TCWN June 27 - July 3, 2015

Weekly News Volume 29 | No. 26 | June 27 - July 3, 2015

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Turks and Caicos

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Gov’t pledges aid to police – to fight worsening crime situation

The recent crime situation has finally caught the eye of the Government and Premier Rufus Ewing has pledged whatever resources the police force needs to fight crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands. PAGE  5

Island Fish Fry awarded TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence PAGE  15

Mickey, Island Fish Fry’s resident host, teaches visitors how to dance like the locals

Smith tries to wiggle out of repaying investors he swindled PAGE  4

Long Bay High on target for September opening - minister PAGE  7

Finance minister rejects tax haven accusation PAGE  7

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 27 - July 3, 2015

June 27 - July 3, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Smith tries to wiggle out of repaying investors he swindled BY DELANA ISLES CONFIDENCE trickster, David Smith will appear before Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale on August 25 for a hearing related to monies he was ordered to pay back to defrauded investors back in 2012. Smith is currently awaiting extradition to the United States to serve time in prison on money laundering charges. On April 25, 2012, Smith was ordered by a TCI court to pay $20,919,950.53 or serve eight years imprisonment in default, which has since not been paid. Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), John Masters in a statement to the press this week said that the confiscation order was extended until October 24, 2012, but he did not and now he is not entitled, at law, to get any further extensions of time to pay. Smith, through his lawyer Oliver Smith has since applied to the Supreme Court for a certificate of inadequacy that, if accepted, may reduce the amount of the confiscation order and thereby the sentence in default. Smith is alleging that the amount he was ordered to repay in 2012 is not what is currently available to him to pay back. Masters said that Smith’s application is being vehemently opposed by the DPP and the Attorney General; arguments for which will be heard in August. “If the court dismisses or varies Mr Smith’s application, he will still have to serve an additional term of imprisonment in default unless he pays the confiscation order. “In that event, the extradition proceedings lapse and will need

David Smith

to be recommenced at a later date by which time, the laws regarding extradition may be modified so that there will be no question as to whether wire fraud is an extraditable offence,” the DPP said. Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner had ordered on June 18 that the wire fraud charges in the extradition request were not extraditable

offences. Masters added that due to the gravity of the offences committed by Smith and the impact it has had on the lives of many innocent people, he has assumed personal carriage of all outstanding matters relating to David Smith and will leave no rock unturned to ensure that justice is done. Many of Smith’s victims, which rank in the thousands, lost their life savings when they invested their money in his fraudulent scheme. Reports are that Smith was entrusted with more than $220 million by unsuspecting investors; monies which he converted to his own use to fund a lavish lifestyle. He has since served three years in Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk, and is set to serve approximately five to ten more in the US, a fraction of what was initially a 40 year sentence between the two countries.

DPP to fight amended extradition order for David Smith DIRECTOR of Public Prosecution John Masters is considering appealing Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner’s decision to extradite David Smith to the US on money laundering charges only, and not on the wire fraud charge. Masters told the press this week that contrary to the plea agreement with US authorities, Smith’s lawyer, Oliver Smith submitted to the TCI court that the agreement he had negotiated on behalf of his client was not binding in the TCI, even though much of it was facilitated to allow his client to serve part of his sentence

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 Rebecca Bird - News Editor Delana Isles - Senior Reporter Daisy Handfield - Staff Reporter Faizool Deo - Sports Editor (At Large) Cord Garrido-Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large) Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams - Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com Follow us on: Facebook: facebook.com/tcweeklynews Twitter: twitter.com/tcweeklynews1

Director of Public Prosecution, John Masters

in the TCI. The agreement with the US Department of Justice also included a term not to challenge extradition. The DPP said that the Department of Justice is considering Oliver Smith’s position as it is somewhat unusual for an attorney to negotiate a plea bargain in one jurisdiction only to openly undermine it in another. “The Chief Magistrate ruled that the money laundering offences were extraditable offences under TCI law but the wire fraud offence was not because, in his view, a like offence did not appear in the relevant schedule in relation to extraditable offences. “The Chief Magistrate did not purport, by making that finding, to rule that the US was in any way restricted in how it chooses to deal with Mr Smith. “Extradition in this case cannot and does not fetter the jurisdiction of a US court,” Masters added. He said that having spoken to US authorities, he cannot see how the TCI magistrate’s decision does anything more than lawfully deliver David Smith to the US for them to deal with in accordance with their domestic laws.

June 27 - July 3, 2015

Another gun amnesty is not the answer – Commissioner BY DELANA ISLES IN THE wake of a number of suspected gang related shootings involving guns, the Commissioner of Police and Premier have met to map out an approach to the worsening problem. One of the decisions taken by the Commissioner during that meeting is that another gun amnesty in the Islands will be as ineffective as the last one, and as such will not be instituted as a first priority. This is according to Premier Rufus Ewing, who met with the media at his Providenciales office on Tuesday afternoon (June 23). “He is of the view that a gun amnesty, like the last one at least, does not work well and he doesn’t think that doing a gun amnesty now would work well simply because those persons who have guns are the criminals and they have guns for a reason. “So if you have a gun for a reason, why give up your gun,” Ewing related to the media. However, he said this does not rule out putting an amnesty in place; but they merely looked realistically at how effective an amnesty can or cannot be. The last gun amnesty, instituted by former Police Commissioner Colin Farquhar netted zero guns, even as several appeals were made to the public by religious and community leaders for people to hand in their illegal weapons. Another topic of discussion at the Tuesday meeting was the importation of guns into the Islands. “I’ve received word from community members about guns coming via illegal sloops, sometimes they don’t make it to shore, they may be intercepted or transferred, and sometimes guns come in via cars like vehicles that are being imported, so we know that that is an area that we have to tighten up with customs. “We were trying to put in place a programme where we can have scanning of containers at the port of entry using new technology and we will be looking at that even more so now because we really have to, in the first instance, stop the importation of guns and the second strategy will be that we have to look at how we can get guns off the street,” Ewing said. He said that they agreed that the best strategy, and which can be put into effect immediately, is for people in communities to report to police anyone they know that is in possession of a gun, whether illegal or legal. “We are calling on citizens in our communities to do their part and play their part in reporting incidences of violent crimes, give information to the police about this and about persons with illegal guns. “We have the Crimestoppers hotline in place; we discussed and the Commissioner agreed that we can probably look at putting in place a gun hotline whereby if you know someone has a gun, this is a line that you can call anonymously.”

Commissioner of Police, James Smith

The Premier acknowledged that if the crime situation continues to escalate it will impact the tourism industry and national development. He added that the police are undergoing several training programmes currently, which will hopefully provide the country with police officers who are more knowledgeable about solving and dealing with crime in communities. Ewing said that the Commissioner has also communicated to him some of the resource restrictions that they have. He pledged that the Government will be working to address some of those limitations such as more vehicles to add to the fleet of 19 news ones purchased last year, and which has since lessened. He said his Government will be working this into the supplementary budget sometime in the near future. Also needed, the Commissioner told the Premier, is protective armour/gear, upgrading of the 911 system (as there are still instances where people call from a location and the operator cannot effectively identify where they are calling from, resulting in a delay in response of police and medical services), additional officers to the force (plans are there to reintroduce the police training programme so as to put more bodies on the street), better working conditions and better welfare of officers in general. The Commissioner also spoke of tourism, the Premier said. “While we know we have to protect our communities, we also have to pay particular attention to the tourists areas because ‘a life is a life, yes, but the loss of the life of a tourist has a multiplier effect and impact on the country at large’. “So we are looking at putting in place ‘tourists’ police,’ who will be designated specifically for the tourist areas.” He added that some redeployment needs to happen so as to get more police officers from behind the desk and on the streets in the communities. Commissioner Smith is expected to meet with the media on Tuesday (June 30) to update the public on the measures they intend to put in place to deal with the crime situation in the Islands.

June 27 - July 3, 2015

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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Gov’t pledges aid to police to fight worsening crime situation BY DELANA ISLES THE RECENT crime situation has finally caught the eye of the Government and Premier Rufus Ewing has pledged whatever resources the police force needs to fight crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Ewing’s address on the issue came after the latest slaying of 22-yearold Robert Martinez on June 21, the shooting to death of a suspected bandit by police weeks ago, the disappearance and suspected murder of Grand Turk resident Kevino Smith, who has still not been ruled dead by police and a spate of other violent incidences in Providenciales. The Premier also met with Commissioner of Police, James Smith on Tuesday morning (June 23) to discuss steps to be taken to tackle the crime problem. “I have asked for an updated briefing on the matters of the deaths which occurred for the year and I have also asked for an immediate update on those cold case files that have yet to be solved. “I have asked that the Commissioner implement an immediate strategy for the crackdown and control on the number of guns that are on the streets

(L-R) Kevino Smith, presumed dead; Jeff Walkin, shot by police; Robert Martinez, gunned down Premier Rufus Ewing

and that it specifically focus on the elimination of the point of importation for illegal guns and tighten up on the detection and prosecution of persons found with illegal weapons within their possession.” Ewing added that he has also impressed on the Commissioner the urgent need to reignite the neighbourhood watch and community policing programmes and to establish a retired police and community leaders’ advisory group as immediate measures that can assist in combating crime and thwarting criminal activities. He said his Government will continue to work closely with the police to provide them with the resources and support they need to

TCI national pride lauded by Premier THE DISPLAY of national pride by Turks and Caicos Islanders on the celebration of National Heroes Day (May 25) has come in for some praise from Premier Rufus Ewing. During the last sitting of the House of Assembly, the Premier took the time to extend congratulations to the National Honours and Awards Committee and the taxi drivers association in Providenciales for their efforts in bringing out the national pride in many of Turks and Caicos Islanders on National Heroes Day. “The bestowal of the title of the Rt Excellent to our National Hero (James Alexander George Smith McCartney) was a historic and proud moment of these Islands and similarly the display and parade of flags in Providenciales was yet another proud moment,” Ewing stated during his ministerial statement to members of the House.

He also thanked the Ministry of Infrastructure for their assistance with the restorative works to the National Heroes Park, which he said while much improved, there is still more to be done at the location. The Premier also appealed to the public to complete the nomination forms disseminated by the National Honours and Awards Committee, which is tasked with the collection and evaluation of the nomination forms for the various honours. “Nominate persons whom you think are deserving of an award in a specific category,” the Premier encouraged. The deadline for the submission of the nomination forms is this coming Tuesday (June 30). The awards ceremony for the bestowal of the honours and awards will take place on National Heritage Day on October 12 in Grand Turk.

do their jobs effectively, and they will also be developing technical vocational programmes at the TCI Community College for youths. “We will be working closely with multi-national community and religious leaders and nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) like the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, auto mechanic shops, the utility companies and others to seriously look at the apprenticeship programmes for young people, starting with the third or fourth form, thereby instilling in them good work ethics and a sense of self-worth and self-pride.” However, he acknowledged that if the country is to properly stem the violent crime situation it must

be a community effort, and called on community leaders and people of influence to join the fight and to initiate mentorship programmes and other programmes geared towards the development of young people. “We cannot allow the future of these Islands to run in the gallows, as a Government and a community we must do all within our powers now to halt this trend of gangassociated violence and crimes, and save our young men and to ensure that they have the best opportunities to make positive contributions to the development of our country.” The Premier also repeated calls for people to report any criminal activity or any information they may have about illegal weapon possession to

assist the police in their investigations and to bring offenders to justice. “These incidents of violent crime are very serious and of grave concern and my Government will be working very closely with the police and other law enforcement agencies like immigration and customs to see how best we can assist them in getting their jobs done.” He stated that while the Turks and Caicos Islands still enjoy a relatively low crime rate and is still the best place in the world to live, the crimes among the young people are extremely disturbing, especially with indigenous Turks and Caicos Islanders, which account for onethird of the population and is the subset of people being affected.

Man, 22, shot dead BY DAISY HANDFIELD

ROBERT Martinez was found dead in the vicinity of Blue Hills in Providenciales on Sunday (June 21) at about 12.06am. According to a police report, the 22-year-old man was found lying on the road with gunshot wounds and was taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where he later died. Martinez was born in Grand Turk and both of his parents are from the Dominican Republic. Police said there was a also a second man, aged 20, who sustained a gunshot wound during the incident on Bible Street in Blue Hills. Up to press time police are still searching for two men who they believe can assist them with their investigations. Both men were last seen wearing short pants and black hoodies. No arrest has been made in connection with the shooting. Takara Bain, press relations officer for the hospital, on Monday

Robert Martinez

confirmed that Martinez was brought to hospital with gunshot wounds to his body. “The patient was immediately treated by our medical team; however he succumbed to his injuries.” Bain said that another male patient was transferred to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, following the same shooting incident in Blue Hills. He was treated and discharged. Friends of the deceased took to social media site, Facebook, to express their condolences to the family. One said: “I don’t even know how to tell you this blood, Lord knows,

but have my deepest sympathy. Can’t imagine the pain you and your family are experiencing right now. “Try to keep your head above water, you got to be strong for everyone else. “I know it won't be easy, but, God is good, that’s all that matters.” Another comment read: “I’m so sorry to hear about your loss Roger. “I did not know Robert but I am praying that God provide you and the rest of your family with strength during this time.” Investigations into the shooting are being conducted. Anyone with information surrounding the incident is asked to call police on 941-4448 extension 81843 or 81837, or use the untraceable, anonymous Crimestoppers Miami number at 1-800-(TIPS) or 1-800-8477. The public is reminded that no names or numbers are requested and only the information provided is passed on to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 27 - July 3, 2015

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

Crime wave in Provo LAST Father’s Day saw a disturbing crime spree in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as reported by the police, in which a young man tragically lost his life and others were injured. As the alarming crime trend continues unabated, what measures do you think can and should be put in place by the relevant authorities to help tackle this problem? Share your thoughts.

New ‘Commish’ here on vacation

Please find out if the new Commissioner took up his post or it is still vacant. The new ‘Commish’ is definitely MIA. His resume indicated that he brought a lot of law enforcement experience to the job but it seems he is still vacationing. While he is still doing that, law and order is going to hell in a basket and will threaten the very livelihood of our very fragile economy. Our local politicians must wake up and be proactive and demand that the Governor do his job or step out of the way and let someone else get to do the job. I was told that the police force has been asking for budget allocation to employ new officers for the last three years without any success. Wha’ de hell is going on, when we boast that we have surpluses? Are we going to wait until another tourist gets killed or the USA publishes another travel advisory for the TCI?

No community support partly to blame

While there does seem to be very little proactive action being taken by law enforcement officials, a big share of the responsibility for the poor rate of apprehension and conviction lies with the community. Many of them know who the various perpetrators are but because of some distorted sense of loyalty they refuse to assist the police with their investigations. Nobody has yet come forth on the now-stale murder of Robbie Been, recent perpetrators who stabbed and set on fire their wives and girlfriends were helped by the community to escape arrest, and nobody has yet been arrested for the now almost-ancient murder of a police officer during a payroll heist at Leeward Marina, even though the shooting apparently took place because the victim identified his assailant as a past member of our local police force. Policing is a thankless job at the best of times, and it is made even more so here by the inadequate resources (personnel, radios, vehicles, etc) made available to the RTCIPF – compound that with the almost total lack of community support, and the results should not be surprising!

There is very little sign of either the Government or the Opposition moving to enhance the abilities of our local police, and anyone who thinks that merely replacing the Commissioner will have any noticeable effect is very much out of touch with reality. Policing is very much like government, in that the populace generally gets exactly what they deserve!

Help from Scotland Yard needed

We need better policing in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The ability of the police to investigate these crimes is at an all-time low. The Governor needs to second some investigators from Scotland Yard to assist the police and the Government needs to vote additional funding for the police and give them the adequate tools to do the job properly.

Get a local Commissioner

Let’s have a Turks and Caicos Islander as Commissioner who actually has a personal interest in the security of the nation and then let’s follow that up with getting the police the resources they need to get their job done. The TCIG needs to put its money where its mouth is and get serious about the internal security of the nation. More police on the ground, more CCTV in more areas, more understanding of the backgrounds of the people living in the TCI, more money for crime scene investigations, more money to clear outstanding lab fees in the US, more boats patrolling the waters for illegal migration, more money for officer training, stiffer penalties for criminal offenders and the reintroduction of SPICE. Let’s get serious about stamping out crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Real cops needed

How about we get a few REAL cops?

Let Britain help

This problem is top priority. We have a $70 million surplus. Hire a score of temporary police from Britain or the USA. Bring in temporary parole cars. A dramatic increased police presence must

be obvious. Check the records on when the crimes are being committed and consider a curfew. Fast track justice for the arrested. The media needs to report captures of those we do catch. If this does not work, ask Britain for troops.

Wake up, Governor!

Offer huge rewards for information leading to arrests. Post these notices everywhere. Britain is responsible for our safety. The sleeping Governor needs to act. Bring in the troops!

Punish the thugs

Try making criminals accountable for their actions and punish the thugs that abound in the high school system. Video games and thug movies are what are getting through to our young people, not education.

Children raising children

The murders seem to come from social disputes, rows, anger, unresolved conversations. This part it is hard to detect, or investigate in advance. The Government cannot police private social interaction. There is also the impossibility of policing media - angry violent music lyrics. If you watch today’s culture, the music and entertainment, you would know that the human has no value. People are killed off easily. Women are depicted as sex craved maniacs and are depicted as having no value in the rap videos. Human life can be taken in a clip. Video games often depict murder as fun, art and something to do. Yet parents today, most of whom are kids, ranging from 15 to 25, raise their kids on this kind of entertainment. Today’s parents fight, save, sacrifice, push real wealth building plans aside to buy their kids that video game, that Xbox, etc so we have a generation of kids who were not raised by anybody human, sane, Christian, or mature. The Xbox is the new baby sitter. Instead our kids, some Christian kids and non-Christian kids are being raised by a culture and art forms that do not value anything: from values, human life, the sanctity of relationships. The result is that murder, killing, hatred, revenge, and uncontrolled anger rule the streets and society. Governments cannot police this.

No solution until culture changes

The violence today among the youth is where the culture has reached. It is the product of weak parenting, non-parenting and a society that has allowed American television to train our youth. We have double standards in law enforcement. Kids hear parents praise and emulate the wealth of drug dealers, rappers, players, gangsters and irresponsible kids calling themselves men. Murders in the US, where television streams a white 21-year-old racist, go into a church to murder nine innocent people, and gets to walk away; we cannot escape youth watching this. It is time to end this sick genre. Human life

is not valued. Another message of hate. The police may remove guns from the streets, the Government may come up with amnesty and awareness programmes but until the culture, beliefs, values, etc change towards that of responsibility, away from cuddling wrong, there is no solution.

Outside police needed

I now think that we need to recruit experienced policemen from Canada and England, preferably from England. The West Indians, Haitians and Dominican policemen have shared interest along with the TCI police officers. The above police officers have an idea and know what is going on in the community, but tend to be hush. They know the gun carriers, the drug pushers, and their sources. It’s good to have your own people, but if they are not doing their jobs, then replace them! Pass a law. Make hefty fines for illegal gun holders and carriers, $100,000 with 10 years minimum imprisonment. Why should young men and young adult men be carrying weapons unless they intend to use them? The drug war has started this mess and it needs to be controlled and eliminated from our shores. Give illegal gun holders an opportunity to voluntarily bring in their guns, afterward, the law will be applied, without exception. The same goes for drugs, sources and pushers - hold and interrogate the users until they give up the names of their suppliers.

Policy change needed

It’s sad really, and if this continues unabated, life here is going to become very precarious. Our only flagship industry, tourism, could be devastated; it only needs blasting coverage in the international newspapers. One suspects it is a lack of proper funding; look at that ridiculous situation, only a year or so ago, where we only had about one police car functioning. The Commissioner and his team are trying their best, but the responsibility for policing lies firmly with the Governor and of course by extension with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London. They don’t want to spend anything here; although they are more than happy to donate billions to countries they have no responsibility for, often knowing that the monies end up in the wrong pockets. It’s crazy and frankly one doesn’t hold out much hope, unless they have a serious change in policy.

 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

June 27 - July 3, 2015

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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Governor addresses shooting incidences – Expresses regret to aggrieved families GOVERNOR Peter Beckingham has expressed his regret and dismay at the recent fatalities and shootings in the Turks and Caicos Islands. In a statement to the press on Tuesday (June 23), the Governor said: “I deeply regret the tragic death of three residents in Providenciales and Grand Turk in the last four months, and would first like to offer my condolences to the families of those killed. “I had the opportunity to speak briefly to the parents and relatives of Kevino Smith in Grand Turk recently. “I understand their frustrations at the absence so far of any arrests in connection with Kevino’s death.” Beckingham’s statement is the first acknowledgement by an official that Smith’s disappearance and the recovery of body parts in a shallow grave in Breezy Bae in the nation’s capital in April are connected in anyway. Police have so far refused to acknowledge that it was the 25-yearold man’s body that they recovered in the Breezy Bae bushes, and have stated that they will confirm if this is so when the forensic results are back from the US. The investigation into the man’s disappearance has so far yielded no promising leads or suspects, police recently told the Weekly News. Meanwhile, Governor Beckingham also expressed his gratitude to the Royal Cayman Police Force for offering so speedily to support the investigation of the police’s involvement in the shooting of Jeff Walkin on June 6. “All murders are unnecessary, tragic for the families concerned and disruptive to the societies where they take place. The recent murders in Turks and Caicos are no exception,”

Governor Peter Beckingham

the Governor said. He added that he will be discussing with the Police Commissioner James Smith (during their meeting on Wednesday, June 24) additional measures to fight crime, and he will be considering these measures at the level of Cabinet. Beckingham said he has since informed the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of the recent incidents, and that he and the Commissioner will be attending meetings in London next month (July) to discuss closer police and security co-operation between the Caribbean overseas territories. He noted that these meetings were arranged prior to the recent incidents. “Every murder is one too many, and we can certainly not be complacent about security in our Islands. “But I hope that everyone, including our political leaders, will encourage our communities to react to these recent events in a calm and measured fashion, and not stir panic. “We should bear in mind how very low the incidents of violence are compared to many of our neighbours, and give the police force – in whom, as I said at the Queen’s Birthday Parade last week, I have the greatest faith – our trust that they are doing everything in their power to keep our country a safe and secure place for residents and visitors alike,” the Governor stated.

Finance minister rejects tax haven accusation MINISTER of Finance, Washington Misick maintains that the TCI is compliant with the global forum’s standards on exchange of tax information, in spite of accusations of the country being a tax haven. On Thursday (June 25) Misick responded to a European Commission document that listed 30 territories across the world that it considers tax havens. “The Turks and Caicos was commended by the global forum for the tremendous progress that we have made in improving international tax transparency. “The global forum considers the TCI as ‘co-operative’,” the minister said in a press statement. He added that following the UK’s G8 presidency, the TCI was an early adopter of the automatic exchange of tax information, committing to share information with our partners by 2017. “I assure the international

community that we remain committed to and actively involved in achieving these ideals.” Despite the commission’s claims, the global forum believes that countries identified are either fully or largely compliant, and have committed to automatic exchange of information, sometimes even as early adopters, such as the TCI, Missick noted. This list was published on June 17 last and includes the Turks and Caicos Islands. Misick also noted that the list appears to deal only with corporate tax and does not contain any lists from larger EU jurisdictions like Germany, France or the United Kingdom. He added that the TCI will now work with the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD), the global forum and its sister territories to express collective concern to the commission.

The Long Bay High School taking shape for its September opening

Long Bay High on target for September opening - minister PROGRESS on the new Long Bay High School is proceeding according to schedule and meetings are to be held soon with form one students and parents. This is according to Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Akierra Missick during a ministerial address in the House of Assembly last week. The minister reminded that

the Clement Howell High School will not be taking in any form one students in the new school year, as they will all be attending the Long Bay High School. She added that the team at the Education Department is ahead of ensuring that all the operational and management aspects for the school are on course. “Time tables are being prepared,

Under the tree

arrangements for new school uniforms, other essentials are on the way as we make preparations for the start of this new school year in this new school,” Missick said. About $1 million was earmarked for the construction of phase one of the new school, which will include eight classrooms for first and second form students along with toilet and administrative facilities.

By Benneth Williams

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NEWS

June 27 - July 3, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Lawyers face trial for stamp duty fraud COURT STORIES BY REBECCA BIRD THE TRIAL of TCI lawyers Tim O’Sullivan and Gordon Kerr continued in Providenciales Supreme Court this week with the defence and prosecution delivering closing statements. The Crown is accusing the two of cheating the public revenue on or about August 14, 2006 of approximately $1.5 million in stamp duty by falsely representing the value of the property and land transaction in respect of the sale Emerald Cay. They allegedly represented the price as $11 million (including $1 million for chattels) when in fact real value of the transaction was approximately $28 million. A second charge alleges that between

January 1, 2005, and March 31, 2007, the two lawyers conspired with Timothy Blixseth, Andrew Hawes, Angelica Morrone, Gary Di Silvestri and others to cheat the collector of stamp duty and the public revenue of stamp duty due and payable upon the sale by a company known as Worldwide Commercial Properties Limited to Emerald Cay Limited of land and real property known as Emerald Cay. They are alleged to have falsely represented the value of the transaction as mentioned in the first charge. The third count alleges that between January 1, 2005, and August 31, 2006, Kerr and O’Sullivan conspired with Blixseth, Hawes, Morrone, Di Silvestri and others

to falsely represent documents required for accounting purposes by the collector of stamp duty with a view to cause loss to the public revenue and for the gain of Blixseth, Hawes, Morrone and Di Silvestri by a false declaration of the value of land and property known as Emerald Cay. O’Sullivan of the law firm Miller Simons O’Sullivan represented the buyer of the property, Blixseth, while Kerr of Misick and Stanbrook represented the seller, Di Silvistri. A seven-member jury has been selected for the trial which began on Monday, June 1, and is being heard before Justice Robert Shuster. The prosecution finished presenting their case on Thursday, June 11, and the defence

finished presenting their case on Monday, June 22, after deciding to call no further witnesses. The jury returned to court on Wednesday (June 24) when James Sturman QC representing Timothy Patrick O’Sullivan gave his closing statement. The same afternoon and the following morning Andrew Radcliffe QC representing Gordon Kerr delivered his closing statement. On Thursday afternoon (June 25) SIPT Special Prosecutor Andrew Mitchell began his closing statement by responding to the defence lawyers comments. It will continue on Friday (June 26). The full report will be in the next edition of the Weekly News.

Boiled eggs cannot be scrambled - Sturman AS THE jury looked on, James Sturman QC held two eggs, marked with the words US and TCI, above his head and bashed them together with some force. Neither of the eggs broke – an illustration, he said, of the distinct and separate transactions that took place during the sale of luxury property Emerald Cay. The demonstration was all part of an animated closing statement from Timothy Patrick O’Sullivan’s defence attorney in Providenciales Supreme Court on Wednesday (June 24). While giving his address he engaged the seven strong jury with physical demonstrations, humour and some strong statements on the “nonsense” of the prosecution’s case. Sturman began at 11am by summing up the job of the jury and spoke of the need for the prosecution to prove their allegations beyond reasonable doubt. The lawyer stressed that the fact that O’Sullivan decided to remain

silent could not be held against him, and asked the jury not to judge without using evidence. “In this case you certainly cannot open Mr O’Sullivan’s soul and have a look inside to see what he was thinking at the time. “There’s only one judge that’s capable of that investigation and Mr O’Sullivan will meet him at some time in the future, hopefully many years later. “And he will be judged, in the same way all of us will be, at the end of our days.” He urged them not to make a mistake and if they have any doubts to find O’Sullivan not guilty. Sturman went on to describe his client as a man of good character who has never had a complaint made about him during the whole of his professional career in Ireland or in the TCI. He asked the jury if a man of 48-years-old after an impeccable life “of complete honourable and honest behaviour” would throw it all away for no gain.

Conch season closes July 15 THE TCI conch season will close from July 15 to October 15, the Government announced on Thursday (June 25). During this period the export of conch meat will be strictly prohibited, although local consumption will be allowed. “This seasonal break helps us to preserve this indigenous and iconic mollusc in the TCI culture,” Henry Wilson, acting Director, Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) said. During this closure, only the following conch related exports are allowed: conch pearls; conch shells (size restriction of a minimum of seven inches; export

of four or more shells requires a CITES permit applied for through DEMA); and conch shell products. Hotels and resorts are expected to make all efforts to educate and inform their guests of the particulars of possession during the closed season. People can contact the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs for clarification on 338-4170 or email environment@gov.tc. The TCI’s national quota has been set at 800,000 pounds of landed meat since October 2012, 500,000 pounds allocated for exports and 300,000 pounds for local consumption.

Seven people during the trial vouched for his good character, the lawyer stressed. He then went on to speak about witness Andrew Edward Hawes, a US real estate lawyer who worked for buyer Timothy Blixseth. “Hawes said categorically that the house did not sell for $28 million. If the house sold for $10 million, your verdict is there – not guilty.” Sturman said that if the house might have sold for $10 million, if O’Sullivan believed the house was sold for $10 million or might have believed that to be so, the verdict should also be not guilty. The prosecution must prove that Hawes, a witness that gave evidence for three days, is a liar for a guilty verdict, the court heard. ‘VERY ODD’ Sturman read out O’Sullivan’s three charges to the jury adding that the prosecution case was that “all the agreements are bogus”. They may change their case to say that just some of them are bogus, despite Hawes saying that all of the agreements were genuine, the court heard. “What sort of credibility does that leave the prosecution case against Mr O’Sullivan?” He went on to say that it is a “very odd” conspiracy that his client has been accused of. “…for the benefit of two people his client has never met he agrees over the telephone with the lawyer for Blixeth to commence a conspiracy from which Mr O’Sullivan gains nothing.” Sturman said that the central allegation of the prosecution is that the house sold for $28 million. “This is a gorgeous house. It’s got eight bedrooms, all amenities, but at the end of the day it was located in Silly Creek not on Grace Bay beach.” During his questioning Hawes said the property was not worth $28 million, but $10 million. The lawyer added that witness Shaaban Rajabu Musa Hoza, the Government’s Chief Valuation Officer, said that it was a fair consideration.

“The prosecution have called no expert evidence to support their theory.” The budget went ridiculously over, Sturman stressed, but the fact that you spend a lot of money on a project does not mean you recover every penny. INSURANCE Buyer Blixeth insured the Emerald Cay property for $10 million, the lawyer reminded the jury, and the contents were insured for $8 million. Prior to that, seller Gary Di Silvestri had insured it for $5 million in 2006 as hurricane season approached. Sturman went on to talk about the documents which the prosecution had labelled “a sham,” adding that evidence does not support that assertion. Hawes had said that all the documents relating to the four additional agreements were genuine and reflected the commercial terms. When comparing the house to other similar private properties for sale in 2006, there was only the Champagne House on the beach in Leeward which sold for $6.17 million, the lawyer told the jury. He added that auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers were told of the negotiations, which if fraudulent would be a move of “insanity”. In addition O’Sullivan was “lumbered” with dealing with the ancillary transaction. The two transactions were kept separate because of a concern that there may be confusion about stamp duty, the QC recalled. Sturman stressed that Hawes was “open, helpful and he absolutely demolishes the prosecution case”. He said that the prosecution case is “a nonsense” as Hawes said the property was not worth $28 million and the documents were not a sham. Sturman said that the property was sold as the purchase of land rather than the purchase of a company for ease of transaction. The chattels in the agreement were worth $7.5 million and were insured for $8 million, the lawyer

told the jury. The option agreement was also genuine as Blixeth was prepared to pay the $4 million if the sale did not go ahead. The amount of the option cannot be determined to be sensible however as the prosecution did not call any expert witnesses on the matter. Sturman told the jury to ignore cross examination about what ethics might apply. “This isn’t a court of ethics, it’s a court of law,” he said. TWO DEALS The lawyer said that there were two separate stand-alone agreements, like two eggs in a basket. He held two eggs, marked with the words US and TCI, above his head and bashed them together. Neither of the eggs broke – because they are hard boiled and completely separate, the QC said. They cannot be scrambled, as the prosecution had previously suggested. He concluded that the evidence proves that the house was sold for $10 million plus chattels and an option fee. Assistant Collector of Stamp Duty Stuart Barrington Taylor, who was the only witness that said the transaction value was too low, was an overly defensive witness, the defence attorney suggested. And despite being asked by the prosecution several times, architect Ronald Albert Shaw never gave his opinion on a likely property value. Sturman went over some of the positive statements from seven witnesses who gave character statements throughout the trial. He reminded the jury that character witness Galmo Williams laughed when asked if O’Sullivan may have tried to conspire with former Premier Michael Misick. The QC finally reminded the jury that for a guilty verdict they must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Hawes has lied, the documents are a sham, O’Sullivan threw his life and future away for men he had never met, and the character witnesses are bad judges of character.

June 27 - July 3, 2015

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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‘A world turned upside down’ – Radcliffe THE ONLY way Emerald Cay could possibly be worth $28 million is if workers struck oil when digging the foundations, Andrew Radcliffe QC told Providenciales Supreme Court this week. The defence attorney for accused Gordon Kerr was calm and considered when delivering his two hour long closing statement to the jury on Wednesday and Thursday (June 24 and 25). But his words did not come without impact, particularly when he said the prosecution case represented “a world turned upside down” where nothing makes sense. Radcliffe began his statement by reiterating to the jury of seven that they must be sure of Kerr’s guilt in order to convict him. “It’s not suspicion, it’s not supposition, it’s on the hard facts,” he said. And the reason that Kerr, who worked for Emerald Cay seller Gary Di Silvestri, did not give evidence in the case because “he has got nothing to prove”. The QC told the jury that they must be sure that fraud has taken place and that his client was party to it. “Was he dishonest, is he a fraudster, is he a crook? We suggest the answer is a resounding no.” He stressed that if when something is explained it seems to make no sense, it is likely to be wrong. Radcliffe said that the prosecution is suggesting that two respectable lawyers suddenly turned to crime for

Injured man knocked down by vehicle outside Zanzi Bar

A MAN was rushed overseas after being knocked down in the vicinity of Zanzi Bar on Leeward Highway in Providenciales on Sunday (June 21) during a pool party. Someone who was on the scene but who declined to disclose their identity told the Weekly News that the man was initially stabbed and then tried to run, but in the process of running he ran into a vehicle and was struck down. According to a press release from public relations officer for the hospital, Takara Bain, the hospital received a 21-year-old male patient that day. The patient was treated and later transferred overseas for further medical attention. Police press officer Audley Astwood on Thursday (June 25) said that the matter was still under investigation and that there were still no leads. Anyone with information surrounding the incident can call police on 941-4448 extension 81843 or 81837, or use the untraceable, anonymous Crimestoppers Miami number at 1-800-(TIPS) or 1-8008477. The public is reminded that no names or numbers are requested and only the information provided is passed on to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police.

the first time in their lives, in middle age, ten years ago. “And just as they went over to the dark side, they immediately changed back, once this deal was over and reverted to normal honest behaviour that hallmarked the whole of the rest of their professional and personal lives.” They are accused of putting their reputation on the line for no financial benefit whatsoever, he continued. “Has the world gone truly mad?” he asked the jury. “Because if it hasn’t, these two men must surely be innocent.” Radcliffe reminded the jury that Emerald Cay was insured for $5 million as it was being built and $10 million (with $8 million for contents) after it was sold to Timothy Blixseth. “No one has ever suggested in this case that the property was being deliberately insured for a falsely low figure,” he stressed. The QC said that the emails regarding insurance that had been addressed during examination of witnesses were “frank and unguarded”. It is independent and free standing evidence, the court heard, and no one knew it would be looked at in a court of law. He went on to say that it is hardly a surprise, but nevertheless a fact that Gordon Kerr has never been in trouble and is a man of good character. “His life on these Islands over many years has involved contribution and service to his fellow citizens. He’s been a pillar of the community.” He recalled the several character witnesses that came forward last week to speak of his integrity. EVIDENCE Radcliffe referred to a “crucially important letter” from July 2005 which shows that Kerr acted entirely honestly

and no tax fraud could have been possible. It is from the TCI lawyer to buyer Timothy Blixeth and proposes the possibility of a share sale transfer, which requires a property valuation. The letter speaks of the slightly reduced tax payable verses an ordinary land transfer for Emerald Cay. “If everyone had just listened to Gordon Kerr and used the share sale transfer that he was suggesting, there could never have been a dispute, there would have been nothing to investigate and you wouldn’t have been sitting here today,” Radcliffe told the jury. In the letter Kerr also refers to the ancillary agreement and the option agreement alongside the share sale transfer. “So the option agreement is real and it is live,” the defence attorney told the court as tax would have been paid on the market value of the property. He went on to say that only about 55 of 175 emails in the evidence were by, to or copied to Kerr and he was often bypassed in discussions. There was also a period of several months in 2006 when Kerr was away and was not party to discussions. Seller Di Silvestri did not use his attorney to negotiate the terms of the agreement, Radcliffe said; if it was possible to cut out the middle man, he would. FIVE AGREEMENTS The Crown’s case is that the five transactions that took place during the sale of Emerald Cay totalling $28 million were bogus and together represented the total value of the property, Radcliffe said. This was allegedly planned to evade stamp duty to the sum of $1.5 million.

“What direct evidence is there that the purchase price is anything other than $10 million?” the QC questioned. “The answer to that, is there is none.” He said that there is nothing strange about Di Silvestri’s company Ital Swiss providing consultancy services. “Approach the matter with an open mind. Don’t make any assumptions. Don’t start with a conclusion,” Radcliffe urged the jury. We know that planning permission was granted for the construction of Emerald Cay and Projetech was contracted to build, he said. Managing director Steve Thompson during his witness testimony said he expected to complete the build in accordance with the plans in 15 months. He also expected it to be finished within the budget of $6.32 million plus fees, plus the cost of the swimming pool and tennis court. The Di Silvestris were demanding clients and made changes and additions which hiked up the cost of the project – but this does not mean the value went up, Radcliffe stressed. He added up all the elements before the court and said the real value totalled about $9.775 million. The Government’s Chief Valuation Officer Shaaban Rajabu Musa Hoza in the witness stand said that the true market value is $10 million, the QC recalled. “And yet the prosecution insists that $28 million changed hands for a property that on the evidence is only worth $10 million.” This already dwarfed the cost of the previous most expensive house on these Islands, he said. “The only way Emerald Cay could possibly be worth $28 million was

if Steve Thompson’s workmen had struck oil when they were digging the foundations.”

RUMOUR AND GOSSIP In 2006 a transfer of land form was presented to Assistant Collector of Stamp Duty Stuart Barrington Taylor. Rumour and gossip were rife relating to the sale of Emerald Cay, Radcliffe said. The Executive Golfer Magazine reported that the property was sold for $40 million, but it was full of exaggeration, part truths and untruths, he added. He went on to speak of the option agreement saying there is nothing wrong with backdating it as happened. The QC added that throughout the trial the prosecution brought no witnesses to state that the method was not above board. He told the jury to be sure before giving a guilty verdict that it was created to cover up the true price of Emerald Cay. Radcliffe then spoke briefly about the installation agreement and said that there was no basis for suspicion. Meanwhile the consultancy agreement was negotiated in Kerr’s absence, he said. “If you look at the evidence we would say there’s no question that the consultancy agreement is genuine.” The works agreement was set out to ensure that works went ahead at the same high standard as that already done, the QC said. He concluded: “Offences of dishonesty are committed out of greed, for personal profit and yet here there’s none. “Why would Gordon Kerr do this? It doesn’t make any sense.” He added: “There was no dishonesty, there was no conspiracy… the prosecution has got it wrong.”

MILLS MUSES

Waterloo

WATERLOO, the historical residence of governors in the TCI, is an integral part of our history and culture. And its 200th anniversary was recently celebrated. As the TCI Weekly states, it was named Waterloo after the famous battle fought in 1815, against Napoleon. Waterloo has always had a sense of awe and elegance about it, and represents social togetherness, a venue for business and policy issues, and a place which entertains all social and civic groups. Its gardens are a wonder to behold and contribute to a quiet and serene ambiance. Because of its history and importance, it engenders respect and dampens any behaviour which tends to get excited. A commentary in the Guardian newspaper by Martin Kettle, titled: ‘Napoleon’s dream died at

Waterloo – and so did that of British democrats,’ states that the battle of Waterloo means two things. First, the victory over Napoleon ended a long war, which lifted the invasion threat to Britain. The other is the victory of the feudal crowned heads of Europe over the forces of the French revolution. He then adds that Waterloo was a victory for a reactionary and antidemocratic European order, and a huge setback for the cause of democracy and equality. I’m not aware of the politics of the writer of the article but the Guardian is alleged to be somewhat progressive. But what about the viewpoint advanced by Martin Kettle? It is true that Waterloo ended 20 years of war in Europe, which ensured the security of Britain. The Duke of Wellington defeated the French, with some assistance from the Prussians. The French, led by Napoleon,

BY Oliver Mills

Oliver Mills was born in South Caicos, acquired a diploma in article writing from the Writer’s Digest School in the United States, and worked as training manager for the Turks and Caicos public service. He is currently an adjunct lecturer in the Business and Hospitality Departments at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.

were victorious over several European armies and he installed family members as rulers in some of these countries. Kettle describes the system prior to this as anti-democratic. But could it not be said that Waterloo restored legitimate government to those countries impacted on by Napoleon? And the real anti-democratic system was the nepotism of Napoleon? Could it also be said that Waterloo not only restored order in Europe, but provided the climate for incremental changes which advanced the democratic process, along with equality?

And is it not so that Waterloo in the TCI as a system of governance is doing the same here? I think the assessment of Martin Kettle, although incisive, is somewhat overdrawn. But he most certainly has a right to his views and interpretation of such an important historical event. We in the TCI should see Waterloo here as representing positive developments for us. It has connected us to the broader European continent and historical and current events there and represents stability, reassurance, fair play and a significant, enduring pillar in our cultural history and heritage.

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June 27 - July 3, 2015

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.

Please make my country safe again Dear Editor, Let me start by saying how proud I am to be from the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is something I am thankful for every single day, and I am often overwhelmed by the feelings I have for our exquisitely beautiful country. However, it saddens me that I also have to admit that Turks and Caicos is falling to pieces. Over the past few years, crime has escalated and grown more violent and shocking than I ever imagined. In the last few days and months alone I have cried and felt sick to my stomach about heinous events that have occurred. From a man setting a woman on fire in Five Cays to the atrocious acts that took place during/after the Zanzi Bar party this past weekend - these acts should serve as a wakeup call to us all about how unsafe the TCI has become. Allow me to paint a picture of the Turks and Caicos I know and love, the one that I grew up in. My family left the doors unlocked at night, sometimes even with the front door wide open to allow the breeze to pass through, or to let Santa Claus in because we didn’t have a chimney for him to climb down. We left the car unlocked whenever we went out – sometimes we even left the car running so the AC would keep it cool. My siblings and I hitchhiked

everywhere, and we picked up hitchhikers too. Now allow me to paint a picture of the new Turks and Caicos Islands. Rather than being jealous of my friends who are home for the summer, I am worried and concerned for their safety. I breathe a small sigh of relief that I am not there to experience the uneasy feelings while being out at night. One of my friends has TWO security cars that patrol his neighbourhood every day. I hear through social media on an all too regular basis of horrific crimes – stabbings, shootings, bludgeoning, robbery, carjacking, rape, gang activity. WHEN and WHY did the Turks and Caicos Islands turn into such a dangerous place? We have been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Best Island in the World for 2015’ – yet here we are with our reputation being tarnished from the inside out. I must beg the question – where are the Government and police force, and what on earth are they doing to help protect Turks and Caicos Islanders, the tourists upon which our economy relies, and our crucial reputation? When our police cannot protect us and keep violent crime in check, or at least properly punish those who commit these crimes, we have a

Thank you Dear Editor, The Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross would like to thank the following sponsors and individuals who made our Red Cross month activities a success, either by purchasing a ticket or making a donation. Thank you goes out to volunteers who sold tickets for the annual ball. Provo Golf Club, Inter Caribbean Airways, Caicos Express, Spa Tropique, KB Homes, Do IT Best Centre, Silver Deep, Anna Bourne Painting, Scotia Bank TCI Ltd, Little Havana Cigar Lounge, The Retreat Spa, Dive Provo, 3 C’s Taxi, Enid

Capron Primary School, Ianthe Pratt Primary School, Mills Institute, Ona Glinton Primary School, Eliza Simons Primary School, SUNTCI Newspaper, Enews, Beaches TCI, Gansevoort, Amanyara, Grace Bay Club, Baci’s, William John, Royal Jewels, Wine Cellar, TCI Red Cross Fundraising Committee and TCI Red Cross Youth Club. Thank you for helping us to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable in the Turks and Caicos Islands! Red Cross, Providenciales

problem. A very big problem. Beaches Resort does a better job locking up the small number of locals who sneak in and take a negligible amount of food and drink. It’s embarrassing and appalling that these petty thieves arrested at Beaches are jailed for a week, yet dangerous criminals who are out terrorising the whole community still run free. I’ve heard countless stories of police officers ignoring cases, passing them off to each other because they are too lazy to do the paper work or investigate, and the SHAMEFUL number of times that they take hours to show up to the scene of a crime, if at all. Have you officers no pride in being a Turks and Caicos Islander? In serving your fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders and making our country a better, safer place? In being the ‘Best Island in the World’ and providing services to make us worthy of such a grand title? As for the Government, the public education in the TCI is in a shambles, and I believe that has an effect on the crime rate. We must teach children to be good, honourable, smart people who are capable of hard work. Do NOT let youths get away with gang violence in schools. We must raise the youths of the TCI to be proud of their country, to want to contribute to our motto that we are beautiful by nature. Every member of the community should strive to help us be the best Turks and Caicos that we can be. I am urging, begging the police and the Government to step up and take a stand against these atrocious acts of crime and violence. Perhaps the police are undertrained, under-staffed and do not have the necessary resources to deal with all this crime as some have claimed. But to me and many others it seems as though they are not even trying. Please, PLEASE put forth some effort to show you are taking this crime wave seriously. And I am crying out to the people in our community committing these crimes – stop what you are doing and think for a moment. Do you think taking another life makes you tough? Do you think continued 

Crown land set up Dear Editor, In 2003 I applied for 1.030 acres in Grand Turk on block/parcel no 10306/57-59 on Duke Street. I was granted the property in a lease agreement from our Government at the rate of $19,000 per annum. To my surprise I have been accused by some members of the public that I sold the Government’s Crown land on block no 10306/57/59 for $195,000 and stamp duty of $10,260 in 2010. I did not and will not sell Crown land which I leased from the Government. I have all the documents to prove this fact. Now, there used to be Crown land on 10306/59/57 which now is block 10306/7D-71. I visited the Crown Land Survey Department and inquired why the parcels numbers were changed. Mr Williams said: “Mr Clarke it is because you have all the roads from Pond Street to public beaches.” I replied: “I see.” As a result, the land belongs to me, but I will not accept it now until our Governor or his deputy sign off on the property. These documents were signed off by Governor Tauwhare and Deputy Governor Mahala Wynns, but I have reason to believe that both the Governor and Deputy Governor’s documents were tampered with. I am not aware of who did this act, but I only want to clear my good name. Furthermore, I would like to know who did this dirty act and why they did it. It was nothing more than to set me up, to make me out to be a bad person. But God was/still on the throne. The blocks/parcels started from 10305/011 to 10308/158 are 400 acres plus 400 0.23 acre lots were sold/leased from 1999 to 2094, and again in 2008. $205,260 the $195,000 was paid for the 400 0.23 lots, but not the 400 acres went to

the company and the 400 0.23 acres to the TC Islanders which they are entitled to (paid for their 0.23 parcels). The 400 acre blocks and the 400 0.23 parcels sold/leased each 0.23 acres parcel was sold for $250,000 per 0.23 acre lot or $1 million per acre. So 400 acres was sold for $400 million? This is Crown land flipping. The Grand Turk/Salt Cay and the 0.23 acres lot block are in Providenciales, Grace Bay. The $195,000 came from a company? And the Stamp Duty of $10,260 receipt shows from the Crown land registry shows that this $10,260 was paid in by myself Ernest Clarke. I did not pay in any money. The block starts from 10305/011 to 10308/158 {Is my home). I don’t know who did this and why they did it, but whoever did this act God will show me and everybody will know. I have been summoned to attend court in USA for 10306/57-59 Columbus Landing Ltd for the sale of this Crown land. SIPT has visited me. Documents will show that the Treasury received from Ernest Clarke $10,260 for stamp duty. I wish I had $10,000. The $590,000 has been lifted. SIPT has visited me and I told them I wasn’t aware of anything they were talking about. I have been summoned to attend court in the USA for investors’ money in the amount of $2.2 million. I must die knowing that I knew nothing of which they were talking about. Thank God the lawyers/courts wrote me a letter informing me of not being accused anymore. They tried to set me up in a bad way, but they did in a good way, because the property belongs to me now after 13 years. Ernest E Clarke, Providenciales

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.

Send letters to tcweeklynews@gmail.com

June 27 - July 3, 2015

NEWS 11

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

REAL TALK

Continued

Other islands are hurting – Open letter to the Premier Dear Sir, It is with deep regret that I, being a Belonger by way of marriage, can see what the blind man can only hear and visualise. I have travelled to every island but as far as I can see only two islands are registered as Turks and Caicos Islands. The other islands are neglected so badly that all the people are leaving their homes to rot in search of work. And where to? Provo! This is bad. At least Mike provided jobs for the people even though he was labelled for alleged misdoings. I can see the reason for the children’s behaviour when they have no parents in the home. We need to put politics behind us and help the people in the other islands. Nothing for them to look forward to anymore. So much stipulation on the fishing industry, don’t want to issue work permits and you name it. Do you expect for them to survive? This is my wish for a better way forward and I hope you do not allow the other ministers to deter you, Mr Premier. You were an excellent person when you were in the medical field,

Please make my country ... continued 

robbing an innocent family makes you macho and thug? It doesn’t. It makes you a pathetic, disgusting excuse for a person. Stop terrorising our Islands and know that what you are doing is pure evil. When you harm the reputation of the TCI, tourists will stop coming out of fear for their safety and our country will fall even further into disrepair. The Turks and Caicos Islands is a long way from being safe, and sadly I doubt it will ever return to the simple, blissful place it was in my childhood, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. So in the meantime, to the wonderful people of the TCI – be cautious and aware of your surroundings, and please be safe. Annika Seffer, Concerned TCI resident

please carry this forward with you. 1. Use the people from their island to determine their needs. No one from the other islands should be in charge of another person’s domain if you have capable people. (District Commissioner) 2. Ensure that whoever is in charge of an office goes to work and know how to handle, speak and behave to people. Too much is happening in the offices nowadays. 3. Visit the islands and see the condition of the people and make adjustments where necessary. Bring road works back. Why have environmental health officers, when there is hardly an environment? Please consider these things. We are hurting in the islands that time, Government and outsiders forgot. Sincerely, Concerned citizen

Are the British our problem or scapegoat? PART II I WILL pick up where I left off last week; the British are not our enemy. Why then do many Belongers blame the British government for the problems we have created or have allowed to fester over years of ignorance or satisfaction of the bad decisions our leaders and people have made? Is the British government responsible for the healthcare debacle that has us paying over $40 million annually to a company over a 25 year period? Were the British responsible for the ‘systemic corruption’ outlined in the 2009 commission of inquiry? Every time we discuss the monumental mistakes of this country’s 40 year history since elective ministerial government, there are people who want to give our politicians a free pass and make the British the scapegoat. It is dishonest and is an example of selective memory syndrome. Our history and correct record of events have not convinced me that the British are our problem. Our problem is inconsistency in political leadership, a lack of vision

By Jas Walkin

BIOGRAPHY: Jas was born with a physical disability and diagnosed with a mild form of muscular dystrophy. His early childhood was characterised with trying to fit in in a regular school environment unequipped to cater to special needs students. With support from family, teachers and the community he graduated as valedictorian of Raymond Gardiner High School and has been a graduate teacher for the past last nine years.

and planning and a people who are desperate for the next big movement but put their trust in false hope. Our problem is that we have never really had to fight for anything. Black Jamaicans were fighting for survival from their arrival from West Africa until now. Sir Lynden Pindling and the PLP had to remove a white ruling class who controlled the Bahamas for more than 200 years socially, economically and politically. Fidel Castro removed a corrupt leader and repossessed land and opportunities that had been in the hands of Americans for more than 100 years. Simon Bolivar ‘the Liberator’ led an entire continent in revolt against the institution of slavery and then to self-determination. Marcus Garvey took on the challenge of trying to empower the

Negro race in a white dominated world. What have we fought for? The unrest and struggle that the Most Excellent Hon JAGS McCartney and others fought for is significant, but where we are today tells me that their fight was not enough to take this country to its next level. This is our problem; not the British. Our biggest problem is that we don’t want to accept responsibility for our own mistakes and therefore we are going around in circles. We need to stop using the British as our scapegoat and lay the right sacrifice on the altar - our attitude, dishonesty and disunity. Maybe then, instead of using the British as a scapegoat we would use them as a bridge in getting to where we need to be.

COMMENTARY

Good news tonight BACK in my youth when attending a USA primary school, American reporter and commentator Gabriel Heatter hosted a radio show. As the family gathered around our big Zenith radio, Heatter would open the show with: “Ah, there’s good news tonight.” Television was still a couple of years in the future! It’s been a long time since good news overcame bad news in the TCI. Not since the manipulated byelection of 2003 returned a party already marked by corruption, and incompetence. Chief Minister Derek Taylor’s eight year administration won a third term but succumbed to a couple of jail birds’ false testimony giving the now allegedly master corrupter room to destroy the TCI’s reputation, finances and potential for growth. Derek ran TCI by the book but failed at public relations. People were not aware of how well his party was managing things.

After 11 and a half disappointing years, mid 2015, things are looking up. Hard work by our Middle Caicos students as they all passed the test moving them to high school. Teachers, parents and their hard work deserve all the credit. We are amazed by the potential of all the primary and high school children of Middle Caicos. The PDM convention replayed the life and leadership of the founder of the People’s Democratic Movement, JAGS McCartney. If JAGS was still with us, his policies would parallel the present leadership of the busiest woman in the TCI, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson. Happily, Sean, who was shipped away, has mended well once away from Ewingcare. Now the PDM party team is expanded by the public relations and creative genius of Doug Parnell. Clarence Selver, who in the good years was the elected Minister of Education, with the right plans remains a strong voice of experience in parliament.

By David Tapfer

David is a retired mobile hydraulic engineer and business executive. He has been married to Middle Caicos native Yvette Robinson Tapfer for 25 years and has lived in Conch Bar, Middle Caicos, since 2002. David formerly served as branch chairman of the PDM from 2008 to 2011 Compare, if you will, the competence of Selver to Akierra, Porsha, Amanda and George. A Cabinet playing musical chairs with responsibilities. FortisTCI trains their TCI workers well, the media says, and we agree. Power is now nearly continuous in North and Middle and these family islands have always been well served by FortisTCI employees. Now if we could get the price back to reasonable! FortisTCI sets a good example by employing TCI employees for challenging line work. One of these days or months and after numerous complaints, the

causeway and adjoining roads might get pavement. It remains unfortunate that the causeway will still be vulnerable to another Mickey Mouse category one Hanna which flushed away this dirt based, seemingly temporary bridge joining the potential of the two most beautiful and friendliest islands. Repairs three and a half to four years late as was the building of the causeway! We pause to celebrate good news. Now we ask the question, is there hope for more good news tomorrow?

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 27 - July 3, 2015

June 27 - July 3, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

MPs and residents stage protest in Grand Turk AT THE last sitting of the House of Assembly (June 19), PDM Opposition members joined residents in protest action outside of the NJS Francis building in Grand Turk. The protest was to highlight the neglect by the Government of the capital island. According to the PDM, the protest was sparked after Government ministers spent all morning in the House explaining why nothing had been done to address some of the more pressing issues facing the nation including the state of the education system, the water supply, the state of roads, healthcare and the finances of the country. Just outside of the assembly, Grand Turk residents erected a loudspeaker system and challenged the Government on the many areas of neglect. One of the most pressing concerns for the MPs and residents alike was the total lack of attention being paid to the inadequate supply of water for many residents especially in Breezy Brae and the Ridge where residents are forced to fetch water in buckets to meet their household needs. One placard read, ‘We are back to carrying water in buckets in 2015!’ Protestors carried signs depicting their general disgust at the state of affairs affecting the 5,000-plus residents of the capital island. Other placards read: ‘Stop waiting for Christmas to clean up’ and ‘Grand Turk needs attention, fix Lighthouse Road and Front Street.’ A young protestor held a placard which read, ‘The Government is neglecting Grand Turk people…I need a job I don’t want to steal.’ Another sign, carried by Leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson read, ‘$70,000,000 in the bank and Grand Turk is crying for help.’ The party took to the loud speaker, protesting: “Imagine Lighthouse Road… there is a study being done to look at flooding of road on a hill.

PDM members protesting Grand Turk woes

“Grand Turk has the worst roads in the Turks and Caicos Islands… it is time to fix the roads, it’s time to fix the schools… it is time for the PNP Government to stop ignoring Grand Turk.” Grand Turk resident Herbert Been, who erected the public address system, blasted the Government for leaving people to fetch water in buckets. “Mr Rufus Ewing you are responsible to see that development takes place in every island of the Turks and Caicos… you are responsible to see to it that Grand Turk has fresh water,” he said. He added: “The people of Grand Turk need jobs; the people need representation.” Calling on the Premier to face the music, Been concluded: “Don’t run through the back door, come and face the music.” Former Chief Minister Derek Taylor said that change is necessary in order to secure the children’s future. “The situation with water; water is our lifeline, and the Government gave us a guarantee that we wouldn’t face the current shortages, but can you imagine that you have to go and get a bottle to go and get a bath,” he said. He also pointed out that the Government has neglected the reverse osmosis (RO) plant: “Water for Grand Turk, roads for Grand

Turk, jobs like never before.” However, earlier this month, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning responded to what they called “incorrect claims” that the island’s reverse osmosis plant was not working, and defended the claims of water shortage. Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Susan Malcolm said that the shortage of water is due to the extremely high demand for water on Grand Turk currently, which is compounded by the unseasonably dry weather which has not replenished the island’s domestic water cistern. She added that although the osmosis plant is operational, the high demand has reduced the pressure within the distribution network which means that there is no pipe delivery of water to the North Ridge area. The PS also promised that the Government had bought an additional motor to boost daily water production to 240,000 gallons, from 218,000. This motor was scheduled to arrive in two weeks’ time from June 11 when the announcement was made. She said that Government has also requested $250,000 from the contingency fund to repair the old reverse osmosis plant, which could be used to augment water production and supply. No timeline on when this will be done was given.

brown shoes. He is described as a black man of dark complexion with a low cut black hair, bearded with side burns. He has dark brown eyes and stands at about 5 feet 7 inches tall and is of a slim build. Anyone with information surrounding his disappearance, location or any relevant information is asked to call the police at 911 or 941-4448 extension 81843 or 81837, or use the untraceable, anonymous Crimestoppers Miami number at 1-800-(TIPS) or 1-800-8477. The public is reminded that no names or numbers are requested and

Education ministry publishes online digest and five year plan THE MINISTRY of Education has published a five year Education Sector Plan (2013-2017) with handbook and education digest 2013/2014. Members of the public can visit the Government’s website at www. gov.tc to view the plan which is already available. Publishing of the documents online allows the public for the first time to access important information in the education sector and can also be used to track the Government’s progress from year to year, a Government release advised. Minister of Education Akierra Missick thanked the various school principals, teachers, members of the public and staff of the ministry and Department of Education and other Government departments for their efforts in making the plan a success. “We must also highlight the support of UNICEF who helped finance both initiatives and gave other technical advice and guidance,” Missick stated. “We consider this a major step as these are critical planning documents. I urge the public to review these and to hold us accountable for delivery.” The following policies are

currently being finalised and will eventually be available on the website: Alternative Education Policy 2015; Special Needs Policy 2015; Education Standards Policy 2015 and Education Policy 2015. To view the document on the Government website, navigate to the Ministry of Education under ‘Government Ministries’ located at the bottom of the page. On the Ministry of Education’s page, navigate to ‘Reports and Statistics’ to view the Education Digest or Policies to have the Education Sector Plan displayed. For direct access to the documents, simply copy and paste the following in your browser: https://drive.google.com/file/ d/0B1282pk7kes4YVV fOGVMa0MzTG8/edit?pli=1 for the Education Sector Plan 2013-2017. For the Education Sector Plan Handbook: https://drive.google. com/file/d/0B1282pk7kes4c E91SjlZUzBVcTg/edit?pli=1 And for the Education Digest 2013/2014: https://drive.google. com/file/d/0B1282pk7kes 4NVFvZ0NscDZ0dnc/ edit?pli=1.

Teen arrested for vehicle fire at Five Cays police station THE ROYAL Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) are investigating the circumstances surrounding a private vehicle set on fire Wednesday morning (June 24) at the Five Cays police station. Police said that the incident occurred at about 12.10am on Wednesday. Officers from the fire department were called to assist police on the scene following reports of a vehicle on fire. Officers on duty at the station at the time smelt smoke and went to investigate; on checking the compound of the station, they

discovered smoke and flames coming from a grey Ford Taurus that was parked in front of the building. Firefighters managed to contain and extinguish the fire; however the private vehicle was extensively damaged. No one was injured during the fire. Police have since arrested an 18-year-old male suspect and investigations are on-going. Officers are also investigating a report of malicious damage to a vehicle at a business place along Leeward Highway. The incident was reported on Saturday, June 20 at about 11pm.

Salt Cay clinic to open soon

Five Cays man missing POLICE are asking for the public’s help in locating Banel Colin, a 33-year-old man who has been reported missing since Monday (June 22). Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating the disappearance of Colin who is a resident of a Five Cays address in Providenciales. Colin was last seen on Friday, June 19, at approximately 8.30am at his home in Five Cays. At the time he was last seen, he was wearing a white polo shirt, a long pair of jeans and

June 27 - July 3, 2015

Missing: Banel Colin

only the information provided is passed on to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police.

PREMIER Rufus Ewing has promised to work harder with Ministry of Health officials to get the Salt Cay clinic opened very soon. Addressing the House of Assembly last week, the Premier said that the health ministry along with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning are working tirelessly to ensure that the newly renovated Salt Cay Clinic is furnished and opened within the next few weeks. He also reported that the ground-breaking ceremony for the redevelopment of the Wellness Centre on Grand Turk will take place on Tuesday, July 7. In April this year, a state-of-theart healthcare clinic was opened in Middle Caicos. The newly named Alsada Hall-

Malcom Primary Health Care Clinic was refurbished and expanded at a cost of $375,980. The renovation and commissioning of new healthcare facilities across the Islands is part of the Government’s plans to expand its primary healthcare services throughout the country and make them readily available, easily accessible and affordable to residents in all of the islands. The Middle Caicos facility now includes a spacious waiting room, reception area, dispensary, observation room, treatment room and patient bathrooms accessible for people with disabilities. It also houses space for dental services and day rest for visiting physicians and nurses.

June 27 - July 3, 2015

HIV treatment programme for clinics THE MINISTRY of Health is piloting the integration of the HIV care and treatment programme into its primary healthcare clinic delivery system to provide a more holistic patient centred approach to care. This is according to Premier and Minister of Health, Rufus Ewing during his address to the House of Assembly last week. “We are also beginning to integrate HIV education messages into the general health education messages as we seek to strengthen our health promotion unit,” Ewing told members. He noted that over the years, the TCI has been able to reduce the number of Aids related deaths due to a robust care and treatment programme for HIV and Aids, and bring to zero the mother to child transmission of HIV, having only had a single case of mother to child transmission since 2007. “Allow me to commend the HIV Prevention Unit and those healthcare providers involved in implementing the protocols for

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMCT) of HIV. “However, even though these are great accomplishments, we must not get complacent as individuals or as healthcare providers or as policy makers as Aids loses its face and its fear,” the Premier observed. He also called on the members to support his ministry’s various programmes such as its Hypertension Campaign, You The Man Campaign with focus of NCDs (non-communicable diseases) in men, Caribbean Wellness Day activities (the 2015 theme is focused on active aging), tobacco campaign, and diabetes symposium. He is further seeking their collaboration with the Ministry of Education to develop healthy nutrition and physical activity policies and school health campaigns geared towards to reducing childhood obesity. As well as the commencement of the STEP Wise Survey to gather information on the status of NCDs in the Turks and Caicos.

Canada to assist TCI in several areas THE CANADIAN Government has promised to lend support to the Turks and Caicos Islands in the areas of border control, police training and many others. This is according to Premier Rufus Ewing who was reporting to the House of Assembly last week on a recent visit to the North American country by Minister of Border Control Don-Hue Gardiner and a delegation. He said there was much discussion in the area of regional security and Canada has agreed to include the TCI in regional anti-crime capacity building programming, with a focus on border control and police training, as specific projects of interest are developed. Canada will also determine the extent, if any, to which information concerning deportees from Canada to the Caribbean can be shared for the use of TCI Border Control officials, the Premier added. Other areas of cooperation will include the Canadian Government’s technical support for locally driven public private partnerships (PPP) programmes. Canada confirmed that funds have been set aside to organise a PPP

A junkanoo rush by ‘We Funk’ brings the crowd to their feet with many in the audience joining in to dance to the symphonic booming of the drum and scraping of the grater

seminar in the TCI this year based on the specific needs and interests of both the TCI and Canada, Ewing reported. He added that the TCI delegation also met with parliamentary groups who have expressed interest in parliamentary twinning with the TCI for the purpose of the exchange of knowledge and technical assistance, and at its pleasure, the TCI will be able to participate in the Parliamentary Officers Study Programme. “Access to educational training opportunities in Canada as part of the friendship agreement was also another area of interest of the bilateral working group. “Both delegations expressed satisfaction with the meeting of the working group and its outcomes, and reiterated their desire to strengthen relationships, and committed to follow up with respect to the initiatives identified above.” The Premier noted that the level of interest was such that Prime Minister Stephen Harper called on the TCI delegation for an unscheduled meeting to be appraised of the progress that was being made

at the various meetings the group engaged in. “I wish to thank the Minister of Border Control and Employment and the various members of the delegation for their contribution to this initiative,” Ewing said. The visit came as a result of the Premier’s visit to Canada last year to foster a closer socioeconomic relationship with that country. During the May 2014 meeting, Ewing met with Harper and a number of parliamentarians, and it was decided that a bilateral working group should be formed to advance discussions on the areas of cooperation discussed. At this year’s meeting, Minister Gardiner; Ronlee James, Head of Secretariat, Office of the Premier; Shirlen Forbes, Chief Statistician; attorney Mark Fulford and Gilbert Morris travelled to Ottawa and held the first meeting of the Canada – Turks and Caicos Islands Bilateral Working Group on May 28. The TCI Government’s intention, according to the Premier, is to develop a sustainable and strategic, long-term relationship with Canada. (DELANA ISLES)

Local restaurants come from all corners of Providenciales to serve up some of the best food at the Island Fish Fry

Island Fish Fry awarded TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence VISITORS have consistently rated the Island Fish Fry as excellent on TripAdvisor, citing the exceptional service, great local atmosphere and fantastic gastronomic offerings as just some of the highlights. This year was no different and the popular Thursday lime has been awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of

Excellence award. To earn this top acclaim, a business or attraction must maintain an overall TripAdvisor rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. “We are delighted that the Island Fish Fry has been awarded

a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence,” Director of Tourism, Ralph Higgs said in a statement on the award this week. “The award speaks not only to the exceptional atmosphere patrons have come to expect from the weekly Thursday night event, but also reinforces the quality of our cultural product and the significant

role that the Island Fish Fry plays in the broader tourism economy in the Turks and Caicos.” Higgs continued: “We are honoured to be acknowledged by our visitors who took the time to complete a review on TripAdvisor; this is surely a sign of confidence. “We are as committed as ever to continually produce the best possible

local experience for our visitors, as well as our residents.” Minister of Tourism Porsha Stubbs-Smith also touted the tremendous popularity of the Island Fish Fry and stated that she believes the Grand Turk Fish Fry, which the Tourist Board recently launched, will soon be recognised in the same fashion.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Know your HIV status, Scotiabank encourages BY DAISY HANDFIELD

SCOTIABANK TCI is encouraging the Turks and Caicos Islands community to be responsible and know their HIV status. During a press conference on Wednesday (June 24) at the Leeward Highway Scotiabank branch, managing director Sean Braithwaite said that although the bank was involved in a number of initiatives, there was nothing more important and more vital to them than the healthcare and wellbeing of the citizens of the community in which they served. As such, people were invited to participate in the 2015 regional HIV Testing Day which was held on Friday (June 26). “Scotia Bank’s support of the programme is part of the bank’s global HIV strategy which was launched in 2011. “The goal there is to fight the stigma and discrimination of HIV and Aids by promoting awareness and educating our communities.” The free testing took place from 9am to 4pm at all of the Scotiabank branches in TCI, and simultaneously in multiple countries. Coordinator for the HIV Prevention Unit, Aldora Robinson, encouraged people to know their status and to seek treatment early if they are infected with the virus. “I am encouraging all persons in the Turks and Caicos Islands to come

The panel encouraged the Turks and Caicos Islands to come out and get tested during 2015 regional HIV testing day on Friday (June 26).

out and get a test; it is better to know your status. “Some persons would say that they don’t want to know if they have HIV. “HIV is not a death sentence, it is a classified as a chronic disease and as such it is treatable, not curable, but treatable, and the targets that we’ve set regionally for 90 percent of persons tested.” Robinson said that the only way that this percentage was going to be accomplished was if everyone came out on that day and got tested. The coordinator encouraged everyone to take the responsibility into their own hands to know their status. Programme officer for the HIV Prevention Unit, Hezron Henry, explained that the testing only requires 15 minutes of a person’s time and includes pre and post counselling.

Henry added that over the years members of the unit have seen an increase in people coming forward to know their status and that people were becoming more comfortable in doing so. He said: “We have actually seen an increase in persons willing to be tested over the years and also with these initiatives it has opened the communication with the general public. “They are more willing to come down to the clinic or to our office to get tested.” Also present on the panel were Pastor Donald Methelus who served as the creole translation and Dr Bernado, a physician for the Blue Hills Clinic who served as a Spanish translator. They encouraged the Haitian and Dominican community to show up and get tested to know their status during the testing day.

Int’l Yoga Day celebrated in TCI MANY participants, instructors and onlookers came out on Sunday (June 21) to observe the first ever International Yoga Day (IYD) at the Graceway Sports Centre in Providenciales. This year is the first such observance worldwide, since the December 11, 2014, designation by the United Nations. The TCI joined 193 countries around the world in celebrating the day at a special event organised by yoga instructor and wellness coach David Bowen during a four hour session from 2pm to 6pm. Bowen, of Inner Balance Yoga Studio, was joined by Kim Mortimer of Island Synergy, Lindsay and Laura Mensen of Retreat Yoga and Wellness Centre, Sister Padma and Sushil Kumar of the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum and Edward Shearer of Shearer Martial Arts and TCI Acupuncture. They all lectured, demonstrated and taught various yoga classes and techniques ranging from meditation, yogic breathing, yoga postures, the use of sound vibrations and Tai Chi. The celebration was attended by a wide range of participants from first timers to advance yoga students and

June 27 - July 3, 2015

Class of 2015 for valedictory service this weekend GRADUATING students from the four public high schools will be celebrated this Sunday (June 28) at the annual valedictory service across the Islands. The prize giving ceremonies will be held on Monday (June 29) for pupils from HJ Robinson High School; on Tuesday (June 30) for Marjorie Basden High School; on Wednesday (July 1) for Raymond Gardiner High School and Thursday (July 2) for Clement Howell High School. Addressing the House of Assembly last week, Minister of Education Akierra Missick congratulated the 287 students who received their graduation results last month, of which 96.5 percent will receive a high school diploma or a school leaving certificate. “On reviewing the results of the graduating class I can say that

there were some improvements in the overall results. “More children are graduating with diplomas and within the high 50s to 60 ranges. There was a marked decrease in the number of students who would not graduate because of failing grades,” the minister observed. She noted that this is a reflection of the number of teachers being exposed to workshops and training to strengthen teaching and learning in schools. “We congratulate the valedictorians and look forward to graduating all the graduating students on the dates mentioned.” The valedictorians are Ivana Spence of HJ Robinson High School; Shania Elliott of Marjorie Basden High School; Nandina Hislop of Raymond Gardiner High School and Michel Hestre of Clement Howell High School.

Training offered to effectively teach children the Gospel CHILD Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) is seeking to help properly evangelise, disciple, and establish children into local churches this July. The TCI chapter of CEF offers regular teacher training times to help children’s workers, teachers and volunteers be enhanced and trained in the teaching of primary-aged children. The organisation will be hosting another workshop on July 3 at 7pm to 9.30pm at the Bethany Baptist Church, Blue Hills, Providenciales. There is no charge for the teacher training, and printed materials will

be provided. For more information on the session, people can contact missionary coordinator, Sean Miller on 347-9314 or email office@ceftci. com with the number of those coming to help for planning purposes. Child Evangelism Fellowship is an international, inter-denominational children’s ministry that was founded in 1937, and currently operates in 190 nations. CEF of the Turks and Caicos Islands formally began ministry in 2015.

Astwood reunion in Bermuda

Local yoga instructor David Bowen, representing the Inner Balance Yoga Studio (centre), was joined by Kim Mortimer of Island Synergy, Lindsay and Laura Mensen of Retreat Yoga and Wellness Centre (to his left), Sister Padma and Sushil Kumar of the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum and Edward Shearer of Shearer Martial Arts and TCI Acupuncture to his immediate right (photo by Marisa Shearer)

a few onlookers. This yearly event will be offered free to the public and it is the intention of the local yoga community to promote yoga and its amazing benefits to a wider range of the TCI public. Plans are already in motion to include the communities of Middle and North Caicos and Grand Turk in

IYD 2016, Bowen said. An all level community yoga class takes place every Saturday at the Graceway Sports Centre from 9am to 10am for a nominal donation of $5. For further information about yoga, and International Yoga Day, interested people can email TCIYC3@gmail.com.

DESCENDANTS and relatives of Anthony and Hannah Astwood (1760s to 1840s) of Bermuda are calling on family members in the Turks and Caicos Islands to join them in Bermuda for a family reunion this July 23 to 31. Please RSVP your attendance at any or all of the following events by completing and returning pages one and two of the registration form, which can be found on the Weekly News’ Facebook page. EVENTS Thursday, July 23 at 5.30 to 9pm meet and greet - check-in at Paget Glebe School corner of Middle and Chapel Roads, Paget. This is a social session where you can have refreshments, meet family, confirm your place in the Astwood family tree, and collect a t-shirt(s). An informal social gathering

will be planned by younger family members. Cost incurred is separate from the official registration. Saturday, July 25 at 1.30pm there will be a picnic/bar-b-que at Clearwater Beach, St David’s. Sunday, July 26 at 10.30 to 11.45am, a church service at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Paget. Later on Sunday at 1pm to 5pm, a luncheon/banquet at the Bermuda College Stonington Beach Campus. Thursday, July 30 (all day) will be the Astwood family booth and cup match at Wellington Oval, St George’s. And finally on Friday, July 31 (all day) the Astwood Family booth and cup match continues at the Wellington Oval, St George’s. For interested people, please check Facebook for any further details on the Astwood family reunion.

June 27 - July 3, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 17

Over $10k raised for adventure summer programme

Youth centre to host summer camp for kids THE EDWARD Gartland Youth Centre will be hosting its annual summer camp for children aged 11 to 18 years from July 3 to August 28. Camps are only $10 for members and $25 for non-members. There are limited spaces, so parents should remember to register their children early. Fencing Camp This camp will take the kids through learning the art of fencing. They will learn defensive moves, how to score against their opponent whilst maintaining a safe and disciplined environment. TCNT Leadership Camp The Turks and Caicos National Trust will be hosting for a second year at the youth centre their interactive multicultural leadership camp which provides training that will prepare young people to be effective leaders in society. Volleyball Camp Volleyball camp will be focusing on learning the skills needed to play volleyball indoor and outdoor. Basketball Camp The ever popular basketball camp is not to be missed. The camp will cover the disciplines of the sport including basics of ball control, dribbling, shooting, defensive and offensive drills and scrimmages. Supported by coach Michael Cumberland and Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA). Dance Camp Back by popular demand, this fun and exciting dance camp will focus on three different styles of dance in each camp. Participants will learn dance routines which they will then be able to perform at the end of summer. Fitness and Nutrition Camp This informative and interactive camp will teach participants about healthy eating habits, how to make healthy foods and explore different fitness techniques. Nutrition and Demand’s founder Tamika Handfield will be facilitating this camp.

Boys Camp Boys’ camp will focus on personal and social development, leadership, career goals, and etiquette and hygiene. It will end with a fun day trip out for the boys only. Cooking Camp Learn to cook. Chef Sara from the Meridian Club will to teaching participants the basics of cooking and working in the kitchen. Participants will learn professional etiquette in the kitchen and to prepare different dishes from start to finish. Acting Camp Sponsored by the Turks and Caicos Friends of the Arts (TCFAF), the fantastic duo Scott and Susan from Philadelphia are back for another summer. This year they will be hosting the famous Shakespearean play ‘The Merchant of Venice’. The camp will be providing participants with an opportunity to act and perform on stage through an exciting and intensive five day camp. Tennis Camp Are you the next Raphael Nadel or Serena Williams? Facilitated by the Turks and Caicos International Tennis Federation (TCITF), professional coach Ricardo Salon will be teaching all levels of players over the course of the week, ending with a mini tournament. Multimedia Camp The aim of this camp is to capture the different facets of multimedia. Participants will learn to take photographs, make short films, editing. Spotlight Communications and Oasis Media will be teaming up to deliver this amazing camp. Diamond League Girls Camp This camp will focus on leadership, etiquette and hygiene, self-esteem, career goals and a fun outing to end the camp. Girls only. Check out the Edward Gartland Youth Centre’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ecgyouthcentre or call (649) 331-9602 for the dates the various camps will be held and further details.

THE JUST concluded Taste of Tapas event hosted by TCI Hospitality Adventure and sponsored by the Hotel and Tourism Association raised a whopping $10,000 for summer camps for kids this year. Funds raised from the event, which was endorsed by the Deputy Premier, will see the organisers offering scholarships to students interested in the various camps being offered by the association this summer. Camps being offered this year will once again include the popular Culinary Camp, Spa Camp, Junior Lit'l Chef Camp and Junior Mechanics Camp, all well received and attended in 2014. This year the programme will also include a new captain water experience camp which will give participants aged 16 to 19 the opportunity to practise their nautical skills. Stacy Cox, one of the organisers, said: “Taste of Tapas could not be a success without the support, donations and resources extended by our members namely Alexandra Resort, Fire and Ice Restaurant, Grace Bay Club, Kitchen 218, Parallel 23, Pavilion Restaurant and Seven Restaurant. “We would like to thank our members and the general public who saw the importance of this event and not only attended but also participated in the silent and live

Taste of Tapas organisers Wendy Hill, Ingo Reckhorn and Stacy Cox

auctions.” Cox added that such an event ensures that the summer camps are funded and can therefore continue to operate at the high standard for which they have been known. “Last year we heard stories of many students who wanted to participate in the camps but were struggling financially to do so. “This year the committee decided

to use the proceeds from the event to not only finance the running of the camps but to provide scholarships to several students on a first come first served basis.” Students interested in this year’s summer camps which run from July 5 to 31 can contact Wendy Hill on 941-5787 or visit www. tcihospitalityadventure.com for registration details.

Youth summer camps announced SEVERAL activities have been organised by the Department of Youth within the Ministry of Education for young people this summer. Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Akierra Missick last week announced a number of summer camps the department has organised. “As a part of coordinating the many camps being held around the Islands and ensuring that there is maximum participation and so as to avoid clashes with dates and venues; we are asking that all nongovernmental organisations and youth organizations, register their camps with the Department of Youth Affairs. “The department will publish a list of all camps so that the general public can be properly informed and organisers also can benefit from proper participation,” Missick said during the last House of Assembly sitting. She further encouraged all parents to register their children early as there are limitations to the number of campers for many of the camps that are being held by and in partnership with the Department of Youth Affairs. The following is a list of camps that will be led by the Department.

Camp Hype This is a department staple aimed at campers ages 10 to 17 years and will take place all across the Islands under the theme ‘Complete the task right here, right now’. Camps will be held in Grand Turk on July 6 to 10; Provo on July 13 to 24; South Caicos on July 6 to 10; and North Caicos July 13 to 17. Red Cross Youth Camp The Red Cross Youth Camp will be a sleep over camp for 10 days and students are invited from Raymond Gardiner High School, Marjorie Basden High School, HJ Robinson High School and Clement Howell High School. The age category is 13 to 17 from July 1 to 10 under the theme ‘Making our youth disaster ready!’ Cadets Camp The Cadet Summer camp will be geared towards students who are already participating in the cadets to advance their skills in cadetting. Participants will be from HJ Robinson, Clement Howell, Raymond Gardiner and Marjorie Basden High Schools. The camp will be held from July 1 to 10. Girls Club with the Diamond League

Foundation The Diamond League Foundation (DLF) is a nonprofit organisation which is geared towards the development and empowerment of young girls in the TCI. This year, the DLF has partnered with the Youth Department to host its first girls’ club summer camp. The summer camp will focus on how young ladies should carry themselves, etiquette and leadership skills. Further, this partnership will continue in September as the Diamond League will facilitate the Department’s Girls’ Club in order to ensure sustainability of the programme. This camp will be held from August 10 to 15. Youth Leadership Camp (August 10 to 15) The Youth Leadership Camp in partnership with the TCI National Trust will focus on how youth leaders can be developed. The first two days will focus on developing leadership skills and the remaining two days will be about how to develop leadership skills focusing on culture, heritage and the environment.

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June 27 - July 3, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

How does your garden grow 

BY DENIS Belanger - NATURE SPLENDOR

Denis is a passionate landscape architect who enjoys the creative process and his clients’ joy when projects come to life. Contact Denis at Nature Splendor for your landscaping, installation or garden maintenance needs. For more information call 332-3381 or email denis@naturesplendor.net.

The plant hardiness zone map WE DEFINE hardiness zones as geographic regions, most commonly based on United States by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) criteria that support specific plants, flowers, and trees. They usually define a minimum range of temperature that a plant or tree can survive safely in that zone and range from the harshest zone one to tropical zone 13, Turks and Caicos

is zone 13b. These give an indication of whether a plant is likely to be able to survive in a certain location based on its minimum survival temperature. This Caribbean map (photo) gives no indication of maximum temperature, humidity, light and soil moisture content, all important factors on a plant’s survival. A hardiness zone is a

geographically defined area in which a specific category of plant life is capable of growing, as defined by climatic conditions, including its ability to withstand the minimum temperatures of the zone, for example a plant that is described as “hardy to zone 10” means that the plant can withstand a minimum temperature of 30 °F. A more resilient plant that is “hardy to zone nine” can tolerate a minimum temperature of 19 °F. First developed for the USDA, the use of the zones has been adopted by other nations. The hardiness zones are

informative: the extremes of winter cold are a major determinant of whether a plant species can be cultivated outdoors at a particular location, however, the USDA hardiness zones have a number of drawbacks if used without supplementary information. The zones do not incorporate heat levels, which is what we are concerned about here in the Turks in Caicos Islands. Other factors that affect plant survival, though not considered in hardiness zones, are soil moisture and humidity. An alternative means of describing

plant hardiness is to use ‘indicator plants’ (the USDA also publishes a list of these to go with the hardiness zone map). In this method, common plants with known limits to their range are used. However, based on the average annual minimum temperature for a given location, the USDA map provides a good guideline for categorising locations suitable. Just so you’ll understand well, the hardiness zone of a Rhododendron is zone three to eight, this mean that eight is the highest number, and we are in zone 13, so it can’t grow here.

POLICE SAFETY TIPS

Install a burglar alarm WANT to make your home secure against burglary? Look at your boundaries. Can you improve your fences and gates? Examine your doors and windows, including basement hatches and the like. These should be made reasonably secure before you even start with electronic security. Plan your burglar alarm system. Use the minimum number of sensors to cover strategic areas of your home - for example hallways and corridors. The fewer sensors you use, the less chance of a false alarm. False alarms should be avoided

at all costs. Use the best sensors you can afford. One good sensor is better than 10 cheap sensors. You will be able to rely on it. Use a loud sounder outside and a loud sounder inside. Use a good quality control unit with a standby battery. The battery is very important as it will stabilise the power supply, making the system more reliable. Replace batteries regularly. Get advice from specialists. Every neighbourhood has a different crime profile. Low profile sensors are also very good to have. Magnetic sensors are very low profile although they aren’t

as high quality always. If you have infrared sensors it is also likely that a burglar could find out that you have infrared sensors and avoid them because they usually make a lot of noise. If you have pets make sure they are not in a zone or area with a regular PIR motion detector or a ‘look down’ infrared sensor. Some pressure mats also respond to pets as well, so pressure mats have to be calibrated to take into account the weight of pets in the home. Some high quality motion detectors are ‘pet-proof’ and are specific to the weight of the animal(s).

By Audley Astwood Audley, a former police detective and broadcaster, is currently the press officer for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. His main focus is on crime prevention and community policing. For more information call 941-4448 or visit www.tcipolice.tc.

However, the ‘pet-proof’ models must be installed in a very specific manner as detailed in their instructions. If these installation instructions and placement guidelines are not followed properly, you can have false alarms created by pets when using pet-proof motion detectors. Pets must also be kept at least six feet away from pet-proof motion detectors. It is not a good idea to install a pet-proof motion detector next to a couch, railing or bookcase that a cat can jump up onto, as the pet will be able to get too close to the motion

detector and will create a false alarm. Don’t try to install your own system unless you have a reasonable degree of experience in electronics and electrical installation. It isn’t worth the false alarm hassle. This weekly column is written as part of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force’s crime prevention initiative. For more crime prevention tips, security awareness tips and home safety reminders, please log on to www.tcipolice.tc or www.facebook.com/rtcipf.

June 27 - July 3, 2015

Lifestyle... ECO Tip  Lynn Robinson has lived in the Turks and Caicos Islands for 12 years and works at Big Blue Unlimited as a diving instructor, eco guide and boat captain. She is passionate about the environment and does regular beach clean ups while walking her three potcakes. Her other passion is running and can often be seen training for marathons and ultra-marathons.

By Lynn Robinson

Plastic Free July Take the challenge PLASTIC continues to cause problems around the world over and it’s not going to stop until we start to change the way we live. The concept of ‘Plastic Free July’ was started in 2011 in Perth, Western Australia, as a local community initiative to educate residents on the importance of reducing the amount of plastic in their lives. Since then the challenge has spread out over the world with more than 14,000 individuals, schools, businesses and organisations from 69 countries participating in 2014. The challenge is simple. All you have to do is attempt to refuse single use plastic for the month of July. This includes shopping bags, plastic cups, straws, bottles plastic packaging and anything else that is only intended to be used once before being thrown away. This might seem a little daunting to attempt all at once so you can start by simply cutting out one or two items for the whole month or take the Top 4 challenge and cut out plastic bags, water bottles, takeaway coffee cups and straws. Remember to take reusable bags to the grocery store, buy a reusable steel water bottle, take your own reusable coffee cup to the store and ask for your drinks without a straw.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

By adopting these few simple changes you will become more aware of our addiction to plastic and the devastation being inflicted on our fragile planet. Every piece of plastic ever produced, apart from the small amount that has been incinerated, is still lurking somewhere, most of it ending up in the oceans. Considering that the oceans make up about 70 percent of the oxygen we breathe, it is therefore everyone’s responsibility to care about the state of our planet. Every week more than 10 billion plastic bags are used worldwide and in the USA an average of 2.5 million plastic bottles are used every hour while more than 500 million straws are used every day. Even biodegradable bags are not the answer as they do not biodegrade quickly enough. They will already have found their way into the water and caused the deaths of many marine animals due to suffocation. So make a difference this July and take up the challenge. Be the change you wish to see in the world. For more information about how to make a change and ideas you can implement take a look at www. plasticfreejuly.org.

Fit tips BEING active can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce blood pressure, build strong bones, relieve stress, and maintain flexibility and good posture. Recreational sport is a great way to enjoy the many benefits of physical activity whether you pick up a hockey stick, golf club, racquet or paddle, get on a bike or put on your running shoes! The important thing is to get moving.

YOUR BODY  Dr Craig Zavitz is a Canadian chiropractor registered in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He specialises in gentle manual therapies, activator, therapeutic laser, and smoking cessation. To make appointments call 941-5252 or email craig@gracebaychiro.com. For more information visit www.gracebaychiro.com.

BY Dr Craig Zavitz

Dr Craig Zavitz will be returning to Providenciales from July 18 to 25

Tip 1: Warm-up Before jumping in the pool, hitting the field or picking up a golf club, take a full 20 minutes – no less – to warm-up. Your warm-up should include deep breathing exercises, gentle stretching and range of movement exercises, as well as a brisk walk or easy jog to loosen and warm the muscles and joints. Tip 2: Learn the proper technique Learn the right technique for your sport from the beginning. Using the wrong sport-specific technique can create incorrect muscle memory and can make it difficult to break bad habits. Poor technique can also cause injury to your joints and muscles. Tip 3: Use the right equipment Make sure your equipment is the right fit, height and capacity for you to avoid a sport-related injury. Recreational athletes should have their equipment professionally fitted and checked before starting out.

Too much. Too fast. Too soon. Overtraining is one of the most common causes of recreational athletic injuries. Take your time and work up to it slowly before pushing yourself too hard. Remember, rest is as important as training. Take a training break and give your body a chance to recover.

Tip 4: Avoid over-training

Tip 5: Treat injuries

promptly If you suffer an injury or experience pain that lasts longer than your usual post-workout soreness, ice the area to reduce swelling and inflammation, and consult a chiropractor. Keep in mind that chiropractors work with professional sports teams and Olympic athletes. A chiropractor can help maximise your muscle and joint function for years to come.

Weekly Recipe

Blueberry and raspberry pancake INGREDIENTS • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 tablespoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1 1/4 teaspoons white sugar • 1 egg • 1 cup milk • 1/2 tablespoon butter, melted • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed

• 1 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries

METHOD • In a large bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and sugar. • In a small bowl, beat together egg and milk. • Stir milk and egg into flour mixture. Mix in the butter and fold in the blueberries.

• Set aside for one hour. • Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium

high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately a quarter cup for

each pancake. • Brown on both sides and serve. Enjoy!

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June 27 - July 3, 2015

Bahamas government proposes “pay out” in CLICO solution The Bahamas Government is proposing to “pay out” all CLICO (Bahamas) annuity holders and transfer insurance policyholders to a new company by year-end, Tribune Business can reveal. The solution for 13,000 clients of the insolvent insurer, who have endured a six-and-a-half-year wait to access their investments and life savings, was unveiled by Prime Minister Perry Christie last week. Mr Christie, together with minister of state for finance, Michael Halkitis, and deputy financial secretary, Simon Wilson, met with several CLICO (Bahamas) policyholders and their attorneys on Thursday, to unveil the long-awaited Government remedy. They informed those present that they would take the proposed solution to Cabinet - possibly as early as this - for a full ministerial briefing and discussion. And once Cabinet is fully on board, the proposal is expected to be formally unveiled in Parliament within the next few weeks. Paul Moss, the attorney for a former CLICO (Bahamas) branch manager, confirmed he was present at the meeting and provided details of the Government’s proposed solution. “What the Government has proposed is the following,” he told

Tribune Business. “They have said they will ensure that all annuity holders will be paid, and they have a prescribed payment plan. “They will pay out those annuity holders with annuities worth $10,000 or less. For those holding annuities worth $10,000 or more, they’ll get $10,000 up front and be paid the rest in Government bonds.” As for CLICO (Bahamas) former life and health insurance policyholders, Mr Moss said their policies will be transferred to a new insurance company that will be created by the Government. “The Government also intends to establish an insurance company, and that insurance company will be dealing with the life policyholders and the medical policyholders who had insurance with CLICO.” Mr Moss did not confirm whether this ‘insurance company’ will be a special purpose vehicle (SPV), an off-balance sheet entity created specifically to hold the former CLICO (Bahamas) insurance portfolio. Tribune Business previously revealed that such a solution had been proposed by CLICO (Bahamas) liquidator, Craig A. ‘Tony’ Gomez. The SPV would issue bonds to raise the $30 million guarantee demanded

by other insurance underwriters to facilitate their acquisition of the former CLICO (Bahamas) portfolio, with bondholders repaid via continued premium payments on those policies. Regardless of the method, Mr Moss told Tribune Business: “It was indicated [by the Government] that this should be done by year’s end. “He [the Prime Minister] indicated they’d take it to Cabinet, and make an announcement in Parliament the very next opportunity they have.” CLICO (Bahamas) liquidation has been unable to make significant progress until the Government delivers on the $30 million guarantee that was pledged by the former Ingraham administration. Other carriers have made clear the transfer/acquisition of the insolvent insurer’s policy portfolio will not happen until the Government delivers on that long-promised guarantee to underwrite such a deal. As a result, the 13,000-plus long-suffering policyholders have been unable to move on with their lives. They have essentially been in ‘financial limbo’ since February 2009. Bishop Simeon Hall, a CLICO (Bahamas) policyholder who was also present at the meeting with

the Prime Minister, described the proposal outlined by Mr Christie as “a big relief” if the Government delivered. “Permit me to say I’m elated that the Prime Minister is keeping his promise,” Bishop Hall told Tribune Business. “We appear to be headed towards concretising a resolution after six-and-a-half years. “As I understand it, they are working towards some policy by which the policyholders, the annuity holders and the agents, persons who were once employed, will be duly paid what they are owed. I’m happy we seem to be headed somewhere.” Bishop Hall, too, said he expected the Government to make a formal announcement on its proposed CLICO (Bahamas) solution within a matter of weeks. “I’m expecting to hear in a matter of days, a week or two, to have some announcement,” he told Tribune Business. “Otherwise, we’ll be back on the streets.” Mr Moss said CLICO policyholders appeared “very satisfied” with the outcome of the

meeting with the Prime Minister, given the circumstances and length of time since CLICO (Bahamas) collapsed into court-supervised liquidation. “They finally got a response from the nation’s chief executive,” Mr Moss told Tribune Business. “At least they have the understanding the Government is putting something together. Although it’s been a bad situation all along, there’s a glimmer of hope at the end.” With CLICO policyholders and former staff now waiting to see if the Government will execute on its latest pledge, Mr Moss said the insurer’s ex-employees were “in dire straits financially”. “Many of those who had good incomes now have virtually zero,” he told Tribune Business. “Banks have foreclosed, and many have had to retrench from the traditional economic positions they held. It’s not been a good situation since 2009.” Mr Moss said his client, Virginia Outten, a former CLICO (Bahamas) branch manager, was entitled to some $500,000 in severance pay.

CARICOM appeals to Dominican Republic to stop deportations THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has called on the Dominican Republic government to halt the deportation of Dominicans of Haitian descent and avoid creating a humanitarian crisis in the region. “The Community calls on the Dominican Republic authorities to adhere to the above principles and confirm the citizenship status of Dominicans of Haitian descent. The Community also calls on the Dominican Republic not to engage in the expulsion of Dominicans of Haitian descent . . . ,” it said in a statement issued yesterday. Tens of thousands of people born in the Dominican Republic to Haitian parents have been left “stateless” as a result of a 2013 ruling by the Dominican Constitutional Court, which had been made retroactive to 1929, revoking their nationality. The government recently launched a programme offering legal residency to Haitians born in the Dominican Republic but the deadline for applications ended last week with thousands still unable to register, and the government has indicated it will begin deporting those whose citizenship has not been regularised. Extremely concerned by the threat of the expulsion of these Dominicans, CARICOM said it

An example of the candies that are laced with marijuana.

Jamaican Education Ministry wants prosecution over ganja-laced sweets Thousands of foreigners in the Dominican Republic, most of them Haitians, are facing deportation. (Photo: International Business Times)

initiated a discussion on the issue during the recent European UnionCARIFORUM High-Level Meeting in Brussels. “The meeting was informed of the plight of the Dominicans of Haitian descent rendered stateless, both those who were documented and those who were not. As highlighted in the Joint Communique of the High-Level Meeting, there was commitment to adhere to a number

of principles including ‘protection of the status of citizenship and the presumption that persons shall not be rendered stateless’,” the CARICOM statement said. In this regard, CARICOM said it was agreed that “proposals to set up appropriate benchmarks and monitoring mechanisms, to be presented by CARIFORUM, will be considered”. Efforts to this end are currently underway. (Caribbean360)

THE Jamaican Education Ministry is calling for the authorities to pursue and prosecute vendors who sell sweets laced with marijuana to students. The call from the Education Ministry follows the disclosure last week that students at the privately run Hillel Academy got sick after ingesting ganja through a popular candy. Thwaites, who is attending an education conference in the Bahamas, is reiterating that the use of ganja, tobacco and alcohol is forbidden in schools.

He says persons who market the products, in any form, to students should be prosecuted. The Education Minister says he is confident that the administration at Hillel will appropriately deal with the issue. Meanwhile, he says more public education is required to inform students and the wider public on the implications of the usage of ganja and recent legal changes. While the laws on ganja usage have been liberalised, the drug remains illegal in Jamaica. (Jamaica Gleaner)

June 27 - July 3, 2015

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

European Commission ‘Blacklist’ to be updated this year EUROPEAN bureaucrats this week backed off after a controversial hit list of “tax havens” that included the TCI and Bermuda caused a storm of protest. The move came after the European Commission (EC) unveiled a 30-strong list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions submitted by EU member states. But a spokeswoman for the Commission said on Tuesday: “There has been no screening or analysis of the listed countries at EU level.” She added: “We will update this list during this year and will continue to do so on a periodic basis, based on the feedback we receive from member states.” And she said that the list was not new, but a compilation of existing lists held by member states, which the Commission had asked for in a bid to create an EU-wide policy. The spokeswoman added: “The idea is to get the ball rolling so that member states can agree on a more coordinated approach to blacklisting third countries.” And she said: “From an EU perspective, this consolidated list is important. First, there is a strong public and political demand for greater transparency on issues related to corporate taxation and tax good governance. “Member states want our antitax avoidance measures to address external problems, as well as those within the EU. “Second, we want to move towards a more coordinated approach to blacklisting third countries — which would be of benefit to our international partners too. “The current situation, where each member state uses a different national approach, means that there is a lack of clarity and legal uncertainty on this issue. “It would be much better for everyone if we had a coherent EU

policy on listing third countries — that is what the Commission is trying to establish. “Ultimately, the aim is to have a common EU approach to defining and reacting to so-called ‘tax havens’. This would carry more weight than a patchwork of national approaches and prevent tax avoiders from exploiting differences in member states’ approaches to access tax havens.” Finance Minister Bob Richards fired a broadside at the EC after the list was published last week. Countries were included on the list if ten or more European states had them on their own national blacklists. Bermuda appears on the list of 11 EU member nations. But Poland — which had included Bermuda on its original submission — said it should not have been included on its national list. Poland signed a tax information exchange treaty with the Island which came into effect in March this year. And Italy — another of the nations that named Bermuda in its EU submission but which signed a tax treaty with the Island in 2013 — announced earlier this year that had taken Bermuda off its national list. Mr Richards, who is currently in Europe, meeting top officials from the European Parliament in Brussels and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris, branded the list as “unjustified and baseless.” And he pledged to raise Bermuda’s inclusion as a matter of urgency in the series of meetings. The OECD’s head of tax policy, Pascal Saint-Amans, also said Bermuda should not have been singled out. He told The Royal Gazette on Monday: “Bermuda is now largely compliant — they had some deficiencies, it’s true, but they were fixed.

Another seven St. Lucian men missing at sea ST. LUCIA marine officials have reported that seven more men are missing at sea. On the heels of a search for four men who left Martinique almost three weeks ago for St. Lucia, and the discovery of four bodies in the French island, police have confirmed that seven men left St. Lucia for Martinique on June 13, but never reached their destination either. The seven left on the fishing boat ‘Same Speed’ around 2 o’clock that morning. A search for those men is now underway.

On June 5, four St. Lucian men left Fort de France on board a sevenfoot pirogue, The Unexpected, and were expected to arrive in Rodney Bay, St. Lucia that same day. However, they never arrived. Three decomposed bodies were found by kite surfers on Saturday night off Cap Chevalier, on the eastern side of the island and another body was found last Thursday at Anse Aux Bois. Investigations are being conducted to determine whether any of the bodies found are of the missing men. (Caribbean360)

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Bahamas: Davis ‘ready’ for PM’s job DEPUTY Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis emerged this week as yet another hopeful successor to PLP leader, Prime Minister Perry Christie. Mr Davis declared he was “ready for the job” if there was a vacancy; however, he noted that Mr Christie has not given any indication on whether he intended to step down as leader at the party’s convention later this year. While he was reluctant to speak further on the matter, when asked what he would bring to the post of PLP leader and possibly prime minister, he replied: “Me.” “My plans are dependent on what the prime minister does,” Mr Davis, minister of works, added. “It depends on what he does. If there is a vacancy, I’ll be there.” “I don’t want to discuss that now because the vacancy is not there, and when the vacancy is there then I will talk about those things.” While in opposition, Mr Christie indicated that he would consider stepping down as party leader midterm and name a successor. However, he later said he intended to serve a full term if elected as prime minister in 2012. In January, Mr Christie said it would take a “compelling, tangible” reason for him to lead the PLP into the next general election, revealing that he told his family during the lead-up to the last general election

Philip Davis declared he was “ready for the job” if there was a vacancy; however, he noted that Mr Christie has not given any indication on whether he intended to step down as leader at the party’s convention later this year.

that the 2012 campaign would be his last. “I told my family at the start of the campaign in 2012, this was the final campaign for me,” Mr Christie said on a ZNS TV broadcast of the show, State of Affairs, in January. “I do know that people like Charles Carter would come to me and say ‘Stop from talking about you going; people will see you as a lame duck, say nothing about it.’ So I just stopped talking about it and

as I stopped talking about it, then everybody became strident, ‘Oh he’s staying on, oh he’s doing that.” “But something has to happen tangibly, politically, for there to be an understanding that I’m going to remain in public life,” he added. “I choose to focus on the fact that I have the opportunity to be a defining prime minister in this term, that I’ve had 40 consecutive years in public life, by the time I go to election I may have reached the stage almost of Sir Lynden Pindling, meaning that only Sir Roland Symonette is ahead of me. Now I have to be crazy if I were to be thinking of Sir Roland Symonette.” Mr Davis entered Parliament as the member of Parliament for Cat Island in the January 1992 byelection, and was elected as the representative for Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador in the 1992, 2002, 2007, and 2012 general elections. He was elected as PLP deputy leader in 2009 at the party’s 51st National Party Convention. On Sunday, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe revealed he has interest in leading the PLP and if he had the chance to become prime minister he would take it. The PLP’s next convention is set for the last week in October, according to party Chairman Bradley Roberts. All positions will be open for contest at that time.

Ex-governor, premier in on removal plan – Says Cayman opposition leader Bush FORMER Cayman Islands Governor Duncan Taylor is accused in court documents filed Friday of “conceiving” what Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush alleges was a long-running and wide-ranging conspiracy to remove Mr. Bush from public office. Cayman Islands Premier Alden McLaughlin is accused in the documents filed with the Grand Court of assisting former Governor Taylor by not contesting the formation of a “minority government” following Mr. Bush’s removal as premier in December 2012. The statements made in the court records are part of a legal response made by Mr. Bush’s attorneys to a defamation lawsuit Mr. McLaughlin filed against the West Bay MLA in May. Mr. McLaughlin’s lawsuit was filed after Mr. Bush presented a private members’ motion in the Legislative Assembly that accused a number of individuals, including the former governor, the local police commissioner and Mr. McLaughlin

Mr. Bush was arrested on Dec. 11, 2012 on suspicion of theft and various corruption-related offenses being investigated at the time by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.

of conspiring to “topple a democratically elected government” during 2011-2012. Mr. McLaughlin’s lawsuit stated Mr. Bush intended to infer that the premier and others had “conspired together wrongly” and “by abuse of executive power … institute and maintain the prosecution of [Mr. Bush]” against any evidence that existed “for their own personal political ends.”

The response to Mr. McLaughlin’s initial writ of summons denied that any such specific accusation of unlawfully instituting or maintaining a prosecution against Mr. Bush had been made against Mr. McLaughlin. Rather, the response to the lawsuit states that the various alleged conspirators all played different roles in attempts to remove the former United Democratic Party government. “[Mr. McLaughlin] had correspondence in his possession which showed that [Mr. McLaughlin] was indeed party to discussions about, and had agreed to, an undemocratic plan to ensure that [Mr. Bush] was permanently removed from office,” the lawsuit response states. Mr. Bush was arrested on Dec. 11, 2012 on suspicion of theft and various corruption-related offenses being investigated at the time by the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service. A week later, a majority of Legislative Assembly members approved a no-confidence motion against the then-United Democratic Party government, leading to a split in the party – some staying loyal to Mr. Bush and others veering off to form their own group known as the People’s National Alliance.

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Entertainment

Fathers danced with their Cinderellas

ON JUNE 13, fathers and daughters were welcomed into a brightly coloured fuchsia and orange, Cinderella themed decorated room at Brayton Hall and treated to a night of elegance. The event was Nutrition in Demand’s second annual ‘Dance with Cinderella’ and is the brainchild of Tamika Handfield, registered dietitian with Nutrition in Demand. Following the event, Hanfield said it a huge success, with lots of laughs as fathers and daughters participated in various games, such as musical chairs and dance contests. “It was such a special evening because it showed that no matter the age, everyone wants to know they are daddy’s little girl,” Handfield said. “This event was designed to celebrate the awesome fathers we have and to give fathers and

daughters quality time together.” There were well over 70 guests at the semi-formal affair, who were serenaded by the soothing sounds of the father and son duo, Brentford and Brenten Handfield as they dine on a scrumptious fare catered by Mr Grouper. Nutrition in Demand expressed heartfelt thanks to all of the companies that sponsored the event (The Wine Cellar, Coca Cola, Goldsmith’s, Jai’s, Other People’s Affairs and Cheryl Tull, Island Guide, Sunny Foods, Graceway IGA, Jammin’ Gelato, Turkberry, ACCU Diagnostics and Unicorn Bookstore) as well as all of the volunteers who gave of their time. They made it a huge success, Handfield said. To remember the spectacular evening, father and daughter duos had their photos taken and given to them on entering the hall.

Fathers and daughters enjoyed a night of elegance and entertainment at Brayton Hall last June 13 in observance of Father’s Day.

June 27 - July 3, 2015

June 27 - July 3, 2015

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Wine Cellar helps to raise funds for youth centre BY DAISY HANDFIELD THE TURKS and Caicos Aids Awareness Foundation (TCAAF) in conjunction with the Wine Cellar will be conducting the 15th annual Jadot Cup golf event to raise funds for the Edward Gartland Youth Centre. During a press conference at the Provo Golf Course in Providenciales on Monday (June 22) details on this weekend event were given and members of each organization had the opportunity to express their views. Co-founder of the event Galmo Williams said that the cup started off as a get together between him and fellow cofounder, Terry Drummey. They decided to put together an event to bring awareness to HIV and to help be a part of the solution, after both losing loved ones to the disease. “We thought about having some facility where our young people could go to and really be educated about the virus. “However, in deciding that,

Cofounder of the Jadot Cup Galmo Williams

we realised that the stigma is still the virus. “We thought that we could help develop a youth centre, to not only teach children about Aids, but bring young people together in an environment,” Williams said. Since then, Williams said that the tournament has raised close to a quarter of a million dollars, with all funds going towards the Aids Awareness Foundation and the Edward Gartland Youth Centre.

Drummey, also present at the launch, encouraged parents to bring their children to the youth centre to see the large selection of activities being offered. He added that it was a safe place for them. Director of the centre Roxanne Wake-Forbes said that one of the biggest excuses she usually hears from people is that they do not have enough time to volunteer at the centre. She said: “When you look at it in the scheme of things, actually giving an hour a month, an hour a week, it really isn’t that much, but we all put other priorities in place and then when something like the weekend events happen we all say, okay why didn’t we. “We need to help the young people, the facility is there.” Among the events for the Jadot Cup weekend are a dinner at the Seven Stars Resort on Friday (June 26) and a golf tournament at the Provo Golf Course on Sunday (June 28). There will be a number of great prize giveaways for attendees.

wishes

Happy 23rd Birthday Krizia M Lightbourne "Krissy" Birthday greetings are coming from your parents Elaine and Jose, Edward and Dilletha, your grandparents Carolyn, Ms Angie and Annie, great-grandparents Eric and Gloria Parker, also from your sisters Kridijah and Krishanah, your brother Clement, Tajhari and Duval. Greetings are extended from all of your aunts and uncles with extra special greetings from your fiancé Delsin Simmons Snr also from your close friends Darrita and Lakier. Krissy you have greetings from the entire family circle. Birthdays should be a special time as everyone should know. It means living another year another year to grow. Birthdays should be a special time for each to then reflect on the past and on the present and what the future might expect. Birthday should be a special time for Krissy to start anew, setting goals and working to make each and every dream come true.

Send your special occasion to: Weekly News, Cheshire House, Leeward Highway, PO Box 52, Providenciales or email to tcweeklynews@gmail.com. Free of Charge!

Please limit your messages to 150 words.

June 27 - July 3, 2015

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Team member of the year Maxine Salmon and runner up team member Andrea Clark-Greene

Executive team, Jamie McAnally, managing director Don Dagenais and general manager Lucky Kahlon in TCI national costumes

Department of the year, human resources

Beaches honours top employees at annual Prestige Award IT WAS all glitz, glam and celebration last week as Beaches TCI honoured their top performing employees in 27 categories at the Prestige Awards on Thursday (June 18). Celebrated under the theme ‘Best of TCI,’ the annual award recognises and rewards workers whose performance has consistently made a positive impact on the quality of services offered at the resort. During the event, the winners were kids camp’s Maxine Salmon, who took the top title of team member of the year, with Andrea Clark-Greene from the kitchen department as her runner up. Supervisor of the year went to the water sports department’s Leonard ‘Johnny’ Suckrajh while restaurant manager, Mercedes Lagradante was awarded manager of the year.

Beaches Resort also acknowledged the most nominated team member which was awarded to Karen Harris of housekeeping and the smile and courtesy award went to Duwyane Hamilton also of food and beverage. Most improved team member was captured by front office agent Claudine Boyce, while the GM’s awards went to it manager Jerrel Lowe and executive secretary Sandra Lightbourn. The coveted prize of financial comptroller award went to Mary Ella Martin and revenue earner’s which recognises the top revenue generating department went to resort shop attendant Meloney McLish. Ultimate winners Maxine Salmon led outstanding record for the year beating more than 1,900 employees

for the top prestige titles. Maxine Salmon expressed her excitement to be chosen as 2014/2015 team member of the year. “It’s an amazing feeling, words cannot express my excitement, I am very grateful to be chosen as team member of the year. “My job is to go the extra mile for our guests and winning this award is evidence of my continuous hard work and my contribution and commitment in delivering exceptional customer service to my team members and our valued guests.” She said a big thanks to management and staff for recognising her commitment and dedication and for presenting her with the wonderful award. Managing director Don Dagenais said that their resort continued to

win the industry’s most prestigious awards year after year and it is because of the hospitality, spirit and commitment to excellence of the top performing individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in this resort. He said: “We take every opportunity possible to pay tribute to these outstanding individuals, I applaud and congratulate all the 2014 Prestige winners.” Other awards for the evening included, ‘Department of the year’ which went to human resource department, ‘HM’s heart of the house awards for 2014’ won by Ryan Campbell of housekeeping, the ‘Sandals Foundation community spirit of the year award’ won by water sports administrator Elizabeth Cox, top

trained team member of the year went to Rolando Laird, dining room. Other winner winners included Berta Simmons who won the ‘Unsung hero award’ and maintenance department who captured the grand prize of ‘Shining star departmental award’. In addition to engraved trophies and certificates, winners were also presented with fantastic prizes which included all-expense paid vacations, laptop computers, home theatre systems, plasma televisions, camcorders, cameras and lavish cash prizes. Team member of the year will also go on to represent Beaches Turks and Caicos at the third annual Sandals ultimate team member award ceremony in Jamaica this summer.

28

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

The Queen hints at desire for Britain to remain in European Union THE Queen has warned of the dangers of division in Europe at a state banquet in Berlin, urging Britons and Germans not to take the benefits of a peaceful continent for granted. Her speech, weaving historical events with present crises, was replete with some subtle and other not so subtle hints that she believed Britain belonged in the European Union – her most public stance yet that she wished to avoid Britain voting to leave in a referendum. “The United Kingdom has always been closely involved in its continent. Even when our main focus was elsewhere in the world, our people played a key part in Europe,” she told an audience of 700 dignitaries. David Cameron and foreign minister Philip Hammond, a staunch Eurosceptic, were in attendance. On Thursday, the prime minister was expected to put forward his proposals for EU reform to other European leaders in Brussels. Speaking directly to her host Joachim Gauck, the 75-year-old German president who was once a civil rights activist in communist East Germany, the Queen said: “In our lives, Mr President, we have seen the worst, but also the best of our continent. We have witnessed how quickly things can change for

Queen Elizabeth wants Europe to stay united (Picture: Reuters)

the better. But we know that we must work hard to maintain the benefits of the postwar world. “We know that division in Europe is dangerous and that we must guard against it in the west as well as in the east of our continent.” As she spoke, Angela Merkel, the German chancellor who sat at the Queen’s table in Berlin’s Schloss Bellevue along with her husband Joachim Sauer, nodded vigorously, a gesture that did not go unnoticed among observers. The Queen’s short, but wideranging, speech made references to important events in European history and recalled discussions about the possibility of German neutrality that

she had held with German chancellor Konrad Adenauer in 1958. She went back as far as Magna Carta, which she said had marked the “long, slow and interrupted process of our country’s evolution into a democracy,” in the 13th century. She linked it to St Paul’s church in Frankfurt, which she will visit on Thursday, where Germany’s first freely elected legislature, the Frankfurt parliament, met in 1848. Drawing on the biographies of Britons who had emigrated to other parts of Europe and made their mark, she mentioned the Welsh engineer John Hughes, who founded the mining town of Donetsk, now in Ukraine, in the Russian empire of the 19th century, and the 17th-century Scottish publican Richard Cant, who moved his family to Pomerania. “His son moved further east to Memel and his grandson then moved south to Königsberg, where Richard’s great-grandson, Immanuel Kant, was born,” she said. In her repeated emphasis of the strong collaboration between Britain and Germany, which had “achieved so much” since 1945 and would “continue to do so in the years ahead,” the Queen said the most “enduring reminder” of the cultural cooperation between Germany and Britain was the Reichstag dome, designed by British architect Norman Foster.

Mother and baby survive Colombia jungle plane crash A YOUNG mother and her baby have been found alive five days after their plane crashed in the jungle of western Colombia. A Colombian Air Force chief described their survival as “a miracle”. Maria Nelly Murillo, 18, and her one-year-old son were found by rescuers near to where their small Cessna plane crashed in Choco province. Ms Murillo had some injuries and burns while her baby appeared to be in good health. The twin-engine Cessna plane, which was carrying fish and coconuts, had been flying from the town of Nuqui on the Pacific coast to Quibdo, the capital of Choco. It disappeared from the radar of the civil aviation authorities 20 minutes into the flight. When the pilot did not respond to any calls, officials knew something was wrong and despatched a plane to search the area. It took the search team two days until they finally spotted a white dot in the dense jungle, which turned out

Ms Murillo suffered some injuries and burns but they were not believed to be serious.

to be the remains of the Cessna. It had crashed, for reasons not yet known, in the Alto Baudo region. When the search team reached the Cessna, they found its pilot, Carlos Mario Ceballos, dead in the cockpit. There was no trace of Ms Murillo or her baby, Yudier Moreno, which the passenger list said had been on board. But according to Col Hector Carrascal of the Colombian Air Force, rescuers took hope when they noticed that the cabin door was ajar.

“It could have opened on impact, but it could have been opened from the inside,” he said. “But that’s when we started to worry. We didn’t have a clue what had happened to them: they could be lost in the jungle trying to survive or they could have died already.” But then the rescuers found clues which led them to believe Ms Murillo and her baby could still be alive. Coconut shells near the plane and a discarded flip flop in the jungle lifted their hopes.

June 27 - July 3, 2015

Prison for British head teacher convicted of having sex with boys in 1980s A NATIONALLY recognised head teacher in Britain has been convicted of sexually assaulting two boys, including a 13-year-old who said she took his virginity after taking a bath in front of him. Anne Lakey, 55, was found guilty Tuesday on 13 counts of indecent assault for having sex with the students. The second victim was 15 at the time he was seduced, according to Britain’s Press Association. On Wednesday she was sentenced to eight years in jail. The younger boy was wearing his school uniform when Lakey bathed in front of him and later had sex with him. The other victim lost his virginity after he was encouraged by Lakey to sneak into her tent during school camp, he said. The youngest student said Lakey told him to call her “mommy” and would phone school authorities and pretend to be his mother when he played hookey to have sex at her house. Both assaults occurred in the late 1980s when Lakey was a history teacher. She has been suspended from her current post of running two secondary schools. She had been widely praised for improving the test scores of her students. The younger student blew the whistle on Lakey in 2012, when he sent an email to her school calling her a “disgusting sexual monster.” She resigned, and a police investigation

Anne Lakey, 55, was found guilty Tuesday on 13 counts of indecent assault for having sex with the students; on Wednesday she was sentenced to eight years in jail.

began. The second victim testified that his initial sexual encounter with Lakey left him perplexed. “On the one hand, I was happy with little self that I managed to lose my virginity before I was 16, which seemed really important at the time. On the other and, everything was over so quickly. It should have been a bit more interesting than that. “It was a bit of a confusing mix of emotions as I left the tent,” he said. He also testified that Lakey called him after the police investigation began, begging him to not cooperate. “Here is somebody who has not spoken to me for 20 years, who thought she could get me to pick up the phone and lie to police, 20 years later,” he said.

Iceland remains most peaceful nation in the world, study says IN search of peace? Maybe it’s time to move to Iceland. According to the nonprofit Institute for Economics and Peace, the thinly populated island in the midst of the North Atlantic has retained its place as the most peaceful country in the world. The institute released its Global Peace Index for 2015 this week, which ranks 162 nations around the globe based on factors like the level of violent crime, involvement in conflicts and the degree of militarization. Six out of the top 10 most peaceful countries were European, with Denmark and Austria holding the second and third spots. “Europe maintained its position as the most peaceful region in the world, supported by a lack of domestic and external conflicts,” the report said. But that glowing review is helped by the fact that violence-

plagued Ukraine is lumped into a different region: Russia and Eurasia. Ukraine suffered the second biggest deterioration in its rating over the past year as proRussian separatists clashed with government forces. The only country that fared worse was Libya, which has “sunk into a low-level civil war between Islamist and nationalist groups,” the report said. War-ravaged Syria remained at the bottom of the rankings. And Iraq, the other country where the Islamic militant group ISIS holds large areas of territory, dropped below South Sudan and Afghanistan to second last place. The United States is in the bottom half of the index, scoring badly in terms of militarisation, homicides and fear of violence. Its ranking improved somewhat from a year earlier, though, rising from 101st place to 94th. (CNN)

June 27 - July 3, 2015

World News

29

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Charleston shooting: speaking the unspeakable, thinking the unthinkable

Charleston’s Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church resonated with love during bible study this week.

Emanuel AME Bible study reclaims room: ‘This territory belongs to God’ JUST one week after a gunman killed nine people during Bible study at Charleston’s Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, worshippers gathered once more in the same room where the bullets flew. “This territory belongs to God,” Interim Pastor Norvel Goff Sr. told the roughly 150 people gathered for the resumption of weekly Bible study in the basement of the church they lovingly call Mother Emanuel. This week’s theme, fittingly, was “The Power of Love.” Some believe it took an incredible amount of love and faith for family members and loved ones of those killed to publicly declare their forgiveness of 21-year-old Dylann Roof. He sat through the class for an hour with his victims before declaring he was there “to kill black people” and opening fire. Roof, who has admitted to the killings, has been charged with nine counts of murder. Additionally, the Department of Justice is likely to pursue federal hate crime charges against him, law enforcement officials told CNN. Inside the room, beige tile floors and a low suspended ceiling showed telltale signs of the horror that unfolded. One of the ceiling tiles was missing. A number of others were new and in one was a bullet hole taped over with the number H-17, a police ID. “Bible study will continue,” Goff told the crowd, “but because of what happened, we will never be the same.” Noting it was not really a normal Bible study because of the “tragic, horrific, event” that occurred there, Goff began to talk about the lessons of love. As he talked, people shouted back “hallelujah,” “yes sir,” “amen” and “come on” in the call and response typical of many black churches. “Last week,” Goff said, “dark powers came over Mother Emanuel. But, that’s alright. God in his infinite wisdom said ‘that’s alright. I’ve got the nine.’ “ An armed Charleston police officer kept watch over the meeting. The scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air. An arrangement of white mums and other flowers sat in the center of a round table near the front

of the room. A banquet table in the back was overflowing with floral displays of all kinds in tribute to those who died. Dressed in all black, a string trio -- two violins and a cello -- played the songs “Simple Gifts” and “Be Thou My Vison.” The trio members are all current or former members of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, including violinist and Concertmaster Yuriy Bekker. Goff sought to put people at ease, asking them to move from the back of the room to the front and promising “not to take up a collection.” Goff touched on many common themes and encouraged those in the room not to run from trouble but to “run to God.” The family of Myra Thompson, one of the shooting victims, entered the room about half way through the meeting. There were nine of them in all and they were seated in the front. They listened intently as Goff talked about transformation and forgiveness, saying “God is with us, with you and God gives us the ability to let it go.” He referred to the hatred displayed last week declaring, “We are better than that.” Comforting the mourners, Goff promised, “This is not the end. We will see our loved ones again.” And, while acknowledging that many hearts are broken, he said God can heal them all. As he rose to conclude the service, Goff sang the hymn “Jesus Loves Me.” Healing will continue this week, as two of the victims will be buried Thursday: the Rev. Sharonda Singleton and Ethel Lee Lance. The church’s pastor, the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, will be buried Friday. Earlier Wednesday, the Confederate flag flapped nearby as Pinckney’s body went on public view in the S.C. State House. The shooting victim Obama mentioned by name A week after the killing of the African-American pastor and state senator by a man who had posed in photos with the flag as a symbol of white supremacy, Pinckney’s legislative colleagues are still grappling with whether to take it down.

WHAT happened in a church in Charleston, South Carolina on Wednesday night is a lot of things, but one thing it’s not is “unthinkable.” Somebody thought long and hard about it. Somebody thought to load the weapon. Somebody thought to pick the church. Somebody thought to sit, quietly, through some of Wednesday night bible study. Somebody thought to stand up and open fire, killing nine people, including the pastor. Somebody reportedly thought to leave one woman alive so she could tell his story to the world. Somebody thought enough to flee. What happened in that church was a lot of things, but unthinkable is not one of them. What happened in a Charleston church last Wednesday night is a lot of things, but one thing it’s not is “unspeakable.” We should speak of it often. We should speak of it loudly. We should speak of it as terrorism, which is what it was. We should speak of it as racial violence, which is what it was. We should speak of it as an attack on history, which it was. This was the church founded by Denmark Vesey, who planned a slave revolt in 1822. Vesey was convicted in a secret trial in which many of the witnesses testified after being tortured. After they hung him, a mob burned down the church he built. His sons rebuilt it. On Wednesday night, someone turned it into a slaughter pen. We should speak of it as an assault on the idea of a political commonwealth, which is what it was. And we should speak of it as one more example of all of these, another

Charleston, S.C., shooting suspect Dylann Storm Roof reportedly killed nine churchgoers including a pastor, in what seems to be a racially-motivated attack.

link in a bloody chain of events that reaches all the way back to African wharves and Southern docks. It is not an isolated incident, not if you consider history as something alive that can live and breathe and bleed. We should speak of all these things. What happened in that church was a lot of things, but unspeakable is not one of them. Not to think about these things is to betray the dead. Not to speak of these things is to dishonor them. Let Nikki Haley, the governor of South Carolina, look out her window at the flag of treason that is flown proudly at her state capitol and think about these things, and speak of them, before she pronounces herself so puzzled at how something like this could happen in South Carolina, the home office of American sedition. Let Hillary Rodham Clinton and Jeb Bush, both of whom want to

lead this troubled country, consider what it meant to absent themselves from campaign events in Charleston and think of these things and speak of them before they turn to their consultants about whether or not staying in a grieving city was what a leader should have done. Let the elite political media that follows the two of them, roughly thrown into a maelstrom of actual news, look out onto the streets of Charleston and realize that politics exist for the purpose of governing a country, and not simply to entertain it. Let Squint and the Meat Puppet think about these things and speak of these things before inviting Donald Trump, who is a clown and a fool, to come on national television and talk about his hair. Not to think about these things is to betray the dead. Not to speak of these things is to dishonour them. Think about what happened. Think about why it happened. Talk about what happened. Talk about why it happened. Do these things, over and over again. The country must resist the temptation present in anesthetic innocence. It must reject the false comfort of learned disbelief and the narcotic embrace of concocted surprise. There is a ferocious underground fire running through American history. It rages unseen until it flares again from the warm earth. It has raged from the death of Denmark Vesey in 1822 to the death of the Reverend and state senator Clementa Pinckney on Wednesday night.

‘Uganda’s ugliest man’ has become a father for the eighth time A FORMER cobbler who has been dubbed ‘Uganda’s Ugliest Man’ has become a father for the eighth time. Godfrey Baguma, 47, who is believed to suffer from a rare, unknown medical condition, and his wife Kate Namanda, 30, welcomed a baby girl. Baguma won the less-thanfavourable title in 2002, after he entered the competition to make money for his cash-strapped family. Before his marriage to Kate, Godfrey had two children with his first wife – but their marriage came to an end when he caught her cheating with another man. Describing how he wooed Kate initially, Godfrey told KFM: ‘I stayed with her four years before her people knew where she was. I didn’t want them to see me until we had a child because they would definitely advise her to leave me. ‘She left me when she was six months pregnant but I think she later accepted her fate because she came

back two months later’. ‘I told her that I didn’t choose to look the way I do and that if she feels I am a burden, she is free to leave me’.

The couple got married in 2013, and now have six children together – after their first child was born in 2008.

Godfrey Baguma with members of his family.

30

Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Brama Kumaris

Raja Yoga Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands

Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101

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

FOR SALE

June 27 - July 3, 2015

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

FLOWER GIRL

Wanted urgently

Floral Designer

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

Call: 231-3788

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

June 27 - July 3, 2015

11720

Please provide Resume and Verifiable references. Contact Angela Aquino 231-0607

Is looking for a

labourer labourer To work 6 days To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

contact: 244-3732

per week salary $6.25 per hour.

JOB SEEKER

Summary duties include but limited to: Excellent customer service and administrative performance Make daily collection calls on delinquent accounts Conduct account audit research and analysis Prepare and maintain various daily and monthly reports Maintain an accurate aging report Indentify and execute the necessary process adjustment Reconcile A/R to the G/L Interact with customers to resolve outstanding issues including discrepancies Initiating and Making appearances in court if necessary

Contact 441-4990 for interview

Plumber

needed to work 6 days per week salary $8.00 per hour send resume to: Misick & Stanbrook, Leeward Highway, Providenciales telephone: 946-4732 fax: 946-4734 email: info@ misickstanbrook.tc

Is looking for the following position:

SLOT MANAGER

Salary $18.50 per hour • All candidates should have at least 10 years casino slot manager experience • Master Certificate Slot Machine Technician • Must be willing to work on weekends and holidays Please drop off resumes and Cv’s to: Casablanca Casino

11724

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos Ricardo Fulford Consultant Services on behalf of his clients Tropical Bar is seeking employment for the following: Interested candidate may contact 241-0426 for further details regarding employment. TCI Waste Disposal is seeking employment for the following: Interested candidate may send their application through ricardofulford@ gmail.com regarding employment.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

3 Domestic Workers 3 Gardeners 3 LaboUrers 3 Dive Instructors 2 Maids 1 Cashier 1 Painter For further information contact: 241-2043 11750

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Oerson needed with plumbing experience salary offered is $6-$8 per hour depending on experience interested persons should contact: 649-242-1816 between the hours of 4pm – 6pm Tuesday and Thursday only 11684

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

CASABLANCA CASINO

1) Waitress

contact: 241-8978

the largest readership in the turks & caicos C & S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Acting on behalf of our client is looking for a

Island Construction Services is seeking employment for the following:

1) Labourer

Interested candidate may contact 342-0275 for further details regarding employment. Froggie's On The Beach is seeking employment for the following:

1) Waitress

Interested candidate may send their application through ricardofulford@gmail.com regarding employment.

MEPCO International (T&C) Ltd. Requires qualified and experienced

Electricians

plumber

Applicants MUST have completed an Electrical Apprenticeship and have a qualification from a recognized governing body and also have at least 10 years experience on large commercial projects. Salary negotiable depending on level of experience.

contact: 241-5922

Please fax resume to 941 7626

11752

Female with Associates Degree in Business Administration Looking for a detailed-oriented position in Banking, Accounts Receivable or Collections (Tax) Officer Responsibility for tracking and resolving outstanding payment issues and generate weekly aging reports in a timely manner. (Having knowledge of general accounting principles and proficient at MS Excel.) Applicant displays a positive proactive and assertive attitude, with strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and multitask and a strong communicator both paper and over the phone.

PORT ATLANTIC CONSTRUCTION

11738

Job duties to include: • Assisting and accompanying aged and disabled persons during daily activities • Performing housekeeping tasks such as washing and cleaning • Preparing food for clients • Assisting in personal

hygiene and dressing • Arranging social activities • Providing companionship, friendship and emotional support • Doing shopping and running errands Essential qualifications: • Police check/clearance • Current driver’s licence • Current First Aid Level 2 Certificate

Is looking for a

To work 6 days per week salary $8.00 per hour.

11719

Seeking a live-in Caregiver for elderly women.

MAXWELL DELANCY

11712

CAREGIVER

1) Labourer

CLASSIFIEDS 31

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

11745

Point Grace

Chef

We are seeking a skilled Sous Chef who can provide excellent International culinary skills, strong management and training skills and effective communication skills. The position involves working in the resort’s two restaurants, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The successful candidate will be a chef who can bring variety, style and a high level of professionalism in order to achieve the highest possible culinary standards- an all- around of many cuisines with a background in International boutique properties. In addition to formal professional qualifications, the successful candidate will have at least three years’ experience in luxury resorts or award winning restaurants. Experience in matching food and wine would be great asset. Annual salary range: $20K to $27k (plus service charge) commensurate with qualifications and experience. Belongers only need apply. Closing date: 21st July 2015

Please apply in writing to: Point Grace, PO Box 700, Grace Bay, Providenciales. Email: humanresources@ pointgrace.com or Fax: 946-5097

11718

DIVE PROVO

J & A CONSTRUCTION

June 27 - July 3, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Is looking for an

DRIVER

Richmond Hill Preparatory School Is looking for a

janitress

Needed for Shore Excursion Operator, Grand Turk

Is looking for a

Carpenter To work 6 days

Experienced Scuba Instructor

per week salary $8.00 per hour. 11730

contact: 241-5678

Triple S Construction

Salary $20,000$24,000 contact: Alan Jardine 946-5029

11732

To maintain cleanliness in classrooms and office.

• Successful candidate must have excellent communication skills • Professional attitude and be organized and reliable • Must have a valid driver’s license with at least 8 years of driving experience • Must have basic mechanic understanding Wages commensurate with experience and skill level

Please call the school at 946-4958

Please contact: Etienne Leblanc at 649-432-5939 11711

J.C BEAUTY SALON Is looking for the following:

FAMILYCHOICE PHARMACY 121 Blue Mountain Rd., Horizon House Unit B, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands. Telephone: 649-941-5202. STAFF REQUIRED

11704

32 CLASSIFIEDS

JESUS KING OF PEACE INC.

is looking for the following:

2 PHARMACISTS

Salary $6.25 per hour

Fax: (649) 941 8388

11734

Contact: 342-7373

11729

Main duties:

Application should be submitted no later than July 4th, 2015 to: Managing Director, Email: director@familychoicepharmacy.com Only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview

T & C Refreshments Ltd Department: SALES

VENDING TECHNICIAN REPORTS TO: VENDING SUPERVISOR

FUNCTION

Perform refrigeration, electrical instillation, and air-condition functions to ensure efficient management of all market equipment.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES • • • • • • • • •

Assist with maintaining fountain and vending equipment Collect water samples every three months and carry out microbiological tests Execute sanitation process of all syrup lines every three months Perform calibration exercise every month Execute weekly Preventative Maintenance checks Place marketing equipment (fountain dispensing & Vending Machines) Assist with maintenance of marketing equipment in the market place. Participate in special events involving coca-cola marketing equipment. Perform other duties as requested

COMPETENCY

Education/Experience

• High school Diploma • A Valid Driver’s License • Minimum of two years experience with equipment repair (coolers, vending machines, refrigerant equipment preferred)

SKILLS • • • •

Analytical skills Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) Ability to lift, push and pull a minimum of 40lbs repeatedly Working with mechanical systems (e.g., knowing mechanical concepts, troubleshooting and repairing appliances, performing basic circuits, fuses and electrical components, operating hand tools and power tools, etc.) • Working with electrical systems (e.g., understanding flow, wring, outlets, etc.) • Working with moving equipment 9 e.g., forklifts hand trucks/dolly, etc.) Salary: commensurate with experience

Submit applications and resume by 27 July, 2015 T & C Refreshments Ltd., 10 Parade Avenue, Downtown Providenciales. Tel: 649-941-3917

Inter Island Medical Requires

Doctor of Chiropractic • To provide chiropractic and therapeutic laser services. • Applicants must have at least 15 years experience, • be trained in therapeutic laser, activator technique, • and certified in operation of diagnostic x-ray. • Must be a graduate of a college certified under CCE.

Please replay by email or fax 649-94-8243 and iimsadmin@tciway.tc 11735

Missionary Salary $100 per month. Teacher. Salary commensurate with experience.

Contact: 343-7348

11671

Hairdressers Nail Technician

EZEKIEL JOHNSON Is looking for a

babysitter To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

contact: 346-6019

11691

Must be willing to work over time. Salary is $6 per hour. Belongers only need apply. Application dead line is June 24th, 2015

• Oversee preparation of all medicines • Dispense prescription medicines to customers with proper advice • Advise customers on the treatment of minor ailments using OTC medicines • Inventory control and management • Prepare monthly and quarterly management reports Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications

KELCI TALBOT

MAX’S MINI MART

Domestic Worker Salary must commensurate with qualification. Resume can be faxed to 649-9413425 and the Labour Department, Providenciales as soon as possible

11725

Is looking for a

labourer To work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

contact: 332-3022

11713

Labourer

• Must have a B-Pharm Degree from an accredited university • Must have a minimum of 3 years management experience in retail pharmacy • Must have a minimum of 5 years as a registered pharmacist

11728

Minimum requirements:

is looking for:

June 27 - July 3, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

EXPRESS AUTO PARS LTD.

is looking for the following:

Mechanic Labourers

Contact: 649-432-4440

Email: emobiletires @tciway.tc 11706

GLOBAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Is looking to fill the following positions:

Labourer

Domestic Worker Salary $6.50 per hour.

Contact: 649-946-4069

INVEST Turks and Caicos

Chief Executive Officer Reporting to: Board of Directors Location: Invest Turks and Caicos Offices - Providenciales

Job Summary:

The Chief Executive Officer is the chief executive of Invest Turks and Caicos and is responsible for the success of the organization. Together with the Board, the incumbent is expected to lead the implementation of the TCI Government’s economic development vision, attract significant investments to the various inhabited islands and support sustainable development throughout the entire Turks and Caicos Islands. These investments will be expected to build a successful, sustainable economy and provide improved opportunities for employment and growth. As well, the Chief Executive Officer will be actively engaged through the Agency in supporting trade and small business development. The Board has delegated responsibility for day to day management operations to the Chief Executive Officer and s/he has the authority to carry out those responsibilities, in accordance with the direction and policies established by the Board. The incumbent will ensure that the organization has motivated staff who produce positive results using international best practices. The position involves overseeing a staff of up to twelve persons who are predominately highly trained investment professionals. The incumbent is expected to be a systems thinker who is customer focused and goal driven.

11708

GLORIA’S CANDY KITCHEN Is seeking for a

The Chief Executive is expected to be a strong leader who can develop a cohesive team within the organization and across TCI to drive new investment to the country.

Key Objectives:

helper to work from Monday – Saturday salary $6.25 per hour Belongers will be given first preference.

contact: 332-5029 11710

JUDITH SWANN Is looking for a

domestic worker contact: 331-6503

11718

to work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour

CLASSIFIEDS 33

1. To manage the day to day operations of Invest TCI through planning, organizing, coordinating, directing and controlling the functions of the Agency. This includes implementing a rolling five year Strategic Plan, complete with annual marketing plans and budgets and monitor financial and operational performance and ensuring that the organization has a full complement of operating policies and procedures for internal operations and for dealing with prospective investors and daily operations. 2. To develop an outstanding lead generation and the market intelligence capacity and after care services to ensure that they meet international best practices. 3. To ensure the effective, efficient and economic use of human, financial and physical resources 4. To engage constructively with various government Ministries, other relevant organizations and various agencies and the private sector, both locally and internationally to support quality investment projects and to market the country. 5. To generate significant foreign direct investment to the country and to support and encourage domestic investors to participate in the economy. 6. To lead investment promotion and trade missions to various locations and conduct awareness marketing to raise the profile of TCI as an investment destination. 7. To develop and manage a program of legislation review and reform for various developmental programmes that encourage Inward Investment and seek opportunities for expansion and extension of Investment potential though various agreements. PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS Education and qualifications: A master’s degree in finance, business, economics or related field, or its equivalent, from a recognized institution of higher learning.

Experience and Knowledge:

Ten or more years of senior management experience at a public or private

enterprise/company/agency engaged in investment development and/or marketing. Clear evidence of leadership skills, successful lead generation results and marketing along with ability to mentor and grow staff.

Skills:

1. Strong track record of competency in current and previous employment. 2. A sound knowledge of investment, promotion, strategic planning, project management and execution, especially as related to projects in the TCI and Caribbean region. 3. Strong track record of staff management and successful program/ project implementation. 4. Consistently displays integrity and model behavior 5. Develops people and builds teams. 6. Excellent Leadership Qualities 7. Strong Writing and presentational skills. 8. Excellent Communication and interpersonal skills- innovative, creative and forward thinking 9. Good computer skills. 10. Adept in use of MS Office XP or later, particularly Excel and Word, and ideally Access or similar database to basic level, internet and email.

Personal Qualities:

1. Open and engaging demeanor with enthusiasm to achieve further growth and progress. 2. Able to generate and share ideas. 3. Hands-on approach. 4. Willing to take personal responsibility 5. Able to win trust and personal credibility 6. Persistence and personal resilience. 7. Willingness to personally deliver quality to business clients. 8. Willingness to understand different cultures, lifestyles and associated points of view. 9. Willingness to understand the values associated with small communities.

Other Requirements:

1. Fluent English 2. Willingness and ability to travel by air, land and sea. 3. Qualified Belongers, either living in the TCI or abroad, are encouraged to apply. 4. Willingness to work outside normal office hours as needed from time to time

Salary and Allowances:

Salary is in the range of $120,000 to $150,000, including benefits and is negotiable based on qualifications and experience.

Application Procedure

Interested persons should submit a resume, along with their contact information, cover letter, two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer), copies of educational certificates, a Police Certificate and a copy of the Passport photo page. Applications should be addressed to the Investment Promotion Expert, Turks and Caicos Islands by July 16th, 2015 and can be delivered in person to the Investment Unit, Down Town, Butterfield Square (next to Lapels) prior to the deadline date or emailed to investturksandcaicos@gmail.com. The subject line in the email should read “Chief Executive Officer”. Envelopes should have the subject Chief Executive Officer clearly marked on the front.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only persons selected for an interview will be contacted.

34 CLASSIFIEDS

June 27 - July 3, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

ROXY’S BEAUTY SALON

MARCUS LIGHTBOURNE is looking to fill the following positions:

Security Guard JOB OPENING Cosmetologist

Is looking for

4 Hair Stylists 4 Nail Technicians

Salary $6.25 per hour

ENGINEERING FACILITIES MANAGER

To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

Contact: 242-0521

contact: 242-4006

11707

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

GLENNYS MINI MARKET

To achieve hotel revenue, profit and owner/customer satisfaction goals by directing and overseeing on-going preventative maintenance, repairs, upkeep, projects and renovations of the Hotel/Resort, Maintenance, Pool & Beach areas, Grounds/Landscaping and Security Services. Highly involved with owner and guest relations, project management, inventories and reporting systems. • Troubleshooting and repairing malfunctions in electrical/mechanical/plumbing systems (e.g. HVAC, boilers, treatment plant system, pumps, fire systems, refrigeration systems, lighting, appliances & other hotel equipment). • Conducting ongoing room preventative maintenance program. • Resolving maintenance problems, complaints, work orders to prioritize, schedule work and cost out work orders. • HVAC, machinery, mechanics, carpentry and painting skills, as well as drywall, carpet/tile repair work, or other maintenance related trade, certification/s is a plus. Inspecting property, units/ rooms, and hotel departments to identify potential and current needs. • Ensuring department expenditures meet budget requirements. Assisting with the capital budget process. • Soliciting bids/quotes from contractors and evaluating their proposals with hotel management. • Coordinating with local health, safety, fire, and building inspectors to ensure compliance with applicable codes and regulations. • Ensure pools and hot tub is properly maintained to include cleanliness and chemical content. • Maintaining the building exterior including services by outside contractor/s (e.g. lawn care, painting, etc.). Supervising and scheduling of Maintenance Technicians, Pool and Beach, Grounds/Landscaping, and Security Services staff.

seeks to employ a

11680

JEAN JOSEPH

JID BARBER SHOP Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Cashier labourer

thandfield@gmail.com or call 346-4523 11746

contact: 342-5808

11742

To work in a local supermarket from 9am5pm salary $6.25 per hour interested person can send their resumes to

to work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

Female Barber to work 6 days per week must have experience in cutting women, black and Caucasian hair, must be able to trim eyebrows salary $6.25 per hour.

contact: 341-6502

11747

The Sands is now accepting applications/résumé for the following positions. Only highly selfdriven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, who have the desire to serve others, need apply:

CAVELL WILLIAMS Is looking for a

Payroll Control and Scheduling… Determine appropriate staffing levels based on forecasted rooms nights/occupancy and anticipated business and create staffing schedules which optimize the balance between desired profitability, owner/customer demands and employee needs. Performance Management, Supervisory… Demonstrate ability to relate to, communicate with, and motivate employees to sustain high performance, quality services and product/s.

babysitter/ domestic worker

SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he/she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities. • Must possess highly effective skills to speak, read, write and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace. • Must possess highly effective skills to read and write to facilitate the communication process. • Must possess high organizational and follow-up skills. • Must possess excellent mathematical skills. • Must possess excellent computational skills with specific and direct working knowledge of Microsoft Office Software; Excel, Word, Power Point and Outlook. • Must be able to build Excel reports, and read and build formula-based spread sheets. • Must be able to operate and drive large equipment and machines as required. • Must be able to operate pumps, equipment, motors and company vehicles as required. • Must possess excellent motor vehicle driving skills with valid Driver’s License

Must be willing to work 5 days per week. Must be bilingual (English and Spanish). Salary $6.25 per hour

11751

Contact: 244-3089

Leeward Highway, Providenciales Telephone: 231- 6710

LABOURERS, MASON Salary starts at $6.50 per hour

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

GIGI’S DELI

Is looking for the following:

Education

High school diploma or equivalent certified education required. Some college or university is preferred.

LABOURER

WANTED

Experience Prerequisite

A minimum of five years resort experience in the capacity of Engineering Maintenance Manager or higher in a Condo-Hotel/Resort is required.

Waitress Sales Clerk

Licenses or Certificates

Maintenance/engineering certification in applicable field preferred. CPR and First Aid certifications required.

Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

11725

This list is not an exclusive or exhaustive of all the job responsibilities and functions that position may be required to perform from time to time.

Turks Island citizens only need to apply in person to Sheena Smith, Assistant Human Resources Manager at The Sands Resort located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales, or via e-mail: humanresource@thesandstc.com. Applications must be in by July 8, 2015.

Cox Labour Services Ltd

contact: 332-9681 11739

To work from Monday to Saturday salary $6.25 per hour.

contact: 232-5222

11749

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 35

Richmond Hill Preparatory School

Pursuant to issuance of Building Permit PR12180

Is looking for a trained

primary school teacher

“Malcolm’s Beach Submerged Artificial Reef Breakwater (Using Reef Balls),” by the Department of Planning, deployment of 925 Reel Balls will begin offshore of Malcolm’s Beach within the next two weeks. The intended purpose of the proposed reef is to reduce wave energy in the nearshore environment fronting the area north of the Amanyara Resort known as Malcolm’s Beach, located in the Northwest Point Marine National Park. It will also create marine habitat and provide recreational benefits for the community.

With a minimum of ten years’ teaching experience. Please apply in writing to

Shipping and deployment of the constructed reef units will be provided by Dock Direct, Ltd. and Reef Innovations, via tug and barge from South Dock, navigating the south and west side of Providenciales, to their final destination offshore of Malcolm’s public beach, for a four week period beginning on/around 1 July 2015. The reef footprint will be located within 350 feet of the shoreline, in -7ft average water depths (MSL), approximately 1,000ft long, and the crest submerged below the mean low water elevation (MLW). Following deployment, the reef will be marked with navigational markers and buoys.

richhillprep@yahoo.com 11716

CARIBBEAN BUILDERS PROS

Is looking for a

carpenter To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

contact: 244-0065

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

Access to and parking at Malcolm’s Beach will not be impacted before, during or after construction. All works will be located offshore, and the park access and beach will remain open to the public and the community.

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

The permits, design plans and EIA are available for review at the Department of Planning, Emily House, Leeward Highway, for a fee of $25.00. Please direct any and all questions to the Department of Planning at 338-4335, the Applicant - Caicos Resorts Villas, Ltd. at 941-7952, or the Applicant’s Agent - Marine & Coastal Consulting, Ltd. at 441-8921. 11722

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership in the turks & caicos

MESSENGER Job Grade: A54 Annual Salary: $18,300 – $25,800 Scotia Centre Providenciales Branch

Oasis Media/ Four News

JOB VACANCY VIDEO JOURNALIST NEEDED

Four News, a television news station based in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands is looking for a creative and experienced Video Journalist.

Job Description:

• Candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Media and/or Journalism from a recognized tertiary level institution. • At least 3 - 5 years experience working at an established television news station/ outlet as a field reporter or news anchor.

Qualifications:

• Must be proficient in Standard English • Strong focus on journalistic content; Adept at writing, research, story planning and development • Candidate must have a crisp and clear broadcast writing style and live on-camera presentation and interviewing skills • Must be able to work in a high-pressure environment and meet strict deadlines • Candidate must be innovative and have a willingness to establish new ways of telling recurring local stories • Candidates must have a flexible schedule. This includes the ability to work during the weekend, early mornings, late nights, and over bank holidays. • Ideal candidates must have a disciplined work ethic. • Candidate must hold a valid driver’s license and he/she must be able to travel. Oasis Media is an equal opportunity employer. We invite persons of both genders to apply. Male/Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability Please submit CV along with a cover letter and video compilation of your best published stories to the address specified below:

Nikira John, Lead News Anchor Oasis Media Centre, Providenciales Email: reporter@omc.tc Applications must be submitted by 10th July, 2015. Salary will commensurate with experience

The Messenger is responsible for providing service consistent with established and prescribed standards to ensure overall customer satisfaction and branch efficiency.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure timely delivery and pick up of documents, packages, and other items between offices or departments within an establishment, traveling by foot or automobile; • Ensure timely delivery and acceptance of Bank clearings to and from clearing point or other financial institutions; • Unload and sort items collected along delivery routes • Record information, such as items received and delivered and recipients' responses to messages. • Assist with other duties in support of branch administration which may include filing of vouchers and records, storing, labeling, maintaining of boxes containing bank records; • Perform general office work such minor building maintenance; • Maintaining confidentiality of customer information; • Assisting with the identification and retrieval of entries pertaining to voucher searches and identification of obsolete records for destruction; • Being polite and courteous in all interactions with the public; • Driving and maintenance of Bank owned vehicle; • Lifting heavy items in the packaging and storage of supplies, stationery and bank records.

Functional Competency Required: • • • •

Minimum of secondary education Valid Driver’s License Candidate must be over 25 years old Perform physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs including climbing, lifting, balancing and handling of various materials • Remain flexible and work additional hours when required Please forward your application no later than July 2nd, 2015 to: Alexandria Missick - Manager, Human Resources Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Ltd. P.O. Box 15 Providenciales, TCI E-mail:alexandria.missick@scotiabank.com

11721

June 27 - July 3, 2015

36 CLASSIFIEDS

Financial Controller A rewarding career opportunity awaits you in the Country’s most important sector. Are you able to perform professional level accounting duties in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, legal and regulatory requirements? Are you highly efficient and able to prepare, analyze, verify, reconcile and maintain the organization’s financial transactions? The Tourist Board has an exciting opportunity for the ideal candidate. Reporting to the Director of Tourism, the successful candidate’s key result areas are: Accounting Fiscal Responsibility Budgeting and Financial Reporting Audit

ESSENTIAL DUTIES Accounting

• Manage accounts payables invoices and contractual agreements for all goods and services and ensure timely settlement of all scheduled payments. • Manage payments due to the TCI Board of Tourism (advertising, road shows, events). • Prepare monthly payroll, including payment of employee and employer NHIP and NIB contributions within the required time frame. • Ensure all advance accounts are acquitted on a monthly basis to accurately report the spending against budget for the Tourist Board.

Fiscal Responsibility

• Assist with the planning, development, organization and implementation of the TCI Board of Tourism’s fiscal function and performance. • Enhance/develop, implement and enforce policies and procedures of the TCI Board of Tourism by way of systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the organization. • Provide financial advice and knowledge to the Director as required and others within the TCI Board of Tourism’s financial discipline. • Provide strategic financial input and leadership on decision making issues affecting the TCI Board of Tourism. • Optimize the handling of bank and deposit relationships and initiate appropriate strategies to enhance cash position. • Protect the organizations assets by establishing, monitoring and enforcing internal controls. • Regularly handles confidential data and restricts communication of information only to authorized persons.

Budgets and Financial Reporting

• Preparation of the Tourist Board’s annual budget to accurately reflect the funding requirements of the Tourist Board. • Continually monitor spending against the budget and advise the Director of any anticipated overspends to ensure action can be taken. • Manage budgets and control expenses effectively to ensure spending is in line with budget and forecasts. • Provide timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial reports and financial trends in order to assist the Director and the Board in performing their responsibilities. • Provide continual improvement of the budgeting process through education of persons functioning at the Executive level on financial issues impacting their

budgets. • Provide status of financial condition of the TCI Board of Tourism by collecting, interpreting and reporting of key financial data. • Produce both internal and external financial reports to the TCI Board and TCI Government reporting within the legislative time frame. • Preparation of the annual financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for audit.

Audit

• Coordinates the information required by outside examiners and auditors as appropriate. • Promptly respond to audit queries. • Respond to and act on audit recommendations to ensure changes are implemented to mitigate the audit issues arising.

Other

• Comply with the policies, procedures and guidelines of the TCI Board of Tourism. • Perform other duties as directed by the Director of Tourism

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Business Management, with at least five (5) years working experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. • Five (5) or more years experience managing an accounting function in a public or private sector environment, with prior audit and payroll management experience. • Proficiency in MS Office software with an emphasis on Word and Excel. • Possess intermediate knowledge of financial systemsQuickbooks. • Ability to read, analyze and interpret financial reports, legal documents and government regulations. • Ability to prepare reports, write business correspondence and effectively present information and respond to queries from Management, Board members and the general public.

SALARY:

Salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications and experience. For consideration please submit the following documents to Lfarrington@turksandcaicostourism.com addressed to The Chairman, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Front Street, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. • Cover Letter • Current Resume • Two (2) reference letters • Current Police Record • Resident Status

Only persons shortlisted for an interview will be contacted in this regard. APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 3rd 2015

MARIE CONTRACTING Is seeking for a

ADVERTISE

IN THIS SPACE! ONLY

labourer

$33

To work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.

contact: 342-1073

PER WEEK

11754

TURKS AND CAICOS TOURIST BOARD

• • • •

June 27 - July 3, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CALL 946-4664

CAICOS ADVENTURES We are looking for a self-motivated, trustworthy, dedicated & reliable person to fill the position of a

salesperson/booking agent For our business in Grace Bay

Must have at least 3 years experience in both the fields of retail sales & water sports reservations. Please drop resume, photo & copy of your police clearance at our shop at The Regent Village. ATTENTION: Donna 11757

ROSELORD DUMEE Is looking for a

Labourer To work 5 hours per week salary $6.50 per hour.

contact: 432-1778 11756

GILLEY’S ENTRERPRISES IS LOOKING FOR

COOK

• Responsible for ordering all provisions pertaining to food and cleaning supplies and kitchen equipment • Responsible for supervising general cleaning and maintenance of kitchen equipment • Responsible for taking food inventory at the end of each month • Responsible for respectable food cost Remuneration: $7.00 per hour Description of suitable person: • Must be hardworking and efficient • Must have a positive attitude toward works • Must be able to work six (6) days per week, weekends and holiday if needed

Contact: Mrs. Tate Forbes between the hours of 9:00am3:00pm @ 649-946-4472 or email: gilley’scafe@tciway.tc

11759

June 27 - July 3, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Vacancy

Chief Executive Officer

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR • Responsible for establishing complete maintenance program for all Commercial Laundry & Dry Cleaning equip. • Minimum 15 years experience in Dry Cleaning & Commercial Linen & Laundry industry. • 10 years Supervisory/ Management experience. • University certificate required. • Minimum 10 years experience & knowledge required for installation, programming & maintenance of specific equipment; Lavatech CBW, Jensen, Chicago, Ipso, Unimac. • Available to manage different work shifts as required, including nights. • Must be fluent in English & French. • Must have exceptional computer skills including programs; Linen Master, Laundry-Vision, Autocad and ProTools. • Must be self motivated, hard working and reliable.

Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Providenciales

• Fundamental Leadership Role • International Organisation • Very Competitive Remuneration InterHealth Canada is a leading healthcare organisation specialising in the development, commissioning and management of healthcare facilities on the international stage. We are currently looking for a CEO to manage the Cockburn Town Medical Centre and the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. The CEO will provide the leadership and assume responsibility and accountability for the overall strategic and operational planning of the two Turks & Caicos Island’s facilities. This will be carried out in conjunction with the overall strategic direction of the health system, in partnership with InterHealth Canada and the Turks & Caicos Islands Government.

Responsibilities:

• Commitment to the Cockburn Town Medical Centre, Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, and their strategic principles • Strategic planning consists of but is not limited to the following: o In collaboration with the Board of Directors, corporate staff, hospital employees, community and Turks & Caicos Islands Government. o The CEO will cultivate a vision & mission that represents the facilities within the community. o Meet with local businesses to align expectations, opinions and goals of the facilities. • In collaboration with the Board of Directors the CEO will construct and communicate an annual Strategic Plan and deliver progress reports to the Board of Directors, Turks & Caicos Islands Government and hospital employees. • The CEO will provide leadership while growing and enhancing a model integrated health centre with outstanding clinical outcomes and excellent service. • Establish a culture of collaboration and integration that enhances the provision of excellent patient care, patient satisfaction within a safe environment. • Oversee a strong workforce development through recruitment and retention, employee satisfaction, engagement while maximising growth potential of all employees • Manage the company’s performance to maximise operational efficiencies providing the highest quality of safe and appropriate patient care • Ensure effective communication on all levels from a bottom up and top down approach. • Implement through “lean processes” a focus on improving quality of care with standards of excellence for a consistent patient experience. • Continue to support the information technology strategic plan, which moves toward a more fully electronic clinical environment by 2020. • Drive the planning and development of capacity expansion projects and guide the development of services for the increase in the facilities. • The CEO will represent the company and guarantors of its obligations and rights under the company’s agreements with the public partner. • Lead and support key committees pertaining to service areas. • Organisationally, the CEO will work collaboratively with the hospital leadership and the Turks & Caicos Islands Government to develop and implement well-balanced clinical programs designed to ensure the operational and strategic success of our facilities. • Financial Management The successful candidate will be an experienced CEO with business acumen; experienced in providing leadership through change to staff in complex and diverse operations; and have proven ability to collaborate and influence industry bodies and all levels of Government. Other important qualities include appropriate qualifications, strategic thinking, high level negotiation and communication skills, understanding HR principles, experience in managing resources and working to budgets. A competitive remuneration package will be offered to secure the calibre of the person we are seeking based on qualifications and experience managing and growing similar sized facilities.

All applications may be submitted to HR@ interhealthcanada.com by the closing date: 10th July 2015

CLASSIFIEDS 37

Email resume to info@pioneertci.com or call 432.1797. Please fax copy to TCI Labour Office: 649-946-4164

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

JOB VACANCY The Turks & Caicos Islands Football Association is a non-profit organization in the business of football development throughout the TCI. We are seeking to place an employment in the news paper for a

Groundsman/ Maintenance Worker Please see below the Job description Job Description

Responsible to the Executive Committee of the TCIFA and on a day-to-day basis, to the General Secretary and Technical Director of TCIFA, employee will be engaged primarily in the following duties: 1. Maintain the field, changing facilities, and TCIFA land at the National Academy, Providenciales. 2. Weekly tasks will include cutting of the grass, marking of the pitch, weeding of the pitch and surrounding areas, irrigation, and maintaining tractor and irrigation systems. 3. On game days, responsibilities include turning flood lights on and off and opening and closing changing rooms. 4. Other responsibilities to be carried out as set out in a Maintenance Schedule and other duties at the request of the General Secretary and Technical Director. Working Hours Regular working hours will be 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, and 8:00am to 12:00pm and 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Saturdays with 1 hour lunch break daily. Employee will be expected to work outside normal hours of business as necessary to fulfil his/her duties

Contact 941-5532

38

June 27 - July 3, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

WHITE SAND HOLDING LTD. Is looking for a

JOB OPPORTUNITIES The Somerset Resort Management Ltd. is seeking Labour Clearance for the position listed below. Suitably qualified Belongers who possess the requirements listed are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will possess extensive high end luxury resort General Managerial experience, be professional in attitude and demeanor and must read and speak English fluently. Position requires a flexible schedule which includes holidays, weekends and evenings, and extended hours on occasion. Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Resort General Manager

To oversee all aspects of Property Management and Operations in accordance with Company mission statement, including maximization of financial performance, Guest satisfaction, and staff development within established Resort standards. Developing and implementing strategies for meeting goals in the areas of revenue generation, market share performance, Guest satisfaction scores and net operating income. The General Manager Reports to the Somerset Management Board of Directors.

Responsibilities:

• Creating and implementing Resort’s annual budgets. Ensuring financial performance against same. • Overseeing efficient overall Resort Operations, by department. • Maintaining strict financial controls. Regularly reporting operating results to Ownership. • Liaising closely with Resort Strata and Food & Beverage operators to maximize facility performance and profitability. • Being highly visible throughout the property. Interacting with Resort Guests daily. • Negotiating and implementing outside vendor contracts. • Fostering a positive, supportive work environment for Resort staff. Creating future industry superstars. • Interacting with governmental agencies and civic / community organizations on an ongoing basis.

Requirements:

• Undergraduate and Graduate degrees from accredited universities, in Hospitality Management or related field. • Minimum 8 years proven success record as a luxury property General Manager within the hospitality sector. • Strong industry contacts with tour and travel operators, wholesalers, travel advisors and hospitality sector trade organizations. • Knowledge of property management systems (Visual 1 background essential) and related software programs. Ability to analyze industry data from sources such as e-STR. • Diverse experience in sales, advertising, integrated customer relationship marketing strategy and execution, and Resort / Advertising agency synergy. • Knowledgeable of all company administration policies and procedures, including but not limited to accounting and human resources. • Superior leadership skills. Ability to lead by example. Experienced in resolving conflicts between different parties in a dispute. • Superior verbal and written communications skills. • High ethical standards. Excellent communicator. Strong analytical ability. Visionary. • Physically able to work / stand for long periods of time.

Front Office Manager Job Summary:

Providing at all times an excellent guest service, maintaining high standards and consistency of outstanding customer service, monitoring of all Front Office-related tasks, supervising and coaching the team. The Front Office Manager will manage all aspects of the Front Office Department including but not limited to operations, planning, budgeting, staffing and payroll in accordance with hotel policies and procedures. The Front Office Manager will provide leadership and support to all

members of the Front Office Team, implements and enforces The Somerset Resort Standards of Excellence in all areas supervised.

Education:

High School diploma, general education degree or international equivalent required. College degree preferred.

Experience:

Previous Front Office Management experience in supervisory/ management capacity in a luxury property required. Previous customer service and general computer experience required. Knowledge of Visual One Property Management Software experience preferred.

Resort Boutique Supervisor

The Somerset Resort Management Ltd. is seeking for a dependable, disciplined, mature, self-driven, enterprising, and efficient Boutique Supervisor. Applicant should possess excellent written and oral communication, effective merchandising and strong organization skills, multi-tasking ability, and be knowledgeable in the products being sold. Applicant must be able to sell effectively and demonstrate a superior level of 5 Star customer service. Must have eye for details. Must be proficient in the use of computers and be familiar with software such as Visual 1, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and MS Outlook. Applicants with an undergraduate degree preferred. 3 to 5 years’ experience in a related retail environment required.

Summary

Reporting to the Resort’s Front Office Manager, The Boutique Supervisor is responsible for managing Boutique sales, operations, inventory controls and asset protection while ensuring superior customer experience. Optimizing profitability and achievement of sales goals.

PASTRY CHEF to work 6 days

per week salary $10.00 per hour. contact: 331-6991 11754

MEP SOLUTIONS LTD. is looking for a

VILLA HANDYMAN must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $6.50 per hour

contact: 231-2757 11755

F& R CONSTRUCTION

Duties & Responsibilities

• Negotiating and ordering products from vendors. Vendor relations development. • Verifying deliveries. Stock / store. • Maintain the boutique and storage areas in a clean, organized fashion. • Achieve sales and service level targets as set by Management. • Recognize sales and revenue trends and merchandise accordingly. • Manage customer enquiries. Proactively resolve customer complaints. • Handle all sales transactions, collect cash and use credit card machines. • Transfer sales into the Resort’s property management system. • Compose and deliver all departmental reports as required. • Conduct monthly physical stock inventories. • Interact with Resort’s Front Office and Accounting Departments on an ongoing basis. • Work self – sufficiently / independently. Recommend new boutique initiatives. • Perform other assigned tasks as mandated. The ideal candidate will be professional in attitude and demeanor and must read and speak English fluently. Position requires a flexible schedule which includes holidays and weekends and. Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Must be physically able to lift cases of delivered products and stand for extended periods of time. Outgoing, positive personality is a necessary job component. High ethical standards a must.

Qualified Belonger candidates can complete an application form in person at The Somerset on Grace Bay or submit a resume by e-mail at somerset@thesomerset.com. Tel: 649-339-5900. Fax: 946-5839. The closing date for applications is July 20th, 2015

IS LOOKING FOR A

CARPENTER TO WORK 6 DAYS A WEEK INTERESTED PERSONS CAN

CONTACT 649-2422548 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

C&J Employment Act on behalf of: C&P Welding, Gold Star Nail Center and Beauty Salon, Charles Barber Shop, Breeze Construction, Williams Construction, IBO Beauty Salon, Barefoot Café.

Labourers – $ 5.00 per hour

Cosmetologist – $ 5- 7 per hour

Barber

– $ 5.00 per hour

Painter

– $ 7 – 8 per hour

Carpenter – $ 7- 9 per hour

11753

Contact: PhiloJemployment@ hotmail.com 11697

June 27 - July 3, 2015

39

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Science & Technology

Keep carbs for last: Eating food in order can help diabetics PEOPLE with type 2 diabetes and obesity who eat protein and vegetables before carbohydrates show lower post-meal glucose and insulin levels as a result of consuming food groups in that order. Researchers think that suggesting an eat-this-thenthat rather than an eat-thisinstead-of-that approach to diet control may be a more effective way for type 2 diabetes and obese patients to keep their disorders in check. “Carbohydrates raise blood sugar, but if you tell someone not to eat them -- or to drastically cut back -- it’s hard for them to comply,” Dr. Louis Aronne, a professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College,

said in a press release. “This study points to an easier way that patients might lower their blood sugar and insulin levels.” The small study consisted of 11 people eating a meal of ciabatta bread, chicken breast, lettuce and tomato salad with low-fat dressing, steamed broccoli with butter and orange juice twice, on a separate days, a week apart. The first week, researchers had participants eat carbohydrates, ciabatta bread and orange juice first and then 15 minutes later eat everything else for protein, vegetables and fat. The second week, participants ate protein, vegetables and fat first, waited 15 minutes and

then ate the carbohydrates. Glucose levels were taken for all the participants 30, 60 and 120 minutes after each meal. Glucose levels proved to be much lower at the 30-, 60and 120-minute checks, by 29 percent, 37 percent and 17 percent, when vegetables and protein were eaten before the carbohydrates, researchers said. “Based on this finding, instead of saying ‘don’t eat that’ to their patients, clinicians might instead say, ‘eat this before that,’” said Aronne. “While we need to do some follow-up work, based on this finding, patients with type 2 might be able to make a simple change to lower

MASSAGE THERAPIST • Applicant must have a minimum of 3 years handson experience in 5-star resort and at least 3 years working as a therapist. • Must be trained and CERTIFIED by an accredited school in all of the following: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Pre-Natal, Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial Reflexology, Facials, and Manicures and Pedicures. • Applicant must be certified in all the previous areas • In addition, applicant must be able to work ALL weekends and public holidays if needed and be available from 8am-8pm. • Must have own vehicle and current, clean driver’s license. • Commission based • Must have GREAT Customer Service Skills and be upbeat and positive. • Applicant needs to be fluent in English and pass an English written test.

Please send resume to: relax@spatropique.com Please do not apply to this ad unless you can meet all of the above requirements. Deadline for application is July 10th, 2015

A recent study found that insulin and glucose levels were significantly lower when protein and vegetables were eaten before carbohydrates. Photo courtesy of Weill Cornell Medical College.

their blood sugar throughout the day, decrease how much

insulin they need to take, and potentially have a long-

lasting, positive impact on their health.” (UPI)

BOAT CAPTAIN REQUIRED Needed:

• A hardworking person who has the skills and qualifications to perform the duties of a Boat Captain aboard a vessel. • Must be excellent in mastering boats during excursions. Must be excellent in guest relations, good with children and a good swimmer for guidance in water activities,

snorkeling etc. • Must be trustworthy with the operation of the business and must speak English. • Must be prepared to travel frequently aboard vessel and work long hours and holidays. • Salary is based on experience, commencing at $28,000.00 per annum. • BELONGERS NEED ONLY APPLY.

If you fit the above qualifications please send your resume to the following address:

PO Box 560, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Deadline for applications: 1 July 2015 11758

VACANCIES

Experience Restaurant is seeking to employ the following persons. • Must have 3-5 years experience in a busy high pressured environment. • Ability to read, speak and write English • Able to multi task in fast pace, and be on your feet for 8 hours • Be able to work holidays and weekends with a flexible schedule • Work with staff member, be polite to staff and guess alike • Waiter, Busser, Dish Washer, Labourer • Must be able to prepare French and Indonesian cuisine

Kitchen Helper, cook, Pastry Chef Belongers only need apply. Apply in person with your resume to Mango Reef at the Alexandra Resort

40

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 27 - July 3, 2015

Sports Interational Freeze sperm at 18, bioethicist urges men The sperm of all 18-year-olds should be frozen for use in later life because of the risks attached with being an older father, a UK bioethicist has argued. Sperm becomes more prone to errors with age, increasing the risk of autism, schizophrenia and other disorders. Dr Kevin Smith, from Abertay University in Dundee, says spermbanking on the NHS should “become the norm”. The British Fertility Society said such a move would “provide a very artificial approach to procreation”. It called for a greater focus in the UK on supporting young couples to have work and have children. Men are having children later - the average age of fatherhood in England and Wales has increased from 31 in the early 1990s to 33 now. But while it remains possible to have children well into old age, there are consequences. Making his case in the Journal of Medical Ethics, Dr Smith said even small increases in the risk of disease could have a big effect when scaled up across a whole nation. He told the BBC News website: “I think on a society-wide basis, we do need to worry about it - it is a very real and pronounced effect. “It’s time we took seriously the issue of paternal age and its effect on the next generation of children.” His solution is sperm banking for everyone on the NHS so that in older age men can turn to the sperm from their younger selves.

Skinny Jeans can damage muscles and nerves.

Skinny jeans given health warning Sperm becomes more prone to errors with age, increasing the risk of autism, schizophrenia and other disorders.

He said there was no fixed age when someone could become an “older dad” but that people in their 40s might want to return the sperm bank freezer. He said sperm should be banked ideally around the age of 18. It costs £150-200 per year to keep sperm privately, although an NHS equivalent should be cheaper to run. Allan Pacey, a professor of andrology at the University of Sheffield, said: “This is one of the most ridiculous suggestions I have heard in a long time.” He said the risks from fathering children later in life were “really quite small”. “We know that the sperm from the

majority of men won’t freeze very well, which is one of the reasons why sperm donors are in short supply,” he added. “Therefore, men who froze their sperm at 18, and returned to use it later in life, would essentially be asking their wives to undergo one or more IVF procedures in order to start a family.” Professor Adam Balen, chairman of the British Fertility Society, disagreed with the need for a universal sperm bank. He said: “Not only does it provide a very artificial approach to procreation, but also a false sense of security as the technology does not guarantee a baby.”

SKINNY jeans can seriously damage muscles and nerves, doctors have said. A 35-year-old woman had to be cut out of a pair after her calves ballooned in size, the medics said in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. She had spent hours squatting to empty cupboards for a house move in Australia. By evening, her feet were numb and she found it hard to walk. Doctors believe the woman developed a condition called compartment syndrome, made worse by her skinny jeans. Compartment syndrome is a

painful and potentially serious condition caused by bleeding or swelling within an enclosed bundle of muscles - in this case, the calves. The condition caused the woman to trip and fall and, unable to get up, she then spent several hours lying on the ground. On examination at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, her lower legs were severely swollen. Although her feet were warm and had enough blood supplying them, her muscles were weak and she had lost some feeling. As the pressure had built in her lower legs, her muscles and nerves became damaged.

WHO unit finds 2,4-D herbicide ‘possibly’ causes cancer in humans A WIDELY used farm chemical that is a key ingredient in a new herbicide developed by Dow AgroSciences “possibly” causes cancer in humans, a World Health Organization research unit has determined. The classification of the weed killer, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, known as 2,4-D, was made by the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The IARC said it reviewed the latest scientific literature and decided to classify 2,4-D as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” That is a step below the more definitive “probably carcinogenic” category but two steps above the “probably not carcinogenic” category. IARC’s findings on 2,4-D have been awaited by environmental and consumer groups that are lobbying US regulators to tightly restrict its use, as well as by farm groups and others that defend 2,4-

D as an important agent in food production that does not need more restrictions. Since its introduction in 1945, 2,4D has been widely used to control weeds in agriculture, forestry, and urban and residential settings. In March, IARC said it had found another popular herbicide – glyphosate – was “probably carcinogenic to humans.” Glyphosate, the world’s most widely used weed killer, is the key ingredient in Monsanto Co’s Roundup herbicide and other products. IARC classifications do not carry regulatory requirements but can influence regulators, lawmakers and the public. Following the glyphosate classification, some companies and government officials moved to limit glyphosate use. Dow AgroSciences, a unit of Dow Chemical Co, has had a particular interest in IARC’s review. The

company is using both glyphosate and 2,4-D in a herbicide it calls Enlist Duo that received US approval last year. Enlist Duo is designed to be used with genetically engineered, herbicide-tolerant crops developed by Dow. Dow said in a statement that IARC’s classification was flawed and was “inconsistent with government findings in nearly 100 countries” that have affirmed the safety of 2,4-D when used as labelled. IARC said it decided on the “possibly carcinogenic” classification because there was “inadequate evidence in humans and limited evidence in experimental animals” of ties between 2,4-D and cancer. It said that epidemiological studies provided “strong evidence that 2,4-D induces oxidative stress … and moderate evidence that 2,4D causes immunosuppression.” (Reuters)

Ganoderma lucidum mushroom is believed to slow weight gain by altering bacteria in the gut.

Mushroom used in Chinese medicine ‘slows weight gain’ A MUSHROOM used for centuries in Chinese medicine reduces weight gain in animals, say researchers in Taiwan. The study, published in Nature Communications, suggested Ganoderma lucidum slowed weight gain by altering bacteria in the gut. The researchers suggested the mushroom could eventually be used in the treatment of obesity. Experts said the science was good, but putting mushroom extract in cans of cola would not help people lose weight. G. lucidum has traditionally been sold for “health and longevity” say researchers at Chang Gung

University. They analysed the impact of the fungus on mice being fed a high-fat diet. Those on just a high-fat diet reached 42g after their first two months whereas mice that were also fed a high dose of mushroom extract reached only 35g. Mice were still much slimmer if they were fed a normal diet. In their report, the team said mushroom extract “may be used as pre-biotics to reduce body weight gain, chronic inflammation and insulin resistance [type 2 diabetes] in obese individuals.”

June 27 - July 3, 2015

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sports Interational Gatlin disputes he’s a two-time drug cheat

U.S. surfer Laird Hamilton rides a wave in Tahiti in 2013. Surfing is on a shortlist of sports that could be added to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Softball, bowling and surfing among contenders for Tokyo Olympics Could bowling or surfing become Olympic sports at the 2020 Games in Tokyo? They’re on a shortlist of contenders announced by organisers Monday. The others are baseball and softball, karate, roller sports, climbing, squash and wushu, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee said. The Tokyo organizers will decide in September whether to propose one or more of the sports to the International Olympic Committee for inclusion. The final decision will come in 2016.

After a steady run starting in the 1990s, both baseball and softball were controversially dropped from the Olympic roster for the 2012 Games in London. They’ve been working hard since to try to get back in. Baseball and softball and squash made a previous shortlist two years ago for the 2020 and 2024 Games, but they were beaten out by wrestling. Now they’re back in the running in the new list of finalists. The IOC reviews the Olympic program periodically, although most of the core sports rarely change.

CONTROVERSIAL sprinter Justin Gatlin does not understand why people insist on calling him a twotime drug cheat and want him kicked out of the sport. The American, who has served two doping bans, also expects future generations to look at him less judgementally, he told Reuters in an interview ahead of the U.S. world championships trials where he will run only the 200 metres. “Last time I checked, someone who takes medication for a disorder is not a doper,” said Gatlin of his first drugs violation when he tested positive in 2001 for an amphetamine contained in attention deficit disorder medication (ADD) he had taken since a youth. “Other people in the sport have taken the same medication I had for ADD and only got warnings,” he added of the two year ban that was later reduced to one. “I didn’t.” Talk of that suspension might eventually have faded or been downplayed until the 2004 Olympic gold medallist and 2005 world champion failed a test for the banned steroid testosterone in 2006. He was banned for four years, though many thought that would be the end of his career. To the ire of many he has become even better since becoming eligible to run again in 2010. No one has beaten him at either 100 or 200 metres since 2013, while this year, aged 33, he has set or

Justin Gatlin is adamant that his first case was not cheating.

equalled lifetime bests in both and become a serious threat to dethrone Usain Bolt at August’s world championships in Beijing. “If I felt like I did anything that I was trying to take away from the sport of track and field, then I would stand up and say ‘yes, I am guilty and I did this. Please have mercy on me’,” Gatlin said. He has never admitted to doping and continued to insist his 2006 test came from a massage therapist rubbing testosterone cream onto his legs, a contention the therapist has denied. “I have stuck to my story so far, and I have been honest with that,” Gatlin said.

His four years off have given his legs new shelf life, he claimed. “I feel like 26 or 27 years old,” he said. With Bolt having difficulty regaining his top form, many expect Gatlin to defeat the Jamaican in the 100 metres at the world championships, though the American will not go that far. “I think that I am a serious threat to anybody out there who is trying to get that medal,” he said. “But I think those guys are a threat as well.” He and Bolt have not raced since 2013, and despite the Jamaican’s lack of form this year, Gatlin thinks his rival will be ready come August.

Liverpool sign Brazil forward Firmino for 5-year $45M

The 28-year-old had signed up for the race in a bid to improve his form for August’s World Championships in China.

Bolt drops out of Jamaican trials at short notice USAIN Bolt has withdrawn from the 100m at the Jamaican national trials. The 28-year-old had signed up for the race in a bid to improve his form for August’s World Championships in China, which he qualifies automatically for as defending 100m and 200m champion. His management have not

explained his decision to drop out at short notice. Bolt, the world-record holder at both distances, has had a poor season, running a best time of 10.12 seconds over 100m and 20.13 for 200m. He is an eight-time world champion and has won six Olympic gold medals in his career. (BBC)

LIVERPOOL has signed Brazilian attacking midfielder Roberto Firmino from Bundesliga club Hoffenheim. The 23-year-old joins the Merseyside club on a five-year deal for a transfer fee thought to be in the region of £29 million ($45 million). Firmino is currently playing for Brazil in the Copa America in Chile and will undergo a medical once the tournament has ended. Since joining Hoffenheim from Brazilian side Figuerense in 2010, Firmino has scored 47 goals in 151 league and cup appearances. The German club finished eighth in the Bundesliga -- two points behind Borussia Dortmund -- last term, narrowly missing out on qualifying for next season’s Europa League. Firmino has also netted four goals in nine games for his country, including the winner in Brazil’s 2-1 Copa America victory over Venezuela on Sunday. He becomes Liverpool’s second most expensive signing behind the £35 million ($55 million) they paid Newcastle United for Andy Carroll

Since joining Hoffenheim from Brazilian side Figuerense in 2010, Firmino has scored 47 goals in 151 league and cup appearances.

in January 2011. Firmino is the fifth signing Liverpool has made in this transfer window so far after Danny Ings, James Milner, Joe Gomez and Adam Bogdan. Despite an influx of players all eyes remain on the future of talented midfielder Raheem Sterling.

The Reds are thought to be bracing themselves for a third bid from Manchester City for the 20-year-old who turned down the offer of a new contract at the end of last season. Liverpool reportedly rejected a bid of £40 million ($63 million) from the Sky Blues earlier this month. (CNN)

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Sports Interational

June 27 - July 3, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Salazar denies doping allegations in open letter LEADING coach Alberto Salazar says he “will never permit doping” among his athletes. He has written a 12,000-word open letter denying accusations he violated anti-doping rules. They include claims he was involved in doping US record holder Galen Rupp - training partner of Britain’s Mo Farah - in 2002. The 56-year-old coach added: “I believe in a clean sport and hard work and so do my athletes.” There is no suggestion doubleOlympic champion Farah, who is part of Salazar’s Nike Oregon Project (NOP) training operation in the United States, has broken any rules. The BBC understands Salazar is being investigated by the US AntiDoping Agency, to determine if antidoping rules may have been violated. At least six former Oregon Project members have been approached by investigators in the last month. Documents and medical records have been requested from some of those giving evidence. A key figure heading up the probe is Usada lead investigator, Bill Bock. A BBC Panorama investigation in collaboration with US journalism organisation ProPublica claims that American distance runner Rupp, 29, was given the banned anabolic steroid testosterone in 2002, when he was 16 years old. In his letter, Salazar denies that

Alberto Salazar has written a 12,000-word open letter denying accusations he violated antidoping rules.

Rupp has ever taken a banned substance, and Rupp has also denied the claims. No allegations were made against other NOP athletes in the investigation. Cuba-born American Salazar added in the statement, published on the NOP website, that his athletes had to “fully comply” with the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) code and International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) rules. He continued: “I am saddened that these false allegations have been allowed to run with little care for the carnage in their wake. “I am always extra cautious and

take every step to ensure my athletes comply with the anti-doping rules.” Defending Rupp, who won Olympic 10,000m silver behind Farah in 2012, Salazar said: “Galen suffers from severe allergies and breathing issues. He is medically diagnosed as suffering from both asthma and Hashimotos disease, a thyroid disease. “Galen is one of the hardest working, most honest and genuine athletes I have ever known. Galen has never taken a banned substance in violation of the Wada code.” Salazar, who claims the allegations were based on “nothing but innuendo, hearsay and rumour”, goes on to highlight Rupp’s medical history in detail as well as details of thyroid and asthma medicine use in the NOP. He also provides figures to answer claims about the alleged abuse of therapeutic use exemptions, or TUEs, which permit athletes to use certain substances to treat some conditions. “We currently have nine athletes in the Oregon Project. Since 2011, those athletes have had a grand total of four TUEs,” said Salazar. “From these numbers it is clear that the Oregon Project is not manipulating the TUE process in any way.” The lengthy document also addresses specific claims made by individuals in the investigation.

LeBron James indicated that it’s totally up to Kevin Love (left) if he wants to resign.

LeBron reportedly won’t recruit Love back to Cavaliers KEVIN Love reportedly will opt out of the final year of his deal and teams are lining up to recruit him. But one person who won’t be making a pitch to the versatile big man is his former Cleveland Cavaliers running mate LeBron James, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The Cavaliers traded last year’s No. 1 pick -- Andrew Wiggins -along with former top pick Anthony Bennett in a three-team trade to land Love. But it appeared at times last season that James and Love weren’t on the same page. The Cavaliers made it to the

NBA Finals in large part without Love, who suffered a dislocated shoulder during Cleveland’s firstround matchup against the Boston Celtics. The Cavs could offer Love, who reportedly will pass up on $16.7 million next season, a five-year deal worth more than $100 million. But if Love signs a long-term deal with Cleveland, it could hurt the team’s chances of re-signing power forward Tristan Thompson, who will be a restricted free agent this summer. Thompson showed his defensive prowess in the playoffs, something critics say Love lacks.

Miami Dolphins owner ‘in $8bn F1 bid’ THE Miami Dolphins American football team owner Stephen Ross is working with investors from Qatar to buy a stake in Formula 1 racing, the BBC understands. Mr Ross’s RSE Ventures, backed by Qatar Sports Investments, plan a bid for CVC Capital Partners’ 35.5% controlling stake in the holding company that owns F1. The deal could be worth up to $8bn, and help build F1’s presence in the US. But negotiations are at an early stage, BBC sports editor Dan Roan says. And the group is just one of a number of potential bidders, he adds. No formal bid has been made yet and there is no guarantee that CVC would sell. The move comes as Formula One racing grapples with falling viewing figures, controversial race rules and soaring costs, all of which have led to some teams struggling for sponsorship. RSE was founded by property billionaire Stephen Ross, whose company has been in talks with exEngland footballer David Beckham about bringing a Major League

Five-time Wimbledon singles champion, Serena Williams, will be bidding for her 21st career Grand Slam title.

Djokovic and Williams named top Wimbledon seeds

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton is one of F1’s biggest draws and won the United States Grand Prix in 2007, 2012 and 2014.

Soccer team to Miami. F1 currently only has one race in the United States on its calendar, in Texas. But the sport may have a better chance of building a stronger American presence with the backing of a businessman already established in the US sports industry. CVC, whose interests in F1 are looked after by Bernie Ecclestone, has been F1’s biggest shareholder for about a decade, although in the

last few years it has reduced its stake. In 2012, CVC came close to floating the sport’s holding company on the Singapore stock market. The firm has also held talks with US-based Liberty Media and Discovery Communications about a sale. Qatar Sports Investments, which owns the Paris St-Germain football club, was not available for comment. (BBC)

NOVAK Djokovic and Serena Williams, the respective top players in the world in Men’s and Women’s professional tennis, were installed as the top seeds on Wednesday for next week’s Wimbledon Championships. Williams, a five-time Wimbledon singles champion, is bidding for her 21st career Grand Slam title, an achievement which would place her one behind Steffi Graf for second all-time. Additionally, Williams can keep her bid for a calendar grand slam intact, following her titles at the Australian Open and French Open earlier this year. Graf captured all four Grand Slam singles titles in 1988, marking just the third time in history that a woman accomplished the challenging feat. Williams last captured Wimbledon in 2012. Defending champion Petra Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon

champ, is ranked second, ahead of Simona Haley, Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki. In 2004, Sharapova won her first and only Wimbledon singles title with a victory over Williams in the finals. Sharapova has only advanced past the fourth round at Wimbledon once in the last four years. On the men’s side, defending champion Djokovic is in search of his third career Wimbledon title. Djokovic’s grand slam hopes were ended in a four-set loss to Stan Wawrinka in the French Open final. Wawrinka, a two-time Grand Slam champion, is seeded fourth behind Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray. Kei Nishikori of Japan, Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic, Milos Raonic of Canada, David Ferrer of Spain, Marin Cilic of Croatia and Rafael Nadal round out the top 10.

June 27 - July 3, 2015

Sports National

43

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Summer T20 Cricket League:

Beaches record eight wicket win over Kings FORMER Jamaican youth cricketer Anthony McKnight scored a half century as Beaches made a statement in their opener of the TCICA Summer T20 Cricket League last Saturday at the Downtown Ballpark in Providenciales. Although McKnight shined with the bat, the victory was an all-round effort. After losing the toss Quality Kings were inserted to take first strike, but a solid bowling attack left them short of a winning total. Jeffrey Bascoe scored five fours in his 30, and Ebbon Caesar chipped in with a four-boundary 25, but the team lost wickets constantly and folded for 117 in 19 overs. Engineering their destruction were Danar Lewis, Ancell Williams, Damian Young and McKnight who finished with two wickets a piece. In the middle McKnight was aggressive with six fours and three sixes in his 55. Lewis

Prophecy Church finished with 13 wins in 15 games in the regular season.

Church Co-Ed Softball League:

Anthony McKnight scored 55 runs after taking two wickets.

added an unbeaten 30 (5X4s) as Beaches romped to victory in 12 overs with eight wickets in hand. Bowling for Quality Kings, Damian St.Ange and Jeffery Bascoe took a wicket each.

Prophecy top regular season, but Jericho open with win PROPHECY Church emerged victory in the regular season and headed to the Church Co-Ed Softball League Playoffs as the first seeded team, but defending champions Jericho Baptist opened the post season clash with a win.

The battle between Prophecy who won 13 of their 15 games in the regular season and the defending champion went into overtime on Thursday evening with the latter emerging victory in game one 10-8.

The other playoff clash at the National Stadium saw the second seeded Roman Catholic Church making light work of third place Bethany Baptist 15-0. The series will continue on Monday evening at the same venue.

Ashes 2015: Australia batsmen not as strong in England - Swann

Brian Toomey suffered severe head injuries and died for six seconds in 2013 when his horse fell at Perth.

“Dead” jockey back on track IRISH jockey Brian Toomey says he has “achieved the impossible” as he prepares for his return to competitive horse racing early next month. Toomey, 26, suffered severe head injuries and died for six seconds in 2013 when his horse fell at Perth. Medical experts said his recovery is unprecedented, but he will not be at any greater risk than any other jockey. “They can’t get over it. I never gave up, and they reckon that was a massive help to me,” he told BBC Sport. Toomey had a huge section of his skull removed - and replaced with metal - as his brain swelled in an induced coma. He now speaks

calmly about how close he came to death. “I’m quite positive about the whole thing. Without being overconfident, it’s a real sense of achievement. Doctors told me not many people come out of that. At the hurdle where I fell apparently I was dead for six seconds. The paramedics resuscitated me. Then I was rushed to the hospital with a 3% chance of survival.” For the first year of his recovery Toomey was not even allowed into a racehorse yard. He built up his strength by riding a plastic ‘Equicizer’, a simulator which mimics the movement needed to ride in a race. But now Toomey says that his recovery is complete. (CNN)

THIS summer’s Ashes series could be decided by the performance of Australia’s batting line-up, says former England spinner Graeme Swann. Australia were beaten 3-0 the last time they toured England, but were 5-0 victors at home in the 2013-14 series. Swann, part of BBC Test Match Special’s ball-by-ball commentary team, said: “I don’t think the Australian batting line-up in England is as strong. “Nearly all of their batsmen struggled when we beat them here in 2013.” Swann, who took 255 wickets in 60 Tests, also believes the teams’ fast bowlers will have important roles to play. The 36-year-old said: “England have James Anderson and Stuart Broad, Australia have Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris. “Whichever pair is more prolific will give their team a very good chance.” Johnson and Harris have taken a combined 404 wickets in 93 Tests, while Anderson and Broad have taken 690 in 183. Swann believes England captain Alastair Cook will look to add elements of the one-day team’s

Graeme Swann feels that Australia would have to come with a talented amount of batsmen if they want to beat England.

dynamic approach to the Test side. Cook was not involved as England beat New Zealand 3-2 in a limitedovers series characterised by a newfound adventure from the hosts. “I don’t know how much of the aggressive style of the one-day team will eke into the Test set-up,” said

Swann, a three-time Ashes winner. “But Cook will need to glean whatever he can from that one-day squad and try to get those good points into the Test team. “That’s not teeing off from ball one, but taking on the opposition head-on.” (BBC)

44

Sports National

June 27 - July 3, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sanadia Forbes left her high school, the BWIC, with a bang after finishing as one of Khambrel Caley is hoping to two valedictorians while also copping the add the 110M to his repertoire Sylvie Wigglesworth Leadership Award. of events next season.

Jevoy Knight will head to Jamaica College to continue his education.

Wadly Jean is working on sitting his SAT exam.

Seven CARIFTA athletes graduate high school -Want to continue athletics -Forbes wins BWIC Leadership Award THEIR intended career choices might vary, but their love for athletics remains the same. For the seven TCI CARIFTA athletes who graduated or are graduating high school this month—athletics remain a priority. Leading the charge is heptathlon athlete Sanadia Forbes, who graduated as one of two valedictorians of the British West Indies Collegiate and the first ever recipient of the newly established Sylvie Wigglesworth Leadership Award. The 17-year-old Forbes is one of the most rounded young women in the TCI. Her dominance academically (best in chemistry, history and information technology) was just the tipping point. At CARIFTA she competed in the heptathlon (seven events), while she was also instrumental in leading her school team to the female title in this year’s School Volleyball Championships. Add basketball, football, softball, modelling, cooking, pantomime dance, steel pan playing and girls guide representative to the mix and you have an extremely talented individual. Her school rewarded her by naming her best female athlete. “I intend to study medicine and become an obstetrician/ gynaecologist. I am very grateful and I feel extremely blessed to be selected for this top honour and am thankful that all my hard work has not gone unnoticed,” Forbes told the Weekly News. The young lady added: “I also hope that I am able to encourage and be a role model to others to show that hard work does pay off.

I am also very appreciative of my parents for their constant support and encouragement throughout the years.” Forbes is hoping to get into a college in the US or the UK with the hope of continuing her athletic career. Her heptathlon partner this year, Helcy-Ann Brianna Sauver, who graduated from the Raymond Gardiner High School, is heading to Jamaica to continue her education. “I plan to go to Jamaica to a high school named Holmwood Technical High and start 6th form and do that for two years, my main career goal is to become a computer technician or an info tech teacher.” Sauver said that while at

Holmwood she will take part in track and field. “I know that it will be hard because it’s a new country and a whole new ball game, but I strongly believe in God, so I know he’ll take me through it.” Also Jamaican-bound is speedster and recent Clement Howell High School athlete Jevoy Knight. Knight is heading to Jamaica College in his quest to become a Software architect. The sprinter, who will focus on the 100M, 200M and 400M events, said that he is: “Grateful for the teachers, my parents and other supporters that have helped me along the way to ensure my success in high school.” TCI’s medal winner at this year’s CARIFTA Games in St. Kitts and Nevis Woodens Corvil said he will look to continue in the Octathlon (eight events). “I really want to continue track

Dacliche Clervil might actually focus on his painting career in college, while competing in the sprint events.

and field and that’s something I have glued in my head.” The former Raymond Gardiner High School student Woodens, who won bronze at the regional event is still looking for a college. “I don’t know where I am going for college as yet, I’m just hoping something come through for me. I want to push toward that goal to make my career successful. I’m hoping to study architecture or engineering.” Fourth place finisher in the Octathlon Wadly Jean is working on sitting the SAT exam to get into college in the US after his HJ Robinson stint. As many of the student athletes, he is also hoping to acquire a athletic scholarship, hopefully for engineering. If he gets the opportunity he will focus on the 200M and the 400M in the near future. Khambrel Caley will look to

Woodens Corvil will continue to focus on the Octathlon. At this year’s CARIFTA Games the youngster won a bronze medal in the event.

upgrade from Wesley Methodist to Florida Atlantic or Louisiana State. He also is hoping to get a scholarship. “If I can’t get a scholarship I’ll be here in the Turks and Caicos training and working to save up for college.” The 16-year-old who competed in the 100M and 200M, will continue to train in Providenciales with coach Alvirto Smith. He said that through his coach’s recommendation he will drop the 100M and add the 110M hurdles next season. The other student athlete who graduated this year was HJ’s Dacliche Clervil. Clervil has options. He wants to continue track; but he will also look to study for a career in structural engineering or continue with his dream of becoming an artist. The youngster is quite good in abstract and landscapes; on the track though his focus will still be on the sprints.

Helcy-Ann Brianna Sauver, will attend the Holmwood Technical High in Jamaica later this year.

June 27 - July 3, 2015

Sports National

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

TCI now one of Matsuzaki’s favourite places to swim

Delano Williams dominated in the 4X400M in Russia last weekend.

Williams runs fastest 400M split at European Team Championships TCI born Delano Williams added another personal best when he helped Britain to a silver medal in the 4X400M at the European Cup Team Championships in Cheboksary, Russia last weekend. The 21-year-old split 44.60s, the fastest of his career and incidentally the fastest by any athlete at the finals. “It’s been a great season this far.” When Williams took the baton he increased the lead for Britain,

but his teammates were not as quick, so France pipped them with a win in 3:00.47. Britain, with Rabah Youseff, Williams, Conrad Williams and Ricard Buck, finished in 3:00.54. Although Williams’s main focus has been on the 200M, an event which won him the 2012 World Junior Championships gold medal, he has dominated in the 400M this season. His previous best 4X400M split was 44.8 at Gibson Relays earlier this year.

WORLD renowned distance swimmer Yuko Matsuzaki has fallen in love with TCI’s beautiful water, so much so that she will repeat her historic swim done last year from Sandy Point in North Caicos to Grace Bay. The 52-year-old swimmer, originally from Tokyo, Japan, will kick off the 6th annual TCI “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim next Wednesday with a marathon swim. Last year she became the first swimming on record to achieve the feat, this year she will go farther. Information from race coordinator Ben Stubenberg indicates that Matsuzaki will finish at Alexandra Resort and will swim a full 25km marathon. Matsuzaki, who called the TCI’s water “blue heaven” last year, will share her knowledge on Friday (July 3) with swimmers registered for the TCI “Race for the Conch” EcoSeaSwim. Stubenberg, swim trainer with Caicu Naniki Sports Adventures and the lead planner for the swim, said, “Yuko’s enthusiasm for swimming in the Turks & Caicos is highly contagious and wonderfully welcome! Her promotion of TCI and Grace Bay will certainly bring more long distance swimmers to train and challenge themselves. I have no doubt we’ll soon see swimmers from as far away as Japan to experience our clear, warm turquoise waters.” Yuko will also be here to work with US Olympian Rowdy Gaines in the planned charity swim

Yuko Matsuzaki will swim North Caicos to Grace Bay for the second time in two years.

clinics, including one for Provo teens organised by the TCI Swim Federation and the Red Cross. Gold medal winner Gaines will also be the main speaker at a TCI Swim Federation fundraiser at the Beach House (Deck in back) on Thursday evening. The big event, the “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim is set

for Saturday in front of Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe. At 8:00h the 2.4 mile race will splash off, followed by the 1/2 mile race at 9:45h. The feature one mile race will start at 10:15h, plus a 100 metre children’s swim. The awards ceremony will commence at 19:15h on the beach in front of Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe.

Windsurfing legend Talma to host this year’s Windvibes FORMER Olympian and windsurfing legend Brian ‘de Action Man’ Talma will fly to the Turks and Caicos to host this year’s Windvibes Watersports Tournament. Talma, who has been a competitive windsurfer for over 25 years and is an icon in the windsurfing industry, will be joined by nine-time world title holder Kevin Pritchard of Hawaii for the July 5th event at Long Bay Beach by the Shore Club in Providenciales. Windvibes is a family friendly beach day with music by DJ Dayoh, fresh island food by Blue Haven Marina and beach activities all day. Between races and events, beach goers are welcome to take out Big Blue Unlimited fleet of kayaks and sup boards (that they are providing

for the event) and enjoy a day on the water. Windvibes combines five water sports: kiteboarding, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, windsurfing and swimming with all events done on an amateur level and with an open invite made to the public to join. Kayaking, swimming, and stand up paddling are combined to create the Windvibes Charity Challenge which is a relay race for teams of three, with all proceeds going to a local charity. Presenting sponsor Big Blue Unlimited is also hosting the 1st annual Pull Your Weight tug-ofwar charity event. The organisation has set a goal of raising $10,000 for a local charity. The benefiting charity will be chosen by the winning team

of the Charity Challenge. It’s not too late to enter a team - call 432-4673 to sign up. Windvibes would like to thank the event’s 2015 sponsors: Big Blue Unlimited, Turkberry, Turtle Cove Marina, Visit TCI, Blue Haven Resort, Fortis, Windchaser Villa, Lime, Grace Bay Resorts, Island Escapes, DJ Dayoh, Total Adventures, Grace Bay Car Rentals, Building Materials LTD Do It Center, The Shore Club, Mobe Kitewear, Blue Surf Shop, Island Guide, Waterplay TCI, Power 92.5FM, Driftwood TCI, Windhaven Villa, Casablanca Casino, Flamingo Pharmacy, Tradewinds Radio, Safeguard Security, Ganesvoort, Kite Provo, TCI Coffee Roasters, Ocean Club Resorts, Glogglz, Amanyara, Club Med, TCI Tennis Academy,

Brian ‘de Action Man’ Talma brings energy to every event he attends. (Surf Magazin.de photo)

Salt, Acupuncture TCI, Atlys Jewellery, Provo Golf Club, Provo Sand and Sea Tours, Colorescience Cosmetics, Caicos Dream Tours,

Captain Marvin’s, Froggy’s ATV, Coco Bistro, Graceway Supermarkets, Sotheby’s, Konk Apparel, RBC, and Spa Tropique.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 27 - July 3, 2015

LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos

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June 27 - July 3, 2015

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 27 - July 3, 2015