VOLUME 11 ISSUE 17

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

Website: www.suntci.com

VOLUME 11 - NO. 17

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$19MILLION LOSS From Islandcom

by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

HOUSE SPEAKER AND MP VISIT CLEMENT HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL

T

he company which owned IslandCom in the Turks and Caicos Islands, said it sold the business to LIME because it didn’t make financial sense to keep it; but it lost nearly US$20million in the process.

Reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2015, Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc., which is headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts, stated: “We made the difficult decision to sell the Company’s holdings in Turks and Caicos in this year’s first quarter, as we concluded that we could not achieve the necessary economies of scale and market share to earn positive returns on our investment there. As a result of this sale, we recorded a loss of $19.9 million in the quarter on the deconsolidation of this business resulting from the accumulated prior period net losses that were previously allocated to noncontrolling minority interests.

In February this year LIME announced that it acquired the assets of Islandcom in what sources said was a multi-milliondollar deal.

Under the transaction, LIME will assume the networks, licenses, spectrum and subscribers. Not only will the deal give LIME automatic access to Islandcom’s customer base, but will also pave the way for LIME to acquire the prized LTE portfolio, cementing its position as possessing the fastest mobile network in the country.

Up to Press time it could not be confirmed if LIME will retain any of the Islandcom staff or keep the offices in the IGA complex, but this seems highly unlikely, given that LIME recently made several employees redundant and its Leeward Highway headquarters has a significant amount of unused office space.

Despite its attractive and innovative packages, IslandCom, which was granted a licence in 2006 and launched in 2009, has always been a distant third in the telecommunications market,

Clement Howell School students on Providenciales appear eager as they interact with Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon. Robert Hall (in ceremonial garb). The occasion was a visit by the speaker to bring awareness to public schools across the country on how the House and government work, and also to deal out a bit of political, social and cultural history of country. The speaker was joined by Member of Parliament for the Blue Hills Constituency Hon. Goldray Ewing (in suit) and Lydia Butterfield (not in picture), Deputy House Clerk. Prior to visiting Providenciales, Hall also graced the schools on South Caicos and North Caicos. Hall told the students that it was he, during his tenure as minister for education, that the Clement Howell High School was established. behind leader Digicel and LIME. In October 2009 it was announced that Bermuda Digital Communications Ltd. (BDC), a subsidiary of Atlantic Tele-Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATNI), had purchased a strategic stake in the company, making it Islandcom’s lead strategic shareholder.

BDC, which operates under the CellularOne brand in Bermuda, contributed its financial and strategic resources to develop Islandcom into a leading telecommunications company.

With the new investment, Islandcom added cell sites to expand wireless coverage across Turks & Caicos and introduced agreements that allowed customers to roam when they are travelling outside the country.

In early 2013, Islandcom Wireless

was awarded one of the spectrum licenses for LTE technology. The decision by the Commission was a huge deal for the telecommunications companies in the Turks and Caicos. All three companies went head to head for the spectrum licenses that would be awarded to only two carriers.

Meantime, Atlantic Tele-Network, which provides telecommunications services to rural, niche and other under-served markets and geographies in the United States, Bermuda and the Caribbean, noted that exclusive of this one-time loss on this deconsolidation stemming from the sale to LIME, net income attributable to ATN’s stockholders2 was $9.6 million, or $0.60 per diluted share. In last year’s first quarter, net income from continuing

operations attributable to ATN stockholders was $7.8 million, or $0.49 per diluted share.

Michael Prior, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, said the first quarter operating performance represented a good start to 2015.

“We posted strong year-on-year revenue growth driven by our U.S. wireless business and the addition of the first full quarter of operating results from our renewable energy acquisition, completed late last year.

These increases more than offset declines in our International Integrated Telephony segment and flat to modestly lower year-on-year comparisons in our wireline and international wireless businesses,” he noted.

Continued on page 5

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MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

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LOCAL NEWS

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

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MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

$19MILLION LOSS From Islandcom

Continued from page 1

“U.S. wireless revenues increased 26%, thanks in large part to the capital investments we have made over the last two years adding capacity, coverage and advanced technologies to our rural wireless network. In 2014 alone, we added nearly 175 base stations and approximately 115 new sites, and upgraded more than 75 sites to more advanced mobile data technologies. As previously reported, we have adjusted prices in order to keep overall costs reasonable for our carrier customers as data traffic volumes have surged. While the decline in wholesale rates is expected to more than offset the usage growth on existing sites this year, we will gain the benefit of lower risk and longer-term returns,” he added.

He noted that continued solid

performance in Bermuda could not offset weaknesses in the Guyana operations and lower roaming revenues in several markets, causing a year-over-year decline in international wireless revenues.

Mr. Prior added. “We have taken several steps to regain wireless market share in Guyana, including enhancing our array of handsets, reconfiguring voice and data plans and investing in technology upgrades, which we expect will translate into positive results over time. “ First quarter revenues were $85.3 million, 14% above the $75.2 million reported for the first quarter of 2014.

Operating income was $19.2million, up 18% compared to last year’s $16.2 million.

International wireless revenues,

which include retail and wholesale voice and data wireless revenues from operations in Bermuda and the Caribbean, were $21.2 million, a decrease of 9% from the $23.1 million reported in the first quarter of 2014, as a result of market share losses in Guyana and lower wholesale roaming revenues in many of the Island properties due to anticipated rate declines.

Revenues from the company’s wireless operations in Guyana are flat on a sequential basis and below the similar year-ago period as a result of a one-time benefit last year, the company reported.

“We expect retail revenues to continue to grow but wholesale revenues to decline in our international markets over time.

U.S. wireless revenues primarily consist of voice and data revenues from the Company’s wholesale roaming operations. Total revenues from the U.S. wireless business were $35.8 million in the first quarter of 2015, an increase of 26% from the $28.4 million reported in the first quarter of 2014. This strong revenue performance was driven by network expansion and increased data traffic.

Data revenues accounted for 58% of U.S. wireless revenues in the 2015 first quarter compared to 66% in the similar year-ago period reflecting the initial impact of declining data pricing,” Prior stated.

The Company ended the first quarter of 2015 with 786 domestic base stations in service compared to 605 at the end of last year’s first quarter.

Vaccination Week in the Americas 2015 The Primary Health Care Department, Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services joins the region in celebrating Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) 2015.

VWA began on May 30th, 2003 as an initiative taken by regional health authorities and heads of government to embark on an effort dedicating one week annually to heighten the focus on vaccination of vulnerable populations. The activities conducted during this week aids in strengthening a country’s

national immunization programme. Vaccination week not only provide vulnerable groups with the opportunity to be vaccinated against vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs), but it also provides the opportunity to educate the public on the importance of vaccines.

Since its inception in 2003, more than 519 million persons regionally have been vaccinated.

The Turks and Caicos Islands has been a part of this initiative since its inception in 2003 thus

contributing to this figure. The theme for this year’s VWA is “Boost your power! Get vaccinated!” The theme focuses on the ability of the vaccine to boost the power of the immune system, offer protection against more than 20 different VPDs. Vaccination week is being celebrated April 25th to May 2nd 2015. The TCI is focusing this year on all children age 6 months to 6 years. The department will be conducting a number of activities throughout the week in various communities across the TCI:

TCINIB Marks 23 Years, Pays Out $77 Million in Benefits

NIB Deputy Director of Operations, Mr. Walter Gardiner, recently released some important statistics to the public that the National Insurance Board has paid in excess of 77 million dollars in benefit payments in the TCI since its inception in April 1992.

April 6, 2015 marked the 23rd anniversary of the country’s social insurance programme and, in looking back on the introductory years, speaking on the popular radio programme “National Insurance Made Simple” yesterday, Mr. Gardiner commented: “The NIS legislation today is undoubtedly the best piece of social protection legislation ever implemented in the TCI. Introduced under an extremely dark cloud of suspicion, mistrust and opposition from employers, employees and self-employed alike, convincing the

general public to “buy - in”and comply was quite a challenge at that time as this was the very first time that monies were mandatorily deducted from salaries. The vast majority of persons viewed us then as just another form of taxation for the government guised as social security. Several business owners even threatened to reduce staff or close shop and many predicted that we would fail because we were managed by young, inexperienced perons.But today, I believe that we have proven our worth to the people of the TCI and have earned their confidence, trust and admiration for the social and economic protection that we have provided and will continue to provide in countless years to come. Today, thousands of people depend on us, but more importantly, thousands of people can depend on us.”

Mr. Gardiner further reported that the NIB currently has over $200 million in reserves; collects $25 million annually in contributions; and pays out $12 million annually in benefits.

As at March 31, 2015, the National Insurance programme currently provides 1,402 persons with long term pensions each month as follows:

Pension Type # of Recipients Retirement Pension 903 Survivors Pension 152 Old Age Pension 236 Invalidity Pension 84 Disablement Pension 27

Annual Payout 7,171,032 859,640 704,000 638,314 218,883

DEMA collaborates to celebrate Earth Day (22 April) and Arbor Day (24 April) In honour of Earth Day 2015, the global Environmental Calendar.

“Gardening Soil was graciously The Department of Environment& Maritime Affairs (DEMA), in donated by the DO IT Centre, while collaboration with the Turks & Caicos DEMA provided the young trees for National Trust, the Department of planting. The Department of Youth Youth Affairs, and the FilCom Inc, Affairs provided a lovely lunch for the planted a number of indigenous students at Enid Capron, in honour trees at the Five Cays Community of the day” said Amy Avenant, DEMA Centre on Wednesday 22 April, with Environmental Outreach Coordinator. the assistance of the students of the “Students were split into groups to Enid Capron Primary School. An plant their own trees and were happy information session about how to to get their hands dirty for a good plant your own trees; why planting cause!” indigenous trees are important On Friday 24 April, Arbor Day was and a tree planting was hosted to celebrated by , the Provo Primary commemorate the important day in School Council and the students of

the British West Indies Collegiate.

The council assisted with the planting of indigenous plants such as Seagrape and Mahogany. British West Indies Collegiate also showed their stewardship for the environment through an enthusiastic tree planting supported by three representatives per class. Friday afternoon was spent preparing their own soil and potting their plants.

DEMA and the National Trust were specific in picking indigenous trees and plant species of the Turks & Caicos as they are both hardy and adapted to our dry conditions. It

is better for our environment if we landscape with indigenous vegetation as it will, provide homes for natural bird and wildlife species and allows for a reduced visual impact in many scenarios.

You too can get involved and celebrate ‘Greening TCI Month’! Plant a tree, organize a clean-up or simply be more conscious of your water and energy consumption! For more tips, please do not hesitate to contact Amy Avenant, DEMA Environmental Outreach Coordinator at Avenant. amy@gmail.com .

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MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

LOCAL NEWS

IMF calls for urgent laws to protect bank depositors

By Vivian Tyson

Senior Sun Editor The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is urging local legislators to fast track laws to protect financial institution depositors in the event those entities run into trouble.

The call came from Hiroko Oura, Leader of the six-member IMF Team, which spent two weeks in the Turks and Caicos Islands assessing the country’s financial state on a assignment called Financial Sector Assessment Programme. Part of the protection, according to Oura is enacting a deposit insurance legislation.

Hundred of depositors suffered tremendous loss in the closure of TCI Bank, the country’s first indigenous financial institution, which collapsed in 2010. Depositors are also poised to suffer another heart-tugging loss on the liquidation of British Atlantic Financial Services (BAFS), which the Supreme Court has ordered liquidated late last year.

Oura said that while the compliance in the TCI has improved since the establishment of the FSC in 2003, there are areas that need to be tightened, which would require legislations, since the current legislation is outdated.

“There are some areas to improve, for example, both banks and the insurance sectors operate with outdated legislation, to provide a basis to provide sufficient power and legal structure to conduct the work of

supervision. Some of these regulations need to be passed urgently,” she said, noting that the new laws should allow the FSC to become more intrusive in it assessment of financial institutions.

She said that apart from financial services supervision, there is a need for a safety net system or a resolution framework to ensure that depositors are not a grave disadvantage in the event of liquidation.

“Much more needs to be done for example, by establishing a special framework for banks, which can expedite liquidation of banks instead of waiting for a court decision and court order, and a pay out to small depositors in an expeditious manner,” she said.

She said that chaos involved in the winding up TCI bank, is prime example the proper legislations need to be urgently established.

For his part, Kevin Higgins, Managing Director for the FSC said that after the TCI Bank collapse for governor Gordon Wetherell decided to introduce deposit insurance or a depositor protection in TCI. He said that in meetings with the Bankers Association, the Canadian Banks in particular, felt the need for an IMF review and the needs for depositor protection as well s the overall regulatory supervisory regime.

“The Canadian banks did not feel that at the time the quality was at an international standard. So in August of 2010, we agreed with the Bankers Association that we would do two things, first we asked the IMF to do

Kevin Higgins study on deposit insurance in TCI, but interestingly, we asked the IMF to do a full financial sector assessment.

“We are fortunate enough to have two IMF reports, one in March 2011 on deposit and protection options and one in September 2011, establishing a special bank resolution regime and depositor insurance follow up,” Higgins said.

Higgins pointed out that his office will be seeking to establish deposit insurance in the TCI, while warning that it would take some time to come on stream.

For deposit insurance that is an immediate goal, we want to move the process along. We are not saying we are going to introduce it tomorrow but we certainly want to move the process along because that is our ultimate goal, that is a commitment from the

government.

“The attorney general and the minister of finance will have to lay it before the House for it to be enacted, but we will certainly prepare all the required cabinet papers as we normally do, and our draftsman would prepare the documentation. We also have to look at insolvency regime,” he said.

Meantime, Oura said that, while deposit insurance is a key component to increase the confidence of depositors, another option could be the strong resolution framework.

“Establishing this strong resolution framework is one, which also provides the supervisor various kinds of tools to intervene and take prompt corrective action to avoid that liquidation and make keep the bank viable. And even without deposit insurance there are some ways to provide better protection for depositors, and I believe that could help to enhance the credibility of the financial system.

Oura said that the Financial Sector Assessment Programme is somewhat of a health check-up that the IMF conducts on member and some non-member countries such as the Turks and Caicos and other UK overseas Territories on their financial sector activities. She said that the programme is offered on a voluntary basis.

Oura said that a final report would be prepared summarizing the findings of the mission, and it would be rested with the FSC whether or not to make it public. The last IMF visit was in 2003.

Education Minister and Permanent Secretaries attend UWI Annual Business meeting

Permanent Secretary CherylAnn Jones with Professor Nigel Harris of UWI

On invitation from the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, the Deputy Premier with responsibility for Education, Hon. Akierra Missick, and Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Cheryl Ann Jones, left the islands for Jamaica, On Thursday, 23rd April to attend the one day Annual Business Meeting of the University Council meeting today, Friday, 24th April.

The Turks and Caicos Islands was accepted last year as a Contributing Country to the University of the West Indies. Achieving this contributing status allows the Turks and Caicos to benefit

from lower economic costs associated with school fees and also a voting member at UWI Annual Business Meeting.

The Deputy Premier and Permanent Secretary attended the farewell function in honor of Professor E. Nigel Harris, Vice Chancellor who has retired after being at the head of the University for the past 10 years.

Following the Business Meeting today, the Deputy Premier and The Permanent Secretary used the opportunity to meet and mingle with approximately twenty (20) Turks and Caicos Islands Scholarship Students who are studying at the University Deputy Premier Hon. Akierra Missick with Professor Nigel of the West Indies and other Harris of UWI Universities in Jamaica.

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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Opposition renews calls for neighbourhood watch groups Persons paying keen attention to the PDM’s Position on crime fighting would note the PDM’s fundamental position includes adequate resources, including man power and the use of bio-metric tools, but equally as important, citizen involvement.

During the last Budget Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson Session, the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Sharlene morning.

Cartwright-Robinson, in The PDM Leader said: her response to the Budget, “This video reveals the called for the establishment naked truth of how far we of Neighborhood Watch have fallen as a people, in Committees and called on terms of values and who Parliamentary colleagues to we are. The video shows lead the way. Today, she is a young man – our future renewing that call amid the - casually walking about circulating of a home video inside a house that he has capturing intruders into a no permission to be in.

Pastor’s home while he was Moreover, it highlights the at Church on a Sunday blatant disregard for the

homes of persons generally and their privacy. In time past, churches and Pastors’ homes were revered unlike today with the expense that persons have to incur to protect their homes by installing camera systems and other security measures.”

She added: “We cannot continue to lose our way and go along as a people,

as though we have to accept this as a side effect of “development” and/or increase in populations of different nationalities. We must pull back, stop and pay attention to what is going on with our youth - their boldness in committing crimes; the invasion of people’s homes that leaves home owners, especially children, feeling violated and unsafe.

I believe, as does my Party, that we can do more as citizens to help ourselves; we are calling on Pastors as well to assist in organizing Neighborhood Watch Committees.

The PDM commits during the month of May to work along with the Police and Pastors to achieve this.”

PDM TO ANNOUNCE CONVENTION On Monday, May 4th,2015, at 5:15 pm at its Headquarters on Providenciales, the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) will announce the schedule of activities for its

40th Anniversary.

On Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 the unveiling of the Convention Billboard will take place and at 7:30 pm, the PDM will hold a Public Meeting on the grounds of

its headquarters on Grand Turk.

PDMs from all over the Turks and Caicos Islands will come together from June 4 – 7, 2015 under a powerful theme fitting for

Community Meeting Notice

the celebration of 40 years.

The PDM is anticipating a great time together as it celebrates 40 years of stellar leadership and representation.

Turks and Caicos Sun Suite#5, Airport Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 946-8542 Fax: (649) 941-3281 Email: sun@suntci.com Read us online at www.suntci.com Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Hayden Boyce Senior Editor: Vivian Tyson Office Manager: Dominique Rigby Graphic designer Information Technology and Production Manager: Kelano Howell The Turks and Caicos SUN is a subsidiary of The SUN Media Group Ltd. We are committed to excellence in journalism, educating and informing our readers, serving and satisfying our advertisers and assisting in the overall development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

IMMEDIATE OPENING Upholsterer The Upholsterer is responsible for repairing and rebuilding upholstered furniture, using hand tools with a wide knowledge of fabrics and upholstery methods.

The key responsibilities are:

Hon. Akierra Mary Deanne Missick, MP Deputy Premier, Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Libraries

To the The Residents of Leeward, Leeward Palms, Long Bay Hills and Flamingo Crossing.

You are invited to a meeting on Tuesday May 5th 2015 at 5:30pm at the Wesley Methodist School, 24 Palm Circle, Leeward.

•Operate sewing machine to seam cushions and join various sections of covering materials •Repair seats, sofas, curtains, carpet and mattresses •Gather and assemble specified upholstery materials and accessories for upholstered furniture •Ensure that the upholstery workshop is tidy and clean •Keep inventory record of the stored upholstery items •Maintain machines and equipments in good condition at all times •Maintain upholstery in all outlets, lobby, corridor and guestrooms •Organize and take inventory of all fabric materials and sewing accessories •Ensure that the fabric materials that used in making the upholstery is correct •Assume duties and task assigned by Superiors

Skills: Education, Qualifications & Experiences The Candidate should ideally have a technical education in upholstery with at least 5 years previous experiences in a similar upholstering role. Experience as an upholsterer in housekeeping or in a hotel and a good command of English is considered an advantage.

The meeting Will include updates on the infrastructure works projects within the communities including roads works, street lights, parks and update on Long Bay High School Phase1.

Knowledge & Competencies The ideal candidate will be a friendly, caring, dedicated individual with good cross cultural sensitivity and the capability to identify priorities with a willingness to put in an extra effort and time when required. You will work well under pressure in a fast paced environment and enjoy working with a multi-cultural team and guests alike, while possessing following additional competencies:

PLEASE MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND.

Understanding the Job Taking Responsibility Recognizing Differences Customer Focus Adaptability Teamwork

Starting salary $9.00 per hour Interested applicants should apply to Regent Palms, Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume to marjorie. dorsett@regenthotels.com, no later than end of day Friday, May 8th, 2015.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

LOCAL NEWS

House Speaker Hon. Robert Hall praised for taken ‘Parliament to schools’

By Vivian Tyson

Senior Sun Editor The decision by Speaker of the House Hon. Robert Hall to take parliament to the schools is getting a great deal of positive feedback from students and the administration of the Clement Howell High School.

Hall, who has decided to conduct the series of social studies and history rendezvous, visited the Clement Howell High, the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and the Enid Capron Primary School on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 and the Ianthe Pratt Primary School and Enid Capron Primary Schools on Thursday.

The Speaker told The SUN the visits are to bring awareness and to build appreciation for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“And so, I want to instill a lot of pride in our youngsters. It is important for them to know a little bit about our history, where we are coming from, so they can appreciate where we are, and then better able to embrace the future,” Hall said.

Shicora Harvey believes that speech that Hall delivered was a Social Studies lesson in itself from which students could apply to their schoolwork.

“Having the Speaker of the House speaking at our school was a great opportunity, so that the students can express their opinion and thoughts,

come in the CSEC exams.”

Prior to Providenciales, the speaker visited South Caicos and North Caicos, telling The SUN that he regularly visits the Grand Turk schools.

“For the past week I have been touring the islands visiting all of the government schools, with a view of explaining to them a bit about the history of our islands’ socio/political development, explaining to them how the various arms of government functions – the legislature, executive, judiciary, and also, one of my own functions in the House of Assembly,” said.

He said that many of the parliaments throughout the Commonwealth have Speaker of the House Hon. Robert Hall (second left), pictured with Member of Parliament for the Blue such an outreach programme, which he Hills Constituency Hon. Goldray Ewing (right); Kadean Cunningham, Principal for the Clement Howell describes as taking the parliament to High School (second right) and Lydia Butterfield, Deputy Clerk of the House of Assembly. the schools. The said that since the TCI and I thought that was great because excellent since they student do not have is a multi-islands state, many teachers we have learnt some new things for the the opportunity to listen to parliament, and students might not get the chance Social Studies in our school,” she said. which, for the most part, takes place to visit the House of Assembly.

For Malique Harvey, such visits during school time.

“They might just see a little bit should not be a one-off affair, but “It is always good when you have on television. So in this case, I visit continual, since he gathered a great government coming into the school to with my full formal garb so that the deal in the short span. students can see that. I am of the take firsthand information to the “His speech was very informative. students, because a number of times view that we have come a long way in It helps us to appreciate our culture when you have House of Assembly, it a relatively short time, and like I have more and know more about because is during school time. Students are at said to some of them, without the kind they really don’t teach these things in school, they are not aware of what is of turmoil that some countries had to school, and I think it was a good lesson, happening, so it is really good when go through, in the case of places like and I think most certainly he should be you have persons come in and to Jamaica, where their early leaders back,” Harvey said. share with them, let them see what were hanged, imprisoned and so on.

Kadean Cunningham, Principal for happens, let them hear what happens,” “In the case of Bermuda in the the school believes Hall’s visit was 1970s, the governor, the commissioner Cunningham said.

She continues: “It was a very good of police - during the black power history lesson for the students to hear; movement - were killed. We hardly had the formation of Turks and Caicos and any of that, “Hall said.

Member of Parliament for the how everything fixed together nicely. It was a pleasurable visit, and we want Blue Hills Constituency Hon. Goldray them to do it more often, especially Ewing, was also on hand when the with the senior students because the Speaker visited the Providenciales areas that he spoke on are areas that schools.

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Submit applications to by May 7, 2015 to: Butterfield Gold Ltd., Human Resource Department Town Center Mall Providenciales Tel: 649-946-4211

Youth Minister participates at Ministerial meeting in Antigua and Barbuda The Caribbean Region Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (CR-CYMM) themed “Youth participation at the heart of national development” in Antigua and Barbuda is being attended by representatives of the Turks and Caicos Islands April 28 – 30 2015.

Minsters, Youth Leaders and other senior officials from Commonwealth countries in the Caribbean will address regional and global youth development challenges and opportunities.

The Minister responsible for Youth Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Hon. Akierra Missick travelled on Monday accompanied by Mr. Donte Francis, National Youth Ambassador and Miss Garde Alleyne, a member of the Ministry team and volunteer with the Youth Department.

Participants will discuss policy responses to issues such as youth employment and entrepreneurship, participation in civic and political processes, the role of young people in peace building, and the professionalization of the youth work sector.

Hon. Missick noted; “Given the initiatives currently being undertaken at home, I am looking forward to exposing our young people to networking opportunities and to other ideas aimed at youth development within the region.

“As Minister I recognize the key role that young people have in the

development of countries and so issues such as, their involvement in economic development, entrepreneurship and having a voice in the decision making process, are all relevant issues to the Turks and Caicos Islands and ones which we hope to gather further insight and of course share information that is unique to us.”

The young delegates Alleyne and Francis, were equally excited at the prospect of representing their country and being able to share information not only at the conference but on their return. Said Alleyne “I think it is a huge privilege to be able to represent the country and the Ministry and I am thankful for the opportunity.” While Francis, no stranger to representing TCI said; “I hope to do a lot of networking and get some ideas for youth projects for TCI” Commonwealth Deputy SecretaryGeneral Deodat Maharaj added; “The Caribbean has one of the youngest populations in the Commonwealth, with more than 60 per cent of people aged 29 years or under. This makes this generation an enormous asset to the region’s development – not just tomorrow, but today.”

The Minister underscores this sentiment and has reinforced her commitment to ensure that youth affairs is strengthen. We look forward to their return and for the opportunity to hear from them on this conference.

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Grand Turk resident Valerie Jennings pleads for medical help

By Todeline Defralien Fifty-four-year-old Valerie Jennings, a resident of Grand Turk and former deputy director of culture, is seeking help to pay her medical fees.

The SUN recently spoke with Jennings at the Providenciales International Airport where she was sitting down on her wheelchair with a sign in her hand seeking help to raise funds to go to the United States to get an operation on her leg and ankle.

Jennings suffers from muscular dystrophy which she had from birth, but has gotten worse throughout the years.

Mrs. Jennings said: “My family members are saying that I am begging, but I am not. I am doing what is right for myself to help myself and whatever it is I have to do I will do it, even if it means that I have to sit on my wheel chair all day asking for help I will do so.”

While sitting at the airport she raised $220, and the New Testament Church where she attended, gave her $500.

She added: “I am so grateful and happy to receive. I am one more step ahead of getting the help that I really need and also I am very happy to see that tourist here at the airport are also lending a hand and that brings me joy to see and I am very happy about that.”

Mrs. Valerie Jennings said she spoke with the Governor about her situation and for him to seek help for her.

“I am not the only one suffering with this illness,” she said. “My son also has muscular dystrophy but his is not as bad as my own. He walks with a stick, and also my mother is suffering

from this also. She is walking with a walker. I am just asking for help from the community and everyone in it. I also asked if I am eligible to travel on disability but it was rejected.

This is unacceptable. I should be able to travel on disability. I am in a wheelchair and I cannot walk,” said a visibly frustrated Jennings.

“I have been serving the Turks and Caicos Islands in Government since 1985. I believe I deserve it.”

Mrs. Jennings also said suffering with muscular dystrophy is very hard because it cannot be treated in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

She added: “It can only be treated in the U.S, United States and doctors have said that there is no cure, and I believe there are more individuals in the TCI suffering with this illness.

Several members of the Government have visited me but I do not think they really take the time out to understand and learn about this illness and try to understand it as they should.”

Jennings said she is not covered by NHIP because she never received a final letter saying she was unemployed.

“I was never given a redundancy package and I was not at the age of retiring,” she said. “My salary was cut back from twenty-five percent when others were cut back to ten percent which is unacceptable. I believe that Valerie Jennings even though there are no hospitals in the Turks and Caicos that can PROVO WATER COMPANY LTD. help my illness I do believe that the government of the Turks and Caicos We are currently seeking a qualified applicant to fill the position of Pipe Islands should be able to help others Labourer: just like me with hospital fees to travel abroad to seek for help because REQUIREMENTS: it can only be treated in the United •Minimum of 3 years experience in waterworks and piping networks.

States.”

TCI hospitals receive successful accreditation The accreditation of the TCI Hospital has been renewed for a further three years. In what she acknowledged might be her final public announcement before she ceases to be CEO on 30th April, Jill Magri said that she was thrilled and proud to be able to confirm that following the visit to the hospital by three surveyors between 23rd and 27th March, accreditation of the TCI Hospital by Accreditation Canada has been renewed until April 2018.

She added “This was the first triennial re-survey following the initial accreditation in 2012 and involved an assessment of the hospital’s performance against some 2189 quality and performance

standards, many of which had been enhanced and 361 of which had been newly introduced since 2012 by Accreditation Canada International as part of its policy of developing continuous improvements in the delivery of healthcare”.

Saying that the continuance of its accreditation reflected all the hard work done by the dedicated staff of the hospital in the delivery of healthcare on a continual basis and that these staff members and the people of the TCI should feel justly proud, Magri emphasized that the TCI Hospital continues to be one of only two hospitals in the entire Caribbean region which enjoy full acute-care hospital accreditation.

HOUSEKEEPER SUPERVISOR JOB DESCRIPTION •Assign workers their duties and inspect work for conformance to prescribed standards of cleanliness.

•Investigate complaints regarding housekeeping service and equipment and takes corrective action •Obtain list of rooms to be cleaned and list of prospective checkouts •Coordinate work activities among departments •Conduct orientation and in-service training Submit applications to: humanresources@thewestbayclub.com

•Must be in good health to meet the demands of physically challenging work •Must be available for emergency maintenance calls on evenings and weekends according to rotational schedule.

•Must have a clean driver’s license

WORK ENVIRONMENT: •Hot, dusty and muddy conditions including confined spaces •Active roadways and associated traffic noise levels •Remote locations JOB DESCRIPTION: •The Pipe Labourer is responsible for: •Using hand digging tools to excavate and bury pipes and plumbing fixtures •Installing, repairing and maintaining pies, fixtures and other plumbing used for water distribution in residential, commercial and industrial connections.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE TO: 1.Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.

2.Reads and follows installation plans and establish the sequence of pipe installations.

3.Measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required angle, using hand and power tools or machine such as pipe cutters, pipe threading machines and pipe bending machine.

4.Use hand or powered tools to excavate trenches and ditches.

5.Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes and pipe fittings, using hand and power tools.

6.Repair and maintain plumbing, replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes.

7.Attend Emergency callout when necessary.

8.Carry out all other duties as directed by the Supervisor.

Salary Range: US$ 7.00 - $ 9.75 per hour All applications must be submitted by May 8th, 2015.

Turks & Caicos Islanders need only apply.

Office Manager PROVO WATER COMPANY LTD. P.O. Box 39, Grace Bay Road Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Fax: (649) 941-8310 Email: K.Clarke@provowater.tc

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 11

LOCAL NEWS

PNP gets party election ready

The governing Progressive National Party (PNP) has given its clearest indication yet that it is cranking up its election machinery after hosting a National General Council (NGC) conclave last weekend to rarify a series of Integrity Commission and elections donation ordinance matters.

Initial speculations was that the meeting was specifically called to amend party constitutional matters preventing former Premier Michael from throwing his hat into the ring for chairmanship of the party. But a party functionary quickly shot down that conjecture, insisting that they purposely called the meeting to bring the party constitution in line with the ordinances.

Misick is said to be the only contender for the chairmanship position at this time.

The insider explained that the party was behind on the amending its constitution to bring it up to speed with the Integrity Commission Ordinance and the ordinance relating to party fundraising.

“We had a special meeting to deal with the ratification of our party constitution and to elect our public relations officer,” the party insider said.

“There was about 20 percent change from the original party constitution,

The former PNP headquarters on Airport Road the amendments are mainly compliance with the Integrity Commission requirements and the ordinance that deal with political parties reporting financial activities.

“Those had to be addressed in the constitution because the constitution previously did not include those, and with the change in the constituencies, we have to change the constituency councils and so on, to reflect what’s on the ground, because remember there were 15 constituencies before, now it is

GROUNDS MANAGER

Responsibilities •Overseeing the daily functions of all Grounds and Pool & Beach staff to ensure that all required maintenance and up-keep of property is carried out; •Ensure that guests needs are met in a high quality and efficient manner; •Accountability for all Grounds/Pool & Beach inventories i.e. equipment and supplies inventories; •Be responsible for hiring and training of Grounds/Pool & Beach staff; •Promoting an atmosphere of teamwork and professionalism within the department; •Planning, scheduling, assignment and supervision of all landscaping, seeding, weeding, cultivating and general care of grounds.

•Co-ordination of the planting, of flowers, transplanting, pruning, of trees and shrubbery.

•Coordination of activities with other trade areas and outside contractors.

Requirements; •Three or more years experience in same or similar position.

•Experience in dry areas, sandy, high calcium and high phosphate soil.

•Management experience with a hands on approach and •Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, landscaping or a related field.

•Equivalent combination of education, training and experience, in Landscaping Trade.

•A good command of the English language REFRIDGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING TECHNICIAN Responsibilities •Installing, troubleshooting, repairing and maintaining the refrigeration and air conditioning systems •Fabricate and assemble refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

•Carry out all necessary changes to air in the system, test lines, components and connections for leaks.

•Install expansion and control valves on units and adjust and replace parts as needed.

Requirements: •Must possess a minimum of 5 years 4 star background in same or similar position •Certification or diploma from a formal Electrical or Technical Institution is required.

•Must be highly organized individual.

•Must be computer literate and have excellent, clear communication skills written and oral The Alexandra Resort is also looking to fill the following line positions: Gardeners, Janitors, Housemen, Pool & Beach Attendants, Labourers and Room Attendants…to qualify for these positions you should be able to push/pull carts weighing up to 150 lbs. Must be able to ensure the cleanliness of all areas assigned, which may include guest rooms, public areas, linen closets, gardens and grounds. Must be able to stand for long periods of time and also have the ability to climb several stairs each day.

Salary for these positions will commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Belongers need only apply.

Please Submit Applications to: cgibbons@wihl.com A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department.

Submissions to be no later than May 8th, 2015 Turks and Caicos Islanders need only apply.

to the next meeting tentatively set for June. He said that some of the matters raised required all the ministers to be in attendance, but at last week’s meeting not all of them were in attendance.

“Other issues came up and were discussed but couldn’t be fully heard, so they set a date for June, and all these things will be on the agenda and the ministers should be there to answer to the queries that they have been making.

“There were a number of issues that were raised concerning how things were, and how the party is going generally, but was not the meeting for that because the agenda had already been set. But they said that these things need to be addressed, so the ministers need to be there to get it front and centre so they would know 10 and five at large. the mood of the people,” the source said.

“So those are the things that were Misick was in attendance at the discussed. All of those amendments meeting, and according to the source, were approved and have become part of he made a number of suggestions to the new document. The chairman is to move the party forward, and some of finalize it in a couple of days and send the proposals were accepted, while it out to people informing them that some were rejected. this is the final version of the approved The NGC voted in former document of the party constitution,” media practitioner Savitri Daniel as the party source said. the party’s public relations officer, He said that a number of other which was the only election held at the issues came up for discussion but since meeting. they were on the agenda, were deferred

RESERVATIONS AGENT Responds to communications from guests, travel agents, and referral networks concerning reservations arriving by mail, telephone, fax or third party agents. Creates and maintains reservation records by date of arrival and alphabetical listing. Prepares letters of confirmation and promptly process any cancellations or modifications. Track future room availabilities on the basis of reservations, and prepare close-out charts.

Additional duties may include those of Front Office Agent. Prepare for expected arrivals and process advance reservation deposits. Knowledgeable on Resorts rooms, as well as locations, and property design. Well versed on of all resorts packages, their inclusions, and status on availability, blackout dates, rates, and benefits.

Responsibilities: •Knowledge of IQ Ware and Visual One preferred.

•Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

•Reports to work on time for scheduled shifts.

•Able to prioritize, make outbound calls, and follow-up on all Navis Leads.

•Accurately complete daily checklist by the end of shift.

•Confirm reservations by mail, telephone, fax and referrals.

•Enter reservations for Sales Managers and Timeshare Office. In addition to other departments within the Waterloo Resorts.

•Knowledgeable on room types, locations, and layouts of properties for The Alexandra, Beach House, and Blue Haven Hotels.

•Aware of Owner units, status of availability, and Timeshares Owner weeks.

•Familiar with selling strategies, rates, and benefits of all packages for all Waterloo hotels.

•Accurately enter all reservations with proper codes, and rates.

•Prepare Confirmation Letters for all confirmed Reservations.

•Understands the resort’s policy on guaranteed reservations and no-shows.

•Process 3 day advance deposits on all reservations.

•Prepares and updates Close-out report for Manager and Supervisor.

•Assists with all front office tasks when required.

•Maintain a clean and neat appearance at all times.

•Keep a clean and neat work area.

•Promote a good working environment by being courteous, friendly, and helpful to all Guests, Managers, and Fellow employees.

•Completes additional tasks as assigned by Manager.

Requirements: •High School Diploma or equivalent.

•Must be able to speak, read and write the English language •Must be computer literate, with knowledge of Microsoft applications.

•Previous hotel–related experience desired.

Salary for these positions will commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Belongers need only apply.

Please Submit Applications to: cgibbons@wihl.com A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department.

Submissions to be no later than May 8th, 2015 Turks and Caicos Islanders need only apply.

Page 12

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

LOCAL NEWS

New gym and smoothie bar opens in Grace Bay

By Brandy Laporte

Young businessman Josh Williams is a personal trainer who recently opened Okeanos Fitness and Smoothie Bar in the Regent Village, Grace Bay, Providenciales.

Williams, 19, was born in England and he moved To the Turks and Caicos and the tender age of two weeks old and grew up in Providenciales.

The business, which opened two weeks ago, is sub-divided into the gym in the back that offers personal training and group classes, while the front is a smoothie bar which makes all natural smoothies and juices.

Williams says, “The whole idea of

the gym is to promote and combine a fit life and a healthy life, so I put together fitness and eating which basically gives you over all fitness. Working out is an aspect and eating is a aspect of fitness so when you combine the two you get well rounded fitness and that is what Okeanos fitness tries to accomplish.”

Mr. Williams has been playing hockey in the U.S for ten years and through that he has done a lot of training for the sport. He also encountered a lot of injuries and that has inspired his interest in athlete injury and prevention rehabilitation and fitness.

So he studied Athlete Injury

The Hope Foundation for Autism Awareness, its board of Directors, members and volunteers would like to express its heartfelt thanks to the following sponsors for their support over the past two years: The Atrium Resort Seven Stars Resort Turks & Caicos Banking Company Graceway Trading Ltd Gracebay Car Rentals Tropical Auto Rentals Avalon Partners IslandCom Federal Express Coca Cola Bottling Company Sky Juice One Bahamas Association Edward Gartland Youth Center Alpha Christian Academy Lillian Boyce Allan & Indira Forbes Building Services Design Joe Zahm Circle K Kiwanis Club of Providenciales CIBC First Caribbean International Bank La Vista Azul Royal Bank of Canada Pine Cay Project Ports of Call Resort The Yacht Club The Regent Palms Nicquel Garland Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos)Ltd Coxco Construction

Fortis TCI The Tuscany The Hartling Group The Windsong Resort Jubilee Gardens TDMG Bacci WIV PTV Magnetic Media TCI SUn Newspaper Best Institute Mills Institute Hertz Ona Glinton Primary School Osetta Jolly Primary School Asa Williams Provo Water Company Quality Food Center Casablanca Casino Griffith & Partners Blue Haven Marina Wymara Captain Marvin Watersports Stanbrooks Law Jill Beckingham Amanyara Provo Road Runners Goldsmith RTC

And also the community of Providenciales, we say THANK YOU!!!

and Prevention and did a course in yoga and he worked as fitness high performance coach for Julius King at Old Fitness in Philadelphia and that is where he got his core training.

Mr. Williams said that putting together eating the right way and working out is what brought Okeanos Fitness together. He put the business together with a loan he received from a very close relative. Since the gym was opened it has been doing very good especially the smoothie bar and he has a lot more coming up including a grand opening.

The word Okeanos is the personification of the Greek water god Okeano who had a big upper body and a serpent’s

Josh Williams tail for a lower body.

For contact information you can reach him at okeanos fitness on Facebook or 431-4328 or okeoanosfitness@gmail. com

NAVA JEWELERS LTD, dba JEWELRY, world renowned jewelers and retail sellers of signature brand jewelry and jewelry related products, with a chain of affiliated jewelry stores and outlets throughout North America, the Caribbean and Worldwide, is now accepting applications/ resumes from suitably qualifies persons as: ASSISTANT MANAGER, JEWELRY SALES SPECIALISTS, SUPERVISORS AND MERCHANDISERS, JEWELERS, PRECIOUS STONES BRAND QUALITY CONTROL CLERKS, SALES CLERKS, and/ or ASSOCIATES At the Company’s prestigious retail Jewelry sales and Jewelry related merchandise sales Store located at the Carnival Corporation’s Grand Turk Cruise Center, South Beach, Grand Turk.

Requirements: •A sound educational background, and a minimum of five (5) years jewelry sales and general merchandising experience, in the case of Assistant Manager, Supervisors, Precious Stones and Brand Quality Control Clerks and two (2) years in the case of Sales Clerks and Associates, together with a proven and unblemished track record of employment in a highly trusted related field of employment and/or business.

•A positive and disciplined attitude and aptitude toward work in a customer service oriented business.

•Excellent communication, inter-personal and customer service skills.

•A trustworthy, dependable and honest disposition.

•Must be willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays and irregular cruise ship schedule.

•Clean criminal record.

•Unblemished employment history.

•All candidates must be proficient in the English written and spoken word.

Suitable candidates that do not meet the above requirements who, in the sole discretion of the Company’s management team, demonstrate a clear willingness to embrace the Company’s in-house training initiatives and established standard operating policies and procedures, may be eligible for recruitment in exceptional circumstances. Preference will be given to documented Turks and Caicos Islanders.

Interested persons may submit their applications and resumes, via e-mail to: resume@effyjewelery.com, via fax to: 2127308887, or hand deliver the same to any senior member of the company’s staff at its store, commonly known as Jewelry located at Suite No. 2, Building 1, Grand Turk Cruise Center, South Beach, Grand Turk.

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 13

LOCAL NEWS

Some expat students may qualify for immigration status but don’t know

By Vivian Tyson

Senior Sun Editor A number of students of other nationalities are eligible for some kinds of Turks and Caicos Islands Status but ignorance is preventing them from acquiring it, according to Dean for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Dr. Hugh Fulford.

Fulford made the statement at the Community College Foundation’s news conference to hand over this year’s scholarship funds to the institution, on Thursday April 23, 2015 at the Provo campus. He was responding to the Community College Foundation member and former Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Lillian Boyce, who said that a number of students are denied access to the institution because of their immigration.

“I believe that there are some barriers for some students, who are still without status in the Turks and Caicos Islands, who cannot get into the college, and those are the children who really want to get into the college. So in going forward, I hope that the new board would look into those barriers that really do not include the children of other nationalities,” she said.

Mrs. Boyce told the news conference that the Turks and Caicos

Mrs. Lillian Boyce Islands Community College Handbook requires anyone attending the college to have their local immigration status intact.

“I know of so many of them (students), and I know that we were faced with a lot of challenges when we were going through the booklet for scholarships, and so, sometimes they don’t have a voice, they are left out,” she said.

But Fulford expressed the hope once those students and their parents learn of the opportunity, things could

Government advises against illegal road cutting The Ministry of Government Support Services, GSS, is reminding the general public, that road-cutting for whatever reason is illegal and anyone found doing so can face criminal charges.

According to Schedule 1, paragraph 3 of the Electricity Ordinance, only public suppliers (utility companies) such as Fortis, PTV, Provo Water, LIME, Digicel and DigiPlay are allowed to carry out such road cuts, with the approval of the Public Works Department (PWD).

These companies are required to fill out a road cutting and reinstatement application form, which outlines the requirements which must be met before permission is given to proceed with the road cut.

Re-instatement of the road must be carried out by a Public Works approved road paving contractor.

The Public Works Department, is making every effort to ensure

that the road network remains in good condition by reconstructing and upgrading as many roads in the Turks and Caicos Islands as the budget allows.

The general public is further reminded that in accordance with section 21 (1) (b) of the Crown Land Ordinance, which states: “A person who, without lawful authority-constructs any building or structure on Crown land, clears any Crown land, or undertakes any other work on Crown land commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $10,000 or imprisonment for 6 months and on conviction on indictment to a fine of $50,000 or imprisonment for 5 years, or both.”

To assist in this effort, the public is asked to report anyone seen doing road cuts or any other damage to the government road system or PWD or the Police Department.

change.

“I think that a lot of times a lot of these people don’t know their rights because we have something enshrined in the Immigration Law, which talks about assimilation category. So it is legal for them to get some immigration status based on the assimilation category, but sometimes they don’t know and there isn’t anybody to say to them, “Look, you have met the qualifications,’ and utilize it. But, yes, it is a problem, and our requirement (to the community college) talks about your national status, so it is a barrier,” he said.

A government source said that once a student goes through the primary and secondary education system they stand the chance to qualify for local immigration status, but said at times those students are told otherwise.

For his part, President of the college, Lee Ingham said that there are about 400 students that graduate the college each year but the institution gets about 50 of them. He said that both campuses combined have the ability to accommodate up to 500 students easily.

Fulford suggested that since there are two campuses, in the event one of them has seen an exponential rise in registration, they could look into the possibility of transferring students to the less populated campus.

Dr. Hugh Fulford “You must remember that we have two campuses, so let’s say that we have an influx of students in Provo and this facility can’t accommodate, then they can be transferred to the Grand Turk campus. We have to remember that in Turks and Caicos we are one people.

“We may not be one land mass, but a person from Grand Turk should be able to live comfortably in Middle Caicos, North Caicos, South Caicos, Provo, wherever,” he said.

HERTZ/ MYSTIQUE CAR RENTAL TEL # 649-941-39104 or 431-3910

VEHICLES FOR SALE

Software Engineer/Developer Hallmark Trust Limited is seeking a Software Engineer/Developer based out of Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands.

The ideal candidate will possess a university degree at a recognized technical university and have a minimum of 5+ years’ experience as a software engineer/developer at a major bank and/or financial institution. The position will require liaison with financial institutions in the Caribbean and Latin American and therefore require proficiency in fluently speaking , reading and writing in both English and Spanish.

The position will also entail development and writing code for propriety software for use in banking systems/ABM Machines and e-commerce, in both English and Spanish, with an emphasis on the development of an e-wallet program. Software development and integration, e-commerce, website creation, Biometric security systems and firewall protection.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Interested people should submit a detailed resume of qualifications to: Hallmark Trust Limited Attn: Human Resources P.O. Box 656 Courtyard Plaza Suite 1A Providenciales, Turks & Caiios Islands

2015 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED 4 DOOR $48,500.00

Page 14

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

LOCAL NEWS

ACCOUNTANT

Savor Holdings Ltd Currently looking for: Head Chef:

Should have minimum 2 years of experience in hotel /resort accounting.

Maintain the highest standards of Food Hygiene Prepare and cook meals for small and large groups International especially Caribbean experience a must Develop Menus and in-charge of creating new dishes Responsible for overall operations of catering facility Time Management and Business Acumen is needed.

5 star culinary experience a must Maintain impeccable relations with Vendors.

All applicants that meet these requirements please submit resumes to savoursaveur@gmail.com Qualified Belongers need only apply

BITES & BYTES

BIG JOSH RETAIL

1 ASSISTANT TECHNICIAN SALARY $6.50 PER HOUR CONTACT 331-2487

IS LOOKING FOR TWO LABOURERS 1 BAR MAID TO WORK IN NORTH CAICOS SALARY $7.00 PER HOUR CONTACT 342-6297

SEEKS

Americlean HART JOLLY Dry Cleaners

Should have experience to work on Opera and back office system.

Responsibilities:  Supervisor Night Auditor.  Income audit - Checking and reconciling revenue.  Posting/Recording payment – Cash, Checks, Wire transfer and Credit Card.  Credit card payment reconciliation. Invoicing and collection from Tour operator and other agencies. Maintaining Account Receivable ageing.

Contact Human Resources TEL: 946-8550

FRANK C DUVERGE

NEED 1 BABYSITTER

APPLICANT MUST BE HONEST RELIABLE AND HARDWORKING AND VERY GOOD WITH TAKING CARE OF SMALL CHILDREN

ALSO FLUENT IN ENGLISH & SPANISH CONTACT 243-9397

TILE LAYER Salary $10.00 Contact 242-8228

MORTICIAN TCI FINANCIAL CONSULTING SEEKS ASSISTANT 10 - 15 years experience embalming unsupervised Salary based on experience Contact: 2437785

1 CPA ACCOUNTANT MUST HAVE AT LEAST 8 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN ACCOUNTANT AND QUICK BOOKS SALARY NEGOTIABLE BASED ON EXPERIENCE INTERESTED PERSON SHOULD EMAIL OLABSI@TCIWAY.TC

1 LABOURER SEEKS

SEEKS

SALARY $6.00 PER HOUR CONTACT 231-6279

MUST LOVE CHILDREN BE ABLE TO HELP WITH HOMEWORK, MUST SPEAK ENGLISH, COOK, CLEAN ETC WITH SUPERVISION

CALL 231-6565

MBA

CONSTRUCTION

BARBERS - $6.00 PER HOUR 1 BABYSITTER - $5.50 PER HOUR 2 LABOURERS - $5.50 PER HOUR 2 DOMESTIC WORKERS - $5.00 PER HOUR

SEEKS

SHOULD CONTACT

NORTH CAICOS CONTRACTING SEARCH AIR CONDITIONING MECHANIC * An experience Air Conditioning Mechanic and a carpenter required for full time work at North Caicos * Must be willing to work 6 days a week * Must have 10 years’ experience sizing and construction duct work and installing servicing complete central air conditioning systems * Must be proficient in MS Excel for Inventory purposes * Must demonstrate ability to work unsupervised with excellent communication skills is essential for the position. * Salary is $12.00 per hour CARPENTER * Must be willing to work 6 days a week on North Caicos. * Must have 2 years experiences & references * Must demonstrate ability to work unsupervised with excellent communication skills is essential for the position. * Salary is $10.00 per Hour (C) Please apply at ncc@tciway.tc or contact 946 7437

IS LOOKING FOR

IS LOOKING FOR THE FOLLOWING:

INTERESTED PERSONS Contact 241-6307

KADEEN AGENCY

ONE (1) HOUSEKEEPER

R & C SNACK BAR

1 Waitress Salary $6.00 per hour

Launderer needed Salary negotiable Contact 246-9066 or 231-0047

Gloria Forbes

ALEX HIGGS AT 347-6334

1 Tile men -$8.00 1 Carpenter - $12.00 To work 6 days per week Contact 242-3450

SOUTHEASTERN ELECTRIC

OYSTER HOUSE

SEEKS 1 Domestic Worker Salary $5.00 per hour Contact 442-2620

SEEKS 1 KITCHEN HELPER SALARY $6.50 PER HOUR CONTACT OLABSI@TCIWAY.TC

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 15

LOCAL NEWS

Pastor Daniel Delancy objects to tower near his church out.

By Vivian Tyson

Senior Sun Editor Reverend Daniel Delancy, Pastor for the Miracle Revival Mission Church in the Lower Bight is opposing the Planning Department’s decision to approve a cell phone tower to be site next to his church and close to an apartment building.

Delancy said that in addition the ramification the construction might cause, his church is completely against its construction next to its sanctuary.

The man of the cloth went as far as to write the Physical Planning Department, but said that he has not gotten an answer. He said that the 105foot tower could pose a danger to the persons who live nearby, saying that persons reside extremely close to the site.

“The people, who live within 200 feet radius of the development, have not had the benefit meeting to enlighten them to the potential risk and danger. The importance of having a 200-foot radius needs to be expounded on, especially if there is any potential radiation that will be emitting from that apparatus on the tower,” he said in the letter.

The fenced site designated for the cell phone tower is seen nestled between is the Miracle Revival Mission Church (left), and an apartment complex The pastor bemoaned in his letter to the Physical Planning Department that the proposed development is taking place near property that people have been for many years, saying that it is unfair to introduce what he called in his letter as a potential hazard that might adversely affect people living close by.

“The proposed site on parcel 60807/28 will not meet the minimum setback requirements since the parcel is only 50 feet wide. Noting the dimension of the property being approximately 50 feet wide and about

200 feet deep is too small an area to accommodate a tower 105 feet tall.

“Should the tower fall to the west it will certainly damage or destroy the church building. On the other hand, should the tower fall to the east, it will fall on Missick’s Apartment building.

Falling to the north, the tower will fall on Lower Bight Road, which is a hazard to vehicular traffic and pedestrians.

Further, the tower will be right in the middle of the two apartment buildings and a commercial building on Misick’s parcel and the church building to the west of the tower,” the pastor pointed

Additionally, Rev. Delancy said that the tower’s erection will plummet the value of land in and around the area.

“It is my view as well as that of others that the erection of a tower in the Grace Bay area does not complement existing development or proposed developments planned for the area. It’s simply does not blend in with the development and is out of place.

The tower will stick out as an eyesore in the Grace Bay area and therefore ought not to be allowed to proceed.

“Professionals in real estate are of the opinion that should this tower be allowed to proceed to completion, it will likely result in surrounding properties experiencing a fall in value. One should also bear in mind the hundreds of millions invested in tourism properties just across the road (Beaches Resort),” Rev. Delancy said, the tower has the potential to adversely affect existing development.

The SUN contacted the Physical Planning Department in Grand Turk but was referred to the Provo office.

However, efforts to speak with someone there proved futile as the phones rang out.

Heroes and Villains

I don’t know how many of you are like me, and maybe I’m just showing my age here, but I used to love collecting superhero comic books as a child.

Superman, Batman, Spiderman, it didn’t matter, because I collected them all; X-men were and still are my favourite.

To this day I still watch the cartoons and the movies; cheering for my hero even win he’s losing the fight, because you know that the villain will get what’s coming to them in the end. So now I teach my own children to believe in heroes.

Why? You may ask.

It’s really simple. Heroes give us hope!

Hope that no matter how bad things get, no matter how outnumbered and overwhelmed, no matter how bleak the situation seems, there is always a way out if we believe. If we just hold on and give it all that we’ve got, we will make it through. Heroes pull the rose coloured glasses over our eyes so we don’t see how truly ugly the world we live in really is.

Despite their courage, boldness and fortitude, heroes often go un-thanked, unappreciated and even times unrecognized. They are often considered outcast because they do the things that many of us are afraid and unwilling to do.

God bless the hero…. And the villains too; for without them how could we ever recognize a true hero?

As we move into the month of May, anticipating

Cairsea Services Limited Require one (1) Labour Salary : $5.00 per Hour Must be reliable, hardworking & honest.

Hours: 8-5 and some weekends & holidays

Apply

in person

awards.

The questions that weigh on my mind my are: Who will be our next National Hero? Will that person’s life’s work be held to a standard, or will this be another system of political back patting and grand standing?

What happen to our heroes?

Are we doomed constantly live in fading shadows of the past or will we light a new path? Many often complain that we don’t have any true heroes anymore, not those that transcend beyond partisan politics.

However, what about recently laid to rest Dr. Rosita Butterfield? Many are calling for her to be named as our next National Hero - even she too is but a fading shadow of the past.

It seems, that now, at a time when the people of the TCI need a living, breathing hero, many are missing in action or have gone AWOL. The hero has integrity, is selfless and loving. The villain is selfish, even when he commits selfless acts, because it’s all about him and not about “us”.

Is receiving everything that we ‘want’ truly helping us?

Or is it teaching us to be a slave to the

By Damian Wilson hand that feeds us?

One thing is for certain; the villain often first appears pretending to be the hero, appearing the annual National Heroes Day celebrations, the honourable and selfless before being unmasked.

So my final question is: Are any of our current National Honours and Awards Committee has released their guidelines for nominating persons to leaders pretending? be immortalized as national heroes, as well as other Time will tell.

“ON MY MIND”

WANTED 1 Domestic Worker Salary $5.00 per hour 6 days per week Contact 347-3972 or 345-7202

SKY LOUNGE AIRPORT SEEKS 1 Bartender 1 Domestic Worker Salary $6.00 per hour Contact 244-2088

Caicos Bakery & Retail LTD Is seeking suitable qualified applicants to fill the following position: Bakery & Pastry Chef Specialized in gluten free and organic products Have 5yrs experience in similar position Excellent Interpersonal skills Excellent written & verbal communication Ability to work within a team Must be a team player Suitable qualified candidates should apply in writing or send resume to: Caicos Bakery & Retail Ltd. Grace Bay Road (behind Caicos café) Phone (649)242-2266(Eric) Email: bakerytc@gmail.com

Page 16

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

LOCAL NEWS

Radio Remote Rocks Beaches Turks & Caicos

Radio listeners from across the beautiful the waters are here.”

United States were treated to a slice of Nick Wize host of Jacksonville’s the Turks and Caicos Islands this week WKSL-FM 97.9 was filled with praise when thousands of listeners tuned-in for the experience of broadcasting live to hear some of their favorite radio from Beaches and Turks & Caicos. personalities broadcast from the new “It’s been great broadcasting from Key West Luxury Village at Beaches Beaches Turks & Caicos overlooking Resorts Turks & Caicos. the beautiful Grace Bay Beach, I tell The ‘luxury included’ resort and my listeners if they’re looking for a Turks & Caicos Islands sizzled across fabulous family vacation on a resort airwaves as DJs from 20 radio stations that offers every imaginable amenity indulged listeners while promoting and a great beach Beaches Turks & the island as the premiere vacation Caicos is the place,” he said, continued, destination.

“The turquoise water is unbelievable it The resort targeted top-ranked, is so blue it almost looks unreal and it’s mainstream stations in some high- so clear and the sunsets are incredible, interest markets such as Los Angeles, my listeners are definitely getting an Miami and Atlanta and also new island treat this week.” markets that may have never heard A team of Beaches managers of this Turks & Caicos. They also including Public Relations Manager, hit almost every format from Adult Elanor Finfin Krzanowski were Contemporary and Sports to Classic also interviewed by radio personnel Rock, Classic Hits, Oldies, Jazz and promoting the Turks & Caicos, she Easy Listening. commented on the success of the event, Ritchie Phillips host of New she said, “ This is a fantastic initiative, York’s WGNA-F 107.7 GNA commented popular station deejays broadcasted on his Turks & Caicos experience, live from the resort not only to promote “Turks & Caicos is one of the most our 6 diamond ‘Luxury included’ resort beautiful places I have ever been, it’s but also to promote Turks & Caicos not hard at all to convince my listeners as a premiere tourism destination in to come to here,” he said, “We are the Caribbean” she continued, “This using all the latest technologies from national U.S. key-market radio promo Facebook to Twitter and our station is aimed at bringing awareness to website WGNA-F 107.7 GNA to not potential vacationers about all the only promote this gorgeous island but treasures the TCI has to offer and we also paint a picture on the radio of how feel like we have done a fabulous job at

doing that this week.”

The 2015 radio remote included, P i t t s b u r g h W W S W- F M 9 4 . 5 3 W S , Hudson ValleyWHUD-FM100.7 FM, West Palm Beach WOLL-FM Kool 105.5, RoanokeWSNV-FM Sunny 93.5, Richmond WURV-FM 103.7 Play, Albany NYWGNA-FM107.7 GNA, Miami WMIA-FMy 93.9, Oklahoma City KMGL-FM 104.1, OmahaKQCHFM Channel 94.1, Las Vegas KSNEFM Sunny 106.5, New YorkWCBS-FM 101.1 FM, TampaWRBQ-FM Q105, Indianapolis WNOW-FM Radio Now 100.9, Los Angeles K O S T - F M KOST 103.5, Jacksonville WKSL-FM 97.9, Norfolk W N V Z - F M Z 1 0 4 , Raleigh WNCB-FM B939, Atlanta WWWQ-FM Q100, Columbus WVMX-FM Mix 107.9, Chicago WSSR-FM Star 96.7.

The live broadcasts also included three vacation giveaways per station during and after the live broadcast.

Turks & Caicos was also featured on each radio station’s Web site, via dedicated promotional spots on-air, live on-property interviews with the Beaches staff, as well as live and pre-recorded on-air mentions. The promotions helped to bring awareness of the resort as well as the destination.

In addition to the exciting interactive itinerary at the resort, participants experienced Sandals Resorts’ Luxury Included® vacation, enjoying superior accommodations, unlimited gourmet specialty dining; unlimited premium-brand beverages, including house wines from Robert Mondavi Winery and award-winning El Dorado Rum; a wide array of unlimited land and water sports, including snorkeling and SCUBA for certified divers, daily and nightly entertainment, and the inclusion of their airport transfers and all taxes, fees, and gratuities.

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Club Pillows LIME IslandCom Digicel Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl Fresh Catch Cabana Beach Bar & Grill Froggie’s Hide Out at Island Fish Fry Studio 649

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MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 17

LOCAL NEWS

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa Summer Program: � �

Must be over 15 years old Currently enrolled in school (Secondary, Community or other College or University)

Applications close June 15th 2015. Send resume and copy of passport along with a cover letter titled Beaches Summer Programme 2015 to the attention of M McClean-Vaughn email mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or Fax to: 941-4870 or drop off in our secure resume drop box at the service gate.

There are limited spots; applicants will be advised via text of the interview date and time.

Come and join our winning team!!!

Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond all inclusive property in the Caribbean is inviting applications from suitably qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions. Applicants must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends.

The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that only short listed applicants will be contacted for an interview via text.

The Administrative Department requires: ü

Rooms Division Department Requires: ü

Managing Director Requirements include but are not limited to: o Minimum 20 years previous General Manager experience o Experience with a 6 diamond hotel with excess of 700 rooms o Strong Food & Beverage, Rooms and Operational background o Administrative & Financial proficiency

Bars Department requires: ü

The salary for the position listed above is negotiable The Food and Beverage Department requires: ü

Food and Beverage Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o 10 years’ experience in F/B Management, o Knowledge of restaurant, bar/lounge, banquets, room service and kitchen operational experience. o Knowledge of menu composition, food preparation and basic food handling and sanitation standards. o Knowledge of OSHA standards.

ü

Executive Sous Chef Requirements include but are not limited to: o Culinary certification an asset o To create recipes and menus. o Oversee the training and development of staff.

Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: o Five years’ experience supervising a Butler team o Member of the Association of English Butlers o Ability to go above and beyond for guest

Kids Kamp Department requires: ü

Rooms Division Department Requires: ü ü ü

Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: o Knowledge of stock ordering and maintenance of par levels o Ability to mix a variety of drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic. o Outgoing personality o Ability to work in the sun o Physically fit

Butler Department requires:

The Kitchen Department requires: ü

Concierge Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: o Five years supervising two or more Concierge desk o Excellent customer service skills o Ability to multitask and give the guest more than he or she expects

Front of the House Manager Front Office Manager Assistant Concierge Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Five years managing two or more Concierge and/or Front desk o Excellent customer service skills o Ability to multitask and give the guest more than he or she expects

Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: o Three years’ experience supervising a children’s camp o An outgoing personality required o Certificate in early childhood education an asset o First Aid qualification required

Laundry Department requires: ü

Shift Leader Requirements include but are not limited to: o Leads a Laundry team during a shift o Experience with cleaning and chemicals o Physically fit

The Grounds Department requires: ü

Assistant Grounds Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Minimum 2 year diploma in related field. o Experience with tropical or sub-tropical plants, Greenhouses and Irrigation o Physically Fit

The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 to $12.50 an hour.

Watersports/ Catamaran Departments require: ü

Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to: o Three years supervising a watersports team o International Dive certification required o An outgoing personality required o Strict adherence to safety procedures o Ability to swim

ü

Deck Hand/ First mate Requirements include but are not limited to: o Boat Captain license o Ability to Swim o First aid/ CPR Certification

Entertainment Department requires: ü

Assistant Entertainment Administration Manager Requirements include but are not limited to: o Conceptualize and bring to production entertainment at the Resort o Experience with Kids Camps o First Aid Certified

The salary range for the positions indicated above is $25,000.00 to $65,000.00

The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 to $12.50 an hour.

Engineering Department requires: ü ü ü

Housekeeping Department requires:

Tile Layer/mason Carpenter Senior Plant Operator Requirements include but are not limited to: o Knowledgeable of in related fields both in theory and practical

ü

The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 to $6.50 an hour.

The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25to $12.50 an hour.

Linen Room Attendant Requirements include but are not limited to: o Experience with inventory and maintaining par levels. o Physically fit

Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to: mmvaughn@grp.sandals.com or Fax to: 941-4870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn

The Human Resources Department Beaches Turks and Caicos P.O. Box 186 Lower Bight Road

and

The Labour Commissioner Labour Department Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

th

and should reach not later than May 9 2015.

Page 18

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

LOCAL NEWS

IMF says TCI banking system strong

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has declared that the commercial banking sector in the TCI is relatively sound since those institutions have been heavily financed.

Hiroko Oura, who led a sixmember IMF team, made the assessment during a news conference at the FSC office on Providenciales on Monday, April 27, 2015. She said that in comparison to other jurisdictions in the region, the Turks and Caicos Islands banking system is firm.

There are three commercial banks operation in the TCI, all of which are headquartered in Canada. The institutions are Scotiabank, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank and the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).

Oura said though that while the sector is strong, non-performing loans due to actions from the global financial meltdown has caused the banks to become not as resolute as

they would have liked.

“We look at the insurance sector and the banking sector soundness as a whole, and what we found out, especially for the banking sector, which is the major component of the financial system here, that two characteristics – one is that banks here are highly capitalized because of high capital compared to other countries in the region.

“At the same time this territory has suffered quite a bit from the global financial crisis and collapse of tourism and real estate development at that time. So banks continue to suffer with high non-performing loan ratio, and it would be important for the banks as well as the FSC to keep monitoring the development of that asset quality,” she said.

Ouro was asked by reporters as to whether or not her team discovered any local financial institutions approaching a state of insolvency, but

reiterated that they were not here for that.

“We are not here to assess a particular financial institutions,” she said.

Kevin Higgins, Managing Director for the FSC has hailed the IMF assessment of the Turks and Caicos Islands financial regulatory sector, saying that it serves as a gauge as to where the financial sector is and where it should go. “ For me, this is like a report card to see the progress that we have made over the years and where we are. And, again, it is a process, so out of this report will also come areas we need to focus on going forward, develop an action plan etcetera.

“Unfortunately, in our business the work never stops, there is always new issues coming up. We have for the first time on this visit, going through the process of what is called stress testing, which we never done in Turks

and Caicos before. We are also trying to prepare for our financial stability report – again a first for Turks and Caicos,” Higgins said.

Higgins added: “What happens generally, when we get these international assessments, whether it is from the IMF or another group called the Toronto Centre, or the Caribbean Financial Action Taskforce, the reports go to London to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and they are the ones who start calling me, (saying) ‘Why haven’t you done this?

When are you going to do that?’ So they do the monitoring from London.”

I think that the public is aware that we have seen improvements over the last five years, significant improvement in the regulatory and supervisory regime, should provide some level of confidence.

International School Sees Dramatic Boost in Reading

The International School of the TCI has just successfully completed another ‘Codebreakers’ reading program aiming specifically at improving children’s reading ability. The Leeward-based school has annually used this approach of focused reading intervention and has seen significant progress in children’s reading skills.

Reading ages increased from 5 to 30 months in just 6 short weeks! 18 children participated in the program with the impressive average increase of reading age of 8.5 months.

Codebreakers is a name for an intensive reading practice at school and home. Children learn to ‘break the code’ of the written word. The aim is to provide rigorous, structured, systematic instruction that is delivered on a daily basis

in addition to the child’s regular classroom instruction.

The reading program usually takes place over a 6-week time period and runs once a year.

Each day children read twice at school one-on-one for 15-25 minimum with their teacher, a parent volunteer and at home with a family member.

The child’s reading age is measured at the beginning of the term and the teacher determines if the child needs an extra reading boost. The child receives additional reading practice in the 6-week time frame, focusing on phonics, reinforcing skills learned in class and on a one-to-one basis.

Katie Hinks, Principal, said, “Between the ages of five and seven most children go through an extraordinary transformation as readers. Success

at this stage can be crucial to success in later years.

As such, it is paramount for children to secure their reading skills as their further learning is based on this skill.”

Commenting on the results Mrs. Hinks said, “We have just completed our Codebreakers program and we saw incredible improvements in the reading age test results which increased from five to 30 months in 6 weeks, with an impressive average increase of reading age of 8.5 months!”

She continues, “The majority of the children made improvements in all reading skills; this provides a firm foundation for their success through their school years. Moreover, the children became more motivated to read and increased their confidence in their reading ability.”

HERTZ/ MYSTIQUE CAR RENTAL TEL # 649-941-39104 or 431-3910 VEHICLES FOR SALE Make /model Year Nissan March Toyota Vitz Nissan March Nissan March Toyota passo Toyota Vitz Toyota Vitz Toyota Vitz Toyota Vitz Daihatsu Sirion Daihatsu Sirion Mazda Demio Mazda Demio Nissan March Ford Taurus Dodge Caravan Dodge Caravan Nissan March Nissan March Nissan March Toyota passo Daihatsu sirion Daihatsu sirion Mazda Demio Mazda Demio Mazda Demio Hyundai accent Hyundai accent Hyundai accent Ford explorer Suburban Ford pickup Ford pickup

License # 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 2009 2005 2006 2006 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009

7727 7743 7729 7730 7010 7014 7016 7435 7655 7329 7330 7441 7731 6116 6761 6799 6694 6116 7336 7404 7011 7326 7328 6599 6775 6784 7654 7656 7501 7593 7529 7703 7720

Color

Price

silver silver silver green white ocean green silver blue grey yellow green navy blue green purple White White Silver purple white blue black black yellow white navy blue silver silver dark blue dark blue silver white silver white

$5799.00 $6800.00 $6500.00 $6900.00 $8500.00 $9500.00 $9400.00 $9800.00 $9800.00 $7500.00 $7500.00 $7700.00 $7000.00 $7500.00 $6500.00 $6500.00 $7500.00 $7500.00 $8000.00 $8200.00 $9500.00 $7500.00 $7500.00 $9000.00 $9000.00 $9200.00 $7000.00 $7000.00 $6500.00 $19500.00 $35000.00 $24500.00 $23500.00

Feel free to stop by FOR NEWER VEHICLES or call us 649-941-3910

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 19

LOCAL NEWS

Claudette Clare leaves TCI Community College, Foundation boards JOB VACANCY NOTICE The Turks and Caicos Islands Integrity Commission invites applications from suitably qualified individuals to the vacant post of a Secretarial Support Officer within the Commission. The post location is Providenciales.

Purpose and Key Responsibilities To provide reliable, confidential and efficient secretarial support service for the Commission.

Key responsibilities will include:

: From left – Deveraux Malcolm – new Community College Board Chairman; Keno Forbes – new TCI Community College Foundation Chairman; Claudette Clare – outgoing chair; Lillian Boyce, board member; Lee Ingham, outgoing president for the college; and Samuel Forbes – Principal for the college Lee Ingham, President for the TCI Community College, who himself is also leaving, described Clare as an Claudette Clare, outgoing chair effective communicator. for the Turks and Caicos Islands “I want to thank Mrs. Clare, she Community College Board and the has been wonderful, not just as the Turks and Caicos Islands Community chair, but we communicate frequently College Foundation received a great and I can say we are friends,” he said. deal of commendation from colleagues For her part, Lillian Boyce, and friends after deciding to step Foundation Board member and former away from entities. minister of education, said that the The longstanding educator has foundation has seen successful for the been credited with the fundraising first time, and it was due mainly to success of the Turks and Caicos Clare’s doing.

Community College Foundation and “It was a pleasure working with the strides being made by the college her. I have always worked with her itself. on issues when I served as minister Clare told a news conference last for education, she worked with me Thursday that she would be stepping well, and was responsible for molding away from both bodies because of many of the policies – education for all personal reasons. Keno Forbes will policy, teachers incentive policy and take over the Foundation’s helm while so on.

Deveraux Malcolm has been fingered “And it was a pleasure to have to head the college’s board. been asked to work with you on this At the news conference called Foundation, because I speak from the by the Foundation last Thursday, time I was minister of education. We April 23, 2015, to present this year’s have always appointed a foundation scholarship funds to the college, and we were never successful, and Clare was lauded for her sterling seeing them work as hard as this contribution to both entities. foundation. So, I can go on record “I had an exciting two years. saying that during my time the We have set the tone for the next foundations did not work, so this five years of growth for the college. is the first time I was able to see a The Foundation is in good shape. We functioning foundation,” Boyce said. have, more or less, revitalized the Dean for the college Hugh Fulford, Foundation. I want to say publicly lauded Clare for her invaluable and for the record, that our board has contribution to not only the community been a very proactive one and I wish college by education in general. my colleagues well in going forward,” “It was a pleasure working with she said.

Mrs. Clare, especially for during the She added: “ I did not opt to last year and a half working on the return because of personal reasons, board. The contribution that you but being an educator, I am always have made to this college cannot go pulled in the direction of education. unnoticed. So we thank you sincerely.

So no one should question whether I We look forward to your continued would support the college. My support support,” Fulford said. is guaranteed.”

Samuel Forbes, Principal for the Malcolm, acknowledged Clare’s Community College said that he and mammoth contribution to boards and Clare joined the former Provo High said that he would be hard-pressed to School, now the Clement Howell High replicate her success.

School in 1987 the same day, and since “I do have some big shoes to fill then they have established a bond. and I don’t know if I can do it with the “So, I see her not only as a year’s span that I have because Mrs. colleague, not only as a friend but as a Clare is amazing,” he said. sister,” Forbes said.

By Vivian Tyson

Senior Sun Editor

•assisting the Commission’s Secretary in the discharge of her statutory and secretarial duties including, handling sensitive and confidential documents and materials; •Interfacing and handling interactions with members of the public in their dealings with the Commission; •typing, faxing and photocopying of routine correspondence as required; •maintaining a comprehensive filing system; •screening incoming calls and answering routine questions; •scheduling appointments for the Commission and Staff Members; •receiving and dispensing mails; •taking notes of meetings when needed; •Such other duties that may be assigned.

Qualification and Experience •An Associate Degree in Business Administration or equivalent qualification; •A minimum of 5 years experience in multi-tasking secretarial service or related field.

Competencies and Other desirable qualities include: •possession of the highest standards of integrity and probity, and understanding of fiduciary responsibilities to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands; •ability to work effectively in teams as well as being able to work unsupervised and under pressure; •excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills; •excellent demonstration of inter-personal skills, respect and high regards for sensitive and confidential information and materials; •excellent computer skills particularly in the use of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Power Point and Publisher.

Remuneration: Salary is $24,000 per annum.

Application procedure Applicants are requested to submit their CV together with an accompanying letter demonstrating why they would wish to work with the Commission and what particular attributes they would bring to its work. Certified copies of qualifications as well as the names and letters of two referees must be submitted with your application.

The deadline for applications is Friday May 8th 2015 with a view to commencing work latest by early June, 2015.

Please note that only applicants selected for interview will be notified.

Applications should be returned to the Secretary, TCI Integrity Commission either by email, fax, or mail. Direct mail should be addressed to Mrs. Wanda Ariza, Secretary, The Integrity Commission, Franklyn Misick Building, Church Folly Road, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. The contact details are: e-mail: secretary@integritycommission.tc; Tel. 9461941; Fax. 9461355.

Page 20

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

East Bay Resort is seeking LOCAL NEWS a

Resort Manager

Job Description: The Resort Manager‘s primary responsibility is to assist the General Manager with the smooth and profitable operation of the resort; ensuring company standards are adhered to and resort guest satisfaction is achieved.

Job Responsibilities Include:  Assisting the General Manager in managing the resort;  Resolving all guest issues that may arise during the daily operations of the resort;  Providing guidance and support to Managers and staff;  Maintaining financial control of budgets, analyzing income and expenditure patterns and pace;  Involvement in overall business strategy, including sales & marketing and financial key initiatives;  Evaluating the effectiveness of staff, identifying learning needs and in conjunction with HR designing and implementing required training;  Monitoring adherence to the company’s core values;  Performing other related job duties as required ensuring the efficient operation of the Resort.

Required Competencies Understanding the Business:  Must be passionate about guest satisfaction and be very strong in both front and back of the house;  Must be guest focused and oriented, must be able to drive revenue;  Excellent leader with a strong sense of urgency who wants to commit to building the best luxury resort and team in the Caribbean;  Must understand the cultural climate of operating a luxury resort in the Caribbean ;  Must be an entrepreneur minded, hands on business person with a proprietary attitude towards the resort;  Must be able to manage and lead the business both internally (staff) and externally (guest) during ongoing construction and renovation periods.

Language Skills:  Must speak and write fluently in English and French. A working knowledge of Spanish will be ideal but not a requirement; Technical Skills:  Strong working knowledge of Micros and Opera Software; High degree of IT literacy, particularly in using and troubleshooting Microsoft Office tools.

Decision Making:  Must be thorough in decision making, able to learn as well as instruct and be consistent in approach.

Managing Work Processes:  Must be process oriented and able to work through systems.

Communicate Effectively:  Must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communications; must be able to deal and relate with colleagues and guests at every level.

Delegation:  Must be interpersonal savvy and the ability to delegate effectively.

Organizational Aptitude:  Must be able to operate cohesively and effectively in a complex and dynamic business environment.

Managing Diverse Relationships:  Must be open and able to understand diverse cultures in the workforce and manage effectively through them.  Must be team oriented as well as highly guest focused.

Inspiring Others:  Must lead by example and set the standard of excellence in work ethic, motivating others while implementing the company ideology with purpose.

Acting with Honor & Character:  Must exhibit composure and demonstrate the ability to listen; must be approachable and act with compassion when necessary.

Education/Experience: More than 5 years’ experience in a senior management position at a luxury resort / hotel is required. University Degree or equivalent degree from a recognized hotel school is preferred, however, commensurate experience will be considered.

Compensation Compensation will be made attractive to the right person. Relocation will be a component to this package.

What we offer: The Opportunity - This position represents an exciting and challenging opportunity for a highly self- motivated and dynamic hotel executive to become part of a unique team that is responsible for what is one of the most exciting luxury resort developments in the Caribbean. This is a position of high visibility that will certainly contribute to the continued growth and successful development of East Bay Resort. The successful candidate will enjoy an environment that is both highly challenging as well as intellectually stimulating, while experiencing personal and professional growth within a luxury resort.

Beginning salary commensurate with experience Interested Applicant’s please email applications to info@saunders.tc

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

PROVO WATER COMPANY LTD.

Provo Water Company Ltd is seeking a suitable applicant to fill the following position: POSITION:

DOCUMENTATION ENGINEER

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION: •Must be a graduate of Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business Management.

•With at least 5 year minimum experience in distribution systems management under a water utility company setting.

•Must be familiar with the distribution system or water pipeline network including all the description of its appurtenances, line assets and installed devices.

•Must be proficient in technical report writing and knows how to prepare project studies.

•Must have a background on legal documentations and contract preparation.

•Must be analytical and apt in mathematical calculations.

•Must be proficient in both written and oral communication.

•Must be computer literate and familiar with computer maintenance management software (CMMS).

•Must be willing to do fieldwork and at night time or during wee hours in the morning •Must be willing to work under pressure and perform multi-tasking.

JOB DESCRIPTION 1.Writes all documentations for any given PWC project and manages all paperwork required under the engineering department.

2.Reviews all details of the design and processes in the distribution system to determine the type of documentation that may be required in every phases of the project.

3.Prepares feasibility study for any proposed undertaking which includes research, analysis, data consolidation, drafting and finalization of report for the PWC’s board approval.

4.Prepares contracts on any upcoming project and drafts memorandum of agreement /understanding/undertaking for customers with specialized work requirement beyond the standard offering of PWC. 5.Prepares work orders for the distribution department and issues payment certificate on contractors & sub-contractors on every finished project after careful assessment of its completion.

6.Coordinates with other departments all paperwork and other materials related to project documentation. These documents include engineering drawings, technical specifications, modifications and project scheduling.

7.Keeps and maintains accurate records of all projects and implements a system to keep the information available and up-to-date for both internal users and external customers.

8.Prepares an elaborate technical report as requested by customers on cases requiring enlightenment particularly on leaks, increase in billing, costing, technical investigation and any other assessment related to water and piping problems.

9.Designs and develops engineering forms including its flows and processes to ensure proper channeling of task and information among department involved.

10.Maintains a record of all engineering transactions and activities for ease of access and immediate reference.

11.Prepares correspondence and other related documentation as required to secure government permit or special concession on any road work projects.

12.Provides documentation to any private or government agencies as required in the fulfillment of a specified task.

13.Prepares monthly consolidated engineering report on all projects and related activities carried out by the department.

14.Perform other function as required by the head of the Engineering.

Salary Range: US$ 32, 400 – 42, 000 per annum All applications must be submitted by May 15th, 2015.

Turks & Caicos Islanders need only apply.

Office Manager PROVO WATER COMPANY LTD. P.O. Box 39, Grace Bay Road Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Fax: (649) 941-8310 Email: K.Clarke@provowater.tc

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 21

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

LOCAL NEWS

Teachers not trained to handle autism Even though autism students are allowed in general classroom, they face teachers that are ill-equipped to understand their challenges, Maxcia Rigby, Executive Member and Chairman for the Autism Foundation said.

Rigby, who was speaking to the media on Saturday, April 25, 2015, during an autism awareness march in Grace Bay, said that she was grateful that autism students are allowed in regular school setting, but since the teachers are not trained to understand such disorder, oftentimes deemed autism children rude when they display behavior akin to the challenge.

“They (autism children) are already in the educational services.

However, we are fighting for them to get the help and the development that they need. Right now, there are a lot of teachers who are helping by accepting the children in their classroom, but there are also so much that they can do, and sometimes if the child has autism, they are branded as rude and they are often disciplined based on their behavior,” Rigby said.

She said that general education, including to members of the public would adjust people’s reaction to autism.

“We believe that educating the public and providing that type of awareness would stop that reaction to children with autism, and they LAT_Turks-and-Caicos_7.5x5_v1.pdf would realize that these children need1 assistance. And if we can get things

Maxcia Rigby participating in the parade with her son started like the classroom that we are trying to start in September of this year, believe that will eliminate those kinds of problems,” she said.

Rigby said that so far about 20 families with autism children have been identified; she said though that there are more children with autism but for some reason have yet to come forward to seek assistance.

“We are working with over 20 families. However, we know that there are more, and because of things like the parade, we hope that people will come forward and they will recognize that their child certainly needs help, and they need help with their Autism.

3/28/2015 11:45:30 So, I hope that AM the children can get help with us coming forward and

spreading the awareness,” she said.

She said that aside from awareness, the HOPE Foundation for Autism, bring support and acceptance the community to parents with autistic children.

“We also offer free workshops through Michael McGinty out of Florida and Kathy Boisvert out of Boston. They were here last year, and they come every year free of charge.

We offer free workshops. We also offer support to parents from myself and other members of the foundation, just to talk and to share different experiences and to help each other get through this difficult time because there are no services here at the moment,” she said.

She said that it is critical for those with experience to share with those who do not so as to ease the frustration that often prevails.

“It is very important because you can feel frustrated at times because that is one of the reasons we started the foundation, because we, ourselves, felt hopeless when we found out that our son was diagnosed with autism and we didn’t know what to do.

“It is very important to talk about it. It is very important to let others know so that you can get support, and it is very important to share your challenges and successes because all of those things help the children to grow,” she said.

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LOCAL LOCALNEWS NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

HOPE FOUNDATION FOR AUTISM HOLDS MARCH The HOPE Foundation for Autism Awareness conducted a march on Saturday, April 25, 2015, to highlight public awareness of the illness and to top off the Autism Awareness Month observance. Members of the community joined the Hope Foundation along the route, which began at the Scotiabank parking lot in Grace Bay to the beach area adjacent to the Sands Resort. Maxcia Rigby, Director and Chairman for the HOPE Foundation, said that there are about

20 families in the TCI that have been identify having children with Autism. She expressed the hope that with the parade, more people with Autism children would come forward in the future and seek assistance for those children. The Hope Foundation has been able to source expertise from overseas in this area. The following are photo highlights of the march and other activities that were held throughout the month.

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS WORLD NEWS

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MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

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LOCAL NEWS

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Page 28

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MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

LOCAL NEWS

Clement Howell students win Parrot Cay Earth Day Essay, Poster competitions

Parrot Cay Resort, and Friday, April 24, 2015, hosted its Earth Day Poster and Essay Competition at its dock in Leeward, Providenciales. Clement Howell students Randeann Ellis and Ashanna Henry took the Poster and Essay top prizes respectively. The following are photo highlights of the event.

The winning poster created by Randeann Ellis of the Clement Howell High School

The second place poster created by Labacca Smith of Raymond Gardiner High School in North Caicos

Parrot Cay Resort Managers share lens with winner of the Earth Day Essay and Poster competitions Ashanna Henry (front second from left) and Randi-Ann Ellis (third from left) respectively

Randeann Ellis of the Clement Howell High School collects her award for painting the winning the poster, from Yolander Forbes, HR Director

Kenrick Neely, Director of the Environmental Health Department addressing the event

Keva Forbes, HR Administrator at Parrot Cay

Pascal Mongeau, General Manager of Parrot Cay Resort, presents Ashanna Henry with her prize Houda Saintilma of Clement Howell High School for placing first in the Essay competition collects her prize for placing second in the Essay Competition, from Ezra Taylor, Storeroom Manager at Parrot Cay Resort

Yolander Forbes HR Director of Parrot Cay presents the prize to Labacca Smith of Raymond Gardiner for placing second in the poster competition

Nadra Wilson (centre), Teacher at the Clement Howell High School , is presented with a prize by Yolander Forbes (left) HR Director and HR Manager Tueton Williams, HR Manager at Parrot Cay

Nichoy Bent of Clement Howell High School, is presented with the third prize in the Essay Competition, by Lorne Robinson, Executive Housekeeper for Private Estates.

Phillip Munroe, teacher at the Clement Howell High School collects a gift on behalf of fellow teacher Marvin Pringle, from Yolander Forbes and Tueton Williams HR Director and HR Manager respectively at Parrot Cay Resort

Junika Noel, collects a prize from Tueton Williams, HR Manager for Parrot Cay, for her participating in the competition

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS ENTERTAINMENT

Jeremiah

“Love Don’t Change” Girl I’ll still kiss your the head in the morning Make you Breakfast in bed while your yawning And I don’t do everything, how you want it But you can’t say your man, Don’t be on it [Hook] Cause I know true love aint easy.

And girl I know it’s you, Cause you complete me.

And I just don’t want you to leave me, Even tho I give you reasons [Chorus:] Cause baby sometimes, I can tell just by your face this part of us been gone for so long.

And I know there’s no replacing what we had going on... for so long.

But When it hurts, I can make it better.

Girl if it works, it’s gon be forever.

We been though the worst, Made it though the weather.

Our problems and the pain... (pain), But Love Don’t Change Girl you still hold me close when you see me.

And you still make me know that you need me.

And I know sometimes you don’t believe me.

But you stay on my mind, So believe me.

[Hook] Cause you have my heart don’t break it (Oh no don’t break it girl) Cause when times get tough, Don’t hate me (ohhhh) And it all adds up, we gon make it (gotta make it)

Cause when you mad, I know you can’t fake it (ohhhhhhhhh) [Chorus:] Cause baby sometimes, I can tell just by your face this part of us been gone for so long (so long).

And I know there’s no replacing what we had going on... for so long.

But When it hurts, I can make it better.

Girl if it works, it’s gon be forever.

We been though the worst, Made it though the weather.

Our problems and the pain... (pain), But Love Don’t Change Hold me down and I’m gon do the same... for you love, I will do a thing... for you love, I want this together even though it get better... Or worst [Chorus:] Cause baby sometimes, I can tell just by your face this part of us been gone for so long.

And I know there’s no replacing what we had going on... for so long.

But When it hurts, I can make it better.

Girl if it works, it’s gon be forever.

We been though the worst, Made it though the weather.

Our problems and the pain... (pain), But Love But When it hurts, I can make it better.

Girl if it works, it’s gon be forever.

We been though the worst, Made it though the weather.

Our problems and the pain... (pain), our Love wont... Change...

Page 30

FUN & & GAMES GAMES LOCAL NEWS WORLD NEWS FUN TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

AUGUST 7TH - AUGUST 14TH, 2009

August 3-9, 2009

KFWS • MindGym August 3-9, 2009

Health Savings Accounts

Health Savings Accounts offer a way to put aside money for medical expenses with pre-tax dollars. Not everyone qualifies for an HSA, but for those who do, it can be a way to save money and reduce your taxes.

The main requirement for an HSA is that you have a high-deductible health insurance policy, and that it is your only coverage. Highdeductible policies are those with deductibles of more than $1,150 for individuals and $2,300 for families.

One of the benefits of a high-deductible health policy is lower premium costs.

Another requirement is the cap on your out-of-pocket Answers annual expenses (including deductibles and co-payments). For individuals that amount is $5,800 and $11,600 for families.

Annual contributions to an HSA are limited to $3,000 for individuals and $5,950 for families. For those age 55 or older who want to start an HSA and catch up on contributions, an additional $1,000 is allowed.

You must be under age 65 and not claimed as a dependent on anyone else’s tax return.

If you spend the money during the year on qualified medical expenses, the distri-

© 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

King Features Weekly Service

KFWS • MindGym

FUN & GAMES

August 3-9, 2009

butions are tax free. However, if you spend the funds for non-medical expenses before you reach age 65, you’ll have to pay the taxes on that money as well as a 10 percent penalty. After that age, you only pay the taxes.

Three big benefits: You can take your HSA with you if you change jobs or health insurance policies. The money rolls over from year to year and accumulates.

You can use the money for things your medical insurance might not cover, such as dental and eye care.

Signing up for an HSA is easy. Sign up through a bank or an insurance company. The hard part is deciding on the insurance policy itself, and that’s where an adviser can come in handy.

For tax information, look for Internal Revenue Service Publication 969. (Note that the qualifying deductible and out-of-pocket expenses still show the lower figures for 2008, and they haven’t begun calculating for 2009 yet.)

For 2010, the maximum contribution amounts will be $3,050 for an individual and $6,150 for a family. The catch-up amount for those 55 and older will be unchanged at $1,000.

David Uffington regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to column reply@gmail.com.

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FUN & & GAMES GAMES CARIBBEAN NEWS LOCAL NEWS FUN

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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FUN & & GAMES GAMES FUN LOCAL NEWS CARIBBEAN NEWS TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JUNE 18TH - JUNE 25TH, 2010

KFWS • MindGym Page 31 MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

June 7, 2010 FUN & GAMES

CARIBBEAN WORLD

MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWSNEWS CARIBBEAN

NEWS NEWS

Bahamian business owners furious over power cuts

BUSINESS owners and residents in New Providence expressed their fury at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation’s inability to provide a steady power supply as BEC’s Executive Chairman Leslie Miller said “there is nothing else” officials can do to prevent power cuts over the next few days.

The power cuts, which continued all day yesterday in parts of New Providence, forced some businesses to shut down for the day on Monday, with reports of closures on Bay Street and in the Palmdale area.

However, Mr Miller urged customers to “bear with BEC” during this “very serious crisis”.

He said while BEC was able to restore electricity to most customers on Monday evening, the corporation was only able to meet demand at midnight, when most businesses had shut down.

His statements came after thousands of residents were left without power, some for more than five hours on Monday after engine failures at both the Blue Hills and Clifton Pier stations. Unfortunately, Mr Miller said BEC would not be able to meet demand until the rental generators arrive in Nassau.

He also indicated in a television interview on NB12 last night that some homes would have to go without power to ensure the World Relays event at the weekend would have electricity, saying “we cannot have an embarrassment with an international event of this calibre”.

A statement released by BEC yesterday said temporary generator

Leslie Miller units supplied by Aggreko, an international company, should be installed and operational within the next four weeks. An initial five megawatts of Aggreko temporary units should be on island within the next few days, the statement added.

“In the interim BEC expects that there may be periods of supply interruption if customer demand exceeds BEC’s existing capacity,” BEC said. “The corporation assures the public that it continues to do what it can to limit the duration of supply interruptions and the amount of customers impacted. BEC requests its

Cayman Islands tourism arrivals break new records Cayman needs more hotel beds to accommodate the growing number of tourists flocking to these shores, according to tourism chiefs.

After record arrivals in 2014, the first quarter of 2015 has seen a further 5.7 percent increase in stayover tourism.

A total of 45,476 tourists arrived in Cayman in March – the most ever in any single month. January and February 2015 were also record months, contributing to a total of 115,640 visitor arrivals in the first quarter, according to the Department of Tourism.

Both Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell and CITA president Ken Hydes have cautioned that the upward trajectory will begin to plateau over the next few years.

Mr. Kirkconnell told CITA members at their annual general meeting last week that more beds were needed.

But he said the future looked bright with several hotel projects in the pipeline, including the Kimpton Hotel on Seven Mile Beach and a

proposed development at Beach Bay, Bodden Town.

In the meantime, tourism officials are targeting bigger-spending visitors from the Northeast region of the United States.

Director of Tourism Rosa Harris said, “It is another great, positive beginning to the year, and we couldn’t have asked for a better start to 2015. We are optimistic of the tourism performance, which is measured by the growth in air arrivals. The Northeast region of the U.S. continues to be our largest key market for visitation and our efforts to see wins from this market will continue throughout the year. We have excellent airline partners that service the Northeast and we feel there is more room for growth from this area.”

Cruise arrival numbers also increased marginally for the first quarter of 2015. Cruise visitation reached 544,073 in the first three months of this year compared to 543,017 compared to the same period last year.

customers’ patience as it makes every effort to ensure that present challenges do not persist into and throughout the summer.”

However, affected residents and business owners said the power cuts have affected their cash flow and everyday routines.

A hair salon owner in Palmdale, who did not want to be named, said she lost hundreds of dollars in clients due to the load shedding.

“The power went out around 1pm (Monday) and never came back on. We had to turn away customers because we had no power and even worse there were some customers that began getting their services and had to leave half done. It is a disgrace and it is a disservice to business owners. Who is going to give me the money I lost?

Something has to happen.”

Some angry residents took to social media websites to vent their frustration on the power cuts.

One person said: “Getting a haircut was a challenge because the power was going off so frequently, many barbers did not want to start cutting your hair and the power goes off in the middle of it. Seems like many people chose the food court in the mall to escape the sizzling heat and find something to eat as many people chose not to cook when current keeps going off.”

Another said: “The power went off from around 3 pm (Monday). That’s after being off from noon on Saturday until 5.30 Sunday morning. So we went out and came back to find three of the four goldfish floating...dead.

These fish are four and five years old

and value between $300 and $500 each.

Explaining it to children ain’t easy. But we couldn’t help but wonder how the hospitals and other care facilities make it when power cuts are so frequent and so long.”

BEC has maintained the power grid is strained because of unusually high temperatures this month, leading people to use more electricity.

“We are still about 20 megawatts short,” Mr Miller said. “We are also attempting to fix one of the generators at Clifton, but the part we need costs $400,000 and will not be here until about another six weeks. We have problems all around. The summer heat started much sooner than anticipated.

“At peak last year we were at 220 megawatts but now we are already up 215 and the summer has not even started yet. We are in trouble, between a rock and a hard place and there is nothing we can do about the situation.

When it isn’t one thing it’s the next.”

BEC said Monday’s power cuts began after an electrical fault developed on its transmission system.

“This resulted in a shutdown of engines at the Blue Hills Power Station,” BEC said. “A protective mechanism on the transmission line was initiated that allowed Clifton Pier’s generators to remain up and running and providing electricity to approximately 40 per cent of the island.”

While power was reconnected in stages across the island, full power was not supplied until midnight.

BEC said an investigation is underway to correct the problems that caused the transmission fault.

Nude body of missing Jamaican girl found in bushes JAMAICA is again mourning another underage girl who has been found dead.

The child, Jameila Johnson, also known as ‘Zella’ — a 12-year-old student of the Harewood Primary School in St Catherine — was found dead in bushes close to a river near her home in Williamsfield, near Riversdale in the parish, yesterday.

There were unconfirmed reports yesterday that the child was pregnant.

According to the Ministry of Education, the child’s parents reported that she went missing Tuesday night after she asked her grandmother for toilet paper and proceeded to the outdoor pit latrine.

Yesterday, a group of angry residents, after learning about the little girl’s death, went to her family’s home and set the house on fire. The child’s mother and grandmother were also attacked by the mob and had to be escorted from the community by the police.

The group claimed that it was neglect by the family that led to the child’s death.

Because of the attack reporters did not get a chance to speak to Jameila’s family members.

Ronald Thwaites, the education minister, yesterday expressed sympathies to the bereaved family.

He said guidance counsellors from the ministry’s regional office will provide grief and trauma sessions to the affected students and staff at Harewood Primary.

Gregory Mair, the MP for North East St Catherine — where Harewood is located — said yesterday that he was shocked and saddened by the news of Jamilia death.

The MP said that since Jamilia disappeared Tuesday night residents started searching for her, only to stumble on her nude body yesterday morning.

Mair asked residents to give their full support to the police “so they can carry out a thorough investigation and bring the culprit of this heinous crime to justice”.

The MP said he was in touch with the Office of the Children’s Advocate and Youth Minister Lisa Hanna on the matter.

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MAY 1ST, 2015 – MAY 8TH, 2015

CARIBBEAN LOCAL NEWSNEWS

Rapes targeting lesbians in Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — When Angeline Jackson and a friend were ambushed at gunpoint and sexually assaulted on a wooded trail outside the Jamaican capital, police initially seemed less concerned about the attack than the fact she is a lesbian.

“The first policewoman I spoke to told me I should leave this lifestyle and go back to church,” Jackson recalled of the 2009 attack, shaking her head in frustration.

It is an attitude all too common on the island, where gay rights activists say homosexuals suffer pervasive discrimination and occasional attacks.

Activists say some LGBT people have even been the victims of brutal sexual assaults intended to force them into becoming heterosexual or punish them for not fitting societal norms.

Jackson says she was targeted by a small group of anti-gay rapists who posed as lesbians on an Internet chatroom and lured the two women to the remote footpath. The response to her attack inspired Jackson to take action. Now, the 24-year-old woman directs Jamaica’s only registered organization for lesbians and bisexual women.

Jamaica has long had a reputation for intolerance of male homosexuality, with many on the island seeing it as a moral perversion imported from abroad. But the stigma against Jamaican homosexual women and the underreported crime of targeted sexual assault of lesbians is receiving growing attention.

Last year, Vice President Joe Biden mentioned Jamaica’s struggle with “corrective rape for lesbian women” while speaking about global

gay rights. The phrase emerged years ago in South Africa where attacks targeting lesbians have occurred again and again in predominantly poor neighborhoods.

Earlier this month, President Barack Obama singled out Jackson’s advocacy during his 24-hour visit to Jamaica, telling a crowd that she courageously chose to speak out even though “as a woman and as a lesbian, justice and society were not always on her side.”

With a population of less than 3 million, few incidents of sexual attacks are reported to LGBT activists.

The island’s main gay rights group, J-FLAG, has documented several cases over the years and Jackson’s burgeoning organization has heard of about a dozen.

The scope of the problem is impossible to gauge with accuracy in Jamaica. There’s no clear definition of what constitutes a hate crime and police do not specifically record threats or sexual attacks targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Activists say Jamaican homosexuals targeted because of their sexual orientation prefer not to formally report attacks or threats, fearful of being stigmatized or blamed. Human Rights Watch last year reported it knew of 10 cases of sexual assault in Jamaica targeting eight lesbians, one transgender woman and one gay man, including cases of rape at knife or gunpoint.

“It is clear from victims’ testimonies that anti-LGBT animus is a factor,” said Graeme Reid, LGBT program director for the New York-based group.

Even when attacks are reported,

ostracized after coming out as a lesbian on a Kingston college campus, and one day was herded into a bathroom by several male students, who sexually assaulted her while telling her that women were created for men to enjoy.

Some Jamaican lesbians have sought asylum abroad. In 2008, Simone Edwards survived an attack by two gunmen who hissed the antigay epithet “sodomite” at her as she lay bleeding on a street from two bullets. She later received asylum in the Netherlands and her story was told in the 2013 documentary “The Abominable Crime.”

“Before the gunshots, guys would Gay rights activist Angeline Jackson always call me sodomite girl, lesbian prosecution is difficult in Jamaica’s girl. They would come up to me and say, inefficient, overwhelmed criminal ‘You just need one good night of sex justice system. The main alleged with a man,’” Edwards said by phone assailant in Jackson’s case, in fact, was from The Hague. acquitted in 2011, though he previously The Associated Press doesn’t was accused of a number of rapes and normally reveal the names of sexual sexual assaults. assault victims, but the women in this Police Superintendent Enid Ross- story have come out publicly to discuss Stewart, head of the island’s sex crimes their ordeals. unit, said investigators have never Although there are growing received a report of someone targeted pockets of LGBT tolerance in Jamaica, because of their homosexuality and anti-gay attitudes continue to be she believes that “all the people who fueled by some church leaders and are raped come forth.” dancehall reggae performers who Sometimes, female victims of disparage homosexuality. And as in sexual violence wait to leave Jamaica other English-speaking Caribbean before revealing their experiences. nations, sex between men, in fact, is Reggae singer Diana King, who unlawful in Jamaica, with violators in 2012 became the first Jamaican subject to 10 years imprisonment and musical artist to publicly come out as hard labor, although the anti-sodomy gay, recently tweeted from her Florida law is rarely enforced. home that when she was a 13-year-old Jackson is gaining recognition on the island, she was “gang raped here and abroad for her work with her for looking at a girl too long.” In her group, Quality of Citizenship Jamaica.

2010 memoir, Brooklyn-based writer But so far, few LGBT women are Staceyann Chin writes she was willing to risk exposure.

Endangered corals smothered by sponges on overfished Caribbean reefs For reef-building corals, sponges do not make good neighbors.

Aggressive competitors for space, sponges use toxins, mucus, shading, and smothering to kill adjacent coral colonies and then grow on their skeletons. A recent survey of coral reefs across the Caribbean shows that overfishing removes the predators of sponges, greatly increasing the threat of fastgrowing sponges to an already diminished population of corals.

Brain coral (Diploria labyrinthiformis) A research team headed overgrown and smothered by the lavender

by Dr. Joseph Pawlik at UNC branching sponge Aplysina cauliformis.

Wilmington surveyed reefs from 12 countries across the storms, and diseases have Caribbean, comparing 25 sites already decimated populations where fish abundance is very low of these slow-growing creatures. because of decades of intensive The critical importance of coral fish-trapping with 44 sites where reefs for both shoreline protection fishes are plentiful because and fishery habitat has led the they are protected from fishing. United States government to list Over 25% of coral colonies at some reef-building corals under overfished sites were in contact the Endangered Species Act, and with sponges, more than double the World Conservation Union the incidence for less-fished reefs. has included 10 species on its On less-fished reefs, fast-growing Red List of Threatened Species. sponge species were eaten by “If the goal is to save the angelfishes and parrotfishes, corals that build Caribbean leaving only slow-growing sponge reefs, we have to protect the species that are protected from angelfishes and parrotfishes that these predators by distasteful eat sponges” says Tse-Lynn Loh, chemical defenses. now a Postdoctoral Research Corals are particularly Associate at the Haerther Center threatened on Caribbean reefs, for Conservation and Research where the combined effects of at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium warming seawater temperatures, and lead author on the study

published today in the open access journal PeerJ. Additionally, the study provides an important validation of ecosystem theory at the community level, with clear indirect effects of overfishing resulting in greater competition between sponges and corals across a broad geographic region.

Corals have more to contend with than just space-stealing sponges. Seaweeds have long been considered the greatest threat to corals on reefs, and the Caribbean-wide survey confirmed that seaweeds cover nearly twice the reef surface as either corals or sponges. But further analysis of the survey data gave an unexpected result: seaweeds were more abundant on reefs where fishes were more numerous. This outcome is contrary to the conventional wisdom that fishes eat seaweeds and keep them in check, a concept that has long been an important justification for protecting reef areas from fishing. Other recent survey studies have reported similar findings, suggesting that the relationship between seaweeds and fishes is more complicated than once imagined.

However, for sponges at least, the relationship is clear: overfishing of sponge-eating fishes results in greater sponge overgrowth of corals.

Royal Caribbean sends the third-largest ship in the world on her maiden voyage Royal Caribbean’s latest cruise liner Anthem Of The Seas, the third-largest ship in the world, is taking its maiden voyage.

The 4,905-passenger ship is billed as the most technologically advanced cruise vessel ever, with facilities including a stunning viewing platform 300ft above sea level.

The North Star capsule, modelled on the London Eye, offers 360-degree views as it takes passengers over the edge of the ship.

The ship was officially named in a special ceremony in Southampton this month, by competition winner Emma Wilby. The Thomson travel agent, 27, beat six finalists to be named Godmother of Anthem of the Seas.

After naming the liner, Emma performed Katy Perry’s hit song Firework alongside celebrity choir Only Boys Aloud, in front of a VIP crowd.

The liner also offers holidaymakers the latest technology, with fast internet speeds and an all-digital check-in process.

Among the facilities on offer is a dodgems track the first time a ship has featured bumper cars as part of its entertainment.

There is also a climbing wall and a skydiving simulator, while pool facilities include a surf simulator and the H2O zone, with water cannons and interactive fountains.

Grown-ups can get away from this noise and bustle in the refuge of the adults-only solarium.

Entertainment includes circus acts, live performances of musicals such as We Will Rock You, and the Bionic Bar, were robot bartenders mix cocktails.

The ship’s itineraries include cruises of the Mediterranean, Canaries and Caribbean.

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Guyana minister sacked for threatening to slap, strip female activist

Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran Guyana’s Health Minister Bheri Ramsaran was fired on Wednesday for threatening to slap and strip a female rights activist in an altercation caught on tape outside a court.

In the April 20 incident, women’s and children’s rights campaigner Sherlina Nageer confronted the minister outside a tribunal where he was leading supporters of a former president, Bharrat Jagdeo, accused of making racist statements.

“We have women and children

Donald Ramotar’s office, carried by state news agency GINA, said Ramsaran had been relieved of his duties and replaced following a meeting with the president.

“The President reiterates his outrage at the verbal outbursts and insults uttered by the Minister,” it said.

Ramsaran did apologize last week, but then told officials he believed Nageer was a miscreant probably suffering from rabies and in need of psychiatric help. Ramsaran could not be immediately reached for comment.

Nageer told Reuters she was not appeased by Wednesday’s dismissal of the minister, and the government needed to root dying under your watch. What out offensive behavior by officials are you doing here wasting time?” across the board.

Nageer demanded of the minister.

“I am quite certain if elections During the argument, recorded weren’t around the corner by journalists present, Ramsaran it would not have happened. told her: “Shut your mouth and Clearly, this is a political ploy,” get out my face ... You idiot ... Get she told Reuters, referring to the hell out of my face ... F off ... the upcoming national election you’re a little piece of shit.” on May 11 in the former British Later, after Nageer had also colony. insulted him then walked off, the Ramotar himself was minister told two reporters: “I caught at the end of last year would slap her ass you know, just telling a man he was “stupid” and for the fun ... I can have some of deserved a slap after he made my women strip her.” comments about former leader A statement from President Jagdeo.

Cancer second leading cause of death in Barbados

Health Minister John Boyce says cancer is second leading cause of death in Barbados.

He says the main cancers of public health concern are prostate, colon, breast and cervix, which account for more than 60 per cent of sickness and death from the disease.

Addressing the Caribbean Association of Oncology and Haemotology Conference, Boyce said that cancer was second to cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death in Barbados.

The conference, which ends Saturday, has attracted health care professionals from Europe, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. It is being held under the theme “Challenges in Cancer Care Treatment – the Caribbean Perspective”.

Boyce told the conference that Barbados had a cancer registry which formed part of the Barbados National Registry for Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (BNR) and data from the first year of operation of the cancer component has indicated that breast, uterus and cervical cancers were the leading cause of death in women, accounting for 49 per cent of all cancer

Barbados Minister of Health John Boyce deaths, while 48 per cent of total deaths in men were attributed to prostate cancer.

He said that data from the registry had already begun to positively influence policy and programme development within the Ministry of Health.

Some areas include the scaling up of the expanded programme on immunisation to include the HPV vaccination for prevention of cervical cancer, more broad-based gene testing for breast cancer and integrating palliative care, as one of the pillars of cancer treatment.

Noting that Barbadians aged 45 to 84 were particularly at risk for developing the disease, the

Health Minister said that his Ministry, along with the Barbados Cancer Society and Cancer Support Services, supported an enhanced national screening programme for breast, cervix, prostate and colon cancers.

He said that work was also continuing to strengthen the country’s ability to provide quality chemotherapeutic, immunogenic, radio-therapeutic and surgical choices.

“We look forward to having fully integrated radiotherapy options for cancer treatment and these include brachytherapy, use of the gamma camera and cobalt technologies,” Boyce added.

Cayman flag ranked high for shippers Cayman has been recognized by an international shipping organization as one of the top flags for ships to register under. The ranking means Cayman’s commercial ships and ports follow major international maritime treaties, have good port controls, and high standards for crew training, safety and conditions.

The United Kingdom-based International Chamber of Shipping released its annual performance reviews for flag states earlier this year, ranking Cayman among the 14 best-performing countries and territories for maritime flags.

Joel Walton, head of the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry, said in a statement released by the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands, “We are very pleased to again be valued as one of the world’s leading flags and we will continue to strive towards excellence. I congratulate our team on upholding these standards every day and ensuring that ship-owners can carry the Cayman flag with pride.”

Three British overseas territories – the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and the Isle of Man – are on the list of top countries for flagging commercial vessels, relying on the United Kingdom for membership in several treaties, reporting requirements and required meeting attendance.

Compiled through publicly available information, the Chamber report states it is intended to help ship owners choose where to register a vessel. The organization also hopes to encourage owners and operators to put pressure on areas that should do better, “especially in relation to safety of life at sea, the protection of the marine environment, and the provision of decent working and living conditions for seafarers.”

Joining the United Kingdom territories at the top of the Chamber of Shipping list are Denmark, France, Greece, Japan, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Netherlands, Norway, Korea, Russia and the UK. At the bottom of the list are several Asian and African nations, including Tanzania, Mongolia, Moldova, Cambodia and Sierra Leone, citing those countries for not following standards on port control, safety or working conditions.

FBI investigates British rogue trader The United States Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is investigating a British trader who allegedly stashed millions of pound sterling in offshore bank account in some Caribbean islands.

The London Evening Standard reported that Navinder Singh Sarao, 36, who lives in a modest semi-detached house with his parents in Hounslow, West London, and doesn’t even own a car, was able to find £5 million (1£ = US$1.50) in sureties to pay his bail.

The FBI insisted that Sarao hid his alleged ill-gotten gains in a “complex” web of offshore accounts.

In the criminal complaint, United States of America v Navinder Singh Sarao, filed Thursday at the US District Court in the Northern Illinois, FBI Special Agent Gregory Laberta claimed the Briton admitted to amassing “the majority of his (net) worth in no more than 20 days of trading on days when the market was particularly vulnerable”.

According the FBI Special Agent Laberta, the Briton stashed money he earned during the 2010 Wall Street “flash crash” and in his other high frequency trades in Nevis and Anguilla.

“Around the time of the Flash Crash, SARAO took significant steps to protect his assets,” says the criminal complaint.

According to the criminal complaint, one of Sarao’s “wealth management assistants” described the company, in an email dated November 22, 2012, as having been created as part of “tax planning work” undertaken on the trader’s behalf.

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LOCAL NEWS WORLD NEWS

NEWS

Baltimore mom smacks son during riots

A Baltimore mother hailed as ‘Mom of the year’ for clobbering her teenage son and dragging him home from the riots admitted sheepishly on Wednesday: ‘My pastor is going to kill me.’

Toya Graham, a single motherof-six, was caught on camera whacking her 16-year-old son Michael, pulling off his ski mask and chasing him down the street as rioters clashed with police, looted stores and burned down buildings and cars.

The riots broke out following the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray earlier this month who died of a spinal cord injury after being taken into custody by Baltimore police.

Her actions have drawn praise from moms across the country along with the Baltimore police chief who said: ‘I wish there were more parents out there who took charge of their kids tonight.’

Miss Graham told CBS on Wednesday that she ‘just lost it’ when she saw Michael at Monday’s riots carrying a rock and walking towards police officers.

She said: ‘I recognized those baggy sweatpants and we made eye contact.

I was saying ‘’how dare you do this?’’’

Her son immediately lost his toughguy swagger as his mother pulled the ski mask from his head, clipped him around the ears and yelled: ‘’Are you for real? Really? This is what you want to do?

‘I told you I’d come down here.

Didn’t I? Didn’t I?’ She poignantly added: ‘That’s my only son and at the end of the day, I don’t want him to be a Freddie Gray.

I cant imagine what Freddie Gray’s mother is going through. I don’t want to lose my son to the streets.

‘Is he a perfect boy? No he’s not.

But he’s mine.’

And despite her concerns about what her pastor would think, he had nothing but praise for the mother of six on Wednesday.

Graham went down to where the riots were taking place after hearing schools had been let out early.

She said she recognized her son’s baggy sweatpants and ‘lost it’ Pastor Jamal Bryant told Inside Edition that Toya was ‘Mom of the Century’.

She said: ‘I wish all of the parents of Baltimore would take on her spirit and go pull your children out of the streets.’

Miss Graham’s actions saw her grabbing headlines across the U.S. as Baltimore erupted into a second night of riots on Tuesday.

She was even trending on Twitter with the hashtag, #momoftheyear, as social media users asked how to send her gifts ahead of Mother’s Day. However Graham said on Wednesday: ‘I don’t feel like a hero. My intention was to get my son and have him be safe. I knew the whole thing was not safe.’

She said the night before the riots, her son told her that a lot of high school students were planing to meet up at Mondawmin Mall on Monday afternoon, the day of Freddie Gray’s funeral. She warned him not to go to the mall.

The mom was at a doctor’s appointment with her eldest daughter the next day when she heard that schools had been let out early and people were gathering at the mall, which is also a main transportation hub in the area.

She left the doctor’s office immediately to go find her son.

Graham told CBS: ‘There was a mass of police and helicopters. I ran over to the police and asked ‘’where are the children that have to take this bus route?’’ They were throwing bricks at the police.’

She recognized her son even though he was wearing a black ski mask over much of his face. He was also carrying a rock. When he saw her coming, his first instinct was to run away.

She said: ‘He knew he was in trouble. At that point, I just lost it. I was shocked, I was angry, because you never want to see your child out there doing that.’

Mother and son got home and turned on the TV so they could continue to watch coverage of the riots.

As they watched what was happening outside their home, Michael’s Facebook feed began to fill up with people who had seen the video of his mom reeling him in.

Many people wrote that Michael shouldn’t be mad at his mom, but rather ‘give her a hug’.

Graham explained her fury at seeing her son caught up in police violence also came from a place of deep worry as a parent.

She said: ‘A lot of his friends have been killed. I just want to keep him in the house, but that’s not really going to work.

‘He’s been in trouble before. He knows right from wrong but he’s just like other teens, he doesn’t have the perfect relationship with the police in Baltimore.’

However, the mother said that none of this excused violence towards the police officers.

‘You will not be throwing rocks and stones at police officers. Whose to say they don’t have to come and protect me from something?’ she added.

However Graham, who is also a grandmother, admitted that she understood some of the frustration being felt towards the police department in her Baltimore community.

At some point, I understand the frustration that our community is having,’ she said. ‘We haven’t received any information on what happened to this young guy [Freddie Gray]. From looking at it from the news point of view, it seemed like he was harmed.

‘And if he hadn’t been harmed, we, the people of Baltimore city, we feel like we have the right to know.’

According to Toya Graham’s Facebook profile, she went to high school about ten minutes away from where Freddie Gray was arrested on April 12.

Single mother-of-six Toya Graham spoke on Wednesday about dragging her teenage son home from the Baltimore riots, adding that when she saw the video clip, she thought: ‘My pastor is going to kill me’

Jeb Bush says undocumented immigrants deserve legal status

After failing to mention the 11 million not receive government assistance and over a period immigrants illegally here in a speech in Puerto Rico, of time be able to receive earned legal status.”

A day earlier he had listed immigration reform GOP presidential hopeful Jeb Bush told a convention of Hispanic evangelicals that the immigrants should solutions but not mentioned those here without legal be able to get legal status. status. Bush may have been tailoring his message to “This country does spectacularly well when his audience. Illegal immigration is less of an issue everyone can pursue their God-given abilities,” Bush for people born in Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, who said during the keynote speech he delivered at the are American citizens by birth.

National Christian Hispanic Leadership Conference Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., Sen. Ted Wednesday in Houston. The group is a backer of Cruz, R-Texas, criticized President Barack Obama immigration reform with a path to citizenship and for only focusing on a pathway to citizenship for has supported President Barack Obama’s executive the 11 million people here illegally when it came to action that would temporarily shield millions from immigration reform. deportation and allow them to work.

Participating in a forum held by the U.S. Bush said the U.S. has the chance to be Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at the National an emerging country again but to do so must fix Press Club, Cruz said that focusing on path to the immigration system, which he said means citizenship for the immigrants is the equivalent of controlling the border, making legal immigration “putting a poison pill in the legislation.”

Obama and Senate Democrats are using easier, “but it also means dealing with the 11 million undocumented workers who are here in this country, immigration as a political cudgel to scare the 11 million people that should come out of the shadows Hispanic community and have it vote monolithically and receive earned legal status, where they pay a Democrat “as unfortunately they’e succeeded in fine, where they work ... provide for their families, scaring the African American community to do that.”

Cruz said he wants to pass immigration reform and the way to do so is to focus on areas of common agreement. A bill that secured the borders and improved and streamlined legal immigration, would make it through Congress, he said.

Jeb Bush

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UKs SUN newspaper supports David Cameron in upcoming election

Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron walks past the Conservative Party campaign bus arrives in Norton Sub Hamdon near Yeovil, south west England, Britain, April 25, 2015 Britain’s best selling newspaper, The Sun, came out in support of Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservatives citing the economy, fears about the power of Scottish nationalists and Cameron’s promise of a referendum on European Union membership.

Under the headline “It’s a Tory”, the newspaper ran a picture of Cameron swaddled as an infant, a play on the nation’s wait for Prince William’s wife, Kate, to give birth to a second child.

“Today, after a gruelling five-year wait and an appalling Labour, The Sun is proud to deliver our choice for the election,” the newspaper said. “It’s the Tories.”

Opinion polls show Cameron’s Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party of Ed Miliband are neck and neck, indicating neither party will win an outright majority in the 650seat Westminster Parliament.

In 2009, The Sun turned away from the Labour Party after more than a decade of support and said it would support Cameron’s Conservatives under the headline: “Labour’s Lost It”.

Labour lost the 2010 general election.

Cameron’s Conservatives have a one percentage point lead over opposition Labour Party in the run up to Britain’s general election, according to a YouGov opinion poll for the Sun newspaper published on Wednesday.

The poll ahead of the May 7 election showed Conservatives at 35 percent, up one point from Tuesday, versus Labour at 34 percent, down one point, polling company YouGov said.

The two main parties have been neck-and-neck in most opinion polls since the start of the year, with neither establishing a sustained lead exceeding the 3-point margin of error.

Opinion polls have consistently shown that neither of the two main parties is likely to win an overall majority in the 650-seat Parliament.

Cameron has pledged to “let rip” in the final push for votes as his Conservative Party won the formal endorsement of The Sun newspaper with just a week to go until polling stations open across the UK. Despite a full month of campaigning, more than four in 10 people are yet to make up their minds who to back in the General Election, the latest

opinion poll suggested - and the main - most notably the newspaper’s parties remain deadlocked. exhortation to readers tempted by As party leaders prepare for the Ukip to reconsider or risk “bringing May 7 contest, Ed Miliband will urge a Labour/SNP nightmare closer by people to “put your families first” eroding Tory chances”. and ignore “false promises” from the Despite the warning about the Conservatives. influence of the Scottish nationalists, It came as the Tories faced its Scottish edition came out in favour mounting pressure to detail where £12 of the SNP, which some polls have on billion of planned welfare cuts would track to score heavy gains north of the fall if they were in power after a senior border at Labour’s expense.

Liberal Democrat went public with Mr Miliband will hit back with what he said had been his coalition a warning that they have just seven partner’s plans for an additional £8 days to stop a Conservative victory billion squeeze in 2012. which would benefit the wealthiest Treasury Chief Secretary Danny while squeezing family budgets.

Alexander said he was revealing the “David Cameron will do anything proposals - including a dramatic he can to distract you from the real squeeze on child benefit and child choice,” he will say. tax credits that were blocked by the “He wants to distract you by Lib Dems - because the Tories were “ banging on about deals with other trying to con the British people by parties after the election because he keeping their planned cuts secret”. has nothing to say about the real issues He said: “They may give with one in this election: the NHS, immigration, hand but they will take away twice as family living standards, and the future much as with the other. of our children.

Mr Cameron, who has in recent days “Britain can’t afford five more deployed a more energetic approach years of wasted talent and ruined after criticism of a lacklustre pitch futures.” to the electorate, told the Guardian The Labour leader will take 30 it was “ time to throw caution to the minutes of questions from a special winds, let rip and tell people what you BBC Question Time audience between really think”. similar live sessions for Mr Cameron He said: “I think we will get and Liberal Democrat leader Nick there. But the reason it is taking time Clegg. is, quite rightly, people want to have a Each party’s supporters will make good look and a good think.” up a quarter of the audience, with A ComRes poll for the Daily Mail 15% drawn from the ranks of those found 41% were not certain which supporting smaller outfits and 10% party they would eventually support, from those yet to make up their minds. suggesting there remains a huge Ukip’s Nigel Farage, SNP leader number of people open to persuasion.

Nicola Sturgeon and Leanne Wood of It showed Labour gaining three Plaid Cymru will take part in smallerpoints to draw level with the Tories on scale individual events broadcast 35%, down one. exclusively in England, Scotland and Conservatives were buoyed by the Wales respectively.

Sun’s public declaration of support

Death toll from Nepal earthquake tops 5000 GUMDA, Nepal — Hands Communication is a challenge. personnel and certainly more pressed together in supplication, And modern medical care is a relief supplies including medical the Nepalese women pleaded for luxury many have never received. teams, shelter, tents, water and food, shelter and anything else Gumda is one of a handful of sanitation and food are obviously the helicopter might have brought villages identified as the worst needed,” said Pinnock, who was on an in-and-out run Wednesday hit by Saturday’s 7.8-magnitude coordinating the aid relief flights. to this smashed mountain earthquake, from which it will With 8 million Nepalese affected village near the epicenter of last almost certainly take years to by the earthquake, including 1.4 weekend’s mammoth earthquake recover. million needing immediate food that killed more than 5,000 people.

As in many villages, though, assistance, Pinnock said the relief Unlike in Nepal’s capital, the death toll in Gumda was far effort would stretch on for months. where most buildings were lower than feared, since many “It doesn’t happen overnight,” he spared complete collapse, the tiny villagers were working outdoors said. hamlets clinging to the remote when the quake struck at midday. Nepalese police said Wednesday mountainsides of Gorkha District Of Gumda’s 1,300 people, five the death toll from the quake have been ravaged. Entire were killed in the quake and 20 had reached 5,045. Another clusters of homes were reduced more were injured.

19 were killed on the slopes of to piles of stone and splintered As the helicopter landed Mount Everest, while 61 died in wood. Orange plastic tarps used Wednesday with 40-kilogram neighboring India, and China’s for shelter now dot the cliff sides (90-pound) sacks of rice, wind official Xinhua News Agency and terraced rice paddies carved and rain whipped across the reported 25 dead in Tibet. into the land. crest of the mountain. Seeing the “We are hungry,” cried a conditions, the U.N. World Food woman who gave her name only as Program’s Geoff Pinnock shouted Deumaya, gesturing toward her over the roar of the propellers, stomach and opening her mouth “the next shipment has to be to emphasize her desperation. plastic sheets. These people need Another woman, Ramayana, shelter more than they need food.” her eyes hollow and haunted, About 200 villagers huddled repeated the plea: “Hungry! We under a few umbrellas and plastic are hungry!” tarps as they waited to receive the But food is not the only aid, some with runny noses and necessity in short supply out chattering teeth. With the erratic here beyond the reaches of paved Himalayan weather, aid workers Houses destroyed April 25, 2015 during roads, electricity poles and other are worried about keeping people the earthquake are seen from a helicopter benefits of the modern world. warm, fed and safe. near Dhadingbesti, in Nepal, April 29, These days, even water is scarce.

“More helicopters, more 2015.

France investigates accusations that soldiers raped children

PARIS — French prosecutors are investigating accusations that French soldiers in Central African Republic sexually abused children they were sent to protect.

The French probe follows an initial U.N. investigation into the allegations a year ago — both of which were kept secret until a report in The Guardian newspaper Wednesday forced officials to publicly acknowledge them.

A U.N. worker leaked information about the U.N. investigation to French authorities last year, the U.N. Secretary-General’s office said in a statement.

That worker, identified by the Swedish government as Swede Anders Kompass has been suspended and is now under internal investigation.

The allegations of sexual abuse, and the treatment of the suspended U.N. worker, cast a new shadow on the world body, which has faced accusations of abuses by its peacekeeping forces in the past. They emerged just before U.N. Secretary-General Ban Kimoon met French President Francois Hollande in Paris on Wednesday.

France sent troops to Central African Republic, one of the world’s poorest countries, in late 2013 after it exploded into sectarian violence. The U.N. later set up a 12,000-strong peacekeeping force, and violence has continued.

The U.N. Office of Human Rights in the country’s capital, Bangui, carried out a probe after “serious allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse of children by French military personnel,” the U.N. Secretary-General’s office said.

The alleged abuse occurred before the U.N. force had been established. A spokesman for the U.N. human rights office in Geneva, Rupert Colville, said Wednesday that the U.N. investigation has now been passed on to French authorities.

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Obama criticizes black deaths by police, but also rioters

WASHINGTON — Urging Americans to “do some soulsearching,” President Barack Obama expressed deep frustration Tuesday over recurring black deaths at the hands of police, rioters responding with senseless violence and a society that will only “feign concern” without addressing the root causes.

“This is not new. It’s been going on for decades,” Obama said from the White House a day after rioting erupted 40 miles north in Baltimore following the funeral for Freddie Gray, who died of a spinal cord injury after being arrested.

Gray is the latest black President Barack Obama speaks about recent unrest in Baltimore during a joint news man to die at the hands of police, conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Tuesday, April 28, 2015, in the Rose prompting protests and calls for Garden of the White House criminal justice reform. Some not protesting, they’re not making Milwaukee and Karen Freemanhave criticized America’s first a statement, they’re stealing.”

Wilson of Gary, Indiana. black president for not speaking But he also criticized a society Obama also taped an interview out forcefully enough as he tries to that doesn’t do enough to uplift poor Tuesday with “The Steve Harvey avoid criticism of law enforcement, minority communities. He said the Morning Show,” which targets and he responded by calling the solution to deep-seeded problems primarily African-American radio deaths “a slow-rolling crisis.” that spur violence include early audiences. The White House “We have seen too many education, criminal justice reform said the interview would air instances of what appears to be and job training, while suggesting Wednesday morning. police officers interacting with that kind of a response is out of At the news conference, Obama individuals, primarily African- reach with a Republican Congress. said America should not just pay American, often poor, in ways that “I’m under no illusion that out of attention to these communities raise troubling questions. It comes this Congress we’re going to get “when a CVS burns” or when “a up, it seems like, once a week now,” massive investments in urban young man gets shot or has his Obama said. He said although communities,” Obama said. spine snapped.” He said he can’t such cases aren’t unprecedented, “It’s too easy to ignore those force police departments to retrain there’s new awareness as a result problems or to treat them just as their officers, but he can work of cameras and social media. “We a law-and-order issue as opposed with them and help pay for body shouldn’t pretend that it’s new.” to a broader social issue,” Obama cameras to improve accountability.

Still, Obama showed no said.

“In those environments, if we sympathy for rioters, saying The president spoke during think that we’re just going to send those who stole from businesses a state visit with Japanese Prime the police to do the dirty work of and burned buildings and cars Minister Shinzo Abe, at one point containing the problems that arise should be treated as criminals. apologizing to his guest for taking there, without as a nation and as Obama said they distracted from nearly 15 minutes of their news a society saying what can we do days of peaceful protests focused conference to discuss it. “I felt to change those communities, to on legitimate concerns “over the pretty strongly about it,” he said. help lift up those communities possibility that our laws were The White House sought and give those kids opportunity, not applied evenly in the case of to show that it is keeping abreast then we’re not going to solve this Mr. Gray and that accountability of the fluid situation, announcing problem,” he said. “And we’ll needs to exist.” that Attorney General Loretta go through the same cycles of “There’s no excuse for the Lynch and Obama senior adviser periodic conflicts between the kind of violence that we saw Valerie Jarrett had held a police and communities and the yesterday,” Obama said. “It conference call Tuesday with more occasional riots in the streets. And is counterproductive.

When than 50 local leaders, including everybody will feign concern until individuals get crowbars and start urban Mayors Michael Nutter of it goes away and then we go about prying open doors to loot, they’re Philadelphia, Tom Barrett of our business as usual.”

Hillary Clinton Addresses Baltimore, Race and Justice in Impassioned Speech “Not only as a mother and In an unusually impassioned speech, Hillary Rodham Clinton grandmother, but as a citizen, a delivered a pointed assessment human being, my heart breaks of race in America on Wednesday, for these young men and their lamenting the recent deaths of families,” Mrs. Clinton said. young black men and calling “We have to come to terms with for overhauling the “out-of- some hard truths about race and balance” criminal justice system justice in America.” on display on the smoke-filled The speech at Columbia streets of Baltimore.

University marked the first In her first major policy time Mrs. Clinton has delivered speech since announcing her a substantive policy address presidential run, Mrs. Clinton in a campaign that had until spoke forcefully about the Wednesday drawn more attention damage done, ticking off the for the Democratic candidate’s names of the unarmed African- head-nodding and note-taking at American men who have died at round-table campaign events in the hands of white police officers Iowa and New Hampshire. in recent months.

But it will hardly be the last “From Ferguson to Staten time Mrs. Clinton discusses race Island to Baltimore, the patterns and reform to the criminal justice have become unmistakable and system, which has indelibly undeniable,” she said. emerged as a central issue for

presidential candidates from both sides.

The unfolding situation in Baltimore after the death of Freddie Gray, who died in police custody, is only the latest impetus for Mrs. Clinton and her potential rivals to address race and police tactics.

Ticking off a litany of problems with the criminal justice system and the cycle of prison and poverty in black neighborhoods that “tears at your soul,” Mrs. Clinton said there is something “profoundly wrong” when “yet again brave police officers have been attacked in the line of duty” and when 1.5 million black men are “missing” from their communities because of incarceration and premature death.

William, Catherine celebrate fourth anniversary, await royal baby No. 2

William and Catherine, seen last August, are marking their fourth wedding anniversary as they await their second child.

With the arrival oddsmakers are putting of Prince William their money on a little and the former Kate princess.

Middleton’s second child On Tuesday, the imminent, the couple couple surprised marked their fourth waiting spectators wedding anniversary on with breakfast -- coffee, Wednesday. croissants and pastries Catherine, Duchess -- and its packaging of Cambridge, who further fueled the it’swaited several years a-girl speculation. Why? before marrying her The white pastry boxes college sweetheart at were tied up with pink Westminster Abbey in ribbons. That has to 2011, revealed earlier in mean something, right? her pregnancy that her The betting folk think due date was in “mid- to so. late April,” and reports “The Duke and have claimed that the Duchess have seen the child’s ETA was April 22 news reports about or 23. these people camping The duo celebrated out and they just wanted the four-year milestone, to let them know they People reported, with were thinking of them,” a visit to the prince’s a palace spokesman told grandma’s house: the Daily Mail.

Buckingham Palace.

Also on Tuesday, If the spare heir -- who Kate was spotted would replace William’s driving her Range younger brother Prince Rover to Buckingham Harry as fourth in line Palace with up to five to the British throne -- bodyguards in tow. is indeed past his or her The heavily pregnant due date, experts said, duchess was reportedly it could be up to two taking 21-month-old weeks before doctors George for a swim at would induce labor. the queen’s private pool, Jane Munro, midwife the Mail said. (Going and advisor at the Royal swimming at greatCollege of Midwives, grandma’s house, brb!) told People that the The couple is number of days may currently staying at vary, but guessed that their Kensington Palace doctors would wait until home while they await around 12 days past her their second child’s due date before inducing arrival. Prince William delivery. started his paternity “The baby may be leave ahead of schedule getting big, and the earlier this month after placenta functions less he completed a phase of well after that time,” air ambulance training, Munro said.

E! News reported.

Two weeks past due “This is due to a is said to be the cut-off combination of the for waiting for natural Duke performing well labor, the mag reported. in the various modules Royal well-wishers and having very good and monarchists have flying conditions that been camped out in allowed flight training chilly weather outside and assessment to St. Mary’s Hospital for progress more quickly days, anticipating the than had been planned,” moment Wills and Kate a Kensington Palace will head to the Lindo representative told the Wing to welcome their publication. little prince or princess.

The prince was That’s also where the training at a base royals welcomed their in Norwich, a little firstborn son, Prince more than 100 miles George, on July 22, 2013. northeast of London. It’s Still no word on said he will remain on whether they’re having unpaid paternity leave a boy or a girl, but until June 1.

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US Supreme Court divided on gay marriage The U.S. Supreme Court appeared sharply divided on Tuesday on whether the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage, but pivotal Justice Anthony Kennedy seemed to inch cautiously toward legalizing gay nuptials nationwide.

In 2-1/2 hours of arguments, the nine black-robed justices peppered lawyers on both sides of the issue with questions in the landmark case centering on a contentious social issue, but appeared split as they often do along ideological lines.

Kennedy, a conservative who often casts the deciding vote in close cases and has a history of backing gay rights, posed tough questions to both sides but seemed to give hope to gay marriage advocates by stressing the nobility and dignity of same-sex couples.

At one point during the arguments in the decorous white-marble, crimson-draped courtroom, a protester shouted that the justices would “burn in hell” if they backed gay marriage. He was dragged by police screaming from the packed courtroom and was later charged with several misdemeanors.

The court’s four liberal justices seemed willing to vote in favor of gay marriage, while the court’s conservatives, including Chief Justice John

Roberts, appeared inclined to back the right of states to restrict the definition of marriage.

During the first part of the argument, focusing on the question of whether there is a constitutional right for gay couples to marry, Kennedy challenged one of the key assertions made by states that ban gay marriage: that same-sex couples do not have the same bonds with their children as straight couples.

“That was very interesting, but it’s just a wrong premise,” Kennedy told John Bursch, the lawyer arguing in favor of state bans.

Kennedy told Bursch his argument “assumes that same-sex couples cannot have the more noble purpose” shown by opposite-sex couples when marrying. Kennedy also questioned Bursch’s argument that marriage is not a “dignity bestowing” right.

RELATED COVERAGE •› Tension between gay, religious rights plays out at top U.S. court •› Judge: Oregon bakery should pay gay couple $135,000 over wedding cake •› Gay marriage friends, foes spar outside U.S. Supreme Court •› Essential facts about

Supreme Court marriage case

gay

Kennedy repeatedly used similar language in a 2013 ruling he wrote in which the court struck down a federal law that denied federal benefits to same-sex married couples.

The first part of the arguments focused on whether the Constitution’s guarantees of due process and equal protection under the law mean states must allow gay couples to marry. The second concerned whether states must recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.

Kennedy asked just one question during the hour-long second part of the argument.

That could indicate he did not think the court would need to decide that matter because it would rule that gay couples have a right to marry nationwide.

Earlier, Kennedy sounded conflicted about the centuries of history in which marriage has been limited to oppositesex couples.

“This definition has been with us for millennia, and I think it’s very difficult for this court to say, oh well, we know better,” Kennedy said.

A lively crowd estimated at more than 1,000 people, with

Saudi king resets succession to cope with turbulent times

Saudi King Salman appointed a nephew as new heir and made his young son second in line to rule on Wednesday, a major shift in power towards two princes who have overseen a more assertive stance at a time of almost unprecedented regional turmoil.

By making Interior Minister Mohammed bin Nayef, 55, crown prince and Defence Minister Mohammed bin Salman, 30, deputy crown prince, King Salman has effectively decided the line of succession for decades to come in the world’s top oil exporter.

The announcement means the kingship will pass to a new generation Saudi King Salman appointed a nephew as for the first time since 1953, when the new heir and made his young son second in throne passed from the founder of the line to rule on Wednesday, a major shift in dynasty, King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, to power towards two princes who have overseen the first of six of his sons who have held a more assertive stance at a time of almost it since. unprecedented regional turmoil.

The appointments signal a tougher foreign policy, particularly towards in the role since October 1975, with regional foe Iran, but little change to the kingdom’s Washington ambassador a firm hand against dissent at home, Adel al-Jubeir, the first non-royal to where Riyadh this week said it had hold the post. detained 93 suspected Islamic State The new crown prince, Mohammed militants. bin Nayef, enjoys closer personal ties Almost all powers under the king with U.S. officials than almost any are now concentrated in the hands of other senior royal, diplomats have said. the pair, who each chair committees He is also a member of the same determining all security and economic branch of the royal family as Salman development issues in Saudi Arabia, the Sudairis - which include the and have led Riyadh’s month-old present king and descendants of his six campaign of air strikes in Yemen. full brothers, rather than those of his In another big shift, Salman dozens of half brothers, including his replaced veteran Foreign Minister predecessor, King Abdullah, who died Prince Saud al-Faisal, who had served in January.

those favoring gay marriage outnumbering those opposed, gathered outside the white marble courthouse as the justices heard arguments in the case, known as Obergefell v. Hodges.

RULING DUE IN JUNE The justices are due by the end of June to deliver what promises to be their most anticipated ruling of the year.

The arguments centered on gay marriage bans in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee, four of the 13 states that currently prohibit it.

Public support for gay marriage has steadily grown in recent years. Before it became legal in Massachusetts in 2004, gay marriage was not permitted in any state. It is now allowed in 37 states and Washington, D.C. Roberts gave no sign he is likely to join the liberals.

He, like Kennedy, stressed the swift changes in attitudes toward gay marriage and questioned whether it was the court’s role to decide it once and for all.

“Closing of debate can close minds,” Roberts said. Roberts also seemed unwilling to require states to recognize marriages that take place in other states.

Mary Bonauto, the lawyer arguing in favor of samesex marriage, faced tough questions from conservative justices.

Justice Antonin Scalia questioned whether clergymen who oppose same-sex marriage would be required to officiate over ceremonies.

Justice Samuel Alito asked whether, in theory, polygamous relationships or marriages between siblings could be allowed if the court embraced same-sex marriage.

Liberal Justice Elena Kagan, who came across as the court’s strongest gay marriage supporter, questioned the notion that restricting marriage to opposite-sex couples would help encourage stable environments for children. She said many gay couples want to adopt children.

If gay marriage is allowed, more people would be able to adopt, Kagan said.

“More adopted children and more marital households, whether same sex or other sex, seems to be a good thing,” Kagan said.

Opponents say same-sex marriage legality should be decided by states, not judges.

Some opponents argue it is an affront to traditional marriage between a man and a woman and that the Bible condemns homosexuality.

Ohio mom accused of cutting off baby head found incompetent

Watkins, 20, is accused of decapitating her 3-month-old daughter.

CINCINNATI — A woman accused of decapitating her 3-month-old daughter was found incompetent to stand trial Tuesday and will be transferred to a treatment facility.

A Hamilton County judge ordered that Deasia Watkins be transferred to Summit Behavioral Healthcare in Cincinnati for treatment and further evaluation. She will be treated at the psychiatric hospital with the aim of restoring competency so she can stand trial on an aggravated murder charge

in the death of 3-month-old Jayniah Watkins last month.

Watkins’ attorneys earlier entered a not-guilty plea for her and have since filed a written plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.

Police responding to a 911 call found Watkins’ daughter decapitated on the kitchen counter in the home of an aunt who was temporarily caring for her. Authorities say the baby had been stabbed. They say Watkins appeared to be suffering from mental issues when police found her in bed, covered with blood.

Watkins’ attorney, Norman Aubin, said after the hearing that doctors have six months to restore her to competency before an October hearing to re-evaluate her status and then have at least another six months if she is not found competent at that time.

“Right now she is incompetent, which means that because of her severe mental illness, she cannot understand the charges against her, and she cannot aid in her own defense,” Aubin said.

Watkins had been hospitalized, declared a danger to Jayniah and ordered to stay away from her before the slaying. Prosecutors have said social workers followed court orders in finding a relative to care for the child, but they didn’t know the mother had moved into the aunt’s home.

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TECHNOLOGY

Facebook launches video calling in Messenger app

A Facebook logo reflected in the eye of a woman is seen in this picture illustration Facebook Inc introduced free video calling in its Messenger phone app on Monday as the company seeks to transform its mobile messaging service into a full-featured platform with the same reach as its 1.4 billion user social network.

Messenger, with more than 600 million users, now has a video icon at the top right corner of its screen. Earlier this year, Messenger launched voice and video calling between computers.

Messenger competes with Microsoft Corp’s Skype, Apple Inc’s FaceTime and Google Inc’s Hangouts, all of which allow

video calls between mobile devices or computers.

At Facebook’s annual developer conference in March, Chief Executive Mark Zuckerburg said the social network would introduce myriad features within Messenger. For example, users can also send money to friends within the app. Facebook also unveiled a platform that enables developers to easily create apps that function within Messenger.

“Adding (video calling) to Messenger instead of the main Facebook app maybe ties in to Messenger’s mission where it’s a real core person-to-person

app,” said Brian Blau, research director at Gartner Inc, a U.S. technology research and advisory firm. “Now they’re really enticing people with more features.”

Video calling is available on devices using Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android mobile operating systems in Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, France, Greece, Ireland, Laos, Lithuania, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the United States and Uruguay. Facebook said additional regions will be added in the next few months.

McDonald’s Axes Seven Sandwiches in Push to Get Menu Right

McDonald’s Big Mac sandwich McDonald’s menu just got number in half,” said Michelle smaller.

Greenwald, a marketing professor In an effort to speed up its at Columbia Business School in kitchens and simplify customers’ New York City. choices, McDonald’s Corp. got “If you have a good burger, a rid of the Deluxe Quarter really, really good burger, you Pounder burger and six chicken don’t need a million,” she said. sandwiches in the U.S. in the “They should go for quality and first quarter. The chain, which not quantity.” has talked for years about paring McDonald’s has tacked on slow-selling items, also nixed a flurry of new fare in the past honey mustard and chipotle decade in an attempt to draw more barbecue snack wraps. customers and better compete “It was a ‘rolling removal,’ with other fast-food restaurants. meaning restaurants discontinued In 2006, the chain added grilledserving them as their supply and crispy-chicken snack wraps, depleted,” said Lisa McComb, a and in 2009 began selling company spokeswoman.

McCafe espresso drinks and McDonald’s new chief executive three versions of Angus burgers officer, Steve Easterbrook, is nationwide. McCafe smoothies facing six straight quarters of and frappes were added in 2010, declining same-stores sales in the and Shamrock Shakes were sold U.S., along with pressure to sell nationally for the first time in healthier fare. While axing some 2012. The Angus burgers have sandwiches helps to condense the since been discontinued. bloated menu, McDonald’s still Replacement Burger has about 40 more items than it did in 2007, according to menu The Deluxe Quarter Pounder researcher Datassential in Los was replaced by a similar Angeles. hamburger with different “They could cut their burger

toppings, McComb said.

While McDonald’s has worked to trim its menu, new-food news is important for the company and its competitors. Burger King recently posted its best quarterly North American sales growth in almost a decade, thanks in part to a promotion offering chicken nuggets for 15 cents each. The company also recently announced it would bring back chicken fries permanently after a two-month test last year helped boost sales.

McDonald’s brought back Chicken Selects this year, and it’s also testing all-day breakfast at about 94 restaurants in the San Diego area. The company said earlier this month it’s rolling out a new sirloin burger and will continue to test new fare.

‘Further Moves’ “There will be further moves on menu simplification coming up now, because we have a number of tests in place,” Easterbrook said during an earnings call last week.

Easterbrook will unveil his turnaround plan for the struggling chain next week.

Despite the logistical issues created by menu bloat, it’s not surprising that McDonald’s has continued to test new items since Easterbrook took over, said Darren Tristano, executive vice president at food-industry researcher Technomic Inc. The new CEO probably inherited the plans, he said.

American Airlines says iPad software glitch delays flights An iPad software glitch caused two days of problems for American Airlines, the airline said Wednesday.

The glitch delayed 24 flights on Tuesday and another 50 on Wednesday.

Wednesday afternoon, the airline told CNNMoney the issue had finally been resolved.

The problem? An error with the digital map used by pilots in the cockpit.

“Some flights are experiencing an issue with a software application on pilot iPads,” American Airlines said in a statement. “In some cases, the flight has had to return to the gate to access a WiFi connection to fix the issue.”

Airline spokeswoman Andrea Huguely said 74 flights were affected in all, a tiny fraction of the company’s 6,700 daily flights.

“We apologize for the inconvenience to our customers,” American Airlines said. “We are working to have them on the way to their destination as soon as possible.”

American Airlines (AAL) blamed a faulty thirdparty app, not Apple (AAPL, Tech30).

In 2013, American Airlines became the first airline to have its pilots rely on iPads for flight plans and navigation. Plans get updated all the time, so the company cut down on lots of excess paper.

The airline has estimated the paperless program saves the company at least 400,000 gallons of fuel every year. In all, 8,000 iPads replaced 24 million pages of documents.

But, as is always the story with neat technology, software isn’t always reliable.

So on Wednesday, some pilots went back to their old ways. American Airlines said pilots were able to grab paper charts at airports as a backup.

Microsoft and Yahoo amend search deal

Yahoo and Microsoft Logos Microsoft Corp and Yahoo Inc amended a 2009 search partnership, giving Yahoo more control over how search results are displayed on desktops and mobile devices.

The 10-year search partnership, crafted by former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and former Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz, allowed the companies to amend or terminate it after five years.

Last month, the companies extended by 30 days the deadline to renegotiate the deal.

Earlier, Microsoft controlled how Bing displayed search results on Yahoo websites accessed on PCs. Microsoft will now own the ads delivered from its own Bing Ads platform.

Yahoo was responsible for sales for Bing search ads.

Microsoft and Yahoo plan to transition sales responsibilities starting this summer.

Originally, the deal also included a revenuesharing agreement where Microsoft paid Yahoo a percentage of Bing ads revenue delivered from Yahoo searches. This structure would remain intact, the companies said.

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JetBlue is most satisfying airline Which airline has the lowest customer satisfaction?

Spirit Airlines ranked dead last in the latest travel report from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).

With a score of 54, Spirit dethroned United Airlines as the lowest-ranking carrier on the index.

Spirit was added to the list for the first time this year.

JetBlue Airways claimed the top spot as the most satisfying airline with a score of 81, a 3% increase from 2014, according to the ACSI Travel Report 2015. Southwest ranked just below with a score of 78, holding steady to last year’s score.

Spirit Airlines is known for its lowcost price structure that adds fees for things like printing a boarding pass at the airport, a carry-on bag or water.

Company spokesperson Paul Berry said the carrier’s bare fares are an average 40% lower than other airlines.

But if customers aren’t familiar or

JetBlue Airlines expecting the pricing structure, he said travelers can associate that with lack of customer service.

“Once they fly us once and they get it, they love us; they know how to navigate the Spirit way of flying.”

Customer satisfaction with the airline industry overall increased almost 3% from last year. While passenger satisfaction is at the highest level since 1994, the industry only outperformed three other industries: internet service providers, subscription

CIBC in talks on potential $2 billion US acquisition

The CIBC sign in Toronto’s financial district in downtown Toronto Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce is in talks with several U.S. companies on a potential $2 billion wealth-management and privatebanking acquisition, its top executive said in an interview.

But Chief Executive Victor Dodig said CIBC, which has been eyeing the U.S. wealth management space for a while, must be patient as such companies don’t come cheap.

Such a deal by Canada’s No. 5 lender would increase its scale and help ease concerns among some investors that the bank might be too exposed to the domestic Canadian market.

Financial services firms, including banks and insurers, are targeting the wealth management market because of its growth prospects.

“It’s a business we know, it’s a business where the demographic trends are benefiting us and it’s a business that has attractive economic characteristics,” Dodig said ahead of the lender’s annual meeting in Calgary, Alberta.

“I have several different conversations that are ongoing, where I get to understand the company,” he added. “Some of them may well lead to a partnership.”

Dodig led CIBC’s wealth

management unit before he took the bank’s helm in 2014.

The U.S. wealth management industry is the world’s biggest and has been growing strongly as the number of millionaires rises and the U.S. job market recovers. But this has also driven up valuations.

“Valuations have gotten stretched in the U.S. market,” Dodig said. “We don’t want to overpay on that front.”

In 2014, CIBC completed its purchase of Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management from Invesco Ltd in a deal valued at $210 million.

CIBC is not the only Canadian bank looking to expand its presence in the U.S. wealth management market.

Earlier this year, Royal Bank of Canada (RY.TO) said it would buy Los Angeles-based City National Corp (CYN.N) for $5.4 billion.

Dodig said he is also looking to increase spending on technology, an area other Canadian banks have also been pursuing.

Earlier in April, Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO) Chief Financial Officer Sean McGuckin said the lender would invest “significantly more” in technology over the next three years.

“We’re the fastest adopter of technology among all the (Canadian) banks,” Dodig said.

television and health insurance.

Along with the general ACSI benchmark questions, the travel survey asked 12 questions about customers’ flying experience including on-time arrival, boarding and baggage experience, seat comfort and flight schedules. The industry average was 71.

For the entire airline industry, seat comfort received the lowest score from passengers, while the quality of in-flight services like food and

entertainment increased 7% from last year, the index showed.

Related: Legroom - How the airlines compare The three major airlines, Delta, American and United, saw no changes in their scores from 2014.

Along with Spirit Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air and Frontier were added to the index this year.

Alaska debuted at third with a score of 75 and Frontier ranked just above Spirit with a score of 58.

The airlines on the list have the smaller and regional carriers to thank for the improved satisfaction levels, explain Forrest Morgeson, director of research at ACSI. “For a variety of different reasons ... they are doing a better job and are pushing the entire industry’s satisfaction levels up.”

The travel report is based on responses from 7,768 customers of the airline, hotel and internet travel industries from Jan. 19-Feb. 9.

As YouTube marks tenth year, Facebook emerges as video threat It’s 10 years to the day since the first clip (“Me at the Zoo”) was uploaded on YouTube, and the service - now owned by Google Inc - has dominated online video-sharing ever since. But for how long?

Facebook Inc said on Wednesday that its users were watching 4 billion videos a day, compared with 3 billion in January and just 1 billion in September.

That was enough for at least nine brokerages to raise their price targets on Facebook’s stock on Thursday despite the company’s slowest quarterly revenue growth in two years.

Almost all analysts saw video advertising as one of Facebook’s most promising areas for revenue growth.

“The Internet is experiencing something of an inflection point in terms of demand for video and mobile advertising, and FB may well be the single biggest beneficiary of this inflection,” RBC Capital Markets analyst Mark Mahaney said.

Mahaney raised his price target on Facebook’s stock by $17, to $105 from $88.

Facebook shares were down about 1 percent at $83.92 in early trading on Thursday.

Google does not disclose viewership or revenue numbers for YouTube, although the company said in January 2012 that it had reached 4 billion daily views. (reut.rs/1Fgt24e) That was almost seven years after YouTube’s co-founder, Jawed Karim, posted the video of his visit to the zoo on the fledgling site. (bit.ly/1bS1ZIS) Brokerage Cowen & Co estimates that YouTube’s daily views will reach 7.9 billion by the end of the year, generating $5.9 billion in revenue. The brokerage expects Facebook’s revenue from video advertising to reach about $1 billion this year.

Facebook launched auto-play video ads in March 2014.

“FB’s video consumption growth remains explosive as it evolves into a premier digital/mobile video platform,” Cowen analysts wrote in a client note, raising their target price on Facebook’s stock to $94 from $91.

Mobile ads accounted for 73 percent of Facebook’s total ad revenue in the first quarter, up from 59 percent a year earlier.

“Looking ahead, we believe video will play a significant role in bringing more marketers to mobile,” Facebook’s chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, said on a call with analysts on Wednesday.

“More than 75 percent of global video views on Facebook occur on mobile, and we believe mobile video will become more important to marketers over time,” she said.

Facebook’s net income attributable to stockholders fell 20 percent to $509 million in the three months ended March 31, while revenue rose 42 percent to $3.54 billion.

Adjusted earnings were better than the market expected but revenue missed.

Revenue from advertising rose 46 percent to $3.32 billion. “... While ad revenue growth has been robust, the company appears to only be in the early innings of fully monetizing video advertisements,” Barclays Capital analysts said.

Analysts also saw plenty of opportunity to build a revenue stream from messaging service WhatsApp, photo-sharing service Instagram and virtual reality headset maker Oculus Rift. Facebook is investing heavily in all these products.

“Core Facebook continues to power results, and the well known catalysts remain on the horizon and a source of potential upside with Instagram ramping in 2016, WhatsApp in 2017, and Oculus in 2018,” Piper Jaffray analysts wrote.

Ford recalling Fiesta, Fusion, Lincoln MKZ on door latch issue Ford Motor Co said on Friday it is recalling about 390,000 Ford Fiesta and Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models in North America because of a potential door latch malfunction.

The driver’s door can become

unlatched while the car is in motion, increasing the risk of injury, Ford said.

The company said it is aware of two incidents in which an unlatched door bounced back and struck the

driver and one incident in which an unlatched door swung open and struck another vehicle.

Affected vehicles were produced at Ford plants in Mexico, including the 2012-2014 Fiesta, the 2013-2014

Fusion and the 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ. About 86 percent of the recalled vehicles are registered in the United States, and the remainder in Canada and Mexico.

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Apple aims to ship more than 20 million smartwatches in 2015

Apple Inc aims to ship at least 20 million Apple Watches this year, well above many analysts’ forecasts, according to supply chain sources.

Shipment estimates for the smartwatch, Apple’s first wearable gadget that went on sale on Friday, vary widely as it’s a relatively new type of consumer product and the market is largely untapped.

But while smartwatch sales are set to be well below those of the blockbuster iPhone, Apple’s own production plan indicates the company is optimistic about its potential, said people at companies that make components for the watch.

Firms in the supply chain estimate Apple will ship 2

million watches per month in the current quarter, said one of the sources. Another source said Apple is planning to ship 26 million watches this year.

“Apple always gives a high target because they believe there’s market demand out there,” said the person.

The sources declined to be named due to confidentiality agreements with Apple.

Apple declined to comment on its production plan. It has not released any sales numbers since it opened pre-orders on April 10, but many buyers were told their watches would not arrive for a month or more as supply appeared to dry up.

On Wednesday, Apple notified some buyers that

they would not have to wait at Daiwa Capital Markets in so long after all.

Taipei who follows Apple and “Our team is working to fill its supply chain. “They’re orders as quickly as possible playing a long game.” based on the available supply LARGE COMPONENT and the order in which they ORDERS were received,” Apple said in a statement.

Apple usually works with Analyst forecasts of Apple Watch sales for this three or more suppliers of tiny year vary from 10 million to components like circuits in order to ensure stable supply 26 million.

Compared to the iPhone, if demand should spike, the which sold 74.5 million units supply-chain sources said.

One such supplier in the fourth quarter alone, initial estimated sales of the received orders to equip 15.65 watch are low. A Reuters poll million watches between put the number at about 15 January and August, one of million units in the United the sources said.

States.

The source declined to “Even if the product say how big a portion the doesn’t sell well this year, company’s supply accounts Apple won’t give up on it,” for in Apple’s total component said Kylie Huang, an analyst requirement, but the deal

US economy nearly stalls in first-quarter U.S. economic growth braked more sharply than expected in the first quarter The government did not quantify as harsh weather dampened consumer the impact of the weather, the strong spending and energy companies struggling dollar, lower energy prices and the ports with low prices slashed spending, but there disruptions on growth last quarter. are signs activity is picking up.

Economists, however, estimate unusually Gross domestic product expanded at an cold weather in February chopped off as only 0.2 percent annual rate, the Commerce much as half a percentage point, with the Department said on Wednesday. That was port disruptions shaving off a further 0.3 a big step down from the fourth quarter’s percentage point.

2.2 percent pace and marked the weakest The weather impact was evident in reading in a year. weakness in consumer spending. Growth A strong dollar and a now-resolved in consumer spending, which accounts labor dispute at normally busy West Coast for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic ports also slammed growth, the government activity, slowed to a 1.9 percent rate. That said. The weak growth, though probably was the slowest in a year and followed a temporary, reduces the chances of a June brisk 4.4 percent pace in the fourth quarter. interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve.

The sharp moderation in consumer “A stalling of U.S. economic growth at spending came even though households the start of the year rules out any imminent enjoyed huge savings from a big drop in hiking of interest rates by the Fed,” said gasoline prices. Consumers boosted their Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit savings to $727.8 billion from $603.4 billion in London. in the fourth quarter.

Economists polled by Reuters had Construction also took a hit from the forecast the economy expanding at a 1.0 weather, while lower energy prices, which percent rate. have cut into domestic oil production, The dollar fell to an eight-week low undermined business investment. against a basket of currencies after the Spending on nonresidential structures, report. The yield on the benchmark 10-year which includes oil exploration and well U.S. Treasury note retreated from a six- drilling, tumbled at a 23.1 percent rate. week high.

That was the fastest pace of decline in four The sharp growth slowdown is probably years and marked the first contraction since not a true reflection of the economy’s health, the first quarter of 2013. given the role of temporary factors such as The decline in nonresidential structures the weather and the ports dispute. was driven by mining, exploration, shafts The first-quarter GDP snapshot was and wells, which plunged at a 48.7 percent released just hours before Fed officials pace in the first quarter. conclude a two-day policy meeting.

“The downward pressure on profits, Policymakers at the U.S. central bank are the large drop in oil-related investment and expected to acknowledge the softer growth, the strong dollar are holding back the U.S. but shrug it off as temporary in a statement economy,” said Gad Levanon a managing they will issue after their gathering. director at the Conference Board in New While there are signs the economy is York. pulling out of the soft patch, data on home Schlumberger (SLB.N), the world’s building, manufacturing, retail sales and No. 1 oil-field services provider, has slashed business investment suggest the rebound its capital spending plans for this year by will lack the vigor seen last year when about $500 million to $2.5 billion, while the economy snapped back after being competitor Halliburton (HAL.N) cut its by blindsided by cold weather. about 15 percent to $2.8 billion.

At the start of this year, many economists While companies have not given a believed the Fed would raise interest rates time frame, economists believe the bulk of from near zero in June. Now, most of the the spending cuts were front-loaded into guessing centers around September. the first quarter, and they expect energyrelated investment cuts will present less of HIBERNATING CONSUMERS a drag on growth in the April-June quarter.

indicates Apple may place a larger amount of component orders relative to the number of finished watches it expects to produce.

The relative novelty and complexity of the watch has led to production problems up and down the supply chain, the sources said, without elaborating on the specific issues.

Prior to the first quarter, there were market forecasts as high as 36 million Apple Watch shipments for 2015, said one of the sources.

“But then when production began ramping up in the first quarter and problems showed up, the guidance was cut,” he said. Since then production has become relatively smooth, the source said.

Tyson Foods to end use of human antibiotics in US chickens by 2017 a conference call Tuesday.

The shift away from human antibiotics in its poultry business is not expected to change Tyson’s costs, the company said, and is part of an ongoing effort that goes beyond McDonald’s .

ANTIBIOTIC USE IN CATTLE, HOGS

Tyson food meat products are shown in this photo illustration Tyson Foods Inc, the largest U.S. poultry producer, plans to eliminate use of human antibiotics in its chicken flocks by September 2017, one of the most aggressive timetables yet set by an American poultry company.

The Arkansas-based chicken and meat company also said Tuesday it is working on ways to curtail such on-farm drug practices at its other protein businesses, which include pork and beef.

The move marks the latest push by the livestock and food industries to reduce the use of antibiotics crucial to human health in meat production.

Public health experts and federal regulators are concerned that routine feeding of antibiotics to animals could spur creation of antibiotic-resistant superbugs in humans, creating a health hazard.

Tyson’s move will help the company meet a deadline recently outlined by McDonald’s Corp (MCD.N) for its U.S. restaurants to gradually stop buying chicken raised with human antibiotics over the next two years.

But Tyson’s timetable was not synchronized with that of McDonald’s, to which Tyson is a leading chicken supplier, Chief Executive Donnie Smith said on

The news was praised by public health and consumer advocacy groups, which note that the nation’s top three chicken producers have all made commitments to end routine antibiotic use. The pressure now, critics say, will be for meat companies to carry those changes over to their beef and hog units.

Smith said Tuesday that Tyson does not know what volume of medically important antibiotics are being used on-farm for the company’s other meat businesses, because it does not own all the livestock or control the production or feed supply.

Tyson controls its chicken supply chain from beginning to end, from owning the birds to supplying the medicated feed to the contract farmers that raise the broilers for them. But it buys hogs, cattle and turkeys from independent farmers.

“We don’t know because we don’t own those animals,” Smith said.

To gain clarity, Tyson is forming working groups with independent farmers, company suppliers, veterinarians and others to talk about how antibiotics are used on the farm and to develop ideas to cut the use of drugs vital to fighting human infections in its U.S. beef, pork and turkey supply chains.

The working groups will begin meeting this summer. Tyson has not set a time frame or reduction goals for decreasing human antibiotic use in its other protein businesses, company officials said.

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Samsung hints at new smartwatch

A man walks at the Samsung Electronics’ headquarters in Seoul Samsung Electronics Co Ltd teased the market with hints of a new version of its Gear smartwatch on Friday, the same day that rival Apple Inc’s longawaited wearable devices went on sale.

The South Korean tech giant’s official blog post showed images of smartwatch with a round face - which would be a first for Samsung - and naming several partners, including Baidu Inc, Yelp Inc and CNN. Samsung also said it would release a wearable software

development kit for third-party developers ahead of the launch.

The blog post came as the Apple Watch went on sale without the fanfare typical of the U.S. firm’s major product rollouts.

Apple’s offering is still expected to sell much better than any rival products to date. Researcher IHS expects shipments of more than 19 million Apple Watches this year, more than five times the number of all smartwatches shipped globally in 2014.

Samsung has launched

six smartwatches since 2013 to build an early lead in the nascent market, but sales have been modest. IHS estimates that Samsung accounted for nearly 1 million of the 3.6 million smartwatches shipped globally last year.

The South Korean firm gave no other details on the new Gear smartwatch, such as when it may start selling, though the head of the firm’s mobile business said earlier in April that Samsung would launch products in the near future.

Comcast drops Time Warner Cable bid Comcast Corp abandoned its $45 billion offer for Time Warner Cable Inc on Friday after U.S. regulators raised concerns that the deal would give Comcast an unfair advantage in the cable TV and Internet-based services market.

The collapse of the deal opens the door for other possible offers for Time Warner Cable, but also casts heightened regulatory risk on merger activity in the U.S. cable industry, which has been rapidly consolidating in the face of competition from satellite TV and Web-based services.

The proposed acquisition had faced criticism from some politicians, media company executives and consumer and industry groups, who had worried it would create a monolith with too much control over what Americans do online and watch on TV. Comcast had argued the merger would bring faster service and better video services to more Americans.

“The pressure to consolidate in a very competitive industry is going to continue,” Maxim Group analyst John Tinker said.

Charter Communications Inc lost out on a bid for Time Warner Cable last year, and Charter’s controlling shareholder, Liberty Media Corp, had since indicated continuing interest.

“We believe that TWC will get a bid from Charter in the next three months, which we expect to be lower than the market expects,” Needham analysts said in a note. The analysts said they expected the opening bid at $130 to $135 per share.

Time Warner Cable shares last traded at $152.52, up 2.5 percent on the day. Comcast shares were up 0.15 percent at $59.32 and Charter shares were down 0.8 percent at $182.18.

The Comcast-Time Warner Cable merger would have created a company controlling almost 30 percent of the U.S. pay-TV subscribers, following promised divestitures, and would have provided high-speed Internet access to almost 40 percent of Americans, according to SNL Kagan data.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler said on Friday that the merger would have posed an “unacceptable risk to competition and innovation.”

Lawmakers introduce bill to end NSA program Almost two years after the disclosure of the government’s mass collection of Americans’ phone records, Congress is confronting a fast-approaching deadline to either continue the collection or end it.

On Tuesday, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill aimed at blocking the National Security Agency from collecting the phone records of millions of Americans.

The effort was described by The National Security Administration (NSA) campus in Fort Meade, Md. its sponsors as a balanced approach that would ensure Section 215 of the USA Patriot Committee. “Our bill will the NSA maintains an ability Act. definitively end the NSA’s to obtain the data it needs to The act was passed after bulk collection under Section detect terrorist plots without the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, 215. The USA Freedom Act is infringing on Americans’ right to give law enforcement and a path forward that has the to privacy. intelligence officials more support of the administration, Congress failed to advance tools to thwart terrorist privacy groups, the technology similar legislation last year, threats. But it was also to industry — and most and some officials say the secretly authorize a sweeping importantly, the American agency should not face new collection of Americans’ phone people.” constraints at a time of deep records. The disclosure of Leahy, along with Sen. Mike concern over the threat from the program in June 2013 Lee (R-Utah), are co-sponsors terrorist groups such as the prompted a backlash and of the USA Freedom Act, the Islamic State. led President Obama to call legislation that was introduced But given the politics for changes that would end Tuesday. In addition to ending on the Hill, in which liberal the NSA’s collection while bulk surveillance, the bill Democrats and libertarian at the same time preserving would require the nation’s Republicans have made its access to the records of secretive surveillance court to common cause, leaders on both terrorist suspects. provide a public summary or sides of the Capitol appear to “If enacted, our bill will redacted version of significant recognize that maintaining be the most significant reform opinions. the NSA’s current authorities to government surveillance It would also grant technology might not be tenable. authorities since the USA companies more leeway to The government’s underlying Patriot Act was passed nearly report on the scale of national authority to conduct bulk 14 years ago,” said Sen. Patrick security requests for data they collection expires on June 1, J. Leahy (Vt.), the ranking receive, and it would provide with the “sunsetting” of Democrat on the Judiciary for an advocate for the public’s

privacy rights at the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which generally hears only the government’s side of an argument.

The leaders of the House Judiciary Committee introduced an identical bill Tuesday. House leadership is hopeful that the USA Freedom Act will pass, given the adoption by a 303-to-121 bipartisan vote of a modified version last year. The bill also would renew two other surveillance powers used in such investigations that are likewise set to expire.

“It is imperative that we reform these programs to protect Americans’ privacy while at the same time protecting our national security,” Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner Jr. (R-Wis.), a lead sponsor, chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and ranking Democrat John Conyers Jr. (Mich.) said in a joint statement. The bill’s aim, they said, is “to rein in government overreach and rebuild trust with the American people.”

Failure to renew Section 215 would mean not only the end of the NSA program but of an authority that enables the government to obtain all manner of records — or “any tangible things” — in national security investigations.

“It would send a terrible

message of congressional inattention to its duty to keep intelligence statutes up to date if those provisions were allowed to lapse,” said Benjamin Wittes, a senior fellow in governance studies at the Brookings Institution.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr have introduced a bill to extend through 2020 the authority for NSA bulk collection under Section 215. Yet even McConnell has told reporters that some changes are likely and that the endpoint probably will be “somewhere between” USA Freedom and his own bill.

Some lawmakers have also introduced a bill, the Surveillance State Repeal Act, that would repeal the entire Patriot Act and other surveillance laws, but prospects for that bill appear dim, even some supporters concede.

Although Obama called for an end to the NSA’s storage of the data, he left it to Congress to figure out a way to preserve the agency’s access to the data it needs. Under the program, each day major U.S. phone companies give the agency all customers’ “call detail records,’’ or numbers dialed and call times and durations but not actual content.

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CONCACAF/INTERPOL/ FIFA Integrity training course held in Miami

MIAMI – CONCACAF’s continuing efforts to combat match manipulation received a boost last week, when a three-day “Train the “Trainer” workshop concluded Thursday in Miami.

Representatives from CONCACAF, INTERPOL and FIFA conducted the program for 19 participants from eight countries, representing each of the Confederation’s three sub-regions.

The attendees were provided with intensive instruction on methods to recognize approaches made by match-fixers, as well how to educate players, referees, coaches and officials on all facets of the issue.

Additionally, CONCACAF’s rules/regulations and Code of Ethics were thoroughly reviewed.

The Code of Ethics prohibits behavior that damages or could damage football’s integrity. It also obligates individuals to report possible match-manipulation incidents in order to protect themselves and to cooperate in any CONCACAF investigation.

“Match-fixing is a known problem in international sport and the biggest threat to the integrity of football,” said Ralf Mutschke, Director of Security at FIFA. “To tackle the global problem of match-fixing, a holistic approach

is crucial to find sustainable CONCACAF’s expanding solutions.

The FIFA Security commitment in the battle against Division, in partnership with match–manipulation and as part INTERPOL’s Integrity in Sport of the broad prevention program, Unit developed a multifaceted it will have an integrity officer program to build capacities to assigned to each of the 12 teams fight those manipulations. participating in this summer’s “Training the Trainer is Gold Cup. From an on-site an important multiplication vantage, the officers will be a initiative to address the increasing constant monitoring presence, so global threat of match-fixing and that players are not approached provide specific recommendations by unauthorized parties. to key stakeholders. It is of “Our CONCACAF Integrity utmost importance to have strong Officer Program has been a great allies in that fight. FIFA highly success,” said Dr. Laila Mintas, values the cohesive support of Director of Sports Integrity at CONCACAF to combat match- CONCACAF. “Through our 25 manipulation.”

INTERPOL certified CONCACAF After passing the final Integrity Officers, we were able to training assessment, those taking provide Face-to-Face Trainings to part in the workshop will receive more than 3.350 players, referees certification from INTERPOL and and officials across our region only become CONCACAF Integrity during the last year. Now, with Officers.

44 CONCACAF Integrity Officers, Dr. Julie Norris, INTERPOL we will be able to increase this Head of the Interpol Sports already enormous number of Integrity Unit, said “I was excited individual trainings significantly.” to be in Miami with participants The CONCACAF Integrity from over eight countries in Officer Program was established the CONCACAF region.

We in May 2014 and has been a appreciated the opportunity to great success. Through the end of train the attendees over the 2014, CONCACAF has addressed three days in order to spread the awareness and education training message of integrity to all of our at more than 45 events and partners and protect the targets workshops across the region, of criminals in the football family.’ connecting in a direct way with As a component of more than 3,350 individuals.

Fidel Edwards gets Hampshire Kolpak deal

Fidel Edwards has ended his West Indies career by signing a Kolpak deal with Hampshire Hampshire have sought to pep up their attack after promotion to Division One of the LV= County Championship by signing West Indies fast bowler Fidel Edwards for the second part of the 2015 season.

Edwards, 33, will be available in all formats and joins Hampshire as a Kolpak player, therefore not being classed as an overseas player.

Edwards has not represented West Indies since he faced Bangladesh in Khulna in November 2012 when he took six wickets in the first innings to help West Indies win the series.

The right-arm fast bowler will arrive at the Ageas Bowl in time for Hampshire’s opening Royal London One-Day Cup match against the Sussex Sharks on July 27.

Edwards said: “I’m delighted to have signed for such an ambitious club as Hampshire. I’m very much looking forward to my first taste of county cricket. It’s also an honour to follow other Bajans like Malcolm Marshall and Gordon Greenidge to Hampshire.”

Edwards is hugely experienced in all formats with 55 Test Matches and 50 ODIs for the West Indies.

In arguably one of his finest individual performances in international cricket, the seamer finished with impressive figures of 6-92 in a Test Match against England at Lord’s in May 2009.

That he can still produce spells of explosive pace was emphasised when he destroyed Nottinghamshire to finish with figures of 8 for 40 during a two-day friendly for the Combined Campuses and Colleges in March this year. Notts collapsed from 60 without loss to 99 for 9 in the process.

Simmons encouraged despite ‘startling’ Grenada collapse Phil Simmons could be forgiven for phoning his old friends at Ireland and asking if his former job was still available. Less than a month into his new role as West Indies head coach, the sheer enormity of his task has become apparent.

It is not that his team lacks talent. It is not that they lack the will to win or the stomach for the fight. It is that regional cricket in the Caribbean has declined to such an extent and is played on such rotten pitches - that the gap between it and international cricket has become a chasm.

Simmons’ job, then, is not just to coach a team, not just to improve a squad of players, but to cut through the politics and self-interest and apathy to improve cricket across the Caribbean. It is a colossal task and will surely feel, at times, like herding cats.

But he is not the sort to be easily discouraged. Far from it. While he admits to having been “startled” by the “reckless” batting on the final day in Grenada, he is “very encouraged” that West

Indies have recorded four 50 overs in our four-day centuries in the two Tests and cricket, he would take 20 that three of them have been wickets. scored by players aged 23 or “I saw a 50-over game a younger. while ago. The standard of the His challenge is to help wicket was terrible. Terrible. the team extend their good That is the first part of my job. play from one session to three Not the international team. a day. And to do that, he The biggest part of my job is feels the standard of regional getting the proper coaching cricket must improve. set-up, the proper fitness set“The thing is, our ups, the proper wickets in our young players are learning regional cricket right around Phil Simmons: “Our young players are learning international cricket on the international stage” international cricket on the Caribbean. the international stage,” “We have to address these Simmons said. “And that’s not things. I don’t know how yet, It just needed a couple of guys for 4, you might have to bat ideal. but we’ll find a way. That’s to bat for another half-hour or for two sessions and come “When you play county the only way we’ll produce so and we would have saved back the next day to get your cricket, the level is close better cricketers.” the game. big score. The mindset has to enough to Test cricket. And Simmons has decided to “I’d like to see us play two change. They have to realise when I think back to my days - take a ‘glass half full’ attitude or three sessions consistently. you have to bat for longer.” and I hate to do that - I learned to West Indies’ performances We’ve played well in one, been Jermaine Blackwood a lot in regional cricket. But I in the series to date. So while bad in the next, then come exemplifies the issue. While he don’t think there’s a lot to be he could have been infuriated back in the one after that. But made an impressive century learned at that level now. So by aspects of the batting in we’ve not played consistently in the first innings in Antigua, it’s when you come up here Grenada or the bowling in well for three sessions. he has been dismissed in that you start learning.

Antigua, he has instead seen “We just need our young players both second innings in “You can get away with the largely untapped potential to understand that how they remarkably reckless fashion: reckless batting in our four- in his side. play must be determined by once coming down the pitch day game. It seems to be the “I’m very encouraged what the teams needs and and attempting to slog over normal thing to do. But you by what I’ve seen,” Simmons what the scoreboard reads. the leg side and once caught don’t get many bad balls and said. “We had two hours of “But they don’t do that because at mid-off as he tried to drive you have to bat for longer negligence on the last day of the level of our first-class Chris Jordan over the top. For when you play international in Grenada and we lost the cricket, so they have to learn a side looking to save a Test, cricket. And if Bishoo bowled game. It was a reckless period. here that, if the score is 40 they were odd shots.

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Big expectations for Mayweather-Pacquiao pay TV

LAS VEGAS — George Foreman was fighting Evander Holyfield for the heavyweight title, and anyone wanting to watch it in April 1991 had to plan ahead.

It was the night boxing pay-perview was born. But to get the fight, customers had to go to their local cable TV offices and put a deposit down for a box that would allow them to get the bout.

“I remember the Friday before the fight we were getting calls from cable operators saying there were lines wrapped around the building a number of times and not enough boxes to meet the demand,” said Mark Taffet, who oversees pay-per-view for HBO. “We were shocked when we saw the number of buys.”

The fight cost $35.95, and 1.4 million people bought it for their homes. They got their money’s worth when Holyfield took some big punches from the 42-year-old Foreman, but fired back with more of his own to win a unanimous decision.

A lot has changed in a quartercentury. Now it takes just a few clicks of the remote to buy a fight. The potential audience, meanwhile, has

grown from 16.5 million addressable homes to nearly 100 million.

And, of course, the pay-per-view price has gone up. It will cost people $99.95 to watch Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight Manny Pacquiao Saturday night.

Cost aside, more than 3 million people are expected to buy the megafight for their homes, helping make it the richest fight ever. The bout is set to break records for both number of buys (the current mark is 2.48 million for Mayweather’s 2007 fight with Oscar De La Hoya) and total pay-per-view revenue ($150 million, set by Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez in 2013).

“We expect we will break the pay-per-view record,” said Showtime executive Stephen Espinoza, whose network is producing the telecast and is partners with HBO in delivering it. “We’re not sure exactly where the ceiling is but we are already seeing unprecedented traffic and unprecedented viewership. There are all kinds of indicators which point to huge success, we’re just not sure how huge of a success it will end up being.”

Longtime rivals in the boxing

business, Showtime and HBO had to agree to do the fight together in order to get it made. Mayweather fights under contract with Showtime, while Pacquiao fights on HBO. The model is similar to that used by the two networks in the 2002 fight between Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson, including an announcing team that features HBO’s Jim Lampley on play-by-play and Showtime’s Al Bernstein as the color analyst.

“Lampley and Bernstein, two of the most experienced and knowledgeable broadcasters the sport has seen,” said Espinoza, executive vice president and general manager for Showtime Sports. “It’s really an excellent pairing.”

The networks are counting on an unprecedented promotional campaign the week of the fight by the different cable and satellite distributors to push sales. Unlike most fights, the ads will be aimed at casual sports fans who might want to gather a few family and friends together for a viewing party, much like they would for a Super Bowl.

“We’re targeting people who are not generally engaged in sports

conversation as well as people who aren’t big sports fans but are event fans,” Espinoza said. “They may not follow sports much but they like the big events and this is a big event.”

The $99.95 price tag most systems will charge is the most for any fight, though fans will be able to get up to a $50 rebate by buying beer from sponsor Tecate. Taffet, senior vice president of sports operations and pay-per-view for HBO, said that if people are making an event out of it, they can justify the cost by the number of people attending.

“When you take the cost of pay-per-view and divide it by the number of viewers in each house we expect the cost averages out to that of a movie ticket,” Taffet said. “The cost of the refreshments for the viewing parties usually exceeds the cost of the pay-per-view telecast.”

The early indications are that the price won’t be a deterrent for a lot of people. Taffet said several distributors had already sold more than 10,000 pay-per-views with nearly two weeks left before the fight, which is unheard of in a business that relies on lastminute decision making.

Relaxed Tim Duncan playing as well as ever at 39

LOS ANGELES — Oh, to be Tim Duncan.

Future Hall of Famer. Five-time NBA champion, with the prospect of No. 6 squarely in his sights.

Proud father. Man of perspective and — for all those aforementioned reasons and more — complete and utter contentment.

As if it’s not bad enough for his contemporaries that he’s hoarding all the hardware and playing as if it’s 1999, the San Antonio Spurs legend has reached a point of his one-of-a-kind career that few are lucky enough to enjoy. He is, as he confirmed after the 111-107 Game 5 win over the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on Tuesday night, playing with house money.

“I’m enjoying it, man,” Duncan told USA TODAY Sports as he casually walked through the Staples Center halls after the Spurs regained control of the first-round series with a 3-2 lead. “I don’t feel pressure. I’m enjoying myself, and whatever that translates from or to, that’s what it is. I’ve got the house’s money, so I’m just kind of enjoying it.”

In between all those highlight-reel moments that led to his 21-point, 11-rebound, four-assist, three-steal night, there were less-obvious revelations that said everything about the state of

Tim Duncan mind he’s in these days. The Cheshire grin he wore when official Scott Foster caught him eavesdropping on a Clippers huddle, with the playful and poised Duncan not afraid to acknowledge his own detective work. The courtside chats he kept having with Clippers players during breaks in the action, with his foes not nearly as calm or collected as the seemingly-ageless 39-year-old.

The contrast between Duncan, circa 2014, and the present-day version has quickly become apparent in these playoffs, and it has everything to do with the weight of his world that was lifted last June. When the Spurs avenged their 2013 Finals

loss to the Miami Heat by downing Lebron James & Co. in their rematch, the fire that burned inside one of the game’s greatest big men didn’t die so much as it changed.

He was the first to admit a year ago that his desire was different, that the Heat had left the kind of wounds that simply had to be healed. But this is not that, and the unfair part as it pertains to the Clippers is that their collective heads couldn’t be in a more vastly different place right now.

Angst and anxiety appear to be ruling the day in Doc Rivers’ world, as Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan continue to find ways to come oh-so-close to felling this black and silver giant. The significance of their story is in serious jeopardy here, the entertaining Lob City group having failed in each of the last three postseasons and having every reason to press right now. Then there’s Duncan, care-free, confident and compelling as he has ever been.

Jordan’s mishap on the offensive goaltending call with four seconds left will most certainly get the majority of the attention, but the truth is that Duncan’s defense on Griffin down the stretch was the death knell that did the Clippers in.

Former NBA player Crittenton gets 23 years in prison for Atlanta shooting death ATLANTA - Former National Basketball Association player Javaris Crittenton pleaded guilty on Wednesday in the 2011 death of an Atlanta woman, admitting he fired an automatic rifle in a drive-by shooting but saying he never meant to kill anyone.

Crittenton, 27, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter with a weapon and aggravated assault with a firearm. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped a murder charge and a judge sentenced him to 23 years in prison and 17 years of probation.

Opening statements had been expected on Wednesday in the murder

case against Crittenton and his cousin, Douglas Gamble, who were accused of gunning down Julian Jones, 22, a mother of four, in August 2011.

Crittenton, a point guard who played two seasons in the NBA after being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2007, said he took the plea deal because it was “time to be a man.”

Sobbing, he claimed he intended only to scare someone and was heartbroken to learn he had killed Jones. Prosecutors said the shooting was gang-related and retaliation against a person Crittenton believed had robbed him.

“I apologize from the depths of

my heart,” Crittenton said. “I’m not a murderer. I made a mistake, one that I wish I could take back.”

Judge Shawn Ellen LaGrua angrily interrupted Crittenton and chastised him for calling the shooting an accident.

Crittenton and Gamble both admitted in court that Gamble drove a rented black Tahoe SUV while Crittenton fired an automatic rifle at least three times from the back seat.

Gamble pleaded guilty on Wednesday to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was sentenced to three years in prison and 17 years of probation.

Jones’ mother, June Woods, cried as she described the pain of losing her only daughter.

“My daughter was robbed of her life,” Woods said. “The only way her children will know their mom now is through stories and pictures.”

Crittenton, 27, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter

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TUBZ FITNESS GYM HOSTED ANNUAL FITNESS and WEIGHTLIFTING COMPETITION competition

Weightlifting is a Sport that was geared towards both gender, the is next to none and is usually viewed Women, ages 25 and beyond stole the as a Male dominated sport because of hearts of the Spectators, this was its strength and endurance, however, mainly due to the strength and fitness this pass Saturday history was made exhibited by the women. when 9 vibrant and vivacious women These women were in training put on a show that left the Spectators since January 2015 and were fit enough in shock and in awe. There was an to participate in all Cross Fitness impressive crowd cheering on their Events beginning with the Suicides, LAP_Turks-and-Caicos_7.5x5_v1.pdf 1 3/28/2015 11:56:21 AM favorite competitors. Although the Tire Roll, Tire Flip, Bench Press, Most

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Reps and Squats. All Participants did an amazing JOB , but at the end of the evening the Top Female Trophy was awarded to Katherine Nina, coming in 2nd was Dian Tucker and 3rd Award went to Jenny Gollshewsky. Other participants were: Carolyn Dickenson of Women in Sports and Director of Gender Affairs, Brenda Lightbourne PRO, Women in sports, Angela Prospere, Jenny Jesus, Kaylea Malcom and Kisha Williams.

In the Male competition we saw the Master category with Pastor Frederick Braithwate and Tony Hepburn, with Pastor Braithwaite coming out victorious.

Other categories were Under 200 were Jason Bell, Glenville Forbes and Lavardo Simmons, with the winner being Lavardo Simmons. Over 200 were Stanley Taylor and Hon. Edwin Astwood, Nick Dickenson, James Astwood, and Berdette Tatem with the Winners being Hon. Edwin Astwood and Stanley Taylor. Tubz Fitness Gym and Women in Sports played a great role in the success of this Sport.

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