TC Weekly News April 20 - 26, 2024

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick flanked by members of the House of Assembly

FortisTCI requests independent inquiry into proposed 6% electricity rate increase

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In a move to ensure the reasonableness of its proposed rate increase, FortisTCI, the Turks and Caicos Islands-based utility company, has requested the appointment of an independent inquirer to review its proposal.

The company’s request for a 6% rate increase across service territories was submitted to HE Governor Dileeni DanielSelvaratnam on February 14, 2024.

The Governor subsequently denied the request.

In announcing her decision, the Governor said she remains committed to ensuring that the statutory process is followed and that utility rates are fair and competitive.

“Should FortisTCI seek to challenge this decision, in accordance with the Electricity Ordinance, they have 21 days within which to request that the Governor appoints a person to hold a public inquiry in respect of their proposal for a rate increase”, a statement from the Government had stated on Friday, March 29, 2024.

The Governor noted that she is prepared to engage in this process to ensure that any rate adjustments are not only justified but transparent and in the best interest of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The proposed increase would raise electricity rates in the range of $2 to $15 per month for most residential customers.

On Friday, April 12, 2024, FortisTCI stated: “The appointment

of an inquirer is part of the rate review process outlined in the Electricity Ordinance. Interested persons can make representation during the inquiry.

Once completed, the inquirer will provide a report to FortisTCI as the public supplier and to the Governor with its recommendations.

“The Company’s proposal for revised electric rates was submitted to the Governor on February 14, 2024, and was supported by substantial information. As part of the rate review process, Her Excellency, the Governor, requested additional information through the Energy and Utilities Commissioner, and the Company met all additional requests.

“FortisTCI understands the difficulties that customers can face with electricity bills. For this reason, the Company works hard to ensure that electric rates have remained as stable as possible. The Company invests responsibly and

maintains an efficient operation, providing customers with one of the most reliable electricity services in the Caribbean.

However, the Company maintains that revised electric rates are necessary to expand the electricity system and maintain reliable service to customers, amid rising energy demand as the Turks and Caicos Islands economy continues to grow.

“Like other businesses, external pressures such as persistent high inflation and high-interest costs have also impacted the operation. These are the primary reasons for the electric rates review.

“Before the current submission of revised rates, FortisTCI had

requested one general rate review in twenty years. This was to help recover significant investments made after Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. The rate increase was granted after the appointment of an Inquirer, who determined that the Company’s request was necessary and reasonable. The inquirer’s report also highlighted that FortisTCI had prudently managed its costs and operation.

‘Similarly, the Company welcomes an open and independent examination of its current request for revised electric rates. FortisTCI will hold information meetings across the islands to discuss its proposed revised rates, providing customers

with opportunities to have their questions answered. The schedule of meetings will be published on the Company’s social media pages”, FortisTCI added.

Previous request

Back in 2018, FortisTCI proposed an increase in electricity rates to the TCIG for the first time, following the devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 to recoup losses sustained and to cover the costs of rebuilding and recovery efforts.

However, this proposal was denied by Governor HE John Freeman, who cited a lack of sufficient information and assessments regarding the efficiency of investments and the real costs of providing electricity services in the islands.

Similarly, the company requested a commission of inquiry to examine the reasonableness of their rate variation application. The commission ultimately found that the rate increase was justified and recommended it be approved. However, the increase did not take effect until 2020, when the courts rejected a government decision to deny the findings of the independent commission.

The Governor’s Office is yet to announce if the request for an independent inquirer will be granted.

Male students injured in fight at CHHS – police investigating

Three boys are now nursing injuries following a fight that broke out at the Clement Howell High School in Blue Hills this past Wednesday, April 17.

Police said the male students aged 15, 16 and 16, got into an altercation – details of which are still unclear - on the school compound at around 11:58 am.

When police and medical personnel responded to 911 calls, they transported the injured students to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where they were all treated for injuries.

Police said they are reviewing surveillance footage and have conducted interviews to piece together what led to the physical confrontation.

Superintendent (Division B and Community Policing) Dwight Gardiner said: “The RTCIPF is working alongside our education stakeholders to implement

preventative measures and strategies.

Gardiner said this partnership aims to create a safer learning environment through conflict resolution and promptly address any issues that arise to prevent escalation into physical altercations.

In a statement on the incident, the ministry clarified that contrary to reports circulating on social media, there were no further incidents at the hospital, however, as a standard pre-cautionary measure, the hospital went into lockdown mode.

“At Clement Howell High School, the safety and well-being of our students are of utmost priority. We are taking this incident very seriously and are currently conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the root cause and circumstances that led to this regrettable situation,” the ministry stated.

In keeping with the Critical Incident Management Plan, immediate actions have been taken to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff members.

They said the school administration, in collaboration with relevant authorities, is actively addressing the matter and enforcing disciplinary measures as per the school’s discipline policies and procedures.

“We would like to reassure the Clement Howell High School community, including students, parents, and staff, that we are committed to fostering a safe and conducive learning environment.

“We urge all students to resolve conflicts peacefully and to seek assistance from school authorities whenever necessary.”

Classes continued for the rest of the week, and the mock examinations for students in Form Five proceeded as scheduled.

FortisTCI’s Headquarters, Providenciales

House of Assembly passes

‘historic’ $498.6m national budget

BY OLIVIA ROSE

A colossal national spending bill totalling $498,665,638 for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, geared towards expanding the economy, stimulating growth and development, and improving social and environmental conditions was approved in the House of Assembly this week.

The 2024/2025 budget which sets the wheels in motion for the new financial year to formally begin and dictates spending for various ministries within the Turks and Caicos Islands Government was passed on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 1:53 am.

Premier and Minister of Finance Investment & Trade Hon Charles Washington Misick, laid the Expenditure Estimates for Financial Year 2024/2025 on the table of the House for debate on Tuesday, April 17, 2024.

The initial expenditure estimates were tabled at $485m, an increase of $48.3m over last year’s budget.

However, a change of $13m was raised on the floor of the House, to accommodate an allocation for the mortgage corporation.

The largest portion of the budget, $413.5m, will be spent on recurrent expenditures, such as salaries, wages, goods and services. $7.3m will be allocated for non-recurrent expenses, and $63.7m will go towards capital development, such as land acquisition.

During his highly anticipated budget speech, Premier Misick

said his government’s overarching priority is creating a better life for citizens through long-term fiscal sustainability.

However, in the medium term, it is focused on critical areas such as: advancing vital national infrastructure development, including airports, ports, roads, bridges, electrification, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, judicial infrastructure including courts, remand and detention centres, implementing social welfare programmes to safeguard vulnerable segments of the population from economic uncertainties and challenges, Easing the cost of living, strengthening national security, enhancing solid waste management practices and preserving the environment’s integrity.

The 2024/2025 budget will so be geared towards; expanding access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy sources, aligning the National Scholarship Programme with the National Skills Audit of 2017 and Facilitating affordable housing initiatives to ease the housing shortage.

The allocation of funds in this budget paints a clear picture of where the government’s priorities lie, and according to Misick the Turks and Caicos people are the main priority, with $130.3m going to general public services, $90.6m to health, $86.5m to economic affairs, $72m to public order and safety, $58.7m to education,

$26.9m to social protection, $18.7m to housing and community amenities, $9.6m to defence, $3.6m to environmental protection, and $1.4m to culture.

Reflecting on his government’s tenure, Misick reminded that his administration inherited a pandemic-bruised economy under a climate of “worry and despair”, but despite all odds managed to turn it around.

He said: “My government took an economy that had shrunken. We not only turned it around, but we are fulfilling our promises to the people, we are delivering!

“We are creating better paying jobs and more will come on stream with each new development, we are developing high quality and lasting infrastructure, we are creating an immigration system that is reinforced by the new border force and will support the development of our Islands.

He continued: “The pillars of the economy are strong, the economy is expanding, tourism is booming and the number of high-net-worth visitors continues to grow.

Misick pointed out that investor interest is very high and for the foreseeable future the TCI will have well-resourced development projects.

With an air of confidence, he informed that the territory’s cruise industry is getting back to “its glory days”, the construction and real estate sectors are growing and public servants are enjoying the highest salaries and a more

attractive pension plan.

He said: “Stop-over arrivals are at levels never seen before, we are spending millions on education and health, we are investing in disaster preparedness and climate resilience, we are spending more on social development and security, and we are helping small businesses grow with our targeted policies and concessions.

“We are creating opportunities for our people to become part of the TCI dream.”

PRIORITY SPENDING

In outlining areas of priority spending, Misick stressed that the Budget is designed to foster social, economic, and environmental advancement in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As such $130.3m was allocated to general public services and $90.6m to build a better healthcare system.

He said: “Economic Affairs has been allocated $86.5m for important areas such as infrastructure development, including land acquisition.

“Public Order and Safety gets 72m for police services, law courts, the ag chambers, the director of public prosecution, labour tribunal, customs and border protection, immigration, repatriations, prisons, correctional, rehabilitation services and $1.5m for fire and rescue.

“Education is allocated $58.7m. We are creating modern and better schools.

“We are supporting children

who need help, with new initiatives such as the early start day-care assistance programme, the social enrichment academic afterschool programme and the nutritional programme for students.”

To protect the vulnerable in TCI’s society, the government allocated $26.9m for Social Protection which will support those in need, including children, the disabled, the elderly and pensioners who receive less than a thousand dollars per month.

“Housing and Community Amenities will receive $18.7m for estate management and water services. it will also fund improvements to housing and community renewal, as well as district administrations.”

Along with this Defence receives $9.6m for the National Security Secretariat which includes the Contingent Military Force/TCI Regiment and disaster management.”

The Premier said his government is “clear-eyed about acting in the national interest and empowering all generations”, and as such is investing in its people through education and skills, housing, infrastructure, higher wages and social programmes.

He said: “We are protecting our environment – for tourism, farming and for future generations”. Alluding to several initiatives including the mortgage corporation, credit union, affordable housing,

Premier Misick during his budget presentation in the House of Assembly

Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick flanked by members of the House of Assembly (Photo: Communications Directorate)

LONG-AWAITED MOU BY NIB AND NHIB

The National Insurance Board (NIB) and the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to share the functions of registration, collections, and compliance. The new initiative, the National Insurance Shared Services (NISS), will allow both organisations to operate more efficiently and provide better service to the Turks and Caicos Islands populace.

During his brief remarks, Premier Charles Washington Misick lamented how long it took for this to come to fruition.

“I want to acknowledge what it has taken to get here, and I hope it’s not an indication of how TCI will be doing things in the future, it should have never taken us 12 years to get to this point, we’ve lost a lot of valuable time and inefficiency has potentially cost us a lot of money.”

What are your thoughts?

Not well thought out

The sound footing and administration of the national insurance plan in the Turks & Caicos Islands since 1991 makes it a “Sacred Cow” as it has managed to “stay away from Trouble these past 33 years. To that extent, it remains sound and a “wellrun” organisation. There is the spectre of concern where, in the absence of a legislative format and or other governing instrument, the government would want to ‘merge the functions of registration, collections and compliance with that NHIP. The reality of NHIP is that it is uncertain, and not managed well. This is rather precarious and concerning.

It would have been better if the respective ordinances could have been amended to enable this. Being separate entities with monies for each belonging to each, it presents a logistical issue when there is a ‘clash’ or ‘disagreement’ on where to place monies when there are inevitable shortfalls in collections. It is not a matter of efficiency but each entity developing their own ‘inner capabilities” to collect and maintain their respective revenues.

It will take a lot of retraining and a

“under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Hon Washington Misick and Minister of Finance, he introduced national insurance for the financial protection of the population in times of sickness, employment injury, maternity, invalidity, retirement, death of a breadwinner, and old age”.

While it was the government of Washington Misick, that ‘walked’ the National Insurance plan into law, it was the outgoing Government of Oswald O’ Skippings and Wendal Swann who conceptualised and put the entire plan in place. By the time they got to the office in 1991, it was a “Done Deal”.

The Hon Wendal Swann as Minister of Social Services and Trevor Cooke, as the First Director, went around the country to sensitise the public of the ‘need” for the plan. Since then it may be said that the plan has ‘worked’.

Clash of realities

Lack of confidence and trust

There are many Turks & Caicos Islanders who take a “proprietary interest” in the work and mission of National Insurance (NIS). They work hard, night and day and want to have something to lean on when they retire. There is therefore the concern that the revenue base of NIS could be at risk when these ‘collection and compliance schemes’ are merged.

cultural change. NHIP, it was said, was designed to provide for health issues and NIS was designed for social security, funeral and unemployment benefits. Two entirely separate missions. They are also based on very different footings and as such could cause massive fallout when the rival agencies ‘get it wrong’. They may have given thought to it but it was perhaps not well thought out.

Time will tell

There is hope and uncertainty in this endeavour. Time will tell if this is the best possible outcome. The Premier is good at talking, but what measures are in place to curb this from happening again? Strategically, he is in political mode and he is saying all the right things.

Historical “truth”

There needs to be a correction and or clarification to the notion as stated by the Hon Rachel Taylor, that in 1991 and

Since its inception, the National Health Insurance Plan (NHIB) remains under a cloud. Its start and origins and the reasons for its creation are ‘unknown’.

There are major internal organisational issues that prevent it from being efficient and well-run. The problem it seems is management. They do not seem to understand how to get it right. Registering with NHIP is a rather hapless process and the multiplicity of forms seems to give rise to confusion, Information required for the employer exactly replicates that for the employee.

It is a bit much easier to register with NIS. To merge these functions without first getting them right seems like a “fool’s errand”.

Why not review the registration process of NHIP and NIS before trying to bring together, two imperfect systems. There is a “civil service mentality” attaching to the way business is done.

When this government slipped into office in February 2021, they promised egovernment. Well, these agencies were two perfect examples of how that could have been achieved. Why not create an online portal where the public could register, making life easier for all concerned.

Concerns about the solvency of the respective plans remain. It would be better if the government would convene a public dialogue with residents and payers into these schemes to get their views on them. To the extent that they want to listen, people would register their discomfits about it all. There are many technical, legal, policy, and financially driven people in the TCI who register a kind of “public perspective” on the process that is not there at the moment. Views could be taken on whose money it is, how best to collect the money, and how compliance may be improved. All of this could possibly build trust, where at the moment, there is “none”.

Administrative issues

There is the promise that “employers, selfemployed persons, and employees will be able to register by completing one single form for both organisations, no longer having to complete two separate registration forms.” The problem is the “forms” especially with NHIP, they replicate themselves and it is these forms that need review before they can used for online registration.

Record number of UK & European visitors to TCI

– TCI is most searched destination for US-travellers

UK and European passengers to Turks and Caicos Islands have more than doubled this year, with March seeing more than a 100% uptick in arrivals, setting a new record.

Experience Turks and Caicos reported this week that the increase in air arrivals to the TCI, signals a positive development in the territory’s tourism landscape.

“From January to March 2024, the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomed 3,946 arrivals from the UK and Europe, representing a substantial 105.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

“This rise can largely be attributed to the commencement of Virgin Atlantic’s non-stop flight from Heathrow, London to

Providenciales, which commenced operations on November 4, 2023,” the organisation noted.

Additionally, the introduction of twice-weekly flights by both Virgin Atlantic and British Airways has enhanced accessibility, opening up new avenues for exploration within the European market.

The provisional figures, courtesy of Amadeus Destination Insights Report 2024, show growth in arrivals from European nations such as France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Minister of Tourism, Honourable Josephine Connolly said the increase in arrivals reflects the TCI’s concerted efforts to diversify its tourism offerings and

expand its reach.

“We welcome visitors from the UK and beyond to experience the beauty of our islands and the warmth of our hospitality,” Connolly said.

She said while the United States continues to lead as the country’s primary tourism source, they are encouraged by the uptick in visitors from the United Kingdom during the initial months of 2024.

Meanwhile, projections based on ticket purchases indicate that from January to August 2024, the ministry anticipates about 8,130 passengers from the UK, reflecting a 54% increase from 2023.

France is expected to contribute approximately 761 visitors (which is a 13% increase), followed

by Italy with 513 passengers and Germany with 436, each representing a 55% increase over last year’s figures.

In March, the TCI welcomed 77,559 air arrivals, marking a 15.57% increase over March 2023, while for the year so far, the Islands have welcomed 204,237 air arrivals, demonstrating steady growth.

The organisation noted that complementing the increase in arrivals has been an increase in online search activity from most key markets.

They said: “There is strong evidence to suggest that these searches are converting into bookings, based on the current and forecasted air passenger arrivals.”

They said arrivals are projected to remain strong with a 24% yearon-year increase through August, “signalling that the Turks and Caicos Islands tourism industry will remain active throughout the year”.

Cruise numbers continue to decline however, with March recording the highest number of cruise passengers for the year so far with 98,161. However, this figure is a decrease of 1.88% from March 2023 which saw 100,047 passengers arriving at the Grand Turk Cruise Centre. (DELANA ISLES)

They noted that for US-based travellers, according to Google Flights, TCI is the most searched destination for couples and family vacations and is in the top five for solo travellers for summer 2024.

House of Assembly passes ‘historic’ $498.6m ...

“nimble in its policy and decision making”.

a pay increase, increased the TCIG pensions by 20%.

these islands are among the most desirable destinations in the world.

MSME grants, and the various concessions, he stressed that these are all in an effort to nourish ambition and help people lead better lives.

GLOBAL ECONOMIC CLIMATE

Turning his attention to the Global economic climate, Misick stressed that the TCI “does not operate in a vacuum”, and as such his government has to be prudent with its spending to cushion the territory against economic shocks.

He said: ‘We are part of the wider global economy.

“The IMF is forecasting global growth of 3.1 per cent in 2024 and 3.2 per cent in 2025, however, it has cautioned that there are risks, including geopolitical tensions such as the Russia/Ukraine war, armed conflict between Israel and Iran and disruptions to shipping in the Red Sea.”

On the other hand, the World Bank has a less favourable outlook and is forecasting that global growth will slow to 2.4 percent.

Misick opined that the mixed outlook means the TCI, has to be

“We have to spend wisely and ensure that our people are protected.

“ Global inflation is expected to fall to about 5.8% in 2024, if this forecast holds, we expect that it will have a positive impact on the prices of basic items that our people need,” he added.

To ease current inflationary pressures, and to ensure TCI’s macro-economic success translates to human and social development, he said the government is finding ways to help people, especially those in the lower middle-income bracket and below the poverty line.

“This is why helping our people with the cost of living is our government’s number one priority.

“That is why my government denied the request for a 6% increase on the utility rate.

“However, we extended the reduction on fuel tax, extended the exemption for customs duty on the basket of goods, increased the minimum wage, implemented the recommendations of the pay and grading review for the civil service, giving all public servants

“The unemployment rate is trending down, it has moved from 9 per cent in 2021, to 6 per cent in 2023, we expect it to be around 5 per cent this year”, he added.

2024/2025 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Delving into the economic outlook for TCI, Misick said a continued growth spurt buttressed by a vibrant tourism sector and a high flow of Foreign Direct Investment is expected.

He said: “The projections are, that in this financial year, we will have a continued expansion of our economy driven by high tourist arrivals.

“Today the economy of the Turks and Caicos Islands is stronger than ever.”

Misick reminded that in 2023, the territory welcomed more than 1.5m visitors by air and sea.

“Air arrivals increased in 2023 to 662,707 visitors, up over 2021 by more than 52 per cent.

“Arrivals by air are up 21.6 per cent over the 2019 pre- pandemic levels. At the same time, the demand for rooms is growing as

“That is why the redevelopment of the Howard Hamilton International Airport is so critical.”

Foreign Direct Investment

As it relates to Foreign Direct Investment, the Premier confidently assured citizens that TCI’s economic future is looking bright and more certain with projects in varying stages of development valued at over $4bn in the pipeline.

He said: “Investor confidence is extremely high.

“Foreign Direct investments are flowing at a pace we have never seen before. It is only limited by our ability to accommodate the growing demand.

“This is a different investment climate, we have the luxury of choosing the right investments and the right partners.”

He maintained that the government’s goal is to maintain an investment policy that will benefit people and help build the country for the long term.

“We want higher paying jobs, entrepreneurial opportunities, knowledge transfer and new technologies.

“Projects with development agreements or currently under construction are valued at nearly $792m.

“Projects with MoUs in place with the finalisation of development agreements in progress are valued at over $2.7bn.

“Projects at the due diligence stage have a combined value of nearly $453m.”

To ensure Turks and Caicos Islands citizen benefit from this boom in Foreign Direct Investment, Misick said his government removed tax holidays from new development agreements.

He said: “The old policy of long tax holidays for foreign investors and wealthy individuals has facilitated the transfer of tens of millions of dollars into foreign economies and private pockets.

“This, Mr Speaker has deprived the TCI of muchneeded funding for people and infrastructure development.

“My government has replaced tax holiday clauses in development agreements with an equilibrium clause which forces foreign investors to comply with any new taxation regime.”

Public service, security and senior citizens rank high on govt priority initiatives

BY DELANA ISLES

In his presentation of the 2024/2025 Budget, Premier, Hon Charles W. Misick outlined several major priority initiatives for his government in the new fiscal year.

High up on the government’s priorities this year is the public service, for which $157.3m has been allocated for staff costs, inclusive of which are adjustments for the pay and grading exercise.

“This is an increase of approximately $30.7m compared to the previous year,” Misick told the House of Assembly on Tuesday, April 16, as he presented his government’s $485m (expenditure) budget.

This figure is an increase of more than $48.3m over last year’s government expenditure, of which $413.5m represents Recurrent

Expenditure, such as salaries, wages, goods and services; $7.3m represents non-recurrent expenses and $63.7m represents capital development.

The Premier said the $157.3m they intend to spend will give the government 28 new positions.

“Ten to the Border Force and 10 new marines to increase permanent staff in the TCI Regiment from 21 to 31.

“The remaining eight staff will be placed across the rest of the public sector.”

Meanwhile, another major priority initiative of the government is the allocation of $3.5m for the pay and grading exercise of subvention-supported statutory bodies.

Another is the provision of $3.1m for the Senior Citizens’ Financial Assistance Programme,

New digital platform to improve scholarship application process

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In an initiative to provide Turks and Caicos Islanders with more opportunities to further their education, the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Social Services has announced a new online portal to improve the scholarship application process.

The process has been digitised,

making it more convenient and accessible for applicants.

Previously, scholarship applications were only accepted via email. However, as of March 11th, 2024, all applications must be submitted through the new scholarship portal, which can be found at gov.tc/ scholarshipsecretariat.

The move to a digital platform

We welcome letters from all members of the public on a variety of topics

and $1.4m to cover an increase of 20 percent for pensioners and former legislators, Premier Misick stated.

He said $900,000 will support Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Investment, which includes funding for training programmes, technical assistance, and opportunities for business development.

And another $6m for the community enhancement projects/ works programme across all islands.

“These funds will support and maintain public facilities and strengthen activities within the District Commissions,” Misick reported.

Meanwhile, $1.5m will be added to the Social Welfare allocation for a total of $10.1m in the new fiscal year, and an additional

$300,000 for the prison reforms and the Juvenile Intervention and Diversionary Programme to review the prison resourcing model within the Department of Correctional Services, the Premier stated.

The government has further allocated an additional $800,000 to culture and heritage “to preserve societal identity, enhance education and awareness, stimulate economic growth, promote social cohesion, and preserve diverse human history and traditions”.

While $500,000 more is allocated for improving disaster resilience.

Misick said this will be used to procure equipment, office space, and cooling systems to accommodate specific items during a disaster.

An extra $800,000 will support additional staff and enhance the growth and capability of the TCI Regiment, which will in turn strengthen the islands’ security against illicit activities.

In addition, $3.7m will go to the border force to bolster border security and enhance the capacity to combat various illicit activities and $500,000 more to Border and Immigration Services to implement the labour market survey system.

Misick said an additional $2m has been allocated to the Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade to convert government from cash accounting system to an accrual basis of accounting, $700,000 for the Sports Commission to implement new programmes and $1.5m for the school nutrition programme.

was made to improve efficiency and accessibility. The new portal is user-friendly and allows applicants to save their progress and submit applications at their convenience. It also provides a wealth of information on eligibility requirements and application procedures.

In addition to making the application process more convenient, the Ministry of Education is also committed to providing equal opportunity for all students.

To that end, the new portal does not require applicants to have an active email address. This change was made to ensure that all eligible students have the opportunity to apply for scholarships, regardless of their technological proficiency.

Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ms Keisha Taylor

during a recent press conference explained that the digitisation of the scholarship application process became a key program strategy for the 2023/24 FY. She said; ‘“Research was initiated to digitise the scholarship application process, and from this research conducted by the Secretariat Unit Good Grants was determined the most efficient and convenient option.

“As of March 11th, 2024, the scholarship application season has been open through use of Good Grants.”

This initiative offers invaluable opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders to apply for scholarship opportunities within the ministry’s priority areas.

To apply for a scholarship visit our website at https://gov.tc/

scholarshipsecretariat and select ‘Scholarship Portal’. Taylor highlighted the importance of these programs in supporting the continuous development of Turks and Caicos Islanders, especially youth, and praised the new platform’s ability to save applications and submit them easily, as well as provide access to explanatory notes and other critical information.

She stressed that the platform is designed to be user-friendly, accessible, and equitable, and it will provide TCIslanders with the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their full potential.

On the Good Grants platform, there is also a feature in the portal where applications can be downloaded for their endorsers.

Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ms Keisha Taylor

Judge awards gay couple 50% costs, says no win in substantive judgement –

appeals from both sides pending

BY DELANA ISLES

The judge in the Richard Sankar and Timothy Haymon case against the government has awarded the couple 50% of the requested cost, following a judgement delivered early last month.

However, Justice Anthony Gruchot was careful in that decision to elucidate that no one won anything substantive in the overall case, as Haymon (first plaintiff in the matter) will not be receiving a residence permit.

The hearing on costs was held, and the decision was delivered, last Monday, April 8, in a Providenciales courtroom.

The applicants in the civil matter took their case to the court for a review of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Immigration Department’s refusal to grant Haymon a residence permit; the matter was heard in 2022, and a decision delivered in 2024.

In reaching a judgement on costs, Justice Gruchot pointed out why the couple would not be granted their full legal costs – to be paid by the Government –explaining that they had not won their substantive requests, citing the conduct of the hearing, and other extenuating factors.

Appearing for the plaintiffs in their costs hearing were attorneys Tim Prudhoe, Yuri Saunders and Lemenko Missick.

King’s Counsel Ivan Hare and Clemar Hippolyte appeared on behalf of the defendants.

DECISION

In his decision on cost, Judge Gruchot said there was considerable merit in Hare’s submission that since the matter was of general and public interest both parties should bear their own costs. However, that outcome was not actively pursued, and he was not directed to any authority to support the submission.

“Indeed, Mr Hare KC’s conclusion was that the plaintiffs’ costs should be reduced to between 30% to 35%, which I take as him conceding the plaintiffs are entitled to an award of costs.”

The judge noted that the defense attorney did not pursue an order for costs in the issues upon which the plaintiffs did not succeed.

“The starting point for me is to consider if the plaintiffs were successful. I am mindful that the primary relief which they sought was a writing down of the Marriage Ordinance such would require the Director of Immigration to grant the first plaintiff a residence permit.

“They failed to obtain that.”

A secondary objective was to have their same-sex overseas marriage recognised in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“They failed on that issue also.”

However, they did succeed in obtaining a declaration that the refusal to grant a residence permit to the first plaintiff was discriminatory based on their sexual orientation and was also a breach of their constitutional right to private and family life.

The judge clarified: “They therefore succeeded in part, and it cannot be said that the success is ‘scant consolation’ in terms of the recovery in Medway.

“As I said at paragraph 91 of the judgment, ‘In my judgment, it is beyond peradventure that such a challenge in the TCI would have a similar outcome and it is perhaps without doubt that such a challenge is now imminent’.

He said as to their cost of action, he was left to consider if there should be a reduction, stating that plaintiff counsel did not take issue with the defense’s proposition

for a reduction, but only with the amount of the suggested reduction. Prudhoe in his arguments on cost, maintained that his clients scored a victory and should be entitled to all of their costs.

However, Hare directed the court to consider the extent to which the plaintiffs succeeded and the extent of the relief they obtained.

“The reality is that the declarations made found the claim for damages which is yet to be heard, but do no more in this action,” Gruchot stated.

“I am of the view that there should be a reduction in the amount of recoverable costs on the basis that the plaintiffs were not successful on a significant part of their claim which is mirrored in the relief obtained.

“As Mr Prudhoe puts it: ‘Anybody in similar circumstances as Messrs. Haymon and Sankar would be unsuccessful in an application of this type to the now Director of Immigration.

“I am of the view that a reduction of 50% would fairly reflect the outcome,” the judge stated in his written decision.

He also noted - after being encouraged to consider the conduct of the litigation – that he does not consider the letter sent by Prudhoe to the defense attorneys before court action as a genuine attempt to avoid litigation or to narrow the

if so advised.”

JUSTICE GRUCHOT CLARIFIES SUBSTANTIVE JUDGEMENT

In a preemptive outline to his decision on cost in the matter, Justice Gruchot – who since delivering the controversial judgement last month – sought to fully clarify his judgment, outlining that the plaintiffs did not win the reliefs they sought in the case.

The relief sought by the plaintiff was: “A declaration in respect of the First Defendant’s (Derek Been) refusal on October 1, 2021, of the First Plaintiff’s (Haymon) Residence Permit Application (as made on August 16, 2021) reflecting his spousal relationship to the Second Plaintiff (Sankar). Such refusal being: “Based on the stated reasons that a ‘marriage’ is defined elsewhere in the laws of this jurisdiction than the Immigration Ordinance under which the application was made (namely the Marriage Ordinance) as being solely between a man and a woman.

issues.

He added: “The failure to engage in purposeful correspondence before the issue of proceedings in a pre-Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) environment does not disentitle the plaintiffs to their costs of the action.”

The judge stated that the costs incurred in the way the matter was presented could have been avoided.

“That said, I am of the view to reduce the recoverable costs further would not be doing justice to the success the plaintiffs have achieved and I am mindful that certain issues are better left to taxation.”

He thereby ordered that the defendants pay 50% of the Plaintiffs’ costs of the action to date, to be taxed on a standard basis, if not agreed.

Meanwhile, Prudhoe also asked the court for leave to appeal Gruchot’s decision on costs, which was granted.

Notably, both the plaintiffs in the matter and the defendants are appealing Justice Gruchot’s substantive judgment in the matter.

He stated: “As the matter is already going to the Court of Appeal on the substantive judgment, leave not being required for that element, I do not see that anything is to be achieved by refusing leave to appeal.

“Accordingly, both parties have leave to appeal this costs decision

They also sought relief in the form of an Order under s.21(2) of the Constitution for the amendment of the Marriage Ordinance to the extent that such is necessary to grant the First Plaintiff his Residence Permit Application.

The judge granted the following declarations: “I granted 2 declarations namely:

The First Defendant’s refusal on October 1, 2021, to grant the First Plaintiff a residency permit based on the definition of ‘spouse’ derived from the Marriage Ordinance (Cap. 11.02) and the Constitution (Cap. 1.01) was a breach of Section 9 of the Constitution; and a breach of Section 16(3) of the Constitution.”

He clarified that the Order sought by the plaintiffs to have the Marriage Ordinance amended was refused.

The second declaration that the plaintiffs won – as ascribed above – was one for cost, which was reduced by 50%.

Justice Gruchot clearly stated: “I do not agree with Mr Prudhoe that the Plaintiffs have in all practical respects won.

“The Plaintiffs have not received what they wanted.

“There is nothing in the judgment that provides for a grant of a residence permit to Timothy Haymon.

“The primary relief claimed was an amendment to the Marriage Ordinance. That relief was refused.”

Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Gruchot

PPID Minister promises enhanced delivery in 24/25 FY

BY DELANA ISLES

In his ministerial statement delivered in the House of Assembly, on Thursday, April 18, Honourable Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Department (PPID) gave a report on the performance of departments within his ministry, while presenting a look towards the future.

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING

Robinson said in a quest to make services more accessible and transparent, the Department of Planning intends to, in the 2024/2025 fiscal year (FY), enhance data collection, analysis, and stakeholder engagement to ensure that the planning processes are inclusive and responsive to citizens’ needs.

“This new application system will enable the department to automate plan submissions, review and approve during the processes.

“Users will be able to import plans and supporting documents directly into the system where they are automatically organized and routed to the appropriate viewers.”

He promised that through these efforts, community development and infrastructure initiatives will be accelerated.

The new electronic plan review system is intended to transform the planning process, support efficient collaboration, and improve public transparency.

Over the past year, the department has been working closely with the informal settlements unit to address these settlements within local communities.

Robinson reported that 165 structures have been identified for demolition, 218 enforcement notices have been issued, three cases progressed before the court and 12 penalty fines distributed totalling $75,000.

“This is a government in action.”

The minister added that they have made some progress in advancing the review and amendment of the National Physical Development Plan 2020 to make changes to the zoning of specific parcels.

He said these amendments will facilitate sustainable urban development while ensuring compliance with local regulations and addressing community needs as they arise.

“This has already been noted in Cabinet and will progress to the next stages. They say the proof is in the pudding.

“Well, it just got sweeter because we are delivering for the people and doing more in 2024.”

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL

Robinson noted that affordable housing and community renewal are key priorities for his government.

As such, he said: “The Department of Housing and Community Renewal will receive significant funding to support the development of affordable housing projects, improve community infrastructure, and revitalize blighted areas.

“We are committed to ensuring that all our citizens have access to safe, decent, and affordable housing options.”

According to the Minister, following the successful launch of the National Housing Policy, the Department has made significant strides in achieving its objectives.

“The application process was opened to the public and 11 applications were received for program 1, 332 applications under programme 2 and 38 expressions of interest in program 3.

“Of the 332 applications received, 289 were shortlisted,” he said.

He reported that these applications have been grouped into batches and repairs for the first batch of applicants are due to commence shortly.

The Cabinet has since approved the proposal to streamline the allocation of Crown Land for Housing Development from recommendations made during the public consultation.

“Vehicles for this department have been tendered and we hope to have them mobilised very soon to assist with conducting site inspections during the construction phase of these projects.”

Robinson said the Department has proposed a detailed concession package for developers under program 1 which will incentivize their participation along with other benefits.

“I know some people here are like doubting Thomas; they need to see it to believe but things are happening in this department.”

He said they are developing an online application portal to streamline the submission process of applications where the public and potential developers can upload all attachments from one location, minimising errors and improving efficiency.

Additionally, an affordability index is also being developed by the Housing Department to determine what constitutes affordable housing across the

various islands and constituencies considering factors such as housing costs, household size among other things, and this is being done in collaboration with the Statistics Authority, the ministry assured.

“It’s been a long time coming but change is here.”

DEPARTMENT OF ESTATES MANAGEMENT

The Department of Estates Management will receive additional resources to maintain and upgrade government buildings, improve efficiency, and ensure a conducive working environment for civil servants, Robinson told the Assembly.

“We will also explore opportunities to optimise the use of government assets.

“Our public service is growing, Ministries and Departments are outgrowing their current workspaces, and Estates Management must move quickly to secure comfortable working environments for staff across the Government.”

He said to this end, $5.4m has been allocated for rental spaces to ensure that civil servants are in suitable environments to carry out the work that they are expected to produce.

This, he said, is an increase of 15% over last year’s outturns.

“Within the last fiscal year, attempts were made to privatise janitorial services, however, because we are a government who seeks to do things and do it well, we’ve met some challenges during the process and therefore made the decision to delay this project until the appropriate mechanisms have been established.”

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

The minister reported that the Public Works Department - which is responsible for the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure - have an allocated $7m to support the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, expand access to underserved areas, and enhance resilience in infrastructure projects.

The goal, he said, is to create a robust and reliable infrastructure network that supports economic growth and social development.

MECHANICAL DEPARTMENT

The Mechanical Department plays a crucial role in maintaining and repairing essential mechanical systems in government buildings and infrastructure.

Robinson stated: “We have

allocated funds for the procurement of new equipment to improve the standards of the mechanical workshops across the islands by conducting repairs to the facilities and procuring heavy duty and specialist equipment.”

He said training of personnel, and the implementation of preventive maintenance programs to ensure the efficient operation of mechanical systems across the country is also a priority for this division.

“We have commenced the preparation for a new government fleet which will include streamlining the procurement process, reviewing the existing fleet and preparing for the support of plug-in hybrid units and eventually move towards electric capabilities.”

The Minister said they are currently working assiduously to finalise the vehicle policy that will apply to ministries across government.

It has already been drafted and circulated and will move to its final stages to be submitted to Cabinet for approval.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT

The Project Management Department will receive increased funding to strengthen project oversight, improve coordination among stakeholders, and enhance the monitoring and evaluation of projects, Robinson said.

He said the government is committed to delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

“This budget allocation will facilitate training and certification of our staff compliment in FIDIC contracts, project management PMI and PMP from the project Management Institute, RICS for quantity Surveyors and Estimators, and other technical areas across various disciplines to ensure they remain current with standard procedures and industry practices.”

MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

The minister said his government has increased funding for routine maintenance activities, repair works, and asset management programs to prolong the lifespan of infrastructure assets and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

He said the maintenance of schools and other public buildings is not just an investment in bricks and mortar, it is an investment in future generations.

“Therefore, we are dedicating a significant portion of our budget

to ensure that our educational facilities are not only safe and conducive to learning but are also equipped to inspire and nurture the leaders of tomorrow.

“We will be upgrading classrooms, improving sanitation facilities, and ensuring that our schools are technologically ready to meet the demands of modern education.”

In addition to this, the government is increasing funds allocated to the strengthening and expansion of hurricane shelters, ensuring that they are capable of withstanding the severest of storms.

As it relates to road maintenance, Robinson said they have earmarked substantial resources for the repair and resurfacing of roads, and the implementation of modern traffic management solutions to reduce congestion and enhance safety.

“$2m has been allocated for the initial phase of solar streetlights across constituencies, $2m for road paving and grading, an additional $1.35m in the Framework Agreement to aid in the delivery of the Public Work Ordinance.

“We aren’t talking small change; we are spending big money.”

He added: “We are significantly increasing the budget to beautify parks, create public recreational facilities, and revitalise communal spaces. These projects are designed to foster community pride, encourage social cohesion, and promote improved family lifestyles.”

DISASTER MANAGEMENT & EMERGENCIES

“As Minister with responsibilities for the Department of Disaster Management, I am pleased to report that we have given this Department two new homes in both Grand Turk and Providenciales through the purchase of a building that will serve as the headquarters and office space and the eminent relocation.”

He said now the team will have adequate space for effective coordination of responses to emergencies.

He said with a designated $1.4M for generators and housing they are ensuring that the department is equipped with the necessary resources to effectively navigate any potential adverse outcomes.

They are also relocating the Grand Turk team to their new office space.

POLICY, PLANNING & TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Robinson noted that his ministry

“No more excuses!’

Governor’s appointed MP calls on Govt to fix poor roads & enhance public services

BY OLIVIA ROSE

Hon Harold Charles, the Governor’s Appointed Member in the House of Assembly has called

on the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to prioritise the needs of the people over political agendas and take action to address frustrating infrastructure issues

PPID Minister promises enhanced ...

CONTINUED 

has adopted a comprehensive approach and recognised that the successful implementation of its ambitious agenda requires not only vision but also technical expertise.

“Therefore, $1.8m earmarked for professional and consultancy affords us the opportunity to provide greater support to projects going forward.”

He said economic projections suggest that the

implementation of the new budget will lead to job creation, increased productivity, and a more robust economy.

“So, we will improve efforts to engage contractors with periodic training sessions throughout the year equipping them with the skillset to prepare proper bids for both recurrent and capital projects.”

Robinsons said the intention is for these sessions to be hosted on all islands.

and improve public services.

In a passionate speech on Wednesday, April 17 during the 2024/2025 National Budget debate, Hon Charles lambasted the Progressive National Party (PNP) government and former Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) administration for the slow progress on upgrading critical infrastructure, specifically the poor road conditions and the lack of a digitised border management system.

He said: “The only thing I want for the people of the Turks and Caicos…give them decent roads especially when we budget the money, we got the money and we don’t use it you know, I mean, you are fortunate you are driving big rides, you don’t feel the bumps but I’m not as fortunate as you are I feel every bump.”

He also expressed concern that the level of funding allocated to education and infrastructure in the 2024/2025 Budget would be insufficient to make a significant impact.

Hon Charles emphasised the

Hon Harold Charles, the Governor’s appointed member

importance of education and job opportunities for TCIslanders, and he urged the government to take steps to improve efficiency in key government departments such as customer service, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and Immigration and Border Services. He also called for the expedited digitisation of these processes, citing the long wait times for services such as work permits and PRC applications.

“It is crucial that these sectors receive additional support in order to provide our citizen in this country with the necessary resources and opportunities for their growth and development.

In this vein, he opined that the government’s highly touted digitisation and e-government project should have been fully implemented by now.

“Surely it should not take

three years for such a project to materialise”, he said.

“It is imperative that we allocate our resources adequately and streamline processes to enhance the ease of doing business with the Turks and Caicos government.

“We must prioritise increasing service delivery capacity and critical departments such as the customer service department, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the list goes on.”

The MP pointed out that more needs to be done to manage the demand for services across departments such as immigration and border services, the planning department, and the health professions authority.

Hon Charles said the people of the TCI deserve better and urged the government to step up and make real progress on the issues that matter to the people.

Navigating the TCI airport conundrum: seeking sustainable solutions

As airport congestion tightens its grip globally, the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) grapple with their own aerial gridlock. When demand surpasses capacity, chaos ensues, leaving planes idling on runways and travellers stranded. Simply diverting or delaying flights won’t cut it; we need innovative solutions.

With a single airstrip on the main island and airport redevelopment a distant dream, our options are limited. Priority must be established: should private jets or commercial flights take precedence? Given tourism’s critical role in the islands, favouring commercial flights seems logical, yet private jets vie for attention.

With that being said, there is one proposal that stands out: Perhaps, the North Caicos airport could be designated as a temporary solution for private jets. This would alleviate airspace congestion, with passengers easily ferried to Providenciales and other inhabited cays. In addition, it could open the door for a potential increase in

BY ED FORBES A concerned citizen of Grand Turk

private boat charter opportunities. Albeit, airspace isn’t our sole concern; we owe stranded travellers relief, especially during summer’s peak season which is upon us.

Procuring tents which the government has proposed, other immediate fixes should be to complete the makeshift walkway on Providenciales’ airport tarmac. The long-term solutions demand a nuanced approach.

Could demand management, like increasing night flights, alleviate congestion without compromising safety?

Evidence-based intervention is key. A hiccup in US flights can cascade into chaos for TCI. With one airstrip and mounting flights, meeting demand is daunting.

Failure to act imperils our status as a Caribbean hotspot and risks

plummeting customer satisfaction.

As policymakers mull over solutions, one thing is clear: status quo isn’t an option. TCI’s future as a tourist haven hinges on our ability to navigate this airspace conundrum with innovation and foresight.

Beyond the immediate crisis lies a complex web of challenges. Anticipating the concerns of all stakeholders is crucial. Skeptics may question the feasibility of designating North Caicos airport for private jets. Will ferry services cope with increased demand?

What about environmental impact?

These are valid concerns that require thorough consideration.

Furthermore, we must address the broader implications of airport congestion. It’s not just about inconvenience; it’s about economic

repercussions and environmental sustainability.

Delays will disrupt supply chains, hinder business travel, and deter investment. Moreover, increased air traffic contributes to carbon emissions and noise pollution, threatening our delicate ecosystems and quality of life.

To truly tackle this issue, we need a holistic approach that balances short-term fixes with long-term vision. Night flights may offer temporary relief, but they’re not a panacea. We must explore innovative technologies and operational strategies to optimize airspace usage and enhance efficiency.

Collaboration is key. Engaging with international aviation authorities, industry experts, and local communities can yield fresh perspectives and creative solutions.

Public-private partnerships which the government is currently exploring may unlock funding for infrastructure upgrades and research initiatives. Moreover, transparent communication and

stakeholder engagement are essential for building trust and fostering consensus.

Investing in human capital is equally vital. Training air traffic controllers, airport staff, and emergency responders ensure seamless operations and crisis management. Also, education campaigns can raise awareness about responsible travel behaviour and environmental stewardship.

Ultimately, the TCI airport dilemma is emblematic of broader challenges facing the aviation industry. It’s a microcosm of globalization, urbanization, and environmental degradation. But it’s also an opportunity for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development.

By embracing change and thinking beyond the confines of tradition, we can transform this crisis into a catalyst for positive change. Let’s chart a course towards a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for TCI and beyond.

Are you letting your association impact your decision or opinion?

Be objective and stand up for what you believe in

Every day we must decide on something and sometimes it is very hard to do that because we want to make sure we are making the right decisions. One thing is that you should set standards for yourself and make decisions that line up with your standards even if it means becoming very unpopular.

Too many of us are allowing our association with friends, family, and organisations to influence our decision-making. Some of us say one thing privately but publicly we say something else because of our association and our desire to please people.

It is important for you to stand up for what you believe in. You should be objective and respect the opinions of others. The truth is if some of us were not associated with certain friends and organisations, our opinions would also be different. Therefore, I encourage you today to not let your association impact your decision.

BY DREXWELL SEYMOUR

Drexwell Seymour is a certified public accountant and is the managing partner for HLB TCI. His favourite hobby, however, is writing. He has a personal website, www.drexwellseymour. com, where all of his writings are posted. He also has a YouTube channel where you can find inspirational videos. Drexwell has a BA in Accounting and an MBA in Finance.

This is political season and sometimes I wonder if we ever have a break from political season because it seems every day it is all about politics. Some of us have allowed ourselves to be so intertwined with the political parties that we do not see anything wrong with some of the decisions they make. It is okay to disagree with some of the decisions your party made. Do not let your association with a political party limit your thinking. You must

think outside the box and be independent. I admire individuals who did not allow their families to influence them on who they should support politically. Too many people associate themselves with political parties because their family members were supporters of the party.

Some of you have friend/s and your association with them influences your decision. You are afraid to say something different from what he or she might say. It is true that if you do say something

different, that friend may also have a problem and so you end up agreeing with everything your friend says but subconsciously you do not agree with them. However, if you truly care, you should be frank and tell that friend how you feel. It is not worth keeping a friend if you cannot disagree with that friend.

Some of you are employees of a company and the company may make decisions contrary to your beliefs and standards, but you are publicly promoting the company. You can still work for the company, but you do not have to praise them for something you do not believe in. Perhaps it is best you be quiet and not participate. Some of you also take things personally when others express an opinion about your company. The truth is if some of you were not working for that company, your opinion may have been the same as others. Of course, you must use common sense and

as an employee, you should not publicly criticise your company but respect the opinions of others and not let your association with that company stop you from thinking freely.

I know when one can find common ground with someone, it tends to bring them together and so some of their decisions may be similar. However, there will be cases in which you do not agree, and you should stand your ground because you are not going to agree with everything that your friend, family, or organisation says. Some of our associations also preclude us from associating with others, because of opinions by other persons.

It is important to be careful who you associate with. Sometimes, they can have great influences on your life. At the same time though you must take a stand to be firm, and not let anyone compromise your integrity and beliefs.

Politicians’ inability to fix consequential world problems: Who can we turn to?

In this dynamic environment, there is a growing myriad of challenges impacting the world over and although many nations are blessed with financial resources and favourable strategies to curb these dire situations, all have proven inadequate.

From a contrarian view, political inertia within many thriving states has also matured into a similar outcome.

Here at home, and globally, politicians are ignoring the trends emanating from a chaotic world, and therefore, they cannot adequately address the plights rising above the horizon, hence, it’s business as usual.

And considering their negligence widespread concerns among the citizenry about how well can the TCI survive in a world of constant disruptions.

Since global trends are not enough to sway the responses of governing authorities, and while

BY D MARKIE SPRING

D Markie Spring, a TCI resident of 15 years, is an expert in law enforcement. He worked as a detective in the Royal TCI Police Force and was director of security at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

this is not a sermon; still, the perfect way forward is to employ a spiritual advisor to leadership.

This approach embodies management patterns, which incorporate vision, hope, and altruism to motivate; however, the focus is to intrinsically inspire leaders to work beyond their role obligation for the common good of the people through the lens of God.

We know that politics is about power and authority over others, whereas spirituality concerns absolute surrender.

However, for centuries ‘man’ has

turned to his own understanding, spurring intellectuals to write many books guessing the way forward, and while some of their ideologies worked, many more have proven ineffective.

At this juncture, leaders should incorporate Scriptures to their daily planning to hear what God knows about the world’s future phenomena. More so, everyone is aware that Scriptures are Godinspired and fulfilling with pinpoint accuracy.

Besides, these sacred texts alert us that ‘perilous times’ will ensue,

and all around us, we are witnessing these explosive moments.

Subsequently, widespread diseases are now plaguing mankind throughout and the most recent was the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, which contained the world; yet, we deny the facts and do nothing.

Coupled with this, earthquakes are occurring worldwide, which are effectuating a similar fate among humans. We’ve seen the devastation across Japan, Haiti, and Turkey.

And don’t forget the Scripture says, “The love of many will wax cold.” This is evident in the unwanted heinous crimes against humanity and the way we treat each other, in the world around us, and even here at home.

However, what is worrying are the ‘wars and rumours of wars,’ which engender global political, social and economic instability and, which imperil the supply and prices of food and energy.

But God did not allude us to the future so we can guess the way forward. He simply wants us to be prepared.

Still, politicians have taken an unknown path, leaning on their own understanding and famous authors whose transliteration of the future is barely accurate.

The visions of global Governments have stumbled into an eclipse and this lapse has placed our livelihoods in jeopardy and; hence, everyone will suffer for our leaders’ lack of vision, and we could end up like the five foolish virgins.

Scriptures do not only predict the future, they were meant to change the present. Put differently, the potential of a war should motivate our leaders to plan and implement strategies, which would mitigate the impacts of inevitable conflicts.

God has accurate knowledge of future events and; therefore, we must listen and apply wisdom!

Exploring different paths in Christian civil disobedience

Civil disobedience does not mean using violence or other forms of coercive force to bring about change. Look at the words of Jesus: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9, NLT). In the same breath, it does not mean passivity or acquiescence to injustice, oppression, and evil. One form of peaceful resistance is pacifism. Pacifism is a commitment to nonviolence as a form of advocating for justice. Pacifists are often at the forefront of movements for justice, as exemplified by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. They often use means such as boycotts, demonstrations, and sit-ins. However, pacifism comes

KENYATTA E. LEWIS

Kenyatta Lewis is the pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel, a growing church committed to taking followers of Jesus deeper and going further in their faith. Besides loving, serving, and helping people he has watched the extended Director’s cut of the Lord of the Rings trilogy multiple times.

with its fair set of challenges. It requires immense courage and conviction to stand firm in the face of violence and hatred and to resist the temptation to respond in kind. Moreover, pacifists may face criticism and ridicule from those who view nonviolence as weakness or naivety. Another form of peaceful disobedience is prayer.

Though it is not often considered a form of protest, prayer is probably the most powerful means of confronting systems of oppression. Listen to the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:43 – 45 - “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45

so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust (ESV). While we pray for our oppressors and those who wield the sword of injustice, we have to keep in mind that prayer should not be used only as a form of resistance and vehicle for change. The nature of prayer

is such that it is the means by which we engage in a relationship with God. Prayer as resistance is limited. Prayer as relationship is both liberating and powerfully transformative.

Why don’t we do that now?

Here is a prayer of relationship: “Father, help me to know you more than I have ever dreamed of; help me to grow in your knowledge and understanding.”

And here is a prayer of resistance. “Father, help me to meet evil and injustice with love and service, kindness and humility. Give me the strength to love the oppressors and serve them when possible. As you change my heart towards the wicked, change their heart towards you. In Jesus’ Name”.

I don’t want to grow up: what should I do about that?

Navigating adulthood is proving to be a Herculean task, far more challenging than I ever imagined. It feels like I’m teetering on the edge of a nervous breakdown every half hour. The reality of growing up is massively different from the rosy picture I painted in my head. The weight of adult responsibilities and the constraints imposed by the real world have made the prospect of maturity decidedly unappealing. Subsequently, I’ve now become well-acquainted with disappointment, forged an intimate bond with my inner pessimist, and find myself infuriated by my inability to achieve the desired physique by virtue of a flat stomach and girthy triceps. If you have a shortcut, please share. Times are hard.

In hindsight, I used to view childhood restrictions— bedtimes, wardrobe choices, and dictated meals—as a curse. I naively believed that adulthood would offer boundless freedom: indulging in whatever food I fancied, staying up late doing

BY DAVIDSON LOUIS

Rachel Wolchin once said: “If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have had roots instead of feet.” On this quest to self-discovery, TC Islander Davidson Louis vowed to travel, write, paint, laugh and forgive. Subsequently, he hopes to find himself and or, leave behind a few pieces of himself. Contact him at hello. octopen@tcinews.tc

God-knows-what and bingewatching television. However, the reality I now face is far from idyllic. Instead of endless energy, I find myself exhausted in the afternoon. I have to pay my way and sadly you can’t wait for anyone to pick up the bills. Dreams once filled with promise now seem dashed against the harsh rocks of reality. It feels like it’s too late to pursue my childhood aspirations of becoming a tennis star, a beachfront main home with a converted retiring-escape second home in France at 35. Where is the silver lining? All I seem to see is premature grey hair at the age of 29. I really do mean it - Please

take me back to 1999.

If you’re dealing with similar hard realities, know that you are not alone. This is what you can do, according to Google.

GO GET HELP

Therapists are expensive. Get yourself a friend who listens well. Preferable if they are deaf and mute. This way you can tell them all of your stories out loud and they will absorb everything with no judgment. When you’re returning the favour, you can listen while planning a whole trip at the same time.

ACCEPTANCE

Snap out of it. You really do

need to get a grip. Last week, I pondered if I could still be sent to juvenile correction for misbehaviour and I remembered that sadly, I have reached the maximum penalty kind of age. Sniff.

NO-ONE IS COMING

The phrase, no man is an island is actually false. You are alone and no one is going to buy you that house. And forget it, if you wanted a beachfront. Britney Spears is right, you better work boo.

BE CONCERNED

The speed at which you’ve transitioned into adulthood means you’ll wake up one day and be 60.

Find the positive side in every situation. Or not. I think it’s good to mop around sometimes. No one likes a Happy Larry.

RELIVE THE GOOD MOMENTS

Take yourself back to the good old times. Meet with childhood

friends, drive through your primary school, neighbourhood, look back at photos, and reminisce about the happy times.

MIND THE OTHERS

Be a decent adult to another struggling adult.

Say thank you, excuse me, and help another. It may go a long way.

KEEP IT ALIVE

Keep your childish dreams alive. Dreams do come true, but it may take a few decades longer than anticipated.

PERSONAL GROWTH

Focus on the accomplishments you’ve made so far. Maybe ‘adulting’ isn’t so bad.

How do you deal with ‘adulting’?

Ice cream, pizza, gossip, constant flocking, screaming in a pillow? I ain’t judging!

Care and share at louisedens@ gmail.com or @daviid.l2

April 15, 2024, marked 50 years of education at the Oseta Jolly Primary School.

Oseta Jolly marks 50 years of excellence in education

Formerly known as the Blue Hills Primary School, the Oseta Jolly Primary School celebrates 50 years of providing quality education to the children of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Last Sunday, April 15, HE

Governor Dileeni DanielSelvaratnam and HE Deputy Governor Anya Williams joined with students and faculty of the school to memoralise the significant milestone at an interactive and cultural event hosted in the school’s compound.

The institution’s humble beginnings began at the Old Clinic on Bay Road, Blue Hills in the 1940’s before relocating to its current location and being renamed in 1973.

“One of the finest educational institutions in the TCI, this school continues to provide quality learning and has a proven track record of success as evidenced through many of its former

scholars that turned out today to support and to show gratitude for the impact that the school and its educators had on their lives,” the Deputy Governor said.

“May you continue your motto of ‘Progressive Learning - A Sure Success’, and may you continue to serve the beautiful community of Blue Hills for many more generations,” she added.

It was a momentous occasion, with many of the school’s alumni in attendance.

The Governor said she was pleased to join the celebrations, commending the school for the pivotal role it has played within the community over the last 50 years and the dedication of its teaching staff in nurturing the many generations of pupils to fulfil their potential and contributing to the growth of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The celebrations started in 2023, continued into 2024 with a number of events, and will culminate in

June, the end of the 2024 term. The school has stood the test of time, having been ravaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, following which students and faculty were relocated to the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex in Downtown Providenciales.

In 2022, students and faculty were welcomed back to the newly furbished and upgraded Blue Hills school. (DELANA ISLES)

TCI’s GDP projected to grow by 4% in 2024

BY OLIVIA ROSE

Driven by booming tourism, construction, and real estate sectors, the Turks and Caicos Islands Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to grow by 4% in 2024.

This was revealed by Premier Hon Charles Washington Misick during his 2024/2025 budget speech in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

Misick said the projections were made by local analysts and international rating agencies who believe that if the strong

performance in the tourism, construction, and real estate sectors remains, Real GDP will continue to grow by about four per cent in 2024.

He said: “Members of this Honourable House, you will recall that there was a significant contraction of the economy in 2020 due to the pandemic.

“I am proud to report that since we came to office in 2021, the GDP of the TCI has grown consistently.

He explained that the territory’s real GDP grew by a massive 13.7 percent in 2023, which has led to a favourable outlook for 2024.

Misick stressed that TCI’s economy is larger than previously estimated, with a higher GDP per capita and is valued at over $1.7bn in real terms.

He said: “I am proud to report that on March 27, the Standard and Poor’s Global Ratings revised up its outlook on the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“S&P moved our rating from stable to positive and affirmed our BBB+ Foreign Currency LT Credit rating.

“S&P is of the view that our economy will continue to grow solidly, propelled by a strong tourism sector.

“It further states that if this

growth materializes in line with its forecast, they could revise upwards the economic assessment of the TCI.

S&P hailed the TCI as one of the best-performing economies in the Caribbean.

Due to the country’s strong performance, Premier Misick explained that the government has not had to draw down on any major pre-approved debt facilities at its disposal but instead increased reserves and rainy-day funds.

He said: “The National Wealth Fund has grown to $58m, $31m in the Stabilization Fund, $9m in the Infrastructure Competitiveness Fund, $4m in the Heritage Fund, $7m in the Citizen’s Empowerment

Fund and $7m in the Mortgage Corporation Fund. He underscored that the Government is managing its own affairs with little reliance on borrowed money.

“We borrowed less than $1m and that was specifically for technical assistance.”

The real GDP growth rate measures economic growth by measuring GDP from one period to the next, taking into consideration inflation.

It is an indicator of the health of an economy and helps policymakers adjust fiscal and monetary policy in order to achieve economic objectives.

Consultation to address learning loss in the TCI

BY OLIVIA ROSE

UNICEF and UNESCO are working together to address educational inequalities in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The objectives of the consultation were to identify country priorities for the transforming education agenda, align efforts with regional governance agencies and to develop partnerships with technical and financial support.

In particular, there has been increasing concerns about the extent to which COVID-19 has exacerbated pre-existing inequalities in the education system, thus deepening learning loss and the attendant global learning crisis, with the understanding that the most vulnerable groups experienced the most disproportionate disadvantage.

While learning loss and knowledge gaps preoccupy many, other seemingly latent issues have a significant bearing on the learning experiences of students as well.

These concerns prompted a special summit in September 2022 and by extension the transforming education agenda aimed at mobilising action, and solutions to help recover pandemic-related learning losses and revitalise efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal #4 between now and 2030, according to the

Ministry of Education.

Against this backdrop, the Turks and Caicos Islands held a consultation led by Dr Gale Rigobert, a consultant for the United Nations Transforming Education Initiative.

Dr Rigobert was hired to conduct consultations in the Overseas Territories.

The consultation in the TCI got underway from April 9th to 13th and provided an opportunity for governmental agencies, non-

governmental organisations (NGOs), civil society organisations (CSOs), academic institutions, the private sector, and youth representatives to share their opinions on education for the future.

Hon Rachel Taylor, Minister responsible for Education, expressed her excitement about the visit, stating that it will allow the Turks and Caicos Islands to gather valuable data on learning loss and develop initiatives to close those gaps.

She stressed that her Ministry is looking forward to working with Dr Rigobert and her team to transform the educational landscape of the TCI.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education, CherylAnn Jones, echoed the Minister’s sentiments underscoring that the meetings will also provide an opportunity to discuss other areas of support for the education sector of the TCI and strengthen the existing relationship.

The opening ceremony was held on Wednesday, April 10th at 9:30 am at the Shore Club.

Meanwhile, on April 11th, 2024, the Premier, Hon C. Washington Misick, met with the United Nations’ Lead Consultant for the Transforming Education Initiative TCI, Dr Rigobert to discuss details concerning areas of educational priority for the Transforming Education Agenda and to explore avenues of support to address those key areas.

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Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos Islands

Govt drafts ambitious community works programme for FY 2024/2025

BY DELANA ISLES

The government has allocated several million dollars in the 2024/2025 budget for capital projects as well as major upgrades to each of the family islands.

Presenting the allocations for the Capital Projects and the Community Enhancement Program (CEP) this past Thursday, April 18, was Hon Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and PPID Minister.

CAPITAL PROJECTS

He stated that despite the size of the budget, fiscal responsibility remains a foundation of his government’s financial strategy, and while there have been several capital projects re-tendered, there is still a significant number of projects that fall within the budget cycle.

Among those projects are boats for police (lot 2), boats for police (lot 3), CCTV for police, purchase of patrol vessel – Regiment, DECR equipment – vessel, DECR equipment - outboard engines,

drainage and site works HJRHS, highway and road improvementsGDT, remediation works to ponds and bridges - West Road and Church Folly, remediation works to ponds and bridges - ponds for GDT and housing project initiative - programme 2.

Others include digitisation phase 2 - consultancy for national identification system - stage 1a, land registry digitalization project, crown land project, climate resilience coastal management, bridges, ponds and roads - GDT roads, consultancy framework agreement for public works, construction of warehouse building in Grand Turk, consultancy for geodetic global navigation satellite systems, community parks development – Five Cays and Kew Town, repairs to RGHS art block, back-up generators including housing, biosecurity unit, purchase of incinerator, ambulances for islands (eight ambulances), community roads all islands – Providenciales and the

Leeward Highway Rehabilitation Works.

Robinson said the $1.8m in technical support will aid in these projects being delivered on time, within budget and with maximum return for citizens.

WORKS PROGRAMME

Meanwhile, the minister also noted that the budget for the works program in the 2024/25 fiscal year is ambitious but necessary.

“I assure you that every dollar invested in this program has been carefully considered to improve the quality of life for our citizens, to stimulate economic growth and prepare this country for the challenges and opportunities of the future.”

He said the program has extensive cost benefits and reflects the strategic priorities of his government, and in the last financial year, their efforts yielded much success through several initiatives that included upgrades, roadworks, cleaning, and beautification projects on each

island.

According to the minister, looking ahead to the new budget year, his ministry is poised to embark on a rigorous agenda with several new and ambitious projects for the CEP and Capital Projects this year.

The Grand Turk Market and Welcome Centre will be constructed to the tune of $2.5m, repairs to NJS Francis Park, refurbishment of Lester Williams Park, community parks development at the North Back Salina Park and refurbishment of West Road Park.

In Salt Cay works will be done to the Matthew Canal to the tune of $800k, along with the refurbishment of the Cricket Field at $250,000.

In South Caicos, improvements will be made to the Cockburn Harbour – XSC at $1m, Regatta Village at $1m, Conch Ground at $1.5m, and an additional $1.5m for community roads.

In North Caicos, the Whitby Roads – XNC will be done at $1.14m, renovation of Whitby Community Center at $50k, refurbishment of Hollywood Park $40k, refurbishment of Horse Stable Beach - $550k and construction of a Bottle Creek Community Centre at $3.2m.

Middle Caicos will see repairs to Lorimers Community Center to the tune of $100k, refurbishment of Bambara Community Centre at $50k and Bambara Beach Project at $800k.

Meanwhile, allocations have been made for each constituency in Providenciales.

For the Leeward and Long Bay (ED5), $350k has been allocated for Community Roads, $85k for upgrade to Leeward Palms Park, $100k to develop the Long Bay Walking Park and another $50k for speed tables.

The Bight (ED6) will also receive $50k in speed tables,

construction of sidewalks to the tune of $100k, Tower Drive Kids Park will receive $100k, community parks development at Juba Sound $85k, upgrade to the Bight Community Park at $650k and for the community centre in the Bight $1.5m.

Cheshire Hall (ED7) will see community roads construction and upgrades to the tune of $400k, speed tables - $75k, construction of sidewalks at $200K, and the refurbishment of the Gustavus Lightbourne Complex at $1.2m.

In Blue Hills (ED8), the Clementina and Fuller Walk-in Park will be upgraded at $550k, with an additional $150k going towards community park development in Blue Hills with a multipurpose court, kids-shaded area, fencing lighting and parking. Meanwhile, $100k has been allocated for water connections in Blue Hills, $150k for the construction of community entrance signs and for a Mobile Clinic in Blue Hills $450k.

Five Cays (ED9) will see the beautification to its main entrance being done at $100k, sidewalks in Chalk Sound at $250K and for the Sapodilla Bay Beach Project $850k.

In Wheeland and West Caicos (ED10) (for the awarded/ commenced or completed projects) $500k will go towards the recreational pavilion and another $100k for the construction of community entrance signs.

Robinson stated: “The investments we are making today are not expenses; they are the seeds of our future prosperity.

“Each dollar spent is meticulously planned to yield tangible benefits for our communities.

“Our infrastructure is the stage upon which the story of our nation’s progress is enacted, and with this budget, we are ensuring that this stage is set for a stellar performance in 2024 and beyond.”

Budget red tape stymies police forces’ recruitment efforts

BY OLIVIA ROSE

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is facing a significant challenge in recruiting and filling vacancies, due to budget restrictions.

Mr Kendall Grant highlighted the challenges in recruiting and filling vacancies during his presentation to the House of Assembly’s Appropriation Meeting on Friday, April 12, 2024.

Grant, who was at the time filling in for the Acting Commissioner Mr Rodney Adams who was away on official business, highlighted the hurdles, which are hindering the forces’ ability to ensure the safety of the TCI.

He explained that the current budget only allows funding for nine months rather than 12 months to fill these vacancies.

He said: “The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has an establishment of 387 staff members that are budgeted, 318 are trained officers and 69 are support staff the current strength of the force is 36 staff with 285 trained officers and 69 support staff.”

Grant underscored that the police force has a rigorous recruitment process, which includes a thorough background check and an enhanced integrity test.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Kendall Grant

This internal process often leads to a lapse in hiring time, as this stringent vetting process is not always completed within the budgetary hiring window.

Despite making good progress in recruitment, Grant said the force is still facing a significant challenge with 40 vacancies primarily in the role of police constables.

Govt launches Phase 2 of ‘Reaching the Streets’ to curb gun and gang violence

To address the surge in youthrelated gun and gang violence in Providenciales and Grand Turk, the ‘Reaching the Streets’ programme is launching Phase 2 of its comprehensive intervention strategy.

The second phase of the programme will train 400 people to reach out to at-risk youth and provide them with the tools and resources they need to make positive choices. Community leaders and other stakeholders are encouraged to participate in this initiative which will get underway from May 6th – 8th, 2024 in Providenciales and May 9th-11th, 2024 in Grand Turk.

The programme will focus on strengthening youth prevention and intervention strategies, forging strategic relationships, and providing conflict resolution education.

The Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services, Hon Rachel Marshall Taylor,

expressed her excitement for the upcoming phase, stating, “I am eagerly looking forward to Phase 2 of the Reaching the Streets programme which is all about implementation, commitment and change”.

She stressed that the multifaceted approach including prevention, intervention, rescue and rehabilitation will aid in mitigating the impact of gun violence and influence troubled youth to make more positive choices.

Echoing similar sentiments, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mrs CherylAnn Jones said: “With the upsurge in youth-related gun crime and violence, we have determined that it is only as a joined-up community that we can intervene and arrest this spate of gun crimes among our youth. Our position is that the more trained hands we have, the more expanded, consistent, and sustained will be the reach and impact of the Reaching the Streets

He said: “Our recruitment process for trained offices ranges between six to eight weeks, and for local hires, it extends to approximately eight to 10 weeks.

“The impact of our recruitment is further compounded by our inability to recruit officers immediately due to budget restraints, as the current budget only allows funding for nine months rather than 12 months to fill these vacancies.”

He further revealed that some 88 applications are being processed, however, the force is unable to hire new officers until July 2024, creating additional strain on its medium-term crime-fighting strategies.

He said that this was concerning, “Especially considering the current increase in serious and violent crime and the threat posed by Haiti”.

He emphasised that the organisation is working hard to fill the vacancies in collaboration with the Governor’s office, but added that it is important to recruit those persons whose values align with the organisation’s, in order to build trust and confidence within the community.

“Mr Chair and committee members, it is also our position that approval should be given for the 12 months for immediate hire if we are to be effective in protecting our borders and our communities from the threat pool,” Grant said.

Bringing clarity to the situation, Ms Lakeia Lewis, the new Deputy Director of the Budget Department in the Ministry of Finance said: “So as a means of savings in addition to the time it takes to get the estimates approved, we would have already gone through April, so that’s one month basically lost, come May -June.

“There is nothing that prohibits the force or anyone from hiring because at the end of it, it’ll still balance out but as a cost-savings mechanism. Most vacant posts are prorated because by the time it takes for the estimates to be approved. We have already lost those months. So it still balances out in the end.”

However, Members of the Appropriations Committee recommended that the force be given 12 months to complete its recruitment and hiring process.

intervention.”

Mrs Jasmine Thomas, National Youth Director also commented on the upcoming event stating that, “Empowering persons with the necessary training to effectively reach street youth is not only an investment in their future but a commitment to uplifting an often marginalized and vulnerable segment of our society”.

The initiative is being facilitated by Dr Burrows, a multifaceted motivator, inspirator, businessman, consultant and mentor, who has served as Chaplain to the Bahamas government Parliament and House of Assembly and as chief advisor to the Bahamas government on Youth matters as Chairman of the National Youth Advisory Council on three occasions.

Dr Burrows has also engaged the services of two other street intervention specialists in the persons of Carlos Reid and Eric Fox as key contributors to this project. (Olivia Rose)

Governor appoints new commissioners to FSC’s board of directors

Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam has appointed three new commissioners (nonexecutive directors) to the board of directors of the Financial Services Commission (FSC).

In accordance with Section 5 of the Financial Services Commission Ordinance 2007, DiMaggio Rigby, Geoff Scott and Dennis Swann have been appointed to the Board for three years, beginning in April 2024.

Rigby brings specialist experience in cyber, media, and technology risks. He is currently employed in London as a Cyber Insurance Market Consultant.

Scott is a financial services professional with over 30 years of success in banking. He currently leads the Bermuda Bankers Association and was, until August 2022, the Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Cooperation of Barbados Limited (ICBL).

Swann is a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers. He

has expertise in Human Resources and worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia for 12 years. He has previously worked within the TCI FSC.

The Governor said the appointments were made following consultation with the Hon. Premier (in his capacity as the Minister of Finance) and the Hon Leader of the Opposition.

“I am confident that the combined experience of these three new Commissioners will help ensure the FSC delivers our vision for a technologically advanced financial services sector that is competitive and supports growth, is well regulated while agile and internationally respected.

“I would like to thank Keno Forbes for his previous service as a Commissioner.”

In accordance with Section 5 (1) of the Financial Services Commission Ordinance 2007 the FSC Board of Directors is comprised of the Permanent

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Secretary of Finance and the Managing Director as ex officio directors, as well as five and seven other individuals appointed by the Governor.

The Board is the governing body of the Commission, and its principal functions are to establish the policy of the Commission and monitor and oversee its implementation; monitor and oversee the management of the

Commission by the Managing Director with the objective of ensuring that – the resources of the Commission are utilized economically and efficiently; adequate internal financial and management controls are in place; the Commission is operated in accordance with principles of good governance and the Commission fulfils its statutory obligations and properly discharges its functions.

The Commission also approves the financial estimates of the Commission for submission to the Governor in Cabinet; approves the Commission’s financial statements; appoints a suitably qualified person to audit the Commission’s financial statements; and appoints the Commission’s senior officers, except for the managing director, including the Registrar of Companies.

of 400 word articles on a variety of topics for our Lifestyle pages. Get in touch with us at the Turks and Caicos Weekly News and pitch your idea for a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly column.

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It’s a great way to share your knowledge and promote your business or start-up. Contact us now at tcweeklynews@gmail.com

DiMaggio Rigby, Geoff Scott and Dennis Swann have been appointed as commissioners on the FSC’s board of directors (TCIG photo)

Regional News

Members to Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council named

Haiti has named the members of the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), paving the way for the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to continue efforts to hold fresh elections in a bid to end the political and socio-economic crisis in the country.

In a decree published in the official gazette “Le Moniteur” late Tuesday, the members named are former diplomat Smith Augustin, ex-senator Louis Gerald Gilles, former central bank governor Fritz Alphonse Jean, ex-Senate president Edgard Leblanc Fils, entrepreneur Laurent Saint-Cyr, lawyer Emmanuel Vertilaire, and Leslie Voltaire, a former minister and diplomat.

Evangelical pastor Frinel Joseph and former World Bank official Regine Abraham have been appointed as non-voting observer members.

The publication of the decree came less than 24 hours after the government said no decree regarding the appointment of members of the CPT had been published.

In a statement, denying the publication, the Ministry of Communication said that contrary to the rumours circulating on social media that a “supposedly authentic” decree had been published, it wanted to inform the population in general and the Haitian press in particular “that the official newspaper ‘Le Moniteur’

Minister

Bahamas: Child abuse cases increase by 87%

has not published any decree relating to the appointment of members of the CPT.

Prime Minister Dr Ariel Henry, who was sworn in as prime minister with the backing of the international community shortly after the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, has already indicated that he would step down once the CPT is officially installed and a new prime minister sworn in ahead of the fresh elections.

Henry is stranded in Puerto Rico, having been unable to return home from Kenya where he witnessed the signing of an agreement that would allow the African country to lead a United Nations Security Council-sanctioned Multinational Security Mission (MSS) to restore peace and security in Haiti.

Earlier this week, the members of the CPT had called for it to be

installed “as soon as possible” while accusing the Henry government of seeking to introduce “major modifications” that could further stall the process of bringing about peace and security in the country.

The political, economic, religious, and civil society organisations said they also want the Council to be installed in “the form and content defined in the Political Agreement for a Peaceful and Orderly Transition of April 3, 2024”.

They said they are “deeply shocked” upon learning of the decree published last Friday by the Henry government and “denounce the introduction of major modifications which distort the consensual project of a twoheaded executive carried by the Presidential Transitional Council, consensus patiently and laboriously built between Stakeholders from March 11, 2024”.

Reports of child abuse soared 87 per cent in 2023 compared to 2022, a continuation of what officials say is an increase in child abuse following the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2022, there were 319 reports of child abuse related to physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, incest, neglect and abandonment. In 2023, there were 409 reports related to these categories.

Year-over-year, physical abuse reports increased by 55 per cent. Sexual abuse reports rose by 39 per cent.

There were 113 reports of physical abuse and 128 sexual abuse reports in 2023. There were zero reports of incest in 2022, but 13 reports in 2023. Reports of neglect declined from 141 to 137.

There were 40 reports of

educational neglect in 2023, a category not tabulated in 2022, according to statistics the Department of Social Services provided The Tribune. Likewise, there were 21 reports of suicidal ideation in 2023.

The Ministry of Social Services launched Child Protection Month last week during a press conference.

Charlamae Fernander, acting director of Social Services, said about 150 children are in protective care throughout New Providence, Grand Bahama and Cat Island.

Minister Myles Laroda said officials seek suitable foster and adoptive parents for children in protective care who cannot be reunited with their biological parents.

Ms Fernander encouraged people to adopt older children as well, not just infants.

Sargassum quantities expected to increase in parts of the Caribbean

The presence of Sargassum seaweed in the Caribbean Region has increased over the past few months and according to Antiguan Marine Ecologist Ruleo Camacho, this trend may continue to escalate.

Camacho, providing a report on the seaweed’s development over the first three months of the year, highlighted findings from the University of South Florida Optical Oceanography Lab, which tracks Sargassum blooms using satellite images.

Their findings suggest that the “total Sargassum amount continued to increase to about 9 million metric tons, representing the second-highest amount for the month of February. It has since decreased to around 6.5 million metric tons in March, which is unlike most previous years. “This may be due to cloud cover in the Western Atlantic which

could cause underestimation. The amount of Sargassum entering the eastern Caribbean Sea has continued to increase and this trend will continue in the coming months.”

Camacho highlighted a decline between February and March, similar to observations in 2018, a year that saw one of the worst Sargassum years on record.

Despite this, he revealed that “the total amount of Sargassum observed in March 2024 was above 75% of all previous Sargassum years.”

Given the significant amount of Sargassum in the Eastern and Western Atlantic and its general westerly movement, Camacho emphasized that the Eastern Caribbean region will likely continue to be heavily impacted in the upcoming months.

He, therefore, urged stakeholders to “stay vigilant

as it relates to Sargassum, and to consider mitigation practices which affect Sargassum in a nondestructive way for the surrounding environment.”

He said that although solutions are being looked into, “Sargassum will continue to affect us all if we cannot collectively identify practices which reduce its negative

impacts while still maintaining the quality of life both humans and the environment.”

“We must do more to ensure this planet we call home is treated with the respect it deserves,” he urged.

The Caribbean Islands, including Antigua, Barbuda, and Redonda, have been dealing with Sargassum seaweed since 2011.

Originating off the coast of South America, Sargassum blooms have affected the Caribbean Island chain with varying ecological and economic effects.

While Sargassum provides habitat for juvenile marine organisms and foraging areas at sea, it degrades upon reaching shorelines, leading to negative impacts. Recent studies have also shown that degrading Sargassum may contain heavy metals, such as arsenic and cadmium, which can be toxic to humans and animals. (Loopnews)

of State Myles Laroda

The total amount of Sargassum observed in March 2024 was above 75% of all previous Sargassum years

The publication of the decree came less than 24 hours after the government said no decree regarding the appointment of members of the CPT had been published

Regional News

Bermuda: Govt says economy continues to surpass prepandemic levels

The Bermuda government says economic growth in the British Overseas Territory has exceeded the pre-COVID-19 pandemic level, with international business, local financial insurance, and the real estate sectors contributing significantly to the growth.

“The growth that we see now is exceeding the level of economic performance or economic activity that we would have experienced in 2019,” Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward told a news conference, adding there are sectors “in which there is opportunity where we can continue

to expand economic activity, and those are the areas that we have identified in the economic development strategy”.

Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward speaking at a news conference

Hayward said that apart from the three main growth areas of the economy, “we have seen a rebound in terms of hospitality, not to pre-pandemic levels, but growth rate moving out of the pandemic slumps.

“So we are trying to provide robust economic expansion throughout multiple industrial

UK doesn’t want the headache of running BVI — Fraser

Third District Representative

Julian Fraser has suggested that the United Kingdom (UK) may have shied away from governing the BVI directly because of the complexities involved.

After the Commission of Inquiry (COI), the UK threatened to impose direct rule and promised to temporarily remove the representative government if good governance changes were not implemented as agreed.

Despite the government repeatedly missing deadlines and facing accusations of delaying the implementation of changes, the UK has not opted to impose direct rule.

“The UK called your bluff, [saying] they gonna take over and all that kind of stuff,“ Fraser said. “Why they didn’t take over?”

He continued: “[Taking over isn’t] something they could just do like so. It’s a headache. Running a country like this, it’s a headache.

Bermuda

sectors within the economy as pertains to the items that we have identified in the economic development strategy that we will focus on over the next year.”

Hayward told reporters that there had been economic growth in the first, second, and third quarters of 2023, “which means that the growth is real growth over the 2022 numbers, indicating that the economy continues to expand,” adding that it proved that “the economy is robust, it proves that we are trending in the right direction”.

Hayward noted that in 2022 the

domestic economy showed growth and that “the third quarter’s GDP estimates signify three quarters of strong economic performance in 2023 for Bermuda’s economy.”

The Economy and Labour Minister said that during the third quarter last year, 314 local businesses were created, bringing the island’s complete business register to 16,307.

The third quarter showed a 7.1 per cent growth above the 2022 figures.

In the tourism sector, the authorities recorded 61,451 air visitors during the third quarter last

year, an increase of 9,386 over the same period in 2022.

“Estimated expenditure by air visitors increased to US$111.5 million from US$75.3 million recorded in the third quarter of 2022. The third-quarter economic performance highlights that Bermuda’s economy continues to strengthen.

“The government will continue to facilitate the expansion and sustainability of Bermuda’s economy by creating a business environment that allows businesses to thrive,” Hayward added. (Loop News)

St Vincent and the Grenadines increases penalties for some sex crimes

The Parliament of St Vincent and the Grenadines has passed, with bipartisan support, stiffer penalties for some sex crimes, including increasing the penalty for sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 15 years.

They don’t want the headache.”

Fraser also pointed to the bureaucratic issues that have hampered the government’s RATED programme. The initiative provides temporary jobs for unemployed residents and replaces the bush-cutting contracts, which the COI considered problematic.

Multiple legislators from both government and opposition sides have urged the Premier to address payment delays that have caused workers in the programme to go unpaid for weeks, prompting some to leave the programme entirely.

Fraser suggested that the government implemented the programme to appease the UK without properly considering the needs of the people. “[The UK] got you busy trying to satisfy some stuff that they ask for as opposed to being busy trying to satisfy your people. No. Something has to give,” Fraser said. (BVInews)

Before Thursday’s revision of the law, the maximum sentence was five years’ imprisonment. It has now been increased to 15.

“It’s a significant increase,” said Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, who is also the minister of legal affairs, as he presented the amendments to lawmakers, noting that in the country, no girl under the age of 15 can consent to sexual intercourse.

Gonsalves, a lawyer, noted that the maximum penalty for sex with a girl under the age of 13 is life imprisonment.

“Of course, honourable members will know that many of these offences are often compromised or covered up in certain communities,” said Gonsalves, who is also the minister of national security.

“And that is an ongoing issue of education and interface between police and complainants and Ministry of National Mobilisation, the counsellors, teachers, pastors, and so on and so forth,” he said.

Under the revised law, the penalty for intercourse with a defective person has moved from five years’ imprisonment to 15 years.

“It’s perhaps apt that we are addressing these matters in Child Awareness Month, following up on when we had the discussions in the month of March when we had this select committee, the month which is allocated for women, for special discussion of issues touching and concerning women.”

Lawmakers have also doubled to 10 years’ imprisonment the

maximum sentence for indecent assault on a child under the age of 15.

However, in all other cases, the maximum penalty was increased from two years to five years.

“And of course, instances of indecent assault, as those who practice law and those who live in the real world know, that they are at different levels.”

Gonsalves said that indecency with a child, an offence that was punishable by a maximum of one year in prison, would now attract up to 10 years behind bars.

Third District Representative Julian Fraser

has had economic growth in the first, second, and third quarters of 2023

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves

Regional News

The law passed with 234 votes in favour and 94 against

Sweden passes law lowering age to change legal gender from 18 to 16

Sweden’s parliament has passed a law lowering the age at which people can change their legal gender from 18 to 16, and making the process easier.

The law passed with 234 votes in favour and 94 against in Sweden’s parliament.

Though Sweden was the first country to make gender transition legal, in 1972, the new law has sparked intense debate.

Some say it will make an “important difference” but critics say more research is needed.

Currently, Swedes require a doctor’s diagnosis of gender dysphoria to be allowed to change their legally recognised gender.

But under this new law - which would come into force in July 2025 - the process will be simpler, for example a shorter consultation with a doctor or a psychologist will be enough, along with approval from the National Board of Health and Welfare.

PROJECT MANAGER

Plan and supervise a wide range of construction projects from start to finish, experience in managing large scale vertical construction projects is necessary. You will organize and oversee construction the construction team procedures and ensure they are completed in a timely and efficient manner.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with engineers, architects etc. to determine the specifications of the project.

• Negotiate contracts with external vendors to reach profitable agreements.

• Determine needed resources (manpower, equipment, and materials) from start to finish with attention to budgetary limitations.

• Plan all construction operations and schedule intermediate phases to ensure deadlines will be met.

• Acquire equipment and material and monitor stocks to timely handle inadequacies.

• Hire contractors and other staff and allocate responsibilities.

• Supervise the work of all construction team members and give guidance when needed.

• Evaluate progress and prepare detailed progress reports.

• Ensure adherence to all health and safety standards and report issues.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven experience as construction project manager, minimum 10 years’ experience managing projects greater then USD $15 MIL.

• In-depth understanding of construction procedures and material and project management principles

• Familiarity with quality and health and safety standards

• Good knowledge of MS Office, MS Projects

• Familiarity with construction/ project management software Procore and Blue Beam

• Outstanding communication and negotiation skills

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills

• A team player with leadership abilities

Salary: $2000/weekly

Belongers are encouraged to send copy of their resume to Labour Board Position currently held by a work permit holder.

Legally changing a person’s gender will also be possible from the age of 16, although those under 18 will need the approval of their parents or guardian, a doctor and the National Board of Health and Welfare.

The new law will also separate the process of changing legal gender from gender surgery, which will still need a longer assessment and will still only be allowed from the age of 18.

In accordance with the provisions of Regulation 17 of the Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations, 2018, the Air Transport Licensing Authority hereby publish the following particulars of their decision regarding the grant/refusal/suspension/ revocation of a Licence to operate the undermentioned service:

Applicant/Licence Holder: Ambergris Cay Aviation Ltd.

Licence No (if any) 01/24 5th April 2024 Date of Licence Route(s) Providenciales

Spain leads European push to recognise Palestine, risking Israel’s wrath

As Israel’s war on Gaza rages on for a seventh month, with almost 34,000 Palestinians killed, Madrid wants to recognise Palestine as a state by July and is encouraging its neighbours to follow in its footsteps.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a longtime supporter of Palestinian rights, sees recognition as a way of reaching a two-state solution and a possible key to ending the devastating conflict that began in October.

“The time has come for the international community to once and for all recognise the State of Palestine,” he said in November. “It is something that many EU countries believe we have to do jointly, but if this is not the case, Spain will adopt its own decision.”

In all, 139 out of 193 United Nations member states consider Palestine as a state. Those which do include European nations such as Iceland, Poland and Romania, as well as countries like Russia, China and Nigeria.

The European Union as a whole does not recognise Palestine, nor do states including the United States, France and the United Kingdom.

Sanchez, who has discussed the issue on his recent trips abroad, has

declared that his country has agreed with Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia on the need for recognition.

That four European governments are in favour of the move while others are against is a sign that the EU, as an institution, is deeply divided.

Earlier this week, Portuguese premier Luis Montenegro told Sanchez that his government would “not go as far” as Spain without a joint European approach.

Members of the bloc have for months adopted divergent positions on Israel’s conduct in the besieged enclave and are also split, perhaps to a lesser degree, on the Russia-Ukraine war.

But it is not surprising to see Ireland, Malta, Slovenia, and Spain taking the lead among EU members on this front, given their long-held positions in support of Palestinian self-determination.

The four governments would have preferred to make the move within the EU framework, which would have given them far more leverage, but the pro-Israel positions of Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, and others would stand in the way.

To that end, policymakers in Dublin, Ljubljana, Madrid, and Valletta determined that their best

possible course of action was to move ahead in this relatively small group of like-minded EU members.

It is possible that a few more European countries will join soon later and agree to recognise the State of Palestine, said experts.

“This decision might trigger a few more recognitions, but I do not expect an avalanche,” Marco Carnelos, former Italian ambassador to Iraq, told Al Jazeera. “Other EU member states will watch what the big members like Germany, France, and Italy will do.”

According to Carnelos, there are “no chances” of Germany or Italy under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni agreeing to such a move.

As for France, “maybe”, he said.

Belgium, whose officials have been more critical of the war and called for economic sanctions on Israel, has said it will consider recognising Palestine.

“Belgium holds the rotating presidency of the EU this semester and this is most likely the reason why the Belgian government has not joined Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Malta in their push to recognise Palestine,” Marc Martorell Junyent, a Munich-based journalist, told Al Jazeera.

“Considering the critical

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez sees the recognition as a way of reaching a two-state solution and a possible key to ending the devastating conflict that began in October

position of the Belgian government about Israel’s war against Gaza, it is likely Belgium will join the other countries in their efforts after June, when it will no longer hold the rotating presidency,” he added. Other EU members will likely watch closely to see whether the move has negative repercussions

on ties with the US, Israel’s top ally, or Israel itself.

Nonetheless, beyond “some verbal reaction” from the pair, Carnelos does not expect any concrete actions, such as the downgrading of diplomatic relations or economic sanctions. (AlJazeera)

Bahamas: Ex-MP still free over $3m ‘life-altering’ money battle

A former MP and ex-Supreme Court judge was on Tuesday said to remain free almost two months after police issued a ‘wanted poster’ for him over allegations he has failed to repay an investor more than $3m.

Dr Paul Fuchs, whose criminal complaint against Elliott Lockhart KC triggered the police move, told Tribune Business that the loss of “life-altering money” has “taken an incredible toll on myself and my family” as they have been without the multi-million dollar sum for more than a year.

Speaking after the Supreme Court yesterday ruled it will not hear any further applications on the dispute by Mr Lockhart and his law firm, Lockhart & Company, “until their contempt is purged” and they comply with its orders, he added that “it’s hard to put into words” how devastating the money’s loss has been but voiced optimism that “justice will be done”.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force, in an alert issued on February 20, 2024, said it wanted to question

Mr Lockhart over accusations of fraud by false pretences. Dr Fuchs, who yesterday confirmed this was sparked by the complaint he filed, said “as far as I know” neither the one-time Exuma MP nor Patricia Bullard, the interim administration director for his law firm, had either been detained or turned themselves in.

Describing yesterday’s verdict by senior justice Deborah Fraser “as very important” in the fight to secure the return of his family’s

$3.033m, he added: “I have full confidence in the court and I’m sure justice will be done. I’ve been working diligently with the police in good faith to try and get the criminal complaint that I’ve made addressed.

“I’m sure the police are doing their best, but as far as I know, as far as we know, Lockhart and Bullard are not in custody yet. I filed a formal complaint with them, have been in communication with them. I have been working with them [the police]. Whatever they’ve asked for in data I’ve given to them. I’ve been working diligently to get the criminal complaint addressed. They’re doing the best they can.”

Dr Fuchs confirmed the $3.033m represents a sum paid to Mr Lockhart over a real estate transaction involving an Exumabased property. When the deal fell through, he asked the ex-judge to return the funds, which should have been held in escrow in his law firm’s client account, but the latter has allegedly failed to do so.

“This has been taking an

incredible toll on myself and my family,” Dr Fuchs told Tribune Business. “We gave him [Mr Lockhart] the cash for a real estate transaction in good faith. We gave that to them. When the real estate transaction didn’t occur we asked for it back.

“I’ve been out of my money for over a year. It’s taken an incredible toll on my family, my personal well-being and my personal mental health, and my family’s well-being and mental health. I’ve talked to colleagues, and they’ve suggested going to the US embassy in Nassau and looking at diplomatic options.

I really don’t want to do that.

“I’m really hopeful the police will ultimately detain them, question them and make sure justice is done. It’s a massive impact. It’s profound. I can’t even explain the impact it’s had on myself, my wife and my family. It’s a profound negative impact on my mental health and well-being. It’s taking up a lot of time, energy and effort.”

Stressing that it was critical for

himself and his family to recover the $3.033m, Dr Fuchs added: “It’s life-altering money. It’s a lot of money for anyone, but for me and my family it’s life-altering money. It’s just been a very trying situation.. It’s something that unfortunately is a daily problem in my life and our lives.

“We’re really hoping we can find an end. Hopefully, there’s an end and the police question them, detain them and make sure justice is done. It’s just something that is so hard to believe that, in this day and age, something like this can happen. It’s been a horrible situation; I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. It’s just been a horrible, terrible situation for my wife and children.

“My children are fully aware of what is going on, and it’s been very challenging for them to deal with it and see what I’m going through. It’s just hard to describe how trying it’s been. It’s hard to put it into words. It’s hard to articulate how challenging it’s been. It’s a tough situation,” he continued.

Elliot Lockhart

World News

Peter Murrell re-arrested in SNP finances probe

The husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has been re-arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the finances of the Scottish National Party.

Peter Murrell, 59, was previously arrested as a suspect on 5 April 2023 before being released without charge.

He was taken into custody at 09:13 on Thursday and is being questioned by Police Scotland detectives.

Mr Murrell resigned as the party’s chief executive in March 2023.

In April last year his arrest was the first of three as part of Operation Branchform - Police Scotland’s major investigation into the funding and finances of the SNP.

Police Scotland launched a formal investigation into the SNP’s finances in July 2021 after receiving complaints about how donations were used.

Questions had been raised about more than £660,000 in donations given to the party for use in a

fresh independence referendum campaign.

Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy called the re-arrest of Mr Murrell “an extremely serious development” and urged all former and current SNP staff and politicians to co-operate with police.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said the news was “incredibly concerning”, adding: “It is essential that Police

Scotland is able to proceed with this investigation without interference.”

When Mr Murrell was arrested last year, police searched the house he shares with Ms Sturgeon in Glasgow and the SNP headquarters in Edinburgh.

The house was sealed off with blue and white tape, while a tent was erected on the driveway. Items were brought from the house to the tent, where the BBC understands a

UK: Paedophiles could be stripped of parental rights under new law

Paedophiles convicted of serious sexual offences could lose parental rights over their children under a new law.

The proposed law change comes after the BBC reported the case of a mother who spent £30,000 in legal fees to stop her paedophile ex-husband getting access to their daughter.

After hearing the story, Labour MP Harriet Harman tabled an amendment to upcoming legislation.

It covers the most serious sexual offence - rape of a child under 13.

Speaking to BBC News, Ms Harman said paedophiles who were guilty of that crime in the future would be “automatically deprived” of their parental rights.

“He will be able to get them back only if he goes to the family courts and is able to persuade them that it is in the child’s best interests that his parental rights are restored,” she added. “In the case of a child rapist that is unlikely.”

The BBC understands the Lord Chancellor - who is responsible for courts, prisons, probation and constitutional affairs - has agreed to the amendment.

“It’s a glaring anomaly that while the law protects other people’s children from a sex offender, it doesn’t protect his

Children

own,” Ms Harman told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

She said current laws include a “carve-out” that protects a father’s rights over his children, even if he is a convicted paedophile.

“That’s obviously wrong, because it’s the rights of the child that should be at the forefront, not the rights of the father,” she said.

‘OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE’

Ms Harman, a former deputy leader of the Labour Party, said she proposed the change after hearing the story of Bethan on the Today programme.

She said the story highlighted the “glaring anomaly” that left a convicted paedophile’s parental

vehicle was parked. Police also seized a camper van from outside the Fife home of Mr Murrell’s mother.

The Niesmann and Bischoff vehicle, which can retail for more than £100,000, was seized by police the same morning that Mr Murrell became the first senior party figure to be arrested in the probe.

Later on 18 April 2023, SNP treasurer Colin Beattie was arrested and interviewed by police before being released pending further investigation. He later resigned his position in the party.

Nicola Sturgeon was arrested on 11 June when she “voluntarily” arranged with Police Scotland to be questioned as part of the investigation, a spokesperson said at the time.

Ms Sturgeon had unexpectedly announced she was resigning as SNP leader and first minister four months earlier in February 2023.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

When someone reports a potential

crime, the police will decide if an investigation is required. They will then try to gather evidence, establish all the facts and charge a suspect.

In this case, that process began more than 30 months ago.

Last year, Police Scotland sent an initial report seeking advice and guidance from the body which prosecutes crimes in Scotland, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS).

That advice was provided and the investigation continued, leading to Mr Murrell’s arrest last year.

Currently, the Crown has not received a standard prosecution report from police.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “The matter remains active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the public are therefore advised to exercise caution if discussing it on social media.

“As the investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further at this time.” (BBC)

rights intact, and often forced women like Bethan into long and expensive legal battles to protect their children.

She described this as “part of the hangover of the patriarchy”.

Ms Harman said the courts and the law should “step forward to protect children” instead of “leaving it to the mother”.

“[I] knew that because the government had legislation going through parliament, there was an opportunity for change, so I tabled a new clause to change the law,” she said.

Bethan’s ex-husband was barred from contact with all children except his own after he had been found guilty of serious paedophile offences.

Nearly 14,000 children killed in Gaza since war began, UNICEF says

More than 13,800 children have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war, according to UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Catherine Russell.

“Thousands have been injured and thousands more are on the brink of famine,” she said during a news conference in New York.

In a separate statement, the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women said that “one child is injured or dies every 10 minutes” in Gaza. And

that more than 10,000 women have been killed in Gaza since the war began, and 6,000 of them left 19,000 orphaned children behind. UNICEF communication specialist Tess Ingram, who recently visited Gaza, said in Geneva on Tuesday that what struck her was the number of wounded children she saw.

“Not just in the hospitals, but on the streets, in their makeshift shelters, going about their now permanently altered lives,” she said. (CNN)

Israel relentless attacks have led to the unprecedented deaths of children

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her husband

would be protected from the moment a parent is convicted in a criminal court

How

well could Iran defend itself against a potential Israeli attack?

Israel has pledged to “exact a price” from Iran in response to missile and drone attacks launched by Tehran in retaliation to the deadly bombing of its consulate in Syria at the beginning of this month.

Israel’s war cabinet has met several times to debate a course of action to complement a diplomatic push against Iran since Saturday’s unprecedented direct attacks on Israel, with Israeli army chief of staff Herzi Halevi saying a military response is certain.

Iranian President Raisi threatened a “massive and harsh response” on Wednesday if Israel decides to launch a direct military assault on Iranian soil. So how effectively can Iran defend itself if such an attack occurs?

RELYING ON LOCAL DEFENSIVE ARMS

For decades, Iran has increasingly insisted on relying on its local capabilities when it comes to its economy, but a similar push can also be seen in its military sector.

Much of that sentiment is rooted in Iran’s eight years of war with neighbouring Iraq, which invaded Iran in 1980 under former ruler Saddam Hussein. Baghdad was militarily backed by a multitude of foreign powers, including the United States.

Hampered by decades of sanctions and embargos, Iran’s

air superiority is still heavily challenged, with some of its fighter jets and equipment, including US-made F-4 and F-5 fighter jets, dating back to before the country’s 1979 revolution – which overthrew the West-backed monarchy of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

Iran now mostly operates Russian Sukhoi and MiG fighter jets that date back to the Soviet era. The Iranian air force has been building its own jets too, like the Saeqeh and Kowsar which are based on US designs, but they are not believed to be a match for some of the top fighter jets like the F-35s that Israel employs in large numbers.

A delivery of two dozen Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets, negotiations for which have been ongoing for some time, could significantly revitalise the Iranian air force, but it would not eliminate the need for robust air defence batteries.

LONG-RANGE MISSILE BATTERIES

Iran has tried to compensate for its ageing domestic fighter jets with ambitious missile programmes. It has particularly focused on improving its air defence systems – in addition to burying some of its airbases, missile depots and nuclear facilities deep in the mountains to protect them against bunker buster munitions given to Israel by the

US. Israel has extensively used the US-supplied bunker buster bombs during its six months of war on Gaza.

The longest-range missile defence system operated by Iran is the locally-developed Bavar-373, which entered service in 2019 after a decade of development and testing, and has been significantly improved since.

In November 2022, Iranian officials displayed an improved Bavar-373, which they said had the range of its radar detection improved from 350km (217 miles) to 450km (280 miles) and is now equipped with advanced Sayyad 4B surface-to-air missiles.

the implementation of its nowcomatose nuclear deal with world powers in 2016.

The S-300 systems, which the Soviet Union first put into operation in the late 1970s, are designed to shoot down aircraft, drones and incoming cruise and ballistic missiles at up to 150km (93 miles), whereas the Tor is a low-to medium-altitude system to engage threats at distances of up to 16km (10 miles).

LAYERS OF MISSILE DEFENCE SYSTEMS

Iran operates a wide variety of other locally-developed missile defence batteries that use an array of missiles to build layers of defence behind the longest-range systems.

Iranian state media have said the system is in some aspects superior to the Russian-made S-300 system and is even comparable to the more advanced S-400 batteries, which are some of the most advanced systems in the world. The Bavar-373 has not seen battle outside of military exercises in Iran, but experts regard it as a component of one of the densest air defence networks in the world.

In addition to Russia’s Tor missile defence systems, Iran operates S-300 systems as well. Tehran received the latter after

It can reportedly lock on targets – including long-range ballistic missiles, drones and stealth fighter jets – at up to 400km, track 60 targets and engage six targets at once, and hit them at a range of up to 300km (186 miles).

Multiple medium-range defence systems, including Arman, Tactical Sayyad and Khordad-15 can defend Iranian skies from targets at ranges of up to 200km (124 miles) at different altitudes.

Arman, which was unveiled in November 2022, is mounted on the back of military trucks and ready to deploy within minutes. It comes in two versions, using active or passive electronically scanned array radars – which are accurate and difficult to jam – and is designed to combat tactical ballistic weapons meant for battlefield use in under 300km (186 miles).

Chaos in Dubai as UAE records heaviest rainfall in 75 years

Chaos ensued in the United Arab Emirates after the country witnessed the heaviest rainfall in 75 years, with some areas recording more than 250 mm (around 10 inches) of precipitation in fewer than 24 hours, the state’s media office said in a statement Wednesday.

The rainfall, which flooded streets, uprooted palm trees and shattered building facades, has never been seen in the Middle Eastern nation since records began in 1949. In the popular tourist destination Dubai, flights were cancelled, traffic came to a halt and schools closed.

One-hundred millimeters (nearly 4 inches) of rain fell over the course of just 12 hours on Tuesday, according to weather observations at the airport – around what Dubai usually records in an entire year, according to United Nations data. The rain fell so heavily and so quickly that some motorists were forced to abandon their vehicles as the floodwater rose and roads turned into rivers.

Extreme rainfall events like this are becoming more common as the

atmosphere warms due to humandriven climate change. A warmer atmosphere is able to soak up more moisture like a towel and then ring it out in the form of flooding rainfall.

The weather conditions were associated with a larger storm system traversing the Arabian Peninsula and moving across the Gulf of Oman. This same system is also bringing unusually wet weather to nearby Oman and

southeastern Iran.

In Oman, at least 18 were killed in flash floods triggered by heavy rain, the country’s National Committee for Emergency Management said. Casualties included schoolchildren, according to Oman’s state news agency.

A 70-year-old man died after flooding swept away his vehicle in the UAE’s Ras Al-Khaimah, a police statement said on Tuesday.

The rainfall continued to shift

east Wednesday, impacting parts of southern Iran and Pakistan, areas that see little rainfall this time of year. Iran’s southernmost city of Chabahar, in the Sistan and Baluchestan province, recorded 130 mm of rain.

People attempting to travel by road into the center of Dubai on Wednesday were trapped on the city’s highway.

“The scary part is that there was nowhere you can go,” said Sofie, a Dubai resident who declined to provide a last name. Sofie ended up stranded outside her home for nearly 12 hours, some of which were spent sleeping in her car as surrounding roads remained submerged.

Some taxi drivers refused to take the commuters any further due to the blocked roads, rendering them stuck on the main artery in Dubai.

Commuters were seen walking across the road through giant puddles, trying to find alternative methods of transportation. Some of those stuck had travelled from abroad to Dubai to attend the World Blockchain Summit, a

crypto conference scheduled for early next week.

AIRPORT OPERATIONS

DISRUPTED

Shocking video showed the tarmac of Dubai International Airport – recently crowned the secondbusiest airport in the world –underwater as massive aircraft attempt to navigate floodwaters. Large jets looked more like boats moving through the flooded airport as water sprayed in their wake and waves rippled through the deep water.

Disruption to airport operations continued into Wednesday, after the storm had cleared, with access roads blocked by flooding and multiple airlines including flag carrier Emirates reporting flight delays. Budget airline Flydubai cancelled all flights until 10 a.m. local time Wednesday.

On Wednesday morning, Dubai International advised people to “NOT to come to the airport, unless absolutely necessary,” saying flights continue to be delayed and diverted.

Iran is ranked in the top 20 in the top armies in the world

Cars are stuck on a flooded road after a rainstorm hit Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Wednesday

CONTACT: 341-8252

CONTACT: 341-1683

Netflix’s animated ‘Good Times’ flunks the TV reboot test

After the social-media blowback that greeted the “Good Times” trailer, Netflix opted to premiere the show without making it available to critics. But the animated series that dropped April 12 merely underscores the pitfalls of leveraging a familiar title without a clear reason for doing so, yielding an edgy comedy that likely would have come and gone with scant notice without the weight

of that name.

In addition to the late Norman Lear – who fared considerably better with a “One Day at a Time” reboot – the roster of producers here includes Seth MacFarlane (“Ted,” “Family Guy”) and NBA superstar Stephen Curry. The series was created by Ranada Shepard and Carl Jones, with the latter having worked on “The Boondocks.”

“Good Times” is hardly the first show to try capitalizing on a recognizable title, but the connection has seldom felt more tenuous. And the shift to animation, with the wilder flourishes that allows, not only invites but encourages excess, from talking roaches to gory violence, making the name play more like a cynical grab for attention.

“Good Times” returns as an animated Netflix series, loosely connected to the 1970s sitcom.

Sabrina Green unveils new book ‘Migrant Tales’

Sabrina Green explores the human journey of survival and hope for migrants entering the TCI in her new book titled ‘Migrant TalesWhen Survival Is The Only Option’ set for release later this year.

A poignant collection of short stories, ‘Migrant Tales’ delves into the lives of migrants seeking better opportunities and survival in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Green said the book is a vivid tapestry of human resilience, capturing the challenges, dreams, and triumphs of individuals navigating the complexities of migration.

She said: “Each story offers a unique perspective, shedding light on the diverse experiences of those who brave the journey in pursuit of

ENTERTAINMENT

Five Caribbean writers shortlisted for Commonwealth Short Story Prize

The 2024 Commonwealth Short Story Prize shortlist has been revealed and five stories submitted by writers from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and St Kitts and Nevis, have been selected.

The stories are ‘You Had Me at Aloe’ by Ark Ramsay of Barbados; ‘The Devil’s Son’ by Portia Subran of Trinidad and Tobago; ‘Terre Brulée’ by Celeste Mohammed of Trinidad and Tobago; ‘Wrinkle Release’ by Stefan Bindley-Taylor of Trinidad and Tobago; and ‘The Marriage Proposal’ by Heather Archibald of St Kitts and Nevis.

The five Caribbean writers are among 23 writers that have been selected by an international judging panel from 7,359 entries in a record-breaking year.

The shortlisted entries tackled topics ranging from music, football, art, film, the impact of electricity arriving in a village, and even one woman’s passion for tea. The Commonwealth Foundation said while romance and thrillers feature prominently, nearly a quarter of the shortlisted stories are speculative fiction.

a better life.”

From tales of human trafficking, exploitation, perseverance, and winning against all odds to poignant reflections on the meaning of home, ‘Migrant Tales’ invites readers to embark on an emotional journey that transcends borders and illuminates the universal quest for hope and belonging.

Green said the book sheds light on the challenging circumstances that compel people to seek refuge away from their homeland, noting that many countries face dire conditions like conflict, persecution, economic hardship, and environmental disasters, forcing people to flee in search of safety, opportunity, and a better life.

‘Migrant Tales - When Survival Is The Only Option’, a book by Sabrina Greene

“By shedding light on these realities, I hope to foster greater awareness, empathy, and action to address the root causes of

From top-left to right: Stefan Bindley-Taylor of Trinidad and Tobago; Portia Subran of Trinidad and Tobago; Ark Ramsay of Barbados; Celeste Mohammed of Trinidad and Tobago; and Heather Archibald of St Kitts and Nevis

This year’s shortlist hail from 13 Commonwealth countries, with writers from Mauritius, Rwanda and St Kitts and Nevis being featured for the very first time.

Five regional winners will be announced on May 29 and the overall winner will be announced on June 26, 2024.

The shortlisted stories will

be published in adda, the online literary magazine of the Commonwealth Foundation.

The Short Story Prize is awarded annually for the best piece of unpublished short fiction from the Commonwealth. Regional winners each receive £2,500 and the overall winner receives £5,000. (Loopnews)

displacement and to support those who are forced to leave their homes in pursuit of survival and dignity,” Green stated.

Cavill and girlfriend Viscuso ‘excited’ to welcome first baby together

“Argyle” star Henry Cavill and his girlfriend Natalie Viscuso have announced they are expecting their first baby together.

Cavill told “Access Hollywood” that he’s “very excited” about growing his family, revealing the news at the New York City premiere of “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.”

“I’m very excited about it. Natalie and I are both very excited about it. I’m sure you’ll see much more of that,” he said.

Cavill and Viscuso, a television executive, have been dating for several years. They made their public debut on a red carpet in October 2022. The couple went Instagram official in April 2021, sharing identical pictures of themselves playing a game of chess together. Cavill called Viscuso “my beautiful and brilliant love Natalie.”

Viscuso captioned hers, “teaching my dear Henry how to play some chess…or… maybe he let me win?” (CNN)

Cover artwork done by Rachel Dorssaint of the TCI’s Raymond Gardiner High School. (DELANA ISLES)

Henry Cavill and Natalie Viscuso attend the World Premiere of “Argylle” in January

Taylor Swift fans lose £1m in scams, Lloyds Bank estimates

Taylor Swift fans have lost an estimated £1m in ticket scams ahead of the UK leg of her Eras tour, according to a report by Lloyds Bank.

The bank said more than 600 of its customers had come forward to report being scammed, losing an average of £332 each - with some losing £1,000.

It added that 90% of the reported ticket scams started on Facebook. There has been huge demand for

tickets to see the superstar when she performs in the UK in June and August.

‘It’s horrible - you just feel helpless’

When Karen Elrick’s Facebook account was hacked in December, scammers started impersonating her, posting messages offering Taylor Swift tickets for sale.

Several friends fell foul of the trick, transferring about £750 each - before discovering the ads

weren’t real and the tickets didn’t exist.

“I know of at least three, but I think the police said there were four that have actually bought the tickets,” says the 38-year-old from Glasgow. “And I think as soon as the money’s gone through, they’re then just blocked on the Facebook account.”

The police have made little progress and Facebook have not removed the account, despite multiple requests, she says.

The scammers regularly post similar messages, leaving them up for about a day before removing them so they are no longer there if Facebook investigates.

“It’s horrible,” she says. “You just feel very helpless because it’s friends of yours that are losing money. They obviously realise quite quickly it’s not me that’s stealing from them, but it’s just not a nice feeling.

“It’s totally out of my control and there doesn’t seem to be anything that anyone can help with. Nobody seems to be able to do anything.”

She adds: “If you see Taylor Swift tickets on Facebook, it’s likely a scam.”

Lloyds said there were significantly more ticket scam reports relating to Swift than any other artist.

If other banks have similar figures, there are likely to have been at least 3,000 victims across the UK, it said.

All UK dates for Swift’s Eras tour are sold out, which has prompted some fans who did not get tickets through official channels to look elsewhere.

Liz Ziegler, fraud prevention director at Lloyds Bank, said: “Cruel fraudsters have wasted no time in targeting her most loyal fans as they rush to pick up tickets for her must-see concerts.”

She added: “It’s easy to let our emotions get the better of us when we find out our favourite artist is going to be performing live, but it’s important not to let those feelings cloud our judgement when trying to get hold of tickets.

“Buying directly from reputable, authorised platforms is the only way to guarantee you’re paying for a genuine ticket. Even then, always pay by debit or credit card for the greatest protection.

“If you’re being asked to pay by bank transfer, particularly from a seller you’ve found on social media, that should immediately set alarm bells ringing.”

Lloyds said it was also aware of a larger number of scam cases involving major concerts, with the number rising by 158% in 2023 compared with the previous year.

All UK dates for Swift’s Eras tour are sold out

Salary: $8.00 Hourly

CONTACT: 232-5144

BELONGERS

CONTACT: 649-232-5144

CONTACT: 231-0595

Applicant must have experience as a Floral Assistant or Florist. Must have extensive knowledge of tropical flowers, foliage and potted plants, including their names, seasonal availability and lifespan. Candidates must have experience using current styles in floral design while at the same time understanding the traditional use of certain flowers for weddings, funerals etc. salary commensurate with experience.

• High School Diploma (Preferably CXC/GCSE in Mathematics and English)

• Previous experience in customer service roles, preferably in the adventure tourism industry.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational abilities.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Learn how to become a Casino Table Dealer! Offering a FREE 6 WEEK COURSE for suitable applicants. Certificate of Completion and possible opportunity for future employment to candidates who successfully finish course.

Please submit your resume addressed to HR at the Casablanca Casino located at 226 Grace Bay Road, Providenciales or email your resume to info@casablanca.tc.

Suitable candidates will be contacted with course dates and times.

PLEASE NOTE THAT WORK PERMIT HOLDERS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

WHITBY,

Take order, prepare beverages for bar and restaurant patrons, plan and present bar menus, place food orders, maintain bar, greeting and serving guests and waiting tables.

Relevant training certificate is a plus.

Work hours between 7am – 10 pm daily.

Salary Range: $10 - $11 hourly

Maintain landscape, pool area and property cleanliness. Ensure all common areas are kept cleaned, daily trash disposal, laundry and kitchen assistance as needed and perform other task assigned by management.

Work hours between 6am – 11 pm daily.

Salary: $9.50 hourly

8 CARPENTERS/ DRYWALL FINISH

2 CARPENTER

2

Supervising rebar and engineering lay-out. PROJECT MANAGER/ QUANTITY SURVEYOR $1,200 weekly Plans project resources and prepare budgets.

4 CONSTRUCTION LABOURERS $9 Hourly Mixing concrete.

5 STEELMEN

$10 Hourly

structural steel.

$1,200 weekly

CONTACT: 333-5559

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE JOB:

The position of Business Development Manager has been created to work with the Business Operations team to grow the business and help support the department in meeting its sales targets. It involves the development, support of both standard and non-standard ICT solutions using multiple vendors and technologies throughout the design stage to post sale support.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support and negotiate agreements and contracts for major accounts

• Create business cases for new opportunities to Group support teams

• Assist in knowledge transfer (to team members) of contract drafting, sales force and business cases.

• Handle non-standard pricing and quote requests from top tier customers;

• Participate in pre-sale customer meetings to assist in solution design;

• Participate in customer Quarterly Business Reviews

• Identify upsell opportunities for new and existing customers;

• Assist in ongoing development & enhancement of systems, policies, and procedures;

• Act as the dedicated point-of-contact for assigned customers; manage customer requests and issues - answering questions, handling objections, providing advice, and keeping customers engaged in the service

• Develop and manage project activities based on customer needs to ensure the milestones and objectives are being met

• Monitor overall customer support performance and satisfaction; propose and implement action plans with relevant stakeholders to improve and/or sustain performance

• Serve as support for various projects and/or activities that will drive efficiencies, operational scale, and technology and/or process enhancements

• Develop referenceable experiences with the customers that can be leveraged. Coordinate with sales and marketing to create the collateral associated with these experience that can be shared with other customers as well as within Digicel.

• Assist in the ongoing improvement of the processes, definitions and tools to drive a remarkable customer experience through activities such as retrospectives, post-mortem

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR JOB:

• Minimum APSS/APDS/ACIS/CMNA and/or CCNA accreditation

• Cisco/Avaya training and certification training path (Cisco Business Value Analysts certification would be an asset)

• Avaya/Nortel/HP/Veeam design training and certification

• At least 5 years’ experience in Business Development engagements. Minimum of first degree or equivalent

DEADLINE:

Position open to all qualified Turks and Caicos nationals. Interested applicants can forward their resumes to https://careers.digicelgroup.com

Deadline for applications is May 10th, 2024.

The salary range for this position is between 75,000-85,000.

CONTACT: 341-2552

Setting up workstations. Preparing ingredients, chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc. Cooking food in various utensils or grillers.

Salary: $800.00 weekly

CONTACT: 649-946-5885

BLACKJACK DEALERS/DICE DEALERS

Salary $9.00-$16.00/ hour

All candidates should have at least 2-3 years of experience in the same field, excellent full knowledge of all casino table games and excellent knowledge of Blackjack table game and/or dice game. Job summary: carry out specific tasks in the gaming operation to the highest standard of efficiency and customer service in accordance with gaming policies and procedures set by the company and gaming laws.

LABOURER

Salary $8.00 - $9.00/ hour

Must have several years kitchen helper experience, stock refill, cleaning experience of the full casino with knowledge of covid requirements and be physically fit. Also provide routine building cleaning and maintenance including painting, sanding, lifting, and moving heavy equipment.

HOST

Salary $12.00/ hour

Facilitate a positive guest experience by greeting guests and providing information. Provide a point of contact for customer feedback and help to resolve customer issues. Assist with food and beverage service as needed. Assist with casino shuttle driving as needed.

The Turks and Caicos Islands oldest and leading publishing house is in need of additional staff to fill the following posts:

WRITERS/ PHOTO JOURNALIST

Candidates must have at least five (5) years’ experience working full-time for daily newspapers and/or news/features magazines, reporting on hard news, features and parliamentary/court proceedings. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

FOR MAGAZINES AND OTHER PERIODICALS GRAPHICS PRODUCTION

DESIGNER/ PAGINATOR

This position requires someone with at least five (5) years’ experience working with Macintosh or PC computers. Must be skilled in the make-up of advertising and pagination. Proficiency using InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop software for print is essential. Some technical, networking and web design knowledge an asset. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

COURT REPORTER

College or high school graduate with at least five (5) years’ experience in community reporting. Ability to drive and use a camera a desirable asset. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

ADVERTISING SPACE SALES PERSON

Candidates must have had actual hands-on experience selling advertising space for newspapers and magazines. Ability to assist clients with the writing of copy for ads and gathering of collateral an asset. Salary is commission based.

The Risk Manager of IT & Specialized Assurance will understand our clients’ operations, their industry and the issues they face in order to provide risk and other advisory services. The combination of our specialist skills, industry expertise and on-going investment allows us to anticipate complex business problems for our clients and recommend preventative action. The incumbent will be responsible for a portfolio of clients on a day-to-day basis which will include planning, day-to-day management of the team including review of testing and reports, liaison with key client staff and the management of the reporting process. The incumbent will be expected to drive quality and client service excellence, actively develop and mentor their team and participate actively in business development opportunities.

WHAT WILL YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?

As a manager you’ll manage a portfolio of clients to which you bring deep expertise to help them solve their complex risk management problems. You don’t just solve their problem, you get to the root of it. You take pride in leading a team through testing and reports, as well as liaising with key client staff and managing the reporting process. You play a pivotal role in helping organizations transform how they think about security. You help companies find balance between control and risk, maximizing their potential and agility. You enjoy motivating your team and seeking out new business.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree with strong academic credentials in Business/ Accounting, Computer Science, Engineering, Management Information Systems or Risk related field is strongly preferred

• Qualified in a minimum of one or more of the following designations: CIA, CISM, CISA, CISSP, CIIP/E, CIPM, CEH, and/or other related certifications

• 5+ years practical experience working in business or technology risk within a professional services firm or large scale business; 3+ years post qualification experience preferred

PREFERRED:

• Experience in a Professional services firm or large business.

The salary for this position will be based on qualifications and experience and will range from $65,000.00 - $70,000.00. Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders can also submit copies of their application to the Labour Department/ TCI Work Permit Board.

This is a new position

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• Information reporting- Communicate with clients and staff both verbally and electronically.

• Identify system issues and propose resolutions and inform clients and Maintenance Manager

• Industrial Affiliation in Mechanical Certificate

• MEP-Construction Background

• Problem-solving skill

• Project control and planning

• AutoCAD 2D & 3D

• Microsoft office

• Monitoring and site supervision experience

• Salary 700-800 / week base on experience and qualification

CAICOS DREAM TOURS

Excursion Tour Company offering a range of excursions, including snorkeling, group boat tours or private charters.

BOAT CAPTAIN

• Valid Turks and Caicos Captain License

• Experience in a tour excursion company

• Safely operate and navigate boats for various tours

• Excellent communication skills and exceptional customer service

MATE (CREW)

• Experience in a tour excursion company

• Assist the Boat Captain in safely operating and navigating during tours.

• Excellent communication skills and exceptional customer service

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE TECHNICIAN AND AGENT

• Both technician and agent will be responsible for customer inquiries, phone calls, bookings, email and reservations.

• Greeting customers warmly and assisting with check-in procedures

• Previous experience in customer service in hospitality or tourism field and excellent communication skills

CONCIERGE

• Provide personalized recommendations and assistance with bookings tours and reservations.

• Experience as a concierge and customer service in hospitality or tourism

• Strong sales and problem-solving abilities

HUMAN RESOURCES AND CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT

• Assist HR manager with all needs

• Will assist for customer inquiries, phone calls, bookings, email reservations and check-in procedures

• Excellent communication skills and exceptional customer service

SOLANA RESTAURANT

Ocean Club West

54 Bonaventure Crescent, Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos Islands (649)333-3343 or (649)332-2000

Please send your CV to info@solana.tc

COOKS

DUTIES

• Set up and meticulously stock stations with all necessary supplies for efficient service.

• Skillfully prepare a variety of menu items, including chopping vegetables, butchering meat, and crafting sauces.

• Collaborate with the kitchen team to cook menu items to perfection.

• Responsively answer, report, and follow instructions from executive or sous chefs.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the station, ensuring proper stock inventory.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrated cooking experience, including proficiency as a line chef, restaurant cook, or prep cook.

• Exceptional understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment, and procedures.

• Ability to execute assigned tasks with precision and speed.

• Familiarity with industry-leading practices and standards.

Salary: $10 to $12 per hour + Service Charge

PREP COOK

DUTIES

• Assist with the preparation of ingredients and mise en place.

• Follow recipes and portion control guidelines.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen.

• Support kitchen staff during service as needed.

• Adhere to food safety standards and regulations.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Previous experience as a prep cook or kitchen assistant preferred.

• Basic knowledge of food handling and preparation techniques.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Team player with a positive attitude.

Salary: $8 to $10 per hour + Service Charge

STEWARD DUTIES

• Clean and sanitize dishes, utensils, and equipment.

• Assist with food preparation and plating as needed.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen and dining areas.

• Dispose of trash in accordance with sanitation standards.

• Follow safety protocols and regulations at all times.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Prior experience as a steward or dishwasher preferred.

• Knowledge of proper sanitation and hygiene practices.

• Ability to work efficiently in a team environment.

• Physical stamina to stand and lift heavy objects.

Salary: $8 to $10 per hour + Service Charge

BARTENDER DUTIES

• Prepare and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages according to recipes and customer preferences.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar area.

• Interact with customers, take orders, and provide recommendations.

• Monitor inventory and replenish supplies as needed.

• Adhere to all safety and sanitation policies.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven experience as a bartender.

• Extensive knowledge of drink recipes and mixology techniques.

• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Salary: $8 to $10 per hour + Tips and Service Charge

BARBACK DUTIES

• Assist bartenders with stocking and replenishing supplies.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the bar area.

• Collect empty glasses and dishes from tables and bars.

• Assist in preparing garnishes and ingredients.

• Provide support to bartending staff as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Previous experience in a barback or similar role preferred.

• Ability to lift heavy objects and stand for extended periods.

• Strong multitasking and organizational skills.

• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Salary: $8 to $10 per hour + Service Charge

POOL AND BEACH RUNNER DUTIES

• Deliver food and beverages to guests at poolside or beach areas.

• Take orders and provide recommendations to enhance guest experience.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of pool and beach areas.

• Communicate effectively with kitchen and waitstaff.

• Ensure guest satisfaction by providing prompt and friendly service.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Previous experience in a similar role preferred.

• Strong customer service skills.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Salary: $8 to $10 per hour + Service Charge

HOSTESS

DUTIES

• Greet guests and manage reservations.

• Seat guests according to seating chart and preferences.

• Provide menus and inform guests of daily specials.

• Manage waitlist during peak hours.

• Coordinate with servers and kitchen staff to ensure smooth service.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Previous experience as a host/hostess preferred.

• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

• Ability to remain calm under pressure.

• Friendly and outgoing personality.

Salary: $8 to $12 per hour + Service Charge

BUSSER/RUNNER

DUTIES

• Ensure tables are promptly cleared and reset for incoming guests.

• Assist servers in delivering food and beverages to tables.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of dining areas.

• Communicate effectively with kitchen and waitstaff to ensure smooth service.

• Provide excellent customer service to enhance dining experience.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Prior experience in a similar role preferred.

• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

• Attention to detail and cleanliness.

Salary: $8 to $10 per hour + Service Charge

Seeks A

GENERAL PRACTICE SURVEYOR

The successful applicant must possess:

• MSc / BSc in Land Economy & Valuation Surveying

• (RICS-recognised Qualification).

• Ten years post qualification work experience.

• Computer literate with experience in Word, Excel, MS Project & Argus.

Duties will include and candidates should have experience in:

• Market appraisals and secured lending valuations.

• Development feasibility studies.

• Facilities and Asset portfolio Management.

An annual salary of $36,000.00 plus performance related commission is offered for this position.

The suitable candidate will be able to work under his own initiative and be able to see through projects from concept to completion.

This position is available immediately and closing date for application is 29th April 2024.

Qualified Turks And Caicos Islanders Preferred.

CAICOS DREAM TOURS

Caicos Dream Tours is a renowned boat excursion tour company specializing in providing memorable and immersive experiences in Turks and Caicos Islands!

POSITION TITLE:

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

Are you passionate about shaping company culture and building exceptional teams? Do you thrive in dynamic environments where your ideas can make a real impact? Caicos Dream Tours is seeking a talented HR Manager to establish and lead our new HR department.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

As our HR Manager, you will have the unique opportunity to assess the development of our HR department from the ground up. You will be responsible for creating and implementing HR policies, procedures and initiatives that align with our company values and support our strategic objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Develop and implement HR strategies and initiatives aligned with the overall business strategy.

Blu Wave Cleaning, a reputable cleaning company located on Leeward Highway, Providenciales, is seeking four (4) dedicated and detail-oriented Cleaners to join our team. As a Cleaner, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of various facilities. If you take pride in your work and enjoy creating a spotless environment, we encourage you to apply!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• General Cleaning:

• Perform routine cleaning tasks, including dusting, sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming.

• Clean and sanitize restrooms, break rooms, and common areas.

• Empty trash bins and replace liners.

• Specialized Cleaning:

• Handle specific cleaning tasks such as window washing, carpet cleaning, and floor polishing.

• Follow established protocols for handling hazardous materials.

• Maintenance:

• Report any maintenance or repair needs promptly.

• Keep cleaning equipment and supplies organized and well-maintained.

• Safety and Compliance:

• Adhere to safety guidelines and use appropriate protective gear.

• Follow company policies and procedures.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience: Previous experience as a Cleaner preferred.

• Physical Stamina: Ability to perform physically demanding tasks.

• Attention to Detail: Thoroughness in cleaning and maintaining high standards.

• Reliability: Punctuality and consistency in work performance.

• High School Diploma or Equivalent: Preferred but not mandatory

• Team Player: Willingness to collaborate with colleagues and supervisors

PAY:

• $10 per hour

If you are interested in this position, please send your resume and cover letter to bluwave649@gmail.com or call us at 649-343-5343. We look forward to hearing from you!

Date: 18/04/2024

- Establish HR policies and procedures in compliance with Turks and Caicos Labour Law and industry best practices.

- Oversee all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, offboarding, scheduling, etc.

- Drive employee engagement and retention efforts through innovative programs and initiatives.

- Provide guidance and support to managers and employees on HR related matters.

- Implement and manage HRIS to streamline processes and enhance data management capabilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field

- 4+ years of HR experience, including at least 2 years in managerial role.

- Strong knowledge of HR best practices, employment laws and regulations.

- Experience developing and implementing HR policies, procedures, and initiatives.

- Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.

BENEFITS:

- Competitive salary

- Flexible working opportunities

- Training provided to enhance skills and knowledge.

- Work in a dynamic and passionate team.

If you are ready to embark on a fulfilling career at Caicos Dream Tours, apply now by submitting your resume to careers@caicosdreamtours.com. Don’t forget to mention for which position you desire to apply! Join us in creating unforgettable memories for our guests!

Must work nights, holidays, split shift, 6 days per week.

Good experience in fine dining. Good knowledge of general cooking, sautéed, pasta grill station, Meat-seafood butchery. Good knowledge of Italian and Mediterranean Cuisine.

Must Speak English.

Hourly

• Qualifications/Job Description:

• Minimum 2 year degree and specialized certification on Hospitality/Property Management

• 5+ years Hotel/Property Management and PMS Software experience

• Bookkeeping, accounting and revenue management experience.

• Assist managing 20+ units, reservations and various contractors.

• Must be willing to be on call 24 hours a day!

• Must have own vehicle.

INTERESTED PARTIES, PLEASE CALL OR WHATSAPP MANAGEMENT AT 649-341-4317

CONTACT: 242-1358

Strong project management skills and a passion for social impact preferred

• University degree or Diploma in education, psychology, counseling, social work or similar field

• At least five (5) years experience working in a related field

• Computer literate in Microsoft Office programs

• Excellent skills of working with young people

• Administration management or other office experience

• Strong written, verbal and communication skills Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience $36,000 to $48,000 per annum

CONTACT: 649-241-5715

• Minimum of 5 years fully registered Midwife

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in community midwifery, birthing centers

• Able to do IVs, venipuncture, injections, vitals, dressings, ECG

• Ultrasound certifications an asset

• Must create and teach birth

•

•

• 3+ years’ experience using Autodesk Revit.

• Diploma in Architectural Technology and/or Architectural Technician.

• 3+ years’ experience creating construction documentation.

• 1 year+ experience using Autodesk Dynamo.

• 1 year+ experience in Lumion.

• Second language (Spanish or French)

• 4+ years using the Adobe suite.

• 1-2 years Sketchup experience.

SALARY: $55,000.00 USD per annum

Monday-Friday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

studio@jameshamiltonarchitects.com

202 West Venture House Plaza, Grace Bay Rd., Provo 649-232-3083

VACANCIES

LUIS FRIETE

Juba Sound, Provo / Tel: 343-6168

STEELMAN $8.00 p/h

Fabricate steel frames and install steel bars.

DELANO RIGBY

Blue Hills / Tel: 232-2296

DOMESTIC WORKER $8.00 p/h

Cleaning, sweeping, mopping

SAMMY’S RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT

Five Cays / Tel: 347-5587

SOUS CHEF $10.00 p/h

Directing the food preparation

process and delegating tasks.

READY TO GO

Butterfield Square / Tel: 964-8583

KITCHEN HELPER

$8.50 per hour

perform various cleaning, maintenance, preparation, and stocking duties in the kitchen

VILLA DEL MAR

Bonaventure Cres, Grace Bay Tel: 649-941-5160

HOUSEKEEPER $8.50 p/h

Professionally execute all task relating housekeeping.

PLUMBER - $9.00 hourly Installs pipes and fixtures, installs supports for pipes, equipment, etc.

CARPENTER

$15 hourly Follow blueprints and building plans. Install structures and fixtures. Measure, cut, or shape wood, plastic, and other materials

TILE LAYER

$9 hourly Install materials on floors, walls, ceilings, countertops. Level the surface with a layer of mortar or plywood.

TILE SETTER

$8.50 hourly

Install materials on floors, walls, ceilings, countertops. Level the surface with a layer of mortar or plywood.

TEL: 946-5907

CABINET MAKER

$9 hourly Create various types of highgrade cabinet, furniture and fixtures.

ENGINEER

$15 hourly Invent, design, analyze, build and test machines and gadgets.

BELONGERS ONLY APPLY. RENEWAL 42231

Science & Technology

Fossil discovery by 11-year-old is the largest known marine reptile, study says

A massive jawbone found by a father-daughter fossil-collecting duo on a beach in Somerset along the English coast belonged to a newfound species that’s likely the largest known marine reptile to swim in Earth’s oceans.

Scientists consider the blue whale, which grows up to 110 feet (33.5 meters) long, to be the largest known animal ever to exist on the planet. But it’s possible that the 202 million-year-old reptile, known as an ichthyosaur or “fish lizard,” may have rivaled it in size.

The ichthyosaur’s jawbone, or surangular, was a long, curved bone at the top of the lower jaw just behind the teeth, and it measured more than 6.5 feet (2 meters) long. Researchers believe the creature, named Ichthyotitan severnensis, or “giant fish lizard of the Severn” in Latin, was more than 82 feet (25 metres) long, or the length of two city buses.

Justin and Ruby Reynolds, who live in Braunton, England, recovered the first pieces of the jawbone in May 2020 as they looked for fossils on the beach at Blue Anchor, Somerset. Ruby, 11 at the time, spotted the first chunk of bone, and then she and her dad found additional pieces together.

The remarkable find could shed more light on the prehistoric giant’s role in evolutionary history and the ocean ecosystem it called home, according to Marcello Perillo, a graduate student of evolutionary paleobiology at the University of Bonn in Germany. He is a coauthor of a new report describing the discovery that appeared Wednesday in the journal PLOS One.

UNCOVERING AN UNKNOWN ICHTHYOSAUR

Encouraged at the thought that the fossil find could be significant, the Reynoldses reached out to Dr Dean Lomax, a paleontologist at the University of Manchester and 1851 Research Fellow at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom. An ichthyosaur expert, Lomax has named several species new to science in recent years.

Intrigued by the fossil, Lomax contacted fossil collector Paul de la Salle, who had found a giant ichthyosaur jawbone that looked remarkably similar in May 2016. De la Salle discovered the first jawbone about 6.2 miles (10 kilometres) away from Devon along the coast at Lilstock.

Lomax, who served as lead author of the new report, and coauthor de la Salle had studied the earlier find together and coauthored an April 2018 paper on the discovery,

suspecting it might belong to a previously unknown ichthyosaur species. But the researchers needed additional evidence, and a second, nearly identical jawbone presented an opportunity to potentially confirm a new species.

“To think that my discovery in 2016 would spark so much interest in these enormous creatures fills me with joy,” de la Salle said. “When I found the first jawbone, I knew it was something special. To have a second that confirms our findings is incredible. I am overjoyed.”

Together, the Reynoldses, Lomax, de la Salle and others

returned to Blue Anchor to search for additional fragments. The team recovered other pieces that fit together perfectly, like completing a puzzle.

“When Ruby and I found the first two pieces we were very excited as we realised that this was something important and unusual,” Justin Reynolds said in a statement. “When I found the back part of the jaw, I was thrilled because that is one of the defining parts of Paul’s earlier discovery.”

The researchers reassembled the jawbone by October 2022.

“I was amazed by the find,”

Lomax said in a statement. “In 2018, my team (including Paul de la Salle) studied and described Paul’s giant jawbone and we had hoped that one day another would come to light. This new specimen

is more complete, better preserved, and shows that we now have two of these giant bones — called a surangular — that have a unique shape and structure. I became very excited, to say the least.”

An illustration depicts how a giant pair of swimming Ichthyotitan severnensis may have appeared 202 million years ago

Science & Technology

‘One and done’: Scientists develop vaccine that may fight any viral strain

Genetics-based “one-and-done” vaccines for the flu and COVID could prove more effective and easier to craft than current jabs, researchers report.

These new vaccines would target viruses using a different response to infection than what is prompted by current vaccines, researchers said.

Instead of teaching the immune system to create antibodies to fight off a specific virus, the new vaccine would instead teach the body to create small signalling RNA proteins that will shut down harmful viral spread.

This new approach could revolutionize current vaccine development, in which experts create vaccines based on predictions of which flu and COVID strains are likely to be most infectious, researchers argue.

Instead, these RNA-promoting vaccines should be effective against all strains of a specific virus.

“What I want to emphasize about this vaccine strategy is that it is broad,” said researcher Rong Hai, a virologist with University of California, Riverside. “It is broadly applicable to any number of viruses, broadly effective against

These new vaccines would target viruses using a different response to infection than what is prompted by current vaccines, researchers said

any variant of a virus and safe for a broad spectrum of people.”

“This could be the universal vaccine that we have been looking for,” Hai added in a university news release.

Traditionally, vaccines use dead or live but modified virus to prompt an immune response from the body. This immune response

ChatGPT 4 could be used to triage eye problems, say Cambridge academics

An academic researcher says artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to triage patients with eye issues.

Dr Arun Thirunavukarasu, who studied at the University of Cambridge, said AI could decide urgent cases that need to be seen by specialists.

Cambridge University academics tested ChatGPT 4 against the knowledge of medics at different stages of their career.

The AI programme scored 69% when tested in a mock exam of 87 questions.

About 374 ophthalmology questions were used to train the ChatGPT 4. Its answers were compared to five expert ophthalmologists - doctors who care for patients with eye conditions - three trainee ophthalmologists, and two

unspecialised junior doctors.

They were also compared to an earlier version of ChatGPT and other language models.

ChatGPT 4 scored 69%, higher than other programs such as ChatGPT 3.5, Llama and Palm2.

Expert ophthalmologists achieved a median score of 76%, trainees scored 59% and junior doctors scored 43%.

Dr Thirunavukarasu, who led the study and carried out the work while studying at the University of Cambridge’s School of Clinical Medicine, now works at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

He said: “We could realistically deploy AI in triaging patients with eye issues to decide which cases are emergencies that need to be seen by a specialist immediately, which can be seen by a GP, and

the body to interfere with viral replication through the use of targeted RNA signalling proteins.

Everyone already has this natural response to infection, but viruses can produce their own proteins that block the body’s RNA response, explained researcher Showei Ding, a professor of microbiology at University of California, Riverside. The new vaccine teaches the body how to get around this viral defence.

There’s also little chance a virus could mutate to avoid this vaccine, Hia added.

“Viruses may mutate in regions not targeted by traditional vaccines. However, we are targeting their whole genome with thousands of small RNAs. They cannot escape this,” Hai said.

teaches the body how to recognize a germ and produce antibodies that specifically target and kill that bug.

The new vaccine also uses a live, modified version of a virus, but it doesn’t rely on the body having a traditional immune response that prompts the creation of antibodies, researchers said.

Instead, these vaccines teach

One such vaccine injection created for a mouse virus called Nodamura protected lab mice from lethal doses of the virus for at least 90 days, researchers report. Nine mouse days are roughly equivalent to one human year.

The new study was published April 15 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

University of California, Riverside, has been issued a U.S. patent on its new RNA vaccine

technology, the researchers said.

The vaccine will be of particular help to newborns, who can’t receive current vaccines because their immune systems are underdeveloped, as well as people with diseases that compromise their immune systems, researchers said.

“That’s why our next step is to use this same concept to generate a flu vaccine, so infants can be protected,” Ding said. “If we are successful, they’ll no longer have to depend on their mothers’ antibodies.”

The new vaccine could also be delivered in the form of a spray, which will help people who are needle-shy.

“Respiratory infections move through the nose, so a spray might be an easier delivery system,” Hai said.

Ultimately, this strategy could be used to “cut and paste” vaccines for any number of viruses, the researchers noted.

“There are several well-known human pathogens; dengue, SARS, COVID. They all have similar viral functions,” Ding said. “This should be applicable to these viruses in an easy transfer of knowledge.” (USNews)

More than half of those waiting beyond the target time are at the greatest risk of sight loss

which don’t need treatment.

“The models could follow clear algorithms already in use, and we’ve found that ChatGPT 4 is as good as expert clinicians at processing eye symptoms and signs to answer more complicated questions.”With further development, large language models could also advise GPs who

are struggling to get prompt advice from eye doctors. People in the UK are waiting longer than ever for eye care.”

The technology could be deployed to triage patients and determine who needs specialist care and who can wait to see a GP, researchers said. They added that language

models such as ChatGPT “do not appear capable” of replacing eye doctors, but could “provide useful advice and assistance to nonspecialists”.

Dr Thirunavukarasu added that he believed doctors would continue to be in charge of patient care. (BBC)

Science & Technology

Stretching isn’t always the answer for pain and muscle tension

For years, conventional wisdom in fitness culture has promoted the belief that stretching to become more flexible leads to better movement and injury prevention.

But what if I told you that the road to improved mobility isn’t always paved with stretching?

As a mobility coach in professional sports, I’ve learned that the key to healthy movement encompasses a variety of factors determined by your body’s specific needs. And those don’t always include more flexibility.

THE STRETCHING MISCONCEPTION

Flexibility is valuable, but it’s not the only consideration for optimizing joint function. Our joints set the foundation for movement by creating the capacity for your range of motion, and your muscles support joint action. Because functional joints require a combination of both mobility and stability, muscles need to be both flexible and strong to support joints properly.

Driven by a pervading assumption that flexibility is the ultimate measure of joint health — and because stretching tends to feel good and takes relatively little effort — people frequently focus much more on stretching than strengthening.

Unfortunately, this imbalanced approach can lead to joint instability, chronic pain and increased risk of injury. And since stretching is often touted as a cure-all for pain, I have seen too many individuals get caught in an unhealthy, painful cycle in which they stretch even more to relieve the tension and pain that they are unwittingly increasing with their continued stretching.

HOW STRETCHING CAN INCREASE TENSION

In cases in which the joints are unstable due to issues such as laxity, injury, hypermobility or misalignment, the body will generally compensate by tightening surrounding muscles to provide additional stability. This compensatory mechanism, known as protective tension, acts to protect you from going into a range of motion that your joint can’t support.

If you don’t recognize when tension is protective in nature and attempt to relieve it by stretching, the body typically responds by increasing the tension. What’s more, stretching aggressively against protective tension can further destabilise the joint and increase the risk of injury.

WHEN STRETCHING ISN’T THE ANSWER

Before using stretching as a quick fix for muscle tension, it’s important to ask yourself why you feel tight in the first place so you can determine if stretching isn’t advisable.

Knowing the underlying cause of your discomfort will help you recognize protective tension and prioritize the most appropriate approaches, which could include strengthening and corrective exercise to increase stability and restore alignment.

When assessing whether stretching is right for you, you should keep in mind special circumstances, such as pregnancy, in which hormonal changes, including the release of relaxin, can increase joint laxity. Some prescription drugs can also cause joint and muscle pain.

If you’re unsure why you feel tight or if you have a condition that might make stretching inadvisable, consult with your doctor or physical therapist for insight into

your specific situation.

THE TIGHT HAMSTRING EXAMPLE

When muscles feel tense, the standard assumption is that they are short and tight, making stretching a logical solution. But your body is a little too complex for a cookie-cutter approach. As an example, let’s look at a common issue I encounter in my clients as a mobility coach: tight hamstrings. It might surprise you, but in my two decades of working in professional sports, I’ve found that stretching is rarely the answer for addressing hamstring tension in my athletes.

In the majority of cases I’ve seen, athletes have tight hamstrings due to an anterior pelvic tilt in which the pelvis is dipped forward of neutral. Because the hamstring muscles attach to the pelvis, when the pelvis is shifted anteriorly, it pulls the hamstrings into a lengthened and inhibited state. In this case, the hamstrings feel tense and immobile because they are long and tight rather than short and tight.

While stretching may seem like an intuitive solution for hamstring tension, when these muscles are pulled long by the pelvis, attempting to stretch them more can result in tears and strains in both the hamstrings and low back as well as further destabilization of the pelvis. Instead of stretches, I focus on exercises that promote alignment and stability. One such exercise is the breathing bridge.

HOW TO PERFORM THE BREATHING BRIDGE

This exercise works to restore pelvis position by strengthening the core and glutes while releasing tension in the hip flexors and low back. Although the hamstrings are actively working with the glutes to hold the bridge position, the posterior pelvic tilt relieves the lengthened tension on the hamstrings. Follow the instructions below or follow along with the video at the top of this article.

Begin on your back with your

knees bent and feet on the floor, hip-distance apart, holding a foam yoga block or rolled towel between your knees.

Place your hands on your lower ribs to guide and monitor their movement in and out with each breath.

Exhale fully, drawing your lower ribs in toward each other, feeling your core turn on and your rib cage move down. At the end of that exhale, without inhaling, tuck your tailbone under to posteriorly tilt your pelvis and flatten your low back as you lift your hips 3 or 4 inches off the floor.

Hold this position using the strength of your core and glutes to avoid letting your pelvis dip forward into anterior tilt and your low back arch. Take five long, deep breaths.

BENEFITING FROM STRETCHING: A STABLE, BALANCED APPROACH

Stretching can be beneficial and has its place in any well-balanced fitness program that also includes strength training. As mentioned, healthy joints rely on a balance of strong and flexible muscles to create stable mobility.

Dynamic stretching, which is characterized as stretches held for less than 30 seconds and commonly known as mobility training, is the primary type of stretching I use in my work and recommend in warm-ups before strength training or other types of fitness and sport activities. Vinyasa or flowing yoga generally consists of dynamic stretches. Longer-held static stretches of 30 seconds or more should be reserved for cooldowns or recovery days.

When leveraging stretches for targeted issues, ensure there are no contraindications and maintain a balanced approach. For instance, if you’re experiencing low back pain related to tension, a combination of stretching and strengthening would yield best results. You might opt for the breathing bridge exercise mentioned earlier, which provides a blend of strengthening and lengthening benefits. Alternatively, you could rotate between exercises such as child’s pose to elongate low-back muscles and forearm plank to reinforce core muscles and enhance low-back stability.

While stretching can feel good, remember that, when it comes to increasing flexibility, too much of a good thing can become a bad thing. By taking the time to understand the cause of your muscle tension as it relates to a balance of strength and flexibility, you can avoid unnecessary pain and injury to move and feel your best. (CNN)

The breathing bridge exercise can help tight hamstrings by strengthening the core and glutes, restoring pelvic alignment, and releasing tension in the hip flexors and low back

What’s more, stretching aggressively against protective tension can further destabilise the joint and increase the risk of injury

Science & Technology

Pregnancy complications linked to increased risk of early death even decades later, study finds

Pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, may be linked to an elevated risk of death even decades after giving birth, according to a new study.

The study, published Monday in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, found that women who experienced major complications during pregnancy had an increased risk of early death and that risk remained elevated for more than 40 years.

“Adverse pregnancy outcomes may lead to small physiologic changes that are initially hard to detect, such as inflammation or other abnormalities in small blood vessels. These changes may persist or progress after pregnancy, eventually leading to other health problems that may take years or even decades to appear,” Dr. Casey Crump, an author of the study and professor in the department of family medicine and community health at UTHealth Houston, said in an email.

“Pregnancy provides a key opportunity to identify high-risk women and start interventions earlier in life, before other health problems develop,” Crump said. “Women who experience adverse pregnancy outcomes need close follow-up with their primary care doctor, starting soon after delivery, for regular preventive care to help reduce these risks and protect their long-term health.”

Nearly 30% of women experience an adverse pregnancy outcome during their reproductive years, the researchers wrote in their study.

‘AN EARLY WINDOW TO

The study found that women who experienced major complications during pregnancy had an increased risk of early death

HEALTH IN LATER LIFE’

The researchers, from The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and Lund University in Malmö, Sweden, analysed data on more than 2 million women who gave birth in Sweden between 1973 and 2015.

“This study was conducted in Sweden because its universal health care system collects nationwide data that enabled several decades of follow-up,” Crump said in the email. He added that the study “will eventually need to be replicated in other populations, including the US where minority groups may potentially have even higher risks than we found in Sweden.”

The researchers took a close look at how many of the women in the data experienced any of five major pregnancy complications: gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, having infants with a low birth weight, preeclampsia and other disorders related to high blood pressure. They also examined for how long the women

lived after giving birth. The data showed that more than 88,000 women had died and all five pregnancy complications were independently associated with a higher mortality risk later in life.

The new study “sheds light on an evolving area - the association of pregnancy complications with long term health risks,” Dr Ashley Roman, vice chair for clinical affairs and chief of obstetrics at NYU Langone Health, who was not involved in the study, said in an email.

“It is not so much that pregnancy causes or directly increases the risk of these long term complications. The way I explain this to my patients is that pregnancy is a stress test that can unearth a predisposition to certain diseases later in life,” Roman said. “A pregnancy is supported by the placenta, which creates hormones and needs a rich blood supply to do its job right. How the mother’s body responds to these hormones and vasculature created by the

Public Appeal

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is appealing to any member of public who may have any information on any crimes. They can contact Chalk Sound Police Station on 338-5901 or make use of the confidential reporting system through Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477.

placenta is an early window to health in later life.”

‘IT

WAS

STRIKING…

MORE THAN 40 YEARS AFTER’

Women who experienced any of the five pregnancy complications had up to a 1.5-fold increased risk of death up to 46 years after delivery, the researchers found, and those who experienced multiple complications had further increases in risk.

Gestational diabetes was associated with a 52% increased risk of mortality, preterm delivery was associated with a 41% increased risk, delivering a baby with low birth weight was associated with a 30% increased risk, preeclampsia with a 13% increased risk and other hypertensive disorders with a 27% increased risk, the data showed.

“It was striking that all five major adverse pregnancy outcomes were linked with increased mortality risks even more than 40 years after delivery,” Crump said in the email.

“We found that the increased mortality was attributable to multiple different causes of death, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disorders, and cancer,” he said. “This suggests that there are multiple different underlying pathways that will need additional research to further identify.”

All five pregnancy complications were linked with up to a 2.5-fold increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared with women who didn’t have adverse pregnancy outcomes, the data showed.

Women with either preterm deliveries or who delivered infants with a low birth weight had more than a 2-fold higher risk of dying from respiratory-related causes and up to a 1.2-fold increased risk of dying from cancer.

The risk of dying due to diabetes was more than 2-fold higher in women with preterm deliveries or preeclampsia and 25-fold higher in those with gestational diabetes, the researchers found.

‘THE LARGEST STUDY TO DATE’

As for how long these increased risks last after giving birth, the association between preterm delivery and increased mortality risk was highest in the first decade after giving birth and then subsequently declined, the study showed, but the associations between other pregnancy complications and increased mortality risk remained stable or increased with time.

“To our knowledge, this is the largest study to date to examine multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes in the same cohort in relation to long-term mortality and the first to assess for potential unmeasured familial confounding,” the researchers wrote, adding that their findings were not explained by a woman’s family health history.

In a separate study, Crump and his colleagues previously found that complications during pregnancy can be linked to a higher risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States.

Overall, it has been “well known” that certain pregnancy complications are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic disease later in life, said Dr. Joanne Stone, professor and system chair of the Raquel and Jaime Gilinski Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, who was not involved in the new study.

Now, the study “really solidifies what has been known,” Stone said. “This adds incredibly important information to a woman’s overall medical history, because a lot of patients don’t remember to include that medical history with physicians and an internist may not ask questions about complications in your pregnancies. But this really highlights how important that is,” she said. “Maternal pregnancy history is an important part of a woman’s overall medical history, and highlights that women who have experienced such adverse pregnancy outcomes should have early prevention and early detection to prevent premature deaths.”

The new study did not include data on other factors that may impact a woman’s overall health, such as diet or exercise, but it’s well-known that a healthy lifestyle – such as eating healthy, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking and limiting alcohol –can lower the risk of pregnancy complications, as well as getting adequate health care before, during and after pregnancy.

“Many of these – preeclampsia, hypertension, diabetes – can be associated with obesity, for example. So, getting the weight under control, being healthy, exercising better, having a healthy lifestyle that certainly can help,” Stone said. “There’s a lot of lifestyle interventions that can be done to improve health going into the pregnancy.” (CNN)

FA Cup

replays to be scrapped from the first round onwards in 2024-25

FA Cup replays will be scrapped from the first round onwards in the 2024-25 competition.

All rounds of the Emirates

FA Cup will also be played on weekends, including the fifth round which has been played in midweek for the past five seasons.

The changes come as part of a new six-year agreement between the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League.

The Premier League has also removed its mid-season break from the calendar.

Matches will start in midAugust following a consecutive three-week summer break instead of a shorter spell of rest in the winter, with the decision coming from “expert advice from medical and technical departments”.

In its current format, the FA Cup has no replays from the fifth round onwards, but the FA says the move to eliminate them from an earlier stage has been made “in light of changes to the calendar driven by the expanded Uefa competitions”.

Uefa launched the Europa

London Marathon 2024:

World record-holder Assefa aiming for course record

Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa says she is “here to win” her maiden London Marathon on Sunday.

Assefa, 27, is the women’s world record-holder after completing the Berlin Marathon in two hours 11 minutes 53 seconds in September.

She is also aiming to beat the London Marathon record of 2:17:01 set by Kenya’s Mary Keitany in 2017.

“God will show how good I am, I have prepared very well and I am sure I can beat the course record,” she said.

“Regardless of whether it is London or Berlin, it will not change my strategy at all.” Assefa will be competing against

Conference League in 2021 and the number of teams in the Champions League group stage will rise from 32 to 36 next season, while Fifa has announced an expanded 32team Club World Cup for 2025.

WHAT ARE FA CUP NEW RULES?

The FA Cup qualifying rounds

- where teams from the fifth to the 10th tiers of English football compete for 32 spots in the first round - will still have replays when

ties are level after 90 minutes.

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said the decision to scrap replays from the first round is “frustrating and disappointing” and that the EFL will be “seeking appropriate compensation arrangements”.

He added: “This represents another lost traditional revenue stream for EFL clubs at a time when the financial gap between the biggest clubs and those further down the pyramid is growing

bigger than ever.”

The winners of this season’s men’s FA Cup get £2m, while non-league and lower league clubs benefit significantly from prize money and potential broadcast revenue with each round they progress.

The first round of the FA Cup sees professional teams from League One and League Two enter, with Championship and Premier League teams joining from the third round.

Kenya’s trio of Brigid Kosgei, Ruth Chepngetich and Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir, and Ethiopia’s 2022 London Marathon winner Yalemzerf Yehualaw.

Kosgei, Chepngetich and Assefa are three of the four fastest women over the distance in history, with two-time London Marathon winner Kosgei saying she is “happy” to return.

“I have been preparing well in Kenya and I am ready,” she added.

Great Britain’s Becky Briggs, Alice Wright, Anya Culling, Rachel Hodgkinson, Helen Gaunt, Mhairi Maclennan and Lucy Reid are also competing on Sunday. (BBC)

USA Basketball unveiled the player roster Wednesday for the men’s team that will compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Three years after the Tokyo Olympics saw several of top US players sit out the Games in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2024 edition of the “Dream Team” will once again feature a roster loaded with future hall of

famers and many of basketball’s brightest young stars.

The team will be anchored by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, making his fourth appearance after skipping the past two Olympics.

The 39-year-old James has previously brought home two gold medals (2008, 2012) and a bronze (2004).

James will be joined by his

Lakers teammate Anthony Davis, the Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry, the Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers and the Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo.

Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa (second from right) and Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir, Brigid Kosgei and Ruth Chepngetich will compete at the 2024 London Marathon

Manchester City won the men’s FA Cup final in 2023

LeBron James is aiming to win a third Olympic gold medal

Manchester City

Treble dreams left in tatters by Ancelotti’s Real Madrid

Ancelotti has seen most things in football - including plenty of success as the only man to win this tournament four times - but even the most famous raised eyebrow in the game must have nudged skywards a little more than usual at the manner of this quarter-final victory.

Real went through 4-3 on penalties after the tie ended 4-4 on aggregate, 1-1 on the night here, but City will wonder long and hard at how they failed to win a game they dominated almost completely.

City have suffered pain in the Champions League before and there will certainly be wounds from the way this frenetic, compelling game was lost.

The immediate task for manager Pep Guardiola is to make sure the fatigue and disappointment left behind here does not spill over into what is now a quest for a domestic double of the Premier League and FA Cup, with a semi-final against Chelsea in the latter at Wembley on Saturday.

At the finale, the great Italian statesman Ancelotti offered a consoling arm to Guardiola, giving the impression this was just another day at the office, which does not accurately reflect a frantic, chaotic encounter.

City’s players slumped in despair as Antonio Rudiger’s penalty secured a semi-final against Bayern Munich, while what seemed like dozens of Real players and officials headed off to their supporters tucked in the far corner of Etihad Stadium.

City thrashed Real 4-0 here in the semi-final second leg last season, revenge for Ancelotti’s side somehow extricating themselves from defeat with two stoppagetime goals before going on to win at the Bernabeu at the same stage in the previous campaign.

In that hammering last term, City had 16 shots to Real’s seven, here they had 33 shots to the visitors’ eight but this time came out on the losing end.

It came down, as it always does at this level, to the finest details and City’s lack of cutting edge stood between them and a victory they deserved on the balance of play.

They even had the early edge on penalties when Ederson saved

from Luka Modric but only Bernardo Silva will know what he was thinking when he lazily lofted a dismal spot-kick straight into the hands of keeper Andriy Lunin.

If you give Real an inch they take a mile, Mateo Kovacic’s penalty, again saved by the excellent Lunin, further sealing their fate.

The law of the Champions League states that if you do not kill Real off when you have the opportunity there is every chance you will pay the price. And City have now broken that golden rule twice.

It would be harsh to criticise the Premier League champions’ performance, which was outstanding for so long, pinning Real back with a sustained assault in the second half that was eventually rewarded by Kevin De Bruyne’s 76th-minute equaliser to cancel out Rodrygo’s early strike.

Real were, literally in many instances, run to a standstill until blessed relief came in the shape of

the final whistle and penalties.

And this will be the frustration for City and Guardiola, who thanked his players for their efforts but admitted he must wait to see what condition they are in after a gruelling evening on every level.

City’s players have shown resilience and staying power before but they will find the manner of their exit, and the loss of the giant trophy they won for the first time against Inter Milan in Istanbul last season, a bitter pill to swallow.

It will have taken a heavy mental and physical toll, Guardiola admitting De Bruyne and Erling Haaland told him they could not continue, the striker replaced by Julian Alvarez at the end of 90 minutes and the Belgian taken off during extra time.

Haaland suffered another tough night, being kept at arm’s length by Real’s battle-hardened defence apart from when he hit the bar with an early header. There is no shortage

of effort from the Norwegian but he is not quite getting the chances he is accustomed to at present.

It was all in sharp contrast to Real , and England’s, golden boy Jude Bellingham on another landmark night in his young career.

This was a testing night for the 20-year-old who has taken Spain by storm this season, suffering just as much as his team-mates and City penned them back and ran them ragged, particularly in the second half.

Among this stress, Bellingham twice demonstrated exactly why he is marked down for greatness, even though he was never allowed to show himself at his best.

Bellingham displayed magnificent technique to pull a pass out of the sky in the build-up to Rodrygo’s goal then, accompanied by a cacophony of jeers from City’s fans, stepped forward to coolly slot home Real’s second penalty after Modric’s miss.

Lanning says weight loss and insomnia led to international retirement

The former Australia captain, 32, retired in November 2023 after missing the summer’s Ashes for medical reasons.

She said that she was running up to 90 kilometres a week and only eating two small meals a day.

“I was over-exercising and under-fuelling,” Lanning told the Howie Games podcast.

“It sort of just spiralled and I was in denial, even though everyone kept telling me something wasn’t quite right.

“I was not in a place to be able to go on tour and play cricket and give the commitment levels required for that Ashes series mentally and physically.”

Lanning retired as one of the sport’s most successful players and captains, leading her side to

50-over World Cup glory in 2022, four T20 titles and Commonwealth Games gold in 2022.

She made her Australia debut in 2010 aged 18 and went on to make 241 international appearances for her country.

But towards the end of her glittering career, Lanning said things were “out of whack” and she became “a different person” as a result.

“It became a bit of an obsession,” she added. “It was a way I could escape mentally. I would throw the headphones in. I wouldn’t take my phone with me. I really liked that because I felt like I was in control.”

Lanning says she did not label it as an eating disorder but she did seek help, and now says she is in “a good spot” after also struggling with insomnia.

“I dreaded night time because I knew I would go to bed and not be able to sleep,” she said.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti strolled nonchalantly away from a scene of carnage as Manchester City’s Treble dream was left in tatters by the great Champions League survivors.

Meg Lanning says that her relationship with food and exercise “spiralled” and led to her surprise international retirement.

Real Madrid will face Bayern Munich in the semi-finals

Meg Lanning (centre with trophy) took a break in 2022 before returning to win the T20 World Cup in February 2023

Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton says he plans to race ‘well into’ his 40s

Alonso’s new Aston Martin deal will keep him in F1 until at least 2026, past his 45th birthday.

Hamilton will be 40 next year when he starts his career with Ferrari, in what is at least a twoyear commitment.

“I am not the oldest driver here. I am going to be racing for quite some time still so it is good [Alonso] is still around,” Hamilton said.

“Fernando is one of the best drivers we’ve had in the sport so for him to continue to be here and continue to have the output he’s had just shows what is possible. And shows the new era of athlete, what the human body can do and continue to do if you nurture it.”

Speaking before this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, the seven-time champion added: “I never thought I would be racing into my 40s. I’m pretty sure I said I wouldn’t. But life is such a crazy trip. I don’t feel 40. I generally feel great.”

McLaren driver Lando Norris said Alonso’s achievements in competing for so long at the highest level in Formula 1 might never be seen again.

Norris said: “He is one of the oldest guys competing at the top in any sport.

“And to be able to do that at the level he has done and continues to do, you could potentially never see that again in F1. And if you do, it is going to be extremely rare.”

Norris, who races for McLaren, said he had “a lot of respect” for Alonso’s ability to continue to perform at the highest level for so

Stuart

Former Australia batter Stuart Law has been appointed head coach of the USA men’s national team.

Law will be in charge for the 2024 T20 World Cup which is being held in the USA and West Indies in June.

The 55-year-old has previously coached Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, West Indies and Afghanistan.

“It is an exciting opportunity to join USA cricket at this time,” said Law, who also played county cricket for Essex and Lancashire.

“The USA are one of the strongest associate nations in the

long.

“It takes a lot of dedication,” the 24-year-old Briton said. “I don’t think anyone thinks Fernando lacks that in any way. He shows that in every part of his life. It is rare that you see someone commit for so long in any sport.”

Frenchman Esteban Ocon, who was Alonso’s team-mate at Alpine in 2021 and 2022, said: “His dedication is an example for all of us.”

Alonso’s commitment to and longevity in F1 is setting a new standard - he will be the first driver

to race at the top level into his mid-40s since three-time world champion Jack Brabham, who scored his final win aged 44 in 1970.

Two-time champion Graham Hill continued in F1 until he was 46 in 1975, although - unlike Alonso - he was considered to be well past his best in the final stages of his career.

NEW SPRINT FORMAT THIS WEEKEND

The Chinese Grand Prix returns to the calendar for the first time

since 2019, after a break for the pandemic, China’s handling of the disease and the effects of Covid lockdowns in the country.

It also marks the first ‘sprint’ weekend of the new season, being run to a slightly different format than last year.

This season, the new approach is to have qualifying for the ‘sprint’ event on Friday afternoon.

The ‘sprint’ - a shorter race about one-third the distance of a grand prix - runs on Saturday morning, at 04:00 UK time (11:00 local in Shanghai).

sport and I believe we can mould a formidable squad.

“The first task will be to prepare the team for a series against Bangladesh and then set our sights on our home World Cup, which will be huge.”

USA will host Bangladesh for three T20s on 21, 23 and 25 May in Houston, Texas.

They kick off the World Cup when they face Canada in the tournament’s opening match in Dallas on 2 June (01:30 BST).

They will also face Pakistan, India and Ireland in the initial group stage. (BBC)

Aston Villa reached first major European semi-final in four decades

Aston Villa reached their first major European semi-final since 1982 with a chaotic victory on penalties over Lille in the Europa Conference League.

In an extraordinary shootout after the tie ended 3-3 on aggregate after extra time, Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez - who had been booked earlier for time-wastingwas shown another yellow card for appearing to gesture to home fans.

Martinez, who had already kept out Nabil Bentaleb’s attempt, was allowed to carry on as his initial booking was not carried over into the shootout.

The Argentina World Cup winner then went on to keep out Benjamin Andre’s attempt as Villa won 4-3 on penalties to advance to the last four.

Martinez then ran virtually the whole length of the pitch to celebrate in front of Villa’s jubilant

2,600 travelling fans. Earlier in the shootout, Ollie Watkins was made to wait to take his penalty as there were two balls on the pitch before the England forward stepped up to score.

On a dramatic night in northern France, Unai Emery’s side were three minutes from going out after goals by Yusuf Yazici and Benjamin Andre wiped out Villa’s 2-1 advantage from the first leg.

Lewis Hamilton says he will join his old rival Fernando Alonso in racing in Formula 1 “well into my 40s”.

Stuart Law played one Test and 54 one-day internationals for Australia

Law appointed head coach of USA men’s cricket team

Lewis Hamilton made his Formula 1 debut in 2007, while Fernando Alonso’s first race in the sport was in 2001

This was Aston Villa’s 12th game in the Europa Conference League this season

Haye-Smith finishes

fourth in 400mh at Tom Jones Memorial

TCI’s top female athlete Yanique Haye-Smith finished fourth in the 400m hurdles invitational at last weekend’s Tom Jones Memorial at the Percy Beard Track in Gainesville, FL.

The seasoned athlete clocked 56.86 seconds running in lane 9. The event was won by Canadian Savannah Sutherland in a time of 54.86s, while US athletes, Rachel Glenn and Shani’a Bellamy finished second and third in 54.91s and 56.23s respectively.

Haye-Smith, at the age of 34, was the oldest participant in her race. She defeated Puerto Rican Grace Claxton (56.89s), Jamaican Lashanna Graham (58.58s), US athlete Kaila Barber (59.17) and Belize’s Lydia Troupe (59.36s).

Prior to her outdoor season, the ace athlete had represented the TCI at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow last month, where she finished sixth with a season-best (54.98s).

At that event, she had bemoaned, on social media, the lack of support from the local parent body.

“…per usual I went by myself without a coach or any representation.

Why? Because the #TCAAA never has any funds for such events. They are only able to find sponsorship/funds for a team of coaches and extra spectators to travel to the #cariftagames which is the only important event on their calendar “Every Year”.

At my level in the sport of

track and field with lack of proper support, one will not be in the top rankings nor able to obtain a medal

because so much is required. While I’m always grateful for the opportunity to compete and represent myself and my country, I will continue doing so to the best of my abilities with the resources I have.”

SFS international evaluates prospective student-athletes at TCIFA National Academy

Steven Brennan, the owner of Scarborough Football Scholars (SFS) International, a Football Education Programme based in Scarborough, United Kingdom, recently visited the TCIFA National Academy in Providenciales to assess the youth programmes with the potential of recruiting players.

During his visit, he observed the U15 National Team girls and the U17 National Team boys, both under the guidance of Coach Omar Edwards, according to information from the FA.

“With a background as a former semi-professional manager, Mr Brennan currently oversees players of various skill levels and ages within the programme, leading international recruitment initiatives at SFS.”

The release added that the SFS International Academy offers accommodation for up to 20 international players annually, providing opportunities for individuals of all ages to train under experienced coaches, many with professional playing backgrounds, while also pursuing academic excellence.

Student-athletes have the chance to showcase their skills in front of professional scouts, access top-tier facilities and equipment to enhance their performance, and gain first-hand experience of

playing at a professional level, thereby

Since its inception in 2011, SFS International has been committed to leveraging football as a means to guide young individuals away from negative influences such as crime, drugs, and alcohol.

“As a result of these efforts, in 2012, the organisation received recognition from the local council, securing a 3-year contract for

successfully reducing Friday night crime rates by 46% in a Scarborough suburb.”

SFS collaborates closely with the University Centre Bishop Burton (UCBB) to offer student-athletes a distinctive opportunity to pursue BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Therapy and Rehabilitation, BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching or Development, and BSc (Hons) Strength and Conditioning programmes. All

three programmes are accredited by the University of Lincoln.

According to the FA, Brennan expressed his enthusiasm about his visit to the island, acknowledging the burgeoning talent within the local football community. He extended his appreciation to TCIFA for facilitating the visit.

“I am very excited to see the talent that is developing within the footballing community. I’d like to thank TCIFA for helping

[to] make this a possibility. Our SFS programme in Scarborough, England, offers players the chance to study towards UK qualifications and degree-level courses in sport, as well as improve their football ability with our Fulltime academy. This is a fantastic opportunity for local players to showcase their skills, find out more about SFS and understand how they can make the transition across the Atlantic!”

Yanique Haye-Smith continues to impress on the track

Players fine-tuning their skills during the practice session Steven Bernnan during his assessment

enhancing their prospects in the realm of football.

Footballers Harvey and Dorastin to continue education in US universities

National footballers Jodee Harvey and Erline Dorastin recently inked contracts to further their education at the tertiary level in the US. Both ladies grew up playing football under the guidance of the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA). They last competed internationally with the Turks and Caicos Women’s National Team in the 2023 Women’s Gold Cup.

CHHS to attend Penn Relays next week

Clement Howell High School (CHHS) is set to compete in two events at next week’s Penn Relays in Philadelphia.

National Coach Randy Ford said that the high school athletes will compete in two events at the relays.

“Clement Howell High School leaves the Island for Penn Relays at the University of Pennsylvania Franklin Field Stadium in Philadelphia next Wednesday to compete in the High School boys 4x100m and 4x400m.”

Johnsly Gaspard is the only athlete who will compete in both events.

In the 4x100m, he will be joined by Keshard Capron, Josias Morency and Markey Zepherin, while in the 4x400m, he will be joined by Peguy Francois, Love Joseph and Melique Evans.

The FA said “we are extremely proud of Erline Dorastin who has signed to St. Andrew’s University @sauwsoccer scouted in the Teachers FC ID Camp held earlier this year.

We are also equally proud and excited for our Women’s National team captain Jodee Harvey signed to University of Northwestern, Ohio!”

The signing took place at the

British West Indies Collegiate and the young ladies were accompanied by Women’s Football Director Yunelsis Baez and Women’s National Head Coach Aaron Lawrence and their supportive parents.

Erline Dorastin (left) and Jodee Harvey are all set for their next chapters

Jodee Harvey and Erline Dorastin with Women’s Football Director Yunelsis Baez and Women’s National Head Coach Aaron Lawrence

Love Joseph will take part in the 4X400m race