TCWN October 26 - November 1, 2013 by TC Weekly News

Weekly News Volume 27 | No. 42| October 26 - November 1, 2013

Price $1.00

Turks and Caicos

FOR ADVERTISING CONTACT:

tcnews@tciway.tc

the national newspaper of the turks and caicos islands

ON THE WEB tcweeklynews.com

PDM NOT IN AG ROW – party distances itself from Premier/ag DISPUTE

The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) party is not backing Premier Rufus Ewing in his court action against Attorney General, Huw Shepheard, neither does the party support the Government’s call for Shepheard’s removal from office. PAGE  5

Conrad Higgs died on Thursday (October 24) while swimming to shore from a sinking boat

Crowds gathered as his body was taken to Providenciales morgue

Three planes grounded after aviation emergencies PAGE 5

Extreme PAGE 8 dumpsite transform

Opposition, TCHTA, Chamber of Commerce protest tax increase PAGE  7

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 26 - November 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Conrad Higgs dies suddenly after boat wreck FORMER chief executive officer of TCInvest Conrad Higgs died on Thursday (October 24) while swimming to shore from a sinking boat. The 59-year-old retired civil servant is thought to have suffered a heart attack while struggling to make his way back to land. He set out fishing with two others in a boat off Rock Cut shore, North Caicos, in the early hours, and at about 10am it started taking on a large amount of water for unknown reasons. A family member who asked not to be named described to the Weekly News what happened shortly after the incident. “The boat did start to take on an excessive amount of water and it sank,” he said. “And when he was swimming back to shore it would appear as if he panicked. “One of the gentlemen who was there and carried him in said about 30ft or so from the shore his eyes just rolled back and it would appear as if he had a heart attack.” According to Special Constable Audley Astwood, police press liaison

officer, the boat capsized. “While out at sea, the boat capsized and the men started swimming for safety after failing to turn the boat back over. “One of the men some time later was no longer able to swim and the other two men carried him to shore. “Once on shore, two of the males observed that the male that they were carrying was no longer breathing and one of the males departed on foot to seek assistance.” Another man in a boat saw the men on shore and contacted operators at the 911 call centre just after 12pm to report that a boat had capsized and a man had drowned. Maritime police officers were immediately dispatched to the area of the incident. Higgs was pronounced dead by a doctor in North Caicos before being transported to Providenciales morgue. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. Close friend and family member Albray Butterfield Junior said he was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Higgs. “During our business and social

Public consultation on amendments to National Parks Ordinance THE DIRECTOR of Environment and Maritime Affairs, Kathleen Wood, will soon head up a committee to spearhead the public consultation process and make recommendations to amend the National Parks Ordinance. At its last meeting, Cabinet agreed to the establishment of the committee, which will also be comprised of DEMA members, Government officials, two people from the water sports sector and three members of the public. Some of the main areas of amendments are the removal

and addition of certain areas from the national parks, to allow for navigational channels and the maintenance dredging of navigational channels, to allow for recreational activities in the national parks, to boost ecotourism in the TCI and provide ticketing powers for enforcement officers in protected areas. In August, the Attorney General Huw Shepheard was tasked with drafting legislation to allow the addition of new protected areas and amendments to the laws.

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

interactions, we shared many special moments and laughter together especially during the years he served as chief executive officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands investment agency, while I served as a member of the board of directors of the said agency. “Higgsie - as he was affectionately called by his close friends and loved ones - will be sadly missed especially for his dry humour and old time expressions at the domino table, and during other informal social settings. “On behalf of the Butterfield family and me, we express our deepest condolences to the family of Mr Conrad Higgs, Esq. Rest in peace my brother.” Leader of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson also offered some words of tribute. “We live in an age when death comes at a moment’s notice, but no matter how often we are faced with loss it never gets easier,” she said. “Today [Thursday] our country was rocked by the tragic news of the untimely death of Mr Conrad Higgs. “As a former teacher, a CEO of TCInvest, and later an entrepreneur, Mr Higgs was a pillar of the community. “He will always be remembered by his past students for his avantgarde approach to teaching. “His infectious chuckle and wry sense of humour were his trade mark as well. Conrad's countless stories will linger long within our memories. “Our hearts are heavy with his untimely demise. We grieve with his family and pray God's guidance as they struggle with their loss.” Higgs retired last year and moved to North Caicos. He is survived by a son and a daughter.

Gov’t, Opposition name members for Constitutional Review Committee THREE lawyers have been selected by the Government to serve on the committee for constitutional review slated to commence very soon. Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, Akierra Missick; Minister of Labour and Border Control, Don-Hue Gardiner, along with Queen’s Counsel Carlos Simon have been suggested as the members from the Government’s side for the seven member committee. While, Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson and Ashwood Forbes (both attorneys), along with PDM’s deputy leader, Sean Astwood have been proposed from the Opposition side to serve. Both sides are yet to choose the seventh member; a joint pick. Premier Rufus Ewing recently told the media that as soon as the members are confirmed, the committee will meet. “I would like for them to meet before the next meeting of the House, which is hopefully scheduled for the end of this month. “And we expect that the committee will then start their work in reviewing the constitution.” In a statement to the press, the Opposition Leader said her party is looking forward to beginning the work of the committee. “PDM believes that the country’s

constitution should remain under review at all times and that every effort must be made to strengthen and improve upon its contents. “As we are looking at the workings of the current constitution, it is important to know the areas that the Government finds particularly troublesome sitting in Cabinet. “This is crucial going forward. We are therefore once again calling on the Government to document its position ahead of public consultation,” Cartwright Robinson said. On September 19, the House of Assembly passed a Government resolution on constitutional review, making way for the appointment of a seven member committee to be established to engage the public. They will work together with community leaders and in six months report to the Assembly. Public consultations are slated to commence sometime in November, at the end of which the committee will formulate a document for presentation to the United Kingdom. The Government hopes that the review will afford the elected Government, the members of the House and the community at large greater participation in the affairs of the country. (DI)

FCO to address TCI and DR boundary GOVERNOR, Peter Beckingham has been tasked with raising with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the economic exclusion zone (EEZ) of the Turks and Caicos and its closest neighbours.

Prosperity, jobs and growth on agenda for FCO visit DIRECTOR of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Dr Peter Hayes will be discussing how to work jointly to increase the Turks and Caicos Islands’ prosperity, jobs and growth during his three day visit. According to a statement from the Governor’s Office, Dr Hayes will discuss these key issues with Premier Rufus Ewing and his Cabinet, Opposition figures, business people, civil servants and the public, during his stay (October 28 to 30). The meeting is billed as an important gathering ahead of the Premier and the Governor’s trip to London to meet UK Ministers at the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC). Leaders of all Overseas Territories will be attending that conference to be held from November 25 to 29. The JMC will this year have

October 26 - November 1, 2013

a particular focus on growing the economies of the Overseas Territories, including a major outreach event to UK and international businesses and investors, the statement read. “The UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, has made clear the importance of our relationship with the Overseas Territories for the British people,” Hayes said ahead of his trip. He added: “The relationship brings with it shared responsibilities and obligations, as set out in the White Paper of last year. “The UK stepped in to prevent the collapse of the TCI economy in 2011 through a $260 million loan guarantee.” He added that during his visit, he wants to explore with the Premier and Government their plans for growing the economy in the longer term, and how the UK can continue to support this.

Premier, Rufus Ewing raised the issue at the October 16 Cabinet meeting. He listed the Bahamas, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with particular emphasis on the latter. “There are some issues of concern that we had especially concerning the EEZ between the Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic and we have asked the Governor to raise this issue with the FCO to ensure that our boundaries are agreed upon and are well demarcated and so there would not be any conflict between this two countries with regard to our territorial water and boundary,” Ewing told the press. Asked if his Government have specific concerns with regard to the DR boundary, the Premier said there have been no recent occurrences, but for the avoidance of confusion, there needs to a clear demarcation. “I can’t say that anything has happened recently, but in Turks and Caicos we do have incidences of poaching on our banks and people may think that they can poach because it’s their waters, or the regular citizens of the DR might think it’s their waters, or you may have persons who may be interested in doing various explorations in our waters, thinking that it’s their waters,” Ewing explained. He said there needs to be an agreement between the United Kingdom government and the Dominican Republic as to the territorial demarcation. “I am not aware that there is a signed agreement and we need to make sure that there is a signed agreement and that there is no dispute or conflict,” he added. (DI)

October 26 - November 1, 2013

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PDM distances itself from Premier in AG row

THE PEOPLE’S Democratic Movement (PDM) party is not backing Premier Rufus Ewing in his court action against Attorney General, Huw Shepheard, neither does the party support the Government’s call for Shepheard’s removal from office. Speaking with the Weekly News earlier in the week, PDM’s National Chairman, Clarence Selver noted that while the Premier has made his objections with the AG loud, he has failed to make them clear. He stated that the inference can be drawn that the latest action by Ewing could be connected to his trying to have Shepheard removed as the AG of the Turks and Caicos Islands. “I don’t think that sort of approach is one that is going to bear much fruit, because coming from a position of experience, having dealt with a number of Governors and persons in FCO over the years, the British do not bow, they don’t give in to wishes of territories they govern, even if they are wrong, they wouldn’t do anything immediately.” He clarified that he is not saying the British are wrong, but that even if they are they do not behave in a manner that would seem to the outside world like they are giving in to pressure. According to Selver, the party does not believe the Premier is going to get the result he wants. “It is interesting to see what the judge will say, but I feel the judge is going to come up with an interpretation that the Foreign Office and the British government would support. “I would be very surprised if the Supreme Court comes back and says that the Attorney General doesn’t have the authority to do or carry out

Premier Rufus Ewing

Attorney General, Huw Shepheard

PDM’s National Chairman, Clarence Selver

whatever mandate or power that is vested in him. “Now whether or not he is superseding those powers is another matter.” Selver stated that as there is a clear demarcation of House of Assembly members and those of the Executive, as such, the PDM does not know exactly what the Premier and his Cabinet members encounter when they attend Cabinet meetings. “We as members of the House of Assembly wouldn’t know what the Government is dealing with or what challenge they face.” He added: “There is a rule that once a decision is taken in Cabinet, whether you disagree with it or not, you are bound by that decision as a member of Cabinet, you cannot come outside and criticise a decision that has been taken in Cabinet. Asked if he is saying that the approach the Premier has taken is wrong, he noted that: “I don’t know what the Premier is really facing; he would make a broad statement for instance that the Attorney General is

not following their instructions or is not consulting with them at all; we wouldn’t know that. “But if that is the case and there is a clear position for the AG to report, and if he is not reporting or not consulting then the Premier might have a case but I can’t speak to that because I don’t know what goes on in Cabinet.” Asked if the PDM believes the attacks are personal, Selver noted that it is very awkward position that the Government finds itself in. “The PNP has an issue with Government over their headquarters and the Government now is trying to find a way of defending the party but in trying to defend the party, they also had to take an offensive position against the very Government they are a part of.” The party chairman further clarified that the PDM’s issue with the AG was his reappointment. “We made a strong case that he should not be re-appointed. What the Government’s position is now, they are trying to seek his removal from

office as the Attorney General and those are two separate things. He adamantly stated: “We have not joined the Government in that fight; we don’t know the grounds on which they are opposing the Attorney General.” Questioned if the PDM intends to work along with the AG in and out of the House of Assembly, Selver made it clear that the party does not have anything against Shepheard. “We don’t have an issue with the person of the Attorney General; if there is a matter in the House that we take a position on in opposition to the Attorney General, we will stand on that and we will challenge the Attorney General in the House. “But to take a position to say that we are not going to work with him and so forth, no, that is not our position.” He said the Opposition’s fight with the AG is his interpretation of the Constitution, the standing orders and the code of conduct for persons in public life. “We have stood against him in the

House, on those grounds, but not as him as a person.” Meanwhile, the Governor’s office and the AG’s Chambers are keeping silent on the Premier’s court summons. A response from the Governor’s spokesperson, Neil Smith stated only that both the Governor and the AG are aware of Ewing’s affidavit issued at the Supreme Court on Friday, October 11. “We expect that the work of the Attorney General’s Chambers, including the well-known criminal and civil court cases in which it is currently engaged, will proceed in the normal way,” Smith’s press statement read. Ewing wants the court to decide, whether under 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 if he has the power 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. In his affidavit, the Premier referenced two instances - Temple Mortgage Limited and Trade Wind Industries Limited claims against the Government - whereby the AG did not seek direction or approval of Cabinet before defending the cases. (DI)

Three planes grounded after aviation emergencies – No injuries reported A TOTAL of three aeroplane emergencies took place in the TCI this week leaving planes grounded in Providenciales and Grand Turk. Shortly after 10am on Tuesday (October 22) officials from the Fire Department were present at Providenciales International Airport awaiting the emergency landing of an American Airlines Boeing 757. The plane which was coming from Port of Spain, Trinidad, en route to Miami requested for an emergency landing at the Providenciales airport due to a fire in the cockpit and smoke and fuel dripping from the left engine. The aircraft carried 175 people on board including crew members.

After touching down at the airport at 10.23am, the aircraft was towed from the original spot on the runway to the main terminal. All passengers and crew vacated the aircraft at 11.15am and standdown was at 11.29am. There were no injuries or fatalities. Then on Wednesday (October 23) the landing gear on a six-seater private plane failed as it touched down at Grand Turk Airport. At 10.20am the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) in Grand Turk, received a call from 911 informing them that the small aircraft had difficulties as it attempted to

land. There were three people on board the lightweight plane. No injuries or fatalities were reported. The Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Fire and Rescue Services and police responded to the incident. In consultation with the Airports Authority station manager, the Emergency Operations Centre was not activated. Later that afternoon, a JetBlue flight also made an emergency landing in Providenciales due to the sudden illness of a 54-year-old Dominican national on the flight. The man was rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and is currently in stable condition. However, he is expected to be in the hospital for 10 days before being reviewed to see if he is medically fit

The landing gear on a six-seater private plane failed as it touched down at Grand Turk Airport

for flying. The Weekly News contacted Chief Executive Operator (CEO) of the TCI Airport Authority, John Smith to gather details on the number

of emergency landings in the TCI. He responded: “The Airports Authority is not best positioned to release or comment on specific airline operations.”

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 26 - November 1, 2013

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

How to make Hayes understand? DIRECTOR for the Overseas Territories in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Dr Peter Hayes, will be visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands next week. Premier Rufus Ewing told media that the TCI’s constitutional issues will come up for discussion during the British diplomat's three day visit. What should Hayes do or see while in the country? What else do you think needs to be discussed? How can he best get a sense of the challenges the country faces?

Speak to the people

Dr Hayes should spend at least some of his valuable time seeing and hearing from the people of the Turks and Caicos and not just rely on printed material and discussion with the Premier to make important decisions that would impact everyone. This would include all facets of living in the Islands from the business, religious and charitable perspectives as well as from the business people in the islands to include the economic impact of tourism in particular. Government representatives should also be contacted and be given an opportunity to air their concerns. When talking about the constitution and possible changes it is critical to understand all facets of life in the islands.

Questions avoided

What the Premier needs to discuss he will avoid. How did the PNP party win the Government with only 44 per cent of the votes? How could they win when the accumulated totals in Provo's six seats gave a victory to the

PDM party? How could PNP win when the vast majority of voters in Grand Turk voted PDM? Something is wrong with a constitution or election system that ignores the choice of 56 per cent of the voters. The now the Opposition leader received more votes than this Premier. This is not democracy

Wasted time

We believe once again Premier Rufus will waste his time preaching against the Attorney General and asking for more power to put the TCI deeper in debt as we continue to move backwards ever backwards.

Simple

NHIP, illegal immigration and Crown land.

Focus on infrastructure

He should see the lack of infrastructure as it

relates to drainage which makes it difficult for people to travel when it rains. He should also pay attention to the lack of maintenance of the roads as it relates to potholes, overgrown sidewalks which detract from the Beautiful by Nature they are trying to portray.

Consultants and partners

To sum it all up to Dr Hayes, this country is suffering right now from heavy handed meddling in local affairs by the UK and its appointed regime in these Islands. So much so that we, the citizens, cannot get a clear picture as to if, for whom and why we voted. Our elected Government lacks control over our affairs and the direct issue at the moment is in my opinion not creating more jobs but setting the right position so fair opportunities can be given to the young people to occupy the market that already exists. The UK should be consultants and partners to the elected Government and not the Government, nobody voted for you. Take border control seriously that's the UK’s job, which they failed over and over again in the TCI.

Think about the country

Hayes should see the Turks and Caicos people and their true situations. Not the glossy image of a beautiful tourist island only. The competition for a Turks and Caicos Islander for a job is too great in this small country. He should see the small percentage of Turks and Caicos Islanders in many work places, while many are leaving schools looking for a job. The politicians don't care as they should or they live in a fantasy world. What else needs to be discussed? Improving this and these kinds of situations for the sake of

the future and for the children of this country. How can he best get a sense of the challenges the country faces? All he has to do is something the politicians aren't. Think about the country and improving life for its people first as leaders should do. Then all will fall well into place for everyone.

Hospital and Misick

During the visit of FCO Dr Hayes next week I think it is very important for him to go by the old Myrtle Rigby hospital building. It was recently renovated to the tune of multiple thousands of dollars and still lies dormant and vacant while the Government rents space for many of its agencies. All this under the past Governor’s guise that it would be for the bigwig trial, whenever that comes around - I hope it don't dry rot by that time. I think it would be fitting also for Dr Hayes to discuss a timetable and plan on having former Premier Michael Misick released from prison to defend himself. The matter of the employment ratio among Belongers and the immigrant workforce is a strong and imminent issue and the solution hinges on the survival and sustainability of our long term economy. This is constantly shadowed by the bailing out of monies being sent out of the country to various countries of immigrants working in these islands both legally and illegally. This issue requires a formidable and wellorchestrated response.

 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

Governor meets Haitian government officials A TEAM of government officials from Haiti visited new Governor Peter Beckingham this week to discuss building stronger commercial ties between the two countries. The delegation also talked about preventing illegal immigration during their visit to the Governor’s official residence Waterloo in Grand Turk on Thursday (October 24). Among those that attended the meeting were the Haitian Prime Minister’s advisor Jacques Myrthil, Jean Bertrand, General

Director of National Archives, Fortune Dorlean, General Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jean Aly, General Director of the Ministry of Justice and Public Safety, Jean-Baptiste Saint-Cyr, General Director of the National Office of Identification and Marc Nelson, General Director of the Ministry of Haitians living abroad. The visitors arrived in Providenciales on Tuesday (October 22) and will return on Monday (October 28).

The team from Haiti discusses issues of concern with Governor Peter Beckingham

October 26 - November 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

Opposition, TCHTA, Chamber of Commerce protest tax increase THE PDM party is calling the increase to the customs processing fee (CPF) short-sighted, while the TC Hotel and Tourism Association and the TCI Chamber of Commerce consider it a deterrent to the country’s development. Shadow Minister of Finance, Derek Taylor, in a statement to the media, stated that the introduction of the various temporary tax measures the Government has introduced is affecting the purchasing power of the dollar. “We cannot live appropriately today with the short-sightedness of a Government who less than a year in office, continue to shower, what they refer to as "a number of temporary tax measures" that has brought about hyperinflation here in these Turks and Caicos Islands.” According to Taylor, statistics show that since coming into office 11 months ago, the PNP Government has recorded the highest cost of living in the Region - maybe in the world - and they continue to “heap coals of fire on the heads of the people with taxes and more taxes”. He opined that if the Government would roll back taxes and view the multiplying factor, then and only then will the economy grow. “The month of November marks one year in Office and for the third time this year, the country will face increases in the customs processing

Cheryl Ann Foreman, Chairman of RTC

fee and other charges to mark the PNP Government’s first year anniversary.” He added that the short-sighted approach of the administration is shrinking the economy and they are putting more and more pressure on the already overtaxed residents. “I am calling on the Government to study its approach and the effects of its decisions. I am sure that they will realize that they are doing more harm than good.” Meanwhile, the TCHTA and the Chamber of Commerce in a press statement expressed their shock at the Government’s decision. The stakeholders stated that this move will undermine the tourism and hospitality industry and ultimately threaten the destination's development. It is the understanding of TCHTA and the Chamber of Commerce that the alleged customs processing fee will increase from 6 percent to 7.5 percent and is proposed to take effect on November 01, 2013, along with a proposed 12 percent tax on other services such as spas, water sports and excursions such as diving, fishing, and charters etc., the joint statement read. “It is our collective belief that this proposed customs processing fee increase will not only damage the country's major sectors but will be detrimental to the overall growth

Trevor Cooke, member of the NIB

RTC gets new board members – Trevor Cooke returned to NIB board RADIO Turks and Caicos recently welcomed five new members to its board of directors, now being chaired by Cheryl Ann Foreman. Cabinet signed off on the appointments at its last meeting on October 16. Other members of the board

include Tajuana Rashida Ewing, Vaughn Hinds, Jermaine Fulford and one other member. Also given the green light was the appointment of Former National Insurance Board (NIB) Director, Trevor Cooke; he now serves as a member of the NIB board.

Shadow Minister of Finance, Derek Taylor

of the nation, setting back the destination's development by at least a decade.” The organisations pointed to the lack of consultation with the public and businesses, stating that this will result in the CPF and the other new taxes having a significant adverse effect on businesses which rely heavily on imports to carry out their operations. "What is worrisome is that these taxes will negatively affect all residents of the Turks and Caicos, all tourists and will also put an increased strain on the already fragile economy. “These alleged taxes definitely came as a surprise to our members and businesses in general and we all wish TCI's policy makers would have consulted with us before making decisions which will negatively impact the tourism and hospitality sector which we collectively represent,” the TCHTA Board is quoted as stating in the release. The board said no consultation with the sector - especially with the largest associations like TCHTA and Chamber of Commerce - is considered very much unacceptable and is not in the spirit of working

together in a Public, Private Partnership as is the rhetoric of the Government. “This is not the way to do business or promote symbiotic relationship." It also noted that businesses and residents alike have to live with an unpredictable taxation environment which only serves to undermine confidence in the policy makers and creates a very unstable economy. In the absence of manufacturing and agriculture sectors in TCI, businesses have no other alternative but to import 90% of their inventory, be it furnishings to outfit their properties or food for their restaurants, in order to keep their businesses afloat. According to the TCHTA Board, the taxes will force businesses to reconsider their budgeting strategies going forward, which may impact employment, resulting in sector layoffs. “Businesses want to maintain and grow their operations in TCI and higher taxes will not encourage them to do this effectively especially with the repressed economy. This new proposed increase along with other proposed changes in the tax regime will have consequences which undermine the desire of our members and businesses to stimulate the economy. “We foresee that there will be an inability for small businesses in particular to regain the taxes and fees we are forced to pay the Government." In the past three years, businesses saw two accommodation tax increases from 10 percent to 11 percent, then again from 11 percent to 12 percent. In 2011, Customs Processing Fees also increased to 6 percent, six months after being reintroduced, the Board cited. The organization noted too that

NHIP employee and employer contributions increased from 2.5 percent to 3 percent each, a 1 percent insurance tax on premiums was introduced along with a 1 percent banking tax on fees and wire transfers. Other increases or new taxes in the three year period included an increase in the importation tax on alcoholic beverages, an increased fuel tax by $0.75 per gallon, a 30 percent increase in power rate for large hotels, a 15 percent tax on freight and insurance on all imported good with the exception for building materials and a stamp duty on real estate went from 9 percent to 10 percent for real estate sales over $500K. It added: “Another recent increase which is yet to be confirmed by Government is an increase in work permit fees, which already saw a 35 percent increase in 2011.” In a press release last week, the Ministry of Finance announced the increase in the CPF; outlining the TCI’s rate compared to many other countries, stating that the 7.5 percent is still low in comparison. 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 percent. The Ministry claimed that the ultimate effect on prices to consumers should be minimal and that any price increases should not be applied until inventories that were imported prior to the increase, are exhausted. The Minister has assured 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.

Revised work permit and visa fees revealed NEW fees and procedures for visas and work permits have been announced. The Ministry for Border Control and Labour released the revised figures on Tuesday (October 22). They will be implemented on Friday, November 1. For visas all applicants must prove to the Department of Immigration that they are genuine visitors, that they will not engage in an occupation and that they will leave the Islands at the end of the stipulated period. The price of a single entry visitor’s visa is $150, a one year multiple entry business visa is $500 and a student visa is $300. In addition a non-fundable application fee of $100 is now

payable. There is also now provision for a seaman’s visa for $300 and a person can obtain a visa to attend a charitable, sporting or religious event for $25. Meanwhile endorsement of a spouse or child on work permits costs $500 for a spouse and $500 for each child. Residence permits for the spouse or child of a Turks and Caicos Islander costs $500 for the spouse and $300 for the endorsement of each child. Temporary work permits will cost $250 per member of a group performing at commercial entertainment events and $25 processing fee for groups performing at religious, charitable or

civic events. In all other cases the fee remains at $700. To apply for an extension or renewal of a work permit by a selfemployed person or employed person, regulations have been introduced to require that such applications must be made at least 30 days before the expiration of the existing permit. If the application is made after the expiry of the work permit, a penalty fee of $250 shall apply. Where a request is made for the processing of an application for a work permit within seven days of making the application, a fee of $500 is payable. Finally there is no passport fee for British Overseas Territory Citizens aged 75 years and older.

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 26 - November 1, 2013

Extreme dumpsite transformation – From smoking mountains of trash and pollution to eco-friendly landfill TO THE relief and amazement of many, especially residents of the housing scheme in Wheeland, the dumpsite is now remarkably sanitary compared to its deplorable condition just one year ago. The company responsible, Turks and Caicos Environmental Management (TCEM), invited media and residents out on October 19 to see the progress that has been made. Jim Hodge, father of company president Tim Hodge, said that the task was “real work” and a discipline that “you have to do right every day and when you do it looks like this after a year”. Standing on top of a hill with hardly any trash in sight, he explained that the discipline is four ‘Cs’: consolidation, compaction, cover and the most difficult, consistency. He also pointed out the need for a secure site, hence the fence that has been built. In past years the appalling condition of the site prompted numerous residents of the surrounding area to complain about the flies, smoke, potential diseases and even individuals living at the dump. Over the past year extensive work has been put into improving the conditions and the mountains of rubbish have been properly sorted, consolidated, compacted and covered with earth. Hodge said: “At one time I

remember we took over 5,000 tonnes of waste from the entrance road coming in and that is all beneath us.” The public is not allowed inside the dumpsite, instead there is a drop box in the front which is always open. The company’s trucks then take the garbage into the dump, an amount of about 65 to 85 tons a day. Hodge expressed satisfaction in the public, private effort, which he thinks is suitable for counties with sustainable environmental projects. He acknowledged the good working relationship between company manager David Galvin who works very closely with Director of the Environment Health Kendrick Neely. Having been contracted by the Government of the TCI to improve the waste management system, the company has been managing the dump sites in Providenciales and Grand Turk. Now that the site is in a pleasing and hygienic state the company is not stopping there, they have three proposed expansions planned. In the near future Hodge said that they are working towards making a lined landfill and “then it will be unquestionably the best looking and most environmentally secure in the Caribbean”. He said that another step they hope to undertake is going into the family islands to manage their dumps as originally intended.

A once filthy entrance to the site is now squeaky clean with dump trucks stopping to weigh in before offloading

The site is now lush with vegetation and the horrendous mass of trash expertly compacted underground and out of sight

FILE PHOTO: This picture from just over a year ago shows tonnes of garbage scattered across the dump site

Also, a partnership with the government has been proposed to open a recycling facility, a move he said will only cost about $200,000 to $300,000. All in attendance, including former Minister of Health Karen Delancy, Blue Hill’s Representative Goldray Ewing, Drexwell Seymour and other prominent Blue Hills residents applauded the management and staff of the company for a job well done. Goldray Ewing said: “It’s amazing to see how far we have come…we can stand here and breathe and not be bothered by any flies or smoke”. Standing in the middle of the dump where breathing was certainly not challenge Delancy echoed his

sentiments. Drexwell Seymour, also pleased with the transformation, said he is especially glad for the residents in Blue Hills because he was aware of how much they were affected, some even wanting to move. He could not believe it was

the same place because all he can remember is the massive piles of trash everywhere. Seymour said that he knows the project has grabbed the attention of the Caribbean and is proud of the site and idea that the TCI can be setting such a high standard. (KH)

Opposition leader meets Governor Drexwell Seymour and other community members commend the waste management company on a job well done

Leader of the Opposition party Sharlene Cartwright Robinson paid a courtesy call on the Governor on Wednesday (October 23) at his official residence Waterloo in Grand Turk.

October 26 - November 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Severe flooding problems to be addressed HEAVY rainfall that left parts of Providenciales under many inches of water has forced the Government to introduce new anti-flooding measures. Problem areas are being reviewed and wells are being dug according to Minister of Government Support Services, George Lightbourne. In a statement to the press this week Lightbourne said that a number of new and innovative ideas are under consideration and short term measures will be undertaken in House of Assembly by the Public Works Department team. “In light of the recent heavy rains and subsequent flooding, Ministry officials have reviewed the problem areas and historical records with a view to the design and implement preventative measures in the affected areas,” he stated. “The Ministry notes that there have been some recent improvements with the installation of a number of wells, but acknowledges that there is much more to be done to improve the situation.” As well as infrastructure work the Ministry has also recently concluded a competitive tender for consultant engineers in a mapping project being funded by the Caribbean Development Bank. The project will map the levels of risk with an analysis on risk reduction, identify and evaluate flood management options, undertake community

vulnerability assessments, identify cost-effective drainage improvement measures and develop drainage policy and plans. It will also enhance the capacity of the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands to better manage flood hazards, Lightbourne said. In addition the project will assess the impact of projected sea level rises and other effects of climate change. Last week Vaden Williams, Shadow Minister for Government Support Services, called for the Government to do something about the flooding. “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. 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.” The TCI was bombarded with sheets of rain last week caused by a cluster of storms moving through a trough – a long region of low atmospheric pressure. The storms caused a power outage, disabling of phone connectivity and serious flooding.

utility company can help customers to better manage their consumption. Robinson said: “We decided to launch the SmartConnect Programme as a solution to some of the concerns being voiced by our customers. “While we cannot control the fuel factor, we are making every effort to educate our customers on ways they can save on their energy costs.” The FortisTCI SmartConnect Programme is an information sharing and relationship building initiative that the company has launched to focus on its customers’ needs. SmartConnect paves the way for FortisTCI customers to learn about their utility company and about the smart use of energy at home and in their businesses. One way to learn more about this programme is by signing up for ‘Connecting with You’ customer information sessions held by request. Details can also be found at www. fortistci.com.

Pelagic fishing study has begun A CONTROVERSIAL study into the possibility of bringing new methods of fishing into the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun. The UK-sponsored practical investigation will look into the viability of fishing for pelagic marine life that lives near the surface of the sea, including the use of long line fishing. Over the next two years the study will determine the economic feasibility of developing an off-shore fisheries industry for the TCI. It will also provide the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) with stock characteristics of various pelagic species in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Following the study the Government will be able to make informed decisions on the future direction of policy and legislation. In March the study created a stir among local environmentalists, fishing companies and boaters when it was proposed. Long-line fishing is typically performed by trolling fishing lines that often exceed 25 miles in length and can be equipped with more than 500 individual fish hooks. Some of the concerns raised included the likelihood of insufficient marine fisheries stocks, the introduction of foreign resources and the environmental impact. However Director of DEMAKathleen Wood stressed that the proposed study is not a policy endorsement. This week Dayboat I, the vessel being used in the study, brought in its first haul which included swordfish, mahi mahi, wahoo, big-eye tuna, yellow fin tuna and albacore. A shark and blue marlin were landed live and released, along with all of the undersized catch. The driving force behind the study

is Caicos Pride, a Belonger-owned South Caicos company, which is seeking to help the industry diversify away from its reliance on conch and lobster fishing. The company has partnered with Day Boats Seafood of Florida that has provided the boats and data gathering equipment to support the study. According to a Government press release a DEMA observer is aboard the vessel and the department is also able to monitor activities via virtual software. DEMA Director Kathleen Wood said: “We are pleased that so far, all activities associated with this study appear to be proceeding as planned and as agreed. “We know that there has been a lot of controversy surrounding this study but are confident that the sustainable methods employed and the results

gleaned will speak for themselves and alleviate any concerns that the public may have now that the study is underway. “We are hopeful that pelagic fisheries stocks will be sufficient to provide alternative livelihoods to TCI fishers.” Pelagic fish live near the surface or in the water column of coastal waters, but not on the bottom of the sea. Pelagic fishing is contained to fish inhabiting this section of open water, which usually contains no plants or structure. Once the first voyage is completed, DEMA will be releasing all of the statistical data from the catch. The department also welcomes comments and questions from the public and can be contacted at environment@gov.tc or 941-5122.

FortisTCI raffle winners announced

ON THURSDAY (October 17) Matthew and Marlene Williams of Providenciales were announced as winners of FortisTCI’s SmartConnect raffle, walking away with a brand new refrigerator. The randomly selected couple were surprised by the win and very excited by the announcement initially made by phone call. With a smile, Matthew Williams said: “Our luck usually isn’t this good! We needed a new refrigerator.” The competition was held in part to help promote energy conservation through the recently launched FTCI SmartConnect Programme. Last month an Energy Star model refrigerator, valued at almost $2,000, was up for raffle throughout FortisTCI service territories. The vice president of customer and corporate services, Allan Robinson, elaborated on energy conservation education and why partnering with the

NEWS

FortisTCI director of customer service Aisha Laporte, the winners and corporate communications manager, Talisha Simons

10 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 26 - November 1, 2013

‘We have nothing’ – Saunders PRESIDENT of the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce E Jay Saunders appealed to the new Governor to help revive the country this week. During a cocktail party to welcome in Peter Beckingham hosted by the Chamber, Saunders stressed that many people had nothing to show for years of hard work. The event took place at Beach’s new Key West Village formerly The Veranda on Monday (October 21). From 7pm dozens of members showed up to greet the Governor and also in attendance were Premier Dr Rufus Ewing and Leader of the

Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson. Lieutenant Colonel Mason from the Providenciales Salvation Army began the formal portion of proceedings with a prayer. Next to take the podium was Saunders who said that while he was putting the speech together the first thing that came to mind was nothing. “And while this seems at first like jest, this nothing has more to do with the fact that the most of us within the business community strongly believe that there was a time when many of us had something but now we’re getting to the point where we

all have nothing.” He said that while diplomacy and protocol dictate that he should not broach the topic at the Governor’s welcome reception it needed to be addressed. “There’s probably nothing more to add to what you’ve heard about our ailing economy but what I’d like to say is that the private sector is prepared to help out. “We are prepared to partner with the Government to give it the necessary support to make the bold decisions to get the economy growing again.” Saunders stressed that sustained

Windsong villa was given a silver Magellan Award for its smart design

Windsong wins travel awards A STUNNING oceanfront property in Providenciales has won two prestigious travel awards for its breath-taking design. The boutique Windsong Resort was selected from thousands of entries around the world to be given Travel Weekly’s 2013 Magellan Awards. A gold award was presented for its penthouse suite design and a silver award for its private villa. General manager Anette Mullings said: “We are so honoured to have been selected from among the thousands of luxury resorts and hotels representing countries all over the world. “To stand out as a boutique property in our Caribbean region is significant, but to have our luxury penthouse and villa accommodations win on such a competitive, world stage is truly a thrill.

“And, it shows that our product embodies a high standard of quality in the industry,” she added. The Magellan Awards is the premier awards program honouring a broad range of industry segments including hotels and resorts, travel destinations, cruise lines, online travel services, airlines and airports, travel agents and agencies, tour operators and car rental companies. The awards are judged and overseen by a panel of top travel professionals representing the best names and most accomplished leaders from the industry. Windsong’s managing partner Jim Molter said: “Our entire team is motivated every day by the positive recognition we receive from our Windsong guests, but it is especially rewarding to receive accolades from leading travel industry experts.

“We have always thought our penthouse designs with roof top spas, BBQ grills, sun loungers, dining facilities, and unspoiled panoramic ocean views through frameless glass, are refreshingly unique to travellers. “It is gratifying to know that well-regarded, seasoned, travel professionals agree.” Arnie Weissmann, editor-inchief of Travel Weekly, said that this year the bar was raised by entrants to the awards competition. “The creativity that travel industry marketers and designers display to inspire travel and enhance the travel experience continues to impress our expert judges and readers. “The winners are not just the most talented and creative people in the travel industry – they are among the most creative and talented of any industry.”

President of the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce E Jay Saunders

growth would only come by allowing businesses to thrive and not just to survive. “In short the Government needs to leave enough on the table so companies can have enough to reinvest.” He told Beckingham that there is much to be done by the British government to revive the Islands and said that businesses are willing to work with them to make it happen. “We believe that getting back to nothing signifies a new beginning, a fresh start, a chance to start anew, a chance to relook at everything, to do that soul searching to see what we got right, what we got wrong and what we can do better.” Governor Peter Beckingham took to the podium to address the business community. He started by revealing that he will be visiting Providenciales on the first Monday of every month – the same day the Chamber meeting is held. “I have done a fair amount of work on the trade and investment side and hope that in a small way I can make a contribution here.” He said that in the few weeks he spent in London before coming to the country there was a “mood of optimism” among Ministers and senior officials about the direction of

travel for the TCI. “There was a feeling that things were moving ahead, that really in the next two or three years global events permitting, really the economy should strengthen and boost this country in a significant fashion.” He went on to say that he did not think everything was perfect and that the TCI is a wonderful country but things could get better. There needs to be an emphasis on attracting key investors who bring in hundreds of millions of dollars to the country’s economy and jobs, Beckingham said. “Working together we can hopefully make the passage of companies like that into TCI easier.” He spoke briefly about previous investments he had helped to bring to fruition and said he hoped to encourage similar investment in the TCI. “It is for the TCI Government to take the lead, it is not my role to be absolutely hands on and getting into too much detasil. “But I very much hope I will have the opportunity to work alongside all of you in business for the three or four years that Jill and I have been incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to come here.” The event was chaired by Allan Eden-Hutchinson.

Potcake Place educates students on animal healthcare OFFICIALS from Potcake Place in Providenciales visited students at Enid Capron Primary School on Tuesday (October 22) to speak about the importance of being responsible pet owners. The students were briefed on keeping their dogs and cats in good health and the impact of having dogs that are not spayed. Volunteer at the Potcake Place Laurie McCann said that she was impressed with the attentiveness of the students at the school. “I think they were very responsive. I think they had a good time and a lot of hands were held up and a lot of people participated in the questions and answers period.” McCann explained that when the

volunteers were busy, they would use some of the teachers from the various schools to act on their behalf and help spread the word. She said: “People don’t understand the impact of having a dog that is not spayed. “A female can have 18 puppies for the year and those dogs can have dogs and this can add up to over 100 dogs for the year.” An Animal Welfare Committee was formed in March of this year to help solve some of the problems that the Turks and Caicos Islands is experiencing with stray dogs. The committee is a joint effort from Potcake Place, Zero Tolerance Crime Committee, the Hotel Association and the Tourist Board. (DAISY HANDFIELD)

October 26 - November 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 26 - November 1, 2013

Focus on migratory birds IT’S October and bird migration is in full swing in the Caribbean - and the Turks and Caicos Islands is no exception. Thousands of birds pass through the Islands to spend many months here resting, feeding and sheltering in coastal and wetland areas. The amazing journeys these birds take each year are celebrated in an event called the International Migratory Bird Festival. This year, the local theme for the celebration is ‘Our fine

feathered friends: Help and protect them.’ The Turks and Caicos National Trust continues to advocate good habitat management, education and other conservation tools to achieve bird conservation. Jonathan Sayao, education programme manager at the trust, said: “Together with our partners, we are working to promote bird conservation education and to develop effective ways to implement bird conservation through education.

“With the growth of interest in birds and bird conservation, there is a tremendous opportunity to substantially increase promotion through paraphernalia, publications and merchandise among the general public to heighten concern about birds.” This month members of the trust are visiting schools to promote bird conservation and different locally-produced products are on sale. Merchandise on sale include bird-themed straw bags and baskets, plush bird wall hangings, magnets, postcards, Migratory Birds of the West Indies colouring book, t-shirts, totes, ceramics and Birds of the Turks and Caicos Islands book by Sir Richard Ground. The book provides a wealth of information including more than 500 accounts of species, a comprehensive list of birds found in the TCI, as well as chapters on bird conservation and other endemic animals. The trust has set up small kiosks at Cheshire Hall Plantation, the Turks and Caicos National Trust office in Town Centre Mall, Caribbean Cruisin’ terminal, Big Blue booth and at the Kids Park during Fish Fry. The promotion ends on November 29.

October 26 - November 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 26 - November 1, 2013

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.

TCIG end of term grade F+ Smokescreens and Dear Editor, We have become one of the most expensive destinations to live it in the Caribbean. It seems that the cost of all goods and services is constantly rising. It’s a shame that our salaries are not in sync. As each day goes by I can’t help but to wonder how people are making it under this extreme cloud of uncertainty. There are few prospects for further education or obtaining gainful employment to help the population cope under such economic pressure. This leads me to wonder, if the Minister of Finance is not feeling the pinch like the rest of us with all the increases and newly implemented taxation. If you think about it, everything has increased in cost. Food, water, electricity, imports, business licenses, company formation, school fees, fuel, medication, naturalisation and work permits. The Minister of Finance even saw fit to put a 12 per cent tax on internet usage, as if we don’t have enough to worry about. Now ushers in the Blue Ribbon Commission to discuss more taxation. The only thing left to tax is the air we breathe. Washy has got everything else covered. I was hoping since it was the PNP’s main election seller, they would be

concentrating on jobs/education and proper healthcare that they sang all through the campaign. Instead all we are getting is frustration from inflation, not hiring signs and a community college that puts its most sought after and useful courses in Grand Turk, when the majority of people live in Provo and cannot relocate to study. Our young people are left depressed and without hope, NO jobs and NO scholarships! I am deeply concerned about the plight of the unemployed and the elderly in these trying times. If the employed persons and business owners are buckling under mounting pressure, how much more it must be for the needy. Let’s face it, something has to be done. This cannot continue to go on. I would like to suggest that the Government concentrates on tapping into all the illegally operating businesses to enforce the law and collect what is due to the Government or shut them down. There are potentially millions annually in all the shops, jitneys, restaurants and bars that are taking business away from lawful tax

payers. Police, immigration and labour must act so that unemployed persons residing here lawfully can seek gainful employment and help to circulate money back into the economy. Since the PNP headquarters was confiscated, let us go after all illegal buildings and either seek what is due to Government or remove them so that proper structures can be built by going through the right channels. More importantly, why doesn’t the Government engage lending agencies or liaise with TC Invest to give incentives to Belongers and PRC holders who will continue to reinvest here in the country where we need it? We can either continue to sail in the wrong direction into the cyclone ahead that will surely drag us into the abyss or we can check our compasses and point this ship in the right direction for the good of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. I have to express with all sincerity, if the Government doesn’t have a clue what they are doing they need to put their big boy shorts on and step aside so that we can elect people who have the country’s interests truly at heart, as they appear out of touch. Euwonka Selver

Long Bay, Providenciales

weak balloons Dear Editor, Since November 9, 2012, the new Government has been sending out new balloons on differing tax rates, reduced forms of VAT, but it cannot seem to implement them. Stamp duty rates have gone back up, further hurting and dampening the real estate market. This economy cannot seem to take off. Investors are jolted by the smokescreens, the weak balloons and the uncertainty created by not having a solid fiscal policy in place. Two things hurt the possibility of a realistic fiscal policy. First can it be fair to develop a new taxation project on this country when the end result of these new taxes would be to avoid having a balanced budget, or to avoid investment in social projects for the people but to pay off old debt and shield past corruption? Secondly if the British have a secret agenda to remain here to empower their boys as they are doing now, can any real agenda to raise taxes go towards reducing the debt? No, because as Ministers have stated publicly, all efforts to pay off the debt have been attacked by the British. They do not want the debt paid off because that debt keeps them here, maintains the unneeded office of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the constitution and prevents the Islands from growing. If there is a continued British presence they can control the

COMMENTARY

The march of time TIME marches on as we all eventually experience and it has been three long years and more since Ma Charity was taken from us and we dearly miss her. My mom went to her reward in December 2002 and Ma Charity did a lot to fill the gap she left. Ma would have celebrated the recent ordination of Pastor Williams in Conch Bar and we believe she would have identified with this new pastor. As we look around so many of our friends and neighbours from Lorimers, Bambarra to Conch Bar are seniors and advanced in

By David Tapfer years. That fellow I see in the mirror is included. So many of the younger and middle-aged residents have left,

SPACE IS LIMITED!

taking their children with them to enrol in the crowded Provo schools. They have left behind the largest and most beautiful of the Turks and Caicos Islands, ‘Grand’ Middle Caicos. The 10 long years from 2003 on have not been good to Middle Caicos. We hope and pray that the ordination of Pastor Williams will signal the beginning of a turn around. We have been waiting impatiently for Haul Over Plantation and the other Middle and North Caicos historical sites to be turned over to

the National Trust. Only the Trust can be ‘trusted’ to protect and develop them. These historical attractions can bring tourists and with them developers to our big island, North and Middle. We wonder also who will protect beautiful Bambarra Beach? The causeway is patched up until the next Hanna. The fast ferry service gives easy access to North and Middle Caicos. North is the garden island but the ‘farm’ has yet to prove its potential. The interim government preached agriculture but never provided the

outcome of the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) and Asset Recovery Team’s efforts. So there can be no realistic or fair, and I repeat fair, tax model created by the Government or the Blue Ribbon Commission. The monies collected would go to past debt, bad deals, and rip-offs of the wealth of our people. We cannot genuinely support a tax reform project that programmes itself so that past evils are blessed but our people then face a lifetime of paying off past debt. For what? This cannot work and it should not be supported because these priorities go to benefit somebody from outside of these Islands based on corrupt deals which are not realistic. There is a silent force in the TCI that’s well aware that we are fooling ourselves talking about new taxes and are going around with this false idea that we need taxes to run the country, but not taken from the full context. Actually the answer is no, we don’t, because in the case of the TCI our existing taxes and proposed increased taxes are not being used to run the TCI but really to pay off old debt and to cover past corrupt deals. Really and truly the project needed now is to unravel past bad deals so a lowering of taxes project could commence in the TCI. Ingrid Williams

(extract)

most basic modern tools, a tractor and a plough. Has anyone thought about raising pineapples? Hawaii the 50th US state and a series of islands is home to massive pineapple farming. In TCI we get pineapples from cans. This sturdy island fruit could survive shipping and therefore be exported. Soon we expect Middle Caicos will go back to raising a few hogs and pineapple goes well with ham! Time marches on they say but since 2003 TCI and North and Middle Caicos have gone backwards. Has the backward movement stopped since the election of November 2012 and will it stop before the next election? We believe it is long past due for a change.

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

October 26 - November 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

continued

We are willing to help – Open letter to the Government Ladies and gentlemen, Today you hold in your hands the power to either leave your children and grandchildren the legacy of the importance of protecting Mother Earth, or destroy her and their futures instead. Turks and Caicos has ONE resource: its natural beauty. NATURAL beauty. This is what draws hundreds of thousands tourists to the TCI every

year. But, instead of protecting the one and only asset you were given in this world, it seems you are so set on destroying it that it does not even bother you how much you are taking from future generations. And for what? A few bucks for the Treasury? If you protect Mother Nature, she will repay you tenfold. If you only destroy and keep on destroying, you

are your own (and your kids’) worst enemies. You know already that thousands and thousands of people have spoken against the proposed dolphinarium. Over 80,000 have signed various petitions online. You have been informed that over 70 of these attractions have already been closed worldwide due to pressure from protesters. Our existing, returning and high paying tourists all speak against this ‘attraction’ and they are horrified that

The speech that said nothing Dear Editor, I avoided every radio and attempted to blur reality as it swept over the TCI chain on Wednesday. Islanders, gleefully elated as another UK torchbearer ascends to the throne of El Morro with an undisclosed agenda. The new Governor is certainly no fashion icon nor movie star, but he claims to be close personal friends with people with money. Deals are in the making, he says, and he is promising to work within the PNP agenda, a pronouncement of a major development to be completed just months before the 2016 elections and he has guaranteed that the Premier would never call or write to the FCO demanding his recall. Three or four years he promised, and a wife, yes a present one, stark contrast to our former Governor, but more importantly nonetheless, does he know Lord Ashcroft? Was he sent by Lord Ashcroft? Are the British up to something? Are they not up to something? By now most readers are au fait

with the typical TCI conspiracy theories and balmy blushes when reminiscing of yesteryear. To recap what the new Governor said would be pointless, and it would result in a much too short of an adventure in looking back at a current situation - pun. But to read into what the Governor did not say can provide a writer with sufficient subject matter to pen a thesis. But, baseball is in full swing so let’s stick to the questions and await the answers. Firstly, the TCI - and my friend Bishop Doctor the Right Honorable Oswald Skippings, would like to know if the mystery British investor that the Governor claims to have met in England is the great Lord Ashcroft? We also want to know how deep the UK will allow the investigations being carried out by SIPT to go this year and next year and for the next four years? Does the new Governor have any hobbies, does he swim or does he like to dance, does he like rum and

Send letters to tcweeklynews@gmail.com

SPACE IS LIMITED!

does he partake in fine cigars? These are all very important questions in the grand scheme of things, is he a golfer? Will he be working to strengthen the civil service? How much more money will be spent on civil recovery? Will TCI people lose their land? Will the PNP ever get back their headquarters? Will we be better off in four years? Will the UK refinance the $250m loan in 2016? Will he rescind Diplock court laws in TCI? You see if we look deeper into the Governor’s speech we realise that it is one of the most blurry road maps ever presented by a Governor in recent times. The TCI would love to know more, who is this new man that we have and what is his agenda? Perhaps a new and better speech would be an order for we shan’t be hypnotised or even intellectually chastised…or shall we? And once those questions are answered we would like to know how the AG Huw Shepheard was miraculously healed. About a week and a half ago the AG returned from overseas on American Airlines and the most able bodied policeman had to carry him in a wheelchair through the halls of customs. After the healing, or so one may assume, he could be seen walking briskly along the same path from plane to hall as he welcomed the Governor with a huge smile on his face and what appeared to be every medal he could rustle from amongst his prized linen pinned on-top-of his chest. InterHealth seems to be doing a fine job healing the sick these days. As we await answers to these pressing questions, I will resume watching baseball and sipping Titanium Brugal. Devon Williams

such a thing could be approved in the TCI. Many have already stated they will not return here. There are endless demonstrations in front of SeaWorld and other dolphinariums against keeping captive cetaceans. Antigua has decided not to go ahead with opening one, to use an example close to home, because of petitioners strongly opposing such a development. India has proclaimed dolphins non-human persons. Brazil – a new market you have been courting for our off-season business – banned these attractions in 1991. Carnival Cruises UK have stopped promoting these dolphin horror shows – how long will it take for Carnival USA? Movies like The Cove or Blackfish speak directly of the atrocities done to these highly intelligent creatures for the sake of our ‘entertainment’. After the movie Blackfish was released in the USA, SeaWorld, for the first time, reported a LOSS in Q2, 2013. And yet you keep stubbornly going on with this project? Why? What exactly do you think you will gain? A few buck in taxes, a few rides for the cab drivers and a handful of low paying jobs? How long till you will have members of community, of PETA, Sea Shepherd, Ocean Defender and others picketing in front of the ‘attraction’? How long until the residents of Grand Turk realise that they have been cheated? That the jobs are lowly, paying peanuts, that the taxi rides promised have been replaced by buses (just do the maths: count the amount of taxis you would need to fill up the seats and bring everyone back to their cruise ship)? The developers of these attractions worldwide do not care for the welfare of animals nor profits of others. They care to make money, blood money. By opening and running dolphinariums they directly support animal cruelty and unless a nation sees behind the famous 'dolphin smile', they support it with them. The entire family of the dolphin that is captured is often killed by stabbing or jamming a cork in their blowholes. They swim in their family’s blood. Then they are transported to a small enclosure – many die on the way – where they are lonely, bored and frightened, they get fed dead fish, totally unnatural to them, and antidepressants! Dolphins are highly intelligent

creatures who live in close knit families in the wild. Their brains are bigger than ours. They call each other by name, protect each other and mourn their dead. They have saved people from sharks and from drowning. Dean has been friends with JoJo for years – talk to him about why all the tourists that have seen JoJo are in love with him! Can you look into your kids’ eyes and say: yep, I support animal cruelty: I want to make some money, so I don’t care how much these dolphins suffer?? I support animal cruelty and I don’t care that I have ruined the reputation of this country for you? I support a dolphinarium that I know is morally wrong and I don’t care about your future? Please, I beg of you: let’ stop clutching at straws with things like 28 story buildings, dolphinariums and long line fishing (which, by the way, is yet another prime example of direct damage to your county. The gain is minimal, the destruction enormous – 80 per cent of things caught on the lines are ‘bycatch’ – dolphins, turtles, sharks. They die a terrible death – millions of these deaths directly impact the health of your reefs and the ocean as a whole. If you allow long line fishing, you are killing your diving and local fishing industries. Please let us have a sustainable plan for eco-tourism. For protecting Mother Nature and your own and your kids’ futures. For cleaning up the beaches and stopping people polluting around the roads. For stopping using plastic bags and plastic in general. For replacing polystyrene disposable dishes with natural, made of hemp or bamboo. Please, do not destroy, but help protect the ocean. Don’t justify keeping JoJo’s brothers and sisters in prison for a few bucks. Don’t allow the destruction of many species by long line fishing. Don’t let JoJo be caught on one of those lines. We need more industry, more income. There are many intelligent and experienced and travelled people in your community – we are all willing to help. There are so many other ways of making Grand Turk and other islands beautiful, productive and eco-friendly. Please, let’s all work together in making it so. Good day, Alex Skye,

Grace Bay, Providenciales

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

Police officers undergo drug abuse resistance training BY DAISY HANDFIELD FOUR police officers were sent by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) to Virginia in the United States to undergo training recently. They were trained by the Virginia State Police in how to deliver up to date drugs resistance advice to young students in a programme called Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE). DARE is all about giving youths phrases that they can use when they are under peer pressure, advice on resisting any kind of addiction, tools on how to deal with conflict and influencing them on making responsible decisions. The implementation of this programme will help address undesirable habits and execute undesirable behaviours. Police Commissioner Colin Farquhar said that a few years ago the force spoke about programmes that could help the young, one being the Cadet programme, but due to the lack of funding they were unable to bring it back into motion. Farquhar explained that this programme would basically serve as a substitution course. “Benefits of the DARE programme are that it gets the police

Police Commissioner Colin Farquhar and Inspector Ennis Grant during the press conference

officers engaged with the youths and it gets them into the schools where they can interact with the youth and with the students,” he said. Inspector Ennis Grant in charge of Community Policing along with three other officers, were the chosen four that underwent the programme in the United States. Grant explained that earlier this year he submitted the proposal to the Commissioner of Police to start the DARE programme at the schools because of the challenges they were having and the modern trend of violent activities and in some cases other crimes. They were able to get the funding approved in August of 2013. The initial plan was to try and

get training done locally, but they were unable to do so because of the funding constraints. The programme is broken down into four different segments for different levels of primary and secondary education, starting from kindergarten level up to form three of high school. Ian McLeod, president of CrimeStoppers Turks and Caicos, noted that in the past they have heard cases of students from schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands arriving to school stoned, drunk and under other influences so he applauded the force on this new initiative. “We actually hope that this programme will basically lead to a better future for us all.”

Various people from the business community attentively listening during seminar

KPMG holds anti-money laundering training at Beaches BY DAISY HANDFIELD ANTI-Money Laundering (AML) training is a legal requirement for licensed financial services entities such as banks, trust companies, insurance companies and for designated non-financial businesses and professions such as realtors, attorneys, accountants and jewellers. During the course of the whole day on Wednesday (October 23) Beaches Turks and Caicos was the hub for about 100 people from various businesses in the Turks and Caicos Islands who took part in the seminar put on by KPMG. The guest speakers were delegates from KPMG TCI, KPMG Isles of Men, KPMG Bermuda, head of designated nonfinancial businesses and professions for TCI Financial Services Commission and TCI Financial Intelligence Unit. The trainees were selected based on their expertise in the areas under

discussion. The KPMG speakers from the Isle of Man and Bermuda also provided an opportunity for delegates to learn from experiences in other jurisdictions. All licensees in jurisdictions and financial services centres globally have a responsibility to conduct such training. Risk and compliance manager for KPMG, Tamara Smith explained that this training is very important for people and businesses to remain relevant. “It is important, firstly, to comply with the law and also because antimoney laundering and counter terrorism financing are such complex areas which are evolving continuously and so it is important to stay up to date with the most recent developments.” When asked how often the training is done she noted that it has to be done on a regular basis and it is

likely that this seminar will shortly be followed by other seminars which focus specifically on certain industry groups. Smith mentioned that based on the responses received from attendees who filled out questionnaires they all had a positive outlook on the event and hoped for similar seminars in the near future. Most noted that they attended to find out more about a subject for which they have extensive responsibilities, to assist them in complying with those responsibilities and to find out more about solutions to problems they encounter in their day to day operations. They found this training important because they were conscious of their obligations under the law and because they were aware of how complex the subjects of anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing are and they wanted to keep up to date with the latest developments.

October 26 - November 1, 2013

Food and Wine Festival set for Oct 31 to Nov 2 THE GRANDEST culinary event in the TCI is ready to kick off on October 31, with highly anticipated reoccurring activities as well as exciting new ones. Food and wine lovers are all anxious to experience this year’s Caribbean Food and Wine Festival, an event which allows patrons to not only enjoy the amazing creations of prominent local and foreign chefs and renowned wine makers, but also gives attendees the opportunity to interact directly with them. Organisers said that the threeday festival is promising to be quite successful as some of the events are already sold out. The third annual culinary extravaganza begins October 31 with a welcome dinner at the Regent Palms. There will also be wine tasting and a book signing at Jai’s that evening. On November 1 a newly introduced event called Women of Wine Luncheon will be hosted by the Beach House. Also scheduled for that day is the Gourmet Safari, which will take guests on a culinary adventure travelling to some of the finest hotels and restaurants in Providenciales. This superb affair which was a success on its own for four years prior is what led to the creation of The Caribbean Food and Wine Festival. This year’s seventh annual safari will begin at the Grace Bay Club where guests will enjoy cocktails. The first stop on the expedition will be the Coyaba Restaurant, where they will have soup or salad. Seven Stars Resort will serve the fish course while the Regent Palms will deliver the entrée. Lastly, guests will head over to the Gansevoort to indulge in delectable

dessert. The final day, November 2, is set to accommodate three exciting events. Gourmet chocolate, cheese, seafood, meat and local favourites, along with a handpicked selection of wine from some renowned winemakers will highlight the Food and Wine Paring event to be held at West Bay Club. Scheduled for 3pm on Saturday also is the island street Food Fair. It will be held opposite Jai’s on Grace Bay Road and will feature talented local and guest chefs competing in a grill and cook-off competition. TCI’s Junkanoo band will also add to event’s entertainment. The final activity in the packed weekend festival is Dinner with/under the Stars at the Grace Bay Club. Guest chefs include Xoliswa Ndoyiya, Nelson Mandela’s personal chef for more than 20 years; Tiffany Derry, fan favourite from Season 7 of Bravo’s Top Chef; and New York City’s famed Christina Tosi, founder and owner of Momofuku Milk Bar. The festival also welcomes returning wine maker Tuck Beckstoffer of Napa Valley and new winemaker Richard Friedman of Moreson Farm and Christopher Silva of Kobrand Wines. Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter Tukwini Mandela from the House of Mandela, a winery located in South Africa, is also scheduled to be a part of the events. The grand festival is made possible through a partnership between the Grace Bay Resorts, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board and The Wine Cellar. For tickets and additional event information, email info@ caribbeanfoodandwinefestivaltci. com or call 946-5050 ext 1000.

Post a picture to win big prizes BUDDING photographers could have their favourite photo featured on the cover of TCI’s Yellow Pages if they enter an exciting online competition. Amateur and professional photographers are eligible to enter the ‘Click the Cover’ contest featured on the ‘Turks and Caicos Islands Yellow Pages’ Facebook page. As well as the opportunity to star on the cover of the 2014 phone directory, up for grabs are a $1,000 cash prize and a Nikon D3200 24.2 megapixel digital SLR camera. To enter photo fans can upload a picture they have taken that highlights the beauty of Turks and Caicos Islands life. It can include scenery, people, wildlife, places or things. Although there can only be one winner of the competition, the entrant with the most public votes will win the ‘People’s Choice’ award of $500. Eileen Keens, marketing

manager at TCI’s Yellow Pages, said: “This contest is a novel way of involving members of the public in the design of the 2014 Yellow Pages telephone directory cover. “It’s a celebration of the beauty of the Turks and Caicos Islands.” To participate, residents need to visit and ‘like’ the Facebook page and look for the ‘Click the Cover’ tab. They must complete the registration form and upload original photographs. The contest runs from October 14 to November 22. The winning image will be chosen by a judging panel made up of professional photographers and industry experts. More information on the competition can be found on the Facebook page or by calling 9417757. Competition winners will be announced on Facebook and Twitter on first week of December.

October 26 - November 1, 2013

NEWS 17

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Maranatha honours students with award ceremony STUDENTS of Maranatha Academy received medals in a Merit Awards Service on October 17, rewarding and acknowledging them for their hard work throughout the year. The 12th annual ceremony was held at the school’s premises in the presence of sponsors, parents, staff and special guests. Principal of the Seven Days Adventists High School, Reinford Trail said that the students accumulate merits throughout the past year for academics and extracurricular activities and at the end of the year everything is added up and the students are rewarded. He said: “Every student gets a bronze, gold or silver medal, the top ten get trophies and the top three get cash prizes.” Merits are awarded for a variety of things including dressing neatly, being prepared for classes, representing the school and behaviour in school. The principal pointed out that many of these things should be the norm but are not, so they have developed a system to encourage the students to practice positive attitudes

Students, parents, sponsors and other guests gather for Maranatha Academy’s Merit Award Service

Students receive medals for their hard work and behaviour throughout the previous school year

and behaviours. The system begins afresh each year, giving students a chance to do and be their very best. A few weeks ago the school excelled at the International Day for Disaster Reduction speech competition among other high schools and placed third in the Youth

that helped the school throughout the year were also acknowledged. Guest speaker Lynn Smith, education director at the TCI Mission of Seven Days Adventists, shared insightful words

Week banner competition recently. They also hold the trophy of debating champion for the past six years, said Trail. During the ceremony companies

of encouragement with the students. She urged them to “sweat the small stuff” and take their education and the way they choose to spend their time very seriously.

Safety tips to protect your children The Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force is advising all parents and guardians that it is very important to keep current and up to date photos of their loved ones, especially children. Parents and guardians should know everything they can about their children's activities and their friends (online and offline). Monitor children's activities and participate with them. Don't allow children to play alone in isolated areas. Teach your children about strangers and to be aware of unusual behavior in people they know. Teach them to listen to their feelings and that it is okay to say no if any adults (including family members) ask them to do something that makes them feel uncomfortable. Teach your children to refuse anything from strangers, including money, gifts or rides. Know where new items come from. Teach your children how to safely answer the phone if they are at home alone such as stating the adult in the house is "unavailable" to come to the phone. Teach your children to keep a safe distance from strangers and not to give strangers directions for help, finding lost pets, etc. Adults need to get help from other adults. Teach children to use the buddy system when walking home from school, sports activities, etc. The age-

old rule of there's safety in numbers is a primary safety precaution. Use secret codes with your children (for use to positively identify each other or to ask for help). Teach your children (including teens) to check first with you before going anywhere. Children need to let parents know where they are going, how they will get there, who will be going along with them, and when they will return home. Develop a family plan stressing where to meet if lost, when you are away from home. Do not have children meet you in the parking lot. Inside a business place is a much safer place to meet. Teach them their phone number (if they have one). Do not place your children's names on their clothing or on the outside of their possessions. Teach your children to say NO, then GET AWAY, and TELL SOMEONE if a person bothers them. Join with other concerned parents to set up safety systems for your neighbourhood. Teach your children about appropriate and inappropriate secrets and that some secrets have to be told if children and parents are to be kept safe. Protect your child at all times. Please visit our web site at www. tcipolice.tc or www.facebook.com/ RTCIPF for more safety tips.

The team from Muskogee, Oklahoma, pose for a picture during their visit

Missionaries lend a helping hand ATEAM of more than 50 missionaries from various Assemblies of God churches in the United States jetted to the TCI recently to offer their services and a huge donation. The generous volunteers provided free dental and eye healthcare to hundreds of residents and even helped to revamp the local primary school. Three doctors and a number of nurses with specialisation in triage and paramedics were among those who travelled to Providenciales on October 12 for the week. They paid for the entire visit themselves as well as providing $20,000 for building supplies. Prior to the visit Rev Bradley Handfield, senior pastor of the Community Fellowship Centre on Leeward Highway, said he was

delighted to be welcoming the guests. “We are thrilled that this group, also known as MAPS (Mission America Placement Service), has selected our country to give of their gifts. “Not only will the doctors treat people for free, but they are bringing approved medication to distribute to those unable to afford it.” It was the idea of Dr Mike Peterson to bring in this second group of volunteers to help the Bight area church and community. Dr Peterson is a lecturer and president of the Caribbean School of Theology for the Assemblies of God. “While the doctors are working to treat dental and eye problems at no charge, there is a team which is determined to complete the roof of our primary school, Community

Christian Academy,” he said. “Another team will work in outreach with visits to various schools with special message of hope to the youth of our country.” The group arrived to a welcome reception with Government and other community leaders. During their visit they were exposed to the country’s culture in food and music. During the day they led healthcare clinics and helped to reroof the Community Christian Academy. In the evenings they led church services in three languages at all three Assemblies of God ministries in the Turks and Caicos Islands. “They have come to give healing and hope to the whole man, and ministry is an important part of their work as missionaries,” Peterson said.

Lifestyle... 18

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

October 26 - November 1, 2013

Dr Mark Osmond

What Causes… Mouth Ulcers A MOUTH ulcer is a painful round or oval shallow lesion in the mouth, often on the inside of cheek but can occur on the gums, palate or lips. They are not infectious so cannot be passed on from sharing a drink or kissing someone. Whilst they are very common and generally self-limiting, it is often not known exactly how one has been caused. Some are caused by trauma for example from a stray bristle sticking out of your toothbrush or a scrape from a hard or rough piece of food. Other causes can include: • Hormonal changes • Stress, anxiety or a general sense of being ‘run down’ • Family history - 40 per cent of

people with ulcers say is runs in the family • Stopping smoking - this is a temporary effect due to the body coping with the changes in chemicals • Underlying medical conditions including vitamin B12 or iron deficiencies, Crohns Disease, Coeliac Disease or any condition that attacks or suppresses the immune system (such as HIV or lupus) • Medications - drugs such as NSAIDS (eg. ibuprofen) or betablockers can occasionally causes ulcers. The three main types of mouth ulcer are: • Minor ulcers - these are the most common, are 2-8mm in size and usually last 10-14 days.

Rolled Halloween sugar cookies SERVINGS: Five dozen

DIRECTIONS • In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. • Stir in the flour, baking powder,

Treatment Most ulcers go away without treatment. Occasionally I recommend a mouthwash to prevent a bacterial infection on the ulcer surface. For big ulcers (over 1cm in size) there is a medicine which can be prescribed by your dentist. It is applied to the ulcer and can be tricky to make stay in place but works effectively. Very occasionally an ulcer can

be a sign of mouth/oral cancer. In this case the ulcer is usually very deep and has a rolled, punched out appearance. Of all the mouth ulcers I have

seen in 25 years working as a dentist, only one was cancer. However, if you have any concerns you should ask your dentist to check.

Spectrum of Hope 

Weekly Recipe

INGEDIENTS • 1 1/2 cups butter, softened • 2 cups white sugar • 4 eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 5 cups all-purpose flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1 teaspoon salt

• Major ulcers - deeper and larger (up to the size of a finger nail) and can take one month to heal. • Herpetiform - small, pin-head size but up to 100 can occur and join together giving the appearance of being larger and irregularly shaped.

and salt. • Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight). • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). • Roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. • Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. • Place cookies one inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. • Bake six to eight minutes in preheated oven. Cool completely.

The learning game The year has settled in nicely! I see that the Vespa will have to be a mainstay in order to keep up with everything, but I’m OK with that! Teachers and parents have all met by now and begun small but hopefully meaningful discussions about our young Einsteins and are devising every more creative means to inspire the best from them! My kudos to all those parents out there who are milking this time in their children’s lives for all its worth! However, let’s take a second to clarify a small point that has been bothering me. The Learning Game. And yes, if you have been reading these articles for a while, you know that I am spoofing The Crying Game when I say that! “I know all there is to know about The Learning Game!”….Though I do think its inappropriate to sing that song in some shady night club to our babies, I do find that learning games are as deceptive as the lounge singer who sang the song “The Crying Game” in that old film!

Firstly, games do not teach. They reinforce what has already been taught. At least they should. If you introduce a game to a child expecting the child to pick up on the concepts within the game, you are completely counting on their own deductive and reasoning skills to carry their grasp of said concepts and apply them correctly. I find it ironic that this is especially dangerous for the one group of children to whom the learning game market has found a gold mine: special needs children. Companies are making millions off of well-meaning parents who believe that an application or learning game will take the place of a teacher. This is not true. Human interaction is crucial, particularly in children with ASD or related disabilities, in making sure that concepts are taught in the proper procedure, context and application. Learning games should be introduced to reinforce these concepts after they have been introduced and somewhat mastered

by a child. Points of mastery vary anywhere from 80% accuracy to 100%, depending on the subject and objective of a lesson. When this is not done you risk the possibility of 1) Frustrating the child as they have no idea how to progress in the game 2) missing a chance to reinforce skills as the child will simply use the game for visual stimulation but not information assimilation 3) developing a concrete way of thinking in the child as there may be little to no variation in presentation or application of lesson concepts imbedded in the game. The bottom line is this: A learning game can only do so much. We must teach our children. The tools that have been developed through technology are amazing and can open huge doors for our children by encouraging them to exercise their skills in a way they fully enjoy. But be careful. There is no tablet that can replace the human touch that every child truly needs in order to learn.

October 26 - November 1, 2013

Lifestyle... YOUR DIET

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

ASK TAMIKA

GARDENING 

How does your garden grow

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.

Praise bougainvillea!

Halloween

IF YOU are a child, October means one thing - tons of candy on Halloween. While I do not celebrate this holiday, many parents cringe at the thought of so much sugar being consumed. Parents, there is some good news - it’s just one day and if this behaviour is not continued for the remaining 364 days of the year then your child should be okay. However, there are some ways you can celebrate Halloween in a more health conscious manner. If you don’t celebrate Halloween, avoid any possible meltdowns by fully explaining to your child the reason why Halloween is not celebrated. Give them logical kid-friendly reasons they can use with their friends when they are being bombarded with questions of, “Why aren’t you coming?” Try to find an alternate activity your child can do on that night. Many churches have started having functions on this night so you may want to start checking into that. Help your children practice moderation. Once all the candy is collected, allow them to choose three to four pieces they want to eat and put the rest away. Once Halloween is gone, they may have one or two pieces if they ask for it. Don’t hide the candy or use it as a bribe but never allow children to have free access to it. You can also buy ‘minis’ instead of the fun size or regular size which have much more calories. If you like it, don’t buy it. Sounds weird right, but it’s true. If chocolates are your favourite, then don’t buy chocolates for your kids to give away because you will be tempted to eat too many. Change the focus. Don’t let the day be all about candy. As a child, I never celebrated Halloween; something changed and Halloween is now a part of our culture just like Christmas. We can change that—take your children to talk to their grandparents about what “Halloween” was like in their day or help your children do some research into the origins of Halloween or start a new family tradition. Whatever you do on this day, make safety a priority. ‘Like’ my page, Nutrition in Demand, on Facebook and receive up to date nutrition information. 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

THE BOUGAINVILLEA is immensely showy and it rewards its owner with an abundance of colour and vitality when it is well looked after. Its versatility is legendary. It can be coaxed into a small manageable pot plant or a sizeable tree, to spread itself vertically on a wall, or climb up a trellis and form a luscious crown or burst forth into graceful arches. The bougainvillea makes one of the best hedges, bushes, and curbliners. And as for bonsai or topiary purposes, it has few equals, lending its complex branching to the pruning shears, which promote even more unique and graceful forms. It is probably true to say that without the bougainvillea our gardens would be a lot less colourful than what we see today. Almost everywhere we go, its brilliant hues and cheerful bursts punctuate the lush green mantle that cloaks our islands environment. Other flowering plants certainly pale in comparison. Along with palms, sunshine, and beaches, the cascading blooms of bougainvillea provide one of Turks and Caicos signature tropical images. As a profuse bloomer, bougainvillea is most striking during the winter, when it is at its peak and few other plants are able to provide colour. A native to coastal Brazil, the bougainvillea was discovered in 1768 in Rio de Janeiro by French naturalist Dr Philibert Commerçon. The plant is named after his close friend and ship’s admiral LouisAntoine de Bougainville, who commanded the ship. However, natural hybrids were soon found to be common occurrences all over the world. Bougainvillea has a medium salt tolerance. Its long arching branches are thorny, and bear heart-shaped leaves and masses of papery bracts in white, pink, orange, purple, and burgundy. Many cultivars, including double flowered and variegated, are available.

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

Bougainvillea spectabilis is a large climber with distinctive curved thorns, and hair on stems and leaves and possess colours in the rose, rusty-red, and purple. Flowers are cream in colour, slender, with very hairy tubes. Bougainvillea glabra has thinner branches that spread in many directions and have distinctive pointed triangle-shaped bracts that come in a range of whites, lilacs, mauves, and purples. They also tend to flower virtually continuously, and often down the entire length of the branch. Bougainvillea peruviana has a branching habit that is looser and more open. This is a climbing, spiny, spreading shrub with greenish bark. Flowering is recurrent after strong vegetative growth in response to dry weather. The bougainvillea has two distinct growth cycles: 1) Vegetative growth period for several weeks, when new leaves and stems grow. If the plant receives enough sunlight, the plant will form buds during this time. If there is not enough sunlight, the plant will remain in vegetative cycle and not progress to the blooming

period. 2) Blooming period of several weeks when little or no vegetative growth occurs. The length of time they will display colour is dependent upon the health of the plant and the environment they are in; the more sun and heat, the better. With at least five hours of direct sunlight per day, a typical, healthy bougainvillea will remain in a blooming period for three to five weeks. Bougainvillea has an extremely fine root system, and should be planted in well-drained soils. Avoid soil mixes with high peat levels and water retention. These types of media retain too much water and will contribute to root rot. Bougainvillea’s’ natural habitat is equatorial where day and night lengths are almost equal. Bougainvillea in these areas (Singapore, Brazil, Kenya to name a few) tends to bloom year round, but in North America, the best flowering occurs when the night length and day length are almost equal. Just because it’s hot doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s flowering season for bougainvillea.

20 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Chiropractor promotes strong backs at Enid Capron BY DAISY HANDFIELD THE students of the Turks and Caicos are educated on a number of topics by various entities yearly, but one important topic that a Chiropractor on Providenciales is constantly trying to promote is the dangers of carrying heavy backpacks. Chiropractor, Craig Zavits paid a visit to the students of the Enid Capron primary school in Five Cays on Tuesday (October 22) to discuss the hazards of wearing backpacks with anything more than 10 percent of their body weights. During the six to seven minutes exercise, they were shown how to do a stretching program called ‘straighten up Turks and Caicos’. Most specifically he taught the students how to adjust their backpacks properly because he said that if you look around the island, you’ll see that students have their backpacks hanging way down on their rear end or one strap is tight and one strap is loose. Zavits, who has been working with Doctor Slattery for four years says that when he arrived on island he realized that there was very little education on prevention of back pain. “We decided to do something about it so starting three years ago we decided to go to all the schools on the island and most of the other islands and we present to them how to wear a backpack properly.” According to Zavits, studies have shown that 80 percent of people suffer from back pain and it is the biggest source of disability in

ObituarIES

Francis Ward I HAD the opportunity to first meet Mrs Francis Ward in 1989 when I joined the staff of Barclays Bank. She was an outspoken, forthright and friendly individual. It was a pleasure to serve her as a then customer service agent. I take this opportunity, in my official capacity, to salute and remember her nationally as too often we forget the important contribution of those outside of the political arena, but whose contributions helped to shape Providenciales and by extension these Islands. Ward Construction had been one of those pioneer companies that paved the way in Providenciales. Their

contribution will forever be celebrated. A while back when she suffered a stroke and just before she left the Islands for treatment overseas, I had the opportunity to convey through her son my best wishes and because I knew her to be a strong lady, I had never thought that she would not return to her home. It is with sadness that I express condolences to the Ward family on her passing but with joy I celebrate her legacy and that of her family. May her soul rest in peace and rise in glory. Obituary submitted by Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, leader of the Opposition.

Tommy Coleman

Chiropractor Craig Zavitz poses with student after school presentation

society. He said: “Our spines are very pliable until we are 21 years old so the damages are being done in the small children.” During the presentation, he encouraged teachers to notify the students on which books they needed to bring in for that day, instead of them walking around with a heavy

load. He also added that in the past when he handed out pan flits of the exercise program, students did not pass them on to the parents so this year he noted that he and his wife came up with the idea of growth charts which allowed them to measure their growths and also learn about wearing light backpacks.

Crimestoppers to host fundraising event CRIMESTOPPERS Turks and Caicos is gearing up for its annual fundraising cocktail party under this year’s theme ‘Let’s Dance’ at Opus, Ocean Club, at 7pm on Saturday, November 9. It is a mix and mingle event with activities including the final players of the September 14 Texas Hold Em Invitational Tournament, live and silent auctions with a wheelbarrow of wine, so officials are encouraging everyone to bring out their chequebooks. The Governor Peter Beckingham, Premier Rufus Ewing and Opposition Leader Sharlene CartwrightRobinson are on the guest list. Tickets are $75 per person with plenty of hors d’oeuvres that will be passed around all evening, two cocktails and then a cash bar. The corporate ticket package is $700 for 10 tickets with the dress attire being casually elegant.

October 26 - November 1, 2013

Proceeds will be used towards gathering tips that lead to an arrest and charge. President of Crimestoppers TCI said that for anonymity the charity cannot hold a press conference when rewards are paid, but over the years they have paid out thousands of dollars. Other crime prevention activities include funds for two officers to attend a Drug Abuse Prevention Education (DARE) training in the United States and working with the Drug Prevention Foundation to acquire Crown land for a drug rehabilitation halfway house facility. McCleod noted that if people are unable to join the event, donations are really appreciated. He said: “Please make your cheques payable to Crimestoppers Turks and Caicos and then contact them and one of the directors will

contact you. “I would like to thank everyone for assisting and helping solve crime.” Crime Stoppers Turks and Caicos is a strictly volunteer organisation and its only source of funding is through donations, fundraising activities and membership dues. The president extended a thank you to his team and everyone else behind this event. He said: “Personally I’d like to thank the directors for their hard work towards making our November 9, Let’s Dance event the success that it will be. “Also to the many companies and individuals who have generously purchased tickets or made donations, without which we could not exist. “Together we all make a difference to improve the safety and security for residents, visitors and investors alike.”

TOMMY Coleman, the last of the original investors in Providenciales, died on September 4 at the age of 86. Tommy landed in the Turks and Caicos Islands on January 6, 1966, and in those days you were required to have seven people to form a company. The seven were Fritz Ludington, Mrs Julia Barber (Fritz's mother), Peter Thompson, Rogers Morton, Kippy Dupont, Teddy Roosevelt III and Tommy - they were known as ‘The Seven Dwarfs’ and formed Provident Ltd. Tommy died with an enormous amount of dignity and still with

Tommy Coleman died on September 4 at the age of 86

his sense of humour. The Turks and Caicos Islands held a special place in his heart. Obituary submitted by Tommy’s wife Madelon Coleman.

Help needed to identify faulty street lights WELL lit streets help to keep the Islands safe during the night, but faulty street lights could put public safety at risk. To counter this problem, the Government’s Public Works Department (PWD) is asking for the public’s help to identify lamps that are not working or are faulty. These include lights that go on and off, dimmed lights, those that burn continuously or remain off. According to a Government press release: “PWD stands ready to repair any street light that is not working effectively as they benefit all sectors by providing well lit streets and communities. “A well-lit street will discourage criminal activity and contribute to the general safety of the public.” PWD is responsible for payment for street light installations and for ensuring that the lights are operational throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

It is also the responsibility of PWD to alert Fortis to faulty street lights and to request that repairs are undertaken. The responsibility for supplying power and for the carrying out of repairs rests solely with Fortis TCI and Fortis at the request of PWD. The release stressed that PWD is not asking for requests for brand new street lights, due to budgetary constraints. However, the department is encouraging the public to report areas that are in need of lighting to help future planning. To report faulty street lights on Grand Turk, South Caicos and Salt Cay the public can call Anryn Malcolm or Don Lightbourne on 338-2502 or 946-2801 ext 10913. For lights in Providenciales, North and Middle Caicos the contact is Garvin Thomas or Roger Harvey on 946-4596.

October 26 - November 1, 2013

Dawn O’Sullivan appointed community liaison for hospital BY DAISY HANDFIELD FORMER deputy chief of medical services at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Dr Dawn O’Sullivan will now occupy the newly formed position of community liaison for the Providenciales hospital. O’Sullivan who has been living and working in the Turks and Caicos Islands for 15 year in private practice, in civil services as clinical director of HIV/AIDS and at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre since its inception says one of her main goals in this new post is to build closer links between the community and the hospital. “I see gaps that can be close linked and the hospital is a Turks and Caicos hospital, it’s a community hospital and I feel that we should have a more integrated healthcare where the hospital is really integrated into the community so that is why I decided to take the job.” She is hoping to reach out to the hospital’s healthcare partners in promoting health education outside of the hospital and working close with the Cancer Society, Kidney Society, the National AIDS Programme and other nongovernmental organisations as well as closely with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG). Dr O’Sullivan noted that she was cautious of the challenges that she may encounter during her tenure, but she was more than ready to take them on. “I’m ready to take on the challenges. InterHealth is a fairly new hospital, there is a huge need for it to be more integrated into the community, social care programmes

Dr Dawn O’Sullivan, newly appointed community liaison for Cheshire Hall Medical Centre

and healthcare programmes. “The challenges will be to get all the interested parties involved and start off with maybe focus groups to find out what difficulties different groups have had with the hospitals and how we can better partner with different groups and with the Government.” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of InterHealth Canada, Jill Magri, explained that O’Sullivan was the perfect candidate for the position, seeing that she worked previously with the Government, is a former community private practitioner, has a great love of education and is a 15 year resident of the TCI community. Magri explained that Dr O'Sullivan will still continue working in her family practice position at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre reporting to Dr Henry Blythe, but as the community liaison, she will share a reporting responsibility to the CEO.

Annual meeting of Anglican diocese HUNDREDS of Anglicans from throughout the TCI and the Bahamas will gather together on Monday evening to mark a special occasion. They will be celebrating the opening of the 112th session of the synod or annual meeting of the Anglican Diocese of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. During this service in the Bahamas the Right Reverend Laish Zane Boyd, diocesan bishop, will be the chief celebrant and will deliver his annual charge. Concelebrants will be assistant bishops, The Most Reverend Drexel W Gomez and the Right Reverend Gilbert A Thompson, the Very Reverend Patrick Adderley, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral and the Reverend Canon Harry Ward, priest in charge of St Paul’s Parish, South Long Island. The service will be streamed live over the diocesan website beginning at 8pm. Delegates are comprised of the

NEWS 21

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

clergy and two lay representatives from each of the 46 parishes in the diocese. Some 200 delegates are expected to be in attendance at this year’s synod. In addition to hearing reports from the four archdeaconries as well as all the functioning ministries in the diocese, the synod will discuss three new thrusts that will strengthen and advance ministry in the diocese. They include a diocesan institute for instruction and training of clergy and lay persons in all areas of ministry, strengthening and improving ministry in multipoint parishes, and the feasibility of permanent deacons in the diocese. Committees have done extensive work since the last synod in preparation for discussion and decision-making on these three issues. The event is taking place at Christ Church Cathedral, George Street, Nassau, Bahamas.

NHIP celebrates four years with fun activities A SERIES of health orientated activities are taking place this month to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP). Church services, competitions, customer appreciation days and a corporate fitness challenge are all part of the planned events. NHIP’s CEO Zaneta Burton said: “What we’re trying to do is educate the population on what is NHIP and allow people to take possession of it.” NHIP was established in 2009 and became the first healthcare system of its kind in the region. All Belongers and expatriates in work have to contribute a percentage of their wage to the plan along with their employers. In turn any legal resident in need is provided with high quality healthcare at an affordable cost. Drexwell Seymour, chair of the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB) which runs the plan, described is as a “comprehensive reform of the health care system”. “It is fair and equitable, because all of us may get sick at some stage in our lives and we want to be protected from having to sacrifice our homes and savings to pay for medical expenses for ourselves and our families.” NHIP’s anniversary celebrations kicked off on Tuesday, October 1, with the launch of a new radio call in

show hosted by NHIP staff member Angel Taylor. It will play every first and third Tuesday of the month from 5.30pm to 6pm on Radio Turks and Caicos. Taylor explained: “We want to educate the public as to what our role is in the community and if persons have questions and they don’t understand certain things about the plan we’re there to help them.” On Saturday, October 5, staff members from NHIP joined in with a walk to raise money for the TCI National Cancer Society. On Sunday, October 6, staff attended Bethany Baptist Church in Blue Hills to take part in a church service. On Thursday, October 10, there was a customer appreciation day in Grand Turk, with others following in Providenciales on Tuesday, October 15, in South Caicos on Thursday, October 17, and in North and Middle Caicos on Tuesday (October 22). During those days staff interacted with customers giving them refreshments and NHIB souvenirs. An essay and a poster competition were held for school pupils throughout the month. The topic for the essay competition was ‘Building a healthy nation one person at a time’ and the winner was announced on Friday (October 11). The winning entry for the poster competition will be used as NHIP’s Christmas card this year.

Deadline for the poster competition was last Friday (October 18) and winner will be announced next Thursday (October 31). One of the highlights of this year’s celebrations will be the first annual corporate fitness challenge on Saturday, November 2, at the National Stadium on Venetian Road. The games are open to anyone employed within a public or private sector company or organisation. They will include volleyball, dominoes, tug-of-war, rounders, a sack race, three legged race, a hula hoop competition, potato and spoon race and other distance and sprint races. NHIP’s Taylor said: “We here at NHIP are really excited about this event because it gives us the chance to come out and interact with the public.” The games are aimed at encouraging a cross section of Providenciales society to engage in wholesome physical activity and to pursue a sport discipline. Winners will receive a trophy. For more details contact the NHIB on 941-8861. Burton said: “We are of course excited about our anniversary activities. We are four years and growing. “We’re looking forward to another 400 years of building a healthy nation, one person at a time.”

Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Association CORNER Your source for Information on The Rights and protection of Children Capaa is delighted to announce the winners of the essay and poetry competition for 2013. The lucky winners will be receiving trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category and cash donations for participating schools. High School Essay Competition 1st Place – SYNIA DEAN (MAJORIE BASDEN HIGH SCHOOL) 2nd Place – ADIAH HARRY (CLEMENT HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL) 3rd Place – ROSE MISLANDE JOSEPH (MAJORIE BASDEN HIGH SCHOOL) Poetry Competition 1st Place – MARISSA SYLVAIN (CLEMENT HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL) 2nd Place - KAYANNA GIBSON (MAJORIE BASDEN HIGH SCHOOL)

3rd Place – SHAKIA LEWIS (MAJORIE BASDEN HIGH SCHOOL) Primary School Essay Competition 1ST Place -NEYCHARD CHARLES (ELIZA SIMONS PRIMARY SCHOOL) 2nd Place – JEROME CALEY 3rd Place – GWELLA ANESTON Poetry Competition 1st Place – OLMEISHA WILLIAMS (ELIZA SIMONS PRIMARY SCHOOL) 2nd Place – SHERLLEY BOXX 3rd Place – ROSHANTI WILLIAMS We extend our congratulations to all winners and their schools and Capaa will publish all winning pieces for public viewing. Any questions please call National Youth Hotline @ 1800-534-8256

22 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 26 - November 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 26 - November 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

26 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 26 - November 1, 2013

ness; come before his Serve the Lord with glad s. 100:1-2) presence with singing (P

All are cordially invited to a

free gospel concert Hosted by the Native Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fellowship on November 1st, 2013 at 7pm by the Clement Howell High School Auditorium. Participants will be various menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group from seven churches including Turks & Caicos Islands Brass Band. Offering will be collected to support the financial needs of the Gospel and CHHS. Behold how pleasant it is to dwell together in unity (PS. 133:1) For further information contact: 242-3910, 231-0133, 231-2465, 241-2366

October 26 - November 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Prison opened to public HER Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk opened its doors to the public recently to showcase its rehabilitation programme. A week of activities began on Sunday, October 13, with a church service attended by the prison officers. Susan Malcolm, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment and Home Affairs, and Minister for Government Support Services George Lightbourne also attended. During the service Superintendent of HM Prison Ian Sargent delivered a message to those gathered. On Tuesday, October 15, there was a produce display outside the prison with sample tasters, and information on the farm as well as live animals for the children to pet. Then doors were flung open to the public on Wednesday, October 16, to allow them to meet staff and learn about the

rehabilitation programme. Deputy Premier Akierra Missick and Minister of Health and Human Services, Portia Stubbs-Smith, attended the event and said they were impressed with the efforts made. Also present was Governor Peter Beckingham and his wife Jill who looked round the prison and met with inmates and staff. The week ended last Saturday (October 19) with a sports event at the Parade Ground that saw the prison team test their skills in a variety of sports against the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force team. Both teams rose to the challenge in the sack race, tug of war, doubles race, softball and relay race. There was even a ‘Catch a pig, keep a pig’ competition for the public to win themselves some livestock, along with refreshments.

wishes

Happy second birthday to our princess Devariyah Williams! The proud family of Dr. Hugh R and Neffer Malcolm are proud to congratulate their daughter, Gisela Malcolm, on her recent graduation to Broward College in Florida, with an Associate Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography/ ECG. Gisela also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in pre-Med from Show University Durham North Carolina and a Certificate in Nuclear Medicine from Broward College. We love you very much Gisela and pray God’s blessings on you always. 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.

Prison and police teams prepare to begin the sack race during the sports day

NEWS 27

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 26 - November 1, 2013

USVI moving toward visa-free travel for CARICOM nationals UNITED States Virgin Islands (USVI) Governor John de Jongh said he would seek to encourage visitors from the English speaking Caribbean to his country and is moving to get Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals to enter the country without the necessary United States visa. De Jongh, who was meeting with regional tourism officials on the final day of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) sponsored State of the Industry Conference (STOIC 2013), told reporters that he had made a proposal this year to the Senate and the House that as part of the Immigration Bill that “CARICOM nationals could come into the US Virgin Islands without having to go through those visa requirements. “We spoke to the Committee in the House and the Senate and we spoke to US Department of Homeland Security to come up with a regime which they would feel comfortable with for countries within CARICOM and they agreed with it... “We have written the bill, we have submitted legislation... so we are just looking for the right vehicle for it to pass,” he said, adding that “we recognise ...the region represents a tremendous opportunity for the traffic that goes back and forth and we would like to have an opportunity to

participate without being overburden by some of the regulations”. De Jongh said that while he had the support of both the Democrats and the Republicans on the initiative, what is required is the “right vehicle” to get the process moving, adding that with regards to a time frame “anyone who knows what US Congress does that would be great”. The USVI will be the venue for the next STOIC conference in 2014 and de Jongh said that he hoped it would encourage more visitors to his territory that is already on a campaign to lure more visitors. He said while the USVI was not affected by high taxes associated with ticket sales because of the US revenue system “what we are looking for more than anything is the volume that comes through, we are not looking to increase our prices, we are looking more to get the volume that is necessary whether that be with the airline activity or with the cruise ship activity”. He told reporters that he wanted closer relations with the 15-member CARICOM grouping since “there is always a relationship with Washington that takes place and we are a US territory. “Our relationship with the United States is extremely tight with respect to policy matters, legislation that affect locally but regional and I think

we can have a strong partnership as an advocate for the region on a lot of issues that take place. “When you start looking at duty free shopping, visa issues, you start looking at issues having to do with security and immigration, the USVI can be an advocate because in many cases our legislation, our economic existence depends on the relationship with the Executive branch and the House and the Senate.” De Jongh stayed clear of the on controversy between Washington and Antigua and Barbuda over the Gaming industry, saying “we are now evaluating online games. “We are going through the process of evaluating it. For many years we have been excluded because of Federal regulations that opportunity has now open,” he said. Antigua and Barbuda has criticised the United States since 1998 of breaching its commitments to members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) by enacting laws that prevented foreign-based operators from offering gambling and betting services to its citizens. In 2005, the WTO ruled that the US had violated international trade agreements by prohibiting operation of offshore Internet gambling sites.

Cuba to scrap two-currency system in latest reform CUBA is to scrap its two-currency system in the latest financial reform rolled out by President Raul Castro, official media report. Since 1994 Cuba has had two currencies, one pegged to the US dollar and the other worth only a fraction of that. The more valuable convertible peso (CUC) was reserved for use in the tourism sector and foreign trade. Now its value will be gradually unified with the lower-value CUP, ending a system resented by ordinary Cubans. The Cuban economy is almost entirely state-run and the tourism sector has boomed since the collapse of the Soviet Union plunged Cuba into economic isolation and hardship. The two-currency system was supposed to protect Cuba’s fragile economy but angered locals paid in the much lower-value CUP and denied access to goods only available for those with convertible pesos. The policy exacerbated the creation of a two-tier class system in Cuba which divided privileged

Many goods in Cuba are only available to those with access to the convertible peso, pegged to the US greenback.

Cubans with access to the lucrative tourist and foreign-trade sectors from those working in the local economy - all-too-visibly contradicting Cuba’s supposedly egalitarian society. The council of ministers has approved a timetable for implementing “measures that will lead to monetary and exchange unification”, the official Communist Party newspaper Granma said.

Unification is “imperative to guarantee the re-establishment of the Cuban peso’s value and its role as money, that is as a unit of accounting, means of payment and savings”, it said. It gave no details of how quickly the change would be implemented, though Reuters news agency quoted Cuban economists as saying it would take about 18 months. (BBC)

Parliament & Supreme Court (session house and clock), Hamilton, Bermuda Islands. (Photo: ALAMY)

Bermuda may send prisoners to British jails MURDERERS, rapists and drugdealing gangsters from the British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic could be sent to the UK’s already overcrowded jails to serve out the remainder of their sentences. As British passport holders the criminals would be entitled to remain in the country once they were released. Talks have been held between the two countries, with Bermudan officials claiming their British counterparts have signalled a willingness to help it and other overseas territories that are struggling

to house their most dangerous criminals, provided certain criteria are met. Bermuda has witnessed an upsurge in gang-related violence in recent years and despite having a population of just 64,000 — less than the city of St Albans — there have been more than 25 murders in the past five years, as criminals vie for control of a lucrative drugs trade. Michael Dunkley, Bermuda’s minister for public safety, confirmed he had spoken to British officials about the possibility of sending the most dangerous inmates to the UK.

Trinidad government sued by AIDS group for ‘prohibiting entry of homosexuals’ AS UNAIDS and the PanCaribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) prepare to sponsor a book launch in Trinidad and Tobago, an AIDS group here says it has filed a lawsuit against the Government for “prohibiting the entry of homosexuals” to the twin-island republic. AIDS-Free World, an international advocacy organization, said on Tuesday that “the immigration law of Trinidad and Tobago explicitly prohibits the entry of homosexuals. “So offensive is the law that AIDS-Free World has filed suit in the Caribbean Court of Justice against the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, demanding that the discriminatory provision be expunged,” said the statement, adding that UNAIDS is “well aware of the lawsuit.” AIDS-Free World said its lawsuit is founded on three principles: the indisputable principle of human rights, the principle of prevention of HIV/

AIDS and the principle of freedom of movement. On the indisputable principle of human rights, the group said it is “indefensible to have people barred on the basis of sexual orientation.” On the principle of prevention of HIV/AIDS, AIDS-Free World said it is “well-established that laws which stigmatize and vilify homosexuals create a culture that drives men who have sex with men underground, away from testing, prevention, treatment and care.” On the principle of freedom of movement, AIDS-Free World said “it is a matter of law that every citizen of the Caribbean should have free access to any other country in the Caribbean.” “We would argue that the government of Trinidad and Tobago doesn’t have a leg to stand on,” the statement said. It, therefore, asks: “Why, then, would UNAIDS sponsor a book launch in Port-of-Spain (the Trinidad and Tobago capital)?”

October 26 - November 1, 2013

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

The Bahamas: Casinos target 20,000 jobs via reforms THE Bahamas could enjoy “anywhere from a 25-30 per cent increase” in stopover visitors by passing the casino gaming reforms currently before Parliament, and create more than 20,000 new jobs. Robert Sands, Baha Mar’s senior vice-president of governmental and external affairs, said the Bahamian casino industry was still projecting that the modernisation ushered in by the reforms would triple its top-line revenues. With the “overwhelming majority” of recommendations made by the casino/hotel industry seemingly incorporated into the Gaming Bill 2013, Mr Sands said it was critical that the proposed legislation not be delayed any longer. Referring to the Government’s decision to exclude from the latest Bill provisions that would have allowed permanent residents, work permit holders and other spousalrelated permit holders to gamble in Bahamian casinos, Mr Sands said there would likely be opportunities to “reinstate” this in the future. Arguing that focus needed to be placed on the total reform package,Mr Sands said industry forecasts suggested that the increased competitiveness of Bahamas-based casinos could stimulate a stopover visitor increase of “anywhere from 25-30 per cent”. “A 30 per cent increase in tourists

coming into the country can really create in excess of 20,000 new jobs,” he told Tribune Business. The Gaming Bill 2013, and associated regulations, will allow Bahamas-based casinos - Atlantis and Baha Mar, plus those at the Grand Lucayan and Bimini Bay resorts - to offer on-property sports betting, in-play wagering, proxy wagering and online gaming via cell phones and computers. There will also be incentives for ‘junket’ group visits. Some 17 proposed reforms were submitted to the Government by industry, and Mr Sands said that while the sector was still reviewing how many were included in the Bill tabled in Parliament, “the overwhelming majority” had been incorporated. The Government’s decision not to include provisions permitting permanent residents and other permit holders to gamble in Bahamian casinos is likely to have been made on political grounds. With feelings in some quarters still raw from the ‘web shop’ gaming ‘No’ vote earlier this year, including such a provision would have fuelled concerns that Bahamians were once again being discriminated against, and reduced to the status of ‘second class citizens’ in their own country. In response, Mr Sands said the casino industry preferred

Six Caribbean nationals arrested following deadly smuggling trip UNITED States law enforcement authorities confirmed Friday that six of the 11 Caribbean migrants, who survived a deadly smuggling trip that ended when a motorboat capsized seven miles off Miami Beach, have been arrested. Law enforcement and immigration authorities said those arrested include the Bahamianborn captain of the 25 feet boat, Naaman Davis and Jamaicanborn crewman George Lewis. The arrest comes as authorities investigated the boat accident involving Haitian, Jamaican and Bahamian migrants. The US Coast Guard said four people were killed and 11 rescued after the boat carrying the Caribbean migrants capsized early Wednesday. Officials said the six people arrested were previously deported from the US, and that most of them had been convicted of serious crimes. Lewis faces a charge of attempted smuggling of the migrants, officials said. The fatal voyage reportedly

began in the Bahamas, and ended at about 2:00 a.m. (local time) Wednesday when US Coast Guard crews rescued the survivors. The criminal complaint said six of the Caribbean migrants interviewed by the US Department of Homeland Security identified Davis and Lewis as the alleged smugglers. “Another one of the migrants interviewed stated that prior to their being brought ashore, Lewis had directed them all to tell the Coast Guard that the vessel captain swam away and never came back,” according to the complaint. The Miami Herald newspaper reported that Lewis was deported on May 13 over a drug-trafficking conviction, and that Davis was deported on March 7. The other four men arrested have been identified as Sean Gaynor, Kenard Hagigal, Matthew Williams and Everton Jones, who is also known as Everton Bryce. All six face charges of entering the US illegally after being deported. (CMC)

the Government get the Bill to Parliament and passed into law, rather than have it held up by one single issue. “We feel the Government is doing the right thing in not letting these elements hold up the Bill,” he added in relation to the permit holder issue. “We believe there will be opportunities at a later date for them to be reinstated to the Bill. What is so important at this point in time is the Bill is before Parliament. “For the first time in a long time, there will be a level playing field with respect to other world class destinations, and it will put the Bahamas in a competitive position going forward.” Just how far the Bahamas has fallen when it comes to casino gaming competitiveness was illustrated by a recent presentation given by Uri Clinton, Baha Mar’s senior vice-president and general counsel. Speaking at a College of the Bahamas (COB) tourism conference, Mr Clinton revealed data showing that total Bahamian casino gaming gross revenues had fallen by more than one-third over the five years between 2007 and 2011, dropping from close to $220 million to around $145 million - a 34 per cent decline. The decline in stopover visitors over that 2007-2011 period was nowhere near as sharp, Mr Clinton

showed, producing comparisons between the Bahamas and rival gaming meccas to prove his point. Comparing this nation to Singapore, Macau, Atlantic City, Las Vegas and Biloxi (Mississippi), Mr Clinton’s presentation showed the Bahamas’ generated the lowest revenue per casino of all in 2011 just $48.691 million. This figure was based on three operating casinos and total revenues of $146.073 million, yet Singapore’s two casinos were generating $2.222 billion per establishment that same year. By the same yardstick, Macau’s 33 casinos were earning $1.076 billion in gross revenues per facility. And the figures for Atlantic City and Las Vegas were $296.5 million and $241 million respectively, with Biloxi standing at just shy of $100 million in gross revenues per casino. But, pointing out that the reform package had to be viewed “in totality”, Mr Sands said yesterday: “One cannot underestimate how modernisation of these gaming regulations will expand and support tourism in the Bahamas.” The Bill, he added, would provide the platform for Bahamian casinos to offer the latest games and technologies. Noting that the Lotteries and Gaming Act had not been amended for 44 years since being enacted in 1969, Mr Sands told Tribune

Business: “We are, in fact, overdue. “The Bahamas’ GGR (gross gaming revenues) have really fallen to a low level over many year, despite a gradual upswing in hotel visitors and room rates. “What this will now do is revive the opportunity for the Bahamas to regain its market share and share of GGR going forward. This will, in fact, put the Bahamas on the threshold of not only regaining but increasing its GGR almost threefold.” He added: “I think we are extremely encouraged by what this Bill will mean for gaming in the Bahamas, and the playing field is much more favourable for Bahamasbased casinos. “It’s going to drive gaming revenues, increase the tax base and job growth for Bahamians. The mere fact that we’re opening new rooms and driving occupancies, that in itself, quite frankly, will be a fantastic impact on the economy.” While focusing on competitiveness and meeting gaming/traveller demands, Mr Sands pledged that the Bahamas would still “carefully regulate” what he described as some of the “fastestgrowing areas of gaming”. He added that the Bill also incorporated ‘responsible gaming’ as a “big element”, with a focus on employee training. (Tribune242. com)

Seventy-two-year-old guilty of beheading tenant in Dominica A HIGH Court judge on Friday sentenced a 72-year-old man to 25 years in prison after he was found guilty of killing and decapitating a 32-year-old man. Justice Birnie Stephenson described the murder of Damian Dorival as senseless, cold blooded and brutal before imposing the jail term on Edward “Al Capone” Green, who was found guilty by a ninemember jury. The court was told that Dorival was shot and killed by Green in June 2008 and his body transported to another place where he was beheaded. The headless corpse was found by schoolchildren on June 11, 2008. The head was found at another location a few days later. Dorival was Green’s tenant at the time of the incident Justice Stephenson said having considered the age, health and the length of time the accused had been in custody, a 25-year jail term would be a “fitting sentence”. “There is no doubt the murder was premeditated and acted out by the defendant,” she added.

Edward “Al Capone” Green will serve 25 years in prison.

Defence attorney Peter Alleyne said the 25 year sentence was equivalent to a life sentence. “I was disappointed, I thought he would get a lesser term…I don’t think he is a threat to society,” he told reporters. “I think the court looked at sending a message to persons in

society and that’s why the sentence was that high. I don’t think that such a harsh sentence was needed to convey the message that we would not tolerate violence here.” Trinidad-based attorney Keith Scotland, who prosecuted the case, said that the killing was unprovoked and senseless. (CMC)

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 26 - November 1, 2013

Baby Prince George is christened, seven godparents named PRINCE George made his first public appearance in three months Wednesday, as he arrived with his parents, Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, for his christening at St. James’s Palace. The baby prince smiled as he was shown off to family members including his great-grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, before the royals entered the Chapel Royal. George was dressed in an elaborate lace and satin christening gown that’s a replica of one made in 1841 for the christening of Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter. Being baptised into the church is more significant for George than for most people, since he is in line to become king, which would also make him the supreme governor of the Church of England. The occasion was kept uncharacteristically small, in a shift away from the larger ceremonies that his father and grandfather enjoyed at Buckingham Palace. His grandfather Prince Charles and uncle, Prince Harry, were among the select few invited to the ceremony, along with Catherine’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and her siblings, James and Pippa. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Justin Welby, greeted the guests as they arrived at the chapel. The royal baby, who was born in July, has seven godparents, among them Prince William’s cousin Zara Tindall, daughter of Princess Anne, and close friends of the couple. They include Oliver Baker, who got to know William and Catherine

The German government says it has information that the US might have monitored German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s cell phone.

EU leaders meet amid concern about U.S. spying claims Prince George was christened Wednesday with water from the River Jordan at a rare fourgeneration gathering of the royal family in London.

at St. Andrew’s University, Emilia Jardine-Paterson, who went to school with Catherine, and William van Cutsem, a childhood friend of William. The other godparents are Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, a former private secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry; Julia Samuel, who was a good friend of William’s mother, Diana, Princess of Wales; and Earl Grosvenor, son of the Duke of Westminster. The replica christening gown was brought into use in 2008 to help preserve the 170-year-old original, used until then for every royal christening, including those of Prince William and his father, Charles. The venue for the christening also has a special significance for Prince William. The body of his mother, Diana, rested in the Chapel Royal for

Berlusconi charged with corruption again FORMER Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is facing yet another corruption charge. A preliminary indictment by a judge in Naples alleges that the 77-year-old bribed a senator to change sides and supported his party in 2006, Berlusconi’s lawyer said Wednesday. Sen. Sergio De Gregorio’s change of allegiance eventually helped bring down the centerleft government of Romano Prodi in 2008, paving the way for Beruslconi to become prime minster for a third time. The senator is cooperating with prosecutors and a first court

hearing is scheduled in Naples for February 11. Berlusconi says he is innocent, according to his lawyer, Michele Cerabona. The former Prime Minister has been the subject of multiple corruption and bribery charges over the years. In August, Italy’s high court upheld a four-year prison sentence for tax fraud, and this month, a lower court ruled that Berlusconi should be banned from public office for two years. Because of his age, it’s unlikely Berlusconi will spend any time in prison. (BBC)

five days before her funeral in 1997. After the service, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, held a private tea at Clarence House. The guests were served slices of christening cake, which is a tier taken from William and Catherine’s 2011 wedding cake. ‘WHAT A GIFT’ In a short video posted on his website, Welby spoke of the significance of the baby prince’s baptism, which will see him “join the family of the church,” numbering almost 2 billion people around the world. Welby said any christening was a moment for the parents to celebrate the birth of their child, royal or not. “All babies are unbelievably special, not only royal babies,” he said. But Prince George’s christening does carry an extra significance, he said. “As a nation we are celebrating the birth of someone who in due course will be the head of state. That’s extraordinary. It gives you this sense of forward looking, of the forwardness of history as well as the backwardness of history, and what a gift to have this new life and to look forward.” As with any other infant’s baptism, Welby marked the Prince with the sign of the cross on his forehead and splash water on his head. The silver font used for George’s baptism has been used for every royal christening since 1841 and will be filled with water from the River Jordan. The 3-month-old boy has already made history. He’s the first royal baby to be honoured with a christening coin from the Royal Mint. The design of the coins, produced by the mint in a range of sizes and materials, has been approved by his parents and the Queen, the Royal Mint said.

EUROPEAN Union leaders are meeting Thursday in Brussels for a summit that may be overshadowed by anger about allegations that the United States has been spying on its European allies. German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the issue with U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday, after the German government said it had information that the United States might have monitored her cell phone. The German allegation comes in the same week that French daily newspaper Le Monde reported claims that the U.S. National Security Agency intercepted more than 70 million phone calls in France over a 30-day period. The two-day EU summit in Brussels, Belgium, is supposed to focus on the digital economy and economic and social policy issues, as well as concerns about EU migration, after a recent shipwreck off an Italian island in which hundreds of migrants from Africa died. But French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault told the French National Assembly on Tuesday that France would ask for the question of electronic surveillance to be added to the agenda. It’s not clear whether this has happened, but the EU leaders are expected to discuss data protection issues as part of their debate on the digital economy. Even before the latest allegations, Germany and other nations had expressed concerns about alleged U.S. spying after former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden leaked classified information about American surveillance programs. German news magazine Der Spiegel reported in June that leaks from Snowden detailed how the agency bugged EU offices in Washington and New York, and conducted an “electronic eavesdropping operation” that tapped into an EU building in Brussels. Merkel spoke with Obama by phone in July about allegations that the United States was conducting

surveillance on its European allies. After Wednesday’s call, White House spokesman Jay Carney said that Obama had told Merkel that the United States “is not monitoring and will not monitor” her communications. Merkel made it clear that if the information about the U.S. having monitored her phone were true, it would be “completely unacceptable,” spokesman Steffen Seibert said of the call. The U.S. ambassador to Germany, John Emerson, was summoned to a meeting with German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on Thursday afternoon, the German Foreign Ministry said. Germany will make its position clear at that meeting, a spokeswoman said. A spokesman for David Cameron declined to answer questions Thursday about whether the British Prime Minister’s phone had been tapped by the United States, following Germany’s suspicion about U.S. monitoring of Merkel’s cell phone. “I am not going to comment on matters of security or intelligence,” the spokesman told reporters at a regular briefing. Ayrault described the report of widespread spying by the NSA on French calls as “worrying” and “shocking,” saying that security should not be guaranteed at the price of a loss of freedom. However, U.S. director of national intelligence James Clapper suggested that the claims made by Le Monde were false. The articles “contain inaccurate and misleading information regarding U.S. foreign intelligence activities,” a written statement from his office said Tuesday. It added that the United States does gather intelligence of “the type gathered by all nations.” Nonetheless, the allegations prompted a flurry of diplomatic activity this week between the United States and France. Obama and French President Francois Hollande spoke about the claims Monday.

October 26 - November 1, 2013

World News

Yemeni girl burned to death by father A 15-YEAR-old Yemeni girl was burned to death by her father for “communicating with her fiancee,” according to Yemen’s Interior Ministry. The father, a 35-year-old man, was arrested Tuesday in a village in Taiz Province. The statement did not clarify when the girl was killed. The case, which activists are calling an honour crime, is once again highlighting the plight of young girls in Yemen, where child marriages and honor killings still happen. According to Human Rights Watch, more than half of all females in Yemen are married off before the age of 18. Leading child rights advocate Ahmed Al-Qureshi confirmed to CNN his organization, Seyaj, had been asked to investigate the incident, one he considered an “honor killing.”

Honor killings are a problem in Yemen, a deeply tribal and conservative country, Al-Qureshi said. “Most incidents of honor killing take place in rural areas where tribal law is applied.” “The government needs to deal with honour killing seriously,” Ali Al-Bahri, a human rights activist, told CNN. Al-Bahri added that most honor killings in Yemen go unreported, “and suspects are never punished.” “Tribal culture and lack of government awareness campaigns are key to the continuous spread of honor killings,” said Al-Bahri. A written statement on the Interior Ministry’s website said police had told the ministry that “the father committed this heinous crime against his daughter under the pretext that she was communicating with her fiancee.” (CNN)

German Bishop of Limburg Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst in the chapel of the bishop’s residence in Limburg, central Germany. He’s under fire for allegations that he also lied under oath.

Pope Francis temporarily expels German ‘bling bishop’ POPE Francis temporarily expelled a German bishop from his diocese on Wednesday because of a scandal over a 31-million-euro project to build a new residence complex, but refused popular calls to remove him permanently. The Vatican didn’t say how long Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst — dubbed the “bling bishop” by critics — would spend away from the diocese of Limburg and gave no information on where he would go or what he would do. It said his fate would ultimately be decided by the outcome of a church commission investigation into the expenditures. It said Limburg’s vicar general, the Rev. Wolfgang Roesch, who had been due to take up his duties on Jan. 1, would start immediately and would run the diocese during Tebartz-van

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Elst’s absence. At the center of the controversy is the 31-million-euro ($42 million) price tag for the construction of a new bishop’s residence complex and related renovations. Tebartzvan Elst has said the bill was actually for 10 projects and there were additional costs because of regulations on buildings under historical protection. The Limburg scandal has been front-page news for weeks in the country where Martin Luther launched the Reformation five centuries ago in response to what he said were excesses and abuses within the church. The perceived lack of financial transparency has also struck a chord since a church tax in Germany brings in billions of euros a year to the German church.

Madeleine McCann case: Portuguese police reopen inquiry PORTUGUESE police have reopened their inquiry into the disappearance of British girl Madeleine McCann, the public prosecutor’s office has said. Madeleine, from Leicestershire, was three when she disappeared from Praia da Luz in the Algarve in May 2007. Portugal’s attorney-general said “new elements of evidence” justified the “continuation of the investigation”, which was shelved in 2008. Madeleine’s parents said they hoped for “the answers we so desperately need”. Scotland Yard began a review of the case in May 2011 - codenamed Operation Grange - and opened a formal investigation in July this year. They said the Portuguese decision followed the “discovery of new lines of inquiry as a result of an internal review of the original investigation by the Portuguese Policia Judiciaria”. It comes after Scotland Yard said at a briefing earlier this year that the Portuguese inquiry would not be reopened until judges in Portugal were convinced there were solid grounds to do so. It would appear the decision is highly significant, BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw said. Scotland Yard said Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley and Det Ch Insp Andy Redwood attended a meeting with senior Portuguese

Madeleine was three when she disappeared during a family holiday on Portugal’s Algarve.

officers on 17 October in Lisbon for a briefing on the new lines of enquiry which they say “are separate” to the lines of inquiry being followed by the Met. Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, were also briefed on the plans to apply to reopen the investigation. They said they were “very pleased” at the development. Mr Rowley, assistant commissioner for specialist crime and operations, said in a statement: “The meeting was very positive, and we and the Policia Judiciaria have a shared determination to do everything possible to discover what

happened to Madeleine. “Colleagues in Portugal fully shared with us the developments in their review, and the fact that they were taking the significant step of applying for the investigation to be formally reopened. “Today’s development is good news. Combined with the formal re-opening of the Portuguese investigation today, and our ever closer working relationship, I believe that we have the best opportunity yet to finally understand what happened to Madeleine.” The Met said the Portuguese investigation would run in parallel with its own operation. (BBC)

The Japanese men who prefer virtual girlfriends to human ones UNLESS something happens to boost Japan’s birth rate, its population will shrink by a third between now and 2060. One reason for the lack of babies is the emergence of a new breed of Japanese men - the otaku, who love manga, anime and computers more than sex. Tokyo is the world’s largest metropolis and home to more than 35 million people, so on the face of it, it is hard to believe there is any kind of population problem at all. But Akihabara, an area of the city dedicated to the manga and anime subculture provides one clue to the country’s problems. Akihabara is heaven for otaku. They are a generation of geeks who have grown up through 20 years of economic stagnation and have chosen to tune out and immerse themselves in their own fantasy worlds. Kunio Kitamara, of the Japan Family Planning Association, describes many young Japanese men as “herbivores” - passive and lacking

Manga and anime advertising posters on a building in Akihabara, Tokyo.

carnal desire. It seems they no longer have the ambition of the post-war alpha males who made Japan such an economic powerhouse and no interest in joining a company and becoming a salary man. They have taken on a mole-like existence and, worryingly, withdrawn from relationships with the opposite sex. A survey by the Ministry of

Health, Labour and Welfare in 2010 found 36% of Japanese males aged 16 to 19 had no interest in sex - a figure that had doubled in the space of two years. I met two otaku, who believe themselves to be in relationships with virtual girlfriends. This girlfriend is actually a Nintendo computer game called Love Plus, which comes as a small portable tablet.

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 26 - November 1, 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

CLASSIFIEDS 33

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Richmond Hill Preparatory School Is seeking the services of a

Kindergarten teacher Applicant should have a degree or Certificate in Early Childhood Education and at least five years’ Teaching experience. Applicants should apply at the school by calling 946-4956 9351

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

SANDRA E. GARLAND Is looking for a

handyman/ gardener Who will also perform other domestic chores salary $6.00 per hour.

3 Domestic Workers 3 Laborers 1 Painter 2 Dive Masters 3 Gardeners 1 Cashier

Contact: 431-4022

Contact: 343-0572

9343

Qualified PADI/NAUI SCUBA Instructors Needed Successful candidate will be a PADI MSDT with current membership and insurance, resort operations experience including advanced level instruction, dive accident management, compressor maintenance, equipment and engine maintenance and repair, applicant must be willing to train. STCW95 required and captain’s license preferred. This is a tourism related job and will include all aspects of the company’s daily routine including but not limited to, teaching all levels of instruction, guiding dives, boat and vehicle operations and working the front office. The work schedule will include weekends, public holidays and occasional night dives.

Contact David Volkert at 946-4232 or info@provoturtledivers.com Positions available starting November 30, 2013. Please submit applications before November 15, 2013 Expanding Community/Retail Pharmacy located on the Island of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, is seeking 4 fulltime

pharmacists

Key Responsibilities will include: 1. Dispensing prescription medication, checking dosage, giving advice and instruction on the usage of over-thecounter medicines and medical appliances. 2. Patient counseling on health matters especially relating to managing hypertensive and diabetic patients. 3. Liaising with doctors about prescriptions and new medication 4. Managing, supervising and training pharmacy support staff. Skills required: 1. A minimum of three years experience within the Retail Pharmacy business will be an asset. 2. Certification from a reputable institution as well as proof of current pharmacist registration. 3. Good communication skills, and keen attention to details 4. Proficient in the English Language however a second language (Spanish or French Creole) will be an asset. 5. Knowledge of the Kroll pharmacy computer program or similar 6. Must be willing to work flexible hours, including holidays and weekends in rotation.

Position is open to all suitably qualified applicants. Applicants can apply for further details via e-mail addressed to the Managing Director, Box 276, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands or email jobs@gracebaypharmacy.com.

9350

Starting Salary $380 - $500 per week based on experience and qualifications.

SAPODILLA HOLDINGS LTD. Is currently looking to employ a

Housekeeping Supervisor Salary commensurate with experience.

9336

October 26 - November 1, 2013

Contact: 242-2054 between the hours of 9am-7pm

9337

Amazing Value! Lot for Sale

In Gated/Planned Community in Long Bay. Flamingo Crossing lot comes with full set of House Plans, all underground utilities, etc.

$49,999 o.b.o. Call 231-3788

PRICE SLASHED $175,000

ACCELLENT HAIR CARE & SPA PROVIDENCIALES Requires an experienced

Cosmetologist Remuneration by commission only. Applications, with resume and certification.

BURAZI LTD.

CAPTAIN

Is looking to hire a Full- Time

Pastry Chef

• Liveaboard scuba vessel seeks a Captain with a current 500 ton (ITC) master’s license with STCW-95 who is also a certified Divemaster or above • Must have substantial experience on vessels greater than 100 ft. • Strong customer service background, maintenance skills and fluency in English is required • Previous liveaboard experience preferred

• Must have experience in making gelato cakes, sorbets, frozen yogurt, alcoholic infused gelato, crepes, cones and pastries • In addition you will also be required to create, decorate, design and distribute frozen dessert creations so a vehicle is NECESSARY • Must be able to work Sundays • Past experience is mandatory since we don’t have time to teach the required skills Salary $6.50 per hour Please drop off your resumes and CV’s to:

9344

To be emailed to: dtaylor@swannlaw.tc

October 26 - November 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Jammin’ Gelato #7 La Vista Azul Contact: 431-0088

Please send your resumes via email to: diana@explorerventures.com

9349

9359

CASA BLANCA CASINO

EXPRESS TIRE

Is looking to fill the following positions:

JOB VACANCY District Manager

1 DEALER SUPERVISOR

• Minimum of 5-7 years experience Salary $13.50 per hour

1 MAINTENANCE WORKER

The District Manager is responsible for the overall (branch & lending) delivery of Retail, Domestic Wealth & Small Business performance in a cluster of branches and supports the Director in the delivery of financial performance goals at operating company / country level across all aspects of the business (Financial, Risk, People and Customer Experience). Provides leadership to Branch Managers and is responsibility for the management of sales and service activity including deposit gathering and product profitability in the “District” they lead.

1 LABORER

Salary $7.00 per hour

Contact: Ms. Ingraham 244-4665 between the hours of 9am-5pm 9355

Tireman/ Mechanic

To work 6 days per week salary starting $10$15.00 per hour.

contact: 432-4440

GENERAL PRACTIONER/ EMERGENCY ROOM DOCTOR REQUIRED

Major Activities:

Manages the execution of the Retail, Wealth & Small Business strategy to drive the long term successful business performance within the cluster. Provides clear direction on the business objectives translating and prioritising into business performance measures at cluster level while ensuring the smooth transition of the Retail, Domestic Wealth & Small Business teams into one cohesive unit.

Experience:

Team Management with a proven track record of achieving targets, goals and objectives. 7-10 years experience in the Retail Banking. Experience in supervising people in a sales and service environment. Retail Banking Risk Management & Control 3-5 years Sales Management experience

• General practice with some emergency room work • Full time 8 hour working day with varying shifts between 8am-8pm to meet the needs of the business • On call duty at least 2 nights per week plus 1 in 2 weekends • Must have at least 8 years post qualification experience and be registered with the Health Practioners Board • Remuneration structure available on request

Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of the Retail, Wealth & Small Business strategy and the Bank’s operating structure and interface • In-depth knowledge of the Retail, Wealth & Small Business product set and business processes and operational procedures and people polices • Knowledge of operational risk management policies, compliance and fraud prevention controls.

Please email resume to amp@tciway.tc 9354

FLORIST

BENEFITS:

Salary Range - $70,043 – $90,657 Benefits includes Life Insurance, Health Insurance, preferred rates on banking services and competitive salary commensurate with qualifications.

Requirements:

• Minimum 2 years experience as a florist with relevant certification • Knowledge of different flowers, foliage and potted plants (names, seasonal availability lifespan) • Up-to-date on current fashions and styles in the floral design while at the same time understanding the traditional use of certain flowers for weddings, funerals etc. • Willing to work outdoors and irregular hours • 2 years customer facing experience in retail using POS Systems • English speaking • Engaging and outgoing personality who enjoys working with the public • Starting salary $2,000 per month

Send completed applications to: Larry Lawrence Country Manager Grace Bay, Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands Telephone: 649-941-1601 Fax: 649-941-3430 Email: larry.lawrence@firstcaribbeanbank.com Closing date is November 8th 2013 (Only Turks & Caicos Islanders/Belongers need apply)

• Minimum of 3-5 years experience in the Casino Industry • Must be able to deal at least 2 or more table games • Must be able to work flexible hours Salary $12.00 per hour

• To perform general maintenance and repairs of facilities and equipments • Knowledge of plumbing, electrical wiring and carpentry Salary $12.00 per hour

Purpose of Job:

• • • • •

is looking for a

2 DEALERS

9352

34 CLASSIFIEDS

9356

Please bring all applications to Flowers by Environmental Arts located at U102 Venture House, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales or email to: Natalie@ environmentalarts.tc successful applicants will be notified by phone for interview.

9360

October 26 - November 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

DISCOUNT LIQUORS AND WINE CELLAR IS LOOKING FOR A

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

SALES AND MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE Description of position: • Promote all the products carried at our wholesale and retail operation • Help customers make selections by building customer confident and offering suggestions and opinions • Maintain a complete sales history and purchase pattern of our wholesale customers • Establish customer sales objectives by forecasting and developing annual sales quotas • Coordinate and assist in devising and implementing various sales and marketing strategies for The Wine Cellar retail and wholesale divisions, along with similar programs for all other affiliated business within the group • Provide regular SWOT analysis reports to management on the progress or detriments of each account, in order to determine appropriate strategies for account success • Assist Operation Manage in setting up proper inventory purchasing cycles in an effort to maximize the use of the business cash flow • Maintain customer sales volumes, product mix, and selling price by keeping current with supply and demand changing trends, economic indicators and competitors • A minimum of 5 years in Sales & Marketing in the Beverage Industry • Assist the Operations Manager and co-workers in all other areas deemed necessary Salary commensurate with experience

Applications must be submitted to: Discount Liquors & Wine Cellar Email: discount@tciway.tc or fax: 649-946-4871 NO telephone calls please

CLASSIFIEDS 35

REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE, CAP 9.05

NOTICE LOST LAND CERTIFICATE

TITLE NUMBER SECTION 50402/26 KEW TOWNSHIP

ISLAND 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 Signed .................................................................................................

9253

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

36 CLASSIFIEDS

October 26 - November 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

BETTY’S UNISEX SALON Is looking for a

JOHN ALEXANDER ROBINSON Is looking for a

hair stylist To work 6 days

Labourer To work 5 days

JOHN BRUBAKER Is looking for a

Turks and Caicos Islands

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 .

per week salary $6.00 per hour.

contact: 346-0230

per week salary $5.00 per hour.

9334

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:

contact: 347-9958 or 343-9101

Warehouse Merchandiser/ Attendant Needed Must have experience 1. working in a Warehouse setting 2. Merchandising 3. Valid Driver’s license for 3 years The successful candidate MUST be physically fit, able to lift heavy boxes and off load containers. Send resumes via email to gbdistributors@ gracebaypharmacy.com,

FIRST GLOBAL INSURANCE BROKERS LIMITED First Global Insurance Brokers Limited is seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill the office of

Or box 276, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands no later than October 31st 2013 9340

housekeeper To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 242-2228

9348

WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION Is looking for a

labourer To work 5 days

per week salary $6.00 per hour contact: 347-6642

9358

The ideal candidate would possess in-depth experience in the administration of and accounting for a growing Insurance Practice and meet the following minimum qualifications:

Telephone: (649) 946-4823. Facsimile: (649) 946-4822 EMAIL: info@fgibtci.com

• Be a Visionary Leader with at least 10 years experience at senior management level in an Insurance Company in the Caribbean. • Possess a thorough understanding of all areas of the Insurance industry and Insurance Accounting with an ability to motivate employees in achieving established goals and objectives. • Have Strong Proficiency in Financial Management with proven ability to attract, develop and retain an effective management team. • Be able to work well in stressful, high pressure situations. • Have above average Proficiency in Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and Electronic Accounting Systems.

Moving Office Notice Please note that effective November 1, 2013 we are relocating to Unit 13 Caribbean Place Complex, 1254 Leeward Highway.

The successful candidate will have Full responsibilities for: • The Administration, Production and Operational success of the Business. • Directing the Development of Marketing plans; • Forecasts and financial controls; • Meeting agreed targets for revenue and profit for all areas of the business. Salary is Commensurate with Qualification and Experience

It is just across from our former location.

Applications must be submitted to:

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

Our contact information will remain unchanged.

All applications are to be received by 25th November 2013

9339

9338

JR CONSTRUCTION

MEDINCO LTD.

FRANCKEL SEJOUR

Is looking for a

painter gardener To work 5 days contact: 341-9595

Contact: 246-1990 or fax resume to: 941-50499347

9357

per week salary $6.00 per hour

To work 5 days per week to maintain a residential property salary $5.00 per hour.

CLASSIFIEDS 37 NATASHA’S TDMG Concordia CONSULTANCY We are seeking suitable

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Is looking for a

Acting on behalf of our clients: Joseph Skippings

DOMESTIC WORKER

Labourer

– $5.00 per hour Must be willing to work 5 days per week

Contact: 242-9087

To work 5 days per week and on weekends if necessary. Salary $250.00 per week.

Kitchen Helper

Please call 243-0887

Contact: 232-1068

Monte Restaurant – $5.00 per hour Must be willing to work 5 days per week.

9346

October 26 - November 1, 2013

FLOWER GIRL

SALE!!! FLOWER GIRL TEDDYS, ROSES, BASKETS

Is looking for a Part-time

delivery driver With own transportation who is interested in making extra cash.

Sale on wedding favors, nick naks, pillows, knives etc.

25%–35% OFF

Contact: 231-3788

CONTACT: 649-946-4894

JSMS LTD. / PRICE CLUB

MERCHANDISER • Candidate must have at least 10-12 years experience in retail grocery store merchandising • Must have through knowledge of the following: • Advanced knowledge and skills in grocery merchandising and retail sales • Responsible for visual presentation in a defined scope • Creates timely merchandise displays throughout store • Creates and enjoyable, easy shopping experience for the customer to maximize revenue and customer satisfaction • Able to work with others and be a team player • Extensive knowledge of the Grocery Industry • Candidate must be multilingual • Work schedule will include weekends, holidays as required to meet the demands of the position Salary commensurate with experience

applicants to fill the following openings:

V.P Project Designer Painter Must have at least 5years experience Belongers only need apply. Must be willing to work extended hours. Salary is negotiable. Fax: (649) 941 8388 Application Deadline November 21st,2013.

9357

B & B SERVICES Acting on behalf of our clients: T.C.I. Waste Management

3 labourers Las Brisas 1 Kitchen Helper 1 Domestic Worker 1 Waitress 2 Laborers 1 Bartender

Salary starting at $6.00 per hour Must be willing to work 6 days per week including holidays and weekends

Contact: 245-6962

DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys

PUBLIC NOTICE DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys are pleased to announce the re-opening of our Leeward Highway Office for ongoing legal services to the public. We are located in our own building across the street from the Supreme Court complex, next door to the offices of TC Weekly News and between that and the St. Monica's Anglican Church. We specialize in: • Civil Litigation (Particular competencies: Judicial Review and other claims against TCI Government/Departments, Mareva and other Injunctions, Land, Trust & Bank disputes) • Property Matters, Planning Department & Development Issues • Business Law • Immigration • Labour Disputes

ONLY BELONGER NEED TO APPLY

Interested persons should send application via fax: 649-946-4677 or email to: priceclub@ alliedcaribbean.com Deadline for application is October 31st, 2013 9315

Telephone: (649) 941-4444 Telefax: (649) 941-4235 Cellphone: (649) 245-1314 email: berynd@yahoo.com DUNCANSON & CO. Barristers & Attorneys

PO Box 52, Cheshire House East 1315A Leeward Highway, Providenciales

9332

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 26 - November 1, 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

38 CLASSIFIEDS

October 26 - November 1, 2013 DAVID PEASE JR. Is looking for a

CLASSIFIEDS 39

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

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

DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 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

40 CLASSIFIEDS

October 26 - November 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

S & G Contracting Co. Providenciales Telephone: 231- 1199

ADVERTISE

IN THIS SPACE!

Gardner LABOURER, Needed UPHOLSTERY For residential home Call 244-9612

Salary starts at $5.00 per hour

9274

ONLY

$33

PER WEEK

CALL 946-4664

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

Local Businesses Require the following Team Members:

Housekeeper

To maintain the smooth running of a busy villa. The suitable applicant must speak excellent English, be professional and have experience dealing with high end guests. Duties include but not limited to; providing a high level of cleanliness, maintaining linens, amenities and villa stock control. Achieving a fast turnaround for guests check in check out and standing in for Villa Manager during occasional absence. References required

Maintenance Operative

To maintain the smooth running of a busy villa. The suitable applicant must speak excellent English, be professional and have experience dealing with high end guests. Duties include but not limited to: providing a high level of service in the outside and inside area of the villa. Ensuring everything is kept in excellent working order, repairs and renewals carried out efficiently. Possible husband and wife team with the above position. References required

Domestic Worker

To assist in the cleanliness and smooth running of a business rental villa. Must have experience and excellent references

Driver/Sales Assistant

This position is available to an honest, personable, excellent appearance, have experience in selling to the public and a hard working team player. Must speak excellent English and full clean driving licence and be able to drive a stick shift. Must be willing to work unsociable hours and weekend work.

Newly renovated office space, above The Flower Girl

1,000 sq ft. facing Leeward Highway and overlooking Flamingo Lake. Ideal for a lawyer's office, spa, real estate business, doctor's or dental offices, etc.

Reasonable rent Contact 9464894, 9464664 or email tcnews@tciway.tc

LAS BRISAS RESTAURANT AND BAR is looking to fill the following positions:

2 COOKS

• • • •

Middle to high level culinary skills in Mediterranean dishes Dependable, proactive, organized, team player Education from a formal culinary program At least 7-10 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 Salary commensurate based on qualification and experience

WAITRESS/ BARTENDER

Desserts/Pastry Cook and Sales Assistant

Full time position. Excellent English speaker. Experienced in the preparation of desserts and also have retail experience. Be a good team player.

Children’s entertainer and sales assistant

Full time position. Must have a fun character, good English, honest, personable and a team player. To entertain children for parties, creative play, learning new skills and knowledge of the Islands. Full driving licence essential.

Graphic Designer

Part- time position. Must have experience in designing Point of Sale, packaging, leaflets, web design, display boards and merchandise. Can work from home and could suit a stay at home Mom.

For all the above positions please apply in the first instance enclosing an informative CV to: Ms Andrea Riggs Griffiths and Partners PO Box 143, 82 Cherokee Road Providenciales. Tel: 649 941 8250. Fax: 649 941 8251 Email: ar@griffithsandpartners.com

Responsibilities: • • • • • • • •

Take and relay food and beverage orders Server 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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: • • • • • • • • •

Possess a secondary school diploma 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

Salary:

$5.50 per hour plus portion of service charge and tips

Contact: 946-5306

9362

October 26 - November 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Science & Technology

Sleep ‘cleans’ the brain of toxins

Such women might respond less well to breast cancer drugs like tamoxifen because of the genetic make-up of their tumour, they say.

Breast cancer ‘worse’ in young, black women YOUNG black women in the UK are more likely than their white counterparts to develop “worse” breast cancer with a poorer prognosis, research there suggests. This group has larger, more aggressive tumours with a higher risk of recurrence. This is despite having the same access to treatment, the study in the British Journal of Cancer shows. As yet unidentified biological factors may be to blame, say the Cancer Research UK investigators. Such women might respond less well to breast cancer drugs like tamoxifen because of the genetic make-up of their tumour, they say. The research team, based at the University of Southampton, looked at data from nearly 3,000 UK women - of whom 118 were black - who were younger than 40 when they were diagnosed with breast cancer. Even when individual

differences such as body weight and treatment variations such as availability of chemotherapy were taken into account, black ethnicity remained an independent indicator of poor prognosis. Dr Ellen Copson and colleagues say there have been similar findings in the US, suggesting this could be an international trend, but further research is needed to try to pin down the exact cause or causes. Early diagnosis may also play a role if black women are less aware of the symptoms or less “breast aware”, and so less likely to identify worrying changes, they say. This could mean their cancer is diagnosed at a later stage which would reduce the chance of successful treatment and recovery. Although NHS treatment is designed to be equal for all, some cultural factors such as recent immigration to the UK or language barriers may in practice affect use of health services, they say.

A US team believe the “waste removal system” is one of the fundamental reasons for sleep. Their study, in the journal Science, showed brain cells shrink during sleep to open up the gaps between neurons and allow fluid to wash the brain clean. They also suggest that failing to clear away some toxic proteins may play a role in brain disorders. One big question for sleep researchers is why do animals sleep at all when it leaves them vulnerable to predators? It has been shown to have a big role in the fixing of memories in the brain and learning, but a team at the University of Rochester Medical Centre believe that “housework” may be one of the primary reasons for sleep. “The brain only has limited energy at its disposal and it appears that it must choose between two different functional states - awake and aware or asleep and cleaning up,” said researcher Dr Maiken Nedergaard. “You can think of it like having a house party. You can either entertain the guests or clean up the house, but you can’t really do both at the same time.” Their findings build on last year’s discovery of the brain’s own network of plumbing pipes - known as the glymphatic system - which carry waste material out of the brain. Scientists, who imaged the brains of mice, showed that the glymphatic system became 10-times more active when the mice were asleep. Cells in the brain, probably the glial cells which keep nerve cells alive, shrink during sleep. This increases the size of the interstitial space, the gaps between brain tissue, allowing more fluid to be pumped in and wash the toxins

The brain uses sleep to wash away the waste toxins built up during a hard day’s thinking, researchers have shown.

away. Dr Nedergaard said this was a “vital” function for staying alive, but did not appear to be possible while the mind was awake. She told the BBC: “This is purely speculation, but it looks like the brain is losing a lot of energy when pumping water across the brain and that is probably incompatible with processing information.” She added that the true significance of the findings would be known only after human studies, but doing similar experiments in an MRI machine would be relatively easy. Commenting on the research Dr Neil Stanley, an independent sleep expert, said: “This is a very interesting study that shows sleep is essential downtime to do some housekeeping to flush out neurotoxins. “There is good data on memory and learning, the psychological reason for sleep. But this is the actual physical and chemical reason for sleep, something is happening which is important.” Dr Raphaelle Winsky-Sommerer,

a lecturer in sleep at Surrey University, said: “It’s not surprising, our whole physiology is changing during sleep. “The novelty is the role of the interstitial space, but I think it’s an added piece of the puzzle not the whole mechanism. “The significance is that, yet again, it shows sleep may contribute to the restoration of brain cell function and may have protective effects.” Many conditions which lead to the loss of brain cells such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease are characterised by the build-up of damaged proteins in the brain. The researchers suggest that problems with the brain’s cleaning mechanism may contribute to such diseases, but caution more research is needed. The charity Alzheimer’s Research UK said more research would be needed to see whether damage to the brain’s waste clearance system could lead to diseases like dementia, but the findings offered a “potential new avenue for investigation”. (BBC)

Baldness treatment a ‘step closer’ SCIENTISTS say they have moved a step closer to banishing bald spots and reversing receding hairlines after human hair was grown in the laboratory. A joint UK and US team was able to create new hairs from tissue samples. Far more research is needed, but the group said its technique had the “potential to transform” the treatment of hair loss. The study results were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. There are baldness therapies including drugs to slow the loss of hairs, and transplants, which move hair from the back of the head to cover bald spots. The scientists at the University of Durham, in the UK, and Columbia University Medical Centre, in the US, were trying to actually grow

The group said its technique had the “potential to transform” the treatment of hair loss.

new hairs. Their plan was to start with material taken from the base of a hair and use it to grow many new hairs. But human hair has been tricky

to grow despite successes in animal studies. Whenever human tissue was taken from the dermal papillae, the cells which form the base of each hair

follicle, the cells would transform into skin instead of growing new hairs. However, the group found that by clumping the cells together in “3D spheroids” they would keep their hairy identity. Tissue was taken from seven people and grown in 3D spheroids. These were then transplanted into human skin which had been grafted on to the backs of mice. After six weeks, new hair follicles formed in five out of the seven cases and some new tiny hairs began to form. Prof Colin Jahoda, from Durham University, told the BBC a cure for baldness was possible but it was too soon for men to be hanging up the toupee. “It’s closer, but it’s still some way away because in terms of what people want cosmetically they’re

looking for re-growth of hair that’s the same shape, the same size, as long as before, the same angle. Some of these are almost engineering solutions. “Yeah I think it [baldness] will eventually be treatable, absolutely.” He added: “It’s hard to say exactly how long that would take, but the fact that we’ve done it now should reawaken interest.” Any future therapy would involve transplanting cells which have been grown in the laboratory so safety is a concern. There would be a risk of infection and the cells could become abnormal, or even cancerous, while being grown. Baldness cures may not be the first application of the research. Prof Jahoda believes the findings will be used to improve the quality of skin grafts used after severe burns.

Sports Interational

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 26 - November 1, 2013

UEFA charges CSKA Moscow over Yaya Toure’s racism claims UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against CSKA Moscow after Manchester City’s Yaya Toure claimed he was abused by monkey chants from the stands in Wednesday’s European Champions League encounter with the Russian club. The Ivorian made his concerns known to the referee and said he was “furious” after the Group D game at the Arena Khimki, which City won 2-1. But CSKA released a statement on its website denying there was any racist chanting and told CNN that UEFA’s match delegate wasn’t aware of any either. European football’s governing body UEFA told CNN it had no official comment to make on CSKA’s claim. It added that the match delegate or the referee had made reference to the racist chants in their reports in order for proceedings to have been opened. “Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against PFC CSKA Moskva for racist behavior of their fans and for setting off of fireworks,” UEFA said in a statement on its website. “The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body on October 30.” Toure told Manchester City’s in-house TV channel that he was abused after missing a chance during the game, and he called on UEFA to take a tough stance on CSKA. “I hope they will change it, I hope they will get big sanctions,” said the midfielder, who played for Ukrainian club Metalurh Donetsk from 2003-

Sebastian Vettel can win his fourth title this Sunday.

Manchester City’s Yaya Toure says he was subjected to “monkey chants” during Wednesday’s European Champions League match against CSKA Moscow.

05. “They have to ban them at some stage, they have to ban a club for a couple of years. They don’t know. “They have to do something about it or they will always continue with it. I don’t know why we just have this in football -- in volleyball or rugby, we don’t have it.” But Toure’s version of events was challenged by CSKA, which said its fans were trying to put pressure on City’s players with a “disapproving drone and whistle irrespective of their race.” The statement added: “Having carefully studied the video recording of the match, we have not found any insults of a racist nature by the CSKA fans towards the visitors, which the match delegate also confirmed after the end of the game.” CSKA also quoted Toure’s

compatriot Seydou Doumbia as saying: “I never heard anything of the kind from our fans. Yes, they noisily support the team and try to put maximum pressure on the opponent, but they don’t take the liberty of racist cries/shouts. However, a report on Russian news agency RIA Novosti noted that racist chanting is “commonplace at top-flight Russian league games.” It added: “But prosecutions are rare and clubs whose fans shout racist insults are usually punished with small fines.” High-profile stars such as Brazilian Roberto Carlos have complained about being taunted with bananas while playing in Russia -- as has another former Anzhi Makhachkala player, Christopher Samba.

Four Englishmen, three WI named in Wisden all-time Test World XI WISDEN has named four Englishmen in an all-time Test World XI to mark 150 years of the Cricketers’ Almanack. Openers Jack Hobbs and WG Grace are included, along with wicketkeeper Alan Knott and fast bowler Sydney Barnes. The team is captained by legendary Australia batsman Don Bradman and features his countryman Shane Warne. West Indians Viv Richards, Garry Sobers and Malcolm Marshall all make the XI along with India’s Sachin Tendulkar and Wasim Akram of Pakistan. Wisden World XI Jack Hobbs (England, 19081930, 61 Tests, 5,410 runs at 56.94); WG Grace (England, 1880-1899, 22 Tests, 1,098 runs at 32.29); Donald Bradman (Australia, 19281948 – captain, 52 Tests, 6,996 runs at 99.94); Sachin Tendulkar (India, 1989-2013, 198 Tests, 15,837 runs

Vettel says winning title will be “very special” RED Bull’s Sebastian Vettel is taking nothing for granted as he stands on the brink of sealing his fourth title at Sunday’s Indian Grand Prix. The German has won the last five races and needs only a fifth place finish to make sure of the championship. Vettel said winning the title, when it happens, “would be very, very special”. But he added: “I go into this weekend not expecting anything. I expect to be competitive but you can’t expect to win or even to think further ahead.”

Vettel is 90 points clear of his closest rival, Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, with only 100 still available. To take the title, Alonso would have to win three of the remaining four races and finish second in the other, with Vettel retiring from them all. Vettel will win the title on Sunday if Alonso does not outscore him by at least 16 points. The Red Bull driver said: “We are in a great position with a good gap in the points table - I’m looking forward to the weekend. We have to get the best out of ourselves. The target is to beat the rest.”

Vitali Klitschko is the leader of the Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform party.

Klitschko confirms Ukraine’s presidential bid

Some of the biggest names in the sport have been named in the XI.

at 53.86); Viv Richards (West Indies, 1974-1991, 121 Tests, 8,540 runs at 50.23), Garry Sobers (West Indies, 1954-1974, 93 Tests, 8,032 runs at 57.78, 235 wickets at 34.03; Alan Knott (England, 19671981 – wicketkeeper, 95 Tests, 4,389 runs at 32.75, 250 catches, 19 stumpings); Wasim Akram

(Pakistan, 1985-2002, 104 Tests, 414 wickets at 23.62); Shane Warne (Australia, 1992-2007, 145 Tests, 708 wickets at 25.41), Malcolm Marshall (West Indies, 1978-1991, 81 Tests, 376 wickets at 20.94); Sydney Barnes (England, 1901-14, 27 Tests, 189 wickets at 16.43). (BBC)

Ukrainian boxer Vitali Klitschko, known as “Dr. Ironfist,” announced Thursday he plans to run for the country’s presidency in 2015, the state-run Ukrinform News Agency reported. “I want to say that I cannot be intimidated or stopped,” the 42 year-old said from the Ukrainian parliament rostrum in the capital city of Kiev. “In order to put an end to various attempts to get rid of me as a possible candidate, I want to say that I’m running for president.” He added: “I have a residence permit in Germany, but this doesn’t violate the Ukrainian legislation, and I’ve always been a citizen of Ukraine.”

In addition to having amassed a professional record of 47 wins (41 by knockout) and two losses, the 6-foot, 7½-inch heavyweight is the leader of the Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform party. According to Klitschko’s website, he won the World Boxing Organization’s world heavyweight title in 1999 by knocking out Herbie Hide in round 2, and -- following in the steps of Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis -- has won a heavyweight belt three times. He has run twice for mayor of Kiev, holds a master’s degree in social development, a doctorate in sport science, is married and has three children. (BBC)

October 26 - November 1, 2013

Sports Interational

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Williams opens WTA Championship defense with easy win in Istanbul

Along with the gold Alia Atkinson also copped a silver in the 50M breaststroke and a bronze in the 200M IM.

Jamaica swim queen grabs gold at Doha World Championships JAMAICA’S top female swimmer Alia Atkinson continued her FINA Swimming World Cup campaign with a victory at the Hamad Aquatic Centre on Sunday. Atkinson, who entered the final with the fourth fastest time of 1:07.70 from the preliminaries, led her challengers from the start to stop the clock at 1:03.38 in the 100 metres Breaststroke and a full second ahead of Luliia Efimova of Russia (1:04.68) and Japanese Kanako Watanabe (1:06.03). The Jamaican also added a bronze medal to her tally in the 200m

Individual Medley (IM) in 2:07.30. Earlier, she finished 16th in the 50m Backstroke and failed to advance to the final. Atkinson also coped a silver in the 50m Breaststroke on Monday. Meanwhile, Trinidadian George Bovell, in his only event on Sunday, finished third in the 100m IM in a time of 51.87 seconds. Kenneth To of Australia (51.19) and Russian Vladimir Morozov (51.49) took the gold and silver respectively. Bovell swims in the 50m Freestyle on Monday, the final day of the fifth stop on the World Cup circuit.

DEFENDING champion Serena Williams breezed past Germany’s Angelique Kerber in her opening match at the WTA Championships in Istanbul’s Sinan Erdem Dome on Tuesday. The world No.1 needed just 65 minutes to overpower the World No.9 winning 6-3, 6-1 as she looks to seal a fourth WTA Championships crown and an incredible 11th title this season. “I feel really good -- I think I served very well -- and she’s beaten me before so I was just a little nervous and so focused going into this match. I felt like I was going to have to play well to win,” Williams said. “I’m actually happy about my match and I never say that! I’m really excited about that. I’ve been working really hard since the Open and hopefully I can continue with that here.” Earlier, World No.2 Victoria Azarenka was made to work a little harder against Sara Errani. The Belarusian eventually came thorough 7-6, 6-2 but only after her Italian opponent sustained a calf injury at the start of the second set. Errani battled bravely but couldn’t stop Azarenka bringing an end to a three-match losing streak which began at the U.S. Open final where she lost to Williams. That defeat was followed by consecutive first round exits at events in Tokyo, where she

Serena Williams blasts a forehand winner during a straight sets win over Angelique Kerber at the Sinan Erdem Dome.

lost to sister Venus before she was dumped out in the first round of the China Open in Beijing by Germany’s Andrea Petkovic. “I was missing a little bit too much at the beginning but I turned it around,” Azarenka said after beating Errani. “It was a little bit difficult to focus in the second set because I didn’t know what was going on (with Errani’s injury). Even after the timeout, she was returning unbelievably and fought until the last point.” Sixth seed Petra Kvitova had a good head-to-head record going into her match against Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska and once again came out on top. The Czech triumphed in straight

sets 6-4, 6-4 to improve her match record against the World No.4 to 5-1 and secure her 50th win in a WTA match this year. The season finale features the top eight singles players and the top four doubles pairings who are competing for a $6 million prize pot. Two ATP Tour 500 events are taking place this week as the top men look to secure their place at the season-ending World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena in London which start on November 4. Home favorite Stanislas Wawrinka crashed out in the first round of the World Tour 500 event in Basel, Switzerland going down in straight sets 6-4, 6-3 to Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France.

Warner’s 197 sets record score in Australian one-day game Bernard Hopkins is boxing’s oldest ever world champion.

Hopkins says Floyd Mayweather fight could happen BERNARD Hopkins claims a bout against Floyd Mayweather is a possibility and that he has discussed the idea with “powerful people” in boxing. At 48, IBF light-heavyweight title holder Hopkins is boxing’s oldest ever world champion, while fellow American Mayweather is a five-weight world champion and unbeaten in 45 bouts. Hopkins defends his crown against Karo Murat in Atlantic City on Saturday. “No-one else is going to beat Floyd Mayweather,” said Hopkins. “I just don’t see it happening

because Floyd is really a welterweight. For a fight or two he might be moving to lightmiddleweight but he’s not a middleweight.” Richard Schaefer CEO, Golden Boy Promotions “That’s the reason I threw my hat in there. Can you imagine the promotion for that fight? I keep reminding people, there’s a possibility of anything. “I’m not chasing anybody; I’m not trying to pick on the little guy. But if you can find somebody else that people want to see fight [Mayweather], good luck.”

AUSTRALIA Test batsman David Warner fell three runs short of scoring the first double century in Australian domestic one-day cricket. The New South Wales opener hit 20 fours and 10 sixes in making 197 off 144 balls in Thursday’s win over Victoria in the Ryobi Cup 50-over competition. He beat the previous domestic record of 187, scored by Jimmy Maher in 2004. Warner, 26, has now scored three centuries in his past four matches ahead of the forthcoming Ashes series. He was left out of his country’s limited-overs squads for the current tour of India and his international career has been disrupted by a series of disciplinary offences. Warner missed the first two Tests of this summer’s Ashes in England after punching England batsman Joe Root at a Birmingham nightspot in the lead-up to the series. That suspension came three

David Warner hit 20 fours and 10 sixes in 144 balls.

weeks after a comments directed at two Australian journalists on Twitter led to a fine and strong criticism from national governing body Cricket Australia. Warner, eventually caught on the boundary by Jon Holland off the bowling of John Hastings, has now accumulated 527 runs at an average

of 75 in the provincial competition, which concludes with the final between New South Wales and Queensland on Sunday. His total was still 71 runs short of the world record individual score for a one-day game, the 268 amassed by Ali Brown for Surrey against Glamorgan in 2002.

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 26 - November 1, 2013

PABA High School League:

Defending champions CHHS Eagles start with big win DEFENDING champions Clement Howell High School (CHHS) Eagles stamped their authority on the opening day of the Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) High School League last Saturday with a 40 point blowout of Wesley Methodist. Playing at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex, S. Hall and R. Joseph tallied 10 points and eight rebounds each in the 54-14 point win. In the opening encounter the British West Indies Collegiate led

The Ryder Cup pits good friends against each other as with Gilley Williams and Jared Fulton.

Sotheby’s International Realty Ryder Cup set for this weekend THE North American team would be out for revenge against defending champions, the International Team, this weekend when the Provo Golf Club holds its 21st annual Ryder Cup. The event, which is sponsored by Sotheby’s International Realty, pits the best

North American players against an International Team. 52 members will compete in this match play format with each team made up of 20 men and six women. Play begins on Saturday with twoperson best ball partners competing.

Tee off time is 8:30h as there are 13 matches available on Saturday. Sunday play also begins at 8:30h with singles play and 26 matches scheduled. The prize presentation will be held after play (estimated at 15:00h) in the Club House.

by Lawrence Saintage with 15 points and three boards defeated the Turks and Caicos Institute of Professional Studies (TCIPS) 4943. E. Charitable did the damage for TCIPS with 15 points, four steals and three rebounds. The league, which continues on Wednesday afternoon (15:30h), is developmental in nature. Its main objective is to get local schools match ready for the National High School Basketball Championships which will take place this December.

PHL begins this Saturday THE PROVO Hockey League, one of the most organised leagues in the TCI, is scheduled to begin on Saturday (October 26) at the Graceway Sports Centre. Over 80 players were placed in teams over the last week. Information from the executives indicates that it was be an exciting season in all three divisions (Mini, Bantam and Midget). The league is sponsor by Da Conch Shack, while team sponsors include: Digicel, Gansevoort, Sail

Rock, Grace Bay Car Rentals and Sales, Coco Bistro, Grace Bay Resorts, Twa Marcelin Wolf, J & W Construction, Scotia Bank, Saunders & Co. The player sponsors are: CSE Ltd, BCQS, Empower, Island Scoop, TCI Cinemas, Blue Mountain Water, Elite Gaming, Royal Jewels, The Vix, Sharkbite and the Graceway Sports Centre. Every Saturday the PHL will have an open shootout competition where great prizes can be won.

Josh for Sports

Never bite the hands that feed you

Focus on the TCIFA’s Technical Director Matthew Green

THIS particular column is most sensitive. Once again, I am stressing that whatever I present here are not the sentiments of the Weekly News, its editor or staff, but are totally my take/perception on national issues that affects our country as they allude to the development, enhancement or stagnation of national sports in the country of my birth. I, being the father of national sports in the TCI and being responsible for our country embarking on the world scene, dating back to 1978, cannot sit back and permit anybody to disrespect my country in the international press, undeservedly, without

By Joshua Gardiner challenging the authenticity of their innuendos and fictitious claims and allegations, thus, it is incumbent upon me to defend the integrity of my country whenever it comes under attack. For the life of me, I cannot fathom the audacity, motive and irresponsibility of Mr. Green in his reckless statements in the international press (BBC) allegedly in an effort to discredit our national

football association, especially after he has committed so many years of hard work to help promote and popularise the sport of football among the youths of our country to the point where we can now see the fruits of our labour. Mr. Green is from England, and after a stint in the Bahamas he acquired the job of Technical Director, a paid position. A few years ago at least two of our national players questioned his ability to coach at the senior international level. According to information he dismissed them arbitrarily with total disregard towards their concerns. About two years ago, in one of my columns I suggested that we needed an experienced world class coach/ manager to lead our national team, since Mr. Green has no experience to coach at that level. He was angry with me, I am a realist. He did well, he can coach at the kids level, but

when it comes to international competition, he, in my opinion, just can’t cut it (no disrespect—nothing, but reality). Why would one become enmeshed in self-pride is totally beyond me. Why would one seek to destroy what one has built because it has surpassed one’s ability to advance to a higher level is also beyond me.

Mrs. Sonia Fulford Bien-Aime has reached the point where she is an executive member of FIFA. Perhaps, he cannot deal with the reality of this. He should be very careful in his malicious attacks/ slanders against the TCIFA because he could be called before the world’s governing body, plus brought before the Supreme Court of this country.

VINDICTIVENESS I’ve been made aware that Mr. Green’s contract with the TCIFA will not be renewed and that he’s seeking to remain here otherwise. In my opinion, his motives are to undermine the association, but he needs to face reality. The association has outgrown him. He needs to appreciate that this country is the best thing that’s ever happened for him and he needs to move on.

IF IT WERE UP TO ME If it were up to me, if I were the Sports Minister, Premier or Leader of the opposition or governor, I would revoke his welcome in the TCI once I can verify that he, through the international press, published and made derogatory statements to cause international shame and embarrassment to this country. You just don’t bite the hands that feed you.

SO MUCH PROGRESS

October 26 - November 1, 2013

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

The Englishman in charge of the worst team in the world WAKING up on an island of crystal blue lakes, turquoise seas and tropical temperatures each morning sounds like paradise. But rather than relaxing in a hammock all day in his adopted home of the Turks and Caicos Islands, 41-year-old Englishman Matthew Green is busy trying to rid the country of the title ‘world’s worst football team’. It’s a distinction they share with Bhutan and San Marino at joint 207th place in the FIFA world football rankings. The task isn’t easy, as Green’s team last won in 2008 (against St Lucia) and haven’t actually played a match for two years because of a shortage of players. His squad includes a variety of occupations, including a policeman, lawyer, teacher and construction worker. Add the fact that his only other managerial experience is with a pub team in Hull and you get an idea of how tough his job is. “Everybody thinks you are sat on the beach drinking pina coladas,” Green says. “I wish I was, but there is too much to do. “I did once take a pub side in Hull, called Spiders, to a Sunday League title. But that was a bit different to running an international team. “Every time I go back to Hull, my brother and friends make fun of the fact we are ranked so low. I know they are only joking but there is pride there. You want to see your country rise up the rankings. “We are certainly capable of doing so, if we can get some extra resources.” The Turks and Caicos Islands is a British territory made up of 40 Caribbean islands - eight are inhabited - covering an area of 166 square miles. The overall population is about 30,000, one third of whom are under 15. As technical director of their football association, Green is responsible for overseeing all aspects of football development, from working with the men’s and women’s national teams to the youth set-up, coaching and refereeing. The island’s league has six amateur teams, yet most of the players are expats meaning Green has a pool of fewer than 25 players to choose from. There are some talented youngsters, but they tend to be on scholarships in America and the UK, making it difficult to return for matches or training camps. One of the few professionals available is Gavin Glinton, 34, who plays for Vietnamese second division club Mikado Nam Dinhis. He is the country’s all-time top goalscorer,

with four goals in eight international matches. “The players are great to deal with, for the most part,” says Green, one of three full-time football employees. The island’s FA was formed in 1996 and became affiliated to FIFA two years later. Back then they had no pitches, no leagues, and had to wait until 2006 for their first win against the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean Cup. So how did a former teacher from Hull become their manager? Green was released by Hull City at the age of 15 for being too small and went on to qualify as a teacher. He arrived in the Bahamas in 1998 trying to find a job at a school. The search was fruitful and he turned Temple Christian High School into one of the major powerhouses of Bahamian football, with the senior high girls team winning the national championship every year from 2001 to 2007. At the same time he also started to work his way up the national coaching ladder. He was also an active player, finishing top scorer for Grasshoppers FC in 2000 and 2001. In 2007, he spotted an advert for technical director of the Turks and Caicos Islands FA and decided to give it a go. He landed the job and discovered an island of beautiful beaches and average summer temperatures of 29C. It’s little surprise that celebrities such as Hollywood actor Bruce Willis and England defender Rio Ferdinand have splashed out on properties there in recent years. Green lives on his own in a two-bedroom house surrounded by natural vegetation, overlooking lakes and hills. A balcony provides

picture-perfect views. After 15 years in the Caribbean he feels at home, although traces of his heritage are revealed from time to time. “My accent varies depending on who I am talking to,” he says. “I have a ‘coaching voice’ which is a bit of a ‘put on’, but it makes sure all our players can understand me. “My Hull accent comes out when I get angry or excited - which is quite often!” The islands haven’t played since their 10-0 aggregate defeat to the Bahamas in a World Cup qualifier in 2011. Green is determined to hold a couple of friendlies in the coming months, ahead of their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign in the CONCACAF group. And he’s sure there are reasons for optimism. “Within a few years we have managed to put together a pretty strong youth programme and our grassroots programme is pretty big,” he says. “We now have over 20 leagues and competitions across all ages and sexes. A few years ago we had three. “It has not been easy, but it has become the most popular sport in the country at youth level. Track and field, softball and basketball are still very popular but, in terms of numbers, football is well ahead now. “A new stadium was built the other year, while we now have more than 500 youngsters registered to our youth programmes compared to less than 100 when I first started.” Maybe he can even get the islands off the dreaded bottom spot in the rankings, which really would be reason for celebration. (Re-printed from the BBC)

Matthew Green was interviewed by the BBC.

“Worst team” placement undermines TCIFA’s accomplishments IN any developmental period there will be shortcomings. For the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) it is the performance (or none-performance) of our senior national male team and its relegation, due to inactivity, to the bottom of the barrel. So when the BBC printed an article earlier this week and dubbed our men side the worst in the world, it raised a lot of eyebrows and set off the firing squad. This placement (that of 207, tied with Bhutan and San Marino) is way below where any nation would want to see its senior football team, so it is therefore imperative that we try to charter a way forward that could, at least, move us out of this hole. Upon saying that, TC Islanders need to remember how many important steps the TCIFA has made and how much emphasis has been placed on making our football better (in all areas).

Transition from a below par footballing nation to one that is respectable, never happens overnight, sometimes it takes many years to achieve this feat. We have a thriving junior programme, with both the boys and girls enjoying an increase in size and skills every season. Through the hard work of people like Christopher Bryan, Sonia Fulford Bien-Aime, Matthew Green and Oliver Smith among others, the sport has grown over the years from less than 100 persons to over 500 registered. We now have eight school leagues and have reached a stage where there is equal opportunities for both sexes, a move that would get its stamp of approval from FIFA. Our junior teams have also blossomed nicely and has begun to hold their own against seasoned international clubs. We have also developed respectable beach soccer teams, which can make us one of the

strongest sides in the region and can promote massive income in sports tourism due to our beautiful country and our proximity to the USA. Individually Bien-Aime has become the first woman in this hemisphere to sit on the executive body of FIFA. She has become our greatest administrative sports ambassador; Smith is also a high ranked FIFA official. We also have over 30 qualified coaches and 20 qualified referees here in the TCI. With all of these accomplishments, it is therefore hasty to just discredit the TCIFA and its officials for our poor male placement. If more emphasis can be placed on getting the senior side out of its quandary then the local body can continue to focus on its march towards respectability. Remember the night is always darkest before dawn.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 26 - November 1, 2013

LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos

.46 acres overlooking the creek, spanning King Road and Windsor Road

QUICK SALE

CALL 232-3508 or 946-4664

October 26 - November 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

October 26 - November 1, 2013