Weekly News Volume 26 | No. 24 | June 16 - 22, 2012
Price $1.00
Turks and Caicos
FOR ADVERTISING CONTACT:
NEW PUZZLE
BEGINS
tcnews@tciway.tc
NEXT WEEK IN THE
T urks and C aicos
Weekly News PUZZLE trivia
Nothing will the national newspaper of the turks and caicos islands
ON THE WEB tcweeklynews.com
SEE PAGE 24
stop elections – Bellingham – Voters to go to the polls on November 9th
THE date for the Turks and Caicos Islands’ return to democratic rule has been set for November 9, but an untrusting local population still harbours the concern that democracy might elude the country. PAGE 5 Bearer of good tidings, Mr Henry Bellingham, assures that elections will happen in November
inside
Independence is up to the people – Bellingham says decision makers must be realistic
INDEPENDENCE for the Turks and Caicos Islands is up to the people, according to ... PAGE 4
Provo Water Company shares to go for $7.5m
Leaders of TCI’s political parties, from left, Dr Rufus Ewing and Mr Derek Taylor at Tuesday’s press conference that addressed the substantial reforms accomplished to allow return to democratic rule
THE Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) has agreed to sell its minority 46 per cent ... PAGE
4
2
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
June 16 - 22, 2012
June 16 - 22, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
3
4
NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
June 16 - 22, 2012
Independence is up to the people Overseas Territories include Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Montserrat. Bellingham stressed that the future of the people is in their own hands.
– Bellingham says decision makers must be realistic By Vanessa Narine INDEPENDENCE for the Turks and Caicos Islands is up to the people, according to Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Mr Henry Bellingham. There has been much talk about an independent TCI by local politicians and Progressive National Party (PNP) leader, Dr Rufus Ewing, last week confirmed that independence will be a part of his platform going forward. An independent TCI is appealing for many TC Islanders who are disgruntled with the Brits after three years of interim administration rule. Bellingham, in an interview with the Weekly News, acknowledged the people’s sense of dissatisfaction, but noted that the decisions made by the interim administration were in the interests of a better TCI in the longterm. “We have had to make some tough decision so I can understand the interim administration was somewhat unpopular,” he said. The Under Secretary noted that these decisions are what will allow the new TCI Government to take over a very strong position, with a reformed public service, a budget surplus and a new constitution. ESTABLISHED ROUTE He said the new constitution sets out clearly what needs to be done if the TCI people decide they want to be an independent nation. “There is a well-established framework in the constitution for the TCI people to have selfdetermination,” Bellingham said. However, he stressed the need for decision makers to be realistic. He said, “It will have to be a transition to have home rule, we have elections coming up and that is
one step toward what is looking to be a bright future for the TCI.” The Under Secretary added that the United Kingdom government in their White Paper, which will be published shortly, shows commitment to its territories. Bellingham said, “We will invest in our territories to make our partnership a true reality. “We want to give the territories a bankable proposition, for example, so that when they go into the capital markets they have all the support, partnership and protection they need. “We believe that the Overseas Territories benefit a great deal from the UK, it is a mutually beneficial partnership. “But we also make it clear in the White Paper that the future of the people is in their own hands and so we believe in self-determination, we are not neutral on this.” According to him, once there is a majority vote in Parliament, a referendum will follow and independence will be granted to the TCI because it is the wish of the people. He said, “It is very simple, the people of the TCI, if they want independence it is up to them, selfdetermination means exactly that.” CHECKS AND BALANCE Until then, Bellingham maintained that there will be some checks and balances in place to support good governance and accountability, for example with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) ordinance. Having a CFO appointed by the UK was one of the conditions set by the UK government in the provision of the $260m loan guarantee, which was agreed on in 2010. Without the guarantee, it would not have been possible for TCIG to access the funding it needed to function and to provide public
Published by Turks & Caicos News Company Ltd. Cheshire House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales P.O. Box 52, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI W. Blythe Duncanson – Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Faizool Deo – Sports Samantha Dash-Rigby – Court Cord Garrido-Lowe – Graphics/Production Editor Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams – Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@yahoo.com, tcweeklynews@gmail.com (Talk Back) tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com
Mr Henry Bellingham
services. The agreement allows for the CFO to be retained for as long as any UK loan guarantee is in force currently up to 2016. The Under Secretary said once the loan is repaid and the guarantee is no longer needed a UK appointed CFO will no longer be a condition, a fact corroborated by the current CFO, Mr Hugh McGarel-Groves. Bellingham said, “Working together we can achieve a great deal... the future is very bright for the TCI.” Asked if the UK wanted to retain control of not only the TCI, but also the five other British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean, he reiterated that the UK supports selfdetermination. Along with the TCI, the other
NOT READY Retired politician and former PNP Leader, Mr Daniel Malcolm, maintained that this is a future that the TCI is not ready for. “Self-determination is where the government and the people of TCI, and other territories like us, make advances toward greater political, social and cultural determination or say within the framework of their own situation,” he said. Malcolm contended that the Turks and Caicos Islands is much too young for independence, but noted that achieving a measure of selfdetermination is a move in the right direction. He said, “We are at least 10 years away from being ready for independence…we must develop our country and our people so that when we move to independence we will do so from a position of strength.” According to him, the ultimate goal of decolonisation is independence, but there are other options that can be looked at on that road, such route taken by Bermuda. Bermuda is a self-governing British overseas territory in the
western North Atlantic Ocean. The original system of government was created under the Virginia Company, which colonised Bermuda, accidentally in 1609, and deliberately from 1612. The country’s 1968 Constitution provided the island with formal responsibility for internal selfgovernment, while the British Government retained responsibility for external affairs, defence, and security. The Bermudian Government is always consulted on any international negotiations affecting the territory. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Parliament. Currently, most of the Overseas Territories have a House of Assembly, Legislative Assembly (Cayman Islands), or Legislative Council (Montserrat) with political parties. The Executive Council is usually called a cabinet and is led by a Premier or a Chief Minister (in Anguilla), who is the leader of the majority party in parliament. The Governor exercises less power over local affairs and deals mostly with foreign affairs and economic issues, while the elected government controls most ‘domestic’ concerns. Malcolm maintained that the road ahead will be a long one, but with the right expertise and strategic moves, the TCI will be in a position of strength when the time comes for it to take its place as a nation independent of the UK.
Provo Water Company shares to go for $7.5m – Governor says monies will go towards paying debts THE Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) has agreed to sell its minority 46 per cent shareholding in the Provo Water Company for $7.5m to the majority shareholder, Turks and Caicos Water Company this week. The sale is planned to proceed on June 15, subject to legal agreement. The announcement that came on Monday has drawn criticism, but Governor Ric Todd maintained that selling the minority stake in Provo Water, will allow TCIG to pay down its debts. He said, “This will allow us to pay down our debt, build up reserves for the future and focus public spending on key priorities.” The sale of what has been described an “unproductive minority stake” in Provo Water is expected to reduce TCIG’s annual interest bill on its debt, allowing more of its recurrent income to be invested into key priorities such as health, education, maintenance and capital. The Governor also underlined the TCIG’s stated intention to address the water supply issues on Grand Turk, South Caicos and Salt Cay. Todd pointed out that the
2012/2013 budget has set aside $1.3m for immediate work in this area. Reports are that TCIG has held its stake in the company since the 1990s and has received no dividend due to the level of capital investment made by the company. The administration determined that this minority shareholding was an idle asset, delivering no value to the taxpayer after two decades of involvement. Hence, the decision was made to convert the investment into cash for infrastructure improvements elsewhere in the TCI. According to TCIG, the agreed price, based on a valuation by Castalia LLC takes into account realistic future cash flows through to 2031, factoring in population growth, including a terminal asset value. TCIG’s Chief Executive, Mr Patrick Boyle noted that the government’s role as a shareholder in the water supply company on Providenciales is also at odds with its role as a water regulator. He said, “The government can now better assume its proper
role, ensuring consumer rights are protected rather than attempting to increase profits to maximise its return.” Following the sale TCIG is expected to focus on strengthening its responsibility of regulating the water sector, and has built consumer and taxpayer protections into the deal: 1) Consumer protection – a new regulatory framework is being established to provide additional governance over the water sector with a revised selling price formula, formalised review periods and enhanced quality control mechanisms. 2) Windfall – should Turks and Caicos Water Company sell Provo Water Company within 10 years, TCIG would receive a share of this windfall profit, assuming the value of the shares had increased during this period. Boyle said, “Government has a duty to ensure that all of its assets are used to create the best value for the taxpayer…it is better to realise these monies and put them to good use than for our investment to remain idle.”
June 16 - 22, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS
5
Nothing will stop TCI elections – Bellingham – Voters to go to the polls on November 9th
By Vanessa Narine THE date for the Turks and Caicos Islands’ return to democratic rule has been set for November 9, but an untrusting local population still harbours the concern that democracy might elude the country. However, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Mr Henry Bellingham, gave his assurance on Tuesday that there is nothing foreseeable that will delay elections and a return to democratic rule. He said, “I cannot envisage anything that could stop the elections from happening…it would require quite extraordinary events, manmade or natural, to stop the elections.” The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mr William Hague, announced the date for TCI’s elections on Tuesday morning. He judged that there had been sufficient progress against the eight milestones and on putting in place robust financial controls. Hague said, “The UK believes that democracy, whether in an independent country or in an Overseas Territory, provides a solid foundation on which to build an accountable and responsive state. “This belief underpins our work to advance democracy worldwide. We will support TCI to develop its democracy in line with our responsibility for security and good governance and our positive vision for our Overseas Territories.” On Tuesday at a press conference at the Regent Palms, Bellingham noted that the new TCI constitution will be put into effect on October 15 and, as per law, elections will follow 30 days after on Monday, November 9. SUBSTANTIAL REFORMS The Under Secretary, who was here for a two-day visit, maintained that there have been substantial reforms in the past three years. Three years ago, Sir Robin Auld’s Commission of Inquiry identified a high probability of systemic corruption in government and the legislature and among public officers in TCI. This led the country to suspend ministerial government and set eight milestones for elections and a return to democratic government.
The eight milestones are: • Milestone 1 – Implementation of a new TCI Constitution Order, in support of recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry, which underpins good governance and sound public financial management. • Milestone 2 – Introduction of a number of new ordinances, including those making provision for: i) the electoral process and regulation of political parties; ii) integrity and accountability in public life; iii) public financial management. • Milestone 3 – Establishment of robust and transparent public financial management processes to provide a stable economic environment and a strengthening of the TCI Government's capacity to manage its public finances. • Milestone 4 – Implementation of budget measures to put the TCI Government on track to achieve a fiscal surplus in the financial year ending March 2013. • Milestone 5 – Implementation of a transparent and fair process for acquisition of Turks & Caicos Islander status. • Milestone 6 – Significant progress with the civil and criminal process recommended by the Commission of Inquiry, and implementation of measures to enable these to continue unimpeded. • Milestone 7 – Implementation of a new Crown land policy. • Milestone 8 – Substantial progress in the reform of the Public Service. According to Bellingham, seven of the eight milestones have been met, with the exception being completed implementation of budget measures to put the TCI Government on track to achieve a fiscal surplus. The Under Secretary noted that Public Financial Management (PFM) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) ordinances increase confidence that the budgeted surplus will be achieved. He added that the TCI has come a long way, moving away from the challenging fiscal trajectory it was on to one that is more stable and augurs well for the future. HOLD POLITICIANS ACCOUNTABLE Bellingham stressed that this is
the time for TC Islanders to look forward, adding that in doing so the people must hold their politicians accountable. He made it clear that the UK is committed to supporting efforts that ensure there is no repeat of the corruption and maladministration that caused the TCI’s downward spiral. The Under Secretary added that the UK will soon be publishing a White Paper that addresses its relationship with British Overseas Territories and the way forward. According to him, the Overseas Territories benefit from the UK and vice versa. He pointed for realism to prevail in going forward, giving the challenging times in which countries are struggling, given the impact of the global economic crisis on the world over. Bellingham maintained that there is much work to be done and an incoming elected government will have many issues to address, but given the success with the milestones,
the incoming government will be taking over a country with a stable financial position. The Under Secretary pledged the continued support of the UK in the form of technical assistance, in addition to the $260m loan guarantee that has enabled the TCI to get back on track financially. He said UK wishes to advance its relations with the territories from a base of mutual respect. NEXT STEP Over the next few months, in the run up to elections, the interim government is expected to continue with the implementation and consolidation of reforms, in particular to strengthen the public sector, improve public services and public finances, develop the economy, modernise legislation and make practical preparations to enable the elections to take place. In an invited comment Governor Ric Todd said, “The interim administration will continue to run the country, improve public service
and consolidate the reforms we have made.” He noted that looking forward, elected leaders will have to present their manifestos to the people, who will choose their leaders and take the TCI to another stage in its development. “This is a continued process as we continue work on the milestones and consolidate the successes we have had…also important is to carry on working with political leaders and what they want to do and make available TCI’s government team, the Permanent Secretaries, to talk through their manifestos and how it can be implemented,” Todd said. The Governor stressed that working together is the only way forward and is in the best interests of the people. Todd said, “When I came here I said my key aim was to meet the milestones for elections to be held and it is indeed a happy moment for all of us…the interim administration will work with political leaders as we head toward elections.”
Leaders on Elections Political leaders confident about going forward
THE two leaders of TCI’s major political parties expressed confidence in going forward. People’s Democratic Movement leader, Mr. Derek Taylor, told the Weekly News that he was confident that the date for elections could not go beyond 2012. Progressive National Party (PNP) leader, Dr. Rufus Ewing, in an invited comment said, “I am happy that the date is set. “There are still some questions to be asked on legislations to be passed, for example, the elections ordinance, which will inform us on how to ready ourselves for the elections. The most we can do right now is look at drafts and put systems in place in the interim.” Ewing added that the major concern after the elections will be the powers of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
PDM leader Mr. Derek Taylor
PNP leader Dr. Rufus Ewing
“We will have issues when key projects and policy decisions to be made and cannot do so because if we differ with CFO,” he said. The PNP Leader noted that he is glad to know that once the loan guarantee is no longer needed the UK appointed CFO will go. “What we need is to work on a plan to remove the guarantee. If we can fast track this then we will work on that,” he said. However, Ewing acknowledged the need to move forward on the
right note. He said, “We have to start off on the right foot and must work together in good faith, not in an antagonistic way. “If there is a disagreement then we can come to the table and negotiate in the best interest of the people.” The PNP leader maintained that in moving forward the importance of dialogue must not be underestimated in the interest of moving TCI forward. (VANESSA NARINE)
6
June 16 - 22, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
A Weekly News column that puts you on the spot for your opinions on the issues of the day
The next step…
PARLIAMENTARY Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Henry Bellingham, on Tuesday set the date for elections and TCI's return to democracy. Bellingham said there has been significant progress on the milestones with seven of the eight targets met and added that there is much work to be done to improve the economic reality of the TCI. What are your thoughts?
Will elections bring relief? I was so busy trying to make ends meet I forgot
what the milestones are. What matters to the average man and woman now is whether or not there will be relief with an elected government. When all the debts are paid off and under control, will there be a roll back in some of these taxes and will price control ever be introduced when VAT comes into place? The issues affecting the everyday life of TC Islanders should be the focus of an elected government.
All hopes pinned on elections The hopes of TC Islanders are largely pinned
on the upcoming elections, after being put in the predicament it found itself by the PNP administration and being further disappointed by the Interim Administration. Although the Brits put proper systems of governance in place and brought financial stability to the TCI, the Interim Administration failed to address the issues that affected the lives of the average person on a daily basis. The political parties have yet to prove themselves worthy to the people. The PNP cannot campaign on changing the image of the party, even if they have honest and genuinely interested people leading it, because all that does is remind the people of the corruption
that landed TCI in the mess it was in the first place. What the PNP needs to do is to ensure that they address the social ills that affect the people and prove itself as a party that will make lives better for TC Islanders. The PDM on the other hand, needs to prove to the people that they are not the outdated political machinery that many consider them and produce a serious leadership team, not some of the young inexperienced persons they have been touting as the new faces of the PDM. The PDM did bring TCI back on track, but they did that years ago in a much different economic situation, more importantly not at a time when the world was facing a financial crisis. At the end of the day the manifestos of both parties need to reflect the concerns of the people, not unrealistic dreams they tout because people have had enough cheap talk. The November election is the chance for change and the political parties vying for the people’s support need to produce a plan to advance the change that supports growth in the economy and better lives for the people, as well as ensures continued good governance that will prevent a return to the past. TC Islanders need visionary and realistic leaders, not leaders, for example, who jump too quickly to talk about independence just for the sake of talking, because the Brits will give TCI its independence and then watch the country fall flat on its face. Not to say that independence is bad, but that everything comes in due course. Change is needed, but it should not be rushed; rather it must be carefully planned – a plan that is reflected in the manifesto that is brought to the people. The hopes of most all TC Islanders are pinned on these elections and for the sake
of the people our politicians must use this opportunity wisely – advance the interests of the people and, by extension, the country. We need change that counts!
Filling the political void After over three years of British rule, a political
void has been left in its wake. With the PNP speaking of independence as the number one priority, they are getting no traction. The grand old Grand Turk party has put in place the former failure who lost out to the three person opposition which took the government down in less than one year. After that the current leader and the wannabe leader failed for years. They and their chairman have thrown so many people under the bus one wonders who will survive or want to associate themselves with the recycled loser party. The voter registration is so slow it reflects the fact only a few care. We understand 2,500 have registered and it looks like that is about the same number of people who want to run for election so they can feed off the new taxes with fat salaries. With prosecutor Helen getting ready for round two and having said there will be at least 50 charged everyone is looking for the next 37. Just maybe the goal of an election date will provide the semi-honest party the energy to make enough right choices to win, but not with the reformed reverend or the civil servant. The best Prime Ministers in modern history were Britain’s Mrs Thatcher, the best EU PM is Mrs.Merkel and the best Israeli PM was Golda Mier. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson anyone?
Elections the beginning of the challenge The TCI is now challenged to find its way out of
this economic debacle in so many major and far reaching and transformative ways. The interim government is now trying to impose VAT, an unworkable, unsustainable system of taxation designed to bankrupt the economy. The new government should now declare that on election VAT will be removed.
It is interesting to learn that there will be less than 6,000 persons on the register of electors because many illegal registrants and nonBelongers must now be removed. Early indications from the census will reveal that there are less than 36,000 people living in the TCI and the number may be closer to 28,000. The next government must be advised to pay off the $260m loan guarantee and to have the British government agree that as soon as the guarantee is released the office of CFO will be removed from the constitution. Crown land must be returned to ministerial control. There should be a litmus test on who can run in elections and silly people who make vapid, weak, bad and ill though out decisions should be banned. These islands are set back 20 years because of the last government and the interim government has done another 20 years of setting the islands back. The people are challenged to emerge from petty, silly, primitive political activity encouraged by local politicians who have shown they are in the past, captives of developers. The new government must resist bribes and inducements that will enable ministers to sell the people out. The challenge is set to diversify the economy, build the community college, institute a sustainable energy policy, abolish the electrical monopoly, reduce electrical and fuel generating costs, allocate scholarships, develop infrastructure and move the TCI forward.
Same old
Which party will promise to revoke the VAT? That is the most pressing concern in TCI right now. Considering neither party actually seems to have a platform, looks like same ol’, same ol’.
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
Digicel opens branch in North Caicos DIGICEL, the fastest growing mobile telecommunications company in the Caribbean, opened another branch in North Caicos community. CEO of Digicel TCI Mr. EJ Saunders stated in his remarks that Digicel was the first telecommunications company to lead the way to North Caicos. “Digicel believes in the citizens of North and Middle” said Saunders. Digicel has had smaller stores on the island of North Caicos in previous years however this new branch in has cost an estimated amount of $100,000.00.
Saunders noted that the investment will serve the North and Middle well. The store is fully equipped with the latest technological innovations along with wifi to allow residents of the island to surf the internet free. Residents will now have the opportunity to purchase phones, pay their bills, top up and much more without having to travel to Providenciales. Head of Marketing Mrs. Ava Fulford moved on to describe Digicel’s launch in North Caicos as a gift to the community. Digicel also supported the Adelaide Oemler Primary, Hubert
James Primary and adopted the Doris Robinson Primary School – in North and Middle Caicos. Since adopting the Doris Robinson Primary in Middle Caicos Digicel has created a hot lunch programme geared towards providing meals for students on a daily basis. Corporate sales executive, Denniser Forbes said, “ I am happy to see Digicel open a branch here in my home town North Caicos…I believe it will be very beneficial to the community and it also shows that the people of North and Middle is indeed important to us here at Digicel”.
Digicel TCI CEO Mr. EJ Saunders assiting a resident during the cutting of the ribbon
June 16 - 22, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS
7
Anti-VAT group counters with Red Paper
By Vanessa Narine
THE unnamed anti-VAT group protesting the implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT) this week advanced their protest by making public their Red Paper. According to the group, the Green Paper on VAT gives no clear answers; rather the Implementation Team gives promises of more details in a White Paper. The Red Paper argues the disadvantages of VAT, citing 18 reasons why the new tax regime should not be implemented. Primary among these are that: 1. Prices will go up as a result of VAT: • VAT will tax services and labor that are currently tax free and duty free • VAT adds administrative overhead for all businesses and thus increases the cost of doing business in TCI. • Prices for accounting services will increase both through direct VAT taxation of these services and because of bottleneck situations (limited number of accountants will be hired by many more businesses at the same time of the
year), further adding to overhead costs. • These additional costs will be passed on to the consumer in the form of price increases. TCIG states it will lower import duties to compensate for the taxation, however services and labor do not benefit from duty reduction and thus prices will increase by at least the full VAT percentage. Further TCIG fails to account for increased overhead and accounting costs that will result in a net increase of all prices across all sectors. 2. VAT disadvantages the poor. • VAT-induced price increases will be passed on to all consumers, and the poor in our society will be hit the hardest since they have less disposable income at hand to pay for the increased prices. The standard of living for the poor will decline the most as a result of VAT. 3. VAT effectively taxes the local TCI labor market, which is already in distress. • TCIG states explicitly that they intend to use VAT to tax businesses in the service industry, especially those that provide
services in the form of labor. By taxing the TCI service industry and by taxing TCI labor, both will become less competitive. Increased prices for locally provided services and labor will lead to increased outsourcing of these jobs to countries with lower costs and taxation levels. This will affect highly qualified jobs such as accounting, architecture, design, jewelers, financial services, marketing, consulting, lawyers and others. VAT will also cause price increases in a broad spectrum of labor markets, such as the declining construction industry, carpenters, jobs in the repair and maintenance of goods that can be shipped abroad. Any job currently done in the TCI will become more expensive and less competitive than the same job abroad. It is the responsibility of the TCIG to support and protect the local labor market, not to make it less competitive. As a result of VAT implementation, jobs for qualified Belongers and labor jobs will become scarcer than they already are. 4. Private imports will remain VAT free; causing further outsourcing
of jobs and services to neighboring low cost and low tax countries, such has Dominican Republic, Haiti and to some extend the USA. 5. VAT decreases the appeal of the TCI business environment. VAT has detrimental impact on the small business sector, which happens to be the biggest employer in the islands. VAT makes starting up a new business harder and will discourage young people to become entrepreneurs. 6. VAT implementation cost. It will cost TCIG significant amounts of money to implement and then to administer VAT. While some government jobs may be created in the process, the money spent for the implementations would be many times more effective if it was spent for jobs and investment in the education and training of our young people. The Cayman Islands recently ruled out VAT due to unbearable implementation costs. 7. VAT has been rejected by our successful regional peers such as the Bahamas and Cayman Islands. TCIG failed to provide the public with any facts explaining why
VAT will be favorable to TCI when it is detrimental to these countries. 8. No economic justification for VAT: VAT is being marketed by TCIG as a tool to shift taxation from the tourism sector to ‘other sectors’ of our economy, to buoy TCIG’s tax revenues when tourism slows down. However TCIG fails to acknowledge that as a direct result of their policies, there are no ‘other sectors’ left to tax. Virtually all remaining business in the TCI is intertwined with tourism. We suggest TCIG should stimulate the creation and growth of new sectors within our economy before they start taxing them. It is not acceptable to decrease the taxation of the booming tourism sector and burden the remaining economy with additional taxes. The anti-VAT group maintains that the territory should not be burdened with unnecessary governmental or administrative trappings more appropriate for a much larger nation. Up to press time, the group’s petition stop VAT had over 800 signatures, out of the 3,001 that is being targeted.
CFO answers questions on anti-VAT campaign By Vanessa Narine THE Chief Financial Officer (CFO), on Monday, set out to answer questions raised by the unnamed group of anti-VAT campaigners. Mr Hugh McGarel-Groves made it clear that the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) will benefit the country. However, the anti-VAT group is calling for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to delay the scheduled July 13 passing of VAT Bill, until concrete answers can be given to even the most basic questions that plague stakeholders. According to the CFO, introducing VAT in the Turks and Caicos Islands offers the opportunity to further strengthen the country’s fragile recovery by introducing a simpler, equitable and stable source of government revenue. He said, “Given the difficulties endured by the TCI economy since the collapse of the last government, it is in the best interests of the entire community to ensure that government finances are secure and that it can continue to develop expenditure plans in line with local peoples’ priorities – a process already begun in this year’s budget. “VAT is a proven system across the Caribbean. It is straightforward to administer and is beneficial here in that this single form of taxation replaces five different sets of ordinances that both government and business need to keep abreast of.” He acknowledged the questions asked by the anti-VAT campaign, but questioned whether opposition
to VAT was borne from a desire to continue not to pay tax at all in some business sectors.
The CFO and the VAT Implementation Team responded to some of the pressing questions by the anti-VAT campaign, including: 1) Why is the Turks and Caicos introducing VAT? TCIG is in the process of building a simpler and more unified taxation system that will restore and maintain TCIG’s fiscal balance, whilst ensuring more sustainable government revenues. VAT will replace a proliferation of other consumption taxes and as the economy grows, public spending can be increased according to local priorities. By broadening the tax base government revenues will be better protected from fluctuations in tourism, for example. 2) VAT will make the TCI less competitive than other Caribbean destinations. This is not true – this response has been taken from information contained in the VAT Green Paper. TCI will maintain a distinct competitive edge over its competitors in the mainly English speaking Eastern Caribbean. The Green Paper makes clear that the proposed rate of VAT will be between 8.5 per cent and 12 per cent. Further, the preferred target is to set the rate no higher that of TCI Accommodation Tax (11 per cent). Of the 12 Caribbean countries that have introduced VAT, only the Dominican Republic (8 per cent) and
Haiti (10 per cent) have rates below 12 per cent. The majority of the others have set rates between 15 and 17.5 per cent. Barbados, which has set a rate of 17.5 per cent, is also largely dependent on tourism and also has income and property taxes not present in TCI. St Kitts and Nevis, which introduced VAT in 2010 and is arguably the closest economy in size and composition to TCI continues to be increasingly economically successful after the implementation of VAT there. 3) Why is VAT being rushed in only an eight month implementation period, contrary to CARTAC’s twoyear recommendation? This is not true. Preparations for the introduction of VAT were announced and began in the budget address of April 2011 – 24 months ahead of the planned implementation of April 2013. The introduction of VAT has been considered for TCI since at least 2005. Indeed, the 10-year Development Plan at that time recommended the introduction of VAT in preference to other taxes such as income tax and property tax. Further, during the consultation period, the VAT implementation team held 19 separate meetings across the family islands between April 24 and June 8, 2012, meeting with around 300 business and community groups such as the Accountants Association, Bankers Association and Chamber of Commerce. 4) Have sufficient studies
CFO Hugh McGarel-Groves
been done to determine the fiscal needs of TCI’s economy and the impact of the introduction of VAT in TCI? There were four studies/ consultations conducted: a. TCI’s own 10-year Development Plan in 2005; • The Alan Roe Report in 2009/2010, which compared the existing tax system with potential alternative tax systems and recommended VAT as the most appropriate of Property Tax, VAT and Income Tax; • The European Union Report in 2010, which also recommended VAT as the best longer term tax option for TCI; and • The Hutton Report by CARTAC in 2011, which calculated the VAT rate ranges and other parameters as stated in the Green Paper that would be necessary to maintain existing government revenues.
Based on all those studies and consultations with the UK government and the European Union, both of whose financial support TCIG depends on, the decision to implement VAT was announced in the budget address in April 2011. 5) Will TCIG have the capacity to administer VAT? By the time VAT would be introduced in April 2013, the VAT Unit would employ 21 trained and competent staff, together with an even larger group of trained VAT staff within customs. This would see one VAT unit person for every 20 or so VAT registered businesses in TCI (the Green Paper suggests that there will be an initial tranche of 300 to 500 VAT registered businesses). This level of advisors/compliance officers to businesses will assist both in the training and implementation work required before VAT begins in TCI, and also ensures that the Government is in a strong position to collect the revenues due. This team will be brought together and intensively trained, including by Caribbean VAT experts CARTAC, benefitting from a bespoke VAT IT system and then work with the registered businesses to prepare them for the introduction of this simpler VAT system in April 2013. 6) Will businesses will be obligated to strict record keeping requirements? The VAT registration threshold will be high enough to exclude businesses that may have difficulty continued
8
8
NEWS
Governor says Bishop Boyd’s comments not grounded in fact By Vanessa Narine GOVERNOR Ric Todd, this week, responded to Anglican Bishop Laish Boyd, who last week came down hard on the interim administration, addressing what he called ‘concerns of the Anglican flock’. Todd maintained that the Bishop’s statements were not grounded in fact. In a letter to the Bishop, seen by the Weekly News, Todd said, “Your statement also omits relevant pieces of information, such as the consultation on citizenship, and gives incorrect information, such as on university scholarships.” Responding to the criticisms proffered by the Bishop on the 2012/2013 Budget, the Governor pointed out that the financial plan sets out realistic and achievable plans for a small surplus; it contains no tax increases; and it identifies the key priorities for public spending. He said, “You advocate increased public spending, such as on university scholarships and public sector remuneration, while saying that taxes are too high. This is unrealistic. “Many would agree with you that fiscal consolidation and sustainable public finances are incompatible with growth, employment and good public services. Many would not. “This is a subject of much debate across the globe.” Todd added that the priorities are widely supported across the Turks and Caicos Islands, including
June 16 - 22, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Governor Ric Todd
by the Advisory Council and the Consultative Forum, and are schools, health, maintenance and capital. Turning to the public sector reforms, another area that drew the Bishop’s criticism, the Governor noted that talk about a “redundancy programme” was puzzling, as no civil servant was made redundant. He said, “Everyone who left the public sector did so voluntarily on terms negotiated and agreed with the Civil Service Association. “In total 400 people left with around $12m shared between them in compensation. “We still receive regular requests from public servants who want voluntary early severance even
though the scheme is closed. “Previously I urged you to take time to establish the facts and collect a wider range of opinions, including from TCI public servants, for example those involved in the voluntary early severance programme, before reaching conclusions and issuing your statement. Was this done? “If not, an unfortunate result of this is that some of your comments on public sector reform are based on incorrect information and misunderstandings.” Todd stated that it was unfortunate that the statement contained inaccuracies as well as some claims that were simply untrue, such as the statement that public servants have had taken from them benefits to which they were entitled. Another clarification the Governor pointed out was to do with what the Bishop called “disrespect”. Last week Boyd said, “There is the widespread view that in some instances successive Governors and other British officials have shown little respect for the recommendations of the Consultative Forum…This is the epitome of disrespect.” Todd said, “As you are well aware, entirely valid differences of opinion should not be confused with a lack of respect.” Finally, he maintained that the each person is entitled to hold and express political opinions and to set out their views on economic policy and he expressed his appreciation for the Bishop’s interest in the TCI.
No elected government can stop SIPT/CRP investigations By Vanessa Narine
PUTTING a halt to the work of the Special Investigation and Prosecutions Team (SIPT) and Civil Recovery Programme (CRP) has been a feature in many local discussions and even the point of political posturing by local politicians. However, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Mr. Henry Bellingham, made it that no elected government will be able to stop the work of SIPT and CRP. Bellingham, at Tuesday’s press conference, pointed out that an elected government cannot stop an independent criminal investigation. He questioned why anyone would want to stop the investigations. To date, 13 people, including four former Ministers, have been charged with corruption and money laundering offences. It is now for the courts to decide whether the persons charged are guilty. An international arrest warrant has been issued for former Premier Michael Misick. The civil recovery team was appointed to recover property and redress loses arising from corruption. The team has made significant progress including over 40 separate recoveries of money and/or land. Over $12m has been recovered, including
payments already made, judgments obtained and still to be collected, and agreements to pay. Also, more than 900 acres of land have been returned to the Crown – valued in the tens of millions of US dollars. The team expects to recover significant further amounts of cash, land or other assets. The argument has been that the work of SIPT and CRP has been ongoing for the last three years and with no set contract, the monies paid for their work is a burden. This year’s budget includes an allocation of $12m to cover the cost of the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) and Civil Recovery Programme (CRP) costs. Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Hugh McGarel-Groves, during the Consultative Forum (CFO) budget debate, said this allocation was made because the United Kingdom (UK) has not committed to cover the costs this financial year. SIPT Expenses are included in the budget at $7m, while Civil Recovery expenses are budgeted at $5m. Since the start of the investigations, the UK has reimbursed the local government a significant portion of the costs. That said, Bellingham stressed that the investigations and prosecutions will proceed independently of a future elected government.
CFO answers questions on anti-VAT... continued from page 7
in keeping the required records. The threshold will be set at a level that captures the size of businesses that already maintain the required records and can comply with the following legislated VAT requirements: • Copies of all original tax invoices, credit and debit notes received on purchases • Copies of all tax invoices, sales receipts, credit and debit issued on sales • Customs documentation relating to imports and exports • Additional accounting records relating to any other taxable activities in TCI 7) What benefits can VAT offer over and above the existing tax system? VAT is not an additional tax, rather it will replace several ordinances that are complicated and burdensome to administer both for businesses and government: Hotel and Restaurant Accommodation Tax; Vehicle Hire Stamp Duty; Domestic Financial
Service Tax; Telecommunications Tax; and Insurance Premium Tax. VAT will also partly replace import duty and thereby start reducing the excessive, unnecessary and unfair benefits some businesses receive via import duty concessions. VAT is a broad based tax and will spread the burden across a larger portion of the economy, including the service sectors which currently pay no sales-related tax. 8) How much extra revenue is expected to be generated from the introduction of VAT? TCIG wishes to implement VAT in order to balance receipt of its revenues across the fiscal year, to broaden its tax base beyond frontline tourist facing businesses to better protect its income stream from the ebb and flow of any single sector. There is also an issue of parity – why should one business pay tax and another of equal size not pay tax merely because of the sector it operates in? So the most important point to make is that TCIG is not aiming to
raise more revenue overall from VAT. This is all about widening the tax base, creating more stability in government revenues and a fairer tax system, with no concessions offered on VAT and reduced import duty concessions (by reducing import duty rates). TCIG’s forward financial projections are showing an increase in TCIG's annual revenues post VAT implementation of $10m due to improved compliance and reduced tax leakage. Existing honest taxpayers would not be contributing to this extra $10m. 9) Will the VAT rate increase if it does not yield the anticipated revenue? Sufficient consultancy work has been done to ensure planned revenues from VAT will be achieved. No guarantee can be given that future governments will not increase VAT or other taxes, but TCIG’s current financial forecasts show no need to increase any taxes over the years ahead in order to maintain present spending plans.
10) What is the implementation cost of VAT for the TCIG? Based on the Hutton study, it is estimated that VAT implementation and collection will cost TCIG less than 17 per cent of the first year VAT generated revenue (excluding VAT on imports) and that this percentage will decrease significantly in the years following implementation. 11) What is the difference between being zero-rated for VAT and being exempt? For supplies that are zero-rated, VAT registered businesses can still reclaim VAT inputs paid both domestically and on imports. For exempt supplies, VAT is not charged on the sales, but VAT inputs cannot be reclaimed. If a business is only making exempt supplies, that business will not be required to register and as such, will not be able to reclaim any VAT inputs. 12) Is TCIG considering price control with the introduction of VAT? TCIG intends to publish prices of certain items prior to VAT
implementation to discourage unnecessary price hikes. These prices will be monitored by TCIG and price control will be introduced only if necessary and as a last resort, as it’s hoped public and competitive pressures will generally make price control unnecessary. 13) How will low income and vulnerable individuals be protected by the VAT arrangements? A basket of essential food and household items will be exempt from VAT, along with healthcare and educational supplies, so that these remain tax free. 14) Will VAT increase the tax burden upon TCI consumers? No, businesses should pass on their savings at import to their consumers, so there should not be any significant price increases and in some cases could show price reductions, such as where VAT replaces an existing tax (eg. Accommodation Tax) and existing taxes on purchases cannot be offset. McGarel-Groves stressed that there are benefits of VAT to a renewed TCI economy.
June 16 - 22, 2012
& CrimeCourt
with Samantha Dash-Rigby
Kewtown teen remanded for burglary A YOUNG man was remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk this week after he was refused bail for burglary and handling stolen goods. Clifton Gibson, aged 19, appeared before Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner on the charges and Crown prosecutor Orieka Selver asked that the matter be tried at the Magistrate’s Court level. However, the defendant, who was represented by defence attorney Kendle Williams, opted for a jury trial in the Supreme Court.
It was alleged that on January 6 at Kewtown, Gibson acted together with another to enter into the dwelling home of Beshan Tate and steal a 42 inch Samsung television valued at $1,600. The court heard that Gibson has previous convictions and allegedly committed these offences soon after his release from prison. Magistrate Warner refused the accused bail and ordered that he appear in the Grand Turk Supreme Court for a sufficiency hearing on August 3.
Protest trio to face trial
THE trial against the three men slapped with charges stemming from a protest on Airport Road over a year ago, is set to start in two months’ time. Devon Williams, Rico Rolle and Llewellyn Basden are scheduled to have their matter heard on August 20. Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner made the ruling during a hearing in the Providenciales Magistrate’s Court on June 6. The trial was originally scheduled for June 4 and 5 but was postponed because of the Queen’s jubilee celebrations. Additionally Rolle, who was notably absent from the hearing, had reportedly travelled to New York for
his son’s graduation and was delayed in his return, defence attorney Donhue Gardiner told the court. After offering the excuse for Rolle’s absence, Gardiner asked that the court excuse the defendant without any prejudice to him. The men were part of a demonstration to protest against Britain’s imposition of direct rule and the way the affairs of the country were being handled. However, sometime during the protest some people vowed not to move until an election date was set and several blocked the Airport Road. The three men were arrested and charged and will be tried for the offence.
Man placed on bond after lying to Magistrate CHIEF Magistrate Clifton Warner released a young man on a oneyear bond after the man admitted lying to him five months ago and begged for a second chance. On Tuesday, January 24, Reamand Cunningham, appeared before Magistrate Warner and lied to him that two bottles of personal products he bought straight off pharmacy shelf in Jamaica contained illegal drugs. The man claimed that he went to Jamaica to have surgery performed on his eye and went to a pharmacy on Hope Road to purchase prescribed eye drops. There he bought a deodorant for his brother and a bottle of powder for his daughter “straight off the shelf” but could not find the receipt. Upon arrival at Providenciales International Airport on Sunday, January 22, the drugs were found hidden in a bottle of Irish Spring deodorant and a bottle of Ammens medicated powder among a quantity of lime leaves, which police suspected, were used to mask the strong scent of the
9
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
cannabis. “It was in my possession but it wasn’t mine. When I saw it I was shocked,” he told the Magistrate in January. A probation report was ordered before sentencing. On June 13, Cunningham apologised for the “run-around story” he gave the Magistrate and begged for a second chance to “try again”. A social services worker submitted a report of her findings on Cunningham’s character and was present in court. She told the Magistrate that after her interview with the defendant, she recommended that he submit himself to counselling with the government psychologist and also attend sessions at the Drug Unit. Magistrate Warner then placed Cunningham on a good behaviour bond to keep the peace for one year. He was also ordered to pay a court cost of $500 with an alternative of one month imprisonment for taking up the prosecution’s time.
Kischo thief jailed for three months DEANGELO Harvey was dubbed ‘The Kischo Thief’ and sentenced to jail after the police found his fingerprints at the scene of two separate motor vehicle break-ins at Kischo parking lot on Leeward Highway. The 20-year-old thief appeared before Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner and pled guilty to two counts of theft and one count of malicious damage to property but denied escaping legal custody. It was said that on April 9 Harvey broke into a jeep, which belonged to Glenda Hernandez and stole the battery. Hernandez and her brother-in-law left the jeep parked in the Kischo parking lot around 8pm and when they returned some 24 hours later, they noticed that someone had broken into the vehicle and stolen the battery. The left door and glass of the jeep along with the front glass were all damaged. They notified the police and crime scene investigators lifted fingerprints from the vandalised vehicle. Several days later, the police
acted on information they received and conducted a stop and search on a white Monte Carlo car that Harvey was driving. Under the hood they found a battery matching the description of the one that was stolen at the Kischo parking lot just days earlier. He was arrested, interviewed and released. In a separate incident on April 15, Natalie Lobban left her white sports car locked in the Kischo parking lot. She left her Fossil handbag along with a Samsung cellular phone and purse in the car. When she returned some time later, she discovered the handbag and other items missing from the car. Harvey was again arrested but he denied the allegations laid against him. However, fingerprint experts matched his fingerprints to the ones found on both cars and he was charged for the crimes. The court also heard that on May 15 Harvey escaped lawful custody from the Five Cays police station. Defence attorney Arthur Hamilton said that this was just another case of youthful immaturity and naivety.
“His mommy said he is home most of the time and she has agreed to pay compensation,” Hamilton told Magistrate Warner. Additionally, following his guilty plea, the mother committed to try to ensure that her son stay on the straight and narrow. However, when the woman heard the total amount of compensation and fines, she promptly stated that she does not have that money and he will have to serve jail time instead. Magistrate Warner ruled that Harvey must pay Lobban $370 compensation or spend one month in jail, along with a fine of $750 or three months. For maliciously damaging Hernandez’s jeep, Harvey was told to pay $350 compensation or spend one month in jail, along with a fine of $750 or three months. And $140 compensation or spend 21 days in jail, along with a fine of $500 or one month for stealing the battery. The Crown withdrew the charge of escaping legal custody and Harvey was hauled off to spend three months in jail.
Theft trial against former Casablanca casino manager continues THE trial against the former Casablanca casino manager who was allegedly caught stealing continued in the Providenciales Magistrate’s Court and the prosecution concluded its case. Vonice Parker stood accused of stealing thousands of dollars from the casino where she worked for many years and knew quite well that surveillance cameras covered the entire casino floor. The prosecution alleged that Parker stole over $4,000 from the casino but the owner, Andrew Stephens claimed she stole much more than that. On April 16, Stephens testified that on the night when he caught Parker stealing, she admitted to him that she had been stealing from the casino since August 2010 and had pocketed somewhere between $15,000 and $20,000. She even signed a confession statement to that effect, he claimed. He remembered that after internal investigations, he suspected Parker of stealing and instructed the person in the surveillance room to “use all available cameras to watch Vonice”. On June 6, surveillance officer Tracy
Pratt told Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner, that on Wednesday, November 10, 2010, she was told to keep cameras on the defendant all night. At 1am on November 11, she observed Parker at a roulette table picking up and organising chips but something about her movements made Pratt suspicious. “After working with her for so long (since 1992), I knew how she worked and the way she was holding the chips appeared suspicious,” Pratt told the court. “She was palming the chips.” The former manager, without displaying both her clean hands to the cameras as is mandatory, then walked over to a poker table with her hands in the vicinity of her pocket. She soon returned to the roulette table and began organising the chips again. At 1.27am Pratt said she saw Parker do the same action again only this time she walked to the end of the roulette table and returned immediately. Quite shocked at what she had witnessed, Pratt called her surveillance manager and Stephens to the casino where she showed them
the surveillance footage. Stephens along with the surveillance manager and the head of security confronted Parker in the staff break room about the contents of her pocket. Pratt testified that she was in shock to see the chips that the accused removed from her pocket and expressed concern about the future of her career. “I see her as a respectable woman,” Pratt said. “She’s a single parent and once you make that kind of mistake you can never get a license ever again.” During cross-examination by Parker’s attorney Guy Chapman, he suggested that his client was not putting chips in her pocket but instead was using her left hand to brace herself at the table. “I worked with her for almost 20 years. I know that she is strict on procedure,” Pratt replied. She told Magistrate Warner that when she asked Parker why she was stealing from the casino, the accused replied “stress”. The case will continue on June 26 and Parker is expected to take the stand and tell her side of the story.
10
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
June 16 - 22, 2012
June 16 - 22, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 11
12
June 16 - 22, 2012
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.
Open letter to the AG on Joe Grant sale Dear Sir, I do believe that you may ask the Governor to reconsider the decision to sell a part of Joe Grant’s Cay because of the mortgage with Temple and the reasoning that the government cannot pay it. First of all: 1) As is reported, Justice Martin set the transfer aside on grounds of bribery and corruption. 2) It would mean that the mortgage is tainted with that bribery and corruption therefore it should not be legal. Just like other cases before this one the SIPT has decided to choose which cases to go after and those which they should not. This should not be one of them. Furthermore, what would be the reason to sell Joe Grant’s now or set the original deal aside? Are they setting a deliberately bad precedent so that the SIPT and the government would be relieved
of the duty and obligation to go after the 2,500 transfer of land on Middle Caicos and the $7.5m mortgage with Belize Bank? Are these deliberate decisions openly saying that they will go after what is expedient but ignore deals that are now politically expedient? If this decision goes ahead, it will call into question on the part of the people: - The need for the Robin Auld commission and the findings of the commission in respect to Joe Grant’s Cay, redacted and un-redacted. - The absolute need in 2009 to suspend the constitution because of rampant corruption, systematic as Sir Robin would call it and now in hindsight the deepening decline of the economy at that time. - The absolute bona fide and integrity of the SIPT process, civil recovery efforts and the exorbitant taxes all paying.
- The strategic decision not to investigate the hospital deal, the stevedoring deal and many others. In terms of world agendas, geopolitics, the British intervention is becoming bogged down as the Russians were in Chechnya and the US in Afghanistan. Napoleon found a way out of Moscow and you will not easily find your way out of this debacle and nakedly questionable decision. Hon Attorney General – the interim government is supposed to be better than PNP regime. What you are doing is almost deliberately worse than anything they can do. In your case in the eyes of the people at least you and the Governor should know better. Please reconsider this decision because it is right up there in the league of Mike Misick decisions. Samsune Taylor
Animal cruelty epidemic Dear Editor, A country is judged by how it treats its animals, Ghandi. As the founder and chair of the Potcake Foundation I can no longer remain silent on the cruelty to animals that is taking place in this country. Remaining silent is condoning the situation, which I cannot do anymore here. I would like to know what satisfaction it gives individuals in this country to put three puppies in a closed bag and throw them in the bush, leaving them to die. It wouldn’t have taken long to suffocate in the present temperatures. They were rescued by the Potcake Place and will hopefully survive this cruel attempt at their death. To find a puppy hogtied (front paws tied together as well as back) and again left in the bush, another rescue story, is horrifying. He now has a wonderful home. The cruelty goes on and I have to ask what kind of cruel and barbaric country are we living in? As a Caribbean country we have a lot of churches and a lot of people in attendance at them.
Why, I ask myself, do the culprits continue to attend these services when they are going against everything God desires for these creatures? Obviously, they don’t have biblical knowledge on how God feels about his creatures. I would like to quote a few scriptures from the Bible that I am sure they have overlooked based on their continual cruelty to potcakes. Proverbs 12:10 “A righteous man regards the life of his beast; but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” Timothy 5;18 “Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn and the labourer is worthy of his reward.” Isaiah 1:11 “What to me is the multitude of your sacrifice? Says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of wellfed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats.” Ecclesiastes 3:19 “For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the
SPACE IS LIMITED!
beasts, for all is vanity.” Psalms 145:9 “The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.” Also, Saint Francis said that “not to hurt the creatures’ brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission to be of service to them wherever they require it.” There are many more biblical and other quotes on cruelty to God’s creatures. I think some people had better change their ways before God totally turns his back on this country. Sin always brings suffering, even for the innocent at times. The next time someone feels like drowning puppies, leaving them in plastic bags to die or in the bush tied up I ask them to please to contact the Potcake Foundation at 242-5310, the TCSPA at 231-3052, the Potcake Place at 231-1010 or the Turks and Caicos vet clinic at 946-4353. We will pick them up or drop them off to us instead of leaving them to die a cruel and inhumane death. Heather Forbes, Potcake Foundation
AG's response on Joe Grant Sale Dear Mr Taylor, Thank you for your email of May 22, 2012. Whilst I understand and appreciate your concerns, I have to say that it does not appear to me that you have fully understood the situation that the government is facing in relation to the land on Joe Grant’s Cay. The present position is this: Martin J found that the transfer of Joe Grant’s Cay to the developer was tainted by corruption and set the transfer aside. The land therefore reverted to the Crown. The developer had borrowed money using part of the land as security, and thus part of the land returned to the government was subject to a mortgage. The government could only have the mortgage set aside if it could prove that the lender knew that the initial transfer to the developer was tainted. There is no evidence available to the government to prove this, so the charge is valid. Your assertion in numbered paragraph two of your letter that the mortgage is tainted is therefore inaccurate. The lender can enforce the charge by selling the mortgaged parcel of land, whether the government agrees or not, and it therefore seems to the government that, in order to obtain the maximum benefit for the islands as a whole, it would be best if the government were to sell the land.
There is simply no money available, given the other demands on the budget, for the government to discharge the mortgage. With respect, it also appears that you have confused the work being done by the SIPT with what is being done under the civil recovery programme. The recovery of Joe Grant’s Cay was made as a result of civil proceedings brought on my behalf and not as a result of the work undertaken by SIPT. As there are a number of persons facing trial for criminal offences as a result of the SIPT investigations, I cannot comment on what may or may not be alleged in those proceedings. The civil recovery programme is also continuing, and further civil proceedings are pending. I cannot comment on pending cases, but what I can say is that, like any lawyer when contemplating any kind of litigation, I have to be confident that I have sufficient credible evidence to justify the bringing of proceedings. In other words, I cannot and will not launch proceedings unless I am satisfied that I have sufficient believable evidence to prove the affirmative case I am putting forward. These are purely legal considerations, and politics plays no part in them. Kind regards, Attorney General Huw Shepheard
Water heist Dear Editor, It has come to my attention that the Governor intends to sell the country’s shares (45 per cent) of Provo Water Company for $7m to the existing shareholders. I stand firm that His Excellency does NOT have a right to make these sorts of policy decisions on behalf of the people, in the absence of an elected government. With all that is going on, and their constant cries for sustainable income in the government coffers, why would they sell out shares at this time? Additionally, why was the intended sale not made public? Why was it not tendered or offered for public sale? Shouldn’t the people of this country have had the first option to buy our shares? I would have gladly forked over some money to own the shares personally, I am sure others would have as well? So which of his white cronies is he giving a monopoly at this time?
Why only for $7m? At a time when people are crying out for relief from the burdensome high cost of living to have the water company fully privatised will surely see a price hike. Additionally the water is made from reverse osmosis. It comes from the sea, which belongs to us all, it’s not like it’s imported. Most people feel like the cost is too high as is compared to other countries. I have said it before and I will say it again, this dictatorship and cronyism must stop. This is no way to run a democracy! Who does the Governor think he is? I can assure Mr Todd that the shares he is selling are not his to sell. They belong to the people of this country and he did not get our permission to do his under the table dealing. Either he ceases this current action or I am personally going to start a campaign to have him recalled or to have an investigation into his misdealing. Euwonka Selver
Please keep your letters to a maximum of 450 words or we may not be able publish it.
June 16 - 22, 2012
13
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Elections and rejections COMMENTARY
Hooray! Elections have been called and the call came earlier than expected. Word had leaked out last month that the call would come late this month and yet less than two weeks into the month Hague himself upstaged Minister Bellingham's surprise visit. With the PNP party being reformed with hands across the table it appears they will soon have their candidates selected and begin the campaign, next week. Have they saved any of their campaign funds? I bet they have except they may however be pesos from the DR or Venezuela. Some believe some of the party members are on Garlick’s short list. Her arms length separation from Governor
By David Tapfer Wetherell has seemingly been replaced with networking with Governor Ric. As usual we just don't know. Interesting is the PNP Deputy, a QC who has come out rejecting Garlick and the rule of law. The PDM is still not settled on anything and they are due to have another delayed convention complete with elections and
VAT team fails to address concerns Dear Editor, After attending the last public meeting of Monday, June 11, regarding the implementation of VAT in the TCI, I think I can safely assume that the 125 (plus or minus) attendees would agree with me that Mr Hugh McGarel-Groves totally failed to address the public’s concerns. On the contrary, he only confirmed our fears that HMG has not adequately analysed the implications of what it is about to unleash upon an already crippled TCI economy. When confronted with thoughtful, specific questions, McGarel-Groves could only refer us back to his Holy Bible, the green paper. As anyone who has viewed the document knows, the modest 23page flyer is conspicuous by its complete lack of specifics. Not only was McGarel-Groves unsure of his facts, unable to answer specific questions but he was arrogant to say the least. He verbally attacked a number of individuals including Dr Sam Slattery who was calm, precise and analytical at all times. In fact, one might say a complete contrast to McGarel-Groves who seemed oblivious to the fact that
the TCI is in its present mess due to HMG’s incompetent civil servants, past and present. Seemingly, McGarel-Groves in all his arrogance, is taking pleasure in the fiscal punishments that he is about to inflict on the TCI. HMG and McGarel-Groves should consider the fact that the past administrative failings of the TCI are specifically due to HMG's lack of suitable oversight and total inaction following the many prior warnings by members of the TCI community. Let's not forget Sir Robin Auld's summing up of the Commission of Inquiry with regards to HMG's contingent liabilities in this matter. It does seem that HMG's plan is to now mitigate these liabilities at all cost without any consideration for an already crumbling TCI economy. I believe the CFO owes all of the attendees an apology for some of his thoughtless remarks and specifically those individuals who he insulted. Finally, Mr McGarel-Groves should in future refer to this nation as the Turks and Caicos Islands and not “this place”.
SPACE IS LIMITED!
David W Hartshorn
possible rejections. If the current leader is rejected after the election call what an embarrassment for him and the party. They have after all only had 8 years to get their house in order. In the eight years they turned away from one leader who has the financial credentials to straighten out our biggest problem, massive debt. They also turned away from the most articulate and visionary representative ever to wear a blue cap and returned leadership to where 10 per cent of the population resides, Grand Turk. It will certainly be interesting to see how the PDM reacts to this news. With voter registrations going so slow it appears no one expected the election call this soon. The British government must now reject the
end of June registration deadline. It is taking months to issue a birth certificate from Grand Turk for people born of TCI parents right here in TCI. The Brits will have to light a fire under those left over civil servants charged with sending the needed documents. How about those TCI folk born in the Bahamas of TCI born parents? Will someone please expedite those documents as well? Also an issue are those coming of voting age between June 30 and November 9th. Are they to be disenfranchised and rejected, shame! When Governor Wetherell arrived in mid 2008 he grabbed the checkbook so financial direct rule has been with us for almost four years. The balanced budget milestone continues as a millstone but the checkbook will remain in
the hands of Britain for three more years. The Tories do not dare send a $260m or the Labour favored UK media will roast them. Will an elected government reject a VAT tax passed next month but not implemented until 5 months after the swearing in. What we find interesting in this mix is the status of the former premier. The AG has issued a red warrant yet no one seems interested in picking the man up. Has he become a “man without a country” He cannot come home or land in his second home, and the home of his children, Miami. This is in fact another kind of rejection with a possible life sentence.
UK appointed CFO will go when loan guarantee no longer needed By Vanessa Narine THE role of a United Kingdom (UK) appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) exists only as long as the $260m loan guarantee does, according to Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Mr. Henry Bellingham. At a press conference on Tuesday at the Regent Palms, Bellingham stated that contrary to the notion that the CFO will wield ultimate control; the CFO will be working in partnership with the new government. Having a CFO appointed by the UK was one of the conditions set by the UK government in the provision of the $260M loan guarantee, which was agreed on in 2010. The agreement allows the CFO to be retained for as long as any UK loan guarantee is in force, currently up to 2016. Without the guarantee, it would not have been possible for TCIG to access the funding it needed to function and to provide public services. According to the Under Secretary, a newly elected government will need time to get back into the swing of matters of state and the CFO will be there to support them. Some took exception to the fact that Bellingham thought a democratically elected government would need a ‘crutch’ to help them to get down to business. On that note, the point of sourcing replacement financing was raised and Bellingham reiterated that the
Governor Ric Todd and FCO Under Secretary Henry Bellingham at Tuesday’s press conference
UK appointed CFO will be in place as long as the loan guarantee exists. The Under Secretary noted that the corruption of the past shocked many and the checks and balances put in place by the UK are to ensure that good governance, accountability and transparency prevails. He added that the UK will not interfere with governance, rather will support it by investing in the Territory. Bellingham debunked the notion that a new government will not have any real power to make decisions. He pointed to the education, health, arts, sports and other sectors where development agendas indicate the powers of an elected government. Currently, the CFO, Mr. Hugh McGarel-Groves, approves all spending above $5,000 and the government cannot commit to any
spending above this limit unless approved by the CFO. However, the CFO Ordinance states that the Minister of Finance will retain the responsibility for the preparation of the Appropriation Bill, subject to CFO approval and within the financial envelope set by the CFO, and will be in a position, subject to sustainable public finances, to allocate available resources in pursuit of Government policies. Bellingham made it clear that the new government will have real power and will not be disenfranchised. According to him, the control arrangement can be revisited in the future. “What we want to give the TCI (Turks and Caicos Islands) is a bankable proposition going forward,” Bellingham said.
Please keep your letters to a maximum of 450 words or we may not be able publish it.
14 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
June 16 - 22, 2012
From left Mr. Carlos Simons and Dr. Rufus Ewing
Carlos Simons selected as PNP deputy leaders Presentation of $5,000 to Oseta Jolly Primary School in Blue Hills
Cash boost for primary school
PUPILS at Oseta Jolly Primary were given a welcome cash boost this week to help towards funding school projects. Lime telecoms company donated $5,000 to their adopted school as part of its on-going commitment towards its development. Principal Rachel Handfield thanked the firm for its generous
donation. She said: “Lime is not there just once a year or once a month but the contribution is felt on a daily basis. “It is appreciated and it goes a long way in assisting with education tomorrow’s leaders.” As a thank you the students performed a short play and a dance
for visiting staff from Lime. General manager Drexwell Seymour said: “Lime realises that in these tough economic times the school can use all the assistance that is available. “I appeal to the wider business community to also help if able so that the children and the school can have the tools to succeed.”
RECENTLY elected leader of the Progressive National Party (PNP), Dr. Rufus Ewing, selected CARLOS Simons, on Monday, to serve as deputy leader. Simons ran against Ewing in the contest for the PNP leadership, which Ewing won by six votes. The new Deputy Leader said, “I have always believed that public service is potentially the most valuable contribution a person can make to society and I wish to thank Dr. Ewing for the opportunity to serve my Party and my Country in
this high office.” In an invited comment, Ewing said, “We are looking forward to working together…I am sure we will work well together. At the end of the day we want to work as a team and once we stick to the agenda there should not be any problems.” He acknowledged that there will be disagreements among the party’s leadership team, but maintained that the bottom line in moving forward in the best interests of the people of the TCI and, by extension, the PNP. (VANESSA NARINE)
June 16 - 22, 2012
NEWS 15
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Beaches Resort reopens following disinfection BEACHES Turks and Caicos reopened on Wednesday following a comprehensive disinfection after several guests were ill from norovirus. Last week the Ministry of Health announcing that ten cases of Norovirus had been confirmed in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). Based on information received from both international experts and local health authorities, the Resort felt that it was in the best interests of its guests, team members and residents of TCI to complete an extensive sterilization program while the resort was completely unoccupied. The disinfection included a complete sterilization of all public areas, complete stripping and sterilizing of all accommodations, sterilizing of all cushions, mattresses and couches, the removal and isolated sterilization of all linen, curtain and drapes as well as the
quarantining of all rooms to ensure that no traces of the virus remain. In the week commencing Monday, May 21, some 39 persons, 1.4 per cent of the resort’s guest and staff, complained of experiencing gastrointestinal illness. The following week, commencing Monday, May 28, an additional 94 persons, 3.2 per cent of the resort’s guest and staff, experienced similar symptoms. Chief Executive of Sandals Resorts International, Mr. Adam Stewart, said Beaches Turks and Caicos consistently follows a protocol of best practices to provide a resort setting and experience that meets the world’s highest standards of health and safety. He said, “The health and safety standards under which we operate our resorts are considered to be among the highest in the world. Like many of the other resorts on the island, we are working with local
authorities and international experts to make sure that we continue to function at this level. “We are committed to ensuring that Beaches delivers the best possible vacation experience and visitors leave with a wonderful impression of the Turks and Caicos Islands. As a result, we have compensated and rebooked all guests. We understand the disappointment and sincerely regrets the inconvenience that this will cause to guests and we are working hard to assure visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands that they can do so with peace of mind and excitement. This is essential to ensuring the long-term reputation of the country. “At the first report of illness, we took additional precautions to educate guests and staff on every day steps they could take to prevent the spread of the easily transmitted Norovirus, which is reported almost as frequently as the common cold.”
this week
Friday, June 15 to Thursday, June 21 Friday, June 15
Danny Buoy’s is Provo’s premier live music and sports destination, serving lunch and dinner daily from 11:30am. It is the perfect place to escape from the heat and hang with friends, all in smoke free airconditioned comfort. Happy Hour specials from 4-7pm Monday-Saturday Get into the weekend mood with the intense and electrifying Tae-Bo class at Graceway Sports Centre from 6pm to 7pm. Free for fitness members, $12 for non-members. Visit www.gracewaysports.com for more information or call 4426349. Craig Archibold gets the party started at the Regent Palms from 7pm on Friday nights with the sound of classic Caribbean and Motown tunes. Call 946-8666 for details
Weekly Community and Farmers’ Market call (649) 247-8911. With regard to the TCI Red Cross’ services or how you can volunteer or donate, contact our Provo office on (649) 941-8056 or email redcrossprovo@tciway.tc OR for Grand Turk call (649) 946-2761 or Email:tciredcross@tciway.tc If you’re looking for a serene and relaxed way of starting your weekend, bring your yoga mat at Graceway Sports Centre every Saturday at 9am and let David Bowen lead you into the wonderful world of yoga! Amazing fees for an amazing class! More info at 442-6348” Mums and Tots Dance Party classes are held every Saturday at Graceway Sports Centre for mothers and their little ones. Mothers, bring your little ones to dance, jump, twist and shake! Children have fun learning movement basics to fun music and mums get a light exercise while spending quality time. Mums and Tots classes begin at 10am and cost just $10. Dads are welcome! Call Shara Bowen on 244-1103 for more details.
Sunday, June 17
Saturday, June 16
Students at LIME, from left are Jennifer Moore, Michelle Henfield and Clayton Bennett
Maranatha High students learn the value of service LIME Turks and Caicos welcomed three students from the Maranatha High School as the students
learned about community service in volunteering their time at the office. Clayton Bennett, Michelle
Scheduled power outage for South Base vicinity
THE Turks and Caicos Utilities (TCU) will be carrying out corrective maintenance on its distribution system in the South Base vicinity, which will see some interruption in the power supply. According to TCU management, it is necessary to interrupt electricity supply on the entire East Feeder Circuit this Saturday June 16, 2012, (from 5:30am to 6:30am) Areas that will be affected
includes: South Base, Waterloo Road, Rock Apartments, Old Airport Road, Prison Road, South Back Salina (upper section), North Back Salina, South School Lane, East Suburbs, Old Power Station Road, Breezy Brae, Church Folly and Lighthouse Road. The utility company apologizes for any inconvenience causes and in inviting queries at telephone number 649-946-2424.
Henfield and Jennifer Moore spent time in the Service and Delivery Department, Finance and Retail Sales Departments respectively and all students reported that it was time well spent. The students volunteered as part of their Community Service. Clayton Bennett said, “I learned about the technical side of the operation and it was a great experience to see how some things fell into place.” General Manager of LIME, Mr. Drexwell Seymour, said, “LIME is happy to have provided the opportunity for these students to learn a little about how the company works as they spent some time in the business. Maybe, it would spark an interest to maybe pursue a career in the Telecommunications field.”
Annual Fool’s Regatta starts at 10:30am. Join us on the beach for food, fun, sailing and sunshine. Proceeds to aid PSC Kids’s Sailing Programme.
The Weekly Community and Farmers’ Market organized by TCI Red Cross is on at the organization’s headquarters, opposite Lime on the Leeward Highway in Providenciales, from 10am to 2pm. Persons will be able to purchase freshly grown produce and locally sourced items. For more information on the
Happy Fathers’ Day - Dads are people we look up to no matter how tall we've grown.
Wednesday, June 20 Demo night at Royal Flush gaming parlor (old players club) located in Turtle Cove. Fun starts from 7 to 9 come try out our new poker-pro tables, get all the key info, free practice rounds, drinks and cash games. Seats are limited and must be reserved. Call 332-5078 Schedule is subject to change.
Thursday, June 21 Demo night at Royal Flush gaming parlor (old players club) located in Turtle Cove. Fun starts from 7 to 9 come try out our new poker-pro tables, get all the key info, free practice rounds, drinks and cash games. Seats are limited and must be reserved. Call 332-5078 Schedule is subject to change
Got an event you wish to advertise? Call us on 946 4664 or email tcweeklynews@gmail.com for a free listing.
Lifestyle... 16 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
June 16 - 22, 2012
Mind, Body & Soul
Conquering Procrastination At the end of part one, we talked about the various types of procrastination: the travellers who find other places to go or other things to do instead of engaging in a task, the perfect preparers who always find that they need extra information before they can start a task, the socialisers who contact everyone they know instead of doing work, the straighteners who spend hours organizing before they can work, and the happy helpers who will help anyone and everyone
Banana Crumb Muffins
The crumb topping is what makes these banana muffins stand apart from the ordinary. They're scrumptious Ingredients • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 3 bananas, mashed • 3/4 cup white sugar • 1 egg, lightly beaten • 1/3 cup butter, melted • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1 tablespoon butter Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers. 2. In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. 3. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins. 4. Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean. (Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 263 | Total Fat: 8.1g | Cholesterol: 40mg)
instead of doing their own work. The key to overcoming procrastination is to start recognizing the type of procrastination in your life. Regardless of the type of procrastination, each one has a lack of focus. Once you start to focus by setting a deadline for a task or making a commitment and writing it on a to-do list, the other “important” things to do, which generate this type of procrastination, tend to fall away. Let us take a closer look at why we procrastinate. There are dozens of fears that can immobilize you and cause you to procrastinate, and becoming aware of these fears can help you overcome them. What do you do if fear brings you to a screeching halt? The most effective way to strip these ghosts of the power they hold over you is to look them squarely in the face. Identify them. Put a name to them. To begin with, there is the fear of imperfection and one important lesson in conquering procrastination is to realize that these perfect situations may never come. Secondly, there is the fear of the unknown, which is the most common reason for procrastination. Many people will postpone worthy goals indefinitely simply because they don’t want to run the risk of feeling embarrassed or being lazy, stupid, foolish, or idealistic. Thirdly, there is the fear of making mistakes, which inhibits many people. When mistakes happen, rather than
Joanne Gobeil
Registered Psychologist
beat yourself up, look at them as an inevitable part of life and ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” Next, there is the fear of success. Some people believe that success has negative connotations. They think success must mean you are self-serving, shallow, materialistic, snobbish, etc.; whereas others believe that succeeding sets up expectations that you must continue to succeed more and more. There is the fear of change, which is a natural apprehension taken to an extreme. Some people will put off moving forward in life with hopes that they can avoid the dread of change. However, identifying your fears can give you the courage to go ahead with your plans. There is the fear of too much responsibility. The fear of too much responsibility keeps people from pushing themselves to do their best. When you suffer from the fear of responsibility, you procrastinate not because of how you feel now, but because of how you may feel if you take a particular action. So when you put off something because you fear the feelings that might result, consider what feelings you are going through now due to your procrastination. There is also the fear of finishing.
Some people are afraid that as soon as they finish what they are working on that there will just be another job to do. Sometimes people fear finishing a job when it has become too comfortable or has added a sense of meaning or purpose to their lives. In most cases, after we choose to do a project, we also have the power to choose to end it. The fear of being rejected is something that we are all touched by. With self-talk, we can stop putting off tasks, decisions, and relationships just because we are terrified that somehow, someone will judge us as flawed. The fear of making the wrong decision can cause procrastination. Making a decision drives some people crazy; however once they make the decision they can function fine. If you are procrastinating over a decision because it seems to be irreversible, see if there is a way to take the pressure off yourself-use research to make a decision, prioritize to make decisions. It is said that not to decide is itself a decision. That
is true and it can be a big mistake. Sometimes we procrastinate because we find what we have to do to be boring and we lack interest in it. In these cases, one solution is to just do it. This will give you more guilt free time to do those things that are interesting to you. Lastly, procrastination occurs because we sometimes just do not feel like doing anything. Starting a task is the real motivator, rather than, motivation needing to be present prior to beginning the task. Often just taking the first step, regardless of how small, can serve as an inducement and thus a motivator for further action. Do an attitude check-ask yourself “Does my attitude prevent me from being motivated?” If yes, then figure a way to make an attitude adjustment. If may also mean re-evaluating your goals and determining the steps which do or do not fit into the larger picture. If succeeding in the boring class seems to be a necessary step to achieving your larger goal, that fact alone may motivate you.
health Tip
Banana benefits Each week as I write, the joy is mine to share with you information I've gathered from research, and of course I do count it a privilege. This week our focus on bananas. According to research: Bananas were originally found in Southeast Asia, mainly in India. They were brought West by Arab conquerors, and moved from Asia minor to Africa, and finally carried to the new world by the first explorers, and by missionaries to the Caribbean. Bananas are rich in nutrients such as - calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, carbohydrates, protein, and calories. Bananas are also ideal
By Phillip Simmons for people who have high blood pressure, because it is low in salt. In addition, bananas are also helpful in the following cases: stomach ulcer, constipation, diarrhea, anemia, depression, hemorrhoids, and digestive disorder. It also helps people who are trying to give up smoking, as it contains Vitamins A, A1, B6, B2, and potassium, which
helps the body recover from nicotine withdrawal. As always, I must give thanks to God for his abundant grace towards me. This week I leave with you with
wise counsel from, Former President of South Africa, 1994-1999 Nelson Mandela, who said, “The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
June 16 - 22, 2012
Lifestyle... GARDENING
How does your garden grow
Gumbo-limbo
BURSERA Simaruba, commonly known as the Gumbo-limbo, is a tree species in the family Burseraceae. The native Gumbo-limbo is a tropical tree that is native to the southeastern United States through the West Indies, Mexico and Central America. It adapts to a variety of habitats, from dry to moist and is fairly salt tolerant. It is also considered one of the most wind tolerant trees, so it is recommended as a good hurricane resistant species. Gumbo-limbo is planted for shade and ornamental use on backyard patios, or along streets and highways. It readily sprouts from branches stuck into the ground and is sometimes used to plant natural, living fences. The gummy, turpentine-scented resin has been used in the West Indies for making glue, varnish, liniments and as a coating for canoes. The aromatic sap is also used as a treatment for gout, whilst the leaves are brewed into a medicinal tea. The light, soft, spongy wood is used for fence posts that have been known to take root in the ground and grow! Other small wood products such as matchsticks, toothpicks, charcoal, boxes, crates, and interior trim have also been made from the Gumbolimbo. Some birds, including mockingbirds and vireos, regularly consume the deep red fruits of the Gumbo-limbo during the summer and fall months. The Gumbo-limbo is a medium sized fast growing tree that can attain a height of 20-50ft. It has pinnately compound
NEWS 17
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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
(featherlike) leaves and attractive reddish bark that peels away in thin flakes to reveal a smooth and sinuous gray under-bark. The tree’s massive trunk is 2-3ft in diameter and supports huge irregular branches and a spreading, rounded crown. A semi-deciduous Gumbo-limbo loses all its leaves in early spring, just before the new leaves appear. Propagation: A green Gumbolimbo branch simply stuck into the moist ground will take root and grow rapidly. It also is easy to propagate from seed. Gumbo-limbo trees grow in the same area as the Poisonwood trees.
If you have touched the Black Poisonwood, the first thing to do is to find a Gumbo-limbo tree. As soon as possible you wash the area very well with any oil dissolving substance; water and regular soap alone will not remove all of it. You cut a piece of the Gumbolimbo bark and wipe the inside on the affected area. Hang on to this bark and reapply several times after. You can also boil the bark, add powdered vitamin C to the boiled water to make a paste that you can apply on the burn. However in some extreme cases of burn, the power of the Gumbolimbo may be limited.
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.
Men’s Health
This past weekend my family and I, along with the National Church of God family, took time out to honor our parents for a life spent in ministry. While my father was the one out front, my mother was definitely the quiet storm always keeping things safe and secured on the home front. This is true of so many women; in fact, women have been dubbed the “gatekeepers” of good nutrition and health in the home. So this week as we celebrate Men’s Health week (June 11 – 17) and Fathers’ Day (June 17), I would like to highlight the role of the woman in ensuring the men in her life stay healthy for a long time. Women tend to frequent doctors’ offices much more so than men for a variety of reasons. Therefore, the chances of a woman detecting a problem and getting a solution are much higher. It is important that wives encourage their husbands to go to the doctor when they are having unusual symptoms and even if there is no symptom. Men have been told for so long that ‘big boys don’t cry’ that they are very reluctant to tell a doctor about any medical problem. One of the most common types of male cancers is prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut size organ that sits at the bottom of the bladder and one of its main functions is to produce semen, which helps to transport sperm. Much scientific research has been done in this area proving that foods high in lycopene can help to protect the prostate against cancerous cells. Lycopene is part of the carotenoid family—the phytonutrient that gives food its red-yellow color. Tomatoes, but especially cooked tomato products, are very high in lycopene. This includes pizza sauce, tomato paste, and ketchup. Other foods such as watermelon and guava are also good sources of the antioxidant lycopene. So, ensuring that the refrigerator and cupboards are stocked with healthy foods should be a top priority. So ladies as we paused to celebrate the men in our lives who are being awesome dads this Fathers’ Day, lets also help them to celebrate every day they are blessed with by reminding them to get regular check-ups and ensuring they eat foods that support good health. Men are known for their love of meat but high consumption of red meat has been linked to a variety of cancers. Let us gently try to steer them away from these foods and offer healthier alternatives along with lots of fruits and veggies. Happy Fathers’ Day!
ACCU Medical Nutrition is based in Graceway IGA Plaza, Providenciales. Call 946 8308, 242 3978 or 442 3978.
18
Regional News
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Jamaica investigators target accomplices for Dudus’ wealth Following an order by district judge Robert Patterson in New York last week that gangster Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke pay over US$1.5 million to the US Asset Forfeiture Unit, local law enforcement say they have intensified their search for the ill-gotten assets of confessed drug lord. Deputy Commissioner of Police Glenmore Hinds told The Gleaner this week that the civil processes contained within the ambit of forfeiture law and the Proceeds of Crimes Act (POCA) are being applied to confiscate some of Coke’s assets. Hinds said that the forfeiture efforts of the US and the local authorities are separate. “Our efforts are separate and apart from that seizure of coke’s assets being pursued by the United States, it is a parallel process,” he asserted. Hinds also said that relatives and associates of Coke who conspired to conceal the ill-gotten gains are under the radar of investigators. “We are moving to identify the assets and that takes some time and then you go for the freezing of these assets and then for confiscation, the truth is, it is not the shortest process.” “We are confident, that we will be able to confiscate some of these assets,” he added. Coke, a director of Incomparable Enterprise, a company which received many lucrative government and private contracts in Jamaica, was last week sentenced to 23 years in prison for drug related offences. MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR HOUSES He is allegedly the owner of at least two multimillion-dollar houses and
Jamaican drug pin Christopher Dudus was sentenced to 23 years in jail last week.
several high-priced motor vehicles. At the time of his sentencing in the US last week, district judge Robert Patterson ordered Coke to pay over US$1.5 million to the US Asset Forfeiture Unit. “In connection with his guilty plea, Coke admitted to trafficking in over 3,000 kilograms of marijuana and 15 kilograms of cocaine in the United States … utilising even the most conservative wholesale values for those narcotics, US$200 per pound of marijuana and US$15,000 per kilogram of cocaine – the gross proceeds from the distribution of those narcotics is well in excess of US$1,500,000,” the prosecution successfully argued. In the meantime, Hinds said local investigators are “actively pursuing every means and opportunity to carry out civil recovery through the civil forfeiture element of POCA.” The senior policeman, however, noted that the process may be lengthy. He related the efforts of the
police to seize millions of US dollars found in a refrigerator in Portmore, St Catherine nearly five years ago. “You will recall that the last major confiscation we had started was four years before it was finally concluded and that was the one with the frozen assets of US$1.5 million which was found in a fridge in Portmore,” said Hinds. “It took us five years. In 2010, the state moved to freeze Coke’s assets. At the time, attorneyat-law Paul Beswick accused the Government of attempting to seize the assets without giving the persons a fair chance to defend themselves. However, Michael Hylton, QC, the attorney leading the case for the Asset Recovery Agency, dismissed the allegations at the time. (Jamaica Gleaner) The Asset Recovery Agency went to court to freeze the assets of Coke, his mother Patricia Halliburton, his alleged girlfriend, Stephanie Gayle, businessman Justin O’Gilvie and others reportedly linked to the former west Kingston strongman.
REDjet’s plane to be sold to repay creditors
REDJET’S LAST PLANE left Barbados Monday afternoon, hours after the court gave the company the all-clear to fly its aircraft to the United States where they will be sold to help repay creditors. The insolvent airline got the green light from High Court judge Randall Worrell who overturned the injunction granted over the weekend to Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) Inc., which is owed hundreds of thousands of dollars. He upheld the challenge filed by attorney-at-law Anthony Audain, who was acting on behalf of the trustee appointed when REDjet filed for insolvency on June 5. “The judge agreed that Section 41 of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, under which REDjet filed for protection, provides a statutory stay so that no creditor has any remedy to commence any action,” Audain,
Redjet’s last plane left Barbados on Monday.
accompanied by Supervisor of Insolvency Dianna Greenidge and REDjet’s chief executive officer
Captain Geoffrey O’Byrne White, told the DAILY NATION after a brief hearing. (Barbados Nation)
June 16 - 22, 2012
Region could face US$100billion climate change bill WITH most of the Caribbean and Latin America struggling to keep up with their debts, an additional US$100billion annual bill is the last thing they need. But that’s what they could get without increased efforts to stem the effects of global warming. According to a recent report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), the Economic Commission of Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), if temperatures rise by two degrees Celsius across the region, the physical impacts could cause annual damages estimated at two percent of current gross domestic product. The study said that the region is especially at risk to the increasing temperatures globally due to its reliance on natural resources and geographic location, adding that significant changes will be seen by 2050. “Reduction in agricultural yields of many staple crops, increased flooding and inundation of coastal zones, increased exposure to tropical diseases, destabilisation of the hydrological cycle, and the intensification of extreme weather events” are among likely outcomes, the report said. Loss from agricultural exports alone was valued at between US$30 and US$52billion for the region. Many of the changes are permanent and will continue to affect the region over the long-term, which makes the situation more worrying, said the report presented at the
Rio+20 summit in Brazil. There’s hope, nevertheless, as steps to adapt to the issues created by global warming amount to just onetenth of the cost of physical impacts. That US$10 billion is deemed “costeffective” in preventing the negative impact on economic and geographic conditions that the likely increased temperatures would bring. Using a “business as usual” scenario, in which no measures are taken towards cutting dangerous gases, emissions will increase by 50 percent, the report said. Despite expected reductions in emissions due to changing land use, it’s projected that increases in other sectors will more than erode that improvement. Though adaptation is important, the report said substantial investments are required to drastically cut the region’s projected carbon emissions to levels that are consistent with global goals. Unfortunately, no international agreement has been reached to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases that cause global temperatures to rise. That said, current trends cannot continue, according to the report, as that “would lead to a future that must be avoided”. Policies that promote strict land use for deforestation and other agricultural practices should be implemented in the next two decades, the report said. Also, measures to reduce carbon emissions in the power and transport sectors should be stressed to achieve more sustainable targets.
Dominicans of Haitian descent protest alleged denial of nationality rights DOMINICANS of Haitian descent on Tuesday protested the Central Electoral Board’s (JCE) decision to revoke their nationality and called for the measure’s repeal, alleging denial of their rights. Representatives of the movement “Reconocido” (recognised) protested outside the JCE demanding an end to so called denationalisation policy and say resolution 12 halts the issuing of birth certificates to Dominicans of Haitian origin despite having all other required documents. “We the youngsters aren’t to blame for the mistakes of our parents; it’s an injustice of the JCE. We want to progress to help our parents who gave their lives in the Dominican cane fields. We’re young people deprived of our rights, we were born here and have no origins, and even animals have origins,” said Elena Lorac, who showed a copy of her birth certificate. She said when she went to get a
duplicate ID to enroll in a university three years ago she was denied, adding that Dominicans of Haitian descent want to complete their college studies and enter into other productive activities other than domestic service and selling on the streets. While Ana Maria Belique a college student, also showed her ID card and said she now won’t be able to get duplicate documents because they aren’t being issued. She said she has never been to Haiti. In addition to the capital, the protest was staged simultaneously in front of the electoral boards in Bayaguana, Guaimate, La Romana, El Seibo and San Pedro de Macoris, and in the sugar mill towns Consuelo, Quisqueya and Ramon Santana. T The protesters chanted “I want to progress and the board won’t let me”; “I want to study and the board won’t let me” and “I want to work and the board won’t let me.” (Dominican Today)
June 16 - 22, 2012
Regional News
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
‘Pure Greed’ led to death of Haitians – Opines BASRA Operations Manager BAHAMAS Air Sea Rescue Operation (BASRA) Operations Manager Chris Lloyd said on Tuesday that the lack of boating experience and “pure greed” led to the deaths of Haitians in waters off North Abaco Sunday night. Mr Lloyd said the people who died (at least 11) could have survived if the captain had been experienced and not motivated by money. “The captain’s greed caused him to overload a boat designed to hold eight people with more than 25. It was incredibly overloaded. He also tried to navigate in shallow rough seas at night in an area where the water is extremely bad. Either they were extremely clever or extremely naive. They were obviously not boating experts. We are not too sure if the boat just gave out because of the weight, or if they hit something. But that boat that was supposed to be 25 feet stood no chance.” Mr Lloyd’s comments came after the search and rescue efforts turned to search and recovery. “I understood the Coast Guard is now doing recovery, meaning they
do not think anyone else is alive in the water. Eleven persons have been recovered so far in shallow, clear waters. We have been searching all night and day and did not recover any survivors. We may never know the exact number of all those on the vessel, but as best we know they have all been recovered,” he said. “The saddest part of this tragedy is that it happened Sunday evening but we did not got official word until Monday evening. In matters like these time is of the essence. By the time Basra, the Coast Guard, the Defence Force and other officials got to Abaco, good Samaritans and the police from Fox Town had already responded and were trying to help.” Mr Lloyd said it is always difficult to determine just how many people were on the boat because on voyages like these the passengers usually meet for the first time when they get on the boat. He said only the captain would know that information and no one will ever come forward and admit to being the captain for fear of being prosecuted. (Tribune242.com)
Officials in the DR are hoping to eliminate the worst forms of child labour by 2020, but it remains a tough challenge.
More than 304,000 DR children still work, even in hazardous tasks
AFTER 10 years since the World against Child Labour Day was established, more than 304,000 Dominican children still perform tasks which deprive them of education, health, leisure and basic freedoms. International Labour Organisation (ILO) consultant Oscar Armangos said 12 percent of the population aged 5 to 17 is subjected to work, with 8% of that does hazardous labour. He said however that Dominican Republic has fallen number of children and young workers by 6% in the recent years and aims to eradicate the worst forms of child labour by 2015, while eliminating
it altogether by 2020. “We need to strengthen the socio-political commitment against this problem in the country, intensifying efforts to reduce poverty, increase social protection and education coverage as strategies that contribute to eradicate child labor.” Armangos said current figures from the ILO, United Nations Children’s Fund, Labour Ministry, Coalition for Children, Education Ministry and the Observatory for Children’s Rights, among others show that despite a significant decrease in recent years Dominican Republic has around 304,000 children and adolescents who work. (Dominican Today)
19
Bahamian Labour Minister calls for justification of “every work permit’ COMPANIES who hire foreigners must send “justification” for every employee they have on work permit to the government, according to Minister of Labour and National Insurance Shane Gibson. Speaking in an interview on Patty Roker’s Island FM radio show Parliament Street, Mr Gibson said he’s putting employers “on notice” and the issuing of labour certificates will no longer be “business as usual”. Using the Bahamas Telecommunication Company (BTC) as an example of a company that has employees on work permits, he explained labour certificates will now be “systematically denied” where there are Bahamians that can do the job. “I found it so offensive that BTC... they now have over 40 persons on work permit,” Mr Gibson said. “Why would BTC need 40 work permits to operate telecommunications of the Bahamas?” Noting the Grand Bahama Power Company is “the same thing” with around 20 to 30 work permits, he asked: “Every little thing, we’re bringing in foreigners – why do we need that? “I’m now instructing the Labour Department to contact these employers, let them know I want them to send me a justification for every single individual they have on work permit and give me a timeframe as to when these individuals will be out of the Bahamas and these jobs will be turned over to Bahamians.” He continued: “I’m putting all the employers on notice that it will not be business as usual as far as getting labour certificates – we will not be issuing labour certificates. Send us your plan, let us know your succession plan, tell us we don’t have any Bahamians qualified to do this job now, so I’m bringing in this person for six months, this individual will be understudying them and so I’m requesting a labour certificate. “Once you’re able to justify it, we’re going to give you a labour
Shane Gibson said he’s putting employers “on notice” and the issuing of labour certificates will no longer be “business as usual”.
certificate. Other than that, we will be systematically denying those labour certificates where we have Bahamians – we cannot have Bahamians sitting down in the Bahamas watching all these foreigners come and work while they’re sitting down home, could do the work, but doing nothing.” However, when asked to comment, companies that employ many foreigners said they already provide justification to the Department of Labour. Senior vice president of public affairs and retail services for Kerzner International Ed Fields said: “That’s what we do anyway – that is what’s required of work permits. “We already provide that information as normal course of application. Every application that we make to the Ministry of Labour and Immigration has to, as per requirement, provide a justification. We’ve always done that as a matter of process as required by the Department of Immigration.” Although stressing he was not
aware of the context of Mr Gibson’s comments, Baha Mar senior vice president of administration and external affairs Robert Sands made a similar statement. “Baha Mar has a Heads of Agreement that speaks to certain work permits that will be required as a result of our project,” he said. “Every time we submit an application, the justification for its requirement certainly is there.” Mr Sands added that work permit requests for Baha Mar are actually trending lower than originally expected. Also responding, senior manager of public relations for BTC, Jerome Sawyer, first noted that 99 per cent of the company’s employees are Bahamian and current employees on work permits already have timeframes and justifications. “The majority of those work permits were secured for individuals working for the company’s suppliers who are here for specified periods for specified projects,” he said. Mr Sawyer also pointed to BTC CEO Geoff Houston’s earlier remarks at a press conference on Monday. “It has always been and always will be our ambition to keep BTC predominantly as a Bahamian company,” Mr Houston said. “Our commitment is always to look first for Bahamian talent locally even if that means we have to take more of a developmental approach when we bring new people in who may not be well versed in the industry or the business or the technology. We are going to take that investment to train and develop.” Noting BTC has hired around 40 to 50 Bahamians in the past six months, he continued: “If I look at the number of what you might call foreigners in the business, the number of foreigners are actually predominantly working for our suppliers... We have a very, very small number of active full time employees who are foreigners in the business.” (Tribune242.com)
Suriname eying membership of Commonwealth It is very likely that Suriname will become a member of the British Commonwealth. Ambassador Harvey Naarendorp and the British Foreign Minister for Commonwealth Affairs, Lord Howell, recently discussed this issue. Naarendorp was in England to extend his credentials to Queen Elizabeth II as non-residing ambassador. The Ambassador also lobbied for a meeting between President Bouterse and Prime Minister David Cameron at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. Naarendorp has requested a meeting between Foreign Affair Minister
Winston Lackin and his British counterpart William Hague. Howell is enthusiastic about Suriname’s plans. As member of the Commonwealth Suriname will be eligible for economic benefits. Twice in its history Suriname has been under the protectorate of the British crown. Howell showed much interest for the energy sector in Suriname and a possible role for the British in its development. Currently the British company Tullow Oil is exploring for oil off the Surinamese coast through a contract with Staatsolie. British officials told Naarendorp
that the United Kingdom is seriously considering further integration in Latin America. Naarendorp, in that respect, promised Suriname’s assistance. Suriname is not only a South American country, but, Caricom member as well and next to Brazil the only nation on the continent to border Europe through French Guiana. The United Kingdom is willing to help Suriname to achieve its objective to become the food supplier of the Caribbean. Suriname is currently drafting a master plan for the agriculture sector which has to be completed this year.
20 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
June 16 - 22, 2012
June 16 - 22, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 21
22 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
June 16 - 22, 2012
June 16 - 22, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 23
24
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
June 16 - 22, 2012
CUT HERE
Turks and Caicos
Weekly News PUZZLE trivia The Weekly News now brings to you a fun way to win free gifts.
Compliments of the Graceway IGA and Gourmet Stores
$300 gift card
Shop for free at the Graceway IGA or Graceway Gourmet supermarkets for up to $300 in items of your choice!!
Prize drawing on Tuesday July 17
Simply complete the puzzle correctly, fill out your name and phone number, cut it out and drop it into the box provided at the Weekly News office, Leeward Highway. You can submit as many puzzles you can find – the more the better! The winner will be announced and a new puzzle will begin. Good luck everyone!
NAME: ................................................................................................... TELEPHONE: ........................................................................................ Remember, the more puzzles you submit, the more chances you have to win!
Can you spot and circle the 10 differences?
June 16 - 22, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
25
26
World News
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Prince William thanks Queen for ‘love and devotion’ PRINCE William has thanked the Queen for her “extraordinary love and devotion”, during a Diamond Jubilee visit to Nottingham. He was addressing an audience at Vernon Park in Basford after the monarch had unveiled a plaque conferring Queen Elizabeth II Fields in Trust status. The visit took place on a day during which the Queen has been greeted in the East Midlands by thousands of people. The Queen has also been to Stamford and Corby. The royal party started the day in Nottingham shortly after 10:00 BST. The Queen, who travelled to the city by train, was met by Prince William and Catherine. The Duke of Edinburgh, who is recovering from a bladder infection, was not present. Crowds gathered at the Old Market Square in the city, where the Queen made an appearance on the balcony of the Council House.
The Queen spoke to crowds in Nottingham’s Old Market Square.
The royal party then travelled to Vernon Park, where the prince made his official jubilee tribute. He said: “The occasion presents the perfect opportunity for me, through my patronage of the Queen Elizabeth II Fields, to pay tribute to the Queen on her Diamond Jubilee. “On behalf of Fields in Trust,
thank you so much Your Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh for everything you have done throughout your reign to protect these vital outdoor places for the nation. “How grateful we are for the extraordinary love and devotion you have shown to the people of this country and the Commonwealth.” (BBC)
U.S. soldier found guilty of murdering 2 Army roomates in Iraq for leaving room too messy A GEORGIA soldier was found guilty Tuesday of killing his two Army roommates in 2010 at a U.S. base camp in Iraq, where prosecutors said he opened fire hours after complaining that the victims had let their room get too messy. A court-martial found Spc. Neftaly Platero guilty of two counts of premeditated murder and one count of attempted premeditated murder after a weeklong trial. The verdict was reached by a fivemember jury of Army officers and noncommissioned officers after 90 minutes of deliberations Tuesday. The case moved directly to the sentencing phase. Platero faces life in prison with or without the possibility of parole. Fort Stewart commanders earlier decided not to pursue it as a death penalty case. Prosecutors said 34-year-old Platero of Kingwood, Texas, opened fire on his roommates as they readied for bed at Camp Fallujah on Sept. 23, 2010. Pfc. Grebrah Noonan was fatally shot in the side and the back after having just returned to their room from a shower. Spc. John Carrillo Jr. was felled by the gunfire while rummaging through his backpack. A fourth soldier who shared the room, Spc. Jeffrey Shonk, survived after a bullet creased his skull while he was lying on his bunk. But he testified that he can’t remember the shootings, including who pulled the
Spc. Neftaly Platero was found guilty Tuesday of killing his two Army roommates in 2010 at a U.S. base camp in Iraq, where prosecutors said he opened fire hours after complaining that the victims had let their room get too messy.
trigger. Noonan, 26, of Watertown, Conn., and Carrillo, 20, of Stockton, Calif., were both dead by the time help arrived. No one else witnessed the shootings. Staff Sgt. Jhamaal Martin, who testified he was one of the first to rush into the room, said
Shonk was able to speak and told him: “Platero shot us.” None of the medics who treated the wounded soldier could recall him speaking. Platero’s defense attorneys insisted Martin’s account was a fabrication. After the verdict was announced, Noonan’s father, William Noonan, hugged prosecutors and soldiers from his son’s unit. Other family members dabbed their eyes with tissues and cried. “I’m really kind of numb,” William Noonan said. “It’s just the shock of it all. I’m still processing it.” Platero didn’t testify during his trial. His attorney, Guy Womack, said Army investigators rushed to focus on Platero as their only suspect even after forensic evidence failed to point to him as the shooter. Eighteen spent bullet casings were recovered from the room, and several matched Platero’s assault rifle. But skin samples taken from his right hand soon after the shootings tested negative for gunshot residue. Womack said prosecutors also had a flimsy motive. Platero’s supervisors testified he came to them twice hours before the shootings to complain that his roommates were letting their room get too dirty. Prosecutors said Platero got angry after all four roommates, including Platero, were told they would be subjected to extra room inspections. (Nydailynews.com/AP)
June 16 - 22, 2012
Israeli report criticises PM Netanyahu over Gaza flotilla ISRAEL’S state watchdog has criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the navy’s interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla which left nine Turkish activists dead and commandos injured. In a report, the State Comptroller identified “serious shortcomings” in the way decisions were taken by Mr Netanyahu before the May 2010 incident. The activists were killed in clashes with commandos who boarded the lead flotilla vessel, Mavi Marmara. The incident strained ties with Turkey. Turkey has demanded Israel apologise for what it said was an unjustified use of violence, and expelled Israel’s ambassador. Israel says its commandos used live fire only after being attacked with clubs, knives and guns. The Free Gaza Flotilla, which had more than 600 pro-Palestinian activists aboard several aid ships, was trying to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza at the time. In his report, State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss said “substantive and significant deficiencies were discovered in the decision-making process... that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu led and oversaw”.
Mr Lindenstrauss criticised the prime minister for consulting only with his defence and foreign ministers, rather than a wider circle of officials with a view to formulating a policy about what to do. “The process of decision-making was done without orderly, agreedupon, co-ordinated and documented staff work, despite the recognition of the senior political echelon and IDF (Israel Defence Forces) chiefs, intelligence bodies and the National Security Council on the exceptional nature of the Turkish flotilla compared to previous flotillas,” the reports said. The BBC’s Wyre Davies in Jerusalem says despite the numerous faults found in this report, it is unlikely to adversely affect Mr Netanyahu’s standing amongst Israelis, most of whom supported the action against the Mavi Marmara. It could, though, prompt changes in Israeli planning for future confrontations - in particular with regard to Israel’s tense relations with Iran, he adds. Mr Netanyahu’s office responded to the findings, saying Israelis were “enjoying a level of security not seen for many years... the direct result of responsible management and determined policy.” (BBC)
Texas dad kills man molesting daughter after hearing her scream A TEXAS father who said he witnessed his 4-year-old daughter being molested beat her alleged attacker to death with repeated punches to the head, police said Monday. A relative of the 23-year-old father, who was not identified by local reports, said he was later remorseful for killing the suspected predator, who was also not named pending notification of his death to his family. “It was an accident,” the young girl’s grandfather told the Victoria Advocate newspaper. Lavaca County Sheriff Micah Harmon said he doesn’t expect the father to be arrested in Saturday’s incident, and that no evidence so far has led investigators to doubt his version of events. Authorities said the 47-yearold man of Gonzales, Texas, was a casual acquaintance of the father, and had been at the family’s ranch in Shiner to help take care of horses. The alleged sexual attack took place in a pasture near a barn, and police said the father was alerted after he said he heard the girl screaming.
“In the course of trying to get her away from him, and protect her, he struck the subject several times in the head and the subject died,” Harmon said. The man was pronounced dead at the scene and the girl was taken to a hospital, CNN reported. She was doing “OK besides the obvious mental trauma,” Harmon said. The man didn’t have a prior criminal record, police said. Depending on what investigators find, a grand jury could decide to indict the father in the man’s death, although officials said he has a strong case. “You have a right to defend your daughter,” Harmon said. “He acted in defense of his third person.” Many Shiner residents sympathised with the family. They “will have to deal with (the attack) the rest of their lives, no matter what happens to the father,” Mark Harabis told the Victoria Advocate. “Even if they let him go, he and his child will have to deal with that the rest of their lives.” (Nydailynews.com)
June 16 - 22, 2012
World News
27
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Falkland Islands to hold referendum on sovereignty
Casey Anthony says she is innocent
First Casey Anthony interview: ‘I’m ashamed of myself,’ but I’m innocent CASEY Anthony says she’s “ashamed” of herself — but innocent of killing her 2-year-old daughter Caylee. In her first interview since she was acquitted of murder, the Florida woman admitted she came off as “horrible” in some interviews before her trial. “I’m ashamed in many ways of the person that I was,” she told CNN’s Piers Morgan Tuesday. “Even then, that wasn’t who I am. I’m 26 now, and I’ve gone through hell.” Anthony was accused of chloroforming and suffocating her daughter, then partying before reporting her missing a month later. A jury found her not guilty last summer — and she says that was the right call. “Obviously I didn’t kill my daughter,” she told Morgan.
“If anything, there’s nothing in this world I’ve ever been more proud of, and there’s no one I loved more than my daughter. She’s my greatest accomplishment.” Anthony did not appear on camera, but Morgan related the comments she made in a 10-minute phone conversation — her only comments since a video diary she made in the fall. She said she has no plans to capitalize on her infamy, and has been reading the “Hunger Games,” watching “I Love Lucy’ and avoiding the news and booze. “I’m not making gazillions of dollars at the hands of other people, or trying to sell myself to anyone willing to throw a couple of dollars at me,” she reportedly told Morgan. (NYDailynews. com)
THE FALKLAND Islands will hold a referendum on its “political status” in a bid to end the dispute with Argentina over the archipelago’s sovereignty. The islands’ government made the announcement ahead of the anniversary marking 30 years since the end of Argentina’s 74-day occupation in 1982. It said it wanted to send a firm message to Argentina that islanders want to remain British. The UK prime minister said Britain would support the result of the vote. The referendum will be organised by the Falkland Islands government and will take place in the first half of next year.
‘ECONOMIC BLOCKADE’ The announcement comes amid growing tensions between the UK and Argentina surrounding the anniversary commemorations marking the islands’ liberation by British forces on 14 June, 1982. Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne is currently there on an official trip. Argentina claims sovereignty over the islands it calls the Malvinas, and wants the UK to negotiate over their rule. Recently, UK ministers have accused Argentina of trying to impose an “economic blockade” on the islands. The South American country has been turning away cruise ships carrying the British flag and is taking legal action against five British oil firms exploring the coast of the islands. Gavin Short, chairman of the islands’ legislative assembly, said they were holding the referendum “to show the world just how certain we are about it [our future]”.
Gavin Short announced the referendum, which visiting UK minister Jeremy Browne welcomed.
“I have no doubt that the people of the Falklands wish for the islands to remain a self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom. “We certainly have no desire to be ruled by the government in Buenos Aires, a fact that is immediately obvious to anyone who has visited the islands and heard our views. “But we are aware that not everybody is able to come to these beautiful islands and to see this reality for themselves. “And the Argentine government deploys misleading rhetoric that wrongly implies that we have no strong views or even that we are being held hostage by the UK military. This is simply absurd.” ‘RESOLUTE SUPPORT’ Prime Minister David Cameron said it was “absolutely right” that the islanders set out how they intended to “make their voices heard once more”. “And Britain will be resolute in supporting their choice,” he said. “Next year’s referendum will determine beyond doubt the views of the people of the Falklands. Britain will respect and defend their choice.
“We look to all UN members to live up to their responsibilities under the UN charter and accept the islanders’ decision about how they want to live.” Foreign Secretary William Hague said: “I hope very much that Argentina, and indeed the whole of the international community, joins the UK in listening carefully to what they have to say.” The prime minister’s official spokesman later confirmed the UK government had been aware of the plans and had been in discussions with the Falklands government before the announcement, but said “it was their decision and we fully support it”. Argentinian president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, is due to attend a meeting of the UN’s decolonisation committee on Thursday. The Falkland Islands, a rocky archipelago in the South Atlantic, are 7,780 miles from the UK and 1,140 miles from Buenos Aires. With the exception of the 1982 occupation by Argentina - which sparked the Falklands War - they have been under British control since 1833. (BBC)
Leveson Inquiry: Alex Salmond says Observer accessed bank account SCOTLAND’S First Minister Alex Salmond has told the Leveson Inquiry into press standards that his bank account was accessed by the Observer newspaper. The SNP leader made the claim before Lord Justice Leveson, sitting at London’s Royal Courts of Justice. Responding to Mr Salmond’s claim, a spokesman for the Observer said “we have been unable to find any evidence to substantiate the allegation”. Leader of the Liberal Democrats Nick Clegg gave evidence before Mr Salmond. The subject of Mr Salmond’s bank account came up when inquiry
QC Robert Jay asked the politician if his phone had ever been hacked. The first minister said he had not been contacted by Strathclyde Police, who were investigating phone hacking in Scotland, to say he had been a victim. However, he added: “What I can say is that I believe that my bank account was accessed by the Observer newspaper in 1999. “My reason for believing that is I was informed by a former Observer journalist who gave me a fairly exact account of what was in my bank account that could only have been known to somebody who had seen it.”
Mr Salmond, who was party leader and an MP at Westminster in 1999, explained further: “For example I bought some toys for my then young nieces in a toy shop in Linlithgow High Street which was called ‘Fun and Games’. “The person who informed me told me this caused great anticipation and hope in the Observer investigation unit because they believed that perhaps ‘Fun and Games’ was more than a conventional toy shop.” A spokesman for Guardian News & Media, which runs the Observer newspaper, said that Mr Salmond first raised the matter of an alleged unauthorised access of his bank
Mr Salmond made his claim about the Observer during his three hours of evidence.
account with the editor of the Sunday broadsheet last year. He added: “As we explained to him [Mr Salmond] last year, on
the basis of the information he had given us, we have been unable to find any evidence to substantiate his allegation. (BBC)
28
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Science & Technology
June 16 - 22, 2012
Lack of vitamin D may explain Black American cancer death AFRICAN-Americans are 25 percent more likely to die from cancer than white Americans are, and the reasons are numerous, including lower socioeconomic status, poorer access to health care, and the cancer diagnosis coming at later, more deadly stages. Still, health experts say these factors cannot fully explain the extent of disparities in survival for the most common cancers, such as breast, lung, colon and prostate cancers. A paper published in the current issue of the journal DermatoEndocrinology points the finger at a seemingly obvious but overlooked culprit: the sun. The researchers’ theory is that, in northern latitudes, the dark skin of African-Americans cannot absorb enough sunlight to generate adequate amounts of vitamin D, which is often called the “sunshine vitamin.” The body uses ultraviolet rays from the sun to manufacture vitamin D in the inner layers of the skin. Vitamin D is needed for strong bones; doctors nearly 100 years ago associated a lack of adequate sun exposure with rickets among child laborers, exemplified by bowed legs. Recent studies also have shown that low levels of vitamin D in the blood seem to contribute to a weak immune system and a host of diseases, such as cancer and multiple sclerosis.
The World Health Organization previously labelled diesel exhausts as probably carcinogenic.
Sunlight is essential for the production of Vitamin D.
This lack of vitamin D could completely fill in the health disparity gap for cancer survival between white and black Americans, the researchers said. Previous work by geneticist Rick Kittles at the University of Chicago suggests that upwards of 75 percent of African-Americans are deficient in vitamin D. Kittles says that AfricanAmericans living north of the 37th parallel — just about anyplace north of central California, Texas, Tennessee or North Carolina — will have difficulty through most of the year absorbing enough sunlight to make vitamin D, because of the low angle of the rays reaching the Earth’s surface. Given this largely established fact, researchers Alan Peiris of East Tennessee State University
and William Grant of the Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Center in San Francisco set out to look for a correlation between vitamin D and cancer death disparities. (In past research, Grant and a colleague suggested low levels of ultraviolet-B rays in Austria, paired with Mozart’s nocturnal habits, may have led to vitamin D deficiency in the composer, who died at the age of 35.) What they found in the new study is preliminary but warrants further investigation, they said. Relying solely on a scientific literature review, the researchers found that low vitamin D is independently associated with each of the cancer types for which an unexplained health disparity exists between African-Americans and white Americans.
Smoking and drinking has ‘little effect’ on sperm counts LIFESTYLE advice given to tackle male infertility may be futile and could delay other options, according to researchers in the UK. Their study in the journal Human Reproduction said smoking, alcohol consumption and being obese did not affect semen quality. However, they warned that avoiding them was still “good health advice”. Wearing boxer shorts rather than tighter underwear was linked to higher sperm levels. Advice for doctors by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence says men should be warned about the impact of smoking, drinking and taking recreational drugs on their sperm. ‘OVERTURNS ADVICE’ A study by researchers at the Universities of Sheffield and Manchester compared the lifestyles of 939 men with poor sperm quality with 1,310 men with normal sperm quality. The study showed there was little difference in the number of mobile sperm between patients who never smoked and those who had a 20-a-day habit. There was “little evidence” that recreational drug use, a high BMI
Diesel exhausts do cause cancer, says WHO EXHAUST fumes from diesel engines do cause cancer, a panel of experts working for the World Health Organisation says. It concluded that the exhausts were definitely a cause of lung cancer and may also cause tumours in the bladder. It based the findings on research in high-risk workers such as miners, railway workers and truck drivers. However, the panel said everyone should try to reduce their exposure to diesel exhaust fumes. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, a part of the World Health Organization, had previously labelled diesel exhausts as probably carcinogenic to humans. IARC has now labelled exhausts as a definite cause of cancer, although it does not compare how risky different carcinogens are. Diesel exhausts are now in the same group as carcinogens ranging from wood chippings to plutonium and sunlight to alcohol. It is thought people working in
at-risk industries have about a 40% increased risk of developing lung cancer. Dr Christopher Portier, who led the assessment, said: “The scientific evidence was compelling and the Working Group’s conclusion was unanimous, diesel engine exhaust causes lung cancer in humans. “Given the additional health impacts from diesel particulates, exposure to this mixture of chemicals should be reduced worldwide.” The impact on the wider population, which is exposed to diesel fumes at much lower levels and for shorter periods of time, is unknown. Dr Kurt Straif, also from IARC, said: “For most of the carcinogens when there is high exposure the risk is higher, when there is lower exposure the risk is lower.” There have been considerable efforts to clean up diesel exhausts. Lower sulphur fuel and engines which burn the fuel more efficiently are now in use.
Alien planets may be plentiful in our Milky Way
Sperm quality is not affected by a partying lifestyle.
or excessive alcohol consumption affected sperm quality. Dr Andrew Povey, from the University of Manchester, said there was these lifestyle choices were hugely important for wider health but “probably have little influence” on male fertility. He said: “This potentially overturns much of the current advice given to men about how they might improve their fertility and suggests that many common lifestyle risks may not be as important as we previously thought. “Delaying fertility treatment then for these couples so that they can make changes to their lifestyles,
for which there is little evidence of effectiveness, is unlikely to improve their chances of a conception and, indeed, might be prejudicial for couples with little time left to lose.” Wearing boxer shorts was associated with higher-quality sperm. Dr Allan Pacey from the University of Sheffield said: “In spite of our results, it’s important that men continue to follow sensible health advice and watch their weight, stop smoking and drink alcohol within sensible limits. But there is no need for them to become monks just because they want to be a dad. (BBC)
SMALL, rocky planets can coalesce around a wide variety of stars, suggesting that Earth-like alien worlds may have formed early and often throughout our Milky Way galaxy’s history, a new study reveals. Astronomers had previously noticed that huge, Jupiter-like exoplanets tend to be found around stars with high concentrations of so-called “metals” — elements heavier than hydrogen and helium. But smaller, terrestrial alien planets show no such loyalty to metal-rich stars, the new study found. “ Small planets could be widespread in our galaxy, because they do not require a high content of heavy elements to form,” said study lead author Lars Buchhave
of the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. African-Americans are 25 percent more likely to die from cancer than white Americans are, and the reasons are numerous, including lower socio-economic status, poorer access to health care, and the cancer diagnosis coming at later, more deadly stages. Still, health experts say these factors cannot fully explain the extent of disparities in survival for the most common cancers, such as breast, lung, colon and prostate cancers. A paper published in the current issue of the journal Dermato-Endocrinology points the finger at a seemingly obvious but overlooked culprit: the sun. (MSNBC)
June 16 - 22, 2012
29
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Science & Technology
Children with older fathers and grandfathers ‘live longer’
An artist impression of the Tropical Lake
Saturn moon has tropical “great Salt lake” SATURN’S hazy moon Titan has a huge tropical lake and marshes of liquid methane near its equator, suggest surprising new images from a NASA spacecraft. Titan is the only moon in the solar system to host a significant atmosphere—a roiling haze of organic molecules, which some scientists think might include the ingredients for life as we know it. It’s also the only object in the solar system, other than Earth, to have bodies of liquid
SHOELACE TIPS Experts have known for some time that lifespan is linked to the length of structures known as telomeres that sit at the end of the chromosomes that house our genetic code, DNA. Generally, a shorter telomere length means a shorter life expectancy. Like the plastic tips on shoelaces, telomeres protect chromosomal ends from
HANDYMAN/ LABOURER NEEDED
TEKORAH PRATT Is looking for a
Domestic
Worker To work 6 days 6759
per week salary $5.00 per hour.
contact: 241-2179
on its surface—previous data from NASA’s Cassini orbiter revealed hundreds of lakes near the frigid moon’s poles. With surface temperatures hovering around -297 degrees Fahrenheit (-183 degrees Celsius), Titan is far too cold to have liquid water. Instead, the lakes are filled with liquid hydrocarbons, such as methane and ethane. Now, for the first time, Cassini images show dark regions that appear to be pools of hydrocarbons around the moon’s equator.
DELAYING fatherhood may offer survival advantages, say US scientists who have found children with older fathers and grandfathers appear to be “genetically programmed” to live longer. The genetic make-up of sperm changes as a man ages and develops DNA code that favours a longer life - a trait he then passes to his children. The team found the link after analysing the DNA of 1,779 young adults. Their work appears in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
ALVERIA B. DUNCOMBE Is looking for a
For a private home in Providenciales. • A hardworking person needed to work six days a week. • Must speak English. Must be Fit and able. Required to work 6 days a week. • Salary is $ 1,250.00 a month. Required to work six days a week • An experienced Belonger required for this position. If you fit the above qualifications please send your resume to the following address:
PO Box 560, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
6756
E & V EQUIPMENT LIMITED is looking to fill the following positions:
LABOURER
• To maintain garden, clean yard, carry out garbage, cleaning of equipment, cutting grass, must have experience in gardening, general cleaning around the house • Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour
Farmer To work on a farm 4 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.
Contact: 941-7120 6728
WELDER
Must have experience in heavy equipment such as dozers salary $10.00 per hour
Send resume to fax: 1-649-941-8495 or drop off at E & V Equipment Limited, 53 Williams Auditorium, Five Cays Road, Providenciales
6746
damage. But in most cells, they shorten with age until the cells are no longer able to replicate. However, scientists have discovered that in sperm, telomeres lengthen with age. And since men pass on their DNA to their children via sperm, these long telomeres can be inherited by the next generation. Dr Dan Eisenberg and colleagues from the Department of Anthropology at Northwestern University studied telomere inheritance in a group of young people living in the Philippines. Telomeres, measured in blood samples, were longer in individuals whose fathers were older when they were born. The telomere lengthening seen with each year that the men delayed fatherhood was equal to the yearly shortening of telomere length that occurs in
middle-aged adults. Telomere lengthening was even greater if the child’s paternal grandfather had also been older when he became a father. Although delaying fatherhood increases the risk of miscarriage, the researchers believe there may be longterm health benefits. Inheriting longer telomeres will be particularly beneficial for tissues and biological functions that involve rapid cell growth and turnover such as the immune system, gut and skin - the scientists believe. And it could have significant implications for general population health. “As paternal ancestors delay reproduction, longer telomere length will be passed to offspring, which could allow lifespan to be extended as populations survive to reproduce at older ages.” (BBC)
The genetic make-up of sperm changes as a man ages and develops DNA code that favours a longer life - a trait he then passes to his children.
WANTED Nanny
– salary $5.50 per hour
Waitress
– salary $5.50 per hour
Cook
– salary $7.00 per hour
2 Labourers
– salary $5.50 per hour
Electrician
– salary $10.00 per hour
Contact: 245-6962
6754
30
Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate GRACE BAY SUITES Is looking to fill the following positions: • Cleaners • Maids • Life guard • Masseuse • Beach/ Pool Attendants • Bartenders • Front Desk Manager • Part-time & live-in positions available immediately Please deliver resume with salary expectations to Front Desk preference will be given to qualified Belongers
6373
Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
FAST SALE
FOR RENT
3-bedroom apartment $1100.00 per month it will be available May 1st.
contact: 946-4664
FOR SALE
1.3 Acres Of Land Ocean Drive, Turtle Tail Semi-Hilltop
June 16 - 22, 2012
946-4664 Fax: 946-4661
Email: tcnews@tciway.tc
Website: tcweeklynews.com
STUDIO APARTMENT FOR RENT
$225,000 o.n.o.
$650.00 per month Gated Community Furnished
CONTACT: 231-3788
Contact: 231-3788
Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788
June 16 - 22, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
BCS/CS On behalf of our clients: Mac Motors, Golden Scissors Plus, FPN, Smith/ Higgs is looking to fill the following positions:
Manager, Tailors, Painters, Laborers, Domestic Worker, Mason
ASSISTANT MANAGER • Must have experience in baking • Must have accounting background especially in profit and loss • Must have at least 5 years experience Salary commensurate with experience.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE OF JEWELRY REPAIR Is looking to fill the following positions:
Store Supervisor
Sales Person Must be willing to work 6 days per week. Salary commensurate with experience. Send resumes to P.O. Box 452
Contact: 941-7331
6735
6742
Kiteboard instructor needed Must be IKO certified level 2 with minimum of 3 years teaching experience.
VERNARD HANDFIELD Is looking for a
Labourer Labourer 6734
6751
To work 5 days per week. Salary $5.00 per hour.
Contact: 231-1466
Henry Clark
60904/216,217,218,221 222,351,352,514 Leeward Going Through Providenciales
7.65 acres of adjoining raw land located at the entrance of Leeward Development. Zoned – Hotel/Tourism
Clarke Properties (TCI) Ltd
The auction will be held on Thursday 28th June, 2012 at 10:00am at the offices of the British Caribbean Bank Limited, Governor’s Road, Leeward, Providenciales. Conditions of sale may be obtained from the British Caribbean Bank Limited and further inquiries may be directed to the Risk Management Unit @ 1-649-941-5028.
ALL SALES ARE SUBJECT TO RESERVE; 10% DEPOSIT REQUIRED AFTER SUCCESSFUL BID.
Is seeking suitably qualified Belongers to fill the positions outlined below. Ideal candidates must possess luxury resort experience, a professional, outgoing and friendly demeanor, and a strong command of the English language (oral and written). Salary is based on experience and qualifications.
GROUNDS SUPERVISOR The Grounds Supervisor plans and coordinates the work activities of the landscaping department, and oversees gardening and greenhouse operations, insect control, and grounds repairs. Essential Duties: • Work with resort management to develop working sketches for the refurbishment, improvement, or expansion of landscaped areas. • Plan, schedule, assign, and supervise all landscaping activities, including but not limited to, seeding, weeding, cultivating, and general care of resort grounds. • Plan and supervise cultivation, pruning, spraying, and transplanting of a wide variety of shrubs and trees. • Prepare requisitions and distribute materials and equipment for grounds maintenance work. Minimum Requirements: • Five years experience as a groundskeeper with supervision responsibility for a grounds crew. • Extensive knowledge of planting and vegetation maintenance, pesticide applications, and landscape design. • Considerable knowledge of budgets and cost estimating of landscaping projects. • Ability to lead a crew of workers and conduct training and informational sessions. • Ability to maintain favorable relationships with management, crew, vendors and suppliers. • Excellent communication and organization skills.
Essential Duties: • Effective assistance with food and beverage service and overall logistics of banquet events, including set-up of tables, linens, chairs, etc. • Carry large/heavy trays on a continuous basis throughout shift. • Follow BEO directives, take orders and produce service that is prompt and efficient • Long periods of standing/walking/bending throughout shift • Provide exceptional food and beverage service in keeping with fine dining requirements • Maintain excellent knowledge of menu items and contents, as well as preparation and garnishing methods
Is looking for a
contact: 2425052 or 345-3438
1 three bedroom residential luxury home with guest house on Pinta Lane with canal frontage and boat dock situated on 0.92 acres of land
The Banquet Server is responsible for serving, set-up and clean-up of all dining functions. This is a fast-paced position that requires exceptional interpersonal skills, strong F&B knowledge, and a keen sense of urgency.
Call 242.2927
To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.
60902/111 Leeward Going Through Providenciales
BANQUET SERVER
Qualified individuals please
SYLVIA MISSICK BLACK
Pursuant to court order, British Caribbean Bank Limited, Governor’s Road, Leeward, Providenciales HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that it will cause to be sold by public auction the following properties:
Minimum Requirements • Five years food & beverage experience with extensive knowledge of proper serving procedures and techniques; butler experience desired • Considerable experience with special events including weddings, catering and corporate functions • Professional appearance and mannerism along with excellent interpersonal, communication and organization skills • Ability to work in a team environment and maintain excellent working relationships • Must be able to work early mornings, late evenings, weekends and holidays as business necessitates • Closing Date: June 11th, 2012
Suitably qualified candidates should apply in writing or by phone to the following:
Bridgette Thomas, BNC Consulting Group, Ltd website: www.bnccgroup.com email: bthomas@bnccgroup.com. phone: 649-332-2565
6745
Send resumes to branitz@yahoo.com or contact: 241-1228 6748
Is looking for an
SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION TITLE DESCRIPTION REGISTERED PROPRIETOR
• Must be fluent in QuickBooks, Excel and Word • Must be able to multi-task • Must have a good police record • Must have a good working relationship with teammates Salary starting $5.00-$10.00 per hour
PIZZA PIZZA RESTAURANT
CLASSIFIEDS 31
32 CLASSIFIEDS
June 16 - 22, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
B.E.S.T. INSTITUTE (A BAPTIST INSTITUTION)
SALTMILLS RESTAURANTS
for IMMDEATE SALE Saltmills Diner in the heart of Grace Bay is for sale and it won’t last long at a price that is unheard of for an established business with repeat clientele. Located in the bustling Saltmills Plaza on Grace Bay Road. Turn-key business ready to be taken over. All permits in place. Large kitchen that handles established catering to clients on a daily basis. Limited partnership would be considered for the right individual. Start enjoying today all the unlimited benefits that owning a business in Grace Bay has to offer.
Call Mon-Fri 9-5 on 333-1479 for info.
6747
6698
in the turks & caicos
JOB OPPORTUNITY
The successful candidate will also be sensitive to diversity, able to work crossculturally and adhere to the Red Cross principles throughout daily responsibilities, as well as provide support and work in Disaster Response. For the full job description and an application form, please contact our Provo office 941 8056 redcrossprovo@tciway.tc or our Grand Turk office 946 2761 tciredcross@ tciway.tc
Deadline for applications is 22nd June 2012. Belongers only need apply.
6743
Qualifications Required:
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership
You will need proven experience in word, excel, as well as other basic software. Seven plus years of finance experience and three plus years in basic administration or the relevant education. Experience in the Red Cross or another humanitarian organization would be an asset.
Interested individuals should send their applications to: The Principal, C/o Board of Governors B.E.S.T. Institute P.O. Box 498. 250 Bay Road, Blue Hills Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands
• Assist Manager with daily maintenance and operation of utility equipment • To reside in remote location • Weekend and holidays shifts required
• Minimum 2 years experience tending a bar • Ability to work 9pm-5am shift weekends and holidays • Salary $5.50 per hour
The Red Cross is looking for a part time experienced Administration and Finance Officer who will be responsible for ensuring the fluent financial and administration management of the Grand Turk sub branch in relation to the overall TCI Red Cross, as well as providing basic admin support to the GT office and it’s programmes.
prepare orders • Handle cash effectively to ensure all checks and balances • A trained teacher with experience in teaching multi-grades classes will be an asset • All applicants for the above-mentioned should be born again Christian preferable of the Baptist faith
Responsibilities:
BARMAID/ BARTENDERS
– Grand Turk. Part time 20 hours a week - $10/hour
• The applicants should meet the following requirements among others: • Possess a valid food handler’s permit • The ability to read and write English • Must be able to assist in the preparation of healthy meals on a daily basis for over 100 students • Must be able to manage the stock and
Utility Operations Assistant
• Must have a minimum 3 years slot parlour or casino experience • Bartending experience preferred • Knowledge of MS Office and QuickBooks • Ability to work 9pm-5am shift weekends and holidays • Salary $7.00 per hour •
Administration and Finance Officer
4 Domestic Workers 1 Trained Teacher
WEST HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD.
ASSISTANT SLOT PARLOUR MANAGER
Turks Islanders only need apply Email resumes to glmelite@hotmail.com
Is seeking suitable candidates for the following positions:
• Knowledgeable in maintenance and repair of diesel generators, RO Plants, water tanks and other related equipment • Solid electrical and mechanical background • Min 4 yrs experience in similar position Only qualified candidates will be contacted for interview. Qualified Applicants should submit resume by June 30th via email:
West Harbour Development Co. Ltd. - Manager P.O. Box 766, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Email: westharbourdevelop@hotmail.com Phone: 649-941-3574 Fax: 649-946-8597 Applicants must also submit copy of application to Labour Department (Fax: 946.5648).
BIG SPLASHING #2 REGENT VILLAGE
SALE 1 Week Only
SUMMER DRESSES
$25 - $35
6749
CLASSIFIEDS 33
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
ACA/ACCA/CA
Or fax your particulars to 946-4619
6735
SHARMEA STUBBS is looking for a
Labourer To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.
6738
EDWARD WILLIAMS is looking for a
Is looking for a
6750
Cashier
Contact: 241-6206
Is looking for a
To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour
VIVA BEAUTY SALON Is looking for a
Nail Technician To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour
Contact: 344-4540
COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
VACANCIES Community Christian Academy invites suitably qualified and experienced persons for the position of:
Contact: 242-8407
To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour contact: 246-5612
is looking for a
Must be willing to work 6 days per week must be hardworking and honest salary $5.00 per hour.
KPMG or The Labour Commissioner P.O. Box 357 Labour Office The Village at Grace Bay Butterfield Square Providenciales Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands Turks & Caicos Islands
Labourer
JSD INTERNET CAFÉ
Cashier
Opportunities exist for three fully qualified accountants who possess a minimum of four years professional experience gained within a “Big Four” public accounting firm. General audit experience is essential as well as knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards. Salaries range from US$40,000.00 to US$75,000.00 per annum. If you wish to be considered for these opportunities please apply in confidence by sending details of your experience and qualifications to either:
ALMINA RODRIQUEZ DIAZ
CHEVETTE CAPRON
6760
June 16 - 22, 2012
Domestic Worker
To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 244-0301
FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION TITLE 60904/128 LEEWARD GOING THOUGH, PROVIDENCIALES A 0.62 ACRE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING LOT IN A QUIET SECTION OF LEEWARD LOCATED JUST OFF PRINCE OF WALES ROAD ON SEAGULL ALLEY WITH APPROXIMATELY 100 FT. OF ROAD FRONTAGE WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF PELICAN BEACH. POWER AND WATER SUPPLY AVAILABLE TO LOT LINE.
PRINCIPAL
For the Academic year commencing August 24, 2012. The individual will possess these MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: • MUST BE a practicing Born Again Christian • Bachelor Degree in Education or equivalent from an accredited institution • At least five (5) years post qualification Teaching experience • At least two (2) years experience in school Administration • Have a working knowledge of the A-Beka Curriculum • Be willing to relocate (In the case of staff recruited from overseas, the appointment is on a contractual term for an initial period of one (1) year). COMPENSATION includes: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience + Housing including water + NIB and NHIP Contributions Suitable APPLICANTS can forward Resumes along with copies of Qualifications, two (2) Character References, and a current Police Record to be received no later than June 24, 2012 to: The Board of Directors Community Christian Academy At Community Fellowship Centre, A.O.G. Leeward Highway, P.O. Box 939 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Fax: (649) 941-3482. E-Mail: comassem@tciway.tc
Grade 1 and Grade 4 Teachers Requirements • Must be a practicing Born Again Christian • Must have at least 5 years teaching experience • Certificate or higher Teacher Education from a recognized Educational Institution. • Familiarization with A-Beka teaching program would be an asset (specifically for grade 1 teacher). • Familiarization with Primary Education within the Caribbean. Salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience. Suitable applicants may forward resumes to be received by June 24, 2012 addressed to:
PROPERTY OF ANTONIA ZENDBIA KEMP THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT THE LAW OFFICES OF TWA, MARCELIN, WOLF, CHANCERY COURT, 1276 LEEWARD HIGHWAY, PROVIDENCIALES AT 10:00 A.M. ON FRIDAY JUNE 22, 2012.
FOR FURTHER PARTICULARS PLEASE CONTACT TWA, MARCELIN, WOLF AT: tmw@tmwlaw.tc reference “Auction” or call 649-946-4261
The Board of Directors Community Christian Academy At Community Fellowship Centre, A.O.G. Leeward Highway. P.O. Box 939 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Island Fax: (649) 941-3482. E-Mail: comassem@tciway.tc 6753
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! 6715
the largest readership in the turks & caicos
34 CLASSIFIEDS KPW CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
Professional Services Agency
Labourer is looking for a
Is looking to fill the following positions:
– salary $6.00 per hour
FARMER
Must be able to work unsupervised. Duties include looking after a large dog. Salary: $200.00 per week.
2 Masons NEEDED – salary $8.00 per hour
Must be willing to work 6 days per week Contact: 231-6364
6729
Salary $5.50 per hour. Must work 6 days per week.
6757
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY! and enjoy the Widest circulation in tci
is looking for a
Diamond Development Ltd is looking for a
Labourer For yard maintenance. 3 and half hours per day Monday to Friday. Salary: $6.00 per hour.
Cosmetologist To work 6 days per week salary $250.00 per week
Contact: 232-7827
contact: 243-6197
6699
Contact 232-7827
Call: 332-1568
6730
VACANCY Administration and Finance Officer – Grand Turk
Part time 20 hours a week - $10/hour The Red Cross is looking for a part time experienced Administration and Finance Officer who will be responsible for ensuring the fluent financial and administration management of the Grand Turk sub branch in relation to the overall TCI Red Cross, as well as providing basic admin support to the GT office and it’s programmes. You will need proven experience in word, excel, as well as other basic software. Seven plus years of finance experience and three plus years in basic administration or the relevant education. Experience in the Red Cross or another humanitarian organization would be an asset. The successful candidate will also be sensitive to diversity, able to work cross-culturally and adhere to the Red Cross principles throughout daily responsibilities, as well as provide support and work in Disaster Response. For the full job description and an application form, please contact our Provo office 941 8056 redcrossprovo@tciway.tc or our Grand Turk office 946 2761 tciredcross@ tciway.tc Deadline for applications is 22nd June 2012. Belongers only need apply.
NEALS CABINETRY & SUBCONTRACTING is looking for a
Painter 6731
2 Labourers
ANNY GARCIA BEAUTY SALON & BOUTIQUE
June 16 - 22, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
• Must be able to verify skills • Must be able to hang and finish drywall • Must be willing to do some laborer tasks as needed Salary $7.00 per hour
Contact: 231-1928
6739
NEEDED FOR DIVE OPERATION
Experienced PADI Dive Instructor & PADI Divemaster
Must have valid insurance & certification Must have a good personality to work around people Must have mechanical maintenance experience Flexible hours a must- Holidays & Sundays Required Please contact Donna at Caicos Adventures: 941-3346 for interview All applications must be submitted by June 15th, 2012 Salary starts at $350.00 per week
6741
CHEF POSITIONS NOW AVAILABLE BNC Consulting Group is currently seeking qualified individuals to fill the following openings with its resort clients.
CHEF | CHEF DE PARTIE | SOUS CHEF Candidates must possess a minimum of 2 years’ experience, and be hardworking, dependable individuals with a passion for hospitality. A strong work ethic and excellent culinary knowledge are required. A culinary degree or relevant training is vital. Fine dining experience within a five-star resort environment is essential. The ideal candidates will be team players who work exceptionally well in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities may include, but not be limited to: • • • • • • • • •
Assisting in the creation and planning of menus and specials Preparing, seasoning and cooking salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables and other foods Participating in the preparation, cooking and baking of menu items Properly displaying and presenting food as designated by the Executive Chef Properly receiving, storing and rotating food products in compliance with HACCP standards Maintaining the cleanliness and organization of all kitchen and food and beverage areas Monitoring and controlling the maintenance and sanitation of kitchen equipment Physical ability to lift, carry, move, push or pull heavy items up to 100 lbs Working in confined spaces with extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
Submit resume to Bridgette Thomas at bthomas@bnccgroup.com for immediate consideration or call 332-2565 for additional information. Candidates must possess relevant skills and experience for consideration. A clean police record and stable work history is required. Closing Date: Open until filled
ONLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED 6733
June 16 - 22, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
MACHINIST WANTED
Requirements/Responsibilities: • Mechanical Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. • Mathematics Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. • Design fixtures, tooling, and experimental parts to meet special engineering needs. • Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers. • Machine parts to specifications using machine tools
such as lathes, milling machines, shapers or grinders. • Study sample parts, blue prints, drawings, and engineering information in order to determine methods and sequences of operations needed to fabricate products and determine product dimensions and tolerances. • Observe and listen to operating machines or equipment in order to diagnose machine malfunctions and to determine need for adjustments or repairs. • Remain in a standing position for extended periods of time. • 5 years experience required
WAGES start at $300/week. BELONGS NEED ONLY APPLY.
Interested applicants call 941-5802 or apply in writing to email: tibor@express.tc or fax 941-5803 6758
Beach House T urks
&
C aicos
A unique opportunity for Certified
Massage Therapist- Esthetician At the newly launching Beach House & Turks & Caicos. Person would be responsible for providing spa services to the Beach House standard and creating a wow experience for guests. The 21 rooms at Beach House have no numbers... Just like we don’t think of you as a number either. We’re breezy, even a bit quirky – but very serious about personal service. Opening soon we are looking for qualified therapist who would welcome the opportunity to work in a boutique resort spa.
Send resume to contact@beachhousetci.com FAMUEL KOFIOWUSU Is looking for a
Cashier To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.
contact: 243-6772
6759
6760
DOMESTIC WORKER REQUIRED • Experienced Live in Domestic Worker needed for busy household. • Salary is $ 1,250.00 a month. Required to work six days a week. • An experienced Belonger required for this position. If you fit the above qualifications please address your application to:
PO Box 560, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
6755
FOUR LEAF SOLUTIONS Is looking to fill the following vacant positions:
JUNIOR IT TECHNICIAN
Seeking infrastructure person with demonstrable skills/certification to A+ levels, minimum 12 months experience in similar roles, must be able to resolve a variety of hardware and software issues Salary range $5-9 per hour
SENIOR IT TECHNICIAN
Seeking degree qualified or equivalently experienced infrastructure person with demonstrable skills/certification to at least MCSE and DDNA levels, minimum of 10 years experience, will be working at a different client location on up to 100 users LAN/WAN configurations must be able to resolve complex issues Salary range $7-9 per hour commensurate with experience We are looking to IMMEDIATELY fill these positions, Belonger Applications are preferred.
CLASSIFIEDS 35
VACANCIES FINANCE ASSISTANT - Permanent
Reporting to the Finance Manager, you will be an integral part of the Finance team ensuring all work is performed in line with Digicel policies and procedures. Duties will include: • Preparation of monthly management accounts within tight deadlines • Balance sheet reconciliations • Preparation and presentation of detailed financial analysis supporting commercial strategy • Budgeting, Financial planning and Financial analysis • Assisting in accounts payable and accounts receivable • Stock reconciliations • Review of daily sales • Assisting Finance Manager in ad hoc duties Academic Qualifications & Functional Skills • Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting • Pursuing a professional qualification e.g. ACCA/CPA • Experience in a dynamic fast-paced multinational environment desirable • Experience in auditing, reporting, balance sheet analysis and budgeting/ financial planning • Excellent communication skills • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite with particular emphasis on Excel is essential • Working knowledge of Microsoft Great Plains would be desirable but not essential • Flexible and adaptable to an ever changing set of responsibilities, constrained by tight deadlines Only Belongers need apply – Salary Based on Experience
Interested applicants should forward their resume to hrtci@digicelgroup.com
FINANCE ASSISTANT – 6 month contract
Reporting to the Finance Manager, you will be an integral part of the Finance team ensuring all work is performed in line with Digicel policies and procedures. Duties will include: • Accounts payable and liaising with creditors • Accounts receivable and liaising with customers • Assisting in the month end process • Perform bank reconciliations • Assisting Finance Manager in ad hoc duties Academic Qualifications & Functional Skills • Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting • Pursuing a professional qualification e.g. ACCA/CPA • Experience in a dynamic fast-paced multinational environment desirable • Excellent communication skills • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite with particular emphasis on Excel is essential • Working knowledge of Microsoft Great Plains would be desirable but not essential • Flexible and adaptable to an ever changing set of responsibilities, constrained by tight deadlines Only Belongers need apply – Salary Based on Experience
Should you be interested please forward your CV to: jobs@fourleafsolutions.tc, suitable applicants will be contacted within 7 days of us receiving your application.
6752
Interested applicants should forward their resume to hrtci@digicelgroup.com
36
Entertainment
June 16 - 22, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Chris Brown bottled in fight with Drake CHRIS Brown has been left with a bloody gash on his chin after a reported fight with rapper Drake. The pair are said to have clashed in a New York nightclub and the R&B star was treated in hospital after he was allegedly bottled by one of the rival hitmaker’s entourage. The singer posted a gruesome snap of his injury on his Twitter page, but later removed it. The two musicians have had a long-running feud over Drake’s dalliance with Chris’s ex Rihanna. But when they met at WIP club last night, Chris is thought to have sent a bottle of champagne to Drake’s table as a peace offering. Unconfirmed reports say the bottle was returned with a note referring to Rihanna which read: “I’m f****** the love of your life, deal with it.” Chris then flew into a rage and confronted Drake, who threw a punch. Before the Turn Up The Music singer could retaliate, onlookers say another man hit him in the face with a bottle. Security broke up the fracas and Drake left with his entourage, according to website MediaTakeOut. com.
Courteney Cox and David Arquette during the happy times of marriage.
Courteney Cox files for divorce
COURTENEY Cox and David Arquette’s divorce appears to be as amicable as can be. The actress filed divorce papers on the same day as Arquette’s June 8 filing in Los Angeles Superior Court. Cox’s filing, which surfaced the day after her ex’s papers, cites the same reason for the split and requests the same custody arrangement. Like Arquette, Cox, 47, cites irreconcilable differences and seeks joint legal and physical custody of their 8-year-old daughter Coco. Cox, who also requests to drop “Arquette” from her last name, is representing herself without lawyer, just like her former significant other.
Patrick Ness based A Monster Calls on an idea by the late author Siobhan Dowd.
Chris Brown was allegedly hit by a bottle on his chin after he confronted Drake about an offensive note that was sent.
Chris, who showed the bleeding chin to his ten million followers before changing his mind, then took himself to hospital. He later tweeted: “How u party wit rich n**** that hate? Lol... Throwing bottles like girls? #shameonya!” Furiously venting on Twitter with a series of posts that he subsequently removed, the singer also wrote:
“N****s in the bathroom b**ch a** n****s.” The 23-year-old split with Rihanna in February 2009 after he assaulted her in a violent row before the Grammy awards. Despite their rivalry, an unreleased track featuring both Chris and Drake called Yamaha Mama surfaced online last month. (The Sun)
Carnegie Medal: Patrick Ness book A Monster Calls scoops double honours PATRICK Ness’s novel A Monster Calls has won both the prestigious Carnegie Medal and its sister prize for illustration for the first time in the awards’ history. A Monster Calls tells the story of a boy coming to terms with his mother’s battle against cancer. It is the second consecutive Carnegie win for Ness, whose Monsters of Men took the prize in 2011. Ness described the win as “extremely humbling - and a little unnerving”. For the first time, the same book won the Kate Greenaway Medal for book illustration, with Jim Kay
picking up the prize at a ceremony at the Barbican in London on Thursday. The Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals are awarded annually to a book for young people by Cilip: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. A Monster Calls was based on an idea by author Siobhan Dowd, whose death from cancer in 2007 prevented her from writing it herself. It was published by Walker Books in May last year. Dowd herself won a Carnegie medal posthumously in 2009 for Bog Child. Dowd and Ness never met, although they shared the same literary editor.
Hill found international fame when The Fugees released The Score in 1996.
Lauryn Hill responds to tax evasion charges US SINGER Lauryn Hill has said she failed to file income tax returns for three years after going “underground”. In a statement on her blog, Hill, 37, said she withdrew from public life for the “safety, health and freedom” of herself and her family. The former Fugees star added “there were no exotic trips, no fleet of cars, just an all out war for safety, integrity, wholeness and health”. She is due in court on 29 June after being charged last week. Hill explained on her Tumblr site: “I did this in order to build a community of people, like-minded in their desire for freedom and the right to pursue their goals and lives without being manipulated and controlled by a media protected
military industrial complex with a completely different agenda.” Prosecutors say she earned more than $1.6m (£1.03m) during 2005 - 2007, mainly from royalties from music and films. The singer admitted she stopped paying taxes during this period but says her intention “has always been to get this situation rectified”. She continued that she did not “deliberately abandon any responsibilities” but added, “obviously, the danger I faced was not accepted as reasonable grounds for deferring my tax payments.” According to court papers, Hill owns and operates four corporations - Creations Music, Boogie Tours, LH Productions 2001 and Studio 22.
Snooki’s cell phone photos were released without her consent.
Snooki nude photos released after ‘Jersey Shore’ star’s cell phone hacked The cast that makes headlines together, stays together. Nicole (Snooki) Polizzi is causing a buzz in the media just one day after her fellow “meatball” Deena Cortese was slapped with handcuffs for disorderly conduct at a bar in Seaside Heights. In photos obtained by Egotastic and The Daily Mail, the pregnant reality star poses nude in front of a mirror, making seductive faces as she shows off her tanned physique in several cell phone pictures. “Clearly these are old and personal photos that were not meant for the
public,” her rep tells Us Weekly. “It’s a shame someone decided to leak them for obvious personal gain.” The photos, which the rep confirms were taken before Polizzi’s pregnancy, were also mixed in with a few nude snaps of former “Shore” castmember Angelina Pivarnick. Polizzi has been relatively scandal-free in the past few months, having moved out of the “Jersey Shore” house just next door with her fiancé Jionni LaValle. The couple are expecting their first child together this summer.
June 16 - 22, 2012
Entertainment
37
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Westlife singer Shane Filan is declared bankrupt
Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus are planning to get married.
Hemsworth fears that fiancée Miley Cyrus is ‘dwindling away,’ sources say LIAM Hemsworth wants Miley Cyrus until death do they part — but maybe with a few more pounds on her. A source close to the couple tells us the Aussie actor is concerned that his fiancée is “dwindling away.” Cyrus recently took to Twitter to claim her shrinking frame was due to a gluten and lactose allergy and that she had readjusted her diet. While she also has recently taken up Pilates,
a picture of the 19-year-old former Disney star dressed in a tight corset circulated on the Internet Tuesday, showing off her slender new waistline and providing evidence that Hemsworth, 22, may have reason to worry. “He loves her no matter what,” says the source, but “thinks she is too thin now.” A spokeswoman for Cyrus did not return our request for comment by deadline. (Nydailynews.com)
WESTLIFE singer Shane Filan has been declared bankrupt in the UK. The Irish band have sold millions of records but Mr Filan suffered enormous losses in his country’s property crash. In a statement, the 32-year-old said he had “worked long and hard” to tackle his debts and was devastated that his problems have come to this conclusion. The pop star filed for bankruptcy in the UK which has a less onerous bankruptcy regime than the Republic of Ireland. In the UK the period of bankruptcy typically lasts for a year but in the Republic of Ireland it is at least three years and more commonly 12 years. Mr Filan owns a property company, Shafin Developments Limited, with his brother Finbarr. It was established in 2004 and had been involved in developments in Counties Leitrim and Sligo in the west of Ireland. Last month, the company was placed in receivership. ESCAPE Earlier this week, the singer was declared bankrupt at Kingstonupon-Thames County Court and his name has been placed on the UK insolvency register.
Shane Filan said that he worked “long and hard” to tackle his debts and was devastated that his problems came to this conclusion.
The father-of-three is the latest in a steady stream of highly indebted Irish property developers who have filed for bankruptcy in the UK. Ireland has agreed to liberalise its bankruptcy regime as one of the conditions of its EU/ IMF bailout. However the country’s banks are concerned that the reforms could lead to a flood of mortgage defaults as ordinary homeowners use
bankruptcy to escape from negative equity. Westlife is one of the most successful boy bands of the last decade, selling more than 44m records. Last October, they announced they were splitting up. The band is currently in the middle of a farewell tour and continues to fill major concert venues. (BBC)
Usher: I’m always giving my kids advice
Rihanna (right) does not like Chris Brown’s current girlfriend Karrueche Tran (left)
Rihanna upset that ex Chris Brown is still dating model Karrueche Tran –Says insider CHRIS BROWN has an unhappy lady on his hands — and it’s not his girlfriend. A source close to Rihanna tells us the danger-loving Barbadian beauty is “pissed” at her ex for continuing to date 23-year-old petite model Karrueche Tran. The source says Rihanna, 24, doesn’t necessarily want to get back together with Brown, she just doesn’t want him dating Tran. “It’s infuriating RiRi that he’s still with
her,” says the insider. A second source concurs, adding that Brown, 23, never told Rihanna “or anyone else” he would split from his girlfriend. Rihanna’s spokeswoman replied with what currently ranks as our No. 7 most-favorite smart-a-publicist response of the year: “Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.” Perhaps if her clients weren’t so shallow, she might not be so bored. (NYdailynews.com)
IT WAS father-son bonding at its best. R&B star Usher tells PEOPLE that he spent Memorial Day having an impromptu water fight with his sons, Usher V, 4½, and Naviyd Ely, 3½. “We used bottles of water and got totally soaked,” he recalls. “Naviyd won. It was a hot day, and it just happened. I love fun times like that.” The lighthearted outing was a welcome diversion for Usher, 33, who was in court recently due to a custody fight with ex-wife, Tameka Foster. But instead of dwelling on the negative, Usher says that he tries to balance the fun times with serious talks with his sons. “Every time I open my mouth, I try to give as much advice as possible,” he explains. “If my children are unclear on something, I take the time to explain it to them.” And sometimes, he says, he has to lay down the law despite his boys’ craftiness. “I took them to my mother’s house; she lives about two minutes away from me,” he recalls. “Naviyd is addicted to peppermint, but he had already had dinner and dessert. So I told him he couldn’t have any candy, and he walked off. A couple of minutes later, when he thought I couldn’t hear, he was asking my mother if he could
Usher says he tries to balance his fun time with serious advice for his children.
open a peppermint candy. He was trying to manipulate the situation.” (Usher says he had “a good laugh” at Naviyd’s efforts, but ultimately denied him the candy.) Professionally, Usher is gearing up for the release of his new album, Looking 4 Myself, which hits stores Tuesday. He promises it’s his most personal album yet. “I do talk about my relationships,”
he says. “I talk about my shortcomings, my transitions and my tumultuous story. This album is about my evolution. I like talking about what I feel.” And when he’s home, he likes playing with his sons. “The last game we played was ‘it.’ You know, like tag,” he says. “The boys love to run around and play games with me; I’m a kid at heart.” (People)
38
Sports International
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
June 16 - 22, 2012
Tino Best hits highest Test score by number 11 batsman in cricketing history CHARISMATIC Tino Best astonishingly struck the highest score by a number 11 in Test history while Denesh Ramdin stroked his second Test century before embroiling himself in controversy, as West Indies dominated the fourth day of the final Test here yesterday. The right-handed Best, playing his first Test in three years, smashed an entertaining 95 before falling agonisingly short of three figures to help propel West Indies to 426 all out at Edgbaston. Ramdin, starting the day on 60, stroked an unbeaten 107 but spoiled a fine innings when he celebrated his landmark by producing a piece of paper with the words “Yeah Viv Talk Nah” scribbled, and pointing it towards the media centre. The action was in response to earlier criticism levelled at Ramdin by legendary West Indies batsman Sir Vivian Richards, now an analyst for BBC’s Test Match Special, following West Indies’ defeat at
Trent Bridge. Ramdin’s extraordinary celebration drew the rebuke of several media pundits and excricketers and spoiled any otherwise superb innings. The right-hander, recalled for this series after a spell on the sidelines owing to poor form, faced 183 balls in four hours and 50 minutes at the crease, and struck nine fours. Ironically, his last century also came against England in Bridgetown three years ago. Best, meanwhile, entertained the small crowd with a cameo, smashing 14 fours and a six off just 112 balls, to surpass the previous best by a number 11 – Zaheer Khan’s 75 for India against Bangladesh eight years ago. His previous highest score was 27 against Sri Lanka in Kandy seven years ago. Ramdin and Best added 143, the highest last-wicket stand for West Indies against England and the third highest in Test history. (CMC)
Most of the world felt that Manny Pacquiao won his fight against Timothy Bradley, but the judges decided otherwise.
WBO to review Manny Pacquiao defeat by Timothy Bradley
Tino Best on the go during his record knock of 95 and he also picked up two wickets when England batted. (Westindiescricket)
Lance Armstrong banned from world Ironman events over doping probe CHAMPION cyclist Lance Armstrong won’t be allowed to compete in international Ironman triathlon contests while he’s under investigation for doping, the World Triathlon Corporation announced Thursday. The ruling bars him from the Ironman France competition scheduled for June 24 in Nice, the agency said. The decision comes after the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, or USADA, confirmed Wednesday that it is opening proceedings against Armstrong and five former teammates. Armstrong said Wednesday the agency intends to “dredge up discredited” doping allegations against him in a bid to strip him of his seven Tour de France victories. The champion cyclist has always insisted he never took performanceenhancing drugs. Armstrong was accused of using such drugs by other riders, but never failed a drug test. Armstrong started doing triathlons after retiring from cycling, and won a half-Ironman in Hawaii less than two weeks ago. He was the fastest cyclist and runner on the 70.3-mile course, and the third-fastest swimmer. But with the new investigation open, the World Triathlon Corporation suspended him. WTC rules “dictate an athlete is ineligible to compete during an open investigation. Armstrong is therefore suspended from competing in WTCowned and licensed races pending
TIMOTHY Bradley’s controversial split-decision win over Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas is to be reviewed by the World Boxing Organisation (WBO). Two judges scored the bout 115113 in the undefeated American’s favour, prompting boos around the MGM Grand. It was a first defeat in seven years for Philippines fighter Pacquiao, who landed 94 more punches than Bradley. The WBO said: “[The Championships Committee] will evaluate the fight, which ended in a controversial result.” The statement added: “The Championships Committee will meet soon and examine the video of the fight with five renowned international judges, and according
to what is found, it will make its recommendation in accordance with the rules.” Pacquiao is already guaranteed a rematch because of a clause in his contract but if the WBO is not satisfied with the verdict, it could decide not to recognise Bradley as champion. However, WBO president Francisco Valcarcel said: “I want to clarify that this in no way says that we are doubting the capacity of these judges, who we consider honest and competent.” Promoter Bob Arum called for an investigation but the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which sanctioned the bout, said it stood by the verdicts of “three seasoned professionals”. (BBC)
Matt Cain threw a perfect game. Lance Armstrong and five former teammates are being investigated for doping.
further review,” the organisation said in a statement. USA Triathlon said he can still compete in its events. “Lance Armstrong is currently still eligible to compete in all USA Triathlon-sanctioned races, with the exception of Ironman events as stated earlier by the World Triathlon Corporation,” said the body’s communications director Chuck Menke. Armstrong lashed out at his accusers and the doping agency on Wednesday. “Unlike many of my accusers, I have competed as an endurance athlete for 25 years with no spike in performance, passed more than 500 drug tests and never failed one,” Armstrong said on his website. “That USADA ignores this fundamental distinction and charges me instead
of the admitted dopers says far more about USADA, its lack of fairness and this vendetta than it does about my guilt or innocence.” The Washington Post said it received a copy of a 15-page agency letter sent Tuesday to Armstrong and several others. Justice Department prosecutors in February said they closed a criminal investigation after reviewing allegations against Armstrong. They had called witnesses to a federal grand jury in Los Angeles, but they apparently determined they lacked evidence to bring a charge that Armstrong used performanceenhancing drugs. “These are the very same charges and the same witnesses that the Justice Department chose not to pursue after a two-year investigation,” Armstrong said Wednesday.
Matt Cain makes Giants history SAN FRANCISCO Giants pitcher Matt Cain threw a perfect game Wednesday night in a 10-0 victory against the Houston Astros, the first pitcher to achieve that feat in Giants history. “This is unbelievable,” Cain told reporters after the game. “This is part of history. Something I am going to remember forever and ever.” Cain’s perfect game is the 22nd in Major League Baseball history and he accomplished it with style, striking out 14 batters. Cain is the second pitcher this year to pitch a perfect game; Chicago White Sox right-hander Philip Humber also threw a perfect game on April 21. The early part of the game featured little drama as Cain dominated Astros hitters, and did not come close to giving up a hit.
But in the seventh inning, Giants outfielder Gregor Blanco saved the perfect game by chasing down a screaming drive hit by the Astros Jordan Schafer and making a diving catch on the warning track. The dazzling catch also put Blanco in the spotlight as his name was trending on Twitter nationwide along with Matt Cain’s some 20 minutes after the game. Cain’s feat comes the same night that New York Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey narrowly missed a no hitter. Dickey held the Tampa Bay Rays to only one infield hit Wednesday night, and did not walk a batter. There have now been five no hitters this year. Along with Cain and Humber, Jered Weaver, Johan Santana and a crew of Seattle Mariners also pitched games without allowing a hit.
June 16 - 22, 2012
Sports International
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
CLASSIFIEDS 39
Devils stave off L.A. Kings’ bid to win first Stanley Cup
David Hayn and Dereck Chisora will wait until they get into the ring before they battle.
David Haye and Dereck Chisora pledge to behave BRITISH heavyweights David Haye and Dereck Chisora have vowed to behave outside the ring before and after their controversial fight on 14 July. The pair clashed at a press conference in Munich in February after Chisora lost to WBC champion Vitali Klitschko. Neither boxer currently holds a British boxing licence because of the brawl. “Right now I am behaving myself, after the fight I will try to behave myself but in the ring I’m not going to behave myself,” insisted Chisora. “All I will say is it is going to be a great fight and I would love my
opponent to come out of the ring healthy and the same for me.” Haye says he has never done anything wrong away from the ring and has called for a clean fight in the Upton Park contest sanctioned by the Luxembourg Boxing Federation. “In the ring I have never really done too much to break the law, even outside of it, whereas I’ve seen him bite people,” said Haye. “So I don’t think people should put the spotlight on me because I’m a consummate professional inside and outside of the ring, this guy has a history of being the polar opposite of that.
THE NEW Jersey Devils fended off the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night, winning 2-1 to extend the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup championship series another game. The Kings had entered the contest hoping to end the night atop the hockey world for the first time, and weren’t daunted by the fact the game was on the Devils’ home ice in Newark. Being away from the Staples Center has hardly hurt the Kings of late: Prior to Saturday’s loss, the team had been a perfect 10-0 on the road in the playoffs. But Los Angeles ran into a wall again and again, in the form of New Jersey’s legendary goalie, Martin Brodeur. The Devils had jumped ahead 1-0 on a power-play goal by their captain Zach Parise, and then answered a second-period Kings goal with one by defenseman Bryce Salvador. Despite the result -- it was the Devils’ second straight win -- Los Angeles holds the upper hand with three victories to New Jersey’s two in the best-of-seven series. The teams play again Monday night in Los Angeles. Los Angeles has been defying the norm for much of the last few weeks -- dominating at times despite having squeezed into the playoffs as a No.
Zach Parise of the New Jersey Devils scores a goal against L.A. Kings goalie Jonathan Quick during Game 6 of the Stanley Cup finals.
8 seed, and triggering a virulent case of hockey fever in sunny southern California. The last time the Kings garnered this much attention back home was in the late 1980s and early 1990s, propelled by the league’s all-time top scorer, Wayne Gretzky. “The Great One” and nowESPN analyst Barry Melrose led the franchise, which began play in 1967, to a Stanley Cup finals showdown with Montreal in 1993.
But the Kings lost that series decisively, and have never won the NHL’s ultimate prize. This year’s Kings are led by goalie Jonathan Quick and center Anze Kopitar, who ranks ahead of all others this postseason with eight goals and 11 assists. The Devils have been among the NHL’s most consistent teams in recent decades. They’ve won three Stanley Cups, the most recent in 2003. (CNN)
Harry Redknapp says Tottenham sacking was inevitable
Muttiah Muralitharan has dominated the game at all levels.
Muttiah Muralitharan wants T20 shake-up in England LEGENDARY Sri Lanka spin bowler Muttiah Muralitharan has said England’s Twenty20 format is lagging behind its worldwide equivalents. Muralitharan, 40, who is in his second season with Gloucestershire, believes the English game would benefit from adopting the same franchise format used in the Indian Premier League. “I think they need a big change,” he told BBC Points West. “They introduced it worldwide but now England is old-fashioned.” In its current format, 18 county sides - featuring a maximum of two overseas players - are split in to three groups and play 10 games before entering the knock-out stages
- formed of the top two in the groups and the two best performing third places. Since its inception in 2003, the game has been adapted worldwide, taking on several different guises. The Indian Premier League - the biggest brand of 20 over cricket - is made up eight franchises and attracts cricket’s biggest international names, worldwide TV rights packages and sponsorship deals - meaning a huge increase in revenue. “They need to change and become franchised teams and each county would benefit financially,” Muralitharan continued. “If it happens like that it would be huge in England. I think the market is there, and the TV rights will come.
HARRY Redknapp believes he would have been sacked by Tottenham even if they earned Champions League qualification. The 65-year-old manager was dismissed on Wednesday evening after almost four years at White Hart Lane. Despite finishing one point behind Arsenal in fourth last term, Chelsea’s Champions League win denied Spurs a place in next season’s competition. “I think the same outcome would have happened, the chairman would have gone down the same road,” said Redknapp. Chairman Daniel Levy is said to be in no rush to replace Redknapp with Tottenham privately expressing a determination to conduct a “properly run process” to find their next manger. David Moyes has been installed as an early favourite to succeed Redknapp by bookmakers but it is understood no approach has been made for the Everton manager. Sources close to Andre Villas-Boas claim he is not being considered, while Rafael Benitez, Roberto Martinez and ex-Spurs striker Jurgen Klinsmann have also been linked with the role.
Harry Redknapp was dismissed on Wednesday after almost four years with the Tottenham.
Redknapp, meanwhile, has stressed he will be looking for another job in management after previous stints with Portsmouth, Southampton, West Ham and Bournemouth. “You cannot sit around moping. That’s not my game,” he said. “I love football. I would suit any job. I don’t think I am coming to the end of my career. “Alex Ferguson is in his seventies and is still the best manager in the
world. I am as fit as a fiddle.” Redknapp had a year left on his contract and was due to meet Levy this week to discuss his future, but he insists there are no hard feelings. “What has happened is that I met with the chairman and the club decided to go in a different direction,” he said. “That’s their decision. “I have had four fantastic years at Tottenham and have absolutely loved every minute. It couldn’t have gone better for me. (BBC)
40
Sports National
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Hansie Zietsman receives his man-of-the-match award from former cricket chief Michael Pereira.
June 16 - 22, 2012
Anthony McKnight followed up his 44 against Jam Turk with an aggressive 38 against the Jaguars.
HAB Group/Gansevoort Resort T20 Cricket:
Beaches tame Jaguars before semi-final clash BEACHES gained the mental edge over the Guyana Jaguars before this weekend’s semi-final clash in the HAB Group/Gansevoort Resort T20 cricket competition with a big win in the last preliminary game. In the final match before the top four clash, Beaches won the toss and
batted themselves to 179-9 from the allotted 20 overs. Anthony McKnight led the attack with an aggressive 38. He belted five fours and two sixes. Also getting runs were Hansie Zietsman and Ancell Williams, who both scored 34 runs. Jaguars’ consistent spinner
Munesh Bhagwandas led the bowling attack with 3-18 from four overs while Walter Henry nabbed 2-43 from the same amount of overs. BATTING FAILED Jaguars, who started off the competition with a bang, could not
keep up with the run rate and fell for 117 in 17.3 overs. Sean Khan held the innings together with an unbeaten 23, but except for Winick Caleb no other batsman troubled the bowling. Zietsman, who later claimed the man-of-the-match award, led the
bowling attack for Beaches with 3-30 from four overs. On Saturday (June 16) Police take on Quality Kings, while the Jaguars will get a chance to redeem themselves against Beaches on Sunday (June 17) in the second semifinal clash.
Josh for Sports
So you want to be a sprinter! THIS particular column is directed towards those athletes who hope to become sprint champions or competitive world class athletes. The following expose is not for the weak at heart or recreational or casual runner. This programme is based on decades of practical experience and proven scientific techniques for generations. I personally was unbeaten for my age from 6-18 years old. From Primary School at age six, nobody my age in the Bahamas could out sprint me. I maintained this dominance throughout Junior Secondary School in Nassau (Eastern Junior) and throughout St. John’s College. I was top sprinter in Nassau. I was 800M champion and the best in the 400M, 100M, high jump and long jump. At age 14 I could pole vault 10 ft. We use to use the bamboo poles and land in Sand Pits. Thus, this particular programme is presented using no notes. I’ve also created national and international
champions. For the record, I was Munro College Class 1 senior 100M champion. The scope of this programme is to project a schedule to prepare an athlete over a period of nine months to reach his/her maximum peak in a particular year to realise his or her full potential. There is a direct relation/ correlation between the children under 12, the age group between 12-14 and finally the group over 17 years old. THE TYPICAL SPRINTER The body type of the typical sprinter is that of a person who is not fat or skinny. Normally, a sprinter is a person who has a solid body mass and is not too short or too tall. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT The sprinter must have quick reflexive co-ordination. Must develop the ability to explode out of the block from a stationary position in the shortest time possible
function in a way that will propel his or her body in a forward direction with maximum efficiency. This requires the acquisition of strength, flexibility and resiliency of these various body parts with inter-related coordination.
By Joshua Gardiner
to acquire maximum speed in a matter of 3-4 seconds and maintain that velocity for between 6-11 seconds. In some circumstances, that maximum acquired velocity must be maintained for an extended period of 16 additional seconds as in the 200M. The ability to achieve the aforementioned demands that the athlete develops all of their legs, abdominals and upper body parts to
WORKLOAD The workload is directly proportional to the age of the athlete as this is directly proportional to their body’s development and ability to further develop. The typical scenario is that of a person of proven sprinting abilities who has not been in serious athletic shape in the past few years and decides to make a comeback. FIRST THREE MONTHS It is necessary that the first three months is dedicated to preconditioning. This period involves: 1 Distance running to burn off excess weight (2-3 miles). 2 Also important is weight training
that involves step-ups, ½ squats, toe-raises, leg press, hamstring exercises, dead-lifts, clean and jerk, sit-ups; dumbbell exercises to strengthen your arm-running motion and sit ups using weights behind your neck. 3 Basic 100M, 200M repetitions on alternating days MondaysFridays. 4 Starts 5 At the end of three months, the athlete should have reached a minimum of 20X100M, 8X200M. The second three months involves competition (to coincide with indoor track) The third three monthsCompetition relating to outdoor track. The fourth three months includes rest and time to give the body a chance to regenerate itself. Finally a sprinter needs an experienced coach. He or she must also eat properly and get sufficient rest.
June 16 - 22, 2012
Sports National
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Smith becomes Bahamas’ U-20 100M champion FORMER TCI national athlete Teray Smith is the Bahamas’ new 100M U-20 national champion after clocking an impressive wind legal 10.42M in that country’s Junior Nationals. Smith, a native of the Bahamas, who attends the American Heritage School in Florida, beat out Blake Bartlett by .12 seconds. He ran 10.50s in the preliminary to qualify for the finals. Former Floridian and fellow Bahamian Johnathan Farquharson was the second seed out of the prelims (10.57), but false started in the 100 finals. Farquharson graduated last year from Orlando Christian Prep and is a native of Freeport, Grand Bahama. Last Saturday Smith finished second in the 200M event with a time of 20.86 seconds. Farquharson edged Smith out with a 20.83s finish while Bartlett was third in 21.03 seconds. Smith, who went to high school in the TCI, was later name along with Faequharson on the Bahamas’ Junior CAC team to represent that country at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Junior Championships in El Salvador at the end of July.
Former TCI athlete Teray Smith has made waves in the Bahamas.
41
Church softball final set for June 18th THE championship clash to see which church is the best at softball in the TCI will begin on June 18th at the National Stadium. As it stands there is a tight tussle for the top two spots with the four remaining team (up to press time) battling. On June 14th the finallists were expected to be decided since both semi final clashes were tied one game each in the best-of-the-three clashes. Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) edged out Jericho Baptist Church 6-5 in game one, but were then defeated 17-12 in the second game. In the other semi-final Bethany Baptist Church got past the Methodist Church 7-5 before they were edged out 4-5 to set the series even.
Methodist Church edged out Bethany Church 5-4 to stay alive.
Jericho Baptist Church made a good comeback with a 17-12 run victory over COGOP.
42
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
June 16 - 22, 2012
June 16 - 22, 2012
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
43
44
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
June 16 - 22, 2012