TURKS AND CAICOS SUN
Page 13
FEBRUARY 3RD - FEBRUARY 10TH, 2012
LOCAL NEWS
Government agencies seek cheaper offices BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR
Furniture and file removing action by workmen from the PalmCo Building on Providenciales on Tuesday, January 31, created a stir among some members of the public who called a number of media houses to tell them that government agencies were being evicted because of non-payment of rent. Government employees who had offices there, as well as officials moved quickly to douse the false rumors, telling media representatives that they were merely relocating to a more affordable office as a means of cutting cost and to centralize the various government agencies. When The SUN arrived at location along the Leeward Highway, workmen could be seen removing furniture and boxes of files from the building into waiting trucks. Even some of the workmen were under the impression that it was an eviction order they being made to carry out. However, we were told by employees at the complex that this was not the case, and were referred to Desmond Wilson, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, for further details on the matter. Wilson told The SUN that the
relocation came about as a means by Government to, as much as possible, to bring the majority of its agencies under one roof and also to cut cost by seeking to move into less expensive locations. ‘We are relocating government offices to Butterfield Square, because we are trying to centralize the number of functions, so that we can me more efficient and effective in our operations, so that we can better serve the public. This (seeking more affordable location and centralizing Government offices) is not something that is going to happen only on Provo; it is going to happen on North Caicos as well; it is going to happen on South Caicos. “That is in addition to reducing rent, because in some cases on South Caicos, we are moving into Government-owned properties. In North Caicos, we are moving to a rented property, but we are centralizing the function; those are the kinds of things that will happen through-out the islands. We are not moving because we owe anybody, and the landlords can confirm that,” Wilsons revealed. There were five separate government agencies that operated from the PalmCo Building. They are Mapping and Survey; the Department of Agriculture; Social Welfare, Gender Affairs and the Crown Land
CRIME REPORT
• A male has been charged for Attempted Murder, Robbery, Conspiracy to Rob, Carrying Firearm with intent to Rob, Discharging Firearm and Discharging Ammunition. Those charges are in relation to the incident outside of RBC on 13th January 2012. He is schedule to appear in the Providenciales Magistrate’s Court # 1 on Friday 3rd February 2012 to be arraigned. • On Wednesday night 1st February 2012 members of The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Marine Division, aboard Police Launch” Sea Defender” working in conjunction with the USCG intercepted a blue & white yacht named “ Yasmin” within the territorial waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This yacht had been reported to be the subject of a hijacking in Haitian waters earlier in the day. Upon intercepting the yacht twelve male persons were found aboard. All subjects are being detained as the investigation into this matter continues.
• A male was arrested on suspicion of Wounding. He was later released on Police Bail on his own recognizance to return to the Five Cays Police Station on 13th February 2012 to be further dealt with. • A female was charged for Dangerous Driving in connection with an accident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian which occurred in the vicinity of the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex Downtown Providenciales on Thursday night 19th January 2012. She was later released on Police Bail with a surety to appear in the Providenciales Magistrate’s Court # 1 on 23rd February 2012 to answer to that charge.
Department. Some of the employees that our news team spoke with, said they were ruffled by the nature of how the relocation exercise was done, some of them telling us that they only learned of the move only on the morning that they were supposed to vacate the building. Some of them complained that they had a number of appointments lined up with clients from as far back as two weeks ago, that was supposed
to take place on the morning of the removal; and as a result, had to abruptly cancel those meetings. The Government offices that were sited at the PalmCo Building, The SUN understands, will be relocated upstairs the American Airlines office at Butterfield Square. But that could be a temporary location, as the intended site is the offices that TCI bank once occupied. They are expected to move into that building as soon as repairs are carried out on the building.
IMMEDIATE OPENING
STEWARDING MANAGER Requirements: • Prior experience managing the stewarding department of a 5 star Luxury Resort. • Must have an excellent working knowledge of the kitchens, equipment, food productions, sanitation, hygiene and safety. • Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience • Must be able to organize and delegate large banquet functions. • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts. Duties Include: • Ensuring the maintenance of a clean, sanitary kitchen by supervising steward employees • Issuing cleaning supplies to stewards, checking usage and making adjustments • Ensuring that kitchen floors and walk-ins are clean • Monitoring cafeteria and providing assistance to kitchen employees during set-up and clean-up • Working closely with the Food & Beverage department • Taking inventory of and ensuring proper amounts of china, dishes etc. are available at all times • Ensuring the training of and proper daily use of all safety, hygiene and sanitation practices Interested applicants should apply to Regent Palms human resources department in person, Monday through Friday and bring along an updated resume or by emailing marjorie.dorsett@regenthotels.com no later than Friday, February 17, 2012
GRAND TURK
• On Wednesday 1st February 2012 in The Grand Turk Magistrate’s Court Kenville Prospere was found guilty of Theft and was sentenced to 2 months imprisonment at Her Majesty Prison Grand Turk.
• The Royal Turks & Caicos Island Police also arrested a male for suspicion of Robbery in connection with a report made on 29th October 2011. They also arrested a male on suspicion of Possession of Forged Documents.
NORTH CAICOS
North Caicos officers also arrested two males on suspicion of Theft in connection with a report made on 30th January 2012. These subjects were later released on Police Bail with sureties to return to the Kew Police Station on 24th February 2012 to be further dealt with.
GRAND TURK
• Wayne Tucker who was charged for Assault on a Police Officer and Escaping Lawful Custody appeared in the Grand Turk Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 31st January 2012. He plead guilty to both charges and was sentenced to 28 days in prison at Her Majesty Prison in Grand Turk.
ALBERT HIGGS SEEKS
1 LABOURER Salary $6.50 per hour Contact 243-7785