TCWN October 19 - 25

Weekly News Volume 27 | No. 41| October 19 - 25, 2013

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Premier takes

AG to court In an unprecedented move, the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands has filed a summons in the Supreme Court against the country’s chief legal advisor, Attorney General Huw Shepheard.

PAGE  5

Storms wreak havoc across the country

– Homes flooded and thousands without electricity PAGE 

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Lightning storms over Blue Hills, Providenciales (Photo by Mark Gangasingh of Visual Storytelling, vstci.com)

$5 million write off deferred

– Minister seeks more info for House

PAGE 4

Warm welcome for Governor’s first Cabinet meeting PAGE  5

PAGE Standoff in 8 $100m lawsuit against TCIG, former Governor

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 19 - 25, 2013

October 19 - 25, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

$5 million write off deferred – Minister seeks more info for House WITH inferences by the Opposition benches that the Government is bypassing the Public Accounts Committee in taking a resolution to the House of Assembly for a write off of more than $5 million, Minister of Finance withdrew the resolution on October 7.

However, he voiced his intention to take it back to the House with additional information.

The resolution sought approval from the House to write off account balances for staff advances totalling $2,573,918.29 and impaired bank balances totalling $2,476,900.07 that relate to amounts that have not been properly accounted for in previous financial years.

“In the interest of clarity [best] to defer this resolution and bring it back to the House, and I would like to provide some additional information as it relates

to the bank account in particular and I would need time to do this.

“So that no one could be confused or mistaken as to what took place, when it took place and under the circumstances it took place and why we are where we are, looking at what we are looking at,” Minister Washington Misick told the House.

He said he intends to table a comprehensive report to accompany the resolution to the House.

“It may take several weeks to get the information because it is going to require some additional due diligence to obtain the information I believe I am going to require.

“Some of this is going to be a discovery exercise for me as it is going to be for the House because I wasn’t here and I haven’t been here since 2007.

“I am digging up trying to find the source of the issues and the problems

FCO Director to visit TCI DIRECTOR of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Overseas Territories Directorate, Dr Peter Hayes will be visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands later this month to meet with members of Cabinet, among other things.

Premier Rufus Ewing told the media on Thursday (October 17), that the TCI’s constitutional issues will come up for discussion during the Cabinet meeting with Hayes.

“There are a number of issues which will be on that agenda that pertains to Turks and Caicos in general, including the governance of the TCI; our constitutional issues are all open for discussion during that particular Cabinet meeting, and so we would be welcoming him on the meeting on the 30 of October.”

Also to be discussed with Hayes, is the forthcoming Joint

Director of the FCO’s Overseas Territories Directorate, Dr Peter Hayes

Ministerial Council in London which the Premier will be attending.

The director is expected to arrive on October 28 for a three day visit.

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

and I would like to be very clear about it,” he stated.

The Speaker of the House observed that a deferral of the paper is the best route as if there is not adequate information, informed decisions cannot be made.

But Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said that while she appreciates what the Minister is doing, she is puzzled as the paper has been seconded and debated.

“So what are you doing, are we ignoring it completely? Because it can’t be a deferral,” she pointed out.

Misick then clarified that he is withdrawing the paper for the time being, but that he intends to bring it again.

The resolution was first taken to the House on September 19 at which time the Minister advised the assembly that no one or party was at fault for the losses.

He blamed the current situation on faulty accounting and pointed out that the suggestion for the write off came from the Auditor General.

However, Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said that the matter is still before the Public Accounts Committee, of which she is a part.

She said: “The audit department requested information for this same audit and it wasn’t forthcoming, so audit hasn’t been placed in a position itself to make a decision that it should be written off, which has to come from the Accounting General, and of course that comes through the Public Accounts Committee.”

At the time several questions were raised as to where the information to support a write off was.

It is the audit which makes that recommendation through the Public Accounts Committee, Cartwright Robinson told the assembly. (DI)

October 19 - 25, 2013

Rodney Adams suspected of corruption - Snr immigration officer charged with corruption ACTING Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rodney Adams was last week arrested on suspicion of corruption contrary to the Integrity Commission Ordinance.

Adams, who has been under investigation by the Integrity Commission since June, was questioned and released on bail last Friday, October 11.

When contacted, Integrity Commissioner, Eugene Opuonye said investigations are still ongoing and that Adams has not been charged with any offence as yet.

He refused to comment further.

The 47-year-old senior police officer’s involvement in the Kaziah Burke murder case, a crime for which his son was initially charged along with Cortez Simmons, raised some questions.

Adams’ alleged interference involved a delay in the transfer of his son to the Grand Turk lockups – a delay that raised procedural concerns.

He was later placed on administrative leave – a mutual agreement between him and Police Commissioner, Colin Farquhar.

Both men agreed that was the correct course in the interests of protecting the integrity of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) and Adams' reputation.

The Integrity Commission then launched a probe into the incident.

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rodney Adams

The charges against Roderick Adams, the acting Deputy Commissioner’s son, were later dropped by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Up to press time, there was no indication if Adams’ arrest was in relation to his alleged improper involvement in his son’s arrest.

However, all questions, when directed to the police press office were routed to the Integrity Commission.

Meanwhile, senior immigration officer, Wendy Seymour was on Thursday, October 10, slapped with corruption charges contrary to the Integrity Commission Ordinance.

Seymour was granted police bail with a recognisance of bail in the sum of $10,000 with one surety.

She will appear before the Grand Turk Magistrate Court on October 24 at 10am to answer to these charges.

Temporary increase in Customs Processing Fee FROM November 1 all importers will have to pay an additional 1.5 per cent on top of the current 6 per cent fee to clear their products.

A statement from the Ministry of Finance noted that after much deliberation on the options for revenue increase, Cabinet on October 2 concluded that the most equitable option was to increase the Customs Processing Fee (CPF).

The decision came following a report from Minister of Finance, Washington Misick on the midterm budget review which showed projected deviations from financial targets as a result of additional nondiscretionary expenditures arising.

The 2013/14 budget contained revenue measures that would render a budget surplus and put the TCIG in a position to continue to refinance its debt in 2016 at sustainable interest rates.

According to the statement, it is expected that once the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission are introduced the CPF will return to its current level of 6 per cent.

“While the CPF is broad based,

its ultimate effect on prices to consumers should be minimal.

“Any price increases should not be applied until inventories that were imported prior to the increase, are exhausted,” it continued.

It added that even with a CPF of 7.5 per cent, the CPF rate for Turks and Caicos is lower than the CPF in many other countries.

“The Minister has indicated that no further revenue measures are anticipated in the current financial year, and the plan is that any new measures in the future will see a compensating adjustment in the existing revenue regime,” the statement read.

Meanwhile a release from Shadow Minister of Finance Derek Taylor said the Government’s recent decision was “short-sighted” and these temporary taxes have brought about “hyper-inflation” in the TCI. “This behaviour has affected the purchasing power of the dollar, not only today but also for tomorrow,” he said.

“Statistics would show that the

Turks and Caicos has, since this Government came to office, 11 plus months ago, the highest cost of living in the region, and maybe in the world, and they continue to heap coals of fire on the heads of the people with taxes and more taxes.

“If this Government would roll back taxes and view the multiplying factor, then and only then will this economy grow.”

He called on the Government to study its approach and the effects of its decisions.

“I am sure that they will realise that they are doing more harm than good,” the Shadow Minister concluded.

For further clarification or additional information regarding the notice, residents can call the Revenue Department, Town Centre Mall in Providenciales on 946-2801 ext 80901, or fax 941-8649.

On Grand Turk, residents can contact the Revenue Department at Hibiscus Square on 946-2801 ext 42002, fax 946-2686 or email tcirevenuedepartment@gov.tc.

October 19 - 25, 2013

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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AG’s constitutional authority questioned – Supreme court to decide IN AN unprecedented move, the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands has filed a summons in the Supreme Court against the country’s chief legal advisor, Attorney General Huw Shepheard.

On Friday, October 11, Rufus Ewing filed the document in the Providenciales Supreme Court seeking the determination and relief by the court as to the AG’s authority under section 41 of the 2011 Constitution.

Shepheard was served with the summons on Thursday morning (October 18).

The Premier is asking the court to determine: “Whether on the true construction of the TCI Constitution Order 2011, or any other provisions of the constitution, the AG is authorised to institute and prosecute civil proceedings on behalf of the Government of the TCI. “And to defend proceedings brought against the Government without informing Cabinet of his intention to institute and prosecute such proceedings; and without obtaining the prior approval of the Cabinet for the institution, prosecution or defence of such proceedings except where such proceedings involve matters on which the Government is not required to consult and act in accordance with the advice of the Cabinet.”

The summons set out that if the answer is no, that a declaration that the AG has no such authority be granted to the complainant and that the costs of the application be paid to the Government.

The application was filed on the grounds that a dispute has arisen between the AG and the elected members of the Cabinet as to the former’s constitutional authority.

“It is in the public interest that this dispute which involves an important issue of the proper interpretation of the constitution be resolved by the Supreme Court,” the summons read.

The Premier is being represented by the Misick and Stanbrook law firm.

When asked by the Weekly News on Thursday, October 17, why the writ was filed under his name and not as the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Ewing said he made the application in his capacity Premier.

“If I file as the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I would have to go through Cabinet, so obviously it is a conflict, so I filed it in my position as Premier.”

Ewing said he has the support of his Ministers and party members in the action.

“Just a matter of clarification, the whole country needs to know and I need to know about Section 41,” he stated.

As stated in section 41, the Attorney General is the legal adviser to the Government.

However, in his affidavit to the court, the Premier noted that while this provision states that in exercising his functions the Attorney General is not to be subject to the control of any other person, this does not mean that the Attorney General can institute and defend proceedings without reference to Cabinet.

He went on to state that the AG has never to his knowledge having reviewed minutes of Cabinet meetings - seen it fit to inform the Cabinet or seek the Cabinet's approval to institute or defend proceedings against the Government.

“I have learnt through various press reports of several actions which were brought on behalf of the Government by the Attorney General before and after the last general elections as well as claims against the Government which are being defended by the Government.”

He conceded that 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, he pointed out 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 indeed in running litigation.

He noted that in certain circumstances the Statement of Governance Principles may require Cabinet to approve the institution or defence of proceedings by the Government.

However, the Premier added, even in those situations the AG is still required to seek Cabinet's approval and only if this approval is not obtained, may the matter be referred to a Secretary of State for his decision.

He listed the action brought against the Government by Temple Mortgage Ltd in which the company asserts its priority as a mortgagee of land recovered by the Government in prior proceedings brought by the Attorney General.

The Cabinet's advice and/or approval to embark on a defence of the Temple claim was never sought by the Attorney General, Ewing stated.

“I appreciate that the Attorney General is the legal adviser to the Government but the decision to institute or defend proceedings is ultimately a matter for the Cabinet, unless a matter falls within one of the exceptions identified in section 29 of the constitution.

Premier Rufus Ewing

Attorney General, Huw Shepheard

“The Temple claim was not one of those exceptions,” he said.

The Premier also referenced the action brought by Trade Wind Industries in which the company is suing the Government and former Governor Ric Todd.

That matter has since been sent to arbitration by the appeal court, but has been tied up in litigation brought by the company in which it is seeking discharge from the arbitration agreement.

In a writ filed in the court, the company claims that appointment of the arbitrator by the AG was done without the consent of the Government.

This was borne out in the Premier’s affidavit, in which he stated that Cabinet’s approval was never obtained to defend these proceedings and that it was never consulted by the Attorney General to ascertain its position on these matters prior to the AG's decision to defend the actions.

The TWI writ referred to a letter dated July 11, 2013, written by the Attorney General, instructing Edwards Wildman to appoint an arbitrator on behalf of the Crown and the Government, and that he was authorised to do so by section 41 of the Constitution, the Premier said.

He added that the document also referred to a letter dated July 18, 2012, in which the Attorney General asserted that he takes instructions from the Governor as advised by Cabinet “in matters such as these”.

“To the extent it is necessary to state this explicitly I confirm that at no time did Cabinet instruct or consent to the appointment of the arbitrator by the Attorney General.

“Furthermore in Action CL175/2012 the decision of the Supreme Court was appealed by the Attorney General to the Court of Appeal without reference to Cabinet, with significant irrecoverable costs,” Ewing said.

He added that he has confronted

Shepheard about his role in prosecuting and defending proceedings on behalf of the Government without Cabinet's approval.

“The Attorney General's response was that he is independent of the Government and need not consult or seek Cabinet's approval. I do not believe that this is a proper construction of section 41 of the Constitution on which the Attorney General relies.”

Civil litigation by or against Government involves the risk of costs orders being made against Government as well as potential benefits to Government in the event that it is able to successfully prosecute or defend claims, Ewing pointed out.

He added that apart from financial considerations, there may also be public interests and public policy reasons why a particular claim should or should not be brought or should or should not be defended.

These are all matters which Cabinet must and should consider before instituting or defending civil proceedings.

“I do not believe that the proper construction of section 41 of the constitution is one which enables the Attorney General to make these important decisions on behalf of the Government with the elected members of Cabinet being kept in the dark,” Ewing stated.

The Attorney General has 14 days after the summons was served to him to return the accompanying acknowledgement of service to the registry. (DI)

Warm welcome for Governor’s first Cabinet meeting THE PREMIER is keeping an eye on new Governor Peter Beckingham to see if he will live up to his promise to let the Government run its own show, given the experiences of the past.

Beckingham was treated to a warm welcome when he chaired his first Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (October 16) in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This is according to both the Governor’s press office in a subsequent statement to the media, and Premier Rufus Ewing during a post Cabinet press conference on Thursday (October 17).

“We gave him the opportunity to outline his agenda for the Turks and Caicos Islands and how he intends on working with this Government.

“I can state that we were indeed encouraged by the statements made by him with regards to allowing us as a Government to

be the Government, to run our Government and run our show.

“So we will be holding him to those words and those commitments as Governor of the TCI,” Ewing told the press.

Asked why he was encouraged by Beckingham’s statements in Cabinet, Ewing said that the Governor was specifically told and he also agreed to allow Government to be the Government, and that his role as Governor is to have oversight in governance.

“And I would leave it as that because that might not have been the case in the past,” he added.

The Governor’s office press statement on Beckingham’s first meeting read as follows: “Governor Beckingham thanked Cabinet members for the very warm welcome he and his wife have received since their arrival last week.

“He added that he looked

forward to working with Cabinet, which was one of the most important instruments of Government, and meeting each Minister individually.

“Responding, Premier Ewing welcomed Governor Beckingham to this his first meeting of Cabinet.”

Meanwhile, discussions were also held on the various formalities with regard to conducting the business of Cabinet with some changes.

Cabinet, which is held only on Grand Turk, will now be held on various islands, starting with Providenciales.

The Premier said: “We intend to alternate Cabinet between Grand Turk and Providenciales after the opening of this office [Provo] which we hope to have sometime at the next Cabinet meeting two weeks from now.”

Following that, meetings will be held on the other family islands at least once per quarter. (DI)

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 19 - 25, 2013

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

First impressions of new Governor LAST week TCI's new Governor Peter Beckingham arrived in the country and was sworn in at the House of Assembly.

During his inaugural speech he said that strengthening the economy and preserving the environment are some of his key objectives.

He also said that he would like his time in the country to be seen as having purpose, being business-like and at all times constructive.

What are your first impressions of the country's new Governor?

Do you agree with his points of focus? How do you think he should spend his first few weeks here?

A message of hope

I do not know if I am happy at all on the arrival of a next Governor given the lack of meaningful and substantial contributions of the past three Governors and the major downfall of the fallen regime allegedly due to the past Governors’ oversight.

This new Governor’s message seems to be the same as that of the immediate past Governor’s message on his arrival, and all whom have come before them.

But let me not be pessimistic and just watch and see!

A word of advice to this new Governor is to always trust the indigenous people’s wishes.

In recent recessions and low economic times we have seen expats and migrants leave in multitudes to go where the grass is greener, while the indigenous have to stay here and keep shop despite good or bad.

Economics and environment is a message of hope - if the people that belong here can benefit from it now and beyond.

A difficult time

We wish the Governor well and hope that his experience will serve to bring in investments.

Our internal Government has no qualifications along this line.

Governor Beckingham will have a difficult time given the high rates of taxation and the instability the Government has shown since the Progressive National Party has controlled the Government and most civil servants for 10 long years.

The earlier years under PNP also would seem to discourage developers. Ten years without one good development other than Beaches will scare the developers away.

Consider the needs

I think that the Governors points of focus are some key areas to consider.

However, we have serious problems with healthcare, illegal immigration and employment that urgently need to be addressed.

I hope in his portfolio he considers the needs of the people of this country. We have been ignored for too long.

Having said that I do believe within his first two weeks here he should schedule town hall meetings with the people of the Turks and

Caicos, who will be able to express key areas of concern going forward.

Keep focus

1. Town hall meeting 2. Getting to know the people 3. Focus on the economy 4. Focus on education 5. Focus on jobs for the youths leaving school 6. Focus on keeping our people healthy Our leaders are being disrespectful, like not acknowledging and greeting the new Governor.

The proper way, or the way we were taught.

I happened to see this incident, live on the net, how embarrassing to us.

What our leaders need to know, understand, and deal with, is the fact that Governor Peter Beckingham is in our country because of lack of vision by our previous leaders, so now the people are suffering.

Our leaders now have to be sponges and slowly ease their hands out of the lion's mouth.

Work permit issues

Unless the Governor has some influence over the Immigration Department on the issuance (or non-issuance) of work permits, investor confidence isn’t worth much!

Key areas

action and stop fooling around.

This Governor will try to bring in investment while former investors and the current governing party is having its former Ministers prosecuted in a justice centre built just for that purpose and by a team brought here just to investigate, once again the PNP. Meanwhile the party that brought in the development we now enjoy has been sidelined to the Opposition.

Favourable development

I have seen the resume of former Governor Damian Ric Todd and the newly appointed Governor Peter Beckingham.

In simple comparison, based on my own opinion and observation, the former Governor is more focused on politics and policy making system with lesser concentration on business and environment making him unpopular in the island.

Peter Beckingham is quite the opposite of the former Governor. Governor Beckingham's agenda is more on environment and economic advancement with lesser emphasis on politics.

I can foresee this twist as a favourable development to the TCI Government at the onset, especially now that investment in the island is at a turtle pace.

Establish a reputation

My impression of the new Governor is that he is more keen on taking action rather than just talking about his plans.

Whatever he had observed in the business community in Mumbai before he left could be brought by him here in TCI being the new Governor and that is “to compel UK business and education to engage in the country”.

His first few weeks should be spent on strengthening his relationship with the country’s current leadership.

He should also look into the economic figures of TCI and its current resources.

Once he establishes his reputation, from there he could draw up his plans and formulate his policies for a better Turks and Caicos Islands.

Improve human condition

I will give him the opportunity to prove he is a man of his word.

I think the areas he pointed out are really key areas as it relates to getting the economy back on track.

With all future construction oriented businesses, I do hope that there will be minimal impact caused to the environment.

The new Governor Peter Beckingham is right on when it comes to his goals of strengthening the economy and preserving the environment.

I hope he also spoke about the need to assist in improving the human condition whenever possible to include people with special needs.

Stop fooling around

The points are: 1) Former Governor signs off on all land deals yet no accountability of the British executive.

2) Suspended constitution with treble the debt Mike left, in a mere three years of direct rule.

Who the hell believes that there is anything but corruption all round?

Which rational person can trust this new Governor's words without seeing first his deeds?

Another day, another Governor. About the time he begins to figure out what is wrong in the TCI it is time to go.

High taxes, corruption, manipulated elections and the cost of Government mortgages and obligations for the Canadian healthcare joined by the extra high cost of electricity and a general down turn in the world’s economy.

These problems are not solvable by any Governor unless Britain wants to take real

Deeds first

Animal welfare

It would be lovely if we stopped considering animal cruelty as a source of income.

End of interference?

First, anything other than former Governor Ric Todd is an improvement for the Islands.

We need to welcome the new Governor and not be rude because TCI is acting on a global stage and has to be its own best supporting actor.

In this spirit of diplomacy we need to find out if the TCI constitution has been amended or remains ‘still born’ from the 2009 to 2012 interim government days where the Governor was responsible for all things.

Is the Governor taking portfolio responsibilities by strengthening the economy and preserving the environment?

Are we to witness the ending of the Ric Todd interference into ministerial affairs agenda and is this Governor coming to abide by the TCI constitution and the rule of law?

Since the interim government we have seen a racial consolidation of power into expatriate hands.

Expats now head the Environmental Department, TCInvest, the police and on and on.

We have so fallen from the days when TCI Belongers and natives were the leaders in these areas.

So this harkens the concern, is the Governor coming in to entrench these trends and outmoded racial practices?

Let us set our agenda

While this sounds good on paper it may send alarm bells to those of us truly concerned about getting our country back from the British.

It is not easy to countenance the undue continuance of the interim government remaining unabated.

The intentions of the Governor seem good but the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

After Todd some people just want the British to go.

Some British residents are already showing an attitude, the new ones, that they own the TCI. This Governor is hopefully one who can turn the tide against this intrusion and mind set.

It does not help that he seems to come laden with portfolio responsibility in areas where elected ministers are already vested: environment and the economy.

Governor please take the ear of the elected, the Government and Opposition.

Let us, our people set the agenda for our country.

You are welcomed. You are no Todd, but we must set the tone for how this country is to be managed.

 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

October 19 - 25, 2013

Public Private Partnership Policy being developed IN AN effort to expand the economy by attracting direct foreign investment, the Government has set about paving the way for more Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives.

According to an advisory from the Finance Ministry, an infrastructure working group was established to consider all major infrastructure projects, including those that may be good PPP candidates.

Cabinet, at its August 13 meeting, took into consideration the lack of public funding for major infrastructure projects and the need to increase infrastructure stock.

To facilitate the process, the Government intends to develop a national public partnership policy for any project with a capital cost in excess of an amount to be determined.

This will be done using defined criteria and taking into consideration prudent debt/liability targets within the context of the borrowing guidelines established by the UK Government for the time being, and in line with the provisions of the public procurement ordinance, the advisory read.

The infrastructure working group had their first meeting on September 23 and adopted a PPP mandate and objectives.

The development of a sound PPP framework was listed as essential.

Thereby, one of the first objectives is to develop policy, procedures, institutions, and rules that together define how PPPs will be implemented.

The proposed PPP policy will define the extent, objectives, and guiding principles of the Government’s PPP programme including the contractual attributes, size, and duration of PPP contracts.

Secondly, a 25 year pipeline of major infrastructure projects generally, to include all public capital works over a specified amount particularly those considered to be good candidates for PPP - will be

constructed.

And thirdly, consideration will be given to any new legislation which may be necessary for the implementation of the PPP framework.

The main objectives of the national public private sector policy partnership are: “The identification of major public infrastructure project across the Turks and Caicos Islands; to increase the financing available for infrastructure by making use of private sector investment resources; improve value for money in infrastructure projects by creating incentives for best- practice design, timely completion, and efficient operation by sharing project risk with the private sector.

“Encourage innovation in the provision of infrastructure; improve the sustainability of infrastructure and infrastructure services and improve accountability in public expenditure.”

A programme of work is being established to facilitate an initial report to Cabinet by the end of November, the statement read.

Meanwhile, the working group is made up of a broad cross-section of the Islands’ communities, professional disciplines, and political persuasions.

It will undertake public consultation to receive the views of the public.

The PPP framework, together with the infrastructure pipeline will be presented by way of resolution to the House of Assembly with the intention of achieving bipartisan support.

It will then become an item to be included in the national agenda, and a blueprint for infrastructure development regardless of which party is in Government.

“We aim to have the framework completed and approved by the House by the end of March 2013, and thereafter be able to place notices for Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a number of projects simultaneously,” the Ministry’s advisory read.

Missing teen safe at home THE 14-year-old girl reported missing last week is safe after returning to her parents’ home in Kingston.

Clement Howell High School student Melene Jean Louis ran away on Friday, September 27, and last week police issued a release asking for the public’s help to find her.

On Thursday, October 10, at about 9pm the missing teen returned safe and well to her parents.

Police have thanked members

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

of the public for any assistance that they gave and asked the public not to harbour any minors in their homes.

Along with the Government’s Department of Social Services, officers are conducting further investigations into the matter.

Anyone with information can call police on 941-4448 extension 81843 or 81837, or use the untraceable, anonymous Crime Stoppers Miami number 1-8008477.

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Standoff in $100m lawsuit against TCIG, former Governor THE $100 million lawsuit brought

by Trade Wind Industries (TWI) against the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands and former Governor Ric Todd, appears to be stuck in limbo.

While TWI has requested rejection of the arbitration hearing due to the appointment of an arbitrator without the Government’s consent, the Attorney General’s Chambers is seeking to have the writ suppressed.

In that summons, TWI named the Attorney General as the third defendant in the case.

On September 10 the AG’s Chambers filed a summons requesting a stay of the plaintiff’s summons so that the arbitration can proceed. That hearing was set for November 4.

However, on October 7, the company filed for an adjournment of the AG’s application for a stay.

The grounds for summons are that there are constitutional issues of law arising on the appointment by the first and/or third defendant of the second arbitrator.

Also, that it is in the interest of the parties that the Supreme Court should decide these questions and that the arbitration be stayed until these issues are decided by the court.

Secondly, the plaintiff has instructed leading counsel specialising in constitutional law

to appear on the hearing of the defendants summons and third; that it is in the interest of justice that the hearing be adjourned, the summons read.

Ronan Cosgrove, appearing for the Crown, argued that despite what attorney-at-law Monique Allan – plaintiff’s lawyer – claims, the appointment of Kennet Rokison QC by the Attorney General is not of public importance.

Judge Margaret Ramsay-Hale, presiding, disagreed with him, pointing out that it is the Government and the Governor who are being sued.

She added that she finds his application very strange. She questioned why the Crown believes that a QC appointed by the AG can decide whether the AG has the authority to appoint him.

The Crown’s application set out that if the company wants to challenge the arbitrator, this has to be done in arbitration.

A new date has been set for the adjournment hearing on January 15, 24 or 27 in the new year, based on the availability of the attorneys.

Last month the AG Chambers signalled its intention to recoup monies it spent appealing the judge’s earlier ruling to have the case heard in open court, rather than in arbitration.

The appeal court ruled in the

Crown’s favour, and the parties were tasked with appointing three arbitrators.

However, the announcement by the AG Chambers of Rokison’s appointment led to TWI filing for discharge from the arbitration agreement.

The company is seeking a court declaration that the Government did not appoint Rokison; that he is not the second arbitrator pursuant to the arbitration agreement and, to the extent necessary, an order removing him as such.

It claims he does not have the authority to take part in the appointment of a third arbitrator.

TWI is also suing the defendants for their court costs.

An offer to settle with the Government has seen no official response to date from the Government, despite this, the AG has publicly indicated that if the company wants to settle with TCIG it should also settle with the former Governor.

TWI, owners of the Caicos Conch Farm in Providenciales, instituted action against the TCIG and Governor Ric Todd for breaches of leases, breach of the development agreement (dated May 28, 2010), malicious falsehoods, defamation and interference by unlawful means.

(DI)

Anthony Quinn, murder victim

Misael Castillo – murder accused

Standford Forbes Jnr – murder accused

Anthony Quinn murder trial delayed – Defence lawyer withdraws DOMINICIAN Misael Castillo, one of two teenagers accused of the murder of British Quantity Surveyor, Anthony Quinn, is now unrepresented as his lawyer has withdrawn from the case.

Citing a conflict of interest, attorney-at-law Arthur Hamilton withdrew his name as defence lawyer for the 16-year-old alleged killer, on Wednesday (October 16) in a Providenciales Supreme Court.

The trial for Castillo, and his codefendant, Standford Forbes Jnr was set to commence on Wednesday.

However, due to the withdrawal it has been sent back the Grand

Turk Supreme Court for a plea and directions hearing before Chief Justice Edwin Goldsbrough on Friday, October 25.

During the hearing in the Providenciales courtroom, another lawyer signalled his willingness to take the case. However, the issue of the paltry legal aid fees prevented this.

Recently, the attorney defending Forbes Jnr, Ashwood Forbes publicly aired his issues with the fees, which although having been increased, was not done to his satisfaction.

The lawyer was awarded a $600

increase in the brief fee of $1,200, while the refresher fee of $600 remained the same. But as previously reported, he would like to see the fees doubled.

He cited the volume of evidence and the complexity of the case as reasons for increases in the two rates.

Meanwhile, the trial was slated to run for 12 days, ending on November 2.

The murder victim - who was last seen leaving Jimmy’s Dive Bar in Ports of Call, Grace Bay, at 4.30am on Sunday, May 13, 2012 was discovered dead near the beach in the vicinity of Technology Drive later the same morning.

Police investigations led to the arrest of the two teenagers. (DI)

8

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 19 - 25, 2013

TCI to meet tax transparency obligations THE COUNTRY is on track to meet its obligations on tax transparency, according to the Deputy Attorney General on Tuesday (October 15).

Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles made the announcement following a meeting on international tax transparency in Europe earlier this month.

She led a team of officials to the Global Forum on Tax Transparency's peer review group to take part in the independent assessment.

The forum has 120 members on equal footing and is the premier international body for ensuring the implementation of the internationally agreed standards of transparency and exchange of information in the tax area.

The group met in Paris, France, from October 1 to 9 to review each of the participating countries’ assessment reports and their proposed ratings.

This in-depth peer review process works to establish a level playing field, even among countries that have not joined the global forum.

Permanent Secretary of Finance Athenee Harvey said: “We are very pleased with how the jurisdiction has performed during this process and we are pleased with the outcome.

“We received strong international

validation of our regime.

“I would like to thank the entire TCI team, from both the public and private sectors, who have helped us reach this crucial stage.”

By December 2013 the TCI will have a network of exchange of information arrangements covering 58 partners.

The country’s participation in this process complements the UK’s announced platform for greater transparency as chair of the G8 summit earlier this year.

This saw international agreement to improve tax transparency, and especially for the UK Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories to shake off dated and inaccurate perceptions of them as ‘tax havens’.

For the past five years the TCI Government has had a team working to ensure that it meets its international commitments on tax transparency.

It is made up of Permanent Secretary of Finance Athenee Harvey, Henry Saunders, director of the Exchange of Information Unit, revenue counsel Richard Been and Kenisha Bacchus, senior head and legal counsel for the Financial Services Commission.

The standards are primarily reflected in the 2002 Organisation

Revenue counsel Richard Been, Kenisha Bacchus, senior head and legal counsel for the Financial Services Commission, Deputy Attorney General Rhondalee Brathwaite-Knowles, Permanent Secretary for Finance Athenee Harvey and Henry Saunders, director of the Exchange of Information Unit

for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Model Agreement on Exchange of Information on Tax Matters.

They are also from article 26 of the OECD Model Tax Convention on Income and on Capital as updated in 2004.

The standards have also been

Deputy AG receives OBE from Queen DEPUTY Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles collected her Order of the British Empire (OBE) medal from Her Majesty the Queen last week.

The ceremony took place at Buckingham Palace in London, England, last Thursday, October 10.

Braithwaite-Knowles received the honour for services to the development and reform of the public service in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

She said: “It has been a challenging period of necessary reform in the Islands and we have achieved good progress in many important areas.

“I have viewed this as a labour of love for my country and I am honoured to receive this recognition.

“I encourage other hard working Turks and Caicos Islanders to continue to strive for the betterment of our beloved Islands and people even through difficult circumstances.”

Also receiving awards in the Queen’s birthday honours which were announced in June was chief statistician Shirlen Forbes who was given a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the development of statistics in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Angela Musgrove, Youth Director in the Ministry of Health and Education received a BEM

incorporated into the UN Model Tax Convention.

Braithwaite-Knowles said: “The final step in the process is for the draft review reports and ratings to be circulated to the global forum for written adoption.

“During this time, the documents

Air Turks and Caicos makes major moves in Caribbean

BY DAISY HANDFIELD

Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles with her award in the grounds of Buckingham Palace

for services to youth development in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

And Norman Watts, chartered civil engineering advisor to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, received a BEM for services to infrastructure development in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

An honorary MBE was also bestowed upon Desiree Downes, chief legislative drafter, for services to legislative drafting in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

When the awards were announced former Governor Ric Todd said: “Her Majesty’s decision to recognise the hard work and efforts of these five individuals, all of whom play a significant public role in the life of the Turks and Caicos, is the highest recognition of how public servants are working together to make TCI an even better place in which to live and work.”

and outcome from the peer review group remain confidential and subject to final adoption.

“The formal adoption of the phase two report and ratings of the TCI will be announced in November after the next meeting of the Global Forum set for Jakarta Indonesia.”

TWENTY years since it was founded Air Turks and Caicos is set to expand and rebrand with a more commercial name.

The final name is still in the works, but chairman of the aviation company Trevor Sadler explained that the company will reveal more in a few weeks’ time.

According to Sadler the business will now offer domestic flights within Jamaica, and new services from the Dominican Republic to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

There will also be additional services which will connect Santo Domingo to Kingston, Jamaica, and from Santo Domingo to Port au Prince, Haiti.

Sadler added that this will give passengers the opportunity to travel between islands in one to two hours versus having to connect all day and moving in different directions.

With increased frequency, the Dominican Republic will serve as one of the main connecting points for Air Turks and Caicos.

Vice Minister of Tourism for the Dominican Republic, Fausto Fernandez noted anytime businesses invested into the Dominican Republic, it was always positive for the country.

“One of the big advantages for us as a tourist destination is that the airline Air Turks and Caicos

can use us as a point in common hub destination to get to other parts of the Caribbean, this is extremely interesting.”

The Weekly News tracked down passengers at the airport (Aeropuerto Internacional de las Americas) Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to get their intakes on this move.

A passenger, Lesbian Letiv noted that once it has to do with work, this is definitely positive and betterment for the Dominican Republic.

Another passenger, Larry Troups added that any time you could save money and time, it was always a deal, especially with these current hard economic times.

The company caters today to travelers between the current islands, but expects that the new services will attract a new level of business travelers, and a new form of two destination vacations for those who pick the Caribbean.

They will be able to enjoy picking their own combination of islands for their stay, with the short times to travel between the islands.

The company has seen for some time the possible opportunities to come into these markets, but it is only recently that the various governments have given a green light to allow these new opportunities.

The official launch of the newly branded company is expected to be on December 10 of this year.

October 19 - 25, 2013

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

9

Governor to speak at maritime security conference NEWLY appointed Governor Peter Beckingham will be among the first to speak at a regional conference on protecting national sovereignty by securing the seas.

During Maritime Security 2013 Caribbean attendees will discuss capabilities, information sharing platforms and best practices, engaging non-traditional stakeholders, and law enforcement response training.

Among those expected to be present are security experts, government officials, law enforcement, and solutions providers from around the world.

Beckingham will be the conference’s opening keynote speaker and will stress to those gathered the need to maintain maritime security in the region.

The event on November 5 and 6 will be hosted by conference management experts Homeland Security Outlook (HSO), which has put together six previous maritime security conferences.

Sareth Neak, president and founder of HSO, said: “Governor Beckingham’s presence underscores how critical maritime security is to protecting national sovereignty and reducing crime.

Governor Peter Beckingham

“This will be a unique opportunity to hear his first hand remarks on the state of TCI’s existing maritime security and his vision for the future.”

Other TCI officials that have committed to speak at the event include Minister of Border Control and Labour Ricardo DonHue Gardiner, Commissioner of Police Colin Farquhar, and Virginia Clerveaux, Director of TCI Disaster Management and Emergencies.

Additional speakers will come from other Caribbean countries, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Maritime Security 2013 Caribbean will take place at Beaches conference centre on November 5 and 6.

Gov’t seeks public help in reporting illegal boaters RESIDENTS are being asked to keep an eye out for unusual activity on the water following the arrival of a number of illegal vessels in the TCI. According to the chief of Radar Operations within the Ministry of Border Control, public assistance will help greatly in the ongoing battle against illegal immigrants.

Pleasure boaters, operators and fishermen are particularly well placed to keep alert for unrecognised vessels, radar supervisor Rodman Johnson said.

“While it is the responsibility of TCIG and its enforcement agencies to protect our borders, boaters should be mindful of the need to keep the waters safe for all and free of illegal activities.”

In light of recent trends and attempts by two illegal vessels to make landfall during daylight hours, and given the expanse of TCI waters Radar Operations is seeking

the assistance of pleasure boaters, operators and fishermen to reduce any illegal activities that may take place inside TCI territorial waters by reporting any suspicious activities.

Marina owners and operators are also being reminded of their responsibility to inform TCIG Customs and Immigration of all vessels requesting clearance before any services are granted.

If you see anything suspicious, please call Radar Operations: • Call Sign ----- Provo Radio • VHF ----16 Working CH 74 • Or by Telephone 649-946-4966 anytime.

The Coastal Radar station continues to provide 24hour coverage but needs the assistance of the public to prevent illegal activities.

“Working together making our Borders a safer place,” Mr. Johnson said.

Masked men raid Blue Hills business TWO masked men brandishing a single firearm attempted to rob a business in Blue Hills, Providenciales, last week.

The incident happened at about 8pm on Thursday, October 10.

The men did not steal anything but discharged a single round of ammunition before leaving on

foot.

Police are investigating the matter.

Anyone with information can call police on 941-4448 extension 81843 or 81837, or use the untraceable, anonymous Crime Stoppers Miami number 1-8008477.

Roads were flooded with up to eight inches of water causing traffic chaos

Storms wreak havoc across the country – Homes flooded and thousands without electricity A SERIES of immense lightning storms heaped vast quantities of rain on the TCI this week causing damage and disruption across the country.

Houses and roads were flooded with up to eight inches of water and thousands of homes were without electricity due to power outages.

The unusual weather was caused by a cluster of storms moving through a trough – a long region of low atmospheric pressure, according to the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME).

Two of the biggest storms hit on Saturday morning (October 12) and Monday morning (October 14) on Columbus Day putting holiday activities on hold.

DDME then issued a severe weather watch on Wednesday (October 16) but a storm of the weekend’s magnitude failed to materialise.

On Tuesday (October 15) morning thousands of Providenciales residents were left without power when FortisTCI lost 11.5 megawatts of electricity due to the “catastrophic failures” of two engines brought on by the inclement weather.

An additional 15 megawatts was unavailable at the power plant on Leeward Highway as the result of maintenance to the transmission and distribution system.

Operating at a low level of capacity placed significant stress on the generating system causing interruptions in power supply to customers in the areas of Grace Bay, Long Bay, Leeward, Leeward Palms, Kew Town, Airport Road, Downtown, and parts of Blue Hills.

FortisTCI’s engineering crews worked though the rain to bring back power to the majority of residential customers by 8pm that evening.

CEO Eddington Powell said: “I would like to publically acknowledge their service to the company and indeed the country.”

Meanwhile a number of large commercial customers had to use back up power and were not

reconnected until the next day.

Following the heavy downpours, members of the Opposition called for more Government support.

In a press release on Tuesday Vaden Williams, Shadow Minister for Government Support Services, said that many residents had experienced loss.

“I have had the opportunity to tour some of the flood stricken areas and see where homes in low lying, flood prone areas have suffered serious damage,” he said.

“A few years ago, we carried out a study mapping out areas that are flood prone and I am not sure that we have done anything to address this.

“Short of relocation, there must be something that we can do immediately.”

He said that at the start of this year’s hurricane season he called the Government’s attention to the low lying areas in Wheeland and asked for wells to be dug.

“The time has passed for us to take on the major but necessary project of proper drainage,” he stressed.

“The Government must rise to the occasion and put funding in place as a matter of urgency.”

Opposition leader Sharlene

Cartwright Robinson added that the Opposition remains committed to supporting any Government funding and supplementary expenditure for the work.

“We are pleased that from our insistence during the budget session that the Government increased funding under DDME and we trust that a quick assessment will be made and where possible we will assist those that have loss.

“We are also calling on the churches to lend a hand where possible to aid the victims of this recent flooding.”

George Lightbourne, Minister for Government Support Services, was unavailable for comment up until press time.

During severe weather DDME advises that boaters should seek safe harbour and residents should stay indoors and away from windows when conditions worsen.

Residents should not seek shelter under trees or in water as these can become lightning conductors.

Should anyone need additional assistance following power outages or problems with their electricity they can contact FortisTCI on 9464313 or visit www.fortistci.com.

Pupils armed with knives THREE students from Clement Howell High School were found to be carrying knives last week.

Police were called to the Blue Hills educational facility to further investigate the matter.

The incident comes just a week after a 16-year-old pupil was stabbed by one of his peers in the notoriously overcrowded Government school.

It was the latest in a series of violent attacks which began in February this year when a 16-year-old student was beaten by four boys from the school.

He was taken to hospital and

treated for a torn kidney and a blood clot in his liver.

Then in April a third form student was attacked by an individual armed with a cutlass and received minor injuries to his head.

Anyone with information on the latest incident can call 911 or Crime Stoppers 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 Crime Stoppers Turks and Caicos.

10 NEWS

October 19 - 25, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Hundreds flock to Blue Haven job fair THROUGH the hot, humid weather and even some rain, more than 400 Islanders assembled at the Blue Haven Marina and Resort in the hope of being selected for employment by the company.

The job fair held by the establishment in Leeward on Friday (October 11) from 10am until 4 pm saw a large crowd throughout the day, with people gathering as early as 8am and interviews being conducted until after 6pm.

Marketing executive for the organisation, Ingo Reckhorn, pleased with the turnout of applicants, said the numbers far exceeded their expectations.

Prior to the event the resort had been advertising and inviting applicants to fill the positions through social media such as

Facebook and Twitter, local media and telecommunications companies.

With a December opening nearing, Reckhorn said that more than 80 positions need to be filled by then.

Vacancies include housekeeping, maintenance, front desk and concierge - everything associated with running a hotel.

To attend the job fair applicants were required to be a Belonger or PRC holder, dress professionally, have a motivated attitude and some hospitality experience.

The event was organised in sections where the documents of the hopefuls were checked before they proceeded to fill out an application form and then advance to be interviewed.

Reckhorn said that there were “very good applicants in the mix”

Braving the sunshine and rain, hopeful applicants wait for a chance to be interviewed

and while some candidates will soon be selected for employment, the resort is planning to host another job fair.

He also said that if anyone was turned away because of time constraints or if people just were not able to make it to the fair, they are welcome to contact the company and deliver their resumes.

Once selected, the employees will be working with what the company’s management hopes to be a world class resort.

Reckhorn said: “We’re doing

something completely new in that we’re launching a resort and marina which has the potential to bring in a completely different type of tourist and investment to the Turks and Caicos.”

Stopping by the event were Deputy Premier Akierra Missick and Minister of Labour and Border Control Don-Hue Gardiner who were also pleased with the turnout and the initiative taken by the company to put on such an event to help reduce the numbers of unemployed Islanders.

Missick, also the Member of Parliament for the Leeward constituency, was very pleased with the turnout and said she recognised clearly that “there is a need for employment in the Turks and Caicos, specifically Providenciales”.

Gardiner said: “As the Minister responsible for labour I’m happy that this event has been put on and would certainly hope that as many Turks and Caicos Islanders as possible will be able to find work and improve themselves and remove themselves from the unemployment rolls.” (KH)

FIFA World Cup Trophy visits TCI ONE of the most famous championship sports trophies made a stop in Providenciales on Sunday (October 13) as part of an 89 country world tour.

The tour, presented through a partnership between FIFA and Coca-Cola, gave fans the once-ina-lifetime opportunity to see the illustrious 18-carat gold trophy up close and even be photographed beside it.

FIFA executive committee member and TCI Football Association’s secretary Sonia BienAmie said the association felt very privileged to be one of the countries included in the stops.

She said: “The trophy visiting the Turks and Caicos as a destination is

an experience in itself and I think it has made a great impact on the youth players. It’s something to stride towards…an inspiration.

“I think it also raised the awareness of football in the football community and Turks and Caicos at large.”

The trophy arrived at the Providenciales International Airport aboard the Coca-Cola plane where a number of prominent officials were able to go on board for the first look.

A press conference followed at Club Med Turquoise, allowing a gathering of Government officials to express their thoughts through speeches and mingle beside the trophy.

Among those in attendance were

Excited fans assemble at Club Med Turquoise for a souvenir picture with the trophy

Premier Rufus Ewing, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Akierra Missick and Governor Peter Beckingham.

The Premier said he hoped the event will serve “to inspire our youth, to inspire players, to inspire our team…to strive for greater heights and to strive for this trophy”.

Governor Beckingham was the only one allowed to hold the trophy and was also presented with a miniature version.

Persons present at Club Med were later given the chance to take souvenir photos with the piece.

The TCI tour concluded with a stop at the Turks and Caicos Football Association where anxious fans and young soccer players had the opportunity to see the trophy and also have their pictures taken with it.

The world tour, which is expected conclude in nine months, was an initiative to bring the entire global football community together in celebration of the sport.

It began last September in Brazil, then went to Tahiti, Fiji and is now making its rounds in the Caribbean.

The route will include the firstever pan-Latin America tour with events in 39 countries, as well as stops in 50 countries that have never hosted the trophy.

More than one million people are expected to interact with the trophy at various stops on the global tour which will end just before the World Cup begins in June 2014 in Brazil.

Governor Peter Beckingham gets the honor of holding the 18-carat gold trophy

This is the third time that the world’s most coveted symbol of football is going on tour around the world.

The first time the trophy made the extraordinary tour was in 2006, visiting 31 cities in 28 countries before the FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Second time around, the tour

visited 84 countries and 130 cities all over the world, including 50 African nations, in order to celebrate the first ever FIFA World Cup on African soil.

Prior to landing here in Providenciales the trophy was in the neighbouring Dominican Republic and will leave en route to Dominica.

(KH)

October 19 - 25, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

11

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October 19 - 25, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies ! South Base, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. Telephone Number 649 946 2177/649 946 2801. Extension 1190111905. Fax 649 946 1230 ! The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies, 1316 Customs Complex, Leeward Highway, Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands. Telephone Numbers: 649 946 4521/4177. Fax Number 649 941 4532 https://www.facebook.com/TCI.DDME

National Oratorical Presentation in Observance of International Day for Disaster Reduction OCTOBER 11, 2013

Investment In Disaster Risk Reduction Must Provide For The Needs Of Persons Living With Disabilities A pleasant morning to all, I am, Steveen Ulysse and I will be representing the British West Indies Collegiate exploring the statement “Investment in disaster risk reduction must provide for the needs of persons living with disabilities” “Investment in disaster risk reduction must provide for the needs of persons living with disabilities”. This common statement is laced with the very familiar social inequality that we often choose to ignore.

Indeed, the idea of this investment sounds quite wonderful on paper, as we tend to proclaim ourselves an inclusive and accepting society. It would be ludicrous to say, no investment should be made in disaster risk reduction, where people with disabilities are concerned. Yet, if we take a closer look at various countries around the world the evidence of poor investments and mismanagement of ramps, roads and other facilities that ease the plight of disabled individuals, we find precisely that, a lack of real investment: time to take into account what is really needed by people living with disabilities; a way to ensure real improvements are made in amenities and infrastructure; effort to understand what exactly the needs of persons living with disabilities really are.

This is by no means a judgemental attack on the past investments made by both governments and private citizens to lighten the plight of the disabled community - especially where the physically disabled are concerned. Yet, one cannot help but wonder what really constitutes an investment? For context’s sake, in accordance with the Oxford English dictionary, an investment is an act of devoting time, effort, or energy to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result.

This, however, does not exclude the monetary aspect of a traditional investment. The creation of handicapped accessible roads and ramps and distribution of wheel chairs, show the level of effort put into the disabled community. However, is it enough, is this truly enough?

It is more than evident that the current investments are simply not sufficient and never have been sufficient. During hurricane Katrina, Bemilda Caixte, a New Orleans resident with quadriplegia tried for two days to seek refuge at the superdome. Despite repeated phone calls to authorities, help never arrived for Caixte. According to an article by June Jane, days later Caixte was found dead in her apartment floating next to her wheelchair. As sad as this sounds, that is just the reality for our disabled brothers and sisters. Furthermore, it shows what can happen when one does not invest properly in our society – losses do occur, and in these tragic situations, we lose lives. This could have been prevented! Let us not delude ourselves in thinking this senseless death and many others could not have been prevented. If disabled people like Caixte are involved in the process that brings about these investments, I assure you, many deaths in the disabled community will be preventable.

Around the world, with the Caribbean region included, progress has been made, albeit predominately in the physically disabled world.

Following the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which

Steveen Ulysse

Age 18 Form: 6th Form (Year 13) British West Indies Collegiate

requires that emergency preparedness and response programs are accessible to people with disabilities, fifteen countries in the Caribbean also put in place similar Acts, according to a study by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. This is undoubtedly a step forward, nonetheless vagaries still exist as to whom exactly is considered to be disabled. I would like to draw our attention to the fact there is no mention of people with mental disabilities in these acts, even less consideration is being given to these people. Yet, we all know, it should not be the case – we all know, investment should be evenly spread to all those in need. If measures are being put in place for visibly disabled people, it is clear that provisions should be made for the mentally afflicted as well, we need to provide help to suit the needs of each disabled person, as per their issues.

According the Oxford English dictionary, disability is defined as: “a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses or activities”. In light of the definition, it seems rather clear that a disabled person is not only someone limited physically, yet our society continues to not provide adequately for the full range of disabled people. In research, investigated by the Research and Training Centre on Independent Living at the University of Kansas, into 30 randomly selected counties and cities, boroughs in the United States that had recently experienced a natural or manmade disaster, experts concluded that only 20% of the emergency managers had specific guidelines to assist people with mental impairments during an emergency – when we consider that, it seems a greatly inadequate number.

Furthermore, according to the World Bank’s Disability in the Caribbean Fact Sheet, the Caribbean is home to a relatively large population with disabled people accounting for approximately 10% of the region’s population. This recorded amount indicates that the Turks and Caicos Islands are therefore likely to have a fair amount of persons suffering from disabilities. With such a low population and considerably high standard of living for most people in Providenciales, we do not tend to think about the disabled among us during disasters. We are perhaps considering tourists

who come here and bring income and travel to our shores. And it is right to consider the safety of these individuals, but we should not do so in favour of ignoring the needs of those permanently residing among us.

With the mentality of regarding disabled people as second-class citizens in our community, and yes, we have to admit that they are often regarded as such, we are overlooking them and excluding from the process of making plans to deal with disaster risk reduction. But it need not be so!

The views and opinions of our resident disabled community could be sought and used as part of an investment in tackling disaster risk reduction. The mere fact that the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies is taking initiative through this speech day, shows that much like the UN, the Turks and Caicos Islands are aware of the conditions of its disabled citizens. Yet If investments are truly to be made effective, and to last, disabled people have to be included in the discussions that will bring about these investments: they need to have an equal voice in these matters; they need to feel as though they matter as the contributing citizens they are, instead of being made to feel like the ‘burdens’ society so often perceives them as.

Even here, in the Turks and Caicos Islands, we have our very own Caixte.

Cargo is roaming the street of Providenciales, afflicted with mental issues.

But is there provision made for him during hurricane seasons? I would guess not, since he seen as a vagrant and time waster, by the community.

How then can adequate investments be made in the disabled community if they are treated as passive citizens? Clearly, our mindsets need to change! We do not have to wait for the government to act; at times, they are not aware of cases such as Cargo. But if we come together as a society, which promotes the inclusion of the disabled in every aspect of life, which promotes equality, and respects the rights of every individual, I can assure you, their plight would lessen considerably.

It would be hypocritical to ignore the progress made by the Turks and Caicos Islands, both through governmental and private funds. Many businesses have ramps for the handicapped and have elevators to facilitate easier travel though buildings. Despite this, one must realise that, progress is a continuous process that should never be halted; should we look over to Haiti, after the devastating earthquake experienced there, we would see that after the event, they quickly devoted resources and time to the disabled in society, this came about through laws against discrimination and mental support was offered. We here have the upper hand, we can prepare for it, and we can become more inclusive and accepting of our disabled brothers and sisters. This is not only a governmental effort, it is a communal project, one which is unfeasible without the involvement of the disabled community; one which should take into consideration all the voices in our community - not least those who have the most to lose: those actually living with disabilities. It is of paramount importance that they are involved in the core of any and everything that relates to them, in order for our society to provide adequately for our disabled brothers and sisters.

Investment in Disaster Risk Reduction Must Provide For The Needs of Persons Living With Disabilities Protocol has already been established, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I stand here to present on the theme: Investment in disaster risk reduction must provide for the needs of persons living with disabilities.

According to the Wikipedia online dictionary a disaster is a sudden event, such as an accident or a natural catastrophe, that causes great damage or loss of life e.g. typhoon, tsunami, hurricane, tropical storms only list some of the many that affect us in many areas of the world.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, A disability is defined as one or more of 17 limitations and/or impairments which restrict a person's everyday activities, example walking or even the simplest as tying shoe laces because of their condition. Some conditions that are dangerously topping the charts and affecting many people in many areas are; amnesia, paralysis, Schizophrenia, only to name a few.

I would like to raise the question, how would we feel if we were in their position, knowing that these persons are the ones who are most likely to be affected if a disaster strikes. Ladies and gentlemen personally I do believe that these group of persons should be included when it comes to disaster risk reduction investments, why? Falling back on the quote “No Man Left Behind,” these people are also apart of society and deserve to be treated as such. Despite the economical crisis that is affecting the

Marvin Jennings Age 16 Form: 5th Form Maranatha High

world today we should try our best in order to support and protect each and every citizen that is residing in a country despite his/hers state or condition.

Persons with disabilities suffer the most during and after disasters, it exaggerates their situation and deteriorates their overall health and well being. I would like to pose a question, what do we do when we know that a person’s disability can cause them their lives in the face of a disaster?

How can we just “Brush off” the fact that we can make a difference in

someone’s life but we choose not to?

Lou Holtz once said “It is not the load that breaks you down, it is the way you carry it,” “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” We can no longer neglect this vulnerable group of people; we must agree that if nothing is done nothing can be achieved.

Let us elaborate on points that can be taken into consideration: • Emergency response – Health care professionals should make it a priority to help disabled persons as they might have trouble helping themselves, rehabilitation centers should be on standby awaiting any arrivals from the paramedics. Assets should allow for the physical accessibility of transportation service of patient to a delivery point and emergency shelter.

• Recovery – There should be at least one assistive device e.g. A Wheel Chair. A follow up care unit should be assigned to check the patient’s health from time to time. A medium or long term housing usage that would give the patient eases of access to the many areas of their new home.

This is just a few of the many actions that can be taken when dealing with disability situations in the face of a disaster. Make no mistake we are all family and we lean upon one another for help in times of need so why not lend a helping hand.

Continued 

October 19 - 25, 2013

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies ! South Base, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. Telephone Number 649 946 2177/649 946 2801. Extension 1190111905. Fax 649 946 1230 ! The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies, 1316 Customs Complex, Leeward Highway, Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands. Telephone Numbers: 649 946 4521/4177. Fax Number 649 941 4532 https://www.facebook.com/TCI.DDME

Continued

National Oratorical Presentation in Observance of International Day for Disaster Reduction

Investment In Disaster Risk Reduction Must Provide For The Needs Of Persons Living With Disabilities Good Morning All This morning, the task is mine to speak to you on the topic, “investment in disaster risk reduction must provide for the needs of persons living with disabilities.”

Discourse of this nature must start with a definition of the key terms and I will define the following terms; investment, disaster, disability and disaster risk reduction.

The word investment as defined by the Macmillan English Dictionary is the process of spending money, time and energy on something so that it can be successful or brings benefits in the future.

A disaster is a natural or man-made hazard resulting in an event of substantial extent that causes significant physical damage or destruction, injury, loss of life, or drastic change to the environment.

Disaster risk reduction includes all the plans, policies, strategies and measures that aim to limit the impacts of natural disasters. Disaster risk reduction either reduces the likelihood of a disaster occurring or strengthens a community’s ability to respond and cope with a disaster.

The term “people with disabilities” covers a broad spectrum of human experience and individual circumstances referring to people with physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, or developmental impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions.

Having given the definitions it is necessary to put the issue into perspective. To accomplish this I will point out some statistics about the prevalence of persons with disabilities.

The United Nations Fact Sheet states that around 10 % of the world’s population or 650 million people live with a disability and 80 % of persons with disabilities live in developing countries. In an article entitled Natural Disaster, Accessibility and Access to Basic Services Henrietta Davis Grey points out that approximately 45 million people that live in the English speaking Caribbean have a disability.

With such alarming statistics we must seek to invest in our disaster risk reduction policies and ensure that such policies provide for the needs of persons living with disabilities.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted in December 2006. This can be seen as an important first step in a process designed to highlight the plight of persons living with disabilities.

This Convention brought about a change in attitudes and approaches to persons with disabilities. This means that if we are to have an effective disaster risk reduction policy everyone must be involved; the young, the middle-aged, the old and especially persons who are either already disabled or who become disable following a disaster, after all disaster risk reduction is everyone’s business.

I noted that the signing of the convention was merely a start, because despite the presence of the Convention, research has shown that persons living with disabilities are either ignored or abandoned to cope with disaster situations as their able-bodied counterparts flee.

They are in the minority. As a result they are unreasonably affected in disaster and emergency situations. This is due to their inaccessibility to information, their being left out of evacuation plans, their limited ability to

Danielle Baptiste

Age 16 Form 5 H J Robinson High School Grand Turk Turks and Caicos Islands

respond to difficulties during the event and the limited resources dedicated to the recovery efforts.

It is time for greater investment into a disaster risk reduction plan that includes persons living with disabilities. This will improve our country’s capacity to cope with disasters and will minimize the vulnerability of all. I will therefore seek to identify some ways in which this may be accomplished.

A coordinated programme regarding disaster and persons living with disabilities to secure their active participation should be implemented in all countries. After all, who better to give information about their needs than people living with disabilities themselves?

People with disabilities must be seen not as passive recipients of charitable care, but rather, they must be seen as equal participants in disaster risk reduction. The best way to do this is to include them and their families in every step- planning, training, drills and evaluation.

Government in its investment in disaster risk reduction must ensure that the general populace is sensitized about the disabilities in our communities.

Emergency workers must be trained and well informed about the disability issues so that in the face of disaster appropriate action can be taken.

I believe that a database should be set up that contains pertinent information about persons living with disabilities. Their address, next of kin, special needs and medication should also be made available so that communities can better assist them in times of emergency.

Educating and training persons about what to do when disaster strikes is very important in disaster risk reduction. This training should also be provided to persons living with disabilities and their families. Empowering them with life saving information on evacuation procedures and first aid will ensure that no one is left behind in a disaster.

Constant liaison with disability groups to disseminate information should also happen. Information on disaster risk should be communicated in a manner appropriate to its audiences, and should consider the different needs, interests and technologies used within communities.

For example we must ensure that documents are printed in large print and in Braille for the persons who are visually impaired. We must use sign language, and internal public announcement systems, and pictures for

persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

We must utilize the media also to notify persons on what to do in an emergency situation. Radio and television shows, newspapers, jingles, and rhymes as well as social networks can be used to inform communities about disaster risk reduction.

We all share the responsibility to understand risks, and how they might affect us. Therefore we must encourage our emergency planners to make conscious efforts to communicate with persons with disabilities and hold meetings in accessible locations.

An Investment in disaster risk reduction involves having sound emergency response plans, so that in the face of disaster whether it is a hurricane, a flood or a fire we are all prepared to take the appropriate action.

Central to this plan should be a safe, effective evacuation for people with all types of disabilities. Issues such as transportation, personal assistance, supplies and equipment should be adequately addressed.

Plans to evacuate persons with their medication and other equipment such as portable oxygen tanks and portable respirators should be put in place.

Persons with disabilities should not be placed in a hospital or nursing home when there is a disaster. In the same way they should not be turned away from shelters due to the perception that they need complex medical care and facilities.

Just imagine a person who has to use a wheelchair with a personal assistant daily. Even in disaster that person needs to rely on others for basic needs. Persons like this should be able to exist comfortably in a shelter when evacuated from his home. They should be able to enter and leave as well as move about independently. They should be able to use bathroom facilities and have access to food and water.

Shelters should be assessed to ensure that they have lifts, ramps, and wheelchair securing devices. Operators should also be trained in safety issues and the safe operation of these devices.

Emergency response drills should be rehearsed and evaluated regularly.

The lessons learnt from these exercises should be shared so as to strengthen disaster resilience.

Disruption to physical, social economic and environmental support systems after a disaster affects persons with disabilities a great deal. Therefore we should ensure that our rehabilitation and recovery effort is one that helps persons with disabilities effectively re -enter society.

After a disaster persons with disabilities may need medical assistance such as dialysis treatments. Our relief and rescue procedures should ensure that there are trained personnel equipped to handle such tasks. Appropriate equipment and supplies to address the needs of all persons including persons with disabilities should be on hand as soon as possible.

Governments, non-government organizations, private sector companies, schools and volunteers should work together to have a disaster risk reduction plan that fosters greater inclusion of people with disabilities in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts .

Uniting our efforts and combining our collective resources will ensure that when the next disaster occurs everyone is prepared. Invest today for a safer nation tomorrow.

A Disaster Resilient Planet Means Everyone Must Be Part Of The Solution Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning, you might say that I should have been prepared. I agree with you. People are always getting ready for tomorrow. There is no harm in that. We must prepare for what life throws at us, the good, the bad and the ugly. There is an old English proverb which states. “He who fails to prepare, prepare to fail.”

The Turks and Caicos Islands will join the rest of the world on 13th October in celebrating International day for Disaster reduction under the theme “Living with disability and disaster.”

Today, I am here to speak to you on the topic, “A disaster resilient planet means everyone must be part of the solution.”

We are blessed to be living in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, The Beautiful by Nature Turks and Caicos Islands. From June 1st to November 30th every year, our stomach aches and our eyes and ears are alert at the Atlantic Hurricane season. When it comes to disaster, tropical storms, floods and hurricanes have been our main cause for fear. I am sure you will remember these recent hurricanes: Hurricane Ike – 2008 Hurricane Tomas – 2010 And Hurricane Irene - 2011 These have cause substantial damages to our country and turned our lives upside down. Our resilience level was extremely low then and it still is today.

We suffer millions of dollars in damages, over 500 million from Ike alone. As a country, we were badly affected and our recovery process was very slow.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are not affected by earthquakes, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. This does not mean that one of these natural disasters cannot affect our country. We must be prepared for the inevitable.

Mr. Chairman, in order for us to contribute meaningfully in becoming a disaster resilient planet which according to the online Encyclopaedia Britannia Dictionary means “able to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens,” we in the Turks and Caicos Islands must be prepared.

We must be part of the solution, which is to come up with measures to deal with and reduce the problems associated with disasters such as property damage and lost of lives and recover quickly from them. Our aim must be preservation.

It is expected that over the coming decades the frequency and intensity of disasters will continue to increase as a result of climate change, urban migration, population growth and increased scarcity of natural resources. We must be prepared to meet these increases in projected disasters.

Aldrieko Harvey

Age 17 Form 5 Marjorie Basden High School South Caicos Turks and Caicos Islands.

Mr. Chairman, We must admit that our country is punctuated with communities that contain numerous buildings and houses that are not up to standard. In the event that we find ourselves in the path of one of these destructive forces of nature in the future the lack of preparation will be our failure. It is imperative that we change the way we build. Meaningful investment must be made in our infrastructure today not tomorrow. As the song says “tomorrow might be too late.”

Our hospitals, homes, schools and other government buildings must be up graded. We have to make that investment now to secure our future. Effective changes will minimize the effects of disasters on our country. I call on the government to implement proper building codes which must be enforced by law to protect our most valuable resources, our people.

Proper or well constructed buildings and homes will reduce damages and cost of rebuilding to our country. We cannot sit idly and live in a substandard manner. Our buildings must be hurricane and earthquake ready.

Mr. Chairman, our economy is largely dependent on tourism and the fishing industries. One is dependent on the other. Without them we would not survive. God forbid that any natural disaster should destroy these industries. You have seen the money and time spent in the past to rebuild these industries after a tropical storm, flood or hurricane. It is time that we in the Turks and Caicos Islands increase the variety of goods and services we offer to the world. It is time that we diversify. This would help us that in case a natural disaster strikes we would be able to recover quickly and also be in a position to deal with any crisis in the future.

Diversity for us is essential. It is the way forward if we are to be disaster

resilient in the future. We must train our young people to be skilled in other areas such as technology or manufacturing to increase income and development of our country.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this task of becoming a disaster resilient country may seem a daunting one at the moment for our country. But I believe that we can do it. We have to put measures in place so that we can achieve this goal. The Ministry of Government Support Services Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies is going a good job. They, however, cannot do it alone. Everyone has to be part of the solution, government and private sector, rich, poor, persons with disability, Belonger or foreigner, every individual in our country.

Systems that provide early warnings must be improved. This will help us minimise damages and lost through quick and early evacuation. Evacuation drills must also be practices on a regular basis by schools, hospitals and other institutions. This will not only give us valuable practice but also put us in a sates of readiness.

Mr. Chairman, as a nation, we have to remove the bulk of the cost of rebuilding from the government. Other institutions such as the private sector and insurance companies must help bear the cost incurred in a disaster. Insurance companies need to provide better coverage, early and quick assessment and finance in times of disasters so that the recovery process would not be long and slow. This will help speed up the recovery process of our communities thereby minimizing loss and stress. We must also talk to our Caribbean and North American neighbours to learn of their successes in dealing with natural disasters. The saying “each one teach one” is valuable as we cannot live with our neighbour’s assistance nor can they live without us.

Mr. Chairman, earlier I have mentioned that persons living with disability must be part of the solution. The United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction stated that “It has been estimated that almost a billion people globally are affected by some kind of disability, and are disproportionately affected by disasters because disaster prevention measures are designed and implemented in many parts of the world without including or taking into account persons with disabilities.” In the Turks and Caicos Islands it is evident that we are lacking in this department. Many of our buildings lack the facilities that cater to persons living with disabilities. This must change as easy entry and exit for persons with disabilities must be provided. In the case of an unlikely evacuation this will enable ease and efficiency for persons with disability. We must cater to the needs of all of our citizens if we are to be a disaster resilient country.

14

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 19 - 25, 2013

October 19 - 25, 2013

15

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

What is the price of justice?

Dear Editor, It has been almost a year since I have put the proverbial pen to paper to give comment to what is happening in our beloved TCI, so let’s get to it.

What is the price for justice?

The old saying goes: “Justice delayed is justice denied.”

Given the repeated delays in the SIPT prosecutions, or some might say persecutions, and the on-going efforts by the Civil Recovery Team (CRT) over the years, is justice being delayed?

Again I ask, what is the price of justice?

Let’s look at the cost of both entities.

The former interim administration and it’s now remnants functioning through the Governor’s office, are fond of saying that the CRT has recovered over $100m in land, and around $20m in cash of which the CRT got around $13m or so for 60 ‘successful’ cases.

Based on this information, one could gather that the CRT contract outlines that they get a 10 per cent commission on whatever they recover.

The problem comes in that: 1) The value of the land they

have recovered is inflated after a reevaluation.

2) They are taking a majority of the cash recovered but the value of the land cannot be realised until it is sold or mobilised in another way.

So, we get land back that is already ours and they get all the cash.

The CRT is paid on average over $200,000 on each of its cases.

While some might say that is reasonable for the work they do, what happens now that the AG has outsourced the sending of letters to persons regarding Crown leases?

Could the staff of the AG’s chambers write them?

Are we to expect that each new case will cost an additional $200,000?

Should the people of the TCI pay $500 per hour for a cheap lawyer or thousands of dollars for CRT to write these letters when we are already paying AG’s chambers staff that are more than capable of notifying persons who are in arrears on Crown leases?

On to the Special Investigation and Prosecutions Team (SIPT).

Again I ask, what is the price of justice?

SIPT was formed over three plus

years now, some charges have been filed, one guilty plea thus far and likely the threat of more charges very much still exists.

If anyone remembers the interim government had problems initially funding the SIPT and Helen Garlick pleaded with the FCO to find a funding solution to the tune of $7 million for the building of her team.

What solution did the interim administration come up with? The 10 per cent civil service pay cut which was exactly $7 million per annum.

These funds and the later annual increases, which are separate and apart from the cost of the CRT, just increased the structural deficit that exists today in the TCIG’s budget.

Why do I say structural deficit you ask? Think about what the then interim administration and current TCIG had and has to do. $6 million from CRT efforts, $10 million from the NIB Pension Fund, $7 million for the sale of Provo Water Company shares, increase in NHIB rate from five per cent to six per cent, cutting 300 plus civil services and the various tinkering

with the tax system.

All to make up for a structural deficit in TCIG’s expenditure, while giving the appearance of a surplus, when most of these revenue sources are not recurrent!

This deficit is exacerbated by the need to fund the SIPT with no foreseeable end in sight.

To those that say well doesn’t the UK pay around 80-90 per cent of the SIPT costs?

Here’s the problem with that argument, TCIG has to carry the burden of SIPT for the fiscal year and only at the end of that period will the UK give whatever stipend they deem necessary.

Here is the catch - we now have a sinking fund, which any surplus over $2 million goes into hence that money will go into the sinking fund for debt reduction.

So TCIG does not have the funds for operations or to fund infrastructural improvements throughout the year.

Again I ask, what is the price of justice?

Should we continue to have a black cloud over our investment potential because we have no timetable for the end of the SIPT and

COMMENTARY

Sand and quicksand AS A senior I have turned over the hour glass many times watching the sands of time slip by.

It seems these days that the sands of politics seem to run slower and slower.

Ten long years of precious time have been lost since the now infamous by election of 2003.

The TCI can never recover that time and not recover the money lost during that period.

The interim government of Wetherell and Todd figured out how much of the $360m debt left by the 2003 to 2009 PNP government was valid.

Some bills were dismissed, some were paid down and the balance refinanced with a loan guaranteed by Britain.

The TCI has been waiting

By David Tapfer to see the healthcare financial and clinical problems addressed.

This was on the agenda in the House sessions via questions from Sharlene and company.

Premier Ewing seemingly avoided the questions by demonstrating his anger at the AG who repossessed Progress House and PNP closed

SPACE IS LIMITED!

down the House, again!

Meanwhile our second selected Health Minister in 11 months was away, silent.

The people need to ask themselves what would have happened if in 2009 the Government had just simply gone bankrupt and been unable to pay its bills.

InterHealth Canada would have folded!

The $120m, $4m per bed hospital mortgage would have been in default.

Why did Britain prevent these defaults?

What would have happened had 56 per cent of last November’s voters got their way and PDM were now leading the Government?

Only PDM has the right to ask Britain for the PNP debts to be excused or drastically reduced.

Is it the $260m loan or the cost of healthcare causing the long term rise in taxes and rise in the cost of living for the next 20 years?

Mrs Connolly has now spoken out about the shortfalls in education facilities and she is spot on right!

However we must ask where was her voice when the debts were being piled up and TCI based primary and secondary education ignored between 2003 and 2009?

Why didn't PDM win more seats last November?

The open minded PNP supporters will tell you. They were ready to give PDM even more votes.

They say it was the unacceptable PDM leadership and its campaign built on his principle of inheritance.

Had the grand old party of JAGS

CRT operations in the TCI? Should we continue to put $350,000 for school maintenance budget when it is not nearly enough to do the job?

Should we continue to look for ways to squeeze more tax dollars out of an overburdened tax base?

Should we continue to kick up about unemployment when some inward investment would help TCIG’s revenue?

Should we continue to spend a little over $2 million on new scholarships or not build a technical school when a skills deficit is one of the biggest problems in the job market?

I say we end the CRT project and let the AG’s chambers do the work that they are being paid for.

I say if there are more people to be charged get on with it.

I say these operations cannot continue as they are to the detriment or in spite of the hardships our people face.

While the price of justice is expensive, it’s morally wrong to pursue it on a timetable that is beyond the cost to the people!

Ryan A Garland

and Derek been led by visionaries Floyd, Doug or Sharlene it most probably would have been another result.

Sharlene the attorney at law, Floyd the financial expert and businessman, Doug who could articulate PDM's vision - however we will leave that to God. At this point in time we must have good financial management.

We have wasted another year since November 2012 and one wonders when this minority lacklustre Government will be put out of their misery.

Will it be Helen Garlick digging deeper? Poor Government is akin to a quicksand drawing all involved downward.

Without a solid stick of truth to pull yourself out of the mire, eventually down you go.

They say when you are caught in quicksand you must remain still and inactive to prolong the time before you sink.

Some grasp at straws. That explains a lot.

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

16 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Conch Farm versus Chuck Hesse continues in court IN A case that has become increasingly frustrating for all concerned, former Conch Farm CEO Chuck Hesse testified that while he wanted to discredit current CEO, Richard Berke, he never intended harm to the company.

Hesse had written to the Attorney General, the Immigration and Labour Departments informing them that Berke did not have a work permit during the initial six months he worked for the company.

The letters to the Government agencies were dispatched sometime after Hesse’s dismissal from the company in 2011, the court heard last October 7 when attorney-at-law Monique Allan continued her cross examination of the defendant in the Supreme Court.

Hesse is before the court on allegations that he took or is in possession of company documents after his dismissal from the Conch Farm, which is managed by Trade Wind Industries (TWI).

He again testified that he never had access to Peachtree accounting documents of the company, neither did he have the password for the

programme.

He said the individual who did the company’s books was the only person who did.

But Allan asked him if he expected the court to believe that someone as responsible as he is would not make alternative arrangements for access to the documents, should that person become incapacitated or inaccessible.

He replied that he would have contacted the USA based Peachtree company for access to the information; a response which appeared to stun the plaintiff’s lawyer.

Allan also confronted the former CEO about documents relating to another company, Sea Farm Limited, in which TWI has a 40 per cent stake.

She asked him if he does not believe the current operators of the Conch Farm need that information, but Hesse stated that Berke already had that document.

She further asked him if he was obliged to surrender company documents when he was terminated, to which he replied: “absolutely not”.

Questioning him about a series of letters from the company following

his dismissal requesting company documents, Hesse stated that he did not comply with any.

When asked about another letter which advised him that employees could not be paid because he had not handed over the relevant documents, he accepted that he was told this in the letter.

However, he continued to maintain that any documents he had were copies he was authorised to have and that they were not company documents.

He also reiterated earlier claims that he does not have books of account as defined by the Financial Services Commission (FSC).

Asked if the reason he said he does not books of accounts of the company is because the documents he has in his possession do not meet his definition of books of accounts, Hesse stated that he does not agree with the attorney in this.

To which she said he was ‘dancing on the head of a pin’ trying to justify why he had books of accounts of the company.

The case continues before Judge Margaret Ramsay-Hale on January 15, 2014. (DI)

TCI celebrates International Day for Disaster Reduction THE TURKS and Caicos Islands joined other countries around the world in celebrating International Day for Disaster Reduction on Sunday (October 13).

The United Nations General Assembly started this initiative in 1989 to promote a global culture of disaster reduction, including disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness.

This year’s theme ‘Living with Disasters and Disability’ focused on the one billion people globally who live with some form of disability and encouraged governments and citizens to consider the needs of the disabled.

The Department of Disaster management and Emergencies (DDME) partnered with the Ministry of Health to create disaster resilience in local communities.

The day’s events included messages from senior members of Government, the distribution of brochures and the participation of public and private high schools in a speech competition.

George Lightbourne, Minister for Government Support Services which includes DDME, said it was extremely important to recognise the day.

“We must examine ourselves and our preparedness and contribution in mitigating the effects of disaster in our communities,” he stressed.

TCI’s fundamental strategy for ensuring that the country is prepared for disastrous situations is the proposed Draft Comprehensive Disaster Management Bill and Regulations.

The bill is based on the Regional Comprehensive Disaster

Management Legislation with support from the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

“The Ministry of Government Support Services also understands the importance in being a major player in shifting the mind-set of the populace and reframing perspectives of disabilities and disasters,” Lightbourne said.

“In so doing, we will diligently seek the support, advice and participation from the relevant entities throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands to better understand the needs of this very delicate group.”

He explained that the Ministry will actively promote relational awareness campaigns throughout the country in association with our Department of Disaster and Emergency Management (DDME).

These efforts also endorse a contingency plan in the event of a disaster.

This plan will address the required special medical needs of persons with disabilities, procedures for easy access during evacuation, adequate shelters specifically facilitated for persons with disability, and all other necessities to safeguard this special population.

“We are also committed to ensuring the development of modern disaster Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) throughout the islands with the relevant communication technologies, coordination, response resources and trained personnel,” the Minister said.

“In the last budget session, we made the imperative decision to further increase the allocation for disaster preparedness, and as we continue to prioritise funding in subsequent budgets, we are dedicated in our efforts to maintain adequate funding for disaster management.

“And in this reserve we are committed to the expansion and strengthening of all avenues that involve persons with disabilities.”

Minister of Health and Human Services Porsha Stubbs-Smith said she was extremely pleased to honour people with disabilities.

“They are vital members of our society and they are considered part of our vulnerable population, therefore it is our civic responsibility to protect their welfare particularly during times of disaster.”

The Ministry of Health and Human Services through its National Health Emergency Management Unit works continuously with other Government departments to raise awareness of disaster risk reduction.

“We also work collectively to ensure plans are in place to provide for the safety of vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities,” the Stubbs-Smith said.

“The focus this year on ‘Living with Disability and Disasters’ gives us an opportunity to re-examine our plans, protocols, policies and systems that are already in place with a view to upgrading them, to ensure that persons with disabilities continue to be a priority.

“Disaster preparedness for the disabled is everybody’s business.”

October 19 - 25, 2013

More money needed to place out of school students – 169 children unregistered GOVERNMENT will be including a $100,000 allocation for the Ministry of Education in the supplementary appropriations budget so that out of school students can be placed.

At its last meeting on Wednesday (October 16), Cabinet confirmed its commitment to increase funding for the provision of school places subject to debate in the House of Assembly.

Minister of Education, Akierra Missick told the media on Thursday that 141 primary students and 29 high school students have not been registered for this school year.

“We are putting to the House a figure roughly over $100,000 so that the Ministry of Education can provide the necessary space, whether that is bringing more containers in, or providing the programme that is currently in place and was introduced by the interim administration of having our teachers who are employed by TCIG

actually have a space in one of the private institutions to assist with the overflow.”

She noted that lack of space is not the only reason the students were not place, as a lot of students had incomplete documentation provided by their guardians or parents.

“So without supplying the Ministry, specifically the Education Department, with that documentation it was difficult to register them.”

The Minister noted that it is the Ministry’s goal as well as the Government’s to ensure that space is provided for the overflow of children who were not registered properly during the registration drive earlier this year.

The supplementary appropriations budget will be taken to the House when it sits in two weeks’ time for debate.

Missick said that once it is approved, her Ministry will take immediate action to place the unregistered children. (DI)

Two from HJ Robinson snag national scholarships TARIQ Newman and Gabriel Williams of the Helena Jones Robinson High School in Grand Turk are the top winners of the national awards this year.

“Second place was Gabriel Williams of the HJ Robinson High School, she received ten subjects at general one, and our first place national scholar is Tariq Newman of HJ Robinson high school, who received 11 general ones and one general two,” Minister of Education, Akierra Missick recently announced.

Mashabe Francis of the Marjorie Basden High School in South Caicos placed third with nine general ones, one general two and one general three.

“These are students who have done more than excellent in their external examinations and surpassed all others in the number of passes they were able to achieve over the last two years…

and I am sure any alumni of the Helena Jones Robinson High School would be very proud as two of the top three places were students from this institution,” Missick said during the announcement in the House of Assembly last week Monday.

The national award ceremony will be held in December as is customary.

“We would also like to congratulate the other students who did exceptionally well in their external passes, which is a total of 71 students who achieved five to nine subjects and 41 students who received passes in both mathematics and English .

“The best forming students in these categories will receive various awards.”

Awards will also be presented to 27 students who obtained five or more general ones or A(s) in one sitting, as well as to the 23 students who obtained more than 10 subject passes. (DI)

Queen conch quota remains low DUE to the declining stock of queen conch in the Turks and Caicos Islands, this year’s quota for consumption and export remains low.

The Government’s Department of Environment and Marine Affairs (DEMA) on Friday, October 11, announced the allowances for the 2013 to 2014 season.

The total quota is 500,000 lbs of meat for export, 320,000 lbs of meat for local consumption and 1,000,000 shells for export.

Earlier this year DEMA met with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Scientific Authority Committee, the Fisheries Advisory Committee (FAC) and industry stakeholders.

Together they determined a quota that would allow for the sustainable harvest of queen conch this season,

while simultaneously supporting fishing livelihoods.

During the meeting DEMA noted that queen conch stocks have been in decline in the TCI since the passing of hurricanes Ike and Hannah in 2008, and as a result plans to undertake a Governmentapproved conch visual survey.

This will help the department to determine current stock characteristics and to estimate a total allowable catch that can be sustainably harvested.

DEMA has begun preliminary work on the survey, assisted by international expert Dr Paul Medley - however, results will not be available until next year.

The queen conch (Strombus gigas) fishing season began on Tuesday (October 15).

For further information call DEMA on 941-5122.

October 19 - 25, 2013

NEWS 17

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Admission to public schools to go through the Ministry Some winners of the evening’s prize giveaways

LIME introduces new plan and rollover minutes

TCI’s longest standing telecoms company has launched a new mobile plan, giving their customers the power to personalise their voice, text messages and data options.

Details of the new plan along with the exciting introduction of ‘rollover minutes’ were announced at a social event at LIME’s conference centre on Friday, October 11.

LIME’s marketing manager Rachel Harvey said: “With the new My Plan, postpaid mobile customers can sign up for the core plan that provides a combination of voice, text messages and data for one low monthly fee.

“They can then add additional voice, text and data bundles to suit their needs and lifestyle.”

The package combination can be changed monthly and also be shared with friends and family.

She explained that “for a low monthly fee you can add extra people to your account” and all the users can share the base bundle and the add-ons.

My Plan also offers a major game changer as unused data will be rolled over into the following month. If a customer does not use the full data assigned, the extra amount will ‘rollover’ and be available at the start of the new subscription period.

Harvey said that this is unprecedented, not just with LIME, but with telecommunications in the Caribbean.

In addition, when customers sign up for a 24 month My Plan contract, they will receive a Samsung Pocket S5310L absolutely free.

Customers who already own a handset but do not wish to commit

to a long term contract can sign up for a rolling one-month plan, which allows them to enjoy the same value and benefits available with the My Plan long term plans.

The minutes in the My Plan packages can be used for calls to any LIME mobile and landline network locally and regionally, to other local operators (landline and mobile) as well as to the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands (USVI) and to UK landlines only.

The text component can be used for local, regional and international text messages.

LIME’s acting general manager Lacal Palmer said the company understands that telecommunications in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the wider Caribbean is constantly evolving, hence the reason for the new enhancement of its mobile offerings.

“LIME is changing the way customers think about mobile calling.

Our introduction of My Plan makes mobile calling more affordable than ever,” said Lacal.

He added that “with this ground breaking new offer, we are giving customers the freedom and the flexibility to communicate any way they like by choosing only the services they need and can afford” while still enjoying the same great value.

During the evening prizes were given away and LIME representatives engaged attendees in an activity to determine whether they were ‘a surfer, writer or a talker.’

To create your plan visit myplan.lime. com or visit a LIME store near you.

ACCESS to Government schools by members of the House of Assembly has to be authorised by the Minister of Education, the director for education or anyone else so authorised by them.

Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, was given that response when she put the question to Education Minister, Akierra Missick at the last meeting of the House of Assembly on October 7.

She questioned the Minister as to what policy governs access of members of the House of Assembly to Government schools and when such a policy was agreed and adopted

by Cabinet.

She further requested that the Minister lay the document on the table.

Consequently, the Minister drew attention to the Education Ordinance - part four, section 38, subsection one – which read: “The Minister, the director and other persons authorised by them shall be permitted access to the educational institutions at any time during school hours for the purpose of visiting or inspecting.”

Subsection three of the same section continued: “All persons other than those authorised under sub

Education Minister, Akierra Missick

section one, Minister and director, shall be required to obtain permission from the director or a person duly authorised by the director for that purpose before entering unto the premises of any public institution.”

Missick informed the House that the Education Ordinance which contains these provisions was initially enforced on September 1, 1989, and was continued in the 2009 revised law.

She said the ordinance is already on the table, but Cartwright Robinson rose to clarify, questioning if this is the policy that is already in

effect, and why had the Minister led the public to believe that this was a new policy.

She also wanted to know if something other than the ordinance is in effect and if members of the House and of the Opposition would have to seek the permission of the Deputy Governor and the Attorney General under the new policy.

Missick advised that there was never a new policy nor was there any indication of one.

“The policy is in the ordinance, and what has happened in the past and what has happened on the return of elected government has resulted in the following section 38, subsection one for a request to be made to the Minister or to the direction and then the request can be honoured, deferred or rejected for whatever reason.”

The Minister added that she is unaware of any such requests being directed to the Deputy Governor, the Attorney General, or the acting Attorney General.

The Opposition leader’s questions come some months after a member of the Opposition was denied access to a Providenciales school and was directed to seek permission from the Ministry of Education. (DI)

Community college holds first major fundraiser THE TURKS and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) will host its first major fundraiser under the patronage of Deputy Premier and Minister of Education Akierra Missick at the Regent Palms ballroom on November 8 at 7pm.

The proceeds from the evening will go to assist in furthering the goals of higher education in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

More specifically the cash will support the educational activities of the TCICC and help deserving students attend the college by paying their fees or travelling or other incidental expenses or providing them with maintenance allowances.

The foundation is calling on the community, including alumni, to give willingly to this cause.

Tickets will be $100 per person and contribution brochures are also in circulation; individuals or companies may choose to contribute to any of four donor categories.

Attendees will experience an evening filled with entertainment performances by the Youth Chorale, the Enid Capron Primary School choir and popular artist Julian Garland.

Members of the foundation are Mrs Lillian Boyce, Claudette Clare, Karen Whitt, Samuel Forbes, Professor Lee Ingham, Cecil Arnold, John Smith and Deveraux Malcolm.

Anyone needing further information can call the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College on 946-1163 or 941-3210.

Many of the pupils wear hats and dresses bearing the Turks and Caicos Islands flag

Students fly flags with pride PUPILS from the Mills Institute gave a show of national pride recently when they spent the day flying the country’s flag.

It was the first ever Flag Day at the primary school in Juba Sound, Providenciales - an event that was designed to promote patriotism.

Principal Debby-Lee Mills was delighted at the enthusiastic response she got from the young students during the inaugural event.

“Today Mills Institute is making a giant step in the right direction,” she said on Monday, October 7.

“Nowadays our people lack a strong sense of patriotism and national pride and I believe that activities such as these will slowly but surely improve the mind set of our future generations.”

During the day students from all grades proudly showcased their national flags at a flag parade on the school grounds.

The youngsters not only waved flags but also wore hats and dresses bearing the colourful Turks and Caicos Islands flag.

Later they were given a brief lesson on the history of the flag and its etiquette before taking part in arts and crafts activities and poetry readings.

The event will be held on the first Monday of every month and the school welcomes the support of parents.

Lifestyle...

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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.

Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician Dr. Joe LeMoine

Preventing injury in basketball BACK in 1891, James Naismith invented basketball when he nailed a few peach baskets up and gave the lads a soccer ball to play with.

Since then it has evolved to a

widely popular fast paced game.

It is estimate that there are 1.5 million basketball related injuries per year.

They occur at all levels from the

Weekly Recipe

Fruit crumble SERVES: 12 PREP/COOKING TIME: 40 minutes

outdoors court recreational game to professional levels. Fortunately many are minor injuries.

Studies have been able to identify the most common injuries. Ankle and knee sprains are quite common as are finger jams and foot fractures.

Let’s look at ways that have been shown to reduce injury in basketball.

Getting ready The three common goals in preparing to play are getting fit, warming up and staying hydrated.

Fitness should be improved before the season concentrating on aerobic endurance, strength and flexibility.

Incorporate specific exercises to prevent ankle sprains. These are called proprioception training exercises and are help protect your ankle from injury.

Stretching is important but doing it just before a game is too late; incorporate stretching into your regular training programme.

Before starting a fast paced game of basketball, be sure to take the time to get warmed up. This includes drills to get your heart rate up and muscles loose.

Consider using the knee ligament injury prevention programme in your warm up, originally designed for soccer, but can be applied to basketball.

Hydration is important to avoid overheating and excess fatigue, both which can get you off your A game and put you at risk for injury.

Playing right Be sure to be healthy when playing.

Avoid aggravating overuse injuries by getting back to soon.

Play at the level and position that you are comfortable with. It is important to be aware of the players around to avoid collision.

Play fair, be a sportsman and

October 19 - 25, 2013

respect the rules; an environment of safe play and officiating helps reduce the chances of injury.

Be sure to practice frequently to ensure proper passing and especially catching techniques.

Make sure to have the right stuff: the right equipment. Proper fitting shoes are essential to protect slip and fall injury.

Consider using ankle supports and kneepads. If you are wearing glasses make sure they are shatter proof.

Any jewellery should be removed.

For outdoor courts, make sure they are properly lighted, or stop play at sunset.

A quick scan of the court beforehand ensures there are no holes, debris and other hazards.

Be prepared In organised games, the coaches and officials should be knowledgeable about first aid and emergency care.

They should be able to recognise severe injuries and be prepared with a plan to handle concussions, fractures and lacerations.

Staying healthy and prepared on the court will make this basketball season the best ever. Game on!

health Tip 

INGREDIENTS • For the filling: • 6-7 cups fruit, enough to almost fill pan • ½-1 cup sugar, to taste • 1-3 teaspoons lemon juice, to taste • 1-3 tablespoons cornstarch, depending on juiciness of fruit • 1 teaspoon spice, like cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg (optional) • For the crumble topping: • 1 cup (5 ounces) all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup (4 ounces) brown sugar • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 8 tablespoons (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened INSTRUCTIONS • Heat oven to 375°F. • Prepare the fruit filling: If necessary, dice the fruit into bitesized pieces.

• Toss the fruit with sugar, lemon juice, corn starch, and any spices.

• Use more sugar and less lemon juice when cooking with tart fruits like rhubarb and blackberries, and less sugar but more lemon juice for sweet fruits like peaches and plums.

• Best is to taste a piece of fruit and adjust to taste.

• Use more corn starch with very juicy fruits like plums and less with firm fruits like apples.

• But don't worry; no matter your ratio of these ingredients, your crumble will be delicious.

• Pour the fruit filling into the baking dish.

• Prepare the crumble topping: Thoroughly mix the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt for the crumble topping.

• Break the butter into a few large pieces and toss these in the dry ingredients.

• Using your fingers, a fork, or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until large heavy crumbs are formed.

• Pour the crumble topping evenly over the fruit.

• Bake the crumble for 30-35 minutes until the fruit juices are bubbling around the edges of the pan and the topping is firm to the touch.

• Let the crumble cool for at least 15 minutes before eating. If transporting to a picnic or party, let the crumble cool completely to give the fruit filling time to set.

• Crumbles will keep, covered and refrigerated, for up to a week.

• Serve cold, room temperature, or re-warmed in a low oven for 20 minutes.

Using up overripe fruit IT'S A common problem in the heat of the Caribbean –beautiful, ripe fruit can quickly turn soft and squishy.

Here are ten tasty ideas for using up fruits that are past their prime, from thekitchn.com.

for using up fruit! It doesn't matter how pretty they are as long as they still taste good.

The concentrated flavour of overripe fruit makes especially tasty smoothies.

Make quick bread Of course, we all know brown bananas are great for banana bread. But peaches, nectarines, and strawberries are also great in breads, muffins, and scones, where the chopped or mashed fruit bakes into jammy little pockets.

Make a chunky sauce for pancakes or sundaes Give those syrupy, ripe fruits a rough chop - or even a smash with a potato masher - and you have an instant topping for pancakes or sundaes.

Even better, fold the fruit right into the batter for fruit-filled pancakes.

Make jam Dana gave us a great strawberry refrigerator jam a while back. This quick jam is a great way to use overripe strawberries - or any other fruits that need using up!

Make a crumble, cobbler, or pie The best solution for fruits that are no longer quite so plump and pretty is to wrap them in some pastry!

Use the recipe on this page for making fruit crumble or fruit pie, and sub in whatever fruit needs using up.

Make smoothies Smoothies are always a good standby

Make a sauce for meat Overripe fruit, if it hasn't lost all of its juice, can still impart some good flavour to a sauce.

Chop it into small bits (or whiz it in a blender) and add it to some chicken stock and balsamic vinegar to make a glaze or sauce for meat.

Make a salad dressing If your fruit isn't pretty enough to chop on top of your salad, put it in a blender with some olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and seasonings.

It can make a fantastic, slightly

sweet dressing for a salad, especially when you add some salty nuts or cheese.

Make juice If you have a juicer, your fruits can go right on in. If you don't try pureeing the fruit in a blender or food processor and straining it.

The solids are great on top of yogurt and the juice can be drunk on its own or added to glasses of sparkling water.

Make fruit leather This is especially good for fruits that have passed the squishy stage and gone to the wizened stage.

Blend up the fruit and spread it in a thin layer on a dehydrator rack - you can bake it at very low temperature in the oven until it's leather-like or dehydrate it in a dehydrator.

Make popsicles Last but not least, we can make popsicles - a favourite afternoon snack on a hot summer day.

You can juice the fruit first and strain out the solids or leave some of the fruit a little chunky so that there are pieces to nibble.

October 19 - 25, 2013

Lifestyle...

GARDENING 

19

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

How does your garden grow

YOUR DIET

ASK TAMIKA

BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD

Tamika graduated from Florida International University in Miami with a Masters degree in Dietetics & Nutrition. She is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and licensed to practice medical nutrition therapy in the state of Florida.

Email Tamika via tcweeklynews@gmail.com or tamikahandfield@yahoo.com with your healthy eating questions.

Breast cancer and nutrition

Lemongrass

I JUST really like lemongrass (Cymbopogon ciatrus). It’s really easy to grow.

Once it gets established, it doesn’t need much care - it grows very well in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The plant is a tall grass and gets beautiful plumes on it when it goes to seed. The plant grows tall and wide though. The edges of the leaves can be sharp, like the edges of paper.

Lemongrass is an herbaceous perennial that's originally from India.

It can be used in the Islands landscape as a border, as an accent, or in mass plantings. It’s also edible and adds an appealing, lemony fragrance to the garden.

Plant your lemongrass in full or part sun. It can grow up to six feet tall and four feet wide, and makes an excellent choice for edging along fence lines and wide walkways.

If you know somebody that already has some growing and you want some, just ask for a stalk that has been dug out with some roots on it.

You can use lemongrass in Thaistyle soups and curries. Harvest stalks at the ground level, cut off the lower bulb, and remove the tough outer leaves.

Cut or ‘bruise’ the inner stalk and use it to add fresh flavour to your cooking.

If I’m getting a piece to cook with, I just cut an individual stalk (stem) off with a sharp knife at the base.

The part of the plant that I like to use for flavour is the base of the stalk, but the leaves can be used as well. I cut off the top and use the bottom few inches.

The bulbous bottom has a tough outer husk. This part is easily cut off and can be composted.

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

The white inside is tender and full of flavour. You can chop it up, slice it, bruise it, mash it…whatever.

I usually bruise mine with the back of my spoon and then slice it up.

You could add the whole plant to a soup base and then remove it after it’s imparted its great flavour.

You can add lemongrass to lemonade, limeade, iced tea, stirfries and rice.

Let me share with you this simple but great Thai chicken soup that has that distinctive Thai flavour - a balance of spicy, salty, sweet and sour.

Ingredients

• 6 cups good-quality chicken stock (Serves 2 as the main entree, or 4-6 as an appetizer) • 1-2 chicken breasts, sliced, OR 1-2 cups roasted chicken or turkey • 1 lemongrass stalk • 4 kaffir limes leaves (fresh or frozen) • 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced • 1 thumb-size piece galangal or ginger, grated • 1-3 fresh red chillies, minced (to taste), OR substitute 1/2 to 3/4 tsp. dried crushed chilli • 1/2 to 1 can coconut milk • 2 tbsp lime juice

Slice and mince the lower portion of the lemongrass stalk. Retain the upper stalk for the soup pot.

Place chicken broth in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. If you have leftover chicken or turkey bones, add those too.

Bring to a boil. Add fresh chicken and mushrooms. Also add the prepared lemongrass (including upper stalk pieces), plus kaffir lime leaves and fresh chilli.

Boil 5-8 minutes, or until chicken is cooked.

Turn heat down to medium.

Add the galangal or ginger, 1/2 can coconut milk, the fish sauce, and extra vegetables (if using).

Stir well. Simmer gently 1-2 minutes.

Turn heat down to minimum. Add lime juice and stir.

Do a taste test. Look for a balance between spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavours.

Start with salty, adding more fish sauce if not salty or flavourful enough (1 tbsp at a time).

If too sour, add the sugar plus a little more if you need it.

If too spicy, or if you'd like it creamier, add more coconut milk.

If not spicy enough, add more chilli.

Ladle soup into serving bowls.

Sprinkle a little fresh coriander, basil, and spring onion over each bowl.

Noodles can be added if you're planning to make this soup as a main entree.

Sip, slurp, and enjoy!

FOR most of us, we do not start to become concerned with breast cancer until a little later in life; however a recent study suggests that the kinds of foods we eat while young when breast tissue is developing can really decrease our chances of developing breast cancer later in life.

I will quickly add though that there are no magic foods to prevent diseases but practicing good nutritional habits combined with regular physical activity and weight control throughout life are ways to decrease the occurrence of developing some forms of cancers.

Research shows a diet rich in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes have protective benefits against certain types of cancers.

Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables have compounds known as phytochemicals that are powerful antioxidants that may protect the body’s cells from harmful cancer causing agents.

Phytochemicals are chemical compounds that are only found in plants that offer no nutritive value but have many other health benefits in humans.

When trying to follow a plant based diet one of the concerns is getting enough quality protein and healthy fats to support optimal health since one of the best sources of protein and fats is animal products.

Protein sources Beans are a natural rich source of fibre which can help protect against colorectal cancer.

Soy products are high in isoflavones - one of the anti-cancer compounds that mimic the action of oestrogen in the body.

Therefore, eating soy foods may offer protective benefits against breast cancer.

In recent years, there has been some fear of soy being linked to more development of breast cancer but intake of about three servings per day seems safe.

Nuts and seeds like flax, pumpkin and sunflower seeds are also good sources of protein and the healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that help to protect our heart.

It is important to remember that flaxseeds should be ground up before you can get the full benefit of it.

Fish is an excellent source of protein and should be eaten at least two to three times during the week.

Fat sources Plant foods that are high in fats may seem like an oxymoron but there are some plant foods that are very good sources of fats.

These foods include olive oil, sunflower and safflower oils, nuts and seeds such as peanuts, almonds, pecans and walnuts and avocado.

These foods are pretty easy to incorporate into your young child’s diet so that they may offer their protective benefits throughout life but especially later in life.

The foods you eat while young, will either positively or negatively affect your health later.

Nutrition in Demand’s motto ‘Eating healthy today, to live, longer better tomorrow’ underscores this important truth.

Nutrition In Demand A non profit organization helping you to: "Eat Healthy Today...

Living, Longer, Better Tomorrow" Cell: (649) 242-3978 or (649) 442-3978

20 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 19 - 25, 2013

Williams marks one year as Deputy Governor

Patrons mingling in the courtyard before the fabulous after-party

Regent Palms hosts another successful In the Pink SURPASSING their target of raising $25,000, this year’s In the Pink event hosted by the Regent Palms was another outstanding fundraiser for TCI’s Cancer Society.

The fifth annual event, held on Saturday (October 12), saw a multitude of ladies, many clad in shades of pink, along with some men supporting the evening’s shopping craze and after-party.

Karen Whitt, Regent Palms general manager and the event’s key coordinator, said she was once again thrilled with the turnout but based on recent responses anticipated a large crowd.

She said: “At six-o’clock when we were ready to open the doors the line was down the stairs into the walkway…everybody was talking about how really amazing the shopping experience was.”

The event, Whitt explained, takes several months of planning and organising by a team that takes on different responsibilities.

However, she added that the efforts made for the evening were “a labour of love and it’s all for a very good cause so it’s easy to do.”

With donations from corporate businesses and individuals, the team of passionate ladies transformed five

In the Pink shopping zone allows attendees to snag great deals on clothes and accessories

suites into a shopping paradise, allowing buyers to snag excellent bargains on a wide selection of new and gently used clothing, shoes, accessories and even some designer items.

After the shopping zone closed, the fun continued with a superb after-party in the elegantly pinkdecorated courtyard in front of the famed Parallel 23 restaurant.

The after-party included great music, charming guest bartenders serving up fancy cocktails and drinks and 15 fabulous raffle giveaways donated by Jai’s.

Funds from the evening’s event

were accumulated from the fashion sales, raffle tickets, auctioned items and beverages sold.

President of the National Cancer Society Lucille Lightbourne said that she was very pleased with the participation and thanked everyone for their support of the organisation.

Attendees agreed that the event was marvellous; with shopping, music, drinks and great prizes to be won - all while raising money for a worthy cause.

Last year’s event tallied just over $20,000, making this year’s amount the most ever raised. (KH)

Launch of Digicel new campaign expected to benefit students

BY DAISY HANDFIELD A PRESS conference was held at the Digicel headquarters on Providenciales on Thursday (October 17) to promote the launch of the company’s new campaign which will feature three of the Turks and Caicos Island’s rising stars.

Kazz Forbes from Saint George Fashion House(SGFH), Nikita Skippings also known as Chef Nik from the local cooking show ‘Crackpot Kitchen’ and Sonia Fulford-Bien-Aime FIFA, As part of the new campaign,

Digicel will be offering free internet to all of the schools throughout the premises as well as the opportunity for the students to purchase tablets at a very affordable price so that even when not at school, they can still have access to the internet.

Although internet has been offered in the past by one of their competitors, Digicel explained that their internet will be offered to all of the schools including the private schools and it will be accessible in every classroom.

Chief Executive Operator (CEO)

for Digicel TCI, E Jay Saunders explained that there will be educational packages set up for the children“When they go home they won’t have to wonder how they are going to get their work done.

“Now they will be able to go home and get their work done and when there are field trips they can take their tablets behind them.”

The campaign will also feature cheaper rates for data packages and more data which Saunders noted will be cheaper and faster than both of their competitors

ANYA Williams celebrated one year in her capacity as Deputy Governor and head of the public service on Tuesday (October 15).

She took the opportunity to look back over the past 12 months and thank TCI’s civil servants for their “often unrecognised service to the people and development of these Islands”.

In a press release from the Governor’s office Williams spoke of a number of accomplishments during the last year including the completion of the Pay and Grading Review which resulted in the reinstatement of the formerly deducted 10 per cent of civil servants’ pay.

The reopening of the Government’s Training Unit in January which has provided training to more than 700 civil servants was also one of her achievements along with the regularisation and confirmation of several locals in key senior positions within Government.

Finally she spoke of the placement of returning students and the increase of local staff in the civil service to over 90 per cent.

“During my tenure I have tried to keep the communication lines with staff open within Government,” the Deputy Governor explained, “by not only holding quarterly meetings with the civil service in Grand Turk and Providenciales, but, also by visiting staff in their work environments including the family islands as well.”

She said her future focus

Deputy Governor Anya Williams spoke of a number of accomplishments during the last year

will be to train and develop the civil service, develop a proper e-Government Strategy to improve service provision, ensure that the recommendations of the Pay and Grading Review of 2012 are fully implemented and improve physical working conditions.

She also said she wants to motivate and positively change the reputation and image of the civil service.

“As many of these areas have financial implications, I intend to work closely with my Cabinet colleagues to ensure that they share these priorities as a joint vision for the civil service over the next three years,” Williams said.

“I look forward to continuing to serve in this capacity and to bringing about much needed additional reforms in the civil service during my tenure as Deputy Governor.”

Hospital holds expo on patient safety

BY DAISY HANDFIELD

EVERY year around this time, millions around the world observe Medical Device Reprocessing Week to give people knowledge of this area in the medical field.

The week is being celebrated in the Turks and Caicos Islands from last Sunday (October 13) to Saturday (October 19) under the theme ‘Patient safety starts with us’.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Cheshire Hall Medical Centre has celebrated this initiative.

On Tuesday (October 15) science students from Turks and Caicos Islands Professional Studies (TCIPS) institute and Maranatha High School were welcomed to the hospital for a short tour of the Medical Device Reprocessing Department.

During the visit they were given the opportunity to see what the department was all about, learned about patient safety, what the equipment was used for and the importance of sterilisation for the hospital and the patient.

Science teacher at TCIPS Kimone Sinclair said that this

was a great opportunity for the students to be exposed to the medical field and decide which career path they wanted to venture off into.

Manager for the Medical Device Reprocessing Department at the hospital, David Banton said that he and his staff chose to come out and put on this exposition to make people more aware of the department, showing and telling them about what this job entails and selling it as a career path for them as well.

He revealed that the reaction from the public was good motivation.

“Everybody has been curious to see what we do and what this department is about and how they can get enrolled,” he said, “because as you can see we have different literature and displays as well just to let people know about this profession.”

Banton added that there is always room for improvement so next year they will try to do things slightly differently.

Throughout the week there were games and prizes for attendees.

October 19 - 25, 2013

Free pet spay and neuter programme DOGS and cats can be spayed and neutered for free next week in a special initiative to promote animal welfare.

TCI’s newly formed Animal Welfare Committee has teamed up with Pets Without Vets, a volunteer-based veterinarian organisation, to conduct the programme in Providenciales.

Sixteen voluntary veterinary medical personnel from the US and Canada will be heading to the island to offer their services.

During the five-day visit by the veterinarians, all animals brought to the clinic will receive a free rabies and fivein-one vaccination in addition to being spayed or neutered.

Anyone can attend the event at Five Cays Community Centre from Monday, October 28, to Friday, November 1 from 8.30am to 5pm.

Pets Without Vets’ mission is to promote the welfare of animals by providing veterinary support, humane education and resource development to international communities in need.

They have already conducted five spay neuter clinics in Grand Bahamas sterilising more than 1,000 animals.

In addition they have consulted and worked with other organisations in American Samoa, Nicaragua and the Cook Islands.

Dr Robin Brennen will be heading the team to take part in the spay and neuter programme on Providenciales.

They will all be buying their own airfare and donating a week of their holidays to help out.

The programme was spearheaded by the newly formed Animal Welfare Committee, which includes representatives from Potcake Place, Zero Tolerance Committee, the Department

of Agriculture, the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board and the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association.

Jane Parker-Rauw, founder of Potcake Place and member of the Animal Welfare Committee, said: “With a successful campaign the TCI can look forward to future visits from this incredible group of volunteers with the ultimate aim of controlling the very serious problem of roaming feral cats and dogs.”

Anyone who wants more information about the event or to make an appointment can email spay@potcakeplace. com, or call or text 245-9500.

Kind-hearted residents have made it their mission to raise $15,000 for equipment and medicine used in the programme.

Dog lover and former Providenciales resident Eliza Kurdziel posted a request for funds on the ‘Potcake Place K-9 Rescue’ Facebook group which boasts more than 4,500 members.

“The event’s main purpose is to spay and neuter as many dogs and cats as possible to help ease the burden that Potcake Place is faced with daily,” she wrote.

“The bill is hefty for an event of this scope and calibre so money is needed urgently!

Any funds left over will go to vetting for pups in care and supplies.”

So far the campaign has raised more than $7,800 and the total continues to rise.

To donate visit www. youcaring.com/pet-expenses/ operation-spay-neuter-lotsapotcakes-/92667.

There are also two bake sales this Saturday (October 19) at Graceway Gourmet car park and Potcake Place in Saltmills.

The events from 8.30am to 12.30pm will raise money to go towards supporting the programme.

Earthquake hits several Caribbean countries AN earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 jolted several Caribbean countries including Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana on Friday night, the Trinidadbased Seismic Unit of the University of the West Indies (UWI) confirmed Saturday.

It said that the quake, which was also felt in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines occurred at 10.10 pm (local time) and was located north of the

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Paria Peninsula in Trinidad.

The Guyana-based Demerara Waves website said that the tremor was felt as far away as Corriverton, Berbice, Linden, Bartica, Mahdia and the North West District.

There were no immediate reports of damage or death caused by the quake which had a depth of 60 kilometers and was located 10.86 degrees North, 62.12 degrees West.

UNICEF to assist with overcrowding in schools THE UNITED Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) will soon be providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Education in the areas of, among several others, overcrowding at local schools and its associated factors.

The areas to be addressed will be broken down into short, medium and long term strategies in order to ensure enhancement and strengthening of output from the sector, Education Minister, Akierra Missick, told the House of Assembly on October 7.

She said: “This includes areas of focus that our national scholarship policy should

now direct its attention to, also dealing with issues of overcrowding and systematic fall out of overcrowding situations.

“Including increased behavioral disruptions throughout our institutions, particularly with a focus on the Clement Howell High School.”

For this year alone, there have been three reported incidences of violence at the CHHS, with many persons, including the school’s principal, Gerald Persaud, pointing to the overcrowding situation at the institution as a major contributing factor.

The latest victim to the

scourge of violence was a 16-year-old male student.

On October 1, the student was rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre nursing stab wounds to his body.

The teen was said to have been engaged in a heated exchange with three other students before the stabbing.

His injuries were later reported as non-life threatening.

In February another 16-year-old student was beaten by four other male students. He was taken to the hospital and treated for a torn kidney and a blood clot in his liver.

In April a third former was attacked by an individual

armed with a cutlass and received minor injuries about the head.

Earlier this year the Minister told the local press that her Ministry is looking into the overcrowding situation and had earmarked a separate location in Providenciales to ease the overflow at the Blue Hills location.

However, a later report from the Minister indicated that budgetary constraints are preventing the move from occurring as soon as parents and other concerned citizens would like.

The move has now been pushed back to sometime later in the current school year. (DI)

22 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 19 - 25, 2013

Snwazna Adams: Ready to represent TCI AS THE big day draws near, Miss Universe TCI Snwazna Adams is fully prepared to represent her country on the international stage in Moscow, Russia on November 9.

Later this month the 5ft 8ins beauty will leave for Russia to compete with some of the most beautiful and intelligent women for the coveted Miss Universe crown.

Adams said: “As strange as it may seem I am neither nervous nor anxious…as time draws closer I might experience feelings of nervousness, anxiousness and even uncertainty… right now I am quit calm, confident and taking it all at stride.”

Presently, the Clement Howell High School teacher takes on extremely hectic days but is coping quite well.

Her days begin with a mini workout routine, followed by work, then gym and coaching sessions, researching various topics, quality time with the man in her life and finally sleep.

Although she said it can get a bit overwhelming, she is a firm believer that hard work pays off.

Since winning the crown in April, the 26-year-old said the ride has been

interesting and exciting, having to balance her job, duties as ambassador of the TCI and her personal life.

“During this journey I have learned so many things about our Islands that I was unaware of.

“This experience gave me the opportunity to enhance my public speaking skills and better acclimate myself in social settings,” she said.

“Every day I am getting closer to my goal of being ready. Having to compete with over 80 ladies from all walks of life, one can never be completely ready.”

“I have volunteered myself to various organisations and causes which has taught me to be a selfless individual by giving up my time for a better cause, as well as allowing me to be more comfortable with handling various personalities and situations.”

She also said that her profession has and still is preparing her for the competition like in cases where students and parents ask so many questions that put her in a position to think and react quickly.

Her favourite thing about being Miss Universe TCI is being a positive role model for the youth to

look up to.

“It keeps me on my toes and grounded!” she said.

The biggest challenge she revealed is having to watch what she eats and in some cases even having to stop eating her favourite local dishes which include buds and rice with baked macaroni and cheese, fried plantain and steam fish, and cracked conch with fries.

Her wardrobe for the pageant consists of vivacious, fashion forward pieces uniquely designed by some local designers including Kazz Forbes of Saint George Fashion House (SGFH) and Kadrica Hamilton.

SGFH designed her official wardrobe which includes garments for the evening gown competition, the official Miss Universe evening gown photo shoot, interview, national costume, arrival look and other outfits for various events.

“Some pieces may be considered as being risky, but what's fashion without a little risk?” smiled Adams.

As she counts down the days before she leaves, Adams is grateful for the support and words of encouragement she receives from

The glamorous 26-year-old hopes to be the first Turks and Caicos islander to win Miss Universe

her fellow Islanders.

She is looking forward putting the Islands further on the international map.

“It is my hope that I can be the

first Turks and Caicos islander to win Miss Universe,” said the excited contestant.

The pageant will be televised on NBC at 9pm on November 9. (KH)

October 19 - 25, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 19 - 25, 2013

October 19 - 25, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

25

26 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 19 - 25, 2013

The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies

! South Base, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. Telephone Number 649 946 2177/649 946 2801. Extension 11901-11905. Fax 649 946 1230 ! The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies, 1316 Customs Complex, Leeward Highway, Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands.

Telephone Numbers: 649 946 4521/4177. Fax Number 649 941 4532

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR DISASTER REDUCTION OCTOBER 13, 2013 From the Desk of Hon. George Lightbourne MINISTRY OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT SERVICES

M

y fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders and Residents alike, the 13th October marks the International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) and we here in the Turks and Caicos Islands join forces in recognizing this day and bringing awareness to this year’s theme, “Living with Disability and Disasters”. According to the United Nations, there are over one billion persons worldwide who live with some form of disability and are vulnerable to disaster. As we focus on this fact, we must examine ourselves and our preparedness and contribution in mitigating the effects of disaster in our communities.

Our fundamental strategy for ensuring that we are prepared for disastrous situations is proposed Draft Comprehensive Disaster Management Bill and Regulations. This Bill is based on the Regional Comprehensive Disaster Management Legislation with support from the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) with the intent to host stakeholder workshops to refine and make the legislation relevant to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Ministry of Government Support Services also understands the importance in being a major player in shifting the mindset of the populace and reframing perspectives of disabilities and disasters. In so doing, we will diligently seek the support, advice and participation from the relevant entities throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands to better understand the needs of this very delicate group. We will actively promote relational awareness campaigns throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands in association with our Department of Disaster and Emergency Management (DDME). Our efforts also endorse a contingency plan in the event of a disaster. This plan will address the required special medical needs of persons with disabilities; procedures for easy access during evacuation; adequate shelters specifically facilitated for persons with disability; and all other necessities to safeguard this special population.

We are also committed to ensuring the development of modern disaster Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) throughout the islands with the relevant communication technologies, coordination, response resources and trained personnel.

In the last budget session, we made the imperative decision to further increase the allocation for disaster preparedness, and as we continue to prioritize funding in subsequent budgets, we are dedicated in our efforts to maintain adequate funding for disaster management. And in this reserve we are committed to the expansion and strengthening of all avenues that involve persons with disabilities.

The Ministry of Government Support Services remains committed to disaster preparedness and we encourage you, the citizens and residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands, to be more proactive in taking part in building more disaster resilient communities, and by extension a nation. And as we endure through the remainder of this hurricane season, we pray that God continues to protect us. I love you, God bless you and God bless the Turks and Caicos Islands.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

T

GRAND TURK, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS,

he Turks and Caicos Islands celebrates the International Day for Disaster Reduction on the 13th October 2013. The United Nations General Assembly started this initiative in 1989 to promote a global culture of disaster reduction, including disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness.

Each year a theme is chosen. The Theme for 2013 is “Living with Disability and Disasters”. It focuses on people with disabilities and encourages governments and citizens to consider the needs of the disabled when designing and building resilient communities and nations.

I am extremely pleased to honour persons with disabilities on this special day. They are vital members of our society and they are considered part of our vulnerable population, therefore it is our civic responsibility to protect their welfare particularly during times of disaster.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services through its National Health Emergency Management Unit and other relevant departments under the Ministry work in close collaboration with Social Development, the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) and other partners in the public and private sectors to raise awareness about the importance of disaster risk reduction and encourage people and communities to take measures to reduce their risk for disasters. We also work collectively to ensure plans are in place to provide for the safety of vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities.

The focus this year on ‘Living with Disability and Disasters’ gives us an opportunity to re-examine our plans, protocols, policies and systems that are already in place with a view to upgrading them, to ensure that persons with disabilities continue to be a priority.

Disaster preparedness for the disabled is everybody’s business.

Within the Ministry of Health and Human Services, our activities include but are not limited to the following: • The compilation of a listing of vulnerable persons in each community throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, needing additional support during disasters. This is done in collaboration with Social Development.

• Organization of transportation and appropriate shelter coverage for persons with disabilities requiring evacuation in the event of a disaster.

• Provision of Public Health Education Awareness programmes to sensitize, educate and advise the public including Persons with Disabilities • Stock piling of medications and medical supplies to cater to the needs of persons with disabilities.

• Provision of Primary Health Care Services including home care and visitation for the disabled elderly. During these visits, assessments are done and deficiencies are reported to the relevant persons/ agencies and appropriate referrals are made.

• A Special Needs Committee, an advocacy group for persons with disabilities, plans various activities to create a greater consciousness of the needs of persons with Special Needs.

• The operation of two Wellness Centres and a Special Needs Unit to meet the needs of some of the persons with disabilities. One Centre is on South Caicos and the other is in Grand Turk. These centres make provision for disaster reduction, disaster mitigation, preparedness and response.

In going forward, my Ministry is committed to ongoing evaluation and updating of existing plans and protocols to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with the assistance they need and do not have to endure undue stress during times of disasters. We value all our citizens equally.

October 19 - 25, 2013

wishes

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS Send your special occasion to: Weekly News, Cheshire House, Leeward Highway, PO Box 52, Providenciales or email to tcweeklynews@gmail.com. Free of Charge! Please limit your messages to 150 words.

Happy birthday birthday Happy to Ethan Ethan aka aka the the to Muffin Man!" Man!" Muffin

Here's wishing our son Ethan Edward Gangasingh a happy first birthday. A year ago you came into our lives and changed it forever. We love you very much and look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with you.

From your Mom & Dad and the entire family.

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October 19 - 25, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

World News

30 million currently living in slavery -India most guilty A NEW report claiming to be the most comprehensive look at global slavery says 30 million people are living as slaves around the world.

The Global Slavery Index, published by the Australia-based Walk Free Foundation, lists India as the country with by far the most slaves, with an estimated nearly 14 million, followed by China (2.9 million) and Pakistan (2.1 million).

The top 10 countries on its list of shame accounted for more than three quarters of the 29.8 million people living in slavery, with Nigeria, Ethiopia, Russia, Thailand, Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar and Bangladesh completing the list.

In terms of countries with the highest of proportion of slaves, Mauritania in West Africa topped the table, with about 4% of its 3.4 million people enslaved, followed

by Haiti, Pakistan, India and Nepal.

The index, whose authors claim it contains the most authoritative data on slavery conditions worldwide, is the product of Australian mining magnate and philanthropist Andrew Forrest’s commitment to stamp out global slavery.

Forrest, ranked by Forbes as Australia’s fifth richest man, with an estimated net worth of $5.7 billion, adopted the cause after his daughter volunteered in an orphanage in Nepal in 2008, coming into contact with child sex trafficking victims. Forrest is a signatory to the Giving Pledge started by billionaire investor Warren Buffett, whose members commit to donating at least half their wealth to philanthropic causes.

The index, which draws on 10 years of research into slavery conditions around the world and was produced by a team of 4 authors

The cross-party deal to return workers to work came hours before the US government risked running out of money to pay its bills.

Moyna sits outside her home in the town of Kalora, Bangladesh. As a 14-year-old, she found herself working in an Indian brothel after being tricked into believing she had taken a job in a steel factory.

supported by 22 other experts and advisers, is the inaugural edition of what will be an annual report into slavery. It ranks 162 countries according to the number of people living in slavery, the risk of enslavement and the robustness of government responses to the problem.

Walk Free policy and research manager Gina Dafalia told CNN the report was intended to shine a spotlight on the issue, and quantify the extent of the problem in different countries before programs were put in place to tackle the problem. So far, she said, Walk Free had pledged a total of $100 million to stamp out the practice.

“When we started working in this area we realized that we didn’t have a good understanding of what exactly the situation of slavery is in the world,” she said. “We needed that information before we started doing any interventions.”

The index gives a higher estimate of the global number of slaves than other reports -- a report by the International Labor Organization last year pegged the number at 20.9

million.

Dafalia said this was a result of the Global Slavery Index using a broader definition of slavery, which included human trafficking, forced labor, as well as practices such as forced marriage, debt bondage and the exploitation of children.

“Our definition of modern slavery includes, for example, forced and servile marriage, a concept not included in the ILO estimate, given the focus on ‘forced labor,’” she said.

The explicit definition used in the report was “the possession and control of a person in such a way as to significantly deprive that person of his or her individual liberty, with the intent of exploiting that person through their use, management, profit, transfer or disposal. Usually this exercise will be achieved through means such as violence or threats of violence, deception and/or coercion.”

Asked why 30 million continued to live in conditions of slavery in 2013, Dafalia said the reasons varied from country to country, but one constant was that it remained a “hidden problem.”

US government employees head back to work HUNDREDS of thousands of US government employees are heading back to work after President Barack Obama signed a law ending a 16-day government shutdown and extending the US debt limit.

The cross-party deal came hours before the US government risked running out of money to pay its bills.

China welcomed the deal, and the head of the International Monetary Fund called it “important and necessary”.

It followed 16 days of partial government shutdown.

The shutdown began when Congress failed to agree on a budget by 1 October.

Congress voted through the deal less than a day before a deadline to raise the $16.7tn (£10.5tn) debt limit.

The measure approved in Washington funds the government to 15 January, and extends the Treasury’s borrowing authority until 7 February.

The deal, however, offers only a temporary solution and does not resolve the budgetary issues that fiercely divide Republicans and Democrats. Instead, it establishes a cross-party committee of legislators tasked with crafting a long-term budget deal over the coming months.

A faction of Republicans in the

R.A. SHAW DESIGNS LTD.

ENVIRONMENTAL/ URBAN DESIGNER REQUIRED With education and experience in the design and construction of minor urban developments including site planning, residential subdivision layouts, golf course design, and similar leisure amenities must have training in horticulture and land surveying Successful candidate will be proficient in: • AutoCAD • Timberline Estimating Software • Primavera Scheduling Software • Total Station Surveying • Trimble’s Terremodel Software Salary commensurate with experience interested individuals can contact: 941-4394 ext 102

9266

hardline Tea Party movement had pushed for the confrontation as a way to gut Mr Obama’s healthcare reform.

However, Mr Obama and the Democrats refused to negotiate, and the law commonly known as Obamacare has escaped relatively unscathed.

Politicians, bankers and economists had warned of global economic calamity unless an agreement to raise the US government’s borrowing limit was reached.

But IMF head Christine Lagarde’s positive response to the news was tempered by a call for further action.

“It will be essential to reduce uncertainty surrounding the conduct of fiscal policy by raising the debt limit in a more durable manner,” she said in a statement.

Economists have estimated the shutdown cost the US economy billions of dollars.

The shutdown affected Americans and visitors to the US in countless ways: most national parks were closed, medical research ground to a halt, and ordinary paperwork went unfinished, delaying visa applications, business permits and safety inspections.

WALKIN FUEL LTD. Is looking for a

Projetech Construction Management & Services Ltd., wishes to recruit a

Domestic Worker Candidate must be willing to work weekends, holidays and long hours.

Salary $6/hr. Duties will include cleaning/office maintenance.

Contact Steve at 941-3508 or Email- info@projetech.tc

9279

labourer To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

Contact: 941-8898

9291

October 19 - 25, 2013

World News

29

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Prince Charles warns of risk to future pensions

In a message recorded for NAPF, the Prince of Wales said portfolios must be “resilient in the long term” to avoid a “miserable future”.

THE Prince of Wales has told the pensions industry to use a longer-term investing approach or risk a “miserable future” for the next generation.

He warned a National Association of Pension Funds’ (NAPF) conference that the current focus on short term investing was “unfit for purpose”.

Prince Charles said the pensions industry was vital for the economy “now and in the future”.

The NAPF said it was

“pleased” he was “shining a light on these issues.”

NAPF chief executive Joanne Segars said sustainability and environmental issues were important to long-term pension fund investors, and were the basis for providing good pensions for people in future.

Prince Charles said investors had a “duty” to manage risks from rising populations, climate change and “unprecedented levels”

NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands:

1. Parcel 20314/97 South Caicos,

this property comprises of a detached single storey residential home with two bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining areas. There have been a number of upgrades on this property such as wall finishings & moldings, windows, along with internal upgrades.

Registered Proprietor: Shantell Lehumean Harris

2. Parcel 60501/94 Blue Hills and Stamers Run, Providenciales,

this property comprises of a detached single storey residential home consisting of two full bathrooms, three bedrooms, two living rooms and two kitchens, with the addition of an apartment with one bedroom, one kitchen and a living room.

There is also a separate detached timber framed efficiency building and a storage building.

Registered Proprietor: Carlton Ludwig Gardiner

3. Parcel 10204/164 North Creek, North West Suburbs, Grand Turk,

property comprises of a two storey unfinished duplex dwelling consisting of four bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Registered Proprietor: Devon Rigby

4. Parcel 10409/198 East Suburbs, Grand Turk,

this property comprises of a residential lot supporting a two storey building. There are three one-bedroom units on the lower level with open kitchen/living/dining area and a bathroom. The upper level supports a three bedroom main unit with kitchen, living room, dining room, two bathrooms, powder room and storage with balcony and lower level terrace.

Registered Proprietor: Nate Elvin Lightbourne The auction will be held at the offices of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 10 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 25th day of October 2013 A reserve price will be fixed on all parcels. A deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids.

Terms and Conditions of Sale by Auction are available by request from Scotiabank Collections Department (649) 339-7100.

of financial indebtedness, he said.

He added: “I can only urge you to deploy your considerable human ingenuity to make that innovative and imaginative leap that the world so badly

needs.”

“Otherwise your grandchildren and mine, for that matter will be consigned to an exceptionally miserable future.”

Former pensions adviser to the government Ros Altmann

agreed with the prince’s comments.

She said: “Pensions are meant to deliver long-term value. What we don’t want is to get hijacked by the shortterm and sell our children’s future away.”

Turks and Caicos Islands Misick & Stanbrook is a leading and the largest law firm in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We service the legal and corporate requirements of a worldwide client base and have an international reputation for the high quality of our attorneys' work.

We are presently looking to fill the following position:

Civil Litigation, Criminal Litigation and Dispute Resolution We require an experienced Paralegal/Legal Executive with general civil litigation experience, who has prior experience working as part of a litigation team. We would require a law degree or a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) as well as passing the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Vocational Course (BVC). Experience of at least one year in litigation is essential, you will be expected to be able to carry out legal research, carry out disclosure and scheduling exercises, and assist in drafting both pleadings and witness statements. Experience in serious fraud is also required. The primary area of work would be commercial litigation, but would include general civil and employment law litigation. The position would be a one year appointment.

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience.

Apply with full Resume/CV please to recruitment@misickstanbrook.tc .

Queen Angel Condominimus & Resort Turtle Cove, Providenciales

GARDENER & MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN DUTIES: Tropical garden maintenance Sprinkler system maintenance Pool/ hot tub maintenance Pump station maintenance Waster water system Maintenance

EXPERIENCE/ EDUCATION: Diploma in landscaping Gardening three years experience In similar environment/ resort WAGES: $6-$8 per hour depending upon experience

CONTACT PERSON: Janusz Bukala Queen Angel Resort, to make an appointment email: bukalajanus@yahoo.ca phone: 242-4479 position is open until October 18th,2013

9262

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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

October 19 - 25, 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

October 19 - 25, 2013

J & W Construction

S. WALKIN & SON

Providenciales Telephone: 231-4519

is looking for a

Gardener To work 6 days per week salary. $5.50 per hour.

Contact: 946-4411

MUSEUM GIFT SHOP ATTENDANT – GRAND TURK

LABOURER Salary starts at $5.00 per hour

9290

SPOTLESS CLEANING SERVICE Seeks a

PASSION BEAUTY SALON & SUPPLIES Is looking for a

domestic worker cleaner salary $5.00 per hour per hour 5 days per week willing to work weekends and holidays.

Contact: 244-2709

9306

31

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 333-1235

Requirements: • Strong communication and interpersonal skills • Fluency and literacy in English • High School Diploma and some college preferred.

• Prior retail sales experience and/or customer service skills would be an asset • Willing to work on flexible work schedule including weekends and holidays • Must have a clean police record Position is strictly part-time (25 hours). Starting hourly wage is $8.00 per hour.

This is a great opportunity for mature and retired persons.

Curriculum vitae or resume and letter of introduction should be emailed to: info@ tcmuseum.org or dropped off at the Museum, Front Street, Grand Turk; Monday to Wednesday 9 a.m. 1 p.m. or Thursday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

9250

9275

NEW ERA PETROLEUM/ EXECUTIVE TOURS Providenciales

LABOURER Salary starts at $5.00 per hour.

9285

Telephone: 941-5391

9294

SPA TROPIQUE

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.

PART-TIME RECEPTIONIST

Call 231-3788

PRICE SLASHED

Is needed for the upcoming season. The right person will have a very positive, upbeat attitude and a wonderful phone manner with exceptional customer service skills.

$175,000

You need to be available weekends, nights and holidays. And have your own vehicle with a clean driver’s license.

In addition, you must be able to speak and write English fluently and correctly.

We are only looking for someone who is not afraid of hard work, has the ability to multi-task and aspires to be the best at what they do. Turks Islanders or PRC holders need only apply

Pay is based on experience please send resume to: relax@spatropique.com 9255

TABITHA’S MAGIC MIRROR Is seeking a

cosmetologist To work 6 days per week. Salary $6.00 per hour.

Contact: 343-9904 located at #19 Airport Road 9321

October 19 - 25, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS FR Construction

THE TUSCANY RESORT

is seeking:

FRANCES MCKENZIE Is looking for a

IS LOOKING FOR AN

Is looking for a

ELECTRICIAN TO WORK 5 DAYS PER SALARY $7.00 PER HOUR.

CONTACT: 941-4667 9331

2 Finish Carpenters 2 Finish Masons

Labourer

Contact: Frank Rodriguez on 242 2548 9317

Contact: 246-6144

Salary $8 per hour 6 days per week. 10 years experience necessary.

to work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

9319

GLEN PENN

MECHANICAL ENGINEER

• JOB DESCRIPTION: Responsible for establishing complete maintenance program for all Commercial Laundry & Dry Cleaning equipment.

• Minimum 15 years experience in Dry Cleaning & Commercial Linen Laundry industry.

• 10 years Supervisory/ Management experience.

• Engineering degree/certificate required.

• Minimum 10 years experience & knowledge required for installation & maintenance of specific equipment; Jensen, Chicago, Ipso, Unimac, Aerotech & Lavatech.

• Must be fluent in English, Spanish & French.

• Must have exceptional computer skills.

• Must be self motivated and reliable.

• Please provide proof of experience & education.

Email resume to info@pioneertci.com or call 432.1797 Please fax copy to TCI Labour Office: 649-946-4164

Is looking for a

Drywall Worker To work 5 days per week salary $9.00 per hour.

9320

Acting on behalf of our clients:

MEP SOLUTION

Manager

$6.00 per hour Nail Technician $6.00 per hour Barber $6.00 per hour

LA FAMILIA DISCOTEC

• Must have International Business and products knowledge • Candidate must have at least 10 + years experience in the field or in a related area • Must have Master’s Degree from a reputed university preferable in the area of business/science • Advanced knowledge and skills in compute systems, most specifically QuickBooks Pro 2007, Microsoft Excel, Inventory Control Management • Extensive knowledge of SMS Front and Back office POS System • Extensive knowledge of NCR 7456 POS • Plans and directs the day-to-day operations of a grocery store • Develops strategies to improve customer service, drive store sales and increase profitability • Ensures customer needs are met, complaints are resolved and service is quick and efficient • Must possess a strong IT &HR background • Forecasts staffing needs and develops a recruiting strategy to provide optimal staffing in all areas • Familiar with a variety of fields concepts, practices and procedures relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals • Candidate must be multilingual • Work schedule will include weekends, holidays as required to meet the demands of the position • Salary will be based on the qualifications and experience

Bartender $6.00 per hour

NESSY RESTAURANT

BEAUTY PALACE

Sales Person $6.00 per hour

Y & R CONSTRUCTION

Mechanic $7.00 per hour

MANGROS BAR & RESTAURANT Is looking for a

Bar Maid Contact: 346-0193

9328

COSMETOLOGIST

$6.00 per hour

To manage entire business activities of Quality Supermarket Ltd. Suitable qualified Belongers who possess the requirements listed are encouraged.

contact: 2451239 or 243-6883 9327

Is looking for a

B’S BEAUTY BOX

Labourer

Is recruiting an experienced

To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.

MERCEDES BEAUTY SALON

Y.A.3.B. CONSULTANCY

SUPERMARKET

Salon helper

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

contact: 342-9831

QUALITY

HAIR IMPRESSIONS NORTH CAICOS

Waitress $6.00 per hour

DENISE SMITH

Domestic worker $5.50 per hour

Must be willing to work 6 days per week

Contact: 344-4540

9316

salon helper To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour. contact: 346-9908

9326

A local law firm requires the services of a

who has been called to the Bar of England and Wales and who has also been called to two or more Bars in the Caribbean including the Turks and Caicos Bar.

Only Belongers need apply

The successful candidate must possess over 30 years experience in legal practice and be an appointed Queen's Council with experience as a Judge and an Arbitrator. Duties include providing legal council and assisting with the operations and proceedings of various types of Litigation matters. We welcome applications from any Belonger who may have the foregoing qualifications and experience.

Interested persons should send resume to Quality Supermarket, Leeward Highway, Providenciales or email: quality@alliedcaribbean.com

All applications must be submitted with copies of degrees and certificates on or before October 31st, 2013 to info@ karammissick.com. Please DO NOT call and no unscheduled visits.

9324

9330

32 CLASSIFIEDS

October 19 - 25, 2013 DAVID PEASE JR. Is looking for a

DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

DOMINIQUE BEAUTY SALON & BOUTIQUE is looking to fill the following positions:

Therapist To work 6 days per week must have at least 5 years experience salary $7.00 per hour.

Contact: 245-8191

9329

CLASSIFIEDS 33

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Hairdresser Cosmetologist Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.

Contact: 351-5522

9296

WANTED BOAT CAPTAIN with scuba experience for sailing operation

Must be: • RYA and MCA accredited • Hold a MCA Yacht master (sail) Certificate • MCA, AEC certification desirable • Willing to work holidays and weekends, spend long hour on the water and work on the high seas in bad weather conditions • 10 years of experience in high sea yachting • Remuneration: Commission based For details contact and send cover letter and CV to P.O. Box 385

STONE FABRICATOR • The successful applicant must have five years experience • Must be able to fabricate marble and granite slab products according to specification and schedule • Must be able to assist the foreman in charge at warehouse and on job site • Must be able to read blueprints, layout jobs from blueprints, operate water cooled tools, match colors of materials, glue materials, fill holes in materials, operate grinders, stone router and clean up after daily shifts, perform duties and direction from supervisor • Good knowledge of the English language an asset Salary commensurate with qualifications Please email resumes to: info@stonesource.tc or P.O. Box 952, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Deadline for applications is October 30th, 2013 9323

NEEDED FOR DIVE OPERATION Experienced PADI Dive Master & Instructor ;;Must have valid insurance & certification ;;Must have a good personality to work around people ;;Must have retail sales & maintenance experience ;;Flexible hours a must- Holidays & Sundays Required Please contact Donna at Caicos Adventures: 941-3346 for interview All applications must be submitted by October 25th, 2013 Salary starts at $350.00 per week

Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of Director, Information Technology, FortisTCI, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Description

This individual is responsible for directing all aspects of the organization’s information technology and systems, under the direction of the Vice President of Business Systems and CIO. The Information Technology (IT) Director will provide leadership in the development and implementation of information technology initiatives and direct the planning and implementation of systems in support of business operations in order to improve cost effectiveness, service quality, and business development.

Main Duties

• Participate in strategic and operational governance processes of the organization as a member of the senior management team.

• Lead IT strategic and operational planning to achieve business goals by fostering innovation, prioritizing IT initiatives, and coordinating the evaluation, deployment, and management of current and future IT systems across the organization.

• Develop and maintain an appropriate IT organizational structure that supports the needs of the business.

• Establish IT departmental goals, objectives, and operating procedures aligned with the organizational strategic goals.

• Act as an advocate for the organization’s IT vision via regular written and in-person communications with the executives, department heads, and end users.

• Identify opportunities for the appropriate and costeffective investment of financial resources in IT systems and resources, including staffing, sourcing, purchasing, and in-house development.

• Develop, track, and control the information technology annual operating and capital budgets.

• Develop business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for IT spending and initiatives.

• Coordinate and facilitate consultation with management and staff to define business and systems requirements for new technology implementations.

• Ensure continuous delivery of IT services through oversight of staff usage and monitoring of IT systems performance.

• Define and communicate company’s plans, policies, and standards for the organization for acquiring, implementing, and operating IT systems.

• Direct development and execution of a company-wide disaster recovery and business continuity plan.

• Prioritize, and control projects and the project portfolio as they relate to the selection, acquisition, development, and installation of major information systems.

• Review hardware and software acquisition and maintenance contracts.

• Assess and make recommendations on the improvement or re-engineering of the IT program.

• Keep current with trends and issues in the IT industry, including current technologies and prices. Advise, counsel, and educate management on their competitive or financial impact.

• Promote and oversee strategic relationships between internal IT resources and external entities, including government, vendors, and partner organizations.

• Supervise recruitment, development, retention, and organization of all IT staff in accordance with corporate budgetary objectives and personnel policies.

• Be available for local and out of the area travel as required for job related training. Shall attend all required meetings

and functions as requested.

• Ensure IT system operation adheres to applicable laws and regulations.

• Other job related duties as assigned.

Academic/Technical/Management: Experience and Qualifications: • A degree in Computer Science or in related engineering or technical field. An MBA or Master’s degree in one of these fields is a desired plus.

• Seven (7) to ten (10) years’ experience managing and/or directing an IT operation.

• Seven (7) to ten (10) working in the information technology industry.

• Considerable knowledge of business theory, business processes, management, budgeting, project management, strategic planning and business office operations.

• Substantial exposure to data processing, hardware platforms, enterprise software applications, and outsourced systems.

• Good understanding of computer systems characteristics, features, and integration capabilities.

• Experience with systems design and development from business requirements analysis through to day-to-day management.

• Proven experience in IT planning, organization, and development.

• Excellent understanding of project management principles.

• Demonstrated ability to apply IT in solving business problems.

• In-depth knowledge of applicable laws and regulations as they relate to IT. • Experience in strategic planning and execution.

Core Competency Skills: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Excellent interpersonal skills.

Strong negotiating skills.

Ability to present ideas in business-friendly and userfriendly language.

Exceptionally self-motivated and directed with a keen attention to detail.

Superior analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving abilities.

Exceptional service orientation.

Ability to motivate in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.

Ability to work effectively in culturally diverse environments.

Ability to manage time well and work under stressful conditions with an even temperament.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with other employees and the public.

Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure Self-motivated

Compensation

Based on qualifications and ability

Deadline for submission of applications is November 1st, 2013.

Kindly submit applications stating qualifications and work experience to: Kellie-Ann Evans Hall, Manager of Human Resources FortisTCI Limited, P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@ppcltd.tc OR khall@fortistci.com OR by fax: 649-946-4532 9315

9313

34 CLASSIFIEDS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 19 - 25, 2013

How Would You Like To Be A Spa Tropique Girl?

Spa Tropique is on the hunt to find the best massage therapists, estheticians and nail Technicians on island!

Wouldn’t you like to work for the best spa company on island? If you have at least three years experience with a four star spa and have an upbeat and positive personality, we hope you will come and meet with us! Applicants must be able to speak and write English fluently, have a clean driver’s license and their own vehicle.

Please email your resume to: relax@spatropique.com

We look forward to meeting you!

9254

October 19 - 25, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 35

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE, CAP 9.05

Olympic Construction Ltd. is seeking applications for:

1 HVAC TECHNICIAN NOTICE LOST LAND CERTIFICATE

The successful applicant will provide: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning services with specific responsibility for identifying repair and/or replacement needs; installing, repairing, maintaining and upgrading HVAC systems and equipment; assisting other skilled trades; and ensuring that tools and materials are available at job sites.

Interested persons may submit their resumes online to: info@olympic.tc or by fax (649) 946-1101 on or before October 31, 2013.

Deliver applications to: Olympic Construction Ltd., Waterloo Plaza, Grand Turk, TCI Belongers need only apply!

TITLE NUMBER SECTION ISLAND 50402/26 KEW TOWNSHIP NORTH CAICOS

Whereas, ALVERIA BEATRICE DUNCOMBE as personal representative of STANLEY EURAL DUNCOMBE deceased, of Kew Township, North Caicos has declared that the Land Certificate for the above mentioned title number(s) registered in his/her/their name was inadvertently mislaid and cannot be found.

Take notice that I, Paul Madgwick, Registrar of Lands, shall issue a new land certificate for the said title six weeks of the date of the first publication of this Notice in a local newspaper and the Gazette.

Dated this 3rd day of October 2013 9281

Signed .................................................................................................

Witnessed ...........................................................................................

Weekly News the national newspaper of the turks and caicos islands

ON THE WEB tcweeklynews.com

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

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

PHOTO JOURNALISTS

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

REPORTER TRAINEE Preferably a High School graduate or someone with an extremely good command of the English language for court and community reporting.

Ability to drive and use a camera a desirable asset.

Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

Position available March 1, 2010

Forward applications to: The Publisher Duncanson Publications Ltd. P.O. Box 52, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Email: tcnews@tciway.tc NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE Preference will be given to Belongers and Legal Residents Closing date for applications is November 31, 2013

9333

PRICE SLASHED FOR QUICK SALE

$180,000 CASH! House and ½ Acre land Richmond Hill 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Fully furnished

Call: 231-3788

SALE!!!

FLOWER GIRL TEDDYS, ROSES, BASKETS

BETTY’S UNISEX SALON Is looking for a

REQUIRED FOR RESORT PROPERTY

hair stylist To work 6 days

Sale on wedding favors, nick naks, pillows, knives etc.

25%–35% OFF

per week salary $6.00 per hour.

CONTACT: 649-946-4894

REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE, CAP 9.05

contact: 346-0230

• Must have certificate/ diploma in Massage Therapy • Must be willing to work evenings and weekends • Must be honest, hardworking and reliable • Ability to read, write and communicate in English • Salary $7.00 per hour

Email to: alliedmanagement@ usa.net or 946-5866

9287

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

NOTICE LOST LAND CERTIFICATE

October 19 - 25, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

9334

36 CLASSIFIEDS

TITLE NUMBER SECTION ISLAND 61106/13 LONG BAY HILLS PROVIDENCIALES Whereas, GERAD OWEN GARDINER as Executor of the estate of LEONARD ARCHIBALD GARDINER deceased, of Canada has declared that the Land Certificate for the above mentioned title number(s) registered in his/her/their name was inadvertently mislaid and cannot be found.

GOVERNMENT VACANCY CLERICAL OFFICERS

Take notice that I, Paul Madgwick, Registrar of Lands, shall issue a new land certificate for the said title six weeks of the date of the first publication of this Notice in a local newspaper and the Gazette.

Environmental Health Judiciary – Supreme Court Environmental Health – North Caicos Supreme Court – Grand Turk

Date this 4th day of October 2013 Signed .................................................................................................

JOB SUMMARY:

The incumbent in this position will be undertake clerical and administrative tasks to support the day-to-day running of the Office.

Witnessed ...........................................................................................

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • • • • • • • • • • •

Seafood processing plant located in South Caicos is seeking a

Manufacturing /Cost Accountant

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• 3 or more GCE or CXC passing including English and Mathematics or equivalent experience

POSITION SUMMARY:

SALARY: $15,720 per annum

Functions as a business support person to the Fishery Management Team through reporting of accurate and relevant information and the development of tools and measures useful in analyzing plant performance.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by a Cover Letter and two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer) as well as copies of educational certificates and a copy of the Passport photo page. Shortlisted candidates must submit a Police Certificate.

Applications should be addressed to the Office of the Human Resource Management Directorate, Church Folly, Grand Turk. Facsimile: 946-1582 or sent by email to: recruitment@gov.tc with the subject line being: Clerical Officer. Envelopes should have the subject: Clerical officer clearly marked on the front. Successful applicants will work in accordance with the Public Service Ordinance.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:

• 7 years in a cost accounting position with at least 3 years in a manufacturing environment.

• BSc. in Accounting or equivalent.

SALARY:

Range $30,000.00 to $36,000.00 per annum and is commensurate with qualifications and experience. BELONGERS NEED ONLY APPLY.

Current serving officers must apply through their Head of Department.

An Assessment test will be conducted

Submit Resumes to: Caicos Pride Products Ltd. Fax number: (649) 945-3571 or email: islandcrops@tciway.tc DEADLINE: October 31, 2013.

Deals with incoming phone calls.

Attends to internal and external customers to the Office.

Opens, sorts and distributes mail Types basic correspondence and other documents Prints, copies, scans, fax and disseminates documents Assists in meeting arrangements Enters basic data into databases and other computer systems Maintains records and registers.

Assists other officers in the office with basic administrative tasks Adheres to all Public Service rules and regulations Performs other related tasks as assigned.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 9th October 2013 9280

9268

October 19 - 25, 2013

CAICOS LIVEABOARD DIVING LTD.

CAICOS LIVEABOARD DIVING LTD.

CAPTAIN/ OPEN WATER SCUBA DIVING INSTRUCTOR • Must hold a 200 tonne MCA Captains license • Must have 4 years experience eon a liveaboard diving vessel • Open water scuba diving instructor valid PADI/SSI/ TDI membership and liability insurance • Minimum of 5 specialty ratings • Working knowledge of underwater

CLASSIFIEDS 37

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

cameras/ videos with editing skills • Computer literate • STCW95 compliant • Be prepared to work long hours including weekends and holidays and to live onboard the boat • Experienced in hospitality industry • Starting salary $400.00 BELONGERS ONLY NEED APPLY

Please email resumes to: tcaggressor@express.tc or telephone: 649-342-3052 9296

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

DIVEMASTER

• Must be a valid PADI divemaster • Must have working knowledge and experience in boat engineering • Must hold a B1B2 visa for the USA • Must be fluent in English, Spanish and German • Minimum of 3 years working on boats • Experience in the Hospitality Industry • Be prepared to work long hours including weekends and holidays and to live onboard the boat • Starting salary $400.00 BELONGER ONLY NEED APPLY

Please email resumes to: tcaggressor@express.tc 9296

FLOWER GIRL

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

CARIBBEAN CRUSIN LTD. is looking for a

Is looking for a Part-time

GOVERNMENT VACANCY Personal Secretary

delivery driver With own transportation who is interested in making extra cash.

Contact: 231-3788

boat captain To work 6 days per week salary $650.00 per week.

Contact: 347-7129

Department of Public Prosecutions Judiciary – Supreme Court , Providenciales JOB SUMMARY:

The incumbent in this position will be responsible for providing support to Senior Executives with coordinating the diaries, preparing and distributing documentations and managing a general filing system.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Receives records and distributes incoming calls and messages.

Attends meetings and takes minutes Photocopy, prints scans and fax documents Keeps records for business undertaken in the Office.

Receives, stamps and sorts mail and documents.

Verifies bills, purchase orders and vouchers for approval.

Monitors and controls the flow of visitors.

Types letters, memorandums and other documents Schedules meetings and arrange meeting rooms on request Makes and confirms appointments Organizes travelling itineraries and accommodations Assists in performing general secretarial duties in the Office.

Adheres to all Public Service codes, rules and regulations Performs other related tasks as assigned.

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:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• An Associate Degree in Business/Secretarial Studies or any related field • A minimum of four (4) years on the job experience SALARY: T16 $23,400 per annum

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by a Cover Letter and two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer) as well as copies of educational certificates and a copy of the Passport photo page. Shortlisted candidates must submit a Police Certificate.

Applications should be addressed to the Office of the Human Resource Management Directorate, Church Folly, Grand Turk. Facsimile: 946-1582 or sent by email to: recruitment@ gov.tc with the subject line being: Personal Secretary Envelopes should have the subject: Personal Secretary clearly marked on the front. Successful applicants will work in accordance with the Public Service Ordinance.

• 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 Dispute Telephone: (649) 941-4444 Telefax: (649) 941-4235 Cellphone: (649) 245-1314 email: berynd@yahoo.com DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys

Current serving officers must apply through their Head of Department.

An Assessment test will be conducted

PO Box 52, Cheshire House East 1315A Leeward Highway, Providenciales

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 9th October 2013 9269

9283

38 CLASSIFIEDS

October 19 - 25, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Is looking for a

launderer To work 6 days Contact: 231-6412

is looking for a

Waitress

9239

per week salary $5.00 per hour.

19 HOURS RESTAURANT & CAFÉ

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

contact: 331-0792

9264

CAICOS COIN LAUNDRY

THE WINE CELLAR is seeking to hire a

labourer To work 5 ½ days per week salary $6.00 per hour. Hours: 8:30am6:30pm some extra hours maybe required.

For residential home

Send resume to: discount@tciway.tc

Call 244-9612

9293

Gardner Needed

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

Career Opportunities Grace Bay Club is looking for candidates that have the requirements listed along with an outgoing professional manner. They love to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization.

Their management style is one that balances a commitment to people and their development with business/financial accountability and delivers an exceptional guest experience

Requirements: • • • • • • • • • • •

Ensure the cleanliness of all hotel areas.

Assist with bellman duties Maintain household cleaning supplies Assist in all Housekeeping responsibilities, transporting linen, assist in cleaning of all guests’ room, stocking amenities and linens Perform any other tasks or projects as directed by Housekeeping Management to continue high levels of guest care.

Ensure inventory is used properly and in supply at all times.

Ensure houseman room is kept clean, tidy and organized at all times Assist housekeeping staff with laundry removal and unit cleaning Clean and maintain lobby, entrance doors and bell trolleys Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Job Requirements: • • • • • • • • • •

Houseman

Cook

Middle level culinary skills Dependable, proactive, organized, team player Education from a formal culinary program At least two to three years cooking experience; preparing international breakfast, lunch and dinner in regional cooking environment Sanitation certificate Ability to plan, organize and execute meal plans Must speak and read English fluently Additional languages an asset Qualified Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Kitchen Steward Job Requirements: • • • • • • •

Washes dishes, utensils and cookware following established procedures Place clean dishes, utensils, and cooking equipment in storage areas.

Maintain kitchen work areas, equipment, and utensils in clean and orderly condition.

Assists in performing cleaning tasks as needed in the kitchen Assists the cook(s) with food preparation as requested Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than October 18, 2013 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1050 Email: veronica.clare@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

GOVERNMENT VACANCY

SECRETARY/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT DEPARTMENT: Judiciary – Supreme Court MINISTRY: Judiciary – Supreme Court LOCATION: Providenciales JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent in this position will be responsible for secretarial and administrative support functions in the office.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Schedules appointments/arrange meetings • Verifies and submits purchase orders, vouchers and invoices for approval • Answers and directs telephone calls/enquires to the appropriate personnel • Meets and greets internal and external customers • Maintains a comprehensive filing system • Maintains registers and record systems • Prepares and types confidential correspondence • Makes flights, hotels and rental bookings for personnel as required • Records, stamps and seals official documents • Compares data entered with source documents and verify accuracy of data to be entered.

• Generates reports from data as requested.

• Adheres to all Public Service codes, rules and regulations • Performs other related tasks as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: • 3 or more GCE or CXC passing including English and Mathematics or equivalent • One (1) year experience in the administrative field SALARY: T13 $22,080 per annum APPLICATION PROCEDURE Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by a Cover Letter and two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer) as well as copies of educational certificates and a copy of the Passport photo page. Shortlisted candidates must submit a Police Certificate.

Applications should be addressed to the Office of the Human Resource Management Directorate, Church Folly, GrandTurk. Facsimile: 946-1582 or sent by email to: recruitment@gov.tc with the subject line being: Secretary/Administrative Assistant.

Envelopes should have the subject: Secretary/Administrative Assistant clearly marked on the front. Successful applicants will work in accordance with the Public Service Ordinance.

Current serving officers must apply through their Head of Department.

An Assessment test will be conducted.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 8th October 2013 9270

October 19 - 25, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS 39

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CH Ltd DBA Garam Masala & Chopsticks

CERAMEX

CHAMPIONS FOR CHRIST

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Is seeking candidates to fill the following hospitably/restaurant positions in Providenciales:

Food & Beverage Manager/General Manager (1 Position Available)

• • • •

Responsibilities:

• General Day to Day operations of company business (2 # Separate Restaurants in the Grace Bay Area) • Organize, direct and evaluate food and beverage service • Recruitment and training of staff • Shift scheduling • Performance management; monitor staff performance and provide feedback • Purchase and control of inventory • Monitor revenues and expenses • Ensure practice of health and safety regulations • Negotiate supplier arrangements for food and beverage products • Negotiate with clients for use of facilities for catering, parties, banquets, etc.

• Plan and direct the operations and departments • Establishe the financial and service standards of the organization • Prepare budgets • Monitor expenses • Schedule/supervise staff

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Diploma or degree in business management or tourism/hospitality L eadership skills along with 5 or more years of extensive experience in Food & Beverage operations within a 5 star environment • Flexibility • Adaptability • Inventory management • Conflict resolution • Ability to work under pressure • Ability to multi-task • Good organizational skills • Leadership skills • Entrepreneurship skills • Communication skills • Financial planning, budgeting & Business management skills experience is an asset • Time management skills • Proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook and POS Systems • Must be willing to long hours, work day and evening shifts, weekends holidays and overtime as deemed necessary.

Salary:

• Based Upon Experience + Benefits

Bar Supervisor (2 positions available) Responsibilities:

• Provide customer service • Prepare beverages using proper bartending techniques • Prepares common drinks, may also prepare drinks suggested by the patron • Practice responsible alcohol service • Clean and maintain bar area and wash glassware • Maintain/control inventory of bar stock and supplies

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • • • • • • • •

Professional appearance and attitude Must be legal drinking age Customer service skills are required Cash handling experience Ability to multi-task Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations Product knowledge A secondary school diploma is preferred

Courses in bartending are an asset First aid is an asset National Occupational Certification as a Bartender is an asset Must be willing to long hours, work day and evening shifts, weekends holidays and overtime as deemed necessary.

Salary:

Food & Beverage Server (Waiter/ Waitress) (4 + positions available)

Contact: 941-8453

Responsibilities: • • • • • • • •

9289

Take and relay food and beverage orders Serve food and beverages to guests Check on guest satisfaction Handle complaints and concerns of customers Provide food and beverage product knowledge Use proper serving techniques Practice responsible alcohol service Cash out and reconcile cash with total sales A secondary school diploma is preferred Excellent communication skills required Professional appearance and attitude Excellent customer service skills Cash handling experience is an asset Time management skills Knowledge of health and safety regulations is required Knowledge of the products, facility, sector and industry Must be willing to work day and evening shifts, weekends holidays and overtime as deemed necessary.

9282

Must have thorough knowledge in the floral business with 3-5 years experience.

• $5.5 p/h plus portion of Service Charge and Tips

Kitchen Helper (2 positions available)

Call: 231-3788

Responsibilities:

Assist in basic food preparation Clean kitchen equipment Load and unload dishwasher Scrub pots and pans Clean food preparation and storage areas Receive and store goods

DOMINIQUE BEAUTY SALON & BOUTIQUE Is looking to fill the following positions:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • • • • • • • • •

Good health condition Ability to lift and carry heavy items properly Demonstrated interest in food preparation and kitchen operations Time management skills Basic food preparation skills Basic cleaning and maintenance skills Knowledge of the products, cooking, sector and industry in general.

Secondary school diploma is preferred Courses in first aid and handling of workplace hazardous materials are assets • Knowledge of the National Occupational Standards for Kitchen Helper (and certification where available) is an asse t • Must be willing to work day and evening shifts, weekends holidays and ov ertime as deemed necessary.

Salary:

• $5 p/h plus portion of Service Charge and Tips

Hairdresser Cosmetologist Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.

Is seeking candidates to fill the following positions for contracts in Grand Turk & Providenciales: Steel Fixer ($8 p/h)

Laborer ($5.50 p/h) Store man ($7 p/h) Foreman ($11 p/h) Purchasing Specialist ($400 p/w)

All applicants must be hard working, willing to work long hours, weekends and public holidays to meet project objectives.

9259

ATLANTIC CONSTRUCTION is looking for a

PAINTER

to work 5 days per week salary $5.00.

Contact: 351-5522

Contact: 346-6622

TECHNICIAN

MAGASANI ATELIER & UPHOLSTERY

9296

AND Construction Ltd

Applicants should apply in writing, with covering letter, resume & references to: Director, AND Construction Ltd, PO Box 559, Leeward Highway, Providenciales Or via Fax to 649 946 5714, or via email info@andltd.tc

To work 5 days per week salary $6.00 per hour. contact: 246-4556

Floral Designer

Director, CH Ltd, PO Box 698, Grace Bay, Providenciales or via fax to 649 946 5714 or emailchris@jakarah.com

Tile Layer ($8 p/h) Site Supervisor ($625 p/w) Domestic Worker ($5 p/h) Mason ($8 p/h) Carpenter ($ 8 p/h)

handyman

Wanted urgently

Salary:

• • • • • •

maintenance/

FLOWER GIRL

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • • • • • • • • •

Labourer

• Must be able to lift boxes • Must have years of experience maneuvering a forklift • Must be willing to work 6 days per week $6.00 per hour

• $6 p/h plus portion of Service Charge and Tips

NEEDED To work on financial equipment salary and benefits commensurate with experience please send resume to: techjobtci@gmail.com or mail to: TECH JOB TCI, c/o Chalmers & Co. P.O. Box 620, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

9278

Is looking for an

Upholster Must have at least 5 years experience must be willing to work 6 days per week salary negotiable.

Contact: 241-9105

9305

GRAND TURK LIQUORS Is seeking to hire a

labourer To work 5 ½ days per week. Salary $6.00 per hour. Hours: 8:30am6:30pm some extra hours maybe required

Contact: Joey Missick at 649-946-2262 9284

October 19 - 25, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR Must be able to operate the following machines:

• Excavator • Backhoe • D8

Must have 5-10 years experience operating heavy machinery Willing to work shift and or when needed Salary based upon experience Contact: THE MANAGER AL’S HAULING & EQUIPMENT 231-6000 BELONGER/TURKS ISLANDERS ONLY NEED APPLY

9306

REQUIRED

Experienced Insurance Agent • With Minimum ten (10) years experience in General Insurance Marketing, Claims and Underwriting.

• Minimum qualification required is Diploma in Insurance • Applicants must be motivated and have a good understanding of clients’ insurance requirements.

• Salary ranges between $2,500 - $3,000 monthly Please send resume to: Twa, Marcelin, Wolf, P.O. Box 209, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos islands and Labour Commissioner, Labour Department, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

LISSETTE BEAUTY SALON Is looking to fill the following positions:

Hairdresser Nail Technician Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.

Contact: 244-1504

Studio 90 Degrees Ltd. Hiring

DWAYNE TAYLOR

• Minimum 10 years Pilates teaching experience (of minimum 25 hours/week) • Full Pilates certification through an accredited PMA Pilates organization • Must show active Pilates certification membership • A faculty member of Balanced Body Pilates with the ability to certify Pilates instructors.

• Bilingual French/English • Have a valid drivers license • Work flexible hours; days/nights/ weekends and be available any time for mobile service • Have own cell phone • Have own computer and have the ability to work with online software.

labourer

Please submit resume by email at info@Studio90Degrees.com or by fax to 649.946.5693

Contact: 244-7385

Fitness Instructor

Is looking for a

to work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

9261

40 CLASSIFIEDS

9297

M & S CRAFT

ACE PLUMBING

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

IGA is seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of:

Supermarket Floor Manager • Bachelor’s degree in Food Services Management with a minimum of (2) years Retail Supermarket experience in Culinary Arts with extensive knowledge in meat selection and procurement • Monitor overall management of the Food Service Department to ensure that food items are prepared and presented in an acceptable manner • Monitor overall store quality, cleanliness, stock levels, merchandising, sales growth, profitability (e.g., by analyzing operating reports, payroll sales reports, shrink reports, etc.), and taking appropriate action to improve performance • Wide-ranging knowledge in areas such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Inventory management programs • Must be Proficient retail and wholesale accounting and good business practices related to documentation and record keeping • Manage department inventories by tracking weekly sales reports, orders product and supplies so as to meet customer requirements along with the company’s gross profit goals • Skilled in ordering methods and practices for inventory control • Ability to utilize computer systems/information for improved operational results • Strong current product knowledge of the retail industry and knowledge of Supermarket facility management • Will be required to work nights, long hours, weekends, and holidays • Experience in ISS / Droste Operating Systems is an added plus Pay will commensurate with qualifications and experience

Deadline for summiting application is October 21st 2013

Submit applications to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracewayiga.com Please Note: Only short-listed applicants will be contacted to attend interviews 9273

helper To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 342-6274

9263

This position is responsible for overall management of supermarket retail / floor operations.

Job responsibilities and requirements include:

PLUMBER To work 6 days per week salary based on experience. contact: 245-8046

9245

LEMON 2 GO

CHEF NEEDED

Responsibilities and Activities: • Applicant must have formal culinary experience • Must command a broad knowledge of restaurant and kitchen terminology • Must be able to perform mathematical calculations in order to convert recipes and inventory • Must have highly advanced culinary and artistic skills • Full comprehension of entire kitchen departments and different product identification • Fully trained in the proper health and hygiene regulations in regards to staff, kitchen cleanliness, storage and handling of food • Must be willing to work irregular hours, shifts, and long late hours

Please provide resume to Lemon 2 Go at 102 West Venture House, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales along with two letters of reference from past employers in the related industry addressed to: Natalie Zaidan Successful applicants will be notified by phone for an interview 9277

October 19 - 25, 2013

41

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

POOL & BEACH/ SERVER NEEDED

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.

Executive Assistant

Provide support to Executive offices; interface with community, clients, corporate PR, media and marketing areas to facilitate corporate efforts; manage marketing and advertising promotions for resort; on island publications and media; provide resort support through special projects for hotel as required; assist in the development of documented standards for each area, provide research, data gathering, reporting and analysis to support ongoing growth and development of the property; communication with international clients/tour operators on behalf of GM.

Essential duties include but not limited to:

Confidential aid to General Manager and Executive office.

Maintain relationships with local media and publications, bringing opportunities to senior management. Responsible for all aspects of on island community relations, advertising, marketing and media coordination and publication for the resort, coordinating with Corporate office and aligning to standards. Assist departments in developing standards and documentation to improve and provide consistent results. To set, monitor and maintain standards of the office ensuring correct procedures and systems are followed by everybody at all times. To assist in ensuring that corporate standards are adhered to for collateral, printed materials and logos and maintain consistent inventory to supply property. To research, develop and implement internal communication for guests, such as Guest newsletter, In Room Directory. Manage special resort projects as directed by GM. To work closely and communicate with all the other departments in the hotel as and when required.

To cover Manager on Duty shifts when required, and willing and able to work flexible days and shifts as required. To support exceptional guest relations and assist in planning and organizing guest experiences as directed by Senior Management. Required "Conversational" Languages: Portuguese or Italian. Additional "Conversational" Languages preferred: Russian or Spanish.

Attend various meetings to obtain and disseminate pertinent information. Assist with planning, organizing and managing Site Inspections and FAM trip events. Manage Gift Certificate and Donation Certificate administration and planning. Participate in the preparation of the hotel’s Strategic Plan and Goals.

Restaurant / Bar Manager

Report Directly to the Food & Beverage Director. This position is responsible for managing all activities of the Food & Beverage Departments for the organization. The daily operation of vessel’s Beverage Sales Operation including the effective administration, supervision and execution of programs consistent with the company standards and goals of providing excellent service while generating maximum revenue.

Essential duties include but not limited to:

Directs the activities of restaurant service personnel, Bartenders, Beverage Attendants, Host/Hostess. Directs and ensures

Contact: 941-8408 for an interview with your resume9292

the implementation and execution of corporate policies and procedures. Controls, measures and reports Outlet sales performance on a daily basis and takes required corrective action to ensure operations are in accordance with the company standards and objectives. Creates new opportunities and maximizes existing ones to generate extra revenue. Maximizes profitability by increasing turnover (revenue and covers). Ensures that department’s operational budget is strictly adhered to and that all costs are strictly controlled. Recommends measures to control/ reduce costs. Works closely with the Controller and provisioning in regards to inventory taking, cost control, loading, ordering and storing. Ensures that all bars are counted after each shift and investigates discrepancies. Assures correct pouring and ensures proper void handling.

WORKER NEEDED To clean the yard and conduct other labor work must be willing to work 5 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

Requirements:

• College or University degree in hospitality management, business administration or related field preferred. International equivalent suffices.

• 4-6 years restaurant operational management experience in 4/5 star hotels, restaurants • Fluent in English, both verbal and written. A second language is preferred.

• Experience in managing a large multi-national staff.

• Extensive knowledge of varying brands and quality of liquors.

• Knowledge of new and old world wines including food and wine pairing.

• Ability to read, interpret and demonstrate the preparation of drink recipes.

• Ability to investigate and solve guest complaints, follow up and meet/exceed guest expectations.

• Extensive knowledge of Micros POS and Opera

send resume to P.O. Box 954

9303

JOHN ALEXANDER ROBINSON Is looking for a

LABOURER

Servers

to work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour

Provide guests with food and beverage service – restaurant, bar, room service, beach & pool. Able to work on feet all day, good math skill, experience in fine dining service an asset.

contact: 3479958 or 343-9101

Airport Greeter - Represents the hotel at the airport entrance by greeting arriving guests immediately with a friendly and sincere welcome, uses a positive and clear speaking voice, also, in an enthusiastic and courteous manner. Maintaining professional appearance and demeanor to set the stage for exceptional service with Gansevoort T+C. Providing a consistently excellent customer service experience by maintaining the highest degree of professionalism. Directing customers to appropriate section of the airport while they wait to be transported to the hotel. Co-ordinate and assist transportation requirements of guest. Managing wait times and customer expectations. Ensure that the greeter’s desk is neat, clean and visible for arriving guest. Promote and maintain good working relation with airline desk, customs, immigration and other airport personnel. Carry the daily arrival report in order to monitor guest movement. Provide hotel luggage tags to ensure appropriate delivery of guest luggage.

Interested applicants can contact our Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday 9am to 6pm on (649)941-7555. E- Mail cover letter outlining your interest and supporting experience in a particular position along with your Resume or C.V. to hr@wymara.com

Server needed for a busy restaurant.

Experience and knowledge of POS System is a must.

Weekends, holidays and nights

9276

KEVIN SWANN North Caicos

Is looking for a

Labourer To work 5 days per week salary $5.50.

9301

contact: 242-4542

October 19 - 25, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS S & G Contracting Co. Providenciales Telephone: 231- 1199

SENIOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST

Salary starts at $5.00 per hour

Description

domestic worker To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 231-1176

9146

9274

To provide a high level of technical support in a timely and cost effective manner that allows the company to meet or exceed the annual targets set for the company Work with the Supervisor of Information Technology Services and all other staff member to ensure that all necessary technical equipment is operating effectively and efficiently thus allowing the smooth and controlled use of the company’s assets.

B & B SERVICES Acting on behalf of our clients: T.C.I. Waster Management

Main Duties

3 labourers Las Brisas 1 Kitchen Helper 1 Domestic Worker 1 Waitress 2 Laborers 1 Bartender

• Assist with the design and support of the entire infrastructure and its associate software.

• Liaise with vendors for efficient implementation of software products or systems and for resolution of any adaptation issues.

• Responsible for developing of junior information technology staff.

• Maintain a sound working knowledge of the ERP Software for all areas of responsibilities • Assist the Management with the investigation and solution of various technical related matters as they arise.

• Troubleshoots problems with network, hardware and software installation and application.

• Provides specialized user support services to diagnose and resolve problems.

• Maintains a number of Company Production Servers (IBM, Microsoft Server Based) • Maintains a number of technical equipment by providing installation, maintenance, configuration, and repair services to the equipment, components, and peripherals.

• Tracks, maintains and updates inventory listing of hardware and software installations, desktop computers, and peripheral equipment.

• Trains and assists end users in proper use of equipment and software applications related to company services and activities.

• Serves as technical resource to the company in determining computing needs, strategies, and equipment.

• Performs in-depth research and analysis and research for hardware modifications and upgrades.

• Maintain the Company’s Citrix connection.

• Performs routine maintenance to ensure good operating conditions.

• Communicates with users to detect possible problems.

• Assists in the evaluation of new equipment to be supported by the Technical Support area.

• Maintains inventory to ensure maintenance and repair of computers.

• Maintains up-to-date virus protection.

• Performs regular hard drive clean up and maintenance.

• Maintains files for software documentation.

• Researches and tests new software packages.

• Evaluate the training needs of the IT users and develop a training plan to build users competency.

• Any other Duties as may be assigned from time to time

Salary starting at $6.00 per hour Must be willing to work 6 days per week including holidays and weekends

Contact: 245-6962 9332

STONE MASON REQUIRED

Experienced stone mason required with particulars skills and experience in dry stacked indigenous stone veneers remuneration commensurate with skill.

Contact: 941-4394 extension 104

The Somerset Resort Management Ltd. is seeking Labour Clearance for the positions listed below. Suitably qualified Belongers who possess the requirements listed are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates should possess luxury resort experience, be professional in attitude and demeanor and must read and speak English fluently. Positions require a flexible schedule which includes holidays, weekends and evenings, and extended hours on occasion. Salaries are based on experience and qualifications.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Academic/Technical/Management: Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree (B.S. or B.Eng.) from an accredited four-year college or university in a computer related field.

• Five years post qualification experience preferably in an IT related field • Microsoft Certified a plus

To direct the Organization’s day-to-day financial planning and accounting practices. Under the leadership of the General Manager, the successful applicant will be responsible for the preparation and analysis of the financial reporting process for the Resort as well as the annual budget process.

Core Competency Skills: • • • • • • •

Is looking for a

LABOURER, UPHOLSTERY

Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified individuals for the position of Senior, Information Technology Specialist, FortisTCI, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

THOMAS HANDFIELD

9267

42 CLASSIFIEDS

Excellent team player and team building skills Good analytical skills Excellent written and oral communication skills Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure Goal-oriented Self-motivated Team player

He/she will provide strong leadership to the accounting team and will develop, implement and monitor effective financial controls and procedures, providing management with advice and making recommendations to improve process and financial performance.

Qualifications: 4 year degree in accounting or equivalent and a minimum of 7 years hospitality accounting experience. Experience with formerly distressed properties desirable. T he ideal candidate will also have knowledge of Visual One software.

Compensation

Based on qualifications and ability Deadline for submission of applications is October 28th, 2013.

Kindly submit applications stating qualifications and work experience to:

Kellie-Ann Evans Hall Manager of Human Resources FortisTCI Limited. P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@ppcltd.tc OR khall@fortistci.com OR by fax: 649-946-4532

Qualified Belonger candidates can complete an application form in person at The Somerset on Grace Bay or submit a resume by e-mail at somerset@thesomerset.com. Tel: 946-5900. Fax: 9465839. The closing date for applications is October 30th, 2013.

9314

9295

October 19 - 25, 2013

Sports Interational

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Jamaican athletes’ drug-testing practices to be audited

Sebastian Vettel gives his trademark victory salute after a superb drive to win the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

Vettel closes in on title after Japan win SEBASTIAN Vettel produced another Formula One masterclass Sunday to win the Japanese Grand Prix ahead of Red Bull teammate Mark Webber but will have to wait to secure his fourth straight world title.

Nearest rival Fernando Alonso finished fourth in his Ferrari to deny Vettel the perfect finish in Suzuka, but the German has extended his lead to 90 points with a maximum of 100 available from the remaining four rounds.

It was a fifth straight victory for Vettel and his fourth in five at Suzuka, but he spent most of the race in third place behind longtime leader Romain Grosjean in his Lotus and pole sitter Webber.

France’s Grosjean, who finished a fine third, charged into the lead from the start, while Vettel was hampered by a minor collision with Britain’s Lewis Hamilton, which led to the early

retirement of the Mercedes driver.

Vettel conserved his Pirelli tires superbly, enabling him to make just two pit stops against three for Webber and it proved crucial.

Australia’s Webber, retiring from F1 at the end of the season, made desperate efforts to get on terms after his final stop and was able to pass Grosjean, but Vettel was too far ahead.

“I’m blown away with today’s race,” the champion elect said after his victory.

“I was in a bit of a sandwich with the Lotus (Grosjean) and Lewis.

“I couldn’t avoid the contact. It was a horrible start but a fantastic comeback.”

Vettel only needs a topfive finish in the next round in India to make sure of the title, joining compatriot Michael Schumacher and Argentina legend Juan Manuel Fangio as the only men to win four world titles in a row.

JAMAICA’S drug-testing practices are to be audited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) amid claims of worrying gaps in screening.

A former director of the Jamaican Anti-Doping Commission (Jadco) says outof-competition testing was insufficient ahead of the 2012 Olympics in London.

A number of Jamaican stars, including sprinter Asafa Powell, have since tested positive for banned substances.

Wada plans to visit Jamaica next year in order to examine Jadco’s practices.

“Wada has accepted an invitation from the Prime Minister of Jamaica to visit and inspect Jadco,” said the agency.

“Wada was unhappy to learn that Jadco cannot accommodate this visit until 2014.”

The IAAF, the body that governs world athletics, insists it has extensively tested elite Jamaican athletes.

But the country’s reputation has been tarnished in recent months with news of positive tests by Powell, Sherone Simpson and three-time Olympic gold medal winner Veronica Campbell-Brown.

Former Jadco director Renee Anne Shirley alleged in August that athletes were not tested outside of competition for five of the seven months before last year’s Olympics.

While the organisation’s chairman Herbert Elliot has dismissed her claims, Wada director-general David Howman believes there is an issue.

“There was a period of and forgive me if I don’t have the number of months right but maybe five to six months

during the beginning part of 2012 where there was no effective operation,” Howman told the Associated Press news agency.

“There might have been one or two, but there was no testing. So we were worried about it, obviously.’’

Jadco is not the only body carrying out drug tests on Jamaican athletes.

An IAAF spokesman told the Associated Press that its own out-of-competition programme was “robust and comprehensive”, with tests carried out at Jamaican training camps.

In addition, all athletes finishing in the top five places at the London Games were tested by the International

Out-of-competition testing was said to be insufficient ahead of the 2012 Olympics in London. A number of Jamaican stars, including sprinter Asafa Powell, have since tested positive for banned substances.

Olympic Committee.

Jamaica’s sprinters won eight individual medals in London, with Usain Bolt

defending his 100m and 200m sprint titles as well as winning gold in the 4x100m relay.

(BBC)

Public Auction On the following items:

World Cup 2014:

England will not be seeded in Brazil next summer ENGLAND will not be one of the top eight seeds at next year’s World Cup in Brazil after sealing qualification with a 2-0 win over Poland on Tuesday.

FIFA’s latest world rankings determined the top seeds for the 2014 tournament.

England who climbed from 17th to 10th, will now have to face one of the top-ranked nations in their group matches.

But boss Roy Hodgson says he is not worried whether his team is “first or second out of

the hat” when the draw takes place on 6 December.

The Netherlands, who were runners-up in 2010, and 2006 winners Italy are also unseeded.

But Switzerland, Belgium and Colombia are, following the release of the rankings on Thursday by football’s governing body.

Hosts Brazil and the remaining top seven ranked qualifiers will be kept apart in the group stages of next year’s tournament.

Those groups will be completed by teams from three different geographical regions.

England will have to face one of Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Colombia and probably Uruguay.

Uruguay’s place in Brazil depends on them winning a play-off against Jordan, ranked 70, next month. If they are beaten in the two-legged tie, the Netherlands will take the final seed ahead of Italy.

936E CAT LOADER Mack Boom Truck Pump Mack Truck To be held at the Magistrate’s Court Parking Lot, Pond Street, Grand Turk On November 1, 2013 at 10:00am. Cash sale only. No warranties. No returns For enquires prior to date of auction Contact the Magistrate’s Court office tel: 946 2801 ext. # 30210/30205

44

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 19 - 25, 2013

The amazing growth of rugby in the TCI Everyone needs a bit of myth to build their story around, a brush with greatness, a loose connection to some greater history. Especially if you want to build a national sport from the thirsty limestone rocks of the northeastern Caribbean.

It’s no surprise then to hear Turks and Caicos Islands Rugby Football Union (TCIRFU) president Keith Burant recount the tale of how Admiral Horatio Nelson landed a rugby team on Grand Turk Island in 1783 to take on the French, not long before launching an unsuccessful military assault.

The game is said to be the first on the islands. And the battle was one of the very few Nelson lost.

It’s a stirring tale, almost certainly apocryphal given it was 23 years before William Webb Ellis was born and 123 years before France and England played a Test match.

But it reveals a little something about the zest for the game Burant and other Turks and Caicos Islanders are bringing to their quest to develop rugby in an otherwise inhospitable locale.

Home to a mere 30,000 souls spread over eight main islands and 299 smaller ones, mostly uninhabited, Turks and Caicos has always hosted a healthy population

of expatriate Brits. What it doesn’t host is much in the way of grass, which restricted rugby enthusiasts on the islands to touch and high rates of injury.

ONLY 28 INCHES OF RAIN FALLS EACH YEAR “Growing grass down here is a bit of a challenge,” Burant says.

“We’re semi-arid and we only get 28 inches of rain a year. We secured some land and put in our own irrigation system. After a couple of years we managed to get our own grass field and clubhouse together.”

“That was really the huge chunk moving forward. We secured the land five years ago and we’ve been playing on Meridian Field for the last two years. I believe we’re the only club in the Caribbean that owns their

own field.”

Burant says he’s lived in Turks and Caicos most his life but he graduated from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada.

Not surprisingly, he works for the company that bears the pitch’s name as Meridian Trust Company Ltd’s managing director.

Sponsorship aside, locals raised more than US$150,000 of their own over 10 years to build the three-acre site, underground irrigation system and 20,000 gallon cistern. It’s now the home of the national Flamingos, and the goal is to stock that home with local talent.

The islands boast four clubs with a mere 150 players but Burant says they’re constantly feeding in kids from the 250 who are enrolled annually in schools rugby programmes.

STRONG YOUTH PROGRAMME IS IN PLACE “At the same time we started getting the field going, we also started teaching kids to play rugby on the beach,” Burant says. “We actually started teaching them two sports – rugby on the sand and then they all wanted to go for a swim afterwards. Funny enough, most Caribbean kids don’t know how to swim. So we ended up teaching them how to swim as well.

“Many of these young men and women have turned out to be pretty good athletes. We took a squad down to the NACRA Under 19 Championship this summer and we won gold in the trophy division.

It’s the first-ever championship at an international level for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The country was pretty proud.”

Another big step was hosting Jamaica in the Turks and Caicos’s first official Test match at home in January. The result was 31-13 for the visitors, but Burant says it was an excellent first effort.

“The scoreline was pretty unflattering. We had the majority of possession and the majority of territorial advantage but every time we gave up the ball they were making 30, 40 , 50 metres and anytime they were able to round a

corner it was pretty hard to catch them. Nonetheless, the team on the field did a pretty good job and the country was very impressed. We had the prime minister and the governor taking pictures with the players after the game.”

‘BEST RUGBY IN THE CARIBBEAN’ The next big challenge is picking men’s and women’s Sevens sides for the NACRA tournament in November – no picnic in a country where players outside the main centre, Providenciales, need to fly or take a ferry for selection. Travel outside the country isn’t any easier.

Burant says most flights heading south have to first head north to Miami, 700 miles away.

Winning IRB membership might help with that but it’s a long road.

The Islands aren’t independent but a British Overseas Territory and have no functioning Olympic Committee but success on the field will help, Burant says.

“We’ve got the best beaches in the world and the best rugby in the Caribbean,” he says. “The executive is committed to making rugby the dominant sport here within five years and we’re well on the way.” (Reprinted from IRB.com)

Josh for Sports

Becoming a world class triple and long jumper – Been there, done that HE who lives for himself lives in vain, but he who lives for others live to live again!

This philosophy needs to be understood in its entirety.

It is simple, practical, and to the point. Basically it says that by sharing ones experience and knowledge we make a contribution that helps others to advance and we live on after we are gone. In essence when we die, we still live, but in the accomplishments of our students/athletes.

When I was a teenager I read religiously the exploits of sports legends in most disciplines. I learned from their documented successes and failures. Among these were Sir Roger Bannister and Chris Chataway and friends who were responsible for being the first to break the four-minute mile. There were others, such as, Jim Ryan the first high school

By Joshua Gardiner athlete to accomplish this feat. I can go on and on, but that’s not the purpose of this particular column.

MY STORY: HOW I BECAME A TRIPLE JUMPER At age 13 as a freshman at St. John’s College in Nassau (1964), there was not a Bahamian in my class that could have beaten me in the 100M, 400M, 800M and the high and long jump. I was champion.

However the following year, I became injured in my right groin as a result of racing without warming up.

I had little support; I was told that I was a “washed up” athlete. That’s the main reason I began triple jumping.

I won the Intermediate High School Championship with a jump of 42 feet 6 inches. I joined St. Bernard Track Club and within two weeks, won the Intermediate Club Championships with a jump of 44 feet 2 inches. I did no special training/drilling because I knew none.

body’s weight was 170 lbs, but I could have doubled that in the squats. I could have also deadlifted 2.5 times my bodyweight. I practiced long jumping from both legs; additionally I used to bounce up to 10X100M. Hop, hop, and hop from both legs. Hop step and hop. I alternated from leg-to-leg. I reached the point whereby I could bounce up to 400M.

MUNRO COLLEGE 1967 I went to Munro College and for the first time in my life I had a real coach in the person of Ken Walton from England. Mr. Walton put me on a regimental programme for the triple jump.

For three months I did weight training to strengthen my whole body—especially my legs.

In my dorm at nights I eventually could do ten reps of 100 push up each. With weights I basically did: squats, bouncing splits, deadlifts, jump squats, military press, snatch, clean and jerk, incline sit ups with weights behind my head, sprints, cross country and toe-raises. My

WORLD’S RECORD 1967 In our house sports in March of 1967 (at 16-years-old) I unofficially broke the U-17 World’s Record with a jump of 49 feet 7 inches—a 5-inch improvement in one year. The World’s Record was 55 feet 6 inches.

I eventually won Boys’ Champs for two straight years.

In 1968 I just barely missed the Olympic team for the Bahamas by 6 inches. I graduated in 1969 and went to South Illinois University in January of 1970 at age 18. Within three months I won the Illinois State Championships with a jump of 51 feet 3 inches. With that jump I was rated second in all US universities

(2000 points) among a population of almost 300 million. That summer I represented the Bahamas at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland (I was 19).

CREATING WORLD CHAMPIONS After I contracted MS in February of 1974 I turned to coaching in an effort to pass on my knowledge and experience. I created multiple international champions who eventually jumped around 56 feet, including the Bahamas’ first Olympic medallist Frank Rutherford [bronze in Spain 1980].

FINAL WISH I’m inclined to coach/create world champions for the TCI— he who lives for self, lives in vain, but he who lives for others, lives to live again. My best long jump was 26 feet two inches at the age of 21.

Contact me on 243-0435 or at joshuagardiner1951@yahoo.com

October 19 - 25, 2013

Sports National

45

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Kischo bounced back from a game down to win to whip defending champions Silver Deep 4-1 in the finals.

The Air Turks and Caicos sponsored Rulay team made a clean sweep of the female championships.

Provo Fast Pitch Softball League:

Kishco and Rulay win titles AIR TURKS and Caicos Rulay made a clean sweep of their championship series against Kia Katz while Kishco dethroned defending champions Silver Deep when action concluded in

the Provo Fast Pitch Softball League last weekend in Providenciales.

After losing the first game in the best-in-seven series, Miami Kishco bounced back to win four straight,

their third was an easy victory, while the eventual second place finishers fought hard in the final clash.

Kishco were ahead 11-2 after putting on a batting clinic in game four before bad light stopped play last Saturday afternoon. When the game continued

on Sunday it ended at 13-3. Silver Deep however managed to regroup and challenge the eventual winners in game five (the final clash). It proved to be such a contest that at the top of the fifth Silver Deep had tie the game at 6-6, they seemed confident of forcing another

innings, but Kischo managed to sneak in a run which won them the title.

Kia Katz, the regular season winners, also showed some fight in their final clash, but Rulay proved superior to take the game which resulted in the clean sweep.

Clement Howell Eagles, as the other teams, will look to use the league as a warm up for the National High School Basketball Championships in December.

PABA High School League:

Action tips off this Saturday with three games THE MUCH anticipated Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) Annual High School League will tip off this Saturday at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex with three exciting clashes from 15:00h (3pm).

In the first encounter the British West Indies Colligate (BWIC) will take on TCIPS, while in game two Clement Howell High School challenge Wesley Methodist before the feature clash between Maranatha and the Youth Centre.

Admissions are: $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children.

TCI Middle School and Holy

Family Academy along with Raymond Gardiner were invited to compete in the league, which is used to assist players to prepare for the National High School Basketball Championships in December. This league will also help coaches to evaluate their teams and get them as prepared as possible for some strong schools coming from the other islands.

New players will also learn the rules and regulations of the game. All are invited to attend these games and support the development of the young players.

Delano Williams is rising to the challenge at Racers Track Club.

Training at Racers is “very hard” – Delano Williams TCI born international superstar Delano Williams has had to step up his game since his training at the world renowned track club Racers began this month.

The UWI student acknowledged that the training is “much harder” that he has ever been accustomed too, but is excited about the future

results.

The 200M World Junior Champion, who runs for Britain, said that he is coping and fitting in well.

“I train with the best-of-the-best in the world. I’m guided by Glen Mills so I’m hoping and looking for great things to come in the 2014 season.”

HOMEY FEELING The former Munro College student, who was endorsed by the fastest man in the world Usain Bolt to be a future great, said that he is currently training with Yohan Blake and Michael Frater.

Bolt has not started to train as yet.

Williams, who recently signed a four-year contact with powerhouse sponsors Nike, said Racers Track Club has a homey feeling with all the athletes having a friendly attitude.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 19 - 25, 2013

October 19 - 25, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 19 - 25, 2013