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Weekly News Volume 28 | No. 38 | September 20 - 26, 2014

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Turks and Caicos

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TOURIST REVENUE

UP BY 23%

– Positive cash flow expected to continue Government revenue from tourist activity increased by a massive 23 percent during the first financial quarter of this year compared to the same period last year.

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Students enjoy reading some of the new books featured in the centre

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Gov’t in talks with investors over Caicos Islands Causeway PAGE  4

Independence is the way to go - Michael Misick PAGE  7

Teens prepare for first annual pageant PAGE  14

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 20 - 26, 2014

TCI company’s assets frozen – FSC thanked for assisting US investigators A COMPANY in the Turks and Caicos Islands is being investigated for allegedly playing a major role in a US-based Ponzi scheme. On Tuesday (September 16) the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that the assets of Abatement Corp Holding Company Limited would be immediately frozen. The US agency’s request for the emergency asset freeze was granted in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida last week. Financial industry regulators from the TCI were thanked for their part in the investigation. A press release from the SEC read: “The SEC appreciates the assistance of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and the Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission (FSC).” FSC managing director Kevin Higgins told the Weekly News that he is pleased that the country is turning a corner. “The TCI moved from a period of being heavily criticised for noncompliance to being currently praised by US authorities for its regulatory work and assistance provided in the fight against financial crime. “To receive this accolade is very significant for the FSC as the United States have very strict regulatory standards.” The SEC alleged that Abatement Corp and its now-deceased principal Joseph Laurer - who commonly used the name Dr Josef V Laurer - falsely promised investors safe, guaranteed returns. All the while the company was offering fraud and Ponzi schemes from November 2004 until Laurer’s death on May 15, 2014. The SEC’s complaint also names

Laurer’s widow Brenda Davis and another Laurer-controlled company International Balanced Fund as relief defendants because they received investor funds. Eric I Bustillo, director of the SEC’s Miami regional office, said: “Unknowing investors were led to believe that Abatement Corp and Laurer were watching out for their financial best interests when, in fact, they were callously stealing their hard-earned money.” The SEC’s complaint alleges that Laurer, through Abatement Corp, raised more than $4.6 million from approximately 50 investors residing primarily in South Florida. Laurer, who was a member of the City of Homestead’s General Employee Pension Board and president of the South Dade chapter of AARP, convinced investors to give him money through false claims that he would put it into Abatement Corp’s purported bond fund that invested in triple-A rated corporate and government bonds. Laurer also told investors that the fund would pay a guaranteed fixed return, with no risk to principal because of insurance from either or both the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation. The SEC alleges that by at least 2007, Laurer was operating a fullyfledged Ponzi scheme and putting virtually no new investor money into securities, instead using investor funds to pay returns to investors, fund investor withdrawals, and pay personal expenses. At the time of Laurer’s death, approximately $900,000 remained in Abatement Corp’s bank account in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and another $82,000 remains in a domestic bank account held by

International Balanced Fund. The SEC further alleges that Laurer used investor funds for the benefit of his wife, including paying premiums with investor funds on a half million dollar life insurance policy she received upon his death. The court order issued on September 12 temporarily freezes the assets of Abatement Corp and International Balanced Fund and sets a hearing for next Monday (September 22). Davis agreed to a temporary freeze of certain assets of hers until November 6, pending a determination of the SEC’s claim against Davis for disgorgement. If the SEC and Davis have not resolved the claims against her or agreed to an extension of the temporary asset freeze by October 22, then the court will hold a hearing on the SEC’s motion against Davis on October 24. The SEC’s complaint charges Abatement Corp. with violating Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5. In addition to seeking an asset freeze, the SEC also seeks an order directing Abatement Corp and the relief defendants to pay disgorgement with prejudgment interest and provide a sworn accounting of all proceeds received and an order directing repatriation of any funds held at any offshore bank or other financial institution not subject to the jurisdiction of the court.

Judge Margaret Ramsay-Hale to be sworn in on Monday as the New Chief Justice

Goldsbrough leaves, Ramsay-Hale to be sworn-in as Chief Justice THE SWEARING-IN ceremony for the new Chief Justice, Margaret Ramsay-Hale will take place on Monday (September 22) in the Myrtle Rigby building on Leeward Highway at 9am. The ceremony takes place shortly after the now former Chief Justice, Edwin Goldsbrough leaves the Turks and Caicos Islands to take up his new appointment as president of the Court of Appeal in the Solomon Islands. Goldsbrough leaves this weekend. Ramsay-Hale ascended to the post of Chief Justice on June 19, but has been clearing her docket in preparation of assuming her new role since that time. She is a first woman to hold this position in the TCI. The appointment came after a

rigorous screening process by the Judicial Services Commission earlier this year. Upon accepting the appointment, offered to her by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Commission, Ramsay-Hale noted that her task going forward entails streamlining the court system of the Islands, building the collegial bench and establishing a good working relation with the Bar in order to improve the administration and effective delivery of justice. “It is not an easy task,” she said at the time. Ramsay-Hale is a Jamaicanborn jurist who has practiced in the Cayman Islands, the TCI and back in her homeland, all in various capacities. (DI)

Gov’t in talks with investors over Caicos Islands Causeway By Rebecca Bird

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

A PROJECT to create a causeway linking all of the Caicos Islands is full steam ahead, according to Premier Rufus Ewing. This week he declared that the Government is in talks with “many potential investors” over the massive project. Touted as a major boost to tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the plan is to create a road that joins several of the Caicos Islands. While North and Middle Caicos already benefit from a land link other roads will be built between Middle and East Caicos, East and South Caicos, and between North Caicos and Providenciales. During a regional conference in the US Virgin Islands this week Ewing said that there is a need for the development of major infrastructure. “The Government is in discussions with many potential investors, who are keen to form public-private partnerships with the Government in facilitating the development of the Caicos Islands Causeway that will link Providenciales all the way down

There is already a causeway linking North to Middle Caicos

to South Caicos. “Not only will this give tourists easy access to the family islands, but is will also allow those persons with homes in the family islands to commute to Providenciales for work and recreational purposes, thereby lessening the over-crowding that we are experiencing today.” The Premier introduced the idea of the Caicos Islands Causeway during an infrastructure summit in Miami last September.

The project will be achieved in phases, he said, with the first being the linking of Providenciales to North Caicos and the second linking East Caicos to Middle Caicos and then East Caicos to South Caicos. He described the benefits of the one land mass as tremendous, ensuring that the economies of all the Caicos Islands have the opportunity to benefit from the development of continued 

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

Tourist revenue increased by 23% in first quarter – Positive cash flow expected to continue By Delana Isles GOVERNMENT revenue from tourist activity increased by a massive 23 percent during the first financial quarter of this year compared to the same period last year. It looks like good news for public finances according to TCIG’s first quarterly budget report for April to June 2014/2015 which was issued last Friday (September 12). Commenting on the performance in a press statement, Minister of Finance Washington Misick said: “We cannot become complacent, as these revenues are subject to external factors, such as weather, although the second quarter should continue this positive trend.” The hotel and restaurant tax between the months of April and June increased significantly, in excess of $3 million, from what it was for the same period last year. Tax collection in this area increased from $11,393,000 in the same period last year to $15,005,000 this year. This sum represents 23 percent of the total revenue collected for the period. Government also recorded a positive net cash flow of $18 million for the quarter. This figure is significantly higher than the projected $4.2 million, and last year’s projection $2.2 million for the same period. The first quarter results are compared to the provisional budget, as the 2014/2015 budget was not passed until July 18. According to the report, recurrent revenue collected for the quarter was $65.6 million, which was 15 percent above the budgeted amount of $57.1 million. For the same period last year, Government collected 25 percent less, or $52.4 million. This significant increase is due to better than expected collections in all of the major revenue streams, the report states. The amount collected from import duties for the quarter was

$14.8 million or 23 percent of total revenue collected. Customs processing fees accounted for $7.2 million, $7.7 million from stamp duty on land transactions and $4.5 million from work permits and residency fees; together these accounted for 30 percent of the recurrent revenues. Other revenues of $16.4 million were $1.4 million above the budgeted amount of $15 million, the report showed. Non-recurrent revenues were $5.7 million for the first quarter, coming in significantly above both budgeted and last year’s receipts. This comprised mainly of an EU grant of $4.1 million received for budgetary support and civil recovery of $1.1 million. However, capital projects continue to suffer. CAPITAL PROJECTS For the quarter, $1.1 million was spent on capital projects, which was funded by capital contributions in the same amount from the Consolidated Fund. This figure was $0.9 million or 43 percent less than the amount spent in the same period last year. The budget statement also showed the TCI Government’s finances achieving an operating surplus of $30.8 million. This figure is $13.8 million or 82 percent over the budgeted amount of $16.9 million and $18.0 million or 141 percent over last year’s surplus of $12.8 million. Governor Peter Beckingham also noted the significant rise in the tourism sector. “This performance clearly shows the importance of the luxury tourism market to the Turks and Caicos, which was bolstered by the harsh winter in North America a few months ago. “I am confident that the Premier’s new tourism strategy will play its part in communicating our unique offer to our markets.” The report shows the Government’s recurrent expenditure

at six percent below budget estimates, totalling $37.8 million for the quarter. This was six percent or $2.5 million below budget estimates while being $1.9 million or five percent above the outturn of $35.8 million for the same period last year.

The quarterly review showed non-recurrent expenditure of $2.7 million, this is 40 percent or $1.8 million below both the budgeted amount and last year’s figure of about $4.5 million. Personnel costs, accounted for 44 percent of recurrent expenditure, this

totalled $16.8 million for the quarter, which was on par with the budget while being $1.4 million or nine percent above last year’s allocation of $15.4 million. The report states that transfers to NHIB and hospital provisional charges together accounted for 31 percent of total recurrent expenditure, while subventions and rental of assets accounted for five percent and three percent of recurrent expenditure, respectively. Other recurrent expenditure of $6.5 million came in at $2.7 million or 29 percent below the budget, due to delays in the start of Special Investigation and Prosecution Trial (SIPT) trials. Non-recurrent expenditure for the review period stood at $2.7 million, this is $1.8 million or 40 percent below what was budgeted and for last year’s outturn. Recurrent payments for InterHealth Canada, the National Health Insurance Board, and debt servicing payments were made during the quarter, as scheduled, the continued 

Governor pleased at constitutional review exercise

GOVERNOR Peter Beckingham is pleased that Turks and Caicos Islanders are being given the opportunity to have a say in the review of the 2011 Constitution Order. In a statement to the press on Wednesday (September 17), Beckingham welcomed the cross party exercise which kick started in Grand Turk on Tuesday. “I am very pleased that Islanders have this opportunity to have their say about the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution Order 2011,” Beckingham said. “I would encourage everyone to attend the public meetings on this very important subject to ensure that they have the opportunity to make their input, and I look forward to receiving the report in due course.” The second and third public

meetings were held in Salt Cay and Providenciales, on Wednesday and Thursday (September 17 and 18), respectively. The committee has also been meeting with private individuals and groups such as churches, civic organisations and others to get their input. Appointments for private meetings can be made with the commission through Tracey Parker; she can be reached on 338-3759, 232-1472 or by emailing tiparker@gov.tc. The committee invites and welcomes written submissions before its deadline of Tuesday, November 30. These can be emailed to tcicrc2014@gov.tc, tcicrc2014@ gmail.com, or hardcopies can be dropped off at the House of Assembly, Grand Turk; the Office

of the Premier, Hilly Ewing Building, Providenciales or the district commissioners’ offices throughout the Islands. The committee is mandated to review the document, hold consultations with the public and make recommendations to the House of Assembly for the Constitutional changes by November 15. These will then be debated and ratified by the assembly. When passed, the report will be forwarded to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). The committee members are chairman Daniel Malcolm, secretary Tracey Parker, Don Hue Gardiner, Akierra Missick, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Sean Astwood, Carlos Simons and Ashwood Forbes.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 20 - 26, 2014

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

No trial by jury FORMER Premier Michael Misick and nine other defendants who are accused of misdeeds in public office are to face trial by judge alone. Last week the Court of Appeal denied the accused’s attempts to challenge Judge Paul Harrison’s decision that they cannot face trial by a jury of their peers. What are your thoughts on the recent decision?

Simple logic

It is virtually impossible to assemble an impartial jury for these cases. The logic is as simple as that. To attempt to proceed with a jury of Turks and Caicos Islanders would undoubtedly bring ridicule and humiliation to our country.

Former wish

In the midst of all this furore everyone seems to forget that it was the defendants’ own lawyers who argued, in front of Sir Robin Auld’s Commission of Inquiry, that their clients could not get a fair trial by jury! Reminds one of the old adage ‘Be careful what you wish for’. It is interesting to read an article by the Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago, in the August 30 issue of the Economist, entitled ‘Twelve Clueless Men’ in which he advocates the elimination of trial by jury throughout the Caribbean. His reasons for this opinion include the slowing down of the courts by the jury process, the “functional illiteracy” of the jury pool, that often renders lay jurors unable to comprehend complex evidence or judges’ rulings on points of law, and the fact that, in small countries with an “active gossip network and a lively media,” it is virtually impossible to find unbiased jurors, or to hide them from “intimidation by violent gangsters”. Does any of this sound at all relevant to our current situation?

No impartial jury

The British will agree to any delay which will position the trials and possible future implications of siting Government ministers just before the 2016 election. As the trials close in, the 10 defendants will be more inclined to sing for a tempered sentence. With 3,000 people working for the civil service and 7,000 voters, all dedicated to one party or the other, where will the impartial jury come from? These are former Government ministers not ordinary people charged with allegations of stealing private funds. Much of the alleged corrupted funds passed into certain voters’ hands in and prior

to the last two elections.

Utmost importance

It is really simple for that matter; they would need a jury of their ‘peers’ not the common man in the TCI’s society. A jury of their peers is what is wrong with the TCI’s sad state of affairs with corruption in Government. For the most part their peers were involved in their malfeasance! A trial of ‘everyday man’ jury will result in a travesty of justice and a laughing stock of the TCI’s thinking abilities. This trial must be a Hague style trial learned men, their peers, should try them. Misick and his hoard allegedly committed high crimes and therefore should be tried by men and woman of higher learning. Not by bush Buckie like myself who will most likely not understand the serious import of some of their dark deeds or likely to let them slide because of party politics or native fervour or misguided patriotism for things native to the TCI against white persons from the motherland. These trials are of utmost importance for the TCI, its relationship with the EU and the prevention of corruption in TCI life in the distance future.

Swift justice

Everyone knows the judge is correct. It is impossible to empanel a jury of seven or 12 who would be impartial. This country is sharply divided down party lines. If a jury was chosen it is more than likely to convict rather than acquit all the defendants because of the mayhem they and their relatives now in the Government have caused and continue to cause. The defendants believe a jury will include at least one supporter ending each case in a hung jury. More delays in a second appeal keep the defendants free longer. Swift justice is better justice. This has gone on too long.

Hands tied

Let us face the facts; the Brits were stunned when this Government was elected which includes cronies, a brother and nieces,

nephews and cousins of the defendants. How then could a fair jury be selected from the voter pool? Many believe SIPT has the goods on some of the present ministers which has tied their hands. When court begins it will shake the Caribbean more than any earthquake or hurricane.

Suffer consequences

I would say that it is unconstitutional, however I would be wrong. When certain members of the public came out and protested and tried to get people to sign petitions to fight for our 2006 constitution, people failed to act. Now we suffer the consequences if we want to cry out. It’s too late and it’s legal.

More thought needed

It seems that the reason that the British suggested trials without jury was not to get justice but to secure convictions. However, during the public hearings of the 2008 to 2009 Commission of Inquiry, one of the lawyers submitted to Sir Robin Auld as chairman of the commission, in what appeared to be at that time a sincere submission, that none of the former ministers would be able to a fair trial in the Islands. It seemed also in his report that Sir Robin used that “erstwhile sincere submission” as his fiat to recommend trials without jury as obtained in places like Northern Ireland. Yet while it may be possible to argue to owing to the influence of former ministers, their unrestricted access to the treasury, the ability to offer “unlimited access to largesse,” scholarships, lands moneys, gifts and bribes, that no TCI jury would ever see the evidence but just let them go, are these the real conditions to remove the right to trial by jury?

Kangaroo court

Lawyers for the TCI accused must also note that trial without jury is not intended for any former developer, or for any British official. If the truth be told we are sure there is sufficient evidence to prove that British officials, lords, controllers, governments within governments from London should also be standing trial. Yet we see a decided racist trend on the part of the British to go after the black boys while their white boys go free and are allowed to buy their way out. Even though we can argue that our former ministers placed themselves in this mess by greed and playing in waters they were blind to, we see the British agenda here as naked, evil and racist. The Court of Appeal also handed down their ruling, left the islands leaving no room for a hearing to seek leave to appeal. Who is running the show here? Is this an exercise in justice or simply to secure convictions, maintain a kangaroo court and let the big boys go free?

Suspect moves

It is somewhat suspect that judge Harrison, whose integrity we have no reason to suspect, has not been given security of tenure in the circumstances that he has been placed in by the Governor who appointed him and the TCI’s justice system. While we cannot place aspersions to the feet of Justice Harrison we can question his mode and method of appointment. Anything appointed or done by former British Governor Ric Todd must be questioned. Now that this judge in most cases will be judge and jury, aged 70 plus, obliged to sift through hundreds of thousands of papers and evidence we must question things. Judge Harrison is not on trial but how we got here should be. Most glaring is the deliberate omission to grant him security of tenure even though he is to sit in the Supreme Court, judge cases of high public importance with far reaching constitutional implications. In this way, it has been settled by the Privy Council that high court judges are given security of tenure so that the Governor, the government, the moneyed persons could not threaten nor influence them.

Bring it on

Bring on the jury! The registered voters are the jury pool. The defendants’ relatives by blood or marriage cannot serve. Neither can a friend or voter who admits under oath they are supporting members of their party. This leaves only relatives and friends of the opposition. The defendants are living high while the public has to spend millions to defend and prosecute them for allegedly stealing, misappropriating and mismanaging millions from the people. The inquiry revealed little of the massive amount of evidence. Bring on the jury!

Speed it up

A trial with jury would be a joke on such a small island. If jury members picked up are mostly PNP, the decision will be in favour of Michael Misick and friends. If the raffle picked up mostly PDM members, the accused team will complain for unfairness and the trial will be delayed for another year or more. This guys are just trying to delay and delay again the process which is totally unpatriotic. As long as the prosecution team is here, the bigger the bill for taxpayers. Let’s speed up the process and save time and money for our justice system.

 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

September 20 - 26, 2014

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Michael Misick suggests that the committee should start with a blank sheet

The constitutional reform committee asks for public input

Independence is the way to go - Michael Misick By Delana Isles DESPITE a sparse crowd at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Centre on Thursday night (September 18), the constitutional review consultation started with a

bang; with a call for a referendum. The request was made by none other than the former Premier Michael Misick, who has long been in favour of independence for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Misick told attendees and the

Tourist revenue increased ... continued from 

report noted. “The cash flow forecast for ensuing months indicates that cash flow should remain positive and there should not be a need to draw on the credit facility,” it added. Meanwhile, as of June 30 the TCI Government’s outstanding debt stood at $205.2 million, and total recorded debt repayments for the year to date is $2.3 million. All loan principal and interest payments are up to date as of June 30, 2014, the report stated. The Sinking Fund balance as at end March 2014 stood at $62.2 million. Net public debt outstanding at the end of June 2014 is approximately $143 million, when the Sinking Fund is taken into consideration. The report also lists the $9 million withdrawal from the fund, made in July 2014,

which was used to repay a $9 million term loan facility with ScotiaBank. That sum was due for repayment in February 2016. As such, the status of the sinking fund is $53.2 million. The National Forfeiture Fund had a balance of $2 million at the end of June 2014, and no funds were collected through the SIPT recovery process for the first quarter of the budgetary year, the report noted. In his summary of the financial outlook of the country, Accountant General Arnold Ainsley noted that the first quarter performance depicts a promising start as a whole. He warned: “We anticipate that the summer months may present some revenues challenges but a major effort will be made to further improve compliance in revenue collection while at the same time providing value for money, more efficient and effective public services.”

Gov’t in talks with ... continued from 

East Caicos following the build of the deep water port. The cost of imported goods would decrease, the cruise ship passengers arriving in East Caicos would have access to the delights of Providenciales and the high number of tourists arriving at the Providenciales International Airport could experience the flavours of the other islands. Ewing said that the access to all of the islands would also aid in the diversification of the country’s tourism product towards ecotourism, with guests having the ability to enjoy the marsh lands and the Lucayan caves of East Caicos and the caves of Middle Caicos,

as well as the cultural and historic attractions of South Caicos. He described other benefits as the immediate creation of and accessibility to jobs, less need for the duplication of Government supported services and the possibility to develop a trucking industry that would transport food and cargo between the islands. In August Minister of Finance Washington Misick announced that a new deep water port is set to be built in East Caicos allowing a second point of access for cruise ships in the TCI. Cash from a multi-million dollar European Union fund for development will go towards construction of the facility - details of which have yet to be finalised.

committee that a review of the 2011 document is two years too late. He said that this is one the first things that should have been done on the return to elected Government. He questioned the purpose of going through the document line by line when the whole constitution is useless and does not make sense. Misick suggested that the committee should start with a blank sheet. Calling for a referendum, the former Premier said that it is the only thing that would solve the issues. “Any major changes should be done by referendum,” he pointedly stated. Misick said the public needs to exercise its democratic right about independence and this is the only way to deal with the “ridiculous” constitution. He said that people need to be confident that the review is not an exercise in futility. Following his remarks, chairman of the committee Daniel Malcolm said that they will take his

suggestions on board. However Leader of the Opposition Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said the constitution is not about a referendum. She went on to reiterate her party’s position that the 2006 document is a more progressive one. But her statements had Misick on his feet again to “respectfully” disagree with her. He questioned if the committee’s position is that the country should go back to the 2006 constitution. He added that every constitutional point goes to a referendum. Another speaker wanted to know if the people’s views regarding the need for a Chief Financial Officer or any other issues raised would really be taken seriously. As the session continued the crowd swelled. As it relates to the two previous public meetings, the chairman told the Weekly News that he was pleased with the turnout in Salt Cay, but not so much in Grand Turk. “The response was good, fantastic

Under the tree

in both islands. In Salt Cay there was standing room only.” The overriding issues, Malcolm noted, dealt with the fundamental rights and freedom of the individual, the jury system, gay rights, marriage and the provision of education. Attendees are being presented with a document which is comprised of the 2006 and the 2011 Constitutions. It has been long held by both parties - PNP and PDM - that the 2006 Constitution is a more workable document, unlike the 2011 document. The committee members are examining these two documents, drawing comparisons and informing the attendees of the areas that are problematic. Their intention is to go through all ten of the sections of the 2011 document and solicit views. At the beginning of the Providenciales public meeting, Malcolm reiterated that it is about the public and not the committee.

By Benneth Williams

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 20 - 26, 2014

Greening the Economy project launched in TCI A UK-funded project looking at the ways in which the Turks and Caicos Islands can grow its economy while staying true to the natural environment is currently underway in the Islands. The six-month long project, called ‘TCI Greening the Economy’ is being conducted by Dialogue Matters, a UK-based enterprise. They have received funds and support to carry out the study from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as well as the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). Kathleen Wood, former Director for the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA), is the local liaison and facilitator to the group conducting the survey. She made it clear to the Weekly News on Thursday (September 18), that although the UK is funding the project, the coordinators intend for it to be stakeholder driven. “There is no mandate or anything coming down with this project, it’s all about getting feedback from the

people who live here. “What issues are important to them and how we are going to address the issues,” she stated. The focus, according to Wood, is only on getting feedback from a broad range of people in the public and working together to come up solutions. “What we are trying to do now, up until October is get as much feedback as we can from the general public as we possibly can through a survey,” she added. At the end of the process, the group will be putting together a final report that will be submitted to the JNCC, the TCI Government, stakeholders, everyone who took part in the process and the public. These views, Wood said, will shape discussions at a stakeholder meeting being held in November. She gave the assurance that the project’s intent is not to impose anything on the people of the TCI. She said it is merely an exercise to find out what people’s issues are as it relates to the environment or the

economy. The project is premised on the idea that without care, the beauty and nature that supports life in the TCI, draws tourists and attracts business, is at risk. In a press statement issued this past week, the group stated that the aim of the project is to ensure that people, business, and nature, thrive over the long term. “We want to hear the views of the TCI community to help organisations and Government develop their thinking about how best to integrate the environment into strategic decisions. “This is your opportunity to highlight what matters to you and what you think are the priorities for looking after the TCI environment,” the release read. There is an online survey currently underway where persons can easily express their views. To take part, log on to https://www. surveymonkey.com/s/JHNQ5BG and complete the questionnaire. The survey is open until midnight

Water sports operators protest 12% tax By Rebecca Bird FORTY-two water sports operators have joined forces to protest about the 12 percent tax that will soon be added to their services. In an open letter to the country’s leading politicians, the group say the hotel and tourism tax will result in the loss of business for everyone in the industry. “This will not only hurt the owners/operators but will affect all the staff that are employed to work with the water sports companies,” the letter read. Paola Deane of Silver Deep Charters and Boutique hand delivered the note to the offices of Premier Rufus Ewing and Governor Peter Beckingham on Monday (September 15) on behalf of the signatories. It was also addressed to Minister of Finance Washington Misick, Opposition Leader Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, shadow Minister of Tourism Sean Astwood and Director of the Tourist Board Ralph Higgs. Deane explained that the listed water sports operators employ about 300 people, mostly Belongers, in Providenciales, Grand Turk and Salt Cay. Among the sectors that they represent are excursions, fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing and more. “The signatories are looking forward to a follow up with the

Among the sectors that they represent are excursions, fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing and more.

addressees that they hereby thank for their interest in the matter,” Deane wrote in an email accompanying the letter which was later sent to press. The hotel and tourism tax is set to be collected from November 1. Businesses that supply tourism services have been reminded to register with the Revenue Department. The letter insists that the fee is of “great concern” to an industry that already has “very high operating costs and very little profit margin”. It goes on to stress that the tax was not discussed with stakeholders who were not given an opportunity to express their concerns. “We run and operate on a daily basis, some of us for a number of years, and we know the industry better than anyone, yet no-one asked us how this tax would affect our livelihood.” The letter listed 11 taxes and fees that water sports operators already

have to pay, including fuel tax, licence fees and boat inspections. Dave Douglas, operator of Sun Charters and letter signatory, told the Weekly News: “Unfortunately this ship appears to have sailed without any meaningful consultation with the water sports industry.” He stressed that his concern is that the new 12 percent tax will erode gratuities now paid to local captains and crews. “Will our patrons be as generous after TCIG has dug into their pockets yet again?” He continued: “I believe that most water sports operators are willing to pay their fair share, but with fuel taxes, park licences and duties on equipment being significant already, it seems as though TCIG did not fully appreciate the damage that could result to an industry that represents hundreds of high-paying TI jobs.” The changes to the tax were made possible with the passage of the Hotel and Tourism (Taxation) Ordinance, which was passed in the House of Assembly in May of this year. A tourism service provider whose annual turnover does not exceed $50,000 or $4,000 in three consecutive months may apply to be exempt from the tax. The rate of tax to be charged by a designated tourism service provider is 12 percent of the charge paid or payable for that service. The changes to the ordinance also require all tourism providers to keep up to date accounting records.

on Sunday October 12. Additionally, the group is also open for drop-ins at their Providenciales and Grand Turk offices. The Providenciales office is located at the National Environment Centre on the Lower Bight Road. It will be open to the public on October 8 between the hours of 12.30pm and 6.30pm. In Grand Turk, they can be found at Dillon Hall, Saint Mary’s Anglican Church, at the same time on October 10. During the drop-in meetings, people can answer questions such

as - imagine it is 2035 and you are travelling around the Turks and Caicos delighted with what you see. What do you see? Others include: What and where do you value now? How do you depend on the natural environment for your wellbeing? What do you think is changing? What do you think is working well to look after the environment and for it to be factored into strategic decisions? And what else do you think needs to happen to keep the environment healthy for the long-term? (DELANA ISLES)

Premier talks aviation tax at regional conference THE SAFETY of aircraft, cost of operations, cost of fuel and the impact of government imposed taxes were all hot topics of discussion during a regional tourism convention this week. Premier Rufus Ewing jetted off to the US Virgin Islands last weekend to take part in the Caribbean Tourism Organisation State of the Industry Conference. The second day of the conference focused on Caribbean aviation and was led by Peter Cerda, regional vice president of International Air Transport Association (IATA). Cerda spoke of the success of commercial airlift to the Caribbean and said there is demand for increased capacity, but stressed that several factors make it expensive for airline operations. Governments need to make a commitment to improve infrastructure, remove the barriers to interregional connectivity and to review excessive taxation levies to ensure the sustainability of airline operations in the future, he said. The Premier made several interventions during this meeting, especially on the subject of aviation being the engine of economic growth and social development. He explained that regional governments use air transport taxes to support airport developments. However he added that a reduction in air transport taxes would increase passenger arrivals and boost job creation and revenue. These real issues, the Premier said, present challenges to

governments who in principle support air transport tax reduction to remain competitive. Cerda also spoke on the topic of One Stop Security (OSS), which proposes that the regional states operate as one Caribbean territory. This would allow passengers to be screened to a global standard at the originating airport and connect without being rescreened. Ewing addressed the topic and said that there are indeed benefits to OSS, as the removal of restrictions for intraregional travel would allow for passenger transit throughout the region and enhance the travel experience. It would also reduce the cost of interregional travel so that the Caribbean could complete globally. But he went on to say that there are very real concerns that must not be taken for granted. He raised the matter of the cost of technological infrastructure and training for the maintenance of border control and security. These advancements, the Premier said, while enhancing security controls and creating better passenger travel experiences are cost-prohibitive, especially for the governments facing the economic challenges of small island developing states. The second Caribbean Aviation Day (first being held in Barbados in 2007) ended with stakeholders’ committing to improving collaboration between airports, airlines and governments. They also agreed to explore ways that the industry can assist governments in reducing dependency on air transport taxes.

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

‘We must diversify our product’ - Premier IT IS important that islands other than Providenciales are open and accessible to tourists, Premier Rufus Ewing urged this week. “It is past time that we diversify our product to ensure that our visitors also get to experience the unique flavours of our other islands,” he said. The Premier’s declaration came before a visit to a regional conference on tourism in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands - and just weeks after Minister of Finance Washington Misick announced that funding has been allocated for a new deep water port in East Caicos. “Tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands has continued to be the bread-basket of our economy and has taken our brand as a high end luxury destination to the farthest reaches of the world, and this is excellent, especially for the main economic centre of Providenciales,” he said. “However, our beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands have many different sites and sounds and smells and tastes.” He declared that diversification is the key. “Achieving this would give the small businesses of those islands the regeneration of income, create jobs and community sustainability.” Ewing, who is also Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, left the country last weekend to join other Caribbean Government officials at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) State of the Industry Conference 2014. The week-long annual event is the industry’s largest and welcomes tourism specialists and academics, ministers and policy makers. They come together with key stakeholders, tourism professionals and strategic planners from both the public and private sectors to discuss the future of the tourism industry. The much anticipated event, this year held under the theme ‘Realising the vision: Positioning Caribbean

tourism for major change,’ features speakers of international and regional acclaim. They spoke on a wide range of topics, best practices and formidable strategies that will be critical to growth of Caribbean economies. Among the topics discussed this year is the diversification of the tourism product to secure yearround business and private-public partnerships. “In discussions this week, it is my aim to garner the key elements for inclusion in policy formation and the National Tourism Strategy that will support and encourage this emerging trend,” Ewing said. “While we may not have been the triggers necessarily, we must ensure that we do our best to encourage, maintain and sustain this new strand of tourists, which in time will promote and sustain the growth of our small businesses and tourism industry year-round.” The Premier is accompanied by Ronlee James, the head of secretariat to the Office of the Premier, and Kingsley Been, chairman of the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board. Ewing is expected to return over the coming weekend, and during his absence Akierra Missick, Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services, has had responsibility for the leader’s portfolio.

Romano ‘Justice’ Howell stands trial for murder MURDER accused Romano ‘Justice’ Howell faced judge Joan Joyner and an 11 member jury at Providenciales Supreme Court this week. Howell is alleged to have killed Dominican resident Damaris Martinez last year, leaving her remains in a wooden box on the side of the road in Blue Hills. Martinez went missing on June 10, 2013, and was last seen at an establishment in the Grace Bay area, at about 10pm that night. A week later on June 16, a jogger stumbled upon her remains, concealed in a box, after investigating a foul odour

emanating from bushes along the highway. The trial began on Monday (September 15) and so far two witnesses have faced questioning. On Monday and Tuesday Detective Sergeant David Wilson spoke of Howell’s arrest, interviews with police and subsequent questioning. On Wednesday and Thursday Sergeant Randy Ellis presented evidence to the court including crime scene photographs, physical evidence and DNA reports. Ashwood Forbes of Forbes Co is defending Howell in the case. The matter is expected to continue into next week.

More delays ahead for corruption trial By Delana Isles

Premier Rufus Ewing

NEWS

LAWYER for Michael Misick, Courtenay Griffiths, is even less confident that the trial of his client and nine corruption accused will start on December 1. Griffiths’ scepticism was expressed after the Court of the Appeal’s decision last Thursday (September 11) to dismiss the defendants’ appeal of the Judge Paul Harrison’s decision to deny them a jury trial. In a telephone interview from the UK, Griffiths told the Weekly News that he is surprised the justices have already delivered their decision. Echoing statements made to this publication by Misick last week, the lawyer said the decision will be appealed to the Privy Council on the grounds of the impartiality of the judicial tribunal. This issue formed part of the appeal recently heard; it was also dismissed. Lawyers for the defendants all submitted to the appeal court that the appointment of Harrison was contrary to section six of the TCI’s Constitution. They however cannot appeal the trial without a jury decision, as set out in the Trial Without a Jury Ordinance which states that the appellate courts’ determination is final. Griffiths said that they were hoping to make an application to the UK’s Privy Council sometime in the new week. “But we are somewhat hampered by the fact that the judges haven’t given their reasons…because normally one would expect that we

would have the reasons for their decision which we require to launch an appeal.” The defendants have to apply to the Court of Appeal for leave to petition the Privy Council, and the three justices have to decide whether the issue raised justifies an appeal at that level. However, as stated at the close of session last week Thursday, the next time the Court of Appeal is meeting in the Turks and Caicos is in January 2015. No indication has so far been given as to whether they will be meeting earlier than that date to facilitate the SIPT’s date for trial in December. As such, Griffiths is sceptical of the December 1 trial date. He said what further delays things, is that the Privy Council operates under a strict timetable and the earlier the appeal is put in, the better. However, he added that they would have to file the application on provisional grounds in anticipation of the judges’ providing their reasons in due course. Asked when this is likely to be heard in the Privy Council, Griffiths noted that this is difficult to say, while pointing out that the prosecution is still anxious for the whole process to be expedited. He questioned whether the Privy Council would hear the appeal any time in the near future. “It is difficult to see how we can begin a trial when such an important issue is still pending,” the lawyer stated. The next date the defendants have

to appear in court is October 21. On that day, the court is expected to hear pre-trial submissions and a specialty argument being put forward by Misick’s attorney. These matters are set to be heard by Judge Harrison. “Judge Harrison is not an independent tribunal; how could we go back in front of him when that issue of impartiality is still pending,” Griffiths remarked. THE HURRY-UP DECISION Just after the appeal was denied last week, the former Premier told this publication that he is amazed that the three justices could have delivered such a speedy judgement, given the lengthy and very in-depth submissions put forward by all of the attorneys. “What was shocking is that the judges said as late as Friday (September 12) that they were not sure that they would be able to give a decision until sometime in October. “And then two days later, having been working every day at the Court of Appeal they gave us 30 minutes to come together to hear the verdict. “It is quite frankly shocking,” Misick remarked. He said they are clearly disappointed by the outcome. He added that he and his coaccused still feel that the best and only way to secure a fair trial is with a jury of their peers. “I am not going to question how they arrived at their decision. “I have my own lack of faith in the judicial system in the Turks and Caicos but it is up to them and their conscience,” he added.

Public warning after three thefts THREE thefts took place in Providenciales last weekend prompting the police to issue a warning to the public to stay safe and aware. The incidents all involved crimes of opportunity, according to police press office Audley Astwood. The first reported incident occurred in Grace Bay area on Friday (September 12) at 10pm. A 33-year-old man and a 31-yearold woman were approached by an unknown man who demanded all of their money. The thug took cash from the victims and fled. He was described as a black male around five feet ten inches, large build with dreadlocks and wearing all black with nothing covering his face or eyes. The second reported incident occurred on Sunday at 2.57am outside a home along Norway Road in Kew Town. The thief, a dark male dressed in all black, placed what appeared to be a firearm to the victim’s head and

demanded he go inside the victim’s home. He then took a cell phone and some documents before fleeing. The third incident took place at a business located along Airport Road on Monday at 1.58am. Two men brandishing what appeared to be firearms entered the rear door of the business place and demanded valuables. They took a Samsung Galaxy phone from a 21-year-old man and a white handbag containing documents and a sum of cash from a 46-year-old woman. Both suspects then fled the scene. No one was injured. One of the men was dressed in all black clothing, the other was dressed in black and red clothing. One was also described as being short in height and the other as tall and slim. Anyone with information on these incidents can call Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crimestoppers online reporting page www.

crimestoppers.tc. Information will be treated in the strictest of confidence. All calls are answered by Miami Dade Police and no one from the RTCIPF will know who called. Police offer several suggestions for victims of robberies:

- If someone tries to rob you, do not resist. Give up your property - not your life. - Call 911 immediately following the incident. - Do not talk to anyone about the incident until law enforcement arrives. - Do not discuss the amount of money or items taken with anyone other than law enforcement. - Try to recall as much as you can about the suspect’s appearance to include estimated age, race, height, weight, hair, complexion, scars, marks, tattoos, clothing. - If a vehicle is involved, try to note make, model, colour, plate number and any other distinguishing marks.

10 NEWS

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

No more animal cruelty Community College representatives host a meeting at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Centre**

Community College stakeholders discuss strategic plans BY DAISY HANDFIELD MEMBERS of the Turks and Caicos Community College held a public meeting this week to discuss their plans for the facility. About 30 people attended the event at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Centre in Providenciales on Tuesday (September 16) which was headed by a panel of five college representatives including Claudette Munroe Clare, chair of the TCI Community College Foundation Board. Among the topics discussed were the activities that will be held to celebrate the college’s 20th anniversary and the creation of a strategic plan to carry out over the next decade. “We have had 20 years and we have seen what went wrong and now we are coming to the stakeholders to give us their perspectives,” Munroe Clare told press following the meeting.

“Where do they want their only tertiary level education to go? And in terms of partnerships, we need to listen to the voice of our partners, the voice of our students, and so on.” Munroe Clare noted that one of the former problems that stood out the most was the marketing and the branding of the school. The first step that was taken to rectify this issue was the placement of a school sign at the entry of the Providenciales branch. “We have already started from a board’s perspective because when I came to the board I realised that there was no signage; there was nothing pointing you to where the Community College was located. “That is something that the board has done to put a mark so that people can know that there is a Community College on this island.” The chair emphasised the lack of support that they felt from the Ministry of Education and added that

she was reaching out for them to be more involved in the activities of the college. “I want the Education Department to know that this whole process of educating a man is holistic and all partners must be on board. “By extension it indeed takes a village to raise a child.” She said that the theory must marry the practice. “I expect a closer working relationship. I think I expect to see a human face to discussions. “It must not only be clinical, you know, after having met with education officials you must feel an ownership and that people care.” Going forward the board plans to look to see growth in the college’s population with the support of the community. “Yes money is important, but it is not all about money and fundraising. “It’s about showing that you care, approaching and seeing in what ways you can help.”

Dear Editor, Although I have written previously on this subject, I feel that I am forced to echo about our current situation with the feral dogs throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. I would have thought given the sad reality that these animals are multiplying and occupying popular tourist areas and residential areas and have attacked persons would have jolted a much needed response from the Government in getting this situation under control. Residents would have recalled when the TCSPCA effectively carried out trappings and humane euthanasia along with spay and neuter programmes years ago, the situation was effectively managed. When the Government decided not to renew the contract with the TCSPCA in 2001 and undertake the task on their own, the situation deteriorated very quickly to the nightmare we now see before us. Visitors and residents alike are threatened and intimidated by the number of dogs hanging around and commenting on how large the potcakes are or how aggressive they’ve become. It’s a sad state of affairs when people are afraid to take a stroll down the street for fear of being

attacked. This situation can no longer be ignored. Trip Advisor is flooded with stories about animal cruelty in the TCI. A place where we once boasted in a “beautiful by nature, clean by choice” and “eco-friendly” country, to a country whose streets are littered daily with the carcasses of dead animals. I passed three dead dogs on the highway on my commute to work this morning from Long Bay and I was truly sadden and disgusted by the sight and smell of rotting and mangled flesh on the streets of our beautiful country. Let’s face it, we may never completely eradicate the feral dog problem, but we have to aggressively manage this situation as a matter of urgency before we pay with it in human tragedy. It’s bad enough our vector programme has all but been cancelled at a time when malaria, dengue, chikungunya are rampant in the region and that rodents are running wild. It appears as if the country is flying on co-pilot at the moment with no management at all. This situation really bites! Euwonka Selver Long Bay, Providenciales

COMMENTARY

Delicious peas and rice

IN MY well informed opinion, my wife Yvette cooks the best peas and rice anyone can serve a hungry man. I realise others may claim the same fame but they usually fall short of Yvette’s standard. Before her untimely death Dottis Arthur was one of the few to meet that standard. A few years ago I was hand carrying a pot full of Yvette’s recipe on a flight to Ohio. My adult children love Yvette’s peas and rice. “What’s that?” the airport security officer asked with a distinctly Jamaican accent. “Peas and rice,” I replied. The Jamaican insisted the dish was not peas and rice but “rice and peas”. Well it’s still peas and rice to me!

Cooking of all types is now on USA television stations and obesity is the subject of much government preaching in the USA. Before cooking became big on US television it was new home prices and upgrades that filled the airwaves. After the US government caused the house mortgage bubble, priorities turned to food. I remember when cars, American made cars, were a main broadcast topic. Now it’s Japanese Toyota, Honda, Nissan, etc. Free trade and government interference injured the American auto industry. Government and the taxpayers had to bail out American housing and buy General Motors (GM). GM was once the largest employer in the USA. Now it has a huge recall going on.

TCI’s ‘Bigger, better’ Government is the country’s largest employer despite all the developments. Government spends millions on healthcare for only a few - but no money for education. Never mind past scholarships which for privileged students were on a paid USA vacation. Today we can’t get the straight scoop on why top achiever students don’t qualify for higher education. We are now taxed to death and as every economist knows, taxes, corruption and regulation kill development. This Government, this same spend and tax Government, now complains because the tax and spend British are holding their reins tight. Some ministers sit back and enjoy their fat salaries while the financial minister is active trying to tax rocks

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

to pay down his party’s huge debts. Lobster and conch are now rarely available and maybe some will go back to roast flamingo! The Indians ate dogs and the lizards are looking better every day. I have suggested fried mosquitoes with hot pepper. Here in Middle Caicos those needing employment to feed themselves have left - nearly

everyone. Yvette still likes to fish and potatoes grow in the sandy ground. My neighbours do not need to be insulted with instructions on how to grow food. The other good Middle Caicos news is the empty beach, no traffic, absent Government and Yvette’s peas and rice is still delicious!

September 20 - 26, 2014

NEWS 11

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Guest chefs and winemakers for food and wine fest revealed THE COUNTRY will soon again make its mark on the culinary map, showcasing epicurean excellence in its weekend-long food festival that brings together prominent local and international chefs, and renowned winemakers. In a press conference at Blue Haven’s Fire and Ice Restaurant, organisers of the Caribbean Food and Wine Festival (CFWF) announced the dates for the 4th annual festival as November 6 to 8, along with the participating all-star chefs and winemakers and the line-up of events. International chefs set to grace our shores this year include renowned David Lefevre and Leah Cohen from New York and Austria’s Hans Peter Haider who specialises in traditional Austrian cuisine. This year’s festival will see wines from vintners including Benzinger Family Winery which focuses on biodynamic, organic production, Cuvaison Estate, Salzl Seewinkelhof and Duck Pond Cellars. A master mixologist from Las Vegas will also add his twist to the festival. The line-up of events follow a similar pattern from last year’s. Newcomer restaurant Fire and Ice at Blue Haven will host the opening

dinner along with guest chef David Lefevre on November 6. On the following day, the Women of Wine Luncheon is scheduled to take place at the Beach House, while the popular Gourmet Safari is set for that evening. The culinary adventure will take guests on a five-course journey to different award-winning restaurants in Grace Bay; from the Grace Bay Club, Coyaba, Seven at Seven Stars, The Regent Palms, then to Stelle at the Gansevoort. On the final day the increasingly popular food and wine paring event will be hosted at the West Bay Club. The family friendly island street food fair involving a lot more local restaurants and an exciting cook-off competition will be held across from Jai’s in Grace Bay that afternoon. Festivities close on the evening of November 8 with Dinner Under/ With the Stars at the Grace Bay Club. Partners and organisers are very excited for this year’s event, anxious to welcome more new talent to team up with some of the island’s best chefs to create a dynamic food festival focused on great food, wines and flavours of the Islands. They are also proud of how the festival has grown; from just the

Organisers and partners share details of the upcoming Caribbean Food and Wine Festival

Gourmet Safari to now a variety of different and unique events. The very international mix of chefs and winemakers plus the broad spectrum of wines and food that will showcase at the upcoming festival is flaunted as a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close and involved with the culinary gurus. Ajay Vyas, executive assistant manager of food and beverage at the Grace Bay Club, pointed out that each year is a unique but classic mix of talent from across the world and Providenciales. Co-chairman of festival Anthony Garland said that they have been receiving a multitude of interest

Students and teachers at ECPS celebrate the launching of a wellness centre

about participation in the festival but they want to master what they are doing and keep the event boutique. However, plans of expansion are being considered. Garland said that one of the things that makes this event different from counterparts in the region is the intimacy and interaction it allows and they do not want it to lose that uniqueness. Apart from putting the TCI on the culinary map in New York and gaining recognition in major food magazines, the hotels involved generate significant press impact each year. Also, the not-for-profit event

which sponsors the Islands’ ‘Lil Chefs’ mentor programme in supporting and involving young chefs in the festival has seen benefits from networking. In the past year they were invited on a culinary event in Denver where they had the opportunity to sharpen their skills. The team reported that ticket sales have been doing phenomenally well and encourages those who wish to attend to get their tickets early. For more details on events and ticket pricing, visit the CFWF website at http:// caribbeanfoodandwinefestivaltci. com/ (KH)

Staff at the school now have the facilities to respond to medical emergencies immediately

Charity spends $3,000 on wellness centre for primary school BY DAISY HANDFIELD STUDENTS and teachers at Enid Capron Primary School (ECPS) recently celebrated the opening of a sick bay and wellness centre on their school grounds. In case of any medical emergencies, staff will now be able to deal with the problem immediately due to the incorporation of this $3,000 project, courtesy of the Sandals Foundation. During a press conference at the school on Wednesday (September 17) Sophia Garland, acting principal of the school, said that they felt

blessed to know that the corporate citizens at the Sandals Foundation really considered their children’s welfare and health. “We are happy that we now have this room to accommodate our children who may not be feeling well, until the parents are able to come and collect them from us,” she said. “We’ll utilise our guidance counsellor as much as possible in assisting the teachers with that room so they wouldn’t be sent there by themselves, there will always be someone in that room to accompany them.” Garland said that prior to the

instalment of the centre, the school only had people on the compound that assisted the class teachers if a child was ill. “This room also came about because of our critical incident management plan that we embarked on a year ago on health and safety on the compound. “We are putting new things in place to ensure that the children are safe during their time on the school grounds.” Heidy Clarke, director of programmes for the Sandals Foundation, said that they believe in providing the best infrastructures at

the schools they work with. She also added that they have been working with the ECPS for several years now. “One of the most important things is health and wellness and for a school of this size, you also want to be able to isolate a child immediately. “If they have a fever and they are not feeling well, you want to be able to take them out and have them comfortable at the same time.” Clarke added that this was also a way of preventing the spread of sicknesses at the school. “It is all about really building the infrastructures of our school

to help to provide everything that our children need to have the best environment, to learn and to grow in. “That is what it is all about for the Sandals Foundation.” Among the amenities in the centre are a shower, air conditioner, fixed plumping, a bed and a filing cabinet for nurses to keep a record on what illnesses are around. The director said that along with the community they worked together to develop the room to make sure it had all the right facilities and it is easily cleaned with the right tiles to ensure the best quality when it comes to health.

12 NEWS

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Fortis receives renewable energy report – But implementation likely to be slow process “NO NEW forms of generation should reduce the safety and reliability of service, or increase the cost.” Those were the stern words of Eddinton Powell, FortisTCI president and chief executive officer, after he received a report on the integration of renewable energy this week. Leading commercial and industrial engineering solutions company, Leidos Engineering, headed the ‘Renewable Energy Infusion Study’. Commissioned early this year, the study was undertaken to determine the total capacity of intermittent renewable energy that FortisTCI can safely integrate into the electricity grid without compromising system stability.

The final report, completed in August, focused on photovoltaic, often referred to as solar and wind distributed generation (DG) installations in Grand Turk and Providenciales. Powell said: “We are now one step closer to understanding how and at what level we can integrate renewable energy into our electricity grid. “We know that in the future renewable energy will play a role in the energy mix of the Turks and Caicos Islands. “It is important that these studies precede any implementation so that we can make the best decisions for our customers, for the country and the company.”

Solar panels at the power plant in Providenciales

The assessment included both utility scale as well as small capacity (for example 3kW) systems. In the report, Leidos made a number of recommendations. They include setting the upper limit of renewable systems, to a maximum of 4.15MW in Providenciales and 0.34MW in Grand Turk. Setting infusion of renewables on each distribution feeder to no more than the feeder minimum load to

Youth Week 2014

EVERY year the Turks and Caicos Islands acknowledges youths around the nation during the national Youth Week celebrations. The Government, youth groups and schools organise lots of activities for the children, educators and parents to take part. This year’s theme ‘Serving youth, inspiring bravery,’ is the essence of promoting youth leadership and development in the TCI. Jasmine Parker, Director of the Department of Youth Affairs, said: “Festivities will encompass much of our youth’s time with structured programmes such as panel discussions, guest speakers, career guidance, group sports, and more.” This year’s events take place from this Sunday (September 21) to Saturday, September 27. About 100 students will take place in a youth conference on September 22 themed ‘Bringing out youth talent and leadership. “We’re also excited to be collaborating with Miss Teen Universe this year, as we are encouraged to further promote our youth,” Parker said. GRAND TURK Date: Sunday, September 21 Event: Church service Description: Opening of youth day church service Venue and time: New Testament Church, 3.30pm Participants: All schools, uniforms groups and community invited Date: Wednesday, September 24 Event #1: Paint the Classroom Day Description: Bring paints to school Venue and time: HJ Robinson High School, Grand Turk, 2pm Event #2: Scavenger/treasure hunt (all island) Description: Youth on island hunt learning history, island culture and past events

Venue and time: Emancipation Square Clock Tower, 4pm Participants: All schools and community invited Date: Thursday, September 25 Event: Speak out Speak Off primary, Community College Description: Discussion on youth day theme Serving Youth Inspiring Bravery Venue and time: Community College auditorium, the Ridge Grand Turk, 10.30am Participants: Community College students

Date: Friday, September 26 Event: National Youth Day Holiday and celebrations Description: Youth day, Pray for the Nation by youth on Radio Turks and Caicos, Youth Got Talent, all community and country representation, past and present students, horse race, music by Band Boys V6 Venue and time: Library Tennis Court Yard, 4pm Participants: All schools and community invited Date: Saturday, September 27 Event: Youth Funfest at Governors Beach, music by Band Boys V6 Venue and time: Governors Beach, 3pm Participants: All schools and community invited SOUTH CAICOS Date: Monday, September 22 Event: General devotion Venue and time: New Testament Church of God, 9am Participants: All schools and Community Date: Monday, September 22 Event: Youth Concert Venue and time: Community Centre, 6pm

avoid system voltage issues. Prohibit renewable systems on Grace Bay feeder five because of its impact on operating voltages, unless there are additional system upgrades or improvements. In addition, the company recommended setting all consumer renewable systems interfaced with the current grid at existing individual demand (electricity consumption) or less. The report explained that

Participants: All schools and community Date: Wednesday, September 24 Event: Movie night Venue and time: Community Centre Participants: All schools and community Date: Friday, September 26 Event: Fun Day/National Holiday Description: Parade, may pole dancing, activities for all ages Venue and Time: Regatta Village, 10am Participants: All schools and Community Date: Saturday, September 27 Event: Softball and basketball matches Venue and time: Regatta Village, 5pm Participants: All schools and community NORTH CAICOS Date: Monday, September 22 Event: General devotion Description: Combine devotion for all schools Venue and time: TBC, 8.45am Participants: All schools Date: Tuesday, September 23 Event: Inter-Primary Speech Competition Description: Each school will have three contestants Topic: Youth Week theme. Trophies will be given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Best Speaker. Venue and time: Adelaide Oemler Primary, Bottle Creek, 12.30pm Participants: Primary school students Date: Thursday, September 25 Event: Open forum Description: To discuss with students the issues that youths are faced with on a daily basis Venue and time: TBC, 10.30am Participants: Raymond Gardiner High School

additional analysis is recommended to confirm technically and economically if more renewable systems can be integrated. FortisTCI is now working to position itself to accept customerowned solar energy on the electricity grid by the middle of 2015. In order to achieve this goal, it will need to work with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to set proper interconnection and metering standards.

Date: Friday, September 26 Event: Fun day Description: To discuss with students the issues that youths are faced with on a daily basis Venue and time: Charles Hubert James Primary grounds, 10am PROVIDENCIALES Date: Sunday, September 21 Event: Church service Venue and time: St Monica, Leeward Highway, 9am Participants: All schools and community Date: Monday, September 22 Event: Panel discussion with different governmental agencies and how youths can get involved Venue and time: Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex, 10am-2pm Participants: High school students and community members Date: Tuesday, September 23 Event: Open Forum: Topic the Generational Gap Venue and time: Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex, 3-5pm Participants: All schools and community invited Date: Friday, September 26 Event: Fun Day Venue and time: Kids Park, the Bight, 10am5pm Participants: All schools and community Date: Saturday, September 27 Event: Miss Teen Universe Description: Pageant Venue and time: Williams Auditorium, 7pm Participants: Community event

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 13

School help group gains momentum A GROUP of people who recently vowed to help anyway they can to improve the state of the country’s public schools, now have a name. ‘People United for Better Schools’ is made up of parents and well-wishers who are fed up with Government apathy and inaction. They have joined forces to raise funds and offer labour for repairs at Clement Howell High School – and eventually hope to offer help to other schools in the TCI. The idea was suggested on a popular Facebook public forum last week and dozens of supporters quickly jumped on board. Now organisers have set up their own group page which already has more than 70 members and have since had a steady stream of offers of help from both the public and private companies. The group description reads: “This group is dedicated to helping our community provide a studentcentred, well maintained and secure environment that provides the foundation where students can achieve their full potential through partnerships with home, school and community. “We will accomplish this by rejuvenating our schools so that each student can become a responsible, respectful, and contributing citizen in a pleasant environment that is conducive to learning.” Clement Howell High School held a parent teachers meeting on Thursday (September 18) at 6pm in the school auditorium. Prior to the meeting new principal Kadean Cunningham told the Weekly

News: “We would like to have most or if not all our parents in attendance so that we can share with them our plans for the development of the school and how they can partner with us in the process.” The outcome of the meeting will be reported in next week’s edition of the newspaper. In June the Weekly News exposed the shocking conditions at Clement Howell High School (CHHS) in Blue Hills, Providenciales. Filth, mould, exposed wires, peeling walls, shattered tiles and broken furniture were just some of the major problems that inflicted the school. Former principal Gerald Persaud said that the deplorable condition of the school had been raised with the Ministry of Education many times and Government officials were “well aware” of it. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Library Services said at the time that the condition of all of the Government schools is a “serious concern”. “…and it is for this reason that we are addressing these issues as much as possible within the severely restricted resources that we have.” It went on to say that the ongoing maintenance issues at school would be looked at during the summer works programme – which is still going ahead. According to Government figures there are currently more than 900 pupils being educated at the school which was originally built for about 300 students.

The donation of these supplies was a joint effort between the Sandals resort and the Grace Bay Club

Gov’t schools on Provo receive free supplies FOUR government schools on Providenciales received free school supplies from the Sandals Foundation in collaboration with Grace Bay Club on Friday (September 12). The Oseta Jolly Primary, Clement Howell, Enid Capron and the New Beginnings were all recipients of a school bag stacked with books and

the basic supplies. Students and teachers all expressed how grateful they were to the Sandals Foundation and of course the Grace Bay Club for their continued support when it came to education. Elanor Finfin Krzanowski, head press relations officer for Beaches Resorts TCI, said that it was a

wonderful feeling to be able to bring smiles to faces of so many children for the new school year. “These school supplies will go a long way in enhancing their curriculum and ultimately benefitting hundreds of children across four Government schools in the TCI,” she said. (Daisy Handfield)

A fresh start for New Beginnings School By Daisy Handfield A PORTION of a $50,000 investment into the Turks and Caicos Islands by Canadian Flight Centre was used to renovate New Beginnings School in Five Cays, Providenciales. A ceremony was held on Monday (September 15) to present these changes to the partners in education and to the general public. The centre collaborated with the Sandals Foundation to realise several notable changes, inside and out. Among some of the changes were new doors, a new staircase, fresh paint and new computers. One of the invited guests, Deputy Premier Akierra Missick, Minister of Education, Youth Culture and Sport, expressed gratitude to the centre and Beaches for their continued support towards education in the Turks and Caicos Islands. “On behalf of my Government and the people thank you for your investment here today,” she said. “What the refurbishment of this

new facility means is that we have shown where a positive private sector and public sector partnership can be developed, can work, and result in true refurbishment; a holistic change to an institution.” Gregg Dixon, president of the Canadian Flight Centre, outlined his commitment to giving back to the region through projects such as the refurbishment of the school. “Every year we have conferences in the Caribbean and we raise money from our stores and amongst our people and we try to do some community work in that territory. “This year we donated $50,000 to the Turks and Caicos Islands and some of that has gone into this school.” He said that they have always admired the work done by the Sandals Foundation and this was their way of giving back to the people of these wonderful islands. This investment will assist about 27 students who currently attend the New Beginnings School.

The official cutting of the New Beginnings School ribbon

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 20 - 26, 2014

Teens prepare for first annual pageant NINE contestants in the first annual Miss Teen Turks and Caicos competition are preparing to showcase their personality, poise, finesse, grace and charm. The young women will be competing over three days with a huge grand finale on Saturday, September 27, at the Williams Auditorium, Providenciales. The ‘Flawless Ladies’ as they have been dubbed include Miss Teen East Caicos Davetria Robinson, Miss Teen Grand Turk Mary Fulford, Miss Teen Middle Caicos Mitiana Simons, Miss Teen North Caicos Liéacha Smith, Miss Teen Parrot Cay Joanna Previl, Miss Teen Pine Cay Alicia Duncanson, Miss Teen Providenciales Uxslene Andre, Miss Teen Salt Cay Shanaz Gardiner, and Miss Teen West Caicos Malique Ferrette. The girls have been training for two months and are all equally ready to wear the crown. Organisers have put together a series of activities and events that they hope will leave a great lasting impression on attendees. Oehleo Higgs, president and creative director of the Miss Teen Turks and Caicos Organisation, said: “We hope to accomplish a production that is filled with drama, awe and excitement; similar to what we usually

The Miss Teen Turks and Caicos contestants during their official swimsuit photo shoot

see when watching Miss Universe or Miss America on television. “We want to audience to feel fully immersed in the experience as they cheer their favourite contestant along.” This Saturday (September 20) the contestants will display their

strength and fitness in the first ever Wrightfully Fit’s Miss Teen Turks and Caicos Lifestyle and Fitness Competition at Long Bay Beach (Shore Club) starting at 11am. The winner of this non-judged, special category will be announced at the grand finale.

On Friday, September 26, all roads lead to the Bight’s Children Park as ‎the Miss Teen Turks and Caicos contestants join the Department of Youth Affairs for a grand motorcade. The general public is invited to join the contestants’ float and to bring their flags, rags and dress in their national colours. The motorcade will start at 10am at the Miss Moonies parking lot in Long Bay. Finally, on Saturday, September 27, the public is invited to attend the Miss Teen Turks and Caicos final competitions and coronation night named ‘Summer solstice - The hottest day of summer’. Hosted by the dynamic Angelourdes Toussaint and David Ellis, the night will see the nine radiant contestants vie in national costume, talent, swimwear and

evening gown competitions. The number will be cut to the top five, who will then move on to the final question. Doors will open at 7pm for preentertainment, cocktail hour and redcarpet photos, and the main event begins at 8pm with an explosive opening number. Tickets are available at Blue Haven Resort, FOTTAC and Homie’s Restaurant for $55 or $75 for premium. More information is available by calling 431-3692 or emailing missteentci@gmail.com. The festivities will wrap-up with an after party at Zanzi Lounge featuring Prime DJs among other entertainment. The first Miss Teen Turks and Caicos will compete at the Miss Teen Universe pageant scheduled for February 1 to 7, 2015, in Guatemala.

Compliance seminar moves industry forward Pupils show off their new school backpacks courtesy of the Rotaract Club of Grand Turk

Grand Turk students get new school bags PUPILS from Grand Turk primary schools became the proud owners of brand new backpacks this week, thank to kind hearted Rotaracts. On Tuesday (September 16) members of the Rotaract Club of Grand Turk, presented youngsters with school bags filled with school supplies including notebooks, pencils, erasers and

sharpeners. The presentations were part of the group’s community service programme ‘Build a backpack’. One hundred school bags were distributed to Ona Glinton Primary School, Eliza Simons Primary School and Susanna Wesley Methodist School to the delight of pupils, parents and teachers.

The Rotaract Club is a nonreligious, non-political and non-profit organisation which is involved in community and international service. Through the Rotaract International motto ‘Fellowship through,’ the group’s main goal is to improve the world and community through service.

SCORES of financial professionals gathered for a compliance seminar at the Regents Palms in Providenciales on Wednesday (September 17). The one day event was hosted by the Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Bahamas Institute of Financial Services. Seventy-five local professionals were taught about risks assessments, designing a compliance programme and corporate governance. To conclude the sessions, a risk based approach case study analysis was conducted. A press release from the FSC stated: “This study helped participants evaluate their respective compliance management strategy together with operational needs and TCI regulatory environment.” Hubert Edwards, deputy managing director at the Bank of the

Bahamas and main speaker for the event, said it was a success. He praised the financial service industry for partnering with the FSC in building a regulatory compliance culture in the TCI. Going forward the FSC hopes that the TCI will soon form a national association of certified compliance officers to align itself with other Caribbean jurisdictions. Compliance is the state of being in accordance with the relevant Federal or regional authorities and their requirements. Most large financial services companies have compliance teams whose role is to take an independent stance in making sure that the company is following all the necessary rules and regulations. Further information on the FSC’s can be found at www.tcifsc.tc.

September 20 - 26, 2014

NEWS 15

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Primary school unveils state of the art learning centre DOORS to Oseta Jolly Primary School’s (OJPS) new state of the art learning centre were opened on Tuesday (September 16) morning during a ceremony at the Providenciales school in Blue Hills. The launch of the OJPS ‘Peaceful Place’ learning centre was the result of a joint venture by the school and the staff of the Amanyara resort in Providenciales. It will provide the 530 students, ranging from ages four to 13-yearsold, with reading materials and computers to improve study skills, knowledge and understanding of the world at large. The centre will create an

opportunity for students and teachers to explore a wealth of information for projects and assignments, develop an independent approach to learning. It will also allow learners to succeed in a knowledge and information based society, and provides a wide range of literature to enrich students’ intellectual, aesthetic, cultural and emotional growth. Principal Rachel Handfield said that the school was grateful for the contribution made by the Amanyara resort. “They have made a considerable investment in our young people,” she

Caribbean states meet to discuss protection of refugees THE PROTECTION of refugees and stateless people in the Caribbean was a hot topic of discussion during a regional conference in the Cayman Islands this week. Two representatives from the TCI attended the consultation - Acting Deputy Director of Immigration Brenda Williams and Doreen Quelch-Missick, Director of the Human Rights Commission. The event was hosted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and saw attendance from Government officials from 11 Caribbean states and territories, representatives from civil society, international and regional organisations. Last February, UNHCR chief António Guterres launched the ‘Cartagena +30 process,’ inviting all governments of Latin America and the Caribbean to engage in a broad consultative process. They were advised to identify the main contemporary protection challenges in the region and agree on a common road map to respond to the plight of refugees, asylum-seekers, other forcibly displaced, and stateless persons. The two-day event, which began Wednesday, September 10, was the fourth and last regional meeting of the Cartagena+30 process. It will culminate in a December ministerial meeting in Brazil commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Cartagena Declaration on Refugees. This is the first time that the

Caribbean region has joined Latin American countries in a Cartagena commemoration process. The expected outcome of the December meeting is the launch of a decade of regional cooperation and a shared plan of action in relation to refugees and other vulnerable groups. Shelly Pitterman, UNHCR regional representative in Washington, said: “This meeting represents a watershed in the Caribbean’s quest for practical, effective and creative solutions to challenges on refugee and statelessness issues. “The conclusions and recommendations emanating from this meeting should offer the Caribbean an opportunity to find solutions within the region and garner for support and assistance from outside of the region.” Quelch-Missick was invited to be a part of the panel and discussed issues facing the TCI such as the challenges of irregular migration. In the keynote address, marking the opening of the conference, Marta Juarez, UNHCR director of the Americas Bureau, said: “Given the complexities of modern forms of maritime movements, and acknowledging the specificities that characterise this region, we believe that the Caribbean should be part and parcel of global discussions around coordinated protection responses.” The TCI received recognition for its National Irregular Migrant Contingency Plan which includes a chapter on humanitarian responses.

The project was a joint venture between the Amanyara resort and the school

said. Marco Frank, general manager of the Amanyara resort, said: “It was a pleasure to work with Mrs Handfield and the Oseta Jolly community, to put this project together. “They worked with a professional

learning centre consultant from the UK, Neil Morley, and were able to customise the entire modular set up to meet their demands.” He added that staff at Amanyara hope that Peaceful Place allows the whole school community to

benefit for many years to come whether learning for fun, to improve themselves or for a specific purpose. The event was attended by prominent figures in the community and also by a number of government officials.

Staff and invited guests are impressed with the quality of the new learning centre

Students from the school showcase a dance performance

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 20 - 26, 2014

Public urged to join in coastal clean-up THIS Saturday (September 20) hundreds of people are expected to join in with a campaign to clean up the Turks and Caicos Islands’ beautiful coastline. The Department of Environmental and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) is hosting its first International Coastal Clean-up and is inviting everyone to take part. A Government press release on Tuesday (September 16) said: “This initiative will encourage people across TCI to remove shoreline litter to help create cleaner waters for everyone, including the wildlife and communities that depend on them.” Schools and organisations can get involved by getting a group together and spending some time cleaning up a beach, bush, path,

Assistant district grand master Oswald M Simons (left) makes the generous donation

Masonic Lodge donates cash for education PUPILS in Grand Turk are set to benefit from a generous donation from the District Grand Lodge of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The charitable organisation gave cash to the Ena Woodstock Preschool and the Soroptimist International of Grand Turk to assist in repairing the educational facility. The preschool was named after Ena T Woodstock, the founder of the club and a former magistrate of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It stands as a long-term project

of local Soroptimists and has received regular donations from the Masonic Lodge for the past three years. Assistant district grand master Oswald M Simons made the donation this summer. In a press release on Thursday (September 18) Soroptimist Club member Sabrina Williams said: “The club is extremely happy to receive this donation that will assist with financing repairs and other bills associated with the school.” As defined by the United Grand Lodge of England, Freemasonry is

one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations that teaches self-knowledge and expects members to uphold the highest of moral standards. The club also teach a concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need; members live by values based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. Today Freemasons around the world continue work that began in the organisations very early days, caring for orphans, the sick and the aged.

Acting principal for Enid Capron promises changes ACTING principal for Enid Capron Primary School (ECPS), Sophia Garland, will be making improvements to old projects at the school during her two year tenure. Garland who previously served as vice principal and grade five teacher at ECPS for several years, told the Weekly News on Wednesday (September 17) that plans were already in progress. As a team she and her staff pledge to continue working along with each other and the community to ensure that projects are realised. “I am elated and thankful to God for the opportunity and I rely on him totally to take me through this two

year period in my acting position,” Garland said. “I know that God will continue to bless Enid Capron. I am happy that I have a staff that is willing to work together.” Garland added that changes to the compound and the implementation of security were two of the major expected facelifts. On the same note, Kadean Cunningham who was recently employed by the Government to act as the new principal for the Clement Howell High School (CHHS) also promised notable changes in favour of the Blue Hills school. “Before I came here and when

checking up on some information about the school I was very concerned about the negative publicity that the school gets,” she said. “I said this is something that I have to change because there must be some good stuff about the school. “A lot of times people thrive on the negatives to get the public to listen.” Cunningham is a native of Jamaica, where she served as vice principal of a prominent school in Kingston. Gerald Persuad resigned after serving at the CHHS as principal for two academic school years. (Daisy Handfield)

road or seabed in their area. Organisers should arrange for proper disposal of the trash, and submit the following information to DEMA: organisation name, number of participants, location, number of bags collected, amount of time spent cleaning and any photographs taken on the day. Participants are advised to bring gloves, water, trash bags and a first aid kit in case of cuts and scrapes. Groups can register their commitment to taking part with Amy Avenant, DEMA environmental outreach co-ordinator, at avenant. amy@gmail.com or 341-4321. Those that do not have a group but wish to participate can contact Amy Avenant to find out about clean up initiatives nearby.

Gov’t promotes wellness through healthy activities WALKING more, reducing salt intake, not smoking and drinking less alcohol are all ways to get healthy and stay well, according to the Ministry of Health. This week the ministry released a press statement encouraging the public to take care of their bodies. And it was all part of the Government’s drive to promote Caribbean Wellness Day, which takes place every year on the second Saturday of September. According to the release: “It is geared at increasing awareness and promoting activities to address the epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which continues to severely impact the health, economy and development of the region.” This year’s day was held under the theme ‘The heart of a healthy workplace is a productive workforce’. “The ministry recognises that all

individuals have a responsibility when it comes to healthy living and want to encourage individuals to make a least one lifestyle change,” the release read. These changes can include walking, running or swimming for 30 minutes a day, reducing salt intake, eating five servings of fruit and vegetables, not smoking and reducing alcohol consumption. The ministry also extended an invitation to all of Government, private sector and faith based organisations to join in with the Corporate Competitions next month. The first will be held on October 4 at the Parade Grounds in Grand Turk and the second on October 18 at the National Stadium in Providenciales -both starting at 10am. Activities will include a hula hoop competition, three leg race, sack race, needle and thread and tug-of-war.

Instant customer service with ‘My Digicel’ app DIGICEL announced the launch of their ‘My Digicel’ app this week, designed for their customers to take care of many of their customer service needs straight from their handsets. As of Friday (September 12) customers now can save time and the hassle by just downloading the free app, designed for Android devices. Text numbers and complicated short codes are a thing of the past as customers can use the app for a large variety of their service needs from the basics like checking their account balances and the status of their current plans to highlights like purchasing new plans, using online top up, sending credit to another user or managing their account settings. But that is not all, available in

English, French and Spanish, the My Digicel app also keeps customers in the loop with all of Digicel’s social media channels and allows users to give feedback on the app from their handsets. Ava-Dayne Fulford, head of marketing at Digicel, said that they were delighted to be making the My Digicel app available to their customers. “This is all about putting the power in the hands of our consumers and providing them with the tools to manage their lives through their pockets. “With the My Digicel app, time spent calling and talking to customer care can be spent doing something far more productive as all the mobile help you need is just a touch away.”

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 17

Spotlight on the disaster recovery team DEPUTY Governor Anya Williams recognised the disaster recovery team this week as part of a series of spotlights on Government departments. The head of public service praised the civil servants for their good practise and thanked them for all their hard work over the past month. “I would like to record the Government’s thanks and appreciation to the disaster recovery team that worked tirelessly throughout late August to address the recovery efforts on the islands of Providenciales and especially North Caicos,” she said in a press release on Wednesday (September 17). “This was a real joint effort with contributions from various departments and agencies, including personnel from the Ministry of Government Support Services (GSS), as well as colleagues and coworkers from Environmental Health,

Emergency Medical Services, Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), the Crown Land Unit and the District Commissioners’ Offices.” She said that everyone involved went beyond the call of duty and worked long hours in uncomfortable conditions to ensure that the concerns of those affected and the wider public were addressed. Among the issues were the building a new access road in North Caicos and quickly drilling 14 drainage wells. “Their commitment was exemplary, and certainly worthy of this public recognition of their commitment to their careers and our citizens,” Williams concluded. Other departments recognised during the monthly spotlight were the treasury, social workers, school principals, primary healthcare workers and the project management division.

Members of the disaster recovery team from GSS, DDME, Lands Survey and the US Coast Guard

Free public workshops on TCI’s environment RESIDENTS interested in their extraordinary surrounding environment are invited to a new series of workshops running over the next few weeks. The TCI Environment Programme is taking place at the Edward C Gartland Youth Centre, Providenciales, every Monday evening until October 27 from 4.30 until 5.30pm. Each session is designed to help participants find out more about the natural environment of the TCI, the issues that it faces, and ways in which everyone can contribute to saving it. Amy Avenant, outreach coordinator in the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs, said: “These workshops are designed to help everyone who lives in these Islands to achieve a better understanding of our number one assets - our ‘beautiful by nature’ environment. “The sessions are open to anyone and everyone and are completely free. We look forward to seeing you there!” The activities associated with the workshops include finding out more about International Coastal

Clean-up Day, and taking part in it on Saturday, 20 September. There will be a tour of the National Environmental Centre, where participants will learn about the TCI’s natural environment They can also learn about the TCI lobster conservation initiative, and assist with the construction of new artificial lobster habitats to be deployed in the sea at the Bight Park Another topic of discussion will be the birds of the TCI, and why they matter. This will be followed with a bird watch walk, to be held on International Migratory Bird Day, Saturday, 11 October 2014 The topic of climate change and its effects on the TCI will be discussed with participants, helping them to become more aware of the necessity of global conservation efforts And finally there will be the opportunity to design a poster to illustrate why environmental conservation is important to each participant, based on what they have learned over the course of the programme.

The carriage seen at a funeral in Five Cays, Providenciales, on Saturday (September 13)

Local funeral home upgrades from hearse to customised carriage By Daisy Handfield LOCAL mortician and coffin builder, Elbert Higgs, recently introduced his custom-built funeral carriage for transporting the deceased during funeral services. The mahogany and steel built carriage was an attention grabber at a recent funeral in Providenciales of a Haitian resident on Saturday (September 13). In an exclusive interview on Thursday (September 18) Higgs told the Weekly News that his vehicle was introduced about five months ago and has only been used three times since. Operating under the name A&S Funeral Services, Higgs’ business has been active for over 29 years.

He said that the idea of using a carriage derived from his daughter’s visit to Jamaica in December of last year. “My daughter’s father-in-law died in Jamaica and she went down there to a funeral and she noticed they did funerals in carriages, so she came back with the idea.” He said that her initial suggestion was to order one from the United States, but he told her that he was able to make it himself. Higgs immediately got to work in realising this idea which took him about three months to complete. He then got together with a Guyanese/Trinidadian friend of his who owned a furniture shop and they came up with a design that they both

liked. Higgs said that since the launch, his company has received a tremendous response from the TCI community, especially via social media websites such as Facebook. The mortician explained that his passion for building coffins arose after his father’s death many years ago. His father was a mortician and he was the only one out of his father’s 10 children who enjoyed doing the job. Higgs is looking to add another carriage to his funeral services in the near future. A&S Funeral Services has offices in North Caicos and Providenciales and residents have the options of using a hearse or a carriage.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Dr Carlton Mills, chairman of the Grace Bay Club Community Foundation snagged a photo op with these happy students at Hubert James Primary School **

September 20 - 26, 2014

Students of the Adelaide Oemler Primary School in Bottle Creek, North Caicos with their new backpacks

Grace Bay Club keeps on giving – Hubert James and Adelaide Oemler primary students are the happy recipients TOTS and pre-teens at the Hubert James and the Adelaide Oemler Primary Schools in North Caicos were the happy recipients of some pretty snazzy back to school gear, thanks to the kind patronage of the Grace Bay Club Community Foundation. The giveaway this year was a joint effort between the Grace Bay Club resort and the West Bay Club. Last Friday (September 12), Dr Carlton Mills, chairman of the foundation, led yet another

group of enthusiastic employees, accompanied by two of the resort’s interns from France; to hand deliver the goodies to the kids. The team, along with media representatives met at the Parrot Cay dock for a cool early morning jaunt across the sea to the neighbouring island, and then traversed through the beautifully manicured trails of Parrot Cay, and back again on a boat for a picturesque, sun lit trip to North Caicos.

In North Caicos, the first stop was at the Hubert James Primary School in Kew where the annual giveaway got underway. Commancita Campbell, principal of the Hubert James Primary School, was full of thanks and smiles for the generosity of the luxury resort. “I am extremely pleased with the Grace Bay foundation for the back packs and other school supplies, we are eternally grateful. “And like I have reiterated so many times we feel left out, but I am so thankful that the Grace Bay foundation, Dr Mills, Charmaine and the entire staff they make sure that we are not left out.”

Spectrum Life By Nicole Cox, a mother living with autism

The educational renaissance – part one

WELL it HAS been a long time hasn’t it? My apologies for the lengthy hiatus. Or rather, perhaps I should say I was on maternity leave. No, not for an actual baby! But for the birth of a new era for education in the TCI. There is so much going on at once that this is definitely going to be a two parter. Let’s see if we can bring it all current. It takes hyper-focus to launch something new. It takes tunnel vision like mad to launch three new things. Learn and Lead’s Dawn Programme for Behavioural Learning successfully launched the Dawn Assessment and Intervention System (DAIS) and had a summer marked with progress for children with behavioural and learning deficits. This was punctuated by the training of brand new

clinical assistants (CA) who are responsible for executing the ABA programmes authorised by our board certified behavioural analyst, Tameika Meadows, MEd. Not to mention the introductory training of Learn and Lead teaching staff outside of Dawn in the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and interventive teaching. This is huge. Firstly, we have established the nation’s first locally owned and operated ABA service provider. Secondly, and almost equally important, we have opened the door to a new career path for locals who have the drive to learn. This area of education has not been sustainably addressed until now. But with the solidification of our programme, we have broadened the choices for those who previously may have been curious about behaviour sciences, but never saw it as a viable field

here. Lastly, came the presence of our CAs as with the opening of the school year our services were accepted by schools who desired to introduce formalised inclusion programmes into their institutions. And still others are inquiring. The spirit of growth and the winds of change had definitely fostered some exciting shifts in the view of education for the exceptional student. At first I actually thought I might have been the only one picking up on the transition in the air. But when I stopped long enough to look around me, I realised that the educational renaissance was taking place all over. Next week we are going to muse over some of the happenings in education that may indeed be paving the way for the rebirth of learning that our nation has been longing for.

Campbell assured the team that the students will use the supplies provided to their advantage, further expressing thanks on behalf of the entire community of Kew for the donations. Principal of the Adelaide Oemler primary, Linda Walkin expressed similar sentiments when the team journeyed to Bottle Creek to give away more school supplies. “I am always elated when the Grace Bay Club comes to our school and we do appreciate it very much. “We are thankful, especially for the school supplies and I am sure the parents are very thankful this morning for whatever they have done for the children.” Colourful school bags stuffed with pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners and other treats had the students of both schools excited and full of smiles and thank yous for Dr Mills and his team. Charmaine Clarke, with the Grace Bay Club team, said the hotel has been spreading the back to school cheer for three years now. Three other schools are the proud beneficiaries of the foundation’s generosity. “We thrive on giving back to our schools, to our communities,” Clarke stated in brief remarks to the media. Meanwhile, in words of encouragement to the children of

both schools, Dr Mills informed them that any grade six student who receives 80 percent and above in the GSAT examinations will receive free text books to begin high school, compliments of the foundation. This was met with claps and cheers from the students and teachers of both schools. The first student to be the recipient of this is Jessica Corvil, formerly of the Hubert James Primary School. She received impressive grades at the GSAT exam, which placed her in the top ten of her class. She now attends the Raymond Gardiner High School. The students’ appreciation was further shown with a cheerful rendition of a popular primary school song, ‘Love is something if you give it away, it comes right back to you’. The catchy lyrics had even the adults singing and tapping their feet along with the kids. The children of the Adelaide Oemler Primary School also sent their love and congratulations to Adelphine Pitter, former student of the school and native of Bottle Creek. Pitter ascended to the post of general manager of the Grace Bay branded resort, the West Bay Club in July 2013, from her starting position of receptionist. (DELANA ISLES)

Music trivia challenge this Sunday THIS weekend Somewhere Café and Lounge is holding a family friendly quiz and music based games as part of its closing party celebrations. Scores of visitors and locals are expected to attend the party as one of Providenciales’ most popular spots shuts up shop to allow for refurbishment during the slow tourist season. From 2pm on Sunday (September 21) DJ Dayoh will be spinning the latest tunes, and

the Music Trivia Challenge will kick off at about 3pm. Teams of up to four are welcome to join in the quiz at a cost of just $10 per team. If you post your team name on the ‘Somewhere Café and Lounge’ Facebook page before the event you will earn starter points to get you ahead of the game. At 6.30pm Seabreeze ripsaw band will continue the entertainment while the sun sets over Grace Bay.

September 20 - 26, 2014

NEWS 19

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Grand Turk principals get 21st century training FIVE school heads have completed a training course aimed at boosting their management and leadership skills. The principals from public and private educational facilities in Grand Turk were awarded certificate for their participation in ‘The 21st Century Principal’ course on Friday (September 12). The four-day learning experience was a spin-off of TCIG’s management development programme entitled ‘The 21st Century Manager.’ During the ceremony on Friday, Tamera Robinson, Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Education Youth and Sport, said: “This training is another building block in the process of improving and reforming the civil

service. “As well as the Ministry of Education’s goal of retooling principals for management in the 21st century.” She gave the principals books, used as a basis for the course, entitled ‘The Principal’s Companion’ as a parting gift. The book covers topics such as the art of human relations, building emotional and social intelligence competencies, enhancing teacher growth through supervision, working effectively with parents and the community and reducing school and cyber bullying. Director of Human Resources Mark Greenway also presented the head teachers with certificates.

Participants receive their certificates following the four day course

The Towers of Babel Art is our language

For more information email towersofbabel101@gmail.com or visit www.towersofbabel.weebly.com

Mystique Blues By Holly M

Participants of the sales drive make their first stop in Atlanta

Hoteliers return from successful sales blitz A GROUP of hotel bosses have returned from a sales drive in the USA aimed at promoting their properties and the TCI. Participants visited Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia and New York during the trip which was organised by TCI Tourist Board’s regional marketing manager Pamela Ewing. Stacy Cox, the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA)’s executive director, attended the event. She said: “Our hoteliers welcome any opportunity to promote their properties and the destination. “This sales blitz allowed us to

meet with over 200 travel partners throughout the four states with a view to gaining more business for the year ahead. “The tourism showcase not only gave the travel partners a new taste of Turks and Caicos but also offered hoteliers a host of informal networking opportunities.” Participating hotels included Point Grace, The Sands, Windsong Resort, Club Med, Ports of Call Resorts, The Tuscany, Gansevoort, Amanyara, Ocean Club and Royal West Indies Resort. Representatives from Delta Airlines also joined the contingent

in Atlanta to promote the Atlanta to Providenciales route. Cox said: “This traditional sales approach has been utilised successfully by our hoteliers for a number of years. “Not only does it provide them with the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of any imminent business that may be available, but also raises awareness of Turks and Caicos as a preferred destination.” The TCHTA and its members plan to join with the Tourist Board on another marketing trip later this month to target the Brazilian market.

A river’s stream cannot hold what seems to be her tears; For many years she has endorsed, The current ripped of empathy; is what many perceive to be her soul, The clenched fist from a lover’s blow Has left her heart critical! Pigment of flesh, is what’s being used to disguise her battle wounds She may never understand why; It was unexpected, The scene he played was well orchestrated Their love was as beautiful, as love was meant to be; Somehow she knew, by his presence; The way his body language spoke, as he lie across the room This was indeed his final show, But she was not ready! She became ignorant of the truth,

Stuck on a faded sequel The epic scene; seemed as a fairy tale or more as a childish fantasy Still she was not ready to let go; I am not sure she should ever be ready! It took precious time to escape from the unknown; Now her thirst for him became as dried-out as his final kisses, Which was indeed her last breath.

Lifestyle... 20

GARDENING 

How does your garden grow

Yellow elder

YELLOW elder grows as a densely branched shrub or small tree. It has bright green opposite leaves, which are pinnately compound. Common yellow elder (Tecoma stans var stans) is a Central and South American tree that can grow up to 25ft. It has bright yellow flowers and dense, lushly green foliage that is evergreen. Common names include yellow trumpet bush, yellow bells, yellow elder and ginger-Thomas. Tecoma stans comes from desert shrub lands and dry forests in the region from Texas and Arizona southward to Argentina. It has become established in many parts of the Pacific and is naturalising in the Turks and Caicos Islands. In some places, it invades dry disturbed sites. Yellow elder will grow on a wide variety of soils, including sand and lime rock. The plants can be cut to the ground for rejuvenation in the early spring or carefully sheared during the growing season to control shape and size and promote new flushes of flowers. The flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The yellow elder needs full sun and likes well drained soil. Potted plants should be given minimal water when not in active growth.

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Fresh seeds germinate readily in sandy soil in the spring. Cuttings root easily under mist in the summer (choose vigorous young semi-woody branch tips and not old woody stems or fresh green shoots). Yellow elder may have a rather awkward shape, so it is best set among more consistent shrubs where it can contribute colour to a border or screen. The yellow blooms are spectacular behind blue agave or a lower hedge of bougainvillea. Since this species drops its abundant blossoms before they wither, it can advantageously be placed where the fallen blossoms will form a pool of gold on the ground. Yellow elder has been used for a variety of purposes in herbal medicine. Its primary applications have been in treating diabetes and digestive problems. Extracts from Tecoma stans leaves have been found to inhibit the growth of the yeast infection, Candida albicans. Yellow elder also contains several compounds noted for their catniplike effects on felines. Yellow elder is just beginning to get the horticultural recognition it deserves. This is an easy to grow and gloriously floriferous plant that

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.

has great potential in the nursery industry. The yellow elder is the official flower of the US Virgin Islands, where its cheerful yellow blossoms have long been appreciated for their contribution to tropical colour. In the Islands it seems only moderately invasive, but readily establishes naturalised colonies on some parts of the Islands. Notice that it has become a serious problem in French Polynesia, where it forms dense stands that inhibit regeneration of other plant species.

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

How to avoid neck strain OUR modern digital age has brought us many conveniences. Black Berry devices, iPhones, tablets and e-readers allow us to communicate and be entertained with the push of a button. Technology can improve our quality of life, but it comes with a price: being huddled over devices for long period of times can do more harm than good. Using certain devices for extended periods of time can easily lead to neck strain, headaches, and pain in the shoulders, arms and hands. Anyone who has used a cell phone or tablet for an extensive amount of time has probably experienced the peculiar strain it puts on your upper body. These conditions even have their own name now: Text neck. Here are some simple strategies to help shut down text neck strain: TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS Taking frequent breaks and looking up from your device can provide your neck with some relief from the pressure of looking down. SIT UP STRAIGHT It is important to sit up straight while texting. This way you can maintain good posture, relieving your back and shoulders from the strain of being hunched over.

HOLD IT HIGHER Holding the phone closer to eye level helps maintain a healthy posture and puts less strain on the neck. STRETCH Be sure to stretch often between long periods of extended use of devices.

You can rotate your shoulders with your arms by your sides to relieve tension. You can also tuck your chin down to your neck and then look up – this helps to relieve some of the tension in your neck built from the common forward-down position you adopt when looking at your device.

September 20 - 26, 2014

Lifestyle...

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

What’s the best way to brush teeth? A STUDY has recently been published in the British Dental Journal which looked at the brushing advice given by different dental ‘authorities’ including dental associations across ten countries, toothpaste and toothbrush companies and in dental textbooks. They found a surprisingly wide range of recommendations on what brushing method to use, how often to brush and for how long. The researchers found no clear consensus between the various sources, and a worrying lack of agreement between advice from dental associations compared with dental textbooks.

“The public needs to have sound information on the best method to brush their teeth,” says Aubrey Sheiham, Emeritus Professor of Dental Public Health, senior author of the study. “If people hear one thing from a dental association, another from a toothbrush company and something else from their dentist, no wonder they are confused about how to brush. “Dental associations need to be consistent about what method to recommend, based on how effective the method is. “Most worryingly, the methods recommended by dental associations

Weekly Recipe Katherine Withers Green, 27, is a mum of one avid pasta lover. She knows from experience that finding meals that are nutritious, quick and easy to make, and that can be frozen for a later date is tough. These recipes are aimed at mothers looking to make the transition from baby food to ‘real’ food.

Tuna pasta bake NOW that we’re expecting our second baby I’m on the lookout for meals that are both child and pregnancy friendly! This yummy bake ticks all the boxes. Unlike fresh tuna, tinned tuna does not contain omega-3 fatty acids, but it is rich in protein, vitamin D and vitamin B12 and free from mercury which can be a worry during pregnancy. This is a very tasty pasta dish which uses a tin of tomato soup as my secret ingredient. INGREDIENTS • ½ onion, peeled and finely chopped • 25g/1oz butter • 1 tbsp corn flour • 120ml/4 fl oz water • 400g tin of tomato soup • A pinch of mixed herbs • 1 to 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley • 200g canned tuna, drained and flaked • 150g fusilli pasta • Salt and freshly ground black pepper For the sauce: • ½ onion, peeled and finely chopped • 25g butter • 2 level tbsp plain flour • 300ml milk • 50g baby spinach, chopped

• 85g Cheddar cheese, grated plus a little extra for the topping METHOD • Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/ gas mark 4. • Boil the pasta until al dente, then drain. • Melt butter in a saucepan and sauté the onion until soft. • Stir the corn flour into the water until dissolved, then add to the pan along with the tomato soup. • Bring to the boil, add the herbs then cook gently stirring for five minutes. • Mix in the flaked tuna and heat through. Season to taste. • For the sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan and sauté the onion until transparent. Add the flour and continue stirring the mixture all the time. • Gradually pour in the milk and keep stirring until the sauce is thickened and smooth. • Add the chopped spinach and stir until wilted. Remove from the heat and stir in the grated cheese. • Grease a serving dish and add the tuna and tomato mixed with the pasta and then the spinach sauce. Sprinkle with some grated Cheddar cheese. • Bake for 25 minutes until golden. • Can be frozen. Serves six. Great for the whole family.

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

are not the same as the best ones mentioned in dental textbooks. “There is no evidence to suggest that complicated techniques are any better than a simple gentle scrub.” This is an interesting topic for us here on the Islands where our population is from such a varied and diverse background, each potentially giving different advice on this topic. However, my view is that we do not need to over-complicate this and if you follow these basic guidelines you will achieve a good level of dental hygiene. -Brush gently in small circles with the brush at a 45 degree angle -Use a small headed, round-ended bristled brush of a medium flexibility

-Brush for two minutes as least twice a day (morning and last thing at night) -Use a fluoride toothpaste Professor Sheiham also added: “There is little point in brushing after eating sweets or sugary drinks to prevent tooth decay. “It takes bacteria from food about two minutes to start producing acid, so if you brush your teeth a few minutes after eating sugary foods, the acid will have damaged the enamel.” Therefore, you should wait around 30 minutes after consuming acidic or acid-creating foods before you brush, to ensure you are not brushing away the softened enamel.

By Dr Mark Osmond

Add to this, regular check-ups with your dentist and professional cleaning and you have a recipe for a health and clean mouth.

POLICE SAFETY TIPS

Guarding against robbery and assault ROBBERY and assault are serious crimes. While money is often the motivation, these incidents are considered crimes of violence because they involve the threat or actual use of physical force. The basic rules of prevention are to be sensible and to be alert. The following tips will also help reduce the risk of robbery or assault. If possible, don’t walk alone during late-night hours. Walk in groups whenever you can - there’s always safety in numbers. Let a family member or friend know your destination and your estimated time of arrival or return. That way, the police can be notified as quickly as possible if there is a problem. Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible. Avoid alleys, vacant lots and other short-cuts or secluded areas. They are usually not well-lit or heavily travelled. Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. Walk close to the curb, avoiding doorways, bushes, and other potential hiding places. If you have to walk in the street, walk facing traffic. A person walking with traffic can be followed, forced into a car, and abducted more easily than a person walking against traffic.

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.

Walk confidently, directly, and at a steady pace. Do not stop to talk to strangers. Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement. And don’t burden yourself with too many packages or items. Always be aware of your surroundings. If you are wearing headphones, don’t turn up the volume so high that you cannot hear outside noises. Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers. Avoid carrying large sums of cash, or displaying expensive jewellery in public. Wherever you are - on the street, in an office building, driving, waiting for transportation - stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings. Send the message that you’re calm, confident, and know where you’re going. Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave. Know the neighbourhoods where you live and work. Check out the

locations of police and fire stations, hospitals, and restaurants, or stores that are open late. If someone tries to rob you, do not resist. Give up your property do not give up your life. Report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims. Self-defence measures are most effective when applied as preventive steps - avoiding the crime in the first place. These measures include running away, hiding, screaming, and raising an alarm - remember, more people will respond to someone yelling ‘Fire’ than they will to ‘Help!’ The Turks and Caicos Islands is still a relatively low crime country but preventive measures must not be taken for granted. For more information, please visit www.tcipolice.tc or www. facebook.com/RTCIPF.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Entertainment Rihanna slams CBS for pulling song AFTER a dust-up last week, Rihanna says she doesn’t want her performance of the song “Run This Town” to air on “Thursday Night Football” this week. CBS is saying “fine” -- if you don’t want the airtime, we won’t give it. “Beginning this Thursday, we will be moving in a different direction with some elements of our ‘Thursday Night Football’ open,” CBS said in a statement. “Run This Town” will be replaced by theme music -apparently for the rest of the season, not just for this week. The network’s decision was announced Tuesday morning, a few hours after Rihanna criticized the network on Twitter. “CBS you pulled my song last week, now you wanna slide it back in this Thursday? NO,” she wrote, followed by an expletive. “Y’all are sad for penalising me for this,” she added. After CBS weighed in, however, the company that owns the rights to the song, Roc Nation, said the change

Rihanna is steaming. A song by the singer -- who was assaulted by then-boyfriend Chris Brown in 2009 -- was pulled from “Thursday Night Football” in September 2014 amid coverage of domestic violence and the Ray Rice scandal.

stemmed from its revocation of the rights. “Due to the misuse and misrepresentation of Rihanna’s name and participation in connection to CBS’ TNF, CBS was not allowed to license and utilize the song ‘Run This Town.’ Roc Nation made the decision to not grant the song’s usage,” the company said in a statement. Rihanna recorded a special version of “Run This Town” for CBS’ fall telecasts of “Thursday Night Football.”

The song was supposed to be part of the opening video for the weekly show in much the same way that a Carrie Underwood performance kicks off NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.” But CBS scrapped the opening video last week in light of its news coverage of the Ray Rice scandal that has engulfed the NFL. Holding off on the video gave CBS more time for somber discussion of domestic violence and the league’s treatment of it.

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Entertainment

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 20 - 26, 2014

‘Sesame Street’ message:

Nyong’o tells children to love their skin LUPITA Nyong’o wants children to understand something she didn’t when she was growing up: Love the skin you’re in. The Oscar-winning actress further cemented her superstar status Tuesday with an appearance on “Sesame Street” to talk about skin with Elmo -- who, it turns out, has red skin under his iconic red fur. The “love the skin you’re in” line comes at the very end of the clip, after a conversation about how skin protects us and allows

Lupita Nyong’o joined “Sesame Street’s” Elmo on Tuesday with an important message of self-acceptance.

us to feel things. When Elmo notices that Nyong’o’s skin is “a beautiful brown color,” Nyong’o replies, “That’s the thing I love most about skin ... skin comes in lots of beautiful shades and colors.” It’s no surprise that Nyong’o

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appeared on “Sesame Street” to deliver that particular message. Although she’s People magazine’s “Most Beautiful” person for 2014, the actress has spoken about how, as a child, she felt anything but.

Investigators believe that Joan Rivers’ vocal cords began to swell during the allegedly unauthorised biopsy, cutting off the flow of oxygen to her lungs, which led to cardiac arrest on the morning of August 29, the source said.

Source: Rivers’ doctor took selfie, began biopsy before her cardiac arrest THE cardiac arrest leading to Joan Rivers’ death happened as the comedian’s personal doctor began performing a biopsy on her vocal cords, a source close to the death investigation told CNN. A staff member at Manhattan’s Yorkville Endoscopy clinic told investigators that the doctor, who has not been publicly identified, took a selfie photo in the procedure room while Rivers was under anesthesia, the source said. Rivers, 81, was at the clinic for a scheduled endoscopy by another doctor, gastroenterologist Dr. Lawrence Cohen. That procedure, intended to help diagnose her hoarse voice and sore throat, involved the insertion of a camera down her throat. After Cohen, the clinic’s medical director, finished his work, a biopsy

was done on Rivers without her prior consent, according to the source. An ear, nose and throat specialist not certified by the clinic as required by law performed a biopsy on her vocal cords. The doctor is described by the source as Rivers’ personal earnose-throat physician. “Even though you are a licensed physician, you still should have, if you will, the checks and balances to get your approval to practice in that particular place,” said Dr. Arthur Caplan, a medical ethicist at New York University’s Langone Medical Center. Investigators believe that Rivers’ vocal cords began to swell during the allegedly unauthorised biopsy, cutting off the flow of oxygen to her lungs, which led to cardiac arrest on the morning of August 29, the source said.

Clooney to receive honorary Golden Globe US ACTOR, director and producer George Clooney is to receive an honorary award at next year’s Golden Globes. Organisers said the 53-yearold would be given its Cecil B DeMille award for “his outstanding contributions both in front of and behind the camera”. Clooney was being recognised “as much for his global humanitarian efforts as he is for his accomplishments in the entertainment industry,” the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) said. 2015’s awards take place on 11 January. Recent recipients of the DeMille award, named after the famed producer of The Ten Commandments, include Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg and the late Robin Williams. Woody Allen was honoured at this year’s event, though the actor and

Clooney won best actor in a drama at the 2012 Golden Globes.

director did not travel to Los Angeles to collect his accolade. Clooney is no stranger to the Golden Globes, having been previously honoured by the HFPA for his performances in The Descendants, O Brother Where Art Thou and Syriana. The former ER star and Hollywood heartthrob is expected to tie the knot shortly with human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin. (BBC)

September 20 - 26, 2014

Entertainment

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Cat Stevens to tour US for the first time since 1976

Idris Elba is to voice the part of Shere Khan in The Jungle Book, due out next year.

Elba’s No Good Deed crowns US box office THRILLER No Good Deed, starring British actor Idris Elba, has ended the four-week reign of Guardians of the Galaxy at the top of the US box office. The film, in which Elba plays an escaped convict, made $24.5m (£15m) on its debut, almost double its budget. Feel-good release Dolphin Tale 2 entered the chart at two, while sci-fi caper Guardians slipped to third. Guardians is the biggest film of the year so far in North America, taking more than $300m (£184.7m). The Marvel release becomes the first film of the year to pass

that milestone, while its box office takings around the world have reached the $600m (£370m) mark. Another notable new entry in the rundown is The Drop, starring the late James Gandolfini and British actor Tom Hardy, which landed in sixth spot after opening in a limited number of cinemas. No Good Deed, which costars Taraji P Henson as a woman terrorised by Elba’s character, was hailed as a success by makers Sony, who marketed the film heavily prior to release. “It’s a movie that we really loved and felt that it was going to win,” said Rory Bauer, the company’s head of distribution.

CAT Stevens - also known as Yusuf Islam - is to perform a series of dates in the US for the first time since 1976. The musician, who converted to Islam in 1977 and put his career on hold, will play six concerts in December. The 66-year-old, who was inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year, is now known by his original stage name and Yusuf. He is best known for his 1971 recording of Christian hymn Morning Has Broken, a top 10 hit in both the UK and US. Stevens had a number of other hits during the 1960s and 70s, including Wild World and Peace Train. The British-born singer, who now lives in Dubai, is due to release a new album on 27 October - his first in five years. He says he has been gradually reconnecting with this music career in the US. “I’ve been a bit slow in coming around to the United States, but there were so many people asking me to do that, that I just felt an obligation,” he said in an interview with the Associated Press. The six dates announced so far will take in Boston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago

Cat Stevens, now called Yusuf, was elevated to the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April.

and the Canadian city of Toronto. A further six concerts around Europe are also scheduled, including one in the UK at London’s Hammersmith Apollo. The tour is entitled Peace Train... Late Again in a nod to his long musical break and gradual moves to resume his recording career. The musician says he is not

concerned about his faith becoming an issue when he resumes touring in the US. “I’m afraid that a lot of things that people believe about Islam are totally different from the religion that most of us recognise. “I was really fortunate that I got to know Islam before it became a headline,” he said. (BBC)

Jack Huston set to star in Ben-Hur remake

Ariana Grande has six nominations at the Europe Music Awards.

Perry and Grande lead the MTV EMA nominations 2014 KATY Perry is leading the nominations for this year’s MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs). The singer is up for seven including Best Female, Best Pop Act, Best Video and Best Live act. She will be going head to head in most categories with Ariana Grande, who has six nominations for the awards being held in Glasgow in November. 5 Seconds of Summer and Pharrell Williams have five each, one more than One Direction. Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea,

Eminem, Sam Smith and Kiesza have all received four nominations each. The biggest battleground may well be between 5SOS and 1D as they go head-to-head in the Biggest Fans category. Also announced on Tuesday, Cheryl Cole won the wildcard vote to be in the running for Best UK & Ireland Act, the winner of which will enter the Best Worldwide category. Voting has begun on the official MTV EMA site, and will remain open until November 8.

BRITISH actor Jack Huston is expected to take the lead role in a remake of 1959 classic BenHur, according to reports from Hollywood. The actor is tipped to play Judah Ben-Hur, the Jewish prince played by Charlton Heston in the original movie. The new version, which will also star Morgan Freeman, is scheduled for release in February 2016. Huston’s recent work includes roles in American Hustle and playing novelist Jack Kerouac in Kill Your Darlings. The screen star, whose aunt is actress Anjelica Huston, had a recurring role as Richard Harrow in US TV series Boardwalk Empire from 2010 to 2013. He also starred on the West End stage last year in an adaptation of the Patricia Highsmith novel Strangers on a Train. The Hollywood Reporter said that Huston’s role in the new film, which will be directed by Timur Bekmambetov, had yet to be confirmed.

Jack Huston previously had roles in American Hustle and Boardwalk Empire.

It has been scripted by John Ridley, who won an Academy Award earlier this year for the screenplay of 12 Years a Slave. The story of Ben-Hur takes place in the Romanoccupied province of Judea in the Middle East. The 1959 epic set records at the time for the money it spent on vast sets and lavish costumes and went on to become a huge box-office success. One of its most memorable sequences is a chariot race that pits

Ben-Hur against his friend turned adversary Messala. The film went on to win 11 of the 12 Oscars for which it was nominated, including best picture, best director and best actor. The story of Ben-Hur had previously been told on the big screen in a silent film released in 1925. The film was singled out for preservation by the American Film Institute in 2004 for its cultural significance. (BBC)

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Aristide supporters condemn house arrest FORMER Haitian President JeanBertrand Aristide, who was put under house arrest as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into corruption and drug trafficking allegations, was expected to get some moral support Tuesday. A group of opposition leaders and senators opposed to a political accord the international community had hoped would lead to elections this year, say they plan to visit the former priest-turned-twice deposed president despite a judge’s order requiring visitors to seek approval before entering Aristide’s gated compound on the outskirts of Portau-Prince. “There is no such thing as house arrest under Haitian law,” said opposition Sen. Jean Baptiste Bien-Aime, who plans to join the delegation. Aristide was ordered to stay put last week by investigative Judge Lamarre Bélizaire who is reviewing allegations that he and his associates stole millions from the Haitian treasury and pocketed kickbacks from drug traffickers between 2001 and 2004. Days later, police officers assigned to Aristide were recalled without explanation. The actions were the latest in a series of moves by Bélizaire. They have perplexed and outraged Aristide supporters, including U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., who is calling on Secretary of State John Kerry to intervene “to avoid an unnecessary and dangerous confrontation and ensure that chaos does not ensure in Haiti.” “No one should want a confrontation between President Aristide’s supporters and the police,” Waters wrote to Kerry, whose office has yet to respond. “I fear that a dangerous situation may be developing that could lead to a loss of life and further political instability in Haiti.” Waters, a long-time Aristide supporter, told the Miami Herald

President Jean-Bertrand Aristide was ordered to stay put last week by investigative Judge Lamarre Bélizaire who is reviewing allegations that he and his associates stole millions from the Haitian treasury and pocketed kickbacks from drug traffickers between 2001 and 2004.

that she is “really concerned” about Aristide’s safety. “He is at risk down there,” she said, noting that she has been fielding calls from equally concerned individuals such as the Rev. Jesse Jackson and soon plans to mount a letter-writing campaign. “I don’t understand the legality of what’s being done and a lot of people don’t understand it. Where is Bélizaire getting his orders from? What gives him the authority to do this? How does Bélizaire, a judge, have the ability to reach over into the police and remove police from security operations? We just don’t understand this.” Equally confused Haitians say they believe the Aristide saga might be an attempt to test his popularity while some supporters say it’s a way of preventing his political party, Fanmi Lavalas, from staging a comeback. Martelly’s government has not commented on Aristide’s case but has said that it will not interfere in the work of the judiciary. The house arrest and police removal came the same week in which Haiti’s lower chamber recessed without approving an electoral law, and Samantha Power,

the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, accused the six opposition senators of blocking political progress. “A group of six senators seems intent on holding elections hostage to partisan concerns, even going so far as to prevent a debate on the electoral law,” Power said during a U.N. Security Council meeting on Haiti. “Legislators in a democracy have a responsibility to defend their constituents’ rights,” Power said. “But when elected officials take advantage of democracy’s checks and balances to cynically block debate and elections altogether, they stand in the way of addressing citizens’ real needs.” Power’s strong statement immediately drew rebuke in Port-auPrince from the senators and other opposition leaders, who said her characterization of Haiti’s complex deepening political crisis was unjust and misinformed. “We are not obstructionist. We are a group of senators who are defending the Haitian constitution,” said opposition Sen. Francky Exius. Opposition party leader Mirlande Manigat said the international community consistently overlooks the role President Michel Martelly has played in delaying the vote for two-thirds of the Senate, the entire lower chamber of deputies, municipal administrations and local councils. “For three years, he refused to call elections. A large part of this is his fault,” said Manigat, a constitution expert who lost to Martelly in the 2011 presidential runoff. “It is unfair to accuse the six senators for the crisis.” Manigat’s party is among several that are also refusing to acknowledge the political agreement known as the El Rancho accord. The group has also taken issue with how the ninemember provisional electoral council was formed, saying it doesn’t instill confidence.

September 20 - 26, 2014

Bahamas: Policeman cleared of raping under-age girl A SUPREME Court jury on Tuesday unanimously acquitted a police officer of the statutory rape of an underage girl in the Bahamas. The jury returned their 9-0 not guilty verdict on the unlawful sexual intercourse charge less than an hour after being excused by Justice Vera Watkins to determine whether 48-yearold Jason Cambridge sexually assaulted a then 13-year-old girl in the third and/or fourth week of July 2010. Cambridge’s lawyer, Romona Farquharson-Seymour, told the jurors that the prosecution’s case against her client was based solely on the words of a 17-year-old who was 13 at the time of the alleged offence. Cambridge denied committing unlawful sexual intercourse with the complainant on two occasions. The complainant was the daughter of a woman he had a relationship with at the time. The complainant testified in the trial that the first incident occurred at night while she was asleep. She claimed she was wakened by Cambridge. She claimed that the second incident happened in the front room while she was up late watching television. She told a friend what had transpired on August 1, 2010. Cambridge denied any involvement with the complainant, whom he had known for four years. During closing addresses earlier this week, Mrs Farquharson-Seymour told the jurors that while the crown produced nine witnesses, “at the end of the day, their case rests and falls with the complainant.”

“There’s no physical evidence. There are no witnesses. There is only her words,” she submitted. Mrs Farquharson-Seymour said it was strange that the complainant didn’t make a sound during the first alleged incident and did not tell her mother. The lawyer also noted that when the friend told the complainant’s mother about the alleged molestation, the complainant said her friend was lying. The lawyer asked the jury to bear in mind that the complainant never, in her testimony, claimed to be afraid of Cambridge, but “she was afraid of her mother.” She also noted the physician’s evidence that there was no tenderness or abrasion when she examined the 13-year-old, who said that she was “ok” when asked. “All you have,” Mrs Farquharson-Seymour said, “are the words of the complainant, nothing more.” Prosecutor Koschina Marshall acknowledged the complainant’s initial resistance to confirm her friend’s report to her mother about the alleged molestation. However, she recalled the words of the complainant when she gave her testimony. “At 13, I was weak and defenceless. At 17, I have courage and I have confidence,” the prosecutor said, adding that “the uniqueness of the words tell us the state of her mind at the time the alleged offences were committed.” Ms Marshall reminded the jurors that sexual molestation “is a very dark secret.” She further dismissed the defence’s suggestion that the Crown’s key witness was inconsistent with her claims of being molested.

CARICOM formalising recommendations to deal with Ebola, Chikungunya THE Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) says it is formalising recommendations to deal with any possible incidence of the Ebola virus and is also improving efforts to respond to the Chikungunya epidemic. A CARICOM statement said that chief medical officers and other technical health experts from CARICOM member states met via video conference to rationalise the region’s response to the two diseases. The meeting was convened by the CARICOM Secretariat in collaboration with the Trinidadbased Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). “Among draft proposals that were fleshed out at the meeting

was the achievement of the core competencies cited in WHO’s International Health Regulations. Discussions additionally focused on the need to urge a calm but prudent response when applying the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation with regards to the Ebola virus – no restrictions on travel and trade in areas where the Ebola transmission has occurred,” the statement said. It said the meeting also discussed the “urgent need to put in place isolation facilities and resources to permit barrier management of suspected or affected cases of Ebola”. Meanwhile, the Director of the Pan American Health Organisation

(PAHO), Dr Carissa Etienne, who has ended a visit to Guyana, has assured that there was a very low death rate from Chikungunya, despite the significant illness and disability it causes. Dr Etienne paid a courtesy call on CARICOM Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque and met with officials of the Directorate of Human and Social Development to discuss the region’s response to the current disease alerts. Dr Etienne said that Chikungunya has had a significant effect on productivity and the social and economic life of affected communities, and it was therefore critical to concentrate response efforts on vector reduction. “It is a household mosquito

(aedes. aegypti) and all householders must become active in reducing the breeding sites inside and outside of their homes … garbage disposal, drainage of water, emptying of containers. “We also have to ask people to sleep under bed nets so that you don’t get bitten, particularly an infected person. The treatment is mini-supportive, we give Tylenol, Paracetamol, Acetaminophen, and ensure fluid intake,” Dr Etienne said. She said multi-sectoral action was needed to ensure access to water, to avoid storage which encourages mosquito breeding. Adequate garbage disposal and activating communities to take better care of themselves at the Community and

individual levels were other critical responses the PAHO Director proposed. With regard to Ebola, Dr Etienne noted that PAHO has observed outbreaks in Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and three other African countries, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo and Sengal, which have reported cases, but have contained the disease. “At this stage, the current Ebola outbreak has been upgraded to a United Nations Humanitarian Crisis which activates all of the UN to react to the crisis. It is being viewed not only as a health problem; it is generating food security and human security issues,” Dr Etienne said. (CMC)

September 20 - 26, 2014

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Jamaica doctors say Cayman Islands former premier politicising of treatment of had a gambling problem Chikunguyna virus must stop THE Jamaica Medical Doctors Association (JMDA) Monday called for an end to the politcising of the measures being taken to deal with the mosquito borne Chikungunya virus. “The health of the people is the priority for all stakeholders. We must stand as one and play our part in the eradication of Chikungunya fever. The Jamaica Medical Doctors Association will remain at the forefront of the fight against these viral illnesses and in providing information to the public,” the JMDA said in a statement. So far Jamaica has recorded 25 confirmed cases of the virus whose main symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. The JMDA said that while it commended the health authorities here for dealing with the virus, the Ministry of Health needed to enhance its response to prevent a full-blown epidemic. JMDA President Dr. Alfred Dawes said the similarity of the symptoms with dengue fever and influenza had caused confusion among the population. “We accept the challenges in testing all reported cases of Chikungunya. Chikungunya, dengue and the flu are in the majority of cases self-limiting and respond to conservative treatment. As such testing all patients for Chikungunya is not practical and will not add much to the treatment plan in

the majority of cases.” Dawes said the public education campaign must be intensified. “Vector control is a major component of the fight against Chikunguyna as the aedes aegypti mosquito is endemic to Jamaica and transmits both Chikunguyna and dengue. Closer collaboration between the parish councils, Ministry of Health and Jamaicans from all walks of life in clearing drains and other breeding sites of the mosquito is needed,” he said. Dr. Dawes said it was also important for the measures to deal with the virus are not politicised. “We the people have a major role to play in the control of the aedes aegypti mosquito and the viral illnesses it transmits. Jamaicans united decades ago in a successful effort to rid the island of malaria and yellow fever. It is only by our actions that we can now defeat this threat and any other infectious diseases that may make their way to our shores.” Last week, the main opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) insisted that there was a Chikungunya epidemic on the island and accused the authorities of seeking to hide the true extent of the outbreak. JLP spokesman on health, Dr. Ken Baugh said that a series of assessment and on-the-ground visits in various communities have shown that the number given by the authorities was grossly under stated.

Haiti: UN warns of “institutional vacuum” without elections soon THE United Nations is continuing its call for Haiti to hold long-delayed elections before the end of the year. Speaking to the Security Council this week, UN Special Representative and MINUSTAH Chief Sandra Honore said that, due to political deadlock, no agreement had been reached on the required framework to hold the elections. If the polls are not carried out before the end of the year, it could result in “creating and institutional vacuum,” Honore. That’s because, without elections, the current Parliament would be rendered dysfunctional on Jan. 12, she said. Honore said she was calling for an immediate solution to be found “on the basis of the rule of law,” hailing what she saw as recent signs by political parties to renew an “inclusive dialogue.” She also pointed to Haiti President Michel Martelly’s intention to “engage in discussion with opposition groups and civil society.” “While I welcome these various

attempts at identifying a consensual solution, through dialogue, as soon as possible, I also wish to call on all actors concerned to ensure that the solution be on the basis of the Constitution and within a solid legal framework that allows for credible, inclusive, and transparent elections in support of a peaceful democratic transition in 2015,” she said. The legislative and municipal elections have been delayed for nearly three years. She also addressed the security environment in the Caribbean country, saying it had “remained relatively stable.” “Structural and technical challenges such as a weak administrative and internal oversight capacity, limited regional coverage and scarce institutional capacity in specialized fields, including prison management remain, and require a redoubling of efforts by both the Haitian Government and its international partners,” she said. (CaribJournal)

AS the former premier’s slot machine gambling appeared to intensify in the early months of 2010, the crown said, McKeeva Bush ran up a debt of over $33,000 withdrawing cash on his Cayman Islands Government credit card to play in casinos in the US and the Bahamas. During a week’s trip to Vegas in February, Bush was gambling hard and withdrew over $12,000 cash on the card and just a few weeks later on a short official trip to the Bahamas and Miami he touched the card for more than $17,000, the court heard Tuesday as Bush’s trial continued. These amounts were on top of an existing and mounting cash debt already on the card. At that time, the crown said, Bush hadn’t made any payments back to government since December 2009, leaving the public purse to carry the debt burden. During the second day of the leader of the opposition’s trial for corruption and misconduct offences the jury heard that Bush’s efforts to get cash intensified in 2010, as did his hours at the slots as well as his losses. Counsel representing the crown, Duncan Penny QC told the jury that while Bush paid back some of the $33,000 several weeks after his gambling trips, there was a sum of more than $10,000 outstanding,

McKeeva Bush is reported to have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in gambling since 2009.

which remained that way for more than two and a half years. It was not until the premier learned that his credit card statements were being investigated by police that he paid back the remaining debt, Penny told the court, as he began to wrap up his opening statement, describing the crown’s case relating to the abuse of Bush’s government corporate credit card. Penny detailed the major withdrawals during two trips in 2010, where Bush’s use of his government card across the casinos grew as he accessed much larger amounts, including his single largest cash withdrawal on the corporate card in Florida in March, when he cashed $4,000 on the casino floor.

Having lost over $57,000 in Vegas during a week-long personal trip, which he had combined with a brief official appearance at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, where he also gambled, Bush lost a further $45,000 in Florida a month later. He also was said to have lost an unknown amount in the Bahamas, where he was drawing money from various casinos. All of this was adding to his own personal credit card debts as well as the mounting personal bill on his CIG card. Describing the acceleration in the credit card debt, as he completed the summary of the crown’s case, Penny explained that Bush had begun to use the cashier system on the casino floors and sign for the credit card cash advances rather than use the ATMs. The lawyer said this was because Bush was able to access more cash that way than via the teller machines, which limited his daily cash amounts. “The defendant became wise to the fact that the credit card was limited at the ATM to just $1,000 per day,” he said, explaining that Bush began using the cashier services where he could sign for cash. Having started the previous July taking $500 here and $100 there on the government card, Bush was now making withdrawals in the $1000s.

Christie warns religious leaders not to get involved in politics PRIME Minister Perry Christie on Monday warned religious leaders against getting involved in politics as he defended his morality and that of government members of parliament. Bain and Grants Town MP Dr Bernard Nottage also took issue with recent statements by religious leaders urging Bahamians not to support politicians who vote in favour of Gaming bills. Dr Nottage questioned how he could vote against the Bill when the majority of his constituents voted in favour of legalising webshops and a national lottery in the 2013 Gaming referendum. He referred to an “unchristian desire” to target supporting politicians, adding that he was “mystified” how persons could accept casino gaming but demonise web shops. Dr Nottage charged that he still believed that Bahamians should be able to own casinos, and that more than one Bahamian conglomerate should be able to own banks. He added that the legislation to regularise web shops was inevitable given the circumstances, and would have been brought to government by

Christie warned that it was important not to polarise politicians as sinful or corrupt based on their support of the gaming bills.

any administration. During his wrap-up contribution, Mr Christie said that he did not have a problem with criticism as long as he was allowed to defend himself. Mr Christie said he told an executive of the Christian Council that he was searching for a new “moral authority” during his discussions with the religious community concerning the critical need to regulate the sector.

“I have not committed a sin, I have no intention to be sinful,” he said. “I’m doing this in the interest of the Bahamian people. Ultimately I am serving their best interests.” Mr Christie explained that it was the “assignment” of religious leaders to create a peaceful environment to allow for community development. He explained that he discussed his fears surrounding the unregulated industry with church leaders from various denominations, adding that he invited members of the religious community to consult with the financial sector. Mr Christie warned that it was important not to polarise politicians as sinful or corrupt based on their support of the gaming bills, which he said was a reasonable decision expected by “all agencies of the world”. “They must also allow that though they (religious leaders) may not have been in that room with all of the other church leaders, they must allow for the fact that when you start an action that can be described as political, you are then going into an arena that is going to prove to be very difficult.” (Tribune242)

World News

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

World War III may have already Scotland vote: British pound hits 2-year high as begun says Pope Francis POPE Francis has warned that World War III may have already begun Speaking on Saturday during a visit to Redipuglia military cemetery, where he was commemorating the centenary of World War I, the pontiff alluded to a more insidious global conflict. “Even today, after the second failure of another world war, perhaps one can speak of a third war, one fought piecemeal, with crimes, massacres, destruction,” he said. “War is madness,” he declared at the memorial to 100,000 Italian soldiers who gave their lives in World War I and are interred at the country’s largest military cemetery. The Pope has repeatedly condemned the idea of war in God’s name, and has called for an end to conflicts in Iraq, Syria, Gaza, Ukraine, and parts of Africa. Last month, the outspoken pontiff said the international community would be justified in using force to halt “unjust aggression” by Islamic State militants, who have killed or displaced thousands of people in Iraq and Syria, including many Christians, and outraged millions worldwide with the much-publicised beheadings of American and British hostages.

currency traders bet on No

Pope Francis called war “madness”. (Credit: Caribbean360 / Bigstock)

On Saturday, the Pope paid tribute to victims of all wars. “Humanity needs to weep, and this is the time to weep,” he said. The pontiff’s visit was also infused with personal meaning, according to a BBC report. His grandfather fought in Italy’s offensive against the AustroHungarian Empire, in north-east Italy in 1917 and 1918.

During his visit to Redipuglia, the Pope was presented with the document with which his grandfather enlisted to fight for Italy before emigrating to Argentina, Francis’ birthplace. (Caribbean360) Saved as: Ebola economies Caption: Residents of the Liberian capital, Monrovia, watch health workers remove the body of an Ebola victim.

THE polls say it's neck and neck, but currency traders who move trillions of dollars every day have placed their bets solidly that Scotland will reject independence in Thursday's closely watched vote. The British pound gained a third of a per cent to trade at 1.2687 euros on Thursday. That's the highest the currency has been against Europe's benchmark since April 2012, and a clear bet Europe's financiers think the pound will get a vote of confidence when the ballots have been counted. Although the numbers have seesawed in recent weeks, the last Ipsos Reid poll taken before the vote suggested some 53 per cent of decided voters said they would opt to maintain the Scottish union with England that has been in place since 1707. With all the recent uncertainty — not to mention a strengthening U.S. economy — the pound has been heavily sold off when compared to the U.S. dollar ever since the spectre of a Yes win became plausible earlier this month. But the pound has quietly been faring well in a head-to-head comparison against the euro, the unit that many have floated as a possible currency of a suddenly sovereign Scotland. That's a sign that money markets

think the pound is likely to remain strong in the long run, regardless of what happens in Scotland when the votes are counted later Thursday evening. apanese investment bank Nomura is forecasting about a 75 per cent change that the status quo will remain after the vote — meaning Scots would decide to remain a part of Great Britain. Should the Yes side prevail, the bank expects all British and Scottish assets, including the pound, to get battered. "This would likely cause relatively indiscriminate selling of U.K. assets as they are the liquid ones trading," the bank said. "In contrast, a vote to keep the Union would likely cause recent moves to unwind, with [the pound] in particular higher." Others agree with that sentiment. "A Yes vote is likely to weigh heavily on the sterling and equities," IG strategist Stan Shamu said. "A No vote should result in a relief rally and is likely to be positive for the sterling and [stocks]," "Our main scenario remains a No vote, and we expect [British pound] to rebound against [U.S. dollar] and [the euro]," Nomura said. Up to press time the votes were still being counted. (CBC.ca)

Obama, Kerry: No U.S. troops will be sent into combat against ISIS in Iraq, Syria THE U.S. is not returning combat troops to Iraq, President Barack Obama insisted again Wednesday, despite the suggestion by his top general that option is something the Pentagon could consider. Speaking at U.S. Central Command in Florida, Obama said again that U.S. troops “do not and will not have a combat mission” in Iraq against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. “After a decade of massive ground deployments, it is more effective to use our unique capabilities in support of partners on the ground so they can secure their own countries’ futures,” he said. “And that’s the only solution that will succeed over the long term.” “As your commander in chief, I will not commit you and the rest of our armed forces to fighting another ground war in Iraq,” Obama told troops at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. Rather, the U.S. forces will support Iraqi forces on the ground as the Iraqis fight ISIS, he said. “When we do things alone and the countries -- the people of those countries -- aren’t doing it for themselves, as soon as we leave, we start getting the same problems,” Obama said. Obama’s position was reiterated by U.S. Secretary of State John

Mothers of “disappeared” children protest in Argentina in this 1977 photo. President Obama and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry are firm that US troops will take part in ground operations against ISIS.

Kerry, who testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee about the administration’s plan to defeat ISIS, the terror group that refers to itself as the Islamic State. Kerry also told the senators that a number of countries have agreed to contribute to the fight against the militants. Asked whether any of the nations agreed to put boots on the ground to fight ISIS, Kerry said no. However, Kerry confirmed that some of the countries have committed to carrying out airstrikes. He did not publicly identify the countries. “We will have enough allies” for the military action needed to fight ISIS, he said. Kerry’s testimony before the Senate committee came at the same

time the House approved Obama’s request to arm and train Syrian rebels to fight ISIS. The vote was 273 -156, with significant opposition to the proposal in both parties. The proposal would authorise the Pentagon to provide assistance to “appropriately vetted” members of the Syrian opposition and require the administration to give Congress a detailed plan for helping the rebels before that assistance could begin. The Senate vote on the proposal could come as early as Thursday. During the sometimes contentious Senate committee hearing, which broke mainly on partisan lines, Kerry defended the U.S. policy, saying he did not want to “rehash” debates about the Gulf War and the Iraq War.

Argentina tries doctors for ‘baby theft’ during military rule

TWO doctors and a midwife have gone on trial in Argentina charged with kidnapping babies born in captivity to left-wing political prisoners during the 1976-83 military government. It is the first case of medical staff being tried for allegedly falsifying the babies’ birth certificates. An estimated 500 children were stolen at birth from their mothers during what was known as the Dirty War. They were then given illegally to other families who raised them as their own. The real parents were either killed or disappeared. Prosecutors in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, accuse the two doctors, Norberto Bianco and Raul Martin, and the midwife, Luisa

Yolanda Arroche, of “providing essential assistance” to hide the babies’ identity and hand them over to sympathisers of the Argentine military government. The medical staffs are now in their 80s. Two former commanders at one of the clandestine military hospitals, the Campo de Mayo base outside Buenos Aires, are also being tried. “It’s a very important trial because it will judge the complicity of doctors and midwives who were directly responsible for these crimes against humanity,” said 36-yearold Francisco Madariaga, who was delivered by the midwife at Campo de Mayo and taken from his mother at birth.

September 20 - 26, 2014

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

China woman wins suit against man who ‘stole’ her virginity, gets $5K settlement THE price of lying about being single and seducing a virgin? For a married man in Shanghai, it’s $5,000. A young Chinese woman sued a married man for stealing her “virginity right” by telling her he was single and beginning a sexual relationship with her, according to a Pudong New Area People’s Court, which ordered the defendant to pay 30,000 yuan to the deceived woman. The man, whose surname is Li, met the woman, whose last name is Chen, online. They began dating in September 2013. The

man said he was not married, and the two traveled to Singapore, where they consummated their relationship, the South China Morning Post. But after they returned to China, the man’s attentions began to cool, the woman said. She ultimately broke into his home. There, she met his wife. She filed a lawsuit in March, demanding a written apology and complaining that he “violated her virginity by deception.” The court said virginity is a protected civil right, and those who violate it can be held liable for damages. (NYdailynews)

Researchers have used modern forensic analysis to reveal that King Richard III suffered 11 injuries at or near the time of death, according to a new study published in The Lancet

King Richard III’s bones reveal fatal blows, scientists say RICHARD III was the last English king to lose his life on the battlefield. Scientists who have been testing his remains -- found under a parking lot in the English city of Leicester -now believe they know how he died. The 15th-century king was best known to modern Britons as the hunchbacked Shakespearean villain accused of murdering his nephews, the “Princes in the Tower,” to usurp the throne. His life has always been a controversial chapter in English lore. Although he ruled for only two years (1483-85) and died at the age of 32, there has been an ongoing debate over Richard III’s portrayal in both English history and English literature. According to historians, the king’s defeat and death at Bosworth Field ended the Wars of the Roses and marked the end of the Middle Ages in England. Though he was a royal, his body was given to local monks, and he was buried in a crude grave in an unknown location.

It was not until archaeologists from the University of Leicester discovered his remains under a parking lot in 2012 that people learned where his body had been buried. Since that time, both scientists and medical researchers have studied the remains to better understand how King Richard III lived and died. Now, researchers have used modern forensic analysis to reveal that he suffered 11 injuries at or near the time of death, according to a new study published in The Lancet. Of those, three had the potential to cause death quickly: two to the skull and one to the pelvis. And the scientists believe that the skull injuries were the ones that killed the last monarch from the House of York. “Richard’s injuries represent a sustained attack or an attack by several assailants with weapons from the later medieval period,” said Professor Sarah Hainsworth, one of the authors of the study.

‘Laughing’ traffickers ram boat full migrants and kill 500, survivors say WITNESSES say as many as 500 migrants died in the Mediterranean Sea when human traffickers intentionally sunk their boat, the International Organization for Migration said Tuesday. The survivors -- both Palestinian men from Gaza who were rescued separately after days in the water clinging to flotation aids -- said they had packed into a boat in Egypt’s port of Damietta in Egypt and left on September 6. They estimated at least 400 men and women, in addition to as many as 100 children, were on board. Two survivors interviewed by the IOM and Italian police in Sicily said the traffickers became enraged after the migrants -- who had already switched to small boats three times during their four days at sea -refused to move to a smaller vessel. The migrants said they’d rather go back to Egypt than continue on in an even smaller vessel that they believed was not seaworthy. The Palestinians’ account was corroborated by several other survivors who were interviewed on the Greek island of Crete, the IOM said. They said the smugglers, who they said were Palestinians and Egyptians, had begun yelling and throwing sticks at the migrants after they refused to leave the boat before then ramming the vessel. Some migrants managed to jump into the smaller boat, while one passenger “killed himself in despair by hanging,” a survivor said. “After they hit our boat, they waited to make sure that it had sunk completely before leaving. They were laughing,” he added. IOM: MANY CHILDREN AMONG DEAD By Tuesday morning, authorities in Italy, Malta and Greece confirmed the rescue of 10 migrants from the lost vessel, the IOM said. Three bodies have also been found.

According to the IOM, the latest reported sinking would take the death toll off Europe’s shores this year to nearly 3,000. In 2013, the organisation’s Missing Migrants Project estimated the total for the year to be 700 deaths.

Those on the boat included Syrians, Palestinians, Egyptians and Sudanese, as well as Palestinians, the witnesses said. The two Palestinian survivors explained that they’d paid $2,000 -money they’d gotten after receiving grants to rebuild their homes -- at what they called a “travel” office in Gaza for their voyage to Italy, according to the IOM. Four buses took them to the Egyptian port near Alexandria, where about 200 people got on the ship’s first deck and the other 300 people on the bottom deck. Survivors surmised that those below deck were unable to escape the sinking boat and drowned almost immediately. Some people managed to stay afloat for three days, only to be done in by strong winds and waves that moved through the area. ‘”If survivors’ reports are confirmed, this will be the worst shipwreck of migrants in years, not an accidental tragedy, but the apparent deliberate drowning of migrants by criminal gangs who extort money for their desperate journeys,” said IOM spokesman Leonard Doyle. “Their actions are as callous as they are evil.”

SHOCKING AND UNACCEPTABLE’ According to the IOM, the latest reported sinking would take the death toll off Europe’s shores this year to nearly 3,000. In 2013, the organization’s Missing Migrants Project estimated the total for the year to be 700 deaths. “The numbers dying off Europe’s coasts are shocking and unacceptable,” said IOM director general William Lacy Swing. “These are women, children and men who only hope for a more dignified life. The risks they take reflect their desperation and we cannot keep abandoning them to their fate.” Authorities are also investigating reports that 200 more people are missing off Libya and that another 15 drowned off the coast of Egypt, the IOM said. Each year, tens of thousands of people are rescued from the Mediterranean, according to the European Union border agency, Frontex. The United Nations has expressed dismay over the rising number of migrants dying at sea. (BBC)

Texas executes woman for starvation of boy, 9 A TEXAS woman convicted of the starvation and torture death of her girlfriend’s 9-year-old son a decade ago has been executed. Thirty-eight-year-old Lisa Coleman is the ninth convicted killer and second woman to receive a lethal injection in Texas this year. Nationally, she’s only the 15th woman executed since the Supreme Court in 1976 allowed the death penalty to resume. During that same time, nearly 1,400 men have been

executed. Coleman was condemned for the death of Davontae Williams, whose emaciated body was found in July 2004 at the North Texas apartment Coleman shared with his mother. He was about half the weight of a normal 9-year-old and had more than 250 injuries, including burns and ligature marks. The U.S. Supreme Court earlier in the day rejected a last-minute appeal. (NYdailynews)

Thirty-eight-year-old Lisa Coleman is the ninth convicted killer and second woman to receive a lethal injection in Texas this year.

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PRICE SLASHED

PRICE SLASHED $175,000 FOR QUICK SALE

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

Call: 231-3788

34 CLASSIFIEDS

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

TIBOR’S

APEX DEVELOPMENT LTD.

Welding Supervisor

Boat Engineer

Job Responsibilities: • Design and implement preventative maintenance programs for fleet of boats; • Supervision of boat captains; • Procurement of materials and supplies for repairs and maintenance of a fleet of boats; • Managing a cost budget for the maintenance of a fleet of boats. • Qualifications Required: • Diploma in electrical and/or electronic engineering • Minimum of 10 years of experience in boat maintenance • Grade 1 Boat Masters License from the Turks and Caicos Maritime Agency • Experience in preventative maintenance and major overhaul of inboard diesel marine engines • Experience in preventative maintenance and repair of gasoline and diesel engines • Experience in the training and supervision of staff; • Experience in managing a budget for the cost of maintaining a fleet of boats; • High level first aid training; • IT literate with training and experience with Microsoft Office software. • This position is immediately available. Salary for this position depends on qualifications and experience. All applicants will be reviewed; however only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

10384

Manager

such as brazing, soldering operations and supervise fitting and assembly of structural frames - Work fabrication projects from start to finish and supervise other workers - Fabricate various artistic designs for our enclosure projects must have minimum 5 years experience - Interpret and explain drawings/diagrams to other workers performs other duties as described under SUPERVISOR Master Title. - Must have a valid trade specific certifications with at least 5 years working experience. - oversee large fabrication project for hotel buildings 10386

T.C.I. CENTRAL CONSULTING Acting on behalf of our clients is looking to fill the following positions:

Diver 2 Labourers Domestic Worker Contact: 346-8896

10382

Applications must be submitted by email before October 3rd 2014 to: Apex Developments Ltd. (Attention: Manager) Email: administration@apexdevelopment.com

- Knowledge & experience in stainless steel, aluminum and steel welding operations and have thorough knowledge of identifying various metals - Set up machines and make trial welds to make test runs and experimental products - Trains workers (certified welders) in operations of various equipment & machineray such as press brake, bandsaws, welding machines - Qualified in each welding process listed SMAW, GMAW, GTAW (MIG/TIG) - Inspects work and confers with WELD INSPECTOR I and WELD INSPECTOR II to maintain specified standards and quality. - Supervise welder workers in all operations

SENIOR SOLICITOR A Solicitor in good standing, admitted to practice in a commonwealth country, with at least 10 years actual post qualification experience in private practice. A broad range of experience, including: complex commercial/civil litigation, contact review, drafting and negotiation, property law, general litigation (family/criminal/ personal injury, wills and probate, constitutional and administrative law. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applications may be submitted to: dtaylor@swannlaw.tc or P.O. Box 349, Providenciales 10380

Job Description: 1. Increases management's effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining supervisors; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities. 2. Develops strategic plan by studying technological and financial opportunities; presenting assumptions; recommending objectives. 3. Accomplishes subsidiary objectives by establishing plans, adhering to budgets, and results measurements; allocating resources; reviewing progress; making mid-course corrections. 4. Coordinates efforts by establishing procurement, production, marketing, field, and technical services policies and practices; coordinating actions with all staff. 5. Builds company image by collaborating with customers, community organizations, and employees; enforcing ethical business practices. 6. Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards. 7. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; participating in professional societies. 8. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Job Criteria/ Work Experience:

Seven Stars Resort is seeking suitably qualified persons to fill the positions outlined below. Ideal candidates should possess luxury resort experience, be out-going and friendly, with a professional demeanor and must be fluent in English, be a team player with a strong work ethic, available for work on public holidays, weekends and evenings. Salaries are based on experience and qualifications. Suitable candidates must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience working at a 5 Star Resort in a similar role. Must have a strong attention to detail and exceptional ability to maintain the highest standards of quality required.

Chef De Partie Mixologist Executive Sous Chef Spa Therapist Cook Security Carpenter

1. Bachelor Degree in Hospitality; 2. Basic Knowledge of Accounting Principles and applications 3. Minimum of 6 years experience in hospitality; at least 3 in front office; 4. Minimum of 2 years experience in supervisory role and minimum of 1 year management experience

Closing Date October 3, 2014 Suitably qualified candidates should apply via email to Seven Stars at: hr@sevenstarsgracebay.com for consideration Candidates must possess relevant skills, experience, and a clean police record.

Contact: sandrews@caicoswheels.com

ONLY CANDIDATES MEETING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE CONTACTED.

10379

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

10387

domestic worker

The successful applicant will have to work from Monday to Friday and some weekends and holidays when called upon. Salary is $5.00 per hour.

Interested Candidates please submit CV, Resumes, Residency Status to info@trail.tc

Resume can be fax to 946 4564

Belonger applications encouraged and welcomed. All applicants will receive consideration. 10385

THAI ORCHID

FLOWER GIRL

Is looking for a

chef

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

contact: 231-0561

Call: 231-3788

• 20+ years expertise with a minimum of 12yrs in highend, exclusive restaurants • Thorough knowledge of worldwide cuisines • Candidates must have ordering, control, cost awareness and program knowledge • Must possess food handling certificates • Ability to work weekends and holidays essential. • Full clean drivers’ license. • Proficient in both Windows and Apple based programs • Fluent English both reading and writing Salary – to be determined based on experience

to work 3 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 242-5221 10378

10376

Please contact: 649-432-5939 for further information

10381

The successful candidate will possess the ability to work with a range of vehicles, be self-motivated, able to work long hours in stressful conditions, have knowledge of vehicle electrical systems, pneumatic and hydraulic systems and be able to perform diagnostics, repair and maintenance, at least 5 years experience as an auto and bus mechanic as well as verifiable work references is required, must reside in Grand Turk, English is required Spanish is a plus

Hernandez Human Resource Employment Agency Is looking of behalf of our clients, Middle Caicos Growers, Dominique Beauty Salon, Cilote Gardiner (Classic 809 Club), Miami Bayside Variety Store, Michael Lightbourne, Anna Beauty Salon, the following positions,

Is looking for a

contact: 344-8753

contact: 241-4070

• Must have a Sommelier Certification who specialize in all aspects of wine services and food pairing, coordinates all service beverage of the restaurant and work with the management team and chef regarding food and beverage cost. • Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays • Must be able to work 6 days per week and have at least 8 years experience • Must be able to speak and write English • Must be physically fit, dependable and hardworking

per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 241-7995 Is looking for

MAITRE D’HOTEL

• Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays • Must be able to work 6 days per week and have at least 6 years experience • Must be physically fit, dependable and hardworking • Must be able to train the wait staff • Must be able to organized restaurant staff and service • Must be able to prepare working schedule, coordinate all services of the restaurant and work with head chef for menu planning and a good knowledge of wine and food pairing Salaries are paid on experience and quality of work

All resumes CV’s letters of reference along with a clean police record must be delivered at Caicos Café, Grace Bay 10340

WANTED

Trainee Warehouse Assistant

Bonded warehouse facility handling secured, fragile as well as hazardous materials is seeking a Trainee Warehouse Assistant. If you are a male who is: • Between the ages of 18 – 24 years old • Energetic with a passion for new experiences • Able to work 6 – 8 hours daily in a non-climate controlled environment • Physically able to climb, bend, twist or reach in order to access cargo • Willing to learn the operation of several machines used in transporting cargo indoors and outdoors • Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office • Excellent in writing & speaking the English Language • Able to compute basic mathematical problems

1 Labourer 1 Domestic Worker 1 Labour (Handyman) 1 Cashier 1 Bar Maid 1 Bartender 1 Farmer 1 Cosmetologist – $6.00 Belonger only may apply by sending a resume to,hernandezemploymentservices.8@ gmail.comdead line. September 15, 2014.

LUC ST. JEAN SHOP

per week salary $6.00 per hour.

SOMMELIER/ WINE SPECIALIST

worker

DIESEL AND GASOLINE ENGINE AUTO MECHANIC

DEE’S HAIR SALON

CAICOS CAFÉ LTD.

domestic

Busy tour operator located in Grand Turk seeks and experienced FULL-TIME

contact: 344-1504

Is looking for a

per week salary $6.00 per hour.

Is looking for a

Experienced Chef required

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

Hairdresser labourer labourers To work 6 days To work 6 days To work 6 days

MONDAY BALONY PENTECOSTAL RESTORATION CENTER

TEFM Ltd

Please send CV to tefmltd@hotmail.com by September 30th 2014. Belongers only need apply.

Is looking for 2

For its restaurant in Grace Bay the suitable applicant should have at least 10 years experience in Thai authentic foods hours of operations are 6:00am-6:00pm MondaySaturday salary range $8-$10 per hour.

Floral Designer

CAICOS AUTO WORLD

Babysitter 10348

10364

Blue Parrot is looking for a

10350

contact: 332-5262

Is looking for a

10347

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

1. Property Manager 2. Front Desk Concierge 3. Bar Manager 4. Labourer 5. Waitress/Waiter 6. Food & Beverage Director 7. Cleaners 8. Maintenance/General Handy Man

10358

sales clerk

LISSETTE PARKER

WANTED

Is seeking applicants for the following positions:

10383

Is looking for a

Trail Enterprises Ltd

10362

HOT SPOT CAFÉ/ LIQUORS

CLASSIFIEDS 35

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

10341

September 20 - 26, 2014

We invite you to send us your resume including two character references by October 3, 2014 Email: cargoexp@tciway.tc or fax to 649-941-5525

10357

GOLDSMITH

Island Getaways

TURKS AND CAICOS AGGRESSOR II

Is looking for the following persons

Open Water Scuba Dive Masters / Instructors

Is currently looking for a

Qualifications and experience: - At least 4 years of experience in Property Management and/or hotel management. - Advanced computer skills. In particular: Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint. - Knowledgeable in Accounting with an advanced level in QuickBooks Accounting software. - Fluent in English, Spanish and Italian, as company operates worldwide. - Proactive and knowledgeable in creative sales maximization. - Possess own car and have a valid driver’s license. - Possess own computer.

Some of the responsibilities include:

- To coordinate and execute all operational and related matters of Property Management including building, maintenance and tenancy management among others. - Liaise with contractors, consultants and authorities in relevant matters. - Monitoring servicing, rectification and installation works carried by contractors or in-house maintenance. - Providing professional assistance to tenants and consulting services to property owners. - Answering all emails and inquiries. Creating and updating reservation calendars, operational schedules, and other related duties. This position requires to be on call 24/7, work evenings, public holidays and all weekends. Salary: commission based only. 10354

REQUIREMENTS AS FOLLOW: • Valid PADI/SSI membership and liability insurance • Working Knowledge of Under water Camera / Videos and Edition • Be prepared to carry out other duties onboard as directed by the Captain • STCW95 Complaint, current or valid with in 6 months • Computer Literate • Be prepared to live onboard & work long hours including weekends & holidays • Experienced in the Hospitality industry Belongers need only apply Starting salary $400.00 a week

Salespersons Domestic Worker General Worker To work 6 days per week.

contact: 332-4101

Please send emails to tcaggressor@express.tc or call 941-7825

10345

Property Management Account Executive

Contact: 232-4232

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

BLUE HORIZONS RESORT

GRAND TURK LIQUORS

MIDDLE CAICOS

Is looking for a

Domestic Worker To work 6 days per week salary $7.00 per hour Send resumes to: reservations@ bhresorts.com or contact: 649-946-6141

Is seeking to hire a

Sales Clerk To work 5 ½ days per week. Salary $6.00 per hour. Hours: 8:30am6:30pm . Some extra hours maybe required

Contact: Joey Missick on 946-2262

10363

Public Statement

10367

36 CLASSIFIEDS

10355

Position: Paymaster

Re: Grand Palm Ltd

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI – 5th September 2014 – As an update to the public statement issued on August 28th, 2012 in relation to Grand Palm Ltd, The Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission (TCIFSC) considers it necessary to issue this public warning in order to protect the public interest, and the interests of any of the customers and creditors of Grand Palm Ltd, and further to make the general public aware that Grand Palm Ltd. is not a licensee of the TCIFSC.

Reporting To: Assistant Director of Finance Function:

;; Oversees day to day payroll processing and liaising with all departments and Human Resources. ;; Processes the monthly Travel Agent commission payments.

The details are:

Must have a minimum of 3 years experience in a similar role. A 1st degree in Accounting would be asset.

1. Grand Palm Ltd. was issued an Investment Dealers License pursuant to the Investment Dealers (Licensing) Ordinance. 2. Grand Palm Ltd. attempted to surrender its license in March 2012. 3. The TCIFSC was unable to accept the surrender of Grand Palm Ltd.’s license due to Grand Palm Ltd.’s failure to comply with Section 9 of the Investment Dealers (Licensing) Ordinance which establishes the procedure for surrender of a license under the Ordinance. 4. The TCIFSC has been attempting to have Grand Palm Ltd. comply with the said Section 9 of the Investment Dealers (Licensing) Ordinance to ensure the lawful surrender of the license. 5. Grand Palm Ltd has failed to lawfully comply with the legislative procedure for surrendering its license. 6. The TCIFSC considered all options open to it to either, ensure Grand Palm Ltd.’s compliance with the Section 9 procedure or take other necessary action, legal or otherwise. 7. Grand Palm Ltd was struck from the Register of Companies, and on August 31, 2014 its license under the Investment Dealers (Licensing) Ordinance was revoked pursuant to Section 34(1) (b) of the Financial Services Commission Ordinance.

1. Maintains the payroll system of the hotel and time clocks with proper documentation and filing including adherence to standard operating procedures. 2. Ensures that all invoices, bills, credit notes and other accounting information are correctly updated to the accounting and PMS systems for travel agent commissions. Keep commission payments current and monitors open balances. 3. Issues the weekly payroll forecasts and updates with actual costs. Informs management with any problems/issues. 4. Ensures that the payroll is prepared accurately and timely. Prepares all payroll tax returns and reconciling all differences. 5. Other such duties as determined by the company from time to time. 6. Interacts in courteous and professional manner with all guests, staff and community member. Qualified Belongers need only apply. Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

The TCIFSC further advises that appropriate due diligence should be conducted before engaging in any business arrangement with Grand Palm Ltd. and/or any of its Principals. This Public Warning was issued pursuant to Section 39 of the Financial Services Commission Ordinance. 10349

Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than September 19th @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1050 Email: humanresources@gracebayclub.com Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies

10359

September 20 - 26, 2014

Labourer 231-0337 Marie

Labourer 345-5305

Must be willing to work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour 10356

SALES!!!

Is looking for the following positions:

2 Female Cleaners 1 Male Cleaner

Is looking for a

Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 341-8806

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

contact: 244-7033

Due to change of season we are selling lots of items at discount prices. Towels, curtains, bathroom sets, bathroom coordinates, napkins, cups and glasses, canisters, mixing bowls, serving trays and much more for your house.

The Regent Palms

Seeks Food & Beverage Manager Requirements: • Minimum of 6 years management experience in food and beverage, including dining • Post-secondary degree or equivalent by experience • Strong knowledge of a variety of cuisines and wines/beverages • Strong understanding and proven track record of operational controls and sales • Excellent organizational skills • Computer skills( Word, Excel, PowerPoint) plus knowledge of POS system • Must be able to works shifts and days

Duties include: • Supervises, trains, and coaches staff to meet Regent standard of luxury food and ensure Regent Experience for guests. • Participates in development of business strategies for food and beverage outlets aligned with business objectives for maiming revenue and guest satisfaction. • Participates in development of budgets and monitors status regularly to ensure achievement of financial targets. • Works closely with culinary team to create and implement menus consistent with guests’ expectations and Regent standards of luxury and quality. • Starting salary $20,000 per annum not including service charge.

All applications can be faxed to 941-4034, Deadline for applications is September 18th 2014.

General Manager Position 10342

The Food & Beverage Manager will oversee the daily operation of the restaurants on property.

CLASSIFIEDS 37

TROPICANA UPHOLSTERY

10353

Complete Company

RELIABLE CLEANING SERVICES

10351

NATASHA CONSULTANCY

Acting on behalf of our clients:

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NOTICE Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 1990 An application registered PR: 11984 for the development of a building with SIX OFFICES/ STORAGE (6) SPACES have been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Detail Development Permission by BEEN MEP CO. LTD. The location is PARCEL 60716/75, which is in the Cheshire Hall Area of Providenciales. Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Downtown, Town Center Mall, Providenciales, within twenty-eight (28) days of publication of this notice. Respectfully 10351

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

The Blue Horizon Resort Ltd, Middle Caicos, is looking for an energetic manager, or managing couple, to run this small boutique hotel, consisting of 5 studio cottages, 3 villas, and onsite restaurant. The role is ideally suited for someone with a varied work experience within the hospitality and property management industries, who is looking to live and work in a remote Caribbean location.

The candidate must: • • • • • •

Have prior experience in Property Management Have at least 5 years’ experience as a manager within the resort industry Have experience working within the food and beverage industry Be interested in working specifically in a boutique hotel environment Have a diverse background of “hands-on” skills in all areas of hotel operation Have experience using Quick Books Pro, Excel, POS Systems, Reservation Systems • Have marketing experience and be familiar with online social media including Facebook, Twitter & Instagram • Be committed to the role and all that it entails. This is a full time role that requires dedication 24/7 The General Manager would be responsible for the following: • Overseeing all Restaurant and Resort Operations • Daily Accounting using Quick Books Pro • Monthly Report Analysis: Profit and Loss, Balance, Year to Date • Regular conference calls with owner do discuss month end reports and resort operations • Bank Reconciliation • Daily management presence at the restaurant • Print and analyze End of Day Reports from POS System at Restaurant • Regular Inventory Recording and Analysis for Restaurant • Purchasing Stock for Restaurant • Paying bills and liabilities monthly and annually, as they are due • Handle all paperwork for Insurance, Licensing and Registration for the businesses, property and vehicles • Handle all Work Permit applications & renewals • Management of all staff of the resort and restaurant (10 staff), including regular staff evaluations & recruitment • Bi-Monthly Payroll • Efficient Staff Scheduling • Hands on Management of Maintenance & Housekeeping • Handle all Resort Reservations • Handle all Local and Online Marketing • Handle all “Front Office” responsibilities including Check-ins, Check-outs, Concierge Services, Room Checks. Salary based on experience

Send resumes to: reservations@bhresorts.com or contact: 649-946-6141 10361

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Job description: This role is responsible for providing strategic planning, guidance and implementation of high impact digital projects across the organization. This person will align with corporate priorities and participate in setting a strategic plans for digital marketing and manage the implementation of digital assets (Web, GDS, Mobile, Tablet etc.) with a keen focus on B2C and an overview to B2B applications to ensure brand, digital & user consistency and excellence. Key Duties and Responsibilities: • Participates in planning, developing and executing all digital marketing programs and campaigns with the team; including online brand awareness advertising, email, search engine marketing (SEM), search engine optimization (SEO), social media, web, tablet and mobile experiences and ensure alignment across all disciplines. • Responsible for ensuring continued site refreshes including homepage, email, content and copy updates. Ensure all content, copy, policies, product within partner extranet sites is current and accurate. (i.e. Leading Hotels of The World, AMEX Fine Hotels & Resorts, Virtuoso, Signature, Ensemble, Tzell Travel Group etc.) • Conducts daily/weekly website quality control checks; coordinate solutions within team. • Maintains and updates Grace Bay Club, The Residences, Grace Bay Resorts & West Bay Club website and tracks performance monthly and generate detail reporting for management reviews. • Works collaboratively with PR agency on Digital PR plan and integration • Provides inputs/insights based on historical information, current trends & experiences to help evolve company’s digital footprint and make informed decisions based on data trends that drive digital efforts. • Connects analytics insights to real-time quick fixes and solutions to on-going campaigns and initiatives. • Coordinates direct to consumer digital marketing tactics including but not limited to email, paid search, SEO and online advertising to support seasonal campaigns. • Works with company’s senior leadership to define and develop action plans to increase direct business mix. • Continued training and education • Maintains and controls the master content calendar for all online initiatives, ensuring deadlines are met. • Integrates new projects with team for based on promotions, marketing and brand initiatives. • Participates in the full launch process of digital projects/campaigns including strategic planning, experience design, development and testing. • Works with sales teams on consumer marketing initiatives and product launches to ensure cross platform alignment. • Updates team with front-line knowledge and innovation of trends in the social media landscape applicable to company. • Frequent travel may be required, therefore a valid driver's license is required. • Oversee Co-Op Marketing Plans and Partner Brochure Content Experience Required: • Bachelor's degree in marketing or equivalent experience • 3+ year's in depth experience working with digital marketing initiatives preferred • Well versed in Google Analytics and deriving meaningful/valuable trends from mass data • In-depth knowledge of industry's leading strategies and methodologies • Prior experience with search engine tools and Sabre highly preferred • Previous experience with a large online travel company or search engine site preferred • Prior experience with a Content Management System is highly preferred • Prior experience with User Interface/User Experience and A/B testing is preferred Consults with: • COO & Principal / VP S&M • Group Director of Sales & Marketing • Group Director of Operations & General Manager • Marketing Team • Sales Team • Public Relations Team Location: New York, Miami or Turks and Caicos - package based on location Weekly Schedule and Compensation: Monday through Friday during normal business hours, nights and weekend and holidays may be required to meet project deadlines and to attend industry related trade shows and events Compensation: Salaried and exempt role; compensation commensurate with experience Benefits: 2 weeks paid vacation, 10 paid holidays, paid sick/personal time, monthly reimbursement for health insurance. Submit resume to: Ric Graham, Group Director of People Development GRACE BAY RESORTS ric.graham@gracebayresorts.com

10358

MY DEE’S NORTH CAICOS

• Household cleaning, laundry and daily household upkeep • Must be able to prepare meals for large family • Must be fluent in Italian and Spanish • Flexible to work long hours, on holidays and weekends

Male Labourers To work 6 days per week

Working hours: 8 hours per day Wages: $5.50 per hour

Acting on behalf of our clients:

Gold Straw Nail Center & Beauty Salon

Sales Person F.R.S. TIRE SHOP

Domestic Worker

Contact: 347-6642

10375

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING

DOMESTIC WORKER

Contact: Neon Holding Ltd.

Tel: 649-941-7923 During working hours

Is looking for 2

salary $5.50 per hour must be able to do heavy lifting, must be able to keep surrounding clean.

contact: 243-2344

10343

C & J CONSULTANCY

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

TURKS AND CAICOS AGGRESSOR II

Head Chef

REQUIREMENTS AS FOLLOW:

• Min of 3 years experience as head chef, at least one years experience onboard a boat • Be prepared to carry out other duties onboard as directed by the Captain • Computer Literate • STCW95 Complaint, current or within six months • Be prepared to live onboard & work long hours including weekends & holidays • Experienced in the Hospitality industry Belongers need only apply Starting salary $400.00 a week

Please send emails to tcaggressor@express.tc or call 941-7825

10366

38 CLASSIFIEDS

Experience Restaurant Industry. Ability to read, speak and write English must be able to remember & recite. Promote a Pleasant personality, ability to communicate with others. Must be a team player

Winky’s Catering • Laborer salary $6.00 per hour Caicos Coral • Horse Trainer salary $6.00 per hour • Horse Maintenance Worker salary $6.00 per hour El Rancho • 2 Waitresses salary $6.00 per hour • 1 Bartender salary $6.00 per hour Liz Bakery • Sales Clerk salary $6.00 per hour

Sales Person To work 3 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

10388

PASSION BEAUTY SALON & SUPPLY

contact: 341-6898

10390

PABLO BARBER SHOP Is looking for a

Is looking for a

contact: 333-1235

10393

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

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

contact: 247-0187

10397

hairdresser

Must be a good team player, work at fast pace. Must know how to prepare French & Indonesian Cuisine. Deadline October 11th, 2014

Send resumes to P.O. BOX 811, Providenciales

10389

Contact: 344-4540

Waiter/ Busser-: 3-5 years’ experience Cook/ Pastry chef: 5-7 years.

Looking for a manager To work in a thriving tourism adventure company. The applicant must have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the water-sports & tourism industry and a minimum of 3 years as a high level manager. Experience must include people management, sales, reservations, PR and display a high degree of computer, communication & organizational skills. Applicant must also hold a professional scuba diving qualification and valid driving license and those with mechanical skills and who are able to speak a second language will be considered first. All applicants must be presentable, articulate, and be able to work long and flexible hours under pressure. Weekends and public holidays mandatory. Starting salary of $3500 per month.

Please e-mail resume and cover letter to info@bigblueunlimited.com You will be contacted for an interview if required and the deadline for applications is 15th October 2014. Position starts in late 2014."

JUDITH GUERRIER

BEEN MEP Ltd. Requires qualified and experienced

Applicants MUST have at least 10 years experience on large commercial projects. Salary negotiable depending on level of experience.

Please fax resume to 941 7626 10395

SEA FEATHERS LTD.

Is seeking a

Human Hair Wefter Must have experience in hair wefting. Must be able to use machinery at a fast pace. Must meet industrial standards which is quality control and no shedding. Salary is $10.00 per hour Interested applicants can email resumes to: guerrier_j@hotmail.com

GARDENER NEEDED Must be hardworking and good with dogs salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 244-2644

10733

Interested candidate may contact 431-7889 for further details regarding employment. Interested candidate must contact the number advertise for further details regarding employment. Ricardo Fulford Immigration and Labour Consultant President of Ricardo Fulford Consultant Services ricardofulford@gmail.com (649) 346-1125 10368

contact: 241-5922

WILFREY & TONY Is looking following positions:

Nail Technician Hairdresser Salary $5.00 per hour. Contact: 231-0882

Nanny

Cleaner

Salary $5.50 per hour Mark Lightbourne

Labourer

Salary $6.00 per hour

Contact: 344-4540

1) Waste Collector 1) Labourer

To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

Domestic Worker

Acting on behalf of our clients: Tripple S Rigby Boutique Construction Sales Clerk Salary $6.00 per hour Gardener Salary $5.50 per hour Esperanza Simmons Tile Layer Domestic Worker Salary $7.00 per hour Salary $5.50 per hour Danneirs Hall Israel A. Forbes

Salary $6.00 per hour

on behalf of his clients: TCI Waste Disposal is seeking employment for the following:

cashier

ANGELA WILLIAMS

Nail Technician

Ricardo Fulford Consultant Services

Is seeking a

Y.A.3.B. CONSULTANCY

Salary $5.50 per hour B’s Beauty Box

10370

Electricians

10396

C & S PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

10394

W & F VARIETY STORE Is looking for a

10365

Acting on behalf of our clients:

10369

Is looking for a

to work 6 days per week with the ability to care for a special need child salary $500.00 per month, 4 weeks vacation plus benefits. Contact: 232-1473

10374

Y.A.3.B. CONSULTANCY

CLASSIFIEDS 39

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

The Windsong Resort Is seeking suitable qualified applicants to fill the following positions:

• Front Desk Agent • Housekeeper • Houseman • Cook

• Pool and Beach Attendant • Waiter

Requirements: • Minimum of 3 years in the specialized field • Excellent written and communication skills • Must be willing to work holidays and weekends • Only qualified applicant will be called in for an interview Please drop your resume at the Windsong resort

10361

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Science & Technology

Europeans drawn from three ancient ‘tribes’ But another, mysterious population with Siberian affinities also contributed to the genetic landscape of the continent. The findings are based on analysis of genomes from nine ancient Europeans. Agriculture originated in the Near East - in modern

Syria, Iraq and Israel - before expanding into Europe around 7,500 years ago. Multiple lines of evidence suggested this new way of life was spread not just via the exchange of ideas, but by a wave of migrants, who interbred with the indigenous European hunter-gatherers

HOUSEKEEPER

To work 5 days per week. 8am-12pm Contact: Management: 649-941-3312 The Proprietors, Strata Plan #38 The Grandview on Grace Bay 10401

they encountered on the way. But assumptions about European origins were based largely on the genetic patterns of living people. The science of analysing genomic DNA from ancient bones has put some of the prevailing theories to the test, throwing up a few surprises.

Projetech Construction Management & Services Ltd.,

Wishes to recruit a

Domestic Worker

Genomic DNA contains the biochemical instructions for building a human, and resides within the nuclei of our cells. In the new paper, Prof David Reich from the Harvard Medical School and colleagues studied the genomes of seven hunter-gatherers from Scandinavia, one hunter whose remains were found in a cave in Luxembourg and an early farmer from Stuttgart, Germany. The hunters arrived in Europe thousands of years before the advent of

Candidate must be willing to work weekends, holidays and long hours. Salary $7.5/hr. Duties will include cleaning/office maintenance. Contact Steve at 941-3508 or Email- info@projetech.tc

GENERAL MANAGER POSITION

agriculture, hunkered down in southern refuges during the Ice Age and then expanded during a period called the Mesolithic, after the ice sheets had retreated from central and northern Europe. They were closely related to each other and their genetic profile is not a good match for any modern group of people, suggesting they were caught up in the farming wave of advance. However, their genes live on in modern Europeans, to a greater extent in the northeast than in the south.

SENIOR COMMERCIAL & CONVEYANCING LAWYER 10400

THE modern European gene pool was formed when three ancient populations mixed within the last 7,000 years, Nature journal reports. Blue-eyed, swarthy hunters mingled with brown-eyed, pale skinned farmers as the latter swept into Europe from the Near East.

Please send applications toEmail reception@savory-co. com or Fax 946 4848 10359

MASSAGE THERAPIST NEEDED

Applications are invited for the General Manager position at a Providenciales FBO. An individual with leadership, customer relations, and results focused abilities is required to oversee all aspects of the FBO operations. Responsibilities will include: • Developing new business plan with capital requirements and anticipated performance • Establishing and servicing customer base, and developing customer relations • Ensuring that National & International regulations and safety procedures are established and maintained • Responsible for financial management of base including forecasting, budgeting and expense control Essential criteria for this position: • Superior industry knowledge of commercial and private aviation • Minimum of 10 years experience as an FBO General Manager • Proven track record in controlling all aspects of the business including line operations and facility management • An excellent track record in aviation safety monitoring and training • Verifiable track record of excellent customer service skills • Proven experience in managing fuel inventory • Strong experience in dealing with Regulatory Authorities • Be willing to work extended and anti social hours Remuneration package commensurate with experience

Please submit a letter of application and resume to marsha@ misickstanbrook.tc on or before October 01, 2014 10392

• Applicant must have a minimum of 3 years hands-on experience in 5 Star Resort • And at least 3 years working as therapist • Must be trained and certified by an accredited school in all of the following: • Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, PreNatal, Lymphatic Drainage, Reflexology, Facials, Manicures, Pedicures and Waxing.

• Applicant must be certified in all the previous areas. In addition, Applicant must be available for work all weekends and public holidays and be available from 8am-8pm. • Must have own vehicle and current clean drivers license. • Pay is commission based. Must have GREAT customer service skills and be upbeat and positive. There will be an English reading and writing test.

Please send resume to: relax@spatropique.com Please do not apply to this Ad unless you can meet all of the above requirements. Please contact us by October 3, 2014

10391

A local water sports company requires a charismatic

Swim Teacher BEACH ATTENDANT To build and manage a swimming program for local children and adults in Providenciales T.C.I. • The candidate must have both their Bronze Cross and Bronze Medallion and have held these certifications for at least 10 years sailing and windsurfing Instructor experience a must. Scuba Diving experience is a plus.

• Must be willing to work long hours in the sun • Weekends and holidays • Have knowledge of Water Safety Rescue Diver, Scuba, Sailing, Kayaking, and willing to go into the ocean daily • Positive, friendly and must speak,

read and write English Salary is commensurate with experience

Please submit application along with copies of qualifications to swiftdelivery@tciway.tc

10400

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Science & Technology

Artificial sweeteners linked to obesity epidemic, scientists say There are growing concerns about sugar and health.

Sugar intake must be slashed further, say scientists THE target to reduce sugar consumption should be much more ambitious, health experts say. Both the World Health Organization and government advisers in England have recently proposed a cut in their recommendations for sugar consumption. The new advice is that it should account for 5% of energy intake down from 10%. But a study published in the BMC Public Health journal suggested the target should be no more than 3%. The researchers - from University College London and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine - said the move was needed after looking at the cost in both health and financial terms of tooth decay. They said sugar was the most important factor in the development of tooth decay and because of that it was a “largely preventable disease”. The study said an increase from near-zero sugar to 5% of energy intake doubles the prevalence of decay in children, The treatment of dental problems costs between 5% and 10% of total health expenditure in industrial countries, it added. Report co-author Prof Philip James, a nutrition expert at the London School of Hygiene and

Tropical Medicine and past president of the World Obesity Federation, said tough action was needed. He called for vending machines offering confectionery and sugary drinks in areas controlled by government, such as schools and hospitals, to be removed. He also said foods that take consumption above 2.5% should be labelled as high and a sugar tax introduced to curtail consumption. Prof James said there was no “magic silver bullet”, but added that action was needed as sugar consumption was a huge public health issue. Despite the move to reduce sugar consumption, evidence shows that many people were failing to meet the old 10% target. The target of 5% of energy intake from free sugars amounts to 25g for women (five to six teaspoons) and 35g (seven to eight teaspoons) for men, based on the average diet. One 330ml can of fizzy pop would take a typical adult up to the proposed 5% daily allowance, without factoring in sugar from any other source. Both of the authors of the study are part of the Action on Sugar campaign group, which has been calling for tough measure to combat sugar consumption. (BBC)

ARTIFICIAL sweeteners may exacerbate, rather than prevent, metabolic disorders such as Type 2 diabetes, a study suggests. Calorie-free artificial sweeteners are often chosen by dieters in part because they are thought not to raise blood sugar levels. In Wednesday’s issue of the journal Nature, researchers report that artificial sweeteners increase the blood sugar levels in both mice and humans by interfering with microbes in the gut. Increased blood sugar levels are an early indicator of Type 2 diabetes and metabolic disease. The increase in consumption of artificial sweeteners coincides with the obesity and diabetes epidemics, Eran Segal of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, and his co-authors said. “Our findings suggest that noncaloric artificial sweeteners may have directly contributed to enhancing the exact epidemic that they themselves were intended to fight.” LINK TO GUT BACTERIA The study included a series of experiments. Mice whose drinking water was supplemented with glucose and a sweetener developed glucose intolerance compared with mice drinking water alone, or water with just sugar in it. The effect occurred both in mice fed normal chow and those on a high-fat diet. When antibiotics were used to kill off gut bacteria, the artificial sweetener effect on glucose intolerance in mice fed either diet was restored to normal. Taken together, the data indicate that artificial sweeteners “may contribute to, rather than alleviate, obesity-related

metabolic conditions, by altering the composition and function of bacterial populations in the gut,” Cathryn Nagler and Taylor Feehley of the pathology department at the University of Chicago said in a journal commentary. In the human part of the research, gut bacteria were analyzed from 381 non-diabetics averaging age 43 who were participating in an ongoing nutrition study. They found differences in the gut bacteria among those who consumed artificial sweeteners compared with those who did not. Artificial sweetener consumers showed “markers” for diabetes, such as raised blood sugar levels and glucose intolerance. In the final portion of the study, seven human volunteers who didn’t normally consume artificial sweeteners added it to their diets for seven days. After four days, blood glucose levels rose and the makeup of their gut bacteria changed in half

of the participants, just as in the mice experiment. To confirm the findings, the researchers also transferred feces from people who consume artificial sweeteners into mice that were bred to have sterile intestines and never consumed it before. The mice who had saccharin became glucose intolerant, which suggests that the artificial sweetener caused the unhealthy effect. It could be that artificial sweeteners lead to an expansion of bacterial species that extract energy from food that often gets stored as fat, contributing to obesity, Nagler said. It’s also possible the sweeteners could suppress the growth of other bacteria that seem to stave off insulin resistance, she said. The commentators suggested studies to identify specific bacterial populations that promote resistance to weight gain or improve glucose tolerance could be useful as treatments.

Brain may ‘compensate’ for Alzheimer’s damage THE human brain may be able to compensate for some of the early changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease, research in Nature Neuroscience shows. The study suggests some people recruit extra nerve power to help maintain their ability to think. Scientists hope the findings could shed light on why only some people with early signs of the condition go on to develop severe memory

decline. But experts warn much more research is needed to understand these processes. The study, led by researchers at the University of California, involved 71 adults with no signs of mental decline. Brain scans showed 16 of the older subjects had amyloid deposits tangles of protein that are considered a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

All participants were asked to memorise a series of pictures in detail while scanners were used to track their brain activity. They were then asked to recall the gist and later the detail of all the pictures they had seen. Both groups performed equally well but those with tangles of amyloid in their brains showed more brain activity when remembering the images in detail.

The brains of Alzheimer’s patients often have tangles of proteins called amyloid plaques.

Scientists say this suggests their brains have an ability to adapt to and compensate for any early damage caused by the protein. Dr Laura Phipps, at the charity Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“This small study suggests that our brains may have ways of resisting early damage from these Alzheimer’s proteins but more research is needed to know how to interpret these results.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 20 - 26, 2014

Sports Interational

FIFA suspend Watson from watchdog committee

LOCAL businessman Canover Watson, who was arrested by the RCIPS last month on suspicion of corruption, has now been suspended from his role with the international football body on its audit and compliance committee. The chairman, Domenico Scala, said Tuesday that a decision had been made “to temporarily relieve, until further notice, Canover Watson” of his duties, but added that the presumption of innocence still applied to the now suspended official. He also said that there appeared to be no connection with the allegations here in Cayman, which are denied by Watson, to his role in football administration on the eight-member committee meant to scrutinize FIFA’s books. Scala said that although preliminary investigations had not established any connection between the allegations and Watson’s role in football, he had been suspended while the police investigation in Cayman continues. “After a preliminary clarification of the facts of the case and the allegations of the Cayman Island investigating authorities against Canover Watson, no connection with football and/ or his role at association level has

Roger Federer jumps for joy after completing his singles victory over Fabio Fognini in the Davis Cup semifinal.

Canover Watson was questioned last month by officers from the anti-corruption and financial crime units over allegations relating to a swipe-card billing system implemented at the hospital and the details of the tender.

been established at this stage,” FIFA said. “This should not be regarded as routine procedure, because cases like this or of this nature must always be assessed on their individual merits,” added the association, which has itself been embroiled in years of corruption related scandals. Canover Watson was questioned last month by officers from the anticorruption and financial crime units over allegations relating to a swipecard billing system implemented at the hospital and the details of the tender. At the time the $11+ million contract

was awarded Watson was chair of the Health Service Authority board. Police arrested him on suspicion of abuse of public office, breach of trust, conflict of Interest and money laundering. Watson was released on police bail until 29 September. Following his arrest Watson issued a short statement denying the allegations, stating that in due course he would set out his position but while the police investigation continued, his attorneys had advised him not to make any further comment. (CNS)

Former PGA star reportedly could make $10M by not playing golf ANTHONY Kim hasn’t been seen on the PGA Tour since May 2012, withdrawing from the Wells Fargo Championship in North Carolina after a first-round 74. That Thursday, he cited injuries to his right wrist and elbow, as well continued pain in a surgically repaired left thumb. He said he would review his options and consider competing in The Players Championship the next week. Kim chose not to play. Then he tore an Achilles and hasn’t been heard from since. Two-and-a-half years later, what happened to Kim remains an unsolved mystery. However, a Golf.com report suggests that according to a friend, Kim is safe and healthy enough to play. So why isn’t he playing? Kim reportedly took out a $10 million insurance policy against career-ending injury that could be worth at least $10 million tax free, if not more. If Kim returns to the PGA Tour in any capacity, the policy is void and he would lose the money on what amounts to a lifetime disability plan. According to the Golf.com story, Kim told a friend, “If I take one swing on Tour, the policy is voided.”

Anthony Kim hits a tee shot during a 2012 tournament. (Getty Images)

Were Kim to make a comeback at 29, he’d have to earn an estimated $35 million simply to clear what he’s being paid not to play. In seven seasons on Tour, Kim earned $12.2 million, with all but $3 million earned from 2008-10. The gamble’s simply not worth it. Meanwhile, Kim is free to enjoy life. He’s become an urban legend in Dallas, where he’s been seen at area bars and playing in high-stakes card games. However, he’s rarely seen playing golf recreationally. He

reportedly makes the occasional cameo on a driving range or for nine holes at a high-end private club. Kim reportedly contacted the PGA Tour in April 2014 asking for the password to a player information portal. However, Kim has no love for the Tour, its corporate feel or its executives. It doesn’t suit his bluecollar background, he feels. Media intrigue in his story and legendary off-course behavior may make him apprehensive to step under a microscope again.

Federer takes Switzerland into the Davis Cup final

THE Davis Cup is the just about the only major honor in tennis to elude Roger Federer and the Swiss maestro took another big step to righting that omission Sunday as he led his country into November’s final against France. Federer secured the winning point in his singles match against Fabio Fognini to give Switzerland an unbeatable 3-1 lead over Italy in Geneva. The 17-time grand slam winner was never seriously troubled by Fognini, winning 6-2 6-3 7-6 in front of 18,000 fans in the Palexpo Arena. A run of four straight games saw him take the opening set and a single break in the second was enough to forge further ahead.

Fognini had four break point chances in the third set but could not take advantage and Federer moved clear in the closing tiebreak. The 33-year-old will be playing in his first Davis Cup final and paid tribute to the fervent supporters who willed him on to victory. “Its nice sharing your emotions with your fans and team mates,” he told the official Davis Cup website. Swiss captain Severin Luthi also reflected on their triumph. “For the whole of Switzerland it’s great we’re in the finals now. We couldn’t be happier,” he said. “Roger didn’t have that much time to get used to the court and conditions and there is a lot of pressure involved. For me he played again fantastic tennis.”

Li Na won the Australian Open in January to add to her 2011 French Open title.

Grand Slam winner Li Na ‘set to retire’ over injuries

GRAND Slam winner Li Na is to announce her retirement from tennis, Chinese state media is reporting. The 32-year-old won the Australian Open in January to add to her 2011 French Open title. However, the world number six has not played since losing in the third round at Wimbledon in June State broadcaster CCTV said Li

was retiring because of knee injury concerns and will announce her decision on Friday. Li became a national sporting hero in China after becoming Asia’s first grand slam singles champion and only America-based Russian Maria Sharapova has higher off-court earnings, according to the Forbes list of highest paid female athletes.

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sports Interational FIFA rankings: Wales up to 29th - highest for 20 years Wales have risen to their highest world ranking for 20 years after climbing 12 places to join Scotland in joint 29th. The 2-1 win in Andorra helped the Welsh, who were down at 116 less than four years ago, to their highest position since March 1994. Northern Ireland jump 24 spots to 71st, nine behind the Republic of Ireland, while England are up to 18th from 20th. World champions Germany remain top after a 2-1 win over Scotland, who drop one spot. Northern Ireland won their first Euro 2016 qualifier 2-1 in Hungary while England beat Switzerland 2-0. World Cup winners Germany

stay top despite losing to Argentina - who they beat in the final and are second in the rankings - in a friendly earlier this month. Colombia have moved up to third, ahead of the Netherlands, with Belgium, Brazil, Uruguay, Spain, France and Switzerland making up the top 10. Wales’ climb has been assisted by the form of world-record signing Gareth Bale, who joined Real Madrid from Tottenham for £85.3m in 2013. Current Wales boss Chris Coleman featured in the Welsh squad, managed by Terry Yorath and including the likes Ryan Giggs and Ian Rush, that narrowly failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup. (BBC)

Mayweather Made $14,800 Per Second last Saturday night HOW was your weekend? Floyd Mayweather made $14,800 per second, nearly $900,000 per minute and more than $2.5 million per round for his Saturday night boxing match against Marcos Maidana. Oh, and Mayweather also beat Maidana in a unanimous decision to retain his welterweight and junior middleweight world titles and extend his career record to an undefeated 47-0. Mayweather was guaranteed a payout of $32 million for the fight, which lasted a full 12 rounds (rounds are three minutes each). Not only that, but his take is likely to tick upward after pay-per-view receipts are counted, thanks to his Mayweather Promotions co-promoting the fight that was broadcast on Showtime. Mayweather pulled down another $32 million guaranteed payday in May, when he and Maidana fought for the first time. Despite questions in the ring about the quality of the opponents he’s faced and controversy outside the ring concerning his abusive history with women, Saturday’s bout proves

Floyd Mayweather punches Marcos Maidana, left, during their WBA welterweight and WBC super welterweight title fight, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, in Las Vegas.

one thing yet again: Mayweather is a revenue-generating machine. He’s estimated to have earned more than $400 million over his career. Ever the shrewd businessman, Mayweather documented the leadup to his fight on Shots, an app in which he’s an investor. He used the app to share, among other-things, a

photo of himself getting his hands wrapped and a pre-fight selfie with Justin Bieber (because of course). aidana, for his part, took home a guaranteed purse of $3 million for Saturday’s 36-minute fight — which breaks down to a relatively modest $1,388 per second in the ring. (Mashable.com)

US men win basketball world cup, gain Olympic berth Jonas Gutierrez, the Newcastle winger, has revealed he is fighting testicular cancer after beginning chemotherapy in his native Argentina.

Jonas Gutierrez battling testicular cancer THE world of football has rallied around Jonas Gutierrez as the Argentine fights testicular cancer. A midfielder with Newcastle and Argentina, Gutierrez made the announcement during a television interview earlier this week. The 31-year-old underwent an operation to remove his left testicle last October after the discovery of a tumor. But after an inflammation of the groin was spotted by doctors at the end of last season, he returned to Argentina to undergo chemotherapy. “When I was told I had cancer, I went home in tears,” he said in an interview with Argentine television show Indirecto on TyC Sports. “In May 2013, I felt very tough pains on my testicle. After some wrong diagnosis, an ultrasound detected the tumor. “I came here and I assumed the

costs despite having a contract with Newcastle. “Money is not important. What is important is my health. I had to start chemotherapy.” Gutierrez recalls the final day of the 2012-13 Premier League season where he first felt pain following a tackle with Bacary Sagna, then of Arsenal. “I had a very hard collision with Sagna in the area of the pubic bone and the genitals,” he added. “From then I had a lot of pain that wouldn’t go away. I spoke with the doctor straight after and he said: ‘If it doesn’t hurt then don’t worry.’ ‘”Then it was holiday time and I felt the pain more in the testicle. The season started and in September and October I noticed that the testicle started to become inflamed. I felt a pain when I put my underpants on, it was uncomfortable.

THE United States has won the men’s basketball World Cup and the automatic Olympic berth that goes with the title. Fielding the youngest U.S. team since NBA professionals debuted at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the Americans routed Serbia in Madrid Sunday, 129-92. This is the first time the U.S. men have won back-to-back world championships. Twenty-two-year-old point guard Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers led the U.S. scoring with 26 points, hitting all six of his three-point field goal attempts. He was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. The victory gives the U.S. men a berth in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The American men now have won 63 straight games in international play, 45 in official International Basketball Federation (FIBA) games and 18 in exhibition play. Finishing third behind the U.S. and Serbia was France, which defeated Lithuania by two points for the bronze medal Saturday (9593). It was the first men’s world basketball medal for Serbia, which was part of Yugoslavia when it won

With Sunday’s win, the United States became the third country ever to win consecutive world titles (it also won in 2010 in Istanbul) and extended its winning streak in international play to 63 games. Credit Juanjo Martin/European Pressphoto Agency.

five gold medals. The U.S. tied that mark of five golds with Sunday’s title. The tournament has been held 17 times. It was formerly known as the FIBA World Championship, but basketball’s world governing body

changed the name for this year to the FIBA World Cup. The next edition of the tournament will be held in five years, instead of four, so it won’t be held the same year as football’s World Cup. (VOA)

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 20 - 26, 2014

Josh for Sports

The creation of a PAA plan to develop and sustain. They need a programme which can groom champions over a period of years. Too many times it seems that their main aim is to choose ill-prepared athletes to travel to meets so that they can ride on their backs.

FIRST and foremost, I must state that numerous sporting bodies seem to have paid heed to the constructive counsel of this column and have made progress in their developments as it relates to sports. THE REBEL AMONG US To my knowledge the only rebellious national sporting body that has not shown the vision or the will to perceive the positive benefits of expect advice is the TCAAA. For the past eight years, I’ve reiterated over and over again the importance of properly preparing for athletic competition. Be it at the national or international level, preparation should start from nine months before the event. Alas my counsel falls on deaf ears as

By Joshua Gardiner

far as the TCAAA is concerned. To be realistic, the name TCAAA accurately reflects exactly who they are and the way they behave— amateurs. The reason we cannot become competitive among regional and world athletes is because the TCAAA has no national project or

NEED FOR LENGTHY TRAINING To get athletes prepared a proper programme lasts for nine consecutive months per year (September-June) for a number of years. For years I’ve been telling them to start in September, like all countries, but they don’t seem to care about any national programme, only about themselves. The more I teach people the dumber I get.

Fortis TCI Fall Fun Walk and Run heads to GT BOOTS should be well lanced before daybreak in the capital city this Saturday since Fortis TCI will host its first Fall Fun Walk and Run event there. The event starts at Fortis TCI Grand Turk office, Pond Street with a 5:45h warm up, before a walk/run from 6:00h. Fortis TCI Ltd Communication Officer Dwyane A. Krzanowski said that the goal of the event is to foster cohesion and promote a healthy lifestyle. “FortisTCI has been putting together the largest walk-a-thon in Providenciales for some years now so we decided that we should bring that event to the community on Grand Turk as well. Just like our Spring Fun Walk & Run on Providenciales, this event is all about getting the community together and active. Our goal is to make people aware of the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle, so we try to have health professionals on hand to give advice and tips in addition to getting the people up and active. Overall, we hope that this event leaves people with a greater sense of community and a better understanding of how to lead a healthier life.” Participants will walk or run for approximately five kilometres. For registration call 946-2402 or email: SDASILVA@FORTISTCI. COM or CCOMMUNICATION@ FORTISTCI.COM

Participants will either walk or run for approximately five kilometres.

THE ATHLETES ABROAD The athletes abroad have a godblessed/given opportunity to excel because they have, sensible, sustained scholastic programmes. Thus I look forward to hearing great things from all of our foreign based athletes, including young Courtney Missick who went off to school in Jamaica. If he does not become side tracked he will do well. But he has his work cut out for him—Jamaicans don’t play. THE PROPOSED PAA (PROVO ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION) The newly proposed Provo Athletic Association (PAA) is long overdue.

This association will consist of every athletic track team that exists in Providenciales. Every school that has a team is eligible for membership. The purpose for the formation of this association is to progress and promote the sport of athletics from the primary school to Olympic level. This association will enhance the securing of track scholarships; will compete in international competitions; will hold at least five meets per year: including X-country road races and developmental odd distance meets. This seems an exciting venture and as long as it properly run, it can become very fruitful for TCI athletics. More later, love Josh

Run4Fun Worldwide planning major endurance events ENDURANCE enthusiasts are in for a treat in late October and mid-November as Run4Fun Worldwide will be holding a few major events in North and Middle Caicos and then at the Bight Park. According to a release from the IAAF - LTU technical official Kevin Bethel the second annual running of the Middle Caicos Midnight Madness and the FIRST ride of the CONCH BAR RALLY (a two-in-one event) will be held in late October. The Midnight Madness will begin on October 24th, at 11:59 pm from the beginning of the road in Lorimers Middle Caicos and continue through North Caicos to the Sandy point dock. Total time allowed to cover the distance – 33.4 miles - is twelve hours. “You do not have to ‘go’ all the way and you can bring a team if you want or ride a bike,” Bethel pointed out. At 9:00 am on Saturday, October 24th, a group of 30 – 50 riders will set off from Sandy Point dock to Conch Bar and back. Total distance (round trip) of 50 miles will be covered. This race is scheduled to end at 2:00 pm. The release states that there will be several support vehicles following the athletes and

providing refreshments and any other type of assistance. “Channel 4 and PTV8 will be there. Dr. Francoise Bourne will also be on hand in one of the support cars.” Also, at Sandy Point there will be a tent set up with Red Cross and additional medical personnel on hand. A ‘massage’ table will also be made available for athletes feeling the effects of the event(s). Refreshments and fruits and an area set aside for resting and recovery will also be available. SPRINT TRIATHLON IN NOVEMBER The third event will be a sprint triathlon held at the Bight Park on Sunday November 16th from 9:00 am to noon. Elite athletes and teams will attempt the course to demonstrate their level of fitness over three events: swimming .5 miles (750 metres) / biking – 12 miles (20 k) / running – 3 miles (5 K) Prizes will be given to the top three athletes in the following categories: Overall / Male / Female / Team. All entrants will receive a medal and a Certificate of Participation. Several government agencies have come together to make this event a success: fire / ambulance / police.

September 20 - 26, 2014

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

TCI and 64 other countries, comprising of nearly 700 sailing clubs, will attempt the feat.

TCI to participate in world record sailing feat THE Turks and Caicos Islands Sailing Association will join 64 other countries around the globe on Sunday in an attempt at a Guinness World Record for the ‘Largest Sailing Race in 24 Hours (Multiple Venues)’. Over 4500 sailors from nearly 700 clubs are expected to take part in the event which is being organised by the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation to honour the memory of Olympic sailor Andrew “Bart” Simpson who tragically died last May while training for the Americas Cup. The local Director of Sailing, Kelly Troy, said that the association needs local sailors to turn out in their numbers. For TCI to be a part of the record attempt, we need to have 25 boats competing on the said day. All systems were a go up to press

time and Troy was hoping that a large contingent of supporters could join the association at the Bight Park on Sunday afternoon for a sailing open house and to cheer on the racers as they attempt the feat. “We need sailors to come help sail all the boats, and everyone is welcome to have some fun on the beach. Registration is from 3:00pm to 3:30pm, competitor’s pre-race meeting at 3:45pm, and the race starts promptly at 4:00pm.” The racers, in an assortment of boats, will sail from the Bight Park, up to Beaches resort, and then sail back down to finish back at the Bight Park at approximately 4:30pm. Following the race, Troy said everyone is welcome to try sailing for free! Donations from the event will go towards the TCI National Youth Team.

TCI move to 180 in FIFA rankings DESPITE our small population the Turks and Caicos Islands are currently ranked higher in football than Bangladesh which has a population of 156.6 million people (2013 census). In the September FIFA ranking TCI moved one spot up to 180 in the

world, one higher than Bangladesh who dropped 11 spots to sit on 181. In CONCACAF division TCI are ranked 30, ahead of the US Virgin Islands (192), the Bahamas (193), the Cayman Islands (198), the British Virgin Islands (199) and Anguilla (207).

The Roman Catholic Church are one win away for taking the 2014 title.

Provo Church Co-Ed Softball League:

Catholic Church stop Jericho in Championship opener THE Roman Catholic Church were on Thursday evening looking to close off the Jericho Baptist Church in the Provo Church Co-Ed Slow Pitch Softball League. After the two teams had beaten title favourites St. Monica’s Anglican Church and the Bethany Baptist Church in the Playoffs,

the final seemed open for the taking and Jericho who had gained revenge over the defending champions seemed the favourite (owing to finishing second last year and placing third after the regular season), but newcomers the Roman Catholic Church would have none of it.

On Monday night at the National Stadium in the first in the best-in-three championships series, they surged to a 15-9 win. On Thursday night the two former champions Bethany and St. Monica were also expected to battle, but for the third place trophy.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 20 - 26, 2014

LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos

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

QUICK SALE

CALL 232-3508 or 946-4664

September 20 - 26, 2014

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

September 20 - 26, 2014