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Weekly News Volume 27 | No. 35| September 7 - 13, 2013

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Former PNP

HQ seized – Premier dubs it an ‘injustice to democracy’

Premier Rufus Ewing has demanded the keys to the former national headquarters of the Progressive National Party (PNP) after the building was seized on Wednesday morning (September 4). PAGE 

Sandals Foundation equips students for school  17 PAGE

Premier demands AG’s retirement

PAGE  7

Todd reveals all PAGE 

Ianthe Pratt hires country’s youngest principal PAGE  6

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

Former PNP HQ seized – Premier dubs it an ‘injustice to democracy’ PREMIER Rufus Ewing has demanded the keys to the former national headquarters of the Progressive National Party (PNP) after the building was seized on Wednesday morning (September 4). Following an order from the Attorney General’s chambers, locksmiths changed the locks at Progress House on Airport Road, Providenciales, to prevent party members from using the building. The move came following a Supreme Court ruling in July that confirmed that the land the headquarters sits on is owned by the Crown. Premier Rufus Ewing expressed his upset at the move in a statement to press on Wednesday afternoon. The PNP party leader said it showed an immense amount of disrespect particularly from Attorney General Huw Shepheard. “This is an injustice to democracy as there can be no civility without respect,” he wrote. “The lack of respect shown to me and my members of Cabinet further confirms that the Attorney General cannot be fair and just and his reappointment therefore is undesired and totally unacceptable.” Ewing explained that acting Attorney General Rhondalee BraithwaiteKnowles informed him of the seizure during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting. “I am extremely disappointed in the actions taken by the Attorney General’s Chambers,” he said. “We as the Progressive National Party are still very much in active discussions with Edwards Wildman Palmer of the Civil Recovery Team with regards to negotiations of a settlement and just three weeks ago made an offer in this regard.” He said that the party had received acknowledgment of receipt of their offer, details of which he is not yet willing to disclose, but had not received a counter offer. Due to that fact he was “surprised and disappointed” that a decision was taken to have the locks on Progressive House changed while negotiations were on-going.

“We firmly believe that this was a deliberate act intended to frustrate the Progressive National Party and our members of Cabinet and that it is in response to my open and verbally expressed disapproval of the re-appointment of Huw Shepherd as the Attorney General of the Turks and Caicos Islands.” This Wednesday Ewing publically released a letter addressed to Governor Ric Todd expressing his displeasure at the renewal of the AG’s contract. On Wednesday the Governor’s office released a statement which said that the Government “peacefully” re-entered the empty Progress House on parcel 60602/79 and changed the locks to recover possession of the land. Acting Attorney General Braithwaite-Knowles said: “After the court’s clear ruling in July that the land belonged to the Crown, the Attorney General said that we would wait to see whether the PNP appealed the court’s judgment, and that he hoped matters would be brought to a swift and amicable conclusion.” She went on to say that there has been no appeal by the PNP from the court’s judgment, but an invitation to the PNP’s lawyers to hand over the keys to Progress House voluntarily was declined. “In the circumstances, we were obliged to peacefully re-take possession of the land. “Crown land is this country’s most valuable asset, and it is important that it is held lawfully and properly for the benefit of all the people.” She said that TCIG will now consider ways to maximise the revenue from the land for the benefit of the people of the TCI. “As the Attorney General has made clear, TCIG remains open to negotiating a lease to the PNP on sensible commercial terms if they still have an interest in occupying the building and the PNP are prepared to make an offer which reflects the commercial value of the land.” Premier Ewing called a press conference on Wednesday afternoon at the new Government headquarters in the Hilly Ewing building on Leeward Highway, Providenciales,

Progress House on Airport Road is the former headquarters of the PNP

to reiterate his stance. He described Progress House as a socio-political institution of the people and a symbol of democracy. He added that he was “amazed and surprised by the reckless actions of the Attorney General and the Civil Recovery Team of bounty hunters who are on a witch hunt for the PNP and the Turks and Caicos Islander while they stuff their coffers”. Ewing suggested that the action came as a result of his recent public condemnation of Governor Ric Todd’s decision to reappoint Huw Shepheard as the country’s AG. It was typical of the British administration “as their motto is, speak up, speak out and you will be whipped,” he said. The Premier said there may be documents owned by the PNP that remain in the building and if anything goes missing the AG’s chambers will be held accountable. He revealed that he has demanded the keys from the Governor and asked him to hand them over to his Minister of Government Support Services. He stressed that if they are not in the hands of the PNP they should be kept by the Government which should be allowed to use the property until a settlement can be reached. Ewing called on the Governor and the British administration to intervene and come to a settlement agreement with the PNP to avoid the possibility of civil disobedience. On Thursday Neil Smith from the

Governor’s office released further information on the takeover of the property. He said that following the judgment of the Supreme Court declaring that the land was Crown land, TCIG invited the PNP to hand over the keys to the building but they were not willing to do so. “TCIG has repeatedly made clear that it would be willing to consider a reasonable offer to grant a lease for the building that reflected the current commercial value of the land. “Without prejudice discussions

have taken place, both before and after the Supreme Court's judgment - and because they were undertaken on a without prejudice basis the exact details must remain confidential - but it has never been possible to agree an appropriate and realistic figure which TCIG could accept in order to grant a lease for the land. “TCIG has an obligation to ensure that Crown land is disposed of in accordance with the current Crown land policy and legislation and is not continued 

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

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

How has Governor Ric Todd fared?

AFTER two years of service in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Governor Damian ‘Ric’ Todd will depart the territory on September 15. During his term, the Governor has been publicly lambasted for a number of policy decisions he has taken. However, he has always maintained that he enjoys productive and effective relations with the people, both within and outside of Government. What are your thoughts?

Good riddance

The Governor is delusional. He is not well liked at all and is considered to be very prejudiced against the indigenous people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. He seems to be interested in everyone’s rights but our own. He has been non-transparent and is an example of very bad governance principles. I bid him good riddance and hope that he isn’t assigned anywhere else to govern.

serious corruption of the 2003-2009 PNP years; Wetherell and his FCO did not act. Todd and the current FCO had to not only make up for that inaction but do the bidding of the person holding the purse strings of so many projects and the health plan promised by PNP but not brought to fruition. Neither this or the previous FCOs, Governors and AGs or this current PNP Government were and are willing or able to sort out the mess.

Cannot sort out the mess

Strong yet unpredictable

Governor Todd was a pawn of the FCO, as was Wetherell. Four and a half years ago we had a Commission of Inquiry which reported the

We have met Todd and found him to be friendly, however we do not understand some of the decisions he has made. After the confusing approach of Wetherell, Todd was a stronger yet unpredictable

Governor. This no doubt reflects decisions made in the UK which appointed Todd.

Adios Comandante!

Ric Todd squandered every UK political goodwill that existed and remained post the Commission of Inquiry and the interim administration. One has to wonder who provided him with the debriefing and mandate prior to his arrival here. His policies and governance style consistently show a total disrespect for and a disconnect between the ideals and aspirations of the people of these Islands and that of himself and or his FCO bosses. I don't believe they represent the masses of the UK voters because their ideals and aspirations are consistent with those of our people and any modern day society. When will the FCO stop making illqualified appointments and dispatching them to us to make our lives worse off that the times under slavery? He maintained that he enjoys productive and effective relations with the people, both within and outside of Government. This sounds like he is delusional or living in denial since I cannot find one person who shares those sentiments except those of his inner circle who benefitted from his many repetitious appointments and patronage. Hypocrisy of the highest order because that was the reason for the UK intervention. Same old same old Conclusion, his tenure makes Mike Misick look like a choir boy and one wonders if the efforts of SIPT are not now misdirected. May God help the people of Cyprus.

Worst Governor ever

We are so happy to see that the Governor is leaving TCI. He will go down as the worst Governor ever. The only productive relations the Government has were with the AG, the British advisors and four Turks and Caicos Islanders. These four people are the same

people he keeps shuffling around on different Government statutory boards and committees. If he was effective he would have been able to get VAT accepted by the people but he failed because he did not have a relationship and did not communicate with people. He does not have the ears of the Government and Opposition so how can he be effective. Only the Foreign and Commonwealth Office listens to him. Goodbye Ric.

Delusional

As usual, the Governor is delusional!

A contradiction

I am of the opinion that this Governor needs to follow the spirit, wording and intent of the constitution. It seems that he is prepared to contradict and embarrass the elected Government. We take note of the Minister of Finance's support of the Conch Farm project and the Governor's decided own direction in working against that project. The Minister of Finance is correct and this Governor should end his legacy by showing some kind of regard for the elected Government. We do need a Governor who will observe that the elected Government should have a final say on policy. From the statements of the Rt Hon Leader of the Opposition and the Rt Hon Premier it does not appear that the Governor enjoys the faith and confidence of the elected. It is better that this Governor tries to end the precedent of ignoring the will of the elected.

 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

Youngest principal appointed to Ianthe Pratt BY DAISY HANDFIELD EDUCATOR Neekimo King has been recognised as the youngest principal in the Turks and Caicos Islands after her recent appointment at Ianthe Pratt Primary School. On Thursday (September 5) the Weekly News spoke to the 29-yearold who expressed how enthused she was for this big accomplishment. She said: “I thought I was going to be nervous, but since Monday (September 2) I have felt very comfortable. “I keep an open mind that it is

still a learning experience so even with being comfortable you can’t be too comfortable. “You have to be alert and be aware of everything that is going on around you.” King has taught infant one, infant two, grade two, grade three and grade four at the primary school within the nine years that she has been working there. She noted that she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, but at some point wants to further her education by achieving her Master’s.

King said that she started off a bit nervous when opening her letter over the summer holidays which notified her that she was the selected candidate for IPPS principal for the 2013/14 school year and ended astonished. She said: “I was thrilled; I was shocked because I am sure there were older opponents that went in there for the interview, but happy that I was chosen.” King hopes that this will serve as a motivation for other educators out in the teaching industry.

Neekimo King- is the new principal of Ianthe Pratt Primary School (IPPS)

September 7 - 13, 2013

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Premier demands AG’s retirement

– ' I'm not prepared to work with the Attorney General' “I AM not prepared to work with the AG upon his return to the Turks and Caicos Islands.” In a strongly worded letter to Governor Ric Todd on Wednesday morning, Premier Rufus Ewing expressed his anger at the recent reappointment of Attorney General (AG) Huw Shepheard. He said he was unwilling to work with the AG on his return to the Islands from leave, and that he should be encouraged to take early retirement from the profession. Governor Ric Todd announced on Monday, August 19, that Shepheard’s post would be renewed for three years and said the decision was made in line with his constitutional powers. He added that the AG would provide “essential stability and continuity to the territory as it continues to demonstrate to investors and visitors that we are a well governed nation.” However the decision was met with vigorous disapproval from both the Government and the Opposition

who claimed that Shepheard was unsuitable for the job. In this week’s letter to the Governor, Ewing described the situation as one of “grave concern” and said it had been a subject of discontent between himself and the Governor since February. He went on to say that the provision in the constitution which gave him authority to appoint the AG without consultation with the Premier is “totally unacceptable”. “The AG is the legal counsel for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, and as Premier and head of Government's business in Cabinet, it is only proper and fitting that the Premier ought to be given the opportunity to give input into the appointment of the AG, if not appoint the AG himself, as is practiced in the case of Bermuda. “I wish to further submit that the AG is also the legal advisor to the House of Assembly and as such the Speaker of the House of Assembly and the Leader of the Opposition should also have input in regards to

Former PNP HQ seized continued from 

leased at values which are very significantly below their current commercial value.” Smith stressed that papers and possessions have not been touched or interfered with and arrangements are being made to return them to the PNP. In July the Supreme Court dismissed the PNP’s argument that it was entitled to parcel 60602/79 in Providenciales on which its headquarters stands. Judge Ramsey Hale, giving the court’s judgment, rejected the evidence of Floyd Hall, former Deputy Leader of the PNP and Deputy Premier of the PNP Government in 2006/7. Hall was the primary witness in support of the PNP’s defences to TCIG’s claim for the land. The judge also determined that the PNP, as an unincorporated association, had no legal personality and could not sue or be sued. She therefore determined that the claims for damages could not be pursued against the PNP as a body, or Howard Cooke, the chairman of the PNP. The outcome of the case was

that the Crown was entitled to the parcel including the PNP headquarters, but it was not entitled to pursue its claim for damages against the PNP or against Cooke. Commenting on the judgment in July, Attorney General Huw Shepheard said: “I am pleased that judgment has now been given, and that the court has agreed with our case that the Crown is entitled to this valuable parcel of land and office building built on it. “This has been a difficult case, which we had always hoped would be resolved amicably, and I am sorry that it was necessary to bring the matter to a trial to resolve it. “I very much hope it will now be possible to deal with the remaining matters amicably, and for the PNP to accept the judge’s ruling and voluntarily to hand over possession of the building as quickly as possible.” He added: “My door is open, as it always has been, to resolving all matters in a friendly way with the PNP as quickly as possible without the need for any further legal steps.” (RB)

Premier Rufus Ewing

Attorney General Huw Shepheard

the appointment of the AG.” In his letter, which was also addressed to Secretary of State William Hague, the Premier said that the Governor displayed “disrespect and lack of regard for the opinions, views and wishes of the Government, the Opposition and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands”. He stressed that they had all publically stated their dissatisfaction with Shepheard and Todd’s plans to reappoint him. “I am not comfortable with Mr Huw Shepheard as the principal legal advisor to my Government as I am not confident in his ability based on historical events.” Ewing went on to describe a number of reasons why he was unhappy with the reappointment of the AG. He said he had ill-advised political parties and candidates standing for general elections that they had to renounce their citizenships of countries in which they were born in order to qualify to stand as a candidate for election and caused the spending of hundreds of thousands of dollars in court cases based on the same premise. Ewing added that the AG has either engaged in and/or instigated the prosecution of several superfluous cases and ‘fishing exercises’ that were not in the best interest of the people and the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands. “These actions that were taken without the instructions, advice, guidance or input of the elected Government have resulted in expenditures in millions of dollars

that the Government and the people cannot afford to pay through taxes,” he said. He lambasted the AG’s continued employment of the Civil Recovery Team/Edwards Wildman and instructions to engage in an “allencompassing, ill-defined, muddled and expensive investigation of countless historic real estate transactions”. And finally Ewing claimed that there is an obvious conflict of interest between the AG with his new responsibility for Crown land and his position as AG defending the Government on Crown Land matters and conducting trials as part of civil recovery team. “As a result of these and many other matters, I am satisfied that the AG can no longer command respect for the competency, efficacy and impartiality of the office he holds, and that these Islands would be much better served by a fresh appointment,” he said. He stressed that the AG should not be reappointed and instead should be encouraged to take his early retirement of the profession. He requested that Todd in his last Cabinet meeting as Governor of the TCI on Wednesday (September 4) rescind his decision to renew the contract of the AG. The Premier concluded by saying that he is of the view that the appointment of the new AG should be left to the incoming Governor upon the advice of the Premier and Cabinet. Speaking to the Weekly News on Tuesday (September 3) before Ewing’s letter was released,

New chair of education board AT ITS last meeting (September 4), Cabinet agreed to the appointment of Quinton Elry Lightbourne as chairman of the Higher Education Advisory Board (HEAB). Minister of Education, Youth and Sports recommended Lightbourne, who was already serving on the board, for the post.

A replacement for his vacated position is up for review and consideration by Cabinet. Meanwhile, Cabinet also welcomed the contract extension of Chief Financial Officer, Stephen Turnbull. Turnbull has been contracted for an additional three years, ending March 31, 2016.

Governor Ric Todd said he stood by his decision. He explained that until September 15 he remains the Governor of the TCI and must continue to discharge business in accordance with constitutional law. “The Attorney General’s contract was coming to an end, and I feel that the AG has done a very good job here.” He said that the AG has brought a lot of expertise to the role particularly in financial services and has been instrumental in a major programme of legislative change. “He’s given very sound legal advice to the interim administration and to the elected Government over the time he has been here, and I felt that the continuity he offered was valuable to the people of the TCI,” Todd said. He stressed that the Attorney General is not an elected official and it is not a popularity contest. “The reason why you appoint an Attorney General is for their abilities and that they can discharge their duties fairly and honestly. “If you say to me is the AG controversial, I would say well if you think about it, given that he has led some 60 civil recoveries, which have netted for the people of the TCI $20m in cash and land worth $100m, clearly the people who have to give back their ill-gotten gains are not happy. “Second he has led the prosecution following the Auld report of some 12 people. “Understandably prosecutions are difficult, but the AG has not decided if they are guilty or innocent, he has merely said there is a very strong case which the courts must hear. “So the controversy about the AG is about the decisions which he has quite properly taken over time.” Shepheard’s tenure began in September 2010 and will now end September 2016. (RB)

Fractional Ownership Ordinance debated in House A MEETING of the TCI House of Assembly took place on Thursday (September 5) in Grand Turk. Members of the Government and Opposition attended the eighth sitting of the tenth legislature of the first session at the NJS Francis Building from 10am until 6pm. Following a short statement from both Premier Rufus Ewing and Deputy Minister Akierra Missick, the majority of the day was spent debating the Fractional Ownership Ordinance.

NEWS

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Todd reveals all As his final weeks in the Turks and Caicos Islands draw to a close Governor Damian Roderic ‘Ric’ Todd speaks candidly to the Weekly News about the highs and lows of his two year tenure.

RIC Todd relocated to the Turks and Caicos Islands in June 2011 where he began his term as Governor amid promises of a “bright future” for the country. The economics and defence expert took over from Gordon Wetherell who held onto the top spot for the previous three years. Wetherell’s tumultuous term featured a British takeover, fiery antigovernment protests, devastating hurricanes, surges of violent crime and the impact of financial dire straits. However Todd pledged to turn the fortunes of the country around and promised to do it with total transparency. Two years later, a look back at his term reveals that many of his decisions were plagued with controversy, often provoking open criticism from sectors of the population. But this week 54-year-old Todd said he stands by his choices which he made with the best interests of the

country in mind. BEGINNINGS Todd studied history at university before joining the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office defence department in 1980. Over the next 20 years he was posted to South Africa, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Slovakia and Poland. He also worked for the FCO London in a number of posts including three years on the board as finance director, along with five years in HM Treasury. His last post was as Her Majesty’s Ambassador in Warsaw from April 2010. “When I got the job I was in Warsaw and the Foreign Office decided to send me to TCI. “I was actually pulled out of Warsaw six or seven months early to come here - they must have decided that I had the skill set required.” He said he was new to the Caribbean and the Overseas

Territories so it was a great chance to learn about the lifestyle. “What struck me first about TCI apart from the warmth of the climate and warmth of the people was the colours. They were so striking and vivid.” He explained that he came to the Islands with a set of things to achieve and he set them out when he was sworn in and again in his first press conference. The first was to work with the Government and people of the TCI to meet the eight milestones in order to have elections before the end of 2012. Second was to develop the economy and third to introduce transparent and good governance in the TCI. Todd said he was confident that he had achieved what he set out to achieve. “We made great progress. We did manage to achieve the eight milestones. And those included significant legislative change,

Governor Damian Roderic ‘Ric’ Todd

legislative modernisation, new laws on citizenship, a completely new electoral system, new voters’ roll, new rules about how parties raise money and how they spend it. “I think one of the consequences of all those reforms was the elections

in November last year which were among the most peaceful, the most civilised, the best run we’d ever had.” Since then, he explained, he has continued 

Demand for TWI to pay costs in $100m lawsuit ACTING Attorney General, Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles in a press statement earlier in the week stated that the Chambers is looking to recover 75 per cent of its court costs in the $100 million lawsuit brought by Trade Wind Industries (TWI). The suit, which names the soon to depart Governor Ric Todd and the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) as defendants, came up before the Court of Appeal on Friday, August 30. “The costs in respect of the appeal we are seeking to recover from Trade Winds are substantial and I very much hope that Trade Winds will pay them as quickly as possible,” Knowles said. “We have written to Trade Winds' lawyers to ask them to pay these costs; if they do not do so promptly we will go through the formal court process to get them assessed and paid as soon as we can.” She stated that the Appeal Court has also said that it will consider arguments that the costs of much of the action which started last August, not just the appeal, should be paid by Trade Winds as well.

“We will be pressing for the Court of Appeal to order Trade Winds to pay these costs and, if we are successful, we will seek to collect these costs as quickly as we can as well,” she added. Last month the company filed a writ in the Supreme Court for discharged from the arbitration agreement. TWI wants the removal of Kenneth Rokison QC as arbitrator. The Attorney General had previously appointed Rokison as one of the three arbitrators needed to conduct the hearing. In the document, the company claims that Rokison’s appointment was made without the knowledge of the Government, which the AG represents. When contacted, chairman of TWI, John Hartley told Weekly News that the Court of Appeal decision on Friday does not affect the writ. He indicated that the costs that the AG is seeking are not to be paid immediately as they have not made the required submissions for it before any court. Reiterating his contention as to AG’s appointment of the arbitration,

ACTING Attorney General, Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles

Hartley stated: “It looks as though the Attorney General has repeatedly been making decisions without the Government and this seems to be vindication for the writ that we have issued.” On a previous occasion, the AG had indicated that if TWI wants its case with the Government settled – as it proposed early in August then it should also settle with the Governor. Asked about this, Hartley would only say that TWI had sent a letter to the Secretary of State, William

Hague in London. “We sent a letter to Todd and Hague setting out our offer… and we are still insisting, absolutely insisting the lawfully and democratically elected Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands has never instructed the Attorney General or Edward Wildman to appoint an arbitrator.” Hartley added that there is no arbitration panel and they are still determined to bring the matter into open court in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The chairman further disputed the AG’s claim that the Court of Appeal has now formally confirmed that all parts of the proceedings will go to arbitration. “This is like old news, they are not saying anything new and it seems to be an attempt by the Attorney General Chambers to put out some good news about their competence in the face of all the news about their incompetence. “This was something that was decided by the Court of Appeal in May.” He noted that the only thing that has changed is that the Court of Appeal’s decision, when it was published in May, contained a typographical error and that the

Governor’s lawyers attempted to sneak in cost orders that were never made to the court. At the Friday sitting the issue of cost came up, however, it was indicated that the lawyers should make this submission. Meanwhile, the AG Chambers in its statement reiterated its intention to “vigorously defend” the case as according to them the proceedings should not have brought. Hartley added: “These proceedings would never have happened and would never have been brought by us but for the incompetence of the Attorney General in the drafting of the development order and the advice he gave to Todd and Todd’s defamatory remarks about our company which destroyed our opportunity in finfish farming. “Every time they say our case should stop or that it’s hopeless, they make our position in front of investors worse and they increase our potential damages award. “All they are trying to do consistently is destroy our opportunity and that is what we are fighting against.”

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

Todd reveals all continued

worked with the elected Government within the constitution and the law so that they can deliver their manifesto commitments. “In terms of the economy I think it has been a great success,” he told the Weekly News, “it grew by four and a half per cent in 2011, it grew by nearly five per cent in 2012; it’s going to grow again this year.” He listed significant construction projects that have taken place during his tenure such as the new RO plant in Grand Turk, the paving of Millennium Highway, the new block at HJ Robinson High School in Grand Turk, and the $15m private jet terminal. In addition investments in a number of multi-million dollar resort and hotel have been made, he said. “This is a tribute to all the hard work that has happened here over the years and the fact that TCI now is seen as a good place to do business and invest your money.” With regard to building a transparent government Todd said they achieved their goal. “We wanted to build a TCI public sector which was effective, honest, impartial, professional, and carries out the lawful instructions of Ministers,” he said. Todd stressed that despite a number of “painful” changes to the public sector they are delivering good results. ELECTED GOVERNMENT Todd told the Weekly News that he considered the transition back to having a democratically elected government a “huge success”. He said there is a “real partnership” in which all elements of the Government all work together. “It seems to me that we have a Government that works pretty well.” He stressed that transparency has improved since the start of his tenure thanks to press conferences, public consultations, regional tours and being available to journalists which has continued to the newly elected Government. On the topic of independence, he said that is entirely a matter for the people of the TCI. “Britain’s always made clear that if the people of the TCI express a desire for independence, Britain will not only not stand in their way, but we’ll do what we can to facilitate the process. “Not because we want it, because we don’t, but ultimately it’s in the hands of the people of the TCI.” EQUALITY BILL In October last year Todd signed the Equality Bill which among other issues protected the human rights of homosexual men and women. Some residents, particularly among the Christian community, publically expressed their upset at the decision. “The issue was in the Constitution

of 2011 and 2006 - it said you must not discriminate against people on ground of sex, gender, race, disability, sexual inclination,” Todd said. “But what there was not is legislation which allowed people to turn that theoretical right into action. “The Equality Bill was meant to put in place a process where we could make this a more user friendly country for people with disabilities.” He added that the age of sexual consent was 18 for homosexuals and 16 for heterosexuals which is contrary to the constitution. “So all the law did was to harmonise that. It did not make any statement about what should be done, it simply said you mustn’t discriminate against people on the grounds of their sexuality,” Todd said. “There’s no point in saying in your constitution that you oppose discrimination if you then discriminate in legislation.” He said he considered very carefully what the reaction would be and tried very hard to set out what the legislation was about. And was surprised at what little backlash they received, particularly from the religious community. “Many church leaders who I had spoken to said, I see the sense in that, what’s all the fuss about.”

DOG’S BREAKFAST In April 13 this year Value Added Tax (VAT) was due to be implemented following strong support from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). But in March Mark Simmonds, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the FCO, acceded to petitions for the new tax regime not to be put in place. When asked about his support for VAT, Todd said that it would have been a sensible option and that the current tax system has become a mess. “The British Government’s view was that TCI needed a sustainable, reliable, effective tax base and we thought VAT was the best way of doing it,” he said. However there was a lot of objection from the elected Government and they decided to introduce other taxes and control spending to create a sustainable fiscal position. “They were clear that they wanted a different taxation system and that is fine by UK Ministers provided that you have a tax basis that is sufficient for you to pay for your expenditure needs, run the required fiscal surplus, pay down the debt and have a sustainable long term fiscal position,” the Governor added. However he said that the Government has had to introduce a range of different taxes to cover the shortfall that exists because VAT was not introduced. “Ultimately, as day follows night and the leaves fall in the autumn, if

you want public services you have to pay tax. “And the present tax system is a bit of a dog’s breakfast – everyone admits that too.” RECALL Premier Rufus Ewing in his February 10 letter to Secretary of State William Hague, requested that the Governor be sent back to the UK. He said that Todd had never “enjoyed the trust, confidence and support of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands”. Asked to comment on the recall request Todd was brief and said: “The Premier and I have consistently worked very well together.” He said there was no need to rebuild bridges as “so far as I’m concerned there was never any bridge problem between us”. “In a sense the discussion is not about Ric Todd, the discussion is about is the balance of powers in the constitution correct?” He hit back at comments made by the Premier that he had a “disregard for the customs and culture of the people”. “I am new to the Caribbean, I am new to the region but I have worked in a number of countries across the world and I feel that what we have done here has been careful and respectful and we’ve also followed the law, proper process and constitution throughout.” FRAGILE COUNTRY Todd will depart his role on September 15 with Peter Beckingham becoming Governor of TCI in October this year. Beckingham is currently Deputy High Commissioner in India, heading the Mumbai-Western Indian offices. His previous appointments overseas included Ambassador to the Philippines (and non-resident Ambassador to Palau, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands), ConsulGeneral and Director-General of Trade and Investment Sydney, and Director of British Information Services New York. Beckingham was also a Director of the Joint FCO/DTI Export Promotion Directorate in London, ran the commercial section of the Embassy in Stockholm, and had a short term secondment to CadburySchweppes. When the Weekly News asked Todd what advice he would give to the new Governor, he said it was important to enjoy the role. “I would say to the new Governor this is a really nice country, it is ‘Beautiful by Nature,’ it contains some marvellous people who are the real wealth of the islands. “I think this country has a bright future, but this is a fragile country, it is small, its economy is based on some things which are not strong – tourism for example. “We have a tropical storm building up over the Lesser Antilles which

Todd said he stands by his choices which he made with the best interests of the country in mind

reminds us of how ecologically fragile we are. “Therefore it has to be governed with a lot of care and most scrupulous adherence to the constitution, and to the law and to the integrity processes.” He stressed that the new Governor should be open to meeting people across the Turks and Caicos Islands. “Relax, meet the people - it’s fun,” he said, “learn to scuba dive!” Todd will take up the post of British High Commissioner to Cyprus in April 2014.

He will succeed Matthew Kidd, who will be transferring to another diplomatic service appointment. “Everything you do in life is experience you can draw on,” Todd said, “it was a very unusual job and not one I think I’ll ever do again. “I never thought I would be a Governor of an Overseas Territory let alone at a time of interim administration. “I’ve certainly spent a lot of time communicating with people which I’ve enjoyed, but you can never do it perfectly and never do enough of it.”

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10 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 7 - 13, 2013

Gun crime continues to rise

Vendors from Building Materials pose for the camera

FortisTCI hosts energy saving event BY DAISY HANDFIELD WITH the cost of living constantly increasing, FortisTCI hosted a Smart Connect Programme on Thursday (September 5) at their headquarters to further educate their customers on energy saving ideas. The objectives of this initiative were to encourage customers to practice energy conservation measures and to assist with managing electrical bills. From 10am to 2pm customers could visit the headquarters and

speak with FortisTCI personnel about good energy habits. They were also given the opportunity to look at energy efficient appliances displayed by a number of local vendors such as Building Materials and KB Homes. The Weekly News spoke to a spokesperson from KB Homes, Pavan Uttamchandani, who showcased several of the company’s power efficient products such as water heaters, energy efficient refrigerators and energy saver bulbs.

Three receive birthday honours GOVERNOR Ric Todd invested three public servants with birthday honours this week on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen. The ceremony took place at Todd’s official residence in Waterloo, Grand Turk on Thursday (September 5). The British Empire Medal (BEM) was awarded to Shirlen Albert Forbes for services to the development of statistics in the TCI and to Angela

of six or nine per cent and an increase of 24 or 65 per cent respectively. This represents an average of two burglaries each day. Five reports of possession of controlled drugs were recorded; a 38 per cent decrease from June and a 67 per cent increase from July 2012. As it relates to possession of controlled drugs with intent, in July, there was only one report, while in June police recorded four instances and zero for July 2012. Meanwhile, there were six robberies committed in July, all on Providenciales. Four were committed with firearms, three with knives and one with a cutlass. Approximately $2,595 cash, $1,190 in property and four vehicles were stolen during the commission of these robberies. Police recovered four vehicles and $1,375 cash. For the same period in 2012 only in one robbery was a firearm brandished. In the month of June there were five reported robberies, again all were committed on Providenciales, two of which were committed with firearms, two with knives and again one with a cutlass.

Musgrove for services to youth development in the TCI. Desiree Downes, who works in the Attorney General’s chambers, was awarded an Honorary MBE for services to legislative drafting in the TCI. Governor Todd said: “I would like to publicly thank Angela, Shirlen and Desiree for their many years of outstanding public service.”

Final amendments to immigration regulation being drafted FINAL draft of amendments to the regulations governing the issuance of Permanent Residence Certificates (PRC) will be presented to Cabinet at its September 18 sitting. The proposal by Minister of Border Control and Labour, DonHue Gardiner for the limited offer of PRCs to spark investment in the country, was sent for consideration by the Attorney General late last month. At the September 4 meeting, Cabinet asked the Minister and Acting Attorney General to present the final draft of the regulations, which will enable the PRCs to be granted to certain categories of investors.

According to officials from FortisTCI, the Turks and Caicos Islands are currently utilising the most cost effective method of electricity generation with the use of fossil fuels which operates on four stand-alone systems. During the month of September the programme will branch off in Grand Turk, North Caicos and South Caicos. The company encourages customers to use natural daylight to illuminate indoors and ensure that electrical appliances are turned off or unplugged from the sockets when not in use. In addition cleaning or changing air conditioner filters at least once a month will save energy, as will washing full loads of clothes without overloading.

FIREARM incidents and crimes against tourists show significant increases in the months of June and July compared to the same period last year, police have reported. Within the two months, the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force (RTCIPF) recorded 20 incidences involving firearms and 18 crimes against tourists. For the same period in the previous year, police recorded nine firearm incidences and seven crimes against tourists. In July 297 crimes were reported, 20 per cent of which were detected, or 58 of the total reports. Police in its monthly report noted that 62 of this total number was reported in previous months, but were detected in July. This, the RTCIPF said, represents an overall detection rate of 119 and an average of 10 crimes per day. For the same period last year, there was a 30 per cent detection rate of the 181 crimes reported throughout the Islands. The average crime per day for that period was six. Also in July 61 burglaries or aggravated burglaries were reported within the islands compared to 67 for June 2013, and 37 for July 2012. This, police said, is a decrease

The PRCs will be made available based on investments above a certain level in a home or a business. The investment to be made should be no less than $500,000 on the islands of North and Middle Caicos and $1.5 million on Providenciales and the developed cays. Minister Don-Hue Gardiner had indicated previously that his intention is to open the construction market and create jobs in the less developed islands. For people who have already started projects on the islands, the Minister said they would be eligible if they invest the aforementioned sum on the islands, after the law takes effect.

The aspiring doctors who will be attending the Mona Campus are Raven Saunders, Cardynea Taylor, Jakera Jean-Joseph, Tayla Greene and Royelle Robinson

Five future doctors for TCI HISTORY was made once again last month as five bright young female Turks and Caicos Islanders prepared to begin their journey into the field of medicine at the University of the West Indies (UWI). The aspiring doctors who will be attending the Mona Campus are Raven Saunders, Cardynea Taylor, Jakera Jean-Joseph, Tayla Greene and Royelle Robinson. The first Turks and Caicos Islander to attend the medical faculty was Dr Earl Been, a native of Grand Turk, who graduated the university’s first medical class.

Exactly 40 years later, a young Rufus Ewing was the country’s next student to enter the UWI medical faculty in 1988; several other bright young Turks and Caicos Islanders later followed him. Joining Dr Ewing in contributing to the development of the country’s health services are a number of UWI medical graduates such as Dr Dionne Lightbourne, Dr Dawn Perry-Ewing, Dr Darren Hall, Dr Kendra Gardiner Hall, Dr Vancelee Forbes and Dr Jais Polouse. A number of Turks and Caicos Islanders are currently studying medicine at the university, including

Hugh Francis, Chibuchim Otuonye, Karlensia Mills and Dr Leo Poluse (paediatric residency). The University of the West Indies has over the past few decades provided the academic foundation of several other prominent TC Islanders such as Ariel Misick QC, Clayton Greene, Sharlene CartwrightRobinson, Delton Jones, Edgar Howell, Dr Marcia Bassett and several others. The UWI notable alumni list includes 16 Caribbean Heads of State including the Turks and Caicos' Premier, Dr Rufus Ewing.

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Protesters say no to captive dolphins ANIMAL activists marched along Grace Bay beach on Sunday to peacefully protest against captive dolphin parks in the TCI. More than a dozen residents and tourists dressed in red and joined the walk to highlight their stance on the stunning marine mammals. The event was organised to coincide with ‘Japan Dolphin Day’ which represents opposition against the capture and slaughter of hundreds of dolphins in Taiji, Japan. Dolphin rights campaigners in more than 100 locations around the world organised events for September 1 to help to stop the killing and capture of dolphins. Meanwhile supporters in the Turks and Caicos Islands gathered together at Ocean Club East at 2pm and walked to Coral Gardens in their own local protest. Many carried handheld banners reading ‘JoJo says no to captive dolphins’. Event organiser Alex Skye said the event went very well and brought awareness to many people. “Big thanks to everyone who joined us yesterday on the beach walk in protest against brutal murders of dolphin families and capture of select ones for dolphinariums.” Dolphin Cove, a Jamaican company, has proposed building a captive dolphin facility on Grand Turk at the mouth of North Creek and on Providenciales on a canal off Cooper Jack. Although planning documents

More than a dozen residents and tourists dressed in red to highlight their stance on the freedom of dolphins

have been submitted for the Providenciales site, no planning documents have yet been submitted for the Grand Turk location. Changes to the Fisheries Protection Ordinance made by the TCI Governor in October 2012 which allow licenced captive mammals are under a legal challenge by four local non-profit groups (Turks and Caicos Reef Fund, Turks and Caicos SPCA, PRIDE and the Provo Chamber of

Initiative to raise school funds not strongly supported BY DAISY HANDFIELD A GROUP of kind-hearted residents came together recently with plans to raise money to assist a Providenciales school. They put together a trust fund at the Do It Centre on Leeward Highway to help with the renovation process of Clement Howell High School. The account was set up three weeks prior to the reopening of the school, but officials were disappointed with the lack of support from the community. Organiser Dorell Pratt-Delancey explained that the initial plan was to begin with Clement Howell and then branch off to assist other schools but with the lack of support she said they are not sure if it will be possible. “It was very poor,” she told the Weekly News, “we wanted to start off with Clement Howell and then branch off to other schools all around the TCI. “The public support was very poor, last time we checked we were at $376.” Pratt-Delancey said she understood that the current economic state of the country was bad, but

people should always try and make an effort to invest in education. She said: “I wish that everyone would take education seriously and realise that there is no limit to what you can spend on education. “Education is very important, even the wealthy schools still get donations and so for our Government schools we should sometimes put our hands in our pockets and donate when we can and assist when we can.” The idea of the trust fund came about during a radio discussion on TCI Butterfly Effect radio show where the topic of children not being ready for another academic school year was brought up. Dorell Pratt-Delancey, Ron Higgs, People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate Oral Selver and Former People Progressive Party (PPP) member, Edward Smith decided to try and assist the high school so took the step of contacting the Ministry of Education to seek permission. They were later contacted by the principal and the trust fund was set up at Building Materials where residents were encouraged to make a donation for the school.

Commerce). The trial date for the judicial review brought by these groups is scheduled for September 16 and 17. In an interview with the Weekly News earlier this week Governor Ric Todd spoke about why he pushed through the changes to the ordinance. He said that a “successful, serious” company, Dolphin Cove, came to the interim administration suggesting that it would like to open a dolphinarium in the Turks and Caicos Islands. “So we looked at that it was carefully discussed and consulted across TCI Government and the conclusion I reached on the basis of legal advice was that this was a serious proposal that should be

seriously and properly considered by an elected government.” He changed legislation to allow captive mammals with a licence in the TCI in order to give TCIG the option to have public discussion and make its own decision on the matter. Todd said: “The response has been very interesting – almost every Islander I have met is in favour of it and many ex-pats, many of them not living on TCI, are against it. “Now I respect the views of people who believe that you should never keep mammals in captivity – I think it’s a perfectly reasonable point. “But they should respect the views of people who feel that having a dolphiarium is no worse than riding

a horse or eating a steak. “What I would ask people who feel very passionately about dolphins is just for one moment bear in mind that there are people that don’t agree with you – and they’re not evil.” Skye told the Weekly News this week that she plans to keep the momentum on the anti-captivity protest going. “Our existing and returning tourists both in Provo and Grand Turk express horror and disgust at such a cruelty. “In their words: ‘We come here for Beautiful by Nature’ and ‘We enjoy swimming with free dolphins and rays and turtles. If this happens, we shall not return.’” She added: “We can swim with JoJo and his family and friends free in the biggest open aquarium in the world. “Let us not support something that will give us a really bad name and bad publicity worldwide.” Cecilia Holden from Providenciales was also at the walk in support of the cause. She said: “It saddens me to think of our Beautiful by Nature reputation being tarnished by us allowing captive dolphins in the TCI and I am really hopeful that the application for judicial review will be successful. “Regardless of the outcome of the Dolphin Cove project I hope we will make this an annual event until this abusive practice is put to an end worldwide.” Donations are needed to continue to fund the legal challenge in the TCI. Cash or cheque and credit cards can be accepted at the TCSPCA office located in Suzie Turn Plaza or at Making Waves Studio. PayPal donations can also be accepted at www.tcreef.org/donate. html. (RB)

Education Minister commends businesses for civic-mindedness SEVERAL businesses and contractors came together last weekend to assist the Education Ministry in the relocation of several containers to two primary schools on Grand Turk. Minster of Education Akierra Missick expressed her thanks and appreciation to those who assisted. They included Otis Morris and his staff, Floyd Williams and the Fortis staff, Otis Morgan and Olympic Construction, Clyde Holiday and his staff and Minister for Government Support Services, George Lightbourne. In a press statement, the Minister observed that the assistance provided could only be described as a personification of the education theme for the last school year, ‘Success through Partnership’. A few months ago - before the completion of the H J Robinson

High School new classroom block a decision was made to relocate the containers, which housed several classrooms, to the Ona Glinton and Eliza Simons Primary Schools. Several of the Ona Glinton infant classes were still being housed at the Salem Baptist Church since a portion of the school was destroyed by fire in 2011. While Eliza Simons was unable to house the number of newly registered students because of the lack of space and having lost two classrooms to Hurricane Ike in 2008. The relocation of the containers provided the ideal opportunity to address these two critical issues for both schools. Unfortunately, the cost of the relocation proved prohibitive. It was then that the president of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) of both schools, in discussion with

Mark MacAulay and other officials of the Ministry of Education decided that they would volunteer their time and services to assist both schools and the children of Grand Turk, the Ministry release said. It added that Terry Selver was instrumental in bringing many of the organisations together. The result was that over the past weekend, these community-minded citizens brought their machinery to H J Robinson High School to begin the process of removal and re-location. All work was slated to be completed by Wednesday, September 4. “The Minister of Education is encouraged by this and other acts of volunteerism from the community and again extends her best wishes to all those who have contributed their time and effort to the container removal project,” the statement read.

12 NEWS

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Ianthe Pratt Primary School receives surprise donation – Nine-year-old visitor raises funds to help THE NEW school year started off quite pleasantly for Ianthe Pratt Primary School with a generous donation from some unexpected contributors. Visitors to the TCI, nineyear-old Jocelyn Ann Juba, her mother Julie Ann Juba and Henry Shotmeyer, donated school supplies and $1,000 to the school on Tuesday (September 3). But what is even more commendable is that the money used to buy the supplies was raised by Jocelyn from selling bracelets that she made. Julie Ann Juba, a Virtuoso travel advisor well acquainted with the TCI, explained

Jocelyn presents Dr Mills with a similar bracelet to the ones she made and sold to raise funds to buy the school supplies

that the school was picked to be the recipient of their generosity after she noticed the good work done by the

Grace Bay Resort Community Foundation. Acknowledging that there are many charities in need in

different countries throughout the world, Julie said: “There is no place like Turks and Caicos that have touched my heart the

Luxury travel advisor Julie Ann Juba and daughter Jocelyn donate school supplies to Ianthe Pratt Primary School

way you all have touched my heart every time I visit here. “I read about what the Grace Bay Club is doing for

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the five schools on this island and I wanted to help as I was a former educator before I was a travel agent.” After thinking of how they can give back, Julie said she contacted chairman of the foundation Dr Carlton Mills. Wanting to help also, her daughter Jocelyn said she made bracelets to sell at her “grandpas work office to buy school supplies”. Julie added that that they are looking into doing more with the organisations, telling the students: “This is just the beginning of what we’re going to do for you.” New principal of the school Neekimo King, expressed her gratitude while Minister Porsha Stubbs stopped by to thank the visitors and encourage others to donate to the schools. Dr Mills also conveyed thanks on behalf of the foundation and the school and encouraged the students to study hard and keep focused. Since their establishment in 2009 the organisation has been helping to improve the quality of education for local children by donating supplies to the students and other items needed in the schools to better the learning experience. The organisation’s focus on education has led them to adopt five government schools including Charles Hubert James Primary School and Adelaide Oemler Primary School on North Caicos, Marjorie Basden and Iris Stubbs in South Caicos and Ianthe Pratt Primary School in Providenciales. Later in the week the foundation will be making donations to some of their adopted schools, something they do on a regular basis to assist them with the advancement of their education, revealed Mills. “As a resort we want to give back to the community and what better way to do it than through education,” he added.

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 7 - 13, 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.

LETTER OF THE WEEK

Let’s create a vision Dear Editor, As children gather at the corners waiting for their buses on a school morning I ask everyone to please slow down and watch for our youngsters. As the school year begins parents, guardians, the Government and the community have an enormous gift to give, which is the gift of enchanting the lives of our precious little ones, our students. Teaching the children of this community, helping them to grow and succeed is going to involve all of us working together. It is our common and God-given duty to serve as role models and leaders. But more than that, it is our responsibility to make a positive and lasting difference in our students’ lives. Each year the Government, educators, leaders, parents and the community at large have standards and goals that we try to achieve.

It's very hard work and every year our schools do a fantastic job. But this year as a society, let's try to take it a step further. Together let's create a vision for ourselves as a society, for our classrooms and especially for each individual student. This vision does not need to be a grandiose achievement to enhance a student's learning experience but when we achieve this we will be doing all that we can to make a positive difference. I therefore urge all of you to take action. Today, let's take an inward and outward look at what we can do, what is possible and then begin to take the small steps needed to make our schools, community and our country an even better place to learn, to work and to achieve. Benneth Williams, Leeward, Providenciales

Can we appreciate our own? Dear Editor, It is time for us to take pride in our beautiful country, the Turks and Caicos Islands. My family and I took a cruise this summer from Miami. Our first stop was our nation’s capital Grand Turk. Sitting on the top deck of the Carnival Breeze I could tell the tourists were having a wonderful time. I was however disappointed with the music they were hearing. As a TC Islander and being in a TCI port I anticipated hearing local music being played for our visiting guests. Instead there was Dominican music being played on the beach. I wondered what happened to our local musicians. Margaritaville should be filled with the music of Jervon and Jernado LaPorte, Quinton Deane, Lee Forbes and the Crew, Keno and Kaz, Corey Forbes, Cuban Link, Island Boys just to name a few. I questioned: “When are we going to appreciate our own, and hold what’s ours in high esteem?” Our next port was La Romana, Dominican Republic. The first tour to the tourist market lasted only a short time but I was impressed with how clean it was. I thought of how at home one

could be riding in traffic and witness persons throwing trash out of vehicles as they travel on our streets, making it difficult to clean streets. It’s really hard on the eyes and the concerned mind, and if one tries to correct another the result would be profanity. In regards to music we only heard Dominican music, their local merengue, salsa, bochata etc. Our third stop was at the port in Curacao. The people there are very friendly and funny. Again everything was spotlessly cleaned and groomed Even the roads in the poorer communities were really clean. The buildings in Curacao are built on the same principle as the TCI, so that reminded me of home. Our final port was Aruba. We took a three hour tour and I did not see one bottle or can in the street, not even on the side of the roads. Everywhere was just clean. If we want to remain one of the most sought after tourist destinations and continue being referred to as ‘Beautiful by Nature’ we need to take pride in our country. We must become serious about keeping everywhere clean and groomed. This is all we have to

Turning blue

call home and if we don’t car for it eventually we may lose it. I was so ashamed to hear some female tourists comparing ports and talking about how the restrooms in Grand Turk port were unusable because some had no seats to sit on, no tissue. Another male tourist complained how his tour guide told them about the former administration and how they messed up the country. He reported his disgust and hoped that would change for the next tourist. Vacationers, he said, want to hear good things about the country they are visiting. Let’s remember when we talk to strangers like that, we are hurting ourselves. My humble advice for our TCIs is for each one of us to work toward doing the best we can for our beloved country and its local industries. It is time for us to take pride in our beautiful country, the Turks and Caicos Islands. ‘Beautiful by nature, clean by choice.’ That’s my TCI! Charles Palmer, Wheeland, Providenciales

COMMENTARY

WE FIND it interesting that of all people in the TCI we now have the man behind the TCI Bank failure and Alexandria receivership as our Finance Minister. Nice guy, but history paints him as a poor manager. However if he now manages development as if he is a PDM the TCI could qualify for a $15m bonus. Will he take off that yellow cape and don a blue cap? The British have had a poor record in understanding the TCI and we doubt if the leopard will change his spots because of this British grown carrot held out there. Also interesting is the hoot against Attorney General Huw Shepheard. In September 2010 about four

By David Tapfer months after the Conservative-led coalition government of Britain took over, Shepheard replaced Kurt De Freitas as Attorney General. Everyone knows Kurt was inert. We must now cope with the fact that the FCO is now run by the Tories. It was the British Labour FCO who gave Mike Misick the 2006 Constitution.

SPACE IS LIMITED!

It was the reaction to the lack of Labour oversight that gave us the 2011 Constitution, Governor Todd and Huw Shepheard. While we are not impressed with Shepheard’s performance we must wonder who would replace him. We understand Premier Ewing’s problem with Shepheard because of the pending PNP prosecutions and the take down of the illegally built Progress House. Let us look behind the curtain and see who is really pulling the strings. Star Island was part of the Leeward Going Through plan of the PNP under Mike. The mansion was right in the middle of it. Heavin’ Down Rock barge dock and the Conch Farm had to go. Nikki Beach and the marina were key elements. Who financed these deals and the

mansion? Now everything has changed. Star Island is gone and good riddance. Nikki Beach is now in the lenders’ hands as is the marina. Governor Todd and Huw Shepheard have been taking their marching orders relative to Leeward Going Through from a Tory run FCO. Replace Todd and Shepheard and the orders stay the same. Maybe they get worse. Conch Farm has to plead in court and hope that justice will be served. It is not a PNP government who has come out to support the Conch Farm, it is the reality of Leeward plans being changed. For example, no dredging. We understand that the marina has 15 feet of water and if that number

is at all close we don't need dredging. The Conch Farm might coexist with no dredging. However if one of those mega yachts leaks oil or sewage the products of the farm could be tainted. It will be interesting to see if compromise or the Privy Council make the final decision. We have had our years of recklessness. The budget is in shambles, taxes are high and healthcare incomplete and expensive. However the 2012 election proved the people do not decide the elections. Government is now run by Ministers who won by 11, 17 and 30 targeted district votes and leaders who were second and fourth in the at large popular vote. The systemic weakness of the Labour Wetherell/De Freitas years haunt us as do the prescriptions of the Tories who can't figure out how to really fix the problems. Maybe we simply need to turn blue.

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

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

continued

Early retirement for AG – Open letter to the Governor Dear Your Excellency, I write to you on a matter of grave concern which I had expressed to you in February of this year and repeatedly since I became Premier. This matter is the issue of the current Attorney General Hon Huw Shepheard, for whom you recently declared your intention to renew a contract in the post of Attorney General for an additional three years. Your Excellency, I know that the constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands gives you the authority to appoint the Attorney General (AG) without consultation with the Premier, but I see this provision within the constitution as being totally unacceptable. The AG is the legal counsel for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, and as Premier and Head of Government's business in Cabinet, it is only proper and fitting that the Premier ought to be given the opportunity to give input into the appointment of the AG, if not appoint the AG himself, as is practiced in the case of Bermuda. I wish to further submit that the AG is also the legal advisor to the House of Assembly and as such the Speaker of the House of Assembly and the Leader of the Opposition should also have input in regards to the appointment of the AG. Your Excellency, therefore, your recent indication of your intent to

re-appoint Huw Shepheard as AG reflects disrespect and lack of regard for the opinions, views and wishes of the Government, the Opposition and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, all of whom have publically stated their dissatisfaction with Mr Shepheard and your plans to reappoint him. In previous discussions held with you, I have outlined the many reasons for my stance against the reappointment of Mr Huw Shepheard. As Premier and leader of government business, I am not comfortable with Mr Huw Shepheard as the principal legal advisor to my Government as I am not confident in his ability based on historical events: · He ill-advised political parties and candidates standing for general elections that they had to renounce their citizenships of countries in which they were born in order to qualify to stand as a candidate for election. The recent decision by the Caymanian Courts stating that acquisition of citizenship by birth does not equate to a pledge of allegiance is fundamental and the AG should have been able to give good legal guidance on. Instead, he advised that such persons should renounce their citizenships and caused the spending of hundreds of thousands of dollars

in court cases based on the same premise. · The AG has either engaged in and/or instigated the prosecution of several superfluous cases and ‘fishing exercises’ that are not in the best interest of the people and the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands and continues ill advisedly, to appeal cases that are indefensible. These actions that were taken without the instructions, advice, guidance or input of the elected Government have resulted in expenditures in millions of dollars that the Government and the people cannot afford to pay through taxes. Furthermore, in virtually all of these cases, the predicted and actual legal expense exceeded not only the likelihood of success but also any value recovered. · The continued employment of the Civil Recovery Team/Edwards Wildman at his discretion and instructions to engage in an allencompassing, ill-defined, muddled

and expensive investigation of countless historic real estate transactions, all legitimate, without any value for money to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, whilst refusing to continue a legitimate action, brought by the Deputy AG, to answer the critical question of the constitutional duty of elected members to disclose a subsisting Crown charge on freehold title or otherwise. · There is an obvious conflict of interest between the AG with his new responsibility for Crown Land and his position as AG defending the Government on Crown Land matters and conducting trials as part of civil recovery team. I am of the view that such responsibilities should not be combined. As a result of these and many other matters, I am satisfied that the AG can no longer command respect for the competency, efficacy and impartiality of the office he holds, and that these Islands would be much better served by a fresh appointment. Your Excellency, these are just a few of the reasons why I am of the conviction that Mr Shepheard should not be re-appointed to the position of AG and instead should be encouraged to take his early retirement of the profession. Governor, you are quite aware that the AG was on sick leave for several months and being paid by TCIG. We cannot afford again in this critical time of my administration to have our AG on such extended sick

Torch passed on – part one Dear Editor, It is true that the Turks and Caicos people are responsible for the development of these beautiful islands, and it is also true that many golden opportunities had been made available for this purpose, therefore it is important to learn from some of the struggles of other countries. So I am mentioning some important constitutional struggles in order that strength could be accumulated for this venture. In 1154 the oldest constitution of the British colonies was referred to as an ‘absorption’ or ‘joinder’ of Wales to England. During the reign of Edward I the Welsh prince paid homage to the King of England. This function was a successful entity when Henry II was Prince of Wales, but when Henry III acquired the position he went to war with Edward I and lost it.

However although it was suspended for a considerable period the possession was passed to the Principality of Llewelyn in 1284. But it must be understood that the Welsh society was of a different constitutional standard than that of today. In 1776 a civil war of a constitutional nature took place in the USA which was between the British (or Loyalists of England) and the descendants of the Loyalists who were born in the USA. It was finally discovered that they were killing their relatives so a decision was reached to pass the torch to a new generation of Americans. Both sides therefore agreed on the preparation and formulation of the constitution of the United States of America. In 1917 Karl Marx left the UK to assist the Russians in solving the

coal miners’ problems. He then decided to introduce a different ideology from that practiced in the UK to bring a settlement to the strikes which had developed into a serious state of affair. During the process the Russian Authority disagreed with the ideology of Karl Marx and forced him to retreat to underground tunnels. But his idea was accepted among the members of one of the political parties which had won the elections. This gave him the opportunity to spread his ideology throughout the country and many of the other countries within the surrounding areas became associated with Marx and the USSR was formed. However this organisation was dismantled in 1991. It is important to understand that the area was subjected to one statutory instrument of government

to form a republic, but after the dismantling of this government by constitutional suspensions was made obvious, each country acquired its

leave. Therefore, it is only logical that if the opportunity presented itself to not renew his contract that opportunity should have been taken. Your Excellency, your last Cabinet meeting as Governor of these Islands is on Wednesday September 4, 2013. I would like for you to come to Cabinet rescinding your decision to renew the contract of the AG. The AG is currently on leave, and I must state from now that I am not prepared to work with the AG upon his return to the Turks and Caicos Islands. As stated previously, I am also of the view that the appointment of the new AG should be left to the incoming Governor upon the advice of the Premier and Cabinet. I am aware that this communication will be discussed with the Secretary of State, assuming that you are taking instructions from the Hon Secretary of State. So for the purpose of expediting his notification, I wish to indicate that I will be forwarding him a copy to read as if I was addressing him directly. Respectfully, Dr Hon Rufus W Ewing Premier Cc: Rt Hon William Hague, Secretary of State Mr Mark Simmonds, Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State, FCO

own written document. Today they are operating as independent nations and have become members of the European Community Union. Sherman Rigby, Blue Hills, Providenciales

Send letters to tcweeklynews@gmail.com

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 7 - 13, 2013

continued

For the avoidance of doubt Dear Editor, In a cold and calculated show of force the reigning UK administration has blatantly demonstrated to the people of the TCI that direct rule lives on. As the newly elected Premier and his Ministers sat in Cabinet he was appraised by the powers that be, that his castle the headquarters of his party was snatched away in the wee hours of the same morning. Not only was the building snatched but persons had entered his party’s sacred spaces, walked through its halls undetected, change locks and undoubtedly scavenged through sensitive documents and made off with spoils of war.

While the idea of a secret pillage remains for now a rumour, the fact remains and is abundantly clear - the Government took the Government’s party headquarters while the Government sat in the Government’s Cabinet doing the Government’s work on the Government’s time. Confusing, yes it is, but alas this is the Turks and Caicos, the land where the only encouraging news is that despair continues. After all, you still have life they say. The TCI has become in recent times a classic example of how to trick a nation. Months ago there was an election, wrangling factions fought feverishly over a handful of votes scattered

among friends, families and wellwishers. The PNP won. The country breathed a sigh of relief. We finally had a Government, elected people would sit in Cabinet, the people’s voices would finally be heard. A few months later (and a few airline tickets later as well) not much has changed. Our old Cabinet figurines in the form of the Advisory Council have been changed to new figurines. Only this time we selected the figurines. On the day that the figurines assembled in Cabinet, the conductor waved his wand and orchestral duet of the AG Chambers and EMS workers struck up the familiar Daniel Powter classic – ‘You Had a

– Awakening the giant of potential in you

– Part one

HAVE you ever taken the time to observe the world around you? The people you work with, the members of your church or organisation, the families that live in your neighbourhood or even yourself? If you have done so, take a few moments to reflect on some of those mental scenes and tell me what you see? Recently, I have taken time to observe the world around me. I have always been an observer but this time was a bit different. I looked at myself, my family, my church, the organizations that I am connected to, my neighbours and friends near and far. Based on those observations I have come to a conclusion; there appears to be an uneasy and rising level of frustration apparent in these persons’ lives. I had several conversations with friends of mine recently and realised that many of them were living lives that were rife with disenchantment, disillusionment and frustration. Some of them had jobs that paid in the six figure range, some are in business for more than a decade, some young and vibrant with multiple talents and some who

have experienced hard times. After the conversations I was slightly upset with myself that I listened and observed to the level that I did. These encounters left me feeling less than my bubbly self and I was feeling the pain of their mental anguish. Why does there seem to be such a level of frustration in our society? From the businessman who seems to have it all to the person who is hustling from day to day. Recently there has been a rise in suicides in our society. What? Suicide in our society! That’s only seen on the television or happens elsewhere, but not in our society! Well, suicide is here and it has brought along with it many other incapacitating perspectives which work to push persons to a place of frustration and sometimes the unthinkable. A friend of mine walked toward me the other day and as he did he limped painfully. I asked him why he was limping and he mentioned that he experiences a recurring pain in his hip joint that causes him to have to walk the way he does. I asked him how much sugar he takes in daily and he confessed that he likes sweets and in the past he

when will the breakthrough happen? My guess is as good as anyone’s and I guess - no time soon. And oh the election, when was it again? What was it about? Speaking to many voters in the lead up to the election and after, and 90 per cent say that all they wanted and still want is for the British to leave. We install capable and credible people to pick up the pieces and place the TCI on a real sustainable path that at the very least would allow people to buy bread and milk - for the avoidance of doubt. Jochebed we pray that you have your son hidden for we need deliverance from the modern day Pharaoh. Devon Williams

JoJo is free

Insights for your Innerspring

Why am I so frustrated!

Bad Day, Taking One Down’. The Premier sent out a sad email just to turn it around. Even as today ends, we work at a smile and go for a ride but at the end of it all we just had a bad day. The David Cameron-led and sanctioned British government continues its occupation of key and controlling facets of the TCI as a country. TCI officials are being out foxed, out played and out gunned at every manoeuvre. The seasoned and more mature UK administration is lapping the TCIG in a 4x100m relay. The people of the TCI settle back in their chairs in awe, - what just happened? The hopes and dreams of many lay in the balance. Persons wonder,

By Whitney Bain

never drank an appreciable amount of water but rather enjoyed sodas and other fizzy drinks in its place. He says that now he makes an effort to drink more water but feels that his past indulgence has contributed to what he now suffers. Could my friend’s condition hold the key to why so many persons are frustrated? Years ago in the 1980s and early 1990s our society was flooded with money. Life was easy and many acquired wealth without working for it. They feasted on a diet of illegal exchanges, political cronyism, nepotism and fronting for shell companies and bogus businesses. People had gotten used to getting things easy and because many were involved in the practice the majority of society seemed to adopt a mind-set that getting things easy was the preferred method versus working hard for what you wanted. And so the microwave generation was born. Bubbles of false expectations were created and the bedrock of our societal norms came under attack. What obviously were not the right practices were accepted as long as they brought in money and contributed to the facades that were now the new norm.

Dear Editor, As a former resident of Grand Turk having worked both as a scientist/ crab farmer with Smithsonian and the dive tour business with Blue Water Divers, I have specific experience regarding the plan to build a dolphinarium at the mouth of North Creek. Having been involved in coral reef conservation and preservation projects on GT, I have a keen stake in the on-going custodianship of the natural environment. In a recent event covered by TC news a number of things were said about the dolphinarium plan - the most succinct and direct statement came from Smitty. He said that JoJo was free and that was a good thing. No more eloquence need be lent to Smitty’s appeal by adding further words to the cause of free range dolphins in their natural, open ocean habitat. So I’ll leave this argument alone and just concentrate on what I recall about the North Creek entrance and the sheer logistical problems this proposed dolphin enclosure poses. Many practical arguments can be cited for just how ill-conceived this plan would be - from the narrowness of the entrance channel and the fierce tidal currents, to the treacherous approach where I’d suggest the very largest waves in GT waters break directly in the approach corridor. The sheer volume of dredging alone and the destruction of the reef in this zone would result in enormous impact. How can I say this? I can say it because I took part in a bathymetric (depth) and composition survey there in the mid 90s. The engineer who conducted the survey using core samples noted that

the underlying calcium substrate was very hard and thick and would pose considerable physical challenges in removal. The use of underwater explosives might be required. Needless to say, the shock waves from these explosions kill fish and other creatures. During local storms I witnessed wave heights of at least 20ft average, with some approaching 25ft near the mouth of North Creek. But interestingly even when local conditions were calm often there would be huge swells breaking on the reef just where the approach would be. Just getting into the channel boats would have to swing wide around the north end fringing reef system to begin with. The destruction to the fringing reef system in this area would be especially damaging as coral zoospores (seeds) from this high intensity wave action zone and currents known as littoral currents (moving along and roughly parallel to the shore) source from this area at the mouth of N Creek and ‘seed’ the reef systems on both east and west coastlines. Putting a dolphinarium anywhere in the mouth area of the creek with all its disruptive impacts will impede this natural seeding process and in a time when climate change already is creating vulnerable environments out of ones that were stable for millions of years this will only add further to environmental degradation. The practical arguments alone should strongly deter this proposed idea from going ahead. But I’ll leave you with Smitty’s simple eloquence: “JoJo is free.” Dave Warren, Virginia, USA

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sandals Foundation equips students for school THE NEW school year came early for students at Enid Capron Primary School all thanks to corporate sponsor, the Sandals Foundation. The philanthropic arm of Beaches Resort Villages and Spa hosted a back-to-school drive, aimed at equipping over 580 students with basic supplies to help them feel more prepared for the new semester. The festivities saw more than 10 Sandals Foundation volunteers distributing hundreds of book bags and school supplies to students at the Five Cays based primary school. “We are so grateful that Sandals Foundation hosted a back-to-school drive at our school and donated backpacks and school supplies,” principal of Enid Capron Primary, Rachel Taylor said. “This will surely make a difference and will help our students feel prepared for the first day of school.” Supplies donated included 600 book bags, notebooks, crayons, rulers, scissors, glue, pens, pencils, markers, phonic cards and reading books. Elanor Finfin Krzanowski of the Sandals Foundation was on hand to help with the back-to-school event. “It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to bring smiles to the faces of so many children for the new school year,” she said.

“Our generous travel partners and guests made it possible for us to offer assistance to the returning students of Enid Capron. “These school supplies will go a long way in enhancing their curriculum and ultimately benefitting hundreds of children.” The Sandals Foundation has been working tirelessly throughout the year collaborating with travel partners, guests and several supporters in collecting hundreds of school supplies for the annual drive. The Sandals Foundation has already drafted a 12 monthcurriculum aimed at enhancing the school and has already spearheaded a number of educational initiatives with a popular one being the weekly reading road trip hosted at the Enid Capron School. The volunteerism trip allows guests from Beaches Resorts to tutor and read to children between the ages of five and seven at the Five Cays based school. “We have a unique partnership with the Sandals Foundation and are always grateful for their support,” Taylor said. “We anticipate even greater support as we work together for the advancement of education in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

NEWS 17

Teachers engage in back to school workshops BY DAISY HANDFIELD

A NUMBER of teachers on Providenciales and Grand Turk received the opportunity to enhance their classroom knowledge during several workshops put on by Government before the new academic school year. The first workshop (August 26) focused on English A which was a joint effort by Nelson Thorn along with the Department of Education and the New Age bookstore. English teachers in public and private high schools were able to participate in the workshop looking at strategies for teaching using the Nelson Thorn new CXC text book. The attendees also got the opportunity to speak with a guest speaker from Trinidad and Tobago who spoke on some new projects she was working on in the area of literature. The workshop was repeated again on the nation’s capital, Grand Turk, on August 28. Director of Education, Edgar Howell explained that teachers who were on Providenciales those three days participated in an appraisal workshop designed by Human Resources Management Directory.

Director of EducationEdgar Howell

“That is equipping all of the public servants to engage in the new performance appraisal scheme that has launched as of July this year so that they understand what the processes are about and how to engage in performance appraisals, what the expectations would be and of course what is there to expect during the exercise.” Howell noted that in addition to these training courses, some schools hosted their own sessions. The Director of Education emphasised that these workshops were geared towards keeping educators relevant. He said: “From the language workshops we wanted to expose

teachers to a new text that looks at new and dynamic, innovative ways of engaging children in English language lessons and in literature classes preparing them for the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) exams and preparing them for life. “It’s not only about a curriculum that guides and prepares students to pass exams and to do well in exams, but it teaches them to think critically, to be able to express themselves extremely well, to be functionally literate.” In addition special needs teachers engaged in a workshop on August 27 which was a joint effort with the Social Development Department and representatives from One World. The workshop was aimed at equipping teachers on modern thinking in the area of special needs. In future not only will teachers have workshops at the beginning of the year, but they will continue to engage in professional development activities throughout the year, whether they are designed by the education officer responsible for teaching development or they are designed by CXC. Howell noted that during the year they expect that their teachers participate in at least 4 CXC workshops.

Lifestyle... 18

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

fitness Tip 

Dr. Joe LeMoine, is an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician. He has worked with many international athletes and at many sporting events on the world stage. He currently practices in Providenciales, at Prime Sports Medicine.

Back to school and sports THE RETURN to school also marks the start-up of many organised sports in addition to physical education classes. Exercise for children is important for many reasons; in addition to contributing to good health and social skills, many studies have shown that sport improves academic performance. Sports and exercise have many benefits for school children but also come with a risk of injury. It is estimated that about one in 15 children see a doctor each year for a sport related injury. Fortunately most of these are minor in nature. As the school bell rings marking another school year, here are some tips on making your child’s sports a

Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician Dr. Joe LeMoine

safer experience. Ensure that the equipment is in good condition and properly fitting. Shoes and protective gear only work properly if they are the right size. Children are constantly growing and may need replacement gear. Buying oversized gear to grow into is also risky. Children should go through a warm up before sports, emphasis on

Weekly Recipe

Coconut mango pancakes SERVES: 4 PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS • 1 1/4 cups of barley flour (do not pack flour; fill cup with a spoon) • 1/4 teaspoon of salt • 2 teaspoons of baking powder • 1 egg • 1 tablespoons of honey • 3/4 cup of mangoes • 1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil • 1 cup of warm water DIRECTIONS • Melt two tablespoons coconut oil in skillet over low heat. • Meanwhile, mix all dry

ingredients in a bowl. • In a separate bowl, beat egg slightly then mix in remaining ingredients. • Add wet ingredients to dry – mixing only until combined. If you over mix the pancakes will be dense. • Cook pancakes until bubbles form on the surface, then flip over. • Heat until golden on each side. • Drizzle pancakes with honey. • Top with extra mango slices and shredded coconut.

using muscle groups and variation of routines is important. Although stretching can be an important part of training, it does not prevent injury, structured warm up does. There are specific routines for different sports, for example the 11+1 warm up for football that has been shown to reduce knee ligament injuries. Competition does create a certain degree of stress and this is both normal and beneficial. But when the playing environment becomes negative from parent expectations, aggressive coaching and bullying teammates this reduces both performance and attention of the athlete, both risk factors for injury. Before and during sports be sure to remain hydrated. Special drinks are not required, but an adequate supply and access to water should be encouraged. In addition to hydration, other healthy choices such as good nutrition and adequate sleep have been shown to decrease injury. There needs to be adequate rest

between sporting activities to allow the body to recover. If you don’t allow muscles to recover the child’s performance will decrease and risk of injury will increase. Once a child has an injury, even if it is minor, consideration should be given to sitting out until things improve. The old adage of playing through pain has been proven time and again to be not only ineffective but can lead to further injury. Encourage your child to discuss

September 7 - 13, 2013

any issues and seek professional help if there is any concern. As a child shows athletic potential there is a trend in pushing the child to train year round in a specific sport. This greatly increases the risk of repetitive stress injury and psychological burn out. Variation and cross training leads to a healthy balance of exercises routines that develop different skill sets and muscle groups. Good luck to all our youth both academically and athletically as they enter a new year.

health Tip 

Coconut oil RESEARCH has now shown that coconut oil is a healthy saturated fat that supports immune system function, according to superchargedfood.com. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is a proven antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal agent and it is easily digested and absorbed. This is why it works well for conditions such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome and coeliac disease where digestion is a problem for many people. The anti-fungal aspect of coconut oil helps to kill candida in the gut which is common problem for people with digestive issues. The great benefit of coconut oil is that it helps the body eliminate toxins as well as improving digestion and assists with the absorption of beneficial nutrients from our food. When more nutrients are absorbed this aids the body at cellular level and supports the immune system. Coconut oil is reported to enhance metabolism and for many people this helps them to achieve their ideal body weight in conjunction with regular exercise and a healthy diet. Because metabolism is enhanced, the thyroid gland which produces

hormones that regulate metabolism, by using coconut oil, this can be helpful in treating hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid. There are a number of published studies about the effect of coconut oil on metabolism. Dr. Ray Peat, a biochemist and proponent of coconut oil for thyroid patients, said: “An important function of coconut oil is that it supports mitochondrial respiration, increasing energy production that has been blocked by the unsaturated fatty acids. “Since the polyunsaturated fatty acids inhibit thyroid function at many levels, coconut oil can promote thyroid function simply by reducing

those toxic effects. “It allows normal mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, without producing the toxic lipid peroxidation that is promoted by unsaturated fats. “Coconut oil added to the diet can increase the metabolic rate.” The best coconut oil to buy is one that is cold or expeller-pressed and unrefined. It’s a safe oil to use it for cooking as it has a high burning point. Enhancing the natural flavour of foods, its consistency and great taste make it a useful oil when sautéing, or frying or used with curries and Thai style dishes. You can also use it in dessert dishes and baking.

September 7 - 13, 2013

Lifestyle... GARDENING 

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

How does your garden grow

YOUR DIET

ASK TAMIKA

BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD

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

Barbados

Cherry BARBADOS cherry (Acerola) is native to the Lesser Antilles from St Croix to Trinidad, also Curacao and Margarita and neighbouring northern South America as far south as Brazil. It has become naturalised in Cuba, Jamaica and Puerto Rico after cultivation and is commonly grown in dooryards in the Bahamas and Bermuda. It is also becoming more and more popular in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Barbados cherry is a large, densely branched shrub. The plant can be pruned so it will form a central trunk and can grow as a small tree. The shape varies from a low and spreading habit to more upright and open. Leaves are shiny and light to deep ever-green; they will vary in size from one to three inches and are rounded in shape. This small tree or shrub features attractive flowers that vary in colour from pale pink to rose. Flowers appear in April and flowering continues throughout the summer and often into the autumn. Soft, juicy, thin-skinned Barbados cherry fruit are light red to deep crimson when mature. The outer shape somewhat resembles a small apple but inside the fruit bears several very un-apple like seeds. The fully mature fruit averages about an inch in diameter. Barbados

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 naturesplendor@yahoo.com

cherries are borne in leaf axils, singly or in clusters of two or three. The shrub may have three to five crops per year, from May to November, with the largest crops appearing during the summer. The fruit is rather tart but some selections are sub-acid to almost sweet. Inside, the flesh is yellow-orange and very high in vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The vitamin C content of one fruit ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 mg per 100 grams of edible fully ripe fruit. More acid fruit has higher vitamin C content and the amount of this compound is much higher in partially ripe fruit. The tree does well on limestone, marl and clay as long as they are well drained. The Barbados cherry tree will grow and fruit fairly well with little care. For best performance a fertilizer formula of 8-8-13 twice a year is best. On the Islands’ limestone soil, sprays of minor elements - copper, zinc, and sometimes manganese will enhance growth and productivity.

Young trees need regular irrigation until well established; older trees require watering only during droughts. Mature plants will bear better if thinned out by judicious pruning after the late crop and then fertilised once more. Barbados cherries are eaten out of hand, mainly by children. For dessert use, they are delicious merely stewed with whatever amount of sugar is desired to modify the acidity of the particular type available. The seeds must be separated from the pulp in the mouth and returned by spoon to the dish. Many may feel that the nuisance is compensated for by the pleasure of enjoying the flavourful pulp and juice. Otherwise the cooked fruits must be strained to remove the seeds and the resulting sauce or puree can be utilised as a topping on cake, pudding, ice cream or sliced bananas, or used in other culinary products. Wine made from Barbados cherries in Hawaii was found to retain 60 per cent of the ascorbic acid.

Back to school nutrition

part two THE NEW school year is in full swing and many parents and children (myself included) are slowly getting readjusted to the school routine. Mornings are once again jam packed with the hustle and bustle of getting kids out to school, the smell of breakfasts and packing school lunches. So I will continue on from last week and offer you more tips and suggestions on back to school nutrition. Create a list of healthy options. The level of busy-ness within a family triples once school is open so it’s important to have a ‘run to’ guide of foods that your children can readily enjoy after school. Sit with your children and ask for their input because after all they are the ones who will be eating the food. Of course they will say things like chips and ice cream but this is your time to explain why these are just sometime foods; you can also buy the lighter fare version such as baked chips and frozen yogurt. Choose your drinks wisely. Liquid calories are one of the easiest ways to take in more calories than you really need because we don’t think about it and it is not food so it doesn’t fill us up for any length of time. With children it can be a real problem because the sugary drinks with no added nutrition make up a large portion of a child’s diet. They have fruit punch with breakfast, two or more juices and popsicles or icicles during the day, and a soda after school. Think of your child as foundation; a sturdy foundation equals a sturdy house. Therefore a growing child needs vitamins and minerals to support good growth into adulthood. You can serve plain water or water with a splash of lemon, low-fat or fat-free milk and a limited amount of 100 per cent fruit juice. Speak up for the cause. Almost all schools either run a tuck shop or canteen, or provide some form of hot lunch to their students. As parents you have a right to suggest healthier lunch options to your school’s principal. This could be a great project for the PTA to work on implementing for the upcoming school year. You and your child can even write up a sample menu for your principal to look at, however it is best if a dietician is consulted when writing the school’s lunch menu so that valuable nutrients are not omitted and children get the best possible menus. These are just a few suggestions that you can use to ensure your child gets a healthy start to this new school year. The importance of childhood nutrition is sometimes overlooked, but as I mentioned earlier ensuring your child eats right from the start is like ensuring your house is built on a sturdy foundation. 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

Regional News

Jamaica government urged to legalise marijuana to improve economy THE Portia Simpson Miller led administration is being urged to legalise and regulate marijuana as the nation’s economy could benefit from such a move. This is according to the Executive Director of the US base Drug Policy Alliance, Ethan Nadelmann who believes that although a study has not been carried out surrounding the benefits of marijuana legalisation, anecdotal evidence suggests it could be the next big crop for the island. “If you legally regulate marijuana, first you stop wasting tens of millions of dollars per year on enforcing a policy, secondly you reduce the opportunities for police corruption, you begin to raise tax revenue from the domestic sales of cannabis and you can begin to recruit tourism on that basis.” He pointed out that the United States has no credibility in lecturing any country on changing its marijuana legislations because 20 states in the U.S. has legally regulated marijuana and are reaping the benefits from it. Meanwhile, well known Jamaican scientist, Dr. Henry Lowe believes the Portia Simpson Miller administration should take a serious look at developing the medical marijuana industry. Lowe told an editor’s forum at the Jamaica Gleaner on Wednesday

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Another woman chopped in Guyana – As domestic violence continues to plague nation

Executive Director of the US base Drug Policy Alliance, Ethan Nadelmann believes that the marijuana could be the next big legal crop on the islands.

that the Government is missing out on billions of dollars, which could be earned from the wide range of cosmeceutical, neutraceutical and pharmaceutical products being developed across the world. “I think Jamaica has got a clear leadership role in medical ganja, and I am calling on the Government of Jamaica - including the parliamentary

Opposition - to take a look at this, so we can move forward and do what we need to do … because it has real potential.” Lowe argued that while the cultivation of marijuana is illegal and most of the debate has been centred on the smoking of marijuana, emphasis must now shift to the medical and extension, economic potential for Jamaica. (CMC)

A FEW weeks after three children (two different incidents) were murdered by men in their lives and two wives were injured, another man in Guyana has gone cutlass crazy. The latest incident of domestic violence took place on Tuesday on the East Coast of Demerara, not far from the Capital of Georgetown. Local media in that country stated that a man allegedly chopped his reputed wife and her sister. The man, who recently served time for assaulting his said wife, according to one of the dailies in the South American nation, was reported to have visited the home of his wife’s sister where his wife was staying. He then chopped his reputed after she allegedly told him she wanted out of the relationship, her sister intervened and she was chopped as well.

The man had eluded police custody up to press time. The incident, which is not rare in the domestic violence plagued country, happened a little over a month after a husband severed one of his wife’s hands and a number of fingers from the other after killing his two small children. The man was recently found hanging from a tree in the area. Police alleged that he might have committed suicide right after the incident. Another man is still at large after he chopped his wife and then turned the cutlass on his three stepdaughters (the incident took place early last month), about a week later a 17-year-old young man is reported to have chopped to death his 16-yearold girlfriend. He was taken into police custody.

Suriname’s leader distance himself from jailed son PRESIDENT Desi Bouterse of Suriname distanced himself Tuesday from his son following the younger man’s arrest and quick extradition to the United States to face drug and weapons charges. The president told reporters that Dino Bouterse is an adult and no longer holds a government position with the South American country. “When people talk about Dino sometimes it sounds like they are talking to me about a 12-year-old,” the president said. “But he is a grown man, with 13 children, who will turn 41. He is responsible for his own actions.” Still, Bouterse, who said he was in shock when he first got word of the arrest, stressed that he was not abandoning his son and is making sure he has the legal assistance he needs. “I am the president, but I’m also Dino’s father, and news like that does not leave you cold or unmoved,” he said. The remarks were the first from the president since his son was arrested Thursday in Panama and quickly extradited to New York to face charges in a cocaine smuggling case. News of the younger man’s

Suriname’s president Desi Bouterse said his son who is in US custody, over drugs and weapons sale, is a “grown man”.

arrest came as Suriname hosted UNASUR, the organization of South American nations. Bouterse has had frosty relations with the U.S. government over his own past, which includes presiding over a military dictatorship and being convicted in absentia in the Netherlands of drug trafficking, and he said the arrest was intended to “disrupt the UNASUR summit,” though he did not explain what or who might be behind it.

The president said he had asked his fellow South American leaders not to discuss his son’s case. “I wanted to avoid the UNASUR being dragged into this whole matter,” Bouterse told reporters. Earlier, Melvin Linscheer, director of Suriname’s Office of National Security and a longtime Bouterse confidante, said Dino Bouterse had quietly left his post at a counterterrorism unit long before his arrest. Linscheer told state-owned Radio SRS that the son was removed amid public criticism of his appointment, but his removal was never publicly announced. The president said his son left the counter-terrorism post because “he was sick and tired of all the commotion surrounding his appointment.” Dino Bouterse faces a U.S. federal indictment alleging he worked with a man identified as Edmund Quincy Muntslag to smuggle cocaine into the United States. It also charges him with violating firearms laws by brandishing a light anti-tank weapon during the narcotics offense. He has pleaded not guilty.

Prostitutes in the Caribbean are fighting for better labour conditions.

Caribbean sex workers want discrimination to end SEX workers from across the Caribbean region gathered in Montego Bay, Jamaica at the end of August to collectively raise concerns about several problems affecting their industry. Though prostitution in many Caribbean states remains illegal, support groups and sex workers organisations have been rising up across the region and have been working close with civil society and international groups. At the Montego Bay meeting, the members of the Caribbean Sex Workers Coalition declared that “sex

work is work and must be recognised and treated en par with other professions where labour conditions are just.” The group has also thrown out a call for the decriminalisation of sex work. “Selling sex should not be a crime; There are practices and policies that harm sex workers”, the group declared, pointing out that sex workers have the same human rights and duties as all other people and they ought to be respected at all times since they value themselves like everyone else in society, with equal rights and justice.

September 7 - 13, 2013

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

St Vincent PM against external military strike on Syria

Three persons were murdered in the Bahamas last weekend.

Wanted men in Bahamas turn themselves in – They are persons of interest in latest murders FIVE men have turned themselves into police stations across New Providence in connection with three recent murders. On Monday, police issued an all-points bulletin for Duran Neely, Hans Neely, Aaron Neely, Kenneth Neilly and Dior Johnson. Police believe the men are connected to all three of the country’s weekend murders. Assistant Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson said police believe all three of the murders, two in Nassau Village and one in Pinewood Gardens, are all related. “I can say the men are in custody and we are looking at all of them

for three homicides, we are treating them as one matter, we believe they are connected,” he said. However, ACP Ferguson said he could not say when and if the men would be charged because it is “still too early to tell.” The men are being questioned in connection with the deaths of 28-yearold Phajese Pinder, Gwenth Duncombe, 40, and 35-year-old Robert McIntosh. Pinder was shot and killed at Stack Avenue, Nassau Village, on Friday as he pulled into the driveway of his home. Gwenth Duncombe was shot and killed in Pinewood. She was the passenger in the car that was shot up by unknown persons.

Bahamas: Defence force will not investigate Cuban rape claim THE Defence Force will not investigate claims by a 24-yearold Cuban woman that she was raped and impregnated by one of its officers while at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre. According to the RBDF, any such probe would have to be carried out by Immigration officials who run the detention centre, the Defence Force only providing security. This despite the fact that the Defence Force has just completed an investigation into claims its officers beat male Cuban detainees at the centre in June. A member of Florida watchdog group The Democracy Movement made the rape claim at a press conference in Miami last week. Earlier this week, Defence Force public relations officer Lt Origin Deleveaux said the Force has not “received any reports” of this nature “That was the first we heard about that, actually,” he said.

But, Lt Deleveaux added, the complaint should be directed to the Ministry of Immigration in any case, as that ministry is “really in charge” of the detention centre. “In most cases, any problems they have, any concern they have, would be forwarded through Immigration and Foreign Affairs,” he said. At the press conference in Miami, activist Jesus Alexis told the press: “Today I am going to give the news. A young woman was raped. ” Mr Alexis gave the name of her rapist (withheld by The Tribune). He said the officer responsible was “apparently heading one of the beatings. His name is very well known throughout the detainees there. “I don’t want the government to say that she was impregnated in Cuba, that is impossible. She only has been there four days and she has about three months of pregnancy.

THE St Vincent and the Grenadines government said on Monday that it was “alarmed” at the recent allegations of the use of chemical weapons in Syria and remains deeply concerned with the spiralling humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. But the government said it considers any external military action to be “premature”. The United States has said it had irrefutable evidence that the chemical weapons were used by the Bashar al-Assad administration resulting in the deaths of nearly 1500 people including more than 400 children last month. The Obama administration has promised military retaliation and is awaiting a confidence vote by the US Congress for its impending action. Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves told a news conference that his administration is concerned at “the mounting death toll” in the two-year civil war. “The reports of the use of chemical weapons by combatants in the war, if independently verified, would represent an abhorrent and reprehensible development in the Syrian civil war,” Gonsalves said, noting that St Vincent and the Grenadines is a party to the 1925 Geneva Protocol and the Chemicals Weapons Convention (CWC), both of which ban the use of chemical weapons. He said the island was also a party to other protocols banning the use of poisonous or other gases and bacterial methods of warfare. “As such we stand unambiguously with the civilised nations of the world in condemning any and all uses of such weapons as a gross violation of

One of the Caribbean’s most outspoken leaders Ralph Gonsalves

international war. “If a single example of the use of chemical weapons in Syria can be confirmed, St Vincent and the Grenadines call for a clear determination of the individuals involved in carrying out such heinous acts and for these individuals to be tried as war criminals and face the full weight of international law”. But Gonsalves said that his administration “notes with concern” the recent attempts by many Western countries to use the “alleged development of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab republic as a basis upon which to initiate an external military strike on Syria. “At the present time, the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines considers such action to be at best premature. “Such a military strike, whatever its tactical nature, does not currently have an established factual or legal basis and would itself represent a violation of international law and

a subversion of the multilateral processes that govern the conduct of nations”. Gonsalves, who said he would be addressing the United Nations General Assembly later this month, told reporters that although the 1925 Geneva Protocol and the CWC ban the use of chemical weapons “neither treaty authorises countries to attack other states in violation of these treaties. “It has never been the case that third states or groups of states can take it upon themselves to punish countries with military force for the violations of any treaty provisions,” Gonsalves said, adding “unless a state is acting in individual or collective self defence, the only body that can authorise preventative, punitive or cohesive military action is the United Nations Security Council”. Gonsalves told reporters that “to date, the United Nations Security Council has not authorised such action” and that the Security Council’s reluctance to do so “cannot itself be cited by some countries as the basis to act without a Security Council mandate. “Such an argument would render the Security Council irrelevant and the United Nations Charter meaningless. “In that regard, the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines urges those governments which are in favour of immediate military intervention to reconsider their stated position that the possible use of the veto by Russian Federation, in this instance, requires other Western states to act independently in this regard of the explicit provision of the United Nations Charter.”

Vatican abruptly ousts DR envoy AUTHORITIES in the Dominican Republic will look into allegations of child sex abuse against the papal envoy to the Caribbean country following his abrupt removal from his post by the Vatican, the attorney general said Wednesday. Attorney General Francisco Dominguez Brito was careful to note that his office is aware only of rumors about the papal nuncio, Archbishop Josef Wesolowski, and has not received any accusations. A Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, confirmed that Wesolowski had been removed from his post and that the church was conducting an investigation of him. He declined to provide any details about the accusations against the Polish-born prelate. A nuncio is the pope’s ambassador to a country and such an abrupt

removal is rare. Dominguez told reporters at a news conference that the investigation was in its initial stages and largely in response to media reports of allegations of sexual misconduct by Wesolowski as well as a friend and fellow priest. He said that he had designated a senior official to lead the investigation and coordinate with the Vatican. ‘‘We will not allow anyone to use the Catholic Church or other religious institutions as a shield to commit illegal acts, especially against children,’’ he said. Wesolowski’s sudden departure from the Dominican Republic in recent days has been the cause of feverish speculation in local media. Dominican television network NCDN, citing a statement from the director of a community group,

reported that Wesolowski had slept in the same room as several altar boys at his beach house. Shortly before his removal, several residents of the mountain town of Juncalito made allegations of sexual abuse against the Rev. Alberto Gil Wojciech, also a Polish priest and a friend of Wesolowski. The community leader, Pedro Espinal, told reporters that Wojciech took altar boys to the home of Wesolowski. Wojciech was in Poland on vacation when the allegations surfaced and has not returned to the Dominican Republic. The fact that the Vatican took such a significant move as to recall him and relieve Wesolowski of his duties indicated that the Vatican, at least, found there was enough to the rumors to warrant further investigation.

22 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 7 - 13, 2013

Provo Montessori offers an alternate educational approach WITH a variety of choices already available, a somewhat overlooked learning institution has re-established itself as Providenciales’s first and only Montessori school, presenting another method of learning for young children in TCI. Introduced some years ago in Provo, the budding Provo Montessori on Leeward Highway has now launched a full Montessori curriculum catering to children ages two and a half to six-years-old. “It’s a different concept, but a beautiful concept for the child,” said director Rachel Phillips as she explained how the system helps children to reach their full potential by encouraging and nurturing individuality and growth at their own pace. While there is a focus on academics, the distinguishing feature is that children learn at their individual speed in mixed age classrooms with emphasis on independence and freedom within limits. The Montessori curriculum is an integrated thematic approach that ties the separate disciplines together into studies of the physical universe, the world of nature, and the human experience. One lesson leads to many others. In the Montessori classroom, the

Director Rachel Phillips shows this group how to use these materials to understand different lengths

Montessori teacher Myrna Ymas looks on as students do the activities they selected

space is divided into several areas dedicated to the topics explored practical life, sensorial, mathematics, language, sciences, geography, the arts and other areas of the curriculum. A trained Montessori teacher at the school, Myrna Ymas, explained that the environment is prepared and the children learn with assistance. She said that they do not teach but rather show the children the lessons. Ymas said that in Montessori programmes the teacher’s job is to help the kids find their way towards the materials, a lot of which look like

drawn to want to work with it with little or no nudging from adults. Most of the materials engage the use of muscles that the children need to develop for writing and carrying out everyday activities like buttoning their shirts or pouring liquids. Discipline is also a big part of the learning experience there; children use mats to do their activities so they learn to work in the constraint of their own space. Once finished, they replace the ‘toys’ and mat to its original position. Montessori learning is an

puzzles and games. The children work with whatever materials they choose at whatever level they are capable of working at, not according to a specific age. The special Montessori toys or materials are self-corrective; meaning, a child knows if they assemble a puzzle correctly based on the toy fitting together, not because someone taught the child how to do it. Each material isolates one concept skill that has been specially designed in a way that children are naturally

educational approach developed in by Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori in the early 1900s and is characterised by a philosophy that respects the uniqueness of each child. It is essentially child-centred with teachers serving as guides. In the future, the school plans to add more grades and materials to cater to a larger number of students. Those seeking more information or who want to visit the school can call 3431089 or 3416849 or email provomontessori@yahoo.com.

September 7 - 13, 2013

NEWS 23

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Local student shines at Canadian University ASPIRING developmental economist TeAnn Thomas recently received the Award for Academic Achievement in her faculty at the Mount St. Vincent University in Canada and was also highlighted on the school’s website and magazine. The 21-year-old, who is in her final semester completing a Bachelor’s degree, was unanimously nominated by her professors for the prestigious honour. TeAnn said a lot of hard work went into her studies but “it was just about doing my best…I always try to perform to the best of my ability, to always make the Turks and Caicos proud and to make myself and family proud”. She started the university three years ago, pursuing a degree in Business Administration but as she began taking some economics classes she developed a passion for it and switched to a major in Economics and minor in Political Science. “Economics is needed for every country …a few subjects that I did really hit home”, she said loving the decision she made to switch majors. “This is a developing region and Turks and Caicos is a developing country so developmental economics will be in my mind, the best way to contribute to the county to help it develop and grow …and move towards that independence era that we’re looking forward to,” she said. TeAnn, anxious to come home to give back to the Turks and Caicos Islands, said that the interest in the field grew from linking a lot of what she was learning to the things going on in her own country. She said that studying economics gave her clarity, not only in understanding the problems, but also finding solutions. After completing her Bachelors in December,

the TCI, doing an internship at IGA corporate office where she gained much experience working with their pricing and finance team, pleased to be able to get hands on experience in her field of study. “I’ll always appreciate the university and all it’s done for me but I have to take it

Past Maranatha student, TeAnn Thomas, excels at the Mount St Vincent University in Canada

This is a developing region and Turks and Caicos is a developing country so developmental economics will be in my mind, the best way to contribute to the county to help it develop and grow ... TeAnn is excited to return and begin using her knowledge but she also has her eyes set on a Master’s degree in Development Economics, something she intends to pursue in the near future. Before attending the University in Nova Scotia TeAnn attained an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from the Turks and Caicos Islands

Community College. She said that many people think going to the Community College is not that great but maintained that “it’s a great place to start since it transitions and prepares you for university”. The young woman pointed out that she got credits transferred and time knocked off the length of her study. She spent this summer in

back to where it’s needed and where I belong…I want to go back home to build up and contribute because if we don’t love our country and be patriotic we can’t expect others to do it for us.” She encouraged other young TC Islanders to appreciate what the county has to offer and what the government

is trying to do through the scholarship programme. “I want to thank the Government for the scholarship and the opportunity...for allowing me to gain a good quality education to be able to come back home to contribute to the country, the place that I love,” smiled TeAnn.

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Entertainment

The battle gets underway to decide on TCI’s best Street Fighter player

The winners of the Madden competition, Jameson Simmons (left) and Street Fighter 4, Mario Forbes (right)

Gamers battle for cash prizes ISLANDCOM hosted their first ever video game tournament on Saturday (August 31) at Mini Golf Fun World in Providenciales. Attendees gathered in the

game room to watch and participate in knockout rounds of Madden 25 and Street Fighter 4. The competition kicked off with a brief walkthrough

of the rules and regulations for both games along with a random drawing of names for the match ups. The competition saw friends, cousins and siblings

going head to head in heated battle to claim the first place prize of $200 cash. Musical entertainment was provided throughout the day by DJ Money Pro of Platinum Sounds who kept the crowd hyped with his selections. First up in the Street Fighter 4 competition was Mario Forbes and Ramon Johnson. Forbes used the well-known character of Juri Han to sweep the series from Johnson. Forbes, who considers himself to be an avid PC gamer, took the chance to showcase his skills and made an exciting comeback in the first round to take the competition. Forbes later went on to beat out all of his competition for the title of Street Fighter

champion. The main attraction of the day was the Madden competition, which held a large viewing crowd. After three hours of interceptions, fumbles and touch downs, the youngest player Jameson Simmons using the San Francisco 49s rose above the tough competition to take the first place $200 prize and trophy. “I play this game every day,” said the young player. Jameson who is an avid Madden player has issued an open challenge to anyone who thinks they have the skills and talent to take him on. Competitive video gaming is a popular mainstay attraction in the tech world. Many people around the

world have made successful and lucrative careers as professional gamers. Video gaming is a billion dollar industry with numerous worldwide tournaments hosted by PAX, Comic-Con, and Magfest. The Islandcom tournament is the first ever widely publicised video game tournament to hit the Turks and Caicos. Islandcom marketing representative Lee Ingham said: “We know that Street Fighter and especially Madden players are passionate about their gaming and take pride in their skills. “We've had fun putting on this event and hope to do it again on an even larger scale.”

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

26 NEWS

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

New Beginnings back to school giveaway NEW Beginnings Harvest Ministries made this new school term memorable for many students on Grand Turk, Salt Cay and the

constituency of Kew Town in Providenciales. Church members gave out backpacks, pens, pencils and other goodies to youngsters to

prepare them for this academic school year. Pastor at the New Beginnings Harvest Ministries, Ruth Ariza, explained that she

understood how hard it was for some parents when the new school year approaches and some lacked sufficient funds to purchase their children

supplies. “In Turks and Caicos on the whole there are parents who do not have a job, parents who are just really struggling

to get school supplies and so forth for kids so when it comes the time for the school year to start there is always someone that is in need of something. “I feel that every child should start school with a new bag.” The initiative is funded by persons in the community. The pastor added that with a collaborative effort, at some point in the future they are aiming to go as far as handing out school uniforms. Ariza noted that last year the ministries were able to give utilities to over 500 students on Grand Turk with leftovers which they distributed across Kew Town in Providenciales. (BY DAISY HANDFIELD)

Bank unveils multilanguage cash points LANGUAGE is no longer a barrier for bank customers wishing to withdraw, transfer or deposit money at a convenient cash point. CIBC FirstCaribbean bosses announced this week that the company’s ‘Instant Tellers’ now have multi language functionality. The machines are equipped with instructions in French, Spanish and Dutch, as well as the regular English option. Joy Callender, district manager of retail, business banking and operations, said: “We are pleased that we are the first bank on the island to offer Instant Teller machines which function in multiple languages. “These machines bear testament to our mission statement which is to connect with our customers in order to deepen customer relationships in retail and business banking in TCI. “We also believe that the multi-language machines add value to our product offerings and overall, enhance our customers’ experience with us.” TCI country manager Larry Lawrence added that there were more innovations to be rolled out soon. “While I am not at liberty to divulge all of our plans for the future, our customers can be assured that we will respond to their needs as we help them to realise their dreams and goals,” he said. “At CIBC FirstCaribbean we are committed to being market leaders as we play a key role in the growth and development of our region.”

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 27

New CEO heads West Caicos project team – Resort development full steam ahead DEVELOPMENT of a resort hotel on West Caicos has been given a further boost with the appointment of a new chief executive officer (CEO) to head the project. As CEO of the Apex Development team Eric Christensen will have full responsibility for design, construction, marketing and operations. Christensen will start work immediately by assigning workers to begin a period of detailed design and planning, before construction contractors are appointed. The new CEO said he was thrilled to be leading such an “exceptional” project. “The Turks and Caicos Islands are already well-established as a luxury resort destination. “On West Caicos, we have the opportunity to take over a development and turn it into something exciting and special.” Christensen met with Premier Dr Rufus Ewing and Finance Minister Washington Misick. Following the meeting Ewing said: “I was delighted to meet Mr Christensen today and I am pleased to see the new West Caicos project moving forward. “We see this as a catalyst to reinvigorate other projects on the islands. “The Government is fully supportive of this project and all the economic benefits it will bring to the Turks and Caicos Islands.” Christensen has 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry including working for leading companies such as The Walt Disney Company and Auberge Resorts.

CEO of the Apex Development team Eric Christensen

Since 2008 he has been chief executive officer of the award winning Dorado Beach Resort in Puerto Rico. Dorado Beach re-opened with a Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel in December 2012 to much critical acclaim. The development includes 115 hotel rooms, condominiums, a $12m spa, beach club and watersports centre. Apex Development carried out a diligent and extensive worldwide search to find the very best individual to lead the West Caicos development. According to a press release the company is delighted to have secured Eric Christensen’s services and is confident that he will take this project forward to a successful conclusion. Development of uninhabited West Caicos began in 2001, but the Molasses Reef hotel and condominium resort development came to a standstill in 2008 following the collapse of main project creditor. The original scheme employed 500 people at its peak and was expected to create hundreds of jobs on an on-going basis once the hotel opened.

George Lightbourne, Minister of Government Services, Ruth Blackman, appointed member House of Assembly, R D Gardiner, Minister of Immigration, Stan Hartling, CEO and founder of the Hartling Group, Rufus Ewing, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Akierra Missick, Deputy Premier and representative for Long Bay Hills, Marc Romkey, Hartling Group, Washington Misick, Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade, and Jonathan Winson of DECCO

Work on luxury development to begin soon – Shore Club announces new partnership CONSTRUCTION on an $80m luxury condo resort development in Long Bay, Providenciales, is set to begin in just a few months. This week the Hartling Group and Cayman firm DECCO announced that they would be working together to create The Shore Club. Stan Hartling, CEO and founder of the luxury recreational property development firm Hartling Group, commented on the significance of the newly-formed relationship with DECCO. “Having DECCO as a strategic partner is an immense sign of confidence in the Shore Club product and the Turks and Caicos Islands,” he explained. “We are thrilled to collaborate on this project with another organisation that brings the same passion for construction excellence, intelligent design and customer service to every project.” DECCO is a privately owned construction management and services company based in the Cayman Islands and is part of the Dart Enterprises organisation.

The company will provide construction management services commencing in late fall 2013 for the first phase of the nine-acre Shore Club development on Long Bay beach. It includes 38 luxury condos and associated amenities with a market value nearing $80 million. CEO of DECCO Cameron Graham said the project is part of a new regional focus for the company. “We are expanding our active investment portfolio, and we have a particular focus in the Caribbean region on opportunities in tourismled markets. “We are extremely pleased to be working with such a well-established local developer in the Turks and Caicos Islands.” The Shore Club will be one of the first major projects to commence in the Turks and Caicos Islands since 2009 and is seen to be a reflection of bolstered investor confidence in the country. When complete the resort will bring to market in excess of $100 million of oceanfront real estate,

offering condominiums ranging in price from $1.3 million to $4.5 million. Private villas will begin at $5.4 million alongside the fully appointed resort with spa, restaurants and other recreational facilities. The Hartling Group has sold approximately 60 per cent of phase one. Hartling said he expects that the Shore Club deal will be a leading market indicator of further projects to be announced in Turks and Caicos in the near future. “Our development team is extremely proud of the accomplishment we have made in making this project a great success and, most importantly, we are thrilled to be leading the way to what we see as a very bright future for the Turks and Caicos Islands.” The Hartling Group has been successfully developing large-scale condo resort projects for over 16 years, including the Sands at Grace Bay and the international awardwinning, Regent Palms. The funding for The Shore Club project was arranged by Robi Das, managing director of NGKF Capital Markets.

Marina installs high tech fuel pumps ULTRA low sulphur diesel is available from new fuel pumps located at Blue Haven Resort and Marina. The company has fully renovated the former facility which is now operational and includes premium fuel service capabilities. Since opening to guests on May 1 the marina has added three diesel pumps on the main fuel dock in the Leeward-Going-Through cut. Adam Foster, general manager of Blue Haven Marina, said: “We are now fully open with our state-of-the-art fuel facility and the latest advancements in environmental fuelling. “The marina has proudly served its first customer with ultra low sulphur diesel over the past weekend.” Foster said the company has been looking forward to this important step. “Conveniently offering three

levels of speed delivery with high flow, super high flow and ultra high flow we are ensuring we are providing the best service options available.” Blue Haven is also the first marina in Turks and Caicos to offer REC 90 high octane gasoline, for which there are two pumps located in the watersports marina in the sheltered canal adjacent to the resort. The Blue Haven Resort and Marina also offers a lunch and dinner spot with Salt Bar and Grill open daily from 10am to 10pm. Blue Haven Marina offers short term and long term berthing for yachts up to 220 feet, with a max draft of 8.5 feet at mean low tide. The Planning Board refused a proposal for the dredging of the Leeward navigational channel in March this year in order to protect local marine life. This limits the type

The former fuel facility has been fully renovated

and size of vessel the marina can accommodate. The laws in the Turks and Caicos

Islands prevent dredging in a protected national park. For the dredging to be approved it

would require a change in legislation which would have to be debated in the House of Assembly.

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 7 - 13, 2013

Putin calls Kerry liar 64-year-old woman first to swim from Cuba to US without shark cage on Syrian opposition ENDURANCE swimmer Diana Nyad has become the first person to swim from Cuba to the US without a shark cage. After about 53 hours’ non-stop swimming, the 64-year-old American reached Key West, Florida, escorted by boats and her team of 35 people. Ms Nyad, who left a Havana yacht club early on Saturday, had vowed this would be her last attempt to cross the 110-mile (177km) wide Florida Straits. Her four other tries - one in 1978, two in 2011 and one in 2012 - failed. Ms Nyad walked out of the water on to the beach just before 14:00 local time (18:00 GMT) on Monday. A couple of hundred well-wishers were waiting to greet her on the beach, cheering and blowing horns. The breathless athlete told waiting TV crews: “I have three messages: one is we should never ever give up; two is you are never too old to chase your dreams; and three is it looks like a solitary sport but it is a team.” I have to say,” Ms Nyad added, “I’m a little bit out of it right now.” As well as a bodysuit, gloves and booties, she wore a special silicone mask to protect her face from the jellyfish stings that plagued her last attempt. She acknowledged beforehand that the kit would slow her down, but believed it would ultimately prove effective. Ms Nyad’s support team had equipment that generated a faint electrical field around her, which was designed to keep sharks at bay. US President Barack Obama congratulated her, tweeting: “Never give up on your dreams.”

64-year-old Diana Nyad said: “You are never too old to chase your dreams”

As she prepared for the home stretch, Ms Nyad stopped swimming briefly to address her support team, according to a blog post on her website. “I am about to swim my last two miles in the ocean,” she said. “This is a lifelong dream of mine and I’m very very glad to be with you.” Medics had concerns about her slurred speech and breathing but they did not intervene, according to her website. Ms Nyad’s team guided her through the best route into Key West to avoid dangerous eddies, currents, shipping lanes, reefs and swarms of jellyfish. The rules of the swim meant she was not allowed to hold on to the support boat at any time. Her team helped to keep her on course and gave her food and water. During her last attempt in August 2012, Ms Nyad had to be pulled

out of the water after 41 hours when a squall and repeated jellyfish stings made it impossible for her to continue. She first tried to complete the crossing in 1978 with a shark cage. A second attempt - without a cage - in 2011 had to be called off because of shoulder pain and an asthma attack. Later the same year, jellyfish stings stopped Ms Nyad’s third bid at the crossing. Her fourth attempt ended in August 2012. Australian Susie Maroney, who was 22 at the time, successfully swam the Straits in 1997 with a shark cage. Besides the protection it affords from predators, the structure is said to make the swim itself easier as it creates a drafting effect. Gliding on ocean currents, the cage enabled Ms Maroney to make the journey in just 25 hours.

ON the eve of President Obama’s arrival in Russia for the G-20 summit, Vladimir Putin sparked a war of words by calling Secretary of State John Kerry a liar for portraying the Syrian opposition as moderates. “He lies openly, and he knows that he lies,” the Russian president charged, with impeccable timing — he was set to host Obama and other world leaders in St. Petersburg on Thursday. During a meeting with his council on human rights Wednesday, the Kremlin boss claimed the main combat unit attempting to topple Syrian dictator Bashar Assad is essentially an Al Qaeda command. During his testimony Tuesday at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Kerry was asked by Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson if the Syrian rebels were being infiltrated by Al Qaeda. Kerry insisted that was “basically not true.” “The opposition has increasingly become more defined by its moderation, more defined by the breadth of its membership, and more defined by its adherence to some, you know, democratic process and to

Russia’s Vladimir Putin said Secretary of State John Kerry ‘openly lies’ about leaders of Syria opposition, which Putin believes include Al Qaeda factions.

an all-inclusive, minority-protecting constitution, which will be broadbased and secular with respect to the future of Syria,” Kerry said. “And that’s very critical.” But Putin said Kerry is well aware that the Al Qaeda-linked Jabhat alNusra front is fighting on the side of the Syrian rebels. “This was very unpleasant and surprising for me,” Putin said of Kerry’s statements Tuesday. “We talk to them (the Americans) and we assume they are decent people, but he is lying and he knows that he is lying. This is sad.”

The Richard III facial reconstruction shows what the king may have looked like.

Missouri Police: HIV-positive gay King Richard III had man may have exposed 300 partners worms, scientists say

A LOCAL police department in southeast Missouri confirms the arrest of an HIV-positive man who published reports say admitted to having sex with hundreds of men without telling them his health status. The Dexter Police Department confirmed the arrest of David Lee Mangum, 37, of Dexter, whose case prompted Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russell Oliver to publicly urge anyone who has had sex with the suspect or with an anonymous male they met on the Craigslist classified site to cease sexual activity and get tested immediately for the HIV virus. Police say Mangum may have exposed more than 300 sex partners to HIV. Magnum was scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. Thursday

morning at the Stoddard County (Mo.) Justice Center in Bloomfield, according to records on file with the Missouri Office of the State Courts Administrator. The agency says he was arrested Aug. 28 on a charge of recklessly infecting another with HIV when “knowingly infected,” which is a felony. Bond has been set at $250,000. The charge carries a possible sentence of life in prison, according to The Daily Statesman. The case blew up after a man saying he was Mangum’s former live-in partner approached the Dexter Police Department to file a complaint against Mangum, who he says infected him with HIV, the Statesman reports from an affidavit filed by Dexter police Det. Cory

Mills of the Dexter department. The man, identified by the Los Angeles Times as D.B., said he met Mangum through an ad on Craigslist, the online classified site, and that Mangum assured him before they had sex that he did not have any sexually transmitted diseases, according to the affidavit. They lived together from November until June when D.B. said he learned Mangum was sleeping with other people and ended the relationship, according to the affidavit. Magnum told police he was diagnosed with HIV in Texas in 2003 and that he’d had more than 300 sexual partners since then, the Times reported. Fifty to 60 of those partners also lived in Stoddard County, the Times reported. (USAtoday)

EVEN a king can get them. Researchers working with the remains of King Richard III said on Wednesday that he was infected with roundworms in his intestines. They know because they found multiple roundworm eggs in soil samples from around his pelvis, where his intestines would have been, according to a study published online in the journal Lancet. Eggs were not found in a sample taken from near the king’s head, and a sample from around his grave showed only scant contamination, the researchers said. Last year, archaeologists unearthed a body buried beneath a nondescript parking lot in the city of Leicester. In February, they

confirmed the remains were that of Richard III, the last king of England to die on the battlefield. The news drew global attention and set off a debate over Richard’s bloodthirsty reputation. As many as 1.2 billion people in the world are thought to be infected with Ascaris lumbricoides, the kind of roundworm eggs found in the king’s remains, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ascaris lives in the intestine and eggs are passed in the feces. Some people infected show no symptoms, but some can have abdominal discomfort. In severe cases, the infection can cause intestinal blockage and stunt growth in children, the CDC said. (CNN)

September 7 - 13, 2013

World News UK suffering ‘infrastructure drift’ says Labour report AN INDEPENDENT commission should be set up “to end decades of drift and delay on major infrastructure decisions”, a Labour-commissioned report has said. Successive governments have failed to set strategic priorities, the report from Olympic Delivery Authority chairman Sir John Armitt found. Shadow chancellor Ed Balls urged the government to implement the report as quickly as possible. But Treasury minister David Gauke said Labour had scored a “massive own goal”. Major infrastructure projects “are often controversial and politicians are rarely in office long enough to see the electoral dividends of major investment programmes”, the report said. Problems surrounding the planning and implementing of schemes had affected energy policy, airport capacity, road and rail schemes and water projects, it added. The report went on: “The Office for National Statistics, for example, forecasts UK population will grow to over 73 million people by 2035. “However, there is little evidence that governments are planning for the infrastructure we will need by then to support another 10 million people.” It called for the creation of an independent National Infrastructure Commission,

appointed by government and opposition parties, to identify the UK’s long-term infrastructure needs and monitor the plans developed by governments to meet them. Sir John said: “We have the Victorian pioneers to thank for the infrastructure that has underpinned the quality of life for our generation. “It is up to us to lay the ground for the next pioneers who will create the innovative systems and services that will serve future generations.” Mr Balls added: “This excellent report sets out a clear blueprint for how we can better identify, plan and deliver our infrastructure needs. “The Olympics showed what can be done when there is crossparty consensus and a sense of national purpose. “Now we need that same drive and spirit to plan ahead for the next 30 years and the needs of future generations.” But Treasury minister David Gauke said: “This is a massive own goal from Ed Balls.” The report was “an epitaph to Labour’s failure over 13 years to address the infrastructure challenges Britain faces”, he argued. Mr Gauke concluded: “This government is clearing up the mess, creating an economy for hardworking people by investing in the biggest programme of infrastructure development since the Victorian era.” (BBC)

Patient stabs psychiatrist 40 times in Italy, killing her: police INVESTIGATORS in Italy say a patient stabbed his psychiatrist some 40 times, killing the woman during their appointment at a public health facility. Police said the attacker, a man in his 40s with a history of drug and alcohol abuse and a criminal record for drug dealing, was subdued by a colleague of 53-year-old psychiatrist Paola Labriola. She had been meeting privately with the patient Wednesday in Bari, a city in the southern region of Puglia. Prosecutors said investigators were examining the attacker’s medical records to learn why he was under treatment. No motive for the attack was immediately known. Puglia’s health commissioner, Elena Gentile, said she was told that the attacker had sat calmly in the waiting room for 30 minutes before his appointment, showing no signs of agitation. (NYdailynews)

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

An undated photo showing 53-year-old psychiatrist Paola Labriola, who was stabbed some 40 times to her death by a man in his 40s during their appointment at a public health facility in Bari, a city in the southern region of Puglia, Italy.

Lawyer for Ariel Castro says suicide watch was needed

ARIEL Castro, who kept women captive at his Ohio home, should not have been taken off suicide watch in June before his conviction, his lawyer has said. A post-mortem examination found Castro, 53, hanged himself in his cell, a month after being sentenced to life in jail. “There’s still an obligation to prevent our inmates from committing suicide,” Castro’s lawyer Craig Weintraub said. Castro held three women in chains at his Cleveland home for about a decade until May. He raped them repeatedly. During his trial, Castro was taken off suicide watch after authorities determined he was not at risk of taking his own life. On 26 July Castro pleaded guilty to over 900 separate charges, in a deal that protected him from the death penalty. Castro was sentenced on 1 August to life imprisonment without parole plus 1,000 years. He hanged himself on 3 September in his isolation cell in Orient, Ohio. The prosecutor who tried Castro called him a “coward” unable to withstand “a small portion” of what he had inflicted. But Mr Weintraub told Cleveland newspaper the Plain Dealer: “He’s still a human being. This is still a

Ariel Castro killed himself one month after being sentenced to life for holding three women captive.

civilised society.” Prison authorities denied Castro permission to receive independent mental counselling, even though he had previously contemplated suicide and was likely to suffer depression after his life sentence, Mr Weintraub told Reuters news agency. “We were never provided any explanation” for being denied independent mental health care, he said. “We don’t know what the rationale was, to take him off suicide watch.” Castro was placed in protective custody because of his notoriety. His cell was checked every 30 minutes. The Ohio Department of

Rehabilitation and Correction said its mental health staff found that Castro did not need to be placed on suicide watch, which would have meant a guard checked on him every 15 minutes, AFP news agency reports. “Our... mental health staff determined this,” said spokeswoman Ricky Seyfang. “Suicide watch was not required for him.” The department said it would review the death and publish findings within a month. The former school bus driver abducted Michelle Knight, 32, Amanda Berry, 27, and Gina DeJesus, 23, from the Cleveland streets between 2002-04.

Syria crisis: UN says more than 2m have fled MORE than two million Syrians are now registered as refugees, after the total went up by a million in the last six months, the UN’s refugee agency says. More Syrians are now displaced than any other nationality, says the UNHCR. France and the US are continuing to push for military action over alleged chemical weapons use by Syrian forces. There are suggestions that President Barack Obama may be planning much wider action than the limited strikes that have been publicly proposed. The reports emerged as senior US politicians were set to speak before a congressional committee, to rally support before a vote expected next week on whether the US should launch military action. Tensions remain high in Syria and the surrounding region. Russia said on Tuesday that it had detected two ballistic missiles being launched towards the eastern Mediterranean coastline, sparking speculation of a connection to the Syria crisis. But Israel later confirmed that it

About half of those forced to leave Syria are children.

was a joint US-Israel missile test. The BBC’s Richard Galpin in Jerusalem says tests like this are usually planned long in advance, but it is still a sign that the Israeli military is taking very seriously the possibility that US air strikes on Syria, if they do happen, could lead to retaliatory attacks on Israel - either by Syria itself or by its ally, the Shia militia Hezbollah in Lebanon. The UNHCR said in a statement on Tuesday: “Syria is haemorrhaging women, children and men who cross

borders often with little more than the clothes on their backs.” Around half of those forced to leave are children, UN agencies estimate, with about three-quarters of them under 11. Just 118,000 refugee children have been able to continue in some sort of education, and only onefifth have received some sort of counselling, with agencies warning of a “lost generation” of child refugees ill-equipped to help rebuild Syria in the future.

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 Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands

Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101

www.bkwsu.com Email: bkpadma@bkwsutci.com

FOR SALE

September 7 - 13, 2013

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

T & C VISION CONSTRUCTION Is looking to fill the Following persons:

3 masons 3 tile layers 2 laborers 1 carpenter Salary starting at $5.50 Based on experience. Send 3 references And resume to tcivisionconstruction@ gmail.com. Belongers only need apply

9074

Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

SALE!!! FLOWER GIRL TEDDYS, ROSES, BASKETS

25%–35% OFF

to care for 2 infants from 8am-5pm salary $5.00 per hour

2 Assistant fishermen

to work on a commercial fishing vessel salary $5.50 per hour

Contact: 649-242-8558 9093

• Applicants must be able to work outdoors performing manual and physical labor • They must be able to operated a jackhammer, lawnmower and chainsaw • They will be asked to dig holes, mix and spread topsoil/cow manure and plant • They must be able to speak and communicate in English • Starting salary is $5.00 per hour and maybe required to work on weekends and holidays if needed

NEEDED Amazing Value! Cosmetologist Lot for Sale Preferred applicants should have certification. MUST have at least 3 yrs experience in the following areas: facials, microdermabrasion, face & body waxing, lash extension, wart removal. MUST be able to work weekends and public holidays. Applicant should speak English

Salary $6 per hour. Interested persons should email resume to Facesandfingers@gmail.com

PRICE SLASHED FOR QUICK SALE

$180,000 CASH! House and ½ Acre land Richmond Hill 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Fully furnished

Call: 231-3788

9085

Domestic worker

GARDENERS/ LABORERS NEEDED

Please bring all applications to Environmental Arts located at #65 Beechwood Road, Gracebay, Providenciales or email: admin@ enviromentalarts.tc Successful applicants will be notified by phone for interview

CONTACT: 649-946-4894

WANTED

CLASSIFIEDS 31

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

9087

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CEDAR LODGE CAFE Leeward Highway, Providenciales

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS GOVERNMENT

VACANCY NOTICE Director

Is looking for a

domestic ONE (1) DOMESTIC worker To work 5 days WORKER NEEDED

Must be willing to work on weekends and public holidays. Salary $5./hr.

Contact: 946 5511 9108

DEPARTMENT: Youth Affairs MINISTRY: Education, Youth, Sports, Culture and Library Services LOCATION: Providenciales

CHRIS STUBBS

per week salary $6.00 per hour

contact: 231-0366

9106

SUSAN WILSON

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

RENUMERATION PACKAGE

;; Salary: $35,880.00 per annum ;; Telephone Allowance: $1,200.00 per annum ;; Transportation Allowance: $2,220.00 per annum

Mason Salary starts at $5.00 per hour. Must be willing to work holidays and weekends. Only Turks Islanders need to apply.

Domestic Worker Chef Pastry Chef Kitchen Helper

Gardener contact: 241-8385

6114

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

WEST BAY CLUB RESORT

Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary starting at $5.50 per hour.

contact: 231-4242 J&C PAWNSHOP Is seeking

Is looking for a

Is looking for

Domestic Worker

To Work 5 Days a week. Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 946-8550 9124

T HOLDINGS LTD.

One Jewelry

Repair To work full time Salary $8.00 per hour Interested Person may contact Kilsys at

Tel# 231-3987

9123

Civil Engineer Must have at least 15 years experience must be willing to work Monday – Saturday 7am-5pm. Salary negotiable.

Contact: 232-4336

9112

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

THE WINE CELLAR Is seeking to hire

HOW TO APPLY

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by a Cover Letter, two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer), copies of educational certificates, a Police Certificate and a copy of the Passport photo page. Current serving officers must apply through their Heads of Department. Applications should be addressed to the Office of the Human Resource Management Directorate, Church Folly, Grand Turk. Submitted via Facsimile: 946-1582 or sent by email to: recruitment@ gov.tc with the subject line being: Director-Youth Affairs. Envelopes should have the subject: Director-Youth Affairs marked on the front.

Deadline: September 11th, 2013

QUALIFIED BELONGERS WILL BE GIVEN FIRST CONSIDERATION ONLY SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED

Labourers/

Is looking to fill the following positions:

PURPOSE OF JOB The National Director leads a team of professional and support staff at the Department of Youth Affairs. The National Director is responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the three-year Strategic Plan and national Youth Policy. She/he is also responsible for implementing the National Youth Policy.

;; Bachelor’s degree in Social Science/Humanities/related field or equivalent. ;; A Master’s degree would be an asset. ;; At least 5 years experience in youth work, social and community development, programme development. ;; Considerable working experience in managing staff, resources and stakeholders.

Five Cays Plaza Providenciales Telephone: 231-6710

CULINARIA LTD.

Is looking for a

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Developing national strategy and operational plan to ensure the effective implementation of Government youth development policy by: a) Developing the strategic plan in consultation with relevant stakeholders. b) Developing the annual national operational plan and forecasting financial project allocations. 2. Implementation of the work of the Department of Youth Affairs to ensure the programmes fulfils the agreed strategic plan by: a) Reviewing current and proposed programmes to ensure they are in line with national mandate. b) Reviewing current and proposed programmes to ensure they are in line with the regional youth mandate (CARICOM and CYP) and applicable international trends and obligations c) Developing processes for evaluating operational outputs/ outcomes at local and national levels d) Overseeing the financial expenditure on Projects e) Ensuring compliance with Government Procedures 3. Networking with other government and private sector agencies and NGO’s at national and regional level and mobilizing financial and other resources for youth development activities 4. Representing the Ministry at regional and international levels. a) Providing periodic updates on youth development issues at local and national levels using available media. 5. Promoting youth mainstreaming and participation in development, democracy, governance at the local and national levels, and active citizenship to advance the involvement of youth in the decision making processes in the TCI. 6. Overall management of the Department of Youth Affairs 7. Liaise with the Deputy Secretary and Permanent Secretary about recommendations for necessary amendments to the Strategic & Operational Plan. 8. Adhere to all Public Service codes, rules and regulations. 9. Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Cox Labour Services

9104

32 CLASSIFIEDS

9091

SALES CLERK/ INVENTORY SPECIALIST

• The Sales Clerk/ Inventory Specialist is responsible for receiving and selling merchandise, verifying and tracking inventory, investigating variances and discrepancies, and ensuring data is accurately captured in POS and Counterpoint, respectively • Duties include: • Proficiency with Ms Office software, with emphasis on Word, Excel and Outlook • Knowledgeable of counterpoint inventory system • Ability to work in a deadline driven environment with minimal supervision • Create excel spreadsheets and word for inventory

purposes • Post and maintain all records of transfers for wine and non alcoholic products from wholesale to retail • Maintain accurate inventory levels as defined by management • Enter data into counterpoint on a daily basis and transferred between wholesale and retail • Upload post and reconcile inventory counts in counterpoint daily • Perform physical recounts and maintain accurate knowledge of inventory counts • Must have at least 3-4 years experience and excellent knowledge about Wine and Spirits

Salary range based on qualifications and experience Send resume to: judita@winecellar.tc

9079

September 7 - 13, 2013 ALVEDA AND CHARLTON GARDINER is looking for a

Bus Attendant To work on North Caicos must be willing to work 5 days per week $5.00 per hour.

contact: 2316966 or 946-7167

9039

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CLINTON & SHEBA WILSON #57 Palm Circle Leeward Palms Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

Is Looking for:

Tailor Salary: $8.00 per piece Contact: 3315282/321-8816

9077

DARON EWING Is looking for a

CUBAN CRAFTERS TCI is looking for the following positions:

2 CIGAR ROLLERS $5.00 per hour

FLYER DISTRIBUTOR $5.00 per hour

Must be willing to work 6 days per week Contact: 946-4600 or 231-2823 9079

D & B AUTO PARTS

Shamrack Plaza, Industrial Park Providenciales, turks and caicos island Tel: 649-941-8438. Fax: 649-941-7387 D & B auto parts is seeking an

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

contact: 242-4240

Auto Accounts Receivable clerk

Must: ;;Monitor and co-ordinate deliveries ;;Inspect good received ;;Prepare Purchase Orders ;;Maintain Updated Purchasing records ;;Have 6 yrs. Experience in Auto parts ;; Speak fluent English and Spanish ;; Be familiar with quick books

Is looking for a

9073

FLOWER GIRL Is looking for a

Sales Clerk To work 5 days contact: 245-7557

9081

per week salary $6.00 per hour.

domestic worker To work 6 days per wee salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 946-4894

JOB VACANCY

Margaritaville Grand Turk currently seeks to identify

kitchen helpers, servers, bartenders, stores clerk and playmaker For the upcoming season

Persons must be able to work under pressure and be willing to work as part of a team.

Submit applications accompanied by a resume to the Human Resource department or by faxing to 649946-1514. Applications close on

Career Opportunity Grace Bay Club is looking for candidates that have the requirements listed along with an outgoing professional manner. They love to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization. Their management style is one that balances a commitment to people and their development with business/financial accountability and delivers an exceptional guest experience.

Job Requirements: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Bartender

Applicant must be a minimum of 19 years of age. Be fluent in written and spoken English. Possess a High School Certificate. Have two years experience as a Bartender, or two years as a Bar back in a five star-hotel upscale environment. Perform specified Bartender duties, including food and drink orders, preparation, and serving. Direct and assist the Bar back and beverage servers. Follow specific cash and system handling procedures. Be responsible in the serving of alcohol and the laws and regulations surrounding it. Maintain ongoing knowledge of the hotel operations. Maintain the cleanliness, working order, and presentation of the bar top, tables, service areas and outlet itself. Qualified Belongers need only apply. Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Pool & Beach Attendant Job Requirements:

9088

MARIA’S VARIETY

CLASSIFIEDS 33

September 4th, 2013. While we thank every applicant for their interest in Margaritaville Grand Turk, only short-listed persons will be contacted. Only Belongers need apply; proof of belongership is required.

9084

• The candidate must have good communications skills and must be able to work in a fast paced environment. • Individual is responsible for the set up and breakdown of the pool and beach umbrellas & beach beds. • 1-2 year related experience and/or training. • Provide towels/chairs/umbrellas to guests. • Perform side work including the folding of towels, preparing water and fruit skewers • Clean ashtrays, straighten chairs, and keep all outside beach and pool areas free of debris. • Must be friendly and guest service minded. • Must be able to carry heavy loads and work outdoors for long hours. • Belongers need only to apply • Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Reservations Manager Requirements:

• A Degree in Hotel Administration or equivalent work experience • Previous experience in Reservations Department • To efficiently manage the Reservations Department with minimal costs and maximum profitability through proficient management of staff, internal controls, administration of company policies & excellent guest service. • At least 2 years of direct related experience as an Assistant Reservation Manager for a 5 star luxury property • Participate in hotel MOD program. Conduct department meetings as required and attends staff hotel meetings. • Communicates with all hotel departments and staff to ensure the efficient operation of Reservations Department. • Energetic, positive visionary leader, dedicated to motivating and developing team members. • Qualified Belongers need only apply • Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Restaurant Manager Job Requirements: • • • • • • • •

Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management At least 3-4 years experience as a Restaurant Manager in a luxury hotel/resort/club Experience in quality and efficiency initiatives International and multi-outlet experience Ability to lead, train and organize team to deliver superb guest experience Ability to manager budget and understand how P&L is prepared. Knowledge of health and sanitation standards Be able to prepare staff schedules, timesheets and have knowledge of Macros, Excel and Windows • Qualified Belongers need only apply. • Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than July 1st 2013 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1050 Email: veronica.clare@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies

34 CLASSIFIEDS

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

MY DEE’S

HENRY WILSON Is seeking a

is looking for

TWO Labourers

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

Contact: 243-2344

gardener

Salary $6.00 per hour interested persons must be able to work long hours, weekends and holidays. If this job interests you, please.

FRESH FISH

REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE, CAP 9.05

PROVO BEVERAGES

NOTICE LOST LAND CERTIFICATE Labourer Is looking for a

TITLE NUMBER SECTION 60604/33 NORWAY & FIVE CAYS

ISLAND PROVIDENCIALES

Whereas, WILLIAM RIGBY and WILLIAM EDWARD RIGBY as personal representative of FEDERICK RIGBY of Providenciales, has declared 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.

Signed ...................................................................................................... Witnessed ................................................................................................. 9107

REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE, CAP 72

NOTICE LOST LAND CERTIFICATE SECTION ISLAND EAST SUBURBS GRAND TURK

Whereas, ROBERT ANTHONY LEE JR. and DERRICK BRANDON LEE as Executors of the will of ROBERT ANTHONY LEE both of Bermuda, 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 within six weeks of the date of the first publication of this Notice in a local newspaper and the Gazette. Dated this 11 day of June 2013

contact: 343-7748

9100

9111

OSWALDO J. BERRIOS Is looking for a

NEW STYLE BARBER SHOP Is looking for the following persons. Belongers preferred

Domestic worker

Labourer

Must speak Italian must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.

Contact; 231-0250 or P.O. Box 966

9103

– $5.00 per hour

Hairdresser – $6.00 per hour

Barber

– $6.00 per hour

Contact: 346-3918

9117

AFTER 5 CONCIERGE is seeking a Lead

They will be responsible for, but not limited to the following duties: • Reconciliation of corporate and general account • Proposing, developing, creating, planning and delivering innovative ideas for future events • Timely responding to emails and phone calls • Updating and providing documents pertaining, but not limited to, activities, events, special requests and guest arrival information • Overseeing all guest arrivals and departures and customizing client databases • Maintaining updated accounts for multiple parties • Organize, promote and schedule staff for corporate events • Handle all email responses and inquiries from guests • Negotiating and coordinating prices and logistics with vendors • Handling all NHIP and NIB calculations and payments • General administrative duties: i.e., phones, errands, filing etc.

LEAD CONCIERG/OFFICE MANAGER

• Minimum three (3) years of office administrative/management experience • A post secondary/ University degree from an internationally recognized institution • ECDL (or equivalent) qualifications • Staff scheduling/training experience • Strong accounting skills in payroll and general accounts reconciliation • The ability to work irregular weekday hours, weekends and public holidays • Their own reliable, registered motor vehicle and a valid driver license • Proficiency in Peachtree accounting software and Microsoft Office • Their own computer, internet service and printer with Microsoft Office installed • Extensive knowledge of the hospitality industry, and in particular those activities particular to the TCI; • The ability to carry out minor maintenance repairs • Strong organizational, data entry, file management and inventory control skills • Proficient English written and verbal communication skills • The ability to attend to multiple responsibilities simultaneously • The ability to negotiate with and coordinate vendors • The ability to work independently in a time sensitive and pressured environment • Strong interpersonal skills • The ability to think creatively and to proposed and develop new business strategies and models • A valid passport

Please do not respond to this add unless you meet all of these requirements and own your own vehicle, can speak and write English fluently (written test will be provided), have a clean driver’s license and are able to work nights, weekends and holidays. Please respond to this ad by September 27th, 2013 email: ictcvation@gmail.com

Signed ...................................................................................................... Witnessed..................................................................................................

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

Phone: (649)-946-8877

Concierge/Office Manager

Dated this 8th day of August 2013

TITLE NUMBER 10401/158

Minimum 5 years experience Working in a kitchen as a Line cook in a VERY high volume Restaurant. Must have knowledge of taking inventory daily. Pay rate is $5/hr Please submit Resumes at the restaurant at 499 Bay Rd. Blue Hills, Providenciales TCI

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

contact: 241-5678

9099

1 Kitchen Helpers

Sales Person

contact: 649-332-7196

9109

DA CONCH SHACK

is looking for a

9110

9122

September 7 - 13, 2013

MCDONALD WILLIAMS Is looking for a

MCKNIGHTS INTERNATIONAL LAW FIRM

MR. BIGGS CAR WASH Is looking for

Domestic

Labourer Worker To work 5 days Per week salary $5.50 per hour

Applicant must be honest, reliable, and hardworking. Salary $5.50 per hour.

Contact: 2417557

Contact: 649-941-2330 or email:peter@mcknights.tc

9075

9079

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

contact: 231-0882 or 243-2591

;;For Shore Excursion Operator, Grand Turk Successful candidate must have excellent communication skills, professional attitude and be organized and reliable ;;Must have a valid driver license with at least 8 years of driving experience ;;Must have basic mechanic understanding ;;Salary commensurate with experience and skill level

649-242-1943 Providenciales Telephone: 241-9541

Salary starts at $10.00 per hour. Must be willing to work holidays and weekends. Only Turks Islanders need to apply.

ALBERTA PRATT is looking for a

Is seeking one

SALES CLERK Salary: $5.00 per hour

Contact: (649) 941-5213 9098

gardener

To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour. contact: 244-6900 9089

Job opportunity Housekeeping staff and Front Desk Manager

Housekeeping staff: Enjoys cleaning and maintaining guest rooms, knowledge of cleaning process and attention to details Front Desk Manager: Applicant must have excellent communication and problem resolution and conflict management skills at least 5 years experience. Ability to manage housekeeping staff. Must be computer savvy and have a working knowledge of microsoft word excel and outlook. Must have customer service and organization skills. Friendly personality and ability to work without supervision. Applicant must be prompt and ambitious with a desire to learn. Leadership qualities are an asset. This position requires flexibility in scheduling and patience. Applicants must have a valid drivers license and vehicle

9115

Please forward your resume to lisa.franklin.bmt@gmail.com

9084

STANLEY STAR CONSTRUCTION

Is looking for the following positions:

2 tile layers Supervisor

PROVO DISCOUNT PHARMACY

9080

Driver needed

Rigby Builders

CLASSIFIEDS 35

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

1 domestic worker To work 5 days contact: 231-0308

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.

9113

We specialize in:

International Transfer Company Limited (C.A.M.) in the Turks and Caicos Islands) seeks to employ a

Transfer Clerk Applicants must ;; have at least one year’s experience as a Transfer Clerk ;; be willing to work on weekends and holidays ;; have basic knowledge of computers and good typing skills ;; have excellent communication skills ;;produce a clean Police Record

BELONGERS ONLY NEED APPLY Please send all application to: Stanfield Greene Graceway House, Building A, Suite 201 Leeward Highway, Providenciales

DUNCANSON & CO.

• 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 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 9105

36 CLASSIFIEDS

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Miley stuns at MTV awards MILEY Cyrus claims she wanted to “make history” at the MTV Video Music Awards in Brooklyn. The singer has spoken for the first time since her muchtalked about performance at the show in August. She attracted attention from the media after she wore a latex bra and pants, regularly sticking her tongue out and “twerking”. Miley Cyrus said: “I don’t pay attention to the negative because I’ve seen this play out so many times.” The 20-year-old was speaking to a crew who are filming the singer for an MTV documentary. “Madonna’s done it. Britney’s done it,” she said. “Every VMA performance, that’s what you’re looking for; you’re wanting to make

C&S

Acting on behalf of our clients MJ’s Restaurant is seeking a

Waiter

The singer’s rendition of ‘We Can’t Stop’ took a turn for the raunchier when she stripped down to a nude ensemble.

history.” The performance split the opinion of audiences with critics and supporters voicing their opinions about the singer online. In the clip released to MTV, she said: “What’s amazing is

I think now, people are still talking about it. They’re over thinking it. “You’re thinking about it more than I thought about it when I did it. I didn’t even think about it ‘cause that’s just me.”

To work shift work salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 241-59222

9120

FLOWER GIRL

Wanted urgently

Floral Designer

Must have thorough knowledge in the floral business with 3-5 years experience.

Call: 231-3788

TCIRFU

Is now ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR A

Bugaloos

THE WINDSONG RESORT

labourer

Room Attendants, Hostess, Bartenders, Waiters, Cook, and Front Desk Clerks

Is looking for a

Must be able to clean and knock out conch must be able to clean and cut fish 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 242-5646

FEMALE RUGBY DEVELOPMENT TEACHER

Is currently looking to fill the following positions:

drop resumes at the Front Desk

9121

TCMillwork ltd.

Architectural woodworking, Cabinetry and Design South dock road, P.O. box 238, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Furniture Carpenter

Skills Required: • 5 years work experience in woodworking, joinery and cabinet making. • Trained to manufacture and finish furniture . • Salary at $8.00 per hour Skills required for position: • Individual must have previous experience with manufacture, construction, and installation of high end cabinetry. • Must be familiar with operation of all current woodworking machinery and tools with proper safety practices. • Must be able to read Auto-Cad drawings. • English speaking, bilingual preferred. Duties: Manufacture and finish furniture and cabinets, refinishing, and installation. Assist other employees in general millshop operations and maintenance. Must be professional and courteous.

Please send applications to: tcmillwork@tciway.tc contact person: Stephan 231-4537

TCIRFU is seeking a Competent Sports Minded Rugby Development Teacher for the TCIRFU to assist with a variety of tasks related to the field of Rugby. Successful Incumbent should have 10 years of Rugby experience Qualifications:

• Must have played or coached female rugby at a English or Irish provincial level (or equivalent) • Must be able to demonstrate a proven record in promoting rugby and have advanced skills in marketing and sports development Job includes:

• Coordinating, Delivering and Promoting Rugby for Women within the different Islands of the Turks & Caicos • Offering coaching and supervision when appropriate • Working with Government bodies in relation to clubs and events • Working in partnership with school initiatives such as “active school” to encourage female participation in Rugby and organize parental involvement • Maintaining records and produce reports Salary will be $1500.00 per month

MALE RUGBY DEVELOPMENT TEACHER TCIRFU is seeking a Competent Sports Minded Development Teacher for the TCIRFU to assist with a variety of tasks related to the field of Rugby. Successful Incumbent should have 15 years of Rugby experience Qualifications:

• Holds a University Degree • Holds a level 1 or 2 Certificate with IRB (International Rugby Board) Job includes:

• • • •

Coordinating, Delivering and Promoting Rugby within the different Islands Offering coaching and supervision when appropriate Working with Government bodies in relation to clubs and events Working in partnership with school initiatives such as “active school” to encourage participation in Rugby and organize parental involvement • Maintaining records and produce reports Salary will be $1500.00 per month

Please forward resumes in confidence to

Human Resources Manager, TCIRFU Level 2, Le Vele Plaza, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI. Fax: (649) 941-3223

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS Williams Construction Is looking for 1

FLOWER GIRL

CLASSIFIEDS 37 ALBERT HIGGS WINKEY’S CATERING Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Is looking for a Part-time

delivery driver

ONE LABOURER Catering Labourer – $6.00/ hour NEEDED

1 –Mason $9.50/ hour

Contact 347-6642

Contact: 231-3788

9067

The Meridian Club On Pine Cay

Must be willing to work on weekends and public holidays. Work includes general on-the-job assistance.

Contact: William 941 4561

CLAYTON COX is looking for a

Turks & Caicos Islands British West Indies

Labourer To work 6 days Helper To work 6 days per week salary

per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 347-6973

$6.50 per hour.

contact: 243-7785

Y.A. 3. B. CONSULTANCY Acting on behalf of our clients: Tragos Bar, B’s Beauty Box, Caicos Coral, Major’s Beauty Salon, Nessy Restaurant, Anny Garcia is looking to fill the following positions:

3 waitresses – $6.00 per hour

Security Positions for The Meridian Club on Pine Cay

Patrol Dog Handler/Trainer/ Security Supervisor WAGE/SALARY: $15.00/hr plus lodging. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Must be comfortable working with and training Police Dogs. At least 5 years prior experience as patrol dog handler, trainer and security worker essential. Must have training in martial arts/self defense and be physically fit and capable of controlling and restraining a large, powerful dog. Must provide satisfactory proof of clean police record. Training in general First Aid. Fluency in English required.

Painter

2 barbers – $6.00 per hour

1 hairdresser – $6.00 per hour

1 animal trainer

To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.

1 nail technician

contact: 244-1546

Contact: 344-4540

– $6.00 per hour – $6.00 per hour

NOTE: Must be willing to reside on Pine Cay on a full time basis and work nights, as required. DUTIES: Include security patrols with police dogs; response to security problems as needed; Feeding and caring for dogs; exercising and training dogs: Scheduling, supervising and providing additional training to other security personnel; Supervising and training fire control response team. First responder for medical emergencies.

Patrol Dog Handler/Security Specialist WAGE/SALARY: $7.50/hr + lodging QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Must have certification as patrol dog handler and at least one year prior work experience as patrol dog handler. Experience as security worker desirable. Must have training in martial arts/self defense and be physically fit and capable of controlling and restraining a large, powerful dog. Must provide satisfactory proof of clean police record. Fluency in English required. Training in general First Aid. NOTE: Must be willing to reside on Pine Cay on a full time basis and work nights, weekends and holidays, as required. DUTIES: Include security patrols with police dogs; response to security problems as needed; Feeding and caring for dogs; exercising and training dogs. First responder for medical emergencies. STARTING DATE: January 2014 Contact Person and Contact Information: Send resume with references and your contact information (mailing address, e-mail address, phone number) to Beverly Plachta by e-mail to manager@meridianclub.com or by fax to 649-941-7010. Please also include copy of passport, police report. Applications may also be dropped of at TCR Sotheby’s in Salt Mills. Applications must be received no later than October 15, 2013. Qualified applicants will have a thorough background check conducted prior to hire. All credentials will be verified. Additional Information: All qualified applicants will be interviewed.

9098

With own transportation who is interested in making extra cash.

JOB VACANCIES The Somerset Resort Management Ltd. is seeking Labour Clearance for the positions listed below. Suitably qualified Belongers who possess the requirements listed are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates should possess luxury resort experience, be professional in attitude and demeanor, must read and speak English fluently. Positions require a flexible schedule which includes holidays, weekends and evenings, and extended hours on occasion. Salaries are based on experience and qualifications.

ROOM ATTENDANT & HOUSEMAN

Candidates must possess at least 3 years of experience in five-star resorts. Strong attention to details and exceptional ability to maintain the highest standards of quality required. Must be a team player with a strong work ethic. Courteous individuals who possess a positive demeanor and a commitment to excellence are required.

BELLMAN

Candidates must have working experience in a luxury five-star resorts. Must be professional, courteous individuals with positive demeanor and possess good communication skills with an outgoing personality. Should have the ability to lift at least 30 lbs. and push/pull in excess of 50 lbs.

Qualified Belonger candidates can complete an application form in person at The Somerset on Grace Bay or submit a resume by e-mail at somerset@thesomerset.com. Tel: 946-5900. Fax: 9465839. The closing date for applications is September 30, 2013.

Entertainment

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 7 - 13, 2013

Sir Elton John wins first Brits Icon award SIR Elton John has won the first ever Brits Icon award, in a gala concert which marked his stage return after surgery for appendicitis. The musician was presented with the prize by his friend, singer Rod Stewart, who described him as “the second-best rock singer ever”. Sir Elton said he was “flattered” by the award, given to artists who have had a “lasting impact” on UK culture. He also played several of his hits, including Your Song and Tiny Dancer. Students from the Royal Academy of Music, where Sir Elton trained, joined him on stage to play Home Again, from his new album Diving Board, while Stewart duetted with his “dear mate” on the closing song, Sad Songs (Say So Much). The concert was attended by the likes of Liz Hurley and Gary Barlow, while video messages were played from President Clinton, Ringo Starr and tennis legend Billie Jean King, for whom Sir Elton wrote Philadelphia Freedom. The star, wearing red sequinned shoes, received a standing ovation as he accepted the gold Brits trophy. Holding it aloft, he remarked: “They’ve even made it sparkly on the bottom, which you know I love”. He dedicated the award to writing partner Bernie Taupin, “who I

Entertainment agencies are divided on Jack Nicholson career.

Nicholson may or may not be retired The songwriter has won 35 gold and 25 platinum albums in the UK.

wouldn’t be here without”, as well as the “Women’s Institute and you, the fans”. The 66-year-old added: “I can think of a couple of people who might have deserved it more than me.” Pop star Lulu, who was a special guest at the show, told the BBC “he is a one-off, he is totally unique. “Only the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and Elvis are at the top [with him]. So it’s perfectly fitting he should get the first Icon award.” James Blunt, who is signed to the star’s management company,

described him as “the kindest man I’ve ever met”. “On a music level, on a friendship level, on a humanitarian level this is an incredibly special person - and that’s not including his other great talent, which is he is an incredible songwriter and a formidable performer.” Sir Elton, who plays more than 100 gigs every year, had to cancel several concerts over the summer after having surgery for appendicitis. He told The Sun he had performed 10 shows “in agony” before he called doctors.

Alec Baldwin, Hilaria introduce daughter Carmen ALEC Baldwin and wife Hilaria are in parental bliss. The two welcomed their first child together, daughter Carmen Gabriela, on August 23, and on Wednesday they introduced Carmen to the world. Along with a photo shoot for People magazine, the Baldwins filmed a candid moment for “Extra.” “I have the feeling that life is wonderful,” Baldwin, 55, said. “I have the feeling that I’m so lucky, I’m so blessed, all those things that everybody feels when you have a baby and you want to have that family.” Baldwin has gone through this before, as he’s also dad to 17-yearold Ireland Baldwin, his daughter with ex Kim Basinger. “It’s a second chance for me, in a way,” the actor told People magazine. “Everybody knows I had a pretty unpleasant custody battle for Ireland,” whom he describes as “well-adjusted and as happy as one can be.” But for Hilaria, 29, parenthood

Carmen is the first child of Hilaria and the second of Baldwin.

has opened her eyes to feelings she didn’t know existed. “Every single day is a dream come true. I have trouble sleeping because I just want to look at her. Every single day you wake up and it’s Christmas,” she told “Extra.”

“I didn’t know this kind of love before. It’s a love that hurts; it hurts when I’m away from her, I can’t handle it. I want to make sure that she’s OK every step of the way. It’s indescribable, it’s absolutely indescribable.” (CNN)

IF JACK Nicholson has decided to put his acting career behind him, he apparently doesn’t want anyone to know about it. On Wednesday, conflicting reports indicated that the 76-year-old Oscar winner has either retired from performing - or is still in the business and simply waiting for his next great project. Nicholson’s rep has not yet responded to CNN’s requests for comment. According to RadarOnline, Nicholson has “quietly retired” and has “no plans to appear in films again,” based on the insight from a “well-placed Hollywood film insider.”

This insider added that the primary reason was the actor’s memory: “Quite frankly, at 76, Jack has memory issues and can no longer remember the lines being asked of him,” the source said. Nicholson, whose 55-year career includes classics like “Easy Rider,” “Chinatown,” “The Shining,” “A Few Good Men” and “The Departed.” The last time Nicholson graced the big screen was in the 2010 Reese Witherspoon movie, “How Do You Know.” That role came three years after his starring role with Morgan Freeman in “The Bucket List,” so perhaps the actor is just spacing things out in his older years.

Gwen Stefani pregnant at age 43: report IS baby No. 3 on board for Gwen Stefani? The 43-year-old No Doubt singer is reportedly expecting with husband Gavin Rossdale, according to In Touch Weekly magazine. “Gwen and Gavin couldn’t be happier,” a source dished to the mag. “She’s just trying to focus on resting right now. She wants to make sure that all is well with the baby.” Stefani and her Bush rocker husband wed in 2002 and are already proud parents to two sons Kingston, 7, and Zuma, 5. The blond beauty, who is known for her washboard stomach, was spotted out and about Wednesday after the pregnancy news broke covering up her middle section with a loose-fitting top. In an interview with Marie Claire last September, Stefani revealed she and Rossdale had tried for another baby in 2010, but it wasn’t in the cards. “I really, really, really wanted one about two years ago. And it didn’t really work out. So … I feel good with what we’ve got. Everything works out how it should. You can’t plan anything, right? You can try.”

Gwen Stefani is reportedly pregnant with her third child.

September 7 - 13, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Science & Technology

African dust dumped on the Caribbean might have health implications

Data was collected on hundreds of thousands of men from 15 European countries.

Men’s average height ‘up 11cm since 1870s’ THE AVERAGE height of men has risen by almost 11cm since the mid19th century, experts have found. Data was collected on hundreds of thousands of men from 15 European countries. For British men, the average height at age 21 rose from 167.05cm (5ft 5in) in 1871-75 to 177.37cm (5ft 10in) in 1971-75. A public health expert said height was a “useful barometer” but it was crucial to focus on improving health overall. The paper, published in the journal

Oxford Economic Papers, looked at data from sources including military records and modern population surveys from the 1870s to 1980 in 15 European countries. It looked only at male height because there was too little historical data for women. Genes may be commonly seen as the main determinant of height, but although they explain the difference between individuals, they would not explain the trend seen in this paper, its lead author said.

Caribbean region needs a tsunami warning centre

Caribbean countries urgently need a regional tsunamiwarning centre to protect their densely populated coastlines, according to an article recently published in Science Today. There has been significant effort over the past six years to improve tsunami preparedness, but more funds and research are needed to cut the detection time and ensure people know what to do if a tsunami strikes in this vulnerable region, it says. “On any day, more than 500,000 people could be in harm’s way along the beaches, with hundreds of thousands more working and living in the tsunami hazard zones,” the paper says. Over the past 500 years, 75 tsunamis have been registered in the region, but since the last large one in 1946, “there has been an explosive increase in residents, visitors, infrastructure, and economic activity along Caribbean coastlines,

increasing the potential for human and economic loss”, according to the paper. Despite advances since 2006, when intergovernmental organisation the Caribe EWS (Early Warning System) was set up, the region still relies on the interim solution of getting warnings from tsunami warning centres run by the US National Weather Service (NWS) in Alaska and Hawaii. In 2010, the NWS, which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), established the Caribbean Tsunami Warning Program in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, as part of a three-phased project to create a tsunami warning centre in the region. There have been “significant advances” in the first two phases, which focused on tsunami education and earthquake monitoring, the paper says.

CLOUDS of African dust have been sprinkling their contents across the Caribbean for as long as there’s been sand in the Sahara Desert. The phenomenon is nevertheless attracting increasing attention from regional scientists who believe that the clouds have grown, even if there’s no global consensus on the issue. Recently, an unusually large cloud dusted the Eastern Caribbean, generating hazy skies and vivid sunsets before drifting over Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and moving on to be detected as far away as Wyoming in the United States. Satellite images from NASA show these huge, smoky clouds wafting westward from Africa and blanketing hundreds of square miles. Although the microscopic dust particles sent aloft by African sandstorms have hitherto been accorded little more than moderate interest, experts are now saying that the particulate matter may be cause for health concerns and merit more study to understand their potential impact. According to Braulio JimenezVelez, a specialist in molecular and environmental toxicology at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, “It is a matter of great magnitude, interest and importance for health.” So far this year, Sahara dust has prompted two health alerts in Puerto

African dust has made its way to our corner of the world.

Rico for asthma sufferers and people with allergies. The Dominican Republic also issued a warning. Many Caribbean territories, including Puerto Rico, have high asthma rates, but no direct link has been established between African dust and higher rates of asthma or lung cancer. Over time, human activity has changed the composition of the clouds, with scientists saying that they now contain trace amounts of metals, microorganisms, bacteria, spores, pesticides and faecal matter, although no evidence exists that the quantities are sufficient to pose a threat.

African dust sampled in Barbados also had elevated levels of arsenic and cadmium, according to Joseph M. Prospero, professor emeritus of marine and atmospheric chemistry at the University of Miami. “The specific impact on health is not known here or anywhere else. It has been extremely difficult to link specific particle composition to health effects,” said Prospero, who is lead author of a paper on the dust to be published in September by the bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. “So it cannot be said what effect all this dust has, but there is reason for some concern,” the expert added.

Animals harbour at least 320,000 new viruses’ THERE could be at least 320,000 viruses awaiting discovery that are circulating in animals, a study suggests. Researchers say that identifying these viral diseases, especially those that can spread to humans, could help to prevent future pandemics. The team estimates that this could cost more than £4bn ($6bn), but says this is a fraction of the cost of dealing with a major pandemic. The research is published in the journal mBio. Prof Ian Lipkin, director of the Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in the US, said: “What we’re really talking about is defining the full range of diversity of viruses within mammals, and our intent is that as we get more information we will be able to understand the principles that underlie determinants of risks.” Nearly 70% of viruses that infect humans, such as HIV, Ebola and the new Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers), originate in wildlife. But until now, the scale of the problem has been difficult to assess. To investigate, researchers in

The flying fox is one of many mammals that carry viruses that spread to humans.

the US and Bangladesh looked at a species of bat called the flying fox. This animal carries the Nipah virus, which if it spreads to humans can kill. By studying 1,897 samples collected from the bats, scientists were able to assess how many other pathogens the animal carried. They found nearly 60 different types of viruses, most of which had

never been seen before. The team then extrapolated this figure to all known mammals, and concluded there were at least 320,000 viruses that have not yet been detected. The researchers said that identifying all of these would be crucial to keeping one step ahead of diseases that could become a threat to human health.

Sports Interational

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 7 - 13, 2013

Bolt to retire after 2016 Olympics DURING the world championships in Moscow last month, sprint king Usain Bolt was asked how long he intended to keep running. He kept reporters guessing and some thought he wouldn’t last until the next Olympics. But on Wednesday Bolt said that he would call it quits after racing at the 2016 Summer Games in Brazil. “So far it’s after the Olympics in Rio,” the 27-year-old told reporters in Brussels, where he is competing Friday. “If I’m in great shape and I go there and do what I have to do, I think it would be a good time to retire on top and having dominated for so long.” The Jamaican admitted he struggled with his motivation this year and it is little wonder given he has regularly coasted to 100- and 200-meter victories at the Olympics and world championships. “I couldn’t find that goal, that drive to get going again,” Bolt said. “I sat down and thought to myself -what do I really want? And what can I do in this sport some more?” Including relays, Bolt owns a combined 14 gold medals in the sport’s two biggest events and is the world record-holder in both the 100 and 200 meters. In order to ensure his place in the pantheon of sporting legends, Bolt said he needs to go out on a high in Rio -- and hopes his powerful body cooperates.

Jamaican Usain Bolt will race at one more Olympics before retiring.

“I’ve made up my mind that if I want to be among the greats of Ali, Pele and all these guys I have to continue dominating until I retire,” he added. “I’m really focusing on getting every season correct, trying not to get injured and just continue dominating so at the end of my career people will put me among the greats.” His accomplishments to date already make him one of the best athletes of all time. Not the shy type, Bolt called himself a “legend” after achieving another individual sprint double at the 2012 London Olympics. No one came close to challenging him in Russia. His only misstep since rising to the top took place at the 2011 world

championships in South Korea when he false started and was disqualified from the 100-meter final. And in a sport hit hard recently by positive drug tests to sprinters Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell and Veronica Campbell -- the latter two are fellow Jamaicans -- Bolt has never tested positive, always maintaining that he is clean. With a personality larger than his 6-foot-5-inch frame, Bolt is especially popular among fans and sponsors alike. Forbes this year named him the 40th highest-paid athlete in the world with earnings of $24.2 million. He features in commercials for Virgin and is also backed by Puma, Samsung and Nissan, among others. (CNN)

Robredo sends Roger Federer crashing out of U.S. Open ROGER Federer will not feature in a Grand Slam final in the same calendar year for the first time since 2002, after he was knocked out of the U.S. Open by Spain’s Tommy Robredo. The winner of 17 Grand Slam titles, including five in New York, suffered a straight sets defeat in his fourth round match at Flushing Meadows, losing 7-6 (7/3) 6-3 6-4 late Monday. The defeat denied the Swiss star, arguably the finest player to have played the game, a quarter-final showdown with long-time nemesis Rafael Nadal, after the in-form Spanish star beat Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 6-3 6-1. Robredo had never beaten Federer before their latest rain-delayed encounter on the Louis Armstrong Stadium court. But with 43 unforced errors to his name and only two break points converted from 16, the former world number one looked unlikely to extend that run. “I’m going to feel like I beat myself,” Federer told reporters after the match. “It was up to me to make the difference and I just couldn’t. “I self-destructed, which is really

Roger Federer, who has been going through a rough patch, suffered a straight set defeat.

disappointing. When things came to the crunch I just couldn’t do it. It’s frustrating.” Robredo, by contrast, was full of confidence as he hit 70% of his first serves and sent numerous forehand winners whistling past his illustrious opponent. “I’m delighted. It’s unbelievable. The difference is I won the break points today,” said Robredo. With the ignominy of another early exit from a Grand Slam tournament, Federer, whose ranking has slipped to an unfamiliar No. 7,

will face renewed speculation about his future. At 32, some question whether he can arrest the recent decline in his fortunes -- his last major title was at Wimbledon in 2012. “Roger is in a very vulnerable state. He’s in a vulnerable position because he’s moved down to No. 7 now,” said legendary coach Nick Bollettieri in a recent interview with CNN. “Remember Pete Sampras went through a tough period. Fortunately for Pete he won a big one before he left the tour.”

Michael Schumacher won seven titles with 91 wins, while Sebastian Vettel is on course for his fourth title with 31 wins at age 26.

Schumacher ‘pretty happy’ if Vettel breaks records MICHAEL Schumacher says he would be “pretty happy” if Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel went on to break his world records of wins and world titles. Schumacher quit F1 with seven titles and 91 wins. Vettel is on course to win a fourth consecutive championship this year and has 31 wins at the age of 26. He said: “A friend of mine achieving it, it stays ‘in the family’.” The 44-year-old said: “I always thought records were there to be broken,” adding he believed his would be. “I didn’t have statistics in my mind when I was racing,” Schumacher said. “It was always a consequence - a nice consequence. I enjoyed it but it wasn’t the reason I was racing,” said Schumacher, who was speaking in an exclusive interview with BBC F1’s Lee McKenzie, which will be broadcast in the BBC One qualifying show on Saturday at 12:10 BST. “There is no reason the limits I set will be different because the environment changes. We had 16 races; now there are 20 races. So it is easier to win more races in a season. People arrive [in F1] a lot younger so they have a longer time they can spend in F1.” He added that, as a result of this, records set in different eras are not necessarily comparable. “It was different with [Juan Manuel] Fangio and myself. You cannot compare his five with the seven I achieved. “I always made it clear that those achievements of Fangio are so unique, so special, because if you look at the cars, I have the greatest respect for what those guys are doing. “I feel a bit guilty to have broken those records because I don’t think

I broke them. I just set my own benchmarks and they did theirs.” Schumacher quit F1 for a second time at the end of last season after Mercedes signed Lewis Hamilton to replace him. The German made a comeback in 2010 after three years in retirement with the aim of winning the championship again, but managed only one podium finish in three years. But although Mercedes have won three races this season, Schumacher said there was no element of frustration or regret that he was not still driving. “I’m not missing being involved in the machinery of the competition of a full season of F1,” he said. “I wouldn’t have had the energy for further years. I just was empty at the end. I have no regrets. “People asked me whether I’m still good enough to be in F1 whether I am as good as I used to be is another question, who can answer that? “People probably now understand a little bit more what was my quality and what I have been capable of. “The difference was I had a threeyear break and I wasn’t that young coming back. But by the end of the three years my level was pretty much acceptable. “People were expecting from a seven-time world champion more results than we were able to deliver. “But if you look what we had in our hands [in terms of machinery], what we were able to play with, I wasn’t capable to do more. That’s what it is. “To explain this is difficult and sometimes not important. What is important is the people you work with trust in you and believe in you and that’s what I had.” (BBC)

September 7 - 13, 2013

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Vitali Klitschko eyes Ukraine’s presidency Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has had to deal with issues relating to tax payments recently.

Messi and dad pay Spanish authorities $6.6 million in tax case FOUR-TIME world soccer player of the year Lionel Messi and his father have paid Spanish authorities $6.6 million after allegedly committing tax fraud between 2007 and 2009. The “reparatory” payment was made on August 14 and includes interest, the High Court said in a statement sent to CNN. It covers the period between 2007 and 2009, Spanish media reported. The move comes more than two months after Messi paid $13 million in taxes to cover the tax period of 2010-2011. Messi is due to appear in court on

September 17 but one of his lawyers is requesting to “suspend” the date of his testimony, according to the statement. A decision was expected within two days. When it went public that he was under investigation, Messi said on his Facebook page that he had done nothing wrong. “We are surprised about the news, because we have never committed any infringement,” he said in June. “We have always fulfilled all our tax obligations, following the advice of our tax consultants, who will take care of clarifying this situation.”

Henrik Stenson tied Vijay Singh’s 2008 record.

Stenson rises to the top of FedEx Cup rankings HENRIK Stenson capped his recent rise with a record-equalling victory at the Deutsche Bank Championship which propelled the Swede to the top of the FedEx Cup standings. The new world No. 6 carded a five-under-par final round of 66 to finish 22 under for the tournament, tying the record score set by Vijay Singh in 2008. Stenson finished two strokes clear of American Steve Stricker at the rain-delayed event in Boston, putting him in pole position to collect the $10 million FedEx Cup winner’s check. “I’m just pleased I won here,” the 37-year-old told the PGA Tour’s official website. “This was a big goal of mine to win a golf tournament after all those nice finishes. My family is here. I’m going to see my kids in a little bit.

It’s all good.” Stenson has enjoyed a fine couple of months. He finished as runnerup to Phil Mickelson at July’s British Open in addition to a thirdplace finish at last month’s PGA Championships. The $1.4 million victory, his third on the PGA Tour, saw him usurp world No. 1 Tiger Woods as the leader of the FedEx Cup standings with just two tournaments left of the series. The Deutsche Bank Championship is the second of four FedEx Cup playoff events. The top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings will now progress to play in the BMW Championships, with the top 30 players then advancing to the series-ending Tour Championship.

THE world heavyweight boxing champion and Ukrainian opposition leader Vitali Klitschko has dropped a strong hint that he will stand for his country’s presidency in 2015. The 42-year-old has campaigned against President Viktor Yanukovych and what he calls authoritarianism in Ukraine. “I think about the possibility to take part in the presidential election,” Klitschko - nickname Dr Ironfist told the BBC. He is an MP in a pro-Western party. The party is called Udar, which translates as “Punch”, but actually stands for Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reforms. He said the final decision about his possible candidacy would be made in a few months’ time, “after a discussion with civil society in Ukraine”. “My main goal is for Ukraine to be a European, modern country with European standards of life. I will decide with people who have the same vision, the same dream, to go into politics and from the inside to change the situation,” he said. Could that be a campaign speech for a would-be president? “No fight, no win,” he replied with a smile. It is easy to see why his political opponents might be worried. Two metres tall (6ft 7in), he is a national celebrity who towers over almost everyone he meets, but still everyone wants to meet him. Klitschko has had a long-standing interest in politics, previously running for mayor of Kiev. He has spoken out against corruption in the country and the jailing of Yulia Tymoshenko. The former Ukrainian prime minister was

Vitali Klitschko wants Ukraine to be a more democratic country.

imprisoned for “abuse of office” - a charge that her supporters claim was politically motivated. “We can’t be a democratic country with political prisoners,” he says. Klitschko is also pushing to strengthen Ukraine’s links with the EU. “We see our future in the European family. We are European with our mentality, with our history,” he says. Tensions with Russia Ukraine is hoping to sign off on a political association and free trade pact with the EU in Vilnius in November. But Russian officials have warned against it. Already this month Russia was accused of temporarily imposing extra customs checks on Ukrainian imports. “Russia wants to prevent the

signing of an agreement between Ukraine and the EU,” states Klitschko. He insists that Russian threats of economic sanctions are a breach of World Trade Organization rules. “We have to build a good friendly relationship with all our neighbours.” And what of his boxing career? Despite the ambitious move into politics, he insists it is not an end to his days in the ring. “Sport stays in my heart,” he says. Currently recovering from a hand injury, Klitschko knows he’ll need to be fully fit to take on his political opponents. “Ukrainian politics doesn’t have rules,” he muses: “it’s not like boxing”. (BBC)

Azarenka into semis with straight-sets win Second seed Victoria Azarenka remains on course for a return to the US Open final after beating Daniela Hantuchova in the last eight at Flushing Meadows. The 2012 runner-up needed only an hour and 16 minutes to win 6-2 6-3 and set up a semi-final meeting with Italy’s Flavia Pennetta. French eighth seed Richard Gasquet earlier held his nerve to beat fourth seed David Ferrer over five sets. He will face second seed Rafael Nadal who thrashed Tommy Robredo 6-0 6-2 6-2. (BBC)

Victoria Azarenka looks set to return to the US Open final.

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Nani signs new five-year contract with Manchester United MANCHESTER United winger Nani has signed a new five-year deal, keeping him at the club until June 2018. Nani, 26, has scored 40 goals in 217 games since joining the Premier League champions from Sporting Lisbon in 2007. During his six-year stay, he has won eight trophies, including four Premier League titles and the Champions League. He said: “Playing at United has been a fantastic experience for me. When I came to the club, I never imagined the success we have enjoyed.” There had been speculation about the Portugal international’s future, after he made only seven Premier League starts in 2012-13. Despite missing most of United’s pre-season schedule with a nose problem, Nani has impressed new Manchester United manager David Moyes enough to be given an extension to his contract, which was due to expire next summer. “I’m really pleased Nani has resigned for the next five years,” the Scot said. “He has great ability and

Tommy Morrison (left) battled with some of the best in the business.

Former WBO heavyweight champion Morrison dead at 44 Nani will stay with Manchester United until 2018.

experience beyond his 26 years. “I’ve been impressed with his approach to training and look forward to working with him in the coming seasons.” Nani came off the substitutes’ bench during Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by Liverpool to make his first competitive appearance under Moyes. He said: “I’m very happy that the new manager has shown this faith

in me and I’m looking forward to helping the team compete for more honours this season.” Nani is on international duty with Portugal, who play a World Cup 2014 qualifier against Northern Ireland on Friday before a friendly with Brazil on Tuesday. United are next in action when they host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, 14 September. (BBC)

FORMER WBO heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison has died at the age of 44 after a lengthy battle with illness. Morrison won the WBO title by outpointing George Foreman in 1993. He also starred alongside Sylvester Stallone in the film Rocky V, playing Tommy ‘The Machine’ Gunn. A spokesman for his long-time promoter and friend Tony Holden’s company, Holden Promotions, said: “We can confirm that Tommy Morrison passed away late on Sunday night.”

No cause of death was given. Morrison tested positive for HIV in a test conducted by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in 1996, bringing an end to his top-level career. He later claimed the test was a ‘false positive’, and returned to the ring for a short comeback in 2007. After turning professional in 1988, Morrison won 29 consecutive bouts before a defeat by fellow American Ray Mercer in 1991. He also lost to Lennox Lewis in 1995, the Briton stopping him in six rounds in Atlantic City. (BBC)

O’Driscoll still resentful over Lions Test omission BRIAN O’Driscoll has acknowledged that he is still resentful towards Warren Gatland for dropping him for the decisive British and Irish Lions Test against Australia in July. The veteran centre played in the first two Tests but was left out of the squad for the 41-16 victory in Brisbane which clinched the series win. “Yeah, there’s resentment of course,” O’Driscoll told Sky Sports. “Is he (Gatland) on the Christmas card list? Unlikely.” O’Driscoll, 34, was widely expected to be named captain for the Brisbane game in the absence of skipper Sam Warburton, who was injured during the second Test on 29 June. Instead, Gatland omitted the Irishman from the squad entirely. The Ireland star, who will retire at the end of the 2013/14 season, was taking part in his fourth Lions tour but was left out as Gatland instead plumped for the Welsh centre pair of Jonathan Davies and Jamie Roberts. The decision caused uproar in Irish rugby circles although the Lions’s thumping win in Brisbane led many to conclude the Gatland’s selection had been vindicated. However, O’Driscoll has made clear his continuing unhappiness

Michael Beasley has struggled on and off the court.

Suns release Beasley after problems on and off court

Brian O’Driscoll still feels anger towards Warren Gatland for dropping him.

about his omission from the crunch game. “When you’re left with disappointment that way, you can’t but feel a little bit of resentment,” he added. “People will say the decision was justified because of the results and the performance. “The way the team played I felt within the 13 jersey that I might have been able to do a decent job within

that part of the team the way they played in that game. “That’s absolutely not taking anything away from Jonathan’s performance, I thought he was pretty good that day, made some big plays at important times. “But I guess it comes back to you backing yourself, feeling you too could have done some things that maybe others didn’t do on the day.” (BBC)

THE Phoenix Suns have officially released former 2008 second-overall draft pick Michael Beasley, the organization announced, ending a tumultuous year where Beasley struggled on the court, feuded with coaches and got into trouble off the court. The latest incident, when Beasley was arrested on suspicion of marijuana possession in August, led to the Suns’ decision to part ways with him after the first season of a three-year contract. “The Suns were devoted to Michael Beasley’s success in Phoenix,” Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby said in a press release. “However, it is essential that we demand the highest standards of personal and professional conduct as we develop a championship culture. Today’s action reflects our commitment to those

standards. The timing and nature of this, and all of our transactions, are based on the judgment of our Basketball leadership as to how best to achieve our singular goal of rebuilding an elite team.” Suns general manager Ryan McDonough previously mentioned that a “resolution” regarding Beasley’s future with the organization would come “soon.” Beasley agreeing to a buyout for less than the remaining $9 million in guaranteed salary over the final two years of his contract, reports John Gambadoro of KTAR Phoenix. The Suns cleared $5.6 million in salary when they traded Caron Butler to the Milwaukee Bucks, softening the blow of cutting ties to Beasley who averaged 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in his first -- and only -- season with the organization.

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Real Madrid unveil Gareth Bale at Bernabeu England will first look to qualify for the World Cup finals.

FA boss Dyke plays down England hopes at 2014 World Cup ENGLAND’S Football Association chairman Greg Dyke does not expect England to win the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Dyke told a conference in London on Wednesday that the national team should aim to reach the Euro 2020 semi-finals and win the World Cup in 2022. On Thursday, he told the BBC’s Today programme: “It doesn’t mean we can’t do well in Brazil as long as we qualify.” But he added: “I don’t think anyone realistically thinks we are going to win the World Cup in Brazil.” England face a crucial few days as they attempt to qualify for the 2014 World Cup. Roy Hodgson’s team, who were

eliminated at the quarter-final stage in Euro 2012, play Moldova at Wembley on Friday - a team they beat 5-0 in the away fixture last year - then face Ukraine in Kiev on Tuesday. England are currently second in Group H, two points behind Montenegro, who have played a game more. Dyke, who took over as FA chairman from David Bernstein in July, is confident England will qualify for Brazil but is keen to stress it will be difficult for the team to succeed in South America. “I asked a bunch of journalists what would be seen as doing well in Brazil,” Dyke told BBC Sport. “The consensus was if we reach the quarter-finals we’ll do very well.

REAL Madrid Football Club has unveiled world-record transfer signing Gareth Bale to thousands of fans inside the Bernabeu Stadium. The former Tottenham Hotspur winger, who cost the Spanish giants a reported $132 million (£85 million), was officially welcomed by Real Madrid President Florentino Perez at a press conference on Monday. The 24-year-old said it was “absolutely amazing” to have joined the Spanish giants adding he hoped to help the team to success and win a 10th European Cup this season. A suited Bale then changed into his new kit before stepping out on to the pitch to greet hoards of adoring Madrid fans. Earlier, Perez praised the Welsh Intenational who has been named Footballer of the Year in England twice and scored 26 goals in 44 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur last season. “We are in this temple of Real Madrid to incorporate a new man who knows very clearly what are the values of this club,” Perez said. “A man who has been chosen as the best player in the Premier League last season. A young footballer but with great qualities, committed to the sport and whose dream has been to be a Real Madrid player.

Gareth Bale and Real Madrid President Florentino Perez pose for photographers at the Bernabeu Stadium on Monday.

“Gareth you are going to help us to make the legend of this club even greater and stronger. This is your stadium, your shirt, your badge and your fans. From today this is your home.” The Welshman passed a medical on Monday morning with flying colors according to the head of Real Madrid’s medical team, Carlos Diez. “As always, we follow a protocol and we have done all the investigations and all the cardiorespiratory and biomechanical studies and the truth is that he is in excellent physical condition and

available for the coaching staff when they see fit.,” Diez said in a statement on the Real Madrid website. “I highlight the physical condition he is in. He arrives at the club a physical marvel and we think he will serve the club well,” he added. Bale’s unveiling at the Bernabeu concludes this summer’s most high profile and protracted transfer saga. The Welshman has made no secret of his desire to join Madrid admitting it was a “dream come true” on Tottenham Hotspur’s website on Sunday.

Durham top County Championship after win Serena Williams has been in tremendous form and is the favourite to take the title.

Serena Williams smashes her way into U.S. Open semifinals SERENA Williams underlined her status as the overwhelming favorite for the women’s U.S. Open title with a crushing “double bagel” win over Carla Suarez Navarro in the quarterfinals of the New York grand slam. The defending champion, bidding for a fifth singles triumph at Flushing Meadows, beat the Spanish world No. 20 6-0 6-0 to become the first woman since Martina Navratilova in 1989 to win a women’s U.S. Open quarterfinal without losing a game.

“I played well -- I played really well,” world No. 1 Williams told the WTA’s official website. “I was just more focused than anything. “I like to believe there is always room for improvement though. I haven’t really thought about it yet, but off the bat, I think it was very difficult to hit a big serve today because of the winds, and I didn’t get my serve up as much as I wanted to. But I don’t know. I do think I definitely played well tonight.” (CNN)

DURHAM moved to the top of the County Championship with a resounding 185-run win over Sussex at Chester-le-Street. Phil Mustard struck 73 to help take Durham’s lead beyond 400, prompting captain Paul Collingwood to declare on 245-8 just 40 minutes into day three. It left an under-strength Sussex side to face a remote target of 403. Chris Nash scored 38 as they reached 52-1, but Mitch Claydon, Graham Onions and Usman Arshad took three wickets each as Sussex totalled 116. The win put Durham 14.5 points clear of second-placed Yorkshire at the top of Division One, with both sides having three matches still to play. Durham had looked strong favourites at the start of the day, resuming on 212-6 with a lead of 345, but with heavy rain forecast throughout Friday a quick declaration was likely to be their best chance of victory. Mustard, Arshad (34) and Claydon

Durham celebrate the fall of a wicket.

(12) all contributed as Durham’s lead stretched past 400 and, having bowled Sussex out for only 112 in the first innings, Collingwood opted to put the visitors in to bat again. Scott Borthwick caught Luke Wells off the bowling of Onions (338) just three balls into the innings, before Nash and Michael Yardy (25) shared 48 to frustrate the hosts. But Claydon (3-31) trapped both

Nash and Yardy in front and then had Rory Hamilton-Brown caught behind to shift the momentum firmly back in Durham’s favour. Arshad (3-18) tore through the Sussex middle order and, although Steve Magoffin offered some resistance with 20 off 16 balls, Onions had Hatchett caught by Borthwick to secure Durham’s third win in a row. (BBC)

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September 7 - 13, 2013

Kia Katz have won nine of their last 10 games after an opening defeat to rivals Rulay.

Provo Fast Pitch Softball League:

Female playoff finalists determined

WITH just one game left in the regular season of the Provo Fast Pitch Softball League female division, Kia Katz are ahead of rivals Rulay in the rankings. The two teams have one more encounter before they advance to the playoff series. If Kia

Katz win that game they will stay on top, while a Rulay victory can result in both teams tying on points before the second leg of the league. Kia Katz lost their opening clash against Rulay 7-9, but bounced back to a 13-1 win in their next playing

game against the same team. That victory propelled them to a 9-1 run. With two losses and nine wins the Katz are just ahead of Rulay who have eight wins and three losses. Flyers are third while the Predators are fourth.

Grand Turk Connection

One of two Grand Turk players in the Centre of Excellence (COE) U-15 Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; team, Jose Elcius, was instrumental for the home team in their recent wins over the visiting Manhattan Boca Soccer Club. (Photo by: Valerie Quintana)

Josh for Sports

Warming up properly hand is on the hip. Hold this position for a few seconds then reverse the hands and lean to the other side. This exercise will help to loosen the arm, shoulder and rib cage muscles.

Continued from last week:

THE SPLIT STRETCH With the feet spread open sideways, widely and held straight, bend at the waist and touch your left hand to the right toe; alternate with the right hand touching the left toe. SIDE STRETCHES Simply put one hand on the hip and hold the other over the head with the arm bent at the elbow. Now lean to the side where the

By Joshua Gardiner

HAMSTRING Now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to really loosen the muscles. Every athlete needs to loosen the hamstring which is that muscle at the back of the thigh. If this muscle is pulled the runner can be out of competition for an indefinite period of time, depending

on the severity of the damage. BASIC To begin to stretch the hamstring an athlete finds a bar or a bench above the waist height. He then places one leg on the support, keeping it straight. Bending the other at the knee just slightly, he leans forward slowly over the leg on the support. As the runner slides his hands down his lifted leg towards his foot he will feel the hamstring muscle stretch. After holding that position for

10 seconds he should straighten up slowly. Then, he should reverse his legs and repeat the exercise. This should be done at least five times with each leg, but it should not be done to the point of pain or discomfort. The more it is done the looser the muscle should become, then it should be easier to bend over further and slide the hands right down over the foot. CONTINUE NEXT WEEK

September 7 - 13, 2013

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Germain puts athletic career on hold to pursue dentistry FORMER national sprinter Deangelo Germain has forsaken athletics, at least for the next two years, to focus his attention solely on academics. The youngster who recently graduated from Munro College started his tertiary education this week at the University of Technology (Utech) in Jamaica where he is majoring in dentistry. Plagued by injuries over the last few years (back, knee and then hamstring), the gifted and humble athlete has had to settle in the shadows of Delano Williams and Ifeanyi Otuonye and later Angelo Garland while at Munro College. Instead of pushing himself too much, he refocused his energy on his education and has gained a full TCI

government scholarship. AMBITIOUS “Turks and Caicos is an island of opportunity and I don’t only want to add to its diverse levels of opportunity, but I also want to make sure that this quality is one of paramount calibre that reflects the resilience and intelligence of our people. I have done my research and it has made limpid the fact that dentistry in Turks and Caicos is of paucity and the country “imports” most of its medical personnel.” INJURIES It was not easy for Germain over the last few years and he pointed out that since 2010 he has not been injury free.

“Let’s just say that I’m very bad lucky…the only year that I was at my best was 2010 when I ran the third leg in the Class 2 4X400M relay.” Munro won gold in that race. His personal best of 50.4s in the 400M and his best in the 800M (2.01m) were both achieved around that time. Instead of making a push athletically, injuries held him back. He admitted that he felt both physical and emotional pain during this period of time. “I am not lying, as a teenager this here is a very big commitment and it is not easy to do both school and sports. It is like we barely have a life of our own,” the youngster had told the Weekly News. With injuries plaguing a possible

Former national sprinter Deangelo Germain is totally focused on his university education.

athletic career and his grades dropping, Germain made the needed sacrifice and pushed in all-nighters to get himself exam ready. In the end it

has paid off, he is now solidly set in his pursue of dentistry, but still hopes that one day he will be competitive again athletically.

Visiting rugby star to hold training session in North Caicos and Provo

NORTH Caicos rugby players will get a chance to benefit from the experience of one of the fiercest scrummagers the rugby world has ever known. When the former English Rugby prop Victor Ubogu visits these shores for the annual President’s Dinner he will take some time to impart his knowledge on the scrum to the budding and seasoned TCI players through training sessions in Providenciales (while a guest at the Regent Grant) and in North Caicos (as a guest at Parrot Cay). In Providenciales Ubogu will hold two training sessions, one for the TCI Women’s side and the other for the TCI U-19 and senior Men’s sides. Information from the TCIRFU states that the former international superstar is: “Excited about getting down to the Caribbean and enjoying some of the famous hospitality on show.” Originally from Nigeria, Obogu migrated to the UK and made his way into the English side where he played in the 1995 and 1999 Rugby World Cups. The Weekly News joins the rest of the TCI in welcome this great rugby player to our shores.

Victor Ubogu is expected to be the guest speaker at this year’s President’s Dinner.

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LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos

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September 7 - 13, 2013