APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
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VOLUME 11 - NO. 13
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$300 MILLION YACHT IN TURKS AND CAICOS
The ‘A’, which is pictured off the Kids’ Park in The Bight, Providenciales, costs more than £12 million a year to maintain, with each refuelling racking up a bill of more than £300,000.
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ne of the most expensive luxury yachts in the world, which is simply named “A”, and which is valued at around $300 million, recently turned heads and created quite a buzz when it was berthed off the Kids Park in The Bight, Providenciales. The yacht, which resembles a submarine, is owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, who the SUN understands owns property in the Turks and Caicos Islands and is looking to purchase more. The name “A” is derived from the initials of its owner Andrey and his wife Aleksandra. The ‘A’ can happily accommodate 14 guests in one owner’s suite and six guest suites. She can also accommodate up to 37 crew members onboard. The yacht is powered by two MAN RK280 diesel engines providing approximately 9,000 kW (12,000 hp), sufficient to give the yacht a maximum speed of 23 knots, which is
43 kilometres per hour or roughly 26 decorated with white stingray skin and the taps in the baths are believed miles per hour. At its cruising speed of 19 knots to be worth £25,000 apiece. The ‘A’ costs more than £12 (35 km/h; 22 mph) it can cover 6,500 nautical miles (12,000 km; 7,500 million a year to maintain, with each miles) in under sixteen days before its refuelling racking up a bill of more 750,000 L (160,000 gallon) fuel tank is than £300,000. empty. She offers unparalleled comfort Typically for a mega yacht, A is and handling with advanced stabilizers decorated, equipped, and staffed to an and bow thrusters. Above-deck there is a helipad extremely opulent standard. There is almost 24,000 square feet of interior and swimming pool forward of the space, including 2,500 square feet for superstructure and two more pools aft, one of which is glass-bottomed and can the master suite. Designed by French interiors be viewed from the below-deck disco. 37 staff are employed on the vessel, guru Philippe Starck, it boasts a dance floor with a glass ceiling – which also and there are living quarters for five forms the bottom of a swimming pool more staff accompanying the owners or their guests. on the deck above. The master bedroom is only Security is tightly controlled, with accessible via a fingerprint recognition 1.7 inch-thick bomb-proof glass in system and is protected with bomb- the windows, over 40 CCTV cameras, proof glass. motion sensors, biometric fingerprint/ One of the king-size beds rotates keypad entry for restricted areas, at the touch of a button, the walls are and a rumoured escape pod in case of
emergencies. Melnichenko is one of the richest Russians, with a net worth of US$9 billion as at February 2015. In 1993 Melnichenko cofounded MDM Bank, which turned into one of Russia’s largest private banks. Later he became the sole shareholder of the bank and formed the MDM group. He acquired the Siberian Coal Energy Company (SUEK) and the chemical company Eurochem. Andrey Melnichenko was also one of the founders of TMK, a pipe and metallurgic company. In 2007 he sold the shares in MDM bank, to focus his attention to his industrial assets. SUEK is Russia’s largest coal producer, with a market share of 31%. Eurochem is Russia’s largest fertilizer producer. In 2012 Eurochem acquired the Belgium activities of BASF. Continued on page 2
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$30 0 M ILL I O N YAC H T I N T U RK S A N D C A I C OS Continued from Page 1 Melnichenko is married to Serbian model Aleksandra Nikolic. Aleksandra Nikolic started as a fashion model, and later became member of the Serbian pop group Models. Alexandra met Andrey in 2003, and they wedded in 2005. Both Christina Aquilera and
Whitney Houston performed at their wedding. Properties of Andrey and Aleksandra Melnichenko include a Boeing Business jet with registration MY-BBJ (My Boeing Business Jet), a villa in Cap D’Antibes named Villa Altair, a US$ 12 million penthouse in New York and the US$ 40
million Harewood Estate in the UK. According to a 2008 building permit the Harewood Estate employs 14 gardening staff, 4 housekeepers, 2 house managers and 3 security guards. staff, 4 house keepers, 2 house Andrey Melnichenko, pictured here with wife managers and 3 security guards. Aleksandra, is believed to be worth £9 billion
TCIG signs two multi-million dollar deals TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS GOVERNMENT SIGNS $224M RITZ CARLTON AGREEMENT
Left to right seated: Acting Governor TCI, Anya Williams, Walter Stipa, President & CEO of Desarrollos Hotel Group, Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, Premier, TCI, Left to right, back row: Walter Gardiner Jr. Director & Broker, Regency Christies International & Real Estate, Khalila Astwood, TCIG attorney, Guillermo Martis, Development Consultant for Desarrollos Group, Rochelle Thompson, Investment Executive, TCIG Investment Unit, Hon. Washington Misick, Min. of Finance & Investment The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Government on April 2nd, signed a Development Agreement with the Desarrollos Hotel Group to build a $224 million dollar Ritz Carlton hotel, resort, casino & spa in the Grace Bay area of Providenciales. It also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cooper Jack Development Limited to build a $220 million dollar hotel, spa and residences on the same date. The proposed development in Grace Bay will consist of 124 luxury hotel guest rooms, penthouses, resort residences and associated facilities. The new resort will be managed by the Ritz Carlton Hotels Company L.L.C., an international luxury hotel brand operating 84 hotels and resorts in 26 countries.
The proposed development in Cooper Jack will consist of a mixeduse, 281-bedroom resort consisting of a five-star stand-alone hotel of 100 bedrooms and suites, 76 condominium units and 3 luxury villas. The total project site area is situated along 20.92 acres in the Cooper Jack area of Providenciales. Commenting on the Grace Bay development, Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing sad: “This European Plan style hotel development provides a welcome diversification to the TCI tourism sector as it is more of a traditional hotel, rather than the previously prevalent condominium model in the TCI. At the same time, it further develops the luxury tourism offering in this destination with the addition of such an important luxury brand in
Ritz Carlton.” Minister of Finance Hon. Washington Misick added: “This is a welcome boost for the people and businesses of the TCI, especially in our construction sector. This announcement clearly consolidates our position as one of the fastest growing, and strongest economies in the Caribbean. The financial stability of the TCI clearly provides the right environment for international investors to come here and grow their businesses.” The Desarrollos Hotel Group has already developed and owns four Marriott Hotels, of which one is the Ritz Carlton Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa. It is anticipated that construction work will begin in November 2015 and last for approximately three years. In relation to the Cooper Jack development, the Premier said: “This
new luxury hotel development is indeed indicative of the confidence investors have in the TCI economy and we welcome yet another group that is keen to invest in the TCI.” “Additionally, a new hotel development in the Cooper Jack area now brings about a new frontier of luxury resorts in yet another location away from the Grace Bay area, which means further diversity not only in the sector itself but also in real estate market”. Minister of Finance, Washington Misick stated; “This new development speaks directly to the investment climate in the country and also its attractiveness to high end developments. This is an exciting time in the TCI and we welcome this new development”. The construction work is expected to begin in the 3rd quarter of 2015 and last for approximately 2 years.
Left to right seated: Antonio Dellamano, Director, Cooper Jack Development Limited, Acting Governor TCI, Anya Williams, John McDonald, Director, Cooper Jack Development Limited, Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, Premier, TCI, Left to right, back row: Oliver Chapman, attorney for the Developers, Khalila Astwood, TCIG attorney, Rochelle Thompson, Investment Executive, TCIG Investment Unit, Hon. Washington Misick, Min. of Finance & Investment
APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
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APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
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Missing man’s family snubs police press conference By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor The family of missing Grand Turk man Kevino Smith snubbed the police news conference on Thursday, April 2, 2015, at the Chalk Sound Police Station in Providenciales, and investigators are wondering why. Assistant Commissioner of Police Wayne Jones, who was fielding questions at the news conference to update the public on their investigations into Smith’s disappearance, said the police invited the family and made all the relevant travel arrangements from Grand Turk to Provo and back, but they did not show up, with no explanation given. “The family was invited to this press conference and all the necessary arrangements were made for them to be here today, but for some reason, at the end of the day, they refused to attend, and that is reasons unknown to me at this moment,” Jones said. Family members, on March 6, reported Smith as missing after a reported gun incident at a residence on that island. From the incident, the police tagged him as a person of interest in their investigations. But since then and number of strange
incidents had taken place until family members reported him missing. “On Wednesday, March 4, 2015, about 11:45p.m., a report was made to the Grand Turk Police Station requesting police assistance at the residence of the Ashton’s Family in Breezy Brae, Grand Turk. Two officers were dispatched to the scene, where an occupant of the residence reported to them of an alleged serious incident involving the use of a firearm. “That same night officers conducted a search around the surrounding area for the suspect, who is reported to be Kevino Smith, but he was not located. On Thursday, March 5, officers were called to Kevino Smith’s residence at Osbourne Road in Grand Turk, where an old unused pick-up truck was on fire, which the police, with assistance from persons in the community extinguished. Smith was not at the residence,” Jones pointed out. He said that another vehicle owned by Smith was found in Breezy Brae on Thursday, March 5, and removed to the Grand Turk Police Station for investigation purposes, and on March 6, his mother Martha ‘Patty’ Smith, reported that she had not seen Smith March 4, and that he
From left – ASP Clifford Henry, Assistant Commissioner Wayne Jones and Superintendent Clifford Ashton had apparently gone missing. Jones said that the police searched the entire island as well as nearby keys for Smith, but came up empty-handed. He said that the force appointed a family liaison offer to keep relatives abreast of their investigations, saying also that the force dispatched a team of officers into Grand Turk from Providenciales to help with the search and investigation. He said the police interviewed and took statements from a number of persons, and used search warrants to enter a number of premises, from
Easter message from Deputy Speaker Hon Josephine Connolly
NIB INCREASES BENEFITS AND AMENDS RETIREMENT PENSION FORMULA The Turks and Caicos Islands National Insurance Board hereby informs the general public of the following increases in various benefits provided by the National Insurance Program which will take effect on April 15, 2015. Increases effective April 15, 2015 1.Increase in minimum Retirement Pension The minimum retirement pension will increase from $335 per month to $370.00 per month 2.Increase in minimum Invalidity Pension The minimum Invalidity Pension will increase from $335 per month to $370 per month. 3.Increase in Funeral Grant Funeral grant will increase from $2000 to $2,190 for the contributor and from $1,300 to$1,420 for a dependent of the contributor. 4.Increase in Maternity Grant Maternity Grant will increase from $500 per child $550 per child 5.Increase in minimum Widow/ Widower’s Pension The minimum Widow / Widower’s Pension will increase from $250 per month to $270 per month 6.Increase in minimum Children’s Pension The minimum Children’s Pension will increase from $100 per month to $110 per month 7.Increase in Non Contributory Old-Age Pension Non Contributory Old-Age Pension will increase from $250 per month to $275 per month
which they removed a number of possessions that they believed could assist them in their investigation. The assistant superintendent of police said the police have sieved through mountains of contradictory reports but found nothing tangible. “All the information received were checked with no positive results, investigations continue in this matter and searches are still being carried out in Grand Turk. And I am appealing to anyone who may have information regarding the whereabouts of Kevino Smith, to please in contact with police,” Jones said.
Hon. Josephine Connolly Deputy Speaker House of Assembly Shadow Minister for Education People’s Democratic Movement For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever belieth in Him shall not perish but have ever lasting life. -John 3:16 As we celebrate this Easter Season, let us reflect on the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: His death, His burial and His triumphant resurrection. Jesus’ message is one of hope and peace for a troubled world. If ever we needed to be reminded of Jesus’ message of hope and peace, it is now. I want to encourage you, my people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, that even though the road may be rocky at times, continue to have faith that a brighter day is up
ahead of us. During your time of prayer and reflection this Easter season, say a prayer for our nation, the sick, the elder and less fortunate. Be an ambassador of hope and peace. I leave the words of Vivien Wade with you: Seasons of Happiness Like a welcome rain in summer, That’s needed for plants to grow, So our kindness to one another, Will the love of our Saviour show. Like the sunshine after the rain, Flowers bloom in many
colors, Spreading sunshine wherever you go, Brings seasons of happiness to others. Like the warmth we use in winter, Warming us through on a cold day, Giving a helping hand to the needy, Will warm and brighten their day. So much like summer and winter, Or seasons of autumn or spring, By showing God’s love to others, Will glory and praise to Him bring. Let us continue to show kindness to each other and in doing so we spread the message of Jesus Christ, which is hope and peace for all. Have a Blessed Easter.
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Gardiner disappointed in CJ ruling By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor Lyndon Gardiner, Owner of the Provo Air Center has expressed displeasure at Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale’s decision to strike down his judicial review into the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) leasing of compulsory acquired government land to M Aviation for the construction of the Blue Heron Aviation FBO. Chief Justice Ramsay-Hale, who made the ruling on Wednesday, April 1, 201, said her decision was predicated mainly on Gardiner filing the application too late. However, the aviation veteran said that while he respects the court’s ruling, a big part of his decision to file the review has to do with what he alleged is the blatant abuse of power by the authorities. “We are obviously disappointed by the court’s ruling that it will not hear further evidence regarding our concerns about the legality of the second FBO project and the conduct of the authorities charged with looking after the public interests.,” Gardiner said. “The basis of the Court’s decision is that the application was made out of time and that the judge was not of the view that the reasons advanced for applying for leave were sufficient to warrant an extension of time. “However, our case is just one chapter in the ongoing saga of how the Government and the Airport Authority are abusing the public trust and acting contrary to the best interests of Belongers and all residents of these islands,” Gardiner said. He asserted that since the questions are still valid and not expected to go away, he plans to take his case to the public to highlight how
Lyndon Gardiner the land was acquired to build the FBO, short for Fixed Based Operation. “We think the public has a right to know how and why land that belonged to private citizens was forcibly acquired for public use with public funds, but ultimately fell into the hands of foreign private investors,” he said. The forcible land acquisition of which Gardiner speaks has to do with government taking property from a private owner under the guise of expanding operation at the Providenciales International Airport, transferred it to the TCIAA, which in turn long-leased it to M Aviation for the construction of a private aerodrome. “We question why the land that was supposedly acquired for the public good was used for a private commercial venture and not, as would have been supposed, for the purpose of a parallel taxiway to relieve the severe air traffic congestion that has plagued us for so long. This congestion, coupled with our lack of radar, is both dangerous
and an impediment to the promised growth that the airport renovation was supposed to allow,” Gardiner noted. Gardiner, who continues to weigh other legal options including an appeal, described the land deal as a classic case of conflict of interest, systemic abuse, ineptitude and blatant illegal, which has put blight on the country. Gardiner told the news conference that he filed the application on September 18, 2014, but said to get a court date hearing proved challenging. “We obviously waited very patiently for an outcome, and it is certainly not the outcome that we anticipated. But, as I said, this is not the end, this is the beginning, because the whole matter of how this came about needs to be investigated, and the people has a right to know how public funds were spent, certainly not to benefit the public,” he said. He added: “When I review all the evidence, and certainly all the evidence we presented to the court, it is my view on what I have seen that the transaction was not transparent,
and it makes what is the big deal about the past administration looks like child’s play.” Some of the former ministers presently before the courts are charged with giving Belongers Crown land, who in turn sold it to private investors. Gardiner said that he appealed to both the elected government as well as the governor’s office prior to taking the matter to court, but said that they offered no solution to the issue. “I, as an individual and my company do not believe in bringing frivolous cases to court, not until it was ascertain to us the real circumstances, that we took the action that we took,” he said. In the meantime, Gardiner said that he remains fearless to challenge the authorities in his pursuit for justice. “I am up for the challenge. I believe in the right of law, I believe in due process. I had a similar application in 2010 that I believe finished in 2012, challenging the Airports Authority on another matter. Clearly, we were within time, and we were successful with that. “Now, this application, because how things went along, and the obscurity with it, and the lack of clarity, the lack of getting information to make concrete decisions, to mount a legal challenge such as this, is a very drawn out process,” he said. He added: “ But even now I am committed to going forward, and remain committed to telling the story and have the people of the Turks and Caicos decide whether those authorities have made the right decision for the future. My position is that they have not, and that once the evidence is put in the public domain, the others would come to the same conclusion.”
CIBC FirstCaribbean ready to refinance government $260 million loan By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor Larry Lawrence, Managing Director for FirstCaribbean International Bank TCI, has revealed that his institution is one of the financial entities jostling to refinance government’s $260 million United Kingdom guarantee loan when the repayment period expires next year. Lawrence, in an interview with The SUN at the bank’s Grace Bay branch, said, “We, as a bank, are very happy to participate in the economy and what’s happening…and yes, we will be certainly be happy to participate in it (loan refinancing),” Lawrence said. In a recent news conference, Finance Minister Hon. Washington Misick, announced that since the economy has seen some level of recovery and government finances have been racking up surplus after surplus each quarter, the confidence in the economy shown by financial institutions has been significant, and they have been lining up to refinance the loan next year when the payment time runs out. Lawrence also pointed out also that the Turks and Caicos Islands’ tax regime has contributed significantly to strong performance which the economy has been showing in recent time. “It certainly suggests that there is lot of disposable income that individuals have in the absence of an income tax, and as such, they are able to qualify for lending, especially mortgages. If you
Trevor Torzsas and Larry Lawrence were to use the adjusted government finances, for example, surplus, as an indicator, for how well the economy is doing, that is quite good. All indicators are that the Turks and Caicos is on the right stride and certainly coming out of the economic downturn,” Lawrence noted. He said that the financial institution’s confidence in the economy also stems from the undisputed fact that the Turks and Caicos Islands has recently been shattering cruise ships as well as stopover visitors records. “Tourism arrivals have also been very positive
year on year growth, so in terms of the economic performances of the islands, and of course having the Standard and Poors (S&P) rating of BBB, that is certainly good,” Lawrence said. Meantime, when asked to weigh in on the argument that although the TCI has been reporting significant growth, it is not felt especially among the grassroots, Torzsas said that from FCIB’s perspective there is a question mark over the unemployment rate that is currently portrayed since FCIB’s number has shown a dip. “There is some question on unemployment figures but, the ones that we have seen have been strong that you have reduced unemployment,” Torzsas said. Torzsas said that CIBC FirstCaribbean will continue to invest in the Caribbean because it is one of its strongest regions for the bank. “We have been in the Caribbean, depending on what part of our franchise you are looking at, for over a hundred years, and this is an important part of our international franchise, to add to our parent bank, CIBC, and we continue to invest in the Caribbean. “We have been growing our franchise and footprint in places like Trinidad and Jamaica, where others have been pulling back. We have opened up private wealth offering in places like Cayman, Bahamas when others have been pulling back. So, I think, as a bank, it’s our action that speaks louder than words and our clients have seen us growing throughout the region,” Torzsas said.
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FCIB vows to protect customers By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor The decision by CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank to implement unbending regulations that has have affected a number of remittance companies, has to do with the financial institution complying with international law and to protect its clients. In recent times, the international community has ruled that there has been evidence of terrorists and drug smugglers using a variety of means, including remittance companies, to get their cash to their intended destinations, and also persons sailing their money offshore to evade the taxman in their native countries. To that end, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) was implemented and countries, which wanted to escape sanctions, were urged to sign on to its compliance clauses. The Turks and Caicos Islands has signed a number of FATCA regulations with some of the world’s top economies, including the United Kingdom, the United States and
Canada. As a result, commercial banks operating within the region have been forced to either close the accounts of a number of remittance companies’ accounts or slapped on rigid compliance regulations. Remittance companies operating in the Turks and Caicos Islands did not escape the strict measure. Some of them even had their accounts closed as a result. Some of the remittance companies, as means of getting the matter addressed, brought their grouses to the Financial Services Commission (FSC), which has threatened court action against the commercial banks if they did not relent. However, Trevor Torzsas, Managing Director of Customer Relationship, Management and Strategy for CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank (FCIB) and Larry Lawrence, Managing Director for FCIB TCI, said that any action taken is merely to safeguard its clients and own reputation. “For us as a bank, we comply with all the regulations that we operate under and we will continue to vet our clients appropriately and
document our clients appropriately, that is our responsibility as a bank. We have a responsibility, the way we look at it, to the depositors of the bank, to keep their monies safe, to ensuring that those clients are operating within the law,” said Lawrence. “So it is important that we continue to hold a high standard for all the clients of the bank as a responsibility to all the other clients of the bank,” he added. Torzsas, when asked whether the FATCA regulations will affect the bank’s future earnings in any way, said that such outcome would have taken place already. “We don’t think it will have any effect (in the future) on the business. We think it (effect) is already been realized. We think that the strength in the Turks and Caicos economy overall and the great travel numbers will attract more investments by foreigners, so we are very optimistic on what the future holds,” he said. He added: “We don’t think that there is a future negative effect for Turks and Caicos overall. We think our branch network services the Turks and Caicos Islands well.”
Turks and Caicos Sun Suite#5, Airport Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 946-8542 Fax: (649) 941-3281 Email: sun@suntci.com Read us online at www.suntci.com Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Hayden Boyce Senior Editor: Vivian Tyson Office Manager: Dominique Rigby Graphic designer Information Technology and Production Manager: Kelano Howell The Turks and Caicos SUN is a subsidiary of The SUN Media Group Ltd. We are committed to excellence in journalism, educating and informing our readers, serving and satisfying our advertisers and assisting in the overall development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Finance Manager (costs) – interCaribbean Airways/ Interisland Aviation Services Group Based in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Ideally ACCA/ CIMA qualified with strong accounts payable and man management experience. Must be versatile, diligent and task focused. Ability to work with multi currencies and a high volume of transactions with minimal supervision. Team working and Managerial skills- prioritise tasks for self and accounts payable team, supervise and develop team, take ownership for tasks. Objective – to ensure that all costs are verified, recorded accurately and paid to supplier and government deadlines. Analyze all costs, propose and implement cost reduction plans. Reports to –Head of Finance
MUST SPEAK, READ AND WRITE ENGLISH FLUENTLY. A 2ND LANGUAGE (SPANISH/ CREOLE) WOULD BE BENEFICIAL. Duties include but are not limited to - Manage Accounts Payable function. - Responsible for the reconciliation of all Passenger related taxes and charges for all airports and government bodies and the reporting and payment of these taxes to meet deadlines. - Reconciliation and allocation of credit card spend - Reconciliation of multi currency bank accounts and other balance sheet cost accounts including intercompany transactions. - Manage fixed assets / inventory for group- Fixed Asset register, additions and disposals, depreciation, impairment. - Deputies for payroll officer during absences
IGA is seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of:
SUPERMARKET FLOOR MANAGER This position is responsible for overall management of supermarket retail / floor operations. Job responsibilities and requirements include: •Bachelor’s degree in Food Services Management with a minimum of (2) years Retail Supermarket experience in Culinary Arts with extensive knowledge in meat selection and procurement •Monitor overall management of the Food Service Department to ensure that food items are prepared and presented in an acceptable manner •Monitor overall store quality, cleanliness, stock levels, merchandising, sales growth, profitability (e.g., by analyzing operating reports, payroll sales reports, shrink reports, etc.), and taking appropriate action to improve performance •Wide-ranging knowledge in areas such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Inventory management programs •Must be Proficient retail and wholesale accounting and good business practices related to documentation and record keeping •Manage department inventories by tracking weekly sales reports, orders product and supplies so as to meet customer requirements along with the company’s gross profit goals •Skilled in ordering methods and practices for inventory control •Ability to utilize computer systems/information for improved operational results •Strong current product knowledge of the retail industry and knowledge of Supermarket facility management •Will be required to work nights, long hours, weekends, and holidays •Experience in ISS / Droste Operating Systems is an added plus Pay will commensurate with qualifications and experience Deadline for summiting application is April 3rd 2015 Submit applications to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracewayiga.com Please Note: Only short-listed applicants will be contacted to attend interviews
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FortisTCI Prepared for Projected Growth with Arrival of Third Wärtsilä Engine
A third Wärtsilä 20V32 generating unit, purchased by FortisTCI Limited (the Company) in August of 2014 arrived in Providenciales. This latest engine will replace a recently retired Caterpillar unit at the Company’s power plant in Provo, offering increased fuel efficiency and enhanced reliability. The purchase also adds to the major capital investments made in the Turks and Caicos Islands by FortisTCI to ensure that the Country has one of the most robust and reliable electricity systems within the region. The contract for the newest 8.7 Megawatt (MW) Wärtsilä engine was signed for on June 10, 2014 and will place the Company in a position to meet projected load growth based on economic development forecasts through 2018. Reliable electricity is a precursor to economic development and is one of the first assessments potential investors will make regarding their investment decisions. The unit
Wärtsilä Engine will be commissioned in September of this year at the Provo plant, which serves customers on Providenciales, North and Middle Caicos, as well as the Cays between Provo and North Caicos (excluding Parrot Cay). FortisTCI President and CEO, Eddinton Powell said, “The load on the electricity system is determined by our customers’ aggregate demand, and FortisTCI must be in a position to meet that demand. Failure to do so
would result in rolling blackouts and an unstable electricity grid, a situation common in our region. Moreover, the Turks and Caicos Islands is a high-end tourist destination which must have state-of-the-art electricity infrastructure. Because of the high quality of our system, we offer a competitive economic advantage to the Turks and Caicos Islands, helping to attract direct investment that contributes to the continued economic
development of the country.” The utility business is highly financial-capital intensive, and the Company must invest to efficiently meet the load demand at all times. The new Wärtsilä engines are amongst the most technologically advanced in the world and have helped to reduce our carbon footprint through lower exhaust emissions over the past several years. FortisTCI has invested millions of dollars’ in infrastructure, from generation and transmission & distribution (T&D) systems to customer service support and delivery infrastructure. The company has also taken the lead in exploring alternative sources of energy, including renewable energy. In addition, FortisTCI has engaged consultants to investigate the feasibility of off-loading solutions that will facilitate streamlining the Company’s fuel supply chain, which has the potential of further reducing the cost of electricity to our customers.
COMMUNITY ANGEL FOUNDATION LAUNCHED: The Community Angel Foundation, a non-profit organization designed to assist especially young people educationally through donations from the community and fundraising ventures, had its launch on Friday (March 27, 2015) at the Blue Haven Resort’s Conference Room in Leeward, Providenciales. The body is made up of individuals of different nationalities and is Christian-based. The members used the launch to highlight the organization’s first scholarship recipient – Maxine Missick – who will be pursuing medicine at the University of Keele in the in the United Kingdom. Missick’s scholarship is worth approximately $80,000 and the Community Angel Foundation is calling on the public to assist in ensuring that Missick and other recipient’s dreams will come through, by donating to the entity. Here, some members of the body seize a photo op with Maxine Missick (centre).
MANAGER, COMPLIANCE AND LEGAL SERVICES Job Grade: A80 Annual Salary: $54,000 - $67,800 - $81,400 Full-Time Managing Director’s Office, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Island The Manager, Compliance and Legal Services is responsible for providing support in the coordination of the overall Anti-Money Laundering regime for Turks and Caicos Islands and supporting Management in fulfilling their compliance responsibilities by promoting adherence to Scotiabank Guidelines for Business Conduct, the Group Standards for Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-terrorist Financing and any supplemental policies, procedures, guidelines or codes of conduct applicable to the TCI; as well as protecting the interest of the Group in legal matters; anticipating and advising on legal issues that may affect its operations. I. Specific Accountabilities •Assist in the maintenance of an adequate Compliance Network that will ensure that the units within Scotiabank TCI are operating within the regulatory framework applicable to their business activities, personnel practices and premises. • Provide support in ensuring that regulatory requirements are considered, identified and addressed with regards to the development of new products, programs or business initiatives. •Provide support in developing and carrying out review programs that will confirm compliance to regulatory requirements is in place. •Provide support in reviewing, on an annual basis, plans developed by support groups to monitor operational risk. Assist the Corporate Manager in periodically consulting with support functions and ensure plans have been executed and documented, and coordinate the submission of information, of an exception nature, to Sr. Management and the board of Directors where warranted. •Provide support in ensuring that adequate policies, practices and procedures have been defined and implemented to enable ongoing compliance to applicable local regulatory requirements . •Provide support in ensuring that adequate training programs are developed to support the reliable implementation of regulatory requirements. • Provide support in ensuring the instances of non-compliance to regulatory requirements are being identified, appropriately reported and adequate action plans are developed to ensure corrective action and non-recurrence. •Provide support in ensuring that all required reporting activities are completed in an accurate and timely manner as prescribed. II. Complexity of Position In order to perform the functions of the position, the following competencies are required: •Formal training in law (to deal with documentation/other complexities involved in the business and a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the field; •Formal training in Compliance and membership in a recognized professional compliance association (e.g. Association of Certified Anti-Money laundering Specialists-ACAMS or International Compliance Association-ICA), and a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the field; •Good knowledge of business activities undertaken by Scotiabank TCI; •Thorough knowledge of the regulatory/supervisory structure of the local financial markets, current banking regulations and industry standards; •Sound knowledge of the Bank’s policies, procedures, operations, organization, internal controls and the Scotiabank Group compliance process; •Excellent communications skills, both written and oral, as well as analytical and negotiation skills, •Strong interpersonal and organizational skills and the ability to prioritize/delegate and deal with the workload to meet deadlines, •Ability to establish rapport and maintain effective working relationships with local regulators, external auditors and management personnel; •Ability to review complex documents and material and effectively absorb relevant content and assimilate this in a practical and coherent way; •High degree of computer literacy. The incumbent operates independently within the guidelines, policies, directives and established precedents. Please forward your application no later than Thursday , April 9 27,2015 to: Lynette Grant-Higgs Manager, Human Resources Scotiabank (TC) Ltd. Providenciales, TCI E-mail: lynette.grant-higgs@scotiabank.com
Margaritaville seeks to identify: HACCP Supervisor, Maintenance Personnel et al. HACCP Supervisor SUMMARY: Keeps track of HACCP principle and monitors company’s compliance with quality and safety measures; suggests ways to eliminate risks and potential health hazards to staff and guests. Train employees on the principles of HACCP, among other supervisory duties. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Certification in HACCP manufacturing/ Catering (at least at level 2) and 2 years experience REQUIREMENTS: -Management skills –Able to use Word & Excel, operate at a supervisory level, apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions -Able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Able to write simple correspondence. -Ability to create & implement HACCP program for Margaritaville Grand Turk -Able to work flexible hours including, weekends, night shift and public holidays -Able to keep accurate logs of HACCP activities carried out
Maintenance Personnel This self motivated individual must be an all rounder, with certification and at least 2 years experience in the field as a refrigeration technician. Skills in plumbing, electrical repairs and carpentry would be an asset. Salary will be based on experience. Other available positions are Chef, Bartenders, Servers, Retail Captain, Retail Associate, Electrician, Store Clerk, Dining Room Captain, Cook, Stilt Walker and Kitchen Helpers. APPLICATION PROCESS: Application along with resume must be submitted by 7th April, 2015 to the office of : Margaritaville Grand Turk Grand Turk Cruise Center South Base, White Sands Beach Grand Turk, T.C.I. B.W.I While we welcome and appreciate all applicants, only persons short-listed for an interview will be contacted.
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Graceway Smart to become full service store Tamell Seymour, Manager for Graceway Smart Cox pointed out that about 45 new persons were hired to meet Senior Sun Editor the store’s opening. She said that he majority of the new hires have taken Graceway Smart, the downtown up positions at the new store. Providenciales branch of the IGA “Open a store is a massive Supermarket food chain is designed undertaking, and opening this store to become a full service-shopping was no different. There were so many outlet, according to Edith Cox, Head of people that were involved in getting Finance for that entity. this together. From negotiation for Cox, who chaired the official almost a year ago, to construction, opening of the store on Friday, March which started about October, to getting 27, 2015, pointed out that the food all the shelves stocked and ready – that store already house the country’s finished about five minutes ago. two competing telecommunications “We have a great team of companies Digicel and LIME. She said employees at Graceway. We have that in the not-too-distant future the first class employees in all areas public would be able to visit Smart to of our business, and this year we do banking and pay their utility bills. were selected as the IGA Caribbean “When you came in you would International Retailer of the Year. This have seen Digicel; before you walk out award was not just being excellent at you would have seen LIME. This is a retailing, but more so the contributions full service facility, that’s one of the we make in our communities,” she reasons that it is Smart, and going asserted. forward, you will have banking. You For his part, Ken Burns, will be able to pay your bills here – Managing Director for the Graceway Provo Water bills - you would be able IGA Group, revealed that in recent to buy top-up and able to do everything years the chain was desirous of here, so it is a one stop shop. It is all having a downtown branch, and about smart shopping,” she said. was happy when the former Island By Vivian Tyson
Pride Supermarket location became available. “We have been looking for a place downtown for about two years now, and we just happened to get connected with Mr. Butterfield and Warren Ford, and here we are today. We think it will revitalize certainly the downtown area; that is what we are after, to get people to come down town, shopping smart and buy groceries at a great value,” he said. “The concept of Smart is pretty simple; we have got different product mix in the store. The value will continue to change and improve as we get along.” Tamell Seymour is the general manager for that location. Seymour had nothing but high praises for Burns, who he said has been promoting locals to middle and top tier position since taking over some years ago.
“I must mention that since you (Burns) coming to IGA, we have seen a vast amount of local Turks and Caicos Islanders taking on management roles. We probably have about 98 percent of local management staff. I appreciate that,” Seymour said. He pointed out also that Burns allows room for staff to make and learn from their mistakes. “That is something that a lot of our people don’t allow. If you make a mistake, they eat you alive,” he quipped. In the meantime, the Graceway Smart management team said that their prices are some of the most affordable, while items remain at a premium, pointing out that the store has an isle where all the items there are for $2. The tagline for Graceway Smart is “Shop Smart, Save More”.
From left – Edith Cox, Head of Finance at the Graceway IGA, Albray Butterfield Sr., owner of the building housing Graceway Smart, and Ken Burns, Group Managing Director for the Graceway IGA Supermarket chain in the TCI.
TCIAA work tirelessly to accommodate 777 BA flight A great deal of work went the Turks and Caicos Islands Hotel into preparing the Providenciales and Tourism Asso777 should benefit International Airport for the arrival TCI, especially in the offseason when of the British Airways Boeing 777 jet long-staying from Europe make their liner, which made its weekly inaugural trips. He said also that it should open flight from Antigua to the Turks and up connections to the Middle East and Caicos Islands on Sunday, March 29, to China as well, through direct link 2015. via Gatwick. Gordon Burton, Chairman for Neutelings remarked that the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Europeans especially, who visit the The Inaugural British Airways flight from Antigua getting the traditional water cannon salute from fire Authority (TCIAA) told a brief Eastern Caribbean a lot more than the trucks at the Providenciales International Airport news conference on Sunday at the Turks and Caicos, would be able to link Providenciales International Airport Smith, for his part, said that in that the completion of the their stay with the hotels here, while shortly after the arrival of the flight, addition to upgrading the fire service, Providenciales Airport Expansion and guests here would also be able to link that last year when British Airways other advancements were made at the arrival of the 777 aircraft further their stay to the Eastern Caribbean. announced it would be rerouting the airport to house the BA flight. He bolsters the destination’s commitment Meanwhile, Patrice Scarett, its Turks and Caicos Islands flight revealed that further upgrades would to the strengthening the tourism BA customer service manager, said from the Bahamas to Antigua, and be made in time for the Thursday product. that the airline was excited to partner upgrade to 777 from 767, the TCIAA British Airways Thursday flight, “This airlift offered by British with the TCI. immediately made the necessary scheduled for its inaugural touchdown Airways will enhance and provide “Like everything else in British changes to accommodate the flight. on October 29. additional access from Europe and Airways, we are happy to welcome the “Even though it is not our first “We had to upgrade the fire support much-needed linkages PLS (Providenciales) onto the Antigua 777, this 777 will be on a scheduled services to a category 9, as opposed to a between our Caribbean neighbours,” Tag. As a manager now responsible for regular basis. There was a lot that category 8, which is the service she said, adding that the service will PLS, I do look forward to working with the Airports Authority had to put in we normally operate at. We had to put a provide new and exciting opportunities all of you; with all of the stakeholders, place to accommodate this flight today. few other procedures in place to ensure that should cement the Caribbean as to ensure that we maintain a safe From the time we were advised from that we were able to accommodate it. the world-leader in tourism. operation and of course meet our last year that BA was changing its “Now going forward, it would Michel Neutelings, President of customer’s expectation,” she said. scheduled from Nassau, using the 767 mean for us, as we were doing for the and changing it to Antigua, using the 767 on a Sunday, up the category; now 777, we immediately had to put certain we have to up the category things in place to make it a reality,” about two notches. And eventually on Burton said. October 29th, on a Thursday, we are He commended John Smith, looking at upgrading the category CEO for the TCIAA, who he said pulled and maintaining it at that standard,” out all the stops to ensure that the Smith said. The tourism movers and shakers were out in their numbers to meet the inaugural British Airways flight necessary mechanisms were put in Minister for Tourism Hon. from Antigua on Sunday. place to accommodate the service. Porsha Stubbs Smith, told the media
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LOCAL NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS REMINDED OF IMMINENT CHANGES TO PUBLIC FINANCES
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Government reminds its citizens and businesses of a number of important changes to the public finances to be introduced from Wednesday, 1 April 2015. As the Minister of Finance told the TCI House of Assembly, when successfully debating the 2015-16 Budget last week, there are no new revenue raising measures for the new financial year - but there are important changes being implemented.
“All of these changes are designed to support the development of our economy by reducing the red tape for our businesses, and to support our people in the process,” said TCI Minster of Finance Washington Missick. All of the changes are effective from 1 April 2015 and include: •The repeal of the 7.5% Customs FIT (Freight Insurance tax) – a move which will lower the costs
of importing goods to the TCI in line with the Government’s tax rationalisation strategy. •The removal of the majority of domestic financial service tax applied to a wide range of service fees charged by a financial institution to its customers. This tax now only applies to money transfers outgoing from the TCI – charged at 12% – again in line with the Government’s tax rationalisation strategy.
Following the recent decision made in Cabinet, the TCI National Insurance Board pension regulations will be changed to ensure that monthly retirement pensions will be based on the ‘best five years of contributions’ of the past ten qualifying years. Pensioners will then receive a pension calculated on the 5 years of their highest total amount of insurable earnings. This will take effect retroactively from 1 January 2015
S’HERO OF THE MONTH – SONIA BIEN-AIME By Todeline Defralien Turks & Caicos Islands’ Sonia Bien-Aime was honored with S’Hero of the Month Award on April 2nd, 2015. Sonia Bien-Aime is the current President of the Turks & Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) and serves on the Executive Committee for both CONCACAF and FIFA. She is a true advocate for women’s soccer with a passion to contribute to the development and organization of the sport. Sonia began her prestigious career as a multi-sport athlete for Turks & Caicos, representing her country in track & field, softball, and football, where she captained the Turks & Caicos Women’s National Team. She grew up
on the island of Grand Turk alongside her four sisters and one brother. Sonia values family first, and credits the love and support she received to her long list of achievements. In 2006, after working in the legal field for fourteen years, Sonia’s life changed course. With a burning passion and desire to contribute back to the game to which she loved, she began her distinguished career as an administrator and trustee of football when she became a member of the TCIFA Executive Committee and elected General Secretary. While serving as General Secretary, Sonia’s desire for extending the reach and movement of the game became infectious. Shortly thereafter, she was
Londolozi Ltd is inviting suitable applications for the following position: CHEF DE PARTIE Under the general guidance and supervision of the Head Chef, the kitchen team member will assist in the preparation and service of all sections in the Kitchen. Duties and Responsibilities RESPONSIBILITIES •Working with the Head Chef and the kitchen team to maintain high standards in the quality of food both as to its preparation and its presentation •Working in all areas of the kitchen depending on the daily needs of Head Chef. •To observe all Company Food Hygiene and Health and Safety policy •To assist the Head Chef, to check the completeness of all food and kitchen equipment sent to each function •To assist the Head Chef to check the completeness of all suppliers’ deliveries and the correctness of their invoices •To set out, maintain and monitor high standards of cooking and presentation •To be aware of current food trends with regard to presentation and style and help with new menu ideas and menu design •Ensuring kitchen is left clean and tidy at all times •Ensuring that all completed food is correctly wrapped, labeled and put in out-fridge for each event •To ensure that all completed jobs are fully checked off before it leaves the unit •Ensuring the venue kitchen is left spotlessly clean and tidy and that all equipment and un-used food is packed ready for transportation
Sonia Bien-Aime named Chairperson for the first TCIFA Women’s Football Committee. However, her commitment to the sport and drive to make change quickly spread beyond Turks & Caicos. Her impact became global. She became a member of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Executive Committee, Chairperson for the CFU Women’s Football Committee, FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Planning Committee Member, among many others. The advances Sonia made in sports within the Caribbean led to her most recent accomplishment. In May of 2013, Sonia was elected to the highest governing body in football, FIFA Executive Committee, and is one of the first women to serve. “Changing the landscape of women’s football in my region and the world is my mission,” said Bien-Aime. “I am truly honored to be a part of one of the most powerful governing bodies
in the sport. I embrace the opportunity given to me, and will do everything within my power to make a positive change.” It was the knocks Bien-Aime took on the field as a center back and midfielder that that instilled the persistence and dedication needed to make from the tiny island of Grand Turk to the highest chamber of FIFA. Sonia is fearless and immersed in the movement of the women’s game, paving the way for others to have a voice. She is a true believer in growing the game and making improvements to eliminate the restrictions of women, and ultimately leveling the playing field for all. Sonia’s quest to serve as an advocate to make a difference on the sport she loves, and her courage to speak on behalf of others, defines what it means to be an Amazing Young Woman.
MBA CONSTRUCTION
HART JOLLY
Looking for a Tile Man Blue Hills, Turks and Caicos Islands $8.00 hour Phone number 242-3450
5 days a week Salary 5.00 per Hour Contact - 242-8228
BABY SITTER WANTED
Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience. Please Submit Applications to: hr@beachhousetci.com A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department. Submissions to be no later than April 3rd, 2015 Belongers need only apply.
APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
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TCI Society of Professional Accountants appoints new Executive Council Council to take the Society into the future. Amongst discussions regarding development of the profession and educational support programs, the Society appointed several new members to its Executive Council. Continuing as members of the Executive Council for another term are: Chairman Treasurer Executive Member
-Drexwell Seymour -Ryan Blain -Ruth Forbes
Newly elected members (for a first term) are:
Drexwell Seymour
Secretary Executive Members Membership Officers
-Rojer Inglis -Ralph Patrick and Kinesha Gidden -Ana-Alicia Coalbrooke and Gareth Butler -Artavia Bassett
On Wednesday, March 25 the TCI Society Student Liaison Office of Professional Accountants (TCISPA) held its AGM at Shay Café in Grace Bay. TCISPA was incorporated The Executive Council expressed its gratitude on March 25, 2013 when a core team of accountants to outgoing members Keith Burant, Paul Collis, laid the foundation for the Society to begin shaping Desiree James and Nick Haywood, all of whom the role of the accountant in the Turks and Caicos committed their full support to the newly appointed Islands. That inaugural body served for a period of Executive Council. two years (having been re-elected after the end of the Re-elected President Drexwell Seymour, first year) during which an outreach program was thanked the membership for his re-election, warmly undertaken to identify and engage each professional revisiting the last two years and committing to the accountant and accounting student within the Turks service of the Society. He emphasized the role that and Caicos Islands. accountants must play in shaping the culture of the On March 25, 2015 at the end of the second society, in his comments LAP_Turks-and-Caicos_7.5x5_v1.pdf 1 3/28/2015 11:56:21 AM term, elections were held for officers of the Executive “The Challenges ahead are not unique in
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that we, as Accountants must forge a way for the development of our society. However, it will require dedication, commitment and a sense of purpose. It is these qualities that will define my leadership into the foreseeable future and help us to establish the accounting profession as a pillar of strength in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our contribution will encourage the next generation to see this Accounting and Finance profession as the avenue of service in our nation.” TCISPA had undertaken a programme of outreach to the schools to introduce them to the Accounting Profession. During Education week (which was celebrated two weeks prior to the AGM) members had visited Clement Hall as part of the programme to introduce the Accounting Profession to the schools. The visit was enlightening for both groups as the members spent almost one and a half hours in discussion with the students. Outgoing Executive Council member, Nick Haywood, commented “It is wonderful to see enthusiasm in our Society, and particularly to see young Turks & Caicos Islanders taking up the reigns. I sincerely hope they can take the Society to the next level, and to develop the profession within the Turks & Caicos Islands. There is a desperate need for more qualified accounting professionals here, and the Society is essential in promoting the profession to encourage more young people to consider it as a career opportunity. I wish them every success.”
Free Online Registration for Visitors on our Website
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APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Cable and Wireless and Columbus merger finalized Cable and Wireless with appropriate remedies. We Communications, Plc (CWC) has are pleased we now have the completed its US$1.85bn acquisition necessary Government support to of 100% of the equity of Columbus conclude this important transaction International Inc. and to start making the financial Commenting on the completion commitments required to deliver an of the transaction, Chief Executive outstanding customer experience and Officer, Phil Bentley, said: “This to enhance the telecommunications is a transformational deal for infrastructure and economic Cable & Wireless Communications. development of the communities we Columbus Communications is an serve.” outstanding business; not only Bentley noted that as part of do we add significant fibre optic the integration process, the Company submarine backhaul and terrestrial “is undertaking a full review of all the broadband and TV capability to our brands we currently operate under, leading mobile and legacy copper including the Flow and LIME brands networks in the Caribbean, but our as well as the business and wholesale complementary B2B divisions can brands,” but added that “no decision now offer geographical focus and a has yet been made.” wider product offering in the fasterCommenting on the merger growing Latin American markets. process and next steps, Bentley said, “We expect the operating “Most of the markets we operate in synergies to be significant; together, have approved our integration plans the new merged company creates the and therefore today we can start opportunity to invest more, grow faster, to release some of the US$1.5bn and provide an improved customer investment monies we have set experience and, most importantly, aside to provide our customers with a development opportunity for our an unrivalled telecommunications people that either company could experience, improving coverage, never have achieved on their own. reliability, products and speeds, and “There has been an extensive providing a welcome boost to both jobs and professional regulatory review, and the economy in the countries in
which we operate. In a small number of markets where we have yet to receive all the necessary approvals required, we cannot commence our integration and investment plans; we will therefore continue to support the local regulatory due process until we have the green light to move forward in those markets.” Cable & Wireless Communications Plc (CWC) is a full-service communications provider operating in 16 countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. With four leading brands: Mas Movil (Cable and Wireless Panama), LIME (the Caribbean excluding The Bahamas), BTC (The Bahamas) and Cable and Wireless Seychelles, CWC offers mobile, broadband, TV, domestic and international fixed line services and serves over 5.5m customers. CWC also provides premium data centre hosting, domestic and international managed data network services and customised IT Service Solutions to businesses and governments through our Cable & Wireless Business Solutions division. We are the market leader in most of the products we offer and the
territories we serve. Columbus International Inc. is a privately held diversified telecommunications company based in Barbados. The Company provides digital cable television, broadband Internet and digital landline telephony in Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Curacao under the brand name Flow and in Antigua under the brand name Karib Cable. Columbus also provides next generation connectivity and IT solutions, managed networking and cloud-based services under the brand Columbus Business Solutions. Through its subsidiary, Columbus Networks, the Company provides capacity and IP services, corporate data solutions and data centre hosting throughout 42 countries in the greater Caribbean, Central American and Andean region. Through its fully protected, ringed submarine fibre optic network spanning more than 42,300 km and its 38,000 km terrestrial fibre and coaxial network, Columbus’ 3,150 plus professionals provide advanced telecom services to a diverse residential and corporate client base of over 700,000 customers.
5th Avenue Water Services
is seeking to employee one person as a Part-Time Labourer Duties:
Daily work duties include but are not limited to daily cleaning of raw sewage treatment, screens of debris, filters, pipes, valves, submersible pumps, etc., under supervision of plant manager. Will be required to wear OSHA approved PPD (personal protective device) provided by the Company. Must be available for emergencies that require additional hours during evenings and weekends. Must be able to communicate in English. Please submit applications in person to our administrative office located at Turtle Cove Landing attention: Mr. Roger Darville. Cutoff date for applications is April 6, 2015.
Experienced Journalist and researcher
Seeking a full-time qualified and experienced journalist. Applicant must have at least 5 years experience at a minimum of 3 different publications. Bachelor’s degree in journalism required. Applicant also must have experience working in a fast-paced office environment and ability to produce content on deadline. Applicants should be technology savvy and comfortable working in a high tech and fast moving environment. Working weekends, public holidays and long hours is not uncommon. Email all resumes, references and previous work to ceo@tropicalimaging.com
VIP BARBERSHOP & BOUTIQUE
Beauti Elegant Braiding Salon
WOODS CONTRACTUAL SERVICES
Mendula F. Harris
WANTED
1 Hair Stylist Salary: 5$ per hour Mondays to Saturdays 9:00am To 5:00pm
6 days a week Phone number: 3460402
KADEEN AGENCY On behalf of its client is looking for an
Assistant Office Manager Duties will include assisting in running a growing business, must be able to do ordering, pricing of goods, collection, dealing with
customers, communicating
SEEKS 1 Cashier Salary $6.25 per hour 6 days per week Contact 347-1323
Minimum 2 years sales experience Experience in jewelry sales Impeccable references and police clearance Impeccable English, other languages –advantage High level of customer service and customer attending skills Sales references-advantage JEWELER NEEDED WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS Minimum 5 years experience in setting and sizing gold, silver and gems Tel: 649-946-1083 Fax: 649-946-1988 E-mail: kwatts@shopdi.com
with overseas vendors etc.
Must have at least three years experience. Salary $300 per week Contact 231-6565
Is looking for a Labourer Interested persons Contact: 941-4575 Gemini Secretarial and Consultant
1 CARE TAKER APPLICANT MUST BE: HONEST, RELIABLE AND HARD WORKING ALSO FLUENT IN ENGLISH, FRENCH AND CREOLE CONTACT INFO: 341-1400
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER
1 Domestic Worker Salary $6.00 per hour 6 days per week Contact 231-3617
HOUSEKEEPER WANTED
is seeking the following persons for its clients (Pelican Gaming, Saint Jean shop and Sonny Forbes); 2 laborers to work 6 days a week, salary $6.00 per hour 8:30 am – 5:00 pm 1 technician to work 6 days a week, salary with experience Hours 10:00 am – 10:00 pm Please contact: (649) 241 7278 for more information.
Experienced in all aspects of digital photography and workflow, plus several years practice in creative wedding, portrait and commercial photography. Self-motivated, willing to work weekends and holidays you must also be a customer service fanatic. Email all resumes/links to online portfolios to ceo@tropicalimaging.com
Belonger Housekeeper wanted for 5 rental properties on Grand Turk. Homes to be cleaned completely inside & out, changing linens & do laundry, wash all windows, rake lawn among various other duties. Wage is $5.00 per hr. Send resume’ to dmagnatta@gmail.com
APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
ONA GLINTON PRIMARY CELEBRATES ITS NEWLY CONSTRUCTED SCHOOL BLOCK Members of the Ona Glinton Primary School hosted a ceremony officially opening the newly constructed school block on Wednesday, April 1st 2015 on the school grounds. The talented students and staff members treated all present to songs, poems and an instrumental musical performance. Ona Glinton Principal, Mrs. Gwen Harvey stated; “A promise made, a promise kept. It took a lot of people coming together for a common goal in order to complete this project properly. “To see most of these persons here in attendance this morning, celebrating with the staff and students is truly a blessing and further proof that God is good” Deputy Premier Hon. Akierra Missick, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Library Services stated; “This government stands behind the students and staff members of Ona Glinton Primary School and the completion of the new block is a clear indication of our commitment to modernizing education facilities around the whole Turks & Caicos Islands” On Sunday November 21, 2010 the Ona Glinton
Primary School was severely damaged by fire. Damage Included; • nine classrooms •the computer lab •the guidance counselors/music/ education office and •the canteen/tuck shop.
physical
The construction of the new block broke ground in 2013; The facility now has: • 5 Regular Class Rooms • Brand New Computer Lab fully furnished • Fully furnished Music Room •Fire alarms and smoke detectors •Hand washing and sanitizer stations • Handicap access to both floors for the physically challenged. This overall cost of the project was $1.7 million fully funded by TCIG.
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LOCAL NEWS
Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and Cockburn Town Medical Centre Turks and Caicos Islands - BWI Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital is currently seeking applications for the positions listed below. •ED Physician Theatre Nurse •General Surgeon Dialysis Nurse •Internal Medicine Physician NICU Nurse •Anaesthetist Medical Technologist •Infection Control Nurse •Pediatrician •Pharmacy Technician (with oncology experience) •Physical Therapist •Radiographer •Clinical Pharmacy Manager •Midwife
Position: Site Director Location: Cockburn Town Medical Centre As a member of the Senior Management Team reporting directly to the CEO, the Site Director is responsible for effectively managing the overall operations of Cockburn Town Medical Centre on a day-to-day basis. Among the duties are: 1.Serve as the site liaison between the facility and members of the community, public agencies and public officials, representatives from tourism (such as the cruise terminal and ship medical teams), etc. 2.Liaise with the Facilities Management duty manager to ensure the overall security and safety of the building and its grounds. 3.Provide on-site leadership for the emergency and disaster response and serve as disaster liaison for external disaster situations as appropriate. 4.Work closely with nursing and medical staff leaders to effectively manage patient admission, bed utilization and discharge and take actions to address issues as required. 5.Seek out opportunities to enhance practice in all areas, including clinical quality, patient experience, operation effectiveness and appropriate use of financial resources. 6.Liaise with the CEO and other members of the Senior Management Team to keep them informed of key issues or concerns; participate with other senior leaders in strategic planning and decision-making around allocation of human, capital and financial resources. 7.Participate in the administrator-on-call rotation for both Cockburn Town Medical Centre and Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree is required, Master’s degree preferred; five years of demonstrated progressive hospital management experience required; clinical qualification preferred.
Position: Inventory Clerk
Location: Cheshire Hall Medical Centre To work with the Purchasing Manager in improving purchasing/Inventory of consumables and equipment for the hospital. Creating purchase orders, booking stock onto site, communicating with suppliers, checking inventory levels for reordering, delivering items around the hospital •Maintain system of ordering materials, supplies and equipment. •Responsible for maintaining the appropiate inventory levels of various departments. •Responsible for the distribution of supplies to various departments •Communicate with the department representatives for supplies requirements confirm of order quantity, pricing and availabiltiy. •Check all devilieres/packages and distribution appropriately •Ensure accuracy of all orders •Generating purchase requisitions for the departments under office purview •Organise storage and catalogue supplies/equipment in accordance with department and hospital policies. •Assist with invoice problem resolution •Order follow up ( telephone/email communication).
Requirements
High School Diploma and/or further education, exposure to inventory and purchasing practises. All positions require a minimum 5 years experience and training from recognize institution. Remuneration packages will be based on qualification and experience. Submit resume and references to: Recruitment@interhealthcanada.tc . Application Deadline: Friday 10th April 2015
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Paralyzed George Lightbourne ‘touched by an angel’ By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor George Washington Lightbourne, a 58 yearold wheelchair bound of Wheeland, Providenciales, is ascribing the title of angel to humanitarian Johanne Karam, who, assisted by a number of TCI businesses and individuals, gave his home a complete makeover. The home overhauling, included basically the reconstruction of his dwelling, the purchase of a new bed, new linen, new television, new refrigerator, new stove, new closet, new dresser, fan, kitchen sink, bath area, new floor tiles and a paved wheelchair path for him to enter and leave his house without challenge. An elated George Lightbourne on returning from Jamaica Lightbourne, who has been paralyzed from the waist down for more than 30 years after a traffic home,” Lightbourne said. accident in The Bahamas damaged his spinal cord, Lightbourne said Karam instructed him to said that his sister with whom he lived at the call her whenever he was at the hospital so she Wheeland premises, built him the house before she would take him home, which he said happened quite died a few years ago. Prior to that, he lived with his often. However, cognizant of the dilapidated state his parents in North Caicos, who died earlier. dwelling was in, did not allow Karam to take him Overtime the building went in a state of directly to the House. disrepair, and based on his disability, was unable to “One day she said, ‘George, I want to see make the necessary repairs. where you live.’ I didn’t want to really show her, but Lightbourne told The SUN that up to recently, one day I made up my mind and told her I will show he made twice-weekly visits to the Cheshire Hall her. When she saw it she said, ‘George, I am going to Medical Centre to dress a wound, and it was during help you’,” Lightbourne recounted. one of the visits that he met Karam, a retired He said that almost right away, the benevolent volunteer firefighter with the Turks and Caicos woman began working on the dwelling. Islands Fire and Rescue. On one of his visits to the hospital, Lightbourne “There was this particular day that I went was admitted for six weeks before being airlifted to (to the hospital) and the driver who carried me, told Jamaica for further treatment. me he wouldn’t be able to come back for me until 12 While Lightbourne was in Jamaica, the o’clock. I finished early, so I came back outside the resourceful Karam led a team of close friends and hospital and stood by the door. acquaintances, who pulled down and rebuilt the “Johanne passed and then later came back dwelling. And when Lightbourne returned, he was around and said to me, ‘Is somebody coming for you?’ shocked out of his wits to see the brand new home. I said, ‘Yes, somebody supposed to come for me, and “I was in Jamaica for almost two months. he called me and told that he wouldn’t be able to pick And when I came back from Jamaica I was surprised. me up until 12 o’clock’. This was what I met, so I said, ‘Lord, this must be an She said, ‘No, man, I passed you here already. angel you sent me. So I said my story is ‘touched by You have been here a long time, so I will take you an angel’,” Lightbourne beamed. home’. So I said to her, ‘I live far, I live all the way in He said that all his old possessions were Wheeland.’ But she said, ‘That is nothing, so let me replaced with new ones. take you home.’ She and her son were together, and “There was nothing in here that I left when I they had me going into the vehicle and they took me was leaving. Everything has been replaced. She did
away with all the old stuff that were in the house,” Lightbourne said. This is the list of persons and businesses which Karam said contributed in cash or kind to Lightbourne’s home construction: Bella Luna Restaurant, Dr. Mark Woodring, Jayne Baker, Lori Mazziotta, Karam & Missick, CBMS, Pamela Walkin, Maureen Jones, AND Construction Ltd., Donna & Lou Gatti, Laura & John Brander, Shona McKenna, TCI Paint & Supply, KB Homes, Alan’s Trucking, Darius Coakley Sr., PTS Equipment, Owen Hamilton, Cheryl Forbes, Chevette Capron, Carmen Turbyfield, Grace Bay Club & Domino Creative, The Salvation Army, Provo Electric, Kishco, Paula Arthur & PTV, Ed Gartland & Sandy Elder, Aisha & Bakary Ceesay, Joan Hagen & Candie Watkins-Antonilez, Jai’s, Mark Valentine of Rockwood Developments, Jamy Williams, Martin Soucy, Lissa Warren McNally, Anna & Mark Parrish, Island Stairworks Ltd., Gutroof Manufacturing, TC Crystal Pure Water, Top End Millworks , Ceramex, Trail Enterprises Ltd. , Da Conch Shack & Karel Rodney, Stephanie & Adam Twigg, Caicos Plumbing, Nurse Been & Nurse Santa, Gaetan St-Amand, McDonald Penn & Mashika Penn, Dr. Julian Petrucci & Dr. Euan Menzies, Richard Pedican, George Parker, Derwin Asuncion, Walkie, Black,JC, Reginald & James, My niece Pansy & my nephews Sam & Mikey, Johanne’s husband Peter and her children Eric Dorval, Myles, Liam & Sean Karam; the staff at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and The University Hospital of The West Indies, Jamaica.
George Lightbourne’s dwelling before its overhaul
UPGRADE YOUR CAREER Are you a high performing, result driven Professional?
If so, we would like to speak with you to join our dynamic team in the capacity of:
Retail Sales Associate (Based in Turks & Caicos Islands) Applications are invited from individuals with a solid background who will be an aggressive and enthusiastic sales representative personality who can articulate C&W’s value proposition to executive level decision-makers. The successful candidate needs to be able to work in a team environment and will be responsible for supporting the Retail Sales Team.
Main Accountabilities are: •Performs administrative sales support related activities to optimize the sales outcomes of the Retail Sales Department •Liaise with relevant internal resource team for timely follow-up to all incoming leads and emails to convert to sales •Effectively communicate C&W’s products and processes in detail to customers •Work closely with Sales Executives to provide product feedback •Advise customers on product features, detail of services and their cost. •Receive customer enquiries or issues as they arise, investigate/resolve/escalate/consult with Credit Control, Service delivery or other departments as required. •Conduct follow-up activities and update customers on a timely basis through to resolution. •Process requests for Sales Orders utilizing the Job Order System •A minimum of four (4) CXC passes at the General Proficiency level, inclusive of English Language, Mathematics or Accounts •2 – 3 years of sales experience •Excellent verbal and written communication skills •Ability to speak another language (Spanish, French, etc.) •Possess an entrepreneurial spirit •Knowledge of MS Office and PC •Ability to manage multiple task prioritizing effectively •Customer Service Focused •Effective Planning and Organization skills •Excellent presentation skills
To explore this exciting career opportunity please send your application and resume no later than April 3rd, 2014 to arielle.williams@lime.com or fax to: 1-876-920-9336
APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 19
LOCAL NEWS
Precious East Bay Resort Treasures Pot of General Manager Gold Raffle Winner
East Bay Resort is searching for an experienced General Manager. The General Manager’s purpose is to direct all phases of resort operations to provide quality and service to guests. Fiscal responsibilities include but are not limited to managing the financial liability of the resort and ensuring that operations meet all financial obligations. The General Manager is accountable for setting direction, allocating resources and ensuring execution in the resort environment. Success will be evaluated by demonstrating the following:
1) Developed aggressive sales, marketing and net revenue plans and direct successful implementation, following established revenue guidelines and financial plans in all areas. 2) Responsible for setting resort goals, and developing business and financial plans for the resort. Monitor resort performance and taking appropriate actions as needed to assure that departmental goals are achieved in accordance with established budgets. 3) Direct all marketing aspects in relation to resort activities and season. 4) Ensure all expense control systems are in place with close monitoring of all departmental expenses including revenue to payroll ratio. Ensure forecasting systems are utilized and are accurate. 5) Ensure all resort policies and standard operating procedures are adhered to and ensure that all staff are accountable for compliance of these policies and procedures. 6) Maintaining exceptional guest relations and facilities by creating a quality environment through staffing, programming, service operations and maintenance. 7) Identify opportunities for guest events, food and beverage services and recreational facilities that satisfy ongoing guest needs and implement to achieve revenue objectives. 8) Recruit, select and develop a qualified staff, including Department Heads to understand the relationships between value, guest satisfaction and repeat guests. 9) Ensure all guests receive the level of attention and service necessary to exceed their expectations. Ensure follow up on serious guest complaints and concerns quickly and effectively. 10)Completing all required financial and administrative reporting/ audits accurately and on time. Assuring all practices are in compliance with GAAP and the company’s established accounting policies and procedures. 11) Responsible for conduct oneself as a representative for the company’s management team by visible supporting and implementing policy and demonstrating high standard of ethics and integrity with the guests and staff.
Raffle winner Irene Mitchell and her daughters receives winning cheque By Brandy Laporte Irene Mitchell was announced as the winner of the Precious Treasures International School Pot of Gold Raffle. The raffle took place at Precious Treasures auditorium on the 31st March. The raffle was apart of the Easter Eggstravaganza fund raiser which was organized by the Moms Club of the TCI to finish the school’s playground. Conroy Smith, a PTA executive member, said that the school has different fund raising initiatives from time to time and that they had the support from a wide cross section of the school. The students were involved as well as the students, teachers and the whole community at large. They decided to do a pot of gold raffle for $5000. Mr. Smith added, “It was very successful. We sold over ninety percent of the tickets and we are happy to report that we have found a winner.” Mr. Smith added that he thinks the PTA at the Precious Treasures is one of the most active PTAs in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and as a parent he is quite cognizant of having
an environment for their children that is suitable for learning so whatever they can do to make the school environment and the school in general a better place they do not hesitate to do so. “Sometimes we would actually meet and then we go to administrations to tell them of different things that we are doing,” he said. “At Precious Treasures the parents are always involved and we get great support from parents. As a matter of fact, sometimes the kids are on us because they also know the importance also and they are rewarded based on participation from parents so we are always bombarded by the kids to make sure we participate and do our best.” Mrs. Mitchell the pot of gold raffle winner, is a junior-k teacher at the Precious treasures International school. She said she was elated, excited and surprised to be the winner of the raffle and gives God thanks. Mrs. Mitchell said this is the first time she won a raffle and she bought the ticket because she knew if you bought a ticket you may win and if you do not you may never win. She also added that she has may plans but she has to sit and evaluate them.
Job Requirements: A minimum of 7 years experience in resort management. Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality or related field. Caribbean experience required. Pre-opening experience is required. Proficient in a variety of PMS and POS systems and working knowledge of setup in a pre-opening environment. Knowledge of trends and services related to Eco Tourism and green initiative is required. Must have networking knowledge of travel agent and tour operators. Previous Food and Beverage experience is required. Working knowledge of French/Spanish is preferred.
Beginning salary Commensurate with Experience

Interested Applicant’s please email all applications to info@saunders.tc
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Over 250 Employees Graduate From Sandals Corporate University
William Fulford- Valdictorian Over 250 Team Members at Beaches Resort graduated from the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) with certifications in four core training which included Leadership Development, Customer Service, Professional Communication and The Art of Selling. Hosted by Beaches’ Entertainment Director David Ellis, the mid-afternoon event saw a large crowd which included officials from the Government and private sector as well as representative from the Department of Human Services. “This is our second SCU graduation and we are very proud of the Team Members who continue to use this avenue for their personal and professional growth,” said Managing Director Donald Dagenais, “As this university continues to grow, Beaches Resort will remain committed to presenting opportunities for our employee to develop themselves professionally and academically.” The Sandals Corporate University offers a unique opportunity, which gives employees a chance to advance their education and hospitality skill level while in a practical environment. Workers are allowed to take classes, study and take exams all at the company’s expense and while at work. Valedictorian and scholarship recipient William Fulford who delivers the speech on behalf of the graduating class commented on his achievement, “Sandals Corporate University opens doors for us to explore knowledge at a
higher level and it gives lessons that can be carried outside of Beaches,” he said, “These courses that offered through the university will not only strengthen our resume but it give us many transferable skills that can be applied to any future positions.” Acting Training Manager PetaGaye Tain also commented on the graduation event, “Sandals Corporate University only strengthens the capability of team members and pushes them to reach their maximum potential” she said, “This University is designed to grow and develop our Team members by enabling them to step out of their comfort zone while improving their human existence.” “We are grateful that our Chairman Gordon Butch Stewart for investing in developing the staff providing the training they need to excel at their jobs and also achieve their overall goals.” The University boasts a variety of programs that are intended to enhance a team member’s general knowledge, leadership ability, customer service, sales and communication skills. This experience allows students the chance to apply the theoretical skills to practical situations which only enhances their work ethic. Sandals Corporate University has been in the works for three years at Beaches Turks and Caicos and has been a great accomplishment. Each of the students accepted awards and certificates for their successful completion of the various SCU courses.
Logistical Coordinator Duties and responsibilities include: •Knowledge of logistical shipment procedures and documentation •Coordinate logistics of containers, deliveries and all international shipments received and domestic shipments shipped •Verifies inventory locations and availability for shipment against requirements specified in purchase orders •Expertise in using Inventory Control Management System •Ensure the goods are received in good condition •To coordinate deliveries and distribution of merchandise to various restaurants, hotels and other local businesses •Overseeing personnel operations involving inventory, deliveries and other general logistical operations •Creating and maintaining proper records of assets and inventory •Advanced knowledge and skills in computer systems, most specifically Quick Books Pro 2007, Warehouse Management System Pro 2010(WMS) and Reflections •Must be able to Operate Propane and Electric Forklifts, Electric and Manual Pallet Jacks •Must posses a valid TCI drivers license •Knowledge of handling, safe guarding and transporting hazardous materials and shipments •Must be able to work on holidays, flexible days and flexible shifts •Multilingual is an asset •Excellent communication skills on all levels •Must be customer friendly •Trustworthy, dependable and a team player •Must possess the ability to operate efficiently in various types of environments, including but not limited to: Freezers, Coolers, Dry Containers, Refers, Warehouse •Salary commensurate with experience •5-10 years experience in this field or other related fields
Shelf Stocker Duties and responsibilities include: •unpack products received by stores and may count, weigh or sort items •check shipping and purchasing documents to ensure that the proper items and amount have been received and that items have not been damaged or spoiled •stock shelves, racks and display areas with merchandise and store extra items in stockrooms •regularly check shelves and displays to ensure that they are wellstocked, attractively organized and merchandise is protected from damage •obtain articles for customers from display locations or from the stockroom •direct customers to desired items and anticipate customer needs as much as possible •report out of stock situations to management and correct or report any pricing discrepancies •clean up broken items and other messes •sweep aisles, dust display racks and perform other general cleaning duties •maintain displays of perishable items such as produce or dairy products by rotating items to keep the freshest in the back or on the bottom •bag or box purchases for customers •Carry or use carts to carry customers’ purchases out to the parking lot and help customers pack groceries into their vehicles. •Use a stamp or stickers to price items according to price lists •Must be able to work on holidays, flexible days and flexible shifts •Multilingual is an asset •Excellent communication skills on all levels •Must be customer friendly •Trustworthy, dependable and a team player
Please address your application to Ms. Jameka Williams, Human Resources Department and email to hr@ allliedcaribbean.com. The deadline to submit your application is April 12, 2014. Housekeeping Team
APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Years of Family & Friends Years of Health & Fitness Years of Community Building
Years of Appreciation & Dedication
7th Annual FortisTCI Spring Fun Walk & Run Saturday, March 21, 2015
APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 23
LOCAL NEWS
www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313 | P.O. Box 132 1030 Leeward HWY, Providenciales, TCI
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
LOCAL LOCALNEWS NEWS
Graceway $mart Supermarket opening Scores of persons flocked Butterfield Square downtown Providenciales last Friday, March 27, 2015, to witness the opening of the Graceway Smart Supermarket. The event was attended by the who’s who of the TCI community, who witnessed the historic event. The SUN was on hand to capture the highlights of the event.
Delectable Hors d’oeuvres were also available Tamell Seymour (right) and Ken Burns, Managing Director for the Graceway IGA Group share a photo op
S sc
Edith Cox, Head of Finance for Graceway IGA group chairs the official opening of the enterprise
Albray Butterfield Sr., cuts the ribbon to officially open the Graceway Smart store
Pastor Goldstone Williams invokes God’s guidance H M over the new store
The $2 section
Some of the attendees at the Graceway Smart opening
Carl Simmons (right) CEO for Cargo Handlers/Tropical Shipping shares a light moment with close friends
Almando Rigby (left) one of the managers at the Gracew op with two employees
Ken Adams (right), Mana Galmo Williams (left), former Premier for the TCI, in friendly dialogue with IGA main store located a LIME’s Country Manager James Pitt (centre) and a friend in Grace Bay were on ha
APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 25
LOCAL NEWS
These are the smiles expected to greet the shoppers at the Graceway Smart store located at Butterfield Square downtown Providenciales
Some of the Graceway Smart deli staff take time from their busy chedule to share lens
Chester Smith (left) of SmithCo and friends share pleasantries at the store opening A bevy of beauties surrounds Albray Butterfield Sr., owner of the building that houses Graceway Smart
The Enid Capron Primary School performing at the event
Two Smart employees show-off their glamorous smiles
Hayden Boyce (left), SUN Newspaper Editor, chats with Larry Lawrence, Commissioner of Police James Smith, along with female companions at the event Managing Director for CIBC/First Caribbean Bank Turks and Caicos
way Smart store, shares a photo
From left- Rachel Harvey of LIME, Bianca Garland and Tamika Handfield
The fruits and dairy section
A section of the poultry area
aging Director for Building Material Jamal Ewing (second right), Store Manager for the Graceway along Leeward Highway, and other representatives from the main store and Graceway Gourmet Graceway Smart Store Manager Tamell Seymour (second right) seizes a photo op with some well-wishers, including Alvin Parker (right), both of whom are from South Caicos and to witness the historic event
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS WORLD NEWS
We Get the Job Done
We Continue to Reduce our Carbon Emissions Carbon Emission vs. GWh Sales 681
680
182 679
180
676
675
175
170
Carbon Emissions
670
167 665
170 170
165 165
162
660
658
158
655
655
654
654
160
155
650
150
645
640
185
GWh Sales
685
2008
2009
2010
2011
Carbon Emissions (kg/MWh)
2012
2013
2014
145
GWh Sales
Even as we increased production to meet the country’s electricity needs, we have reduced our carbon and environmental footprint over the past three years through state-of-the-art technology, preventative maintenance, used fuel recycling, scrap metal programs, and noise attenuation.
www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313 | P.O. Box 132 1030 Leeward HWY, Providenciales, TCI
APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 27
WORLD NEWS LOCAL NEWS
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Page 28
LOCAL NEWS WORLD NEWS
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
TURKS & CAICOS SUN
Page 29
WORLD NEWS LOCAL NEWS
Casino Royale Grand Opening The Caicos Royale Casino, located in Turtle Cove Providenciales officially opened its doors to the general public on March 28th, with none other than Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Dr. Hon. Rufus W. Ewing welcoming casino investors, owners and patrons. It took 4 months tremendous effort to transform the previous slot parlor into a beautiful, non- smoking
casino. Casino owner Rhynie Campbell revealed that the bottom floor of the casino is about Fiftyone-hundred feet and consists of 3 phases, Phase one consists of the first phase which is the casino, the second phase consist of Smokey’s Restaurant owned by Smokey’s and the third phase which is in construction is the MIP ( Most important persons) rather then VIP
(Very important persons). On 5500 square feet Caicos Royale Casino presents 13 live table games and 55 slot machines. Games will include Black jack, Craps, Roulette adding new games which are very popular in America and North Ameraca such as Four-card poker, Three-card poker, Let it ride, Pie Cow, and Caribbean Stud. Campbell said that the casino will be marketed as an
additional attraction and activity for the thousands of tourists who come to the country. “Job wise I am focused on the locals, Gaming business wise I’m focusing more on the tourists,” Mr. Campbell said. Campbell created history in 2007 when he won nearly a million dollars in the first World Poker Tour’s Turks and Caicos Islands Poker Classic.
TCI Moms Club 1st Annual Easter Eggstravaganza!! By Brandy Laporte The Moms Club of the TCI hosted the first annual ‘Easter Eggstravaganza’. The event consisted of twelve booths and was held at the Precious Treasures International School on Saturday the 28th of March. The most popular booth was the ‘Bungy Trampoline’ which the kids loved. There was also a bunny petting zoo and a straw man and a nose pick where you either picked a prize or you picked slim which was some of the favorites. Then there was also the bunny darts, shoot the rabbit, Easter egg hunts, bunny pop the balloons. They had a wide variety of games to be played and prizes to be won. There was a concession stand where they
sold a lot of toys trinkets and Easter baskets for the kids. The most favorite gift was the Disney turkey leg. The Easter Eggstravaganza had events for parents as well such as a five thousand dollar raffle, and mom and dad Hulahoop competitions. Moms Club was founded in November 2014. They are a group of sixteen mothers who share a common goal of wanting to enhance their children’s education through active participation, so they teamed up to share ideas, set goals, and realize these goals through various fundraising activities and enrichment programs. To date the Moms Club of the TCI has donated five projectors for each classroom and the school’s auditorium and they also installed
speed bumps with signs in the front of the school. They also reward the students of the month recipients. In addition to that, they introduced the annual “Classroom Wish List Program” where the moms club would ask each teacher to provide an item that will aid or better assist them for their classroom and teaching. The item was granted and has been a well-accepted program by the teachers. Carolina Malcolm, a Member of the Moms Club of the TCI, said that this was their second fair for the Precious Treasures Int, School and what they basically did was give a little treat to the students as well as invite the public to come in and interact with them. She adds, “We are hoping
for this to be an annual Easter Eggstravaganza. Next year we are hoping to make this bigger and better, and the public is always invited to precious treasures and we are willing to share our experiences with the community at large.” Mrs. Malcolm also added, “We would like to thank all the members of the Mom’s Club who planned and those who worked hard on the day of the Fair, thank you to all the parents and also teachers that helped and supported the Fair. Special thanks to Mrs. Sonia Gibbs, Walter and Laverne Gardiner and Mr. Alvin Parker from the PTA. Also, thank you to all the Media Houses that helped Moms Club promote the Fair to the public, we are so appreciative.”
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS WORLD NEWS
SENIOR REVENUE PROTECTION INVESTIGATING OFFICER
To investigate tampering and illegal use of electricity services and to initiate and participate in programs to reduce non-technical losses in the Company.
Main Duties •Responsible for investigating and reporting cases involving power diversion and billing fraud. •Regularly examine meters for evidence of tampering. •Examine wiring connecting meter to outside power lines and building circuits. •Receive, report and respond to information and intelligence regarding fraud and suspected power diversion. •Prepare power theft reports and analysis as requested. •Work closely with the T&D Team to ensure that confirmed cases of power diversion is disconnected from the service line. •Work closely with the Administrative staff to investigate accounts with suspicious decreases in consumption. •Work closely with the Royal TCI Police Force during the investigation and prosecution of power diversion. •Assist with conducting meter audits throughout all service territories. •Recommend service connection upgrades where the service is susceptible to power diversion or inaccurate billing. •Recommend and participate in efforts to reduce non-technical losses. •Seek various means of gathering evidence in order to build case files. •Collect and preserve evidence including statements, photos and test results which may be used in court. •Effectively represent the Company in Court in power theft related cases and provide technical evidence. •Assist with informational presentations for both internal and external customers on power diversion. •Conduct Home Energy Audits in accordance with the Company’s policy and procedures. •Any other duties as may be assigned.
Minimum Requirements: •Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or Engineering Technology •Working knowledge of metering systems •At least 6 years’ experience in utility services or related field •A minimum of 3 years investigative experience •High level of direct customer contact requiring excellent written and oral communication skills. •Must possess high ethical standards. •Police Record should be in good standing. •Knowledge of country laws and company policies and procedures applicable to illegal use of electricity. •Knowledge of safety practices and procedures. •Familiar with GPS and Mapping systems. •Goal-oriented and self-motivated to apply needed initiative. •Ability to work under pressure and in environments that may be adverse. •Ability to speak multiple languages would be an asset. •Valid Driver’s License is required. •Proficient in Microsoft Word & Excel.
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is April 9, 2015:
Dr. Kellie-Ann Evans-Hall Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or khall@fortistci.com Fax: 649-946-4532
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Parrot Cay Resort and COMO Shambhala have vacancies for the following position: Executive Assistant Manager To support General Manager in all aspects of the resort operations and to maximize the satisfaction for each and every guest. In the absence of the General Manager, the Executive Assistant Manager will be in charge of the operation and therefore must meet all the requirements that are set out by COMO Hotels and Resorts. RESPONSIBILITIES: Confers with General Manager, Island Director and department heads to review activity, operating and sales report. Recommends needed change in programs or operations. Monitors and maintain financial accounting records and prepare reports as required. Monitor maintenance progress in relation to furniture, fixtures and equipment conditions. Recommends improvements and prepare status report. Prepares, allocates and manages hotel operating budget. Identifies areas in which upgrades are needed or reduction can be made. To meet, greet and bid farewell to all guests of the resort. Perform daily and weekly property inspections to ensure that property grounds, physical plants and work areas are maintained to standard and all resort safety equipment are in good working condition. Ensures hotel staff complies with all safety and health requirements of the resort. Liaisons with guest staff and vendors to resolve conflicts courteously and professionally. Ensures resort supplies are ordered and stocked in advance of need. Ensure proper use and care of all property equipment and supplies. Initiate safety training. Demonstrate visible presence while on duty and be readily available and easily approachable by guests and staff. To maintain a positive, professional and natural manner with all guests and staff. To contribute to the planning, development and implementation of the property policies and goals, maximizing standard of guest service, occupancy rates and revenue goals. Acts as hotel public relations and promotes the property within the hotel industry, local community and  trade associations. To communicate with the heads of department to ensure adequate coordination and operations implementation. To regularly update the General Manager on all operations achievements and key issues To participate in preparation of the resort strategic plan, marketing plan and goals program. To attend all other meetings as required by the administration team and chair meetings as and when  instructed by General Manager. To cultivate strong work relationships and communication with hotel staff, while maintaining an “Open  Door” policy to gain comfortable chains of communication with staff. Inspect rooms for VIP guest. Responds to all guest and employee emergencies. SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE: Meeting management Decision making Scheduling Excellent organizational and time management skills – ability to prioritize daily tasks. Professional verbal & written English. Analyses and interpret hospitality industry journal. The ability to effectively present information to management, public groups and potential clients. Define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw conclusion. An in depth knowledge of administrative duties, clerical procedures and supervising office systems. Practical experience with Power point, MS Word, Excel and unified messaging system. Attention to detail. Ability to perform effective judgment in recognizing scope of authority. Reliability in protecting confidential information. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to sit, stand, walk, talk and listen for a lengthy period of time. Must possess good vision. Experience Essential College degree in related field. 3 to 4 years experience minimum or combination of education and experience Second language French or Spanish will be a plus Other Managerial Positions: Beach House Manager Power House Technical Consultant Spa Manager F&B Director 
Private Estates Chief Engineer Executive Chef Utilities Supervisor Front Office Manager Head Chef Play by COMO Manager
Asst. Food and beverage Director Executive Sous Chef Assistant Restaurant Manager Guest Services Manager (Private Estates) Spa Attendant Supervisor
Candidates interested in the above positions will be required to work long hours, live on property and are expected to work during the night, weekends and Public Holidays.
OTHER AVAILABLE POSITIONS: Recreations Attendant Spa Therapist Room Attendant Junior Butler Turndown Attendant Spa Receptionist Pilates Instructor Housekeeping Attendant
Food & Beverage Server Resort Butler Laundry & Kitchen Technician Bar Supervisor Sous Chef Bartender Carpenter Resort Butler
Plumber Certified Electrician Steward Spa Attendant Private Estates Attend Chef de Partie Spa Therapists Recreation Attendant
Salary for this position will be paid base on qualification and experience. Please note that all application must be submitted with a valid Police Record, two reference letters from previous employers or a notary public and current educational certificates. Only suitable candidates will be contacted for an interview. Forward your resume to the Human Resources Department at the following address: Parrot Cay Resort and COMO Shambhala, P.O. Box 164 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Ph: (649) 946 7788, Fax: (649) 946 7749 Email: careers.parrotcay@comohotels.com
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JUNIOR PLANT OPERATOR To assist the Senior Operator in effective systems control, continual system condition monitoring, efficient generation unit dispatch, and timely response to system contingencies, in a manner consistent with standard operating procedures and specific instructions of the Plant Control Superintendent or other senior Operations Management personnel. Under the general direction of the Senior Operator, the Junior Operator must ensure that all necessary activities to ensure the functional operations of generating units and response to system abnormalities that may occur during the course of shift duty, is carried out in a manner that ensures uninterrupted service continuity within acceptable systems parameters, and the highest level of fuel efficiency without compromising safety of fellow employees, the general public or system equipment.
Main Duties •Starting, monitoring, servicing and stopping generating units as required, or directed by the Senior Operator, in a manner consistent with standard operating procedures. •Assist in ensuring that accurate and neat records are logged of all events and data occurring on the system. •Respond in a calm efficient manner to prevent system interruption and in the event that it does occur to restore power to the system efficiently and safely after any plant interruptions. •Assist the Senior Operator when called to do so in reporting any abnormal data to the appropriate persons in a timely manner and take prompt action to prevent or minimize any outages, prevent injury to employees and the general public and/or damage equipment under the control of systems operations (for example abnormal temperatures or pressures or other key generator parameters must be reported to the Plant Mechanical Superintendent or in his absence to other senior Operations personnel). •Assist the Senior Operator when called upon, to inform appropriate Operations personnel in the event an outage occurs external to the plant, in a timely accurate and efficient manner. •Respond to customer inquiries in a polite and efficient manner when outages occur. •Operate company vehicles and equipment as required and consistent with company policy and safe operating procedures. •Ensure that plant equipment is monitored and engine operating services are carried out in a manner consistent with the company’s efficiency targets and environmental responsibility commitments. •Be properly and neatly attired in the uniform provided, ensure consistent and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPEs) provided and ensure the adherence of subordinate shift personnel. •Perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time, including overtime duties when other junior operators are unable to perform scheduled shift duties. •Continual monitoring of generating and Distribution system parameters. •Efficient corrective response to system abnormalities. •Accurate logging of system parameters as directed. •Other duties as may be assigned and/or required by Plant Operations contingencies from time to time.
Academic/Technical/Management: Experience and Qualifications: •Associates Degree, preferably in engineering or related field. •Familiarity with and competency in the use of computers and standard computing software programs is required. •Be able to do mathematical calculations at community college level. •Must have completed the MEA Operators training program or equivalent.
Core Competency Skills: •Above average analytical skills in math and electrical theories and diesel generation parameters •Demonstrable aptitude for interpretation of engineering drawings and manuals •Professional competency in written and oral communication skills in English •Good communication skills. •Ability to function effectively under emergency situations and thinks clearly and effective and deliver within deadlines and to work under pressure •Self-motivated, solution oriented and positive in outlook •Team player
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is April 9, 2015:
Dr. Kellie-Ann Evans-Hall Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or khall@fortistci.com Fax: 649-946-4532
CARIBBEAN WORLD
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Cayman Islands Health City ramps up push for US patients
Health City in the Cayman Islands Health City Cayman Islands to show our impeccable outcomes officials say they expect to see up and build our brand as we are to 100 medical tourists visiting a startup in the minds of some the facility every month by the potential patients … end of 2015. “It also allows us to garner According to the Caymanian our JCI [Joint Commission Compass, the hospital has International] accreditation which relied largely on local patients is needed to drive patient volumes and referrals from charitable from such places as the USA.” organizations in its first year of He said patients are already operation, with a total of 2,200 starting to visit the hospital, patients treated at the facility. which focuses on heart surgeries Officials say they have and orthopedic procedures such been building a reputation and as knee replacements, from are going through a lengthy elsewhere in the Caribbean, as accreditation process which, once well as some from the U.S. completed, will help open the The hospital, a joint project floodgates for more patients from between Dr. Devi Shetty’s overseas, including the key U.S. Narayana Health and Ascension market. Health in the U.S., has performed The hospital has been more than 200 surgeries and through the first phase of the audit procedures since it opened to process to gain accreditation from patients on April 2 last year. Joint Commission International, Mr. Scott said there would which management believe will be a major public relations push in bring additional credibility with the U.S. in the second half of 2015. prospective patients around the “Patient flows will increase world. drastically towards the end of the Shomari Scott, director of year, when we expect anywhere marketing, said the business between 50 and 100 overseas plan for the first 18 months was patients a month.” to sustain operations by “filling The U.S. market is considered existing gaps within the local important to the success of population.” the wider project, which will He said, “This time allows us ultimately include a 2,000 bed
facility, medical university, hotels and retirement homes. Design work is under way on a 185-room hotel planned for the site, with an anticipated opening date of November 2016. Work on a second hotel is expected to start in 2018 as the hospital expands. Residential and commercial development as well as a planned retirement community will begin later this year, Mr. Scott believes. He said patient satisfaction in the first year was very high, citing numerous testimonials from patients who were happy with the treatment they received. Asked about concerns about after-care for patients when complications, such as infections, occur following surgery, he said, “We are in the process of hiring and bringing in all comprehensive specialties that will complement our cardiac services in the very near future, to deal with the very small percentage of times that we have complications.” Dr. Chandy Abraham, Health City’s facility director and head of medical services, said it has been a memorable first year in Cayman. “From the outset we were able to celebrate many firsts in highly specialized surgical procedures and innovative healthcare solutions, both for the Cayman Islands and the Caribbean region,” he said. He cited among those highlights life-saving heart surgeries for 16 young Haitians performed for free by Health City surgeons, and the successful installation of artificial heart pumps. Premier Alden McLaughlin congratulated Health City on its first year, saying the facility has put Cayman on the map as a “leading destination” for medical tourism.
Cops seize $1.7million in drugs, four guns
Southern Division police believe they have dented a major drug operation in south Trinidad with the arrest of a 27-year-old US deportee and seizure of four high-powered weapons and over $1.7 million in drugs. After weeks of monitoring the suspect, who was described as a distributor, a team, led by ASP Ali Mohammed, Insp Don Gajadhar and Sgt Dale Ramroop, went to search the suspect’s Hermitage Village home on Tuesday. On entering the house, they allegedly caught the suspect mixing pure cocaine with baking powder in two aluminium pots on a stove.
Police said the cocaine weighed 3.96 kilogrammes and had an estimated street value of $1.6 million. They also seized a bag of marijuana worth approximately $100,000. In another room, officers found an AK-47 assault rifle with two magazines, a Taurus 9mm revolver, a Belgian FN Herstal pistol and a .357 revolver. In a display at the Police Adminstration Building, San Fernando, yesterday, Gajadhar said the AK-47 rifle is commonly used by militants in war-torn Middle Eastern countries, while one of the pistols was fully automatic and is used by the
US Secret Service and FBI. He said the display was to show the public what police are up against while protecting them. Snr Supt Irwin Hackshaw said the suspect was arrested for a series of crimes in New York and deported to T&T around 2010. He was arrested during the 2011 state of emergency under the Anti Gang Act but subsequently released. While commending officers for living up to acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams’ mandate to increase gun seizures in 2015, Hackshaw noted that guns were continually entering the country through illegal ports.
CDB to improve data collection on poverty in the region BRIDGETOWN, occupations such as Barbados – The agriculture, fishing, B a r b a d o s - mining and timber based Caribbean extraction. Development Bank “The characteristics (CDB) says it will of rural poor include be working with less access to land, stakeholders and other credit facilities, social partners over the next services, adequate five years to improve infrastructure, and the collection of data agricultural support regarding poverty in facilities. the region. “Moreover, The CDB fluctuations in prices said an injection of in international US$7.06 million will markets, coupled with help advance the the risks of natural reduction of poverty, hazards increase the by equipping countries income vulnerability with tools to better of rural households. extract critical data In contrast, urban needed for decision poverty in the making and analysis. Caribbean, while not CDB said the as prevalent as rural Organisation of poverty, tends to be Eastern Caribbean more visible. Poor States (OECS) urban populations Commission will are characterised by receive a US$2.78 high unemployment, million grant to low wage occupations, conduct MPM through casual labour and selfimplementation of employment in the a Sustainable Data ‘informal sector,” the Programme (SDP) CDB said. and to develop It said other an integrated groups such as OECS Geographic indigenous people, the Information System. elderly living alone, CDB said it school-aged youth would also provide and households with US$1.38 million for large numbers of MPM enhancement youthful and elderly support to non-OECS dependents experience borrowing member high levels of poverty countries and for in the Caribbean. management of the “By collecting and programme and that analysing poverty and counterpart funding social data, evidencetotaling US$2.90 based decisions can be million will come from made by Governments BMCs, the OECS and their development Commission, UNDP, partners. CPAs make it UNICEF, ILO and possible for borrowing World Bank. member countries to CDB’s CPA have comprehensive programme was data sets on poverty implemented in 1995 and social indicators to assist countries that are used to inform to identify and plan a variety of social and for the needs of men, economic development women and children initiatives.” in rural and urban The CDB said the areas who experience contribution of CPAs poverty in the ways to evidence-based that are characteristic policy planning and in the Caribbean. programming in the The CDB Region has been wide said poverty in the and varied with the Caribbean is more “CDB Model” having extensive in rural and significant influence marginal areas where on the discourse on the poor are engaged poverty and inequality in primary production in the region.
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Bahamian PM criticised for telling media go to hell
The Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie NASSAU, Bahamas -- Opposition leader Dr Hubert Minnis said he was “dumbfounded” when he heard Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie say “to hell” with journalists in the country. “The words that ran through my head cannot be printed,” said Minnis, who was in Exuma canvassing support for the Free National Movement.
“The only thing I can ask is what was in his head when he said that? Was he having a special moment?” He added, “It shows the PM’s respect for democracy and his respect for the Bahamian people at large. “He has no respect for democracy as has been proven by the (2013 gambling) referendum. “The journalists represent and they
are to maintain democracy. It is their job to ensure that democratic process prevails in any country.” During a speech before journalism students at The College of The Bahamas last Thursday, Christie lashed out at the media personalities he claimed are calling for his resignation. Christie said journalists are “supposed to be writing about, talking about how to get this country to know its journey”. “Many journalists don’t have the time for it,” he charged. “It is better to say, ‘well, Christie should resign’. Well, resign my foot. “When I was going around Centreville for eight consecutive elections none of them were there. “When I was talking to the people who voted for me, none of the journalists were there with me. “When I promised them (constituents) I would do my best to help them, none of them were there. “Their judgment as to whether I am doing my best, to hell with them.” Progressive Liberal Party chairman Bradley Roberts declined to comment on the matter when called on Sunday. Minnis spoke before the same group of students a week before Christie. During his speech, Minnis stressed the importance of the fourth estate and its role in holding the powerful accountable.
Christie has come under fire for not firing MICAL MP V. Alfred Gray over his alleged interference in a judicial matter. Gray has resigned as local government minister but still serves as minister of agriculture and marine resources. The matter is under police investigation. Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney said on Friday he believes Christie’s comments were directed at the Bahamian people. “It shows that this is a government that believes in cover-ups and [it does] not want the media or any other entity to bring to light the truth of what is going on or what is not going on,” McCartney said. The prime minister ought to welcome the media. “The country ought to welcome the media. “...The closest thing we have to freedom of information, quite frankly, is the media. “I want the media to remember those words of the prime minister because for the leader of the country to tell freedom of press, freedom of speech to go to hell, that is what it equates to. “That is a problem and that is concerning, very concerning. “...He is telling democracy to go to hell.”
Gunmen in Guyana grab $90M – hijack bus with driver, police escort Police have in custody a minibus belonging to the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), a serial robber, his girlfriend, a driver, and more importantly, two police constables.The five persons were taken into custody as investigations got underway with regard to a daring early morning robbery on Regent Street, when several bandits disarmed one of two police ranks of a G-3 rifle before forcing both ranks into the GPOC vehicle while ordering the driver to drive. The vehicle was transporting approximately G$90M in seventeen bags which were destined for seventeen post offices to effect payment of old age pension and other forms of public assistance. Reports are that as the vehicle pulled up at the Bourda Post Office around 8:15 hrs and one of two police ranks escorted an employee of the Central Post Office into that facility, the other police rank positioned himself outside the white Toyota ‘Pitbull’ minibus, PSS 6641, standing guard. But the bandits, reportedly gathered at the other side of the road observing the operation, waited until the rank escorted the GPOC employee into the Bourda Post Office before approaching his companion, whom they disarmed and forced into the vehicle, while placing a gun to the head of the
driver and ordering him to drive, an order to which he complied. When the other rank exited the post office he discovered that the vehicle with the cash and his colleague had disappeared, and an alarm was immediately raised. The bandits first dumped the driver and the abducted policeman — minus his weapon — out of the vehicle along the Le Repentir Cemetery Road; then they later abandoned the bus as they joined another vehicle and made good their escape with the cash and the high-powered G-3 weapon. Minutes after the ordeal, the police took their colleagues into custody and the search for the bandits was immediately launched. The serial robber was picked up from the compound of the magistrates’ courts, where he was schedule to appear in relation to another matter concerning robbery-under-arms. He had also been fingered in the discovered of a gun inside a fridge some time ago. Police investigators gave his name as Lloyd Sadloo of Albouystown, but also resident at addresses in East Ruimveldt, Georgetown and in Beterverwagting, ECD. Asked about the rationale behind picking up
that man, one police source said it was mainly for questioning, even as other sources close to the investigation say that the man may have information on the robbery but thought that he would go undetected since he was at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts at the time the incident unfolded – a fact he could easily use as an alibi. Sadloo’s girlfriend and one of her sisters were also arrested by the police for questioning in relation to the matter. The Chronicle has learnt that the GPOC driver involved in yesterday’s brazen incident is the same driver who had been driving the same vehicle to deliver cash at the Beterverwagting Post Office last year when the cash was snatched from that facility. Investigators decided to place their colleagues under close arrest after listening to the divergent accounts they promulgated with regard to the incident. One police source has said that the ranks being under close arrest does not necessarily mean that they had participated in the heist; but because of the nature of the ordeal, the missing weapon and the amount of money involved, it was necessary to place the ranks under close arrest to facilitate the investigation.
Man hurls suspicious package at US Embassy in Jamaica KINGSTON, Jamaica — Heavily armed Jamaican soldiers and police took positions around the U.S. Embassy on Wednesday after a man hurled a “suspicious package” over the building’s wall. The incident came just over a week before President Barack
Obama is due to visit Jamaica on April 9 ahead of the Summit of the Americas in Panama. Embassy public affairs counselor Joshua Polacheck said a person threw the “suspicious package” over the wall Wednesday morning, leading officials to close the facility to visitors for
several hours. The man who pitched the parcel was detained by police. The embassy reopened to visitors around noon after police said they examined the contents of the package and found no threat. Authorities declined to disclose what was in the package. Deputy Police
Commissioner Clifford Blake told reporters that the man was being questioned. Blake said the man “spoke with an American accent,” but his identity and other details were not released. During the morning hours, a few hundred onlookers and visa applicants gathered
across the street from the Kingston embassy as security forces positioned themselves around the complex. While in Jamaica, Obama is scheduled to meet heads of the Caribbean Community group for discussions on security, trade and other topics. The last sitting U.S. president to visit
the Caribbean island was Ronald Reagan in 1982. Jamaican National Security Minister Peter Bunting said Wednesday he was satisfied with the progress of security arrangements being put in place by island authorities and the U.S. Secret Service.
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Trinidad lawyers object to no bail for illegal firearm offenders
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Stating it “amounts to a denial of a person’s constitutional rights”, the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) is calling for the repeal of the Bail (Amendment) bill, 2015, which was passed in the Senate on Tuesday. “The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago has advised the Honourable Attorney General that it does not agree with, nor support the Bail (Amendment) bill 2015 which was yesterday tabled in Parliament,” a release signed by vice-president Gerry Brooks stated. President-elect Reginald Armour is still to be sworn in. “This legislation purports to restrict the granting of bail to an accused person by not permitting that person’s access to a court of law to hear an application for bail for as long a period as 120 days from the reading of the charge,” the release stated.
The association cautioned the bill may facilitate keeping people in jail for much longer than the 120 days stipulated in the legislation. “The present system is overburdened and it may take as many as three years for the prosecution to be ready to proceed with trial. The 120 days has no relation to the time it takes the State to get expert reports and be ready. In this regard, all that will be achieved is the pre-trial detention of civilians in violation of the presumption of innocence and the protective constitutional provisions,” the association warned. It suggested the bill was too draconian. “This amounts to a denial of a person’s constitutional rights. Given the constitutional guarantees of reasonable bail, coupled with the presumption of innocence and the right to be brought promptly before an appropriate judicial authority,
Jealous lover stabs girlfriend to death TRINIDAD – A hostile relationship, a jealous lover and alleged poor policing are being blamed for the murder of Nikita Griffin, who was stabbed to death at her Clifton Hill apartment, St Paul Street, East Dry River, Port-of-Spain. Police said around 5.30 am, Griffin, a 28-year-old mother of three, was at her apartment, having just returned home from partying with friends when she and the suspect began arguing. The man then pulled out a knife and stabbed her repeatedly in front of her 13-year-old child. After stabbing the woman the man placed her in a car and took her to the Port-of-Spain General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The man, police said, is now in hiding. Speaking to the media at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, yesterday, Griffin’s friends said she and the man were together for the past five months and were continuously arguing. The man, they said, was always jealous of any attention Griffin received from the opposite sex and that was the cause of most of the almost daily arguments. The women lamented that Griffin’s killer was arrested by police after the two got into a heated argument recently but was later released. Griffin’s killing was one of three which occurred between Tuesday night and yesterday morning. In the other killings, police are clueless over the motive for the murder of Alyrio
Sergio Howard. Police reports are that around 8.50 pm on Tuesday, Howard, 35, of Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Petit Valley, was driving east along Carlton Avenue, St James, when a Nissan B-13 stopped in front of his Hyundai Elantra. Two men came out and shot him several times before driving off. The car was later found abandoned. Speaking at the FSC yesterday, his mother, Lorraine Howard, said her son was a loving young man who had recently returned from abroad after completing his studies. He had two children aged two and six and was an accountant with Sagicor. An unidentified aunt called on the media to highlight the ills of society so that they could be addressed. She added her nephew’s murder was “a sign of the times in T&T,” adding: “T&T is not becoming a nice place. It really isn’t.” In the other killing, homicide detectives say they are reviewing closed circuit television footage in the hope of apprehending the killer/s of Shane Harper. Police said around 11.30 pm on Tuesday, residents of Belmont Circular Road heard several gunshots and called the police. When police arrived they found Harper, of La Canoa, Santa Cruz, dead at Carr Lane, off Carr Street, Belmont Circular Road. Police are unsure of a motive behind his killing. With the three murders the toll is now 94. The figure for the same period last year was 113.
even in the face of firearms and firearms-related offences, LATT considers the proposed amendment a disproportionate response,” the association said. It added: “It is the duty of the executive to ensure that the criminal justice system is modernised and outfitted to a reasonable standard to deal effectively and efficiently with the scourge of crime. The answer does not lie in chipping away incrementally at our constitutional rights and freedoms. “LATT calls for the repeal of the legislation,” the release concluded. Speaking to the Express one hour before the Law Association issued its statement, Attorney General Garvin Nicholas said he would be moving swiftly to have the Bail Amendment bill 2015 enacted. The bill merely requires the assent of the President. Later attempts to contact the Attorney General for a response to the Law Association’s call were unsuccessful. But speaking in the Senate on Tuesday, the Attorney General said: “I have heard that these amendments allow for police officers to set up persons that they may wish to target for one reason or another. This has been an argument put forward by the Law Association in a letter I received just last night… This may well be true as there is no doubt in every police service around the world, bad apple¬s, and unfortunately in Trinidad and Tobago there is no
exception. “The Government however has been working with the Commissioner of Police and has continued to take steps to create a more efficient Police Service.” Nicholas also stated it was incumbent on the Commissioner of Police, the Police Complaints Authority and the Police Service Commission to do their part in ensuring the country had a corruption-free Police Service. He added: “It may well be that in addition to the discretion already used by judges and magistrates, we may need to further prescribe harsher sanctions against all police officers who carry out their duties in a corrupt way.” The Attorney General also stated another criticism of the legislation was that it would further burden the resources of the Remand Yard. “It is not an argument that I have resisted. More detainees obviously mean a greater burden on scarce resources. For this reason, I would suggest to the Minister of Justice and the Honourable Chief Justice that a special gun court be considered to expedite these offences,” he said. The Ball bill is the first bill to have been piloted by Nicholas since his appointment. It required a special majority because it infringed on certain entrenched rights. It was passed two weeks ago in the House of Representatives.
12 year old in Jamaica stabbed to death in class
There was mourning yesterday Observer that her son’s life could at the Barrett Town All-Age School, have been saved if the teachers had as well as in the wider community, taken him to hospital earlier. after a grade six student was fatally “…Dem cut him and teachers stabbed by his classmate shortly say dem don’t want dem car to after break in the morning. blood up, so dem allow the child to The deceased has been bleed to death,” the mother alleged. identified as Shyheim Lewis, also “When wi go over deh, di pickney called Chin, 12, of the Jenkins dem a bawl, and di teacher dem Corner neighbourhood here in [just] stand up so,” claimed the Barrett Town. grieving mother. The child’s alleged killer, who She also alleged that two of is reportedly from the Vietnam her other children have been the section of Barrett Town, was taken victims of violence at the school in into custody by the Barrett Town the past. police. “… Mi have a son in grade It was alleged that about two and dem fling stone and lick 10:30 am a fight broke out between him down over there. Den dem Lewis and one of his classmates stab mi daughter with pencil down over a seat, during which a knife here. What kind a school this?” she was brought into play. Lewis, who questioned. was stabbed and injured on the One of Johnson’s female neck, was taken to hospital where cousins also expressed her shock at he died. the tragic incident. “Wi never know Students who were overheard say this would a happen a Barrett relating the incident said the two Town school. Wi never really, really boys who, both of whom sat the know say wi would ah witness this,” Grade Six Achievement Test last she said. week, had a heated argument “I am here to see what’s which escalated into a fight. going on. We know that there is “Him tell him say he will kill a challenge in our schools where him and run go a him yard,” one of students are being exposed to the students was overheard saying. crime and violence in the country. The students said that shortly It shows that the morals of the after Lewis was stabbed he ran society is going down, where downstairs where he collapsed. students just kill each other,” said When the Observer visited the Anthony Murray, Jamaica Labour school, where a large crowd had Party caretaker for the Rose Hall gathered, there was a large pool of Division, who is also principal of blood in the area where the student the Lethe Primary School. “I want collapsed. to express my sympathies to the Lewis’s distraught mother, parents who have lost their child,” Jacinth Johnson, told the Jamaica he said.
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NEWS
Poll finds rising exile support for Obama’s Cuba policy
President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the dedication ceremony for the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, in Boston March 30, 2015. A poll of Cuban-Americans shows support for the White House’s new Cuba policy has risen in the three months since it was announced, with 51 percent now in favor of closer engagement with
Cuba, up from 44 percent in December. The poll by consulting firm Bendixen & Amandi International, and released in New York on Wednesday, sampled 400 people across
the country’s population of approximately 2 million Cuban-Americans, mostly concentrated in Florida and New Jersey. Forty percent of those polled said they disagreed with the new policy. The White House policy change announced Dec. 17 includes plans to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba after 54 years, relax travel restrictions for Americans seeking to visit the island and increase commercial ties, while leaving intact the U.S. embargo against the island. “In the three months since President Obama’s historic announcement, rather than increasing opposition, the study reveals
Forty-nine percent of there is now slight majority support amongst Cuban- Cuban-Americans living in Americans for normalization Florida said they disagreed of relations with Cuba,” said with the effort to normalize Fernand Amandi, of Bendixen relations, while 41 percent & Amandi International, a said they agreed. However, 69 Miami firm which did work percent of Cuban-Americans for both Obama’s presidential living outside Florida agreed with the new policy. campaigns. There was also strong Support among CubanAmericans living outside support for the new policy Florida’s exile enclave was allowing Americans to provide for independent highest, while older Cuban- funding owned and Americans born on the island businesses were more likely to oppose operated by Cubans on the the thaw with Washington’s island. The poll was released in New longtime Cold War foe. Fifty-four percent of Cuban- York at a Cuba Opportunity Americans over 65 said they Summit, sponsored by the were opposed and 38 percent University of Pennsylvania’s in favor. But a large majority, Wharton School of business. It 69 percent, of those aged 18 to has a margin of error of plus 29 were in favor, and only 20 or minus 4.9 points. per cent against.
Germanwings pilot hid from doctors he was still flying The Germanwings co-pilot suspected of deliberately crashing an airliner in the French Alps allegedly lied to doctors, telling them he was on sick leave rather than flying commercial planes, German daily Bild reported on Thursday. The revelation came as Germany set up a task force to learn safety lessons from the crash which killed 150 people last week. Citing sources close to the investigation, Bild said 27-year-old Andreas Lubitz had sought medical help to try to cure an eye condition. Although Lubitz told doctors about his job as a pilot, and in some cases about his employer Germanwings, he deliberately concealed that he was still working, the paper said. Had Lubitz told doctors he was still flying, they might have felt the need to break their vow of patient confidentiality and inform his employers because he might be a danger to others. Bild said that documents available to investigators had revealed Lubitz said he was in a car crash at the end of 2014 and had complained of resulting trauma and vision problems. Lubitz’s motive for locking the captain out of the cockpit of the A320 and apparently deliberately steering the aircraft into a mountain are still a
A woman kneels in front of candles and flowers as she prays for the victims of Germanwings Flight 4U9525 at Duesseldorf airport April 1, 2015. mystery. Medical records showed that Lubitz said that he was taking medicines for depression, anxiety disorders and panic attacks, Bild said, adding they included tranquilizer Lorazepam. Germanwings parent Lufthansa has said Lubitz
informed the flight school in 2009 that he had gone through a “previous episode of severe depression”. That may affect compensation claims faced by Lufthansa although families of the victims could end up receiving vastly different payouts, say lawyers One of the subjects to be considered by a new task force of experts, announced by Germany on Thursday, will be changes to medical and psychological tests for pilots, said the transport minister and head of the BDL German air industry association. In its brief, to ensure safety standards are as high as possible, the task force will also look at changing a mechanism allowing the cockpit door to be locked from the inside - a step taken after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. BDL President Klaus-Peter Siegloch the issues should be discussed as quickly as possible. “It is very important that we say we don’t want to wait until the end of the investigation, which can take a relatively long time for these kind of air catastrophes,” he said. It is also open to discussing other issues arising from the French investigation, including making passengers show identification when flying in the Europe’s passport-free Schengen area of 26 countries.
3 countries investigate fishing slavery exposed by AP
BENJINA, Indonesia - Officials from three countries are traveling to remote islands in eastern Indonesia to investigate how thousands of foreign fishermen wound up there as slaves and were forced to catch seafood that could eventually end up being exported to the United States and elsewhere. A week after The Associated Press published a yearlong investigation into the problem - including showing men locked in a company cage delegations from Thailand and Indonesia visited the island village of Benjina. Officials from Myanmar
are scheduled to visit the area next week to try to determine how many of their citizens are stuck there and what can be done to bring them home. “No one seemed to be aware of the problem, and now that they are, they want to do something as quickly as possible,” said Steve Hamilton, deputy chief of mission at the International Organization for Migration, or IOM, in Indonesia, which is working with authorities to assist the fishermen. In Benjina, some officials saw a graveyard where dozens of fishermen are buried. Others talked
to men who have been stranded there for months or even years after being brought to Indonesia from Thailand and forced to work under brutal conditions on boats with Thai captains. One of the leaders of the Indonesian group, Ida Kusuma from the Fisheries Ministry, said she found the slavery reports very upsetting and that the government intends to take action. “We (will) prove that we don’t want to let it happen anymore,” she said while visiting the neighboring island of Tual on Tuesday before
traveling to Benjina on Thursday. “I think the company who hired them should take full responsibility to bring them to their families.” The IOM said last week there could be as many as 4,000 foreign men, many trafficked or enslaved, who are stranded on islands surrounding Benjina following a fishing moratorium called by the Indonesian Fisheries Ministry to crack down on poaching. Indonesia has some of the world’s richest fishing grounds, and the government estimates billions of dollars in seafood are stolen from its waters by foreign crews every year.
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US Senator Menendez indicted for corruption
Senator Robert Menendez Senator Robert Menendez foreign policy and banking, raise of New Jersey was indicted on the possibility of Republicans corruption charges, allegations gaining a 55th Senate seat to that the high-ranking Democrat strengthen their hand in policy vowed to fight at a news conference fights with Democratic President on Wednesday night. Barack Obama, should the senator Menendez was indicted by decide to resign his seat. a grand jury in New Jersey for Menendez said he would accepting gifts from Salomon temporarily step aside as ranking Melgen, a Florida ophthalmologist, member, or top Democrat, on in exchange for using the power the Senate Foreign Relations of his Senate office to benefit Committee, in the wake of the Melgen’s financial and personal indictment. interests, according to the court “I believe it is in the best filing. interests of the committee, my Speaking in Newark, New colleagues, and the Senate, Jersey, as dozens of supporters which is why I have chosen to do cheered and applauded, Menendez so,” he said in a letter to Senate told reporters the prosecutors in Democratic leader Harry Reid. the case were “dead wrong” and Menendez added he intended he intended to prove it. to return as ranking member “I ask my friends, my colleagues “upon the successful resolution of and the community to hold their the allegations before me.” judgment and remember all the Reid said he appreciated other times when prosecutors got Menendez’s willingness to step it wrong. ... I will be vindicated,” down temporarily from his Menendez said. “This is not how leadership role on the foreign my career is going to end.” relations panel. The allegations against “He has been a consistent Menendez, a senior lawmaker on champion for the middle class,”
Reid said in a statement. “As I have said about both Democrats and Republicans, our justice system is premised on the principle of innocent until proven guilty and Senator Menendez should not be judged until he has his day in court.” BRIBERY, FRAUD CHARGES Menendez and Melgen, both 61, were charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of violating travel rules, eight counts of bribery and three counts of fraud. Menendez was also charged with one count of making false statements. Melgen and his representative could not immediately be reached for comment on the charges. The Justice Department said Menendez accepted up to $1 million worth of lavish gifts and campaign contributions from Melgen in exchange for using the power of his Senate office to influence the outcome of Medicare billing disputes worth tens of millions of dollars to Melgen. The indictment said Melgen improperly gave Menendez flights on private jets, use of a Caribbean villa, a stay at a luxury hotel in Paris and tens of thousands of dollars to a legal defense fund. Between 2007 and 2012, Menendez never disclosed any of the reportable gifts that he received from Melgen and withheld the information from his Senate staff, the indictment said. A Cuban-American, Menendez is one of the most prominent Hispanic politicians in the United States, and supporters repeatedly interrupted Wednesday’s news conference with chants of “Viva Bob.” He was re-elected to a second term in the Senate in 2012.
Arkansas governor seeks fix of religion bill
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson told lawmakers on Wednesday to revise a bill that rights activists and U.S. businesses said allowed discrimination against gays, and home-state corporate giant WalMart Stores Inc (WMT.N) praised his action. The state’s Senate took up the challenge late on Wednesday, sending to the House of Representatives legislation that would bring the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) into line with federal statutes. A House panel is due to take up that law on Thursday. Indiana’s governor a day earlier said lawmakers should fix a similar RFRA. After it was enacted last week, the state was hit with protests, threatened boycotts and warnings from powerful U.S. firms of pending economic damage for being seen as standing against U.S. ideals of inclusion. In a news conference at the
Capitol in Little Rock, Hutchinson, who previously said he would sign the bill, said he was sending the act back to the Republican-controlled legislature to be rewritten so it can better balance tolerance for diversity and protections of religious freedom. “We want to be known as a state that does not discriminate, but understands tolerance,” Hutchinson said. “We just didn’t get it perfect through that legislative process.” The governor said his own son Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson had asked him to veto it, adding a personal element to the pressure and firmly held religious to reject the bill. While Hutchinson convictions. It has divided families spoke, scores of protesters outside and there is clearly a generational waved the rainbow flag of the gay gap on this issue.” rights movement. A day earlier, Wal-Mart, Hutchinson, who is 64, the world’s biggest retailer, called recognized a generational divide on Hutchinson to veto the bill. On over same-sex marriage. Wednesday, it commended his “The issue has become divisive, decision and, in a Twitter post, because our nation remains split urged lawmakers to “make certain on how to balance the diversity of any legislation does not encourage our culture with the traditions discrimination.”
Al-Qaida frees 300 inmates from Yemeni jail
Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, chant slogans to protest against Saudi-led airstrikes, during a rally in Sanaa, Yemen, Wednesday, April 1, 2015. Saudi-led coalition warplanes bombed Shiite rebel positions in both north and south Yemen early Wednesday, setting off explosions and drawing return fire from anti-aircraft guns. (AP Photo/Hani Mohammed) SANAA, Yemen - Al-Qaida militants in Yemen stormed the center of the coastal city of al-Mukalla early Thursday, freeing about 300 inmates, including scores of militants, as Iranianbacked Shiite rebels fought their way into the heart of the country’s second city Aden to the west, Yemeni security officials said. They said al-Qaida militants were also deployed across major roads leading into alMukalla, capital of the vast eastern province of Hadramawt, in an apparent attempt to prevent anyone from retaking it. The province is still mostly in the hands of forces loyal to embattled President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, who fled the country last month. Al-Qaida was able to capture al-Mukalla because of the turmoil gripping Yemen, where a Saudi-led air campaign is targeting Iranianbacked Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, and rival groups are fighting it out across much of the country. The Houthis and their allies on Thursday breached the defenses of forces loyal to Hadi in the coastal city of Aden, reaching an area known as the Crater in the heart of the city. The rebels were inching closer to the presidential compound, a cluster of colonial-era villas perched atop a steep rocky hill that juts into the ocean, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. Known as the Maashouqa Palace, the complex was home to Hadi until he fled Aden last month in the face of a major push south by the Houthis and their allies, forces loyal to ousted leader Ali Abdullah Saleh. The Houthis captured the capital Sanaa in September and have since seized much of northern Yemen. Saudi-led airstrikes, now in their second week, have focused on Aden the last two days, bombing rebels and Saleh loyalists approaching the city from the east and north in the hope of keeping Aden free for a possible return of Hadi to retake the reins of power. Hadi fled Sanaa in February and set himself and the remnants of his government up in Aden.
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At least 15 dead as gunmen attack university in Kenya NAIROBI, Kenya - Al-Shabab gunmen attacked a college in northeast Kenya early Thursday, targeting Christians and killing at least 15 people and wounding 60 others, witnesses said. Even as security forces cornered the gunmen in a dormitory at Garissa University College where they could be holding hostages, survivors described to The Associated Press a harrowing scene, where people were mercilessly gunned down and bullets whistled through the air as they ran for their lives. Collins Wetangula, the vice chairman of the student union, said he was preparing to take a shower when he heard gunshots coming from Tana dorm, which hosts both men and women, 150 meters (yards) away. The campus has six dorms and at least 887 students, he said. He said that when he heard the gunshots he locked himself and three roommates in their room.
“All I could hear were footsteps and gunshots nobody was screaming because they thought this would lead the gunmen to know where they are,” he said. “The gunmen were saying sisi ni al-Shabab (Swaihi for we are alShabab),” Wetangula said. When the gunmen arrived at his dormitory he could hear them opening doors and asking if the people who had hidden inside whether they were Muslims or Christians. “If you were a Christian you were shot on the spot,” he said. “With each blast of the gun I thought I was going Students of the Garissa University College get out of a house where they were taking shelter from an to die.” attack by gunmen in Garissa, Kenya, Thursday, April 2, 2015 The gunmen started to shoot Michael Bwana, a 20-year-old rapidly and it was as if there was an it is responsible for the ongoing attack. exchange of fire, he said. Ali Mohamud Rage said in a radio student who fled the attack, said he “The next thing, we saw people in broadcast that fighters from the group and other survivors have been trying military uniform through the window are conducting a “heavy” military to call their trapped friends but their phones are switched off. Either the of the back of our rooms who identified operation inside the campus. Kenya’s security forces are students turned off their phones for themselves as the Kenyan military,” Wetangula said. The soldiers took him trying to dislodge the gunmen from their own safety or the gunmen have at least one dorm where the attackers seized the handsets, he said. and around 20 others to safety. A spokesman for al-Shabab says could be holding hostages.
As Nigeria celebrates Buhari’s stunning win, challenges loom
ABUJA, Nigeria - As Nigerians celebrated the electrifying victory Wednesday that returned one of its harshest former dictators to power, sobering challenges confront Muhammadu Buhari, from an Islamic insurgency that has killed thousands to widespread poverty and graft. The 72-year-old Buhari made history as the first opposition party candidate to win elections in Africa’s most populous nation, ending President Goodluck Jonathan’s bid for another term. For a former general who three decades ago led Nigeria following a coup, it was an amazing transformation to a democratically elected president. Fresh from his victory, Buhari warned the country’s brutal Boko Haram insurgents that he would be coming after them. “Boko Haram will soon know the strength of our will and commitment to rid this nation of terror,” he said Wednesday as he received a certificate attesting to his victory. “We shall spare no effort until we defeat terrorism.” The bespectacled presidentelect also warned that corruption would not be tolerated after he takes office on May 29. As Nigeria’s leader three decades ago, he returned looted state assets to government coffers, but his so-called “war against indiscipline” also sent soldiers into the streets with whips to enforce traffic laws and imposed humiliating punishment on tardy civil servants. His regime executed drug dealers, jailed journalists critical of the government and passed laws that allowed indefinite detention without trial. Buhari, who insists he has undergone radical change since
then and now embraces democracy, stations. pledged Wednesday to take on the Jonathan, whose party has twin scourges of corruption and governed Nigeria since decades an Islamic uprising he said has of military dictatorship ended in “challenged Nigeria to its limits.” 1999, conceded with grace late “Corruption attacks and Tuesday, saying, “I promised the seeks to destroy our national country free and fair elections. I institutions and character ... have kept my word.” distorts the economy and creates a In a continent where there class of unjustly enriched people,” have been cases in which a sitting Buhari said, wearing splendid president refused to accept defeat white robes with gold embroidery. at the polls and violence resulted, “Such an illegal yet powerful the turn of events in Nigeria force soon comes to undermine was welcomed by Nigerians and democracy because it has amassed foreign leaders alike. so much money that they believe In the northern city of they can buy government.” Kaduna, thousands celebrated in Boko Haram, whose barbarous the streets, shouting “No Boko campaign to establish an Islamic Haram! No Boko Haram!” Many “caliphate” has driven 1.5 million danced and held up posters from their homes, kidnapped of Buhari, waving brooms to hundreds of schoolgirls and left symbolize his pledge to sweep large swathes of northern Nigeria out corruption. Jubilant youths burned to ashes, has in recent did wheelies on their motorbikes, weeks been hit hard by forces from while dozens of supporters climbed Nigeria and neighboring Chad, onto a police car as officers looked Cameroon and Niger. on. Buhari ruled Nigeria for In front of Buhari’s home in less than 20 months before being Abuja, supporters gathered amid deposed by a coup in 1985 amid flags and debris from last night’s wide dissatisfaction that he had victory celebrations. Dignitaries been slow to overcome the nation’s came to meet Buhari, including economic problems. U.S. Ambassador James Entwistle It may be deja vu for Buhari and Linda Thomas-Greenfield, when he takes over the presidency: assistant secretary of state for Nigeria’s economy, Africa’s biggest, African affairs. is suffering again because of low President Barack Obama oil prices. The country is Africa’s earlier hailed the election outcome. biggest oil exporter and the “President Jonathan has government is heavily dependent placed his country’s interests first on oil sales for its revenues. The by conceding the election and 2015 budget has already been congratulating President-elect slashed because of slumping oil Buhari on his victory,” Obama said prices, and the value of the local in a statement. “I look forward to naira currency has plummeted. working with President Jonathan New scanners to confirm throughout the remainder of his voters’ biometric identity cards are term, and I thank him for his credited with reducing voter fraud many years of service and his - a factor in previous elections - statesmanlike conduct at this though the machines did not work critical juncture.” at about 300 of the 150,000 polling
About 90 percent of Brazilians reject Rousseff ’s austerity drive
Roughly nine out of 10 Brazilians disapprove of President Dilma Rousseff ’s austerity drive aimed at winning back investor confidence in the economy, a nationwide poll showed on Wednesday. Brazil’s sharp economic downturn is the main reason that Rousseff ’s popularity has fallen to the lowest level of any Brazilian president in at least the last 20 years, according to the Ibope opinion poll commissioned by the National Industry Confederation, or CNI. The number of Brazilians considering her government “great” or “good” fell to just 12 percent, down from 40 percent in the previous Ibope poll in December. Sixty-four percent of respondents rate the administration as “bad” or “terrible, the poll showed. Surveys by other pollsters have shown a similar trend. Since she won re-election in October, Rousseff has made a dramatic policy shift, cutting expenditures and raising taxes on everything from fuel to imports to plug a massive fiscal gap caused by years of unchecked spending. Ninety percent of Brazilians disapprove of Rousseff ’s handling of taxes while 89 reject the rise in interest rates. In its previous poll in December, Ibope said the disapproval of the government’s tax and interest rate policies was 72 and 68 percent respectively. Growing popular and political resistance to the austerity has raised fears among investors that Rousseff could at some point ease the belttightening needed to prevent Brazil from losing its investment grade rating. Rousseff said in an interview with Bloomberg News on Tuesday that she will do whatever it takes to meet this year’s fiscal savings goal. Rousseff ’s popularity has also suffered because of a multi-billion dollar corruption scheme at staterun oil company Petrobras, which prosecutors say involves members of her own Workers Party. CNI’s head of polling, Renato da Fonseca, said however, that the economy was foremost on most people’s minds. “The economy is what is clearly influencing our poll... and the outlook is not good,” Da Fonseca said. The poll shows Rousseff ’s popularity fell sharply among young and less educated Brazilians, two groups that have helped keep the Workers’ Party in power for the last 12 years. The survey of 2,002 people was conducted between March 21 and March 25 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.
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TECHNOLOGY
With Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, Samsung Tries to Regain Its Footing
Samsung’s internal code name for its latest top-of-the-line smartphones, the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, is “Project Zero,” signaling what Samsung calls “a return to fundamentals.” The code name also suggests that Samsung finally seems to understand the many criticisms that have long been leveled at its phones: the plastic hardware looked cheap, the most promoted features were mostly useless and the software was too complicated. Samsung, according to Samsung, has realized the errors of it ways. The realization was born out of necessity. Samsung’s market share and profits in the smartphone business have plummeted over the last year. The company, which is based in South Korea, is in the unenviable position of getting squeezed from the bottom by the affordable phones made by Chinese upstarts like Xiaomi and at the top by Apple’s powerhouse line of iPhones. Despite improved hardware, the S6 and S6 Edge still lack compelling software. The elegant new Galaxy phones, which went on sale in the United States last week, are aiming to pull Samsung out of that pickle. But while the phones are magnificent to look at, they are most likely not quite enough to fix what ails the company. Unlike Apple, Samsung has never managed to create a built-in suite of software and services to keep people hooked to its own phones. And there are few obvious ways for Samsung to address this glaring flaw. “You can argue that they’re in phase one of fixing their software, which is getting rid of a lot of the junk,” said Jan Dawson, an independent
company, Samsung developed phones with big screens, a surprising hit with consumers. The holidays were particularly brutal. Samsung’s smartphone sales in the last quarter of 2014 declined from the year before, while the overall market grew, according to the research firm Gartner. By some estimates Apple claimed more than 90 percent of the profit in the smartphone industry during the holidays. Samsung is still the largest smartphone maker in the world, but its share fell from about 31 percent to less than 25 percent between 2013 and 2014, Gartner reported. And in China, widely considered the big growth market for phones, Samsung was ranked fifth behind Xiaomi, Apple, Huawei and Lenovo during the last quarter, according to the research firm IDC. The new S6 and S6 Edge — which are nearly identical to one another except that the Edge’s screen curves intriguingly, though mostly uselessly, on its left and right side — are at least an answer to critics who say Samsung’s devices look cheap. Samsung Galaxy S6 The S6 phones are made out of technology analyst who anticipated aluminum and glass rather than the Samsung’s recent troubles. “But we plastic in Samsung’s older phones. haven’t really seen phase two, which Both the S6 and S6 Edge strongly would be building its own stuff. We resemble Apple’s iPhone. The S6 in haven’t really seen much of that so far.” particular looks like Apple’s brother The question of what Samsung from another mother. Samsung has can do to differentiate its phones is also co-opted many of the design ideas urgent. Samsung became the most for which its fans have long criticized popular smartphone maker in the Apple. The new Galaxys no longer offer world by producing alternatives to a removable battery, for example, or the iPhone at attractive prices, and a slot for add-on storage cards, and by outspending all of its rivals on unlike the Galaxy S5, the S6es aren’t marketing. More than any other waterproof.
Honda shows off dramatic new Civic coupe at New York show NEW YORK - If a sporty lime- 1.5-Liter turbocharged engine, a first green metallic coupe shown at the for Honda in the states. The Civic will New York auto show is any indication, debut in the fall with a sedan, followed Honda isn’t playing it safe with the later by the Coupe and an R-Type Civic anymore. high performance version. A fiveWhen the company last rolled out a door hatchback and other unspecified new Civic four years ago, it took no risks. variations are planned as well. The car was panned for unremarkable Mendel said Honda is confident looks and a cheap interior, with a the new versions will attract people chintzy plastic dashboard and bed- of all ages worldwide. The cars also sheet thin seat fabric. will have refined handling as well as a The next-generation Civic unveiled spacious quiet interior, he said. Wednesday has dramatic creases, a The Civic will get new engines longer hood, 20-inch wheels and a big and transmissions, including a rear spoiler clearly designed to jettison turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder the current car’s dull appearance and motor in higher-end models, Honda handling. said. It will have new six-speed manual “This, ladies and gentlemen, is the or continuously variable transmissions. return of the sporty Civic,” Executive After the last Civic roll-out in 2011, Vice President John Mendel said at the critics said Honda cut costs to take car’s introduction. profits at the wrong time - just as Ford, Honda says the new car was Chevrolet, Hyundai and others were redesigned top to bottom, with U.S. coming out with improved compacts. engineers and designers taking the As a result, Honda was forced to lead. It’s got single-line LED tail lights revamp the Civic in 2012 after just and a mean-looking front grille. The 19 months on the market in an effort distance between the front and rear to match the competition. The dowheels is longer, and the car will get over gave the Civic a sportier profile, all-new engines and transmissions. replaced its chintzy dashboard and Honda was short on details about seat fabric and made the ride quieter. the 10th-generation Civic. Executives The revamp came to market in about did say higher-end versions will get a half the time it normally takes.
Samsung goes far in checking off every other hardware box: The S6 and S6 Edge are blazingly fast, their cameras are excellent, their fingerprint sensors work very well, and — with an add-on charging pad — they can be recharged wirelessly. But if the new phones are beautiful and functional, they are still something of a pain to use. The S6 and S6 Edge run Samsung’s modified version of Google’s Android operating system. Despite Samsung’s engineers’ efforts to clean up the software, the phone’s interface is a hodgepodge of odd design decisions and overly complicated functions. The situation is made worse by the many companies competing for space on your phone. Open a new Galaxy and you’ll find a host of duplicative apps preloaded by Samsung, Google, your carrier and even Microsoft, an ostensible competitor of both Samsung and Google. The crush of apps would be funny if it weren’t so annoying. Why does a brand-new phone have two web browsers, two email apps, two app stores, a handful of music and video services and four different messaging apps? The new phones also do little to help Samsung compete with lowerpriced alternatives in Asia. In the international market for phones, Samsung’s Galaxys are relatively expensive. They sell for about the same price as Apple’s latest devices, $199 and up with a two-year contract, or more than $650 without a contract. But powerful phones made by low-priced Chinese sellers, like the OnePlus One, often sell for less than half the price of high-end Samsung and Apple devices.
US trade deficit lowest since 2009 The U.S. trade deficit in weak global demand as well as February fell sharply to its lowest lower crude oil prices also likely level since 2009, likely as a labor impacted the trade balance in dispute at one of the country’s February. main ports depressed both imports While the smaller trade deficit and exports. is positive for gross domestic But the smaller deficit, which product, it does little to change could see economists raise their views that economic growth first-quarter growth estimates, slowed sharply in the first quarter. is probably temporary given a Growth estimates range stronger dollar and weaker global between a 0.6 percent and 1.7 demand. percent annual pace. The economy The Commerce Department grew at a 2.2 percent pace in the said on Thursday the trade deficit fourth quarter. narrowed 16.9 percent to $35.4 In February, imports tumbled billion, the smallest since October 4.4 percent to $221.7 billion, the 2009. lowest since April 2011. Imports January’s shortfall on the of petroleum products were the trade balance was revised to $42.7 lowest since September 2004. billion from a previously reported Exports fell 1.6 percent to $41.8 billion. $186.2 billion in February, the Economists polled by Reuters smallest since October 2012. had forecast the trade deficit Exports to Canada and Mexico slipping to $41.2 billion. - the main U.S. trading partners When adjusted for inflation, the fell in February. Exports to China deficit narrowed to $50.8 billion tumbled 8.9 percent, while those in February from $54.6 billion the to the European Union were prior month. unchanged. The now-settled labor dispute Imports from China plunged 18.1 at the West Coast ports appears percent, pushing the politically to have slowed the flow of imports sensitive U.S.-China trade deficit and exports. The strong dollar, down 21.2 percent to $22.5 billion.
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Apple CEO Tim Cook will give away all his money Chief Executive Tim Cook is joining the roster of the very rich who are giving away their wealth. Fortune magazine cited the head of the world’s largest technology corporation as saying he planned to donate his estimated $785 million fortune to charity - after paying for his 10-year-old nephew’s college education. “You want to be the pebble in the pond that creates the ripples for change,” Cook told the magazine. Fortune estimated Cook’s net worth, based on his holdings of Apple stock, at about $120 million. He also holds restricted stock worth $665 million if it were to be fully vested. The 54-year-old CEO’s
revelation in Fortune’s lengthy profile of him is an example of the increasingly public philanthropy of the world’s richest people. Billionaire financier Warren Buffett is encouraging the very wealthy to give away at least half their worth in their lifetimes through the “Giving Pledge,” whose website lists such luminaries as Microsoft Corp’s (MSFT.O) Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook Inc (FB.O) and Oracle Corp’s (ORCL.N) Larry Ellison. While Cook’s largesse could not begin to approach the scale of a Gates or Zuckerberg, both worth billions of dollars, the Apple CEO told Fortune he hopes to make a difference. Cook, who is not listed
on the website, is known as an intensely private person who shuns the spotlight on philanthropy. In recent years, however, he has begun speaking out more openly about issues ranging from the environment to civil rights. Cook, who recently revealed he was gay, spoke out against discrimination of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual communities during his induction into the Alabama Academy of Honor last year. He told Fortune he has started donating money to unspecified causes quietly and is trying to develop a more “systematic approach” to philanthropy that goes beyond Tim Cook recently announced that he is gay writing checks.
McDonald’s raising average worker wage to about $10 an hour
Bentley designer raps new Ford model
A McDonald’s restaurant is seen in Los Angeles, California March 17, 2015 McDonald’s Corp (MCD.N) plans to raise the average pay of about 90,000 U.S. workers to around $10 an hour, but the increase will not benefit workers at the vast majority of the restaurants, because they are operated by franchisees, who make their own wage decisions. Workers groups said the move by McDonald’s, which is also adding benefits such as paid vacations, fell short of their goals. They planned a nationwide protest for Thursday. WalMart Stores Inc (WMT.N) and other retailers have introduced entry-level wage hikes in response to frequent worker protests calling for higher pay and better conditions. McDonald’s, which announced the increases on Wednesday, has been fighting weak traffic and slumping sales in the United States. The pay increase, for workers at roughly 1,500 company-owned U.S. restaurants, will take effect on July 1. Starting wages at the restaurants will move to $1 above the locally mandated minimum wage. The increase will take the average hourly rate for those workers to $9.90 on July 1, up from $9.01 currently, McDonald’s said. By the end of 2016, McDonald’s said, the average hourly wage rate for McDonald’s employees at those restaurants will exceed $10. Almost 90 percent of McDonald’s more than 14,000 U.S. restaurants are operated by franchisees, who set pay and benefits for their own workers. But the expectation is they will face pressure to follow suit to stay competitive as employers.
McDonald’s also said that full- and part-time crew employees at companyoperated restaurants, with at least one year of service, will begin to accrue personal paid time-off. Workers said the company does not currently offer paid time-off. Beyond that, some employees at both company- and franchise-run stores will be eligible for education assistance. “We know that a motivated workforce leads to better customer service, so we believe this initial step not only benefits our employees, it will improve the McDonald’s restaurant experience,” Steve Easterbrook, who became McDonald’s chief executive on March 1, said in a statement. The wage move quickly drew criticism. “This is too little to make a real difference, and covers only a fraction of workers,” Kwanza Brooks, a McDonald’s worker from Charlotte, North Carolina, who earns $7.25 per hour, said in a statement. Brooks is part of the unionsupported “Fight for $15” movement, which is calling on employers to more than double wages above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The group plans a nationwide protest at McDonald’s restaurants on Thursday. Shares of McDonald’s, whose annual profit and revenue fell last year, were essentially flat at $96.29 in extended trading. The wage increase at McDonald’s company-run restaurants could force franchisees to follow. In turn, that could cause those franchisees to raise food prices to cover higher labor costs.
New Lincoln Continental Bentley Motors’ top designer has Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE), sought to criticised Ford’s (F.N) new Lincoln vindicate Donckerwolke’s views. “Car design is always an emotive Continental, fretting on social media about the car’s similarities with one subject and one of the reasons so of its own models, Automotive News many of us love cars,” the Crewe, England-based carmaker said in a reported late on Tuesday. The Lincoln Continental luxury statement published on Wednesday. saloon, unveiled this week by Ford at “Our designers have strong views the New York auto show, resembles the and are passionate about what they Bentley Flying Spur, Automotive News do, which drives them to create such reported, citing comments by Bentley extraordinary cars.” design chief Luc Donckerwolke that Conversely, Lincoln spokesman were picked up by online publication Stephane Cesareo dismissed the Car Design News. Bentley designer’s criticism. “Do you want us to send the “The Lincoln Continental is clearly product tooling?” Donckerwolke posted a Lincoln, we’re very proud of it,” on Lincoln designer David Woodhouses’ Cesareo told Reuters. Ford is reviving the Lincoln Facebook page, a comment that was subsequently deleted, Automotive Continental as its top-of-the-line luxury News said. saloon as part of an effort to rebuild the “This behaviour is not respectable. brand’s image in the United States and Building a copy like this is giving a China. Volkswagen-owned Bentley bad name to the car design world,” Donckerwolke was quoted as saying by has had a Continental in its lineup since 1984, while Ford retired the Car Design News. A spokesman for Bentley, part of Continental name in 2002.
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WORLD NEWS LOCAL NEWS
INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER Description
Under the general direction of the Director of Information Technology, the Information Security Officer (ISO) is responsible for the development and delivery of a comprehensive information security and privacy program for the Company. The scope of this program is company-wide, and includes information in electronic, print and other formats. The purposes of this program includes: to assure that information created, acquired or maintained by FTCI, and its authorized users, is used in accordance with its intended purpose; to protect FTCI information and its infrastructure from external or internal threats; and to assure that FTCI complies with statutory and regulatory requirements regarding information access, security and privacy
PLANT DIESEL MECHANIC Description
Responsible for carrying out effective preventative and corrective repairs to plant mechanical equipment and other company assets in a manner consistent with equipment manufacturer’s specification and standard mechanical tradesman practices and ass directed by the Mechanical Supervisor.
Main Duties A high degree of knowledge and familiarity with operating principles and manufacturer’s operating and maintenance manuals for all mechanical plant equipment. Maintain, repair and install engines and associated equipment in the diesel generating stations in a manner consistent with manufacturer’s specifications to ensure continual reliable operation. Diagnose mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic problems related to the effective operations of generation plant equipment. Prepare comprehensive job reports and failures analysis report. Competently use proper tooling during equipment repair and safeguard and maintain tools and other mechanical repair equipment. Operate shop tools as needed to fabricate, repair, weld, solder, cut, drill, etc. Maintain records and reports as required (including inventory of necessary parts). Be available to respond to emergencies at all times outside of regular working hours, as may be required by plant contingency.
Main Duties Coordinate the development of FTCI information security polices, standards and procedures. Work with key IT officers, data custodians and governance groups in the development of such policies. Ensure the company policies support compliance with external requirements. Oversee the dissemination of policies, standards and procedures to the company community. Work with the Senior Human Resource Training and Development Officer to coordinate the development and delivery of an education and training program on information security and privacy matter for employee and other authorized users. Serve as the company compliance officer with respect to FTCI, country and international information security policies and regulations. Assist in the preparation of required information security report that will be submitted both internal and external. Develop and implement an Incident Reporting and Response System to address FTCI security incidents (breaches), respond to alleged policy violations, or complaints from external parties. Develop and implement and ongoing risk assessment program targeting information security and privacy matters; recommend method for vulnerability detection and remediation, and oversee vulnerability testing. Keep abreast of latest security and privacy legislation, regulations, advisories, alerts, and vulnerabilities pertaining to FTCI and its mission. Take part in company Recovery Planning
Minimum Requirements
Successful completion of an Associate’s Degree, preferably in mechanical engineering trades. Minimum of 10 years’ experience in operations, installation and maintenance of rotating machinery in a power plant operations setting. A high degree of familiarity and competence in diesel engine theory and operations, trouble shooting of mechanical and rotary equipment, and mechanical repair tooling. Above average analytical skills in math and principles of diesel engine machines Proficient in the interpretation of engineering drawings and manuals. Professional competency in written and oral communication skills in English. Experience in installation, maintenance, and repairs of large generation units. O.A.C.E.T.T. membership or its equivalent. Familiarity with and competency in the use of computers and standard computing software programs.
Minimum Requirements
The emphasis of this position is on policy development, program administration and compliance/incident response activities. While technical knowledge of information technology and security issues is highly desirable, technical expertise and resources will be available in areas such as Systems Management and Operations, telecommunications to support the information and privacy program. Bachelors degree in information technology required. Master’s degree in Information Technology/Network Security preferred. Minimum five (5) years of experience in a senior information technology security position. Experience in developing and administering an information security program required. Working knowledge of and experience in the policy and regulatory environment of information security, especially in the utility business is desirable.
Compensation Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications. Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is April 20th 2015 to:
Dr. Kellie-Ann Evans-Hall Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or khall@fortistci.com
Compensation

Compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Deadline for submission of applications (inclusive of a cover letter, resume and a FortisTCI application form) is April 20th 2015 to:
Dr. Kellie-Ann Evans-Hall Manager, Human Resources FortisTCI Limited P. O. Box 132, Providenciales Email address: hrapplications@fortistci.com or khall@fortistci.com
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APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
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BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY LOCAL NEWS
Twitter launches video streaming app Periscope
Twitter Inc launched a video streaming app called Periscope on Thursday, just days after reports that it had blocked a rival app called Meerkat. Meerkat relies heavily on Twitter and has become hugely popular in the month since its launch. Twitter’s announcement comes on the same day that Meerkat unveiled a list of investors that included Silicon Valley venture capitalists Greylock Partners and Sound Ventures, Ashton Kutcher’s fund. Meerkat’s new round of funding
Oil falls more than 3 percent
is widely expected to have raised sharing service Vine in 2012 millions of dollars. and has since been aggressively The app, which already boasts expanding its capabilities to carry celebrity users such as talk show pictures, videos and interactive host Jimmy Fallon, lets people content far richer than the stream videos that cannot be 140-character messages it is best rewatched. known for. Twitter said in a blog post that Vine is now one of the most it bought Periscope in January. popular apps in Apple Inc’s Unlike Meerkat, Periscope iTunes store, with Twitter users allows users to save and replay increasingly sharing short, sixvideos later, according to tech second video clips in the form of website The Verge. The app is tweets. currently available in the Apple Twitter’s shares were up 2 App Store, and an Android app is percent at $50.51 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock also in the works, Twitter said. The company bought video- Exchange.
GM to earn $350 million over three years from 4G technology in cars General Motors Co (GM.N) will generate $350 million in improved profit over the three years to 2018 from its rollout of 4G LTE mobile broadband in its cars and trucks, the No. 1 U.S. automaker’s chief financial officer said on Wednesday. Chuck Stevens, speaking at a Bank of America Merrill Lynch conference, called GM’s OnStar 4G LTE connection an “untapped, under-appreciated opportunity.” 4G LTE is a wireless connection that allows faster flow of data and developing better in-car technology is critical to automakers like GM to attract younger, tech-savvy buyers. “Based on our plans today, which are still in the early stages of really taking advantage of this technology, we expect to see $350 million of profit improvement between now and 2018 specific to 4G LTE, and in our view, that’s just the beginning,” Stevens said.
GM has launched 4G LTE in more than 30 of its 2015-model vehicles in North America and expects all 2016 models to have that capability, Stevens said. Future plans call for its rollout in overseas markets. Stevens also reaffirmed the company’s near-term earnings outlook, saying GM is still targeting improved operating profit and margins in all auto regions this year, as well as achieving 10 percent operating margins and a profit in Europe in 2016. He said the Detroit company expects operating earnings at its financial arm, GM Financial, to more than double by 2018. Asked whether the 10-percent margin target was overly conservative, Stevens said he would have a hard time saying there wasn’t an opportunity to go higher but the company wanted to reach the target first.
He said GM would reduce its U.S. hourly pension obligations over time and, in answer to a question, said that could involve a similar approach as in 2012 with its salaried employees, when it sold those obligations to a third party. During the last round of labor talks in 2011, GM and the United Auto Workers union agreed to discuss ways the automaker could reduce the risk of its pension shortfall, viewed by credit ratings agencies as debt and a concern to GM investors. The agreement did not detail specific steps, but analysts have said other options could include allowing UAW-represented retirees to voluntarily take lumpsum cash payments in exchange for giving up pension claims. Stevens agreed on Wednesday that that approach could be an option.
Google to pay new CFO more than $70 million Google Inc said it would pay its new Chief Financial Officer, Ruth Porat, more than $70 million through a combination of restricted stock units and a biennial grant. The company hired Morgan Stanley CFO Porat as its finance chief earlier this week, a sign it is aiming to rein in costs as it invests in new businesses such as self-driving cars and Internetconnected eyeglasses. Porat’s compensation package includes a grant of $25 million through restricted stock units, a $40 million biennial grant in 2016 and a special one-time $5 million sign-on bonus, Google said in a regulatory filing on Thursday. (1.usa.gov/1byDpVm) Porat, who will join Google on May 26, will also get an annual base salary of $650,000. She earned a base salary of $1 million at Morgan Stanley for 2013, according to the bank’s proxy filing. Her pay
last year will be disclosed once the bank files its latest proxy. Porat is the latest among a string of Wall Street executives to leave an industry that is increasingly regulated to move into the more freewheeling technology sector, where fortunes can be built fast but businesses can also become irrelevant overnight. Google paid its outgoing CFO Patrick Pichette, who announced his retirement earlier this month, $62.2 million for the three years through 2013, more than twice the $29.6 million Porat earned at Morgan Stanley, according to regulatory filings. Mountain View, California-based Google said it would stop annual cash bonuses for senior vice presidents from next year and shift to a system that includes annual base salary and biennial equity grants.
Oil prices continue to fall Oil prices fell more than 3 percent on Thursday as officials from the big global powers stayed locked in nuclear talks with Iran that, if successful, could allow the Islamic state to release more crude oil onto world markets. Negotiations on Tehran’s disputed nuclear program have stretched well beyond a self-imposed March 31 deadline, with diplomats saying the chances of a preliminary accord in the next few hours are finely balanced. Tehran is hoping for a deal that will end crippling economic sanctions and allow it to sell millions of barrels of oil, some of it stored at sea in supertankers and ready for delivery. Brent crude for May slumped $2.23, or 3.9 percent, to a low of $54.87 a barrel before rallying to around $55.50 by 1210 GMT (0810 EDT). The contract settled $1.99 higher on Wednesday. U.S. crude for May was down $1.15 at $48.94 a barrel, after closing up $2.49, or 5.2 percent, on Wednesday. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said “significant progress” had been made at the talks in the Swiss city of Lausanne, but more time was needed to reach a deal on how to resolve a 12year standoff over Tehran’s nuclear plans. “We don’t know what exactly is happening in the nuclear talks but the chances of a deal of some sort look quite high,” said Eugene Weinberg, head of commodities research at Commerzbank in Frankfurt. “Investors seem to have taken a view that there will be a deal and the market is already oversupplied,” Weinberg added. The format of any deal was unclear: “(I expect) nothing beyond a general statement of intentions to keep talks going through Spring,” Scott Lucas of EA WorldView, a specialist website, told Reuters Global Oil Forum. Also putting pressure on oil prices was news that Russian oil production hit the latest in a line of post-Soviet highs in March, feeding higher exports that are adding to a global glut. State energy giants Gazprom and Rosneft brought Russia’s oil output to a post-Soviet era record of 10.71 million barrels per day (bpd) in March, Energy Ministry data showed on Thursday. By contrast, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Wednesday that U.S. oil production dropped last week for the first time since late-December.
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APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
LOCAL SPORTS Delano Williams outfits 2015 Carifta team
LOCAL NEWS
Edith Skippings (third from left – front), Head of the TCAA; Rita Gardiner (right), Head of the Delano Williams Foundation; and Ashley Williams, Delano Williams’ twin sister, are captured with the Carifta Athletes at the presentation ceremony. By Vivian Tyson
Senior Sun Editor The Delano William Foundation has come through again for the 2015 Turks and Caicos Islands Carifta Track and Field Team, suiting them with full track and field gear for the championships, held this year in the twin island state of St. Kitts and Nevis. Head of the Delano Williams Foundation, Rita Gardiner made the presentation to President of the Turks and Caicos Amateur Athletics Association (TCAAA) Edith Skippings,
at the National Stadium on Wednesday (April 1, 2015). Gardiner, while making the presentation, said that Delano Williams Foundation is committed to the development of sports, especially track and field in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She said that providing the gear, which comprised spikes, training shoes, bags and other items, should enable the athletes to better prepare for their games. Gardiner stated that Williams, who is the Turks and Caicos Islands most decorated athletes to date, wants
to see his country do well in sports, hence his dedication to its athlete’s development. Gardiner said also that the gear Williams provided this year is more than what the team needs, and so, some would be stored for next year’s team. Skippings, in accepting the gifts, said that for the first time in its Carifta games participation history, Team Turks and Caicos has been outfitted with brand name gear, which she said puts them on par dress-wise with the track and field powerhouses of the region – Jamaica, the Bahamas,
Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, who she said have always been outfitted with matching brand name attire. Williams, who was represented by his twin sister Ashley Williams, at the handing over ceremony, encouraged the students via telephone message. He persuade d them to do their best representing the TCI, further telling them that to spare nothing in preparing themselves for the games as well as for the future. Ashley also urged to athletes to do their best and make the TCI proud
Digicel becomes region’s Official NBA partner
Digicel and the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced a new multiyear partnership that will deliver live games and extensive NBA programming to more than 30 Caribbean territories and make Digicel the Official Partner of the NBA in the region. Digicel SportsMax will broadcast up to 48 NBA regular-season games and as many as eight playoff games each season. The sports channel will also offer fans content-rich programming including the highlights show ‘NBA Action,’ NBA TV, the league’s 24-hour channel, and select classic games. The partnership will include NBA broadcasts in Spanish on the CDN SportsMax channel in the Dominican Republic. By the 2015-16 NBA season, Digicel will launch NBA.com/Caribbean, the first official NBA online destination for Caribbean fans, which will offer extensive and localised NBA editorial and video content. NBA.com/Caribbean will be the league’s 19th international web destination. “We are thrilled to be announcing this deal with the NBA which is the perfect addition to our
already top-class line-up of sports programming,” SportsMax last year – further cements Digicel’s said Digicel SportsMax President and CEO Olly position as the home of top sporting content in McIntosh. “For fans, this is a real treat with the region – and marks a significant step in our Digicel SportsMax bringing a true Caribbean evolution from a pure mobile operator to a total feel to the programming and basketball fans communications and entertainment provider.” Along with the NBA rights, Digicel SportsMax closer to courtside than ever before.” As part of the deal, the NBA, in partnership is the regional rights holder of premium content with Digicel SportsMax parent company, such as Barclays Premier League, UEFA Digicel Group will also establish a grassroots Champions League, The Women’s Tennis development programme in the Caribbean, Association, The Ashes, Australia and England beginning with a tip-off event in 2015. cricket, IAAF Grand Prix Meets and more. NBA coaches, players and legends will The territories included in the NBA participate in the programme, sharing valuable partnership are Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, lessons that are useful both on and off the court Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, and teach the core NBA values to young fans of Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, the sport. Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, In addition, the programme will give Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, aspiring young players the opportunity to get up St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Martin, St. close and personal with the big stars of the NBA Maarten, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Surinam, Trinidad & Tobago, and Turks and with training clinics and games in the USA. Digicel Play CEO, Caribbean, John Caicos. For full broadcast schedule, visit Suranyi, said: “This landmark new partnership with the NBA, coupled with our acquisition of digicelsportsmax.com.
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LOCALNEWS NEWS LOCAL
Is it an Emergency? Èske li yon Ijans ? ¿Es una emergencia ? Registration:
Triyaj :
All people requiring medical attention at the Emergency Department have to be registered. If your condition requires that you have immediate (emergency) treatment, you will be assigned a bed in the treatment area. If you don’t need immediate medical care, you will be directed to a registration area where you will be asked to present your NHIP card (if you have one) and pay the required fees. All children under the age of 18 will be seen and treated as required, regardless of their ability to pay.
Triyaj se yon pwosesis kote moun blese oswa malad yo klase selon degre yo nan maladi oswa bezwen pou swen medikal ijans. Apre triyaj , yo pral mande w yo chita nan zòn nan ap tann jiskaske ou yo rele nan men doktè a.
Fees: If you are NHIP-eligible, the co-pay fee is $10. Between the hours of 11 pm and 7 am, the co-pay fee is $50 for non-emergency care. Additional diagnostic tests may incur an additional $10 co-pay fee. If you do not have NHIP, you will be billed at established rates. NOTE: All NHIP co-pay fees are paid over to NHIP and are not retained by the Hospital. Triage: Triage is a process where injured or sick people are classified according to their degree of illness or need for emergency medical attention. After triage, you will be asked to sit in the waiting area until you are called by the doctor. The waiting room: Why am I waiting so long? The most seriously ill patient must be seen first. This means if you have a less serious medical condition or are less sick, you may have to wait longer to be seen and treated, even if you arrived in the Emergency Department first. TCI Hospital staff will do their best to estimate how long you may have to wait. Enskripsyon
Sal la ap tann : Poukisa mwen ap tann konsa pou sa lontan ? Dwe pasyan ki pi malad grav ka wè an premye. Sa vle di si ou gen yon kondisyon medikal grav oswa mwens yo gen mwens malad, ou ka gen yo rete tann pi lontan yo dwe wè epi pou yo trete , menm si ou te rive nan Depatman an Ijans premye. Anplwaye TCI Lopital pral fè pi byen yo nan estime konbyen tan ou ka gen yo rete tann.
Inscripción: Todas las personas que requieren atención médica en el servicio de urgencias tienen que estar registrados. Si su condición requiere que usted tenga un tratamiento inmediato (de emergencia) se le asigna una cama en el área de tratamiento . Si no necesita atención médica inmediata, se le dirigirá a un área de registro donde se le pedirá que presente su tarjeta de NHIP ( si tiene uno ) y pagar las tasas correspondientes . Los menores de 18 años que van a ser vistos y tratados como se requiere, sin importar su capacidad de pago. Tarifas: Si usted es NHIP elegibles , la cuota de co-pago es de $ 10 . Entre las 11 pm y las 7 am, la tarifa de co-pago es de $ 50 para la atención no sea de emergencia . Pruebas de diagnóstico adicionales pueden implicar un cargo adicional co -pago de $ 10. Si usted no tiene NHIP , se le facturará a las tarifas establecidas . NOTA: Todas las tarifas NHIP copago se pagan a NHIP y no son retenidos por el Hospital .
Tout moun ki mande atansyon medikal nan Depatman Ijans gen yo dwe anrejistre. Si eta sante ou mande pou ke ou gen imedya ( ijans) tretman , ou pral yo kapab asiyen yon kabann nan zòn nan tretman an. Si ou pa bezwen swen medikal imedyat , ou pral dirije yo sou yon zòn enskripsyon ki kote yo pral mande wprezante kat NHIP ou ( si w gen youn ) ak peye frè yo mande yo. Tout timoun ki poko gen laj 18 an pral wè epi pou yo trete jan yo mande , kèlkeswa kapasite yo nan peye.
Triage es un proceso donde la gente heridos o enfermos se clasifican de acuerdo a su grado de enfermedad o necesidad de atención médica de emergencia . Después de triaje , se le pedirá que se siente en la sala de espera hasta que recibe una llamada por el médico .
Frè
La sala de espera : ¿Por qué estoy esperando tanto tiempo?
Si ou se NHIP - kalifye, frè a ko- peye a se $ 10. Nan lè sa yo 11 pm ak 7 am, frè a ko- peye se $ 50 pou swen ki pa ijans. Lòt tès dyagnostik pouvwa antrene yon $ 10 frè ko- peye anplis. Si ou pa gen NHIP , ou pral voye bòdwo bay konpayi nan etabli pousantaj. REMAK: Tout frè NHIP ko- peye yo peye sou nan NHIP epi yo pa double klas pa lopital la.
El paciente más gravemente enfermo debe ser visto por primera vez . Esto significa que si usted tiene una condición médica grave o menos es menos enfermo , es posible que tenga que esperar más tiempo para ser visto y tratado , incluso si usted llegó a la sala de urgencias en primer lugar. Personal TCI hospital hará todo lo posible para estimar cuánto tiempo es posible que tenga que esperar .
Triage :
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CARIBBEAN
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TURKS & CAICOS SUN
APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
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APRIL 6TH, 2015 – APRIL 10TH, 2015
LOCAL NEWS
Published by SUN MEDIA GROUP, Turks and Caicos Islands | Tel:649 946 8542 | Fax: 649 941 3281