Council] without realising that these agencies are examples of CARICOM in action. “CARICOM is not just a secretariat, it is not just Governments coming together but it works in a number of areas in what we call functional cooperation, having to do with health, exams, meteorology, aviation security…” He observed that it is quite clear from the consultations undertaken in
the TCI that information sharing and communication are key areas. “Not that we don’t put out enough information but perhaps it needs to be tailored in a much more effective way to be able to make an impact on the public opinion of the various member states,” Ambassador Granderson pointed out. Meanwhile the views being solicited touch on areas such as what persons see as the vision of CARICOM, key priorities for action during the period 2014 to 2018, how to ensure successful implementation of the strategic priorities and how will organisations and members measure the implementation efforts over time. People interested in having their views heard can send an email to the CARICOM Secretariat at changefacilitators@caricom.org. (DI)
Jobs slashed at Lime to reduce operating costs BY DAISY HANDFIELD UP TO 20 staff members at Lime have lost their jobs just before Christmas as the telecoms company cuts back on operating costs. About 50 per cent of the firm’s local technical support team will now have to reapply for their positions after Lime outsourced the work to a new partner. On Monday (November 25) Lime TCI held a press briefing to discuss the regional decision of partnering with an international technical support company. The firm has reduced staff cost by $18 million across the region and is looking to cut operating costs by as much as $100 million. Jan Rammelg, chief executive officer of Lime’s northern Caribbean cluster, said that the laid off staff will be paid out by Lime. They will also be given the opportunity to apply with their new partner because a large number of staff will not be brought in from abroad. “The estimate is that 70 to 80 per cent of those [made redundant] will be employed by the partner so they will apply for those positions.” He went on to say: “To think about it, who is more suitable to do this job then the people who have been doing it for 10 to 15 years?”
Rammelg said that the company is always looking at innovative ways to do things and improve the services they provide to their customers. They have identified a number of initiatives that they will focus on going forward. “The initiative is something that has been talked about for some time in the Turks and Caicos and that is our upcoming sourcing our technical field support to an international partner”, he said. Although the company was not ready as yet to reveal the partner, Rammelg said that it is currently doing this globally and has invested in tools, system processes and training in a way that Lime has not been able to do and will not be able to do. “This is one step to providing an even better quality of service to our customers and corporate customers with regards to technical support and field support.” The company recently did the same thing in Barbados and in Jamaica in terms of letting go of employees and has seen an improvement in the service that is delivered and improvement in customer satisfaction, said Rammelg. The CEO said that contrary to some reports, Lime will not be pulling out of the TCI, but rather
Head of marketing at Lime, Delleriece Hall; Lime’s CEO for the Northern Regional Caribbean, Jan Remmelg; and Lime representative Valerie Clare
looking into improving the quality of service being offered to costumers. “There are many rumours saying differently, but I just want to emphasise we are committed to invest in TCI and continue to develop the country and give the people the opportunity to move into the next generation of technology. “Cable and Wireless and Lime have been an achieving part of the Turks and Caicos Islands for as long as 115 years. We will continue to be committed for many more years.”
The CEO also took the opportunity to announce that Lime will invest an undisclosed amount of money into the fourth generation [4G] service, to be up and running early next year. He said: “We will launch 4G, it’s not a coming soon and we will invest substantial money to be able to make that happen… we will launch in the first quarter of 2014.” Rammelg said that Lime still controls about 55 per cent of the mobile telephone market. Lime is still looking for a suitable
candidate to fill the position of general manager, with already a large number of applicants. “To continue to grow our business, we need to have the best people that we can find anywhere in the world to do that. “I should be able to be clearer on that and announce the chosen person hopefully before Christmas.” The company’s Christmas promotion theme is ‘Sharing the Joy’ and will feature a number of interesting deals.
November 30 - December 6, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
11
12
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
November 30 - December 6, 2013
November 30 - December 6, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
13
14 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Children of the Turks and Caicos National Museum Children’s Club with volunteers. Photo by Martin Seim
November 30 - December 6, 2013
Kentrelle Prospere shows off her mosaic of TCI's first flag. Photo by Martin Seim
Airport receives arty boost COLOURFUL mosaic artwork was unveiled at JAGS McCartney International Airport in Grand Turk on Tuesday (November 26). Children of the Turks and Caicos National Museum Children’s Club created
15 unique pictures for the wall highlighting the history, culture and natural environment of the island. Airport manager Shivago Missick said he was thrilled to finally have art in the building and felt very proud to be
involved. Members of the board of the Turks and Caicos National Museum as well as museum members, parents and all those in the airport were invited to the unveiling ceremony. Pat Saxton, director of the
Turks and Caicos National Museum Foundation, opened the event before Donna Seim, author of the book ‘Where is Simon, Sandy?’ whose entire profit goes towards supporting the Museum Children’s Club, addressed attendees. As daughter-in-law of Grethe Seim who founded the Turks and Caicos National Museum, she highlighted past club activities. Over the years the club has done numerous exciting things including finding all the cannons on Grand Turk, measuring and placing them on the map, designing a stamp for the TCI and even going horseback riding. Speaking about the mosaics project she said it was a perfect coming together of the club’s mission as it is all about the history, the culture and the natural environment of these beautiful Islands and it was also about having fun. Lisa Wandres, mosaic artist and part-time Grand Turk resident, taught the children how to convert their drawings of Grand Turk into glass mosaics. She said that since coming to Grand Turk and buying a house 15 years ago, she dreamed of doing a project with the children of the island. The individual mosaics are representations of all aspects of life on the island. Included are pictures of St Thomas’ Anglican Church, the lighthouse, a man fishing, a Turks Head Cactus, a flamingo, a butterfly, a horse on the beach, the first flag of the Turks and Caicos , a conch shell, a dolphin, a bird, a pelican, a happy man, an angel fish, and one child did her own house. Former Chief Minister and currently a PDM representative
in the National Assembly, Derek Taylor was at the unveiling wearing his hat as a board member of the museum. He said he was astounded by the creativity and artistry of the children and hoped very much this inspires others to do creative projects as well. Museum member Catherine Foley said she had a hard time deciding which mosaic was her favourite as they were all so lovely. Nikki Jennings, former Children’s Club coordinator who was very involved with this project, said she was so proud of the children and seeing their artwork framed on the wall of the airport was like a dream come true. The Turks and Caicos National Museum is located on Front Street on Grand Turk.
Its opening hours are 9am to 1pm from Monday to Wednesday, Thursday from 1pm to 5pm and most days the cruise ships are in. There is a $7 entrance fee except for Belongers and residents who are admitted free of charge. The Museum Children’s Club is open to all children on Grand Turk between the ages of eight and 12. The club meets once a month, inviting children to discover the history and culture, flora and fauna of the Turks and Caicos Islands. There is also a yearly summer programme in which one topic is studied in depth for a week. For further information on all happenings at the museum visit www.tcmuseum.org.
Ministry resumes production of passports THE MINISTRY of Border Control and Labour announced on Tuesday (November 26) that the issues they were experiencing with passport production last week have been resolved. A media statement said that the system is now fully functional and passports are being produced as normal. The exact reason for the temporary upheaval is still uncertain but members from the ministry described the problem as “technical difficulties”. The issue which led to a halt in the production of passports was solved in less than a week. The Weekly News made
several attempts to contact Minister of Border Control and Labour, Don-Hue Gardiner, but was unsuccessful in reaching him. In its statement the ministry said it would like to remind individuals to check their passports as some destinations require a minimum of six months before the expiry date. If passports expire in less than six months, residents are urged to renew it immediately. Anyone who is planning to travel for the holidays is also being urged to submit applications to the ministry as soon as possible. (DAISY HANDFIELD)
November 30 - December 6, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 15
Hotel association promotes clean and beautiful TCI
Solar panel next to generator
Kishco promotes solar panels for eco-friendly TCI RETAILER Kishco Turks and Caicos is selling solar panels as a more sustainable and renewable form of electricity. A few of the benefits of solar panels include cutting your carbon footprint because solar electricity is green and does not release any harmful carbon dioxide or any other pollutants. Sahil Mahtani, son of the owner of Kishco TCI, told the Weekly News that the business has had the solar panels for close to a year now. He said: “What is encouraging us is that we have so much sun in the Caribbean, especially here in the Turks and Caicos.” Mahtani said that the response to the solar panels has been good so far, but the shop is still working on perfecting a system for the TCI. “It’s been good, we have had a
lot of people asking us when we are going to have a full system launch and that is something that we have been perfecting because we want to build the exact specification for this island. “We’re not going to launch anything prematurely - we are going to have a complete system that is completely operational before we can bring it to the public.” Right now the company has the parts for sale individually, like the inverters, batteries and the tire components, until they tailor the right system for the Islands. Staff members are encouraging people to come in and take a look at the technology because it is advancing so fast. He said: “In the last two years we have made strides, yeah it’s definitely the time to go solar.” (DAISY HANDFIELD)
THE TURKS and Caicos Islands Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) is all about living up to the country’s slogan, ‘Beautiful by Nature’ which is why every year members put together clean-up campaigns. The fifth annual clean-up campaign named TCI Shines will begin at 6.30am on Saturday (December 7) at the Kids Park in the Lower Bight and will be endorsed by all of the association’s hotel partners. This year they will focus on targeting Leeward Highway which is the gateway for the resort areas. Executive director for TCHTA, Stacy Cox said that this is a bit different from what they usually do as before they would disseminate individuals at different points on the Leeward Highway. This year the group will work their way to the Suzie Turn roundabout and continue up towards the Tropicana Plaza roundabout. Cox said that they are inviting everyone to participate in TCI Shines in their various communities and get involved whether through school programmes or even non-profitable organisations. “This is a community effort that we hope that everyone would participate in.” The executive director added that once people commit to participate, the association will provide them with supplies and then invite them to the Kids Park for a beach picnic. “In years gone by and even this year we have invited churches to participate and schools. “There have
been several schools that are very active in the clean-up campaign and they are involved in the clean-up campaign this year in their various areas as well.” Cox thanked all parties involved and said that she loved this initiative as it is something to give back to the Islands. But it is often bitter sweet because of the level of rubbish that they continue to pick up on an annual basis. “We would like people to take pride in their island and in their surroundings, simply just not tossing
things carelessly outside their cars or dumping things outside of the road because we boast about being ‘Beautiful by Nature’ so we need to adhere to that and practice what we preach. “One thing that I must say is that TCI Shines is not possible without the commitment from TCI Waste Disposal and KK&T. “Those are companies that come on board every year to assist us by picking up trash once we have them bagged in an area that they can collect them from.” (DAISY HANDFIELD)
Chamber hosts Poor Man’s Luncheon FOOD fans can enjoy a delicious lunch at Seven Stars resort this December while raising money for the country’s needy. On Thursday, December 12, the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual ‘Poor Man’s Luncheon’. The charity event takes place from 12pm to 2.30pm and is open to the public. Tickets cost $50 and all proceeds will go to help the TCI Salvation Army to feed the poor and hungry. Guest speakers will include Salvation Army ambassador E Jay Saunders and Salvation
Army Colonel Raphael Mason. More information is available at 332-6418 or by email provochambertci@gmail.com. The Salvation Army is a Christian denomination and international charitable organisation organised in a mockmilitary structure. The charity reports worldwide membership of more than 1.5 million and has a presence in 126 countries. Members run charity shops, operating shelters for the homeless, and providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid to developing countries.
COMMENTARY
Suffering from nervous prostration NERVOUS prostration is a disorder that incapacitates those that are affected with it. It appears that this is now a problem for some here in the TCI. The symptoms are affecting the Government as well as some of the media. It has not affected this newspaper which has an editor who tries his best to report only the facts. We can trace the beginnings of nervousness back to when younger active leaders began to emerge in the PDM after the PNP overcame PDM Taylor’s third term election with manipulation. Now leader Sharlene was then PDM’s National Chairman. Leader Floyd Seymour joined by Art Robinson selected Doug Parnell to join them in parliament. Evidence of PNP malfeasance had been forwarded by more people than ever to the British
By David Tapfer Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) then the Foreign Affairs Committee resulting in the FCO minister being fired. Nevertheless the FCO stalled even after the inquiry and surprised people with the tip of the iceberg of PNP government problems. It took months before the British takeover and years before the special prosecutor was empowered to dig deeper. It took a change in government in Britain.
Ten years later and long after the steady progress of the Taylor administration was all but forgotten the glitter of the excessive spending, gross materialism and questionable morality lingered on. Changes in leadership within the PDM caused internal party manipulations and leadership squabbles that may now be hopefully at rest. We believe it was God that used the at large election to prove who he had chosen to lead. No one realised at the time how involved the now PNP leader was with Michael Misick's administration. We believe God guided Rufus Ewing to the PNP leadership. A position which inherited Misick’s legacy. Doctor Ewing had minimal support and protested alone with signs pinned on and about his person. Remember?
The former PNP leaders dropped away. Gilly retreated, Clayton was charged and Carlos, too laid back. God then decided to let PNP win the election with little more than 40 per cent of the vote. They won the right to wallow in their own mess. Now debt, taxation and negative growth haunt TCI while PNP leaders continue to enjoy fat salaries and benefits at the expense of the general public. Misick's brother now demonstrates inability as finance minister. Ministers care little about the rise in taxes and prices with their high salaries, expense accounts, free travel and phones. While the ministers fly here and there doing nothing for the country the people’s standard of living descends to pre-1995 levels. What is also causing the nervous condition is obviously the coming prosecutions and the
possibility that the former Premier might negotiate a plea bargain drawing in even more yellow party faithful. Nervous prostration now manifests itself with media attacks by Misickites on everything and everyone in the justice system, good, bad or indifferent. While the British deserve criticism for missing oversight and slowness, their employment of the agonisingly slow but unwavering administration of justice causes a high level of nervous concern. One year after the election the people required to lead seem paralysed by nervous prostration. Missing jobs, crowded education and the immigration mess continues. When it comes to finances and healthcare it is now clear the only things really certain are taxes and death - in that order.
16 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Displaying some one of a kind John Hardy jewellery, Snwazna Adams (centre) is flanked by a John Hardy representative (left) and Royal Jewels owner Kanchan Tolani (right)
November 30 - December 6, 2013
Guests enjoy an evening of mingling and shopping from the latest and most exclusive John Hardy collection
Royal Jewels raises funds for Salvation Army IT’S the season of giving and Royal Jewels has joined the bevy of businesses ringing in the charitable season with a fundraiser aimed at accumulating cash to donate to the Salvation Army. Last Saturday (November 23) the business held a Cocktail Party at their Grace Bay branch to display an exclusive new collection of John Hardy jewellery and to entice their guests to buy for a good cause. “We’re trying to raise funds from every item sold - a percentage of the sales would go towards the Salvation Army” said managing director
Gautam Tolani. There was also a silent auction on a number of jewellery and other gift items as well as a drinks bar from which funds were donated to the charity. Tolani said a few months ago he was enlightened about the need of many in the TCI, and the realisation that some children do not even get the basic necessity of a proper meal prompted him to contribute to the charity so that it can reach those in need. The business teamed up with one of their vendors, who also engage
in charity work, to bring the John Hardy Winter Collection and some exclusive pieces from their one a kind collection for the occasion. Guests of the event were the first to preview the newest designs of the handmade pieces from Bali and even got the opportunity to meet a John Hardy stylist who was available to answer questions and give personal styling tips. Reigning Miss TCI Universe Snwazna Adams was also at the glitzy event and had the opportunity to display an exclusive one of a kind necklace and earing, jewellery
if not sold will return with the representative. The Salvation Army’s Lieutenant Raphael Mason said that the gesture by Royal Jewels is one that thrills greatly “because it speaks of a sensitivity that they possess and a recognition that there are people around that are in need.” The donation to the Salvation Army, he said, will enable them to help those most in need, over the holidays and throughout the year. There are a lot of areas of need in the community, he explained, children that are not properly nourished, parents that are not able
to make ends meet, people who are not able to live in conditions that are basically good because of insufficient funds. Mason said that because of the worldwide recognition for the Salvation Army people go to them for assistance. He added that every dollar collected goes towards services for individuals or families in the community who need it most. Mason thanked those who continue to support the organisation and encouraged others to help so that they can in turn help those who are truly in need.
Cabinet approves draft Supplementary Appropriations Bill, other projects PRIOR to the departure of the Premier, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance to London to attend the Joint Ministerial Council, Governor Peter Beckingham met with Government officials for the 25th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday (November 20) in Providenciales. A press statement from the Governor’s office informed of the decisions taken and approvals given for various programmes, projects and recommendations made by the ministers. Cabinet members agreed to the signing of a ‘FATCA’ style intergovernmental agreement, on behalf of the Turks and Caicos Islands, at the Joint Ministerial Council subject to final review by the Tax Information Exchange Committee. Cabinet also gave the green light for a draft Supplementary Appropriation Bill to proceed to the House of Assembly (HoA) for endorsement in accordance with section 25 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012.
Also, a request from the Acting Attorney General, the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) and the Planning Department for maintenance dredging of existing navigational channels located in the National Parks, was approved. As a result, an amendment will be made to the Regulation 1(d) of the National Parks Regulations to permit applications to be made for maintenance dredging of such existing navigational channels which are already in use in a National Park. Approval was also given to a recommendation made by Minister of Health and Human Services Portia Stubbs-Smith, for the merging of the compliance and collection functions of the National Health Insurance Programme and the National Insurance Board into one entity. The merger is in an effort to increase compliance and improve efficiency of collections. On recommendation by Minister of Finance Washington Misick,
Cabinet gave its consent for the ministry to abandon the interest payment of a Government charge on a portion of the land on which the Shore Club development is to be constructed. The matter will now proceed to the HoA for endorsement in accordance with Section 62 of the Public Finance Management Ordinance 2012. Meanwhile, Premier and Minister of Tourism, Rufus Ewing presented a report to members on tourism diversification and integration along tourism development corridors. Cabinet thereby approved a tourism policy strategy to promote intra-island and intra-regional travel of tourists visiting the TCI as a strategy to enhance visitor experience. It also agreed that the Tourist Board should commence discussions with airlines servicing the region and neighbouring countries to develop multi-destination packages, thus enabling tourists in Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic and the Bahamas to visit TCI on day trips or overnight stays.
Ladies kiteboarding fun day WOMEN up and down the country are invited to take part in an active beach fun day on Sunday (December 1). The event at Long Bay beach on the south shore of Providenciales is being held to celebrate Global Women’s Kiteboarding Day. Experienced kiteboarder Hope LeVin has put together the day to encourage more women to learn the exhilarating sport.
As well as being a team rider for Big Blue Unlimited and Naish Kiteboarding, Hope is the founder of Windvibes – the country’s only annual kiteboarding event. “There will be the opportunity to fly kites, watch demos and have fun! Don't miss a chance to try a new water sport,” LeVin said. The event is open to all ages and is totally free. More information is available at 3422941.
November 30 - December 6, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 17
Passionate poets prepare for another performance BY DAISY HANDFIELD LOCAL poets are preparing themselves for yet another poetry exhibition aimed at showcasing their passion for arts, especially spoken word poetry. The third volume of the series is scheduled to take place on December 10 in Mis Amigos restaurant, Central Square. One of the heads behind the Towers of Babel, Hezron Henry told the Weekly News that the last event which was held at the Miniature Golf on Sunday (November 10) was successful and turned out to be exactly what they had expected. Henry said that volume three will be slightly different; aside from showcasing members of the group there will be an open mic to give people the opportunity to go on the stage and show the audience what they have to offer. Towers of Babel has been held twice and Henry said that there has not been an increase or decrease in numbers of supporters, but an improvement in performances.
“It was about the same amount from the first show. The performances that were presented were a lot better in terms of presentation and the subjects covered were heavier.” Henry explained that their objective is to expose art on a whole, especially spoken word poetry. “We’re just hoping to see a lot of new poets and acts.” During volume two, attendees were treated to a group performance, where four combined their talents and formed one act. Towers of Babel aim to become bigger and better every year by switching up locations as well. Henry said that they had a few locations in mind, but were not quite ready to reveal them as yet. The idea of Towers of Babel originated from the core members, who are all long-time friends and poetry lovers, deciding that they wanted to showcase their talents to the world. This was also an opportunity for them to express themselves positively, through a form of art.
Lime TCI launches new campaign CUSTOMERS will be able to own one of the latest smartphones without breaking the bank now telecoms company Lime has launched its ‘Share the Cheer’ campaign to kick off the holiday shopping season. Beginning last Friday, November 15, customers have the opportunity to get a new handset, from a choice including the iPhone 5S, BlackBerry 9720 and the Alcatel T POP. Additionally, the campaign gives new customers double data for up to six months when they sign up for a mobile data plan. Marketing manager for Lime TCI, Rachel Harvey said that the Share the Cheer campaign also includes opportunities for existing Lime mobile customers. “Every time a customer tops up or pays their post-paid bill in full
and on time, they are entered to win weekly prizes including seven inch Samsung Galaxy tablets. “On top of that, as a gift to our existing mobile data customers, we are giving them double data on their plan until the end of this year. “Lime is making it more affordable for customers to get the latest handsets and with our flexible mobile plan programme called My Plan, customers can design a plan which best suits their lifestyle needs.” Harvey said that customers also have access to make their selection and purchase online through our revamped website www.lime.com which is also being unveiled as part of this campaign. Rachel Harvey added that there is an aspect of the promotion which focuses on giving back to the community.
Street Hearts Haiti kids with Islandcom CEO Niamh Blake
Companies help homeless in Haiti HOMELESS boys in Haiti can continue to live without fear, thanks to a group of TCI businesses. Islandcom donated $1,000 while Graceway IGA, Beaches and Sunrise Airways gave supplies to support Street Hearts Haiti, a charity safe house located in Cap Haitien. Islandcom’s chief executive officer Niamh Blake and PTV news reporter Ange Toussaint travelled to the home recently to visit the children. On arrival the children were given items from Graceway IGA such as recycle tote bags, shampoos, soap, deodorants, lotions and other hygiene products. They were also given bedding from Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort and Spa, and the airfare for the trip was sponsored by new airline Sunrise Airways. The safe house is home to 93 homeless boys who have been exposed to crime, sickness, and even prostitution from an early age. It does not function as an orphanage but rather a social work
New religious holiday takes effect in 2014; others re-arranged A PRESENTATION by Deputy Premier, Akierra Missick for the re-organisation of public holidays observed in the Turks and Caicos Islands met with the full support of Cabinet at its Wednesday (November 13) meeting on Grand Turk. A National Day of Thanksgiving has been introduced and will be celebrated on the last Friday in November, or the fourth Friday when there are five in the month, the media learned during the post Cabinet update by Premier Rufus Ewing on Thursday. “This is meant to be a religious holiday with persons giving thanks
to the Almighty God and also to appreciate all of our religious beliefs during this period,” he said. He added that the need for a review of the public holidays was seen to ensure that those dates and events most reflective of the country’s history, religious and cultural heritage were included. Columbus Day, typically celebrated around the October 14 will be renamed National Heritage Day and October will become National Heritage month, the Premier advised. “This is in an effort for us TC Islanders to recognise from whence we came and to appreciate our
heritage and promote our national heritage in the face of the various diversity and ethnicity in TCI.” He added that Human Rights Day, currently observed on October 18, will continue to be observed but will no longer be a public holiday and will move to December 10. There will also be a new day of observance on the second Monday in November named Remembrance Day; however, this will not be a public holiday. The changes will take effect from next year, and the Governor will publish a full list of public holidays in due course. (DI)
programme that aids in rehabilitating families and children to get them off the streets and out of harm’s way. Street Hearts teaches the children proper hygiene, life skills and the importance of faith and social work. Their daily routine includes hygienic practices, schooling, Bible study, as well as sporting activities. Street Hearts has also instituted a big brother programme, where each child is assigned a mentor associated with the board or house staff.
Funding for the donation was collected through an Islandcom phone raffle held during this year’s Haitian Flag Day celebration in Providenciales. Shelter coordinator Lindsay Jergenson said the money was able to kick-start the food programme which is key to keeping the boys off the streets where they are more at risk. Some of the funding will also go towards medical treatment and supplies.
Roxann Wake-Forbes receive cheque from Cindy Nemours from Amanyara, Desmond Williams from Gilley’s Enterprises along with Courtney Miller
Youth centre receives donation of $16,000 THE EDWARD C Gartland Youth Centre was the recipient of a cheque for $16,000 on Tuesday (November 19) courtesy of a fundraising initiative put on by Sotheby’s Realty, Amanyara and Gilley’s Enterprise. The funds were derived from a local art show and auction with work from local artists held at Amanyara two weeks ago. Courtney Miller of Sotheby’s International said she saw potential in the centre and noticed the tremendous work that they were continuously doing for the youths of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“The Edward Gartland Youth Centre provides social and education programmes for the youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands. “It is incredible organisation and we try to do our very best to support it,” she added. Sotheby’s International collaborated with Gilley’s Enterprises, Amanyara and director of the youth centre Roxann WakeForbes to make the project a reality. Forbes said that the funds will be used to assist with putting together the programmes that the youth centre currently offers. (BY DAISY HANDFIELD)
Lifestyle... 18
November 30 - December 6, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
fitness Tip
Dr. Joe LeMoine, is an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician. He has worked with many international athletes and at many sporting events on the world stage. He currently practices in Providenciales, at Prime Sports Medicine.
By Dr. Joe LeMoine
Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician
Many myths of cardio workouts WE LIVE in an information age. Unfortunately there is an overload of information, not all of it is correct. Let’s sort through some of the common misconceptions regarding cardio or aerobic exercise. Cardio exercise is the only way to lose weight Any exercise that burns calories will contribute to losing weight. In fact studies have shown that adding strength training to your exercise programme gives quicker results.
When increasing your strength by resistance training the body responds by recovering the muscles and building them further, this uses more energy. Cardio only works out the heart and lungs When doing aerobic exercise your heart rate and respiration rate go up in order to deliver more oxygen to the muscles. The muscles are working hard during cardio training.
The fat burning zone Many people thinking by doing long low intensity workouts the body will burn more fat. The body will use any calories available. When doing a more intense or interval type training the body may use carbs up, but the end result is the same as afterwards the body will metabolise fats to restore the carbohydrates to normal levels. Furthermore studies have shown
that shorter intense workouts result in stimulated metabolism for a longer period afterwards. After a prolonged low demand workout the body responds by fatigue, metabolism decreases and appetite increases. Cardio allows you to multi-task in the gym If you are reading a book or watching a movie during your workout you are probably not pushing hard enough. It is better to concentrate on a more intense shorter workout for the same reasons mentioned above.
Training for a race is best way to lose weight When training for a race the objective is to improve the efficiency of the body, meaning that you are able to complete the race with less energy expenditure. If you are geared to losing weight the body needs to be progressively challenged by pushing the limits both in cardio and resistance training. Cardio or aerobic training is important, but like anything it is important to understand what it can and cannot do. Like any exercise programme striking the right balance of cardio and resistance training is key.
Spectrum of Hope
Weekly Recipe
Pumpkin and spinach salad SERVES: 6
INGREDIENTS • 600g butternut pumpkin, deseeded, peeled, cut into wedges • 2 tsp olive oil • 2 tsp honey • 2 tsp sesame seeds • 1 tbs fresh lemon juice • 1 tbs honey, extra • 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil • 2 tsp wholegrain mustard • 1 x 150g pkt baby spinach leaves • 1 x 75g pkt toasted pine nuts DIRECTIONS • Preheat oven to 220°C. Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper. • Place the pumpkin in a large bowl. Drizzle with oil and honey. Season with salt and pepper. • Gently toss until the pumpkin is
well coated. Place in a single layer on the lined tray. • Bake, turning once during cooking, for 25 minutes or until golden brown. • Remove from oven and sprinkle evenly with the sesame seeds. Return to oven and bake for five minutes or until the seeds are lightly toasted. • Remove from oven and set aside for 30 minutes to cool. • Combine the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, mustard and extra honey in a screw-top jar and shake until well combined. Season with salt and pepper. • Place the pumpkin, spinach and pine nuts in a large bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and gently toss until just combined. Serve immediately.
The Weekly News is looking for a restaurant, café or personal chef to contribute weekly recipes to the newspaper. For more information call 946-4664 or email tcweeklynews.com.
Me and my shadow WELL, the title implies that Josiah is writing this as I am actually the shadow. He's pretty good, but he's not THAT good - not yet! Actually, the shadow is going to give the run-down of what a day for Jo looks like. The school convenes for devotions at 8.30am sharp. Now every child who arrived on time at Precious Treasures Primary is seated in their respective chairs and prepared to participate. Every child, except Josiah Cox. Now this isn’t because we think he doesn’t need devotions! It is because his IEP asks that Jo participate in four ‘pull-out’ sessions a day in addition to his in class time. A ‘pull-out’ doesn’t necessarily mean that he is actually out of his classroom. It just means that during that time, he is concentrating on a personalised study to reach his IEP goals. So, during the first half hour of his school day, pull-out one goes down. Jo can be found in his first grade home room stretching and preparing for a 10 minute series of proprioceptive exercises. Yeah, I heard you: “Propappa what?” Pro-pri-o-cep-tive. In layman’s terms, these are any activities that activate joints and muscles. You see, amongst the many conditions Jo has due to his autism,
By Nicole Cox upper body hypotonia is one of them. “Hyped up what?” Hy-po-toni-a. Basically, what that means is the upper body muscles though developed, are weak. This affects everything from posture, to balance, to speech, to writing as he will have difficulty ‘feeling’ his arms and fingers. Imagine how awkward and uncomfortable you would feel if someone asked you to walk up a hill but both of your legs were numb. It's pretty much the same thing. So, before we even attempt to get to school work, we must make sure that he can ‘feel’ his body from head to toe. This is typically executed by an occupational therapist. Next, we move to 10 minutes of speech therapy exercises. At the moment we are focusing heavily on tongue strengthening and jaw extension. Anyone can find basic exercises in speech therapy with a quick Google search. Some of them can be adapted to music because singing disguises the fact that they are doing work. A small mirror is useful as well so that the student may see himself and
mimic the facial positions accurately. It is very important to view this as an exercise routine. Keeping track of the amount of reps and the accuracy of execution of each exercise will give you the necessary data to mark true progress or troubleshoot if the student gets stuck. Now, we move on to articulation and volume practice. This is done with a lovely application available from Apple called Articulation Station Pro. This programme is a bit pricey, but worth every dime as it is LOADED with reinforcement to encourage the student to execute the activities. But there are handmade alternatives as well. For volume control exercises there are dozens of games, ideas and activities that can also be found online. Now, in our case, we have a BCBA who oversees Josiah’s programmes and therefore she provides specifics of what she would like to see us work on as well as supplemental material. Either way the 30 minutes fly by, and just as Jo cannot stop laughing at the bumble bee that popped up on his tablet telling him what a great job he did, in walk his classmates to begin the academic day. Uh-oh, is that a bit of a frown I see on his face? Next week, we'll see where that goes.
November 30 - December 6, 2013
Lifestyle... YOUR DIET
ASK TAMIKA
BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD
Tamika graduated from Florida International University with a Master's Degree in Dietetics and Nutrition. She is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and licenced to practise medical nutrition therapy in the state of Florida. Email Tamika at tamikahandfield@ yahoo.com with your healthy eating questions.
HIV and food safety IN 1988, the World Health Organisation (WHO) established the first World Aids Day and every year since then, December 1 is recognised as World Aids Day. It is a time when everyone involved or affected by the disease pauses to remember lost loved ones, be thankful for the individuals still living with the disease and renew hope to one day finding a cure. Persons now living with the disease can expect to live a long and normal life if they take precautions to ensure their safety. Practicing good food safety is a safety measure persons with HIV/Aids must adhere to. Aids by definition, means Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome which means that the immune system is weakened and compromised making it very easy to contract common illnesses. A person not infected with the HIV/Aids virus may become sick with vomiting and diarrhoea after eating contaminated food but with treatment, they will recover fairly quickly. However, in the immune-compromised population, a case of food borne illness can cause severe harm. It is important to remember that microbes or disease causing bacteria are everywhere and can easily be transferred to food. Therefore, persons living with HIV/Aids virus are usually asked to avoid all raw and undercooked foods especially if their viral load is high making them more susceptible to diseases. As part of the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) prevention and education programme, they ask consumers to follow four easy steps: clean, separate, cook and chill. CLEAN Everyone is encouraged to wash hands, food contact surfaces and foods like fruits and vegetables, with hot soapy water, often because bacteria can survive on my kitchen utensils. Even peel-able fruits should be washed because bacteria can easily transfer from the fruit’s skin to the edible inside. SEPARATE Raw foods like meat, fish or poultry should be kept separate from cooked foods or ready to eat foods. Using separate cutting boards for meats, fruits and vegetables, washing hands and utensils after working with raw meats can helped to decrease the amount of disease causing bacteria. COOK All foods should be cooked properly to an internal temperature ranging from 140°F to 165°F depending on the type of meat being cooked. CHILL Now that we are in the holiday season, this step is very important to remember. All cooked foods should be stored in the refrigerator within two hours; especially foods that have milk, mayonnaise, eggs and meat. Following these steps, can help to protect the already compromised immune systems of persons living with HIV/Aids and make for a joyous holiday season.
Nutrition in Demand. A non-profit organisation helping you to 'Eat healthy today...live longer, better tomorrow'. Call 242-3978 or 442-3978.
19
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
GARDENING
How does your garden grow
Mosquitoes in the garden THERE are two things that mosquitoes need. They need blood to manufacture eggs and a place to lay their eggs. The mosquitoes lay up to 250 eggs at a time in still water and will hatch in about seven to 10 days. That is why it is important to clean out water weekly, to keep mosquitoes from breeding. Mosquito hatcheries are everywhere. Many items that might keep water include wheelbarrows, tires, cans, bottles, toys, garden equipment, pool covers, pipes, tarps, drains, bins and even a bottle cap. Also remove standing water from fountains, ditches, clogged rain gutters, plant saucers, puddles and, buckets. The cistern should be sealed and its opening should have a mosquito net. If you have a pond or fountains, you might consider adding fish that would eat the mosquito larvae. To avoid mosquito bites, it’s always wise to wear long sleeves, avoid wearing perfume and scented hair products, make sure you have installed or repaired window and door screens, and apply insect repellent that contains DEET only on children over the age of two months. Another product made of oil of lemon eucalyptus is effective but should never be used on children under the age of three. Dengue fever is primarily
BY DENIS Belanger - NATURE SPLENDOR For all your landscaping, installation or garden maintenance needs, please call or write for a free estimate: 332-3381 or denis@naturesplendor.net
a disease of the tropics that is transmitted by the mosquito. The mosquito is a day-biter that prefers to feed on humans. Those infected with dengue can suffer from a spectrum of illnesses ranging from a viral flu to severe and fatal haemorrhagic fever (DHF). The dengue virus is passed back and forth between mosquitoes and humans and causes an extraordinarily painful ailment that exists in four known strains or serotypes. Dengue is especially dangerous to children, who generally have one infection, but if bitten again can get a more serious infection that can lead to DHF. DHF causes severe internal bleeding, shock, and circulatory collapse, and is usually fatal to children. Dengue is increasingly becoming a plague of global proportions and may soon eclipse malaria as the most significant mosquito-borne viral disease affecting humans. Many mosquito trapping devices are based on generating carbon dioxide (CO2) to lure the mosquitoes to the device. Once in the vicinity of the fan
on the device, the mosquitoes are sucked up into the device and into a collection bag where they will die. The CO2 baited traps will catch mosquitoes. However, even an impressively large collection, may be a minute percentage of all the blood-seeking females in the area and this will not likely impact large populations of mosquitoes. These devices are only successful if the wind is low, the actual mosquito population is low and there are no other factors to attract the mosquitoes in that area. Bug zappers use ultraviolet light to lure mosquitoes into a trap that will electrocute them. These devices attract many types of insects such as moths and beetles. Studies have shown that these devices do not reduce the number of biting mosquitoes, and they kill other types of insects more often than they kill mosquitoes. The best way to reduce the mosquito population is by preventing them from breeding in close vicinity to your home by making sure your garden has no nests, as well as sharing this information with your neighbours.
POLICE SAFETY TIPS
Handling stolen goods THE ROYAL Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is reminding the public that purchasing property from unlicensed individuals can be unwise, particularly now with the number of stolen items on the streets. The TCI public needs to ask questions first and do some inquiries before making any questionable purchases. Burglars are interested in cash and are anxious to get stolen items off their hands. Do not get caught with stolen goods. When electronic items are traced or shut down through the technology now available, it will be your loss. In addition, a person could be charged for handling stolen goods if found in possession of stolen items, whether it be jewellery or electronic items, even if it seems like a legitimate purchase.
By Audley Astwood
Police Public Relations Officer
Maximum penalty for this offence is 14 years. Police are asking persons to be on the lookout for anyone selling jewellery, flat screen TVs, laptops and smartphones. These are some of the type of items that were mainly stolen in burglaries throughout this year. A number of persons have been charged recently but the RTCIPF wants to continue its crack down on the sale of stolen goods. We need the public to make a bigger impact to greatly reduce these transactions from occurring in our communities.
Persons who want to make inquiries on items that may be stolen can contact the Criminal Investigation Department by calling 941-4448 extension 81843 or 81837. Persons can also contact any police station or post throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands if they suspect someone of selling stolen items. Reporting suspicious activities might help the police identify a suspect or a crime trend. For activities in progress call 911. Otherwise, call the police at 941-3327 or use the untraceable, anonymous Crimestoppers Miami number at 1-800-(TIPS) or 1-800-8477. No names or numbers are requested and only the information provided is passed on to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police. Please visit our web site at www. tcipolice.tc or www.crimestoppers. tc for more information.
20 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
November 30 - December 6, 2013
Leeward and Long Bay Hills elect constituency council members
Grace Bay Car Rentals team take home the prize for second best trunk
Trunk or Treat night a big hit THE TIKI Hut team along with their many Halloween helpers were able to pull off yet another spectacular evening of spooks and thrills recently. The restaurant in Turtle Cove has been host to Providenciales’ annual Boo Bash for more than two decades. The event which has brought together hundreds of kids and their parents on All Hallow’s Eve over the years for a fun and safe place to play trick or treat. This year, owner Stephanie
Camozzi threw a bit of a twist with the first annual ‘Trunk or Treat’ competition. Trick or treaters were greeted at the entrance to Turtle Cove by a giant blow up Casper and black cat, a sight which thrilled the little ones. Tiki Hut’s parking lot was transformed and participants decked out the trunks of their vehicles with Halloween themed thrills. It was there that families were able to trick or treat from one trunk to the other with games and activities as
well as must-have Halloween candy. There was also a fun competition with participants battling to win great prizes for the best dressed trunks. TCI Football Association’s Trailblazers youth football team took home the first place prize of $100 sponsored by Islandcom Wireless. Second place of $75 was snapped up by Grace Bay Car Rentals and third place TCI Reef Fund walked away with $50, both prizes sponsored by Tiki Hut.
FOUR members of the Leeward Palms and Long Bay Hills constituency have been elected to serve their community on the constituency council. During an address to parliament on November 11, elected member for the constituency, Akierra Missick announced that Belinda Lightbourne was elected chairman; Berndatte Williams, vice chair; Kenishsa Forbes, treasurer; Kandis Malcolm, general secretary and Pastor Alvin Harvey was announced as chaplain. The elections were held on Saturday, November 9. “I must say a big thank you to the residents of the Leeward constituency of which I am the
member in the House of Assembly, for supporting several initiatives over the last few weeks in relation to the constituency. “And turning out in really good numbers on Saturday night and voting in our constituency council elections.” Missick noted that the past 12 months have been very interesting for her, and further thanked the residents for their support in all of the upcoming events the constituency will be hosting. “I thank them for the opportunity that they have given me to serve the Turks and Caicos Islands and I look forward to the next 12 months being very productive and successful,” she added. (DI)
Public to have access to Gov’t statistics FOR the first time the general public is being given easy access to the Government’s latest statistical reports. This week the Strategic Policy and Planning Department (SPPD) released a calendar listing details of statistical activity along with dates of publication. The calendar and all of the reports will soon be available to everyone for free on the Government webpage www.gov.tc, which is currently being updated. In a press release on Wednesday (November 20) Chief Statistician Shirlen Forbes said: “This calendar is the first of its kind for the statistical department and recognises
the citizen’s entitlement to public information.” He added that it also ensures the “practical and timely” dissemination of information and complies with best international statistical practices. The calendar states the target date of release of each report, however reports and publications may be released prior to the target date. The department will inform the public of any delays in the release of these publications if the need arises. Among the reports that will be released over the next six months are census tables, estimation of gross domestic product, merchandise trade tables, and a yearbook of statistics.
Tourist Board employs hospitality specialist Youth centre chair Terry Drummey, youth centre director Roxann Wake-Forbes, managing director of BNC Consultant Group, Bridgette Thomas, and committee members Agatha Delancy and Urmas Karner
Youth centre benefits from farewell gift BY DAISY HANDFIELD A GROUP of friends raised funds for the Edward C Gartland Youth Centre as a goodbye gift to a loyal supporter of the facility who is leaving the country. Bridgette Thomas, former member of the board of directors, was delighted to discover that a fundraising committee formed in her honour had gathered $5,388. The cheque was presented to the youth centre on Friday (November 8) by members of the group and Thomas herself. A group of friends, who knew how passionate Thomas was about
children and the centre, decided that hosting a golf tournament and a blues night to raise funds for the centre would be an unforgettable gift. Thomas said that she was surprised by the support that was shown from the community and grateful for the kind deed put on by her friends. “I am so touched, I don’t know what to say. I’m going to miss you all and I thank you all for allowing me to be a part of the centre,” the managing director of BNC Consultant Group said. Thomas added: “The thanks really goes to the committee because through their efforts they really did
this, I just showed up and dressed really nice!” The donation was received by the director of the centre Roxann WakeForbes who commended Thomas for the great work that she has done for the centre since its inception five years ago. “Thank you, what can I say, you have touched our hearts and the kids at the centre. “You’ve empowered us, you’ve kept us in line and you’ve steered us towards our goals.” Thomas was a member of the Board of Directors for the Youth Centre and formed a club called Girls Club where she acted as head.
AN EXPERIENCED tourism professional has been awarded a spot within the TCI Tourist Board. South Caicos-born Lorenzo Seymour is the new executive administrative assistant for the team. He will be Seymour has 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry with four of those spent in human resources. Tourist Board Director Ralph Higgs said that the team is pleased to have the “capability and experiences” of Seymour. “His appointment is consistent with our commitment to ensure the continued growth of our tourism industry and to guarantee the Tourist Board’s longevity.” The South Caicos native holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management from Barry University. Seymour previously worked at the Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort starting as an intern, where he
worked throughout all departments of the resort, and climbed the ranks to an appointment as Assistant Human Resources Manager where he managed the resort’s recruitment efforts as well as their annual internship program. “I am honored to join the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board and work with this exceptional team,” Seymour said. “The Tourist Board is the premiere marketing establishment for travel and trade in the country, with the greatest role in shaping landscape and perception of our Islands for decades. “I look forward to sharing my experiences and contributing to the future direction and growth of the organization and the destination.” Seymour’s portfolio at the Tourist Board includes the coordination of human resources, employee relations, technical and office administrative duties.
November 30 - December 6, 2013
NEWS 21
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Supporters of the event
Dance performance
Youth centre celebrates five years since inception BY DAISY HANDFIELD STAFF at the Edward C Gartland Youth Centre
proudly celebrated its fifth year anniversary at the centre on Friday (November 8) with performances, testimonies and
laughter. The fun-filled day was attended by members of the centre, family members and
friends. Program manager Johnna Messam said that this year was all about the children. “This year, the most important thing for us was showcasing the youth centre, its growth throughout the years and what we have to offer.” The evening kicked off with a monologue written and performed by a member of the drama club Dana Eyma also known as Dean Sparks. His character fought an
inner struggle between two personalities, himself and Captain Jack Sparrow, all while on a date. After this came a dance performed by the centre’s hiphop dance group. The festivities ended with a testimonial from a few of the centre’s members who spoke highly of the facility. This included the meaning of the centre to them personally and where they would be if the centre did not exist.
Messam was not too impressed with the low turnout, but was still appreciative of those who supported the event. “The evening was a great success! Turn out could have been better, however there were a few events going on that evening.” She said that they look forward to continued support from the members of our community and even more growth and success for the upcoming year.
Perioperative nurses educate students BY DAISY HANDFIELD
Choir from The Ashcroft School sing their hearts out
Salvation Army gears up for annual Christmas Kettle campaign THE TCI Salvation Army launched their annual Christmas Kettle campaign on Tuesday (November 26) at the Graceway IGA supermarket. During the launch, parents and supporters listened to a choir from The Ashcroft School that helped to get the crowd get into the Christmas spirit. As the Christmas season draws closer, volunteers and students will stand at both of the IGA supermarkets and the Do It Centre in Providenciales holding a kettle where good Samaritans can make donations. E Jay Saunders, chief executive officer for Digicel TCI, along with a few other generous residents were the first people to contribute to the kettle during the launch.
Todd Foss, advisory board chairman for the TCI Salvation Army, said that last year the organisation raised more than $20,000 and all of it was put to good use. “We focus a lot on the youth and the seniors of the country,” he said, “we do feeding programmes, we do education programmes, we do senior transportation programmes and we are always looking for ways to do good deeds in the Turks and Caicos Islands.” This year, like last year the Salvation Army will have corporate challenges for ringing the bell. All banks and interested establishments in the Turks and Caicos Islands are invited to take part. Last year Royal Bank of
Canada and Scotia Bank took part in the event. This year a trophy will be awarded to the corporation or bank that raises the most money. Foss said that the Turks and Caicos Islands is lucky enough that the Bahamas chapter of the Salvation Army has so many family connections with the Turks and Caicos Islands which help to keep them going. “Just in the last couple of years the Turks and Caicos has become an official independent country in regards to the Salvation Army and all of its member countries and we are excited about that.” The Kettle Bell campaign began in the Turks and Caicos Islands five years ago. (DAISY HANDFIELD)
HIGH school students visited Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales recently to learn about careers in perioperative nursing. It was all part of a demonstration the hospital put on for international Perioperative Nurses Week from November 11 to 15. Surgical manager at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Pheona Brown, explained that the career itself is a nursing specialty that focuses on patients who are having surgery or intrusive procedures performed. “What is unique about it is patient advocacy enunciated in perioperative nursing,” she said. “These are persons who are not able to speak for themselves in terms of the care that they are supposed to receive so that’s what the nurses do, speak for the patients.” She explained that one of the main objectives of the event was to entice the students into the medical field. “Hopefully they will see that this is a very unique field of nursing or they may
Surgical manager Pheona Brown and nurse Isabelo Cuadras pose next to display
consider choosing a career in nursing or even medicine.” She went on to say that in the Turks and Caicos Islands patient satisfaction is high and they want that reputation to continue on throughout the years. “What is commendable is that our surgical site infection is at zero per cent, there is no high incidents of infections for patients that come in, which speaks volume to the type of work that is being done here.” Throughout the week a display was set up in a corner of the hospital foyer where patients, visitors and students were able to see the different equipment used in the
department and learn about the department itself. During a demonstration, nurse Isabelo Cuadras taught students about nephroscopy, which is an examination of the kidney. He used an imitation of a human body to properly explain to the students the process. Next year they will be visiting the different schools in the TCI along with people from other fields of nursing to help expose everyone to nursing as a career. Presently they have six full time staff in the department, who also serve for on-call emergencies.
22
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
November 30 - December 6, 2013
November 30 - December 6, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
23
24
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
November 30 - December 6, 2013
November 30 - December 6, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
25
26
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
November 30 - December 6, 2013
November 30 - December 6, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
27
28 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
A visit from Santa Claus triggered shrieks of delight from the children
November 30 - December 6, 2013
The TCI Youth Chorale sets the atmosphere with cheerful Christmas songs
Regent Village lights up for Christmas Season WITH Christmas less than a month away, holiday lights have lit up the Regent Village, signalling the
beginning of the most festive season of the year. Scores of excited children and
adults gathered at the fourth annual event on Wednesday (November 27) to be a part of the festivities surrounding the occasion and to watch the lights being turned on for the first time this season. Organisers of the event outdid previous years, with more entertainment and treats for the eager children. There were delightful performances from the Rock It Hot dance group, festive songs from the
TCI Youth Chorale and even a visit from Santa Claus. General manager of the HAB Group Paul Slattery, wished everyone a happy holiday season and was happy to see so many gathered to enjoy the lights and Christmas spirit that the organisation tried to bring to the community. Acting Premier Don-Hue Gardiner, who had the honour of turning on the lights, also took the opportunity to wish the TCI a happy
and safe Christmas season. Regent Street now features an illuminated ‘Seasons Greetings’ decoration at the entrance and sparkling snowflakes lights draped laterally at intervals along the street. While everyone enjoyed the Christmas ambiance that tinged the evening’s atmosphere, the children were especially glad to see Santa Claus and eager that one of the most joyful days of the year is fast approaching.
Premier Rufus Ewing and his wife Dawn Perry present Jamaica’s Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Patricia Allen with a Grace Bay seascape
Artist’s work given as government gift A TALENTED Providenciales artist was delighted to discover that one of her paintings was presented as an official gift during a recent state visit to Jamaica. Sara Alexandra Skye of Making Waves Art in the Regent Village, Grace Bay, spotted her familiar painting on a photograph posted to a popular social media site. The photograph depicted Premier Rufus Ewing and his wife Dawn Perry presenting Jamaica’s Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Patricia Allen with one of her Grace Bay seascapes. It was given as a gift during a luncheon held for the Premier and guests at the Office of the Governor General, Kings House in Kingston.
Skye spied a photograph of the exchange on ‘The Office of the Premier’ Facebook page earlier this month. It is an honour to have work recognised and presented to regional government officials, she told the Weekly News. Skye was born and raised in Bohemia and has lived in Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Canada and the Caribbean. She studied sculpture at Charles University in Prague and painting at George Brown College. The gifted artist is inspired by human form and emotion and by the beauty of nature, and her most recognised work captures the stunning colours of the Turks and Caicos Islands, particularly the seascapes of Grace Bay.
Charming performances from Rock It Hot dance group entertain the crowd
A remarkably large crowd gather to see the lights turned on for the season
November 30 - December 6, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 29
Golden tickets hidden inside Islandcom chocolate bars
PHONE users could strike it lucky this festive season while enjoying free chocolate bars from Islandcom. The telecoms company is holding its very own Willy Wonka-style competition in which gold and silver tickets are hidden inside packets of confectionary. New and current customers can get hold of a single bar if they visit their local Islandcom store and purchase services, products, or pay their bill. Marketing specialist Chandra Craigg explained: “The ‘Islandcom Sweet Christmas’ will be somewhat similar to the Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory movie. “We have manufactured our very own Islandcom Factory chocolate bars. In a select amount of bars, there will be golden tickets and silver tickets. “Only 10 golden tickets will be given away for the chance to win a $1,000 cash prize, however there
will be lots of silver tickets out there as well for really cool gifts. “We will distribute both silver and gold tickets throughout all the islands where Islandcom stores are located.” The gifts selected for silver ticket winners comprise of some of the latest tech gadgets on the market. “I’m particularly excited about the prizes for the silver ticket,” said marketing executive Lee Ingham. “The gifts are the new and hottest gadgets out there right now. We have items such as the Chromebook laptop, Ouya video gaming console, Roku Streaming Player, and the Chromecast stick.” Each of the items that are selected for the Islandcom prize giveaway are internet enabled. The Roku Streaming Player is a unique gadget that surpasses cable TV. It provides more than 1,000 television channels, movies and games.
REGIONAL NEWS
The Bahamas: Reforms must tackle ‘mind boggling’ waste “MIND boggling” waste in the public sector must be tackled as part of a three-pronged solution to the Bahamas’ fiscal imbalances, a leading businessman asserting that Value-Added Tax (VAT) was not the solution by itself. Franklyn Wilson, the Arawak Homes and Sunshine Holdings chairman, told Tribune Business he was recently informed of “nine-figure expenditure” by a government-owned utility in the Family Islands that was “just waste”. The prominent businessman said that eliminating such waste and inefficiency in government spending, together with a combination of revenue reforms and economic growth, was the only solution to the Bahamas’ fiscal predicament. And, while the Christie administration and private sector appeared to be far apart over the proposed VAT, Mr Wilson said he was “optimistic” the optimum solution could be reached. He based this on the joint statement issued recently by the Coalition for Responsible Taxation (private sector) and Ministry of Finance, describing it as “one of the most significant developments that have taken place in governance in the country for the last several year”. Mr Wilson said both sides had
agreed inaction on the Bahamas’ worsening fiscal position was “not an option”, meaning there was broad-based support for public finance reform - the only outstanding questions being ‘what’ and ‘how’. And, with the Opposition Free National Movement (FNM) having indicated a willingness to work with the Government, Mr Wilson said the Bahamas now had “the best foundation” for reaching an outcome satisfactory to all. However, Mr Wilson emphasised to Tribune Business that VAT was “not the only answer” to a national debt hovering at $5.5 billion, fed by a fiscal deficit projected to be $443 million for the 2013-2014 Budget year. “VAT alone will not solve the problem,” the Arawak Homes chairman said. “The problem is too deep. We’ve waited too long and got to where we are too deeply. “We need more government revenues, less government expenditure and more economic growth. We need those three things. No one source can do it.” The Christie administration is seeking to increase government revenues by $500 million per annum by 2016-2017, with $200 million or 40 per cent of that sum coming from VAT.
The Roku connects to systems such as Netflix, HuluPlus, Pandora, and numerous others. New gaming console, Ouya is a great gadget for gamers. The console
is small and compact and includes a wireless controller similar to the one used for Playstation consoles. The Ouya is linked to the Android market, where all games can be selected. Some of the more notable games available are Final Fantasy and other role player games. This season will also bring new devices to Islandcom such as the iPad Air, Moto X, and the Samsung Smart Watch. Islandcom customer care and retention specialist, Owenta James commented on a new customer initiative. “Starting this Christmas we will give each customer who signs up for a prepaid account a free activation of our Unlimited Prepaid Plan. “Our Unlimited Prepaid Plan will give them unlimited Islandcom to Islandcom calls and text message for their first month of service with us. “We want to give everyone a taste of what Islandcom has to offer. This
is not something we are doing just for the holidays but we plan to continue on with it throughout 2014.” The company is giving a lot this Christmas, including a special contest for kids. Islandcom chief executive officer Niamh Blake said: “Our Christmas promotion isn’t all about prize winnings. “We have included an element of giving back to the kids this year with our Dear Santa contest.” The Islandcom Dear Santa contest is for children between the ages of six and 12-years-old. All kids residing in the Turks and Caicos are invited to write a letter to Santa asking for one Christmas wish. “The fun of Christmas is giving back to others. It is great to see families and children excited about the holidays and we want to make sure Islandcom is a part of that. “We will select two letters from the entries and grant their wish.”
Former Barbados PM says central bank ‘indulgence’ a threat to economic stability FORMER Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur is pointing an accusing finger at the island’s central bank, which he said had been printing money to maintain the Freundel Stuart administration’s unsustainable fiscal deficit. Arthur, delivering the inaugural independence lecture of the School of Politics, warned that if remedial action was not taken, Barbados could suffer the same fate as its Caribbean Community (CARICOM) partners, Guyana and Jamaica. “The indulgence of the Central Bank is therefore a threat to Barbados’ monetary, economic and national stability,” Arthur warned. He told the audience on Sunday night that the Central Bank had printed BDS$370 million (One BDS dollar = US$0.50 cents) to purchase Government Treasury Bills, which had caused the country’s foreign exchange reserves to plunge. “The printing of money on this scale to accommodate government’s fiscal deficit is the chief factor that has triggered the dramatic plunge downward in the country’s foreign exchange reserves. “If this plunge downward is not immediately checked, the economic affairs of Barbados will enter a new and very dangerous territory,” he warned, adding reminding the audience of the economic and social problems of Guyana and Jamaica as a result of excessive increases in money supply and inflation. Last week, the Us-based international ratings agency,
Owen Arthur warned that the indulgence of the Central Bank is a threat to Barbados’ monetary, economic and national stability.
Standard & Poor’s (S&P) revised downwards the long-term rating for Barbados - the second downgrade in four months. The credit rating agency announced that it had moved the island’s rating from BB+ to BBin response to a persistent current account deficit and a high fiscal deficit. “The downgrade reflects the mounting external pressures associated with a persistent current account deficit and external financing challenges, as well as the ongoing high fiscal deficit largely because of a substantial fall in government revenues as a result of the weak economy,” the agency said According to S&P due to the large fiscal deficits, it is expected that the net general government debt burden will rise to above 70 per cent
of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in fiscal 2013, ending March 2014, from 67 per cent in fiscal 2012 and 60 per cent in fiscal 2011. Last month, the Governor of the Barbados Central Bank, Dr. Delisle Worrell, downplayed predictions by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that Barbados was the only Caribbean economy to remain in recession, insisting the island was holding its own. Stating that Barbados was after sustainable growth and not “flashin-the-pan growth”, Worrell said that the IMF’s forecast is simply a prediction and the expectation that Barbados won’t register growth when compared with other CARICOM states, is not an indictment on the island. “The race is not for the swift, this is not a sprint this is a marathon. So let us be realistic under the current circumstances, we only have a couple of months left in the year so there is no realistic prospect that we will have real growth this year so we do what is appropriate in order to secure growth that is sustainable over the medium term. “The fact that we are not growing this year still leaves us at the head of the class as far as quality of life is concerned across the Caribbean,” said Worrell as he addressed journalists at a news conference to review the economy. However, the figures are not encouraging as for three straight quarters, the Barbados economy has contracted.
30
Regional News
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
CARICOM to suspend consideration of DR’s bid for membership USING its strongest language to date, the Caribbean Community issued a stern statement Tuesday condemning the recent Constitutional Court decision in the Dominican Republic that could strip hundreds of thousands of Dominicans of Haitian descent of their nationality. Following a special session in Port of Spain of the CARICOM Heads of Government chaired by Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the regional body issued a statement officially condemning the ruling and calling it “abhorrent and discriminatory.” Most crucially, the regional body said it would “suspend consideration” of the Dominican Republic’s request for full membership in CARICOM. While neighbouring Haiti is a full member state of CARICOM, the Dominican Republic is only an observer, although several countries, including Trinidad, have called for the country to become a full member state, as recently as this summer. CARICOM said that it “cannot allow its relationship with the Dominican Republic to continue as normal.” “Furthermore, the Community will review its relationship with the Dominican Republic in other fora,
Trinidad and Tobago’s PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar is currently chairing CARICOM.
including that of CARIFORUM, CELAC and the OAS.” “It cannot be business as usual,” CARICOM said. “It is especially repugnant that the ruling ignores the 2005 judgment made by the Inter-American Court on Human Rights that the Dominican Republic adapt its immigration laws and practices in accordance with the provisions of the American Convention on Human Rights,” CARICOM said. “The ruling also violates the Dominican Republic’s international human rights obligations.”
CARICOM said the ruling had created an environment where, “with the abrogation of rights that flow from citizenship, arbitrariness can flourish, as illustrated by recent media reports of the forced deportation to Haiti of persons claiming to be Dominican with no linguistic or familial ties to that country.” “The Community also calls on regional and hemispheric countries and organisations to lend their voice to urge the Dominican Republic to right this terrible wrong, it said. CARICOM called on the government to take the necessary steps to “redress the grave humanitarian situation created by the ruling.” The regional body also praised Venezuela for its role in working to resolve the problem; the country recently hosted bilateral talks between Haiti and the Dominican Republic on the issue. “CARICOM is prepared to engage the Dominican Republic but the government of the Dominican Republic must show good faith by immediate credible steps as part of an overall plan to resolve the nationality and attendant issues in the shortest possible time,” it said. (CaribJournal)
At least 30 Haitians die after boat capsizes AT LEAST 30 Haitians who tried to sail to the United States were found drowned on Tuesday after their overloaded boat ran aground off the Bahamas and capsized, several days after fishermen tipped off Bahamian military authorities about the vessel. The Bahamian military had been unable to conduct air searches for the boat, a 40-foot sloop dangerously packed with immigrants, because all three of its planes were out of service, a defense spokesman said. The Royal Bahamas Defense Force conducted an unsuccessful search by sea and notified the United States Coast Guard about it on Monday afternoon, after six survivors who had paddled to shore on a raft were apprehended. They said the ship ran aground on Saturday. About an hour after deploying a helicopter, the Coast Guard found the boat 15 nautical miles from Harvey Cay, and 20 miles from where the fishermen first reported seeing it. The spot is about 250 miles southeast of Miami. About 60 people were clinging to the sailboat and dozens more were standing in waist-high water, the Coast Guard said. No one had life jackets. The passengers, at sea since Nov. 18, had run out of food and water. The Coast Guard hoisted 13 people to shore and, during the night,
The overcrowded boat off the Bahamas, which was found late Monday. More than 100 people on the vessel were rescued, but at least 30 perished.
dropped food, water and eight life rafts to the others. After an all-night journey, 108foot Bahamian Navy vessel arrived at first light Tuesday and rescued 110 people, including 19 women. “They are in pretty bad shape,” said Lt. Cmdr. Doug Jannusch of the Coast Guard, who is stationed in the Bahamas. “That’s probably why they had so many fatalities. A lot of them died of exposure. The water was cool, with the wind, they couldn’t stand it anymore.” By Tuesday evening, five bodies had been recovered and 25 to 30 more were still in the water, said Lt. Origin Deleveaux, a spokesman for the Royal Bahamas Defense Force.
The survivors were being taken to the Coral Harbor military base and face probable deportation. The episode was the latest in a series of shipwrecks involving Haitian migrants, who pay smugglers to ferry them across dangerous waters to the United States in vessels that are often unseaworthy. Many of the boats sail through the Bahamas, with passengers from as far away as Brazil. “This is just another example that highlights the dangers of illegal migration and taking to the sea,” said Lt. Cmdr. Gabe Somma of the Coast Guard said in Miami. “The sea is unforgiving. These are dangerous vessels. They are unbalanced, overloaded, and they are not stable.”
November 30 - December 6, 2013
DR denies report of Haitian killings following murder of couple THE Dominican Republic has denied reports that several Haitians were killed over the last weekend in the violent incidents that followed the murder of an elderly Dominican couple in the town of Neyba, blamed on Haitians. In a statement issued by the Dominican Embassy here late Tuesday, the authorities in Santo Domingo reported that only one Haitian national, Andres Pierre, known as “Coito Pie”, was killed by a group of people who were outraged because of the crime he had committed against Jose Mendez and his wife Luja Encarnacion diaz. The Dominican authorities said another individual of Haitian origin, Papo Sani, is also accused of the murders. The statement said that the alleged murderers meant to rob the victim couple of part of their coffee crop. “Under the influence of anger, some Dominicans have threatened to kill other Haitian nationals, reason why many of them feel threatened, abandoned their homes to seek refuge in the Military Base of the place where they received military protection,” the statement from the Dominican Republic embassy said. It said that upon the request of those who felt persecuted, the military accompanied them to the border of Jimani-Malpasse to help them get to Haiti.
“This sudden exit suggests that the Dominican Republic, is currently conducting a massive deportation of Haitian workers and this is not the case,” said the Dominican government. Several hundred people, including more than one hundred children were repatriated to Haiti over the weekend. President Michael Martelly, who was in Trinidad and Tobago for a meeting of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders denounced the repatriation of the people, telling reporters that more than 300 had been sent back to Haiti, “who do not know the country, who do not have family in Haiti”. He hinted at the possibility of Haiti boycotting future talks adding “we don’t have to keep meeting without them (Dominican Republic) showing some action,” he added. The next round of talks is scheduled for next week. The Dominican Ambassador to Haiti, Ruben Silie Valdes, said the repatriations were not linked in any way with the recent constitutional court ruling that stripped citizenship from tens of thousands of Dominicans of Haitian descent. Dominican officials said the situation in the Municipality of Neyba is, at the moment, under the control of the authorities and efforts are being made to ensure that calm returns to the community. (CMC)
Jamaica issues travel warning against Trinidad and Tobago THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a warning to persons traveling to Trinidad and Tobago in the wake of recent reports of several Jamaicans having been denied entry into that Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country recent weeks. “The ministry is concerned at this development and continues to interface with the relevant authorities in Trinidad and Tobago on the matter, including in the light of the Shanique Myrie ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice,” said a release issued by the Ministry. It stated that a few Jamaicans have reported the incidents to the Ministry and as a result the High Commission in Trinidad has been instructed to obtain clarification and information from the authorities in the twin island republic.
The Ministry has urged Jamaicans who believe their rights under the CSME Regime were breached, to make a report to the nearest Jamaican High Commission or the Ministry. The Foreign Affairs Ministry also reminded Jamaicans that the freedom of movement provision does not give permission to work and persons falling outside of the ten agreed categories will require work permits or exemptions. Meanwhile it has been reported that 13 Jamaicans were denied entry into the twin island republic on Tuesday last. According to a report in the Jamaica Observer newspaper Trinidadian immigration officers denied them entry, detained them and sent them back to Jamaica on the first flight on Wednesday morning. (CMC)
November 30 - December 6, 2013
World News Italy’s Senate expels ex-PM Berlusconi
THE Italian Senate has voted to expel ex-Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi from parliament with immediate effect over his conviction for tax fraud. Berlusconi, who has dominated politics for 20 years, could now face arrest over other criminal cases as he has lost his immunity from prosecution. He told supporters in Rome it was a “day of mourning” for democracy. Ahead of the vote, he vowed to remain in politics to lead his Forza Italia in a “fight for the good of Italy”. Berlusconi told supporters gathered outside his Rome residence that “no political leader has suffered a persecution such as I have lived through”. He said: “It is a bitter day, a day of mourning.” Berlusconi, 77, said his struggle would continue outside parliament. He said: “We must stay on the field, we must not despair if the leader of the centre-right is not a senator any more. There are leaders of other parties who are not parliamentarians.” The vote marks the end of a process which determines that Berlusconi cannot take part in
31
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Silvio Berlusconi could now face arrest over other criminal cases as he has lost his immunity from prosecution.
any general election for six years. The BBC’s Alan Johnston in Rome says that Berlusconi has been flung out of parliament in the most humiliating of circumstances - effectively told that as a convicted felon he is no longer fit for public office. Our correspondent says that, while there is no question this is a major blow to the former PM’s political ambitions, the Berlusconi show is far from over - he will continue to lead Forza Italia outside parliament, a party that has considerable electoral support. (BBC)
Pope Francis calls for power to move away from Vatican POPE Francis has called for power in the Catholic Church to be devolved away from the Vatican, in the first major work he has written in the role. In the document, he says he is open to suggestions to changes in the power of the papacy. He also warns that rising global economic inequality is bound to explode in conflict. Since becoming Pope in March, Francis has struck a markedly different tone to his predecessor on several issues. In his “apostolic exhortation”, Pope Francis said he preferred a Church that was “bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security”. The document suggests major changes are on the way, with Francis noting that the Church has to get over an attitude that says: “We have always done it this way,” the BBC’s David Willey reports from Rome. It represents an ambitious programme to try to rekindle his church’s missionary zeal, our correspondent says. However, the document reiterates the Church’s opposition to the ordination of female priests, saying this is “not a question open to discussion”. The document also touches on inter-faith relations, urging Christians to “embrace with affection and respect Muslim immigrants to our countries in the same way that
Pope Francis has pioneered a more informal style as pontiff.
we hope and ask to be received and respected in countries of Islamic tradition”. Last month Pope Francis held his first meeting with a special group of cardinals to consider ways to reform the Vatican bureaucracy after saying in a newspaper interview that the Vatican had become too selfinterested and needed to be inclusive. “Excessive centralisation, rather than proving helpful, complicates the Church’s life and her missionary outreach,” he says in the latest document. He also says he does not believe that the papacy “should be expected to offer a definitive or complete word on every question which affects the Church and the world”. This month the Vatican launched an unprecedented survey of the views of lay Catholics on modern family life and sexual ethics.
The document does restate the Church’s opposition to abortion but concedes that “it is also true that we have done little to adequately accompany women in very difficult situations,... especially when the life developing within them is the result of rape or a situation of extreme poverty”. “Who can remain unmoved before such painful situations?” he asks. Pope Francis also expands on his concerns about economic inequality. “Today we also have to say “thou shalt not” to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills,” he says, going on to castigate the “new idolatry of money”. “I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor!” he goes on. (BBC)
Cameron defiant over tougher EU benefit plans Adele Bing, 52, was arrested in Winter Haven, Fla., Monday night after her 25-year-old daughter was shot dead while knocking on her front door.
Florida woman fatally shoots daughter with baby by mistake
A FLORIDA woman fatally shot her daughter — who was holding a 4-month-old baby in her arms — because the woman thought it was her boyfriend at her front door, according to police. Adele Bing, 52, told Winter Haven police Monday night that the tragic shooting was all simply a case of mistaken identity, but that she should be locked up “for good.” Bing’s 25-year-old daughter, Ruby Bing, was found at her doorstep after suffering an apparent gunshot wound to her chest. The mother told police that she
feared it was her boyfriend banging on her front door to get in after they got into a violent fight earlier in the day. “The boyfriend, 39 year-old James Lane, was at the hospital being treated for injuries to his head after Adele Bing hit him with a gun,” according to police. In an alleged bid to protect herself, the 52-year-old armed herself with a gun and a baseball bat. “As she opened the door a shot was fired, hitting her daughter in the upper chest. The 4 month-old was not injured,” said police.
DAVID Cameron has defended plans to toughen welfare rules for EU migrants, saying he was sending a “clear message” to people that the UK was not a “soft touch” for claiming benefits. He said he shared public concerns about the end of work restrictions on Bulgarians and Romanians next month. Labour says he should have acted sooner and a European commissioner warned the UK risked being seen as “nasty”. But the prime minister said: “British people expect fairness.” “That is what this is about,” he told BBC political editor Nick Robinson. “It is about fair treatment for people who work hard and do the right thing.” Mr Cameron has announced measures including: New migrants not getting outof-work benefits for the first three months Payments being stopped after six months unless the claimant has a “genuine” chance of a job
Prime Minister David Cameron said that: “It is about sending out a signal”
New migrants not being able to claim housing benefit immediately Deportation of those caught begging or sleeping rough, with no return within a year Quadrupling fines for employers not paying the minimum wage Mr Cameron questioned the principle of free movement of people across the EU, saying this right could not be “unqualified”.
“Yes, of course, there is a right to take up a specific position if you want to work but there should not be a freedom of movement to claim,” he added. He told the BBC controls were “not just aimed at Romanians and Bulgarians” but would apply to “anyone in other EU countries thinking of coming to Britain because it is easier to claim benefits”. “I think it is very important to send out a clear message that this is not the case.” Mr Cameron suggested a future Conservative government, as part of its pledge to renegotiate EU membership, could seek more control over migration policy. Working with like-minded EU governments, he said, it would look at allowing member states to halt arrivals if numbers exceeded a set level. He also suggested freedom of movement should only be fully allowed if the average income of a country’s people was not too far below the EU average. (BBC)
32
Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate
Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Brama Kumaris
FOR RENT
3-bedroom apartment $1100.00 per month it will be available May 1st.
contact: 946-4664
Raja Yoga
November 30 - December 6, 2013
946-4664 Fax: 946-4661
Email: tcnews@tciway.tc
Website: tcweeklynews.com
GRACEBAY SUITES
Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands BWI
Is looking for
Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands
Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101
www.bkwsu.com Email: bkpadma@bkwsutci.com
FOR SALE
Cleaners/ Maids For upcoming season. Bring resume. Belongers only.
9068
Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788
November 30 - December 6, 2013
CLASSIFIEDS 33
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
SALE!!! Professional Accountant FLOWER GIRL TEDDYS, ROSES, BASKETS Sale on wedding favors, nick naks, pillows, knives etc.
25%–35% OFF CONTACT: 649-946-4894
Amazing Value! Lot for Sale
In Gated/Planned Community in Long Bay. Flamingo Crossing lot comes with full set of House Plans, all underground utilities, etc.
$49,999 o.b.o. Call 231-3788
Job Responsibilities:
• Manage audit and assurance engagements; • Management of associate staff; and • Preparation of management reports and deliverables for clients.
Qualifications Required: • • • •
Professional accounting designation (CA or CPA) is required; Experience as an audit manager with a professional accounting firm; Bachelors degree with business and accounting major; and Minimum of 10 years experience with a professional accounting firm.
This position is immediately available. Salary for this position will be based on qualifications and experience. All applicants will be reviewed; however only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Applicants should apply in writing or email by December 9th 2013 to:
WB Financial Management Ltd. PO Box 137, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Email: info@wbfinancial.tc Fax: 649-941-7498 9489
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
the largest readership in the turks & caicos
PRICE SLASHED FOR QUICK SALE
PRICE SLASHED $180,000 CASH! $175,000
House and ½ Acre land Richmond Hill 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Fully furnished
Call: 231-3788
34 CLASSIFIEDS
November 30 - December 6, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Seeks to Employ:
JOB OPPORTUNITIES Sous Chef Job Requirements
Secondary level education is required. Good writing, reading, listening and computation skills are necessary. • Education from a formal culinary institution is required. Kitchen terminology required. • Perform mathematical calculation including but not limited to conversion of recipes, inventories etc • Advanced culinary and artistic skills, cooking methods, knowledge of all different kitchen departments and product identification. • Deputize in the absence of the Chef de cuisine. • Prepare weekly rosters and payroll reports. • Check stock and requisition as necessary; record all stock which is to be discarded. • Ensure that all check lists are completed, Haccp, production, etc. • Assist the Chef de cuisine in the day to day management of the kitchen. • Enforce Health and Hygiene regulations within the kitchen and heighten staff’s awareness of good personal and food hygiene practices and procedures, i.e. cleaning of kitchen, storage, handling of food, etc. • Identify training needs of staff and assist Head Chef with on the job training. Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
Painter Job Requirements:
• Apply paint, vinyl and wallpaper including special papers and fabrics to all walls, furniture and structures • Examine and maintain painted exterior and interior painted surfaces, trimming and fixtures • Prepare surfaces and apply paints, stains, shading stains, and clear finishes • Remove previous paint by means of sandblasting, scraping, sanding, hydro-blasting and steam-cleaning • Inspect and refurbish wall surfaces by means of the appropriate materials • Cover interior walls and ceilings with wallpaper or fabrics • Operate and maintain high pressure low volume spray machines • Operate and maintain various power and manual tools • Follow established protection procedures • Clean up job site after work and return equipment and tools • Maintain a clean work environment Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
Spa Therapist/ Supervisor
Job Summary: Supervise the operations of a worldclass spa and provide massage therapy as required. Key Responsibilities:
• Ensure the complete satisfaction of all guests.
Maintenance Worker
1 Labourer
• To perform daily maintenance duties; electrical, plumbing and sheetrock repairs; • Painting, Light yard work, cleaning gutters and construction site • Work six days a week; including holidays and weekends. • Hourly wages $5.50 • Clean Police Record and three character reference required
• Actively support, demonstrate and energize the Grace Bay Resorts’ Credo and Mission. • Supervisory functions related to the Spa, to include but not limited to: quality control; employee accountability; maintaining and preparing line-up notes via emails and meetings; conducting line-up sessions; and timely, professional handling of any adverse circumstances that might arise; generate revenue to maintain and promote the business and achieve revenue and profitability targets. • This position is also that of a professional, experienced and certified massage therapist.
Email resume to: evt@tciway.tc or Contact Us: 649.946.5414 Apply before: November 30, 2013
HOUSEHOLD Seeks
NANNY/ HOUSEKEEPER
Minimum Job Requirements:
• Must be at least 21 years old. • High school diploma or equivalent (GED) is required. A four-year degree from a college or university is preferred, but not required. Spa or Hospitality experience and/or supervisory experience a plus, but not require • Certified Hospitality Supervisor certification a plus, but not required. Certification in Massage Therapy and Esthetics a requirement. • Two years working experience as a therapist required.
To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour resumes should be directed to Promovi Limited c/o P.O. Box 382, Providenciales or emailed to: GrandTurkWork@ hotmail.com
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
Must be bright, personable and have the ability to get along with others. Should be highly serviceoriented, possess exemplary telephone skills and be well organized. Should be proficient in problem solving as well as multi-tasking. Must possess the ability to remain calm and think clearly during times of disconcertment. Should be able to understand GBR’s objectives and have the potential to achieve employee and departmental goals.
9500
A & W SUPERMARKET Is seeking a
butcher
Domestic Worker/ Housekeeper
Must have at least 5 years experience • Must be able to operate the meat cutter • Must be willing to work on holidays • Must be willing to work 8 days per week Salary $7.00 per hour Interested person can
Job Requirements:
• The Housekeepers must be responsible for keeping guest rooms clean. • The Hotel Housekeeper must do thorough cleaning after the occupants of that room check out of the hotel. The Hotel Housekeeper uses a large wheeling cart that will hold the supplies such as new and clean linen, bedding, cleansers, and other needed cleaning equipment for the rooms. • Must provide clean linens and beddings, vacuum and remove trash. • Must perform a meticulous cleaning after the guests checked out of the hotel. • Must be dependable, consistent and in good health. • Must replenish all items within the rooms. The Housekeeper will replace the soiled linen and towels and then restock the soap, tissues, as well as drinking glasses. He/she will disinfect bathroom surfaces, dust and polish the furniture, take away all trash, vacuum the carpet, and wash any uncarpeted floors. • The Hotel Housekeeper also sends any articles the guest may have left to the lost-and-found department.
contact: Alix Prince at 649-3479039 or 242-7417 9471
Is looking for a
Pawn broker/ sales person To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour. contact: 243-4754
9503
FLOWER GIRL Is looking for a Part-time
delivery driver
Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience
Qualified persons can contact: Veronica CLARE Human Resources Manager , Grace Bay P: 1.649.946.5050 | veronica.clare@gracebayclub.com
J & C PAWN SHOP
With own transportation who is interested in making extra cash.
9478
Contact: 231-3788
EQUILIBRIUM SPA Is looking for 2
CLASSIFIEDS 35
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Funtastic Tours Company Limited is seeking to fill the following posts:
Massage Therapist • Must have at least 5 years experience • Must be willing to work 6 days per week including weekends and holidays • Salary $5.50 per hour
Email:equilspa@ gmail.com 9478
Tour Operators Dispatcher Labourer Mechanic Tour Operators must hold a valid Driver’s License with at least two (2) years driving experience which includes driving motor bikes. Persons must also be well versed in the history of the islands. Dispatchers and Operators who have experience in the industry would be an asset. The Mechanic must have experience repairing All-Terrain Vehicles. Persons must be residing in Grand Turk. Remuneration package would be discussed at the interview process. All applicants should submit their resumes to Funtastic Tours Company Ltd at funtastictourscompany@gmail.com. 9472
GENERAL MANAGER MANAGING DIRECTOR Required for complex tour operation candidates must reside in Grand Turk and have the following experience and expertise: • At least 7 years experience in tour, cruise ship and/or shore excursion operations • Ability to generate and interpret financial reports • QuickBooks, Excel, Word, Publisher and PowerPoint • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Experience in negotiating with vendors, government agencies and cruise lines • A keen understanding of margins, managerial accounting and budgeting, tour product development, tour guide training and human resources Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
Please enquire at 649-332-5939 9456
SEAL SECURITY
PROVO BEVERAGES
Is looking for 2
Is looking for:
Labourer Domestic Worker
A Dynamic Mobile Service Provider seeks to recruit for the following post:
Chief Financial Officer Type: Permanent. Location: Digicel TCI, Graceway House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Responsibility • Manage the financial resources of the company and conduct resource planning for future needs. • The strategic planning of an organization. • Monitors the preparation of the financial budget for submission to the Senior Management team and Board of Directors • Supervises business performance and takes steps to improve the performance of the organization. • Responsible for account monitoring and control of all the departments of the organization. • Prepares and supervises the financial reports in discussion with other departments in the company, and presents to Senior Management Team/Board of Directors • Assist in the analysis and development of new pricing structures and promotions. • Management of all Balance sheet accounts, ensuring timely completion of reconciliations and clearance of reconciling items. • Input in preparing annual accounting files for auditors and draft statutory accounts. • Ensure that company’s policy regarding procurement and expenditure is observed and that the requisite approvals are obtained before disbursement of funds. ACADEMIC QULIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: • Qualified CIA,ACCA,CMA or CPA • Experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and cost control principles including International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) • At least five years of financial experience and management experience with the day –to-day financial operations in an organization. • Telecoms experience an advantage REQUIRED SKILLS AND SPECIALIZED TECHNIQUES: • Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles • Knowledge of automated financial and accounting software applications • 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 product-line profitability analysis • Professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills • Leadership skills and ability to motivate team to produce quality output and meet tight deadlines while keeping routine tasks up-to-date • Willingness to work flexible hours • Willingness to travel to Board meetings
Interested Applicants should forward their resumes to hrtci@digicelgroup.com
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
the largest readership in the turks & caicos
Security
Guard
Must be willing to work 6 days per week Must be trustworthy and reliable Salary $5.00 per hour Hours are from 8:00am-4:00pm
To work 6 days per week salary $7.00 per hour. contact: 442-6220
Contact: Serge Tuyssuzian at 941-3637
9486
JOB ADVERTISEMENT Gansevoort Turks + Caicos is a contemporary luxury full service boutique resort on Grace Bay Beach. We are looking for driven and energetic professionals with Five Star experience and who are committed to achieving excellence by ensuring Five Star standards and services are continuously delivered.
Disc Jockey
As a disc jockey, you must be reliable, punctual and able to display a fun personality as you perform at events and play everyone’s requests. You must also be highly organized and detail oriented in order to provide a seamless, enjoyable and entertaining time of music for our clients. • Must have professional DJ experience w/ ability to motivate audience • Master of ceremonies or professional entertainment experience preferred • Must have extensive knowledge of large variety of music • Must have ability to operate a variety of music audio equipment • Own professional deejay equipment and music including a small party type lighting set up • Proficiency with digital music, iPod, computer, etc. • Professional appearance and demeanor Availability 5 – 20 hrs per week. Interested applicants can contact our Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday 9am to 6pm on (649)9417555. E- Mail cover letter outlining your interest and supporting experience in a particular position along with your Resume or C.V. to hr@wymara.com
9487
November 30 - December 6, 2013
November 30 - December 6, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NOTICE Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 1990
BANJAMIN WALKIN
Is looking for a
contact: 231-0770
Hall for the development of 75 Feet Radio Tower, has been submitted to The Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on
9462
PARCEL 60503/135, Blue Hill, PROVIDENCIALES
BAY BISTRO
the largest readership in the turks & caicos
labourer To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.
contact: 432-4233
9455
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
contact: 432-4233
Labourer
To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 245-4769 9465
9454
Is looking for a
Dated November 26, 2013 9490
To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.
BLUE PARROT
Is looking for a
Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Downtown, Town Center Mall, Providenciales, within twenty-eight (28) days of publication of this notice.
Is looking for a
labourer dishwasher To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.
An Application, REGISTERED PR 11750, by Thomas Young & Roslene
AGNES SWANN
BAY BISTRO
Is looking for a
domestic worker To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour fax all resumes to
649-946-4564
DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys
PUBLIC NOTICE DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys are pleased to announce the re-opening of our Leeward Highway Office for ongoing legal services to the public. We are located in our own building across the street from the Supreme Court complex, next door to the offices of TC Weekly News and between that and the St. Monica's Anglican Church. We specialize in: • Civil Litigation (Particular competencies: Judicial Review and other claims against TCI Government/Departments, Mareva and other Injunctions, Land, Trust & Bank disputes) • Property Matters, Planning Department & Development Issues • Business Law • Immigration • Labour Disputes Telephone: (649) 941-4444 Telefax: (649) 941-4235 Cellphone: (649) 245-1314 email: berynd@yahoo.com DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys
PO Box 52, Cheshire House East 1315A Leeward Highway, Providenciales
Newly renovated office space, above The Flower Girl
1,000 sq ft. facing Leeward Highway and overlooking Flamingo Lake. Ideal for a lawyer's office, spa, real estate business, doctor's or dental offices, etc.
Reasonable rent Contact 9464894, 9464664 or email tcnews@tciway.tc
9477
36 CLASSIFIEDS
November 30 - December 6, 2013
CLASSIFIEDS 37
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
GOLDSMITH
Is looking for the following persons
salespersons domestic woker general worker To work 6 days per week
GRANT’S ENTERPRISES
GORDON’S ELECTRIC DBA PROVO ELECTRIC
LABOURER
contact: 332-4101
Salary commensurate with qualification. Resumes can be faxed to: 649-941-3425 and the Labour Department, Providenciales as soon as possible
Grace Bay Partners
Sales Manager (US) Job Summary: A full time sales position to increase the sales of all belongings of Grace Bay Partners with focus primarily on North America. Key Responsibilities: • Travel as needed to conduct sales visits, presentations, tradeshows and events • Identify new potential clients while maintaining existing client / partner relationships • Conduct outside sales calls as well as support the operation teams when not traveling • Maintain a high visibility within assigned territory based on budgets • Maintain efficient sales office procedures and insures the maintenance of accurate and updated account files and follow¬ up procedures • Maintain all sales systems, such as sales records and reports, conference calendar, travel calendar and database and any other systems that are in place or are added • Assist in designing new sales promotions and campaigns to drive additional sales from various markets • Identify and analyze competition in both local and regional markets • Manage and maintain a Sales & Marketing Travel Budget • Must travel to and from US Sales office as required to conduct sales calls, presentations and destination seminars within North American • Must have a valid United Sates drivers license • Must be able to book, manage and schedule all required travel, presentations, seminars • Able perform duties and responsibilities in a confidential manner when applicable • Follow up with all email and phone inquires in a professional and timely manner • Work with General Managers of GBR properties and all other departments where and when needed • Plan and coordinate travel arrangements and appointments as outlined and scheduled • Follow¬up with all accounts and partner request in a timely manner • Participate in weekly sales and marketing call and recap/update the team discuss any feedback etc. • Participate in weekly yield calls to discuss previous week activity, pickup and make decisions to best yield rooms • Work with team to coordinate and arrange all client site visit’s and FAM’s Minimum Job Requirements: • Minimum 5 years luxury hotel/resorts sales experience • Strong established relationship key partners: Virtuoso, Signature, Ensemble, Leading Hotels of The World, and American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts • Computer literate required • Excellent spoken and written English • Expertise working with Microsoft Office Suite in Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Illustrator • IOS (Apple) proficiency (Keynote, Numbers, Pages and drop box • Extremely detail oriented Qualified Persons can contact:
Ric Graham Grace Bay Resorts, Turks and Caicos Islands P: 1.649.946.5050 |ric.graham@gracebayresorts.com|
9475
Is looking for a
HAIR IMPRESSIONS BEAUTY SALON NORTH CAICOS
Is looking for a
supervisor hairstylist Must be able to service and maintain all pumps. Must work weekends and holidays. Salary starting at $7.00 per hour.
Send resume to P.O. Box 477, Providenciales9467
To work 6 days per week Must specialize in grooming Caucasian and Asian hair Salary $250.00 per hour.
contact: 649-245-1239 9470
The School for Field Studies
Resident Lecturer in Marine Resource Management Duties and Responsibilities • As part of an interdisciplinary teaching team, teach one-third of the academic program (minimum 50 lecture hours per semester, 15 per summer program) • Plan, revise, and effectively deliver a challenging, problem-based interdisciplinary curriculum • Organize lectures and prepare course materials in a timely and professional manner • Conduct designated research according to the Center's Five-year Research Plan • Prepare research results for clients and partners and for publication and conference presentations Minimum qualifications: • Ability to obtain Turks & Caicos work permit • Ph.D. and university-level teaching experience in Marine Resource Management, Stock Assessment, Tropical Fisheries Management, or related field • Field research experience, preferably in the fields of Fishery Management; Marine Protected Areas; Marine Policy Formulation • Certified SCUBA diver, Divemaster highly preferred Preferred Qualifications: • Current first aid certification
Please submit CV to: RDAKE@FIELDSTUDIES.ORG Closing Date: January 9th, 2014
Seeks to Employ Two:
Finishing Mechanic The candidate must have the following requirements: - Minimum 10 – 15 years experience as a interior design finisher; - Formatting, installing and inspecting acoustic works, metal studs, framing, sheetrock installation/finishing, detailed carpentry trim/ finishing, marble and granite tile trim/finishing; - Supervise and manage construction finishing team and their work schedule; - Negotiate and price proposals and contracts; - Interview and supervise new hire; - Carry out weekly job inspections; - Provide weekly performance and job completion reports to Managing Director; - Willing to work long hours, holidays and weekends; - Must have own transportation. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Email resume to: evt@tciway.tc or Contact Us: 649.946.5414 Apply before: November 29, 2013
38 CLASSIFIEDS
November 30 - December 6, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
POSITION AVAILABLE
SUNSET PHARMACY Is looking for a
Domestic worker
A busy fine dining restaurant in one of Providenciales’ Resorts is inviting applications for the following positions:
Maitre D ;;Working a split shift; all public holidays and weekends; you will be responsible for ensuring the table setting and general condition of the restaurant is up to standards; scheduling, organizing and training of wait staff to ensure effortless and seamless service each night; implementing ongoing programs to upgrade FOH skills and knowledge on bar, wine and fine dining service. ;;The ideal candidate will ensure and personally supervise that the highest level of hygiene standards are maintained at the bar and in the dining room. As the liaison between the kitchen and FOH, you will ensure the wait staff is properly briefed of daily specials to be able to sell more menu items; possessing and exceedingly pleasant and unflabbable personality, readily able to assist with all guest complaints to a positive resolution for each incident. ;;The candidate will assist the assistant manager in managing established labour and beverage cost; cocktail mixology and wine knowledge is required to work closely with the chef for interesting and “avant garde” pairing for food to beverage titillating the senses our patrons have come to expect; when called upon, interfacing with management for feedback with regards guests comments on all food menus, wine list, cocktail list and meeting service expectations; good “soft sell” techniques are essential; computer literacy in MS Word and Excel is mandatory ;;Base salary $500.00 per week Qualified Belongers only
Please submit resumes to P.O. Box 459, Providenciales
9481
A Dynamic Mobile Service Provider seeks to recruit for the following post:
To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. Contact: 241-2704
Building Materials Ltd.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES Building Materials Ltd wishes to hire persons for the following positions:
INVENTORY CLERK –GDT Job Requirements:
The Receiving Officer holds a very key position in determining the continued success of the company. The Receiving Officer must think and work strategically at all times as complimentary and within the framework of the strategic goals set by the company through senior management. Having a tremendous grasp of the tactical measures required to successfully achieve set goals is also mandatory. The perspective must always be a healthy one that balances cost effectiveness within the scope of achieving best gross margins, inventory control and also new business opportunities that would take the form of innovative ordering and new department creation and developing. Must possess an A.A, BA Degree or equivalent in the related field. Salary $2500.00 monthly
FINANCE MANAGER Permanent
Reporting to the Financial Controller, you will manage the Finance team ensuring all work is performed in line with Digicel policies and procedures. Main Duties and Responsibilities: • Management of Finance team including accounts payable and accounts receivable • Preparation and presentation of detailed financial analysis supporting commercial strategy • Ensure all balance sheet reconciliations are performed on a timely basis • Active control of month end process • Application of IFRS and review of Financial Statements • Analysis of monthly management accounts versus budget • Planning and support of quarterly reviews and quarterly audit requirements • Identifying, designing and implementing process improvements • Liase with Auditors, Bankers, Statutory Authorities, Dealers and Site lessors. • Budgeting, Financial planning and Financial Analysis Academic Qualifications & Functional Skills • ACA/ACCA/CPA qualification with IFRS experience • At least 6 years accounting experience with at least 3 years PQE • Telecommunications experience a distinct advantage • Experience in dealing with auditors, both internal and external • Experience in reporting, balance sheet analysis and budgeting/financial planning • Experience in a dynamic fast-paced multinational environment desirable • Excellent communication skills • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, experience in Microsoft Dynamics GP, and Business Objects essential • Flexible and adaptable to an ever changing set of responsibilities, constrained by tight deadlines Only Belongers need apply – Salary Based on Experience
Interested applicants should forward their resume to hrtci@digicelgroup.com
9483
Sales Clerks, Sales Associates & Sales Persons & Cashier Applicants Must: • • • •
Have At least 3 years experience or prior working knowledge of the related department. Must be a High School Graduate and Computer Literate. Must be Punctual & Responsible able to work on your own initiative Have a friendly temperament and be willing to go beyond the call of duty to make customers happy. • Be able to write and speak English fluently (bi - multilingual is a plus) • Be wiling to work flexible hours. Salary $6.50 per hour.
Driver/Operator Applicants Must:
• Have at least 5 years experience driving and operating heavy equipment to include hydraulic crane with lift and trucks 2 tons or more • Must possess a class B – H Turks and Caicos Islands Driver’s License. • Be able to write and speak English fluently (bi - multilingual is a plus) • Be wiling to work flexible hours. • Must be Punctual & Responsible able to work on your own initiative? • Be willing to work as a team member Salary $9.00 per hour
Labourer/Cleaner Applicants Must: • Be able to write and speak English fluently (bi - multilingual is a plus) • Be wiling to work flexible hours. • Be able to work with little or no supervision. • Salary $6.00 per hour
Submit Resumes to or collect applications at:
Building Materials Ltd. The Human Resource Department Email: hr@doitcenterprovo.com
9474
November 30 - December 6, 2013
CLASSIFIEDS 39
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
ALBERTS HIGGS NORTH CAICOS Is looking for a
Warehouse Stocker To work 6 days per week salary $6.50 per hour. Contact: 243-7785
TCI LOTTO GAMES LTD. is hiring an
Assistant Manager Reporting directly to the Directors of the company
SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
SPENCE SECURITY & INVESTIGATION SERVICES, LTD The leading and trusted security company in TCI is in need of personnel to fill up the following position for our expansion.
VACANCIES SECURITY OFFICER/SUPERVISOR
Responsibilities: • • • •
Safe guard the clients lives and properties Prevent/deter crimes from happening Crowd management Write reports
Qualifications: • • • • •
Minimum of 4 years military/police experience or 5-6 years security officer experience Must have basic personal safety and other security training certificate Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills (English) Can follow instructions and write comprehensive reports Must be an excellent team-player
Salary starts $6.00 per hour.
How to apply:
1. Submit resume’ with application letter, employment and training certificates, police record, passport, proof of residence or citizenship to Spence Security office 2. Wait for Spence Security personnel to call you for an interview Interested applicants should send resume’ and applicable certificates address to: ‘The Personnel Manager’ not later than December 11TH, 2013 to: SPENCE SECURITY & INVESTIGATION SERVICES, LTD. P.O BOX #73, Caribbean Place, Leeward Highway, Providenciales Email address: spencesecurity@tciway.tc Fax: 941-3027 BELONGER ONLY NEED APPLY. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.
Oversee all of the day-to-day managerial functions: maintain the integrity of the online gaming system; assure compliance of the rules and regulations of the government, the company and the industry; prepares budgets-operating, marketing and special projects; ensure adequate staffing-hire, train, evaluate and discipline; procure and ensure adequate inventory of operating supplies; identify and coordinate employees/customers/third parties/suppliers and vendors special events; project manager of special projects; interface with external forces on behalf of the directors; coordinate and provide the company’s directors with operational reports
TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES • • • • • • • •
Online Gaming System Management In-depth understanding of the Gaming Industry Ability to develop and implement budgets Ability to make crucial/good business decisions Strong understanding of Human Resource Management Strong understanding of Third Parties Relationships Strong understanding of Customer Service Satisfaction Results Driven – Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks within specified timeframes • Excellent communication skills; written and verbal • Excellent interpersonal skills • Problem Solver (Conflict resolution management)
QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Proficient knowledge of the FML Group of Companies’ Online Gaming Operating System; or a “comparable” Online Gaming Operating System • At least eight (8) to ten (10) years experience in Business Management with particular focus on: • Development and implementation of budgets • Coordination and preparation of reports • Employees Management (not less than a team of ten (10) persons • Customer Service Satisfaction Management • Conflict Resolution Management
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES • • • • •
An unblemished character (substantiated by at least three verifiable references) A professional demeanor with a pleasant personality Excellent interpersonal skills Self motivated and adherent to timelines Respect for authorities, peers and subordinates All applications should be addressed to:
The Managing Director Harbour House Grand Turks, Turks and Caicos Islands Email address: namesake_alt@hotmail.com Telephone: 649-331-5691
9476
40
November 30 - December 6, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
TIKI HUT
PORTS OF CALL RESORT
Is looking for a
Is looking for a
cook To work 6 days per week. Salary $7.00 per hour. contact: 941-5341
Gardener To work 6 days per week salary $7.00 per hour contact: 649-9468888 or email: info@ portsofcallresort.com
9470
PENN DRYWALL & DESIGN Is looking for a
Is looking for a
labourer To work 6 days per week salary $400.00 per week.
Contact: 346-5588
NEAL’S CABINETRY & SUBCONTRACTING
carpenter Must be able to work alone. Must be able to verify skills. Salary $10.00 per hour
Contact: 431-1928
9474
9463
LIVINGSTON LIGHTBOURNE/ WINKEY’S CATERING
MAXWELL DELANCY Is looking for a
Is looking for a
Are you a high performing, results driven Professional? If so, we would like to speak with you about joining our dynamic team in the capacity of:
General Manager – Turks and Caicos We are looking for an accomplished experienced executive with an acknowledged and proven track record of having successfully directed, developed, and managed within the telecommunications industry with a focus on the fast growing mobile business in the Caribbean and who has a strong sales and marketing focus. As General Manager of our Turks and Caicos Business Unit you will have responsibility for: • All relevant activities in growing the company across all lines of business – mobile, landline, internet and entertainment. • The recruitment, development, and growth of the team members across all commercial lines. • The effective use of robust management tools, metrics and reporting structures to measure and ensure performance. • The delivery of monthly; quarterly; semi annually; and annual revenue and performance targets. • Participating in cross-functional meetings and implementation of tactical and strategic initiatives. The successful candidate will have: • Worked previously as a Senior Manager in a telecommunications company with a bias towards Sales and Marketing. • A Minimum of five years proven experience working in the Telecommunications and Technology arena • Proven track record in managing and motivating teams. • Have a track record of success in driving profits, and in building and developing high performing teams. • Educated up to degree standard. Strong people management skills. • Can demonstrate experience of driving and managing change within a fast-paced, operational environment.
To explore this exciting career opportunity please send your application and resume no later than December 3rd, 2013 to recruit@lime.com or fax to 1 (876) 920-9336
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership in the turks & caicos
cook
To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour. contact: 345-1247 9468
labourer to work 5 days
per week salary $5.00 per hour.
Contact: 244-3732
9479
LYNEAL GIBSON Is looking for a
Labourer To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.
contact: 343-3398 WARD’S CONSULTANCY Acting on behalf of our clients: Ripples Ltd., Brid M. Benjamin, Villa Del Mar is looking to fill the following positions:
CAICOS AUTO WORLD is looking for an
Domestic Worker Mason Gardening Supervisor Maintenance
electrician To work 6 days
Salary $6.00 per hour Monday – Saturday.
per week salary $8.00 per hour.
Contact: 649-345-7512
Contact: 344-8753
9480
9469
MICHELLE ROBINSON Is looking for a
Labourer To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.
Contact: 941-4739 Is looking for the following positions:
Tile Layer Mason Salary $7.00 per hour.
Contact: 346-6622
9501
KENNISHA’S RESTAURANT
9502
To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 232-5538 9461
Is looking for a
Labourer To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour Duties: • General warehouse duties • Cleaning outside area and gardening
cosmetologist
tile layer To work 5 days
contact: 241-5922
contact: 231-1489
Email: info@misickstandbrook.tc
FULL TIME MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST REQUIRED
GENARRA JONES
Salary $6.00 per hour.
9499
per week salary $8.00 per hour.
9493
9498
Is looking for a
DOMESTIC WORKER To work 3 days
Duties include
• Good interpersonal skills • Five (5) years experience • Performing phlebotomy • Processing and testing of blood samples
Education:
• minimum education requirements; • Bachelors Degree in Medical Technology with required certification • eligible for registration with the Health Practitioners Board Turks & Caicos Islands • salary commensurate with experience
per week. Salary $5.00 per hour
Send CV’s and certificates in confidence to email: neffer.malcolm@gmail.com
LABOURER - General Labour - Able to work with little or no supervision, be physically fit, dependable and hard working. - Must be self motivated and able to understand, read, write and speak English fluently.
CONTACT: 242-1664
MISSICK SKIN CARE AND BEAUTY AID
JC’s Salon & Beauty Supplies Whitby, North Caicos Turks&CaicosIslands Telephone: (649) 231-4885
SORA JAPANESE RESTAURANT
• Preparing all types of Japanese cuisine • Order food and supplies when needed • Selecting fresh and superior ingredients • Continually check the quality of raw and cooked products • Instruct cooks on preparation, cooking and garnishing of food • Creating an appealing presentation and garnishes • Keeping up with the latest trends Please contact: karlmontagne@gmail.com
Is looking for a
hairdresser
To work 6 days per week salary $200 per week.
Send inquiries to:
Is looking for a
Domestic Worker
CARLISLE SUPPLIES
Is looking for a
9492
Send resume to GTC Limited, po box 543 Belongers only need apply 9496
Acting on behalf of our client: Accelent Hair Care is looking for a
CALASCO
9490
Contact: 242-9472
9497
Responsibilities to include supervision of wait staff, reservations, and running of dining room during service. Must have knowledge of wines, especially Italian. Must have 5 years experience in the industry. Must be willing to work nights, weekends and public holidays. Salary $350 per week, not including gratuities.
C & S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
9494
Maitre D
PORT ATLANTIC CONSTRUCTION
41
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Turks & Caicos Banking Company Limited
Chief Operating Officer Requirements:
- Masters Degree in Finance or equivalent qualification - Minimum of 10 years experience in senior position at a European financial institution. - Language Skills in French and German - Profound knowledge of private and commercial banking - Equities, Forex and Metal Trading experience - Strong Leadership and Communication skills - Extensive IT Hardware and Network knowledge - HR Management and Board Position Background Please submit CV to:
Turks and Caicos Banking Company Ltd. Attn: Human Resources, The Regent Village, Unit H102 Grace Bay Road, PO Box 777, Providenciales. services@tcbc.tc
9495
November 30 - December 6, 2013
42
Sports Interational
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
November 30 - December 6, 2013
Pacquiao’s promoter says fighter will be vindicated over tax dispute THE promoter for famed Filipino fighter Manny Pacquiao says he expects to swiftly resolve a dispute with the country’s tax authorities that have led to the boxer’s assets being frozen in his homeland. The 34-year-old Pacquiao, who is also a second-term Philippines congressman, announced Tuesday his domestic bank accounts had been frozen, along with his wife’s, over allegations he had evaded paying $50 million in taxes on highly-paid bouts in the United States. The move has prevented the boxer from following through on a pledge to help victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan on the back of his comeback win over American Brandon Rios in Macau over the weekend. Pacquiao dedicated his victory to those affected by the disaster, tweeting after the fight: “Yesterday’s victory wasn’t about my comeback but a symbol of my people’s comeback from a natural disaster and a human tragedy.” The fighter told reporters in his hometown, General Santos City, that he had paid the correct taxes in the United States, and was not required to pay additional tax in the Philippines under a treaty preventing double taxation. “I am not a criminal or a thief,” he said. “The money ... is not stolen... This came from all of the punches,
The accident comes as Brazil faces an approaching deadline to finish construction on its World Cup stadiums. Manny Pacquiao wears the champion’s belt after defeating Brandon Rios on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, in Macau.
beatings, blood and sweat that I endured in the ring.” Pacquiao’s promoter, Bob Arum of Las Vegas-based Top Rank, said in a statement that Pacquiao had paid the necessary taxes to the United States government from the period under scrutiny, which included Pacquiao’s boxing heyday from 2008-9. “Filipino authorities confirmed that Manny is not required to pay double tax,” he said. He said Top Rank had paid monies owed from Pacquiao’s earnings -30% of fight purses -- to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) via electronic funds transfer (EFT), and
had submitted copies of deposit acknowledgments to the Philippines Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as proof of payment. But the tax authorities had rejected the documents as proof. “The BIR received the documents but directed Manny to obtain ‘certified’ documents directly from the IRS itself,” he said. “As I am sure people appreciate, obtaining certified copies of documents from the IRS takes time. Manny made the formal request to the IRS and we have every expectation that the necessary documents will be furnished to the BIR very soon.”
Rose Injury Threatens $185 Million Adidas Deal AS CHICAGO Bulls star Derrick Rose limped off the court on Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers, Adidas was feeling the pain too. The sports-apparel company has pledged $185 million to Rose over 13 years in an ambitious effort to attack Nike head-on in the $3.7 billion basketballshoe market. But now Rose is out for the season with a knee injury, again, and Adidas may have a tough time maintaining excitement around the star’s brand in his absence. When Rose (hopefully) suits up again in November 2014, he will have missed nearly 200 games in three seasons. That’s an enormous drop in court time for an athlete whose career possibilities seemed limitless when he became the youngest player ever to win the league’s Most Valuable Player Award in 2011. “They’re not going to have the on-court exposure of him playing every night,” says Matt Powell, an analyst at sports-research firm SportsOneSource. “If he sits out a whole year, that’s a long time to lose that exposure.” Though Rose has played sparingly since his MVP season, his brand power has remained strong. His line of shoes, currently
Brazil hit by World Cup stadium deaths A CONSTRUCTION accident at the site of the Brazilian stadium that will host the opening ceremony of the World Cup killed two workers, Sao Paulo fire officials said Wednesday. Officials initially said there were three victims, but the fire department amended the death toll on its Twitter account. The Arena Corinthians is one of the venues that will host World Cup matches in 2014. A crane was hoisting a part of the metal roof when it collapsed, causing the piece to fall, partially damaging the building, according to a statement released by the construction company, Odebrecht Infrastructure. It was a procedure that had been carried out many times at the construction site without incident, including the installation a week ago of a piece of roof of the same proportions, the company said.
The stadium is to be the home of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista. The club’s directors issued a statement expressing sadness over the incident. The construction company identified the victims as Fabio Luiz Pereira, 42, and Ronaldo Oliveira dos Santos, 44. The accident comes as Brazil faces an approaching deadline to finish construction on its World Cup stadiums. Earlier this year, FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke declared that all stadiums would have to be ready by December. The tournament is to be held from June 12 to July 13. In August, Brazil’s sports minister, Aldo Rebelo, relayed concerns over delays at five of the stadiums being built. It was unknown whether Wednesday’s incident would affect the completion of the Arena Corinthians.
Bayern in record Champions League win D Rose is out for the season with a knee injury, again.
headlined by the Rose 4, is one of the most successful in the NBA, generating $40 million in sales in 2012, according to SportsOneSource. He hasn’t reached the sales level of Kobe Bryant ($50 million in 2012 sales) or LeBron James ($300 million), and he’s certainly nowhere near the numbers the Jordan empire puts up ($2 billion), but his sales now eclipse those of other young stars like Kevin Durant. Rose also had the second-best-selling jersey globally during the 2012–13
season, though he didn’t play in a single game. “You have this new phenom, this new person that the public liked and respected because of his dedication to the game,” says Sonny Vaccaro, a longtime marketing executive for Nike and Adidas, who originally signed Michael Jordan to Nike. “If he doesn’t get hurt, Derrick Rose is on his way to becoming one of the greatest players to play in the NBA — multiple All-Star and a future Hall of Famer. It was a big sign for [Adidas]. He was the face of their brand.”
Bayern Munich sealed top spot in Group D and made it a recordbreaking 10 successive Champions League wins with victory at a snowhit CSKA Moscow. Arjen Robben gave the German giants the lead when he swept in at the near post, before Mario Gotze danced through the defence to score a fantastic second. Keisuke Honda, who missed two glorious chances, pulled one back from the spot for CSKA after Dante had handled. Thomas Muller’s penalty after Robben had been fouled secured Bayern’s win. Pep Guardiola’s side took just 17 minutes to beat Igor Akinfeev in the CSKA goal. Germany international Muller swept down the left and cut the ball back for
Robben, who, on the run, smashed in a first-time shot. The home side then had three good chances to equalise. The first fell to Nigeria forward Ahmed Musa, who failed to trouble keeper Manuel Neuer with a weak shot. Honda, whose clever flick led to Musa’s chance, then found himself in space and one-on-one with Neuer. However, the Germany number one grabbed the ball as the midfielder was indecisive over what to do. The Japan international had a chance to make amends moments later, but scuffed his shot from six yards out. The Russian side paid for their profligacy 11 minutes after the break when former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mario Gotze’s waltzed into the area, past three defenders before finding the bottom corner.
November 30 - December 6, 2013
Sports National
43
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
10-man Ajax beat Barca; Arsenal beat Marseille
With the deal Kobe Bryan will continue to be the highest paid player in the NBA.
Lakers sign Kobe Bryant to insane $48.5 million deal
EVERY few years the National Basketball Association’s owners gather collectively around the bargaining table and squeeze the players’ union for givebacks and concessions. They drive a hard bargain, and they do it effectively. The owners are all rich guys, and the ferocity with which they screw their workforce makes you believe that being a rich guy involves some level of knowledge of how to get money. And then as individuals they sign absurd agreements with players in which it seems like they’ve forgotten absolutely everything there is to know about negotiations. The latest example is the Los Angeles Lakers agreeing to pay Kobe Bryant $23.5
million next year and $25 million the year after that. Have I mentioned that Kobe is 35? Or that he’s currently not playing with a ruptured Achilles? Under this deal, Bryant will continue to be the highest paid player in the NBA. But at this point in his career, nobody thinks he’s the best player in the NBA. Or the second-best. Or the third-best. Nor does anyone believe his place on the rankings list will rise over the next two years. But most egregiously of all, the thing you see with these deals is that the Lakers weren’t bidding against anyone. Who else was going to sign Kobe to a two-year, $48 million contract in his late 30s?
TEN-man Ajax beat Barcelona 2-1 at the Amsterdam Arena in the Champions League on Tuesday evening to hand the Catalans their first defeat under coach Gerardo Martino. Thulani Serero put Ajax in front in the 19th minute before Danny Hoesen doubled the lead three minutes before halftime. Barcelona were back in the game three minutes after the break when Joel Veltman was shown a red card for bringing down Neymar inside the penalty area. Xavi converting the spot kick but the home side held on for a vital win. “We played a good match,” Ajax coach Frank de Boer said afterwards. “They are not used to being under so much pressure as we created in the first-half, nor a team that builds from the back,” he added. “We deserved to be 2-0 ahead at half-time. The (penalty) decision was key because it is a red card and a goal, but we fought hard.” Barcelona had already qualified for the knockout stages but will need a win in their final match against Celtic at the Nou Camp to guarantee top spot in the group. In the other Group H match, Scottish champions Celtic had a disappointing night at Celtic Park going down 3-0 to AC Milan. Goals from Kaka, Cristian Zapata and Mario Balotelli means that Milan remain in second with nine points but Ajax are now one point behind on eight and will qualify if they can beat the Rossoneri at the San Siro in the final round of Group
Danny Hoesen scored Ajax’s second goal.
H matches on December 11. In Group F, Arsenal took a big step towards the knockout stages with a 2-0 win over Marseille at the Emirates Stadium. Two goals from Jack Wilshere in the first minute and 65th minute mean the current English Premier League leaders are on 12 points and only need to draw their final group match against Napoli to qualify top of the group. Last year’s beaten finalists Borussia Dortmund kept their hopes of qualification alive with a 3-1 win against Napoli at Signal Iduna Park. Jurgen Klopp’s team, who are now level on nine points with Rafa Benitez’s side, will travel to Marseille in their final qualifying match. Meanwhile in Group E, Basel have a 100% record against Chelsea
in Group E after snatching a late winner at St Jakob Park. Mohamed Salah’s 87th minute strike means the Swiss champions leapfrog Schalke into second with eight points, one point behind Chelsea who, despite the loss, have qualified for the knockout stages. Schalke’s 0-0 draw with Steaua Bucharest on Tuesday leaves them on seven points meaning that the German side need to beat Basel in their final match to qualify for the last 16. In Group G, Atletico Madrid and Zenit St Petersburg drew 1-1. The Spanish side, who had a 100% record in the group before Tuesday’s tie at the Petrovsky Stadium, took the lead with an Adrian Lopez goal in the 54th minute but a goalkeeping error by Thibaut Courtois 20 minutes later proved costly.
Trott pulls out of Ashes tour with stress-related illness
Leigh Halfpenny (with ball) was voted player of the Six Nations and was also Lions’ man-of-the-series
Wales’ Leigh Halfpenny on IRPA player of year award shortlist Wales and British & Irish Lions full-back Leigh Halfpenny has been shortlisted for the inaugural IRPA players’ player of the year award. The 24-year-old has been nominated along with New Zealand’s Ben Smith and Kieran Read for an award voted for by top international players. Halfpenny has also been nominated for the International Rugby Board’s player of the year award. He was voted player of the Six Nations and was also Lions’ man of
the series. The Cardiff Blues player played in all three Tests on the tour of Australia and broke the Lions’ pointscoring series record previously held by Neil Jenkins. “There are awards and there are awards, but to be recognised by the people you play against week in, week out - that’s about as good as it gets,” Halfpenny said. Read and Smith, who also feature on the IRB shortlist, have featured prominently in New Zealand’s unbeaten run during the calendar year.
PLAYING professional sport is many people’s idea of the perfect job, but that doesn’t mean sportsmen are immune to feeling the strain of working life. Just ask cricketer Jonathan Trott, who has pulled out of England’s tour of Australia because of a stressrelated illness. England lost the first Ashes test against Australia -- one of sport’s great rivalries -- with batsman Trott scoring 19 runs in two innings when he struggled against Mitchell Johnson’s fast bowling. “I don’t feel it’s right that I’m playing knowing that I’m not 100% and I cannot currently operate at the level I have done in the past,” said the 32-year-old Trott. “My priority now is to take a break from cricket so that I can focus on my recovery. I want to wish my teammates all the very best for the remainder of the tour.” England were beaten heavily in the first test -- the tourists suffered a 381run defeat in Brisbane -- and Australian batsman David Warner labeled their batting “poor and weak.” Warner also claimed England’s
Trott scored 19 runs in two innings during England’s first test defeat by Australia.
batsmen had “scared eyes.” Ashes series are traditionally characterized by gamesmanship and competitive verbal jousting -- known as “sledging” -- between the two sets of players. “On the pitch it’s pretty much a war, isn’t it?” said England captain Alastair Cook after his side’s comprehensive defeat. “There are always going to be a few battles and a few words, but on the pitch is fine.
“There were a lot of things said that we think have been disrespectful, but you have to give the Aussies credit for how they played.” At one point in the match when James Anderson faced Johnson television stump microphones picked up Australian captain Michael Clarke telling the England bowler to “get ready for a broken f****** arm.” But Clarke defended the hostile verbal atmosphere that often goes on in a game.
44
Sports National
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
November 30 - December 6, 2013
Miller Simons O’Sullivan InterSchool Rugby Tournament:
Six schools set to compete this Saturday UNDER-12 champions Enid Capron Primary and U-9 winners the Ashcroft School are two of four schools that will field teams for the 2013 Miller Simons O’Sullivan TCIRFU Primary Inter-Schools’ Rugby Tournament, which is billed for the Meridian Field this Saturday. The other four schools are: Provo Primary School, British West Indies Collegiate, Osetta Jolly and the Wesley Methodist School. The TCIRFU has had several successes with junior rugby with players making their mark at the U-19 level and transitioning nicely to the senior level. NEW GENERATION Development Officer Niall Neville is looking to train a whole new flow of players and he is excited with what he has seen. “The reception I have received from the kids in the schools has been brilliant. There are some really talented players out there and it
TCIRFU Rugby Development Officer Niall Neville talking to some of the players in the lead up to this Saturday’s tournament.
shows when they are practicing their skills and playing the games.” “It has been a pleasure to work with the kids. They have taken to the sport really well and we have had some great training sessions in the schools as well as some fun too!” Public Relations Officer of the TCIRFU Paul Collis also expressed the importance of youth development. “Youth development is at the heart of everything we do at the TCIRFU. Each year we have more kids participating in our youth programmes and the inter-schools tournament brings children together from all over the island.” Collis further thanked all the schools participating and promised a “fantastic event” on Saturday. The RFU has arranged for a bus to pick up children from Enid Capron at 8:00h and from Osetta Jolly at 8:15h to take them to the field. After the tournament, which will run from 8:30h – 12:30h, all players will receive free BBQ and refreshments.
Josh for Sports
Authorities need to investigate and dismantle the TCAAA IT is totally unimaginable that the TCAAA has lost its way after 38 years in existence. In my personal opinion the TCAAA is the most disgraceful body that ever existed in the TCI. Yes, I created that association almost four decades ago, but the purpose was to help my country establish a sense of national pride, identity, unity and international respect. After eight months, I was effectively undermined and overthrown. One of the individuals involved in this exercise currently has an external stranglehold on the TCAAA and has continuously been responsible for the stagnation of athletics in this country. LACK OF NATIONAL VISION
By Joshua Gardiner The TCAAA lacks national vision and has its own agenda. It is nothing but a social club, stationed in Grand Turk. The TCAAA has never been headed by a non-resident of GT. Basically all of their executives have been residing in GT (75% of
the population of the TCI resides in Provo Alone). In my opinion the TCAAA has continuously manipulated the electoral selection of our national teams. They have never really coached a single athlete in the last 20 years. The only presidents that I’m aware of, who were effective as coaches were: Alpheus Gardiner, Judith Robinson and me. If there are others, I’m not personally aware of them. To my knowledge the current executive has never obtained a single scholarship for any of our athletes. Yet they ride on the athletes’ backs so that they can travel all over the world. They handle hundreds of thousands of dollars, given by various entities to sponsor these athletes. There is no accountability or transparency in
how the TCAAA manage or spend these funds. This has been going on for years and needs to stop. After 38 years in existence, it is totally inconceivable and unacceptable that the association has no building or office that they own as a national body—one needs to just look at this progress in rugby and football. REDRESS SOUGHT I’m appealing to the governor and premier to step up to the plate and have the TCAAA investigated, disbanded and then constitutionally re-structured. WAYWARD CHILD It may shock this country to know that the TCAAA has not been in good standings with the IAAF (the world
governing body for athletics) for a number of years. The purpose/ reason for this is purported to be the mismanagement of the TCAAA charter, which I personally was responsible for drafting in the early days. And it was acceptable enough for us to acquire membership into the IAAF. Before a national/international scandal envelopes our beautiful by nature country, I submit that it’s time that the civil authorities step in and save the day. India was an example before the world. The hand writing is on the wall, the other course of action is for me to personally file for a writ of Mandamus in the Supreme Court of the TCI. Let the chips fall where they may!
November 30 - December 6, 2013
Sports National
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
One of the pioneers of basketball in Providenciales Mr. Kitch Penn (left) was duly honoured by the PABA for his contribution to the sport.
45
2012-2013 champions the GT Stallions were the recipients of their championship rings last Friday night at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex in a simple presentation ceremony.
PABA Night League:
GT Stallions start title defence with win THE GT Stallions continued where they left off last season—victory against arch rivals the Five Cays Flyers. Again it was a ding-dong battle and in the end three points separated the two top teams. A double-double by Marcusson Lightbourne 10 points and 11 rebounds and 11 points from Kino Williams led to the 57-54 point victory. Flyers’ Jordon Garland led the scoring with 14 points and two steals
while Cameron added 10 points and four boards. In the supporting bout Harbour Boys, led by Jonathan Paul (16 points and three steals), defeated the Police Badgers 70-65. Kirk Adams added 14 points and three steals. For the Badgers Sandro Jermain powered his way to 19 points and seven boards while K. Doughty added 13 points and eight rebounds. Games were scheduled to continue on Thursday and Friday nights.
Provo Hockey League:
Lightning picking up speed DEFENDING Bantam Division champions the Coco Bistro Lightning, have picked up speed in their quest to retain their Provo Hockey League title. In their latest clash the Lightning made light work of the both the Gracebay Resorts Surge and the J & W Construction Hurricanes. Against the Surge victory was 8-4 while against the Hurricane it was 9-5. Sebastian Turbyfield, who is in form, scored five goals in the opening win while Zachary Scholar added a pair. In the Hurricanes’ game it was Carson Greatrex who led with three goals while Turbyfield and Scholar added two each.
In the Mini Division the Digicel 4G Comets easily defeated defending champions the Saunders and Company Owls. The 9-4 win was orchestrated by Jaden Robinson, Gabriel Osmond and Michael Saunders with three goals each. Aiden Paisley scored three for the Owls. In the other Mini Division clash the Gansevoort Gators, who were perfect after three rounds, suffered their second consecutive loss, this time to the Sailrock Lobsters (6-4). Sam Connolly, Gio Astwood and Khalid Fulford scored two each for the winners while Jake Whent led the Gators with a pair.
WIV Provo Premier League pre-season:
Sharks draw with Trailblazers THE Sharks will look to make a run for the title this season when the WIV Provo Premier League starts in January. They have a truly global team with a Chilean/French/ English midfield, English/ Finnish back four and an American and a Haitian on each wing. In their first warm-up game for the league they drew 3-3 with the Trailblazers. Collis scored twice and Jordan Bolton once, while for the Trailblazers Carlos netted twice and David Jasmin once. Sharks started strongly, but failed to convert two or three chances and then faded in the second part of the first half when Trailblazers scored their three goals. In the second half Sharks reorganised and upped the tempo with both Jordan Bolton and James Hamilton working as a pair up front. Jordan converted his fourth chance after missing three and Collis scored a long shot off the post and then converted a closer through ball with Simon Wood standing in goal for Trailblazers. Don Forsyth and Rodney Davilmar also performed well for Trailblazers. The “evergreen” Colin Sterling was in goal for the
Sharks. SIX CONFIRMED According to president of the WIV Provo Premier League Steve Kendrew six teams have confirmed their participation for the 2014
league, but there is a possibility that one or two more might join before the deadline. Along with the two mentioned above, powerhouse Cheshire Hall, Rozo, Teachers, and the Academy team will battle.
46
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
November 30 - December 6, 2013
Why I am a Rotarian Why am I a Rotarian? The Rotary Club of Providenciales is a part of a worldwide network of Rotary Clubs that aims to serve their community and those in need throughout the world. I take pride in being a member of this noble group of volunteers. Through the projects that we undertake I am able to learn more about my local community and about regional and international issues. As a member of the Rotary Club I am able to not only build friendships but also enrich my professional and personal knowledge and meet other business leaders in the community. Participation in Club activities helps to me to appreciate the value of teamwork and helps me to enhance my leadership, time management and organization skills. The greatest benefit would have to be the opportunity to make a difference; to do something for someone else and have the sense of self–fulfilment that comes in the process. Being a Rotarian It is richly rewarding. By: Trevor Musgrove
LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos
.46 acres overlooking the creek, spanning King Road and Windsor Road
QUICK SALE
CALL 232-3508 or 946-4664
November 30 - December 6, 2013
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
47
48
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
November 30 - December 6, 2013